Boochie Review

marybabysteps — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:27:47 -0700

Boochie is a fun new game from Gamewright. It's based on the Italian game, Bocce, but is so much more fun due to its hilarious twists and turns. The object of the game is to toss your designated ring and ball as close to the Boochie target as possible. The game is for players ages 8 and over and is designed to be played by two to four people.

The fun part comes in when you're given a special challenge by your wrist tracker, that doubles as a scoring device. Challenges can be anything from hopping on one foot while throwing to making sound effects. Every player's wrist tracker contains different challenges, making it even more fun to see what the next command will be..

My family had a blast with Boochie. The directions were easy to understand, and I appreciate that there are no small parts to get lost. The game never got boring, as there was always something new to encounter with the various challenge commands. Even the baby enjoyed watching us make fools of ourselves out in the yard, and I think the neighbors did too!

When we were done playing, cleaning up was a breeze. Everything fits easily right back into the plastic carrying case. It's a great outdoor game for the whole family to get involved with. I think it would work for kids younger than 8 if they have good coordination and reading skills. The directions say it can be played inside or out, as the pieces are soft. Our house isn't big enough for this kind of game, so we're planning to keep it outside, but it is portable and easy enough to take to a friend's house.

Boochie is a very fun game. It's a great way to let off steam and get everybody moving and having a "ball"! I can see why it's won several awards, including the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, the Parenting Media Award, and a Major Fun Award. I totally recommend it for your family. And thank you, Momfluence, for hooking me up with the folks from Gamewright for the chance to review this unique, fun-filled game.

House of Gems Giveaway and Twitter Contest

marybabysteps — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:44:57 -0700

I'm pretty excited about today's contest, brought to you by Momfluence. I've always loved jewelry. What woman doesn't? I'm drawn to the handmade necklaces I see on Etsy, at specialty shops, and at craft fairs, and I always think I'd like to try making something myself. But I've never done it, mostly because I never seem to have the time to start another new venture, but also because I don't really have the money to justify trying something I might not have a knack for.

House of Gems is an online supplier of wholesale beads and jewelry making supplies. I had so much fun exploring their site, just admiring the pretty baubles and beads, thinking of how I'd put them together. I really think I'd like jewelry making. If you're like me, you'll want to enter this contest! House of Gems will be awarding ten readers across the Momfluence network of blogs a bracelet making kit plus $75 in product.

But there's even more! The ten winnners will have the opportunity to submit a photo of their creation for a chance to win $250 worth of free product. You could use that product to start your own jewelry making business or to make some nice presents for friends or loved ones. To enter this contest there are two options:

Option 1 - Visit House of Gems and subscribe to one or more of their feeds. Each feed counts as an entry. Then fill out this form to complete your entry.

Option 2 - Blog about the "Bejeweled Giveaway Contest" on your own site, then submit this form to enter.

You can do any or all combinations of these entries for a chance to win! The contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 years or older and ends Saturday, June 27th at noon EST.

Guess what? There are even more chances to win. This time the prize is an iPhone 3GS! Anyone who tweets with the hashtag #houseofgems between June 22nd and June 27th at noon EST will be entered to win. The winner will be announced at the House of Gems Twitter SiteWarming party on Saturday, June 27th at 9pm EST. The contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 or older, and the winner will be announced at the SiteWarming party.

Let me know if you have any questions about using Twitter, hashtags, or attending SiteWarming parties. And good luck in all of the contests!

Everyday Baby Steps

Boochie Review

House of Gems Giveaway and Twitter Contest