The Vintage Jewelry Dealer Debuting a New Line of Offbeat Pearl Treasures

Hallmark is known for its amazing, collectable ornaments…and this year they are adding a Flying Ace Keepsake Ornament in conjunction with the release of the new Peanuts movie. Both Hallmark & Peanuts have been a part of my holidays for as long as I can remember, so I was excited to check out the new Flying Ace!
Like all Hallmark ornaments, it comes in a keepsake box to store it in (or maybe that’s just me). It has fun detail and is a welcomed addition to our collection. This ornament not only looks great, but it also has a button that when pushed plays either the Flying Ace “Tune” or Flying Ace “Battle Sounds”.
WIN IT
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life Reader is going to win a Flying Ace Keepsake Ornament!! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST Nov 28, 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 Hallmark. In the rare occasion that a prize does not arrive (which has happened), please notify me.
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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.”
My 11 year old just started Jr. High this year, and one of the classes he was most excited about was the ROTC. He’s been looking forward to that for a few years and couldn’t wait to finally start it. After starting the ROTC we ordered his uniform from a local military surplus store and were given papers on how exactly he needs to dress when in his uniform which met taking it to the cleaners to have it properly cleaned and pressed. Yes we could wash it at home, which I did try once, but it changed the color of his pants…his grade depends on his dress…so we take it to the cleaners which can get a bit costly when you add that on top on his dad’s suit and shirts. Over the years I’ve avoided buying myself clothes just to avoid the dry cleaning bill…
Dryel asked me to try out their at home dry cleaning kit to see if it would help out our family. Dryel works quickly and easily…and is efficient. Since he only wears it on Thursdays and special events it doesn’t get very dirty, but they do have a booster spray as well for when a stain does happen. I was able to throw his two pairs of pants, two shirts and hat into the bag included in the kit along with the cleaning cloth…toss it into the dryer for 15-30 min (I did for 20) and pull them out all cleaned and ready to press & hang.
Dryel is an at home dry cleaner that harnesses the power of your own dryer to clean and deodorize clothing. The exclusive fabric protection bag included in Dryel Starter Kits creates a temperature-controlled environment inside the dryer to refresh and renew fabrics like clothing, bedding and more. The bag is reusable for up to 30 loads!
Safe for most types of fabrics, Dryel even handles delicate, hand-wash and dry clean-only items. Refreshing clothes in 15 minutes and cleaning them in 30. Dryel eliminates trips to the dry cleaner and is more convenient way to launder your items.
Dryel has definitely saved me time and money (up to 90%) and gives me the freedom to purchase and wear what I want! Not only are you able to throw dry clean only items in the dryer if you want to wear them that day but they need a wash, but you also don’t have to limit what clothing items you purchase based on how easy it is to keep clean.

Parents magazine today revealed the Top 10 Best Hotel Chains For Families, perfect for family road trips, holiday travels or weekend getaways. Parents’ magazine editors and travel experts evaluated 60-plus hotel brands across the country to identify chains offering families great space and comfort, high satisfaction ratings, affordable rates, and entertaining kids’ programs. The full article is available in the November 2015 issue of the magazine and on Parents.com.
According to Parents, the year’s best hotel chains for families include:
Best Budget Chains
Residence Inn – With 650+ U.S. locations, the hotel offers extensive in-room amenities and a seasonal “Residence Inn Mix” program, featuring food-truck fare, restaurant pop-in tastings, and a backyard BBQ, depending on the night and location. (Fall rates for a Studio Suite start at $84 per night; residenceinn.marriott.com).
Hyatt Place – Perfect for keeping kids healthy on vacation, these properties offer a free breakfast buffet which has expanded in most locations to include more nutritious options, many packed with fruit, veggies, and protein. (Fall rates for a room with two queen beds start at $134 per night; hyattplace.com).
SpringHill Suites – Known for its roomy living areas and creative breakfast options, the chain’s special touch lies in a showcase of more than 2,000 pieces of artwork displayed throughout its lobbies. (Fall rates for a suite with two double beds start at $79 per night; marriott.com/springhillsuites).
Hilton Garden Inn – The hotel’s redesigned rooms are more family-friendly than ever, providing more counter space, clothes storage, charging stations, and seating. Hate waiting in line? Use the HHonors app to check-in and choose your room from your smartphone – you may decide on a room near the indoor pool, for instance – then swing by the front desk for the key. (Fall rates for a room with two queen beds start at $129 per night;hiltongardeninn.com).
Wingate by Wyndham – With starting rates of less than $100 per night (and free breakfast!) in many areas, you can’t beat the price of a standard room here. The brand also has a unique loyalty program that allows you to redeem some of your points for discounts on your stay. (Fall rates for a room with two double beds start at $129 per night;wingateatlanta.com).
Best Mid-Priced Chains
Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton – Every room is a suite here, so forget about splurging on an upgrade for more space and privacy. Additional perks include a free nightly snack and drink reception, training for all staff on interacting with kids, and a new program offering baby care essentials at some locations. (Fall rates for a suite with two double beds start at $189 per night; embassysuites.com).
Loews Hotels & Resorts – From receiving early admission to Orlando theme parks so they can beat the crowds to attending “Farm School” at an organic farm to care for local animals and vegetables in San Diego, families take advantage of the coolest partnerships to keep the kids happy. (Fall rates for a room with two double beds start at $249 per night; loewshotels.com).
Omni Hotels & Resorts – Omni has a knack for taking old, historic resorts and restoring them into family meccas with plenty of adventure. Kids will have tons of fun with the free photo book and game-filled backpack they receive at check in. (Fall rates for rooms with two double beds start at $229 per night; omnihotels.com).
Hyatt House – Many locations offer two-bedroom, two-bathroom suites for what you’d pay for a single room at a higher-end chain. Plus, all room types come with a full kitchen and all the tools you need to cook and eat a great meal. (Fall rates for a one-bedroom suite start at $159 per night; hyatthouse.com).
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts – Sheraton offers the same features as its pricier Starwood cousins, Westin and Aloft, like “sweet sleeper” beds and cribs, pools, and an all-inclusive dining program for kids 12 and under. (Fall rates for suites start at $249 per night and a room with two double beds at $189 per night; starwoodhotels.com/sheraton).

Earlier this week Chrysler announced its sponsorship and support of longtime family favorite Sesame Street that will include digital and television sponsorship as well as an online video series to be promoted across Chrysler brand’s digital and social channels.
This multimedia campaign will pair the lovable Sesame Street characters with the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans in ten co-branded videos for parents. With both brands having a deep commitment to families and children, this exciting initiative will see Sesame Street extend its reach in new and creative ways and Chrysler educating parents on their unprecedented 115 safety, security and technology innovations.

If you’re anticipating the opening of Disney’s THE JUNGLE BOOK this spring (April 15th), you’ll love to keep busy with these fun activity sheets (link below)!
“The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli, 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, 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, and the free-spirited bear Baloo. Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa, a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie, 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.
Follow THE JUNGLE BOOK on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+
DOWNLOAD THE JUNGLE BOOK ACTIVITY SHEETS
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The brand new STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Trailer debuted tonight on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” during halftime of the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia.
Lucasfilm and visionary director J.J. Abrams join forces to take you back again to a galaxy far, far away as Star Wars returns to the big screen with Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt.
Like STAR WARS on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Visit the official STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS website
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS arrives in theaters everywhere on December 18th!
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