Top 5 Places to Travel to This Summer With The Children

Family vacations offer lots of opportunities for learning, bonding, and making memories. Children and adults alike can benefit from some time away from the rigors of everyday life. If you’re looking to schedule a getaway this summer, consider one of these family friendly destinations.

Williamsburg, Virginia - For a Historical Trip through Time

Image via Flickr by humbertomoreno

Williamsburg, Virginia offers many opportunities for families to step back in time and experience a rich part of American history. This educational vacation is ideal for children because it offers a variety of kid-friendly activities that will get them excited about what they’re learning. Colonial Williamsburg spans 301 acres and offers many activities. Young girls may particularly enjoy An Evening of Dance at the Palace while children between the ages of 5 and 10 will get a very memorable experience from the Apprentice Goes to the Farm program.

Anaheim, California - Parks of All Shapes and Sizes

Image via Flickr by daryl_mitchell

Anaheim is best known as the home of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. However, this area has many other attractions for families and children as well. Knotts Berry Farm is another theme park in the city. Golfland features several miniature golf courses, laser tag, and water slides. Anaheim is also home to over 40,000 acres of parks and historical sites.

Orlando, Florida - The Theme Park Capital

Image via Flickr by HarshLight

Orlando, Florida offers theme parks to suit any interest. The Universal Orlando Resort includes two theme parks, one of which is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Walt Disney World includes four theme parks, two water parks, and the indoor interactive theme park DisneyQuest. SeaWorld Orlando combines theme park attractions and live marine life. Aquatica and Discovery Cove are SeaWorld’s richly themed water parks.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - Down Home Fun

Image via Flickr by AdamCaudill

Nestled at the foot of the Smokey Mountains, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer lots of kitschy attractions and unforgettable experiences. The area is home to many dinner theaters including Dixie Stampede. Museums range from the Hollywood Wax Museum to the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. Ripley’s has a strong presence in the area with a Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Visit Dollywood for a theme park experience or take the family into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to get away from it all.

Yellowstone National Park - For Getting Away from it All

Image via Flickr by Redeo

If your family needs to get back to nature for a bit, Yellowstone National Park is an ideal destination. Activities include hiking, camping, picknicking, fishing, boating, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing so there’s something for all ages. Children between the ages of 5 and 12 can earn a special Junior Ranger patch by completing designated activities at Yellowstone National Park. Several online activities and printables are available to help kids prepare for their visit.

If you’re lacking reliable transportation for your next vacation, head to a nearby Chevy Dealer Harrisburg PA location to get set up for your journey. Escaping your everyday life together with the kids is well worth the investment.

Author Bio:

Mandi Rogier writes regularly on various travel topics. Many blogs and websites feature her pieces including USA Today's Travel Tips, Hotels.com, Travels.com, and Trails.com.

Let Your Kids Learn Something Valuable This Summer--Guest Post

It is very important that you teach your teen how to manage their money. This is their age to learn to be responsible with finances because this is what they will practice for the rest of their lives when it comes to money management. As a parent, it is your duty to teach them and this summer is probably the best time to do so. Did you ask “why summer”? Well, summer is the time when many teenagers get part-time jobs doing odd jobs and get paid for it. With so many jobs around the corner, summer is probably the best time that you can pick to teach your kids the value of money.

How to teach kids the importance of money

Handling money does not have to be grave and dull. You could think of various ways to teach kids the value of money without stressing them out too much.Let us take a look at the various ways by which your kids can learn how to manage their money and secure their future when it is the time:

1. Let them have fun: Imagine how bored you were when you were lectured into something although it was a valuable lesson. You do not have to do the same thing with your teenagers. You could be an innovative parent and make learning fun. Teaching them about money management must help them realize that they will have the finances to support their summertime fun activities. Engage their attention instead of distracting them by being boring. You could search online for different fun ways to teach your teenage kids without stressing them out.
2. Be ready for celebrations: By developing different methods you could help your teens in saving some money. Give them short goals to achieve and when they do achieve those goals do not forget a little celebration for the success that they have made. This will not only make them feel good about themselves but will also inspire them to achieve financial goals in the future. Find out what they would really appreciate if they achieve their financial goals and make sure they get it.
3. Teach them about free entertainment: Remember the times when you were kids and when there were no gizmos or gadgets but you still had a lot of fun? Yes, teach your kids that they can still have fun even when they are not paying money for expensive video games or playing online on their computers all the time. Again, if they have to play games online make them pay for it and chances are that they may like to make different choices.
4. Being generous: This could be a very important lesson for your teenagers. Earning money for themselves and spending it only on themselves is something different. Teach your kids to show signs of generosity and this will surely teach them to be simple and responsible too.
5. Create a savings account: Help them create a savings account and teach them to strictly set aside some money in their account no matter what. This will not only teach them to be financially responsible but will also help them make important life decisions. Explain to them how interests work and how they could impact their money.
6. Cash management: Kids may not be ready to use credit cards yet and hence you must teach them to manage finances using cash alone. Using cash will teach them management but credit will not. They may lose control on their finances if they are made to handle credit.
7. Budget for them: Make them get on a budget to make them control their spending habits.

Short Description: Teenagers are young and can be taught the value of money because their minds are receptive. Easyfinance.com will help you create financial awareness.

Author’s bio: Jonny is a financial writer, whose articles on teenage finance management topics have helped several parents as well as teenagers become aware of financial responsibilities.

Sizzling Summer Kitchen Giveaway (Ends 7/30) U.S.

It sure is hot this summer! BabyCostcutters and Donna's Deals and More have teamed up to bring you a hot giveaway! This giveaway is so hot, it's sizzling! So what exactly are we giving away? I'm so glad you asked!

We're giving away a 10 piece Rachael Ray Porcelain Enamel II Nonstick Cookware Set in your choice of orange, red or blue.

• Stylish two-tone gradient exterior, this cookware heats quickly and evenly, reducing -hot spots that can burn foods
• Long-lasting nonstick interior allows food to slide off and makes cleanup quick and easy
• The rubberized dual-riveted handles are comfortable and oven safe to 350 degrees.
• Tempered glass lids - watch your foods cook without having to remove the lid to keep moisture locked in, lifetime limited warranty

You'll also be receiving a Rachael Ray Bubble and Brown Set of 4 Ramekins in your choice of orange, blue, green, yellow, or chocolate.

• Includes: Four - 10 ounce Bubble & Brown Singles
• Multiple Use Stoneware - Dishwasher, microwave, freezer safe and oven safe to 500°F for convenience and versatility. The glazed interior is nonporous so foods won't interact
• Shallow sides result in crunch tops for each serving
• Flared Handles - Flared handles allow you to get a good grip from any angle.

Last but not least you will also receive Rachael Ray's Big Orange Book {paperback} with her biggest ever collection of all new 30 minute meals plus kosher meals, meals for one, veggie dinners, holiday favorites and much more!

Total retail value $179.93....can I just say $180. One winner will be receiving all 3! This giveaway is open to the Continental US only and ends on July 30th at 11:59pm est.

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Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. My Devotional Thoughts is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Summer Vacation--Blog Time!

You might notice over the next couple months that I am posting at odd times and really spending time on my blog.  I am officially on summer break, and I am really going to devote the time to cleaning up my blog and really making things better around here.

Some of the things you might notice:
1.  more reviews/giveaways
2.  cleaning up my buttons and ads on here
3.  possibly moving my blog to a different host
4.  more sponsored posts/tweets
5.  more commenting on other blogs
6.  cleaning up my pages, fixing links
7.  mini-challenges??

We'll see what happens, but I just wanted to let you guys know. More than likely, you won't notice any changes, but I will certainly feel better about things.

My goals for the summer:

1.  Drop my Alexa rating below 100,000
2.  Facebook and twitter followers--10,000 each
3.  Actually make money on my blog--in all fairness, I actually have made some this year, but I have put everything back into my blog.
4.  Do fewer self-hosted giveaways!

If anyone has suggestions, leave a comment here.  I would love to hear your suggestions.  While I appreciate hearing you say more giveaways and stuff like that, the more specific you are, the better.

Lazy Summer Reads Giveaway Hop (ends 6/8) WW

Welcome to Lazy Summer Reads Hop


Hosted by eReading on the Cheap and Midwestern Moms.


The blog hop runs from June 1 - 8 at 11:59 EST .


I really wanted to do something a little different with this book hop.  Yes, I know we always like the gift certificates and book depository, but I have something really different this time.  


In the past, I have done mystery book giveaways, and this is a variation on this.  I want you to pick an author that you have perhaps heard about but have not read anything by him/her.  My preference would be that you also do not own any books by this author.  (If you do, we can discuss that if you are the winner.)  If you are the winner (this is open internationally), I will choose a book by this author and send it to you.  


I will give you an example.  I have heard about Marcia Lynn McClure, but I have never read any of her books.  I do not own one.  I would put her down as my choice, and if I were the winner, I would receive a book in my choice of format.  And yes, you can pick more than one if you like (but you will only receive one book!).


So what are you waiting for?  Enter the rafflecopter form below by June 8 at 9 P.M. Pacific time, and don't forget to hop on to the other blogs for more chances!


(If I do happen to get over 1000 verified entries, I will add a winner.)





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Bringing in Summer Giveaway Hop (Ends 6/9) U.S.

I'm so proud to be taking part in the Bringing in Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by Karma Media.


I am so excited!  This is my biggest giveaway ever! I have worked very hard to bring everything to you, and one winner is going to get all of the products detailed below.  So read on!

What better way to get ready for summer than a swimming suit?  And have I got a swimming suit for you! Voda Swim has a fantastic, new idea in bikini and swimsuit design called Envy Push Up.  The top is absolutely amazing!  This patent-pending design gently cups the breast and makes it look full and rounded.  There are no underwires, and it is very comfortable to wear.  These tops are designed to create and/or enhance cleavage, and you will see soon exactly what I am talking about.

Now, I will tell you I am not one for bikinis--never have been.  I know I have a better body than I did ten years ago, but I still have to admit that baring that much of my body just does not sit well with me.  I am so glad that this company provides bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, and tankinis.  I fell in love with tankinis some years ago because they give you the best of both worlds--a 2-piece that covers the "trouble" spots.  And it is much more convenient when you need to go to the bathroom!  (Just keeping it real here).

So I was privileged to review a push-up tankini.  Now, for reference, I am a size 34B, and I wear about a size 8-10.  The fit guide was the best reference I had as I placed my order.  I ordered a size medium top, and  size large bottom.  I will tell you that I was worried the size large would be too big, but I am so glad I followed their advice!

Now, I am doing something that I have honestly never done before.  I have a before and after picture.  In a swimming suit, no less!  I want you to see the transformation that took place with their swimming suit.

My first picture is of me a swimming suit I won on a blog giveaway about a year ago.  It is a very nice suit, and my mom said as much when she took the picture.

I honestly agreed.  I looked good, but look at the change when I wore the Voda tankini!

Check out the change in my bust!  I have noticeable cleavage, which is pretty good for a 34B!  I will admit that as I was putting this on, I wasn't sure what I would think of it.  After all, it just didn't seem to be my style.  But when I put it on, I was blown away as was my mom!  I looked really good!  The tankini style is absolutely perfect--it comes down long enough to cover my trouble areas, and it is so doggone cute!


The second product I was privileged to review sounds funny but is a great product.  

You might recognize this cute little character.  Yep, I got to review Ladies Anti-Monkey Butt powder!  I realize that it may sound like a funny product, but it works!  

Okay, so what is monkey butt?  Well, it is a term used by motorcyclists for the soreness, redness, and itchiness caused by the sweat and rubbing of sitting on the motorcycle for so long.  I struggled with monkey butt for a lot of my life and I didn't even know it!  Every summer, I have to be careful of rubbing my legs together.  I tend to get rashes that are very painful.  It is so nice to know that they have a ladies version of it now!  

As the mercury rises, be prepared to protect your lady nooks and crannies from sweat, irritation and friction with Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder®.  Sprinkle between and under breasts, on your inner thighs or rear end to stay dry and comfy during the hot weather and while you’re working out. Lightly scented and satiny smooth, Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder boasts the dynamic duo of calamine andcornstarch, something that that no other body powder can claim!  These unique ingredients are specially formulated to quickly absorb sweat and relieve friction…even itching…and provide cooling effective relief to all your body parts that are prone to rubbing. Plus, Lady Anti Monkey Butt helps to prevent other ladylike issues—like keeping stockings from sticking!  

Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder can be purchased at Walmart, Ace Hardware, True Value, Drugstore.com andwww.antimonkeybutt.com for just around $5.95.

Since May is all about ladies in our lives, we’re going to celebrate our approaching 80,000 Facebook fan milestone by giving 1,000 random fans a sample of Lady Anti Monkey Butt Powder! LIKE the Anti Monkey Butt Powder Facebook page for details:www.facebook.com/antimonkeybutt.  We’ll launch the sign-up form when we hit 80,000 fans!

And, Anti Monkey Butt isn’t just for ladies, either! Mama, Papa, and baby can stay comfortable, and fight their own irritation and friction from work and play, with original Anti Monkey Butt Powder and Baby Anti Monkey Butt Diaper Rash Powder and Cream. Learn more about the complete line of Anti Monkey Butt products, including where to buy, at www.antimonkeybutt.com. We have a monkey for everyBUTTy!

We have not had super-hot weather at this point, but we have had some warm days.  And I do like to exercise.  There is nothing better than putting on this powder on all those sweaty areas, and it works!  It is the perfect item for summer!


The other items I am throwing in I did not receive specifically for this giveaway.  I have the following products:

This is a Klout perk that I will never use, and it goes perfectly with the swimming suit!

I will also be adding some samples of Coppertone sunscreen.  I am a Coppertone Mom, so I have an abundance of this.

In addition to this, I may add in a couple surprise items.

So, do you have the picture in your mind yet?  One U.S. winner will receive a Voda Smimsuit of their choice, Lady Anti-Monkey Butt, Veet Wax Strips, Coppertone sunscreen, and a surprise or two.

All you need to do is enter the rafflecopter below by June 9 at 9 P.M. Pacific time.  And don't forget to hop along to the other blogs for the chance to win even more amazing products!

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Disclaimer - Please note that Karma Media are not responsible for any giveaway sponsors who do not fulfill their prizes on all of the participating blogs in the Bringing In Summer Giveaway Hop.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Good Time Grillin' Giveaway Hop (Ends 5/30) U.S./Canada

Welcome to the Good Time Grillin' Hop Hosted by  Life Happens With Kids and The Giveaway Gal.  Okay, this is your opportunity to get ready for summer.  I am going to be giving away a Grillin' Prize Package Full of all sorts of supplies you will need while grilling this summer--citronella candles, sunblock, BBQ tablecloths, and more.  Everything in the giveaway adds up to $20.  But, I have a special bonus.  For every 200 entries, I will add a $5 paypal certificate to the prize.  So come on, let's get this going!  Enter my giveaway on the rafflecopter form below by 9:00 P.M. Pacific time May 30, and do not forget to hop on to the other blogs to win even more prizes!  By the way, this giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada!  

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Summer Splash Giveaway Hop (Ends 5/27) U.S. (closed)

Welcome to Summer Splash hosted by Life With Two Boys, With Our Best, and Bella So Savvy! This event begins on May 14, 2012 at 12:01am EST and will end on May 27, 2012 at 11:59pm EST.

Over 100 blogs have come together to bring you some amazing prizes to help you kick off your summer... with a SPLASH! Each blog is giving away at least $25 worth of prizes, plus we have an awesome grand prize for one very lucky winner. Be sure to hop along to each of the participating blogs because the more giveaways you enter, the more chances you have at winning the Grand Prize!

So what's this Grand Prize we're talking about? Thanks to Kid's Creations one very lucky winner is going to win a Two Ring Adventure Playset valued at $3,598! Made from the highest quality Redwood and loaded with fun activities, this swing set is sure to make this summer one to remember! (Please note that the grand prize is only open to residents of the Continental United States and does not include assembly/installation.)

Enter the Grand Prize!

I am excited to be able to offer a fantastic giveaway prize to my readers.  I had the supreme privilege of working with Happy Toy Machine.  This is a company unlike any other I have worked with in the past.  This is a company that lets you and/or your child make their own special stuffed animal. They will allow you to make as many creations online, and you can share and create these for free.  You only need to order one when you are ready--that is when it will cost you something.  But I can assure you that it will be worth it!

My daughter is eight years old, and I wanted her to have the experience of creating her own stuffed toy.  I picked a time when there was nothing else pressing for her to do, and I brought her over to the computer.  She picked everything out, and I did not give her any pointers.  She told me what to create and how to create it.  I merely followed her instructions.

She surprised me by picking an alien, and she created it in a way I never would.  (I will show you the picture in a moment!)  I was pleased that the process was easy, and the toy arrived very quickly.

The hardest thing for me in all of this was letting my daughter make the stuffed toy the way she wanted it.  I remember thinking that she should have put more color in it than she did, but no.  She loves it as it is!

I have waited to post this review for a couple reasons.  First of all, I was looking for the ideal time to post it.  Summer is coming, and these kinds of items are great as kids will be out of school and will need something fun like this to spark their imagination.  But more importantly, I wanted to see how long this toy would capture my daughter's interest.  She has a habit of getting something like this, loving it for a day or two, and never playing with it again.  Not so with her alien!  She often sleeps with him still, and even tonight after she has had him for a month, she loves him just as much if not more.  My guess is that since she made him, he is a very special toy to her.  And the toy has held up well.  Hopefully it will continue to hold up for a long time to come!

Like  Happy Toy Machine and facebook and follow them on twitter.

Now for the giveaway.  One U.S. reader will receive a gift code for a regular-sized toy on the Happy Toy Machine site.  All the winner will need to do is make the toy on the website and enter the gift code at the proper time.  Oh, and free shipping will also be included.

So please enter the rafflecopter form below, and don't forget to  hop along to the other giveaways for the chance to win more prizes!  Giveaway will end May 27 9 P.M. Pacific time.

Place this at the bottom of the post "I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Mom Blog Society Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers"

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Disclaimer: Please note that the Summer Splash hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prize. We have represented each sponsor with the expectation that they will fulfill their prize in a timely manner. While we are not responsible, we will make every effort to assist the winner in obtaining their prize.

Guest post at Pink Dandy Chatter

I am so pleased to be guest posting at Pink Dandy Chatter this morning.  Go over and check out the post.  It's a great blog with a variety of topics that will appeal to everyone.  Lots of great content and giveaways!  My topic this morning is about my daughter and how she has kept herself occupied this summer.  I posted a comment about this over there, but I will embed the video code that somehow didn't come through here for my readers too.