A Holiday Road Trip With Our Pet (Part 1) #HolidayRoads

I am taking our pet Chihuahua Bella on a family vacation this year. I am trying out the Bergan dog harness on her to keep her safe in the car while we travel. Today I went and did the shop to find the Bergan harness and I Whrrl’ed it.
You can follow our journey with our pet on my blog and through my Whrrl (photo timeline stories). I will also be holding a giveaway of a Bergan dog harness on this blog so be sure to check back for that if you take your pet in the car with you. It will keep them safe and secure and give you a pet owner piece of mind while your companion is with you.

Check back to see the rest of my story coming soon, and also the giveaway of 1 Bergan Pet harness.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am being reimbursed for this shop. Views expressed here are my own.

Snuggin Go

There are so many little devices and “must haves” for a person that spent the first 10 months of its life in a small confined area with no decorations or festive material. On our adventures of registering we decided, like many others, there were certain “must haves” our little guy just needed to have. You know- the car seat (obviously), stroller, swing, bouncy seat, etc. My biggest question with all of these nifty devices was how they would really be able to accommodate a newborn baby. We’ve heard there are certain things- like the swing- that are absolute “must haves” but how could the swing seat that comfortably fits a 4 month old (probably weighing over 12 pounds) also fit a newborn baby weighing in at 7 or 8 pounds. Lucky for me the infant positioner, Snuggin Go also thought of that.

POSTED BY : Carissa Ferrucci- Beam – Cheif Writer/Editor Of All Things Baby & Mommy to Be
Owner : http://thebeamerbuzz.blogspot.com/

Rhoost – Baby Proofing & Reader Discount

When it’s time to baby proof the house, most parents cringe at the limited choices available, “choices” that are usually just one: white plastic! Enter Rhoost, a stylish, dependable and affordable line of baby safety products designed to complement the unique style of any home. Why sacrifice style for safety? With Rhoost, you can have both – - baby proofing products that keep your child safe AND look good.

The masterminds behind Rhoost believe that baby-proofing products should help keep your child safe while blending with your décor. The Edge and Sling are available in fashion colors of plum, brown and black. And since Rhoost products are portable, they can be used in any location – from a hotel room to Grandma’s house. These baby-proofing products do not use adhesives or screws, so you can be confident that your furniture -and anyone else’s – is safe. That’s why their products do more than fit your décor – they work, too.

Rhoost products are also safe for your family and the earth (BPA-, Lead- and Phthalate-Free and 100% recyclable), giving you peace of mind while preserving the aesthetic of your home.

The founders of Rhoost believe in the quality and style of their products, and want you to try them out in your home. From now through July 31st, you can get Rhoost products at a special discount of 10% off your total purchase. Order at Rhoost.com and enter the code: eBlast10 to receive your discounted products.

Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – This post is a repost I am sharing on behalf of MomSelect & Rhoost.

Spring Cleaning A Green Way & WIN!!!*

Spring cleaning season is right around the corner. This year while you´re freshening up your home and sorting through the clutter, why not toss the toxic cleaning supplies, too?

Replacing what´s currently under your sink with products that are non-toxic and safe for the environment is easier than ever with Seventh Generation´s environmentally friendly cleaning products.

Leading the “responsible cleaning” charge for the past twenty years, Seventh Generation has tapped into the disinfecting power of the herb thyme, to introduce an EPA registered line of disinfecting sprays and wipes that kill germs* naturally! The new line of botanical disinfectant cleaners includes a multi-surface cleaning spray, bathroom cleaning spray and wipes.

The disinfectants contain thymol, a component of the herb thyme, and can be used on hard surfaces including counter tops, plastic cutting boards, highchair trays as well as children´s toys. Best of all, they kill over 99.99 percent of germs* naturally and are effective against the Influenza A Virus, including H1N1.

Seventh Generation has partnered with eco-lifestyle consultant and author, Alexandra Zissu, whose new book, The Conscious Kitchen, discusses what´s good for your health, what´s good for the planet and what tastes great. Her book also includes great tips on maintaining a green and healthy kitchen, including:

Change is Good
Choosing cleaning products without indoor air pollutants like volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, is a simple and effective way to reduce your indoor air pollution. If you´re not prepared to switch everything overnight, start by swapping out the one product you use the most, and moving forward from there.

Think before you spray
Residues from cleaning products can last on a surface for longer than we we´d like to know and travel to areas that we sometimes don´t intend them to. Don´t contaminate your food by prepping it on a surface that may contain harsh chemical residues – rinse cleaning products from food preparation surfaces carefully or use botanical disinfecting cleaners that do not require a rinse step.

Home is Where the Clean Is
Your standard cleaners are good for removing soils and dirt from kitchen surfaces, but to tackle germs you need a cleaner that is effective against microbes like bacteria and viruses. Many cleaners contain ingredients that have antimicrobial properties such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, but the germ killing power of these is not necessarily guaranteed. To be sure you are killing germs, use an EPA registered disinfectant. Seventh Generation tapped into the disinfecting power of the common garden herb thyme, to provide a disinfecting cleaner that kills germs* naturally.

Make the Old New Again
Think twice about the items that you´re using to clean and dry your kitchen equipment and dishes. Use rags (like old t-shirts and washcloths) instead of paper towels. If you aren´t prepared to kick your paper towel addiction just yet, use only recycled versions that are unbleached or haven´t been whitened with chemicals containing chlorine and see how long you can make a roll last.

The Writing is on the … Sponge                                                                                                                                           Be sure to read the fine print on sponges and only purchase those that do not contain antimicrobial pesticides. Remember to store sponges in a dry place and frequently clean them by popping plastic sponges wet in a microwave for two minutes or boiling sponges for three minutes in water.

Mom Was Right, Wash Your Hands                                                                                                                             Wash your hands with soap and water before and after prepping food, and always before eating. So much of what can be potentially harmful in a kitchen can be reduced by this simple act that doesn´t require any harsh chemicals whatsoever.

I keep my cleaning supplies locked in a cabinet and safely away from my children. I have been trying to go more green in the supplies I buy as well.  I love the fresh scent of Clean. Spring cleaning is NOT one of my favorite chores, but when I see all what I have accomplished when I am done it feels so much better.

I got to try out the Seventh Generations Products and my favorite product from them is the Multi-Surface cleaner. I love it because I can safely and effectively clean my baby’s highchair and toys with it.  It also worked well when cleaning my babies changing table and diaper pail can.

I love the smell of clean, and usually that means no smell at all.

I do want to say though, that I was sent the Lemongrass and Thyme scented products from Seventh Generation and I personally do not like this scent. While the products work super, I would rather non-scented, or vanilla scented, or something fruity

Now here is how you can WIN a   “Disinfecting Cleaning Kit” (as shown ) that includes a disinfecting multi-surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner, wipes , a copy of The Conscious Kitchen, a cleaning caddy made from recycled plastic, and two rolls of 100% recycled, unbleached paper towels.

1. Comment and tell me how you keep your children safe from harmful chemicals in your home = 1 entry
2. Comment and tell me what is the best thing you have done for the environment this year? = 1 entry
3. Follow my blog on Facebook via Networked Blogs Here : http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Plus-Size-Mommy/208847305617?ref=ts = 1 entry
4. Tweet the following up to 3 times per day for a total of up to 3 entries/day :  ” Win a “Green” Spring Disinfecting Cleaning Kit Here (ends 4/15)  http://twurl.nl/8xg1j2   ”  = comment with tweet thread, separate comments please.
5. Blog about your Earth Friendly Spring cleaning tips & link to this post = 5 BONUS entries (separate comments for all 5 please).
6. Follow me on Twitter – I am @plussizemommy
7. If you are a NEW subscriber to my blog via the UBP2010 from 5 Minutes For Mom – Comment telling me your a new subscriber = 3 Bonus entries (separate comments for each entry please)
8. If your a Faithful Follower of mine and been a subscriber – comment and tell me what your favorite part about my blog is = 3 bonus entries for you too (you know I wouldn’t leave my favorite longtime  fans hangin’  ) – separate comments

This giveaway starts NOW and will end on 4/15/2010 at 8pm EST.  ONLY subscribers to THIS blog can win. You can be subscribed via rss, feedburner, fan from fb, networked blogs, or email.  This particular giveaway is open to USA residents ONLY (sorry everyone else). Winner will be chosen via random.org and will be posted to this site by 4/16/2010. If you enter PLEASE check back to see if you won. Winner will NOT be emailed. Winner will have 48 hours to email me their info. to claim the prize or another winner will be chosen.

THANK YOU to all Who enter and Good Luck !!!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – The Seventh Generation products, information and additional prize pack to give away were all given to me  from Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own honest opinions.

Drive Safe Not Buzzed This St. Patrick’s Day!*

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and it’s not the luck of the Irish that will keep the roads safe  it’s planning now for a safe and sober way home.

Are you headed out with friends after work this Wednesday to celebrate the holiday?  No?  Well when you and your family are on the road headed to choir practice, a t-ball game, or coming home from school, you may be sharing the road with those returning from a fun St. Patrick’s Day event.  It’s time to spread the word about the dangers of buzzed driving and to remind people that Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving, and the best way to stay safe is to plan ahead.

Let’s remind everyone about the importance of remembering to:

• Designate a sober driver before you leave for your event.

• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

Even if you will not be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day, keep in mind that in 2008, 1,179 people in other vehicles were killed in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers.  And for those who don’t plan on over-indulging? a buzzed driving crash looks the same as a drunk driving crash.

Global Influence is working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council as they continue their efforts with the Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving PSA campaign. Buzzed drivers drink and drive, but do not consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because they have had only a few drinks. The campaign hopes to educate people that consuming even a few drinks can impair driving and that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

We need your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day by spreading the word that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please watch this important video about the financial and personal repercussions of getting a DUI:http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/sign.php#video

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.

For more information, visit Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving on Facebook and Twitter (@Buzzeddriving).

Please Have a Safe St. Patrick’s Day!

The Plus Size Mommy

* This campaign is brought to you as part of the Buzzed Driving Campaign from Global Influence

DiggersList For Disasters

We often lead ourselves to believe that a natural disaster will never hit our home. Yet, thousands of people’s homes are annually hit by fire, floods, earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes.  What’s worse, many home owners don’t carry the proper insurance to cover damages caused by natural disasters.

Matt Knox, Founder and CEO of DiggersList, a home improvement online resource, has 10 quick and cheap home-protection tips that will help you minimize damages to your home and your wallet.

For earthquakes:

• Fasten lamps, china and other small valuables to shelves or surfaces with puttylike anchoring or museum wax.
• Install latches on cabinet door in order to keep contents inside
• Secure your water heater to a wall stud with a water-heater strap

For fires:

• Install a fireplace screen to keep embers inside
• Have a spark arrestor installed in your chimney

For floods and rain:

• Install weather-stripping on and around doors and windows to prevent water from seeping into your home.
• Install storm shutters or create your own using precut sheets of plywood cut to fit into each window
• Install storm doors

Many of these items can be found via DiggersList, which when compared to stores like Home Depot can get save you 50 cents to the dollar on every purchase.

DiggersList is now available in Arizona, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. However, they are looking for referrals to new cities to start lists in. So you can goto DiggersList.com and suggest a new city now.

The Plus Size Mommy

Be Safe on Superbowl Sunday

The teams are set, the hype is well underway and Super Bowl party planning is in full swing.

While you may not be thinking about the dangers of buzzed driving this time of year, you or someone you know will likely be attending a party where alcohol is served.  So whether you’re rooting for the Colts or the Saints, there are some things you need to know to keep yourself and your loved ones safe before, during and after Super Bowl XLIV.

When you’re heading out to a party or hosting guests, remember to always plan ahead:

• Designate a sober driver or be prepared to find a safe ride home for your guests

• Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi.  Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.

In 2008, 11,773 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.

I’m working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council as they continue their efforts with the “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” PSA campaign.  Buzzed drivers are those who drink and drive, but do not consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because “only a few” drinks are consumed. The campaign hopes to educate people that consuming even one drink too many can impair driving and that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.”  So even if you are planning on staying home Super Bowl weekend, please remind your loved ones that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please watch this important video about the financial and personal repercussions of getting a DUI: http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/sign.php#video

Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving.  Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.

For more information, visit Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving on Facebook and Twitter(@Buzzeddriving).

*This post is on behalf of my relationship with Global Influence*

The Plus Size Mommy

Internet Safety Parent’s Advice Contest, WIN!

Win an iPod Touch and Mobicip.com Premium Subscriptions!

From predators and cyberbullies to any and all kinds of other inappropriate content, the dangers present on the Internet today are numerous. How do you keep your kids safe online? Furthermore, with the number of Internet-capable mobile devices, how do you monitor your kids’ online activities when you can’t be present?

To help parents combat these issues Mobicip.com is sponsoring a contest for mom bloggers and parents in general to find the best advice on how to fight this growing Internet safety and mobile Internet safety problem. The winner gets a new iPod Touch and four other winners get a free subscription to Mobicip.com Premium Internet filtering service to protect their kids’ iPhone, iPod Touch or Netbooks.

To participate, please describe a technique you have used or seen used to keep kids safe while they are surfing on the Internet in between 25-50 words and post it to your blog or Facebook page, and then post a link in the comments section of the Mobicip.com official contest page. Note that advice that references specific product or brand names is not eligible for the prize.

A panel of parents will select the top 15 entries based on originality and practicality. These will be posted on the contest site and be open to voting by the general public. After one week of voting, the top vote getter will win the iPod Touch and the next four top vote getters will get free Mobicip.com Premium service for 1 year.

To follow along with the advice from other parents, subscribe to the Mobicip.com blog or our Facebook or Twitter pages.

Please note: Advice submissions become property of Mobicip and may be used on the Mobicip site or in follow-on press releases, but your name will not be used without your permission. In the event we have two submissions of the same advice, we will choose the first entry – so be fast!

If you have any questions, please contact contest@mobicip.com.

GOOD LUCK !!!

The Plus Size Mommy