product review Archives

30 Years of Learning With Brain Quest

May 9, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

It’s hard to believe that Brain Quest® has been around for 30 years! I can still remember when this first came out, and as I had kids myself, I found that I was purchasing their items to use with my kids. The workbooks always challenged my kids, and they found them to be fun, interactive, and engaging.

As my own kids would go through each of the workbooks they had I found them loving to learn and over the years I kept finding that the products that were being developed were challenging the old norms and helping kids to find mastery in so many new ways.

The 30 year anniversary this year launched with My First Brain Quest® in January – the brand’s first foray into the preschool market. What was great about this was that it really allows a preschool age child to get a jumpstart on learning. The series is based on educational principles with a series of six board books that introduce parents and their young child to foundational skills while promoting language development and encouraging learning through conversation.

Today, a revised edition of eight of the core Brain Quest workbooks have been published. With more than 30% new material in each workbook covering Pre-K through 6th grade, you will find that the workbooks have a ton of fresh content throughout, that includes:

Brand new chapter openers
Expanded Brain Boxes
A brand new technology section (computer science, logic, coding, and more)
Greater diversity in visual representation
Revised, updated social studies sections
Playful additions, including two pages of fun stickers and progress maps that kids can use to track and celebrate their success for most grades.

In addition to the workbooks getting a major overhaul, the brand’s very first and longest selling line, the iconic Brain Quest Smart Cards®, did too. With nearly 30% new material in each set, these grade-specific question-and answer games quiz kids on the stuff they need to know when they need to know it.

Also new is the Brain Quest line extension: The Brain Quest Learn to Write workbook series which is a brand-new bridge between the My First Brain Quest board books and the Preschool and Kindergarten Brain Quest workbooks. These books focus on key skills for children ages 3-6, as they learn to trace and write characters and get ready for writing, reading, and math, and will publish in September.

Overall, for me the thing I like most about these books is that they are written for kids, but also written to help kids learn in a way that they will enjoy. These resources are ones that I know that I was super happy to have as a parent and I’m glad that today’s parents continue to have such amazing resources right at their fingertips!

Check out the brand new Brain Quest ® website!

A Man Called Otto Available Now!!

March 22, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

About the Movie

Based on the # 1 New York Times bestseller “A Man Called Ove,” A Man Called Otto tells the story of Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grump who no longer sees purpose in his life following the loss of his wife. Otto is ready to end it all, but his plans are interrupted when a lively young family moves in next door, and he meets his match in quick-witted Marisol. She challenges him to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world around. A heartwarming and funny story about love, loss, and life, A Man Called Otto shows that family can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.

My Take on the Movie

I love Tom Hanks, but did not know what to expect with this movie. You usually think about Tom as a happy go lucky actor in his movie. In this movie you see him in a new way. His character us heartwarming but also sad in it’s own way too, There are light-hearted moments but also moments where you are brought to the brink of tears. The movie is a drama and you have to keep that in mind to know to not watch for the comedy. You will definitely be drawn in and kept engaged by this character and by the acting of the incomparable Tom Hanks. He pulls off this character and does it with great skill while at the same time being with a great cast as well. While this is a movie that the more seasoned of us can and will appreciate, the movie will also stand the test of time for all adults to watch and appreciate!

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land™ Great Game For All Ages

March 14, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

In Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby is back for a 1-4 player* platforming adventure across Planet Popstar. I have been playing this great game over the past week and have loved it every step of the way.

In the game, float and fight along with friends on the same system as you control Kirby. Each other player can control a different Kirby or one of Kirby’s iconic friends like King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Bandana Waddle Dee.

Join forces to save the day

Take on the adventure alone as Kirby or invite other players to join the game as a different Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight, or Bandana Waddle Dee. You and up to 3 friends can work together to find missing ship pieces in 4-player co-op on the same system.

Team up for powerful Team Attacks

Combine powers with other players by riding piggyback! Just press and release the L or R buttons at the same time for a super-strong Team Attack. Effects will vary based on the number of players and who is on the bottom of the stack.

Play subgames for in-game rewards

Travel from Planet Popstar to the Merry Magoland amusement park! Play a colorful collection of subgames, collect stamps for your stamp rally, and earn in-game prizes. Share the fun with up to 3 friends on the same system.

Hop online* to see global fun facts or compete against player records from all over the world in Samurai Kirby 100.

Mask up at the Souvenir Shop

Talk to Souvenir Shop Waddle Dee to dress up each playable character with fun masks inspired by the Kirby series.

A brand-new story starring Magolor

Alone in a strange dimension and without his powers, Magolor must platform through challenging stages and defeat enemies. You and up to 3 friends can take control of different-colored Magolors for 4-player interdimensional action. Complete the main story to unlock this new adventure!

Power up abilities with Magic Points

Use combo attacks to earn Magic Points to enhance Magolor’s abilities. Get special items to unlock new abilities! Each player receives the same benefits as Magolor’s abilities are leveled up. Master Magolor’s moves and overcome tougher challenges along the way!

My take on the Game

While you may think this game is for children, I will tell you that I found the game to be great for all ages. The game had a ton of great subgames as well as amazing graphics and a fun storyline. I tried out the game as a single player but even more so as a team with some friends and both were equally fun, thought the team play made the game even more enjoyable. I did get to the end of the game and one of the things that was great was that there was an additional chapter after you beat the game with new levels. You play as Magolar who is stripped of all his powers and you have to work to get your powers back. This was a great extra and it added an extra 2 hours or so of game time. One of the other things I liked was that in playing the mini games you are able to earn stamps and then cash in the stamps for masks that can be used on the main levels. All-in-all this was a super fun game for the whole family and I give it two thumbs up!

Eco-Friendly Play. Illuminating the Imagination with Geomag Glow

March 7, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Geomagworld has been innovating with magnets since 1998, introducing young innovators and learners to the creative and imaginative world of magnet-building fun. Through its magnetic rods and steel spheres, Geomagworld has provided a fun, constructive, and educational environment for children to explore the limitless possibilities of magnetism. For 25 years Geomag has created numerous product ranges; from Magicube, Classic Geomag in multiple color ways and themes such as Panels, Supercolor, Glitter, Glow, and for old builders comes Mechanics. One concept, three platforms, all ages!

From building blocks to complex structures, Geomag has something for all ages. All toys are made with the utmost care and respect for the environment. Geomag is committed to reducing its environmental impact. All the company’s products are manufactured in the European Union, Switzerland, with all power used 100% renewably. To ensure their operations didn’t require any fossil fuel energy sources, the company converted their factory to run by hydropower. By doing this, Geomagworld has drastically reduced its carbon footprint and even makes its toys from 100% recycled plastic, meaning no new plastic is created in the process.

Geomag is an excellent tool for independent play and collaborative activities. Regardless of age, kids and adults can explore, experiment and create in a relaxed and interactive environment with magnetic rods and metal spheres. It encourages creativity, engineering capabilities, and problem-solving skills and encourages teamwork as it allows multiple people to collaborate to achieve their desired shape or structure. With its variety of colors and shapes, Geomag allows individuals to explore the different ways that magnets attract or repel each other, a great way to learn about magnetism! Geomag is an excellent tool for developing spatial thinking, practicing fine motor skills as well as providing hours of educational fun.

Geomag toys are STEM.org-certified toys and are perfect for a fun and sustainable learning experience. These educational toys have been carefully reviewed and evaluated to ensure that they meet rigorous standards of quality learning experiences so your children can get the most out of their playtime while learning invaluable skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Geomag Glow range is the perfect educational toy for young children aged 3+. It includes the Geomag Glow 93-Piece Set (339) that stimulates children to explore and create amazing constructions using the power of magnets. Made with 100% recycled plastic and a natural plant-based glow it is certain to inspire creativity and develop problem-solving skills. helping to build a strong understanding of basic science concepts. The Glow rods come to life in the dark, providing an all-around mesmerizing experience for your child. With 93 pieces that connect through the power of magnetism and allow endless construction possibilities, Geomag Glow provides a stimulating and engaging environment. In the Glow range, there are also sets available in various sizes, the (328) 25-piece set, (329) 42-piece set, and the (338) 60-piece set.

All Geomag Glow sets can be added to other Geomag ranges to make even bigger sets. As the range continues to expand, it allows the models, and the children’s achievements, to increase to impressive heights.

The Geomag (328) Glow 25 Piece Set costs $24.99 from Maisonette

The Geomag (329) Glow 42 Piece Set costs $39.99 from Maisonette

The Geomag (338) Glow 60 Piece Set costs £54.99 from Maisonette

The Geomag (339) Glow 93 Piece Set is available at Geomagworld.com

Kirby’s Return to Dream Land™ Deluxe Available for Pre-Order!

February 10, 2023 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

In Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe the tough puff Kirby is back for a 1-4 player* platforming adventure across Planet Popstar. Help Magolor rebuild his ship with newly added Mecha and Sand Copy Abilities!

Float and fight along with friends on the same system as you control Kirby. Each other player can control a different Kirby or one of Kirby’s iconic friends like King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Bandana Waddle Dee.