'Glo All Out' This Holiday Season with Far Out Toys' Glo-Up Girls Season 2 Dolls (Review) #gloupgirls @GLOAllOut

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Get ready to GLO ALL OUT!

The Glo-Up Girls are back with new looks, new fashions, new accessories and new ways to change up their styles (and yours!).

Last month my girls got some "happy" mail, when they received a box with one of the new Glo-Up Girls dolls from Far Out Toys, along with some fun stickers and a shiny tote my oldest was quick to claim for herself to hold her drawing pencils for on the go sketching. 

Both of my girls were all smiles as they checked out the Tiffany Glo-Up Girls doll sent for them to help me review.  

They really loved her floral dress and jacket. And, the boots were so chic my youngest said. She wished she had shoes like that to wear with her dresses.

Even though this is one of the season 2 Glo-Up Girls dolls, it was the first in the collection for my girls.  They have been fans of the YouTube music videos, live action content, behind the scenes videos featuring the Glo-Up Girls, and were so excited to finally have a doll to play with and display.  And, since receiving the sample in the mail, I surprised them both with three more of the dolls, so that they wouldn't have share They are hoping now to get all the dolls in the season 1 release, as well as all the the dolls from the recent season 2 release, which hit Walmart store shelves and became available through Amazon for purchase. 

With the holidays fast approaching, I know these dolls will be on their holiday wish lists, especially my youngest daughter, who is a huge doll fanatic and collector, and has really taken a liking to the Glo-Up Girls doll line, thanks to the Tiffany doll sample sent to us recently.

If you are unfamiliar with the Glo-Up Girls doll line from Far Out Toys, here is more about them...

Meet the fab and fierce friends that make up the #GLO squad! Just like you, each GLO-UP GIRLS doll has her own unique personality and style – plus lots of surprises so you can switch up her look and yours!

My youngest daughter has been a fan of dolls since she was little. And, as she has gotten older, she continues to collect and play with them.  She really likes the Glo-Up dolls over other poseable as they are "more like her" and not dressed all provocative or silly like other dolls on the market.  The positive message for young girls and tweens to Glo-Up and be YOU really resonates with her, and she really loves how she can style her Glo-Up dolls with the fashions and accessories that come with each doll.

What drew my daughter to the Glo-Up Girls from Far Out Toys is how these dolls have colored stripes in their hair, and how you can switch up their outfits and customize them with fun sticker, hair gems, and color changing nails and lips (using cold water).  And, if you take a look at the dolls, you will also find that they have their toe nails painted. My girls really liked this feature, as not many dolls like these come with painted finger and toe nails.

"Each Glo-Up Girls Season 2 doll comes glammed-up in trendy fashions and jewelry alongside an assortment of surprise accessories that kids can use to customize the look. This season’s accessories include shoes, socks, earrings, face stickers, color-changing lipstick, manicures, and pedicures. The dolls also come with hair gems that kids can use to bedazzle their own hair alongside their dolls’."

Glo-Up Girls dolls are currently available at Walmart and Target stores in the U.S, as well as online at Amazon. They are geared towards children ages 6+ and up, but like I mentioned my two girls have enjoyed playing with them and they are 11 and 12.  They really like the hair gems for them and their dolls to wear, as well as changing out the outfits to create a fun and stylish new look for their dolls.  

If you have young child who loves playing with dolls, but aren't fans of the sexy dressed ones you see most often in stores, I highly recommend you check out the Glo-Up Girls line. They have a great message for young girls to enjoy being unique and rocking their own unique style sense.  And, with the holidays fast approaching I know the Glo-Up Girls doll line from Far Out Toys will be a hot toy of the season and be on many young girls' wish lists. I know two girls in my house who will be asking for more Glo-Up Girls dolls. :-)  

And, be sure to check out Glo-Up Girls TV on YouTube...

"Over the past year, Glo-Up girls has made waves beyond the doll aisle through live-action content, music, and more.  Explore the world of GLO-UP GIRLS with TV shows, music and behind-the-scenes specials featuring some of your favorite social media stars! Sing along with girl group sensation GLOTIVATION, and follow the adventures of The GLO Show – featuring six real girls living in the GLO-UP mansion!"

 

Subscribe to GLO-UP Girls TV on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/c/GLOUPGirlsTV

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Gift Eco-Conscious Friends and Family with Travel Cups and Water Bottles from Brand Factory This Holiday Season (Review)

 Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

We did a lot of hiking and family walks during COVID. And, once the gym opened back up, my husband and girls returned for their daily workouts together.  When they returned we found they needed new water bottles, as their old ones were left in their locker there, and prior to opening back up, the gym did a deep cleaning and threw out things left behind in lockers, which included the girls' favorite water bottles.  When browsing for new bottles, my girls had one request...seeing that their old bottles, and many other gym members' bottles were thrown out and ending up in landfills, they wanted to get an Eco-friendly bottle, or one that was made with sustainable products.  I never thought to buy water bottles and travel cups made of sustainable products, but after seeing how my girls are trying to do their part to protect the planet, I found myself searching online and being surprised at the different brands out there offering sustainable products.  

One brand that kept popping up in my search was Brand Factory.  They offer a wide variety of products for home, car and on the go use, including travel and water bottles -- all made with innovative materials you wouldn't think could be turned into a sustainable product.  I looked further into this brand and their product offering and was surprised to find that they use coffee grounds and husks for some of their products.  Yes, you read that right...they found a way to re-purpose coffee grounds, husks and sugarcane, and turn them into functional and stylish products we can use on a daily basis.

Before I was able to order new water bottles for my girls, I was contacted by the folks at Brand Factory and asked if I wanted to check out firsthand their Moka coffee cup (made out of coffee grounds and husks) and the Suga water bottle (made out of sugarcane). 

Moka - Available in 12 and 16 oz sizes

I jumped at the opportunity, and a few days ago received both in the mail to review.  When I first held each product, I couldn't believe that they were made with innovative materials.  They were so stylish (more than most travel coffee cups and water bottles you see on the market today), and also very durable.  I also liked the colors of both samples I received -- sand in the 16 oz. Hip Moka coffee cup, and ocean in the 22 ox. Hip Suga water bottle.  Blue is my favorite color, and this ocean blue really is pretty.

"Suga - “This reusable bottle is made from renewable sugarcane” is printed on the side of this recyclable, sustainable, BPA free, 22 ounce water bottle that features an easy carry handle. Durable enough for the freezer and dishwasher, Suga is available in four earthy tones: Sand, Sky, Ocean, and Pebble. Available for $10 at https://ourbrandfactory.com/pages/suga."

My husband and girls couldn't believe it when I said these two products were made with coffee grounds, husks and sugarcane.  They held them and then tried them out firsthand.  Everyone agreed they were well made and durable.  My oldest daughter called dibs on the Suga water bottle, as she liked the slim book and color.  My husband wanted the Moka coffee cup, as he liked the feel of the cup. He knew that this cup would be a conversation starter with colleagues over zoom calls, as he is still working remote. 

Seeing that my youngest daughter and I needed our Brand Factory cups, I pulled up the website and we browsed their product offering.  I ended up getting myself another Suga water bottle in ocean, and my daughter went with the Hip Bottle, which reminded her of a camping canteen and me of a flask.  We are waiting on our order to arrive, but are enjoying hearing my husband and daughter talking up their Suga and Moka bottles.  Everyone they talk to and tell what make up their bottles are shocked and in awe.  Then, they want to take a closer look, and can't believe that these sustainable products are made with things we would otherwise discard on a daily basis.

22 Oz. Suga Water Bottles - Available in Ocean, Pebble, Sand or Sky 

I am so happy that both of my girls are doing their part to help protect the Earth for generations to come, and love talking to friends and family and offering up ways that they too can help the environment by using products like these that use innovative materials to create sustainable reusable products, instead of added more waste to landfills and polluting bodies of water.  And, now that we all know about Brand Factory and their product offering, we are quick to offer up more information and the website when people compliment their Suga and Moka cups.  And, once my daughter and I get our bottles, we will showing them off and raving about them, too.

"MOKA - It’s printed right on the side of the cup, “This cup is made from repurposed coffee grounds and husk that would otherwise be discarded.” Moka is recyclable, reusable, sustainable, freezer and dishwasher safe, BPA free and yes, made with coffee ground and husk. Moka is also heat resistant, barista friendly with 12 and 16 ounce sizes, and fits into standard cup holders. Available in the earthy shades of Sand and Pebble. Available for $8 - 10 at https://ourbrandfactory.com/pages/moka"

With the holidays fast approaching, why not consider switching things up this year and give Eco-friendly and sustainable products products like ones from Brand Factory to friends and family.  If we all do our part, we can help protect our planet for many years to come.  Every small step or change from each of us will make a world of difference.  

"Beyond using unique materials, Brand Factory's low waste design process only uses the materials needed without sacrificing function to create a healthy balance of form and innovation. Brand Factory also manages their own factories, so every aspect of the production cycle is sustainable and ethical. What's more and especially important right now, these sustainably produced products are also extremely affordable."

Learn more about Brand Factory and browse their amazing line of sustainable products here: https://ourbrandfactory.com/.  You will be amazed at what they create using innovative materials like coffee grounds, husks and sugarcane, to name a few.

 Disclosure: I was sent samples from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Taco vs Burrito - The Wildly Popular & Surprisingly Strategic Card Game - a Perfect Stocking Stuffer Idea This Holiday Season! (Review)

 Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor for review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

A Perfect Family-Friendly Party Game for Kids, Teens & Adults

Buy now from Amazon for only $19.99

If you love hosting parties or having friends over for game night, then you will definitely want to have Taco vs Burrito handy to pull out and play when guests arrive. This is the #1 most gifted card game on Amazon, and after playing it for the first time with my family the other day, I can see why! I first heard about this game during Covid, when a friend bought it off Amazon to play with the family, when they found themselves bored and not wanting to watch TV anymore.  I think like most families in quarantine, TV and game playing helped to keep everyone sane and not going stir crazy. I know for my family, we found ourselves having game night 3-4 times a week, and looking forward to game nights, as it had us all laughing and enjoying time together, even after spending 24/7, 7 days a week with each other.  We even did virtual game nights over Zoom with family and friends to stay connected, and those were fun, too. But, there is nothing like present day where we can finally meet up in person with friends and family and enjoy quality time together.  Friends/Family game nights have also returned to our home and we plan 1-2 game nights a month.  

After playing Taco vs Burrito and falling in love with it the other day, I can safely say that our next family and friends game night will definitely be including this game. And, with the holidays fast approaching, I will definitely be picking up this game to gift to family and friends who also enjoy family game nights, as this game can be enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Here is more about Taco vs Burrito, if you are unfamiliar with it...

• Wildly Popular All-Ages Card Game - TvB soared on Kickstarter, surpassing the initial goal by 2,400%! A sensation at the Indie Game Showcase at Emerald City Comicon!

• Surprisingly Strategic - Basic gameplay is easy to master but the Action Cards shift the game into unpredictable territory. Exciting up to the very last card!

• Create by a Kid, Perfect for Everyone - Alex dreamed up TvB at age 7, but this crazy, fun strategic food fight is a smash with kids and adults alike! Ideal for ages from 7-77.

• Easy to Learn and Quick to Play - Takes only a few minutes to learn. Gameplay runs 10-15 minutes. Optimal for 2-4 players.

• Brilliant Gift Idea - Makes the perfect birthday for boys, girls, parents, adults, friends, or family as well as any board game or card game lover. Great for birthdays, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, and Taco Tuesday

 Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor for review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Tween/Teen Girls Will Love Bold Made, an Award-Winning Card Game Featuring Inspirational Women Who Made Huge Impacts on Our World (Review) #educationisfun

 Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor for review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Bold Made flips the script on traditional Old Maid by including Bold Women who made huge impacts on our world such as Malala Yousafzai, Temple Grandin, Ellen Ochoa, Roberta Bondar, Billie Jean King, Georgia O’Keeffe, Sally Ride, Maya Angelou, Amelia Earhart and many more.

Buy now from Amazon for only $24.99

As a mom of two tween girls, I am always looking for products and gift ideas for them, that not only they will like, but will also inspire and teach them about girl power and dreaming big. So, when I saw Bold Made, a Kickstarter Exclusive, I knew I had to share it with them. This card game is an old maid upgrade for the newer generations, featuring bold women who have made an impact on the world.

From Sally Ride to Maya Angelou and even women in the news in recent years and known to my girls as being relevant today like Malala Yousafzai and Temple Grandin, Bold Made includes inspiring women young girls can look up as they themselves dream big and look to make a mark on the world.

Old Maid was one of the first card games my girls learned how to play, and one of the reasons we started family game nights in our house. So, when I showed them Bold Made last week, and asked to play it with them, they are both all smiles, as they hadn't played Old Made in a few years, and were quick to point out and name the different historical women on the box cover. Just seeing RBG and Georgia O'Keeffe on the cover, they were intrigued and wanted to see all the cards and women highlighted in the card game, and get to playing.

Included with the game are 40 Bold Women Cards, 34 wild and action cards, as well as 1 Bold Made card.

The object of the game is easy, and similar to Old Maid. You have to match up pairs, in this case bold women featured, and be the last with the Bold Made card in your hand. This game is perfect for kids ages 3+, and needs 2-4 players to play. Kids and adults will love playing this fast paced game, which lasts about 10-15 minutes, and taking the time to talk about the different women, their achievements, and how they have all made an impact on the world. They are a great reminder for girls especially to dream big, and know that they can change the world, just like these women...they just have to be willing to try and never give up.

If you are looking for a unique gift idea for that special girl in your life, including tweens and teens who are always hard to shop for, I highly recommend you check out Bold Made.

This game can be played in classic or advanced gameplay, and will provide hours of fun, time and time again. We love this game, and I love seeing my girls play it together when they are bored. They love talking about the women on the cards, and how they aspire to be just like them.

 Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor for review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Introducing ZEN BATTLE: Survival of the Chillest, a Fun New Family Card Game, Perfect for Gift Giving This Holiday Season from Toy Inventor of the Year David Yakos

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

Buy this Amazon Exclusive Game Now for Only $22.99

Have you been keeping up with all the amazing Amazon lightning deals happening the past two days?  From TV's and electronics to the hottest toys for kids, including some great new products for families to enjoy together, it has been fun to see and score some great deals. I usually don't start holiday shopping this early in the season, but with all these great deals and knowing Christmas is 10 weeks away, I thought I would get a jump on things now so that I can enjoy quality family time as the holidays draw near.  

If you follow my blog, then you know we love having family game nights each week.  We love to play classics and family favorites, but really love trying out new games and adding them to our bookcase filled with board and card games.  The other day I was sent a unique card game, ZEN BATTLE, which was created by Toy Inventor of the Year, David Yakos.  This is not his first go with award winning board games. He also created Circuit Maze, Thinking Putty Puzzle, Mega Tracks and Candy Claw Machine, all of which we own and love playing.  So, when I saw he had created ZEN BATTLE, I jumped at the opportunity to review it with my family.  Usually our family game nights are Saturday nights, as Friday nights are reserved for family movie nights.  But, we couldn't wait until Saturday to play it, as it really looked interested, after reading the rules and checking out the cards and Chakra Tokens.  So, last night after dinner and homework, I pulled out the game and we played a couple rounds.  

This game is perfect for ages 8+, and needs 2-4 players.  Each game takes about 20-30 minutes to play, and learning to play the game was quick and easy.  Within a few minutes of reading the instructions out loud and then starting game play, everyone was hooked on the game and out to be crowned the ultimate Zen master.  We are a competitive family, and this game really was so much fun to play.  We loved trying to align the Chakra cards from #1-#7, in hopes of transcending 4 times to win.  Everyone was smiling and having a blast playing this game, and the cards and tokens really were colorful and fun to look at.  Just looking at them made you feel relaxed, even though the stakes were high as we all wanted to win. :-)

We could have continued playing this game, but the girls had to go to bed as they had school early the next day.  But, we are looking forward to Saturday night when we will play more rounds of ZEN BATTLE, and see who wins the most games.  This is one card game I see us playing a lot during our family game nights. And, with the holidays fast approaching, it would make for the perfect gift to give to game lovers, and even as a swap gift.  Once you play this game, you will see why it will be trending this holiday season as a must buy game on Amazon. Note: This game is exclusive to Amazon, so be sure to order it now, before it sells out!

Here is more about ZEN BATTLE: Survival of the Chillest:

• "FAST PACED & FUN - Try to keep calm in a race to become Zen master with a mix of strategy, creativity & luck. Not into yoga, crystals or hippie stuff? No problem! Enjoy hours of unpredictability & fun games in this cool card game for teens, adults, & kids!

• HOW TO WIN/PLAY - Find out who is chill, hyper & competitive in board games for adults & kids 8-12+ as players race to align their Chakra cards from #1 to #7, with a Mastery card in the 8th slot. The 1st player to win 4 rounds gains 4 tokens & wins Zen Battle!

• PERFECT PARTY GAME & GIFT - Our family card game for 2 players to 4 players is a funny gift for teen girls & boys or a fun family gift to add to everyones collection of board games for family game night. A fun gift for yoga lovers, gift for gamers, travel game gift, white elephant gift or gift for you!

• TOY INVENTOR OF THE YEAR - Art & game design from David Yakos, Two-time Toy-of-the-Year winner & nominee 5 times in the last 4 years with popular board games Circuit Maze, Thinking Putty Puzzle, Gumball Machine Maker, Candy Claw Machine, & Mega Tracks. Designed to be fun for both grownup game nights & family festivities game play runs 15 - 30 minutes.

• Moonrise Games PROMISE - At Moonrise Games we stand by our games & offer a no questions asked warranty if you experience any issues with your Moonrise Games product. Contact us directly through the Amazon messaging system & we will be happy to assist you with any questions, issues or difficulties you encounter. 100% Zen happy gamers is what we strive for at Moonrise Games!"

Disclosure: I was sent a sample from the vendor in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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