Easter Peep Surprise Cupcakes | 12 Days of Easter

LeapFrog comes out with amazing products every year, and you always wonder how they are going to top themselves. My little man loves his LeapTV he got last year, and the Get Ready for Kindergarten series has been great. So I was excited when they asked me to review this years new tablet and digital cards.
7″ Hi-Res Multi-Touch Capacitive Screen
Features a huge 7-inch hi-res touchscreen that delivers big, crisp, sharp graphics making learning fun come to life.
Kid-Smart Fun
Access 1,000+ games and more (sold separately) designed or approved by LeapFrog educators with select titles featuring Just For Me™ Learning. He loves that he can get games with his favorite TV and movie characters. The games can get a little expensive so I tell him one game a month and use it as an incentive.
He also loves taking pictures and video, and is constantly asking us to say cheese…I think this is one of his favorite things to do.
The LeapFrog LeapPad Platinum games are adaptive to a child’s ability. If the LeapPad is sensing that your child is having trouble, it will make things a little easier or challenge the game for a kid who finds it too easy.
It also has peer to peer play, so If you have another LeapPad in the house, they can play together each holding their own LeapPad…No fighting over games!
Wi-Fi with Kid-Safe Web
A safe, protected web browser serves up a ton of kid-appropriate videos and more—all reviewed or approved by learning experts. Being only 5 he hasn’t explored this option at all, he’s more into the game play.
Exciting, interactive gameplay: LeapFrog Imagicard™
Unlock more gameplay with 6 bonus LeapFrog Imagicard™ digital game and interactive cards including a demo game, photo fun, trivia and more. (Game download required.)
The Imagicards are a little like Skylanders or Disney Infinity in where you select a character to play the game with. You use the LeapPad’s camera to “scan them in”. Six random cards are included in the box when you buy the LeapPad Platinum just to show you how the games work, but you can buy full sets as well.
The LeapPad Platinum is available in stores now. I highly recommend checking it out, especially for preschool-aged children.

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Bring the party home when the hit animated comedy, The Angry Birds Movie, debuts onto digital July 29th & Blu-ray / DVD Combo Pack, 4K Ultra HD / Blu-ray 3D combo pack and DVD Aug 16th from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Based on the most downloaded app of all time, the film takes us to an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds – or almost entirely. In this paradise, hot-headed Red, speedy Chuck, and the volatile Bomb have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s p to these unlikely outcasts to figure out what the pigs are up to in order to save their home.
BUY THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE
Bonus Content:
Blu-ray, DVD, Digital:
Bonus Scene; “Chuck’s Rescue”
The Blake Shelton Music Video “Friends”
Symphony Mode: Allows viewers to play the movie without all the squawking, just the music
Photo Gallery
Blu-ray & Digital:
Short “The Early Hatchling Gets The Worm”
Deleted scenes
Series of fun mini-movies featuring the Hatchlings
Five additional featurettes including:
Dance Along Birds and Pigs
Crafty Birds
Meet the Birds
Meet The Pigs
Meet the Hatchlings
Fans can unlock more content by syncing the Angry Birds Action! app with the audio on the blu-ray or digital version of the movie. The Angry Birds Action! app movie integration will also extend to retail where fans can unlock an augmented reality Hatchlings selfie feature by scanning “bird codes” on in-store signage.
Lots of Laughs!
I’m not going to lie, we thought an Angry Birds game turned movie would be a bit hokey. But I tell you what…from the get go we were laughing out loud! The laughs didn’t stop and neither did the action. This movie kept both the kids (yes even the teen!) and adults entertained through the whole movie, which doesn’t happen often! My boys have watched it over and over and laugh out loud every time. I think Chuck is my favorite…While my boys like Terence & Bomb.
If you haven’t seen it I suggest you do! It is a funny action filled movie the whole family will love!!
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.”

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
As a first time parent your not sure what direction to go with anything baby…your given advice from everyone, and handed a lot of info…but where do you start? One good place to start is with safety! Even with that there are a lot of choices when it comes to the safety of your little bundle. A Monitor is a great way to keep your little one safe, with our three boys ended up buying simple audio monitors, while they worked, i was still up a lot checking on them to make sure they were ok. Now we have the VTech Safe & Sound Full-Color Video and Audio Monitor, I can SEE what my kids are doing, when they are “quietly” playing in another room, or sick sleeping in their bed!
This monitor provides a full audio/visual monitoring solution with up to 1,000 feet of range! More features include a split video screen, enabling simultaneous viewing from up to four separate cameras (with the purchase of additional cameras). This also has infrared night-vision as well as a two-way intercom system to let your sweet little one hear your voice. You can also play polyphonic lullaby’s on the baby’s monitor from the parent unit. The baby unit also has a temperature sensor that will let the you know that the baby’s room is at the ideal temp. This monitor really has all the features needed so you don’t have to worry all night long if your baby is okay or not. Finally a product that i can rest easy with!
With traditional audio units you use it for maybe a year or two, then pass it on to a resale shop, or a friend, but with this unit, it can be used for older kids like mine. You can use it in the play room to keep up with all their “quiet moments”. I like knowing that my kids are behaving and not getting into things when I am in another room, which i need badly for my 2 yr old…never fails when I’m cleaning, or doing dishes, he gets into something….
More Features of the VTech Safe & Sound Full-Colored Video and Audio Monitor:
*6 level sound indicator*Digital Transmission*Wall Mountable (which is so nice for a baby’s nursery!)*Vibrating Sound Alert*Rechargeable Battery*Zoom the camera from the parent unit
*Adjustable camera lens

I am very excited to share with you that Marvel Studios is launching the first Hero Acts campaign today, and from now until the end of the year, Marvel Studios will donate five dollars ($5) to Save the Children, up to U.S. one million dollars, for every fan who uploads a photo of themselves in their favorite Marvel hero pose. Marvel Studios is collaborating with Fotition, a new social change platform, to power the experience on a brand-new website MarvelStudiosHeroActs.com. Fans will be able to visit the site to upload their photo and choose from a selection of custom Marvel-themed overlays. They will then be able to post their photo directly to the Hero Acts gallery and to their other social channels using the hashtags #marvelstudios & #heroacts.
Earlier today, Benedict Cumberbatch, star of Marvel Studios’ upcoming film DOCTOR STRANGE, announced the launch of Marvel Studios: Hero Acts, a new charitable initiative focused on bringing help and hope to kids around the world.
With fan participation, the donations made through Hero Acts can help Save the Children provide much-needed learning materials for as many as 123,000 kids in Nepal, Haiti, and the United States. Together, Marvel Studios and its fans can help put these children on a path where they can learn, thrive, and strive toward a better future.
“Save the Children is extremely grateful to be the first nonprofit organization to be part of Marvel Studios: Hero Acts,” said Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children. “Even though more children are enrolled in primary school worldwide than ever before, many are struggling to learn and to get a quality education. That is why this collaboration is so valuable. The funds raised through Hero Acts will provide much-needed learning materials in communities where there are few resources, and will boost children’s basic skills to help them succeed in school and in life. The actions taken by Marvel fans will make a meaningful difference for children.”
Whether visiting children in hospitals, granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, or inspiring kids and families through our content, Marvel Studios: Hero Acts builds on the tradition of lending a hand to children in times of need. From our filmmakers to our fans, we believe we each have our own superpower to lend to the world, and Marvel Studios is dedicated to bringing that out in everyone.

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
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.”
With the colder weather finally here, it leaves most of us wanting to hibernate in the house…which you really don’t want to do because studies show that our bodies are chemically equipped to store fat in the winter…but that doesn’t mean you are doomed to dawn your fat pants all season. Other studies have shown that outdoor exercise can crank up your energy while decreasing tension, frustration, and depression. In fact, the heat and humidity in the summer can drag you down and tire you faster, but cold weather is invigorating…It stimulates your senses and makes you feel alive.
Now that you’re ready to get back out there and breath in the cooler air here are a few fitness tips to get you through that winter workout.
Grab The Right Gear
Choosing the right workout fabrics and smart layering will keep you dry and warm. First, put on a thin base layer made of synthetic fabrics to soak up excess sweat like under armor apparel. If it’s really cold outside, wear an optional middle layer, such as polar fleece, for extra warmth. Add an outer layer (or shell) to protect you from wind, snow and rain. Compression tights are great as they increase circulation in the legs,” which helps you perform better and recover quicker. They also help resist fatigue and aids with muscle coordination too. You can’t forget the proper footwear either. You’ll want to keep your feet warm and dry as well while getting the proper support and comfort you need to keep you going. Do your research and find out the best footwear for you and your area. Like here in Texas I wouldn’t need a pair of running shoes with traction soles that are for ice or snow.
Map It Out
Stable, safe ground should be your priority when planning a winter route, but you also want to try to avoid open roads and paths near water. For early morning or evenings, look for plowed, well-lit streets and sidewalks, so you can spot that dreaded black ice. Tree-lined trails and city blocks with tall buildings can help protect you from biting winds and snow flurries. You can also look for a loop in your neighborhood that you can repeat as many times as you want, that way, if you become tired or slip on ice you will be close to home and can quickly escape the cold & ice. It might also be a good idea to let a few friends and family know your route, just in case something does happen.
Warm Up & Down
Like before any other workout, walk around or jog in place indoors for five minutes or so. When your outside, give your body time to adjust by taking short 30-second breaks every few minutes for the first 10 minutes.
To avoid getting too cool to quickly during your cooldown, keep it brief: Slow your pace for about four to five minutes, then take it inside to do your stretching. Remove your extra layers and keep moving for another five minutes before hitting the shower.
Drink Up
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you don’t sweat and lose your hydration. You don’t see your sweat loss in the winter like you do in the summer, but you can still sweat just as much. Drinking plenty of fluids like the new line of BODYARMOR water & BODYARMOR Lyte. BODYARMOR is committed to providing superior hydration to every athlete. Launched in 2017, BODYARMOR SportWater is a premium water, designed by athletes, for athletes. It has a Performance pH of 8+ and a proprietary Sports Electrolyte formula, plus a wide-mouth bottle for faster, Superior Hydration. Finally, a water that works as hard as you do.
Electrolytes for Sport
Performance pH 8+
Wide-Mouth Bottle
Available in 20 oz., 23.7 oz. Sports Cap and 1 Liter bottles
BODYARMOR LYTE has all the same nutrients as BODYARMOR, is naturally sweetened and has only 20 calories per serving. BODYARMOR LYTE comes in two great flavors: Peach Mango and Cherry Berry. BODYARMOR LYTE is heavy on hydration and LYTE on calories.
BODYARMOR can be found at Kroger stores in Dallas, Be sure to GRAB THIS COUPON
Switch it Up
There are going to be some days where you absolutely can’t head out in the early morning due to the conditions, try heading out in the mid-afternoon when it’s the warmest and the roads are plowed…or take your exercises indoors. Try a new workout video or hit the gym you’ll still get your heart pumping which ups those endorphins and keeps you on your schedule.
These tips can help you safely enjoy exercise when the weather turns frosty. But as you exercise in cold weather, continually monitor your body to help prevent cold-weather injuries, such as frostbite. Consider shortening your outdoor workout or skipping it altogether during weather extremes, and know when to head home and warm up.
Signs of Frostbite & Hypothermia
Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related injuries that may quickly become life-threatening. Be aware of the wind chill, dress appropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long. Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite is most common on exposed skin, such as your cheeks, nose and ears, but it can also occur on hands and feet.
What are the symptoms and stages of frostbite?
The stages of frostbite are similar to those of burns. Early warning signs include numbness, loss of feeling or a stinging sensation.
Frostnip or first-degree frostbite is superficial and reversible but may cause significant pain when the extremity rewarms.
Second-degree frostbite is characterized by blisters that form a few hours to a day after injury and signifies deeper tissue damage.
Third-degree frostbite describes skin that has been damaged through all its layers and tissue that turns black and hard as it dies.
Fourth-degree frostbite occurs when bone and tendon freeze.
If you suspect frostbite, get out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area — but don’t rub it since that can damage your skin. If numbness continues, seek emergency care.
Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature and is defined as a body temperature less than 95 F (35 C). When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Exercising in cold, rainy weather increases the risk of hypothermia, as does being an older adult. The colder the body gets, the more confused the person gets, and decision-making begins to suffer. Instead of coming out of the cold, apathy sets in and the patient may become delirious.
What are the symptoms of hypothermia?
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
Initial hunger and nausea will give way to apathy as the core body temperature drops.
This is followed by confusion, lethargy, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, and coma.
Often the affected person will lie down, fall asleep, and die. In some cases, the patient will paradoxically remove their clothes just before this occurs.
Seek emergency help right away if you suspect hypothermia.
Chances are, if you are careful you should be fine. Always be aware of what your body is telling you, and don’t overdo it. Stay warm, stay safe, stay fit my friends!
Enter To WIN!
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a $25 Kroger Gift Card + a Month Supply of BODYARMOR!! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST March 31, 2018
a Rafflecopter giveaway