The Book of Life Gift Pack Giveaway

Does your child enjoy learning about the world of Digital Media? My 12 year old loves to assist when I’m taking photos, and him & my 9 year old are getting into computer programming, robotics & graphic designs…With summer just around the corner, why not encourage their interest and check out the Digital Media Academy!
Founded at Stanford University, Digital Media Academy is ranked as one of the ten best summer camps in the world. Kids and teens learn computer programming, app development, 3D modeling, robotics, graphic design, filmmaking, and much more. DMA summer camps are one or multiple week experiences taught by industry experts and tech professionals.
Campers get hands-on experience creating projects using the latest hardware and software from Apple, Canon, Adobe, and more. Give your teen a pre-collegiate experience or build a child’s confidence through project-based learning. 25 locations at top universities throughout the U.S. and Canada. Camps are filling fast, register early to save $$$ and stay off the wait list. Save $125 off summer camps at Digital Media Academy with code DMAUSFG15 at www.DigitalMediaAcademy.org when you register by Feb 18
Call 1(866)656-3342 to speak with a Guest Service Representative or email at [email protected] Mention the US Family Guide Special Offer
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.”

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
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.”
This Post is sponsored by Mirum but all opinions are my own.
As you may or may not already know, we are on the go quite a lot. Whether its to visit family and friends, a new location in Texas or to a sporting event we need snacks that can keep up with us. I like to keep a snack on hand that has plenty of protein to keep them going strong…one snack that is always requested is a Slim Jim, the bold treat on-the-go.
Right now Slim Jim is hosting a Halloween Sweepstakes, and on their site, you will be able to create a virtual Halloween basket to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a $500 prize pack!
I ran to my local Walmart where it’s simple to restock on some Slim Jims and pick up a few other goodies for our Halloween “basket”. Like me, my kids love mugs, Halloween & glow stick so all of these came together with their must-have Slim Jims to create our basket.
With Halloween around the corner and my youngest one in pre-k, you know I’ll have to make a few fun Halloween “baskets” featuring Slim Jim’s. I can find so many other goodies to mix in at Walmart.
I’m taking a Bold Break, (as we speak), and you should too! Grab a pack of Slim Jims at Walmart today! It’s the easiest snack to carry in your bag for that moment when you need a something to keep you or your kiddos going.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. The Slim Jim Hungry For Halloween Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conagra Brands, Inc. Open to legal U.S. residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 & older. Begins 12:00 a.m. PT on 10/5/17 & ends 11:59 p.m. PT on 10/31/17. Four potential winners will be randomly selected to each receive a Hungry For Halloween prize pack worth $500. Total ARV: $2,000. Odds depend on number of entries. For full details visit SlimJimBoldBreak.com.

I love giving creative and unique gifts for the holidays! Giving someone something for the home can be enjoyed throughout the year. I’ve taken note throughout the year and have included our favorites in our 2015 Holiday Gift Guide.
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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This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
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?

If you are looking for a great gift for the lady in your life, Andre Lorent PRO Makeup Brush Set is a fantastic idea. This elegant 5 piece professional makeup brush set is the ultimate makeup brush set. It is 100% cruelty-free, made with high quality synthetic hair which is more hygienic and durable than natural hair brushes & comes in a convenient designer case.
THESE ARE THE TOP 5 MAKEUP BRUSHES EVERY GIRL NEEDS! We got you covered! We made sure our 5-piece set includes every brush you’ll need on a day-to-day basis. Here’s what you get: Foundation Brush + Powder/Blush Brush + Angled Liner Brush + Eyeshadow Brush and Lip Brush along with designer case.
SLEEK WHITE CARRYING CASE – The brushes come in a durable, sleek white carrying case for ease when you travel and it also looks beautiful on your countertop.
TOP QUALITY BRUSHES – QUALITY, DESIGN AND LONG LASTING! See why customers give us 5-star reviews on Amazon and love our makeup brush set! Our brushes utilize LuxeFiberTM which is a high-quality synthetic fiber. This results in longer lasting brushes. Reduces falling out fibers. Smoother makeup application. A better experience overall! LuxeFiberTM is hygienic, cruelty-free and vegan.
100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – We guarantee you will LOVE the Andre Lorent Makeup Brush Set, or we’ll give you your money back.
Available on AMAZON for $39.95 and has 5 STAR rating! The brushes are so soft and gentle and a great addition to my makeup bag.
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.”

I have always been fascinated by tech…since I was little and my dad brought home this giant computer with like 6-inch floppy disks I was hooked. Even today in a tech-filled world I still love to see what they will come up with next! About a week and a half ago our friends came down from Austin and brought their new Samsung Gear VR with them. If you’ve ever wanted to be in the middle of the action on a movie or game the Samsung Gear VR does just that.
Mobile virtual reality has finally arrived. Be at the center of exciting games, watch the best of Hollywood in your own private cinema, socialize with friends, and so much more. The Samsung Gear VR drops you right in the action — and it’s only from Samsung and Oculus.
My dad is like me and loves his movies…and while he may not always show it, loves tech too. With Father’s Day right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to pick up a new Samsung Smartphone with Free Samsung Gear VR, plus $50 of Virtual Reality content for him to enjoy! (Offer is good 6/5-6/18 online or in Best Buy stores)
From taking part in epic battles to interacting with live dinosaurs, you’ll go where you’ve never been able to venture before with the Samsung Gear VR. When I used my friends Samsung Gear VR, I tried out the Jurassic World “Jurassic World Apatosaurus” and it was awesome! In Jurassic World Apatosaurus you get to step back in time and wander through a prehistoric forest, so you can relish the sense of extraordinary wonder as you anticipate the approach of an Apatosaurus.
With the Oculus Video app, you can customize trailers, clips and even your own movie files. Customize your virtual environment — choose from a home theater, big-screen cinema or even the surface of the moon. Plus you can buy hundreds of full-length Hollywood movies and TV shows.
Live stream your favorite games, short films and video clips in a virtual theater setting. With full access to more than 1 million Vimeo videos and Twitch, a leading video platform and community for gamers, there’s always something new to experience.
Escaping to a virtual world is as easy as snapping your Galaxy smartphone into your Samsung Gear VR. Developed in partnership with Oculus, Gear VR is completely portable, comfortable to wear and simple to set up.
Product Dimensions: 7.95″W x 4.58″H x 3.65″D Compatible Devices: Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge+ Connectivity: MicroUSB connection to the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 edge, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S6 edge+ Sensor Type: Accelerometer, Gyrometer, Proximity (Mount/Unmount Detection)
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAMSUNG GEAR VR
There is so much fun to be had! You just might never get dad to take them off. My dad would be stuck in the cinema watching all his Syfy movies…after all this tech was Syfy back in the day, wasn’t it!?
What would be your dads favorite part of the Samsung Gear VR?
The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.
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.”