Enjoy a family game night with Clack!, Cake Off, Connect the Thoughts and Fruit Punch

Amigo Games has kindly provided me with these games in exchange for an honest review.

  
This game is called Clack!  It consists of 35 magnetic discs, 1 color die, 1 shape die and illustrated instructions.  The name comes from the sound the discs make when they are stacked.  This is a 2-6 player game and is suitable for ages 5+.  One die has pictures of shapes on it and the other has colors.  To play, you roll the dice to get a color and a shape to search for on the discs.  Then race to grab all of the discs that have that combination of color and shape and stack them up one on top of the other.  In order to win, you must have the highest stack.  Kids love stacking the discs and hearing the Clack!  Clack! retails for $17.99 and you can purchase it HERE

Next we have Fruit Punch.  It has 56 Linen-finish Cards, 1 full sized Banana Squeaker and Illustrated Instructions.  It is a 2-6 player game and is suitable for ages 5+.  The rules of this game are very simple and very easy to learn.  The players flip their card over until someone spots five of the same fruit on the upturned cards.  Then they race to be the first to hit the banana sqeaker so they can collect the cards to win.  My kids really liked this game.  They especially liked racing to hit the banana squeaker.  Fruit Punch retails for $9.99 and you can purchase it HERE

Next we have Cake Off.  It includes 30 linen-finish cards, 4 Washable Stampers, 1 Cake Plate and illustrated instructions.  It is a 3-6 Player game and is suitable for ages 5+. To play, each player chooses a card from their hand and passes it to the next player.  Repeat.  You are trying to get cards that match, giving you 5 of a kind.  When you get 5 of a kind, you get a washable stamp on the back of your hand.  This is a very simple game.  I think children even younger than 5 could easily play it.  Cake Off retails for $12.99 and you can purchase it HERE .

Finally we have Connect The Thoughts.  It includes 80 linen finish cards, 1 bell and illustrated instructions.  There are no "turns" in this game...everyone plays at once.  Players flip over cards searching for matches.  Once they have a line of 5 cards with matches, they ring the bell to win the round.  An alternative way to play is to search for connections instead of matches.  For example, one card has a dog on it and another has a donkey.  These match because they form a connection (they are both animals).  Connect The Thoughts retails for $12.99 and you can purchase it HERE

Amigo Games has given us a copy of Cake Off and Connect The Thoughts to give away to one of our lucky readers.  Stay tuned for the giveaway!  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go Fun Face Makes The Coolest Masks!

Go Fun Face has provided me with these masks in exchange for an honest review.

These masks are the coolest things ever!  They are very comfortable to wear because they are made of durable, washable foam rubber.  So there are no hard edges to dig into your head or face.  And they are not heavy at all, so you can wear them comfortably for hours.  They are available in a variety of animals and colors.  They would be perfect to wear for Halloween parties, festivals, concerts, sports fans, cosplay, Team Mascots, or just to play around.  My children loved wearing the masks and pretending to be the different animals.  The masks are available in the form of a wolf (available in four color choices), panda, bear (available in two color choices), monkey (available in two color choices), lion (available in five color choices), dog, tiger (available in three color choices), shark (available in two color choices), pig, horse (available in two color choices), falcon and dragon (available in four color choices).  

These masks are so unique.  I have never seen any others like them.  I know it's a little early, but I plan to build Halloween costumes around the ones that I received.  You will definitely stand out at any party or event if you wear one of these.  Everyone will want to know where you got them!  The masks are top quality in both appearance and workmanship.  They retail for $22 each and you can purchase them from the Go Fun Face site HERE .

 

Jabuka, the Twisting Alphabet Game

Jabuka is a word game that looks like a sack full of coffee beans (the shape was actually inspired by an actual coffee bean).  This is because it comes with letter tiles that are shaped like coffee beans and stored in a little burlap sack.  Recommended for ages 8 and up, you need 2-8 players for this game.  Some of the letters can change if you turn the "bean".  For example, flip a "W" over and it becomes an "M".  Turn it sideways and it becomes an "E".  The cool thing is it's totally organic with no game board and no word grid.  The special morphing letter beans can twist and turn to change the letters and create new words!  The person who uses the most "beans" and shouts "JABUKA!" is the winner. The great thing about this game is that you can steal you opponent's words by building them up further or even changing them around and adding to them.  This is perfect size to carry with you for camping trips or family getaways.  A word of warning though, it is addictive!  You'll find your self caught up in the excitement; stealing words from the other players , laughing and having a blast.  Even my 5 year old is able to play a simplified version of this game.  Too often these days children spend their time on the computer, phone or tablet.  It's nice to have a game for family game night that requires no computer interaction at all.  We need more games like this so children can learn to be less dependent on technology.  Jabuka retails for $20.00 and can be purchased from their site at  www.jabukagames.com   or you can purchase it HERE .  

Metallic Olive Pen from the Loom Collection by Graf von Faber-Castell

Graf von Faber-Castell provided me with this ink pen to review.

I absolutely love this ballpoint ink pen from Graf von Faber - Castell.  The top is a metallic olive color with a silver clip and the bottom is silver as well. It is from their Loom collection.  It has a slightly curved form and the rings around the bottom part provides a nice gripping area.  There are seven rings around the barrel to provide an ample grip.  It feels very comfortable in my hand when I write with it.  It has a chrome plated polished metal grip, with embossed grooves for comfortable writing posture.  The clip is spring loaded and is made of the same chrome plated polished metal as the grip.  To bring the writing tip out, you just twist the barrel.  It writes in black ink and is fitted with a large capacity black refill.  This means that it will last longer before needing to be changed, which is always a plus if you write as much as I do.  It comes in an elegant gift box that is perfect for gift giving.  It writes very smooth.  It seems to glide across the paper with no noticeable skipping.  It has written smoothly on every type of paper I have tried it on so far.  Often times ink pens will have trouble writing on glossy paper, but not this one.  It hasn't failed me yet.  The only problem that I have encountered with this pen is that my daughter keeps stealing it from me.  She loves it as much as I do.  Graf von Faber - Castell has a wide selection of fine writing pens available on their site.  You can choose between ballpoint pens, rollerball pens and fountain pens.  They have several color combinations available as well.  Just browse their site to view their selection.  The ink pen I received retails for $45 and you can purchase it HERE .

Is it a plushie, or a hoodie? It's both! It's Cubcoats!

Cubcoats has provided me with this product for review.

Cubcoats is a plush character that transforms from a pillow type plushie into a hoodie.  There are many styles available.  A few of the animals are panda, fox and tiger.  They also have characters such as Minions, Mickey Mouse and Chewbacca.  There are many more, the one I received is Spiderman.  My son loves Spiderman.  He loved this when I gave it to him and he thought it was just a plushie.  But then when he found out that it would transform into a hoodie, the look on his face was priceless.  He was so excited!  They are soft and warm.  Transforming it into a hoodie is a simple process.  These images are taken from their website to show you how to transform it.

To transform into a hoodie, you flip it over and unzip the back.  Then you pull the hoodie out and unroll it.  Tuck the character away inside the hood and it's ready to wear.  My son looks so adorable in this and loves it so much that I just might have to buy some more of them for him.  In addition to the ones I mentioned above, they have the following:    the animals are kitty, puppy and bear.  The characters are Black Panther, Poppy The Troll, Minnie Mouse and Darth Vader.  These would be great as an outdoor costume for Halloween as well.  They would be able to stay warm without detracting from their costume.  They are so cute that I wish they had hem in my size!  But unfortunately they do not come in adult sizes.  They come in children's sizes ranging from 2-8.  The retail price for the animal styles is $45 and for the characters it is $50.  You can purchase them HERE .    

Looking for a new game for family game night? Try Bananagrams!

Bananagrams provided me with these games to review. 

First we have Bananagrams The Classic Family Anagrams Game.  It is perfect for ages 7 and up and can be played with 1-8 players per game.  The object of the game is to build an individual word grid using up all of your letter tiles.  The first person who uses all of their tiles is the winner.  The game consists of 144 letter tiles that can be stored in a washable yellow banana shaped pouch. To begin the game, you place the tiles face down on the table (this is called the "BUNCH") and each player chooses a predetermined amount of tiles according to how many players there are.  You then take your tiles and begin forming a word grid trying to use as many tiles as you can.  The game continues with players drawing tiles and trading in tiles they can't find a use for until the bunch contains fewer tiles than the number of players.  Then the first player to use all their tiles is the winner IF they did not make any mistakes in their word grid.  If a mistake is found, then that person is out of the game, their tiles are returned to the bunch and play resumes for the remaining players.  This game is lots of fun and was a big hit with my family.  This game retails for $14.99 and can be purchased HERE .

 My First Bananagrams is a modified version of Bananagrams for younger players.  It is suitable for ages 4 and up and is for 1-4 players.  This game consists of 80 single letter tiles and 13 letter combination tiles that come in a green banana shaped pouch.  The rules for this game is a simplified version of the rules for the regular Bananagrams, making it easier for younger children to play.  These letter combination tiles are the first step in word creation as the children learn to group them together.  It also has multiple mini games that together forms a step by step progression of play towards learning to play a full game of Banangrams.  My First Bananagrams retails for $14.99 and can be purchased HERE .

Have a Family Karaoke Night!

Whether you are a talented singer, or you would just like to be, singing karaoke is so much fun!  The Singing Machine has provided me with these products in exchange for an honest review.

 

This is The Singing Machine Groove Cube.  The really cool thing about this is that it has over 40 multi colored lights on the front, sides and handle that synchronizes to the music, so it's really great for parties.  It's small enough to take along with you and is battery operated (uses 8 "C" batteries, not included), as well as electric.  It comes with one microphone, RCA cables, AC adapter and a code for 5 bonus song downloads.  Plays CDs and CD+Gs or streams audio from any Bluetooth compatible device.  You can hook it up to your TV to view scrolling lyrics on your TV screen.  Record yourself, share and playback using the integrated USB port.  Has a secure cradle to hold your tablet or other mobile device.  It has an echo control to enhance your vocals.  This is such a fun little machine.  It really is all you need for a family karaoke night!  The Groove Cube retails for $69.99 and can be purchased HERE .

 

This microphone is the perfect choice if you need a second one for duets, or if you need to replace a damaged one.  Just plug it into your karaoke machine and you're good to go.  It is lightweight and easy to hold in your hand.  It retails for $9.99 and can be purchased HERE .

This cute little guy is called the Singing Machine Kids Mic Guy Bluetooth Speaker.  This is perfect for kids to take along with them as they are on the go.  It is a speaker and a microphone in one.  It has a rechargeable Li-ion battery that will last for 4 hours per charge.  Kids love the glowing light and the big eyes.  You can adjust the microphone volume and it has echo controls to customize your sound.  It has a small grip that is perfect for little hands to hold on to.  With the Mic Guy, smaller kids can have their own little karaoke party anywhere and any time they choose.  The Mic Guy retails for $19.99 and you can purchase it HERE .  

This is another 2 in 1 microphone and Bluetooth speaker.  It is really very similar to the Mic Guy, but this one is more suitable for older kids and teens.  It has volume and echo controls and lights that sync as you sing.  It has a line in jack to connect to your audio device.  It operates via an included Li-ion rechargeable battery that will hold the charge approximately 4 hours.  It is very lightweight and is easy to hold in your hand.  It retails for $24.99 and can be purchased HERE .

Check out these Inflatable Water Toys from Swimline!

Summer will be here before you know it, so why not start thinking of some cool water toys to use when you go swimming?  Swimline has a wide range of awesome products and they have provided me with a few of them to review.

First we have the Double Action Air Pump.  If you're going to have inflatable water toys, then a pump is a must.  And this is a really good one.  It comes with an assortment of nozzles.  Swimline has several styles of air pumps and you can browse their site and search for one that suits you.  

Next we have the 60" Fireboat Inflatable Ride On Water Squirter.  This vinyl boat is red, with white columns.  It has "Fire Rescue" and "Harbor Patrol" printed on it.  This boat is big enough for two small children and is recommended for ages 4 and up.  The cool thing about this is that it has a squirt gun which pulls the water directly from the pool or lake, so no more running out of water and  needing to refill in the middle of a battle.  Kids can pretend to be the Harbor Patrol Fire/Rescue Unit, putting out imaginary fires and rescuing their friends from boredom. The Fireboat retails for $52.99, but right now you can get it for $24.99 HERE .

Next we have the Power Blaster Dual Squirter Set.  You get two 42" vinyl tubes, one blue and one red/orange.  Each one is equipped with a squirt gun that you will never need to refill because it pulls the water directly from the pool or lake that you are swimming in.  They are very easy to inflate and deflate with simple stem valves. Kids will have a blast floating around and waging a water war with each other.  This retails for $37.50, but right now it is $19.95 HERE .

Next we have the Battle Board Squirter Set.  You get two boards, one blue and one green.  Each has a weight capacity of 175 lbs.  Each board comes with not one, but TWO built in squirt guns!  Like the Power Blaster and Fireboat, the squirt guns pull the water directly from the pool or lake.  You can get into some serious water battles and epic fun with these!  The Battle Board set retails for $49.94 and you can purchase it HERE .

Last, but definitely not least, we have the Water Wheel.  Kids love this thing!  It's red and yellow and measures 43" long, 40" wide and 40" high.  It is suitable for kids age 9 and up.  They can get inside it and crawl around on top of the water.  They are sure to have hours of fun with this.  The Water Wheel retails for $53.99 and you can purchase it HERE .   

Swimline is kindly providing us with a Water Wheel to give away to one of our lucky readers.  So make sure you get your entries in once the giveaway is posted!    

The Splash Attack Action Net is a blast!

Duncan Toys has provided me with the Splash Attack Action Net in exchange for an honest review.

The Splash Attack Action Net is an inflatable floating net for use in a swimming pool (or any body of water where you swim).  It retails for $17.99 and can be purchased HERE .

Each Splash Attack Action Net comes with a Splash Attack Water Skipping Ball and an instruction sheet for various game play options.  The net is brightly colored in red, white and blue, so it is easily visible on the water's surface.   Anyone can play this game, regardless of age.  It's fun for all!  You just inflate the net, place it in the water and let the fun begin! 

Follow the included instructions or make up your own game as you go.  You can use one net or several nets for larger groups of people.  The more the merrier!  Play solo and practice trick shots to hone your throwing skills.  Then show them off to your family and friends.  Divide a large group of people up into teams and compete to win, or play one on one.

If you don't want to let your net float freely in the water as you play, there is an optional weighted cord and weight that you can purchase separately which will prevent that.  But I thought that chasing the net around the pool was part of the fun.  It made it more of a challenge because it moved every time it was hit by a wave caused by us jumping, diving and just generally battling for the ball. And it's fun to watch the ball skip across the water as you try to hit the net. 

This game is a blast filled with lots of jumps, throws, tackles and splashes!  My family enjoyed it immensely.

Adorable Plush Animals from Elly Lu

Elly Lu has provided me with these adorable plush animals in exchange for an honest review.  They are available in two sizes; 15" standard size, which retails for $29 each, and 8" minis, which retails for $18 each.  They also have books with each plush animal as a character.  These books teach emotional awareness and STEM to children age 3 and up, and are available for $10 each.  Each toy comes with a hang-tag booklet that contains information about the product and character. Find the three plushies I received, as well as many other products, for sale in stores or online HERE

First we have Cupcake the Unicorn.  She is white with pink hooves, a golden horn and mint colored mane and tail.  She is filled with natural corn fiber and the colors are made with non-toxic dyes. She has such a sweet face, any child would love her.

Next we have Rainbow the Unicorn.  She is pink with light blue hooves, a golden horn and a rainbow mane and tail.  She is made from organically grown cotton fabrics and is filled with polyfill made from recycled water bottles.  The colors are made with non-toxic dyes and are OCS certified.  Rainbow has been awarded the Mom's Choice Award for Honoring Excellence.

Interesting facts about Unicorns:  Unicorns are well known for their gentleness, goodness and healing abilities.  One of the earliest records of a Unicorn was found in an ancient Greek text that described a one-horned horse-like animal that was spotted in India.  How cool is that?

Last, but not least, we have Tug the Tiger.  He has an orange body with black stripes, detailed paws and a big, happy smile on his face. He is made with organic cotton fabrics and filled with a polyfill made from recycled water bottles. The colors are made with non-toxic dyes and are OCS certified.

Interesting fact about tigers: Every tiger in the world is unique. No two tigers have the same pattern of stripes!

Elly Lu is  a team of parents and credentialed teachers who designed the toys to encourage learning through play time. They also donate a portion of their income to charities that benefit children and protect wildlife. 

Ringo, the cute little portable ring cleaner

Contender Brands have provided me with these games in exchange for an honest review.

Ringo is a small portable ring cleaner.  It is a small container with liquid jewelry cleaner inside.  You place your ring in the ring holder in the lid, then screw the lid back on.  As you turn the lid, the ring is scrubbed by small brushes in the bottom of the container.  Remove the lid again and you have a sparkling clean ring.  

Ringo is small enough to fit in your purse or in the glove box in your car.  Clean your rings any time, anywhere.  It comes in your choice of pink or blue.

Ringo retails for $19.95 each and can be purchased HERE or from Amazon HERE .  Ringo would be perfect for Easter Baskets, Bridal Showers or Bridesmaid gifts.

Exciting Get-To-Know-You Games: KIC-Start and Whine Barrel

Contender Brands have provided me with these games in exchange for an honest review.

Kic-Start is a kid friendly, "get to know you" game for children.  It is suggested for  2 or more players ages 5-17.  It teaches kids the art of conversational curiosity.  The first player draws a card, reads the question and answers it honestly.  Then they ask each of the other players to answer the same question.  Once each player has answered, the player to the right draws the next card and a new round begins.  Each card features a question that is suitable for the young players.  There is nothing risque or inappropriate.  This is a fun game and is good practice for the kids on how to have a conversation. 

Kic-Start retails for $19.95 and can be purchased HERE or from Amazon HERE .  It would be perfect for Easter Baskets.

Whine Barrel is the adult version of the "get to know you" game.  It is suggested for 2 or more players and has questions more suitable for adults.  Nothing risque, just questions geared more towards adults.  This is played the same way as Kic-Start, with the first player drawing a card and answering the question that is on it.  Then they ask each of the other players to answer the same question.  Once each player has answered, the player on the right draws the next card to begin a new round.  If you like good conversation, you will love this game.

Whine Barrel retails for $19.95 and can be purchased HERE or from Amazon HERE .  It would be perfect to give as a hostess gift or to play during family get togethers.