Heart Pounding Play Time With Chrono Bomb! A Great Kid's Party Game!

***We received a product sample in hopes we would share our honest experiences here on the blog. Photos copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Don't touch the floor, it's hot lava!


When I was a young girl I liked to rough house. Nearly all of my friends through grade school were boys and I often was caught leading extravagant pretend play scenarios of cops and robbers, secret agents, and super heroes. We'd turn an ordinary yard into a mine-field or river of lava, the neighbor's dog into a dragon, and  fallen pine cones into grenades. Climbing trees, camouflaging in bushes, and a general battle between good versus evil often ensued without a single toy or physical prop. Yes, I remember those days- but the children of today's generations, well, they seem to have a harder time disconnecting from their smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems.

Once a week we like to take our play group outside. Yes, we're fortunate enough here in Southern California that we can still enjoy mild afternoon weather in December- but today's game can be equally enjoyed indoors. In fact, that's one of the selling points for us on one of 2015's hottest games, Chrono Bomb. While this creative 'Spy' play game has a sophisticated battery operated element, it can be enjoyed just as much with absolutely no electronics at all, indoors or outdoors, with 1 child or 7 children.

What you'll find included with Chrono Bomb is a base 'Bomb' timer (that resembles a bundle of TNT with an LCD display, a Sensor Clamp, 4 clip guide hooks, a deck of 8 Secret Agent gear cards, and 2 Mission Cards. From the sensor and sensor clamp nearly 28' of guide string will feed, which is intended to be looped around the hooks on each of the provided clamps. Clamp the hooks at various heights to various pieces of furniture and create an imaginary string 'laser' field for young spies to navigate.

When we first saw this demonstrated, by a very nimble professional performer, at Sweet Suite 2015, we were skeptical of the ease of set up and re-play value. When we got our sample game we were again a bit overwhelmed- but the kids were eager to begin playing immediately. For the sake of honestly, despite two sets of brand new batteries and 2 adults initially setting Chrono Bomb up, we were never able to get the wire to trigger the 'countdown' feature on the timer. The game is intended to be played in such a manner that simply brushing into one of the 'laser' wires will remove time from the countdown timer on the TNT/bomb, but we were unable to produce this effect nomatter how we leveled the trigger/timer or the feed wire.

As a result, the game moved outdoors- where we could have more freedom to play with the setup, and where the kids were still told their time would be reduced if they touched the wires. In all honesty, they never noticed they weren't having time deducted, because they were so engulfed in the activity of navigating wires and hunting for cards.

Essentially, what worked for us, was to create an imaginary 'spy' space outside in the yard using some bamboo gardening poles, old kid's play furniture from the backyard, and some random elements we'd introduce or add with each reset (a hammer, some books, a plant, etc.) The real play-ability value comes in with the included Chrono Bomb 'gear' cards, which you can creatively stash high and low throughout your spy field. While we kept the 'laser' strings in the sane configuration for all 7 kids, through 2 runs a piece, we played around with hiding the cards to make each run different.

I'd highly suggest Chrono Bomb as a sleepover or party game, as the child/agent preparing to run the spy field was blindfolded during the game's 'reset,' the kids who were onlooking played a part in giving verbal clues and encouragement  as they had the chance to help hide the cards. No matter who was playing the spy, or who was watching the game, every child was excited and engaged. We encouraged agents outside the playing field to use clues such as colors, textures, and hot/cold/warm to help guide the child navigating the spy field through to the next card. Not only did we notice the children building dexterity and coordination when twisting through and under the guide wires, but creative thinking in searching for the hidden spy gear as well.

While we were unable to get the guideline to subtract time when hit- the decision to move the game outdoors and forego this feature really gave us a much broader area to play with and a more engaging/evolving playing field. The timer still counted down and timed each player as they collected all 8 cards- so we definitely had a competitive sense, but there was a little less anxiety over touching the wires- and more of a focus on creative thinking and having fun. Sure, the game never quite worked as intended for us- but it turned out to be an afternoon of fun every single child was engaged in from start to finish. In the end, those really are the best types of games! You can buy Chrono Bomb at a variety of mass retailers nationwide, including Toys R' Us. Our 'secret agents' ranged in age from 4 to 11.  Did you ever pretend to be a secret agent as a child? What was one of your favorite pretend play activities as a kid?

What Daughter Says: Bring imaginative play back in style with a secret agent game that blends Twister and spy games.

#ShareTheHoliday With Rubbermaid TakeAlongs- Maple Bacon Peanut Clusters + Stove Top Potpourri

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ShareTheHoliday #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: The best traditions are meant to be shared.

We're in the home stretch, the holiday season is upon us and there are just days until Christmas Day, which will roll into New Year's Eve, and in no time 2016 will be knocking at the door. This year has been an incredible one full of new experiences, new friends, unbelievable sights, and big changes. All of these things might tend to overwhelm someone, but, instead, I prefer to ground myself in traditions. You see, traditions are those things that remain constant no matter the time, no matter what is going on, or has gone on over the past year. Traditions remind us of who we are, where we've come from, and where we're headed. And the holiday season is the best excuse I can think of to share those traditions with others.

When I was a young girl Momma loved hand making gifts. Not only did she spend all year preparing for the Fall arts and crafts shows, but her commitment to crafting unique and special treats for those closest to us has remained an inspiration to my own adulthood traditions. Every year it was something different- one year we'd bake until the fridge was packed with the most delicious variety of homemade treats. The next year we'd carefully layer homemade bath salts and hand poured candles. It was something I looked forward to because it meant sharing time with my mother- while Momma found it the perfect excuse to retreat from the holiday hustle and bustle of department stores to revel in the comfort and cheer of her own home.

Naturally, I've made my own traditions- but the spirit of making gifts is one that's continued on in my own home. In fact, these days, it seems more and more people are hitting their kitchens, or craft rooms, to create meaningful gifts that say more. However, while Pinterest seems to make it clear that the best gifts come in baskets or mason jars- I'm here to tell you I have a garage full of baskets and more mason jars than I could use if I made an entire month's worth of meals in them. Isn't it time that which you gift your homemade gifts in was thoughtful as that which you were giving? Yes, that's exactly why I buy affordable, reusable, even stylish, Rubbermaid TakeAlongs containers from Walmart.

Rubbermaid is truly a generational brand- it's been in my cupboards since I got my first apartment, and my grandmother used to gift her own 'world famous' chocolate chip cookies in Rubbermaid food storage containers as well. Their unique rectangular Egg Keeper has saved more than one cookie decorating party with it's easy to store profile and uniform cradles perfect for portioning sprinkles. And the Quik Clik Seal™ technology of Rubbermaid TakeAlongs keeps even the messiest of holiday dishes safe for transport. They're perfect for gifting AND seasonal leftovers!

So, in the spirit of sharing holiday traditions, and a special $1 off 2 Rubbermaid TakeAlongs containers rebate offer from ibotta, I ran to my local Walmart this week for some last minute gift preparation. While many would consider this last minute- I prefer to gift fresh gifts that taste just as good as their initial presentation, timing and an air-tight storage system is essential. Besides, it was also the perfect excuse to make my grandmother's Slow Cooker Peanut Clusters, with a twist, of course.

Bacon has been on a hot streak for a few years now, and few things that come out of my kitchen get my family and friends as excited as when I make candied bacon- so I had the genius idea to put my own twist on this simple, traditional, recipe. First I had to line a few baking sheets with a generous, overlapping, layer of foil. Then I cut my bacon in half and rubbed both sides in brown sugar. For a little extra depth in flavor I even drizzled some pure maple syrup atop before sending them into the oven at 415F.

Making candied bacon is a tradition in our family- it's something we do for every potluck. It's simple expected. The process isn't too difficult, but it's certainly an art- and a sticky, messy, delicious one, at that. The bacon must be transferred off the baking sheet immediately after being removed from the oven, and placed on a cooling rack lined with parchment paper. If this isn't done in a timely manner one will end up with a solid sheet of bacon toffee- not the end of the world, but useless for this particular recipe.

While my maple candied bacon cooked and cooled I turned a small 2.5 QT slow cooker on high and allowed coconut oil and dark chocolate morsels to melt down amidst a few cups of lightly salted peanuts. The coconut oil is my secret to a smooth melt-in-your mouth peanut cluster that is easy to eat and hard to put down. Once the chocolate peanut mixture had been properly melted and combined I cut generous portions of candied bacon and set them in the grooves of a Rubbermaid Egg Keeper. The Egg Keeper is perfect for homemade candy portioning as it is freezer safe and offers defined grooves for even portioning.

On top of the candied bacon pieces I plopped heaping spoons of chocolate peanut mixture before sending the Rubbermaid Egg Keeper to the freezer. A little more than 15 minutes later my peanut clusters emerged, set, and easy enough to pop out and package in a Rubbermaid TakeAlongs container. While the rectangles work well for small batches and gifts I preferred the Red and Green seasonal Rubbermaid TakeAlongs in Deep Square for portions headed to families and offices.

Not everyone on my holiday list has a sweet tooth, and I also try not to bring treats as a guest, when bringing a hostess gift. For such occasions I prefer to keep my gifts just as fresh and inviting as my baked goods. A simple Holiday Stove Top Potpourri can be prepared in minutes with some basic seasonal ingredients and has a beautiful presentation when unwrapped.

Stove Top Potpourris often consist of 4 or 5 ingredients ranging from fresh fruit and flowers to spices. This year I made a fragrant Holiday Potpourri consisting of navel oranges, cinnamon sticks, thyme, cloves, and fresh cranberries. I portioned the ingredients in a fabric lined Rubbermaid TakeAlongs deep square container, sealed and topped with a bow. To the bow I tied a simple tag explaining what was inside the Rubbermaid TakeAlongs container and how to use it. You can grab the free printable gift tag, complete with ingredients, here.

Much like it's name suggests a stove top potpourri fills one's home with rich fragrance, similar to a strong candle. All one simply has to do is add the ingredients to a pot of simmering water. In our home we use the stove, and open flame, rarely, so I prefer to dump all of the ingredients in a small slow cooker, where it can sit on low for an entire day. It's amazing what a small container of simple ingredients will do to fill a home with fragrance and cheer!

Stove top potpourri is one of my favorite ways to bring the season home- and something I like to whip up whenever we have leftover ingredients. This particular recipe would, for example, be made with leftovers from an Orange Cranberry Muffin recipe. Rubbermaid TakeAlongs in seasonal colors even add an extra touch of style to my gift when prepared with a simple bow- they're prefect for holiday hostess gifting!

Making homemade gifts is just one way I share a little bit of that childhood joy I felt working alongside my mother as a young girl. Not only do I love and appreciate when I receive a homemade gift, but I am passionate about sharing a little touch of homemade love of my own. Best of all, when I package my gifts and treats with Rubbermaid TakeAlongs from Walmart I know I'll never be left with an excess of heavy mason jars or useless gift baskets. We can always use the leftover containers! Don't tell anyone, but I even gift packs of Rubbermaid TakeAlongs too! For more creative traditions and gift ideas follow Walmart on Pinterest. Now, share with me a holiday tradition that is important to you or your family.

What Daughter Says: Share your traditions, or start a new one this holiday season.

Dark Chocolate Maple Bacon Peanut Clusters

***Click here for printable Maple Bacon Peanut Clusters recipe.

Traditions Give Back Through Hickory Farms + No Kid Hungry

Momma Told Me: We do it because it's tradition.

What is tradition?

I like to argue that a tradition isn't the act of doing something, it's a feeling.

The best traditions are not just repeated in ceremony year in and out. and, while some can be tasted, and others heard, the very best of traditions are meant to be shared, and are always felt. It's that stirring inside that generates warm tidings and cheer, the excitement over an event that marks the dawn of another valued memory, the passing of time, and the importance of honoring this moment now, and every moment before it. Yes, my favorite traditions vary from our own little family, to generations back, yet all are worthy of being shared.

One of our traditions, gifting Hickory Farms, signifies the start of a season, the end of a year, and the flavors that unite a family from clear across the country. Enjoying my father's Hickory Farms Summer Sausage Christmas afternoon while talking on the telephone with my grandparents in Massachusetts, is a tradition that highlights my childhood holiday memories. No matter where I was, or where they were, we always had a Hickory Farms gift box under our tree come Christmas morning. Whether it was the satisfying crisp of delicious crackers and cheese, or gourmet confections and nuts, the holiday flavors simply would not be the same without Hickory Farms and our family.

Hickory Farms understands this, and the importance of tradition, which is why they give back year round with companion efforts for No Kid Hungry, and a commitment to our armed forces. The company not only provides year-round free shipping to any active military address, worldwide, but has also contributed more than $4 Million dollars to the No Kid Hungry organization. (Visit www.hickoryfarms.com for details.) In addition to raising awareness and collecting donations directly on behalf of the charity, Hickory Farms also donates a percentage of profits from specially marked products. Right now you can gift a Hickory Farms Signature Party Planner gift box and $5 of the purchase will be donated to No Kid Hungry. I absolutely love giving gifts that go beyond the moment, to continue giving to those in need!

The Signature Party Planner gift box is precisely the type of gift we would've chosen from the catalog to gift to my grandparents, across country, as a young girl. The company has always been committed to quality and freshness in their products so it is a natural pairing for the company to support No Kid Hungry, an amazing organization that fights to ensure every U.S. child can have a healthy, fresh, meal. Just $1 donated can help feed a hungry child up to 10 meals- that's a potential of 50 meals donated with a single gift purchase this holiday season!

As we practice and discuss our own family traditions, here in our house, giving back is at the top of our priorities. In fact, the very first thing I do when I begin seeing seasonal merchandise hit shelves is ask around and research where the local canned goods and toy drive collections will be for the year. For us giving back is more than a seasonal tradition, it's a year-round tradition. I begin collecting gifts and food for donations the very day after I drop I current collections off! It's not only something I am personally passionate about, it's a tradition that is contagious- and I love to see the new generations taking charge and getting involved too!

Whether your family has, or starts, their own Hickory Farm tradition, why not discuss the importance of giving with those who matter most? Even a discussion can help put the wheels in motion for something amazing. And, in this season of giving, isn't that really what it's all about? How do you or your loved ones like to give back during the holidays or year round? Is there an exciting program in your community that inspires you to give?

What Daughter Says: Give back this holiday season and help your traditions feel even more meaningful.

Disclaimer: Compensation and products for review were provided by Hickory Farms via MomTrends. I received a free sample of the product for the purpose of this review and to facilitate a giveaway.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Hickory Farms. #HickoryTradition