April selling brings May flowers! Winter is just about over and seasonal nurseries are popping up left and right, displaying beautiful flats of flowers and lawn decor. If you’ve been dreaming about cultivating that perfect garden, now is the time to sell those extra items around your house on eBay to earn some money and beautify your backyard. eBay also has its own “garden” of ideas, a page that offers resources to help you pick out gifts, ship smarter and find local deals on items you need. http://garden.ebay.com/

Spring Cleaning: Spring cleaning isn’t on anyone’s short list for a good time, but with warm weather approaching, now is the time to get your home organized and decluttered—and make some money in the process. Instead of wasting your entire weekend holding a garage/yard sale, list all of your stylish winter clothes and toys your kids no longer play with on eBay, allowing you to enjoy your hard earned weekends and make money on your own time. A great way to showcase this is to post a video walking your readers through your closet, so they can see what you’re selling, and what you’re holding on to.

School’s (almost) out for the summer: With the kids in school for only a couple more months, now is the time to start thinking about that family vacation. Whether you’re considering a trip up north to the cottage or a big family vacation at Disneyworld, the time is now to help fund that great family trip. Get the whole family involved! Create a goal chart and encourage the kids to find their outgrown summer clothes and other items to be sold. As you sell, allow the kids to mark the chart and share in the excitement as you get closer and closer to the amount goal!

There is no time like now to start cleaning out so you can use the profits for a great and fun summer!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I am an Ambassador/Spokesperson for eBay. This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador for eBay’s program. I am being compensated for my Ambassadorship. All opinions and idea’s are my own. Visit http://www.ebay.com . Other’s are permitted to have different views/opinions, let me know what your’s are!

With summer on the horizon, LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels is bringing a unique and entertaining interactive game to Facebook. The Vacation Escapes Beach Ball Bonanza gives fans an opportunity to enter for their chance to win a two-night complimentary stay with special amenities at 11 participating LXR properties.

To play the game, visit www.lxrescapes.com/beachballbonanza. Participants simply “Like” the LXR Vacation Escapes Facebook page, then choose their friends to pass along or “bounce” the virtual beach ball to them in order to register to win. Participants can bounce the ball to as many Facebook friends as they like each day;

only the first ten bounces each day qualify as an entry.

The first winner will be announced on Monday, April 30, 2012 and receive the first LXR Vacation Escape prize to Sundial Beach & Golf Resort. Additional winners will be selected for each of the other participating properties and announced every two weeks through September 17, 2012 on the LXR Vacation Escape page at www.facebook.com/VacationEscape. Winners can redeem their prize getaway through March 30, 2013.

Participating LXR properties include:

- Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa in the Walt Disney® World Resort (Orlando, FL)
- Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
- Miami Beach Resort (Miami Beach, FL)
- South Seas Island Resort (Captiva, FL)
- Sundial Beach & Golf Resort (Sanibel Island, FL)
- Sanibel Inn (Sanibel Island, FL)
- Sanibel Sunset Beach Inn (Sanibel Island, FL)
- Seaside Inn (Sanibel Island, FL)
- Song of the Sea (Sanibel Island, FL)
- LaGuardia Airport Hotel (East Elmhurst, NY)
- Hilton Boston Downtown / Financial District (Boston, MA)

To participate in the Vacation Escapes “Beach Ball Bonanza” on Facebook, like us at www.lxrescapes.com/beachballbonanza for a chance to win a summer getaway.

No purchase or payment is necessary. For official rules and an alternative method of entry for those without a Facebook account, please visit www.LuxuryResorts.com/VacationEscapes.

Anyone can book a Summer Escape getaway with great fun, value and perks at the same list of 11 hotels and resorts. The LXR Summer Escape offer includes a fourth night free with a minimum three-night consecutive stay, complimentary meals for kids 12 years and younger, a $20 gas credit and 20% discount on resort activities such as golf, spa treatments, tennis and more starting at $99 per night (valid for travel from April 28 through September 30, 2012).

For more information and reservations about the Summer Escape offer, visit www.LuxuryResorts.com/SummerEscape.

LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels is a portfolio of independent properties dedicated to creating personalized experiences, a sense of ease and endless pleasure. LXR properties are distinguished by a style and spirit that captures the unique qualities of their setting, and are located throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The LXR portfolio also includes the renowned Golden Door Spa®. For more information, visit www.LuxuryResorts.com.

Have fun bouncing the beach ball!

Shared By: The Plus Size Mommy

Congrats to:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

for winning this great prize pack! An email has been sent to you

The Plus Size Mommy

Earth Day 2012 will be celebrated on April 22nd. Are you ready to go green?
This year more Americans than ever will re-examine how their lifestyles and choices impact the environment.
Global warming, greenhouse gases and carbon footprint have become household terms, and today it seems that everyone is working on ways to be green!

Looking for an environmentally friendly wine? We suggest The Crossings, a New Zealand wine that is part of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand,
a group founded by growers from all the grape growing regions. The Crossings Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Unoaked Chardonnay are all
sustainably grown and delicious! What is better than enjoying a great glass of wine while knowing you are doing your part in the “green” movement?

The Crossings wines all pair very well with a plethora of delicious natural foods. Try white poultry, vegetables, grains,
and even desserts with all of these varietals – you surely will not be disappointed with any of these!

Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand was developed to provide a ‘best practice’ model of environmental practices in the vineyard
and winery, guarantee better quality assurance from the vineyard through to the bottle, and address consumer concerns
regarding products which are made taking care to respect the environment.

For more information about Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand and The Crossings visit http://www.nzwine.com/ and www.thecrossingswines.com

Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy

Happy Earth Day!

Disclosure- I was sent a sample of wine from The Crossings Wines for sharing this great info. with my readers.

I am happy to offer my readers a chance to win a grand prize pack that includes the following products for a special Mother on Mother’s Day :

BombayFashions.com will provide winner with 1 item of their choice, valued under $25, from the 2012 Collection or Bohemian Gypsy Skirt Collection available at

www.bombayfashions.com

About BombayFashions.com
BombayFashions.com is the premier online retailer for affordable fashion accessories and clothing headquartered in Michigan. It is a one-stop online shopping boutique that caters to the fashion needs of women. Since its inception, Indian-inspired jewelry has been the backbone of the company and is the first original jeweler from Bombay. Today, BombayFashions.com offers the largest fashion jewelry collection available online.

The company recently launched its 2012 Collection & Bohemian Gypsy Skirts Collection. The 2012 Collection boasts the seasons’ tribal aesthetic trend, juxtaposing earth tone pieces against metallic hardware. The Bohemian Gypsy Skirt Collection can take a woman from a day by the pool into the evening hour with just a few simple accessory updates. The new items beckon the spring and summer seasons with pastels, neons and colorblocking in unexpected hues. The 2011 Bella Collection & Bella Couture Collection feature a large selection of cuffs, bangles, earrings and necklaces that enliven any occasion.

BombayFashions.com offers on-trend fashion forward accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces at prices everyone can afford. For more information, please check out www.bombayfashions.com

The Bar Method (www.barmethod.com) will provide winner with 1 Pregnancy DVD (valued at $20) and 1 onesie (valued at $17).

About The Bar Method
Burr Leonard is the founder and creator of The Bar Method, a full-body exercise workout that utilizes a ballet bar technique. The method draws from the principles of isometrics, dance conditioning, interval training, and physical therapy. With 19 years of experience in the fitness field, she and her business partner have turned their one Bar Method studio into a franchise operation with 30+ studios and a media company selling exercise DVDs and accessories.

Pirri Elements & Elemental Tools will provide winner with one of each of the products listed below (valued at $88 total).

The Pirri Elements line was inspired by the beauty of the Mediterranean “crystal blue” Sea, pure air, rich soil and fiery volcanoes. Each product consists of Bergamot, an essential oil that comes from a fruit native Calabria, Italy, the hometown of the Pirri brothers. The oil along with other essential and natural ingredients is used to nourish the hair and lock in moisture.

Daily Shampoo: Mediterraneo
o Contains essential ingredients to cleanse the hair while maintaining balance and moisture in all hair types. The product normalizes the hair, scalp and PH balance while keeping the hair looking healthy and shiny. Cost: $20/12oz.

Daily Conditioner: Earth’s Balance
o Restores moisture and smoothes the shaft of the hair while helping to combat humidity and static electricity. The product works to coat the hair and protect it from the damaging effect of heat styling. Cost: $22/12oz

Smooth & Relaxing Serum: Lava Glaze
o Relaxes the hair for a straight style or reduces frizz for a great natural air-dried look. The combination of Aloe Vera along with other essential products, work to eliminate dead ends and protects hair from the damaging effect of blow drying and UV rays. Cost: $24/8oz

Detangler & Leave-In Conditioner: Nature’s Breeze
o Smoothes tangles and mends dry ends while protecting the hair and reducing fly-aways. The product is a must-have before heat styling. Cost: $22/8oz

About Pirri Hair Group
Pirri Hair Group is designed and managed to best capture the essence of European culture. Everyone that enters the salon has their choice of selecting from fashion forward vibrant hair colors and precision hair cuts – always leaving looking their best. The Pirri brothers pay close attention to the current fashion trends to sculpt couture and constantly evolving styles. For a full menu of services and products, please visit: www.pirrihairgroup.com

SwimsuitsForAll.com will provide winner with an exclusive site-wide discount code: “SAVE” (to be provided after selecting winner); winners will receive UP to 50% off site-wide.

About SwimsuitsForAll.com
Taking inspirations from sun, sand, and sea, SwimsuitsForAll.com offers swimwear and related apparel & accessories that work for real women sizes 8 & up. SwimsuitsForAll.com strives to offer quality swimwear that will fit your unique body, style, and budget and fashionably flatter your next escape. SwimsuitsForAll.com is committed to making your online swimsuit shopping experience easy, so you can shop worry-free. In business since 2004, SwimsuitsForAll.com takes pride in its customer service. With toll-free, e-mail, and live support, we help guide you through your shopping process. We offer easy exchange & return policies, express & international shipping, and a low-price guarantee, so your next swimwear purchase will be hassle-free!

As your swimwear oasis, SwimsuitsForAll.com sells swimwear 365 days a year and helps you get into the right swimsuit for your body & taste. Shop confidently with our detailed images, sizing charts, and fit information on each product page. If that’s not enough for you, we offer free consultations where our swimsuit specialists can personally advise you on finding the right swimsuit for your body!

Escape the norm with a dedicated, personal customer service staff and swimwear that offers you coverage & comfort, classy styling, classic fits, and competitive pricing. So whether you’re going to enjoy sun, sand, sea, or pool, flatter your next escape with SwimsuitsForAll.com!

Adesign will provide winner with “The Eye Set” (valued at $45)

The defining and detailing eye set in a travel-friendly pencil case. This set contains the following brush styles: All Over Eye, Eye 2 (basic soft eyeshadow brush), Eye 4 and Eye5.

About adesign brushes
Adesign (adesignbrushes.com) is the consumer brand and product incubator for Anisa International, the leading global designer and manufacturer of makeup artistry tools, founded by Anisa Telwar. The brand was initially established in 2006 by makeup artists for makeup artists, but has expanded to cater to the everyday woman’s needs when it comes to cosmetic tools. The company eventually grew into a community for collaboration with makeup artists and consumers. adesign’s approach to development is a team effort, as the brand engages beauty experts and consumers throughout the process, and the end result is a product that is unparalleled in terms of meeting the needs of the industry. In this way, adesign is constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of cosmetic tools by introducing new and exciting shapes and textures, making them superior in terms of performance, head shape, function, and design.

With utility and beauty top of mind for all the brand’s inventions, adesign is able to remain ahead of the curve in product creation. The company also owns and operates its own manufacturing plant, allowing a level of control and speed to market that has been largely unrivaled in the cosmetic world. adesign also shows a strong commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices, creating a culture in which new ideas can come to be while maintaining ethical and charitable conditions.

Here are the ways you can win: (one of my readers will win the entire prize pack as listed above).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – This giveaway is brought to you from KMR. I am in no way getting compensated for this post or for holding this giveaway.

I have been  a fan of Ree Drummond’s the moment I first read her blog; The Pioneer Woman. I met her briefly in Chicago at Blogher one year, and I was so astonished by her beauty and was so glad to see how down to Earth she is and Real. These are 2 characteristics I look for in Popular or Celeb people. And she was everything I hoped she would be.  I just found out that she has another cookbook that came out on 3/31/12. I have watched her on The Today Show cooking, and she really looks like she enjoys it (which since she is so real I just know she really does), and she makes it look so easy. Which I know her recipes are easy to do and delish, since I have made some myself (her Apple brown betty is my fave).

Well, since I just found out about her new book, I wanted to share it with you. It only cost’s $20.99 from Food Network Store. By buying on this site, you will save $9, but also can have the opportunity to get FREE shipping, and also you get a bonus –  Signed Bookplate !!!!

The books are out of stock right now but as soon as they come in, I will be buying a few, 1 for me, and a couple more for gifts (these make awesome gifts).

Here is the Book Description, as found on FoodNetworkStore.com  :

“I’m Pioneer Woman. And I love to cook.
Once upon a time, I fell in love with a cowboy. A strapping, rugged, chaps-wearing cowboy. Then I married him, moved to his ranch, had his babies . . . and wound up loving it. Except the manure. Living in the country for more than fifteen years has taught me a handful of eternal truths: every new day is a blessing, every drop of rain is a gift . . . and nothing tastes more delicious than food you cook yourself.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Food from My Frontier is a mouthwatering collection of the simple-but-scrumptious recipes that rotate through my kitchen on a regular basis, including Perfect Pancakes, Cowgirl Quiche, Sloppy Joes, Italian Meatball Soup, White Chicken Enchiladas, and a spicy Carnitas Pizza that’ll win you over for life. There are also some elegant offerings for more special occasions at your house: Osso Buco, Honey-Plum-Soy Chicken, and Rib-Eye Steak with an irresistible Onion-Blue Cheese Sauce. And the decadent assortment of desserts, including Blackberry Chip Ice Cream, Apple Dumplings, and Coffee Cream Cake, will make your heart go pitter-pat in the most wonderful way.

In addition to detailed step-by-step photographs, all the recipes in this book have one other important quality in common: They’re guaranteed to make your kids, sweetheart, dinner guests, in-laws, friends, cousins, or resident cowboys smile, sigh, and beg for seconds. (And hug you and kiss you and be devoted to you for life.)

I hope you enjoy, devour, and love this book. I sure did love making it for you. ”

This Description alone is just as mouthwatering and beautiful as her Blog, writing, photography, herself, and more.

If your looking for new recipe’s to try, a present for a friend/family member who loves to cook, recipes that are easy to make and taste sooo sooo good, please consider The Pioneer’s new book!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- This is NOT a compensated post. I wrote this post on my own simply because The Pioneer Woman inspires me, I love her cooking, and I am so excited about this new book, and cannot wait to get one!  All research was done by me, and all idea’s/suggestions/ and personal comments are my own.

I have been taking 4X Pro-B for over 5 weeks now. In my previous post I wrote about the process of ordering them from Costco.com (including the cost), Benefits from taking these supplements, and showed the box with all of the Supplement Facts and the comparison chart of 4X Pro-B to another Probiotic.

Today I would like to share my TOP TEN reasons why I like taking them, and why you may like the benefits of taking them as well (These are in no particular order).

• The multiple strains of good beneficial bacteria they contain. They contain 4 strains & also 10 mg of B. infantis.
• They are Natural, this was a huge factor for me in participating in this Social Shopper insight study.
• The packaging, I love the way the caplet’s are placed in an easy to use daily form easy to open blister pack (which, with someone like me with MS is yet another huge plus), so you have less chance of forgetting to take your daily supplement, and it is easy to follow (and you know if you missed a day). And you can be sure just by looking at the package to know you took it for the day. See Photo below:
  
• The ease of shopping on Costco.comwith the bonus of FREE shipping!
• The quick shipping, When I ordered it, it said 3-5 days, well, mine came in 2!! (this might not be the same experience for everyone, but even 3-5 days is quick! For people like me who procrastinate, this is awesome! (See Picture below on my shipping experience):
  

  email confirmation that the product was shipped

  

  package arrives at my home

  

  opened package notice packaging "pillow"

  

  I love the bright green box the supplements come in.

• I love that you get 63 caplets for $21.99 (free shipping) which comes out to a 9 week supply! These are so reasonably priced, that was another HUGE plus for me.(see image below):
  

  showing amount of caplets (63); 9 week supply, and also actual size of the supplements

• It is only 1 caplet per day, and the caplet is released gradually into your body over time. Easier to manage then say eating a yogurt every day.
• They make me feel not so bloated, and more “regular” all week long. A feeling I haven’t had in a while.
• Helps you to not have “digestion congestion”, helps build your immune system, and also helps you not get into bad bacteria overload. Something you can get if say, your taking many antibiotics, or even just by getting older.
• Since the start of taking these, I felt a difference rather quickly (within a month). Having this non congested feeling makes me feel like eating healthier, because I feel so much better. I have been eating more healthier options, such as apples, whole grains, and vegetables. And at the same time, I find myself eating out less, because I almost feel like I don’t want to “gunk” up (with greasy/fatty fast food) my system since it is now feeling so much better and my bowel movements are more regular. It would be like putting old, dirty oil into your car, instead of fresh new oil. Or never getting an oil change. 4X Pro-B is my way of changing the “oil” in my digestion system

Again, here is the link to my online shopping experience on google+   - https://plus.google.com/photos/103798906992046528970/albums/5721875402611814449

Please also join in the conversation by using the hashtag #digestivecare on Twitter  and if you have tried or are currently trying 4X Pro-B from Costco, please share your experience’s with us. Or if you take another Probiotic, please let us know which one it is and how it is working for you.

And of course Costco has a Facebook page, where we are also taking the conversation. Visit it at Costco Facebook. To order yours today just as easily as I was able, go to Costco.com.

We would love to hear your #Digestivecare stories. So please join in!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias (#CBias). All of my experiences and advice,idea’s, & thoughts are my own. Other’s may differ.

If your like me, you try and eat right. You choose healthy options to eat and cook for your family. Sometime’s even with eating right, you still don’t feel “regular”. Many times even after I eat I feel bloated and just like blah. This especially happens to me after eating pasta or a meal with a lot of Carbs.
I was recently asked to do a product study using Probiotics. So, I figured I would give them a try.

There is a great option that is now available at Costco online. It is called 4X Pro-B Digestive Care Natural Probiotic.
One of the reasons I decided to apply to be involved in this project is because it is a Natural product. 4X Pro-B contains 4 strains of Natural, Beneficial Bacteria with B. Infantis 10mg..

It promotes gastrointestinal health and digestive system balance.

When I started taking these supplements, I at first didn’t see any difference. But now that I have been taking them for a little over a month I totally see a difference. I feel better and I am definitely more “regular”, if you know what I mean I never thought that there was something that could make me feel so much better.

Since the weather has been so nice lately, I have also added a walking routine to my daily schedule. Even if it is a short walk everyday, it also helps me get a little bit more healthy. Me having MS, I cannot walk everyday because my MS sometimes prohibits me.

It was way easy to order using Costco.com and it is only $21.99 for 63 caplets. Then it only takes 3-5 days to ship to my home. I only have to take 1 per day and that is all. I can do everything from my home computer. And BONUS! right now Costco.com is offering FREE shipping on this product!

You can also view my Google+ online shopping experience Here

Have you ever tried Probiotics? Please share your experience with them. Also, if you have tried 4X Pro-B from Costco, please share it with me and also on twitter by using the Hashtag #Digestivecare & #CBias . You can also follow the conversations from other’s who participated in the project through those Hashtags on Twitter as well. Also, if you haven’t tried any Probiotics, would you be willing to try 4X Pro-B? Or do you have any question’s about them? Please also use Twitter to ask. Join in the conversation today!

Here is to a more “regular” you!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias As with all of my posts all opinions and experiences with this product are my own.

eBay MoneyMakers is an online Web series. They are stories of families selling on eBay to regain control over their household income. They are very inspirational and help illustrate how eBay empowers people through their finances.

Here is a video from the series:

“Parents find success on eBay – Finding Inventory”

As a parent children are always growing out of clothing, shoes, toys, and so many other items. I am sure in any home with kids, you can find a lot of inventory that will sell well on eBay. Have fun cleaning out and bringing in the dough!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I am an Ambassador/Spokesperson for eBay. This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador for eBay’s program. I am being compensated for my Ambassadorship. All opinions and idea’s are my own. Visit http://www.ebay.com . Other’s are permitted to have different views/opinions, let me know what your’s are!

Meningitis is a devastating disease that can be deadly to your newborn baby. It is one of the leading causes of preventable infant death in the United States. 50-60% of these cases are vaccine preventable! The CDC has recently revealed that the disease is 3-7 times higher in infants than any other age group.Approximately 1 in 16 infants will die from this disease.
Please sign the petition for Protect Infants Now (PIN). This petition will let the CDC know that this life saving immunization should be included on the list with the other life saving immunizations scheduled such as Measles, Mumps, and so on.

Please watch this video from Meningitis Angels:

You can also read more information, see pictures, see a fact sheet and see testimonials in this PDF HERE

Please sign the petition to help save babies lives. I have many friends whose infants had meningitus and it is a scary and horrible disease. It puts stressors on the whole family like you wouldn’t believe. To feel so helpless of a parent of an infant who is just laying there so ill, tremendously high fevers, and more is just harrowing.
Many parents aren’t even aware of this disease.

Thank you for your support,

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure - I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central and Meningitis Angels. This campaign was made possible in part through support provided by Novartis Vaccines. A small donation to a charity of my choice was made in my name from Mom Central as a thank-you for participating. All opinions in this posting are 100% my own.