When you take a shower or a bath you not only want to feel comfortable & relaxed, smell really good, and get really clean. Well, I have been sent a wonderful new product that I truly have fell in love with. It is called Spongeables, and they do and make me feel all of the above. They are sponges that are pre-filled with shower gel that has the most lathery and smelling awesome fragrances! They do have a usage life, since sponges can hold in icky stuff, but on the package they have a recommendation for how many uses you can get out of each type of spongeables they sell.

If your a traveler, you know that you cannot take a full size bottle of shower gel with you on the plane, Spongeables has an answer for that. They have travel size’s that can give you 3 washes each. No soap spilling all over your clothes, no using hotel soap which sometimes isn’t the greatest smelling, and they are so compact that throwing a couple into your luggage is simple (and they also sell a travel case)

If your a child or parent of one or a few, Spongeables makes fun shaped sponges such as , duckies , holiday shapes for stocking stuffers or to give as a present. And they are in perfect sizes for a child’s hand. (Warning – they are not tear free so I do not recommend for young children who may get it in their eyes, they are for children 3+)

For the MAN in your life – Give them SHOWER POWER , A pair of 20+ Use Spongeables for Men, chockful of healthy skin protection, with easy-on-the-skin glycerin cleanser, invigorating aroma, and zesty exfoliating/massage texture. Everything needed for clean, healthy skin – just add water.

Have a Dog ? – Get a Dog’s Best Friend pack. A new shampoo & conditioner infused Haute Dog 6+ Use Bath Buffer is the easiest way to wash the family pet. With natural pH balanced shampoo for a clean, shiny coat; Aloe Vera for healthy skin, and Tea Tree Oil to prevent hot spots and skin irritations. Haute Dog is easy to control, keeps suds out of Fido’s eyes, and eliminates spills, splashing and stressed out pooches. Just one buffer replaces shampoos, rinses, conditioners and skin treatments for the fastest, easiest way to a clean and happy best friend. Sold as a 2 pack.

And finally, for the most deserving woman in your life – They have Shower of Roses , Gift Basket Assortments, Triple Charm, and so many others to choose from.

They get so nice and lathery, they smell soooooo good, and they feel wonderfully soft while you wash, and they make taking a shower or bath so much fun and relaxing.  I was sent the Spongeables Lavender Nectar to do my review on, and it was so nice, made me feel so silky smooth and has a wonderful smell. It also has a scrubber on the one side of the sponge to lightly exfoliating to soft, buffed with a healthy glow skin. 

My opinion is that this would make great gift’s for any occasion, I know I would LOVE a gift basket of Spongeables. I just love them THAT much.

Here is where you can buy Spongeables = Spongeables

You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter and if you “Like” and Follow them, you will get the news of new products, press, and online-store coupons & discounts.

These are made in USA and retail from $6.99 to about $49.99 and you can also buy gift certificates online too.

Here’s to a Squeaky and Refreshingly Clean YOU!

The Plus Size Mommy

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Written by Kathryn Cloward and Jody Duhamel
Illustrated by Christine Winscott

“Kathryn the Grape – Just Like Magic!” is a recently published vibrantly illustrated 40-page children’s picture book. The KathryntheGrape.com website is full of helpful information about the book, the story behind the book, and symbolism of characters.

POOF! Just Like Magic! That’s how easy it is to fall in love with Kathryn the Grape and her magical butterfly friend, Maggie! These inspiring characters teach that each of us has our own magic within. As your children read along, they will discover their own inner strength and fearlessness, learn about making new friends, and learn the importance of helping others. Kathryn the Grape takes the reader on a journey of discovery and spreads the message that everyone is magical! [40 page 10" x 8" hardcover picture book, ages 3-8]

-$1 of from every book sold on KathryntheGrape.com is directed to the Kathryn the Grape Foundation whereupon we partner with non-profit agencies focused on at supporting education, empowerment and sustainability. Learn more by visiting : http://www.kathrynthegrape.com/index.php/ktg_news/pages/the_kathryn_the_grape_foundation

You can also visit the entire behind the scenes story of Kathryn the Grape HERE : http://www.kathrynthegrape.com/index.php/ktg_about

-Connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kathrynthegrape

-Connect with us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/kathrynthegrape

My REVIEW :

My girls are ages 5 and 2 and they both loved this book. They especially loved the animals in the book, and their favorite was Maggie the butterfly. I loved the fact that this book helps build self-esteem and inner self worth for children. A lot of children these days do not get these messages. This book does a great job getting children to learn this. My girls were pretending to be Kathryn after reading this book. The illustrations in the book are bright and cheerful. And they couldn’t have chosen a better color for my 2 yr. old, cause her favorite color is purple. Kathryn had a magical imaginary butterfly and a magic wand that she used to get through situations like having a monster under her bed, talking to new people (like a little boy), making new friends, and going to a new school. I think that this would make a super addition to your child’s library. Be prepared because your kids will want to read it over and over again (like mine) and soon they will basically be able to read it to you. What a brilliant, fun, and magical book!

Now you have a chance to add this book to your child’s collection by entering to win a copy HERE :

Follow me on Twitter, I am @plussizemommy = 1 entry (comment and tweet me, and tell me you are)

Follow Kathryn The Grape on Twitter here : @kathrynthegrape – leave a tweet letting them know that @plussizemommy asked you to follow them = 5 entries (separate comments please)

Follow me over on Networked Blogs, look over in my right sidebar and just click follow = 1 entry (comment and let me know you are)

Follow me over on Facebook, I am “The Plus Size Mommy” , please “Like” me and leave a comment on my wall about the Kathryn The Grape book, tell me who you would give it to and for what occasion ? leave me another comment here = 4 entries (separate comments please)

Leave a comment on the Kathryn The Grape Facebook page here :http://www.facebook.com/kathrynthegrape (let them know The Plus Size Mommy sent you) come back and leave me a comment telling me you did this = 5 entries (separate comments please)

This giveaway is for a copy of the book “Kathryn The Grape – Just Like Magic This giveaway is for continental USA winners only. This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 3/29/2011 at 9 PM EST. Winners WILL NOT be notified. Winners will be chosen via random.org and then listed in a separate post (so please look for it on the 30th). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Prize will then be shipped from the company directly. Winners who do not reply within 48 hours of winner post will be disqualified and new winners will be chosen.
PLEASE LEAVE separate comments for each entry. Otherwise you will only receive entries based on how many comments you leave.

Thank you for entering and GOOD LUCK!
The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I was sent a copy of this book to review as with my relationship with Tomoson.com The winner will receive their book direct from the company. I am not responsible for lost or damaged products. It would be up to the company to replace it at their discretion. All of my opinions on this product are 100% my own.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

I am so excited to let you all know that the great people from Nelvana Enterprises and Vivendi Entertainment are allowing me to do a giveaway of a copy of the Beyblade Metal Fusion Vol. 3 DVD!

Here is how you can enter to win a copy of this great DVD (your child will love it), would make a great Easter present or birthday present, a present for good behavior or good grades, or even just as a surprise

Here is how you can win :

Follow me on Twitter, I am @plussizemommy = 1 entry (comment and tweet me, and tell me you are)

Follow me over on Networked Blogs, look over in my right sidebar and just click follow = 1 entry (comment and let me know you are)

Follow me over on Facebook, I am “The Plus Size Mommy” , please “Like” me and leave a comment on my wall about the Beyblade Metal Fusion Vol.3 DVD, tell me who you would give it to and for what occasion ? leave me another comment here = 4 entries (separate comments please)

Leave a comment on the Beyblade Facebook page here : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beyblade-Metal-fusion/156747114017 (let them know The Plus Size Mommy sent you) come back and leave me a comment telling me you did this = 5 entries (separate comments please)

This giveaway is for a Beyblade Metal Fusion Vol. 3 DVD, This giveaway is for continental USA winners only. This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 3/15/2011 at 9 PM EST. Winners WILL NOT be notified. Winners will be chosen via random.org and then listed in a separate post (so please look for it on the 18th). Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Prize will then be shipped from the company directly. Winners who do not reply within 48 hours of winner post will be disqualified and new winners will be chosen.
PLEASE LEAVE separate comments for each entry. Otherwise you will only receive entries based on how many comments you leave.

Thank you for entering and GOOD LUCK!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I was sent a copy of this DVD to review. The winner will receive their DVD direct from the company. I am not responsible for lost or damaged products. It would be up to the company to replace it at their discretion. All of my opinions on this product are 100% my own.

The fearless hero and his loyal companions return to defend the honor of the Beyblade, spinning on to DVD March 1 from Nelvana Enterprises and Vivendi Entertainment.

Synopsis:
The battle between good and evil is even more intense and dangerous than ever as Gingka, the courageous hero, faces a villain and his plot to unleash a long forbidden Beyblade in his quest to take over the world.

My Review : My son’s favorite episode was “The Green Hades”, because the arena was cool, and was huge and made by a meteor. And his favorite Beyblade is Rock Aries. He really enjoyed this movie.

Beyblade is a game where kids can battle their Beyblade’s against each other. There is a Battle Arena you can get to play in. Beyblade’s remind me of a spinning top. They battle by spinning around and whichever one falls first loses. It is a really great game and the Beyblade movies are great too.
I would say this would be for kids ages 7 – 12. (my opinion). This DVD ranges in price, depending on where you buy it. It can be around $15 – $10. You can read more and purchase this movie at Amazon.

Happy Playing!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I was sent a copy of this DVD for review. All opinions and idea’s are 100% my own.

My daughter Yasmine’s Birthday was back in Oct. and around the same time I was picked to be a host of a Fuzzoodle House Party. Fuzzoodles are so great and kids can create so many things with them. So, I decided to incorporate the Fuzzoodle making in with the Birthday party, as a pre-party craft, that kids could take home, and it would help kill time while we awaited all of the children coming to the party.

Here is a Whrrl story of the Fuzzoodle Party we had. It was a lot of fun, not a lot of mess, and even the parents got their creative juices flowing and had fun making Fuzzoodles too!

You can find out more about the Fuzzoodles and the kits here : https://www.buyfuzzoodles.com/Default.aspx

Have Fun Fuzzoodling!!!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I was sent the Fuzzoodle House Party Pack from childsplay PR. All opinions and pictures are all my own.

Does your child love to explore his/her surroundings? Do they love to dress up and make believe ? Do they love bugs, butterflies, worms, caterpillars, and animals ? Well, I have the most awesome products to share with you. These would make wonderful birthday or Holiday gifts for your adventurous little one. They are from Backyard Safari Outfitters.

I received a cargo vest, mega view periscope, and bug vacuum from them due to my relation ship with Team Mom, and my kids love these.

My daughter who is 4 pretended she was a zoologist and was working in the butterfly house. And my 2 yr. old daughter loves the bug vacuum, she calls bugs- boo bugs, and she runs and gets it when she see’s a bug in our house. Stink bugs have really taken over this year, and because we do not want to squash them (or they omit an awful odor) we vacuum them up and then flush them.

I love watching her “reading” her field guide and wearing her cute little vest and role playing. They are the perfect age for these toys.

You can find out more about these toys and others by visiting www.summittoy.com.

They are sold on Amazon.com, at Walmart.com, Target, and also at Barnes and Noble!

You can follow them on Twitter at @BYSOutfitters

and they are also on Facebook : HERE

Happy Exploring!
The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I was sent these products on behalf of my relationship with Team Mom.

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.

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.

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.

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.