Hotel Transylvania 3 Activity Pages + Advance Screening Giveaway

Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Sony Animations.  Also, I may receive a commission for purchases made through some of the affiliate links in this post.

Who's ready for a vacation?  A monster summer vacation that is.  Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation is sailing into movie theaters Friday, July 13th!  Yes, Drac and the crew are back for another awesome and fun adventure.

Finding Wonder With Hillsong United + Giveaway

This giveaway is sponsored by Capitol Christian Music Group.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  This post contains affiliate links which means that I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using one of my links.

I've always been a fan of Hillsong's music ministry and have been looking forward to Wonder, their new album since their last album, Of Dirt And Grace, dropped.  As a teenager and even into my young adult years, "Shout To The Lord" became my anthem of sorts as I struggled to deal with my father's decision to reject his family.  There were so many emotions warring inside of me as a young woman whose heart had been broken time and time again by the most important man in my life.

Quiznos' Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Sweepstakes & Giveaway

Disclosure: This post and giveaway is sponsored by 20th Century Fox and Quiznos.

Calling all Quiznos and Maze Runner fans!  20th Century Fox and Quiznos partnered together for the release of The Scorch Trials on September 18th and are ready to roll out the red carpet for some lucky fans with the Quiznos Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Sweepstakes.  The sweepstakes, ending October 12th, includes a chance to win a VIP trip to Hollywood, a year of FREE Quiznos, a home theater and much more.  There's a grand prize as well as weekly prizes.

You don't want to miss out on your chance to score some of these amazing prizes.  Head on over to Toasty.tv/scorchtrials for the official rules, to see the rest of the prizes and to enter, of course!  What have you got to lose?

Wait, there's more.  Known as the home of the hot sub, Quiznos drew inspiration from The Scorch Trials and created the SatisFIRE.  Get prepared for some spice and some heat.

The SatisFIRE features Quiznos' signature slow-roasted pulled pork, honey ham, smoky bacon and melted cheese, topped with sauteed onions, fresh jalapenos, pickles, lettuce and tomatoes.  Then it's finished off with a house-made Serrano aioli, all piled between two slices of fresh Ciabatta bread.

If you think that you can handle the scorch, head on over to your local Quiznos soon because the SatisFIRE is only available for a limited time.  And if you haven't gone to see the Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, make plans to hit up the movies and check it out.  Remember this movie is rated PG-13 (not suitable for kids under 13).  You can check out the the movie synopsis and trailer below to judge whether or not this movie is suitable for your teen to come with.

About Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

In this next chapter of the epic "Maze Runner" saga, Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) and his fellow Gladers face their greatest challenge yet: searching for clues about the mysterious and powerful organization known as WCKD.  Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles.  Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD's vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all.

The good news continues because thanks to the lovely folks at Quiznos and 20th Century Fox, one YUMMommy reader is going to be gifted with a prize pack that includes a $30 Quiznos gift card and a copy of The Scorch Trials by James Dashner with a movie tie-in cover.  This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years old and older.  Just use the Gleam widget below to enter.

Quiznos Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Prize Pack

Don't forget to check out Quiznos on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on special deals and new menu options.  You can visit the Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube as well as the official website for more movie trailers, info on the cast and more. 

Monster High: Boo York, Boo York {Giveaway}

Disclosure:  This giveaway is sponsored by Universal Home Entertainment.

Our favorite ghouls are back at it again. Seriously, you guys should know by now that Moo can't get enough of Clawdeen, Draculaura, Frankie, Cleo and the rest of the Monster High gang.  This time around the gang is headed to Boo York in the first-ever Monster High musical, Boo York, Boo York dropping on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD combo pack on Tuesday, September 29th.  Bring on the fright lights and big city!

Cleo de Nile gets invited to attend a fancy gala to celebrate the return of a magical comet.  Of course she invites her BFFs (Beast Friends Forever) because what's a trip to the big city without your girls?!  Needless to say their trip won't be all fun, shopping and frightseeing.

Cleo's sister, Nefera, decides harness the magical comet's powers to use for her own spooktacularly sneaky plans.  Will our fave Monster High ghouls be able to unwrap the mystery of the magical comet and stop Nefera's plan before it's too late?  Guess you'll have to watch Boo York, Boo York to find out.  The musical will feature 8 original songs.

Want to win a copy of Monster High: Boo York, Boo York for the Monster High fan in your life?  We have you covered.  Universal was kind enough to offer to give three of you a Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo pack.  So just use the Gleam widget below to enter.  And don't forget to spread the word!  This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years & older.

Monster High Boo York, Boo York Combo Packs
Check out a sneak peek of Boo York, Boo York, the Monster High musical below.

Don't forget you can purchase your combo packs at these retailers:

Amazon
Walmart.com

Thomas & Friends: Sodor's Legend Of The Lost Treasure

Disclosure:  This post and giveaway are sponsored by Universal Home Entertainment.

Thomas the Tank Engine has been a part of my life since my little brother arrived on the scene.  I can recall countless afternoons of sitting him in front of the television and being so fascinated by the many adventures of Thomas and his best pals as they worked hard to be "really useful engines" on the Sodor Island.  Fast forward to 2013 and I found myself enjoying Thomas and the gang all over again with my son.  To say that JJ adores "Tom," Percy, Hiro, Caitlin (his faves) and the rest of the gang would an understatement.  Therefore, it's needless to say that we are excited to be celebrating Thomas' 70th anniversary with the release of the new movie Thomas & Friends: Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure and the introduction of four NEW friends on Tuesday, September 8th!

This movie is sure to be adventure packed as Thomas tries to hunt for Sodor's lost treasure and ends up unearthing an old pirate ship.  Can you say "Shiver me timbers?!"  It's no surprise that Thomas will rock boat with some new friends because where there is a possible pirate's treasure there is sure to be a bit of trouble, right?

Will Thomas be able to track down the treasure in time or will Sailor John set sail with it?  Find out on September 8th, when you join Thomas & Friends for what is being described as "their most daring adventure yet!"  Just see for yourself in the movie preview below.

And if you have a Thomas & Friends fanatic/lover in your household, I have a treat for you.  Universal Home Entertainment has gifted me with three Blu-ray combo packs to giveaway to YUMMommy readers!  All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.

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You can preorder Thomas & Friends: Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure from the following retailers:

Walmart

Target

Amazon

Monster High Scaris: City of Frights {Giveaway}

Disclosure:  This giveaway is sponsored by Universal Home Entertainment.

"We are monsters, we are proud.  We are monsters, say it loud!"  When I hear Moo singing the lyrics to one of her favorite theme songs I don't have to guess what she's watching.  I already know without a doubt that she watching her all-time favorite shows/movies- Monster High.  Seriously, she can't get enough of Clawdeen, Draculaura, Frankie, Cleo and the rest of the gang. 

So you can only imagine her excitement when she saw they were releasing Scaris: City of Frights on July 7th.  In fact, she just stopped talking my head off about it until she saw the preview trailer again last week.  As a mom, I take comfort in the fact that Moo has gotten hooked on such a great animated series.  Monster High is all about teaching children of all ages the importance of being a true friend, embracing what makes you different and unity all while being funny and entertaining.  These monsters are not scary at all but chic, fashionable and very charming!

Needless to say we're excited to watch as Clawdeen Wolf gets the chance of a lifetime to win an apprenticeship with legendary fashion designer Madame Ghostier.  Of course the gang is tagging along to Scaris, France with Clawdeen for what is sure to be a howling adventure in the fashion capital.  As her besties take in the sights, Clawdeen will be busy competing against her two opponents, Skelita Calaveras and Jinafire Long.

While exploring, Frankie and Rochelle (Clawdeen's pals) soon uncover clues that lead them to a secret hidden deep below the cobblestone streets of Scaris.  What will they find in this mystery passage?  We can't wait to find out.  Will you be joining us as we watch the coolest ghouls around take off on this fangtastic adventure in the city where screams really do come true?!

Want to win a copy of Monster High Scaris: City of Frights for the Monster High fan in your life?  I have you covered.  Universal was kind enough to offer to give three of you a Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital combo pack.  So just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  And don't forget to spread the word!  This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years & older.

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Check out a sneak peek of Scaris: City of Frights below.

Don't forget you can purchase your combo packs at these retailers:

Amazon
Walmart
Target

The YUMMommy 100 Books Family Summer Reading Challenge

Reading.  It's always been one of my first loves, probably since I came out of the womb.  If you were to ask my mother what things she never saw me without, I have no doubt that her reply would be: "A notebook, a pen and a book."  Thankfully, my children have inherited my same love and adoration for the written word.  And this summer, we want to help you and your family do the same by asking you to join in The YUMMommy 100 Books Family Summer Reading Challenge!

Why Are We Challenging Your Family To Read?

It's simple.  Reading is important!  Regardless if you or child like to read or dread it like a visit to the dentist office, reading is a fundamental part of our everyday lives.  We are parents read our children's homework and school papers, we read road signs when we drive and many of us have to read on our jobs. For these reasons alone, we should show an interest in reading, but the most important reason by far for us to enjoy reading is to help our children become good readers.

Did you know that in many areas students now have to pass an end-of-the-year reading competency test?  Did you also know that some of those school districts are requiring children who do not or cannot read on or at their current grade level to repeat that same grade an additional year?  The fact of the matter is that schools are now requiring more from students than they did when we were school and definitely more than was required of our parents.  As Moo's principal put it at her kindergarten graduation, "Parents, you may have noticed that kindergarten is the new first grade." 

So depending on the teacher ALONE to teach your child everything he or she needs to know in my opinion would be doing your child (and yourself) a great disservice.  In fact, I'd go as far to say that to do so would be foolish.  We are our children's first teachers and our job to teach and instruct our children doesn't stop when they start school.  If nothing else, we need to be partnering with teachers and coming up with specific game plans on how to help our children continue to excel and reach their highest potential.  The key to helping them reach that potential is starting with reading.

How do you participate in the YUMMommy 100 Books Family Summer Reading Challenge?

Well, I'm glad you asked.  It's really quite easy.  All you and your family have to do is read 100 books in total between now and August 18th.  Now I know you may thinking that 100 books seems like a lot, but it's not.  Let's say your daughter reads one book, your son reads two books to you before bed and you finish that juicy crime mystery novel today, that counts as a total of four books read.  See how fast books can add up?!  100 books before the end of summer is totally doable!

I've even decided to help make it easy for you and family to keep up with how many and what books you've read.  Below are two printables.  The first is printable is graph with 100 blocks on it.  Simply coloring in a block each time you and family completely finish a book.  Don't forget that while reading individually is good, reading with your children or encouraging our older children to read with their younger siblings is better.  Plus, who can doesn't need more family bonding time.  And it's a great way to witness and keep track of your child's reading progress.

Just right click and save/print.

The second printable is a reading log.  Counting both the white and turquoise spaces, you can record 19 books on each reading log.  So print out two pages for each family member and get to reading!

Right click to save & print

Be sure to follow the #100Books hashtag on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to keep up with what the YUMMommy family will be reading.  Also, feel free snap pictures of you and your little ones reading and tag them using the hashtag as well!  Stop back by on Wednesday as I'll be sharing a list of books Moo and JJ will be reading this summer for our family reading challenge. (View the list here)

What's on your summer reading list?

Calling All #HotMamas!

Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Happy Tuesday YUMMs!  I hereby dub May Mom Appreciation Month.  We need and deserve more than just one day a year to celebrate our hot awesomeness.  Being a mom has by far been one of the most amazing and wonderful experiences of my life.  However, there have been times where it's been very challenging and a bit stressful as well.  It's easy to get so caught up in our families that we start to feel rundown and underappreciated. 

That's exactly why Sofia Vergara and fellow mom, Reese Witherspoon, are in #HotPursuit of some #HotMamas.  They understand how important moms are and how we as women in general have a tendency to put ourselves last.  To show appreciation to moms everywhere, HOT PURSUIT is giving all moms in need of some rest and relaxation the chance to win a trip to Hollywood, California!  And they've made entering easy.  All you have to do is take a photo of yourself with your mom or a loved one and post it on social media including the hashtag #HotMamas and HotPursuitSweeps.com in the caption/status.  Check out the official rules for more info.

To show some appreciation to you guys, Warner Bros. Pictures and I are giving away a HOT PURSUIT prize pack that includes the cute Hot Pursuit tote bag above and a $25 Visa gift card you can use to check the movie once it hits theaters on May 8th.  This giveaway is open to US residents 18 & older.  All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!  Don't forget to check out Hot Pursuit on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+.

Monster High: Haunted {Giveaway}

If you were to stop by house any given morning you'd surely catch Moo singing the theme song to Monster High.  Why?  Because that's her show of choice to watch while she waits for me to stop hitting the snooze button on the alarmclock.  What can I say, I'm not a morning person.  After she's dressed it's back to Monster High she goes until it's time to leave the house.

And after watching several of the Monster High movies with her, I have to admit that I can understand her fascination.  These are not your average monsters.  And the best part of all is that they're not scary.  Nope, Clawdeen (she's my favorite) and the gang are very fabulous.  They're fashion forward and drop-dead gorgeous.  What I also love about the Monster High movies is that they teach children, especially the girls the importance of embracing our differences and how to be a true friend.

And it just so happens that they have a NEW movie coming out on March 24th called Monster High: Haunted.  You can find all the details below.  Keep scrolling to the very end because there is a treat for you.

For the first time, the Monster High ghouls enter a mysterious Ghost World as they follow Spectra and discover an all-spirit school. But their scary-cute student bodies are hardly welcome with the very strict Principal Revenant, and she punishes Spectra with frightful detention chains that prevent her from re-joining Monster High™. Now, it’s up to the ghouls to become ghosts themselves in order to save one of their own from disappearing forever! MONSTER HIGH: HAUNTED is available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD March 24, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Check out the movie trailer and the new music video below.

Want to win a copy?  Well you're in luck because I'm giving away three copies to three lucky YUMMommy readers.  Just use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter.  Good luck!  Open to US residents 18 & older.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can also purchase copies at the following retailers:

Amazon

Target

Walmart

Give Books, Not Roses Valentine's Day Giveaway

Disclosure:  This giveaway is sponsored by Hachette Book Group.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Happy Monday YUMMs!  Reading is one of my favorite pastimes.  In fact, I read over 150 books last year alone!  I can't explain exactly what it is, but there's just something about being transported from reality or reading something that inspires me to action that fuels my love of the written word.  My love for books and reading in general started when I was two years old and has only gotten stronger over the years.  With Valentine's Day coming up the end of this week, I thought it would be great to divert a little from the usual flowers, cards and stuffed animals by teaming up with the lovely folks from Faith Words and Hachette Book Group to bring you the Give Books, Not Roses Valentine's Day Reads Giveaway!  

Hachette Book Group editor, Christina Boys said, "Valentine's Day is an internationally celebrated day of romance, dating back to the 5th Century.  But today, love touches our lives in so many different ways.  Whether you are dedicating the day to your good friends or your life partner, treat them to these wonderful stories of courage, kindness and love."  So, today I dedicate this giveaway to you guys for being so supportive on YUMMommy and showing me love.  Many of you have definitely touched my life in a special way and I hope that you will accept this token of my appreciation.

The Prize Pack

Love Gently Falling is a romantic novella about the power of Valentine's Day and how one woman discovers love while trying to save her mother's business.  Rita Jensen, Beverly Hills hairstylist to the stars, returns to her hometown of Chicago after learning that her mother suffered a stroke.  Once back home, she soon discovers that's not all her mother's suffered when she finds out that her mother's hair salon is failing.  So, she comes up with a plan to help turn things around, but after being reunited with an old classmate, feelings grow.  Will she be distracted by the sparking of a new flame and oncoming of Valentine's Day to execute her plan?

In case you missed it, I posted a review of this book a few weeks ago.  You can check it out here.  And I can't tell you guys how awesome Melody Carlson is.  Valentine's Day romances are definitely her specialty!

Buy Links

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Books-A-Million ~ Christian Book

Also, part of the prize pack is second book from Adina Senft's Healing Grace trilogy, Keys of Heaven.  Sarah Yoder, an Amish widow, grows herbs to make teas and tinctures to assist her community.  And while Sarah enjoys giving to her Amish community, she's misses having someone to love and hasn't had any luck with any of the Amish men in her community.  Instead, she finds herself conflicted over her attraction to Henry Byler, her friend who no longer shares her beliefs.  Will he be her happily ever after?

I don't want to give too much away because I'm doing a full review of this book soon, but it's good.  This was both my first time reading Amish fiction and a book written by Adina Senft.  I'm actually looking forward to checking out the first book from this series.

Buy Links

Amazon ~ Barnes & Nobles ~ Books-A-Million

And to round out this Give Books, Not Roses Prize Pack is this yummy bar of chocolate!  There's nothing like having a delicious snack to munch on while you enjoy a good book.

How To Enter

This giveaway is super easy to enter.  Just use the Rafflecopter widget below.  Giveaway ends on Friday, February 13th at 11:59 PM.

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And The Del Monte Prize Pack Winner Is...

Good morning and Happy Wednesday!  I know that a lot of us are excited about that.  And if you entered the Del Monte giveaway, then today is another reason to get excited because I'm announcing the winner.  So, stroll on down below and see if you won. Good luck and thanks for entering!!  More giveaways to come soon.

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Getting Fruity With Del Monte® Fruit Burst® Squeezers and Mango Pineapple Fruit Cup® Snacks

Disclosure: The Del Monte® products, information, gift pack, and gift card have been provided by Del Monte®.  All opinions are 100% my own.

One of the responsibilities that I take the most serious as a mom (and wife) is providing my family with healthy food options.  As many of you know, I cook from scratch 7 days a week for my family.  So, when it comes to snack options, I enjoy picking foods that require little to no prep and absolutely no cooking!  This is why I was delighted when I got asked to try out the Del Monte® Fruit Burst® Squeezers and their new Mango Pineapple Fruit Cups® Snacks.

What I (we) Loved

Taste: We all loved the taste.  I have three favorite fruits-strawberries, mangoes and pineapples.  So, I really enjoyed the Mango Pineapple Fruit Cup® Snacks.  I've had my share of fruit salads/mixed fruits and I never thought to mix mango and pineapple together.

Moo's not a fan of pineapples, but to my surprise she liked them mixed with the mangoes.  JJ, who is a devoted banana lover, even got in on the action.  He's going through his picky eater stage and it was nice to see him trying something he has never had before.

So, as much as Moo loved the Fruit Cup® Snacks, she told me that her favorite were the Fruit Burst® Squeezers.  Y'all we got out package the day it started snowing before it got really bad out and by night fall she demolished a whole box by herself. (Note to self: hide all food packages from Moo in the future.)  We even made a special trip to Walmart yesterday to stock up on more.

Again healthy foods don't have to taste bad!!

They were sold out of Mixed Berry.  So, we got Blueberry instead.

Nutrition:  I come from a family that has been affected by generations of health issues caused by heredity, lack of exercise and mainly lack of getting good nutrition.  Therefore, it is very important for me to make sure that whatever I'm feeding myself and my family has good nutritional values. We only get one body and one life and it's important to take care of it by watching what we eat.

That said, I was happy that the Fruit Burst® contain 1 1/2 servings of fruit (Simply Fruit) or fruit and veggies (Fruit + Veggie).  They don't have high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors.  They also rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C.  There's nothing like being able to pronounce and know what all of the ingredients in our food are.

The Fruit Cup® Snacks are great source of Vitamin C.  They're also stored in a light syrup made from sugar and water and instead of high fructose corn syrup.  There's been a lot of dilemma over whether high fructose corn syrup being used in products and I'm glad to see that Del Monte is keeping simple by using a simple syrup instead.

Packaging:  We are an ecofriendly family.  So, I loved that the packaging is recyclable.  The Fruit Burst® pouches are also BPA free.  I love that the pouches are kid friendly as well.  This is something that I can pack lunchbox or throw in my purse and not have to worry about it spilling.

The Fruit Cup® Snacks are the perfect serving size and easy to open.  Thank goodness because I hate struggling with trying to open things.  These will definitely be staples in Moo's lunchbox when she starts kindergarten this August.

Price: Y'all already know that I'm a frugal shopper.  I don't like feeling as if I'm being robbed when I shop.  Both of these products are reasonably priced.  The Fruit Burst® Squeezers retail for $2.42 each and the Fruit Cup® Snacks retail for $1.98 each here at my local Walmart.  Honestly, you can't get much cheaper than for a prepared snack.

Variety:  The Fruit Burst® Squeezers come in two varieties.  You have the Simply Fruit (all fruits) variety in which you can choose form three flavors-Apple Cinnamon, Mixed Berry and Strawberry.  Then, there is the Fruit + Veggie (75% fruit, 25% veggie) variety with two flavors- Peach-Mango and Blueberry.  So, far we've tried the Mixed Berry, Peach-Mango and Blueberry flavors.

What I (we) Didn't Like

There wasn't anything that I didn't like about the products themselves.  Like, I said taste, price, nutrition and packaging all get a thumbs up from me and the family.  These products are recommended by me.  I encourage you to try them out.

 Also, I want to add that we make mini cobblers using some of the Mango Pineapple Fruit Cup® Snacks.  They came out very well and I will be sharing the recipe here on the blog next week.

Snack within a snack

Be sure to follow Del Monte® on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter to stay updated on exclusive offers, promotions and new product releases.  Also, one lucky YUMMommy reader will be winning 2 Del Monte® VIP coupons and a $25 Walmart gift card!!  So, be sure to use the Rafflecopter form below to enter if you're a US resident 18 & over.  Giveaway ends Tuesday, February 25th.

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$25 Amazon Gift Card Valentine's Day DIY Sweepstake

Disclosure:  This sweepstake is sponsored and hosted by Guidecentral.  I am being compensated for each entrant who enters using my affiliate link.

Valentine's Day is almost here and what better way to get in the mood than with a Valentine's Day DIY Sweepstake sponsored and hosted by Guidecentral?!  After all, who couldn't use one of these 6 $25 gift cards to Amazon?  I know I could.  Although, I filled up my Kindle over Christmas, I've spotted two really cool tripods-one for my camera and one for me phone.  The best part is that there aren't a ton of hoops to jump through for this giveaway.  Check out the steps in the picture below.

So, there you have it folks, three easy steps and then you're in the running to win the $25 Amazon gift card. The sweepstake ends on February 23rd and the winner will notified via email by Guidecentral. You do have to be 21 or older to enter this giveaway.  Furthermore, I just wanted to throw it out there that any monies I do receive from this opp goes towards my BlogHer'14 or Be Blogalicious fund!  Moo, JJ and I would love catch up with you ladies (and gentleman) in person at one of these conferences later on this year.   So, be sure to pin on Pinterest, tweet on Twitter and share this post on Facebook!

And The Winner Is....

Well, the Rejuvenator giveaway has finally come to an end.  I just want to say thank you ago  to the folks over at Rejuvenator for sponsoring this giveaway! So, without further ado, the winner is.....

Congratulations Kim!  And a huge thank you to everyone entered and helped to promote this giveaway.  If you didn't win, no worries.  There will be more awesome giveaways coming soon.

Rejuvenating With Rejuvenator

Disclosure: I received a product to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Having sensitive skin, it was ingrained in me at an early age the importance of taking care of my skin.  After all our skin is our largest organ.  It's estimated that by the time we reach adulthood, the average adult is carrying around 8 pounds of skin.  Besides making sure everything on the inside of our bodies stays...well..on the inside, our skin serves as a protective covering blocking out a lot of harmful germs.  And in order for our skin to work at its greatest potential, it's imperative that we take the best care of it.

One of the best ways to keep our skin in its best condition is through bathing.  This is why I agreed to test out the Rejuvenator Shower Head ($99 value).  I had already suggested to the Mr that we get an handheld.  So, this was perfect timing.

About

The Rejuvenator is the perfect combination of spa therapy and skin science with its sleek design and Microbubble Technology.  It creates ironically charged microbubbles that go deep into the skin, attract dirt and oil and then pushes it from our pores to wash away in the water stream.  Pretty cool right?!  It's the perfect way to exfoliate your entire body daily without having to use harsh chemicals or scrubbers.  Even better is that since the Rejuvenator pushes all of the dirt and oil from our bodies, you don't necessarily need soap or shampoo.

The Rejuvenator also recently won Gold in the 28th Annual Innovation and New Product Exposition Trade Show (INPEX) for the domestic bath accessories category!  Check out more here.

What I Liked

The Rejuvenator is that it's simple to install.  No complex directions to translate or figure out.  You pretty much unscrew your current shower head, attach the connector, and then you screw on the hose, the Rejuvenator shower head and your old shower head.  It also comes with some plumbing tape to make sure you get a nice tight fit when you screw the parts together.  

I loved the fact that it's two shower heads in one.  You can use as a stationary shower head and adjust it to the angle that works best for your height.  Or you could detach it and use it as a handheld to help rinse those hard to reach places.  I use both.  I like to shower without a shower cap so that my hair can suck up the steam.  And being able to detach the Rejuvenator and use it as a handheld allows me to rinse off my back and neck without getting my hair actually wet.

And that brings to the next thing I like about the Rejuvenator.  It's actually great for washing hair.  No more water spraying in my eyes because using it as a handheld, I can control where the water follows.  Also, because naturally cleanses and pulls dirt and oil away from the skin, it's great for those of us with natural hair.  Since going natural, I've cut back on the amount products I use on my hair.  I've really noticed a difference in the softness of my hair and my scalp is a lot less itchy and flaky.  

Same for my skin.  It's softer and looks healthier.  My pores look better and I'm noticing that I don't have to reapply my lotion as often as I was before.  Overall, the entire family loves the Rejuvenator.   The kids, especially love that they can shower too now without water spraying in their faces.  And showering them off definitely has cut bath time in half.  I can lather them up and then rinse them off.

Lastly, what I like about the Rejuvenator is that it uses less water than regular shower heads.  Y'all know about all about saving my coins and doing things that are good for the environment!

If you're interested in checking out more about the Rejuvenator visit their website here.  Maybe, you'd like to treat yourself a nice gift for Christmas or you can put it on your wishlist for Santa (aka the Mr.).  No problem, you purchase the Rejuvenator from Amazon here.  The best part is that it qualifies for FREE shipping!

Now, for one you lucky YUMMommy readers, you won't have to worry about this on your Christmas wishlist because the people over at RejuvenatorProducts.com were nice enough to send me an extra Rejuvenator Shower Head to giveaway!!  Wait, it gets better.  I decided to sweeten the pot by adding some spa/bath extras that I purchased with my own money.

 This giveaway is open to YUMMommy readers 18 years or older living in the US.  Please make sure to the Rafflecopter widget below to record your entries!  Also, make sure all emails are valid.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Take It To The Park

Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Coca-Cola.  I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are 100% my own.


We're in the thick of summer and there's only one place that my kids want to be-the park!  For JJ, the park is a place he can go and attempt to feast on sand candy. (Oh the anxiety I get with that kid.)  Moo on the other hand knows that the sand is not for eating and prefers to enjoy the challenges of the jungle gym like the monkey bars, going down the tall slide (she doesn't like heights) and climbing wall.

For me going to the park as a family is a magical experience.  JJ magically doesn't run the camera when I try snap pictures of him.  Moo magically transforms into this budding social butterfly.  And the fact that I'm usually able to better keep up with my two kids than some of the other parent are able to keep up with their one magically makes me feel less mommy guilt about other areas of motherhood that still need improvements on my part.

Most importantly what I love about the park is that we're out doing something that's healthy.  The kids and I are being active instead of just sitting on a couch watching tv all day or getting sucked into social media.  We're laughing, smiling, running around, swinging, making sand castles, throwing balls and bonding.  We're making memories and relishing just being able to be with each other.

Source

And living in the Queen City, we get a chance to explore several different parks.  We have two parks less than a 2 miles from our front door that we like to enjoy when it's not too hot or rainy out.  If we're looking for more of nature park to take in duck sightings or look for butterflies, there's always the beloved Freedom Park.  We don't get out there much because it's a bit of drive from our end of the city, but I would say that it's our favorite park to go to.  

It was the first park we took Moo to here.  I can still remember watching her as tried to take in the sights.  The dogs (she loves them even though she's allergic), the ducks and geese in the pond, the people fishing, the other kids...  And although the playground is always overcrowded and there's hardly room to move around, it's the one place she doesn't mind being around a lot of people.  I guess the excitement of having fun outweighs her dislike for large crowds.  She loves to walk over the bridge sometimes.

JJ's been a couple of times but I can't wait until he's older.  He'll really appreciate it then.  I already love it for him because there's hardly any sand.  Lots of grass, some concrete walkways and a mulch covered playground.  No fears of him eating any sand pies or cookies. LOL.

Enjoying the nature trail

I know that we often times feel like if we're not spending money on entertainment our kids won't enjoy it as much, but that's just not true.  Taking advantage of your local parks whenever possible is the best free fun you'll ever have as a family.  You'll have even more fun if you get out there and be active with them.  Don't just hold down the bench with the other parents.  

Some goodies from Coca-Cola that we enjoyed at the park

Get there and remember what it was like to be there age.  Rediscover that rush you felt knowing there was nothing but space for you to run around in and you could use your outside voice.  Make those memories now while you still can.  Cherish these moments while they're still happening.  Turn off the tvs and take it to the park people!

Need more of an incentive to get out and get active with the kiddies?  Well, I'm giving away a $20 Subway gift card and red &white beach ball thanks to my friends at Coca-Cola to one you lucky readers as of the America Is Your Park campaign.  All you have to do is snap and post a picture of you and/or your family being active at the park on Twitter or Instagram using hashtage #TakeItToThePark and tagging @yummommies!  Use the Rafflecopter widget below to record your entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I can't wait to see all of your pics!  You can also help your park win $100,000 for help rebuild and enhance its features by voting for your favorite park here.  And don't forget to spread the word so that your park can win.

What's your and/or you're family's favorite thing about going to the park?