Summer Heat Wave Pool Give-away

The box arriving at my house the other day was perfect timing. It sure has been warm in Ann Arbor the past week or so! We finally flew past 90-degrees straight into a week of summer. Of course my children were crushed when they realized that they can not enjoy what was in the box due to the way our yard slopes.

Wait, what was IN the box? Funny you should ask!

Right now on the Ann Arbor Mom blog, local families have the opportunity to WIN a free backyard pool from Backyard Ocean! You read that correct as one Ann Arbor family gets their very own 8' x 26" Float to Fill Ring Pool Set. All you have to do to win, is comment below with one of your favorite ways to cool off in summer. For us it is a trip to the Argo Cascades followed by wading in the river at Island Park. Need some hints? Backyard Ocean has several great ways to cool off this summer and I highlighted a few of my favorites from their list!

Top Ways to Cool Off this Summer

1) Create a Slip n' Slide - This last week while visiting Silver Lake State Park, we heard of a local that creates a killer water slide using just sheets of plastic and a water pump. The slide starts at the top of the dune and ends in Silver Lake. Unfortunately he did not put it up while we were there. I also appreciate this great idea of a water-slide baseball! Honestly though the kids will have a lot of fun using a plastic drop cloth and sprinkler this summer!

2) Ice Cube Relay Races - Love, love, LOVE the idea of using ice cubes for any kind of game or relay race. I especially like freezing mini toys in ice cubes, then in using a stray see who can "thaw" their toy the fastest using only their breath. Although it is not a "ice cube" also consider stringing together frozen spoons then run an in and out relay.

3) Stay off Hot Pavement with a Bike Wash - No we are not talking a motorcycle wash (although pretty sure the riders would think this is cool) but how about using PVC a drill and a garden hose to create this front yard monstrosity? Pretty sure ALL the kids would want to play, making your the "cool house" for more reason than one! You can get all necessary supplies at Lowes.

Bike wash project directions courtesy of Lowes

 4) Homemade Popsicles - We used to make these ALL the time with small Dixie Cups, popsicle sticks, plastic wrap and a juice of choice. Consider adding real fruit too. Just drop fruit and juice into a cup, wrap the top with plastic wrap and insert a popsicle stick. Then freeze until solid! Easy peasy.

So what are your thoughts on the best way to keep cool? Comment below with your tip for a chance to with backyard pool from Backyard Ocean. All comments received by midnight August 7 will be entered into a random drawing. There is one caveat though, the winner must be available to meet with me in the parking lot of the local Sheriff Station in Ypsilanti - I already have the pool in hand, ready to give to the winner.

Thank you to Backyard Ocean for this amazing pool give away.

After you win your backyard pool, you may also appreciate some information on swimming pool safety and maintenance!

Hope to see many great tips - Stay cool.

Michigan State Fair 50% Discount Ultimate Wristband Tickets!

I have many fond memories of wandering the Michigan State Fair. I loved seeing all of the livestock exhibits, the homemaker and arts exhibits and the baby animal exhibits. I was always amazed at what other kids displayed and dreamed of winning a ribbon. Then one sad day the Michigan State Fair went away.

Several years ago I finally entered several jars of canned goods, photography and other pieces of art in the Saline Community Fair. Although it was not the exact same thing, I was excited that I won the ribbon that I had dreamed of. I have since submitted entries for the past several years and have even gotten the kids on the action after they realized they could earn a few dollars if their displays won!

I'll admit, I have not gone to the Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair since they moved to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. That was mostly due to us traveling at that time the last few years. It looks like this year however I'll be able to take my kids to the fair for their own experiences. The best part is, I can get Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair tickets at 50% off right now! That's a great family deal and definitely one to scoop up now!

The Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair runs September 4-7, 2015 at the Suburban Collection Showplace (46100 Grand River Ave., Novi MI 48374). Ticket prices start as low as $8 for entry into the fair, however on the website, they are offering an Ultimate Wristband for $30 which includes unlimited carnival rides, the exhibit hall, the agriculture and home arts shows, free entertainment, and a performance of the Shrine Circus.  You can get 50% off Michigan State Fair tickets though through July 26! That's just $15 for the Ultimate-Wristband and all that it entails!

We're going to attend this year, will you take the family to the fair?



Note - Some friends were confused by the mention of Fifth Third Bank. They are the sponsors and not where you pick-up tickets. The discount voucher reads like this: "Please print and present voucher or present on mobile phone at the Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair and visit the Carrot Pass/QR code experience line for express entry and to redeem voucher." Also note that you are limited to buying (4) tickets for yourself and (4) tickets for a friend with this deal!