Bergan Dog Harness Shop and Whrrl pt.4 – The Giveaways ;) (Final) #HolidayRoad

Our trip is over and I am now sharing the final part of my trip which is a shop for a Bergan product at Walmart and also giveaways I did at a dog park. It was so fun and the best part was seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces so they now know they are safe dog owners I met some cute dogs and it was a great time. I know Little Bella loved it as well.

Here is a Whrrl of my final part of the story.

You can see more trips by visiting www.holidayroads.info.

Happy tails to all

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am being compensated for the trip, whrrls, and story. All of which is my own idea’s and honest opinions.

The Difficulty Of Travelling With Pets (Whrrl pt.3) #HolidayRoads

When people think about travelling with their family pet, it sounds like it can be a ton of fun. I thought this too when taking my Chihuahua Bella on a family trip. I have taken Bella in the car locally before, but this was the first time taking her on a family long distance trip. There are a lot of things I forgot to take into consideration. Especially not being able to leave her in the car due to VERY hot weather. It made it more complicated when stopping to eat, shop, look around, and goto rest stops. Someone always had to stay back in the A/C with her. This is something our family is not used to doing. As we always eat meals together and all. On this road trip, however, we ate a lot of meals together , but in the car
It wasn’t a horrible thing, just different.

Here is another part of our trip, at the hotel, and getting there…

Keep watching and also visit http://www.holidayroads.info to see other’s road trip stories with their pets!

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I am being compensated for this road trip.

Leg #1 Of Our #HolidayRoads Trip (Whrrl Pt. 2)

We went on our mini vacation with our dog Bella this past week-end. This is a Whrrl of the first “leg” of the trip. There are many more parts of the story to come

Enjoy!

The Bergan Harness worked pretty good on Bella, but I would rather have it be a bit smaller. I recommend to Bergan to make an extra small harness for tinier dogs, such as Bella who is only 5 pounds.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure- I am going to be compensated for this trip. All opinions and idea’s are 100% my own honest opinions.

Why I Deserve To Be An Energizer Smart ChargHER #Energizer #Blogher10

I have been working really hard to acquire a sponsorhip to Blogher10. I have contacted many companies to ask for help. Companies I have worked with for months and a couple that I have worked with for over a year. But to much my sadness no one was able to help me financially with my trip. The companies already invested their marketing money elsewhere or were already sponsoring others.

As a Mommy Blogger who has a family of 6 (total) I just cannot take from my families budget to plan a trip to Blogher1o for myself and leave my family without a vacation at all.

I have already paid for my ticket to Blogher10 but there is a ton more expenses than that to go. This years conference is in NYC. That alone should tell you there will be a hefty price tag on the trip.  I have been trying really hard to be frugal about going. I got a ticket via the Megabus to go that was $15. I got in touch with 2 friends to share a room, so we could split the cost by 3.  And I have been doing everything possible to make it less expensive since I don’t want to interfere with the family budget.

But even after making all of these less expensive plans, it will still have a hefty cost for me.

The Hotel room will be at least $300, then who knows what I will put out in Taxi fare’s. Then I will need to eat while I am there, and of course bring home some souvineer’s for the family, since of course I will be away and missed very much. And also shipping home some items might be something I won’t be able to avoid since the Megabus only allows 1 small carry on and 1 small suitcase.

All of these thoughts alone get me anxious and make me start to rethink even going at all.

I mean, My husband works so hard at 2 jobs all year long. Would it be fair for me to go on a trip to Blogher for over $700 alone and him and the kids stay home and won’t get to go on a vacation, because we cannot afford both?

Or should I see my ticket and take the family on a much needed vacation ?

This is what has been going through my head the past few days and I worry, as a mom would.

Well, I still keep thinking to myself, if I can just work harder and earn the money somehow I still should be able to go.

So, I have sought out some ad’s for my site to earn some money and have participated in some more paid post programs. And then TODAY I saw 2 posts on friends blogs : http://islandlife808.com/daily-life/win-a-2000-sponsorship-to-blogher-2010/
AND
http://www.barefootmommies.com/?p=9400#respond

It is to Win a $2000 sponsorship to Blogher10  from the awesome people at Energizer !

I couldn’t believe my eyes!  I would be able to goto Blogher 2010 without worries and have a fantastic time seeing my online friends and meeting new ones and also connecting with brands and companies. AND, I would be able to surprise my husband and kids with a much needed vacation !!!  With $2000 I would definitely be able to do both.

It would be the smartest way to recharge myself and my family !!! (The same way an Energizer Smart Charger charges batteries)

I can still goto NYC on a less expensive way, with the Megabus and sharing a room with friends to save money, and still take my family on a frugal fun vacation!

After being so stressed about everything I definitely need a recharge !!! I would love to go and support Energizer. They are already a brand I use and love  and being a Plus Size Mommy I am big and fluffy and keep on going just like the Energizer pink bunny! We would be a perfect fit !

Thank you Energizer for having this wonderful contest to support Bloggers. Even if I do not win, I am appreciative that you support us. And THANK YOU @kailani for giving the chance to win as well. Even if I do not win, I would love to meet you at Blogher10 if I am able to go.

The Plus Size Mommy

The Company Store’s “Ultimate Slumber Party!” Enter To WIN

Known for their bedding and home accessories since 1911, The Company Store has launched their “Ultimate Slumber Party”
contest and will award five winners with the following:
Two Finalists Receive Room Makeover Kits
2nd Prize Winner Receives $500 Scholarship for Books and Supplies, and Room Makeover Kit
1st Runner-up Receives $5,000 Scholarship and Room Makeover Kit
Grand Prize Winner Receives Ultimate Slumber Party in Panama City Beach, Florida for winner and three friends
With most American’s still looking for ways to cut their household budgets, I think a scholarship program like this is a great way to get the family involved in a fun project that can help save them more money on exorbitant tuition fees. Complete details on the contest, including how to enter, are listed below.

College students account for more than $50 billion in spending annually, and when it comes to decorating their first living space, the dorm room, they are making most of the purchasing decisions. “Our goal with this campaign is to bring awareness of our brand to this audience while providing these hardworking students with a fun, engaging outlet to express themselves through music and dorm room decor,” says Francie Nguyen, President of The Company Store.

The Company Store’s “Ultimate Slumber Party” micro site, www.ultimateslumberparty.com, will launch April 20, 2010, and participants can submit videos through June 30, 2010. All entries will be reviewed by a panel of executives from The Company Store and will be judged on set criteria including cleverness, humor, and most importantly, originality.

Five winners will be selected. Two runners-up will receive a room makeover kit; the second prize winner will receive a room makeover kit plus $500 to apply towards course books; and the first prize winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship and room makeover kit. One grand prize winner and three of their closest friends will celebrate with the ultimate slumber party in Panama City Beach, Florida.

The Grand Prize package includes air and hotel suite for 5 days/4 nights*, food and back-to-school care packages. The hotel suite will be re-outfitted with The Company Store’s new campus collection. Additionally, the winner’s video will be prominently displayed on the The Company Store’s main web site, which receives 600,000 unique visitors monthly.

To enter, log on to www.ultimateslumberparty.com.

* Winner to select dates before May 31, 2011.

About The Company Store
The Company Store, known for its comfort, design and value since 1911, offers top quality, down comforters and pillows, sheets, towels, and home accessories. The best-selling, American-made LaCrosse Comforter offers unique craftsmanship ensuring the ultimate in sleeping comfort, a lifetime guarantee and is available in a full palette of fashion colors. Other top collections include wrinkle-free bedding, fashion quilts, and a bamboo collection that features sheets, towels, blankets and loungewear. The Company Store offers extensive monogramming, and other custom services in their LaCrosse, Wisconsin factory. The Company Store sells its merchandise through catalogs and online at www.thecompanystore.com.

Shared by: 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

Able Planet noise-cancelling headphones*

I was sent a pair of these Able Planet Noise – cancelling headphones a couple months ago. I wanted to test them a great bit before doing the review. I took them on an airplane trip when I flew to Las Vegas for the Blog world Expo trip. I have wore them on noisy busses and crowded airports and other places.

Let me tell you, I LOVE THESE ! Not only do they cancel out the noise in the background, but for me on the airplane, they REALLY helped with equating the air pressure in my ears! I always have had MUCH pain when flying, which I don’t fly often, but when I do, I have always had tons of pain due to this pressure. When I wore these, I didn’t have the pain nor the popping in my ears when we got to high altitudes or coming down. These are REALLY great, I cannot speak enough about them. I have told everyone about them, cause they are JUST THIS GREAT.

My husband keeps trying to steal them. He takes a bus to work and he likes to listen to music or watch tv on his laptop while making the commute to work, and he has tried a few times to get them. I am NOT allowing him to have them, these are MINE

I love that they feel so smoothe, they are so comfortable to wear, they aren’t very expensive for this quality of headphones. They fold, so they are so easy to pack, and I have used them so much I have had to change the battery and it is so easy to do.

Here is more info. about them from the company :

The Clear Harmony NC200 foldable headphones (great for portability) include Able Planet’s patented LINX AUDIO technology and state of the art noise cancellation. They are the ultimate headphones in comfort and luxury. The NC200 will provide a full rich sound at safer, lower levels, while still allowing users to enjoy the full audio experience at an affordable price of $99.

These would absolutely make a great holiday gift for someone special this year!

The Plus Size Mommy

* Full disclosure, I was sent these headphone free of charge in order to write this review*

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Our Visit to Ocean Isle, NC*

After going to the Type A Mom Conference we drove about 6 hours south of Asheville, down to Ocean Isle North Carolina. I was invited there by The Ocean Isle Inn. They are experimenting with Social Media and finding out how well Social Media is impacting the travel, hotel industry by using tools such as Twitter to tell about their Inn, and about Ocean Isle, NC.

Ocean Isle, to me, is a hidden gem. It is not as crowded at Myrtle Beach and is clean and a new hot spot for beach travellers.

Our story about our experience at Ocean Isle begins here. We were weary and tired after driving all day and night from Asheville, NC down to Ocean Isle. That and a few mix ups getting off track we finally arrived at about 1 am.  And let me back up a bit, in case you didn’t know, we had a “caravan” of 2 vehicles with 9 people in our group. Which consisted of my family of 6 plus my mother and my mother and father in law. The age range was from a year old toddler to my father in law who is in his 70′s. So believe me, this was a LONG trip.

Okay, back to the story. We arrived at 1 am (approx.) and upon arriving (we were supposed to be there at about 7pm, but that didnt happen! ) Upon arriving, I went up to the office to check in, only to find that it was closed, my heart sunk to my stomach. But I called the office phone and left a message. Within 5 minutes I got a call back from Lee. The manager. He told me how he was expecting me earlier (I was expecting to have been there earlier too) but he was glad I made it and he gave me directions to a nifty lock box where I was able to get my keys to our rooms plus they had left me a cute note, welcoming us! I thought this was so sweet. Then he told me to call him back as soon as we got back to our room, so he could be sure we got in okay, and that our rooms met our satisfaction.  I don’t know of many people, managers, or staff who would’ve went above and beyond like this to make sure everything was good. He made an extremely good first impression on me right from the get go, or right from his “Hello” when he called back

We went up to our rooms, and because we were so tired, we just took in what we absolutely needed for that night and the next morning, then we would unpack the rest in the morning.

The rooms were lovely. A door to a balcony that overlooks the beach and the beautifully clean ocean. It was lovely. The rooms were comfortable and roomy. Remember we had a group of 9, so we had 2 rooms. The rooms are equipped with a little kitchenette and a nice size bathroom and a tv, and our rooms had 2 beds each. There is also wifi in the rooms and a little table with 2 chairs so your able to sit and go on the computer, or eat, or whatever. There are also chairs and a little table out on the balcony where you can sit and watch boats pass by, and just read, or watch the ocean and you can also see a fishing pier.

I loved to watch the boats at night in the moonlight, it was so romantic.

The next morning we got up and went down to the breakfast that is provided. It is a full breakfast, not just a muffin and a drink. There are make your own waffles, breakfast sandwiches, juice, coffee, tea, cereal, and much more food, I cannot even remember. But it was plenty of food to fill us for breakfast, and really we weren’t even hungry by lunch.

The staff was so pleasant too, and they were there to refill the foods/drinks when you needed them. Also the breakfast area was nice and large and very clean.

We went to the beach the first day so the kids could see it and play in the sand and also go into the ocean for their first time ever! The beach was beautiful. It is a public beach on Ocean Isle and it is so clean and nice. There are tons of great seashells. The kids loved to play in the sand and swimming in the ocean.

There are a lot of weddings held on the beach there too, and it makes for beautiful photo’s I am sure!

There is a lot to do on Ocean Isle. You can rent bikes, bogey boards, and other beach fun type things. Also there are ice cream parlors, and shops, and not too far away is a Walmart and other stores, in case you miss yours

While there we went to a Jamaican restaurant. My husband and his parents are Jamaican so they wanted to try it and see how authentic is was. It passed their “test”. The food was very good and the servings were huge. We were able to order 4 dinners and split them among all 9 of us.

The pools at the Ocean Isle Inn were my favorite hang out while there. They were relaxing and warm and the hot tub/spa was wonderful for my achy bones. They were clean, had plenty of towels to dry off on and were very large. I like that they had a very shallow end too, so my 4 yr. old was able to stand up in that end, she enjoyed that too.

The staff were all very helpful and nice. This is a huge plus. Even just to say hello and ask if all is well. It means a lot to me, even the slightest touches of kindness.

We were all able to have an enjoyable, relaxing trip to the beach and we are all wanting to go back. Looking at the pictures in my Whrrl story and then looking outside at the beginning of Winter here in Pittsburgh, makes me want to go back NOW! But I will wait out the winter and go back and enjoy it again when my husband saves up some more vacation days

You can find even more travel reviews by visiting http://www.uptake.com and see reviews for many more great places!

THANK YOU LEE and everyone at The Ocean Isle Inn, as we had a lovely time with you and at your Inn. It was a wonderful trip, and we cannot wait to come back!!!

The Plus Size Mommy

*In an effort to be transparent and comply with FTC standards – we were given the hotel rooms stay for free. However, the travel expenses, any food (except what was provided normally at the Inn) and any other expenses incurred were paid for by us.*

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ONE YEAR AGO :

One year ago, it was a beautiful evening in Bentonville,Arkansas. I was enjoying the company of the Walmart 11 moms and discussing with them all the cool new blog things going on in the world. I never really knew what a blog was back then, nor twitter, nor any other social media thingamajig. I was doused with words I had never heard before back in the little Pittsburgh suburb where I reside. Twitter? Facebook? Blogging? Mommy Bloggers ? Twhirl ? Tweetdeck? Digg? Stumble upon? technorati ? WHAT ARE THESE ??? I wondered in amazement. These ladies were BIG TIME into this, I mean, they even had business cards!!! WHAT??!!! Mommy’s with Business cards ? They were such a great bunch of ladies. We had toured Walmart HQ and Coke and some other places and had a great evening. They all came with laptops and camera’s and flip camera’s and twittered on cell phones. I remember how awkward I felt. How out of the loop. What was this all about ?

I was sent to Walmart with another group of ladies from a survey group called Communispace. They do exclusive surveys for companies, and I had been chosen to be a part of the ones for Walmart. I knew nothing about blogging.

WOW was I emerged into this lingo they spoke of. I felt like I was from another planet. I never heard these terms, these Internet places. Heck, I was happy I knew Excel and Word ! I remember taking notes like crazy. I mean, these ladies were talking about their little bambinos at home, and how fun it was to do product reviews, and it was just a group of ladies I wanted to know more about and get more involved with.

THEN it happened… I was invited to a PJ party in the one hotel room. In that room was none other than Jessica Smith (from Jessica Knows), Katja Presnal (from Skimbaco Lifestyle), Amy Allen Clark (from Momadvice ), Colleen Padilla (from ClassyMommy ), Christine Young (from From Dates to Diapers), and Tara K (from DealSeekingMom), there may have been a few more, but I cannot recall all of them. (Sorry if I missed you) I remember looking up their websites and reading them back in my hotel room, and reading and seeing all their beautiful sites and reading about all kinds of things that I was soooo interested in.

Some of the other elevenmom’s I met who have helped me immensely along the way are Lucretia (Geekmommy), Jen (Frugal Upstate), Lynnae , Deninse Sawyer(Centsible Sawyer), Lori (A Cowboy’s Wife), Alyssa (Kingdom First Mom), Linsey (wise bread) Monica (Mommy Brain Reports) and THE Consumer Queen (Melissa Garcia).

It was such a fun night, I asked sooooo many questions, I am sure POSITIVE I got on all of their nerves. BUT They answered them with kindness and a way I could understand. I remember writing down like every word, trying not to miss anything. I wanted to be part of this group of woman, powerful woman, woman like me who were all moms and wanted to better things for consumers, who wanted to change the world one blog post at a time. Who wanted to help others with their savvy saving tips. I didn’t even know who these ladies were but in that short time a year ago, I knew I wanted to be like them. For I too wanted my voice to be heard as a Consumer Mom who wanted to Save money and let companies know what I like and what I thought could be made better.

I had also met Mr. John Andrews while there. He was like in the know of everything. Everyone at Walmart knew him, he was like BIG MAN ON CAMPUS ! He rocked ! He treated us like royalty(and still does even today). His impression on me was like no other man’s in the world of business. He could meet with the Big Whigs at Walmart, but still was very much interested in what us moms and consumers wanted. He was like a fearless leader for the Walmart 11 Moms. He caringly toured us around Bentonville and told us about Brands and companies and just was so intelligent I was in amazement.

I remember being on the shuttle bus thinking about all of these ladies names and I think I may have even asked out loud what could a good name be for me ? I talked it over with the Communispace Moms and we were all thinking about some names I believe. We were all thrilled of finding this group of woman. It felt like we struck oil, right in Bentonville! We went on a tour there of a Walmart store and I remember looking around at the “Plus Size” clothing to try and find a t -shirt souvenir for me to take home. In disgust I couldn’t find one. I was upset over the offerings in the Plus Size Department at Walmart. I remember even thinking what can I do to make a change here ? Plus Size Woman don’t want to be covered over in some moo -moo and put out to pasture. We want what non-plus size woman want in the way of fashion but with a little bit more material. And then…like a light bulb from the God’s of General Electric themselves:

“THE PLUS SIZE MOMMY” was born !

I went back onto the shuttle and said, “I want to blog about Plus size woman and things, and I am going to be The Plus Size Mommy”, I think I heard a couple of laughs but someone did say, I don’t think there are any blogs for that, or at least no one had heard of any. I was so proud, lol (I am still smiling).

After going back to the hotel Katja helped me create a Twitter account and I named myself “@plussizemommy“.  She also told me how to create a blogspot blog and after I came home and emailed all of them a few more times to bug them, The Plus Size Mommy became a reality and Alive as ever.

I have evolved my blog over the year. I went from Blogger to WordPress and have met tons of great people along the way to guide and help me. I am on Twitter with over 6000 followers and I have posted over 390 blog posts. I have Tweeted over 27,000 Tweets (Yea, I talk a lot) I like to be social, thats why being involved in social media makes so much sense for me, and I am the happiest blogger ever ! I also do not just write about Plus Size topics, although this is a passion of mine) I have broadened my writing to include many other topics.

I have made so many friends. I have been to 4 conferences, traveled to 6 new states that I have never been to before and hope and plan to go to many more. I have met over 20 celeb’s IN REAL LIFE, Through twitter I have connected with 5 celeb’s that I talk to on a regular basis. I have networked with over 100 companies. I have over 560 Facebook friends, and over 1,473,900+ connections on LinkedIn!!!!

I have made over $15,000 between sponsorships, products I reviewed , and revenue off of my blog (via consulting, ad’s, or by hosting giveaway’s). And only God knows how many countless hours I have put into it (way to many according to some). I have also recruited at least 3 fellow bloggers by telling them about what I do, and helping them get set up. (How is that for blogging Kharma!!!  )

It has been a long rode, with lots of ups and downs. A road I am finding that many haven’t yet traveled, and one I am still navigating. But all in all it is one I hope to never stray from.

I love the people (fellow bloggers rock), I love the companies, I love to find out about and tell others about new/improved products before they are even on the market, I love the travelling to conferences, I love the small breaks away from home to travel, I love to give things away and make others so happy when they win something, and I love to write and have my voice heard.

More people who I would like to thank who have been there and supported me along the way, and if you have been there and I forget to mention you, please do not be offended, there are so many people!  - My children, who put up with me on the computer sometimes when time slips away and I have to eventually just close the lid and come to play. My Husband, who also puts up with me missing cooking dinner at times, or not having the housework done. My mom, who has been helping me to take care of my children and family, and who is there to watch the kids when I go on my trips to conferences. Kim (craftymamaof4), who is always there for me with a shoulder to lean on every time I feel like quitting my blog, and for every time my blog gets hacked and I am fed up. Jerri Ann (mom e-centric) again for being there for me, her and her husband helped me so many times, through so many “hacks” and getting my blog back up and running and her being there to lean on when I am disgusted.

Barbara Jones (One2One Network) and Ali Worthington (Blissfully Domestic) for giving me tons of inspiration. Blissdom 09 was the first conference I went to and learned so much. I fell in love with these ladies, they are smart, sweet, and have all the qualities I look for in a friend. If you don’t know Ali, your totally missing out, she is beautiful, intelligent, and just knows exactly where she wants to be. Her southern voice is to die for and so sweet, I could just sit and listen to her speak all day long! Barbara is such an inspiration to me, she is one of the hardest working ladies I know. She is so gentle natured and very intelligent indeed, I just love to hear from these ladies.

All of the staff that I have met at Collective Bias, there is Amy, Rebecca, Jay, John, and Lucretia (and many more) they are all great to work with on projects and keep me going.

There is a long list of others that I totally appreciate but for the sake of time I cannot link to all of you, but PLEASE feel free to comment and link to this post. These people who have helped me through(and they may not even realize the support they have given me) are: Anissa Mayhew, Amy Bair, Shannon Powell, Sugar Jones, Erin Jeanny, Brandy Tanner, Danielle Smith, Elizabeth Norton, Alaina Frederick, Sandy Jenney, Pensieve Robin, Mary Davis, Leah Segedie, Dwan Perrin, Momfaves, Fiona Bryan, Michelle, Amanda H, Melissa Smallwood, Niri, Kelby Carr, John Chow, Nicole (Holymoleynicoley)Jyl J. Pattee, Carissa R., and I am so sorry if I left you out there are so many others. All of these people somehow have impacted me during this first year, and I love you all for it!

People who I would also like to thank are PR reps and brands and people from them like Jessica Kane,Rick Calvert, George Smith Jr., Ted Rubin, Allison Sands, Allison Blass, The Tanka Bar Crew, The Healthy Choice Brand and PR reps, Victoria (You ROCK!), Megan from Twittermoms, Marie Denee, La Grande Dame, Sinuate Media Team, Bonnie McGuire, Julie Dodobara, Catherine Wood Hill, Lee (from Ocean Isle), #GNO, Krystal Franklin, Jakks Pacific, and so many great others who have been with me along the way.

*Jakks Pacific was the very first product review and giveaway I did on my blog, during last Christmas! It was for a Girl gourmet cupcake maker!!! Thank You Jakks! *

I THANK YOU for coming along with me on my journey, and hope you will continue with me. Afterall a blog that is not read means nothing. I can only be a great blogger with great subscribers and readers like YOU.

THANK YOU !!!   ((((((HUGGS))))))

The Plus Size Mommy

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Oyster Hotel Reviews, Top Family Resorts in Oahu

As the weather cools down, many families will be looking to make warm-weathered travel plans around their kids’ winter breaks. Hawaii is a popular tourist destinationfor families in need of sun and relaxation. The island of Oahu has a number of hotel options, and while some hotels may advertise kid friendly amenities, those offers can be misleading. Oyster Hotel Reviews (www.oyster.com) sent a team of undercover reporters to join the kids clubs, separate fact from fiction, and compile a list of the top family friendly resorts on Oahu.

“On Oahu, a family-friendly resort is usually one of two things: A large, amenity-packed mega-resort with kids’ activities and dining options galore or a do-it-yourself, kitchen-equipped condo for longer (albeit no-frills) stays,” says Will Begeny, Senior Editor of Oyster Hotel Reviews. “Our undercover reporters found standouts for both types.”

Best Kid-Friendly Hotels on Oahu

Marriott’s Ko Olina Beach Club

Many families could happily spend their entire vacation on the grounds of this activity-packed resort. The three sprawling, winding pools have waterfalls, a slide, and a basketball hoop. The lagoon beach ocean is calm enough for family snorkeling. Parents can grab some guilt-free time off by enrolling the kids in the hotel’s twice-weekly, four-hour “Passport to Fun” sessions. And the hotel runs activities like fish feeding and yarn lei-making every day of the week.

Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club

The condo-style units in this hotel, which opened in December 2008, are a great choice for families who want to spread out and make themselves at home. The luxurious condo suites have full kitchens with high-end appliances, Bosch washers and dryers, and flat-screen TVs with over 500 digital channels. And guests have access to the oodles of kid-friendly amenities at the adjoining [ Hilton Hawaiian Village ]].

Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort And Spa

The Marriott is both less expensive and less chaotic than comparable family-friendly mega-resorts like the Hyatt Regency and Hilton Hawaiian Village . It may not have the Hilton’s laundry list of kid-friendly amenities, but families won’t be sacrificing too much: The two ocean-view pools should keep the kids plenty entertained, and the family-friendly Kuhio section of Waikiki Beach is right across the street. Free rollaway beds for kids under 18.

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort And Spa

This mega-resort’s signature is Aloha Fridays, where performers showcase skills like fire-eating and hula dancing. The kids’ camp, for five- to 12-year-olds, is $85 a day and offers activities like crab hunting and boogie boarding.

Ilima Hotel

Families flock to the Ilima Hotel, a standout budget option for do-it-your-selfers with a full kitchen, 24-hour laundry room, free parking, and enormous, clean condo-style units. Pretty bare bones in terms of features — the pool is tiny — but with the money you’ll save, you might just be able to afford a longer trip.

The Plus Size Mommy

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