Keeping Memories Stored Safe With SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive ⋆ My Sparkling Life

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.”
Most people think of October as “Pinktober”, but did you know it’s also National Bullying Prevention Month? Bullying is a huge issue in the United States today. October is dedicated to uniting communities and bringing awareness to this problem & now is the perfect time to talk to your children about bullying. Gone are the days when bullying solely consisted of having your lunch money swiped, having a “kick me” sign taped to your back, and being tripped in the hallway. Bullying now goes beyond just school and now extends into the cyber world and even kids so brave as to attack others at their own home..their safe place.
Kathryn Hast has a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in writing and a Master’s degree in Education. She is from York, Pennsylvania, and currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two children. She has one dog named after a Beatles song, and one that barks at the television. Batty Betty is her second published children’s book, following her previous title Otis Grows.
Follow Kathryn Hast on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Let’s face it – feeling “different” can be scary. It’s true as a kid, and it can even be true as an adult. In a world that seems to encourage us all to look, talk, think, and act the same and is in a constant state of comparison, how can we teach children from a young age that their differences are actually their strengths, not their weaknesses?
It all begins with what we show them and tell them, and a wonderful starting point for this important conversation is the engaging, beautifully illustrated new book Batty Betty by children’s author Kathryn Hast (LuJu Books). What sets this book apart from others in the stack is its storyline – which is purposeful, delightfully whimsical while also tackling tough subjects – as well as its lyrical style. Hast wanted to be sure it was just as fun for both parents and
children to read while illuminating ways to approach and tackle real and often difficult scenarios.
Enter: Abel, the tuba; Eve, the sad banana; and Betty, a giant who dances unapologetically to her own drum. When Abel goes out marching by himself, he finds a sad banana named Eve who has been bullied by local beavers. As it turns out, she’s not alone. The beavers are also out for Betty, who stands out with her towering height and “batty” behavior. Abel sets out to defeat these beavers, but soon discovers it’s not about winning – it’s about finding your own music amidst the ruckus and noise.
“I’m really committed to the notion that kids can read, think, and discuss ideas that might initially seem difficult,” Hast says. “My hope is that Batty Betty offers both entertainment and depth and can serve as a springboard for conversations between parents and children.”
Playful yet touching, Batty Betty explores:
Why it’s not only okay – it’s GREAT – to be different
The best way to stand up to bullies (tune out their noise, find your music!)
Opportunities for parents and kids to begin discussions about tough topics
A unique and surprising style of writing everyone will enjoy reading
And much more!
Bullying stems from the all-too-human need to feel included, approved of, loved. And inasmuch as the last three decades have cultivated awareness, resources, and training, it’s difficult to stomp out why it is that people bully others. We will never eradicate the fact that various children need an extra dose of support, that bullying makes them feel confident. However, we can try to minimize the cues they receive from us, the adults around them.
Bullying is a learned behavior. There are adult bullies of every size and stature, even now in 2017. Perhaps especially now, the rest of us must stretch ourselves, to appear bigger, wiser, and kinder. What follows is a brief list of Dos and Don’ts, coupled with some anecdotal lessons I’ve learned, as I try—like so many others—to shape my own children’s growth.
It’s easy to swoon over how well your own kid writes her name or completes a pirouette. But how often do we reflect on the talents of the other kids in their classroom or neighborhood?
“Boy, Darrian collected a lot of acorns today. He’s a pretty good finder, isn’t he?”
Similar to the previous point, this suggestion leans more toward acknowledging other people’s suffering. And remember: suffering for kids can be bee sting, a tantrum, a fight. Putting your son or daughter in the shoes of someone who had a bad day will help him or her do the same later, reflexively.
“Why do you think Francisco hit Grayson today? It’s hard to handle angry feelings, isn’t it?”
I’m a near-forty, white, frizzy-haired, state employee who dances exactly like what you would expect. And although my moves invariably cause my husband to chuckle (knee-slap, whatever), I still get down something fierce to James Brown or De La Soul.
“Why did you say I’m sorry to that driver, Mommy?”
“Because it was my fault for pulling out in front of him. I wasn’t paying attention. I need to work on that.”
Perhaps most importantly, we need to acknowledge the sin for what it is when we see it. But consider the four points prior to this. We should never avoid discussing an example of bullying. We should name it, but we should also frame it. Because more love, albeit amorphous, is the only true solution to bullies in the first place. Contextualize the situation, as best as you can guess, and help your son or daughter recognize it for what it is: namely, unwelcome.

If you love all things Disney, you will want to join the fun & festivities when Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic comes to South Texas!!! This Disney On Ice is a special experience because 65 of Disney’s most beloved characters from 18 unforgettable Disney stories come to life in this commemorative celebration! Everyone’s favorite sweethearts, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, will take audiences on a fun-filled adventure, sharing memories with Disney friends including Goofy & Donald Duck; the Disney Princesses, Chip & Dale, Pinocchio, and many more. You will be captivated by the magical moments from Disney’s Aladdin, Mulan, The Lion King, Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles and Toy Story! You will be mesmerized by the choreographed skating, breathtaking production numbers, stunning costumes and the clap-happy songs will inspire fond Disney memories. Your family can share this once-in-a-lifetime skating spectacular as Mickey and the rest of the gang take the audience on a whirlwind tour of favorite Disney moments. You are invited to experience the beauty, sparkle, and spirit when Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years of Magic comes to the Coastal Bend!
Do you want to attend? here’s the info…
Saturday, May 10 – 11:30am, 3:30pm, and 7:30pm American Bank Center – Corpus Christi 1901 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Tickets available at the American Bank Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets including select H-E-B’s,* or charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Additional fees may apply. for more information, visit Disney On Ice.com Feld Entertainment is offering TWO Mom of 4 Boys Readers the chance to win a 4 pack of tickets to see a showing. You must do the mandatory entry on the form below to enter. All other options on the form are extra entries. Giveaway will end on 5/6/14 at 5:00 pm and winner will be notified by email. Winner MUST respond within 24hrs or prize will be forfeited! GOOD LUCK! Disclosure: Feld Entertainment has provided 8 passes to the May showing of Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic to giveaway. Mom of 4 Boys is not responsible for the prize delivery. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Now that the New Year is here, we’re all thinking about goals for 2015. It’s no surprise that getting fit and losing weight are among the most popular resolutions. But when it comes to fitness goals, it can be difficult to tell fact from fiction. Common misconceptions and myths can get in the way of our fitness success.
Please find below an infographic by Bowflex that debunks the seven most common fitness myths. Here are a few of those misconceptions to consider:
“I need to spend at least one hour in the gym to see results.” Absolutely NOT! Research shows you can actually achieve better results doing 15 minutes of interval training three times a week.
“I’m exercising, so I can eat whatever I want.” Think again. Diet is still important, so if you want to lose weight, you’ll need to eat fewer calories than you burn in your daily workout routine.
“If I eat organic or gluten-free, I’ll lose weight.” Not true. While there are many benefits, as with any diet plan, make sure to evaluate your overall caloric intake – you can still over eat.
“Fitness shakes are only for bulking up.” Not necessarily. Fitness shakes are actually a great way to maintain the healthy diet necessary to reach individual fitness goals whether that is weight loss or muscle gain.

While visiting LA a few weeks ago, I lived the dream and did so many things that I never imagined doing in my life…one of them included a visit to Disney Toon Studios for the screening the new Tinkerbell and the Legend of the Neverbeast…I’ve loved Tinkerbell since I was little, and yes my boys even buy me Tinkerbell birthday cakes, so I was thrilled to find out we would be interviewing several of the people behind the film.
Later that weekend we returned to DisneyToon Studios to speak with Director – Steve Loter (right) and Producer – Makul Wigert (left)…
While it was Makul’s first Tinkerbell movie, Steve worked on Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings…one of my faves!
You might be surprised that the movie that you see now is the same as it was in Steve’s pitch. He knew exactly how he wanted the movie from beginning to the end. It was inspired by his daughter…
My daughter loves one thing above all else, very large dogs, and our neighborhood just has a ton of dogs. So she’ll see a neighbor walking a dog down the street and she’ll run up to the dog and she’ll throw her arms the dog in a big loving hug. And it showed me something you know once the fear subsided, something very important that my daughter has a huge open heart. So I had to sit her down and we had to talk about this encounter we just had with the dog. And she would say, “Well all animals are my friends. Why wouldn’t they be? In fact, the bigger they are the bigger the love they have to give.” And I thought that’s the story. That’s the story. Fawn, the animal town fairy. Loves animals unconditionally. She takes care of animals and she encounters a creature that can be perceived of as a monster and her open heart’s gonna’ be put to the test.
This was a message that he wanted for Fawn, & his daughter to learn to.
It’s beautiful to think with an open heart. To see the world through that prison, through that perspective a wonderful thing, but you also have to think with your head. You need the balance to have a happy life.
Though the film was initially inspired by his daughter, it became so much more..Fawn and her became infused..he used his daughters mannerisms many times for Fawn. But she was also used as inspiration for Calista the bunny..the one that refuses to hop and wants to strut instead. But his daughter isn’t the only one from his family he used for insperation…he used himself for Nyx the Scout Fairy…
Because that’s the helicopter parent that I am.
And the ending, which I’m not giving away, was taken from a moment they’ve had with their dog.
Back to Nyx and the Scout Fairies..they are a new character that was started when Steve was at his daughters gymnastics meet and the girls said..
“We heard you’re working on a fairy movie…Can you make fairies like us? We’re physical. We run, we jump. We, we do all these things. There’s no fairies like us in the movie. Can you make fairies like us?”
So they did just that, the Scout Fairies are very athletic and physical, they even reference par core.
When casting for the movie, they knew right off they wanted Ginnifer Goodwin for the voice of Fawn.
We loved Ginnifer Goodwin and her voice, we knew she was going to be Fawn.
But they needed someone who could contrast the joyful bubbly nature of Fawn,
Then they discovered Rosario for Nyx.
I personally hope we see more of Nyx and hope we get to see further into some the other fairies world. Creating the Neverbeast who is 6′ with fur was quite a challenge so it might be a while till we see another fairies movie on the drawing board.
Be sure to get Tinkerbell And The Legend Of The Neverbeast on Blu-Ray, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere March 3!
Follow Legend of the Neverbeast on Facebook
Follow Tinkerbell on Facebook (#Neverbeast)
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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