Turning Digital Photos Into Prints With Pictli

Tuesday, June 30, 2015
I can clearly recall the moment my mom introduced me to the Kodak Disc Camera. If you were a child of the 80s, you clearly know what I am talking about it. My mom was in love with her disc camera, and I soon followed in her footsteps. I fell in love with taking pictures and capturing memories. The Kodak Disc Camera is long gone, but I still love snapping away and preserving the good times.

In today's digital world, it's easy for photos to become lost in a black hole on our phones and computers. We keep adding to the collection, but if you are anything like I am, you're not doing anything with the photos except for an occasional post on Facebook.

I went in search of a service (preferably online) that could take my favorite photos and frame them for me at a reasonable cost.  I wanted high quality prints in frames that made a statement without breaking the bank. I found sites that printed your photos. I found sites where you could purchase framed prints, and finally I found just what I was looking for when I came across Pictli.

PIctli is an online service that allows you to upload your own pictures from either Facebook, Instagram, or your hard drive, choose a beautiful frame, have them printed, framed, and delivered to your doorstep by Pictli. I had the chance to try the service courtesy of Pictli. I have so many photos on my computer, on Facebook, on Instagram that I would LOVE to have framed. So, this offer from Pictli came at the perfect time.

I chose a photo that I had taken on a trip to San Diego with my husband several years ago. The photo perfectly captures the essence of southern California, and I wanted to have a photo that would always remind me of our getaway as well as one of my favorite places.

The upload and ordering processes were seamless, and you can scroll the frames to see which one looks best when paired with your photo before you make your final decision. Pictli makes it easy to send the framed photo to yourself or you can choose to send it as a gift. Although this time, I chose a print for myself, I will definitely be using Pictli to send gifts. Everyone loves a framed print, no?

Once my order was placed, I waited patiently for the final product to arrive. And when it did, I thought it was almost too cute to open.


But I opened it, because, of course, I couldn't wait to see the finished product! I placed it on a bookshelf in my office where I can gaze at it daily.



Try Pictli for yourself. From now through the end of July, save 20% off your order when you use the code SH1507. To get started creating the perfect framed print, visit Pictli. Each framed photo costs $15 plus shipping.

Disclosure: I received a gift code to purchase a Pictli print. No other compensation was received. All opinions are my own.
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June 2015 Birchbox Deconstructed #Birchbox

Monday, June 29, 2015
I love that Birchbox has created specially formulated boxes for the summer months. With a focus on summer skincare, these boxes include sunscreens, waterproof cosmetics, and hair products to combat dryness that can be a result of chlorinated pool water.

Here's what was in this month's Birchbox:

1. Paula's Choice RESIST Barrier Repair Moisturizer with Retinol (Received sample. Full size, $29)
I loved the silky smooth texture of this moisturizer. Since I received a sample, it was difficult to determine if the retinol was effective or not. I used it primarily on areas where I have fine lines and wrinkles (forehead, eyes) and used a different moisturizer on the rest of my face.

2. COOLA SPF 50 Sport - Mango (Received sample. Full size, $32)
The problem with most sunscreens is that they smell like sunscreen. This one, however, smells like a fruity, tropical cocktail, and it's divine. I couldn't stop lathering it on my skin just for the smell. It kept my shoulders well protected for a day at the boardwalk.

3. Kerastase Chronologiste Parfum en Huile (Received sample. Full size, $60)
This is hair perfume. Hmmm. Not entirely sure I need something like this, and when I look at the price for a full-size bottle, I'm certain I can do without it. It does have a nice, woodsy scent and didn't weigh down my hair. Still...it's not a necessity for me.

4. Dr. Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25+ (Received sample. Full size, $32)
You know how I love my BB creams, and this one ranks up there. Dr. Jart+ makes several BB creams that are worth checking out if BB creams are part of your everyday beauty routine.

5. Marcelle Waterproof Eyeliner (Received full size, $11)
If you need an eyeliner with staying power, this one is it. Although this color was a bit dark for me, I liked how smoothly is glides on and how long it lasted without smudging or running.

Bonus item: Emi Jay Hair Tie (Received one. Full size (pack of 5) $13)
This fabric hair tie has proven to be ideal for the gym and for those times when I need to throw my hair up in a pinch.

To see all of my Birchbox posts, click here.

To see more of my favorite beauty products, check out my Beauty board on Pinterest
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Menu Plan Monday :: 6.29.2015

It's hard to believe that the 4th of July is less than a week away. Summer finally feels like it's in full gear, and I'm looking forward to the weeks ahead. This week is the last week before summer camps, sports, and activities start, and we'll be enjoying flexible dinner times this week. Next week, it'll be a different story.
Here's what's on the menu this week:

Monday - Chicken stir-fry with peanut sauce

Tuesday - Grilled black bean and rice stuffed peppers

Wednesday - Greek lettuce wraps

Thursday - Take out

Friday - Quick roasted cherry tomato sauce with spaghetti 

Saturday - We'll be attending barbecue at my niece's house

Sunday - Pulled chicken sandwiches

What's on your plate this week? For more meal time inspiration, visit I'm An Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday linkup.

To view all of my menu planning posts, click here. Visit my What's For DinnerPasta, and Soups On! Pinterest boards for even more ideas.


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Touching Ideas to Welcome a New Baby to the World

Friday, June 26, 2015
The birth of a new baby is a momentous event in anyone's life, and it's one that you want to celebrate and commemorate. Although you'll get to watch your child grow up, you'll want to have keepsakes of when they were tiny and delicate. My daughters are 13 and 9 years old now, but I love to go back through baby books, pictures, and momentos to remember their younger years.


It's fun to have a way to announce the birth to everyone and celebrate the occasion with your friends and family. From unique to creative to traditional birth announcements, you can find any number of ways to let your friends know of your new addition.

If you're looking for a unique way to welcome a baby into the family, there are several ways to create precious and lasting memories.

Plant a Tree
Planting a tree in your new baby's honor is a great way to create a memory that you can watch grow as your child does. You can do it in your own backyard if you want something private, especially if you think you aren't going to move anytime soon. But there are also more public places you can use that you can visit anytime you want. Plus, others will be able to see the tree you planted, and you can include a plaque showing that it's dedicated to your baby. Creating a new life for a new life is a beautiful symbolic action.

Family Photo Shoot
My home is filled with pictures of my children and my family. Photo shoots are a very popular way to capture memories when your baby is only a few days old. You can capture those first precious moments that will soon be gone as your little one starts to grow. You can have some photos of your baby on his/her own, as well as with the parents and with some props. You'll find that many photographers and studios offering modern newborn photography will have creative ideas to help you create unique shots.

Name a Star
Another beautiful thing to do is name a star after your newborn. When Emma was just a baby, my sister-in-law and her family bought Emma a star. There are several services you can use to pick a star and let your little one leave their mark on the universe. As well as getting to name the star, you usually get a pack of goodies or a framed certificate showing the constellation where the star is located. The star's name is registered, and you can get a certificate proving that you've named it. You might also receive things such as an information booklet and even a unique link so you can use Google Earth to view the star whenever you want.

Welcome Messages
If you want to make some unique art with your friends and family, there are lots of ideas you can use. One of the things you can do is get your loved ones to write messages on a canvas or piece of card or paper, welcoming the new baby into the world. You could add your hand prints to the artwork too, including the baby's.  When it's complete, you can frame it and hang it in your home to remind you and your child of the love that surrounds you. At my baby shower, we asked guests to write a small but meaningful message on a matte frame which we later framed with one of Emma's first photographs. It has become a special way for me to remember my baby shower as well as Emma's birth.

You can do many things to celebrate the arrival of your precious bundle of joy. Take the opportunity to spend time as a family and perhaps with friends too to create even more memories for your children to treasure.
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Friday's Fresh Picks: Summer Break Begins

This week was a nice balance of down time and fun summer activities. We went to the boardwalk, the pool, took a long walk, and put a dent in our summer reading list. I'd say this summer is off to a great start! I'm looking forward to doing more of the same this weekend. Hope you've got some fun planned also. xx

Here are a few of the things I enjoyed this week.
{A long sunset walk with Harper}


{A bouquet of peonies from my husband}


{The giant swings at Jenkinson's Boardwalk}


{A playful game of hide and seek}


{Early morning at the beach}


Friday Fresh Picks are hand-picked favorite items, reviews and highlights from the amazing women you see above.

Visit their websites to learn about other amazing picks from this week!


To view all of my Friday Fresh Picks posts, click here.
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5 Ways To Get Your Kids Off Their Computer Screens

Thursday, June 25, 2015
One of the most obvious parenting challenges I've experienced in recent years is dragging my girls away from their screens. TV, video games, mobile phones, tablets, and the Internet are all great things, but there’s a limit. It can be difficult to get your children to realize the benefits of living in an unplugged world, but it is possible with a little creativity.


Here are five ways we plan time off of our phones and computers to help our children appreciate the world around them.

Cook Together
Eating is a crucial staple of human life,and it’s important to teach your child the benefits of a healthy balanced diet. There’s no better way than teaching them to cook at an early age. Making food from scratch will always be healthier than buying the additive soaked store products, and this is also a great way to bond with your child. By cooking a treat like cupcakes, you can also let them use math skills with the measuring and their imaginations with the designs. And at the end you get a tasty end product too.

Throw A Party
Parties form some of the most memorable moments of any young child’s life, and the memories often stay with us forever. Treating your kid to a special afternoon with their friends is a great way to encourage activity and socializing within a controlled environment. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to treat them. Meanwhile, solutions from www.justpretendkids.com offer an affordable and very easy way to host a party for their friends in the safety of your own home.

Encourage Traditional Learning
Computers are a great tool for education, but children can still gain a lot from learning via the old and trusted methods. This is especially true if you sprinkle a little bit of creativity to the process. Building their own book is a great way to encourage creative thinking as well as practicing important skills like spelling, storytelling and writing. The physical end product can also be kept as a fantastic memento.

Play A Sport
Sporting activities are a fundamental part of life and are a fantastic way to help your child grow physically and mentally. Being part of a sport team gives your child an instant purpose and also encourages them to make new friendships. Moreover, it shows them the benefits of teamwork, striving for a goal, and a whole host of other benefits. With so many sporting options available, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a one that your child loves.

Grow A Garden
If you’ve got a garden, then this is your secret weapon to getting the kids away from their computer screens. The garden is a great place to help them discover the beauty of nature. Also, gardening with them gives them a chance to create a project for them to take care of and maintain responsibility. Start appreciating the garden as a family and you’ll notice their computer time take a dramatic fall.

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Best Online Reads

My favorite stories from around the Web this week:

1. The reason why you never hear anyone singing "Happy Birthday" in movies via Business Insider.

2. 101 summer day trips to take in New Jersey via Macaroni Kid Toms River.

3. Eight fun Instagram accounts to follow now via A Cup of Jo.

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Refreshing Summer Cocktail: Grapefruit Bubbly

Wednesday, June 24, 2015
A scorching hot summer day warrants a refreshing cocktail. This one has the crisp taste of gin combined with pink grapefruit sparkling water. Garnish with lime slices for a pretty contrast of green against the pink.

GRAPEFRUIT BUBBLY COCKTAIL

Ingredients
  • 3 oz.  Pink Grapefruit Sparkling ICE
  • 1.5 oz. Gin
  • ½ oz. elderflower liqueur
  • Lime slices for garnish
Preparation
1. Using a tall Collins glass, pour gin and elderflower liquer, then Pink Grapefruit Sparkling ICE over ice.  Stir gently to mix.

2. Garnish with lime slices. 
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My Current Favorite Cookbooks

Tuesday, June 23, 2015
I have quite an extensive collection of cookbooks. From baking to ethnic to regional to celebrity chef, you name it, I have it. I keep my all-time favorites on a bookshelf in my office, and the others are tucked away in the kitchen. Every six weeks or so, I pull a few from the shelves and choose several recipes from each book to focus on.

With the kids out of school for the summer, my focus has shifted. With more time to enjoy breakfast and lunch, I need some recipe inspiration. And on rainy days, we love holing up indoors and baking. Here's where I am turning to find that inspiration.

1. Buttercream Dreams by Jeff Martin
This book is filled with 30 signature recipes from the author's Smallcakes shops. From cupcakes to ice cream to other sweet treats including cookies, pies, and fudge, Martin has your sweet tooth covered. On our baking list this summer are the coconut-chocolate chip cupcakes and the strawberry lemonade cupcakes in a jar.

2. Baking With Kids by Leah Brooks
This book is not only filled with a selection of fabulous recipes, but it also gives detailed explanations of safe kitchen practices and how to use basic kitchen equipment. As you and your little ones are having fun, you will also be learning a thing or to as you bake together. What I love about this cookbook is that it isn't filled to the brim with sweet treats. There are recipes for French baguettes, soft pretzels, pizza dough, olive oil crackers, and more. On our to make list this summer: cheesy cheddar puffs, lemon poppy seed muffins, spring onion scones, and pizza dough.

3. America's Best Cookbook for Kids With Diabetes by Colleen Bartley
This cookbook is designed to help parents of children with diabetes provide delicious and kid-friendly meals that the whole family will enjoy. With a focus on foods that are low on the glycemic index, Bartley's recipes deliver the supervised diet that children with diabetes require without ever making them feel deprived or left out. Of course, the biggest plus is that the carbohydrate counts are included as well as other pertinent nutritional information. Here are a few of the dishes we'll be cooking up this summer: pina colada snacking cake, garden burritos, crunchy French toast, and BLT wraps.

4. Fondue by Lou Seibert Pappas
Fondue is the ultimate fun food. It easy to prepare. It's delicious, and it's a crowd pleaser no matter the occasion. We love cheese fondue, and it's surprisingly simple to turn into a main meal. This book has plenty of recipes for cheese, entree, and dessert fondues for any palette and any size gathering from an intimate dinner to a family gathering. This summer we can't wait to try queso fundido, Japenese tempura, and the cappuccino fondues.

5. Weelicious by Catherine McCord
When McCord became frustrated by the lack of healthy, easy recipes for kids online, she created weelicious.com. This book is a spinoff of the popular website that shares it's name. It's filled with fresh and delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy. From breakfast to evening snack, McCord has meal solutions for anytime of the day.

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Festive Yet Stylish Fashions for the Fourth of July

Monday, June 22, 2015
Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love the reason for celebrating and all the festivities that surround it. Dressing for the occasion is all part of the fun. It used to be that you could find only a smattering of t-shirts with American flags on them, but these days retailers have stepped up their game and are offering a wider selection of patriotic outfits.


These easy, breezy tanks are perfect to throw on with a pair of shorts or white jeans for a casual barbecue.
1 | 2 | 3 


Finish off your outfit with festive footwear!
1 | 2 | 3

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Menu Plan Monday :: 6.22.2015

This is our first full week of summer vacation, and I am expecting to hit a few bumps in the road as we adjust to our new schedule. This week's meal plan is not overly ambitious but does incorporate some new summer recipes that I've been wanting to try.
Here's what's on our plates this week:

Monday - Homemade bruschetta and crusty bread followed by ice cream!

Tuesday - Blue cheese Caesar salad

Wednesday - Asian noodle salad

Thursday - Dinner out

Friday - Pear and gorgonzola pizza

Saturday - Grilled honey mustard chicken with potatoes

Sunday - Garlic and lemon shrimp and rice

What's on your plate this week? For more meal time inspiration, visit I'm An Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday linkup.

To view all of my menu planning posts, click here. Visit my What's For DinnerPasta, and Soups On! Pinterest boards for even more ideas.


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Summer To-Do List

Sunday, June 21, 2015
It's the first day of summer, so it seems only fitting to put together our summer bucket list today. Summer flies right before my eyes. If I don't record a few of the things that we'd like to do, see, and experience in the next 85 days, it's not likely to happen. The girls will be busy this summer with local recreation programs, but I plan to still squeeze in time for the things that rank high on our summer priority list.

Here's to a fabulous summer and to checking each item off the list!

1. Visit Popcorn Park Zoo.

2. Go to at least two Friday night beach movies at Jenkinson's.

3. Continue my never ending quest for the perfect bathing suit. This one comes close.

4. Achieve my summer fitness goal of walking 150 miles by August 21st.

5. Visit the Statue of Liberty.

6. Go to Hersheypark. It's been 10 years since our last visit.

7. Go on a breakfast eating tour of the Jersey shore.

8. Master the perfect margarita.

9. Visit a New Jersey waterfall, such as this one.

10. Take a cake decorating class with my girls here.

What's on your summer to-do list?

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Tips for Totally Taking Care of Yourself This Summer

Friday, June 19, 2015
Disclosure: I received LISTERINE® Brand products and a Walgreens gift card from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, INC. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® Brand Totally Taken Care Of program. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Summer tends to be a time of the year when we slow down a bit and lead more relaxed lifestyles. For many parents, our day to day routines are completely altered by the fact that the kids are out of school and running from one activity to the next. We often struggle to find semblance of a normal life during these months, and sometimes we lose sight of taking care of ourselves.
This summer you can incorporate a few easy steps into your daily routine to ensure that you are taking the best possible care of yourself. Here are a few ways to get started.

1. Exercise a few times per week
An early morning or late evening walk is the perfect (and very easy) way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Choose a time when the heat is at a minimum so that you stay as comfortable as possible. Remember to bring a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated and refreshed.

2. Take advantage of nature's bounty
Gardens will soon be overflowing with a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit a local farmer's market or join a CSA for the best variety and first pick of the goodies. Try a few of
my favorite summer recipes:

3. Protect your skin
Summer is the perfect time to make SPF your BFF. Nothing can you bring down your spirits faster than a sunburn in summer. They are uncomfortable, incredibly painful, and completely unnecessary. Lather up before you go into the sun, and keep applying throughout the day.

4. Make dental health a priority
Cotton candy, popsicles, ice cream, and funnel cakes all add up to a mouth full of sugar. Don't let this summer be the one where the cavities strike. LISTERINE® makes it easy to take care of your teeth by offering a full line of products from toothpaste to dental floss to mouth rinse. This summer I'll be encouraging my daughters to follow up their normal brushing routines with LISTERINE®'s TOTAL CARE mouthwash. Not only does TOTAL CARE mouthwash freshen your breath, but it also prevents cavities and strengthens teeth.


Shop your local Walgreens and stock up on these LISTERINE® products so you can be prepared to take care of your family all summer long.

Disclosure: I received LISTERINE® Brand products and a Walgreens gift card from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, INC. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® Brand Totally Taken Care Of program. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.
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Flip Flops ~ A Summer Staple

Flips flops are the summer shoe of choice here at the Jersey shore. When you live at the beach, it's hard to imagine wearing anything but flip flops all summer long. Easy on and easy off is a must for any avid beach goer, and flip flops fit the bill perfectly.

As comfortable as flip flops are, they aren't the most supportive footwear, however. I often end up with painful cramps at the end of the a long day of wearing flip flops. And those that do offer some support are often unattractive.

Friday, June 19th is National Flip Flop day, and I can't think of a better occasion to share a bit about a new pair of flip flops I recently received from Vionic.

I was eager to try a pair of Vionic flip flops after hearing about them from a personal trainer at my gym. She raved about them and suggested that I try them. She said they helped to alleviate and eliminate some of the back pain she was getting after a long day of wearing flip flops.

Vionic features Orthaheel Technology, a podiatrist-designed support built seamlessly into contemporary and modern classic design of the shoe. In other words, Vionic flip flops are stylish and offer the best support for your foot and your entire body. The innovative Orthaheel Technology helps reduce over-pronation, which can improve foot function and relieve common associated pains such as plantar fasciitis (heel pain), knee pain and back pain.


I worn mine to they gym yesterday for a yoga class. They are so comfortable, not like a squishy comfortable, but more like a solid, hugging feeling on your feet. My feet didn't slide around on the foundation as they often do on conventional flip flops.



We have several trips to amusement parks planned this summer, and I will definitely be wearing my Vionic flip flops. These are exactly the type of flip flops to take me through an entire day of extensive walking in style (a must!) and comfort.

For more information and to see available styles for both women and men, visit the Vionic website.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary pair of Vionic flip flops. All opinions are my own.

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Friday's Fresh Picks: This Week's Favorites

Today is the last day of school until September 9th. I am excited for a summer ahead with my girls. I'll be spending some time early next week putting a schedule in place to balance working from home with fun summer activities. But for now, I am planning to enjoy the weekend and do some "summer vacation starts now" celebrating, which usually means ice cream for dinner. Whatever your plans this weekend, I hope it's a lovely one. xx

Here are a few of the things that made this week special.
{Fresh cherries signal that summer is here}


{Another sign that summer has arrived}


{I spent most of the week chasing clouds and dodging thunderstorms}


{Don't be afraid to get your feet wet}


{Cows find relief from the heat in the shade}
Friday Fresh Picks are hand-picked favorite items, reviews and highlights from the amazing women you see above.

Visit their websites to learn about other amazing picks from this week!


To view all of my Friday Fresh Picks posts, click here.
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Best Online Reads

Thursday, June 18, 2015
All the stories around the Web worth reading this week:

1. Twenty things we should say to ourselves more often via Marc and Angel Hack Life.

2. Why people despise the word "moist" via Mental Floss.

3. The words you should never use to describe yourself via Business Insider.

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Spotlight on the Jersey Shore: Jenkinson's Boardwalk {Giveaway} #JenksMemory

Tuesday, June 16, 2015
I am thrilled to announce that, again this summer, I am happily partnering with Jenkinson's Boardwalk and Jersey Moms Blog as a summer ambassador. I and several other New Jersey bloggers have been invited to share our love of Jenkinson's and show you how Jenkinson's can create a true Jersey shore experience for you and your family.

Ever since I first moved to the Jersey shore back in 2001, every summer has included several trips to Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach. You can read more about my love of Jenkinson's herehere and here.

When I think of summer family fun, I think of Jenkinson's Boardwalk. From the beach to the aquarium to boardwalk games, rides, and a fun house, it's a jam-packed day of fun for the entire family. Oh, and let's not forget about the Sweet Shop!
Jenkinson's beach movies
Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, channel your inner marine biologist, indulge your palate, or feed your sense of adventure, Jenkinson's has something for you. Or if you are like I am, you want to do it all! And Jenkinson's makes it possible to experience all it has to offer in a day.

We love the beach movies. They offer a relaxing Friday night under the stars. See the full summer 2015 schedule for dates, times, and movie titles.

Whether beaching it is your thing or you are looking for a day of adventure, Jenkinson's has you covered. With miniature golf, amusement rides and fun house, an aquarium, a sprawling beach and bath house, souvenir shops, food, food, and more food, you'll want for nothing when you visit Jenkinson's.

Can't wait to go?
WIN A GUEST VOUCHER FOR UP TO 5 PEOPLE

Jenkinson's is generously offering one Pieces of a Mom reader a 2015 Guest Voucher for up to five (5) people (guest wristbands will be issued). The wristbands include complimentary access to:
Voucher is valid Monday through Friday only and excludes holidays. It expires on 12/31/2015. The guest voucher does not include parking. Winner will redeem voucher at the Pavilion Office after 9 am or Amusement Park office after 12 pm for wristbands. The voucher is non-transferable and ID is required to redeem. Must be 18 years of age to enter to win.

Enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 


Disclosure: I received guest vouchers as well as paid compensation as part of the Jenks Ambassador program.
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Last Minute Father's Day Gifts

Father's Day is just around the corner. If you are still on the fence about what to get the special dads in your life, here are a few last minute suggestions that are sure to please.
1. Vineyard Vines Button Down Shirt

2. Ballpark Blueprints

3. Leather Wrapped Cocktail Shaker and/or Ice Bucket

4. Sanuk Pick Pocket Shoes

5. MEAT: Everything You Need To Know Cookbook

6. iPhone Case

7. Beer Caddy

8. Cologne

*Some of the above are affiliate links
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Menu Plan Monday :: 6.15.2015

Monday, June 15, 2015
We are in the home stretch! This week is the final week of school. I can't even begin to describe the excitement I have for mornings and evenings that won't include packing lunches. It is such a relief to take that task off my plate...even if it is just temporarily.
Here's what we'll be eating this week as we gear up for summer vacation.

Monday -  Black bean and corn quesadillas

Tuesday -  Bang bang shrimp pasta

Wednesday -  Grilled pineapple-chicken foil packets

Thursday -   Lime chicken tacos

Friday - Last day of school. Dinner out to celebrate!

Saturday - Spicy Italian sausage and pepper kebabs with balsamic glaze

Sunday -  Mexican stuffed peppers

What's on your plate this week? For more meal time inspiration, visit I'm An Organizing Junkie's Meal Plan Monday linkup.

To view all of my menu planning posts, click here. Visit my What's For DinnerPasta, and Soups On! Pinterest boards for even more ideas.
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Friday's Fresh Picks: This Week's Favorites

Friday, June 12, 2015
This week I made every attempt to unplug at a reasonable time each evening. I was grateful that I did. I enjoyed a walk on the beach, some evening wine, and was able to catch up on some of my favorite TV shows. This weekend we are headed out of town, and I'm looking forward to unplugging again.

Whatever your plans this weekend, I hope you have a great one! xx

Here are a few of the things that made this week a relaxing one.
{Early mornings at the bus stop will soon be a distant memory}


{A tranquil evening walk on the beach to end the day}


{The cutest package ever arrived this week from the folks at Pictli}


{A never ending staircase}


{This light, crisp rosé has become my go-to drink for summer}


{A radio interview I did last month for Meridian Health's Paint The Town Pink campaign}



Friday Fresh Picks are hand-picked favorite items, reviews and highlights from the amazing women you see above.

Visit their websites to learn about other amazing picks from this week!


To view all of my Friday Fresh Picks posts, click here.
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