Summertime Fun: Monopoly Scrabble & Risk 1980s Edition

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

It has been a busy first month of summer vacation for our family so far. Although it seems like we are still running around from activity to activity, I am trying to enjoy the sweet pockets of free time that summer offers us. Winning Moves continues to offer games and toys that will make those moments memorable.

Monopoly Scrabble

Monopoly and Scrabble have to be two of the most classic board games around. This new version combines Monopoly and Scrabble and I am here for it! Players move around the Monopoly-style board by earning points through the building of words Scrabble-style. Since most people are already familiar with how to play Monopoly and Scrabble, this is an easy game to pick up. Monopoly Scrabble is designed for 2-4 players, ages 8+.

Risk The 1980s Edition

My husband has fond memories of trying to play Risk with his older brother in the 1980’s. It’s fascinating to think about how much has changed since then, even though it does not seem that long ago. Risk The 1980’s Edition will either reignite old memories for those who identify with Gen X (and before) or create new ones with the younger generations. The object remains the same: acquire the most armies and conquer the most territories. Recommended for 2-6 players, ages 8+.

Where To Buy Monopoly Scrabble and Risk The 1980s Edition

Winning Moves games and toys, including the Monopoly Scrabble and Risk The 1980s Edition, are available on their websiteAmazon and other retailers near you.

Monopoly Scrabble and Risk The 1980s Edition Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win Monopoly Scrabble and Risk The 1980s Edition. (Open to U.S. continental residents only).

(Please note that I am aware that the Rafflecopter appears wrong, but I can see the correct entries on my end).

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Frog and Toad Are Coming To Apple TV+

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Apple TV+

I have fond memories of my mom reading to my sister and I when we were growing up. The Frog and Toad stories, written by Arnold Lobel, were some of our favorites. Frog and Toad’s opposite personalities were endearing and all of their adventures resulted in valuable life lessons. The Frog and Toad series is a true classic, and now it is coming to life in an animated series on Apple TV+ beginning April 28th!

Frog is a frog. Toad is a toad. They have a lot in common… but they are also very different. Frog and Toad are best friends who know that the true secret to friendship is not only enjoying the things you have in common, but embracing the things that make you different. Since our differences are what makes us special, Frog and Toad celebrate what makes them unique! 

The talented voice cast includes Academy Award winner Nat Faxon (“Our Flag Means Death,” “The Connors”) and Emmy Award nominee Kevin Michael Richardson (“The Simpsons,” “Family Guy”) as Frog and Toad, as well as appearances by Ron Funches (“Trolls”), Fortune Feimster (“Good Fortune,” “Kenan”), Cole Escola (“At Home with Amy Sedaris”), Aparna Nancherla (“The Great North”), John Hodgman (“Up Here”), Yvette Nicole Brown (“Disenchanted,” “Act Your Age”), Stephen Tobolowsky (“The Goldbergs”), Emmy Award nominee Tom Kenny (“SpongeBob SquarePants”), Selene Luna (“Coco”), Emmy Award nominee Margaret Cho (“Fire Island”) and Betsy Sodaro (“Duncanville”). 

“Frog and Toad” is based on the beloved Caldecott and Newbery Honor-winning four-book series by Arnold Lobel published by HarperCollins Children’s Books. Emmy Award winner Rob Hoegee (“Stillwater,” “Niko & the Sword of Light”) serves as showrunner for the series and Emmy Award winning studio Titmouse (“Big Mouth,” “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” “The Legend of Vox Machina”) produces the animation. Hoegee executive produces alongside Adrianne Lobel, Adam Lobel and Titmouse’s Chris Prynoski (“The Legend of Vox Machina”), Shannon Prynoski (“Fairfax”), Antonio Canobbio (“Arlo the Alligator Boy”), and Ben Kalina (“Big Mouth”). Rated TV-Y

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Whoa! Dough Will Make You Say Whoa!

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

One of the many interesting brands I discovered at Expo West this year was Whoa! Dough. These bars will appeal to anyone who is prone to sneaking a lick of the the spoon when making cookies or brownies. It seems like eating cookie dough has become more socially acceptable, most notably in the form of cookie dough ice cream.

Whoa! dough bars improves the edible dough concept even more by offering plant-based cookie dough bars that are gluten-free, dairy free, egg free, soy free. These vegan bars use all-natural ingredients such as gluten-free whole grain oat flour and chickpea flour.

Whoa! Dough comes in a variety of appealing flavors:

  • Oatmeal Cookie
  • Chocolate Chip
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
  • Sprinkle Sugar Cookie
  • Brownie Batter
  • Peanut Butter
  • Sugar Cookie

Here is a close-up of the Brownie Batter Whoa! Dough bar. It has a pleasant soft texture, and the chocolate-y flavor really shines through.

These bars are a nice addition to the stash of bars that we keep on hand for snacking on the go.

If you or someone you know enjoys cookie dough, be sure to give Whoa! Dough bars a try!

Where To Purchase Whoa! Dough

Whoa! Dough bars are available for purchase through their online store and at a store near you.

Whoa! Dough Variety Pack Giveaway

Enter the giveaway to win TWO Whoa! Dough Variety Packs ($30 value).

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Calling All Animal Lovers: Watch “Jane” on Apple TV+

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Apple TV+

Kids who love animals will love a new series called “Jane” coming to Apple TV+ this Friday, April 14. Jane is a 10-episode mission-driven series for kids and families inspired by the work of Dr. Jane Goodall.

Ava Louise Murchison (“Reacher”) stars as Jane Garcia, a 9-year-old budding environmentalist on a quest to save endangered animals. Using her powerful imagination, Jane takes her best friends David, played by Mason Blomberg (“Shameless”), and Greybeard the chimpanzee on epic adventures to help protect wild animals all around the world because, according to her idol Dr. Jane Goodall: “Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help, can they be saved.”

Cast also includes Tamara Almeida (“Secrets at the Inn”), Dan Abramovici (“Wayne”), newcomer Jazz Allen and Sam Marra (“Stumptown”).

“I’m excited about this opportunity and relationship with Apple and Sinking Ship. The program ‘Jane’ spreads a message of hope and reminds children that the environment is something that we all have to be concerned about while also inspiring them and their parents to make a difference,” said Dr. Jane Goodall.

From Sinking Ship Entertainment, “Jane,” a live-action/CGI-blended series, is created by company partner J.J. Johnson who executive produces alongside Christin Simms, Blair Powers, Matt Bishop and the Jane Goodall Institute’s Andria Teather. Rated G

Jane is a series full of exciting animal adventures that are both imaginative and inspiring. “Quality” screen time can be difficult to find for kids these days, but this is a show that you should check out starting on April 14th!

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Send Your Love With Lovepop

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Lovepop.

Look to Lovepop For Unique Mother’s Day Cards

Mother’s Day, a day when we celebrate all mothers, is coming up on May 14th. While gifts are always nice, a heartfelt handwritten note is also much appreciated. If you are looking for unique Mother’s Day cards that show that you care, check out Lovepop. Lovepop has an amazing selection of 3D cards featuring beautiful artwork. From nature to pop culture designs, Lovepop has a card that will make your recipient feel recognized and special. The following are just a few of the Lovepop online offerings that caught my eye:

This gorgeous Cherry Blossom card evokes spring, which also happens to correlate with Mother’s Day.

Dog moms will appreciate this adorable Dog Mom card.

Star Wars fans will get a kick out of this Mandalorian-themed Mother’s Day Card.

This Butterfly Bouquet would make a stunning centerpiece!

Where to Purchase Lovepop Cards

Lovepop cards that are perfect for all occasions are available to purchase online or at a store near you.

Lovepop Mother’s Day Bundle Giveaway

Want to win over $200 worth of Lovepop products to spoil mom (or yourself) with the most magical Mother’s Day cards and pop-up paper art? 

From stunning 3D cards to intricate paper flowers, Lovepop has beautiful keepsakes to make any mom feel loved and cherished. They’re running their biggest giveaway yet, offering a lucky winner the ultimate Lovepop bundle to spread a little Mother’s Day Magic this year. Whether you’re a mama ready to treat yourself, or you’re looking for a special way to shower the moms in your life with a little extra love this year, enter to win Lovepop’s Mother’s Day giveaway by 5th of May, 2023.

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Simple Bars Are A Simply Satisfying Snack

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Snack bars are a way of life for me. The kids in my classroom know that I bring some type of bar practically everyday for my mid-morning snack. However, the ingredient list for many seemingly healthy snack bars are not actually always that good for you. Simple Bars are the result of one person’s quest to make delicious snack bars with only simple and clean ingredients.

Simple Bars are currently available in four unique flavors:

This is a close up of the Chocolate sea salt bar, my personal flavor. As you can see, these bars contain large pieces of fresh-tasting almonds and peanuts, as well as a sprinkling of chia seeds and a touch of sea salt. In this particular bar, the nuts are held together with just the right amount of dark chocolate. Although Simple Bars are crunchy, I did not feel like they would break my teeth like some other bars that I have tried.

Simple Bars are the perfect snack for when you need a little pick me up. They are also conveniently packaged for on-the-go snacking.

Simple Bars contain no sugar alcohols, stevia or artificial flavors. All of their bars are gluten-free, non-gmo and vegan. They are a simply satisfying snack!

Where To Purchase Simple Bars

Simple Bars are available for purchase through their online store. Hopefully they will become more widely available soon.

Simple Bars Variety Pack Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a Simple Bars Variety Pack!

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Retro Backyard Fun With Wham-O Slip’n Slide

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Who remembers setting up a Slip’n Slide in your backyard on a hot summer day? I have distinct memories of attaching our hose to the plastic mat, running barefoot and trying to slide as far as we could on our stomachs down the slick yellow runway. I would inevitably be frustrated by the pieces of grass that would end up sticking to the mat. However, it was a small price to pay for the ability to cool down on a water slide without owning a pool!

Well, I am pleased to report that the Slip’n Slide lives on and is now available through Winning Moves.

The part I do not recall about the Slip’n Slide is the numerous directions and warnings associated with it. According to the box, the slide is 19 feet long, but is to be used with a ten feet safety area before and after the slide. The directions also warn that it is only to be used by children 5-12 years of age that are under five feet tall and weigh under 110 pounds. Since those requirements disqualifiy everyone in my family, I thought it best not to post pictures of any of us actually using the Slip’n Slide. Safety first!

Always loved the refreshing splash at the end!

The Wham-O Retro Slip’n Slide delivers all of the fun of the original and is sure to make memories for the next generation.

Where To Buy Wham-O Slip’n Slide

Winning Moves games and toys, including the Wham-O Slip’n Slide, are available on their websiteAmazon and other retailers near you.

Wham-O Slip’n Slide Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Wham-O Slip’n Slide! (Open to continental U.S. only).

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Year Round Gift Ideas #HGUHappyMail

Disclosure: I received samples in partnership with Horizon Group USA. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

The Young Scientists Club Top Secret Spy Science Kit

This Top Secret Spy Science Kit is perfect for kids who like to solve mysteries. I remember my mom showing me how to write top secret letters with lemon juice. This kit takes that idea of fun to a whole different level.

I know that eight year old me would have been very excited by the special black light pen and fingerprint analysis activities included in this kit. If you have an aspiring detective in your life, consider surprising them with this Young Scientists Club kit.

STMT D.I.Y. Geode Canvas Set

For the artistic set, this D.I.Y. Geode Canvas kit would be a fun activity. I have reviewed several STMT (Simple Trendy Modern Touch) kits now, and am always impressed with their designs. This kit is recommended for ages 14 and up, but I am sure a younger person could do it (with adult supervision, of course).

Made By Me Build & Paint Wooden Gingerbread House

I really like this idea of a Wooden Gingerbread House. While edible gingerbread houses decorated with frosting and candy are fun to make, I always feel a little guilty about having to throw them away in the end. This wooden gingerbread house could be displayed year after year (at least for a while-ha!). I always like to see how much my kids artistic skills have developed over time. This house has outstanding reviews on Amazon, and is recommended for ages 6+.
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Challenge Your Brain With Winning Moves

Disclosure: I received samples in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

My family and I always enjoy games that make you think. Winning Moves offers a wide variety of toys and games that do just that, while also being fun at the same time.

Twistables

Twistables is a new line of hand-held puzzles that have a range of difficulty. These cubes come in a 2x2x2, 3x3x3 and 4x4x4 versions. The vibrant colors and satisfying clicking that occurs as you twist the cube make Twistables entertaining for everyone.

Once we start twisting and turning, I am not sure we will ever be able to match the colors again! I know there is some algorithm that is the key to solving these types of puzzles, but my brain does not work that way. It is still fun trying, though!

This 4x4x4 Twistable would be a good challenge for anyone that has already mastered a 3x3x3. I like these types of toys because they are easy to transport and store. They are also suitable for all age levels (This one is recommended for ages 8 and up).

Insert Card Here

Another new game introduced by Winning Moves is Insert Card Here. In this fast-paced game, players take turns inserting one of their number cards with a value between two other number cards that have already been played. The tricky part is that the number gap is constantly changing. There are also Wild and Reverse cards that make the game even more challenging. The first player to play all of their cards wins. This would be a handy game to have for a game night with family or friends. Insert Card Here is recommended for 2-5 players, 8 years and older.

Where To Buy Winning Moves Games

Winning Moves games and toys are available on their websiteAmazon and other retailers near you.

Winning Moves Games Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win Twistables 4x4x4 and Insert Card Here!

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GATSBY Chocolate is a Great Treat

Disclosure: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. This post may contain affiliate links.

Although many associate giving chocolate with Valentine’s Day, I like to look for chocolate-giving opportunities year-round. I found a great treat for a springtime basket: GATSBY Almond Dark chocolate bars (see the literary reference?).

GATSBY chocolate is unique because of its low sugar and fat content (90% less sugar and fat than premium chocolate brands).
This innovative line of chocolate is also Keto-friendly, with only 1–2 grams of net carbs per serving, or 6 grams of net carbs for an entire bar. If you are familiar with Halo Top ice cream, GATSBY was started by the same people!

Here is the nutritional information so you can take a closer look for yourself.

The outer packaging of the GATSBY chocolate bars have a luxurious look that make them feel like a special indulgence. In addition, the inner gold foil wrapper definitely gives off Willy Wonka vibes!

So how does this better-for-you brand of chocolate taste? Well, if you enjoy dark chocolate, the GATSBY Almond Dark bar will definitely satisfy. The chocolate itself has a rich premium flavor that is not overly sweet, while the bits of almond add just the right crunch. I would challenge anyone to guess that this bar is low in calories and fat.


I cannot wait to try some of GATSBY’s other varieties, including Sea Salt Extra Dark, Cookies & Cream, and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups.

Where to Purchase GATSBY Chocolate

GATSBY Chocolate is available to purchase at Sprouts Farmers Market, Safeway, Albertsons, and in stores and online at Walmart. To find GATSBY Chocolate near you, visit gatsbychocolate.com/pages/store-locator.

Try GATSBY Chocolate for FREE!

Sign up for a free GATSBY Chocolate Bar at discover.gotoaisle.com/gatsby.

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