Yahtzee Flash

Yahtzee Flash
From Hasbro Canada

About the product

Thanks to innovative Wonder-Link technology, these super-smart dice know what you rolled, what you decide to hold, and automatically re-roll the rest. Rack up the scores in four addictive, fast-action games!

Your favourite game with a high-tech twist! Electronic YAHTZEE Flash will seem to read your mind as you play – drop the dice, line up the numbers you like, and YAHTZEE Flash re-rolls the others. Choose from four ways to play – Poker, Max, Wild or Flash. Wow your friends or play on your own – and the portable game case lets you play on the go.

Comes with 5 Electronic YAHTZEE “dice,” game case, Rules and Quick-Play Card.  Includes 5 button batteries.

My Thoughts

After the Scrabble Flash and the Simon Flash, here comes another addition to the Flash technology of Hasbro – Yahtzee!   I love to play the dice game and now I can do it without worrying of loosing the small dice when I travel with the RV.   This Flash technology will open up possibilities for you if you travel often whether for pleasure of business.

Like the other games in the Flash technology, the Yahtzee has a game menu.  Choose between the four games to start one.

Yahtzee Poker – This game is for one player.   As this game suggest it, the combinations of dice is similar to poker.    The various combos available to you while playing Yahtzee Poker are: 2 of a kind (1 pair), 3 of a kind, 2 Pair, 4 of a kind, Full House, Small Straight, Large Straight, First Yahtzee (5 of a kind) and Additional Yahtzee.   You can reroll any die up to two more times.   The goal of the game is to score as many points as possible.

Yahtzee Max -  This game is for one player. This game objective is to score the most ones, twos, threes, fours, fives or sixes as possible.   You can reroll each die up to three times to accomplish this game.   If by the end of the game you score 63 points, you get a bonus of 35 points!  You have to keep going until you have scored for all numbers.

Yahtzee Wild – This game is also for one player.  The objective of this game is to roll three Yahtzee in the least possible time.   As you probably know a Yahtzee is scored when all five dice are the same number.   In this game you have a WILD dice.   Wild dice represent any number and you can hold up to five WILD dice.  After you have rolled three Yahtzee, the game will end and your time in seconds will appear on the dice.

Yahtzee Pass – This game is for two or more players.  Take turn to try to roll a Yahtzee before the time runs out.   If you roll a Yahtzee before the time runs out, the dice will display the YAHTZEE! and then ask you to pass it to the next person.    If you can’t roll a Yahtzee before the time runs out – you are out of the game…

The dice also comes with a fun storage case which will allow you to carry them anywhere you are going.   

My only disappointment is that there are so many game for one player and that you can’t play the original Yahtzee with others.   I was expecting to have the ability to play the regular Yahtzee game with at least another person but it isn’t the case.   I guess you can’t beat playing Yahtzee with others without rolling the dice in your hands…   Nevertheless, this game is great for a down time for the kids or for entertaining yourself when you are on lunch time or travelling alone.

Yahtzee Flash is available at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia

LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia
Published at DK Canada

About the book

Includes exclusive LEGO® Star Wars® minifigure!

DK is bringing two of the world's most popular properties together again in a fun, chunky format that kids and adults are sure to love! This illustrated encyclopedia features in-depth profiles showing interesting and never-before-seen elements of all your favorite LEGO® Star Wars® minifigures.

With more than 400 captivating images and tons of fascinating facts, the LEGO® Star Wars® Character Encyclopedia is sure to keep both LEGO lovers and Star Wars fans reading for hours!

My Thoughts

Do you have a fanatic of Lego Star Wars in your household?   Do you know someone who collects them?  If so I have the perfect Christmas gift for that person!   DK has recently released the LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia for the fans everywhere…

What is particularly interesting about this book is that an exclusive minifigure is also included – Han Solo Decorated Hero.  

The characters are presented based on their appearance in the movies.   The book is divided according of the movies – Episode I, Episode II, Episode III, Episode IV, Episode V, Episode VI, Clone Wars and Expanded Universe.

Just for fun, I decided to go to the page where Han Solo Decorated Hero was shown. As Star Wars fans would know, Han Solo receive the highest medal of honor for his role in the destruction of the first Death Star in Episode IV.  On this page, you can see the figurine and various information linked to it.  For example, one of the boxes is linked to the medal and you can read – Princess Leia Organa has awarded Han with this medal of honor for his heroics in the Battle of Yavin.    You can also learn that this is the fifth version of Han Solo in LEGO form but the only LEGO Star Wars character available in more versions is Luke Skywalker.  Also it is interesting to know that there are three characters that match Han Solo’s number: Anakin Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

For the other figurines you can discover in which set of LEGO Star Wars they have been released. Each character has also a data file which gives you information about the set, year, pieces, equipment and the number of variants.

I know that my kids will dig into this book quite a bit and dream of battles they could have with these characters if they had the LEGO Star Wars sets for them.  I wouldn’t be surprised to see them going through the book with the ones they already have to learn more about them….

The LEGO Star Wars Character Encyclopedia is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

K’Nex Monster Jam Building Set

K’Nex Monster Jam Grave Digger VS Son-Uva Digger Building Set
From K’Nex

About the toy

Build, play, crush! Get ready for extreme Monster Jam® action with the Grave Digger® vs. Son-Uva Digger® Building Set! This set comes with over 100 parts to build two of the most popular monster trucks in Monster Jam® at the same time, with K'NEXmen drivers. You can compete head-to-head or side-by-side, driving over ramps and crashing into a grave yard - all included! The wedge-shaped box can be used as an extra ramp. Step-by-step building instructions included. Recommended for builders ages 5+.

Build Grave Digger® and Son-Uva Digger® monster trucks at the same time.  Both monster trucks include K'NEXmen drivers  and you have enough parts to build ramps and things to destroy.  The wedge-shaped box becomes an extra ramp.
Step-by-step building instructions included - For ages 5+

My Thoughts

This is a cool set for little boys who like to crash vehicles together.    It is perfect for outdoors and indoors and will  entertain your son.  

The vehicles and characters are easy to build for instant play time after unwrapping this box.    I find it interesting that K’Nex has included drivers for the vehicles.  It makes it even more fun I find.    After all, when you go to a Monster Jam show, people are driving the big trucks so why not including them in the trucks in K’Nex as well!

Knowing that K’Nex produce quality products, I know that these vehicles and the ramp will last for a long time at the hands of rough boys.  If you boy love trucks and smashing them, he will enjoy this building set for sure!

K’Nex Monster Jam Grave Digger VS Son-Uva Digger Building Set can be purchased at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I have received the above mentioned products 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.

Spirograph

Spirograph
by Hasbro Canada

About the product

Create beautiful and amazing designs with your Spirograph gears! Choose your own pens and paper. Then all you have to do is put a sheet of paper on the magnetic board, use the magnets to hold the paper in places, and put the tip of your pen in a gear. Keep going until your Spirograph design is complete, and then put your pen in a different hole or gear for a brand new design! When you’re done, store everything neatly on the back of the board!

My Thoughts

When I was younger, I had an old version of the Spirograph with colored pens.   I think I might have spend hours using this drawing tool…  Imagine my delight when I saw that the new Spirograph had no-slip gears and a magnetic board.  

You budding artist will be able to mix the frames and gears to make amazing creations.    The magnets will help to hold the paper in place as well as the plastic tools.    Marvelous.    A few years ago, I had purchase another Spirograph but the frame kept moving while drawing and it wasn’t fun.   This time, I know that the kids will have a blast using it just because the paper will be stable.

All the pieces fit on the back of the board when you are done drawing.   There is no reason why a piece will mysteriously disappear….  everything has it’s place!  I even tried it myself and was amazed at the stability of the paper while I was drawing…  Now I just want to find colored pens to go with the Spirograph so that the kids can have tons of fun being inspired by a toy that still entertain people to this day.

I also find that this would be perfect when we travel on the road with the RV since the paper won’t move and the whole board will be stable.  Knowing how much fun I had with my older Spirograph when I was a kid, I am certain that kids of the 21st century will have a blast creating cool design and use their imagination with the new version of the Spirograph.

Spirograph can be purchased at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I have received the above mentioned products 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.

Trivial Pursuit Disney for All Edition

Trivial Pursuit: Disney for All Edition
From Hasbro Canada

About the game

Which Disney character would you most trust with a secret? What are the superpowers of the INCREDIBLES family? Whatever your screen favorites, you’ll find something you love in this version of TRIVIAL PURSUIT. You’ll uncover tons of fun facts – and enjoy three different ways to earn wedges. Choose from Disney List questions, Take 2 Trivia or even My Disney, where you find out how well your teammates know you!

This game even puts DISNEY magic right into your hands with a specially designed Magic Wand that reveals the answers!

Comes with 1 Gameboard, 1 Die, 2 Movers, 12 Wedges, 297 Cards, 1 Magic Wand and Instructions.   For 4 or more players.

My Thoughts

Oh marvelous!  Another Disney Trivia game on the market.   Love those ones as we love to watch Disney movies as a family!  We are not expert on everything Disney but we are loving the movies and enjoy the characters.

The goal of the game is quite simple – be the first team to earn six wedges and answer the final question to win.    And just to ease your fear of trivia games, there are only two movers to fill…   in the shape of the famous mouse head and ears…!   It is preferable to mix the kids and adults in the family to make equal teams.    For our family it means that each parent will have two kids in their team.  

Each card has two sections but there isn’t difference between them.   Both section has the same level of difficulty.  However, you will have to choose which section you are willing to answer the questions from before the game start.  The team with the youngest player will start first. 

Once you have rolled the dice, you can move either direction and end up on different style of questions:

Disney List – Work together to create a list to answer the question or to choose the item’s that don’t belong.  The other team can check your answers by using the magic wand.
Take 2 Trivia – Read the question and answer it.  Again the other team can verify the answer by using the magic wand.
My Disney – Without looking the question, choose a player in your team who will answer.  Then read the card and using the magic wand the player has to select 1, 2 or 3 based on his preference.   All the rest of the team will have to guess what was the answer of the player.
You Choose – The team has to decide which card to play.
Roll Again – well this one is quite easy…  All you have to do is grab the dice and roll again.

Bottom line is that if you like Disney and enjoy trivia games, you will enjoy playing with Trivial Pursuit: Disney for All Edition.    My husband is not a big fan of trivia games but he always enjoyed the kids version or anything Disney related.   This game has definitively found a home who will enjoy it and I know a friend of mine might be interested in it as she is a huge Disney fan – even her blog is based on Disney!

Trivial Pursuit: Disney for All Edition is available at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Kid K’Nex Undersea Friends Building Set

Kid K’Nex Undersea Friends Building Set
From K’Nex

About the Toy

Your child can have a blast exploring the ocean with his fantastical undersea friends! With 48 building pieces including blocks, rods, connectors, personality parts, and NEW KID'NEX figures, your child can simultaneously build two giant fish, a scuba diver, swimmer, and other underwater attractions. Building set comes in easily portable box with handle so that you can take the fun with you! Encourage your child's imagination with ten suggested alternate builds.

Features...

• 48 KID K'NEX pieces including blocks, rods, connectors, personality parts, and NEW scuba diver/swimmer figures
• Perfect well-rounded building and playing experience for kids ages 3+
• Includes ideas for ten alternate builds

My Thoughts

Kid K’Nex is perfect for little hands and will entertain your little ones for some time.   This specific set is wonderful to entertain the preschooler in your homeschool while you have to explain other lessons to your oldest kids.    The box contains 48 pieces which can be interconnected together to create beautiful undersea creatures.   You could also teach your preschooler about animals living in the ocean with it.

Two figures are also included in this box to help you child to pretend play as though he/she is swimming with the sea creatures.  

I find the pieces colorful and easy to handle even for little hands.   As usual I am impressed with the quality and durability of the plastic pieces included in this Kid K’Nex building set.

I highly recommend the Kid K’Nex products no matter which ones they are.

Kid K’Nex Undersea Friends Building set is available at any toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Smithsonian Rock and Gem

Smithsonian Rock and Gem
From DK Canada

About the book

A fascinating encyclopedic reference on rocks and gems, including their identification, composition, and their use. The many feature boxes cover topics such as the Malachite room in the Winter Palace and the collection of the Hope Diamond and the superstitions surrounding it.

My Thoughts

Since our trip to the Science North in Sudbury last year (Sept 2010), my oldest son has been fascinated with rocks.    He once mentioned that it would be nice to have a book on rocks so he can learn more about it.   *grin*   He doesn’t know that I have this gem of a book in my hands as I write this.   

While at the museum, the kids registered themselves to the science section to learn how to polish rocks.    Each of them worked hard to make their rough rock become a polished one – one so smooth to the hand and nice to look at.  They liked the activity so much that they went back to it on another day. 

But participating to this simple yet fun activity, the curiosity of my kids was picked.   And everywhere they go now, they pick up rocks and show them to me.   We even got some slag – left of rock from the nickel extraction – from my husband’s uncle who used to work in the mines in Sudbury.  

My oldest son, who is ten, keeps asking for a book that will give him more information about rocks.   Well let me tell you that the Smithsonian Rock and Gem is the book for him!   This book will give him all the information he needs to learn more about rocks and gems.    He already started his little collection of rocks.    I suspect that he will enjoy digging into this book to learn more about the different rocks and gems from around the world.

The books chapters are:

Origins – formation of the universe, formation of earth, earth’s crust and collection rocks and minerals
Rocks – rock formation, types of rocks, igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks
Minerals – what is a mineral?, identifying minerals, mineral associations, what is a crystal?, crystal systems, crystal habits, what is a gemstone?, gem mining, gem cutting, native elements, sulfides, sulfosalts, oxides, hydroxides, halides, carbonates, phosphates, arsenates, vanadates, borates, nitrates, sulfates, chromates, tungstates, molybdates, silicates, organic gem.
Fossils – how fossils are formed, the fossil record, plants, invertebrates, vertebrates

Though I will admit that some of the information is not Christian based, I believe it is necessary for my children to be exposed to both side of the coins in the theories circulating out there.   I want my kids to be fully prepared for when they arrive in college/university so that they can stand firm in their beliefs and be able to defend their faith.  

Each rock/gem presented in this book is done so with detailed information about it.   Images always accompanied the text and you will be able to compare your own rocks/gems in your collection with the photos included in this book.  You will also discover where the rock/gem can be found around the world.

The Smithsonian Rock and Gem is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Trivial Pursuit Bet You Know It Wii

Trivial Pursuit Bet You Know It (Wii)
From EA Games

About the Game

Experience the ultimate TRIVIAL PURSUIT experience with both BET YOU KNOW IT and Original on one disc!

In TRIVIAL PURSUIT BET YOU KNOW IT you and your family can play both classic TRIVIAL PURSUIT and BET YOU KNOW IT, all on one disc. The new BET YOU KNOW IT mode includes thousands of new trivia questions and a fun betting component that will keep everyone on their toes. Team up with or play head- to-head against up to three friends.

• All-new questions - Thousands of new questions for hours of fun
• Categories for Everyone - Fun, new categories like Jingles, 80’s Music & Movies, Videogames, Slang, and more so everyone can play along!
• Single or Multiplayer - Play to clear the board, or play with up to four friends
• With BET YOU KNOW IT, everyone plays on every turn! - Challenge friends and family and steal wedges to win the game.
• Classic and BET YOU KNOW IT gameplay - Enjoy your favorite trivia game, in an all new way.
• Compete with friends and family members for bragging rights.

Our Thoughts

Last Wednesday, we had friends who came over for supper.   After the kids were in bed, we decided to play on the Wii with try the new Trivial Pursuit Bet You Know It game that I had received to review.  It was perfect to have another couple to play with us.   We made the teams – men against women – and started to play.  You will get explanations as you start the game and you will also be able to decide how the game will be played.

The new Trivial Pursuit Bet You Know It is challenging to say the least.   The new version of Trivial Pursuit allows you to buy spaces and wedges if you have the money.  What is interesting is that this version of the game also allows the opponents to bet if the person will be able to win the game or not.   Once the bet are placed,  you receive your question.  Each question has a multiple choice and you are a time limit to answer.  We all found that the time allowed to answer the questions was quite fast.  To be honest it almost felt that you need to be a speed reader to be able to see all the question and answers.      If you win the bet you have place against the person, you earn double the amount you place.  If  you loose, you loose the amount you have bet.  If you answered the question, you win the chips that the players have lost.

Here’s some example of questions asked during the Trivial Pursuit Bet You Know It game.

I am pleased to say that the women won the game.   Afterwards, while looking at the options more, we discovered that you can also play the Classic Trivial Pursuit with this Wii game.   Two game for the price of one!   Fabulous! We decided to try it right away to compare the two and personally I must say that I prefer the Classic version.  One the questions are easier and Two my husband enjoyed it better.    My husband is not too fond of trivia type games but with the Classic version, he was able to get into it more.    With the Classic version, you can decide how many wedges are needed to win the game as well as when do you get the wedges.

In the end, we had fun playing with our friends even if the first game was a little bit harder than the Classic version.    This Wii game could be a great game to take out when you have people over one evening and you want to create teams together.   You can play with up to four controls as well – so four teams in a way.

Now my questions to EA Game would be – Will  you make a Trivial Pursuit Disney For All Wii Game?  Because if you do, we will definitively jump on it.   You could also incorporate the Trivial Pursuit for Kids on the same CD….

Trivial Pursuit Bet You Know It Wii game is available at your favorite store, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Lego Brickmaster Star Wars

Lego Brickmaster Star Wars
From DK Canada

About the product

Books and building bricks come together like never before! Dynamic full-color photos combine with clearly labeled instructions, trivia, and a compelling story to make the Brickmaster kits perfect for all LEGO fans!
With this kit, kids can create incredible spacecraft from the world of Star Wars, or build their own unique warp-speed ships.

My Thoughts

The Brickmaster series is fabulous for any child who loves Lego.  Not only will it guide you to build some interesting theme constructions but it contains Lego bricks as well!

The Brickmaster Star Wars includes more than 240 bricks as well as 2 figures – a clone trooper and a battle droid.  

Battle on Christophsis is the first step-to-step building instructions you will have.   You will be able to build a AAT Battle tank as well as a nu-class attack shuttle.   Then your child can re-enact the battle on Christophsis.  Once he/she is done with these construction, he/she can travel to the ice planer in the Outer Rim of the galaxy and build the Single Trooper Airspeeders (or STAS) as well as a Low Altitude Assault Transport/Reconnaissance (or LAAT/R) personal gunship.  After some time on a iced planet, nothing is better than to more into the desert.   In the Desert Raid section,  the child will follow step-to-step instructions for building a mobile missile platform as well as a sand dune scuffle and a s-wing speeder bike.  Finally, you can transport the battle to the forest when you build the Varied Terrain Speeder (or VTS) as well as the All Terrain Reconnaissance Transport (AT-RT) Walker. 

Each ship comes with a data file where the child can read more about the name, manufacturer, class, crew, top speed, armament as well as role of the vehicle.  Every now and then, you will see a DID YOU KNOW? box that contains interesting information on the ships or anything related to Star Wars.

To be honest, I would be surprised if Dad doesn’t join the kids when they build the Star Wars spaceships.    It would be a great way to spend time with your kids during the holidays.

I am quite impressed with the Brickmaster series.    It is very original and fun at the same time.   A great way to surprise your kids on Christmas day.

Other Brickmaster idea packages are available at DK Canada. You can find one for City, Atlantis, Ninjago, Castle, and Pirate.

The Brickmaster Star Wars is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Lego Ideas Book

Lego Ideas Book – unlock your imagination
Published at DK Canada

About the book

You have what it takes! Did you ever wonder what you can do with all of those LEGO® bricks after you have created the project they came with?

Now with The LEGO Ideas Book, you can take what you already have and make something new! The book is divided into six themed chapters—transportation, buildings, space, kingdoms, adventure, and useful makes—each with basic templates of key models and spreads to inspire you to create your own.

Hints and tips from Master Builders can help you turn your classic car into a race car or add a bridge to your castle! Don't be concerned if you haven't got all the bricks you need: this book also shows how to simplify details, making this a great user-friendly guide for any building ability.

Featuring all-new LEGO® building projects, tips to supplement and enhance your LEGO creations, inspirational builds, and expert advice from LEGO Master Builders, The LEGO Ideas Book will keep kids of all ages creating for hours.

My Thoughts

When I was younger, I played with Lego quite a bit.  My mom even bought some ideas books that I still have to this day and now my own kids are using them. But DK Canada now have a fabulous book that I knew my kids will jump on it when they see it.

This book is simply amazing and contains numerous ideas where you and your kids can build from.    Not only will it give you building tips but you will find ideas that will spark your own imagination.   The book is divided in six sections full of construction ideas.  

Planes, Trains & Automobiles cover any vehicles that  you can think off.

Town & Country will guide you in how to build a building whether it is in town or in the country.

Out of this World is a section that will present anything from out of space.

In Days of Old will bring back in time and guide you in building Medieval structures.

A World of Adventure will bring you into the world of pirates, Vikings, the jungle as well as robots.

Make & Keep will guide you in building useful items like desk organizers or board games.

Each section always star by presenting some of the bricks you might need to complete the ideas included in it.    Some people might find that it is unfortunate that some pieces are not easy to get and I understands their problem.   Recently, I saw a marvelous box of Lego at Wal-Mart and checked to see if strange pieces were included in it.  There was not many out of the ordinary pieces unfortunately.   I would have consider getting the box if it would have been the case.   I am still thinking I might purchase it because the bricks I had when I was younger are older and break easily. But not having special pieces to build the ideas in this book could be discouraging.

Like I mentioned my kids now play with my older Lego and they also got Lego for their birthday or Christmas over the year.  So our Lego collection is growing…  I am uncertain to how many pieces we might have to do the ideas in this book but I am excited to get down on my knees and do some building with them.  Unfortunately, this book doesn’t contain a step-by-step method of building the ideas.   You will have to figure out most of the ideas by yourself.   In a way it will help you to stretch your imagination and develop your deductive skills when investigating which pieces you will need.

Lego Ideas Book is available at your favorite bookstore, even amazon.ca.

Groovy Girls Cali Candy Cane

Groovy Girls Cali Candy Cane
From Manhattan Toy

About the Product

Cali Candy Cane is as sweet as they come. Her velvet red dress and green and white striped stockings reveal her tasteful holiday personality. Her hair is full of candy cane colors with a mixture of light blonde and red highlights. Cali Candy Cane is as festive as they come, from her stocking cap to her cute green handbag.

My Thoughts

I have a confession to make.   I love the Groovy Girls!   And I will be honest with you that I started buying some at a 2nd hand store before I had my daughter.  So when she arrived I had cute little dolls that she could play with.   I was even able to get a tent (perfect when we camp during the summer!), a chair, the pampering desk as well as a dining booth while shopping at the 2nd hand stores.

But if you want to have the latest in the Groovy Girls you have to go the the specialty toy store in town or directly at the Manhattan Toy website.

Imagine my joy when I learned that I would be reviewing one of the latest Groovy Girls – Cali Candy Cane.    When I received the box, I immediately opened it and fell in love with this beautiful doll.   I’m delighted to see that she has blond hair like my daughter.  Cali is dressed in a beautiful red dress which is is completed with a candy cane style border.   Her whole outfit is stunning and will please any little girl I am sure.   Even her hair are stylish with a bit of red in it.    This touch is simply wonderful I find.   The Christmas spirit is everywhere in this outfit from the hair to the tip of the shoes.    Even the bag she hold has some Christmas spirit in it.

This doll is definitively a great item to have in the stocking under the tree (or hanging at the chimney!).    As usual I am impressed with the quality and the originality of the Groovy Girls dolls. 

If you are looking for a fun doll for your daughter or a niece, I would strongly suggest that you look into the line of products of Groovy Girls.  These soft dolls are adorable, easy to carry around and will delight the little girl in your life.

The Groovy Girls products are available online at www.manhattantoy.com or a Specialty Store near you.

GREAT NEWS!

Manhattan Toy is giving away another Groovy Girls Cali Candy Cane to one of my followers.

In order to qualify for the giveaway, you need to like Manhattan Toys on Facebook (indicate that you did in your comment) and view our website and comment on what other Manhattan Toy products their child would like and why.  (This is entry #1)

For an extra entry, you need to follow Manhattan Toy on Twitter. (This is entry #2)

Leave me comments below and include your email for each comment as well.  Don’t forget - two entries = two comments…

Deadline: December 11, 2011

Open to US and Canadian residents only.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Wise Alec Sports Buffs Travel Game and Expansion Set

Wise Alec – Sports Buffs Travel Game & Expansion Set
From Griddly Games

About the game

Hey Sports Fans! For extra-curricular fun, challenge your friends with 300 questions to test your knowledge of sports history, athletes, and rules. Two levels of questions on each card let everyone from rookies to veterans play together. Plus, Wise Alec™ cards will have you doing tongue twisters, brain teasers, and fun exercises! No game board means this game is road-ready; no table required!

My Thoughts

Do you have a sport fan in your household?  If so this game would be for him or her.   The Wise Alec – Sports Buffs Travel Game is perfect to play a sports trivia game with friends while waiting for the game on television whether is it hockey, baseball, football, basketball or anything else for that matter.

More than three hundred questions will test your knowledge of sport rules and origins, professional sports as well as amateur sports.   Each card has two questions whether your are a rookie or a veteran.   In our house, we will more than likely pick the rookie questions as the one sporting event we will watch on television is the Olympics!  With the 2012 games in London coming next year, we are getting excited about watching them next summer.

The game is similar to the Wise Alec – Nature Nuts and the Wise Alec - Civilize This versions that I have previously reviewed.   Essentially you roll the die and if you roll a red, green or yellow color, you get a card from the deck of that color.   The red cards consist of question about rules & Origins like for example “Name the 5 rhythmic gymnastics events?” for 7 points.  The green cards will have questions about Athletes & Stats like for 3 points tell “Which basketball coach was known as the Wizard of Westwood?”.   Finally the yellow cards will contain questions on History & Moments like “After retiring as a player with what team did baseball great babe Ruth spend one year as a coach?” which will give you 7 points.

If you are in luck, you can roll a purple and get a Wise Alec card which will make you do exercises, tongue twisters, brainteasers and more.   With these special cards you can win or loose points, get special bonuses and other wacky things…   Here’s an example of a Wise Alec card – “ACTION!  Rub your stomach and pat your head for 5 seconds.  Then do the reverse for 5 seconds.  + 5 points.”

The cards from this game can also be used to expand your own set of Wise Alec™ Family Trivia Game.   This game can be played in different ways.   You decide the point goal or the time limit at the beginning of the game.  However, to make it more challenging, you can stagger the point goals to make it more difficult for the parents and easier for the kids, decide that the older players will only answer the 7 points questions and so on.

The Wise Alex Travel Games are original and concentrate on a specific theme.    I hope that other theme cards will come out in the future like for example geography or anatomy.   That would be fantastic!

The Wise Alec Civilize This! Travel Game and Expansion Set is available for purchase at various stores in the US and Canada. Check their retailers page for more details. However for Ottawa you can purchase them at G Whillikers located at 3A-1910 St-Laurent Blvd.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Griddly Games for sending me the product 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.

Cranium Brain Breaks

Cranium Brain Break – 200 one-minute mini games
From Hasbro Canada

About the game

200 One-Minute Mini Games. Welcome to CRANIUM Brain Breaks! The game you can play in a minute - or enjoy for an hour! Get ready for fast, frantic fun that will have your family acting, sketching, sculpting, and word puzzling as you race together to beat the timer. With 200 different activities, a Brain Breaks game is always within reach - no matter how much time you have to play.

Contents: 100 cards, six CRANIUM Cubes, die, timer, CRANIUM Clay, notepad.  CRANIUM Clay net weight 56g.  2-6 players.

My Thoughts

First and foremost, I totally adore the presentation of this game.   Who can say they hold a brain in their hands?   Well the packaging of this game looks and feel like a brain.  

I love Cranium and wish I could play more often with people.  But when we have friends over, most of the time we just want to catch up on each other lives and playing games is not a priority.   But this game is geared toward people ages 8 and up.   So with two kids that will be in that age range starting in February, I am looking forward for playtime with the older kids when the younger ones are taking a nap in the afternoon.

The objective of the game is to work together to win as many cards in a row as you can.    With 100 cards, the cranium cubes and clay you can be guaranteed to have instantaneous fun no matter where you are.  And for those of you who already know Cranium, you will encounter the beloved Creative Cat, Data Head, Star Performer, and Word Worm.

The game is pretty easy to play.   The player who has the closest birthday starts and taking turns the players draw a card from the deck.   You choose an activity that you want to do and read it aloud.   Everyone has to work together to complete the activity before the time runs out in the timer…  If you win four activities in a row, you can finish the game.   Keep track of how many activities you’ve won and next time try to beat that record…

You can also play in two teams and had some twist to this game.   Each team draws five cards and picks seven of the ten activities to do.   Teams take turns in doing the activities.   The first team who successfully complete seven activities wins but careful you must win by two.   Keep taking cards from the deck until one team pulls ahead by two for the win!

Here’s a couple of example of challenges you will have to conquer with Cranium Brain Break.

• Roll the dice and start the timer. Work together to name prime ministers of our country.   Name as many as the number on the dice before the time runs out.
• Each writes a sentence using only the words below.  We don’t have to use every word.  When the time’s up, we share our sentences.   Word list:  belly, to, the, coat, wiggled, tried, reindeer, vase, water, around, bright, stormy, red, his, from, in, tiny, leaf, playground, saw

This game is perfect to bring at a retreat, on a trip, or on an evening with friends.    The packaging is very creative and the challenges are fun to do.   My only concern is that the notepad is quite small and I am wondering why bothering with it at all for this quantity of paper…   After all everyone can find paper in their house wouldn’t they?   So instead of including this tiny notepad, why not including more challenge cards and have more fun out of it?   Just a thought…  besides, there isn’t any pencil either in the game so mind as well grab paper and pencil from your house.  

Needless to say, I can see that this Cranium Brain Break will grab the heart of many Cranium fans everywhere as well as let a younger generation discover the fun that you can have playing with the Cranium products!

Cranium Brain Break is available at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Star Wars The Clone Wars Republic Attack Shuttle

Star Wars The Clone Wars Republic Attack Shuttle
From Hasbro Canada

About the product

In space or on the ground, the REPUBLIC ATTACK SHIP demolishes the droid army. In attack ship mode, this heavily armed vehicle pummels the enemy with laser cannon fire. It lands in the center of the battle and converts to an armored attack base with a recon fighter. Clone trooper forces operate the attack ship and armored base, using this powerful weapon to bring the battle right to the droid army!

Prepare for twice the out-of-this-world battle action! This detailed REPUBLIC ATTACK SHUTTLE vehicle features rotating wings to start it “soaring.” Put your CLONE PILOT figure in the cockpit and then detach it to create a recon fighter vehicle! If an attack begins and you’ve got to arm yourself for battle, convert your vehicle to armored attack base mode. Electronic lights flash as the base makes announcements like “Droid fighters — incoming!” and “All cannons fire” to prepare you and your CLONE PILOT figure. Get your enemies in your sights and then engage your pop-up missile-firing cannons! None of your opponents have a chance against you and this dual-mode dynamo!

Vehicle comes with 5 projectiles, CLONE PILOT figure, blaster, label sheet, instructions, Galactic Battle Game dueling card, battle game base and game die.

Requires 3 “AA” batteries. (Not included)  Ages 4 and up.

My Thoughts

When my husband was younger, his parents were able to purchase for his brother and him a large number of Star Wars figures and ships for a really good price.    That Christmas the brothers were sick and tired to unwrap packages under the tree.  But they were real happy to have numerous Star Wars toys to play with I think.  They still talk about that specific Christmas to this day and somehow some of their figures have survived the years and are now used by our own kids.  

This year, Hasbro has numerous new Star Wars toys for a new generation of kids – ones that are my own.    It is hard to believe that a movie that came out back in the 70s is still very much popular to this day in 2011.   My own children adore watching Star Wars The Clone Wars and will re-enact the scene they saw – especially the two younger ones…! *grin*

Well with the Star Wars The Clone Wars Republic Attack Shuttle, the kids will be able to create their own battles.

This special toy will open up and allow to set up a command center in the pretend play of your kids.     When needed be they will be able to close it back and fly to safety!

One clone pilot is included in this set and it can also be included in the Galactic Battle Game as it has its own card for this.  

I suspect that many kids will have a ton of pleasure playing with this sturdy shuttle.   Though while I was looking into it one section was easy to unhook from the place it was located – the gun coming out of the top of the shuttle.    It is quite easy to put back but for younger children it could be tricky.  So parents expect to be asked to “repair” the shuttle every once in a while…  The shuttle requires batteries so that it can give the commands out loud.  This particular feature can be annoying for certain people.    I have a tendency to tone down the noise around me at times but my husband dislike this kind of noise.   

The Star Wars The Clones Wars Republic Attack Shuttle is available at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Battleship Live

Battleship Live
From Hasbro Canada

About the game

Expect the unexpected! You’re at the controls in this head-to-head sea battle with an interactive talking tower, sound effects and surprise events. Motion Vision Play brings the game to life for a realistic, edge-of-your-seat adventure every time you play!

Contents: electronic tower, game board, 2 divider screens, 10 ships, 2 cannons, 2 command pegs, spy plane, track, and startup guide.   2 players.  Requires 4 "AA" batteries (not included).

Our Thoughts

My son was looking into a Wal-Mart flyer one day and saw the new Battleship Live announced in there.   He said that it would be fun to have this one.   I had seen the Battleship Live on the shelves in various stores and was wondering what was changed compared to the regular Battleship or previous electronic Battleship games.   So when the opportunity to review this particular edition of a well-known game arose, I was delighted.

However when I received the package, my husband wasn’t as excited as me.    His initial reaction was “Do we really need another Battleship?  Why make another one available on the market?”

So last night, we sat down at the table after we made apple sauce donuts and played one game.  

Essentially, this new Battleship game is quite different than the previous ones as you have a control tower guiding you in the game.  You also have a canon to attack the opponent as well as a spy plane that will let you know if there are boats in specific zones on your opponent grid. 

The game is FANTASTIC!    We played and my husband immediately got hooked.    He almost wanted to play a second round even though he won the first one initially.   As you progress in the game, you can have more opportunities to do command decisions from 2 to 4 depending on where your boats are located.    The spy plane in itself is quite interesting and you have to be careful on how you launch it so that it ends in a zone and not elsewhere.  

The control tower is able to determine you move for your own pieces and will also include some situations like “Gas is cheaper so your can make two moves in one shot this turn.” while other times you might be able to have more command decisions to do…

The game pieces are sturdy and easy to move around.   The game board is easy to put together.  My only little concern is if someone put it together too fast, the panels to separate the two sides might bend as they are made of cardboard.    But these pannels fit nicely on the middle of the spy plane track as well as the side of the control tower.

In the end, we had a great time and my husband is quite excited about this new edition of the Battleship Live.   We also own a Battleship Star Wars Electronic edition which is totally different to this one.   The Battleship Live is out of the ordinary and will spark a new interest for an older game.

Did you know that Battleship has been around since 1931 when it was a pad-and-pencil game?   We have come a long way since these days I find with various editions: plastic pegs version, electronic versions (since 1977), hexagonal board game with islands where captured figurines can be placed (2010),  Wii version, Nintendo DS version, App version and now this Battleship Live edition. 

And hang on because it is not finished… in 2012 we will see the Battleship movie on screens everywhere.  Though not completely like the board game, the movie was based on the well-known Battleship game apparently.  

The trailer has picked my curiousity and this movie will be on my 2012 list to check out.   Click on the image on the left side to access the official site of Battleship the movie.

Now I wonder if a new version of the game will come out next year with aliens forces against humans forces.  That would be interesting woudn’t it?

The Battleship Live game is available at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Blythe Loves Littlest Pet Shop Jet Playset

Blythe Loves Littlest Pet Shop Jet Playset
From Hasbro Canada

About the product

BLYTHE and her pet love to fly!

BLYTHE is pet sitting a very special bulldog and they’re going to fly to their next adventure. They load their luggage on the cart and board the jet. They’ll watch movies, relax in their comfy seats, and nibble on snacks. What a fun ride!

Take to the skies with your BLYTHE figure and bulldog pet! Unload their luggage from the included cart and stow it on the plane vehicle, then put the bulldog in the special seat made just for him. Now you get to choose: will your BLYTHE figure "fly" the jet the whole way, or will she sit in back and relax with her bulldog friend to watch movies while the "plane" is on "autopilot"?

BLYTHE figure comes with pet, jet and other accessories.   BLYTHE #B22 Bulldog #2106   Ages 4 and up.

My Thoughts

When I was  younger I had a special vehicle and boat for one of my dolls.    And I spend much time playing with these.   Now in 2011, Hasbro has come up with a Jet plane for the Littlest Pet Shop.   The Jet plane comes fully equipped with doll and pet included!   You will have chair that moves, a second floor with fun things to do, a cart with food, luggage, hat, headphone and more.    The Jet can easily close to allow the child to make it fly around the room.  

This is a wonderful set to play with and pretend that you go on a trip of some sort.    Blythe can even sit at the flyer seat to control the plane!  The playset is very colorful and can attract any little girl.      I particularly like the fact that the creators behind this specific toy have thought of all the possible activities to do on a plane – television, food, reclining seats – everything is there!

This playset could also be a perfect gift to announce a child that they are going on a plane trip with mom and dad.  However, it wouldn’t be very portable to bring along.   But let say that mom and dad want to surprise little Suzie with a trip to DisneyWorld during Christmas time and they decide to give the gift before the trip.    Imagine little Suzie’s surprise when she gets Blythe Loves Littlest Pet Shop Jet Playset with a bunch of sticker from Disney.    Wouldn’t it be priceless?  I know for sure that I would love to surprise my girl with something similar to that one day – actually all my kids would have a different surprise… *grin*

Blythe Loves Littlest Pet Shop Jet Playset is available at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

KRE-O Transformers Sideswipe Construction Set

KRE-O Transformers Sideswipe Construction Set
From Hasbro Canada

About the product

Build the AUTOBOT team’s combat trooper, SIDESWIPE, in vehicle or robot mode with this 2-in-1 set of 220 KRE-O construction pieces! Includes 2 KREON figures: SIDESWIPE and Driver! 2-in-1 KRE-O construction set lets you build SIDESWIPE as a robot figure or as a sports car! In vehicle mode, one of your KREON figures can ride inside the sports car!

Set includes 220 KRE-O pieces and 2 KREON figures.

My Thoughts

I am wondering who would have boys who wouldn’t like Transformers.    My husband and I totally love their movies and last week we bought the original television series for the boys at Christmas.

So when I had the opportunity to review the new KRE-O Construction sets from Hasbro Canada I was all excited because these toys are merging two of the favorite things of my boys – construction blocs and robots (ie Transformers).

I opted for the KRE-O Transformers Sideswipe which is also the beautiful red car that you see below.

Two smaller figurines are also included in this set.   I am quite impressed with the quality of paper used for the instruction book.   The paper is thick and quite large.   The instructions are easy to follow and clear at the same time.  The blocs are made of plastic like any other construction sets out there.

Unfortunately, the vehicle won’t transform into the Transformers and vice versa.    You can only build the car or Sideswipe.

My only suggestion to Hasbro would be to put the little piece of paper that contains the stickers in a plastic pouch in the future because our got folded and one sticker is missing.    However, Hasbro has did a fabulous job in packaging this toy with a little handle to carry around (even though I would have put the box a bit smaller – but the instructions fit nicely in it!).

KRE-O Transformers also comes in a variety of products: StarScream, Sentinel Prime, Prowl, Optimus Prime, Mirage, Megatron, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Jazz, another Bumblebee and another Optimus Prime.  

The KRE-O Transformers construction set are available at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

K’NEXosaurus Rex

K’NEXosaurus Rex
From K’Nex

About the product

Build your own K’NEXosaurus Rex with classic K’NEX pieces!  Includes 200+ pieces and a battery powered motor!  Build the model, switch it on and watch it stomp to life.

Includes 200+ classix K’NEX pieces.  Features a battery powered motor for added fun!  Ages 7+

My Thoughts

This is definitively an interesting product from K’Nex.    I have seen the roller coasters and the ferris wheels in the past but I think this is the first time that a dinosaur comes to life with K’Nex classic pieces.

The instructions found in this box are very clear and easy to follow.   However, I can understand why this particular product is geared for children ages 7 and up because some of the instructions are more complicated for younger ages.   Though I wouldn’t be surprised that a bright 5 or 6 years old would be able to build the K’NEXosaurus Rex alone.

Not only will you have the instructions to build the K’NEXosaurus Rex but you also have the instructions to build the Megasaurus!  Once either one is built, you can watch it move with stomping action.   The tail and the head even has movement!

However, please note that you will need 2 AA batteries for this toy.

My only disappointment is that the box is quite big for what it contains.   I would have thought that K’NEX would have taken a stand in having less packaging for a product when you could literally put everything in about half the size of the current packaging.

The K’NEXosaurus Rex is available at your favorite toy store.

Disclaimer: I received the product 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.

Wise Alec Civilize This! Travel Game and Expansion Set

Wise Alec – Civilize This!
From Griddly Games

About the Game

Cultural trivia with a adventurous twist!

Hello Time Travelers! Explore the world’s cultures across time with the trivia game based on the award-winning Wise Alec™ Family Trivia Game. There are 300 questions to test your knowledge of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern cultures. Two levels of questions on each card let everyone from young scholars to history buffs play together. Plus, Wise Alec™ cards will have you doing tongue twisters, brain teasers, and fun exercises!

The cards from this game can also be used to expand your own set of Wise Alec™ Family Trivia Game.

My Thoughts

As an homeschooler, I am always looking for extra-curriculum products that will strengthen the learning during our lessons.    Well the Wise Alec Civilize This! is the perfect game for history lessons!    The box is easy to carry around if you want to bring it on travel or just to kill some time while waiting at the doctor/dentist.    And this game can easily by included with the original Wise Alec game since not only the Civilize This! is a travel game but and expansion set as well.

I always loved history when I was younger.  I find you can learn so much about the past.   This specific game contains over 300 questions about Ancient, Medieval as well as Modern cultures.    Each card have two levels of question so that younger kids can play as well.   A dice is included in the box.  Depending of the color you roll you will have different cards to pick.   The easy question will give you 3 points while the harder one will give your 7 points.  The Wise Alec cards can add or subtract points from your total.   

Let me give you an example:

From an Ancient card you can read the following question for 3 points: “Ancient Egyptian clothing was mainly made out of what material?”  And the 7 points question is “What was the dark make-up Ancient Egyptians used to line their eyes?”.

A Wise Alec card example would be - TONGUE TWISTER “How many boards could the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hoards got bored?” Repeat 5 times.    This card would give you 5 points if you complete the challenge.

As I checked out the questions asked on the cards, I quickly realized that my history lessons from the past are far away…     But since I am homeschooling my kids I can re-visited Ancient Civilizations with them and learn as well as remember what I had learned.    These days, we are exploring history a little bit more with our homeschooling and I enjoy learning at the same time as them.    The Wise Alex Civilize This! are a great addition fro our homeschool.    They will help to revise what we learned and help us to discover new facts about history.

The Wise Alec Civilize This! Travel Game and Expansion Set is available for purchase at various stores in the US and Canada.  Check their retailers page for more details.  However for Ottawa you can purchase them at G Whillikers located at 3A-1910 St-Laurent Blvd.

Oh and if you are wondering what are the answers of the two sample questions I posted above…  Here’s they are 3 points: linen   7 points: kohl .

Disclaimer: Thanks to Griddly Games for sending me the product 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.