Nine Lives Movie In Theaters TODAY! + Giveaway

The Walt Disney Studios offers an exclusive look at its upcoming projects from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm at D23 EXPO 2015, taking place August 14–16 at the Anaheim Convention Center.
The Studio will unveil its animation and live-action film slate via two huge Hall D23 presentations featuring surprise guests and many unforgettable moments. Other not-to-be-missed events include a Frozen FANdemonium musical celebration with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story with John Lasseter and the original Pixar crew.
HALL D23 PRESENTATIONS:
Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter
Friday, August 14, 3:00 pm – Hall D23
After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo, where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents this in-depth look at the animation studios’ slate. Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent.
Worlds, Galaxies, and Universes: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios
Saturday, August 15, 10:30 am – Hall D23
Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm are home to some of the planet’s best storytellers, immersing audiences fully in the world of each film from beginning to end and beyond. In this exclusive Hall D23 presentation, join Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn for a tour of upcoming live-action projects from these legendary film studios. A bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens—and much, much more.
Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration!
Sunday, August 16, 3:00 pm – Hall D23
Join host Chris Montan, president, Walt Disney Music, and the Oscar®-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez as they take you on a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey through the world of Frozen. This one-day-only performance features your favorite friends from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film—including Anna and Elsa––with sing-along experiences and fascinating stories behind some of your favorite Frozen songs.
CALENDAR OF KEY EVENTS:
In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out
Friday, August 14, 11:30 am – Stage 28
Get the inside story on the making of Pixar’s latest summer release, Inside Out. Hear from Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.) and producer Jonas Rivera (Up) as they reminisce and share their personal stories of creating a world that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen.
Welcome to Zootopia!
Saturday, August 15, 1:30 pm – Stage 28
Welcome to Zootopia, a magnificent mammal metropolis, and home to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next feature, the comedy-adventure Zootopia. Join directors Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt), and artists from the incredible production team as they introduce rookie rabbit-officer Judy Hopps, con-artist fox Nick Wilde and a host of dynamic animal characters, sharing footage and behind-the-scenes stories with D23 EXPO-goers.
Pixar Secrets Revealed! Hear the Stories They Didn’t Want You to Know!
Saturday, August 15, 3:00 pm – Stage 28
Ever wonder where your favorite Pixar stories began? Hear the stories you don’t know about the classic films that you love. Pixar senior development executive Mary Coleman hosts this experience, welcoming the storytellers behind some of Pixar’s most successful films, including Darla K. Anderson (A Bug’s Life,Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Brave), Ronnie del Carmen (Up, Inside Out) and Dan Scanlon (Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University), as they talk about the twists and turns of crafting a narrative and share some of the crazy story ideas that didn’t make the final cut.
Toy Story: 20 Years Later, the Original Crew Looks Back
Saturday, August 15, 4:30 pm – Stage 23
From flipbooks to feature films, animation has taken audiences to fantastical new worlds, far beyond the limits of any real-world setting. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the line between art and technology and bringing beloved characters to life with heart and humor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of 1995’s Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Galyn Susman, Ralph Eggleston, Sharon Calahan, Eben Ostby, Bob Pauley and Bill Reeves as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way.
Aladdin – The Making of a Classic
Saturday, August 15, 6:00 pm – Stage 28
Join Walt Disney Animation Studios filmmakers, including legendary directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (Genie) and Mark Henn (Jasmine), as well as Jasmine herself, Linda Larkin, and the two actors who gave life to the character Aladdin: Scott Weinger and Brad Kane, as they unveil the stories behind one of the great Disney classics, Aladdin, a film that led to a “whole new world” for animation.
The Shorts of Walt Disney Animation Studios: from Paperman to Prep & Landing, Feast to Frozen Fever
Sunday, August 16, 11:30 am – Stage 28
When Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Studio in 1923, their first medium for storytelling was the animated short. More than 90 years later, Walt Disney Animation Studios continues this tradition, making groundbreaking and award-winning shorts including Feast, Paperman and this year’s hit Frozen Fever. Join the filmmakers behind these shorts and so many others, including Get A Horse!, John Henry, Lorenzo and The Ballad of Nessie for a conversation about this truly animated art form.
The Tunes Behind the Toons: Screening/Q&A
Sunday, August 16, 6:00 pm, Stage 28
D23 EXPO invites you to a special screening and Q&A panel for The Tunes Behind the Toons, a short form documentary that celebrates the power of music in animation. From the silent film days when organists played live accompaniments, to the music within today’s animated features, this documentary traces the origins of cartoon music and its pioneers. Featuring interviews with Alan Menken, Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle, Mark Watters, Bruce Broughton, Richard Sherman and many others. Producer/director Dave Bossert will lead a star-studded Q&A following the presentation.
ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:
The Walt Disney Studios – Show Floor Exhibition
Step into the worlds of The Walt Disney Studios in this wide-ranging showcase of exciting projects from Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm. Among the many highlights:
For the first time at D23 EXPO, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios have created a joint experience no Disney fan should miss. With live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers from each studio, plus free giveaways and interactive displays featuring the filmsInside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory and Moana, this is a can’t-miss attraction for animation fans.
Explore costumes, props and photo ops from the Studios’ live-action films, including Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm.
Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite
Take pics and share them in the Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn more about Disney Movies Anywhere, Disney’s digital movie app that lets you watch your Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movie collection across your favorite devices, anywhere you go.
Say Aloha to John Lasseter’s Film-Themed Hawaiian Shirts
Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter takes Disney and Pixar animation to heart—literally. For nearly every film—fromFinding Nemo and Wreck-It Ralph to Frozen and Inside Out, Lasseter has commissioned an exclusive movie-themed Hawaiian shirt. And those who know the Oscar®-winning storyteller know that he loves his Hawaiian shirts—and dons one for almost every occasion. Animation fans will see their favorite film characters “materialize” before their eyes in this colorful collection, which will be exhibited on the show floor.
An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg
D23 hosts the first public exhibition anywhere of “An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg.” Celebrate Goldberg, whose artistry at Walt Disney Animation Studios began with his groundbreaking work on Genie in Aladdin, and continues to this day on projects such as the upcoming Moana and the 2014 Oscar®-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! The exhibition features a collection of more than 100 of Goldberg’s caricatured creations of Disney characters, drawn in a style reminiscent of art seen on the famed walls of Sardi’s Restaurant and The Brown Derby. This incredible collection of art is from the newly released book An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg Draws the Disney Characters, and will be available for purchase in the Walt Disney Publishing pop-up shop on the EXPO show floor.
Frozen Album Signing
With the purchase of Frozen: The Songs or Frozen Picture Disc at the Disney Music Emporium, guests will be issued a wristband to secure a space for an album signing with Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez and Tom MacDougall (Co-Producer, Frozen Soundtrack) on Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 am.
Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.
About D23 EXPO 2015
D23 EXPO—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. For the latest D23 EXPO 2015 news, visit D23EXPO.com. To join the D23 EXPO conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 on Twitter and use #D23Expo.
About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.
Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.
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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 organizations work tirelessly to protect this country of fascinating ecological and biological diversity from the potential ravages and exploitations of other human beings. This makes Costa Rica an excellent destination for nature lovers and conservationists as there are a range of stunning National Parks open to visitors.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
On the self-guided Las Pailas trail which skirts sulfurous hot rocks and boiling mud fumaroles, you can experience awesome volcanic action up close and personal. This National Park boasts dense rainforests and meadows which are fantastic for hiking and exploring, leading to the La Cangreja Waterfall where you’ll find hot thermal springs and a cool swimming hole.
Isla Del Coco
Designated a protected National Park in 1978, this is one of the largest uninhabited islands in the world, located over three hundred miles from the mainland. Nature lovers will find many endemic species inhabiting this island, many of which are endangered and can only be found in this area.
Corcovado National Park
To the south of Costa Rica, the Corcovado National Park is a haven for many endangered animal species. Visitors to this wild area will be able to see jaguars, Barid’s tapir, white-lipped peccaries and a whole host of endemic bird species.
Tortuguero National Park
This National Park is a large labyrinth of natural jungle canals, which cover over forty thousand acres of the Caribbean coast and hinterland. Along with a sharp-eyed guide who’s familiar with the local area, you’ll be able to see myriad endangered birds, reptiles and mammals.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park hosts rugged rainforest, coral reefs, and crisp, clean beaches with pure white sand. The National Park is famous for its huge diversity of wildlife and tropical plants, from endangered capuchin monkeys to three-toed sloths and a whole host of bird species. The park is crossed with extensive hiking trails which reach from the coast up into the mountains. Those looking to stay near this stunning area can stay in a Manuel Antonio Villa from villapuntodevista.com.
Palo Verde National Park
The Palo Verde National Park is a part of the Tempisque Conservation Area. This park concentrates on conserving vital floodplain, limestone ridges, marshes, and seasonal pools from risks caused by the encroachment of civilization. During the dry season, a variety of birds flock to the park and its river basin for water. Protecting one of the most endangered ecosystems, Palo Verde is the largest nesting site for the black-crowned night-herons in the country.
Have you ever visited a national park in Costa Rica? We’d love to hear all about your visit! Let us know in the comments.

Hanging out with friends and family can be fun…If your like me every time you get together you want to try something that you haven’t tried before…Big Red came up with a few unique holiday recipes utilizing Big Red soda that would be perfect for friends and family gatherings.
TRADITIONAL BIG RED CAKE
BIG RED FLOAT
BIG RED HOLIDAY PUNCH
Which one are you looking forward to creating & sharing with your friends & family?!

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Having three kids, I have had my share of baby carriers, but I’ve never tried a sling…until now…I was able to try out a Hotsling…I absolutely LOVE this thing! They come is such great colors and patterns, and work so well. Comfortable and Stylish…now that’s something i can really get behind!
I truly love all the designs, they can be used for either gender. They come in sizes Regular and Large. They have a sizing chart on their site, so you can make sure you get the proper fit! “Say bye bye to complicated sizing charts and hello to the infinitely adjustable Hotslings AP! Two strategically placed tri-glides allow the AP to fit comfortably on multiple users while also easily accommodating postpartum body changes.” Click Here to see which of our two sizes are right for you!
A: Wearing Shoulder – Shoulder covered by pouch.
B: Red Arrow – Located on inside of pouch next to caution label.
C: Buckle & Strap – Two buckles with straps infinitely adjust to give you the best
Hotslings fit.
D: Good Fit Zone – Pouch should sit at belly button or slightly below.
E: Sleek Padding – Pouch is lightly padded on both sides for structure in the semi-reclined carry & added comfort in the hip carry.
F: Seam & “hs” Tag – Where pouch is sewn together. Use tag to align pouch & find best fit.
I don’t think i would go back to using the other carriers…I can even carry little man still…and he is 2!
He thought it was so fun, and it took a load off my arms…it felt so much better carrying him with the Hotsling. It’s super soft, comfortable and I love the adjustable straps. Find Hotsling on Facebook and YouTube, and Pinterest. Buy Hotsling on their website.
One Lucky winner will receive a Hotsling in choice of pattern. This giveaway is open to residents in US; 18+. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm before a forfeit is assumed. Giveaway will runs July 9, 2012 @ 12:01AM – July 23, 2012 @ 11:59PM (EST).
Disclosure: I received a product(s) for review purposes only, however I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. Hotsling has not influenced the editorial nature of this post, and No other compensation was received. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Hidden Pot O’ Gold Pudding Parfait could not be any easier. The pineapple represents the pot of gold and of course, the cereal represents the rainbow. Perfect for a St. Patricks’ Day treat or dessert. Visit Jenni at Sweet Pennies from Heaven for the full recipe.
Don’t forget to check out all of the other great St.Patrick’s Day crafts and recipes below!
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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.
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.”