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Take a sneak peek at the magical adventure by watching a recently released motion poster & featurette that showcases the bravery of Beetle, voiced by Matthew McConaughey. Kubo’s quest begins nationwide August 19, 2016 from animation studio LAIKA and Focus Features.
Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Hashi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.

I received the boxes of Immaculate Dry baking mixes as inspiration for my Almond Cupcake Brownies…so looking at the four boxes I had Ideas sparking in my mind…one of which I’m going to share with you today.
For more on the Immaculate Dry Baking Mixes see my full post HERE! A delicious mix of chocolate cupcake on top and brownie on the bottom topped with an almond buttercream icing and garnished with almond slices and a dark chocolate almond milano cookie.
1 Box Immaculate Dry Chocolate Cake Mix
3/4 cup Milk
3/4 cup Butter, melted
4 Eggs
1 Box Immaculate Dry Brownie Mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 Eggs
2 cups Powderd Sugar
1/2 cup Butter, soffened
1/2 cup Vegetable shortening
1 tsp Almond Extract
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Heavy cream
1 package Milano Almond Cookies
1 package Sliced Almonds
Preheat oven to 350*
Mix together ingredients for the brownie mix, place into 2 greased or lined and sprayed cupcake pans (24 cupcakes). This will fill about half way.
Mix together ingredients for the cake mix, fill remaining space in the cupcake pans. You will have leftover cake mix, i used this to make 12 more cupcakes.
Bake for 20 min. Check on it by sticking a toothpick in it, if it comes out clean its ready!
Cool completely on wire racks.
Combine Butter, vegetable shortening, vanilla extract, almond extract and heavy cream. Slowly add in powdered sugar while mixing. Mix till smooth.
Place icing into piping bag and pip generously onto the cupcake.
Garnish with a 1/2 Milano Cookie and bits of sliced almonds.
My Sparkling Life https://mysparklinglife.com/
Disclosure: The Immaculate Baking Mixes were provided by Immaculate Baking through Platefull Co-Op to serve as inspiration for this recipe, however recipe is my own.

Preferably sooner rather than later, your child will need to regularly visit a dentist. This is so said experts can ensure that your child isn’t suffering from dental hygiene or growth problems, which can often cause pain, infections, and sometimes serious health concerns. However, it is a very common issue for a child to be afraid of this visit to the dentist.
Even if you opt for the top dentist in your area, one with an absolutely fantastic demeanor around children, it can be hard for children to separate the worries of their imagination from the reality in front of them. This means that as a loving parent, giving them a comfortable push in the right direction can be an astonishing and confident means of getting them the help they deserve.
Allowing your child to remain brave at the dentist will not only allow them to get the treatment they need, but it will help them learn to deal with fears that might be irrational, generally improving their bravery over time. After all, a child is never helped by being overly sheltered, but can truly grow by being exposed to things that they might have otherwise feared (at least in a healthy, constructive manner).
Let us see where you, as a doting parent, should begin:
Make The Dentist Human
Do not refer to the dentist as ‘the dentist’. This can make them seem like a cold professional, almost non-human. Of course they are not, but in the mind of a child, it’s that difference that can, ironically, make all the difference. It’s important to be realistic regarding how children think. If they remain ‘the dentist’ then they could be anything, as cold and as worrying as the scariest tools in their disposal. A child might imagine a blank room where you will not be around to protect them.
Instead, you may choose to say ‘today we’re going to pay Mr. Johnson a visit!’ Of course, they might have a doctorate, in which case it’s important to get the name correct. However, as soon as you put a name to a person, it seems as though they’re going to be cared for. ‘To see the dentist’ is often a worrying phrase also, suggesting that perhaps there is a problem that has caused this impromptu trip to come up that day. Instead, saying ‘Mr. Johnson is going to make sure your teeth are healthy and grow nice and strong!’ will designate said medical professional as an ally, as someone who only cares for the health and wellbeing of your child. You may not think a young mind able to make a massive distinction out of these things, but you’ll be surprised.
Your tone will communicate plenty of information, too. A happy, buoyant tone, almost as if this is a celebration, will show them that there’s nothing to fear because this is a positive experience. You might even talk about how nice the Dentist is, and how you trust them. If you used to attend the same practice as a child yourself, mention that fact. It will show them that there’s truly nothing to worry about.

With 4 kiddos you can bet I’ve been through my fair share of colds. It doesn’t matter what time of year, but the spring seems to always be the worst time. As a mom, you’ll do absolutely anything to make sure your little ones are healthy and happy – There are many steps we try to teach them to avoid getting sick, like hand washing and not eating or drinking after someone who is sick. But kids will be kids and you can’t always protect them from the icky germs that get them sick. Before you know it, no matter what you do, sick happens. I have a few tips to help get you and your child through that icky spring cold and back to doing what kids do.
Hydration – Little ones get feeling crappy and grabbing a drink is the last thing on their mind. Make sure they drink enough fluids whether it be water or electrolyte-replacement drink so dehydration doesn’t happen, because no one wants a cold to turn into a hospital trip.
Rest – Kids need lots of rest for their growing bodies as it is, but kids who are sick need much more. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the bed or the couch as long as they are bundles and resting. Give them a few small toys or put in a favorite movie to help them get through without going insane from boredom.
Comforting Items – Getting through an illness is much easier with something comforting. A familiar or favorite blanket or stuffed toy can make all the difference.
Lots of Patience – Let’s face it, they are miserable and may have some strange requests and want your full attention. Be patient, a cold doesn’t last forever, but giving them the love and attention they need makes all the difference.
Proper Meds – Meds can’t make a cold go away, but they can sure help the symptoms and make your child feel better faster. Pfizer Pediatric wants to help you get prepared for the fevers, coughs, and colds coming your way this season, and Target has all of the Pfizer Pediatric products you need to fight against the “ick’s” and “ew’s” that bring your kids down.
If Sick just got real.™ for your family, there are solutions to help tackle even the ickiest of symptoms, like Children’s Advil®, Children’s Robitussin®, and/or Children’s Dimetapp®.
Infants’ and Children’s Advil® provide unsurpassed fever and pain relief(1) , and contain ibuprofen, the medicine pediatricians use most for their own kids’ fevers(2) (for ages 6 months -11 years)
Children’s Robitussin® provides soothing action and cough control with some formulations lasting up to 8 hours (for ages 6-12 years)
Children’s Dimetapp® provides great-tasting cold-fighting power and is the #1 pharmacist recommended brand for children’s cough & cold symptoms(3) (for ages 6+)
Ease those aches and pains, while reducing a child’s fever fast with Children’s Advil®, a great solution for kids as young as 2 and up to 11. Children’s Advil® comes in several great-tasting flavors, including: Sugar-free Dye-free Berry, Bubble Gum, Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape flavors. There’s also Infants’ Advil® White Grape, which provides unsurpassed fever relief with a syringe for easy dosing for children 6-23 months.
Formulated just for kids, Children’s Robitussin® DM Day/Night Pack (Children’s Robitussin® Cough & Chest Congestion and Children’s Robitussin® Nighttime Cough) non-drowsy daytime formula helps break up chest congestion, while the long-acting nighttime formula relieves coughs and runny noses to help kids get the rest they need.
All in a great tasting grape flavor, Children’s Dimetapp® Cold & Cough tackles a child’s most bothersome stuffy and runny noses, all while working to relieve cough.
*It is important to remember to always read and keep the cartons for complete warnings and dosing information on Pfizer PediatricPlatform products and to use as directed
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a bundle of Pfizer Pediatric Platform products. This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 12:00 PM EST April 22, 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 PFIZER. IN THE RARE OCCASION THAT A PRIZE DOES NOT ARRIVE (WHICH HAS HAPPENED), PLEASE NOTIFY ME.
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International superstar Shakira is lending her Grammy®-winning voice to Gazelle, the biggest pop star in Zootopia.
The all-new original song, Try Everything, was written by singer-songwriter Sia and songwriting duo Stargate. You can watch the brand new music video for Shakira‘s Try Everything below…
Director Byron Howard said, “For the role of Gazelle, Zootopia’s most beloved superstar, there was only one person on our wish list: Shakira. Luckily for us, she said yes. Her immense talent and charm bring Gazelle and her song, ‘Try Everything,’ to life.”
“Try Everything” single is available now on ITUNES.
Walt Disney Records soundtrack to ZOOTOPIA will be available March 4th, the same day the film opens in theatres nationwide!
MORE ABOUT DISNEY’S ZOOTOPIA
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when rookie Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.
Like ZOOTOPIA on Facebook | Twitter
Follow Disney Animation on Instagram | Tumblr
Visit the official ZOOTOPIA website
ZOOTOPIA opens in theatres everywhere on March 4th!
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Tomorrow is here! Well, at least the Tomorrowland trailer & poster are here…
From Disney comes two-time Oscar® winner Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” starring Academy Award® winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world—and them—forever.
Featuring a screenplay by “Lost” writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, from a story by Lindelof & Bird & Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” promises to take audiences on a thrill ride of nonstop adventures through new dimensions that have only been dreamed of.
Like TOMORROWLAND on Facebook | Twitter
Visit the official TOMORROWLAND website
TOMORROWLAND opens in theaters everywhere on May 22nd!