Samantha, Author at Have Sippy Will Travel

Keeping The Kids Busy During Long Winter Days

February 25, 2015 by Samantha 2 Comments

Versatile- play with it inside, take it outside, pack it up and bring it along with you to grandma’s, even take it into the tub- is the new Playmobil Take Along Zoo and Aquarium. This set comes with trees, pools, fences, and quite a few animals (such as zebras, giraffes, lions, fish, walrus) and human caretakers as well. All of these pieces fit easily into the case, which folds up and is easy to store or take along. When open, one side is the zoo, and the other the aquarium. Your child can really fill it up with water and let the sea creatures have a swim. It comes with quite a lot of pieces for one set, and there is room in the case for a few more should your child have some other “animal friends” that want to visit. Available for $49 on Playmobil’s site.

If you are stuck inside like many of us this winter (the temperatures have been crazy lately- more days in the negative then the positive degrees for much of the country) you are breaking out fun indoor playthings. Some inexpensive ways to replenish or restock are by American Plastic Toys- made right here in the USA, and really low cost. Take the Fashion Doll Coupe- for only $5 (yes, really) you and your kids can take your toys cruising all over the house. Since the wheels are plastic, they won’t leave those ugly and annoying black marks on your floors, either. The car is a two seater, and fits most popular dolls as well as smaller stuffed animals and toys.
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Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: parents at play, review, toys

OurPact – New App For Families

February 24, 2015 by Samantha 2 Comments

In the modern day and age, there are few technological gadgets which have permeated society so fully as the smart phone. Just about every man woman and child has one, and its a model newer then yours. But with smart phones and kids comes a big, scary prospect. The internet, Facebook, Twitter and every scumbag with a computer or smart phone now has a direct line of communication with your little one. What are some ways to properly keep your child safe with a smart phone?

Be honest. Tell them a few horror stories, hit close to home. Talk about kids their age or younger. Make the characters in your story relatable to your little ones.
Software- you need something to help keep your kids online habits in check and keep them from becoming those people who spend more time on their phone then in real life. One such app is OurPact which brings new dynamic to the parents – child smart phone discussion.

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Filed Under: technology Tagged With: apps, tech

Are You Prepared For Winter Driving?

February 23, 2015 by Samantha 1 Comment

Driving in winter can be tricky and dangerous, especially if you’re driving on icy roads. It winter requires drivers to take extra precautions to keep themselves and their passengers safe. To stay protected while driving in winter, make sure your vehicle is prepared and is able to adapt to varying road and weather conditions. The last thing you need is a car that breaks down in the middle of a snowstorm! Aside from your regular maintenance tasks, carry out these checks when you feel the icy months coming.

- - - - Wiper blades – Check your windscreen wiper blades for damage, which often occurs when the blades become frozen to the windscreen glass and you try to free them up. Have replacement wipers handy. You can also purchase winter wiper blades. In line with this, make sure you have enough screenwash in your wiper pump as well.
      - Coolant – Check to see if the coolant is between the maximum and the minimum markers, and if there is enough anti-freeze in it. Anti-freeze prevents damage to the engine during winter months and should be refreshed every two years.
      - Car battery – Make sure your car battery is fully charged before using the car, especially if your car has not been used for a period of time. Better yet, have your entire battery and charging system serviced for optimum performance.
      - Tires – Tread is crucial especially when driving in harsh winter conditions. Check your tires’ condition and make sure there is adequate tread. Scrutinize your tires to check for damage such as bulges and splits, and don’t forget to check the pressure. You can also consider buying tires especially made for driving on icy roads as these give you greater grip, control, and traction on slippery surfaces.

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Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: cars, safety

Work It Out at Kohl’s

February 23, 2015 by Samantha 8 Comments

Getting into shape is “one of those things” that many of us struggle with daily. We all want to look and feel great, but many of us weren’t born with perfect genes or a great metabolism. Couple that with the junk that is pumped into food these days (yes, yay for technology) and busy lives, and it’s just not easy, is it? It’s no wonder why so many people make losing weight or personal fitness their New Year’s resolution. Did you start off strong in January, but now that February is here, you are wavering a little? Kohl’s has your back.

They have great sales on everything you need to lose weight and get into shape (without breaking the bank). I love all the bright colors as well- with a winter that seems like it will drag on for all eternity, it is nice to at least wear the colors that the outside world is missing, yes?

I belong to a local gym, which is helpful for me, because I really dislike this cold weather, and I promise you I would not be out in it much for walks or whatnot. I am outside as little as humanly possible right now, so I am grateful for that membership! Another option that I utilize is at-home workout DVDs and yoga. Kohl’s has a fairly wide variety of both DVDs and workout equipment, from weights to yoga mats and more. They carry all the brands you know, trust, and love, as well as the DVDs with trainers you really want to watch. Even better news- they are all on sale.
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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, fashion, review Tagged With: clothes, workout gear

Our Norwegian Cruise Send Off

February 23, 2015 by Samantha 3 Comments

Read the whole story on This Girl Travels!

We recently took an amazing cruise with Norwegian Cruise lines, sailing on the Breakaway out of NYC. The entire trip was fantastic, one of the best cruises we have ever taken, but the last day was something to remember (and left us excitedly thinking of our next Norwegian cruise),

We begun our last day on the Norwegian Breakaway by sleeping in pretty late (even the 7 year old).. It was warmer then I expected when we got up- we were at the very bottom of Virginia, headed back to New York, and the weather was still OK for shorts and t-shirts, which was a nice surprise.

We opened the balcony to get some warm, fresh air while we got ready for the day.

After a quiet breakfast while looking at the ocean, a view we are sure to miss this time tomorrow, we dropped the boy of at kids club for about an hour while the husband and I enjoyed a few last moments in the “adults only” hot tub. The deck was subdued, as most people were spending the day inside. However, it was still warm, and it was quite the opposite back home- we were going to get every drop of warmth that we could squeeze out! Afterward, we picked up my son and headed out to lunch before going to watch the International Crew Talent Show, which let the crew show off their stuff. Everything from singing to traditional dances were performed, it was fun, and pretty neat to see what a talented group is on board here.

We went to the final character meet and greet- today was SpongeBob and Patrick in their “traditonal” gear. Just about every other day there were different Nickelodeon characters available for photo ops, and to do shows or dance parties with the kids. You are able to take your own photos as well as the staff photographer. I love that we can take our own photos, and have the option to buy theirs as well. Some cruise lines won’t let you, which is one of those “things” that makes me want to cruise with Norwegian again. They don’t nickel and dime you to death.
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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: cruise, family travel, travel

LEGO Justice League Vs Bizarro League Blu-ray Giveaway

February 22, 2015 by Samantha 72 Comments

Disclosure- I will receive a copy of the below for promoting. All opinions are my own. See I Disclose for more info.

Have you seen the latest LEGO movie? It was really fun (and at times, very funny). Your kids will love it- and honestly, so will dad. LEGO Justice League vs. Bizarro League is out now, and is worth a watch.

Lego fans wait no more- LEGO: DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League is here along with an awesome Bizarro name-generator app and exclusive Digital Trading Cards.

About LEGO Justice League vs. Bizarro League

Batman has joined the newly formed Justice League in order to keep tabs on Superman, a mistrust that is complicated by Superman’s clumsy – but well-meaning – clone, Bizarro. Bizarro’s creation of the Bizarro League has caused confusion amongst the world’s greatest Super Heroes, but an even greater and mysterious threat may force the Justice League and Bizarro League to band together to defeat evil.
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Filed Under: giveaway, movie, review Tagged With: giveaway, movie

Why plan a family holiday to the Caribbean?

February 20, 2015 by Samantha 6 Comments

What better than jetting off to paradise for an escape from school, work and routine with a laid-back holiday in the Caribbean? For the kids, there are miles of sand to run around on, warm, clear waters to snorkel in and plenty of sunshine. For parents, there’s poolside lounging, fiery jerk chicken, forest hikes and rum. Here are some other reasons your family will fall in love with the Caribbean.

There’s something for everyone

A trip to the Caribbean islands for families, means a revolving menu of fun options, depending on where you choose to visit. In the Bahamas, there are miles of uncrowded white sand shoreline, the perfect place for a little relaxation. In picturesque St Lucia, lush botanic gardens and rainforest sky trails beckon the adventurous. In Trinidad and Tobago, there are over 250 bird species to spot: the perfect activity for budding ornithologists!

A plenitude of resorts

When you have kids of a certain age, they’ll probably want to have a certain degree of autonomy, make new friends, and do some kids-only activities. Enter the Caribbean resort. From tiny little Turks and Caicos to Barbados, there are plenty to choose from. As standard, most come with lifeguard-attended pools, a program of activities for children, and babysitting services when you need the night off.
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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: family travel, travel

Baymax ‘Easter Egg’ and ‘Mixmaster Beatmax.’

February 20, 2015 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Big Hero 6 is now out on Digital HD. With the Blu-ray combo pack available next week on Feb. 24th, we thought you would like this cool slideshow of character art from the film as well as two bonus clips – ‘Easter Egg’ and ‘Mixmaster Beatmax.’ Have fun and enjoy!
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Filed Under: disney, entertainment, movie