Warning: Classic Cars On Display ⋆ My Sparkling Life

If the form of relaxation you want to engage in is “idle” – in other words, if there is no real benefit that comes with it at all, other than the fact that it’s relaxing and entertaining – then it’s usually a good idea to make a point of “earning” it, rather than just indulging and whenever you might feel like.
From time to time we all want to do things that are relaxing, but that otherwise serve no greater purpose and don’t do any further good. But in order for balance to be maintained, those moments of relaxation should be weighed up against moments of substantial productivity.
You don’t necessarily need to keep a spreadsheet to track all of this; your own intuition will usually guide you well enough.
In any event, though, if you want to binge watch an entire series of a TV programme, let that be your “reward” for completing a big project at work, or tidying the house, or doing something else that you can feel pleased with and proud of.
It’s worth pointing out that most of us usually don’t feel very pleased with ourselves if we spend a lot of time engaging in idle relaxation (for an entire weekend, for example) if we haven’t done something to first justify that.
Wherever possible, choose relaxing pastimes that do good for you in some other way, as well
Unlike totally idle forms of relaxation, there are forms of relaxation that we often feel pretty good about, even if we haven’t really done a lot to “earn” them in any clear sense.
For example, while you will probably feel pretty displeased with yourself if you’ve spent the entire weekend watching TV, you’d properly feel a lot better with yourself if you had spent the weekend on some hobby project that you found relaxing and interesting, instead.
Or, for that matter, you would probably feel better about yourself if you’d just spent a weekend reading books, instead of watching TV.
The reason why some of these activities would make you feel better than others, would be because they did some good for you in some other way, as well. A book generally gives you a deeper story or insight to chew on and incorporate into your own life. And working on a hobby helps to develop your skills in a particular area, while simultaneously creating something.
Wherever possible, it’s generally a better idea to choose relaxing pastimes that do some good for you in some way other than just feeling good in the moment.
Make agreements with yourself about the chores and errands you’re going to do, and the rewards that you will give yourself for doing them
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to actually maintain balance between work and relaxation in your own life, if you are the constantly just obeying your gut feelings and impulses on the one hand, or are trying to dominate in tyrannise yourself into doing things that you feel absolutely don’t want to do, on the other hand.
The better path, usually, is to have a conversation with yourself, and to make agreements with yourself about the chores and errands you’re going to deal with, and the rewards you will give yourself for doing them.
In other words, if there was some big project to take care of around the house that was filling you with dread, it would generally be a better idea to motivate yourself to do it by holding up the reward of some relaxing pastime afterwards, than to simply try and “muscle through” with sheer grit.
Of course, the rewards have to be properly balanced so as to match the actions that are being rewarded. But, you’ll likely have a much better balance between productivity and relaxation, not to mention feeling better in general, if you take this approach to getting things done.

Farouk Systems, Inc. is a Houston based company that manufactures high-quality professional hair care products with major brands including CHI® and BioSilk®. Below you will find two of Farouk’s latest innovations, the CHI Tea Tree Oil Collection & Kabloom Brush…
CHI Tea Tree Oil Collection
This collection is a haircare line enriched with both tea tree oil and peppermint oil for ultimate hair and scalp rejuvenation. The lavish line includes CHI Tea Tree Oil Shampoo, CHI Tea Tree Oil Conditioner, CHI Tea Tree Oil Blow Dry Primer Lotion, CHI Tea Tree Oil Serum, CHI Tea Tree Oil Soothing Scalp Spray, and CHI Tea Tree Oil Revitalizing Masque. Treat your scalp and strands to these invigorating treatments for a healthier, replenished look.
The key ingredients are tea tree oil, peppermint oil, silk, and chamomile which all work collaboratively to purify the scalp while balancing oils and maintaining optimal moisture levels. The tea tree oil, an antioxidant, removes buildup while replenishing moisture by unclogging pores. The silk also replenishes moisture and retains strength and shine as the chamomile soothes the scalp.
This haircare line offers a gentle solution for replenishing your scalp to achieve incredible strength and shine.
Price: $16-$30
Where to Buy: www.loxabeauty.com
CHI Kabloom Brush
The CHI Kabloom Brush is a little power packed brush that is not only brightly colored with squiggle shaped nylon bristles but also adds fun to every stroke.It is a great beauty accessory that fits easily in your purse, gym bag or brief case. As an added bonus, the reverse side of the brush has a mirror to check out your great style.
Ideal for medium to long hair.
Price: $9.96
Where to Buy: http://www.loxabeauty.com/chi-kabloom-brush

The boys just love going to Sea World to see the animals up close and ride some fun rides…but all fall everytime we would plan a trip something would come up where we couldn’t go. I was so upset that we missed the Howl-O-Screem…afterall they all absolutely LOVE Halloween! Well we finally made it for their Christmas Celebration and was able to do some things I never thought we would be able to do!
When we arrived we signed in at our #WildSide table and recieved our itenirary and this years ornament…it’s such a cute colorful glass seal…I love it! After the doors opened we went inside and took our picture by the front fountain which has become a tradition on our trips, only this time it was a big beautiful tree (I’m having issues with my photokey downloads, but will share as soon as I can).
Then we headed back to my 2 year olds favorite spot, the penguin exhibit. He could go through that for hours just watching them swim and waddle along. He had no idea what was coming up next! We lined up with our fellow wild side bloggers as my boys took him through the penguin exhibit another time or two then it was our turn to enter through the door we had so patiently waited to go through…
Our first stop, the behind the scenes of the penguin exhibit! Penguins coming up to the small knee high gate to say hi and everything. Did you know that if the penguins choose not to take care of their eggs, the staff fosters them to another penguin who will take care of and raise that baby! SeaWorld’s penguins live twice as long as penguins in the wild so most of the time they foster out penguins to other zoos and exhibits so that other children can observe and learn about penguins up close too.
Well after that, we didn’t think it could get any better, until we walked into a small room where there was Pepper the penguin waiting to meet us! Yes, that’s right we had a one on one with a penguin and got to pet her and everything!
Well after that excitement we went and took our family picture in a giant snow globe which was pretty cool…but for some reason it didn’t make it onto my photokey …then we let the boys enjoy some rides (okay I enjoyed one too…) before it was time to meat up with the group again for milk & cookies with Shamu Claus.
The boys had a blast and can’t wait to go back again! Hopefully we don’t have to wait so long between visits again…
Disclosure: I am a Sea World Ambassador Blogger known as a Wildsider…I am provided passes and special events in exchange for my coverage, however all experiences and opinions are 100% my own and are in no way compromised.
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.”
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Did you know Sept. 14-20 is Child Passenger Safety Week, with September 20th being National Seat Check Saturday? Car crashes are a leading cause of death for children 1 to 13 years old, and often times deaths and injuries can be prevented by proper use of child restraints and seat belts.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the goal of Child Passenger Safety week is to make sure all parents and caregivers are properly securing children (ages 0-12) in the best car restraint (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster, seat belt) for age and size. This infographic below gives you an idea of these guidelines.
You wouldn’t get into a vehicle without the proper restraint..why should your child? I see children all to often not buckled in at all. Just the other day we were driving down the road and I happened to look over to see a 4-year-old (speculation) bouncing around the back seat (no car seat seen) with the window down, mom buckled in and on the phone (which is by the way illegal here too). All it takes is one second and two lives would have been changed forever! Ok more than two..because It would have affected me and my children as well.
It only takes a few seconds to make sure your children are buckled in safely. If you are unsure you can take advantage of National Seat Check Saturday this Saturday the 20th. You can click here to find a car seat check near you.
Safety 1st offers many car seats to meet your needs…whether your in need of a cozy and safe infant car seat or want to go straight to a convertible or maybe need to transition to a booster. Safety 1st has your needs covered. I had all three at one point..now we recently transitioned to a convertible for my youngest and a booster with the 5pt harness for my 4-year-old. I love convertible car seats. They offer more “bang for your buck” so to say. You can go from infant to young man/lady with just one seat! Talk about saving money!
I love this new one that Safety 1st introduced… it features Air Protect + technology: Positively the safest choice in full body protection. The Advance 65 Air+ Convertible Car Seat features Air Protect + to keep children from 5-65 pounds safer in the car. Air Protect + combines the advanced protection of the Air Protect cushion system with patented GCell HX foam designed with hexagonal shapes for superior protection around the torso. TOGETHER they provide full body side impact protection.
In addition to Air Protect +, the Advance 65 Air + uses a steel-reinforced metal frame for extra stability and includes a 4-position recline for an optimal fit to your vehicle. Safety 1st also included color-coded belt paths and installation labels to help you install it quickly and correctly, which means less time getting it into your car and more time to enjoy the ride.
In honor of CPSW Safety 1st would like to give you, my readers the chance to win one of it’s Advanced SE 65 Air +Convertible Car Seat! This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years old or older. Entering this giveaway means that you accept both my rules & disclosure. Be sure to add [email protected] to your contacts to make sure you get your winning email!

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
I remember back when I was little I would get a teddy bear from a hobby store and then look around the store for doll clothing to fit my bear…then as I got older, I learned to sew my own clothing. Apparently I’m not the only one who grew up this way, because someone saw the “need” for a product like Build-A-Bear offers! Now I’ve walked around Build-A-Bear before, but have never purchased, mostly because boys just aren’t into that kinda thing (maybe it’s just mine!) but I was thrilled to get to review one for Valentines Day!
GET TO KNOW BUILD-A-BEAR WORKSHOP
Build-A-Bear offers a very unique experience for your children. Visit one of their local stores and you will be able to bring a stuffed animal to life. This means you will choose, stuff, stitch, fluff, and dress your furry friend, not to mention you can give your special friend a bath along with create a birth certificate. Instead of visiting a store, you may want to order from their website to have your special stuffed animal shipped directly to your doorstep. With Valentines Day just around the corner, Build-A-Bear Workshop has released a bunch of toys, perfect for the day of Love! Their collection of Valentine-themed furry pets includes Sweet As Can Be Pink Hearts Hello Kitty®, I Love You Big Top Bearemy, Sparkly Hearts Tons of Love Elephant, All Heart Pawlette, & many more! Not only do they make excellent gifts, but they also make perfect Valentines decorations, as well. If you have a Build-A-Bear Workshop in your area, it’s definitely worth checking them out.
Thoughts:
Thanks to Build-A-Bear Workshop, I was able to select a Valentine themed plush pal to review. They offer many classic themed pets which are super cute, but I wanted to select something more fun, and theHuge Hearted Lion was right up my ally! I was very impressed with it’s size (15 inches), not to mention my favorite, his fuzzy mane! My Huge Hearted Lion came fully dressed, and packaged in it’s very own home (Build-A-Bear Box).
As with most Build-A-Bear animals, you have the option to purchase them with clothing or without. I personally prefer them in their cute little outfits. Huge Hearted Lion came with a darling hooded shirt that says Heart Throb, some jean shorts, some black combat boots, an adorable headband with heart antennas, and a heart to stuff with a gift!
The Boys love Huge Hearted Lion, and because they are huge hearted themselves, they have chosen to give it to a little girl that lives near us. Build-A-Bear Workshop would make an excellent Valentines, Birthday, Anyday gift for any stuffed animal lover on your list, no matter the age.
And because Valentine’s day is just around the corner, Build-A-Bear is giving away FREE Valentine cards with every purchase! (For a limited time, while quantities last). Also, Girl Scouts Coconut Caramel Bear is here! Celebrate Girl Scouting and Girl Scout Cookies® with this beary special bear! And finally, don’t forget these 3 Beary Big Ways to Save, through 2/7!
$5 off orders $25+ Use code BABW525 at checkout
$10 off orders $40+ Use code BABW1040 at checkout
$15 off orders $50+ Use code BABW1550 at checkout
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.”