Are you looking for a unique U.S. vacation destination where you can enjoy a little time away from the kiddos? Are you a fan of music and the arts? Do you want to visit a place that is almost guaranteed to be sunny, no matter what time of year you visit? If you answered yes to any (or all) of these questions, then Austin, Texas should be your next destination.

Austin’s Famed 6th Street during a festival (Photo by John Rogers, used with permission)

Live Music Capital of the World
Austin, Texas a.k.a. ATX is renowned for its love of music and the city’s official motto is, “Live Music Capital of the World.” ATX has more music venues than Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York City, or Nashville. It’s home to a multitude of music festivals including South-by-Southwest (SXSW), Austin City Limits, and Old Settler’s Music Festival. ATX values the music industry so much that the city has been known to donate thousands of dollars to improve the areas and venues in which live music is performed.

Austin is proud of it’s musical history and culture

6th Street Vibe
Austin’s 6th Street has got a vibe all its own; it’s packed with art shops, music venues, and killer restaurants and bars. During music and art festivals, this main thoroughfare is shut down and filled with rows and rows of vendor tents selling original photography, jewelry, and knick-knacks of all sorts.

Keepin’ it weird in Austin

Keeping Austin Weird
The city has a campaign called, “Keep Austin Weird.” It’s a movement to keep Austin’s unique flavor by encouraging the success of local businesses. It must be working because ATX has a feel unlike any other city – with a passion for music, art, off-beat culture, and anti-commercialism.

Fall in Love with Austin
When I visited Austin during SXSW a couple of years ago, I was so inspired by the spirit of the festival and being surrounded by so many creative-types for an entire weekend that I wound up deciding to move here. So, stop on by my sunny hometown-to-be. Who knows, you might go for a short visit and end up getting your heart stolen by the city’s charm and decide to move here too!

Meg Rain is an inspired artist, designer, and active poet on cooksandtravelbooks.com. Meg also writes on behalf of North American tourism. She is the youngest in her family with no children of her own though she loves caring for her fiance’s three-year-old son!

What do you love most about Austin? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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A couple of months ago I told you about Passports with Purpose, a wonderful fundraising project organized and supported by travel bloggers who obtained nearly 100 awesome prizes from generous sponsors like hotels, travel gear manufacturers, airlines, tour companies, and more. The goal was to raise $50,000 to build a village in India.

Because of Passports with Purpose, 25 families in India will soon move out of dilapidated huts like this one and into real homes!

The prize I procured was for a giveaway to one of my family’s favorite hotels, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country & Spa, which graciously provided a two-night getaway plus breakfast to one donor. Pat Dubrow from California was the lucky winner of this fabulous prize. She is looking forward to her stay at this luxury resort later this year.

I am so happy Travel Mamas was able to play a part in helping to raise over $59,000 to support LAFTI, the charity that is building a village in India. That’s nearly 20% more than the original fundraising goal of $50,000, with corporate matching gifts still coming in. Weather permitting, construction on the village will begin this month.

Thank you to everyone who donated money to the Passports with Purpose Fundraiser. Because of your kindness, 25 families in Karunganni will soon have homes of their own. A very special thank you to JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country for their generocity and support of this worthy cause! 

What are some of your favorite causes to support by donating money or time and why? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

You might also like:

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• Tips for Traveling to India with Children

‘Tis the season to give unto others…and to make a few holiday wishes too! JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is giving away a two-night stay including daily breakfast for two through TravelMamas.com to support the Passports with Purpose Fundraiser. For as little as a $10 tax deductible donation, you can help build a village in India and get a shot at winning this fabulous getaway and other travel prizes! 

What Is Passports with Purpose?
Passports with Purpose is a fundraiser supported by travel blogs like TravelMamas.com. Last year Passports with Purpose built a school in Cambodia. This year the goal is to build a whole village in India.

How Does It Work?
In exchange for making a $10 tax deductible donation, you can toss your virtual raffle ticket into the prize bucket of your choice for a chance to win fabulous prizes…like a weekend getaway to JW Marriott San Antonio! 

What’s So Great About JW Marriott San Antonio?
I had the pleasure of visiting this gorgeous resort with my family earlier this year. Believe me, you WANT to stay at JW Marriott San Antonio! From the minute you walk in the door, you know you are somewhere special. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure your every need is met.

If you check-in during the evening, you may be serenaded by the sounds of live country music echoing through the two-story lobby and lounge area. Stop by the bar downstairs for a nightcap, or you can play a round of billiards, checkers, or chess with the kiddos. The six on-site restaurants plus in-room dining will keep you and your family well-fed. 

Are There Kid-Friendly Activities?
Are there ever! There are family S’mores nights plus crafts like Let’s Fly A Kite, where kids create and fly their own kite. My daughter adored the Range Riders kids’ camp activities and counselors. My kids (and their parents!) had a blast at the resort’s most excellent waterpark. The pools, lazy river, and waterslides wind their way through a scenic landscape that blends into Texas Hill Country.

What Can I Expect at the Spa?
Ahhh…the Lantana Spa! Start with a workout in the Spa Fitness Center, whether you prefer Pilates, yoga, or weight training and cardio machines. Then choose from treatments like the Texas Caviar Facial, Citrus and Sunflower Organic Massage, and the Texas Sarsparilla & Coffee Bean Body Treatment. Top off your experience with a dip in the private, lagoon-like spa pool or with a healthful meal and a fruit smoothie (or a glass of wine!) at the Lantana Spa’s Bistro.

What About Golf?
Golf-lovers will love this resort! There are two PGA TOUR’s TPC premier club courses to choose from. The 36 holes of golf were designed by two of golf’s most respected and innovative architects and World Golf Hall of Fame members, Pete Dye and Greg Norman.

Is Anything Special Planned for the Holidays?
Absolutely! The two-story Christmas tree in the lobby will get anyone in the holiday spirit plus there will be craft stations every day for children, visiting children’s choirs, and Elf Tuck-ins for the resort’s young guests with milk and cookies. Children’s letters to sent to Santa in the mail box in the lobby will be answered the next day if the child is still a guest in the hotel. And, the pools are all heated to keep swimmers cozy during cooler months.

What if I Can’t Wait to Win?
Book a stay at JW Marriott San Antonio by December 15, 2010 for stays November 20, 2010 - January 2, 2011, the rate is just $159. That’s a smokin’ deal for a resort this sweet, especially over the holidays! The rate is non-refundable, non-changeable and full prepayment is required in advance.

What Else Is There To Do in San Antonio?
You could easily spend all of your time at the JW Marriott San Antonio, happily never leaving the resort’s expansive grounds. The hotel is a 20-minute drive to downtown San Antonio, where you can take a cruise on the river, peruse the multitude of restaurants and shops of Riverwalk, and tour the Alamo. Families also love nearby SeaWorld San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.

Where Does the Money Go?
In 2009, Passports with Purpose raised nearly $30,000 to build a school in Cambodia. The Passports School opened in early October and now there are a few hundred kids learning, reading, gaining the opportunity to thrive thanks to donations made to this cause. All donations will go directly to LAFTI, Land For Tillers’ Freedom. It is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of the Dalit (untouchable) population in India. The goal is to raise $50,000 to build a village in India, providing homes for those that have never had a roof over their heads!

What Are the Rules?
No purchase is required to enter, but a $10 donation for each entry is helpful for our fundraising effort. My immediate family members are not eligible to win this prize but can win any of the other awesome Passports with Purpose prizes.  Read a complete list of rules and learn how to enter by mail without making a donation.

How Can I Get a Chance to Win While Helping Others?
For a tax deductible donation as little as 10 bucks, you can help build a village in India and enter to win a prize like the JW Marriott San Antonio Giveaway through Travel Mamas, worth approximately $650 to $800. A larger donation means more chances to win! Giving feels good. Winning feels good. So…GIVE AND ENTER NOW!

You certainly don’t have to, but I’d love it if you’d leave a comment below to let me know if you donated and which prize you chose!

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A note from the Travel Mama: Earlier this year my family and I were hosted by the JW Marriott San Antonio Resort & Spa for a three-night stay.

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of TravelMamas.com, one lucky family will win a vacation package to San Antonio, Texas at the world’s largest JW Marriott Resort! Because the point of a vacation is to relax and have fun, the two-night package at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa includes special goodies to pamper every member of the family. Approximate retail prize value is $1,000. Read on to learn how to enter!

Earlier this month my family spent a few days at this beautiful resort. All vacations hold a special place in my heart for the moments of togetherness and wonder that can only be felt through travel. However, some destinations stamp a bigger imprint on my heart. It is the memories garnered on these trips that lull me to sleep on restless nights. The world is big with many new places to explore so I seldom like to return somewhere I have already been. However, I am already dreaming of a return trip to San Antonio, and to this JW Marriott in particular.

Lantana Spa
Let’s start with something all moms deserve…a little relaxation at the spa! After a dip in the whirlpool, I received a Saving Face facial. This included a gentle enzyme peel and healing mask as well as an upper body massage and nourishing hand treatment. If you can’t decide between a facial and a massage, this is a good choice because it felt like both rolled into one heavenly treatment.

Next, I had a Restorative Organic Massage with a scalp massage, hot towel massage and foot treatment. While this allowed me to slip into that lovely state of spa-induced half-awake, half-comatose Zen; it felt more like a body treatment than a massage to me. With eight other massages to choose from, next time I think I’d opt for the Citrus and Sunflower Organic Massage, which combines essential oils with a traditional full body massage.

Rather than hurrying back right away, I took advantage of this rare bit of me-time by showering and readying at the spa. They had everything I might need right there from lotions, soaps, and mouthwash to disposable razors. I was a happy bowl of pudding by the time I left to rejoin my family!

The Lantana Spa suggests you arrive at least a half hour early to check-in and take advantage of the spa’s hot tub, sauna, and steam room. I suggest you go even earlier; how often do you get to relax and have some time to yourself, free of a kid pulling at your pants leg or complaining that their brother got the bigger half of the cookie?

TPC PGA-Tour Golf Course
I have only golfed once in my life but my husband, Phil, was thrilled to have a chance to golf at a TPC PGA-Tour golf course. He was given the choice of two courses, one of which was regarded as easier and therefore more appropriate for the non-professional. Phil is a pretty decent golfer so he chose the more difficult course. 

A view of one of the resort’s two TPC PGA-Tour golf courses from the adult infinity pool

Here’s what Travel Daddy Phil had to say, “Hold on to your golf pants…when they say the course is tough, they mean it! Greg Norman designed the course and it was definitely intended to challenge. The practice areas and course were in perfect condition and it was just gorgeous. I was supposed to play with a couple other guys but the impending rain kept them off the tee. Although I played by myself, I had a great time, and, I didn’t have to tell anyone what my score was!”

Range Riders Kids Camp
If you will be staying here during a busy time, like spring break or summer, be sure to sign up for Range Riders before you leave home so you can snag a spot in this delightful camp for kids.

Upon check-in at the hotel my daughter, Karissa, received a treasure map that led us to Range Riders. Following the map’s path was a wonderful way to get her excited for her adventure away from mom and dad!

An enthusiastic Karissa following her treasure map to Range Riders

During warm weather, kids are asked to bring a bathing suit and sunscreen for a splashing good time with the counselors and other campers at the kiddy pool. No need to worry about safety either since kid-sized life vests help keep children safe poolside.

I stopped by a couple of hours into Karissa’s Ranger Riders experience and she begged me to let her stay longer (which I happily obliged). She had a busy day, filled with lunch, crafts, and make-believe play. She had a lot to show for her efforts too. A photo of Karissa standing by the Range Riders’ life-size plastic bull was placed into a frame that she painted herself and decorated with stick-on jewels and puffy letters to spell-out her name. She also drew a stick-figure portrait of her family with special markers on a souvenir Range Riders t-shirt.

Due to my daughter’s age (we celebrated her fifth birthday at the resort), this was Karissa’s first experience at a hotel kids’ camp. Many resort kids’ camps start at the age of five, but this program allowed kids aged four and older who are potty-trained.

The Range Riders Kids Camp

When I asked Karissa if she liked Range Riders, she said, “I loved it!” What did she think was the best part? “My teachers, Miss Perry and Miss Courtney!” I can’t think of a better endorsement than that.

River Bluff Water Experience
The best part of our stay at JW Marriott San Antonio was the time we spent together at the resort’s River Bluff Water Experience.

We could’ve spent all day just splashing in the little kids’ zero-entry pool, with its fountains, three small slides, but there were too many other watery diversions to enjoy!

The kids’ pool and splash area with the Water Tower in the background

My husband and I took turns climbing the Water Tower to zoom down the Acequia Tube Slides with our daughter in a double inner tube. There are two exhilarating options – one slide that is mostly open-air and one mostly-enclosed tube slide. Karissa didn’t want to brave the latter, so I went it alone (for research purposes, of course!).

Not only was the River Bluff Water Experience a whole lot of fun, but also it was beautiful. The 1,200-foot lazy river was lined with Cypress trees and walls made from natural rock. I almost felt as if I were floating down a real river through the Texas Hill Country!

For some mischievous fun, kids can spin and pump various mechanical doo-dads to spray other guests afloat on the river. This may have been my two-year-old son Leo’s favorite part! He giggled and stomped his feet as he watched in awe when his actions from above made the water shoot out below.

Leo spinning a pump to spray water onto the lazy river

Restaurants and More
For dining, there were six restaurants plus room service to choose from. The fanciest was 18 Oaks, where I dined on a sublime steak. The most unique eatery was the High Velocity Sports Bar with its winding wall of television screens. For a quick breakfast or snack option, there was also a Starbucks onsite.

The winding wall of television screens for the ultimate in sports viewing at High Velocity

A favorite memory from this trip was listening to live country music echoing through the resort’s two-story lobby as my kids joyously danced about. The lobby contains a bar on the lower level with billiards plus checkers and chess tables inviting guests to linger in this expansive lounge.

A Truly Special Place
While San Antonio offered plenty to do outside the resort, the JW Marriott San Antonio was the kind of place you don’t want to leave. Maybe it was because it was a new resort, but the staff exuded a warmth and excitement that is rarely found. You could easily spend a whole week just enjoying the resort’s amenities and never get bored.

So what are you waiting for? Enter to win a family getaway at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country!

Travel Mamas Anniversary Vacation Package Giveaway
The winning family will receive:

- Two Nights Accommodations in a Deluxe Room at JW Marriott San Antonio

- Breakfast for a Family of Four Daily

- One 50-Minute Spa Treatment at the Resort’s Lantana Spa

- One Round of Golf at One of Two Onsite TPC PGA-Tour Golf Courses

- Four Hours at the JW Marriott’s Range Riders Kids Club

THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED. THE WINNER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED BY EMAIL. IF THE WINNER DOES NOT CLAIM THE PRIZE WITHIN ONE WEEK, ANOTHER WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM. THANK YOU FOR ENTERING! This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, April 3, 2010. The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If no response is received within one week, the first winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected. JW Marriott will provide the prize to the winner. The value of the package is $1,000. The prize is valid for one year and must be redeemed by March 31, 2011. The prize information must be presented when making reservations. There is no cash value. There are no substitutions in the prize package items. The prize is not transferable.

Here’s how to enter:
You can enter a maximum of four times, using each method of entry once. The first option is required for entry. For each bonus entry, you must add an additional, separate comment to this blog post.

REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave a comment below about which feature of JW Marriott San Antonio you would most like to experience and why. Please be specific! General comments will be disqualified.

BONUS ENTRY: Follow @TravelMamas on Twitter and tweet this contest. Be sure to add a link to your tweet below! Copy and past the following phrase into Twitter:

I want to win a luxury vacation at Marriott’s NEW @JWSanAntonio to celebrate @TravelMamas 1st anniversary! http://bit.ly/9rYlN8

BONUS ENTRY: Become a Fan of Travel Mamas on Facebook. Then submit a comment on the Travel Mamas Fan Page wall stating why you deserve to win a getaway to JW Marriott San Antonio. Be sure to come back here and repeat your comment below!

BONUS ENTRY: Become a Travel Mama to receive bimonthly e-newsletter updates. If you already receive the e-newsletter, that counts! Just be sure to make a comment below saying that you are on the distribution list!

A note from the Travel Mama: In preparation for this incredible giveaway, my family and I were hosted by the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa for a three-night stay.

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Texas Hill Country is a beautiful place to explore. The region encompasses 14,000 square miles in the center of the state and is made up of 55 cities/areas including San Antonio and Austin. Although many people associate the Hill Country with bed & breakfasts and antique stores, there are also plenty of places to explore with your kids. The best part? Many of these activities are inexpensive or free of charge. 

Here are my five favorite Hill Country activities:

1.  Zilker Park and the Zilker Zephyr
Zilker Park is a great place to spend the day. You can take a swim in the Barton Springs pool, stroll down the winding walking trails, fly a kite in an open field, or visit this city park’s large playground. Our daughter’s favorite Zilker Park activity?  The Zilker Zephyr, a miniature train that makes a 20-minute loop through the park.

The view of the Austin skyline from the Zilker Zephyr train

2. Greune General Store and Cowboy Kringle
The town of Gruene, located north of San Antonio, is filled with Texas landmarks, including the famous Gruene Hall.  Among this town’s treasures is the Gruene General Store, a place brimming with Texas personality. Old wooden floorboards that creak as people walk by and a counter where you can sit and order an sundae or soda make this a place you’ll remember. If you visit during the holiday season, stop by the general store to meet Cowboy Kringle, the Texas version of Santa Claus!

Downtown Gruene is a great place to eat, listen to live music, or meet Cowboy Kringle

3. Cibolo Nature Center
A short drive from San Antonio is the Hill Country town of Boerne, where you’ll find the FREE Cibolo Nature Center. It consists of hiking trails, prairies, marshes, a creek…in other words, 100 acres of wilderness. Consider bringing a picnic lunch. You can nab a perfectly-located picnic table near the creek.

Have a picnic at this lovely spot at the Cibolo Nature Center, near the beautiful creek and the twisted roots of tall trees

4. Yummy Treats and Some Texas History in Castroville
Haby’s Bakery specializes in delicious baked goods that have a European flare. From traditional desserts to colorful cookies, this bakery offers a wide variety of treats at reasonable prices. Take your goodies with you and eat them down the street in a small park called September Square. Next, visit Landmark Inn State Historic Site. This park/inn/historic site is a beautiful place to talk a stroll and learn a little history along the way.

Landmark Inn Historic Site in Castroville is a beautiful place to take a stroll…and a nice spot to eat those pastries you picked up at Haby’s

5. A Walk through Downtown Fredericksburg
This area is filled with historic buildings and fun shops. Make sure to stop in the town’s Marktplatz (Main Square). Here you’ll see a distinctive octagonal building called Vereins Kirche, which now houses a small museum. After your visit, head to the Clear River Pecan Company to enjoy an ice cream cone.

Market Square in Fredericksburg is a great place to pose for photos

Hill Country encompasses what Texas is all about: a rich historical tradition, good food, and plenty of personality. I’m not a native Texan, but I think the Hill Country is really the heart of the Lone Star State.

Sarah V. writes a family travel blog called Wandering Off, which focuses on her family’s adventures through Texas.  She loves nothing more than jumping in the car, firing up the GPS, and seeing where the road takes her.  To go along on her adventures, follow her on Twitter at @wandering_off.

What Texas Hill Country activity would you most like to try? Please leave a comment below!

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Austin Vacations

These are the absolute must-dos of this friendly Texas town. Before my family’s visit, I asked a few Texan friends and some fellow travel enthusiasts for the best of the best of San Antonio. And, I discovered a Texas treat or two along the way!

My son, Leo, climbing the stairs up to La Villita
from San Antonio’s River Walk

Here are five San Antonio experiences not to be missed, no matter how long your stay!

1) Explore River Walk
When I asked what we had to see in San Antonio, everyone but everyone suggested River Walk. After wandering along the picturesque paths lined with shops and restaurants aplenty, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular choice. Be forewarned that River Walk is not especially stroller or wheelchair accessible. (This meant a lot of stroller lugging for the hubs!)

A Travel Mama from Houston suggested we take a river taxi through the River Walk Extension to float through raising and lowering locks à la the Panama Canal. Alas, we did not have time to venture to the extension. We did, however, take a Rio San Antonio Cruise through the main waters of River Walk. The boat tour was a fun little adventure for the kids, while the entertaining commentary about San Antonio by the boat’s captain was educational for the adults. I was impressed by how San Antonio has taken such strides to preserve its history and culture over the years, rather than bulldozing over its past like so many other American cities.

One of the many San Antonio River Walk bridges

2) Try a Paleta Bar
While exploring River Walk, we asked a couple munching on popsicle-like goodies for directions. This incited my daughter to beg for ice cream. They explained the frozen treats were not ice cream but Paleta Bars, a Mexican frozen fruit dessert on a stick. The duo pointed us up the hill to Bolivar Cafe in La Villita where we could purchase some bars of our own. When locals tell me I need to taste something, I listen! These yummy all-fruit treats (in flavors like coconut, lime, strawberry, or mango) were worth the climb.

After your snack, mosey through La Villita, San Antonio’s old town, which is now a charming cluster of galleries and shops.

My daughter, Karissa, gobbling up a strawberry Paleta

3) Visit the Alamo
You can’t leave San Antonio without a visit to The Alamo, right? While it may not be as graceful as the Eiffel Tower or as awe-inspiring as the Egyptian Pyramids, there is something about visiting a place you’ve heard of your whole life. I got that sense of, “So this is the Alamo!” The Alamo was built originally as a mission and was fortified and used for military purposes over the years. I was surprised to find it smack-dab in the middle of downtown (just a couple of blocks from River Walk). I had pictured it as a lone building in the middle of the desert somewhere. 

Walk the Alamo’s lovely grounds, toss pennies for luck into a fountain, wander through the compound’s three buildings, and read about why we should “Remember the Alamo,” all for free!

Me with the kiddos at the Alamo

4) Get Tex-Mex
Every other restaurant in San Antonio seemed to specialize in Mexican cuisine. There were numerous selections along the River Walk to choose from. A famed location that we stumbled upon along the freeway after our evening flight arrival was The Alamo Café. This place was big on atmosphere, with mini rivers running throughout its interior and giant American and Texas flags draped across one wall. The highlight for my five-year-old daughter was watching the ladies in traditional Mexican garb rolling out handmade flour tortillas. They even tossed her some dough to play with!

Karissa intently watching the tortillas being made at the Alamo Cafe

5) Eat a Big Ol’ Steak
I don’t eat much red meat but I figured, when in Texas, I should eat like a Texan! I ordered a porterhouse at the upscale, yet rustic 18 Oaks at the brand-spankin’ new JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The restaurant overlooks the resort’s gorgeous golf course and smells of wood burning in the hearth. They serve all local, organic grass and oat-fed beef. They may have converted me to a meat-eater. I keep daydreaming about that dang steak.

If you’re looking to splurge on a delicious steak dinner slathered in parsley garlic butter, head here! You can choose from six sauces; I sampled the blue cheese and the peppercorn. They were both so heavenly, I can’t decide which was better!

I was presented with a variety of steak knives to choose from at 18 Oaks. Hey…a great steak deserves the right knife!

What is your favorite San Antonio activity or food? Leave a comment below!

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A note from the Travel Mama: I stayed at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa with my family for three nights for free in preparation for an incredible giveaway that will run March 22 – April 3, 2010 on Travel Mamas. My meal at 18 Oaks was complimentary but I would never recommend a product, service, or steak I didn’t like! I will always let you know if I receive any sort of discount or complimentary goods or services related to a blog post.