Dreaming of summer? It's NEVER Too Late (or Early) For Summer Planning...

Let me start off by saying that: YES! I realize that the weather has started bcoming quite chilly lately and Winter ain't too far away.. But that's no reason to stop dreaming and planning for next years Summer!! Right?
Or maybe your lucky enough to live in a place where the dun shines year round!
(Lucky you, we've done had our first snow of the year over in Western North Carolina!) No matter if your dreaming of warmer weather or living a never ending "Springy Summer," I found something all parents should check out.. BanZ Protection Sunwear for kids!

Created in Australia, BanZ has a complete protection collection of sun safety products for children ages 0-12. Sunglasses, hats, hearing protection and swimwear are available in multiples styles and sizes as well as sunscreen, swim goggles and more.

Snag a Free Case + Sunscreen Sample From BanZ
Click HERE!! 

Use the coupon code: FREE 
at checkout to receive an awesome BanZ slip case and a sunscreen sample...
COMPLETLY FREE!!


Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.
View Full Disclosure for further details.
This post may contain affiliate links.

Turn Your Summer Memories into Life-Long Treasures with Blurb Travel Books

(Sponsored by Blurb)
**This post contains affiliate links which means that I may receive a small commission if a purchase is made after my links are clicked. View FTC disclosure for details.**

----------------------------------------------------------

Create Your Very Own Travel Book

----------------------------------------------------------

With summer almost over this is the time to start creating the book you've always wanted to make — a customized travel book aka travel journal that spotlights each and every one of your favorite summer adventures! With Blurb you'll receive step-by-step instructions along with tons of ideas from some of the awesome travel books already created using Blurb - All of this is to ensure that you make a one-of-a-kind travel book that you'll be proud of!

--------------------------------------

If you have a computer and/or camera full of summer memories - in photo form- then your more than ready to begin creating your very own custom travel book/journal!

Simply use the Coupon Code: AUGUST15

at checkout to SAVE 15% on all Blurb purchases!!

- Also -

Blurb is offering 25% off print book orders of $75+ on your 1st purchase!
For New Customers Only - Running Now through August 25th!
Use Coupon Code: TRYOUT

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Testing opportunity from Crayola - Try out a New Product for FREE

-- Attention Parents --

The days have flown by and the end of Summer will be here before we know it but that is no reason of why we have to stop creating new memories with our kids. Right? Everyday is a new day for creating lasting memories!!

Crayola and ExpoTV have joined forces with an opportunity for a selected number of parents to test out one of their new products and share their honest opinions with other parents as well as with Crayola themselves!
How cool would it be to receive a package in the mail, full of Crayola goodness, knowing that you didn't have to pay a dime for your kids to enjoy the product to its max, building all kinds of creative memories and art magic!!

Apply today for the Crayola Fun Program from ExpoTV!

Only a selected number of people will get accepted into this tryolgy so its best to apply early to get your name seen. You'll receive an email confirming your spot in the program if your selected!!



(You DO NOT have to have a blog to be accepted for product testing from ExpoTV)

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Free ebook with Money Saving Coupon Inside

I don't know if its just me or if this Summer is flying past way to quickly! Either way, I want to make sure that I'm enjoying every every hour, minute, and second that I have left of this fabulous Summer weather! What better way to enjoy the warmth then a nice glass of yummy iced coffee? 

Cross Country Cafe has gathered together a fantastic collection of summer recipes and created a nifty eBook that they're offering for FREE!! This is an amazing opportunity to snag some delicious recipes that you'll be enjoying long after the Summer months fade away. To make things even better, inside the eBook you'll find a money saving coupon to help get you started creating yumtastic coffee drinks!!!

Snag your FREE Keurig K-cup recipe ebook and an exclusive money saving coupon included!

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

This post may contain affiliate links.

30 Days of Amazing Educational FREEBIES For Kids!!

Be sure to stock up on all of the amazing Freebies that's available from Educents during other 30 days of Freebies!! Not to mention all of the crazy deals you'll run across while scanning through my favorite education site -- Educents.com

12 Monthly Themed Word Searches

100% OFF Word Searches Freebie

Perfect for 1st - 3rd grade Students.

Download instantly after "purchase!"

Summer Coloring Book

Give your colorful kiddos hours of coloring delight with this 13-page coloring book--100% FREE!

Addition Uno

An Uno-style card game that helps kids practice their addition number sentences as well as practicing equal equations. Fun and Educational!!

Anytime Pick a Prompt - Story Builder

A fun an interesting way for kids to practice writing prompts! They get to choose from a few different options and use their imaginations to create a story if their own!

Includes:

4 Narrative Story Prompts

2 Descriptive Prompts

2 Compare and Contrast 

Explorers Guide - Summer Activities Checklists

Download the Summer Activities Checklist & Educents Explorers Guide for FREE, follow the steps, and help your little one become a certified Explorers Club Member! 

The Enormous Crocodile - Novel Study

A wonderful study guide to the novel, "The Enormous Crocodile" by Roald Dahl.

Kablooey

Simply download the Summer Freebies and help your little ones use their brains this summer so they'll be school ready when that time rolls back around!!!

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

This post may contain affiliate links.

The Perfect Patriotic Recipes for Your Fourth of July Cookout!

Are you ready for the fireworks this year? What about the cookouts and family fun?
Since I'm sure your busy with planning your get togethers as well as keeping your family and house intact, I searched the web in search of patriotic recipes that not only taste amazing but look amazing as well... Take a look at the recipes below to see what I mean!


Brown Sugar Fruit Dip
<em>MyRecipes.com</em>

This simple, creamy dip is the perfect way to dress up fresh summer fruit. We like it for dipping grapes, strawberries, and pineapple, but it tastes just as good with any fruit.
American Flag No-Bake Cheesecake
<em>dltk-kids.com</em>

Very easy for kids to make there's no baking or cooking involved!! Make 1 day in advance so it has time to firm up.
Red, White and Blue Homemade Tortillas Recipe
<em>TheOldHen.com</em>

It just doesn’t feel right if there’s not some food at the Fourth of July picnic that is colored red, white and blue. And all the better if it is something that wouldn’t normally come that way.
Bomb Pop Lemonade
<em>Thetiptoefairy.com</em>

With this simple 4 step recipe you'll be sure to put smiles on all the kids' faces while keeping them cool during the fun! Your Bomb Pop Lemonade will become a summertime favorite for sure!
Red, White & Blue Sangria
<em>RecipeGirl.com</em>

Who wouldn't be excited to try out a fruit filled grown-up drink? Hey ... The kids don't get to have all the fun, now do they? :)
Blackberry Cocktails
<em>MyRecipes.com</em>

This delicious cocktail combines fresh blackberries, cucumber slices, lime juice, club soda, sugar, gin, and fresh mint for a refreshing drink to help you party the day away!

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of roducts and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.
View Full Disclosure for further details.
This post may contain affiliate links.

Tips for Traveling with Small Children

**The links you will find in this post are affiliate links. This means that I may possibly receive a small commission if you happen to make a purchase after clicking one of the links posted below. All profits go toward the upkeep of this blog.**

Relax this Travel Season and Make Traveling Easy with Little Passports

With summer running full speed and family trips being planned, Little Passports has decided to share some wonderful tips for traveling with your little ones. Are you dreading boarding that crammed flight or beginning that long 4 hour car ride? Worry mo more!! With a simple Little Passports' checklist featuring some amazing and helpful ideas, parents everywhere will soon be celebrating this once dreaded topic of discussion and maybe even looking forward to their next family vacation.

The help don't end there.......

Once you've made it to grandma's house or standing on that beachside balcony, Little Passports has made it 10x simpler to keep the kids entertained for hours, and possibly even days, with easy-to-do educational activities that are included within their subscriptions.

All you gotta do is simply sign up for a 3 or 6 month subscription (USA or World Edition) for just $13.95! Kids are sure to enjoy taking a break from the TV while they the opportunity to explore the world from the comfort of anywhere that they may be. (Home, Beach, Grandma's house, Camping site, ect.)

Keep the learning going throughout the Summer and no longer worry about the dreading Summer Brain that haunts the upcoming school year.

Don't lose your smarts, Gain some!!

Check out Little Passports today and be enjoy a fun an educational summer!!

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

This post may contain affiliate links.

FREE Frozen-themed ABC Fun Pack to Help Keep the Kids Learning this Summer

Frozen-Themed ABC Pack

Visit Educents today! You don't want to regret missing out on this amazing FREE Frozen-themed ABC Fun Pack from Frugal Homeschool Family! Your little ones will be overjoyed while learning their alphabet with their favorite Frozen characters!

• Frozen ABC Pack
• Frozen Addition
• Frozen Multiplication
• Frozen Multiplication Cards
• Frozen Subtraction

NEW: Just added the Frozen-themed Math Pack!!

Created for Ages 4 and up

Includes:

A 40+page pack featuring:

• Letter recognition practice
• handwriting practice
• Alphabet flashcards
• Dot marker printable pages

Visit Educents today and SAVE on TONS of educational projects, toys, homeschooling help and SO MUCH MORE!!! You'll be surprised at what you'll find as well as the super low prices!
Check 'em out.......

Disclaimer: This blog accepts compensation in the form of products and/or monetary for selected posts which will be labeled as sponsored. No matter the compensation, I only write about items and/or services that I have personal experience with and believe my readers will enjoy and/or benefit from. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.

View Full Disclosure for further details.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Summer Week Linky Party

Today is the final day of Summer Week at My Kind Of Introduction and to conclude the week, I've set up a Linky where you can set up all of your Summer related posts. The posts can be anything from Reviews, Vacation Posts, Tips, Giveaways and pretty much anything that represents Summer. If you link up a Giveaway please add the name and end date or the link will be deleted so there is no confusion when someone tried to enter a giveaway that may already be over. If your post look spammy... It may be deleted and I will contact you if this is the case. Please add the name of the post to the linky so we will know what we are clicking on :)

If you have any questions about the post your want to link up, email me at AutoFaerie@gmail.com

My Back-To-School Event begins on July 28th and I would love for you to join me! If you have any school type products or would like to help promote the upcoming giveaways let me know before the event begins on 7/28/2013

Thank you for joining me for Summer Week 2013!!

Share all of your Summer Posts below and make sure that you visit and follow atleast one other blog on the link up. If you would like a follow back, please leave a comment.

Yummy Strawberry Freeze Pops

Nothing better during the summer than popsicles to cool you off on those scorching hot days!! Below I've added a homemade recipe for Strawberry Freeze Pops from eMeals that are not only delicious but healthy as well!
ENJOY!!!

Yummy Strawberry Freeze Pops

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
1-cup plain yogurt
1/2 cup granulated sugar

Directions:

1. Puree the ingredients in a blender.
2. Pour into your choice of mold and freeze until hardened.

Fine more recipes like the one above at eMeals!!

Summer Trips Across Seas!

One of the best parts of summer is the excitement and fun of spending time with family—this year, why not take an adventurous trip across the seas and spend time at one of these interesting summer festivals?

• White Nights Festival- Do you love art, music, or theater? How about festivals in Russia? Why not do both and go to the White Nights Festival! This annual arts festival takes place in St. Petersburg, and the name—White Nights—is derived from the fact that the sun doesn’t set during the time of the festival (and the whole city is naturally lit up 24 hours a day). From late May until the end of July, enjoy theater performances, costumes and carnivals, fireworks, live shows, and even a pirate battle on a gigantic ship to cap it all off. This year, the White Nights Festival will take place between the May 24th until July28th.

• Madrid Water Fight- In the second week of July, the people of Madrid prepare themselves for a gigantic party in the streets of Vallecas, where everyone is invited to join the fun. The best part? It’s a water fight! People take water balloons, water guns, and buckets full of water to splash each other. The 2013 celebration took place on July 16th, and crowds were estimated to be around 10,000 people!

• Pflasterspektakel- This “pavement spectacle” is a street festival that takes place in Linz, Austria. Over 200,000 people gather to watch acrobats, plays, musical performances, magic tricks, and parades—there’s even a special segment just for kids. This year, it’ll run for three days on July 18,19, and 20.

• Boryeong Mud Festival- Mud has traditionally been used in makeup products to purify and detox the skin. One beauty company took it a little further, however, and started the Boryeong Mud Festival. This celebration takes place in Daecheon Beach, South Korea, and has over 2.2 million people attending each year. The festival includes mud slides, mud wrestling, mud throwing, and even mud sculptures! After sunset, the beach comes alive with music, parades, and fireworks. This year, the festival runs from July 19 to July 28.

So whether its watching daring pirates battle it out in a “sea”-worthy battle or slinging mud at your closest friends, there’s plenty of things to do and see out there this summer!

Homemade Popsicles

Homemade Popsicle Recipes

Looking for a healthy way to cool down this Summer? Try one of these delicious Homemade Popsicle Recipes from eMeals and watch your kids beg for more!

Delicious Orange Banana Smoothie Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 container (7-ounce) Greek yogurt
• 2/3 cup thawed orange juice concentrate
• 2 bananas
• 1-tablespoon lime juice

Directions:

1. Puree one Greek yogurt, thawed orange juice concentrate, bananas, and lime juice in a blender.
2. Pour into your mold of choice. To release pops, dip molds into hot water until pops loosen and slide out. If using cups, peel away paper.

Simple Watermelon Pops

Ingredients:

• 4 cups watermelon, seeds removed, cubed

Directions:

1. Puree Watermelon in a blender.
2. Pour into your choice of mold and freeze until hardened.

All recipes above, among many others, can be found at emeals where you can get monthly meal plans to help you eat healthier and plan better! Tomorrow I'll be sharing a yummy strawberry popsicle recipe with you so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for that one too!

Learn more at emeals.com

Omni Summer Passport Sweepstakes

Sponsored by Omni Hotels & Resorts 

Omni Hotels & Resorts is running the “Omni Summer Passport Sweepstakes“! Your chance to win roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to your choice of five Global Hotel Alliance destinations!

Do you dream of going on vacation but don't have the extra money at the moment? Omni Hotels is having a wonderful Sweepstakes right now where one lucky entrant will win a Round-Trip Airfare as well as a 4-day / 3-night GHA hotel accommodations for 2 at any of the 5 GHA destinations!! Wondering what the available destinations are?? Of course you are!! Prepare to be super excited and very surprized! If you win, Your vacation choices are:

• Rome
• London
• Sao Pailo
• Las Angeles, CA 
• Amelia Island, FL

I know right!? I bet London and Rome caught your eye right off bat! MINE TOO!!! I dream of visiting places like that but it's a rare chance that I'll ever be able to visit. But you can visit by entering the Omni Hotel's Summer Sweepstakes! You never know... Maybe you'll be the one who wins! Wouldn't that be simply wonderful?

$25 Avon Summer Week Giveaway

Welcome to the
$25 Avon Summer Week Giveaway!

Hosted By My Kind Of Introduction

Sponsored by Mommies Point of View

As most of you know, this week is Summer week on My Kind Of Introduction and what better way to celebrate than to win $25 toward your choice of Avon products?? You can chose ANY Products as long as your final total is no more than the $25 limit! From Beauty to Bath to Fashion and much more!!

All you have to do is enter the giveaway is use the Giveaway Forms below!!

This Giveaway is for US Only - 18+

Find full rules in the Giveaway Form's Terms and Conditions

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer:
In accordance with FTC guidelines - NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. Void where prohibited by law.

The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received.

** This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed/administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Etsy or Instagram**

This giveaway is compliant with Facebook Rules!

Must be aged 18+ to enter and win. US Only.

Bloggers are NOT responsible for delivery of prize.

The Summer Week - SandGone Giveaway

Welcome to the SandGone Giveaway
Hosted By My Kind Of Introduction
Sponsored By SANDGONE

One of the most frustrating things about going to the beach is the trouble of brushing off all the sand from body’s! Sand seems to find it’s way to the oddest places and no one likes dry and scratchy skin! No longer do we need water to remove all of the sand from our kids’ body’s anymore…. SandGone is here to save the day!! What is SandGone? It’s an all-natural, non-toxic powder that’s specially made to help remove all sand from your body while leaving skin feeling silky smooth! It’s the perfect addition to any beach bag! Pretty cool right? Don’t go to the beach often? That’s okay too, SandGone works on all sand… Now you have an easier and quicker way to remove all the sand from your little ones when you need to rush to the store and you discover that you kids are covered in sand from the sand-box! Just grab the SandGone powder and be on your way!
In honor of Summer Week on My Kind Of Introduction, You have the opportunity to win an 8oz Jar of SandGone!! Continue below to see how you can win your own SandGone!


This giveaway runs from July 15 at 6am EST to July 22 at 11:59pm EST.
US Only 18+

Find Official Rules in the Terms & Conditions on the Giveaway Form.
Use the Giveaway Form below to Enter!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC guidelines - NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to enter The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. Void where prohibited by law.

The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received.

** This promotion is no way sponsored, endorsed/administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Etsy or Instagram**

This giveaway is compliant with Facebook Rules!

Must be aged 18+ to enter and win. US Only.

Bloggers are NOT responsible for delivery of prize.

Top 10 Must Have Brands/Products of Summer 2013

IT’S SUMMER WEEK!!!!!

Today is the beginning of a wonderful week!

SUMMER WEEK!

Summer is in full force but it’s also about to wind down and school will be back in session before we know it. It’s a sad time for the kids but can be pretty exciting for parents due to us having a daily babysitter throughout the week so we can have some breathing room and our little ones can gain friends and grow their brain as well. Next thing we know, our little ones aren't so little anymore and as parents… We just want to cry out loud and scream “Where did the time go?!”

In honor of the last few weeks of Summer, I’ve created a wonderful list that I’m calling “The Top 10 Must-Have Products and Brands of Summer 2013!” Throughout this week I will be highlighting a few of the brands/products that have made the list and make sure you keep an eye out for the giveaways that will be popping up as well! You don’t want to miss out on this wonderful event! I hope you enjoy the list and come back to participate in the upcoming Giveaways that will begin tomorrow!

1. Kidecals Labels – To label Summer Camp Supplies and help with travel
2. ThrifTee Gear – Use bags for Pool, picnics, traveling and much more
3. SwimZip – UV Zip up Swimsuits for babies and toddlers along with Rash Guards
4. SandGone - An All-Natural Dry Powder that when applied - Removes sand from skin and leaves you feeling soft and sand free! Great for Beach play as well as Sandbox play! -- Giveaway Coming Soon
5. Avon - Great Selection of Products from Sun Protection to Make-up to Clothes and much more for all your Summer Needs! -- Giveaway Coming Soon
6. ItWorks - Lose those extra pounds to get the perfect Beach Body! -- Giveaway Coming Soon
7. Blurb – Make memories with your Summer photos by turning them into Keepsakes – Personalized Photobooks
8. Swooshi - Perfect Re-usable containers to feed your little ones Freshly Squished Summer Fruit.
9. Dirt Broke Gourmet – Make a quick dip for parties, cookouts, picnics, etc.
10. The Honest Toddler - A great poolside read that will have you laughing while learning a bit as well! -- Giveaway Coming Soon

Did your favorite Product/Brand make the cut? If not, what’s your favorite Summer Product and/or Brand that was available during Summer 2013?

Summer Week Blogger Opps

I'm very sorry, but it seems that these Blogger opps are no longer available.


You may take a peak at my Available Opps at the link below, if you like! :)
Available Blogger Opps



Welcome to Summer Week at My Kind Of Introduction!!!

From July 14 through July 20 it will be all about Summer and I have some wonderful giveaways in store for you all!!

Since it's such late notice (it took longer to set up the event than I thought it would) I will be accepting sign-ups for the Blogger Opps below throughout Summer Week. The Giveaways will last 1 week a piece and will all have 1 winner per giveaway. If you would like to help promote Summer Week and the giveaways that are being featured, please fill out the forms below. I will be checking the Opps Forms daily and updating the Giveaway Tools daily as well. I am hoping for a HUGE turn out! All Giveaways will end on July 27 - The day before my next event - Back-To-School Week airs!

I will also be having a Back-To-School Week that will run from July 28 - August 3!! The Blogger opps for those Giveaways will be posted soon.

To start things off - We will be holding a Giveaway for SANDGONE that will go live on July 15 and run through July 27! All of the Summer Event Giveaways will end on July 27th, which is the day before Back-To-School Week! 

Next is a Giveaway for $25 worth of your choice of Avon Products!!

We will also be holding a Giveaway for 1 Wrap from It Works!!

You can also find Blogger Opps for The Honest Toddler as well as The Wizor at the link below! Both Giveaways will also be going live during Summer Week but will have a different ending date than the opps above.

 View My Other Available Blogger Opps

Next Week is Summer Week

July is the month where Summer goes full force as well as the month where the “School - Summer” ends…

What a sad time for kids… Being made to go back to that big building that helps molds them into the grown-ups that they so wish to be…. They’ll soon learn that being a kid is much better than the grown-up life, it’s a something we all sadly realize once all those adult responsibilities like that ugly word that noone likes…. Bills!

I honor of the Summer, I’ve decided to have next week (July 14-July 20) be “Summer Week” at My Kind Of Introduction! I have a great Summer Must-Have’s list for you as well has a look back at a few of my favorite Summer Products that were available in 2013. I hope to see you next week when we celebrate everything Summer!!!

We will also be holding a Back-to-School Week during July 28 through August 3! Make sure you catch all the fun!

If you are a brand and would like to sponsor a Giveaway or Content for Summer Week or Back-To-School Week, Please Contact Autumn B. at AutoFaerie@gmail.com

10 Frugal Summer Activities for Kids

I got the wonderful opportunity to be a Guest Blogger over at Pixie Dust Savings and created a list of 10 Frugal Summer Activities for Kids!! The list includes different Water Balloon ideas to Glow in the Dark Bubbles to Fashion shows!!

Head on over and check it out with the link below!!

10 Frugal Summer Activities for Kids