Easter Basket Books Your Kids Will Love

 I am always looking for things that are not just sweet or sugary to put in any Easter Baskets I make. As a mom I added chocolate of course but I also wanted things that weren't. I put DVD, hair ties, a stuffed animal and books.  Now as a teacher I am always thinking of things for my toddler class that isn't something that is sweet, calorie full candy that I know they are going to probably get in their baskets. I try to think way outside the box.  While I couldn't get one of these books for my whole class, I usually do stickers and bubbles but these books are perfect for the family baskets I put together. 

Eggcellent Easter Mazes: 47 Colorful Mazes (Clever Mazes) Paperback 

Eggcellent Easter Mazes is the perfect springtime activity book for young minds who love scavenger hunts. With nearly 50 different Easter-themed mazes, there’s plenty of puzzles with endless paths to explore.

• The Easter Bunny is lost! Help find the right path to hop along for the busiest day of the season.
• Meanwhile, if you want your basket of goodies, you’ll have to hurry and find it without running into any walls!
• Springtime decorations, delicious treats, and so much more abound in this book of mazes that’s bursting with challenging fun from start to finish.

The books are full of fun activities for kids ages 3-6 but I think all kids love these kinds of books. My class is only 2 and together we worked on many of the mazes and pattern. The characters are adorable and whimsical. The kids had a great time working together with their fingers and my prompting.  My 15 year old daughter also love the book talking about the colors and how fun the pages were for the class. There was so much to look at she thought the kids really enjoyed answering open ended questions on each page. "where is the frog jumping?" or "who can find the brown bear?"  We also counted trees, clouds, flowers, etc. 

Truly a hit with my toddlers class.

ORDER HERE

Easter Hunt: Over 800 Egg-citing Objects! (Look & Find) Hardcover 

Hunt for brightly-dyed eggs, fluffy bunnies, delicious treats, and more in this interactive Look & Find book with 800 Easter-themed objects! Jam-packed with illustrations, Easter Hunt provides endless entertainment for curious toddlers and their families.

• With 800 objects to discover inside, this special Easter-themed Look & Find includes engaging questions and prompts on each page.
• An educational and entertaining experience, children will develop their attention skills while counting, learning, and discovering.
• This large-format book with bright, full-color art throughout is the perfect gift to put a spring in any child's step this Easter!

My assistant went over this book with my class 3 times today. They loved it. They had a great time searching for the page answering the questions on the pages but they also loved making up their own questions about the characters on each page. I love listening to them work with each other trying to sound like a teacher as they asked...."where is the bunny playing guitar?" 

This book will be a favorite for a long time.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered. 

Paranormal Truth Is A New TV Series For Those Who Love Paranormal Documentaries Stars Scream Queen Linnea Quigley

From vampires, exorcisms, devil worship to supernatural hauntings. Each episode will take you behind the myths and realities of these subjects. With interviews from leading investigators around the world. Paranormal Truth will delve into a world never seen before. Hosting the show is the world’s number one scream queen, Linnea Quigley, star of Return of the Living Dead.

Edited by Chris Newman 

Directed by Jeff Sheldon & Victor Huesca.   

Produced by Linnea Quigley & Ross Fall.

The 12-episode first season premieres soon on DRagonFLIX!

TRAILER

My husband and I are huge fans of the Paranormal and LOVE these type of shows which are all done pretty much the same. Part documentary/part investigative work. I watched all of them and definitely have some favorites. (Kurt Cobain and Black Eyed Children).  We thoroughly enjoy putting these type of shows on during our time together on the weekend. We think that Paranormal Truth was done well although we thought it was another show that we already watch. Is there no other names for these type of series?  

If this is your thing, you will not be disappointed. 

Disclaimer: I received complimentary screener copies for my honest opinion. 

Nat Geo Easter Basket Prize Giveaway (ARV $75)

Good afternoon!  For parents looking to avoid sugar overload this year, books are a great way to fill the kids' Easter baskets (and last way longer than chocolate!). National Geographic Kids has six books for kids of all ages that are filled with fuzzy animals, fun facts, and Easter stories -- a perfect fit for this holiday and the celebration of Spring! 

 

Celebrate Easter (ages 6-9) - The joyous celebration of Easter is seen through a global perspective in this National Geographic volume featuring over 25 vibrant photographs. Witness the holiest day on the Christian calendar as it is celebrated throughout the world: from the famous Easter Egg Roll at the White House to the traditional bonfires throughout Europe, to colorful customs, to the universally popular dying of eggshells worldwide. The first-person narrative leads young readers through the origins and traditions of this springtime festival of rebirth and hope and a special note by Reverend George Handzo gives parents and teachers a historical and cultural background.

I loved this book so much. It was interesting to see how other areas celebrate Easter. 

 

NG Kids Baby Animal Sticker Activity Book (ages 4-8) With 1,000 stickers and fantastic graphics and text, these high quality, super fun sticker books are a great way for kids to learn about animals and the natural world. The Baby Animals sticker book is chock-full of the cutest creatures on the planet: pandas, piglets, wolf cubs, ponies, polar bears, elephants, bunnies, kittens, puppies, and many more. With a fun, brightly colored design and loaded with animal facts and games--such as mazes, counting, matching and more--this book is sure to provide endless entertainment.

 

This fantastic book is so much fun. There are so many activities. My class loved all the stickers and full color photos of all the animals. With help they were able to navigate the pages even as 2-3 year olds. We had a blast pointing to letters, colors and animals. 

National Geographic Pre-Reader: Ducks (ages 2-5) - From fuzzy ducklings to graceful birds, waddle your way into this adorable early reader, all about ducks!

Perfect for beginning and young readers, National Geographic Pre-readers include simple, expert-vetted text and large, engaging photos on every page. A vocabulary tree at the beginning of the book introduces kids to key words in concept groups, helping kids make connections between words. Plus, a wrap-up activity gives kids a chance to use what they've learned, while expanding their understanding of the world.

OMGosh the pictures in this book are pretty incredible. My class loves animals and these pictures of the ducks were a real hit. They thought the feet were so funny under the water.  This particular book has been fought over for three days. I had to use a timer so everyone got a chance to look at it.

Cutest Animals on the Planet (ages 8-12) - NEW SERIES ALERT! Meet the world's most adorable animals and learn fun stuff about them in this aww-some first book in a brand-new series from National Geographic Kids.  Whether you like mammals, aquatic creatures, insects, birds, amphibians, or reptiles, this browsable book contains kids' favorite animals that would ALL be contenders for the grand prize in a cute competition. Big photos pair with upbeat descriptions that highlight each critter's crazy cool skills and unique behaviors. This adorable book showcases popular animals such as hedgehogs and pandas as well as unusual species such as tapirs, kakapos, and pangolins. Special features include a head-to-head cute-off, sure to keep readers amused and informed. Perfect for curious tweens, animal lovers, and future veterinarians alike.

This one was my favorite to look at. Who doesn't love cute animals. I spend my day looking at cute animals on Instagram but now when I sit down at my desk at nap time, I can read a ton of information about adorable animals and teach myself so I can discuss these animals with my class. 

 

Treasury of Bible Stories by Donna Jo Napoli, illus. by Christina Balit (ages 8-12) 

 A worthy cultural treasury with appeal to both the faithful and irreligious.” — Kirkus

Noah's Ark, Moses, David and Goliath, the ten plagues, Daniel and the lions' den, Jonah and the giant fish, and many more of the Bible's most powerful stories — 27 in all — are compellingly retold in this beautifully illustrated treasury. Readers will be fascinated by the ancient people and events they encounter, surprised by some of the lesser known accounts revealed, and inspired by the lessons these tales impart. Stories cover important ground beyond religion, such as culture, history, and geography, and they touch on issues that remain relevant today--faith, loyalty, kindness, violence, generosity, greed, jealousy, and more. These accessible, readable stories give kids a rich picture of biblical times, which encourages them to think about our role in the world and to learn more.

Napoli's magical storytelling is sure to ignite children's imaginations. Along with Balit's stunning art, this is a book kids will want to explore again and again--a classic that families can read aloud together.

 

5,000 Awesome Facts About Everything (ages 8-12) This book is literally busting its covers with fascinating, fun-tastic facts on super, sensational topics that kids love. Who knew that there were so many sweet things to learn about chocolate or that a dozen delicious details about peanut butter would show up on a page with a few splotches of jelly to whet our appetites? Keep turning and a terrifyingly toothy shark tells you all about himself, while other spreads lay out tons of tips on toys and games, mysteries of history, robots and reptiles, sports and spies and wacky words.   A visual feast of colorful photographs surrounded by swirling, tipping, expanding, and climbing bits of information in a high-energy design, this book will satisfy both the casual browser and the truly fact obsessed.

This was my favorite book of the bunch. How do they fit 5000 facts inside one book? It's all in the layout. Nat Geo has it all figured out. I loved the layouts. There were about 6 different styles but each page was interesting. 

Enter for your chance to WIN a National Geographic Kids Easter Prize Pack which includes all 6 books (ARV $75).  US ONLY!

Entry-Form

Disclaimer: I received complimentary products for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.  

A Guide To Aging Glamorously

 

In recent years, there has been a shift in how ageing is seen by society. Loss of youth is no longer seen as a sign that you are finished and irrelevant; indeed, many older people eschew such beliefs and pursue active, happy lives well into their 70s and 80s. However, the same personal maintenance routine that you were using in your 20s and 30s may not be as effective as you grow older; there are certain adjustments you should make to ensure that you remain looking your best as you age. Read on for a guide to ageing glamorously.

 

Visit the dentist

Nothing is perhaps as ageing as a mouth full of cracked, yellowed teeth. Ensure that you keep up with basic dental hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Switching to an electric toothbrush is gentler on the gums, as the pressure of the bristles is controlled, which prevents the overbrushing that leads to receding gums. Visit your dentist on a regular basis to keep on top of your dental health and quickly identify and resolve any issues before they become a serious problem. You could even consider getting veneers for a guaranteed sparkling white smile. 

 

Undergo cosmetic surgery

Cosmetic surgery from a trusted and experienced practitioner can give your face a youthful boost without looking obviously “done.” Procedures such as face, brow, and neck lifts are well known for slowing the ageing process, but you could also consider taking the plunge and getting surgery on a feature that has always bothered you. For example, if you have always been self-conscious about your nose, you could get a rhinoplasty from a trusted surgeon. Take the time to research different surgeons(for example, rhinoplasty Palm Beach) before deciding on one with whom you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. Never try risky procedures or cut-price surgery from an unqualified doctor, as the results can be fatal.

 

Exercise regularly

It is important to remain fit and active throughout your life; however, your body may no longer be able to endure the intense workouts carried out in your youth. Instead, opt for exercise that is gentler on your joints and that aims to maximize flexibility, which can decrease as you get older. Swimming is a great form of exercise, as the water cushions your joints and suspends your weight; or, maybe your body could benefit greatly from the balance, strength, and flexibility worked on in Pilatesexercises. 

 

Change your make-up regime

Many women love the confidence-boosting effect of wearing make-up. However, what worked for you in your 20s and 30s may not show you to your best advantage in your 50s, 60s, and beyond. For instance, glittery eyeshadows, though all the rage, settle in the creases and therefore emphasize the wrinkles around your eyes; matte eyeshadows are more flattering on older eyes. Furthermore, as the lips become thinner with age, you might like to use a light-reflecting lipstick and overline slightly to give the appearance of plumper lips. Consult a make-up consultant for more guidance.

Embryo Available on Digital April 6

 

Patricio Valladares' terrifying Embryo, which premiered at Frightest 2020, will be released on Digital this April from Uncork'd Entertainment.

Kevin and his girlfriend Evelyn are camping in the woods when she is abducted and impregnated by otherworldly beings. As the entity inside her begins to grow at a rapid rate, Evelyn’s cravings can only be satiated by the taste of human flesh. When she brutally attacks a doctor, they go on the run to the big city where they can find help to remove the embryo that is slowly taking over Evelyn’s body. 

Romina Perazzo, Domingo Guzmán, Carolina Escobar, Cristian Cuentrejoa, Evelyn Belmar, Paulina Facuse, Yuri Caceres, Giordano Rossi, and Serge François star in Embryo, on Digital April 6.

Trailer

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The 411:

The movie ties three alien abductions together with the common denominator being a cop. 

Evelyn and Kevin go camping, get engaged and then Evelyn goes missing. Kevin finds her soaked in I don’t know, alien semen? He she is traumatized and we watch a doctor examine her. The next thing we know she is feeling off him and Kevin helps her escape. They drive far away with Kevin shouting at her to  stay with him PLEASE. She eventually feeds her way through a few with a disembodied voice telling her to feed it. Ok so Evelyn appears to be a alien herself with black eyes and a hungry fetus, 

Cut to A man and woman being filmed and the man suddenly becomes violent with the woman. She is bloody and withering on a bed, I still don’t know where she was bleeding from but there is nudity sooooo no kids in the room ok. 

Our next family has a child and apparently the alien is coming to take her because the mother keeps saying don’t take her, not yet, blah blah blah she also says something about a “Martian mommy”. We see something with tentacles trying to get in the window and under the doors. 

Got it: tentacle alien type is impregnating woman, turning the pregnant hosts into intestine pulling, windpipe licking vampires and the cop himself has seen the aliens but everyone thinks he is just a drunk seeing things. Does that sum it up? I think so.

As far as horror movies go, I didn’t hate it. I would have loved to see more of the alien and the cops story but that’s ok. I thought the woman Ramona Perazzo who played Evelyn was awesome and beautiful. I love the scene of her killing the dude In the rest room. Her fiancé chucking all over when he sees it, pure movie magic but really...I didn’t hate it but would have preferred more of Evelyn and Kevin and less of the other characters.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary screener copy for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Todd A Psychological Thriller

 

“Todd“, is a psychological thriller starring Aaron Jackson (NBC’s California Dreams), Hans Hernke (Another Plan From Outer Space), Michael Winslow (Police Academy 1-7, Spaceballs), and Laura Stetman (The Connection).  “TODD”,is available on  DVD and Digital from BayView Entertainment and Shoreline Entertainment.

Filmed in Orlando, Florida over the course of 17 days, Todd is the story of a man who has always felt like the “odd man out.” From a young age, Todd is shunned and ridiculed by his peers. Over time his pain and anger turns into rage and despair. 

When psychoanalysis and depression drugs don’t work, the young eccentric becomes morbid and introverted, withdrawing from society in a downward spiral to insanity. He not only sets his sights on an aspiring young actress, but on his psychiatrist and the doctor’s family too. “The film” takes you on a nail biting, edge of your seat journey into the mind of a budding madman.

Aaron Warren wrote the script along with Jim Catizone. Aaron Warren produced and directed “Todd”.

Most scenes happen in one of three locations, dinner, Todd’s psychiatrist’s office, The psychiatrist’s home, and Amy’s home. I love knowing it was filmed in 17 days. Pretty amazing. 

Todd is seeing his psychiatrist for years. He has been on medication but he is spiraling. He meets Amy and “falls in love”. Poor Amy is a hot mess trying to fulfill her fantasy of being an actress while working as a waitress. Typical story for someone with stars In her eyes. She is so blinded she makes terrible decisions in an attempt to be an actress. I wanted to slap her at one point when she meets a “director” who’s tells her he will come back to her apartment and discuss the role he has in mind for her. Girlfriend! girlfriend! Noooooo he is going to use you. Ugh. 

Todd’s psychiatrist needs a recharge. He is taking his job for granted as well as his family. Mental illness is no joke and we never know how far someone is falling sometimes before it is too late. The film reminds us that we should take Nothing for granted or loss the people we love. 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.