Last year my now 14 year old son had his first school dance. It was an informal one so he didn’t have to wear a suit and tie, but he still most definitely wanted to look good. So I packed up the family and we headed to the mall. We looked around and most of the shops had t-shirts or outfits for say 20+ yr. old guys but nothing that really “fit his style”. While we walked around the mall basically window shopping at that point, we came across The Gap.

My son peered in and said, “Mom, this place has nice clothes, but they look too expensive”. I agreed but because it was a very important occasion for him and a huge milestone, I told my family that I would like to take him in and look around anyways. Boy, was I happy we did.

The clothes were stylish, felt durable, and were the “right fit” for my son. Most importantly, my wallet wasn’t in distress because, guess what? The clothes were reasonably priced and the SALE items were awesome. I told him to go ahead and pick an outfit. He was shocked, because he still thought it was expensive. He chose a very nice dress shirt, a pair of pant, and a sweater. As we were looking he also saw a belt he liked and also found some cologne that he said was a “must have” to smell good. So, I said yes, you definitely had to smell good (For mom’s who have boys, you understand this, I knew he was growing up because he really wanted to smell good most boys are hard to get clean,lol)

While we were in the store my now 12 yr. old son sparked interest in the clothes too. He really loved the jeans. And of course, my 2 daughters ages now 5 and 3, are mini fashionista’s and they wanted to know where their section was and wanted new clothing too. Well, this was a special occasion for my 14 yr. old so I didn’t want anyone else to get to pick anything, it would make him feel even more special. By the way, my husband was with us, and he wanted some jeans too, but I even told him, “no”, lol.

The dance went well and he danced with at least 4 girls (that I know of) so I am thinking the cologne worked and of course his handsome new clothes. He had a great night.

Now, this year is a different story. Since I know the clothes are not expensive and I can get awesome sales, I am definitely taking all of the kids to The Gap to get new school clothes. The outfit my son bought still looks brand new today, they clean so easily and ARE as durable as they felt in the store. We are very pleased with that purchase.

This year is a very important school year for all of my kids. My youngest is starting pre-school, my oldest daughter has her first day of Kindergarten, My youngest son starts middle school, and the oldest is starting High School! (and I am gonna be home alone, which I have mixed thoughts on). So, off to the Gap we will go and this time, everyone get’s clothes! (I might even allow my husband to get a couple things )

I have been looking around on Gap.com GapKids and babyGap collections to pre-shop before we hit the mall. I am in love with the new The Portobello Road Collection it is adorable. Let me share a few of my favorites with you:

For Girls/Toddlers:

Ruffle Cardigan

Jeweled Rosette Ballet Flats

London Graphic T

Boucle Tiered Skirt

Boucle Peacoat

For Boys/Toddlers

Straight Cargo Pants

2-in-1 Athletic Polo

Sweater Vest

Herringbone Utility Jacket

These are just some of them, I have MANY more I love, but not enough room to put into this post. You can go and see for yourself at GapKids and babyGap.

The Gap puts complete thought into their collections. For instance the Fall 2011 The Portobello Road Collection is focused on London inspiration. This is perfect for this school year with the new Prince and Princess’s marriage over the summer and everyone raving about London. The Gap even has a Union Jack Messenger Bag and London inspired caps for boys. What proud Mummie wouldn’t want to dress their kids like a Prince and Princess?

Oh and I mentioned earlier about the awesome sales that The Gap has, Check this one out: From 8/5-8/17 DENIM is ON SALE! They will have Kids and Baby Jeans on Sale from $15 !! Durable, quality jeans for $15 ??? Mom’s you know this is a heck of a deal.

Now, to help your wallet this Back To School Season, and to have you go to The Gap store and see what I saw last year for yourself this year. I am heading that way for sure. Here is a Giveaway for a $25 Gap Gift Card:

REQUIRED FOR ENTRY:

1.  Please Follow The Gap on Twitter ( @Gap ) and Tweet one of the Following to them: ” I just entered the @Gap $25 GC Giveaway on @PlusSizeMommy’s Blog to help my wallet in time for Back to School -My Fave item is:<insert here> “

 OR

       2.  ” I just saw The Portobello Road Collection from @Gap and I want to win the $25 GC on @PlusSizeMommy ‘s blog #GAPSchool ” = Comment with the tweet thread and let me know you have done this = 1 entry for each Tweet, up to 3 per day. (up to 3 entries each day)

AND /OR

2. Go To Facebook and share the link to either this post or to The Gap website using the hashtag #GAPSchool. = Comment with the thread info. and  you can share up to 2 times each day. (up to 2 entries each day)

The SRT shoes utilize Sensory Response Technology to help babies develop a healthy gait during the critical learning-to-walk stage. The only thing more impressive than the shoes themselves is the technology behind them. The sole of the soft and flexible SRT shoe contains little sensory pods that help a baby to know if they are stepping properly, allowing sensitivity to different surface types and terrains. Available in toddler sizes 3 to 8 (including medium and wide), the insole is removable and features the Check Fit system. Place your baby’s foot on the soft insole, compare baby’s toes to the line, and know with confidence when it’s time for a larger size!

I can remember how not too long ago (maybe 3 months) my 15 month old baby girl wasn’t even walking. Now she is walking and running everywhere!  I was so excited when given the opportunity to try these new Stride rite SRT shoes.

I know how good stride rite shoes are for your child’s growing feet and how they are so comfortable for them to wear.

It seemed like it was just the other day we were wondering WHEN she would start to walk, and now it is hard to imagine her Not walking! Kids grow so amazingly fast, I say it all the time. Sometimes now I regret wanting her to walk so much. It is another one of the bitter sweet growth moments in a mom’s life with her children.

WHAT is your favorite story about your babies first steps ? Leave a comment and do tell

Now YOU can WIN a pair of Stride Rite SRT shoes for your child!!! Here is how:

ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS FILL OUT THIS FORM!!!

This giveaway will result in five winners total chosen from all of the entries, which have been submitted to http://bit.ly/zb2Qb The winners will be chosen by Stride Rite and Momfluence using Random.org.  The rules of the contest are:

-          This contest is open to legal U.S. residents 18 years or older. The giveaway begins at 12:00 a.m. ET September 14^th and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET September 28^th.  Five winners will be chosen to receive a pair of SRT shoes – toddler size only ($50 RV per pair).

THIS Contest is the result of me being a Momfluencer. 5 random winners will be chosen from ALL Momfluencer Blogs combined. (Not 5 per site, unless it would happen that way, but the chance of that I think is extremely RARE).

The Plus Size Mommy

Is your current computer stalling and giving you blue screen nightmares? Would you love to be able to have one that the kids could use (alas, staying off of yours)?

CookiesKids.com feels your pain and has come to your rescue!

Sign up to receive the Cookies Kids Newsletter via e-mail and you’re automatically entered to win one of 4 brand new laptops!!

Simply fill out the form below to be entered into the Laptop Giveaway Sweepstakes. Please be sure to read the Giveaway Sweepstakes “Terms and Conditions” before entering your information.

Entry Form: http://cli.gs/6dGhsh

Not only will BlogHer attendees get great goodies from LPR and TTP, but LPR is also sponsoring giveaways for those who can’t make it to BlogHer.

1. Christmas in July on Twitter - tomorrow (Mon.) from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.: (Momfluence members are eligible to participate!) Tweet between the hours of 9 and 9 ET tomorrow with the hashtag #LitzkyPR and you are automatically entered to win a prize pack that would make Santa blush.  It includes 13 prizes, some valued at over $100!

2. LPR Facebook contest: LitzkyPR is giving away one free month of PR - a $15,000 value. (read that again…it’s just. that. good!) To be eligible simply friend “Litzky Public Relations” on Facebook then post on their wall what blog/item/biz you would like to promote with free PR and tell them your favorite 3 p.m. snack.  That’s it! And you’re all eligible!!!

3. Time to Play BlogHer Contest:

Anyone attending BlogHer who finds me – Amy Lupold Bair – and takes a picture of us together can then upload that picture to the Time to Play BlogHer microsite (www.timetoplay.com/blogher) to be eligible to win 1 of 5 $50 Target gift cards. The first 10 people to upload their pic will automatically win a $20 Target gift card. And this is not listed on their site, but the first 10 people to find me will receive a $10 Target gift card just for saying hi

- Not attending BlogHer? There is a TimetoPlayMag.com contest for you! Anyone can go to the TimetoPlayMag.com microsite and tell them one place you have visited with your family that you think every kid should experience.  If you enter on Friday you are entered to win a $25 Target gift card or a Girls Prize Pack with 7 great toys!  If you enter Saturday you are entered to win a $25 Target gift card or a Boys Prize Pack with 6 great toys.  Four winners total.

PRIZES JUST FOR YOU: As I said, Litzky PR and TimetoPlayMag.com are fabulous – and they gave me permission to not only share these BlogHer themed giveaways with you and your readers, but they also at my request put together an extra contest just for you!

If you share any or all of the above three items with your readers or Twitter followers, tell us here:

http://tinyurl.com/prizesforyou

Three of you will win one of these prize packs:

“Boys with Toys”: Tonka Scoot N Scoop, Tonka Lil Gas Pump, Super Soaker 50, Nerf NFL Vortex Football

“Little Girl’s Dream”: Baby Alive Better Now Baby, My Little Pony Little Rainbow Dash’s Room Playset, FurReal Friends Lil Patter Pup, FurReal Friends Newborn

“Big Kid Fun”: Nerf Weather Blitz Football, Nerf NFL Pro Grip Football, Shred Sled, Jazwares Hershey USB

Remember – you’re also all eligible to win the public contests!  GOOD LUCK!

This post courtesy of Momfluence. GOOD LUCK !!

The Plus Size Mommy

To Enter:
To enter to win the #KidsWeigh Wii Fit contest, check out client testimonials and fabulous Dr. Weigh success stories then fill out this secure contest form telling us which story was your favorite!

Form: http://tinyurl.com/kidsweighcontest

One grand prize winner will receive a Wii Fit. Two runners-up will receive a free one month membership to Dr. Weigh. This contest ends Friday, July 24th at 11:59 a.m. ET. and is brought to you by Momfluence.

Good Luck !!

The Plus Size Mommy

Is your current computer stalling and giving you blue screen nightmares?  Would you love to be able to have one that the kids could use (alas, staying off of yours)?

• Share screens/desktops with multiple participants
• Assign and acknowledge meeting roles of presenter and controller of keyboard/mouse
• Allow an unlimited number of users to host a web conference
• Schedule meetings and webinars
• Hold ad hoc meetings and webinars and use verbal meeting invitations without resorting to e-mail
• Integrate with Outlook for sending e-mail invitations
• Optimized for different internet connection speeds ranging from broadband to 28KB dial-up
• Annotation over the entire screen/desktop
• Whiteboard and chat functionalities

Win an iPhone for my misdeed on a conference call? Yes! Here’s how you can win:

It’s almost that time! Blogher is just around the corner!! We are so excited about the party that Type-A Mom and Momfluence are hosting, thanks to our amazing sponsor HP! In case you haven’t heard, Friday night, July 25th, Momfluence and Type-A Mom are joining forces with HP for the first-ever LIVE sitewarming party at Blogher! Find out more info at typeamomfluence.com.

This is going to be an AWESOME Sitewarming, I just know it! With Resourceful Mommy and Type A Mom at the Helm and HP at their sides, this is gonna RAWK !!!

I cannot wait. Make SURE you don’t miss this party at BlogHer 09′ !

Dont forget to enter to win a chance for a $500 scholarship to BlogHer as well !!! Just go to www.Typemomfluence.com for all the deets !! CONTEST ends July 10th so hurry !!

MUCH LUCK TO YOU ALL, And I hope to see YOU at BlogHer 09′ !!!!

The Plus Size Mommy

Have you ever wanted to start your own handmade jewelry store on Etsy or Silkfair, but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you already enjoy scrapbooking and knitting and thought beading might be worth a try, but weren’t sure about the investment.

Now you can win a bracelet making kit plus $75 in product – a $100 value – by entering the “Bejeweled Giveaway” contest. Ten readers across the Momfluence network blogs will be chosen to win!

But there’s more! Those ten winners will be able to submit a picture of their completed bracelet to the House of Gems, and one will be chosen to receive a $250 gift certificate, enough product to really jump start your business.

To Enter:
Readers must choose one or more ways to enter.
Option 1 – Subscribe to one or more of the House of Gems feeds found at http://www.houseofgems.com/feeds.aspx – each feed subscription counts as a new entry! Once you’ve subscribed fill out this entry form: http://cli.gs/ND4NMe

Option 2 – Blog about the “Bejeweled Giveaway” contest on your own site then fill out this entry from: http://cli.gs/ND4NMe

Join us on Twitter Saturday, June 27th at 9:00 p.m. eastern for a #houseofgems SiteWarming party where the 10 winners will be announced!

Don’t miss your chance to win an iPhone 3GS from #houseofgems…
About the House of Gems:

House of Gems, Inc. (www.houseofgems.com) was established to provide quality beads, pearls, findings, pendants, chains and other jewelry making accessories at wholesale prices, directly to the consumer.The people behind Houseofgems.com have been in this business since 1992 and have an extensive network of designers, manufacturers and other direct suppliers to draw upon.

Since they have their own factories,craft shops and import directly, they have the best prices on quality products. Now, with the power of e-commerce they have eliminated the ‘middle men’, bringing their quality products at low wholesale jewelry prices, directly to your doorstep.