Samantha, Author at Have Sippy Will Travel

#Win an Eight O’Clock Coffe Parent Survival Pack

September 24, 2011 by Samantha 383 Comments

Now that summer has ended, it’s time to trade in flip-flops and beach bags for lunch boxes and backpacks. Eight O’Clock Coffee has prepared a few tips to help get you and your kids through the craziness of back-to-school season. One of my lucky readers will a win a Back-to-School Parent Survival Pack including a drawstring bag, travel mug and 2 bags of Eight O’Clock Coffee to help start your mornings off right!

“Back-to-School Survival Tips” from Eight O’Clock Coffee

TIP 1: Become Your Own Brewista – Save time, money and gas this back-to-school season by brewing your morning coffee at home. You can even set your coffee maker’s timer the night before to wake up to great-smelling Eight O’Clock Coffee.

TIP 2: Preplan Lunch – A few days before school starts, sit down with your kids and create a grocery list of healthy snacks and lunches they would like for school. Rotate each of their selections throughout the week. Make Tuesday “Turkey Tuesday” or Wednesday “Wrap Wednesday” – adding variety to keep lunch exciting. When possible, pack their lunch the night before to reduce stress in the morning.

TIP 3: Assemble Weekly Wardrobes – Every Sunday check the upcoming weekly weather forecast with your kids. Then, have them pick out five outfits for the upcoming school week. Hang them in daily order in their closet to avoid the inevitable, “Mom, I can’t find my favorite blue shirt!”

TIP 4: Be Prepared for School Projects – Avoid late night rushing around to complete school projects by having art supplies on hand. Create an arts and craft bin that includes more than just crayons and colored paper. Collect items like pipe cleaners, stickers, figurines, beads – even coffee beans – and other creative finds, and put the fun back in school projects.

As a momma and a Pre-K teacher (who has a 7 am starting time!) coffee is a MUST. For you, too? Yes? OK! Then you should really enter below, LOL. You can also buy 8’O’Clock Coffee just about everywhere- so go shopping 🙂

Mandatory entry

You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win. In your comment, please.

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

-“Like” me on Facebook -feel free to give me some comment love! 🙂 This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription or via RSS
+3 entries

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
*can be done daily
#Win #Coffee prize pack from 8 O’Clock Coffee http://tinyurl.com/4yu34nq @HaveSippy #Contest #giveaway

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Bloggers’ sites!

3 Princes and a Princess 2, Closer to Lucy, Have Sippy Will Travel, and The Thrifty Things. You can Follow GFC, Twitter, or Facebook- each is worth an entry.

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)
-Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please)

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!” (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!) *Can be done daily

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

– Like this post on Facebook, Stumble it, or hit G+1 button (each is worth one entry)

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: I received the above product for review. All opinions are mine, yours may differ. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US shipping addresses only. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends Oct. 13, 2011.

Filed Under: giveaway

Personal Creations Review and #Contest ($50)

September 24, 2011 by Samantha 396 Comments

Every little kids needs a backpack that’s just his or her size for back to school, for going to grandma’s, and those random day trips to the zoo, park, and wherever else you may be headed! So where is a great place to find one, that everyone else doesn’t already have? Personal Creations of course! Great place for kids backpacks.
My son just got his, and I can tell you that I have never seen one like it before. As a Pre-K teacher who was a nanny for 10 years, if I haven’t seen this backpack, you can bet your child will be the only (or at least one of the only!) kids to have it!

How cute is this little Monkey Rolling Backpack? I can’t show you mine exactly, since it has his “real’ name on it, but you get the idea!

Your child’s backpack will still be easy to spot, though, because you can personalize it with his or her name. It has adjustable straps, a small handle and wheels. You can’t fit a TON in there, so it is best for small kids (Preschool age).
Personal Creations is a great place for all your back to school needs, I just love their backpack and lunchbox sets!

One of you will have the chance to win a $50 gift code from Personal Creations. Here is how to enter!

Mandatory entry
You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win. In your comment, please.

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like Personal Creations on Facebook. This entry is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway. As a thank you, readers will get 20% off your order if they become a fan of Personal Creations!

-“Like” me on Facebook -feel free to give me some comment love! 🙂 This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription or via RSS
+3 entries

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win $50 to Personal Creations http://tinyurl.com/3rd6t49 #contest @HaveSippy
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Bloggers’ sites!
3 Princes and a Princess 2, Closer to Lucy, Have Sippy Will Travel, and The Thrifty Things. You can Follow GFC, Twitter, or Facebook- each is worth an entry.

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)
-Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please)

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!” (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!) *Can be done daily

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

– Like this post on Facebook, Stumble it, or hit G+1 button (each is worth one entry)

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: I received this product for review from the sponsor. All opinions are mine, yours may differ. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. Open to US shipping addresses only. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above. Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends Oct 12, 2011.

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Back in the Saddle with #NutrisystemNation

September 24, 2011 by Samantha 8 Comments

OK, so I am back in the saddle, so to speak, with Nutrisytem. Now that I have gotten the food back, and gotten back on the diet, I am down another 1.2 lbs this week. I have now lost over 20 pounds since on Nutrisystem. I have another 40 to go- so wish me luck! LOL (It has been 5 weeks “for real” on the program- with 2 weeks that I was not able to be on it due to loss of the food and the flooding.)

One of the things that was interesting about this whole experience of flooding, was the clothes thing. As you know, I lost most of my clothes and shoes. But a few things were saved, and some of them are clothes I can now zip up! I may not look GOOD in them- but I have not zipped up a size 12 in nearly 5 years! WhooHoo! 🙂 I took a photo last night, I will post it for you later in the week.

I have learned now what I like and what I don’t, and have decided to stick to mostly the “bar” options for lunch. Those are mostly good- and I can’t say that I like any of the lunch options other then those. But the bars are good, and since they are candy-ish, it gives me the feeling of eating junk food, which clearly I like, haha.

They have these really great Women’s Plans , as well as vegetarian plans, and a plan for just about every other kind of diet I can think of. You can even go to the Menu tab and see how each food is rated 🙂 And the pizza is always good .

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog

DISCLOSURE: I am receiving Nutrisystem products free of charge in exchange for my reviews and all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Filed Under: health

Win Bob the Builder™: Super Scrambler DVD

September 24, 2011 by Samantha 102 Comments

Bob the Builder, always a favorite, has a cute new movie out! With his trusted team of friendly construction trucks, and of course Wendy, Bob and the gang are ready to get to work on any job, big or small. They are always happy to help, and teach kids to be good friends, nice to each other, and help others when they can.

Can we build it? YES WE CAN! Of course you can! As long as you work hard and try your best, you can do anything- especially if you have great friends to help you out.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Bob the Builder^™ and his machine team lay a foundation for super-sized adventures in the all-new Bob the Builder^™: Super Scrambler coming to DVD, Digital Download and On Demand August 16, 2011 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. With the super power of tools, teamwork and tons of fun, Bob, Scrambler, Scratch, Roley, Wendy and the rest of the Can-Do Crew show even the youngest of construction workers that the Fun is in Getting It Done!

DVD SYNOPSIS

It’s super-sized fun in four exciting adventures! Scrambler wants to be a Super-Smasher hero while he builds Farmer Pickles’ milk shed. He works alongside the whole Can-Do crew to get the job done! Wendy, Travis and Muck show the team there’s more to strength than lifting heavy blocks and that following instructions is always important. Bob and his crew finish the job with the super power of tools and teamwork!

Episodes:

· “Travis’ New Garage”

· “Scratch and the Dream Home”

· “Super Scrambler”

· “Roley and the Fox”

DVD BONUS FEATURES

· “I Love Rockin” music video

· “High Tide for Lofty” bonus episode (Digital Only)

· “Roley’s Rovers” bonus episode (Digital Only)

One of you will win this adorable DVD- Here is how to enter!!!

Mandatory entry
You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win. In your comment, please.

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like HIT Entertainment on Facebook. Feel free to tell them Have Sippy Will Travel sent you! This entry is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.

-“Like” me on Facebook -feel free to give me some comment love! 🙂 This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription or via RSS
+3 entries

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win #Kids #DVD- Bob The Builder- Super Scrambler http://tinyurl.com/3b23qxe #movie @HaveSippy
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)
-Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please)

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!” (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!) *Can be done daily

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

– Like this post on Facebook, Stumble it, or hit G+1 button (each is worth one entry)

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, movie

Anytime Costumes-Review and #Contest Get Ready for Halloween

September 24, 2011 by Samantha 409 Comments

I just LOVE Anytime Costumes! The customer service is fantastic, the costumes are really great (I personally have yet to see even the slightest snag in any of them, and my last winner emailed me raving about how wonderful her Cinderella costume is!) and take the abuse that kids dish out, and they come super fast. After you place your order, you get a confirmation email, and then a shipping confirmation as well. I love that! Before you know it, your costume will be at your door. And if you order now, you will be sure to get the costume you (and more importantly, your little ones!) covet for Halloween. We all know what happens if you wait too long!

You get to the costume store or try to order it- only to find out that it is totally sold out, and you are stuck with the generic princess or cowboy or something totally lame-o. My thoughts? Don’t wait! If you know what your kid(s) want now, order now. No need for a disappointed buggar on the coolest holiday ever! 😛

The last costume we ordered I brought to the Pre-K for the boys to use as dress-up/pretend play clothes. They are still loving the Green Lantern outfit! It is so hard to find boys dress up. For girls, it’s easy, but not so much for boys- they want to be superheros, policemen, and firemen- and besides a few awful, and easy to break plastic hats there is never any variety. I was so happy to bring them some costumes! 🙂
(The name says it all- Anytime Costumes- great for dress-up play year round!)

I got a costume for me to use- I wanted one that I can use for the Pre-K party. Nothing revealing or skimpy, and mommas, you know how hard that can be to find. My advice to any plus sized or large breasted women in particular is to ALWAYS order online. It is the best way to get what you want, at a good price, where you won’t end up looking trashy or like you are wearing a bag. You can still look good- with the variety available online at Anytime Costumes, you will be THRILLED and bookmark the site for use again and again.

For me, I have the issue (and always have, ugh) of having a large chest, and it pulls the costume up, making skirts shorter and the tops pull and look funny. I always order plus sized, and it works out well. Can I do that in some costume store? No, I wind up with some off-the-rack, cheap, whatever-I-can find thing. But why settle? Now that I know about online shopping and Anytime Costumes, I will never, ever settle for store shopping again. (Plus I don’t have to leave the house- BONUS!)

You can buy all your accessories, makeup, and trick-or-treating carry-alls as well- how easy is that? (AND the price is right, too!)
Make sure that you check them out here, and place [Read more…]

Filed Under: giveaway, review Tagged With: Anytime Costumes, Anytime Costumes Review, dress up, dress up Costumes, Get Ready for Halloween, Halloween costumes, plus size Costumes, plus sized

Nintendo 3DS- Daddy’s Corner (Warning- High Geek Factor!)

September 24, 2011 by Samantha 8 Comments

Hey all, Daddy here! As a huge gamer myself, I was psyched to get to try out the new Nintendo 3DS– the newest in handheld games.
I am sure we have all seen the new TVs where you wear some clunky goggles. Then like magic the TV pops to life and reaches out to grab you. Are the effects cool? Definitely. Are the goggles? Not at all.
Nintendo comes along and says, enough, no more lame goggles. With a wave of their creative thought cloud, out comes a new handheld which is able to display 3D with a slide of a switch.

First of all the 3D is amazing, there is one thing you should know and that is. When playing you MUST keep the system about half an arms length away from your eyes. Do NOT pull it close to your face, or the effect will distort and you’ll have to readjust. I have to say this can be a bit annoying but I do like the ability to turn 3D off and just play on a super powered DS. The graphics are better then the DS and the PSP, so even with the 3D turned off, you still get an incredible gaming machine.

Another neat feature of the 3DS is its cameras and its ability to play ‘augmented reality’ games. What this means is, the area you are playing in turns into your game setting. An example of this is the AR games, these are games are scanned out of special cards. One of them is an archery game where the game takes place on your table, in your living room or kitchen. It really is a crazy concept and the future is very bright and in 3D too.

Unfortunately I can’t really give you much of an opinion on any games currently out there. I have seen videos and Starfox 3D looks insanely fun. I personally want to grab Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D. I am a sucker for Zelda and Ocarina is absolutely awesome.
I am very much looking forward to Super Mario 3D Land and Metal Gear Snake Eater 3D. A very interesting game which will be coming out is : Bravely Default : Flying Fairy, it is an RPG from Japan so there is no promise it will see release stateside but check out this video and try not to think how cool it would be to see Princess Leia asking for help in 3D. 🙂

Filed Under: technology

Come Join our Hop :)

September 24, 2011 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Come link up with Closer to Lucy and Have Sippy Will travel 🙂

Blog Hop can be found HERE-stop on by and find some new friends and readers.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

My Foo Dog

September 23, 2011 by Samantha 7 Comments

This is my dopey dog, who may LOOK small- but don’t let him fool you- he’s over 75 lbs, LOL.
He just thinks he is a lapdog. My poor pup (about 10 years old, not exactly sure since he is a rescue) has a tumor in his foot, and the vet said he will most likely need to have it amputated. We just found out on Monday. Pet lovers, if you would please say a little prayer for him, it would be awesome. Thanks ya’ll!

Filed Under: Uncategorized