Diaper Pail Test Drive ~ Diaper Genie II Elite

July 7, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family, Home, Me, New Mommy

For the past Month I have been “test driving” 2 diaper pails (alternating use of each pail every other week). The first one I will be reviewing is the Diaper Genie II Elite by Playtex.

When I had my first child I had the older version of the Diaper Genie and I loved it a lot. It kept my baby’s nursery smelling fresh and it was so convenient to use.
So, I was already familiar with the Diaper Genie’s. (Or so I thought)

The NEW Diaper Genie II Elite is taller then the one I used to have. It is much easier to use. It has a step down pedal to step onto to open it (hands free opening means less germs to me). Then when you put the diaper in and step off, it reminds me of like a cookie monster inside, it “gobbles down” the diaper and seals the opening and it is all ready to go for the next change! I was amazed. Since it is taller, I think it holds more diapers then the older version.

The odors are sucked in with the diaper it seems because I didn’t smell anything.
The bags are a breeze to change and refill.
To me, the Diaper Genie II Elite is actually kinda fun to use.
Which is what I would say is the only drawback I can see…. My kids like to play with it, lol. I think they too are amazed at how things seem to disappear into it.
Actually they put a couple small toys in it that I had to “fish out” :( that wasn’t good, but that is my kids and my experience, lol (and my luck).
Otherwise, I love the Diaper Genie II Elite !
The only recommendation I would make to the company (Playtex) is to make them in more than 1 color. I think they only come in white, which seems to be standard with diaper pails. But I would love to see some pink, blue, pale yellow, cream color ones. This would be nice in the nurseries. I know that I did have a sticker type thing that went around my older diaper pail with my first son, but I had to put it on myself and it was all crooked, and a pain.
So, making them colors would be cute ! Theme ones would be cute too, like with animals, safari, cars, princesses, butterflies, and some other more common nursery themes.

You can read more about the Diaper Genie II Elite : HERE

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am a member of the Mom Central community and I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive campaign by Mom Central, sponsored by Diaper Genie, and received a free Diaper Genie diaper pail and a free Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper pail to facilitate my review.

Snuggin Go

July 1, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Health/Fitness, New Mommy


There are so many little devices and “must haves” for a person that spent the first 10 months of its life in a small confined area with no decorations or festive material. On our adventures of registering we decided, like many others, there were certain “must haves” our little guy just needed to have. You know- the car seat (obviously), stroller, swing, bouncy seat, etc. My biggest question with all of these nifty devices was how they would really be able to accommodate a newborn baby. We’ve heard there are certain things- like the swing- that are absolute “must haves” but how could the swing seat that comfortably fits a 4 month old (probably weighing over 12 pounds) also fit a newborn baby weighing in at 7 or 8 pounds. Lucky for me the infant positioner, Snuggin Go also thought of that.


All I could picture was the two week old baby with his head flopped to the side sitting in the swing…. in a position that looks so uncomfortable, your neck immediately gets a kink in it. Since I still have a a little bit of time before my bundle of joy is scheduled to arrive, my friend was gracious enough to let us test out the Snuggin Go with her newborn (aka baby V) and see if it really helped at all.


We tested in the swing, the bouncy, and the car seat. In each instance Baby V looked as snug as a bug and didn’t have that painfully “help me” look. Its super easy to set up .. simply place the Snuggin Go in the device and gently plop baby on top. There is a square section on top for baby’s head to stay propped up. Best of all its still roomy enough where it doesn’t look like you have your newborn in a vice. I will admit- Baby V is a naturally happy baby to begin with, however I’m sure he was quite pleased with the quality of the soft fabric around his body.


Baby B will definitely be utilizing the Snuggin Go as he embarks in the wonderful world of swings, bouncies, and car seats. While I didn’t try with my friend’s borrowed newborn, I will also attempt to see how the Snuggin Go does on a Boppy too. Stay tuned !!!



Some info on Snuggin Go:

- Can help prevent life threatening airway complications in infants

- Crash safety tested using the government’s car safety standard

- Is considered a SIDS reducing product

DISCLOSURE: This item was sent to me for review.

POSTED BY : Carissa Ferrucci- Beam – Cheif Writer/Editor Of All Things Baby & Mommy to Be
Owner : http://thebeamerbuzz.blogspot.com/

World’s First Patented Dustless Baby Powder Compact

June 22, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family, Health/Fitness, New Mommy

When it comes to changing diapers, there hasn’t been much advancement in the past century.  Sure, we’ve gone from cloth to disposable diapers, an innovation that had moms the world over crying for joy, but beyond that, many parents have followed the same diaper-changing protocol for generations: remove soiled diaper, clean, apply lotion and sprinkle your little one – and everything around them – with baby powder.  If only the process could be made easier and less messy.  Coming this spring, Baby Magic® – a mom- and physician-approved brand for more than 100 years – will revolutionize the industry with the launch of Patty Cake®, the world’s first U.S. patented*, talc-free, dustless baby powder compact that will help give parents the magic touch at the changing table.

Baby Magic® Patty Cake®, the first pressed baby powder packaged in a conveniently-sized compact, implements a hypo-allergenic, talc-free formula that uses rice starch and Lauroyl L-lysine to help keep skin dry.  Together with zinc oxide, a proven ingredient in diaper rash prevention; moisturizing jojoba esters, derived from natural jojoba oil; and lubricating squalene, derived from olives; Patty Cake® eases chafing and dryness on your baby’s most sensitive areas.

DIRECTIONS: Using the disposable cotton round applicators included in every package (extra rounds can be stored in compact), swipe applicator across Patty Cake®.  Apply baby powder on baby’s bottom and other areas that can use powder and are susceptible to irritating friction.  Not only is the precise application easy-to-use, the dustless formula eliminates the possibility of airborne particles from entering your baby’s lungs, something that is hard to avoid with all other baby powders.

Suggested Retail Price: $8.99 (Over 250 Applications)

Patty Cake® will launch at CVS stores nationwide June 2010, with more retailers to follow.

* U.S. Patent 5747007

Characteristics Traditional Baby Powder Patty Cake®

Dustless Baby Powder

Talc Base Cornstarch Base
Water Repellent (helps prevent diaper rash) Fair Poor Excellent
Lubricant (helps prevent diaper rash) Excellent Poor Excellent
Controlled Application Poor Poor Excellent
Carry with Convenience Poor Poor Excellent
Fresh Scent Excellent Excellent Excellent
Moisturizing Poor Poor Excellent

About Baby Magic
Baby Magic is the dermatologist and pediatrician-endorsed brand known for gently cleansing and protecting babies for over 100 years.  Providing a wealth of information and support on everything parents need to keep their baby’s skin soft, clean and healthy, Baby Magic offers a wide range of products for all your baby care needs.  For more information, please visit www.BabyMagic.com.

FROM ME :

I have been using the Baby Magic dustless powder compact on my daughter for over a month now and it is awesome. Not only is it very portable but it makes all of my worries of her breathing in the powder fade away. The compact is similar to powder woman use on their faces. It comes with a few applicators so you do not have to reuse them. I love using this. My daughter is 2 now but I still get the new baby smell by using this product, which is a smell I had missed and love. Now it is back!  The powder keeps her bottom dry and silky smooth. The portability is terrific, I can throw it in my purse with a diaper and a portable wipes pack and we are good to go!

A few mom’s have watched me use this on my daughter when we go out. They always ask where I got it from. Well, it will be in your area real soon, if it isn’t already there ! I am sure you will love using this Dustless Baby Powder Compact just as much as we do!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent a compact and refill applicators. Only my 100% own honest opinion is stated above and has not been swayed in any ways.

Winner of the Beautiful Pillow Case Dress from Jennifer’s Jumpers

May 7, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family, Style/Fashion

Congrats to CJ , you are the winner of the beautiful Pillow Case Dress from Jennifer’s Jumpers !!!

Please claim your prize by emailing me your name and address to  plussizemommy@gmail.com  within 48 hours. Please put Baby Dress Winner in the subject line, thanks ;)

Thank you to all who entered, and to CJ – I hope you enjoy this beautiful dress.

The Plus Size Mommy

Introducing The Bumbleride Flite

April 30, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family, New Mommy

Bumbleride, is an innovative lifestyle company that creates versatile, intuitively-designed strollers and accessories for today’s modern family. Bumbleride has come out with the company’s first budget-conscious stroller – the Bumbleride Flite – will be available for purchase late spring.

The Flite, which weighs in at a slim 13 lbs. and retails for $249.99, offers outstanding versatility seldom found in the lightweight stroller category. With its standard four-wheel suspension and larger/wider profile tires, Flite is extremely maneuverable in tight spaces making it ideal for urban parents who are on the go.

Additional Flite features and accessories include:
• Larger seating area and extended seat recline for added comfort
• Infant-seat compatibility including an infant seat adapter bar and safety belt
• Extra headroom, which makes it an ideal option for families with older children.
• Rain cover, removable carrying strap, cup holder, headrest and shoulder pads (included)
• Seamless integration with the Bumbleride Carrycot, Snack Pack, Jam Pack and Footmuff & Liner (sold separately)

Shared By : The Plus Size Mommy

Simply Beautiful Custom-Designed Pillowcase Dresses & WIN*

April 30, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family, Handmade, New Mommy

Jennifer Thompson of Baton Rouge, LA is a working girl who just loves to sew. One of her passions is little girls and so she’s embarked on a mission to create unique, one of a kind pillow case dresses for children and dolls.

These soft, delicious and oh so cute and comfortable patterns will make any little girl feel loved and special.

Here are a few of her recent custom creations.

and here is one from her vintage collection (just adorable) :

My daughters are little fashionista’s so you can imagine their little squeel’s in delight when I open the package from Jennifer and these came out :

This one is black and white with polka dots, for my 4 yr. old daughter.     AND

This one is light blue floral with maroon silky ribbon ties and a white lacy bottom edge. This one is perfect size for my almost 2 yr. old daughter.  Here is how they look in the beautiful dresses and how excitedly happy they are with them :

They love them, and so do I. As a matter of fact these will be perfect to wear on them this Mother’s Day when we take the Gramma’s out to a Mother’s Day Tea! I cannot wait. The Pillowcase dresses remind me of Carrie Ingall’s on “Little House on The Prairie”. Jennifer does a wonderful job making them, and they are soooo reasonably priced. (Prices range from about $15 – $40, and about $8 for matching dolly dresses).

Here is some more info. about the Seamstress, Jennifer Thompson -

“I started doing it because I needed a little more money,” said Thompson, 39, who has been making pillowcase dresses for about four years. “I prayed to God for a pattern. I told him I needed something simple, and, when I saw this, I knew I could do it.” (from http://www.2theadvocate.com/features/42645592.html)

Thompson said she also likes to give her customers a bargain. Most dresses go for about $15, with those made from vintage pillowcases ringing up at $30.

Sizes range from youngsters 6 months to 10 years old.

See more of Thompson’s dresses and find out where she’ll next have them for sale at  http://jennifersjumpers.vpweb.com/default.html

Now, you have a chance to Win this beautiful Baby Pillowcase Dress made by Jennifer :

It is a gorgeous corduroy floral dress with light yellow satiny ribbon ties. It is approx. size 12MO.

THIS IS THE DRESS THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE, IN THIS SIZE.

Here is how to win :

  1. Visit http://jennifersjumpers.vpweb.com/default.html and come back here and tell me which dress you just would LOVE for your little girl. = 1 entry
  2. Follow Jennifers Jumpers on twitter Here : http://www.twitter.com/JenniferJumpers = leave me a comment that you are following her and = 1 entry
  3. Follow me on Twitter : Here http://www.twitter.com/plussizemommy = leave a comment you are = 1 entry
  4. FAVE JennifersJumpers on Momfaves = 1 entry (comment and tell me you did)
  5. Tweet the following on Twitter =  ” Pillowcase Dresses by @Jenniferjumpers simply beautiful for your little girl & Win Here http://tinyurl.com/28zhd9t ”   – tweet up to 3 times per day = up to 3 entries per day (separate entries please).

This giveaway begins NOW and will end on May 7th at 9PM EST. Winner will be posted by 5/8/2010. Winner will NOT be emailed. Winner will receive the Dress shown above in the size 12 mo. (no exceptions).  ANYONE can win this giveaway, US, Canada, or International winners allowed for THIS giveaway.  Winner will be chosen via random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to email me to claim their prize or another winner will be chosen, or I will have the right to donate this dress.

Thank you to all who enter, Good Luck!!!!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I received 2 dresses to review to enable me to write this post. My views and opinions are my own honest ones and are in no way swayed due to anyone or anything. I also received the giveaway dress at no charge to me, but I will be paying postage to mail it to the winner on my own ;)

Bellybuds – For Unborn Babies Listening Pleasure*

April 27, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under New Mommy, Tech

With all the ”new age” baby stuff that is on the market now, its hard not to want to try everything- especially the different devices to stimulate your baby in the womb. My little man seems to LOVE music.. and by love I mean practice breakdancing in my uterus.

I was out to dinner with my mom and aunt when the music started blaring, as soon as the thumps kicked in from the bass, the baby immediately reacted. He was moving around so much that my aunt was able to feel him for the first time. There have been many other instance here and there where the music has been blasting and it instantaneously jump started the baby to ”bust a move” which is why as soon as I heard about theBellybuds, I wanted in.

Bellybuds are wearable speakers (bellyphones) that can be plugged right into my ipod (or any mp3 player). The best part is the Bellybuds come with a device that allows me to plug in my earphones in too… so baby and I can listen to music at the same time. The speakers have a hydrogel adhesive that sticks right to my belly. I prefer to use the speakers right on my belly, but you can definitely attach them over your clothes. There are 2 cords, you use 1 if you just want baby to hear and you use the second one if you would also like to listen. Set up takes about 10 seconds and is SOOOO easy!


While many moms-to-be talk about playing Beethoven and Mozart, I’m more of a contemporary– we’ll say “hip” mom– and would much rather have a little Dave Matthews Band, Pink, Rascal Flatts, Sons of Leon, etc.Yes my baby boy rocks out to Guns N’ Roses and will be able to recognize The Beatles songs at birth. I’m a firm believer in music diversity and I’m able to pass along my passion for music before he is even here with these Bellybuds!!

BEST PART !!! As you all know, my in-laws live about 15 hours away and my sister is away at college (needless to say, not hangin’ home unless she’s on break). With this nifty little device, anyone can record a message and send it to me, then I upload into my ipod and play the message for the baby! Its like they are right here with him and I’m sure he will be able to recognize their voices even though they aren’t talking to me everyday.

I’m traveling for business and will be away from my husband for a few days, which is such a bummer. This trip we were able to record his voice and upload it so while I’m sitting in my hotel room (or on the plane) we can still hear his voice!! They came with a cute little pouch that easily stores the buds on their “dock”. I would definitely recommend anyone who is a big music lover OR has relatives out of state to test these puppies out!

Some info from Bellybuds:
- A stylish and convenient way to bond with your baby in utero, while at home or on the go

-Bellybuds have a fixed, maximum sound level strong enough to penetrate to the womb. They reach the baby at a decibel level roughly equivalent to a casual conversation and lower than a mother’s heartbeat.

- Easily stored in the included “dock” and placed in the accompanying pouch for portability and safe keeping.

- The bellybuds bellyphones Deluxe Pack is an excellent pregnancy or baby shower gift and is available for suggested retail price of $49.99

POSTED BY :  Carissa Ferrucci- Beam – Cheif Writer/Editor Of All Things Baby & Mommy to Be

Owner : http://thebeamerbuzz.blogspot.com/

*Disclosure: This item was sent to me for review

Pampers New Cruisers with Dry Max- Winner!

March 25, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family, Style/Fashion

Congrats to the Winner of the Pampers gift pack with the lovely diaper clutch. The winner as selected by random.org. is :

CAT !!!! You have 48 hours to email me at plussizemommy@gmail.com  to claim your prize ! I will need your home address and phone # (for shipping only).

Thank you to all who entered.

The Plus Size Mommy

* This prize is being sent directly from the company to the winner at no cost to me.

Pampers All-New Cruisers with Dry Max & Win!*

March 15, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family

I recently have been fortunate enough to get to try out the All-New Pamper’s Cruisers with Dry Max diapers on my baby girl.  This has been the first innovative change to Pampers in years, with the new revolutionary DRY MAX™ technology. It will keep your baby 2X drier and is 20% thinner. I was amazed at how much it can hold and how thin they are. I didn’t know Pampers could get any thinner!

My baby girl was able to move with ease in her new Pampers. We also loved the cute new designs too. This diaper is so soft right in the padded part, which would be more comfy for her to wear.

I was very satisfied with these New diapers. I was so thrilled to be able to “test drive” them on my daughter.

Now you can try the All-New Cruisers with Dry Max Pampers and learn more by visiting www.pampers.com .

Also, you can WIN a week’s worth of diapers for your baby AND a beautiful Liz Lange diaper clutch (as seen above)  by doing the following:

  1. FAVE Pampers on momfaves.com , comment and let me know you did = 1 entry
  2. Use stumbleupontechnoratidigg for this site/post. – comment letting me know which you have done = 1 entry per way
  3. Tweet the following on Twitter :  ” Win New Pampers All New Cruisers and a Liz Lange diaper clutch on @plussizemommy  ’s blog Here :  http://twurl.nl/npvg54   ” –  please leave tweet thread in each comment, up to 3 tweets per day = up to 3 entries per day.
  4. FAN my Facebook page : you can do that by clicking on “Follow this blog” over on my sidebar or by going to Facebook and following The Plus Size Mommy.- Comment and let me know you did = 1 entry
  5. Follow twitter.com/Pampersvillage on Twitter – comment and let me know you did = 1 entry
  6. Fan Pampers on Facebook  (Under Pampers Village )  - comment and let me know you did  = 1 entry
  7. Use stumbleupontechnoratidigg for this site/post. – comment letting me know which you have done = 1 entry per way.

This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 3/24/2010 at 9PM Est. Winner will be posted to this site by 3/25. Winners will not be emailed. Winner must be a resident of USA consecutive 48 states. Winner will be chosen via Random.org.

The ONE winner will be awarded one (1) of my readers (U.S. residents only) with the diaper clutch AND a redeemable coupon for a free week’s supply of the all-new Cruisers with Dry Max. The clutch retails for $50 and is 100% polyester with genuine leather trim.

As with ALL of my giveaways Winner MUST be a subscriber to this blog.

Thank you and Good Luck!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I have received a weeks worth of Pampers New Cruisers with Dry Max in order to do this review. All honest opinions on this product are my own. Any samples sent to me are not intended as payment for any favorable opinions. Also the info. about Pampers, The Liz Lange diaper clutch and all prize fulfillment is at no cost to me thanks to Pampers.

Most Baby Names iPhone App.

March 3, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family, Library

I remember when I was pregnant with all of my children searching through baby name books and online for the perfect name for them. I loved looking up the meanings and also reading the book with my husband. It is all part of the fun in planning for your new bundle of joy.

So now there is a new iPhone App. for expecting parents :

The Most Baby Names app is based off the #1 selling baby name book in the country, The Complete Book of Baby Names.

Why Most Baby Names?

* It’s fun, exciting, colorful and interactive! Hear babies giggling and ducks quacking or shake the rattle for a rockin’ good time!

* Most Baby Names features 103,000 names – competitive baby name apps don’t come close!  (Did you know the closest app has 6 times less names than we do?)

* Look up baby name definitions by clicking on the blue arrow in your lists or choose the * “Surprise Me” option for a combination of unique names.  (Who knows, we may have found you a winner!)

* Browse by individual letter or customize it to search for a specific first and last letter

* Add names to your Favorites List to look at later!

Types of Names

Use our simple list scroll to find various baby names under exciting topics such as:

* Celebrity names (i.e. Maddox, Phinnaeus and Beckett)

* Under the Radar Names (i.e. Bianca, Piper, Georgia)

* Name Alternatives, Most Popular in a particular year, Classic names and even College Football Stadium names!

They continuously incorporate feedback from our users and recently launched a redesigned app complete with many exciting updates!

The Plus Size Mommy

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