Brio: My First Take Along Set | Toy Review

Brio My First Take Along Set

Ages: 18 months +

• Practical, plastic take along storage case
• Includes My First Engine with bell wagon, train tracks and two patented ramps
• Additional curved tracks are built into the carrying case and are compatible with all BRIO railway sets and engines
• Size: 17.75" x 9.5" x 3"

My Thoughts

Our kids are crazy about trains. In fact when we are going on a trip they always want to take their trains with them. We wind up tossing them into the bottom of the backpack and hoping that they make it back to the house.

I was asked to review the Brio: My First Take Along Set and I am so pleased with it. In fact I'm wondering where it's been all my parenting life. The set comes with a couple of ramps and two train cars but it has room to add additional tracks and trains. It's so lightweight and compact that the two-year-old can easily carry it himself. 

We've been taking it everywhere and it's been a hit. Before we leave my little one grabs a couple of his favorite train cars and some tracks. We stow them away and then we're off. This has been a bonus going to grandma's house or when he has to accompany me to a meeting. He'll literally play quietly with this for hours. I highly recommend it to anyone with littles that love trains!

The Berenstain Bears Hugs and Kisses Sticker & Activity Book | Juvenile Fiction Review

The Berenstain Bears Hugs and Kisses

Sticker & Activity Book

Jan & Mike Berenstain

Juvenile Fiction (ages 4-8)

Looking for hours of fun, wholesome entertainment for your kids? Look no further! Celebrate Valentine's Day and every day with Papa, Mama, Brother, Sister, Honey Bear, and the rest of the Bear Country gang. Puzzles, activity pages, more than 50 reusable stickers, and a whole lot more provide the kind of creative and interactive fun your kids crave.

My Thoughts

Valentine's Day tends to be all about the candy! Don't get me wrong I enjoy candy as much as anyone but a kid on a sugar-high tends to come crashing down and it's rarely a pretty thing. With that in mind I try to send my grands something to balance out the candy. This year it's The Berenstain Bears Hugs and Kisses Sticker & Activity Book.

In my opinion you can't go wrong with the whole gang from Bear Country. They are so lovable and gently teach our kids important life lessons. This sticker and activity book does that with a little twist. It is filled with all kinds of activities like fill-in-the-blank, find an item, mazes, stories, pages to color, and stickers to stick. 

The nice thing is that it provides lots of quiet time activity that allows the kids to ponder the lessons and the mommas to have a couple of minutes of peace. (That scores me extra bonus points as the granny!) 

The age recommendation is 4-8 and that seems about right. I have two grands that are younger than that and one that is older but I am giving it to them all. I don't expect the two-year-olds to understand it but I know that they will enjoy coloring the pictures and sticking the stickers all over the place. The almost ten-year-old is getting one too because I think she'll still enjoy it and she'd feel left out if everyone else got a copy but her. If you're looking for a fun supplement to your Valentine's Day celebration I would recommend you consider this adorable resource.

Marvel I Can Do That! Hero Training Game | Game Review

Marvel I Can Do That!

Hero Taining Game

Ages: 4+

2 or more players

Being a super hero means facing challenges with a can-do attitude! In this game you will train to be a super hero by performing unexpected feats of skill! At any time you may be called upon to put your training to the test by battling the villainous Green Goblin! Have fun and discover all the new things you can do!

My Thoughts

The Marvel I Can Do That! game is the perfect antidote to bored children cooped up in the house too long! Getting the wiggles out and working on coordination skills are some of the benefits of this game. 

We had a lot of fun trying out all the different challenge combinations. There are three stacks of cards and you begin by flipping over the top one on each pile. The three piles give the player specific directions for their particular challenge. For instance the three cards may say, "Crab walk under the portal with Captain America's shield, under your chin!" 

This is one of those games that can just go on and on because you constantly shuffle the cards which gives you different combinations each time. When we played it with the little ones we just did the challenges. When the older kids were playing they kept score. Either way it was a fun way to spend an afternoon. 

Disney Frozen Where's Olaf? Game | Board Game Review

Disney Frozen Where's Olaf? Game

Ages:4+

2 or more players

A HIDE-AND-SEEK GAME

OF HOTTER AND COLDER CLUES!

Join your friends from Disney Frozen in a clever game of hide-and-seek! Players ask questions and use deduction to figure out where Olaf could be. Is he in a room with a tub? Is he in a room with a pillow? Each question gets a HOTTER or COLDER answer. When you get the chance to go look, see if you can find Olaf before the time runs out!

Playing is as easy as 1 . . . 2 . . . 3

1. One player hides Olaf somewhere in the house.
2. Ask questions and get clues about where he could be hiding.
3. Now hurry and find him!

My Thoughts

If you dread playing one more game of hide-and-seek with your kids then you need to get this game. I don't know if the developers intended this to be as hilarious as it was in our house but we (the adults) laughed ourselves silly.

Here's a bit of what we learned. If the 4-year-old is the one hiding Olaf an adult should witness where it is placed. Let's just say the concept of hotter and colder doesn't always make sense when applied by said 4-year-old. But the confusion can be absolutely hysterical.

I can't recommend this game highly enough. It is very kid-friendly and all adults as long as they are young-at-heart and willing to play along will enjoy it. We played it with kids, parents, and grandparents. On that note I should probably add that sneaky Poppy's should also be supervised when hiding Olaf!

Star Wars Eye Found It! Hidden Picture Game | Board Game Review

Star Wars Eye Found It!

Hidden Picture Game

2-4 Players

Ages: 6+

Blast off on a location-hopping adventure through the Star Wars galaxy, from Tatooine and the Death Star, to Jakku and more! Search the galaxy for over a thousand characters, starships, Droids, and artifacts in a quest to find R2-D2!

It's as easy to play as 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . .

1. Fly from planet to planet.
2. Search for hidden objects.
3. Find the most to win!

My Thoughts

If you are Star Wars nerds like our family you are going to love this game. We played it with three of us and the youngest was 8. With a thousand things to find this game is challenging yet easy to learn. We've now played it several times and I assumed that the fun would wear off . . . nope!

Even though the objects to be found stay in the same location the player that needs to find them changes. It really does become a memory game of trying to remember where you saw that particular object during the last round. The eight-year-old cackled gleefully when he knew where the object was but the adults didn't. 

I anticipate that this will be a game that we enjoy pulling out of the closet every few months to enjoy again and again. There are small pieces so I would be careful around little ones. It is definitely a fun game to enjoy with the kids.

Disney Pixar Finding Dory Bubble Science | Children's Game Review

Disney Pixar Finding Dory Bubble Science

Ages: 4-8 (with adult supervision)

Children's Science Experiments

Explore the world of science with seven bouncy experiments inspired by your favorite Disney Pixar Finding Dory characters! Follow the easy, step-by-step instructions to blow a bubble inside a bubble, create towering bubble sculptures, juggle a bubble and more!

My Thoughts

As a grandmother I perfer to get my grandkids gifts that expand their knowledge and imagination while still providing entertainment. Disney's Imagicademy products strike that balance so I have invested in several different products.

This time I chose Disney Pixar Finding Dory Bubble Science. It is designed for 4-8 year olds, but quite honestly we were all enamored with the different experiments. It was fun to gather around the table and try out the various activities listed in the guide book. We also enjoyed letting the kids experiment on their own. 

The whole thing was fun but I really appreciated how you can explain the experiment, let the child do the experiment, and then have them explain the results. It a much better way to help them retain what they are learning. Reading items in a book is great but getting to actually experience the activity is so much better.

I recommend this product to families that have younger children, especially those that homeschool. This would be a great indoor activity to fill those long indoor winter days.

Suspicion Board Game from Wonder Forge | Board Game Review

Suspicion
A Game of Secret Identity and Deduction

You’re invited to a masquerade party at the estate of art collector Baron Whitetooth. Little does he know, you’re a world-class jewel thief. And you are not alone. Keep your identity a secret as you maneuver through the mansion pocketing priceless gemstones. Observe the other guests and use deduction to unmask the other crooks before they catch you.

Ages: 10+
Players: 2 to 6

Promotes:
Deductive reasoning skills
Strategic thinking

My Thoughts
We enjoy family game nights at our house. Because of that we're always on the look-out for a fun new game to add to our collection. Recently we came across Suspicion. It's a game of deductive guesses that we thoroughly enjoyed.
The first time we played it there were just the two of us. The learning curve was relatively quick. We kept the directions out during the first play through and we were able to catch on fast. The next time we played we had six players. I will say that we enjoyed it with just the two of us but it really is a lot more fun with more players. The game lasts longer and it also increases the odds that you will be wrong. 
On a side note I should also add that Wonder Forge has added new rules for a two player game. You can download them on the Wonder Forge website. We played again with two players and it was much improved.
Once you catch on the game is relatively easy but it still requires you to use deductive skills. The game suggests that the players ages should be 10 and up. I think that's a pretty good estimate. We had a couple of younger players that paired with an adult and that worked really well.
I'd recommend this to families that like games that make you use a strategy rather than just rolling the dice and making a move. The more you play this game the more angles to success you'll find. 

Unique Father's Day Gift - Jord Wooden Watch {Review & Giveaway}

For thirty-plus years I have been celebrating Father's Day with my wonderful husband. Over the years I think the kids and I have purchased every imaginable tool or tie to mark the occasion. He's always been gracious and acted pleased. And if truth be told he probably was. He's an easy going husband and father and our lives are better for having him in them. 

But this year I wanted to do something a bit different. You see, we're empty nesters and I wanted a unique Father's Day gift that would reflect not only how special he is to me but what a sturdy, dependable father he's been to our kids.

When we received an offer to review a Jord Wooden Watch I knew I had found the perfect gift. I have an absolute weakness for anything handmade and this fit the bill exactly. The idea of a wooden watch encapsulates all that my husband is. Sturdy. Dependable. Unique. Classic. Not to mention that he has spent many years in the lumber business. A perfect fit if you ask me!

After looking through the rather extensive offerings (Jord makes watches for men, women, and unisex.) I decided on the Dover Ebony and Rosewood watch. My husband is a Harley Davidson fanatic and this particular watch style seems to fit that look. 

Here's where I should also insert that these pictures can't possibly capture the true beauty of the craftsmanship of this watch. The overall watch is stunning, but the little details make it heirloom quality. The Dover is a wind-up timepiece that you can see the moving parts through the glass on the front of the watch face and also the back. I can easily see this watch being passed down to one of our grandsons. 

Of course you realize that I had to give him the watch just a tad bit early so I could take these pictures and tell you about it. The look on his face when he opened the box was absolutely priceless. It was the perfect Father's Day gift for him. Imagine my delight when he said, "It kind of has that Harley Davidson look doesn't it?" 

Not exactly sure how I will every top this gift but I do know that I will be thrilled every time I look over and see the watch on his wrist. To me it represents more than a watch that shows time passing, it also reminds me that the time I have spent raising a family with this man has been worth every second. If anyone deserves this beautifully handcrafted watch he certainly does.

Wood Wrist Watch

Now how about a GIVEAWAY . . . JORD Watches has decided to award one winner, chosen at random by their computer, a $75 e-voucher. Not only that but everyone who enters (excluding the winner) will get a $20.00 e-gift card that can be applied to any watch on their website! The winning e-voucher will expire one month after the ending date. The ending date for this giveaway is 6/19.

So what are you waiting for? The entry is easy, just your first name and email. Go HERE to enter!

Inspiring Words - Inspirational Coloring Book from Zondervan {Giveaway}

Inspiring Words

30 Verses From The Bible You Can Color

Zondervan

INSPIRATION FOR EVERY AGE.

PERFECT FOR EVERY PEN.

Or marker, watercolor, or colored pencils.

Inside these pages, you'll find thirty unique and creative illustrations focusing on key verses from the Bible, each offering an opportunity to connect with Scripture while exploring your creativity. Throughout, NIV verses are paired with detailed line art, and each page is printed on high-quality, thick paper stock that won't bleed through.

Relax. Sit back. Meditate on God's Word. Then remove the completed page to display your work for even more daily inspiration.

My Thoughts

As an artist I have to say I am absolutely thrilled with the trend of meditating on Scripture through art. I particularly like the Inspiring Words inspirational coloring book because it allows you to not only express your creativity but also meditate and memorize Scripture.

There are thirty different verses. Some are well known and some are a bit more obscure, but all of them are worth pondering. The way the book is put together just begs for it to be taken apart. What I mean is that each of the prints are placed on only one side of the page leaving the back side blank. The pages are thick and do well with colored pencils, markers, watercolor, or my favorite, acrylic paint.

Each page is 8 1/2 x 11 inches so it is easy to frame. I used an 11 x 14 inch frame with an 8 x 10 mat and I love the way it looks. Now that I've tried it I plan on framing several more to place throughout the house. I love finding new ways to place Scripture in plain sight. For me it is an easy way to help me commit it to memory.

If you have a desire to experience the new Bible Art Journaling trend give this a shot. You don't have to have amazing talent. If you can color in the lines you can do this. It's such a peaceful and relaxing way to spend some quality time meditating on the Word.

Now . . . how about a GIVEAWAY?!! We loved the Inspiring Words Inspirational Coloring Book so much that we wanted to make a way for one of our readers to get their own copy. To do that we have partnered with Zondervan to give one of our readers a copy of the book.

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Thursday, May 26, 2016. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Giveaway Tools form below. All entries are optional.

Entry-Form

Explore The Amazing World Of Microscopics

One of my beloved grand girls is just crazy about all things science. She just can't get enough of the stuff. She constantly wants to know how things work and grow. I was so thrilled when the Science X Smartscope arrived so we could explore the amazing world of microscopics together.

The Science X Smartscope is designed to be used with any smartphone or tablet. It uses the camera function so no other app is required! I have to say that I was thrilled by that because I need another app on my phone like I need another hole in my head.

The Smartscope comes disassembled but we managed to put it together in no time at all. The only extras that it needed were 3 AAA batteries.

Getting started is as easy as collecting microscopic samples. Things like water drops from different sources, bugs, leaves, flowers, etc. I must give a shout out to Ravensburger for including the following note on the box: Only use creatures that are already dead when found.

Yes! Yes! Yes! I may have said, "Sorry baby we can't use that creepy crawly thing because it's not dead. It says so right here." Dead bugs I can handle live crawling ones . . . not so much!

After you collect your microscopics and put them on slides you're ready to turn on the camera app on your smartphone or tablet. We thought that it was easy to line up the camera lens. With a few adjustments we were able to maneuver things pretty easily. One of the nice additions is the light source. This really helps with things like water or other items that have very small objects.

Not only was my grand girl impressed but I was too. I thought this would be fun but I wasn't expecting it to be as detailed and able to capture such tiny aspects of the subject. (The Smartscope is plastic after all.) The only draw back was in the way my phone works. We had to remember to touch the screen every little bit so it wouldn't go black.

I know this is probably a foregone conclusion but since you are using your phone's camera you can actually take pictures of your microscopics. Ours turned out amazing. We were all completely in awe of how detailed the different specimens were. According to some of the other things we have read we can also send these images to our big screen TV via our Google Chromecast. (Other ways are available too, that's just what we already have.)

If you've got a curious kiddo in your house the Science X Smartscope is a great investment. It's lightweight and has a travel pouch so you can take it along with you as you go out exploring nature. We plan on taking it to our local Nature Center soon. 

New Wooden Toys For Easter from BRIO

Easter is upon us and with it the need to put together those lovely Easter baskets. I love a good chocolate Easter bunny but I also like a balance when it comes to too many sweets. So the decision is to limit the Easter basket chocolates or the Easter brunch desserts. I vote for limiting the chocolates!

In order to make up for the deficit we try to put a cool new toy in each of the baskets. This year we've chosen some new wooden toys from Brio.

This year our baby is one and he's walking. We found this cute Brio Pull Along Horse that will be perfect for him as he practices his newly acquired skill. The little horse makes him squeal with laughter as it bobs and rolls along behind him. My favorite part is that it doesn't have batteries!

For our middle boy we found this Brio Countryside Horse Set. What I appreciate about Brio train sets is not only are they durable but they are detailed and very interactive. The boys love all the little doors and lights and whistles that are included with this set. 

Here's a cute little video that will show you all the fun accessories that are included with this set. Just a heads up, this set takes 2 AA batteries.

Our oldest son already has several Brio train sets and accessories so we decided to get him the Brio RC Travel Train. The remote control lets the little engineer make the train go forward with two different speeds. It also will travel in reverse and has buttons for lights and a whistle. The best part of this is that it has two different channels so we can always add another remote control train so both of our big boys can play together. The only drawback is that this set takes 4 AA batteries but it's totally worth it when you watch your little ones playing and using their imagination!

I can't say enough good things about the Brio train sets and accessories. They are well made and last for years and years. 

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