Mirror Maze: Now Open at the Franklin Institute! {GIVEAWAY!}

So, summer is here. And while I was so done with making lunches, waking irritated sleepy children and running to get to the bus stop on time just a few weeks ago, I've reached that point in the summer where I begin eyeing up when the next school year begins.

Don't get me wrong: I love the chance for my girls to relax and take a break from the stress of school over the summer. What I don't like? The squabbling and bickering and the incessant proclamations of boredom that I encounter each day. (How are you bored?! We have an entire yard, neighbor kids, camps and a room dedicated solely to your toys at your disposal?! GO OUTSIDE ALREADY).

I may be slightly hyperbolic here. But one true concern I have is the lack of learning that often happens during the summer. Do I want my kids to relax? Absolutely? But do I want them to continue to learn, engage, explore and discover? 100%.

So I am absolutely STOKED by the Franklin Institute's new exhibit, Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature. 

The Franklin Institute shares:

Explore the mathematical patterns of the natural world at Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature! From the nested spirals of a sunflower’s seeds to the ridges of a majestic mountain range, this stunning interactive exhibit provides an introduction to patterns and how math surrounds us every day. Lose yourself in an elaborate mirror maze—the stunning centerpiece of the exhibit—and challenge yourself to discover how geometry, tessellations, and repetitions can unlock the secrets of the world around you.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT MY KIDS NEED: learning but the sneaky kind where it's a ton of fun and they don't even realize they are learning stuff. #ParentingWin.

We're heading there this month to check out this exhibit (stay tuned: I'll report back here on the blog and share our experience on social media!), but figured you might want to get some sneaky learning in too.

SO.

The kind people of Franklin Institute have offered to give one of my dear readers a family 4 pack of tickets to the Mirror Maze Exhibit (a $100 value!). Enter the giveaway below to win!

If you are anxious to get your learn on immediately, here's a code to get $3.00 off your daytime tickets. Just use promo code MMYBLOG* to receive $3.00 off up to 4 adult, daytime tickets to A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature. To redeem the code, contact us 215-448-1200 or visit fi.edu.

*$3 off Daytime Adult Admission tickets to A Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature. Limit 4 tickets per person. Includes General Admission to The Franklin Institute. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Upgrades available on-site for IMAX and 3D Theater. Redeemable online or over the phone. Processing fees

The Mirror Maze: Numbers in Nature exhibit runs through September 4, 2017.

Visit the Franklin Institute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Franklin Institute is located at 222 North 20th Street in Philadelphia.

Disclosure: The Franklin Institute provided tickets to Mirror Maze in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

GIVEAWAY

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NOW PLAYING at Arden Theatre: The Light Princess {GIVEAWAY}

We are a family who advocates for the arts, so we've been intentional to expose our girls to many forms of creativity. Art. Music. Film. And, of course, theatre. As early as we felt they could handle it, Hubby and I have taken them to see various productions, mainly children's theatre. Not only does this exposure help build an appreciation for the arts, but also what is expected of them as an audience member.

As a theatre goer, one of my favorite experiences is to see a book or play I've read come to life on stage or screen. While I'm a harsh critic of books-to-movie films, I love comparing and contrasting. I enjoy seeing if the characters are visually how I'd imagined them in my mind.

So I am excited for the newest production to take the Arden Theatre stage, The Light Princess. This is a story that we read to the girls when they were young, so they are familiar with the tale. This lighthearted story is perfect for kids of all ages - and with the amazing cast and crew at the Arden, I know it will be equally compelling on stage!

The Arden Theater will be presenting The Light Princess, adapted from the story by George MacDonald, with book and lyrics by Tony Lawton and original music by Alex Bechtel. Steve Pacek directs. The production will be running until June 4, 2017.

Rob Tucker as the King (left), Emily Gardner Xu Hall as the Queen (right) and Brett Robinson as the Princess in the world premiere of the musical THE LIGHT PRINCESS at Arden Theatre Company through June 4, 2017. www.ardentheatre.org. Photo by Mark Garvin.

Based on the Scottish legend by George MacDonald, The Light Princess tells the story of a teenager who has no gravity of any kind – in addition to having no feelings for others she floats in the air, unable to ever touch the ground. Filled with wonderful characters and a beguiling score, this enchanting, clever and wickedly funny new musical will delight kids and parents alike.
Stay tuned: we'll be seeing the show this week, and I will be back with pictures and review!
THE LIGHT PRINCESS includes weekday matinee performances for students and weekend performances for families. Single ticket prices are $18 - $36, with discounts available for groups of 20 or more, seniors, students, military, and educators. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, visit www.ardentheatre.org or walk-up at the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia.

**Giveaway**

Enter to win a voucher for a 4-pack of tickets to see The Light Princess with YOUR family this Spring! 


How to enter: Leave a comment with who you would take with you to see the show. 

That's it!


Giveaway will run until Monday, May 8. Winner will be announced on Tuesday, May 9. One entry per person.

Photo Credit: Mark Garvin.
Disclosure: I was provided 4 tickets to see a preview of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates in return for this post. All opinions are my own.

We're Cuckoo for Toasted Coconut at Giant Food Stores {GIVEAWAY!}

This post and giveaway are sponsored by GIANT Food Stores.

There is something that happens emotionally when the days start to stretch out, with the sun setting later and the breeze becoming warmer and the air offering the faintest scent of lilacs.

Friends? It's SPRING. 

And I'm FOR IT.

It's the time of year that the fam and I spend more time outside, we ready our garden for planting and sneeze a lot because allergies are no joke. 

And just as the earth goes through a rebirth during this season, so does my meal planning. I embrace the fresh flavors of fresh produce and the charred savoriness of grilled food.

So I am especially stoked to embrace this season's newest limited time original offering from Giant Food Stores:

THIS IS NOT EVEN A JOKE, PEOPLE.

Giant, in all of their amazingness, has introduced one of the most spring-iest and summer-iest flavors of all time: TOASTED COCONUT! We're talking toasted coconut everything: coconut cookies, coconut flavored water, coconut pancake and waffle mix, coconut gouda, coconut granola, coconut hummus, coconut popcorn shrimp (YES I DID), and (be still, my heart) toasted coconut ice cream.

Can we get a collective ::swoon:: happening right now?

Are you ready to dive in head first to this flavor season? In honor of the limited-time Toasted Coconut product line, Giant is giving one of my readers a $25 gift card! That way you can buy $25 worth of delicious coconut products while they last!

Or you can hide them and eat them all yourself. No judgement here.

Learn more about the Toasted Coconut offerings on the GIANT Food Stores website and be sure to follow Giant on Facebook and Twitter.

GIVEAWAY 

Enter below! Happy winning!

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Disclosure: I was provided products to try to facilitate this review and conduct the giveaway. All opinions are, as always, my own.

Twisted Chocolate Products Are Now Available at Giant Food Stores

This post and giveaway are sponsored by GIANT Food Stores.

It's a crazy time in America, and opinions are running wild, with people struggling to see eye to eye on a daily basis. But, can we agree on one thing?

Chocolate, in all shapes and forms, is wonderful, heavenly and divine?  

See? We can all come together on the common ground of deliciousness!

Giant, my go-to place to shop, knows chocolate - and is even taking it up a notch with their limited-time original Twisted Chocolate products!

So, why "twisted?" Each product, from hummus and floral bouquets to ice cream and soda, is infused with the wonderful flavors of chocolate...and a little something extra. The subtle hints of spice adds a new level of delight to each bite!

Intrigued and ready to dive in? In honor of the limited-time Twisted Chocolate product line, Giant is giving one of my readers a $25 gift card! That way you can buy $25 worth of delicious Twisted Chocolate products while they last!

Or you can hide them and eat them all yourself. No judgement here.

Learn more about the Twisted Chocolate offerings on the GIANT Food Stores website and be sure to follow Giant on Facebook and Twitter.

GIVEAWAY 

Enter below! Happy winning!

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Disclosure: I was provided products to try to facilitate this review and conduct the giveaway. All opinions are, as always, my own.

At the Arden Theatre: A Year With Frog And Toad

I am a big advocate of performing arts, and I believe in starting kids young to grow their passion for the arts! Children's theatre is a fantastic way to introduce your kids to the stage, and in the Philadelphia area, few do children's theatre as well as Arden Theatre in center city! Last year, my family viewed their holiday showing of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates. We are delighted to check out this year's seasonal production. 

The Arden Theater will be presenting A Year With Frog and Toad with music by Robert Reale and book and lyrics by Willie Reale from November 23, 2016 – January 29, 2017. Based on the beloved Frog and Toad children’s stories written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, A Year With Frog and Toad is the first of two Children’s Theatre offerings during the 2016/17 Season.

A Year with Frog and Toad follows the unlikely friendship between cheerful Frog and the rather grumpy Toad through four fun-filled seasons. Their friendship blossoms and grows as they learn many life lessons along the way. Filled with musical numbers that will make you laugh and cry, A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD is a show to delight every age.

I LOVE when theatre brings beloved literature to life. I have fond memories of reading Frog and Toad stories as a child, as well as reading the books to my kid as well. It will be quite an experience seeing the characters come to life on stage!

A Year With Frog and Toad includes weekday matinee performances for students and weekend performances for families. Single ticket prices are $18 - $36, with discounts available for groups of 20 or more, seniors, students, military, and educators. Arden Children’s Theatre 2-play subscriptions are available for $26 - $50. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, visit www.ardentheatre.org or walk-up at the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia.

**Giveaway**

Enter to win a voucher for a 4-pack of tickets to see A Year With Frog and Toad with YOUR family this holiday season!

How to enter:Leave a comment with who you would take with you to see the show. 

That's it!


Giveaway will run until this Thursday November 17. Winner will be announced on Frida November 17. One entry per person.


Disclosure: I was provided 4 tickets to see a preview of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates in return for this post. All opinions are my own.

Treat Yo'self: 5 Healthy After School Snack Ideas with Giant Food Stores {GIVEAWAY}

*This is a sponsored post* 

I'm not sure about your kids, but my girls come off the bus ravenous. Before even getting a "Hello, Mom! I missed you! Let me tell you about my day" (which, let's be honest, never happens), I get a grumble that resembles some form of "I'm hungry. I need a snack. Stat."

There is a balance to be had when whipping up after school snacks. On one hand, kids are hungry after a big day at school, and need nourishment. On the other hand, it's close enough to dinner time that I don't want them chowing down and totally ruining their appetite.

So, I try my best to "treat" the kids with small, yummy snacks that will tide them over until mealtime. I like that it's a way to give them something special as a reward for working hard at school.

Giant Food Stores is a great resource for healthy after school snacks. I love their Nature's Promise organic brand, as there are so many tasty options that have a sneaky helping of nutrients, too!

Here are 5 of our favorite "sneaky healthy" after school treats:

Granola Bars

We always stock up on granola bars at Giant. I like that I can trust the ingredients in Nature's Promise granola bars, and my kids think they are getting a total treat because they are filled with things like fruit and dark chocolate! As of late, I've been particularly fond of the Ancient Grains and Chia granola bars. They are delicious and pack an extra nutritious punch! Granola Bars are also totally totable, which makes them a good on-the-go after school snack when you have activities, lessons and practice.

Carrots and Ranch Dressing

This is a great way to get kids to consume some veggies. I put out a bag of Nature's Promise Organic Carrots and a bowl of Nature's Promise Organic Ranch Dressing. It's a big hit in our house!

Granola Chips, Almond Butter and Special Toppings

I wish Granola Chips had been invented when I was a kid. SO yummy - and a great way to scoop up extra protein! Almond Butter is my go-to when trying to add something sweet but also filling. After school, it's a solid way to give the kids something that will "stick to their ribs" until dinner (which means they aren't telling me every five minutes that they are hungry. Again. Still. Always).

I scoop some almond butter in a bowl and top with things like coconut flakes and mini chocolate chips. Then let the girls scoop it up with granola chips. Win! You can also make "granola chip nachos:" spread the chips on a plate. Then, heat up the almond butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds, until it is thinned. Drizzle the chips with the almond butter and top it with coconut, chocolate chips, raisins, etc.

Organic Fruit Twists

Plain and simple. This is a win-win for us: they get a gummy treat, I get the secret knowledge that it's organic and good!

Yogurt Parfaits

We do this for breakfast sometimes, too. In a bowl, layer Greek yogurt and granola. Sometimes, if it's been a particularly rough day at school, I top with a dollop of whipped cream!

Now go treat the kiddos to something delicious...and HEALTHY!

*****

To give you a jump start in offering healthified after school snacks, Giant is awarding one of my lucky readers a $25 gift card! To enter, fill out the rafflecopter below. Happy winning - and cheers to a great school year!

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Disclosure: I was provided product and monetary compensation for this review and giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Limoncello Products are BACK at Giant Food Stores (and a GIVEAWAY!)

It's that wonderful time of year again!

No, not the end of the school year or beginning of summer. I mean that beautiful season of Limoncello products at Giant Food Stores!

Seasonal products are my fave - it always makes me excited about the season. Give me pumpkin in autumn! Mint in winter! And when the days get longer and the temps start rising, I need me a big helping of Limoncello flavor. Like last summer, Giant is harnessing the special Sorrento lemon flavor and infusing an entire line of products that will be available in-store for a limited time only.

The Limoncello product line includes more than 30 items, from fresh to non-perishable departments. What Limoncello items am I most excited about? Limoncello cookies, Limoncello seltzer, Limoncello granola, Limoncello soap, and, of course, the Limoncello ICE CREAM.

(Note from Steph: the ice cream is DIVINE. Like. Get some. Now.)

In honor of the fantabulous limited-time Limoncello product line, Giant is giving one of my readers a $25 gift card! That way you can buy $25 worth of delicious Limoncello products for your next Summer Soiree!

Or you can hide them and eat them all yourself. No judgement here.

GIVEAWAY 

Enter below! Happy winning!

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GIVEAWAY: The Franklin Institute's The Science Behind Pixar

This is a sponsored post.

Having grown up in the Philadelphia suburbs, I can say, hands-down, one of my favorite attractions of all time is the Franklin Institute.  Granted, I've always been a bit of a science geek. But, the Franklin Institute really offers excitement for children (and adults) of all ages!

One of things I love is their rotating exhibits. Each year, I know there will be an interesting and education attraction to bring my kids to. I'm really excited about their newest exhibit, The Science Behind Pixar.

As a fan of Pixar, this exhibition so incredibly interesting. And since my kids love Pixar movies as well, it's a win-win! This exhibit, which runs through September 5, 2016, offers 8 different sections, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and production process: modeling, rigging, surfaces, sets & cameras, animation, simulation, lighting and rendering. Kids will enjoy getting a chance to see recreations of their favorite Pixar characters (hello Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode, and WALL•E!), and get involved in hands-on activities.

This is definitely an exhibit you and your family do NOT want to miss!

The folks at The Franklin Institute are kindly giving away a Family 4-Pack of tickets to The Science Behind Pixar to one of my fantastic readers! Just enter below!

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The Science Behind Pixar Exhibit Details

Dates
March 12, 2016 – September 5, 2016

Ticket Information
Daytime  (Includes General Admission to The Franklin Institute) - Daily, 9:30am - 5pm

- Adults $29.95

- Children (ages 3-11) $24.95

Evening Tickets (does NOT include General Admission to The Franklin Institute) - Thursday through Saturday, 5pm-9pm

- Adults $19.95

- Children (ages 3-11) $14.95

Use code MBPIXAR*  to receive $5.00 off up to 4 adult, daytime tickets to The Science Behind Pixar. Contact The Franklin Institute at 215-448-1200 or visit fi.edu to redeem your code.




*$5 off Daytime Adult Admission tickets to The Science Behind Pixar. Limit 4 tickets per person. Includes General Admission to The Franklin Institute. Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Upgrades available on-site for IMAX and 3D Theater. Redeemable online or over the phone. Processing fees apply when ordering tickets in advance. Excludes holidays. Valid through 8/28/16

Photos provided by Franklin Institute

Go Green For Earth Day with Giant Food Stores! {GIVEAWAY}

Despite being a product of the 80's, when environment and healthy diet choices were not high priorities, Hubby and I have become more and more invested in making healthy decisions for our family. We work to eat better, exercise and be more aware of the products we use in and around our home.

Not long ago, you had to go to specialty stores for products that were organic and natural. It made healthy lifestyle choices that much more difficult (and expensive) for health/environmentally-conscious families.

I love that nowadays, I can hit up my local Giant Food Store and have economically-priced organic, free and natural products at my finger tips. 

Earth Day is coming up on 4/22, and to celebrate, I'm showcasing the awesome products Nature's Promise has to offer! The Nature's Promise brand is a constant in my house, ranging from food to cleaning products, as well as quality reusable bags. It helps us make greener choices all year 'round!

Check out how the earth has benefitted from Giant's efforts:

To sweeten the festivities, Giant is giving one of my lucky readers a $25 gift card to green-ify their house for Earth Day!

To enter, fill out the rafflecopter below. The giveaway will run until next Friday, 4/15, at 12pm. 

Happy winning!

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Disclosure: I was provided product and monetary compensation for this review and giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Holiday Beauty Tips + $25 Giant Gift Card Giveaway

If you're anything like me, you have a Holiday Style Pinterest board. I spend the year scouting the holiday season's best looks, from outfits to hair and make up. I have a ton of big events to attend during the holiday season. But when I do head out to a holiday soiree (WITHOUT KIDS - hallelujah) or Christmas Eve with my family, I like to bring my fashion A-Game.

Which to most people is probably closer to an L-game or M-game. 

But I try.

In my scouting, I've found some great beauty and fashion trends this year. Here are 5 holiday beauty tips to inspire you:

Go Classic
Harken back to classic looks. I'm piecing together this traditional skirt + blouse combo this holiday season:





Go Simple
Holiday style does not have to be complicated. I'm LOVING this look, and wondering why I never thought to create this simple holiday outfit:





Black skinnies and a black blouse with a statement necklace. GENIUS.

Red and Green: Don't Put Your Hands Together
On one of my favorite Friends episodes, Chandler asks Joey if he had to choose Monica's homemade jam or the girl from the Xerox place "buck naked." Joey's response? Put your hands together! This is advice NOT to follow during the holiday season. Red and green are traditional holiday colors - and can be amazing as accents to a holiday outfit, individually. Opt for a red blouse with black leggings or a green dress. Try to avoid adding both colors to the same outfit. 




All is Shimmery and Bright
Shimmer is the name of the game for holiday makeup. Go for a pale gold or silver eyeshadow so it is not overpowering. It will be enough to make a statement and give you that holiday glow!




Use The Right Tools
Getting the perfect holiday look starts with the right tools. Until recently I did not have makeup brushes (I know, cue weeping and gnashing of teeth). Then I found out about the new Etos line of beauty products at Giant Food Stores, and I was sold! 

Etos is a simple European beauty brand that's been around since 1919. I love the quality, which allowed me to try new looks with eyeshadow that I wasn't able to before. Quality here does not mean you break the bank, either. The Etos brand is affordable and easily found at all Giant locations.

Are you ready to get glam for the holidays with Etos at Giant Food Stores? 

In the name of holiday beauty, Giant is giving one of my readers a $25 gift card! Get ready to win and TREAT YO' SELF!


To enter, fill out the rafflecopter below. The giveaway will run until next Wednesday, 12/9, at 12pm. Happy winning!


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At the Arden Theatre: Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates (GIVEAWAY)

I absolutely love going to the theatre. There is something about seeing a story come to life on stage right in front of you that is just magical. And while I don't get to shows enough, I jump at every chance I get to see a play done by a local theatre company. One of our amazing Philadelphia theaters will be putting on a family-friendly show for the holidays that I can't wait to take my girls to see.

The Arden Theater will be performing Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates from Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 7pm through Sunday, January 31, 2016. With professional actors and set design, theater-goers will enjoy a world-class theatrical experience!  

Taking place in Holland, Hans Brinker and his sister, Gretel, want to compete in a great skating contest. But they worry that their hand-carved wooden skates won't stand a chance to their competitors with steel blades.  The story dates back to 1865 from a novel by Mary Mapes Dodge. I'm looking forward to seeing it adapted for today's stage!

I enjoy theatre that is kid-friendly, particualarly one with an "underdog" message of determination. As it plays from December through the January, it's the perfect addition to enjoying the holidays in Philadelphia.

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates includes weekday matinee performances for students and weekend performances for families. Single ticket prices are $20 - $36, with discounts available for groups of 20 or more, seniors, students, military, and educators. Arden Children’s Theatre 2-play subscriptions are available for $26 - $50. Call the Arden Box Office at 215.922.1122, visit Arden Theater's website or walk-up at the box office at 40 N. 2nd Street in Old City, Philadelphia.

Giveaway

Enter to win a voucher for a 4-pack of tickets to see Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates with YOUR family this holiday season!

How to enter:

Leave a comment with who you would take with you to see the show. That's it!

Giveaway will run until Sunday, December 13. Winner will be announced on December 14. One entry per person.

Disclosure: I was provided 4 tickets to see a preview of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates in return for this post. All opinions are my own.

Minty Fresh Holidays with Giant Food Stores (+ $25 Giveaway!)

We can all agree: pumpkin spice is SO last season.

Or, rather, last month.

With the passing of Halloween, we've stepped over the threshold to the holiday season. And while there are many flavors that we associate with November and December, peppermint takes the cake.

My mother-in-law is a peppermintophile. The woman loves ALL. THINGS. PEPPERMINT. Before her favorite peppermint coffee creamer came off the "seasonal" list and was offered year-round, she would spend the 2 months it was on the shelves stocking up. Her downstairs refrigerator would, at any given time, be holding 10-20 bottles of peppermint coffee creamer.

Some people just know their flavors.

Giant Food Stores is, as always, on fleek with the seasonal flavor trends. And right now, they are stocked with every peppermint seasonal item you can image. We're talking peppermint brownie mix, peppermint bark, peppermint whipped topping, peppermint ice cream, peppermint cookies, and even peppermint seltzer water!

How epic will the holidays taste this year?

***GIVEAWAY***

In honor of ALL THINGS PUMPKIN, Giant is giving one of my readers a $25 gift card! That way you can buy $25 worth of delicious pumpkin products to share*!

*or eat all by yourself.

To enter, fill out the rafflecopter below. The giveaway will run until next Wednesday at 12pm. Happy winning!

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Disclosure: I was provided product and monetary compensation for this review and giveaway. All opinions are my own.

FALL in love with PUMPKIN at Giant Food Stores + $25 Giveaway!

So here's the deal:

I have this group of friends (who shall remain nameless. BUT YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE). They're awesome, really. We've grown together as young moms, we do playdates almost weekly and we GNO like total bosses.  

But.

We don't seem to see eye-to-eye on seasonal issues. With September starting, they all start getting pretty cranky. It's an end-of-summer blues: they miss the long days, the warm sunshine, the trips to the beach, as well as dread the dark winter months. The lament the shortening days, the start of school, and other things that I disagree with. They detest the end of summer.

But not me.

Oh, no. I tolerate summer. But as September rolls around, I am in my element. I REVEL in all things autumn. Give me brisk sweater weather, colorful foliage, apple picking, campfires on cool nights, festive holidays and, above all things, PUMPKIN.

Give me something pumpkin-inspired, and I am a happy girl. Giant Food Stores is with me on this, because they are ushering in fall with a bursting pumpkin product line. Over 50 pumpkin-inspired products have hit the Giant Food Stores shelves. From pumpkin waffles and pumpkin bread to pumpkin ravioli and pumpkin pasta sauce to straight up PUMPKIN IN A CAN,  there is something sweet and savory for everyone!


In honor of ALL THINGS PUMPKIN, Giant is giving one of my readers a $25 gift card! That way you can buy $25 worth of delicious pumpkin products to share*!

*or eat all by yourself.  

Giveaway - How to Enter:

To enter, just leave a comment about which Giant Pumpkin product you're most excited to try along with your email address. I will choose a winner on Friday afternoon using random.org. You can enter by leaving a comment once per day - so that's a total of 3 entries!

Bonus entries:

1) Share about this giveaway on Facebook. Grab the URL of the share and copy it into a new comment on this post along with your email.

2) Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter. Grab the URL of the tweet and copy it into a new comment on this post along with your email. BE SURE TO TAG @DonnaReedSteph

3) Pin this post on Pinterest. Grab the URL of the pin and copy it into a new comment on this post along with your email.

In total, you have the chance to submit 6 entries. HAPPY WINNING!

And to my amazing group of friends: MWAH! I love ya. Next time you're over, I promise to treat you to some pumpkin-inspired creations. 

Backyard Ocean Pool Review and GIVEAWAY!

One of the best parts about summer is swimming, right?

As a kid, we didn't belong to a pool. So, I was always overly-ecstatic every time I was taken to a friend's pool. I thought it was pretty much the Best. Thing. Ever. When we couldn't make it to our friends' pools, we had one of those tiny 4-foot plastic baby pools to make due with. Which was fine when it was just me and I was two.  But add a few years and 2 little sisters, and the baby pool was quickly outgrown. 

And by "outgrown" I mean "lame."

The most ideal situation would have been a larger backyard pool that could handle older kids, but wasn't permanent or as involved as an above-ground or in-ground pool. Back then, we didn't have the option. 

Luckily for kids today, Backyard Ocean is to the rescue!

Offering a variety of backyard above-ground pools, Backyard Ocean is the perfect resource for parents who want to give their kids the gift of swimming during the summer....without the in-ground price tag (or upkeep). I had a chance to give their 8' x 26" Float to Fill Ring Pool Set a try, and I was pretty impressed!

Source: backyardocean.com

The pool came in a compact box, so it started nice and small. I could easily fill the pool with our hose, and it did not take long at all. 

The girls were too excited to wait for it to fill completely...



As a parent, I loved that it offered a more substantial water play space than the average baby pool. My girls are notably older, but pretty tall for their ages. It's almost comical to watch them try to maneuver in a baby pool. There was plenty of room for them to both splash around (which they did for several hours once the pool filled!). We kept the pool up for a while (if you plan to keep the pool up ongoing for the summer, you can invest in a Ring Pool Maintenance Kit and chlorine tablets to keep the pool clean and safe), but once we were done, the pool deflated easily and compact. 

It's the perfect compromise between spending money on a pool membership or having an in-ground pool installed and dinky baby pools. 

Backyard Ocean has a ton of great resources on pool safety and maintenance, and you can keep up with them on their website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

Also?

They're so cool, they are going to give one of my lucky readers their own  8' x 26" Float to Fill Ring Pool Set to enjoy this summer!

To enter:

Leave a comment on this blog post about 

your favorite game to play in a pool!

The giveaway will run until next Wednesday, 7/22 at 12pm.

Good luck and happy winning!