Magic Potion Recipe

Something that everyone needs is a good pair of shoes, or kicks as my boys say. For as long as I can remember I tend to buy the same brand over and over, Skechers. They have come out with so many innovative styles over the years…and colors that will please anyone. I was recently able to work with Skechers to try out their line of Women’s Equalizers! Skechers Equalizer are a Skech-Knit Mesh one piece upper in a lace up sporty athletic training sneaker with Gel Infused Memory Foam insoles. It’s like a cloud for your feet! I have worn them for a while now, and I love the Skech-Knit Mesh, it really allows your feet to breath in this south Texas heat, whether I’m running errands, or just running. The Gel Infused Memory Foam insoles keep my feet comfy all day. As I mentioned earlier, they have an array of colors with this shoe as well, I choose the Oasis, which I love, but is not like me at all, I usually choose a pink…they have a pink/navy & pink/black, but for some reason the blue/purple called my name! While they have kept me great company this summer, I think they would make a great Back to School shoe as well, there is a color for every outfit, and it will keep you or your grown kiddos going all day at school..I remember how much walking I did around campus my freshman year..it was killer on my feet, I would have loved to have these Skechers back then (lets just say it was a few years ago). The Equalizers are not the only memory foam shoe they have, you should check out their full line and see for yourself! Plus check out their full line for the kiddos, like twinkle toes, skech-air, & z-strap…you know they need new “kicks” too! Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links with fund the Mom of 4 Boys blog. All opinions seen in this publication are those of the writer and may differ from your own. Momof-3boys.com received compensation as a condition of this publication. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to have your product featured on Mom of 4 Boys, email Becky at [email protected]..

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September, the mental start to fall! There’s a ton of great content arriving on Netflix in September, and My Sparkling Life has the insight into what’s coming to this streaming service. There are quite a few we are excited about especially since Halloween is just around the corner! Here’s what’s new on Netflix for September 2015…
WATCH IT 9/1/15
72 Dangerous Animals: Australia: Season 1 Australia is full of dangerous animals – but which creature is our country’s deadliest? From the Freshwater Crocodile to the Cane Toad, we’re counting down to the most dangerous Aussie animal.
Arthur: Season 17 Based on the Arthur book series, which are written and illustrated by Marc Brown, these are the adventures of Arthur, an 8-year-old aardvark, and his family and friends as they grow up and learn how to be good neighbors to one another.
Avengers Confidential: Black Widow & Punisher (2014) After interfering with a top secret mission, THE PUNISHER is taken into custody by S.H.I.E.L.D. AGENT and AVENGER, BLACK WIDOW. At the orders of Director Nick Fury, Punisher and Black Widow are sent on a mission. Now, the vigilante and spy must work together to prevent S.H.I.E.L.D technology from falling into the wrong hands. The fate of the world, and of the AVENGERS, hangs in the balance.
Battle Creek: Season 1 Two detectives with different views on the world team up and using cynicism, guile and deception, they clean up the streets of Battle Creek.
Blackbird (2014) A young singer struggles with his sexuality and the treatment of others while coming of age in a small Southern Baptist community.
Capital C (2014) Three independent creators use the hottest new tool for raising money, crowdfunding, to try to make their dreams come true in the digital age.
Combustion (2013) – SP – Racing addict Navas funds his passion by engineering robberies with his girlfriend, but their schemes fall apart when they target the wrong couple.
Da Jammies: Season 1 While enrolled at a performing arts middle school, five talented tweens band together to form a hip-hop and R&B group in this animated musical series.
Divorce Corp. (2014) This arresting documentary examines the aspirations and failures of the nation’s family court laws, regarded by many as brutal and deeply flawed.
Giggle and Hoot’s Best Ever! (2014) Best friends Giggle and Hoot share their adventures and open their crazy house to guests, silliness, dance, and music that kids can enjoy.
Hamlet (1990) Hamlet returns to Denmark when his father, the King, dies. His mother Gertrude has already married Hamlet’s uncle Claudius, the new King. They urge Hamlet to marry his beloved Ophelia. But soon the ghost of Hamlet’s father appears and tells Hamlet that he was murdered by Claudius and Gertrude. Hamlet must choose between passive acquiescence and the need for a vengeance which might lead to tragedy.
Hardball (2001) Gambler and all-around slouch Conor O’Neill owes someone a lot of money, so he strikes a bargain: he’ll coach a Little League baseball team from Chicago’s notorious Cabrini Green housing project if a friend will lend him money to square his debts.
Heather McDonald: I Don’t Mean To Brag (2014) Heather McDonald just doesn’t hold back on anything, especially when recounting the many ways she attempts to balance fame and family. Really, what’s a mother to do when her young son suggests she gives up chardonnay for Lent? Smart, funny and with a definite edge, her laugh-out-loud irreverent storytelling comes to life in this, her first comedy special.
Lawrence of Arabia: Restored Version (1962) This Oscar-winning epic tells the true story of T.E. Lawrence, who helped unite warring Arab tribes to strike back against the Turks in World War I.
Los Hombres También Lloran: Season 1 – SP – This romantic comedic series follows Javier, a doctor who has everything — great career, beautiful wife, nice home — until he suddenly doesn’t.
Masters of the Universe (1987) A prince turned warrior named He-Man battles against the dark lord Skeletor on the planet Eternia. He-Man and his comrades arrive on Earth and discover two teenage lovers to find the magical Cosmic Key.
Mississippi Damned (2009) While growing up in rural Mississippi, three children from an impoverished black family with a long history of violence, addiction and abuse separately attempt to escape their suffocating circumstances but encounter devastating setbacks.
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: Volume 1 Fred Rogers explores various topics for young viewers through presentations and music both in his world and in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
Mouk: Season 1 Mouk is an animated series for young children about a little bear called Mouk who travels the world on his bike. This educational preschool show teaches kids and toddlers about diversity, cultures and the importance of keeping an open mind.
Our Man in Tehran (2013) Following close on the heels of Hollywood’s version of the 1979 Iran hostage crisis (Argo), this documentary focuses on Canada’s role in the ordeal, revealing new details about the efforts of the Canadian ambassador and the CIA to save six Americans.
Pandas: The Journey Home (2014) Get an extraordinary look inside China’s Wolong Panda Center, where giant pandas bred in captivity are prepared to be released into the wild. Person of Interest: Seasons 1-3 This crime-thriller series follows ex-CIA agent John Reese and enigmatic billionaire Mr. Finch as they use Finch’s own invention — computer software that can predict future events — to prevent violent crimes before they occur. *Season 4 arriving on 9/22
Puffin Rock: Season 1 – NETFLIX ORIGINAL – Join the adventures of Oona and Baba as they explore Puffin Rock.
Rambo: First Blood (1982) Targeted by a small-town sheriff, former Green Beret and Vietnam vet John Rambo reaches his breaking point and launches a guerilla response. His skills overwhelm the police, who call in Rambo’s old commanding officer to help defuse the situation.
Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) Rambo, freed from prison to help the government find proof of P.O.W.s still being held in Vietnam, turns the recon job into a rescue mission. The jungle becomes a bloodbath as the vengeful veteran takes down anyone who gets in his way.
Rambo III: Ultimate Edition (1988) Now living in a Buddhist monastery, Rambo refuses when his friend and mentor Col. Trautman seeks his help in an operation in Afghanistan. But when Trautman is captured, Rambo launches a one-man rescue mission and runs afoul of a Russian commander.
Shake the Dust (2014) This break dancing-filled documentary crosses national borders to explore how global hip-hop culture transcends social and political differences.
Sleepy Hollow (1999) The curse of the headless horseman is the legacy of the small town of Sleepy Hollow. Spearheaded by the eager Constable Ichabod Crane and his new world ways into the quagmire of secrets and murder, secrets once laid to rest, best forgotten and now reawakened, and he too, holding a dark secret of a past once gone.
Such Good People (2014) While house-sitting for rich humanitarian friends, gay couple Richard and Alex find a huge stash of cash in the residence. When the homeowners die in a car crash, altruism and greed collide as Richard and Alex try to decide what to do with the money.
The Adventures of Sharkboy & Lavagirl (2005) Dreamer Max, ridiculed by his classmates, conjures up his perfect dreamworld…the Planet Drool. But his dream is more powerful than even he suspects, and his favourite dream super-heroes, Sharkboy and Lavagirl, materialise on Earth. They need help from Max. All is not well in Max’s dreamworld. An alien intelligence is interfering and darkness threatens his beloved Planet Drool. Is it true, as Sharkboy and Lavagirl say, that only Max, the powerful dreamer, can stop it? Max takes off on a wild and dangerous journey to the fantastic Planet Drool with Sharkboy and Lavagirl. Can they discover the source of the danger? Will they be able to stop it in time?
The Monster Squad (1987) Dracula is alive. In fact, he plans to rule the world and that is why he seeks the help of other legendary monsters. However, a bunch of kids regarded by their peers as losers uncover the devious plan and prepare for a counter strike.
Up in the Air (2009) Ryan Bingham racks up miles flying around the country firing employees on behalf of companies. But he faces losing the job he savors to recent college grad Natalie Keener – and losing the ability to escape emotional ties to anything.
Zathura (2005) After discovering a mysterious game in the basement of their house, two pint-sized brothers are sent flying into space, where they must finish the game by reaching the planet Zathura — or be trapped in galactic limbo forever. Zoo Clues: Season 1 Amazing animal facts and fun trivia for children, adults, and families.
WATCH IT 9/2/15
Black or White (2014) Black or White is the story of a grandfather (Kevin Costner) who is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter. When her paternal grandmother (Octavia Spencer) seeks custody with the help of her brother (Anthony Mackie), the little girl is torn between two families who love her deeply. With the best intentions at heart, both families fight for what they feel is right and are soon forced to confront their true feelings about race, forgiveness, and understanding. Anchored by an all-star cast and based on real events, the movie is a look at two seemingly different worlds, in which nothing is as simple as black or white.
Miss Julie (2014) At her family’s rural estate, young Julie spars with and seduces her father’s handsome valet in an intense encounter that stretches over the course of a summer night before reaching a shocking conclusion.
WATCH IT 9/3/15
Drumline: A New Beat (2014) A feisty girl defies her parents, classmates and rivals in her quest to lead her school’s drumline and help it reclaim its former distinction.
WATCH IT 9/4/15
Baby Daddy: Season 4 (new episodes) A 20-something bachelor bartender becomes an unlikely parent when an ex-girlfriend leaves a baby girl on his doorstep.
Bad Night (2015) When Kate (Lauren Luthringshausen) and Abby (Jenn McAllister) are mistaken for famous art thieves (Juillianna Guill and Judy Marte), their fun night out quickly goes from good to bad, and Mrs. Goldstein’s (June Diane Raphael) boring class field trip turns into the trip of their lives. But now they have to contend with a rollerskating Russian Mobster (Matt Walsh), a “method painter” with one ear (Adam Pally), a pregnant tattoo artist (Casey Wilson) and The Collector, a Bond girl turned Bond villain (Molly Ringwald). Whether or not the BFFs can survive is as much a question as whether or not their friendship can.
Madame Secretary: Season 1 Ex-CIA agent Elizabeth McCord is living the quiet life of an academic when a plane crash and a presidential request present a challenge she cannot refuse, and she finds herself thrust into the spotlight as the newly appointed secretary of state.
Melissa & Joey: Season 4 (new episodes) Single politician Melissa has her life turned upside-down when she is made guardian of her niece, Lennox, and nephew, Ryder. She hires Joe, an unemployed stockbroker, as a live-in “manny” (male nanny) to help out, a job he hopes will be temporary.
WATCH IT 9/7/15
Space Dandy: Season 2 The cosmic and comic adventures of Space Dandy, a handsome space explorer tasked to tour the universe and discover new alien beings.
WATCH IT 9/8/15
6 Years (2015) – NETFLIX EXCLUSIVE – As a volatile young couple who have been together for six years approach college graduation, unexpected career opportunities threaten their future. Love At First Fight (2014) When he meets the intense, muscular and beautiful Madeleine Beaulieu on France’s southwest coast, mild-mannered Arnaud Labrède becomes obsessed with her — so much so that when she signs up for a military training course, he follows suit.
WATCH IT 9/9/15
Teen Beach Movie 2 (2015) Modern day teens Mack and Brady get a real world visit from Lela, Tanner, Butchy, and other surfer and biker pals from the beach party film within a film, Wet Side Story.
WATCH IT 9/10/15
Fugitivos: Season 1 – SP – Julián and Esperanza, both unjustly imprisoned, form a passionate bond behind bars and conceive a daring scheme to prove their innocence.
Longmire: Season 4 – NETFLIX ORIGINAL – Based on the Walt Longmire mystery novels by Craig Johnson, this contemporary crime thriller focuses on a Wyoming sheriff who’s rebuilding his life and career following the death of his wife.
WATCH IT 9/11/15
About Elly (2009) After years abroad, Ahmad returns to his native Iran to recover from his recent divorce, where he joins some old pals on a trip to the Caspian Sea. His friends also invites Elly, a young teacher who may be the cure for Ahmad’s broken heart.
God Bless the Child (2015) When their depressive mother abruptly disappears, five children are left to their own devices, with 13-year-old Harper assuming the role of caretaker.
Madame Bovary (2014) In this faithful adaptation of Gustave Flaubert’s immortal novel, young Emma Bovary’s passions overwhelm her solemn vows of marriage when the dashing Marquis d’Andervilliers captivates her heart, ultimately leading her down the path to ruin.
WATCH IT 9/12/15
It Happened Here (2015) Through the intimate portraits of five student survivors, IT HAPPENED HERE exposes the alarming pervasiveness of sexual assault on college campuses, the institutional cover-ups and the failure to protect students, and follows their fight for accountability and change on campus and in federal court.
Portlandia: Season 5 Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein send up the righteous, artistically inclined and 100% organic residents of Portland, Ore., in this sketch-based comedy series. Typical targets include artisanal light bulbs, feminist bookstores and indie rock.
The Roughnecks (2014) Kids and coaches put it all on the line as the Ridglea Roughnecks of Fort Worth, Texas, fight to win their peewee football league’s championship.
Why Did I Get Married? (2007) In this big-screen adaptation of Tyler Perry’s stage hit, eight married college friends gather for a weeklong reunion in the snowy mountains of Colorado. But a startling revelation of infidelity sets off a chain reaction of soul searching.
WATCH IT 9/13/15
Comedy Bang! Bang!: Season 4 (part 2) Scott Aukerman brings his popular podcast Comedy Bang! Bang! to television. Scott writes and stars in the series along with his co-host and bandleader, Reggie Watts, while featuring celebrity guests playing either themselves or characters.
Pixies (2014) Joe Beck has lost the love of his life thanks to a Pixie’s Curse and he now needs to figure out how to get his girl back, learn more about the mysterious Pixies and undo a bad deed he did long ago.
WATCH IT 9/14/15
Call the Midwife: Series 4 Chronicles the lives of a group of midwives living in East London in the late 1950s to early 1960s.
WATCH IT 9/15/15
Closer to the Moon (2015) A Romanian police officer teams up with a small crew of old friends from the World War II Jewish Resistance to pull off a heist by convincing everyone at the scene of the crime that they are only filming a movie.
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret (2014) – NETFLIX EXCLUSIVE – Learn how factory farming is decimating the planet’s natural resources– and why this crisis has been largely ignored by major environmental groups.
Kambu: Season 1 Kambu is the new maildog, and he wants to make some friends. However, it’s going to be a little more difficult than he thought because the inhabitants of this outpost are… just too darn peculiar. And the work keeps mounting up and there’s always a package to deliver.
Rubble Kings (2015) Through archival footage Nicholson tells the story of the real Warriors that walked the streets of New York City in the 1970s and the harsh reality of gang life in a city that seemed to be falling apart.
Sin Senos no Hay Paraiso: Season 1 – ES – This telenovela is about a girl named Catalina who lives in Columbia and tries several ways to earn money for massive breast implants.
The Bank Job (2008) A thief gets in over his head when he breaks into a bank vault full of cash, gems… and secrets on everyone from the London mob to the royal family. But the crime itself is just the beginning in this pulse-pounding thriller based on actual events.
The Road Within (2015) After his mother’s death, a young man afflicted with Tourette’s syndrome is packed off to a treatment clinic, where he cooks up an impetuous scheme to transport his mom’s ashes to the California coast.
Zoobabu: Season 1 It’s a bird… It’s a bear… It’s Zoobabu! A playful lively box and 104 lighthearted animals collaborate to bring you the funniest animated guessing game. Step by step, hint by hint, the box will give the clues to find out which animal is hiding inside the box: Zoobabu!
WATCH IT 9/16/15
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) Wes Anderson’s quirky drama follows the frantic search that ensues in a small New England town when two 12-year-olds fall in love and run away together. As the townsfolk hunt for the vanished kids, a storm causes even more profound communal upheaval.
Reservation Road (2007) The lives of Ethan and his wife, Grace, are thrown into chaos after their 10-year-old son is killed in a hit-and-run accident. When the case stalls, Ethan makes it his mission to hunt down and punish the person responsible.
The Blacklist: Season 2 After turning himself in to the FBI, brilliant fugitive Raymond Reddington offers to help capture other criminals, but only if the bureau plays by his rules — which include teaming with rookie profiler Elizabeth Keen.
The Fosters: Season 3 Teenager Callie Jacobs is placed in a foster home with a lesbian couple and their blend of biological, adoptive and foster children.
WATCH IT 9/17/15
The Mysteries of Laura: Season 1 A single mom NYPD homicide detective cracks case after case while raising wild twin boys and locking horns with her less than helpful police detective ex-husband.
WATCH IT 9/18/15
Keith Richards: Under the Influence (2015) – NETFLIX ORIGINAL Keith Richards: Under the Influence is unparalleled in its access as it looks at one of the architects of rock ‘n’ roll music, while charting the journey of Keith’s sound and influences, back to the music that inspired him then and now – electric blues, country honky-tonk, southern soul, and more – as he creates his first solo album in 23 years.
WATCH IT 9/21/15
Gotham: Season 1 In this new crime-thriller series, it tells the origin story behind Commissioner James Gordon’s epic rise to prominence in turbulent Gotham City in the previous years before Batman’s arrival.
The Following: Season 3 When escaped serial killer Joe Carroll goes on a new killing spree, reclusive former FBI agent Ryan Hardy is called in, having captured Carroll nine years ago. Hardy soon discovers that Carroll has a loyal following of killers ready to terrorize.
WATCH IT 9/22/15
Person of Interest: Season 4 This crime-thriller series follows ex-CIA agent John Reese and enigmatic billionaire Mr. Finch as they use Finch’s own invention — computer software that can predict future events — to prevent violent crimes before they occur.
Philomena (2013) Floundering BBC journalist Martin Sixsmith and aging Irishwoman Philomena Lee form an unlikely bond when they pair up to find the son Philomena was forced to give up for adoption 50 years ago.
SMOSH: The Movie (2015) From the creators of SMOSH, Ian and Anthony go inside the YouTube portal to delete an embarrassing video of Anthony before his high school crush, Anna, has the chance to see it. They run into one YouTube celebrity after another on their quest to rewrite history before their high school reunion.
WATCH IT 9/23/15
The Loft (2015) Five married co-owners of an upscale loft enjoy their investment as a discreet hideaway for their adulterous pursuits. But when a murdered woman is discovered in the apartment, each suspects the others of committing the grisly killing.
WATCH IT 9/24/15
Iris (2014) At 93, fashion legend Iris Apfel is clearly still at the top of her game — supervising the dress selections for a tour, advising models and negotiating with buyers — in this affectionate documentary by Albert Maysles, himself an octogenarian.
WATCH IT 9/25/15
Blue Bloods: Season 5 A clan of New York’s finest takes center stage in this TV drama, which follows cops Danny and Jamie Reagan and their lawyer sister Erin as they try to live up to the standards of patriarch Frank — who is also the NYC police commissioner.
Hawaii Five-0: Season 5 Detectives Steve McGarrett, Daniel “Danno” Williams, and Chin Ho Kelly are reborn for a new generation in this update of one of television’s iconic hits. The trio may work in paradise, but there’s enough crime here to keep them working overtime.
Parenthood: Season 6 Four grown siblings juggle parenthood, relationships, careers and more as they cope with life’s ups and downs in this family drama set in Berkeley, Calif. Meanwhile, their parents face an unraveling marriage and their own parenting challenges.
VeggieTales in the House: Season 1 (New Episodes) – NETFLIX ORIGINAL – The exciting new adventures of Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber, and all their Veggie friends as you’ve never seen them before in the house
WATCH IT 9/26/15
The Canyons (2013) While calculating young movie producer Christian makes films to keep his trust fund intact, his actress girlfriend, Tara, hides an affair. But a chance meeting thrusts them into a violent, sexually charged tour through the dark side of human nature.
WATCH IT 9/27/15
The Walking Dead: Season 5 In the wake of a zombie apocalypse that desolates the world as we know it, a group of survivors led by police officer Rick Grimes holds on to the hope of humanity by banding together to wage a never-ending fight for their own survival.
WATCH IT 9/29/15
Bones: Season 10 Socially awkward forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan teams up with intuitive FBI agent Seeley Booth to investigate crimes that have left scant evidence behind: namely, the bones of the deceased.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) Golden Globe-winner Idris Elba stars as Nelson Mandela in this in-depth biopic that portrays the groundbreaking South African leader from his rural childhood through his long imprisonment to his election as the country’s first black president.
Monster High: Boo York (2015) It’s fright lights, big city when the Monster High ghouls head to Boo York! Cleo de Nile is invited to attend a fancy gala celebrating the return of a magical comet and, of course, she brings along her beast friends. But their trip isn’t all fun and frightseeing because Nefera, Cleo’s sister, uses the comet’s powers for her own spooktacularly sneaky plans.
RL Stine’s Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls (2015) Dare to enter a mysterious realm, where the cost of admission just might be your soul. From the dark imagination of renowned author R.L. Stine and starring Dove Cameron (Descendants), Katherine McNamara (Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials), Ryan McCarten (Liv and Maddie), and Tiffany Espensen (Kirby Buckets) comes an original chilling adventure.
WATCH IT 9/30/15
Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Series 12 From England to Egypt, accompanied by his elegant and trustworthy sidekicks, the intelligent yet eccentrically-refined Belgian detective Hercule Poirot pits his wits against a collection of first class deceptions.
Leafie: A Hen into the Wild (2011) A hen named Leafie, who dreams of hatching one of her own eggs, gets the chance when she’s entrusted with an orphaned duck egg.
Midnight’s Children (2012) Based on the acclaimed novel by Salman Rushdie, this epic drama tells the story of two infants switched at birth in 1947, the year of India’s independence from Great Britain. One boy is wealthy, the other poor, and their lives become intertwined.
Murdoch Mysteries: Season 4-7 In the 1890s, William Murdoch uses radical forensic techniques for the time, including fingerprinting and trace evidence, to solve some of the city’s most gruesome murders.
Ned Rifle (2014) Henry and Fay’s son Ned sets out to find and kill his father for destroying his mother’s life. But his aims are frustrated by the troublesome Susan, whose connection to Henry predates even his arrival in the lives of the Grim family.
My Sparkling Life is part of the Netflix #StreamTeam, bringing you viewing tips, programming news and adventures on a monthly basis.
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.”

Everyday we wake up to the birds chirping, the kids running around and go about our daily lives most of us not even thinking about the sacrifices some make so that we can live those lives. I have several members in my family who have proudly served their country including my grandfather..
dad..
& two of my cousins..
I was able to sit down to talk with them & a few other active members and discuss the ways you & your kids can give back to active military & vets.
Write a letter thanking them for their service and sacrifice, while some of our elder vets had no choice to serve, people today choose to serve for many reasons…no matter the reason, be to get out of a small town, travel the world, duty, or because they were inspired by a previous generation and wanted to follow the tradition..they all serve their country honorably and deserve to be thanked.
Draw a picture – have your kids draw pictures..even getting the class involved and sending over a package full of pictures or taking them to your local VA to brighten up their day.
Send a care package…simple things that we take for granite everyday like, twinkies, Doritos, Magazines, Soaps, Phone Cards & even things like Halls Drops are missed and getting a care package of things from home helps them to not feel so home sick.
Donate to causes like The Wounded Warrior Fund..a wounded warrior doesn’t always have a physical wound, PTSD is a big problem with returning soldiers, and it takes them getting help from qualified individuals for them to return to their “normal” lives.
Find local events or facilities to volunteer at..Soldiers Angles, MWR, and USO programs always need voluteers
The people over at Direct Energy are also committed to giving back to those who have given so much to our country. They recently launched a military portal, which is a dedicated space in which military personnel can find discounted energy rates for their home energy needs. On top of that, once you’re a Direct Energy Customer, you’ll have access to their on time bill payment rewards program, Refer-a-Friend Program, easy on the go Online Account Manager and more. These plans were created solely to help military members & veterans save money on their home energy needs!
To be eligible for these discounted military rates, you must enter a valid ID into the portal. Once verified, you will then be directed to a dedicated military plans page. You will then see plans available in your area.
The Direct Energy Military Portal is a great way for active military, veteran’s and their families to save money with exclusive military rates! If you have an active duty service member or veteran in your life, be sure to tell them about this great service.
How would you or do you help the military personnel in your community?
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.”

As you may or may not know One Direction released a new makeup line around the country last month. If you would like to read more about their makeup line you can see my review here. One Direction is going on Tour and Now One Direction & Markwin are bringing you another great giveaway..A One Direction Concert Experience & Makeup Giveaway Powered by BrandBacker.
You can win Airfare, Hotel Accommodations and Tickets to the Sunday, October 5th 2014 “Where We Are” North American Tour Finale at Sun Life Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL on October 5th 2014 7:00pm. The winners will also receive 2 limited edition autographed makeup sets. I have a separate giveaway for an autographed makeup set here.
The prize Winner will receive:
2 Field Level Tickets to One Direction Final Concert Tour Date in Miami on Sunday 10/5/14.
2 R/T economy tickets (within continental United States ONLY) to Miami.
Room Accommodations (1 Room) at the Turnberry-Isle Miami Hotel
Ground transportation (to/from Airport and to/from Concert)
$300 AMEX Card for incidental expenses
2 Autographed Make-up by ONE DIRECTION limited-edition collections of beauty essentials, housed in a collectible keepsake tin. Inside is everything you need to rock all your beauty looks on or off the stage. The 2 makeup tins will be randomly selected from the 3 available collections (Midnight Memories, Take Me Home, or Up all Night).
Turnberry-Isle Miami Hotel
All you have to do is fill out the form, like Make-Up by One Direction’s facebook page, enter your facebook name and tweet with the hashtags #makeupby1D #directioners. You can earn additional entries by referring friends, pinning on pinterest, or liking the Twitter page. The more entries the higher the chance of winning. One winner will be picked by end of day 9/15/2014. IF THE GIVEAWAY BELOW DOES NOT LOAD YOU MAY ENTER HERE
[reviewdisclaimer]

Entenmann’s Little Bites is teaming up with Alvin & the Chipmunks just in time for the March 15th Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip DVD and Blu-ray release! From February through March keep an eye out for the specially marked Entenmann’s Little Bites Chocolate Chip-Munk Muffin boxes. Purchase of one box includes a FREE chipmunks song download, one fun on-box activity maze and a great coloring sheet inside the box! Entenmann’s Little Bites is also hosting Little Bites “Road Chip” Sweepstakes for fans to enter for a chance to win a 4 day/3 night family trip to Hollywood!
In the new movie, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip, Alvin, Simon, Theodore and their new companion, Miles, cross the United States in an epic road trip. They’re in a race against time to get to Miami before their dad, Dave, makes a life-changing decision. And Entenmann’s Little Bites® muffins are there to go right along with them as every family’s favorite on-the-go treat! That’s why they’re teaming up with Alvin and the Chipmunks for their Road Chip adventure!
Entenmann’s Little Bites are always appreciated in my house! The boys love to pack different flavors for our road trips. They are the perfect portions for holding them off till a meal time and who wouldn’t want a Chip-Munk Muffin?!
Want a chance to win some Entenmann’s Little Bites?
The package includes:
Alvin & the Chipmunks: Road Chip on Digital HD,
Two boxes of Entenmann’s Little Bites Chocolate Chip-Munk Muffins
Four Entenmann’s Little Bites coupons
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life Reader is going to win the prize pack listed above! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 12:00 PM EST March 30, 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 Entenmann’s. 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 we are always searching for a new twist on something the kids already love! In today’s Make It Monday, I’m going to show you how to make a Bacon Cheeseburger Pie! 2 Cups Shredded Cheese (I use Cheddar, but you can use whatever you like) 1 Cup diced bacon bits (or store bought bacon bits) Lettuce Shreds (for garnish) Brown hamburger meat, drain Cook bacon (if your doing fresh bacon) Whisk your eggs in a bowl Add in your cheese (save a little for top sprinkling), diced bacon bits, and hamburger meat Divide into two sprayed pie pans Sprinkle top with remaining cheese Bake in oven at 400* for 25-30 min or until egg is done Garnish top with tomato dices & lettuce shreds I decided to do a side salad instead of all the garnish. This is one of the kids favorite meals, plus its easy to make and easy on the pocket book!
Its easy to make it with ground turkey & turkey bacon too!