VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch | Review & Giveaway

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.
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DOWNLOAD THE JUNGLE BOOK ACTIVITY SHEETS
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Welcome back today number eight of our ‪#‎12DaysOf‬ Easter Crafts and Recipes! We have seen so many amazing recipes the past few days, but today we bring you something a little more edible craft than recipe. This will be exceptionally helpful for those who prefer the “wow” without all the work.
Do you like those big hollow Easter Bunnies? Mom Does Reviews thinks a hollow bunny can be a big disappointment to little ones, so Victoria set out make it better from this Easter on! Her daughter’s love for surprise reveal eggs inspired her make a Chocolate Easter Bunny Surprise! Once your little one opens up their, usually hollow, bunny and discovers all of the goodies inside – he/she will be thrilled!
Stop by Mom Does Reviews to learn how to stuff your bunny full of goodies. Be sure to check out the rest of our fantastic friends’ Easter crafts and recipes below:

In honor of Disney’s release of the Disney Princess Movie Collection Films from the vault at the same time, I have teamed up with a great group of bloggers to offer you this amazing giveaway. We have the complete Disney Princess Movie Collection available for you to win. All of the following Disney Princess Films are out of the vault until October 17th. So hurry and enter to win below and make sure you pick up your copies before they go back in the vault.
Hosted By: Finding Sanity In Our Crazy Life
Co-Hosts : My UnEntitled Life, Arts, Crafts, and Family, and Raising 3 Savvy Ladies
1 Lucky Winner will receive the Disney Princess Movie Collection
Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin, Tangled, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty, Princess and The Frog, Brave, Pocahontas, Mulan, and Frozen
Disney Princess Movie Collection Giveaway
Giveaway runs from 9/26/16 – 10/10/16 at 11:59 PM. Co-hosts and participating bloggers are not responsible for prize fulfillment. Finding Sanity In Our Crazy Life is responsible for prize fulfillment and will send prize to the winner. Winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be drawn. Open to US residents only or must have a US mailing address.

in Giveaway· Movie News· Toys & Games
This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
This post is in partnership with Universal Pictures.
I don’t know about you but we are anxious to see the upcoming Despicable Me 3! So you know we were excited when we received two of Hasbro’s newest games Bop It! & Operation all decked out Despicable Me 3 style! We couldn’t wait to have our family game night and see who would come out top Minion.
After he is fired from the Anti-Villain League for failing to take down the latest bad guy to threaten humanity, Gru finds himself in the midst of a major identity crisis. But when a mysterious stranger shows up to inform Gru that he has a long-lost twin brother—a brother who desperately wishes to follow in his twin’s despicable footsteps—one former super-villain will rediscover just how good it feels to be bad.
Get ready to pull it, twist it, and bop it with the BOP IT! DESPICABLE ME 3 Edition Game! Just like the classic BOP IT! game, players must quickly perform the silly actions called out by Agnes in order to beat the game! Pull down on Minion Stuart’s legs, twist his eyeglass lens, and bop the top of his head in this fun and fast-paced memory game. The BOP IT! DESPICABLE ME 3 Edition Game features the voice of the adorable Agnes and sounds of Minion Stuart. Requires 2 ‘AAA’ batteries, demo batteries included.
After a long vacation, Dave needs some help! In the OPERATION: DESPICABLE ME 3 Edition Game, help the MINIONS fix Dave’s wacky ailments by using tweezers to pick silly “Funatomy” pieces out of the game tray. Keep a steady hand and move cautiously, because the second you bump Dave, the buzzer will sound! The player who removes the most “Funatomy” pieces wins the game! The OPERATION: DESPICABLE ME 3 Edition Game includes a game board, tweezers, and “Funatomy” pieces. Two “AA” batteries required, not included.
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a Despicable Me 3 Hasbro Game Prize Pack!! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST June 27, 2017
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 & SAMPLES PROVIDED & SHIPPED BY HASBRO. IN THE RARE OCCASION THAT A PRIZE DOES NOT ARRIVE (WHICH HAS HAPPENED), PLEASE NOTIFY ME.

The 2015 SAG Awards, or Screen Actors Guild Awards aired Sunday, Jan. 25, with appearances from nominees like Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Emma Stone, and more. The nominees were selected by 4,200 SAG members: 2,100 members who chose honorees in film, and the other half in television. The selection process for each category has been made by all 4,200 members.
Like any red carpet event, its starts on the red carpet. Here are my 5 Best & Worst Dressed of the night
Now on to what were all here for right? The awards!
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A CAST IN A MOTION PICTURE
Birdman Boyhood The Grand Budapest Hotel The Imitation Game
The Theory of Everything
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Steve Carell, Foxcatcher Benedict Cumberbatch, The Imitation Game Jake Gyllenhaal, Nightcrawler Michael Keaton, Birdman
Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Jennifer Aniston, Cake Felicity Jones, The Theory of Everything
Julianne Moore, Still Alice
Rosamund Pike, Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon, Wild
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Robert Duvall, The Judge Ethan Hawke, Boyhood Edward Norton, Birdman Mark Ruffalo, Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons, Whiplash
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Patricia Arquette, Boyhood Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game Emma Stone, Birdman Meryl Streep, Into the Woods
Naomi Watts, St. Vincent
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A DRAMA SERIES
Boardwalk Empire
Downton Abbey Game of Thrones Homeland
House of Cards
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY SERIES
The Big Bang Theory Brooklyn Nine-Nine Modern Family
Orange Is the New Black
Veep
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones Woody Harrelson, True Detective Matthew McConaughey, True Detective
Kevin Spacey, House of Cards
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Claire Danes, Homeland
Viola Davis, How to Get Away With Murder Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife Tatiana Maslany, Orphan Black Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey
Robin Wright, House of Cards
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Ty Burrell, Modern Family Louis C.K., Louie
William H. Macy, Shameless
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Uzo Aduba, Orange Is the New Black Julie Bowen, Modern Family Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Veep
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES
Adrien Brody, Houdini
Mark Ruffalo, The Normal Heart Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock: His Last Vow Richard Jenkins, Olive Kitteridge
Billy Bob Thornton, Fargo
OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES
Ellen Burstyn, Flowers in the Attic Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Honorable Woman
Frances McDormand, Olive Kitteridge
Julia Roberts, The Normal Heart
Cicely Tyson, The Trip to Bountiful
OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A MOTION PICTURE
Fury Get On Up The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
Unbroken
X-Men: Days of Future Past
OUTSTANDING ACTION PERFORMANCE BY A STUNT ENSEMBLE IN A COMEDY OR DRAMA SERIES
24: Live Another Day Boardwalk Empire
Game of Thrones
Homeland Sons of Anarchy
The Walking Dead
LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Debbie Reynolds
Were you surprised by any? Who were your choices?

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
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.”
Most people think of October as “Pinktober”, but did you know it’s also National Bullying Prevention Month? Bullying is a huge issue in the United States today. October is dedicated to uniting communities and bringing awareness to this problem & now is the perfect time to talk to your children about bullying. Gone are the days when bullying solely consisted of having your lunch money swiped, having a “kick me” sign taped to your back, and being tripped in the hallway. Bullying now goes beyond just school and now extends into the cyber world and even kids so brave as to attack others at their own home..their safe place.
Kathryn Hast has a Master’s of Fine Arts degree in writing and a Master’s degree in Education. She is from York, Pennsylvania, and currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and two children. She has one dog named after a Beatles song, and one that barks at the television. Batty Betty is her second published children’s book, following her previous title Otis Grows.
Follow Kathryn Hast on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Let’s face it – feeling “different” can be scary. It’s true as a kid, and it can even be true as an adult. In a world that seems to encourage us all to look, talk, think, and act the same and is in a constant state of comparison, how can we teach children from a young age that their differences are actually their strengths, not their weaknesses?
It all begins with what we show them and tell them, and a wonderful starting point for this important conversation is the engaging, beautifully illustrated new book Batty Betty by children’s author Kathryn Hast (LuJu Books). What sets this book apart from others in the stack is its storyline – which is purposeful, delightfully whimsical while also tackling tough subjects – as well as its lyrical style. Hast wanted to be sure it was just as fun for both parents and
children to read while illuminating ways to approach and tackle real and often difficult scenarios.
Enter: Abel, the tuba; Eve, the sad banana; and Betty, a giant who dances unapologetically to her own drum. When Abel goes out marching by himself, he finds a sad banana named Eve who has been bullied by local beavers. As it turns out, she’s not alone. The beavers are also out for Betty, who stands out with her towering height and “batty” behavior. Abel sets out to defeat these beavers, but soon discovers it’s not about winning – it’s about finding your own music amidst the ruckus and noise.
“I’m really committed to the notion that kids can read, think, and discuss ideas that might initially seem difficult,” Hast says. “My hope is that Batty Betty offers both entertainment and depth and can serve as a springboard for conversations between parents and children.”
Playful yet touching, Batty Betty explores:
Why it’s not only okay – it’s GREAT – to be different
The best way to stand up to bullies (tune out their noise, find your music!)
Opportunities for parents and kids to begin discussions about tough topics
A unique and surprising style of writing everyone will enjoy reading
And much more!
Bullying stems from the all-too-human need to feel included, approved of, loved. And inasmuch as the last three decades have cultivated awareness, resources, and training, it’s difficult to stomp out why it is that people bully others. We will never eradicate the fact that various children need an extra dose of support, that bullying makes them feel confident. However, we can try to minimize the cues they receive from us, the adults around them.
Bullying is a learned behavior. There are adult bullies of every size and stature, even now in 2017. Perhaps especially now, the rest of us must stretch ourselves, to appear bigger, wiser, and kinder. What follows is a brief list of Dos and Don’ts, coupled with some anecdotal lessons I’ve learned, as I try—like so many others—to shape my own children’s growth.
It’s easy to swoon over how well your own kid writes her name or completes a pirouette. But how often do we reflect on the talents of the other kids in their classroom or neighborhood?
“Boy, Darrian collected a lot of acorns today. He’s a pretty good finder, isn’t he?”
Similar to the previous point, this suggestion leans more toward acknowledging other people’s suffering. And remember: suffering for kids can be bee sting, a tantrum, a fight. Putting your son or daughter in the shoes of someone who had a bad day will help him or her do the same later, reflexively.
“Why do you think Francisco hit Grayson today? It’s hard to handle angry feelings, isn’t it?”
I’m a near-forty, white, frizzy-haired, state employee who dances exactly like what you would expect. And although my moves invariably cause my husband to chuckle (knee-slap, whatever), I still get down something fierce to James Brown or De La Soul.
“Why did you say I’m sorry to that driver, Mommy?”
“Because it was my fault for pulling out in front of him. I wasn’t paying attention. I need to work on that.”
Perhaps most importantly, we need to acknowledge the sin for what it is when we see it. But consider the four points prior to this. We should never avoid discussing an example of bullying. We should name it, but we should also frame it. Because more love, albeit amorphous, is the only true solution to bullies in the first place. Contextualize the situation, as best as you can guess, and help your son or daughter recognize it for what it is: namely, unwelcome.