Greedy Dice Game

Greed is a dice game, also known as Tora, that is perfect for the whole family. It is a great way for kids to learn advanced concepts of addition and multiplication.

Greed uses a point system that reaches 10,000 points or more by rolling 10 dice. To play, you throw dice in groups, for instance a group of 3,  and whatever they land on is then multiplied by 10. Then for the remainder of the 10 dice, roll and multiply that score by 10 as well. By adding each individual toss of the dice together, the object of the game is to exceed 10,000 points.

Once a player exceeds 10,000 points, each other player gets to roll at least one more time to try to exceed the points of the winning player. The strategy of the game comes from groupings of numbers such as 3 of a kind and multiplying them. You may keep the total from the first roll and put it aside and then keep the total from each subsequent roll and multiply them together to get your total.

If a 1 is rolled out of the 10 then you get 100 points, and a single 5 is worth 50 points. Doubles don’t earn points. Triple 1s are worth 1,000 points. Triple 2s are worth 200 points, triple 3s are worth 300 points, triple 4s are worth 400 points, triple 5s are worth 500 points, triple 6s are worth 600 points.

If you roll four of the same number, then it’s score is three times the digits of the roll. So if you end up with four 3s, then you have 300 points multiplied by three for 900 total points. If you end up with five of the same kind, then you multiply the three scores of the roll by a multiple of four no matter what you are left with on the dice. If you get six of the same numbers on the dice, then you take the three scores you have and it would then be multiplied by eight. If you roll six 1s then you will get a total of 8,000 points. If you happen to get a single roll with three pairs then you will get 800 points. Finally, if you roll the same on six or more of the six-sided dice then you will earn 1200 points.

Variations to Greedy Dice Game

Image via Pixabay

The great thing about Greed is that it challenges you to make decisions and see just how far you are willing to go to win. Hence, the name Greed. Greed is a wonderfully fun way to spend time with friends and family while also being incredibly entertaining. You can have an exciting evening get together based around this dice game. All you need is a little bit of space, a pencil paper, and ten six sided dice.

There can be different variations on the way that the game is played too. You can have each person take a single turn and work your way around in a circle. Each time everyone takes a turn it is referred to as a round. Players take turns from the left. You can play taking multiple turns and only throwing part of the dice per throw. If it is decided that everyone will play using one single throw, all ten of the dice should be thrown at one time.

The basic factor that really outlines this game is the fact that when a single person wins by reaching the predetermined amount of points, all of the rest of the player will throw the dice one more time and add whatever they throw to their total score. If someone gets more points than the winner, then they become the new winner. No doubt, this games takes planning and strategy and can be a whole lot of fun.

If you enjoyed this game, make sure you check out our list of fun dice games.

Featured Image via Unsplash

The Secret to Raising Smarter Kids

We all want better for our kids. With so many articles and antidotes out there it’s hard to know which one to choose. What if I told you raising smart kids was easier than you could ever imagine? The other night I was reading a book titled How Will You Measure Your Life and I came across an interesting study by Todd Risley and Betty Hart.

Have you ever read something and thought you just uncovered something so important, yet you have a feeling nobody knows about it? That’s how I felt. There I was, 10:30 at night on Labor Day and I stumble across this research that is just blowing my mind. So I followed the rabbit trail and before you know it I’m sleepless. My mind is racing. Will I be able to implement this? It just seemed way too easy. I asked myself, if it’s really this easy, why isn’t everybody doing this?

The Importance of Talking to Your Baby

woman reads to baby on fur rug

Image via Pixabay

The study discussed the correlation between smart kids and amount of talking the parents did to the baby. That’s right, talking to your baby. The study discussed how more talkative (usually more educated) parents talked upwards of 2,150 words per hour to their babies, where as less talkative parents talked 600 words per hour.

The babies that heard more words in their first thirty months performed better in vocabulary and reading comprehension tests. Can you see why I was so fascinated with this study? Who doesn’t love talking to a baby? When a parent is engaging the baby in a conversation, the synapses of the babies brain are being exercised. The synapse’s are structures that allow signals to get passed from one neuron to another. The more synapses that get created the faster and easier your little baby will think in the future. Even though it might not seem like your little one is engaged and listening, trust that they are.

The average person talks approximately 150 words per minute. If you want to speak 2,150 words per hour to your baby, you will need to speak to them for roughly 14 minutes consistently.

Compound Effect

smiling man and woman hold smiling child between them

Image via Pixabay

In the book “How Will You Measure Your Life” the author talks about the compound affect. The parents that spoke 3.7 times more to their baby won’t have a mere 3.7 times more connections. Each brain cell can be connected by as many as ten thousand synapses, making the compound effect “exponential.” Think of this like that of a busy city. If there is one main road for it’s citizens traffic doesn’t travel fast. Increase the number of roads and traffic flows more freely. If you want your baby to think quicker, make quicker associations, and have greater recall, build more roads (synapses).

How to Talk

woman holds child in garden

Image via Pixabay

Not just any talk will do. Telling your kids what to do has little affect. Telling your infant “time for a bath” or “finish your food” does not cut it. Instead you must engage them in fully adult, sophisticated language. Ask them questions such as “what do you want to eat today” or “what do you want to do today?” Talk to them as if you were talking to another adult. Ask them thought provoking questions even if you feel like they don’t understand you, their brain is working. Make sure that you are encouraging them as well. The children of professionals heard twice as many encouraging words and twice as many unique words. In short, encourage and use big words.

Future Factors

a woman hugs her son

Image via Pixabay

As I was thinking about this article, I couldn’t help but wonder about the future. Were cell phones ever around when this study was done? This made me think of the adult that is bouncing their kid on their knee while looking at their cell phone. How many words is technology stealing from our babies? Will kids in the future be less smart?

Featured Image via Pixabay

7 Gold Panning Supplies You Can’t Pan Without

 “Truth (like gold) is to be obtained not by it’s growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.”

-Leo Tolstoy, Author of “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”

Nearly everyone would love to try their hand at panning for gold. It’s the stuff of a treasure hunter’s dreams! One of the best ways to get your hands on some gold is to find it yourself. If you want to go gold panning, you need to check around for some legal waterway locations to try panning for gold, and you need gold panning supplies.

#1: A GOOD GOLD PANNING PAN

The most important tool you will need while panning for gold is a pan. The Green Plastic Gold Pan with Two Types of Riffles from Amazon is one of the best pans you can use for your gold seeking. The 1/8 inch round base of the pan helps to better trap gold particles. The two riffles included with the pan are small and large. The small riffle removes smaller sand particles and the larger riffle removes big gravel particles.

#2: A HANDY SCREEN


SE Patented Stackable 13-1/4″ Sifting Pan, 1/4″ Mesh Screen – GP2-14

  • Top diameter: 13-1/4”
  • Mesh screen size: 1/4”
  • Wire thickness: 0.95 mm

A good screen can help you sift through the contents of your pan easily to see what the contents are without dumping out the entire pan. This allows you to also remove the dirt and gravel you don’t want in the pan. The Patented Stackable 13-1/4 inch sifting pan with a 1/4 inch Screen from Amazon is a handy and simple screen to use.

#3: A PROSPECTOR’S SCOOP


SE Prospector’s Black Scoop – GP3-SS22BK

  • Color: black
  • Overall length: 12-½”
  • Heavy-duty plastic material

A prospector’s scoop allows you to dig through the contents of your pan while you are gold panning. It should not have holes in it. It should be a solid spoon-like scoop.The Black Prospector’s Scoop from Amazon is one of the highest rated and helpful prospector’s scoop around. You can additionally use the scoop to do gardening work or for treasure hunting with a metal detector on land.

#4: SNUFFER BOTTLES


Stansport Snuffer Bottle, 4-Ounce

  • Gold panning snuffer bottle
  • Suction even the finest gold particles from pan or sluice
  • Fine spout targets individual flakes

With an excellent snuffer bottle, you can suck up even the tiniest fragments of gold particles into the bottle with the snuffer tip on a snuffer bottle. The Stansport Snuffer Bottle, four ounce sold from Amazon is a durable, useful little bottle. Most panning experts will tell you to bring a few snuffer bottles along with you while out panning.

#5: GLASS VIALS FOR COLLECTING GOLD PARTICLES


Glass Vials, 2 Dram, Pack of 12

  • Borosilicate glass vials
  • Screw-on black phenolic caps
  • Capacity 2 Dram (1/4 fl oz)

Glass vials are needed for any gold pieces or particles you come across while you are panning for gold. You don’t want anything to get lost, so the glass vials will keep them safe. Glass vials can be fragile, so you may want to select something else to store your particles. Glass vials just make a better looking final container for your gold particles. They also allow you to display your gold to show others easily. The Glass Vials pack of twelve from Amazon is a good fit for any novice gold prospector who needs to start gathering some glass vials for their future panning excursions. The bottles are stylish, simple glass vials with a nice black topper.

#6: A STRONG PAIR OF TWEEZERS


MABIS Stainless Steel Tweezers, Thumb Dressing Forceps, Serrated…

  • PERFECT THUMB DRESSING FORCEPS for removing surgical dressings, or other highly detailed work requiring a precision…
  • MADE OF DURABLE, LONG LASTING STAINLESS STEEL, designed with the highest quality demands in mind. Size: 5 and 1/2…
  • SERRATED FORCEPS ARE GREAT FOR medical applications, electrical repair, crafts and more

A strong pair of tweezers with a good grip are important for any panning outing. Tweezers allow you to pick through the gravel and sand on your pan for any pieces of gold. You can use your tweezers to also set gold particles into your glass vials.The snuffer bottle or the tweezers can be used to pick or snuff up the bits of gold in your pan. The MABIS Precision Thumb Dressing Forceps Tweezer from Amazon may be one tweezers option for you to check out for a panning trip.

#7: A GOOD BAG TO STORE YOUR GOLD PANNING SUPPLIES


Stansport Musette Bag

  • Made of heavyweight canvas duck
  • Main compartment features a buckle down cover
  • Outside pocket has snap closure

You should find a bag that is large enough to carry your gold panning supplies and can be easily carried around. It should have strong straps and good storage areas within it to keep your equipment safe. The Stansport Musette Bag sold from Amazon is a perfect fit for anyone who wants space, style and slight cushioned interior for their panning equipment. The bag is a simple brown color, with one long strap to go over a shoulder or a torso and is easily sealed up. The bag somewhat resembles something Indiana Jones might carry around while out on an archaeology dig.

Featured Image via Pixabay

Icebreaker Bingo

 Icebreaker bingo is a game that can be used for any newly formed groups to become more familiar or comfortable with each other. It is virtually a free resource for groups to use in order to become closer. This game can be employed in many different settings and institutions, such as schools, sports teams, and other various instances where icebreakers  can be useful. The steps in playing the game are very understandable and easy to do.

Here, I am going to discuss the steps that Icebreaker bingo takes in order to be one of the most successful icebreakers game for a group.

Step One

The first thing that the game needs is a the leader of the game and a group of people who want to play. Then make a five by four grid on a piece of paper.

Step Two

You will then have to fill in the squares on the grid. These squares are to be filled with certain facts or interesting information from different members of the group. It is very important that some of these facts be exclusive to just a few group members. It is also important that every group member has at least one square that applies to them.

Tip– Examples of some of the things you can put in a bingo square are stuff like, ‘Has brown eyes,’ or ‘Knows a foreign language.’ It can be a physical characteristic, a hobby or a skill, as long as it relates to at least one of your group members.

Step Three

The next step is easy, and is the part the requires the most materials. The game leaders will make copies of the finished grids, so that each group member receives a ‘bingo card’.

Step Four

Now comes the part where the actual game begins. The group will get together with their bingo cards, and each individual will talk to other group members in order to find whichever grid fact they need to cross out. If they find a person that relates to a certain square, they have that person sign off on the square.

Step Five

Give the group around ten minutes to complete the activity and cross out as many squares as possible. Then have them all come together to share some of the interesting facts that they found out about each other.

If you follow the instructions above, the game should go smoothly and act as an excellent game to break the ice within newly forming groups.

Make sure you check out the rest of the site for more great icebreaker ideas.

Featured Image via Pixabay

How to Build Rain Gutter Bookshelves

When it comes to a kids room or a baby’s nursery, books are abundant. Storing them in a traditional book case is one option but you are missing out on the beautifully designed covers. Searching the bookcase for the right book can be time consuming. With rain gutter bookshelves you are able to display the cover art and let your little one pick the book that sparks his or her imagination. Here you will learn how to build your own rain gutter bookshelf.

STEP 1:

DETERMINE THE GUTTER LENGTH

Image via Pixabay

Decide how long you want the gutter bookshelf to be. Do you have limited space? Or are you trying to fill a large section of a wall. With rain gutters standard length being 10′ you will have plenty of options. The ones shown in the example were cut to 36″. At 36″ we were able to get 3′ sections from one 10′ rain gutter.

STEP 2:

BUY THE SUPPLIES

Image via Pixabay

You will be able to purchase all the supplies at your local hardware store. Our store of choice was Menards. You will also be able to find many of the products on Amazon.

Here’s what you will need:
  • Rain Gutters – for our 3′ sections we only needed (1) 10′ rain gutter

  • Rain Gutter End Caps – Determine how many ends you will need. You will need two for each section of rain gutter. For our 3 sections we bought 6 end caps, 3 left and 3 right.

  • Tin Snips – You will want to find some good tin snips to help you cut the rain gutters. Always use safety glasses and gloves to help protect yourself against the sharp metal.

  • Anchors and Bolts – In order to securely mount the rain gutter bookshelves to the wall, you will want to make sure they are secured with anchors and bolts. We used 2 for each 36″ section.

Optional:
  • Paint – If you plan on painting your rain gutter bookshelf as we did, you will need some paint. For our 3′ sections we bought small 7.12 fl oz containers of Pittsburgh eggshell paint.

  • Coating – When the paint dries on the rain gutters it will be hard and can be easy to peal. We used a clear acrylic gloss coating to help protect the paint.

  • Painters tape – If you are plan on painting it more than one color as we did, painters tape always helps.

  • Foam Paint Brush – We used foam paint brushes to paint our rain gutter bookshelves.

STEP 3:

CUT THE RAIN GUTTERS TO SIZE

Image via Flickr

Now that you have determined the size that you want them and you have all of your materials, it’s time to cut them to size. Use your tin snips (use gloves and safety glasses) to cut the rain gutters to size. Make sure you cut them straight. Use a pencil to mark the cutting line. If it is not a straight cut it could be challenging to put the end caps on the gutters.

STEP 4:

CLEAN OFF THE SHELF

Image via Pixabay

The rain gutters can have a lot of debris on them from the hardware store or from your cutting process. Take a cloth or some paper towel and wipe them down. Make sure they are clean for painting. If you used any water in the cleaning process give the gutters adequate time to dry.

STEP 5:

TAPE OFF THE PATTERN

(IF YOU ARE NOT PAINTING SKIP TO STEP 13)

gutter-bookshelf

If you are painting your gutter bookshelf, painters tape will help speed up the process. We tried initially to do it without but it proved to be too time consuming. We used two strips of tape per bookshelf.

STEP 6:

PAINT YOUR FIRST COLOR

rain-gutter-bookshelves

Apply your first coat of paint to the gutter shelf. Make sure you paint long ways with the shelf. Changing directions throughout the project will be noticeable and will not be as visually appealing. Once you have your first coat applied, give it a second coat starting where you began the first coat. Make sure you give any white space the paint that it needs. Once you have applied the second coat look over the gutter. If there is still some white visual make sure you touch it up. Once you have eliminated all of the white from the gutter you can move on to the next step.

STEP 7:

REMOVE THE TAPE

Once you have applied the first color of paint, remove the painters tape. It’s important that you don’t give the paint a long time to dry. The dryer the first paint color the more likely that the tape will peel up the paint.

STEP 8:

ADD SECOND COAT

rain-gutter-bookshelf

Now you can begin applying the second coat of paint. This requires a steady hand as you don’t want the paint to be overlapping each other. Depending on a pattern, you might need a different size foam paint brush. Once the first coat has been applied move on to your second coat. Make sure you hit all visible white areas. Once the second coat has been applied make sure you check for any noticeable white areas. Touch up any of the white remaining from the gutters.

STEP 9:

PAINT THE END CAPS

gutter-bookhelves

Start painting your gutter end caps. Just as with step 7 and 8 you will need to apply 2 to 3 coats of paint. The paint will also help dull any sharp edges.

STEP 10:

APPLY THE CLEAR COAT

Image via Pixabay

We let the rain gutters dry all day. After we knew it was completely dry we applied the acrylic clear coat. I made sure that I coated it completely. You want to make sure that you move the spray can at a fast enough pace to make sure that no droplets form. We let them dry for a couple hours before we considered them complete.

STEP 11:

INSTALL THE END CAPS

Now that all the paint and clear coats are dry, you can install your end caps. You might need to help the gutters form appropriately for them fit. Make sure you use your gloves to protect against any sharp edges. Push the end caps (one left and one right) firmly onto the rain gutters.

STEP 12:

MAKE THE HOLES

rain-gutter-bookshelves-2

Now you are going to have to make the holes for the screws. There was crease near the top back side of the rain gutter. I hammered a nail through to create the hole. One on each side. A drill would probably work better but I had to be resourceful.

STEP 13:

INSTALL

Image via Pixabay

Now it’s time to install them into the wall. It works best if you can find a stud to secure them to. Determine the placement of the rain gutter bookshelves and secure them to the wall. If no stud is available use the anchors and bolts. Make sure they spaced appropriately and make sure they are level. DO NOT use the iPhone level as I did. The iPhone level told me they were level and when I got all three bookshelves secure and stepped back, they were all crooked.

This is how we built and installed our rain gutter bookshelves. They have worked for us. Depending on the size and weight you will be using with your rain gutters, this configuration might not be best suited for you. For best outcome involve a contractor.

Who Knows Mommy Best Baby Shower Questions

Parties for every occasion have been getting better and better. The reason is simple; the hosts are attempting to entertain their guests by creating an exciting atmosphere for their parties. No matter what kind of celebration is taking place, there is a slew of fun facts and questions at any host’s disposal to ask the guests about the person or occasion being celebrated. From questions about the occasion for the party, to individual questions about celebrations centered on one person, a birthday, anniversary, or a baby shower, these are a fun way to spice up an event!

Image via Pixabay

Baby showers often bring a different and complex collection of an individual’s friends, family, and business acquaintances. In this case, the baby shower games questions serve as a perfect ice-breaker for the guests. The guests have a chance to exchange information about the person being celebrated, and this serves to open an avenue for interesting and often funny individual stories.

The following is a list of popular questions that can be asked to the guests at a baby shower:

  • “What is Mommy’s favorite color?”  For this question, choices can be provided in boxes to be checked off by the guest.

  • “What color are Mommy’s eyes?” Again choices enclosed in boxes are a good idea for those who do not know the Mommy as well as others.

  • “What is Mommy’s favorite drink?” 

  • “What is Mommy’s favorite food?”  The boxes to be checked off should be creative.

  • “What was Mommy’s middle name?” This one will only work if mommy is married and chose to take her partner’s name.  

  • “What is Mommy’s shoe size?” Narrow it down but include a giant sized foot for laughs.

  • “Does Mommy want a boy or a girl?” ​Nobody should honestly care what sex the baby is as long as it’s healthy.​​​

  • “Who is Mommy’s favorite singer?” Rebecca Black anyone? 

  • “What is Mommy’s favorite song?”  

  • “How many children does Mommy want?” Boxes should start with Zero, last Box more than a dozen.

  • “What is Mommy’s favorite book?”

  • “What is Mommy’s favorite TV show?”

  • “Where does Mommy want to go when she can take her next vacation?”

  • “What will be Mommy’s next car?”

  • “What is Mommy’s favorite chocolate?”

  • “What is Mommy’s favorite movie?” 

  • “How did Mommy and Daddy meet?” 

  • “Who is Mommy’s celebrity crush?” 

  • “What was Mommy’s favorite color?” 

  • “What is Mommy most excited for about baby?” 

Embarrassing Questions

The idea of more risque questions is to put guests in a mood to enjoy the time spent celebrating the birth of a brand new world citizen from a good and loved person who is hosting the party. Whoever hands out the “who knows mommy best baby shower game questions” should be aware of the guests who might be offended by the risque questions and explain that filling these answers out are optional. The risque questions could be printed on another piece of paper to be selectively handed out to those guests who wouldn’t be offended by the more ribald questions.

The important thing is to make this “who knows mommy best baby shower game questions” a fun part of a joyous occasion and a great way to bring disparate people together and to put them all in a party mood. The celebration of birth is a tribute to the couple and especially to the woman who labors through this long, tiring, and difficult process. This is a time for the celebration of the greatest occasion and most important occurrence in life.

There you have it, a list of who knows mommy best baby shower questions. Make sure you check out some of our other baby shower ideas.

How to Play Egyptian Rat Screw

Egyptian Ratscrew, also known as French Slap and Egyptian War, is a fast-paced card game for two or more players. To play the game, you’ll need a standard deck of 52 cards (or multiple decks for more players).

General Gameplay

To begin, the deck is shuffled and each player is dealt an even number of cards face down. At no point during the game are the players allowed to look at their own cards.

The person to the left of the dealer begins the game by flipping the top card of their pile and placing it face up in the middle to start a center pile. The player flips the card away from themselves so that all players may see the card at the same time. The play of Egyptian Rat Screw continues around the circle with each player placing one card face up on the center pile until a face card or an Ace is played.

Image via Unsplash

When this occurs the next player or “challenged” has four chances after an Ace is played, three after a King, two after a Queen, and one chance after a Jack to place another Ace or face card. If the player completes the allowed number of chances without placing the correct card, the play continues.

If the challenged player manages to place a face card or an Ace, then that player becomes the “challenger” and the next player is given the same number of chances to place a correct card. As long as an Ace or face card can be placed, the game will continue to the next player. If not, the challenger takes the pile and begins a new one. Once a player collects all the cards in a deck, the Egyptian Rat Screw game is won.

Slapping

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Certain combinations of cards agreed on beforehand allow players to slap the pile and claim it. Some examples of slap combinations are a Double, any two cards of equal value; Sandwiches, a Double that has a card of different value between the two cards of equal value; Big Mac’s, a double that has two cards of different values between the two equal cards; consecutive runs of at least three cards, ascending or descending; wild cards, generally Jokers; and Marriage, a King and Queen on top of each other.

The person who slaps the pile the quickest is able to claim the entire pile. If two players slap the pile simultaneously, the one who has contact with the most number of cards wins the slap.

Player Elimination & Penalties

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A player is eliminated once he or she has no more cards to flip. If the player’s cards run out while challenging an Ace or face card, then either of two situations can occur. The next player may use the remaining chances to try and counter the challenge or the challenger can collect the pile and begin a new one.

One or more penalty cards must be given if a player slaps the pile on a combination that is not set forth prior to the game beginning. The cards must be placed face up at the bottom of the pile so that the play may resume with the last card played. If a player incorrectly slaps more than five consecutive plays, then they are out of the game.

Even without any cards left, a player may still slap at appropriate card combinations. If, however, they slap incorrectly they are given a strike. Three strikes and they may not slap until the next game.

Wrap Up

There you have it, the step-by-step process on how to play Egyptian Rat Screw. Enjoy this fun card game with family and friends. Check out the rest of the site for more fun cards games.

Featured Image via Unsplash

Best Catchers Mitts

Choosing a new catcher’s mitt can seem like a daunting process considering how many mitts there are to choose from. You have to take into consideration the size of the mitt, the padding, how comfortable it is to wear, how easy it is to break-in, and the price. Keep in mind that while there are plenty of affordable catcher’s mitts available on the market, you do not necessarily want to choose the cheapest mitt.

Your mitt is what enables to catch incoming balls and scoop them up off the ground to stop the opposing team from scoring a run. Therefore, you want the best mitt possible, which means spending the money to get it. Fortunately, the list below provides you with some of the best catcher’s mitts available on the market that best suit a variety of budgets, and each provides its own list of potential advantages and drawbacks. However, you should find your purchase decision far easier thanks to this comprehensive review.

1. Rawlings | Heart of The Hide Baseball Glove Series


Rawlings | Heart of The Hide Baseball Glove Series

  • DESIGNED FOR PITCHERS, this Heart of the Hide 11.5 inch 1-Piece Solid Web glove was designed with a pattern…
  • WORLD-RENOWNED HEART OF THE HIDE BASEBALL GLOVE LEATHER is cut from the top quality steer hides
  • HIGH-END, COMFORTABLE FEEL thanks to the deer tanned cowhide palm lining and soft full-grain finger back linings

The Rawlings | Heart of The Hide Baseball Glove Series tops this list for many reasons. Not only is it made by one of the most recognized brands in the sports world, the glove itself is regularly used by professional, which means it must be a reliable mitt that performs well on the field.

Available in black/camel mesh, you can also order the glove in a variety of color options as part of the Heart of the Hide line, this mitt features:

  • 3.5 ounces lighter than a traditional glove

  • 11.5 Inch 200 Pattern – Pro I Web – Conventional Back, Deer-Tanned Cowhide

  • Pro Grade Leather laces – Padded thumb sleeve – Hyper Shell 15% Lighter

  • Thermoformed hand opening – Full grained fingerback linings

The Rawlings | Heart of The Hide Baseball Glove Series is available in a 33-inch and a 34-inch size for high school players all the way to the professional leagues. Made to the standards expected by MLB players like Yadier Molina and other catchers, you can bet that your hand will be in one of the best mitts possible.

2. All Star CM3000SBT Catcher’s Mitt

The All Star CM3000SBT Catchers Mitt is certainly the priciest mitt on this list, but considering that it is crafted to perfection, it is certainly worth it, especially if you want a long-lasting, high-quality glove. The thing is, you can either purchase a cheap mitt that you will end up having to replace perhaps several times throughout the year, or you can buy an expensive mitt that is sure to last for years to come.

This mitt provides the following features and benefits:

  • Japanese tanned steerhide leather

  • Fast, easy break-in

  • Extended life

  • Soft leather pocket that provides comfort and reduced sting when catching the ball

  • Extended pocket to ensure easier ball pickup and catching

Visually speaking, this glove is a sight to behold. Its blonde and block coloration make it look just as good if not better than something a pro baseball player would be proud to wear. In fact, this particular mitt is a go-to mitt for many professional baseball players. The fact that this mitt comes nearly ready to use straight out of the box is just one of the reasons why its design accommodates more serious ball players.

3. Mizuno Prospect GXC112 Youth Catchers Mitt


Mizuno Prospect GXC112 Youth Catchers Mitt

  • Professional Level Lace: Same Durable Lace That’s Offered In Our Professional-Level Gloves.
  • Outlined, Embroidered Logo: For A Rich, Premium Look.
  • Bio Soft Leather

If you are looking for something that is a little easier on your wallet, look no further than that Mizuno Prospect GXC112 Youth Catchers Mitt. This particular mitt does not require you to take out a second mortgage, amputate a limb, or sell your soul. It is a quality mitt for the price and offers several benefits for any baseball lover. If you want to give your kiddo a fantastic head start in baseball, this mitt is nothing to bat an eye at.

This mitt offers the following benefits:

  • Made from retro leather for durability and strength

  • Easy break in thanks to softer material

  • ParaShock finger channels to help absorb shock of catching the ball to reduce stress on the hand

This mitt is available in a 31.5-inch size and features a black on black look that is visually stunning. The palm pad ensures that your hand does not take the brunt of the ball’s impact when performing your duties as a catcher. Since this mitt comes out of the box in near game-ready condition, you can enjoy the benefits and overall performance of this glove immediately rather than having to take the time to focus on breaking it in.

4. Rawlings | Renegade Glove Series


Rawlings | Renegade Glove Series | Baseball/Slowpitch Softball | Multiple Styles

  • 32.5-inch first baseman’s mitt great for recreational games
  • All-leather shell construction for pocket formation and shape retention
  • Deep, well-formed pocket for ball security

The Rawlings Renegade Series Catchers Mitt is yet another budget-friendly mitt with several benefits. In fact, it is the most budget-friendly on this list. This glove is available in a 31.5-inch and a 32.5-inch size, which means it is certainly for an adult with a bit smaller of a hand compared to some of the other gloves. However, it is within the range of standard sized catcher’s mitts. One benefit of this glove is that you can purchase it for either right-handed throw or left-handed throw. Keep in mind that you will pay a little more if you opt for a left-handed throw.

This particular mitt offers the following benefits:

  • Visually appealing black features

  • Roomy opening above the wrist for added comfort

  • Palm and finger pads to reduce the sting of ball impact

  • Closed web and a deep pocket to allow for better ball control, catch, and scoop

  • 20% player break-in

If you are looking for a glove that you can play from the minute it arrives on your doorstep, this is the glove for you. The full-grain leather material provides this mitt with the durability needed to withstand several hours, days, weeks, months, and perhaps even years of gameplay.

5. Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove


Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove,32-Inch-RT

  • 32″ circumference Praying Mantis pattern
  • Spiral lock web
  • Open back

Yet another mitt available at the lower end of the budget spectrum, you can purchase the Akadema AGC98 Prodigy Series Glove. The price listed is for a right-handed throw mitt. If you wish to purchase the left-handed throw mitt, it too is available.

This glove offers a wide range of features including:

  • Deep pocket to help you capture the ball

  • Spiral web lock for better ball control

  • Open back for breathability to keep your hand cool

  • Praying Mantis style with two additional “finger hammocks” for firmer positioning of the hand

  • Shock absorption to reduce the sting of ball impact

This mitt also features a Grasp-Clasp wrist that ensures a comfortable and secure fit, which is of the utmost importance out of a quality glove. Part of what makes this mitt so incredible is that it was designed by MLB hall of famer, Gary Carter. If you are going to play with a quality mitt, why not play with one designed by a player that knows a thing or two about the overall design of a good mitt?

Final Thoughts

Each of the mitts featured on this list provide you with incredible benefits. They each accommodate varying budgets, which helps make your purchase decision that much easier. Whether you are looking to spend less for a quality mitt that might require a bit of break-in work or you are willing to spend a high-end price for a glove that is sure to last and game ready, you are sure to find what it is you need. Make sure you check out the youth catcher’s mitt reviews as well as our fastpitch catcher’s mitt reviews.

Featured Image via Unsplash

Human Knot Icebreaker Game

The human knot icebreaker game is a great one to play when you are thinking of ways to make friends at a meeting or a party. There are people who have never done this before, or they might have only seen a description of it. Convincing the group how much fun it is to play is probably the most difficult part. It’s fun, challenging, and allows you to get to know people while you play. As far as planning to play this game goes, some say that you can play with a really large group, but we suggest breaking up your group into chunks of about ten people for better results.

Starting Out

Starting out is a very simple process. Breakup all participants into a few groups. Keep the number to under 10 players for large groups, and around 5 for smaller groups. The group size is important to determining the experience of the players. A few people together can learn each other’s names and build relationships as they go. A larger group forces patience and cooperation but might not allow for as much “getting to know you” time. Regardless, make sure that everyone has a name tag on, and then make your own human knot.

Holding Hands

Everyone needs to be holding hands, and you need to make a knot that connects people in a twisted way. The twister setup that you do for the game is going to be easy to untie, but you have to make sure that you have done all that you can to make the knot complex. Everyone is going to keep holding hands, and they will need to untie themselves. This is where everyone has to get to know each other because they have no choice.

Place all players in a circle facing each other. From there, everyone will lock hands with two other people. A couple of rules to follow, a left hand should hold a left hand and a right hand holds a right hand. Make sure when the players start locking hands, they do not lock hands with the people directly next to them. If you follow those two rules, you should be able to untie the knot.

Starting the Game

You are going to ask everyone to start to untie the knot, but they are not going to be untie the knot unless they keep holding hands. Holding hands might be awkward for everyone to do when they do not know the names of those around them. This icebreaker will encourage those in the group to share their names while untying the knot. Learning names will make team cooperation easy and fun.

Waiting

You have to remember that they are going to wait sometimes when they do not know how they are going to be able to get the job done. They have more time to talk because this game can get kind of complicated. These people know that they are going to have to work hard at it to get it done, but they might take a break just to talk. This can be helpful, and is the real reason for any icebreaker.

Pushing the Group

There will come a time when you need to push the group because you know that they are going to have to actually finish. It might be funny to leave everyone in knots, but you might need to have them to keep working on the knot. You can actually show them what to do, and then you can let them keep going on their own to get done. This means that they can get the knot finished with some help, but these people already know each other’s names.

A group that moves really fast is going to have a chance to go back and try a harder knot, and that could be really fun because it is your first chance to get them to do something that is even harder. You might not have an idea if they can do the bigger knot, but it will be fun to try. People are going to learn names, and they are going to have a chance to work out their brains on something that is really complex.

Doing it Blindfolded

You cannot do the whole game blindfolded, but you can blindfold every other person or even just one person in the group. This means that the people who can see have to give direction to the people that are blindfolded, and you also need to remember that it is going to be easier for these people to learn names because they have no choice.

You are going to have a lot of fun playing the human knot icebreaker game at meetings and parties

Featured Image via Unsplash

Best Kayak Sail Kits

3 Best Kayak Sail Kits

Kayaking is a fun, refreshing, and rewarding experience that is good for the mind, body, and soul, but it is also taxing. It is a hobby that requires a lot of physical strength in order to keep your kayak on course. Sometimes even the strongest of individuals struggle to keep a kayak straight. Rowing a straight course is rather difficult and can be very tiring. If you wear out too quickly, you could find yourself stranded on choppy ocean waters. Considering how important it is for you to make it back to shore safe and sound, you need something to help you navigate in the direction you wish to go. Think about adding a sail!

Attaching a sail to your kayak can help out immensely. Not only can you gain speed, but it is also easier to steer your kayak in a certain direction. Of course, kayaks do not typically come with sail, which is where kayak sail kits come in. Considering the benefits that sail kits can provide, it is best to familiarize yourself with the best sail kits possible. The review guide below will assist you in figuring out which sails will work best for you and your kayak to make your purchase decision an easier one.

Although a sail kit may not necessarily provide you with the same experience that a traditional sail and sailboat will, it can certainly ease the strain on your hands and feet when you are having to pedal or row yourself through the water. With a sail attachment, you can take a break and relax every now and then so you do not tire out as easily. The sails below will provide you some of the best results possible for your kayaking adventures.

Sea Eagle QuikSail Kayak Sail ADVANCED ELEMENTS Rapid Up Kayak Sail Kit Dyna-Living Kayak Sails
Easy to Install: Yes Easy to Install: Yes Easy to Install: Yes
Works for: any kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard Works for: kaykas Works for: kayaks, canoes, inflatables
Windowed for Viewing: Yes Windowed for Viewing: Yes Windowed for Viewing: Yes
Check Price Check Price Check Price
  • Sea Eagle QuikSail Kayak Sail
  • Easy to Install: Yes
  • Works for: any kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard
  • Windowed for Viewing: Yes
  • Check Price
  • ADVANCED ELEMENTS Rapid Up Kayak Sail Kit
  • Easy to Install: Yes
  • Works for: kaykas
  • Windowed for Viewing: Yes
  • Check Price
  • Dyna-Living Kayak Sails
  • Easy to Install: Yes
  • Works for: kayaks, canoes, inflatables
  • Windowed for Viewing: Yes
  • Check Price

1. Sea Eagle QuikSail Kayak Sail

sailThe Sea Eagle QuikSail Kayak Sail outfits your kayak with a sail that is reliable enough and works well enough to allow you to traverse deep ocean waters easily and efficiently. The sail cuts through the wind, which in turn provides your kayak with more stability. Of course, that is not the only benefit this sail kit provides. You can enjoy the following features with this kit:

  • Hands-Free, Self-Standing
  • Strong aluminum frame
  • Nylon carry bag

With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, this high-quality sail is hard to beat. It would also seem that customers are relatively happy with this particular kayak sail kit. One customer said, “Definitely 5 stars, this is a great product, very well made.”

Of course, that is not to say that everything about this sail is absolutely perfect. Some customers report that you do not get much speed out of it, but that is to be expected since it is not a full blown boat sail. Specifically, it is a downwind sail, meaning speed is not always consistent. However, with such a great rating and the majority of customers seeming pleased. This is a sturdy and fantastic sail kit that deserves to make the list.

2. ADVANCED ELEMENTS Rapid Up Kayak Sail Kit

sailThe ADVANCED ELEMENTS Rapid Up Kayak Sail Kit is the perfect choice for kayakers who have more of a budget and looking for a sail with a simple design and setup. This sail offers a number of features, including:

  • Compact, portable, and easy to set up down-wind
  • Made of high quality, durable ripstop sail cloth
  • “spring” frame for optimized efficiency.
  • Large window

With a 4 out of 5-star rating and an affordable price tag, it is easy to see why customers seem generally pleased with this sail. One customer went as far as to say, “If you have ever been kayaking and felt the wind at your back pushing you along, you really should try out a downwind kayak sail.”

If you are looking to avoid some of the more expensive kayak sail kits out there but dont want to waste money on something cheaply made, then this is the one for you.

3. Dyna-Living Kayak Sails

sailFor an incredible sail at an incredible price, the is hard to beat. When it comes to the best kayak sail kits, this one deserves a place on the list because of how affordable it is. If you are looking for a sail that is super budget friendly, this sail is the one for you. With a low price tag and a wide range of benefits, you are sure to find this a suitable addition for your kayak. Benefits of this sail kit include:

  • Variety of colors
  • eco-friendly strong polyester taffeta
  • triple-stitched and the perimeter batten is made of unbreakable composite materials
  • clear window allows good visibility
  • compact design, easy to set up and deploy quickly
  • control strap that connects with your kayak. Hold the clips to keep the kayak going forward and just lay it down to stop.
  • 42 inches(108 cm) diameter
  • effectively weaken ultraviolet radiation and protect you from the hot sun when sailing.
  • lightweight and portable, kayak sail can be folded into a 15.35 inches pouch
  • suitable for canoes, inflatables, boats, yachts, which can provide a happy voyage for you.

Overall, customers seem happy with this particular kayak sail kit, which is why it has a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. One satisfied customer went as far as to say, “I was sailing across the lake having the time of my life.” Another displayed extreme pleasure with the following statement: “Easy and fun to use. Would recommend it to anyone with a kayak.”

Of course, there are some drawbacks with this sail just like all of the others on the list. For instance, it would appear that the sail might not be that easy to install on your kayak unless you have the right attachments. Others complained that you would need a decent amount of wind for the sail to get the kayak moving. One customer was quoted saying, “Need a lot of wind.” Although it might be best to save this sail for a day that is relatively windy, the majority of customers seem happy with the purchase of this sail.

Final Thoughts

Overall, you are sure to find the right sail for you given the choices of best kayak sail kits you have. Each kit has its own pros and cons. It is up to you to decide if the advantages of the sail outweigh the disadvantages. In addition, the sails listed each accommodate a variety of budgets whether you are looking to keep your budget small or you have more wiggle room to work with. Either way, you are sure to have a more enjoyable kayaking adventure with one of the sails mentioned above. Make sure you check out our best kayak rudder kits as well.