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*

Related articles by Zemanta

• Review: Able Planet PS500MM True Fidelity stereo headset (macworld.com)

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

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.*

Related articles by Zemanta

• One Year Ago : (theplussizemommy.com)
• Ask Oyster: Spring break luxe, for a three-year-old (oyster.com)

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

Related articles by Zemanta

• I feel the earth move under my feet (davidgillespie.wordpress.com)
• 9 reasons why Mashable rules the social media (howtomakemyblog.com)
• It’s Time To Hide The Noise (techcrunch.com)
• 9 Simple Tips For Personal Branding (davidrisley.com)

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

OGIO update*

Well, it has been a few months since I came home from Chicago and the Blogher conference. I had told my readers that I would do a follow up post on the OGIO bag that I reviewed in a previous post. (http://theplussizemommy.com/travels/ogio-bags ) so I could let you all know how well my “baby” held up from Pittsburgh To Chicago (via Washington DC) and back home again.

I am pleased to say that my instinct that there would be no problems with my bag was correct ! It handled the entire trip with ease! The wheels are in tact perfectly, none of the breakable items inside got damaged (oh yeah, I checked this bag too, and it was FULLY packed in each pocket, and STILL passed the weight limit test at the airport with 2 pounds still free!) The handle was easy, it was REALLY heavy but the side handles helped me a lot of pick it up and off again of the conveyer belt thingy.

THEN, when I reached home in Pittsburgh, I was excited because 3 other people also had OGIO bags and each one was different style, so I got a peek at those. The people whose bags were also OGIO seemed to have theirs fully packed as well, and they all looked to be in great condition!

I think this is the PERFECT bag for any long trip. There is plenty of room for everything you need. It is protective of your items inside. It handled the luggage check in at the airports (and as far as I know they are pretty rough handlers of luggage). It rolled along with ease and the zippers, handles, and wheels all remained in tact perfectly.

My review of this is now complete, and I am a very happy consumer of OGIO and highly recommend it to all!

~oh and by the way…. I named her “Lola” lol

The Plus Size Mommy

Microsoft Microspa at Blogher09′

While attending Blogher I had a chance to go and relax for a little while in the Microsoft Microspa. This was a conference room at the Sheraton Hotel that was very techno looking. There were glass light fixtures and it had nice comfy couches and chairs with bing.com pillows. They gave out Microsoft purse hooks, which is really cool to hang your purse on like when you go out to dinner. There was also a geek squad located nearby. This was the only place during the entire conf. where I could find iced tea !! (bonus!!!) But what made this place an even better hang out was the people. I met a lady there. She showed me the new Microsoft Office Live. Which is the coolest program I have seen in a long time! It is FREE and what it allows users to do is work on projects together but while at different locations.

For example: if my son has a class project for history and he is working on the founders of Pennsylvania, another class mate can work on artwork for the project, like state flags and birds, etc.., and yet another classmate can make graphs and or spreadsheets about the amount of rainfall in PA…..they can all work on the same project but all from their own homes, and eachother can allow others to view only or give allowance to make changes to the program.

I think this is really neat. It can be used on bigger scale jobs too, like my husband is always working on projects with his team at work. Now each team member can work on their part and the entire project can come together, and each team member can see how the others are progressing as well.

I was very interested in this new program. I can think of a million and two places where it can come in handy! Basically they give you a workspace online where you can share or store Microsoft documents.

Even something as easy as a shopping list. I can make one, and give allowances for the hubster to make changes, and then if he wants to add something to my list he can.

I wish I would’ve gotten the name of the woman who showed me this new program, as I was really happy she did!

***UPDATE*** after some thought and research I was able to get the wonderful lady’s name :  Louise Rasho , she is definitely a gem to talk to!!

In the Microsoft Microspa people were also able to get massages or makeup done. I was able to get my makeup done before going to BowlHer and the make up artist was so sweet. She gave me make- up to go with my 50’s attire. Afterwards she gave me an adorable BING.com travel kit.

I was so glad to go to this little on site retreat for some relation and networking fun!

The Plus Size Mommy

Chicagonista at Blogher09′

Another awesome lady who I met at Blogher09′ is a woman who is known as Chicagonista. Her real name is MJ Tam. She is a movin’ groovin’ shaker and wonderful lady who I got to speak with for a little while in the MomSelect & MomTv Swag suite. She is also the woman who set up the awesome deal for the Limo’s at Blogher. I was able to get a limo from my hotel to the O’hare airport for $20, which was way less than the $50 taxi !

I was able to talk to the Chicagonista and find out just what she is all about! She is a motivating woman who is a mother who wanted to start something in Chicago where other parents can connect and also link communities.

She is totally passionate about what she does. You can tell by speaking with her that she cares and she is most definitely a people person. She can give you the scoop of the best places that are family friendly all over Chicagoland!

She says that she is only doing something that moms are out doing anyways. Finding places where to take you children. Yes, but she keeps track of it, and helps others to find it. Not many people think about doing this to help others. But she DOES!

She has also started connecting with other cities to start sites where those people can go with their families. She now has worked to set up nymetropolista in New York City and also sanfranistacom in San Francisco. She is a wealth of information. Whether you are visiting any of these cities or live there she is a great parent resource to read. Her blog is wonderful. It is so easy to navigate and is updated often. This is great to easily find out info. and it lets you know all the goings on around town NOW.

I told her I absolutely would love to start a connection in Pittsburgh because there is so many great family fun things we go to and I would love to tell visitors and natives about it all. And to connect communities and support each other I think is an immense bonus! She said I would need a catchy name, so I will be thinking about this for a while.

I really enjoyed my talk with MJ Tam “Chicagonista” during Blogher09′!  She is very informative and such a sweet lady!

Here are some links to check her out : Chicagonista , nymetropolista, sanfranistacom , on twitter at @chicagonista, and on facebook as : facebook.com/chicagonista , she is also as @mjtam on twitter as well. UPDATE: Here are some more links to enjoy !!!  SanFranistacom on Twitter for the site  SanFranista.com. and She is currently working on setting up a Socalista ! (I am guessing it will be for Southern California). Stay tuned,  this “go getter” will be working on a city near you SOON !!! She is such an inspiration to me.

The Plus Size Mommy

Boredom Breakers, traveling games*

Rand McNally, recently released a new line of games for the car called Boredom Breakers. Just as we head into the dog days of summer and we get ready to embark on last minute road trips, I had the  opportunity to review the products with my kids. My children were pleasantly surprised at the fun we had. I will be sure to throw these in the car for any road trip over 1/2 hour from now on. We tried the Travel Card Games. This is 3 packs of cards that come in a neat container to keep them in, and they slide into the back pocket of our car easily (so clean up is a snap). The cards contain :

Deck #1: 30 Second Interview features rapid fire questions to get families talking and learning about each other. Deck #2: I Saw it First includes pictures you might see out the window on a trip, and the twist is they have point values. The rarer the item, the more points it is worth. Deck #3: Tough Choice is the game that gets kids and grown ups thinking, reasoning and laughing TOGETHER. Each card has a “Tough Choice” question to ponder and explain.

Rand McNally developed the five games based on extensive parent research. Moms across the country were clear about what they like – creative activities that make kids laugh and allow family members to learn more about one another – and what they don’t like – games with a lot of little pieces.

With that, Boredom Breakers were born! The five activities are sold separately at RandMcNally.com and Amazon.com. Tell stories, solve mysteries, play car games, sing classic pop tunes, discover new things about each other…and do it together as the hours quickly pass.

Story Starters: Packed with 72 minutes of funny stories, mysteries and games, this interactive CD will be an instant road trip hit. Story Starters combines the best of classic radio-style drama and audio effects to get families telling stories together. Hearing is truly believing!

Car Karaoke: Mom can sing lead and kids are back-up vocals. Just pop in the CD with 12 classic rock, pop, and kid favorite songs. Includes everything needed to be a rockstar: an inflatable microphone, rating cards, and three lyric books. Choose from favorites like “Build Me Up Buttercup” or “Twist and Shout,” to see who’s got the pipes in the family. Earplugs not included!

Car Game Countdown: Car games are fun, but they are even more outrageous when you’re trying to beat the clock. Car Game Countdown includes a car-shaped digital timer with electronic sound and laminated dual-sided game cards featuring 18 games on a clip ring.

Travel Card Games: Travel Card Games features three great games to pass time and start conversations. Includes a slim storage box to easily stow in the backseat pocket.

Magnet Message Makers: Magnet Message Makers is a mess-free way to get the kids and the car ready for the road . It includes two reusable and removable magnets that will not harm your vehicle and five sheets of removable stickers for decorating the magnets. “Florida or Bust!” “

____________________________________________________________________________

I would love to try the car karaoke next, as we love to sing and love to listen to music in my family. Also, I think this will be more fun for my 3 yr. old.

I also love that these games were developed with the help of moms. This means a lot to me from Rand McNally.

The Plus Size Mommy

Best Party Hotels in NY, as reviewed by Oyster Hotel Reviews

New York City draws people in for many reasons, ranging from a chance to take a picture with every tourist attraction one can possibly fit into a big-red double-decker bus- filled afternoon to celebrity stalking, pizza tasting and Broadway singing. For many, New York City promises the glitz and glam unlike any other city. There is something classier and more mysterious about the Big Apple’s nightlife scene then other hot spots. It isn’t gaudy like Vegas and it isn’t sponsored by Ed Hardy like Los Angeles.

For those looking to make travel plans in this concrete glam, why not pick a hotel that already provides some of the most exclusive access to New York City nightlife.  Not sure how to go about doing this? Oyster Hotel Reviews has it taken care of. Launched in June to provide access for consumers looking to make travel plans to cities like; New York, Miami, Aruba, Jamaica and soon Las Vegas and Hawaii. The travel review site serves as free travel insurance for those looking to book a hotel and do so with independent, unbiased hotel reviews and authentic photos—as some travel review sites use cropped, edited and airbrushed photos given to them by the hotel—not very accurate.

And unlike most travel review sites, Oyster Hotel Reviews (funded by Bain Capital Ventures) includes reviews that include out-of-the-ordinary type of feedback such as best place to stay to spot a celebrity, most weed friendly hotels, worst place to take a family, best looking pool scene among others. Below, their top-tier travel journalists round up the best New York City hotels for nightlife for your readers.

Oyster Hotel Reviews: Best Party Hotels in New York

• The Bowery Hotel: Guests and locals alike hang out in the cozy, dimly lit lobby bar that serves creative cocktails and boasts a well-selected wine list. If you’re lucky, one of the hotel’s celebrity guests might stop by for a drink.

• Gramercy Park Hotel: The Gramercy Park Hotel’s velvet-heavy Rose Bar is one of the hottest places in the city for the hip, beautiful, and famous to meet over drinks. Just don’t casually stroll into the Rose Bar after 10 p.m. and expect to get a table — unless, that is, you’ve been on the cover of a fashion magazine or won a Grammy in the past year or so. Hotel guests do at least have an edge: They’re entitled to jump the line if people are actually waiting to get in. And they can book reservations for a table through the concierge — which is strongly suggested if you hope to sit down, though even that isn’t a guarantee.
• Hotel Gansevoort: Five years after it opened, the Gansevoort’s rooftop lounge, Plunge, continues to pull in a nightly parade of short-skirted and high-heeled twenty- and thirty-something women and their male counterparts. The skyline views are superb.
• The Cooper Square Hotel: The Cooper Square Hotel bar Table 8 is packed on weekend nights with revelers standing shoulder-to-shoulder. The windows often fog up from the intensity of the scene. The bar’s specialty cocktail is the Basil 8, with vodka, muddled grapes, basil, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger ale.
• W New York – Union Square: The W Union Square is the most “downtown” of all the W’s, and its Olives bar (and the Underbar in the basement) is hip but not exclusive, drawing crowds of young professionals for $11 cocktails.
• 60 Thompson: A60 is one of the city’s most exclusive rooftop bars — its open only to card-carrying “members” (read: celebrities, fashion types, and other bold-named New Yorkers) and hotel guests. For the price of a room you just might gain access to some of the best celebrity gawking in Manhattan.
• Soho Grand Hotel: The music at the Soho Grand gets upbeat and loud in the evenings, as the lounge fills with twenty- and thirty-something scenesters — men in dark skinny jeans, women with chic bobs — and you often have to push your way to the bar. The scene is particularly frenetic on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, when a DJ spins the tunes.
• W New York: The hotel bar Whiskey Blue is the most happening bar in the not-so-happening area of Midtown East. The swank David Rockwell-designed space features expensive drinks, pictures of rock stars on the wall, and waitresses in tight black dresses. As the most stylish bar in the area it’s a magnet for many business travelers, but it’s not as popular with locals, who take issue with its high prices and heavy dose of attitude.

The Plus Size Mommy

Next Page »