Star Wars Pens By Cross Are The Perfect Gift

The new school year is upon us and as we start heading out in droves to purchase the mile long list of back to school products it’s easy to be consumed by all choices out there today. It’s easy to forget we are buying for someone who still likes to have the trendy and “cool” products and could care less about functionality like we do. Thankfully companies like Five Star by Mead are catching on and combining the two so you can both have what you want, a functional trendy product.
The 5 Back to School Must-Haves that I’m going to share with you today are just that, both trendy & functional so they keep their “cool” status as well as their grades. My kids have uniforms so it’s hard to express their individuality and stay trendy with clothing, so they love to do it with school supplies. Five Star by Mead has so really fun, unique designs so it’s easy to pick something they like.
1. The Backpack…a backpack is a total back to school must have, and while this has been a way to express your individuality for generations Mead has made a backpack that is so cool the whole family wants one! The Five Star insulated storage backpack has an expandable compartment for 4″ of extra storage space, opens wide to quickly and easily find supplies, has multiple pockets to organize and store even the smallest supplies…and the coolest thing…the built-in insulated compartment for safely storing snacks and beverages!
2. The Binder…Five Star has also re-invented the binder into a flexible, functional & trendy product your kids will love. Five Star’s Hybrid Notebinder acts like a notebook and works like a binder. Just like a binder you can add and remove paper and dividers, but it is flexible enough to fold over and lay flat like a notebook. It comes with 5 pocket dividers, 60 college rule sheets & 20 graph sheets of paper. Be sure to grab some of their reinforced notebook paper so you have plenty on hand for classwork.
3. Spirals…when I was a kid, spirals were mostly solid color and I’d choose a different color for each class…today there are many trendy patterns to please even the pickiest trend-setter.
4. The trustworthy Folder…folders have always been a trustworthy essential for organizing papers from each class…pairing them with trendy patterns makes it a win-win.
5. Colored Pens…okay, so your everyday papers can’t be turned in in pink writing, but having colored pens is a fun way to take notes and makes it easier to go back and find just what they need to study. Mead has some great pencil bags to store all the fun colors your child will want.
I love the Flexi-Notebook so much, I kept one for myself to use for the blog! Would you like to check out Five Star’s latest products?
Enter To Win!
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a Five Star by Mead Prize Pack! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 12:00 PM EST Aug 13, 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.”

As parents every year we ponder as to what our children are going to want and ask for this year. With 4 boys I hear it all…they see commercials and then there are the toy magazines that come out close to Christmas where they circle what they want. The favorite part of my job, and theirs is getting to test out toys and give their opinions. I’ve taken note throughout the year their favorites and have included our favorites in our Gifts Your Kids Will Love – 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.
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Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, Allison Janney, Edgar Ramirez, Lisa Kudrow and Laura Prepon star in DreamWorks Pictures’ The Girl on the Train, from director Tate Taylor (The Help, Get on Up) and producer Marc Platt (Bridge of Spies, Into the Woods).
In the thriller, Rachel (Blunt), who is devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds.
Based on Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel, The Girl on the Train is adapted for the screen by Erin Cressida Wilson. The film’s executive producers are Jared LeBoff and Celia Costas, and it will be released by Universal Pictures.
Visit the Official Site | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram #TheGirlOnTheTrain
WIN IT!!
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a $25 Visa gift card to see the film in theaters & Black Sling Bag, Luggage Tag & Lip Balm! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 12:00 PM EST Oct 25, 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 & SAMPLES PROVIDED & SHIPPED BY UNIVERSAL PICTURES. IN THE RARE OCCASION THAT A PRIZE DOES NOT ARRIVE (WHICH HAS HAPPENED), PLEASE NOTIFY ME.

Below you will find some delicious Sushi recipes…but before that let me share a few tools you may need to accomplish your diy sushi night. IMUSA Sushi Rolling Set
The IMUSA 3 Piece Sushi Rolling Set is part of the Pan Asia line that’s bringing Asian cuisine into your kitchen. Craft your own sushi rolls and let your imagination free by experimenting signature rolls with the ingredients of your choice! IMUSA Colored Bamboo Chopsticks
The stay-cool IMUSA Bamboo Chopsticks come in a pack of 12 pairs, and are the essential for enjoying the perfect Thai, Vietnamese, Oriental or other Asian-Inspired dishes. IMUSA Dumpling Press
For those people who may want to serve something else besides sushi, the IMUSA Dumpling Press is a handy tool for prepping dumplings. Use the small and large plastic molds to easily stuff any sort of dough with your favorite savory or sweet filling. The dumpling maker perfectly presses and seals the pastry, making it ready to cook. IMUSA Lightweight Cast Iron Wok
The IMUSA Lightweight cast Iron Wok introduces practically to style with its super light structure and sleek design. Crafted from cast iron, the IMUSA Lightweight Cast Iron Wok is significantly lighter than traditional woks while still being durable. It comes pre-seasoned to allow for enhanced flavor in each any every dish, and continues to season over time as it’s used. IMUSA Bamboo Steamer
The IMUSA Bamboo Steamer allows for a healthy way to cook while retaining flavor, vitamins and nutrients. Bamboo steamers are great for cooking vegetables, seafood, dim sum and more, and can be used as authentic serving dishes themselves. Making this tool the perfect tool to whip up some non-sushi side dishes. NOW For the delicious recipes! I would love for you to share with me if you make these!! Buffalo Chicken Steamed Dumplings · curly parsley 3 tablespoons · crumbled blue cheese ½ cup · buffalo style hot sauce, like Frank’s 1 cup 1. In a medium bowl mix first 9 ingredients together by hand until evenly combined. 2. Assemble dumplings by placing wonton wrapper on a flat surface. 3. Roll a small ball of the chicken mixture between your hands, about a tablespoon, and place in the center of the wonton wrapper. 4. Dip a finger in a cup of water and run it around the edges of the wrapper. 5. Pick up wrapper and chicken ball with one hand (between your thumb and index finger) and begin pinching hard around the wrapper until it tightly wraps the chicken ball. Re-pinch if necessary. Your dumplings should be star-shaped with the chicken ball in the center. 6. Spray your IMUSA steaming basket with non-stick spray and place dumplings throughout. Steam for 10 minutes until fully cooked. 7. In the meantime make hot sauce by gently heating it with the butter. 8. Spoon some hot sauce on a plate and place dumplings on top. Garnish with more crumbled blue cheese, if desired. ______________________________________________________________________________________ Basil Pineapple Fried Rice · cooked cold white rice 2 cups · soy sauce 3 tablespoons · garlic cloves (minced) 3 · medium red onion (chopped) 1 · canned pineapple chunks, drained (about 1 ½ Cups) 10 ounces · fresh basil (finely chopped) 1 cup 1. Combine sugar and soy sauce and set aside. 2. Heat your IMUSA wok on high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil to wok, then tilt the wok to swirl oil, coating the sides. Once the oil begins to smoke, stir-fry the garlic and red onions for one minute and set aside in a bowl. 3. Add 4 more tablespoons of oil and crumble rice into wok. Stir-fry for 5 minutes with a flat wooden spatula until lightly browned, breaking up lumps of rice. 4. Push rice to the side of wok and in the center add another tablespoon of oil. Add scrambled eggs and scramble until eggs are completely cooked and crumbled. 5. Mix together with rice and add cooked garlic and onions. Drizzle in soy sauce mixture and stir-fry for two more minutes. Add pineapple, peas, and cashews and mix evenly. 6. Remove from heat and mix in chopped basil. Garnish with extra basil before serving.

From the producers that brought audiences Shaun the Sheep Movie, Paddington and A Turtle’s Tale: Sammy’s Adventures, comes a brand new animated, fun-filed family adventure The Wild Life. You won’t want to miss this one arriving just in time for the holidays on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital), and On Demand November 29 from nWave Pictures, Studiocanal and Summit Entertainment, a Lionsgate company.
The perfect film for families to watch together over the holidays, this wildly adventurous animated comedy begins as Mak the parrot and his friends discover a mysterious visitor washed up on their island’s shore.
Embark on a tropical misadventure with a group of quirky animals and their human castaway, Robinson Crusoe. When savage cats invade their paradise, Robinson and the island’s animals team up to defend themselves and their home in this fun-filled movie.
The Wild Life home entertainment special features include a behind-the-scenes featurette looking at the making of the film, an introduction to the characters, a Wild Life music video, and a short “Tips for Your Trip” featurette for viewers to successfully prepare for their next trip to the islands. The Wild Life will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD for the suggested retail price of $34.99 and $29.95, respectively.
BLU-RAY / DVD/ DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES
“A Wild World: Making The Wild Life” Featurette
“Meet the Characters” Featurette
“Tips for Your Trip” Featurette
The Wild Life Musical Adventure
The Wild Life will also be available on Digital HD on November 22.

“This post was sponsored by @GBChildUsa as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received the gb Pockit to facilitate my review.”
As little ones grow and begin to discover the world around them, we realize the importance of exposing them to all of life’s little adventures. Whether we are just walking around the neighborhood nature spotting, embarking on a family vacation, or headed to the local aquarium or museum, my little guy deserves the opportunity to travel right along, securely and efficiently. Having 4 active boys, they love to be on the go which means never slowing down or saying no to an opportunity to see new things. Just because they are little doesn’t mean they have to settle for sitting at home…Here are 5 Adventure To Take Your Baby or Toddler On This Summer that the whole family can enjoy.
5 Adventure To Take Your Baby or Toddler On This Summer
The Aquarium: I don’t know about you, but I can sit and watch the fish swim all day…well so can your baby! There is something calming about visiting the Aquarium that excites the kids and calms me. Little man just sits back and enjoys the ride through the various aquariums and shows.
The Zoo: Kids and adults alike love the zoo. Just like the aquarium you get to see animals that you wouldn’t normally get to see up close. Sure you can look at flash cards and youtube videos all day, but seeing the animal up close is a great experience for your little one. My little man loves the flamingos and penguins.
Nature Walk: Taking a nature walk is a great way to introduce local wildlife to your child. Each season is different and you can spot different animals during these different seasons. My kids love migration season and seeing the ducks come through our area. If you don’t have a nature area or park close by, a walk through the neighborhood is just as great.
Carnival or Theme Park: They may not be old enough to ride a whole lot, but they love to people watch, and with mom and/or dad’s help they can ride a few rides and get in a thrill or two. My little guy is finally old enough to ride the kids rides by himself at the carnival, he had such a good time! Plus when it gets dark, they just love all the colorful lights.
Go Camping: Babies/Toddlers love new places, and getting to sleep with mom, dad, and siblings is major fun. I know my little guy gets excited just to camp out in the living room with his brothers. Camp near a lake or on the beach and they get even more excited with the water element added in.
With so many adventures to go on, I appreciate products that can make my job a little easier and take away from the chaos that is my life. Last year when I saw the gb Pockit stroller introduced at the ABC Kids Expo, I knew it was a game changer for busy traveling parents and was so excited that they finally made a stroller for busy parents where they don’t have to sacrifice comfort or space. The gb Pockit is a feather-light stroller that easily transforms into a space-saving, handbag-shaped package! have used it almost everyday since we got it with my 6-year-old and my 3-year-old. Neither complain about being uncomfortable and love to just relax and enjoy the ride.Taking it on trips doesn’t compromise any space in the car. It fits conveniently on the floorboard beneath my 3-year-olds feet, so there is plenty of room for the luggage in the back. Myself and my husband love the length of the handle, we don’t have to slump over when pushing it (I’m 5’6” & he’s 5’11”), which saves us a lot of strain on our backs. We also love the smoothness of the ride. I’ve taken this thing on nature walks through wooded areas and have no problem pushing it. It conveniently fits into my beach bag so it’s easy to carry with me and can be stored in the carry on compartment on the plane! The only problems I’ve had were getting the hang of opening and closing it.
About the gb Pockit Stroller
Designed for frequent travelers, the gb Pockit Stroller in Monument Black quickly folds into an ultra-compact package shaped like a handbag for simple transport on airplanes and more. The stroller offers a self-standing folded option for added versatility when you and baby are dining out. When in use, the Pockit offers a height-adjustable harness that is easy to tighten or loosen to secure your little one properly. Front swivel wheels make maneuvering simple, and you can lock the tires for stability when strolling along uneven paths. Easily push your little bundle of joy with one hand in this compact stroller.
We have so many adventures to go on this year with our gb Pockit in tow! Be sure to follow me on Instagram & Twitter to keep up with the fun! The gb Pockit Stroller is available at Babies ‘R’ Us and totally worth checking out! What adventure will you go on next?
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.”
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