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What parent doesn’t feel like they are always on the go nowadays?! Some day’s it seems a little crazy, but you stop and look around and tell yourself, man, I wish I could have captured that! I do that all the time! At the beach, my sons first roller coaster ride, a day at the pool. I love taking pictures but with our fast paced life, stopping to take pics isn’t always an option & with everything else I have to carry, my bulky heavy cameras just are an extra I don’t need.
We were recently able to try out the new GoPro HERO4 Session and couldn’t wait to get out and try it…only after it arrived I thought about it…it’s our slow season…no beach to hit or pool to splash in (too cool). No more football practice…and it’s a few weeks until we go back to Sea World (we go this weekend). So what do we do to have a little fun? We go to the basketball court and try out all the options the GoPro HERO4 Session has to offer.
I was trying a bit around the house and was able to figure out how to switch between video, camera, and burst…I haven’t tried time lapse yet, however, that is totally on my to-do the next time we head to the beach…I might just have to go just to do this…
The GoPro HERO4 Session is 50% smaller and 40% lighter than other HERO4 cameras, & HERO4 Session is the most wearable and mountable GoPro ever. It has a sleek, versatile design and is at home anywhere—from the surf to the snow to hanging with friends. It delivers stunning video quality & captures high-resolution 1440p30 and 1080p60 video that’s sharp and lifelike. High frame rate 720p100 video enables exceptionally smooth slow-motion playback of your best moments.
You can also nail the shot with a variety of photo modes. Capture 8MP single photos, Time Lapse photos at set intervals from 0.5 to 60 seconds, and Burst photos at 10 frames per second. When it comes to versatile photo capture, HERO4 Session’s got you covered.
We had so much fun with the burst mode…the 10 frames per second make it so easy to capture the perfect shot! Of course I had to go out and buy a few accessories to go with the mounts it came with. I went and purchased the head strap and the handler (floatable hand grip). I mounted the GoPro HERO4 Session to the head strap and stuck it on my son, and had him head to the court to shoot a few.
While the HERO4 Session has 1 button shooting (2 buttons total for options and shooting) I found it much simpler to use using the phone app. I can turn on the GoPro HERO4 Session, select my options, shoot, and even share to Instagram. There is also a remote that I’m considering since it’s waterproof too..and well..my phone is not. It also is able to connect to your GoPro from up to 600′ away!
The GoPro HERO4 Session is a rugged and waterproof camera that you can take down to 33’ (10m) without a separate housing. Of course, you can purchase a waterproof housing for when your adventure takes you to even further depths. This GoPro HERO4 Session is compatible with all GoPro mounts! I love its light, convenient, ready-to-go design. It’s light enough to toss in my bag so I never miss a moment again! It’s the perfect travel accessory. I can’t wait to hook it to my son while he skateboards..and this weekend at Sea World on some roller coaster…or maybe finally get some shots of the fast moving penguins in their low light habitat. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to follow our adventures!
Be sure to follow GoPro too for some inspiration! Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
What are some of your favorite go-to GoPro mounts? Where do you take your GoPro?
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 post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Baby number 4…you know he’s a little spoiled. Since day one he slept in our room and even co-slept for most of his first year. He moved to his own room back in February when I was in L.A. a few months before he turned 2…and the last couple months, we’ve been dealing with bedtime stalls. Now ours aren’t as comical as most…you will see some in the video below…but they do work. I need to go potty..ok son, we’re potty training..so what am I going to say, No…Read? It might be the third book tonight but, hey it’s a book! Lately I’ve noticed him bringing me the book, and then climbing into my bed..completely ignoring the book and watching TV with us…ok little man, I got your game. He loves movies, and since he roomed with us for the first year..ok almost 2 years..he got used to watching tv with us why he fell asleep…totally my fault…but it’s been 9 months and NOW he’s going back to wanting to snuggle and watch with us…I see a stall here! All I got from my older boys, was I need some water. My little guy has this bedtime excuse thing down, and he’s only 2! Check out some of these creative bedtime stalls:
https://mysparklinglife.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Stream-Team-Flip-Version-1.mp4
Turns out, the bedtime excuses are universal –more than 60% of parents around the globe are dealing with kids’ stall tactics before bed, adding up to nearly 20 minutes every single night. But guess what? It’s time to take back your night with a little help from Netflix.
Next time you find yourself in the bedtime battle, just tell your kids they can watch an ENTIRE show before bed. Yep, you heard us right, and no, we haven’t lost our minds. Netflix and DreamWorks Animation launched Dinotrux 5 Minute Favorites, new episodes of the latest hit, all in a nice little 5-minute package — letting your little negotiator think they’re getting away with the age-old ‘just five more minutes’ ploy. In a mere 300-seconds, your kids will be speechless as they march themselves up to bed knowing they got exactly what they wanted. You: 1, Kids’ stalls: 0.
My little guy already loves Netflix and Dinotrux…and right now at this stage being able to let him watch a full show in 5 minutes while getting his bedtime snuggles in is a win-win for the both of us. I just wonder how creative his excuses will get as he gets older!
My Sparkling Life is part of the Netflix #StreamTeam, bringing you viewing tips, programming news and adventures on a monthly basis.
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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This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Today marks the first day of winter! I know for some of us we’ve felt its icy breath already…Traveling in winter can be a little scary. Driving through snow & ice is no picnic and even if you’re flying you may still have delays from the snow & ice. Red Roof Inn has some fun facts about Fun Facts & Tips For Winter Travel to help whether you’re flying, driving, staying with family or getting a hotel.
Five Fun Facts-Fall/Winter Travel
New England is famous for its glorious foliage as billions of leaves change from green to a kaleidoscope of colors. Generations of families can travel together and enjoy the changing colors in the northern regions of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire typically around mid-to-late September and peak around mid-October.
Extend a business trip this winter with a skiing excursion at one of the 477 ski resorts operating across the U.S. 11.42 MM people signed up to ski in 2013.
Looking for a solo winter getaway? 84% of Americans prefer visiting warm destinations over cold locales during winter trips. The beach is the most popular destination this winter (51%), followed by city escapes (37%), and cruises (12%).
Over the holiday season families often travel great distances to share the holidays together. The average Thanksgiving trip is 214 miles, compared with 275 miles over the Christmas/New Year’s holiday.
Even though 73% of Americans plan to fly for any winter leisure trips5 they may take, many report that flying can be stressful for them. But Americans are streamlining the stress by using high-tech tools to make routine travel tasks, research and time management easier.
3 Quick Travel Tips
Flying during the holidays? Don’t wrap gifts — security will just have to tear them open. With TSA searching checked bags as well as carry-ons, this applies to all luggage, not just what is brought onto the plane. Consider shipping gifts ahead of time or wrapping them at your final destination.
If driving, make frequent rest stops – winter driving is much more tiring than a summer drive, so make time to stop and stretch. Just a few minutes off the road makes all the difference in improving alertness when back behind the wheel.
When traveling as a family, hotel rooms can sometimes become chaotic. Instead, try to book a suite (or two connecting rooms). The extra square footage can be beneficial and if you drove to your destination, you can even stow empty suitcases in your car to alleviate some clutter. Keeping rooms clean will cut down on frustration as well.
Remember to take your time, plan ahead and you should have happy & safe travels.

You already love Anna & Elsa, now see them in a new animated short Frozen Fever that will show in front of Disney’s new live-action CINDERELLA.
In Frozen Fever, it’s Anna’s birthday and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever, but when Elsa catches a cold, her powers may put more than just the party at risk.
Visit the official CINDERELLA Website
Like CINDERELLA on Facebook
Follow CINDERELLA on Twitter
Follow CINDERELLA on Instagram
Follow CINDERELLA on Pinterest
Follow CINDERELLA on Google+
CINDERELLA opens in theaters everywhere on March 13th!

Rumored haunted sites and eerie historical properties are not a hard thing to come by here in the Lone Star State! If you have an interest in the supernatural and don’t have a clue where to start, I’m here to help. Whether you’re looking to learn some local history or stay overnight while getting spooked, we think you’ll find yourself some thrilling haunted adventures no matter where you stay in Texas. I’ve compiled a list the Top 7 Ghost Tours In Texas..I hope ya’ll stop on by and see something spooky!
Granbury, Tx – Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour – Take an hour-long walking tour around the historic downtown square of Granbury, Texas. Hear the stories of ghosts such as the Lady in Red, the Faceless Girl… maybe even John Wilkes Booth! While in town, make sure to pick up a copy of Haunted Granbury, written by Granbury Ghosts and Legends co-founder Brandy Herr, to read more in-depth stories of the town’s various hauntings, as well as her personal experiences as a ghost hunter!
The Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tour is Every Friday and Saturday night from 7:00 and 9:15. The tour runs $10 per person, $7 children 12 and under.
Austin, Tx – Austin Ghost Tours – Austin Ghost Tours has extensively researched Austin and Texas history so that we may tell the real stories of the people, places and events in Austin’s past. Each tour highlights different haunted areas and tells the ghost stories of the past and present.
Friday Night Tours – Stroll and pause to hear Austin’s perplexing paranormal tales, old and new. Our costumed guide will lead you from Moonshine’s porch, down 5th Street, to the heartbeat of today’s Live Music Capital. Linger inside the Driskill Hotel lobby, but not for too long – or you’ll miss a murderous mystery and Texas’ oldest ghostly history! Bring your camera on this 90-minute tour. You never know who may show up when their stories are told! Voted one of the top 10 ghost tours in the country! Saturday & Sunday tours also available.
Denton, Tx – Make reservations to join Shelly Tucker, “The Ghost Lady,” at Jupiter House Coffee (on the east side of the courthouse square) for a 90 minute haunted history tour at 8:00 p.m. onFriday and Saturday nights throughout the year. “She leads tour groups around dark Downtown weaving a narrative spell that resurrects the past, uncovers buried secrets, and dusts off forgotten mysteries.”
There are so many stories, that Shelly tells different ones each night. On any night you might hear the tales of the ghostly hooligan, the dead Comanche’s bones, the librarian who never “checked out,” or the man who survived the Goliad massacre to die in a suspicious fire. Perhaps you’ll hear tales of Sam Bass and his friend/nemesis Jim Murphy (who some say still haunt the streets of Denton), or the blind sheriff who protects and serves from beyond the grave. Does John Denton’s ghost protect the town that bears his name? Take a tour and find out!
San Antonio, Tx – Alamo City Ghost Tours – Walk along the streets and back alleys of downtown while we bring alive the chilling history and mayhem of San Antonio’s wicked past. You will stand in the very place where men, women and children begged for their lives while having their heads removed for fun and revenge. Feel the energy from those who remain behind today. These spirits remain from heroes and murderers, along with your average man, woman and children, all with the same thing in common: to linger behind in death.
Visit the home of San Antonio’s most gruesome murder. Come along and join us on a journey of spine-tingling stories and ghost hunting in what are considered to be the most haunted areas in San Antonio. We visit San Antonio’s only Haunted Palace. We go to places where people are buried in the floors and entombed in the walls. Visit what is said to be the final resting place for some of the Alamo Defenders.
Galveston, Tx – Ghost Tours of Galveston Island: Dash Beardsley’s Ghost Tours of Galveston: Dash has been in business for nearly 17 years and has gained the undisputed reputation of The Ghost Man of Galveston. Our company has been very open to other ghost tour companies over the years IF their heart has been in the right place sharing in the passion of entertaining and embracing the paranormal world for the sake of those interested.
The ghost tour has all the things you would expect…visions of girls in white Victorian dresses, unrequited love stories and unfinished business. There are even a few vampires stories in there. But it’s also sprinkled with personal anecdotes from Beardsley.
Houston, Tx – Houston Ghost Tour – Houston Ghost Tour is the premier Ghost Tour company in Houston. Walk through the most haunted cities around Houston, as we share the most gruesome and chilling tales of history in Texas. Join us on our eerie walks through Old Town Spring, Houston, Tomball, and Humble on our Haunted History Tours. Unique and entertaining, you won’t find any other entertainment in town like ours. We offer something different than the mainstream. So hop on our twisted bandwagon, and join us for haunting tales of the Old West. Stories of corruption, gambling, land wars, brothels, mysterious murders, and so much more…
Experience the PARANORMAL with us. Understand the SUPERNATURAL better than you ever have. We are the only ghost tour that will customize to fit what you are looking for from a Ghost Tour adventure. Want more ghosts and paranormal? Want more history and folklore? We customize your tour as you interact with your guide, and create a custom tour just for the group you are in, giving you more or less of what you’re looking for in a Ghost
Dallas, Tx – Ghost Tours of Dallas – Join us as we embark on a 90-minute guided tour of downtown Dallas’ infamous West End Historic District. Learn of the many chilling legends, myths, and ghastly deeds that lie beneath the compelling twists and turns of the District’s dark history.
This acclaimed walking tour is the only tour that gives you access to enter and explore one of Dallas’ oldest and most haunted buildings.
Have you taken a ghost tour before? Did you see anything? I would love to take one some day!

This post is sponsored by PicCollage & Hewlett Packard. All opinions expressed are my own.
I do it all the time…you know, take pictures at an event or just of your everyday life on your phone and then just forget about them until you need to make room. Then you just pull out your cord and download them to your laptop or hard drive and forget about them there. I have come across a great app that makes creating collages and printing them straight from your phone so easy! You know gets those photos out of your phone and into a frame where they belong!
The app PicCollage is fun and easy to use! You can create a collage from your hoard of photos on your phone and print it from the app as well. I love having photos of my kids around the house, their little faces just make me smile. I found a variety of photos on my phone and created a collage with some fun stickers…well because they are little goofballs and would have done the same. Instead of having to connect my phone to my computer to print I did everything from my phone and sent it to my Hewlett Packard printer.
PicCollage is really easy to use.
1. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Choose if you want a square or portrait image.
3. Add photos, you can clip with your finger for fun crops.
4. Add backgrounds, stickers or choose a premade template.
5. Hit print and send it to your wireless HP printer!
The collage turned out great and I love displaying it where everyone can see. PicCollage makes getting my photos out of my phone easy & The Hewlett Packard wireless printer makes it easy to print and gives a quality look.
Have you checked out PicCollage?
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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