I do not even know where to begin this post. I am lost for words. And if you know me, you know that me not being able to speak about something is an amazing thing.

I guess let me start with some background info. about me that has been going on most recently.

Well, it begins with my family being in Crisis mode since the end of October. First off is my nephew. He had been having some personal emotional issues which landed him in the hospital at the end of Oct. He is 25 and like a little brother to me. He went through some therapy and came home, and when he came home, he decided that to get more counseling and therapy it would be best for him to come and live at my home, where services are more abundant than where he lived with my sister in a rural part of PA. So, he has been here since the end of October. As with any changes to the dynamics of a family, we have had some major changes going on, and with his emotional state being up and down, it has been like a roller coaster to say the least. But the main thing is, he is getting help and we are getting him through this and back to a normal life with less of a burden on his back.

Then there is me. I have been battling Depression for a few years now. It started when my father passed away about 8 years ago. It has always been days of ups and downs for me, but I have been getting through. It has gotten much worse at times like when Yasmine (my now 5 yr. old) was having surgery at age 7 months. Once she was all recovered, my depression got much better and I was pretty back to normal. But over the years I have dealt with my mom being very ill and my worrying about the possibility of losing her, which I cannot even bear to think about, that effected my depression. And then also when the love of my life (My husband Dwight) was having a cyst removed from his outside of his lung, the depression had once again come back to haunt me.
And even though I have gotten (we have all gotten) through all of these horrible moments that life has thrown at us, I have just been thrown the biggest snowball of my life.

I have just been diagnosed with MS.

This is absolutely devastating to me. To sit and think of what will come, to wonder how I will be as the MS progresses. To wonder if I can get it to stay in remission so I can live my life to it’s fullest. How I will be as a mother to my children. How I don’t want to burden my family with this disease. How will I afford all of the medication, just everything, everything goes through my mind.
And well, yeah, people say I shouldn’t think about these things. Not to worry, and to leave my burden with God.
And even though I am a Christian woman, and I trust that God will get me through, as he always has, the reality of it is, as a Mother, wife, and child, I cannot help but worry and think these thoughts.

I get headaches every day, I sometimes cannot get out of bed due to the pain. The medicine makes me so tired and weak. My arms shake, my legs “jump” as I sleep, I get hot and cold sweats, and did I mention the headaches? They are absolutely debilitating. They aren’t as bad as the migraines I get but they are constant.
I am on pain medicine, depression and anxiety pills, and they are still trying to decide the treatment for the MS. So I do not even know what medicine that will be and how those may affect me.

Then we also recently (about 3 weeks ago) have found out that my brother in law has esophagus cancer. He has to have a surgery to get it removed that will not only take out his esophagus but also part of his stomach, and they are still doing tests to see if it has spread anywhere else. This being on the edge of my sister who is about to have her own surgery on the 20th for some woman problems. They have 3 other children, ages 9, 11, and 17. (plus my nephew who is living with me who is 25). I worry about all of them and pray nothing happens to them. It is a very scary time. And Cancer is an awful disease. They are not celebrating Christmas this year either. I suspect My brother in-laws chemotherapy and surgery will be coming soon. And it is a very risky surgery.

So, as you can see, My family is in Crisis Mode. And a ton of these burdens fall on me. (and stress isn’t good for anyone, and even extra bad for someone with MS, depression and anxiety). – I have panic attacks almost once a day sometimes more.

I have been so sad and dysfunctional that I have not bought 1 Christmas present for anyone, I didn’t put up a tree (but my mom did buy a small tree and the kids have been bringing and making some ornaments for it, and actually it is so meaningful and cute), the only decorations I have up are what the kids have made at school. We have no lights up outside our home. I haven’t even thought of a Christmas dinner nor have I bought anything for it.
My medical bills and then our hot water tank burst last week and me helping my nephew out, have made us financially strapped. Which includes the money we had saved for me to get a new bathroom for Christmas, that money is now gone and I won’t be getting any bathroom anytime soon. We had to spend that money on medical bills for me.
I cannot ask for more from my husband, he already works 2 full time jobs to pay our bills and get food on the table, send my daughter to pre-school, and pay like car insurance.

I already told my kids that there will be no presents this Christmas, that we cannot afford them at this time. Although sad about it, they all understand and know that it isn’t that they don’t have things, and they do have more than many other children. And they are thankful for my blog and the items that have come via this to review.
So, although sad, they are okay. We will ALL be okay.

But then, apparently the most humbling thing happened in my whole entire life. What I call True Miracles, Angels from Heaven – ie : my blog family, has stepped in and up to help us.
I don’t know how the word spread. I haven’t really wanted to burden my friends with any of my personal problems. I have posted some of this to Facebook to let people like other family members, and friends, and PR folks who are wondering where my posts are and people to know what is going on since I am so MIA lately. But I never ever wanted people to feel bad for me, or think I needed anything. Even though we DO need things, I know how hard everyone has it right now with the economy, and the last thing people need around the holidays is for someone like me to talk about all my issues and bring them down.

The one thing in my life that I have always prided myself on is that I have always been able to make people smile, even if/when inside myself I am dying. I always want things to run smoothly so people can be happy. I love to make other people happy, even at my own expense. To put smiles on other people’s faces and help them in any way I can, makes my heart feel so good.

But right now, I don’t have it in me to make other’s smile. I don’t have the strength to deal with holidays. My depression makes me want to run away, just drive and keep on driving until I disappear. I don’t have the financial means to make a nice Christmas for my kids and family. I don’t have it in me to cook.

But what I have learned that I do have is a TON of great friends who are Angels, who have now stepped up and helped me. I didn’t ask for the help, in fact honestly, I am embarrassed that I need to say I need help, or even to accept the help. I am embarrassed for the commitments I have had to break because I am not well.

But I am HUMBLED BY THE TRUE MIRACLES that these people (and they know who they are) have sent to me, in forms of monetary donations for my family, gift cards to help us buy even a pizza so it is one less day I have to worry about cooking. And just the thoughts, uplifting words of encouragement, and love and support that they have ALL sent to me. Through Facebook, emails, paypal, cards in the mail, skype, twitter, and everywhere/any other ways. And I cannot even begin to tell you all how much a little email from John Chow, who is like my social media idol, brought me up and made me smile. It was like getting an email from a movie star to me.

I truly TRULY love you all, from the bottom of my humbled heart. I always knew you all were my friends, but I never knew how much you all cared about me. And as I sit here in complete tears, just thinking about what you have gave to me and my family, not only humbles me, but makes me know that Miracles can and do happen and now my kids can have a Christmas, and I will go and get what we need for a Christmas dinner.

I love you all so much, I cannot express my thanks to you all. I truly wish you didn’t do this, but in my heart I am thankful that you did.

And even all I am going through and my family is going through and this horrible crisis we are having at Christmas. I am so glad to have all of you and this will probably be the best Christmas ever, knowing that your all here supporting us. You have all lifted my spirit and give me hope.

With Great Thanks and Many Blessing back to you all, May great Blessings be bestowed upon each and every one of you 10 fold. Happy Holidays and Much love, Each one of you are Angels In Social Media, and a True Miracle to me, and I am so glad to be able to call you all my friends.

Beth Davis
“The Plus Size Mommy”

For ages 8 and up, they retail from $35- $50, you can get ‘on board’ with The Shred Sled, a next-generation caster board that combines the movements of snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding all into one unique experience!  The Shred Sled is the first 4-wheel inline, dual-deck board that makes it smoother and easier for kids and adults to ride. For more info. please visit : http://www.shredsled.com/

When the Shred Sled arrived, my 11 yr. old son was “wowed” by it. He practices on it all the time. I describe it as an “in-line” skte type of skateboard. Him and his friends enjoy riding on it. It can do many tricks that the original type of skateboard cannot preform. It is more ‘X-treme”.  Now all of my sons friends are asking for this for Christmas! It is a lot of fun. I did try it out, and I am not well, a well-balanced person, and cannot even get on a regular skateboard for that matter, but it sure was fun trying to take a ride on this

To watch a cool video on the Shred Sled please watch this :

With this under your tree for your Tween or Teen, you are sure to get huge smiles. It is very unique and fun.

Happy Skating!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I was sent a Shred Sled in order to do this review. I was sent some info. on it, but all opinions are my own. This was part of a campaign I was a part of with Team Mom.

One of the most interesting and attention getting toys this holiday season that my daughters have to play with every time they see it on display in stores is the Fisher Price Bigfoot toy. They push the button over and over until it does a flip for them (their fave part). I know this is on top of their Christmas list for Santa. They call him “our friend”.  Please watch the following video to see it in action :

Also, If you go and visit the Bigfoot page over on Facebook at this link : www.facebook.com/bigfoot you can get entered into a sweepstakes to win your child their very own bigfoot.  All you have to do is install the cool app. Pick what your currently feeling and you can even set your own background. But please hurry because it ends on December 15th. This is a fun and easy way to enter the sweeps. Have fun with it!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I am being compensated for my participation in this campaign.

Looking for something unique to put smiles on your guests faces this Thanksgiving ? This Turkey Ice Cream cake from Baskin-Robbins is sure to do just that! It is a glazed turkey cake with sugar cone legs. It serves 12-16 people and is $28.99. It is a great alternative for people who maybe don’t like pie, or for some ice cream to go along with the pie. You can choose whatever kind of ice cream you would like inside (I chose Oreo) and also whatever kind of cake (there are 3 choices). Some Baskin-Robbins stores have them on site in their freezers now, but if you want to be sure to get one, you must order it 3 days in advance to Thanksgiving. And the stores (in some area’s) are open Thanksgiving morning, so if your freezer is filled like mine, then you can pick it up Thanksgiving morning before approx. 11am. I cannot wait to pick up my ice cream cake on Thanksgiving and even more excited to see everyone’s face when I put it out onto the dessert table. This Thanksgiving I am hosting a Whole family Thanksgiving for approx. 90 people. I rented a hall and everything that is like a log cabin, and I am very excited to have this extremely unique Baskin-Robbins Ice cream cake to our table. The store near me also had these adorable turkey “cupcake – ice cream cakes” and Pilgrims. I am also going to buy some of these on Thanksgiving to put around my ice cream cake turkey to add to the adorable display. To learn more, or to see other products for holidays from Baskin-Robbins, please visit : http://www.baskinrobbins.com/spotlight/Thanksgiving2010.aspx If your more traditional at holiday time, you may also want to check out the Fall Harvest Roll or Turtle Pie? You can check them all out at the link above

In addition to the Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream Turkey Cake and additional Thanksgiving holiday cakes, debuting in December is Baskin-Robbins Red Velvet Cake which is 6 inches and serves up to 8 and the cost of the cake is $19.99. This decadent decorated cake is made with layers of Red Velvet Cake flavored ice cream and Red Velvet Cake frosted with whipped topping, garnished with red velvet cake crumb.

Disclosure- Thank you to Baskin-Robbins for providing me with gift certificates to get my Turkey Cake compensated for.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

The Plus Size Mommy

House Party, the leading consumer activation and experiential marketing company that specializes in in-home parties, is offering a solution to the thousands of Americans who will not see a fireworks display this year because of community budget cuts. House Party will stream a live fireworks display, taking place in Irvington, NY, on its website for anyone throughout the country to watch and enjoy. In addition, House Party (www.houseparty.com) will film the fireworks and post the video on its website for continuous viewing throughout the weekend.

“As a company which coordinates tens of thousands of in-home parties for major brands and consumers, we pride ourselves on knowing what ingredients should be included into any party,” said Kitty Kolding, CEO of House Party. “With so many communities cutting out their annual July 4th fireworks display because of budget issues, House Party wanted to offer party hosts around the country the opportunity to still include fireworks into their Independence Day festivities.”
The display will be available at www.ustream.tv/channel/irvington-fireworks at 9:15 p.m. EST and beyond.

WHO: House Party (www.houseparty.com)

WHAT: Livestream to Irvington, NY Fireworks Display

WHERE: http://bit.ly/aHHBhn

WHEN: Sunday, July 4, 2010 at 9:15 p.m. EST and beyond

Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy

Congrats to the winner of the $40 gc from 1-800 Flowers.com. The winner selected by random.org is : KAREN !!!

Please email me within 48 hours to claim your prize at : plussizemommy@gmail.com .  ( I will need your name, address, and email address, please put 1800flowers winner in the subject line )

Thank you to everyone who entered and to Karen…. ENJOY !

The Plus Size Mommy

MAKE DAD BREAKFAST IN BED THIS FATHER’S DAY

JUNE 20th

With Father’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect way to celebrate dad.  As for gifts, most fathers have more than enough ties and gadgets, so why not give him something more memorable this year. Start his day with a delicious, warm and cheerful breakfast that is sure to fill his stomach and his heart.  With Aunt Jemima® Frozen Pancakes, making breakfast for dad can be so simple that kids, along with another adult, can help make his day.

Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes are easy to make and can be prepared in only one minute in the microwave or toaster.  Choose from a wide variety sure to please dad’s palate including: Buttermilk, Low Fat Buttermilk, Whole Grain, Mini and Blueberry and New Confetti Pancakes. Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes are available nationwide in the freezer section of grocery stores at suggested retail price of $2.69 for a package of 12 pancakes.  They are a good source of 6 vitamins and minerals and contain no preservatives.

Here are some ways to celebrate dad:

HEAVENLY HOMESTYLE HAPPY FACE

Ingredients:

Aunt Jemima Frozen Homestyle Pancakes

Microwaveable Bacon

Microwaveable Sausage Links

Home fries- any style you prefer

Table Syrup

Directions:

-Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Homestyle Pancakes in a toaster oven or microwave according to package

-Prepare the microwaveable bacon according to package and arrange as hair

-Prepare microwaveable sausage and arrange as a happy face smile

-Prepare home fries according to package and use as finishing touch for the happy face eyes

-Put on a plate; serve with Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

BUTTERMILK BANANA BEAR

Ingredients:

Aunt Jemima Frozen Buttermilk Pancakes

Aunt Jemima Frozen Mini Pancakes

One Banana

Blueberries

Raisins

Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

Directions:

-Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Buttermilk Pancakes in a toasted oven or microwave according to package

-Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Mini Pancakes in a toaster oven or microwave according to package and -arrange as bears ears

-Prepare two small slices of a banana and place on top of the mini pancakes for the bear’s ears

-Prepare two smaller slices of banana and arrange onto of pancake for the bear’s eyes

-Prepare one blueberry sliced in half and then place on top of banana slices for the bear’s eyes

-Prepare three raisins and arrange as the bear’s nose

-Add Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup to make the bear’s smile

-Put on a plate; serve with Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

FROM ME :

I cannot wait to help my kids surprise my husband on Sunday morning (Father’s Day) with these adorable breakfast meals. They are going to be as fun to make as I am sure yummy to eat. I took them to the grocery store today to get everything we needed. I will be sure to write a future post letting you know how it all went. These recipes seem so easy I think my 4 yr. old will be able to even put them together to create a cute animal or angel for her daddy. She will be so excited. These are also great to make for you child when they are sad or not feeling well to cheer them up a bit.

Check back for some more recipes I will be sharing for Father’s Day dinner and desserts too!

Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent coupons to buy the Pancakes for the recipe.

I was recently honored with the title “Rice Krispies Brand Ambassador for The Motherhood.com” Summer Edition of the Rice Krispies Recipe Box Challenge, along with 9 other woman. We were asked to participate in a very fun project where we were sent a “Mystery box” and a “Mystery Clue Word” in the mail. We had to get with our team by using Twitter, Facebook, and any other way possible to complete a sentence by putting each of our mystery word clues together. Then using the mystery ingredients in our Mystery box and other ingredients we had to come up with a recipe to go along with that sentence.

I was so excited to be a part of this awesome project. I love clue’s and games, and this was right up my alley, cause I love cooking too. I must admit I was a bit nervous on how/what recipe I would make. But after thinking about it the moment we fit our sentence together, “Fourth of July’s Cooler When Kids Help Create Rice Krispies Treats Recipes!” (WITH “COOLER” being the Main CLUE WORD) It was like a light bulb turned on in my head and I was ready to Rock and Roll with this.

I couldn’t wait to get started today, in fact, if I wasn’t so tired, I would’ve started yesterday night after our sentence was approved, but you know, I did have to go buy other ingredients today and I did need some sort of sleep

So today bright and early I got up with my girls and we went to get pedicure’s and then we hit Walmart to shop for what we needed. They were so excited too. I told them my idea’s and they were sooooo wanting to get home to create our recipes!

I made a Muvee of us creating our recipes. I can only submit 1 of my recipes for this contest. The winning recipe will get their recipe posted to www.ricekrispies.com. I am hoping of course to win, but I am so excited to just share my recipes with you and also see what wonderful creations the other ladies come up with.

Here is My Muvee followed by my 3 recipes. Please note, I am very new at making vlogs/movies on my blog, so please bear with me I am hoping to get better with every movie I make.

To let you in on what was happening on the video a little -
The first pics of the stars and paper are what I was sent for my clues. I was also sent a box of Rice Krispies and a bag of Jet Puffed Marshmallows. I just wanted to include these because I thought it was so sweet.

Then you can see me melting butter and marshmallows. Then you can see me making all of the food and in some instances my family members enjoying what I came up with! They were all very pleased at the treats I made.

Now for the Recipes :

1. Strawberry Rice Krispie Cakes

–

Butter – 3 Tablespoons
Marshmallows – 1 pack
Rice Krispies – 6 cups
Strawberries – sliced (about 2 pints, depends on how many people your serving)
Cool Whip
Vanilla Ice Cream
cupcake pan

Melt butter and Marshmallows in large pan. Put Rice Krispies into a large bowl. Pour melted butter/marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies and mix well. Spray cupcake pan with Non-stick cooking spray. Mold Rice Krispie treats into cupcake pan into circles, let cool. Wash and slice strawberries.
After Rice Krispie “cakes” cool, remove one and place on a plate. put 1 scoop of Vanilla ice cream on top (or your favorite kind). Spoon starberries on top. Put a dollop of Cool Whip on top. Use patriotic sprinkles onto the Whipped topping. Of course top it off with a 1/2 of a strawberry. VOILÀ ! Serve…

2. Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches

-

3 Tablespoons of Butter
6 cups of Rice Krispies (can use plain or Cocoa Krispies)
Vanilla Ice Cream (or your favorite kind)
1 pack of Jet Puffed Marshmallows

Melt 3 Tbs. of Butter and 1 bag of Marshmallows in a pan. Put 6 cups of Rice Krispies into a large mixing bowl. Pour melted mixture over the top of the Rice Krispies and mix well. Spread onto a thin baking sheet. Press it down firm onto pan. Cool.
Cut into rectangular squares (or any shape you desire). Take one flat rectangle off of cookie sheet and place on plate. Top with Vanilla Ice Cream. Add another Rice Krispie Treat rectangle on top, pressing down firm into a sandwich, Serve. You can also place these into individual baggies and store in the freezer to save for later yumminess.

3. Snap, Crackle, Pop Sticks

-

6 Cups of Rice Krispies
3 Tablespoons of butter
1 pack of Jet Puffed Marshmallows
Vanilla Ice Cream
Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Smucker’s Chocolate Fudge Shell Ice Cream topping
6 oz. plastic cups
Craft Sticks (like tongue depressors)
1 – 16 oz. cup

Melt butter and Marshmallows in a big pan. Place 6 cups of Rice Krispies into a large bowl. Cover with melter Marshmallow Mixture, Mix Well. Squirt in some Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup until Rice Krispies turn chocolate colored. Squirt into 6 oz. plastic cups enough Syrup to cover the bottoms. next layer in Rice Krispie Treat Mixture, Then a layer of Vanilla Ice Cream. Then 1 more layer of Rice Krispie Treat mixture. Stick a stick into the middle and place into Freezer to set (about an hour). Pour Smucker’s Chocolate Fudge Shell Ice Cream topping into the 16 oz. cup. When set take out cups of mixture, pull gently out of cups with Stick (will be like a Popsicle). Dip All the way down into chocolate shell and swirl until the whole thing is covered (except for the stick). Take out and let shell harden around the ice cream mixture. Bon Appetite!
Once these are hardened you can place into individual baggies and store in Freezer.

I had so much fun with this project and so did my whole family. Thank you to TheMotherhood.com for asking me to be a part of this Ambassadorship. Also Thank you to www.ricekrispies.com for bringing this exciting recipe challenge to us.

If you would like to see what the other 9 ladies are making, you can visit them at their sites, or by keeping touch with them via Twitter by using the #ricekrispies hashtag, below are their names :

Amanda Mommy Mandy http://www.mommymandy.com

Kelsey Naptime Chef http://www.thenaptimechef.com

Jodi Mom’s Favorite Stuff http://www.momsfavoritestuff.com/index.php

Melissa GirlyMama http://www.girlymama.typepad.com

Maricris Zen Mama Ventures http://zenforyou.dalefg.net

Alicia The Mommy Insider http://www.themommyinsider.com

Jenny Mommin’ It Up http://momminitup.com

Kimberly Pretty Pink Momma http://prettypinkmomma.blogspot.com
Melanie Modern Mami http://www.modernmami.com

I cannot wait to see what everyone is cooking up! Speaking of cooking up, I am also giving away a Rice Krispies TreatsTM Cookbook


Here is how you can win :

I came up with 3 recipes but I can only choose 1 to enter into the Recipe contest to have my recipe posted on www.ricekrispies.com. So, here is where I need help. Leave me a comment telling me which 1 of my 3 recipes you think I should enter. I will use random.com to randomly pick from all comments left on this post the winner of the cookbook!

For a bonus entry, go and visit www.themotherhood.com ‘s Rice Krispie Circle and leave another comment saying which of my 3 recipes you think I should enter and then come back over here and tell me you did. For vising the circle and then stopping back to let me know you did. I will reward you with a Bonus entry to try and win the cookbook with!

This giveaway begins NOW and will end on July 24th at 5PM EST. Winners will be announced via this blog on July 25th, 2010. ONE winner will be chosen via random.org from all eligible comments left on this post. Official Rules to this giveaway can be found at the bottom of this post. (PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE ENTERING).

Thank you for your Help with choosing the hopefully winning recipe.

OFFICIAL RULES FOR THE COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY – View official giveaway rules here.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent a stipend as part of this project with The Motherhood. Music in the Youtube Video was from Sony, and song by Whitney Houston.

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This weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season, and with that comes poolside drinks, barbeques, and lots of food!  We all know how hard it can be to resist the temptation of sipping on a sugary cocktail or indulging in that chili cheese dip, but what if there were delicious alternatives for your family?

For those of you who enjoy sweet beverages or cocktails, HINT, a 0 calorie, 0 sugar flavored water is your perfect alternative.  With just a ‘hint’ of natural fruit flavor, and no preservatives, HINT will give you that sweet taste you crave without all the sugar and calories.  It comes in 10 flavors, so it’s perfect in your favorite cocktail!

Additionally, below you will find some great recipes provided by Wellspring Camps, the nations leading weight loss organization, that you won’t feel guilty about indulging in, including:

• Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
• Black Bean Dip
• Sour Cream Chicken
• Vegetarian Chili

Recipes:

























Black Bean Dip

Serving Size: 2 Tbsp

1 -15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small can green chilies
1 cup salsa
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp cumin
optional: 1/4- 1/2 c cilantro

Blend all ingredients in a food processor. Add salt if needed.

Calories: 42
Fat: 0g

Sour Cream Chicken

Ingredients:

1.25 lbs. Chicken breast, boneless skinless
1 cup Onions, Chopped
1.5 Tablespoons Paprika
½ teaspoon Salt
2 cups Chicken broth, fat free
2 cups Sour Cream, fat free
2 teaspoon Flour

Method:

1.        Lightly spray pan (oven safe dish) with cooking spray and place chicken breasts in pan

2.        Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes

3.        Sautee onions in a skillet (use cooking spray) until translucent, not brown

4.        Add chicken broth, paprika, and salt – reduce stove to low heat.

5.        Stir flour into the sour cream, mix well

6.        Slowly add sour cream mixture to the broth, mix well

7.        Add reserved chicken breasts and simmer until chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened.

Yield: 5 Servings, 4 ounce chicken breasts

Nutritional Information:

201 Kcalories
31 grams Protein
1.66 grams Fat

FROM ME :

I was sent some HINT drinks to try in some tasty Mother’s Day Healthy Cocktails, they were very tasty. I am not a drinker per say, but every now and then, I will have a taste I love Virgin mixed Drinks which you can totally make as well. Here are some Recipes for the HINT COCKTAILS that I tried :

HINT COCKTAILS

Healthy Mama

1 Part Vodka

1 1/2 Parts Watermelon HINT

1 Watermelon Slice

Slimming Sally

3 Parts Gin

2 Dashes of Maraschino Liquer

1 part HINT Mango – Grapefruit

Splash of Simple Syrup

Relaxing Raspberry

2 oz. Raspberry Rum

6 oz. HINT Raspberry- Lime

Splash of Lime Juice

Sweet Mommy

2 oz. Pomegranate Vodka

6 oz. HINT Pomegranate- Tangerine

2 Mint Leaves

Dash Honey Syrup

Hope your Memorial Day Picnic’s are Enjoyable. Please be safe and do not Drink and Drive.

The Plus Size Mommy

* Disclosure – I was sent bottles of HINT to try in order to write this post. All recipes are from Hint, but all opinions of Hint of mine are 100% my honest opinion.










Enjoy Your Week end!

The Plus Size Mommy

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I have come up with a wonderful list of some idea’s for Yummy Treats to surely surprise and delight mom this Mother’s Day. Kids often do not have big budgets to buy mom the diamond rings or expense perfumes that they love, so we will leave those up to dad to get mom. Instead I have some great little gifts idea’s to share that mom will still love and enjoy!



RING POP’S -

I remember back when I was in elementary school and playing out on the playground. We would pretend to get married with these great treats. They are sparkly and come in many great colors, and taste mmm  so great. Any mom would be so excited to win a cute, tasty Ring Pop from their child. And now, even better, they have new Sugar Free Ring Pop’s! So now mom can enjoy this treat and still watch her sugar intake, and these are great for diabetic mom’s too. And you can buy them in a pack of 3, so mom can have 1 and still share with her child and maybe even dad.

My favorite Ring Pop is the Blue Raspberry. I have tried the New Sugar Free one’s and they are just as tasty to me as the regular ones. And My children couldn’t tell any difference either. They come in 3 flavors Blue Raspberry, Strawberry, and Watermelon.



Another idea is to invite Grandma over for tea and cookies and have her table setting include a Ring Pop next to her cup. Get out fancy hats and other costume jewelry to wear, and don’t forget to invite your teddy bear. You can feel like queens at your Mother’s Day tea, and with your Ring Pop’s on you will be wearing the biggest, prettiest, tastiest diamonds ever!

Find out more by visiting : ringpop.com



Pandora’s Pantry-

Speaking of tea parties. I have recently tried what I consider myself a huge connoisseur of, TEA. To be more specific, Pandora’s Pantry – “PersonaliTEA” . They come in adorable little tins and smell so Heavenly. The ingredients of the one I received to sample (which was called “Heavenly Hope” ) are so simple. Black tea, Black Currants, Flavor, and Cornflowers. This tea would be superb to drink at your Mother’s Day tea, or anytime.



You can learn more about this tea by visiting www.pandoraspantry.com

FROM THE COMPANY:

This Mother’s Day, Honor The Women in Your Life With A Customized PersonaliTEA

Acknowledge a special woman or an inspiring mom in your life, with a premium PersonaliTEA named in her honor from Pandora’s Pantry (www.pandoraspantry.com).

The gift that keeps on giving, for every purchase made a 10% donation will be given to charities that help mothers in need.
In the spirit of celebrating women this May, Pandora’s Pantry Tea Shop is proud to announce their PersonaliTEA collection – a unique and personalized gift that allows the giver to pay tribute to a mother’s uniqueness by naming a tea after her and sharing their own personal sentiment on the label. Developed to inspire a global change that shines light on the authentic beauty and power inherent in all women, PersonaliTEAs help the world see that women are a gift every day.
The purchase of a PersonaliTEA not only encourages women to recognize their gifts and use them for good, but it supports woman through Pandora’s Charitable Giving Program. The product retails at $15.95 and comes in an elegant black tea tin and a heat-sealed inner foil “freshness” pouch. Customers have a choice of four teas: Golden Monkey Black tea, Lemon Ginger Green tea, Orange-U-Slim Oolong Tea, and Relaxation Herbal Blend.

The gift that keeps on giving, for every purchase made a 10% donation will be given to charities that help mothers in need.In the spirit of celebrating women this May, Pandora’s Pantry Tea Shop is proud to announce their PersonaliTEA collection – a unique and personalized gift that allows the giver to pay tribute to a mother’s uniqueness by naming a tea after her and sharing their own personal sentiment on the label. Developed to inspire a global change that shines light on the authentic beauty and power inherent in all women, PersonaliTEAs help the world see that women are a gift every day.The purchase of a PersonaliTEA not only encourages women to recognize their gifts and use them for good, but it supports woman through Pandora’s Charitable Giving Program. The product retails at $15.95 and comes in an elegant black tea tin and a heat-sealed inner foil “freshness” pouch. Customers have a choice of four teas: Golden Monkey Black tea, Lemon Ginger Green tea, Orange-U-Slim Oolong Tea, and Relaxation Herbal Blend.

From the selection of a customized name and message to a cup of tea shared between the two of you, all of the moms in your life will be reminded of just how special they really are.

About The Tea Shop

Pandora’s Pantry Ultra-Premium Loose Leaf Teas are carefully selected to make a subtle, yet bold, statement. One of the most popular and widely consumed beverages on the planet (next to water), tea is something everyone can relate to. It is steeped in culture and the tradition of unconditional service – just like us! Our Loose Leaf teas are grown and hand picked in pristine, non-polluted mountainous regions. We also take special care in selecting leaves that are USDA ORGANIC certified whenever possible. 10% of all Tea Sales will help mothers in the U.S. provide food, shelter and clothing for themselves and their children. For more information on the charities we support, please visit: http://www.pandoraspantry.com/who_we_support/

Pandora’s Pantry Mission

Pandora’s name, in its original form, means “all giving”. If we are to look at her story, we’d see an all-loving, all-giving mortal – a mother, a wife, a friend – molded by the gods. Sadly, most of us know her as the first female saboteur, the one who brought misery and suffering upon mankind, the one who imprisoned hope. Consider Pandora’s Pantry the platform for rewriting this legend. We believe that by providing women with an online gathering place, where they will be seamlessly linked to one another, from the veldts of Africa to the suburbs of Chicago, we can start a global movement and revive the true spirit of Pandora in women everywhere – so that individually they can realize their gifts, and together we can help to create a more peaceful and prosperous world.



Orville Redenbacher’s Smart Pop – 100 Calorie Popcorn!

After a tea party with mom, snuggle up on the couch with some great Popcorn and a Movie.




SmartPop!®

Orville Redenbacher’s® SmartPop! Gourmet® microwave popcorn has just 100 calories per 6 cups and is 94% fat free, so you can snack without giving up the delicious, fresh-popped taste and aroma you love.

More info. on Orville Redenbacher from the company and a great study they did:

One important part of weight management is healthy snacking – eating light, often.  In fact, new research presented at the Experimental Biology conference this week reveals that low-fat popcorn is a smart snack choice for weight management.

The study, commissioned by ConAgra Foods, found that eating a filling but calorie-controlled snack, such as Orville Redenbacher’s 94 percent fat-free SmartPop! popcorn, will leave you feeling fuller and less hungry than snacking on the same caloric amount of milk chocolate.

The study found that participants who ate a 100-calorie portion of SmartPop! popcorn versus two nuggets of milk chocolate (also 100 calories) were significantly less hungry and more full, had less desire for a second snack, and were more satisfied with the amount of food after eating the popcorn.

More About the Study

There were 49 female participants in the study, aged 20 to 50 years old, with a BMI between 18 and 25 (normal weight). All participants followed the same consumption protocol in a controlled testing facility. After an overnight fast, they arrived at the testing facility, ate a controlled breakfast, and then ate a snack 3.5 hours after breakfast. Participants’ fullness levels were approximately 40 percent higher 30 minutes after snacking on popcorn versus after eating chocolate.

About Orville Redenbacher’s SmartPop!

· 100% whole grain

· 94% fat-free

· 0 grams of trans fat

· 0 milligrams of cholesterol

· Excellent source of fiber

· Available in either full-sized or 100-calorie bags

· Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet Popping Corn pops up lighter and fluffier than ordinary popcorn.

· Whole grains support heart health, and previous research has shown that popcorn consumers get more than twice the amount of whole grains as is typical in the U.S. diet, plus 20 percent more total fiber.

Mom will love the time you spend with her on the special day that is given to honoring mom’s.  I think these 3 simple treats will make her smile and feel loved. It isn’t the big, expensive things in life that mom’s want. It is the little things that count, and the thought put into them. If you hold a Mother’s Day tea and finish the day out with a great movie and some popcorn on the couch, I believe this will provide for a great relaxing day for mom. She will enjoy the time you have spent with her more than anything.

I have put together a little treat basket with each of the items listed above for one of my lucky readers to win.

Here is how to WIN :

1. Visit ringpop.com and come back over to here, tell me your favorite color and flavor of your Ringpop. = 1 entry
2. Visit Pandoraspantry.com and take a look around. Come back over and tell me your mother’s first name and a great name to name a PersonaliTEA of hers. = 1 entry
3. Visit www.orville.com tell me what your favorite kind of popcorn is, whether kettle corn, tons of butter, or whatever, leave a comment = 1 entry.
4. Fave any or all of the 3 companies above on momfaves.com, comment and let me know you have, and which ones = 1 entry for each(separate comments please).
5. comment and tell me another yummy, inexpensive way to celebrate Mother’s Day = 1 entry
6. Tweet the following on Twitter – ” Win a Yummy Prize Pack for Mother’s Day   http://twurl.nl/2sck1v   ” = 1 entry per tweet up to 4 tweets per day please, separate comments.

This giveaway begins NOW and ends on Monday May 10th at 8PM EST. Winner will receive a prize pack that includes each of the above treats to sample for their own, or to give to their mom as a Belated treat. Winner will be chosen via random.org. Winner will NOT be emailed, winners name will be posted on this blog by 5/11/2010. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize.

This giveaway is open to USA and Canadian residents ONLY.

Thank you to all who enter and HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY !!!

The Plus Size Mommy

* I have received each of the above products to sample so I could write this honest post about each product. My idea’s are my own. The companies have all sent me the prizes to giveaway at no cost to me, however I will be paying for shipping to the winner at my own expense.My thoughts or views on any of the above products are my own and in no way swayed by anyone or anything.




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