The Easter Story Egg: Colorful Nesting Toy with Resurrection Book Review

I received this free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Star Kids Company was created by momprenuer, Natalie Ard, in 2014. She is a wife and mom to 3 kids. The first product she created was Star from Afar, a wooden game counting down to Christmas, then other products were born...including The Easter Story Egg. These children's toys and gifts help bring meaning to play. These also build good character and values.

The Easter Story Egg is a great tradition that is done with family around Easter time. It consists of 7 wooden eggs that nest within each other and a hardcover book. The Story Egg book begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. Each egg has a coinciding story that rhymes in the book and pertains to one of each of the seven days of Holy Week. This shares the story of Jesus' final days on Earth in a thoughtful and meaningful way to children as they open each egg and read the corresponding story. This can be done daily throughout Holy Week or all at once. You can choose.

The Story Egg Nesting Eggs include:

• Palm Sunday (largest egg with a palm leaf painted on it)
• House of Prayer Monday (next largest egg with a temple painted on it)
• Teacher of Love Tuesday (next largest egg with a heart painted on it)
• Give and Take Wednesday (next largest egg with a jar filled with perfume painted on it)
• Last Supper Thursday (next largest egg with the Last Supper painted on it)
• Good Friday (next to smallest egg with a cross painted on it, Jesus died on the cross for all our sins)
• Holy Saturday (smallest egg that is painted grey like the stone rolled away of the tomb)
• Easter Sunday (open the smallest egg to reveal emptiness, much like the tomb of Jesus because He is Risen!)

Zari with The Easter Story Egg Kit.

What We Thought:

The Story Egg is a ostrich size egg that opens up like a Russian nesting matryoshka doll. Each egg is panted with a different picture to help tell the true meaning of Easter throughout Holy Week. It comes with a lovely hardcover book with rhyming words and colorful pictures.

We received The Easter Story Egg and proceeded to try to open the egg to see all the littler eggs inside. I had major trouble getting the first egg open. I looked at their website and they have an instructional video on how to do this. They say not to twist, but to pull the egg apart. They made it look pretty simple. Zari and I had much difficulty with this and I had to get my husband to pry it open. The egg was very hard to grip and it was slippery. He tried to pull it apart like it said and he couldn't even do it...then he used a razor blade and went around the seam with it, then tried again. He rocked it slowly back and forth until it finally popped open. Some of the eggs inside were just as difficult to get open. I feel like if some wax was applied to each lip inside the seams then they would come apart much easier, but I do not think that with as much trouble we had, a small child could do this on their own. It says on their website that because the eggs are brand new, hand carved, and made of natural wood that still has some moisture they might be hard to open at first. We let them set out to dry for a few days while they were closed like they said to and after a few more times opening and shutting the eggs, they started loosening up.

The Easter Story Egg apart.

The book is a wonderful addition to The Story Egg. Zari loves reading the rhyming pages and looking at the pictures. It starts out with a poem about why we celebrate Easter and what the egg is for. Then it goes through and tells the story of Jesus' final days on Earth. At the end of every story it has a scripture from the Bible associated with it written in New International Version, NIV. The book is multicultural as well as it shows multiple skin tones throughout the book. It ends with the resurrection of Christ.

Resurrection book, showing how it is multicultural.

I love the idea of this product. I hope that the eggs loosen up after using more so that they can be enjoyed. I would love for this to become a tradition in my home for Holy Week. We like the idea of it counting down to Easter Sunday, much like an advent calendar does for Christmas. It seems like a wonderful way to help teach the true meaning of Easter in the home or at Sunday School. This would be a great addition to an Easter basket or as an Easter gift.

BUY IT
Buy The Easter Story Egg on Amazon.



DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Easter Basket Goodies with Welch's Easter and Go Organically Fruit Snacks - Review

I received Welch's Fruit Snacks and Go Organically Fruit Snacks for free to facilitate this review. Affiliate links may be in this posting. Thanks for supporting my blog.

When I look down the Easter aisle of the grocery stores and super markets I am really disappointed to see so many items that I would never buy for my kids. Most of these are pure sugar candies that have very little to offer in the way of healthy ingredients. If you are health conscious like me you would rather buy your kids wholesome snacks and other items to go in their Easter Baskets rather than candy.

There are two different kinds of fruit snacks I will be adding to my kids' Easter Baskets this year. The first is the limited edition Welch's Easter Fruit Snacks. The second is the Go Organically Fruit Snacks.

Welch's Easter Fruit Snacks

Welch's Easter Fruit Snacks come in an Easter themed box of 28 pouches or a Easter themed bag of 22 pouches, having 45 calories per pouch. The Welch's Easter Fruit Snacks have fun shapes which include a Chick, Egg, Flower and Bunny. These are now made with even more real fruit. They are an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of Vitamins A & E. They are fat free and gluten free with no preservatives and low sodium. The Easter fruit snacks come in Mixed Fruit flavor. Welch's® Fruit Snacks have 11 different varieties.

These are kid pleasing with their adorable shapes and yummy fruity taste. These are perfect for filling Easter Baskets and stuffing Easter Eggs with. I love that real fruit puree is the first ingredient in these. I do wish that they didn't use artificial colors and modified ingredients though.

Go Organically Tropical Fruit Snacks

Go Organically Fruit Snacks come in Tropical, Fruit Medley, and Mixed Berry flavors. They come in boxes of 8 pouches. They are all USDA-certified organic, GMO free, and gluten free. They are made with real fruit purees, real fruit juices, natural flavors, and colors from natural sources with no preservatives. They provide 100% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C per serving (one pouch) and are an excellent source of Vitamins A & E.

This is my first time trying the Go Organically Fruit Snacks. I received the Tropical flavor to try. I love the pineapple and grapefruit flavors the best. These are delicious and even though they are not as bright in color as the other fruit snacks they are just as yummy. I love that they are organic and GMO free! These are also great for filling Easter Baskets and stuffing Easter Eggs with. I will definitely be buying these if I can find them.

Be Social:

Welch's...
Facebook - https://facebook.com/WelchsFruitSnacks
Twitter - https://twitter.com/WelchsFruitSnck @WelchsFruitSnck
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/welchsfruitsnck/
Instagram - https://instagram.com/welchsfruitsnck/
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/MyWelchsFruitSnacks

Go Organically...
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/GoOrganically
Twitter - https://twitter.com/goorganically @goorganically
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/goorganically/
Instagram - https://instagram.com/goorganically/

BUY IT
Check out these sweet deals!

• Instantly save 50¢ or share and save $1 on your next box of Welch's Fruit Snacks, Fruit ‘n Yogurt™ Snacks or PB&J Snacks! smarturl.it/WFSCoupon 
• Instantly save 50¢ or share and save $1 on your next 8 ct box of Go Organically Fruit Snacks! http://smarturl.it/GoOrgCoupon

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Zeenie Dollz Review and Giveaway

We received this product free from Zeenie Dollz to facilitate this review and an opportunity to host a giveaway.

The Zeenie Dollz are gorgeous dolls that teach children how to be more environmentally conscious and eco-friendly. There are a total of 6 dolls that represent a different cause and what they protect. These 12 inch dolls are made from recyclable, non-toxic materials: ABS and TPR plastics (not PVC like other dolls). They also have joints that feature 24 points of articulation for maximum poseability and playability. All the dolls come with a doll stand, brush, colorful bracelet and luggage tag. Because of the small parts these dolls are not recommended for ages under 6 years old.

Mother Earth

• Zennia is the doll that started the Zeenie Dollz. She symbolizes Mother Earth and is the protector of the whole planet. To help her on the quest of combating the evil anti-environment villains that threaten to destroy the world she enlisted the help of the Eco-Warriors, fashion forward girls that save the planet and look fabulous while doing it.

Eco-Warriors

• Lina protector of the rainforests, defender against deforestation. +ocelot friend Abby.
• Sini protector of farmland, defender of mistreated and abused animals. +pet dog Misty.
• Evee protector of the skies, defender against pollution. +pet parrot Lulu.
• Kazumi protector of the polar regions, defender against global warming. +polar bear friend Ella.
• Yana protector of the oceans, defender of marine conservation. +dolphin friend Serena.

Each doll character has its own online persona with information about its cause with games, downloads and activities on the website. There is even a free Zeenie App game for iPhone and iPad.

Saving the planet...that's our style!™ (Zeenie Dollz slogan)

Follow Them
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | YouTube

I received Zennia to review. She is a beautiful doll with bright blue eyes, green lips and blue hair that has streaks of pink and green in it. In her hair she has a blue headband with two blue & two green flowers and small sparkling jewels. Before we opened the packaging and got Zennia out, her headband had fallen apart, but Zeenie Dollz has great customer service and told me another headband is on the way to me along with a complimentary tote bag. Zennia has a neat tattoo on her chest that is of a vine that comes together in the middle as a heart and has a sun and moon above on either side. She also has a long flowing gown that has a bird, the Earth and a small heart on it. On her feet are some very Roman looking sandals. She has pretty leaf earrings too.

BUY IT
I love that these dolls have a wonderful message to teach kids. Also with your purchase, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to organizations working to preserve the environment and protect all animals and the places they call home. Right now they are having a spring sale! If you buy 2 or more dolls you get 50% off! The dolls are regularly $49.99.

These dolls are perfect for Earth Day and Spring. They are also great for Easter Baskets too!

WIN IT
Prize: Winner's choice of one of the Zeenie Dollz.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received products for free to facilitate my review. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

Win the Ultimate My Little Pony Prize Pack

 I entered the following giveaway and thought you, my readers would also like to as well.

Two great (and reasonably priced) DVDs are available now from Shout! Factory Kids and are the perfect Easter basket stuffer. Get your readers in the Easter mood with these activity and recipe sheets from Noah's Ark and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic – A Dash of Awesome, both available at retailers nationwide!

Shout! Factory Kids is giving away The Ultimate My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Prize Pack! 5 lucky winners will receive a Framed Animation Cel and a copy of A Dash of Awesome! win the Ultimate My Little Pony Prize Pack Shout! To Enter: "Like" the Shout! Kids Facebook Page and comment with either your favorite pony or episode!

Sneak Peak of "My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic: A Dash of Awesome"


DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this information by email and entered the giveaway myself. I wanted to share this with you, my readers. I did not receive anything in return for posting this.

Hide 'em & Hatch 'em Eggs Easter Review and Giveaway

For Easter this year there is a new product that is great to add to Easter baskets and use for Easter egg hunts. These are also great for Spring. They are called Hide 'em Hatch 'em Eggs and I received some free to facilitate this review. These are eggs that actually hatch animals from their shells. They are also great to use in Easter egg hunts because they are so much more fun than plastic eggs and regular eggs. These come in packages of three eggs and hatch into three different animals: chick, duckling, and bunny.

We had a lot of fun with these eggs. Watching them hatch was the best part. I have seen a real chick hatch and the process was so realistic, although these are hatched from the egg into water. I admit that the bunny coming out the the egg was confusing for my youngest daughters. I had to re-educate them that a real bunny doesn't actually come out of an egg and is actually a non egg laying mammal like us. I made a whole homeschooling unit out of it. We talked about birth, the difference between mammals and birds and I even told them what a platypus is.

The Hide 'em Hatch 'em Eggs have a single hole in the top and two holes in the bottom to let the room temperature water inside the eggs once they are submerged. You need to hold them under the water briefly until all air bubbles stop coming to the surface so the water will go just over the top of the egg. Place them in a container that is clear so you can see all the action. We placed ours into glass canning jars and this worked very well.

The first day after about 6-12 hours you should see some breaking happening of the shell around the pet. We saw the first egg start to hatch after about 10 hours so you need to be patient with these. They will hatch at different rates and speeds for different people. Our first one that started hatching was the chick. It was really exciting for my kids. They were enjoying these a lot.

As the pets grow they will be slimy, because of the material the pets are made out of, and this also contributes to the water's murkiness. The shell will also crack and flake off. The water needs changed often to help solicit growth, keep the water at room temperature and keep the water clear. Slowly you will see more and more of the baby as it breaks out of its shell as it grows. If you are impatient you can help your little friend out by cracking the shell (just like a mamma might need to do for her hatchling) or you can change the water and let it continue to grow as we did.

The baby can be kept in the water so it can continue to grow a tad bit more out of the egg. Once removed from the water shrinkage will occur but the animal will dry and harden and then you can play with it. These are great for Easter or spring, but if you do get them just be aware that they take a while to hatch, so plan ahead. Ours took about 5 days to be fully out of their shells. Also these are recommended for children over 3 years old because of small part choking hazard.

BUY IT


WIN IT
Prize: Win Hide 'em & Hatch 'em Eggs.

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product for free to facilitate my review and the opportunity to give another away to my readers. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. This post does contain referral links. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Mattel Easter Toy Basket Giveaway and Save the Bunny Campaign

Easter is just around the corner. I am following Mattel's lead and getting my kids better choices in their Easter baskets this year instead of all the junk food and candy. I remember when I was young getting oranges, apples, nuts, copra (dried coconut), a few toys and books and very few pieces of candy. Mattel's "Save the Bunny" campaign encourages parents to buy their kids toys instead of candy to give them hours of enjoyment with something that will last longer than...say, a chocolate bunny and not make your kids bounce off the wall because of a sugar high. You can also visit the Save the Bunny page to enter other giveaways and print coupons and get Easter basket ideas.





WIN IT
Prize: Win a Mattel Easter Toy Basket filled with Hot Wheels, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, Fisher Price, Monster High, etc. Plus there will also be 10 second prizes of either a Barbie Madison or a Hot Wheels 5 Pack!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: This is not a review. I did not receive the above giveaway products to test out myself, however; I am getting a Hot Wheels multi-pack and a Barbie Madison to facilitate a review and giveaway for my readers to post on my blog at a later date so make sure you follow my posts. I am only receiving more traffic to my blog by posting about this giveaway. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for posting this giveaway on my blog.

Melissa & Doug Easter Shop and Giveaway

Melissa & Doug are having a Easter Basket Giveaway! Enter to win $200 to spend toward toys in their Easter Shop. Click on the image above to enter. Ends 3/20/2013!

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I wrote this blog post because I thought you might be interested in knowing this information and taking part of this giveaway. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any compensation for doing this post, but will be given a one-time 15% off coupon to use on MelissaAndDoug.com and be entered to win the opportunity to hold a $200 Easter Basket Giveaway on my blog for my readers!