Fun Contests!

Some currently open contests- have you entered yet?  (It’s cool- you can enter again today!  YAY, go on and have fun!  Good luck!)

Nerf Dart Guns ends July 29 

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012 addition ends JULY 28

Play Doh Flip N Serve ends July 27

Star Wars Toy ends July 27 

Win Miracle Gro Kids ends July 26

Super Soakers- ends July 25

Win Workout DVD Tribal Energy ends July 24

Roary the Racecar DVD  ends July 23

Dinosaur Train ends July 19

Patti Pelican book – ends July 18 

Win Bindi Irwin Wildlife Adventure Book- ends July 17 

Win Playtex Drop-Ins Bottles ends July 16 

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Win Nerf Dart guns!


Alright ladies and gentlemen-When was the last time you thought of hitting your boss (or spouse, maybe?) in the head with a Styrofoam dart?  You have, haven’t you?  Well, if not picture it now.  Commence giggling!  Even better- imagine a giant game of dart-tag breaking out in your place of work or home.  Dart guns, goggles, jerseys- and oh, did I mention they are of course Nerf guns– the best kind!  A whole office full of seemingly ‘professional’ people having a ‘blast’ firing Nerf darts left and right diving and dodging, people flayed out yelping in the agony of defeat.  Sounds good doesn’t it?  I know I would love that.   OK, soooo, I don’t get the whole “office” thing happening- but I DO like the idea of shooting neft darts at the Pre-K LOL.  (Don’t worry, I didn’t do it!)  But I am having fun with the visual of my husband and his ho-workers going nuts….LOL.  Ah, but I digress.  Nerf has just released a new series of Dart Tag toys.  These launchers, along with the goggles and jerseys to match, make a very interesting game of dart – “laser-ish” tag and capture the flag.  This new game is called Nerf Dart Tag Sharp Shot, and there is even a championship in Orlando you can register for.  In case I wasn’t very clear here is also some instructions on how to play.  It looks easy to learn, but is difficult to master.  Do you have a video game player at home?  One who spends all day in front of their xbox of playstation?  This is the ultimate game of capture the flag.  This game is fun for kids of all ages.  Little Man needed some help reloading but he’ s a great shot- I was impressed,  lol.

“Take your DART TAG game to the next level! This air-powered blaster lets you take down your opponents in next to no time! The quick-release belt clip lets you make your move fast, so you’re aiming and firing as quickly as you can. When your opponent is in sight, grab your blaster and send your DART TAG darts flying — they’ll even whistle as they fly. Blast your way to victory!

Blaster comes with quick-release belt clip and 4 DART TAG darts.”

OK, so you can buy these at Toys R Us or so many other great retailers, or order on Amazon.com.  You can also enter to win them here- and here is how!

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.

– What else do you love from Nerf? 
-“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 Nerf Dart guns! http://t.co/8YyH0bE  #Nerf @HaveSippy #Birthdaybash
*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 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 July 29, 2011.

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Have Sippy- I’m traveling!

Ohio has been a really fun place to visit so far. My expectations have been surpassed time and time again. I am used to much more congestion, lines, and longer waits for just about everything then I have experienced in Ohio. Even in local activities, we usually have to wait longer then we have had to for our thus far visited Ohio area attractions. So! Where have we been? If you follow me on Twitter, FaceBook, or Foursquare, you can see all the great places we have been so far.  I have also been posting updates all up and through them, as well. If you are not? I will be posting all about these exciting and fun family adventures, little by little, over the coming days and weeks.

OK, so I owe you a few on Pennsylvania as well- but don’t worry, I will get them all to you! I don’t want you to miss out on anthing fun.
But, since it is nearly impossible to post with the frequency I would need to, getting them all to you AS I do them- while giving you something of substance, of course!- they will come to you as I can while I am away, and then of course I will get the rest to you when I get back. Not to mention keeping up with your product reviews and giveaways, and the Birthday Bash celebration! Oh my goodness, I am a busy girl right now, LOL. Packed days, bloggy nights! You know how it is. But, you know me, and you will get ALL the good stuff.
So hang tight- and happy reading!  🙂
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Wordless Wednesday

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Win National Geographic Kids Almanac

National Geographic- what to say about this?  I love, love, love the magazine- but you had to know that, right?  As a history lover, a teacher, resident mama-razzi, a traveler- what would you expect?
Spending the day at the zoo, then coming back to the hotel and reading to Little Man even more about his favorite animal friends is great- and they are all found in one book.  This is a fun one to travel with! 
The fact that National Geographic makes so many great things for kids is just the bee’s knees!  I love this book- I use it all the time at the preschool.   It is full of fun facts, great photos, and kid-friendly information that will help your kiddos learn and grow.  If you have kids or work with them- this is a must-have! 
From dinosaurs to dolphins, continents to international celebrations- why settle for teaching your kid the ABC’s when they can ALSO learn about dorsal fins, the circulatory system, and the dangers of deepwater drilling?  (That’s right!  You can even teach your kids environmental awareness!  How much better can it get in a book?)

This is a book you need to own- I am going to run a contest for you, but if you don’t win it, I highly suggest you pick one of these National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012 for the kids in your life HERE
SUPER Have Sippy Will Travel approved!  LOL   🙂

Here is a little more information about this book-

Overflowing with extras and in full color, the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012features timely (as well as timeless) information on popular subjects such as amazing animals, cool inventions, world cultures, science, sports, technology, history and more. Supersized new sections deliver hours of fun with games, weird-but-true trivia and facts on newly discovered dinosaurs. More than 500 incredible photographs, 20 full-color maps and 350 easy-to-read pages jam-packed with fun lure kids into learning. Homework Help sections and project ideas make this a book kids will return to again and again throughout the year. 
Features include:
·       Your World 2012—What’s hot and what’s ahead for 2012
·       Going Green—Eco-lingo and tips for green living
·       Amazing Animals— From alligator to zorse (half zebra, half horse) and everything in between, tons of fascinating facts about where animals live and what they do
·       Culture Connection—Food, currency, literature and lots more from around the world
·       Super Science—Space, future world and cool inventions
·       The Little Big Book of Fun—Supersized section of puzzles, games and silly trivia
·       Wonders of Nature—Turbulent earth and weather, water, oceans, rocks and minerals
·       Awesome Adventures—Exciting places to explore around the world
·       History Happens—Kids’ favorite perennial topics of ancient Egypt and China, life in the past, United States presidents and international conflicts
·       Geography Rocks—Maps, travel, famous landmarks and more
 

So, you can buy your copy here, and you can also enter to win one 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.

– Follow @NGKidsBks on Twitter
– Like National Geographic Kids on Facebook- this is not mandatory and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this contest.
-“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 National Geographic Kids Almanac http://t.co/Di7kMuf @HaveSippy #kids #education #birthdaybash
*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 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 July 28, 2011.

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Twitter Hop!

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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Win Play Doh Flip and Serve set!

Alright, who wants Play-Doh!  I mean breakfast!  LOL
Kidding! Don’t eat it, it’s Play-Doh.  But boy do those waffles look good….mmm, Little sure can cook a mean breakfast, right?  I know, you are jealous.  Try not to be, I know, it will be hard.   😛
So here we are making breakfast for the crew on a Saturday morning and the kids want to help.  But we are making eggs, bacon, and pancakes.  You definitely don’t want the little ones grabbing the griddle do you?  The new flip n serve breakfast play set by Play-Doh is just the thing.  The kids can make pancakes, waffles, eggs, fruit even some strawberry sauce for you waffles.  Looks good enough to eat, but definitely not tasty in the slightest.  At least that’s what my husband says…
I really like how this play set is almost completely self contained. For the most part it is all connected, so there are fewer big pieces to lose or break.  There are accessories like the  forks, spoons and cups but all the big stuff is connected in one big ‘griddle’.  No heat here, just a little pushing and squishing.  With this playset, your little ones can help make the perfect accompaniment to breakfast without the ouchies. 

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.

– What is your favorite aspect of the Flip ‘N Serve set?  Or another Play-Doh product you love?  
-“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 Play-Doh Playset  http://tinyurl.com/5wfzjuz @HaveSippy #BirthdayBash 
*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 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 July 27, 2011.

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So- you are in Lancaster- what’s a good spot to stay in?

Yep!  That IS a giant, stuffed bacon on his head…and a Zoobie, and a Yogi Bear.  What, you don’t travel like that???

Last night we stayed at the Best Western Village Inn in Intercourse, PA.  (I know, funny name- especially for such a very religious area!)  As soon as we got there, the first thing I noticed (besides the well-kept property and friendly service) was how clean the room smelled.  As soon as we opened the door, we were hit with the smell of “clean”.  The room- while on the smaller side, it had everything you needed for the night.  Clean beds, bathroom, towels, they had a large TV and a mini ‘fridge as well.  One of the best aspects of the Best Western was the location- it was  right in the middle of so much- lots that you didn’t even need a car to get to, in fact.  Kitchen Kettle Village, home to many shops, restaurants, and the famous ” Yummy”, is about 2 blocks away.  The Lancaster, PA area has some fabulous shopping- from Amish-made treasures, to quite a few outlets- whatever your heart may desire.  And the food will not leave you wanting!  If you can’t find something you like- forget that- something you LOVE- you need to get your taste buds checked.  You can have fantastic PA Dutch Smorgasbords (Family-style dining experiences), the BBQ can’t be beat- and farm fresh produce is found at nearly every corner!  The Herrs factory is local, as is a pretzel factory, several places to see and buy fresh “canned” veggies, and- lets not forget the desserts!  Shoo-fly pie, apple pie- and let’s not forget the famous “Whoopie pies”, which are really tiny cake sandwiches with frosting in between- my son’s favorites!  Home made ice cream, lemonade, and pretzels are local favorites as well. (DO NOT miss these!)

The restaurants all close by 8- something this city girl didn’t know!  So that is a consideration to be aware of.  But it is no big deal- just know it ahead of time.  This area could not be more family friendly.  There are many historical, hands on, and active events and attractions for you and your family to enjoy.  Working farms, buggy rides, adventure farms, petting zoos, museums, puppets shows, live theater- you name it!

Did I mention how safe it feels here?  Or how friendly?  People wave and say hello. If someone bumps you- they say “excuse me”.  It is a great place to be, and a fantastic place to visit.  Don’t forget all our other adventures are in the area- Day out with Thomas, The Strasburg Railroad, Choo Choo Barn, Hayloft Candles and Petting Zoo- they are all just a little drive from the Best Western.  I love Lancaster.   I love being here with my kids, and I am here all the time- if you have not been here, get planning!  If you have, then when is your next visit?  Yummie’s birthday is coming up- you know you want to come on over for that!!!  If you are looking for a place to stay in the area, I am definitely recommending the Best Western Village, in Intercourse.  Fast, friendly, local to so many attractions, a restaurant on site (open from 6 am until 8 pm)- and even FREE wifi and continental breakfast!  What more can you want in a hotel?  Happy Trails to you, and I hope to see you soon in Lancaster– there is so much more then meets the eye!  Take your time, relax, enjoy all the local delicacies, and have fun!
~Samantha

Disclosure- I received a complimentary night at this hotel for the purpose of this review.  This is my honest review, all opinions are my own.

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