Samantha, Author at Have Sippy Will Travel

New Little Movers with Huggies Little Movers Diapers

November 12, 2015 by Samantha 1 Comment

Babies can be a bundle of joy, to say the least. But once they get moving that little bundle of joy can be a little rocket with chubby legs. Before you know it they are reaching and moving all over the house. From the kitchen to the bathroom there are lots of places you don’t want your baby to go. As a parent I have a few tips to get you through these troubling times without putting child locks so complex they will leave you husband crying on the floor with pliers and a screwdriver jammed into your cabinet.

Crawl around your floor. Yes you will look ridiculous but you will find everything that a bi-pedal adult might miss. Including dangling wires, cabinets that can open and all kinda of accessible dangers.
Do not have the mentality of ‘wait and see’. You do not want to see what they can get into and what they can’t. Play it safe. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Get child locks that you and your significant other can open. Don’t go nuts with complex locking mechanisms. You and yours will be low on sleep and lower on patience.
Have fun. Your little one is growing have fun with him or her.
Get new diapers. Your little one is no longer a little lump of love he or she is now a crawling rocket of loving.

The right diaper can make all the difference in this important time in your little one’s life. One such diaper is new Huggies Little Movers Diapers.

New Huggies Little Movers Diapers have a Moving Baby System for outstanding grip, fit, and wetness protection which absorbs on contact, so babies get the most out of every little move as they begin to kick, roll, crawl and walk.

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Huggies Little Movers Moving Baby System is made up of three key features:
• A DryTouch Liner that absorbs on contact
• Double Grip Strips for comfortable movement and a comfy fit that lasts
• Contoured Shape for freedom of movement

Filed Under: baby

Operation ResCUTE Book & Plush Set – Gives Back to Pets @OpResCute

November 12, 2015 by Samantha 3 Comments

Have you heard of the inspirational non-profit called Operation ResCUTE™ ($29.99), packaged for young readers as a book-and-plush set. It stars the true-life-story of Jingles, a homeless puppy in New York City that gets to live happily ever after. Youngsters discover (as they snuggle with their plush pup) that shelters are full of friendly faces. With the purchase of this boxed set, they become a ResCUTER.

It’s no wonder Operation ResCUTE is getting two paws up from animal lovers of all ages. The illustrated book is written from the dog’s point of view, in her own voice. After reading the storybook, kids will want to share the importance of being a ResCUTER, a solution to shelter dog adoption. Packaged in a cage-like gift box, the book and plush pal opens their eyes to the many four-legged friends locked away in cages, longing for a loving home. And it really happened to Jingles.

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We have our own adopted dog, and usually a foster dog as well, so we loved this story as well as the idea of ResCUTE. Giving a gift that is not only cute and sweet but also gives back is one we can fully support. Kids on your list and any animal lover would appreciate this adorable gift set.

Like many happy-ending stories, this one began tragically when NYC marketing powerhouse Laurie Brown-Nagin spotted an Animal Control Officer carrying a puppy to a pro-bono veterinarian. The animal lover and mom fell in love with Jingles, the shelter pooch that desperately needed a warm, loving home. As a marketing researcher, Brown-Nagin discovered only 30 percent of pets in homes come from shelters and rescue organizations. Worse, an estimated 2.7 million healthy pets remain in shelters each year! She started a non-profit, www.OperationRescute.com, and used her years of marketing prowess to package this inspiring boxed set for the next generation to read and feel empowered to make a difference.

During this season of giving, parents and grandparents can give a pawsitive present, with 100% of profits going directly toward helping shelter dogs get adopted. Brown-Nagin reports that profits will be used by shelters for marketing /outreach efforts for placement of dogs with families.

Operation ResCUTE Book & Plush Set • $29.99 • Ages 3+

Jingles the dog, the first in the Operation ResCUTE series, shows youngsters the value of opening their hearts and helping someone/something less fortunate. Each boxed set includes an illustrated book and huggable plush pup. Animal shelters give it two paws up! For sale at Amazon.com.

Filed Under: animals, book review, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, kids, review, toys Tagged With: books, charity, holiday gift guide, kids books, pets, toys

Making Home Affordable Foreclosure Assistance Campaign #makinghomeaffordable #MHA

November 12, 2015 by Samantha Leave a Comment

The Ad Council, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development want you to know that real help is available to families who are behind on their mortgage payments, or worried about how they will make the next one. Nearly one in 17 homeowners nationwide has fallen behind on his or her mortgage payments, putting them at a higher risk of foreclosure. Homeowners should not feel alone, but many do.

That is why the Making Home Affordable® (MHA) program provides free resources and assistance for distressed homeowners who are working hard at juggling expenses to makes ends meet. Many of these homeowners may be unaware that MHA has expanded its options, and may have a solution available to address their particular financial situation. Moreover, the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) – available in 18 states and the District of Columbia — also helps real people get back on their feet and on the road to financial stability in states hit hard by the economic and housing downturn.

Across the country, more than 1.5 million families have already benefited from MHA. Through the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), homeowners have been able to reduce their monthly mortgage payments by approximately $500 each month. That’s real payment relief.

Homeowners across the U.S. need to know help is available now. If you or anyone you know are having a tough time making mortgage payments and don’t know where to turn, here’s some ideas:

Help is available at MakingHomeAffordable.gov

Check out these video testimonials. These are genuine success stories from real people who have used the MHA resources. These homeowners were able to overcome potential foreclosure and save their homes. Their stories are a true testament to Making Home Affordable. Listen to their mortgage stories and witness their MHA journeys so that any homeowners may learn about the free resources and assistance available.

Visit MakingHomeAffordable.gov to learn about available programs to help with mortgage payments.
Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) – HAMP® is designed to lower monthly mortgage payments, making them more affordable and sustainable for the long-term.
- HAMP achieves a more affordable payment by adjusting the mortgage interest rate, extending the term of the loan, and reducing or forbearing principal.
- Homeowners have saved about $500 per month.
- Through HAMP, homeowners can get help with their primary residence or rental property.
- Homeowners who owe significantly more than their home is worth (>115% Loan-To Value or LTV ratio) are automatically evaluated for principal reduction.
- Just for making timely payments, homeowners could earn up to $10,000, which is used to reduce the principal balance of their mortgage.
Hardest Hit Fund (HHF)– HHF programs are designed to complement MHA programs and provide assistance to struggling homeowners, like those in the testimonial videos, through modifications, mortgage payment assistance, and transition assistance programs. HHF programs vary state to state, but often include:
- Mortgage payment assistance for unemployed or underemployed homeowners.
- Principal reduction to help homeowners get into more affordable mortgages.
- Funding to eliminate homeowners’ second lien loans.
- Help for homeowners who are transitioning out of their homes and into more affordable places of residence.
Through the Federal Making Home Affordable program, many homeowners have received much-needed help to reduce their monthly payments, get mortgage relief, and avoid foreclosure. Homeowners who are struggling to make mortgage payments can call 888-995-HOPE or visit MakingHomeAffordable.gov for free resources and information to help them with their mortgage problems and avoid foreclosure. By calling 888-995-HOPE, homeowners can speak with a housing expert at a HUD-approved counseling agency at no cost, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and identify potential solutions based on their individual

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Bob the Builder Makes his Return to PBS

November 12, 2015 by Samantha Leave a Comment

A beloved childhood friend is making his return to preschool television with a whole new look and feel this November with the premiere of the newly reimagined Bob the Builder series, now including the voice talent of Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt as Bob’s friend Wendy. The iconic kid’s series Bob the Builder will debut on PBS November 7th (check local listings for specific times) with updated CGI-animation, a brand new look for the series.

c/o Mattel

The iconic kids character Bob the Builder is returning to PBS in November with beautiful, updated CGI-animation, a brand new look for the series and its namesake, Bob, and Downton Abbey’s Joanne Froggatt voicing one of the lead roles–Wendy.

c/o Mattel

The new-look Bob is still the same Bob that audiences know and love. His denims might have been replaced with a hi-vis jacket but his chunky boots, yellow hard hat and checked shirt all remain, ensuring TV’s best-loved builder remains just as recognizable as ever. With his trusty tool belt now jam-packed with all manner of handy kit, Bob is ready to go – no job is too big or small for Bob and his team, as they approach every job with positivity, enthusiasm and their catch phrase “Can we build it? Yes we can!” Bob and his team, including business partner Wendy and teenage apprentice builder Leo, work across the bustling metropolis of Spring City and nearby town of Fixham. Bob’s crew of talking vehicles includes digger scoop, digger/dumper Muck and mobile crane Lofty. And the show’s young viewers are made to feel like part of the team too as they follow their fun stories which bring construction to life. Bob the Builder has been exciting and engaging millions of youngsters all over the world for the past 16 years, teaching teamwork and valuable life lessons through his entertaining antics. However the new-look Bob is set to take this iconic series to a whole new level!

Filed Under: entertainment Tagged With: kids TV show, tv, TV show

Nintendo’s Yo Kai Watch

November 11, 2015 by Samantha 8 Comments

The world of Yo Kai Watch is a strange one which centers around the city of Spingdale, where you take on the role of Nate. Nate is an average kid trying to collect bugs, when he meets a Yo Kai named Whisper. Yo Kai are mischievous creatures who love to cause problems for humans. Whisper gives Nate a special watch which gives him the ability to see Yo Kai that are usually invisible. Nate then has the ability to befriend Yo Kai wherever they may be hiding or causing hi-jinks. As Nate makes friends, they join his team of Yo Kai and help him uncover a mysterious force in town. With the help of the strongest and best team of Yo Kai, you and Nate can help the town.

The game play of Yo Kai is quite different then other “capturing creatures” games, instead of directly controlling the action, you act in the role of an assistant, directing Yo Kai in where to attack, when to use special moves, and giving them items as well. As you battle more, your Yo Kai can evolve into stronger versions of themselves or can be fused with each or other items to make different or stronger Yo Kai. There are many Yo Kai to befriend and each of them has their own unique powers and personalities. The town is full of both people and Yo Kai to help, and with each new quest there is another chance to gain experience as well as gain more Yo Kai.

The little guy loves this game because he thinks the Yo Kai are cute and interesting, so kids should love this game while more experienced players can appreciated the ability to fuse characters together to make new, stronger Yo Kai.

Yo Kai watch is available now for the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS retailing for $39.99 at retailers everywhere and in the eShop on the 3DS.

Filed Under: gaming, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, technology Tagged With: gaming, kids video games, Nintendo, video games

Getting Dressed Up for the Holidays #ExpectationsExceeded

November 11, 2015 by Samantha 5 Comments

The holidays are rapidly approaching, as you can tell by so many stores already “decking their halls” and whatnot. Lest we forget, Thanksgiving comes first! I’ve got the perfect outfit for my little man- he looks handsome, respectable- and it’s great for church as well as Thanksgiving dinner with everyone. And, since we know kids are kids, it will even be OK to head outside afterward for some fun and games.

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We shopped at Gymboree and Gap for his outfit (which is going to fall into his regular wardrobe afterwards, as it’s easy to care for and functional), and are happy to say that his clothes are made with Nanotex®. Never heard of it? You’ll want to.

If you are stressing out about what to dress your kids, husband, or partner in this upcoming holiday season, or just want a nice family photo for the holiday card , don’t. Try selecting clothing made with Nanotex®, which uses nanotechnology to transform the molecular structure of fibers, creates fabrics with remarkable performance and comfort. Nanotex is dominating the apparel fabric market with its stain, soil and odor resistance, while preserving the natural breathability, comfort, hand and durability of apparel textiles. Nanotex clothing is available at more than 100 leading brands including Macy’s, JC Penney’s, Target, GAP, Gymboree, Land’s End, Kohl’s, Adidasm and more.

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Check out the Nanotex Holiday 2015 Pinterest board at https://www.pinterest.com/nanotex/holiday-2015/

Learn more about Nanotex at www.nanotex.com. You can also follow on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nanotex

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nanotex and use the hashtag #ExpectationsExceeded

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/nanotex/

These clothes are cute, comfortable, and easy to care for, long lasting- and they also look good. Not much else a mom could ask for. Why spend a ton of money on something uncomfortable that you can’t clean or wear often? That doesn’t make much sense. Head to your favorite store and see what they have to offer in Nanotex® for your holiday festivities.

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, kids, review Tagged With: clothes, holiday, Holiday Gift Guide 2015

Great Clips on Veterans Day – Free Haircut

November 11, 2015 by Samantha Leave a Comment

vetday

This Veterans day it is important to remember those who have fought for our freedom as Americans. From the World Wars to the current issues around the globe Veterans come in many ages, both sexes, shapes and sizes. But the most important ones are the ones around you. Personally we fly a flag for those who lost their life and lower ours to half mast as well as find a way to connect to our loved ones who happen to veterans as well. Something as simple as a cup of coffee could spark a conversation of either a memory or just a re-connection. One of my favorite memories with a veteran was with my grandfather who would always mention his time in the Navy but would never go into detail, until I had to do a project for school involving a veteran with some in depth questions. These questions led to a greater understanding of the hardships of war.

Thank the veterans in your life and visit your local Great Clips on November 11th to redeem a free haircut card to share with a veteran of choice.

This Veterans Day there is also a great promotion with Great Clips. Active or retired military members get free haircuts or a free haircut card on November 11th, and any customer who gets a haircut at Great Clips on November 11th receives a free haircut card to give to a veteran. Only veterans and active members of the military are eligible to redeem the free haircut card. Family members of said military members do not qualify. This is the third year Great Clips is running this promotion, and Great Clips is the only major salon brand that offers customers a way to thank the veterans in their lives!

Find a salon near you with the Salon Locator.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

WaterWipes For Little Ones #WaterWipes #IC #ad

November 10, 2015 by Samantha 4 Comments

This post was sponsored by WaterWipes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review.

I recently headed out to Stop and Shop to pick up some WaterWipes, a chemical free wipe option that is great for sensitive skin. Stop and Shop made it easy to go in, grab what I needed, and get out quickly (and they had some good sales going on as well). However, because of the sales, and the fact that I can’t resist a good one, I ended up picking up dog treats, blueberry ice cream (hard to find in these parts!) and Halva bars- which I can never find anywhere- that I hadn’t planned on buying, ha. I texted a photo of the candy to my husband, as it is one of his all time favorite snacks- he was pretty excited for my find. Stop and Shop not only let me pick up my list, but had some hard to find items at good prices as well.

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Being a mom is tough stuff. When you bring a new baby into the family, especially your first child, the choices can be overwhelming. You want to do your best, give your little one everything, and do right by them. It can be hard to know what’s best, not to mention what is IN everything you put into and onto your baby.

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I remember being told to use plain water and cotton balls to clean up baby’s diaper messes- which is messy itself. There are other chemical free, easy on baby’s skin options, such as WaterWipes, a premium European brand, available now at your local Stop and Shop stores. These baby wipes contain only two ingredients- 99.9% purified water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract. Nothing that can harm your baby, or irritate his or her delicate skin.

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These wipes are much more durable and effective then a cotton ball, and you don’t need to worry about the wipes containing any harmful chemicals that some others do. WaterWipes is a safer and more natural option in wipes. If your baby or child of any age has issues with diaper rashes (or rashes when they use wipes in the bathroom at all), consider trying WaterWipes and see if that doesn’t help the issue.

More About WaterWipes

WaterWipes are chemical free – this means they don’t contain preservatives. The package will keep for up to 15 months before it is opened. Once you open your WaterWipes package, it is recommend that you use the pack within 1 month.
Unlike some other wipe brands, WaterWipes are not interfolded. This allows for the sterile environment within the package to be maintained. For the same reason, it is recommend that you do not relocate the wipes in an alternate container.

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