Nature's Easter Eggs

Photo Credit: Natural Easter Eggs

You can color me green in terms of lifestyle, but healthy living is really a lovely palette of so many beautiful colors.  With Easter just a few days away, I’ve been considering how I want to apply the colors of the rainbow to create this year’s dyed eggs.  As I searched for holiday decorating ideas, I took a few scenic detours and started reading about chickens and their eggs.  When it comes to making gorgeous shells, the chickens are already several steps ahead of me.  I don’t even need to break out the dye.

As one who is on a quest to grow all of my own food, I currently have a fascination with raising backyard chickens.  My goal is to start with three laying hens this spring.  Along with the search for construction plans to build a chicken coop, I am thoroughly enjoying what I am learning about the different breeds of chickens. 

Did you know you can look at a chicken’s earlobe to potentially determine what color of egg she will lay?  I've not personally checked any earlobes to test that little tidbit of chicken trivia, but you can learn more by watching the short video clip presented in the first article linked below.  Wouldn’t it be fun if we had a similar way of seeing what our future children might look like?  But I digress. 

As I was saying before I interrupted myself, I now know why chickens produce different colored eggs, as well as which breeds to buy if I want to have delicious Easter eggs every day of the year.  Do you know which chickens lay blue, pink, green, or brown eggs?  I do now thanks to several interesting Squidoo articles. 

With the countdown to Easter, let’s have some fun by going on a virtual Easter egg hunt.  Read about Nature’s Easter Eggs and a very doable DIY backyard chicken coop.

Do you raise backyard chickens?  Have you built a hen house?  If so, I would love to read all about it.  Why not write a feature article or review of your top backyard chicken product.  I might even reward you with a basket of your favorite Easter candy.  So what will it be?  Mini robin's eggs?  Peeps?  Did I mention chocolate?

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Lego Easter Egg Hunt Set Reviewed

Fun Idea For Easter Basket Stuffer

Add some Lego Fun to the Basket
(image courtesy of pixabay.com)

It is a good two months before those Easter Egg Hunts take place but I am already looking for some fun ideas to add to the baskets. Of course there will be eggs to be found. I always look for some different sorts of sweets to add but I like to hold that sugary stuff to a minimum. So, I start searching for non-edible ideas rather early. I have found something fun for this year. 

Those that know me might remember that I love to play with Legos. My brothers and I built things with those plastic bricks when we were little. Hours of fun were spent with my daughters with them. This grandma still plays with the colorful plastic pieces with her grandchildren. I even have a display of the Big Bang Theory done in Legos in our family room. 

Imagine my thrill when I found a set of Legos that creates a scene for an Easter Egg Hunt! It is a small little set with only 145 pieces so the box will fit nicely in the kid's baskets. The set allows you to build three separate locations (to hide the 3 eggs). There is a carrot garden, a flower garden and a hen house. Two figures come with the set; an adult and a child. There is a wheelbarrow, a cute little basket and a magnifying glass. Well, it is just down right adorable! 

As with most of the Lego sets once this one is assembled the different locations can be easily added to any other display you might already have on display. We rarely tear our finished sets down in this house. They are fun to pull out and play with when the kids come or Grandma goes to their house. 

If you are looking for something to add to an Easter Basket that won't throw your child or grandchild into a raging sugar high, consider a set of Lego fun with the Easter Egg Hunt.

Easter Egg Hunt Building Kit from LEGO

  

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Vegan Chocolate Bunny

Vegan chocolate bunny success!  

I wanted to review the "No Whey! Foods" chocolate bunny for vegans while there is still time for you to place an order and receive it by Easter.

Both my daughter and her husband are vegans.  Finding good chocolate items for them is quite difficult since they don't use any milk or dairy products. 

I wanted to send them a special Easter treat this year, so I went in search of a vegan chocolate bunny, which was my daughter's favorite Easter basket item when she was a child.  After checking several stores, I finally found one that had a lot of positive feedback.  I sent two chocolate bunnies to them.  

My daughter said these chocolate bunnies were fantastic, better than any she had ever had.  She promptly sent her dad a picture of the ears bitten off the bunny.  Biting the ears off their chocolate bunnies together was a father-daughter Easter tradition when she was a child.

I was so glad to find an Easter chocolate bunny made especially for vegans.  The chocolate bunny maker, No Whey Foods, has other vegan products too.  Now that we have discovered them, perhaps we will find more treats in their product line.

No Whey Foods Chocolate Bunny

I was searching for a chocolate bunny for vegans, but this product would appeal to others as well.

Vegan, Gluten Free "Jake" The Milkless Chocolate Easter Bunny | Allergy Friendly | Dairy Free, Nut Free, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free
• Vegan Friendly
• Kosher Friendly
• Dairy Free
  
• Tree Nut Free
• Peanut Free
• Gluten Free
• Soy Free

 

Ingredients 

• Vegan Cane Sugar
• Cocoa Butter 
• Cocoa Mass  (the whole cocoa bean ground into a liquid)
  
• Rice Syrup Powder  (sweetener that improves chewiness)
  
• Sunflower Lecithin (an emulsifier - prevents ingredient separation)
  
• Salt
• Vanilla
• Natural Flavor

Based on my daughter's opinion, I would highly recommend the No Whey! Foods chocolate bunny.

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Food Reviews

 

Vegan Chocolate Bunny by:

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The Crafty Month of March in Review

March is National Craft Month

March is 'National Craft Month', a month which also includes National Crochet Week. 

This is the perfect time to look at some handmade crafty creations, including DIY projects and tutorials, and read some articles about the art of crafting to get you in the mood for creating.

 

To Craft means to make or produce something skillfully.

Craft in Green for St. Patrick's Day

Crafting for holidays is quite often a popular endeavor.  Since the month of March includes the St. Patrick's Day holiday, crafters enjoy the opportunity to 'Craft in St. Patrick's Day Green'. 

St. Patrick's Day Octopus on eBay

Craft Ideas for National Craft Month

• If you check out the Craft Section here on Review This, you will find many articles with crafts to try for all the other holidays during the year from Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day and throughout the year right back to the Fall Holidays which begin with Halloween!

• Or try out one of these DIY Craft Books with projects and gift ideas for a large variety of holidays available on Amazon.

• A fun example is the one for the next nearest holiday – Easter.  DIY Projects & Gift Ideas for Easter is filled with amazingly easy guided gift ideas for beginners to the more experienced (with pictures!) and is available in Amazon's Kindle Store. 

Handmade gifts are such a joy to create, give and receive and this book will give you lots of crafty ideas.  There are homemade Easter crafts in the popular areas of Easter Eggs and Easter Bunnies and fun DIY Easter food, to name a few of the projects available in this book.

Time to Get Crafting...

Golden Bunny Girl on eBay

This sweet bunny girl in gold is all dressed up for Easter in a pretty dress. Bunny rabbit in crochet is hopping by to remind you that if you love to craft, but find life getting in the way and your crafting time getting put on a back-burner, circle the month of March on your calendar and use National Craft Month as a reminder to restore your creative self!  

Crochet crafter Wednesday Elf uses National Crochet Week in March as her reminder.

If you are a crafter and have a DIY tutorial to share with those of us who love hand-crafts, please feel free to share a link with us in the comments section. 
 

Wednesday Elf on Etsy
Follow Wednesday Elf on Twitter
Crochet Blog by Wednesday Elf

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Wicker Basket For Easter Reviewed

Useful After Easter

Wicker basket image courtesy of pixabay.com

Have you ever considered using a wicker basket that is not necessarily promoted to be used as an Easter Basket? Walking down any aisle of a store, we can see several options of baskets to be used on Easter morning. We can find them made in a variety of materials and most are extremely cute but will they last beyond a day or two?

I will admit that I have a penchant for baskets as a whole. I can't honestly say when my love for them began or even why. It might be from memories of my Grandmother using different baskets to complete chores with. She had a basket for gathering eggs, one for picking items from the garden, one for the apples and pears and a few others for specific duties around her home. All of those magnificent baskets were worn from use but sturdy and helpful to her.

It occurred to me the other day as I was looking at an option for baskets this year for my grandchildren that I really didn't want to give them one that was commercially produced for the occasion. I just realized that they looked as inexpensive as their price tags indicated. I would rather give them something that could be used again for another purpose. Perhaps something they could smile at one day when they remembered that Grandma gave them that basket.

I think I found a nice solution for this year. I like the idea that the basket I have chosen can be used to store items in if they want. I can picture my youngest using it to keep her crayons, markers and colored pencils in. My oldest could store her music CDs or other items in. I like this idea much better than a basket that will end up broken and in a landfill somewhere in the near future.

How about you? Would you rather place your Easter goodies in a wicker basket that can find multiple uses for after the holiday?

Oval Wicker Basket for Easter

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Celebrate Earth Month

It's springtime in April, the Earth's having a birthday. Clean up our environment, plant a tree. Make this world a better place for everybody.

Hello Friends of the Earth!

Welcome to April and the warming rays of the springtime season. Springtime is my favorite time of the year. The air is fresh, the birds are singing and the plants are sprouting new blossoms. As I finish the Spring Cleaning Challenge of the Century, I look forward to the clean and environmentally friendly events yet to come this month.

Showcase Your Best Upcycled and Recycled Easter Crafts

Easter brings a wealth of opportunities to celebrate the rejuvenation of the earth by reusing what we have to celebrate the holiday. The Recycler Network is hosting an Easter Crafters hashtag event. Do you have an upcycled and recycled Easter craft that you'd like to share with the world? It's easy to be seen.

To enter, you'll need a Twitter account (or a friend who Tweets). Just tweet your Easter craft along with the  hashtag, #EasterCrafts between 12 am Eastern time on Monday, April 14, and 11 pm on Friday, April 18. You'll find more information about the event at The Recycler Network News.


Find Creative Ways to Recycle Everyday Items

Springtime holidays and spring cleaning bring opportunities to reduce the clutter around the house. Before you throw your unwanted stuff into the garbage, Find Inspiration to Turn Trash into Treasure. I put together a list of books that will spark idea after idea to make something new out of something old. If you read one of the books on this list, I'd love to share your review.

BritFlorida was the first to tell us about her favorite recycled crafting book. She finds inspiration while browing the pages of Eco Craft. A book to inspire you to make recycled home decor items. This crafting book has some unique projects that you won't find any place else.

I hope you enjoyed today's recycling stories and found some inspiration to recycle more in your own every day life.

Until next time, be happy and be well!

The Recycler

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Recycler likes to have fun and wants you to have fun, too!

Let's get together and turn trash into treasure.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Join The Recycler Network

Ask questions. Share stories. Get inspired.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Posted by Coletta Teske

About This Contributor

Coletta Teske writes reviews on books, business management, writing, crafting, cooking, and gardening. She is also an avid recycler and shares her tips on recycling. She delights in upcycling an old object, recycling or transforming discarded items into a new treasure.

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Potato Salad Recipe - Uses for Dyed Easter Eggs Reviewed

I love potato salad.  It is one of my favorite side dishes, especially when served with sliced ham.  In fact, I will eat only the potato salad for lunch or dinner.

Because it is so easy to make, I like to use the dyed Easter eggs each year in potato salad.  Plain boiled eggs are likely to sit in our refrigerator and spoil before we eat them.  Therefore, I will make a potato salad with the eggs.  There is no reason to waste them.

While it might seem sad to crack and dispose of the beautifully dyed egg shells, I hate throwing the whole eggs away more several days later.  So, I use them. It is a win-win situation then.  We have the pleasure of dying the eggs, or watching the eggs being dyed, and then making a lovely side dish for Easter dinner with the eggs.

Potato salad is a dish my family has been making for my entire life, throughout several generations.  Both of my grandmothers made potato salad, but it was my own mother that taught me how to make it.  

I have found in cooking, everyone has their own little "signature tweek" to family recipes that sets them apart slightly from others.  One family member may add a touch of sugar, while another might use more or less of a specific ingredient.  What we all have in common with how we make potato salad, we all use boiled eggs and potatoes!

 

Potato Salad Recipe

I make a very basic potato salad recipe in our home.  Anyone that desires an additional ingredient can simply add it to their own individual serving. 

• 7 boiled red potatoes* (cooled)
• 8 hard boiled eggs (cooled)
• 2 Tablespoons Mustard
• 1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
• Salt & Pepper

Cut the potatoes and eggs into chucks.  Stir in the mustard, mayonnaise, salt & pepper.  Cover & Refrigerate 

*Boil red potatoes by covering the potatoes with water, bring it to a boil, then turning them down to a low boil and cook for 45 minutes.  You know they are done when a fork will go into them easily.

 

Optional Ingredients:  bacon pieces, diced celery, chopped dill pickles, sweet pickle relish, diced onion, or garlic salt.  

These are the optional ingredients I have heard of.  How about you?  Have you tried other optional ingredients that could be included in this list?

 

Deviled Eggs are another great use for dyed Easter Eggs.

 Click here to see my Recipe for Deviled Eggs.

 

See more recipes that use boiled eggs here:
Simple Egg Salad Recipe
Deviled Eggs Recipe
Taste of Home Magazine Recipes


Potato Salad Recipe - Uses for Dyed Easter Eggs Written by:

© 2023 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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A Funny Bunny Blooper Word Search Book to Add to An Easter Gift Basket

Hey there, fellow puzzle enthusiasts! If you're anything like me, you're always looking for something unique to add to your Easter baskets, or any gift basket, for that matter.

Check Out My Personally Created Word Search Book About Funny Bunny Bloopers:

"As the proud author of this word search book, it's got a seriously unique design and it's ideal for teens, adults, and even those brainiac kids. I had an absolute blast putting this together, aiming for something totally different that'll have you laughing out loud. Seriously, creating this humorous puzzle book was a ton of fun, and I can't wait for you to dive in and enjoy the ride."

I've Created This Bunny Blooper Word Search Book to Encourage Smiles, Laughs, and Relaxation

These pages contain a treasure trove of humor and brain-teasing challenges. 

From themes like "Bunny Apocalypse: When They Come for Your Carrots" to "Bunny Yoga: Finding Inner Peace Through Hoppiness," each puzzle is carefully crafted to tickle your funny bone while testing your word-finding skills.

My Twisted Bunny Blooper Humor - Here are Three More Examples of the Funny Puzzle Topics:

Here are a few examples of the type of word search puzzles inside this funny bunny blooper book:

* "Carrot Addiction: The Dark Side of Bunny Nutrition"

* "Whisker Whisperers: The Art of Bunny Gossip and Scandal-Mongering"

* "The Easter Bunny Quit: Now He Does This for a Living"

Available on Amazon

 Perfect for Unwinding and Relaxing

Whether unwinding after a long day or engaging in a friendly competition with loved ones, this book is the perfect companion. 

With its easy-to-read format and dedicated space to track your progress and compete against others, the fun never ends. Plus, it's designed for maximum enjoyment at 8.5" by 11" with one puzzle per page.

It's Funny, Can Be Played as a Game, and Offers Double The Solving Fun

Make this Easter season extra special by adding my unique word search book to your basket of goodies. I certainly appreciate it!

Whether you're a seasoned puzzle pro or just looking for a good laugh, this book promises hours of entertainment and joy. 

Grab your copy today, and hop into a world of laughter and delightful mindful distraction.

More Info Via My Website - StumpedBooks

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A Review of Greeting Cards for Pet Lovers

Unique Greeting Cards for People Who Love Their Pets

Baron, our Golden Retriever (c)

Express your love, happiness, good wishes and special thoughts through greeting cards with friends and family. Send or give them a card to wish them a Happy Birthday, acknowledge an Anniversary, send 'Get Well' wishes, or in recognition of a special event or holiday.

Christmas cards have been a traditional way of expressing the sentiments of the holiday season for many years. In fact, the first Christmas Card can be traced back to 1843. But greeting cards for Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's Day and more continue to be very popular. It's estimated that the average person sends 55 cards per year.  I send cards throughout the year to my smallest grandsons just because they love to get mail.

This page is filled with card designs that have a unique appeal for pet lovers. From humorous cats to sweet photos of darling puppies, all animal lovers and pet owners will enjoy receiving one of these. Browse through these selections that I found to be particularly special and see which is your favorite.

The Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever Dog Card Set

Because I once owned a Golden Retriever (Baron, shown in the introduction photo), I am naturally drawn to images of Goldens. This one of Murphy owned by professional pet photographer Karen Hoglund especially appealed to me.  And knowing how much most dogs love to chase squirrels, this scene of Murphy 'reading' a book about squirrels is most adorable. 

This photograph of Murphy is featured on a set of 4 birthday cards created by Karen.  The inside of the card says: 

"Squirrel! May all your birthday dreams and wishes come true."  

The set is available in her Etsy Shop known as Karen Hoglund Photography.

Karen says that "Being a pet photographer has brought together my interests and talents in a way I never imagined. As a fine art major in college, I learned about color and composition. I mastered design as an art director for advertising agencies. It was a happy day when I realized it was possible to combine my artistic side with my love of dogs!"  

In addition to featuring her pet photographs on greeting cards in her Etsy Shop, Karen also works as a pet photographer in the metro Denver area. Check out more pictures of "Murphy" and other dogs she has photographed at her Karen Hoglund Photography blog. 

The Boston Terrier

 

Chocolate Boston Greeting Card

This image of a beautiful Boston Terrier created by Whitney of Tulsa, OK  is on a precious greeting card perfect for any occasion! The card features a black-and-white Boston Terrier pup holding a heart-shaped chocolate in her paws. Cute phrase "I love you more than chocolate!" floats above. It's on a pretty mocha background.

Whitney on Etsy has a shop called African Grey Designs.  She carries a line of paper goods which feature beautiful colors and whimsical designs. Her illustrations are not Photo-shopped or filtered photographs - each one is hand-drawn by her with 100% love. Whitney's favorite subjects are dogs, cats, otters...basically anything cute and cuddly!

Abbi, a Boston Terrier Rescue Pup

This is the perfect greeting card for me to use for my brother & sister-in-law who are the owners of Abbi, the Boston Terrier shown here. My sister-in-law has a birthday on the 4th of July and now I know what card she would absolutely love. Her Abbi-girl is a joy to her.

Send a Card for Holidays, Special Events, Birthdays...

Greeting cards with pictures of dogs are perfect for friends and family who love their pets. Whether you are sending Christmas cards that reflect your favorite dog or finding a birthday card or other holiday card for that special someone, cards with darling puppies and dogs will be a big hit.  Check out boxed sets and single cards of your favorite breed of dog on Amazon. 

From Dogs to Cats...

Mama Cat & her Kitten (c) Kimberly Austin Daly*

*Cat drawing by my artist daughter Kimberly Austin Daly made as a personal greeting card for me.

Cards for Cat Owners...

 

A collection of cats (Bennie, Bacchus and Jack) enjoying a bit of catnip. 
Abbi, the household's Boston Terrier, is trying to figure out what the cats already know! :-)

Cats AND Dogs

Tallon Just to Say Large Square Note Cat/Dog Card (Box of 8)

Cute puppies or kittens in a set of 8 with two different designs in each set of eight (8) cards.  Blank inside for your own message, these cards are perfect for thank you notes, birthdays or for just  keeping in touch. Perfect cards to send to your friends who have both a cat and a dog. 

I like these for notes to my brother who has a Boston Terrier puppy and three cats (as shown in the picture above).

Black Cat All Occasion Card on Zazzle

Black Cat All Occasion Card

by forbes1954

This image of a black cat is a particular favorite of mine because it reminds me of my favorite black cat Spooky!

We Love Our Pets!

Yukari on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Whether you own a dog, or have a cat that owns you, these pet related greeting cards are fun to give and receive.  

Perhaps you don't have a cat or a dog, but instead have a bird, a horse, a gerbil or some other kind of pet animal. Or you are not a pet owner at all, but are a pet lover.  No one can resist such cute images of animals.

   

 

*PS: February 20 is "Love Your Pet Day"

April 11 is National Pet Day!

 

More Greeting Card Suggestions

Printable Greeting Cards

Susan Deppner has written a review about a wonderful source for printable greeting cards. These cards are available on Etsy. Quick downloadable files that you can print at home, ready to be delivered or mailed.

Thanksgiving Cards Show You Care
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of the year to show your appreciation and thankfulness to people who are special to you. Reviewed by Mary Beth Granger.

Do Not Toss Your Greeting Cards--Reuse Them!
Recycle your pretty greeting cards from Christmas or other times of the year into another greeting card. Cut off the front and paste it onto card stock or blank greeting cards. Make gift tags the same way. Tips & hints by Mickie_G.

Beautiful Easter Greeting Cards
Remember your far-away friends and family at Easter with a beautiful Easter card. Choose from cute or whimsical, or vintage cards that take us back in time. Or a special religious greeting card meant to remind us of the real meaning of Easter. Shared by Sylvestermouse.

© 2012 Wednesday-Elf. Updated 4/4/2024

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Tablescapes: Creating Beautiful Settings for Easter and Other Spring Celebrations

Spring is such a refreshing and vibrant season and what better way to celebrate it than by creating a stunning tablescape for Easter and other springtime events? With a few simple touches, you can make your guests feel warmly welcomed and surrounded by beauty.

Select Your Preferred Color Scheme for the Table Setting

To start off, it's important to choose your color scheme wisely. While pastels are a popular choice for Easter, you can also opt for bold and bright hues that capture the energy and vitality of spring. Think of blooming flowers and fresh leaves as inspiration for your color palette. Also, consider how your choice matches the room.

Table Linens - Which Colors and Styles Would Work Best For Your Space

Once you have your colors, you can select your table linens. A classic, crisp white tablecloth always works, but you can also experiment with patterned or textured fabrics to add depth and interest. Try using a table runner or placemats in a complementary color to create a layered effect.

Add a Beautiful Centerpiece

The next step is to add your centerpiece. For Easter, a lovely traditional floral arrangement is perfect. Consider including springtime blooms such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in a mix of pastel hues. You can also incorporate some greenery, like ferns or eucalyptus, to add texture and fullness.

Consider Accessories to Compliment the Table Setting

To add a personal touch to your tablescape, consider adding small details like place cards, napkin rings, or even decorative eggs. These little touches will make your guests feel extra special and bring even more charm to your setting.

Don't Forget About the Lighting

Lastly, lighting is important to keep in mind. Soft and warm lighting creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while brighter lighting adds energy and vibrancy. You could use candles or string lights to create a soft, warm glow that enhances the beauty of your table.

Creating a gorgeous spring tablescape is all about capturing the essence of the season and infusing your own personal style. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a setting that is both breathtaking and welcoming. Embrace the season of renewal and let your imagination run wild.

Here are several product ideas to help you get that decor thinking cap going!

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Imagine, Create, Inspire!

Today I'm going to talk about why it's so great to share your crafts for kids online, and the best ways to do it!

First off, crafting for little ones is so very important, because it encourages them to be creative and imaginative from an early age, makes for great messy play (also very important!) and can benefit them in a number of other ways, ranging from fine motor skills to learning counting, colours and shapes.

It can be hard to know where to start for new parents, so anything online that can help inspire moms and dads is a wonderful thing - it's where I started when I was a new mama! Reviews of books and kits, ideas for resource materials and basics, and step-by-step tutorials for different age groups are all so very helpful to your readers! And even when you're a crafting pro, fresh inspiration for your kids is always welcome, so any more complicated crafts and fabulous ideas you may have are perfect for young crafters as well!

Remember, everything that you do with your kids that makes them happy, could make other children happy too! Sharing resources with other parents means you are inspiring others to imagine and create their own crafts and fun ideas.

As the Little Crafty Kids Contributor, writing about kids crafts comes easy for me because, chances are, we'll be doing crafts weekly anyway, I'll be taking photos anyway, and I'll be wanting to share them online anyway! So it's really easy to find things to write about each week. Plus I love doing it, so hopefully that shows in the writing! Be inspired by the seasons, festivals and events, what you can find in your recycling bin, or the story you've been reading together at bedtime. What can you make today?

To write a great article or tutorial about what you're doing with your kids, make sure you take nice, clear photos of each step, as well as the finished result! It can help to have a not-too-cluttered background, but hey, this is parenting, so that's not essential! Take some colourful pictures of the materials you're using, too. Pictures of your children actually doing the crafts are fab, but if you prefer not to put pictures of them on the internet, then take back-of-head shots of them crafting, or shots of each stage on the tabletop. If you're a wiz in a photo editing program, then you could make a montage of some of the photos with a tagline like "How to make a Toy Oven out of an Old Box" or "10 Great Crafts to Make with Pine Cones"! You could use this as an intro photo and also to promote the article on social media, especially great for visual ones like Facebook and Pinterest.

Think about niches and keywords, and how to get traffic for different kinds of craft articles. Individual how-to's might not get many searches, especially if your tutorial is something unusual, but if you can slot it into a niche phrase that is searched for, then write a piece that incorporates it - for example, you might have a review of an Easter Make and Do book, a tutorial on how to make an Easter bonnet, and a how-to on different ways to dye and decorate eggs, and so on. Write a lens or blog post on "Fun Easter Activities for Preschoolers" or "Easy Easter Crafts for Toddlers" and link to each of your related articles!

How else can you help other moms and dads? Last time I talked about reviewing craft kits. Craft books are also great to review - most parents will want to buy at least one or two of these, but there are so many out there, a really good selection of reviews can help them choose. If you put effort into your reviews and really show your enthusiasm or passion for the book (along with things you've actually made) then your readers will turn into shoppers!

Share your thoughts on:

• The ease of instructions for each craft
• Age suitability
• How clear/inspiring/beautiful the photos are
• How many projects and ideas there are
• Levels of difficulty
• Do they work? Are they easy to make? Are there good challenges? 
• And most importantly - do your children enjoy making the projects? 

 I created a list of craft books suitable for under-fives here, which you can use as a starting point for writing a book review. There have been some fantastic reviews written by Squidoo'ers in the last few weeks, such as this review of Show Me a Story by MeltedRachel, which shows the passion she has for the book as well as lovely photos of how she used inspiration from it to make story mats and maps from her leftover textiles. Meanwhile, tonyleather shared this bumper binder of books for making things from household items, which gets his granddaughter in the creative mood! Finally, CorrinnaJohnson gives a great example of how to review a seasonal crafts book with her take on Valentine Things to Make and Do.

Of course, when it comes to crafts for little ones, you don't have to just stick to basic crafts - you could also come up with recipes and ideas for materials (home-made paint, play-dough and so on), crafts to create toys and other items (we've been making rainbow rice for sensory play, and we've saved an enormous cardboard box to make a rocket out of!), and crafts for grown-ups to make things for preschoolers. The sky is the limit when it comes to creativity!

Next time I'll be looking at making recycled crafts from household items. Happy crafting!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Food Storage With Egg Holder Trays Reviewed

Convenient Food Storage Especially For Eggs

Need a place for your Easter Eggs?

With Easter rapidly approaching it might be time to think of food storage ideas that will accommodate those colored eggs you will have around after the "hunt" takes place. Eggs are not the easiest to store with their rolling tendencies. Know what I mean? 

One of the things that I like to do with those eggs that the kids find is to make deviled eggs with several of them. That requires a special kind of storage, too. I have a solution for those storage needs whether it is at Easter time or any time that you have hard boiled eggs or deviled eggs to store in the refrigerator. These little storage units are also useful for other types of foods but I particularly love them for storing my eggs.

Let's see what you think:

Egg and Food Storage

There are actually two layers for storing your eggs in! One layer sits comfortably on top of the other and then sit nicely on your refrigerator shelf. So, it acts as a space saver, too. That is really convenient when it is family dinner time and there is a lot of food to be stored.

What I love is that I have options. If I want to store hard boiled eggs to use later for egg salad or a different recipe these storage units work. I can also make my deviled eggs and store them until they are ready to be served. Either way the eggs are safely on the shelf and not taking up a whole lot of room in the fridge.

I've used this little two layered unit for transporting cupcakes too. It just comes in real handy when I have some taller foods that I don't want to get squished during transport. The other nice thing is that when I am not using these little containers in the refrigerator, they do not take up much room on my cabinet shelves.

I love my food storage containers with the egg trays and use them often. They make a great gift for a bridal shower or a house warming gift, too. How about you? Do you think you would use food storage with egg trays much?

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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