Happy ThanksGaming to our US friends

Happy Thanksgaming!

Host a Killer Game Night

Gamers, rejoice! Gaming isn’t just for the gamer crowd anymore. In fact, gaming is making its way into people’s homes all over. Whether it’s gathering around classic games such as Scattergories, Clue or Pictionary or trying out new tabletop games such as Eldritch Horror, Dead of Winter, or Small World, there seems to be a game out there for everyone, and people all over are putting their skills to the test with game nights. If the idea of getting dressed up and paying a cover charge to a bar with overpriced beer doesn’t sound appealing, or if you’re just looking for a low key night at home without spending a lot of cash, you may want to consider hosting your own game night. Read a few tips to help you put together a killer game night.

Consider Your Guest List

Everyone has different interests. While some friends may enjoy a lighthearted game of Apples to Apples, they may not love the idea of rolling up a halfling mage for a marathon D&D session. Consider what type of game night you want to have and plan your guest list accordingly so that everyone has a good time.

Find Some Games

After you’ve decided what type of game night you want to have, you’ll want to start planning the games to keep your guests entertained. Have you been dying to try the latest expansion of Munchkin? Maybe you’ve never played the popular adult party game Cards Against Humanity. Make sure you buy the games ahead of time so everything is unwrapped and ready to go. You can even ask your guests if they have any favorites and do a game potluck, where each attendee brings their favorite game.

Don’t Forget Snacks

Every great party has great food. You’d be surprised how quickly you’ll work up an appetite when you’re plotting against your friends in a heated game of Monopoly. Pick up snacks ahead of time so you don't have to run out during the party. Make sure nobody has any allergies or special dietary restrictions, and keep that bowl well stocked with munchies all night long.

To Theme or Not to Theme

Some people enjoy themed game nights. Think medieval-style foods and decor for a D&D night or a casino theme for a night filled with card games. Theming your game night can be fun but takes a lot of preparation, so start brainstorming early to make sure your food, drinks, and ambiance complement the mood of the night.

Let the Fun Continue

Game night doesn't have to stop when your guests leave. Thanks to excitement around mobile gaming, people are connecting with their friends through competitive online games when they’re too busy to have a sit down game night. You can play a variety of mobile games such as Trivia Crack, Words with Friends, and others against your friends while you’re on the go to keep the fun going all the time! No matter what type of game night you plan, it’s important to remember to not let it stress you out. The most important part of having a game night is enjoying the company of your friends and loved ones, so don't take yourself too seriously and enjoy yourself.

DUDE!!!!! The Daytona 500 is this weekend, and I am so excited. Also.... PSA do not try to contact me on Sunday afternoon - I am busy knitting and shouting at my TV!

 Ok so you probably knew I loved NASCAR, if not....Welcome! You are new around here!
With the 59th running of the Daytona 500, Real Racing 3 returns to Daytona International Speedway! This is a racing game for your tablet or mobile device and can be hooked up to your apple watch of apple tv, and the latest update will appeal to fans of the Daytona 500.

 During the big event, you can play in-game events to earn the 2017 Ford Fusion race car to use in the game. Real Racing 3 has also partnered in-game with renowned NASCAR driver, Danica Patrick, and players will get to experience an intimate look at the road to Daytona. So if you are a fan of NASCAR or just the Daytona 500 you will want to grab this game or update. The 2017 Chevrolet SS race car will be earnable in-game during the Maplethorpe Jimmie Johnson Championship limited-time series starting March 26 (AEDT).

 Not a fan of NASCAR or the Daytona 500 (I'm sorry you are lost and ended up here :P ), the fun will appeal to you since after the 500 players can speed their way across the finish line to earn the 1995 McLaren F1 GTR in the Flag Racing F1 GTR Championship on March 5. Play through the Lamborghini Legacy special event starting March 12 to earn the exclusive 2016 Lamborghini Centenario, the supercar built to celebrate Ferruccio Lamborghini’s 100th birthday.

 So if you are racing fan, or racing game fan this will appeal to you for sure!

Sid Meier's Civilization The Board Game

I am a huge fan of the Sid Meier's Civilization series and have been playing it for over 15 years.  I actually have been a little behind on my blogging lately as I have been sucked in to the game....and I am trying to ignore that they have an updated version in the App Store....

If my hubby was into board games I would totally get this Sid Meier's Civilization The Board Game! 


My boys are too young to play yet, but soon enough! They love playing board games, and card games with me.

The idea behind the board game is the same as the computer game, you need to build an empire to stand the test of time, and beat the other civilizations!  You control of an entire civilization, and ensure their survival or defeat.

You chose one famous leader that you will play which determines certain things about your civilization and their abilities.  Just like the video game, you have 4 paths to victory, but this comes with a module game board.

Strategy, research and acquiring assets are still your  best bets for success! This is a 2-4 player game.

Star Wars Scarf Pattern

Courtesy of Positively Crochet

This really simple and straight forward Star Wars inspired scarf can be whipped up really quickly and you can change it up to support the rebels or the dark side but changing out the colours, and the badge!

 

 Star Wars Scarf Pattern

We have a Star Wars Crochet Pattern round up that might interest you as well :)  

46 Star Wars Crochet Patterns

Loungefly Star Wars BB8 Dome Bag Top Handle Bag

Just before Christmas this year, hubby and I went shopping at the mall, and I found a really cute BB8 purse at EB Games! It was the Loungefly Star Wars BB8 Dome Bag, and I thought it was so super cute!

I love bags, but don't often carry different ones, or fancy ones. I tend to find one and stick to it, so I really didn't think hubby would get this one for me, but he did!

Pretty much since I received this bag I have carried it everywhere with me.

Loungefly Star Wars BB8 Dome Bag Top Handle Bag 

The Star Wars BB8 Dome Bag has some really cool features like the chrome rebel buttons used as embellishments at the end of the handles, and the Star Wars metal tag on the back, that looks classy.

Of course with the bright orange and white colours the bag stands out and catches people's attention, and they of course love BB8, because really who doesn't?

It is made from Polyvinyl, and Nylon on the outside, and has a 100% Polyester lining.

It has a zipper closure and is 8.5" high, and 9.5" wide.  

I love the look and feel of this bag, and am even starting to get use to how often strangers stop me to tell me how much they love my bag, and ask me all about it. 

There is one thing that I would change, it is a bit small for me, but it does make it cute and easy to carry.  But there are times that I would like it a bit bigger than it really is. 

 

Get the Loungefly Star Wars BB8 Dome Bag

They also have a variety of other Star Wars bags and wallets!  Check them out here!

Dawn Shadow Xbox One Wireless Controller

Our family plays Xbox together regularly and since I am the only girl in the family I tend to turn all my characters, and avatars into a girly representation of me. 

Last year we got the boys an Xbox 360 and each one got their own controllers and my hubby owned all the other controllers. He has the Xboxes, and I have the Wii.  So the boys kept saying how come you don't have your own controller Mommy?

I had been eyeing pink ones for a while, but nothing seemed to work out, and I just was resigned to use hubby's regular boring black ones.  Then this Christmas hubby bought me the Dawn Shadow Xbox One Wireless Controller.

My first thought was how pretty it is! Seriously, it's pretty, but cool too!  The boys were happy that I have one of my own, and they all declared it to be a very cool controller!

Once I took it out of the box, I realized it actually has a textured grip, so it's easier to hold on to.  No risk of it slipping out of my hand, which I am always sort of afraid that I will drop hubby's.  Not that I have, but it feels like I could.

The has a faded magenta metallic finish so it's not overly shiny and it's not like a bubble gum pink either.  Of course you can use custom button mapping and it has improved wireless range.  That wasn't a big deal for us since we aren't that far from the tv, and never had an issue with the range anyway. But it's good to know that it has that feature in case I take it with me, or we rearrange our set up.  Also it has a headset jack so you can plug in any compatible headset, but I haven't needed that either.

If you use Windows 10 PCs and/or tablets, it has Bluetooth capabilities, that you can look into utilizing.  This is not a feature I need either as I am a fairly basic Xbox gamer.  I just wanted a cool looking controller that would be easy to hold and would stand out from the other controllers. This fit the bill for me completely.

 

 

It was easy to set up, and hubby had it working with in minutes of being taken out of the box!  If you want a pink controller, but want something that also looks really sleek and cool and is great for gaming consider this one!

Dawn Shadow Xbox One Wireless Controller

5 Date Nights for the Geeks!

On the lookout for some unique date ideas to spice up outings with your partner? While there are movies, and museums, art galleries, and popular restaurants, I was curious to find some fun alternative places to go to enjoy date-night with your Geek. This past Valentine’s Day, Jay and I didn’t plan ahead this year to do much, other than catch up with a movie or two, but it still made me wonder what our city has to offer for its nerdish demographic. Here are five geek-love themed date ideas I found that you can do any time of the year, especially if you live in Toronto, (and if you don’t, I highly encourage to use Google to find local counterparts for these activities.)

========== Read More ==========

Baby Mario Costume

Photo Credit: Gamer Treasures

Oh my freaking frackers! How cute is this costume (and that baby)?  Gamer Treasures has all kinds of really cool gaming gear! 

You can buy this little Mario Baby Costume for your adorable little one here:

Baby Mario Costume

Twi'lek Jedi Knight Crochet Hat Pattern

Photo Credit: Stitching Up a Storm

Our house is filled to the brim with a lot of Star Wars fans!  This Twi'lek Jedi Knight Crochet Pattern is amazing!  What a genius idea, and so cool!

The instructions by Stitching Up a Storm look very clearly laid out, but I don't know how to crochet, so take that with a grain of salt! I do know how to read knitting patterns, so I like when I see lots of steps and descriptions along the way.

Twi'lek Jedi Knight Crochet Hat Pattern

 

We have a Star Wars Crochet Pattern round up that might interest you as well :)  

46 Star Wars Crochet Patterns

AT-AT Crochet Pattern

Who wouldn't want their own AT-AT?  I know it would be a HUGE hit here at my house! Oh man I wish I could crochet! I can't seem to wrap my brain or hands around the concept LOL BUT this amazingly talented artist can, and look at the result!

She shared the pattern with us, and you can get the pattern here:

Star Wars AT-AT Walker Pattern

We have a Star Wars Crochet Pattern round up that might interest you as well :)
46 Star Wars Crochet Patterns

Killer Zombie Cats Story Game

There is a story telling gaming company based out of Barrie, Ontario called One More Story Games! I love the name because it reminds of how I read a book "just one more chapter" or "just one more page".  And when you are playing Story Games it's that way....just one more story and I will close this.



One of the co-owners is a friend of mine on Facebook, and a really fun lady!  She was telling us about this game called Killer Zombie Cats that was created by Kiera Palmer a 11 year old camper from their summer camp!

I have boys close to this age: 8 & 10, who come up with some really fun and unique story ideas, that I think would make a really fun story game, that I thought this would be fun to check out.  Ok so I checked it out in like October, and only got to writing it now.  It's been insanity for me, until now.

The idea beind the story is:

Battle to save Earth from the Killer Zombie Cats. Everyone has disappeared except you, Donald Trump aka Trumpy Cat, and his evil horde of zombie cats who have been poisoned! Can you save the world by defeating evil? #trumpycat

It is a short game, so only 6-8 minutes long.  So you aren't investing a ton of time, but it is fun, and there are some tricks along the way. I know..... I fell for one and died :P I had to start over!

If you are looking for a long in-depth sink your teeth into game, this is not it! But if you want a quick fun game that was created by a little girl, and will have you giggling, and inspired about the next generation then please do give this game a shot:

Save the World From Killer Zombie Cats

If you are not interested in this particular game, please do check out their other games! They have a large variety! If you are interested in this game, great! Play it, then check out more of their games!

One More Story Games

Boss Monster

Buy Boss Monster

Author & Journalist Susan Orlean, on Video Games...

Nintendo Switch

I am really excited about the new Nintendo Switch coming out, but I was also excited about the Wii U and that is being pulled from the market completely. So when in doubt about tech things I go to my friend Aeryn from Geek With Style she always has the goods! Here is her post on the subject:

Nintendo Switch may be leaving some gamers cautiously excited for a new console. Ever since the drastic departure of the mainstream gaming audience when Nintendo GameCube was released, the Nintendo franchise made a switch into family/group gaming and activities, beginning with the launch of the Wii. Is Nintendo attempting to lessen the divide of mainstream and family gaming? Or simply improving on the success of the Wii system?

Read More

Going Old School

Gamer Girl Giveaways

There will be an ongoing linky, but will be published each Thursday. Stop in weekly and link up any gaming related giveaways. Or come on by and browse for gaming giveaways to enter!

Wondering how to participate? It's easy!

Under Your name: put the name of your giveaway prize and the end date. For example something like this "My Cool Blog - Excellent Prize (Can/US 3/12)" or  this "Awesome Prize, 4/16".

Under Your URL: copy and paste a direct link to your giveaway, not to the main page of your blog.

An InLinkz Link-up

If you're looking for more places to list your giveaways   

check out our lists: Giant Linky List, and Giveaway Listings.

And finally... if you link up, please help spread the word about the Gamer Girl Giveaway Link-Up. Grab our button or send out a quick tweet. The more folks that know, the more exposure your giveaway will receive!

<a href="http://www.andshegames.com/search/label/gaming%20giveaways%20linky" rel="nofollow"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_S-YbEcIvqk4hza6hPFu8G_oDcPF7nAmL95YPw8_Expl9nJUJs4FF3S-rmB3QrA4GlXOCq8aoz3FCKAE_obobr9te-c6dCOmMKjR3TLir0tsEOtfT05IZvj6kHYoL6blyzQFlsyiAdBI/s1600/Gamer+Girl+Giveaways.jpg" width="175" /></a>

Do you have Gaming Giveaways? Link up yours here: http://t.co/dMjWWZJA8e #giveaway #gaming #win #canwin
— Shari Goss (@knitwitshair) November 2, 2013

The Battle at Kemble's Cascade

Okay, this officially wins as most interesting/unique game I played all night. It's called The Battle at Kemble's Cascade, and I think the easiest way to describe it is "Galaga in board game form". The game board actually *scrolls down*, like in an old school space arcade shooter. Very unique and very fun. #boardgames #AndSheGames #GameNight

A photo posted by Deanna T. (@mapleleafmommy) on Apr 24, 2015 at 8:59pm PDT

5 Reasons to get a Solid State Drive

If you are looking into getting a new hard drive, consider going with the new Solid State Drive (SSD) versions. There are many reasons why you would want to go this route over the traditional version.
We have switched over to SSDs in our server, and back up machines. Our kids Xbox 360 will be getting the new WD Green SSD that I received for this review and sponsored post. We also switched over our kids old machine when the hard drive crashed. It had been bumped a few times, so this is a better option. Read on to find out why.

1. Lower power consumption
With the hydro bills going up so high that people can't afford to pay them, and with everyone trying to go to the lower footprint products. The SSD is the better option for power consious people. This is one of the reasons, we have been switching ours over. We are changing all items we can to higher efficiency items as they need to be replaced. This is a great reason to start considering it.

2. Quiet
The older style hard drives are loud. Some are very loud. It can be hard to hear people talking to you, music, tv, or even your own thoughts! You don't want to hear your computer over things you are playing, like video games, or music. SSDs are really quiet, and you can barely hear when they come on. You have to be really listening for it.

3. Faster access time
When you are playing a video game, or trying to open a file from the hard drive you don't want to have to wait, or worse yet, the lag! Oh man the lag is killer! SSDs are much faster to access so they can eliminate a lot of these issues for you.
With read speeds up to 545MB/s and write speeds up to 525MB/s, WD Blue SATA SSDs deliver fast system boot times and less load time. The WD Blue SSDs is optimized for multitasking, it will let you simultaneously run several demanding applications with ease, which is awesome for gaming!

4. Smaller form factor
Bigger is not always better, people! Hard drives can be really clunky, and take up a lot of space in the CPU. The SSD is a much smaller form factor thus reducing the space it takes up, while still holding tons of data and being faster and quieter.

5. Not as susceptible to impacts
We have been replacing our hard drives with SSDs as we have upgraded, but I remember the days when the CPU would get bumped and then you would hold your breath. Sometimes it would get scratched, and start failing. The SSD is not as susceptible to those small bumps and josteling that the other type is.
An endurance rating of up to 400TBW ensures WD Blue SSD can help guard your data for years to come.

Now is the time to make the switch, since you can get 25% off on either WD SSD Blue or SSD Green with this discount code SUPERCHARGE on the WD Website.


Disclaimer: This post is a sponsored post, but all opinions and reasons for using SSDs are our own.