Night At the Museum | Secret Of The Tomb Prize Pack Giveaway

LeapFrog has been a part of our house for years, toys, tablets and video games all help my kiddos get school readiness skills for preschool and beyond. LeapFrog’s new Number Lovin’ Oven and Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Set teach math and measurement through interactive pretend play, while Word Whammer develops spelling and phonics skills in a fun and active way.
These exciting new toys add to their growing collection of early childhood toy experiences that encourage skill-building, exploration and pretend play. By encouraging children to learn through exploration and imagination, Number Lovin’ Oven and Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Set offer pretend play experiences that teach math and measurement. To round out the new introductions, Word Whammer, an action-packed new phonics game, helps prepare children for kindergarten in a fun and active way.
“We developed Number Lovin’ Oven and Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Set to encourage toddlers to learn while having fun with characters and environments they can relate to. Word Whammer lets pre-kindergarteners develop important spelling skills with an exciting game that will keep them entertained as they are learning phonics skills and building words,” said Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, director of LeapFrog’s Learning Team.
The Perfect Recipe for Number Learning Fun
Number Lovin’ Oven is the first preschool toy to bake early math into fun and engaging play focused on cooking and sharing—giving toddlers a first glimpse into how numbers and early math skills are a part of everyday life.
This one was definitely a hit in our house…even with my 5 & 9-year-olds. First and foremost it is a small oven with plenty of fun accessories, but it also does other really cool stuff depending on what setting it’s on. There are 30+ songs & phrases…it sings about washing your hands, you can never start too early on hygiene, and songs about pizza, bread, and cupcakes. The songs teach counting (how many slices of pizza, how many pieces of bread, etc.) which is great, because my 2-year-old loves to count things with me. The number settings tell them the higher the number, the higher the temperature and tells them what bakes best at that temperature. When you put something in the oven it tells you what setting to put it on (numbers 1-5) and counts until it’s done. I love the early learning skills, and he loves cooking mommy some food. He’s learning without knowing it, or it being a “chore” or battle.
Discovery and Skill-Building with LeapFrog’s Playful Pup Scout
Scout’s Build & Discover Tool Set lets toddlers interact with one of children’s favorite LeapFrog characters, playful pup Scout, as he introduces them to their first step-by-step building project through counting, measuring, and color matching.
I usually absolutely LOVE LeapFrog products, but I just like this one. Let me just say, it is developmentally appropriate for a 2-year-old, even a 1-year-old. But my son is the youngest of 4 and has played with other tool products and was a little frustrated that the screws, nails and bolts didn’t come out like “they normally do”. The product description says you can build a doghouse, but it’s really just a few walls that come up and down, and just snap into place..not “tools” needed to “build” it. I also don’t see the speaking feature to be necessary. It’s not connected to any of the bolts, screws etc. So I’m not seeing the point. Aside from my pickiness, this a fine toy tool set and completely age appropriate. I like that it’s got nails, screws, and bolts with which to practice motor skills with, and because they are all permanently attached to the toolbox so they don’t end up all over the house. I also like that the tools and corresponding fasteners are color-coordinated so that it’s easy for kids to make that cognitive connection between the hammer and the nail, etc.
Twist for Letter Sounds and Blast to Build Words
Word Whammer gets kids jamming on phonics skills as they spin, push and twist the handles to identify letters and build words in three action-packed games and five learning levels that adapt as children play.
I gave this to my 5 year old who just started Kindergarten, and he was excited to play it at first. It has three games to choose from which you can scroll through to see games by tilting the right handle up or down and then push in to select that game. the same motions are needed for game play. While I see the value in the games, he seemed to get a little bored after a while and moved on to another toy, but tends to always come back and ask to play with it again. With only three games, I don’t see it being a toy that will last long, although game adapts as children play, keeping them challenged, motivated and engaged as they progress, so maybe it will last longer than I think. I do love that there are letter matching and spelling games which is something he really needs to work on. The design is a nice change from the tablets and traditional mobile gaming toys.
Overall the boys were very excited about the new LeapFrog School Readiness Toys!
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.”

With much of the land of Costa Rica having protected status, it’s no surprise that this country is the flag-bearer for conservation of nature and wildlife. An astonishing twenty-six percent of this gorgeous country is designated as a national park, wildlife refuge, biological refuge, or some other category of protected status. Both public and private […]
If you’re like our house, you’ve fallen in love with the next generation of the Lion King saga….The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar on the Disney Channel. Disney’s Lion Guard comes out on DVD Today, Tuesday, February 23rd, and to celebrate we have some fun downloadable activity sheets & video clips to share with you courtesy […]
With 4 boys and a husband, you better believe we have plenty of super hero fun! But there is always the battle over “the best”. With the new Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice coming out, the battle is fiercer than ever…and the epic showdown starts with breakfast with the Superman™ Caramel Crunch and Batman™ […]
Valentines may be over, but it’s never too late to have a romantic night in! Gourmet Gift Baskets can help with that. Send her the Italian Dinner for Two then let her sit back and watch you cook it…or enjoy cooking it together! What’s a better way to celebrate your love than with all the […]
When you hear phrases such as have mercy, cut it out, how rude or neighborino…I’m sure, like me, you flash back to the hit show Full House! Full House was one of my favorite shows growing up..laughing and crying along with them. So when Netflix announced they were going to reunite the cast in an […]

When the next snow falls who will he take?
Based on Jo Nesbø’s global bestseller, The Snowman stars Michael Fassbender (X-Men series) and Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible—Rogue Nation)
When an elite crime squad’s lead detective, Harry Hole (Fassbender) investigates the disappearance of a victim on the first snow of winter, he fears an elusive serial killer may be active again. With the help of a brilliant recruit (Ferguson), the cop must connect decades-old cold cases to the brutal new one if he hopes to outwit this unthinkable evil before the next snowfall.
Charlotte Gainsbourg (Independence Day: Resurgence), Val Kilmer (Heat) and Academy Award® winner J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) also star in The Snowman, a terrifying thriller from director Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) and executive produced by Martin Scorsese.

It’s just about October which means Breast Cancer Awareness month. Every year I like to help get the word out about different campaigns to raise awareness for this devastating disease…But this year is a little different than others, this year is a little closer to home. One of the wonderful ladies that I know through my hubbies job was diagnosed with Breast Cancer back in May and was completely devastated. She’s been undergoing chemo for months and is having a hard time with it all. She’s trying to be strong but the chemo is making her so sick and making her hair fall out which is dampening her spirits. It makes me so sad that there is nothing we can do, but try to help her be strong and power through it.
I love when companies create something so beautiful and meaningful even if it is a simple piece of jewelry. Wearing or purchasing that piece of jewelry shows your support and encouragement for someone who is fighting for their lives. Glamulet has created Limited Edition Pink Charms to support their Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign. For every set of charms added to the cart, 50% is donated to a charity organization. I love their charms and can’t wait to give this piece of encouragement to my friend who needs as much as she can get right now.
Glamulet is a fashion brand that specializes in chic accessories. Glamulet designs, manufactures and markets hand-finished and modern jewelry made from genuine materials at affordable prices. We carry charms, bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Glamulet is considered a one-stop-shop for all your jewelry needs. We carry all types of genuine sterling silver, We have different gemstones, man-made stones, mother of pearl and Murano glass. We have satisfied shoppers from Europe, South Africa, USA, Canada and Asia. Glamulet is an icon of international glamour Rare, Exceptional, Utterly timeless This is Glamulet’s Legacy .
This Pink October campaign aims to raise awareness to prevent breast cancer. For every charm you buy, they are donating 50% of the sales to a charity fund for breast cancer. Join the cause with me and show your support for someone fighting the horrible battle.
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.”

Walt Disney Records announces the Elena of Avalor soundtrack EP available today, July 22. The EP features 7 songs from the highly anticipated Disney Channel animated series “Elena of Avalor” which premieres tonight, July 22 (7:00-8:00 p.m., EDT). The theme song “Elena of Avalor” is performed by Gaby Moreno and Elena’s anthem “My Time” is performed by Aimee Carrero, the voice of Princess Elena.
In addition to singing the theme song, Gaby Moreno will also voice a guest role in the series. Born in Guatemala, Moreno performs her music, which ranges from blues to jazz to soul to R&B, in both English and Spanish. In addition to winning the Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2013, Moreno was nominated for an Emmy® Award for Outstanding Main Title Theme Music in 2010 for co-writing the theme song to “Parks and Recreation.”
The music team for “Elena of Avalor” consists of series creator/executive producer Craig Gerber, songwriter/music director John Kavanaugh (who are also the Emmy Award-winning songwriting team behind Disney’s “Sofia the First”), Emmy Award-nominated composer Tony Morales (“Hatfields & McCoys”) and acclaimed touring musician and Latin music instructor Rene Camacho who serves as Latin music consultant.
Elena of Avalor track listing:
“Elena of Avalor”
“Ready to Rule”
“Festival of Love”
“Sister Time”
“The Magic Within You”
“My Time” (Bonus Track)
“My Time” (Instrumental)
Set in the enchanted fairytale land of Avalor, the series tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has saved her kingdom from an evil sorceress and must now learn to rule as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. Elena’s journey will lead her to understand that her new role requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all truly great leaders.
WIN IT!
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a Elena of Avalor Soundtrack! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 12:00 PM EST Aug 5, 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 and samples provided & shipped by Disney. IN THE RARE OCCASION THAT A PRIZE DOES NOT ARRIVE (WHICH HAS HAPPENED), PLEASE NOTIFY ME.
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.”