Win Tickets to See Danone Nations Cup on September 24th

On Sunday, September 24th the Danone Nations Cup will be held at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. The Danone Nations Cup is the world's biggest football (soccer) tournament for children aged 10-12. The best players, both boys and girls, will come together in New Jersey to compete. And you have a chance to be there!

The event will feature official ambassadors from all over the world including Abby Wambach from the United States. Wambach is a former American soccer player. She played for the US women’s national soccer team from 2003 to 2015 and won two Olympic gold medals and also two FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The boys' tournament features elite soccer players from 32 countries, and the girls' tournament features elite soccer players from 6 countries. You don't want to miss out on this chance to take your children to see some of the world's best young players compete for the world title.

Legendary stadiums all over the world have played host to this extraordinary event, and this year, it is being held in the United States. And to top it off, it's being held right here in New Jersey.

Sunday's World Final will be an all day family event from 10:30am until 5:30pm. It will include the final 20 ranking matches of the tournament as well as activities for the fans throughout the day – games, contest and other activations outside the stadium and in the stands.

Icing on the cake is DNCE, led by front man and NJ local, Joe Jonas, will be giving a special performance at the end of the day, including their hit single “Cake By The Ocean”! You won’t want to miss this.

WIN TICKETS!!

Pieces of a Mom has 25 - two packs tickets to give away for anyone interested in attending. Please comment on this post with your name and email address if you'd like to be considered for this giveaway. Winners will be chosen on Thursday, September 24 and notified by the morning of Friday, September 22nd so you have time to plan to attend the event. Keep in mind that you each winner (there will be 25) will receive two (2) tickets and you will be responsible for your own parking expenses. All winners must be over the age of 18.

Winners will be notified via email so be sure the correct email is given.

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Gift Guide: For The Athlete/Outdoor Enthusiast

As a mom to two young athletes, I understand and appreciate the importance of buying a gift that is both appropriate as well as needed for the little athlete in your life. The cost of sporting goods can add up quickly for parents. Giving the gift of sports equipment or apparel can often help parents offset the cost.

Speaking of offsetting the cost, I'm giving away a $25 gift card to DICK'S. Scroll to the end of this post to enter.

DICK'S Sporting Goods makes it super simple to find the perfect gift for any young athlete in any sport. Whether you are on a budget this holiday season or are planning to splurge, DICK'S is offering great deals and promotions through Christmas Day to help you cross everyone off your list. DICK'S also has extended store hours and a variety of ways to shop including in-store, online, and via the DICK'S mobile app.

If you are planning to shop online (my favorite way to shop!), DICK'S offers free shipping on all online orders (no minimum purchase required) through this holiday season.

This holiday season DICK'S can help you buy a "Gift That Matters" for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts on your list. And while you are shopping for that special someone, you can also help support youth athletic programs where funding has been cut or eliminated.

DICK’S believes that sports make people better. As part of the DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter initiative, which helps to ensure that youth athletic programs across the country receive vital funds to keep their sports programs intact, DICK’S and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation are once again helping to support youth athletic teams this holiday season.

As a customer, there are two ways to help:

1. You will be able to donate to The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation when checking-out. All money raised will be donated to raise awareness and to support underfunded youth sports programs, assisting with everything from equipment purchases, facility maintenance cost and more.

2. This holiday season, DICK’S is launching its Green Shoelace movement. Customers can purchase a pair of custom, green Sports Matter shoelaces to show their support of youth sports. Two dollars from every purchase will be donated to The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation and benefit youth teams in need across the country.

A few ideas for the athlete or sports/outdoor enthusiast on your list available at DICK'S.

1. Sneakers  2. Skateboard  3. Bicycle  4. Golf Balls  5. Tumbler  6. Lacrosse Stick  7. The North Face Fleece  8. Yoga Mat  9. Sports Watch

DICK'S is generously offering one (1) Pieces of a Mom reader the chance to win a $25 gift card to experience DICK'S for yourself. Treat yourself to something you've always wanted or treat someone else.

Here's how to enter:

1. CLICK HERE to check out DICK'S vast selection of sporting goods and equipment.

2. Come back to this post and comment below on what item(s) you would buy as a gift that matters for yourself or for someone else. Commenting will close on December 22nd at 11:59 PT.

3. Winner will be selected at random on December 23rd at 9 am ET and notified via email or a reply to the blog post comment.

4. Winner must be 18 years of age and have a valid US mailing address to be eligible to win.

I splurged and bought a new jacket for myself, a lacrosse stick for my daughter, a pair of running shorts for the other daughter, and a new The North Face fleece to give as a gift (not pictured).

*Buy Online and Pick-up In-Store Purchases: DICK’S offers customers the option to purchase products online and pick-up their items at a nearby DICK’S location.

**Customers will be able to purchase gifts online until 12 p.m. on Christmas Eve (Saturday, December 24th) and pick them up in-store before 6:00 p.m.

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Easy Entertaining: Soup and Salad

 

 I remember the first time I hosted a playdate. Emma was two years old, and we invited a friend from music class and her mother to join us for lunch. I labored over what to serve. As the mother of a toddler, I didn't have tons of time to spend in the kitchen preparing an elaborate meal. But on the other hand, I wanted to make a good impression.

What did I finally decide on for our lunch? Soup and salad. Sounds really simple and unimpressive, but let me tell you, they loved it! I made a basic tortellini in broth and a simple mixed greens salad.

These days, I rely on the simple comfort of soup and salad for lunch time entertaining. It's always a crowd pleaser. For those times when I can't spend all day in the kitchen whipping up a batch from scratch, I head straight for a box of Good Natured Soups from Progresso™. Good Natured Soups are hearty, vegetable-based soups made from the fresh and real ingredients. There are no GMOs, artificial colors and flavors, or preservatives.

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Stonyfield and Prana Satisfy Summer Cravings {Giveaway}

Summer is teasing us with warm days filled with sunshine, gentle breezes, and children's laughter as they play in their backyards. It's no secret that summer is my favorite season of the year. Long carefree and sun-filled days bleed into firefly-lit nights spent lounging on my deck or patio. What could be better?

As soon as the season starts, my summer cravings hit. There are 3 things I cannot live without in the summer:

• time spent outdoors
• light and breezy clothing
• fresh and easy foods

Luckily, Stonyfield and prAna satisfy two of my cravings. It's up to me to make the most of my time outdoors, and trust me, I absolutely do.

prAna creates versatile, stylish, and sustainable clothing and accessories that can be worn during every activity, every adventure, every day.

I love to spend time on my deck in the early mornings and late evenings reading magazines and books and enjoying breakfast or a light snack. It is so peaceful and quiet during these times of the day, and I am able to enjoy a few moments of relaxation before a busy day starts or after it ends.

With the right conditions, I could spend hours out on my deck. Comfortable clothes are a must for being comfortable. The Quinn dress from prAna is so comfortable and versatile. Here, I am wearing it for a lazy afternoon of magazine reading. But I have also worn it with wedge sandals and a light sweater and dressier jewelry for dinner out.

My latest snack obsession is Stonyfield Greek yogurt with a few added toppings such as fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey. If I have a little more time and am in the mood to be a bit more creative, I make yogurt, fruit and granola parfaits for breakfast.

YOGURT, FRUIT & GRANOLA PARFAIT

Ingredients (Yields 2 small parfaits)
1-5.3 oz. container Stonyfield Greek yogurt, any flavor (I like vanilla or strawberry)
3/4 cup sliced, mixed fruit (I used strawberries above, but any combination of berries works wonderfully)
1/2 cup granola
Honey (optional)
Cinnamon (optional)

Preparation
1. Layer the 3 ingredients beginning with the yogurt on the bottom followed by the fruit and lastly, the granola. Continue layering until you've reached the top of the glass.

2. Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.

Dress | Bag (similar) | Sandals (similar)

prAna is offering Pieces of a Mom readers a 15% discount when you use the code SCS16SHHI. Discount code expires July 7, 2016 and is not valid for influencers, on gift certificates, or any other offers.

WIN IT!

prAna is offering one lucky Pieces of a Mom reader a chance to win the Quinn dress that I am wearing in "Safari Guava". Enter using the widget below.

Win a Quinn Dress from prAna

Disclosure: As a Stonyfield YoGetter, I was gifted the Quinn dress from prAna and received coupons for Stonyfield yogurt to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own.

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Win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to Liberty Science Center

Last weekend we were invited to explore the Liberty Science Center. We love the LSC and look forward to any opportunity to visit. This past weekend was especially fun since the LSC was playing host to a weekend-long Star Wars party. While we were there, we explored the new Sid the Science Kid exhibit as well as Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit.

Our visit started off with a private meet and greet with Star Wars characters. R2D2, Stormtroopers, Obi Wan Kenobi, it was pretty incredible for this Star Wars fan!

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Winter Comfort Cooking with MARY'S Secret Ingredients {Giveaway}

After a series of spring and fall-like temperatures, winter has finally arrived. I don't love much about winter, but the one thing I do love is tasty, hit-the-spot comfort foods. From soups to roasts to warm and bubbly desserts, there is nothing better than warming your insides with winter's best comfort foods.

For inspiration for my seasonal cooking, I turn to MARY'S Secret Ingredients, a seasonal subscription box designed specifically for foodies. Whether you love cooking or eating, MARY's is for you. The carefully curated boxes come out 4 times per year and are filled with new and exciting food ingredients and products that will spice up your everyday meals.

I recently received the winter box from MARY'S. The box included items from six different food brands that were unique as well as interesting.

Let me break down the box for you.

Laiki Rice Crackers

Most rice crackers can be hard and gritty. The crackers are light, flaky, and tasty. I was completely surprised by the texture. I loved them so much, I served them at our New Year's Eve get together. 

Just Cook

I tried this herbed coffee rub on a beef roast, and I couldn't believe the flavor it added to the roast. Oregano, cumin, and chipotle add a nice dimension and richness to meats.

Nutraw Snacks

The trend in food is definitely going towards fewer ingredients and ingredients that are all-natural as well as raw. Nutraw Snacks makes a pistachio bar that contains only five ingredients and has zero preservatives or additives. I snacked on this bar after a yoga class, and it was incredibly satisfying. I didn't even want my usual protein drink.

Michel et Augustin

I have a mean sweet tooth, but to be honest, most of the sweets out there aren't the healthiest. It would be nice to be able to satisfy my sweet tooth without the guilt. Thanks to Michel and Augustin I don't have to feel guilty for indulging my sweet tooth. These cookies are part-chocolate/part-shortbread with a dash of sea salt.

RawSpiceBar

During the winter months, I love to make roasted chicken on Friday nights. I love the way the chicken makes the house smell so good and feel so warm. This winter herb blend from RawSpiceBar is the perfect spice blend for roasted chicken. Melt butter and brush it over the chicken, sprinkle the spice blend over it and any veggies (I add potatoes and carrots to the roasting pan) and roast for about 50 minutes.

Loacker

The best chocolate I've ever had was when I visited Belgium. I was second guessing myself when I received the chocolate roses from Loacker. In addition to eating these chocolates alone, we also placed them atop of cupcakes or on a cake.

MARY'S secret ingredients boxes are available 4 times per year (see full schedule here) for $25.95 per box. Quantities are limited each season, so jump on ordering if you are interested in checking it out. Reserve your spring 2016 box now while it's still available. The box will ship out to customers on March 25th. Annual subscriptions are available for $103.80.

About MARY's secret ingredients:

This spring, MARY's secret ingredients is offering a great surprise collection of unique gourmet food products and kitchen tools you've never heard of that will inspire you to cook delicious meals. Need help with the recipes? Mary's special recipes using each product from the box are emailed to you after delivery.

About Mary:

As a passionate cook, Mary always looks for new inspiration and interesting flavor combinations. In each box you’ll find mouth-watering sweet and savory products to create wonderful tasting food. On her LOVE – the secret ingredient blog, Mary shares recipes to inspire, which include ingredients from the boxes. In addition, being a part of our community helps us in our partnership with Feed The Children. No one should go hungry.

WIN IT!

MARY'S secret ingredients is offering one lucky winner a spring 2016 box. The box will be shipped to the winner on March 25th. All entrants will receive a coupon code for MARY'S secret ingredients. All entries must be made January 14th. Winner will be notified on or around January 16th and will have 24 hours to claim the prize.

Simply click this link to enter to win: http://eepurl.com/bKWSgX

MAKE IT!

I was so surprised by the amazing taste of the rice crackers that I wanted to whip of a cheese spread that would taken these crackers one step further. I love cheese spreads but wanted one that would balance out the taste of the rice crackers. I finally decided on a cheddar bacon horseradish spread. 

Cheddar Bacon Horseradish Spread

Ingredients

8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated

¼ cup heavy cream2 tablespoons prepared horseradish1 teaspoon distilled white vinegarBacon (5 slices), crispy and crumbled
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

Preparation

Place all ingredients, except bacon, into a food processor or blender and mix until smooth. 

Remove the mixture to a bowl and stir in the bacon crumbles.

For smoother spreading, serve at room temperature.

Can be refrigerated for up to 5 days

Disclosure: I received a complimentary MARY'S secret ingredients box to facilitate this product review. No other compensation was received.

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Eat More Salad in 2016 and Win a Gazebo Room Personal Salad Bar

One of my goals for 2016 is to establish consistent and healthy eating habits. I tend to be all over the place with my eating. The weeks when I am motivated, I put a lot of thought and effort into what I am eating. But I definitely have off weeks where I get lazy and reach for the quickest and easiest thing, which is often something that closely resembles junk food.

Salads are the best options for healthy eating. They are quick and easy to assemble and the possibilities are endless. For an added layer of protein, add leftover meat to your salads. From rotisserie chicken to grilled steak, they are easily thrown into a salad for added flavor and texture.

The best thing about salads is how easily transportable they are. Throw the ingredients into a bowl, pop on a lid, and you are all set!

To help make it easy for you to take your salad anywhere (work, play, on the road, or at home), Gazebo Room Salad Dressings is offering ten (10) Pieces of a Mom readers the chance to win a Gazebo Room Personal Salad Bar.

The Gazebo Room Personal Salad Bar includes:
- Salad bowl
- Ingredient sorter (fits over the salad bowl)
- Dressing container with lid
- Lid to the salad bowl and accompanying fork

Enter using the widget below. Official rules can be found in the widget.
Gazebo Room Personal Salad Bar {10 Winners}

What salads will you make if you win the Gazebo Room Personal Salad Bar? Here are a few suggestions:

Warm Goat Cheese Salad | Mixed Greens and Beans Salad

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Christmas in Our New Dining Room & $500 Raymour & Flanigan Giveaway

I love decorating for the Christmas holiday season. This year I have been especially excited about decorating our new Raymour & Flanigan dining room. This will be our first Christmas entertaining in our new dining room, and I want it to be special.

Although I love decorating, I have a minimalistic approach to it. For me, less is more. I like strategically placed decorations that don't overwhelm the senses but rather delight them. Plus, having two children and two cats, I have to be practical about my decorating choices.

Let me start by saying that after months of putting it to good use, we are totally in love with our Gray Street dining room set. Not a day passes that I don't walk into this room and literally catch my breath. It is a gorgeous set. It fits perfectly in our space, and it couldn't be more ideal for our family and our dining needs.

Since most of our Christmas celebration will take place around our dining table, I wanted it to be festive and elegant. I chose not to use a tablecloth because the concrete overlay on the table is stunning. Why cover it up? I was careful not to overcrowd the table and make it too busy. I kept the centerpieces simple, so the beauty of the table is evident.

The Gray Street buffet server will prove to be a most functional piece this holiday season. We've already set it up for at-home happy hours and cocktails for when friends drop in.

But by far my favorite piece in the dining room is the Gray Street bench. It's not always easy adding elements of comfort to a dining room, but the Gray Street bench screams comfort. It adds an element of coziness to this room that a dining room may not normally have. To take that one step further for the holidays, I added some fun and fluffy pillows and a plaid throw to the bench. Pre-dinner, the Gray Street bench is a great place to sit while enjoying a festive cocktail.

{car pillow | merry christmas pillow | antlers pillow}

Obviously, we aren't the only ones who love the Gray Street bench!

The tiniest details can make a huge impact. I hung these snowflake ornaments from the windows, and you can't miss them each time you enter the room.

'Tis the season of giving! I and four other bloggers are partnering with R&F to share how we decorated some of our favorite pieces of R&F furniture. In return, Raymour & Flanigan is generously offering our readers the chance to win a $500 gift card to shop at Raymour & Flanigan. Each blogger is giving away a $500 gift card, so be sure to visit all the participating bloggers to increase your chances of winning.

Win a $500 Gift Card to Raymour & Flanigan

Stop by the participating #RFBloggers to enter to better your chances of winning the $500 gift card:

Christina: IG @christinasadventures – www.christinasadventures.com

Shannon: IG @shannoncozycountryliving- www.cozycountryliving.com

Amie: IG @memehillstudio – www.memehill.com

Alice: IG @thoughtsfromalice- www.thoughtsfromalice.com

Join us! Post a picture of your decorated space or a favorite spot in your home on your social media channels and tag it with #rfholidayhome!

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prAna Giveaway: Win a Rochelle Sweater (value $89.00) #JustBeYou

I've been practicing yoga on and off for several years, but it was over the past summer that I became serious about it. I started practicing consistently and focusing on my own personal growth and experimenting with different classes and different types of yoga.

Once the kids returned to school in the fall, I had a chance tIt o take a variety of classes in an effort to see what I like and which instructors I felt a connection with. It didn't take long to fall into a groove and before long, I was practicing yoga 5-6 times per week.

I practice yoga at my gym which offers plenty of classes each week rather than at a dedicated studio. I prefer sunrise yoga. It's a great way to jump start my day and set my mental tone for the rest of the day. When I start the day with yoga before anything else, I am more relaxed and more energized for my day.

I found out quickly, however, that the temperature in the exercise rooms can be somewhat chilly depending on the type of class that occurs prior to yoga. If it's an intensive fitness class, the room is often chilly. I light sweater or sweatshirt is a must when doing yoga in this type of room.

I looked into lightweight sweaters as an alternative to bulky sweatshirts for those times when the yoga room is colder than usual. I soon discovered prAna, makers of versatile, stylish, and sustainable clothing and accessories that you can wear during every activity, every adventure, every day.

It didn't take me long to zero in on the Rochelle Sweater. It's lightweight but offers enough coverage to keep me warm. The sweater is 70% acrylic and 30& wool, is soft, and slightly over-sized, allowing me to wear a tank top or camisole beneath.

I generally don't eat at least two hours before a yoga class because I don't like practicing yoga with a full stomach. But once class ends, I am famished. I love to refuel with a big glass of water and Stonyfield Oh My Yog! yogurt. It's a three layer yogurt consisting of a top layer of cream, a middle layer of honey-infused whole milk yogurt, and a bottom layer of ripe fruit or vanilla. When mixed all together, it's a delicious concoction that hits the spot after a great workout session.

My favorite flavor is orange cranberry. It's sweet with a touch of tang and sass...a bit like me, I'd say!

WIN!

prAna is giving away the same Rochelle Sweater (shown above) to one lucky Pieces of a Mom reader. Use the widget below to enter.

Win a Rochelle Sweater from prAna

Can't wait to win it?
prAna is offering Pieces of a Mom readers a 15% discount on all prAna merchandise from now through December 15, 2015. Use code: JBYF15POAM at checkout. 

Disclosure: I received prAna's Rochelle Sweater and coupons for Oh My Yog! as part of my participation in Stonyfield's Yo Getter program. All opinions are my own. Thank you to prAna and Stonyfield for sponsoring this giveaway.

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

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 here, here 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:

• amusement park
• beach
• bath house
• miniature golf
• aquarium
• fun house

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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Cetaphil Skin Care Gift Pack Giveaway

If you've been reading Pieces of a Mom for any amount of time, you've heard me talk about my bout with rosacea. I was diagnosed 12 years ago, a year after I had my first child. I started recognizing some symptoms during that first pregnancy, but blamed them on fluctuating hormones. Since my diagnosis, I've tried countless remedies from OTC products to prescription medications recommended by my dermatologist. I haven't had much luck with of any of the products I've tried.

But I have found a brand of products that are great for my sensitive skin and keep the redness at bay. Those products are Cetaphil products. Cetaphil makes gentle products that are designed for sensitive skin. Since I cleanse and moisturize each morning and evening, frequent use of harsh products often leaves my skin irritated and prone to drying. But Cetaphil products are gentle enough to use several times a day without the risk of irritation or aggravation to the rosacea.

For many of us sufferers, the impacts of rosacea go more than skin deep, with half of sufferers saying they feel unattractive, as well as embarrassed and less confident. I know I have felt this way on many occasions, but by using Cetaphil products consistently, I have alleviated many of my symptoms. 

My #nomakeup selfie

This summer I am partnering with Galderma Laboratories L.P. to invite rosacea sufferers - or those who think they might have the condition- to share a #nomakeup selfie of themselves and tell others how they stay confident even on "tough skin days." You simply upload your image and story via a social media outlet of your choice for the chance to win an all-expense paid trip for two to NYC for the New York Film Festival this fall. Be sure to tag it with the hashtag #nomakeup to be considered for voting.

Submissions must be in by June 24 and will be voted on during a sweepstakes from July 27 - Aug. 14. People who vote on the submissions, during the sweepstakes, will also have the chance to win additional prizes. All winners will be contacted in August.

WIN IT!
As part of this campaign, Galderma Laboratories L.P. is offering one lucky Pieces of a Mom reader the chance to win a Cetaphil gift pack. The gift pack includes the following products:

• Daily Facial Moisturizer, SPF 15 - 4  fl. oz.
• Eczema Moisturizing Body Wash - 10 fl. oz.
• Eczema Moisturizing Body Lotion - 10 fl. oz.
• Gentle Skin Cleanser - 16 fl. oz.
• Cetaphil Cleanser and a sample of Cleansing wipes - 10 cloths
• Mpow iSnap X selfie stick

Enter using the widget below.

Cetaphil Gift Pack

Disclosure: I’m participating in the Break Up with Your Makeup Campaign sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, L.P.

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Notebooks, Framed Prints, and More from Minted.com {Giveaway}

A few months ago when I was searching for some business stationery, a blogging friend told me about Minted.com. She had partnered with Minted to do a review of holiday cards and was thrilled with the outcome. I decided to check out Minted, and I was pleasantly surprised by the array of items.

I am a collector of notebooks and journals. By collector, I mean that I have lots of them in different styles and colors, and I actually use them. They are not expertly displayed on a shelf for all to see, but they are neatly stacked on a shelf in my office, and whatever mood I am in, determines which notebook I use that day or week.

Minted has a fabulous selection of journals, and they offer personalization on each one. From your name to initials, you can choose from different ways to personalize your notebook to make it uniquely your own. I had a difficult time narrowing down my choice. There were just so many that I loved.

I ended up deciding on these two journals. One is a very classic, conservative choice, and the other is fun and whimsical.

The striped notebook is perfect for work. It's professional and fits nicely in my purse for meetings.

The Paris-themed notebook is better suited for my personal notes, grocery lists, and to-do lists.

I thought Minted was primarily stationery, cards, other papery. In addition to all that good stuff, Minted also has an amazing selection of art, especially map art. You have the option of purchasing framed or without the frame. Again, there were so many fantastic prints to choose from. There were color photographs, black and white photos, paintings, and more. And each artist is highlighted so that you get a little back story on who took the photos or painted the pictures. I loved being introduced to artists who I can check out a bit later.

I have an affection for California. When I was a software consultant, I spent a lot of time in southern California at client sites, and I fell in love with the area. The climate, the people, the vibe. I really wanted a print that reflected my love for the state. I chose this gold foil-stamped map of California. I love the way the gold shines. This is the white, framed 8x10, but there are other sizes and frame options available.

I hung the print in my office above my bookshelf. It's a bit small for the space, but it works for now until I find a small area on the wall for it. There are other states available and some cities too. I love the way the gold foil looks against the white background and white frame. Lately, I am loving the combination of black and gold, and since most of my office is decorated in this color scheme, this print works great in this space.

Visit Minted.com to browse the vast selection of available items and to start shopping!

WIN IT!

Minted is generously offering one Pieces of a Mom reader the chance to win a $50 credit to be applied to any Minted.com purchase (does not apply to previous purchases).

Enter using the widget below.

$50 Credit To Shop At Minted.com

Disclosure: I received a code to purchase the items mentioned in this post. All opinions are my own.

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Tom and Teddy Swimwear Featured in the Movie "Adult Beginners" {iTunes Giftcard Giveaway}

When I first saw the trailer for Adult Beginners, I thought it looked like a hilarious movie. I loved Rose Byrne in both Bridesmaids and Annie, and I just knew I had to see her in Adult Beginners too. Plus, Bobby Carnavale was smashing in Boardwalk Empire, so he had to be equally as good in this movie.

What I didn't expect was to fall head over heels with the other main characters: the little boy Teddy and his "manny" and uncle Jake. After Jake falls on tough times in Manhattan, he moves in with his sister, played by Rose Byrne, and her family. With no job and no prospects on the horizon, Jake agrees to play the part of Teddy's manny. What we don't expect is the evolution of Jake's love for his newfound role as Teddy's caregiver.

Part of Jake's responsibilities include taking Teddy to his weekly swimming lessons. Jake makes no bones about the fact that he is less than thrilled to take on this task. But he puts on his big boy swimming trunks and takes Teddy for his first lesson. Although the swimming lessons aren't a smashing success, Jake and Teddy do manage to look absolutely adorable in their matching swimming trunks.

After seeing the movie, I was on a quest to discover who made the oh-so-cute matching swimming trunks. Several Google searches later, and I had found my answer. Tom & Teddy is the swimwear brand featured in the movie. Tom & Teddy is an Australian brand which makes matching adult men's and boy's swimsuits. With Father's Day coming up, they make the perfect gifts for special fathers, grandfathers and uncles.

The red and blue octopus trunks were featured in Adult Beginners. In addition to printed shorts, there are also solid colored trunks to choose from. But I have to say, I love the octopus trunks. The colors and the print are too cute.

SEE THE MOVIE!

If you want to get a look at these trunks in play, you must see the movie. One lucky Pieces of a Mom winner will win a $25 iTunes gift card to download the movie via iTunes. It costs $9.99 to purchase or $6.99 to rent it. The balance of the gift card can be used any way you wish!

Adult Beginners is also currently playing in theaters nationwide.

Use the widget below to enter to win the iTunes gift card.

Win a $25 iTunes Gift Card

Disclosure: I received a complimentary iTunes gift card to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions are my own.

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Style Alert: JORD Wood Watches {Giveaway}

For as long as I can remember, I've been regularly wearing a watch. Even today when most people are relying on their phones to give them the time, I still prefer a watch. I'm not going to lie, part of what I love about watches is that they make great fashion accessories. When paired with a few

stacked bracelets, a watch can make a great statement.

When I first heard of JORD wood watches, I was intrigued. A wooden watch? The only thing I could think of was the myth of George Washington's wooden teeth. But trust me, the JORD wood watches are much more aesthetically pleasing than wooden teeth.

All JORD watches are made from natural material and sustainably sourced wood from across the globe. Depending on the design and type of watch, some may include more than one type of wood. JORD uses bamboo, maple, sandalwood, blackwood, cherry, zebrawood, and koa in its watches.

I received the Fieldcrest Black JORD watch. This watch is a mid-size watch. I like my watches a bit on the larger size, so I went for this model. I wanted a neutral face so that it would complement any color that I am wearing. The black face turned out to be the perfect choice. I received so many compliments on this watch. Seriously, people I don't know stopped me on the street to inquire about my watch.

I love the uniqueness of JORD watches. And while they stand out in a crowd, they won't break the bank. The Fieldcrest Black watch featured on me costs only $120.

Each JORD watch is designed to be splash-proof but not necessarily waterproof. It is recommended that you not submerge the watch directly in water.

JORD watches can be easily cleaned with a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice applied to a soft cotton cloth.

ALL JORD watches  are delivered to customers in a standard size. Links can easily be removed by using a push pin or a small screwdriver. Or it can be taken to a jeweler to re-size.

For answers to commonly asked questions regarding JORD watches, please see the FAQ.

WIN IT!

JORD is generously offering one lucky Pieces of a Mom reader the chance to wear a beautiful JORD watch on your wrist. One winner will receive a $120 gift certificate to JORD to choose a watch of his/her choice.

Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. This giveaway is open to readers worldwide. To see the full collection of JORD watches, click here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a complimentary JORD watch to facililate this review and giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.

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