10 Winter Vacation Destinations For The Snow Lovers

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Having three kids, I have had my share of baby carriers, but I’ve never tried a sling…until now…I was able to try out a Hotsling…I absolutely LOVE this thing! They come is such great colors and patterns, and work so well. Comfortable and Stylish…now that’s something i can really get behind!
I truly love all the designs, they can be used for either gender. They come in sizes Regular and Large. They have a sizing chart on their site, so you can make sure you get the proper fit! “Say bye bye to complicated sizing charts and hello to the infinitely adjustable Hotslings AP! Two strategically placed tri-glides allow the AP to fit comfortably on multiple users while also easily accommodating postpartum body changes.” Click Here to see which of our two sizes are right for you!
A: Wearing Shoulder – Shoulder covered by pouch.
B: Red Arrow – Located on inside of pouch next to caution label.
C: Buckle & Strap – Two buckles with straps infinitely adjust to give you the best
Hotslings fit.
D: Good Fit Zone – Pouch should sit at belly button or slightly below.
E: Sleek Padding – Pouch is lightly padded on both sides for structure in the semi-reclined carry & added comfort in the hip carry.
F: Seam & “hs” Tag – Where pouch is sewn together. Use tag to align pouch & find best fit.
I don’t think i would go back to using the other carriers…I can even carry little man still…and he is 2!
He thought it was so fun, and it took a load off my arms…it felt so much better carrying him with the Hotsling. It’s super soft, comfortable and I love the adjustable straps. Find Hotsling on Facebook and YouTube, and Pinterest. Buy Hotsling on their website.
One Lucky winner will receive a Hotsling in choice of pattern. This giveaway is open to residents in US; 18+. Winner will have 48 hours to confirm before a forfeit is assumed. Giveaway will runs July 9, 2012 @ 12:01AM – July 23, 2012 @ 11:59PM (EST).
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. Hotsling has not influenced the editorial nature of this post, and No other compensation was received. Please see our disclosure policy for more information.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Looking to say bon voyage and let your taste buds take flight on a memorable culinary experience? You won’t have to travel any further than your local Hard Rock Cafe for this year’s World Burger Tour!
To kick off burger season, Hard Rock Cafe locations are celebrating with a menu showcasing international Local Legendary™ Burgers. From theEnglish Breakfast Burger inspired by London to the Jamaican Jerk Burger inspired by Montego Bay, there’s something for every palate.
Hard Rock gives chefs at their cafes the freedom to create a unique Local Legendary Burger that captures the flavors of their city. This year more than 160 local burgers were evaluated by Hard Rock’s culinary team with fan favorites selected to headline the World Burger Tour menu. Throughout May and June, Hard Rock Cafe menus* will feature the following World Burger Tour offerings:
English Breakfast Burger (London, England) – a Certified Angus Beef® patty topped with sliced ham, a sausage patty, a fried egg, a portobello mushroom, arugula and garlic aioli and served with a side of baked beans
Java Lava Burger (Seattle, United States) – a Certified Angus Beef patty grilled and dressed in a house-made espresso rub and topped with lava sauce, crunchy java onions, bacon, melted Cheddar cheese and garnished with a fried jalapeño
Tandoori Chicken Burger (Mumbai, India) – a dark meat chicken patty seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, topped with mint mayonnaise and served with a side of cucumber
Jamaican Jerk Burger (Montego Bay, Jamaica) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with banana pepper rings, mango jalapeño cream cheese and jerk mayonnaise
ATOMIC! Burger (Las Vegas, United States) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with Atomic beer-battered peppers, pepper jack cheese, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, garlic chipotle ketchup and chipotle mayonnaise
Tango Salsa Burger (Buenos Aires, Argentina) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with andouille sausage, Monterey Jack cheese, chips de batata, a fried egg, salsa criolla and garlic aioli
Greek Burger (Athens, Greece) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with arugula, feta cheese and a tomato slice
Aloha Burger (Honolulu, United States) – a Certified Angus Beef patty topped with SPAM, Monterey Jack cheese, a grilled pineapple ring with sweet soy glaze, guacamole and pico de gallo
Hard Rock Cafe has created cocktails that perfectly complement World Burger Tour offerings. Served in Hard Rock’s iconic mason jars, adult guests can order with the suggested pairing or mix it up with any other burger from the limited-time menu. New cocktails include:
All Jacked Up – created to balance the Jamaican Jerk Burger’s spicy flair, this cocktail features a mix of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, PJ, Orgeat and lime juice, garnished with orange and pineapple wedges and a cherry
Crisp Sipper – inspired by the Aloha Burger’s sweet and savory taste, this cocktail features a mix of Hendrick’s gin, Monin Cucumber, lemon, orange and raspberry, topped with tonic and garnished with rosemary and thyme
MelonPalooza – designed to complement the fresh flavors of the Greek Burger, this cocktail features a mix of Midori Melon Liqueur, Malibu Rum, Hard Rock’s house-made sour mix and PJ, garnished with slices of pineapple and strawberry
Sweet & Fiery – inspired by the ATOMIC! Burger’s spicy flavor, this cocktail features a mix of Absolut Peppar Vodka, Canton Ginger Liquor, Blue Curacao, lemonade and ginger beer, garnished with a red pepper
Black Cherry Melonade (non-alcoholic) – created to complement the rich espresso of the Java Lava Burger, this mocktail features a mix of Black Cherry Real and Monin Cucumber, topped with ginger beer, garnished with a cucumber slice and a cherry
Burger Tour for the Roadie
For those a little more hungry, Hard Rock will bring its menu to life and offer a unique burger experience that takes guests’ taste buds on an international journey
Hard Rock, in conjunction with global experience agency RPMC, is offering a World Burger Tour travel package that includes stops at iconic cities including London, England; Athens, Greece; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Seattle, United States. This four-stop, once-in-a-lifetime excursion celebrates the cities that inspired Hard Rock’s World Burger Tour
The World Burger Tour travel package is a private, 10-night trip that includes flights, first class hotel accommodations, ground transportation and exclusive dining and music experiences at Hard Rock Cafe locations in each city not typically available to the public
We are heading to the San Antonio River Walk location this week and can’t wait to share all the goodness with you! Be sure to follow my Instagram & #msladventures #mslsummer
Visit these links for the latest and greatest info about the Hard Rock World Burger Tour.
WIN!!
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a Hard Rock prize pack with an oven mitt pair, apron, and spatula. This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST June 19, 2016.
THE FINE PRINT: ENTERING THIS GIVEAWAY MEANS THAT YOU ACCEPT BOTH MY RULES & DISCLOSURE. I WILL NOTIFY WINNER VIA E-MAIL AND THEY WILL HAVE 48 HOURS TO REPLY BEFORE I AM FORCED TO REDRAW WINNERS. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. EACH HOUSEHOLD IS ONLY ELIGIBLE TO WIN THIS PRIZE VIA BLOG REVIEWS AND GIVEAWAYS ONCE. ONLY ONE ENTRANT PER MAILING ADDRESS PER GIVEAWAY. IF YOU HAVE WON THE SAME PRIZE ON ANOTHER BLOG, YOU WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN IT AGAIN. 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 HARD ROCK. IN THE RARE OCCASION THAT A PRIZE DOES NOT ARRIVE (WHICH HAS HAPPENED), PLEASE NOTIFY ME.
The information, gift card, gift pack, and giveaway have been provided to me by Hard Rock International.
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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If you have kids chances are they love superheroes, robots & monsters…Disney has a new serialized live-action series “MECH-X4” that will be premiering this weekend with four back-to-back episodes on the Disney Channel, Disney Channel App & Disney Channel VOD. While in LA for the #DoctorStrangeEvent we were able to screen the first two episodes of MACH-X4 and interview the cast!
So What Is MECH-X4?
MECH-X4 is the brainchild of the producer Steve Marmel and combines robots, brothers, best friends & monsters. Anupam Nigam, Brian Hamilton and Zach Lipovsky also serve as executive producers.
Ryan Walker is a typical freshman at Bay City High until he discovers he is a “technopath” with the extraordinary ability to control technology with his mind. His superpower mysteriously awakens a 150-foot robot known as MECH-X4 and Ryan can command its every move. When monsters suddenly begin to descend upon the city, Ryan recruits his two best friends, Harris and Spyder, and his older brother Mark to help him operate the robot’s high-tech defense system while he pilots MECH-X4. The four unlikely teenage heroes must quickly learn how to work together as a team to maneuver MECH-X4, their only hope of saving their own and ultimately the world.
Meet The Talent Behind MECH-X4
Nathaniel James Potvin “Ryan Walker”
Nathaniel was Born and raised in Los Angeles & has a passion for performing at an early age. He began studying hip-hop and other forms of dance and later competed with an award-winning Hip-Hop Dance Team. He later discovered his love for acting when he landed a lead role in a youth summer enrichment production of “The Devil in Sherman Marsh.” He enjoys hip-hop dancing, playing guitar, singing, skateboarding, rock climbing, parkour, photography, wantching movies & hanging out with friends.
How are you like your character Ryan?
“I’m kinda like my character because Ryan is always rising to the occasion. So whenever he has to fight a monster or even stand up to his brother, I’m kinda like that in some ways. I have two older brothers so I know exactly what Ryan goes through on a daily basis…& we both love to skateboard.”
If you had any super power in life what would it be?
“If I had a super power it would probably be teleportation because who wants to pay for airline tickets? No one does. Also, it would just be really convenient. If I got locked out of my house I could just teleport inside my house.”
Favorite Movie(s)?
“My favorite movie is, Good Will Hunting. I just think it’s inspirational that these two guys got together and they wrote a movie together, and then they created something. And how they got this story and they went through a person’s trouble of being really smart and how he has to struggle with that. And my favorite line is “I gotta go see about a girl.”‘
Kamran Lucas “Harris”
Lucas discovered acting when his buddy from second-grade invited him to a drama camp and he landed the starring role in one of the camps productions. He enjoys creative writing and participated in the Young Storytellers Foundation and penned a screenplay “The Trip to Italy,” which was performed by professional actors. He holds a Junior Black Belt in Martial Arts, is a self-professed Geochche enthusiast, who is equally versed in Pokemon-Go and Minecraft.
How are you like your character Harris?
“Harris and I are pretty similar in book smart terms. More like we both dress really nice and we’re both ladies men.”
If you had any super power in life what would it be?
“I kinda wanna have the ability to stop and turn back time. ‘Cause in case I wanna change something like when I was younger, I was at Legoland and this girl pushed me. I was really mad ‘cause she did it for no reason and I just want to go back and say, hey, I’m on Disney Channel now.”
Favorite Movie(s)?
“One of my favorite movies was Big Fat Liar, which was with Frankie Muniz and Amanda Bynes. I just thought it was a really good movie because it was about a kid who left everything to- prove something to his parents and go on this whole journey of self-discovery and, you know, figuring out his place in the world really. And it was just a cool adventure. Watching it all I guess kind of inspired me, too, to be an actor.”
Pearce Joza “Spyder”
Pearce made his sage debut at age four in his hometown of Durange, Colorado playing Randy in the cult classic “A Christmas Story.” His love for acting continued, and he went on to perform in many other local stage productions. When he was 11, Joza was the only actor under 18 accepted into the Los Angeles acting workshop and subsequently started booking work in independent films and television. He enjoys handing out with friends and family & takes college courses in Astrophysics, writing and computational investing.
How are you like your character Spyder?
“I like to say I’m like my character and not like my character. Spyder’s very crazy and he likes to do a lot of daredevil stuff type things. And I lived in Colorado for a long time so I like to go out back and, play in the pond and climb trees or whatever. I also love school. I’m taking college level courses and Sypder’s not very good at school.”
If you had any super power in life what would it be?
“Telekinetic powers. It’s pretty much controlling anything you think with your mind.”
Favorite Movie(s)?
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It’s, of course, with Jim Carrey, but it’s just amazing how it is comedy and drama at the same time, which is what I’m really into. I love comedy, of course, but I also wanna do drama some day. It would be awesome.”
Raymond Cham “Mark Walker”
Raymond was born in Los Angeles and is best known for his role as Devon in “Teen Beach 2.” He has always had a passion for acting and dancing and has performed on numerous shows and specials. Right now he resides in Southern California with his mother and enjoys creative writing, working on scripts for pilots and feature films, playing sports, hiking and rock climbing.
How are you like your character Mark?
“I’m kinda like my character in a way. When it comes to family I’m very protective. And you’ll see that later ‘cause right now you’ve just pretty much seen me crank my brother. But yeah, I care for my family and I’ll do anything to protect them and make sure that they’re okay. I’ve also dabbled in sports a bit. When I was around eight or nine, I used to play basketball. But, other than that I’m not too similar.”
If you had any super power in life what would it be?
“Shape shifting! Right? It’s the craziest. Boom, I wanna fly, I’m a bird. I end up in the water I’m a whale. I could be anything. Yeah, ‘cause it’s my favorite. I think about it all the time. Maybe too much, but… Everyone’s like, I wanna fly. What? That’s it? That’s all you wanna do? I could do that. I could do anything.”
Favorite Movie(s)?
“I love sci-fi. I love dramas. I love all genres. Sci-fi is really awesome. Interstellar is one of my very favorite movies. Christopher Nolan, I think is a genius. And Nicolas Winding Refn is a great director. I just try to watch as many things as I can.”
Let’s Talk To The Producers
So how did this show get started? What were your influences?
Steve Marmel
“There’s a little ET, there is a little Goonies.” (we all agreed!) We love giant robots – we both love giant robots. So obviously, were ‘yay, we get to play with a giant robot.” like that’s, that’s both of us as kids.
Anupam Nigam
“And I love on Transformers. I grew up on Omega Supreme. And for me it was also Godzilla. It was a big influence. In fact there are several Godzilla movies where he fights a giant robot. I made him watch them.”
Steve Marmel
“We’re both comic guys, and I’m a huge comic book guy. So that serialized storytelling of epic stories, that’s the stuff I love the most. But it’s the kids in the robot that I love.”
The kids have a great back and fourth and it shows on screen. The effects & monsters are fun but not scary so it’s something even my 3 year old would enjoy watching.
“We hope that people come away from it thinking it’s a show about family,It’s a show about friendship, and it’s a show about teamwork.” – Marmel
TUNE IN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 – SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 FOR BACK-TO-BACK EPISODES!

Earlier this week Chrysler announced its sponsorship and support of longtime family favorite Sesame Street that will include digital and television sponsorship as well as an online video series to be promoted across Chrysler brand’s digital and social channels.
This multimedia campaign will pair the lovable Sesame Street characters with the all-new Chrysler Pacifica and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans in ten co-branded videos for parents. With both brands having a deep commitment to families and children, this exciting initiative will see Sesame Street extend its reach in new and creative ways and Chrysler educating parents on their unprecedented 115 safety, security and technology innovations.

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With it being the cold, damp middle of winter who doesn’t want to think of the warmer days of summer. There are ways you can bring on summer or at least the feeling of summer…like this Blue Ocean Cocktail.
It’s a simple recipe using Blue Curacao Liqueur, Appleton Rum (from our most recent trip to Jamaica) & Sprite. I have also used a coconut rum & vanilla rum…so have fun and make the Blue Ocean Cocktail your own.
2oz Rum 2oz Blue Curacao Liqueur
Fill Rest With Sprite (about 8oz)