3 Reasons You Need Quality Gaming Merchandise

Gamers and non-gamers wish to buy quality products that would give them the best experience that they are looking for. Playing video games is one of the hobbies that knows no age. It is addictive. Whether an individual is playing or watching, they need to be as comfortable as possible. Websites like www.cybeart.com provide gamers and non-gamers with quality merchandise such as gaming chairs, phone cases, and mouse pads. 

Why is it so important to use high-quality gaming merchandise? Below are just a few reasons to consider. 

Comfort

One of the main reasons you need to buy quality gaming products is the comfort required during gaming. Gaming can be addictive, and as a result, people tend to spend a lot of hours enjoying the activity. If you are planning to sit down for hours, then you will need a comfortable chair. Such a chair would also help protect your back. A substantial number of people no longer play games for fun. They play games to make money. Such makes the gaming environment their office. Every person wishes to work in a comfortable office, and the gaming environment is no exception. As well, the mouse pads need to be of good quality to guarantee comfort. Non-gamers might also want to watch their friends as they play video games. Hence, they also need comfortable chairs to prevent them from straining their backs. 

Durability

Quality gaming products are a guarantee that the item would last long. The gaming merchandise, such as mouse pads and phone cases, tends to be used for long hours. This means that they are prone to get damaged easily. The solution to this problem is buying good quality products that are meant to last with heavy use. Regardless of how frequent you use them; they would remain in good condition for a long period. Some gaming merchandise such a PSs and chairs tend to be costly. Hence, you have to invest in a good one to avoid buying them now and then.

Value

Given that some gaming products might be expensive, it is necessary to focus on quality to ensure that you get quality for your money. There is no need to purchase an expensive product only to break down within a short period. Before you decide what to buy, it is necessary to do a lot of research to ensure that you buy a good quality product. Checking reviews and comments is one way of ensuring that you buy quality gaming merchandise. 

If you are a gamer, you need to identify your needs before purchasing gaming merchandise. There are plenty of gaming items out there that one can buy. However, the products come in different types, qualities, and prices. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase one that suits your preferences and budget. You do not want to spend a lot of money on a product that won't last long or one that doesn't really accomplish what you're looking for. You can look for reviews of a particular product before buying it. As a result, you will end up buying gaming merchandise that perfectly matches your preferences. 

Bike Sizing Guide - How to Get the Best Size Bike for Your Kids

Having a bike as a kid has always been some of our very fondest memories. Learning how to ride, falling off ten times, and trying again, hurting yourself and crying after, has always been a natural part of any kids’ life. That excitement when any parent buys their children a brand-new bicycle with that “wow factor”, is unparalleled to any other memory one can have in their growing up days.

For children to acquire the skills to ride, there are many advantages, and there are tons of reasons why children should learn how to ride a bike. Besides it is just pure fun, it keeps them physically active, it benefits their mental abilities and learning capabilities coupled with multi-tasking while holding the bike steady and trying to steer and pedal it all at the same time. It works the brain. 

Other good things about having one, together with those mentioned here, is that it can be a fun family bonding activity too. The good news is, it is not just advantageous for the children and their families but also the environment. Bicycles don’t pollute the cities, as much as automobiles do. One nice thing is that you can even buy bicycles online. So, with so many amazing and exciting things to look forward to, every kid should have a bike. Let’s see how we can get your one and make sure he fits on it. 

Choosing a Good Bike for Your Child

The easiest thing to do is to ask your kid which bike he likes that way you can provide them with continued enthusiasm for the piece, plus you’re sure he will use it and look after it. Depending on his age, he may just choose the best one. However, this may not always be the situation and they can be indecisive, in which case, you should consider a few factors before you purchase one. Below are a few of these:

1. In terms of the weight, the lighter it is, the better. For instance, if your child weighs 16kg, which most 3-year olds do, the bike should be in and around that heaviness too. If you buy something even 10% heavier, it may not be easy for them to balance it. This is why parents are advised to use a balance-bike first till the child learns how to ride, then as they grow older, perhaps at 4 years of age, they use one without the balance wheels.
2. In terms of the steering bars, those with ball bearings tend to be easier to turn and handle. You can also buy a plain bearing model but it will be slightly difficult to handle if they are still a child. The handgrips, too, must be secure and have a good grip. Ones with a bulb at the end will avoid them slipping off them.
3. A hand-brake is a useful element to have on the bicycle, unlike the balance bikes which use your shoes to stop. Make sure their hands can reach the brakes properly and pull it. 
4. Pneumatic tyres are the better option regarding the wheels, explained in depth here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_tire as they are lighter and more manageable. They are about 12-inches. Any type of wheel must be able to spin easily and freely. 
   
   
   

The Most Important Component – The Size

The size of the bike is a very imperative aspect. Firstly, look for a comfortable saddle, and one that does not have a slippery cover, secondly make sure it is easily adjustable then, put your child on the device and adjust it to make sure he can touch both feet flat on the ground. As they get older and taller you can raise the seat further up. One must always look for an upright riding position similar to the Black Mountain Pinto kids bikes, which are lightweight, easy to handle, and have stabilisers included on them. If your child is still little, he or she only needs one gear. 

A lot of online resources and kid’s bike stores provide a sizing guide for those looking to buy one. They commonly start with the balance types which are usually any kid’s first one, and are about 2’11” to about 3’5”, and go up to any age. If the wheel size is 12” it is usually for ages between 3 to 5 years old, if the wheels are thicker such as the 26” ones, they would suit a 9 to 12-year-old.

Also stay clear of any fancy varieties with supplementary items on them that will distract the child, unless it’s to ride around the house or compound then things such as baskets in the front or back are fine, keep it simple. 

Away From The Screen – Toys Your Son Will Love

We all know that tech plays an important role in our lives. For some, our entire working lives are based around it. It makes life a little easier and helps us to connect and reconnect with friends and family. Technology is great for our kids too, from lessons in coding to how to design and create a video game or even edit a video, becoming immersed in technology can help our children find future roles and careers that they’re truly passionate about.

image credit

However, as wonderful as technology is, it can sometimes take over. With many parents struggling to coax their children outside for some fresh air, or simply entertain themselves without the help of a screen. So, if your child has a birthday coming up or you just want to spoil them, maybe you should embrace fun and entertainment away from the screen and consider the following gifts and toys for 9 year old boys.

image credit

Board and card games

Not just for rainy days, board games can be played with family and friends when they come to visit. You’ll find traditional games like Monopoly have been adapted to complement their favorite TV shows, and games like Top Trumps are always harmlessly competitive between good friends.

Pranks and jokes

Do you have a budding comedian at home? Or someone who likes to play pranks on their older siblings? Prank and joke kits have always been popular and they're a great way to get your child thinking outside the box and creating plans and schemes to pull off the perfect prank! Whoopee cushions stink bombs, hand buzzers, and slime will keep your son busy for hours!

Sports

If your son is football mad, then some simple football equipment for the garden is the ideal gift. A goal where they can practice their penalties, some new football kit, training cones or even a bag to put their boots and kit in. If you're struggling for outdoor space, then consider a smaller trick ball that they can use indoors to practice some cool tricks and skills.

image credit

Bikes

When we were kids, there was nothing better than getting on your bike and heading out. As long as you were back home in time for dinner of course! If your son doesn't have a bike, or they need a new one, then it could be the best gift ever. They can take themselves to and from school, practice cool tricks, go out riding with their friends and just enjoy a little freedom. Remember to get them the additional safety gear too!

Books

If your son much prefers reading and learning new things then topping up their bookshelf with some new reads is ideal. The latest novels from their favorite authors, encyclopedias, annuals, or other books dedicated to their favorite subject. It'll certainly keep them away from their screens for a while.

And finally, LEGOs! 

LEGO or simple building bricks have been loved for generations. When your son plays with LEGOs he’s using his creativity and cognitive skills to figure out what should go where and how to bring his ideas to life. This is a classic favorite that you surely cannot go wrong with.

The Best Relaxation Methods

One of the hardest things about being a homemaker is knowing when to stop with all of the household tasks and learn to give yourself a little ‘me-time’.

So if you’re looking for some simple ways to relax, then check out these tips that show that whether it’s doing some simple artwork, or even playing online games, there’s plenty of ways you can take some time out in a fun way!

One of the biggest trends in recent years is regarding something called ‘wellness’. This kind of alternative medication has been with us for decades, but it has only really became trendy in the past couple of years for the way that it encourages us to get a healthy balance between mind, body and spirit.

The practice of wellness works in a similar way to meditation as it helps you forget the day-to-day worries by focusing your thoughts on a specific activity rather than manically multitasking!

This is why there’s been such an amazing popularity regarding adult coloring books as they can really help focus your mind and pass the time making some beautiful images.

Focusing your mind on a specific task has also led to the increased visibility of many simple, yet aesthetically-pleasing online games like Monument Valley that provide a soothing way to unwind. And scientists have also proven that engaging your mind in a puzzle game like Color Switch and Swiperoo can have a variety of brain-enhancing benefits. Furthermore Lucky Nugget Casino give you chance to improve your strategic abilities by testing your blackjack techniques thanks to the site’s user-friendly gaming interface that also includes roulette and slots, and can be easily accessed whilst curled up on the couch!

But as well as taking it easy, there’s been many who point to powers of light exercise as being a great way to relax. Even something as simple as walking is a proven stress-reducer as it encourages the production of endorphins which make us feel better, and it can help shed a few pounds too!

If that all sounds a little too energetic then simply having a nice, long bath can work wonders in helping you feel rejuvenated and refreshed for the next day. Just make sure to get some good exfoliating salts, and you’ll feel like a new person in no time!

Of course, it’s important to treat ourselves every now and then, and whether it’s a trip to the local health spa, or a quick weekend break away, there’s nothing like a treat to give you a little perspective.

So whether it’s a few rounds of online blackjack, or just doing some coloring in with the kids, there’s plenty of fun ways to relax.

VTech Learning Cartridges Review for InnoTab Tablets #spon

Disclosure: The VTech product, gift card and information have been provided by VTech.

We recently got the opportunity to review the InnoTab MAX from VTech and it has been a great learning tool for my son. He has been enjoying the many apps the tablet offers. We were super lucky to receive two learning cartridges from VTech that work with the InnoTab tablets including the new InnoTab MAX.

We received Pixar Play and I Spy learning cartridges and my little guy could not wait to check them out.

InnoTab Pixar Play Learning Cartridge
(Ages 4-7 years; MSRP: $24.99)

·  The Pixar Store is open, and it’s time to play! In Pixar Play for VTech's InnoTab Learning Tablets, explore fun games and activities featuring your favorite characters from Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters University and The Incredibles!
·  This InnoTab Learning Cartridge includes a variety of features such as five learning games that introduce spelling, letters, vocabulary, reading, phonics and creativity, an e-Book that retells the story of the movie "The Incredibles," and allows you to take photos with your favorite Pixar characters.

Our thoughts on the InnoTab Pixar Play learning cartridge: 

• They featured many of his favorite characters that are very age-appropriate. 
• You can choose your level; easy or difficult.
• The instructions are very easy to follow. 
• It is a great way to encourage spelling, phonics and vocabulary. 
• Your child will feel like they are playing a fun game without realizing they are LEARNING!
• This is an excellent aid for early readers. 

InnoTab I Spy Adventure Learning Cartridge 
(Ages 4-7 years; MSRP: $24.99)

·  I spy a fun-filled problem-solving adventure in this title for VTech's InnoTab Learning Tablets!
·  Kids can practice early reading skills as they read and solve I SPY riddles and play games to unlock 50 levels of play – each more challenging than the next.
·  Find, match and sore a variety of photo-realistic objects across four action-packed thinking games that build logic, vocabulary and visual discrimination skills.

Our thoughts on the InnoTab I Spy Adventure Learning Cartridge

• It's very simple to understand.
• Kids have the option of receiving a hint if they get stumped. This helps reduce frustration when they are trying hard to make a match. 
• My child feels accomplished when he sees how many levels he has moved up in. 
• We don't have traditional video games in our home (by choice) so this is a great alternative. 

Both learning cartridges are easy to load on the InnoTab and provide hours of wholesome fun. We are comfortable and know our child is playing something safe that he does not require any monitoring with. Be sure to check out VTech on Facebook and Twitter for product promotions and updates. 

Family Game Night with Coca-Cola

**Contest Closed**
Winner is #121 Krystel S~ Congratulations!

This fall, Coca-Cola wants to help your family get back-to-basics with Coca-Cola Family Night through My Coke Rewards. Whether it’s new snack recipes, tips on at-home activities or the latest in gaming technology—Coca-Cola and My Coke Rewards/Family are here to help facilitate your tradition of family togetherness!No matter what your family enjoys, there are lots of fun features to give your night a personalized twist. Features on My Coke Rewards/Family include gaming features from Sony and snack together tips from Celebrity Chef G. Garvin.

This really gets me to thinking that my family really needs to have a game night soon. We usually have finger foods and fun snacks. When my girls were in elementary school they were both in a magnet program and we had a big family game night event for the all magnet families. We had stations set up with a different board game and a timer was set for 15 minutes. When the time was up you switched to the next game station. It was so much fun and a great way to spend time with family and friends.

To help get you geared up for your next family game night one Momfiles reader will win a Game Board Prize Pack (valued at approximately $100) consisting of:

(1) $25 Amex Card for snacks and supplies
(1) Coca-Cola Coupon
(1) Yatzee Board Game
(1) Monopoly Board Game
(1) Coca-Cola Polar Bear Puzzle
(1) Checkers Mat
(1) Playing Cards or Dominoes Set

Mandatory to enter: Please share a game night memory or tradition you have with your family.

For extra entries you may do any or all of the following (please leave an individual comment per entry method)

~ Sign up for My Coke Rewards
~ Follow Coca Cola and Momfiles on Twitter
~ Tweet about this giveaway (once daily) and leave a link to your Tweet
Looking to bring the family together? @Cocacola might be able to help! Enter here @momfiles http://tinyurl.com/3z8t4j6 #CokeFamilyNight
~ "like" Coca Cola and Momfiles on Facebook
~ Follow Momfiles through Google Friend Connect

This giveaway is open to US/Canada Residents only and will end on October 20, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST. One winner will be chosen at random and contacted via email. Please leave your email address in your comment if you do not have a Blogger Profile. Momfiles is not responsible for any lost or stolen prizes. Good luck!

The prize was provided by Coca-Cola, but Coca-Cola is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. All opinions expressed in the post are my own and not those of Coca-Cola.

Brainetics Review

I recently received Mike Byster's Brainetics Complete Set for review. My husband actually had his eye on it for a while and really wanted to order it. He is big on anything that has to do with brain power. My 14 year old daughter Briahnna was immediately intrigued by this system and volunteered to test it out.
Here is what Briahnna had to say:

It was easy to use because the playbook went right along with the DVD and the shortcuts and tricks really worked. They made the problems easier. I can totally see this helping make math a bit easier at school. I completed the first workbook that was a bit random but as long as you followed the directions you could figure it out. I think the 9-99 age range that it recommends on the box is correct. I think I prefer to do this by myself but the instructions says you can do it with other people. I can't even figure out how the person who created this system came up with it! It's pretty cool and I would recommend this for other people.




For more information on how this system works or to purchase Brainetics, check out the website here.

I received a Brainetics system for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine as always.

Thrive Time for Teens Review (family style)

A couple weeks ago we received a board game called Thrive Time for Teens to review. This was perfect since we have 2 teen daughters. Thrive Time for Teens is a game geared toward teaching teens about financial responsibility in a fun way. This game involves real-life scenarios such as going to college, buying a car, giving to charity, paying monthly expenses and even starting a business.We sat down together at the dining table (snacks and all) to play the game for ourselves. Everyone had a financial tracking sheet to document everything along the way.

I will admit that it was a bit confusing at first so we suggest you read the instructions fully to understand the game better. The girls were amazed when they had to use their credit card to pay for things that they did not always have to cash for. I think they were not crazy about having so much debt! You really had to make some tough decisions about things that can impact your finances. My husband and I really enjoyed playing this game with our children. The game truly allowed our girls to learn financial concepts in a fun way instead of the typical parent lecture...believe me, the girls are happy to get out of any of daddy's lectures any way they can!!

Here's what the girls had to say:

Briahnna (age 13): "I really enjoyed this game and how it is so much like real life. I'll definitely play this game again!"

Chardonnay (age 15): "I like the game a lot. It's a great way to teach one to manage money. It's something they don't teach in school so this is a great way to learn and I love it."

Thrive Time for Teens can be purchased online for $29.99. It makes a great gift for birthdays and holidays. You can also donate a game to your favorite organization as a way of giving back to your community. We plan to play again over the long weekend. Our family would recommend this game for sure and we hope you will check it out.

Disclosure: We received a free game for review purposes and no other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% our own.