This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CokeHappyHour #CollectiveBias
I know I rarely talk about personal stuff here, because I’m a bit introverted, but Summer is right around the corner, and the recent Share A Coke campaign by Coca-Cola inspired me to share a personal story with you.
What’s your earliest memory? Mine is being on the beach. It wasn’t a fancy beach, more like a tiny lake with a small strip of sand, that quickly turned into a grassy hill, but those were very happy memories. I remember the cute little hat that I kept taking off, and my Mom would have to chase after me to put it back on. I remember catching a tadpole in a sandwich bag. I wanted to give him some silly name and begged Dad to let me keep him, but ended up having to let the poor thing go back into the lake. I remember my sister, who was still a toddler back then and just started walking on her own – I was upset that we couldn’t play catch, because she kept on falling and crying all the time [what a crybaby, am I right?]. I remember our little campfire, and the fruit drinks Dad made in a cool-looking teakettle – it tasted so much different when made over real fire!
Sharing a drink became sort of a tradition in our family [maybe it was even my parents’ tradition before they had us, I never asked], so whenever I’m skyping my Mom and she’s drinking tea, I go to the kitchen and pour myself a cup. When she comes to visit, she brings the same brands of loose leaf tea, that Dad and her drink every day, so I always have a piece of home in my house 🙂
I actually don’t drink pop very often these days, but it’s very refreshing once in a while, especially when it’s warm and sunny outside. So, Mom, Dad, Kate – here’s some virtual Coke for you! [Coca-Cola is so universal, it tastes the same everywhere] You all may be across the ocean, and I don’t get to see you often, but the memories of that little lake, and of all our family vacations, staycations, and picnics will forever be in my heart. I’m not just saying this as an overly dramatic cheesy closing line – I really mean it!
By the way, I didn’t have to go far to get those cute bottles – there’s Walgreens right around the corner within walking distance of my house. FYI, there are two sweet promotions going on right now that you might want to know about:
- Every Wednesday through Friday from 4:00 to 7:00pm, Buy 1 Coca-Cola 20 oz. bottle and Get 1 Free 20 oz. bottle to share! You can load the coupon instantly on the Walgreens app or click here for more information.
- May through July you get 3,000 Balance Rewards points when you buy participating Coca-Cola products when you purchase $10 of participating Coca-Cola products.
For more information on these promotions, visit the official landing page.
Are you ready to start creating fun Summer memories? You really don’t have to go far – even a simple lawn picnic in your backyard will be an exciting change of pace. Here are some tips on how to make any family vacation fun:
- Bring games! Younger kids will have a blast playing just for fun, older kids will look for an incentive, so think of fun prizes. They don’t have to be expensive, or monetary at all. Think voucher: my favorite when I was growing up was the “skip a chore” voucher, where I got to skip one chore I normally would have to do, like wash dishes or vacuum my room.
- Treasure hunt! Bury or hide something and let the kids search for it. Sure, it takes some preparation, but that experience is unforgettable for a child. The treasure can be anything, but if it’s edible, it’s better to hide a box with a piece of paper inside, redeemable for the prize.
- Drinks! Nothing is more refreshing than a cooler full of Summer drinks. While Coke is an obvious choice, don’t forget ice tea, lemonade, and plain bottled water. [you can stock up on those at Walgreens]
- Have fun! No one is ever too old for some fun in the Sun 🙂
Of course there are more ways to spice up your family vacations and staycations, but remember that it’s important to do things together. It’s never fun when one of the parents just falls asleep while the other sits there reading their books/magazines while the kids are building sand castles. Family time is for the family, napping and reading is “me time” which I’m sure is relaxing, but it won’t help create fun family memories 🙂
So tell me, ladies, what are your earliest Summer memories? Who will you share a Coke with? Do you have any tips for throwing a fun family vacation? Share your stories in the comments below!
Disclosure: This post features sponsored content. For more details about my product review policy, copyright, and information about affiliate links, please refer to Disclosures & Content Use page.
nice memories, Anastasia! Guess Don Draper/Bill Backer were right about Coca Cola!
Haha, he got that right 😉
Summertime is always the best time to make vacation memories. Thanks for sharing yours and this great coke promo.
You’re most welcome!
I guess summer time and coke to belong together 😀 I used to love that stuff as a teen and during summer holidays we drank it quite often with friends.
I used to drink a lot of pop as a teen, too, I guess it’s a teen thing 🙂 I very rarely do it now, usually as a treat during the warmer months.
My earliest summer memory is sitting on our porch waiting for Mister Softee to come by, my two quarters in hand to buy an ice cream cone. I like a Coke as a treat now and then!
I can almost picture you as a little girl, Judy 🙂 What a lovely summer memory!
Beautiful memories! I love when Coke puts all the names on their bottles – so fun to try and find your own
I know, right? It’s pretty fun to drink out of the bottle with your name on it 🙂
I heard they have a special coke customizer now so I can finally get a bottle with my own name on it!
How fun! I kept trying to find my name, but it wasn’t there. Managed to find everyone else’s though 🙂
I saw a huge display at Target with all the names in a bottle shape. I don’t drink coke but I see the appeal of it 🙂
I wish I could say I don’t drink it either, but I occasionally indulge, especially when it’s warm and sunny outside 🙂 And I agree, it’s so fun when products have your name on them!
I just saw one of the Share a Coke kiosks but they don’t have my name. I’d buy it just for that. If they really can customize it, I’d do that (Caffeine Free DC though).
I know, right? That’s a genius way to get people to buy their product – print their names on it! I know I’d buy a case of Anastasias, haha 🙂
Oh, I wish I could get a bottle with my name on it! Cherry Coke Zero is my jam. I enjoyed your story and getting to know you a little more!
I’m glad you enjoyed my little story 🙂 I’m always so awkward and why when I have to share personal things; I’m not a natural storyteller at all. And Yum, Cherry Coke! It almost tastes like it has almonds in it, and I love all things almond <3
Great story of your childhood. You made a good Coke model by the way. Cheers.
Haha, thanks Kath! Cheers back at you!
We need a family vacation. I love Coke Zero, Vanilla, Cherry and Raspberry 🙂
Yum! Vanilla Coke sounds amazing right now, and I had no idea they made Raspberry variety, too. I will have to hunt for that one 🙂
I loveeee Diet Coke and I get SO excited when I see one with my name lol Nothing ever had my name on it when I was little so now that I see it and I’m an adult I go a little ham and buy up all of the things.
That’s so awesome, Brooke! I never managed to find one with my name, the closest they had was Anna. My Dad loves Diet Coke, I think it’s the only kind of pop he would ever drink, haha 🙂
I don’t drink pop much either but sometimes I just reeeeally feel like a Coke on a hot day. OMG, or Vanilla Coke… yuuuuum.
I am SO with you on that! I normally don’t drink pop, but Coke and Summer go so well together, so I end up enjoying it occasionally 🙂 mmm, vanilla coke sounds so good right now!
I love the skip a chore idea. My kids would certainly love that! You’re making me want posicles and Coke Zero. #client
Glad you liked the idea, Cristi! I hope you and your family make lots of fun Summer memories this year <3
I love me some Coke, it’s probably one of the only sodas I drink!
I don’t drink much pop at all, but Coke would usually be my #1 choice when I want a little treat 🙂
Love this sneak peek into your life!
What can I say, I’m not an oversharer to the point where people who knew me for years don’t really know much about me, haha 🙂 Note to self; be more open sometimes.
My sons love when we do treasure hunts during the summer months… such a fun thing for adults and kids. 🙂 I’m a Pepsi girl… but I enjoy this post nonetheless… so much fun and I’m looking forward to Summer.
Sounds like you guys are having fun treasure hunting over there! I love Summer, too, I wish it lasted a little longer here in Michigan 🙂