We venture to guess you’ve noticed a lot of empty shelves lately. Many people discovered it as a result of their normal grocery shopping. But with the holidays upon us, it’s become even more concerning. If they’re out of c ...
Have you ever noticed that we don’t cover many books here on our website? It isn’t that we don’t read because Scott constantly has a couple books that he’s reading. As for me, books make me sleepy so I have to be rea ...
Who among us is willing to admit that stocking stuffers are often an afterthought; a last-minute candy-grab to meet the obligation of stuffing the actual stocking? We’re here to say that it doesn’t have to be like that. Yes, the ...
With a few exceptions such as suggestions for puzzles as gifts, pop culture gift suggestions, our list of ideas for stocking stuffers and STEM gift ideas, most of what we’ve featured has been game related. That’s mostly because ...
Admit it. There are some brands, characters, shows and themes that you see and immediately feel a rush of emotion or excitement. Through every phase of my life there have been iconic products that have left an indelible mark and helped defi ...
As parents, we do things to entertain our kids, to engage with them, to bond and to show our love. It may be something as simple as playing games, making them breakfast in bed for no reason or taking them out for ice cream or a movie. But w ...
For years we have been attending our local Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library book sale every Spring and Fall. Our library amazingly offers thousands and thousands of books every six months for only 50 cents thanks to the donations of ...
Mom and Dad told me a lot about their experiences at Gen Con this year, and I’m hoping I’ll get to go with them next time. There are costumes and jewelry to check out, souvenir t-shirts galore and booths full of comic books. And ...
Scott and I have always been careful with our spending. Whether out of necessity or by nature, it’s just the way we live our lives. Yes, we have some cool things, eat out and enjoy movies but we pick and choose our battles. We shop ca ...
This past weekend was our annual trip to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair. On Friday night at the Tagie Awards, I had the opportunity to sit with Leslie Scott, inventor of Jenga and her family.They are so charming and I had a wonderful time ch ...