WIN “Zeus the Mighty” Prize Pack from National Geographic Kids Books #HolidayGiftGuide

December 6, 2019 by 46 Comments
Looking for a great gift for the kids this holiday season? Check out Zeus the Mighty: The Quest for the Golden Fleasby Crispin Boyer (ages 8-12, hardcover,  $12.99) This book introduces readers to the Mount Olympus Pet Center in Athens … Georgia, where Zeus the Mighty (an adorable hamster) rules over a crew of cute critters, all named after (and believing themselves to be) Greek gods and goddesses. By day, Zeus — a tiny, overconfident hamster with a mighty appetite for power — and his gaggle of gods run on their exercise wheels and take catnaps. But at night these fearless furry friends bravely take on legendary mythological quests! In the series’ first thrilling adventure, Zeus the Mighty has one giant task in front of him: to find the “golden fleas” so he can solidify his position as “king of the gods.”
 
Get ready to laugh, cheer, and learn with this adorable and quirky cast of characters in their unforgettable first adventure — a reimagining of the tale of the Golden Fleece. Click here to view the fantastic book trailer. 
national geographic books
 “A center for rescued pets becomes the stage for adventures of literally mythical import in this series opener … lots of comical byplay … A treat for proto–Percy Jackson fans.” – Kirkus
And some more Zeus fun:
* Meet the characters, play games, read an excerpt, and learn more about Greek artifacts at ZeusTheMighty.com.
* Also, check out the podcast Greeking Out available here: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/books/zeus-the-mighty/podcast/episodes/.
You can also follow them on social media-
* National Geographic Kids Books twitter – @NGKidsBks
* National Geographic Kids Facebook – @nationalgeographickids
* National Geographic Kids website: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/
* Please use the following hashtag: #zeusthemighty
* Zeus the Mighty Booktrailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajY_qbF2fEo
One of you can win this adorable prize pack. You can buy at the link above, and you are welcome to enter to win by using the RC form below. Good luck! Ends Dec. 24, 2019.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: gifts, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: , , ,

Best of Pokemon For Your Collector #HolidayGiftGuide

December 6, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Looking for some great new toys for your Pokemon fans? Check out these fun options.

POKEMON TAG TEAM MINI TINS

Two Pokémon can be stronger when they join forces, as you’re bound to learn after getting your hands on these new TAG TEAM cards. A TAG TEAM can be stronger than a Pokémon battling solo. Choose from three strong duos—Pikachu & Zekrom-GX, Eevee & Snorlax-GX, or Celebi & Venusaur-GX—in the Pokémon Trading Card Game: TAG TEAM Tin. Each of these fantastic tins contains an amazing pair of Pokémon who work together perfectly as a team—with a GX attack that can leave opponents in the dust. Each tin comes with;

    • 1 of 3 foil TAG TEAM Pokémon-GX with special art: Pikachu & Zekrom-GX, Eevee & Snorlax-GX, or Celebi & Venusaur-GX
    • 4 Pokémon TCG booster packs
    • 1 metal TAG TEAM GX marker
    • A code card to unlock a playable deck in the Pokémon Trading Card Game Online

My Partner Pikachu

Engage with Pikachu like never before. My Partner Pikachu features 3 touch sensors that let you and Pikachu communicate in a new and fun way. Watch Pikachu’s arms and ears move, his cheeks and tail light up or hear one of his iconic Pikachu expressions or sound effects. 2 modes of play create over 100 interactions along with 20 sounds and expressions for you to experience. Gotta Catch ‘Em All!™SRP: $19.99, for ages 4+

Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games are among the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch games of all time. Additionally, the games sold just over 2 million copies in the first two days in the U.S., making it the highest-grossing launch of any Pokémon game.

In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, players embark on a journey through the Galar region, where they’ll catch, battle and trade a variety of Pokémon, meet a memorable cast of characters and unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. (Photo: Business Wire)

“This past weekend, millions of people began their Pokémon journeys through the new Galar region,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “With such a momentous launch, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield have proven to be two of the must-have games this holiday season.”

Games in the core Pokémon RPG series have sold more than 240 million units worldwide since launching with the Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version games in 1996.

In Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, players embark on a journey through the Galar region, where they’ll catch, battle and trade a variety of Pokémon, meet a memorable cast of characters and unravel the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. In the Wild Area, which stretches between the Galar region’s different towns and cities, players will explore a vast expanse of untamed wilderness that’s full of Pokémon to battle and catch. By teaming up with three other players locally or online in the new multiplayer co-op Max Raid Battles, players will face off against gigantic and super-strong Pokémon known as Dynamax Pokémon.

For more information about Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, visit https://swordshield.pokemon.com/en-us/.

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Great Gift Ideas For The Kids #GiftGuide

December 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Looking for a great toy for the kids that won’t break the bank? We are HUGE fans of Stikbot over here, and have been from the start. They are great for imaginative play, as well as getting kids to get off their gaming consoles now and then. This does require tech, but the use of their minds and imaginations as well as learning a new skill set means it’s not just another useless, mindless, brain numbing app or game- it’s actually pretty cool and gives them something positive to be doing. Not to mention? Kids love, love these.

KlikBots is a line of collectible action figures that kids can use to create their very own stop-motion videos. With their interchangeable pieces, articulating limbs, and action accessories, KlikBots are ready to travel the universe and go on any adventure you can imagine.

KlikBot comes with a free app, Stikbot Studio, that allows users to create and edit stop-motion movies with their characters.

You can get them in single packs as well as “studio packs” which gets you the Klikbot, tripod, and extra bits and pieces.

The Stikbot Studio gets you 1 Stikbot, 1 Stikbot pet and 1 tripod.

There is also a Zanimation Studio, or Studio Pro Stickbot options which comes with 2 Stikbots, 1 Stikbot pet, 1 tripod, 2 prop boxes (blue and green), and 1 green/blue screen stage. Everything your kiddo will need to make stop motion movies like the pros do.

Also available are dinosaurs, pets, safari animals, monsters and mega monsters, and so much more. There are so many “bots” and playsets, your child(ren) won’t get bored. Best part? They are not expensive. You can get them for as little as $4 in just about any store that sells toys. Prices vary depending on what you are buying, but the single packs are a super affordable gift, stocking stuffer, or bribe to get good grades. Not that anyone would ever do that….

Check out the line here, and see what strikes your fancy. Happy holiday shopping!

Filed Under: gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, kids, review, toys Tagged With: , ,

Looking for CBD and Hemp Tinctures and Products? #GiftGuide #MadeInTheUSA

December 5, 2019 by 1 Comment

cbd cream

Let me introduce Extract Labs out of Boulder, CO. They make an amazing selection of exceptionally pure Hemp Tinctures that are the highest quality, but offered at the lowest price points possible since the company keeps every step of production in-house. Yes, they are made here in the USA. 

 

Extract Labs was founded by a former combat veteran turned CO2 extraction expert, Craig Henderson. The Hemp Tinctures are made of oil that has been CO2-extracted from industrial hemp plants grown only in Colorado. It’s rich in CBD and uses a base of fractionated coconut oil – the purest form of coconut oil. Consumer testimonials indicate the tinctures are used to support wellness in a number of ways, including relieving symptoms of anxiety, depression, insomnia, inflammation, epilepsy, chronic pain, PTSD, etc.  It is available in different sizes and dosages. There are even options for your 4 legged friends! 
 
They also make the most AMAZING Extra Strength Muscle Cream, Face Cream, Softgels and Lip Balm.  
They feel as good as they look.
I also recently checked out a new CBD line called Green Grove CBD – a Kansas City based broad spectrum line (meaning no THC). Made here in the USA, they have a really cool initiative where for every product purchase, a tree is planted. The line offers amazing CBD energy packets that go into water, Bath Bombs, CBD Candles, Soft Gels, Vitamin CBD packets for water (that give you energy) and more. Also fantastic  sleep CBD Tinctures with Melatonin. Again, there are options for your pets as well. 
If you are looking for great healthcare products your friends and family will love, look no further. Happy Holidays 🙂
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7th Heaven’s cruelty-free, vegan and EASY peel-off masks #GiftGuide #Skincare

December 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

7th Heaven’s cruelty-free, vegan and EASY peel-off masks. Available in several ‘flavors,’ such as Coconut & Clay, Tea Tree and Dead Sea, these de-stressing masks use luxurious natural ingredients to reveal glowing, fresher, cleaner skin.

skin care

The “Dead Sea” Mask… I wish I had made a video of. It was interesting peeling off, and unlike some masks, actually did peel. It was clear, and very sticky going on. I got some in my eyebrows, which panicked me, but I had no trouble getting it off without taking off any hair. It got super tight as it dried, and looked like I was  taking off swaths of sunburnt skin as I peeled it off.

So. It peels off, and didn’t rip any hair. Great, yeah? Maybe. It didn’t take off any blackheads, either, as many peel masks will do. I didn’t notice much in the mask itself after it was off, and since it was translucent, I would think it would be easy to see anything that was pulled away, “ick” wise.

My skin, however, was super soft and felt fantastic, so there was that. It dried clear and shiny- below is how it looked just before I pulled it off.

dead sea skin care

Each mask comes in a generous single-serve sachet and retails for $1.99 . Perfect for stocking stuffers.

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Stocking Stuffers that Give Back

December 5, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Looking for a holiday gift that gives back? These are a great alternative to the usual stocking stuffer and also gives back to the planet: a tree planted by Tree-Nation (300 varieties to choose from) to help reforest the Earth and reduce CO2 emissions, all in one present.

The Earth loses about 36 football fields worth of forest each minute and during the holiday season, the U.S. alone sells 2.65 billion cards and spends $12.7 billion on wrapping paper, so this is the perfect time to give back. Gifting a tree with Tree-Nation can cost consumers as little as a dime and supports climate change and reforestation projects across the globe—here in the U.S., Brazil, India and many more. Recipients will receive access to the platform where they can track their tree growth and check in on the CO2 emissions they are offsetting all via their personalized “forest” page.

Cool idea, yeah? Check it out. Happy holidays 🙂

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, environment, gifts, Holiday Gift Guide, holidays

CHUPS Socks For Cozy Holiday Giving

November 19, 2019 by 3 Comments

Wrap Your Feet in Warmth and Luxury with the Ultimate in Sock Craftsmanship. Whether they’ve walked miles of hiking trails or toured for hours over cobblestone streets, show your feet some love after all their summer adventures with the limited edition socks from CHUP Socks.
Keep your toes cozy this fall and winter with CHUPS Socks! Sold online and also in stores like J.Crew, these uni-sex, craftsmanship socks sell out FAST!

Only two new collections of these gorgeous socks are released each year, showcasing a commitment to quality and a keen eye for design that has given them a cult following and a reputation for selling out fast in stores like J. Crew.

winter socks

What’s not to love?
Original designs are inspired by the patterns of indigenous tribes from around the world

  • Crafted with vibrantly colored yarn
  • Uber soft and hypo-allergenic
  • Quick drying, odor-resistant, and easy to clean
  • Each pair is inspected upon completion for the utmost quality control
  • />Small batch production means only 20-25 pairs are made a day on average
  • Unisex (available in 3 sizes, Small, Medium, and Large)!
  • Fall/Winter collection features some wool styles.

With the holidays right around the corner, grab a pair of CHUP Socks while they last for a thoughtful and purposeful gift or stocking stuffer to be enjoyed all year long.

Pricing is $35 a pair – see more options at chupsocks.com

And check them out on Instagram: @chupsocks

winter socks

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, Holiday Gift Guide Tagged With: , ,

WIN Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 Video Game #GiftGuide

November 6, 2019 by 86 Comments

 

best video games

Now available, the new Mario and Sonicat the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.

Here is my son’s review of the game-

Have you ever wanted to see Mario vs. Dr. Eggman? Or Sonic vs. Bowser? As of November 5, you can pit all of Mario’s and Sonic’s iconic characters against each other in the biggest video game mash-up of 2019, Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020! Take rivalries to the skate park, diving board, archery range, and more with an incredible suite of 3D and 2D events, imaginative Dream events (who hasn’t wanted to see Sonic on a hoverboard AGAIN?) and an expansive Story Mode.

What you need to know about Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020:

  • Brand New Story: Help Mario & Sonic escape from a 2D-themed console, the “Tokyo ’64,” hatched as part of Dr. Eggman’s and Bowser’s nefarious plans to trap the colorful and capable power pair.
  • A Bountiful Medley of Events: Skateboard, surf, and race your way to the top of the podium! With more than 30 events to master in this fun-filled Olympic Games showdown, there are plenty of ways to prove your skills to your friends in local and online multiplayer.
  • Push the Boundaries: Dream Events deliver a layer of fantastical chaos. Zip through a downhill obstacle course on your hoverboard, throwdown for territorial control with lightning-fast karate action, or smash the most targets inside a traditional Japanese manor!
  • So Many Ways to Play*: Exclusively on Nintendo Switch, determine who the real champion is while using the fun and flexibility of Joy-Con controllers to your advantage.
  • Play with a Cast of Fan-Favorite Characters: The gang’s all here! Play as Mario, Sonic, and a star-studded cast of your favorite SEGA and Nintendo characters!

Mario and Sonic Are Back in the Perfect Party Game on November 5.

Enjoy all the different classic 2D events, perfect for friends and family:

  • 100m
  • 10m Platform (Diving)
  • 400m Hurdles
  • Gymnastics – Vault
  • Judo
  • Kayak Single (K-1) 1000m
  • Long Jump
  • Marathon
  • Shooting – Trap
  • Volleyball

You will also dash, climb, jump, surf and more in these fast-paced 3D events:

  • 100m
  • 110m Hurdles
  • 4 x 100m Relay
  • Archery
  • Badminton
  • Boxing
  • Canoe Double (C-2) 1000m
  • Discus Throw
  • Equestrian – Jumping
  • Fencing
  • Football (Soccer)
  • Gymnastics – Floor Exercise
  • Javelin Throw
  • Karate – Kumite
  • Rugby Sevens
  • Skateboarding – Park
  • Sport Climbing
  • Surfing – Shortboard
  • Swimming – 100m Freestyle
  • Table Tennis
  • Triple Jump

The fun even goes beyond the limits of reality with all-new Dream Events:

  • Dream Karate
  • Dream Racing
  • Dream Shooting

Release Date

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will take to the starting blocks exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on November 5 in the Americas for $59.99 USD and November 8 in Europe with commensurate pricing. For more information, including where ordering the game, be sure to visit the official website, and watch our latest trailer.

*Joy-Con functionality does not extend to all events.

**Internet connection required during online play. To use online services, you must create a Nintendo Account and accept the related agreement. The Nintendo Account Privacy Policy applies. Some online services may not be available in all countries. Online play requires paid online membership.

One of you can win a video game of your own as well. Please feel free to enter to win using the RC code below. Good luck! Ends Dec. 4, 2019.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: gaming, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide, review Tagged With: , , ,