Getting the Vote out for a Buddy! Contest and Guest Post

July 31, 2011 by 3 Comments


(Guest post from Closer to Lucy)

For a few days now I’ve been asking you to head over and “like” this yummy recipe... Well the likes as I’m sure you’ve figured out are really votes.

As a rule I don’t post for everyone that asks…but this woman is on a mission!!! She’s even teamed up with one of her friends to offer a giveaway to encourage you to do it!

Here’s what Jill has to say about Scentsy…………..

If you aren’t familiar with Scentsy, or have not had a chance to try it yet, you have been missing out.  Scentsy, Inc. was founded in 2004 and is today one of the fastest growing companies in America. This company is all about safe scent. Unlike candles, that use an open flame to warm it wax and give off it’s scent, Scentsy has designed wax warmers, which use the heat from light bulbs to melt the scented wax.  
Scentsy markets over 80 of its own brand of scented waxes for use in its warmers.

While the warmers ar a huge part of what they have built their business around, Scentsy also markets scent paks, which are small square scent sachets, scent cirlces, which are similar to the cardboard car air fresheners we are almost all familiar with (remember those tree shaped things everyone hung  from  their rearview mirrors years ago?),  and scented room sprays.  All of these come in some of the same scents that you can buy for your wax warmers.  Since we are all getting ready for back to school, I chose to focus on these for my review.

The first product I used was the scent circle, but I wanted to do something different than just hang it from the rearview mirror of my car and call it good. I decided to see where else I might be able to use this. My first thought was to hang it in the closet. Not a bad choice, since it was strong enough to scent the entire closet and leave just the lightest scent on my clothes. 

I also found it was a good option to use these between your garbage can and trash bag. Who needs the new scented garbage bags when one of these will do the trick and save you a ton of money by letting you buy the plain old unscented ones. Another place I see these being useful is in a diaper pail. I personally do not have babies in the house, but it would be a great little extra for that part of the nursery. But for my back to school idea, I liked the idea of using this in the book locker at school. It’s perfect to keep the small space smelling fresh along with the sweater, coat, scarf, mittens, etc, that will get stored there all day while your child (or you) are at school.

The scent pack was a perfect product for the gym locker. No one want to get the immediate rush of “sport scent” (read sweat) when they open up that locker. The scent packs are perfect to stuff into the stinky sneakers or just hang inside. I have used one in my walk-in closet at home and had it last for over 3 months before changing it out.  These would add a nice scent to the towels kept in the locker for those showers after practice or the game too.

Finally I looked at the room spray.  These make perfect teacher gifts, but they are also good for freshening up the car and removing the inevitable fast food snack smell that permeates the car as you run from school to the game or practice. I also like it for quickly freshening up the entrance way to the house right before your kid’s friend’s parents show up at your door to drop off/pick up their child from your home. At the very least they can think my house smells good!

So how do you get some Scentsy to try for yourself? Well, you can contact my Scentsy consultant, Jacqueline Behling. Take a look at her online catalog here:  jacquelynbehling.scentsy.us  
Or you can win some Scentsy by entering below. I have a French Lavender Scent Pak, Lilacs and Violets Scent Circle and Pima Cotton Room Spray for one winner.

One last thought from Lucy, If anyone makes it…………bring it to my house 🙂

I received no compensation for the above mentioned product(s), I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy’s legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway.

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Filed Under: giveaway

Win Kids DVD- Timmy Time: Picture Day!

July 31, 2011 by 132 Comments
Timmy Time, Picture Day!  is the cutest little DVD, and it came at an appropriate time- because we are doing summer photos at the Pre-K!  I have discovered that I really like Shaun the Sheep and all his buddies- I had never watched it before, but since seeing a few of these DVDs, I am a fan, and the kids all really like them!
 I like that the show is appropriate for kids, not over the top, or with characters behaving badly or talking back to adults.  No bad messages or poor role models.  I really dislike shows that give kids the wrong idea, and show them all the wrongs ways to act and behave.  Perfect for the Pre-K and kids of that age- because there are great social skills to be learned, just like Timmy is learning them at his PreSchool. 

HIT Entertainment, makers of such wholesome shows as Barney, Roary the Racecar, and Angelina Ballerina, have a wide variety of great DVDs that your family will love.  We loved Timmy Time, and your children and family will (in my opinion!) have a great time watching as well.  If you have never heard of this fun show before, give it a whirl!  


Timmy Time has a great website, where you can play games, do activities, watch clips, and so much more.  Timmy is going to a PreSchool, where he has to learn about sharing, feelings, and getting along.  All things that our kids will need to learn- so it’s fun to learn along with Timmy! 
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The fun and learning never stops when Timmy, of new preschool series Timmy Time™, is ready for his close-up! The all-new Timmy Time: Picture Day! comes to DVD June 28, 2011 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment just in time for back to school. Whether struggling to keep clean for class photo day, celebrating the color blue, jamming with the school band or just playing with his pals, you know you’re in for a barnyard-sized bunch of hilarious antics and adventures with Timmy!

With slapstick humor yet not a single line of dialogue, Timmy Time follows a day in the life of a preschooler where they learn lessons about friendship and trial and error to which every young child can relate.  Timmy Time airs weekdays (5:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel’s Disney Junior programming block for kids ages 2-7 and their families, airing in more than 99 million U.S. homes.

DVD SYNOPSIS:
Come along for a picture perfect day of fun with your preschool pal Timmy! The Oscar®-winning creators of “Wallace and Gromit™” and “Shaun the Sheep™” will make you smile in these fun-loving adventures featuring Timmy and his nursery friends. From good, clean fun during school photo day to drumming up music lessons, these wonderful stories filled with surprises will have you laughing in a flash. So snap up these five adorable tales with a big focus on fun!

  • “Snapshot Timmy” – It’s time for the class photo, but Timmy just cannot keep himself clean – jumping into puddles, kicking muddy footballs and getting splattered by jam sandwiches!

  • “Timmy Wants The Blues” – Timmy is having a blue day, collecting all the blue toys, blue cushions and blue paint. But when it comes to painting a picture, he quickly discovers he’s going to need more than just one color!

  • “Timmy Wants The Drum” – During a music lesson, Timmy decides he wants to play the drum! But when it is given to Yabba, and a triangle to Timmy, he goes about trying to get the drum for himself…

  • “Timmy’s Puppet” – On his way to preschool, Timmy’s homemade sock-puppet falls out of his backpack. Poor Timmy doesn’t realize until he arrives to see everyone playing with their own puppets! Crestfallen, he begins an unsuccessful search until Harriet offers to help him make a new one.

  • “Timmy The Builder” – Following Otus’s example, the class begin building dens for themselves. Otus offers to help Timmy with his, but Timmy’s pride gets the better of him – he can do this on his own! However, the little lamb soon has to admit that two heads may be better than one…
 Want a change to win this cute DVD for your home?  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.


– Like HIT Entertainment on Facebook.  Feel free to tell them Have Sippy Will Travel sent you! This entry is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.   

– What is your favorite game from Timmy Time ? 
 
-“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 Kids DVD- Timmy Time: Picture Day! http://t.co/8C5wHiW  #kids #movie @HaveSippy
*can be done daily


Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries
– enter a giveaway at any of the Collective Media Magic Bloggers’ sites! 
3 Princes and a Princess 2, Closer to Lucy, Have Sippy Will Travel, Tales From the Nursery, and The Thrifty Things.


– 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 this product for review from the sponsor.  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 Aug 19, 2011.

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Filed Under: giveaway, kids, movie, review

Win Wisharoo Park, an educational and adorable prize pack!

July 28, 2011 by 120 Comments

My son has a new favorite DVD- Wisharoo Park!  If you have not heard of it (or if you have, but have not watched it yet), let me tell you how very much he enjoys it, and why I think you will, too.  It became a fast favorite, and he carried around the little pamphlet that it came with for days.  I love it’s message, and the characters are lovable, sweet, and adorable.  I hope they come out with stuffed animals soon, my son would just love them, LOL.  Of course, I had to bring it to the Pre-School to see what the kids had to say.  The ages of the kids here are 2.5 to 6.  Wisharoo Park was create for children aged 3 to 6, so the majority of the kids fall right within that demographic.

Originally airing as a TV series on PBS, Wisharoo Park has now launched as a multi-media program, with a website, Facebook Page, and DVDs.  This technology based program and curriculum promotes positive self image and self esteem, and helps children feel good about themselves while discovering and understanding their personal strengths. 
Wisharoo Park’s online community updates weekly with new activities, videos, games, and a whole lot more.  There you can also interact with the aforementioned adorable buddies of Wisharoo Park.  You can also look forward to an iPad app which is designed to complement your child’s learning and preschool curriculum, coming soon. 

I am so excited to see what else Wisharoo Park comes up with, because I know that I love it, my kids love it, and the kids in the preschool love it as well.  It is fun to use as a “break” or on a rainy day (or for wintry snowy days) to break up time when we can’t get outside and play.  While we often do yoga, kids dance and exercise videos, and other physical activity- it’s nice to have options that are educational, and are great for social and personal learning as well.  For me- whatever gives kids a love of learning, and confidence in themselves (which is really half the battle, isn’t it?) is a great choice and a good buy.  I hope you check out Wisharoo Park soon, it is super-Have Sippy recommended!

You can also enter to win a Wisharoo Prize Pack 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.

– Visit the Wisharoo Park website: www.wisharoopark.com and sign up for the Wisharoo Park Newsletter
– Visit and like Wisharoo Park’s facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Wisharoopark — where if you “like” Wisharoo Park they can get three free songs (a $2.97 value).  This is NOT MANDATORY and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this contest. 
– Follow Wisharoo Park on twitter at @WisharooPark

-“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 Wisharoo Park, an #educational and adorable prize pack http://t.co/u4q8w9o @WisharooPark #kids #education  @HaveSippy
*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 17, 2011.

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

Rock N’ Learn DVD Review and Giveaway

July 27, 2011 by 261 Comments

In the Pre-K, sometimes we get rainy days, where I will occasionally put on a DVD to entertain the kids a bit and break up the day when we can’t go outside. There is only so long kids will sit for projects and work-time! 🙂
One of the best places to look for educational and fun DVDs is Rock ‘N Learn. They offer quite a bit in the way of kid’s DVDs, all of which are education based. Music is used to help kids learn, which the kids enjoy. If the kids have fun and enjoy it, they are more likely to learn what is being taught to them, and retain the information.
One of the DVDs that we have used was “Human Body”. I used this DVD during the week that we were discussing and learning about- aptly- the human body, lol. But I have put it on since then, at the request of the kids. On rainy days, I give them the options, and they choose what they like. If they CHOOSE a learning movie?  Do I really need to say anything else? 🙂

Here is a bit more information on “The Human Body”
“This entertaining approach to the human body engages young, inquisitive learners, while the depth of material gets older students ready for tests. Join Kevin and his friends Marko and Bailey for an enlightening adventure to explore the skeletal, nervous, muscular, circulatory, urinary, respiratory, and digestive systems along with the five senses. Clear explanations, beautiful science models, and amusing animations make this DVD perfect for the classroom and home. Meets the National Science Education Standards.”

You can buy all sorts of fun and educational DVDs and CDs here!  

You can also enter to win a DVD 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.

– Like Rocn ‘N Learn on Facebook- this is not mandatory and facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.
-“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 Rock N’ Learn DVD Review and Giveaway http://t.co/p9xV6IP #education #kids @HaveSippy
*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 15, 2011.

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Filed Under: education, giveaway, review

CoCoa Puffs Prize Pack

July 26, 2011 by 280 Comments

I am a cereal addict.  Like, Seinfeld style, LOL.  And being that I am also a chocolate addict, this new cereal from CoCoa Puffs is right up my ally!  Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is the newest kind of Cocoa Puffs- and they are really good.  They are shaped like little brownies, and taste very much like original Cocoa Puffs…less crunchy, and a little sweeter, though.

Just out this June, you should really check it out if you are a fan of Cocoa Puffs.  My kid loves them as much as I do, so the box was gone in no time.  The cereal to go containers are really useful, you can keep the milk cold and then eat it when you are ready.  Kids grow up strong eating cereal!  They should sell those!  

With the delicious taste of brownies “baked” into every bowl, Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is a delicious chocolate-y cereal ready to be enjoyed for breakfast or as a satisfying snack on the go. You will be sure to get some brownie points as your family´s taste buds delight in the perfect balance of whole grain goodness and delicious chocolate flavor in every bite.

Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch has at least 8 grams of whole grain (48 grams recommended daily) and a good source of calcium and Vitamin D in every serving. For chocolate lovers everywhere, Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is sure to become a choco-licious go-to!   You can get more information on the Whole Grain Nation Website.

You can enter to win the above prize pack 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.

– Like General Mills on Facebook- this is not mandatory and facebook is in no way sponsoring this giveaway.
-“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 CoCoa Puffs Prize Pack http://t.co/vc53Uxk @HaveSippy
*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 10, 2011. 

“Disclosure: The Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch product, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”  

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Filed Under: food, giveaway, review

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 🙂
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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

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
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#Win a Summer BBQ Prize Pack http://t.co/FkXxD8N @HaveSippy #food #safety
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(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”

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– 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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