Anytime Costumes- Perfect for playtime, too! #Contest

July 25, 2011 by 642 Comments

Did you ever notice how hard it is to find boys dress up clothes? Every little girl has a billion outfits, and tons of accessories to match (and not match, LOL) but for boys? Not so much. Here at the Pre-K, the girls have 2 bins full of outfits. The boys? NOT ONE THING. A few months ago, I decided to change that. As liberal as I am- I try not to have a heart attack when my 2-3 year boy old puts on a Snow White dress and plastic high heels, I know it is just a “thing”, a phase that he will quickly grow out of- it got my goat that there is almost nothing in the way of boys dress up to be found. I found a few cowboy type things- a hat, some boots (and I have posted pictures of Little in those boots, LOL) and a few fireman hats- but, that’s really it! Then I thought- costumes! Just get costumes. I found a few that I brought in, and then I got this Green Lantern one from Anytime Costumes. He is the super hero of the moment, and the boys here just love playing with it. Here is a picture of Little Man in the costume-

As you can see, he is having fun! The costume comes with a ring and the mask, as well. The shoes are built on- they go over your child’s shoes, so they pretty much cover them up. There are a few velcro strips on the back, and it is a thin material- so it is good for all sorts of weather. The mask has nice, large eyes, so the children can see well.
The boys are fighting over it, of course, LOL. I got it a little big, so all the boys can fit into it. This is the favorite dress-up outfit for the boys at the Pre-K, and it is also Little Man’s current favorite. With the cowboy boots, of course! He has his own outfits at home, this one is to share with everyone.
Boys need to have fun, too! And not for nothing, but they should not have to resort to wearing their sister’s (or whomever’s) princess dresses when they want to play, or be left out entirely. Think about how many outfits your little princess has- and maybe think about picking one up for your little prince, as well 🙂
[Read more…]

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Blastos Bubbles- Win them here!

July 25, 2011 by 270 Comments

What says “summer” more then bubbles?  A Buzzillion Bubbles, that’s what!  This is such a fun toy- a new twist on a basic summer classic.  I was not prepared for the big reaction to such a little toy, and you know how they say a picture is worth a thousand words?  Let me show you these….

Look at these kids!  Sorry I have to blur them, slightly, but I can’t show faces of kids that are not my own, you understand. How happy are they?! 
I was taking photos between trying to blow -or perhaps shoot, or spray?- the bubbles, so they are not as great of photos as they could be- but I think they really show how happy they were, and how much they enjoyed this toy. 
The Blastos Bubbles were easy to use, the bubbles DO NOT spill out of the container, and after a few tries, they kids were able to use it themselves.  It was a little tricky figuring how to load the bubbles on to the blower- you kind of have to rock it back and forth in the little try you pour the bubble solution itno to get the solution on both holes of the blower- but after that, easy breezy!  Batteries not included- so make sure you have some on hand!!!

See it in action! Watch Video >

Blastos!™ Mini Bubble Blasters are motorized bubble blowers designed with multiple wands to blast buzzillions of bubbles! Dip the wands in the bubble tray & press the button for streams of bubbles.

Online-exclusive 2-pack! Choose: Green (2 styles) or Pink (2 styles).

Each includes 2 oz. of Blastos! Bubbles premium solution and dip tray.

Requires 1 “AAA” battery, sold separately.

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 Little Kids, Inc on Facebook- this is not mandatory and facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.
 
– Follow Little Kids Inc On Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway
Blastos Bubbles- #Win them here! http://t.co/w3IVlxy @HaveSippy @little_kids_inc #BirthdayBash #kids 
-“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
Blastos Bubbles- #Win them here! http://t.co/w3IVlxy @HaveSippy @little_kids_inc #BirthdayBash #kids 
*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 14, 2011.

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Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Twitter Hop!

July 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Please follow your hosts, the first 3 on the list- we will follow you back! 🙂 Follow as many others as you would like, and please follow back those who follow you. This is great for everyone! 🙂

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Giveaway Gala! Come Link up!

July 24, 2011 by 2 Comments

Welcome to this week’s Giveaway Gala!   Each week, this linky will be featured on the 5 Fabulous Collective Media Magic blogs.  You can add your giveaways as well, and they will also be featured.  Make sure you check out our featured giveaways while you are here  🙂

     Meet your Collective Media Magic Bloggers!

Featured Giveaways

The Thrifty Things:
Rango DVD & Storybook 8/11
Head Chef’s $30 gc plus free shipping 8/4
Rocket Launcher by Smart Lab Toys 8/4
Closer To Lucy:
Madison At Main 8/05
Flor Carpet Squares 8/9
Navoh handbag of choice 7/31
Tales From The Nursery:
3 Sandbox Lane 10$ GCs 7/29
Mid-Summer Moolah 410$ Cash 7/30
MiaPia’s Tutu ( Us/Can) 8/3
3 Princes and a Princess 2:
Linksys E4200 Router (RV180$)7/28
Little Tikes Sparklin’ Seas Waterpark 8/8Arby’s 20$ GC 7/30
Have Sippy Will Travel:
Nerf Dart guns 7/29
Play-Doh Flip N Serve Playset 7/27
Team Umizoomi Pre-K Math Kit 8/10

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Fun at Cedar Point, Ohio! @cedarpoint

July 24, 2011 by 3 Comments

Cedar Point to Host Guinness World Record Day
$36 Tickets to Benefit American Cancer Society

SANDUSKY, Ohio – For years Cedar Point has broken records with their high-flying coasters,
but now, guests at the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort can help the park set two new
world records.

On Guinness World Record Day at Cedar Point, Sunday, July 31, the park will attempt two new
world records: one for the most beach balls in the air at the same time and the second for the
greatest number of people applying sunscreen at the same time.

In addition to setting world records, guests will also be able to purchase tickets to the park
online at cedarpoint.com for only $36, a savings of nearly $12 per ticket. These special one-
day tickets will only be valid Sunday, July 31. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will be donated
to the Northern Ohio Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

Interested guests should be at the park by 9 a.m. to prepare for the first event, which will
start promptly at 9:30 a.m. The first event for the most beach balls in the air simultaneously
at a single venue is a brand new record. To qualify for the new record, a minimum of 250
beach balls must be individually juggled for [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, travel Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Win a Summer BBQ Prize Pack

July 24, 2011 by 268 Comments

NSF International – a nonprofit organization that is committed to protecting public health and safety by developing standards and certifying products against those standards – would like to share a list of its top tips for picnic and grilling safety.  These tips are helpful guidelines on how to protect your family from food-borne illness, and keep your outdoor eating fun and safe this summer.  Unfortunately, summer weather can also create the perfect opportunity for bacteria to grow on foods that aren’t handled properly- so read on!!!

PICNIC FOOD SAFETY TIPS
1) Put perishable foods (i.e. hot dogs, cut fruits and salads) in individual containers on the bottom of the cooler with ice packs on the top:
This method provides the best insulation for foods that need to remain cool and helps prevent cross contamination. Transport uncooked meats in a separate cooler from ready-to-eat foods
2) Put cold drinks (i.e. sodas, juices, etc.) in a separate cooler:
This method avoids having the cooler containing perishable foods being constantly opened and closed.
3) Carry the cooler in the passenger area of the car:
Keeping the cooler in the passenger area instead of in the trunk allows the air conditioning to help keep the contents cool.
4) Avoid taking dishes to a picnic that contain uncooked or unpasteurized eggs, such as homemade salad dressings or mayonnaise:
Use pasteurized eggs or egg products to make these items. Food items containing properly prepared homemade or store-bought mayonnaise need to be kept cold until just before serving.
5) Wash produce such as melons prior to serving:
Bacteria can be present on the exterior of melons and can be carried into the edible section when cutting it.
6) Do not prepare food more than one day before your picnic unless it is to be frozen:
Cooking foods in advance allows for more opportunities for bacteria to grow. Be sure to reheat pre-cooked foods to at least 165°F before serving.
7) Remember the one-hour rule:
Do not consume any perishable foods that have been sitting out beyond one hour on days where the temperature is over 90°F. On cooler days (under 90°F), perishable foods should be returned to the cooler or discarded if not eaten within two hours.
8) Throw out leftovers:
Since most picnic leftovers have been sitting out for more than 1 – 2 hours and have had many people handling them, throw them out. The more time that food has been sitting at unsafe temperatures, the more likely harmful bacteria has grown.
9) Wash hands before eating or handling food:
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating or handling food. If you’re eating where there’s no source of clean water, bring soap, water and paper towels or have disposable wipes or hand sanitizer available.
GRILLING TIPS TO REMEMBER

1.    Start with a Clean Kitchen: According to a germ study by NSF International, the kitchen sponge and kitchen sink were the germiest places in the home – items that are typically used in multiple stages of the cooking and cleaning process. Avoid cross-contamination by ensuring these items are clean by:

a.       Placing wet sponges in the microwave for two minutes once per day and replacing them often – every two weeks or more as needed. A better option for kitchen cleaning are dishcloths, towels and rags. These items can be sanitized by washing on the clothes washer’s hot water cycle with bleach. Replace every 1-2 days.     

b.      Washing and disinfecting the sides and bottom of the sink 1-2 times per week with a disinfecting cleaner. Sanitize kitchen drains and disposals monthly by pouring a solution of one teaspoon household bleach in one quart of water down the drain. Wash kitchen sink strainers in the dishwasher weekly.

2.    Defrost Foods Safely: Don’t attempt to defrost foods quickly by leaving them sit overnight on a kitchen counter. Use one of the following methods:

a.     Option I – Place a covered food in a shallow pan on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator.
b.    Option II – Defrost the food item in the microwave, but keep in mind that you must finish cooking the food immediately thereafter, as some areas of the food may become warm and begin to cook during the microwave defrosting process.
c.   Option III – If there is not enough time to thaw frozen foods, it is safe to cook foods from the frozen state. However, the cooking will take approximately 50% longer than the recommended time for fully thawed or fresh meat and poultry.

3.    Practice Proper Marinating: If marinating food, marinate in a refrigerator overnight and dispose of any leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw meat. While acids in marinades can help tenderize meat, too much vinegar or hot sauce can cause meat to be more stringy and tough.

4.    Keep Hot Foods Hot and Cold Foods Cold: Hot foods need to be kept at temperatures above 140 F and cold foods less than 40 F. Between these two temperatures, bacteria can multiply very rapidly and reach dangerous levels in as little as two hours.

5.    Don’t cook with your eyes; Cook with a thermometer: In order to ensure food has reached a safe internal temperature, always use a certified food thermometer. Any leftovers should be put away within two hours (one hour if the temperature is over 90° F).

6.    Avoid Cross Contamination. Since bacteria can easily spread from one food to the next via dripping juices, hands, or utensils, think ahead to avoid cross contamination.  Don’t use the same utensils and plates for raw and cooked foods, and always remember to wash your hands before preparing and consuming food.

For additional food safety tips, download the complete NSF Food Safety fact kit.

NSF International is an independent, not-for-profit public health organization that certifies products and writes standards for food, water and consumer goods.

NSF International | 789 N. Dixboro Road, P.O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140 Consumer Hotline: 1-888-99-SAFER | Website: www.nsf.org

You can win this prize pack-
·         NSF Certified Icepacks·         NSF Certified Meat Thermometer
·         NSF Certified Tupperware
·         NSF Apron

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
#Win a Summer BBQ Prize Pack http://t.co/FkXxD8N @HaveSippy #food #safety
*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 12, 2011.

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Filed Under: food, giveaway

Re-Tweet Club! Come get Tweeted! :)

July 24, 2011 by 3 Comments

Want help sharing your posts, reviews, and giveaways? Want to increase your Klout? Then you’ve come to the right place!

Let’s help each other out with retweets!

Join the Retweet Club!

With your hosts:

@Syrana, @Marirene74, and @HaveSippy

The Rules:

1 – The first rule about the Retweet Club is to talk about the Retweet Club.

2 – Tweet the last entry on the spreadsheet (copy and paste!) – The first spot will always be about the RT Club post!

3 – Choose any post you want that’s family friendly!

4 – Add your tweet to be retweeted – typed AS you want it tweeted (refer to the first spot for an example).  Please make sure it is only 140 characters.

5 – Use bit.ly or tinyurl to shorten your post links.

6 – You can retweet more than one and post more than one request.  We ask that you retweet one for each that you post.  We will randomly tweet off the list too.

Optional – You can follow the hosts and send us a tweet telling us you are part of the #RTClub and we’ll follow you back!

If you’d like the code to post the listing on your blog, please contact me and I’ll send it to you.

**PLEASE NOTE** It takes about 5 minutes for the spreadsheet on this post to update with your submission.  To see the spreadsheet and confirm your information was recorded you may CLICK HERE.

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Christmas in July- with Storkie!

July 21, 2011 by 7 Comments

With temperatures nearing (or over!) 100, it sure doesn’t feel like Christmas!  Don’t you just love a summer heatwave?  LOL  But lets think cool, wintery thoughts, and reflect on our favorite holiday memories for a few minutes. 
When the time comes to make fabulous Christmas Cards, I love searching through all  my photos, and finding the perfect one (or few!) to use for creating our unique photo cards.  I know you don’t HAVE to send photo cards for the holidays- but don’t the photos really just MAKE them?  I mean- yes, that polar bear/Santa Claus is very cute, but I love seeing pictures of friends and family, especially when I don’t get to see them often.  For a few friends and even relatives, I only get to see or hear from them just a few times a year, and I really look forward to photo cards during the holidays. 
Storkie.com has the cutest assortment of cards, not just for Christmas, but for just about any occasion, really.  I like to send out photo cards all the time- not just for Christmas.  I have sent Valentines, Thanksgiving, Easter, Thank Yous, you name it!  I love photo cards.  They are just the best- and really, who wouldn’t love them?  Anyone who knows you will appreciate a great card, letting them know you are thinking of them, with a great photo of your kids or family on it.  What’s not to love? 
The next time you are thinking about sending out cards, or making your holiday cards- you know where to go- try out Storkie.com!  It will be hard to choose your favorite style, so make sure you give yourself some time to browse around, and have fun  🙂  
Happy browsing!

Disclosure- this is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own, yours may differ. 
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