We were playing a variety of games when Nate asked to pull out an old game we hadn’t played much of – Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: City Folk. 

I had gotten it used at GameStop at the recommendations of one of the clerks there.  We played for a day or two about a year ago and I don’t remember thinking much of it.

After delving back into the game last week (and getting hooked), I had to share how fun it is.  For any Mom who loved playing any of the Sim games way back when (Sim City, the Sims, etc), this is the game for you and your kids – it’s a similar concept in that it’s the same simulation/build-a-life-and-keep-them happy concept. 

You create a character in your town and you live a little life there.  You earn money (“Bells”) for working, fishing and collecting bugs (amongst other things).  You can interact with the other residents, take a bus to the big city or just hang out in your house that you get to decorate.  It’s the cutest game. 

It’s rated E for everyone and I can see anyone of any age liking this game (young kids, teens on through adults.)

I will say that there is quite a bit of reading involved so I do have to help out my Kindergartener (which really isn’t a problem as I’m secretly obsessed.)  Check it out – especially as it’s an older game and you can find good deals on it.  Amazon has it currently on sale for $31.99 (retails for $49.99).

Here I am with Jillian - she was so nice

So I had a blast yesterday.  I headed up to NYC with MWS Writer Zareen to meet Jillian Michaels (The Biggest Loser, 30-Day Shred) and see a debut of her soon-t0-release Wii game, Fitness Ultimatum 2010.  It’s not yet available for purchase (you can pre-order on Amazon) - but it will be available next month and I have to say it looks pretty cool.

Zareen from MWS, Elizabeth from Party Planning Professor (love her!) and Moi

We had a chance to test it out and true-to-character, Jillian encourages and yells throughout the game.  The game is family friendly - as Jillian demoed the game she encouraged us to have our kids play as well.  (In the meantime, check out the 2009 version if you want to get playing now.)

What shocked me the most: how sweet and wonderful Jillian is!  I have to admit, I’ve never watched The Biggest Loser but I’ve heard she’s one tough cookie on the show.  She was down-to-earch and extremely genuine in person.

Many thanks to Beth from Role Mommy for organizing the event!

Chatting with Jillian (although have to admit, she's not laughing at anything witty I said!)

A shot of all the bloggers with Jillian. Zareen and I are over on the right. (Image is from Jo-Lynne from Musings of a Housewife's camera - thanks Jo-Lynne!)