This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Newport Beach. All opinions are 100% mine.

The recent long weekend reminded me exactly why I need a vacation!  Our weekends are so packed full of stuff that it just feels like we have 2 additional work days that are out of the office between actual work days IN the office!  Know what I mean?  I’m getting the point where I feel like I might start doing things like leaving my cell phone in the freezer or ATM card in the machine again {sadly, this does happen to me at least once per year when I get really busy}.

I’ve been looking at different options for an upcoming family vacation.  Mathlete loves the beach and we had such a blast last year that a beach is high on our list of requirements.   We’ve also had thoughts about trying to visit family on the West Coast at some point.

During my looking around, I came across the website for Newport Beach, CA.  I totally clicked on it because it was an option that combined our beach dreams with visiting family!  It is a pretty helpful site right from the front page where you can check out the upcoming events and look for places to stay!

Want more? 

Check out the ‘Things to Do’ tab.  It is filled with options for singles and families alike.  Plus, there is a list of kids’ summer camps to check out too.  They offer a bunch that are way outside of the norm.  If E was just a little older, I could totally see Mathlete choosing something like the Star Wars camp for him.  H is totally into dance right now so I am sure she would choose something like the Fairy Tale Princess Ballet camp.

Or, click on the where to eat tab and get a list of fabulous restaurants.  I made the mistake of doing this at lunch and my tummy was growling.

I did a quick search for some hotel options and immediately fell in love with the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach.  With their reserve one room and get a connecting room for kids {18 and under} at 50% off promotion, I was definitely getting psyched about the idea of this vacation.  Then, I read on to the all the activities like 3 pools, ping pong and shuffle board.  I practically had the phone in my hand ready to call their number {800-233-1234 in case you are at that point too!}.  Of course, Mathlete has to weigh in first since it is a family vacation 😉

So, are you ready for a vacation?   What is your favorite thing to do on vacation?  Think Newport Beach could be your destination?  Check out this video and it might seal the deal.

Alright, I’m off to finish booking my vacation!  I hope you’ll get one in this summer too.

[photo source]

You know that feeling when something awesome drops in your lap and you are giddy with excitement?  Yeah, that is where I am right.this.moment.

Way back in 2011 {yeah, a long time ago…I know}, I sat down and started this little ole blog as a way to chronicle what happens in our life.  It has grown quite a bit thanks to fabulous readers {like you!} and I could not be happier.

Today, Just Us Four was featured in the Best of Web series on Be @ The Home Decor Blog. 

Want to check it out? 
I hope you do…just click here!

While you’re there, be sure to check out the Tip Center which offers some pretty fabulous tips on everything from shopping to baking to gifts!

P.S. If you are visiting from the feature,
WELCOME! 
I hope you will click around and see what Just Us Four is all about!  Oh, and I’d love to have you join as a follower too so we can stay in touch!

Ok, off to finish my happy dance {oh, and call the Mathlete to share the news of course}!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of éclos Skin Care for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

It was over 90 degrees here today.  Yep, summer is here in full force!  The extra hours of sun and time outside means it is the perfect time to help you skin out a little.  Especially considering sun exposure is the #1 source of aging for women.  Yep, you read that right…lots of time in sun can mean lots of aging on your skin!  Who really wants to look 5-10 years older than they really are?  {19 years old…don’t answer that one!}

Recently, I had an opportunity to try out éclos Skin Care Anti-Aging products. 

The kit they sent included the following samples of their Anti-Aging line

– Facial Cleanser Skin Prep {preps skin for subsequent treatments by balancing pH level}
– Cellular Activator Face Serum {nourishes skin cells to enhance their ability to function like younger cells}
– Moisture Therapy Regenerative Cream {tightens sagging skin}
– Restorative Eye Cream {visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes}
– Instant Radiance Facial Scrub {evens out skin tone and texture}
– Skin Renewal Clay Mask {cleanses skin, absorbs impurities and helps unclog pores}
– Terry cloth head band

I know what you are thinking.  There are a million products on the market that claim to help prevent aging.  I thought the exact same thing.  éclos Skin Care is made with apple stem cells which is way different than most products on the market.  In fact, since it is available at places like Wal-Greens and similar stores, it is the first product using this technology found in mainstream stores without a hefty price tag attached.

I was intrigued by the claims and the technology so, I decided to try it for a week.  Afterall, it isn’t fair to judge until I have tried it.  And pretty much anything that goes on in our house gets shared with you guys  🙂  In fact, I’m in such a sharing mood that you are going to get some sans make-up pictures {you were warned}

Here I am before I tried the products

Pretty scary, right? You can totally see the uneven patches and just overall terrible tone in my skin.  See why I was willing to try a new product?  Yeah, warned you sans makeup would be risky.

So, did it make a difference?  It is hard to tell in pictures but I think it definitely did!  I can totally see a more even tone to my skin AND it feels so much smoother.  Take a look though {oh, and the little hand is my constant companion right now as E is very much into mommy these days}

Now that you have seen/heard my thoughts, it is time to try to get your own éclos Skin Care starter kit {valued at $19.99}.  That’s right, I have one to give away to a lucky reader {within the U.S.}.  How do you enter? 

Easy…
Go visit éclos Skin Care and then come back and leave me a comment telling me what product you are most excited about trying.

Want a bonus entry? 
You can follow Just Us Four through GFC or Linky Followers for a bonus entry.  Just leave me a comment letting me know you did.

The contest will be open for 7 days from today and I’ll announce the winner here {and on Facebook and Twitter of course so be sure you are a follower}.

Good luck!