Christmas is just around the corner!

Believe it or not Christmas Day is just around the corner. So delay no more!! Get out there (or online) and finish your holiday shopping TODAY! Whether it's gifts for a loved one or stocking stuffers I have lots of great ideas for you here and on my main Holiday Gift Guide so be sure to check them all out!

Gifts for Gamers!

For the new or seasoned gamer on your holiday list be sure to stop over at PowerA. They have a vast array of controllers, power sources, headsets, storage essentials, toys and collectibles. They cover all of the major platforms from XBOX, Playstation and Nintendo. Not to mention all of the cool game inspired gear they have. Perfect for those gamers that love a particular game brand like Zelda or  Super Mario. We are giving my daughter her first XBOX this Christmas and thanks to the folks over at PowerA she will be ready to play wirelessly and with friends near and far.

Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy

Your favorite marsupial Crash Bandicoot™ is back! He’s enhanced, entranced and ready-to-dance in the Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy. The Crash Bandicoot™ N. Sane Trilogy lets players spin, jump, wump and repeat as they take on the epic challenges and adventures from the three games that started it all: Crash Bandicoot™ Crash Bandicoot™ 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot™ 3: Warped.

Now fans can experience the beloved ‘90s video game icon like never before in this remastered game collection. In this new trilogy, Crash fanatics can relive all their favorite moments in fully-remastered HD graphical glory and put some UMPH in their WUMP!

And to top it all off if that wasn't enough, you can even play as Coco, Crash's little sister in all three games.

In the remastered Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, Coco has decided to hack into the Time Twister to travel back in time to help Crash in his previous adventures. Now as a fully playable (and a bit sassy) character across all three games, fans can switch between playing as Crash or Coco.Both characters have an N. Sane set of special attacks –each with their own style!Where Crash body slams enemies, Coco takes them out with the impact of a double leg drop!Fans will love to see all her new moves and animations, including idle moves like dancing with Crash.

Connect with Activision: Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received product(s) in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Roblox Egg Hunt 2017 - Are you up for the challenge?

Before receiving this awesome goodie "basket" of Roblox items I had honestly never heard of the game. However when I asked my 11-year old daughter she knew exactly what it was. I guess it's time for this mom to admit that sometimes the kids know more than I do... At least when it comes to video games and toys. My daughter went on to explain the game to me and how "everyone" knew what it was and was already playing it. Okay okay, I get it, I'm not on top of every new trend in the digital world. Last I knew kids were still looking for Pokemon characters gee. But if she says it's a thing then I trust her because she seems to always know about stuff like this before me.

Minesweeper made for mobile = Classic gaming on the go!

I can remember playing Minesweeper on my computer when I was growing up, and it was probably even the first thing I taught my kids to play too. At the time it seemed like it was so complex and one might never find all those mines. Fast forward...well lets just skip how many years and now we can enjoy a classic favorite on the go with the mobile version. Since I recently downloaded the game on my iPhone I've been playing it at least once a day when I need to pass some time. It's even brought back memories of Minesweeper challenges I used to have with my husband back when we played it on the computer. We used to make bets on who could do the harder board faster, or go the longest without hitting a mine. You know back when things we so much simpler and not quite so complex like they are with modern day games.

Minesweeper made for mobile!
Remember Minesweeper – the game that had you thinking, plotting, scheming and strategizing? Well, now you can play that very same game on your iPhone and iPad.

The principle is the same – clear the board of mines without blowing yourself up.

The in-game tutorial lets you easily and quickly brush up on your bomb-finding skills and will soon have you moving from the Beginner to the Expert level.

This is the perfect game for those of you who like strategy – Sweep Those Mines! will keep you entertained and challenged for hours.

Connect with Iversoft Games:
Website | Facebook | Twitter

I've actually really enjoyed having this classic on my phone and am now wondering which one I should download next. What do you think? Spider Solitaire, war, or maybe Freecell Solitaire, it's so hard to choose!

You decide where the adventure goes with Minecraft: Story Mode

You begin Minecraft: Story Mode by playing Episode One – “The Order of the Stone”. As the hero "Jesse" you will make decisions on what to say, and what to do. Basically it's like a playable television show all about your favorite game. You are the star, and your choices and actions decide how the story is told. You and your friends are thrown into an awe-inspiring adventure to save the world. While visiting EnderCon, your gang stumbles on something dreadful. Terror is unleashed, and your only hope is to track down the “Order of the Stone”, a fabled group of adventurers who slew the legendary Ender Dragon. But where are they? In a race against time, you will travel across the over-world, through the Nether, to The End, and beyond. The story progresses based on your choices and decisions you make. Choose wisely, because every choice has a consequence!

My daughter was so excited about this game that she played it non-stop all afternoon. She thought it was so cool and kept asking me to come look at what she was doing. She's been a fan of Minecraft for a long time so she already knew the basics of the game. Being able to control the decisions and choices of the main character was her favorite part. Now she's begging me to get it for her iPad too so she can play it on the go.

About:
In this five part episodic series, you’ll embark on a perilous adventure across the Overworld, through the Nether, to the End, and beyond. You and your friends revere the legendary Order of the Stone: Warrior, Redstone Engineer, Griefer, and Architect; slayers of the Ender Dragon. While at EnderCon in hopes of meeting Gabriel the Warrior, you and your friends discover that something is wrong… something dreadful. Terror is unleashed, and you must set out on a quest to find The Order of the Stone if you are to save your world from oblivion.

Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV.

Giveaway CLOSED - The winner has been notified via email and confirmed.

Win it:  One lucky reader will win a Minecraft: Story Mode PC Steam code. This giveaway will end December 30th at 11:59 PM EST. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to my email. If no response, a new winner will be chosen.  Prize fulfillment will be made by the sponsor, I am not responsible for prize delivery or lost or stolen deliveries. Open to residents of the US.

Entry Method:  Please use Rafflecopter form to enter.

Skylanders Superchargers Starter Pack for PS3 #HolidayGiftGuide #skylanders

Activision provided me with a copy of this game for this post.

When we received the Skylanders Superchargers Starter Pack from Activision it was the first time my kids had played one of the Skylanders games. And now that they've played it they are both begging me to get them more character sets so they can do even more with the game. I thought it was really neat how the characters you receive in the set are actually used to activate things within the video game itself by placing them on the included game board. The game is easy to navigate and it's smooth playing so my kids don't lose interest in it. It has a combination of you playing the game and a story that goes along with it. It's nice to see my kids getting along so well when they have this game out. So it looks like this mamma will be getting them some more characters for their stockings this year.

About:
Skylands is in peril! Kaos has unleashed his most evil weapon yet – the Doomstation of Ultimate Doomstruction. With all of Skylands on the verge of collapse, a special team called the SuperChargers has been assembled to pilot an unstoppable fleet of incredible vehicles. Now you and the SuperChargers must embark on epic adventures over land, under sea, and through the sky to stop Kaos and save Skylands!

Skylanders Superchargers Starter Pack is also available on PS4, Wii, Wii U, XBOX 360, XBOX ONE, and 3DS.

Connect with the Skylanders:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

SpongeBob HeroPants on Xbox 360/Nintendo 3DS/PlayStation

We've been watching and following along with SpongeBob and his friends ever since they first hit the screen years ago on Nickelodeon. We've all had many laughs at his comical ways and enjoyed every episode we've watched. And of course over the years as his popularity has grown we've even added some toys and video games to our home that feature the beloved sponge too. So needless to say when my kids heard about the new movie coming out, then heard there was a video game to go along with it they were super excited. We haven't seen the movie yet, but we've been fortunate enough to receive a copy of the game to play in the meantime. And let me tell you they have been doing just that. I think they've each played all six characters at least once, and have mastered many of the puzzles in the game. Definitely a fun game to play when it's too cold to go outside and enjoy the snow!

Great holiday gift ideas from Best Buy #HintingSeason

If your like my family then I'm sure electronics have been on the top of your list this year. I know they've been on mine between my teenage son and my husband. I think it's every teenage boys wish to always have an awesome gaming system, and with the Xbox One you'll get just that. My husband on the other hand has been asking for a wireless speaker so he can listen to music from his phone while he's working in the garage. There's always something new and exciting that seems to catch their eye when we are shopping at Best Buy.

With Expert Service and Unbeatable Price these top gifts are on my list this Holiday and here's why they should be on yours:

Xbox One is the place for games.
What is Xbox One?
Xbox One was built by gamers, for gamers. With the best exclusive titles (Halo, Sunset Overdrive), the biggest blockbusters (Assassin’s Creed and Call of Duty) the hottest sports franchises (Madden 15, FIFA 15, NBA 2K15) and top family titles (Fantasia: Music Evolved, Just Dance 15, Skylanders) Xbox One takes gaming to a whole new level.

In addition to being a great gaming console, Xbox one connects consumers unlike any other device.  Xbox One enables access to the latest TV shows and movies through your favorite apps.  With Xbox One all of your media is at your fingertips when you want it.

JBL for Christmas
JBL Charge 2- Between the twin passive radiators for deep bass, the massive 6000mAh battery and the hands-free conference speakerphone the key benefit is the Bluetooth Social Mode which allows up to three different users to take their turns to play their own playlists on a single speaker.

JBL Flip 2- Aside from the dual performance-tuned JBL drivers and a built-in bass port, the key benefit of the JBL Flip 2 is the SoundClear echo and noise cancellation combined with the state-of the art microphone system to pick up calls on the speaker.

JBL Reflect Earbud headphones-  Sweat proof ergonomic design.  With a 5 hour rechargeable battery and a reach of about 40 feet, the JBL Reflect BT’s key benefit is the design of the ergonomic eartips along with the built-in magnets which keep your buds on standby without loose cables.

Garmin and TomTom
Feauting bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, traffic and weather updates.  Lane assist, Lifetime traffic and map updates.   Voice Recognition Technology.

Garmin 52LM
•  5.0” display
•  Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
•  Lane assist with junction view
•  Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
•  Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
•  Spoken turn-by-turn directions

Garmin 2597LMT
•  5.0” display
•  Maps of 49 U.S. states, plus lifetime map updates1
•  Lane assist with junction view
•  Displays speed limit and accurate arrival time
•  Easily find addresses and millions of points of interest
•  Spoken turn-by-turn directions

TomTom Go 50s
•  Lifetime TomTom Traffic: Drive with TomTom Traffic for the lifetime of your device
•   Lifetime Maps (US, Canada, Mexico): Always drive with the latest map
•   3D Maps. See buildings and landmarks in stunning 3D
•   5" touchscreen with advanced lane guidance

Holiday Gift Guide: Gardening Mama 2 and Cooking Mama 5 on 3DS

Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appetit
Cooking Mama is back with six great game play modes where you can cook, help with the store, harvest, help Mama with chores, and play number and word games. This title features 60+ new appetizers, drinks, main dishes and desserts so you'll keep busy with lots of great cooking variations. Tired of being stuck in the kitchen? Now you can step out of the kitchen and help Mama with more than 30 new activities around the shop and house: feed the pets, deliver orders, serve ice cream, draw and more.  And you can even earn colorful furniture and decorations to customize your gameplay.

Gardening Mama 2: Best Friends
Mama needs help in her garden to make the woodland friends happy by harvesting flowers, fruits and vegetables they can sell in their forest shops. There's 50 fresh plants ready for growing with lots of great new activities like chopping wood and mowing the lawn to make gardening fun! And just like Cooking Mama you can customize and decorate your garden with great items like fences, fountains, playgrounds, benches, pets and more. And if you want even a little more customization you can even dress up Mama in new outfits! Who doesn't love getting dressed up and playing with all of the animal friends you can find around the garden?

Get in the game with Petz Beach by Ubisoft for 3DS #PetzBeach

My daughter doesn't play video games nearly as often as she used to. There's just so many other things going on and so many other activities that have her attention. But when she does find a game, or whatever it may be that really catches her attention the above image is pretty much all you'll see of her until she's had her complete fill. I can say her name over and over again, heck I can even turn on her favorite cartoon, but if she's into what she's doing it won't matter. That's pretty much how she was from the moment she popped in the new Petz Beach game. She already has an overwhelming love and interest in animals so I knew from the start this would be a hit with her. While she was playing the game I asked her what she thought of the game. She said "It's so cool, It's not just cats and dogs, I can play with my very own dolphin!"  Then later she said "Oh my gosh mom I get to talk to my pets and teach them tricks!", she had discovered something new.

Gardening Mama 2 on 3DS Review

In Gardening Mama 2 mama is going green with activities that challenge you to grow 50 fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables her animal friends can sell in their woodland shops. You do all this by using your stylus as your master gardening tool to plant seeds, bulbs and saplings, then care for them with water and fertilizer. Basically when your animal friends send you mail you have to provide them with the supplies they need for their six different stores: Bear’s Restaurant, Rabbit’s Flower Shop, Cat’s Beauty Shop and Squirrel’s Cake Shop. And of course for doing a good job fulfilling their needs you earn rewards like new varieties of seeds, flower bulbs, and trees so you can expand your garden.

Gardening Mama 2 Coming Soon to 3DS

MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES GARDENING MAMA 2: FOREST FRIENDS COMING THIS SPRING TO NINTENDO 3DS™

Get Your Gardening Gloves on and Help Mama Plant the Seeds of Friendship

Mama is going green again in a brand new stylus-based experience that challenges players to grow 50 fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables her animal friends can sell in their woodland shops.  Additional gameplay features of Gardening Mama 2: Forest Friends include:

• Use the stylus as your master gardening tool to plant seeds, bulbs and saplings, then care for them with water and fertilizer.
• Grow 50+ different types of plants including beautiful hydrangeas, juicy watermelons and sizzling hot peppers!
• Nurture, harvest and deliver garden items to six different animal stores including: Bear’s Restaurant, Rabbit’s Flower Shop, Cat’s Beauty Shop and Squirrel’s Cake Shop. Fulfill their requests to earn garden points!
• Trade points for items/decorations that let you create a one-of-a-kind, custom garden. Use shop tickets to purchase more flowers, fruits & vegetables to enlarge your garden and make it more productive.
• Earn rewards such as new varieties of seeds, flower bulbs, and trees from your animal friends so you can expand your garden and they can grow their shops into bigger businesses that attract more customers.
• New activities with multiple variations star Mama’s friends and family featured throughout the Mama games. Sort, pick, clean, organize, mow, arrange, water, harvest and much more!
• Keep your garden healthy by protecting your plants from viruses/bugs.
• Customize and decorate your garden with 100+ items: fences, fountains, playground equipment, topiary, pergolas, sculptures, benches, pets and more. Even dress up Mama in fun new outfits!
• Use Spot Pass to receive new garden backgrounds.

Developed by Cooking Mama Limited, Gardening Mama 2: Forest Friends releases this April on Nintendo 3DS. For additional information on the Cooking Mama franchise please visit: www.CookingMamaUS.com.

The Smurfs 2 on video TODAY! And a Prize Pack #Giveaway - Ends 12-18

I came from a generation that grew up on the original Smurfs cartoons. So as you can imagine I was very excited that they came out with an actual movie of The Smurfs. And to top it off I was even more excited when I heard they were going to have The Smurfs 2! It was one of my childhood favorites and now I'm able to share that with my children.We watched the Smurfs 2 recently via an online screener. It was definitely not a disappointment as we watched the Smurfs sing their songs and Gargamel being up to no good as usual. This time he was out to capture one of the Smurfs to steal their essence to reproduce his newly created colorless Smurfs. I won't go into too much detail so I don't ruin the movie for you. Take a few minutes to watch the clip above then enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy for yourself along with some other goodies!

Win it:  One lucky reader will win The Smurfs 2, The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol, Ubisoft Smurfs video game, as well as a Smurfs 2 Papa Smurf toy. This giveaway will end December 19th at 12:00 AM EST. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If no response, a new winner will be chosen. Open to residents of the US.

Entry Method:  Please use Rafflecopter form to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway Disclosure:  Thanks to PR Firm/sponsor I was provided with this product(s) for the purpose of my personal review. This blog post is not a paid post and the honest opinions stated are my own. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, entry via Facebook like is completely optional. Please allow 4-6 weeks for prize delivery from the sponsor.

Hairy Balls - Now Available for iPhone and iPad

REDTRIBE INVITES PLAYERS TO GET HAIRY BALLS IN THEIR HANDS NOW

Hairy Balls, the Devilishly ‘Hard’ Puzzler, is Now Available for iPhone and iPad

REDTRIBE, Australia’s fastest growing video game development studio, announced today the release of Hairy Balls for the iPad and iPhone across North America.  Hairy Balls is now available on the App Store and can be downloaded and played with for free.

“We spent a lot of time tweaking Hairy Balls to ensure a balanced experience.” said Chris Mosely, CEO, REDTRIBE. “The response has been surprising. People can't wait to get their hands on them and have a play.  Early tests indicate that the game is quite challenging.  The Flurry stats (game stats) indicate people are playing the game for hours and hours, day after day. Once you start playing with Hairy Balls it seems you can't stop.”

An addictive and challenging puzzle game, Hairy Balls dares players to strategically maneuver their balls to chomp like-colored “Agaricus Dingdongalus,“ commonly called Ding-Dong mushrooms, in a limited amount of turns.  There are red, purple, yellow and, yes, blue hairy balls.  Hairy Balls challenges players to think many steps ahead as they plot out each move to ensure every ball reaches its destination.  This easy-to-learn, pick-up-and-play game is surprisingly deep, and dares even the most experienced puzzle gamers to move each bushy ball in the right order to progress. Reports from those already addicted to the game state they can’t get Hairy Balls off the brain.

Video of Hairy Balls can be found at:  https://www.yousendit.com/download/TEhVYUozTWNCTWtaQ2NUQw
Watch it on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a23amsMENsw

Like us on Facebook at:  http://www.facebook.com/hairyballsgame

Jewel Link Chronicles: Mountains of Madness DS

Play the latest Jewel Link adventure! Atop a snowy mountain you find yourself alone, facing the dangers that lie ahead. Explore mystifying realms as you navigate across a strange wilderness that surprises you with secrets around every corner. Unlock new tools and power-ups as you advance through a multitude of puzzles, working to decipher the mystery of the Mountains of Madness!

Xia-Xia Coming to Nintendo DS March 2012

America’s Favorite Crab Crustaceans are Headed to Nintendo DS™ with GameMill Entertainment’s Xia-Xia™ the Game Launching March 2012

Explore Nautical Worlds, Find Kooky Friends, Collect, Mix and Match Interchangeable Shells and More with Your Favorite Xia-Xia™ Hermit Crab Characters!

GameMill Entertainment, an independent publisher of entertaining mass-market video games, today announced plans to bring the loveable Xia-Xia™ hermit crab characters to the Nintendo DS™ hand-held system as a delightful and fun adventure game. Xia-Xia™ the game comes out of its shell this March at retailers nationwide.

GameStop PowerUp Rewards PRO Membership #Giveaway 1-11

If your kids are like mine they got some new games for Christmas.  So now begs the question, is this game appropriate for my kids.  Well, with the help of GameStop and ESRB we have the answers. They have videos on Understanding ESRB Ratings and so much more right here.

And if you aren't really familiar with games and their controls yourself you can also check out this video on Understanding Parental Controls and Managing Online Game Play.

Win it: Thanks to GameStop One lucky reader will win a PowerUp Rewards PRO membership. This giveaway will end January 12th at 12:01 AM EST. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If no response, a new winner will be chosen. Open to residents of the US.

PowerUp Rewards PRO membership (valued at $14.99) includes:

• Points toward rewards for every $ spent at GameStop

• Exclusive access to the latest gaming news, offers and events

• 2 Epic Reward Giveaway entries per purchase/trade (limited 1 transaction per day)

• 250 reward points just for signing up, and for every time you renew your annual membership

• Special Buy 2 Get 1 Free coupon that can be used on pre-owned games

• 10% points bonus for all purchases

• 10% bonus on trade-in credits

• 10% off pre-owned games and accessories

• 10% of new strategy guides

• A 1  year subscription to Game Informer magazine

Entry Method:  Please use Rafflecopter form to enter.

Quest for Zhu on DS now available

QUEST FOR ZHU IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR NINTENDO DS™

Minneapolis, MN – September 27, 2011 – Activision Publishing Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) and GameMill Publishing, in association with Black Lantern Studios, today announced that Quest for Zhu, the video game based on the upcoming DVD, is now available for Nintendo DS™.

In Quest for Zhu, fans accompany beloved ZhuZhu characters Pipsqueak, Mr. Squiggles, Num Nums, and Chunk on an unforgettable journey to find the mysterious Zhu Fu – who has the power to make wishes come true.  Along the way, the Zhus will explore 16 exciting levels set in locations taken straight from the movie, including: Zhu Village, Amazhu Jungle, Snowy Mountain, and the Palace of Zhu.  Players will scamper across these levels by traveling through tubes at super-high speeds, unlocking awe inspiring secret surprises.  With classic 2D platforming action and plenty of exhilarating and challenging mini-games, Quest for Zhu is a must-have for ZhuZhu fans everywhere!

Quest for Zhu is now available for Nintendo DS™.  This game is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB.  For more information, please visit www.activision.com.

I can't wait to get this game for my kids to add to their Zhu Zhu game collection. They loved the Quest for Zhu movie and I can just imagine the DS game is going to be just as great.

Camping Mama: Outdoor Adventures DS

Launching September 13 for the Nintendo DS, Camping Mama sets players off on an island camping adventure with Mama, Papa and their two children…navigate the wilderness, live off the land and master your survival skills to thrive in the great outdoors!