Disney Pixar's New Inside Out Featurette ⋆ My Sparkling Life

If you love all things Disney, you will want to join the fun & festivities when Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic comes to South Texas!!! This Disney On Ice is a special experience because 65 of Disney’s most beloved characters from 18 unforgettable Disney stories come to life in this commemorative celebration! Everyone’s favorite sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, will take audiences on a fun-filled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy & Donald Duck; the Disney Princesses, Chip & Dale, Pinocchio, and many more. You will be captivated by the magical moments from Disney’s Aladdin, Mulan, The Lion King, Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story! You will be mesmerized by the choreographed skating, breathtaking production numbers, stunning costumes and the clap-happy songs will inspire fond Disney memories. Your family can share this once-in-a-lifetime skating spectacular as Mickey and the rest of the gang take the audience on a whirlwind tour of favorite Disney moments. You are invited to experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic comes to the Coastal Bend!
Do you want to attend? here’s the info…
Saturday, May 10 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm American Bank Center – Corpus Christi 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Tickets available at the American Bank Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select H-E-B’s,* or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Additional fees may apply. for more information, visit Disney On Ice.com Feld Entertainment is offering TWO Mom of 4 Boys Readers the chance to win a 4 pack of tickets to see a showing. You must do the mandatory entry on the form below to enter. All other options on the form are extra entries. Giveaway will end on 5/6/14 at 5:00 pm and winner will be notified by email. Winner MUST respond within 24hrs or prize will be forfeited! GOOD LUCK! Disclosure: Feld Entertainment has provided 8 passes to the May showing of Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic to giveaway. Mom of 4 Boys is not responsible for the prize delivery. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

As parents we want to protect our little ones in every way possible… especially when there little! Sun protection these days are supper important….If you’re looking for serious sun protection for your little one this summer, you will love the Snapper Rock Bucket Hats & Sun-suits! They boast UV50+ protection and come in variable sizes. I love the hats because they protect kids from the sun, but they are also quick drying, light-weight, breathable, and have an adjustable toggle to create a snug fit. I’m sure anyone with little ones will agree it can be a struggle to keep hats on them in the summer sun or at the beach, so the toggle is a huge help! The Sun-Suits are great! They fit comfortably, and are quick drying, lightweight and breatheable. Blocking 98% of all harmful rays, these sun suits will protect your baby’s delicate skin. Easy open front zip with zip protection flap, and flat lock stitching for extra comfort. Little man was so excited to wear his new “swim suit”! Snapper Rock is New Zealand owned and based out of Annapolis, Maryland. They’ve tested their product lines under the harsh NZ sun. Their entire swimwear line has been designed, tested, and certified by the governments in both New Zealand and Australia. Since Snapper Rock was developed in a world famous surfing, swimming, and fishing spot, they know their stuff and have an entire swimwear line you can choose from as well. For clothing to be able to protect from the sun, it has to have an Ultra Violet Protection Factor (UPF) and the scale of protection ranges from 15 to 50+. The higher the UPF, the higher the protection from UV rays. (UPF describes protection related to clothing, SPF describes protection related to sunscreen). All Snapper Rock swimwear has a UPF rating of 50+, blocking 98% of all harmful rays.  I can’t get over how cute little man looks in the bucket hat & sun-suit, and his cousin has a matching set, only in girl colors ! They have an incredible variety of rash tops, board shorts, swim sets, and infant sun-suits to choose from and they’re designed for active kids, so functionality, flexibility, and extreme comfort were taken into account when creating this swimwear.
You can purchase on their site!
One Lucky winner will receive a Sun-Suit & Bucket Hat. This giveaway is open to residents in US; 18+. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm before a forfeit is assumed. Giveaway will runs July 24, 2012 @ 12:01AM – August 7, 2012 @ 11:59PM (EST).
Disclosure: I received a product(s) for review purposes only, however I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Snapper Rocck has not influenced the editorial nature of this post, and No other compensation was received. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Most people think of October as “Pinktober”, but did you know it’s also National Bullying Prevention Month? Bullying is a huge issue in the United States today. October is dedicated to uniting communities and bringing awareness to this problem & now is the perfect time to talk to your children about bullying. Gone are the days when bullying solely consisted of having your lunch money swiped, having a “kick me” sign taped to your back, and being tripped in the hallway. Bullying now goes beyond just school and now extends into the cyber world and even kids so brave as to attack others at their own home..their safe place.
Kathryn Hast has a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in writing and a Master’s degree in Education. She is from York, Pennsylvania, and currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two children. She has one dog named after a Beatles song, and one that barks at the television. Batty Betty is her second published children’s book, following her previous title Otis Grows.
Follow Kathryn Hast on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Let’s face it – feeling “different” can be scary. It’s true as a kid, and it can even be true as an adult. In a world that seems to encourage us all to look, talk, think, and act the same and is in a constant state of comparison, how can we teach children from a young age that their differences are actually their strengths, not their weaknesses?
It all begins with what we show them and tell them, and a wonderful starting point for this important conversation is the engaging, beautifully illustrated new book Batty Betty by children’s author Kathryn Hast (LuJu Books). What sets this book apart from others in the stack is its storyline – which is purposeful, delightfully whimsical while also tackling tough subjects – as well as its lyrical style. Hast wanted to be sure it was just as fun for both parents and
children to read while illuminating ways to approach and tackle real and often difficult scenarios.
Enter: Abel, the tuba; Eve, the sad banana; and Betty, a giant who dances unapologetically to her own drum. When Abel goes out marching by himself, he finds a sad banana named Eve who has been bullied by local beavers. As it turns out, she’s not alone. The beavers are also out for Betty, who stands out with her towering height and “batty” behavior. Abel sets out to defeat these beavers, but soon discovers it’s not about winning – it’s about finding your own music amidst the ruckus and noise.
“I’m really committed to the notion that kids can read, think, and discuss ideas that might initially seem difficult,” Hast says. “My hope is that Batty Betty offers both entertainment and depth and can serve as a springboard for conversations between parents and children.”
Playful yet touching, Batty Betty explores:
Why it’s not only okay – it’s GREAT – to be different
The best way to stand up to bullies (tune out their noise, find your music!)
Opportunities for parents and kids to begin discussions about tough topics
A unique and surprising style of writing everyone will enjoy reading
And much more!
Bullying stems from the all-too-human need to feel included, approved of, loved. And inasmuch as the last three decades have cultivated awareness, resources, and training, it’s difficult to stomp out why it is that people bully others. We will never eradicate the fact that various children need an extra dose of support, that bullying makes them feel confident. However, we can try to minimize the cues they receive from us, the adults around them.
Bullying is a learned behavior. There are adult bullies of every size and stature, even now in 2017. Perhaps especially now, the rest of us must stretch ourselves, to appear bigger, wiser, and kinder. What follows is a brief list of Dos and Don’ts, coupled with some anecdotal lessons I’ve learned, as I try—like so many others—to shape my own children’s growth.
It’s easy to swoon over how well your own kid writes her name or completes a pirouette. But how often do we reflect on the talents of the other kids in their classroom or neighborhood?
“Boy, Darrian collected a lot of acorns today. He’s a pretty good finder, isn’t he?”
Similar to the previous point, this suggestion leans more toward acknowledging other people’s suffering. And remember: suffering for kids can be bee sting, a tantrum, a fight. Putting your son or daughter in the shoes of someone who had a bad day will help him or her do the same later, reflexively.
“Why do you think Francisco hit Grayson today? It’s hard to handle angry feelings, isn’t it?”
I’m a near-forty, white, frizzy-haired, state employee who dances exactly like what you would expect. And although my moves invariably cause my husband to chuckle (knee-slap, whatever), I still get down something fierce to James Brown or De La Soul.
“Why did you say I’m sorry to that driver, Mommy?”
“Because it was my fault for pulling out in front of him. I wasn’t paying attention. I need to work on that.”
Perhaps most importantly, we need to acknowledge the sin for what it is when we see it. But consider the four points prior to this. We should never avoid discussing an example of bullying. We should name it, but we should also frame it. Because more love, albeit amorphous, is the only true solution to bullies in the first place. Contextualize the situation, as best as you can guess, and help your son or daughter recognize it for what it is: namely, unwelcome.

My little guys LOVE to watch their shows on various channels, as well as apps on the iPad…I love that the shows these days, well for the tots are all educational and teach important life lessons.
NCircle Entertainment offered me 4 Preschool DVD to review, and I knew my little guys would have no problem with that!
Octonauts: Pirate Adventures DVD
Dive into adventure with your favorite underwater explorers, the Octonauts! Join brave Captain Barnacles, daredevil expirate Kwazii, medic Peso Penguin, and the other Octonauts as they explore the world’s oceans, rescue the creatures who live there, and protect their habitats – above and below the waves!
On this pirate-y DVD, Kwazii swashbuckles with swordfish, goes on a treasure hunt with a pirate parrotfish, and in a special double-length adventure, journeys down the Amazon to find his long-lost grandfather! Plus much more with Captain Barnacles and the whole Octo-crew!
Includes 7 Action Packed Adventures!
Pocoyo: Fiesta DVD (with bonus karaoke videos!)
Sing and dance with Pocoyo and friends in Fiesta!
Enjoy this never before seen feature showcasing thirteen songs from all your favorites – Pocoyo, Pato, Elly and even the Martian Brothers! These songs will have your little one dancing along the whole time! Whether its dancing to Pato’s song, grooving to the big race or celebrating Elly’s birthday, musical fun is bound to happen! It’s time for a Fiesta with Pocoyo!
Includes 13 Songs & 7 have Karaoke video options
Wibbly Pig: Playtime! DVD
Wibbly Pig is an animated preschool comedy series that takes the daily routine of a young child and finds humor and fun in every part of it. Wibbly simply does what children do. From day-to-day activities like getting into bed, wrapping a present or climbing a tree, to fantasy play like meeting a giant or going to the moon, Wibbly turns the simplest tasks into a comedy routine! Wibbly loves to share adventures with his very best friend – you!
Includes 6 Stories & Bonus Sing-Along Songs
The Wiggles: Wiggle House DVD
Who’s in the Wiggles’ House?
All your favorite friends, Emma, Lachy, Simon and Anthony, and twenty-five new songs! Join the fun of ‘The Laughing Doctor,’ taste the delights of ‘Pappadum,’ ‘Do the Hawk’ with Lee Hawkins, ‘Have a Good Day (Kia Pai to Ra)’ with New Zealand’s Robert Rakete, and so much more. So open the door to a house full of fun as we raise the roof with Wiggle House!
Includes 25 Favorite Songs & Special Features
Now is your chance to win your very own set of these 4 movies!
This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST Feb 27, 2015. Entering this giveaway means that you accept both my rules & disclosure. I will notify winner via e-mail and they will have 48 hours to reply before I am forced to redraw winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. This contest is not affiliated with Facebook, twitter, or Pinterest in any way.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”