How the Candy Cane Got Its Name

Tinycandy’s Gift is a new Christmas story tracing the origins of the popular holiday treat, the candy cane. For Susan Estes’ third book, she explains that it is children’s differences that make them special to the world and highlights through vivid illustrations just how important one person can be.

Tinycandy is an elf growing up in the North Pole who always felt left out because he walks with a limp. With Christmas approaching, Tinycandy is desperate to find his special “gift” in order to contribute to Christmas in Santa’s workshop and become accepted by the other elves. Tinycandy soon discovers that his gift is making special candies shaped like hooks that make Christmas a little sweeter for everyone. Impressed by Tinycandy’s new talent, Santa christens the special treats “Candy Canes.”

In Tinycandy’s Gift, Estes creates a unique history of how the candy cane got its name and weaves in a classic tale that conveys to children one of the pivotal rules of life. Estes has spent her life working with and raising children and believes that teaching them to appreciate their own and others’ differences is the most important lesson of all.

Estes is also the author of One Miracle Under God and Choice of the Spirit Child. She is a mother of three and an active philanthropist in her community. She was awarded both the “Mayor’s Merit Award” and “Susan E. Estes Day” for her work in the Knoxville , TN community. She attended both University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Community College . In her spare time, Estes enjoys writing, reading and spending time with her family.

Tinycandy’s Gift by Susan Estes and illustrated by MikeMotz.com (Dragon Pencil, Oct. 2009, ISBN 978-1-60131-036-1, hardcover, $14.95)

For more information on the book and available read-a-long CD, visit www.seecreativeconcepts.com.

Happy Holidays !

The Plus Size Mommy

Frosty The Snowman from Build A Bear Workshop* & WIN!

Just in time for the Winter Holidays, Build A Bear Workshop has released Frosty The Snowman, complete with his magical hat! Frosty has always been one of my favorite Winter Holiday Characters and I love and look forward to watching the television show every year. Now that I have children we watch it together and we all share the joyous show together.

So now Build A Bear Workshop has come out with this character, I was delighted to receive on to review.

FROM THE COMPANY:

This cute and cuddly stuffed snowman gift makes the perfect Christmas surprise! This adorable stuffed Frosty the Snowman™ is wearing a gray hat and comes with a red scarf, plush broom and pipe. Plus, his cheeks light up and make a magic sound! FROSTY THE SNOWMAN ™ & © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. and Classic Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

I am delighted that I am able to also do a giveaway and you will receive this great holiday treat before Christmas. The winner will receive their very own Frosty

Here is how you can win:

1. comment and tell me what your favorite holiday television show is (not movie). = 1 entry (1 per person please)
2. comment and tell me what your favorite holiday character is = 1 entry (1 per person please)
3. Tweet the following: ”  Win a Build A Bear Frosty The Snowman in time for the holidays here:  http://is.gd/5dtzV   ”   = 1 entry per tweet (up to 3 times per day total please)
4. comment and tell me your favorite holiday cookie = 1 entry per comment (up to 3 total please)

This giveaway starts NOW and will end on December 10th, at 7PM EST. The winner will be chosen from random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize by emailing me. Winner will be posted to this site on Dec. 10th.

Thank you for entering and Good Luck !!!

The Plus Size Mommy

*I received this product at no charge from Build A Bear Workshop in order to do this review/giveaway.

*In accordance with FTC guidelines and in the spirit of the Blog With Integrity pledge [http://www.blogwithintegrity.com] we encourage the bloggers we work with to fully disclose that the products they are reviewing and/or giving away were provided to them at no charge by Build-A-Bear Workshop.

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Exciting upcoming events at Build-A-Bear Workshop

Tonight, at 7 EST, we debut our first-ever holiday special, “Holly and Hal Moose^TM: Our Uplifting Christmas Adventure,” on ABC Family.

Thursday, on our online store Guests who spend $35 will get a $10 gift card and free shipping. Free shipping code = 94623 (this code is good only on Thursday)

Friday through Sunday, we have our Black Friday Moose-A-Paloosa taking place in stores and online.

Monday, our online store is planning an amazing Cybear Monday offer – you’ll have to follow our tweets to get the details !  (follow : @buildabear )

FROM ME :

I know we are excited and definitely will be tuning into ABC family tonight for the Premiere of Holly and Hal movie. My children and very excited that mom ie: me got a “heads up” on this movie. I hope you will enjoy it too and have fun shopping for your build a bear online and save some dough by getting in on that free shipping ! And also the gift card, which can be another present or great stocking stuffer

ENJOY !

The Plus Size Mommy

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The Elves are Back in Town, The Tradition continues…& WIN!*

FROM ME:

The tradition of the Elf-Magic elves started for our family last year. We were introduced to these wonderful new additions of our holiday family. We are loving carrying on the tradition this year with some new members who were sent to us. Although my children have had a sneak peek at the new family members, I haven’t allowed them to be out yet, as they don’t officially arrive until The day after Thanksgiving in our home.

After having a sneak peek myself, I just again fell in love with these little guys (and girls). I love that they are named in their elfin names and love that they can be shared with girls AND boys. One of my favorite things is when the elves hide out during the night and my children have to find them. The saddest part for me (and them) is when they are gone until the next year. The fun”ness” of the elves only lasts for a short time, so be sure to get yours today to be a part of the tradition!

ALSO, I am giving away a boy and a girl elf this year to help 2 families be able to start their own tradition of the Elf-magic elves.

Here is how you can win your very own boy or girl elf :

First entry:

Become a fan of Elf Magic on Facebook and be a subscriber to Plus Size Mommy via RSS or Email. Readers can leave  a comment telling  they did both. 

Additional entries:

“Share” Elf Magic’s stop-motion video, “Making Mischief” on Facebook or tweet the link to the video, including the @ElfMagic twitter badge. Leave me a comment telling me you did this with the tweet thread or facebook link = 1 entry for each.

Tweet the following:  ” Did you see the magic over here:  http://is.gd/4Wjc3 ? Hurry now to enter to win a @ElfMagic Elf and let your new holiday tradition begin!” comment telling me you tweeted with the tweet thread included = 1 entry each time.

Lastly, you can enter by leaving a comment  every time they tweet the video or contest (or both) leave a separate comment every time. You may do this as many times as you like.

2 winners will be selected via random.org.  Winners will have 48 hours to contact me via my email to claim their prize. This giveaway begins NOW and ends on November 24th at 8pm EST. Winners names will be posted to this site, so if you enter, please check back and see if you won.

THANK YOU for entering and Good Luck !!!

The Plus Size Mommy

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Peggy Lutz Superior Plus Size Clothing & WIN $100 to buy some!*

Last week a package arrived at my home. This was one I was waiting for for a few days. The excitement was overwhelming to me and I couldn’t wait to open it. It was a package with clothing in it from Peggy Lutz.

Peggy Lutz is a Plus Size clothing designer and owner of www.plus-size.com.  I had wrote a prior post on how I was excited to share with you her website and her beautiful designs.  I knew before I even received the clothing, and after browsing through her website,  that the styles she had and the quality of her clothing was a superior brand.

After opening the package and pulling back the gently wrapped articles of clothing, my thoughts on how awesome this clothing would be came to reality. Even by the way the clothes were wrapped, I could tell the pride that the team of clothing makers must have to care for the clothing that they make.

The first piece of clothing I would like to share with you, that I was sent is this Ruana In Animal Print Eyelash.

It is a gorgeous piece of clothing. It is truly a unique article of clothing. I just love it and how “flowing” it is. If looks wonderful over a black top or dress (as shown).

FROM THE COMPANY:

Ivory, taupe and black in a very detailed and
subtle animalskin print brought to life in this wonderful eyelash
treatment.  A real find for those with a sense of adventure!

A very limited edition, this unique Animalskin Eyelash Short Ruana is an endangered species. There are just a few left.

100% polyester Eyelash is dry clean only.

Submit a Fashion Profile to receive swatches of this and other fabrics in your best colors.

Available immediately in One Size Fits All.
Consult with Us; A Peggy Lutz Stylist will answer all questions and assist you in getting just what you want.

Originally priced at $360. Now only $100.

You can purchase this beautiful piece NOW by visiting the Outlet at :

http://www.plus-size.com/motherofthebride/item~itemid_231~t_only_100___ruana_in_animal_print_eyelash.htm

OR you can WIN $100 gift certificate from Peggy Lutz by entering as follows below :

Winners MUST be subscriber to this blog in order to enter to win. Anyone not a subscriber will not qualify!

Mandatory FIRST entry; Visit www.plus-size.com then come back here and comment and tell me which piece from the OUTLET that you would buy if you are the winner. = 1 entry

Additional entries by completing any/all of the following:

• Tweet the following on Twitter:  ” Plus Size Prices Slashed at Peggy Lutz, visit http://www.plus-size.com to get your Holiday Wear NOW! ”   OR  ”Win $100 to Peggy Lutz Fashion’s here :     http://is.gd/4WE6V          and get beautiful clothing for the holidays”  - You can tweet one or both and each tweet come back and leave the tweet thread and get an entry for each one!
• Post about this giveaway on your blog, link back to this post = 1 entry for commenting and telling me with a link to your post.
• Post this giveaway on Facebook, comment and tell me you did with a link  = 1 entry
• Visit www.plus-size.com come back and answer the following questions :

1. What sizes do they make clothing for ?
2. What City & State is Peggy Lutz clothing located in ?
3. Under Couture Fabrics on the website, what is the “swatch” #T106 under “Asian Silks” called ?

answer 1,2, or all 3 of the above questions in separate comments and get a bonus entry for each correct answer.

MORE STYLES YOU MAY LIKE :

This giveaway begins NOW and ends on Nov. 21st at 7PM EST. Winner will be posted on this site and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Good Luck and Thank you for entering!!!

*STAY TUNED to this blog, We are giving away $100 gift certificates to Peggy Lutz every week until Christmas, so you have 6 chances to win!* Also in my final post, I will be posting a “mini fashion show”  of me wearing all of the clothes I was sent to show you

The Plus Size Mommy

* I was sent the clothing to review and post about on my blog from Peggy Lutz. Also all prizes will be provided by Peggy Lutz to all of the winners of the giveaway*

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General Mills wants to send you and your family to the movies for free and here´s how!*

Starting in November, you can receive a free movie ticket when you purchase two specially marked packages of General Mills´ Cereals. After purchasing two cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecash to enter the code found inside each box of cereal and print your free movie certificate good for admission to any movie.

Participating brands include select sizes of: Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Trix and Reese´s Peanut Butter Puffs.

To find a participating theater near you, log onto
http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/.

FROM ME :  I was thrilled to receive my prize pack from General Mills due to my relationship with My Blog Spark! This is a great one, 4 movie tickets and a coupon to get a free box of cereal. There are a ton of great movies playing out there right now, I am going to use my movie tickets to slip into my children’s  Christmas stockings they will be so excited to get these.

YOU CAN WIN TOO !!!!

General Mills, through MYBLOGSPARK also would like to offer to one of my readers the great opportunity to go to the movies and a FREE box of cereal !!! Here is how you can win :

• Please comment and tell us what your favorite movie moment is/was ?  = 1 entry
• Are there any movies playing now or coming soon that you and/or your children would love to go see? leave a comment about it = 1 entry
• What was the first movie you ever shared (at the movies) with your child(ren) ? leave another comment, and = get another entry !
• Tweet the following on twitter, “Win 4 tickets to the movies and General Mills cereal here http://bit.ly/4xz3e ”  comment with the tweet thread = 1 entry  (up to 2 times/2 entries per day)
• technorati this blog, comment and let me know you did = 1 entry
• digg or stumbleupon this post = comment and tell me you did and get another entry for each way
• write a blog post on your blog about this giveaway and link it to this post, comment and let me know you did = 1 entry
• vote for this blog over at divinecaroline.com under the “love this site” awards, comment and let me know u did = 1 entry

This giveaway begins NOW and will end on November 9, 2009 at 7pm Eastern time. Winner will be posted to this site by Nov. 10th. Winner will have 48 hours from time posted to claim their prize by emailing me their home address so prize can be sent to them. Winners will NOT be notified via email. THANK YOU for entering and visiting my site. GOOD LUCK !

The Plus Size Mommy

** GENERAL MILLS PROVIDED ME WITH THESE COUPONS, Information and the prize pack to give away through MYBLOGSPARK *** Thank you for this great opportunity !

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