Taboo – The game of unspeakable fun! (Giveaway)
February 8, 2012 by Kailani
Filed under entertainment, giveaways
One of our favorite games to play has got to be Taboo by Hasbro. I still remember the first time my sister introduced me to this hilarious game. We couldn’t stop playing and I’ve even taken it with me on layover to play with the crew. We would stay up until the early morning hours just laughing and playing this addictive game.
Well, Taboo has gotten a brand new makeover including a new look and some new twists that will have everyone scrambling for just the right words. Playing the game is simple. First divide the group into 2 teams then put a stack of cards (colors facing the same way) into the card holder. Each team decides who will be the first “clue-giver” while the rest of the team has to guess the specific word on the card. But it’s not as easy as it seems. On the card is also a list of 5 words that you cannot use to describe the specific word. For example, if the word was NEEDLE you are not able to use the words – SEW, THREAD, EYE, SHARP, PINE. Each correct guess gets your team a point. The team with the most points wins!
While playing there’s also a buzzer (requires 2 AAA batteries – not included) that the opposing team can press if they see that you’ve used an illegal word, gesture, or sound. The former buzzer made your traditional “buzz” noise but this new hilarious buzzer says, “Uh Oh!” Pressing that buzzer was almost as much fun as playing the actual game! There’s also a sand timer to make sure that game play progresses along at a steady pace.
However, for those of you who are familiar with Taboo you’ll appreciate a brand new element to the game. It’s called the Game-Changer Die. If you choose to include it in your game the clue-giver rolls the die during their turn to reveal one of the possible game changer elements:
- One Guesser – Choose only one teammate to be the guesser on your turn (instead of having the whole team shouting out guesses)
- Double the Time – Play through two timer cycles. However, the opposing team also gets to play through 2 cycles on their turn as well.
- Statue – The clue-giver has to sit perfectly while giving out clues.
- All Play – Both teams get to guess at the word. Whichever team guesses first gets the point.
- Classic Play – Play using the original Taboo rules.
This game is aimed for adults but Kacie (9) actually did very well and got more points than I did. Even Kiana (6) was able to guess some of the words (we picked out easy ones for her).
However, the best was when I played with a group of my co-workers. We had such a blast and we were laughing so hard that we kept running out of time! It’s surprising to see how your mind automatically thinks of the common words when describing something. Taboo forces you to think outside the box and see things from a different perspective.
Taboo – The game of unspeakable fun!
You can purchase Taboo
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February is Black History Month ($25 VISA Giveaway)
February 7, 2012 by Kailani
Filed under entertainment, gift cards, giveaways
Throughout the month of February, digital cable customers are poised just a “click away” from unlocking some of the history, struggles and beauty that are an integral part of the African-American experience as part of cable’s Diversity On Demand initiative. With the advent of advanced digital cable platforms like On Demand, viewers can learn more about African-American history at their convenience during Black History Month. Diversity On Demand kicks off February 1 focusing on Black History Month and wraps following Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct. 15), and is an expansion of cable’s on-going support of and commitment to multicultural programming.
Individuals, who “like” cable’s Diversity on Demand Facebook page will see Black History programming updates and links to trailers and be alerted to various entertainment and blogger giveaways during the promotion. This will be an online destination where anyone interested in multicultural shows and movies can join to engage with others in the community, and learn more about what Diversity on Demand has to offer. Cable will celebrate multicultural programming throughout the year with contests, polls, trivia, trailers and more.
“The cable industry recognizes its responsibility and privilege to use the reach and influence of television, the Internet and mobile apps to spotlight important issues,” said Char Beales, president and CEO, Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing (CTAM). “Cable companies and content providers are uniting to provide customers with the opportunity to experience multiculturalism through history, drama, comedy, and even the joy of food. This February, Black History Month comes alive in the home instantly with a click of the remote, and cable looks forward to sharing the Hispanic experience with customers later this fall.”
Black History Month programming for Diversity On Demand includes:
- Milestones in Black History: A look at the history of the struggles and strife, the tragedies and the triumphs of African-Americans in the U.S., including programming on the Civil Rights era. Everyone in the family can learn with documentaries like “The Black List” examining some of the reasons for Black History Month. And children young and old can take a trip back in time understanding the importance of historical events with “Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4,” “On the Shoulders of Giants” and “Birds of a Feather: Tuskegee Airmen.”
- Profiles in Courage: The biographies of influential African-Americans come to life with dramatic profiles and stories of acclaimed leaders and others who are not so well known—but perhaps should be, such as that of Lena Baker in “Hope & Redemption: The Lena Baker Story.”
- Dramas: Programs and movies like “Independence Day” showcasing award-worthy performances from notable African-American actors such as Will Smith. You can also explore and share real-life family relationship dramas like “Braxton Family Values.”
- Hearth & Home: Savor shows like “Down Home with the Neelys” that provide a look at food and other aspects of modern African-American culture and society.
- Of the People: These programs exemplify the contributions made by multicultural talent, shows written by, starring, directed or produced by African-Americans, like Morgan Freeman in “Million Dollar Baby.”
- Powerful Portrayals: Storytelling has always been an important part of African-American culture. Drama fans can enjoy Black cinema offerings, which chronicle the challenges of African-American protagonists in a variety of ways.
- That’s Entertainment: Laugh along with comedy specials such as “Chris Rock: Bigger and Blacker,” while romantic comedies warm the heart. If music is your thing, there are shows and movies such as “Ray,” the remarkable story of one of America’s true musical geniuses, Ray Charles, that look into the past, present music-making of African-American artists.
So celebrate Black History Month with On Demand today!
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Build-a-Bear Workshop Fun Packs
Build-a-Bear Workshop recently introduced two new fun packs perfect for goody bags and party gifts. The first is a Build-a-Bear Workshop Fun Pack plus Furry Friend which are available at your local Target, Walmart, Toys R Us and other retailers where you probably shop often. This is great news for us since Hawaii no longer has Build-a-Bear Workshop stores. The other is Build-a-Bear Workshop Trading Card Fun Packs which have also just hit the shelves in BABW stores.
The Build-a-Bear Workshop Fun Pack plus Furry Friend ($5.99) comes with a Furry Friend, shirt, fabric stickers, trading cards, activity card, and a Bearville.com code that you can use online. It also includes the steps to conduct your own Heart Ceremony just like they do in the stores.
The Build-a-Bear Workshop Trading Card Fun Packs ($1.99) includes 3 trading cards, 2 activity cards, 1 card with various temporary tattoos, and an online code to be used on the website.
Each trading card comes with a great color photo of the furry friend along with details like their name, status (active, retired, specialty), physical characteristics, personality trait, and a fun fact. They’re brightly colored and are fun to collect and trade!
The activity cards that we received were a “Can you find?” card where you had to find 6 hidden objects in a scene and a “Scratch-Offs” days of the week card where you’ll find a hidden message like “Speak Bear Latin by using the word bear in every sentence. It’s Beary fun!”
The kids had so much fun playing with the little furry friend and trading cards amongst each other. And since we can now purchase these locally I know we’ll be adding to our collective very soon. It’s a Beary good time!
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Expert Tips for Minimizing Germs in the Nursery (Diaper Genie Giveaway)
According to a recent study commissioned by Playtex surveying moms and moms-to-be on their germ-related knowledge, the majority of moms don’t know what it takes when it comes to keeping the nursery clean. In fact, most didn’t make the grade— the average score was a D!
To help moms brush up on their germ knowledge, germ expert Dr. Benjamin Tanner has partnered with Playtex and put together seven tips addressing simple things moms can do to maintain a clean and healthy nursery!
- Disinfect germ hot spots (floor, changing table, toys and laundry hamper) at least once a day to kill any harmful bacteria that may be lurking. Make sure to focus on these key areas more than others when disinfecting in the nursery.
- Develop a mess-free changing routine that incorporates the Diaper Genie Elite® Disposal System. Its built-in antimicrobial protection inhibits odor causing bacteria, and its convenient foot pedal makes for an easy, hands-free disposal, helping to minimize the spread of germs in the number one germ hotspot in the nursery: the changing table.
- Water isn’t always available during a change! Make sure to always keep hand sanitizer or wipes, like Wet Ones, nearby— which will kill 99.99 percent of bacteria on surfaces and your hands.
- Use an EPA-registered disinfectant when cleaning and always allow it to remain wet for 5-10 minutes before wiping to let it do its job. Afterwards, wipe the surface down with water to get rid of any chemical residue that may irritate your baby’s skin.
- Keep a separate hamper in the nursery specifically for heavily soiled baby laundry. These clothes should be washed using hot water, which will help prevent bacteria from spreading in the wash.
The belief that exposing children to germs strengthens the immune system is a major misconception. Germ exposure should always be avoided!
- Recognize that there’s no such thing as the 5-second rule! Germ transfer is instantaneous and items should be disinfected before being given back to baby.
“In a typical day most moms spend three or more hours in the nursery with their little ones[ii], which makes it essential that it’s a clean place,” said Carolyn Turoczi, Brand Manager at Playtex. “Creating a space that is as germ free as possible doesn’t need to be an overwhelming task. In fact, using the Diaper Genie Elite® Disposal System is a perfect way to help moms establish a less messy diaper changing routine, which is especially important as the changing table is the number one way germs are transferred to baby’s skin.”
For more of Dr. Tanner’s tips and information about the Diaper Genie Elite® Disposal System, visit www.playtexbaby.com. Or visit the Playtex Baby Facebook Page to test your own germ knowledge and have the chance to win great prizes.
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