We are always on the look out for fun games to play! Playing games of all kinds is something that we enjoy doing often, so when Family Review Network offered us a sample of a new game called Rummino, we wanted to try it!

Rummino – The Tile Rummy Game combines Rummy with the strategy of word tile games. Although the game has a bunch of tiles with letters on them (92 to be exact), there are no words to create because it is played like Rummy. The game combines the game play of Rummy with the strategy of word tile games

To play, you draw tiles, play them off sets and runs already on the table, and work to get the highest number of points. If you are familiar with Rummy it should be a fun and easy switch for you. For those who aren’t, it might take some getting used to at first, but it’s really an easy game, though you can throw in a lot of strategy as well.

Rummino – The Tile Rummy Game is recommended for ages eight and up, and while we didn’t try it with any children, it was certainly good for the adults! Do you enjoy games in your home as well? If you do, this is one that is worth checking out. Don’t let the simplicity of play fool you though, it’s a game that can be both challenging and entertaining every time you play! You can purchase Rummino – The Tile Rummy Game online at Amazon.com.

We recently got a chance to try out a new game called BLURT! The game is a ton of fun, and works well for almost all ages. And it’s so simple to play, but challenging because your mouth and your mind may not be able to keep up with each other. It’s played by asking a simple trivia, for example “a joint of a finger”. Everyone blurts out their answer in the hopes to be the first one to say the right word. Simple, right? Not always!

The creator, Tim Walsh, first made the game in the classroom as a way to engage children in the classroom. He then made a game prototype and tried to market it to the big game companies, but was rejected. Instead he found a great, small puzzle company to release the game, which went on to be a huge success! Now, 15 years later, Educational Insights has released a new anniversary edition of Blurt! complete with new trivia and packaging. This was the version we got to try, and we thought it was so much fun.

Blurt! can be played with as few as 3 people, and up to 12. Each player is trying to advance around the board for the win by blurting out the right answer. It can get really fun and loud depending on who you are playing with! And you would be surprised at how easily you can get tongue tied trying to come up with the right word in time. Check out one of their videos to see how it is played.

We think that this is a fun game to add to your wish list! Blurt! can be found online, and at Barnes and Noble stores.

I have always been in love with Hawaii, even though I still haven’t gotten a chance to visit it in person! My parents used to live there, and so we have always had a bit of a connection. Plus, it’s absolutely gorgeous, and the people are great! So, if you are like me and want a taste of the islands, but can’t afford a trip over, then Hawaiian Kine Stuff is the website for you!

They have everything, from shirts, to dashboard hula girls (and guys), and even Hawaiian style shirts for your dog! We got a dashboard hula girl from them recently and let me tell you, it’s the real deal! It’s got great details, and it’s nice and solid. It’s not like what you find in the shops around here, this is a hula girl that’s going to last!

They also shipped very fast, and were great with their customer service. If everything else on the site is as nice of quality as our hula girl, which I suspect it is, then we can say the site is very wish list worthy! So, if you need some great Hawaiian goods in your life (and who doesn’t) be sure to check out Hawaiian Kine Stuff.

Love. Hugs. Peace.™ Movement Harnesses Power Of Youth, Encourages Charitable Giving, Celebrates Volunteerism

Special song provides inspiration; benefits Save the Children First rendition by David Archuleta debuts Feb. 14

ST. LOUIS (Feb. 12, 2009) – A new movement is brewing and, even before the official kick-off this week, Love. Hugs. Peace.™ has already piqued the interest and support of more than 50,000 kids who want to make the world a better place. Cheyanne from the United States has pledged to tutor someone in a subject she knows well. John in the United Kingdom has promised to do something nice for friends or family and Aaliyah from Switzerland has vowed to volunteer time to a special cause. The movement and the pledges are growing daily as word spreads around the world to children from Oceania, Asia, Europe, North America and South America who understand that no matter how young or old they are, they can help make a difference one hug at a time.

The global giving movement being launched by Build-A-Bear Workshop® is designed to empower its young Guests to make the world a better place. The movement offers a variety of ways to engage Guests, including new avenues to give back, and builds on company programs that recognize, celebrate and reward community service. Kids can join the movement at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace and make a love, hugs or peace pledge to show how they will do their part. From Feb. 14 through March 4, they also can donate to Save the Children and receive a download of the movement’s new signature song as a thank you for their donation.

David Archuleta and Others Lend Their Voices to the Campaign
A special song, “Let’s Talk About Love,” was created to bring the Love. Hugs. Peace. movement to life and empower kids to spread the message of sharing and love. The song was written especially for  Build-A-Bear Workshop by award winning music producer, song writer and CEO/CCO of DMI Music & Media Solutions, Tena Clark. The powerful song will become the anthem of the movement, embodying the spirit of love, peace and giving.

Acclaimed artist David Archuleta of American Idol fame is the first artist to join the movement. His version of the song is available beginning Feb. 14 through March 4. During this timeframe, Guests will receive the song download as a thank you for their $1 donation to Save the Children made either online at www.buildabear.com/lovehugspeace or at any of the participating Build-A-Bear Workshop stores.
Love. Hugs. Peace. Movement – Add One

During this same time, Build-A-Bear Workshop will match each donation up to $50,000. Archuleta fans will also be able to purchase a tee featuring his photo for their furry friend available in stores and online. Archuleta is just the first of what is to be an all star line up of singers who will lend their vocal talents to sing, “Let’s Talk About Love.” Additional artists are set to jump on board to record the song with their own unique sounds and styles as the movement continues throughout the year.

This UFO is not only cool to look at, but it’s also a lot of fun to play with! Imagine showing up to an Ultimate Frisbee game with this little number! It even lights up and flashes when it’s in motion. A very wish list worthy item indeed.