As a proud member of the Quality Blue Community, I have had the pleasure of receiving a Sweetwater gift card, which I used to experience their wonderful services. All reflections and opinions expressed here are purely my own.

The Symphony of a Musical Family

We are a family that thrives on the rhythm and melody of music. From listening to our favorite tunes to strumming the guitar or tapping the drums, music is deeply woven into the fabric of our daily lives. The holidays, in particular, usher in a season of musical festivity, from school concerts and choir performances to the heartwarming melodies of holiday songs on the radio.

Sweetwater: Your Gateway to a Musical Holiday

During the holidays, the magic of music truly comes alive. This is the perfect time to invest in quality musical instruments and equipment to keep the music alive all year round. And there’s no better place to do this than at Sweetwater.

At Sweetwater, shopping for top-quality musical instruments is a breeze. From guitars and keyboards to drums and violins, every item is selected to ensure you get the best. And the best part? They arrive just in time for the holiday festivities, right at your doorstep, in perfect condition.

Our Sweetwater Experience

Our oldest son had outgrown his old electric guitar, so we decided to get him a new one from Sweetwater. Although I was initially concerned about ordering such a delicate item online, I was pleasantly surprised by Sweetwater’s meticulous packaging, ensuring the guitar arrived in perfect condition.

Navigating the Sweetwater Site

The Sweetwater website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. We browsed through a wide range of electric, acoustic, and bass guitars, finally settling for a stunning Sunburst Acoustic that fit right into our budget.

Sweetwater’s Extra ‘Sweet’ Services

What sets Sweetwater apart is their dedication to customer satisfaction. They offer free shipping, free returns, free technical support, and a generous 2-year warranty on all guitars. And as an extra ‘sweet’ surprise, they even included little bits of candy in our shipment!

The Sweetwater Guarantee

Every guitar from Sweetwater is unboxed and inspected by a professional to ensure it’s in perfect working order and ready to be played right out of the box. This meticulous attention to detail eliminates the need for you to tune the guitar yourself, letting you focus on the joy of making music.

Why Make Music with Sweetwater this Holiday

Music is Beneficial: Music promotes social, physical, cognitive, and emotional development. With Sweetwater, you can easily start making music with your children during the holidays.
Music Creates Memories: Music sparks the recall of past experiences, helping to form unforgettable memories and bonds with family and friends.
Music Relieves Stress: The holidays can be stressful, but music can provide a much-needed relief.
Music Connects People: Singing, especially in groups, can alleviate loneliness and connect us with others in unique ways.
Music Spans Generations: Music is a timeless way to connect with older relatives and pass on musical traditions to the younger generation.

So, why not try Sweetwater this holiday season? Add music to your home, and experience the joy of the holidays in a whole new way!

Please note: This is a sponsored post. I received compensation for writing it, but all opinions are my own. I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be beneficial to my readers. This disclosure is in line with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

| Sweetwater Services and Offers | Description |
| — | — |
| Quality Instruments | Sweetwater offers a range of quality instruments including electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and basses. |
| Easy Navigation | The Sweetwater site is easy to navigate, allowing customers to choose their category and narrow down from there. |
| Secure Shipping | Sweetwater ensures that instruments arrive in great condition by packaging them securely. |
| Free Shipping & Return | Sweetwater provides free shipping and free return shipping on guitars. |
| Personal Account Representative | Customers receive personal service from an account representative. |
| Free Tech Support | Sweetwater offers free tech support for your guitar. |
| 2-Year Warranty | All guitars sold by Sweetwater come with a 2-year warranty. |
| Inspected and Tuned Instruments | Every guitar that comes into Sweetwater is unboxed, inspected, and tuned by a professional. |

Spreading the Joy of Music with Sweetwater

There’s no denying the power of music, especially during the holiday season. Music has the ability to bring families together, create lasting memories, and spread joy. As a leading music retailer, Sweetwater is dedicated to helping families experience the magic of music during the holidays and beyond.

Providing a Wide Range of Musical Instruments and Equipment

Sweetwater offers an extensive selection of musical instruments and equipment, catering to musicians of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to pick up your first instrument or a seasoned professional seeking high-end gear, Sweetwater has got you covered. Their product range includes everything from guitars, keyboards, and drums, to microphones, audio interfaces, and studio equipment. Sweetwater’s commitment to quality ensures that every product is top-notch and reliable.

Making Online Shopping a Breeze

With a user-friendly website and excellent customer service, Sweetwater makes online shopping a breeze. The website is easy to navigate, with detailed product descriptions, clear images, and helpful customer reviews. Plus, you can easily compare different products and make an informed decision. And if you need assistance, the Sweetwater team is always ready to help, offering expert advice and guidance.

Delivering Exceptional Customer Service

Sweetwater’s commitment to customer satisfaction is unparalleled. They offer free shipping, free returns, and a generous 2-year warranty on all guitars. Plus, their technical support team is always ready to assist you with any issues or questions. Sweetwater believes in going the extra mile for their customers, and it shows in their exceptional service.

Ensuring Quality with the Sweetwater Guarantee

Sweetwater stands behind the quality of their products. Every guitar is unboxed and inspected by a professional to ensure it’s in perfect working order. This attention to detail eliminates the need for you to tune the guitar yourself, allowing you to focus on the joy of making music.

Why Choose Sweetwater this Holiday Season

Choosing Sweetwater this holiday season is a decision you won’t regret. Here’s why:

Quality Products: Sweetwater offers a wide range of top-quality musical instruments and equipment. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’re guaranteed to find what you need.
Exceptional Service: Sweetwater’s commitment to customer satisfaction is second to none. From free shipping and returns to a generous warranty and expert technical support, Sweetwater goes the extra mile to ensure you have a positive shopping experience.
Music Brings Joy: There’s no better way to spread joy during the holiday season than with music. Whether you’re playing a festive tune on the piano or singing carols with the family, music brings happiness and warmth to any home.
Creating Lasting Memories: Music is a powerful tool for creating lasting memories. By giving the gift of music, you’re not just giving a physical product; you’re giving an experience that can be cherished for years to come.

FAQs

What types of musical instruments does Sweetwater offer?
Sweetwater offers a wide range of musical instruments, including guitars, keyboards, drums, and more. They also offer a variety of studio equipment and audio interfaces.

Does Sweetwater offer free shipping?
Yes, Sweetwater offers free shipping on all orders, ensuring your products arrive at your doorstep without any extra charges.

What is the Sweetwater guarantee?
The Sweetwater guarantee ensures that every guitar is unboxed and inspected by a professional to ensure it’s in perfect working order. This attention to detail allows you to focus on the joy of making music, rather than worrying about tuning your instrument.

In conclusion, Sweetwater is your go-to destination for all your musical needs this holiday season. Add a touch of music to your home and experience the joy and warmth it brings!

FAQs

1. What kinds of musical instruments can I find at Sweetwater?
Sweetwater offers a wide range of musical instruments including guitars, keyboards, drums, and violins. They ensure that every item is of top quality.

2. How is the delivery process at Sweetwater?
Sweetwater ensures that your ordered items arrive right at your doorstep, in perfect condition and just in time for your holiday festivities.

3. How was your personal experience with Sweetwater?
Our experience was fantastic. We ordered a guitar for our son which arrived in perfect condition due to Sweetwater’s meticulous packaging. We were also pleasantly surprised by the little bits of candy included in our shipment.

4. How easy is it to navigate the Sweetwater site?
The Sweetwater website is user-friendly and easy to navigate. You can browse through a wide range of instruments till you find the one that fits your budget and preferences.

5. What are the additional services offered by Sweetwater?
Sweetwater offers free shipping, free returns, free technical support, and a generous 2-year warranty on all guitars.

6. What is the Sweetwater guarantee?
Every guitar from Sweetwater is unboxed and inspected by a professional to ensure it’s in perfect working order and ready to be played right out of the box.

7. Why should I choose Sweetwater for my musical needs this holiday?
Music has numerous benefits like promoting social, physical, cognitive, and emotional development. It also helps form unforgettable memories and bonds with family and friends. Sweetwater makes it easy for you to start making music with your children during the holidays.

8. Is this a sponsored post?
Yes, this is a sponsored post. However, all opinions expressed are personal and genuine. The author recommends products or services they personally use and believe will be beneficial to their readers.

MySparklingLife

3 Tips for Increasing Your Energy and Enthusiasm In Everyday Life

ByMySparklingLife February 19, 2020September 15, 2023

There are all sorts of different chronic issues that people can struggle with, which can lie at the heart of low energy levels, lack of confidence, and a lack of motivation.
If you have a hearing issue, for example, you may feel less capable in social scenarios, and more inclined to withdraw and stay home by yourself. In this kind of situation, consulting with a professional audiologist might help to address your issue and could leave you significantly more confident and motivated as a result.
Other causes of low energy and fatigue include chronic disease, vitamin deficiencies, poor sleep, and more.
Whenever you can, take steps to deal with chronic issues that may be at the root of your low energy and motivation.
Set yourself ambitious goals that inspire you, and put things in the context of a greater purpose
It’s no wonder that you would feel unmotivated, and lacking in energy, if you had pretty much nothing to look forward to on a given day, and no greater sense of meaning or purpose to your job, or to whatever else that you might be doing in your life.
It’s important to set yourself ambitious goals that inspire you, and to also put things in the context of a greater purpose or meaning.
History is full of stories of people who have prevailed against extreme odds, and dealt with unbelievably difficult circumstances because they had something meaningful to motivate them. It’s essential for you to find your own meaning.
Keep a written log, or record, of the things that seem to boost your energy, and the things that seem to reduce it
Here’s a good practical exercise that can help you to get to the bottom of any energy issues you might be experiencing, and that can help to give you some insight in how to boost your energy as well:
Keep a written log, or record, of the things that seem to boost your energy or diminish it. Update this log every day. Keep the entries brief, but be consistent.
For example; do notice that on a particular day you feel especially tired and lethargic after eating a certain meal? Record it in your log. Maybe later that evening you feel motivated after hearing a certain song? Put it in your log.
Over time, this exercise can help you identify a good number of things to avoid, and others to pursue, in different contexts.

Disney's “One Busy Day” Book Review

ByMySparklingLife May 2, 2015October 4, 2023

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.”
All Mia wants is for her big brother, Spencer, to play with her. But he’s always too busy! So Mia paints, and dances, and explores, and keep busy all by herself. But with a little imagination and a lot of love, Mia might just be able to show Spencer that it’s a lot more fun to be busy together.
If you have a couple of kids, you can completely understand the frustration of trying to get them to play together. There are days where my kids want nothing to do with each other, other than to bug. And there is always one of them that is only being irritating because he wants to play with his brother(s).
One Busy Day: A Story for Big Brothers and Sisters teaches siblings that they can have more fun together rather than apart. The illustrations in the book are absolutely adorable. And since it is larger print, and easy words, it is simple for even my younger readers to enjoy. My 8 year old (who you know if you’ve read my blog, has reading and speech delays) was able to read this book with no problem, and really enjoyed reading it so much he read it over and over to his little brother!
The author, Lola M. Schaefer, did a wonderful job telling a story that is simple to understand and fun for the boys. She also wrote One Special Day for those Big Brothers and Sisters who are waiting for a sibling to arrive or have a brand new sibling.
You can find these books at your favorite bookstore or online at Amazon. Amazon has One Busy Day: A Story for Big Brothers and Sisters for just $12.74

The Rocky Horror Picture Show 40th Anniversary Arrives Sep 22

ByMySparklingLife February 9, 2019September 17, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Get ready to do the time warp again as The Rocky Horror Picture Show 40th Anniversary – the ultimate midnight movie – comes home on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD September 22 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Featuring an all-star cast, including: Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick and Meat Loaf, The Rocky Horror Picture Show quickly became a pop cultural phenomenon passed down from generation to generation. Now, after four decades, it’s back stronger than ever with an all-new Ultimate Collector’s Edition, featuring limited edition packaging, exclusive collectible pink surgical gloves, fishnet stockings and a soundtrack for its army of die-hard fans!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 40th Anniversary edition is packed with featurettes highlighting past celebrations and midnight screenings, deleted musical scenes, 11 outtakes, alternate endings, commentaries by Richard O’Brien and Patricia Quinn (Magenta), photo galleries and more! Bring the midnight screening home to share with friends and family with Rocky-oke: Sing It! – which includes 18 show-stopping musical numbers from the hugely popular soundtrack:
“Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me”
“Sweet Transvestite”
“The Time Warp”
and more! The Blu-ray also features incredible HD featurettes, as well as a photo gallery from Rock ‘N’ Roll’s seminal photographer Mick Rock, which dives deeper into Rock’s experience capturing the moment on-set and behind-the-scenes of the 1975 film. In “Mick Rock’s Picture Show (A Gallery)” fans can take a peek at more than 70 high-resolution images from his archives.

Tips & Advice for Parents with Shy and Anxious Children | Raising The Shy Child ⋆ My Sparkling Life

ByMySparklingLife March 27, 2016October 11, 2023

5 Tips For Creating Safe Havens for Your Anxious Child
The school environment can pose unique problems for a child with anxiety, especially if the type of anxiety is social anxiety. Often considered a “performance-related” anxiety, children exhibiting social anxiety are often triggered by both the social demands of a school setting and the performance demands within the classroom. The five tips below can help you, and the school, create “safe havens” within the highly social school setting, supporting your child’s anxiety before it develops into school avoidance or worse:
Partner with the teacher and school at the first indication of concern. Don’t wait until the problem is significant to approach the teacher. As soon as your child begins to avoid school or indicate a problem, speak with the teacher to develop strategies early. Doing this can help you avoid the more serious cases of school avoidance.
Develop strategies with the teacher for use within the classroom environment. Many anxious children are triggered by the typical performance demands of a classroom. Work with the teacher to incorporate some of the strategies listed below to minimize the negative impact:
Seat the child next to helpful and calming peers
Work out non-verbal signals to use with the child to signal when the teacher is going to call on him or her.
Provide advanced warning to the child for changes in routine
Establish “safe zones” for the child to use during recess and/or lunch. It is easy for a child with anxiety to be triggered by the noise and energy of the other students during lunch and recess. If this is a trigger for your child, work with the school to establish alternative places for your child to go. Working in another classroom and using the library often work very well for children with anxiety.
Establish “safe” people on campus to function as coaches to your child. Although schools can be huge triggers for children with anxiety, they also provide great opportunities for children to learn and refine social skills and coping strategies. Enlist the help of someone on campus that your child trusts to help your child learn and use social competencies at school.
Make sure the home environment is safe and supportive. As important as it is to mitigate the possible negative impact of the school environment for children with anxiety, it is important to remember that everything starts at home. Making sure that home is a calm and secure environment can establish a foundation of safety that can support the anxious child.
Children who demonstrate extreme shyness and social anxiety-like behaviors can really struggle in school and during social events. Following these tips and adapting them to your specific situation can go a long way toward supporting these children and improving their outcomes. Social anxiety disorder doesn’t have to dominate a child’s life. Providing safe havens can help your child find the balance needed to manage his or her anxieties.
Raising the Shy Child
By Christine Fonseca
The fear of being judged by others in social activities is a common human experience, especially during childhood. But when the fear becomes all-consuming, it can disrupt daily functioning and the development of social competency. Raising the Shy Child: A Parent’s Guide to Social Anxiety takes a fresh look at social anxiety disorder, coupling the latest in research trends with evidence-based strategies and real-world stories to untangle the complexities of this disorder. Presented in an easy-to-read, conversational style, the book uses a combination of real-world examples and stories from adults and children with social anxiety disorder to show parents and educators how to help children find a path through their fear and into social competence. With specific strategies to address school refusal, bullying, and identity issues, Raising the Shy Child is a must-read resource for anyone dedicated to enhancing the lives of children.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Christine Fonseca is a school psychologist and award-winning author of nonfiction and teen novels dedicated to helping children and adults find their unique voice in the world, including the books “Emotional Intensity in Gifted Students,” “The Girl Guide,” and “Quiet Kids.” When she isn’t crafting new stories or working with student groups, she can be found sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her local coffee house.
BUY IT
Prufrock Press
March 1, 2015
ISBN: 9781618213983
$16.95
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million | IndieBound

For Bloggers

ByMySparklingLife May 2, 2015October 4, 2023

We all need a little help now and then. This page is for those that are looking for a little help with blogging. If your new to blogging Welcome! If you’ve been around good for you keeping the passion alive! Click the link to take you to the article you are looking for!
Looking for an article that is not yet made? Leave a comment below on what you are looking to learn!
These resources for bloggers are free for you to use, but if you choose to share on your blog, please give credit or a linkback.

How To Conceive a Boy

ByMySparklingLife August 27, 2018September 17, 2023

If you are trying to get pregnant with a boy there are some things you can do to improve your chances. You may have heard of the Shettles method for trying to conceive a specific gender. If you are interested in trying to conceive a boy, you may want to check out the book How to Choose the Sex of Your Baby by Dr. Landrum Shettles, M.D., Ph.D. The Shettles method is said to be about 80-90% effective for conceiving a boy when followed correctly.

5 Reasons To Include Music In Your Holidays | Sweetwater