POSTED BY Nicole Brady on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 9:16 PM
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I cannot believe that the new year is already upon us. This past year has just flown by and I don't know where it went.

Seriously. It seems like just recently that I celebrated by 40th birthday but that was way back in April.

I am not one to write down resolutions because when I ultimately fail, I just end up more frustrated and down than if I don't make the resolution in the first place. But one thing is for certain as I begin the new year... I need to rethink my health. I am horrible about planning meals, have a terrible sweet tooth and only enjoy exercise that makes me smile when I am doing it.


POSTED BY Nicole Brady on Thursday, December 16, 2010 at 8:37 PM
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I'm not a creative person. I'm also not that good at DIY stuff. We have a trifecta when you add in the fact that I'm too cheap to pay for repairs.

So that leaves it to DH to fix things up. To repair things. To be creative when we need something jazzed up a bit.

...which is fine because he's good at it... if he has the right tools.


POSTED BY Nicole Brady on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 9:21 PM
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Knock, knock, knock.  Is anyone there?

I'm shaking my head in total disbelief at how few entries there were in my Tony Hawk: Shred Wii game giveaway.  I did a quick search and found that there have been a lot of great giveaways lately that haven't had many entries. Seriously - like an iPad giveaway with only 17 entries.  Since that was on a blog that I actually follow, I'm amazed at (and kicking) myself that I missed it, too.  I'm guessing that everyone is just as busy as I am with all the chaos surrounding the holidays... and kids being sick... and kids' school activities... and... and... and...

Anyway, so the random number generator decided that comment #12, Max Power, is the winner and if it isn't claimed, then I'll move on to the runner up of comment #17.

Congrats to Max on the win.  Now I think I'll go out and scour the blogosphere for some low entry contests that I can enter!

POSTED BY Nicole Brady on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at 9:42 PM
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This past summer, Miss M learned to skateboard.  She's only 7 so I was in awe... it's something that I NEVER learned how to do.  I enjoyed skiing and ice skating, but put wheels under me and I was a mess.

DH, on the other hand, lists skateboarding among his childhood passions.  So I'm guessing that Miss M acquired his ability to stand on a board without biffing.

So when Tony Hawk Shred for the Wii showed up at our door, I'm not sure who was more excited...
....DH - because it's the combination of a childhood favorite and technology...
...Miss M - because it's a video game AND a skateboard rolled into one...
...Me - because it's a skateboard with no wheels and little potential for typical skateboarding injuries...

DH took the lead and set it up for us which involved connecting a transmitter to the Wii.  He proceeded to test it out, running through the training area without missing a beat.  He did Ollies, flips and manuals like he hadn't missed a day.  As I sat there and watched, I learned quite a bit.  It explains terminology in addition to how to do the tricks.  I was anxious to see how the kids would do.

When Miss M was ready, DH set up her profile and got ready to run her through the training.  He used the remote to select which activity she would do but the board acts as a remote as well.  She was so excited about doing tricks on it that she simulated Ollies and giggled.  Unfortunately, that triggered the activity because an Ollie is like pressing select.  She ended up missing out on quite a few sets of instructions as a result but she was able to repeat the activity anyhow.  But she picked up on it quickly and started to really get the hang of it.

Until, of course, we told her to move along so someone else could play.

While Miss K usually leans toward things like Barbie and Polly Pockets, she decided she wanted to give skateboarding a shot.  Seeing as she couldn't fall off and get hurt, I was totally for it.  Despite her small size, she picked up on the concept well and managed to work the tricks.  She has great balance so that played a huge part in her success.  I was surprised to see her take such an interest in the game, actually.

Me, on the other hand... well, I have horrible balance these days - evidenced by the video!  But for future reference, this game isn't meant to be played with slip-on shoes.  You need footwear that helps you stay in place!  Regardless, I enjoyed the game and picked up on a few of the tricks myself.  I think it would be something for all ages to play... not just a teenager or skateboarder in your family!

What we liked:  Great for the entire family.  Helps work your balance whether you want to or not!  Easy to learn and has great music.

What we didn't like:  Once you commit to an activity, you can't go back.  At least we couldn't figure out how. I also didn't like that there wasn't an "Off" button.  It has an auto-off but when you know you are done, it would be nice to be able to just shut it down.  I tried but wasn't able to get it to do that.

To get a better idea about the game, check out the video to see see some of the screenshots and our family in action:

Think your family has what it takes to put Tony Hawk: Shred to work on your Wii?

Well, folks, one lucky SAHM Reviews reader will get just that.  I've been provided with an extra board to give away.

Yes, seriously.

So here's the deal...

The Prize: Tony Hawk: Shred for the Wii

Participants -
...must provide a US shipping address
...must provide an email in the first comment, email me directly with an email address or have email accessible from their profile.
Sometime on December 15, 2010, a winner will be chosen at random from all valid comments left. Winner has 72 hours from posting/notification to respond. If winner cannot be contacted, I will move on to the next random selection.

How to enter:
For the FIRST entry (required) -  This is required to earn the first entry and counts as ONE entry. Entries that do not adhere to this will not be qualified for the contest.

If you want to increase your chances of winning, here are some options to earn additional entries. Leave a comment for each additional entry -
-- Three Entries: If you have a blog or website, add my button to your page. (Here's the code:)
-- Two Entries: Publish a blog post regarding this contest and link back to it.
-- One Entry (Daily): Follow SahmReviews on Twitter and Tweet this contest by clicking here or copying the following text:
"Move over kids, Moms can skateboard, too! @SahmReviews is giving away Tony Hawk: Shred for the Wii! http://bit.ly/g19K3J" Comment with a link to your tweet.
-- One Entry: "Like" SAHM Reviews on Facebook.
-- One Entry: Subscribe to SAHM Reviews on YouTube
-- One Entry: Follow SAHM Reviews using Google's Friend Connect feature.
-- One Entry (Each): Be the first to post about this giveaway on an active (current) giveaway link-up or carnival. Leave a link to where I can find it. Mr. Linky-style submissions should read "SAHM Reviews - Tony Hawk: Shred Wii game (Ends 12/15)"
-- One Entry (Daily): Read any non-giveaway review here at SahmReviews.com and leave an appropriate comment on that post. Come back here and leave a comment stating which product/post you left a comment on.


Disclosure:  Tony Hawk: Shred was provided to us for the purpose of preparing a review as well as an additional to give away. All pictures, statements and comments are honest.  No additional compensation was received for this post.