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Nintendo’s Captain Toad Treasure Tracker 3DS

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We received a sample.

Nintendo’s Captain Toad Treasure Tracker 3DS

Miles Review:  The game, Captain Toad Treasure Tracker, it’s self wasn’t  the best game because it was fairly easy and didn’t provide much of a challenge.  Unless, on each level you are trying to complete each objective it does provide a bit of a challenge. I also thought the levels that were fairly easy and short. I only had a bit of trouble with the boss levels and even then it was still pretty easy and the enemies are pretty easy to avoid as well.

Zoe and Miles video review:

Zoe’s Review:

I thought Toad Treasure Tracker was a very fun game. I liked that when you rescue Toadette you get to play as her and have to rescue Toad. My least favorite part is that when you play the game you can not fight the bad guys you have to tap them on the bottom so it makes it hard to run away. Another thing I like is that it is different from other Mario games. I also like that you can’t jump.

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Questions About Captain Toad Treasure Tracker

What is your favorite game feature?

Zoe: My favorite game feature is that you can not jump.

Miles: The fact that toad can still do all of this while carrying a backpack full of survival gear.

What is your least favorite game feature?

Zoe:  My least favorite game feature is that it is very hard to battle because you can not and instead you just have to tap them on the lower 3DS screen while you get away.

Miles:  The fact that you can not jump.

What is your favorite character?

Zoe:  My favorite character is the pixelated Toad. The pixelated Toad is Toad except he is a pixel and if you are are picking out what level you want to do you can click on him and you will go into a level and will have to look for him and it is just like a little hide and seek game.

Miles:  toadette because toad is stupid and pixelated toad hides from you

What does this game make you think of or remind you of?

Zoe:  In one of the Wii Mario games it was called “Super Mario 3D World” there was a level and you played as toad and it was about the same. And then there was actually another Wii game also called “Captain Toad Treasure Tracker” and it was the same except it was on the Wii.

Miles:  It makes me think of hide and seek cause you have to find the objectives.

Would you recommend this game?

Zoe:  Yes I would recommend this game it was very fun.

Miles: Yes.

About Nintendo’s Captain Toad Treasure Tracker 3DS:

  • The Captain Toad: treasure tracker game, which originally launched for the Wii U system to critical acclaim and adoration by fans, is coming to Nintendo 3DS.
  • This version includes new stages based on the various kingdoms in the Super Mario Odyssey game.
  • Captain Toad: treasure tracker for the Nintendo 3DS family systems.
  • Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Suitable_for_all_users

Top 3 Reasons To Purchase a Bosch 100 Series Dishwasher @BestBuy #BoschDishwasher@BoschAppliances #AD

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This post is sponsored by Best Buy, our opinions are our own.

Just last week I was telling you guys about how much I love my Bosch Dishwasher. It’s so quiet while it is cleaning my dishes, the only thing we hear is the water running during the rinse cycle. I mean it’s that quiet. Today, we want to go even a little bit deeper, and talk about the Bosch 100 Series available at Best Buy and what makes the Bosch the “World’s #1 Dishwasher Brand.”

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The number 1 reason that the Bosch 100 series Dishwasher is that it is the quietest dishwasher in the U.S. There are 18 sound reducing technologies inside the machine and because it’s so quiet the Bosch 100 Series has the InfoLight ® that lets you know it is running.

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When it comes to a dishwasher you also want some reliability. Bosch is the most reliable dishwasher brand with the lowest repair rate according to a leading consumer publication.

When it comes to a dishwasher you also want an excellent performance. Our dishes are always clean. Skip the Pre-Rinse with Bosch.  All Bosch dishwashers have PrecisionWash™- an intelligent wash system with sensors that target every dish to leave them sparkling clean, every time. According to a leading consumer publication Bosch owns 5 of the top 10 drying scores out of 160 tested dishwasher which is pretty amazing right? And Bosch Dishwashers’ condensation drying sets them apart from other brands. The Bosch factory performs 485 quality checks on every dishwasher to ensure that lasting performance in your home. 

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Now the design of a Dishwasher is listed as our number three in importance but could arguably be number 1 for some people. There is a variety of designs and door handles that should fit any kitchen design. They also have Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel that helps guard against smudges and fingerprints and makes them easy to clean a moms dream come true. The dishwasher also comes with a 3rd rack and it adds 30% more loading area and with the Adjustable Rackmatic™ rack you are provided 9 adjustable positions giving you maximum loading flexibility.

BOSCH Premium Dishwasher Features to Love

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This is a sponsored blog post by Best Buy, our opinions are our own.

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I often get asked by Best Buy to write informational pieces on different products that they sell in their stores. I love doing it because we like to stay up to date on tech, in this instance though, I actually have a BOSCH Premium Dishwasher and can share with you first hand how much I like mine. Bosch%20800%20Dishwasher_MyWay%20rack

Number one reason to love the BOSCH Premium Dishwashers is because they are so quite. They are the quietest dishwasher brand in the U.S. It has 18 sound reducing technologies and an InfoLight that lets you know it is running.

I also love that the dishes come out clean. It’s reliable. I count on it to get my dishes clean and running without a need for repairs. Bosch is the most reliable dishwasher brand with the lowest repair rate according to a leading consumer publication. Also according to a leading consumer publication, Bosch owns 5 of the top 10 drying scores out of 160 tested dishwashers. Condensation drying sets Bosch apart. 

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It comes with a 3rd rack that adds 30% more loading area, because you can put flat things in that top area. In all honestly, we took out our third rack. But it’s there if you want it and have a sue for it. The Adjustable Rackmatic™ rack provides 9 adjustable positions giving you maximum loading flexibility. There are a variety of designs available to fit in any kitchen.

AuCuTee White Noise Machine

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We received a sample from AuCuTee.com– a manufacturer for white noise machine sleep.

When my children were babies one of the best things we did was use a white noise machine. These things are amazing at calming down babies and helping them fall asleep. image

These kids of mine would love to be bundled and I would put on the white noise and let them go off to sleepy land. So when we received the offer from AuCuTee to review their white noise machine we took the offer. First the kids made an unboxing video and then we tested it out. Then they both told me they were taking it and keeping it. Sigh, the kids still want a white noise machine. I’m actually not even sure why I took it away.

Watch our unboxing video and product discovery:

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The company is offering a coupon code: 20% OFF code to buy it from them on Amazon. (20% OFF: 20PAB3ST)

Visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DW4S7CZ to purchase it.

About the AuCuTee White Noise

  • Classic white noise sound machine, it’s designed to help mask unwanted, uncontrollable, disturbing noises that interfere with your ability to sleep, relax, or concentrate

Works great on my kids.

  • Featuring with real fan to generate natural and constant airflow soothing sound, playing mode also can be set 30 or 60 minutes automatic turn-off timer if needed

Great to set a timer and then leave in the babies room under the crib.

  • Dual built-in USB charging ports with DC 5V/1A, it can be connected to charge your phones/tablets or other devices at night

Real Fan Inside

  • First and foremost, this fan noise machine is by far the most customize white noise machine on the market.
  • While most simply loop repetitive audio tracks, the AuCuTee Fan Noise Machine uses a dual-speed asymmetrical fan to actually create soothing noise.
  • The resulting sound is one of rushing air that is soft and pleasant to listen to.
  • It sounds like a cross between a fan and the comforting “shushing” noise parents make,it is also a simple, no-frills sound, but it is great for masking outside noises that keep you up at night.
    Customize Your Sound
  • Better yet, This noise machine with fan built-in has two speeds (slow and high) of “rushing air”.
  • The adjustable case can be twisted to adjust the tone. It is great that you can fine-tune the exact sound that comes out.
  • The movable panels do not move a huge amount, but with the tiniest adjustment, you can change the sound considerably.
  • What the best is that there is just one button, with three settings: off, and two different speeds.
  • The adjustable center portion of the device also utilizes a series of slanted vents, which can be shifted to allow more or less air to move through them.
  • This increase or decrease in airflow allows you to choose from an arrange of volumes and tones.
    Simply the Best
  • The all-natural sound of the AuCuTee Classic is noise-reducing, sleep-inducing magic.
    Easy to Use
  • Just plug it in and flip the switch to choose your volume; “high” speed is to make fan sound loud enough. “low”speed is for quiet environment.
  • The AuCuTee real fan sounds is simply effective, with no complicated interface. It’s everything you need and nothing you don’t.
    Package included
  • 1 X Fan White Noise Machine

    • Why You Want the HP Envy x360

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    This post is sponsored by Best Buy, I received a gift card for my time.

    I love getting new technology and use a laptop/tablet as my sole computer and have for years. They are so powerful and portable now it’s amazing. The HP Envy x360 looks like everything I desire in a computer. And here is why.

    Why You Want the HP Envy x360

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    The HP Envy x360 is currently available at Best Buy and you can save $100 until 7.28.

    The HP Envy x360 is equipped with Windows 10. I love using Windows 10 because it’s the new operating system with that Start Menu that everyone loves.

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    The HP Envy x360 has a full HD touch screen. I’m so used to using a touch screen now. I love being able to sign documents with my digital pen. The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. Natural finger-touch navigation makes the most of Windows 10. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient WLED backlight.

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    The HP Envy x360 has an 8GB system memory for advanced multitasking which is so what I need for my everyday use. Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.

    The HP Envy x360 has a 360 degree flip-and-fold design which makes it look like a tablet and then you don’t have to put it away when you are on a plane. I LOVE turning my laptop into a tablet just so I can keep it in my lap during take off and landing. Plus it makes everyday use very versatile.

    Summer Fun With Portable Speakers

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    This is a sponsored blog post with Best Buy.

    I have to say that my family loves to listen to music, so much so that my kids will take the portable speaker into the shower, so it’s a good thing we have a waterproof one. Just in time for summer, Ultimate Ears announced new updates for MEGABLAST and BLAST portable speakers to help them get smarter and better over time, and yes they are water-resistant and available at Best Buy. These new experiences for MEGABLAST and BLAST that were just announced include:

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    • Enhanced controls on the Ultimate Ears app: You can control volume from the app remotely, which is something I love and you will find it helpful if you have your music cranked up loud and want to use Alexa. I love using Alexa. You also have the ability to check battery status in two ways. 1 you can go through the app. 2 you can do it right from the speaker by pressing the “+/-” volume buttons simultaneously. You can personalize your sound for any artist or music genre with the custom equalizer (EQ).

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    • Voice control on Spotify and more (coming soon): This sounds like just a fun improvement because I love voice control. All you have to do is ask……. “Alexa, play my Discover Weekly” or any music from Spotify on MEGABLAST and BLAST. Spotify will soon join other Amazon Alexa supported music services such as Amazon Music, Deezer and TuneIn globally; and Pandora, iHeartRadio and SiriusXM in the U.S.. You will be able to use your voice to control music from these streaming services over Wi-Fi. On Bluetooth, you can enjoy music from any of your favorite music services.
    • A better way to listen with Spotify Connect (coming soon): MEGABLAST and BLAST will be the first Ultimate Ears speakers to integrate Spotify Connect. When on Wi-Fi, open the Spotify app on your phone and play music directly to our speakers (under “Devices Available”) without the need to pair through Bluetooth. Music fans can also stream the highest quality sound possible from Spotify. With Spotify Connect, text message or make calls without interrupting the music and save your phone’s battery.

    portable speakers

    • New grouping experience for smart speakers (coming soon): You can group up to eight MEGABLAST and BLAST speakers on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Stereo mode is supported when you connect two MEGABLAST or BLAST speakers. Optimized to take advantage of the speakers’ built-in Wi-Fi capability, you will experience greater range for grouped speakers and improved connection reliability. Grouping is expected to be available later this year.

    It sounds like these improvements are going to make your summer fun with portable speakers even better than ever. You will have the ability to use your app or your voice for hours of listening. 

    Safe Headphones For Kids

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    We received samples.

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    It’s a unicorn, it’s a headband, no it’s headphones. Well in all honesty it’s all three.

    Snuggly Rascals are fun, comfortable and safe headphones for kids and my daughter LOVES them. Check out her video review of the Snuggly Rascals.

    Yep, she loves them. She took them on vacation to Hawaii and wore them all day on the airplane. I really need to get my son a set of them. He would love them just as much as her.

    What I think of Snuggly Rascals?

    I love these kids headphones. These headphones are made for kids. They keep kids from listening to music too loud, which I worry that my son does. They are completely comfortable and ok to fall asleep in. My kids complain all the time about how headphones do not fit on their ears and these do fit. They are great.

    I love how they come in such cute animal designs. My son and daughter both fought over the unicorn headphones that they sent to us. They are also only 17.99 which is an excellent price point for children’s headphones. Snuggly Rascals (v2) are available in 6 fun designs: Unicorn, Owl, Penguin, Kitten, Monster and Panda.

    Snuggly Rascals Features:

    – Made with a high quality, super soft fleece and ultra-flat speakers, Snuggly Rascals are extra-comfortable headphones suitable for kids of all ages (3+ recommended).
    – Unlike standard earphones and headphones which can be uncomfortable on or in the ears, Snuggly Rascals are lightweight (only 50g), perfect for travel and designed for comfort over short or long periods.
    Specifications:
    – Velcro, size adjustable headband to fit head circumference 38cm to 58cm
    – Connects via standard 3.5mm audio jack connection on 1.5m cable
    – Volume limited to 85 decibels
    – Headband is machine washable at low temperatures (don’t forget to remove speakers, and kids!)
    – 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex

    5 Ways to Improve Your Sleep Quality With Your Smartphone

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    Sponsored Guest Post

    Using your smartphone close to bedtime is associated with poor sleep quality, but your phone doesn’t have to affect you negatively. Minimizing phone usage during the hour before bed, installing sleep apps, and adjusting your phone settings are three simple steps you can take to help you sleep better.

    Discover ways your smartphone can help you fall asleep faster, defeat insomnia, and wake up refreshed.

    Use Apps to Monitor Your Sleep Cycles

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    Image via Flickr by mislav-m

    Using your phone to track your sleep cycles can be a game changer for those struggling to sleep well. During sleep, your body goes through various sleep states. You sleep deeply during some states and lightly during others. Waking during a deep sleep state makes you feel groggy and tired, and these feelings are hard to shake. The Sleep Cycle app can help you avoid this problem.

    The Sleep Cycle app tracks your sleep by using your phone’s microphone to monitor the sounds you make or the accelerometer to track your movements. The app uses this information to wake you up when you enter a lighter sleep state in the morning, mimicking the way it feels to wake up naturally and improving your overall sleep quality.

    Sleepbot is another app that tracks your sleep cycles. It gives you detailed reports of your sleep history that you can view on your phone and contains a journal where you can record pertinent sleep information.

    Plan Ahead

    Using your cellphone before bedtime can make falling asleep harder and may lead to a restless night. Studies show that the blue and white lights emitted by cellphone screens disrupt your brain’s ability to release melatonin, a hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep.

    The best way to combat this situation is to avoid using your phone during the hour before bed. Read a book, take a bath, or practice yoga instead.   

    Adjust Your Phone’s Settings

    In addition to a screen time moratorium before bed, adjusting your phone’s built-in lighting features can help. Bright screens in dark surroundings hurt your eyes, so dim the screen when you’re in a dark environment. On your iPhone, simply enable Auto Brightness in Settings.

    iPhone users can also enable Night Shift. This feature changes the standard, cool colors of your screen to warmer ones, decreasing the amount of blue light emitted. Night Shift can help your brain produce the right amount of melatonin at the correct time.

    Listen to Soothing Music

    For some people, a silent room leads to a sleepless night. For them, listening to soothing music, white noise, or someone reading may help.

    Pzizz, a soothing sleep app, uses an algorithm to mix sounds optimized to help you fall asleep fast and sleep well. You choose the tracks you like and program it to play for up to 24 hours. Pzizz learns the types of sounds you prefer and makes suggestions based on your preferences.  

    While you may think that bedtime stories are for kids only, nothing could be further from the truth. Listening to someone reading aloud is calming no matter how old you are. Check out Audible, an audiobook service that gives you access to thousands of read-aloud titles. 

    An Updated iPhone and a Good Data Plan Can Help

    While a smartphone can improve your sleep quality, your data plan and phone will determine how much it can help. Some carriers, such as T-Mobile, offer unlimited data plans that will let you stream music continuously without going over your monthly data allotment.

    An updated phone is necessary for downloading the apps you need to improve your sleep quality. Apple’s iPhone 8 Plus contains the hardware you’ll need for downloading, and its intuitive user interface makes it incredibly easy to operate. Combine these features with T-Mobile’s reliable 4G LTE network, and an iPhone 8 Plus with an unlimited data plan from T-Mobile could provide almost everything you need to help you sleep better and feel refreshed the next day.

    When used properly, your smartphone can help you fall asleep faster and sleep better. Adjusting your settings and taking advantage of sleep apps can help you relax, determine changes you need to make, and improve your overall sleep quality.

    Epson Expression Premium XP-6000: Video Review

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    Epson Expression Premium XP-6000
    Sample provided.
    We’re a big fan of Epson printers in our household, so we were eager to check out the new Expression Premium XP-6000 that debuted last month. This is a great follow-up to the XP-640 that we reviewed in 2016 – learn more about the features in Epson’s latest and greatest Small-in-One® printer in our video review:

    For reference, the color charts we printed as a test are available here and here.

    These are the personal photos that we printed:

    The Expression Premium XP-6000 retails for $149.99 – learn more at Epson.com.

    Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon Kid Review

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    Samples received from Nintendo

    imageAs part of the Nintendo Kid Reviewer program, Zoe and Miles are on their own. This is their thoughts on the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS video game Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. Getting them to write reviews is still like pulling teeth. However, making videos of course that’s their jam. So yesterday they filmed two different videos for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon. Here is their video where they focused a little more on Pokémon Ultra Sun

    In this next video Miles and Zoe focus on Pokemon Ultra Moon, trading pokemon with quick links and just how Miles likes to play.

    When we do these Kid Reviews, I try to lead them with questions. So they did answer these questions about Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon.

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    What is your favorite game feature?

    Zoe: My favorite game feature is the new ultra beasts. I love Pokémon so I am super happy to see the new Pokémon.

    Miles: That is a hard question to answer. It would probably be that you can trade your Pokémon and or battle with any of your friends as long as they are close to you. You can do all of that with quick-link. So I guess that I could say they my  favorite game feature is quick link.

    What is your least favorite game feature?

    Zoe: That is hard to answer but I would probably have to say the fact that it is a lot like the first Pokémon sun and moon games.

    Miles:  I love playing this game i wouldn’t say that I one but I do wish that they changed the story a bit more.

    What is your favorite character?

    Zoe: Aloan region Ninetails

    Miles:  dusk form Lycanroc

    What does this game make you think of or remind you of?

    Zoe: Hawaii and the Pokémon Tv show

    Miles:  Pokémon sun and moon heh heh

    Would you recommend this game? Why?

    Zoe: Not really, its hard to say because this game is exactly like Pokémon sun and moon except with new features. But then I really enjoy the new features and i love the new Pokémon so its hard to say.

    Miles:  yes because it is fun to play and also there is some really funny content but I would also recommend it because it has a spirit of adventure and challenges you to think strategically

    Zoe is 11 and Miles is 10.

    Throughout 2018 there will be multiple ways for kids to add Legendary Pokémon, some of the most powerful and well-known Pokémon, to their Pokémon Ultra Sun, Pokémon Ultra Moon, Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon game!

    We have to tell you Pokémon fans can receive a free download code each month for their Pokémon Ultra Sun, Pokémon Ultra Moon, Pokémon Sun or Pokémon Moon game to get a select Legendary Pokémon! Each month, the free download codes can be retrieved at either one of our retail partners such as Best Buy, Target and GameStop, or through the Pokémon Trainer Club newsletter (Pokémon Trainer Club account required). As the location or method of retrieving the free download code changes, be sure to check out the Legendary Pokémon distribution site each month for details (https://www.pokemonlegendary.com/en-us/distributions/).

    Legendary Pokémon play an integral role in the plot of Pokémon games but can be difficult to obtain as players may only encounter one of a particular species during their adventure! Each month in 2018 a new character will be featured at retail or the Pokémon Trainer Club newsletter, creating opportunities for kids to collect and battle all year long. Visit the official Legendary Pokémon site for more information and Legendary fun: https://www.pokemonlegendary.com/en-us. The site is updated regularly and includes fun facts, quizzes, activities and more. Be sure to also check out Play.Nintendo.com for other Pokémon themed creative ideas!