Best Easter Baskets and Fillings from Amazon

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Easter is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. 

Eggs and Chicks are associated with Easter. In Europe, people decorate houses with colorful eggs. Bunnies and Rabbits got associated with Easter, as most of these animals give birth to new babies in Spring. 

As per AI,

The tradition of Easter egg hunts has roots in pre-Christian societies, where eggs were associated with spring and new life. Early Christians adopted these beliefs, making the egg a symbol of the resurrection and the empty shell a metaphor for Jesus' tomb.

If you have kids, you might be attending egg hunts organized in your local communities. Here are a few good props to prepare for the Easter events. 

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Here are some of the best Amazon deals for Easter:

Baskets and Fillings:

Love this simple bag for Egg hunting

2 pc Easter Bamboo basket

Cute basket for kids

Bunny Gift treat boxes

Fillable colorful Easter Eggs

Easter Basket Fillers

Bunny Ear Headbands

Hershey's Mini Bunny shaped chocolates

Reversible Strawberry Bunny Stuffie

Bunny Rabbit Stuffed Animal

Easter Eggs with Keychains

Squishy toys as Easter Basket stuffers

Easter Fidget Sensory Toys

LipSmacker bunny Rabbit

Hope you liked these Easter themed products and deals from Amazon!

Until next time,

 

Everything you need to know about Total Solar Eclipse on Apr 8th, 2024

 Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

What is Solar Eclipse?

Solar eclipse happens when moon's orbit comes in between the Earth and the Sun. But, how the moon with its small size covers the big Sun? The Sun's diameter is 400 times larger than moon's, and an interesting point is the Sun is 400 times farther from the Earth. That's how on an Annual Solar Eclipse, they both appear to be of same size in the sky.

We get Annular Solar Eclipse when the moon comes between the Sun and the Earth. 

Image by Dave Davidson from Pixabay

What's special about Total Solar Eclipse on Apr 8th, 2024?

At this time, when moon is closer to the Earth, it appears large enough to completely block the Sun bringing a total darkness during Eclipse.

How it appears in Central Texas?

This year, Central Texas is in the path of totality, especially places like Waco, Fredericksburg will have total darkness for 4.5 mins. Whereas, Austin locals can experience total darkness for around 1 min 40 secs.

When Sun is completely blocked by Moon, temperature drops, sky becomes complete dark like it's night.

The Path of Totality is the path of moon's shadow across the Earth's surface.

Totality in Austin begins at: 1.36 Pm on Apr 8th, 2024.

The Eclipse will begin in Texas at 1.27 pm CST and end in Maine at 3.35 PM EST.

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How to Safely view the Solar Eclipse?

Watching the Sun directly during the Solar Eclipse is very dangerous for our vision. Normal Sun glasses are not enough. You need safe Solar Eclipse viewing glasses to watch the phenomena.

Another thing to pray for is the clear skies on that day. So, watch out for weather reports :-)

How Rare is the Event?

The last total Solar Eclipse happened in 2017 in USA and next visible Total Solar Eclipse to cross over to USA will come on Aug 23, 2044, according to NASA. But, 2044 one passes through Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

There will be one more in 2045 which will be accessible from California, Florida and Nevada.

So, for Texas people, this is as close as it gets in near future. :-)

So, 20 or more years for the similar event. 

If you are not in the Path of Totality or not in a position to enjoy this event safely, there is a live stream that you can watch.

What to expect during Solar Eclipse?

Initially when Moon doesn't fully cover the Sun, the Sun appears to have Crescent shape.

Image by Chris Reich from Pixabay

Shadow bands are rapidly moving dark bands separated by white spaces. They can be seen on the grounds or buildings just before and after totality.

When Moon is blocking the Sun, there will be light shining through the edges, which are called Bailey's Beads.

The most interesting of the whole event is this phase of Diamond Ring where light shines from one point like a ring on a finger.

Image by AstroGraphix_Visuals from Pixabay

Next is totality. Yay! Complete darkness in the mid of the day. We might be able to see bright stars in the sky at this point. It will be eerily silent and the air temperatures drop.

Then, gradually the brightening starts. We see Diamond ring, Bailey's beads and Shadow bands again until the entire Sun is visible.

Let's watch this once in a lifetime event safely. Here is the link to buy a 5 pack Solar Eclipse viewing glasses on Amazon to watch with family. 

Until next time,

5 Reasons to visit Daingerfield State Park in Texas

Daingerfield State Park

This 501-acre park in East Texas has clear water from spring-fed lake. The location seems to be remote but more than 75,000 people visit this park every year. This is located near Texarkhana in Morris county, Texas.

If you love a quiet place beside the lake, hiking trails, clear water, wild life and bird watching, you will love this place.

We have covered this park as part of our trip to Caddo Lake state park and Talimena Scenic drive. 

Park Address:

455 Park Road 17 Daingerfield, TX 75638


(903) 645-2921

Hours:

Open 7 days a week year-around

Admission:

$4 daily

Children 14 and under free

https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanzim/25049645188

Here are 6 wonderful reasons to visit Daingerfield State Park:

1. Cabins

Who doesn't love to stay in historic cabins by the lake and enjoy fishing on a weekend?

These historic cabins even have AC, fridge, bathroom and kitchen. So, just remember this place if you want to lose yourself in pine wood forest for a weekend.

There are also campsites, and picnic tables.

2. Hiking

With 2 kids we always look for options to hike and get some family time on vacations. 

The hiking trails can take us through pinewoods, and dogwoods. There are 2 trails - 2.4 miles Rustling leaves trail is moderate and the most popular. It might take around 2 hrs to complete the hike. 

1.2 miles Mountain view trail is challenging and take you to the highest spot in the area with a good view of pine covered bluffs.

Little Pine interpretive center, Scenic view , Bridge and CCC dam are some of the interesting spots on trails.

3. Boating, Paddling

There are many paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, kayaks and flat-bottom boats for rent on the lake. Paddles and lifejackets included. Rentals are available whole year around.

The water is very clear and boating on the lake is wonderful.

4. Fishing

We haven't learned to fish yet, but this park is a great place for fishing. You can fish crappie, bass, catfish, perch or chain pickerel. The park has a fishing pier.

No fishing license needed to fish here!

5. Area Attractions

Caddo Lake state park is around 50 mins and is an interesting place to watch bald cypress trees and trees adorned with Spanish moss which add to the mystic beauty. Jefferson is a historic town also popular for their haunted tours.

Tyler state park is around 1 hr 15 mins and the drive is scenic with shaded 100 foot pine trees. 

We spent around 3 hrs in the park. We loved the lake, the water was clear and the fall colors were amazing. We visited the park around second week of November, still a few fall colors retained.

We hiked the rustling leaves trail, walked near the fishing pier and spent some time watching the fall colors and the scenic lake.

So, that's it about our trip to Daingerfield State Park. 

Until next time,

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Travel the Continents and Be Back Before Bed by Robert McFadden III - Book Blitz

 

 

 

Children’s Book

Date Published: February 2021

 

 

Are you looking for the best read-aloud book for early readers or just  an adventurous bedtime story to inspire and help the young, inquisitive  minds of kids develop their knowledge and imagination?

Get ready for an exciting journey with this brightly illustrated and  artistic adventure for readers. The author takes the kids on a fantastic  journey across continents with this soothing bedtime narrative.

In this insightful children's book, rendered in basic vocabulary for  easy reading, kids will learn about fascinating wild animals from  different parts of the world. From the giant elephants of Africa to the  playful pandas of Asia- you’ve got a relaxing sleep aid for those  fun-seeking kids.

With colorful illustrations and interesting facts, “Travel the  Continents and Be Back Before Bed" is the perfect children's book for  bedtime reading.

Join us on a fantastic adventure as we travel the continents and meet  fascinating animals. From the giant Elephants of Africa to the playful

pandas of Asia, this book will take you on a journey like no other.  Packed with colorful illustrations and fun facts, it's the perfect  bedtime read for young explorers. So grab your passport and get ready to  go on a wild adventure - and be back before bed!

 

About the Author

Robert McFadden III discovered his passion for writing for kids when his first son was born. As he began sharing joyful stories with his kid to make his growing family happy, little did Robert know that a journey into writing delightful children's books had started.

Simultaneously managing the tasking reality of parenthood and being in graduate school, Robert suddenly found solace in crafting imaginative tales instead of tackling homework.

The desire to make Children happy is his newfound joy, and he cherishes every opportunity to create heartwarming adventures that will inspire kids and bring smiles to their faces.

A loving husband and father of two fantastic boys, what Robert started as a pastime soon blossomed into a fulfilling creative adventure.

Purchase Link

Amazon

Until next time,