"We've got everything we need except a caption"

Now comes the fun part. Send us your captions in the comments below and next week we’ll pick our favorites and post them on the blog. Then everyone will vote for their top pick and the winner will be publicly lauded for their brilliance and receive the eternal gratitude of our entire team of “English bitters” (and one somewhat tangy Theater major).

My caption: “Pass the oil. Keep the butter.”

Now go to it!

So don’t get your knickers in a bunch. Go ahead and celebrate July 16 by giving your sweetie a smooch (or just hug a pet). Then sit back and enjoy the latest video from our Bejeweled Blitz cats. And have a happy Monday!

P.S. Be sure to type the link at the end of the video into your browser to get a free Rare Gem. Then check your Facebook message center to claim it.

*Happy 24th Anniversary, MJF & TP

In honor of another vastly under-appreciated Normal Day, let’s remember the things that make each day a miracle. Waking up in the morning. Smelling the dog’s fishy breath. Eating creamsicles. Are you with me?

Well, it turns out that not everyone was preparing for Father’s Day last Saturday. Over in Bejeweled Blitz land, one of our laser cats apparently clawed her way into the, um, cookie jar. And, pardon me, but it looks like Snackers may have overindulged.

Have a great Monday!

Okay, I’m done. Now, did I mention that it was Caturday this weekend? Well, it was. And if you were out enjoying the sunshine (don’t speak to me) and you happened to miss it, you can still see how our awesome Bejeweled Blitz cats spent the day. (It looks like it was sunny at their place.) So check out their video and then go blast some gems. And spread some sunshine. Please.

P.S. Next Caturday is June 16th — get Cat’s Eye Rare Gems for 50% off!

Have you ever wondered what the Bejeweled Blitz cats do when they’re not exploding gems?  (Note: this is a rhetorical question. Even if you haven’t wondered, some folks here did and they thought you should too.) Well, after a big day blasting gems it turns out that Snackers and Anchovy enjoy catching up on some R&R. The only trouble is they seem to have different ideas about what it means. Literally. Check out their latest video.

Now let’s go blast some gems!

For Matt H., Senior Artist on hit games like Bejeweled 3, Peggle Nights and Feeding Frenzy 2, just drawing random things gets his juices flowing. “Fan art, megaman, old cars – anything that sounds fun, even if it’s off-task. It will usually get the brain going for me.” Guy W., Audio Director and mastermind behind the music in our newly launched Solitaire Blitz game, finds inspiration running trails with his dog Murphy, meditation, yoga and writing music for himself.

Taking walks and listening to music are my antidote to writer’s block (unfortunately standing in front of the refrigerator is less effective, as I keep reminding myself). I have some favorite go-to tunes and I love discovering new pieces that inspire me. This morning I found a phenomenal finger-style guitar version of Laura Shigihara’s music from Plants vs. Zombies that someone sent me. Just awesome! Maybe it will inspire you too.

If only I could listen to that while I stand in front of the refrigerator!

Now it’s your turn! Tell us what YOU do to get your creative juices goin’. Post it on our Facebook page and we’ll keep sharing more tips from folks here.

Diamond Mine mode for iOS is getting glowing reviews and we want to hear from you too. So write in and tell us your favorite gem-blasting, dirt-digging strategies. Do you focus on speed or do you wait for all the gems to stop falling? What’s your power gem strategy? How do you deal with tricky corner gems? Do you ever use the Hint button? What do you do when you can’t match any gems at the bottom of the board?

Share your tips and maybe we can all boost our scores and dig deeper in the game. I’m not promising that will end my obsession but perhaps I’ll get a little more sleep (hah!).

And if you still haven’t played Diamond Mine, go to iTunes now and download Bejeweled. At 99₵ it costs less than a bag of bubble gum and is packed with more explosive fun without all the cavities. Then come back here and check out everyone’s tips.

Don’t know any Zen Gardeners? Maybe it’s time you met one. There’s a Zen Gardener hidden inside all of us. Don’t believe me? Well, just play one of these games and you’ll radiate calm!

Bejeweled 3 for PC and Mac

Let your inner wisdom be your guide while you match sparkling gems in Zen mode. There’s no pressure or time limit here. You can create your own relaxing retreat with awesome audio-visual effects to help modulate your breathing and rejuvenate your spirit. You can even choose ambient sounds, positive affirmations, and binaural beats to accompany you on your journey.

Will you walk with me, Grasshopper?

Mahjong Escape: Ancient China for PC

Unlock ancient Chinese wisdom as you match gold tiles in Classic Mahjong solitaire. This is truly a Zen paradise. Soothe your senses with relaxing music, beautiful scenery and hand-painted backgrounds as you travel through time. This is a perfect game for parents and grandparents.

Chuzzle for PC and Mac

Even Zen Gardeners need to release their inner silly. There’s just no better way to soothe frayed nerves and restore balance than playing with these cute, googly-eyed furballs. In Zen mode, you won’t find any puzzle locks or timers to stress out about. You’ll soon float away in Chuzzle bliss as you walk the path to Chuzzlightenment.

Ommmm….

Just remember: With the holidays fast-approaching, we all need to cultivate a little inner peace! So have fun and come back next week for more Gift Guides.

What did folks at PopCap dress up as for Halloween? Stay tuned next week!

Meanwhile, your photos from Halloween past keep arriving in our in-box. So while you’re putting the final touches on your own costume, take a peek at at one more batch of Halloween costumes and decorations — courtesy of our amazing Blog readers.

Patrick H. sent us his Balloon Zombie...

while Brandi J created PvZ decorations.

Meanwhile Stacy W dressed her daughter as a... Sunflower Zombie??! (Beware Zombies -- this looks like a plant to me!)

Adrien G.'s daughters and sister embraced the PvZ spirit...

and even Adrien and her husband got into the act!