Chiming in here just to say Hello and Hoping that everyone has had wonderful holidays and a Happy New Year to all.
I don’t know about some of you but this past yr. and actually the last part of 2010 to me I was just like drifting by. Just basically getting by on my blog to keep it alive and not doing too much. I have had a lot of medical problems and so on.

Anywho… I am now refreshed, feeling better (yay) and off to the drawing board with my blog. I am going to get it revamped and revv’ed back up to where I want it to be.
The past couple weeks while thinking about it, I have made a goal board, so I know what NEW direction I want to go and where I want to be by this time in 2013!

I am planning a couple conference’s to go to this year to get refreshed and get idea’s and also to see all my buddies. After all, I haven’t been to one in quite a while. If you have never been to one, you should try and make a budget allowance for at least one of the smaller one’s just to go and see what they are all about.(My favorite one, I must say is Type A Parent).

I am excited for the plans I have to come for 2012. I have dropped some other community involvement so I can concentrate and be more on board with the one’s I really care about, not that the other’s aren’t good, it is just like anything else in life. Changes are here for me.
I felt like I was spreading myself too thin the last yr. and 1/2 and bogged myself down, not doing well in any community. I have decided in my goal plan that I won’t be doing this anymore.

That the groups I join and the offers I take are one’s that are important, relevant, and I have knowledge of already. I am also excited to be trying out some new products.
I do not have babies anymore, so I am dropping that part of my blogs reviews and such. (My kids are always my babies, but age wise, they aren’t baby babies anymore). I will be focusing on area’s that have been meaningful to me in the first place.

My blog (http://www.theplussizemommy.com) came to be because I have a strong passion (actually part of the vein of my existence) toward making fashion better and more beautiful for the plus size woman (and teens). A woman who is not a size 7 but for woman like me, who want to be fashionably fun, fashionably savvy, and fashionably professional. One where people will look at us and know we too are a meaningful part of society and we want the classic fits, the gorgeous gowns, and just plain jeans and tee’s that fit us like they do a size 5, but made for us gals (or boys,girls,teens) who are plus sized. Clothes made to look like they are meant for us. Clothes that aren’t extremely uncomfortable, because we have to try and fit a size 22 into a 16 just because we want “That Look” (which the only look we get is that of a stuffed cabbage roll).

I created this blog, to make a difference in the fashion industry. To let clothes designers know that WE ARE HERE, and we want the same looks they make for smaller woman for us.

Being Plus Size isn’t anything new. We have been around forever, and we aren’t going away anytime soon.
Many pundits say we should lose weight, that we are unhealthy, that we need to lose our Curvaceousness. But like I heard on The Today Show‘s Dr. Nancy Snyderman yesterday, “I think we will have a chance for an Anti-Cancer vaccine sooner then curing the obesity epidemic”.(time – 2:25)

I have been battling weight loss for 25 out of my 37 years on this planet. I have tried everything under the sun. I have wanted to lose weight so badly that I underwent life threatening surgery (gastric bypass) over 10 years ago , with the mentality that if I am going to die being obese,I rather die trying not to be. And STILL didn’t lose weight, even after following all that I was told to follow. I have exercised, dieted, counted calories, and so on and to no avail, here I am 37 years young, and still obese.

It is funny because through this past year and half I have been diagnosed with MS and in a severe depression. I have been on so many med.’s (42 a day, at the height of it all) that I have felt like I am so doped up I physically and mentally cannot function.

Now do tell, how can someone on 42 medication’s a day (none of which were due to my weight, I remind you), where many/most of them say “may cause dizziness, drowsiness, etc.” how in the world can I be able to exercise? How can I even think to eat right?
And through all of this, my Doctors (all of them) say I am basically a really healthy person (minus depression,MS, and Obesity).

I have undergone heart tests, sleep apnea testing, MRI’s, CT Scans, pulmonary testing, have had ALL of the chemicals and vitamins checked in my body, have been tested for diabetes, have had my cholesterol & thyroid checked, and blood pressure, and they ALL tell me, I am basically a healthy person, cause ALL of these tests come back clean? HOW IS THIS? Seriously?

I am all about eating right, I have a small piece of meat, the size of the middle of my palm (as the dietitians tell me is a great guideline), I love fruits and vegetables, and I try not to have but a tablespoonful(or so) of starch. I am all about doing physical activity. I love to walk, swim, dance, hike, and more.

I truly truly in my heart believe that it isn’t a choice to be fat (just like it isn’t a choice to be Black, Too Skinny, Gay, a Woman, a Man, White, Asian, a Twin, have Cancer, be born unable to reproduce or anything else under the sun).
Do you really really think I would want to be ridiculed, teased, bullied, belittled, depressed, and so on all my life? Hell No!
But alas, as much as I would love to be that size 7, 12, 16, hell even a 22! I am not, I am just me.

What I am is a married mother of 4, who cares about so many people that they will never even ever know, I am loved, I am lovable, I am fun, I love food, I love to shop, and I CARE ABOUT AND WANT TO LOOK GOOD in the skin I am in! Is this too much to ask?
(And I am sure, you don’t want me running around naked)

I am tired of wasting my life, battling this and want to start living! I have just read one of my good friends Cecily’s blog posts and she seems to be with me on this in some ways, you may want to read her blog post as well – Body Acceptance to see her point of view on being fat.

So, as I am about to embark on some changes, there will be categories I will no longer be writing about, less reviews, more stories, still writing about things I love and my family love to eat, where we like to go, what we like to do, but the main focus on this blog will still and always be about a Fashionable fun Mommy, who loves to eat, spend time with my friends and enjoys great things, because that is what being a Plus Size Mommy is all about.

Peace Throughout The New Year and Beyond!

***Beth*** AKA The Plus Size Mommy

The doll every girl loves and wants to grow up to be like has a new DVD out today. “Barbie A Fashion Fairytale” is a hit at my home. With 4 and 2 yr. old daughters, all the glitter and glam of this fashionista DVD just put even more magical sparkle into my daughters little lives.

We watched this DVD over the week-end and I had an all-girl evening with them (and gramma). I painted their nails, and we ate popcorn and relaxed and watched this magical DVD.
Their favorite part was when the “Flairies” arrived, “not Fairies, no wings”. They thought they were great. They also loved Barbies Aunt who lived in Paris. This movie was just so wonderful to teach my girls that even when your down on your luck, if you just believe in yourself magical miracles can happen.

I loved watching this movie with my girls and they loved watching it too. When my daughter went to her first day of pre-school today, she couldn’t wait to let her little friends all know about it too. -I think I have a Word Of Mouth Marketer in the Making

I believe that any little girl who loves Barbie will love this movie. It would make a great gift for any occasion, or just to surprise your little Diva’s with a mommy and me night in doing “girly” stuff and eating yummy popcorn and watching the movie with them.

To find out more and/or watch the trailer please visit : www.Barbie.com

Watch this Fairytale Come ALIVE in your home too, ENJOY!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I received this DVD in conjunction with my membership to MomSelect review program. All thoughts and idea’s and opinions are my own.

Fashion to Figure is a womans full figure clothing company. They carry very trendy and fashionable clothes for plus size women at great fashion prices.  They recently sent me  THIS DRESS to review for them. I love the dress. It is made with 100% polyester. It is sparkly (the picture doesn’t do it justice) and I was extremely excited about the dress. But when I went to try it on, it didn’t fit

I was really upset because it is a beautiful dress. I contemplated sending it back to the company but I love it so much, and since I am on the Nutrisystem Diet, I decided to make it my “goal dress”.  I think if I can lose another 10 pounds, it will fit. It is mostly tight around my chest. (darn boobs!)

This dress is a great steal right now too, cause it is on sale for only $9.99 !!!! But even without the sale it was only $25 to begin with which is still a great price, no an EXCELLENT price, especially for a Plus Size Dress !!!

To see some more beautiful dresses they carry  and all the other clothing just visit : www.fashiontofigure.com

and I promise when this dress does fit, I will post a picture of me in it, so you can know I reached my goal to fit it

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent a dress from fashion to figure to review. All of the thoughts & opinions on the dress are my own.

I was recently asked to review the Pure Energy clothing that is in Target stores. These are the new Fall picks for them. I also asked that my Teen reviewer get to review some pieces as well so I could provide you with a Teen’s Take on these Fall Fashions just in time for Back to school. Here is her Responses:

Plaid Ruffle Shirt -

I think this shirt is almost perfect! I love the color combination! I also like how it fits and looks. The shiny threads add a little edge to it. There is probably only one thing i would change on this shirt, and that would be to add one more button to the top so in case some feel exposed because it cuts low. But otherwise its perfect; I would LOVE to have more shirts like this in different and maybe brighter colors. Such as Pink, Light Green, Yellow, or colors like that.

Plaid Woven Shorts -

These shorts are awesome!! The fabric has a PJ like feel but they look like just regular shorts! They are soo comfortable. There is only 2 things; they run big in sizes, and the pockets aren’t deep enough for my cell phone (ENV2), my iPod Touch, and a few dollars. But other then that I love the color! I also think the length is perfect just as it is about to get very hot in the summer.

Two Fen Dress (Butterfly Print) -

This I must say was not a favorite. The pattern didn’t really appeal to me. I think it would look better if the whole thing was butterflies rather then, just half, and if the straps were skinnier. This was also big around my stomach and the waist band was just to high. But I did like the length and the colors. The colors were bright and I always like bright colors.

You can see more and learn more about Pure Energy HERE.

You can also see the collection at Target HERE.

I am really impressed with the Pure Energy line of clothing for Plus Size Woman and Teens. It is so refreshing to know that there is an affordable clothing line for Plus Size Teens and Woman.  Pure Energy has stepped up to the plate and really gives us options from casual to classy. I will be writing my personal review soon on the Plus Size Womans clothing. So stay tuned!

The Plus Size Mommy

AND… Plus Size Teen Writer – Alena (doing the Teen reviews)

*Disclosure – Alena and I were both sent clothing from Pure Energy for Target in order to do our reviews. All opinions are 100% our own.

Calling all fabulous and confident plus-size women!  With a new contest starting May 24, entitled “My Fabulous Body,” Swimsuitsforall.com (specializing in swimsuits sizes 8-24) wants to celebrate their customers, real women with real curves.  We want to hear your voice on why you feel fabulous today!

WHO: Swimsuit-loving, beautifully confident plus size women can enter!
WHAT: “My Fabulous Body” Contest sponsored by Swimsuits for All
WHEN: May 24 to August 24, 2010
WHERE: Contestants can log-on to www.swimsuitsforallcontest.com to enter
WHY: Contest gives plus-size women a chance to express what they love about their bodies and their favorite swimsuits

Anyone can log on to vote each week for your favorite “fabulous body” and story to help the fit and flatter team chose the grand prize winner.

Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy

Congratulations to the following lady for winning the $50 gc to Swimsuitsforall.com . The winner, as chosen via random.org is: Kimberly@ Christ-Like Mommy ! You have 48 hours to claim your prize. To claim your prize, please email me at plussizemommy@gmail.com and put in the subject line : “Swimsuit winner” . If prize is not claimed within 48 hours, a new winner will be chosen, NO EXCEPTIONS.

Thank you to everyone who entered and to the winner…Enjoy!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent a Swimsuit from Swimsuitsforall.com. All of my thoughts and idea’s are my own. The prize will be sent directly from the company at no charge to me. I will not be responsible for any damaged/lost prizes sent to the winners.

Have you seen what is going on at Old Navy lately ? They have a cute and fun Facebook game called Barker’s Bones. In this game you help Barker dig up great deals from Old Navy! You can play once a week to get some sweet savings for summer. Happy Digging!

Old Navy also is sporting an “Item of the Week”. This week it is the Men’s Rec Tech Pullover. Which is a perfect gift for dad for Father’s Day! Guys can be stylish and comfy in the Old Navy Men’s Rec Tech Pullover for just $10, reg. $19.50. He’ll look hot working out or hanging out in the long-sleeve tops with a zipper. You can get them in-store only, 6/11–6/17.
This is a HOT Deal, so go and get them before they are gone!

At these prices dad will be stylin’ this Father’s Day and all the rest of the summer long! And to sweeten the pot, I am giving away 9 electronic coupons for $50 off of $100 to 9 of my lucky readers!

Want to win one ? Here is how :

Leave me a comment to the following question for your entry to win.

The Old Navy Men’s Rec Tech Pullover is perfect for hanging out or working out. Which will your guy wear it for?

The coupons are valid 6/11 through 6/17 so enter this quick so you can go save some money! The contest will end Saturday 6/12 at 11:59 EST. Nine (9) Winners will be chosen by random.org and posted to this site. The winners will have 24 hours to claim their coupon or another winner will be chosen. Once the winners have claimed their coupon, it will be emailed directly to them to print out and take to their local Old Navy store!

Happy Shopping !

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure -I was contacted by M80 on behalf of their client Old Navy to publish this post. I have received a coupon in return for posting.

I have recently been introduced to a great company called Initials Inc. Initials Inc. is a company that specializes in personalized products. You can have home parties with them or shop online.

Initials, Inc. was founded by Sisters – Britney Vickery and Ivy Hall shortly after becoming SAHM’s. During that time they loved being home with their children but found that they were seeking three things; to be challenged creatively, to have flexibility in schedule and to contribute financially to their homes…but they didn’t want to give up time with their young families to get it. Initials, Inc. was created to meet those needs as women and new mothers. Over time, they quickly realized that the solution that they created for themselves could be a blessing to other women. Initials, Inc. officially launched in February 2005. Today, Initials, Inc. is national in scope and is supporting women and families all across the country through home parties selling personalized gifts!

Personalization is always FREE!

FROM ME : I was sent a tote bag from Initials Inc. that I was able to help create myself. I was able to chose what personalization was on it, which I chose my  name. I was able to pick the color of embroidery and also the colors and style of the ribbon. It was a very smooth process. I am very very satisfied with my bag, and people who have seen it are a lil jealous of it. It is a nice big beach tote bag. It is durable and has tons of room for towels and lotion and everything I will need to swim with this summer. It is called the TRAVEL TOTE and it sells for less then $40!

Here is more info. about Initials inc. -

Our website: www.initials-inc.com

A little bit about Initials, Inc.: http://initials-inc.com/index.php/about/

SHOP: Customer Shopportunity - http://initials-inc.com/index.php/party/

HOST: Hostess Shopportunity - http://initials-inc.com/index.php/party/

JOIN: Start your own Initials, Inc. Business. http://initials-inc.com/index.php/join/

CATALOG: http://initials-inc.com/index.php/catalog/

Now one of you will have a chance to win a $50 gift certificate that can be applied toward any product of your choice in the catalog.

Here is how you can enter:

• Browse the Initials Inc. catalog Here : http://initials-inc.com/index.php/catalog/ come back and comment which product you would love to have if you win this giveaway = 1 entry
• Tweet the following on Twitter :  ”  Win a $50 gc  to Initials Inc. From The Plus Size Mommy Here :  http://twurl.nl/yuv2hh  ” – You can tweet this up to 3 times per day = up to 3 entries per day (separate comments please) comment must include tweet thread to qualify.
• Become a Fan of mine via Facebook, click the “Follow This Blog” on the Networked Blogs tab on my right sidebar – comment and tell me you do = 1 entry
• Follow me via Twitter , I am @plussizemommy = 1 entry by commenting and telling me you do.
• Fave my site on momfaves – comment and let me know you have = 1 entry
• Use stumbleupon, technorati, digg for this site/post. – comment letting me know which you have done = 1 entry per way.

This giveaway begins NOW and ends on May 21st, 2010 at 9PM EST. Winner will be posted to this site by May 22nd. Winner will NOT be emailed. Please check back to read the winner post to see if you have won. This giveaway is open to US residents ONLY. Winner MUST be a subscriber to this blog to be eligible to win. Winner will be selected via random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to me via email to claim their prize.

Thank you to all who enter, and GOOD LUCK!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent a tote bag in order to review it for this post. I have stated my own honest opinions about the tote bag. My opinion or thoughts have not been swayed in any ways. I have not been paid for this post. The winners prize will be sent to the winner at no cost to me. This post was written by me as a campaign I am working on with BSM media.

I am very excited to introduce my readers to my first Teen writer on The Plus Size Mommy.com ! She will be reviewing Plus Size TEEN Fashions for me and also anything else that fits into the TEEN category. This would include; games, books, cosmetics, celebs, music, and anything else Teens love.

Here is More info. about Our New addition to The Plus Size Mommy.com:

My name is Alena. I am thirteen years old. I love the colors pink, orange, and red. I have many interests that include listening to any genre of music, playing soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Playing with my dogs Mike and Bella, shopping (I love new shoes and socks). My iPod is always in my pocket, and a book is always in my bag. I read any types of books including sports, romance, animals, music, or art. I enjoy cooking and baking, drawing, photography. I like to attend professional sports events including basketball, hockey,football, and soccer. I am really into what is new in fashion and doing different things with my hair.I like using tote bags to carry my stuff to and from school. I have fun hanging out with my friends, going to the movies, traveling, and going on Facebook, and texting on my cell phone.

Some of my favorite foods include cookies, carrots, cherries, chocolate, pasta, and pizza. In my spare time I like to play our Wii. When I am home I like to wear clothes that are loose and comfortable. When I goto school I like to wear jeans light or dark wash and usually a t-shirt of some sort. I like shirts with either a band or sports teams on them. I like to wear tennis shoes, such as Air Jordan’s, Nike, Adidas, or when I have to go somewhere nice, I will wear wedges. I like wearing plaid and solid colors.

I can be contacted via this blog’s contact me button.

FROM ME (PSM) :

I did not include a picture of Alena as to protect her identity, as she is a teen. If you would like Alena to do a Teen review, please feel free to contact us, and we will send over the information.

I am extremely excited to have her on board to get another perspective on this blog. I think Plus Size Teens, especially in Fashion are very much “In” and need to have their voice heard. Not all Teens are size 3.  Please help me in welcoming Alena to the Blog!

The Plus Size Mommy

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