By Movie Studios

Didn’t have the chance to attend the World Premiere of MCFARLAND, USA at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood this past week? I have some fun pictures of the premiere to share with you!
As a surprise, the event featured a special performance by Latin rock superstar Juanes!
Based on the 1987 true story, “McFarland, USA” follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California’s farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys’ exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream
Meet the inspiration behind the movie (minus Jim White)!
Of course the dashing Kevin Costner
Also make sure you join the social relay race for a chance to win $2,500 and other prizes!
http://racetomcfarlandusa.com/
Follow McFARLAND, USA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcfarlandusa
Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/disneypictures
McFARLAND, USA is rated PG and opens in theaters everywhere on February 20th!

PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing “WILD KRATTS: SHARK-TASTIC” on DVD April 14. “SHARK-TASTIC” includes four episodes of the PBS KIDS hit series WILD KRATTS, two of which are bonus episodes!
From learning about the favorite prey of great white sharks, to gaining insight into how dolphins communicate, kids will be exposed to fascinating facts about sharks and other sea creatures in this fun-filled DVD. Animals highlighted in these four stories include a hawksbill turtle, dolphins, a tiger shark, a giant pacific octopus, great white sharks, a bowhead whale, a manta ray and many more.
In each episode of WILD KRATTS, creature teachers Chris and Martin Kratt take kids and their families along on extraordinary animal-powered adventures. The show transforms the Kratt Brothers, creators of the award-winning KRATTS’ CREATURES and Emmy-winning ZOBOOMAFOO, into animated versions of themselves, allowing the real-life zoologists to visit wild animals in their little-seen habitats and showcase key science concepts along the way. WILD KRATTS airs weekdays on PBS KIDS (check local listings).
“WILD KRATTS: SHARK-TASTIC” will be available on DVD April 14, 2015. The DVD run time is approximately 60 minutes and its SRP is $12.99.
The episodes included on this DVD are listed below.
“Octopus Wildkratticus”
When Martin accidentally knocks the creature power suits into a deep Arctic trench, Aviva takes the brothers to search for them in her brand-new octopod submarine. But after the gang encounters what seems to be a very strange new species of underwater octopus, they figure out that something has gone very wrong in the deep sea. In order to set things right, the Wild Kratts team must employ all the amazing superpowers that an octopus has for survival, including ink defense, jet propulsion, tentacle regeneration, and camouflage.
“Tortuga Tune Up”
Aviva loves the Tortuga design, but feels there’s something missing. Martin and Chris realize it can’t really swim, so they decide to get some bio inspiration for this feature by exploring the world of the sea turtles.
BONUS ADVENTURES!
“Speaking Dolphinese”
The Wild Kratts team is on a mission to decode the secret language of the dolphin with one of Aviva’s new inventions, but a hungry great white shark puts their new animal friends in harm’s way.
“Stuck on Sharks”
Martin and Chris are on a mission to uncover the secret life of the mysterious great white shark. They use Aviva’s incredible remora rocketsub to “stick with” a female shark and soon learn that the giant predator actually has lots of challenges to contend with and that she could help them discover something that no one has ever seen before – the birth of great white shark pups. But when Gourmand sniffs around looking for ingredients for his shark fin soup recipe, the Wild Kratts team must help rescue their new friend.

Disney’s new movie Frozen is making a splash with kids of all ages! So I was super excited to get to review 4 new Frozen books & 1 Frozen book app! Now my kiddos are not the book worms that I strive to get them to be…I’ve bought so many books over the years that I read to them, but they refuse to read again…but no joke, since we have had the Frozen books, they have read them several times..what several in two weeks!!?? FINALLY!! Maybe it’s all the hype and the fact that they haven’t seen the movie yet..but they love the books. The only one we haven’t dug into yet is the Junior Novel (that is our next on our list for bedtime reading). Here is a little about each book..
What I love about this book is that it avoids a simple retelling of the film. Children’s books based on movies tend to be bare-bone summaries of the storyline and they offer very little, giving no new experience or adding nothing to an existing pool of information. A Sister More Like Me touches on the story of Frozen — in fact, it’s recommended that you see the film before reading this book, either to yourself or to an audience — but it tells its own story as well.
It follows Anna and Elsa through thirteen years of their life and what they did in their time together, and apart. The book looks at aspects of both their hobbies, and personalities. Anna is the sort to wake up with her room looking like a tornado hit, while Elsa would meticulously make sure everything was in its proper place. The story follows what each sister likes and what they wish the other would be like. They recognize one another’s differences and think that it may be better to have a sister who was more like themselves. But of course, they learn that that’s not exactly what makes a sister who she is. This is a lovely story for anyone learning to accept that someone you love is different from you, but that’s the thing that makes them wonderful! The beautiful artwork by Brittney Lee say more than words can. She can communicate dozens of ideas in a single image. If your looking for a great book to go along with your love of the movie, this is the perfect book for you.
Frozen Read-Along Storybook and CD: This USA TODAY best-selling novel tells the story of fearless optimist Anna who sets off on an epic journey—to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The CD offers the story narrated with sound effects and character voices (in parts), the boys will listen to the story over and over and at times follow along with the book. The boys love this set, and is the most read book out of the four (perhaps because they can follow along with the narrator).
Frozen: The Junior Novelization: This New York Times and USA TODAY best-selling novel retells the whole exciting story and features eight pages of full-color scenes from the movie!
What I like is the fact that you get to read what the characters were thinking or reading it describe their feelings. It does what books do, brings you more into the story. This one is great for your more evolved readers and is a great book to add to the summer reading que!
Frozen: A Tale of Two Sisters: This USA TODAY best-selling novel retells the story of sisters Anna and Elsa in this 32 page Step Into Reading Level Two reader which brings the adventurous tale of Frozen to early readers ages 4-6. My 8 year old is a delayed reader due to speech & dyslexia problems, but he loves to pull out this book and read it. He loves the story line and is proud of himself when he finishes and can tell me what happened. It is perfect for beginning readers. It hits all the major plot points in simple language. The illustrations are lovely – very colorful – and all your favorite characters are featured.

this post is sponsored by Lunchbox and TRESemmé however all thoughts, opinions and tutorials are my own.
As a stay at home mom you can find me most days in blue jeans, a tee and a pony tail…there are days that I take extra time to do my hair & full makeup, but it is rare…I really love the times I get to get dolled up and attend an event! It’s not that I don’t care about my everyday appearance, with 4 kids, a tot that I chase after all day, chores and a blog to run…I stay pretty busy and don’t feel it’s necessary to do my hair or get all dressed up (yes anything above jeans and a tee is dressed up..lol).
While I don’t take selfies often, when I do my hair and full makeup I’m happy to be in front of the camera and share it with the world. Why? Because changing your hair changes your mood, your presence and the way others perceive you. such a small thing can have such a BIG impact. this may be one of the reasons i am so excited to share this awesome sweepstakes opportunity.
TRESemmé is offering a chance to win a prize pack in their TRESemmé Transformation Sweepstakes that includes: Premium Hair Straightener TRESemmé Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth System Shampooo TRESemmé Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth System Conditioner TRESemmé Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth System Heat Activated Treatment.
So what do you have to do to enter?
Step 1 – Snap a picture of your “before” hair.
Step 2 – Style and transform your look!
Step 3 – Capture your “after” hairstyle.
Step 4 – Use a photo collage app or side-by-side photo app to post your photo to Instagram using the hashtag #TRESemméTransformation.
Step 5 – Fill out THIS FORM and submit your Instagram link.
So what are you waiting for!? Lets see those transformations! I’ve shared mine:
Leave your Instagram link for me to check out below! I’d love to check out how you transform your hair!
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.”

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Traditions matter because it passes down from one generation to the next and can bring families closer because they have something to share. We have many traditions during each holiday that we are happy to pass down. Hickory Farms has always been a part of our holiday family traditions.
Hickory Farms offers a wide variety of products: from your traditional summer sausage, cheese and crackers to wines and gift baskets. Hickory Farms offers a wide variety of food gifts that are perfect for any budget and for everyone on your list this year. Quality, freshness and value are key traits of Hickory Farms’ gift and products.
Hickory Farms Signature Summer Sausage has been awarded the Masters of Taste Gold Medal for Superior Taste for having the #1 Summer Sausage in America. This has always been a favorite in our house. You just can’t have a holiday without at least two summer sausages lying around.
But with anything I’m always up for trying something new, and perhaps starting a new tradition…Like the new to Hickory Farms this year, decadent White & Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark. Doesn’t that sound delicious! This bark is a custom blend of creamy white chocolate and dark chocolate made from West African Cocoa beans, hand swirled with pure mint and topped with crushed candy cane pieces.
I also love buying from businesses who give back! Check out how Hickory Farms gives…
Charitable Giving:
Hickory Farms is proud to support No Kid Hungry®. No Kid Hungry is, working to end childhood hunger in America by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need every day.
Hickory Farms has contributed more than $4 million to No Kid Hungry since 2008. For every Signature Party Planner purchased this holiday season, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to No Kid Hungry.
As a supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, the company provides year round complimentary shipping on select products to military addresses across the globe to ensure families can send loved ones warm wishes and a favorite taste from home. Visit www.hickoryfarms.com for details.
Whether you are continuing old family traditions or making new ones, don’t forget about Hickory Farms. They have great items that I am sure your friends and family will love. You can purchase Hickory Farms at Holiday Market locations nationwide, on the Hickory Farms website, and at leading retailers. What are your family traditions? Do you make charitable donations a tradition?
Connect with Hickory Farms on social media to stay up to date on all of their promotions and delicious products!
Follow them on Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Disclaimer: Compensation and products for review were provided by Hickory Farms via MomTrends. I received a free sample of the product for the purpose of this review and to facilitate a giveaway. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hickory Farms.

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
To celebrate the release of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD, they are hosting a Family Movie Night this weekend! To make the night even more fun-filled they have created activity sheets, discussion guides, and games all available at http://www.nightatthemuseummovie.com
Ben Stiller leads an all-star comedy cast, including Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Rebel Wilson and Ricky Gervais, for one final, fun-filled Night at the Museum. This time, Larry Daley (Stiller) and his heroic friends embark on their greatest adventure yet as they travel to London in order to save the magic that brings the museum exhibits to life!
Be sure to click the graphic above to check out a day in the life of the biggest star in Hollywood, Crystal, the Capuchin monkey dubbed as “‘the Angelina Jolie (I’m not sure if legally we can reference her this way) of animal stars” and winner of the Lifetime Diva Achievement Award at the 2015 Pawscars!