Easter Basket Cupcakes | 12 Days Of Easter #12DaysOf

My little toddler just loves to play pretend. He loves getting his action figures and peoples and build houses for them. So he was super excited when VTech sent him the Go-Go Smart Friends Busy Sounds Discovery Home to play with. I tell you what, he plays with it EVERY day since we got it almost two weeks ago!
VTech’s Go! Go! Smart line lets little ones discover cause-and-effect learning as they engage in imaginative role play and develop fine motor skills with help from fun, friendly vehicles, animals and figures.
The Go! Go! Smart ranges each feature colorful, interactive playsets includes a variety of track pieces that easily snap together and connect to other playsets in the lines.
For even more excitement the Go! Go! Smart Friends figures can be placed on MagicPoint™ locations found throughout the playsets. They will respond with phrases, music and lights while teaching cause and effect, first words, letters and more. The sets and characters are completely interactive and ready to fuel your child’s creativity!
His favorite feature of the Go! Go! Smart Friends Busy Sounds Discovery Home…the elevator..you place the Go! Go! Smart Friend Norah on the elevator, and it goes up, you take her off, then place her back on and it goes down…pretty simple..but he loves that he can make it do something cool like that! He giggles every time Norah goes potty, because the toilet flushes…But don’t try to put your figure to bed…you will get knocked out of bed and across the room..lol..He also really likes the slide, and always has someone going “weee”. He tends to bring in his little batman figures to play with her as well. Norah likes having her super friends to play with
The house itself wasn’t too hard to put together…but I will say, find the page with sticker placement and put those on before you piece it together…it will save you time.
As he grows we can get more into the lessons that Norah gives on each MagicPoint™. This teaches while still giving him the ability to use his imagination.
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WIN IT!!
One lucky My Sparkling Life Reader is going to win a Go! Go! Smart Friends Busy Sounds Discovery Home! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST Oct 7, 2015.
The Fine Print: 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. Each household is only eligible to win this prize via blog reviews and giveaways once. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Many will enter, few will win! Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery of prizing. My Sparkling Life is not responsible for any lost or misdirected packages. Prizing provided and shipped by VTech. In the rare occasion that a prize does not arrive (which has happened), please notify me and I will try to contact the sponsor.
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.”

In his book,”The Brain That Changes Itself,” the well-known neuroscientist Norman Doidge highlights all sorts of amazing examples of people recovering from severe brain trauma, and “fixing” different conditions that they have been afflicted by, contrary to the medical orthodoxy of the past.
The point is, there’s a lot of evidence, developing virtually every day, that people are a good deal more resilient than many may believe.
What’s more, there are new therapies and strategies emerging almost every day that are proving successful for treating various conditions and helping to resolve various lifestyle issues. Autism therapy is available, and so too are many other positive lifestyle interventions.
Even if you’re feeling pretty down about things today, there’s no reason to assume that you’re just “doomed.”
Better to stay optimistic.
When you start living your life right, with regard to taking positive small steps, there is no knowing what doors may open up along the way
One frequent source of pessimism is ending up in a situation where things seem pretty abysmal, and noticing that there is no visible “light at the end of the tunnel,” or clear path that leads to happiness.
Realize, though, that virtually no one ever knows what’s really ahead of them on the various paths of life. And when you begin taking the right small steps, in the right direction, you only need to trust that each action itself is good, not that it’s all part of a grand strategy.
Just do things that you know are good – or at least, stop doing things that you know are bad – and there’s no knowing what doors may open up for you along the way.
Being too negative may end up becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy
If someone is constantly telling themselves that the world is about to fall down on them, and that everything they try to do with their lives is bound for failure and disappointment, do you think there’s a good chance that person will actually live a happy, fulfilling, and high-achieving life?
Being too negative may end up becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, in and of itself.
Psychological research has shown, for decades, that we only really “see” what we focus on. So, if you only focus on the negative, how can you expect to find your way to something more empowering?

My husband and I just love Andrea Bocelli. His tenor voice is just so soothing, he always chooses the perfect talent to accompany him. This is why I was so excited about his new Album Cinema! One thing I love about the CD is that Bocelli recorded his songs in five different languages: Italian, French, Spanish, English and Sicilian. That talent I was talking about…in this album he has partnered with Arianna Grande, Nicole Scherzinger & Veronica Berti.
Bocelli always puts his own spin his songs and this is another one of the things I love about this album! He did this with some of the classic hits from the movies. It’s the same songs we already know and love just done with Bocelli’s magical spin that makes me love it even more.
Cinema features a collection of movie songs etched in the culture and hearts of several generations including epic theme songs featured in films such as “Doctor Zhivago”, “Love Story”, “The Godfather”, “Life is Beautiful”, “Gladiator”, “The Postman”, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and many more, as well as popular songs from stage musicals, immortalised by their film versions, such as “West Side Story” and “Evita.”
My favorite song…even though its so hard to pick a favorite…was the E PIU’ TI PENSO duet with Ariana Grande. It was simply stunning and left me wanting more of them together.
“With the album ‘Cinema,’ I’m fulfilling a wish that I’ve harboured for decades. I’ve never made a secret of my dream of bringing to life a recording project associated with soundtracks, as I truly believe that it’s an exceptional artistic treasure trove.
It’s an area that has always fascinated me: the scores written for films are very free and potentially very creative. A vast grassland where the composer can roam as he pleases, whatever his inspiration, where he can experiment without having to submit to the norms of the classical song (based on the sequence requiring two strophes, one short instrumental passage, one strophe, one short instrumental passage), or to a theme that is necessarily the conventional one, relating to love.
If films are a “dream factory”, the music that supports them embraces these dreams and heightens all of the magic and emotional vitality. My invitation, my token is for these immortal “classics” to merge with the experiences, with the most precious memories, with the emotions of every listener, to become the inimitable soundtrack to their life.” – Bocelli
Cinema Track Listing:
1) MARIA from ‘West Side Story’
2) LA CHANSON DE LARA from ‘Doctor Zhivago’
3) MOON RIVER from ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’
4) E PIU’ TI PENSO duet with Ariana Grande from ‘Once Upon a Time in America /Malèna’
5) BE MY LOVE from ‘The Toast of New Orleans’
6) THE MUSIC OF THE NIGHT from ‘The Phantom of the Opera’
7) BRUCIA LA TERRA from ‘The Godfather’
8) POR UNA CABEZA from ‘Scent of a Woman’
9) NO LLORES POR MÍ ARGENTINA duet with Nicole Scherzinger from ‘Evita’
10) L’AMORE È UNA COSA MERAVIGLIOSA from ‘Love is a many splendored thing’
11) MI MANCHERAI from ‘Il Postino’
12) CHEEK TO CHEEK duet with Veronica Berti from ‘Top Hat’
13) SORRIDI AMORE VAI from ‘La vita è bella’
14) HISTORIA DE AMOR from ‘Love Story’
15) OL’ MAN RIVER from ‘Show Boat’
16) NELLE TUE MANI (NOW WE ARE FREE) from ‘Gladiator’
I participated in the Andrea Bocelli “Cinema” album review program as a member of One2One Network. I was provided an album to review but all opinions are my own.
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.”
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This feature has been compensated by Lunchbox. and its advertiser. All opinions are 100% my own.
With my boys getting older, and needing to get online for school work, and my blogging…having 2 older laptops isn’t cutting it anymore. We have 2 older laptops, but they have both gotten a little temperamental with age, So I’ve been thinking about upgrading for the holidays. I’ve been looking and think that maybe a few Dell Inspiron 15.6” with Intel Laptops would make workflow in our house so much easier.
I’ve had a few Dell computers in my days. My first computer which I took to college back in 1999 was a Dell…a giant desktop, but still a Dell, and the laptop I use now is a Dell (even thought it’s really hubbys laptop)…so I already know they are work horses. My grandmother ordered my first one on the phone, but now they’re available at Walmart so I can just walk in a walk out without the long delivery wait.
I really like this Dell Inspiron Black 15.6 Laptop. Check out the features:
15.6″ LED-backlit touchscreen with HD resolution
720p webcam
3-in-1 memory card reader
Bluetooth 4.0
1 x USB 3.0 ports, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, 1 x HDMI port, 1 x headphone/microphone jack, 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port
4-cell battery for up to 6 h 33 min battery life
It has all of the necessities that we need with the memory card reader, the USB ports, and I love the fact that it has an HDMI port so we can hook it up to the tv to preview slideshows and presentations. Right now with the Upgrade with Intel Contest, you could win a shiny new laptop!!
To enter the Upgrade with Intel Contest, here are some instructions:
Click on the image above to visit the microsite
Select the contest tab
Then, in 400 character or less, share” How would a Dell Inspiron 15.6” Laptop make your life more amazing?”
One entry per email, per person, complete Terms & Conditions are found on the site
What a great way to start your holiday shopping! Enter the contest to win a new laptop for yourself or that someone special on your list! Good luck!
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. 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.”
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Looking to say bon voyage and let your taste buds take flight on a memorable culinary experience? You won’t have to travel any further than your local Hard Rock Cafe for this year’s World Burger Tour!
To kick off burger season, Hard Rock Cafe locations are celebrating with a menu showcasing international Local Legendary™ Burgers. From theEnglish Breakfast Burger inspired by London to the Jamaican Jerk Burger inspired by Montego Bay, there’s something for every palate.
Hard Rock gives chefs at their cafes the freedom to create a unique Local Legendary Burger that captures the flavors of their city. This year more than 160 local burgers were evaluated by Hard Rock’s culinary team with fan favorites selected to headline the World Burger Tour menu. Throughout May and June, Hard Rock Cafe menus* will feature the following World Burger Tour offerings:
English Breakfast Burger (London, England) – a Certified Angus Beef® patty topped with sliced ham, a sausage patty, a fried egg, a portobello mushroom, arugula and garlic aioli and served with a side of baked beans
Java Lava Burger (Seattle, United States) – a Certified Angus Beef patty grilled and dressed in a house-made espresso rub and topped with lava sauce, crunchy java onions, bacon, melted Cheddar cheese and garnished with a fried jalapeño
Tandoori Chicken Burger (Mumbai, India) – a dark meat chicken patty seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, topped with mint mayonnaise and served with a side of cucumber
Jamaican Jerk Burger (Montego Bay, Jamaica) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with banana pepper rings, mango jalapeño cream cheese and jerk mayonnaise
ATOMIC! Burger (Las Vegas, United States) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with Atomic beer-battered peppers, pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, garlic chipotle ketchup and chipotle mayonnaise
Tango Salsa Burger (Buenos Aires, Argentina) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with andouille sausage, Monterey Jack cheese, chips de batata, a fried egg, salsa criolla and garlic aioli
Greek Burger (Athens, Greece) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with arugula, feta cheese and a tomato slice
Aloha Burger (Honolulu, United States) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with SPAM, Monterey Jack cheese, a grilled pineapple ring with sweet soy glaze, guacamole and pico de gallo
Hard Rock Cafe has created cocktails that perfectly complement World Burger Tour offerings. Served in Hard Rock’s iconic mason jars, adult guests can order with the suggested pairing or mix it up with any other burger from the limited-time menu. New cocktails include:
All Jacked Up – created to balance the Jamaican Jerk Burger’s spicy flair, this cocktail features a mix of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, PJ, Orgeat and lime juice, garnished with orange and pineapple wedges and a cherry
Crisp Sipper – inspired by the Aloha Burger’s sweet and savory taste, this cocktail features a mix of Hendrick’s gin, Monin Cucumber, lemon, orange and raspberry, topped with tonic and garnished with rosemary and thyme
MelonPalooza – designed to complement the fresh flavors of the Greek Burger, this cocktail features a mix of Midori Melon Liqueur, Malibu Rum, Hard Rock’s house-made sour mix and PJ, garnished with slices of pineapple and strawberry
Sweet & Fiery – inspired by the ATOMIC! Burger’s spicy flavor, this cocktail features a mix of Absolut Peppar Vodka, Canton Ginger Liquor, Blue Curacao, lemonade and ginger beer, garnished with a red pepper
Black Cherry Melonade (non-alcoholic) – created to complement the rich espresso of the Java Lava Burger, this mocktail features a mix of Black Cherry Real and Monin Cucumber, topped with ginger beer, garnished with a cucumber slice and a cherry
Burger Tour for the Roadie
For those a little more hungry, Hard Rock will bring its menu to life and offer a unique burger experience that takes guests’ taste buds on an international journey
Hard Rock, in conjunction with global experience agency RPMC, is offering a World Burger Tour travel package that includes stops at iconic cities including London, England; Athens, Greece; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Seattle, United States. This four-stop, once-in-a-lifetime excursion celebrates the cities that inspired Hard Rock’s World Burger Tour
The World Burger Tour travel package is a private, 10-night trip that includes flights, first class hotel accommodations, ground transportation and exclusive dining and music experiences at Hard Rock Cafe locations in each city not typically available to the public
We are heading to the San Antonio River Walk location this week and can’t wait to share all the goodness with you! Be sure to follow my Instagram & #msladventures #mslsummer
Visit these links for the latest and greatest info about the Hard Rock World Burger Tour.
WIN!!
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a Hard Rock prize pack with an oven mitt pair, apron, and spatula. This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST June 19, 2016.
THE FINE PRINT: 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. EACH HOUSEHOLD IS ONLY ELIGIBLE TO WIN THIS PRIZE VIA BLOG REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS ONCE. ONLY ONE ENTRANT PER MAILING ADDRESS PER GIVEAWAY. IF YOU HAVE WON THE SAME PRIZE ON ANOTHER BLOG, YOU WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN IT AGAIN. WINNER IS SUBJECT TO ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION. MANY WILL ENTER, FEW WILL WIN! PLEASE ALLOW 8-12 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY OF PRIZING. MY SPARKLING LIFE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST OR MISDIRECTED PACKAGES. PRIZING PROVIDED AND SHIPPED BY HARD ROCK. IN THE RARE OCCASION THAT A PRIZE DOES NOT ARRIVE (WHICH HAS HAPPENED), PLEASE NOTIFY ME.
The information, gift card, gift pack, and giveaway have been provided to me by Hard Rock International.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. 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.”