STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS: Comic-Con Reel ⋆ My Sparkling Life

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This post is Sponsored by Mixie but my opinions are 100% my own! Recently I was sent the 8 oz Mixie Bottle to review. I have to say when I was told about the Mixie Bottle I thought, what an ingenious idea, but like most new baby products, i’m very skeptical on how it will really work. Mixie Baby Bottles are for formula feeding, that can be filled in advance and mixed at feeding time. They are great for when you need to do a middle of the night feed, as it saves time mixing up the formula that way you can quickly feed your hungry baby. Mixie bottles are free of BPA, phthalates, and PVC.
Simply scoop powder into the Mixie formula compartment, tap gently on a hard surface to settle powder, and press the lid on to seal. The bottle’s formula compartment loads from the bottom of the bottle and water is added from the top. The airtight design keeps formula powder fresh and dry, When it’s feeding time, simply push the button on the bottom of the bottle to release the formula powder, shake and blend. Mixie is offered in two sizes 4oz and 8oz. There are very few parts to clean which is always a plus for me. Mixie bottles also feature a special nipple venting system which reduces colic symptoms.
These bottles are perfect for busy lifestyles and on the go feedings such as daycare centers or out and about when you don’t have to fuss with making a bottle. Although I breastfeed my baby, I have supplemented many times…this would have been such a life saver!! I highly recommend this as a gift for yourself, or someone who is planning on bottle feeding or supplementing. They will love you for it!! Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links with fund the Mom of 4 Boys blog. I have 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. Mixie has not influenced the editorial nature of this post, and No other compensation was received. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

If you are an avid Disney Channel watcher, chances are you’ve seen the hilarious previews for the new Disney Channel Original Movie Bad Hair Day staring Leigh-Allyn Baker. While In LA I had the chance to screen the movie (very funny, see my review 2/13) & interview the cleverly funny Leigh-Allyn Baker!
Walking through the lobby we were greeted by Movie posters reminding us exactly what we were here for…
Then once we made our way down in the elevator we got off and were greeted by many Disney characters that we know and love.
It was finally time to make our way into the screening room!!
When we walked into the screening room Leigh-Allyn was already there waiting for us to arrive. She told us a little about the movie, then sat down and watched it with us, yeap, just hanging out like one of the girls!!
BAD HAIR DAY – Disney Channel viewer favorites Laura Marano (“Austin & Ally”) and Leigh-Allyn Baker (“Good Luck Charlie”) star in “Bad Hair Day,” a buddy comedy about a high school tech-whiz whose prom day abruptly shifts into a wild ride across town, thanks to a down-on-her-luck cop and a jewel thief. Leigh-Allyn Baker also executive-produces this Disney Channel Original Movie, premiering FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT). (Disney Channel/Phillippe Bosse) LEIGH-ALLYN BAKER, LAURA MARANO
Once all the laughter and tears were over, it was interview time…She had never watched the movie with an audience and said that…
It was really fun for me to watch it with all of you because I’ve never seen it with an audience so it was, it was really refreshing for me.
I think we laughed just as much during the interview as we do watching her in her shows & movies. She is so really and funny…It was really important for her and Disney Channel to be funny, yet pull at the audiences heart-strings and give a really good, unique and powering message…can I say, mission accomplished. The one message she would like audiences to take away from the movie is – Your identity, who you are comes from the inside. It doesn’t come from what’s out there. Know yourself and be okay with who you are and don’t look for approval from others.
The writers and Leigh-Allyn wanted a film for Disney Channel that adults can watch with their kids that has a unique & different message. Disney Channel films are not normally geared towards the whole family, so It was refreshing to hear that they worked together to create one. The movie script originally was for a male “mall cop”, she admits they tossed the original script and wrote a whole new one, one that she had a vision for from the beginning.
She decided to take on the producing role because she wanted to see if she had it in her to build something from the ground up, and see her vision come to life. It gives her so many creative liberties..and with being with the Disney Channel for 5 years they have trust in her that she will bring what the audiences are wanting…a great movie with plenty of comedy.
photo courtesy of Andrew at Mommy’s Busy, Go Ask Daddy
When playing Liz it was really fun for her to show that she is an actor, you know, every actor says I’m not a one trick pony, I can do other things. So that is one of the things that really intrigued her about Liz. Wash off all the makeup, change the hair, put some shabby clothes and let her go to town. Along with acting & now producing, Leigh-Allyn Baker also does voice-overs on video games! Even with that fun job, she says that her favorite thing to do is acting + producing…because she really gets to have her hands in all the elements.
I have an animation series called the Seven D which I play the Queen Delightful if you haven’t seen Seven D. It’s really good. Check it out, Disney XD and Disney Channel.
Even though there are so many talented young actors in LA, Laura Marano has a certain maturity and skill set that was really necessary for the role. They needed a girl who could pull off being in the lead for prom queen and miss pretty perfect, but could also pull off knowing how to work a computer and, have the smarts going on.
It’s not easy to find young talent that can go toe to toe in comedy with an adult.
Leigh-Allyn & Laura Marano had never worked together before, but hit it off right away. You can see the chemistry throughout the movie!
Think stars don’t have bad hair days…think again! When asked what’s the worst bad hair day you can remember having? This was her answer:
When we did the promos for this. I was like — they turned me around in the mirror and I was like, huh, irony.
Have you noticed that she tends to stick with comedic rolls? When asked if she is going to stick with comedy or try something different she stated:
You know, to me life is short and I wanna have fun. If I’m gonna be away from my kids to be working I’m gonna be having fun or I’m not gonna do it.
One of the most shocking things she stated in her interview, is that this movie was made in 22 days…that required getting things done quickly, including a legit car chase!!
If your a big fan and really want to know what Leigh-Allyn is like, just look at Amy Duncan & her role in here as Liz…Amy Duncan is really her most feminine side and then Liz is really Leigh-Allyn at home. She puts a lot of herself into her roles..
Do not think this is the end of Leigh-Allyn Baker…she is in talks with another gentleman who used to be on the Disney Channel to develop her own show..so keep on the lookout for something new and fun! As if that wasn’t enough, a sequel has already been pitched!
https://www.facebook.com/DisneyChannel
https://twitter.com/BadHairDayMovie (#BadHairDay)
https://twitter.com/DisneyChannel
https://twitter.com/DisneyChannelPR
https://twitter.com/l_a_baker (Leigh-Allyn Baker)
http://disneychannel.disney.com/bad-hair-day
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.”

The benefits of making your own baby food are enormous …
You know exactly what your baby is eating – none of the dreaded “fillers” commonly found in commercial baby food
You know that the ingredients are fresh and healthy
You can “tailor make” your baby’s food to best suit his/her preferences and needs
You will save money. These homemade baby food recipes cost a fraction of the price of ready made foods
And most importantly … making your own baby food is tremendously satisfying – for you AND your baby.
Are you concerned that you don’t have enough time to make your own baby food?
It’s not nearly as time consuming as you might think! On the baby food preparation and storage page you’ll learn how to prepare batches of food quickly and easily.
Your baby might be ready for solids if he/she
Sits up alone, without assistance
Consistently seems hungry after a full feeding
Shows interest in or grabs at your food
Can refuse food by turning head
Has outgrown reflex to spit out solid food
My Sparkling Life recommends introducing one food at a time, waiting at least 3-4 days before introducing another food. Watch closely for adverse reactions such as excessive gas, diarrhea, vomiting or a rash. If there is a reaction, discontinue food and wait at least 2 more weeks before reintroducing the food.
Apple Sauce
3 medium-sized apples (Red or Golden Delicious)
½ cup water
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Peel and chop apples into cubes (about a 1 inch), discarding the core. Place apples in sauce pan with water and cinnamon and simmer on medium-low heat until apples are tender – approximately 10-12 minutes.
Once apples are tender, all contents of pan (including liquid) to food processor. Puree until smooth. Add water if necessary.
Dispense apple puree evenly into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Pears
2-3 ripe medium-sized pears
½ cup water
Chop pears into squares (about a ¼ inch), discarding the peel and core. Place pears in sauce pan with water and simmer on medium-low heat until pears are tender – approximately 10-12 minutes.
Once pears are tender, all contents of pan (including liquid) to food processor. Puree until smooth. Add water if necessary.
Dispense pear puree evenly into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Peaches
3 medium-sized ripe peaches
½ cup water
Cut peaches in half, removing pit. Place fruit flesh-side down into pan and add water. Simmer fruit on medium-low heat until thoroughly tender and skin peels easily from flesh – about 10-12 minutes. Once cool to the touch, remove skin.
After skin is removed, add fruit and liquid to a food processor and puree until completely smooth. Add more water if necessary.
Dispense peach puree evenly into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. When ice cubes are frozen, remove cubes from tray and store in a resealable plastic freezer bag or freezer container. Label package with contents and date. Use within 1 month. Before serving, let thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Bananas
Bananas actually qualify as a white fruit, despite its bright yellow exterior. Banana sweet flavor and smooth texture provide for a perfect first food.
Mash ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Serve immediately.
OTHER MAKE YOUR OWN BABY FOOD POSTS:
Veggies Stage 1
Veggies Stage 2
Fruits Stage 2
Sample Menu for 6-8 Months

We’ve waited for years for the return of our favorite fuzzy actors to return to television. The wait is over! Go Behind The Scenes With Kermit And The Gang As They Produce A Late Night Talk Show On “The Muppets”.
The series is set in Los Angeles and depicts the everyday personal and professional lives of the Muppets during production of Up Late with Miss Piggy; a fictional late-night talk show, starring Miss Piggy and airing on the ABC network afterJimmy Kimmel Live!. The Muppets serves as a parody of other mockumentary-style series, such as Modern Family, Parks and Recreation and The Office, by employing the same single-camera setup filming style with the implication of a documentary crew filming everyone.
We were lucky enough to sit in on The Magic Behind The Muppets panel at D23 Expo were we got to hear all about the new show from the producers and little actors themselves.
Calling all Muppet fans! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work with the Muppets? Here’s your chance to find out firsthand when ABC presents a panel on the magic and art of being a Muppet Performer. Join these creative artists and some of your favorite characters, along with a few surprise guests, for a rare and unforgettable demonstration of what it takes to bring these iconic and enduring personalities to life.
There are many fans that were in tears they were so excited! I was in tears from excitement and laughter. I must say Gonzo & Kermit were always my faves as a kid, but Pepe has me around his little finger…he is just sooo funny! The guys were great and interacted as much as they could with the fans. After the panel question/discussion about the new show, they had a Q&A session where a few fans were able to express their love and admiration for the muppets and then they even invited some fans up on stage to get a muppeteer experience! Since the D23 Expo, I’ve been anxiously waiting for more from The Muppets!
This past weekend I was stoked that I was able to prescreen the first two episodes!! I can’t tell you how excited I am to see more of this season! We will surely be tuning in every Tuesday to watch this comical new series. I can’t say much, but love the guest stars and special musical talents!
I can share that guest star Elizabeth Banks is a pitch perfect way to start #TheMuppets premiere off tonight at 8|7c!
“The Muppets” stars Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo, Pepe the King Prawn, Rizzo, Scooter, Rowlf and The Electric Mayhem.
Follow “The Muppets” Hashtag: #TheMuppets
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Google+ | Tumblr | Pinterest | Vine
Follow The Cast on Twitter
@KermitTheFrog | @MissPiggy | @FozzieBear | @GonzotheGreat | @Rizzo | @ElectricMayhem | @SpicyPrawn | @billprady | @bobkushell
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.”

Music is a big part of our lives, we listen to it daily…and well I guess the same could be said about Disney, since we watch, wear and talk about it daily. I’m excited to partner with Disney again this year to bring you the Hop To The Music Giveaway!
This is the second year I have partnered with them to bring you some great soundtracks from your favorite movies as well as a few extra goodies you kiddos will love!
EASTER BASKET PRIZE PACK:
The Lion Guard Soundtrack
Zootopia soundtrack
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack
Marvel Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Mix Vol. 1. Soundtrack
Kion plush toy
“Meet The New Guard” book
To explore the full line of Lion Guard products, including the Kion plush, please visit your local Disney Store or DisneyStore.com
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life Reader is going to win this Disney Hop To The Music Easter Basket Prize Pack! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 12:00 PM EST April 8, 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 Disney. 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.”