summer

Did you know that today is National S’mores day? I didn’t even know it existed until I traveled on the S’mores Bus Tour (sponsored by Wal-Mart and Hershey’s) to New York City for BlogHer12. Seriously, a day dedicated to roasting marshmallows around a fireplace and then squishing it between chocolate goodness and graham crackers? I’m so there!

Just for the record I’m not a huge outdoor, go camping kind of girl. Sure I’m from Maine and my dad, step mother and sister love camping, but it’s not for me. I hate the bugs. I hate waking up cold from the wet dew. I hate the nagging feeling that there might be a black bear staring you down, plotting to eat you for a late night snack. I will stick to my cozy warm pillow top bed, thank you for much.

When my siblings and I were younger, my dad would take us all camping in the middle of nowhere Maine. The only aspect of camping I enjoyed during these torturous mandatory fun adventures was sitting around the campfire roasting torching marshmallows and eating S’mores. There is something about eating S’mores that brings me back to my childhood. While I’m eating them, I often start planning a camping trip with the boys.  My plans always come to a sudden halt the second I envision a large black bear with shiny white teeth, standing over our tent.  I think I’ll stick to roasting my marshmallows in the comforts of my black bear free back yard.

All summer long, Hershey’s® has been encouraging families to gather around a bonfire and experience the tastiness of Smores.  Their Facebook page, Camp Bondfire, is a place to share your families S’mores memories with photos, for a chance to win prizes.  In celebration of this fun summer event, Hershey’s and Wal-Mart provided local DC bloggers lunch and a bus trip to New York City to kick off BlogHer12 in a sweet way. I was excited when a spot on the bus opened up just days before BlogHer12 weekend.  I can’t think of a better way to start a weekend of connecting with bloggers and brands, then pigging out on good food and cruising on a bus to the Big Apple.

Before boarding the bus, Wal-Mart treated all of the bloggers and their families to a tasty lunch of stuffed peppers, Wal-Mart steaks, and salad.  After lunch we all indulged on  S’mores.  

On the bus ride to New York City, were were treated to a book reading by author Diane Falanga, of her newly released book,  P.S. I Still Hate It Here: More Kids’ Letters from Camp. The book contains hysterical original letters written by children ages eight to twelve about their heartache and adventures while at summer camp. It was a ton of fun listening to Diane read a few of the unedited letters from the book. At times, my cheeks were hurting from laughing so hard.

The bus ride passed quickly as I chatted with new blogging friends including Sarah of Capitally Frugal DC and Andrea of Nova Housewives. Before I knew it, we were in New York City and I had the biggest smile on my face. It was at this point that I realized, BlogHer12 is here and it’s time to have some fun.

The weekend in the Big Apple was a whirlwind full of excitement, new friends, new experiences and plenty of laughs. I visited Times Square for the very first time and experienced New York pizza. Before I knew it, the weekend was over and it was time to board the bus home. The trip back was uneventful and when we pulled into the parking lot if felt great to be home. Wal-Mart provided us with a bag full of essential grocery items to make our welcome home a bit easier. From start to finish, it was a fantastic weekend!
Left to Right: Sarah, Delora, J.J., Andrea, me, Megan, and Anne.

In honor of National S’Mores Day, I am giving away a S’Mores gift basket, which includes a copy of the book P.S. I Still Hate It Here, Hershey’s chocolate bars, marshmallows and graham crackers.   Enter to win your chance to enjoy a tasty snack treat with your family and start creating Camp Bondfire memories. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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