Thank you to Nintendo for sending this game over. All opinions are our own. Affiliate links may be used below.
Clubhouse Games 51 World Wide Classics Review
Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics brings the fun of tabletop games from around the world to the Nintendo Switch. Games like Four-in-a-Row, Texas Hold’em, Chess, Slot Cars, Mancala, and more have made their way into this collection. It's like having a virtual game closet without having to worry about losing pieces or directions.
Each game includes how-to-play instructions and trivia tidbits that are unlocked after you play. Your opponents are an adjustable CPU, your family, friends, or others players from around the world via the online play function.
What we liked most about Nintendo Switch Clubhouse Games 51 World Wide Classics
First and foremost the price. At only $39.99 you're paying less than a dollar per game. Clubhouse gives you more fun for your buck. Who doesn't love a good deal on video games?
You don't have to find space in your house for bulky boxes (that always seem to fall apart) or hunt for pieces when it's time to play. Actually this might be my number one…
Clubhouse is set up for single player all the way up to 4 players per most games. You can play using the Joy-Con controllers, using the touchscreen on the Switch, or with each player using their own system. But another awesome aspect built into the price is if your friends do not have the game they can download the Clubhouse Games guest pass from the Switch eShop. This allows them to play on all local multiplayer games. The only requirement is that at least one of the four players owns the full version of the game.
Each games offers an introduction with a demo of toy people playing to give you a feel for what to expect. After that you can get further directions on how to play, adjust the difficulty of the AI you're playing against in single player, and choose your track, course, rounds, etc.
Speaking of directions, sometimes learning a new game can be a challenge. Or you're playing let's say Checkers with someone and they make a move you don't think is legal. No need to figure out if they can make that triple jump or not. Clubhouse does all of that for you.
Bonus: Zero setup time, no organizing card piles, and basically no cleanup. That's what I call a win-win for family game night.
Buy the must have Clubhouse Games 51 World Wide Classics Game online at Target, Amazon, Nintendo eShop, or other retailers.
Thank you to Funko for sending us the game. All opinions are our own. Affiliate links below.
Something Wild Game Review
Something Wild puts a new twist on family game nights with six different Disney-themed sets featuring adorable figures of our favorite characters. The more sets you collect the more fun there is to be had by the whole fam!
This isn't your typical set-making card game. Power cards add in a fun twist as do the Pops which aren't just adorable they can help you win the game too. Play numbered and colored character cards to make sets and runs. Score a set to snag the character figure's special power. The first player to score three powers wins the game.
The Disney kid in me loves that the game cards feature a ton of my favorite Disney characters including including Princess Jasmine, Donald Duck, Buzz Lightyear, and Minnie Mouse. And as a collector of all things Funko, these figurines have the same attention to detail as the large Pops.
The game is simple to set up and the directions easy to follow. Rounds can end quickly or go on for a bit, depending on your luck. We've finished a round in as little as 5 minutes while others lasted 15. Either way, we had a lot of laughs and some quality family time. Win-win!
We have had a lot of fun playing this game already, adding in the second deck just made it sweeter. Currently I am the reigning champion but the kids are determined to oust me next game night. Good luck kiddos, this mama plays to win!
Where to buy Something Wild from Funko Games
The all-new Something Wild is available to buy at Target, Amazon, and other major retailers.
Something Wild is recommend for ages 6+ and allows for up to 4 players per game. Pop figures and decks available right now include: Ariel, Woody, Mickey Mouse, Maleficent, Genie, and Jack Skellington.
Calling all demigods and mortals, it's time to kick your Summer reading into gear with The Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan! This latest series featuring Greek gods, demigods, and a mortal named Lester has it all: action, comedy, suspense, and poetry. We are sharing all about the series including what to expect in the highly anticipated fifth book, along with ways to create Camp Half-Blood at home.
This post is sponsored by Disney Book Group for some epic summer camp fun and The Trials of Apollo Giveaway. All opinions are my own.
The Trials of Apollo
The Trials of Apollo series is the latest installment in the world of demigods from author Rick Riordan. Unlike the other books though, this time Apollo, the arrogant god has been turned into a mere mortal. Apollo aka Lester Papadopoulos is tasked with restoring the five ancient Oracles and battle a triumvirate of evil Roman emperors in order to regain his place in Mount Olympus.
Apollo narrates his adventures with Meg and other familiar faces from Camp Half-Blood. He likes to begin each chapter with a poorly written poem, because he lost his godly writing abilities when he became human. Although he maintained his sense of humor, he does get knocked off his high horse once or a million times. You're human Apollo, things are going to be different buddy!
If your children are fans of Rick's previous series like Percy Jackson and the Olympians they will love this one. Just like the other demigod books the action starts almost immediately in Book 1: The Hidden Oracle. From there all the way to Book 4: The Tyrant's Tomb, you are in for a ride.
What about those who have already dived in and are adventuring with Apollo? Summer is the perfect time to read the series again in preparation for the final book: The Tower of Nero, which releases this October! My kids and I are so excited to see how it ends and if Apollo can pull off this impossible mission.
Complete The Trials of Apollo Series Order:
- The Hidden Oracle
- The Dark Prophecy
- The Burning Maze
- The Tyrant’s Tomb
- The Tower of Nero (coming October 6, 2020 pre-order now)
Discover more about the world of Apollo and Rick Riordan's other books at ReadRiordan.com.
Why We Love The Trials of Apollo
Did I mention we are back in the world of demigods and mythological creatures? The action, the educational moments, the fun, what's not to love? Like I said above, this time things are a little different. Apollo/Lester is just like you and me: a mortal with no godly powers and a bad driver's license picture.
Kids will see themselves in Lester, Meg, and the others. They can relate to their struggles to fit in, trying their best, and trying not to get eaten by monsters along the way. I've also always enjoyed the fact that these books are diverse. Representation matters and Rick includes characters from all kinds of backgrounds and situations. My kids, your kids, and kids all over the world can see themselves represented in these books with heroes and heroines that are just like them.
Camp Half-Blood At Home
We all wish we could visit Camp Half-Blood. Since there are no gryphons or city buses to take us there, why not bring Camp Half-Blood home? Create your own Trials of Apollo right in your backyard!
It's easy to set up these trials using inexpensive items you have lying around or found at your local discount store. For this version of Camp Half-Blood, you need the following materials:
- Hula Hoops
- Jump Ropes
- Cones
- Hopper Balls
- *If your children like to ride bikes, skateboards, or have access to a pool, feel free to add in more activities. Then you can sit back knowing you have the best at-home Camp Half-Blood on the block.
For our Camp Half-Blood at home, I set up several areas for the kids to train like a Demigod. First up is a racing course to test for speed. You need to be fast to outrun giants.
Then it is onto the hopper balls. This helps build up leg strength while squatting in case of monstrous tomb explorations. Hey you never know what is waiting for you around the corner from your house!
Hula Hoops. Dance-offs could totally be a thing against some of those undead Roman army guys. Just saying!
Finally jumping rope. This is a practical skill for learning how to time your jumps over lava or holes in the ground. At Camp Half-Blood at home we have to prepare for everything right?
When the training ends, the reading begins. Relax around the campfire, no sacrifices to godly parents necessary, and enjoy your favorite treats while getting lost in The Trials of Apollo series. Now is the perfect time to catch up or refresh your memory before Book 5: The Tower of Nero hits shelves October 6, 2020!
The Tower of Nero
Will the Greek god Apollo, cast down to earth in the pathetic moral form of a teenager named Lester Papadopoulos, finally regain his place on Mount Olympus? Lester's demigod friends at Camp Jupiter just helped him survive attacks from bloodthirsty ghouls, an evil Roman king and his army of the undead, and the lethal emperors Caligula and Commodus. Now the former god and his demigod master Meg must follow a prophecy uncovered by Ella the harpy.
Lester's final challenge will be at the Tower of Nero, back in New York. Will Meg have a last showdown with her father? Will this helpless form of Apollo have to face his arch nemesis, Python? Who will be on hand at Camp Half-Blood to assist? These questions and more will be answered in this book that all demigods are eagerly awaiting.
Summer Reading Bingo Free Printable
Take Apollo, Meg, and their friends with you all summer long. Challenge your Demigods and mortals alike with this Summer Reading Bingo! I suggest as a prize, picking up more Rick Riordan books. See the complete list here: ReadRiordan.com.
Download your Summer Reading Bingo now!
The Trials of Apollo Giveaway
To help kick-off your child's summer reading adventures, enter for a chance to win The Trials of Apollo Books plus official Camp Half-Blood merchandise! The winner will receive 4 books in The Trials of Apollo series, plus Camp Half-Blood swag including a drawstring backpack, t-shirt, hat, and decal.
*Open to US residents only
Raise your hand if you have ever attempted a home renovation project. Now keep your hand up if things did not go as planned. Throw kids into the mix and you know all about the mayhem we went through when redoing our kitchen.
As intense as home stuff can be, at least the whole family can laugh about it when it is over. And laugh you will when you pick up the latest from Jeff Kinney. I’ve partnered with ABRAMS Books to share our home improvement story, as well as to tell you about the latest in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid #14: Wrecking Ball
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball is about what happens when an unexpected inheritance gives Greg Heffley’s family a chance to make big changes to their house. But they soon find that home improvement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Once the walls come down, all sorts of problems start to crop up. (Been there before.)
Rotten wood, toxic mold, unwelcome critters, and something even more sinister all make Greg and his family wonder if the renovations are worth the trouble. When the dust finally settles, will the Heffleys be able to stay or will they need to get out of town?
If you have gone through home renovations like we have, you can appreciate the craziness that ensues in Wrecking Ball. My kids cracked up remembering how hectic it was in our house when we replaced the kitchen countertops. Ah fun times… yes, so glad that's over.
Why We Love Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball
Just like the rest of the Wimpy Kid series, this one blends the story with funny illustrations that help readers connect to Greg and his family. The kids love this one, they have read it a few times already. I think it has to do with the fact that they can relate to what Greg is going through with his parents' home renovations.
For me, I enjoy reading these books with them, cracking up at everything that goes on. In Wrecking Ball, Greg's family reminded me of the Griswolds and their misadventures. And if you know who I am talking about, then you know why I was laughing.
Wrecking Ball also called to mind the surprises one will discover when you start doing things around the house. Remember those countertops I mentioned? Well, we pulled off one splashguard and look what we found.
Thankfully, that awful dark stuff was not mold or mildew, it was just dirt. So, after some scraping and spraying I repainted the wall and replaced the splashguard. Greg's parents weren't so lucky, but I don't want to give anything away! You just have to read it!
3 Ways To Get The Kids Involved In Home Renovation
1. Ask their opinions
This might be shocking to you, but brace yourself, kids have a lot of opinions. Even when you think they might not care, they do. Most of the time, they just want to be involved with whatever you are doing. When it comes to home projects, I guarantee they have something to say about them.
Our next big project is the upstairs. We want to tear up the carpet, put down hardwood, and redecorate their rooms. I asked the kids how they would design their rooms if they had the opportunity and nothing was out of bounds. Boy do they dream big!
He was all about his cars while my daughter wanted a castle. While putting a giant triple loop track in my son's room won't happen, we will make sure we design a “car themed” space. It will make him happy and he will know that that was his idea. Still trying to figure out the whole castle thing. The bottom line is, take their ideas and do something with them.
2. Take them to get supplies
We are all about DIYing over here. It saves money and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Doing things yourself means you need to gather supplies.
My son loves going to home improvement stores. He wants to help pick out paint brushes, get the paint mixed up, and he doesn't mind when we have to go back 3 more times because we forgot something. Not only is it fun for him but it gives us time together.
These small little memories are things kids will hold onto as they get older. Trust me. I still remember helping my grandfather work in the garage, fixing up the old tractor. That memory brings a smile to my face every single time. Priceless.
3. Let them help
Now, I am not advising you let them handle power tools, saws, or anything else extremely dangerous. I do not even like using those things! However, in every home project there is something they can do.
It could be as simple as picking up the trash or more detailed like painting the walls. I'm telling you, let them do the baseboards, it will save your knees and back!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball is available now wherever books are sold!
Thank you to Hasbro for sending these over. All opinions are our own. Affiliate links in use.
Must Have Frozen 2 Dolls
Frozen 2 means new dolls, games, playsets, and fun! Plus with characters like Honeymaren, Mattias, and Nokk joining the group, Frozen fans have more toys than ever before and that is not a bad thing. My kids are both big Frozen fans and could not wait to open everything. Just look at how cute my Olaf is with the one from the Sledding Adventures pack!
Related: Meet The New Frozen 2 Characters
Right out of the box, my daughter could not wait to play with Elsa, Anna, and Nokk. Singing Elsa belts out her new power ballad “Into the Unknown” while Anna sings “The Next Right Thing.” Nokk does not sing but he is the coolest water spirit ever according to my kid. I will report back on how cool he is once we see the film.
I am digging her leggings/pants here, it reminds me of the Ralph Breaks The Internet Comfy Princesses. It looks like Elsa took the knowledge of yoga pants back to her kingdom. And if a Queen can rock them to freeze water and stuff then I can wear them to run to Target.
Speaking of Elsa and Anna, there are a variety of doll options to choose from. You can get them in their Arendelle fashions, sister styles, adventure collection, and more. It might be hard to pick just one or three.
When I was a kid, I would want one of each to properly act out every scene. Pretty sure I passed that sentiment onto my kids based on their negotiation tactics for new toys.
Sure Hasbro sent these for my kids and yeah they sell them in the kids' section of the store but, no lie, I wanted to keep the sleigh and Sven (my fave) for myself. I got vetoed though. Whatever. See if I share any of my hot chocolate with them next movie night…
Okay fine this smile right here makes it worthwhile to give up the sleigh to my son. At least he promised to give me some turns with Sven the next time we play Frozen 2 together.
Here is our complete list of new Frozen 2 dolls and playsets with handy links for all those parents getting a jump on gift buying. Trust me, these will be selling out. Remember how the Frozen craze was last time around? It is about to level up!
- Frozen 2 Singing Elsa Doll
- Frozen 2 Singing Anna Doll
- Anna Sister Styles Doll
- Anna Arendelle Fashions Doll
- Elsa Arendelle Fashions Doll
- Frozen 2 Mattias Doll
- Elsa and Nokk
- Sledding Adventures Doll Pack
- Frozen Adventure Collection
- Frozen 2 Family Set
- Frozen Pop Adventures Elsa's Bedroom
- Frozen 2 Honeymaren
- Frozen 2 Pop Adventures Series 1 Surprise Blind Box
Frozen 2 Games
Not only are there dolls for days, but Hasbro has also released some excited new games and toys to go along with the movie. Gather the family for game night and play Frozen 2 Monopoly, Frozen 2 Trouble Olaf's Ice Adventure, or Olaf Bop It. Not to brag but I'm currently winning at the Bop It game.
Get creative with the Play-Doh Mysteries Frozen 2 Snow Globe Playset like ours or one of the other fun Play-Doh kits. That magical fountain set looks super cute by the way.
Where Can I Buy Frozen 2 Dolls and Games?
Whether they just want Singing Elsa, Sister Styles Anna, Mattias, or all of the characters, these new Frozen 2 dolls and games are going to be on every wish list, toy guide, and top picks list this year. You can find all these amazing Frozen 2 dolls and games on Amazon and Hasbro.com
Unboxing the NEW Frozen 2 Dolls and Toys
To see each toy up close and find out who was hiding in those super, awesome blind boxes watch our unboxing video.
