A Dog's Courage Blu-ray - #Giveaway

Synopsis

Watch the best new family-friendly animated feature, A Dog's Courage, starring Kyung-soo Do. 

Jacob, a feisty and playful dog abandoned by his owners joins a pack of strays and embarks on a journey filled with fun adventures and life lessons in their pursuit to find a new and loving home.

My Thoughts

If you are looking for a great movie for family movie night, then look no further than A Dog's Courage.  This film has all the traditional aspects that make for a great movie for the whole family and a few extras.  It takes you through the life of a abandoned dog living on the street with his friends. It's a touching tale filled with adventures and lessons.

My kids really enjoyed this film. They liked all the characters and they really loved watching all the dogs interacting with each other.  If you'd like to purchase a copy of this fun blu-ray for your family, you can order it online on Amazon.

The Giveaway 

One lucky winner is going to receive a DVD.  To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on 8/25/20. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

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Amy Poehler's UCB helps Launch Party Game Sculptapalooza

SculptaPalooza

EDUCATIONAL INSIGHTS® PARTNERS WITH AMY POEHLER’S UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE THEATRE TO LAUNCH HILARIOUS NEW PARTY GAME SCULPTAPALOOZA™ WITH ORIGINAL VIDEO CONTENT

Award-winning toy and game manufacturer Educational Insights® (EI) has partnered with Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre to create original content, including a commercial, webisode, and instructional video, in support of the launch of EI’s brand-new, laugh-out-loud party game, Sculptapalooza™.

Founded by comedic giants Amy Poehler, Matt Walsh, Ian Roberts, and Matt Besser, Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) is considered the proving ground for the best and brightest talents in the comedy industry. A crew of UCB performers were the perfect partners to spread the word about the most hilarious and totally out-of-control party game of all – Sculptapalooza – and the results are as straight-up hilarious as the game.

The first-ever party game for grown-ups from Educational Insights, Sculptapalooza is designed for four or more players, offers a squishy new twist on traditional party games, and challenges players to sculpt whatever’s shown on the cards they draw using squishy, squashy Playfoam® (included).  As players race against the clock to sculpt and guess in categories like Straight Up Sculpt, Put It on Your Face, Just Close Your Eyes, Playfoam Props, and Sculptor’s Choice, Sculptapalooza takes grown-up game night to the next level.

As part of the partnership, performers from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre hit the streets of New York City to play the game with unsuspecting men and women around town. Even notoriously tough New Yorkers couldn’t keep it together when the comedians challenged them to a round of Sculptapalooza. The webisode includes candid footage of unsuspecting, unscripted New Yorkers busting a gut to the over-the-top antics of the comedy crew.

My Thoughts

Okay so think Charades, but on a whole different scale. It is pretty much the same basic concept as Charades. You are making sculptures out of a foam that is included with the game. Which by the way, does not smell or leave a weird residue. Honestly the foam is pretty spectacular. I wouldn't recommend it for small small children, because it is a bunch of tiny foam beads that make up the sculpting foam. You are racing the clock to sculpt as many foam figures as possible and for your team to guess right. Think what you would sculpt for Harry Potter. Things like that. This game can make you pee your pants. There are different categories to the play. They are Straight Up Sculpt, Put It on Your Face, Just Close Your Eyes, Playfoam Props, and Sculptor’s Choice. I found Put It on Your Face and Just Close Your Eyes to be exceptionally difficult, but also equally comical.
The first time I played with my friends we lost track of the score and were just playing for fun. It got pretty comical. We just played until we got tired. This is a great first adult game from Educational Insights. They definitely got it right, right out of the gate. Even the directions were comical to read. And for the people that do play this game.... I so am that person with the directions. Definitely do not be afraid to make up your own clues, because I am not going to lie sometimes their's are hard. I just wish they had an option on their site to order more foam. Eventually dog hair or other things are going to get stuck in it. I would like to be able to order more. Definitely a wide array of ages can enjoy this game.

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Holiday Gift Guide: UE Megaboom

What is the UE Megaboom?
The UE Megaboom is a 360 degree speaker that boasts a loud and quality sound. Waterproof and light you can grab and go just about anywhere without worry. Both for Google Voice and Siri you only need to be within 100 ft of your speaker to access all your favorite music right from your phone! A 20 hour battery life and a fast micro USB charging, you don't have to be without your favorite music ever again!

Our Thoughts:
I was impressed with this speaker the moment I opened it! The hard case it came in offered unparalleled protection and I don't know that I would store the Megaboom without it. Sleek and round, the case offers storage for everything you need from the speaker itself to the charging adapters, and isn't bulky or cumbersome.

I was leery though, of the sound quality of the speaker, given that most of the wireless ones I've encountered in the past weren't all they said they were. I was never so wrong! We set this up outside and walked about 200 yards out and was able to still hear this little power house clearly. Even on the loudest setting, which is loud, the bass isn't distorted and there's not a single sound to make you think the speaker won't hold up to the test.

The app is super easy to use, and has multi-functions. You can add people for a block party (they can play their music as well), and the only thing they need is the app to connect, or connect two Megabooms together for an even more incredible sound experience. We have never had more fun as a family listening to music or our projection screen outside than we have since this has entered our lives.

I haven't been brave enough to drop it in the water, but I am sure it will stand up to the test! It has been dropped, and hasn't had a single issue. I am really happy with the quality and the sound this light weight speaker offers. At $299.99 you want your investment to work properly and for the long haul. I have no doubt that this is the one that will take you that far and then some! I am a life long fan now, and will definitely buy one to replace this one, IF it should ever need it.

If you're intersted in learning more about Logitech's Ultimate Ears Megaboom speaker follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube and visit their website Here to purchasing instructions and specs.

Animal Upon Animal Game Review

Award winning and best-selling game, HABA's Animal Upon Animal, is celebrating 10 years! Grab this commemorative edition tin of the game that has players race each other to be the first to place all of their wooden animals upon the animal pile. A roll of the die tells the players how many animals can be placed or whether they can add to the crocodile base. This game fosters hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. For Ages 4+. MSRP: $21.99. Available online at www.HABAusa.com

Our Thoughts

Animals Upon Animals is a great game for kids! My nine and six year old are like night and day with what keeps them occupied, but they both enjoy playing this game. It really requires some critical thinking and balance so it keeps them busy for a while because they don't want the pieces to fall over!

The box is compact and holds all the pieces perfectly. Each game piece is thick so it is hard to lose them and they don't break easily like cardboard pieces. The dice that comes with the game is made out of the same material as the animal pieces and it is also much bigger than a normal sized dice, which is great because it's hard to lose. I remember losing many game dice growing up and having to scrounge around in a different game box for one but you don't have to worry about that with Animal Upon Animal. 

I love the little animal pieces too because my son learns the animals and tries to imitate the sounds. So while this is a game that's multiplayer, my six year old can stay occupied with this, by herself, for over an hour easily. She loves toys that really get her attention and make her slow down and think hard how to stack them. It is great for kids with sensory issues in my opinion, a great gift for the Holidays!


Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!



Reviewed by Jackie

Laser Maze Toy Review

The Laser Maze is the perfect present to include in a “toys under $30” gift guide or as an educational present. This game is approved to increase STEM knowledge, which is beneficial to children on more levels then educational, the game will encourage them to use a good dose of brain power.

The Laser Maze is a beam-bending logic game that forces kids to utilize the mirrors and direct the laser beams through a series of mind challenging mazes. This one of a kind game allows kids to incorporate lasers, puzzles and hands on entertainment. 

Our Thoughts

My kids have spent hours playing this! Usually they hate it when I make them get off the electronics to play a good ole fashioned board game, but that is not the case when it comes to the Laser Maze. My youngest child especially loves this because it reminds her of a certain fairy movie where light reflected off of mirrors. This really makes both my children utilize some critical thinking to come up with their strategies.

The game box itself is good sized and easily fits everything back in the box for safe keeping. There's not a bunch of tiny items that are in danger of being lost with this either. The cards and game pieces are pretty big so I don't worry about them playing it with their little brother running around. The colors are pretty bold, which is important to me and my kids because we are big visual people. If something isn't visually appealing to us, we lose interest. 

The directions for the game aren't hard, I let my nine year old read and explain it to her younger sister and they did just fine. Their father and I like to play it too! The Laser Maze isn't the only cool game offered, there is something for everyone like this awesome science game, Gyrobot, below so take a look through all of them as these are perfect Holiday gifts for children and the whole family too!

Discovery Channel Store also has many other awesome items so check them all out!

Buy yours here !





Reviewed by Jackie

West Bend's Popcorn Maker Review

West Bend, the legacy kitchen electrics brand that has been delivering quality solutions for every corner of the kitchen since 1911, is at the forefront of the homemade popcorn trend. With countertop popcorn poppers for every price point and serving size, West Bend is the leading company bringing this superfood to home consumers without the fatty and chemical-laden additives of microwave popcorn brands.

No oil required! Pops up to 3.5 quarts of healthy and delicious popcorn.

Popcorn pops using hot air in 3 minutes for a super speedy snack.

Includes measuring cup that can portion single or family-size serving and doubles as a convenient butter melter.

Popper base is slim and can fit in any spot on your countertop, rec room, or studio.

Quick, clean, and easy. Popcorn on demand!

1400 watts

Our Thoughts

My husband and kids are obsessed with popcorn. We do big movie nights and it is never complete without popcorn for them so this was great to get. I am not a fan of microwave popcorn for multiple reasons. One being that microwaves aren't very healthy for reheating or cooking food. The second reason is that there are a ton of chemicals in microwave popcorn! Lastly, you can't trust the source of where your popcorn is coming from. We like to buy our own kernels to make sure it's as healthy as can be, salt it ourselves and butter it ourselves.

It came in a nice compact box, as you can see. A big bowl fits perfectly underneath the spout and only a little bit of kernels go a long way. The air that blows out IS hot so do not put your face near it or let you kids hover over it (like I am constantly reminding mine not to do!) so they don't get a facial burn. I love the little butter lid that goes on top. It fits perfectly and melts even the thicker butters. The brand I buy is not very spreadable and pretty hard because it's an organic grass-fed butter but the Air Crazy popcorn maker melts it just fine.

Super easy cleanup and it makes for nice, healthy popcorn in a pinch for our movie nights! For even bigger batches, it only takes a few minutes each time so you could make a ton if you had a party going on. Works well and I love it!

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest!




Reviewed by Jackie

YoLife Yogurt Maker Review

DIY ALERT! The YoLife™ Yogurt Maker by Tribest Corporation, the leading provider of healthy lifestyle kitchen equipment allows your kids to make their own yogurt— and guess what . . . it’s healthy!

The YoLife™ Yogurt Maker is an easy way to make fresh yogurt from the comfort of your own home. YoLife™ makes delicious, probiotic-rich yogurt in just 8-12 hours. Replenishing the good bacteria in your digestive tract, YoLife™ may help relieve common digestive symptoms.

Accompanied by convenient glass mason jars and larger containers, YoLife™ is perfect for individual and family-sized servings every day of the week.

Our Thoughts

The easiest and tastiest way to add in some health and good gut bacteria. Probiotic pills are all the rage, but eating it in a healthy treat is much more convenient and fun! Also, you know what you're putting in your food and you get to flavor it in any which way possible, completely customizable to your taste. You children can help too, it's so simple, making them feel great that they can help in the kitchen and my girls loved creating their own flavors. You can do it before or after, we prefer to add our flavor after as we always have a ton of fresh fruit on hand. My youngest prefers strawberries and my oldest loves to top hers with bananas.

To make the yogurt you just add this starter to a liter of milk (give or take some minor differences depending on what type of recipe you're making!) and turn on your yogurt maker. Voila! I did not think it was going to be that easy but it really is. A few more steps are added in if you want to add flavoring beforehand, but if you're like me, I do it afterwards with fresh fruit so this is literally all I have to do to make mine. It takes 8-12 hours and I like mine to cook the full 12 hours for my desired consistency.

 

The jars are perfect for up to two servings (for myself at least) so there's pleny for a weeks worth and then you just start up another batch. I like that I can transfer the jars directly to the fridge and store it there all week and just grab and go! They're very easy to wash as well before your next batch gets started. Also, the YoLife comes with an additional, taller lid, if you want to use your own glass jars to create an even bigger batch of yogurt.

The quickest, easiest, simplest way to make healthy, probiotic-rich yogurt from your own kitchen, tastefully designed by yours truly.

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter!

Reviewed by Jackie

Holiday Gift Guide - Loonacy Matching Card Game Review and Giveaway

 

Fast-paced, easy to learn and extremely fun to play, the objective of Loonacy is simple: Be the first to empty your hand of seven cards. That’s it! Each card features two images, and players must match one image on a card in-hand with another identical image on the topmost card of the discard pile. Loonacy does not require turn taking; rather, a fast eye and quick hand are needed to win. Loonacy features 100 cards with colorful art. For ages 8 & up - but younger kids pick it up quickly with adult guidance. Designed for 2-5 players - plays in about 5-10 minutes, on average. Loonacy is available at ThinkGeek.com and Amazon .

 A great family game for the upcoming holiday season, this is fun for kids and adults alike!

Our Thoughts

This is the cutest game ever. My favorite game growing up was matching cards and this is like that a little bit, but faster paced. There are so many images that you can match you have to really puzzle it all together in your head. I played this with my five and eight year old and it lasted at least twenty minutes long. Perfect for a "time out" during the busy day to reconnect as a family.

As pictured above, there are some samples of the different images you match, there are many more as well. My favorite part about playing this the first time with my daughters was we created names for each of the images, including "hippy couple" which gave us all a fun laugh. We ran out of cards the first time we played so we had to shuffle the discard piles. There eventually came a point where we all had so many cards and couldn't go that we laid them all out and I helped them and yet it was STILL fun.

The cards are small enough for little hands to use them without any problems and there are so many cards that if, by chance, you lose one, it won't affect the game.

Looney Labs has great games, their most popular being Fluxx!

 And to put a twist on it, Zombie Fluxx!

Buy yours here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter !

One lucky winner is going to receive Loonacy . To enter, just fill in the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end on 12/13/14. Open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this fantastic prize.

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Reviewed by Jackie

Tic Stac Toe - Holiday Gift Guide

Tic Stac Toe (a unique twist on Tic Tac Toe) — The world's favorite game of X's and O's goes extreme in this exciting version where 4 in a row on any level wins! Place one of your pieces on the game base or on top of any piece that's already been played. Stay alert for opportunities to get four-in-a-row. It can happen in ANY direction (vertically, horizontally or diagonally), and even across different levels. Features 66 high-quality 2" playing pieces. 

Tic Stac Toe takes your favorite and most basic childhood games and takes it to the next level! Every parent can appreciate the games of their childhood brought forth into a new light for family fun!

Our Thoughts

I remember the days as a child, before computers took over our lives, when I would sit for hours playing all the classic games. It seems we have to be pretty innovative today to keep kids entertained with our most basic games and Tic Stac Toe has accomplished this by taking it to a whole new level. There are so many ways to win in this game and you really have to use your brain. It is not just the three in a row, but it is like a puzzle too because you can win on different levels too!

The setup of the game is very simple. You have the board that the pieces click into and then all your colored X's and O's. It literally took less than one minute for me to explain this game to my five and eight year old and off they went and had a blast! They both really liked the different possibilities of winning and they both just kept going and seeing how many rows they could make. It is like a strategy game and it is great for keeping my kids entertained (and lets be honest, it was fun for me too!). This is a perfect game to surprise your kids with this holiday season!

Buy yours at a local retailer or here and don't forget to check them out on Facebook and Twitter !






Reviewed by Jackie