Chuggington Interactive Wash & Fuel Starter Set- CONTEST!!!

April 2, 2011 by 280 Comments

Honk-Honk!

Lets Ride the Rails!  Chug on over to see what’s new- this awesome new Chuggington Interactive Wash & Fuel Starter Set!!!  We are Chuggington fans in this house- cute show, sweet characters, cooperative lessons to be learned- to me, it’s a good choice for those times you decide to let them watch TV.  And the toys that accompany the show are not to be missed- if you have a little chugger in your house, they will just love this new Chuggington Interactive Wash & Fuel Starter Set, made by Learning Curve.  Honk your horns and get ready to ride the rails, this toy is both adorable AND interactive, and the engines talk with each main part of the toy.  The chugger who came with the set, Brewster, will also talk to and recognize other interactive Chuggington trains.  How much fun is that?  Little Man loves that when Brewster goes through Fuel Depot it can zap the poor little train.  (OK, we may need to nip that on the bud, LOL…..)  It also lets the other “regular” Chuggington trains play along- the tracks will be good for all the Chuggington trains you already have (which, if you are like me, is a LOT!)  I am sure you have noticed our Wilson carry case full of trains and our other Chuggington paraphernalia in some of my photos- it all works together.  The new interactive train won’t fit in the Wilson carrier, but other then that, everything works well together.  Maybe they will make a Brewster or Koko carrier for the interactive trains, LOL. 
 
The Chuggington Interactive Railway brings your favourite engines to life via SmartTalk technology! The Wash & Fuel Set features 32 total pieces, including an Interactive Brewster engine plus two interactive train stops: the chug wash and fuel depot. As with all Chuggington Interactive engines, Brewster actually recognises and reacts with other Chuggington Interactive engines and train stops! This set features over 175 sounds and phrases when used with other Chuggington Interactive products…the more pieces you add, the more interactive your world becomes! Requires 8 x AA batteries (included).

Want to win a set for your little conductor?  
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.  

 Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.
-Become a Fan of Learning Curve on Facebook

– Follow Learning Curve on Twitter and Tweet about this contest
#WIN Chuggington Interactive Wash & Fuel Starter Set… http://t.co/rIWD0mL @HaveSippy @LCToys

 
+2 entries

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

– Follow me on Twitter ( you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#WIN Chuggington Interactive Wash & Fuel Starter Set… http://t.co/rIWD0mL @HaveSippy @LCToys


Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Stumble this post

– 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!)

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: A product sample was provided for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. 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 April 21,  2011.  

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Mickey’s Magic Show- my review :)

March 31, 2011 by 7 Comments

Want to make a smile appear on your child’s face?  You could wave your wand, and say some magic words- or you could take them to go see Mickey’s Magic Show!  Child friendly magic, with tricks and illusions that will make your little one dance for joy and sit perfectly still in anticipation.  Micky Mouse and friends will capture your little one’s attention from start to finish!  Mickey and his friends have a great magic show to put up, and they get some assistance from some of your favorite Disney characters, like Jasmine, Cinderella, Alice, and some new friends, too.  Of course, no show would be complete without Minnie Mouse!  That would be like peanut butter without jelly.  Let’s not forget one very important person- Fairy Godmother!  She comes along to remind us of some very special magic words she likes to use, and helps save the day for a certain princess.  Goofy and Donald are there as well, learning to preform their own tricks, and working them out on stage.  Even when there is a little “goof up” with some of the magic going awry, Mickey and friends can get it right  back on track with a little help from each other, and some audience participation.  My 3 year old loved this show, he was yelling out magic words, clapping at the amazing feats preformed, and of course, we have had a little magician since getting home.  Everything is just ripe to be “magic-ed” (his words!) 

My Little Man had a blast at Mickey’s Magic Show, and if you have a Mickey lover- or a Disney lover (and who doesn’t?) at your house, then your child will love it, too.  Check the schedule and get your tickets HERE!
Have a Magical Day!

Filed Under: disney, family, kids, review

My Sweet Boy- In a BIG BOY BED!!! (plus a contest)

March 31, 2011 by 307 Comments

This is a “sticky post”- meaning it will stay on the top of this blog for the whole month.  Why?  Because it’s super fabulous, that’s why, LOL!    🙂

Sigh- my big, big boy….Where did the time go?  5 minutes ago, you were in my arms, snuggling under my neck, a whole 7 pounds.  And here we are tonight, putting you into your very own Big Boy Bed.  Where did the time go?

I am resisting the urge to go super sentimental on this one….Let’s just say this is a VERY special bloggy event for me.  Most of you know that my Little Man is my only biological child.  We adopted Kamikaze when she was beyond the crib, and decorated her room without really “knowing” her.  It’s a downside of adoption- it’s kind of a guessing game, and it was sort of generic. 
Little Man’s crib was the one that my brothers and I slept in, that my mother and her siblings slept in.  So while it was steeped in family history- there was no “picking out the nursery”.  Not that I would trade it!
But this makes switching to his new room just that much more special- it’s the first time I get to do a room- with a particular child in mind. 

By now, I think you are all familiar with Heirloom Wooden Toys– who carry only the most fabulous wooden products for your children.  If you can think of it- they have it!  From fantastic wooden kitchens, to playsets, to bedroom furniture! 
Have you seen this bed?  It’s called the Safari Toddler Bed, and how adorable is it?  There was a mini-post the day it got here, and a few tweets and FB shares- seriously- I can’t stop talking about it!  I mean- there is cool, and then there is WICKED AWESOME!!!  This bed so falls into the latter. 
My Little Man LOVES animals, and he chose this bed himself. He has been talking about it non-stop since he saw it, and telling absolutely everyone about his Safari Bed!  Some kids love cars, some fire engines- my son is all about wild animals.  That is the beauty of Heirloom Wooden Toys– they have high quality pieces no matter what your child’s personality.  I mean really- does it get cooler then this?

Drooling?  Yeah, you know it!  You want one, LOL.  (Heck, I WANT ONE!!!) My Little Man is in LOVE with his new bed!  You guys can expect to see a LOT of this one- as we keep updating his room throughout the month, you will see more and more photos.

His new bed is made of super high quality wood, laminated Baltic birch wood- this bed is going to last!  Even through the immediate jumping-on that it got, LOL.  It came in only a few pieces- my husband thinks 6- and it was very easy to put together.  It took less then a half hour to assemble- even with the kids “helping”.  It has a great paint job, and again- original!  You can bet that you won’t see beds like this in everyone’s house.  Your child will have the best room EVER!  All his or her friends will be jealous. (and a cool piece of information?  it fits all standard crib mattresses- so no need to get a new one!) 
Little Man is all set to go on Safari in Africa- he has already pretended to drive it all over the place and told me about all the animals that he sees!
And on a side note- you really won’t find nicer people.  I had the pleasure to meet the owners of the store in person, and they were just dolls.  I have spoken to her on the phone and via email numerous times, and she is a very nice person who really cares about her store and her products.  But meeting them- they have this amazing calm, and they really go the extra mile to make sure that they are getting good products.  Literally!  Can I tell you how big Toy Fair was?  And there they were- on the opposite side of the country from where they live, going from place to place, inspecting all the toys.  I know that they place a huge emphasis on customer service, and that they want to make sure your shopping needs will be met.  Totally trustworthy company. 

“Your little one will be ready for the big wild open plains ready to explore the animals of Africa! Your child will love sleeping in their special bed, dreaming of tomorrows adventures.  This is an adorable wooden Toddler bed to carry out a fun and exciting bedroom theme.  This toddler bed is sure to make going to bed easier on everyone! 
The Just Kids Stuff Safari Toddler Bed Features:

  • Fits a standard sized crib mattress
  • All wood Construction – Laminated Baltic Birch (no MDF)
  • Hand Crafted in the USA
  • Entrance is 12″ – 13″ above the floor
  • Perfect for toddlers aged 18 months to 5 years old

Just Kids Stuff makes the most adorable Heirloom quality Toddler beds available.  All Just Kids Stuff toddler beds are all wood construction – hand crafted from imported laminated Baltic birch and other solid woods. No Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) is used. They all take a standard sized crib mattress for the ultimate in comfort (and fun) for your little one. Kids love having a special kid sized bed and they like the security of a little bed rather than being put in a full sized bed.
All of the toddler Beds measure 53 x 29 inches outside, and one inch smaller on the inside. The entrances are 12 – 13 inches above the floor.
All of our Toddler Beds and Toy Boxes are built in the U.S.A.  These are quality pieces of heirloom furniture that will be passed on to future generations.”

The bed has only been up for 2 days, so we are still working on the rest of the room.  I’m so excited to share all the updates with you as they happen.  My baby boy- growing up!
Heirloom Wooden Toys is also offering to give away an adorable set of toys to one of you- either the
Safari set or the Zoom to the Moon set- your choice!  🙂

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.  

 Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Sign up for Heirloom Wooden Toys newsletter HERE

– Become a “fan” of Heirloom Wooden Toys on FaceBook.   I’d love you to tell them Have Sippy Will Travel sent you- never required, always appreciated!

– Follow Heirloom Wooden Toys on Twitter and tweet about this contest
#Win set of space or safari toys http://t.co/DTOe9b9 @HaveSippy

-“Like” me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Have-Sippy-Will-Travel/118293111555385 

+2 entries

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

– Follow me on Twitter ( you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win set of space or safari toys http://t.co/DTOe9b9 @HaveSippy
Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Stumble this post

– 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!)

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: A product sample was provided for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. 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  March 30,  2011.  

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, natural, review

The Ice Princess

March 30, 2011 by 6 Comments

I am not normally a huge fan of crime thrillers.  OK, I don’t like them much at all.  But this one caught my eye, and my attention.  And kept it!
Camilla Lackberg, whose novels have all been # 1 bestsellers in her native Sweden,  is the 7th bestselling novelist in Europe. March 29, 2011 marks the American paperback debut of her crime novel The Ice Princess. The Ice Princess is the first in a three-part series with the follow up, The Preacher, to be published by Pegasus Books on April 27, 2011.

It started with a bit character, a strange errand, and a bang- and it kept right on rolling.  I read this book in 2 sittings.  I couldn’t put it down.  It was smart, interesting, and oddly sentimental (for the characters).  Of course, it was a bit cliche at times,  but it IS a crime thriller!  That’s what they do, right?  LOL

I think it had it all- twisted, gross characters and strange plot that you found yourself wound up in, an on-the-side family drama  in the life of a main character that runs along with the tragedy that other families in the novel experience.  The clearly defined “good guys” and “bad guys”.  And Weight Watchers!  Come on- what good novel doesn’t mention THAT???  LOL.  But it is those little things that really made you feel like you “knew” the characters more.   It was written from the viewpoints of several characters, which I loved.  You got to see the story from all sorts of angles!
I really liked this book.  A great escape for a few hours!  🙂

In this electrifying tale of suspense from an international crime-writing sensation, a grisly death exposes the dark heart of a Scandinavian seaside village. Erica Falck returns to her tiny, remote hometown of FjÄllbacka, Sweden, after her parents’ deaths only to encounter another tragedy: the suicide of her childhood best friend, Alex. It’s Erica herself who finds Alex’s body—suspended in a bathtub of frozen water, her wrists slashed. Erica is bewildered: Why would a beautiful woman who had it all take her own life? Teaming up with police detective Patrik HedstrÖm, Erica begins to uncover shocking events from Alex’s childhood. As one horrifying fact after another comes to light, Erica and Patrik’s curiosity gives way to obsession—and their flirtation grows into uncontrollable attraction. But it’s not long before one thing becomes very clear: a deadly secret is at stake, and there’s someone out there who will do anything—even commit murder—to protect it.

You can read the first chapter HERE  
Disclosure- I received a copy  of this book for free in order to honestly review it.  These opinions are my own. 

Filed Under: book review, review

Nutella® hazelnut spread

March 30, 2011 by 6 Comments

Ok so we just had a really cute party, sponsored by Nutella® hazelnut spread.  I had the opportunity to spread the joy.  We invited some friends over, had a light brunch and a fun get together.  Some were Nutella newbies, others had been fans.  We had a Nutella® hazelnut spread tasting and everyone brought some favorite foods and ideas.  Nutella on toast, someone else brought over graham crackers and small marshmallows to make Nutella s’mores,  which, while not brunch-y, were phenomenal.   We used our provided Nutella spreading knives and shared away. My husbands favorite was peanut butter and Nutella.  Maybe a bit boring- but he liked it!
Now, honestly, this would be a not food I would give my kids on the regular for breakfast.  But as a once in a while weekend breakfast treat, it’s fun in moderation.   And, it is a good snack.

Children need to be taught from an early age that breakfast is not to be skipped. They also must be taught the importance of eating wholesome and healthy breakfast meals instead of sugary cereal or donuts.
Fact: The most important meal of the day is breakfast. Nutella in the proper portion of 1-2 tablespoons can make this meal nutritious and fun.  (So says the experts on Nutella’s site– click the hotlinks and check it out)
Fact: There are 50 hazelnuts in a 13 ounce jar of Nutella hazelnut spread.
Fact: Nutella hazelnut spread does not come into contact with peanuts during the manufacturing process nor does it contain peanuts. 

There were also recipes that Nutella® hazelnut spread provided us to try out.   
Waffle Sandwich: Simply spread Nutella on one whole wheat toaster waffle and top with fresh fruit, finally top with a second waffle can slice in half.
Breakfast Sandwich: You can use a whole wheat English muffin or Whole grain bagel. Toast it and spread with 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella and top with cut up strawberries.
Breakfast Roll-Up: Spread 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella on a whole wheat tortilla. Then top with fruit and roll!
Want to see something crazy?  Check out this site for an amazing quantity of Nutella recipes!  

waiting our turn to grab a plate is HARD!!!

Over all, we had a great night and a few new ideas we hadn’t thought of before.  Everyone had a blast, thanks Nutella!  
 DISCLOSURE: A product sample was provided for review by MommyParties, MomSelect, and Nutella.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Filed Under: food

Just a minute.

March 30, 2011 by 11 Comments

I just need to talk for a second.  I need grown-ups to hear what I am saying, and possibly respond.  As most of you know, I am surrounded by 3 year olds all day, LOL, and at points, I am in dire need of adult conversation.  This is not a complaint, it’s more….wondering.
The past month has not been kind to me.  I got pneumonia, the town flooded, and then (last weekend, just for fun) I wound up with an intestinal infection.  Most likely a result of my “already compromised immune system”, I was told.  I have had to work this whole time that I had pneumonia, because I don’t get sick days, and I can’t pay the mortgage if I don’t work.  And of course, there is the job of being a mom- mom’s don’t get time off!  Then, Monday night, my computer crashed.  Making me even more behind.  I had an “auto-post” that went up Tues, and some Tweets from my phone- but that was about it.  I am posting tonight from a resuscitated laptop while my husband fixes the computer.  The house is a hot mess, there is laundry that SO needs to be done, and I’m not even going to START on my non-existent diet and exercise lately.  Then there is Kamikaze- we are still dealing with that incident(s) that I had mentioned a while back.  Miss Thing brought some baggage with her when she was adopted, and sometimes I wonder if we will ever get past it all.  All of us.  Or if we should just start selling luggage?  LOL. 

I know things are not really that bad.  You look at Japan, or watch the news and hear of a real tragedy, and I know it’s not really all that bad.  So why must I be so whiney???  Oy!  What’s the matter with me? 
But in my own little world, in my own little mind…I just want to explode sometimes!  And then I wonder- is it just me?  I know I am not the only one (far from it!) that looks at myself and says “How did I get here?”  But this past month has just pushed me to such a point.  What’s that saying?  “If it’s not something, it’s everything”?  Haha. 
I think it’s time for a little virtual drink.  I don’t drink for in real life, but for those of you who do- man, have a glass of wine/beer/mixer of choice, and raise your glass to us mommies.  It’s not easy, is it?  C’mon already, April- get here, bring on the rain, and wash this awful month off of me!  HA!
Thanks for listening.  Sorry for whining.  What can I say, the 3 year olds rubbed off on me, LOL.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Twisted Thursday!!! BLOG HOP!

March 30, 2011 by 1 Comment

Please make sure you leave a comment with your link, so I know where to return the favor.  Thanks!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

There is still time to enter the Casey and Bella Contest!

March 30, 2011 by 3 Comments
Don’t miss out- there is still 2 weeks left to enter your child in the Casey and Bella Contest!   Your child can become a publisher author!  
Don’t forget, you can also Follow Casey and Bella on Twitter and on Facebook as well- don’t miss out!  
(from author Jane Lovascio)
The Casey and Bella Story contest was created to foster creativity in 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. The idea for the Casey and Bella Story contest came about when I visited schools and saw how excited children were to share their own Casey and Bella story ideas. I decided to create a contest that would give a child the opportunity to have his/her story idea professionally published as the next book in the Casey and Bella book series!
Details….The Grand Prize Winner: receives a $500.00 cash prize, plaque, certificate, and his/her story idea is published in the book and then professionally illustrated, expanded, and published by Big as the next book in the Casey and Bella book series! The grand prize winner is credited for his/her story idea on the dedication page inside the book and the cover. I also travel to the Top 10 Winners’ schools to present the awards and read the finished story.
Each year the Casey and Bella Writing Contest begins September 1, 2010 and ends April 15, 2011. Entry forms and info can be found on www.CaseyandBella.com &  www.CuddlyBooks.com along with games and pictures of the characters.
Filed Under: family, kids