Front View of XOOM Screen.

I present to you the Motorola XOOM! It is sleek and sexy at first glance. It is thin, light weight, and it is a powerful little machine. It is small enough to fit into my purse, which is awesome, so I would be able to take it anywhere with me. It has a dual core processor, 10.1 in. widescreen, and you can watch HD video content on it as well.

One thing I thought was very cool is that XOOM has a holographic user interface to make it clearer and sharper. It has the availability for you to get the newest functions and software.

This is what the back of it looks like.

There is even more to the XOOM for me to share with you (Let’s get technical):

• The Max. Resolution is 1280 x 800
• It features a WXGA, Widescreen, HD, LCD Display
• It comes complete with an anti-glare coating and has Gorilla Glass!
• It has a TFT-LCD Touch Screen

It also has 32GB of Hard Drive Capacity.

The Motorola Xoom is a Clever Tablet and does A LOT. I love the features and Spec.’s it has. I cannot wait to go and try one at a store that carries them.

Do you have a Tablet? If so Which one? Share what your Tablet does with us. If you have a Xoom, please share your thoughts on it.

Get Xoom ‘in,

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- This shop/research has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All research done and opinions are my own.

Click N Cook is a modular spatula set that is a must have for every kitchen. It is a unique and innovative set of spatula’s with one handle that can be used with all 5 spatula tops.

I just love this set of spatula’s. It fulfill’s all the needs of cooking when in need of a spatula.

Click n Cook is a modular spatula system that keeps all your essential utensils in one easy place. Just snap the spatula attachment into the handle and release with a click of a button.

The cost for the set is only $39.99 and for 5 spatula’s that is a great price (in my opinion).

Features:

- All parts are made of food-safe plastic and are dishwasher-safe.

- Compact, two-part storage block opens for easy cleaning.

- Set includes one storage block, one ergonomic handle, and five detachable spatula heads:

*Classic flat spatula
*Long flexible slotted spatula (for cooking fish)
*Extra-wide slotted spatula (for flipping burgers)
*Flexible mixer (for mixing batter)
*Slotted spoon (for stirring pasta)

To learn more and see some video’s about the Click N Cook and also to order a set please visit : Click N Cook from Quirky.com.

Happy Cooking!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure- I was sent a Click N Cook set in order to do this review. However all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Speck Products is the maker of colorful and stylish cases for consumer electronics. Some of their newest products are cases for the iPad. Below is an image to get an idea of what some of the products look like:

I was sent an iPad candy shell case in blue (like the photo at the top) and my husband loves it. He loves the tight fit on the iPad, the lip around the surface, because the iPad won’t get scratched or harmed if you put it onto a table. He likes the flap that allows it to be opened to plug it in. He says, “It feels sturdy and I like the way it feels”. He likes the volume button, which makes it easier to use than the iPad without the case on it. He feels more secure with a hard case to protect such an expensive electronic.

The only thing he didn’t care for was the headphone hole. But he said that it isn’t a huge problem because he doesn’t use it much anyways. When plugging in the headphones, he said it was hard to push in.

Overall, my husband gives the Speck iPad candy shell case a 9 on a scale of 1-10 where 10 is the best score.
This to me, is a wonderful score, because he is picky when it comes to things like this

You can see all of the Speck Product cases and learn more by visiting : www.speckproducts.com

Now for the Giveaways!!!
2 of my lucky readers will win a Speck iPad case!!! This makes a great gift, or just for your own iPad to protect it. (Value is $39.95 – $49.95)
Here is how you can win :

1. Follow me on Twitter, I am @plussizemommy = 1 entry (comment and tweet me, and tell me you are)
2. 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)
3. Follow me over on Facebook, I am “The Plus Size Mommy” , please “Like” me and leave a comment on my wall about the Speck giveaway, leave me another comment here = 2 entries (separate comments please)
4. Follow @SpeckProducts over on Twitter, Tweet them and let them know @plussizemommy sent you, then leave me a comment letting me know you did = 2 entries.
5. Visit Speckproducts.com and browse around the site, come back over here and let me know what your favorite product is = 3 entries. (separate comments please).

This giveaway is for a “Grab Bag” iPad case, winners will not be able to choose which case they would like. This giveaway is for continental USA winners only. This giveaway starts NOW and ends on 2/20/2011 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 21st). 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 Speck iPad case at no charge to me for this review to be conducted. All opinions of mine and my husbands are own own 100% own. Opinions may vary for anyone. Both winners will receive their cases from the company. I am not responsible for any lost or damaged products.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.