Who Are Jizo & Chibi ?

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.

“Nickelodeon Your Stay” Giveaway From Marriott & Mom Central

As summer vacations kick off across the country, we look not only for a fun, family-friendly destination, but a place to stay that suits everyone, no matter the age. In addition to making our planning less stressful, we also want the actual trip to go smoothly.  From the moment we arrive at the hotel through the downtime we spend with our family to the changes the kids see from their routine at mealtimes and bedtimes, they enjoy the excitement of staying away from home. However, hearing your kids say “I’m bored!” when on vacation, causes many Moms to pack every book or toy from the house in an effort to keep everyone entertained.

Recently, Marriott and Nickelodeon came up with a great new promotion to keep kids happy and busy throughout their stay. You can arrange to “Nickelodeon Your Stay” at nearly 2,000 hotels with the Marriott brands. All kids get free activities including a Nickelodeon bracelet with a code to access free online games at Nick.com, and an activity book with challenging puzzles and mazes.  Kids who eat at the hotels’ restaurants also receive a placemat featuring favorite Nickelodeon characters, SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer.

To further the experience, Marriott and Nickelodeon also offer an upgrade package at several of Marriott’s brands, including Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites  locations for $10 that includes all the free items plus a SpongeBob activity bag and splash ball, Nickelodeon sunglasses, and a 3-D build-your-own SpongeBob craft. The package costs $20 at Marriott and JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts and kids get all the above items and a special SpongeBob SquarePants or Dora the Explorer pillowcase and storybook. At great price points, Marriott and Nickelodeon make the stay easier and more engaging for us as parents and for the kids. Visitwww.nickelodeonyourstay.com for more information on the promotion and to start booking.  This site also has free, downloadable, Nickelodeon themed travel games under the free goodies section, including a travel journal, travel bingo and coloring sheets.

Giveaway
We are giving away 40 Marriott/Nickelodeon prize packs including a Spongebob activity bag, bracelet, and a Dora the Explorer activity book. Click here to enter.

Twitter Party
To celebrate the premiere of this offering, Mom Central is holding a Marriott “Nickelodeon Your Stay” Twitter Party this Thursday, July 29th from 3:00 to 4:00 PM EST. We will be giving away $50 gift cards and Nickelodeon gift packs including a SpongeBob splash ball, sunglasses, and a 3-D build-your own SpongeBob craft in addition to a bracelet with the code for free online games at Nick.com and SpongeBob pillowcase and book. Join us using the hashtag #NickYourStay to chat about summer vacations, traveling with kids, and Nickelodeon! Click here for more information about the Twitter Party.

I am Sharing this information on behalf of Mom Central. This is NOT written by me. It is just shared Info.

The Plus Size Mommy

Bergan Dog Harness Shop and Whrrl pt.4 – The Giveaways ;) (Final) #HolidayRoad

Our trip is over and I am now sharing the final part of my trip which is a shop for a Bergan product at Walmart and also giveaways I did at a dog park. It was so fun and the best part was seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces so they now know they are safe dog owners I met some cute dogs and it was a great time. I know Little Bella loved it as well.

Here is a Whrrl of my final part of the story.

You can see more trips by visiting www.holidayroads.info.

Happy tails to all

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am being compensated for the trip, whrrls, and story. All of which is my own idea’s and honest opinions.

The Difficulty Of Travelling With Pets (Whrrl pt.3) #HolidayRoads

When people think about travelling with their family pet, it sounds like it can be a ton of fun. I thought this too when taking my Chihuahua Bella on a family trip. I have taken Bella in the car locally before, but this was the first time taking her on a family long distance trip. There are a lot of things I forgot to take into consideration. Especially not being able to leave her in the car due to VERY hot weather. It made it more complicated when stopping to eat, shop, look around, and goto rest stops. Someone always had to stay back in the A/C with her. This is something our family is not used to doing. As we always eat meals together and all. On this road trip, however, we ate a lot of meals together , but in the car
It wasn’t a horrible thing, just different.

Here is another part of our trip, at the hotel, and getting there…

Keep watching and also visit http://www.holidayroads.info to see other’s road trip stories with their pets!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am being compensated for this road trip.

Leg #1 Of Our #HolidayRoads Trip (Whrrl Pt. 2)

We went on our mini vacation with our dog Bella this past week-end. This is a Whrrl of the first “leg” of the trip. There are many more parts of the story to come

Enjoy!

The Bergan Harness worked pretty good on Bella, but I would rather have it be a bit smaller. I recommend to Bergan to make an extra small harness for tinier dogs, such as Bella who is only 5 pounds.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure- I am going to be compensated for this trip. All opinions and idea’s are 100% my own honest opinions.

Top 10 Travel Tips For Couples From Hotels.com

Top 10 Travel Tips For Couples

No matter how much you are looking forward to spending some quality time with that special someone, traveling together can be a bit stressful; regardless of whether you have been married for decades or are just testing the waters as a couple. So what can you do to ensure a blissful getaway? Here are a few surefire ways to keep the fires burning without getting burned.
1. Both Contribute to the Planning – It’s important that you both feel like you have a part in the trip’s success. A site, like hotels.com, is great because you can check out all accommodations from bed & breakfasts to boutique hotels, vacation rentals to spa resorts. Take the virtual tours, read the guest reviews, check out the location relative to the sites you want to see and book it, together.
2. Work with Each Other’s Strengths – During planning, if one of you is a savvy researcher then perhaps that person can do the destination investigation while the other could be responsible for booking the flights or hotels. Working with each other’s strengths is even more important while traveling. Who’s the control freak (I mean backseat driver) between the two of you? Come on! Admit it?! Maybe you should drive while your partner navigates. Don’t be afraid to play to each other’s strengths versus struggling through a situation.
3. Pace Yourselves – Rome wasn’t built in a day and you can’t see it all in one either. Trust me! I know how fantastic it is to be on vacation sans work and children, but take time for the small moments and some relaxation. Factor in downtime for your vacation as well as extra time while sightseeing. You never know when you will want to spend some additional time in a museum, on the beach, or sampling the vineyard’s newest harvest. And you’ll appreciate not having the pressure to be on time or the disappointment of missing out on an opportunity.
4. Communicate – Seems simple enough, right? Are you tired? Are you hungry? Do you want to stay in this town for another day? How quickly we forget that we are not mind readers. Be sure to let your sweetheart know what you’re thinking before it’s too late to do something about it. When traveling, you are out of your normal rhythm and routine so it’s important that you are sharing your needs and desires even if you are used to your honey knowing what those things are.
5. Take Time for Yourself – It’s important on vacation to have some time for you, whether to relax or explore. That’s when the tips above are most useful by working together, communicating and taking the time to really enjoy your trip; you should be able to get some coveted “me time”. For example, you could check out the local village shops while he takes in a round of golf.
6. Do Not Disturb - Our sleep patterns can really wreak havoc with our vacations. Is your sweetie a snorer? Plan ahead and pack those earplugs. Who’s the morning person? Be kind to your special someone and allow her that precious time to sleep-in by perhaps following the tip above for your “me time” and take a walk around town or read a few chapters of that book you have been wanting to peruse.
7. Try Something New to Both of You – If you frequent the same destination then make sure you change it up by finding something new to do each time you go. Experiencing something for the first time is a great way to bring a couple closer together. So whether the destination is new to you or perhaps it’s that zip-line adventure that you both have always wanted to try, give it a whirl…together.
8. Budgets and Splurges – Let’s face it money is often an issue for most couples. It is important for a couple to understand their vacation budget, if they have one, before they embark on their trip. It’s not fair to either person to feel constrained or overly frugal while traveling. So know before you go! Allow and anticipate for splurges like dinner at that trés romantic restaurant you stumbled upon or a piece of locally created art.
9. Use the Hotel Concierge - Here’s what frequent travelers know; the concierge can make things happen. They often have discount tickets to area attractions, know the best restaurants and want to help make your hotel stay special. Tell the concierge if your stay is to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, etc. and see how he/she can help you make it memorable.
10. You Don’t Have to Go Far to Get Away – A vacation is merely a break for the ordinary. And sometimes staying in a nearby resort can feel like you are one million miles away. A staycation, or vacation close to home, is often a great way for new couples to test the traveling together waters as well as to have some fun. It’s also a great way for couples with children to have some alone time without the worry that comes with traveling away from your children.
Think you and your partner deserve a vacation? Remember to enter the Hotels.com “I Need A Vacation” sweepstakes!

Shared By: The Plus Size Mommy

A Giveaway A Day at Hampton Hotel

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hampton Hotels. All opinions are 100% mine.

Everyday you can enter to win the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes
One Grand Prize winner will win the awesome prize of an ENTIRE HOTEL (100 rooms) for an ENTIRE WEEKEND! For you and 99 of your closest friends and family members!
Also there will be 100 first place prizes given away every day of week end stays for you and 3 friends!

You can enter for your chance to win everyday by going here : HAMPTON HOTELS

It is a great opportunity to get together and relax for a week-end with your friends. I love to go on mini vacations over the week end with my family and meet up with friends and their children to swim or go to visit new places.

What is your most memorable vacation with friends and/or family ?

If you won, where would you go? What Hampton Hotel would you stay at? Who would you bring with you?

I would bring my family, my mom and my parents in laws. If I won the grand prize, I would have a family reunion for both sides of my family and enjoy everyone’s company at the Hampton Hotel. It would be so nice! I wouldn’t have to worry about not having room for people to stay over in. My house wouldn’t need cleaned all up (lol). We could have room service and just relax and enjoy ourselves.

If you win the Grand Prize, how would you use it ?

Good luck to all who enter to win! Don’t miss your chance…

Here is to happy and safe travelling this summer !!!

The Plus Size Mommy

Why I Deserve To Be An Energizer Smart ChargHER #Energizer #Blogher10

I have been working really hard to acquire a sponsorhip to Blogher10. I have contacted many companies to ask for help. Companies I have worked with for months and a couple that I have worked with for over a year. But to much my sadness no one was able to help me financially with my trip. The companies already invested their marketing money elsewhere or were already sponsoring others.

As a Mommy Blogger who has a family of 6 (total) I just cannot take from my families budget to plan a trip to Blogher1o for myself and leave my family without a vacation at all.

I have already paid for my ticket to Blogher10 but there is a ton more expenses than that to go. This years conference is in NYC. That alone should tell you there will be a hefty price tag on the trip.  I have been trying really hard to be frugal about going. I got a ticket via the Megabus to go that was $15. I got in touch with 2 friends to share a room, so we could split the cost by 3.  And I have been doing everything possible to make it less expensive since I don’t want to interfere with the family budget.

But even after making all of these less expensive plans, it will still have a hefty cost for me.

The Hotel room will be at least $300, then who knows what I will put out in Taxi fare’s. Then I will need to eat while I am there, and of course bring home some souvineer’s for the family, since of course I will be away and missed very much. And also shipping home some items might be something I won’t be able to avoid since the Megabus only allows 1 small carry on and 1 small suitcase.

All of these thoughts alone get me anxious and make me start to rethink even going at all.

I mean, My husband works so hard at 2 jobs all year long. Would it be fair for me to go on a trip to Blogher for over $700 alone and him and the kids stay home and won’t get to go on a vacation, because we cannot afford both?

Or should I see my ticket and take the family on a much needed vacation ?

This is what has been going through my head the past few days and I worry, as a mom would.

Well, I still keep thinking to myself, if I can just work harder and earn the money somehow I still should be able to go.

So, I have sought out some ad’s for my site to earn some money and have participated in some more paid post programs. And then TODAY I saw 2 posts on friends blogs : http://islandlife808.com/daily-life/win-a-2000-sponsorship-to-blogher-2010/
AND
http://www.barefootmommies.com/?p=9400#respond

It is to Win a $2000 sponsorship to Blogher10  from the awesome people at Energizer !

I couldn’t believe my eyes!  I would be able to goto Blogher 2010 without worries and have a fantastic time seeing my online friends and meeting new ones and also connecting with brands and companies. AND, I would be able to surprise my husband and kids with a much needed vacation !!!  With $2000 I would definitely be able to do both.

It would be the smartest way to recharge myself and my family !!! (The same way an Energizer Smart Charger charges batteries)

I can still goto NYC on a less expensive way, with the Megabus and sharing a room with friends to save money, and still take my family on a frugal fun vacation!

After being so stressed about everything I definitely need a recharge !!! I would love to go and support Energizer. They are already a brand I use and love  and being a Plus Size Mommy I am big and fluffy and keep on going just like the Energizer pink bunny! We would be a perfect fit !

Thank you Energizer for having this wonderful contest to support Bloggers. Even if I do not win, I am appreciative that you support us. And THANK YOU @kailani for giving the chance to win as well. Even if I do not win, I would love to meet you at Blogher10 if I am able to go.

The Plus Size Mommy

A Holiday Road Trip With Our Pet (Part 1) #HolidayRoads

I am taking our pet Chihuahua Bella on a family vacation this year. I am trying out the Bergan dog harness on her to keep her safe in the car while we travel. Today I went and did the shop to find the Bergan harness and I Whrrl’ed it.
You can follow our journey with our pet on my blog and through my Whrrl (photo timeline stories). I will also be holding a giveaway of a Bergan dog harness on this blog so be sure to check back for that if you take your pet in the car with you. It will keep them safe and secure and give you a pet owner piece of mind while your companion is with you.

Check back to see the rest of my story coming soon, and also the giveaway of 1 Bergan Pet harness.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am being reimbursed for this shop. Views expressed here are my own.

Travel-Ticker Helps You Give Mom the Gift She REALLY Wants ~ RELAXATION

This year, give mom a real gift from www.Travel-Ticker.com, an affordable, memorable trip where she can relax with:

• Kid-friendly hotels that offer babysitting services or “kid clubs” that let Mom and Dad bring back date night.
• Add-ons or complimentary extras such as spa credits. Moms need pampering too!
• Incredibly affordable and fitting deals:

o        Up to 40% off N. California wine country hotel w/extras, $89 – The Sheraton Sonoma County in Petaluma is just $89, now-May 31. This offer is good any night of the week, and you’ll receive a complimentary room upgrade, winery passes, dining discounts, and more.

o        All-inclusive Cancun resort with extras — $65 – The upscale, all-inclusive Royal Solaris Cancun deal includes all meals, cocktails, activities, gratuities, taxes, and kids under 12 stay/eat at no charge.

o        Atlantis, Bahamas: $650 in extras plus air offer, $265/night - $650 in extras at the popular Atlantis include dolphin interactions, a round of golf or a tennis session, a pre-dinner with sushi and sake, sunset martinis, margaritas and admission to Aquaventure water park.

o        For a list of other Mother’s Day pamper-perfect destinations, visit http://www.travel-ticker.com/Theme/Resorts_and_Spas.

Shared By : The Plus Size Mommy

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