30th Anniversary Edition Of The Polar Express

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Schools back in session and sometimes it seems like it’s always rush-rush. There’s not much time to spend with your kiddos like you did during the summer. It doesn’t take much to make a child happy. In fact, it’s often the “small stuff” that creates the most meaningful childhood memories. So how do you show them just how special they are? Here are 5 Ways To Make Your Kids Day.
Wake them with a kiss. Now, this wouldn’t work for my teen, he would prob fall out of his bed trying to get away from me, but my other three really appreciate mommies morning kisses.
Place a special note in their folder or lunch box. Maybe your child looked tired today and needs a little motivation, or were feeling sad about something that happened yesterday and needs something inspirational or something to make them giggle. Little notes are a special little surprise that will brighten their day. Check out these Back to School Lunch Printables from The Good Stuff by Coupons.com.
Make something special for after school snack. My kiddos love when I make them special treats for after school snack. Ants on a log, Carmel Apple Bites, Favorite Cookies etc. just taking the time to make something they like rather than a pre-made boxed snack can really make their day. Check out these 7 Yummy, Peanut-Free Snacks for Kids for more ideas on special snacks.
Ask about their day, and actually listen. We all ask how their day was, but then do we really listen? I used to find myself checking my phone, or getting distracted by the little one, and I could see the frustration and disappointment in their faces…I now make it a point to actually listen to their day. They get home just bursting to tell me about it, and it takes such little effort to listen.
Read one more book, or two, or three! We read books at night anyways, and I try to cut it off at one book, but why? Because I’m tired? What will one, or two more books really hurt? They get the quality time they need and crave while expanding their little creative minds and exploring new worlds.
As you can see it doesn’t take much to make your kiddos day. What do you do to make your kids day special?
WIN!!
One lucky person is going to win a $300 Amazon gift card! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST Sep 30, 2015.
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The Fine Print: Entering this giveaway means that you accept both the rules & disclosure. Winner will be notified via e-mail. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. 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 Coupons.com.
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.”

Every year we go to a theme park for my husband’s company picnic and I have several mini heart attacks trying to make sure everyone is accounted for…There has been instances where I’ve been in a blind panic because I couldn’t see one of my kids..which everytime they are right behind me, or with another adult in my group. It makes you realize how easy it is and that it CAN happen to YOU! Thank goodness there are precautions you can take now like the ELPH child safety I.D. band, that makes it easier to “relax” a little when in large crowds with the kids.
What is ELPH? It stands for Easy Lookup to Phone Home. It’s a simple way to place a form of identification on your child in case they get lost or separated from you. So no, it’s not just for theme parks..think about the mall, or even playground where your child might wonder away when you blink. What if they are too young or scared to spout out their name and number. Wouldn’t it be nice to know they’re wearing a for of identification?
The ELPH is a simple to use, ultra-durable, hypoallergenic, waterproof, non-toxic flexible silicone band that your child wears on his/her wrist. It looks like any other silicone band, but it holds that important information in case they get separated from you. It is highly visible form of ID, yet it doesn’t display any sensitive information.
The ELPH comes in three sizes…Toddler (wrist up to 5.75in), Child (wrist up to 6.50in), Adult (wrist up to 7.5in). It is available in Navy, Pink, Black & Purple.
Once you get your ELPH you need to activate/register it through the website or the QR code on the band. The process is very simple and only took me a few minutes to add in mine & my child’s info. When scanned you are asked to input the unique serial code on the band. Then you can list child’s name, allergies, yourself or any other contact persons phone & email (you can choose up to three emergency contacts). Once activated your subscription will be good for up to one year, after that you will get any email to renew on your “anniversary” if you would like to continue use.
On the band are three ways for someone to contact you in case of separation…a toll free number to connect with you (emergency contact), website & the QR code, that when scanned will contact you via text message with the GPS location, while giving the good samaritan a direct call.
The ELPH band is a simple, low-cost, effective way to give yourself piece of mind. Pick up yours today for $19.99.
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.”

With summer hear and National Sunglasses Day past, it’s time to think about the perfect pair of sunglasses to complete your look, if you haven’t already. ICU Eyeware offers a stunning selection of Sunglasses to go with any personality or outfit.
~ This Post is sponsored by ICU Eyeware however all opinions are 100% my own! ~ ICU Eyewear, founded by Patricia Kesten in 1997, has become a globally recognized leader in reading eyewear and sunglasses. ICU Eyewear designs have revolutionized the reading glass industry with fun styles, bright colors and unique patterns at affordable prices for the everyday customer. A pioneer in the eyewear industry, ICU Eyewear was the first to develop and implement a manufacturing process for eco-friendly reading glasses made from reclaimed plastic, recycled metal and sustainable bamboo.
I received a pair of men’s wrap polarized sunglasses in green. My husband prefers an all around glass to protect his eyes from reflections while driving or when he’s out fishing. Why Polarized? Polarized neutralize horizontal reflection of light by screening it through vertically orientated polarizing filters embedded in or applied onto the sunglasses lens. With this the glare is reduced significantly. Reducing glare is great for him when driving! No more squinty eyes that lead to headaches! And knowing that they have UVA & UVB protection makes me happy! If you want to learn more about UVA & UVB affects you can read my post here. The glasses make him super handsome too. Overall we are more than pleased with our ICU Eyeware! Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links with fund the Mom of 4 Boys blog. All opinions seen in this publication are those of the writer and may differ from your own. Momof-3boys.com received compensation as a condition of this publication. The disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. For questions or to have your product featured on Mom of 4 Boys, email Becky at [email protected]..

If you’re looking for some really special maternity clothing – even though it’s nine months, why not look fab!, I suggest you check out BellaBlu Maternity – a premier online maternity store. Browse their online store for high-end brands like Japanese Weekend, Maternal America, Olian, Prego, and more! Their line of maternity clothing is vast!! And with fall coming, I have been checking out their huge selection of Maternity Sweaters, Jeans, and cute everyday tee’s… BellaBlu sent me this Rock the Bump Maternity Tee to review, and it’s one of my favorites!! This shirt screams pregnant, and not just bloated, or fat…lol! The shirt is super soft and fits well, it has a snug fit that clings to your expanding belly. I love worn lettering, and Heart & Crossbones…It’s very different from your typical “adorable” maternity clothes..it add so much more personality! I can’t wait to order some of there other fall clothing line…Here are a few I’m looking at:
Just to show a few…I could go on and on….
BellaBlu Maternity stakes their reputation on the quality of the products they carry and their customer service. Every time I emailed them, I got a prompt and courteous reply – so I have no doubt customers are getting answers and communication quickly to meet their needs! If you’re looking for something specific, just email them! What kind of maternity clothing do you need to add to your wardrobe? I bet you’ll find some lovely items at BellaBlu Maternity! ________________________________________________________________________
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You can find BellaBlu Maternity Online at www.bellablumaternity.com
Disclosure: I received a product(s) for review purposes only, however I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. BellaBlu has not influenced the editorial nature of this post, and No other compensation was received. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.

If your a shopper, there’s no better time of year to snag some fantastic deals! Right now during the Glamulet pre-sale event, you are able to get your hands on brand new charms that have not been released yet!
About the company:
The Charms Brand Glamulet was launched in 2014 to offer to every woman a new range of trendy and elegant quality jewelry at an affordable price. Glamulet believes that every woman should be allowed to express herself and to feel pretty. Each woman can mix and match the charms and make a special piece for someone or herself.
The Pre-Sale Deal :
Head to their pre-sale page here & score up to 50% off your order if you are fast enough & buy now. The earlier you buy the more the discount will be. Plus if you use my code – sparkley15 you will get an additional 15% off. Which means you can buy more! Items will ship November 20th so you will have them in plenty time for the holidays!
Here are a few charms that are available to choose from :
As if the sale wasn’t enough, there’s more! 100 lucky winners will be sent a set of pre-sale charms worth $75 for entering in the giveaway below!
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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