Saturday, October 4, 2014

Brain Fitness Shell Game is another great ThinkFun games that we just love #thinkfun


We love board games. Don't get me wrong....I let my child have some computer time but we have always been big on fun board games and intellectual games. My hubby and I always enjoyed them as kids and we started playing simple board games with her when she was a tiny tot. It is totally different for your brain when you are sitting with a board game either thinking to yourself or interacting with others. This is the kind of skill that you can't learn on a computer no matter what the game you choose. I truly credit her early reading to all the board games and learning games we have played since she was a baby.

I have to say that my mom was one who discovered the ThinkFun brand a number of years ago.  She picked up a few of the ThinkFun travel sized games and the little one was hooked. We discovered one of her best friends was also a ThinkFun fan.  Her best friend has two parents that are educators so take that into consideration. They know good fun learning games when they see them. Birthdays and other special occasions became a good reason to buy a new ThinkFun game. Frankly, it made it easy for me because it was pretty much impossible to bomb when I chose a ThinkFun game. Many of the ThinkFun games including the Brain Fitness Shell Game are excellent games to play in the car, while waiting for appointments or even to tote with you on the airplane. A better option than endless screen time.  We have quite a collection and haven't been disappointed yet so I was excited to take a peek at this new fun game called Brain Fitness Shell Game.

The Brain Fitness Shell Game is a fun game for kids and adults. This is a great game for those rainy days when you want to get the kids off the screens and away from those computers. It is easy to learn too. You can start out easy and then really start challenging your mind with the different levels. You start out by setting up the Hermit Crabs and the Ocean Stones on the challenge to match the START position. Next you cover each of the Crabs and Stones with a Sea Shell. Then you move the Shells along the printed arcs from position to position until they are at the END position. When you think you have it right, lift up the Shells. If the Crabs match the END position, you are a winner. The Brain Fitness Shell Game comes with a Spiral-bound Challenge Booklet. It has 60 challenges ranging from Beginner to Expert so you have plenty of time to work your brain. It also comes with 6 Sea Shells, 6 Hermit Crabs and 3 Ocean Stones.  You have to remember and keep track in your mind with the various locations no matter what level you are on.  Brain Fitness Shell Game is a fun brain trainer game that encourages your mind to expand and think like it never has before.  You will be surprised how much quicker your brain starts to work when you exercise it with fun games like this one.

We really liked the fun and mental gymnastics combined with the educational element in the Brain Fitness Shell Game. My tween has been playing all week. It took her a little bit to start moving through the challenges but once she got going there was no stopping her. I love that you can play it by yourself (or the kids can play alone) or take turns in a small group.  I would definitely recommend this as a birthday present or a special gift for any child or adult.

This is a game that is recommended for ages 8 to adult and retails for about $19.99.

As ThinkFun says, "The goal is not to deceive, but rather to improve your memory and logic skills so that you can win. Getting a correct solution may seem like luck, but you’ll smile knowing that it’s a good dose of brain power!" It is totally correct.  You can purchase the Brain Fitness Shell Game from ThinkFun directly or you can also pick this great game up from ThinkFun up on Amazon. Who has time anymore to run from store to store?  Not me. I love shopping online it saves me so much time.

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.

Gamesformotion transforms classic board games like Candy Land and Scrabble with Belgian chocolate!

Disclosure:  I received four Gamesformotion products complimentary for review purposes. My opinions are my own.



I just received some amazing new games that are going to be a huge hit for the Christmas holiday season this year.  Starting in November, the European company Gamesformotion will be making these delicious and fun classic games like Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit™, Twister , Scrabble®, Pictionary, Candy Land, Monopoly,  Clue and Battleship with Belgian chocolate pieces available in the United States.  Yes, you heard me right. My tween near lost her mind when she saw the games in our own home.  She couldn’t believe that it would be possible to play her old favorite CandyLand with real chocolate! The best part is that you can find these yummy games at retailers around the country like Target, CVS, SuperValu store locations,  Kmart,  Meijer and Fred Meyer, Bed Bath & Beyond and even on Amazon.com.


This is a wonderful and creative gift idea that will make anyone happy this holiday season.   I would definitely pick up multiples because you know anyone would be excited to get it whether they were 4 or 64 years old.  It is so exciting because you really have tons of options that would work well for a work Secret Santa or a family gift.  Teens and little tots would be thrilled to get or give any of the classics too…anything with chocolate is always a winning gift.  The most wonderful aspect of this gift is how affordable it is….only $9.99 each so you can choose all your faves and stock up for the holidays at that price.   

The company has shared some additional information:

Gamesformotion has developed into a leading international Games Specialist when it comes to chocolate editions of classic favorites.  All of the chocolate versions of the games have the same essential features as their famous counterparts, except that their cards and letter tiles have been replaced with the finest Belgian milk chocolate encased within printed wrappers. Rules for all of the games have been slightly modified by Gamesformotion to ensure they’re always fun and easy to play no matter what your age. Instead of just playing to win, you might win tons of chocolate in real life! Candy Land, Monopoly, Clue, Battleship and more, which all exclusively feature these luxurious, edible Belgian chocolate game pieces.


My tween still loves all these classic games and plays them often with her friends but she said the chocolate versions just brings them into a new dimension. She was so excited to try out the chocolate versions she just practically couldn't wait until she had a friend come over to play.Her friend Elizabeth was just about as gaga as my tween was with the Guess Who with edible chocolate. I decided to serve dinner first so at least they would have eaten before all the chocolate. They had so much fun with it.  We decided to reserve two of them for holiday gifts and one of them is going to be a gift for my daughter.


Let me know your thoughts on these delicious and fun versions of the classic games we all know and love for holiday gifts this year.

Tazo Chai Tea Blog Review @smiley360. @tazo #SweetMeetsSpicy!

Disclosure:  I received a complimentary coupon for Tazo Chai through Smiley360. As always, my opinions are my own.


I have been a tea fanatic since I was a little girl. As more options came out on the market I was always eager to try them. My mom loves different teas as well. I discovered Chai teas a number of years ago but it used to be hard to find options to make it at home. I was happy to hear that the quality brand Tazo  came out with their own Chai tea in a special filterbag so I could enjoy it at home anytime I wanted.  If you aren't familiar with Chai tea, it brings together classic spices such as ginger, pepper and cardamom for a deliciously distinct taste.  Tazo went on to develop smooth and creamy latte concentrates to make it easy to enjoy anytime. Now all of us have the perfect way to enjoy these delightfully unexpected Chai flavors with milk. Now they are introducing new flavors to Chai – from the sweet creaminess of Vanilla Caramel to the seasonal flavor of Pumpkin Spice, Tazo believes there is truly a Chai for everyone.


I received a TAZO Chai Smiley Kit with the following items :
• Full-value coupon for any TAZO® Chai filterbag tea or latte concentrate
• Two full-value coupons for any TAZO® Chai filterbag tea or latte concentrate to share with your closest friends or family
•  TAZO® Chai tasting guide
• 1 TAZO® Classic Chai filterbag, 1 TAZO® Chocolate Chai filterbag and 1 TAZO®Vanilla Caramel Chai filterbag
• Smiley360 Sharing Guide
TAZO makes yummy teas so I was excited to try their Chai variety.  They were all delicious from the TAZO Classic Chai to the Chocolate to the Caramel Chai. I think the Caramel is my current favorite.  Chai Tea is delicious no matter what the flavor. These teas provided me with a uplifting sweet afternoon break along with a light snack. They are truly perfect for breakfast or anytime!

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:  "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Friday, October 3, 2014

VIVANT Skin Care Mandelic 3-In-1 Wash Review + Giveaway #Vivantskincare




I am particular especially when it comes to skincare.  I insist on the best quality skin care products because I want my skin to look and feel healthy no matter how old I am. Vivant Skin Care was created by the scientist who made skin look healthier...James E. Fulton M.D. PhD, the researcher, cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist who developed vitamin A acid, later known as Retin A. That was an amazing skin care breakthrough back then.  dr. Fulton took his knowledge and developed a skin care line for the new Millenium. There are so many benefits of Vivant Skin Care Mandelic 3-in-1 Wash, part of the whole Vivant skin care line.

This powerful yet gentle antioxidant wash contains Mandelic derived from almonds, green tea extract, grape seed, kiwi fruit and honey extracts.  Mandelic is a compound that is ideal for adult acne because it has triplicate benefits. It actually contains anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. A common issue that I also see on my chin after a breakout is blotchy skin. I get so frustrated. The company shared that with continued use it can "lift" skin discolorations and dark spots. This wash also can stimulate the rejuvenation of fine lines by generating new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

What is Mandelic though? I had not heard of it before neither. It is a powerful yet gentler form of (AHA) Alpha Hydroxy Acid. Mandelic is also ideal for treating sensititve Black, Hispanic, and Asian skin that become sensitive to harsh benzoyl peroxide products. It really is a product that can work for almost anyone that is looking for fresh, glowing skin. The company shared even helps ingrown hairs and can also be used as a shampoo on scalp to control dandruff and acne.
My thoughts:  I have been using it this week now and my skin looks great. I started out as suggested with every other day. It is comfortable on my skin while I am washing and after I rinse my skin. I pat it dry and follow with moisturizer. My skin looks fresh and clear in the morning when I wake up. I will continue to use this and keep you updated.

You can find Vivant Skin Care right on their website and have it at your door in a flash. Meanwhile, enter my Rafflecopter giveaway to win a bottle of your own VIVANT Skin Care Mandelic 3-in-1 Wash. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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.