I Met The Jimmy Dean Sun!
When I was at Blogher this past month, I was so excited to meet the “Sun” from Jimmy Dean. He was a very nice sun! It definitely brightened up my day!!!
This was truly one of the highlights of my trip.
The new Jimmy D’s breakfast sandwiches are so great and I love the sausage rolled up in a pancake and on a stick, who wouldn’t love that. And talk about appealing to have the kids eat this before they run out the door to catch the bus in the mornings, PERFECT!
Thank you Jimmy Dean for being an awesome sponsor for Blogher 2010! and for bringing the sunshine to the conference floor, literally!!!
The Plus Size Mommy
Back-to-School Sanity Saver Tips from Annie Pleshette Murphy
With summer winding down, it’s important for the entire family to transition from a summer playhouse to a more structured environment BEFORE school starts.
To do this without loosing your sanity, Annie Pleshette Murphy a psychologist, author, parenting expert for Good Morning America, and former editor-in-chief of Parents magazine recently teamed up with OfficeMax to host the “Back to School Sanity Savers Blogcast” where she provided tips and tricks for getting your family prepared and your kids ready to head back to class without a hitch.
You can view some of Annie’s great tips below, or check out the 30 minute Sanity Savers video provided by OfficeMax by clicking here!
1. Roll back your child’s bedtime in 10-15 minute increments leading up to the first day of school, so they’re in the habit of going to bed and waking up earlier!
2. Schedule a nightly “Family Quiet Hour” to avoid the evening “witching hour” when homework time can be particularly challenging. During quiet hour, the entire family should turn off the TV and literally do something quiet. For kids, they can do homework or read. For parents, this is a great time to pay bills, read, do a puzzle with the kids, etc. This hour builds good work habits and also helps you connect as a family in ways that TV just can’t.
3. Kick first day anxieties your child may experience by trying to meet the teacher or a few kids in your child’s class before school starts. There’s nothing like having a few familiar faces to ease first-day jitters. And if it’s the first day of first grade or a new school, definitely do a dry run by walking or driving them to see the building.
4. Engage your child in the back-to-school process! Sit down with your child, read the school materials and fill them out together. Talk about his/her teacher, the room number, school supply list, and any after school activities. Most importantly, remember if you model calm, collected behavior, your kids will be far more relaxed as school approaches.
5. Setup a family calendar in a central location that EVERYONE can view. Color-code activities for each child and mark important dates for school on the calendar. Find out ahead of time what your child will be participating in and keep an eye out for conflicts. For the first week of school, don’t make any plans, so you can adjust as a family. And don’t forget to schedule down time as a family and a regular date night for mom and dad!
6. Create a Parent/Kid station. A clever, easy solution to morning madness is to designate an area near the door or place you walk by every day where you can set up a central station for everyone’s necessities. The idea is to have space and easy access to all the things you don’t want to leave behind. The parent’s station could include a space for house keys, spare change, cell phone charger, and inbox/outbox for your child’s school forms. The kids’ station should include a place for their sports equipment, lunch box, snacks, backpack, etc.
7. Buy school supplies early and let your child select items that reflect his/her personality. New school supplies can make the back-to-school process fun and exciting. Let your child choose items that reflect their taste and personality. When it comes to the almightily backpack, look for wide padded straps and padded back. Teach your child to pack the heavy items at the back of their bag to prevent shoulder strain. And remember, you’re child’s backpack should not way more than 10-20% of their body weight.
8. Create savvy shoppers by engaging your child in the school supply shopping experience. If you’re child is old enough, arm them with a calculator, list and budget and do the shopping together, considering the available funds. Explain that they can spend a lot on one special item – like a new backpack – but that they will then need to buy plain pencils or use last year’s binders. You can also teach kids that private brands like OfficeMax’s Schoolio product line are a great way to save on supplies while still getting fun designs and patterns.
9. Involved parents equals good, happy students. Several studies show that children whose parents are involved in their education do better academically and socially. Open the lines of communication as soon as you receive your child’s classroom assignment. Most teachers are accessible by email, so a quick note expressing your hope for a great year, eagerness to meet the teacher and willingness to volunteer in the classroom is a nice gesture.
10. Stay engaged in your child’s class throughout the year. Create a weekly report card that addressed your child’s specific challenges. For example, list 3-4 questions on an index card: Is my child keeping up with the reading? Getting homework in on time? Participating in class? Yes/No questions are best. Needless to say, having to hand the teacher a card is a good incentive for your child to connect with his/her teacher and a nice way for you to stay updated on your child’s progress.
Learn more about Annie Pleshette Murphy at annpleshettemurphy.com. Find your local school supply deals at OfficeMax or view school supply lists by grade on OfficeMax’s Back-to-School site. You can also find OfficeMax on Facebook or @OfficeMax on Twitter.
Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy
Divinity Salon Was An Amazing Experience For Me #DivinityMoms
June 11, 2010 by theplus
Filed under Celeb, Family, Style/Fashion
As I waited to get my hair done,I was offered a wonderful scalp massage using the Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Dry Shampoo. It felt amazing. Cooper, from the motherhood.com was going around taking pictures of the “Before” looks. As I was getting pampered, Colleen came over and we chit chatted about my hair and the texture of it. As my hair is very oily, she recomended and gave me alot of samples (Alterna Life Solutions-A volume restore shampoo and conditioner) to use for the type of hair I have. She was very helpful.
Post Written By : The more2lovemom
*Disclosure – Salon Services were scheduled by TheMotherhood.com (Cooper) and this event was part of The Pittsburgh Mom Blogger Hair Day. Services were provided at no charge to us.
Help My Friend Ilana Get a Show On The Oprah Winfrey Network!
Ilana AKA Miz Hollywood would like to change the way entertainment news and make it for positive also tie in with charities so they get the recognition they deserve. She wants to cut out the scum news and gossip and show the real lives of celebs and all the good they do.
Ilana entered to get a show on the Oprah Winfrey Network. And she is seeking out votes for her show. I am trying to help her get those votes as I think this is a wonderful idea for a show and love how she wants to include charity work and get rid of the gossip.
Won’t you please help me to help her make her dream a reality and vote for her ? Here is the link :
Vote for me to get my own show on the Oprah Winfrey Network a http://myown.oprah.com/audition/index.html?request=video_details&response_id=1591&promo_id=1
You can also visit Ilana’s blog here : www.mizhollywood.biz
Thank you in advance for your kindness !
The Plus Size Mommy
Hanes Expands Susan G. Komen Relationship To Fight Breast Cancer
May 12, 2010 by theplus
Filed under Celeb, Family, Health/Fitness, Heart, Style/Fashion
Now is the time to remember the loved ones that we have lost to breast cancer and the importance of continuing the fight to end this deadly disease. Actress Melina Kanakaredes is teaming up with Hanes and Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the fight against breast cancer.
Hanes is proud to expand its partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure by becoming the Official T-shirt of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series. Komen will provide Hanes t-shirts to the 1.5 million people who participate in the series every year. For the second year, Hanes will offer a special “pink collection” of panties, bras, socks, and graphic tees – including three T-shirts exclusively designed by Melina Kanakaredes.
Melina’s three specially designed T-shirts are meant to inspire and encourage others to join the fight against breast cancer. The T-shirts communicate strength, hope and fearlessness and were designed to honor those affected by breast cancer. Kanakaredes will also be featured in a series of Susan G. Komen for the Cure public service announcements dedicated to breast cancer awareness. In addition to these efforts that will raise awareness for the cause, Hanes will also make an aggregate cash and in-kind contribution of $500,000 to Komen in 2010.
The Hanes “pink collection” has already begun rolling out in stores:
- Several pink inspired tees are now available on www.hanes.com and pink Hanes socks are now available at Wal-mart
- The entire Hanes “pink collection” will be available on Hanes.com and in select stores this fall
In 2009, Komen made grants to more than 1,900 community organizations and provided funding for approximately 500,000 breast cancer screenings. Komen also provided $60 million for research in 2009, part of an overall $500 million investment in research since Komen was founded. For the second year, Hanes will offer a special “pink collection” of panties, bras, socks, and graphic tees – (use long dash here) including three T-shirts exclusively designed by Melina Kanakaredes. Select items from the The Hanes® “pink collection” have already begun rolling out in stores, including Hanes socks available at Walmart . This fall, the entire collection including Kanakaredes’ tees will be available on Hanes.com and in select stores.
Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy
The Madeline Movie: Lost In Paris & WIN*
C’est Fantastique!
The Madeline Movie: Lost In Paris came out to DVD on April 13th. I was selected as one of the lucky mommy blogger reviewers to get a copy of this DVD to watch with my little girls.
I can remember reading Madeline books when I was a little girl. Watching the little girls get in 2 lines as they traveled around Paris.
In the movie “Lost In Paris” you will meet Uncle Horst and see her new adventure. My daughters were delighted to watch this captivating new movie about the little girl that everyone loves from Paris, Madeline.
Click on this link to watch a clip of the DVD for yourself : Madeline_Paris-Clip_2-512K
and if you click this link, you will get a cute picture for your child to color: http://www.shoutfactory.com/av/madeline/MadelineColoringSheet.zip
FROM SHOUT FACTORY : 
Inspired by the beloved classic books that introduced us to a dozen delightful girls who live in an old house in Paris covered with vines, The Madeline Movie: Lost In Paris is full of spirited fun and five “fantastique” new songs. Screen legends Christopher Plummer (The Sound Of Music) and Lauren Bacall (The Big Sleep) co-star in the animated feature.
Both Plummer and Bacall had a big presence at this year’s Academy Awards® – Bacall was given an honorary Oscar for her work and Plummer was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Leo Tolstoy in The Last Station.
When a long-lost uncle from Vienna pays a surprise visit, Madeline’s dreams of family life seem wonderfully fulfilled — until she finds herself in the middle of an unfortunate scheme. Madeline then must call upon all of her courage and cleverness to foil an evil plot to take her from the only family she’s ever known. Join Madeline, Miss Clavel, Pepito, 11 school friends, and her ever-so-smart dog, Genevieve, in a thrilling Paris adventure you won’t want to miss, where everyone learns the true meaning of family!
SRP: $14.99
WIN:
Now one of my lucky subscribers will have a chance to win this adorable Madeline Movie(DVD) for their child(ren). Here is how you can win:
- Fan My Facebook page Here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-London/281866554036?ref=ts&v=wall#!/pages/The-Plus-Size-Mommy/208847305617?ref=ts comment and tell me you did = 1 entry
- Follow me on Twitter here : @plussizemommy comment and tell me you are = 1 entry
- Use stumbleupon, technorati, digg for this site/post. – comment letting me know which you have done = 1 entry per way
- Tweet the following on Twitter : ” Find the True Meaning of FAMILY & Win http://tinyurl.com/29kze7q ” = comment leaving tweet thread (up to 5 times per day; separate comments please)
This giveaway begins NOW and will end on May 3rd, 2010 at 8PM EST. Winner’s name will be posted to this site by May 4th. Winners Will NOT be emailed. If you enter, please check back to see if you won. Winners MUST be subscribers to this blog to be eligible to win.
Winner will be drawn by random.org.
Thank you to all who enter, and Good Luck!
The Plus Size Mommy
*Disclosure – I was sent a copy of this DVD to do this review. Also, the winner will receive a copy of this DVD at no charge to me. My opinions and idea’s in this post are my own and are in no way swayed by anyone or anything.
What I Have Learned From TV Moms On Parenting
Being that I am a mother of 4 children. Sometimes people come to me and ask for advice or ask me how I manage 4 children. Well, I have to admit, I try and incorporate a tiny bit of technique from some well known TV Moms.
A good mixture of Roseanne, Carol Brady, Clair Huxtable, and Edith Bunker never hurt anyone!
Roseanne always lives life one day at a time (no pun intended) and embarrasses her kids when needed. She doesn’t fret over grades like a maniac, she has low expectations for her kids and then when they over achieve she is super grateful. She is a parent with struggles and ups and downs just like all of us moms. She tries to instill in her children morals and expectations without coming out and saying thats what she is doing. One of my favorite episodes on Roseanne was when she dressed up in overall’s and had a huge red lipstick smile and was going to walk her kids to school like that. The fear of her doing this was enough to straighten them out right away. I remember when my mom and dad would threaten to come and sit in the back of my class at school, and how scared I was that they really would. Putting that touch of fear in a child over something like this, I believe is a good thing.
Kids tend to be more and more fearless these days and thats why they will do things right in public eye’s and could care less about who see’s and what wrong they are doing. They no longer seem to have that little angel sitting on one shoulder telling them to think about what they do before they do it. The devil is there and just tells them to go one and there is no one telling them otherwise until something terrible happens. This terrible has extreme’s. It can be from saying a swear word to committing crimes.
I am not saying I don’t set high goals for my children. I am just one of the kinds of parents who tells my kids, I would love to see straight A’s, but I am not going to kill you over a B, and maybe even a C. I think not putting the extra stress on a child helps them know, what I Wish and Hope for them, but if they do not reach that level, it will be okay. And you know what ?
My 2 children who are in school (one in 7th grade and the other in 5th) have BOTH been on honor roll during both report card periods this year. My 7th grader has gotten 1 B in his life, which totally astonishes me, but makes me very proud.
I try and be friendly with my kids, guide them, give them the skills they need to make it in life, and back away a little bit. All the while letting them know Each and Every Day how much I love them.
The Clair Huxtable in me comes out when I am upset. I love the line she uses in the one show where her daughter Vanessa wants to wear make-up and she tells Clair how “the other girls wear it”. Clair gets her “rolly” eyes out and her pointed finger and tell’s Vanessa, how she could care less what the other girls are doing and what their parents allow them to do, but that this is her house and as long as she is under her roof, she will not be wearing make -up until said age, I think it was 15.
I pull the “Clair” out when I need her, which isn’t a lot of the time, but I am glad she got my back. I try and be firm with my kids, let them know where I stand on issues such as dating, clothes they are allowed to wear, gadgets they are or aren’t allowed to have/get, and places they can go/movies they can see.
I refuse to do or allow anything that can compromise my children’s well being or safety. I don’t care how hard it is to follow if it means they won’t have a cell phone till they are 18, they won’t. Heck, I didn’t have no cell phone growing up, and I got into enough trouble without one. Sometimes I think all these gadgets enables the children of today and Tweens/Teens of today to get into more trouble. I proceed with caution in these area’s and if I see or hear anything that disturbs me, they are cut off completely.
I build trust with my children, and boy is it a disappointment when they let it crumble and fall. Even just 1 brick of trust that falls or gets a little chipped, it is a huge blow to me. When children lie it is hard to swallow. As parents we put soooo much effort into growing up upstanding children who won’t lie, who won’t steal, who won’t cheat, etc. and when peer pressure, or just them having a brain malfunction happens and they don’t be an upstanding person, WOW. I always let my kids know how much work it will take to build that back, even if it is just 1 brick, it is a Big one.
Edith Bunker- I love to be dippy with my kids. It isn’t unusual for me to sing like a crazy woman as I am cooking dinner. I like to keep my home fun. On a whim I will pull out crafts or a game or a movie and call my children to the living room or dining room to participate in it. I love my kids and want to enjoy them while they are young. I want to build many memories with them so they can look back and know how much I love them. I want them to laugh and have fun. And I want them to remember me as a sometimes zainy mom who they had fun with.
Another thing that is important in my home is family meal time. Edith mastered this as well. She always had a hot meal on the table, partly for Archie but also for Gloria and Mike. I try very hard to have EVERYONE in my family eat dinner together, around the dining room table every night. Sometimes we eat at 9PM but we are together and talking and eating together. It is interesting how much you can learn about your family and/or how your families day went from one meal.
And finally Mrs. Carol Brady. She is the one I turn to when I visit the kids school, any events, or out and about around people. She is laid back, loving, helps at school, and mature. Well, I can’t start singing like Edith at the PTO meeting, although I am sure the other moms would get a kick out of it (or perhaps kick me out and ban me). So I go to the school prepared to do whatever it takes to stay involved with that aspect of my kids lives. Parents are key to children learning and succeeding. Children NEED NEED NEED to know Parents care. Care about them, care about what they do/or don’t do, care about what friends they have, what activities they like, care about where they are, who they are with. EVERYTHING. If you are active in your child’s school and they see it, then I believe they will appreciate it and you. It also helps to throw a little Clair in there and let them think you have other PTO moms watching their every move, and also you have an “in” with the principal and that they will let you know ALL about your child 
and that if they do something to goof off, you will be there to nip it in the butt.
There are lots of great TV Moms who we can learn from and who through their character can help us real life moms get through with some laughter, tears, anger, and every other emotion out there. We as moms need this support and help in learning how to raise our children. Raising a child is no easy task, not one bit, so make the most of it, try your best, and be proud of what lovely children you have!
The Plus Size Mommy
*Photo’s courtesy of Google Search – Web Images
Power Chord Academy™- Music Camp Announces New Locations For 2010!
Power Chord Academy™, the nation’s leading summer camp for amateur and pre-professional musician training, is excited to announce new locations for Summer 2010!
Brand-new destinations are launching in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Houston, and St. Louis, in addition to established session locations in New York, Chicago, Boston, San Diego, Miami, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Washington DC!
Summer 2010 marks the 12th year of our original program, and promises to be our biggest, most exciting summer ever with expanded facilities, renowned recording and video production, amazing mystery guests, and Power Chord Academy’s world-class staff!
About Power Chord Academy:
Since its inception in 1999, Power Chord Academy has witnessed an exponential growth directly attributable to the intrinsic value of its acclaimed curriculum, where dedicated musicians ages 12-18 are put through the most inspirational, educational, and intensive weeks of their young careers.
PCA attendees experience a week of virtual rock stardom! At Power Chord Academy, music and creativity are larger than life. Students professionally record a CD single with an established producer, shoot an MTV-caliber music video with a renowned director, and perform several huge concerts for awestruck friends and family. Students also receive guidance, inspiration, technical pointers, and exclusive performances from some of today’s most prominent and influential bands and industry executives. This is truly a dream experience for teen musicians.
Our sold-out 2009 Summer Sessions included performances and special guest appearances from MXPX, Ministry, Rocket From the Crypt, Avail, Mae, Something Corporate, Hot Water Music, Riverboat Gamblers, The Lives of Famous Men, Dr. Manhattan, Totally Michael, Pretty & Nice, Aushua, The Black Rabbits, Cave In, Kayo Dot, Tsk Tsk, Crystal Antlers, Dressy Bessy, Statewide Emergency, Thee Oh Sees, This Time It’s War, Best Fwends, Buffalo Killers, Junius, Peelander-Z, Souljourners, Clouds, Tweak Bird, The Popo, Kinch, Mini Mansions, The Brakes, The Vandelles, Lord Jeff, Lozen, and many more!
For complete information, please visit Power Chord Academy on the web at http://www.powerchordacademy.com
Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy
Hellmann’s – The Real Food Project*
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay and actress/mom Lori Loughlin have teamed up with Hellmann’s® and Best Foods® Mayonnaise to unveil the Real Food Project on Hellmanns.com, a comprehensive online resource offering tips and ideas on how to create real meals made with Real Food.
Because videos are great for multi-tasking moms, The Real Food Project features a series of entertaining how-to tutorials, hosted by Bobby Flay, to give us tools and techniques to prepare great-tasting, at-home meals for our families. Just by visiting www.Hellmanns.com, you can access a wide range of recipes, including sandwiches, entrees and side dishes, all designed to please picky palates. There are even chances to win great prizes like a kitchen essentials bundle, Bobby Flay Grill It and Hellmann’s® and Best Foods® products by playing the “Wheel of Real” instant win game and entering the Real Food Sweepstakes.
Shared by : The Plus Size Mommy
Disclosure: I was entered for a chance to win a Hellmann’s® prize package in exchange for this post. No monetary exchange took place. This post courtesy of my relationship with Mom Select.
Nuo Tech Announces Chloe Dao Line*
Nuo Tech Announces Chloe Dao Line of Mobile Technology Cases that Combine Contemporary Design with Ultimate Protection.
Travel In Style This Summer with Designer Laptop Cases and Luggage Designed by Project Runway Winner
Nuo Tech, LLC, designers of technology cases for today’s fashionistas and mobile professionals, announces the Dao Chloe Dao for Nuo Collection. The Collection features a rolling laptop brief, a slim laptop brief, a flip tote, a mini backpack, 20″ carry-on trolley, over the shoulder satchel and a netbook envelope clutch. Cases start at $24.99.
The Chloe Dao Collection is fashion-forward and without boundaries, and has been designed by Project Runway winner, Chloe Dao, with a play on colors, geometry and shapes to create a line that is “classic trendy” and modern that will not go out of style. The full line of mobile technology cases is not only chic, but it is functional and durable for protecting expensive, electronic devices and travel essentials.
“I design for working men or women like myself – professionals who do not want to sacrifice style for function. The Dao Chloe Dao Collection has the best of both worlds,” commented Chloe Dao. “I am a woman that is always on the go, literally. It has been wonderful to be able to work with Nuo to design accessories that are functional and fashionable that help me navigate my busy life with style.”
The Collection is now available at Nuo’s online store at shopnuo.com
as well as Chloe Dao’s Lot 8 boutique which draws a diverse clientele of celebrities,fashionistas and career women. Nuo’s products may also be purchased at retailers such as Dell, eBags, and Kohls.com.
About Nuo Tech, LLC
Nuo is a mobile lifestyle brand that specializes in designing and delivering carrying cases and accessories for laptops, mobile/smart phones, gaming, travel and other mobile technology products. Nuo creates products that are innovative, durable and functional, while adding fashion and personal style to every design. We are committed to corporate sustainability and eco-friendly business practices. Regardless of your interests, profession, aspirations or mobile lifestyle needs, our business is protecting your assets. For more information visit nuo-tech.com.
About Chloe Dao
After a long ten-month journey, Chloe Dao emerged as the winner of Bravo’s Emmy nominated Project Runway 2 on March 8, 2006. Dao won the hearts of America with her mild honest demeanor, consistent display of technical skills, business savvy and creative talent. In January 2007, Dao’s designs were featured in the Smithsonian Museum in the “Exit Saigon, Enter Little Saigon” exhibit. Dao’s reputation for understanding women and their bodies landed her a contract with Dove as their national spokesperson for the “Sleeveless Ready” campaign. Dao reached the masses again in 2008 as she debuted on QVC with consecutive sell out appearances with her line Simply Chloe Dao, exclusive to QVC. Visit chloedao.com for more information on Chloe and all available collections.
FROM ME :
I was sent a Netbook Envelope from the Chloe Dao for Nuo collection to review. It is fantastic! It holds a 10.2″ screen netbook. It is modern and sleek and has a circle pattern on it that is very colorful in blues, browns, and oranges (as shown above). The geometric pattern reminds me of when I was a little girl and used to play with a Spirograph. I used to have so much fun with this.
It is very modern and sleek. It can be carried alone or slid into another bag. It is very padded so it offers much protection for your netbook. It looks absolutely like an envelope! When I opened it my husband said, “Hey a netbook envelope”, I said, “exactly”!
It is very soft inside too. Which on the tag it says is Anti-scratch poly-cotton material.
I really like this piece to carry my netbook into. It slides easily into my purse (I carry big purses) and can take it with me anywhere
I would love to buy some more pieces of this collection to take with me as I travel. The Chloe Dao for Nuo Rolling Laptop Brief would be a perfect accompaniment.
The Plus Size Mommy
* I was sent one of the netbook envelopes in order to review it. All reviews, opinions of this product are my own honest views, and are not in any way compensated for.
