The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Digital Giveaway

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Disclosure of Material Connection: This travel was #Hosted which means The company who sponsored it compensated me via all expenses paid trip, 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.”
San Antonio welcomes millions of visitors each year that come to enjoy the hot Texas sun, Tex Mex, the River Walk, and a few theme parks that make this city a must visit for anyone traveling through the lone star state. San Antonio has been a city that I’ve visited at least once a year since I was 5. I love visiting the River Walk, it’s one of my favorite places…but even out of all that time I hadn’t been during the holidays until last year. We absolutely LOVED it so much that we decided it would be an annual trip….Holidays In San Antonio.
Instead of just a one night trip, this year we decided to make it a weekend. We packed our R2D2 suitcase from American Tourister and headed out of town Saturday morning on our two-hour trek to a weekend of fun and adventure!
We stayed at the Red Roof Inn Plus Downtown…it was fairly easy to find and had plenty of parking with the included garage. The lobby was beautifully decorated for the holidays and the staff was super courteous and got everyone their rooms quickly. We took our things up to our two rooms which were across the hall from one another. Our room overlooked downtown where we could see the last of the runners from the Rock N Roll Marathon finishing their last mile. Both room were furnished with two full sized beds, a chair, a built-in desk & dresser and a flat screen tv. I loved the farmhouse sink that was in the bathroom, I would love one of these in my bathroom at home!
After we got everything settled in the room we headed off to Sea World for their Christmas Celebration. The boys were so excited to see the place decked in lights and do the many things we had on our itinerary. First off we took our picture in front of the tree up front. Every time we visit Sea World we have to get our picture taken here (normally it’s a fountain). We had a full day of adventure and fun, after which we had to swing by Target because someone forgot their toothbrush…yep, that would be me…I can grab everyone else’s, but can’t remember my own!
The next morning we woke rested and headed down to the free breakfast that is served from 6-9 every day. We grabbed some bagels, danishes, fresh fruit and waters then headed back up to the room to get ready for our day. Today we were exploring the downtown riverwalk area & Alamo. Since it was early the river walk was quite dead so we started off by walking the river center mall, enjoying a massage “kiosk” and taking photos in a photo booth.
After checking out a few stores (like the Disney Store..a must do for us since we don’t have one in Corpus) we headed over to the Alamo…another one of my favorite places in SA…perhaps because I used to come here all the time as a kid. Out in front in the plaza they had a large Christmas tree decorated with SA Spurs decor. The Alamo was buzzing with tourists like always. We headed on inside to remind the boys about the battle and all that the missionaries and soldiers sacrificed.
NOTE: Please DO NOT TOUCH the walls of the Alamo! It is quite old and just your touch could affect the mortar and stones. Please be respectful of this historic site.
Yes, I say this because I saw a man talking on the phone just walking along and touching the walls as he talked…I’m assuming it was just fidgeting like we all do on the phone, but finally a volunteer went over and asked him not too…he looked confused and said “all I’m doing is touching the walls.” I used that as a lesson for the boys of course and went on our way through each room viewing the beautiful found wall murals in some of the rooms then on to the “museum” part to view all the weapons and memorabilia from the period. My husbands family bible is located there. His Great Aunt Nancy Gage was a nurse at the Alamo and this is the page that is viewable in the case.
About the end of our walk through the Alamo, we were all getting hungry so we headed over to Rita’s On The River, who would be hosting us for lunch. This spot on the river walk is just gorgeous! So many large trees, greenery, small waterfall and of course the river.
“Rita’s on the River is a Tex-Mex restaurant on the Riverwalk known for the Texas-sized Margaritas, ice cold beer and delicious, sizzling fajitas with Texas-sized portions and beautiful Riverwalk views!”
As soon as you walk up to Rita’s you really get that TexMex feel with the music, bright decor and heavenly smell. We decided to sit outside and enjoy the view and people watching. Our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable about the food. We all quickly found what we wanted to eat even though there was so much goodness to choose from.
While we waited a lady came around letting us sample some homemade tortillas! OMG! It’s been so long since I’ve had homemade tortillas…the hubby and I were in food heaven!
After that a mariachi band started making their rounds from table to table working for tips…after hearing La Cucaracha, Labumba and a few others it was our turn…since after all it was the holidays I requested Feliz Navidad.
I just love the sound of a Mariachi and we couldn’t help but sing along. It wasn’t long after that that our food arrived. The aroma was overwhelming and had our mouths watering. The portions were quite large, I knew most of us wouldn’t finish, but we tried, just because it was so good! The tacos were cooked with peppers and onions which I usually don’t care for (weird I know, I hear it all the time), but the way this was cooked, it just added to the deliciousness and I didn’t mind at all! As we sat there eating and discussing how good it was we all started to realize we were getting full and would have to leave a lot of the food behind. Normally I would take it home, but we didn’t have a fridge or microwave in the room so there was no point…trust me, it killed me!
After that deliciousness, we were quite full so we headed back to the hotel for the boys (ok all of us) to take a nap before finishing the afternoon fun. After the nap, we decided to hang around the room a little since the boys were a little worn out from walking everywhere.
After a while, we headed back out as it was just about dinner time, but we wanted to see some of the lights along the way. We went by the Alamo to see the tree lit up then walked along the river walk a bit before arriving at our host for the evening, The Hard Rock Cafe.
The Hard Rock Cafe has always been one of my favorite spots to eat. In the past we’ve sat outside with the boys, but this time I really wanted them to experience what makes the Hard Rock…the Hard Rock! The were so excited to see all the musical instruments on the walls…although my youngest two didn’t understand that they were from someone famous they still enjoyed looking at them.
I was quite surprised that they were pretty slow, normally it takes so long to get a table and they have all floors and outside full. They only had the downstairs and outside open, so I was free to walk around upstairs and take pictures without bugging people. There were some pretty awesome things to see from artists like ZZTop, Elvis & Eddy Van Halen to name a few. The restaurant was decorated for the holidays as well with garland lights and a tree next to the stairs…we were definitely in a happy place.
Our waitress was like one in a million…(I believe here name was Hollie)…I can literally count on one hand how many time I’ve had a waitress as knowledgeable and fun as her. She talked us into adding the Nachos as an appetizer along with our potato skins and we were so glad she did..they were delicious! The entrees were to die for too…I had the Little Rock Burger…and even through it was a smaller portion, it was still almost too much for me! My little guys LOVED their guitar shaped plates. The ketchup was in spots in the neck and their fries and pizza were in the body. My oldest who usually devours anything in site didn’t even finish his meal…he actually got full!
After dinner we walked along the river walk to enjoy all the beautiful lights and luminaries, as we headed back to the hotel for our last night in SA. If you have the chance, be sure to take a night “cruise” on the river walk boats. You’ll learn a little history about San Antonio and get to see the beautifully lit River Walk.
The next morning we packed up our things enjoyed some breakfast and checked out of the hotel. We really enjoyed our stay and was a little sad to go. Before we headed back home we decided to take the boys to the Missions in San Antonio. Even though they were missing school for it, I felt it was a great excuse as they were learning about Texas History, hands on. My 10 yr old and 6 yr old even earned their Jr. Ranger badges at the second Mission. The boys were very well behaved in each mission we went into, very respectful and in awe of the history and stunning beauty inside the churches.
I want to give special thanks to Red Roof Inn Plus, Sea World, Rita’s on the River & Hard Rock Cafe for helping make this weekend a one of a kind.

It’s finally spring! Lets open the windows, get cleaning and freshin up our interior look. One of my favorite ways to freshin up my interior is to hang new pictures of my family. While I love the look of frames, I also love to mix it up and throw a canvas print in there every now and then. When buying canvas you don’t want to just go with any old company, you want a good quality canvas for little cost which can be hard to come by. I recently tried out Canvas Champ and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these inexpensive canvas prints.
Wanna win one of your own?!
One lucky My Sparkling Life Reader is going to win an 8×10 Canvas Print listed above ! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST May 18, 2015.
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 Canvas Champ. In the rare occasion that a prize does not arrive (which has happened), please notify me and I will try to contact the sponsor.
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.”

You read that right! Things just got wild here at My Sparkling Life! In just one weeks time, I will be back in L.A. with 24 other bloggers to attend The Jungle Book Premier! That’s Right! I will get to be glammed up, and walk the carpet with the stars of The Jungle Book including Bill Murray, Sir Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Neel Sethi and Christopher Walken & Director: Jon Favreau!!
FOLLOW ALONG APRIL 3-5 #JUNGLEBOOKEVENT
As if that wasn’t enough, we will be sitting down to interview a few of these very talented folks!
Director: Jon Favreau
Sir Ben Kingsley
Photo by: Sarah Dunn. ©2016 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Bagheera is a sleek panther who feels it’s his duty to help the man-cub depart with dignity when it’s time for him to leave his jungle home.
“Bagheera is Mowgli’s adoptive parent,” says Ben Kingsley, who lends his voice to Bagheera. “His role in Mowgli’s life is to educate, to protect and to guide. My Bagheera was military—he’s probably a colonel. He is instantly recognizable by the way he talks, how he acts and what his ethical code is.”
Lupita Nyong’o
Photo by: Sarah Dunn. ©2016 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Lupita Nyong’o voices Raksha, a mother wolf who cares deeply for all of her pups—including man-cub Mowgli, whom she adopts as one of her own when he’s abandoned in the jungle as an infant.
“She is the protector, the eternal mother,” says Nyong’o. “The word Raksha actually means protection in Hindi. I felt really connected to that, wanting to protect a son that isn’t originally hers but one she’s taken for her own.”
Giancarlo Esposito
Photo by: Sarah Dunn. ©2016 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Akela is the strong and hardened alpha-male wolf who shoulders the responsibility of his pack. He welcomes Mowgli to the family, but worries he may one day compromise their safety.
“Akela is a fierce patriarch of the wolf pack,” says Giancarlo Esposito, who voices the character. “He believes the strength of the pack lies in what each and every wolf offers. He’s a great leader, a wise teacher.”
Neel Sethi
©2015 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
How awesome is that lineup?!? What questions would you have if you could sit down with them?
Our adventure doesn’t stop there…We are also getting the privilege to check out a Disney XD special screening of the hilarious new hidden camera-practical joke series Walk the Prank.
Featuring live-action scripted comedy interspersed with fully produced unscripted pranks, the show follows an ensemble cast as they plan and execute hilarious over-the-top pranks for an online hidden camera show.
We will also be visiting the Paramount Studios where we will be viewing the production for an upcoming episode (hope the pranks not on us!!) as well as interviewing members of the Walk the Prank cast.
Walk the Prank premieres on April 6th at 8:30 pm on Disney XD!
About The Jungle Book:
Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong’o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world.
Like THE JUNGLE BOOK on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+ | Web
THE JUNGLE BOOK opens in theatres everywhere in 3D, RealD 3D, and IMAX 3D on April 15th!

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Corpus Christi is the second most popular vacation spot in the State of Texas and has much to offer tourists & locals alike. You will find beautiful scenery and plenty to do in Corpus Christi. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi offers an array of things to do like boating, swimming, fishing and much more.
I’ve compiled a list of 20 things to do in Corpus Christi, with links to sites where applicable…
Texas State Aquarium: Every visit to the Texas State Aquarium is a new and exciting discovery. The Coastal Bend’s most popular visitor attraction invites you to travel an aquatic journey from the shore to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico. Thousands of animals representing over 330 species are displayed in entertaining and educational exhibits. Get up close and personal to Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from above and below the water in Dolphin Bay. Visit the Islands of Steel exhibit, where sharks and sea turtles live among schools of snapper, tarpon, redfish, jacks and grouper. Encounter colorful exotic birds, poison-dart frogs, fresh-water stingrays and boa constrictors in Amazon, and don’t forget the Living Shores, where you can really get your hands wet.
USS Lexington: The USS LEXINGTON is open year-round seven days a week for touring and special events. The USS LEXINGTON, CV-16, is a World War II-vintage Essex Class aircraft carrier. Commissioned in 1943, she served the United States longer and set more records than any other Essex Class carrier in the history of naval aviation. The USS LEXINGTON arrived at Corpus Christi beach in 1992 as a result of active fundraising, strong community support, and the world’s oldest aircraft carrier has since served as a naval aviation museum, educational facility and popular area tourist attraction. “The Blue Ghost” has remained self-sufficient, never receiving funds from government agencies.
Wataburger Field: This is an oh-so intimate venue with modern amenities and clever design features. For example, patrons never lose sight of the game on the field while in concession lines. From standard stadium fare to funnel cakes to chopped beef sandwiches to fresh-squeezed lemonade to gourmet pretzels to stuffed baked potatoes to specialty frozen treats to shrimp boats and sweet potato fries, no one goes home hungry.
Museum Of Science & History: Education goes beyond the classroom to immerse children of all ages into real-world challenges and exploration. Our Museum’s 40,000 square feet of history and science exhibits are a collection of carefully selected representations that are unique to our culture and our surroundings. Our historical collections showcase 500 years of South Texas history. From historic shipwrecks of early explorers to decorative arts from area families, these exhibits give you an up close look at the life and the people of our region.
Mustang Island: With more than five miles of coastline, we have plenty of room for fun in the sun. Hang out on the beach, fish in the bay, add birds to your life list, and explore this unspoiled barrier island park. It’s time to head to the coast!
Cole Park: Bayside park with a playground, lighted fishing pier, skate park & open spaces for outdoor activity.
Art Center Corpus Christi: Over the past 40 years, The Art Center has evolved into a thriving intersection of creativity and community located in the heart of Corpus Christi’s bay front district. It is a unique organization in the Coastal Bend that provides all levels of art making education along with a venue to exhibit and sell art. The Art Center is a destination for artists, school groups, visitors, tourists, and community members to view rotating exhibitions of original artwork and engage in art making experiences.
South Texas Botanical Gardens: Your visits to the Botanical Gardens & Nature Center in Corpus Christi will immerse you in serene beauty, followed by an adventurous ‘walk on the wild side’ with 11 uniquely stunning floral exhibits and gardens shouting color, followed by quiet trails and boardwalk through identified native habitat and natural wetlands.
Texas Surf Museum: The Texas Surf Museum is a must-see for anyone who ever surfed, and a delightful adventure for non-surfers as well. Relax on a bench made from surfboards, catch a surf film in the projection theater, and spot old buddies and young stars in the hundreds of photos scattered throughout the museum.
Republic Of Texas: The famous Republic of Texas Bar & Grill is one of Corpus Christi’s top dining destinations. Located on the 20th floor, this multi-level steakhouse offers diners beautiful panoramic views of the Corpus Christi bay. We have all the ingredients for the perfect celebration:an award-winning wine list, a tempting menu featuring prime beef, wild game and seafood, and captivating views.
Heritage Park & Cultural Center: The site of twelve historical Corpus Christi homes, the oldest dating back to 1851. Many of the homes are recorded Texas Historical Landmarks, and each is beautifully restored and is a tribute to the ethnic diversity and culture of the area. The Galvan House hosts and supports many art and cultural activities and events. The Multicultural Center includes the Galvan House, the Courtyard, Central Plaza and the Lytton Memorial Rose Garden. All are available for meeting and private rental.
Hurricane Alley Waterpark: Warning!! Fun ahead!! Corpus Christi is preparing to be blown away by a Hurricane! The SEA District’s newest and most exciting attraction-Hurricane Alley! Hurricane Alley’s center piece is a wave pool with over 12,000 square feet of total family fun and 750 feet of a scenic, adventure filled lazy river.
Schlitterbahn: The newest member of the Schlitterbahn family of waterparks and resorts promises another unique Schlitterbahn experience. Schlitterbahn Beach Country Resort is a complete family entertainment destination that includes a country club, full service restuarant, and an all-new Schlitterbahn waterpark experience that boasts our longest interconnected river system yet. OPENS SUMMER 2015
Asian Cultures Museum & Educational Center: Learn about ancient Japanese customs, gaze at the artistry of Japanese kimonos, porcelains and even a rickshaw! Admire the beauty of artifacts from India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Hmong, Thailand, the Philippines, Korea, Taiwan, Laos and Myanmar. The treasures, stories and richness of each country’s people await you. Visit the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education Center to take a trip through Asia you will always remember!
Old Concrete Street Amphitheater: If you’re looking for live music this is the place to be!
Water Street Oyster Bar: Fresh Gulf Seafood, friendly service and outstanding value have been the hallmarks of the Water Street Seafood Restaurants since 1983. Check out the Oyster Bar and Seafood Company for the freshest fun in town or get your Zen on South Texas style with the new Sushi menu. Locally owned and operated, we’ve been voted “Best of the Best” seafood in Corpus Christi for 14 consecutive years.
Fajitaville: Located on Historic North Beach in Corpus Christi, Texas, Fajitaville On the Beach is the Only Restaurant in the Area Offering Beachside Bar Service and Games, a Private Beach Area, and an Outdoor Stage. Recently, We Have Made Appearances in Both State and Local Newspapers for Our Addition of the Region’s Only Beachside Ferris Wheel, a Nod to the History of North Beach in the 1930’s, 40’s and Fifties!
Go Fishing: Fishermen will find ample opportunities to enjoy their hobby at Corpus Christi. You can fish from the public piers, the beaches, bulkheads, or go on a chartered fishing cruise.
Catch A Tour: There are many tours available from dolphin or bird tours to pirates. Here are just a few:
Joe’s Crab Shack: Founded in Houston in 1991, Joe’s Crab Shack brings its fresh seafood, authentic flavors and Southern flair to more than 130 locations in 31 states. Joe’s menu is “100% Shore,” featuring more than 25 crab items in addition to fish, lobster, mussels, clams and shrimp. This location is located on the water in Corpus Christi Bay, and just a walk away from the docs, Selinas’ memorial and other attractions.

America, meet Dan Lamoureux! After a six-week national search, the Crock-Pot® brand has selected this 37 year old video editor from Thornton, Illinois as its 2014 Ultimate Crock-Pot Crock-Star. This year’s search played on America’s selfie obsession, prompting aspiring Crock-Stars to submit a one-minute “video selfie” prepping an original recipe with a Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker. America then voted for their favorite videos/recipes, which narrowed the pool of submissions to five finalists. Among those, Crock-Pot® brand executives selected Lamoureux. Watch his winning video here!
Lamoureux’s recipe for “Red & Gold Beef Stew” proved to be his ticket to crock-stardom, earning him $5,000 in prize money, a feature on Crock-Pot.com and of course bragging rights as the 2014 Ultimate Crock-Pot Crock-Star.
“America voted for five great finalists, all with flavorful and inspiring original slow cooker recipes,” stated Cheryl Punk, Group Consumer Marketing Manager for Appliances at Jarden Consumer Solutions. “While it was a difficult decision, we ultimately felt that Dan best captured the essence of the Crock-Pot® brand in his creative, seasonal and delicious version of slow cooker beef stew, and his video was creative and engaging too! We appreciate everyone who took the time to enter this year’s contest and encourage slow cooking fans to visit our robust online community to gain inspiration year-round.”
Crock-Star Lamoureux is a self-professed Crock-Pot® king and the proud owner of two Crock-Pot® slow cookers which he uses twice a week. His repertoire of recipes includes a go-to favorite, Crock-Pot® Beef Sandwiches, perfect for parties and tailgating. Just add rump roast, beef broth and giardiniera for an instant crowd pleaser!
Join the Conversation
Be sure to follow the Crock-Pot® brand on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for special product offers and delectable recipes. Crock-Pot® Slow Cookers can be purchased online at Crock-Pot.com and at retailers including Wal-Mart, Target and Bed Bath & Beyond.
Dan Lamoureux’s Winning Recipe:
Red and Gold Crock-Pot Beef Stew
Red & Gold Crock-Pot Beef Stew
¼ cup Flour
1½ teaspoons Paprika
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Pepper
1½ cups Beef Broth
2 pounds Stew Beef
1 Onion
2 large Potatoes
1 Butternut Squash
1 Red Bell Pepper
Add the dry ingredients to the Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker, then add 1½ cups of beef broth. Stir everything until the dry ingredients have dissolved.
Add 2 pounds of stew beef to the Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker.
Cut onion into medium/large sized bits.
Cut potatoes into large chunks.
Cut the ends off the butternut squash, peel it, and scoop out the seeds. Cut the squash into large chunks.
Cut the red bell pepper into large chunks. Scrape out all the seeds and remove stem parts.
Add all the vegetables to the Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker and stir all the ingredients together.
Set the Crock-Pot® Slow Cooker to high, cook for 4 hours. Or set to low and cook for 8 hours.
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