Tips For Getting Quality Family Time With A Hectic Schedule

I’ve had several stylus over the course of a few years, they all have the same problem when it comes to writing or even drawing on the tablet…they are too fat and are either hard to see where you are writing/drawing or create to big of a line. I figured that was just the life of using a stylus…that is until Wacom introduced me to their Bamboo Stylus Fineline!
This stylus is unlike any I’ve used before, not only is more like a pen, but it also syncs to your apps on Apple devices to create a smoother use. I will say, while it syncs to Apple devices, I also use it on my Samsung with the same apps…and I haven’t seen much of a difference in use.
inspired by a new idea? Simply write it down with this high-precision stylus. The advanced thin tip with pressure sensing gives you precise control over your iPad whether you write or sketch. It feels and looks as natural as pen on paper.
My boys and I love to draw, and with the everyday stylus, you can’t get those fine details in there, I’ve had so much fun just sketching with this stylus! Here is a quick rough sketch and writing to show you just how thin you can get with this stylus!
Get the most natural writing experience on your touch screen. The palm rejection of this iPad stylus is supported by a wide range of apps. Your palm and fingers touching the screen can’t disturb you anymore.
Imagine the possibilities! You can now send a hand written e-note to your loved ones on Valentines Day! I love it for sketching as well as taking notes during business meetings. There are 14 apps that work with the Wacom Bamboo Fineline..6 of which you will get full use out of your stylus.
For more information on this fabulous product, & to see what apps are compatible visit their site.
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.”

Halloween is my second favorite time of year, and my hubbies favorite. Throw in my 7-year-olds birthday around Halloween, and you know we have to do it big. We love to throw a good Halloween/Birthday party where there’s plenty of treats, spooks and things to do. While I was in LA earlier this month for the #DoctorStrangeEvent we also celebrated Finding Dory coming to Blu-ray Halloween style!
We joined Master Pumpkin Carver, Joseph Yakovetc to learn how to carve pumpkins properly…and all these years I thought I was doing a good job! Let’s go over some tips from the Master Carver himself.
TIP 1. Find a pumpkin with a good healthy stem. The stem sill has nutrients that feed the pumpkin and keep it healthy.
Lets talk about design and carving…
Things you will need:
Printable/Color Page
Transfer Paper
Pen/Pencil
Sharpie
2-4 Push Pins
Baby Wipes
Paint (colors depend on project)
Getting Started:
TIP 2. Don’t cut the stem off the top, this actually makes you pumpkin die…see #1…Instead cut a hole out in the back of your pumpkin, it will last longer and be easier to light.
Lets Get Started “carving”
Clean your pumpkin well with a wipe.
Now you are ready to pin your selected design backed by tracing paper to your pumpkin. Trace every line with your pen/pencil. Once you have that done you can remove the papers and follow outlines with a
Once you have that done you can remove the papers and follow outlines with a permanent marker…you may need to clean your marker now and then to keep it fresh.
Use your baby wipes to clean off surface from graphite paper, you will be left permanent marker lines.
Paint any areas you want to be colored.
Take carving utensil and outline the outside of the design.
Then you will pick areas that you will scrape out…for Dory, we scraped out the eyes and teeth
Photo by EnzasBargins.com
TIP 3. Use an old CD to clean out your pumpkin. The larger surface area and curve makes cleaning out pumpkins quick and easy. Joseph Yokovetc can clean a pumpkin in 30 seconds with this method.
TIP 4. Don’t let your pumpkin sit directly on the pavement, instead use a trivet or table to keep it elevated, and bring it in each night to help it say healthier longer.
FUN FINDING DORY ACTIVITY SHEETS
The summer blockbuster hit, Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory,” swims home just in time for the holidays on Digital HD and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on Oct. 25 and on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on Nov. 15. Viewers can watch Dory’s hilarious and heartwarming quest to find her family and continue the underwater adventure with hours of immersive bonus features.
The film’s playful and plentiful bonus offerings include “Piper,” the theatrical short film starring an irresistible sandpiper hatchling; an all-new mini short featuring interviews with Dory’s pals from the Marine Life Institute; a behind-the-scenes look at the most challenging character Pixar has ever created; never-before-seen deleted scenes, including a digital exclusive featuring the Tank Gang from “Finding Nemo” who make it their mission to get Marlin and Nemo to the Marine Life Institute; and much, much more.
Thirteen years after the original, audiences get a new chapter in the story of their favorite forgetful blue tang. As returning director Andrew Stanton describes, “I realized that I was worried about Dory. The idea of her short-term memory loss and how it affected her was unresolved. What if she got lost again?” His response is a touching tale of friendship and family that’s truly unforgettable … perhaps even for Dory.
Bonus features include*:
Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray & Digital HD:
Theatrical Short: “Piper” – A hungry sandpiper hatchling ventures from her nest for the first time to dig for food by the shoreline. The only problem is that the food is buried beneath the sand where scary waves roll up onto the shore.
Marine Life Interviews (All-New Mini Short) – Meet the inhabitants of the Marine Life Institute as they remember our favorite blue tang.
The Octopus That Nearly Broke Pixar – Pixar’s “Team Hank” unravels the challenges, frustrations, and rewards of bringing to life the studio’s crankiest and most technically complicated character ever.
What Were We Talking About? – This piece showcases the complex routes Dory’s story took as the filmmakers worked to construct a comprehensive narrative involving a main character with short-term memory loss.
Casual Carpool – What’s it like to commute with the voices of Marlin, Charlie, Bailey and Hank? Join “Finding Dory” writer/director Andrew Stanton as he drives Albert Brooks, Eugene Levy, Ty Burrell and Ed O’Neill to work.
Animation & Acting – How do you create a connection between a human audience and a fish? This behind-the-scenes look behind the curtain examines the process of constructing believable performances through a unique collaboration between the director, voice actors and animators.
Creature Features – The cast of “Finding Dory” share cool facts about the creatures they voice in the film.
Deep in the Kelp – Disney Channel’s Jenna Ortega guides us on a research trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to show how far the “Finding Dory” crew went to make Dory’s world feel real.
Skating & Sketching with Jason Deamer – “Finding Dory” character art director Jason Deamer talks about how he got to Pixar, how he draws the characters in the film, and how falling off a skateboard teaches you lessons you can use in art and life.
Dory’s Theme – A spirited discussion among the composer, music editor and director of “Finding Dory” about the musical elements that shape Dory’s quirky and joyful theme.
Rough Day on the Reef – Sometimes computers make mistakes. Here you’ll see some of the funny, creepy and just plain bizarre footage the crew encountered while making “Finding Dory.”
Commentary – Director Andrew Stanton, co-director Angus MacLane and producer Lindsey Collins deliver their personal perspective on “Finding Dory.”
Deleted Scenes (introduced by director Andrew Stanton)
Losing Nemo – While watching the stingray migration, Dory starts to follow two fish that remind her of her parents, leaving Nemo all alone.
Little Tension in Clown Town – In this alternate version of the film, Dory tries to “follow her fins” to her parents, but ends up in a strange place with even stranger fish fashion.
Dory Dumped – In this early version of the story, Dory’s parents had short-term memory loss as well.
Sleep Swimming – Dory begins to talk and swim in her sleep, revealing what seem to be clues to her past.
Meeting Hank – Wandering the Marine Life Institute’s elaborate pipe system, Dory happens upon the abode of Hank the cranky octopus.
The Pig – Frantically navigating the pipes of the Marine Life Institute in search of her parents, Dory crosses paths with a terrifying cleaning device.
Starting Over – Director Andrew Stanton presents four different versions of the movie’s opening scene to illustrate the filmmakers’ search for the best way to introduce Dory’s backstory and to connect this new film to “Finding Nemo.”
Tank Gang (Digital exclusive) – After a close encounter with a squid leaves them separated from Dory, Marlin and Nemo unexpectedly meet up with the Tank Gang from “Finding Nemo,” who make it their mission to get to the Marine Life Institute … by any means necessary.
Hidden Seacrets of Finding Dory (Digital exclusive) – Take a deep dive to catch secret Easter Eggs throughout the movie. And just like Hank, they’re hidden in plain sight.
DVD:
Theatrical Short: Piper & Commentary
Create a fun Jello Dessert
Ingredients
2 Boxes Dory Jello
6 Cups of Water
1 Bag Sweedish Fish
Fill your cup a quarter of the way and put in fridge for about 1 1/2 hours put in a few fish and fill a little more repeat until cup is full.
Or you can fill cups, let sit in fridge about 1 hour – 1 hour 15 min and push a few fish into place (you will want to top with cool whip if you do it this way)
You will need to let your Jello sit about 4 hours before it is ready to eat.
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Another great 12 days of Easter is here! My favorite bloggers and I have some really great crafts or recipe ideas for you. So check them out. This is one from my friend Dina over at My UnEntitled Life. She has made some adorable Easter Basket Cupcakes for you to check out. So hop on over and make these for yourself and your loving family. They’ll be so happy you did!
Now check out my friend’s Easter related posts and give them a visit too!

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So just in case you’ve been in a galaxy far far away and haven’t heard Rogue One A Star Wars Story hit theaters last December and stole fans plans hearts….you’re in luck…It’s on digital and Disney Movies Anywhere TODAY, March 24, and will be available on Blu-ray combo pack & DVD in stores and online April 4th! I have been waiting for it’s release to Digital & Blu-ray to see it again!!
To celebrate the release, myself and a few other anxious Star Wars loving influencers are getting together to battle it out on twitter. This Sunday, March 26th, we will be live watching Rogue One together digitally and letting the battle take place on twitter. I’m a part of #TeamRebel and will be taking on #TeamEmpire! Make sure you’re following me @fmomof4boys and choose your side to join in the battle!
The viewing battle will begin at 4pm PST / 7pm EST so make sure you have the movie & popcorn ready to go!
From Lucasfilm comes the first of the Star Wars standalone films, “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” an all-new epic adventure. In a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire’s ultimate weapon of destruction. This key event in the Star Wars timeline brings together ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.
Never-before- seen “Rogue One” bonus material will take fans behind the scenes with the movie’s diverse, dynamic cast and inspired team of filmmakers. An intimate collection of stories reveals how the film came to life, as well as hidden Easter Eggs and film facts that audiences may have missed in the theater.
Bonus features include*:
A Rogue Idea – Hear how ILM’s John Knoll came up with the movie’s concept – and why it’s the right film to launch the Star Wars stand-alone films.
Jyn: The Rebel – Get to know Rogue One’s defiant, resourceful survivor, and hear what it was like for Felicity Jones to bring her to life onscreen.
Cassian: The Spy – Diego Luna shares insights into his complex, driven character, who becomes a hero through selflessness, perseverance and passion.
K-2SO: The Droid – Explore the development of this reprogrammed Imperial droid, from initial pitch and character design through Alan Tudyk’s performance.
Baze & Chirrut: Guardians of the Whills – Go deeper into the relationship between these two very different characters, with Chinese superstars Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen.
Bodhi & Saw: The Pilot & The Revolutionary – Forest Whitaker and Riz Ahmed reflect on Saw Gerrera, the broken Rebel leader, and Bodhi Rook, the Imperial pilot who defects.
The Empire – Meet a dangerous new Imperial adversary…and cross paths once more with the most iconic villain of all time.
Visions of Hope: The Look of “Rogue One” – The filmmakers describe the challenges and thrills of developing a bold new look for the movie that can fit within the world of the original trilogy.
The Princess & The Governor – See what it took to bring the vibrant young princess of “Star Wars: A New Hope” – as well as one of her most memorable foes – back to the screen.
Epilogue: The Story Continues – Filmmakers and cast celebrate Rogue One’s premiere and look forward into the future, to the Star Wars stories yet to be told.
Rogue Connections – Uncover Easter eggs and film facts hidden throughout the movie that connect “Rogue One” to the Star Wars universe.
* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.
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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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I am very excited to share with you that Marvel Studios is launching the first Hero Acts campaign today, and from now until the end of the year, Marvel Studios will donate five dollars ($5) to Save the Children, up to U.S. one million dollars, for every fan who uploads a photo of themselves in their favorite Marvel hero pose. Marvel Studios is collaborating with Fotition, a new social change platform, to power the experience on a brand-new website MarvelStudiosHeroActs.com. Fans will be able to visit the site to upload their photo and choose from a selection of custom Marvel-themed overlays. They will then be able to post their photo directly to the Hero Acts gallery and to their other social channels using the hashtags #marvelstudios & #heroacts.
Earlier today, Benedict Cumberbatch, star of Marvel Studios’ upcoming film DOCTOR STRANGE, announced the launch of Marvel Studios: Hero Acts, a new charitable initiative focused on bringing help and hope to kids around the world.
With fan participation, the donations made through Hero Acts can help Save the Children provide much-needed learning materials for as many as 123,000 kids in Nepal, Haiti, and the United States. Together, Marvel Studios and its fans can help put these children on a path where they can learn, thrive, and strive toward a better future.
“Save the Children is extremely grateful to be the first nonprofit organization to be part of Marvel Studios: Hero Acts,” said Carolyn Miles, President & CEO of Save the Children. “Even though more children are enrolled in primary school worldwide than ever before, many are struggling to learn and to get a quality education. That is why this collaboration is so valuable. The funds raised through Hero Acts will provide much-needed learning materials in communities where there are few resources, and will boost children’s basic skills to help them succeed in school and in life. The actions taken by Marvel fans will make a meaningful difference for children.”
Whether visiting children in hospitals, granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses, or inspiring kids and families through our content, Marvel Studios: Hero Acts builds on the tradition of lending a hand to children in times of need. From our filmmakers to our fans, we believe we each have our own superpower to lend to the world, and Marvel Studios is dedicated to bringing that out in everyone.

So thing have been going swimmingly at the My Sparkling Life Headquarters, but the other day I was given a rose and things are about to get real strange. That’s right, I will be heading back to LA October 17th-19th to cover the #DoctorStrangeEvent along with #FindingDoryBluray, #BenAndLaurenEvent and#MechX4Event. That’s quite a lot to cover in just a few days, be I won’t be alone on this exciting adventure…I will be joined by 24 other amazing bloggers from around the country.
I’m so honored & excited to have been invited to this event. I’m a huge fan of Marvel and can’t wait to see the newest edition! Let’s talk about a little of what we will be doing…
Screening Doctor Strange
Opens November 4th 2016
Yes, we will be screening Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE which opens in theatres on November 4, 2016. We will also be attending the press junket where we will interview some of the talent from the film! We don’t know who we will be interviewing yet, but I do know any of the talet would be amazing to sit down and talk to.
From Marvel Studios comes “Doctor Strange,” the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.
“Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt and Scott Adkins, with Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton. Scott Derrickson is directing with Kevin Feige producing. Louis D’Esposito, Stephen Broussard, Victoria Alonso, Charles Newirth and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. Jon Spaihts and Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill wrote the screenplay. Join Strange on his dangerous, mystifying and totally mind-bending journey when Marvel Studios’
The Latest Social Media about DOCTOR STRANGE.
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
Finding Dory Blu-ray Release & Pumpkin Carving Party
On Digital HD on 10/25 & Blu-ray on 11/15
We will be joining master pumpkin carver, Joseph Yakovetic for a night of pumpkin carving as we celebrate the release of the long anticipated sequel Finding Dory as it swims it’s way into homes everywhere.
Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Dory” reunites everyone’s favorite forgetful blue tang, Dory, with her friends Nemo and Marlin on a search for answers about her past. What can she remember? Who are her parents? And where did she learn to speak Whale? Directed by Andrew Stanton (“Finding Nemo,” “WALL•E”) and produced by Lindsey Collins (co-producer “WALL•E”), the film features the voices of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, Ed O’Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Ty Burrell, Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton.
The Latest Social Media about FINDING DORY
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM
An Interview With Ben and Lauren
“Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After” Premieres on FreeForm on 10/11 at 8/7c
You all know and love Ben Higgins and his fiancée Lauren Bushnell from season 20 of “The Bachelor” – but what happens after the final rose is handed out and normal life ensues? Join Freeform for an episode screening and special sit down interview with Ben and Lauren to discuss their new reality series “Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After?” The show will follow the happy couple as they prepare to walk down the aisle and begin their brand-new life together while navigating the real world after the splendor of The Bachelor’s exotic dates and fantasy suites has ended.
Meeting the team from MECH-X4
Series Premiere Saturday, November 12
Disney Channel also invited us to a special advance screening of the exciting new live-action sci-fi adventure series “MECH-X4.” Ryan has the extraordinary ability to control technology with his mind. When his talent mysteriously awakens a giant 150-foot robot known as MECH-X4, Ryan recruits his two best friends and older brother to help him operate MECH-X4 to defend against monsters that suddenly begin to descend upon their city. After the screening, join the cast and creators for an intimate Q&A.
As you can see there is so much happening in a few short days. You can keep up with all that is happening by following the following hashtags on Instagram & Twitter.
Any questions for any of the talent? Leave them in the comments below or tweet them to me @fmomof4boys and use #DoctorStrangeEvent
This trip is an all-expense paid press trip. I receive no monetary compensation but may receive promotional materials. My opinions are 100% my own.