Visit Your Local Park this July For National Park and Recreation Month #ParkRecLuv

Did you know July is national Park and Recreation Month? We love our local parks and, since we live up in the mountains, we visit them often for day and weekend trips with the kids. We can go biking, hiking or even just stay at one of the cabins. There are 9 state parks within 50 miles of our house and the one we visit most often is the Amicalola Falls park, which is absolutely beautiful and has an amazing lodge or you can even hike to an inn that is only reachable by foot! This area is perfect for families and makes for such a great day or weekend trip.

We also have several local parks that the kids love and, in fact, Josiah just had his birthday at one nearby. It has a playground and splash pad, so we could cool off afterwards.

We've spent so much time at local parks as a family and have made some wonderful memories together. Looking at all of our pictures has been a great trip down memory lane and I am sure there will be many more in the future. Here is a picture of Liam's first visit to Amicalola Falls at only a few weeks old, all wrapped up in a baby sling as we hiked around trails!

As part of Park and Recreation Month, the National Recreation and Park Association has one important question for everyone to answer:

"I Love my Parks and Recreation Because..."

You can visit the NPRA website for more information on their initiatives, free resources, a calendar of fun events nationwide and about their month-long weekly photo contest!

Yes, I said contest! 

We love our giveaways and contests here, so we are excited to share this one with you. Get out and about this month as a family and explore your local park or recreation area. Then, share your experience with them via social media. Easy, right? Go to the NPRA Facebook page, click on the Show UR Love Contest and enter for a chance to win a $500 gift card and more! Go and show some love for your local parks by snapping some great family photos.

I try to make summer vacation as fun as possible and this means we spend a great deal of time at our local parks. The boys just love running around and going down slides. I love that we get some great exercise and it gives them a way to get out some of their energy. We just recently packed a turkey sandwich picnic lunch and headed to a park, which the boys liked very much.

There is still time this month and during summer vacation to visit your local parks! Believe me, your kids will really enjoy the experience. Be sure to snap pictures for the contest, too. So, what do you like most about your local parks and recreation?

Join the Boys & Girls Club & jcpenney For The 'jcpenney Cares Round Up Campaign' This July #sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

We love our Boys and Girls Club and have always been excited to tell our readers about their wonderful initiatives. Not too long ago we got to visit one of the busier clubs in Atlanta and the kids had such a great time. I am thankful for all they do in our communities and that's why I am so happy to be a BGCA Back To School Ambassador!

For the month of July, the Boys and Girls Club has partnered with one of our favorite stores, JCPenney, for the 'jcpenney cares round up campaign'! So, for all of July if you choose to round up your purchase total to the nearest dollar while shopping at jcpenney, that money will be given to BGCA! That's right! You can directly help the afterschool programs in clubs across the country by rounding up your purchase and they will receive 100% of all funds.

So, while shopping at jcpenney for back to school clothing like we did, just round up your purchase for an amazing cause. When we visited the Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta, we saw just how much that one club did for the children and their community. We've also seen how much they have changed the lives of children in our own county. This is such a great cause and we urge all of our readers to do this because even if your rounded up donation is $.25, that can definitely add up and make a difference.

Be sure to check out the Boys and Girls Club website for more Back To School information that is great for both students and parents. You can even share your child's picture on their first day of school for a chance to win. Josiah's first day of school is next week, so we'll definitely have pictures posted of him proudly dressed and ready for the big day beginning the first grade!!

We will be working with BGCA the rest of the month, too, and will have some other great info to share in a few weeks, so check back! Are your kids starting school soon? It's such an exciting time and I can't wait to share all of it with you.

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

Buzzworthy Facebook Likes Page 9

Buzzworthy Books Of Summer iPad Mini Giveaway Event

When it comes to summer reading indie authors offer a refreshing alternative to predictable plots from big name writers. Here’s a list of ten titles from emerging indie authors, pick your favorite and vote on Facebook for a chance to win an iPad Mini!

The Lights of Sheridan Square by Bob Ford

If you enjoy the office intrigues of The Mad Men and the love story in The Notebook you’ll like this book.

Reviewer Comments

“Set in New York City in the late 1950's, this love story takes you into the heart of the advertising world. The office politics and drama are equal to that of the series Mad Men.  I could not help but fall in love with the main characters, Jay and Joanna. Their story is a lifelong love affair of twists and turns with a dramatic ending that I did not see coming. A book to enjoy." Published by Deerfield Park Books. 

Special Must-Read Price Cut! Paperback: $11.66 Kindle: $7.99 

Reluctant Gods by A.J. Aaron 

If you don't like just plain old vanilla and want something different, Reluctant Gods is a series that transcends fiction fantasy by crossing genres into romance, humor, science fiction, and mystery and is sure to entertain while you enjoy the best of summer.

Reviewer Comments

“A.J. Aaron is a genius. I loved this book! It had fantastic images but the real story was about Sevilen accepting his power. I understood that everything is as it should be but the author's depiction of this concept is exceptional. The laid-back dialogue and cool characters mixed fantasy with what is usually considered a serious, esoteric subject. Leyna's mindset and sexual exploits are tastefully done. Quotes from Einstein, Toffler and Drucker reinforced the message. This book is highly recommended for teenagers and adults.”

You can find more about A.J.  Aaron on his website and on Amazon, and his publisher.

Special Must-Read Price Cut! A special promotional price of $.99 on Kindle and $8.99 in paperback for this 62,000 word 250 page novel.

Future Tense by Eddie Upnick

A mechanics life is turned upside down when he learns of his fathers top secret past, causing him to team up with a beautiful CIA agent and two beyond gifted teenagers, to try to stop the Russian mob from deploying a futuristic weapon of mass destruction and a pending alien invasion of Earth. You can purchase the e-book here and learn more about the author on his website.

Reviewer's Comments

When you combine a near future world outlook with a science fiction twist you get Future Tense. “Eddie Upnick’s novel is a funny, intelligent, and thought-provoking page-turner. This writer’s creativity is off the charts! A great read.” Fans of fast-paced plots that intertwine history, romance, and fantasy will love Future Tense.

Play or Die by Jen Cole

This summer, see Australia... on the run from a sociopath! Take a heart-thumping tour with Jo as she searches for her father's murderer while fleeing from a killer sent by a future society to bag her.

Reviewer Comments 

"Play or Die is amazing. Be prepared for tension that you have never experienced before as Jo tries to evade the psychotic Hunter determined to kill her. The book alternates between nail-biting suspense, action, and stuff that really gets you thinking." Visit the Jen Cole's website for more information.

The Incredible Wedding of a Dictator

by Horacio A. Hernandez

This novel is a mock epic, a satirical, and an allegorical view of a dictator and his evil influences. Two friends share their manuscripts describing one of the first European settlements in the Americas; the finding of the original Journal of Christopher Columbus; the development of a cruel dictator; his extravagant wedding; the struggle of a hero against the dictatorship; and the end of it caused by the destruction of a great tsunami. It is a description of the struggle between good versus evil. This book will be perfect for anybody interested in reading literature: historical fiction, magic realism, religion, mythology, folklore, etc. because of all the entertainment and humor involved in it.

White Thirst by Mike Anka 

True story novel - building a new life from scattered and dangerous pieces.

Reviewer Comments

"Mr. Anka has truly penned a wonderful novel. I have always been a fan of real life stories, and this one is exceptional. The author has been through so much, and to share his experiences with pen and paper is a remarkable feat. This book is definitely worth a read." Be sure to like Mike Anca on Facebook.

The Crusades Again: A History of the 'Twins'

by Dennis J Foley

"Taking into account terrorist activities of the United States and overseas, Foley explains how the pentagons and rectangles became a part of our past by premeditated terrorist acts. His writing style is intricate and requires the reader to delve deep into each word for clear understanding. His detailed account of how each 

formation appears structurally and by date is commended. It is an eye-opening view of a different perspective on world and terrorist events with both religious and nonreligious undertones". Read more about Mike Foley on Create Space. 

Master of Plagues by D.B. Reynolds

Master of Plagues is a must-read since it captures and holds the reader's attention from beginning to end.

Reviewer Comments

"Master of Plagues is a dazzling journey of magic, redemption, and forgiveness through super powers." Learn more about the book on D.B. Reynolds' website and watch a video about it on YouTube. Also, be sure to check out a great review of Master of Plagues.

Special Must-Read Price Cut! Originally pried at $8.00, Master of Plagues is now available on Amazon Kindle, Nook, and Kobo for a special low discount price of 0.99 cents.

Lunch with Lucille by Annarose Ingarra-Milch

Lunch with Lucille whips up a delightful dish of entertainment and inspiration, served by a fun-loving, sassy, female character who has a message of hope and optimism – a message all women need to hear. 

Reviewer Comments

"Lunch with Lucille by Annarose Ingarra-Milch is overflowing with humor and entertaining throughout. Lucille is quite the character and her sage advice will whet your appetite for more encounters with this unusually colorful lady. She has lived a rich, full life, and gracefully shares her adventures in an inspiring way. 

The reader is treated to simple, practical solutions to some prickly issues such as aging, confidence, self image, and achievement. This fast-paced novella is thought provoking and leaves you eager for the next installment."

Keep up with the latest book news by Liking Lunch With Lucille on Facebook and watching the Novel Trailer on YouTube. 

Godwar: Hell Rising by D.K. Cherian 

This saga promises action, adventure, history, politics, magic,mythology and twists while transferring the reader into a fantastic realm where anything is possible.

Reviewer Comments

"One great aspect of D.K. Cherian's novel is the excellent integration of background information about the Egyptian Gods without overpowering and deterring from the wonder of the novel. All of the characters are well-rounded, likable, and entertaining. The author does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the world of Ancient Egypt with his mix of seriousness, humor, action, magic, and adventure. A truly engrossing fantasy adventure, this book is a must-have for any readers who enjoy mythology, magic, time travel, and page-turning plots." Be sure to like Godwar Hell Rising on Facebook!

Ready For Your Chance To Win?

Children Teaching Mama is excited to offer your chance to win this amazing prize sponsored by Reader Spoils. 

Enter To Win an iPad Mini 

One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries to receive a 16GB black iPad Mini valued at $339.99! To enter, complete the tasks on the Rafflecopter form below. Don't forget to vote for your favorite book AND come back for daily entries! Good Luck!

Open to U.S. Residents Only

Ends on August 14th at 11:59pm. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Search and Buy "On In Beauty" iPad Mini #GIVEAWAY

 With two kids and a busy family life, I need all the beauty help I can get.  I didn't always take good care of my skin, so now I try my best to treat my skin right. Now that is definitely possible with the new On In Beauty Beauty System. On In Beauty is a revolutionary new skincare system consisting of a nourishing topical cream and a naturally sourced dietary supplement that works on the outside and inside. 

On In Beauty is clinically proven to improve skin hydration, elasticity and UV protection in just 2 weeks.  It uses lutein, a natural antioxidant, sourced from marigolds which achieves fast absorption into skin cells to reduce wrinkles and fine lines.

Take a peek at the Beauty Breakthrough

  Purchase On In Beauty

Reduce photochemical damage from the harsh summer rays with clinically proven skin care working ON your skin and IN your skin.  On In Beauty is now available at select Vitamin World stores.  Not all stores carry On In Beauty yet.  However, check out our search and buy contest below for your chance to win an iPad mini!  Simply click here to find your local Vitamin World Store and let us know in the entry form below if you purchase On In Beauty at Vitamin World as you will gain 10 bonus entries to the contest. 
Connect Website, Facebook and Twitter  
We are excited to join The Freebie Junkie and bring you this great event sponsored by On In Beauty! 
One lucky winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries to receive a 16GB iPad Mini (Wi-Fi) valued at $329!  Complete the tasks on the Rafflecopter form below.  All entrants must complete the mandatory entry to be eligible to win!  Good Luck!

Summer Fun With The Family At Our Bomb Pop Party #BombPop #sponsored

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Bomb Pop. I received  product samples, a party kit, and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

We have a huge family and are very close, which means we are constantly getting together, celebrating and having a great time. The summer is such a busy time and it has been much harder for all of us to get together lately. Our little softball player, Rylee, is on the all-star team this year, so she stays on the go. We are so proud of all her hard work this year and we've wanted to throw her a party. Since we were all free this weekend, we decided to throw a big cookout party complete with delicious Bomb Pop ice pops, a favorite treat to help us cool down during all of this hot Georgia weather.

We spend a great deal of time outdoors playing and this day was no different! While our steaks were marinating for later, we started up the party once our guests arrived. Who came? Me, my husband, Josiah, Liam, Rylee, Ethan, Aimee and Jeremy! Our neighbors also came over to join the party with their two kids. While I was setting up some surprises in the backyard, Liam hopped on the swing set and the other kids took turns driving around the yard in the police car. These are two of their favorite things to do outdoors. Since we live in the country, they can drive the police car all over the place and have so much fun.What they didn't know was that I was sent an awesome Bomb Pop party kit containing all kinds of goodies! I'd managed to keep that a secret all week somehow.

Did you know Bomb Pop is an official sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball? I played softball for over 7 years and look back fondly on those years. That's why I am so excited and proud of Rylee since she plays Little League softball, too. I've been watching Rylee progress as a player from the year she started t-ball and boy has she improved! It's amazing how well 7 and 8 year-olds can hit the ball into the outfield and round the bases. It makes me nostalgic for my days on the baseball field and the first time I tried a Bomb Pop. 

We couldn't invite Rylee's entire team over for a game, unfortunately, but we did set up an awesome Bomb Pop Home Run Toss for everyone to play. We are all huge baseball fans and my husband watches the Braves every single time they play, so even the adults were excited to give this game a try. Josiah was so excited to get 6 home runs, but my aim, on the other hand, was in need of practice.

The kit also included Bomb Pop Key Chains and foam Bomb Pop baseballs that the kids loved. We usually play a family wiffle ball game, but this time we used the foam balls instead and they worked perfectly. Plus, it didn't hurt as bad when someone inevitably got hit in the forehead (ahem, and when I say someone I mean ME)! 

While all of this was going on, my husband was cooking steaks and the smell was killing us! It was finally time to eat and that is exactly what we did. Unfortunately, I was so swept into the moment that I forgot to snap a picture until afterwards. Apparently it was pretty good because this is all that was left:

After eating, we were back to playing and the boys thought it was time for some golfing. Liam and Ethan are golfing buddies, after all, so they took turns swinging their clubs and whacking the ball across the yard. Ethan has quite a swing for a little one!

About this time I brought out the real treat of the evening... Bomb Pops! We were sent a variety of delicious flavored pops, including the Original Bomb Pops, Hawaiian Punch Bomb Pops, Sour Wower Bomb Pops and Sugar-Free Bomb Pops!

I will never forget the first time I tried a Bomb Pop many years ago. It was a hot summer day and we'd just gotten finished playing a softball game at our local field. As always, we ran to the concession stand for drinks and treats, but on this day they had Bomb Pops!

There are certain items I associate with summer and Bomb Pops are definitely part of that group. I love all of the different flavors, especially the blueberry, and I don't feel like they are too sweet. With the temperatures well into the 90s here, sometimes air conditioner doesn't quite do the trick, but a Bomb Pop not only tastes great, but cools you down, too. 

Rylee had never tried a Bomb Pop before, but by the end of the weekend she had eaten many and was a quite a fan. She was asking if we could get more of the Sourer Wowers since they were gone. How could I say no? I've been eating Bomb Pops every time they do, so I'm definitely up for more. We had such a great time at the party and it carried through the entire weekend. I love making special memories for the kids and that's exactly did this weekend with Bomb Pops! 

What do you and your family love to do outdoors during the summer months? Have you ever had a Bomb Pop? 

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Bomb Pop. I received  product samples, a party kit, and a promotional item as a thank you for participating.

My Allergy Test At-Home Kit Review & Giveaway

The human body changes over time, and even if you've never been allergic before, it's possible to develop sensitivities as time goes on. We moved to the Midwest recently and I've noticed that sometimes I've had some unexplained nasal stuffiness. The thought did cross my mind that perhaps a certain local allergen was to blame. When ImmuneTech offered to send me their My Allergy Test, I was very interested in trying it. Anyone who is experiencing allergy-type symptoms may take the test and discover if further treatment is needed.

The My Allergy Test is mailed right to your door and self-administered at home. It tests your body's response to the ten most common allergens: eggs, milk, wheat, mold, dust mites, Bermuda grass, Timothy grass, cedar, ragweed and cats.

When my kit arrived, it contained instructions, identification labels, a mailing envelope and all the supplies needed to take a small blood sample.

The instructions were very simple to understand and took just a few minutes to read over. Using the provided lancet, I was able to easily prick my finger and get a few drops of blood in the vial. There is a second lancet included, just in case you don't get enough the first time. I wasn't uneasy at all collecting the blood sample, but if sticking your own finger sounds like something you'd rather avoid, ImmuneTech does suggest that someone else can help you.

I affixed identification labels as instructed and then put my sample in the included specimen bag.

The final step was to mail my sample off in the postage-paid envelope. I dropped it off at the post office on May 1 and received my test results by email on May 10, so the turnaround time was very prompt. To view my results, I clicked a link in the email and used the PIN number (included in my package) to log in. 

Results are very easy to view, and each allergen tested is rated from a negative response all the way to a high response based on the IgE concentration.

If your test returns positive results (mine didn't), you have access to MyAllergyPlan,which helps you take the next step in finding relief. MyAllergyPlan is included in your purchase. At the website, you may also print out your results to share with a health care professional.

MyAllergyTest retails for $49.99. I would say it's a small price to pay if you're concerned about allergy-type symptoms. Getting answers to simple questions can unfortunately be an expensive proposition if you choose the traditional route. In my case, I would had to pay to see my regular physician. Then he would have referred me to a specialist. And then there would be allergy tests to take. The costs quickly ad up! Because of the professional results I received from the MyAllergyTest, I can cross off any major allergies off my list.

Finally, I think it's fantastic that you can test and receive results at home. With six children and homeschooling, scheduling and keeping doctor appointments is usually a stressful undertaking.

You can order MyAllergyTest online or find it at major pharmacies like Walmart and Walgreens. To keep up-to-date with the latest, be sure to follow on Facebook and Twitter.

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Receive Their Own My Allergy Test! 

Superior Farms Pet Provisions All Natural Treats Review

Jasper is a Collie mix rescue dog who's been a part of our family for nearly two years. To say that Jasper enjoys a treat is an understatement; since we have a few cats as well, he likes all the rewards and attention that we can give. It makes him truly feel like he's "top dog" around here.

Superior Farms Pet Provisions sent us an assortment of their all-natural treats for Jasper to try out: Venison Waffles, Lamb Bits and a lamb chew.

We were out shopping when the package was dropped off by UPS. Jasper took the liberty of opening it himself. He must have smelled something really delicious inside, so this is what we found when we got home:

He had been working on the lamb chew for quite a while and was completely blissful! Apparently he greatly approved of the chew. I didn't have the heart to scold him because, after all, it was his package. In fact, I don't think anything I could write about the Superior Farms treats could be more enthusiastic than Jasper's response to that box!

He's gone crazy over the other treats as well. My daughter has been using them each day to reinforce the "sit" and "stay" commands, and Jasper eagerly anticipates the training sessions. He now knows the treats by smell and by sight, and his fluffy tail starts wagging when he sees Catherine coming with the bag! 

The Superior Farms Pet Provisions motto is this: natural is best. Keep things pure and simple. All of their fantastic treats are made in the USA from USDA-inspected plants and are grain and gluten free. You don't have to worry about them sneaking in artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. These are truly natural, top-quality pet provisions.

You can find Superior Farms Pet Provisions treats and chews in a variety of sizes and shapes, starting at just $3.19. They are all crafted from lamb and venison protein.

Follow Superior Farms Pet Provisions on Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: This post was written for Superior Farms. A variety of items were received for review purposes and no other compensation was provided. All opinions written are our own.

Help Givver.com Break A World Record on Social Media Giving Day & Prize Pack Giveaway #Give

Did you know that Social Media Giving Day is the same day as Twitter’s birthday:  Monday, July 15th! PartnersHub is partnering with Givver.com to make social media matter and, since we are all about social media, we want to join in on all the fun. 

#Give with Givver to help US set a WORLD RECORD for the most DONATIONS given in one day through social media. This is such a wonderful cause and I would love for all of you to be a part of this. Will you help us do this?

What is Givver.com?
It enables you to donate quickly and easily to your favorite causes with a single tweet! Whether it’s a non-profit, educational, or political organization you want to support, Givver is here to help you fund and raise awareness for the issues that matter, all by simply using Twitter. 

Givver is a great way to show your friends, family, and followers on Twitter that you care in a tech-savvy way! Let's all tweet to #give to at least one organization that needs our help by using Givver and make social giving go viral this Social Media Giving Day, Monday, July 15th!

Take the What's Your Twitter Personality Quiz Below and let us know the results! This is a fun quiz that only takes a minute. If it is not working for any reason, you can take the quiz here, too. 

We are so excited because not only is Givver hosting this amazing event, but they are also hosting a giveaway for our readers! Woot! 

Ready For A Giveaway?

One Lucky Winner Will Receive A Social Media Giving Day Prize Pack Including:

- Givver #Give Limited Edition T-shirt 
- Givver #Give Limited Edition Sticker 

Fashion Fun & Loyalty Rewards Program for Tween Girls: Club Z @fashionplaytes #ad

Even as a small child I had a distinct personalize fashion sense. All girls are unique and express themselves differently and my favorite way to do so has always been through my clothing. FPgirl is an awesome website dedicated to tween girls who love fashion, too. FBgirl allows girls to create their own outfit with well-known name brand clothing and then they can purchase the fashions they create! That is so much fun and exciting.

FBgirl has a new Club Z loyalty program just for girls, too...
What is Club Z?
Club Z is a FREE loyalty program for girls. In exchange for their opinions, feedback and participation in fun quizzes and challenges, they earn rewards and enter contests for cool prizes. Club Z is the brainchild of FPgirl by FashionPlaytes, the dynamic and trusted social destination that gives Generation Z girls a voice (just as we have the Y Generation and Millennials, now we have Generation Z). And yes, that’s where the “Z” in Club Z comes from!

Be sure to check out this awesome website. Plus, we have some great coupon codes for our readers:
Use code: USFAMILY for 10% off your purchase
Use code: SUMMER13 for $10 off a purchase of $30 or more

Those are some great coupon codes and you can also use them both when purchasing!
Take a look and let us know what you think. This would be a great present for tweens and I can't wait to show it to my niece. She will really love this and I think your tween girls will, too. 

More about FBgirl
FPgirl, created by FashionPlaytes, is the ultimate fashion, style and social destination for tween girls, home to the online Style Mag and Club Z. FPgirl was founded in 2009. There are now close to 1 million registered users on FPgirl, who have created over 10 million clothing designs!

FPgirl.com invites girls to design and wear their own clothes. They can pick out the style and color, and then add their own flair with fun embellishments, including their own brand label!

Disclosure: This post was written for FPgirl in conjunction with US Family Guide. Compensation was provided, but all opinions written are my own.