Fast Flip

I recently received a quick game from Blue Orange Games called Fast Flip!.  Let me tell you more about this game.

What the game is all about.

Get ready to scramble for the match in this crazy fruit salad! Match your fruits to a number, or numbers to a fruit; you don’t know what match you’ll have to find next! Whether you play with the tokens or with the cards alone, all players of any age will be fast flipping for this brain teasing match up. The game comes complete in a tin for your cards and tokens, making it an easy travel item. The magic distribution of fruits on the cards guaranties that there is always one correct answer. You just need to be the fastest to find it!

My Thoughts

My first impression of Fast Flip! was that it seemed easy to play and quick to learn.  I was right – this is really an easy game that anyone could enjoy if you like games that are somewhat rapid to play.  The cards are double-sided – on one side you will see either a number or a fruit while on the other side you will see a bunch of fruits printed on them.   Before playing, shuffle the cards together and place them facedown in a pile (i.e. you won’t be able to see the side with all the  different fruits printed on it.).

The container contains 54 cards, 10 tokens and the rules.  The token are made of sturdy cardboard that will be easy to grasp for everyone.  The cards are triangular and quite large which makes it a bit awkward to shuffle I find.   If me an adult find it difficult to shuffle them you can imagine how little hands can have trouble as well.  However, I love the original shape of the cards which makes it an out-of-the-ordinary game.  There are three games in this little box which is very interesting because each game are unique and different at the same time.  

The first game is called Flip It!  In this particular game all players play simultaneously, racing to find a match.   This is played over a series of rounds.   At each round, when everyone is ready one person will flip the top card of the pile and place it face up next to the pile so that all can see the different fruits printed on it.  As fast as you can you need to look at the new faceup card and compare it with the card on top of the facedown pile.  If the facedown card shows a fruit, then you have to race to determine how many times that fruit is printed on the faceup card.   If the facedown card shows a number, then you will race to find which fruit is printed that many times on the faceup card.  The first player to call out the correct answer scores the faceup card as one point.  The game is over when there is only one card left in the deck. 

Can you sense the competition building while playing this game?   Personally I hate the stress of it but I can see how it can be interesting for competitive kids and/or adults.

Game number two is called Token Grab.  The box also contains tokens – either fruits of numbers.  You will have five of each – so for the numbers it will be 1,2,3,4,5 and the fruits will have strawberry, raspberry, orange, banana, and pineapple.   The fruits are adorable I find with little faces smiling at you.   While setting up for this particular game, you will have to arrange the ten tokens face up in reach of all players.   This time around, when you find the correct match, you will have to grab the correct token instead of calling out the answer.   This is perfect for a quieter game I find.   When you claim the token, you keep it faceup in front of you within reach of all players.    Scored tokens can be scored by other players on future rounds.  When one player has four tokens in front of him/her, then the game ends immediately and that player is the winner.   You can also play a shorter version of the game where you can decide that the winning player is the one with two or three tokens in front of him/her.

Game three is titled Token Live.  For this particular game, you will have to arrange the tokens in a row.   The order is not important so do whatever you feel like it at that moment.   The tokens will determine which match you are looking for each turn.  When a new card is flipped faceup, players will treat the left-most token as though it were on the back of the card.  Whoever first calls out the correctly matching symbol or number scores the token as 1 point.   The player with the most tokens after all 10 tokens have been played wins.

The skills your kids will develop while playing Fast Flip will be visual perception, processing speed as well as focus and attention.  All these can help your kids to become more observant and quick to respond.

As much as I would like to recommend this game for bringing with you at an appointment, I hesitate to do so simply because I know how kids can get excited about this kind of game and might start yelling when calling a fruit or quantity.    However, if your kids can control themselves and respect the quietness of a waiting room, this game a great to keep them occupied for a little while.  On the other hand, this game is perfect for a quick family fun time (plays in about 15 minutes) or for down time at camp or a retreat.     It could also be perfect to keep the kids busy while camping during a rainy period of time.   The game is perfect for ages 7 and up and can be played for two to eight players.  The box is easy to carry around in your purse or a bag.

I think this game has interesting twist but like I said I would be careful in which environment I would play it as some places prefer quietness over excitement.   I can see how this game would allow the children (and the adults as well) to stay sharp in their observation and quick in their reaction.   Just because I dislike the stress of being the first to call a fruit based on the card/token doesn’t make this game not fun to play.  It is just my personality who do not enjoy that kind of competitiveness.   However, I know that other people would enjoy it.  It can make a great game for kids or adults.   Can you picture adults playing this game at a party?  I sure can… and I also can see them laughing and having a good time.   So whether you consider this game for a child, a young adult in college or university or an adult, I think it will bring joy, competition and good memories to whoever receive it.

Fast Flip! is available at our favorite game store – even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Blue Orange Games for sending me the game. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Pressing Pause

Pressing Pause – 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus
Written by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk
Published at Zondervan

About the book

You’re busy and tired and craving peace—and you’re not alone.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom who has a list of seventeen errands to do between dropping the kids off and picking them up, or the working mom who’s day job is just as tough as your mom job, or the brand new mama who is experiencing the pain and joy of motherhood for the very first time—Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments Where Moms Can Meet with Jesus is for you.

These 100 devotions for moms focus on moving from just making it through to making a real difference and not losing yourself along the way.

In order to have this seismic shift in perspective, a mom needs to drink deep from the well of God’s word each day, filling her spiritual reservoir enough to then pour out into the lives of her husband, children, and others with whom her life naturally intersects. This can only be done with regular times spent alone with God, drawing on His power, ingesting His word, and learning to love and serve more like His Son.

Sound like a tall order? A time commitment you just can’t handle? These simple, accessible devotions offer you a brief moment of respite in your busy day, taking just enough time to center your heart and mind on what God has for you as His beloved daughter. Press pause on the chaos and find your rest.

My Thoughts

This interesting devotion book will allow moms of all ages to take some quiet moments to spend with Jesus.  Each subject touched in these devotions will speak to any mom who read it.  You will have be encourage to turn worry into worship, to consider the fact that the Joneses are overrated, that it is important that you parent with your spouse, to pass on the faith to your children, to lead by example and many more.

I have received a PDF format of the book which means I was able to access it anywhere I went for a quick devotion on the go.   Whether I was at the campground, at a Christian camp serving in the kitchen or waiting at an appointment, this book can uplift you in a matter of a few minutes.  Each devotion start with a specific scripture and goes on on expanding on a principle base on that scripture.  For example, in the devotion Putting “Flesh” on God the scripture is John 1:14 which says “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”   The devotion itself mentioned that the disciples had the privilege to walk with Him, talk with Him, touch Him, ate with Him, and live in close proximity to Him.  They literally experience God.  The devotion then goes on on how as parents we need to make God real to our children – which is done when they see us following Him with our whole being as we love them, serve them, study His Word, open our home to others, seek God in prayer, and give our time and talents.  Bottom line we need to live out our faith on a daily basis and be authentic.   The devotion ends with a quick prayer as well as some thought provoking questions which will encourage you to apply what you have learned in your own life. 

In all you will find 100 devotions in this book.   It can be done all in a row or sporadically if you prefer to keep it for times when you need extra encouragement.   I personally use it when I am at the campground since it is on my iPad.      So far only one devotion did not spoke to me as much as the other ones.  

This book could make a great gift for a new mom or a friend who is having difficulties finding time to spend with God.

Pressing Pause is available at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

KINDLE

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to Thomas Nelson for sending me the above mentioned product in pdf format for review purposes . I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Miracles from Heaven

I had heard of the movie but had not had the chance to go see it in theater yet.  So when I was approached to promote the upcoming DVD of Miracles from Heaven I didn’t hesitate one second – I jumped on the bandwagon.    I have received access to the movie via the internet and one rainy Saturday afternoon, we sat down – the whole family together –  to watch the movie.   The family consist of my husband and I as well as our four kids ages 8. 10, 12, and 15.  

The movie is based on the true story of the Beam family from Burleson, Texas. When 10 year-old Anna is diagnosed with an incurable digestive motility disorder that threatens her life, the entire family's faith is tested. Discouraged by naysayers, aka: "friends of Job," Mrs. Beam finds her own faith slipping away. Young Anna tries to stay strong, but even reaches the point of despair. And just when it seems that all hope is lost, the miraculous happens, restoring everyone's faith and bringing new faith to others.

Ok.  First of all I will not tell you everything that happens in the movie as it would spoil the story for you.  But I will tell you one thing for sure – You absolutely need to watch this movie!    The story is absolutely incredible and will grab your heart from the beginning.   Everyone in the family enjoyed the story and how it was presented.   It was well done and slowly unfolding the drama surrounding the family.   I experience a multitude of emotions while watching this movie – hate for certain comments made by other churchgoers, sadness, compassion, and much more.    You definitively need a box of tissue next to you while watching this movie if you are prone to cry in movies that are somewhat emotional. 

Though some parts of the movie are not quite similar to the real story itself, I find the creators behind this movie were able to succesfully illustrate the drama behind the whole ordeal lived by the Beam family during the sickness of Anna.  I find that Jennifer Garner was doing a great job at impersonating the mom.  It isn’t easy to have a sick child and struggling with faith when hard times are hitting you.   Similarly, Kylie Rogers did an amazing job in her role as Anna Beam.  

On the Blue-Ray you will also find special features and digital extras.  Not only will you meet the real family but you will also get things like: accounts from Annabel, deleted scenes, commentary with Patricia Riggen and Randy Brown, miracles abound: the making of Miracles from Heaven, bearing witness, your words music montage, and creating Heaven - concept art exploration.

If you are looking for a wonderful family movie I strongly recommend Miracles from Heaven.  Everyone in my family enjoyed it – even my  youngest who disliked the hospital scene because she do not like seeing people suffering.   Her three brothers enjoyed it as well and thought the story was interesting.   I personally enjoyed it quite a lot (even if I had tears a few times during the movie) and have been talking about it to other people since we watched it last week-end.   I think the movie is a breath of fresh air and very family friendly.  

If you desire to learn more about the story of the Beam family, please visit the mother’s website at ChristyBeam.com where you will also be able to see pictures of the family from the past and today.

Miracles from Heaven is available for purchase at any store, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

 

Disclaimer: Movie has been provided courtesy of Sony Entertainment Canada and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc via internet link for review purpose. I was not monetarily compensated for this review. Please note that the review was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.

Student Atlas

Student Atlas – Essential reference for students of all ages  8th Edition
Published at DK Canada

About the book

The fully revised 8th edition of Student Atlas includes all current border, place, name, and flag changes around the world. Designed with middle and high school students in mind, this reference guide includes a detailed introductory section on map skills, along with balanced coverage of each continent. The Student Atlas maps have accurate computer-generated terrain models with a key, scale bar, and locator map for every region in the world, and a country fact file shows key statistical data for each country and lets the reader easily compare nations.

Integrated text, illustrations, and exercises complement the maps, encouraging students to learn more about each topic, making Student Atlas the perfect reference book to stimulate an interest in the world, geography, and maps.

My thoughts

A good atlas is always good to have when studying geography.   The Student Atlas published at DK is regularly updated to highlight the changes happening in the world.   The 8th edition of the atlas has recently being published and I had the opportunity to take a good look at it.

As soon as you open the book, you can immediately jump into a specific area of our beloved planet.  From the main map of the world, you will obtain the pages where North America, South America, Europ, Africa, Asia, Antarctica and Australasia & Oceania are located in the book.   You can also find a more detailed table of contents where you will be able to identify specific items you wish to find.

The table of contents is like this:

Learning Map Skills:  amazing earth, mapping the world, How maps are made, reading maps, using the atlas.

The World Around Us: physical world, earth’s structure, climate and life zones, world population, world economy, borders and boundaries.

The World Atlas: nations of the world.

North America: Continental North America, North American geography, Western Canada, Eastern Canada, USA: The Northeastern States, USA: The Southern States, USA: The Great Lakes States, USA: The Central States, USA: The Southwestern States, USA: The Mountain States, USA: The Pacific States, Alaska, Hawaii, US Overseas Territories, Mexico, Central America, The Caribbean.

South America: Continental South America, South American geography, Northern South America, Southern South America.

Africa: Continental Africa, African geography, North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa.

Europe: Continental Europe, European geography, Northern Europe, the low countries, the British Isles, Ireland, Scotland, Northern England & Wales, Southern England,France, Germany and the Alpine states, Italy, Central Europe, Southeast Europe, Eastern Europe, European Russia, the Mediterranean.

Asia: Continental Asia, Asian geography, Russia and Kazakhstan, Turkey and the Caucasus, Southwest Asia, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea.

Australasia & Oceania: Australasia & Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, Southwest Pacific.

Polar Regions: Antarctic, Arctic.

The maps included in this book are very colorful and packed with information.  For examples, you will be able to read about the physical geography and the political geography of a country as well as learn about the industry and the land use of the country.   When you select a specific area to study, you will learn more detailed information about the industry in that area, the landscape, the farming and land use, the population, the climate, as well as the environmental issues.

Like I said this book is packed with information that can be used in your geography studies whether you are a student at school or homeschooler.

The Student Atlas is part of the Back to School Boutique of DK Canada.  This special boutique is offering numerous titles that can help your child in many subjects.   Check out the titles available in the Back to School Boutique to see what else DK Canada has to offer to help your child to obtain amazing grades.

The Student Atlas 8th Edition is available for purchase at your favorite bookstore, even on amazon.ca and amazon.com.

  

Disclaimer: Thanks to DK Canada for allowing me to promote these books. I was not monetarily compensated for this post . Please note that the post was not influenced by the Sponsor in any way. All opinions expressed here are only my own.