Family Game Nights are Better with Blue Orange Games! (Review and Giveaway)

July 20, 2018 By Marijean

My family and I love having family game nights. At least once a week we enjoy playing a family game together. If it is raining out, or we are having a low key day, we will also play games together. Looking in my game closet, I noticed I really need to switch games out and update. Luckily, Blue Orange Games contacted me to review 4 of their new games.

About Blue Orange Games:

At Blue Orange Games, we have been publishing and promoting award-winning games for over 18 years.

We prioritize quality and durability, and pledge to make games that will stand the test of time.

We make sure each and every game is easy to learn, fun to play, and engaging for all- it’s our not-so-secret formula to success!

Many of our games help children build important skills such as dexterity, memory, math, logic, and cooperation.

We pride ourselves in helping people unplug and bond for hours of good old fashion fun.

As a company dedicated to growing with families, we are confident there is a little something for everyone in our catalog.

We are strong advocates of the value of play and would like to thank all the retailers and players around the world who support our games and help to make play an everyday reality.

In addition to the 200+ awards our products have received, Blue Orange Games has won three prestigious industry awards:

• 2012 ASTRA Excellence Award

– Vendor of the Year

• 2011 Toy Collection Award

– Vendor of the Year

• 2011 Learning Express Award

– Best Store Support Vendor Award

The first thing I noticed about Blue Orange Games is that they have really cool and fun looking games. Totally different than the usually department store game selection. I couldn’t wait to get the games and play them with my two children.

The first game I played with my children was Pool Party. What a perfect game for the hot summer weather we are having here in Florida! The box is colorful and fun, my kids couldn’t wait to open and play!

Pool Party ($21.99)

Ages 6 and UP
2-4 Players

Summer is here, and so is pool party season! It’s time to beat the heat and cool off in the topsy-turvy pool. Better yet, join in on the cannon ball contest and form a team with your fellow party-goers. But watch out! Too many swimmers and this wacky pool can easily spill over, tossing you and everyone else out. Make big splashes by propelling your teammates into the unsteady pool, and be the first to successfully land 3 divers in to win! Unique components and high energy gameplay will make Pool Party your family’s new favorite.

This game is so much fun! My kids and I had a blast trying to get out swimmers in the pool! My kids said they could play this forever. It was the perfect game for my 7 year old who usually gets upset when he doesn’t win or doesn’t understand how to play.

The second game we played is called Maki Stack. My daughter loves sushi, so when she saw the box she automatically wanted to play it right away.

Maki Stack ($27.99)

Ages 7 and UP
2-6 Players

Order’s up- it’s time for a sushi showdown! Put on your mask and grab your teammate, or prepare to use your fingers as chopsticks. Balance and arrange the sushi, plates, and soy sauce bottles, and make sure to execute the order exactly as shown on the card. But be careful, one wrong move and everything might tumble over! Race a friend or challenge as a team in this sushi stacking extravaganza. High-quality wooden pieces and crazy stacking combinations make Maki Stack perfect for a game night full of fun and laughs.

This game is so much fun! My daughter loved where you have to use a blindfold to stack the pieces. We both had so much fun playing this game.

The third game is called Who did it? If you have a child that loves emojis, especially the “poop” emoji, they will love this game.

Who did it?

Ages 6 and UP
3-6 Players

In this hilarious card game, players race to get rid of their cards so they can avoid the blame of owning the animal that pooped. Each game is as funny as it is fast; quickly find your card, be the first to throw it down, and then blame someone else! Was it YOUR cat that pooped in the living room? Because it wasn’t my fish!

Break it out at the next family game night, social gathering, or cocktail party. Who Did It? is sure to bring laughs and just the right amount of potty humor. Plus the cute, plushy zippered pouch keeps all the cards and tokens safe, and is the perfect size for on-the-go fun.

This game had all of us lagging the whole time! A simple yet fun card game that was all about Poop!! So fun!

Last but not least….my absolute favorite out of all of them, Shaky Manor!!

Shaky Manor ($25.99)

Ages 7 and UP
2-4 Players

Local legend says the house on the corner contains hidden treasures… you find yourself taking a chance and entering to strike it rich, but it isn’t that easy to keep the treasures safe from the creatures that haunt the dusty rooms!

In this game, race to position your Meeple Player and 2 Treasure Chests into the room indicated on the Challenge Card by shaking and tilting your box. Each time you succeed in keeping the treasure safe, you win the card as a point and the player to your right adds a new spooky creature into your box to make the next round harder!

I love how you can start playing this game before opening the box! Start tilting! Two of the rooms are together with the play pieces, so you can see through the box and start playing. This game was so much fun, I love games of skill and logic. My 9-year-old had a blast playing this as well did I!

I was super impressed with these awesome games from Blue Orange! These games would be a great addition to your family game nights. They would also make fabulous gifts!

To learn more and to purchase, please go to Blue Orange Games.

Connect with Blue Orange Games on social media: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter

*I received these games in exchange for my honest opinion.

Giveaway

Blue Orange is letting me give away my favorite game, Shaky Manor, to one lucky winner! U.S Residents only, giveaway ends on 8/3/18. Please enter using the giveaway rafflecopter below. Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Kids will have a BLAST on the GOTRAX HOVERFLY ECO Hoverboard

July 11, 2018 By Marijean

I was very intrigued when Hoverboards first came out. They sound so fun and were very cool to look at. My kids were still little so I knew I wasn’t going to get one right away. With my oldest now almost 10, she has been asking about Hoverboards since some of her friends have them. We were very excited to review the GOTRAX HOVERFLY ECO Hoverboard.

Safety Certified with a Powerful Glide

The HOVERFLY was constructed by our top spaceflight engineers to provide the utmost safety for every commander and citizen of the GOTRAX GALAXY. All electric, battery, and charging systems are tested and certified to UL 2272 safety standards for self-balancing electric scooters hoverboards. For additional protection, we added non-slip foot platforms, and system safety features including Auto Shutdown.

Few hoverboards can boast the power and seamlessness provided by the GOTRAX HOVERFLY. The dual 250W motors combined with the space-age gyroscopic self-balancing electric scooter technology create a smooth and controlled hoverboard riding experience.

UL CERTIFICATION INFO

The GOTRAX HOVERFLY self-balancing scooter is tested and certified to UL 2272 safety standards for e-Mobility devices. This certification means that electrical, battery, and charger systems have been thoroughly tested and certified for safety. To learn more about UL safety standards, please visit http://www.ul.com/hoverboards/.

GALACTIC HOVERBOARD FEATURES & SPECS

ELECTRICAL SAFETY CERTIFIED: Electrical, battery, and charger systems tested & certified to UL 2272 safety standards.
THRILLING TORQUE: Get a powerful and smooth, self-balancing glide with dual 250W motors.
BECOME A MASTER FASTER: Quick and easy hoverboard learning with simple operation.
ENJOY LIGHT-YEARS OF FUN: Space travel up to 7.4 mph and for up to 12 miles on a single full charge.
STELLAR FIRST-CLASS DESIGN: LED lights, cosmic colors, high-quality space materials built to last.

When you receive your Hoverboard, it will come in a really fun designed box my daughter loved. The hoverboard will be inside, a charger, protective bumpers, commander’s manual, and the quick launch galaxy guide. The overboard weighs about 23 lbs. The hoverboard comes in 7 colors. I decided to get the Neptune Blue which to me is just like a really pretty “baby blue.”

The hoverboard came fully charged, which was a plus since my kids wanted to try it out right away! We read over the quick launch galaxy guide and put the hoverboard into training mode. We have a very large downstairs living area, so she tried it on the carpet first incase she fell. Make sure your child has a helmet, knee and elbow pads when they are using the hoverboard. It does take a bit to balance on it when you first try it out. I held her hand until she figured how to balance properly. It only took her an hour or so to learn how to balance and ride herself. We have had it a week now and she uses it every day! It is super easy for kids and adults to use.

The minimum weight limit is 44 pounds and the max is 220 pounds. Perfect for children and adults to have fun. I know my husband loves it!

Before I decided to review this product, I did some research to make sure this hoverboard didn’t have any fire or safety issues. All of the electrical, battery, and charger systems are tested and certified to UL 2272 safety standard guides.

This would make an out of this world birthday gift or holiday gift for any child or adult! The GOTRAX HOVERFLY is on sale right now for $179.00.

You can purchase this awesome Hoverboard from GOTRAX or Amazon.

PRIME DAY is coming up on 7/16! Use the code 15mommyworks for 15% off all gotrax electronic rideables until July 21st! https://www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/A3TSWC0WN5AMIL

*I received a product in exchange for this review. All opinions are my own.

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Treylor Park Restaurant opening in Nocatee (Ponte Vedra) on July 7th!

June 29, 2018 By Marijean

*Article from Jacksonville.com

The Savannah-based restaurant, Treylor Park, announced a July 7 opening for their Nocatee location.

Guests can indulge in unique items such as PB&J Chicken Wings and Chicken and Pancake Tacos, as well as Shrimp and Grits Tacos, Crab Cake Sliders, and a selection of burgers, sandwiches and salads.

The restaurant also offers cocktails such as Treylor Park, made with Aperol, Prosecco, club soda, orange juice and Fernet-Branca, and the Peach Pit, made with peach bourbon, lemon juice and peach cider. There will also be an assortment of wine and beer including cans, bottles and drafts.

Owner Trey Wilder opened Treylor Park in October 2014 in Savannah and it has since been featured on “Food Paradise” on the Travel Channel.

The restaurant is located in the Nocatee Town Center at 158 Marketside Ave. in Ponte Vedra Beach.

The 3,200-square-foot location boasts 150 indoor seats and a 900-square-foot patio.

The hours of operation are Monday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to midnight.

The kitchen is open daily until midnight.

http://www.treylorpark.com

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

Card Caddy-Playing Card Case Giveaway @thecardcaddy

June 27, 2018 By Marijean

CARD CADDY

The ONLY playing card case that turns into a discard tray so you can keep your cards safe, then play anywhere, anytime!

We’re all looking for ways to spend quality time with friends and family and a game of cards is a great way to do it. But those paper boxes the cards come in fall apart quickly and then your cards are easily lost or damaged. Then when it’s time to play a game, those draw and discard piles get knocked over and it’s tough to play if you don’t have a level surface. The Card Caddy solves both of these problems, appeals to a wide market and is attractively priced at $5.99 for our Single Decker and $6.99 for the Double Decker. The 5-pack is available for $26.99. It has a wide range of appeal to parents who want a portable alternative to their kids playing on their devices; players of traditional card games like Bridge, Canasta, Rummy, casino games and countless others; and tabletop gamers and collectors of trading cards.

The ONLY playing card case which converts to a discard tray so you can play a game of cards anywhere, anytime. The Single Decker holds a standard 54 card deck or up to 40 sleeved collectible cards. Available in 6 colors, or order 2 cases to mix and match your case for your own personal style. Now available in Camo swirl pattern, too (each swirl pattern is unique).

I think Card Caddy is a fabulous idea! I know when I buy my kids playing cards, or any type of card game, the boxes always fall apart. I love this idea and how it keeps the cards safe and you won’t damage or lose them. Card Caddy is great for any type of playing card or trading cards. Card Caddy would also make a fabulous holiday gift or birthday gift!

[arve url=”https://youtu.be/uvi88fqXWZg” /]

Here is information about the Inventor, Chris Nichols, and the Card Caddy:

My name is Chris Nichols the inventor of the Card Caddy. When my step-son was around 5 years old, he was obsessed with Uno. I grew up playing card games of all sorts with my grandmother and wanted to foster that same love of cards with him. We carried around a couple of decks of cards, bound with rubber bands, stuffed back into the box, or just scattered in the bottom of a my wife’s purse. When it came time to play – often somewhere without a level, solid surface for the draw and discard piles – the stacks of cards fell over, blew away or slid down into the crevice of the car seat.

For Christmas that year, I made the original version of the Card Caddy in my workshop out of scrap wood. It was bulky and clunky, but it was a big hit and solved my frustrations. After a couple of iterations, I’ve put together an improved version and would like to the share the idea with card lovers everywhere.

Whether you’re a harried parent who wants a mobile entertainment option other than “a device”, a hardcore Trading Card Gamer who has a lot invested in your deck, or just someone who likes to have a deck of cards handy for a game-on-the-go, the Card Caddy is for you.

GIVEAWAY

We are excited to partner with Card Caddy to give you the opportunity to win a 5-pack! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends on 7/10.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Marijean

My name is MJ. I have two wonderful children and work part time as well as volunteer at my children's school.

ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER TO WELCOME TRUE FOOD KITCHEN THIS FALL 2018

June 21, 2018 By Marijean

ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER TO WELCOME TRUE FOOD KITCHEN IN 2018

Health-driven seasonal kitchen and bar set to open in Jacksonville this Fall

Simon, a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations, today announced True Food Kitchen is slated to open at St. Johns Town Center in November 2018.

“We’re excited to bring our delicious healthful food and handcrafted beverages to St. Johns Town Center,” said Shannon Keller, vice president of marketing for True Food Kitchen. “The restaurant will be designed with the lively and active Jacksonville community in mind; where everyone is welcome to eat better, feel better and celebrate a passion for better living.”

True Food Kitchen is a restaurant inspired by a philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse and that delicious dining and conscious nutrition can go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. True Food Kitchen’s health-driven menu of seasonal dishes and natural beverages is guided by the principles of integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid, which was created as a guide for those seeking the necessary foods needed to assist in achieving and maintaining optimum health.

The chef-led menu changes with the seasons to let guests experience great-tasting ingredients at the peak of their freshness and flavor, and offers a variety of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan offerings among its signature dishes. The restaurant’s vibrant bars are brimming with innovative, handcrafted cocktails, wine and beer and natural refreshers made from freshly pressed fruit and vegetables.

“True Food Kitchen will be a terrific addition to St. Johns Town Center’s already impressive retail and dining lineup,” said Lindsey Jones, director of marketing and business development. “Guests will have the opportunity to experience the restaurant’s health-driven menu in a positively stunning environment.”

True Food Kitchen’s plans include a bright, vibrant dining area and open kitchen accompanied by a private and semi-private private dining room, covered patio and a large indoor bar.

For more information about True Food Kitchen opening at St. John’s Town Center, please visit www.truefoodkitchen.com/jacksonville.

About True Food Kitchen

Founded in Phoenix, Ariz. in 2008, True Food Kitchen is a restaurant and lifestyle brand inspired by the philosophy that food should make you feel better, not worse, and that great tasting food and thoughtfully crafted beverages can serve as the foundation for a life well lived. The restaurant brand is driven by a passionate collective of accomplished chefs, visionary restauranteurs, and a renowned doctor of integrative medicine – who believe delicious dining and conscious nutrition can go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. True Food’s seasonal menu is guided by the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid. True Food Kitchen emphasizes wholesome, simple ingredients with simple preparations to highlight the natural health benefits and flavors of each ingredient. From nutrient-dense staples and carefully sourced proteins to little-known superfoods, True Food Kitchen is committed to sourcing the most responsible, most creative, freshest in-season ingredients. True Food Kitchen has 23 locations in 10 states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia, with plans for additional locations throughout the U.S. in the coming year.

About Simon

Simon is a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations and an S&P 100 company (Simon Property Group, NYSE: SPG). Our properties across North America, Europe, and Asia provide community gathering places for millions of people every day and generate billions in annual sales. For more information, visit simon.com.