Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials in Theaters September 18 ⋆ My Sparkling Life

Attention kids of moms who love all things nerdy! Now growing up my mom loved getting things more like chocolates and rose bushes…sure I love both those things (just fyi: my address is on my media kit page) but I’m also a big nerd and love getting action figures, hot wheels, movie posters & statues to decorate the house…because I don’t have an office to fill it with at the moment. So if you have a nerdy mom like myself here are a few Mother’s Day gift ideas from the folks at DC COMICS!
Statues:
Batman Black & White: Harley Quinn V.2 By Paul Dini Statue
On sale in May
MSRP: $80.00
Designed by Paul Dini
Sculpted by Steve Kiwus
Based off Paul Dini’s original concept for Harley Quinn
DC Comics Bombshells Cheetah Statue
On sale in May
MSRP: $125
Designed by Ant Lucia
Sculpted by Sam Greenwell
Graphic Novels:
BLACK CANARY VOL. 1: KICKING AND SCREAMING
After years as a crimefighter, Dinah Lance never imagined herself as a singer…but now she’d die to protect her new band of misfits and trouble magnets! Collects issues #1-7 of the red-hot new series, plus the sneak peek story from CONVERGENCE: BLUE BEETLE #2.
In these stories from issues #1-6 of the hit series, learn the story behind this alternate reality where the Second World War is fought by superpowered women on the front lines and behind the scenes! It all begins with the stories of Batwoman, Wonder Woman and Supergirl.
When a savage creature known only as the Adversary conquered the fabled lands of legends and fairy tales, all of the infamous inhabitants of folklore were forced into exile. Disguised among the normal citizens of modern-day New York, these magical characters created their own secret society-within an exclusive luxury apartment building on Manhattan’s Upper West Side-called Fabletown. But when Snow White’s party-girl sister, Rose Red, is apparently murdered, it is up to Bigby, Fabletown’s sheriff, and a reformed and pardoned Big Bad Wolf, to determine if the culprit is Bluebeard, Rose’s ex-lover and notorious wife killer, or Jack, her current live-in boyfriend and former beanstalk-climber.
Gotham City’s most prestigious prep school is a very strange place. It’s got a spooky campus, oddball teachers, and rich benefactors always dropping by…like that weirdo Bruce Wayne. But nothing is as strange as the students! Like, what’s up with Olive Silverlock? Is she crazy or what? Where did she go last summer? And what’s the deal with her creepy mom? And how come that freshman Maps is always following her around? And is she still going out with Kyle? P.S. Did you hear the rumor about the ghost in the North Hall?! It’s all here in these tales from issues #1-6 of the new series!
Don’t miss this original graphic novel from Anthony Bourdain, renowned chef, New York Times bestselling author (Kitchen Confidential, Medium Raw) and star of the Emmy-winning hit travel show No Reservations and the brand new series The Layover! Co-written with Joel Rose (LA PACIFICA, Kill Kill Faster Faster) this stylized send-up of food culture and society features spectacular detailed and dynamic art by Langdon Foss.In a not-too-distant future of food obsessed L.A., where master chefs rule the town like crime lords and people literally kill for a seat at the best restaurant, Jiro, a renegade and ruthless sushi chef arrives in town with strong ideas of his own. It’s a bloody culinary war of epic proportions, and in the end, no chef may be left alive!
The sensational series that gave Harley Quinn her own New 52 spotlight is collected in hardcover for the first time, from the star-studded #0 issue to issue #8! Don’t miss Harley’s big move to Coney Island as she becomes a roller derby queen – all while she carries on in her criminal career!
Gwendolyn “Gwen” Dylan is a 20-something gravedigger in an eco-friendly cemetery. Once a month she must eat a human brain to keep from losing her own memories, but in the process she becomes consumed with the thoughts and personality of the dead person – until she eats her next brain. Gwen sets out to fulfill the dead person’s last request, solve a crime or right a wrong. Our zombie girl detective is joined by her best friend, Eleanor, who happens to be a swinging ’60s ghost, a posse of paintball-blasting vampires, a smitten were-dog and a hot but demented mummy.
In these stories from SUPERGIRL #0-10 and 12, Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin from Krypton, adjusts to her life on Earth, crossing paths (and trading blows) with the JSA, the Teen Titans and the Outsiders along the way. But while she’s facing off against other heroes, her cousin’s nemesis Lex Luthor has uncovered a truth that could change the Girl of Steel forever!
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This week marks the end of my post for the #McFarlandUSAEvent I attended in LA a few weeks ago. This week I get to share a few posts for Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast! Before I get to the review, which i’ll have for you tomorrow, I’m going to share my interview with Ginnifer Goodwin, who plays Fawn thee animal fairy.
Now don’t kill me…but I’m going to admit I’m prob the only one on planet earth who didn’t know who she was. I don’t watch any of the shows she’s been on, so I had to do my research before attending the interview. Before we get to the questions, let me say that her pictures do nothing for her, she is strikingly beautiful, and very down to earth. Even though she has already given birth, she still has a glow about her that’s very alluring.
As you know from my other posts about it, I love Tinkerbell, so to get to meet one of the voices behind it was exhilarating.
Q: Do you share any traits with Fawn?
I think I’m always sort of cast for myself , but I think that, I’ve almost only been, yes, cast for the characters that I naturally exhibit. I think optimism and, faith and hope and, love of life. Love of others. I think that Fawn and I are both animated in the same way as it were.
I do think
that I’m certainly cast for being me, absolutely.
Q: Is that your first figure/doll?
I hadn’t thought of that, yes, I think it is
Q: Being that you were pregnant did that help with the emotional levels?
Yeah. Just call me in for like any job that requires crying. I’ve never had a problem being overly emotional. I think that we all sort of I don’t know. I think a lot of actors we’re just sort of like freaks who really conveniently found outlets. I don’t know what I would do if I weren’t an actor because I am such a crybaby. I would just be like that weird cat lady that always crying, but instead I found a career that totally gives me an outlet. Being pregnant was like a whole other level of crying on cue.
She was told by her dr. during her pregnancy that she needed to get off her feet…but that didn’t stop her, Disney made up a bed for her to come in and record on!
I was told by my Doctor I had to get off my feet and they offered to postpone recording but I really wanted to do it so they were like Oh, we got something great. We got something great. And I’m OK. And we go in a Recording Booth and they’ve set me up in a bed in the Recording Booth and it’s covered in like Disney Stuffed Animals. And I got to record from the — the lying down with Disney Stuffed Animals for a couple of sessions and that was so good.
Q: Having a child now – do you think it changes the roles that you take?
I don’t know. Well, ironically I feel like after “Once Upon a Time” I think I need something a little more adult for my own creative satisfaction. Ironically maybe it’s kinda done the opposite where I feel like I have so much imagination in my life now. Because I’m with this youthful creature 24/7, I think that though I will want to for sure take jobs that will make him happy and proud like this one I think will.
Like the rest of the trip this was another amazing experience. A truly genuine and gracious person, I can’t wait to see what else she does..and oh, catch up on what she’s already done!
You can pickup Tinkerbell And The Legend Of The Neverbeast TODAY on Blu-Ray & Disney HD!
Follow TinkerBell: #Neverbeast #NeverbeastBloggers
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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.”

Parents magazine today revealed the Top 10 Best Hotel Chains For Families, perfect for family road trips, holiday travels or weekend getaways. Parents’ magazine editors and travel experts evaluated 60-plus hotel brands across the country to identify chains offering families great space and comfort, high satisfaction ratings, affordable rates, and entertaining kids’ programs. The full article is available in the November 2015 issue of the magazine and on Parents.com.
According to Parents, the year’s best hotel chains for families include:
Best Budget Chains
Residence Inn – With 650+ U.S. locations, the hotel offers extensive in-room amenities and a seasonal “Residence Inn Mix” program, featuring food-truck fare, restaurant pop-in tastings, and a backyard BBQ, depending on the night and location. (Fall rates for a Studio Suite start at $84 per night; residenceinn.marriott.com).
Hyatt Place – Perfect for keeping kids healthy on vacation, these properties offer a free breakfast buffet which has expanded in most locations to include more nutritious options, many packed with fruit, veggies, and protein. (Fall rates for a room with two queen beds start at $134 per night; hyattplace.com).
SpringHill Suites – Known for its roomy living areas and creative breakfast options, the chain’s special touch lies in a showcase of more than 2,000 pieces of artwork displayed throughout its lobbies. (Fall rates for a suite with two double beds start at $79 per night; marriott.com/springhillsuites).
Hilton Garden Inn – The hotel’s redesigned rooms are more family-friendly than ever, providing more counter space, clothes storage, charging stations, and seating. Hate waiting in line? Use the HHonors app to check-in and choose your room from your smartphone – you may decide on a room near the indoor pool, for instance – then swing by the front desk for the key. (Fall rates for a room with two queen beds start at $129 per night;hiltongardeninn.com).
Wingate by Wyndham – With starting rates of less than $100 per night (and free breakfast!) in many areas, you can’t beat the price of a standard room here. The brand also has a unique loyalty program that allows you to redeem some of your points for discounts on your stay. (Fall rates for a room with two double beds start at $129 per night;wingateatlanta.com).
Best Mid-Priced Chains
Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton – Every room is a suite here, so forget about splurging on an upgrade for more space and privacy. Additional perks include a free nightly snack and drink reception, training for all staff on interacting with kids, and a new program offering baby care essentials at some locations. (Fall rates for a suite with two double beds start at $189 per night; embassysuites.com).
Loews Hotels & Resorts – From receiving early admission to Orlando theme parks so they can beat the crowds to attending “Farm School” at an organic farm to care for local animals and vegetables in San Diego, families take advantage of the coolest partnerships to keep the kids happy. (Fall rates for a room with two double beds start at $249 per night; loewshotels.com).
Omni Hotels & Resorts – Omni has a knack for taking old, historic resorts and restoring them into family meccas with plenty of adventure. Kids will have tons of fun with the free photo book and game-filled backpack they receive at check in. (Fall rates for rooms with two double beds start at $229 per night; omnihotels.com).
Hyatt House – Many locations offer two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites for what you’d pay for a single room at a higher-end chain. Plus, all room types come with a full kitchen and all the tools you need to cook and eat a great meal. (Fall rates for a one-bedroom suite start at $159 per night; hyatthouse.com).
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts – Sheraton offers the same features as its pricier Starwood cousins, Westin and Aloft, like “sweet sleeper” beds and cribs, pools, and an all-inclusive dining program for kids 12 and under. (Fall rates for suites start at $249 per night and a room with two double beds at $189 per night; starwoodhotels.com/sheraton).

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.”
I’ve owned many products from TerraCycle®, I just love that they make it easy for you to take care of the environment by offering various recycling programs & upcycled products made from everyday wrappers. Entenmann’s Little Bites® has been a partner with the company for years now. With their recycling program, you can turn in used wrappers from Little Bites® packages and earn money for your school!
In celebration of Earth Day, from now through April 30, 2018, TerraCycle®, an international recycling company, and Entenmann’s Little Bites® are asking fans to make the pledge and recycle Entenmann’s Little Bites® pouches to be placed in the running to win a Classroom Party for a K-12 school. It’s easy to participate: make the pledge, send in the recyclables and earn more rewards.
Pledge: your pledge qualifies you for the contest
First Shipment: your first shipment earns 500 bonus points
Second Shipment: your second shipment earns 1,000 bonus points
TerraCycle Sweepstakes: K-12 schools-only have the chance to win a Classroom Party as long as they pledge. The classroom party will include five (5) cases of Entenmann’s® Little Bites® and 100 upcycled pencil cases. Please see more details and official rules here: http://www.terracycle.com/en-US/contests/little-bites-pledge
Each Entenmann’s® Little Bites® pouch is perfectly portioned and a good source of calcium and vitamin D, + they never contain high fructose corn syrup or trans-fat. They are delicious baked snacks, perfect for today’s on-the-go families. From year-round favorites like Chocolate Chip and Blueberry Muffin to seasonal varieties, Little Bites® are baked soft and moist, made with real ingredients.

It is often the case that people who swear a lot will impose a swear jar on themselves. So every time that they say an offensive word or a banned word from home, they will need to put money in the jar. You can implement the same idea with your own bad habits.
It is better that you have someone to hold you accountable; for example, if you are trying to kick smoking as your bad habit tells your friends and family that if they see you light up, or you smell of cigarette smoke that you owe them a dinner. Or perhaps you want to up the ante slightly, and you must give them $5.
Triggers
We will often repeat bad habits without realizing that we are doing them, but there are usually triggers that lead up to that bad habit. For example, if you are trying to cut back on alcohol, it might be that you need an alcohol detox center to help set you on the right path.
Being able to identify what your triggers are will massively help you in the road to kicking, you have it to the curb. If it’s stress-related, then you might need to find some new outlets for when this happens. Replace bad habits with good ones; when you are stressed, take the time to make a fresh orange juice or a smoothie rather than go for a glass of wine.
Slowly
Bad habits are built up over time, and good habits or two. If you try to change too many habits at once, you are setting yourself up to fail. Instead, work on one thing at a time and take it slowly. You have time to break your bad habit, and you must celebrate the small wins too.

I don’t share kickstarter or Indiegogo campaigns often, but I knew you guys would love this one!
Micro Drone 3.0 is the first of its kind in personal drone that combines expandable modular technology, sensor-assisted flying and a micro-gimbal for live streaming video. It is perfect for the professional drone enthusiast and those new to flying drones and want a great starter drone.
Small and lightweight, you can take it anywhere with no hassle. The flight options allows for auto-leveling, inverted flying, sensor assisted flying in up to 45 mph winds and ranging up to 300 feet. The video features include live-streaming video, first person view headset display, the world’s smallest gimbal, editing suite, 720 X 1280 HD at 30 fps and social media integration.
The sensors on the Micro Drone 3.0 work together beautifully to provide amazing stable flight while sending live video to your smartphone or virtual reality headset. No amount of pushing, prodding or poking will keep it from flying.
I know what my boys will be asking for this Christmas…I can just see the house now…
You can also follow Micro Drone 3.0 on Facebook