GameStop

My children are always longing for a new video game of some sort or another. We've recently discovered our local GameStop--my son wanted to see if they carried old games for the original Nintendo game systems. (They did not, alas.)

But they have a large selection of games for all the current systems (XBox, Nintendo, PS2, etc.). In fact, when I stopped by to shop with a gift-card given to me just for this promotion, the two employees both asked me if I needed anything. I browsed for quite awhile, then asked if they have Wii Fit. (Out of stock.)

I purchased a Nintendo DS game for my daughter--a game where you take care of up to six "babies." I'm hoping this will entertain her during long car rides. (She's five and a half, but since she has older brothers, she is quite the video game player. Once she can read, she'll be unstoppable.)

So, all in all, a great experience. Nice store, helpful staff, excellent place to buy video games to keep the kids occupied.

Nana Star

When we received the package containing Nana Star--including a doll, stuffed Moonman, two books and accompanying CDs--it was like Christmas in summer.

My daughter is five and a half--and funnily enough--was immediately attracted to the Moonman toy rather than the doll. She did take the book and CD upstairs right away to listen to and "read." Later, then, she asked for the doll to be removed from the package so she could play with her.

Nana Star and all the accompanying items are really darling. While I am partial to Nana Star the doll, my daughter is still very fond of Moonman. The book is a delight with its lovely illustrations and my daughter loves listening to the CD on her Hello Kitty CD player.

You can see a little preview of Nana Star on YouTube. Check it out here.

We love Nana Star. So do the reviewers on Amazon. Maybe you will, too.

Schlage Keypad Lock Review

I recently received a Schlage keypad deadbolt to review.

I am thrilled to report that installation of this deadbolt was super-easy. My handy-man friend said the hardest part was getting the old deadbolt out. He was able to install it with one tool, a screwdriver.

We put it on an exterior door that leads directly into the teenagers' room. (It used to be a garage, then was turned into a rec room and we use it for a bedroom.) The door has been inoperative for a long time because of a dead doorknob, but we bought a Schlage doorknob to match our new deadbolt and couldn't be happier.

Just now, I went out to program the thing. This is the cool part about this particular lock. I took out the instructions and within a few moments was able to program two entry codes: one for the boys and one for me. You can program up to 19 separate codes--so say someone's coming to house-sit. Instead of giving the house-sitter a key, you simply assign him or her a code. And then later, you can erase it. Easy as pie!

It's awesome, I think. I am very happy with my Schlage deadbolt.

* * *

I received a complimentary deadbolt and a $20 Amazon gift-card for this review, but that doesn't change the fact that I am very impressed by the quality of this item. I will look for this brand in the future.