Board Games with Hidden Educational Value

 One of the things I get asked the most is, "Can you recommend a game with educational value?" This question involves a complicated answer.  You see, I firmly believe that ALL games have educational value.  Even the simplest game involves turn taking, which can be of value to younger kids.  And most games involve end game scoring, which can be great math practice!  So I try not to sound sarcastic when I answer the, "can you recommend a game with educational value" question with the answer: ALL OF THEM! But I get it.  Sometimes folks are looking for a specific educational skill or benefit from a game.  And it can be difficult to find a game that's both educational AND fun. (Although I have reviewed some straight forward educational games that are, in fact, lots of FUN!)  

The Sherlock Files Games (Volumes I-IV)

 I'm a huge fan of mysteries!  I love mystery books, mystery movies, and even mystery tv shows! So I was very excited when I found out that the fabulous people at Indie Boards and Cards had released an entire mystery series called The Sherlock Files!

Roll On with 12 Great, Unique Roll & Write Games

 As you've probably already guessed by reading my blog or following my Instagram or Facebook pages, I love games!  But what you may not know is that I LOVE LOVE LOVE roll & write games!  I often say that roll & writes are my love language!  Haha!  But seriously, I'm a HUGE FAN of the roll & write game mechanic.  

If you're not familiar with the term "roll & write," it refers to any game where you roll dice and then use the results to write or draw onto a sheet.  This could include writing numbers, drawing lines (to represent roads or railroad tracks), drawing pictures, or even coloring in blocks.  These games are usually fairly simple to learn, easy to play, and finish in less than 30 minutes (although a few are more complicated and longer).  This makes them great games for family game time or a fun starter for a game night!  Most roll & writes also play well with 2 players.  This makes them great for an evening game with hubby!

An offshoot of the roll & write genre is the "flip and write."  These games follow the same format, but instead of rolling dice you flip over cards.  Because these games are so similar - and I include them as part of my roll & write "love language," I've included them in this review.

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

Looking for a yummy, easy side dish? Or a delicious lunch? Cheddar bacon ranch pasta salad is so good and so easy! 

Of Nights and Ninjas

 The king is old and has no heir, so he's decided to name an heir from the nobles in his kingdom.  If you can manage to acquire 10 gems before any of your noble competitors, you can become the next ruler of the kingdom! Good luck and godspeed!

I'm gonna be honest, I'm a huge sucker for a Medieval themed game!  I was thrilled when I got the opportunity to review Of Nights and Ninjas, by Blue Fox Games! So let's check it out!

2 Minute Dino Deal

 I have a dino-obsessed ten year old, so I was really excited at the prospect of reviewing 2 Minute Dino Deal by Petersen Games! This is a cute, fun, compact game that, as its name suggests, plays in TWO MINUTES! So let's check it out!

2 Minute Dino Deal is a game for 2-5 players ages 8+.  It plays in.. you guessed it... 2 minutes!  Use the "Time Scoop" and go back in time to capture dinosaurs and bring them back to sell to theme parks and zoos!