Hitting Your Fitness Goals: Steering Clear Of Injury

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You’re about to set sail on the treacherous but thrilling seas of fitness, where the waves are high, and the risk of pulling something you can’t pronounce is real. But do not fear! This trusty guide is here to help you navigate these waters with a smile on your face and all your ligaments intact.

Via Pexels

Warm-Up: The True Secret To Success

Let’s talk warm-ups. They’re not just the boring prelude to your workout symphony; they’re the essential first notes that set the tone. Skipping a warm-up is like ignoring the instruction manual – sure, you can dive straight in, but you’ll probably end up wasting your time and having to revert back to it when you’re on the edge of throwing the parts out the window. Warm those muscles up; they deserve a heads-up that they’re about to lift more than just your body weight.

Weightlifting: Ego Down, Weights Up

In the world of lifting, more does not always mean merrier. It’s about finesse, not just brute force. Lifting weights heavier than your monthly grocery bags without proper form is like trying to cook a gourmet meal without knowing what sauté means – it’s a recipe for disaster (and possibly a very sore back).

The Art Of Running: Not All Who Wander Are Lost, But Some Are Just Running

Running is like poetry in motion, except sweatier and less romantic. It’s not about sprinting like you’re in a horror movie chase scene. It’s about finding your rhythm and sticking to it. Remember, the only thing you’re racing against is yesterday’s you (and maybe that overeager neighborhood jogger).

Cool-Down Stretching: Your Body’s Favorite Go-To

Imagine your body as a high-performance vehicle – you’ve just revved it up and taken it for an exhilarating spin. Now, it’s time for the cool-down. This is where stretching comes into play. It’s a way of telling them, “Great job, team, now let’s ease back into normalcy.” These stretches are your body’s favorite go-to because they gently guide your muscles back from the land of exertion to a state of calm and balance. They reduce muscle stiffness, increase flexibility, and can even be a meditative moment to reflect on your workout achievements. 

Rest Days: Like Skipping Stones, Not Workouts

Ah, rest days – the golden egg of any fitness regime. They’re not lazy days; they’re strategic recharge sessions. A rest day doesn’t mean you need to become a couch potato, but just take it easy. Go for a long, relaxing sunset walk, or do some basic stretching in front of the fireplace. Rest, recover, and relish in the fact that sometimes, doing nothing over the top is doing something for your body.

Breathing Easy: The Unexpected Player

Let’s dive into something not often talked about – Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Sounds futuristic, right? It’s a method where athletes, celebs, and people, like you and me, breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to speed recovery. Think of it as a sci-fi approach to getting your body back in the game faster. Not a staple, but definitely a fascinating piece in the puzzle of sports science.

The Finish Line: A Balanced Approach To Fitness

So, as you lace up your sneakers and ready yourself for the fitness fray, remember this: balance is your best friend. Mix up your routines, listen to your body, and don’t forget to chuckle at the absurdity of it all sometimes. Fitness is a journey filled with ups, downs, and the occasional unexpected missile pigeon.

Tips for Choosing a Great Hotel for Your Vacation

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Photo by Pixabay

 

When you’re getting ready to head out on vacation it’s an exciting time. There’s a lot you’re going to have to think about and one of the most important considerations is where you’re going to stay. Selecting a hotel comes with a lot of stress for many people. 

 

There are so many hotels out there to choose from it can all get very confusing. This is especially true if you are visiting a large city. If you want to make sure that you have a nice room to sleep in and a comfy bed to spread out on, you are ready to learn all the tips below to make sure that you choose a perfect home away from home.

 

Know What You Want

 

One of the first steps in the entire process is to make sure that you know what you want. Choosing the best hotel is all about understanding your priorities. 

 

Do you want to be near all the exciting adventures and activities that a major metropolitan city has to offer? Or do you prefer to vacation in a more off-the-gridoff-the-grid spot? 

 

You need to make sure that you know exactly what your aim is and the goal of your vacation so that you can choose the right hotel. For example, do you want the luxuries of Port Aransas Resorts or a small villa-like hotel? It is up to you.

 

Become a Detective

 

You must make sure that you’re doing your research early and effectively. Dig deep like any inspector would and find out as much as you can about any hotel that you are interested in. 

 

These days that is pretty easy to do. All you have to do is make sure that you go online and read the reviews. 

 

Be sure to read some of the negative ones as well, since they will tell you of the issues you may encounter. Bear in mind though that just because there are a few bad reviews doesn’t mean that you should write a hotel off. 

 

Some people cannot be pleased and they leave bad reviews for no real reason. If most of the reviews are positive your hotel is a winner. 

 

Check Your Wallet

 

A big consideration when selecting a hotel is your budget. Make sure you know exactly how much you can afford and never go beyond it. 

 

You don’t want to toss all your coins into a hotel and completely break your piggy bank when you have so much you need to do on vacation. You’re going to need a lot of money for all the experiences that you are going to have.

 

Make sure you don’t squander all your cash on the accommodations.

 

You should have a very clear picture of what you want if you use the tips discussed. They are a great foundation for you on your journey of selecting the right hotel for you. 

 

Take your time on this and try not to be in a hurry. This is an important decision that could make or break your vacation so don’t be speedy, slow down and take your time. By making sure that you leave no stone unturned, you’re more likely to make happy choices.

Giveaway Rubble & Crew DVD

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GET TO KNOW RUBBLE AND HIS TRUSTY CREW IN THE NEW DVD ADVENTURE!

RUBBLE & CREW
 

 

Available on DVD Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023
 

 


LOS ANGELES– November 27, 2023 – Join Rubble and his family of construction pups as they help expand the growing town of Builder Cove in the all-new DVD Rubble & Crew! Gear up with Rubble and his crew as they build an ice cream shop, a big bike shop in time for the town’s Bike Festival, a fun playground and more! There’s nothing Rubble & Crew can’t build without the right construction equipment!

Rubble & Crew will be available on DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, for the suggested retail price of $10.99.

Rubble & Crew episodes:

  • The Crew Builds a Bridge
  • The Crew Builds a Big Bike Shop / The Crew Builds a Super Tub
  • The Crew Builds an Ice Cream Shop / The Crew Fixes a Squeak
  • The Crew Builds a Playground / The Crew Fixes a Roof
  • The Crew Builds a Car Wash / The Crew Plans Grandpa Day
  • The Crew Builds a Skate Park / The Crew Builds a Tunnel

Rubble & Crew synopsis:
Set in the community of Builder Cove, a neighboring town to PAW Patrol’s Adventure Bay, Rubble & Crew centers on Rubble, the funny and optimistic leader of the construction crew. In the small, quickly growing town, lots of things are still needed for the community to come together, including a bigger airport, train station, bridges, tunnels, schools, fire stations, parks and more. Rubble and his construction pup family–his pup cousins Mix, Wheeler, Charger, Motor, along with Grandpa Gravel and Auntie Crane–must work together to tackle and build all the projects the town needs.

Rubble & Crew fast facts:
Street Date: December 5, 2023
Catalog: 191329256398 (US)
Audio: Dolby Digital English 5.1
US Rating: Not Rated
US M.S.R.P.: $10.99

GIVEAWAY 
Two winners will receive Rubble & Crew DVD. Open to US 18 and older

All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before the start date of this contest is not eligible to win a prize in this contest. Entrants who have created social accounts purely to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public.

The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void were prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please

Giveaway TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM

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We got Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles free in exchange for an honest post all opinions are our own.

      TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM
arrives on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook™, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD on December 12

 

OMG this brings back such great memories,  I remember as a kid running to watch this every week.  Now I can’t wait to watch it with my son.

 

Shell-ebrate the holidays with the wildly entertaining and action-packed hit TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM, arriving on 4K Ultra HD SteelBook™, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD just in time for gift-giving on December 12, 2023 from Paramount Home Entertainment!

Certified Fresh with a 96% critic score* on Rotten Tomatoes® and acclaimed by both audiences and critics alike, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM delivers a fresh and fun-filled adventure that the whole family can enjoy together.

The 4K Ultra HD SteelBook, 4K Ultra HD, and Blu-ray™ releases include over 40 minutes of bonus content so fans can delve deeper into the making of the hilarious and original movie.  Join the young new voice cast as they explore the “teen” in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, then go behind-the-scenes with the all-star voice cast, including Jackie Chan, Ice Cube, and many more! Explore the film’s unique animation style, plus learn to draw the leader of the Ninja Turtles, Leonardo.  Bonus content is detailed below:

• TEENage Mutant Ninja Turtles— For the first time the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are voiced by actual teenagers! Hear how each Turtle was cast and how having all four boys record together helped create the authentic camaraderie seen on screen.

• The Mutant Uprising— Get to know the Turtles’ mutant antagonists, led by the wild and original character Superfly, voiced by Ice Cube.

• New York, New York: The Visual World of MUTANT MAYHEM— Take a deep dive into the breakthrough visual style of the film’s characters and environments and how they evolved over time.

• Learn to Draw Leo—Try your hand at drawing the Turtle leader with this fun tutorial!

Synopsis
After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Two winners will receive TMNT Mutant Mayhem DVD (RV $19.96)

All entries will be verified—only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before the start date of this contest is not eligible to win a prize in this contest. Entrants who have created social accounts purely to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public.

&nbsp

 

 

The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void were prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please

Looking After The Health Of Your Family Doesn’t Have To Be A Nightmare

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Looking after the health of your family doesn’t have to be a nightmare. We know that some people really struggle with this, especially if there are health conditions within the family, but you have just got to try your best. The more effort that you put into this, and the more consistent you stay, the easier it will become over time. Eventually, your family will just adopt these healthy habits, and it will be easier than trying to force the issue. But to get to this stage, you’ve got to get started. That’s what we’re going to be looking at in this article, so if you are interested you can read more!

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Eat Meals Together

 

The first thing that we are going to suggest is that you eat your meals together. Of course you are not always going to be able to eat every single meal together as you all have different obligations, but you should at least try to eat your evening meal as a family. This ensures that you are able to control what they eat for one meal, making sure that they are getting a balanced diet in this respect. While it won’t work for every single day, it’s a good place to start and a good goal to have.

 

This is also important for family bonding and socializing. You don’t understand just how important it is to spend time with your family, especially when you’re on the go all of the time. But, making time to sit and talk, and eat is going to do wonders for the bond that your family has.

 

Complete Family Exercise

 

The next thing that we’re going to recommend is that you complete some sort of family exercise on a regular basis. This might mean going for a walk in the park, it might mean that you go hiking on the weekends, do yoga together in the living room or whatever else you can think of. Encouraging your whole family to be active is massively important, and you need to lead by example.

 

We know that it can be tough to get into the swing of things with this, but you just need to remain consistent. If you have kids, the earlier that you implement this, the easier it’s going to be to get them to accept it. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not trying to say that your kids need to complete strenuous workouts, but they do need to be as active as possible. Ask them what kind of activities they might like to do, and see what they come up with. Incorporating their ideas is going to go a long way to getting them to participate. 

 

See The Relevant Professionals Regularly

 

You should be seeing your doctor once per year as an adult, and once every six months as a child. This is so that they can check you over, go through anything that might bothering you, and generally make sure that you are fit and healthy. Some people aren’t a massive fan of doing this, but it’s got to be done. It’s in the best interests of your family to get checked by a doctor just to be on the safe side. If there is something wrong, the earlier you catch it, the better.

 

But, it’s not just the doctor that you need to see. Other professionals like those who specialize in orthodontics like dentists and orthodontists are important as well. Taking care of all aspects of health is important, and the sooner that you commit to this, the better.

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Open And Honest Communication

 

Finally, when it comes to the health of your family it is better to be open and honest with each other. If you think something may be wrong or you have a confirmed diagnosis then talk to your family about it. You may need an extra hand with things around the house so confiding in your family might be the best thing for you. If you have children then the same goes for them, they may have a lot of questions regarding an illness or trips to the doctors. Answer their questions appropriately the best you can. Remember, to base your answers on the age and stage of the child. There may be some things that even you as a parent don’t understand, try not to make stuff up. 

 

Hopefully you have found this article helpful, and now have a better understanding of why looking after the health of your family doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Just remain consistency, because it’s consistency is the key.

5 Reasons Your Man Might Be Running On Low Battery

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Have you noticed your guy isn’t quite his usual energetic self these days? You’re definitely not alone. Many men go through times when their energy just seems to hit rock bottom. Understanding why this happens can be super helpful in supporting them to find their spark again. Let’s chat about five common reasons for this energy slump.

Via Pexels

Stress: The Invisible Energy Zapper

First up, let’s talk about stress. It’s more than just a buzzword; stress can really drain a person’s energy. It could be work stress, money worries, or personal stuff. It’s not always easy for guys to open up about what’s bugging them, so creating a space where he feels comfortable sharing can be a real game-changer.

Sleep Quality: It’s Not Just About Counting Sheep

Good sleep is like a superpower, but it’s not just about how long he sleeps; it’s about how well he sleeps. Is he staying up late scrolling through his phone? Maybe he’s worried about something that keeps him up? A good night’s rest is crucial for energy, so how about encouraging a bedtime routine? Think cozy room, maybe a book instead of a screen, and a nice, relaxing atmosphere. It’s all about creating the right environment for quality sleep hours.

Diet And Hydration: What’s On His Plate Matters

Ever heard of the saying, “You are what you eat”? It’s surprisingly true when it comes to energy. If he’s munching on junk food and downing coffee like water, it’s no wonder he’s experiencing energy crashes. Encourage a diet rich in fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods release energy slowly, unlike sugary snacks that give a quick high followed by a crash. And let’s not forget water – staying hydrated is key. Maybe get him a cool water bottle that he can carry around?

Exercise: A Little Goes A Long Way

Exercise might be the last thing on his mind if he’s feeling sluggish, but it’s actually a fantastic energy booster. We’re not talking heavy gym sessions – even light, regular activities like walking, cycling, or swimming can help. Exercise releases endorphins (those feel-good hormones), and it’s great for overall health. Plus, it can be a fun thing for both of you to do together. How about a weekend hike or a post-dinner walk?

Hormonal Imbalances: More Common Than You Think

Did you know that hormonal imbalances, like low testosterone, can really mess with energy levels? If he’s constantly tired, it might be worth looking into. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be a game-changer for some guys. It’s something that can be easily explored with professional help, even online! Once you’ve spoken to your doctor about it, you can get online TRT here. It might be the solution to your problems.

If your man is feeling a bit low on energy, there’s plenty you can do to help. From encouraging him to open up about stress, to tweaking his diet, and even exploring medical options like TRT, you’ve got lots of tools at your disposal. Remember, it’s about being there for him and tackling this together as a team.

6 Ways You Can Improve Your Health Today

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Not everyone likes to make New Year’s resolutions, and that’s ok. Just because a new year starts doesn’t automatically mean you must declare a new you and then proceed to embark on changing who you are.

 

But if you are looking to make some changes in your life, the little things will add up and make all the difference, not the big sweeping gestures that are unrealistic for you and your lifestyle.

 

This post looks at some changes you can make that offer you health benefits going into 2024. You can start today, not wait for the ball to drop on New Year’s Eve.

 

Move More

Don’t join the swathes of people who sign up for that gym membership they don’t want or need simply because they feel they need to. Get up, get out, and go for a walk, or add more movement to your day if you cannot walk. 

 

Guidelines state that you need to engage in physical activity that raises your heart rate slightly for 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week. These 30 minutes don’t need to be together or all at once, but you should aim to move enough to get slightly out of breath for at least 30 minutes each day.

 

This can be walking, running, swimming, dancing, gardening, or anything else you enjoy. If you can’t be too physically active, look into chair-based exercises, aqua aerobics, or gentle stretches to keep your muscles moving and mobile.

 

Visit Your Doctor

Health comes in many different ways, and part of ensuring good health is visiting your doctor at least yearly to get your annual physical. This allows your doctor to get a measure of your health and fitness. And it also gives you the opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have, such as aches, pains, lump bumps, or changes to your health. Whether you need to book in for hip replacement surgery to reduce hip pain and restore full mobility, or you need to discuss mental health concerns you might have.

 

You will likely feel better getting your health concerns checked out, and it can be a weight off your mind, giving you the freedom to move forward.

 

Practice Self Care

Self-care allows you the opportunity to put yourself first, even if it’s just for a short period of time. Burnout is a real issue in the US right now, and since the pandemic, more people have been suffering the effects of burnout than ever before. To stop this in its tracks and enable you to support your health, you should be looking at ways to include self-care in your daily routine or every week.

 

Self-care can be absolutely anything and everything that boosts your mental health and gives you an outlet to do something beneficial to yourself. It can be turning off your phone and having a digital detox for a few hours or even days. It could be diving into that new book you have been wanting to read, heading off to the cinema to catch the latest release, or hitting the gym to clear your mind. Self-care looks different to different people, but effective self-care means doing something for yourself that nourishes your body and your mind and helps you to feel good about yourself.

 

Improve your Sleep

If you aren’t getting good quality sleep, then your health will suffer, and your energy levels will be flagging. Your body needs sleep to help it process the day’s events and repair itself, ready to take on the following day on. A lack of sleep means that your body isn’t able to recuperate and support you how you need it to.

 

Aim to get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, remove electronics from the bedroom, avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine before bed, and create a sleeping atmosphere that encourages sleep to help you relax and wind down each night. Use sleeping aids such as lavender, chamomile, melatonin, valerian root, and magnesium.

 

Quit Bad Habits

If you start today in rectifying and eliminating bad habits from your life, then you already have a head start come New Year. Bad habits that are harmful to your health include;

 

  • smoking,
  • excessive alcohol consumption,
  • taking illicit or prescription substances, or
  • engaging in illegal or dangerous behavior.

 

Look at what aspects of your life and habits that you don’t like and want to stop and address when and why you engage in them. When you identify your triggers or patterns to your behavior, you can look at how you can start stopping your reliance on them. Talk to someone about the changes you want to make and get them on board and supportive to help you through this time. Talk to your doctor or get professional help if you think you need it and give yourself small incremental goals to work towards and incentives to get there. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and quitting bad habits will take time, dedication, and determination from where you are to where you want to be.

 

Get Social

Being social is part and parcel of being human, and social contact is something most people instinctively crave. Isolating yourself can help to impound your worries and build stress, so get out and connect with others who are on the same wavelength as you and can help to boost your mental health.

 

You can talk to family and friends more, join in-person or online groups and classes, volunteer at your local community center or charitable organizations, or make a point to get outside more and engage in social activities in your local area. Doing this can help you find something you enjoy and find others to connect with thanks to a shared common interest.

 

Improving your health can be done in many different ways and doesn’t need to be put off until January 1st. Make a list of the changes you want to make and start today. Be it getting those niggling health concerns checked out, improving your diet, fitness levels, or sleep, or simply vowing to be more socially active, commit to it, do it, and reap the benefits now.

 

What To Do When Your Acne Won’t Clear

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Acne affects 85% of young adults. Admittedly, struggling with persistent acne issues can be frustrating, especially when you’ve tried all you can. Sometimes, the blemishes reappear, which can diminish your self-esteem. However, the last thing you want to do is give up. If left untreated, it can leave permanent scars on your skin. Thankfully, you can try several effective solutions even if your acne situation looks like it won’t clear. Here are some of those solutions. 

  • Give your new treatment at least 4 weeks to work

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Understandably, you’re getting impatient with treatments that don’t seem to work, but that could be the problem. Many people give up on treatment after a few days or weeks when they don’t see any improvement. As a result, they end up using one treatment product after another every few days, but studies show that this approach can worsen your acne and cause skin irritation. Anytime you try a new treatment product, give it at least four weeks to work before deciding if it’s not worth your time. If a treatment solution is good for you, you should notice some improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. Some can even take 3 months or more to see the effects. 

  • Treat the different causes

 

Focusing only on the symptom might not help when the underlying causes are still present. Hormonal changes, genetics, bacterial infections, dietary factors, stress, and some cosmetic products are major culprits. What treatment method to use will depend on the underlying cause. For example, you can try hormone balance supplements if your hormones aren’t in sync and are causing your acne. Of course, it’s best to speak with a dermatologist or your doctor before trying out any solution. 

  • Manage your stress levels

 

Studies have identified a strong connection between stress and stubborn breakouts. In other words, the more stressed you are daily, the more acne issues you’ll have, and the more challenging it will be to get rid of them. This is because it triggers hormonal changes and weakens your skin’s immune function. Also, the stress hormone cortisol, released by the body, can worsen an acne breakout. So, if you have a stressful daily life, find ways to ease the burden on your mind and relax. You should notice a significant improvement in your acne situation when you combine stress management with an effective acne medication. 

  • Wash your face twice a day, and after sweating

Image credit 

 

Sweat is your number one enemy if you’re struggling with acne, as it can keep the acne-causing bacteria in place. As if that’s not enough, sweat (particularly when combined with heat and friction) can clog your pores, leading to new breakouts while worsening the old ones. Therefore, make it a point to wash your face at least twice daily and after sweating to help clear stubborn acne breakouts. For better results, do this as soon as you wake up in the morning when you’re ready to jump into bed, and whenever you sweat. 

 

Enter to win Storytime Backgammon

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Learn Backgammon 

 

At As Young As THREE Years Old!

 

Story Time Learning, the company best known for the smash hit Story Time Chess, is poised to take over the board game aisle once again with the launch of Story Time Backgammon! Backgammon is my absolute favorite game to play. I can’t even tell you how many competitions I’ve had over the years with my husband and son. It is easy and fun to play, is challenging and and teaches strategy and comprehensive thinking skills. 

 

Much like Story Time Chess, Story Time Backgammon utilizes a unique cast of characters and fun interactive stories to explain gameplay. This story-methodology helps kids (and adults) learn the game while adding a new layer of fun and excitement to the overall gameplay.  

 

Story Time Backgammon tells the tale of a Viking chieftain, Chompus the Great, and a swashbuckling pirate, Peglegra the Bold. Aided by magical dice and their animal companions, Wind and Wave, Chompus and Peglegra race their ships from dock to dock in search of treasure and glory!  

 

Story Time Backgammon

Story Time Backgammon tells the tale of a Viking chieftain, Chompus the Great, and a swashbuckling pirate, Peglegra the Bold. Aided by magical dice and their animal companions, Wind and Wave, Chompus and Peglegra race their ships from dock to dock in search of treasure and glory!  Ages 3+, MSRP: $39.99, Available mid-November on storytimelearning.com and Amazon (Affiliate link. As an Amazon affiliate, I receive a small incentive one purchase is made using my link.) Makes a great gift!

 

 



GIVEAWAY 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Enter for your chance to win a Storytime Backgammon set. (RV $39.99) open to US only 18 and older. Giveaway ends 11.25.23 no purchase necessary to enter.

 

only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. Any person who has won a prize (or whose household has won a prize) in any promotion sponsored by the Sponsor in the past thirty (30) days before this contest start date is not eligible to win a prize in this contest. Entrants who have created social accounts purely to enter Competitions or Sweepstakes will not be eligible to win. All social accounts used must be public. The winner will be chosen randomly and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 48 hours before a new winner is chosen. Void were prohibited by law. One person entering per household, please

 

Holiday TOY Guide 2023

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Snuggle Puppy Hero

Not just pet’s but also people. For over 25 years, Snuggle Puppy® has been the go-to, all natural answer for your anxious pet. Snuggle Puppy HERO® is now landing – ready to give comforting hugs to people, too! Our exclusive Real-Feel Heartbeat® is what makes all the difference.

 

GooToobz and DoodleJamz

The new GooToobz Sips and GooToobz Gamers are a line of transparent, sensory tubes filled with a satisfying mix of goo, glitter and beads – super on trend! GooToobz Sips are designed to look just like favorite trending drinks like Bubble Tea, Milk Shake and fizzy Soda Pop! GooToobz Gamers are designed to replicate classic video game controllers. Both are available on Amazon!

Palm Pals

Perfection in the palm of your hand, Palm Pals are wee-sized plushies eager to make your acquaintance. With a variety of collection groups to pick from, watch as your Palm Pals collection grows with crazy cute characters. Collect them all to see each of their personalities shine and see which one will be your next favorite.

 

NeeDoh

We have been huge fans of NeeDoh for awhile now.  I am always looking for great fidget toys for my little guy and I love that no matter how many times we drop, squeeze, and play with these they have never popped on us.  They are a great toy to keep around the house for when its getting a little too much for little guy.  He can just grab one an play with it to calm down.

MagiCube

 

My son loves these.  We have been buying him sets for a few years now and I always find him playing with them.  He loves to build different things and even uses them when we are learning math.  These are not only a fun toys for kids but a great learning tool. What started out as the Original Magicube system has now become a world of magnetic building blocks with the addition of three new shapes: the half cube, quarter circle and the half sphere. The construction possibilities are boundless and your imagination will fly higher and higher! Characters, animals, structures: you will be surprised how many things you can invent.

 

Buzz Bee Toys

If you have not checked out Buzz Bee Toys yet.  They are a must this holiday season.  I love that the triggers on these are so easy if you have little one that their hands are not that strong they can still play.  They have a ton of different shapes and sizes and they are a blast to play with. The ez- Fire Blasters are going to be the hit of the holidays.  Make sure to get one for everyone in the family you will be having hours of fun.

 

Pinata Smash Lings

OMG these are so cute and if you have a little one that loves surprise toys then Piñata Smashlings are a must.  They have so many you can collect and they are at a great price point.  I love the mystery boxes for stocking stuffers.

PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3 Adventure Tower with Ice Cream Booth:
Come play and learn with this PLAYMOBIL 1.2.3 set! Turn the handle and watch as the ferris wheel sets in motion by moving the PLAYMOBIL figures down the slide all by itself! Weee! Kids can learn how to match objects and colors by placing the colors of the ice cream sticks to it’s holders and placing the figures to the appropriate seat! This kind of creative play with figures also trains fine motor skills and initiates first role play!
(MSRP $49.99, Ages 18 months+ ) Available on Playmobil.us
Bumpas (Good Soul Brands):
Who doesn’t love a good comfort hug? Bumpas are lovable plush toy friends who you can play and cuddle with. This huggable friend is weighted to provide a sense of comfort and security when you need it most! Bumpas’ arms are perfectly sized to give realistic-feeling hugs. Choose your favorite comfort friend from 4 available Bumpas characters: creative and quirky Shin Shin, daring and adventurous Zeek, gentle and soulful Oz, and cheery and encouraging Lucky!
(Ages 3+ / MSRP $45.99) Available on Amazon.
The Original Weighted Infinity Flipper (Good Soul Brands):
Want the ultimate flipping experience?The Original Weighted Infinity Flipper delivers hours of endless fun, comfort AND a tactile experience for your fingertips! Simply flip it back and forth, to create a mesmerizing motion that keeps your hands engaged and your mind focused. Available with a variety of textures and colors, each delivering sensory stimulation which can help ease stress and anxiety for all!
(Ages 3+ / MSRP $9.99) Buy now on Amazon  Available October on Sowa-Sowa.com
Squinkies Collector Pack (Blip Toys):
 Squinkies are B-A-C-K! Collect all 72 Squinkie figures! The TOTY (Toy of the Year)-award-winning, super squashy, micro collectible characters and playsets that took the toy world by storm in 2010 are back and squishier than ever! Considered the original unboxing and first micro collectible toy, over 500 million have been sold in over 2000 different styles!nStart your Squinkies collection with this 12 pack of original characters – 8 in traditional clear capsules and 4 in surprise pink capsules!!  (MSRP $14.99; Ages 5+) Available on Amazon.
NINJA KIDZ TV Giant Mystery Ninja Ball (Blip Toys):
Kidz can become ninjas with each ball containing 25+ surprises! 5 Ninja Kidz Action Figures with articulation, 1 ninja mask and belt, 2 pieces ninja battle gear, 6 ninja throwing stars, 2 sticky stars with 6 sticky star targets, 2 Mission Cards, 1 sticker sheet and 1 collector card. This Giant Mystery Ninja Ball doubles as a storage container and includes a detachable shield for the ultimate ninja play!
(MSRP $52.99, Ages 3+) Available on Amazon.
DinoMazing (Hey Buddy Hey Pal): 
Kids an explore their inner Paleontologist! Prehistoric fun, decorate your own dinosaur eggs! Pop in one of the included plastic eggs and let the decorating begin! The machine holds and spins the eggs while you use the marker to create stripes, lines, and other fun designs, all while eggs-posing the cracks. When finished decorating, kids can “crack” open the shell to discover a jurassic ‘surprise’ miniature and collectible dinosaur covered in colored slime! The dinosaurs’ head and limbs are all interchangeable – swap them out to create your own dino breed! Collect all six dinosaurs, including a T-Rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, Pterodactyl, Velociraptor and Ankylosaurus.
(MSRP $34.99, Ages 3+) Available on Amazon.
 
TreeMendous (Hey Buddy Hey Pal):
The perfect DIY craft to embrace the holiday season! The TreeMendous Ornament Decorator from Hey Buddy Hey Pal is a fun and easy way to make perfect, hand-decorated ornaments for the holiday tree! Shaped like a Christmas  tree itself, makes it the perfect holiday activity. Place one of the ornaments included with the kit into the tree-shaped decorator and let the fun begin! The machine holds and spins the ornament while the markers are used to create stripes, line and other designs!
(MSRP $29.99, Ages +3+) Available on Amazon.
 
GooGames (Sky Castle):
Durable, travel-friendly, and oh-so-fun, GooGames is the perfect toy for your little ones! They’re hand-held, sensory water games that you can squish and squish to play! Each GooGame is accompanied by multiple removable challenge cards, each one offering three levels of difficulty – easy, advanced, and expert. Perfect for on-the-go entertainment that feels like a smartphone but without the screen time, GooGames blends play and sensory stimulation into an irresistible, pocket-sized experience! Series 1 offers 3 styles: Candy Craze, Fruit Catcher, Treasure Hunt.
(MSRP $9.99, Ages 3+) Available on Amazon October 2023.
You’re Getting Old (Vango):
Do you think that age is just a number? Play against your fellow millennial friends to determine who’s managed to hold onto some semblance of their youth! With moving your mini-avocado playing piece along your path to getting old card, there are 300 available cards with prompts. Each features two prompts: an “Old” prompt like “ You’ve scrolled through Spotify and thought to yourself, “Who the hell are these people?” If you have, woah you’re getting old and need to move forward a space. You can regain your youth by answering the “Redeem” prompts on the cards! The first player to reach the last space is the loser. The player with the lowest space wins the game and gets the satisfaction knowing they are younger…at heart.
(MSRP $19.97, Ages 18-45) Available on Amazon.
BIZYBOO (Vango):
Amid the explosion of toddler busy bags on Etsy and across social media, comes new BIZYBOO Hide ’N’ Seek Busy Bags from Vango! Soft, fuzzy, portable and mess-free, BIZYBOO Hide ’N’ Seek Busy Bags have been delightfully reimagined as 12 different preschool-friendly characters. Toddlers can have fun simply squishing and squeezing their BIZYBOO. Plus, older kids can search for different hidden objects themed to each character using the custom attached card that lists both visual and written prompts. They are are fun way for kids ages 2 to 5 to improve their fine motor skills, concentration and problem solving abilities. Plus they are a great way to keep them busy on trips, in a waiting room or a restaurant! (MSRP $8.97, Ages 2+) Available on Amazon.

 

Spudsters By Aurora

Welcome to Spudsters by Aurora World, where charming potato-shaped plushies bring a playful twist to cuddly companions. These unique potato plush creations blend lovable animal traits with the delightful shape of a spud, offering heartwarming cuteness and creativity.

Spudsters embody playful imagination, merging favorite animals with the whimsy of a potato’s form. With their rounded bodies and fluffy texture, they’re as soft as mashed potatoes and irresistibly huggable.

 

Poptaters

Iconic Potato Head combined with pop-culture legends creates a cool and hilarious collection of Spud Mashups featuring your favorite characters! Poptaters bring excitement to a new generation of Potato Head fans and collectors.

World’s Smallest

The World’s Smallest are so much fun.  These are tiny versions of the big size toys and they are real.  You can really play each game and play with each figurine like the big one.  I love that these are fun to play with and also great accessories for any doll house.

Pudgy Penguins

OMG I go to check these out at Sweet Suite this year and they are so cute.  You really do want to collect and cuddle them all

The Pudgy Penguins toys come in a variety of collectible figure forms: 4.5-inch with interchangeable accessories, 6.5-inch with included positive messaging and affirmation signs, and 1.5-inch surprise penguin figure in an Igloo. Each figure comes with an official, scannable, redeemable code that unlocks a digital penguin customization using different trait boxes. That way consumers can obtain rare and epic traits and have a one-of-a-kind forever Pudgy Penguin registered to their name on the blockchain. You can even trade the traits on the Pudgy Penguin marketplace!

 

Sonic

How cute are the new toys celebrating the new Sonic movie.  I can’t wait to see what mystery toys I get.