evergreen Archives - Page 7 of 12 - Have Sippy Will Travel

Three Must-See Travel Locations

October 2, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Every heart desires adventure, beginning in the small imaginations of young children and leading up to the drive to seek spirited journeys as an adult. Unfortunately, adulthood means having responsibilities and obligations that often inhibit our abilities to take that adventurous spirit beyond the imagination and into the realm of reality. It’s time to grasp the opportunities that life’s journey has to offer. Adventurous women everywhere are embracing the spirit of wanderlust through the exciting world of travel. Ignite the imagination of your youth by visiting one of these three must-see travel locations.

1. African Safari – The African country of Tanzania offers some of the most exciting safaris in the world. Experience the beauty of the wildlife in their natural habitat with an up-close and personal view directly from the African bush.
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Filed Under: evergreen, Uncategorized Tagged With: travel

Shopping with JCPenny

September 23, 2014 by Samantha 5 Comments

Back to School shopping can be a chore, but not if you find things your kids really love at prices you can afford to spend. While you might be able to use some of your child’s “last year” wardrobe, chances are they grew quite a bit and you will need to refresh their clothing for the upcoming year. I don’t always pick up everything over the summer, I like to wait and get some of their new items once school starts- it is easier on my wallet, and also lets me find the best sales and options.

Let me tell you about the amazing styles, variety, and prices you can find at JCPenny.

This is one of the stores I truly enjoy shopping at. Anyone who follows me on Foursquare or Twitter will know I am frequently at the store, and we love what we see. They have something for everyone in the family, any age, and of course a fantastic home and housewares section as well. I get myself into trouble every time I go….but not too much, because the prices are some of the best around.
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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, evergreen, kids, review

Find Balance off the Beaten Path — Retreats for the Entire Family to Enjoy

September 23, 2014 by Samantha Leave a Comment

What does it mean to truly unwind and relax? Can you even think of the last time you were completely unplugged without anywhere to be or anything to do? If you’re like most families, it’s probably been a while since you’ve felt really rested. These days, with school, work, soccer practice and getting dinner on the table, you’ve likely been going 90 miles per hour. But what if you could turn your annual summer vacation with your family into a truly relaxing experience, an experience that would have you coming away fully refreshed with a renewed sense of life?

Taking time to relax and fully unwind is key for healthy living and full body renewal. Rose Caiola, Founder of an online community called Rewire Me, says it’s important to take time for ourselves to get out of our day-to-day routine to really rewire. Whether it’s a serene cabin nestled in the woods or a beautiful resort located in the tropics, a healthy lifestyle budgets time to relax. Keep reading to discover some of the best resorts and retreats designed to renew your mind, body and spirit.

Canyon Ranch

Guests can visit the Canyon Ranch Resort for a total mind and body cleansing. Known for it’s breathtaking views and located in the Sonoran Desert of Southern Arizona, the Canyon Ranch Resort offers special discounts for first time visitors. From amazing fitness experiences with world renowned experts to zipline adventures and hands-on cooking classes, the resort features a myriad of activities designed to help you unwind and learn how to live your life to the fullest. Additionally, you can allow yourself to indulge in relaxing spa treatments at one of the premiere spa destinations in Arizona. The Canyon Ranch Resort is ideal for families with teenagers ages 14 and up.
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Filed Under: evergreen, lifestyle Tagged With: travel

Hertz – Travel Easy, Rent Easy

September 22, 2014 by Samantha 5 Comments

When starting on a road trip, there are lots of things to factor in. Most important being the mode of transportation being used, of course. Is this a road trip where everyone packs into the old car and zips state to state, checking out the sights and sounds, or more of a long haul where you are going to be doing some serious off roading? If your choice is car, then I would suggest grabbing a rental before taking your regular car with you. Not only will it help keep your car from racking up added miles, but also will give the driver a change of pace. Instead of driving the same care taken to work every day, upgrade to a newer, sleeker car with lots of space for the kids and many entertainment options for all involved. (Just make sure it includes cruise control.)
Hertz to the rescue for your driving needs! With vehicles ranging from dream cars, prestige, adrenaline, and green travelers there is something for everyone in the fleet.

Traveling with Hertz Rental Cars

We recently took a 10 day road trip, and rented with Hertz. We were lucky enough to use a car that was barely used at all- just about a thousand miles on it when we packed our suitcases into it. Another bonus when you rent with Hertz is that they will come pick you up at home, so no one needs to drop you off, and you don’t need to leave your car in a parking lot while you are traveling. (Or alternately, while your car is in the shop, or whatever your needs are.) Of course, they will drop you off at home when you bring the car back as well- just make sure you arrive back during business hours.
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Filed Under: evergreen, lifestyle Tagged With: cars, family travel, roadrip, travel

Tech Gear You Didn’t Know You Always Wanted

July 30, 2014 by Samantha 1 Comment

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate my reviews. All opinions are my own and honest.

Need to get your gear on this season? Protect your phone, your ears, your photos, and keep it all together as you move along with the latest must have gadgets.

Wires, wires, everywhere, and no one knows where they go. Or how to untangle them. Why not go wireless? The Kinivo BTH240 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – $35 on www.Pure-Gear.com will keep you in tune with the music but without the wires- not only great for teens, but for younger kids who (like my 6 year old) want to chew the wires. Not a problem if there are no wires to gnaw on. They work with almost any device, and make it easy to wander about the car, plane, hotel room (wherever) without crossing mom and dad’s wires. Once you try these, you will wonder what you did before you had them.

I love my new Samsung Galaxy S5. I want to protect it from all the abuse I dole out to my travel gear as best I can. The new PureGear: DualTek ExtremeCase for Samsung Galaxy S5 is amazing, it fits like a glove, doesn’t inhibit photos or phone use, and takes quite a beating. It doesn’t add much in the way of bulk, and comes in 3 colors (yellow, white, and black). The shock case keeps it safe from drops, scratches, and has padded rubber corners to absorb impact and isolate vibration. The material is tough yet flexible, and very durable while not compromising your photos or ease of use. Starting at $35 at http://www.pure-gear.com
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Filed Under: electronics, evergreen, technology Tagged With: charger, phone, tech

Sometimes, You Gotta Get Away. Take these with you!

July 29, 2014 by Samantha 1 Comment

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate my reviews. All opinions are my own and honest.

So you are taking a trip with the kids. Whether you are taking a road trip or hopping on a plane, you will need to keep the kids , safe, occupied, and at least a little bit quiet if you plan on staying sane. Here are some fun new take-alongs for your next trip.

First up comes the packing. If you are like most parents, you become a pack mule, dragging luggage, laptops, and lovies all over creation. Do it as easily as possible with something lightweight and durable, like the Delsey Helium line. In 3 sizes, with 4 wheels that pivot and turn in all directions (which makes the lugging oh so much easier) it is “featherweight” luggage. This is easier on your back, as well as great for packing, since we all know the airlines are fairly evil about the weights of baggage and trying to get every nickel out of you that they can. Take that, TSA! In both standard and brightly colored styles, it is quite durable. My bag made it on 16 flights, 9 boats, and almost 20 trains and still looks pretty good. The split book opening makes packing easy, and it comes equipped with a TSA approved lock. From $160 and up on http://shop.delsey.us

The Day Traveler line from Eagle Creek is and has been a favorite of mine- durable, lightweight, and easy to tote around, there are tons of options and your money is well spent- these bags LAST. My new favorite, won’t leave without it bag is the Site Seeing Tablet Courier, which you can pack a surprising amount into. Water resistant, so no worries about spilled drinks or rainstorms, lockable, and with RFID blocking technology ( which protects your personal information), it makes it so easy to travel light. It has 3 pockets that zip of various sizes and depths, and can carry phones, tablet, wallet, sunglasses, and more. It’s just a perfect size bag for all your travel needs. $45 at http://shop.eaglecreek.com
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Filed Under: evergreen, review, toys Tagged With: newspaper, parents at play, summer, travel

Pack Light With Land’s End

July 27, 2014 by Samantha 7 Comments

Disclosure- Some of the products in this post were given to me in order to facility this review, others were my own. All opinions are mine and honest.

Recently, we went to Europe for a few weeks. I had to pack light, and be able to make what I packed count. No one wants to be lugging many suitcases around, and it’s best to make everything that you bring able to mix and match, getting the most from each garment. One of my favorite places to shop has always been Land’s End, because clothes are versatile, durable, and long lasting. They are also great with exchanges, so if you don’t like an item it’s easy to return- even if you have worn it. I love that about a brand, because so often you don’t know how things will fit or wear properly until you actually wear them. Catch 22, but Land’s End makes it easy and worry free.

I exclusively packed Land’s End clothing for my trip. With the exception of my sneakers, walking sandals, and bathing suit, it was all Land’s End, all the time. Sticking with the brand made it easy, since all the colors matched, the fabrics worked well together, and I really do like the durability they commit to for travel (and everyday wear as well, but I can be abusive to things when I travel). I chose to stick with the primary colors of navy blue and black, with colors and patterns that matched the basic items I already owned or purchased. I was also given several new review items from this season’s new line, which complimented what I already owned beautifully. All of the items are well made, pretty, easy to wash and wear (even on the go), and fully functional as well as classically stylish. Very easy to love, and the reasons why I come back to Land’s End again and again.
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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, evergreen, fashion, review Tagged With: clothes, clothing, fashion, travel

Dutch Wonderland Theme Park

July 25, 2014 by Samantha 6 Comments

This time of year, one of the best ways to escape the summer heat (and tedium if you are home with kids) is a day at a theme park. One of our semi-local favorites is Dutch Wonderland, home to Duke the Dragon (whom my son loves). Located in Amish County, in Lancaster PA (another favorite place of ours) it’s a great place to spend a holiday as well.

Dutch Wonderland has tons of rides and games, as well as many food and drink stands. Some favorites are the “Panda Party”, which is an adorable ride in which the kids ride in Panda Bears and go around the beehive in circles, the Leapin’ Frogs, which bounce around causing the kids to erupt in giggles until the ride hops to a stop, and the Double Splash Flume, a classic ride with two drops (but not too scary or steep that would frighten the kids).

New this year is Exploration Island, where you can walk among more then 20 dinosaurs the roar and move as you view them.

“Exploration Island is a rediscovered island of adventure and fun where guests will have the opportunity to walk with over 20 lifelike dinosaurs, dig for fossil remains, take a spin on the newly relocated and lengthened Turnpike ride and travel the Island canals on the classic Gondola Cruise.
This once under-utilized area of the Park has been re-purposed to house not only our dinosaur families, but our Turnpike ride as well. The Turnpike was one of the four original rides at Dutch Wonderland when it opened in 1963. We have moved this classic ride to Exploration Island and more then doubled the ride length in the process giving guests more spectacular views of dinos and the surrounding farm landscape.
We’ve also discovered dinosaur fossil remains and set up a permanent archeological dig at Dino Dig, where young explorers can unearth the fossil remains of dinosaurs. Brushes, buckets and diggers are available for use.”