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.

Do you LOVE Thirty-One and can’t get enough?? Join my “Hostess of the month club!”
I’m looking for 11 ladies (at least) who want to participate in a unique group. Each lady must agree to purchase at least $31 worth of Thirty-One product each month, from Feb 2012 – Dec 2012. Each month, one of the 11 ladies in this exclusive group will get to ‘host’ the party that month using the orders placed by the other 10 ladies. Everyone will know which month that they will be ‘hosting’ ahead of time. So if it’s your month to host, you can choose to collect even more orders from your personal friends and family to boost your hostess benefits for that month! Check the FAQ’S below for more information–it is a WIN/WIN for YOU!

FAQs:
Why spend $31 a month?
By spending $31 a month (before shipping and tax), this will open up the Monthly Customer Specials to all members of this group. We all love the monthly specials and this is a great way to make sure we get them! It also guarantees that each monthly hostess has a party volume of $340-350. Maybe even more!

Why FEB 2012 – DEC 2012?
I’ve selected this time frame so that as a group, you will be purchasing from 3different catalogs, starting with our new Spring 2012 catalog beginning Feb 1, a new Summer catalog for 2012 and finally, our Fall/Winter Catalog for 2012. Just think of all the fresh, new products that you will add to your collection from these 3 catalogs!!!

Can anyone join? – SURE! As long as you live in the USA you are able to join. Products will be shipped directly to you. Everything can be done online Sales tax is based on where you live.

As the ‘Hostess’ for the month, what’s in it for me?
When it is your time to Host the month, you will receive the orders from the other 10 ladies participating in this group via my webpage. So there is no passing out books or collecting orders. This will guarantee that you receive $340-350 in orders, which will automatically qualify you for the second tier of Hostess Rewards offered by the company. In addition, this may give you the opportunity to take advantage of one of the 5 NEW Hostess EXCLUSIVE. You will definitely want to be a hostess! In short, as the monthly Hostess, you will receive free and discounted product!! So what’s not to love!! You may still host a party or take up a catalog order at anytime to make sure you earn all 5 of the new hostess exclusives.

How will you decide who will host which month?
After I have 11 ladies who want to participate, I will simply go in alphabetical order to determine who will host which months. Simple and fair.

So, if you’re a fan of Thirty-One and have either hosted a party in the past, have wanted to host a party in the future but are nervous about collecting orders, this is a way to guarantee at least $340 in sales for your party. You will be adding to your Thirty-One collection throughout the year, ordering from 4 different catalogs, and also earning free and discounted product as well. In addition, as your consultant, I will be collecting the orders for each month from this group, so you don’t have to worry about collecting orders, unless you choose to collect more orders when it’s your turn to host. It is a WIN WIN situation for everyone involved!

I am looking forward to adding you to my “Hostess of the Month Club.” I only have 11 spots, which have already started filling up. So email me ASAP if you would like to participate. We will be turning our first order mid February with our first Hostess of the Month. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity and know you will be too!

Please email me with any questions you may have.(plussizemommy@gmail.com) This is open to the first 11 people who respond. Unless I can get 22 eager customers! I can’t think of an easier way to earn some free products and discounted monthly specials! The minimum is $31 spent/month.

My email is plussizemommy@gmail.com

Please let me know ASAP if you would like to be in The Club, so I can send you one of our NEW Spring 2012 Catalogs out right away!!

I Cannot Wait for you to join in the fun! Happy Shopping!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I am an Independent Consultant for Thirty-One gifts. I may get compensated if people sign up for my club through this post. Compensation is through my working as a consultant for Thirty-One Gifts.

What Is Thirty-One Gifts? - = Straight from the Thirty One Website:

Eight years ago I was working full time in corporate America, trying to live life with my husband and our two children, managing work, home, church, kids’ activities and still trying to find time for myself. On top of all that, I am a girl, and girls must shop, right? My busy lifestyle made it so difficult to find time to visit all of those cute little gift boutiques where the really great products are. I decided it was time for working moms and women everywhere to get a chance to shop on their terms. I prayed to find a way to offer something that would help women like me contribute to their lives financially by owning their own business. It is from this passionate resolve that Thirty-One was born. I began sewing purses with one machine in the basement of my home in Chattanooga, Tenn., and I’m awestruck when I see how far we have come with the support and dedication of so many people. Today, our Thirty-One family has grown to more than 40,000 Consultants nationwide!

The name Thirty-One comes from the verses of Proverbs 31. These words may be thousands of years old, but I am constantly amazed by how today’s modern woman can relate to them. The Proverbs 31 woman is dearly loved and respected by him and her children, yet she is an individual in her own right. She manages the home and property with kindness and integrity. Her savvy business skills are partly brought about by her desire to serve others, to do good deeds and prosper. I knew women just like this, and I wanted to find a way for every woman to be recognized for who they are and for their hard work!

Our mission is a reflection of this philosophy: to celebrate, encourage and reward women by offering quality products and an outstanding opportunity to become successful business owners. We have seen this mission play out through the years in the individual lives of so many women who now have their own “Thirty-One story.” Many work full-time jobs and use their Thirty-One income to help pay for those extras in life like vacations. Some of our Consultants had a dream to be debt-free and have paid off houses and cars. Others have seen Thirty-One become a lifeline to their families in difficult economic times. Despite all the bad news we hear today, our Consultants are selling at record rates.

Our stylish, affordable products are exclusive to Thirty-One. From our signature purses and totes to storage solutions that help organize your life, you’ll find something to fit every personality and situation. Each season, we develop new products built on the idea that our products must be functional AND fashionable (and, of course, make great gifts!).

(The above info. was taken straight from the Thirty-One Website.)

You have Facebook for friends and LinkedIn for business, but nothing in the middle to help you manage your home life more smoothly. That’s where

” target=”_blank”>AboutOne comes in.

” target=”_blank”>AboutOne, the fast easy way to organize your busy life, has partnered with Microsoft and Suze Orman (IDSafe) to launch a brand new version of its online organizer. Along with other exciting new features, AboutOne will now include the AcornPoints rewards program that pays you to use AboutOne to get organized. Based on feedback from our current customers and designed to make getting organized virtually effortless for the user, AboutOne with AcornPoints will:

• Save time by syncing with customers’ existing Google, iCal, or Outlook calendar/contact tools to make them more useful.

• Pay customers in gift cards from their favorite sites for achieving their organization goals.

• Give customers peace of mind with third party privacy audits and bank-level security.

AboutOne with AcornPoints will supercharge your existing calendar and contacts tools to make your household information (health, education, home, and vehicle records, plus precious memories in text, photo, video and artwork) work for you:

• Calendar-based, online organizer

• Completely private with bank-level security

• Full mobile access

• Online filing cabinet

• Guides you on the path to organization

• Instantly formats your information, when and how you need it, either online or through printable reports, newsletters, or photo memory books.

Here is a slide show to let you in on the functions of AboutOne 2.0 .