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Sunday, February 4, 2024

A Glow In The Dark Throw Blanket - A Magical Gift for All Ages

I recently purchased a Glow in the Dark Blanket as a gift, and I couldn't be happier with the recipient's reaction. This enchanting blanket exceeded my expectations.

Why I Love Giving Glow In The Dark Throw Blankets as a Gift:

Glows Perfectly: The standout feature of this blanket (which I purchased from the Amazon Canada site) is its mesmerizing glow-in-the-dark design. Adorned with stars and uplifting words like Grateful, Harmony, Happy, Peace, Comfort, Relaxing, Hope, and Love, this blanket transforms into a radiant masterpiece when exposed to light. Turning off the lights reveals a soft, calming glow, creating a magical atmosphere that delights the recipient.

Note: I have yet to find the brand I purchased from Amazon Canada on the Amazon USA site, however, here's another one that is quite similar, and also features inspirational sayings.

Perfect for All Ages:

It offers a sense of security and comfort for individuals of all ages. Children and seniors will especially love falling asleep wrapped up in the plush, furry fabric. The little bit of glow light on the blanket is handy as well. The blanket is ideal for any age group since the inspirational sayings apply to everyone.

Cozy and Practical:

Crafted from velvety microfiber fleece, this throw blanket epitomizes coziness. It doesn't wrinkle, fade, or shed, making it perfect for lounging on the bed, couch, or even out on the porch. Whether looking for warmth during chilly nights or a comforting presence during daytime naps, this blanket delivers on all fronts.

Versatile Gift for Every Occasion:

A Glow in the Dark Blanket is the perfect gift for any occasion. Whether it's a Birthday, Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine's Day, or just a random act of kindness, this blanket is a thoughtful and unique present.

The Ultimate Valentine's Day Surprise:

With the added touch of being gift-wrapped, this blanket is the perfect Valentine's Day surprise. Its luminous and comforting features make it an ideal expression of love and warmth for family and friends throughout the year.

In conclusion, a Glow-in-the-Dark Blanket is not just a gift; it's an experience that brings joy, comfort, and a touch of magic to anyone lucky enough to receive it. Whether you're searching for a unique present for kids, seniors, or someone looking for something different, this blanket will leave a lasting impression.

Valentine Gift Idea: The Glow-in-the-Dark Throw and this Fun Valentine Word Scramble Activity Book

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Hypochlorous Acid: A Versatile, Innovative Health and Hygiene Solution

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as a naturally occurring yet powerful solution with many applications ranging from promoting wound healing and skincare to household cleaning without toxic chemicals. This colorless, dilute acid solution is gaining recognition for its remarkable benefits and uses, making it a valuable tool in promoting health and maintaining a clean environment

In this review, I’ll share what I have learned about this safe, non-toxic, electrolyzed salt water solution and how I use it.

Hypochlorous Acid Spray for Skincare, Health & Hygiene

How I Discovered Hypochlorous Acid Spray

Last year, the esthetician from whom I buy my medical-grade skincare added a hypochlorous acid spray to the toners she carries. Since she only carries products from brands with meaningful clinical studies that validate the products' effectiveness, I knew that Hydrinity Hyacin Active Purifying Mist was a high-quality product. According to Hydrinity's Hyacin Active Purifying Mist product page, "Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) is a potent anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory agent that works overtime to treat blemishes, renew compromised skin, and deeply calm even the most stressed and sensitive skin types, including those prone to eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Used by dermatologists worldwide, this refreshing purifying mist is renowned for its wound-healing abilities, is free of all chemical irritants, and safe for all skin types."

I decided to order a bottle of the Hydrinity Hyacin Active Purifying Mist from my favorite medical-grade skincare supplier, SkinBEAUTIFUL RX. I have occasional breakouts and, as I have gotten older, tend to heal more slowly from cuts and scrapes, and the hypochlorous acid spray has really helped with both. It also is great for helping to soothe insect bites.

I was really impressed with the effectiveness and versatility of this product, and I also started seeing more ads for other brands of hypochlorous acid spray, such as Magic Molecule. So I did more research into different applications and different brands and discovered there was a lot more to learn.

Understanding the Science Behind Hypochlorous Acid

Hypochlorous acid, often referred to as nature's disinfectant, is a weak acid formed through the electrolysis of salt water. It mirrors the antimicrobial properties of the body's immune system, particularly in fighting bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This naturally occurring compound is colorless, and its ability to effectively combat pathogens makes it a promising candidate for many applications.

Health and Wellness

Skincare: In the realm of skincare, hypochlorous acid has found its place in combating various dermatological issues. From acne treatment to soothing irritated skin, it offers a natural alternative to traditional skincare ingredients, ensuring a healthy complexion without harsh side effects.
Wound Healing and Infection Prevention: The innate antimicrobial properties of hypochlorous acid can accelerate wound healing. By reducing the risk of infections, inflammation, and scarring, HOCl is becoming a key component in advanced wound care, offering a gentle yet effective approach to recovery.
Oral Health: The incorporation of HOCl into oral care products has shown promising results in reducing bacteria in the oral cavity. This not only contributes to improved oral health but also aids in preventing conditions such as gum disease and halitosis.

Household and Environmental Applications

Surface Disinfection: Hypochlorous acid is an effective disinfectant for surfaces within households and in public spaces. Whether it's countertops, kitchen utensils, or bathroom fixtures, HOCl provides a safe and efficient means of maintaining a hygienic living environment.
Air Purification: Hypochlorous acid's ability to neutralize airborne pathogens and allergens makes it a valuable tool to promote a healthier indoor atmosphere in enclosed spaces.
Fruit and Vegetable Wash: Concerns about pesticide residues and contaminants on fruits and vegetables have led to the adoption of hypochlorous acid as a natural wash. Rinsing produce with an HOCl solution helps eliminate potential threats, ensuring that our produce is not only delicious but also safe.
Laundry Disinfection: Adding hypochlorous acid to the laundry cycle enhances the disinfection of clothes, bedding, and towels. This extra layer of protection helps provide peace of mind in a world increasingly concerned with hygiene.

More Economical Hypochlorous Acid Options

Once I started to understand the many uses for this antimicrobial solution, I started thinking of other ways I could benefit from it, such as bringing a TSA-approved spray bottle with me when I travel to disinfect airplane tray tables, public phones, and other surfaces, such as gym equipment.

I wanted to keep a small spray bottle of it in my purse to sanitize my hands after using a public restroom and another bottle next to each bathroom sink, since HOCl is less drying than alcohol hand sanitizers. (I found this article on using hypochlorous acid as an antiseptic in caring for patients with a suspected COVID-19 infection very interesting.)

And, since I use it to help heal cuts and scrapes quicker, I also wanted to keep small spray bottles in the medicine cabinet and in my nightstand.

Since the Hydrinity Hyacin Active Purifying Spray was $60 for 3 fl. oz., I wanted a more economical version for these more widespread uses.

Hypochlorous Acid Spray - 1 L Refill – Acne Prone Skin – Eczema - Tattoo Aftercare – Piercing Aftercare – Saline Toner – Facial Cleanser – Lash Cleanser - All Natural Face and Skin Spray - e11ement

What I discovered is that there are several brands of hypochlorous acid, with more and more coming on the market as the popularity of this product grows.

Initially, I bought some small bottles of Magic Molecule brand hypochlorous acid spray to keep by my nightstand and in my purse. But even on sale, the price was more than I wanted to spend for using it as liberally and frequently as I wanted, for everything from washing my produce to healing and soothing scrapes, cuts, and insect bites and sanitizing my hands. So, I decided to look for a more affordable bulk option that I could use to refill my little spray bottles.

I ended up buying a 1L (32 fl. oz.) refill bottle of e11ement Hypochlorous Acid Face and Skin Spray for $27.50, enough to refill a whole bunch of smaller spray bottles many times over. The e11ement Hypochlorous Acid spray works beautifully, and now I don't have to think twice about how often I use it.

If you don't already have small mister bottles into which you can decant the contents of this quart-size refill bottle, I can recommend the following:

This set of two 2 oz. travel size spray bottles is perfect for your purse, your nightstand, your laptop bag, etc. Each TSA-approved size, leakproof bottle sprays a fine mist.
This larger, 10.1 oz. continuous mist spray bottle is great for keeping on your kitchen countertop to disinfect the counter, wash produce, etc.

Hypochlorous acid spray has been a great addition to our household. It's excellent to use after shaving (face or body) to soothe the skin. If you have teenagers or family members who are acne-prone, they will also benefit from using it as a facial toner after washing and drying their faces and then allowing the HOCl spray to dry before applying any other topical skincare products such as acne medication, moisturizer, sunscreen, etc.

Hypochlorous Acid: A Versatile, Innovative Health and Hygiene Solution by Margaret Schindel

Monday, January 29, 2024

Reviewing My Love of Polish Pottery and Where I Shop

Polish Pottery is a type of folk art stoneware that originated in the early 1800s and was believed to be inspired by a peacock feather. It is made of the clay that is unique to that region in Boleslawiec and hand-painted using brushes and sponges. The firing temperatures result in a stoneware that is durable and resistant to chipping, cracking, and fading. I absolutely love Polish Pottery.

my new soup bowl #C38

My desire to collect Polish Pottery began decades ago. I first saw the stoneware at a festival; I believe at the National Apple Harvest Festival in Pennsylvania. I fell in love with the bright colors instantly. The pieces are pricey (especially related to my budget back then) but I was able to purchase a small blue, white, and yellow bowl that I thought I would use for trinkets on my dresser top. I treated that little ceramic bowl with care as I did not yet understand how incredibly durable polish pottery is. Over the years that bowl has stored trinkets, served dipping sauces, and has been a water bowl for my little quail in the winter time when it is so cold that their regular water bottles have frozen and they need a drink while I'm defrosting their bottles. The shine and paint on this first bowl is as bright and beautiful as the day I purchased it all those years ago.

two of my small ice cream bowls

Previously, I thought the only way that I could buy my annual piece of Polish Pottery was to either attend festivals that included handcrafted items booths and Polish Pottery vendors. This past year at the National Apple Harvest Festival I sought out that booth, Gettysburg Polish Pottery, and was thrilled to be able to buy a large bowl. I believe it is listed as a cereal bowl but I feel that it is larger than what I usually think of as cereal bowls. To me, it is a large pasta bowl. Or a bowl for a large serving of chili on a cold winter day.

I was planning to buy another bowl of that size soon. So I reached out to Gettysburg Polish Pottery on their social media sites. I did not know how to determine the correct number or name of my bowl. I received an immediate answer and help finding the item number of my bowl. My bowl is a "C38". I was equipped to order another bowl that is the same size.

The wonderful thing about Polish Pottery is that you can order all of your items in the same paint style. You can build an entire serving set that matches. OR you can do as I do, and order single pieces in the colors and prints that appeal to you in any given moment.

I believe that Gettysburg Polish Pottery does mail orders. But I had planned to drive up to their store or mail order my next piece. Then one day, while randomly browsing Amazon, I found a Polish Pottery C38 bowl in the same design as that very first bowl I purchased.

Honestly, I was a bit concerned with ordering a popular, handcrafted item from Amazon. I once thought I was ordering two boxes of authentic Mason Jars and instead received two single jars, of thin glass, from China. But even with that adventure in the back of my mind, I ordered a Polish Pottery bowl from the Polish Pottery Gallery Amazon Store.

I am THRILLED with my purchase. The bowl was packed (stuffed with paper to pad it - not styrofoam) and boxed in a way that prevented breaking. It is (as far as I can tell) an authentic Polish Pottery item. They advertise their pieces as "certified Quality 1". And best of all, it is hand-painted in that design that I first fell in love with.

Searching the Polish Pottery Gallery on Amazon

If you know the number of the piece you are looking for, you can search for that on the Polish Pottery Gallery Amazon store. When I searched for my bowl, using just it's number "C38", this is the variety of my bowls they currently have available.

package insert from Polish Pottery Gallery

insert included with my order

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Saturday, January 27, 2024

A Review of Hawaiian Kona Coffee

Hawaiian Kona Coffee ~ the best coffee I ever tasted!

History of Kona Coffee

Coffee Plantation
Pixabay Image

Coffee was not an original crop in Hawaii. It was brought to the islands in 1828 from Brazil and planted in the Hilo area. Later, some of those coffee tree seedlings were planted on the westward volcanic slopes of the Kona region of the Big Island of Hawaii. Thus, the name Kona Coffee.

The coffee grown in Kona, Hawaii ~ today considered it's own variety called Kona Typica ~ is probably the most expensive coffee you can buy. And it is well worth it. The taste is outstanding and has become my absolute favorite. The climate in Hawaii's Kona region combined with the mineral-rich volcanic soils of Mauna Loa's steep slopes, gives exceptional conditions for growing some of the world's best coffee.

I was first introduced to Kona Coffee on a visit the Hubs & I made to Hawaii in 1989. We went to visit former California neighbors who had moved to Oahu. During our 10-day visit, we daily went to a nearby coffee house and it was there I had my first (of many, many hundreds since) cup of Kona Coffee.

Personal Coffee Story

Image Source: Pixabay

When I was leaving for collage, I told my dad (a big coffee drinker) I planned to learn to drink coffee once I got to school. To me, it was a very 'grown-up' thing to do. Dad told me I should learn to drink it black because there would be times in life when cream and/or sugar might not be handy. (I believe his thinking went back to his remembered years of World War II when things such as sugar were severely rationed). Nonetheless, his advice made sense to me.

My first dinner in the freshman dorm I ordered coffee, black. It was terrible! The next night I tried it with sugar (nope), then with cream, then with cream & sugar. I didn't like coffee in any form! But, I persevered, realizing that coffee is an acquired taste.

Today, coffee is a absolute necessity to me first thing in the morning! And I always drink it black. :)

Summary

Royal Kona 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee, Ground, Private Reserve Medium Roast - 7 Ounce Bag

Since 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee is so expensive (due to labor costs, limited supply, high demand and transportation costs), it is a treat obtained only occasionally. (Unless, of course, if you live in Hawaii). But the exceptional taste and quality are too good to pass up. Therefore, I have discovered a tasty compromise of the 10% Kona Coffee Blend for my daily intake of cups of Kona coffee.

My latest 'treat' was given to me this past Christmas by my kids – probably the most expensive 100% Kona Coffee of all – the Royal Kona Coffee for Royalty. It is a private reserve medium roast whose unique flavor and aroma caused it to become the favorite coffee of the Hawaiian Royals. (This non-Royal grandma is enjoying it very much!).

Image by Wednesday Elf

Other brands of 100% Kona Coffee are less expensive and 10% Kona Blend coffee is very affordable.

So, if you are a coffee connoisseur (or just enjoy a good cup of coffee), try either the 100% Kona Coffee or the 10% Kona Blend Coffee for a delicious cup of coffee!

Quick Links:

*Kona Coffee Review written by Wednesday Elf

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Thursday, January 25, 2024

Review of Smart Bird Feeder Camera

For Christmas this year, I received a Smart Bird Feeder Camera. This feeder has provided my husband and I with hours of fun, watching birds up close. Every time a bird lands on this feeder the camera takes a ten second video and then sends it to my phone.

Features of the Smart Bird Feeder Camera

HD Image Quality
Two-way Audio
Waterproof and Dustproof
Infrared Night Vision
145 degree Wide Angle View
Ai Bird Recognition
WiFi
Cloud Storage

Features I Particularly Enjoy

One of the features I really enjoy is the ability to share my photos with family and friends. When the camera sends the video to my phone, I then have the ability to share that photo with family and friends. There are numerous ways to share the video but two of the ways I use most often are by posting the video on my Facebook page or for a smaller audience I can message or email the video to the person of my choosing. The video below is one that I emailed to myself and then downloaded it on my computer. It shows the camera captured a Tufted titmouse. These little birds are quite quick, and I am not often able to capture them on camera, so I was really excited to see them on the feeder camera. You will also notice at the end of the video a little chickadee approach.

Here is a photo that I was able to take of the Tufted titmouse sitting on the feeder. I had a camera set up inside my house to take this photo, but it gives you another view of the bird feeder.

Another great feature of the camera is that the bird feeder has solar panels on the top so there is no need to plug it in or continually recharge batteries. I have now had it for a month, and it is running great.

Easy Set Up

I found the bird feeder camera easy to set up. It came with easy-to-follow instructions and after unpacking everything from the box and making sure I had everything, I proceeded to download and install the Vicohome Ap on my phone. Next, I followed the instructions to sync the camera with my WiFi. I then had to determine where to place the camera to receive good connections and my deck post worked great so that is where the bird feeder is hanging. In less than 30 minutes that feeder was ready to photograph the first bird.

Birds Find Feeder

It did take a couple of days for the birds to find the feeder but once they did, they kept coming. I am surprised by the wide variety of birds that have found the feeder, so far, I have had the following birds posing for the camera.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow
House Finch
Tufted titmouse
Chickadee
Northern Bluebird
Carolina Wren

Bird Feeder Camera's on Amazon

Amazon has several varieties of feeder cameras for sale. Here are a couple that are similar to mine.

Smart Bird Feeder Camera

Bird Feeder Camera

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Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Reviewing Benefits and Considerations Of Heated Throws

We absolutely love our heated throws and in cold weather we would not be with out them. I was not initially sure if it was worth it to buy a heated blanket or throw but I have to say that there is no way I would be without one now.

A heated blanket or throw is a blanket with wires inside to heat it up. You plug it into a mains electrical socket and use it as a blanket cover over your body.

You must not lie on top of it and must not put it under your mattress, other blankets or duvet. It is only for use over the top of your body. It is excellent at providing warmth and comfort during cold weather.

However there are a number of considerations to bear in mind before purchasing a heated blanket.

The Benefits of a Heated Throw Or Blanket.

Saving energy Costs. We have found that we can keep the heating either off for longer or lower the temperature on the thermostat by using our heated throws. Energy costs are so high that this is an effective way to help reduce the cost of heating the home and heat ourselves instead. Heated throws do heat up much faster and give out much more warmth than a normal blanket. We also find that the room itself is a little warmer when we have been using our heated blankets.

Improving mood. In the winter months when it is invariably cold, dark and with long nights our mood can suffer. A heated throw encourages relaxation and a feeling of cosiness and comfort which is always lovely. On a practical level it can also lower the amount of energy we need to keep us warm and this in turn can help reduce stress and anxiety. If you are cold you are unlikely to feel very happy!

Pain relief. A heated blanket can help if you have minor aches and pains as the gentle warmth can ease muscle tension. It is also lovely if you are feeling ill with flu or other viruses and keeps you cosy warm. However, it is always best to check with your doctor if it is safe if you have any prior health conditions and best not to use if you are pregnant.

Sleep. We sometimes use our heated blanket over the bed at night to provide additional warmth. While we don't keep it on all night, just for a little while on the timer, it can help us drift off to sleep. If it gets very cold during the night and wakes us up, one of us can just switch it on again on the timer for an hour to warm us up. It is also very useful if one of us is warm enough or too hot and the other is cold. That way the cold person can have the heated blanket on just their side. Only use a heated throw in this way if it has an automatic shut off feature.

General warmth. I love gardening and walking that does not stop for me in winter, but I am often really cold by the time I come in. Sometimes I feel really cold and need to warm up and now I can just throw my heated blanket over me and it gently warms me up. Previously I would have needed a warm bath to get my core body temperature right again.

In the event of heating breakdown.

While everyone hopes this will never happen, if it does it is bound to be in the depths of winter! If you have central heating and the boiler or other mechanism breaks down you have lost your heating. However hopefully you will still have electricity and so can still keep warm if you have heated blankets.

Important Considerations Of Heated Throws

Heated throws and blankets can also have some considerations it is important to be aware of.

A poor quality heated blanket can pose a fire hazard if it is left on for too long, damaged, or used improperly. A poor quality one can also overheat. So it is very important to buy a good quality heated throw and carefully follow the safety and washing instructions. It is also vital to periodically check it for any signs of damage and do not use it if it is damaged in any way.

I would strongly advise to buy one with a timer and an auto-off feature so that there is peace of mind that if you forget to switch it off, it will switch off and cool down automatically and safely.

I would advise buying a heated throw that can be washed in a washing machine. Otherwise it is very difficult to keep it clean and hygienic. It should have a detachable lead so you just wash the blanket, clearly never with the lead and plug itself attached. If you buy one that is not washable it would be best to cover it with a washable cover.

Some people with certain serious health issues may be advised against using one, so do check with your doctor. Anyone pregnant should consult with a doctor before use as well. It is not suitable to use one with a small baby or anyone who is unable to say if they are getting too hot, or if someone cannot regulate their temperature very well.

So if you have any serious health issues, pregnant or older check with a doctor and do not use with a baby or small child.

Points To Consider When Buying Heated Throws

Price point : Heated throws can vary in price from relatively inexpensive to a very high price. This tends to depend on several factors such as the quality and luxury of the materials used, the range and quality of features, and its size. There is an initial outlay but we feel we have saved more money on heating, so in the end they have paid for themselves. A less expensive blanket may serve your needs but do also bear in mind how long it might last and what safety features it has compared to a higher quality one.

Features: A heated blanket can have various features, such as a controller, a timer, an auto-off function and a temperature setting. We love the auto timer which means we just set it for an hour or 3 hours or 9 hours and do not have to think about it. Also it is very handy if you forget its on there is no worry about overheating as it just switches itself off safely. We also love the temperature control which can be from very low to really warm.

I would advise to buy one that is washable with a detachable lead and and control.

Safety Features Whatever price point you buy at, I would advise to make sure it includes important safety features, like a timer, heat control and most important auto switch off.

Material: A heated blanket can also be made from different materials, and it is really down to personal preference what you would like. I would advise easy care and something that you like that goes with your living room, office or bedroom colour scheme. We have one that is heavier and thicker with a Faux fur furry feel and one that is much lighter with a soft sherpa feel.

The Size: A heated blanket can come in a variety of sizes. We chose two single throw sized ones so that there are not unwieldly to use on the sofa but still big enough to place across the bed. However you may prefer a larger one to cover a bigger area.

I think a heated throw like this Sunbeam Royal Luxe Heated Throw is an essential for winter, especially if you are wanting to save heating costs and still feel nice and warm and cosy.

I believe a heated throw is a lovely gift for many occasions and one like this Sealy Faux Fur Heated Throw would be lovely perhaps for a winter birthday, a housewarming or wedding present and these heated throws and blankets are always suitable for a Christmas gift.

We feel that our two heated blankets are one of our best purchases for the colder weather. They have saved us money on heating bills, look lovely in our living room and bedroom. They have been fantastic when I am working and sitting still for periods of time to keep me warm or when we are watching a film at night and do not want the heating on. We have had them for two years now with no issues and we would not be without them.

Sunbeam Royal Luxe Rodeen Plaid Grey Heated Personal Throw / Blanket, Cozy-Warm, Adjustable Heat Settings

SEALY Electric Blanket Heated Throw, Faux Fur Heating Blanket with 6 Heat Settings & 2-10 Hours Auto Shut Off, Fast Heating & ETL Certification, 50x60 Inch, Navy Blue

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Recommended Throw Blankets with Inspirational Messages

One of my favorite gifts to give revolves around the warmth of throw blankets paired with uplifting messages.

I'm particularly drawn to throw blankets that convey beautiful sentiments explicitly tailored to the recipient. In my quest for such heartfelt gifts, I stumbled upon ButterTree, an Amazon-based business that has become my go-to for inspirational throw blankets.

A Personal Touch with ButterTree's Inspirational Blankets

Recently, I purchased two inspirational blankets from ButterTree, and the response from my friend was overwhelmingly positive – she absolutely loved it!

Despite being an Amazon shopper who usually prioritizes products over their providers, ButterTree has left a lasting impression. The prospect of finding another soul-soothing throw blanket would undoubtedly lead me back to their products.

Avoiding International Shipping Fees is Important to Me, As Is a Timely Delivery

When sourcing these blankets, I often encounter the challenges of high costs or international shipping with potential duties and import fees. However, ButterTree blankets eliminate these concerns.

Living in Canada, the swift delivery – often within one or two days, especially in cities – is a significant plus. The affordability of their blankets, particularly in the Canadian market, pleasantly surprised me. Even more so for our friends in the USA, who enjoy even better prices.

A Unique Gift That Lasts

What sets these blankets apart is their ability to transform a simple gift into a meaningful, personal gesture.

Whenever I'm seeking a special touch for a present, these inspirational throw blankets from ButterTree consistently deliver. They offer a lasting gift that envelops the recipient in words of kindness, inspiration, and love.

They have become a staple in my gift-giving repertoire, adding a touch of magic to every occasion.

In my eyes, these blankets from ButterTree unquestionably earn a five-star rating ★★★★★.

You can view the inspirational message blankets by ButterTree here on Amazon.

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Thursday, January 18, 2024

Barbie Board Games: A Discussion and List

Here's a collection and a list of new, used and vintage Barbie board games complete with a list.

Anyone who loves Barbie and board games might find themselves wondering, as I did, what Barbie-themed board games are available. A simple search revealed the short list of Barbie-themed games that I review here on this page. However, the more I looked the more games I found and so you will also find on this page a longer list of games at the bottom of this page. This list may help you if you are seeking a particular game from a specific time period. Most of the games on this page (including on the list) are vintage but there are a couple of new games that were released along with the hit Barbie movie in 2023.

THE BARBIE GAME QUEEN OF THE PROM (1961 and 1994)

First up is the game with a blue cover shown above called simply, The Barbie Game. It was released by Mattel in 1960 and could well be the first game ever made. Beware that there are two versions of Queen of the Prom as it was re-released in 1994. Both are vintage games but have a decidedly different appearance.

The description of the game on the box of the newer version reads, “You are Barbie. Win if you are the first crowned Queen of the Prom. To win you must have a steady boyfriend, a prom dress and be elected president of a school club. Midge, Skipper and Ken share the fun.”

What fun it is to see the original game in this 1960s television commercial:

TAKE A PERSONAL APPEARANCE TOUR WITH BARBIE GAME (1980)

This vintage 1980 game was released by Whitman. The description on the back of the box reads, “Travel with Barbie by car and plane on her tour and visit movie studios, grand openings, charity telethons and more. If you are first to appear three times and then reach the awards presentation, you win.” It evokes all of the excitement of a glamorous life in the 1980s.

DREAM DATE (1992)

The Barbie Dream Date game was released by Golden in 1992. In this game, “…girls play the Dream Date Game with Barbie and Ken! Ken picks out beautiful gifts for Barbie and might take her horseback riding, snow skiing or maybe even to a ball! Players collect gifts for Barbie, moving around the board and taking photos of their dates. At midnight, the individual with the most gift and date cards wins!” The cover definitely reminds me of the 1990s.

BARBIE DRESS UP GAME (1993)

Another Golden release, this game was created in 1993. In this one you “play with a Barbie doll trying to be the first player to collect all of Barbie’s fashion accessories without getting a broken heart.” This game would be especially fun for anyone who loves fashion.

MONOPOLY BOUTIQUE AND MONOPOLY MOVIE (2007 AND 2003)

Monopoly has released hundreds or more likely thousands of board games on every theme you can possibly think of. Monopolyland says estimates range between 300 and 7,000 games and that the largest known collection of Monopoly games claims to have 3,500 games. Anyway, when I looked, I could find two Barbie versions.

This is the official Barbie Monopoly board game that was released in conjunction with the 2023 movie, Barbie.

The first version was the Barbie Boutique Edition from 2007, which was packed in a pretty pink box. Finding a description of it proved difficult though pictures show that it was beautifully presented in a jewelry-style box.

The second version was official movie merchandise that was released in tandem with the movie Barbie. It is widely available and the box reads, “You can be anything with Barbie…Follow your dreams around the board. Buy famous streets, build DreamHouses and draw Dream Closet and Dream Career cards for extra twists. Flex your unique skills, dream a bit, own it all and be anything!” I expect a lot of people received this version of the game for Christmas in 2023. If you are interested, you can find Barbie Monopoly on Amazon by clicking here.

A LIST OF BARBIE BOARD GAMES

As I was reading about the games mentioned above, I kept discovering more new, used and vintage Barbie-themed games. I guess that is not really surprising given the length of time that Barbie has been around. The gaps in years tells me that this list is not likely complete but here’s my list, not definitive, but definitely long, arranged in chronological order:

Queen of the Prom Game (1960)
Keys to Fame Game (1963)
Skipper: Barbie's Little Sister (1964)
The Barbie World of Fashion game (1967)
Miss Lively Livin’ (1970)
Take a Personal Appearance Tour with Barbie. (1980)

Charms the World (1985)
Barbie Meets Ken in the Game of Their Dreams! (1987)
Just Us Girls (1989)
Shopping Spree Card Game (1991)
We Girls Can Do Anything (1991)
Dream Date (1992)
Fun Fashions Memory Game (1992)
Butterfly Princess (1995)
Dress Up Game (1995)
Sparkle Kingdom Game (1996)
Go Shopping! (1999)
Enchanted 3-D Game (2001)
Barbie Says (2002)
UNO: Barbie (2002)
Barbie of Swan Lake (2003)
Rapunzel (2003)
The Nutcracker Playset Game (2003)
UNO: Barbie California Girl (2004)
The Princess and the Pauper Game (2004)
Guess the Look! (2004)
Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (2006)
Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus (2005)
World of Models (2008)
Race to the Party Game (2010)
Shopping Day (2011)
Charmed Travels (2011)
Fashion City (2011)
Gems! (2012)
Bring The Bling Game (2012)
Shop with Barbie (2013)
UNO: Barbie The Movie (2023)
Monopoly: Barbie Movie (2023)

WHERE TO BUY VINTAGE BARBIE GAMES?

If you are searching for any of these games, new, used or vintage, I suggest following this link to eBay's collection of new, used and vintage Barbie board games. There you will find many of these games in assorted condition. New games that are out of production will likely cost more. However, if you shop carefully, you can likely find a used game that is in good condition.

Have I missed a Barbie game that you used to play?

See you
At the toy store!
Brenda
Treasures By Brenda