Breakfast With Elmo, Rollor Coasters & A Whale Too! #WildSide15

I received the boxes of Immaculate Dry baking mixes as inspiration for my Almond Cupcake Brownies…so looking at the four boxes I had Ideas sparking in my mind…one of which I’m going to share with you today.
For more on the Immaculate Dry Baking Mixes see my full post HERE! A delicious mix of chocolate cupcake on top and brownie on the bottom topped with an almond buttercream icing and garnished with almond slices and a dark chocolate almond milano cookie.
1 Box Immaculate Dry Chocolate Cake Mix
3/4 cup Milk
3/4 cup Butter, melted
4 Eggs
1 Box Immaculate Dry Brownie Mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 Eggs
2 cups Powderd Sugar
1/2 cup Butter, soffened
1/2 cup Vegetable shortening
1 tsp Almond Extract
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Heavy cream
1 package Milano Almond Cookies
1 package Sliced Almonds
Preheat oven to 350*
Mix together ingredients for the brownie mix, place into 2 greased or lined and sprayed cupcake pans (24 cupcakes). This will fill about half way.
Mix together ingredients for the cake mix, fill remaining space in the cupcake pans. You will have leftover cake mix, i used this to make 12 more cupcakes.
Bake for 20 min. Check on it by sticking a toothpick in it, if it comes out clean its ready!
Cool completely on wire racks.
Combine Butter, vegetable shortening, vanilla extract, almond extract and heavy cream. Slowly add in powdered sugar while mixing. Mix till smooth.
Place icing into piping bag and pip generously onto the cupcake.
Garnish with a 1/2 Milano Cookie and bits of sliced almonds.
My Sparkling Life https://mysparklinglife.com/
Disclosure: The Immaculate Baking Mixes were provided by Immaculate Baking through Platefull Co-Op to serve as inspiration for this recipe, however recipe is my own.

I’m so excited to be able to say that ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS is now playing in theatres everywhere! It’s a fun and colorful return to the whimsical world of Underland and a perfect film for the whole family!
In celebration of ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS opening, I wanted to share three amazing dessert videos that show you how to create delicious macaroons, Cheshire Cate cupcakes, and Time’s Gear Cookies!
See the other two videos on facebook!
And make sure you “Travel Through The Looking Glass” and transform yourself into your favorite ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS character. I did this last year at D23 Expo and had a blast!
Looking for more #DisneyAlice Fun?
Activity Sheets | Johnny Depp Surprise Madness | P!nk’s Music Video

It’s that time of year again! The start of school, and FOOTBALL!! My oldest played one year in little league football, but now it feels different…he’s in 7th grade and playing for his school…it’s like it’s legit. I’m so excited for those Thursday night lights, I’ve missed them over the last 15 years…yes it’s been that long since I’ve been to a school game.
I made sure to read every paper I signed and made sure I’ve talked to him about not over doing it and signs of a concussion. A concussion is not something anyone ever wants to think about with their child, but they happen and it’s better to talk about them and know the signs and what to do about it before it happens.
Do You Know The Signs Of A Concussion?
If an athlete has been evaluated by a physician on the sidelines and there was no evidence of neurologic change, they typically do not need to be seen in the ER. The physician would provide information on what symptoms to watch for in the next hours or days. The Center for Disease Control has a nice description of the signs and symptoms of concussions and the warning signs that indicate the injured person should be taken to the hospital emergently. (http://www.cdc.gov/concussion) Primary care physicians, pediatricians, emergency room physicians and internal medicine physicians are all well trained to diagnose a concussion.
You can read more about concussions and sports safety in my interview with some folks over at the NFL. This fabulous panel of experts are:
‘Football Mom’ Chris Golic
Dr. Elizabeth Pieroth
Dr. Douglas Cassa of the Korey Stringer Institute
Nick Inzerello USA Football Senior Director of Football Development
We’ve talked to my little man about safety and concussions. He understands the risks and is sure to listen and follow the rules that his coaches have, for their safety. I’m confident we are going to have a good first year! No I’m not THAT mom in the stands…but my hubby, having played football in school, might get a little loud if he thinks the refs are calling bogus calls.
His first game is September 10th so be prepared for a Football Friday post to follow! In the mean time were catching the NFL games on TV! Who’s your favorite team? We’re split in our house…I love the Saints & Packers and my hubby loves the Colts & Broncos. Yea, were a hot mess, but we can both agree on the Aransas Pass Panthers for the win this season! Go Panthers!

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Baking dozens of cupcakes for school, DIY disasters that don’t look anything like the Pinterest inspirations—sound familiar? When it comes to planning your kids’ birthday parties, the pressure can be overwhelming for parents. You’re not alone, nearly three-quarters (71%) of parents wish there was an easier way to make birthdays feel special for their kids. Wish granted—no candles required. Netflix is granting parents the ultimate birthday gift with the launch of 15 Birthdays On-Demand featurettes. Starring the characters in your kids’ favorite shows—like Beat Bugs, Barbie and Pokemon—your kids will feel like they’re singing just for them. And with the world’s most common birthday on September 16th, Netflix is giving parents the ultimate birthday hack when they need it most.
What stresses you out the most about birthday party planning? Three-quarters of parents in the US feel the pressure to be “party perfect” for their kids but you don’t have to go overboard on the confetti and streamers. Just search “Birthday,” “Birthday Songs,” or “Birthdays On-Demand” on Netflix to discover the 15 Birthdays On-Demand titles available for streaming (full list below). Now that’s a wrap.
Titles include: DreamWorks All Hail King Julien, Barbie, Beat Bugs, DreamWorks Dinotrux, Las Leyendas, LEGO Friends, LEGO Ninjago, Luna Petunia, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, My Little Pony, Pokemon, Project Mc2, Skylanders Academy, DreamWorks Trollhunters and Word Party.
Do you feel the pressure to make their birthday perfect? Which of the Birthdays On-Demand videos would get that OMG reaction from your kid?

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.”
With me working most evening, this leaves dinner up to my husband for 5 days out of the week. While he is great at cooking I try to find easy things that he can come home from work and whip up without a lot to do. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered Three Bridges — delicious pastas and sauces made with simple, wholesome ingredients. All their products are free from artificial colors, sweeteners, preservatives, antibiotics, and hormones. It’s so refreshing to look at the nutritional information and feel good about what you’re feeding your family. And with a huge line of products—everything from butternut squash ravioli to parmesan gnocchi—you can try something new every week!
Here’s why Three Bridges’ honest, delicious products are different:
>> EASY HOME-COOKED MEALS IN A PINCH
When you only have 20 minutes to get a meal on the table before rushing off to the next activity, it’s so tempting to heat up a frozen dinner and call it a day. What I like about Three Bridges is how it combines the convenience of a ready-to-do meals with the thoughtfulness of a home-cooked dinner. You can set the water to boil, throw the pasta in the pot, heat the sauce, and in 25 minutes you’ve got a gourmet dinner!
>> FOODS THAT FIT YOUR PREFERENCES
One thing I really like about Three Bridges is all the different kinds of pastas. They offer plenty of gluten-free products, and the website lists dozens of recipes categorized by common dietary preferences. It has sections for vegetarian-friendly meals, cheese-lover recipes, protein-packed dinners, and simple one-pot meals for when you’re in a time crunch.
>> FEELING GREAT ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE EATING
Pasta shouldn’t be a guilty pleasure! Three Bridges cuts out the bad stuff in other processed foods. You can prepare a meal with their Organic Portobello Mushroom Ravioli and have the peace of mind knowing you’re not putting any high fructose corn syrup, trans fat, or any artificial flavors into your body—just delicious simple pasta as it should be.
Home cooks can buy Three Bridges products in the refrigerated section, and can visit www.threebridges.com, which features cooking instructions and recipe inspiration for healthy and fun meals such as Grilled Chicken and Mozzarella Ravioli Ratatouille, Organic Linguini with Spring Greens and Lemon, and Organic Spinach and Cheese Tortellini in a Butternut Broth with Crispy Chickpeas and Shiitake Mushrooms.
What you do love about Three Bridges? Let us know in the comments!

I have said it many times that I love natural products especially when it comes to beauty products. Natural products are so much better for your skin which is why I love them. While I find that natural products are sometimes a little more expensive, b•leve is an affordable option.
As you can see the b-leve product line includes hair care, bath and body, and skin care. I was sent a package that included 3 products from their line to try out for my use and review.
b•passionate body wash: b•passionate body wash gently cleanses and moisturizes the skin with natural Oleosome technology. This revolutionary encapsulated moisture bead technology provides rich, energizing lather with gentle moisturization and a delicate floral scent. • contains extract of safflower oil, glycerin & vitamin E – nourishes & conditions skin
• paraben-free • non-irritating & hypoallergenic
b•colorful shampoo: b•colorful shampoo for color treated hair is a rich moisturizing formulation that contains natural extracts of sunflower and white tea. Cationic chemistry, the leading technology in performance hair care, specifically targets damaged areas along the hair shaft and at the ends. This advanced precision formula does not require the use of high levels of silicones. • contains sunflower extract – for protection against color fading & UV damage • contains white tea extract – for gloss, strength & long lasting shine
• paraben-free • antioxidant & vitamin rich
b•tranquil body lotion: b•tranquil body lotion provides long-lasting moisturization with a soothing, spa-like scent. Oleofirm™, a groundbreaking moisturization technology, is derived from tiny microseeds that release moisture both during application and as the day goes on. • restores skin’s moisture & balance • natural extract of goji berry – provides a fortifying, antioxident moisturization • paraben-free
• non-irritating & hypoallergenic
Each product has a wonderful scent! My favorite is the b•passionate! The scents are all light and not overwhelming. The shampoo is thicker than your normal shampoo, and lathers up nice. My hair looks and feels healthy, it’s shiny and doesn’t turn dull during my day, & I haven’t noticed any fading while using this shampoo. I really liked how the body wash has little beads of moisturizer in it. I love how they burst open when I use the wash. Plus, the body wash doesn’t dry my skin, which some body washes I’ve used tend to do.
If your looking for great natural skin care & hair care, this is an affordable option for you.
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.”