Spruce Up Your Tile With Grout Shield ~Review

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Fairy Tales have always been popular at Disney, and at my house. From Alice In Wonderland, to Sleeping Beauty, to Cinderella…Disney has taken us on many heartfelt and heroic adventures. In recent years, they have been taking to the live-action realm with a twist of some of the most beloved fairy tales, like Maleficent, Into The Woods, Alice In Wonderland, and the most recent being Cinderella.
Cinderella, one of my favorite fairy tales, has been reimagined into a Live Action, non-musical retelling of the 1950 Disney animated film. The story is expanded somewhat from the cartoon’s 74 minutes to a runtime closer to two hours.
The Live Action Cinderella DVD will be released today, and if you haven’t seen it, here is a bit about the movie and why you will want to add it to your collection of Disney Fairy Tales.
The movie opens with Ella as a baby born to a loving mother and father. Mom dies when Ella is just a young girl but before she passes, reminds Ella to Have Courage And Be Kind. Ella grows into a beautiful, selfless young woman, who doesn’t hesitate to approve her patient father’s desire to remarry.
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Not long after taking his second wife, the Lady Tremaine, and Tremaine’s two daughters, Drizella and Anastasia in, Ella’s father goes off on a business adventure, takes ill and dies. It doesn’t take long for them to rename Ella, Cinderella. The name reflects her dirty appearance, the result of her being gradually demoted from the maiden of the house to an orphaned servant girl who sleeps in the attic she shares with mice.
Frustrated by her circumstances, Ella seizes a horse for a ride, where she encounters “Kit”, an “apprentice” we recognize as Prince Charming. Their brief meeting inspires Cinderella to hope for a reunion at a royal ball, but Tremaine forbids Cinderella to attend, even ripping the old dress which was Ellas birth mothers. Cinderella soon discovers that, as her mother told her, fairy godmothers are real. Hers’ magically transforms her and is driven to the ball in a pumpkin turned coach by transformed mice, lizards and a goose….
I will leave the rest of the story to the DVD to tell. The reason the story is retold so frequently is that people love it. I mean, who doesn’t love a rags-to-riches, love at first meeting, romantic fairy tale!? I’m so glad that they kept this the classic fairy tale that we love, I do love the new live-action twists, but I think keeping this one classic was the way to go. Classics are always in!
BONUS MATERIAL: Digital HD/SD*, Blu-ray Combo Pack & Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)
A Fairy Tale Comes to Life Filmmakers and cast reflect on Cinderella’s enduring power, and the joys and challenges of bringing this iconic tale to life.
Costume Test Fun See the work of Academy Award-winning® Costume Designer Sandy Powell (The Aviator, 2004) and share some lighthearted moments with the cast.
Staging The Ball – You’re invited behind the scenes for the making of the Palace Ball sequence, including its spectacular set, stunning costumes and more. It’s a lavish and massive undertaking…and a magical day on set.
Ella’s Furry Friends – Discover how the movie’s animal stars honed their memorable performances.
Alternate Opening: Ella’s Childhood – View moments from Ella’s idyllic childhood that do not appear in the movie. With an introduction by Director Kenneth Branagh.
Frozen Fever It’s Anna’s birthday, and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever – but when Elsa catches a cold, her powers may put more than just the party at risk.
*Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer
DMA Exclusive:
Deleted Scenes With introduction by Kenneth Branagh o Serving (0:56) o The Mourning (4:24) o Getting to Know You (2:00) o The Search for Cinderella (1:14)
o Dear Kit (2:57)
DVD:
Ella’s Furry Friends
Frozen Fever
I’m sure by now you’ve seen the beautiful stagecoach charm I received for being an Ambassador of Kindness, well now you can buy your very own. The charm is only $8.99 + $2.95 shipping when you buy Cinderella (LA) on BD, DVD or Digital HD on Disney Movies Anywhere. This offer is valid from 9/15/15 – 12/22/15.
Also, don’t forget about Cinderella A Million Words of Kindness Campaign. You can be and Ambassador of Kindness too!
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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.”

This Summer, don’t let the BBQ become your diet downfall. Even the healthiest of eaters can be overwhelmed by the array of dips and fixings at a typical summer bash. According to the Daily Mail, the average BBQ diner eats more than 3,000 calories in a single sitting – the equivalent to a day and a half’s worth of food for the typical woman.
Skip the Chips
Salty, crispy, grab-able snacks such as chips, pretzels and snack mixes are everywhere at summer social gatherings. To counter the temptations, fill up the buffet tables with healthier foods with a crunch like salty kale chips or strips of bell peppers to dip in spicy hummus, guacamole, or sour cream. Produce such as broccoli florets, carrots, jicama, cherry tomatoes and baby cucumbers also make great snacks.
Juice, sodas and sweetened teas are often made with high-fructose corn syrup and may contain brominated vegetable oil, which can wreak havoc on our bodies. Instead, pack coolers with sparkling mineral water, unsweetened tea, or offer a water cooler filled with chilled cucumber – mint or berry/citrus-infused water.
Despite the fact that bread products raise blood sugar as quickly and as much as eating two tablespoons of pure sugar, we still seem to fill these picnic staples with anything we can throw on the grill. Try going bun-less by eating with a fork and knife to slow down your eating. Use a lettuce-wrap approach to put some color into your meal or toss your grilled goods on top of a plate of hearty salad greens.
Most condiments are packed with unsavory additives to enhance flavor, shelf life, texture, or appearance. Season with fresh or dried herbs and seasonings and try dry rubs for chicken and ribs, pack some fresh herbs and spices into your grass-fed burger patties, or marinate your poultry or seafood with olive oil, citrus, and herbs before searing them on the grill. Fresh salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or hearty mustard are great toppings for your bun-less burger, chicken, or brats.
Potato salads, macaroni salad and pasta salad do not offer our bodies any true nourishment. Replacing these sides with some roasted vegetable salads or crisp, lightly-dressed coleslaw or use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise or sour cream when making your own side dishes.
Popular summer desserts such as gelatin and colorful ice pops include artificial coloring agents that could just as easily dye our hair, clothing, or crafts. Instead, choose to naturally sweeten up your party with fruit kabobs, frozen berries with heavy cream, or homemade real-fruit popsicles.
H2O Isn’t Just for the Pool
Banish the Bun
Eat Your Hotdog Naked
Make Faux Salads a Faux Pas
Don’t Chase the Ice Cream Man

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to 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.”
Star Wars fans are hard-core, we love to have anything we can find that is Star Wars related…and with the new movie “The Force Awakens” coming out next month you can find Star Wars memorabilia just about everywhere you look! I’ve compiled 13 Gifts Your Star Wars Fan Will Love, based on what my kids and I have fell in love with.
1. Battleship: Star Wars Edition Game with Risk: Star Wars Edition Game –
Battleship Star Wars: players choose a fleet of vehicles including some from the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The excitement keeps growing as players command their fleets of starships while avoiding enemy attacks. In this game of strategy, players attempt to hunt down and destroy their opponent’s ships while simultaneously hiding and protecting their own. The Battleship: Star Wars Edition game can be played almost anywhere. The games grid base and target grid converts to neatly hold all the game pieces for on-the-go-fun.
Risk: Star Wars Edition game lets players recreate the dramatic final moments of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Across a TIE fighter-shaped gameboard, players can determine the fate of the Star Wars universe through 3 concurrent, yet distinct, battles. The 3 battles going on simultaneously are: the attack on the Death Star, the shield assault, and the battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Opponents choose to play as the light side or the dark side of the Star Wars saga, and use the classic Risk dice to control characters and ships. No matter which side is victorious, the game is sure to be filled with action and adventure!
2. Hallmark Keepsake Ornament: Star Wars: A New Hope C-3PO and R2-D2
This permanently bickering yet inseparable pair of mechanical droids proved their loyalty to their Rebel friends throughout the Galactic Civil War, and even saved the day a time or two. Now, C-3P0™ and R2-D2™ are back as the 19th installment of the Keepsake series as seen in “Star Wars™: A New Hope™.
3. Monopoly Game Star Wars
The galaxy is torn by conflict! Good and evil are pitted against each other in an epic battle for control. First choose a side. Then travel around the gameboard buying, selling and renting properties based on the Star Wars The Clone Wars animated series. The more you control, the further your power will spread! In this Special Edition you can build settlements and cities in place of the classic houses and hotels, and optional Star Wars rules add even more excitement! Be the most powerful player at the end of the game and you’ll control the Force and possibly the entire Star Wars galaxy.
4. Star Wars: Battlefront – Standard Edition
Wage epic multiplayer battles on Hoth, Endor, Tatooine and the previously unexplored planet, Sullust. Fire blasters, drive speederbikes, snowspeeders and command AT-ATs. Fight as the galaxy’s most memorable heroes and villains, like Darth Vader and Boba Fett. Interact with some of the most beloved characters from the original trilogy. Become the hero or villain of the battle. Pilot X-wings, TIE fighters, the Millennium Falcon and more of your favorite vehicles in exhilarating aerial combat. Find out which squadrons will rule the skies. Seamlessly swap between 1st person and 3rd person perspectives. Partner up with a friend in online multiplayer, share unlocks and have each other’s backs on the battlefront. Fight for the Empire or the Rebellion offline, solo or with a friend, in carefully crafted missions
5. Cross Click/Jot Zone Star Wars Gift Set
Cross presents the Click/Jot Zone Star Wars Gift Set commemorating three iconic Star Wars characters from the original Star Wars film trilogy. Inspired by C-3PO, Darth Vader, and the Stormtroopers characters, these gift sets symbolize the dynamic spirit and color pallet representative of each character. Each Star Wars Gift Set is themed to one of these legendary characters, and includes a stylish Jot Zone journal with debossed character face and Star Wars Logo, plus a matching Cross Click gel ink pen. The pen includes the same character’s emblem and other fine design details.
6. Star Wars Home Theater R2-D2 Popcorn Bucket
Star Wars Home Theater R2-D2 Popcorn Bucket & 1 Bag of Pop Secret Butter-Flavored Microwave Popcorn Reusable Star Wars themed double-sided character plastic bucket One package of butter flavored Pop Secret microwave popcorn Reuse these buckets for toy storage, trash cans or decorations. Buckets measure 8″ in diameter x 6 3/4″ tall. Perfect for the ultimate Star Wars themed movie watch party. Great for birthdays, fathers day, family movie night or a unique gift for your favorite Star Wars for collectors
7. Star Wars Men’s Watch
These watches are simply stunning and a must-have for the grown-up Star Wars fan. Each watch features a Gun Metal Band with black dial, & Quartz Analog movement. The watch is hefty and extremely well-crafted, so it’ll be sure to last as long as your love of Star Wars.
8. Star Wars Millennium Falcon Lighting Decor Lamp
This modern STAR WARS Millennium Falcon lamp is a fantastically unique item that makes for the perfect gift. It’s a designer statement piece that will captivate the audience’s attention. The lamp makes the perfect give for gadget lovers, designers, and scientists. This lamp would be ideal for use in a nursery, a child’s room, in the office, or in the man cave, allows you to customize the lamp color. Power light on/off; pause/play lights; and create a rainbow with 7 COLORS , Power By USB cable (included) Note: USB Adapter not included Approximately SIZE: 6 inch X 9 inch LIGHT : Energy efficient (LED) with a long-lasting lifetime of more than 50.000 hours.
9. American Tourister Star Wars 21 Inch Hard Side Spinner
Travel with the force with these incredible Star Wars bags from American Tourister! This luggage has Single Spinner wheels, Star Wars branded push button pull handle, zipper pulls & ID badge. It is constructed with a split construction with a large mesh pocket on the interior. This bag is sure to take you to a galaxy far far away, in style! I have the 28″ R2D2 and absolutely LOVE it…you can read my review >>> HERE
10. Star Wars Legendary Jedi Master Yoda
Train to become a Jedi with Legendary Yoda! Small in size but wise and powerful, Yoda has trained Jedi’s like Luke Skywalker for over 800 years. Now it’s your turn as Legendary Yoda guides you on the path to becoming a Jedi Master. Standing an impressive 16 inches tall, Yoda’s dynamic motorized body movement and full voice recognition make him the most realistic Star Wars toy ever. He speaks 115 phrases that will lead you to Jedi Wisdom and Lightsaber mastery. And with dynamic 360-degree movement, Yoda comes to life with never-before-seen Lightsaber action! Discover 3 distinct modes of play on your path to becoming a Jedi Master.
11. Star Wars R2-D2 Stein – Collectible 32oz Ceramic Mug
Beep boop! What’s that R2? You want us to flip back head and pour your favorite beverage down your neck? Well, I’m not sure that’s such a good idea with your circuit boards and all, but okay then! Introducing the officially licensed R2-D2 Signature Stein! The R2-D2 Signature Stein stands an impressive 9in tall and can hold up to 32oz of the aforementioned beverage. Crafted in the highest quality ceramic with painstaking attention to detail, the innovative design features a head-hinged lid with genuine pewter thumb lift. Collect the entire line of Star Wars Signature Steins and “May the Froth Be With You.”
12. Star Wars Episode 7 The Force Awakens 16 ounce Glass Tumbler
Grab this limited time offer, set of 4, 16oz Star Wars Episode 7 glasses! These are great for every day use with full coverage art. Not recommended for dishwasher or microwave. Hand wash is best for the lifeline of the glasses. It’s an attractive addition to the household, whether it’s at the table, on a shelf, or even in a display case. The full coverage art is bright and vibrantly colored, an eye-catching statement from any angle. Both decorative and functional, these glasses are also great for everyday use, with a 16-ounce capacity and an easy-to-hold cone shape. Artwork features X-Wing, Tie Fighter, Kylo Ren, and the Rebel Forces.
13. PlayStation 4 Limited Edition Star Wars Console
This Limited Edition Star Wars™ Battlefront™ PlayStation®4 Bundle will immerse you in the epic Star Wars battles you’ve always dreamed of and let you create new heroic moments of your own on the world’s most popular next gen gaming system. Featuring a fully customized PlayStation®4 and DualShock®4 wireless controller inspired by Darth Vader, there’s no better place for the ultimate Star Wars fan to live out their Star Wars battle fantasies. This PlayStation®4 Limited Edition Star Wars Battlefront bundle also includes a voucher containing four Star Wars Classics*.
These 13 gift are sure to please your Star Wars fan…but just in case I’ve found a few more that might be on their list…

In anticipation of My Little Pony – Friendship is Magic: The Keys of Friendship on DVD 7/29 from Shout! Factory and Hasbro Studios, we have these fun Patriotic Pony Recipes Button for you to share with your readers for 4th of July! This DVD will be also have exclusive packaging that includes My Little Pony stickers from Walmart and a My Little Pony door hanger from Target! Ponies make the best friends! With that in mind, My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic: The Keys Of Friendship is coming to DVD on July 29 in the U.S. and Canada from Shout! Factory Kids in collaboration with Hasbro Studios. The 5 episodes include “Rarity Takes Manhattan,” “Pinkie Apple Pie,” “It Ain’t Easy Being Breezies,” “Twilight’s Kingdom, Part 1,” and “Twilight’s Kingdom, Part 2.” A fun sing-along is included as a bonus feature. Since her arrival in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle has learned the true meaning and value of friendship. With her very best friends — Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy and, of course, Spike — Twilight goes on the greatest of adventures and comes back with even more lessons. All of this has earned Twilight her wings and the crown of a Princess and now you can learn what Princess Twilight Sparkle has learned and take with you The Keys Of Friendship. The My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series is currently airing on The HUB TV Network in the U.S. and on Treehouse in Canada.
Disclosure: The materials for this post are provided by Hasbro Studios & Shout Kids

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Today, Jan 9, 2017 is National Apricot Day! We love to celebrate such yummy things around here, so we decided to create a recipe just for it! We made a delicious & juicy apricot chicken with a panko crusted asparagus and even the kiddos were diving in.
I love using jams and jellies in so called unconventional ways…like my PB & J Smoothie or this Apricot Chicken. I do cook for a large family so this one will feed a family of 7.
Ingredients:
2 jars (15oz) of Apricot Fruit Spread
5 lbs chicken thighs or cut up chicken breasts
2 lbs asparagus
3 tbs garlic
1 box garlic panko bread crumbs
1 tbs salt
1 tbs pepper
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 tbs of parsley or cilanto
Instructions:
Apricot Chicken:
Mix together 1 jar apricot fruit spread 1 tbs garlic, salt & pepper into large bowl
Sear chicken in skillet then place into crockpot
Pour apricot mixture over chicken & let cook on low for about 3-4 hours
Mix together the rest of jar 2 of apricot fruit spread 1 tbs garlic & parsley or cilantro
Remove from crockpot and place onto sprayed sheet pan
Coat chicken with apricot mixture and bake at 450* for about 10 minutes
Panko Crusted Asparagus:
Scramble eggs in low dish & mix in about 1-2 tbs of apricot fruit spread
Wash asparagus dip into flour, then egg mixture then panko bread crumbs and place onto sprayed sheet pan leaving space in between each stock
Bake at 425 for 15 minutes
Serve with chicken & garlic rice (I use RiceARoni)…I know it sounds like a lot of garlic, but trust me, it’s not! It really brings each piece of the meal together with a hint of the garlic flavor but it’s not overwhelming…
What fruit spread do you love to use in your cooking?

in Giveaway· Movie News· Toys & Games
This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
This post is in partnership with Universal Pictures.
I don’t know about you but we are anxious to see the upcoming Despicable Me 3! So you know we were excited when we received two of Hasbro’s newest games Bop It! & Operation all decked out Despicable Me 3 style! We couldn’t wait to have our family game night and see who would come out top Minion.
After he is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down the latest bad guy to threaten humanity, Gru finds himself in the midst of a major identity crisis. But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother—a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps—one former super-villain will rediscover just how good it feels to be bad.
Get ready to pull it, twist it, and bop it with the BOP IT! DESPICABLE ME 3 Edition Game! Just like the classic BOP IT! game, players must quickly perform the silly actions called out by Agnes in order to beat the game! Pull down on Minion Stuart’s legs, twist his eyeglass lens, and bop the top of his head in this fun and fast-paced memory game. The BOP IT! DESPICABLE ME 3 Edition Game features the voice of the adorable Agnes and sounds of Minion Stuart. Requires 2 ‘AAA’ batteries, demo batteries included.
After a long vacation, Dave needs some help! In the OPERATION: DESPICABLE ME 3 Edition Game, help the MINIONS fix Dave’s wacky ailments by using tweezers to pick silly “Funatomy” pieces out of the game tray. Keep a steady hand and move cautiously, because the second you bump Dave, the buzzer will sound! The player who removes the most “Funatomy” pieces wins the game! The OPERATION: DESPICABLE ME 3 Edition Game includes a game board, tweezers, and “Funatomy” pieces. Two “AA” batteries required, not included.
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a Despicable Me 3 Hasbro Game Prize Pack!! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST June 27, 2017
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 & SAMPLES PROVIDED & SHIPPED BY HASBRO. IN THE RARE OCCASION THAT A PRIZE DOES NOT ARRIVE (WHICH HAS HAPPENED), PLEASE NOTIFY ME.