Collect the Green Tabs to Support the Sprite® Spark Parks Project

I think most moms in their forties always see how different we grew up from the way our children are growing up.  One of the main differences is the fact that we used to play outdoors so much more.  When I was growing up, every single day of my childhood I was outside playing with my neighbor friends before and after school with very simple non-tech games and toys.

Today, I make a conscious effort for my three children to play outside as much as possible weather permits (no heavy raining or extreme low temperatures).  As they say, "there is no bad weather but bad clothing" so I try to dress them appropriately so that they can play outside one day at a time.  They say that youth need 60 minutes of exercise per day. That can be achieve by sports or playing outdoors.  It is true that today children have less contact with nature because they spend more time having indoor playdates, especially during the Winter season, and less time outdoors.  But, we can change that for sure. 

Family Travel Savings via American Express Membership Rewards Program

Who does not like to get things for free?  I would be the first raising my hand! I love free goodies.  How about a free stay at a luxurious hotel in Guatemala City all paid for and save a big chunk of money in a family vacation?  Yep, we did two years ago through the American Express Rewards Program. 

At home, we use our American Express Membership Rewards card to pay for everything in our lives; anywhere American Express card is accepted, we use it to pay... from groceries to clothing, from outings, entertainment, trips to medical care, you name it!  Over two years we accummulated so many reward points that we were able to redeem them for a 5-day stay at the Westin Camino Real Hotel in Guatemala City!  My 25th school year reunion was in Guatemala, and instead of going by myself, we made it a family vacation.  Next time, I am not sure what we will redeem our points for, but I know for sure that it will be something just as exciting!

If you are not enrolled in the American Express Rewards Program, I have to tell you that you are letting go an opportunity to save on items you like, a family vacation, on flying miles, or acquire things you'd really like to get for less money or free.  Some items require more points than others as you can imagine.

Now that American Express Membership Rewards celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary, sky is the limit. When it was first launched 20 years ago it was innovative and over the years it has continued to innovate through new partners, categories and features. The program even now offers more than a million rewards from so many different brands, you would be surprised to see what all there is to choose from. Millions of card members have redeemed their points for things from movie tickets to trips to fine resorts.