Hello all! My name is Donna, and my crew and I are looking forward to helping out here at Sara's Toy Box with reviews and fun -- I have four little girls who are all curious and creative ladies.
Recently we had the pleasure to review the Space Exploration Kit ($31.40) from Thames and Kosmos that was sent to us from Toys and Games Online
As a homeschooling family we're always on the look out for interesting, fun and easily accessible science kits that are also reasonably priced! The prices at Toys and Games Online for this science kit were similar to what I'd found elsewhere.
We are already familiar with the brand Thames and Kosmos and their science kits because we ordered their Chem 2000 kit for our oldest daughter's chemistry lab this year. She's starting 6th grade and she needed some serious science – that science kit is going to work out GREAT for her and for her sisters as they get older. I can tell already that it's well worth it.
The Space Exploration Kit is recommended for kids aged 8 and up.
We had to do this review over the course of a few days because there are just SO many things to do in this kit. There's still more we need to cover, but we're going to have to wait until it gets dark earlier so we can see some stars before bedtime!
Today you'll get to meet my twin daughters ... they are goofy 8 year olds who aspire to be on Mythbusters when they grow up ... Rachel and Mara -- this was their favorite constellation they learned about ... Gemini, the twins.
We began our cool science kit by reading some directions. They're rather easy to follow but there are a number experiments that require adult supervision. And, if left to their own devices my girls might not actually learn WHY something happens; it's all the better if I'm there to get them to listen to an explanation as well.
We put together a simple telescope and tried it out – learned about how the lenses work …
Then we put together a pretty nifty model of the solar system that now hangs in the girls' room below the ceiling that already had glow in the dark stars all over it … We talked about the phases of the moon and watched it changed in by putting together a little flip book.
A few days later we got some free time to open up the kit again, this time we got to learn about rockets, which I couldn't get a good picture of – that little thing really took off! The girls also loved being able to go check the time on the sundial and learn about some constellations – we've hung the pictures of them in their window and they're hoping when they can have a nice starry night they can find some constellations all on their own!
Want to go back to school with your own space exploration kit? Sara's Toy Box is giving away a $40 gift card to Toys and Games Online. To enter, go to their website and pick which awesome educational games or educational toys you'd get for the little scholar in your life. Then come back here and tell us what you would pick and why; add some contact info in your comment and we'll choose a winner next week! If posting your contact info makes you uncomfortable, you can also enter by sending us an email or a message on Facebook.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Science Kit Review and Giveaway from Toys and Games Online
Monday, August 30, 2010
A new coupon code from Down To Earth Toys
Free shipping on natural toys and toys made in the USA from Down to Earth Toys. Just use coupon code "SARA" through September 30, 2010 on orders over $25.
Check out the new arrivals. Down to Earth has some great European toys, including pots and pans from Portugal,and child-size garden tools from Hungary.
Aluminum pot with lid ($17.95)
Child-sized garden tools ($14.50)
Check out the new arrivals. Down to Earth has some great European toys, including pots and pans from Portugal,and child-size garden tools from Hungary.
Aluminum pot with lid ($17.95)
Happy Birthday to Arielle
Did you notice our new bird wallpaper? That was in celebration of Arielle's 6th birthday. Arielle had a bird themed, birthday party and I thought I'd share some pictures for those looking for eco-friendly party ideas and kids activities.
First we built bird houses. These bird houses are made by GreenBird out of recycled paper. They are easy to assemble and last from spring to fall. Small birds like wrens, nuthatches, tufted titmouses and Carolina chickadees will build nests in the houses. The houses are $12.99 each or $66 for twelve - the bulk savings made them a reasonably priced party activity.
We did need adults to assemble the houses, but then the kids got to go all out ith painting them. Green Bird sells eco-friendly milk paint, but I didn't realize it had to be pre-mixed so we used regular poster paints.
After the bird houses, we planted bird flowers. The Echinacea (Cone Flower) seeds were also from GreenBird. They come in a six inch seed pie which can be cut into smaller pieces. You just fill the pot with dirt, put in a piece of seed pie and gently cover it with more dirt. Then water and wait for it to grow.
Then we decorated the pots with stickers. The party was a few weeks ago and we now have little sprouts.
Of course, there was a lot of running around, playing dress-up, checking out the play food in our toy kitchen and a fun game of pin-the-beak-on-the-cockatoo. Everyone got prizes.
Then snacks and cake. Arielle and Linnea made bird's nest cookies to fit in with bird theme.
A pink roses, butterflies and birds cake:
Arielle loved it. She claimed it was the best birthday ever!
Our friends went home with bird houses, flower pots and a bag of bird seed.
The party bird stickers are from Kristin Sanchez on Etsy.
Happy 6th Birthday, Arielle.
First we built bird houses. These bird houses are made by GreenBird out of recycled paper. They are easy to assemble and last from spring to fall. Small birds like wrens, nuthatches, tufted titmouses and Carolina chickadees will build nests in the houses. The houses are $12.99 each or $66 for twelve - the bulk savings made them a reasonably priced party activity.
We did need adults to assemble the houses, but then the kids got to go all out ith painting them. Green Bird sells eco-friendly milk paint, but I didn't realize it had to be pre-mixed so we used regular poster paints.
After the bird houses, we planted bird flowers. The Echinacea (Cone Flower) seeds were also from GreenBird. They come in a six inch seed pie which can be cut into smaller pieces. You just fill the pot with dirt, put in a piece of seed pie and gently cover it with more dirt. Then water and wait for it to grow.
Then we decorated the pots with stickers. The party was a few weeks ago and we now have little sprouts.
Of course, there was a lot of running around, playing dress-up, checking out the play food in our toy kitchen and a fun game of pin-the-beak-on-the-cockatoo. Everyone got prizes.
Then snacks and cake. Arielle and Linnea made bird's nest cookies to fit in with bird theme.
A pink roses, butterflies and birds cake:
Arielle loved it. She claimed it was the best birthday ever!
Our friends went home with bird houses, flower pots and a bag of bird seed.
The party bird stickers are from Kristin Sanchez on Etsy.
Happy 6th Birthday, Arielle.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Coming up soon -
I think I mentioned that CSN stores have asked us to be regular bloggers. CSN is a group of online stores that sells everything from table lamps to cribs. But, we like Toys and Games Online and right now they have 20% off educational toys, arts and crafts (code is "back2schooltoys". So check them out.
And, we'll be bringing good toy reviews and giveaways soon.
And, we'll be bringing good toy reviews and giveaways soon.
Boom Boom Cards at Giving Gifts
Arielle and Linnea have been learning about good deeds. They play a game called "Fairy" with their big sister. At first, the fairy just granted wishes. But, some little girls were getting greedy and making a lot of wishes. So the fairy said, "You must do three good deeds first."
"What's a good deed?", they asked.
The Boom Boom cards from Giving Gifts arrived just in time. What are Boom Boom cards?
Boom Boom Cards Original Deck ($12.00)
Boom Boom cards are a deck of 26 cards. Each card is printed with an act of kindness. You do the act of kindness, log it on the website and pass the card on to a friend.
The girls were very excited to do the good deed. Arielle read the card.
Our first good deed was "Plant a seed!" This was easy because we had cone-flower seeds left over from Arielle's birthday party (more about that in a few days). Cone flowers or Echinacea are especially Earth-friendly because they provide food for birds and butterflies.
The seeds are from Green Bird.
Then we decorated the pots with stickers. Not so Earth-friendly, but fun.
After we did our good deed, I went to BoomBoomCards.com and registered our deck. When you register, you can choose a charity that will receive a donation. We chose NatureBridge, a non-profit organization that helps students connect with nature through activities in outdoor classrooms.
I wrote about our activity and posted the picture. Now, I'm sending the card to Eleanor who will write about her family's experience.
The next card says make a card for someone who lives far away. Good idea. The girls can't wait.
Giving Gifts is a Canadian company that sells eco-friendly and fair trade toys and gifts that are good for both the recipient and the environment.
In addition to the Boom Boom Cards Family Edition ( $16.00) that we used, they sell beautiful Blabla bird rattles ($30.00), natural art products, Envirosax (cool Sesame Street ones), lunch boxes and other treats.
Giving Gifts has offered our readers ten percent off all purchases. The code is "Sara10." That's another good deed.
"What's a good deed?", they asked.
The Boom Boom cards from Giving Gifts arrived just in time. What are Boom Boom cards?
Boom Boom Cards Original Deck ($12.00)
Boom Boom cards are a deck of 26 cards. Each card is printed with an act of kindness. You do the act of kindness, log it on the website and pass the card on to a friend.
The girls were very excited to do the good deed. Arielle read the card.
Our first good deed was "Plant a seed!" This was easy because we had cone-flower seeds left over from Arielle's birthday party (more about that in a few days). Cone flowers or Echinacea are especially Earth-friendly because they provide food for birds and butterflies.
The seeds are from Green Bird.
Then we decorated the pots with stickers. Not so Earth-friendly, but fun.
After we did our good deed, I went to BoomBoomCards.com and registered our deck. When you register, you can choose a charity that will receive a donation. We chose NatureBridge, a non-profit organization that helps students connect with nature through activities in outdoor classrooms.
I wrote about our activity and posted the picture. Now, I'm sending the card to Eleanor who will write about her family's experience.
The next card says make a card for someone who lives far away. Good idea. The girls can't wait.
Giving Gifts is a Canadian company that sells eco-friendly and fair trade toys and gifts that are good for both the recipient and the environment.
In addition to the Boom Boom Cards Family Edition ( $16.00) that we used, they sell beautiful Blabla bird rattles ($30.00), natural art products, Envirosax (cool Sesame Street ones), lunch boxes and other treats.
Giving Gifts has offered our readers ten percent off all purchases. The code is "Sara10." That's another good deed.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
The Winner Is.........
Congratulations Betsy, the winner of the $25 gift card to Franklin Goose.
Betsy likes the all-natural art supplies from Clementine Art. We do, too.
Thank you, Franklin Goose.
Betsy likes the all-natural art supplies from Clementine Art. We do, too.
Thank you, Franklin Goose.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Duck... duck... no, it's Franklin Goose
Franklin Goose is a company that is devoted to selling safe, organic and natural products for babies, children and families. They sent us an organic, stuffed Franklin Goose doll ($35) to review.
Linnea saw Franklin and yelled "Mine!!!!"; she grabbed him and ran away. I then spent weeks looking for Franklin, so I could write the review. He is one busy goose with hardly a moment to answer questions. But, eventually I pinned him down.
- So Franklin, how have you been?
"Well, I'm always traveling.
I love to explore and recently I had a chance to visit the Virginia countryside.
And, check out the wild flora. Mmmm... the flowers are tasty.
It is very hard to find time for an interview.
With hardly a moment to rest...
...before I'm on the go again."
In addition to extensive traveling, cuddling and flower tasting, Franklin is Franklin Goose's spokes-goose. Franklin Goose offers natural, organic, and chemical safe toys for your baby and child. Their toys are natural, organic, or made of recycled materials. Paint is lead free. And they carry no electronic or synthetic toys. Franklin is a good example and he works hard to live up to their ideals. Franklin is made in New York by Ecoleeko out of organic cotton sherpa, hand-dyed bamboo fleece, bamboo yarn, and kapok fiber filling. He is sewn with organic thread, and is machine washable on the delicate cycle.
Franklin is the perfect size for a car pillow, throwing at your sister, and of course a good game of Duck, Duck, Goose!
And, Franklin asked me to tell you about our new giveaway. One reader will win a $25 gift certificate to the Franklin Goose website. To enter, visit Franklin Goose, take a look and their awesome collection of toys and baby care products and then come back here and tell us how you would spend the gift certificate. Just post a comment with some sort of contact information at the end of this blog post. Franklin will draw the name of the winner on August 10.
Linnea saw Franklin and yelled "Mine!!!!"; she grabbed him and ran away. I then spent weeks looking for Franklin, so I could write the review. He is one busy goose with hardly a moment to answer questions. But, eventually I pinned him down.
- So Franklin, how have you been?
"Well, I'm always traveling.
I love to explore and recently I had a chance to visit the Virginia countryside.
And, check out the wild flora. Mmmm... the flowers are tasty.
It is very hard to find time for an interview.
With hardly a moment to rest...
...before I'm on the go again."
In addition to extensive traveling, cuddling and flower tasting, Franklin is Franklin Goose's spokes-goose. Franklin Goose offers natural, organic, and chemical safe toys for your baby and child. Their toys are natural, organic, or made of recycled materials. Paint is lead free. And they carry no electronic or synthetic toys. Franklin is a good example and he works hard to live up to their ideals. Franklin is made in New York by Ecoleeko out of organic cotton sherpa, hand-dyed bamboo fleece, bamboo yarn, and kapok fiber filling. He is sewn with organic thread, and is machine washable on the delicate cycle.
Franklin is the perfect size for a car pillow, throwing at your sister, and of course a good game of Duck, Duck, Goose!
And, Franklin asked me to tell you about our new giveaway. One reader will win a $25 gift certificate to the Franklin Goose website. To enter, visit Franklin Goose, take a look and their awesome collection of toys and baby care products and then come back here and tell us how you would spend the gift certificate. Just post a comment with some sort of contact information at the end of this blog post. Franklin will draw the name of the winner on August 10.
Friday, July 2, 2010
I'm back!
We moved and we're finally settled in our new home on the outskirts of Washington D.C. It's a big adventure after six years of living in a northern farming community.
New Playroom
The new house has a great play space. The basement family room is large enough that we could divide it into TV space for big kids and play space for little kids.
Lots of Trofast storage furniture from IKEA means we can store all the toys. And, the little alcove outside the laundry room makes a great play kitchen.
My home office is behind the white doors.
Best of all, the playroom opens up to an awesome back yard. Arielle has been looking for fairies.
Other big news:
Arielle started kindergarten. I'm working almost full time now and I can't really do justice to home schooling. The local schools are excellent, so Arielle attended the last two and a half weeks of kindergarten.
She loved it!
She also lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy brought shiny silver dollars and a great book about tooth traditions all over the world. The book is available on Amazon.
New Playroom
The new house has a great play space. The basement family room is large enough that we could divide it into TV space for big kids and play space for little kids.
Lots of Trofast storage furniture from IKEA means we can store all the toys. And, the little alcove outside the laundry room makes a great play kitchen.
My home office is behind the white doors.
Best of all, the playroom opens up to an awesome back yard. Arielle has been looking for fairies.
Other big news:
Arielle started kindergarten. I'm working almost full time now and I can't really do justice to home schooling. The local schools are excellent, so Arielle attended the last two and a half weeks of kindergarten.
She loved it!
She also lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy brought shiny silver dollars and a great book about tooth traditions all over the world. The book is available on Amazon.
We have ballet and swim lessons coming up this month. I recently read that swimming lessons are the best way to protect your children from drowning. Grandma has a pool and lives near the beach, so swimming lessons here we come.
Coming up on the blog:
Toys and Games Online has asked us to do monthly reviews or giveaways in exchange for a little advertising. I'll be posting more about that this weekend.
An organic Franklin doll just arrived from Franklin Goose. We'll be doing a giveaway as well :0)
Check out the eco-friendly toys at Down to Earth Toys . Most of the toys are made in the U.S.A., but there's a brand new selection of European toys, including some realistic cookware. Like us, our friend Carrin is very concerned about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. So, Down to Earth Toys is donating a percentage of every purchase to help with clean up efforts. There's a lot of wildlife at risk.
And, a store review and coupon code are coming soon from our new Canadian friends at Giving Gifts. Giving Gifts offers a variety of eco-friendly products for families.
And lots more.
Thank you for hanging in there and I appreciate all the supportive emails.
Coming up on the blog:
Toys and Games Online has asked us to do monthly reviews or giveaways in exchange for a little advertising. I'll be posting more about that this weekend.
An organic Franklin doll just arrived from Franklin Goose. We'll be doing a giveaway as well :0)
Check out the eco-friendly toys at Down to Earth Toys . Most of the toys are made in the U.S.A., but there's a brand new selection of European toys, including some realistic cookware. Like us, our friend Carrin is very concerned about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. So, Down to Earth Toys is donating a percentage of every purchase to help with clean up efforts. There's a lot of wildlife at risk.
And, a store review and coupon code are coming soon from our new Canadian friends at Giving Gifts. Giving Gifts offers a variety of eco-friendly products for families.
And lots more.
Thank you for hanging in there and I appreciate all the supportive emails.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
A Shield, Sword and Sheath Make Jack a Happy Boy
I had to do some soul-searching this birthday season. We are a family who does not allow gun play, who do not watch violent or cruel movies who take spiders out of the house in jars. However, this year I had to come to terms with the fact that Jackson's active imagination often takes him to a land of dragons. To caves filled with trolls and towers with fair princesses to be rescued. What is a mama to do? Well this mama decided that if Sir Hits Things With Sticks A Lot was going to continue living up to his name he should have a proper stick. And not just a stick; a handmade, utterly beautiful sustainable set of knight's gear.
Enter BirchLeaf Designs.
BirchLeaf Designs is more than a shop on Etsy. The owners of the shop are true artisans. On top of their extensive artistic talents they are truly dedicated to a sustainable lifestyle. Wendy and Mojo are raising their beautiful family in Northern Michigan off the grid. Their profile makes me sigh. This bit in particular:
"We live, work, home school, create, love and play nestled amongst the Hemlocks."
To say that I am enamored by both the dagger set and the BirchLeaf Designs family would be an understatement. Wendy was a dream to work with. Kind, understanding and dedicated to both her customers and her work.
But I could go on forever. Instead I will go on while showing you exactly what I am talking about.
Wendy was kind enough to include a little surprise- this beautiful hand-dyed play silk. I felt it would be the perfect wrapping for the dagger set. Indeed, the silk was lovely:
Though this picture shows Jackson in a serious mood he was thrilled and thoroughly surprised to see what we had gotten for him. "Now I can tame and defeat dragons with a real sword!" Of course we talked about never hitting anything alive and that if the dragons could be brought home, fed and trained that would be ideal.
Sir Hits Things With Sticks A Lot was quickly re-knighted Sir Hunter of the Deep Woods. After the brief ceremony it was time for his first quest:
The dagger is just beautiful. This is a toy that can and will be handed down, a true heirloom quality piece.
Of course we couldn't go long without that old sword through the head joke!
Sir Hunter of the Deep Woods had to take a brief rest. Dragon hunting is hard work, no doubt. This picture gives you a good idea as to the scale and look of the wooden shield and dagger. Again, amazing quality from talented artisans.
Since then Jackson and his dagger have been on many a quest. Just the other day they worked together to capture the elusive Three Headed Dragon from the Deepest Darkest Jungle. I look forward to watching their many more adventures and stretches of the imagination. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the dragon trainer or slayer in your life I highly recommend these tools of the trade. Made it the USA without the use of toxic chemicals, glues or varnishes this set is a testament to the beauty and safety of handmade toys.
A beautiful set of playsilks. $10 each and well worth it.
Set of four playclips. $26
Hand-carved wooden rice paddle. Simple and perfect. $18
Waldorf-inspired paint holders. These are a Sara favorite. $25
Wendy has been kind enough to offer our readers a coupon. The coupon is good for 10% off your purchase. Just convo Wendy and let her know that you saw her review on Sara's Toy Box. The coupon will be good for two weeks so HURRY!
Please visit BirchLeaf Designs and know that any purchase made in their shop will support an incredible family. Go handmade toys! Go Birch Leaf Designs!
You can also follow Birch Leaf Designs on their new blog by clicking here.
Of course we couldn't go long without that old sword through the head joke!
Sir Hunter of the Deep Woods had to take a brief rest. Dragon hunting is hard work, no doubt. This picture gives you a good idea as to the scale and look of the wooden shield and dagger. Again, amazing quality from talented artisans.
Since then Jackson and his dagger have been on many a quest. Just the other day they worked together to capture the elusive Three Headed Dragon from the Deepest Darkest Jungle. I look forward to watching their many more adventures and stretches of the imagination. If you are looking for the perfect gift for the dragon trainer or slayer in your life I highly recommend these tools of the trade. Made it the USA without the use of toxic chemicals, glues or varnishes this set is a testament to the beauty and safety of handmade toys.
Please visit their site to view all of their items. Here are a few of my favorite things:
A beautiful set of playsilks. $10 each and well worth it.
Set of four playclips. $26
Hand-carved wooden rice paddle. Simple and perfect. $18Waldorf-inspired paint holders. These are a Sara favorite. $25
Wendy has been kind enough to offer our readers a coupon. The coupon is good for 10% off your purchase. Just convo Wendy and let her know that you saw her review on Sara's Toy Box. The coupon will be good for two weeks so HURRY!
Please visit BirchLeaf Designs and know that any purchase made in their shop will support an incredible family. Go handmade toys! Go Birch Leaf Designs!
You can also follow Birch Leaf Designs on their new blog by clicking here.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Free game at Nico and Zoe
Earthday is over, but Nico & Zoe are still celebrating. Spend $25 and get a free Plan Toys recycling game;spend $50, and get a Recycling Game and a HUGE Plan Toys reusable bag.
Pamela says the game is simple, but really cool. They opened one up and sevden-year-old Zoe had to put it together and play it at least 5 times!
Nico & Zoe offers a selection of handmade toys, European toys and toys made in the U.S.A.. They have a great selection of toys under $10 and toys under $20.
I'm looking for travel toys right now, so I like this:
Zoe's Baby Magnetic Doll Set ($12.00)
I imagine it would keep little girls busy in the car. I also found harmonicas and lacing shapes.
Pamela says the game is simple, but really cool. They opened one up and sevden-year-old Zoe had to put it together and play it at least 5 times!
Nico & Zoe offers a selection of handmade toys, European toys and toys made in the U.S.A.. They have a great selection of toys under $10 and toys under $20.
I'm looking for travel toys right now, so I like this:
Zoe's Baby Magnetic Doll Set ($12.00)
I imagine it would keep little girls busy in the car. I also found harmonicas and lacing shapes.
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