Pieces of a Mom: Music

Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Fulfilling Activities to Keep Your Kids Occupied During School Holidays

Thursday, May 7, 2015
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When the school holidays and summer vacation hit, it can be a burden on a lot of parents. The kids get unleashed, and they’re full of energy. It seems like it’s all you can do to keep them entertained. And don’t forget, kids' tastes change like the seasons. Perhaps they were interested in something that they’ve now outgrown. You need to think about what your kids interests are and try to select activities for them accordingly.

Here are a few of the best activities that will keep your kids occupied and fulfilled over the holidays and summer break:

Family Day Out
One of the best ways to enjoy time with your kids is a family day out. As your children get older, it’s going to be more difficult to spend time with them. So it’s important to make the most of it now. Plan family days out that will excite and stimulate the children. A trip to the zoo might be a great bet. Or you might want to consider taking your child swimming. If you live near a major metropolitan area, you could plan a museum trip free of charge. Just make sure whatever the activity is it’s fun and stimulating for the kids.

Video Games
These days children seem to be obsessed with video games. In fact, games consoles appear to be a mainstay of every household. Your kids might already own video game consoles themselves. But, if not, there’s always the option of online. My youngest daughter love Minecraft, and it is surprisingly educational. There are so many choices these days that allow you to play games online. And whether your kids are into parking games or role-playing games, they’ll be able to find something. Maybe you could pick some free online games and play them as a family. If you involve everybody, your kids might get more into it. This is especially true if the parents aren't very skilled at video gaming!

Board Games
It might be that you’re sick of your kids sat in front of a screen all day. These days it seems like our lives are ruled by technology. So, when you finally get a chance to drag them away from it, that’s a great moment. An alternative slice of competitive pleasure they can gather is from board games. This is a fantastic way for them to develop teamwork skills. It also allows them to understand the importance of winning and losing. If your kids aren’t yet excited about board games, try to make it a family event.

Music
Something else that you can get your kids interested in is music. Now, this could be listening to music, or even learning to play music. We love outdoor concerts in the summer, and you can find plenty of free ones in many communities. Music’s a great way for children to channel aggression and foster creativity. If your kids seem bored and unfulfilled by their daily life, you introduce them to music. It’s a fantastic way for them to figure out how to express themselves. And you never know, you might even discover they have a natural talent for music, which could lead to a career later in life.

Don’t forget that your kids need constant stimulation. They’ll get attracted to things that interest them and keep them invested. By using some of these ideas, you make sure your kids are occupied and interested. It’s important to help them develop interests at a young age. This helps with their development into adulthood.
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Five Fab Finds {Chocolate Edition}

Friday, April 4, 2014
This week, I'm all about chocolate. I've been craving its mouth watering goodness in any form. Here are the ways I've been satisfying my cravings.

{Wine, grapes, and chocolate (my new favorite kind) for dessert}

{Chocolate croissants from La Boulange at Starbucks}


{The ultimate comfort food for me is chocolate chip cookies. These cookies by Tate's Bake Shop are the best when I don't feel like making my favorite recipe.}


{An all-time favorite nail polish color, chocolate cakes from Essie}


Thinking outside the box with this one.
{My latest music obsession is The 1975's song titled "Chocolate"}

What are you crushing on this week? Leave a comment and let me know if you've found something that you think I'd love.
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Rocking at Bon Jovi's #BecauseWeCan Tour

Sunday, August 4, 2013
What's summer without a concert? Summer is the prime touring season for many bands. The weather is ideal and summer puts everyone in the mood for music.

Last Saturday, I crossed another item off my summer bucket list when I saw Bon Jovi in concert. I had the unique and incredible opportunity to give away a pair of tickets here on the good ol' blog, and as part of the giveaway, I was offered two tickets as well.

I had never seen Bon Jovi in concert, and well, I was never a huge fan. I certainly wouldn't turn off a song if it were playing, but I have to confess that I don't own any Bon Jovi CDs, and I have zero Bon Jovi songs downloaded.

But a chance to see them in concert? Well, who am I to turn that down? Free tickets?

My sister April was my giveaway winner. If it weren't for the fact that Rafflecopter chose her at random, I'd think the giveaway was rigged. I wasn't even aware that she entered. I wasn't aware that she like Bon Jovi.

So, we coordinated. The plans were in place, and the day of the concert had arrived. I had that pre-concert frenzy. I anticipated how they would perform. They were playing in their home state of New Jersey. This concert was going to be top-notch. I just knew it.

Here are my sister and I prior to heading into the stadium.

From the moment Jon Bon Jovi came onto the stage, the excitement was infectious. Whether you were a longtime fan or a new one, you couldn't help but to feel the energy.

He puts on a tremendous show and really plays to the audience. He loves his fans and isn't on an ego trip when he's on the stage. He recognizes his humble beginnings in New Jersey and is grateful for loyal fans and followers.

Not to be overshadowed by the music is his set. This car was the back drop for the stage. It was huge. If you look into the foreground, you'll see the people who were standing on the floor in front of the stage.

During specific songs, scenes of New Jersey would play in the windshield. It was excellent.

Jon Bon Jovi really gives the crowd what it wants. He played for close to 3 hours. He played old favorites and new songs too. There was a woman sitting in the row in front of us who knew EVERY word to EVERY song he played. She wasn't the only one, I'm sure.

Those are the kinds of fans he has. Die hard. Loyal. True.

It may have been my first Bon Jovi concert, but it certainly won't be my last.

Disclosure: I received a pair of concert tickets as compensation for hosting a Bon Jovi concert ticket giveaway. I was not required or compensated to write this post. All opinions are my own.
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CLOSED {Giveaway} Two (2) Tickets to See Bon Jovi at MetLife Stadium on July 27, 2013

Saturday, June 22, 2013
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED.

When was the last time you had a girls night out? How about a night out with your bestie? Just the two of you bonding over a drink, some dinner, and maybe a little music afterwards?

That long, huh?

I know the feeling. Schedules are busy. Kids get in the way. It's tough to set aside time for even the best gal pal.

NO MORE EXCUSES!!

I have the perfect reason for you and your BFF to get together for a fun night on the town. How does a girls' night out to a Bon Jovi concert sound?

An evening of this? Uh, yes, please.

No, I am not kidding. This is for realz.

And if you're still not convinced. Let me break it down for you. Here are the top 5 reasons why a Bon Jovi concert makes a great girls night out.

5. The line for the ladies room might be long, but the men's room will be empty!

4. No one will judge you for screaming "I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU...!" at the top of your lungs.

3. You know, and don't deny it, that you and your bestie have been waiting for the perfect moment to resurrect your big hair.

2. Because we can, ladies.

1. Three words: Jon. Bon. Jovi. Nuff said.


Bon Jovi is kicking off its summer Because We Can tour, and here is your chance to be a part of it.


Pieces of a Mom is giving away two (2) tickets to Bon Jovi's "Because We Can" tour stop on July 27, 2013 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

GIVEAWAY REQUIREMENTS AND DETAILS:

1. One lucky winner, 18 and over, will receive 2 tickets to see Bon Jovi's Because We Can concert on Saturday, July 27 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

2. Seat assignments are made the day of the concert. Please do not contact Pieces of a Mom to ask for seat assignments. Giveaway sponsor assures me that the ticket winners "are never disappointed".

3. Winner must reside within the following states: New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

4. Winner's tickets will be available for pick-up with a photo ID at MetLife's Will-Call box office an hour prior to the concert's start time.

5. Concert will begin at 7:30 pm with the J. Geils Band as the opening act.

6. All entries for this giveaway will be made via Rafflecopter. One mandatory entry is to follow Pieces of a Mom on Facebook.

7. Winner will be selected using Rafflecopter on July 4th. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond to claim the prize.

8. Attend the show with your best gal-pal and enjoy a fabulous night out.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: In addition to receiving a pair of concert tickets to giveaway, I also received a complimentary pair for myself. I did not receive monetary compensation to run this giveaway. All opinions are my own. 
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My Favorite Musician: My Daughter, the Clarinet Player

Saturday, June 8, 2013
I never learned to play a musical instrument.

Wait. That's not entirely true. I taught myself how to play an electric organ when I was younger. I was able to play "Silver Bells".

I never had an interest, and my parents never encouraged me to learn to read music or play an instrument. One of the few regrets I have. But it's never too late...

The Hubs and I were thrilled when Emma wanted to join the 5th grade band and play the clarinet. Last July, she spent 3 weeks practicing for an hour each morning with the rest of the band members. After the 3 weeks, they put on a performance to illustrate what they learned in those 3 weeks.

In the winter there was another concert, and a few weeks ago, the band performed one last time in the spring performance. What a commendable performance it was. They rocked it. The crowd favorite was definitely The Beatles' "Hey, Jude".

I thought I'd share a few pictures of my favorite musician performing in the spring concert.





Playing a musical instrument requires discipline and utter concentration. In addition to 3 early morning practices each week that began at 7:20 am, Emma practiced at home and had a private lesson once per week.

We couldn't be prouder of our favorite musician. It wasn't always an easy road, but it was worth it.

Does your child play an instrument? Did you play an instrument? Do you still? Please comment below and share. Thanks! :)
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25 Days of Christmas: Day 8 ~ Holiday Music

Thursday, December 8, 2011
If you need some help getting into the holiday spirit, listen to some holiday music. Seriously. Nothing puts me more in the holiday mood than music. I pop it on in the background when I am baking, decorating the tree, or writing out my Christmas cards.

Every year I seem to have a favorite and this year it's Michael Buble's "Christmas" CD. You have got to have a listen on iTunes. It's wonderful. He's wonderful. I just love his rich, soulful voice.

Take a listen to a medley of songs from his "Christmas" CD.



Nice, right?

Some of my other holiday favorites include:

Beach Boys Christmas Album - This was, and still is, one of my oldest sister's favorites. It always reminds me of her.




A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording by Vince Guaraldi Trio - How can you not love this?
 
A Winter's Night: The Best of Nettwerk Christmas Albums a compilation of various artists including The Weepies, Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Avril Lavigne, and Sixpence None The Richer.







Banana Republic: The Most Wonderful Songs of the Year  Sung By The Best/Holiday 2002 includes holiday favorites by Dean Martin, Lena Horne, Kay Starr, and Nat King Cole. I bought this CD in the store back in 2002, but you can find it on amazon.com.








Do you have a favorite holiday CD?
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Win It!: A pair of tickets to see Shawn Colvin in Philadelphia

Tuesday, September 27, 2011
After all these years, I'm still a big fan of the music of the 90's. And it was during the 90's that I discovered the incredibly talented singer/songwriter Shawn Colvin. I've seen her perform live only once. It was at The Mann Center in Philadelphia during the mid-90's. She's a phenomenal storyteller through her music, and her voice will have you mesmerized. She's still making wonderful music today and entertaining audiences all over the world.

In a few weeks, I'll be lucky enough to see Grammy Award winner Shawn Colvin perform live yet again!!! And what's even better? I've got 2 tickets to give away to a lucky reader compliments of Stonyfield Farm. But that's not all there is. Yes! There's more to this giveaway!
Photo credit: www.shawncolvin.com

DETAILS:
SHAWN COLVIN will be performing on Friday, October 21, 2011 at World Cafe Live as part of the Rock the Ribbon event presented by Stonyfield Farm and BreastCancer.org.

Included with the tickets:

6:30 p.m. Complimentary Valet Parking at Walnut Street entrance. World Cafe Live is located at 3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104

6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Sponsors’ Reception including cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, food stations, interactive games and entertainment throughout World Café Live

8:00 p.m. Stonyfield guests will enter the Main Stage area for Breastcancer.org Presentation

8:25 p.m. Featured Artist, Shawn Colvin will perform

9:45 p.m. Stonyfield guests will attend a private Meet & Greet with Shawn Colvin

10:00 p.m. – 12:00 midnight Dancing to the sounds of The Philadelphia Funk Authority
 
To view the official site for the evening's festivities, click HERE.
 
TO ENTER:
 
1. Required: Please comment and share which Shawn Colvin song is your favorite. Be sure to include your email address so that I may easily contact you if you are the winner. BTW, mine is "Orion In the Sky".

2. {Optional} Follow Pieces of a Mom on Google Friend Connect. Leave a comment stating that you do so.

3. {Optional} Follow Pieces of a Mom on Twitter. Leave a comment stating that you do so.

4. {Optional} Like Pieces of a Mom on Facebook. Leave a comment stating that you do so.

5. {Optional} Tweet this message: “Hope I win tickets to see Shawn Colvin perform live in #Philly from @PiecesofaMom. http://bit.ly/qbqxQw #contest #giveaway #concert”. Leave a comment stating that you tweeted. Include your Twitter handle.

Disclosure: In addition to receiving complimentary tickets to attend the concert, I was provided with 2 tickets to give away to a reader by Stonyfield Farm. All opinions expressed herein are strictly my own and were not influenced by my relationship with Stonyfield Farm.
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CD Review: Mat Kearney's "Young Love"

Monday, September 19, 2011
If you are a fan of Mat Kearney, you are going to want to pick up or download his latest release, "Young Love".  "Young Love" is Kearney's third full length release since he made his debut on the music scene in early 2006.


I first heard the debut single "Hey Mama" and immediately loved it. It is upbeat and has one of those hummable tunes that sticks with you all day (but not in an annoying way).

What pleasantly surprised me about this CD was the vast diversity of the tracks. There are songs that are classicly Mat Kearney such as "Hey Mama" and "Learning to Love Again". On "She's Got the Honey", Kearney mixes reggae with rock in a tune that's eerily similar to the music of Michael Franti. On "Young Dumb and in Love", Kearney mixes genres by fusing rock with contemporary country. It works, and this song will have you on your feet within seconds. The percussion-heavy "Count on Me" is sure to be a hit with the kiddos. With children aiding Kearney on vocals, this song makes me want to grab a few jump ropes and get Double Dutch-ing!

The CD wraps up with "Rochester", a song heavy in lyrical content and meaning. While I understand Kearney's desire to inject a personal anecdote into his music, "Rochester" weighs down an otherwise upbeat and fun CD.

Disclosure: I am writing this review as part of a campaign sponsored by One2One Network. I received a complimentarty copy of Mat Kearney's CD "Young Love" to facilitate this review. I received no additional compensation. All opinions expressed herein are solely mine.
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Emma's Piano Recital

Thursday, August 18, 2011
For the past 6 weeks, 2 days per week, Emma has been taking a piano class. I was surprised when she asked to take the class. Who knew she had any interest in piano? We were more than supportive. My parents never encouraged me to have any interest in music. I wish they had. I am in awe of musicians. Their talent never ceases to amaze me.

Today, Emma had her end of session piano recital. We were so excited to watch her. And so proud of her performance.

Waiting patiently to perform...

The big performance, a solo and a duo with her instructor, Ashley...


Do your children play any musical instruments?

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