Review of TY Bow Wow Beanies- Snort

About a decade ago I recall the huge popularity that came along with TY beanie babies. These were no ordinary stuffed toys, these were highly sought after, and highly collectible. They did not just get tossed to your kids, they got boxed, wrapped and stored as the older certain beanie babies were, the higher in value they would go. In fact some sold in the $1,000 mark, and above.

My mom was a major collector of these toys, but me, I always found them to be silly, wasteful space hogs. Our dogs on the other hand would worship these toys, but never were they able to have one. Not until more recently.

TY has finally released a collection of beanie babies made especially for our furry friends, called Bow Wow Beanie Babies. Now in the collection of bow wow beanie babies you will notice some old time stuffed favorites, only these guys are stuffed differently, with squeakers inside of them, and crinkle paper so that way when the dog is mutilating the toy they get the neat crinkle sounds, and the embedded squeaker will keep them busy.

I went with Snort, because my dog, as lovable as he is, he can be a bit of a pig sometimes, so the little piglet bow wow beanie seemed suiting to him.

Snort is a deep red color, with the official TY tag attached to his ear. You may want to rip that tag off if you plan on letting your dog have a Bow Wow Beanie, however my fellow likes yanking them off himself, and that was the very first spot he went for on the toy.

The squeaker in Snort is located up on his head which seems to be stuffed more than the rest of the toys body, which seems very thin in comparison to past beanies. Luckily with these made for dog toys though, TY did not add any beans inside of the animals. I do not know how many times we have had to clean up the house due to the dog getting hold of a stuffed toy with beans inside of it.

All in all, Bow Wow Babies are a perfect little something to hand over to your dogs. They are pretty durable, the dog loves the squeaking noise it makes when he bites it, and the crinkle noise seems to peak his interest, and he continues to play with his Snort without growing tired of it.

If you are a pet lover like we are, you will want to scoop one of these toys up and perhaps place it under the tree this holiday for your dog, or dogs. Odds are your dog will like it, and they only sell for around $5.00 at local Marshall's stores.

Will Farmville Addicts Enjoy Farm Frenzy: Animal Country for the Nintendo DS?

I am a Farmville addict. It's a shameful little addiction of mine, and yes I probably work on my virtual farm more than I really should be, but man, I want to collect everything and this is what keeps me coming back for more and more.

Sadly I do not have an iPhone so playing Farmville on the go is impossible for me to do at this time. When I came across Farm Frenzy: Animal Country for my Nintendo DS though, I have to admit I was intrigued. The games case showed off neat graphics of farm animals and barns, and all that good stuff that I see on a regular basis on Farmville.

Without knowing anything about Farm Frenzy, I went ahead and coughed up my dough and brought the game home.

Unfortunately it failed to peek my interested the way Farmville does. In fact, it's nothing like Farmville.

Plot:

Well I started the game off by creating my user profile so I would be able to quickly come back to my saved progress. Unfortunately after that I was left on my own to figure out exactly what was expected of me. There is no tutorial and I was thrown into game play without even getting the point.

Was I to save a farm? Raise cattle? WHAT!?

I have to admit, it was frustrating for the first few minutes of playing. Finally I began to grasp it, but still did not get the point of why I was playing. Apparently it is to feed animals, throw eggs, and throw flour? At least that is what I think it is.

Game Play:

The game starts by showing you a birds eye view of your farm. It has blue bubble with an arrow pointing to it. You click her and begin your first mission.

Quickly I got an understanding of what this game entails. It is a compilation of mini games that grow more difficult with each mini game you complete.

The first one I was to collect 4 eggs. I did this by placing grass on the ground for the chickens to eat. I then had to sit around and wait for them to lay eggs until I had collected 4 eggs.

Easy!!!

However as the game goes on, you will be collecting more than just eggs. You will need to at times collect eggs, chickens, coins, and trap enemy animals to keep them from eating your animals.

Each mini game will have a time limit in which you have to complete the mission with a gold trophy. If you need more time, which you will, as always, you level down to a silver trophy, followed by bronze.

The game is basically a lot of touching of the touchscreen, and waiting.

As it goes on, it gets more difficult, but you grow quickly bored with the repetitive nature of the game play. Granted the challenge gets more difficult and will be fun for awhile, you get a little sick of the repetition.

Granted game play does have its fun moments, it grows old fast as each mission seems like the last, only they will ask for more objects, such as more chickens for you to buy, more flour to mill, and so on.

Graphics:

The graphics are nothing like what the box displays. Your animals are pathetic galloping 2D like creatures attempting to look 3D in their environment. I always get angry when games look nothing like what the box cover looks like, and Farm Frenzy: Animal Country is just one of those games. What you see, is not at all what you will be getting.

Sounds and Music:

Sounds and music in the game resemble what you would imagine farm music would sound like. It has a deep southern like farm-ish tune that plays in the background, and the animals all make realistic sounds as well. I liked the music and sounds in the game, no complaints from me.

Controls:

The controls are all basically made up of your stylus tapping away at the touchscreen. When you need to add grass to the dirt, you tap the dirt and wallah, grass grows. When you need to fill up the water well to make grass grow, you just click it. When you need to collect eggs, the same goes for that too. Simple right?

The problem is, they grow unresponsive at times, and if you are not fast you could end up losing an egg or collectible object, which will disappear if you do not collect it quickly enough. If the touchscreen decides to fart out on you, losses add up. It does happen quite often, but it truly does not distract from the game all too much, an annoyance to say the least.

Overall:

Farm Frenzy: Animal Country is a decent game, but definitely not worth the asking prices, which primarily sit around the $20.00 range. For $7 however, this one would be a good pick, so look for it in bargain bins at local game shops if you really are addicted to the farm life.

Review of Picross 3D for Nintendo DS

I at one time was a huge fan of Picross for my Nintendo DS. I loved wasting time trying to pick at my brain in hopes that my tapping skills and problem solving skills would reveal to me the picture hidden in the puzzle without time running out.

Picross is a game however that most will like, and others will hate. There is no adventure here, you basically take your time clicking away at boxes in hopes to reveal a hidden picture within those boxes without making an error. You simply look at the numbers on the grid that reside on the top and side of the screen, then you must determine how many boxes need to be shaded in, and which need to be removed. If you do it correctly you will reveal an image.

I began playing Picross online, and while looking up new puzzles came across Picross 3D for the Nintendo DS. I had not even known about this game, but once I discovered it, I knew I had to have it, because this game was no ordinary flat grid, this game took Picross to the next level and added layers creating 3D puzzles to solve, and 3D pictures that would be revealed if you are able to solve the puzzle.

I figured it would be simple, fun, and relaxing but after I finally got the game in hand and began to play it, I realized that I was more frustrated with the games puzzles, than I was having a fun or relaxing good time.

Besides the annoying complex system of poking your way through layer and layer of puzzle solving, they went and added a new number system. Numbers that are circles can now be divided up. For instance if you have the number 5 circled, it means anywhere on the puzzle, 4 blocks may be colored, and 1 separated down the row and colored. Or 3 numbers could be grouped, and then 2 grouped elsewhere on the row. Any possibility is possible, which just makes it a little annoying and more complex.

Now I liked the game overall, but didn't care much for the circled numbers, or how confusing it all was at first. The tutorial section is found in the 'Beginners' tab, and it gives you a good look into what is expected of you in order to complete the puzzle, there are even example puzzles for you to solve, however once you are thrown into actual puzzle solving game play things get complex. You can handle it in 2 ways, slap your head and try again until you grasp the concept of how the puzzle works, or you can throw the game into your games bin and forget all about it.

If you do however stick it out, I guarantee you will find this one to be more than addicting, but a game you go back to time and time again.

Graphics & Sounds:


Sounds in the game are also standard and generic, and they could have focused more on this angle as well, but they didn't. The tunes are simply monotone buzzes, drums, and beats. Nothing fancy, but if you are playing this one late at night, the tune is so bland it could actually put you to sleep.

Overall:
It's a love to hate game, or a game you will simply love. Some fans of the original game will like this one, and others just won't be able to find their way into the complex new system.Here is where we have a bit of an issue, the graphics are pretty horrendous, and the puzzles, when solved reveal pretty sub standard and ugly pictures of 3D items. I wished they would have focused a little more on the objects gamers would be revealing, as they are very generic, and like those Picross games you could find online.

Aqua Picross for Cell Phones. A Review.

Aqua Picross is definitely one of those games that I am grateful to have downloaded for my mobile phone. I scooped it up off of Tmobiles game apps for under $4.00 or something low in that department.


For those new to Picross, you can first check out how the game works by doing a search right online for 'play picross online'.

Basically Picross consists of a grid where you will find numbers at the top, and then the bottom of the grid. You have to solve the puzzle and figure out which boxes on the grid get X'ed out, and which boxes remain. If you manage to get through the puzzle a picture will be revealed in the box.

It sounds boring, and basically I guess in ways it is, but it is definitely a game worthy of downloading to your phone for those situations where you have absolutely nothing to do, such as hospital waits, family functions and so forth.

Aqua Picross consists of more than enough puzzles to last you a few months, depending on how often you play. In order to continue on to the next puzzle you have to solve the one before it. With each solved puzzle, you move on to a new one which will be a little more challenging than the last.

Each puzzle reveals a picture, the picture is not the greatest work of art you will come across, but it's made up of boxes, so you get what the game is capable of delivering.

Graphics

Graphics in Aqua Picross are very similar to those you would find in any other Picross game. You have a grid, there is really not much else to work with when it comes to this game. The puzzle pictures when solved are not that visually stunning either, but the game is more of a brain teaser like Sudoko, so you cannot expect any mind blowing visuals.

Overall:

It's a pretty good game, and if you already know and love Picross, Aqua Picross will be a fine addition to add to your game applications on your phone. It provides just as much fun as the Nintendo DS version of Picross, for way less than the asking price of that game.

Good or Gross? Review of Limited Edition Candy Cane Tootsie Pops

Once a year when holiday decorations and Christmas lights begin to spread out amongst every single department store, I begin to crave one holiday limited time delight; candy canes!

This past weekend while growing mesmerized by eye bugging LCD lights at a local Target, that sweet tooth began to call, and it was calling for candy canes.

Can you freaking believe that there was not a single package of plain original red and white striped candy canes to be found anywhere in the store. Instead I was standing before an isle of candy canes in every shape, size and color...except for original!

Just when I was about to give up a festive bag caught my eyes, and then the word candy cane. I pulled the bag out of its resting place and before me I held a bag of limited time Candy Cane Tootsie Pops! So what I craved was candy cane, and although Tootsie rolls are not my top favorite candy, I was excited to see how the 2 flavors would mesh together.

The pop itself is white with small red strips running through it. It tastes exactly like a candy cane; my fix! Just what I was looking for. I must say though it was awkward, as I enjoy creating dangerous throat swords with candy canes every year. However I took what I could get, and Candy Cane Tootsie Pops fit the bill.

It takes some time to get to the center, naturally, but soon you reach the tootsie center and the chocolate flavoring begins to envelope the peppermint flavoring creating a nice delicious minty hot cocoa flavoring which I think many will enjoy; not just little kids.

Overall:

If you are also having a tough time finding regular candy canes this year, the way that I was, then try these Candy Cane Tootsie Pops out for size. They will deliver exactly what you are looking for, with a nice little treat wrapped up in the center.

They will only be here for the holidays, so if you are looking to try them start looking now, because you may not see them again for another year if you happen to miss out this year.

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Review of New Glade Apple Cinnamon Soy Candle

I have been in an apple and cinnamon mood lately, which basically means that if it smells like apples, with a sprig of cinnamon, it is mine. I recently have been on an apple cinnamon kick due to the fall season, and every year my hunt for fall fragrances always begins early.


When I saw Glade had made a soy Apple Cinnamon scented candle I was pretty excited to scoop this one up to see what it had to offer.

Glade has really impressed me over the last year with its release of modern and updated fragrances, and collections. Their candles in particular have been the most impressive, and I have been scooping them up as quickly as Glade can release them.

Glade's Apple Cinnamon Candle comes in a glass jar. the wax inside of the jar is an appropriate color for the fall, a burnt orange/brown mixture that initially told me that this candle would perhaps have a fall leaves type ring of fragrance to it.

It doesn't though. In fact it smells perfect.

The Scent:

When I took in a sniff test of their Apple Cinnamon Soy Candle I was thrilled with it. It smelled like thanksgiving day; the spiced cider that my grandmother makes every year is exactly what this candle smelled like. It has a clear mouth watering note of red delicious apples that is as realistic as the real thing. Just under those sweet notes you have just a dash of cinnamon. Combined what you have is the most perfect spiced apple fragrance you can find.

My Use:

I loved the scent unlit, and I knew Glade pretty well by now, and how their candles worked. If it smells good unlit, it will smell even better once ignited.

Low and behold, it did.

Glade's Apple Cinnamon Candle began to spread the fragrance throughout my room fairly quickly. It was as if someone was brewing up homemade apple cider, good enough to drink, and realistic enough to cause your mouth to water.

What really sets this one apart from other apple spice fragrances this season, is that even after the candle wick is blown out, its scent continues to linger in the room for a few hours.

All in all, this one is a winner, and will only be around for the fall season, so scoop it up while you can!

.my post also on ac

What a Nightmare the Frigidaire Affinity 3.8 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer Is! Read Review to Find out more about Model FAFW3801LW

Our old washing machine decided she was ready to retire, only 2 years young, but as they say, you pay for quality, and this old girl was only $150, so we sort of knew it wouldn't last all too long.


On the prowl for a new washing machine, we knew we were probably better of spending a little bit of money getting a washing machine with a good warranty and nice features. Initially we wanted an LG due to the 10 year warranty on its direct drive motor, but we could not wait a week for them to deliver so we went with a model that seemed similar to LG's, only this particular beauty didn't have a direct drive motor. Just a standard belt run motor.

At any rate the particular washing machine we ended up toting home was the Frigidaire Affinity 3.8 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer. The floor model was on sale for $499.99, which is a bit high for what we used to spend on washing machines. For this price however we expected this machine to last for a very long time, and to really go the extra mile when it came to cleaning clothes.

It has a bunch of nifty features and different washing cycles for you to choose from, and all of these glitter like features led us to believe that this washing machine was well worth the money. Frankly I loved the front loader, and being able to watch my clothes spin around while the washer did its thing.

The problem we encountered immediately however was that smaller clothing like socks and undergarments were getting stuck in the front loading window crevasse. The door has a small groove in it, which seems to catch smaller things, and they remain there not getting clean, and not moving. It was a little frustrating, but something we could overlook. We figured we could just put smaller clothes in a laundry bag and clean it that way.

The second issue came up about 20 minutes into a normal spin cycle. Right towards the end, the washing machine really begins to spin like crazy before it shuts off. This is just a normal cycle in the wash, but with this machine the washing machine got very loud, started shaking worse than our old $150 model, and sounded like an airplane landing even in the upstairs part of the house, you could hear this thing rattle.

It was supposed to have some sort of anti vibration feature, but apparently ours missed out on receiving that special little detail, because it was shocking, and disheartening to see, and hear this washing machine struggle like this.

All in all, the Frigidaire Affinity 3.8 Cu. Ft. Front Load Washer ended up taking the long haul back to the store, where we simply ordered the LG model we initially wanted. The wait is worth it. Never again will we buy a Frigidaire, as it seriously sounded worse than the lowest end model of washing machines you could buy.

We were fooled by the lights, and the glamorous outer appearance that this washing machine had, but we knew if we kept it, eventually it would break, and probably faster than our last machine.

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Review of WoodWicks Holly Berry Candle

I recently discovered WoodWicks Candles about 2 weeks ago when I randomly decided to take home their Frasier Fir scented candle. I had no idea how deliciously potent and fabulous this candle was until I lit it. It was love, long lasting love, and when I went on the hunt to find another candle in the same scent I came up empty handed. Well with that scent I did. I managed however to find one very last WoodWick candle on the counter called Holly Berry.

I sniffed it in the store, and did not really love it, but I knew the same thing happened when I sniffer Frasier Fir, it was not strong, bot until it was lit. I figured Holly Berry would deliver the same sort of hidden delights, and sure enough it did.

The candle itself comes in a nice tall glass jar, and immediately you will note one oddball feature about the candle. It's wick is made of wood! This is probably the best and most gnarly wick you will ever come across when it comes to candles. What makes WoodWicks so special, is that the wood wick actually crackles, giving it a neat fireplace crackling like vibe to those who hear it. What I love about the wick, besides the crackling noises, is that when you blow it out, the smell is not as terrible as standard wax wicks.

Holly Berry alone and unlit smells like a weakened down cinnamon spice. It's definitely a holiday scent, and one I enjoy. I just hoped when it was lit it would disperse the fragrance in a much more potent note.

It took about 10 minutes for Holly Berry to really begin to spread throughout our home, but once it started it didn't stop. A warm, rich, and very potent cinnamon spice fragrance began to flood our home, and it is definitely a delight, one we knew would be perfect to burn during our upcoming family Thanksgiving dinner.

The best of course is when the candle is lit, letting off it's fragrances in waves of spiced warm cinnamon, however, the second round of delight comes after the candle is put out, and that is because this candle manages to keep its fragrance trapped in the room which can last for hours. Impressive to say the least, as no other candle I have ever burned flooded a room out with such long lasting fragrance quite like WoodWick Candles do.

This particular candle cannot be found on WoodWicks website at this time, however you can scoop it up on ebay, or other auction sites. If you are particularly lucky you will find it at Marshall's selling for $9.99. In that case grab as many as you can, as you will not be disappointed in this one; or any other WoodWick Candles for that matter.