Win a Dinosaur Train with Buddy Train Car

May 10, 2011 by 63 Comments

“Dinosaur Train” will celebrate America’s love of trains with special programming and activities throughout the month of May. To kick off, the award-winning and critically acclaimed animated preschool series from The Jim Henson Company, will debut an all new episode on May 6 on PBS KIDS (please check local listings). Additionally, special train-themed activities and events will be featured in partnership with local PBS stations and on the series’ website.

Celebrating National Train Day, which takes place on May 7th, the new episode includes two 11-minute animated segments with live-action sequences featuring a paleontologist who brings to life the show’s natural science and natural history curriculum for preschoolers.  In “Junior Conductor Jamboree,” Buddy and his family ride the Dinosaur Train from one end of the line to the other and visit all three time periods–from the Cretaceous, through the Jurassic, to the Triassic. In “Troodon Train Day,” the Pteranodon family rides to Troodon Town to celebrate Troodon Train Day, where the main event is a concert by King Cryolophosaurus, giving his first performance in years!

Select PBS Stations across the U.S. will also be hosting train-themed events throughout the month. Participating stations include PBS SoCal, Los Angeles; WXXI, Rochester, New York; WJCT, Jacksonville, Florida; Houston PBS; KERA, Dallas, Texas; UNCTV, North Carolina state network; WHYY, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; AETN, Arkansas Educational Television Network; Vegas PBS, Las Vegas, Nevada; and WOSU, Columbus, Ohio.  Activities may include Dinosaur Train screenings, Buddy costume character appearances, Buddy standees for photo opportunities, and hands-on educational activities.

In addition to the television series, there is also a “Dinosaur Train” interactive website at  PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain. Children can join Buddy, Tiny and all their friends as they discover natural history and the science of paleontology through fun games and activities. During the month of May, the website will celebrate trains with a special themed homepage and new fun printable activities. Kids can also play the online game “All Aboard!” to become a Jr. Conductor on the Dinosaur Train! (http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/games/allaboard.html)  

You know how I love PBS!  And Dinosaur Train is a really cute cartoon that the kids love.  During Dinosaur week, we even watched it a bit at the Pre-K. Dinosaur Train is an award-winning and critically acclaimed preschool series from The Jim Henson Company shown on PBS Kids.

The kiddos loved the new episodes “Junior Conductor Jamboree” and “Troodon Train Day”.  And since it is National Train Day earlier this week (the 7th) and I’m running LOTS of train-themed giveaways right now, what better way to get over your mid-week slump then with Dinosaur Train? 
Don’t forget- your kids can join Buddy, Tiny, Mr. Conductor, and all their dinosaur buddies and play games and activities on PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain.  A fun and educational site, Pre-K teacher approved!  (Besides me, even!  LOL)

We also received a Dinosaur Train collectible train car with Buddy for review. As you know, I used a gift card that I got back in the fall and bought my son the Dinosaur Train train set.  Little Man has been collecting the extra cars and dinosaur friends ever since.  Kids can collect all of Buddy’s friends, who also come with train cars, and connect them to build there own dinosaur train.  (All sold separately!)

One of you will win a Dinosaur Train collectible train car with Buddy!
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.

– Like the Jim Henson Comapny on Facebook

– Follow the Jim Henson Company on Twitter and tweet about this contest!
 #Win a Dinosaur Train with Buddy Train Car http://t.co/iEs8su1 @hensonparents @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 ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win a Dinosaur Train with Buddy Train Car http://t.co/iEs8su1 @hensonparents @HaveSippy

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”- I just added it, LOL

– 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 May 20, 2011.

Filed Under: education, giveaway, kids, review

NoWorkSpanish Review

May 5, 2011 by 7 Comments

Here is an interesting twist on how to learn Spanish– a new concept used by No Work Spanish. 
No Work Spanish was easy to use, and didn’t make you do any “work”, LOL. By this, I mean no worksheets, drills, and certainly no tests, haha.  I have been messing with Spanish for years, and still don’t speak it properly.  I speak Spanish and Russian very, very poorly, LOL.  I love the chance to brush up on my language skills, because I don’t often use them.  I think that is most likely why I am so bad at them- you know the saying, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it”!  It’s true  🙂
I need the visuals- but it was a good supplement and “reminder” for me, to keep me “fresh”, lol.  Not great for little kids, since the stories are long and not really aimed at them- this one is for the grown ups and older kids
No work Spanish is a fun and easy way to bring another language into your life, even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish.
I’m not saying you will be translating at the UN next Friday, haha- but it’s a great introduction, and if you use it, you will gain knowledge and the ability to speak Spanish.  You will need to put time and effort into it- learning another language, for most of us, takes time and isn’t easy.  You may as well choose a product that you like, and can have fun with.  If you don’t like the whole drill/worksheets or going to a formal class thing- No Work Spanish may be just the thing for you!  🙂

Here is a little more information about No Work Spanish for you-

Remember when you learned your first language? You didn’t need language tapes. You didn’t get sent to a class. People talked to you and you listened and little by little, you got the gist of what people were saying.
What if you could learn a second language the same way?

No homework. No language drills. Just listen and learn.

No-Work Spanish is a brand-new concept. The story is read with each sentence said first in English, then in Spanish. You will find your mind connects the English and Spanish, just like you can pause a favorite song and sing the next line, without thinking about it and certainly without making any effort to memorize the words in the song. After a chapter has been read in English and Spanish, it is repeated in Spanish, to reinforce the Spanish version in the listener’s mind.

No-Work Spanish stories are available on CD’s or as audio downloads. They vary in length from 50 minutes to about an hour and 45 minutes. Each story has a different reader, so you will become familiar with variations in pronunciation.

For more info on these Spanish Audio CDs, check them out on their site or on Facebook! 

“This is a MamaBuzz review. The product was provided by: No Work Spanish for this review.”

Filed Under: education, review

Guest Post- Educational App

May 2, 2011 by 7 Comments
 
Here is an interesting new service that could be a lifesaver for parents looking for an educational way to entertain their kids!
Science Days Out is a new iPhone app which promises to share the best science centers and other educational experiences in the US. It includes opening hours, websites, maps, pictures and , making it really easy to pick a place at the last minute, put the kids in the car and just go!
You can also see which attractions are closest to you and read reviews, as well as submitting your own.
All of the most famous kids’ favorites – the awesome USS Intrepid aircraft carrier in New York (did you know they put Concorde on the deck? – it’s amazing) and the Franklin Institute in PA, for example – are in there, although there are also plenty of smaller science centres in virtually every state.
It’s priced at $0.99, and there is an Android version is coming soon too if you don’t have a SmartPhone –but  if you do, why not give it a go and let fellow Moms know what you think? Just visit the site below or search for “science days out” in the app store on your iPhone/iPod/iPad!
 
(Submitted by Nick) 
Filed Under: education, electronics, technology, travel

Whistlefritz- Spanish for kids, Contest!

April 19, 2011 by 80 Comments

Whistlefritz– A new Spanish Language DVD for kids ages 2-6.  The title is Las Estaciones (The Seasons).
It’s a cute video, featuring a little animated mouse as well as a Spanish speaking senorita.  This one focuses on the weather and the four seasons.  It’s really cute, and has fun and upbeat music that the kids can enjoy while learning a new language.  I’m not liking the video as much as other Spanish learning DVDs, because, while it is cute, and I like the music- it is entirely in Spanish.  It can be hard for kids to follow along, and because they have no idea what is going on, and they are speaking in full sentences- the kids get bored and stop paying attention.  I have used this both in class and at home, and the kids didn’t love it as much as other ones I have used with them.  It would be a good to use for a little variety with other Spanish language learning sets.  That is how I am currently using it.  They also can only seem to watch it for 15 minutes at a time or so.  Once they become more fluent, you can use this DVD more regularly. 
Here is some product information for you!

Spanish for Kids Made Fun and Easy …
Just Whistlefritz!
Founded in 2006, Whistlefritz was started by a mom who wanted to teach her own children
Spanish. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality Spanish immersion programs, she decided to create
her own Spanish DVDs and CDs for children … and so Whistlefritz was born and two award-winning
titles, Vamos a Jugar (Let’s Play) and Los Animales (The Animals) were released.

Learning to understand and speak Spanish – the world’s third most spoken language – opens
up a new world of opportunity for children, but it only works if the lessons can hold their attention.
That’s where Whistlefritz comes in. The series’ use of engaging stories, funny characters, lively music
and interactive fun makes it an invaluable and entertaining teaching tool that stimulates, educates and
allows kids to quickly and easily make the language all their own.

Believing that, during the learning process, switching back and forth between English and
Spanish makes it harder for a child to master the new language, the Whistlefritz series engages
children in “Spanish immersion”: learning Spanish by hearing and speaking it without any English
translation. Children are great mimics, so by adapting this teaching method, children are immediately
exposed to the repetition needed to master new words and phrases, bringing them along to exciting
new “language destinations” in every program and immersing them in the rich Spanish-language
environment.

In Spanish for Beginners: Adentro y Afuera – or Inside and Out – join teacher Maria and her
friend Fritzi the mouse as they help us learn the names of the different rooms of a house and the many
objects found throughout, then go outside to see what you find on a playground. While the program is
designed for children ages 2-7, the DVD includes a translation guide which lists all words in order of
appearance, providing an easy reference for parents who themselves may be learning Spanish for the
first time, making Whistlefritz perfect for the whole family!

Also available in the Whistlefritz DVD series are Spanish for Beginners: Vamos a Jugar,
which received numerous honors including the 2007 iParenting Media Award, Parents Choice
Approved Award, National Parents Center’s 2007 Seal of Approval, Creative Child Magazine’s 2007
Preferred Choice Award and a KIDS FIRST! endorsement. Spanish for Beginners: Los Animales also
received the National Parents Center’s 2007 Seal of Approval as well as the 2007 Honors Award by
the National Parenting Publications Awards and Creative Child Magazine’s 2007 Seal of Excellence.

Want to win one to try out?  Here’s 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.

-“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 ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Whistlefritz- Spanish for kids, Contest! http://t.co/7V24dvX @HaveSippy

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”- I just added it, LOL

– 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 May 5, 2011.

Filed Under: education, giveaway, kids, review

Pocoyo for Easter!

April 14, 2011 by 2 Comments

 IT’S A FUN, SIMPLE, AND FREE WAY TO CELEBRATE EASTER!
PLAY “POCOYO’S 2011 EASTER EGG HUNT” TO EARN
POINTS AT POCOYOWORLD.COM
 
PLUS OTHER FREE EASTER ACTIVITIES
Throughout April 2011, visit www.pocoyoworld.com to register and play “Pocoyo’s Easter Egg Hunt” for FREE. Colorful Easter Eggs are hidden throughout the site. Locate them all and collect points to participate in a variety of games and activities on the site.
Also available online are additional FREE Easter activities, including Cut Out and Play Easter Eggs; and Pocoyo’s Easter Coloring Sheets (http://www.pocoyo.com/Pocoyo_Easter.html).
Pocoyoworld.com has been awarded a Four Star Review by Common Sense Media (http://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/pocoyo-world) a non-profit organization which has become the nation’s leading organization of its kind, helping millions of parents, educators, and young people make better decisions about the media and entertainment in their lives.
Access to Pocoyo World is completely free of charge. After a simple registration process you will be able to enjoy lots of content in a safe environment. Just by registering you will have access to all Pocoyo World areas, games, activities, and shops, and you will also be able to exchange gifts with your friends.
Users who belong to Pocoyo World’s Premium Club will be able to access lots more content and areas, and get exclusive virtual objects (costumes, vehicles, interactive objects, etc.). In addition, they will receive a monthly report monitoring their activity on Pocoyo World and have the chance to take part in exclusive events and promotions. To celebrate Easter, we will provide you with a code to activate a FREE 30-day membership to review Pocoyoworld. We will also provide a FREE 14-day trial code to one of your followers. Please let us know if you would like to participate.
Following the adventures of Pocoyo, the animated series brings children into the bright world of this inquisitive and fun-loving boy and his animal friends, Elly (the elephant), Pato (the duck) and Loula (the dog).   The multi-award winning series is about curiosity and imagination, tolerance and respect, love and laughter. Packed with color, music and vibrant visual images, the series is both educational and entertaining; Pocoyo is about learning through laughter. This international smash hit series has been broadcast in over 120 countries worldwide.

Watch Pocoyo in the U.S. every day on Nick Jr. at 4:25 pm Eastern; on Univision’s Planeta U on Saturday mornings at 8:30 am Eastern; and on PBS stations and Discovery Familia (check local listings).

Pocoyo toys are available at Toys”R”Us stores nationwide, and at www.toysrus.com and www.amazon.com. The toys, targeting preschool children ages 18 months through three years, capture the vibrant and exuberant world of Pocoyo and his animal friends, encouraging them to “learn through laughter.” Additionally, two DVD’s from NCircle Entertainment have been recently released.  “Super Pocoyo” on January 11, 2011 and “Meet Pocoyo” in 2010.

ABOUT POCOYOWORLD
What is Pocoyo World?
An online environment where you can create your own virtual “me” and enjoy games and adventures alongside your favorite characters, forming part of a virtual community where you can make friends and share activities.
Filed Under: education, holidays, kids

Heirloom Wooden Toys- and coupons

April 14, 2011 by 2 Comments

Educational toys – sounds boring, doesn’t it?  Not when they’re designed right and built to last!  Take a look at these beautiful toys created to build vocabulary, motor skills, cognitive abilities and communication: 

This month’s coupon will save you $15 off an order of $100 or more!  Use Apr2011 at checkout.  Good through April 30. 

3-D Feel & Find by Guidecraft3-D Feel and Find  
Guidecraft’s 3-D Feel & Find is a bestseller for us – there are so many ways to play for almost any age level.  Hide the shapes in the bag, then challenge your kids to reach in and find a shape to fit a puzzle board just by touch.  Younger kids can match shapes to the puzzle boards out in the open.  One of our customers has made a video blog of this game so you can see it in action! 

Balance Bike by Smart GearThe Latest in Bike Technology 
   
Notice anything different about this bike?  No pedals!  These sturdy wooden Balance Bikes let kids learn how to balance for real, without any training wheels at all!  They glide and just put their feet down until they get the hang of it.  A great way to develop coordination, gross motor skills, self-confidence and balance.  Ages 2 & up. 

Guidecraft's Fraction Action Board available at Heirloom Wooden ToysNew Eco-Friendly Manipulative Toys from Guidecraft 
This new line of manipulative toys is made from hardwood and colored using low-VOC aniline dyes instead of paint.  This process allows the grain and texture of the wood to show through while still providing the visual interest of color!  Check out the Fraction Action Board (at left),  Sun Sorter and Fraction Pairs for some other educational ideas. 
Get ready for summer!  We have a great selection of playhouses, teepees, games and building kits to help you fill those long summer days with fun and imagination. 
 
Remember to plan for some lazy days with not too much going on – give your children (and yourself) the gift of having absolutely nothing to do! 
Shopping’s Always Easy

Free ground shipping on all orders over $99. (All other orders only $5.)  
Give us a call if you have questions or comments, we love to hear from our customers!  And follow us on Facebook or Twitter to catch our exclusive coupons and deals!

 
What could be a better gift than one that makes every day easier and more fun to be a mom?  Save 10% on Kitchen Helpers and Learning Towers through  5/15 with code KHLT2011 and 10% off any teepee through 4/30!     
 
 
 
Filed Under: education, kids

AFRICAN CATS

April 7, 2011 by 1 Comment

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna.  Narrated by Oscar®-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons.  Disneynature brings “The Lion King” to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill (“Earth”).  An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

During the film’s opening week (April 22-28), a portion of the proceeds from that week’s ticket sales will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to protect the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks that is frequently used by lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the African savanna.

Website and Mobile Site: Disney.com/AfricanCats
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/Disneynature

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/Disneynature

Filed Under: animals, disney, education, family, kids

ALEX Toys! New (FREE!) App and a toy contest

March 28, 2011 by 178 Comments
Fantastic news for iPhone users!  ALEX toys has launched a new, fun, FREE app for the Moody Monster Manor.  As of March 25, the Moody Monster Manor App is  available for download at www.alextoys.com.  You can also get it via the Apple App Store.  
It can be hard for kids to talk about their feelings, and Moody Monster Manor is a great place for your child to go to engage in some fun play that will also help them figure out their inner monster!  (Is there an App for a Moody Monday Pre-K?  LOL) 
Let your child go wild and be creative with this new app from ALEX Toys, who you already know and love for their wonderful  toys, games, and crafts!  
(You can watch the video HERE!) 
Welcome to Moody Monster Manor, a whimsical place for children to learn about dealing with emotions through engaging and interactive games.  Zap Scared Sam’s bad dreams with your magical monster flashlight or whip up a pot of Stinky Sneaker Stew for Hungry Hank!  Help Confused Carl throw a Monsterific party or show your brainy side by breezing through Worried Wanda’s homework.
Create your own monsters, win monster merit badges or meet the 20 playful monsters through the Moody Monster app-solutely adorable audio tour!  Learn about matching, colors and animals, too. 
“ALEX® is dedicated to making products that encourage children’s creativity and build self-esteem.  While young children are embracing the iPhone and iPad as much as their parents, it became a natural for ALEX® to introduce its first app with fun and easy games that foster imagination and develop self-confidence.” 
Whether you’re making the monsters a silly snack, rescuing them from a nightmare or helping them with homework, you’re always taking care of your Moody Monster friends and helping them.  Moody Monster Manor encourages problem solving and critical thinking which builds emotional intelligence.
Both the iPhone, iPad and iTouch versions of the app will be available for download at www.alextoys.com.  It will also be available worldwide exclusively through the Apple App Store.
ALEX® is mad for monsters!  Visit the ALEX® website www.alextoys.com on March 25, for printable monster illustrations to color that accompany the app and enter a contest to win a monstrous prize of 10 ALEX® monster-themed toys including Diving Monster, Tub Target Screaming Monsters, Monster Bingo, Monster Clompers and Monster Mitts! 
 
Now for the giveaway!
All entrants will have the chance to win a MONSTER prize from ALEX Toys- Monster Bubbles, of course!
  • Make Gi-Normous Bubbles!
  • Simply add the bubble solution, switch on the bubble fan and turn the handle back and forth.
  • Tear free bubble solution included 4 oz/118ml.
  • Requires 2 “AA” batteries (not included).
Suitable for age: 4 year(s)
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 ALEX Toys on FaceBook.   I’d love you to tell them Have Sippy Will Travel sent you- never required, always appreciated!

+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 ALEX Toys!  New (FREE!) App and a toy contest http://t.co/QydeKPZ @HaveSippy Win Monster Toy from @alextoys  
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 18,  2011.   


(Here are some fun Moody coloring pages as well!)

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