Reading Eggs ~ TOS Review

Reading Eggs is a web-based reading program focused on teaching and improving reading skills for children ages 3-14. There are two parts to the program; Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress.  Reading Eggs is geared toward children ages 3-7, while Reading Eggpress is for the more advanced readers, ages 7-13.  Since my youngest daughter is at the end of the Reading Eggpress age range, I chose to place her directly into Reading Eggspress.

Reading Eggspress is jam packed with multiple online reading games, 200 comprehensive lessons, 600 e-books, and many more fun activities. To reward their progress golden eggs are rewarded which can be redeemed for different games, animals, and more.

Through individual one-on-one lessons the child progresses at their own rate.

Via the Floating Island your child can visit the Comprehensive Gym, Apartment and Mall, Library, and Stadium.

In the Comprehension Gym the child can play the daily game and complete the placement test. The placement test is one of the first things the child will do. The placement test will determine what reading level the child should choose the books from.

The Apartment is where they create and design their avatar and the different rooms in their home; bedroom, living room, etc.

The Mall is where they can purchase clothing, pets, games, and items for their apartment.

In the Stadium the can play games either against the computer or other people. 

 Lastly, in the Library they can choose and read from an array of different books.  The books are divided categories, book of the day, science, space, plants, animals, earth science, art, sci-fi, myths, ocean, adventure, comedy, and fantasy. Once the child chooses a genre they can narrow their search down to author, fiction, non-fiction or series.    

When I first looked over Reading Eggs I thought my daughter would think the site was too babyish, but over all she enjoyed it.  Most of all, she enjoyed having so many books to choose from and earning golden eggs to spend in the mall.

There are a few different subscription options available ~

Monthly: $9.95 – Allows you the flexibility of cancelling your subscription at any time. “Please Note: Refunds are not available for recurring monthly subscriptions. If you choose to cancel, you must do so 7 days prior to your renewal date to avoid additional costs.”

6 Months: $49.95 – A special family discount - add a second or third child at the same time and receive 50% off their subscription price.

12 Months: $75.00 – This option gives your child access to all parts of the growing Reading Eggs website for 1 year.

Try Reading Eggs Free for 2 weeks!

Be sure to stop by the TOS hub and read what my fellow crewmates had to say about Reading Eggs.

I received the a trail subscription to Reading Eggs free of cost in exchange for my honest review.

Beeyoutiful ~ TOS Review

“At Beeyoutiful.com, we believe that each individual is responsible for their own health. It is not a doctor's responsibility to keep you in good health. Instead they are a tremendous resource, especially for those times when urgent care is required. But, they are only one of many resources. And the tools they use, while powerful, are not the only tools available. But a tool is worthless unless one knows how to use it.

We have found a lot of tools that have worked very well for our families, and made Beeyoutiful a repository for those tools, as well as the information to effectively use them. As we learn more, we share more. Our goal is to eventually carry every natural product that we use. We're not there yet. We may never be as we are constantly being exposed to new and great products. As much as is in our power, we want to aid others in obtaining and maintaining good health.

Our mission is to do good to all men. Please let us know how we're doing!”

What is Beeyoutiful?

Beeyoutiful is a Christian company that is devoted to creating healthy and natural skin care and supplements for the entire family.

I prefer using natural products for my family and I; products free of chemicals and other ingredients I can’t pronounce let alone know what they do.

Beeyoutiful (I love that spelling, it’s so unique!) sent me their Milk & Honey Facial Bar and Peppermint Lip B.A.L.M (Beeyoutiful All-natural Lip Moisturizer).

Milk & Honey Facial Bar

The Milk & Honey Facial Bar is made of Raw Goat Milk, Distilled Water, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Vitamin E Oil, Vegetable Oil, Sodium Hydroxide (lye), Raw Honey, Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis, Beeswax, and Sweet Orange Essential Oil.

"Honey cleanses dirt and impurities while smoothing wrinkles by increasing your skin’s elasticity. Propolis—a mixture of the essential oils, pollen, and wax bees harvest from plants—nourishes dry, itchy skin. Pollen, rich in enzymes and vitamins, contains the complete family of amino acids. It promotes new skin cell growth while scrubbing away built-up dead cells without stripping the skin of its natural protection. Milk & Honey’s beeswax base is the all-natural “carrier” for other ingredients that leaves your skin feeling soft and clean.

Raw goat milk is rich in enzymes beneficial to your skin, and five natural, skin-replenishing oils balance and moisturize. This abundance of revitalizing components is topped off with a touch of sweet orange essential oil for an agreeable, bright aroma."


The Facial Bar is 4.25oz and was molded in a cute bee hive mold with bees!  Since it is a large bar, I cut/shaved off a small section of the bar and placed it in container.  When I wash my face I take a piece, wet my hands, lather the soap between my palms, and rub it on my face.

According to the website, it helps fight acne, repair sores, and balances and soothes skin. I’m unable to confirm whether it fights acne and repairs sores, as my family and I don’t have acne or sores.  However, I do like how soft my skin feels after I wash my face.  At first it made my face feel overly dry, but I found if I put some cool water on my face afterwards, it makes a world of difference.  I wasn’t impressed with the smell, as it definitely has a “herbal” scent, but the only time I can actually smell it is if I put my nose to the bar or in the container.

LIP B.A.L.M (Beeyoutiful All-natural Lip Moisturizer)

Available in peppermint and orange

I’m not one you is generally loyal to one brand over another, except for when it comes to my lip balm.  There are many lip balms that will dry out my lips rather than soothing them, or I find the more I use it the more I need it.  So, I was a little apprehensive about using the Peppermint Lip Balm Beeyoutiful sent me.  However, once I began to use it I was pleasantly surprised!

The lip balm is made of Grape Seed Oil, Shea Butter, Beeswax, and Essential Oils.

GrapeSeed Oil- high in antioxidants (procyanidolic oligomers and polyphenols) and linoleic acid which nourish, moisturize, naturally provide anti-inflammatory support, and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles! So instead of merely relieving your chapped lips, it is nourishing them and helping them look their best as well!

Shea Butter- also high in antioxidants, Shea Butter helps bring elasticity back to the skin, moisturizes, has natural sun protection, and helps bring healing to scars and wounds.

Beeswax- recommended by Mayo Clinic as an excellent choice for a lip balm, beeswax is high in germicidal antioxidants, possesses natural anti-inflammatory abilities, and has been shown to have antibacterial qualities. It gives body to the lip balm while providing moisture and cell restoration for your lips!

Essential Oils- (Either Orange or Peppermint Essential Oil)- Both provide refreshing flavors while providing their naturally inherent benefits to your lips! Orange is a refreshing, citrusy blast that helps to brighten your lips. Peppermint’s cool, tingly flavor will bring soothing refreshment to your lips on the driest of days!

 

Milk & Honey Facial Bar is available $10 for the 4.25 oz bar.  
Lip B.A.L.M is available for (peppermint or Orange) $3 each or 3 for $2.70.
Bulk pricing is available for many Beeyoutiful products.

FYI: I called customer service to ask about the pricing of the 1.75 oz facial bar listed on the website and the representative I spoke with (Liz) was professional, kind, and knowledgeable. A+++ in my book! Liz informed me that the 1.75oz bar has been discontinued and that she would make a note for the admin to update the website.

Check out Beeyoutiful.com and check out all the other all natural products Beeyoutiful has to offer.

Be sure to stop by the TOS hub to read what my fellow crew mates had to say about the Milk & Honey Facial Bar, Lip Balms, and other Beeyoutiful products.

I received the Milk & Honey Facial Bar and Peppermint Lip Balm from Beeyoutiful free of cost in exchange for my honest review.

Who Am I? And What Am I Doing Here? ~ TOS Crew

From the site: “Our children are bombarded on a daily basis with competing messages. Every song, movie, book, TV show, blog, and game is full of ideas—ideas about truth, morality, beauty, identity, faith, and more. Not all of these ideas are true. Some are wrong, some are deceptive, and some are outright destructive. It is more important than ever that young children be equipped to discern among competing ideas and stand in the truth. This is why Apologia has teamed with Summit Ministries to bring you the "What We Believe" Series. The "What We Believe" Series is an outstanding way to teach your child the essential beliefs of the Christian faith, but it’s so much more! With this student-directed, Bible-based curriculum, your children will learn how to use Scripture as a lens through which to view the world around them—to see everything the way God sees it—and know the truth.”
Anyone who knows me know I LOVE Apologia! I have yet to use any of their products I haven’t completely loved.  So, I was super excited when I was chosen to review book two; Who Am I? (And What Am I Doing Here?) For review purposes my family and I received the Text, Notebooking Journal, Audio CD, and Coloring Book.

What is Who Am I?


Who Am I? (And What Am I Doing Here?) is the second book in the four book series,  “helps children understand what it means to be fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of the Most High God. This study will enable students to develop a healthy self-image based on these biblical truths: God made me in His image and crowned me with glory; He has given me special gifts and a unique purpose in life; I can creatively express God's love; I am meant to think about beautiful and praiseworthy things, especially God and His Word; I must make decisions based on God's truth; I can always know the wise thing to do; I must cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in my life; I am a beloved child of God whose true identity is found in Christ.”

This is a wonderful bible curriculum for the entire family; geared toward children ages six to fourteen. It is written directly to the student in a conversational tone, making it is easy and relaxing to openly discuss the presented material.

The scripture is taken mainly from the New International Version (NIV). However, the New Living Translation (NLT) and the New Century Version (NCV) are also used.  Apologia recommends you use whichever translation best suits your family.



Who Am I? text ~ $39

Sample Lesson

The text covers such things as ~

• Lesson 1: What Are We Doing Here?
• Lesson 2: What Will You Make Today?
• Lesson 3: What’s On Your Mind?
• Lesson 4: Can You Trust Your Feelings?
• Lesson 5: Will You Choose Wisely?
• Lesson 6: How Will You Run The Race?
• Lesson 7: What Kind Of Fruit Are You Growing?
• Lesson 8: Who Do You Think You Are?

Each lesson covers multiple key components.

The Big Idea: introductions and overview of the lesson
What You Will Do: learning objectives
Short Story: short story showing what a worldview looks like in action
Think About It: thought provoking questions to help you and your family dig a little deeper 
Words You Need To Know: important vocabulary words
Hide It In Your Heart: verse memorization and/or copy work
Integrated Learning: interesting articles with topics relating to the main text
What Should I do?: Highlights a specific godly character trait
Prayer: enables your child to recognize the gifts of God and thank him for all he has done
Worldviews in Focus: part of an ongoing study introducing the child to the notion of different worldviews
What’s the Difference?: discussion questions allowing the child to compare and contrast their own worldview with one portrayed in the story
House of Truth: four of the lessons end with a new part of the House of Truth. It is meant to be a visual model constructed on step at a time ~ the foundation, walls, and roof of a house are constructed, giving the child a concrete way of thinking about his life within the kingdom of god





Notebooking Journal ~ $24

Sample

The Notebooking Journal allows the child to draw and write out the Think About It, Words To Know, Hide It In Your Heart, Word Puzzles, and more; keeping everything organized and neatly grouped together.

 



Audio CD ~ $19

Sample



 

The audio CD can be helpful to listen to and follow along in the book on those days when you just don’t feel like reading aloud, need to save your voice, or for your children to listen and follow along on their own.  We enjoyed the idea of having the audio CD; however, we weren’t impressed with the “robotic voice” of the story teller.  My daughters found it to be a bit annoying. Oh, I almost forgot, the audio CD is in MP3 format.  I played it in my computer.  When I insert the disk into my computer an image of an iPod appears playing the audio. Via the “iPod” I can only select a lesson, stop and pause.  It took me some time, but once I figured out how to open and play the audio in Media Player (I still haven't figure out how to play it in iTunes), then I was able to more clearly choose a lesson, stop, pause, and fast forward and rewind within a lesson.




Coloring Book ~ $8

Sample

Although my girls are older they enjoyed the coloring book.  You’re never too old to enjoy a good coloring book.

Back in March of 2011 I had the opportunity of reviewing book one in the What We Believe series; Who Is God? (And Can I Really Know Him?)

If you would like to purchase this for your family or as a gift from someone else, you may do so HERE.

Be sure to stop by the TOS hub and read what my fellow crewmates had to say about Who Am I?.

I received the Who Am I? text, Coloring Book, Notebooking Journaling, and Audio CD, from Apologia free of cost in exchange for my honest review.