Delight Santa And The Kids With Wonder Forge!

It's that time of year again.. letters to Santa, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday.... it all gets so confusing, when you're fighting complete strangers in public, on the floor, with your pajama pants sliding down and monstrous coffee breath, for the latest and greatest things all the little monsters in the world are begging for.

For the Monster House, though, we are clinging to our family time. We've all but boycotted the iPad for anything that isn't educational, and we're going back to basics with Santa Claus. This is where Wonder Forge comes in, with quality games that are sure to please parents, kids, and Santa alike. I have to say... the checkbook won't be offended, either. Wait. What?! Fabulous games everyone will love without having to take out a second mortgage? Win/win! You just can't go wrong!

We were delighted when the email came this year, asking us to review this season's newest games from Wonder Forge, so we could tell you how much we love them. I have to admit, though, we were right about to start (yet another) move, and everything was beginning to be packed and after I replied enthusiastically to the email, I thought to myself, "Am I NUTS?!" and then I reminded myself how much I love Wonder Forge, and I was fine again. So, let's get down to business!

I have a house full of boys, and they were in heaven when the newest Wonder Forge box arrived. Absolute male bonding heaven. Didn't matter how old they are.... they were all hyper and ready to play. First up was the Star Wars Force Grab Game. And seriously... anything Star Wars in this house is instantly awesome. Available in stores and online at Toys R Us for $14.99, the price is sure to make parents smile. This is a matching game, where you match pictures of game pieces to the matching game card. Be quick! You have to be faster than your opponent, and the competition is fierce! This game is great for dexterity, memory, and reflexes, and teaches good sportsmanship as well. Suggested ages for this game are ages 8-14. I have to say, though.. this Momma is 40, the Daddy is 52, and we had a rockin' good time, just like our 9 year old. Because of the nature of this game, if younger players want to be included, it may be necessary to adjust the rules, or even toss out the rules entirely, focusing only on matching, to accommodate them. It was pretty cut throat at the Monster House, but it was all in good fun and no game pieces were harmed in the making of this review.

Next, we reviewed Star Wars Rebel Missions. This game is rated for children ages 6-12 and retails for $16.99 at Toys R Us, in stores and online. Each player picks a profile, rolls dice, and completes tasks. Once tasks are completed, codes are entered into the Imperial Timer, but some of them are decoys.  I have to admit, this game was rather confusing at first, and the Imperial Timer was very distracting. It was difficult to distinguish between "good" code chimes and "decoy" code chimes at times, and the music that plays on the timer throughout was a bit much to take in the first few times we played. However, the game is fun once you know what you are doing, and I am sure we will play it again and again for family game night- especially now that we are all moved and will quickly be getting back in to our regular routine. (Now where did that box of games get put....?)

If you loved Yahtzee as a kid, this next game is sure to please and bring back memories, while creating new ones with your child. Star Wars Face Off Dice Game is recommended for children from 8-15 years, and is available for through Amazon for $9.99. This game includes a dice cup with the face of Darth Vader on one side and the face of Luke Skywalker on the other. It comes with 5 game dice, a lid for the dice cup so it can be transported without losing game dice, and a copy of the rules. This is portable entertainment at it's best. You will need pen and paper to keep score, as you did with the other game I mentioned. But my monsters loved being able to be the hero or the villain, bluffing, and had a great time rolling the dice and getting points. Because of the small pieces of the game, this product is not recommended for smaller children age 3 and younger, and children on the younger end of the recommended age spectrum may need help from an adult to play. This game promotes strategic thinking and imaginative play.

If  Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker don't float your monsters' boat, but Spidey does.... check this out! The Marvel version of the Face Off game! Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man Face Off is also available on Amazon for $9.99, and recommended for children ages 8-15 years. The dice cup has the face of Spider-Man on one side, and Rhino on the other, and includes cup lid, game dice, and rules. I can't help envisioning a rainy day at Summer camp, and some brilliant child yanking the Face Off games out of his pack, and suddenly turning into the hero of the tent. I'm funny that way.. vivid mental images. This game would also be wonderful for chasing away the winter storm doldrums that inevitably occur during Christmas break, forcing our monsters to stay inside.

Lastly, we got to mess around with the Marvel Avengers Assemble Slide Strike Game. This game is available online at Amazon for $9.99, and is recommended for children ages 7-15. This game encourages strategic thinking and deductive reasoning, as players conceal their true identity and slide across the battlefield for surprise attacks. With each character combination, a different outcome to the game is possible.  Whoever outlasts their opponent, wins! It just doesn't get much better than that.










If you are looking to bring your family out of the screen time stupor just like we were, games the whole family can enjoy are the perfect solution. Wonder Forge has been a favorite of the Monster House for quite a while now, and their games have held up to moves, hysterical episodes of weeping and wailing when someone didn't win, and stealth trips to school in back packs for show and tell. The quality of the Wonder Forge product line is second to none, and sure to please both giver and recipient. So.. if you're looking for something special for the boys in your life that has nothing to do with screen time, you can't go wrong by choosing Wonder Forge. They are absolutely Monster House approved, with a rating of 18 thumbs up!

I was provided with free product from Wonder Forge in exchange for honest opinions and reviews. I was not compensated monetarily for my opinion or review.

Jars By Lisa and Half Baked Mixes ~ a review

If you follow me on facebook, you know I've been promoting Jars by Lisa pretty heavily. Jars by Lisa is a fun place where you can order glass jars hand decorated by Lisa herself. You can choose designs from her extensive photo collection on facebook, or contact her for a custom design order. I've ordered from her before, and been delighted with the results. And the people who received them were delighted with their gifts.

I am so excited to be able to review the latest for Jars by Lisa, which is a partnership with Half Baked Mixes! This Christmas jar collection features gorgeous hand decorated glitter jars in your choice of Santa's Belly, Candy Cane Stripe, or Glitter Snowflake. Inside each jar in this line will be your choice of cookie mix :Soft Molassses Gingerbread, Pumpkin Walnut, Oatmeal Fudge (gluten, egg, nut, corn free!!), Melting Snowball (egg free), Classic Sugar Cookie, or Candy Cane Crush Brownie Bite.

Each jar order is carefully wrapped to prevent breakage during shipping, and arrives by US Priority Mail. So, whether you have your mail delivered to a PO box like me, or right to your door, your package will get there safely and quickly. And, it's not too late to order! Christmas orders can be placed through December 18, and will arrive in time for Christmas (US only). Or, when ordering, use the shipping address of the person you're giving it to. Easy peasy!

Half Baked Mixes has made sure to take as much of the work out of cookie making as possible. The only things you will need to add to complete the mixes are ingredients such as butter (or your butter substitute), milk (or milk substitute), eggs, and vanilla extract. Instructions, ingredients, and allergy information are included with each mix. We all know how crazy it can be to find a treat our little monsters (and even the big monsters, like the Daddies and Mommas) can have that won't cause a reaction. Now, even Santa Claus can have allergy friendly cookies when he visits your home on Christmas Eve! No more rice cakes spread with almond butter for him! Leave that stuff out for Rudolph and crew! Half Baked Mixes strives to provide mixes made with the freshest ingredients possible, as well as offering a variety of seasonal flavors and favorites.

This is a perfect, beautiful gift for teachers, family members living too far away to come home for Christmas, therapists, neighbors, friends, nurses... the list is endless. It adds that personal little touch that tells the recipient how much you care. And let's not forget the awesome cookie smells that will waft from the oven as they bake. Are you interested yet? Click on the picture below. It will take you directly to the catalog, with all the options, pricing, and information, including clickable links to take you to Lisa's contact page to place your order.

And now, a little surprise. I know exactly how much thought and care goes into each cookie mix, and how much effort into making it as allergy friendly as possible without losing great taste because... well.. brace yourselves, everyone. I *am* Half Baked Mixes.

As a mother of children with allergies, it's important to me that I provide a variety of foods for my Logan and all the other monsters. I was so tired of all the high prices, flavor free stuff I found. So, I made it my quest to find and/or create the good stuff without sacrificing Logan's health. I think I've managed to do that. And then I thought, I must share with others! And Half Baked Mixes was born.

Partnering with Jars by Lisa is doubly special, because Lisa is a special needs mother of seven like me, who has built her business from the ground up based on word of mouth and returning customers. And she's done an awesome job with it, too!! So, click on the picture above, browse around, and spread the word on facebook, twitter, wherever you like! We love to hear from you, so questions, comments, suggestions, adoration, poetry, etc. is always welcome! Remember, orders must be placed no later than December 18 to insure delivery in time for Christmas! *US only*

Wonder Forge Game Review

Last month, I was asked if I'd like to review some of the top new games for Holiday 2012 from a company called Wonder Forge. After reading about the company, and learning more about them, I was so impressed, I simply HAD to say yes! I'm always on the hunt for new games for family game night that can be played and enjoyed by the whole family. Let me share a little bit about Wonder Forge with you, right from their website.

Wonder Forge, and their preschool sub brand, I Can Do That! Games, was created in 2007 when a small group of creative types came together to develop extraordinarily fun, original play experiences for kids and families.

 The Wonder Forge takes an innovative approach to licensing, bringing cherished literary classics and award-winning television shows to life in a whole new way, through dynamic and inventive game play. 

 Wonder Forge family games provide brain challenging fun for all, while bridging  generation gaps and building family bonds....

I received a selection of games, ironically enough, on Halloween.  It's ironic because, well, the twinnies dressed up as The Cat in The Hat's Thing 1 and Thing 2 for Halloween, and my little #6 was not in the mood to have turquoise hair until we pulled this out of the box and could show him pictures! Dr. Seuss' Fun Machine App-Play game was an instant hit, and we had to play a quick game of memory with the tiles before preschool.. with turquoise hair.  Though this particular game is an App-Play game, we have enjoyed it both with and without the Daddy's iPad.

The fun from Wonder Forge is not only geared toward boys. Disney Princess addicts, have no fear! Disney Princess Enchanted Cupcake Party and Disney Princess Dazzling Princess are perfect for your own little princess. Racing to crown cupcakes, dressing up, pretend play... it doesn't get much better than this! There's no way to avoid embracing your inner princess while playing these darling Disney Princess games.

Who Shook Hook is my personal favorite. I realize that I'm oozing praise from my pores at this point, but I have to share this. While this may not have been the intention of Wonder Forge, my little guys have been using Who Shook Hook as part of their fine motor practice, and loving every minute of it. Logan's hands shake when doing any type of fine motor skill, so having a game like this has really helped to make his practice a fun time rather than one of drudgery. Way to go, Wonder Forge! Very cool. Very.

Jake and the Neverland Pirates Neverland Challenge game was another instantaneous hit at the monster house, bringing out each monster's inner pirate with sword action, a cannon ball, treasure, and lots of giggling and silliness while trying to keep balance and crab walk. This is our favorite game for right before bed time to get all the wiggles out. Even the teenage monsters like to get in on the action. But shhhhh! That's supposed to be a secret! *wink wink, nudge nudge* It gets better! This game has been nominated for the Toy of the Year (TOTY) award by the Toy Industry Association (TIA). This is so completely fabulous, I'm providing a clickable link HERE, because Wonder Forge would love your support. Please vote for them by checking the box right at the top for Disney Jake and the Neverland Pirates, then scrolling down and clicking submit.

Whether it's family game night, entertaining a sick child, having a play date, or just spending some quality time together, Wonder Forge has definitely figured out how to make games that will surprise and delight. We may not be Siskel and Ebert here at the monster house, but we DO know games and family time, so we have 18 thumbs up (7 monsters, 2 parents... 18 thumbs up. Do the math, people! ) for the good people of Wonder Forge. Keep up the good work, and best of luck for TOTY!

Official game images property of Wonder Forge, and used with permission

Images of children and children playing games are mine

Very special thanks to G. and S. Bosshardt for contributing to this post

Lovable Labels Review and Give Away!

Summer is coming, and with it comes all the activities for kids and families: sports, camps, vacations, sleepovers, play dates, birthday parties, neighborhood BBQs, swimming parties, daycare.. and on and on and on. As fun as all this is, with it comes camping supplies, sports gear, gym bags, extra shoes and clothing, water bottles, hats, towels, sunscreen, medications, lunch bags, snack boxes. It's no wonder that half the summer taken up by thinking, "Did I forget anything?"

Lovable Labels is here to help!  Lovable Labels was started by a mom that had a problem when she took her son to daycare and was asked to label all of his belongings - from clothes and backpack, to lunches and sippy cups. It was during this process that she recognized the need for personalized labels that were tough, durable, and could withstand the test of time and rough everyday use that comes with being  a kid.

Lovable Labels launched in 2003, with personalized durable labels and tags being their specialty. Their labels are waterproof, dishwasher and microwave safe, washer and dryer safe, and sun, bleach, sunscreen, and temperature safe to boot! Since their launch, Lovable Labels has continued to develop innovative and useful products, and many of them came about through customer suggestions and feedback!

We all know that our kids lose stuff. They forget where their lunch bag landed, or one shoe will mysteriously disappear. The weather will warm during the day, and the jacket gets tossed to the side. It's inevitable that they will return home missing one thing or another. BUT, with Lovable Labels, your child's belongings will come back home, because there will be no question who the items belong to.

The Monster House was thrilled to review a Split Pack of Lovable Labels. This is a large value pack of labels, with one design and two names. Each name packet includes:

15 Sticker labels
40 Slimline labels
12 shoes labels
24 Press n' Stick Clothing DOTS™

This was perfect for our twinnies, who both started preschool this year. And, you guessed it. We had to label shoes, back packs, coats, benadryl, epipen, and even treats to be kept in the classroom cupboard for Logan, because he is so deathly allergic to most sweets.

But the need for labeling didn't stop there! Both of my monsterlettes have sensory issues, so the labeling went on to include therapy balls, giant bottles of bubbles, and other items. I cannot tell you how many times I have been thankful for these labels. And they last! Unlike other labels I've used, these have never fallen off toys,clothes, cups,etc.

But, let's talk about other good uses for the split pack that we discovered. Both twins were sick at the same time. Not wanting to pass along germs and illness into infinity, I gave them each their own bottle of sports drink. But, they both wanted the same flavor. Oh, yes we did! We labeled it, and the twinnies thought that was the coolest thing ever!

My favorite thing about Lovable Labels is the variety. Shoe labels, slimline, Clothing DOTS™,  camp packs and medical/allergy warnings are just a few of the choices Lovable Labels offers. They are located online, which makes ordering easy for anyone, anywhere in the world! Lovable Labels is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via their website, or by calling 1.866.327.LOVE (5683)

I'm so excited to announce that Lovable Labels is offering a Split Pack to one lucky Living with Logan reader in the US or Canada! Entering is easy, by using the rafflecopter form below.  Entrants must be 18 or older to be eligible for this giveaway.

**DISCLOSURE** The product in this review was provided to me free of charge for the purpose of conducting this review. All opinions in this review are my own, and are not influenced by monetary compensation.** a Rafflecopter giveaway