There Is More To Sending Kids Back To School Than With Just Pencils & Notebooks; You Have To Help Keep The Germs Away Too & WIN

With nearly 22 million school days lost each year due to the common cold and flu (CDC) and as many as 2.7 million bacterial found per square inch on common school surfaces (NSF International), it´s no wonder that 82 percent of parents with kids in grades K-5 fret about the germs in their children´s classrooms (according to a survey conducted by Seventh Generation).

This school year, Seventh Generation is sharing tips from best-selling author and pediatrician, Dr. Alan Greene, to help parents protect their child´s health during back-to-school season. Dr. Greene suggests taking the following precautions:

Optimize the immune system

• Reap the benefits of probiotics like those found in yogurt. A recent study showed that children who received enough probiotics daily throughout the cold and flu season had a significant reduction in the number of illnesses they had and, when they did get sick, the symptoms were both milder and didn’t last as long.
• Be sure your child is getting plenty of vitamin D from the sun, from food, or from a supplement.
• Build a strong foundation. Good food, good sleep, and good physical activity all help the immune system to flourish.

Be wise about reducing unnecessary exposure to harmful germs

• Teach children the key times to clean their hands in the classroom. The most important times include after sneezing, coughing or using the restroom, upon leaving “high-risk” places (recess, naptime, play stations) and before meals or snacks.
• Sixty percent of teachers surveyed said that they request that parents donate disinfecting wipes to the classroom. Seventh Generation´s disinfecting wipes kill 99.99% of germs* naturally using the active ingredient thyme, a component of thyme oil which is derived from the herb thyme.
• Stress the importance of not touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Demonstrate to your children how to cover their mouth and nose for every cough and sneeze. This simple maneuver has spectacular results in decreasing the spread of viruses and bacteria floating about the room, waiting to be inhaled.

*Refer to disinfecting product labels for full details

WIN !!!!!

One of my lucky readers will also win a Seventh Generation “Back-to-School” kit that includes a Seventh Generation backpack, two canisters of Seventh Generation disinfecting wipes (one for home and one to donate to your child´s classroom), disinfecting multi-surface spray cleaner, facial tissue and paper towels.  (As Shown)

Here is how :

• Leave me a comment on how you keep your household germ-free during the school year ?l = 1 entry
• Comment and tell us how your keep your kids healthy and germ-free ?= 1 entry
• Follow Me on Networked Blogs (right sidebar) comment and tell me you do= 1 entry
• Follow this blog, comment and tell me you do = 1 entry
• Follow me over on Twitter (@plussizemommy) = 1 entry

This giveaway begins NOW and ends on Aug. 14, 2010 at 10PM EST.

This giveaway is for USA residents only. Winner will NOT be emailed. Winner will be posted on this blog by Aug. 9th. Please check back to see if you are the winner if you enter.

Winner will be selected via random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize by emailing me.

Thank you and Good Luck to All who enter!!

Happy Back To School !!!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure- Seventh Generation provided me with the free product, gift pack and giveaway through MyBlogSpark.

Help Me Help Elmer’s To Raise $10K For Adopt-A-Classroom #BagItForward

As you all may have read, or can read if you scroll further down in my blog. I have been asked to be an Ambassador of a very special project. One that is near and dear to my heart. I am an Elmer’s Ambassador. Elmer’s is helping me with my #BagItForward Pittsburgh Project. This project hits so close to home for me because when I was growing up there were times when money was very tight and it was very hard for my parents to buy me and my sister anything for back to school.

There are many MANY children whose parent’s just don’t have the money. Especially with so many people out of work.

Well, as part of my Ambassadorship, I am helping spread the word to others that Elmer’s is helping with Adopt-A-Classroom as well as the Elmer’s Bag It Forward program, that I am also part of (with my #BagItForward Pittsburgh project I am working on).

Here is how you can help us with the project as well.

1. Write a post on your blog about this charity and Elmer’s raising the money, to help spread the word.

2. Send a virtual bag of school supplies to another blogger and challenge them to join the #bagitforward movement.

3. Link your post to www.bagitforward.org

4. DONE! For doing the above 3 steps, Elmer’s will donate $10 for each post to Adopt-A-Classroom !!!

So Please join in and help me help Elmer’s to donate to Adopt-A-Classroom!

The Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward is charity blog meme, bloggers are able to raise $10 per blog post for Adopt-A-Classroom by writing a blog post and donating a virtual bag of school supplies . Elmer’s will donate $10 per each post written to Adopt-A-Classroom, up to $10,000.

HOW CAN YOU JOIN? It’s easy.

• Participate in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward and by giving away a virtual bag of school supplies and creating a blog post with specific rules described below.
• Elmer’s will donate up to $10,000 to Adopt-A-Classroom.
• You can give as many virtual bags as you want.
• The Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward will officially begin at 12 AM EST on July 22, 2010 and end at 12 PM EST on August 12, 2010. Blog posts submitted to us before or after that time period will not be counted.
• The blog post link has to be submitted in the comment section below for your participation to be counted.
• In addition copy and paste the following text into your blog post:

ELMER’S VIRTUAL BAG IT FORWARD RULES

• Copy and paste these rules into your blog post.
• Create a blog post giving a “virtual bag of school supplies” to other bloggers or write about your Back to School shopping trip at Walmart.
• Link back to the person who gave you a bag of school supplies.
• Let each person you are giving a virtual bag of school supplies know you have given them a bag.
• Leave your link in the Elmer’s Virtual Bag It Forward comment section. You can also find the official rules of this virtual #bagitforward program there.
• Elmer’s is donating $10 for each blog participating in the Virtual Bag It Forward Donation to Adopt-A-Classroom (up to total of $10,000 for blog posts written by August 12, 2010).
• Please note that only one blog post per blog url will count towards the donation.

****I’m sending my Virtual Bag to Adrienne of Adrienne’s House and challenging her to #bagitforward with Elmer’s****

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am being compensated for this shop. Part of the Money I will be donating back for supplies for the children I am helping in this project.

Pop On Pals Fun For Your Toddlers

Spin Master is introducing Pop On Pals – a wonderful world of fun pals, pets, vehicles and playsets! With endless mix n’ match fun, little ones can be anything they want to be. A fireman can become a musician, a princess becomes a baker, a puppy becomes a ballerina – Pop On Pals encourages imaginative play and helps develop fine motor skills.

We got a package from Team Mom the other day and to my toddler’s surprise out came a “Pop On Pals” playset. It was the amusement park one, (as shown) She loves it. She played with it for about an hour (which is excellent for a 2 yr. old). She loved making the ferris wheel spin and the music play. I just wish it had more than 1 pal with it, but she kept taking the one apart and playing with it and then putting it back together.

The set comes with the following items :

One Pal, Three Park Themed easy pop-on rings, and 1  amusement park with action/reaction points that delivers lights and sounds!

The Suggested Retail Price is:  $34.95.

It was perfect timing when we got this too because we were just about to leave on vacation to an amusement park! When we came home she was back to playing with it again. It is very colorful and she just loves anything that includes music and sounds.

I think this will be a big hit this giving season and I definitely have other Pop On Pal pieces like the school bus and more playsets and definitely more Pals on her gift wish list

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I received the above playset to review on my blog as part of my relationship with Team Mom. All views expressed are my own and my own honest opinions.

Is It Too Soon To Think Back To School? #BagItForward

A lot of people are still enjoying vacation and basking in the sun and not even beginning to think Back to school yet. But the retailers are gearing up and stocking the shelves with great new back to school stuff. I was looking through the Sunday paper sale ad’s just today at the amazing new items, especially for College students.

So, truth be told, Back To School is just around the corner, whether you want to admit it or not. And soon the young adults will be college bound, teenagers will be heading to High School, Pre-teens and younger teens to Middle School, and our babies will be heading to Elementary school, pre-school, and also to child care centers.

I love this time of year. I love to see all of the new items companies come out with. But for some kids across the country, back to school is a sad time. And can also be very stressful to parents.

Why? you may ask..

Because, the parents cannot afford new back to school supplies. It is no secret that times are tough. Parents are out of work, or on the edge of unemployment. They are worrying right now, not about their sunny vacation being over, they are worried because they are wondering where the next meal will come from, or where to find a job. They worry about keeping their utilities on, or even how to just keep from losing their home. These are the big issues in their lives right now.

The children on the other hand, even knowing that mom and dad are struggling, are still inclined to worry about, well, things kids worry about. School stuff. Will my parents be able to afford to buy me those new jeans, shoes, and shirts ? Will I get a new back pack, or will I have to reuse the old one ?  Or get a hand me down from an older relative? How will I do my homework without new tablets and pencils ?

So many questions.

And while parents are so worried about bigger items, a lot of times the things kids so want get dismissed. They forget about them or they remember but don’t even bring it up because they simply cannot afford these items. And It hurts inside, hurts a lot.

There are not many programs that can help parents get their children the needed back to school supplies. Not even basic items. And this is a big deal for a child.

So, this year, I am working on a project with Elmer’s and Collective Bias to “BAG IT FORWARD”.  The purpose of this campaign is to help a child in need with a backpack full of school supplies that they will need. So, this year for me, I am already thinking back to school.  I want to get this campaign off and running and make a difference in children’s lives.

I have gathered up troops around the Pittsburgh region where I live to come together and bring a back pack and supplies to stuff the backpacks with. We will meet up and do this and then all of the backpacks (my goal is 50 or more) will then be donated to school age children who are in need of them.  We are Paying it forward and bagging it forward for the kids.

This will not only lighten the child’s load so they will not have to worry about where they will get money to afford the backpack and contents, but also will be 1 less thing the parents will have to worry about.

I want to make a difference in these 50 children’s lives and at the same time their parent’s lives too.

So, my answer to you is, NO! It isn’t to early to think about Back to School. Think about it on a bigger spectrum then your own kids.  Think about ALL of the children across our nation who are in need of a Bag It Forward project like I am doing. And make a difference where you live. In your own community or a neighboring one. It doesn’t take a huge amount of money or time to make a difference.

If you live in the Pittsburgh area and would like to help with this project, please contact me. (email: plussizemommy@gmail.com) We will be meeting up soon to further discuss the details.

If you would like to be a part and show us what you have done or will be doing to “Bag It Forward” Please visit : http://bagitforward.org/ to learn more and see what others are doing where they live.

Watch for coming news as I participate in this great campaign!

“One hundred years from now, It will not matter what kind of car I drove, What kind of house I lived in, Or how much money I had in the bank, But the world may be a better place because I made a difference in a child’s life.”  ~Author unknown

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure - I am being  compensated for my participation in this campaign . Views expressed here are my own.

Kindle, Nook, & Now V.Reader For Kids And YOU Can Win One!!!

I was recently contacted by V-Tech Toys to see if my 4 yr. old daughter would like to experience the newest of E-readers. The V-Tech V. Reader! I was so excited as you could imagine. I mean my family #1 LOVES V-Tech toys and we buy them and play with them all of the time. And #2 I, as a mom LOVE the value of my child learning while playing. It teaches Phonics, Rhyming, Word Building, and Reading Comprehension. It is a wonderful tool that my daughter is already in love with. Her little sister who is 2 years old, has also been enjoying it.

My daughter who is 4 will be going to her 2nd year of pre-school this year due to her not meeting the age requirement for the cut-off for Kindergarten (Her birthday is Oct. 5th!) She is eager than ever to learn and so it is the perfect time to introduce her to this great tool/toy.

The recommended age for the V.Reader is ages 3-7. There are a ton of cartridges to choose from with new books for your kids to read from. As your child reads along with the book, the words light up so they can stay with the reader. There are games to fill in the letters and promote spelling. You can bookmark pages while reading too. There is also music and the characters come to life and make reading so exciting for kids.

The child can personalize the V.Reader too by entering their name. I love to take this in the car with us, my daughter has been reading her books over and over and loving it.

The V.Reader comes with a book cartridge called, “What’s That Noise?” It is an adorable story about a dog who moves to the city from the country. It also comes with the USB Cable and the user manual. It takes 4 “AA” Batteries (Or you can use an AC adapter). You can download additional stories from your computer to the V.Reader. SO the library is very large to choose from, in fact it has over 100 titles in it. (See the library at www.vtechkids.com) There is also a story dictionary that children can use to see what a word means.

Overall I am VERY impressed with the V.Reader. However it doesn’t surprise me because like I said, we buy V- Tech learning toys all of the time and love them.

Where can I find a V.Reader to buy? V.Reader will be available exclusively at Target stores and online from June 21 to August. You can see more from Target Here : http://bit.ly/b9RBSL

The cost of a V.Reader SRP is $59.99 and the story cartridges are $19.99  each.

Now, you too can experience the V.Reader with your child by entering to win one right here on my blog!

Here are the ways for entering :

1. Follow V-Tech toys on Twitter at :  @VTechToys comment and tell me you are  = 1 entry!
2. Follow Me on Twitter at: @plussizemommy comment and tell me you are  = 1 entry!
3. “Like” V-Tech on Facebook Here : www.facebook.com/VTechtoys (tell them I sent you on their wall) = 1 entry!
4. “Like” The Plus Size Mommy on Facebook and/or follow me via networked blogs (click on follow on right sidebar)  = 1 entry
5. Visit www.vtechkids.com Browse the V.Reader story titles and come back and comment which book would be the first you would buy your child if you are the winner of this giveaway = 1 entry
6. Become a subscriber to my blog , comment and tell me you are = 1 entry
7. Tweet the following on twitter : ” Win a V.Reader by @VTechToys on @Plussizemommy  ’s blog here : http://bit.ly/bYO0uC ” – comment with your tweet thread, can do this up to 4 times per day = up to 4 entries. (Separate comments please)

This giveaway begins NOW and ends on 7/8/2010 at 9PM Est. You must be a subscriber to this blog to be eligible to win. Winner must be living in USA only. Winner WILL NOT be emailed, Winner will be posted to this blog by 7/9/2010 with instructions to claim your prize. Winner must claim the prize within 48 hours of being posted or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be chosen via random.org.

Prize will be sent directly from the company to the winner. I am not responsible for any damage or lost prizes. If there is a problem please email me and I will see if I can help.

Thank you to ALL who enter and GOOD LUCK to you ALL!!!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was given a V.Reader by VTech for my review. I was allowed to keep the product, but the opinion I am sharing remains my own.

Are Your Kids Suffering From Allergies?

My whole family suffers from allergies. This Spring has been really hard on all of us. With grass and pollen all around us, it makes it a super uncomfortable place to live. Especially hard on our dear children.

Up to 40% of American children have allergies, and they miss about 2 million school days a year due to bothersome symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny noses.

I know my kids in particular have been suffering. I feel so badly when they sneeze and itch.

It is so important as parents that we help our kids out by treating their symptoms so they can have an easier time of it.

This is where Children’s Claritin products can help. These powerful, non-drowsy products are the #1 pediatrician recommended to help kids cope with their allergy symptoms. Kids only need one dose per day. This will help them focus more on their daily activities rather than their allergies. It is no fun playing outside in the sun when your sneezing and itchy.

Children’s Claritin comes in great grape chewable tablets or syrup. There are also RediTabs Tablets for kids.

I have been treating my children’s allergy symptoms with Claritin and I can tell a difference between then taking them or not. They are not as itchy (and sometimes not itching at all), no runny noses, and they play happier.

Tips For Managing Your Child’s Allergies:

·         Identify the specific allergens that trigger your child’s symptoms so he or she will be able to help limit contact with them.

·         Tell your child’s teachers, school nurse, coaches and caretakers about his or her allergies, triggers and medications.

·         Remind your child to wash his or her hands frequently to avoid spreading allergy – causing substances such as dust, pollen and pet dander.

·         Help manage your child’s home environment by taking steps such as keeping windows closed, cleaning air filters regularly, washing bedding often and using a dehumidifier.

·         Have your child shower and change clothes after playing outdoors since allergens can collect on hair, skin and clothes.

·         Treat allergy symptoms with a non-drowsy antihistamine, such as Children’s Claritin®, that will last throughout the day.

For more information about Claritin – visit the new Claritin Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/Claritin or their website at www.Claritin.com .

Help your children have a happier allergy season!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure- I was sent product samples of this product. My opinion of this product is 100% my own honest opinion and has not been swayed in any ways.

“Fourth of July’s Cooler When Kids Help Create Rice Krispies Treats Recipes!” #ricekrispies

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.

Tags: cookbook, Cooking, Cool treats, family, Foodie, giveaway, holiday, kids, recipes, Rice Krispies, The Motherhood, treats

Hey Pittsburgh, Your Invited!!! – Hebrew National Better-Than-A-Picnic Picnic #HebrewNational

May 26, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family, Foodie, Heart

6 Comments








I will be joined by These 3 other wonderful bloggers to host the picnic :

Kim of Crafty Mama Of 4 http://www.craftymamaof4.com
Kim D. of Clumber Kim http://clumberkim.com/
Alaina of Life… {as felt through my heart} http://alainafrederick.com/life






Here is Your Official Invitation :

WHO ? You are invited Along with your family & friends
When? Saturday June 5th, 2010 (Mark Your Calendar NOW!)
Time ? 11:30 am – 3:30 PM
Where? Highland Park – We will be near the Reservoir, off of Farmhouse Drive
What ? Hebrew National’s Better-Than-a-Picnic Picnic

Bring your own blankets, for a picnic in the grass. We will have lots of fun activities for the kids such as a giant puzzle, music, and what I am most excited about is the mechanical bull!!!
The Food will be Hebrew National hot dogs (of course), fruit, and drinks.
So gather your friends, neighbors, and family and come for a fun picnic in Highland Park!

We will also be doing a service project, more info. to come on this SOON!

You can learn more by visiting The Motherhood.com ‘s Hebrew National Picnic Circle here : http://www.themotherhood.com/circle/show/id/61991

Here are some pictures from the kick off picnic in NYC last weekend! Doesn’t that big AirStream bus/kitchen look awesome?!

You can see more and also see if the Better-Than-A-Picnic – Picnic is coming to your city by staying in touch with Hebrew National’s Facebook page HERE : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hebrew-National/16552638255

If you have any questions or need any more info. PLEASE contact me through my email at plussizemommy@gmail.com or leave me a comment and I will answer you.

I am hoping to see you at Highland Park !!! It will be a great time

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – As a host for this picnic I am being sent a stipend for my time and for pitching in for service project supplies that may be needed.

Tags: causes, charity, families, food, friends, Heart, Hebrew National, Invite, kids, love, party, Picnic, Pittsburgh, service project

“Never Blame the Umpire” – Book Review*

May 26, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Library, TEEN

3 Comments



“Never Blame the Umpire” : Gene Fehler

Never Blame the Umpire is a touching story about living everyday you have in your life to the fullest by Gene Fehler. Gene Fehler has a way of getting you interested in the story as soon as you pick up the book he pulls you right in.

I really really enjoyed reading this book about a girl named Katie who had everything going right till all of a sudden her mother gets dignosed with cancer that is uncureable and everything come crashing down.

This book quickly came into my top five favorites of all time. It taught that you have t believe and trust in God because he has a plan for everyone even if you dont know what it is.

This book would be good for ages 8 and up.

Never Blame the Umpire. A lesson I will remember for a lifetime.

FROM THE COMPANY:

This book is available from Zonderkidz. It’s price is $12.99 – hardcover. You can learn more about the Author : Gene Fehler at www.genefehler.com

You can buy the book and learn more about it here : www.zondervan.com

POST by: Alena H. – Teen Writer

*Disclosure – This book was sent to me to read and review. The opinions are 100% my own and are not swayed in any way.

Tags: "Never Blame the Umpire", book review, Books, children, kids, Zonderkidz, Zondervan

Home Free – Treats Your Allergy Suffering Kids Can Eat

May 24, 2010 by theplus  
Filed under Family, Foodie

4 Comments



I do a lot of writing on this blog about my son who is 11 years old and suffers tremendously from Allergies and Asthma. So when I was approached by a company who asked if I was interested in trying (and letting him try) some treats that are Organic, peanut free, tree nut free, egg free, and dairy free, I couldn’t have been more excited.

My son IS allergic to Eggs and Peanuts. DO you know how hard it is to find foods without eggs and that are not cooked in a facility where nuts are also in other ingredients ? VERY !!!

So, I was sent some samples to try and also they sent a couple packs made just for my son. He was so happy to get this special attention. (he is a middle child and feel’s left out sometimes, lol) The products are from HOME FREE.

I was very delighted to be contacted from this company to try their products, but at the same time, very ummm… hesitant. I truthfully was worried that they wouldn’t taste good, that cookies without eggs ? would taste like cardboard or something.

WELL… To my shock I was surprised VERY PLEASANTLY surprised!!! These are the BEST Oatmeal, chocolate chip, chocolate chocolate chip cookies I have ever tasted in my life !!! They were soooooooo moist, and soooo good. I raved about them to my husband, my mother, and anyone else who came by for over a week! They were just soooo good. They sent me a few boxes of these cookies and Let me assure you, all the cookies were GONE in about a week, or less.

I let ALL 4 of my children try them, and they ALL loved them. My child with the allergies loved them and so did my mom and my husband.

Here are some facts about these cookies :

• Whole Grain
• peanut free
• tree nut free
• egg free
• dairy free
• no trans fat
• no cholesterol
• all natural, organic ingredients

The Big cookies are individually wrapped for easy snacks to take along with you. The boxes are 6.3 oz. boxes and hold 6 delicious cookies.

There are also mini cookies that come in chocolate, chocolate chocolate chip, and oatmeal chocolate chip.

These treats are so delicious! They truly made my allergic child not feel like an outcast. In Fact, these cookies made my son feel very special and important.

You can read more about Home Free products by visiting : www.homefreetreats.com You can also find Home Free on Twitter and Facebook!



FROM THE COMPANY :

HomeFree cookies carry a suggested price of $4.99 per box at retail locations or $5.49 per box (plus shipping and handling) through the company’s website,www.homefreetreats.com.  HomeFree cookies are available in a variety of flavors including chocolate chip, chocolate chocolate chip, and oatmeal (6.3 ounce boxes), as well as mini chocolate chip, mini chocolate chocolate chip and mini oatmeal chocolate chip.  Individually wrapped cookies are $1.49 each or $14.90 for a case of 12.

HomeFree cookies, allergen-free baking cookbook and specialized allergen-tested baking ingredients are available for purchase through the company’s website.  The cookies are available at over 450 retail locations nationwide including participating Whole Foods, Wild Harvest sections of Shaw’s supermarkets, Food Town and Giant Carlisle Supermarkets, as well as at a growing number of supermarket chains and institutions such as schools, camps, and sporting venues.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – Home Free sent me some samples boxes of cookies to try. All of my opinions of the Home Free products are 100% my own honest opinion.

Tags: allergies, children, cookies, Food Allergies, foods, Home Free, kids, snacks

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