Samantha, Author at Have Sippy Will Travel

Yo-Kai Watch 2 Fleshy Souls/Bony Spirits for the Nintendo 3DS

October 5, 2016 by Samantha 5 Comments

yo kai watch games

Yo-Kai watch is the newest phenomena to hit our shores from Japan. The newest games in the series are Yo-Kai Watch 2 Fleshy Souls and Bony Spirits. The main story follows around our protagonist Nate as he solves mysteries involving the spirit world through the usage of his Yo Kai watch. These newest games dig deeper into the origins of the Yo Kai watch, and brings players into the watch’s humble beginnings.

When two mischievous spirits steal away Nate’s memories and his Yo-Kai watch, the game begins introducing new players to the mechanics and play style of Yo-Kai watch. Players search around town for spirits and befriend them in order to call upon them later on to battle other spirits in their name. Battles are predominantly played as more of an armchair rather then an active fighter, where you can power up the Yo-Kai soultimate moves with screen taps or spins. For the most part, your Yo-Kai battle on their own. This can be either off putting or make game play easier for younger players, giving the player a different way to view a battle.

This is more as a preparation and couching experience then an interactive eb and flow type experience. There is also an online multi player where players can fight their Yo-Kai against one another in battles which is great fun and breaks up the story nicely. The story in Yo Kai Watch 2 is interesting and fun- it ultimately brings to head a war between Yo-Kai of historic proportions while also helping out various townspeople with mini quests along the way, as well as bug catching. Not only is the story engaging, but the Yo-Kai themselves are also quite odd combinations including a snot nosed character, a character who is literally all leg and a hat, and of course the cute cat-based spriti Jibanyan.

If you are looking for a fun, easy to pick up and play RPG with monster collecting for between those bigger pocket monster collecting titles, Yo-Kai Watch 2 is perfect to cleanse your pallet. If you are a fan of RPG’s in general and are looking for something with an odd flavor this works as well. Of course, any fan of the TV show will enjoy the game. Yo-Kai Watch 2 is not to be missed by fans of the series, my son is having a blast trying to catch as many Yo-Kai as possible (and telling me all about the little creatures the entire time).

Yo Kai Watch 2 Fleshy Souls and Bony Spirits is available now for the Nintendo 3DS and retails for $39.99 each.

Filed Under: electronics, entertainment, gaming, technology Tagged With: Nintendo, video games

Metroid Prime Federation Force for the Nintendo 3DS

October 5, 2016 by Samantha 2 Comments

metroid federation force

Metroid has long been a favorite among Nintendo fans. Amid quite a bit of controversy when first announced, Federation Force is an interesting spin on a familiar game setting and characters. The controversy surrounded Nintendo’s decision to work on a release of this game instead of continuing the Samus saga in the Metroid Prime universe. If you are looking for a continuation of the Samus story line, this is not the title you are looking for. Instead, this title is a spin off of the federation force, which picks up after the events in Metroid Prime 3 Corruption. This game follows the federation force in their pursuit to clean up the galaxy by battling Metroids and Space Pirates as well as various other alien creatures, causing problems across 3 familiar planets. Each planet consists of various missions, totaling about 60 in all. Each mission takes place in a different setting, some of which include ice and desert areas. But fear not Samus fans, the familiar armored maiden does make an appearance as a non-playable character in the game.

This game also differs from other Metroid Prime installments in its emphasis on team work and group based shooting instead of exploration, as well as the removal of the touch screen based elements of Metroid Prim Hunters, and the scanning ability of Metroid Prime. Players can be a few different specialties based on the choosing of their weapon load out before each mission, including a healer weapon and heavy fire missiles.

Federation Force also includes and arena style combat soccer mode called Blast Ball. Players using their mechs and working as a team of three must shoot the ball into your opponent’s goal, while defending your own goal from offenders.

Both game modes are available now with the purchase of Metroid Prime Federation Force which is available now in both retail stores and the eShop for 39.99.

Filed Under: entertainment, gaming, technology Tagged With: Nintendo, video games

10 Tips on How to Survive Traveling with Children

October 4, 2016 by Samantha 2 Comments

To ensure a great and enjoyable family vacation, planning is very crucial– especially if you’re going to bring along your kids. You have to focus on what’s really important and set aside what’s not. That said, here’s a list of 10 tips on how to survive travelling with children.

Tip #1: Going to Ride a Plane? Then Briefing Is Very Important

If this would be the first time of your kids riding a plane, then you should talk about the things that could possibly happen, such as going through security. You have to explain to your children why they should be taking off their shoes or anything that has metal in it, such as watch. Likewise, don’t forget to inform them that they won’t be allowed to carry their favorite toy, or backpack through the security gates– as it’s one of the precautionary measures.

Babies and toddlers should be carried by the parents through the security screening checks. However, if the kids can already walk by themselves, then let them walk through the metal detector.

Image courtesy of news.com.au

Tip #2: Don’t Let the Jet Lag Ruin the Fun
Even adults experience jet lag, but it’s more challenging if your children are also suffering from it. Fortunately, there’s an effective remedy that could get rid of it, such as going outside and staying active. Long walks are highly advisable, and if you can visit a park or playground, then you should be bringing your kids here.

Also, you should be wary of the time zone. If your kid eats a big breakfast and lunch, but small dinner at home, and you’re traveling from a country where there’s a 12-hour difference or more, then your child might end up getting hungry at night, until midnight. Better prepare some healthy snacks for that.

Tip #3: Get Rid of Motion Sickness
If your child suffers from motion sickness, then give him some tips on how to avoid that, such as trying to keep the head still, looking at the road ahead, getting some fresh air into the car, and not reading or using any digital device. On long car trips comfort is important so think about the clothes the kids will be in, especially if they’ll be sitting in a car seat. Anything too thick and bulky will be uncomfortable under those buckles.

image via http://www.thecanvasfactory.com.au/

Tip #4: Dress Comfortably
On long car trips comfort is important so think about the clothes the kids will be in, especially if they’ll be sitting in a car seat. Anything too thick and bulky will be uncomfortable under those buckles. The same goes for planes and trains.

Dress your kids comfortably if they’ll be strapped into a seat for a long time.

Tip #5: Check the Website of the Attraction Before Visiting
You don’t want to travel for hours just to find out that the museum you’re going to go to is temporarily closed for renovation. Visit their website a day before visiting the place, and stay updated with current happenings.

Tip #6: For Longer Distances, Fly
Flying is considered to be one of the safest mode of transport. Likewise, you don’t have to endure traffic at all. Kids are known to be very impatient, and that’s why you should be picking a mode of transpiration that could bring you to your destination, the shortest time possible.

Tip #7: Keep Your Child Entertained
For longer flights, it’s important to ensure that everything your kid might need is packed in the carry-on luggage. This includes a change of clothes, sick bags, snacks, drink bottle, wipes, and toys. Entertainment like books, pencils, paper, and so on should also be brought by the parent.

Image from dailymail.com.au

Tip #8: One Parent in Charge
If you’re traveling with your partner, one should have the responsibility of packing the items, while the other one should look after the kids. This would ensure that everything stays organized.

Tip #9: Prepare Your Kid
If you’re concerned that your kid might get lost during this travel, then teach him what he should be doing instead it happen. Practice scenarios like this a few days before travel to ensure that he remembers.

Tip #10: Enjoy!
This can mean a lot of things. For starters, we suggest that you make the most of your travel and prevent yourself from getting stressed. No need to become a “no, no, no” parent to your child. Just make sure that he stays safe all throughout the travel.

Tip #11: Have a Plan Ready
You don’t have to fully stick to the plan that you’re going to make, but it would be better if you’ll have a list of things that you want to do with your kids during travel. This would ensure that the vacation would be pleasant instead of stressful.

Filed Under: traveling Tagged With: check in, travel

The Best and Simplest Kids’ Party Themes

October 4, 2016 by Samantha Leave a Comment

kids birthday party

The first few birthday parties you host for your children may seem like a blast, but eventually, it becomes more arduous. Throwing a birthday party, even for the littlest of guests of honor can be time-consuming and downright stressful.

That’s why selecting a theme can be helpful. When you choose a theme, it gives you an easy way to tie everything together, and it simplifies decision-making. You can build everything from your decorations to your food around that theme. At the same time, when selecting a theme you want it to be something that’s fun but relatively straightforward.

Below are some easy ideas that will leave you with a little less work next time you’re planning a party for your little ones.

Little Italy

This idea comes from RealSimple.com, and it’s a great one. A Little Italy party is a perfect kids’ entertainment option for so many reasons. The first is that the décor can be simple. Think things like red-and-white checkered tablecloths, and a few red, green and white accessories and you’re basically finished. Plus, you can buy disposable items, wrap everything up in the tablecloths when the party is over, and cleanup is essentially done. For the food, have the kids make their own pizzas. This is a great idea since it pulls double-duty as the entertainment, and the kids will have a blast, while the adults get a chance to relax a bit.

Art Party

As far as kids’ party themes go, it really doesn’t get any simpler than an art party. Art parties are great because again, like the Little Italy theme, the entertainment is built right in. Plus, it lets kids get creative, and they’ll even have something they can take home at the end of the party. Keep the food easy, and use bright neutral colors that mimic a paint palette. For example, dyed rice Krispy treats are a great idea and so easy to make.

Hawaiian Luau

The Hawaiian luau is a versatile theme, and it works well if you want something that’s suitable for the adults and the kids. According to Party Swizzle, when you’re hosting a Hawaiian luau you can add fun with bright, tropical beverages, and you can make two versions of each—one that’s kid friendly and one that’s for an adult. You can even create a full tiki bar. The kids (and the adults) can all be given a grass skirt and a lei, and food can include things like fresh fruit or chicken nuggets with pineapple dip.

Sprinkles

When we promised simple party ideas, we meant it. You really can’t get too much easier than a sprinkles themed party. You can add sprinkles to a cake or cupcakes and keep most of the décor simple and white, except the “sprinkle” details of course. You can even add confetti to the bottom of white balloons, and rim drinking glasses and kids’ cups with sprinkles.

Throwing a kids’ party doesn’t have to be time-consuming and exhausting. If you’re able to choose a simple, versatile theme, much of the work is already done for you, so have fun with it and don’t overthink it.

Filed Under: kids Tagged With: birthday parties, check in

New Video Games for the Whole Family

October 4, 2016 by Samantha 9 Comments

Looking for some new video games to play with the family as the weather cools down? Maybe something portable for upcoming holiday travel would be useful. Here are some of our current favorites.

paper mario color splash

Tthe newest entry in the beloved Paper Mario series, Paper Mario Color Splash, takes Mario to the formerly colorful Prism Island where someone is draining the land of all its paint and color. As the hero we all know and love, Paper Mario comes along to save the day with his paint hammer. When used, the hammer splashes color on formerly uncolored portions of land, flowers, characters, houses, and even water. This game plays like other Paper Mario games in the series, where combat is turn based, but also includes cards which describe what moves can be used next.

This game is a blast to play for RPG fans or Mario fans in general and should not be missed. It is a perfect jump on point for the Paper Mario series, giving players an interactive role playing experience which will keep you wanting more and itching to paint smash some dull areas of your own life.

Paper Mario Color Splash is available for the Wii U on October 7th for $59.99 only on the Nintendo Wii U.

metroid federation force

Both game modes are available now with the purchase of Metroid Prime Federation Force which is available now in both retail stores and the eShop for 39.99.

Yo Kai watch video games

The story in Yo Kai Watch 2 is interesting and fun- it ultimately brings to head a war between Yo-Kai of historic proportions while also helping out various townspeople with mini quests along the way. It also includes bug catching. If you are looking for a fun, easy to pick up and play RPG with monster collecting, Yo-Kai Watch 2 is perfect. If you are a fan of RPG’s in general and are looking for something with an odd flavor, this works as well. Of course, any fan of the TV show will enjoy the game- Yo-Kai Watch 2 is not to be missed by fans of the series, my son is having a blast trying to catch as many Yo-Kai as possible (and telling me all about the little creatures the entire time).

Yo Kai Watch 2 Fleshy Souls and Bony Spirits is available now for the Nintendo 3DS and retails for $39.99 each.

limited edition 3ds

And to play some of these fun games ON, don’t forget the hardware. There are a wide variety of consoles and gaming devices available; one of the newest (and in my opinion, a very pretty option) is the New Nintendo 3DS XL system: New Galaxy Blue. Nintendo has recently released this new 3DS XL in honor of the new planet scientists discovered. Lovers of science, astronomy, or really just cool artwork will love this design. This new space-themed, shimmery unit is a limited addition, and is only available for the next couple of weeks. The Nintendo 3DS family is the best-selling video game system in the United States, offering tons of family friendly games in it’s line up. There are games everyone will enjoy. If you don’t have one yet, you might want to consider this one while it’s still out. The suggested retail price is $199.99- grab it at http://www.nintendo.com/ or in a store near you.

Filed Under: entertainment, review Tagged With: lego, Nintendo, review, video games

Paper Mario Color Splash for the Wii U

October 4, 2016 by Samantha 2 Comments

paper mario color splash

Today we are looking at the newest entry in the beloved Paper Mario series, Paper Mario Color Splash. This game takes Mario to the formerly, colorful Prism Island where someone is draining the land of all its paint and color. As the hero we all know and love, Paper Mario comes along to save the day with his paint hammer. When used, the hammer splashes color on formerly uncolored portions of land, flowers, characters, houses, and even water. This game plays like other Paper Mario games in the series, where combat is turn based, but also includes cards which describe what moves can be used next. Some cards have to be colored before you can use them, and some are found already colored.

As you progress through the game, more powerful cards are found which can give super fun moves and leave the enemy flapping in the wind (like the paper that they are). Combat is not simply about picking the right cards and hoping for the best as with the previous Paper Mario games- in this edition, when playing a move and using the proper button combinations, it is possible to power up your moves to sometimes even double the damage or give you multiple hits with one card.

What is nice about this game is the paper craft feel and physics which are used in everything from waves of water to the flat 2 dimensions in a 3 dimension world Mario and friends have. This game is a blast to play for RPG fans or Mario fans in general and should not be missed. It is a perfect jump on point for the Paper Mario series giving players an interactive role playing experience which will keep you wanting more and itching to paint smash some dull areas of your own life.

Paper Mario Color Splash is available for the Wii U on October 7th for $59.99 only on the Nintendo Wii U.

Filed Under: electronics, entertainment, gaming, technology Tagged With: mario, Nintendo, video games

Preview the new #DisneyMagicalWorld2 by @NintendoAmerica #nintendo

October 4, 2016 by Samantha 1 Comment

This past weekend, we visited the Nintendo Store in NYC for the preview of Disney Magical World 2 Video Game. “Nintendo and Hollywood Records Recording Artist Olivia Holt Celebrate the Upcoming Launch of the Disney Magical World 2 Game, Launching Exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS Family of Systems.

Live your dream life alongside classic Disney characters in six Disney-themed worlds! Anyone who pre-purchases the title in Nintendo eShop or at select retailers will receive three in-game Frozen outfits free for characters like Elsa, Anna and Olaf. The game launches Oct. 14.”

disney video games

We were able to be among the first to try out the game, and there was a Disney costume party as well as jewelry, hair, and makeup stations.

disney magical world 2

Here is a video of a demo- we will give you our review soon! (Sorry about the dude that kept walking in front of my camera- what can you do, manners are a lost art, LOL). Make sure you pre-purchace the title so you can get your freebies!

Filed Under: disney, entertainment, gaming Tagged With: disney, events, Nintendo, NYC, video games

Ocean Spray Bog and Spinach Salad #ad #CranberryClassroom @OceanSprayInc

October 2, 2016 by Samantha 5 Comments

Thank you to Ocean Spray® for sponsoring this blog post. I’m partnering with Ocean Spray® for its NYC Cranberry Classroom. #ad All opinions are my own.

With Fall around the corner, it is cranberry season. As such, it is time to make some fun and seasonal recipes with cranberries. One such fall favorite is a spinach salad- great year round, but even better when gussied up.

Ocean Spray’s ® Spinach Salad

Effortless Spinach Salad

Ingredients

8 ounces fresh spinach
1/2 cup feta or goat cheese, crumbled
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Craisins® Original Dried Cranberries
2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds, optional

DRESSING:
1/2 cup bottled balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest, optional

Directions

Wash and clean spinach. Tear into bite size pieces and place in a serving bowl. Add half of the feta or goat cheese and onion; toss to combine.

Combine dressing ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Pour over salad and toss to coat. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Top with dried cranberries and almonds. Serve immediately.
Makes 4 servings.

Another way to celebrate the joys of cranberries is with the Ocean Spray® cranberry bog.

The Ocean Spray® cranberry bog was recently at Rockefeller Center® to celebrate the first day of fall. Nothing says fall like cranberries- and when will you ever get to see a bog in the middle of New York City? Not very often, at least.

Did you know that 2016 marks the bicentennial of the first cultivated cranberry harvest? I didn’t. The NYC bog also shared cranberry’s story of taste, health and heritage with visitors in a fun and delicious way.

Farming Ocean Spray ® cranberries is often handed down generation to generation- it’s really a family business. It is interesting to see growers and their families (who were on-site) talk about the harvest and how it’s changed over the last 200 years. Nothing like a first hand experience- but if you can’t have one, you at least get to hear it right from the horses mouth (as it were).

Those who didn’t make it to the bog can experience The Most Beautiful Harvest for themselves at www.OSharvest.com. You can see the little canberry’s journey from bog to bottle. It’s cute- check it out.

Here is some more information on it-

“Featuring fully immersive, 360-degree views of a bog, it’s the next best thing to being there! Ocean Spray launched the “Most Beautiful Harvest” experience in 2015 using Oculus Rift technology. The desktop, mobile and Google Cardboard ready versions of this fully immersive 360-degree harvest experience are now available to consumers online at www.OSharvest.com.”