Samantha, Author at Have Sippy Will Travel

Have a Howling Good Time at @GreatWolfLodge

July 30, 2011 by Samantha 20 Comments

This was perhaps my favorite spot that we visited, and I will tell you why. Everything was in one place- you didn’t have to go anywhere else once you got to your hotel- because your hotel was also your waterpark, restaurant, activity center (even a computer area for kids) and and more. And all I had to do was park the car!
Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, Ohio(Ohio’s first Great Wolf Lodge) is a great place to spend time with family, and would be a fantastic spot for a family reunion. Their huge indoor waterpark is reserved for guests only, thus guaranteeing that you will never have to wait on a long line. There is also an outdoor pool and waterpark area, open seasonally.

Once you arrive, you are greeted and checked in by friendly staff, and you make your way to your room. We stayed in one of the “themed” rooms, the “Wolf Den”. My children loved it, and I have to say so did dad and myself. It was really adorable, with a sectioned off “kid cave”, complete with bunk beds inside. There is a video came console and TV set in there as well, which you can pay to have access to.
The kids loved to play in there, and that it made them feel like they had their “own room”. I loved that it gave me some privacy, and that I could have some small degree of separation from them, while not really being separate from them at all. (Come on, we have all been on family vacations- the kids go wild, and sometimes it’s nice to be able to have a little “grown up space”. How many times can one really hear Mom? Mom? Mom! Mom?) I can still see them and hear them- there is no door- but they can go into the “cave” and play, and I can re-pack a suitcase or find a missing toothbrush in relative peace, LOL. The room was very large, very clean, had an excellent view of the outdoor waterpark- and even a little balcony you can sit on, or dry your wet bathing suits 🙂

I love the whole “Lodge” look and feel of the hotel- like place in the woods, but modern and with technology and conveniences and comforts, LOL. There were multiple restaurants, as well as a little snack/dessert shop, where you can grab ice cream, fudge, pastries- you know, all the “good” vacation foods! 🙂
Little Man and I deserted daddy and Kamikaze one morning (we were awake, they were not! hehe) and went to Lumber Jack’s Cook Shanty, where they served a family style breakfast at our table. This means that they brought food to our table- pre-fix food, not food that we choose or order- and you can have as much as you’d like. The food was very good, I have to say! It was very pricey, though- for an adult? 12$ plus tax and if you order a beverage, that is additional as well. For Little Man, since he was only 3, I only had to pay $3.49 for his cup of chocolate milk. (Nope, that was not a typo!) I was kind of shocked at the bill. But, it is what it is. At least the food was good- and Little Man can really pack away his breakfast! (I’m sure you have seen my posts on his love of breakfast, LOL- the boy is addicted! No cereal for him, no sir!) He ate more then his body weight in bacon and french toast sticks, I think. I was allowed to have ONE french toast stick- it was better then the ones I make 🙁
Poor me! It was crunchy, but soft inside. I can never get mine crunchy, unless I burn it, LOL. Everything was very [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids, travel Tagged With: family, family fun, family travel, Home Entertainment, kids, ohio, theme park, travel, water park

Losing Weight- a work in progress!

July 30, 2011 by Samantha 12 Comments

I think by now most of you know that I have been working on losing weight, and becoming more healthy. I used to be a model, and now….Body By Baby! Ugh, and I don’t want him to be an excuse, becuase he is four years old now, and I still have it on. Life just gets away from us, doesn’t it? I want my body back- and I am ready and willing to work for it! I was never a girl that could eat whatever she wanted- I always had to be cafeful, eat right, and work out daily. I used to run 3-7 miles five times a week, and was a gym rat. I have no aspirations of working out that hard again- I don’t have that sort of time anymore, I’m a mom! I have kids, a job, school, this site, etc. But I want to feel comfortable in my own skin, be as healthy as I can be, and honestly? I want to look better. Yes, it’s vain. Whatever, I’ll admit it. I want to bring my sexy back! There is a dress I love, and I want to wear it again.

SO! While I have lost 26 lbs since January of this year- and slipped a bit, put 4 back on, and took 2 off again, LOL- I have almost 52 more Lbs to go before I get to my goal wieght.

I don’t need to look like a 22 year old model, but that doesn’t mean I can’t look fab, right?

I’m starting Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program this week. I am really nervous, but I am pretty good, usually, about sticking to a diet and exercise program once I am on it. I just want my body back, and with it? Some well deserved confidence. I’m freaking fabulous, so why not look it? LOL. I’ll keep you posted on the progress.

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

Wish me luck! 🙂

Disclosure- I will be participating in the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program.

Filed Under: health

PEANUTS Happiness Is… @CedarPoint

July 30, 2011 by Samantha 2 Comments

SANDUSKY, Ohio – With the help of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the other PEANUTS
characters, Cedar Point will be celebrating what individual happiness really means during
PEANUTS Happiness Is… Week.

For one full week, Monday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 7, the Sandusky, Ohio,
amusement park/resort will be holding special PEANUTS-themed events dedicated to
having fun.
Starting Monday, Camp Snoopy and Planet Snoopy will have tables filled with a variety
of fun activities for children to do as they take a break from all the rides and shows the
park has to offer.
Kids can partake in a PEANUTS-themed activity sheet that is filled with connect-the-dots,
tic-tac-toe, and much more. The sheets will also allow kids to gain early entry to the 4
p.m. performance of Everybody Loves Snoopy ice-skating show in the Good Time Theatre.
Along with the activity sheets, children will also be able to color their own Snoopy mask
to take home.

Guests will also have the opportunity to create a Chain of Happiness that will allow kids
to express themselves by writing on a strip of paper of what makes them happy. The
decorated strips of paper will then be linked together to form a giant chain that will be
put on display [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids, travel Tagged With: Entertainment, family, family fun, family travel, kids, ohio, theme park, travel, water park

New Shineys from @ThinkGeek !

July 28, 2011 by Samantha 6 Comments

Lookie here- ThinkGeek has new stuff!! Check it- out its a Replica Phaser from the J J Abrams Star Trek movie. According to the hubby, its got a good weight to it. According to me and my little, it looks like a nifty laser and is perfect for pointing around the room and making laser noises. The husband agrees with this comment as well. But, my dad has laid claim to it- Little gave it up to grampie willingly. He is a big, big fan of Star Trek. Now onto more great stuff.

This one is a personal favorite of mine. Don’t you always have this major, huge-huge problem, where you think “I can’t snuggle this breakfast meat, it’s far too greasy, and not nearly large enough not to lose in tossing and turning whilst in bed!” In comes ThinkGeek again with My First Bacon. Cute enough to replace that old teddy bear, yet edgy enough to make even the coldest adult chuckle. JUST KIDDING- do not attempt to remove child’s teddy bear! LOL
“Baconie” as he is called in our house (yes, named by Little) is 19 inches tall and 7 inches wide, a bit bigger then the size of a bread box, just big enough to hug. However- upon hugging Baconie you get a surprise! He gives lets you know, “I’m Bacon”. In a very pleasant voice. This is meant to help children be proud of who they are, lol- can you tell it is super educational? LOL, ok, but it’s HILARIOUS!
“Squeeze him and he says, “I’m Bacon!”. No matter what the situation, he says, “I’m Bacon!” This reminds children that no matter what happens in life, they should be true to themselves and always be proud of who they are. Which of course, means bacon lovers. What child on this planet wouldn’t want to befriend a piece of mostly meat held together with fat and love? And don’t just think about the kids, adults enjoy My First Bacon just as much as the kids do. Sometimes a little too much.”

Bacon that travels well! LOL

You can also see Bacon in the Lancaster posts, right here on Have Sippy Will Travel!
He is a well-traveled breakfast meat……

Next up is the Geeky Twin Bed sheet set these are really awesome. They have a cartoon-y fun feel even though the pattern involves aliens, zombies, mad scientists as well as ninjas, robots, and even bacon! Little Man loves the sheets and has been ‘beggin for them to be put on his bed. He really likes the fact that Baconie is features on the sheets and there are ninjas on his pillow. What I like a lot about the sheet set is as first glance it looks like a regular plain pattern, but upon closer inspection once again ThinkGeek gets everyone smiling.

PS As of right now ThinkGeek is having a MASSIVE sale, everything is on sale and the discount is significant.The Geeky Bed Sheets have been marked down by 67% to the price of $9.99, pretty spiffy is you ask me.
You can Follow ThinkGeek on Facebook and Twitter, to stay in touch.
Enjoy all, and happy shopping! 🙂

DISCLOSURE: I received the above products for review . I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Filed Under: gaming, kids, review

Win Wisharoo Park, an educational and adorable prize pack!

July 28, 2011 by Samantha 120 Comments

My son has a new favorite DVD- Wisharoo Park! If you have not heard of it (or if you have, but have not watched it yet), let me tell you how very much he enjoys it, and why I think you will, too. It became a fast favorite, and he carried around the little pamphlet that it came with for days. I love it’s message, and the characters are lovable, sweet, and adorable. I hope they come out with stuffed animals soon, my son would just love them, LOL. Of course, I had to bring it to the Pre-School to see what the kids had to say. The ages of the kids here are 2.5 to 6. Wisharoo Park was create for children aged 3 to 6, so the majority of the kids fall right within that demographic.

Originally airing as a TV series on PBS, Wisharoo Park has now launched as a multi-media program, with a website, Facebook Page, and DVDs. This technology based program and curriculum promotes positive self image and self esteem, and helps children feel good about themselves while discovering and understanding their personal strengths.
Wisharoo Park’s online community updates weekly with new activities, videos, games, and a whole lot more. There you can also interact with the aforementioned adorable buddies of Wisharoo Park. You can also look forward to an iPad app which is designed to complement your child’s learning and preschool curriculum, coming soon.

I am so excited to see what else Wisharoo Park comes up with, because I know that I love it, my kids love it, and the kids in the preschool love it as well. It is fun to use as a “break” or on a rainy day (or for wintry snowy days) to break up time when we can’t get outside and play. While we often do yoga, kids dance and exercise videos, and other physical activity- it’s nice to have options that are educational, and are great for social and personal learning as well. For me- whatever gives kids a love of learning, and confidence in themselves (which is really half the battle, isn’t it?) is a great choice and a good buy. I hope you check out Wisharoo Park soon, it is super-Have Sippy recommended!

You can also enter to win a Wisharoo Prize Pack below-
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.

– Visit the Wisharoo Park website: www.wisharoopark.com and sign up for the Wisharoo Park Newsletter

– Visit and like Wisharoo Park’s facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Wisharoopark — where if you “like” Wisharoo Park they can get three free songs (a $2.97 value). This is NOT MANDATORY and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this contest.

– Follow Wisharoo Park on twitter at @WisharooPark

-“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 Wisharoo Park, an #educational and adorable prize pack http://t.co/u4q8w9o @WisharooPark #kids #education @HaveSippy
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– enter a Birthday Bash giveaway at 3 Princes and a Princess 2

– 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 will receive the above products for review . 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 Aug 17, 2011.

Filed Under: education, giveaway, kids, movie, review

Fisher Price Product Safety Recall

July 28, 2011 by Samantha 2 Comments

Fisher Price is recalling the Little People^® Builders Load ’n Go Wagon, in cooperation with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada. There is a need to modify the wagon’s handle because children may be injured if they fall on it.

The affected wagon has a yellow handle and a Little People Builders decal on the side. You’ll find the product number – P8977 – on the underside of the wagon.

If you have this product in your home, please stop using it and go to www.service.mattel.com/us/recall.aspfor assistance from our Consumer Relations Team and detailed information about how to order a free repair kit, or call Fisher-Price at 1-800-432-5437, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., E.T.

I received this information via email.

Filed Under: kids

Rock N’ Learn DVD Review and Giveaway

July 27, 2011 by Samantha 261 Comments

In the Pre-K, sometimes we get rainy days, where I will occasionally put on a DVD to entertain the kids a bit and break up the day when we can’t go outside. There is only so long kids will sit for projects and work-time! 🙂
One of the best places to look for educational and fun DVDs is Rock ‘N Learn. They offer quite a bit in the way of kid’s DVDs, all of which are education based. Music is used to help kids learn, which the kids enjoy. If the kids have fun and enjoy it, they are more likely to learn what is being taught to them, and retain the information.
One of the DVDs that we have used was “Human Body”. I used this DVD during the week that we were discussing and learning about- aptly- the human body, lol. But I have put it on since then, at the request of the kids. On rainy days, I give them the options, and they choose what they like. If they CHOOSE a learning movie? Do I really need to say anything else? 🙂

Here is a bit more information on “The Human Body”
“This entertaining approach to the human body engages young, inquisitive learners, while the depth of material gets older students ready for tests. Join Kevin and his friends Marko and Bailey for an enlightening adventure to explore the skeletal, nervous, muscular, circulatory, urinary, respiratory, and digestive systems along with the five senses. Clear explanations, beautiful science models, and amusing animations make this DVD perfect for the classroom and home. Meets the National Science Education Standards.”

You can buy all sorts of fun and educational DVDs and CDs here!

You can also enter to win a DVD below-
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 Rocn ‘N Learn on Facebook- this 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 Rock N’ Learn DVD Review and Giveaway http://t.co/p9xV6IP #education #kids @HaveSippy
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– enter a Birthday Bash giveaway at 3 Princes and a Princess 2

– 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!

Filed Under: education, giveaway, review

My Favorite Talk Show by Lenny Mcknight

July 27, 2011 by Samantha 2 Comments

This guest post from Lenny Mcknight

My favorite TV talk show is The Oprah Winfrey Show. I grew up watching Oprah. I think she is the most personable talk show host I’ve ever seen. She seems to genuinely care about her guests and her audience. I also think she has great interviewing skills. She lets the guest talk without interrupting them, unlike several other talk show hosts that I can think of. I watch Oprah every weekday on my satellite dish that I got after seeing this cabletelevision.net. I also record the episodes so that I can re-watch them whenever I want.
My favorite episode of Oprah was a show she did years ago in regards to skin variations in the black race. I can’t remember which season it was, but there was a cute black girl on the show who broke my heart. She talked about how she was one of the darkest members of her family. She basically felt ugly and unloved because some people in her school and her community made her feel alienated. I think I was in middle school when the episode aired, and I do remember that I cried. I know that skin shade is sometimes an issue for black people, and it breaks my heart that they could be divided by something as trivial as that.

Filed Under: Uncategorized