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GOT STUFF?
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All SORTS OF WII STUFF
We have had the great fortune to try out all sorts of Wii games. Neighbors have called me to ask which
ones they should get their kids, so I thought I'd write a quick round-up of reviews. Here's what we've got:
Wii Fit
I long ago publicly professed my love for the Wii Fit, even though it still tells me I'm "unbalanced."
If you're a die hard gym-goer like me, it's a nice addition to your workout, but it won't replace it. The strength training
exercisers are no match for what my trainer makes me go through in real life. But I like the yoga, cardio and yes, even
the balance games. Plus it keeps track of your weight and BMI as you work toward a goal, and you can't cheat the Wii.
Besides, it's fun and you don't have to go out in the cold. So thumbs-up to the Wii Fit for the exercise nut or the just-starting-out
exerciser.
Mario Kart
My kids really like this driving game, staring everyone's favorite virtual brothers, Mario and Luigi.
I, on the other hand, tend to drive off cliffs while my kids laugh at me.
Mario Kart entertains my kids and keeps them
from killing each other. It lacks the exercise component of some Wii games; you can pretty much sit and drive.
So if you're trying to avoid encouraging your little couch potato, skip this one. But if you're looking for a fun driving game,
get it. You should get the steering wheel to go with it, but note that you can just use the Wii controller and still drive -- unless you're me.
Then you drive off a cliff.
Wii Music
My son, the budding musician, loves this game that's not really a game.
Wii Music proved to bring my son and me together, which, of course I blogged about. But what my son loves about it is that he can play many different instruments, conduct an orchestra, follow
a set tune or improvise. It's not about competing; it's about creating. And so is my son. If you've got a musician in the house, get this one, for sure.
Monopoly
Hasbro teamed up with Entertainment Arts to create the Wii version of
Monopoly. At first, I thought we'd play it twice and give up. But lately, my 4th grader and I have been
playing a game a night -- and he keeps winning. We all learned the real rules of the game, not the ones we made up as kids.
And with all the wheeling and dealing going on during the game, it's really fun for both kids and grown-ups (even the ones who keep losing.)
You unlock fun new boards to play on. (Our favorites: sweets and cheese) Best of all, there's no credit, so you can't get in over your head.
If you don't have the money owed for rent, etc. and can't mortgage a property or sell houses, you go bankrupt. It's a great money lesson for kids
and a ton of fun.
We Cheer
We gave We Cheer to my mother, who plays it with my 13-year-old niece. It's good exercise, but it's a little complicated for younger kids (and grandmas).
My mother prefers to play Wii Sports, which comes free with most Wii systems, to get her exercise. Plus, I think we could all do with fewer
virtual girls in belly shirts.
SHABBY APPLE
When I wore a dress from Shabby Apple to a 40th birthday party
on Saturday night, I felt like the pretty princess at the party. My mid-calf length dress, "Antiquated,"
is made of "limited edition Indian lace and is fully lined with stretch-acetate lining for comfort." It's got a stand-up collar,
cap sleeves, a modest V-neck and a four-inch wide black (not red, like in the photo) satin sash that ties at the waist. The web site says it "FITS GENEROUSLY"
which meant that I could get myself into comfortably after a few months of feverishly working out, even though my size 6 Ann Taylor satin top
is still too tight. In other words, a medium is an 8.
I got a lot of compliments on my dress, though I wish I had more curves to fill mine out. I'm shaped sort of like SpongeBob SquarePants with
breasts. (Now there's an image for you.) But if I work out some more, maybe it'll look better on me. No matter: I'm wearing it to another party next month.
It's cute, comfortable and festive.
My dress is part of Shabby Apple's Holiday Line, now available online. But there are plenty of other dresses, too,
"great dresses that make dressing simple." Their philosophy is also simple: "After years of not being able to find stylish dresses
that covered enough skin to make you really feel comfortable (without wearing a tank top, cardigan or long slip),
owners Emily and CK decided to do something about it." The result is Shappy Apple, a web site filled with affordable (I haven't found one for more than $100), pretty dresses
for women who like coverage with style.
What's more, Shappy Apple donates 5% of its net dress sales to support work in India, where it sources many of its material.
Plus, every Shabby Apple Dresses customer can donate an extra five dollars with each dress purchase to Unitus, a non-profit organization that
accelerates access to life-changing financial services for those at the bottom of the economic pyramid.
If you're looking for a dress this holiday season (or any time of year), take advantage of Shabby Apple's special discount for MommaSaid readers.
For 15% off your dress purchase, just type: mommasaidblog15off when prompted at check-out. And enjoy your dress!
P.S. They have great maternity dresses, too.
CLEATSKINS™
When I showed my neighbor, Janet, a fellow former college soccer player, my new Cleatskins™, she said exactly
what I was thinking: "Damn, I wish I had come up with that idea."
Invented by a former college athlete and the father of three kids who raced through the house in their cleats,
Cleatskins turn your cleats into street shoes. The rubber cover slip right over your cleats, kind of like galoshes for
athletes on the go.
I've slipped my "camo pink" Cleatskins on after coaching soccer practice this fall, and I have to say, it saves me the trouble
of changing shoes or attempting to drive in cleats. My son has a pair in black, thereby eliminating the cleat-shaped mud pies
on my mini-van floor. And they keep us from slip-sliding through the supermarket when we drop by after practice.
Cleatskins come in a variety of colors and retail for about $25. They make a great gift for the athlete in your life (and for your wood floors.)
Visit Cleatskins.com for details. Or check out their clever
video on YouTube.
More coming soon!
Wii Music and on-the-go organic apple sauce reviews on their way!
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