Back To School With “Pure Energy” Clothing From Target, A Plus Size Teen’s Review

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

Plaid Ruffle Shirt -

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

Plaid Woven Shorts -

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

Two Fen Dress (Butterfly Print) -

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

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

You can also see the collection at Target HERE.

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

The Plus Size Mommy

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

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

Winner of “Dark Fairies” Book

Congrats to : LUCY , You are the winner of the “Dark Fairies” book!!!
Please email me at plussizemommy@gmail.com with your name & address to claim your prize. You must contact me within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.

Thank you to those who entered!
Congrats to the winner, ENJOY!!

The Plus Size Mommy

Yes, It Was Me, I Stole Your Pen :p ~ Zebra Pens (A Review)

As you know, mom’s are super busy. And with lots to do, there’s a lot to write down to stay on top of things – which is why the pen she chooses should be comfortable, convenient, fun and best of all – stylish! Zebra Pen’s new Z-Grip Daisies fit all of the above.

Another great option is a fresh take on an old favorite, new Regal Rollerballs offer an effortless, silky ink flow for a super smooth write. And featuring 8 vibrant colors, your writing will never be dull!

And with inside projects to occupy the kids during the rainy days of summer, new Cadoozles mechanical pencils featuring 6 vibrant graphic themes will be a hit.  They’ll have so much fun they won’t even notice they are working on their penmanship during the summer!

NEW Z-Grip Daisies are the latest twist on our best-selling Z-Grip line (ARV $3.75/5 pack).

• Floral fashion designs and vibrant colors
• Form-fitting rubber grip
• Convenient,  retractable plunger
• Grip color matches 5 ink colors

o   Fuchsia

o   Violet

o   Teal

o   Light Green

o   Orange

NEW Regal Rollerballs (ARV $8.36/4 pack)

• Easy-glide ink for a super smooth write
• Effortless, silky ink flow for a scratch-free performance
• Contemporary, streamlined barrel with ink visibility
• Beveled silver clip
• Available in arrow and needle tip
• 8 rich colors

o   Black

o   Blue

o   Red

o   Green

o   Pink

o   Light Blue

o   Orange

o   Brown

NEW Cadoozles

•         Fun pencils that never need sharpening (MSRP $.41).

•         6 different vibrant, fun graphic themes available in the following colors:

o   Blue

o   Light Blue

o   Green

o   Yellow

o   Orange

o   White

•         Solid, wood case design barrel

•         Large, colorful eraser to advance lead or refill

•         Ideal for standardized tests

•         Refillable with standard 0.7mm lead

Zebra Pen products can be found at Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Walmart, K-Mart, and other office supply stores, discount chains, food and drug retailers, stationery stores and wholesale clubs. For more information on Zebra Pen products, log onto www.zebrapen.com.

FROM ME :

Okay, I admit it, I am a pen~a~holic !  If you are missing your pen, I may have taken it, if it was cool. I collect pens. I have always loved them since I was a kid. It is just something about a neat,cool, fancy, pen that just makes me happy.

So, you can only imagine when I was asked to sample and review Zebra Pens, how excited I was. (Yes, doesn’t take much) But these pens are super cool. My favorite are the colorful Zebra - Z-Grips Daisies. They are so great. My kids confiscated the Cadoozles pencils as soon as they arrived. (I guess they get the love of pens/pencils from me, huh?) They just are so comfortable to write with and so pretty.

The Zebra products mentioned above are sure to be huge hits for your kids going back to school, and with you, if you are a pen lover too.  Rollerball pens have never been my favorite, I always feel like they write too rigid and I always make my hubby happy by sharing these with him. But the Regal Rollerballs from Zebra pens are very smooth and nice to write with. Great for signing important documents with

Whatever your style you will be sure to find a pen from Zebra that will fit it.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent Zebra Pens & Pencils to conduct this review. As always, my opinions of these products is my own 100% honest opinion.

Preconceived Notions of Fairies – “Dark Fairies” & WIN A Copy!

When you think of fairies or tales of fairies many times the image that comes to mind is of Tinkerbelle like creatures – beings of small stature with glorious wings that bring us luck and fortune.

In ancient times, the concept of fairies was rather different. “Fairytales” resembled horror
stories, with fairies drinking human blood to survive and snatching children, whisking them off to a demon land. Fairies were seen as often-dangerous creatures of the land that’d steal food out of fields and through folklore were known as creatures that were to be feared rather than trusted.

Join Dr. Bob Curran, author and mythologist, as he explores the not-so-comfortable world of fairies in his new book, Dark Fairies. He investigates the folkloric roots of the fairy kind, exposing fairies as beings much different and far more sinister than they are commonly perceived. Bob’s books are amazing not only filled with tales that keep you on the edge of your seat but beautiful art work that features images of some of the illustrious creatures weaved into his tales.

FROM ME :

In this book, Dr. Bob Curran takes a deeper look into the folkloric roots of fairies. Looking back into the Classical time period to English Victorians.

I felt this book is an amazing insight of how fairies were and how we perceive them today. It is a VERY different look than a “Tinkerbell” type fairy we think of. The illustrations in the book by Ian Daniels are amazing.

I personally would recommend this book for ages 16 and up. There are a couple drawings that show nudity. But it is the kind that you could see in an art gallery or museum. Nothing sexual.

You can learn more about this book by visiting here :  DARK FAIRIES

You can win a copy of this book by entering below :

• Follow me on Twitter, I am @plussizemommy, comment and let me know you do = 1 entry.
• Follow me via Networked Blogs on Facebook (plus size mommy), comment and let me know you do = 1 entry
• Subscribe to this blog, let me know you do  = 1 entry
• Comment and tell me your favorite mythological creature is = 1 entry

This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 7/19/2010 at 7PM (EST.) Winner will NOT be contacted, winner will be posted on this blog. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize (no exceptions). I will personally mail out the copy of the book to the winner at my expense. I will not be held responsible for lost or damage to the book in shipping. This giveaway is open to all USA and Canada residents ONLY. PLEASE NOTE THIS BOOK DOES INCLUDE SOME ILLUSTRATED NUDITY!

Thank you to all who enter!

Good Luck !

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent a copy of this book for review. As always all of my reviews are 100% my own opinion.

Diaper Pail Test Drive ~ Munchkin Arm & Hammer Pail

For the past Month I have been “test driving” 2 diaper pails (alternating use of each pail every other week).  The second diaper pail I will be reviewing is the Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper pail.

Upon first opening the box on this diaper pail, I noticed it was shorter than other diaper pails I have seen. So I was concerned about how much it could hold. To my surprise, it held a lot (25 to be exact per bag).

This  pail comes fully assembled and includes 3 Arm & Hammer® Diaper Pail Refill Bags. The odor-eliminating power of Arm & Hammer® baking soda combined with this clever and easy-to-use design make The Arm & Hammer^TM Diaper Pail by Munchkin® the perfect diaper pail system for today’s busy parents and caregivers.

Everyone is usually familiar with Arm & Hammer since a lot of people use it in their refrigerators to keep oders down. I am also familiar with it because my family has extremely sensitive skin and we use Arm & Hammer laundry detergent.

It definitely helped to keep the smell of dirty diapers down. Once I put the diaper in and it was sealed, I never smelled it again.

New bags are easy to load, and tossing dirty diapers is quick and easy. The patented self-sealing system tightly seals the bag and locks odors away, while the Arm & Hammer® baking soda cartridge safely absorbs odors and dispenses natural baking soda each time the lid is closed. A full cartridge lasts over 90 days, and refilling is simple (no need for a separate deodorizer). Each bag holds up to 25 diapers and is easy to snap, seal and toss when full.

The bag refills were easy enough for even my 13 yr. old to change, as it is his chore to take out the garbage every week.

I really think this is an innovative and unique diaper pail solution.

I never had a problem with oders and it was very easy to change the bags.

Both diapers pails I tried were good and I feel I could recommend either to a new mom or even a seasoned mom who isn’t sure.

The only drawback I see to the Munchkin Arm & Hammer pail, is the knob in the front, that opens the little door to get the dirtied bag of diapers out is easy enough for my toddler who is 2 to open. She potentially could get her fingers pinched if shut in it. Also, she is one of those kids who opens and gets into everything, so she has opened it a few times and tried to get the bag of soiled diapers out.

Parents may want to consider these 2 things when choosing a diaper pail. Otherwise, it does the job what it is to do, keeps your home still smelling fresh and clean and free of dirty yucky diapers.

Oh yea, and I would also recommend it being in pretty colors, as was my recommendation to the Playtex Diaper Genie II Elite company.

To learn more about the Munchkin Arm & Hammer Diaper Pail, you can visit here : MUNCHKIN

Other than that I was happy with the experience of being a test drive mom. I love and am honored to work with Mom Central as they bring wonderful campaigns to parents.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am a member of the Mom Central community and I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive campaign by Mom Central, sponsored by Diaper Genie, and received a free Diaper Genie diaper pail and a free Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper pail to facilitate my review.

Diaper Pail Test Drive ~ Diaper Genie II Elite

For the past Month I have been “test driving” 2 diaper pails (alternating use of each pail every other week). The first one I will be reviewing is the Diaper Genie II Elite by Playtex.

When I had my first child I had the older version of the Diaper Genie and I loved it a lot. It kept my baby’s nursery smelling fresh and it was so convenient to use.
So, I was already familiar with the Diaper Genie’s. (Or so I thought)

The NEW Diaper Genie II Elite is taller then the one I used to have. It is much easier to use. It has a step down pedal to step onto to open it (hands free opening means less germs to me). Then when you put the diaper in and step off, it reminds me of like a cookie monster inside, it “gobbles down” the diaper and seals the opening and it is all ready to go for the next change! I was amazed. Since it is taller, I think it holds more diapers then the older version.

The odors are sucked in with the diaper it seems because I didn’t smell anything.
The bags are a breeze to change and refill.
To me, the Diaper Genie II Elite is actually kinda fun to use.
Which is what I would say is the only drawback I can see…. My kids like to play with it, lol. I think they too are amazed at how things seem to disappear into it.
Actually they put a couple small toys in it that I had to “fish out” that wasn’t good, but that is my kids and my experience, lol (and my luck).
Otherwise, I love the Diaper Genie II Elite !
The only recommendation I would make to the company (Playtex) is to make them in more than 1 color. I think they only come in white, which seems to be standard with diaper pails. But I would love to see some pink, blue, pale yellow, cream color ones. This would be nice in the nurseries. I know that I did have a sticker type thing that went around my older diaper pail with my first son, but I had to put it on myself and it was all crooked, and a pain.
So, making them colors would be cute ! Theme ones would be cute too, like with animals, safari, cars, princesses, butterflies, and some other more common nursery themes.

You can read more about the Diaper Genie II Elite : HERE

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am a member of the Mom Central community and I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive campaign by Mom Central, sponsored by Diaper Genie, and received a free Diaper Genie diaper pail and a free Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper pail to facilitate my review.

Divinity Is Divine For Holly* #DivinityMoms

BEFORE

Last Sunday, I experienced a real treat for Mothers Day. My daughter, Beth (Plus Size Mommy)  took me to Divinity Salon – 334 1st St., Aspinwall for a hair makeover.

The red carpet was rolled out for all of the Mommy Bloggers that attended.  When we arrived, Colleen, a representative from Alterna Professional Haircare was speaking about their products and how luxurious they are.

For me, as I am an older Mom (Granma actually), Colleen reccomended that I use Alterna 10 shampoo and conditioner as it will heal my hair with all of the exotic ingredients from all around the world.

All of their products have ingredients to heal and revitalize hair according to your specific need.

Some of these ingredients are caviar,for age control;champagne grape seed oil;and Arabian Frankincense and other nourishing yummies for your hair to get it healthy.

Colleen made sure that we each received a “swag bag” filled with hefty samples of Alterna products.

The “Big Boss” from Alterna, Sean David,called us on speaker phone all the way from Beverly Hills,as he was on his way to breakfast.

That showed us that he was truly caring of his product and the people who use it. He wants it to be the best.

After he spoke to us, Colleen came around and spoke to us each individually about our hair and what product she would reccomend that we use.

Donny, Divinity Salons owner, then introduced himself and all of the other stylists.  They really made us feel welcome and special.

We were offered soft drinks and the best little cheesecakes and biscotti while we waited and also some of us were able to get scalp massage.

When it was my turn, Randy Gusmar,an expert stylist consulted me about my hair.  He took his time speaking to me about how I usually wear my hair and what colorings I use. I was about 2 weeks over due for a color touch up, so he said he felt that the color that I was using was a good choice for me but that he thought some high lights would be a nice change.

I felt that I could trust his expert opinion, so as he applied the color,I noticed that he seemed to really enjoy his job. He said he has been a stylist and expert hair colorist for 8 years. After my color was ready to be combed through and we went to the sink to be rinsed,I got a nice scalp massage and just relaxed.

After that, the cut!  My hair is very thick, and Randy thinned it out and texturized it so it would have good shape.I usually like to wear my hair off of my forehead,but, he showed me that I could wear a sweep accross my forehead and also change it to comb back if I wanted. I don’t like to take alot of time with my hair.I just want wash and wear hair and I have to admit, this has been an easy do.

AFTER

Cooper, From The Motherhood.com who arranged for this gathering at Divinity Salon had taken a before and after picture of each of us and the results were striking!

I wanted to share my “Divine Experience” at Divinity Salon with everyone and would reccomend a hair appointment if this sounds like an experience you would enjoy. Prices do vary with what service you need and/or want and according to the stylist that you choose.

Thank you Cooper! Thank you Alterna! Thank you Randy!  Thank you Divinity! It was Divine!

You can read more on The Motherhood.com and the Divinity Moms Circle Here : http://www.themotherhood.com/circle/show/id/27187

Written By: Holly – Our Older Adult Editor/Writer and Product Reviewer.

*Disclosure – We were given the Hair cut, color, and style at no charge to us for the Pittsburgh Mom Blogger Hair Day. This in no way swayed our opinions on the experience we had. We were also given hair products in a gift bag to take home at no charge to us.

Initials Inc. Review and Giveaway!*

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

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

Personalization is always FREE!

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

Here is more info. about Initials inc. -

Our website: www.initials-inc.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is how you can enter:

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

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

Thank you to all who enter, and GOOD LUCK!

The Plus Size Mommy

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

Yummy Treats For Mom’s & WIN*

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.

The Madeline Movie: Lost In Paris & WIN*

C’est Fantastique!

The Madeline Movie: Lost In Paris came out to DVD on April 13th. I was selected as one of the lucky mommy blogger reviewers to get a copy of this DVD to watch with my little girls.

I can remember reading Madeline books when I was a little girl. Watching the little girls get in 2 lines as they traveled around Paris.

In the movie “Lost In Paris” you will meet Uncle Horst and see her new adventure. My daughters were delighted to watch this captivating new movie about the little girl that everyone loves from Paris, Madeline.

Click on this link to watch a clip of the DVD for yourself :  Madeline_Paris-Clip_2-512K

and if you click this link, you will get a cute picture for your child to color:   http://www.shoutfactory.com/av/madeline/MadelineColoringSheet.zip

FROM SHOUT FACTORY :    

Inspired by the beloved classic books that introduced us to a dozen delightful girls who live in an old house in Paris covered with vines, The Madeline Movie: Lost In Paris is full of spirited fun and five “fantastique” new songs. Screen legends Christopher Plummer (The Sound Of Music) and Lauren Bacall (The Big Sleep) co-star in the animated feature.

Both Plummer and Bacall had a big presence at this year’s Academy Awards® – Bacall was given an honorary Oscar for her work and Plummer was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Leo Tolstoy in The Last Station.

When a long-lost uncle from Vienna pays a surprise visit, Madeline’s dreams of family life seem wonderfully fulfilled — until she finds herself in the middle of an unfortunate scheme. Madeline then must call upon all of her courage and cleverness to foil an evil plot to take her from the only family she’s ever known. Join Madeline, Miss Clavel, Pepito, 11 school friends, and her ever-so-smart dog, Genevieve, in a thrilling Paris adventure you won’t want to miss, where everyone learns the true meaning of family!

SRP: $14.99

WIN:

Now one of my lucky subscribers will have a chance to win this adorable Madeline Movie(DVD) for their child(ren). Here is how you can win:

1. Fan My Facebook page Here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Old-London/281866554036?ref=ts&v=wall#!/pages/The-Plus-Size-Mommy/208847305617?ref=ts comment and tell me you did  = 1 entry
2. Follow me on Twitter here : @plussizemommy comment and tell me you are  = 1 entry
3. Use stumbleupon, technorati, digg for this site/post. – comment letting me know which you have done = 1 entry per way
4. Tweet the following on Twitter : ” Find the True Meaning of FAMILY & Win   http://tinyurl.com/29kze7q ” = comment leaving tweet thread (up to 5 times per day; separate comments please)

This giveaway begins NOW and will end on May 3rd, 2010 at 8PM EST. Winner’s name will be posted to this site by May 4th. Winners Will NOT be emailed. If you enter, please check back to see if you won. Winners MUST be subscribers to this blog to be eligible to win.

Winner will be drawn by random.org.

Thank you to all who enter, and Good Luck!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent a copy of this DVD to do this review. Also, the winner will receive a copy of this DVD at no charge to me. My opinions and idea’s in this post are my own and are in no way swayed by anyone or anything.

Next Page »