Pokémon Mega Evolution Expansion Details Released

Trainers, get excited! The Pokémon Trading Card Game is about to unleash a wave of incredible power with the brand new Mega Evolution expansion, officially launching on September 26, 2025! This is the expansion we've all been waiting for, marking the glorious return of Mega Evolution Pokémon to the TCG.

For those who remember the sheer might of Mega Evolutions from the XY and Sun & Moon eras, prepare for a thrilling resurgence. This new set isn't just bringing back familiar faces; it's redefining how these powerful Pokémon operate in battle.

What to expect from Mega Evolution:

• The Return of Mega Evolution Pokémon ex: Get ready to witness the raw power of fan-favorite Mega Evolutions like Mega Lucario ex and Mega Gardevoir ex, with more to be revealed! These formidable Pokémon will have increased HP and attack damage, but be warned – knocking them out yields a hefty three Prize cards!

• Streamlined Evolution: In a cool new twist, Mega Evolution Pokémon ex can now evolve directly from their basic forms (for example, Mega Lucario ex can evolve from Riolu, skipping Lucario!). This change adds a new layer of strategy and speed to your gameplay.

• Stunning New Artwork: Prepare for breathtaking new art styles for the ultra rare Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, some even featuring a captivating silhouette of their regular form. These cards are sure to be collectors' dreams!

• Expanded Ultra Rares: Beyond just Pokémon and Supporter cards, "Mega Evolution" will introduce ultra rare Item, Stadium, and Pokémon Tool cards, adding even more chase cards and strategic depth to the game.

This expansion promises to shake up the meta and deliver intense battles like never before. Whether you're a seasoned player or a collector, the Mega Evolution expansion is set to be one of the most impactful releases of the year.

Mark your calendars for September 26, 2025, and get ready to witness the spectacular return of Mega Evolution in the Pokémon TCG! Prerelease tournaments will be kicking off around September 13th at participating retailers, giving you an early chance to experience the power. And for digital players, you can jump into the Mega Evolution action on Pokémon TCG Live starting September 11, 2025!

My Secret Weapon for a Sparkling Clean Home: Casabella at Target!

Target Circle days are here! Stock up on cleaning essentials and get a $15 Target GiftCard with a $50 purchase on select home essentials with Target Circle, including the Casabella line.

Let's be honest, cleaning can often feel like a chore. We all want a sparkling home, but the effort involved, especially when tackling those notoriously tricky spots, can be a major deterrent. That's why I'm thrilled to share my recent cleaning game-changer: the Casabella cleaning line, readily available at Target! 

I was kindly gifted a collection of Casabella cleaning products that included a mix of their power scrubbers. I decided to tackle my arch nemesis, our main bathroom! This bathroom is full of scum, soap scum, and enough rings around the tub to make Saturn jealous. However, the tub was no match for Casabella’s smallest power scrubber, the Power Spin Detail Scrubber. I would recommend that you use the Casabella Power Spin Scrubber with 100 minutes of run time, and a longer telescopic handle for shorties (like me), but I was up for a challenge!

I've always been on the lookout for tools that make cleaning more efficient and less of a back-breaking task. And let me tell you, Casabella has truly delivered. My personal favorites from their collection are the spinning brushes, and they've made a remarkable difference, especially in my bathroom. The Power Spin Detail Scrubber has three interchangeable brushes, takes batteries so it is very portable, and has a ton of power! I soaked my tub in toilet cleaner, which is just Clorox gel, and that really cuts down the cleaning time. I scrubbed away the gross bits, rinsed, and my tub and tiles were sparkling again! I also used the Power Spin Detail scrubber to clean my sink. We have a tight squeeze from the faucet and the wall, so getting behind there is challenging for sure! I’ve used every thin brush imaginable, but nothing quite scrubbed behind the faucet like the Casabella! 

For years, getting into the tight corners of my bathroom sink felt like an impossible mission. The grime would build up in those little crevices, mocking my attempts with regular sponges and brushes. But with the Casabella spinning brushes, those days are over! The design allows me to reach every nook and cranny with ease, leaving my sink looking brand new.

And if you've ever battled with dirty grout and caulk, you know the struggle is real. It's often the last frontier of cleanliness, requiring intense scrubbing and sometimes even questionable DIY solutions. Again, Casabella's spinning brushes have been a lifesaver. They tackle that stubborn grime and discoloration with surprising power. They spin with enough force to loosen and lift away even embedded dirt, saving my elbows and knees from endless scrubbing.

What I truly appreciate about the Casabella line is that it takes the "elbow grease" out of cleaning. Instead of feeling exhausted after a cleaning session, I'm left with a sense of accomplishment and genuinely clean surfaces.

So, if you're like me and constantly seeking ways to make your cleaning routine more effective and less daunting, I highly recommend checking out the Casabella cleaning line at Target. From tackling hard-to-reach places to making grout and caulk sparkle, these tools are a positive game-changer for any home!

Donkey Kong Bananza for Switch 2 Details Released!

Get ready to go BANANAS! The jungle beat is BACK with Donkey Kong Bananza, hitting your brand new Nintendo Switch 2 with a vine-swinging vengeance! This ain't your grandpa's Kong adventure – we're talking fresh faces, mysterious foes, gameplay that's layered like a delicious jungle parfait, and the awesome ability to share the fun with friends on both Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2!

Pauline Swings into Action! (And Sings!)

Hold up, did I just say Pauline? Yes, THAT Pauline! Nintendo has officially confirmed that Mario's original damsel-in-distress-turned-fierce-songstress is joining the Kong crew in Donkey Kong Bananza! Initially appearing as the mysterious "Odd Rock," Pauline is a talented young singer whose vocal abilities are key to the adventure. She's not just a companion; she's bringing her own brand of platforming prowess and singing-based powers that can even trigger DK's transformations, adding a whole new dimension to cooperative play and solo adventures alike. Get hyped to see how her unique abilities intertwine with DK's!

Trouble Brewing: Enter VoidCo!

But it’s not all coconuts and chill vibes. A shadowy new threat has emerged: the enigmatic Void Company (VoidCo)! These villainous miners are not only responsible for the tempest that sent Donkey Kong underground, but they also trapped Pauline and are digging deep for nefarious purposes at the Planet Core. It's up to Donkey Kong and Pauline to unravel their plans and send them packing back to wherever they crawled out of. Expect some seriously creative and challenging encounters as you face off against VoidCo and its leaders like Void Kong! Void Company members each have their own spunk—Grumpy Kong, Poppy Kong, and leader Void Kong must be stopped!

Layers Upon Layers of Fun! Race to the Planet Core!

Donkey Kong Bananza takes level design to a whole new level – literally! The game is built around intricate layers within the vast Underground World of Ingot Isle, offering dynamic gameplay where the environment shifts and changes around you. The graphics and scenes are stunning giving each layer their sense of character. Discover hidden pathways, uncover secrets, and master the art of navigating these multi-dimensional stages using Donkey Kings various abilities and power moves. The ultimate object of the game? To race against VoidCo to the mythical Planet Core, rumored to grant wishes, and of course, collect a whole lotta bananas (specifically Banandium Gems!) along the way! Each level is packed with interactive elements and surprises, keeping you on your toes from start to finish.

Move It Like Kong: New Abilities and Bananza Transformations!

Get ready to unleash a barrelful of new moves! Donkey Kong retains his classic ground pound, rolling attacks, Dive Punch, Hand Slap, and even "Turf Surfing" to smash through obstacles and uncover secrets. Plus, the exciting new Bananza Transformations, fueled by Pauline's singing and Bananergy, will have you smashing through obstacles and soaring through the skies in style. We're talking powerful forms like Kong Bananza (super strength), Zebra Bananza (super speed and water dashing), and Ostrich Bananza (flight and egg bombs)! Pauline, meanwhile, can be controlled by a second player in co-op, using her vocal blasts with Joy-Con 2's mouse controls to assist DK and break barriers.

Share the Bananza: Cross-Generation Multiplayer with GameShare!

Get ready to team up, no matter which console your friends are rocking! Donkey Kong Bananza offers robust multiplayer options, including local co-op where one player controls DK and the other controls Pauline. Best of all, it features GameShare functionality, allowing you to play with your friends seamlessly across both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles with just one copy of the game! Whether you're on the original Switch or the shiny new Switch 2, you'll be able to join the cooperative fun. Dive into the layered levels, take down VoidCo together, and experience the whole adventure side-by-side with more friends, more fun, and more banana collecting mayhem!

Amiibo Alert! Get Ready to Collect (and Dress Up Pauline!)

Calling all collectors! A brand new Donkey Kong and Pauline amiibo figure will be launching alongside the game! This collectible figure will not only look fantastic on your shelf but will also unlock special in-game content, specifically Pauline's fabulous Diva Dress from Super Mario Odyssey! Additionally, scanning other Donkey Kong series amiibo will grant you explosive KONG tiles, and even other amiibo will provide useful in-game items. The amiibo era lives on!

Mark Your Calendars! Release Date is Locked In!

Get your banana hoard ready! Donkey Kong Bananza and the accompanying Donkey Kong & Pauline amiibo are officially set to release exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2 on July 17th, 2025! Prepare for a jungle adventure packed with thrilling platforming, memorable characters, and enough banana-fueled fun to last you until the next great ape escapade! And remember, you can swing into action with your friends, no matter which Switch they have, thanks to GameShare! Get ready to go truly BANANZA! 🐒🎉

Best Air Purifier for Pets? Why the PetSnowy System is a Game-Changer

Breathe Easy, Pet Parents: Unleashing the Power of the PetSnowy Air Purifier System

Looking for the perfect, whisper-quiet air filtration system that won't disturb the peaceful life of your beloved pet? Then you have to check out the PetSnowy Air Purifier System!

For every pet owner, the joy of a furry companion often comes with a common challenge: maintaining fresh, clean indoor air. From lingering pet odors to airborne pet dander and unwanted pet hair, our homes can sometimes feel less than pristine. Enter the PetSnowy Air Purifier System, a revolutionary solution designed specifically for pet households. This isn't just another air cleaner; it's a comprehensive pet air purification powerhouse that promises a healthier, happier living environment for both you and your beloved pets.

Say Goodbye to Pet Odors and Allergens with Advanced Technology

The PetSnowy Air Purifier stands out with its cutting-edge technology engineered to tackle the unique challenges posed by pets. At its core is the patented TiO₂ photocatalytic deodorization system, enhanced by UVC technology. 

What's TiO₂ and How Does It Clean the Air? (The Science, Simplified!)

You might be wondering, what exactly is this "TiO₂ photocatalytic deodorization system"? Let's break it down in a simple way.

Think of TiO₂ (Titanium Dioxide) as a special ingredient, like a tiny super-hero on the purifier's filter. When this TiO₂ comes into contact with UV light (which the PetSnowy also uses), something amazing happens:

1. It gets "charged up." The UV light gives the TiO₂ a burst of energy.
2. It creates powerful "clean-up crews." This energy allows the TiO₂ to react with moisture in the air and create tiny, super-reactive molecules. You can imagine them as invisible, microscopic "Pac-Men."
3. These "Pac-Men" attack pollution. These tiny, reactive molecules actively seek out and break down things like odor-causing compounds (the stuff that makes pet smells), VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), bacteria, and even viruses. They essentially convert these harmful substances into harmless carbon dioxide and water.
   

So, instead of just trapping odors or pollutants, the PetSnowy's TiO₂ system, powered by UV light, actually destroys them at their source, leaving your air truly fresh and clean. It's like a continuous, tiny cleaning crew working hard inside your air purifier!

Unlike traditional air fresheners or purifiers that merely mask smells, this advanced system actively breaks down odor-causing compounds at a molecular level, effectively neutralizing pet smells from litter boxes, dog beds, and more. This means long-lasting freshness, not just temporary relief.

Beyond odors, the PetSnowy system is a champion against pet allergens and pet dander. It features an advanced H13 HEPA filter which is crucial for capturing 99.97% of airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes microscopic pet dander, pollen, dust, and other common household allergens that can trigger respiratory issues and allergies. For those struggling with pet-related allergies, this powerful air purification can make a significant difference in daily comfort.

Beyond Filtration: Smart Features for Modern Pet Homes

What truly sets the PetSnowy Air Purifier apart are its intelligent features designed for ultimate user convenience:

• Exceptional Pet Hair Absorption: The system boasts strong pet hair absorption capabilities, ensuring that loose fur and airborne pet hair are efficiently captured, contributing to a visibly cleaner home.
• Real-time Air Quality Monitoring: Equipped with built-in TVOC sensors, the PetSnowy unit continuously monitors your indoor air quality. It intelligently adjusts its purification power based on detected volatile organic compounds, ensuring optimal air freshness at all times. You can even see your air quality data directly on the device's LCD screen or via the dedicated app.
• Remote and App Control: Manage your air purification from anywhere with the intuitive PetSnowy app. Adjust settings, check air quality, and even schedule operation remotely, giving you complete control over your home's environment. A convenient magnetic remote control also attaches directly to the unit to prevent loss.
• Billion-Level Negative Ion Technology: This innovative feature further enhances air quality by releasing negative ions, which bind to airborne pollutants and help them settle, making them easier to filter out. This contributes to a feeling of refreshed, crisp air.
• Ultra-Quiet Operation: Despite its powerful performance, the PetSnowy Air Purifier operates with an ultimate quiet operation, maintaining a low noise level (18-64dB). This ensures a peaceful, distraction-free environment, even when running in bedrooms or living areas.
• Wide Coverage Area: With an impressive coverage range of 320-540 sq. ft. (30-50m²), the PetSnowy system is suitable for various room sizes, effectively purifying the air in your living room, bedroom, or any space where your pets spend the most time.
• Easy Filter Replacement: The H13 filter features an innovative semi-circular magnetic design, making filter replacement a breeze. This ensures consistent peak purification efficiency with minimal hassle.
• Pet-Friendly Design & Safety: PetSnowy understands the needs of pet households. The purifier is designed with safety in mind, including an upgraded cord and an automatic shut-off feature if the device tips over – perfect for homes with playful pets.

Invest in a Healthier Home with PetSnowy

The PetSnowy Air Purifier System is more than just an appliance; it's an investment in a healthier and more comfortable home for you and your furry family members. By actively combating pet odors, pet dander, and other airborne pollutants, this smart air purifier elevates your indoor air quality, reduces allergy symptoms, and creates a truly fresh living space.

If you're a pet parent seeking an effective, intelligent, and stylish solution for clean air, the PetSnowy Air Purifier is a top contender. Experience the difference that advanced air purification for pets can make. Say goodbye to stale air and hello to a breath of fresh air with PetSnowy.

PetSnowy kindly sent me this product for free, and all opinions expressed are my own!

Unwrap the Adventure: Pokémon-Themed Hershey's Bars & Treats In-Stores & Online!

Gotta Catch 'Em All (and Eat 'Em Too!): Hershey's & Pokémon Collab Hits Stores!

Now you can taste the wonders of the KANTO region with the new HERSHEY’S and Pokémon collaboration available at grocery stores and at Hershey’s online store! 

Trainers and Sweet-Tooth Enthusiasts, get ready for the ultimate crossover event! The iconic world of Pokémon is colliding with the deliciousness of Hershey's, bringing you an irresistible new collection of Pokémon-themed Hershey's Kisses and chocolate bars! This highly anticipated collaboration is set to fill your goody bags, fuel your fandom, and fulfill your sweet cravings like never before.

Imagine unwrapping your favorite HERSHEY'S KISSES to reveal not just a classic chocolatey treat, but a vibrant foil featuring one of the original 151 Kanto Pokémon! From the adorable Pikachu to the majestic Charizard, wondrous elusive Mew, and the adorable Chansey --every single Pokémon from the beloved Kanto region is making an appearance. That's 151 unique designs to discover and collect!

But the fun doesn't stop there. This sweet adventure extends to HERSHEY'S chocolate bars too, giving you more ways to immerse yourself in the world of Pokémon. Look for your favorite pocket monsters gracing the packaging of classic HERSHEY'S milk chocolate bars, perfect for a quick snack or to share with fellow trainers.

Where can you embark on this delicious quest? The good news is, these limited-edition Pokémon HERSHEY'S candiesare now rolling out to grocery stores nationwide. Keep your eyes peeled in the candy aisle, because these collectible treats are sure to be a hot item for Pokémon fans and chocolate lovers alike. And for those who prefer the convenience of online shopping, you'll also be able to find these special HERSHEY'S Pokémon products on the official HERSHEY'S online store!

The ultimate challenge for collectors: HERSHEY'S is turning this sweet indulgence into a true "catch 'em all" experience with the Hersheyland Pokédex! As you collect each of the 151 Kanto Pokémon foils from your HERSHEY'S KISSES, you can log your finds on the Hersheyland.com/Pokemon website. 

Trainers can find 12 different designs on the full-size HERSHEY bars and 18 designs on the snack-size chocolate bars. Trainers will also be able to collect all 151 Kanto region Pokémon on the HERSHEY'S KISSES wrappers. Dedicated Pokémon trainers will be able catch 'em all by signing up with Hersheyland, a digital world where Pokémon HERSHEY products can be purchased and where you can digitally keeo track of all of your Pokémon finds!

Simply sign up to the Hersheyland website to keep track of all of the Kanto Pokémon that you have collected on your sweet journey!

This is such a fantastic, interactive way to engage with this exciting candy collaboration, especially for a family of fans of Pokémon like us!

Whether you're planning an epic Pokémon-themed party and need some unique goody bag fillers or if you're a lifelong Pokémon Trainer looking for a fun new way to celebrate your passion, these Pokémon HERSHEY'S KISSES and chocolate bars are an absolute must-have. 

You can also download a PDF to enjoy the fun offline! Simply print the printable, and check off each Pokémon as you nosh your way through the Kanto region!

With the EXTRAS page on the Hersheyland page, you can discover your perfect Pokémon match! I matched with Venusaur, which made perfect sense, since Bulbasaur is always my starter!

Trainers will also earn achievements by collecting badges to certify their hard work! Each clickable badge features a digital print and a downloadable coloring page! 

Don't miss out on your chance to collect every Kanto Pokémon while enjoying the classic taste of Hershey's chocolate. Get ready to adventure through Kanto with every bite – happy collecting, and happy snacking!