Daily Deal: Far Cry 3

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please visit Amazon.com to get your own copy of Far Cry 3, today's Gold Box Deal of the Day! I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

Valentine’s day is just around the corner Maybe you're smart and you've already already pick up a gift for the gamer in your life.   For the rest of us though, you might still be looking for the perfect way to say I love you.  Look no further, Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day is Far Cry 3.  Instead running almost $60 you can get it for just $35.  

About The Game:

Far Cry 3 is an open world first-person shooter set on an island unlike any other. A place where heavily armed warlords traffic in slaves. Where outsiders are hunted for ransom.   The trouble all starts after Jason Brody and friends go sky-diving and end up landing on island inhabited by pirates. After that you head out on a desperate quest to rescue your friends.

• Rated Mature
• Available on PC, Xbox360, and Playstation

The Game Play Features:

An Open World First-Person Shooter: Create your own FPS adventure. Customize your weapons, your skills and your approach to each mission, whether you favor intense run-and-gun action, stealthy close-up takedowns or long-range sniping.

An Island Of Danger And Discovery: Explore a diverse island playground, from mountain ranges and swampy grasslands to white sandy beaches. Discover relics, hunt exotic animals, play mini-games and travel quickly by land, sea or air. Fight your way through the island’s towns, temples, river ports and more!

Uncover A Memorable Story And An Insane Cast Of Characters: Encounter an engaging and disturbed cast of characters as you take a gritty journey to the dark side of humanity, written by a Writers Guild Award winner.

Play With Friends In A Full Co-Op Campaign: Play online or split screen and team up in a four-player campaign which challenges you to be your best and work together to prevail. Experience the island through the eyes of a wayward crew in their own quest to survive against the odds.

A Different Breed Of Multiplayer: Innovative multiplayer rewards skill and team play. To level up, players must support each other by boosting with battle cries, reviving teammates and calling in support weapons. After each match, players have the choice to punish or show mercy for their foes in fun and twisted ways, choreographed with interactive cutscenes.

Use The Map Editor To Create And Access New Content: The powerful and easy-to-use Far Cry Map Editor is back, with new and improved features. A community of mapmakers ensures a constant stream of all-new content with the very best being showcased for the whole world to enjoy. Using the included tools, you too can make amazing maps, quickly and easily.

The Hip Hop Dance Experience #UbiHipHop

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please visit Ubi.com to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. #UbiChamps

In my mind, I’m a fantastic dancer. Cleaning the house almost always turns into a dance party,  I even invite friends over for the sole purpose of dancing around my house.  It is actually one of the reasons that when I lived in an apartment I always wanted one on the first floor, that way I can dance around until the wee hours of the morning.  On days that I’m working from home I take dance breaks almost every 20 to 40 minutes to keep the blood flowing.  You would think with all that dancing I might actually be good at it, you would be wrong.   According to almost every dancing video game out there, I’m not the greatest dancer out there, and The Hip Hop Dance Experience proved that I have a long way to go.  Really long, like I might not get there. But even with my impressive lack of skills and the nickname of Rythmless Nation I can’t stop.  

About The Hip Hop Dance Experience:

Drop it like it’s hot with hip-hop’s hottest dance game. The Hip Hop Dance Experience is the first authentic hip-hop game in the dance category. Dance to the most popular tracks of the genre with original moves designed by the most famous hip-hop choreographers. Trigger lavish visual effects worthy of the best music videos and customize your avatar like never before. Experience the world of hip-hop through music, dance, and design with The Hip Hop Dance Experience. 

The Hip Hop Dance Experience

UBI Soft

The Gameplay features:

• Choosing a difficulty level.
• Dance Party: Choosing a hip song from a list of forty.
• Dance Marathon: Testing your stamina of endless songs.
• Power-Skooling: Perfect the iconic and hip hop moves step by step.
• Dance Modes with high energy challenges multiplayer or singular.

Chart Topping Hits:

Bring the dance floor home and dance to genre-defining classics through today’s Billboard hits, featuring hip-hop’s biggest and most exciting artists over the past 30 years. Check out the full playlist on the games site.  Be sure to note that certain songs are only available on the Xbox 360. 

It’s Like Being In A Music Video:

• Perform over 750 dance moves inspired by top celebrity choreographers, Laurieann Gibson (Nicki Minaj’s choreographer), Kid David (Step Up 3D, Dancing with the Stars), and Dave Scott (So You Think You Can Dance, Battle of the Year).
• Authentic music video and live performance footage, paired with dynamic visual effects triggered by your movements, transform your living room into a real-time music video.
• Stylize your avatar in-game by unlocking hundreds of new looks and accessories to better express your personal fashion sense. I spent an insane amount of time getting my Avatar dressed.

Unlike a lot of the other dancing games out there, The Hip Hop Dance Experience actually had me sweating. So, if you are looking for something that will teach you a few new moves and burn some calories, this is the game for you.  I know a lot of you made resolutions to drop a few pounds and this is a fun way to do it.  

Marvel Avengers: Battle For Earth #CleverAvengers

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective.#UbiChamps

I’m a sucker for a good Superhero, and Marvel happens to house all of my favorites.  With the help of Ubisoft I can officially be all of my favorite superhero with Marvel Avengers: Battle For Earth. For those of you who love Villains, don’t worry some of your favorite Super Villains are along for the ride as well.  

The game is available on the Wii U and XBox 360.  For the Xbox you will need a kinect to play, and get ready to work, because you are the controller.  For the lazier gamer the Wii U allows you to sit with Wii U GamePad in couch potato mode, so you never have to worry about breaking a sweat. But if you are looking to burn a few calories feel free to grab the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.  I played the game both ways and found that I did better with the Wii U GamePad, mostly because I could get the timing right with the motion Nunchuck.  

Tutorial mode gives you a chance to learn how the game works and learn your character's strengths and weaknesses.  I got bored with the tutorial very quickly and went straight to Arcade.  In Arcade you pick a character and fight your way up the food chain.  If you only have a few minutes to unleash your inner Superhero I suggest Versus mode.  

For those of you looking for a movie tie in or a continuation of the the summer blockbuster think again.  Campaign mode gives you short story snippets, that have been featured in the comics but there isn’t a real connection.

Marvel Avengers Battle For Earth Game Features:

Marvel Avengers: Battle For Earth

UBI Soft

• Trigger super attacks with your movements
• Co-op, Campaign, Arcade, Challenges, Versus, and Tournament
• Work your way through the battles, you'll unlock unique outfits and collector cards
• Use Super Attacks, Velocity Boost, Breaker, or Frenzy to beat your opponents
• Engage in epic standoffs with your favorite Avenger characters in addicting and fun yet formidable battles that only superheroes could fight in this ultimate superhero brawler
• Channel the power of 20 different Marvel heroes and villains, including Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America and Thor
• Unleash your inner superhero through motion gameplay that gives you the power of explosive super attacks and devastating special moves
• Battle it out with friends or against AI for challenging gameplay across a variety of game modes

Overall I really enjoyed this game.  With the different modes and characters they options of play become pretty endless. I will admit there was a lot of bickering about who would get to be Iron Man and who could be Thor.  But, once you get passed that its a fun game, that is simple to learn and engaging.  

Family + Music + Business = Good Reality TV

When I moved to Charlotte, life got pretty busy, and one of the first things to go was my reality tv.  I clear off the DVR and told it to never record it again.  But, every once and awhile I end up catching a marathon or two of a few shows.  It’s amazing how quickly I can go from not caring to be fully engrossed in someone else's “reality”.  The really fully thing is how you can always find a few similarities, well toned down similarities.  My life is not nearly as crazy as anyones on reality tv.

Even though Mary Mary doesn’t come off as crazy like those on other reality, things still get crazy.  Mostly because they are mixing, family, friends, and business.  This is a tough mix to pull off without cameras following you around, but I think that cameras and producers just add another level to the crazy.  Everyone has priorities and everyone puts them in a different order.  The tough thing is to try and accommodate your partner/family, while staying true to yourself, and not judging each other priorities.  It wouldn’t be good reality tv if they followed those rules.   

In the third episode of Mary Mary we see the sisters start to map out their priorities and they don’t line up with each other.  

• Erica who just had a baby is skipping out on her sisters shower, because she is putting her marriage first and needs time to be with her husband.  She also wants to take advantage of every opportunity out there and grow Mary Mary’s fan base.
• Tina the other half of Mary Mary is currently pregnant and she already has four children.  She feels left out because people aren’t asking her to participate.  But she also makes it really clear that she can only give four days a week to Mary Mary.  That doesn’t stop her from trying to do everything and be everything to her husband and children.  
• GooGoo (nickname) who is their stylist and sister.  She is in a relationship with Justin who is in his early 20’s and it shows.  He comes off as a cocky kid, who thinks his smile and charm is going to get him what he wants.
• Mitch is the girls manager.  Mitch and GooGoo don’t always see eye to eye on how to style the ladies or GooGoo’s job performance.  In my opinion GooGoo takes full advantage of her role as sister and it makes hard to fire or discipline her when she hasn’t done a good job.  Justin thought he would confront Mitch on behalf of GooGoo.  It didn’t go well.
• Alana is in the process of getting married.  Her priority is making her day special.

There are a lot of elements in this pot, and for the most part all of these elements are permanent, except Justin (he’s just a boyfriend). So, things have to be worked out to move forward because they are stuck together.  You can not clock out of family.  

It's situations like these that the three-time Grammy® award-winning gospel duo Erica and Tina Campbell face in Season 2 of WE tv’s hit series Mary Mary as they balance being recording artists, mothers, and wives. MARY MARY premieres Thursday, December 6 at 10|9c and moves to its regular timeslot on Thursdays at 9|8c, beginning December 13. Watch a sneak peek here!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of WE tv. The opinions and text are all mine.

The Gift That Gives #CleverHaiti

Thank you to Macy’s Heart of Haiti for providing product to inspire this post about the stars in my life.

Something about the holidays brings every single emotion out, especially holidays spent with family.  It's funny how with family, a compliment can sound like a judgement.  Or a simple question is nagging.   A lot you have talked about how you spend your time coping with family holidays instead of enjoying them.  Family can be tricky, mostly because you can't pick your family.  But, you can pick you friends, which is why my friends are the star of my holiday season.  

I'm not talking just any old friend, I'm talking the friend that you have an unspoken language with.  The friend that can tell what you are thinking, by your various smiles, and eye rolls. The friend you call at in the middle of the night when you need or ride, or when you want to bitch about your family holiday.  This is a friend that will tell you the hard truth you might not want to hear.  They are there for you good, bad and ugly.  They are your person and you are theirs.  They don't care that you haven't quite gotten your life together, or that you are never going to lose those last 20 pounds.  

A lot of people have the tradition of getting one special ornament every year, so why not do that with your friends.  Instead of opting for something basic, pick an ornament that gives.  Go for the Heart of Haiti Christmas Ornaments, Vetiver Animal Collection.  Heart of Haiti ornaments give artisans an opportunity to support their families and employ traditional crafting techniques. Each handmade design emits the subtle, herbal scent of vetiver and is wrapped in a colored cotton thread.  If ornaments aren't your thing, don't worry the collection has plenty of items for you and your BFF to pick from.  Personally I'm loving the Heart of Haiti Modernist Ring.

About The Heart of Haiti Collection

• The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, jewelry and paintings all made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.
• Purchasing items from Macy’s Heart of Haiti is an easy way to contribute to the Haitian community, which now in light of Hurricane Sandy, needs our help more than ever.
• Macy’s Heart of Haiti upholds the belief that “trade not aid” is a powerful way to create sustainable work and much needed financial opportunities.
• The initiative allows opportunities for the artists to work with US designers, helping strengthen international artisan relationships and making their products viable in the US market. The Heart of Haiti campaign pays in excess of fair wage to the talented artisans who create the product, giving them the dignity of work and economic self-determination.
• To date the program has employed 780 artisans, which has improved the lives of over 6,200 individuals. The Heart of Haiti initiative provides artists with an opportunity to make a living, feed their families and pay their children’s school fees.
• Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and despite the devastating earthquake people there are filled with hope and a desire to improve their lives through employment.

For more on Heart of Haiti and to pick up a few gifts that give head on over to Macy's.

I received exclusive product from the Macy’s Heart of Haiti line that inspired this post. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. #CleverHaiti

Holiday Fashion Fun Winners and a Party!

First things first, lets talk about our amazing winners of the Lane Bryant Gift Cards.  Congratulations to Laurie who pinned a cute holiday top with plenty of sparkle.  Our second winner is ZRS is planning on picking up a cute bathrobe to keep cozy by the fire.  For our winners if you didn’t leave your email or twitter, please leave a comment below or just fill out the contact form in the next 72 hours or I will pick another winner.  If you did leave your information just check your email for the details that I need from you.  If you didn’t win, don’t worry, you got 18 more chances, with the Lane Bryant “Holiday Fashion Fun” Twitter Party this Monday.  More details below!

Need a little fashion inspiration for an upcoming holiday party? How about tips on how to keep your look fresh this season? Sure it’s cold outside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t feel and look sassy, stylish, and maybe even a little flirty through the winter! Come one, come all, because we’re talking holiday fashion with our friends at Lane Bryant ! Join our @LaneBryant “Holiday Fashion Fun” Twitter Party this Monday, 12/17 at noon PT/3pm ET! Fab prizes! RSVP to win prizes, including $30 Lane Bryant gift cards! RSVP: http://clvr.li/128tjBx

And don’t forget! Lane Bryant’s “12 Days of the Most Wonderful Surprises” is still going on now until December 16! You can unlock a new surprise offer every day on the Lane Bryant Facebook page. It’s the perfect way to get your favorite must-have fashion items for the holiday season, at great prices.

Twitter Party The Details:

• What: Lane Bryant “Holiday Fashion Fun” Twitter Party
• When: Mon 12/17 noon PT/3pm ET
• Where: On Twitter! CleverTweets: http://clvr.li/SYaCNf
• Follow: Hashtag #LBHoliday @CleverGirlsColl @LaneBryant
• RSVP here: http://clvr.li/128tjBx
• Prizes: 18 $30 Lane Bryant gift cards

Hello, World!

Cozy & Festive With Lane Bryant #FashionFix

Lane Bryant has everything you need for a fabulous holiday season.  From; day-to-night, cozy, sexy, romantic, or festive, they’ve got you covered.  While I love a good party dress, I love cozy pajamas even more.  As you know when given the choice to go out and stay in with friends, I will choose stay in every single time.  This holiday season is no exception, I’ve got a Christmas Movie Pajama Party this weekend, and I’ve got to find the perfect blend of festive, and cozy.  Last year I opted for leggings, an oversized sweater and slippers, but this year I want to go all out.  Every year Lane Bryant seems to pull out all the stops when it comes to cute pajama sets for the holidays.  The best part is Lane Bryant is made for curvy girls or those of you with an ample chest, so you can finally own a cute pajama set that doesn’t have gaping buttons in the middle.  More after the jump!

Lets talk pajamas, you’ve got the Sleep shirt, which is part dress/party t-shirt.  Then you’ve got the Classic Pajama Set, which has a bit of a menswear look to it, with classic piping in flannel or cool cotton.  Next up is the sleep dress, which is more fitted than a sleep shirt and shows off our curves.  Then you have the slightly more casual Sleep Tee Set, featuring a long sleeve or short sleeve tee with boxers or pants.  Finally, you’ve got the old school onesie, with or without feet. While pajamas might seem like a full outfit, you still need a few accessories, like a robe, bra that gives comfort and a little bit of support, and slippers or socks.  

So, now for the really fun part.  Your chance to win a $30 dollar gift card to Lane Bryant. All You have to do pick out your favorite Holiday Look.

Rules: No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

• Leave a comment in response to the giveaway prompt on this post.
• Pin your favorite look with the #LB12Days hashtag and leave me a link.  

This giveaway is open to anyone age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by email. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. *Quick Reminder Please leave your email address in the comments section to officially enter the contest. This sweepstakes runs from till 12/16

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Assassin's Creed III #AC3Gold

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please visit Amazon.com to get your own copy of Assassin's Creed 3, today's Gold Box Deal of the Day! I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

Maybe you're smart and you've already done all of your holiday shopping, congratulations you are on top of things.  For the rest of us though, you might still be looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for the gamer in your life.  Look no further, Amazon Gold Box Deal of the Day is Assassin's Creed 3.  Instead running almost $60 you can get it for just $33.  

Assassin's Creed is a historical action-adventure open world stealth video game.  The main portion of Assassin's Creed III is set before, during and after the American Revolution from 1753 to 1783.  You play Desmond Miles, the player controls his ancestor Connor.   Connor is caught up in the Assassin-Templar war when his Native American village is attacked under Templar order, resulting in his mother's death and threatening his village's safety. The story spans 30 years of Connors life.  

Since this is historical action, you are going to get to play though some major american history moments; Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, you get to meet Samuel Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson are in the mix, you get to spend time at Valley Forge, just to name a few.  This maybe a nerdy thing, but one of my favorite things about the game is the attention to detail, architecture, wardrobe, language, art,  and weapons are all accurate.  The recreation of major locations is breathtaking.  Assassin’s Creed and big bowl of popcorn are the perfect way to spend a snowy winter's day.

Why Argue When You Can Just Dance

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective. #UbiChamps

I love the holiday season, everyone seems nicer, the fabulous cocktail parties, the even more fabulous cocktail party dresses, and all that time spent with family.  Right... all that extra time spent with family, a blessing or maybe a curse.  

Thanksgiving can be pretty awkward.  You're a democrat and the rest of the family are republicans, you're single and in your thirties (mom needs you to be married), or you want to deep fry the turkey and your mom-in-law wants a traditional turkey. Whatever your differences are Thanksgiving is a time when families collide.  And that collision can lead to a lot of arguing and hurt feelings.  Instead of having a epic battle at the dinner table that goes absolutely nowhere.  Settle your arguments with an old fashioned dance off.  Why bicker, when you can dance to Top 40 hits from almost every decade.

Just Dance 4

UBI Soft

Make it a rule for everyone at Thanksgiving.  Let them know that nit picking, bickering, arguing, and eye rolling aren’t allowed.  Anyone caught doing the following will have to dance it off.  For group offenses you can have them play the game in Battle Mode.  Think of Battle Mode as You Got Served in your living room.  Winner doesn’t have to say they are sorry (even though they probably should). For single offenders you pick the song and they have to get a least 2 stars to pass (don’t be jerk and give grandpa the hardest song, you don’t want to turn your fun little experiment into a trip to the ER).    

It’s a fantastic punishment that can lead to a little family bonding instead of making you regret that Christmas is only a month away.   Plus you will get a chance to burn off a few of the extra pounds, you no doubt put on over the holidays.  

For more amazing ways to get through the Holiday Season check out our Home for Holiday Series.  

Bold Red Lip With Mary Kay

With summer all but a distant memory, it's time to get serious about your fall look.  Now, just because we are getting serious about fall doesn't mean we aren't going to have a little fun. Today we are going to look at some beauty must-have's for fall, we are going to get organized, and we are going to gear up to win big!  

We've all been there, running late, throwing some makeup into a bag with plans to apply it in the parking lot or at our desk.  One to realize that we grabbed all the wrong stuff, or the dreaded, missing of crucial items like brushes or something to put one your lips.  Not to mention your cubical is tiny and cramped,  you hate putting on makeup in the bathroom with everyone coming and going, and that rear view mirror leaves a lot to be desired. Which is why the perfect compact is really important.  A great compact should be easy to organize, customizable, affordable, have a spot for your tools, and have a big mirror. Which is why I'm so in love with the Mary Kay® Compacts.  With three different sizes to choose from, and hundreds of options to fill them with, the possibilities for creating the perfect look are endless.  But, more importantly that perfect look is always ready to go, even when you aren't.  Now that you've found the compact that right for you, let's fill it.  

One of my favorite looks is the bold red lip, it's simple, easy and you don't need a lot of stuff to create this look.  Check out the video, to see just how I do it.  

Now that you've seen my look, let's check this video from Mary Kay, featuring another take on the bold red with, with a few other you will love. 

 

Mary Kay Brush Collection

And now for the really fun part.  Mary Kay is giving you a chance to win BIG!  In support of the Mary Kay fall trend and color product strategy, the main theme of the contest revolves around “Hollywood” – old Hollywood glamour, fashion and style, with a modern trend twist. Enter the Mary Kay Hollywood Dreams Makeover Contest. You could win a trip to Los Angeles, a professional makeover, personal stylist consultation and wardrobe.

Here’s How: Visit marykay.com to locate your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Schedule your makeover and enter to win! When was the last time you checked out Mary Kay?  Visit marykay.com/whatsnew to find your new look for fall! 

To get a look like mine, and purchase the products I used, contact your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant or connect with one at marykay.com.

Ten of my lucky readers will receive a Mary Kay® NouriShine™ Plus Lip Gloss in Rock ‘n’ Red and a Mary Kay® Lash Love® Mascara in I ♥ black, just for telling me your beauty must-have’s this fall! Reply below to let me know!  Don't forget to leave me your e-mail address below, so I can contact you.  

Name It To Win It!

It's summer and for a lot of people that means long and winding road trips, and plenty of time spent out of the house.  Anyone will tell you the worst part of being away from home is the fact that you have to use the public restrooms. 

 

I think I just heard a collective groan, at the thought of using a public restrooms.  That collective groan is why in the trunk of my car is prepped and ready.  That's right I never leave home with out plenty of toilet paper and wet wipes.  Naturally when I heard about Cottonelle's Flushable Wipes my inner always prepared nerd got very very excited.  And after a day at the beach, when you have sand in places that sand should NEVER go, those little wipes really come in handy. My best friend who takes being prepared to a whole another level called it her bidet on the go.  Which is is the perfect name for it, in my opinion.  But, you don't have to take my word for it.  Thanks to Cottonelle & Clever Girls Collective, you too have a chance to try out the "Bidet On The Go" routine or whatever you choose to Name It! Thats right we are giving away a Clean Care kit from Cottonelle, which includes:

• 1 tub of Cottonelle Flushable moist wipes
• 1 pack of Cottonelle Ultra Care toilet paper
• 1 travel pack of moist wipes
• 1 solo pack of moist wipes
• 1 pack of Name It post-it notes

All you have to do is leave me a comment letting me know what you would name it, or for those of you not great at naming things, let me know which summer adventure this kit would come in handy on.  You can also enter the sweepstakes by visiting this link: http://clvr.li/KQgKpn 

Thank you again to Cottonelle for sponsoring my post. Visit them on Facebook to share your name! I was selected for participation in this program by the Clever Girls Collective. #NameIt #spon

We Are Going To The Beach

Summer is here, and you don't have a swimsuit.  Don't feel bad, I don't have one either. I really hate shopping for swim wear.  The only worse than looking for a swimsuit is looking for a great pair of jeans (Yes, I'm still on the hunt for the perfect pari).  Old Navy makes it really easy, with their Mix & Match, Maternity, and Plus Size selection.  That's right no matter your size, Old Navy wants to go to the beach with you.  In fact, they want to go so bad, they have everything you little heart could possibly desire.  Don't believe me, just check out how they want to help you Wear. Paint. Swim. Run. Block. Drink. Carry. See.  Happy Summer! 

Wear Burnout-Stripe Swim Cover-Ups - With the right cover up you can go from the beach to the grocery store (fruit is the perfect snack, especially melons, because they contain plenty of water) and back to the beach. 

Paint Color Club Wicked Sweet & Poptasic Shades - Ditch the darker colors in favor of something fun and bright.  Color club has amazing color saturation that lasts. 

Swim Ruffle Tiered Bikini - This flirty bikini comes in many different versions and is available in all sizes. 

Run Color Block Cork Wedges - These wedges can easily go from the beach to dinner out with friends. Plus wedges are much more comfortable way to get a few extra inches.  

Block Straw Cloche Hat just because you've got a head full of hair, doesn't mean you can't get a sunburn there.  A hat is a great way to protect yourself from the rays. 

Drink Stainless Steel Bottles - Great for the planet and easy to clean up.  The cap doubles as a handle and can be easily attached to your bag with straps or with a carabiner.

Carry Pink Flamingo Garden Pins - A way to keep your beach towel from blowing away. 

See Animal Print Sunglasses - For under $10 dollars, you can add a little fun to summer wardrobe. 

Thank you again to Old Navy for sponsoring my post. I was compensated for this post as a member of Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all my own.

Let's Play

Horse Haven is a task management game for Facebook.  In Horse Haven you can own your own horse ranch, train and breed champion horses that get to compete for the chance at the big blue ribbon.  Horse Haven is developed by Ubisoft, the makers of all of the You Can Dance Games. 

A while back I talked about my love for quick and easy task management games.  What can I say I love a good to do list even when playing a game.  This is why testing out a game like Horse Haven appealed to me.  However, the fact that it was a Facebook game didn't appeal to me.  One of my major beefs with Facebook is the fact that when friends are playing games you get so many silly messages clogging your feeds and inbox.   Horse Haven isn't like a lot the other games that force you to post messages to pass certain levels.  Horse Haven gives you the option to skip that part and just move on with game play.  If you have a friend who is also playing they are a little more insistent, but again they never force you post any messages.  Plus with the Facebook settings you can keep all of your game play private.  That's right your boss doesn't have to know how you wast time before clocking out each and every day. 

So now that the fear of playing and having the whole world know what you are up to is gone, lets talk about the actual game play.  Like so many games Horse Haven provides a lengthy  tutorial.  You don't really need one since this game is idiot proof.  And if you ever get stuck there is a button that will help you and give hints on what to do next. 

Horse Haven has a list of items you can purchase, things you can build and different ways to beautify your ranch.  But be warned, a few of the items cost real money, and if you are one of those brave souls who has given your credit card info to Facebook, you could find yourself making purchases that you don't' really want to.  It's no different than the games found in the iPhone App Store.  To keep yourself from unwanted purchases I recommend removing any credit card information Facebook may have.  For those of you willing to spend money on this game, check out your local Targets, Wal-Marts and drugstores for Facebook Game Credits. 

Taking care of your hoses is really easy. Like The Sims,  their every thought and wish appears above their head.  Everything from petting the horses, feeding them hay, guide the horses to water troughs, clean their hooves , allow them to sleep, brush the hair, and offer them treats.  Once your horse is happy, it's ready to play and learn.  You can take them to the pen, for riding and jumping lessons.  They can also head off to the petting zoo for a little extra fun.  Once your horse is trained you can start heading out on the road for competitions. For the experienced horse you can even try your hand at breeding.  

Now for the best part, your game play can improve the life of actual horses.  All you have to do is purchase the Angel Acres featured items now through June 18th, 2012. For every purchase made a  donation will be made to the real life charity Angel Acres Horse Haven Rescue, a non-profit horse rescue center in Pennsylvania. Under the Angel Acres Items you'll find:

• a Rescue Barn: It will expand the number of standard horse boxes you build by one and your maximum energy points by one
• some Rare flowers: Decoration
• a Rescue Potion: It completely satiates all your horses and quenches their thirst at once when used
• Cicatrice: An exceptional horse! She has amazing gifts!

All in all I might give Horse Haven a second thought when I'm bored and have a few minutes to kill.  But I don't see this becoming a part of my gaming rotation. 

Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own. #UbiChamps