Mario Kart 8 for Wii U

If you've played any of the previous Mario Kart games then you know it is pretty much a sure bet. Mario Kart 8 for Wii U does not disappoint. Just like all the previous games bearing the title, this version is a fun and simple car racing game. 

In this version the karts go upside down, on walls, under water and do a bit more flying than in games past. There are more items to get to help thwart your enemies. There are several new courses and new spins on old ones. The kart customization are on a whole new level and there are new characters to use. All in all there is enough new material to make it different and fun, but not so much is new that the game has to be completely relearned.

It can be played using the Wii U Controller - you know, that big one that has a screen right on it, and regular Wii-motes with or without the nun chuck.

I've tested this version on several grown men, a 4 year old boy, a 5 year old girl, and a 7 year old boy. Oh, and also a mother of three. The guys all really loved it, and the girls all considered it good enough to play for a race or two. 

Mario Kart 8 makes a great gift for anyone who has a Wii U. And Wii U makes a great gift for anyone who doesn't have one but enjoys games once in awhile or all the time.

Cute Dad and Baby Gifts

For my husband's first Father's Day I bought matching shirts for him and the baby from Zoey's Attic.

There are some great designs. One of my favorites is this one. The nerdy people will get it, or at least the computer literate.

I really like this one because there is also a kids' shirt that is a little sprout for if we have more kids later.

I kept wanting to give him this one before Father's Day because he was playing Mario Kart 8 with Little Baby on his lap.

So check out Zoey's Attic either on her site or on Etsy for some really great gifts for Dads, Grandpas, and their kids and grand kids!

GunBox on Amazon

I previously wrote a GunBox Review about this great product to keep your family safe. At the time it wasn't available for purchase on Amazon. Now it is! So, I figured I better write an update in case people prefer to order from Amazon to get more rewards points on their card or anything.

So here it is on Amazon...

    

And be sure to check out the full review for all the details! Thank you.

The Hypnotic Light Cube - Named Correctly

The idea is simple enough. The Hypnotic Light Cube is a clear cube with LEDs inside that make beautiful color changing patterns. This silent light show truly is memorizing. I'm not quite sure why but it draws the eye and holds watchers captivated. It is quite relaxing to watch and zone out. 

Here is a short video with relaxing dryer noises in the background. Probably some classical piano or harp music would go better. 

My favorite thing about this cube is how much the baby likes it. He watches it and usually falls asleep or just lays there and giggles at it making his happy noises. 

This is a great gift for just about anyone on the list. From babies all the way through adults. Since it uses LEDs it will last a very long time. It is simple to use. (Plug it in and push the on/off button.) The colors are bright and vivid. I suggest it for just about anyone, especially that guy who has everything or is hard to shop for. 

Star Wars Microfighters Review Addition

I previously wrote a review about Star Wars Lego Microfighters. I just wanted to add some pictures now that my husband has four of them.

Here they are all attacking a bar of soap so you can see the scale.

X-Wing

TIE Interceptor

Happy Han Solo 

Cutest Star Destroyer ever

He has a lot of fun with these little guys. I think they are perfect for a little Father-Son gift for Father's Day or for party favors at a boy's birthday party.  What a cute surprise to bring home for a child or grown-up man-child when you are out shopping!

Tactical Diaper Bag

Suddenly changing diapers is manly. Women have known for decades how attractive it is when men help with the baby, but the guys still need a little convincing. My husband loves his Tactical Diaper Bag and I never have to ask for help with carrying all the baby stuff. 

Heavy duty clip on the shoulder strap. The sling goes over one shoulder and the bag can be carried on the back and easily moved to the front so that he has access to the contents without removing it or setting it down on a dirty bathroom floor.

One of the front pouches has interior pockets for various items, but we use it for diapers.

The front of the tactical diaper bag. Very manly. This bag is the Foliage Green color. On Amazon it looks sort of gray but this is what it looks like.

This side pocket is great for water bottles and tightens at the top to work with just about any size. Sometimes I shove dirty baby clothes in it.

Another handy front pocket to keep things organized.

He keeps hand sanitizer and bags for the dirty diapers in this pouch.

The main section has several dividers to keep things organized.

He keeps a burp cloth, extra outfit, the changing pad, and an extra blanket in the main pouch.

The most important section of a tactical diaper bag is the place for a gun. This pouch sits closest to the body when worn and can fit many different sized guns and has room for a holstered gun in some cases.

He loves this Maxpedition Sitka Gearslinger. Sure, it isn't specifically designed to be a diaper bag but many guys use it as one and it seems just right for carrying around all the baby essentials and still looking like a tough guy doing it. It is very practical, durable and masculine. This tactical diaper bag comes in five different colors and is a perfect gift for any dad this Father's Day. 

Nest Review Three Month Update

My husband got a Nest Thermostat back in February and I made a quick post about it back then. We have had it for three months now so I figured it was time to make a status update.

Summer is just getting started in Tucson, there have only been a few 100 degree days so far, but here are the things I've noticed about the Nest so far.

• Our electric bill last month was negative three dollars. I think it is unrelated, but funny to note. Still, there is a little green leaf that shows up on the screen when you have your temperature set to use less energy than previously. It is sort of motivational!
• Every time I walk by the Nest it lights up and shows what the temperature is and what the heat or a/c is set to. This is fine and interesting but I always expect there to be a clock on it for some reason. 
• We can control it with our phones. Sometimes we leave the air conditioning off, check the home temperature while we are out, and then turn it on when we are on our way home. This works great to cool down the house efficiently.
• It shows humidity levels. I didn't expect that but it is handy.
• It keeps track of how often the air conditioning is used so we can track exactly how much we have used it and what temperature it is outside so we know how much more or less we use it according to outdoor temperatures. 
• It doesn't work with newer variable speed motor air conditioning units. Ours is an older model so it still works great, but if we upgrade we won't be able to use the Nest anymore. 

I hope this helps! I will update it again after a couple months of Summer usage and after we get a more realistic electric bill. Let me know if you have any other questions about how to use it or what it can do.