2-in-1 Holiday Sight Words BINGO Printables

Happy Holidays!  I'm super excited to be talking about four of my favorite things in today's post - my family, learning through play, the holidays and Goldfish Crackers.  You see, I'm one of those moms whose favorite times of year are summer and the holiday season.  Why?  Because I get to spend more quality time with my family.

My Kokoa Magazine Debut

This month yours truly is featured in the holiday issues of Kokoa (Ko Ko Ah) Magazine!  If you don't know about Kokoa Magazine, you've been missing it.  Started by Kita Bryant, Kokoa is magazine dedicated to keeping it real.  No celebrities, no $20,000 purses or any of that other craziness that the average person can't relate to.  You hear from everyday women and men sharing advice, real life experiences, recipes and more.

Honestly, a magazine like this has been long overdue.  We live in a society that is overly materialistic and feeds off of envy and making others feel like they need to keep up with the Joneses.  And there is nothing wrong with keeping up if you can truly afford it.  However, I like picking reading Kokoa Magazine because I know the content is specifically tailored to my demographics and status.  It feels warm and inviting.

It's for these very reasons that I was excited to be apart of holiday when I asked if I'd like to write a piece for this month's issue.  

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Please check out my articles on where to shop for Christmas without breaking the bank and how to create your own DIY mug.  You can view the holiday issue of Kokoa here: http://issuu.com/mykokoa/docs/kokoa_celebrates_holiday_issue?e=5022581/5822699.  

 

Stay Cozy With Old Navy

The first official day of winter is almost here.  The weather outside is already cold and nippy. So, what better way to stay warm and cozy than with a nice warm sweater or cardi from Old Navy?!  You all know that I love some Old Navy!  Sadly, I wasn't able to make it to the store in time to use my coupon because I got it late and the car was in the shop. 

No worries though, I have no issues with spending my cash money at Old Navy, they're worth it.  On my second attempt to visit Old Navy my phone died. So, no cute instore pics of Moo enjoying the mannequins this time.  However, I did find her some cute stuff on clearance.  They'll make great gifts if you're still finishing up your holiday shopping too!

Women's Multi-Patterned Crew Sweater-Heather Charcoal

I love crew sweaters and had planned on using my coupon to get this lovely beauty, but my store didn't have it in stock. Bummer.  But what I like about this sweater are the colors.  They're not traditional winter or holiday colors which means I can wear this before and after Christmas.  I also like the thickness.  I like to be nice and toasty. A great gift for the young and older.

Women's Faux-Suede Sherpa-Trim Boots-  Dark Brown

How cute are these?  Gotta keep the feet warm too right?  Thinking about leaving a stick it note on Santa's wallet and hoping these can make a magical appearance under the tree before Christmas gets here. 

Women's Softest Blanket-Wrap Cardi- Graphite Heather

Aside from sweaters, I also love staying cozy with wrap cardis!  My baby sister introduced me to these and now I'm hooked.  You can add a belt to give it more pop or to hold it close in the front.  Love these!!

Men's Fair Isle Zip-Front Cardigan

I'm debating on whether to go back and pick this up for the Mr.  He's a sweater guy but I'm trying to get him to try new things when it comes to his fashions.  I could see this paired with a nice plaid button up.

Men's Everyday Classic Slim-Fit Shirt- White/Red Plaid

Maybe, pairing that cardigan with something like this?  I've never ever seen him in a plaid shirt.  So, I'm thinking hard on getting him one.  There's just something sexy about a guy in plaid.  Tasteful plaid that is.

Hooded Flannel Shirt-Blue Plaid

How cute would JJ look in that?  I'm finally getting used to having a little man to dress.  And he actually enjoys being dressed which is a change from Moo when she was his age. 

Girls Mixed-Stripe Sweater Dress-Cyclamen  Stripe

Isn't this the cutest little sweater dress.  I could so see Moo in this with a white tights and some red or black booties.  I've got it in my virtual cart because it wasn't at my store.  There's another Old Navy close by and I want to check and see if they have it to make sure it's here for Christmas. Can't wait!!

I hope that you will check out Old Navy!  They really do have some amazing winter wear and a little something for everybody on your gift list.  Plus, the prices are hard to beat.  Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping

Disclaimer: I was selected to be an Old Navy Style Council member. All opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own.

My 5 Favorite Christmas Movies

One of the reasons I love getting all of my Christmas decorating out of the way is to leave my days and nights open for baking holiday treats, doing crafts with the kids and of course enjoying all of the Christmas movies! Watching Christmas movies everyday is a tradition for me.  It started when I was a kid.  We'd watch the movies on the regular tv channels as well as a few movies our mom had gotten for us.  I remember fondly my siblings and I sitting glued to the tv and sipping on hot chocolate or a glass milk and laughing our heads watching a puppet reenactment of 'We're Getting Nothing For Christmas.'

This is a tradition that I hope to pass down to my kids.  And hopefully, they'll look back on these family moments and share them with their families.  Here are a few of my personal favorite Christmas movies to enjoy.

No holiday is really complete without Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang.  And don't even get me started on Charlie Brown's Christmas tree.  This movie is a classic for sure and the kids and I have already watched this holiday season.

I fell in love with this book as a kid and was thrilled when I saw the cartoon version for the first time when I was five.  I was even more thrilled when they decided to do a remake featuring Jim Carey as The Grinch.  He's absolutely perfect for nutty roles like this one.  I seriously couldn't see anybody else doing a better job than he did in this movie.

My baby sister actually turned me on to the whole Eloise series.  She was a huge fan during her middle school years.  This movie is funny and full of romance (in a kid friendly way of course).  It's the perfect movie to enjoy with the kids.  I watch it every year at least three times.

Love, love, love Vince Vaughn!  He is freaking hilarious for real.  He truly makes this movie so funny.  Divorced/blended families never looked so dysfunctional than they do in Four Christmases.  Last year I watched this movie almost every other day after the kids were sleep.  No, it never gets old to me.

This is another classic to me.  Chevy Chase never disappoints.  The laughs will just keep on coming as you watch the Griswold family gather together and celebrate Christmas.  It's amazing what Clark puts up with from his family. It puts on a smile and deals with the craziness because thoughts of his 'big' Christmas bonus cheers him up and makes him think that it'll all be worth it.  LOL. You have to watch to find out what his Christmas bonus is.  His reaction is priceless!

What are your favorite holiday movies?

Present Snatchers

We decided to put our tree up before Thanksgiving.  At first, my concern was that JJ would the tree over.  He's more curious about pulling, pushing and tugging things since he's a walker now.  Last year when he was in his walker simply put a few books or pillows around the tree to prevent him from being able to get near it. Yeah, that won't work this year.

Anyways, we've had a few close calls with him trying to tug on the tree when the lights are on.  However, that problem has been solved by either having him in high chair when I plug it up or waiting until he's sleeping to turn them on.  Our current problem is with him snatching the presents from underneath and opening them.  We've already the Bow Ripping incident where he got his hands on some gifts and ripped all the bows off.  Thankfully, new bows have been added.

However, Moo has decided that she wants to be a Present Snatcher too.  While she's not actually unwrapping them, it's only a matter of time before she "accidentally" puts holes or tears in some of her gifts.  The Mr got their big gifts last night and I wrapped them.  Since, then she's been asking me a million times to tell her what she got.

I've caught her shaking presents to see if she can hear what they are.  Yep, she thinks she's smart.  However, anything that makes a noise and has buttons that can be pressed through packaging will be placed in a gift box or I'll take a spare piece of cardboard to cover up the open area.  What I wouldn't give to have a tree gate to keep these little snatchers from snatching our presents.

Here's to hoping we make it to Christmas with no presents getting opened.  I don't want to be wrapping and rewrapping gifts or resticking bows these next 28 days.  Thankfully, we only use recyclable wrapping paper. So, if I do have to rewrap I'll still be being GREEN!

How do you deal with present snatchers in your home?

Let The Countdowns Begin

Can you believe that December is just days away?!  That means that 2013 is not far behind.  Wow, I feel like I blinked and this year was gone.  Anyways, we've started our countdowns.  December is a huge month for us.

Moo's birthday comes first.  Can't believe that in a few days I'll be saying that I'm the mother of a four year old.  It's just hard to believe.  This whole motherhood thing is still so surreal some times.  I don't take one moment of it for granted. 

I turn the big 2-7 next month too!  I'm not really freaking out with only 3 years left before I hit 30.  Getting older just doesn't bother me like it does others.  I welcome it.  I look it as a blessing to have survived another year on this earth when so many I know have passed on already.

No big plans for the birthday.  Just being my little family will be celebration enough.  I will be doing it up for the 30th birthday though.  Please believe a plan is the works for that.  They involve passports and most likely a nanny!

And of course, today is the one month till Christmas mark!!  Super excited.  Not just because of the presents, but I genuinely enjoy celebrating the birth of Jesus!  He is the ultimate gift of love.  Plus, the shows are more positive around Christmas time.  I've been avoiding cable and rewatching old seasons of Vampire Diaries and reading library books. 

This garbage these networks have on tv now days just isn't fitting to be watched.  There are a few good shows though.  However, once they go off back to Vampire Diaries or my books I go.  I'm also looking forward to cooking Christmas dinner with the Mr and baking cookies with Moo.

Speaking of Moo, she's informed me that I can't be a Santa anymore.  Why?  Because I'm not a man.  Only Daddy can be Santa.  Glad we got that straight.  So, when she's missing a gift off her Christmas list, it'll be because she gave the list to me and not Daddy.

Also happy to report that our tree is still standing.  JJ has been tugging and pushing on it something fierce.  Thank goodness for his chair and distracting toys.  Our tree is already on its last leg, but I want it to last until I can hit up an after Christmas sale and a get a fuller prelit tree for at least 75% off.

Last but not least New Year's Eve will be here in a little over a month.  Not sure what are plans will be.  Might try to go out and watch some fireworks Uptown.  Hopefully, we don't waste our gas like last year.  There were absolutely no fireworks Uptown.  Think I might need to send out a special request letter to the city or something to make sure.

Are you counting down?

11 Days

Why didn't someone tell me that there were only 11 more days until Thanksgiving?  Here I was posting about how I'm excited to be celebrating Thanksgiving with the Mr this and I didn't even realize it'll be here next Thursday!  For some reason I was thinking that Thanksgiving wasn't until the 29th and it's really the 22nd.  Needless, to say I haven't been looking at turkey or ham prices.

Thankfully, I happened to be glancing at the calendar this morning while making breakfast.  I quickly through together a shopping list since I already had our menu made out and posted on the frig.  I skimmed a few sales papers and flipped through my coupons.  Then after the kids and I finished eating we got dressed and hightailed it to the stores.

Moo was super excited to be going food shopping.  What can I say, my kids love to eat!  And Moo loves to cook and be out of the house.  She's an adventurous spirit, which is why her first name suits her.  Plus, she loves the feeling of being mommy's little helper.  It makes her feel like such a big girl and special because JJ is too young to do it.

Today she was really great at making sure I got everything on my list.  Every time I put something the buggy she would ask "Is it on your list Mommy?"  And she was better at resisting the huge to throw a million and one snacks into the buggy.  Instead, she asked if her chips were on the list.  They weren't but I put them on there and said yes so she wouldn't be sad.

Her response was "Oh thank you, Mommy!"  My heart melted a little bit because as of lately she's thanking me for a lot of little things like doing her hair, making her favorite dinner or taking her to the library.  I'm telling you we adults can learn a thing or two from our mini mes.   What made today even better is that I was able to get everything I needed for Thanksgiving except the turkey, ham and collard greens for under $40!!  Yep!

Don't be afraid to shop multiple stores.  And don't sleep on the dollar stores either.  They carry a few name brand products that are cheaper than the grocery store.  Plus, their store brand products often tastes equal or even better than big name stuff and is half the cost.  Overall, I'm glad I was able to get everything and now I can focus on watching these turkey and ham prices drop.

I wish we had a deep freezer because I would buy two turkeys and two hams and save one set for Christmas.  Oh well, maybe I can keep my eye on those too and hope a find a good deal on one.

Have you done your Thanksgiving dinner shopping yet?

Holiday Greetings By Shutterfly

Yay, December is finally upon us!  And what time is it?  Holiday greetings time!!  Besides all the birthday celebrations that will be going this month, this is one of the things I look forward to the most during December.

And I have to admit that I've completely fallen in love with Shutterfly.  My Valentine's Day cards were a huge hit this past February.  I was very impressed with the design and quality of the cards I ordered.  So of course, it only makes sense that I would go back to them and check out their amazing selection of Christmas cards.

Sending out Christmas Cards has been a holiday tradition for me since I was about 10.  I would always ask me mom to get a box of cards.  Then I would have her sign the insides. (Her handwriting is so beautiful!!) Next, I would sit down with her address book, a roll of stamps, address labels and address each card to a family member or close family friend.

Something about sending a little holiday cheer to the people closest and dearest to our hearts just made me good.  Nothing's changed today either.  If anything, I especially like reaching out to my loved one's who I know are having a difficult time during this part of the year.  And I'm really looking forward to sending out cards again this year.  Here are my top five Christmas card design picks from Shutterfly:

Heart to Heart

Classically Yours

Snowman Greetings

Wrapped Ribbon

Picture Tree

And while I was over there, I also spied this cute little invitation for JJ's first birthday party coming up next year.  You all know that I like to stay a few steps ahead in the planning process with kids.

Hear Me Roar

So, which Christmas card design should I choose? What do you think about the invitation?

YUMMommy

Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are solely my own. This post is sponsored by Shutterfly.com

Thanksgiving Recap

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I know that I did.  It got to a rocky start because my mom's car broke down the night before Thanksgiving Eve.  It was just a whole lot of stress that I didn't really need or want.  Anyways, the situation got worked out.

I ended up cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner that consisted of a small turkey (lemon & herbs seasoning), mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, corn bread, stuffing, apple pie and a sweet potato pie complete with a scratch made crust.  Let me just say that my first attempt at making a pie crust did not turn out too well.  I think that I didn't put enough flour in it.

Thankfully, my second attempt was a success.  Moo enjoyed playing in the flour and kneading the dough.  She's really been taking an interest in helping me cook.  I'm thinking about getting a little step stool and apron for her.

My brother and baby sister spent the night Thanksgiving Eve.  We had a blast catching up and telling funny stories while I finished the pies and wrapped up Christmas presents for the kids.  It had been three months since I'd seen my brother and one month since I last saw my sister.  We do enjoy being spread out in different cities but we miss being in each other's company too.

Thanksgiving day was fun.  We went to my younger sister and her husband's apartment for dinner.  Moo was beyond happy to see her Grandma and my niece.  JJ wasn't too thrilled to be away from his bouncer seat.  Not to mention, with all his teething, he just wasn't having it.

We made back home in time to see the Mr off to work.  I hated that he had to go but it's life.  That's the one thing I don't miss about working in retail. Working on the holidays.  And I'm looking forward to the day when my husband won't have to either.

I didn't even bother going out for Black Friday.  It's not what it's cracked up to be.  I can personally say that half stuff that was on sale will be cheaper after Christmas or after New Year's.  When I worked in retail I loved being able to give my family and friends a heads up on what stuff to wait on.  I think that a lot of people just blow Black Friday out of portion.

You had grown people behaving like rabid animals for some video games, toys and clothing.  That to me is just plain disgusting.  Especially, when some of those people know they can't afford any of the stuff they got and will end up returning or pawning it.

Anyways, I'm glad that my family and I are able to keep the holidays in perspective.  I'm looking forward to Christmas and being with my loved ones again.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Like A Turkey

Well, Thanksgiving is literally a little over 24 hours away!! Aren't you excited?  We are!!  We're having house guests.  My brother and baby sister will be crashing here at my spot since we're doing Thanksgiving at my younger sister's place.

I'm also running around like a turkey with my head cut off trying to clean up and make sure that everything is straight.  I'm also getting together all my ingredients for the dishes that I'm making.  I have to hunt down a recipe for a pie crust and finish cutting up my collard greens.  While we're on the subject of collard greens, how come the ham bits seemed hella expensive this Thanksgiving?  Anyways, I will still be having some pork dripping to season my greens with.

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We're planning on going Black Friday people watching.  I don't buy into the whole savings scam.  You'll find the same things you're getting enticed into buying will be even cheaper the week before and of Christmas.  When I worked in retail, I used to try to share this with my friends who I knew would be racing to store to get something.  A lot of stores will say that they won't get those items back in stock but that's just another ploy to get you to shell out big bucks.

But that doesn't mean that I can't check out the craziness that will be surely going down.  I also have a lovely gift card from Starbucks that I won over at Mrs. AOK's blog.  I will be using it to enjoy some yummy coffee and a cheese danish.

Oh, I enjoyed my few days of being unplugged from the internet.  I had a blast spending time down at my mom's house with her and my niece and seeing the Christmas parade.  And did you all notice the Holiday Gift Guide Posts from last week?

What are you running around like a turkey doing last minute?

About That Time

This week is coming to a close and it's about time for families to get together and break bread, carve turkey and prepare for all those Black Friday sales.  I'm especially excited because my baby sister and younger brother will be crashing at my spot.  Yeah, it's going to be a tight fit but we always have a bomb ass time when we're together.  I'm talking about laughing to our stomach hurts over funny stories from the past and present.

There's no denying that being around my family brings me great joy.  I hope that my kids will have an even stronger bond than I have with my brother and sisters.  I'm looking forward to capturing some memories to go in the scrapbooks.  It's not often that we get together since we all live in different cities now (and states too).

Anyways, I'm hoping to wrap up my food shopping tomorrow.  I'm responsible for doing pies, mashed potatoes, gravy and a homemade punch.  Not sure what kind of punch yet but I've got a few recipes flowing through my mind.  Then of course, I'm cooking something for husband because he has to work.  Booo..... but that's just the way it is.

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His job is important and he's contributing to making society a better place.  So, I won't complain.  I decided to skip the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn and wait to see it with my brother and sister when they get here.  It'll be JJ's first movie theater experience.  Hopefully, he'll do well I won't have to watch the movie from the door.  Moo will be fine. All she needs are some snacks and a soda juice to keep her quiet.

Have you gotten started on your Thanksgiving plans, menu, etc?

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Yes, it's starting to look like Christmas over here!  We decided to get a head start because with my husband's work schedule and chasing after two kids it's easier to get things done when you have the time.

Have you started decorating?

YUMMommy Weekly

Hi Guys,

Can you believe that November is already here?  It seems like time is soaring by.  A new year will be here before we know it.  Anyways, hopefully everyone had a fun Halloween.  Moo was a princess complete with tiara and JJ wore a pumpkin themed outfit.

We went to a festival at church and then came home and trick or treated with the neighbors.  Moo had fun.  She got to have most of her candy.  A few pieces had peanuts and I helped to dispose of them for her.  JJ just wanted to get his sleep on.

Speaking of festivities, who's started planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas?  I have!  I wrapped my first Christmas this week.  I guess you could say that we're getting into the holiday spirit over here.  For those of you who haven't started shopping yet or still have shopping to do, don't forget that I'll be doing weekly gift guides soon with some awesome deals and sales. So, be sure to check back daily.

And don't forget to enter the My Memories Suite Giveaway, I have going!

Have a  great weekend,

YUMMommy

Worth A Read

Romance Wednesday: Do You Know your ABC's? by The Yeyo Diaries

On Learning to Truly be Yourself by Mommy Delicious

Mommy Peer Pressure by My Life

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