Let me introduce you to bubbles that you can LICK! Yes, you heard me right. These bubbles are safe for humans and pets alike. Not that you should drink the solution, but catching them in your mouth is SAFE. And so much fun too!!!
*These products were sent to me in exchange for hosting a party and sharing them with others. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are mine and my guests alone.*
We had some family come to visit us recently. Which made it the perfect chance to share these bubbles and see them in action. The solution worked out really well as far as making bubbles. And the kids informed me that at least 2 out of the 4 flavors tasted as they claimed. I can attest that each one at least smells like they said it would. This product is perfect for indoor fun when the weather is not so nice. These bubbles don't leave sticky surfaces where they fall. However, we also greatly enjoyed the outdoor play. Plenty of room to run and jump around as we caught the bubbles!
Need more information? This is straight from the company on the safety of their bubbles:
Bubble Lick™ redefines the bubble experience with a unique combination of natural flavors and GRAS-certified ingredients—because bubbles should be fun AND safe! Bubble Lick™ delivers delicious, naturally flavored bubbles that create exciting sensory experiences for all ages. Made in the USA in an FDA-registered, CGMP-certified, allergen-free facility Indoor & outdoor play with no sticky residue Infused with real, natural flavors for a fun, safe, and lickable experience Perfect for all ages—kids, adults, and even your furry friends! Why Bubble Lick™ Stands Above the Rest: Invented by a Pediatric Allergist & Im- munologist – After seeing children suffer from allergic reactions and digestive is- sues from so-called “non-toxic” bubbles made overseas, he set out to create the first truly safe, lickable bubbles. Other bubbles are made with ques- tionable ingredients – Many foreign-made bubbles contain China’s tap water and chemicals—worse than your kitchen soap! The Only Bubbles Safe for Year-Round, Indoor & Outdoor Fun – Bubble Lick™ leaves no sticky, slippery residue, making them perfect for any setting, any time! Experience the world’s safest, tastiest, and most fun bubbles ever created! Catch them if you can… and taste the fun!
Let's be honest. I really didn't know what Crazy Aaron's was about until this party. I knew of their products from previous Tryazon party opportunities. But I thought, who wants to have a bunch of kids playing with slime in their house?? I'm too much of a neat freak for that kind of thing. We aren't the type to play with dough toys unless Mommy puts down a plastic tablecloth first. So let me introduce you to something that showed me there is more to Crazy Aaron's than that.
*Disclaimer: I was sent these products in exchange for hosting a party with friends and sharing them. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions shared are my or from my guests.*
First off, what is Crazy Aaron's?
So glad you asked! Crazy Aaron started his business of innovative toys in 1998. The product lines they release are non-toxic and made with high quality ingredients, right here in the USA! I won't get into too many details, but I'll say that his growth and making the products here in the United States has meant that he doesn't have to worry about any future disruptions to supply chains. So gifting with his toys is a great idea. But if you want to know more, there is plenty to learn HERE.
Crazy Aaron's are not just slime, or even putty, as I knew it. I grew up with the cheap putty from the Dollar Tree (back when everything was still $1!). And the first time I tried out slime, I was grossed out.
But Crazy Aaron's has surpassed what I knew of those two things. The slime is slick, wet-feeling even. But it doesn't stick like others. So it comes across as cleaner. Now, I have a sensory issue when it comes to how things feel. Slime and I can't ever get along. Ever. But I can say that I honestly do believe this kind is the best one I have ever had dealings with. It was quite popular at the party too! They come with charms you can mix in as well. Though, my girls were more excited about some of those charms becoming doll sized snack items than they were about mixing it into the slime. At the beginning, it would leave some residue behind when I opened the package for the kids.
I think one of the most popular items on the tables were the SCENTsory Putty's. Smooth and comforting to handle, they also had really good scents. My daughter fell in love with the Banana Split one while her friend loved the Popsicle version. They really do smell as they say they will. No residue from this one! And then the packaging even has things to do in them. Activities and such!
The second item that was highly popular (even with Moms) was the cloud Slime Charmers. Sounds too much like an oxymoron, but it is amazing! No slimy feels on this one. It sorta reminded me of a dough product, but it is softer and airy. When you stretch it out... Well, I don't know how to describe that feeling exactly. It was just highly enjoyable. My son had the Sushione and has decided to keep it as just his only, which is unusual for him.
The thinking putty can be rolled into a ball and even bounce! It isn't sticky. It isn't slimy. No mess. I love that the mini tins can actually fit into these little bag clips you can get from Crazy Aaron's.
So many options! These little ones with the charms have been so popular. What do you think? What was the favorite one in your opinion? Let me know in the comments below!
I love hearing about new toys. Especially unusual toys. Or toys that teach creativity. Yeah, I'm a huge kid at heart! So I jumped at the chance to host a party for Fun in Motion Toys. These German-engineered toys inspire kids (and kids at heart, like me) to come up with new and fascinating shapes. The images on the Sashibo cubes change depending on the pattern you create too. But I'm getting ahead of myself, so let's dive in!
*Disclaimer: I was sent a party pack in exchange for sharing them with others. All opinions are that of myself or my guests. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.*
So first off...
I was sent two types of toys. These first things come as a cube. Each cube uses magnets and unfolds into shapes from your own designing. They are theSashibo. There are so many different patterns to choose from! And each one has other colors and patterns within.
My husband spent about half an hour or more trying to combine all the 3 cubes I had left into one shape. That was AFTER he had figured out how to combine two of them.
Next up are theHypertiles! These are something like plastic mesh tiles that have been slightly twisted and are connectable with little clamp-like pieces. But based on how you connect them, you can create all kinds of shapes and movements with them. For you math nerds out there, think hyperbolic paraboloids. Geometry and I aren't friends, so I shall stick with twisted squares for a descriptive word here.
How did the party go?
To be honest - it kinda didn't. The week I was supposed to have the party, we had quite the emergency situation pop up. It took a good chunk of my time and mental focus for a few days and then suddenly, Saturday was on me and I had no party to start! So... I had to be unconventional. I had to introduce people in random ways to the appealing toys I was sent.
We visited our good friend Sonic at his store to share a couple Sashibo cubes. His little girl is nuts for things like this, so I was really hoping she would have fun with it.
Next, we invited our friends over to play. The kids were able to show off the skills they have learned with the Sashibo, as well as show how to connect and build with the Hypertiles. It was a laughter-filled time!
Who would these appeal to?
For kids - anyone! The Sashibo are puzzle-like. They are magnetic. They are colorful. And they are meant for lasting play that can span hours! I've had kids begging to have their turn next and when someone else wants to try, I hear things like "Just one more shape". The Sashibo were definitely more interesting to the kids I had interacting, than the Hypertiles.
For adults - anyone! The Sashibo appeals greatly to ADHD people who will definitely love these. It is like a fidget cube. Only, I think they are more fun. I've watched grown men absentmindedly just talk while spinning and reshaping these in their hands!
They do have an app that can walk you through making and creating with these toys! Just search for Fun In Motion Toys in your app store. If you are interested in finding some for yourself, they are available on their website HERE or on AMAZON. And if you want to get a 20% discount on your total order, you can use the following code on their toy website: TRY20.
I hope you enjoyed seeing the fun! I'll be back with more later.
Ravensburger - do you know that name? If not, let me introduce you!
*Disclaimer - I was sent these products for free in exchange for hosting a party and posting my reviews. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own or those of my guests.*
Ravensburger is a name you might see on some games, toys and puzzles. They are a family-owned company that has been making games since 1883!
They sent me two games to showcase. One is called That's Not a Hat. This is the one I focused on. The other was Strike, which I gave away as a door prize. Both can be found on the Ravensburger website. Don't worry, I'll have links below!
That's Not a Hat
That's Not a Hat was truly fun, even through it's challenging play. We had to read through the instructions a couple times, but overall we loved the laughter! It is about having the ability to remember all your "gifts" or be able to bluff when you forget. For us older ones... we forgot, but we dusted off those bluffing skills like champs!
I highly suggest watching this how-to-play video before you try playing. Makes it a lot easier!
The official information on the game is: That's Not a Hat - Wrap and regift objects in this deceptively simple card game of having the world’s best memory... or convincing everyone you do! Was that gift a hat, a bucket, or a traffic cone?! Play this “unforgettable” bluffing game with friends and family for fun, laughter, and a dash of madcap mayhem. As cards or gifts are flipped face down and passed around the table, players must memorize the object on each card or bluff their confidence as they pass the unwanted gift to someone else. Avoid getting caught declaring the wrong object or gain penalty points. The player with the least points at the end wins!
Recommended Age: 8+
Great for parties!
Number of Players: 3 - 8
15 minutes playtime
Includes: A rule book and 110 cards with simple illustrations for maximum memorization chaos.
I've done a few of their puzzles over the years. But want to know a game I loved that they put out? My mom sent me this one before... Under their ThinkFun products, you can find the Cold Case Files. I have done A Pinch of Murder with my husband. It was so much fun!
Where can you find these games for yourself?
So glad you asked! As I mentioned above, you can go directly to the Ravensburger website. But there are other options of places you can look for the games at.
I LOVE getting to host parties with Tryazon! Especially when there is chocolate involved. This time, Ritter Sport Chocolates were sponsored. Mmmmm!
*Disclaimer - I was sent this party pack in exchange for hosting a party and then sharing my reviews. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own or of my guests.*
Ritter Sport Chocolates are a German-made, family-owned brand that has been making delicious chocolates since 1912. It is amazing! So light and creamy. I received so many flavors to try as well as share. So let me tell you about each one.
Milk Chocolate with Cornflakes
This one has a creamy milk chocolate with cornflakes in the middle. My husbands first comment on it was that it was like a Crunch bar, but way creamier! I concur. Your first thought might be like mine, Seriously?? But let me tell you, it was good! I think it was easily my favorite.
Dark Chocolate with Marzipan Filling
The marzipans' sweetness offset the dark chocolate extremely well! I really enjoyed it. One guest was not a fan. They thought it had an aftertaste. I didn't catch any.
Alpine Milk Chocolate
This would be the one you might compare to something like a Hershey's bar. My husband and I both thought it was less processed in taste. A great creamy chocolate. I only wished we had tried it on s'mores!
Milk Chocolate with Whole Hazelnuts
This one was really interesting. Some guests thought it would be better with a different nut - like cashews, while some were fine with it. I suppose it just depends on whether you like hazelnuts or not. The chocolate was still just as creamy.
Milk Chocolate Whole Almonds vs Dark Chocolate Whole Almonds
I am not entirely alone in loving the dark chocolate, but from this test we discovered that the majority prefers the milk chocolate. And most of them said it would be better without the almonds. Not a favored nut from this group.
Milk Chocolate with Butter Biscuit and Cocoa Creme
This one was a favorite of everyone that tried it. I actually had requests for more, only there weren't any left!
Milk Chocolate with Honey Sea-Salt Almonds
Despite there being almonds (not a favored nut for those trying), this one was liked. It had a sweeter taste and the nuts weren't too.... hmm, dry? Not sure how to describe this one any better than that.
Overall, I think everyone walked away with a new love for Ritter Sport chocolates. I'm even looking at the local stores now to see who carries which kinds.
So what kind would you want to try?? Have you already tried them? Let me know in the comments below. And I'll be looking forward to hearing from you guys! Until next time.
Through Tryazon, I was sent this amazing game box! I can't wait to show you how much fun you can have. First things first...
*Disclaimer: I was sent this product for free in exchange for hosting a party and writing a review. All opinions are my own or my guests'. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.*
Okay now, let's take a look at this box and all that it includes. This is put out by Abacus Brands. It comes with 4 games in the one box. 4 ways to have fun! I think this makes it a great party pack. Not just for the fun, but for the learning. So I reached out to homeschool friends to see who could come hang out and try out this product with us.
You have to download the app. Thanks to a QR code in the instruction manual, that was quick and easy. Next, you have an activation code on the front of the manual. You choose which game from the set you want to use first and enter your code. Once it has loaded the code, it downloads the game into your library. Then, you can repeat with the others. You only have to enter the code once, though. It will recognize that you have all of them and only ask if you agree to download more. Say yes, and keep adding to your library!
Umm, I don't think it was supposed to do that....
I had to remove my phone from its protective case first. It was just too bulky to fit into the VR Goggles piece. However, when I went to insert the naked phone, I found that the foam started to peel off and even stuck to my phone!! I was not happy with that... Took me a while to scrape the glue off my phone. Now, to be fair, maybe it was because I had tried to put it in with the case originally. So be warned, and be careful.
Breaking it up into 4
Each subject, or game, comes with its own poster. These are full of information and on glossy paper. The posters are how you will interact with the Virtual Reality part of the games. In combination with the app, of course. In the app, you will hit that triangle for the Play option while looking into the center of the poster that corresponds. This will show you a spinning blue circle (think loading symbol) and then you will be transported into the interactive part.
Dinosaurs:
First up is the one my youngest was most excited for - the Dino-Dig. She absolutely loves dinosaurs.
And had been begging me to open it up since the party pack first arrived. I highly suggest that you lay down something like a junk towel or take it outside.
Also - be prepared for some dusty kids afterwards. I found that using water while we worked made the plaster come off easier.
Solar System:
Next up is the Solar System. I was disappointed that Pluto was not included in our solar system. Call me old schooled, but Pluto is still a planet in my book.
Putting together the solar system diagram or planetarium was a little difficult because the instructions included were... lacking. Thankfully, my son was able to eyeball the picture and pieces included to make it work. The kids needed extra paintbrushes so that they all could paint at the same time. Thankfully, we keep a bunch on hand for craft projects. But if you have multiple kids, just be warned.
I suppose it would have been better with the VR giving us instructions, but I was using my phone to take the video and photos at the time.
Crystals:
Then we move on to learn about Crystals in the Lab. Growing the crystals takes 3-5 days. But in the video I'll load, you can at least see the process that we took to get them started. Within about 2-3 days, this is where the crystals were in their growth.
Green looks like a dud for us. I appreciate that the cups had lids you can set down in the top to keep the dust out.
Volcanoes:
And finally, we check out the Volcano Lab! Did you ever build one of those erupting volcanoes? Maybe with clay? Painted to look real? Building a volcano was one of the best experiments I can remember doing as a kid. And my kids get to do it now too. Actually, this isn't the first one we have done. The VR part had so much for them to see. And it describes all the aspects of volcanoes.
Right out the gate, we came to find we were missing some kind of "tube" that is needed to 'cap' the top and leave the place where the baking soda and citric acid goes to make the 'eruption' magic happen. We tried to improvise with a small plastic cup piece.
I wasn't too thrilled with that option or optimistic in it working. It wasn't deep enough. The bowl that comes with the kit is definitely not big enough to mix the plaster either. So I suggest using a bowl or pot that you don't use for food, for the mixing step.
Mixing with the stir stick they included was a little time consuming, but we managed pretty well I think. Move quickly though. this stuff starts to harden fast. You can see how we did it in the video. I'd suggest packing in the sides a little as you pour the plaster in. Although, I think ours looks really neat and more realistic with all the ridges along the sides.
Then came the painting time. It can be interesting with multiple kids. I had them take turns adding in colors and details.
Here is the video we made of the various hands-on kits we did.
Pros to using these
First off, there is a lot of good information. You might have to correct some of the things spoken of or read from the posters, depending on your worldview. The interactive portions on the VR is really in depth! The kids had fun and found it very easy to use. I'm also glad that the kits came with hands-on parts. Things you can build or dig into. I find that kids are more likely to remember things if they interact.
Not conducive to those with glasses
Well, it was a bit of a let down for some of us who require glasses to see. Thankfully, with it being so close, it wasn't so blurry for me. And even my son (who is the most blind of us) said he only had to squint sometimes. You could attempt to wear your glasses with the headset, but it caused a tight pain on the nose. Kinda like wearing tight goggles.
Where can you find them?
I know our local Walmart had some of them on hand. In single sets.
Or you can go straight to the makers! Abacusbrands.com has so many others to choose from. The Human Body and The World Atlas sure caught my eye.
Cons to the information taught...
As a Christian, I don't agree with the evolutionary teachings in the Dinosaur and Solar System programs. So if you are like me, be warned. You may need to remind your kids that the world is not millions of years old. That the universe we live in did not suddenly spring from nothing. That evolution is not how things came to be what they currently are. That dinosaurs died off because of an astronomical disaster. And my favorite? That we are still reaching out to aliens. We sent out a record with instructions on how to use it. This was hilarious to me. Why? Because I don't believe in intelligent life outside of our planet. And even IF I did, what makes us feel so pompous that we can assume they speak and read English??
Anyhow... These are theories (NOT PROVEN FACT) thought up by mankind, for mankind, to try to remove God from the equation. These kits are saturated with such views.
I was recently chosen to host a Bestway Air Bed party through Tryazon. I have tried other things from Bestway, like a pool. But an air mattress is a new one for me. Now, when I say air bed, what is the first thing that comes to mind for you?
Is it camping? That usually is for me. But then... that is extremely limiting to their usefulness. Let's dive into some other uses for an air mattress and then I'll show you some of the fun we had with our new one.
*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in exchange for reviewing and hosting a party. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions shared are strictly that of my guests or myself.*
Use Numero Uno!
1. As stated above, camping is usually the first thing someone thinks of when asked about an air bed. So maybe this one has been considered by you. They make the experience more comfortable. They are portable. And with the one I got from Bestway, easy to set up! This one does require power, but with so many camp sites having power access, I don't see that a problem. AND! It inflates within 3 minutes. But camping isn't something I'm particularly fond of. In my adult life, I have gone camping twice. And both times we ended up having to go home by 6AM. Weather played a part the first time. The second time, we were all so miserable, cold and for one of us - wet, that we gave up trying to make it work. So, let's shelve camping for now and check out the next reason having an air mattress on hand is a great idea.
What is Number Two?
2. Sleepovers are not just for kids. Do you ever have a guest who needs a place to sleep? We don't have a guest room, so that usually means that person is on the couch or on an air bed in the living room. But you don't want them to be uncomfortable. So looking for one that adds to their comfort, is important. This model that I was sent comes with a raised bump to act as a built-in pillow. So you won't need to worry about having extra pillows on hand.
Third Option is a Winner.
3. This third option was the one we chose to go with. Have you ever considered using an air bed for movie night?? Inflate a couple, and then relax! We did this for a Mario movie night. The kids loved it! It added plenty of space for everyone to recline. This can work inside or out, as well. Set up a projector and chill under the stars in style.
For our movie party, we made Mario Oreo cupcakes. I also made homemade pizzas and bread sticks.
My daughters even decorated the living room with Mario characters. It was a lot of fun!
Did you ever think to use it....
For a prepping item? After all, stuff hits the fan and you have to bug out, what will you sleep on? Don't think I haven't thought about a simple sleeping bag. I have. But! I'm a wimp. I want a little comfort. Something that lifts me off the floor. So I think one of these babies needs to be a part of prepper life.
Additional Features You Should Know about....
I told you this one need access to an electrical outlet. The cord can be tucked into a compartment on it. It has a built-in pump that can inflate the entire mattress in just under 3 minutes. How do I know this? I recorded it! Check out this video to see what I mean.
There is the pillow bump. No need to have extra pillows on hand. Less to pack for outings as well.
How about a nifty bag to store and carry it in? This is how we store it. In the bag on a shelf with our previous air mattress.
If you purchase one of these for yourself from the Bestway website, they currently only have the 18" which are $72.99 each. But Walmart has the 12" version we had here for $29.94.
Can you think of another use? Leave me a comment below! I'd love to know.
