Update: Life is still an adventure. (Surprise!)

First off, I have NOT forgotten about you!! Things have been on a total roller coaster, and I want off. o_O

Can you tell that life is kind of making me grumpy. *^_^*

Anywho, the place I had my heart set on fell through, so we spent more time looking at various properties. Finally, we’ve found another one that looks good!

We had to.. redefine our expectations, which was tough. But then again, I always say that life never goes the way you expect it to anyway. ^_^

I feel like makin’ you jealous, so here’s a pic of the house!

You may now drool.

The original plan was to have a separate dwelling for my in-laws, but the basement is practically a second home in itself. (It has three bedrooms and TWO full bathrooms!!) So once we add a kitchen, they’ll live in the basement and we’ll be upstairs. 

Our offer was accepted so now we get to go through the fun of inspections, appraisal, getting the loan processed, and THEN moving. I’m already tired, to be honest. But it’ll be worth it once it’s done!

Come on! Just look at that kitchen!!

And um, I have to confess something to you. I’ve been writing in other blogs. Two blogs, actually. *^_^*

Blogging on a Budget is a blog that I registered ages ago, and I finally wrote the first post for it. Everything about it is still kinda rough, but if you’re curious, the first post is about picking a blog host.

Mira’s Faves is another blog idea that I’ve had kicking around for a while, and I finally decided to go ahead and get it started. It’s just about my favorite products, and why I like them. ^_^ So far there are four posts, and I cover Kapoosh Knife Blocks, Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme, SodaStream, and World’s Best Cat Litter. These are all things that I use and love!

I have a few other products in mind that I want to review, but I figured that four posts was enough to make the blog look nice. It’ll be updated whenever I have extra time. 

But here! Oh my word there are SO many things I need to do for you guys! You can probably tell that Points4Prizes is currently on hold, but after looking at layouts for Mira’s Faves… I think that I want to work on a cleaner layout for here. ^_^ I really like the color scheme though, so this may take some time to find just the right template. Or I might just dig around until it looks right. We’ll see!

Anywho! Gamesville has totally revamped their Frantic Fish game, and I’m dying to make a guide for it! And Candystand now has million dollar sweeps and a daily scratchcard!! OMG!! Everyone is so busy and there’s so much I want to tell you!

But for now, I’m really sorry, but you’ll have to do with this briefish update. :( I’m not sure when I’ll get to do an actual game guide, but I hope it’s soon! *Super hugs*

In the meantime, treat each other well, and happy gaming! ^_^

Life is an Adventure

If you follow me on Twitter, than you already know that this past week my family went to look at a potential place to move. I was so excited that I couldn’t concentrate on writing or getting anything useful done. *^_^*

It’s a fantastic deal, and I’m 99% sure that we’ll move there. Here’s a pic of the view from the back porch!

*Swoons*

Isn’t it gorgeous?! The building itself is a double wide which needs some work, which we expected.

So basically, it looks like we’ll be moving soonish. After renovations are done I’ll tackle the wild to make a small garden, and maybe get some chickens. ^_^ Sometime in the middle of that I hope to find a local job to ease the financial strain.

All in all, things will be quite busy for a while. What does this mean for Free2WinGames? Well… I’m going to put it on hold. Realistically, the additional work and stress isn’t worth the $5 (or less) I make each week here. I’ll keep Points4Prizes running, since that’s pretty easy to update and check. ^_^ But don’t expect any new posts for a few months.

I’ll still respond to comments and emails, and I’ll stay active on Twitter and Facebook, so it isn’t like I’m vanishing. ^_^ It’ll just be a little quieter for a while.

I love you all! *Super hugs*

I’m takin’ a mini vacation!

Artwork by James Burger

Dear Friends,

I’m pooped.

These were too funny to keep to myself. XD

No seriously, I’m really tired! It takes a lot of work to run this thing, and I’m feeling more than a little burned out at the moment.

So for the next week, there won’t be any new posts. You are still welcome to comment, and I’ll comment back. ^_^ But no new material this week.

 

Love you!

~Mira

GlobalGiving – Earn points by helping others! Or just do it to be nice. ^_^

I’ve wanted to introduce charity donations for a while, and thanks to a tip from @corosnark, I finally figured out how!

We’re going to use GlobalGiving.org. ^_^ It’s a site with over 1,000 pre-screened grassroots projects from around the world. A project might be about funding books for a school, providing food for a village, or surgery for abuse victims.

There is a ton of information on their How GlobalGiving Works and FAQ pages, and I’m satisfied that this is a safe and fun way to help others. Woohoo!!

Now if you couldn’t guess by the title, I really want to incorporate this with Points4Prizes, both as a way to earn points and a way to spend points. Here’s the plan!

 

How to Earn Points With GlobalGiving

Each month when I list the new Points4Prizes bonuses I’ll include info on a specific project. If you’re not part of P4P but you want to support the cause anyway, please donate directly to the project! (I’ll include links for that.)

If you’re a P4P member and would like to earn points from your donation, send a GlobalGiving e-giftcard to:

and I’ll donate the giftcard to the project. An e-giftcard is solid proof that you donated, without the hassle of sharing PayPal info with me or trying to take screenshots. In other words, this is the easiest solution that I could find!

GlobalGiving requires a minimum donation of $10, but you can donate as much as you want! In return you’ll earn 3,000 P4P points. (You can earn this bonus only once a month.)

PLEASE be sure to put your Disqus name in the “From” section so I know who gets the reward points! And yes, this means that you can donate on behalf of another P4P member too. ^_^

 “From” is NOT optional! I really need a name to work with!

The plight of women and children around the world is very important to me, so be aware that I’ll pick projects that focus on them. If you spy a different GlobalGiving project that you’d LOVE to donate to, please detail it in the message box so I can send your donation there!

IMPORTANT: GlobalGiving giftcards can ONLY be used towards projects on the GlobalGiving website.  I can’t take the giftcards and go buy a Porsche or anything. ^_^ And they thoroughly vet each project to make sure that it’s legitimate.

Another great thing about the e-giftcards is that they never expire! If for some reason I kick the bucket before I use the donation, the money won’t go to waste. After a year they’ll allocate the funds to wherever it’s needed.

“Shit Happens” Clause: If you make a donation via e-giftcard and forget to include your name, please send me an email ASAP! I can figure out that unnamed giftcard + panicked email = someone forgot to label. ^_^

I’ll send a confirmation email once the giftcard is used, and that shouldn’t take more than a day. If you haven’t heard from me, PLEASE send me an email!

 

How To Spend Points on GlobalGiving

Starting in April I’m going to add a new prize to the Points4Prizes table. Can you guess what it is? ^_^ It’ll be a $10 GlobalGiving e-giftcard!

It will cost 10,000 points, and the giftcard will go directly to your email. From there you can pick which project you want to use it on!

If you’d like to sponsor a giftcard, please send me a message in the form below and we can iron out the details.

 

 

Why The Points Are Different

You might be wondering why you can only earn 3,000 points for donating $10+, but buying a $10 donation giftcard costs 10,000 points!

Well, here’s why. ^_^

I know not everyone has time to dig through posts and comment, or tackle the Weekly Challenge and fight to reach the high scores table. Sometimes life is incredibly hectic, and I understand that. So I wanted to have an option where people could do something good for humanity and be able to earn some reward points.

However, I don’t want this to turn into a system where people “buy” points and then grab all of the prizes! That isn’t fair to those who work hard for their points through “regular” methods, and it isn’t fair to the sponsors. That’s why I’m limiting it to 3k points a month from donations. It lets people get involved, even if they don’t have a lot of time to spare, but it doesn’t devalue the work that others have to do!

As for the P4P prize table, the entire point of having GlobalGiving giftcards available is so that people who can’t spare $10 still have the option to donate. They can turn in virtual points for a cash donation that will help someone else have a better life. I know I’m biased, but I think that’s kinda cool. ^_^

Of course, you’re welcome to trade in your points however you wish! I just wanted to have the option there, ya know?

 

I plan on keeping a running total of ALL donations, both from cash donations and giftcards purchased with points. This total will be published on both the monthly prize table and the new bonuses, cuz I’m darn proud of you all. ^_^ Some of the projects may send updates on what they’re doing with the funds, and I’ll share those too!

For now, here’s a project that I *hope* might reach their target before the end of March. If they don’t then I’ll post it again for April. [TW for rape.]

Restore Health And Dignity of 150 Congolese Women

Summary

The project provides survivors of rape and gender violence in the eastern DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) with comprehensive services that help women find safety and start to heal their bodies, souls and minds.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Rape is one of the most powerful weapons deployed in the prolonged conflict in the eastern DRC. It not only damages bodies but also tears apart lives and communities. For women and girls who survive, medical assistance is critical but rarely sufficient. Long-term recovery also requires a safe space where women start to heal their bodies, minds and souls. HEAL Africa, which has provided care for 15,000 women and girls since 1996, provides comprehensive services to survivors of gender violence.

How will this project solve this problem?

With 300 counselors, HEAL Africa runs 28 community houses (Wamama Simameni, or Women Stand Up Together) in North Kivu and Maniema where survivors go after surgery for food, shelter, psychosocial support, economic assistance and cultural activities.

Potential Long Term Impact

Guided by artists and facilitators, women learn to externalize their pain and speak freely with peers about the social problems they face. They also discuss women’s rights and their role in the peace process, gaining tools to build social stability.

Project Message

I have received two operations by the doctors at HEAL Africa. When it’s time to leave for home, they are going to help me buy other items that will let me start a small business. I am now respectable.
- Karima Feza, rape victim

Funding Information

Total Funding Received to Date: $4,583
Remaining Goal to be Funded: $417
Total Funding Goal: $5,000

A donation of $10 lets one survivor stay at a HEAL house for a month, and gives her time to regain her health. If you don’t want P4P points, click here to donate. Want P4P points? Send me a GlobalGiving e-giftcard and I’ll send it to them, then I’ll add 3,000 points to your Points4Prizes account.

If you have any questions about this new addition, or any feedback on the points, please leave a comment below or send me a message. I hope you’re as excited about this as I am! ^_^

Blogiversary Spectacular: Day 6! Last call!!

 Plate designed by The Wild Baby

Today is the last day of the Blogiversary Spectacular. You’ll have to wait another year for the next one. ^_^ I hope you’ve had fun!

Here are the answers to yesterday’s trivia questions!

Q: How many game guides did I write for Winster? (10 points)

A: 10

 

Q: Name one of the special combos you can make in Turbo 21. (10 points)

A: Lucky 7’s, 5-Card Gimme, or Blackjack

 

Q: Which game site gives away four $25 Amazon.com gift certificates each month?

A: BugleGames

How did you do? Oh… That bad, huh? :( Well, you have one last chance to redeem yourself. Here goes!

 

I kinda had fun with the trivia, and I’ve been thinking of various ways to incorporate it into the site. ^_^ Maybe a few questions could go up each week when the new bonuses or posted. Or maybe I could start doing “Twitter Trivia” and “Facebook…… Funthing..”

The Facebook name clearly needs more work. >_<

What do you think? Would you like to see trivia in many places, or just posted once a week?

Blogiversary spectacular: Day 5!

 Party hat for pets by i lick you!

I wonder if my cats would tolerate a cute party hat…. Probably not. *^_^* Ah well!

The blogiversary spectacular is coming to a close, so don’t miss out on these last two days of trivia! Remember, your points are multiplied for each day that you answer questions!

Here are the answers for yesterday. ^_^

Q: What is the name of the first Spigo game I reviewed? (10 points)

A: Diamonds

 

Q: What MMORPG did I play for 6 years? (10 points)

A: Runescape

 

Q: Name the different ways you can connect/follow Free2WinGames.com. (5 points per correct answer)

A: Twitter, Facebook, NetWorked Blogs, LiveJournal, Google Friend Connect, and the RSS Feed/Feedburner!

How did you do? Awesome? Awesome!! Well here are the new questions for ya! As always, please do NOT write the answers in a comment. Just fill out the form and hit “submit.” I’ll get your answers just fine!

 

Good luck! ^_^

Blogiversary spectacular: Day 4!

Delicious cake-shaped CANDLE by Country Crafts and Candies

Hello again! ^_^ Today is a double hitter because *drumroll* it’s my birthday!! WOOHOO!!

Yes indeedy, today I turn 30. I’m still not sure how that happened. Heck, last night I dreamed I was still in high school! Where did the time go? o_O

In celebration I picked a delightful cake-candle picture for today. *Points up* I’m usually not a huge fan of sprinkles, but I can totally deal with them being on a candle.

Now, here are the answers to yesterday’s trivia questions. ^_^

Q: What was the title of the first game that received a 1 star rating? (10 points)

A: Drip Drop Sudoku

Q: How many VIP levels does KadoKado have? (10 points)

A: 3

Q: Which game guide has my favorite caption, “Half-gassed balloon doesn’t try hard enough?” (20 points)

A: Merry Poppings

How did you do? Anything stump ya? Or was it all so very, very easy. ^_~

Well if was too easy, brace yourself for today’s trivia! (And as always, PLEASE do not write the answers in a comment! Fill out the form on the page and hit “Submit” when you’re done.)

 

That’s it! Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go eat a birthday sub sandwich. Publix subs ftw! ^_^

Blogiversary spectacular: Day 3!

Amazing miniature cake by Mother May I!

Welcome back! ^_^ It’s a new day with new trivia questions, so get your thinkin’ cap on! Remember, if you answer trivia on multiple days, your score gets multiplied too!

But first, here are the answers to yesterday’s questions.

Q: How many headsets did my cat destroy? (10 points)

A: 6

 

Q: What does Gloria throw in the BONUS ROUND of A Glorious World? (10 points)

A: Halos

 

Q: I snuck a Square One music video into a game review once. What was the game called? (20 points)

A: Crossword

How did you do? ^_^ If you ever feel stumped, check out the hints with each question, and remember that ALL of the answers are on Free2WinGames!

Ready for the new questions? Here we go!

 

You’re more than welcome to leave comments, but PLEASE do not put the answers in a comment! Everyone will see them that way. :P Just fill the form out and hit “submit” when you’re done!

Blogiversary spectacular: Day 2!

Fork created by Sycamore Hill

Isn’t that fork adorable? *^_^* It’s amazing how creative people are!

Anywho, today we’re on to more trivia! The answers to yesterday's questions are:

Q: How many free-to-win sites does Free2WinGames currently cover? (10 points)
A: 13

 

Q: What does Chris Cummings (Product Manager of Gamesville) collect? (10 points)
A: Daleks

 

Q: What type of computer game do I like to play with my mother-in-law? (20 points)
A: Hidden-object games

Congratulations to everyone who got it right! I’m writing this post ahead of time, so I have no idea how many people tried it. ^_^

Here are today’s questions! Remember: DO NOT post the answers in a comment! Fill out the form and hit submit. That’s all you need to do. Thanks!

 

Once again, please DO NOT post the answers in a comment. Everyone will see the solutions! Just fill out the form and hit “submit” when you’re done. ^_^ Good luck!

Blogiversary spectacular: Day 1!

Banner by TaffieWishes

Welcome to the Free2WinGames blogiversary spectacular!! ^_^ Points4Prizes is the best way I know to reward you guys, so you’ll see a lot of that this week! 

1. To kick it off, every P4P member is getting 500 points, just for being part of the program! WOOHOOO!!

2. Any new members who join this week will get 250 points because I’m all happy. ^_^

3. Everything is worth double points this week!! Comments, linkster, friend invites, everything. (Best Tip/Comment were already double, and they will remain at 200 points. And yes, everyone is STILL a Lucky Linkster this week too!)

But wait, there’s more!

 

Even More

Each day this week I’ll post new trivia questions regarding the site. P4P members will get points but you can tackle them just for fun too. ^_^ All of the answers are found on the site!

For each day you answer trivia, your score will multiply.

• Day 1 = score x1
• Day 2 = (scores for days 1 + 2) x 2
• Day 3 = (scores for days 1 + 2 + 3) x 3

And so on.  The truly dedicated readers can pick up over 1000 points just from trivia!

If you miss a day, please don’t stress out! I understand that you have a life, so I’m just counting the total days that you answer. If you answered Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday, then you’ll get the 3x bonus on whatever questions you answered correctly. ^_^ There is NO penalty for wrong answers!

IMPORTANT: The trivia will be in a post, and you’ll need to click in the boxes to type your answers. At the very end is a “Submit” button. Hit that and I’ll get your answers! DO NOT post them in a comment! Everyone will be able to see them if you do that. :P

Ready to tackle it? Here’s today’s trivia!

 

That’s it! ^_^ Again, please do NOT put the answers in a comment! The form will take care of everything. Promise! <3

Stay tuned this week for more trivia and a special guest post! ^_^ Oh, and guides, of course. Those are still around too!