Molkky Game (Tomoson)

Disclaimer: This post contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

I received the Molkky Game in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The Molkky Game is an outside game. The game comes with a throwing pin (skittle) and twelve pins, numbered 1-12. You also get instructions with multiple scoring sheets attached. The game also comes with a wooden carrying box with handles.

Molkky is a popular game in Europe.

I thought this would be a great summer game for my kids, nieces, and nephews. You can earn points two ways: count up the points on each pin knocked down or count the total number of pins knocked down.

You throw the skittle underhand at the sticks. The stick has to fall down completely and not lean on other sticks.

The pins are made from solid wood. For safety reasons, move out the way when pins are being thrown. Also when storing them, keep out of reach of children.


You can purchase Molkky Original Game on Amazon. The game is prime-eligible.

Dr. Cool Ultimate Volcano Kit (Tomoson)

I received the Ultimate Volcano Kit, in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The volcano kit was created by Dr. Cool.

The volcano kit comes with an activity guide, the instructions, and materials to make the volcano. (the mold, the eruption powder, and plaster).

The plaster is enough to make 2 Volcanos. I learned the lesson the hard way. I poured the whole bag into my container and started pouring the mixture into the mold. I realized I had enough to make another one, but the plaster was already setting and I was able to make half a volcano with the mixture not set yet.

Once you make the mold, you let it set in the mold for about 2 hours, then move the mold. Then, you put the volcano in a safe spot to set up for 24 to 48 hours. Next, you paint the volcano and let dry. Finally, you pour the eruption powder into the chamber (created with the mold) and add water. You can also had citric acid to increase the lava.

When making the mold, choose a container, which you want to throw away. Also cover your survace in plenty of newspaper or cardboard. Also mix the plaster quick before it sets to be able to pour it into the mold.

I had issues getting the volcano to erupt. I added a little eruption powder and water and nothing happened.

I will upload the rest of my pics tomorrow. I have to upload them off the camcorder.

Show me the Kwan Review (US Family Guide)

This post was sponsored by US Family Guide Bloggers Program. I received a copy of Show me the Kwan for review. No other compensation was provided. This post also contains Amazon Affiliate Links.

Note: I think I said Foxmind Games in the video, but Foxmind Games does not make Show me the Kwan.

I received Show Me The Kwan Game, in exchange for honest review from USFG Bloggers Program. Show me the Kwan is a word-based game, which users call out words, based on a particular category, with letters in a certain position. I am definitely not a fan of people, just blurting out the words. I prefer pen and paper, but the game is not easy as you think. You have a category, such as stores. You have one dice with 3 positions: first letter, second letter, and last letter. You also have a dice with a particular letter, which needs to be in a particular position.

For example, if the category is stores. The first letter is an I and I would call out Ikea. The score keeper writes down my points.

You have to call out your words before the timer ends. You can purchase the game on Amazon, using the link above. The game is prime-eligible.

Explore Places and Activities with Vimbly (Sverve)

This post is sponsored by Vimbly via Sverve.

Vimbly is a website, which displays activities, classes, and ideas from local businesses. The site also lets people book directly. The site operates in 18 major cities and wants establish a national presence in 2015. 

My mother and I are always looking for the next great family activity. For example, she wants a road trip in 2015 and another family cruise in 2016. I am trying to plan out a trip to Morgan's Wonderland, a special needs park, in San Antonio, Texas. 

When I look for activities and events, I have to view the activity from a special needs perspective. Both my boys are special needs. I have to consider the type of activity; the weather; crowds; price; food expenses; travel time, etc. Some places are automatically off limits, such as places like SkyZone (I will have a hard time getting Brad off the trampolines) and Chuckie Cheeses (Brad was an exhibitionist at 4 years old). 

I went to the website and typed in my city (Houston) to see what activities, I would be interested in. 9 activities popped up. You can view activities by date, time, price, and part of. Unfortunately, the activities was for New York City, instead of Houston. So my next step was to create an account, using Facebook, and see what cities are part of the 18. 

The cities include:

1. New York City, New York

2. Miami, Florida

3. Orlando, Florida

4. Anaheim, California

5. Los Angeles, California

6. Phoenix, Arizona

7. Seattle, Washington

8. Boston, Massachusettes

9. Portland (Could be Oregon or Maine)

10. Washington, DC

11. Chicago, Illinois

12. San Diego, California

13. Las Vegas, Nevada

14. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

15. San Francisco, California

16. NYC Kids

17. New Orleans, Louisiana

18. Maui, Hawaii

The cities closest to me are Phoenix, Arizona and New Orleans, Louisiana. If we consider the family cruise, I can include Miami and Orlando. New Orleans also has a cruise port. 

There is a menu bar under the Vimbly logo, which displays activities by city. Learn, Explore, Eat, Drink, Fight, Watch, and date. 

I liked the French Quarter Food and History Tour (free). You explore historic sites in the city, such as Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral (never heard of either and never been).  You also will learn the difference between Cajun and Creole food. The tour is 2 hours long. I marked the tour as a favorite with the heart icon. The final stop allows you to sample food. The food is not free and you can choose what you want or don't want to eat. The maximum for a group tour is 5 people. The tour will not work for our family of 9,but will work for me and my kids.

I also liked the Chocolate and Praline Tour. This tour is $50 dollars, which means I am dropping my kids off somewhere. Next, I liked the Oak Street Food Walking Tour. The activity, which stood out the most, and pricey was the plane ride with wine and cheese. You get a tour of the city, while sipping on Champagne and eating chocolates or cheese. The flight requires a minimum of two people and a maximum of three. Guests must be 21 years or older. 

Finally, I love the Steam Boat Natchez Dinner Cruise. The trip is $44. I have been on a dinner cruise before in Galveston, Texas with the ex husband. It was very nice. You will experience a live jazz band and luxurious dinner. 

Of course, Phoenix has a great activity for my niece and nephew, who are fans of The Walking Dead on AMC. They have a trapped in a room with a zombie activity. 12 people using their wits to escape a room before the zombie eats their brains. 

Vimbly has a lot of great activities and places to explore. Check out the website. Leave a comment, letting me know which city and event, you want to partake in.

Ustyme Review (Tomoson)

I reviewed Ustymeu in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. Ustyme is available for iPad, and PC, laptop via Google Chrome. It also works on Firefox and Opera. It doesn't work on Chrome on my phone or tablet.

Ustyme allows families to connect via video. You can read a book or play a game via video chat. You also can still read the books and games without video. The website/app is free but ut does have premium featues for cost, such as additional books and games.

To use video, you need to send out a friend request and wait for them to accept the request. My brats love the books and I love the games. I have not tried the video feature yet. Just waiting on people to accept requests.

You can try out the app using the link above.

We Choose Virtues Parenting Cards Review (Tomoson)

I received We Choose Virtues Parenting Cards in exchange for honest review from Tomoson. The Parenting Cards is fully-colored, double-sided cards, which introduces values to families and children.

Parents can teach and demonstrate values to their kids a few minutes a day. The parenting cards is also part of We choose virtues home school curriculum.

I wanted to review the curriculum because I used to homeschool my oldest. My youngest sister also homeschools her son and my niece. I also can teach values to my kids.

The activities on the cards are easy to understand and demonstrate.

You can purchase the cards individually (using link above) or part of the home school or family kit. The cards come in NIV or KJV version (New International Version or King James Version)

FoxMind Time in a box Sponsored Post (US Family Guide)

This post was sponsored by US Family Guide Bloggers Program. I will receive a Time in a Box for participation.

FoxMind has created a unique gifts for families. The Time in a Box was created by psychologist and writer, Rute Moreira, as a way to explore art and science; a chance to plan the future, and think about the past.
David Capon, President of FoxMind, explained, "The benefits of Time in a Box extend beyond the product itself because it creates uninterrupted quality moments with the family and reinforces social-emotional connections. It also aims to reinforce the child's feeling of connection to a larger community such as the neighborhood or the town where he or she lives."

When you give Time in a Box, (MSRP $17.95 for 2 players ages 6 and up) you are offering a child you care about the gift no one else in the world can give them: your time. Inside the box you'll find 96 activity cards that allow a child to momentarily shift your priorities and focus on doing a special activity together, such as playing a board game; solving a puzzle; starting a family tree; making a blanket fort; or carrying out an act of kindness that will bring a smile to a stranger's face. Time in a Box includes a simple written agreement between you and the child that sets the ground rules by which you'll both abide. Adults should switch off their smart phones and get ready for some quality time!

"Season-by-season, Time in a Box is a gift that inspires activities that provide a wealth of ways to make memories together and the unique and beautiful box can serve as a memory chest where pictures and notes can be collected and treasured," Capon said.

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Studio Movie Grill Sponsored Post (US Family Guide Bloggers Program)

This post was sponsored by US Family Guide Bloggers Program. Copy and Images was provided. I will receive free movie tickets for participation. A follow-up review is also required.

About Studio Movie Grill

SMG combines the latest Hollywood releases, featuring 100% digital projection, with restaurant quality food and beverage from an American Grill menu and full-service bar. While other theaters overcharge for popcorn and soda, SMG offers more. Visit any one of our locations for an unmatched movie grill experience combining quality, value, and selection for the whole family. For movie listings, showtimes, and directions to our theaters, please visit studiomoviegrill.com. Be sure to check out our new bar and lounge area at SMG Copperfield! Use promo code SMGFamily to get a $5 movie ticket to any movie of your choice!

Win a year of free tickets

http://www.smgwinfreetickets.com/#/

McDonald's Houston Children's Festival (Hello Houston Media)

Disclaimer: I was provided passes to the McDonald's Houston Children's Festival for participation from Hello Houston Media.

Link to post discussing McDonald's Houston Children's Festival

On March 29th, 2014, The family and I attended the McDonald's Houston Children's Festival, held downtown. I went with my sons, niece, great-niece, and nephew. I was a little bit hesitant to how Brad was going to act. He did an excellent job.

The event provided plenty of free things for the kids: tooth brushes, tooth paste, floss, bracelets, etc Plenty of the booths offered a free swag bag. I ended up with cleaning supplies, dental care items for the children, balls, draw string bags, kites, rubber bracelets, etc. The event also provided vaccinations for children. 

I also learned about upcoming events in Houston such as Houston Money Week, last week. I also heard about Autism in the Park, hosted by MHMRA of Houston. I can't find my flyer now so if anyone has any information, let me know. The event is on April 19th, 2014, somewhere in Texas. I also bought a bag to hold all my swag. 

The event also had balloon shape makers, video game characters, mascots, and lots of giveaways to enter. I had won one but when the company called to notify me, the representative had too many requirements to claim the prize. 

The kids had fun even when the area was packed and noisy. 

Paddy O Sheas Golf Card Game Review and Giveaway (Tomoson)

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

I reviewed Paddy O'Shea's Golf Card Game, in response to a campaign on Tomoson.

About the Game:

Paddy O'Shea's Golf Card Game is a new game for families. 2-6 players, ages 10 and up. The game has 9 rounds. The object of the game is to have the lowest score after 9 rounds. Each face card is worth 10 points, Ace is worth 1 point. The rest of the cards is worth card value. The game also throws in a few jokers, 0 value cards, and negative cards.

The game comes with 114 cards: including jokers, wild cards, mulligans (0 value), face cards, and the number cards. The game also comes with score sheets and instructions.

I played a 2 player game with my niece. We had two distractions stealing the cards from us. We had fun learning the rules and attempting to play the game.

How to play the game

Each player receives 9 cards, face down. The players arrange their cards in a 3 X 3 arrangement/grid, similar to sudoku. The rest of the cards are placed face down in the draw pile.

Each player turns over two cards. During each round, players can pick from the discard pile or the draw pile to replace either a face-down or face-up card. You can not look at your face down cards until it is replaced with a discard or draw card.

If a player does not like his or her card picked from the piles, they do not have to use it.

The round ends when all the cards are face-up.

Note: The face-up cards remain face-up until the round is over. My niece did not follow instructions :-). She also tried to cheat by looking at the face-down cards to determine value.

The rules are outlined in the instructions, including my favorite: it is not legal to look at a face-down card before deciding to swap the drawn card. If the game was monopoly, I would have sent my niece to jail.

The game is 9.95 plus shipping and handling.

Giveaway

Entry-Form

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Fall Festivals

This post was sponsored by US Family Guide Bloggers Program.

It's Fall Festival Time. US Family Guide provided me with a list of Corn Maze Coupons and Fall Festival Savings. Go through the list and download coupons for Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and other family outings. I will receive free admission to a farm for participation.

Arizona

Schnepf Farms- Queen City
Tolmachoff Farms- Glendale, AZ

California

Forneris Farms- Mission Hills

Colorado

Anderson Farms- Erie
Flat Acres Farm- Parker
Fritzler Maze- La Salle
Sunflower Farm- Longmont
Mile High Farms- Bennett
Wishing Star Farm- Calhan
Harvest Farm- Wellington

Texas

Devine Acres Farm- Devine
Fiesta Farm- San Antonio
Yesterland Farm- Canton
South Texas Maize- Hondo
Dewberry Farm- Brookshire
Brazos Valley Maize- Brenham

Louisiana

CM Farms- Dry Creek

Georgia

Lane Southern Orchards- Fort Valley
Poppell Farms- Odum

Michigan

Farmer Charley's Corn Maze Adventure- Monroe

Indiana

Amazing Fall Fun- Waterloo
Harvest Tyme Pumpkin Patch- Lowell
Hobson's Fun Farm- Rockville
Guffey Acres- Kokomo

Illinois

All Seasons Orchard- Woodstock
Kuipers Family Farm- Maple Park
Odyssey Fun Farm- Tinley Park
Siegel's Cottonwood Farm- Lockport

Maryland/DC

Summers Farm- Fredrick County

Massachusetts

Sauchuk Farm- Plympton

Missouri/Kansas

KC Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze- Gardner
Shuck's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch- Pleasant Hill

Mississippi

Seward Farms Maze- Lucedale

Minnesota

Afton Apple Orchard- Hastings

Montana

The Maize at Grandpa's Farm- Billings

Nebraska

Camp Fontanelle- Nickerson

NewJersey

VonThun Farms- Monmouth Junction
Sahl's Father Son Farm- Egg Harbor City

New York

Wright Family Farm- Warwick
Harbes Family Farm- Mattituck

North Carolina

Patterson Farm Market and Tours- Mount Ulla

Ohio

The Corn Maze at the Sharp Run Market- Millersburg
Meadow View Growers- New Carlisle

Oregon

The Maize at The Pumpkin Patch- Portland

Pennsylvania

Hurricane Hill Farm- Coatsville
Triple B Farms- Pittsburgh
Reillys Summer Seat Farm- Pittsburgh

Rhode Island

Confreda Greenhouses & Farms- Hope (Western Cranston)

Virginia

Cows-N-Corn- Midland
Wayside Farm Fun- Berryville
Belvedere Plantation- Fredericksburg

Utah

Cornbelly's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Fest- Spanish Fork

Challenge to write

5/19- What is your favorite activity to do with your family? And why?

I have no idea. I like to go to church with my kids. I also like to cook with Brad. We also enjoyed going to Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio in December. I am definitely making a trip back there, but getting a hotel room. I didn't like getting back that late. Plus it will give Brad time to sleep and calm down. The trip was reasonable. About 60 dollars for MegaBus (extra because I had to change one of the dates and times), $15 dollars for the park (myself only. kids are free). 8 to 10 dollars for public transportation to and from the park. plus about 10 dollars on food in the park. We could bring food in as well but there was not any grocery stores near the park.

5/20- Do you have siblings? If so, what do you think are there best qualities?

I have two sisters. I am the oldest. Rachel is the middle sister. Nikala (Courtney) is the youngest. Rachel is a good hacker into stuff. She can hack into her boyfriend's phone. Just going through the phone is not good enough--she hooks the phone up the pc and gets additional information. She also can drink with the best of them. When she dropped out of school, she immediately went for her GED.  Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh that's all i got for now lol.

Nikala is a good student and good worker. She developed a home school co-op with other parents, where each parent teaches to their strengths. She has her own place and car. She has traveled the world--Africa last year and currently she is in Paris. She wants to go to The Dominican Republic and Haiti in the fall. So, far I have been to Cancun and the Bahamas. I prefer to travel on this hemisphere right now and she is traveling on the other hemisphere. 

5/21- Where would you like to be in 10 years from now?

Older, wiser, with a steady job. my own place. finally divorced from the kids father. maybe in a stable relationship. Brad will be 22 and Kalen will be 12. Hopefully, they will have all the services they need to improve independence. 

5/22- What is your favorite quote and why?

I don't have one

5/23- If you could have any job in the world, which job would you want? Writer (and I already have it)

5/24- What has been the hardest part about blogging daily?

Blogging Daily. I have not blogged daily. remembering to write. wanting to write when i am not motivated to do so.