Yep, you read that right-there is a PRINCESS BRIDE VIDEO GAME!

When I was given the opportunity to review this game I practically jumped through my email to the lovely person on the other side offering it to hug her.  This is one of my all-time favorite movies and the fact that it’s back in a game (rated E for Everyone) warms my heart.

There are some movies that should never be forgotten and watched by every generation.  By creating The Princess Bride Video Game, the tech-savvy kids of today are gaining a new interest in watching the movie and their parents (ME!) get to take part in playing as well. (more…)

Talk about neat.  Even if you don’t play video games, you can use your kids Nintendo DS and become a master chef!  From Nintendo-

“Personal Trainer: Cooking is a training title that brings gourmet cooking from around the globe to your Nintendo DS. It features a DS Chef, your own private cooking instructor who talks you through 245+ recipes from more than 30 countries worldwide. It’s a combination of interactive cookbook and live cooking demonstration that’ll have you cooking like a pro, even if you’ve never lifted a ladle before.”

I got this game a little while ago and I was so excited.  I first went in and customized it to my tastes.  You can set the speed of the narrator to your liking.  I am not a patient woman, and if I had to listen to instructions in a slow, methodical voice I probably would have just muted it.  With Personal Trainer: Cooking, I was able to speed the voice instructions up to a pace I’m comfortable with. (more…)

I was sitting with my son Jake playing Pokémon Ranger the other day when I realized that most of our games we play are of the Pokémon series.  A few months back, I spoke with Nintendo’s resident Pokémon expert, Seth McMahill and we talked about the benefits of playing the role playing games with our children.  You can read more about our conversation here and since our conversation, have experienced some of the games available for the Wii and DS Lite.

When we’re on the go (especially when we’re flying to NY) and I need to keep Jake occupied, I always bring Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time.  Since Jake is only 3 and can’t exactly read, the Pokémon series are games we can play together and encourage reading and creativity. (more…)

Well, it’s that time of year again.  Time to shop!  With so many choices out there and so little time, I thought I’d put together a list of this years ‘must haves’ to get for your loved ones.

• For Him
• For Her
• For Your Toddler Boy
• For Your Toddler Girl
• For Boys
• For Girls
• For Your Parents/Family
• For Everyone

For Him:

For the guy who grills, you can’t go wrong with Grill Charms.  Similar to wine charms used on glasses to tell who’s drink belongs to who, Grill Charms are dime-sized solid stainless steel charms are placed in your food BEFORE grilling. The stems are serrated to hold securely while grilling, moving and flipping. With 22 collections to choose from, you can get charms to determine the rare, medium-rare or well done steaks and burgers cooked on the grill.  Even better, With The Pink Collection, they donate 10% of the proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

For Her:

There isn’t a gal (or guy, from what I’m hearing) who doesn’t want a Wii Fit.  Personally, it’s changed my life.  I don’t have the time or motivation to go to a gym or use a boring workout video but the Wii Fit makes working out both easy and fun.  I’ve had 2 kids and it’s the only thing that’s worked to get that baby weight off.

For Your Toddler Boy:

To help teach your child responsibility, compassion and dexterity my favorite game for Jake is Nintendogs for the Nintendo DS Lite.  Owners care for and train their puppy by petting it, walking it and buying it supplies to play with. As a puppy competes in obedience and agility trials, owners can win money to purchase other puppy breeds. There are five versions of Nintendogs each with six breeds available from the beginning. All 18 breeds are unlockable in each version. The pups will vary in gender, color and personality.

For Your Toddler Girl:

New to Nintendo DS is the 21st century baby doll with the new My Baby Girl and My Baby Boy for Nintendo DS. The new baby doll is designed to allow children to nurture, engage and raise their baby at their own pace with their own sensitivities, instincts and style. How they raise and relate to their baby will be their very own personal experience.  My Baby Girl and My Baby Boy are suitable for children ages three years and older and will be available starting November 10, 2008. You can check out a preview for the game here.

For Boys:

The Moonfly Gift Pack is a great gift for boys. Contains one copy of “Moonfly: The Aerial Adventures of Owen and His Captive Moon Balloon” and T shirt with silk screened logo, all in one reusable “adventure” bag. Read about Owen’s fantastic adventures, and see how the “Moonfly” story begins.

For Girls:

Ideal for girls of all ages is the custom jewelery offered at Pickled Tink.  Give them your childs initials or a special word and you can create a special charm, necklace or bracelet with a beautiful vintage background any girl is sure to adore.

For Your Parents/Family:

My gifts year round are always a hit with my parents and extended family because I shop at Vistaprint online.  Not only can you create personalized Christmas cards- saving money uploading your own photos instead of shelling out hundreds to the portrait studios- but you can also create and send personalized gifts to your entire family. From calendars, magnets, hats or t-shirts the only limitations to what you can create are your imagination!

For Everyone:

For a great site to find amazing deals, check out One Goodie on the web.  One Goodie is a product-per-day boutique where they sell only one item for 24 hours or until sold out on each of their sites: One Foodie Goodie and One Mommie Goodie. Prices are always discounted and products are high-end.

If you’re looking for fun for the entire family, you can’t go wrong with Nintendo’s Wii Music.  You can turn an average night in into a concert with up to 4 people playing any of the ove 60 instruments featured.  Make a music video and share it with your friends.  With Wii Music, everyone’s a rock star.  Read my detailed review here.

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I am the mother of 2 boys. I always wanted a girl but it’s just not gonna happen. When I came across Bella Sara, the trading card came for girls, it took me back to when I was young, playing with horses and dreaming of riding and owning one someday.

Bella Sara trading cards are the first ever developed for girls. They feature horse-themed fantasy cards that offer positive, inspirational messages. On each card there is a unique code that will activate a virtual version of the horse pictured on the Bella Sara Website, and the owner can care for her horse in it’s stall by feeding, brushing, cleaning his stall and making him happy. (more…)