My family loves games.  Once in awhile, a game comes along that just stands out above the rest.  Triviathon is one such game.  I was introduced to Triviathon by a friend, and was thrilled when it arrived in the mail yesterday and we had a chance to sit down and try it out for ourselves.  Though the box says that it's for ages 8-128, even 3 year old Ian was able to "play" this game! 

The byline for the Triviathon game is "the trivia game where you can compete and win without ever knowing the answer to a question" (hence the reason that Ian can not only play this one, but win it too!)  There are 3 different types of questions that make up the game cards - how many spaces do you want to move? (2 types) and to what colored space do you want to move?  Here's an example of one of the cards (taken from the website):
How many spaces do you want to move?
A. The number of countries that border the Sargasso Sea
B. The number of hearts in an octopus
C. The number of people named Oscar to have ever won an Oscar
D. The number of dogs that survived the Titanic

You can only move 1, 2, or 3 spaces (or 0, and stay where you are).  Of course, you want to move the most spaces (as the object is to make it around the board first).  So, which one would you choose?

The questions are fun; and, while they do require some thought, they can also be answered "off the top of your head" and still get you a good move on the game board.  In addition to the cards, though, there is also fun to be found in the playing pieces.  This game actually comes with 12 playing pieces (which I find a wonderful asset - most games require you to play in teams if you have more than 4-6 players).  Each playing piece is a different color, and each one has a name/personality - such as The Flirt, The Whiz, or The Bully (you can find out more about each character here).  Each character comes with a card that explains its personality trait, and a special "move" that the character is allowed to make throughout the game.  We haven't used these special moves yet, as we're still adjusting to the game itself; but I think they will be a fun addition to the game and would make Triviathon hilarious to play at a party.  (You can also create your own character).

Triviathon was invented by the Herbert Brothers, whose Doritos ad gained the distinction of "#1 Super Bowl Commercial of 2009". I'm impressed, as this is a game that definitely required much thought, time, and research in order to create it. The game sells for $29.99 and is, in my opinion, well worth that price. It will pay for itself in fun in no time! It can be purchased from the Triviathon Online Store or at Amazon.com.

Though I think that Triviathon would make a fabulous Christmas gift, it's too late for Christmas delivery now.  However, there is plenty of time to get Triviathon to you before New Years Eve!  I'm sure your friends will thank you for it! 

Oh, and did I mention that we had almost as much fun reading the box and the directions as we did playing the game?! 

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Sometimes you just need to take some time to pamper yourself.  Today, I thought I'd share a few of my more recent pampering favorites:

Fall is here and one of my favorite things about fall is the scents associated with the season - baked goods, spices, etc.  I don't always have time to be baking (and I'd weigh about a million pounds if I did!), so I like burning candles to get those yummy-smelling aromas in my house.  At a local craft shop, I found a really neat brand of candles that are poured in regular canning jars - what's neat about them is that they all look the same - the jars are covered with a bumpy brownish paint, some gauzy fabric, and a brown paper label.  This is cool because you don't have to buy candles based on color anymore - these fit any decor and you don't even see the candle inside.  Plus, they are long-burning.  Alas, I don't see a brand name listed on it anywhere, so I can't share a link with you (if I had a camera, I'd take a picture).

Another great candle product that I've been enjoying is the Sugar Cookie Soywax pint-sized candle by Homestead Originals.  These are available in various sizes and fragrances, are hand-poured by my friend and co-worker, Lisa Barthuly, and smell awesome! 

Another awesome product from Homestead Originals is their Handmade Lavender Wheatberry Heating Pad.  I ordered mine without the lavender because I'm not a fan of the flowery fragrances, but this thing is just so wonderful!  Lately, I've  been having a good deal of back pain and this feels so good when I heat it up and put it behind my lower back on the couch.  Also, after a long and tiring day, this feels great around my neck!  The website recommends using it as a bed-warmer, and I am SO going to be trying that this winter.  Talk about some major pampering!

With the cooler weather, comes  dry skin.  I haven't had much trouble in the past, but this year my hands have been unusually dry (right around the knuckles).  Just when I thought I was going to have to break down and purchase an expensive lotion, they started getting better.  I had recently opened a new container of dish soap - and it's been a lifesaver.  Dawn Hand Renewal has been surprisingly effective. The bottle  says that it improves the look and feel of your hands in just 5 days, and I'm here to attest to that fact.  It sounds kinda silly to consider dish soap something of a pampering product, but I'm sold on this stuff - it's a miracle worker.  On Wednesday, my knuckles were like sandpaper; today they're soft and smooth. 

Winter is the time for long, hot bubble baths, so I also ordered some of my favorite bubble bath from Avon.  Curling up in a hot tub filled with bubbles, reading a good book, and smelling a yummy candle - sounds pretty great to me.

What are you doing to pamper yourself?  Any great products you can recommend to me?

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OK, I admit it, I'm a total school supply junkie!  I'm a sucker for notebooks, folders, pencils, etc.  We don't even have to need them - sometimes we just WANT them.  Yes, I say "we" because I've passed this fascination/addiction with school supplies on to both my girls, who are constantly begging for new pencils, notebooks, etc. 

Carolina Pad is one of my favorite school supply companies!  I can always count on them to have great-looking products that are fun to use.  One of my personal favorites these days is the Kendall Collection.  I've got this lapbook bag (which I think is just too fun!) and these folders and dividers (which make my homemade organizer for work and home look very put-together).  Another favorite pattern/collection is the Hot Chocolate collection.  I've got several notebooks from this collection, and Ashley has a binder.

I was recently asked to help Carolina Pad celebrate the 13th birthday of their Ghostline products.  I received a selection of Ghostline products to review and was beyond thrilled!  You see, in addition to my obsession with school stuff, I'm also a stickler for neatness (otherwise known as a "paperwork perfectionist").  I so wish these products would have been available when I was in high school and was making posters for pep rallies!  Why?  Because the Ghostline products have very faint gridlines on them, making it amazingly easy to write and keep things straight! 

I used the large display board kit to make this memory board for Ashley's 16th birthday:

I think it turned out really cute and you can't even see the lines unless you look very closely.  I would definitely recommend the Ghostline products to anyone needing posterboard or display boards for school or work-related projects.

Carolina Pad is having a contest this month, in honor of Ghostline's birthday.  Go here to enter.  You need to leave a comment in order to be eligible to win.  So, be sure to head on over and say "Happy Birthday" to Ghostline!

NOTE: I received free product from Carolina Pad in order to write this review. I used the products in my home, and the thoughts shared herein are definitely my own, based on my personal experience.

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I thought I'd share some of the things that are making me happy these days - along with some new discoveries that have made our lives simpler  (and/or more fun!). . .

First off, I bought this blanket at Wal-mart this past weekend (because I was returning this couch cover, which I would NOT recommend).  The website lists the price at $29.88 - if you're interested, you might want to check your local store - I got mine on sale for only $25.  Even though we have a queen-sized bed, I bought this blanket in the king size.  It's big enough and attractive enough to use as a bedspread.  It's light-weight but very warm and cuddly.  I love it!  (Maybe I'll actually take a real picture to share - once I get my bedroom painted and some new curtains on the windows!)

We're getting ready to do some painting at our house.  I've chosen a honey-colored paint for the dining room walls.  My mom and I went curtain shopping on Saturday.  I have these tie-back curtains in my bathroom and I love them!  I wanted something similar, with the same country-feel, in my dining room; but I didn't want the same pattern (thyme).  After looking at several, I decided on the saffron print this time.  I'll be going with the tie-backs again, but will also be adding valances to the top (our dining room windows are very long and the tie-backs alone won't cover them).  Again, hopefully I'll have pictures to share one day soon.

Do you have children with allergies?  Gracie has pretty much outgrown her asthma problems, but she still has times when she needs some allergy medication.  In particular, when she spends too much time with my parents (it seems she is allergic to their cat).  I've purchased the melt-in-your-mouth Benadryl for her and she seems to be fine with that.  Recently, though, I've discovered ZYRTEC^® PERFECT MEASURE^™.  This stuff is awesome!  Ordinarily, I wouldn't go for a liquid medication for her, simply because I have to worry about finding a dosing spoon or something to measure it out with.  This is already premeasured in single-serving "spoons" - I just need to break off the seal and hand it over to her.  Perfect Measure is for children ages 6 years and up, is sugar and dye-free, and available in most major retailers. They are grape-flavored and Gracie gives them 2 thumbs up!  If you'd like to try it, I have several $3 off coupons - shoot me an e-mail and request one (be sure to include your full name and mailing address).  NOTE: I receive this product free as part of a Bzzz! campaign. My thoughts on it, though, are honest and true to our experience.

A few weeks ago, I realized that I had a sensitivity in my teeth (I'll admit, I was gritting my teeth while snuggling with my dog!)  I was glad when I got an offer to test some Sensodyne Iso-Active toothpaste.  I admit, I was a little skeptical at first.  How could a toothpaste help that?  But, after just a few days of trying it (once a day - I still use my regular toothpaste at night), I see great improvement.  It works!  If you have a sensitivity to heat or cold, or to gritting your teeth while you squeeze your dog or baby, you should seriously check this stuff out.  It comes out as a gel, but quickly turns into a foam with LOTS of great suds-action.  I'll definitely be buying more of this stuff!

And there's one more favorite that my kids have been enjoying lately (two, actually).  It is the Life on the Farm games by We R Fun.   We have both the original and the preschool versions (thanks to my work with the TOS Homeschool Crew, who will be reviewing these games here).  Though  I find the original version to be a bit long and tedious, Gracie just LOVES it.  And we're all impressed with the preschool version!  Ian is constantly saying "how about I set up my farm game for us to play?"  Too cute!  If you're looking for some high-quality, educational games for your family for Christmas, do check these out as options!

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Ten-year-old Trond Halvorsen lives in Aalesund, a picturesque and friendly Norwegian sea-side town. The only problem is that there is no color! The buildings are covered with beautiful designs that no one knows are there.  With his grandfather’s help, Trond discovers them and dreams of fulfilling these designs with brightly colored paints. But Trond doesn’t have any money, paint is too expensive and there just isn’t any to be had. Join Trond as he sets out to bring color to his town in a splendid Norwegian adventure laced with exotic descriptions of deep blue fjords, dark green pines and vividly colored flowers. Painting Aalesund is a simple, heartwarming story that parents will want to read to their children and again to themselves. 

Tod B. Steward has been writing in one form or another since he was a boy. Much of his writing for children has been inspired by travels with his wife, son and daughter, where he keeps finding stories just waiting to be told. Currently living in Virginia, he has finished Painting Aalesund and Juliet’s Opera, both published or soon-to-be-published by Tate Publishing.

He has recently finished a story about a cat named Enzo, who lives in Rome, Italy and has just sent to Norway for review the manuscript for another story from Norway.  He is in the midst of writing a second Evelyn Burke Adventure and also a story that takes place in the north of Italy.  And sitting on his desk are stories from France, Great Britain, the United States, and even from the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

I really enjoyed this little book.  I read it to myself, over the course of several nights, not because I couldn't sit down and read it all in one sitting, but because I really wanted to absorb it.  What a sweet tale of a little boy with the heart and desire to help his town.  In a day and age where everyone seems to be "looking out for #1", I was pleased to read the story of young Trond.  Trond sees his  town for the beautiful place that it CAN be, not the boring, drab place that it IS.  He sets out to find a way to turn his vision into reality.  With hard work and determination, Aalesund is transformed into a lovely town that people come from far and wide to see.  I was blessed by this little book and will definitely be passing it along to my children to read.

You can learn more about the author and his books (both current and upcoming) on his website.  One thing homeschooling parents will appreciate is the extra help Tod is willing to offer kids who read his book - he'll even post book reports on his site! 

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We've had a relaxing weekend here at home.
Here are some of the things that have been particular favorites:




And here are a few things I'm craving:


(I may have to go and do something about at least one of these!)

Anything in particular that you've enjoyed this weekend?

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I have been through my fair share of thermometers over the years.  The first one I received, at a baby shower 16 years ago, was the glass variety.  Let me just tell you, I still have not figured out how to read one of those things!   That was quickly replaced by a digital thermometer because this mommy wanted to know if my baby had a fever or not!    Over the years, we've been through at least 4 digital thermometers.  The first one worked good; the rest, not so much.  I've been disappointed over and over again.  So, needless to say, I was thrilled when I found out that I was selected to review the Exergen Temporal Scanner!

Before it even arrived in the mail, I started doing my research.  The thing that really excited me was the speed with which this scanner reads the body temperature.  With just a quick stroke over the forehead, you have a reading.  And it's amazingly accurate - to within .2 degrees F (that's POINT 2!)  Wow! No more sitting with a crying, feverish baby - trying to hold a thermometer under the arm, under the tongue, or (God forbid) in the heiny (which, I must admit, I never tried!)  You can even use the Exergen Temporal Scanner on your sleeping baby; so no more waking them during the night (unless there's a need for more medicine). 

Medical professionals are switching to the temporal scanner, saying that it is much more accurate than the ear thermometers (which were inconsistent), not to mention more comfortable.  I know this to be true, as I just visited my family doctor this morning and had my temperature taken using a temporal scanner.  I commented to the nurse that I had one at home, and she confirmed how much they are loving this new technology in the office. 

Do you know what arterial temperature is?  It is "the same temperature as the blood flowing from the heart.  It is the best determinate of body temperature."  I don't know about you, but when my kids are sick, the first thing  I do is put my cheek to their forehead (you just can't "feel" a temperature with your hand).  If it's where my mother's cheek wants to test first, doesn't it stand to reason that it's where I should be reading their temperature with a thermometer/scanner?  Makes perfect sense to me.

If you're wondering where you can buy one of these for your very own, you'll be happy to hear that they are available almost everywhere now - check your local Wal-mart, Walgreens, Babies R Us, and Toys R Us.  If you can't find one there, you can call Exergen at 1-800-422-3006 or e-mail them at  medical@exergen.com.

Note: This blog tour is courtesy of Parent Reviewers.  The Exergen Temporal Scanner was provided to me for free in exchange for my use and honest review. 

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Books never go out of style, do they?  Recently, Ian has been wanting to be read to more, and he's actually got the patience to sit and listen.  Yesterday, I went to the basement in search of what was once my favorite book.  I can still remember curling up next to my mom, listening to her read it to me.  My copy is a very well-loved copy - complete with crayon markings, courtesy of a 3-year-old ME.  I don't know why I loved it so much, but there's just something special about Miss Suzy and her story.  If you've never read it, check it out at your library.  I bet your kids will enjoy it!

Please tell me about YOUR favorite childhood book.  (I have more, and may share in future blog posts.)

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I love music - I always have.  I was raised on music - my mom always listened to music and had been raised in a musical home.  I attended a Christian school where music was of utmost importance.  I've listened to a LOT of various kinds of music over the years - and have developed an appreciation for various genres of music.  So, I was thrilled when I got the news that I would get to review this new cd by Harry Connick Jr., thanks to One2One Network!

The music on this album transported me to a different time and place.  Sometimes we all need that - the past few weeks have definitely been one of those times for me.  Harry's mellow tones, mixed with the big band music, is the perfect combination.  It's a recipe for romance, if you ask me.  I was quickly seeing myself at a nice romantic dinner for two, complete with fancy place settings, candlelight and ... well, who cares about the food?!  Dinner, followed by dancing - and, this girl who hates dresses is even picturing a black dress and some heels (where did that come from?!)  Yes, that's what Harry's music does.  Amazing, isn't it? 

By now, you're probably wondering about the songs on this album.  I was too.  Most are ones that I either remember from my childhood (remember, I was raised on music) - others are ones that I recognize from various movie soundtracks through the years.  Here's the complete list of tracks (including the artist(s) who originally made them popular):

All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Mucho
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)
Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)



To give you a taste of the music, here's a video of the making of Your Songs that you may enjoy.  To learn more about Harry, visit his website or become a fan on Facebook (I did!)  Then, go out and buy yourself this album - it would make a great Merry Christmas to ME gift (be sure to wrap it up for yourself with a nice shiny bow!)

Note: This album was sent to me, free of charge, by the One2One Network.  The thoughts shared herein are my own, based on my personal experience with the music.  Results may or may not be typical.

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In the past 2 weeks, I've won 2 things!  That's 2 for 2! :)  Today, I'd like to tell you about the first prize I won . . .

I signed up to win the Circle of Sentiments contest over at 5 Minutes for Giveaways - sister site of 5 Minutes for Mom.  Wow - was I ever excited to find out that I was the winner!  I have been wanting a personalized necklace to showcase my 3 children for quite awhile.  I had one of those bootie necklaces with a birthstone bootie for each of my girls (still have it, actually), but since Ian has arrived I haven't gotten anything to show him off! 

Truthfully, I'm not a huge jewelry wearer; but I do like necklaces.  I was so excited when I asked if I could get 3 personalized disks, instead of just one, and the answer came back "YES!"  Yippee!  I was even more excited when the necklace arrived in my mailbox just a few short days later!  I know you wanna see it, don't you?!

Isn't it great?!  I just LOVE IT!  I wore it to Gracie's violin lesson last night and it just felt good.  I love that it's simple, yet there's something elegant about it too.  I love that it is JUST MINE.  Nobody else has a necklace just like this one.  It's been so hard (impossible, actually) to ever find anything with Gracie's name on it (Grace, yes; Gracie, no); so the fact that Circle of Sentiments personalizes their items to your exact specifications really makes me happy!  Gracie too!  She was thrilled to see that Mom had a necklace with her REAL name on it. 

My necklace is from the SIgnature Collection, and each disc is the classic size (about the size of a penny).  This size disk can be personalized with up to 7 standard size letters (or 9 tiny ones).  The letters are in all caps.  Because they are hand-stamped (as opposed to being done on a machine), it gives the disks an embossed look.  Both the disks and fine ball chain are sterling silver. 

There are so many options to choose from over at Circle of Sentiments.  I'm liking the Whimsical Collection (love the two-tone disks).  Be sure to head over and check them out for yourself.  These necklaces (and bracelets) would make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and Mother's Day.  Circle of Sentiments pays great attention to detail, and will send your necklace along with one silver polishing cloth and an adorable keepsake tin!

What do you want stamped on YOUR necklace?

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