I love to play board games with my grandchildren and Monopoly is one of them. Monopoly Unicorns vs Llamas is one I think I should have so that my youngest grandchild can play, too. The standard version is a little more than she can handle at her age but this new release would be right up her little alley.
Monopoly: a great family game
image courtesy of pixabay.com
The new release of an old favorite is geared more for the younger set. I know my little cupcake will enjoy playing it and I can tell you right now which team she will chose to support. The unicorn team, she is wild about those mythical creatures!
Slightly Different Play in the Game
Instead of individual play in this new edition of Monopoly, the game is played with teams. Players decide which team they want to play for, the unicorn team or the llama team. Properties aren't purchased but instead as you move around the board you collect titles for your team. Things like the Sweetest, the most colorful, or my personal favorite the twinkliest eyes. You know when the game is over when all of the titles have been collected. The winning team is determined by the team who has the most titles. Now, I'm asking you. Doesn't that sound like loads of fun?
This game can be entertaining for children ages 8 to 88. Although, I love playing the original version of Monopoly, it can take hours and hours to play. The nice thing about the Unicorns vs Llamas game is that the time-frame for the game doesn't take forever for someone to win.
Board Games Encourage Family Time
When my girls were little, I loved playing games that we could all play together. Can I tell you how many times I've played Candy Land? It wasn't so much the game that we were playing but the family time we were spending together. Once the grandchildren began to arrive, I've kept up the tradition.
How about you and your family? Do you play games together? If you have small ones, I think a nice round of the Monopoly Unicorns vs Llamas might be enjoyable for all.
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.”
Are you looking for a family game or party game to help inspire and encourage the better side of people?
Nothing says we have to continue to feed into the overwhelming negativity that seems to be infecting our lives and playtime. Many are consumed with violent video games and even board games that promote the not-so-nice side of people. Although game lovers will never stop playing violent and vulgar games (and yes, they can be fun, too!), it's nice to know that, once in a while, we can actively switch things up to something that leans positive. With Thanksgiving approaching, 'Better Me' is a game the whole family can play. It encourages us to expose the better side of ourselves to others.
"Better Me is a new approach to relationships and personal development. The game encourages it's players to take real action after the game has ended to better themselves in this life. It uses the basic principles of positive psychology to help strengthen relationships and to help tap into the better side of the human condition"
Better Me helps you get to know people quickly as well. If you're hosting a party and need a game to encourage conversation, this game does it in a positive, constructive, and forward-thinking way. You'll see the inside of people very quickly just by their responses to various life questions and scenarios. The fundamental play of the game involves Players completing their five areas of life: Heart, Mind, Body, Tangibles, and People. You earn points by passing along a genuine compliment, sharing a story where you learned a positive lesson, and even committing to taking a positive step in your life when the game ends. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays - Have Fun, Be Happy
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.”
Battleship is a classic naval combat board game of strategy
and excitement. In this board game, you will search the ocean floor to destroy
your opponent’s fleet of ships.
The board game was first introduced by Milton-Bradley in
1967 as a plastic board and peg game. The game battleship comes from earlier
versions of a pencil and paper game from the 1930s.
Battleship has also evolved into many electronic versions
of the game today. The game I had growing up was the original plastic board and
peg game. I have spent many hours playing this game with my brothers and
friends.
The game we have today is the same, but it was made by
Hasbro. I have never tried one of the electronic versions but thought about it
many times. Today I play the same battleship game with my grandchildren that I
played growing up.
How to Play Battleship:
Each player has a fleet of five ships consisting of the
following:
Class of Ship #of
Hits to Sink the Ship
Aircraft Carrier 5
Battleship 4
Destroyer 3
Submarine 3
Patrol Boat 2
Each player has a plastic case with two grids, white pegs,
and red pegs. One grid is the ocean floor, this is where you place your fleet
of ships either horizontal or vertical. The upper grid is to record your misses
with white pegs and your hits with red pegs.
You can also use your ocean floor
to track your opponent's misses with white pegs. This is an option and I never
use it.
A player calls out a location on the grid and the opposing
player says either hit or miss. If it is a miss the first player marks the
location with a white peg, so he doesn’t call that location again. If it is a hit,
then he places a red peg in that location and the opposing player places a red
peg in the ship that was hit.
Now, the first player must figure out if the ship is placed
horizontal or vertical on the opposing player’s grid. Once a player has sunk
the other player's entire fleet, he wins the game.
Battleship is just another classic game that has been
around for many years and will provide hours of fun.
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.”
Playing cards any time of year is fun, but it's an especially entertaining
activity in inclement weather. Thus it is the perfect indoor wintertime
activity. This unofficial holiday is held on December 28 each year right after
winter officially begins. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of card games that can be
played using a standard pack of cards. Some of the top favorites
include Spades, Poker, Solitaire, Spite and Malice, Hearts, Spoons, Gin
Rummy, Black Jack and Texas Hold’em.
With a Deck of 52 …
Source: Pixabay
You'll Have Hours of Entertainment From the 9th century to modern day, people have been entertained with playing
cards. A simple deck of 52 provides us with hours of fun in a wide variety of
card games, either by yourself (solitaire) or with groups of 2 or 4 or more.
It's an activity that will never go out of style!
Cards are Popular at Any Time
Source: Pixabay
No matter what the seasonal time of year or time of day, this is a very
popular form of entertainment. From simple 'matching cards' for very young
children to intricate ones for adults to the ageless variations of Solitaire,
cards hold our interest in many forms:
UNO is the Number One card game for kids (in my opinion) -- it is just as
much fun for us grown up parents and grandparents to play, especially with
the kids.
GIN RUMMY (or Gin) is a popular 2-player game that has been around since
1909. It is one of several variants of Rummy, which has been played
worldwide for centuries.
POKER and Texas Hold'em are both a popular choice with men
PINOCHLE - A game we played for several years with our best
friends.
SOLITAIRE - Now it's Everyone's Favorite Card Game on the Computer!
Solitaire is also called Patience and refers to single-player card games
involving a layout of cards with a goal of sorting them in some manner. Anyone
who enjoys card games likes Solitaire. There are more variations than you can
'shake a stick at' and in today's computer age the standard Solitaire game on
computer has really increased it's popularity and is irresistible when sitting
in front of your computer. (My favorite version is 'Spider Solitaire)
THREE-THIRTEEN - a Fun 'Rummy-Style' Card Game
Source: Wikipedia
A couple years ago I learned a new card game called "Three Thirteen" that is
such fun. It's a form of Rummy and is an eleven-round game played with two or
more players. The Rules can be found on
Wikipedia. I've
played it with just two players, with three players and with 6 players and
each way is enjoyable. My favorite part of the game is the fact that the wild
cards change with each hand! *Two Years Ago: My son & I have been playing 3-13 once or twice a week all year. We
have been keeping a running score sheet of each person's score, with the
prize being dinner at a restaurant for the winner (paid for by the loser) at
the end of the year. At the moment, I am 199 points ahead and have my choice
of restaurant picked out!
*This Year:
Son & I have continued our weekly 3-13 games and THIS year
son is ahead in the 'free dinner' race by over 400 points. I
don't think I have time to 'catch up' before the end of this year! LOL. HE
already has his favorite restaurant picked out. :)
My Love of Card Games
Personal Photo (c) Wednesday Elf
I've enjoyed card games all my life, from childhood hours of Canasta with
my grandmother to teaching MY grandchildren "War" and "Uno". I grew up in
a card-playing family. My parents seemed to learn some of the most
unusual card games over the years, having a "new" one to try every
visit. My favorites are Pinochle, Kings-on-the-Corner and 3-13. And the most fun
card game ever I learned by the name of "Dwindle". It may be known by
other names. You can't beat a deck of cards to give you or you-and-a-group
hours of entertainment
The Most Fun of All...
Playing cards were found in China as early as the 9th Century, and it's
popularity has continued to grow ever since. I can't imagine not having a
deck of cards around. It is fun entertainment for all ages.
The Playing Card Version of the Classic Monopoly Board Game
(c) Wednesday Elf 12/21/2019. Updated 12/28/2021
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.”
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game
first published in 1974. Designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, it is now
published by Hasbro's Wizards of the Coast subsidiary.
What is Dungeons & Dragons?
D&D was originally based on miniature wargames, but departs from
traditional wargaming because it allows each player to create their own
character to play, who embark on imaginary adventures in a fantasy
setting.
D&D uses polyhedral dice to resolve in-game events.
Source: Wikipedia
A Dungeon Master (DM) serves as the game's referee and storyteller,
maintaining the setting where the adventures occur, and playing the role of
the inhabitants of the game world. The characters form a party and interact
with the setting's inhabitants and each other where they solve dilemmas,
engage in battles and gather treasure and knowledge. Today Dungeons & Dragons is recognized as the beginning of the modern
role-playing games. It is the best known, and best selling, role-playing game
in the US, with an estimated 20 million people having played the game.
My son Greg discovered D&D in 1978 at the age of eight. For several
years, all he wanted for gifts and to buy with his allowance were additions to
the game in the form of published pamphlets (modules) which typically included
a background story, illustrations, maps and goals for players to achieve. He
most often played the game with his two best friends, brothers Kevin &
Russell. I remember one night in particular when the brothers were
spending the night with Greg and the 3 of them were in his room playing
D&D. I went in to call them to dinner and Russell (only 7 years old) said
“wait, I can't leave now or my character will be in trouble. I have to finish
this play first.” Made me smile. I have to say, as a mother, I really liked
this early version of D&D as it heavily encouraged a child's imagination
and taught them problem solving skills and strategy. It also taught them
important social skills and how to work together as a team to win the
game.
An elaborate D&D game in progress. Among the gaming aids here are dice, a
variety of miniatures and a dungeon diorama. (Source: Wikipedia)
Today's version of D&D has evolved to include miniature figures and a
grid map and even a dungeon
Diorama,
among other advanced gaming aids.
D&D Resurgence
This week, my local newspaper ran a story about the massive resurgence
D&D has recently had:
"Paladins, sorcerers and wizards unite. A new generation of players has
become ensorcelled by the fantasy role-playing board game “Dungeons &
Dragons.” You don't need to be familiar with the game to figure out
“Ensorcelled” means charmed or be-smitten."
Long-time players and newcomers will tell you the game is making a new
resurgence with players of all ages, especially younger players. I see this resurgence in interest in D&D in my own family. My
eight-year-old son is now grown and a father to four sons he is teaching the
game to. His sister has joined a group who play D&D a couple Sundays each
month. In my local community, there are teachers who run such clubs and our local
Public Library is hosting Dungeons and Dragons games every Wednesday
afternoon.
D&D is Here to Stay
With technology making so many video games available, it would seem that
board games would become a thing of the past. Not so with Dungeons &
Dragons, the most popular fantasy role-playing game of all time.
(c) Dungeons & Dragons Review written by Wednesday Elf (1/30/2020)
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.”
Monopoly Deal is the Playing Card Version of the Classic Monopoly Board Game.
We are all familiar with the board game, Monopoly, which has been around in
its current version since 1935. Over the years, the classic version has
grown to include nearly 1300 variations, many of them theme-based. For a list
of these, check this link.
Monopoly has become one of the most popular games of all time. I remember
spending hours playing it as a child, then with my own children, and now my
grandsons enjoy it just as much. And now it is available in a quick version
card game form called
Monopoly Deal.
A Favorite Version of the Monopoly Board Game
While visiting my 14-year-old grandson, Ryan, in Iowa in June, we played his
Star Wars Monopoly game in board game form, which he absolutely loves to
play.
At the end of my visit, it was decided that Ryan would come back home with me
for a visit to Coastal Georgia and the beach. He wanted to bring his
Star Wars Monopoly Board Game,
but there wasn't room in the car. Instead, he discovered that there is a
card game version of Monopoly, which he purchased before we
left.
Grandson Ryan (c) Wednesday Elf
Let me tell you, Ryan and I have become very expert at this Monopoly
card game, playing 3 and 4 games per day most days! This Monopoly Deal card
game takes only about 15 minutes to play, as opposed to 3 and 4 hours to play
the board game version of Monopoly. And since it doesn't take up any
more room to pack in your suitcase than a deck of cards, it is the perfect
game to take on a vacation or trip.
Monopoly Deal Card Game
(c) Wednesday Elf
Monopoly Deal
comes with 110 cards consisting of the familiar Property Cards (like Boardwalk
and Park Place), plus hotel and motel cards, money cards, and action cards
which include rent cards and cards that let you steal property from the other
players.
Monopoly Deal Money
The Money Cards are a tad different than what you are used to in the
Monopoly board game. The denominations begin at One Million and go
up to 10 Million dollars. At first it seems strange dealing with what
appears to be such a large amount of money, but one quickly adapts to
playing a Rent Action Card and saying things such as
"Pay me $7 Million Dollars for my property"
Instead of 'Passing Go" and collecting $200, as in the board game, there
are Pass Go cards which allow you to draw two more cards.
The "Just Say No" cards have become a favorite, as they prevent another
player from stealing your property or having to pay a large amount of
'rent' on a property set with a house and a hotel!
Monopoly Deal Rules
Each turn you draw two cards and can play up to 3 cards. Fortunes can change
in a minute, depending upon what cards you draw and play. To win you
need three complete sets of Property Cards.
The game can be played with 2-5 players, which made it perfect for Ryan and
Grandma to play a quick game or two between trips to the beach or my apartment
pool those hot summer days here in southern Georgia. It's also a quick
game to play between dinner and bedtime. The more we played it, the more we
enjoyed it. It's truly an addictive card game. If your looking for a fun
family/friend game,
Monopoly Deal
is it.
November 19
is
National Play Monopoly Day
*Monopoly Deal Card Game Review written by Wednesday Elf
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.”
My real name is Cynthia, but on the internet, I am known as Sylvestermouse. One of the first questions most people ask me is why I chose the name Sylvestermouse as my online pseudonym. Before I answer that question, let me point out the blue mouse in my photo.
That blue mouse, "Sylvestermouse", was my original avatar photo when I started working online over 20 years ago. After a decade of using the blue mouse exclusively, there was a huge push to start using author photos so readers could see what the author actually looked like. The belief being that readers connected with the author on a more personal level if they could see your face. I certainly did not want to leave behind or replace my
mouse and just start using a cameo photo. After all, that little mouse
had it's own following! Fortunately, a really good friend of mine happened to be in the business of creating computer images by using photos. Think computer games and avatar images. To this day, Indigo Janson is an excellent 3D generalist and I feel quite honored that she took my original blue mouse avatar, a photo of myself and created a professional compilation. So now you see me, Cynthia, holding Sylvestermouse when you see my author profile image.
So, Back to that Original Question: Why "Sylvestermouse"?
For that answer, we must go back to my childhood. I grew up in a large family where everything was shared: bedrooms, bathrooms, clothes, toys, pets, etc. My first "mine
only" pet was a wild field mouse that my brother caught for me in a Dixie cup outside of an old grocery
store. I have absolutely no idea why I named that tiny little mouse "Sylvester", but that was the name I chose for him. Sylvester resided in a cage right next to my bed. He was my good morning greeter and he provided me with my nighttime lullaby, of sorts. Long after the lights were out, we could hear Sylvester scurrying around in his bedding or drinking from his water bottle.
One other reason I loved him: He was a gift from my brother.
Many years later, long after Sylvester moved to heaven, I found myself trying to choose an internet email address after we bought our first computer. By this time, I was grown and had children of my own. I had no idea what name to use for email. One of my children suggested that I use a pet's name for fun. After all, we never really expected it to be anything more than a way to exchange little messages. Thus, I became Sylvestermouse after Sylvester the mouse. Of course, that was obviously only the beginning.
As you can probably guess by the sites I own, my
hobbies include sewing and a variety of crafts. I also enjoy photography, mainly because I enjoy traveling and taking pictures of beautiful places, nature, and animals.
Since I have spent the last few decades of my life focusing on being a mother and making our house a home, those are the "niches" where I have the most experience. Therefore, home related interests or one of my hobbies are most often the subjects of my articles. Although, I very much enjoy reviewing movies, books and products that I have personally viewed, read, or used right here on Review This Reviews!
Articles Written by Cynthia Sylvestermouse
Most of my articles are on the two Pinterest boards below. Only approximately 50 articles are shown on each board, but you can click "Cynthia Sylvestermouse" on the Review This Reviews board or "Articles by Sylvestermouse" on my Sylvestermouse board to open either board on Pinterest. That will show you all of my articles on each board. The board on the left, are my articles on Review This Reviews! The board on the right, will feature articles from all of my sites, including Review This Reviews!
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.”
With all that's going on in the world, some distraction is in order.
When you've had your fill of news, and consumed as much info as you need for a day or so, here are some things you can do to take your mind off the world.
1. Listen to Music
Yes, I know, that's predictable! You've heard it a million times. The principle of Occams Razor applies right now (the simplest solution is often the best or right one - paraphrasing). With that in mind, turn off the TV for a while or forever, and pick a few songs that speak to you.
Here, let me recommend a fantastic song for country music fans; have you listened to Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's song "Nobody But You?" If not, take a minute. It's a perfect song to cuddle up to or think about the one you love, and what's most important in life.
Lyrics "Don't have to leave this town to see the world 'Cause it's something that I gotta do I don't wanna look back in thirty years And wonder who you're married to Wanna say it now, wanna make it clear For only you and God to hear When you love someone, they say you set 'em free But that ain't gonna work for me"
It's currently my favorite country music song - hope you enjoy it.
2. Watch Inspirational Videos
This is a little self-serving; here's one of my most recent video-poems. Written about a month ago, it's about finding clarity and calm in life.
This year I've vowed to work on body, mind, and spirit. The video speaks to the spirit side of life. I call it Living in Light. If you need a little calm, mixed with a teaspoon of hope and faith, this one is for you.
3. Cooking - Do You Love to Cook?
If you love to cook there are a ton of recipes from our writers here on ReviewThisReviews. Be sure to check out the recipe section. You can find it here.
4. Puzzles and Games
You've already thought of this right? Board games, riddle games, and puzzles. If you're not in the mood to play family games, distract yourself with riddles. Yep, I happen to write them. Here's one, can you solve it?
Oh, that sounds really dumb, doesn't it? It's not. Turn up the radio and dance. The exercise is good for us physically and mentally. Who cares how silly we look. Blast your favorite music and go for it.
6. Exercise
If your health permits and you have exercise equipment, use it. If not, there are plenty of yoga and exercise videos on Youtube and TV you can follow. I like this basic exercise video for Arms. This lady features short easy-to-do videos.
7. Draw, Paint or Create
Now is a good time to tackle that book you've always wanted to write. If books aren't your thing, sketch or paint. Stepping back in time, it's said that the plague may have influenced Shakespeare to create his best works. You can read about it here.
If you've wanted to write a book, but aren't sure where to start, I've written several articles with tips from my own personal experience of writing my first books. You can find them here:
Oh my, that's too much couch time, but if you can't help yourself, here are some comical tips on what not to do when you binge-watch.
9. Read a Book
If you're looking for a book to read, check out the book reviews by the Contributors on this site. There are some serious book-readers here! You can scroll through the reviews by starting here.
10. Express Your Love to Family and Friends
Don't hold back. Say it out loud or by text or phone if you have to, but say it. Say it over and over, and even say it for others to hear. Spread love - let your voice be heard.
My own Mind, Body and Spirit tips for 2020 are reviewed here.
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.”
It is that time of year again, we are all looking for gift ideas. Today I would like to review the classic game of Jenga for you to consider as a gift for a child or the entire family. We love to play games in our house. Board games are fun but when the entire family gets together some of those are too difficult for the little ones to play. Not all of the adults like playing the simpler games like Chutes and Ladders or Candy Land so the the youngest can play along. That is why I love the Jenga game. Even the littlest family member can play. We have one who still delights in losing by pulling out a block and causing the tower to fall. She used to clap and say, "Do it again, do it again" or "I did it! I made it fall!" She has reached an age now where she understands that the object is to remove a block without making the tower crash and has become more skilled at playing. She is a little like her Grandma in not being too awfully competitive; losing doesn't bother her like a few of the adults who get perturbed when they lose. I think that is one of the reasons that I have always loved to play games with the children. It is fun to show them what it feels like to win but it is just as important (in my humble opinion) to show them how to lose gracefully. Depending on who is playing at the time, sometimes the kids see an example of what it looks like to be a "sore loser" and that is important for them to see, too.
It is a fun and inexpensive game that is easy to play although it does provide some chances for skill and strategy as the tower grows and it becomes less and less stable. Because the blocks are made of wood; it isn't going to break and it is extremely easy to store away when the game is over. We've even played with the blocks like building blocks from time to time instead of playing the actual game.
If you are looking for a gift idea for a child, I recommend that you consider the game of Jenga. Both children and adults can enjoy playing it and it never goes out of style.
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.”
Are you struggling to find activities for kids to do while they are out of school? Let me review some ideas I gave my daughter to help keep my granddaughter entertained that did not involve sitting in front of the television set. With the schools closed across the nation, you might be pretty tired of playing board games and need some fresh ideas.
Keep the kids entertained image courtesy of pixabay.com
I was talking to my daughter the other day and she expressed her frustration over how to keep my granddaughter busy and entertained after she has completed her online studies for school. I'm guessing there are a whole lot of parents who are feeling the same way. My daughter said that she was so sick of the board games they had in the house and needed some ideas on other things to do. So here are a few ideas that I tossed out for consideration.
One of the things I tried to keep in mind as I offered some options was that the activities needed to involve things that didn't require going out to buy new things. For one thing, we are supposed to refrain from leaving our homes but more importantly a whole lot of parents aren't working right now and money is tight.
A Few Ideas To Keep Your Kids Busy
I suggested that on some days, my granddaughter could do some crafty type things. She loves to create all kinds of things so, I suggested that she make some things with the supplies she already has. A card to send to my Dad (her Great-Grandfather) to help cheer up his spirits. Cards for elderly neighbors that could be left at their doors keeping social distancing in mind. Pictures for her wall and that sort of thing.
Another activity that would take up a little time was to go on an exploration for some fun facts. Have your child think of something they would like to know more about. Perhaps they are fascinated with Giant Squids. Have them do a search for those interesting creatures and then check out some of the sites that come up. While they are looking those over, jot down some other things to look for on another day. Perhaps it could be areas where Giant Squids can be found. Make it something they have an interest in so that they find it fun.
As I write this we are in the season where a lot of Bald Eagle's eggs are hatching. I suggested that my daughter might find one of the many nest cams so that they could watch for a while each day to monitor the progress of those eaglets growing. It is an incredible sight to behold!
If you are able to, let the kids go outside in your backyard to play for a while. It can be like recess at school without their friends. Toss a ball, kick a can, skip rope, play hopscotch...anything to get their little bodies in motion to expend some pent-up energy.
Have a good old fashioned scavenger hunt. Hide some things around the house with clues to the next item and then let them spend some time finding the items. Another option is to make a list for them to find the items on the list. Once you have done this, another day can be spent with them hiding the items and you have to find them.
Try to think of activities you did as a child and introduce them to your kids, who are just as bored as you are by the way. Some you will be able to do and others might just make you smile at the memory.
If possible, let the kids have some face-time with their friends or perhaps a grandparent. I love those video chats! We did one with my Dad the other day and he was thrilled to be able to see my daughter's and granddaughter's faces. She even showed him her progress with learning to play the fiddle...he loved it!
Look for inspiration either online or in books. A good source of ideas would be an activity book that you might have laying around or can buy for just a small bit of money.
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.”
Treasures from the Archives of Review This Reviews!
Our contributors have a lot of experience with toys. Most of us are parents and several of our contributors are grandparents. Plus, we remember the toys we loved the most in our own childhood. Many of the toys from our childhood have been updated, or brought back as new versions. Therefore, we have decades of toy experience from the user, as well as the giver, prospective. From toys that teach to toys that are basic emotional comfort, we review them. We even review card games and board games that are played by multiple players.
Not only do we review toys for children, we also review toys that are appropriate for teens, like the Science Academy Lip Balm Lab, Legos, or a Remote Controlled Helicopter. If you are searching for an appropriate toy gift, or toy gift ideas, Review This Reviews is definitely a resource you will want to explore. Who knows? You just might find something new for yourself too!
Toys: Collectibles For Ourselves & Children
When we hear the word "toy", we most often think of children. However, some adults enjoy collecting toys. Consider the generations of Barbies, or perhaps Matchbox cars. Those are easy examples of collectible toys. Regardless of age, we all love the feel and comfort of a plush animal. Many adults have plush animal collections, whether intentional or unintentionally. Plush animals seem to have a place in everyone's heart. They can even be used as home decor, especially during the holidays. Join us, as we explore the world of toys!
A Review This Reviews Pinterest Board - Toys Reviewed
The board below features 30 of our most recent reviews.
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During the colder months, we begin to hibernate. With hibernation comes cozy blankets, hot cups of tea, movie nights and fireplaces.
If your home still has that open airy spring and summer feel but you'd like to create a cozy home environment for the winter, here are some easy ways to achieve that goal.
1. Add Drapes in Unexpected Places
Most of the time we think of windows when we think of drapes. However, drapes add depth, texture, and warmth to a room and do not have to be restricted to window dressing.
Do you have french doors or pocket doors that lead to another room? If so consider placing drapes over the doorway entrance. The draperies add another level of depth and coziness to both rooms or areas they cover. Instead of closing the doors, close the drapes, or leave them swagged open for a warming effect. Use a decorative curtain rod and install it close to the ceiling to keep the rooms feeling open and higher in height. Take a look at an elaborate example of this concept here.
Do you have a wall-to-wall bookcase or cabinet? If so, warm up the room by adding draperies in front of it. Swag them, pull them open, or close them. Either way, the effect will be lovely and warm and different. Again, keep the curtain rod at the ceiling level if possible.
One final tip, for the best effect, select heavier drapes with form and structure. Consider your decor. If your room needs more art and pattern, choose art drapes or patterned drapes. If your space is already filled with enough pattern, go with a contrasting or matching solid color.
2. Layer the Lighting in a Room
Ambient lighting from multiple sources creates a relaxing, inviting, and warm feeling. If you have an overhead fixture or pot lights, put them on a dimmer switch so you can dim down the brightness. Also, don't forget that you can create mood lighting with your lamps by adding three-way bulbs.
Another lovely way to warm up a room is by using an essential oil diffuser that lights up. You'll not only get the benefit of aromatherapy you'll also get a lovely multi-colored low-level ambient light.
A Light-Box is another way to add ambient lighting warmth. This particular Light-Box is lovely and it's the kind of thing that keeps on giving. It features interchangeable quotes, sayings and celebration cards. It's not only soft lighting, but it also displays positive or festive messages.
3. Add Faux Fur to a Room
There are a number of ways to add faux fur to a room:
The first is to strategically position a small faux fur rug on the floor or use a larger faux rug for spacious rooms. Here's a lovely bedroom featuring a sizeable faux fur white area rug.
Add one or two faux fur Ottomans. They come in several smaller stand-alone sizes and make a lovely soft warm accent to a room. Check out this contemporary room featuring two upholstered steel Ottomans.
Place a small faux fur rug over the back of a chair, over an ottoman or on the back of a couch. It can also double as an item to use as an extra place to sit on the floor when needed. Check out what one looks like over the back of a chair.
4. Create a Cozy Area for Family Game Night
Granted, most of us play board games at either the kitchen table, a coffee table or on the floor. If you're one of the lucky ones who can create a warm and cozy gaming area like this one, then you won't need to implement any of these suggestions:
Place multiple thick and lush floor cushions in a decorative spot so you can pull them up to the coffee table for family game night
For larger family rooms, add table and chairs to the room. Use chair cushions to soften the look then place your favorite family games in a basket under or near the table
If games will be played at the kitchen or dining room table, make it a warm and inviting experience by adding a standing popcorn machine, a basket with blankets in the corner to warm up with while playing, and a scoreboard to track the winners
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.”