With a writer mom, my kids never had a chance: They had to love reading from the minute they were born. Luckily, they took to books like a pig takes to mud, and now a lot of our family time consists of sitting together on our family room sectional, each absorbed in our own book.

So how can you get your kids addicted to books? Travel’s a perfect vehicle (please forgive the pun) – or at least, so I’ve found with my two. Given the amount that we travel (often several weeks a year, and at least a couple of weekends a month), the reading bug has come in super-handy for my girls, both because they have a way to entertain themselves in transit and because they can learn all about the places we’re going before we ever get there. Read More >

Summer’s here! The days last longer, the kids are out of school and it’s most families’ peak travel season of the year. My kids couldn’t be happier. Well, actually, they COULD be happier. Their schools gave every student a list of books to choose from, and expect the children to read at least three books this summer.

It doesn’t sound too draining a goal to me, of course, but summer is a natural “brain drain” time for lots of children – days spent playing on the beach have much more appeal than days spent sitting in the library.

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Edit: This contest is now closed. We will announce the winner on December 15, so stay tuned!

Oh the weather outside is frightful and the sweets are so delightful!  It is undeniable, the holiday season screams sweet treats. Can you smell the gingerbread in the air?!

So…What is your sweet of choice? Homemade chocolate-covered pretzels? Gooey caramel popcorn? Frosted sugar cookies right out of the oven? Oh the fun!

You know what else is fun? Sharing! So tell us your favorite holiday treat recipes. We’re giving back to those who impart their tasty knowledge with a chance to win a two-night stay at any Homewood Suites of your choice!

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Thank you to everyone who participated in our SuiteReads contest during National Literacy Month. To help spread the word of our partnership with the Books for Kids Organization to build libraries in low-income neighborhoods, we asked you to talk about your favorite childhood books. In return, we promised to give away two free nights at Homewood Suites.

And now we have a winner! Read More >