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Wii’s Birthday Party Bash

wiibirthdaybash

Savvy Moms and Dad’s know that you don’t have to spend a ton of time and money to create a memorable and fun kid’s birthday party. Especially now that 2K and Nintendo have launched Birthday Party Bash for Wii ($39.99).

The concept follows the party-in-a-box idea and it includes themed games, Evite invitations and even coupons from Duncan Hines, Party City, and a how-to guide on planning a fun and completely original party for your kids. It’s cost-effective, entertaining and a great way for busy parents to create a sensational party without spending hours on the planning.

Wii has thought of everything.  Birthday Party Bash can accommodate up to 12 party goers who can whack, roll, pop, scribble,  jump, and shimmy their way through more than 20 party games.  There is even a Piñata to virtually blast, Pin the Tail on the Donkey for the small set, Hot Potato, a Duncan Hines Cake Stacker game and so much more.

Need a theme for this spectacular blowout?  Your child can choose from ten party theme rooms to set the scene.  From Pirates to Princesses there is something for everyone.  Wii has even covered the “Happy Birthday” song during a cake break that kids can sing along to karaoke-style.

For parents short on time or creative juices Wii’s Birthday Party Bash is like a present just for them.  It saves time, money and it’s loads of fun for everyone invited.

Pandabo

If you and your family enjoy Jenga, you’ll proabably also enjoy this natural bamboo balancing game called Pandabo. Featuring  uniquely shaped bamboo sticks, the premise of the game is simple. You want to be the last one to place a stick before the stack tumbles. As more sticks are added, the bamboo panda becomes more and more unbalanced.

From our friends at Green Shopaholic

Classic Memory Game With a Twist

i-never-forget-a-face-game
As a kid one of my favorite games was Memory.  I loved laying out the little cardboard squares and testing my concentration and memory skills while sparring against my friends and family.  It was my game.

Eeboo, the children’s toy company uses original art from well-known children’s book illustrators to create toys that are vibrant and long-lasting while putting a new twist on this popular kids game.  The ‘I Never Forget a Face’ matching game is full of multicultural faces that kids can match up while learning about different cultures.  Each match has a child’s face beautifully illustrated in the country’s traditional garb.  The box features a guide about each face’s homeland too.  It’s not just a colorful and new twist on this classic game but a wonderful teaching guide about the world and its inhabitants.

There are other outstanding memory sets in the Eeboo collection all with the same style of illustrations but featuring various animals, numbers (we have this one in our house and it is very popular), candy, fairy tales and the simplistic-for-beginners set of colors.  That is just a few of the games.  The whole line can be found on the Eeboo website.

The Memory matching game is perfect for the over three set and teaches concentration, memorization and many other skills all while being fun.  These sets make great gifts too.

Super Bowl Revisited

  • posted February 4th, 2008
  • Fashion

Super_bowl

I watched the Super Bowl in it’s entirety this year. Typically, I only watch the ads, but I actually watched most of the game. I think I fell asleep before half time, there was so little activity. I was starting to wonder if the score would ever move again. Thankfully, the action started back up during the second half. I don’t recall if it was during third quarter or not, but I know that the fourth quarter was very exciting! I have to say, I was pretty happy to see the underdogs pull up and win it. That was really cool.

The real reason that I watch Super Bowl is for the ads, but this year was pretty disappointing. There were only about a handful of ads that were at all memorable and that also deserved to be aired during Super Bowl. I don’t know what happened, but it seemed like the ad writers went on strike along with the TV writers this year. Tragic!

For first quarter, the only ad that I really liked was the Bud Light flame thrower. Remember the guy that was allergic to the cat and started sneezing fire all over the apartment? That was pretty entertaining and Super Bowl worthy IMO.

During second quarter, I really enjoyed the Budweiser commercial featuring Hank who didn’t get to work with the hitch team, so he trains with the dalmation and gets in shape to join the team. So cute! The Tide to Go commercial with the talking stain was entertaining. I figured out what they were advertising early into the commercial, so that was cool. I also enjoyed the Bud Light commercial with all the guys with accents trying to pick up women in the bar. It was funny, but it wasn’t a new concept for Bud Light.

I found the Planters nuts commercial to be disturbingly funny. And I was sorely disappointed by JT’s Pepsi commercial. That ad received a lot of hype beforehand and I don’t think it delivered at all. So he did his own stunts, wow. I guess that was the big claim to fame for that ad!

For third quarter, I’d say that Vitamin Water with Shaq on a racehorse took the cake, along with the new ETrade baby – he was pretty cute. The Coca Cola ad with the Thanksgiving Day Parade inflatables was funny, but I thought the ending was a real let down. They could’ve payed that off in so many ways, but they just gave the Coke to Charlie Brown. What?!? I think I would’ve had a battle between the two inflatables end in one of them being impaled by a pole on a building or something exciting like that.

And finally, fourth quarter I thought the Toyota Sequoia ad with the big wheel races was lot of fun! And Amp Energy’s dancing car jumper was disturbingly funny (almost as disturbing as the Planter’s commercial). The Gatorade G2 commercial that had the really cute dog drinking out of the bowl left me asking WTH?!? Cute dog, but the commercial did nothing for me.

As far as the ads go, Bud Light wins the Super Bowl. Here’s my favorite ad this year:

So, that’s it. No gut wrenchingly funny ads this year. I hope that the ad superstars come back to play ball next year and make those multi-million dollar ad spots really pay off. It is the advertising Super Bowl, after all.

Happy Watching/Searching/Shopping,
Payton

What WON’T You Eat on Super Bowl Sunday?

  • posted January 30th, 2008
  • Fashion

Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching…are you ready? Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, chances are great that you’re going to have to prepare food for the big event, not to mention you’ll be eating a lot of food as well. So, what’s it going to be?

Junk_food_2



- pizza
- nachos
- buffalo wings
- fried chicken
- 7 layer dip
- chips and salsa/guacamole
- potato chips and onion dip
- popcorn
- veggies & dip
- fruit salad
- spinach dip
- hot dogs/polish sausage
- pigs in a blanket
- spicy meatballs
- chicken & ribs
- steak (steak sandwiches)
- hamburgers
- mini cheeseburgers
- french fries
- onion rings
- pizza rolls
- Bagel Bites
- soft pretzels
- taquitos
- quesadillas
- burritos
- tacos
- Chinese food
- sushi

Ugh! Just looking at all the food on that list is giving me a stomach ache. What about dessert? Who’s in charge of dessert this year?!? Some faves…

Brownies


- brownies
- cupcakes
- cookies/cookie bars
- ice cream sundaes
- popsicles

Do we really need more than that? Probably, but that’s my contribution for now. And finally, drinks:

Beer_tote_2



- BEER
- soda (variety)
- margaritas
- water

Did I cover it all? Is there anything else that anyone in the world needs in order to enjoy Super Bowl? If so, please let us know! I’m dying to know if there are any other Super Bowl faves out there.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ALL about the ads during Super Bowl. I was very happy to hear that there won’t be any political ads this year. Thank goodness! This is the time for advertisers to shine and show their best and sometimes craziest stuff. It’s the Super Bowl of advertising and I can’t wait.

BTW, who’s playing?!?

Happy Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Combatting Winter Time Blues

  • posted January 22nd, 2008
  • Fashion

Winter is a time when people tend to feel blue (aka depressed). While it’s often not a clinical depression, the happiness that many of us know when the weather is great tends to slip away when the skies are gray and cloudy. It’s cold outside, sometimes rainy or snowy and exercise may subside during the colder months. With all those agitators, who wouldn’t feel a little blue?!?

Red_sweater Combat the blues by dressing to impress! You don’t need somewhere special to go in order to dress impressively…dress for yourself! When you’re feeling blue, skip dark and drab colors. Go for bright yellows, pinks and reds to liven up your day. Put on clothes that fit you well and make you look your best. Somehow wearing bright yellow sweats won’t make you feel better. Pair a brightly colored top with your best fitting jeans or skirt, a cute pair of shoes, some flashy accessories and you’re good to go. If Pencil_skirt
you need a little attention once you’re dressed to impress, take a trip to your local mall and watch heads turn as you go by. That will definitely put a smile on your face and warm your heart. While you’re there, buy yourself something cute! A little retail therapy goes a long way.

For dinner, cook up your favorite meal or go to your favorite restaurant. They say that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right? Well, if that’s true then you should be able to brighten up your day (or someone else’s day, for that matter) with a great meal! Just avoid turning to a pint of ice cream. It really won’t make you feel better. On the converse, it will probably make you feel sick! But I’ve digressed.

Finally, call a close friend or family member who you haven’t touched base with for a while. Bridging the gap in time since you last spoke is sure to warm your heart and make you feel good. Good friends and close family members are great for making you forget your problems. And to me, feeling blue is a big problem! Even if it is only temporary.

Happy Searching/Shopping,

Payton

Toy Safety — Be Informed

  • posted December 5th, 2007
  • Fashion

Being a parent of young children can be a bit frightening right now. Every time you turn around, there’s another toy recall. I seriously thought that we were well beyond the days of lead paint. It really sickens me that we have to worry about lead! I understand the recalls for small parts or things that fall off the toy easily. It’s definitely not a good thing, but it’s more understandable than lead paint.

If you’d like toy recall updates, sign up here. In addition, there’s a ton of information on the cpsc.gov site. If you’d like an easy to view list of toy recalls, go here.

Some basic tips for buying safe toys:
1. Check the recall lists BEFORE making purchases. It’s amazing some of the toys that get recalled.Turtle

2. Make sure the toy(s) you’re buying are age appropriate (there are reasons for this folks).
3. Skip the toys with really small pieces. You may think that your son or daughter would never ingest a toy, but I’ve seen small parts get stuck in kids noses and ears and that’s not fun for anyone.
4. Check all attached pieces to make sure they’re really secure (eyes, noses, accessories, etc).
5. Avoid toys with long strings and straps.
6. Assess the toy carefully and imagine the absolute unimaginable things that can happen with the toy and/or it’s parts. Kids are very creative and if there’s a one in a million chance that they can hurt themselves, they will figure out a way. It’s sad, but true.
7. If all else fails, by "green" toys!

Happy Searching/Safe Shopping,
Payton

Make Waking Up Fun for Kids

  • posted September 7th, 2007
  • Fashion

Clocky_4
School’s back in full swing and for many kids the honeymoon period’s over. The excitement of jumping out of bed to meet new teachers and new friends has grown old and many kids are back to their old tricks of attempting to sleep in as long as possible. If this sounds like your child, your morning woes are over…just purchase this cute little alarm clock called "Clocky" and you can focus on getting yourself ready for the day instead.

It’s a pretty awesome concept: set the alarm; the alarm goes off at the specified time; when the user hits the snooze button the alarm clock jumps off the night stand and rolls around the room to hide. The snoozer then has to go find the alarm to turn it off. Clocky will continue to beep until turned off or until the 4 AA batteries die (which won’t happen anytime soon). :o ) The alarm beeps in various patterns so it’s really hard to ignore. This is the annoying pet your child’s been waiting for folks! It comes in a variety of colors: almond, aqua, mint, or mustard. Or if you really want to get into the spirit of the pet theme, choose a shag Clocky instead: various colors available.

Note: You can set Clocky to jump off the nightstand immediately if you don’t want to rely on your child to hit the snooze button. This alarm clock is an effective way to force adults out of bed as well.

Happy Snoozing/Searching/Shopping,
Payton

Best Friends Week — More Things to Do

Okay, so yesterday I introduced the concept of this week being "Best Friends Week," right? I gave a few ideas of things to do with your best friend. Well, now it’s time to get down and dirty and create a list of things to do with your best friend! You’re welcome to comment to add to the list (and I will), so please feel free to contribute!

1. Shop online (at TheFind.com, of course!)
2. Shop at the mall
3. Try a new restaurant/cuisine
4. Go to the movies (try a premier or opening night of a really hot movie)
5. Check out a "B" movie
6. Get a makeover
7. Go to the salon together for new hairstyles
8. Clean out your closets and swap clothes (donate the rest to charity)
9. Buy new furniture and assemble it together
10. Have a garage sale
11. Host a tea party
12. Go out and support your favorite local band
13. Attend a concert
14. Try a new sport
15. Join a yoga class
16. Join a gym (and actually go workout regularly)
17. Go ice skating or roller skating
18. Learn how to play ice/roller hockey
19. Go rock climbing
20. Train together for a running, walking or cycling race
21. Train for a triathlon
22. Join Weight Watchers or a diet center of choice
23. Attend a monster truck show
24. Go check out Nascar
25. Get in the driver’s seat and race go-carts
26. Hang out at the beach
27. Host a bon-fire party at the beach
28. Adopt a puppy and enroll in puppy training
29. Take your dogs to the dog park (after they’re trained)
30. Buy a right hand ring
31. Go wine tasting
32. Go beer tasting
33. Hang out in a biker bar
34. Take tennis lessons
35. Take cooking classes — sushi anyone?
36. Take a jewelry making class
37. Take a pottery class
38. Volunteer at a soup kitchen
39. Tackle house work (or spring cleaning) as a team
40. Write a story or book together
41. Go golf or learn to golf
42. Make fondue
43. Go out and sing karaoke at a bar
44. Play laser tag or paint ball
45. Have a TV or movie marathon at home
46. On a rainy day, go out and stomp through puddles
47. Learn how to knit or crochet
48. Join an online community and get involved
49. Join a dating service (if you’re single)
50. Go on a blind double date (again, if you’re single)
51. Have a spa day
52. Go for a manicure & pedicure
53. Be an animal/mammal trainer for a day at a participating zoo
54. Go on a ride-a-long with a cop
55. Tour a fire station
56. Have a sleep over and stay up all night
57. Host a game night (play all night, if you can)
58. Go to San Francisco and play chess or checkers against someone on the street
59. Play pool with pool sharks
60. Go to Coyote Ugly and dance on the bar (among other things)
61. Go out for a nice dinner and a play/musical
62. Go out for a nice dinner and the opera or ballet
63. Go to the flea market and haggle ’til you get what you want
64. Sell things at the flea market
65. Host a "Cook for the Cure" dinner (Susan G Komen foundation)
66. Take a trip to the wine country
67. Go camping in the Sierras (or destination of choice)
68. Go horseback riding
69. Make crafts and sell them at a craft fair
70. Host a cookie exchange
71. Paint ceramics and give them to one another
72. Sneak "drinks" into a movie theater (21 and over only, pls)
73. Create match.com profiles for one another
74. Brush each other’s hair
75. Shop for engagement rings
76. Ghost or Guest blog on one another’s blogs
77. Redecorate a room in one another’s house
78. Host a poker party
79. Create a time capsule
80. Scrapbook together and/or host a scrapbooking party
81. Go to farmers market
82. Create a secret sorority or fraternity
83. Give each other nicknames
84. Make a comic book of your adventures
85. Host a pleasure party
86. Host a fake bachelor/bachelorette party
87. Learn how to fly a plane/helicoptor
88. Go skydiving
89. Take a beer or wine making class
90. Visit a convalescent home (take your dog)
91. Have a belching contest
92. Make Christmas ornaments
93. Take a Santa picture together
94. Make chocolate truffles
95. Scrap each others cast off clothes and make a quilt
96. Shop for books for one another in a used book store
97. Find a festival (music, art, wine) to attend
98. Go hot tubbing and/or skinny dipping
99. Take pole dancing classes
100. Take a spontaneous trip without luggage
Reader Contributions start here…
101. Hang out drinking a great bottle of wine
102. Go surfing
103. Watch sports on TV all day long

So, what do you think? I’m sure there are plenty of things on the list that you have done, but are there any you haven’t done? Do you have more ideas to contribute? Comment now and let us know!

Happy Adventuring/Searching/Shopping,

Payton

How to Get “Tweens” to Shower

Check out this cool new toy! It’s so new, you can’t even buy it yet. But it’s coming soon (this Fall), so read on…

Introducing AquaStruct™…the cool new tool that kids can build and play with in the shower! Kids of all ages can plumb the walls of their showers with suction-cup mounted pipes, hoses, valves, sprayers and misters. In addition to all that, you can buy a shower curtain and tub mat that spray!


Aquastructdeluxe1_jpg_2Shower_curtain Surfboard_mat_and_hose_tif

Kids can express more than creativity, they can learn all kinds of cool things like circuit logic, problem solving and resource management. This might be the first step to becoming an engineer, think of the possibilities!

AquaStruct will be taking pre-orders within the next few days. I’ll post a link here as soon as it’s available and you can take advantage of a 25% discount. It’s never too early to start shopping for Christmas, right?

Happy Searching/Shopping,

Payton

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