Hosting a Pixicade Party Through Tryazon!

I believe that learning can come in many forms for us all. For my family, even in creating video games! Pixicade was started so that kids can see how games work while also seeing their creations in action. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these kits as part of a party pack in exchange for hosting a party and sharing them with others. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are my own.*

Do you know or have children that talk about designing their own video games? I do. My oldest son in particular dreams of seeing his designs come to life. It was one of the reasons I was drawn to host a Pixicade party. This was also how Pixicade came to be. A technical computer programmer married a high school art teacher. Together, they found joy in designing video games. The programmer had dinner with a friend who showed him the art his kids drew for a game idea he had. This programmer, Martin, suddenly had an idea. Why couldn't there be a way for kids to bring their drawings to life and make games?

What is Pixicade? 

Simply put, it is an app and kit. You download the app, then use the kit to make games in the app. Programmers will tell you that they write programs so that our electronic devices know how to respond to the commands we give it. Pixicade recognizes the colors that are drawn on paper to have meanings in the code. Green, for instance, is the avatar color. You draw in green, it will translate that to the character that moves through your game. This kit, when working through the app, will bring your kids' creations to life. They can play them, share and play others' games as well to earn cool rewards. 

What can it teach children though? 

Pixicade is a great STEAM option for learning. Your kids have to be able to draw the game board that the character will need to get through to win. There is the Art. Science and Technology comes in the form of knowing what the colors mean and why the app programs them  to function as it does. Engineering and Math come in how they have to make the game just so, in order for the character to get through it. My daughter, for instance, created a maze game, but made a wall too tall. Or you could say she made her character too big. Either way, the character couldn't get past this wall and she had to edit the game. Time for a lesson! Walls, need openings proportionate to the objects that are expected to fit through them. 

Where can you get started? 

First things first, you need the app, which can be found at the following apps. It is free to download the apps.

Apple Store: HERE 

Google Play: HERE

Then you need the kits. You get that from the company website as well as on Amazon. They are $25.99 and come with 800 games (that you can create). You can buy additional game making codes as well. I believe it was 20,000 games on the Amazon option that you can purchase in addition. My 3 older children have barely scratched into their 800 so far. They find it enjoyable to also play others' creations. 

What do you think?? Do you know anyone who would like something like this? Let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you guys.  

Discovering Our Quirks

Human beings have quirks. A quirk is a peculiar trait. I like to think that we all have them. I consider mine to stem from being OCD. Little by little, I'm learning about them as my husband notices and points them out. It has been a fun journey for us both! I thought I would share some of mine. I'd love to hear what quirks you might have, so leave me a comment below!

Eggs

We usually buy eggs in packs of 18 to feed our brood. I have this thing where I have to pull the eggs out in a pattern that distributes the weight as evenly as possible. I also can't cook, say... scrambled eggs, unless they are in even numbers. More on that below... My husband likes to make it a joke when I ask how many eggs he thinks I should cook. When he answers ,"Seven!", he will get a straight up glare from me for a brief moment followed by my response of, "So will that be 6 or 8?"

I. Can't. Odd.

I can't stand odd numbers. Maybe 5. And on the very rare occasion, 3. But that is all. Those two are only because of how well I can split them. In my head. Hard to explain, it just makes sense in my mind... As much as possible, I try to keep with even numbered things though. My husband and I had a conversation about this the other day that had him laughing so hard, he almost wet himself. Let's see... Even numbers to me are "pretty" while odd numbers are "ugly". In my head, 3 and 5 can be split in half in a pretty way. Other numbers can't. Can't describe it any clearer than that. But there it is. I'm not ashamed to admit this at all. I tell him all the time he just has to deal with it.

Media in order

All my books will have to be ordered according to series or authors. Granted, this can only truly happen when we live in our next home. At that point, I'm planning to have at least a library wall. And yes, books will practically be in library form. Just without the Dewey system. 

All our movies have to be by series or alphabetical. When the kids start messing up that order, I can't seem to resist the urge to fix it for long. It doesn't look right. I don't feel right. This is why I have to avoid looking at the shelves that have been dedicated to the children's things. My husband laughs, because when the kids were little, I used to sort their toys too. I had toy cars in one bin, stuffed animals in another, action figures - you get the picture, right? I think is one reason why I loved working for a library in my early career years. 

Vacuuming or sweeping in a grid

Bear with me on this one... I annoyed my coworker to no end with this one at Target. But when I sweep or vacuum, my mind can see a grid. And I work in that grid. I can't move diagonally across the floor. I go back and forth in lines. 

So lay it out there. Do you have a "weird" quirk that others might notice? Do you twist the doorknob 3 times before opening it? Do you open the cabinet doors multiple times before getting something out? 

Candy Time With Wiley Wallaby Licorice! (Discount included)

I love candy. But I'm picky about what I have. Licorice is not one I'm eager to reach for. Or at least it wasn't, until now! Welcome Wiley Wallaby!

*Disclaimer: I was sent this party pack in exchange for my honest review and hosting a party for them. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed for this review. My opinions are strictly my own.*

I had never heard of Wiley Wallaby before hosting this party. I didn't know much about this brand. And at first, licorice didn't sound like a very exciting one. But I thought, why not? And I'm so glad I did! They have an amazing array of flavors to choose from. 

What do I love about it?

They are a softer chewy than another name brand I've had in the past. The varieties available are incredible. There is even a candy that comes in sour drops. That was a favorite for my husband and kids.

I'm torn between two varieties as to which is my absolute favorite. I loved the Watermelon ones! 

 

But I also loved the Blasted Berry pack. This one came with 3 mixed berry flavors. Almost like a surprise as to which one you will pull out next.

My husband's favorite was the Green Apple ones. I think this may have been a favorite of the kids as well since they didn't last long. 

I had some friends try them out with us. One of them insisted her favorite was the Green And then I took some on a road trip this month to share with other family. One of them gave the following feedback.
"I love the thickness of them. Most licorice type candy are thin and not as soft. It doesn't stick real bad to my teeth which is good as well. The flavors are really good. I had never had green apple and I really like it. It truly does taste like green apple. Very good candies."

And my in laws will be having some when they come in from out of state. Apparently, they are familiar with the brand there!

Where can you find them?

There are multiple ways to get some of these. You can go to their website: HERE. Or you can check Amazon HERE. And if you want to see if stores near you carry them, check HERE.

You also get a great discount that is good until the 20th of this month (Sorry for the delay in sharing!)

Wiley Wallaby has generously provided an Amazon discount code for my guests (YOU). Use code TRYWILEY21 to get 20% off. 1 redemption per customer. This is valid June 1st -20th on the following products:

• B08Q79ZSZB Wiley Wallaby Sourrageous Drops, 8 Ounce Bag
• B08Q8797JL Wiley Wallaby Blasted Berry Licorice, 10 Ounce Bag
• B0829DTQHL Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Licorice, Funsorts, 8 Ounce Resealable Bag
• B01760GB9A Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Licorice, Classic Red Twists, 12 Ounce Bag
• B00GPV8I3Y Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Licorice, Huckleberry, 10 Ounce Bag
• B019PN4NB4 Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Licorice, Allsorts, 8 Ounce Resealable Bag
• B00ETPQ5BA Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Licorice, Green Apple, 10 Ounce Bag
• B0012ZJAJ4 Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Licorice, Watermelon, 10 Ounce Bag
• B0082HQFF2 Wiley Wallaby Gourmet Licorice, Red Licorice, 10 Ounce Bag
• B07254JZ9Q Wiley Wallaby Australian Style Gourmet Licorice, Black, 10 Ounce Bag

 

Overall, I'd have to say this is my favorite licorice candy! My only disappointment was the dyes they use, but then that is standard practice here in America. The taste is fantastic. The options in flavors is more than I imagined possible. The fact they have less sugar, no dairy and no fat - makes them perfect for me! I want to eat sweets, but watch my diet as well. And with these, I don't have to feel so guilty. 

Let me know your thoughts below! I love hearing from you guys. Tell me what you think of them or if you have even heard of them before. 

Getting Fit With Karviva Ace Drinks By Karuna!!

As you know (if you read my blog), I've struggled with getting into shape and even just losing weight. Working out has been difficult with my back fighting me every part of the way. Keeping to a clean diet is also a problem. I love food. But I have hit my limit! We joined the local YMCA, going 2 days a week so far. I do swimming one day and walking  the treadmill on the other day. As far as my diet goes, I'm pushing myself harder than before. Starting with more smoothies and salads! That is where I come to Karviva Ace drinks by Karuna. I've worked with them before. You can check out the other review HERE.

*Disclaimer: I was sent a party pack through my association with Tryazon in exchange for hosting a party and sharing my honest review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.*

Who is Karuna?

Karuna is a company that believes "Food is Better Medicine". They have researched ancient medicinal remedies from the Far East. You can learn more about their company by going HERE. These drinks are plant-based for clean protein intakes. You won't find additives and chemicals in them. I can read each of the ingredients in it. And I love to mix them in the smoothies we make. Although, you can drink them straight up. 

Surprised myself by being able to hold this pose...

The Karviva Ace ones are specifically designed to help re-hydrate after you work out, with added collagen. There are currently 4 flavors to try - Watermelon Rush and Bold Berry Lemonade being two that came in our pack. They have also added Sunny Orange and Mango Splash to the ACE line. My favorite, that I have tried, is the Bold Berry Lemonade one.Watermelon Rush did not get a very high approval rating in my party goers. My husband described them as having a container flavor aftertaste. I'm hoping it was just an old batch. We picked up some more at the local HEB. Bold Berry Lemonade was a lot easier on the palate. 

You can drink them straight up, or even add them into smoothies. That is what we especially prefer to do for the Watermelon Rush ones. Really looking forward to seeing what they come out with as far as new flavors in the future. And even more if we can try the other two flavors here soon.

You can check out all their different drinks HERE. They back the ancient remedies with modern science to make sure each one fulfills a purpose. Sadly, we weren't able to find the new ACE drinks at our local stores. And they haven't updated the search option on their website. BUT, I would still suggest checking. Texas can be a little weird when it comes to getting new products out. The website says none are available here in my town, but we have a lot! You can find them a lot easier on Amazon. 

What interests you most about them? Would you drink them?? Leave me a comment below!