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May 7th is FREE Comic Book Day!

theplus — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 05:06:49 +0000

Mark Your Calendars!! Free Comic Book Day is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year on May 7, 2011.

Each year, participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely *FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. Since its inception, Free Comic Book Day has given out over 20 million free comics to nearly 5.5 million people.

The goal of Free Comic Book Day is to promote the comic book medium to new customers young and old and celebrate the independent comic book retailers and their stores. Comics are fun and a great tool for introducing young children to the world of reading.

This year’s list of free comics includes mainstream titles such as: Kung Fu Panda, The Smurfs, Spider-Man, Sonic the Hedgehog, Green Lantern from this year’s expected blockbuster movie and much more!

This is a great way to get your kids reading, and interested in comic books. When I was little I remember loving the Archie comics with Veronica and Betty. To learn more and to find a participating location near you, Please visit www.freecomicbookday.com

Have fun, and get out and get your Comic book today!

The Plus Size Mommy

“Kathryn The Grape – Just Like Magic” ~Book Review and Giveaway

theplus — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:01:29 +0000

Written by Kathryn Cloward and Jody Duhamel
Illustrated by Christine Winscott

“Kathryn the Grape – Just Like Magic!” is a recently published vibrantly illustrated 40-page children’s picture book. The KathryntheGrape.com website is full of helpful information about the book, the story behind the book, and symbolism of characters.

POOF! Just Like Magic! That’s how easy it is to fall in love with Kathryn the Grape and her magical butterfly friend, Maggie! These inspiring characters teach that each of us has our own magic within. As your children read along, they will discover their own inner strength and fearlessness, learn about making new friends, and learn the importance of helping others. Kathryn the Grape takes the reader on a journey of discovery and spreads the message that everyone is magical! [40 page 10" x 8" hardcover picture book, ages 3-8]

-$1 of from every book sold on KathryntheGrape.com is directed to the Kathryn the Grape Foundation whereupon we partner with non-profit agencies focused on at supporting education, empowerment and sustainability. Learn more by visiting : http://www.kathrynthegrape.com/index.php/ktg_news/pages/the_kathryn_the_grape_foundation

You can also visit the entire behind the scenes story of Kathryn the Grape HERE : http://www.kathrynthegrape.com/index.php/ktg_about

-Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kathrynthegrape

-Connect with us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kathrynthegrape

My REVIEW :

My girls are ages 5 and 2 and they both loved this book. They especially loved the animals in the book, and their favorite was Maggie the butterfly. I loved the fact that this book helps build self-esteem and inner self worth for children. A lot of children these days do not get these messages. This book does a great job getting children to learn this. My girls were pretending to be Kathryn after reading this book. The illustrations in the book are bright and cheerful. And they couldn’t have chosen a better color for my 2 yr. old, cause her favorite color is purple. Kathryn had a magical imaginary butterfly and a magic wand that she used to get through situations like having a monster under her bed, talking to new people (like a little boy), making new friends, and going to a new school. I think that this would make a super addition to your child’s library. Be prepared because your kids will want to read it over and over again (like mine) and soon they will basically be able to read it to you. What a brilliant, fun, and magical book!

Now you have a chance to add this book to your child’s collection by entering to win a copy HERE :

Follow me on Twitter, I am @plussizemommy = 1 entry (comment and tweet me, and tell me you are)

Follow Kathryn The Grape on Twitter here : @kathrynthegrape – leave a tweet letting them know that @plussizemommy asked you to follow them = 5 entries (separate comments please)

Follow me over on Networked Blogs, look over in my right sidebar and just click follow = 1 entry (comment and let me know you are)

Follow me over on Facebook, I am “The Plus Size Mommy” , please “Like” me and leave a comment on my wall about the Kathryn The Grape book, tell me who you would give it to and for what occasion ? leave me another comment here = 4 entries (separate comments please)

Leave a comment on the Kathryn The Grape Facebook page here :http://www.facebook.com/kathrynthegrape (let them know The Plus Size Mommy sent you) come back and leave me a comment telling me you did this = 5 entries (separate comments please)

This giveaway is for a copy of the book “Kathryn The Grape – Just Like Magic This giveaway is for continental USA winners only. This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 3/29/2011 at 9 PM EST. Winners WILL NOT be notified. Winners will be chosen via random.org and then listed in a separate post (so please look for it on the 30th). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Prize will then be shipped from the company directly. Winners who do not reply within 48 hours of winner post will be disqualified and new winners will be chosen.
PLEASE LEAVE separate comments for each entry. Otherwise you will only receive entries based on how many comments you leave.

Thank you for entering and GOOD LUCK!
The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I was sent a copy of this book to review as with my relationship with Tomoson.com The winner will receive their book direct from the company. I am not responsible for lost or damaged products. It would be up to the company to replace it at their discretion. All of my opinions on this product are 100% my own.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

It’s Science Fair Time, Is Your Child’s Project In Progress? #ProjectReady

theplus — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:19:42 +0000

It is once again time for kids around the USA to start thinking about participating in or already begin work on their Science Fair Projects.
This year is my 14 yr. old son’s 4th Science Fair he will be participating in at his school. He is in 8th grade this year, and we are doing a project from an idea his grandmother told us about. It is experimental.
When we are preparing or starting to think about science fair projects, we always use resources such as the local library, he uses the school library, we talk over idea’s at dinner time, and he also talks to his science teacher. It is fun to work on Science fair projects and kids learn a lot with hands on experiences. Even if they do not win, it is a great learning experience, and helps to build confidence, and also helps them strive to do better or be more competitive the following year.

Many materials we use such as the Science Fair tri-fold display boards are made by Elmer’s. Also glue spots, glue sticks, rulers, and many other of their products are also handy to use for your project. We buy our supplies at our local Walmart. They are quite inexpensive, and many of the products, such as the rulers, cutters (like X-ACTO knives) last a long time and you will be able to use them over again every year. Not to mention on other projects throughout the year.

This year Elmer’s is working with the Society for Science & The Public - This is the organization that runs the Broadcom Masters Science Fair program. Elmer’s is proud to be a sponsor of this national competition this year and they are very excited about being a part of it.
You can learn more about the Society for Science & The Public here – www.SocietyForScience.Org

Elmer’s Also has over 100 Project idea’s from easy to complex and how to make the most of your Science Fair Experience, and how to’s/tips’s, Parent Resources, and also “How to create a winning presentation” by visiting Elmer’s site Here:
Discovery Education- Science Fair Central
One of my favorite tips is to create a timeline; “Begin with an end in mind”. This for me is the best tip for a parent and child, because it is so easy to get busy and forget about working on your project, and before you know it, The Science Fair is here, and your up the night before throwing together a project. This is NOT what you want to do!

So here are the steps we are taking to prepare for our Science Fair this year :

1. Setting up a Timeline – Our school’s Science Fair is in late March/early April, so we are getting things started NOW.

2. Help & Gather Idea’s For your Child’s Project – My son has come up with his idea on his project. Like I stated previously, it is a project his grandmother suggested him to do as an experiment.

3. Discuss Your Project – talk over what materials you will need, how you will construct the project, what tools you will need, if any, and who will all help in conducting the project. (sometimes Father’s help to build things, or if your child is younger, you may have to help out more). TIP: Try to find age appropriate Science Fair Projects, that will make it more fun for your child, and less stress for you because you won’t have to help as much. It will also give your child a greater sense of accomplishment if he/she knows they did most of the project on their own.

Interjection- I must interject here that my son’s 2nd grade Science Fair project he demanded he wanted to do a volcano (most kids want to do a volcano, cause they look like tons of fun to see the lava flowing out and so on), DONT DO IT, Do not give in, lol Unless your child is a miniature Einstein Please take heed to my warning. It ended up for us a catastrophe and a mess. And sooooo many kids do Volcanoes so the chance of winning is vague as well. Try are persuade your child to do something easier, and more age appropriate. Save the Volcanoes for older children (if you do one at all). – Of course this is all my opinion, but I have been to many a Science Fair, and seen many Volcano #Fails

4. Start researching for the project – goto the libraries, get books, look online, talk to people (ie: grandparent’s, teachers,etc.), depending on what your project is, you can get a ton of info. from other people. – My son is doing a project on the effect of electricity on Earthworms. My mother had told him about my grandfather (his great grandfather) using electricity to put probes in the ground to make Earthworms rise up to the top of the ground so he would have worms for fishing. My son thought this would be neat to try out and see if it works for himself, so this is what he decided to do.

5. Buy Materials – Most every Science Fair I have been to, kids use some type of Display board, or a tri-fold board for displaying their projects. Then like in my sons case, he is building an electricity device, so he can display this in front of the display board at the fair. Also, be sure to have printer paper, ink, glue (to use for gluing papers to the display board), note cards, And anything else you will need for your individual project.

6. Start working on your project. – Use your timeline and work on your project step by step until it is completed. Set goals and as you complete them check them off your list. When shopping for supplies, make a list so you don’t forget anything. After completing your project, take a few practice runs going over it with your parents, friends, whoever will listen. This way you will be prepared and know what your talking about and show your knowledge and confidence when speaking about your project to the judges.

7. Complete Your project and take it to the FAIR! – Bravo! Now that your project is completed and all ready to be entered into the fair, get excited, and take it into the school or to the fair (if it isn’t at your school) and drop it off, and make sure to fill out anything you need to officially enter it. (Sometimes your project will be given a number card, or category such as experimental, or non-experimental). Also, if it is at a school, make sure you enter it into the right age group/or grade.

This is about it. It looks like a lot but it is such a fun and rewarding experience, It is my opinion that all children participate at least once.

MOST IMPORTANTLY have fun and do not stress. If you (as a parent) stress, or make it an “unfun” experience, your child will not want to ever participate again. Let them make mistakes, this is not brain surgery, it is a child’s science fair. And just think of all of the scientists who learned more from the mistakes they made, then when everything goes right!

Helping You Get #ProjectReady !
The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I am being compensated by Collective Bias for this project. I am proud to be an Elmer’s Science Fair Project Leader! All opinions and experiences are 100% my own. Yours/Others may differ.

Celebrating Love Book

theplus — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 02:11:31 +0000

Celebrating Love is a new gift series from 1-800-flowers.com and celebrations.com founder Jim McCann. Reinforcing the 1-800-flowers.com and celebrations.com philosophy of helping customers express, connect, and celebrate, McCann balances the practical with the inspirational, and the poignant with the profound, inside this collection of authentic love stories. Full-color drawings illustrate the book throughout and are interspersed with meaningful quotes and little-known facts about love and affection. Divided into four sections based on the distinct seasons of love, Celebrating Love features 150 entries.

In addition, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM is hosting a special Valentines Day “Love Note” contest! This four-week contest encourages 1-800-FLOWERS.COM fans to post their own love notes, and cast their vote for the most touching
love note on the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM Facebook page (http://www.1800flowers.com/template.doid=template3&page=2000). The love note voted the most touching will win a bouquet, courtesy of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM!

This is an adorable book that I totally think everyone who loves someone should share with the one’s they love. I received 2 books from 1-800 Flowers and loved them so much, we gave them to my daughter’s 2 pre-school teachers for Valentine’s Day. They loved them. So they make GREAT presents! and not just for Valentine’s Day, but any day!

Don’t be afraid to show your love and share your love everyday!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I was sent this book from 1-800-Flowers.com at no cost to me. All opinions of this book are 100% my own.

Of The Wing

theplus — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 04:44:34 +0000

Of The Wing is the first book in a trilogy written by Georgia Anne Butler. It is about a girl who has a unique connection with birds. Especially birds of Prey. She can draw many birds to her with her keen “powers”. When a man seeks to kill a Red-Tailed Hawk, and who holds the answers to her questions, she may have to break her silence and give up her secret. This book is recommended for ages 9 and up. This book teaches children about the environment, and also about the friendship a girl named Claire has with birds. How caring and devoted she is. Book 2 in the Trilogy will be out soon, so keep an eye out for it as well. This book retails for $7.99. You can learn more and/or buy the book by visiting : http://www.ofthewing.com/

*I will be giving 2 copies of this book away, stay tuned and reading this blog, to find out more about the Giveaways From Santa’s Sack!

disclosure- I was sent one of these books for review. All thoughts and idea’s on the book are my own opinions.

OOK and GLUK Kung-Fu Caveman Of The Future – 5 winners

theplus — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 02:41:35 +0000

From the creators of Captain Underpants, come OOK and GLUK. OOK and GLUK are cavemen from the future!

Captain Underpants is one of the most beloved and bestselling children’s book series with over 45 million books in print! Its core audience is boys ages 6-10, however even older kids and adults collect all the books in the series. This past August, Scholastic released The Adventures of Ook and Gluk, Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future, from Dav Pilkey the creator of Captain Underpants.

Product Page: http://scholastic.com/titles/ookandgluk/index.htm

Reading level: Ages 6-10+
Hardcover: 176 pages

About the Author: Dav Pilkey has written and illustrated numerous popular, award-winning books for children, including the Captain Underpants and Dumb Bunnies series; Dog Breath, winner of the California Young Reader Medal; and The Paperboy, a Caldecott Honor Book. He lives with his wife in the Pacific Northwest. Visit him online at www.pilkey.com

You can watch a trailer here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODksCOUXbHA

Now 5 of my readers can WIN a copy of OOK and GLUK for their very own.
HERE IS HOW TO WIN:

1.Follow Me on Networked Blogs (right sidebar) comment and tell me you do= 1 entry

2. Follow this blog, comment and tell me you do = 1 entry

3. Follow me over on Twitter (@plussizemommy) = 1 entry

4.“Like” me over on Facebook (I am under Plus Size Mommy) = 1 entry

5. Tweet the following on Twitter : “Win a copy of OOK and GLUK here http://bit.ly/cTihuI (5 winners) ” – tweet up to 3 times per day (separate comments please) = up to 3 entries/day.

6. Comment and tell us your (or your child’s) favorite Captain Underpants book. = 1 entry

This giveaway is open to USA residents ONLY. This giveaway starts NOW and will end on Oct. 21, 2010 at 9PM EST.
Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Winners will NOT be emailed, 5 winners will be posted on this site in another post. Winners MUST be subscribers to my blog to be eligible to win. FIVE winners will be chosen via random.org.
Thank you for entering and good luck!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I was sent a copy of this book for review and to share the info. about the book with you. All opinions on the book are 100% my own.

The Hot Mom to Be Handbook

theplus — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 01:02:42 +0000

I like that this book settles on the mom and not so much the baby part of pregnancy. It is a great find when you can focus on the mom and her sexy stylish self which is what this handbook aims to be. There are so many great books out there that talk about the technical and medical side of pregnancy. This is one for the bedside stand you can use to work on yourself. I have recommended this to many women and I think it is a great find.

Jessica Denay did a great job with this book. She covers everything from morning sickness to blogging about the baby! She gives tips on unique and memorable activities for every month along the way that are sure to create wonderful memories while you watch your child grow.

I think this would make a wonderful shower present for first time moms to be. Or just a nice gift to give to a girlfriend who needs a pick me up and get out of the slump of pregnancy.

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure-I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of HarperCollins and received a copy of The Hot Mom to Be Handbook to facilitate my review. Mom Central also sent me a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Who Are Jizo & Chibi ?

theplus — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:03:36 +0000

There was a Buddhist monk 2500 years ago named Jizo. Upon his enlightenment, he promised to stay on Earth until every soul was finished suffering. Revered as the Protector of children, he can help us feel connected to our inner child, or to a child of our own. Jizo also is the protector of Travellers. He is like the St. Christopher of Buddhism.

Chibi means “Little One” in Japanese. Chibi is the primary character in the books written by Valerie Johns, a psychotherapist,writer, and designer who lives in L.A., California.

“In essence – Jizo holds Chibi safely.”

Valerie S. Johns captures Jizo and Chibi with her beautiful hand made jewelry that are truly works of art. I just simply love the story behind Jizo and Chibi and I love the Jewelry that Valerie creates.

Valerie creates not only jewelry, there is also statues, books, puppets, and stuffies.

She calls the Jewelry, “Jewelry with a Path”. What a wonderful story this is about Jizo and Chibi. I really enjoy jewelry that has a story behind it. It is more meaningful to wear.

You can learn more and visit : info@jizoandchibi.com or at www.jizoandchibi.com

These make wonderful presents for adults and children. My teenage son wears the hat I was sent all of the time. He loves Japanese culture and learning about it and the stories from it.

I think the Jizo silver necklace I received is simply wonderful. It is so pretty and I wear it and tell the story behind it to everyone who asks. People are always interested in it.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure- I received a hat and a necklace to review from the Jizo and Chibi line from Valerie Johns. All of the opinions of the items is my own.

“How To Choose The Best Preschool For Your Child” Book Review & WIN

theplus — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 04:23:45 +0000

I was recently sent a copy of the book, ” How To Choose The Best Preschool For Your Child” by Jenifer Wana. It is a guide that helps parents learn how to get info., find, and prepare themselves and their children for preschool/nursery school.

I have a long history of working in child care myself, so this is a topic I consider myself very knowledgeable on and Jenifer hits the nail on the head with this book. This is a wonderful resource for parents to help them start on this journey and process with their child.

It gives key criteria, lets your know what resources may be available to help you financially, how to prepare your child, the differences between what kinds of programs are out there and are offered, and how to find the quality of preschools in your area that your child (and you) deserve.

One thing that impressed me while reading through this book was where she (Jenifer Wana) talks to and discusses things, topics, with real parents on this subject and to see what they have been or are going through with different schools. What strategies worked for them and valuable tips that she passes on to the readers.

She also gives a wealth of information from online sites to other resource books you can look into on specific related topics.

I was very impressed by this guidebook and I think it is a great starting point for any parent(s) looking to start their child into school.

You can learn more about this book here : http://www.preschoolprimer.com/

Win!!!

Now 2 of my lucky readers will have a chance to win a copy of “How To Choose The Best Preschool For Your Child” right here on my blog.

Here is how to win :

1. Follow me on twitter, comment and let me know you are , I am @plussizemommy = 1 entry

2. Follow “The Plus Size Mommy” on Networked Blogs on Facebook = 1 entry

3. “Like” ”The Plus Size Mommy” on Facebook = 1 entry

4. Follow this blog – comment and let me know you are = 1 entry

This giveaway begins NOW and will end on Aug. 9th at 10PM EST.

This giveaway is for USA residents only. Winners will NOT be emailed. Winners will be posted on this blog by Aug. 10th. Please check back to see if you are the winner if you enter.

2 Winners will be selected via random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize by emailing me.

Thank you and Good Luck to All who enter!!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure- I was sent a copy of this book to review, and giveaway copy. All opinions are my own and may not be the same as someone else’s.

Celebrate Christmas In July With Misha’s Nutcracker & WIN

theplus — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 20:08:58 +0000

Misha’s Nutcracker by Roman Yakub in collaberation with Elaine Ulman is a book for people 8 and up. It is the story of a homeless Russian boy, who is cold and hungry and exhausted from just trying to survive. He finds his way into the beautiful opera house in St Petersburg, where he finds warmth for his body and soul in the attic. When he, at last feels safe, he sleeps. That is where, Oksana, the chief seamstress wakes him up and feeling sorry for him, she feeds him, cleans him up, and gets him clothing. She and her husband become very fond of him and he falls in love with the music and the dancing of The Nutcracker. He dreams of dancing with the children of The Nutcracker, but, his dream turns into a nightmare and he has to use his street smarts to escape from “The Mouse King”. This book was very enjoyable with all of the twists and turns of a boy living on the streets mixed in with the magic of the theater. A good read!

And now you have a chance to win a copy of this book for your child. Here is How to WIN :

Follow me on twitter, comment and let me know you are , I am @plussizemommy = 1 entry

Follow “The Plus Size Mommy” on Networked Blogs on Facebook = 1 entry

“Like” ”The Plus Size Mommy” on Facebook = 1 entry

Follow this blog – comment and let me know you are = 1 entry

Tweet the following on Twitter – “Merry Christmas In July & Win a Book Here : http://bit.ly/cevlby ” - each tweet = 1 entry, up to 5 a day, separate comments please.

This giveaway begins NOW and will end on Aug. 8th at 10PM EST.

This giveaway is for USA residents only. Winner will NOT be emailed. Winner will be posted on this blog by Aug. 9th. Please check back to see if you are the winner if you enter.

Winner will be selected via random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize by emailing me.

Thank you and Good Luck to All who enter!!

Post Written by Holly (Older Adult Writer/Book Reviewer).

*Disclosure- I received a copy of this book for review, All opinions are 100% my own.