Samantha, Author at Have Sippy Will Travel

More Award Winning Toys For Kids

June 15, 2015 by Samantha 2 Comments

Disclosure- The following toys have been awarded the Mr. Dad Seal of Approval. The items were provided in order to review them. All opinions are my own and honest. All photos are my own, with no filters used during or after, or weird photo shoots done- just items in real life (you know, the way they are used).

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Got a kid that won’t sleep due to nightmares? Maybe they are really freaking out about that first day of school, mom having a new baby, or learning to use the potty. Perhaps you don’t know why your child is experiencing anxiety. Kids worry about a whole lot of things- it’s a big, bad world out there. Enter Worry Eaters, adorable, plush, flat-ish toys that kids can snuggle and confide in. More then that, these toys snack on worries, so have your child tell it what he or she is worried about, or write it down (or you can help with that part if they can’t write yet) and let the Worry Eater chow down- worry, all gone! (Burp) It’s also a good way to find out what your kiddo is fretting about if you weren’t sure or you have a quiet child that might be keeping it to themselves- they are likely to tell their new pal, who can help ease the worry. A new snuggle buddy that keeps worries at bay is something a lot of grown ups might like, too. Get a big one and a little one, why don’t you, and you can both sleep better tonight. Prices vary, order at http://www.haywiregroup.com/worry-eaters

On our first “run”- and man, we stopped him pretty quick so we could grab a helmet and pads, we had no idea it would go so fast, LOL.

Want the coolest wheels in town, but don’t have your license? It’s all good, just get your parents to pick up the Razor Ground Force Drifter Fury. This is the coolest go-kart-on-steroids you’ve ever seen, with speeds up to 12 miles per hour (don’t forget your helmet). It was actually pretty much put together in the box, and didn’t require much assembly, so that wasn’t stressful. What assembly was required was not complicated. It comes with rechargeable batteries, that last up to 40 minutes of continuous use. It also has a flag, spark bar (how cool is that), and hand operated rear break. Once you get the hang of this (which isn’t hard), you can do some very cool tricks with the Fury- and guess what! It is big enough for parents to use as well, what?! Yes. It says weight limit 140 lbs, but I saw a man really working it this winter at Toy Fair- he was a fully grown, average sized man. (My husband is 6’4, and he can’t physically fit into the car, but he’s bigger then your average bear, so…..) Take what you will. I say it’s a good guideline, because I doubt seriously that dude weighed 139. This thing can really move, and you and your kids will have tons of fun with it. Owners manual also included. Get yours at http://www.razor.com/products/electric-ride-ons/ground-force-drifter-fury/

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The Razor Delta Wing is something unusual, and also quite a lot of fun. My son doesn’t have the best sense of balance, and is not super confidant on scooters all the time. The Delta Wing, however, is something different- it’s a sort of V-shape, with the traditional handles, that you move by swaying side to side. Basically, you wiggle your backside to move it. My son loves, loves this scooter. He enjoys it more then his bike, his scooter, or his roller skates. It’s one thing I can always count on to get him moving, even if it’s a bit hot out. I might have to see if they come in adult sizes….He has so much fun with this, I would highly recommend it to any family. It turns well, breaks quickly and easily, and rides smoothly. What more could you want? Get yours at http://www.razor.com/products/caster-driven/deltawing/

Filed Under: kids, review, toys Tagged With: seal, toys

Some Award Winning Toys

June 13, 2015 by Samantha 3 Comments

06 12 2015 seal cannon cam 063

Racecars are not just for boys, and neither is building them! The purple and gray, hibiscus stripe-down the hood Modarri Cruzer is inspired by the company’s hometown of Santa Cruz, California appeals to both boys and girls. This car has actual suspension, and patented finger-steering. What does that mean? Yes, it means you can steer with your finger. For real. It comes with it’s own color-coordinated tool to build it, and is recommended for ages eight and up, although my 7 year old had no trouble putting it together on his own. This car can be rebuilt into 5 cars, giving your child hours of creative, hands on, building play that does not involve an app. Get yours for $19.95

My son really helped make these pancakes, so, yeah- a little messy. I told you- real life photos, LOL.

Weekend mornings are for lazy breakfasts, comics, and coffee (OK, or juice) at the table with the family. But what if your morning gets a bit harried? Maybe you want the Sunday breakfast experience on a Tuesday- or just before you head out to church on Sunday. Cooking with your kids has never been easier then with Batter World- pancakes are ready to be poured into the pan from these ready to use pouches, available in three varieties- original, multi-grain, and gluten free. Use what you want, cap the remainder and stick it in the ‘fridge for another time. The batter pours from an easy to use spout, so kids can help out easily. Ready made, ready to use- and yes, it tastes just as good as the kind you mix yourself (even the gluten-free, I promise, and I was ready to hate it). Get yours at http://www.batterworld.com/

20150613_130435 Want to pretend you are in the Old West? No better way then with this awesome cotton and canvas teepee from Pacific Play Tents. Once put together (with easy to assemble wooden poles) it stands at 8 feet tall- which is big enough for both the kids and even dad to get inside. While tall, it’s not super wide, so you will be able to fit 2 or 3 people inside at a time, max. It has a mesh window so kids can watch for bad guys, or know when to attack should they BE the bad guys. You know- however you’re rolling today. Our dog got in on the action as well, because you know. Kids and dogs, they hang together. It has a velcro opening, which makes comings and goings easy. AND FAST- because sometimes you gotta ditch the sheriff and stuff. When you are done, you can either take it apart and store it in the cool bag it came in, or you can just “hug it” closed and put it into a corner until they want to play with it again. Which will be in an hour. You can pick one up at http://www.pacificplaytents.com/index.php/39615.html

Got a boy that likes to make things, and having a hard time finding cool stuff aimed at them? Or is it more of an UGH, crafts are super for girls! Well, maybe, sometimes- lots of crafts and craft kits seem to be a little….um, pink and sparkly. Or great for making earrings and BFF picture frames. What’s a crafty boy to do? ALEX, one of our favorite brands for kids, has a very cool DIY Cobra Bands kit. Boys can make their own bands in quite a few styles (and this will require learning some new skills should they not already have them) with very male-friendly colors that close with uber-boyish buckles. Boys will learn to follow directions (skills they can always brush up on, thank you), acquire new techniques and knot-tying abilities (very manly, even the boy scouts teach this) and create the cobra knot! Even boys who are not the crafty-type will enjoy this one. $18 at http://www.alextoys.com/product/diy-cobra-bands-2/

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: seal, toys

Canine Flu Spreading in New Jersey

June 12, 2015 by Samantha Leave a Comment

image via guardianlv.com

The Canine Influenza has been spreading throughout the continental United States, including New Jersey, so the American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA) has some information and tips to help dog owners better understand the virus. “What we need to keep in mind is that humans can physically transmit the virus – which can stay on our clothes for up to 24 hours- so it is important to be careful about interacting with any unknown dogs,” says AVMA spokesperson Dr. Aspros “With proper education, we can do our best to minimize the spread.”

What is canine influenza?

Canine influenza (CI), or dog flu, is a highly contagious infection caused by an influenza A subtype H3N8 virus first discovered in 2004.

What are common symptoms of the infection in dogs?

In the mild form, the most common sign is a cough that persists for 2-3 weeks. However, some dogs can develop signs of severe pneumonia, such as a high-grade fever (104°F-106°F) and faster breathing. Other signs in infected dogs include nasal and/or ocular discharge, sneezing, fatigue, and refusing food.

Is every dog at risk of infection?

All dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection.

How does it spread?

Canine influenza is spread from dog to dog through the air, contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes), and people interacting with infected and uninfected dogs. On surfaces, the virus is alive and can infect dogs for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours.

Can veterinarians test for canine influenza?

The most reliable and sensitive method for confirmation is serologic testing. Antibodies to canine influenza virus can appear in blood as early as 7 days after symptoms begin, and the virus may be identified in nasal or pharyngeal swabs during the first 4 days of illness.

Any treatment options?

In May 2009, the USDA approved the first influenza vaccine for dogs. Trials have shown that it can significantly reduce the duration of illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. Dog owners should consult with their vet to determine whether the vaccine is appropriate for their dog.

Can canine influenza infect people?

There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted from dogs to humans.

For more information about canine influenza virus, visit https://www.avma.org/KB/Resources/Reference/Pages/Canine-Influenza-Backgrounder.aspx

Filed Under: animals Tagged With: dogs, pets

My Bright Smile App

June 12, 2015 by Samantha 1 Comment

Disclosure- this is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

My family is pretty good about oral hygiene- mostly because I have drilled it into their heads, and I am more then a little crazy about making sure everyone brushes, rinses, and flosses every day, twice a day. You only get one set of teeth, take care of them, right? Also, when you have oral health issues, it tends to cause other problems, even things as serious as heart disease. Pregnant woman really need to be careful with their teeth- baby really weakens them. Now there is a fun, free app for kids to help get them into the swing of things, and get them excited about brushing.

Half a billion school kids around the world have benefited from the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® oral health education program (http://www.colgatebsbf.com). Now, this award-winning program is offering an educational app: “My Bright Smile.” Included are five games, including “Visit the Dentist,” “Swipe the Sweets” and “Brush the Teeth.” There’s even a two-minute song that will help keep your kids brushing until every tooth is clean.

“My Bright Smile” is available for free on the Apple App Store (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-bright-smile/id959018956?mt=8) and the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.colgate.mybrightsmile). The app includes five games, including “Visit the Dentist,” “Swipe the Sweets” and “Brush the Teeth.” There’s even a two-minute song that will help keep your kids brushing until every tooth is cleaned.

The app is designed for kids age 4-6. You can get it for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store at the links below-

o https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-bright–smile/id959018956?mt=8

o https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.colgate.mybrightsmile

About Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures®

The “My Bright Smile” app extends and builds upon the success of the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program. In the United States, the classroom curriculum reaches nearly 9 out of every 10 kindergarten students each year, 3.5 million children in all 50 states, and more than 750,000 kids through our partnership with the Office of Head Start.

Filed Under: health Tagged With: oral hygine

Boiling Springs Savings Bank Student Checking Account @BSSBankNJ #GardenStateGrads

June 12, 2015 by Samantha 7 Comments

Disclosure- This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own and honest. For more information, see “I Disclose”.

What is the best way to get your kids to respect money and learn how to properly manage it? A piggy bank? How about a new type of bank account from Boiling Springs specially tailored for new bankers aged 14-23? That sounds better. The account is called a Boiling Springs Savings Bank Student Checking Account.

This account features:

No monthly fees

Interest earned on all balances

Free specialty checks or a discount on custom checks

Free online banking

Free online bill payment

Free 24-hour telephone banking

Minimum deposit to open account is $1.00

Free transactions at Boiling Springs ATMs with Boiling Springs ATM card or Debit MasterCard

Direct deposit

Overdraft protection transfer service available

At age 23, account will convert to a regular NOW account

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Also, there is a promotion going on right now called, “Gift for Garden State Grads”, which runs through June 30, 2015. When a student opens a new Student Checking Account with more then $20.15, they gain and extra $20.15 in interest, just for opening the account. This is a great deal and a wonderful way to teach kids the value of saving with real money- with a great bonus.

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Combining a student checking account and a part time job or an allowance will do wonders for kids when learning the value of money. Nothing quite beats that first paycheck placed in your bank account and the nervousness of spending the first few dollars of it. The ability to see your money grow and shrink as life demands is a learning experience, and balancing a check book for the first time is also an interesting teaching/ learning experience. This account is also perfect for a young adult first getting into banking and money management while going away to college or their first full time job. No matter what the reason behind it Boiling Springs is a great first stop for your student banking needs.

Filed Under: parenting Tagged With: banking, money

Disney’s TOMORROWLAND – In Theatres Everywhere

June 12, 2015 by Samantha 1 Comment

The wait is finally over and one of the coolest movies of the year, Disney’s TOMORROWLAND, is now playing in theatres everywhere. The film is rated PG, stars George Clooney, Tim McGraw, Britt Robertson and Hugh Laurie and is perfect for the whole family.

Tomorrowland was created by Walt Disney as a section of Disneyland in 1955. It was a time when Americans imagined an optimistic future. Over the years since, the public’s view of the future grew dark film’s director, Brad Bird, “Any time that there is an empty canvas, there are two ways to look at it: One is emptiness and the other one is wide open to possibility. And that’s how I like to look at the future—wide open to possibility. It is a view that has fallen out of favor in terms of looking at the future.”

This shift in thinking also intrigued writer-producer Damon Lindelof,so when he began to synthesize the story for “Tomorrowland,”he looked for what Tomorrowland meant and how it could berepresented in a story line. “I really wanted to recapture thatearlier optimism,” comments Lindelof. The story of “Tomorrowland” started with a box labeled “1952,”supposedly discovered by accident in the Disney Studios archive. The mystery box contained all sorts of fascinating models and blueprints, photographs and letters related to the inception of

Tomorrowland and the 1964 World’s Fair. Lindelof was excited by the find and recalls, “I began to imagine that the contents of the box werea guide to a secret story that nobody knew. But if so, what would that story be? And the most obvious answer to me was that there really was a place called Tomorrowland that was not a theme park but existed somewhere in the real world.”

Lindelof began to develop the story by researching the history of

Disney and its originator, which led to research on the company’s involvement in the 1964 World’s Fair. “Walt Disney was a futurist in that real mid-century modernist sense,” says Lindelof. “He was very optimistic. He believed that technology held the key to building a better world. He also believed in technology as a means of creating great entertainment. For the 1964 World’s Fair, the Walt Disney Company created three rides, the It’s a Small World ride being the one we remember most. Though quaint by today’s standards, back in 1964, Carousel of Progress and Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln were revolutionary in how they used robotics and ride technology to create a thematically rich experience.” Lindelof adds, “And there was also an underlying radical optimism. This was 1964, the world had just flirted with thermonuclear catastrophe as a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the song ‘It’s a Small World’ was written in response to a world that had walked right up to the brink of nuclear war but had pulled back and was now

pining to recognize that we don’t have to destroy ourselves. The lyrics—“It’s a world of hopes and a world of fears”—touched on that anxiety. Given how it just seems so cute and sentimental today, I found it fascinating that the ride was encoded with that real-world angst. There was a radical political message in there and a very idealistic one, too.”

The success of the World’s Fair allowed Disney to raise funds for his next great project, the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, or Epcot. Disney’s vision was for a model city that would be an ongoing experiment in urban development and organization; it was to be a real Tomorrowland where technology wed urban planning to create an optimal living environment. Walt Disney died, however, before Epcot could be built, and the Disney Company decided it did not want to run a city without his input. The model community concept was modified to become a large “permanent World’s Fair” instead, with two small residential districts for employees and their immediate family members. The park still exists today in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Like TOMORROWLAND on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTomorrowland

Follow Disney Pictures on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyPictures

Visit the official TOMORROWLAND website: www.Disney.com/Tomorrowland

TOMORROWLAND is rated PG and is now playing in theatres everywhere

Filed Under: disney, entertainment

So, Your Kid Loves Deadpool

June 11, 2015 by Samantha 7 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. All photos are my own, taken in my real house, with no crazy staging or photoboxes- there are no filters, wild edits, or photoshopping done. They have been (size) cropped to fit into the post. This is real life- you know, how it is when you actually use things- because authenticity matters.

deadpool costume

How did that happen? I’m not really sure how it happened here in my house, other then daddy is a comic book nerd. Like a good parent, I said he needed to wait until he was older to read Deadpool. Like a typical daddy, he went ahead a read it to him anyway, although he “modifies” certain words and phrases, since Deadpool is WAY not for kids. And now, my kid loves Deadpool. It’s his very favorite.

It’s really hard to find anything about Deadpool in his size- t-shirts, costumes, really anything at all. I’m not so very crafty or great at sewing, so that doesn’t help matters. Since he already told me he wants to be Deadpool for Halloween this year, I have been looking for Halloween Costumes 2015. I knew it would be a tough one to find, and I was right.

Apparently, comfy enough to lounge in. (He wouldn’t take it off, he was watching TV.)

Luckily for me, I found a Deadpool costume at Wholesale Costume Club, even if it was in an adult only size. There are no kid sized ones anywhere, and trust me, I’ve looked. I’m not skilled enough to make him one, but I sure can hem up his sleeves and pant legs, and he will be good to go. Bonus? He can wear it again in a few years if he wants to, so that’s pretty cool.

He loves his Deadpool costume, and since we are also having a Deadpool themed birthday party for him this year, he will already get quite a bit of use out of it. My son loves costumes, and we let him wear them as often as he wants, as long as it’s not too hot.

You can like and follow Wholesale Costume Club on Facebook to see what’s new and for deals.

I know it’s early for Halloween, but it’s never too early to start looking when you know what they want is going to be difficult to find. Plus, dress up is always in fashion 🙂

Filed Under: holidays, review Tagged With: costumes, halloween

Making the Most of Your Jamaican Vacation with Club Mobay

June 11, 2015 by Samantha 9 Comments

The worst part of traveling is always the airport. Always. They suck the joy out of travel. Getting there is one thing- you are amphed up, excited, you have time off of work, escaping “real life” and about to enjoy the vacation you have been obsessing about, so the annoyances of the airport can be thought a little less painful and a little more of a “necessary evil”. Going home, however, is a different story. You don’t want to leave, you don’t want to return to your job, your week of unread mail, your inbox, your annoying next door neighbor- whatever. Maybe the weather is cold and dreary back where you are headed, and you dread leaving the sunshine- and the last thing you want to deal with is 2 hour check-ins as the agents chat about boyfriends and weekend plans instead of scanning your dang passport, long lines, dealing with uber-“pleasant” staff along the way (do they only hire people who lack the ability to smile?), another line at security, the oh-so-gentle-tossing of your bag because you forgot you had a tube of mascara in there and it set off the detector, repacking, getting onto anther line, finding your boarding cubicle, then sitting on evil plastic chairs (IF you can find one) with everyone else in your flight, packed in like sardines while you check emails on your phone until your battery inevitably dies because there are only 4 outlets for the entire 350 people in your area to use while you wait to be called by your zone (it’s the last one, it’s always the last one) to board your plane. Fun times! Airlines sure know how to make travel enjoyable.

Want to avoid that? Really- you can. In Jamaica you can! I’m not kidding. Club Mobay, offered at Jamaican airports, will save you time and sanity. The lines at the airport in Jamaica move slow, at best. You get there with plenty of time to spare, but then wonder if you are going to make your flight. Then people show up when their plane is boarding, so they go straight to the front of the lines, and you get to wait some more- and they are certainly moving on “Caribbean time”, which is charming when you are on vacation, but makes you want to pull your hair out when you are standing in lines that won’t end, just to wait on several more lines.

For prices starting at $15, you can skip these lines (you jump right to the front) and then head into the most relaxing lounge I have ever experienced. While there, you are treated to included WiFi, drinks (both alcoholic and non), and quite a wide array of food options.

There are awesome Jamaican treats like beef patties, and then really non-Jamaican foods with an island twist- like jerk chicken. Really. Yes, I tried them, and yes, it was good.

Not only is there much to eat and drink, but there are bathrooms just for the lounge guests, chairs and couches that are actually comfortable, and a children’s play area. There are even showers should you feel like taking one- and we all know sometimes, you really want a shower when you are traveling long distances. Or maybe the kids did something awful and you could use it- it’s nice to have the option, for sure.

Montego Bay Airport:

Adult Arrivals Only : $50per Person

Adult departures Only: $30. NB: departures only for adults is $35 when purchased at the airport.

Adults Bundled: $80

Children Arrivals only: $25

Children Departures only: $15

Children Bundle : $40

Kingston Airport:

Adults Arrivals Only: $25

Adults Departures Only: $ 25 NB: departures only for adults is $30 when purchased at the airport.

Adult Bundle: $50

Children Arrivals only: $15

Children Departures only: $15 NB: departures only for Children is $20 when purchased at the airport.

Children Bundle : $30

The money you spend is easily made back on sanity alone, but when you think about the cost of airport food and drinks, and throw in the wifi? You’ve made an excellent choice. Kids under 2 are free, as well, which is great. To book, head to http://www.vipattractions.com/club–mobay.php

Clients are offered a variety of services ranging from a personalized arrival to a superior departure service at their culturally themed airport lounges.
In 2014, alone Club Mobay got voted Best Airport Lounge in the Caribbean and America’s at the World Travel Awards while Club Kingston got voted by Priority Pass Best Airport Lounge in the World out of more than 700 competition entrants. The Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association awarded a Club Kingston Manager the “Jamaica Tourism Employee of the Year” while we won the award for Innovative Business of the Year by the Jamaica Young Entrepreneurs Association. These great wins are down to having a great Jamaican team!

Under the brands Club MoBay and Club Kingston, VIP Attractions operates two culturally themed lounges at Sangster International Airport and the Norman Manley International Airports, located in Montego Bay and Kingston respectively. VIP Attractions has kept pace in the market offering a range of service products for even the most discerning traveler.

Disclosure- I received a pass to the above to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. All photos are my own.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: airports, islands, jamaica, travel