Review of Wits & Wagers Family Game

My kids love to "bet", but we don't allow it.  The family version of Wits & Wagers, however, allows for the kids to put their "bets" on each other's answers in this fun, educational, and fast-paced game.  We were able to review this board game just in time for New Year's Eve, and I think it's the perfect way to spend a family game night or the upcoming holiday.

To play, you start by reading a question from the card.. like "What's the world record number of tennis balls a dog has held in its mouth?"  Then everyone writes down their guess.  You then try to decide if you have the best answer, or if someone else might, and place your placeholder (called Meeple) on the answer you're going to bet on. 

A simpler, more easy-to-understand version of the original Wits & Wagers, it's appropriate for ages 8 and up (or sharp 7 year olds that can read), and if you don't like using the word "bet", you don't have to.  The game is a great way to see just how much you and your kids really know!

The best part of this game, in my opinion, is the quick key on the back of the game that tells you the details at a glance.  For example, this game is for ages 8 and up, 3 -10 players, takes 2 minutes to teach, and 20 minutes to play.  There's no guessing if it will fit you next family event!  It comes with everything you need to play, including 5 dry erase markers (and you could easily replace them as they wear out with regular ones you buy from the office supply store.) 

Like most games that I enjoy best, it's not what you know, it's whether you can recognize the right answer.  It's possible to have no knowledge of the topics at hand, and still win!  The game is available from Amazon.com for less than $20!

Found out more about NorthStar games (the maker of Wits & Wagers Family) at their website, or "like" them on Facebook!

*Sample was received for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Zoom Buggy Cars and Piggy Bank Recalls

Check your home for these products, recently recalled:

Zoom Buggy Cars and Dream Pillow Stars recalled due to choking hazard.

Ceramic banks offered by Oriental Trading Company recalled due to violation of lead pain standard.

Stay Safe!!

Update on our SofLens Daily Trial!

We were excited to give our 12-year-old daughter a chance to try contact lenses.  She started out with the SofLens Daily Disposables at the beginning of her volleyball season, and had wonderful results.

So how are things going now?  Perfectly!  I rarely have to check up on her to see that she's using proper techniques for caring for her contact lenses (because she throws them away every night.)  Once in a while, she'll lose one, but it's not a big deal, because she has a backup pair of eye glasses.

Her confidence has soared since wearing them, and it's been really good for her skin, too!  (Sweating with the glasses was a problem before.)  I can confidently say that these lenses are a great choice for younger teens who want to give contacts a try, but who may have parents who are nervous about the care involved with keeping them clean and safe.

You can keep up with the folks at Bausch + Lomb at their Facebook page!  


“I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Bausch + Lomb and received the product necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Stuff Your Stockings for Less at Walmart

If you're a last-minute shopper (like me), you'll be relieved to know that there is still time to stuff those stockings with neat, affordable treats for all the kids on your list.  Even with 5 kids to shop for this year, we managed to get an assortment of goodies from Walmart to put into the stockings -- all for less than $25!

We loaded up the stockings with mini Play-Doh containers, toothbrushes, nuts, crayons, and candy (we like Wonka's Nerds.)  We'll even put an old-fashioned orange into the toe of each stocking. While we tend to keep our stockings simple, they are usually the favorite part of Christmas morning for our kids, and you don't have to go overboard when shopping at Walmart!

Other great ideas that you can buy for less at Walmart include:

• $1 candies (like the Wonka Nerds we mentioned)
• $5 movies in the DVD bins
• $3 Mp3 accessories
• $3 perfume/cologne sets
• $1 toys in the toy aisle (there are some neat little pocket games!)
• Decks of cards
• Office supplies (pens, notepads, and markers)
• Bath products (bubble bath is a big hit at our house!)

Walmart is dedicated to helping families like ours save money so that we can bring home more for less -- and use the money we save for bigger under-the-tree presents or perhaps something else.  We are using our money saved on stocking stuffers to help fund all our holiday parties!  

How will you "stuff" your stockings for less this year?

*A gift card was provided for purchases and compensation has been provided by Walmart for my time and effort to participate. Opinions are 100% my own.

Wisk Saves the Day (Again)

Can you believe it's been months since we first told you about the new Wisk Stain Spectrum Technology?  I have purchased several bottles of this powerful stuff, and I'm psyched about it's stain-fighting abilities.  It's literally handled everything we could throw at it, including this latest attempt to remove lip gloss from a new hand towel.

Here is the lipstick stain from blotting my pink lip gloss:

Now, I've pre-treated it with the Wisk High Efficiency formula with Stain Spectrum Technology, and rubbed it together for 15 seconds:

After less than a minute under warm water, it's gone!  Notice that the towel (which I've never used before) is actually a bit brighter and whiter in the place where the detergent was applied?

If you haven't tried this yet, I suggest you check it out.  With 5 formulas available, there's one that matches your laundry lifestyle:  Wisk Deep Clean, Wisk Coldwater Power, Wisk Colorsafe Bleach, Wisk High Efficiency, and Wisk Fresh Boost

Learn more about the new formula on their Facebook page!

*This post is sponsored by Wisk, and I am being compensated for participating in the Wisk Blogger Campaign. Opinions, however, are my own.

We *Heart* Our Wii (Warning: Cute Baby Video)

Save $1 on Robitussin, Free Coffee, Cheap Disney Movies!

Here are a few great opportunities for some samples, savings, and more -- just in time for the holidays!

• Get local cold and flu alerts from Robitussin. Sign up and save $1!
• Snag a coupon for free coffee or tea from Borders.
• Get $3 off your next purchase of Zantac!
• Target offers 10% off sitewide via coupon code "ON6LKVO9"
• The Pop-On Pals Amusement Park that we reviewed is on sale! Priced at only $9.99 via Amazon.
• Walmart has Disney Blu-Ray Bundles on sale for $36 (choices are limited.)

Happy Shopping!

Last-Minute Gifts for the Hard-to-Shop For!

We've already told you our picks for the best gifts for the 2010 Christmas season, but a few last-minute picks have recently come to our attention.  Check them out and consider them for anyone you still have yet to shop for!

Aurora's Paws Puppets

My kids are always pretending that they are animals... and they sometimes try to scratch and claw eachother!  Thankfully there is a safer and more cuddly way for them to play tiger and bear:  Aurora's Paws Puppets!  These super soft hand puppets look like a real animal paw, but the claws are soft (so they won't poke or scratch.)  They are also really padded and appropriate for ages 3 and up.  They come in White Tiger, Leopard, Black Panther, Bengal Tiger, Polar Bear, and Lion! They are available for $12.99 from Aurora. 

Sterling Silver Cross Locket Pendant from Ice.com

This gorgeous necklace comes with a chain, and features an intricate cross design on the front.  I purchased it as a gift for a tween girl, and it is the perfect size for an older child or adult.  The open work design sets it apart from other lockets, and it comes in a beautiful free gift box!  Find out more about this piece (for less than $50) at Ice.com.



Smart Seat Chair Protector

Are you worried about what your dining room chairs look like this holiday season?  Avoid stares from friends and family who do NOT understand how sticky fingers and play-dough can make even the nicest seats in the house appear dingy.  The Smart Seat Chair Protector is a quick and classy way to cover up old seat cushions (or protect the beautiful ones) and have every chair company ready!  With 3 colors in a fabric that's machine-washable, stain-resistant, and very soft to the touch, these are ready to go on at a moment's notice and are an affordable option to reupholstering.  Find out more at Smart Seat Dining Chair Covers website.


Tony Hawk Shred 

We're big fans of last year's Tony Hawk Ride, but it was designed for kids ages 10 and up, and was difficult for my youngest children to master.  We took this newest Shred board for a spin, and were impressed with the arcade style game play, pro-athlete cameos, and the ability to switch between skateboarding and snowboarding.  Rated "E" for everyone (ages six and up), it appeals to my active, crazy, gaming boys in a way that will keep them entertained and up off the couch for hours this winter.  Available for the Xbox 360, Wii, and Playstation 3, it sells for $49.99 and up! Find more information at www.shredgame.com

*We received samples of some items in our gift guide.  Others we purchased ourselves. No additional compensation has been provided in exchange for being featured in our guide.  In other words, "if we don't like it, you won't find it here!"

The Best Gift I Ever Gave - Featuring SWAGG

SWAGG is a free mobile app (download here) that lets you shop smarter using your mobile phone. Buy, send or swap SWAGG GIFTS and organize your old school plastic gift cards.  For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) , up to $125,000.

Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival! Download the SWAGG app and then visit the Ultimate SWAGG Getaway Sweepstakes site to enter to win a trip for two to the Sundance Film Festival. Entry deadline is January 3, 2011, 11:59pm, PST.

 What's the best gift you ever gave?  My answer to the questions isn't all that impressive, but it meant something......

I'm a huge fan of the new Skechers Shape-Ups Sneakers.  I love my pair, and swear that they have helped my back and posture since the birth of my 5th child.  I knew that my Mom was suffering from foot and back pain, so one day I asked her to try on my pair for fun (we wear about the same size.)  She instantly fell in love with the shoes, but Christmas was a whole month away!  I ordered her the same pair as mine right away -- no waiting for December.  She's been wearing them ever since, and says that her foot pain is 85% gone!  The best part is that she can have a pain-free Christmas this year.  (And we had to put our names in our shoes.. so we don't mix them up when we visit one another.)  

Do you have a story about a great gift that kept on giving?  Share it in the comments!  And don't forget to check out that awesome Sundance giveaway.  Prizes are valued at $4,000 and include:

• 2 night/3 day stay at Yarrow Hotel in Park City Utah (Jan 21 - Jan 23, 2011)
• Ground transportation to and from hotel to airport in Park City, Utah
• Dinner for two at Tao Lounge, including 2 nightclub passes
• All access to The House of SWAGG Gifting Suite
• 2 tickets to a movie premiere on Saturday, January 22nd

*Learn more about the coolest new app that revolutionizes the whole shopping, gifting, and gift card-organizing experience and Download the SWAGG app to your iPhone or Droid. I was selected for this sponsorship by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity.

What's the Best Way To Make Money?

Everyone is concerned about money these days, and with the holidays coming up, it may be the ONLY thing you're thinking about.  I've had my share of odd jobs in the past that have helped me get together a little extra cash for the season, including mystery shopping, taking surveys, and selling things online.

Did you know that there is a way you can make a little extra cash by just going all the places you normally go -- then checking in with your smartphone (it works on iPhone, Android, and soon Blackberry phones.)  The WeReward app is like a fun scavenger hunt:  You take pictures at different locations, upload them, and get paid!  While you won't get rich with this quirky application, it is a fun way to make those shopping outings pay.

For every picture you upload, you'll get points that can be redeemed for cash from the company who makes the product or offers the service.  (An example would be an upload of a smoothie you order that nets you 37 points.)  Right now, the points equal about one point per penny, but if you think of it like getting coupon for cents off your purchase, it's not a bad deal!  And some tasks are worth up to 500 points -- that's 5 bucks!

Shoppers and those getting out and about this year may find the WeReward app a fun way to grow their piggy banks.  Would you try this pay per app download?  If so, what would you use your savings for?

Crayola Pop Art Pixies Giveaway!

It seems like just yesterday, we were in NYC for the Crayola Pop Art Pixies VIP event!  Now that we're home, we've enjoyed the fruits of our crafty labor by using the projects that we made while we were there.  That's what I love most about the line of kid-friendly, girl-empowering, art kits from Crayola's new line.  They don't just sit there collecting dust when done -- they are useful as gifts or for making your life a bit more colorful!

We've love to give one of our readers a sampling of some of the great Pop Art Pixies products to enjoy, as well.  One lucky winner will get:

• Skye’s Wind Chime Kit
• Skye’s Water Bottle Kit
• Tatum’s Decoupage Glass Plate Kit
• Naomi’s Color Glow Lamp Kit

Wanna Win?  To be entered for this fun prize pack, (valued at $60 ), just comment on this post with which one of the Pop Art Pixies you or your child most identify with!  You have until December 23rd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON, please.

Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter all of our giveaways while you're here!)

*Crayola paid for the  NYC trip for my daughter and I.  We received airfare, accommodations, and all our expenses paid -- in addition to some Crayola Pop Art Pixies products.  Our opinions are our own.

Battle of the Giants: Dinosaur Strike for the Wii Giveaway!

Boys love dinosaurs.  They also love video games.  When the two come together... Mama gets some time for herself!

The new Battle of the Giants: Dinosaur Strike game for the Wii console is music to my madness (especially during the winter, when I hear "Mom, I'm bored!" every five minutes.)  My boys ages 5 and 7 took on this game, and it wasn't too difficult for them to manage.  (Note:  It's rated E 10+ because of the violence, but it's not gory, at all.)  Even though they didn't read any directions or let me help them figure out the combos, they took right to it, and were fighting against each other in no time.

The music was the best part of the game, and once or twice I had to tell the boys to "turn it down!"  They really enjoyed turning up the volume to hear the dinosaurs "ROAR" and thump.  They giggled quite a bit while playing.  This is a game that we're keeping in our "favorite games" box right next to the Wii console.  I have no problem with them playing it regularly, as they get excited about dinosaurs and love working together! (And as long as it's being played, there is no shortage of "COOL!" and "AWESOME" coming from their room.)

You can purchase the game at retailers like Amazon for less than $30!

Wanna Win?  We have one copy of the Battle of the Giants: Dinosaur Strike game to give away.  To be entered to win, just comment on this post with why you want to win.  You have until December 23rd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON, please.

Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter all of our giveaways while you're here!)

*While Ubisoft sponsored this review, the opinions I've expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint. Ubisoft, Clever Girls Collective and I promote Blog With Integrity.

Review of DYMO Label Manager 260p

I wouldn't consider myself organized by any means.  I have clutter EVERYWHERE (except when guests come over, of course.)  I do, however, know where everything is -- just ask!  It annoys my husband that if he wants something, however, he has to come to me (because only I would know where the baby teething gel is, or the scissors, or the kid's winter hats.)  In an effort to make both of our lives easier, we reviewed the new DYMO Label Manager 260p, the first labeler I've ever tried! 

This thing rocks, with a super-user-friendly display that you can read easily.  It has large text, so you can tell what you are typing, and the buttons are simple to figure out.  I like that you can print multiples of the same label, and the labeler has a really snazzy "cutter" that snips the label right off when you push it.  I was able to label a whole bunch of toys in the kids room, drawers in the office, and the entire medicine cabinet before the original label roll ran out. 

Another exciting feature of this no-nonsense labeler is the way it charges (yes.. CHARGES!) No more running out of cheap batteries.  This product can be plugged in and recharged like any of your other consumer electronic devices!

My only wish with this does-everything labeler is that the keyboard layout was different.  My husband and kids like it because it is a standard ABC keyboard, but I wish it was QWERTY. (I type everything on the computer, and it slowed me down a bit to have to think about typing the labels this way.) It's a minor issue that would probably not matter to most households, however.

You can learn more about this super labeler at DYMO's website, or purchase it from Amazon for less than $60!

Wanna Win?  We have one DYMO Label Manager 260p to give away!  To be entered to win, just comment on this post with how you would use the product in your home.  You have until December 23rd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON, please.

Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter all of our giveaways while you're here!)

*Sample was received for this giveaway.

Soma Intimates Offers Snuggly Jammies for the Holiday Season

What do you wear to bed?  If you're like me... probably whatever you had clean, and on some really horrible days, maybe you just crawl into bed fully-clothed?

It's probably time to have some "big-girl" pajamas!  I have always avoided them, because they are sometimes uncomfortable, difficult to nurse in, and can be spendy!  When I had the chance to try a pair of Soma Intimates Pj's, however, I felt like a princess!  Not only did the pieces match (I'm pathetic, aren't I?), but they were so snuggly and easy to nurse my son in.

(Yes, this is a model from the Soma website. I only wish I could look this fresh in the morning.)

 

If you know of a gal in your life who still needs a holiday gift and could benefit from a classy set of jammers, you might want to consider the Soma Intimates Personality P.J's line.  Just answer a few simple questions about the personality of the giftee, and you'll be presented with some fitting options that will suit their style just right!  Available in soft jersey cotton or satin, they are comfy for nighttime, or for anytime you want to lounge around in style.

I ended up being a "classic" style.  What style would you be?  Find out at the Soma website!  (They have some great holiday deals going on right now.)

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Soma Intimates and received a pair of Personality PJs to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Creativity for Kids Giveaway!

Got a budding fashion artist in your home?  Looking for a fun way to engage young imaginations that won't be boring for adults?  We have got the perfect holiday gift idea for you!

Creativity for Kids has a new line of Kits that will keep kids entertained for hours... That's right:  I said HOURS.  If having your child busy, creating, and learning is something you're in the market for, then we're sure you like them!  We sampled the  Designed by You Special Occasion Fashion Kit, which had everything you need to create beautiful miniature dresses:  cloth, thread, glue, sketch book, and even a mini mannequin!  This is an activity that parents can do with kids -- or they can do alone!

This is just one of many quality products they offer.  Check out the others at their website (you'll adore the Diva Puppies and Create Your Own Enchanted Storybook, as well.)  Or you can check "Like" them on Facebook!

Wanna Win?  We have some great Creativity for Kids products to give away! 

Two (2) winners will receive the Fashion Kit we reviewed above (retail $39.99) plus these two bonus prizes!

• Diva Puppies(retail $17.99)
• Create Your Own Enchanted Storybook Activity Kit (retail $17.99)

To be entered to win, just comment on this post with which kit you think your child would like best.  You have until December 20th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON, please.

Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter all of our giveaways while you're here!)

*Sample was received for this giveaway.

Win with 12 Days of Prizes with Kymaro!

We love giveaways, and we're excited to offer a fun, unique way to stock up on neat Kymaro products for the holidays.  As part of our 12 Days of Holiday Gifts promotion, we are awarding 12 lucky Lille Punkin' Readers a spectacular prize from the Kymaro line.

 (Clip-in-Bangs)

Some have yet to hit the market, and will include:

• December 11 -  The Jet Flow 
• December 12 -  Clip-in-Bangs
• December 13 -  Kymaro Blow Dryer
• December 14 -  Sunless Tanning System
• December 15 -  Cami Body Shaper
• December 16 -  Backless Bra
• December 17 -  Glamour Eyes Glitz & Glam
• December 18 -  Curve Control Jeans
• December 19 -  Facial Threader
• December 20 -  Bust Up Cups
• December 21 -  Portable Hair Straightener
• December 22 -  Bottom Body Shapers

We are giving away 12 PRIZES, one for each day of entry.  Be sure to stop by every day to be eligible for each day's prize!  (Yes! You can win more than one prize!!)

Wanna Win?  For your first entry, just let us know which Kyramo product you'd like to try!  Then come back and enter each day for that day's prize by simply commenting "Today's entry."  You have until December 23rd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PER DAY, please.

Giveaway is open to U.S. 18+ only, and be sure to give us a way to contact you if you win! (Don't forget to enter all of our giveaways while you're here!)



*Giveaway courtesy of http://www.ubuyez.com/

Bike, Clothing, and Camping Equipment Recalls!

We want to you stay safe this holiday season, so be sure to check out these new recalls.  (And if you haven't been by in a while, be sure to look at all our past recalls or visit the official CPSC website!)

American Eagle Outfitters recall toddler girl clothing due to choking hazard (read more here.)

Circo Camping Kits for Kids Sold by Target Recalled due to Fire Hazard (read more here.)

Redline Bikes Recalled due to Fall Hazard (read more here.)

Stay Safe!!

Walmart has the Hot Toys for our Holiday List!

Wowee!  We have a lot of kids to shop for!  Thankfully, we have been strategically looking for the hottest toys at the best prices for over a month.  Here are some of our picks for the best of the season, that we happened to purchase for our own kids:

VTech V. Reader - With the appeal of an adult ereader, but with fun games, songs, and a "toy" appearance, this was the "must have" item on my 5-year-old's list.  It's suitable for ages 3-7, so I purchased it for all 3 of my older boys to use.  It comes with a game, but I also purchased the new Toy Story 3 game to go with it. (It was discounted as a bundle deal on Walmart.com when I bought it.)  I hope that this will encourage the boys to get past their resistance to learning phonics and actually reading a bit more for understanding.  We can incorporate it into our homeschool methods, but it will feel like play time!    (The V. Reader bundle with one game is priced at $59 online at Walmart.com)

LEGO's - We are LEGO addicts here at the Knerl house!  The boys are always playing with them, losing them, and then needing more.  I have a big bucket, but thought it would be nice for each boy to have their own tub that they could play with and store responsibly.  This LEGO Bricks & More- Ultimate Building Set was on sale for $15 during Black Friday (we bought 3), but even if you didn't get in on this low price, they are still a good buy at $29.97!

Crayon Maker - This was something that I've seen so many times on the commercials, but I can actually see a use for.  We are constantly picking up the broken crayons off the floor (before my dog can eat them), and we have a big bucket of stubby little pieces.  This toy will help us recycle in a fun way, and my son -- the artist -- has already seen this in our local Walmart and asked for it.  You can pick a Crayola Crayon Maker up online or in store for around $15.


Here is the big batch of hot toys we got this season from Walmart.  We also got long-sleeved character tees for each of them, and stocking stuffers (more on that, later.)  The kids will be thrilled!

What "hot toys" are your kids begging for this year?

*A gift card was provided for purchases and compensation has been provided by Walmart for my time and effort to participate. Opinions are 100% my own.

Walmart Toy Haul - Charity 2010

We did some SHOPPING yesterday!  In participation with Walmart, and as an effort to help children in our community may not received toys this year, we snagged a little over $100 in toys to bless their holiday season. I couldn't believe how many things we got for $115!

Since we had already visited our local Toys for Tots office, we knew that they had a need for items for the 12-14 age range (which is a bit difficult to shop for, affordably.)  We hit the sporting goods aisle at the suggestion of my husband and got the following items for our local drive:

• 2 Footballs (less than $10)
• 2 Fold-up Scooters ($15)
• 1 Basketball (less than $10)
• 2 Airwalk/Tony Hawk Skateboards (on clearance for $25)

That's 7 more kids that will have an extra reason to celebrate this year!



There is still time to stop by your local Walmart for some affordable gift giving for your local charity!

*A gift card was provided for charity purchases and compensation has been provided by Walmart for my time and effort to participate. Opinions are 100% my own.

Random Acts of Zhu Make Children's Lives Brighter!

We have been so blessed to partner with some amazing companies this year to help less fortunate children in our area of Nebraska.  The company behind Zhu Zhu Pets and Kung Zhu, Cepia, had given us a generous gift of 104 Zhu Zhu's for charity as part of their Random Acts of Zhu program!

Last week, we headed down to our local Toys for Tots office (located 90 miles away), and dropped off the little critters to help make some kids' holidays even brighter.  The office manager told us that they would really be appreciated, and we also dropped off some other new toys that we had received throughout the year from all of our product reviews.  (Sometimes we receive duplicate toys that we don't use.)  We are really happy that we chose this charity, as they were in need of just this kind of gift for kids who are having a difficult holiday season.

If you haven't done anything to help kids in your community, there is still time!  Your charity can be of your choosing, but if you do want to give new, unwrapped toys, you can find out where to donate at the Toys for Tots official website!

*We received over 100 hundred Zhu Zhu toys to donate to charity through their Random Acts of Zhu initiative.  No compensation was received for this opportunity.