holidays Archives - Page 8 of 27 - Have Sippy Will Travel

WIN Krusteaz National Cookie Day Prize Pack

December 1, 2015 by Samantha 77 Comments

Did you know National Cookie Day was coming up on Dec. 4? Neither did I! Why do we miss all the fun holidays? Ha.

Holiday baking can be hectic for many, and Krusteaz is here to help, offering high quality and easy-to-bake cookie mixes – saving you time in the kitchen and making more time for you to spend with family this holiday season. It’s easy to create and share fun holiday-inspired cookie recipes and creatively package them up as small sweet gifts- if there are any left, that is.

There are tons of options available, and not just cookies- breads, pancakes, muffins, flatbreads for pizzas, cakes, and so much more from Krusteaz. It’s one of our favorite brands, and such a good way to wake up in the morning, too (fresh blueberry muffins, hello!)

My son and I recently went on a baking extravaganza- making gingerbread up the wazoo here. Cookies, a gingerbread house, and eventually gingerbread bars as well. Hey, whatever works. Pick out your favorites and get baking for the holidays (and all the merry-making that accompany them).

One of you lucky readers will have the chance to win a really great, really timely prize package. Krusteaz will send you the following items:

Two boxes each of the following mixes: Shortbread, Gingerbread, Snickerdoodle, Butter Vanilla Sugar and Oatmeal Scotchie
Some fun holiday baking items like an apron, tote bag, cookie cutters, frosting decorating pen and a mason jar (for gifting and storage!)
Holiday cookie recipe ideas for inspiration

Please feel free to enter using the RC form below- good luck! Ends Dec. 22, 2015.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: baking, giveaway, holidays, review Tagged With: baking

Gifts That Give Twice With World Vision For The Holidays

December 1, 2015 by Samantha 32 Comments

Looking to give a beautiful, unique gift this year? Maybe you want to do something even better then that- maybe you want to give a gift that gives back. World Vision lets you do both- you can not only give beautiful gifts that the gift-ee will love, but when you buy, your money goes to those who need it most. World Vision is Fair Trade, and helps artisans make a living wage that they can raise their families on.

This year more than 50 percent of holiday shoppers plan to purchase holiday gifts online. Look into new gift ideas that give back with just a few clicks of the mouse from the World Vision Gift Catalog.

More than 250 items, ranging in price from $10 to $39,000, are available online and in the print catalog to help improve quality of life for women, children and families in the U.S. and around the world. Give help where it is needed most and receive handcrafted gifts that are beautiful accessories:

African Soapstone Box – New to the 2014 World Vision Gift Catalog, the hand-carved African Soapstone Box is a safe place to store necklaces and rings. Coated in light blue with an image of a giraffe, this ornate box features pretty details that will complement nearly any decor. Donations go toward the Kenyan artisans who crafted the box to help provide medical care for their families. $85

Royal Silk Scarf – A recent addition to the Catalog, this gorgeous silk scarf adds color to the holidays and supports the needs of children and families worldwide, including those in the community where it was crafted; the luxurious silk was woven by Vietnam’s Ma Chau villagers, who receive fair wages & sustainable income through their craft. $95
[Read more…]

Filed Under: charity/notforprofit, clothes and shoes, fashion, gifts, giveaway, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, holidays, review Tagged With: charity, not for profit

Feed the Children Offers Seven Days of Giving Through Its Holiday Gift Catalog

December 1, 2015 by Samantha Leave a Comment

Feed the Children is helping to create a season of hope for children and families in need at home and around the world with its annual Holiday Gift Catalog. This special edition catalog offers one-of-a-kind gifts that will send a message of hope – and life – to those without life’s essentials.

This year’s catalog is filled with Feed the Children’s most popular gifts to help children and families in need just in time for the holidays. These gifts not only help the people receiving them, but also bring them joy.

There is simply no reason for a child to suffer the pain of hunger and poverty, so the Holiday Gift Catalog features items that will help children and families fill their pantries, restore their lives and begin the holiday season with renewed hope for the future.

This year’s top seven gifts for seven days of giving offer life-changing resources all under $100.

Provide one chicken for $14. A chicken means fresh eggs and meat for international families to eat. The eggs and meat can also be sold to neighbors or in markets throughout each country.
Provide one goat for $79. Goats are a source of meat and milk for families globally, providing much-needed nourishment, and their offspring can be sold to generate income to help a family overcome poverty.
Feed a class of 50 for $79. Feed the Children serves meals to thousands of boys and girls each school day to help children thrive physically and mentally. A class of 50 children in Kenya can receive a traditional Kenyan meal of corn and beans for only 44 cents per child.
Provide water purification tablets for two families for one year for $29. Even clean water can become contaminated while being carried home or stored for later use. These tablets are one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent diarrhea and other waterborne health issues greatly affecting international countries.
Provide one food box, one essential box, and one holiday turkey for $57. Families in the U.S. will receive a 25-pound food box, a 10-pound box of basic essentials and a 10- to 12-pound frozen turkey to help them celebrate the holidays.
Equip a child with a backpack and school supplies for $20. Some children in America don’t have the basic items they need to succeed in school. Each backpack is filled with school supplies, children’s books, hygiene items, and healthy snack food.
Provide one food box and one essentials box for $38. This gift will help fight childhood hunger in America by providing much-needed food and other essentials like laundry detergent and shampoo for families in need. Each box supplements a family of four for up to a week.

“We believe that no child should go to bed hungry in a world where there is plenty of food,” said Travis Arnold, Feed the Children Interim CEO/President and COO. “But the reality is, millions of boys and girls across the globe face this hardship every day. With this catalog, our donors and supporters are able to bring help and hope to families during the holiday season.”

About Feed the Children

Feed the Children believes that it can create a world where no child goes to bed hungry. Since 1979, Feed the Children has grown into one of the largest U.S.-based charities. It is accredited by GuideStar Exchange and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, maintains a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, and is also a member of InterAction. Through its network of agencies, Feed the Children distributed more than $344 million in food, essentials, educational supplies, and medicine, impacting close to 9 million individuals in the U.S. and more than 4.9 million individuals internationally, for a total of 13.9 million individuals globally[1] in fiscal yer 2014.

Visit www.feedthechildren.org for more information.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide 2015, holidays Tagged With: not for profit

Kohl’s Elf on the Shelf #ScoutElfReturnWeek

December 1, 2015 by Samantha 8 Comments

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

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For the uninitiated, Elf on the Shelf is the new tradition where a little stuffed elf hides around the house at night to help report to Santa on which list your little one should be on, the naughty or the nice. For more details on the exact lore of the Elf and his various adventures, there is a book and also a new movie which you can purchase with said elf at your local Kohl’s.

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In addition to various varieties of the Elves themselves, there are also boy and girl elves. There is also a reindeer available and a whole plethora of different clothes for the entire crew. The clothes range from pajamas, to boots and leather jackets, and even a warm blanket for the reindeer. My son loves having sets of things, so friends for his Elf on the Shelf are great fun for him (especially an animal friend who wears clothes). Of course, the reindeer also comes with a book, so you can read all about them.

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Also available are various Elf on the Shelf themed clothing for both boys and girls. Pajamas, socks, shirts, bath robes, and even ornaments for your tree. The other favorite in our house is the huggable plush elf, who is able to hang out all year long and does not have to fly back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Elf on the Shelf makes the anticipation for Christmas a bit easier for children to deal with while still giving them that added incentive to behave. Well….. at least throughout the month of December.

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Elf On the Shelf is available now at Kohl’s stores nation wide and retail anywhere from $29.99 and includes a book explaining the mythos while most clothing sets are available for $9.99. I’ll be posting shortly with some of our “Elf-capades” as well as a fun giveaway- keep your eyes out!

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Gift Guide 2015, holidays, review, toys Tagged With: elf on the shelf, holidays, Kohl's

Easy Office Holiday Decorating Ideas – Marchpower and Areker Holiday Lights

November 1, 2015 by Samantha 1 Comment

If you want to inject some fun and holiday festive feeling into your office space, and make those long work hours just a little bit more enjoyable, utilize these excellent design tips and class up your office space in a jiffy. Whether you’re working in a home office or go to an office building across town, there are simple fixes to help you improve your work space and make the long days go by quickly. Like anything, your output will always depend on the tools you have in place.

Close up of decorated christmas tree in office with business people working in background. Xmas celebration in corporate office. Detail of christmas balls and lights with working office.

Give Yourself Some Motivation

Make yourself more motivated with some well-placed inspirational quotes or photos that will give you an extra kick in the pants when your productivity is dipping. Find an image online of a quote you adore, or a place you’re working to visit, and make it your background image. You’ll see it every time you fire the computer up and receive that extra ounce of motivation with no effort at all.

Bring In Some Nature

Plants are an excellent way to class up your office. They breathe a bit of life back into the often sterile office space, they improve air quality, supposedly can decrease stress, and make the humidity level rise to a healthier standard. Whether it’s a small succulent on your desk or a leafy green wonder in the corner of your office, incorporating plants into your design will do more than you think.

holiday lights

Extra Lighting for the Holidays

We all know that office lighting is the worst, so adding some holiday lights and layers of brightness to your desk space for a better vibe all around. Making your eyes strain all day long is terrible for your eyesight, so brighten up your space for both productivity and mood purposes. What’s more uplifting than Christmas Lights? New LED strawberry bulb colored or or white Christmas lights that you can string along the walls for an ethereal glow, your peepers will appreciate the extra illumination. The colorful or white twinkle options from Marchpower on amazon are so easy to use- since they wrap back up so neat and fast, they won’t tangle or make life messy for next year’s use, either. My son loves the strawberry bulb option so much, we got some for home use- they will be great for the buses outside the house this season.

christmas lights

Clean up the Clutter

Clutter leads to a disorganized mind, and that’s the opposite of what your desk should be. Keep your items organized and keep your computer on top of a clean surface. Cleanliness and organization will help you remain focused and on task, and will look better should your boss or supervisor happen to walk by and check in on you. A clean and clutter-free desk looks more professional, it will help your company’s image, and a deep cleaning once a week can keep you protected from those year-round germs.

Get Modern

It’s easy to find office gadgets and décor with clean, modern lines. Any of the trendy products will impress your colleagues and higher ups, and you’ll get tons of practical use out of them at the same time. Whether it’s thought-provoking artwork that lines your walls to impress clients, or amazing glass sculptures you’ll love showing off, you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces in no time.

The Power of Scent

Scent is one of the most powerful triggers of emotion, so make sure your office space smells calming and is beneficial for your productivity. Whether it’s a plug-in that you place in the wall, or a car freshener that you place in a drawer for a burst of good smells whenever it’s opened, you’ll be amazed at the effect scent can have on your day. It will also help you avoid the lingering stench of coworker’s lunches, and make your desk space one that colleagues and supervisors love to visit. You can easily throw some laundry sheets into your desk, or keep a small pillow perfumed with your favorite scent nearby for a mid-day sniffing pick-me-up.

Surround Yourself with Memories

In the midst of a hard day we can all use a little pick me up. Help yourself recall fun times by placing pictures of smiling family and friends around your desk. Create a calendar on a photo site, and use each month to display some of your favorite photos. You’ll find it hard not to smile when you look up and see your little one or husband smiling back at you.

Stay Healthy

Sitting at a desk hour after hour can have some serious health consequences and as we know, healthy employees are better workers, meaning your productivity will skyrocket if you keep your body in top condition. One way to do this at the office is to use a different type of desk or chair. A standing desk will help you fight the negative effects of sitting up to eight hours a day, or a core building office chair will help keep your stomach tight and toned throughout the day, improving your posture at the same time.

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guide, holidays, lifestyle items, review Tagged With: decorating, holiday lights, office

Win Halloween PEEPS Prize Pack #PEEPSONALITY

October 1, 2015 by Samantha 67 Comments

Disclosure- The PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY® products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by PEEPS® and PEEPS & COMPANY®. All opinions are my own.

While PEEPS are usually thought of as an Easter treat, they are available year round. They chance themes and often colors with each holiday and season, but the fun #PEEPSONALITY is there year ’round. My son is a PEEPS fanatic, and there is never a bad time for PEEPS. He especially loves when I put some into his lunchbox as a surprise treat. This year there are some fun new flavors available in three packs as well, like Carmel Apple and Candy Corn. Those are perfect for snacks, and for lunchboxes too. My husband loves all sorts of candy, and especially the Hot Tamales. This time of year is perfect for these sweet treats, make sure you get what you like best while they are still available.

PEEPS®

NEW PEEPS® Tombstones: These fun and frightening PEEPS® marshmallow shapes are sure to be gobbled up this fall. The scary grave markers include silly epitaphs that will grab fans’ attention. The new shape is perfect for recipes and crafting spooky décor for Halloween festivities! SRP: $1.49 – $1.79 for a nine count package.
PEEPS® Chocolate Mousse Flavored Marshmallow Cats: A black cat crossing your path is usually a scary sight around Halloween time, but these chocolate mousse cats are sure to delight. Any child would be happy to get these yummy cats as a Halloween favor. SRP: $0.79 – $0.99 for four count package, $1.39 – $1.69 for eight count package.
PEEPS® Marshmallow Ghosts: Boo! These white ghost-shaped marshmallows adorned with spooky faces can be enjoyed in a package size of three or nine. These marshmallow flavored ghosts are perfect for decorating and crafting throughout the Halloween season. SRP: $0.79 – $0.99 for three count package, $1.39 – $1.69 for nine count package.
PEEPS® Marshmallow Pumpkins: Have fun with Halloween pumpkins without all the carving mess! These orange pumpkin-shaped marshmallows decorated with jack-o-lantern faces come in a delicious marshmallow flavor. SRP: $0.79 – $0.99 for eight count package, $1.39 – $1.69 for 24 count package.
PEEPS® Milk Chocolate Dipped Marshmallow Orange Chicks: Indulging in this package of three delectable marshmallow Chicks dipped in milk chocolate is a perfect way to reward yourself with a sweet treat this Halloween. These Chicks are a representation of iconic Halloween colors with the orange marshmallow and deep chocolate color. SRP: $1.99 for a three count package.
NEW PEEPS® Pumpkin Spice Flavored Chicks Dipped in White Fudge: With the arrival of fall starts the pumpkin spice craze! Now PEEPS® is joining the highly anticipated trend with new marshmallow Chicks in a pumpkin spice flavor that are dipped in white fudge. SRP: $1.99 for three count package.
NEW PEEPS® Caramel Apple Flavored Chicks Dipped in Caramel Fudge: Caramel apples now come in a cute and quirky Chick shape! PEEPS® captured the taste of this fall tradition with marshmallow Chicks that are apple flavored and dipped in caramel fudge. SRP: $1.99 for three count package.
NEW PEEPS® Candy Corn Flavored Chicks Dipped in White Fudge: Orange, yellow and white, these PEEPS® Chicks are sure to delight! PEEPS® is now making Chicks that are candy corn flavored that will be gobbled up this fall. To really give your taste buds an extra treat these festive Chicks are dipped in white fudge. SRP: $1.99 for three count package.

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MIKE AND IKE®

Mummy’s Mix/Vampire Variety Snack Pack: When you can’t decide between the two delicious varieties, what do you do? MIKE AND IKE® won’t make you choose and wants you to have both. This variety bag comes with MIKE AND IKE® pouches of both the Mummy’s Mix and the Vampire Variety flavors. SRP: $5.00 – 5.50 for 45 count package, $7.00 – 7.75 for 72 count package.
Original Fruits Snack Pack: MIKE AND IKE® Original Fruits has been loved by kids and adults alike for 75 years. This fall you can enjoy the mix that started it all and give out the perfect treat to trick-or-treaters. This variety comes in both a snack pack and a new Halloween theater box. The Halloween theater box is available exclusively at Walmart. SRP: $2.50 – 3.00 for 21 count package, $1.00 – 1.50 for theater box.

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HOT TAMALES®

Fierce Cinnamon Snack Pack: Want to give your trick-or-treaters something extra spicy for Halloween? This HOT TAMALES® snack pack is perfect for party favors or Halloween lunchbox treats. This variety comes in both a snack pack and a new Halloween theater box. The Halloween theater box is available exclusively at Walmart. SRP: $2.50 – 3.00 for 21 count package, $1.00 – 1.50 for theater box.

GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®

GOLDENBERG’S® Original Dark and Milk Chocolatey PEANUT CHEWS®: Just in time for Halloween, you can now buy Goldenberg’s® Original Dark or Milk Chocolatey Peanut Chews®. A monster’s favorite kind of Halloween candy is a combination of chewy chocolatey bites loaded with crunchy peanuts! This bag is perfect for handing out treats to all the neighborhood children. SRP: $2.99 – $3.49 per 12oz bag.

You can find PEEPS on social media as well- here are a few of the ways you can follow them;

Peeps & Company Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1N7YaaR
Peeps & Company Instagram: http://bit.ly/1EwkYy8
Peeps & Company Pinterest: http://bit.ly/1IFl9SN
Peeps & Company Twitter: http://bit.ly/1KpqLYD

One of you can win a PEEPS prize pack. Please feel free to enter using the RC form below. Ends Oct. 24, 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: giveaway, holidays, review

So, Your Kid Loves Deadpool

June 11, 2015 by Samantha 7 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. All photos are my own, taken in my real house, with no crazy staging or photoboxes- there are no filters, wild edits, or photoshopping done. They have been (size) cropped to fit into the post. This is real life- you know, how it is when you actually use things- because authenticity matters.

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How did that happen? I’m not really sure how it happened here in my house, other then daddy is a comic book nerd. Like a good parent, I said he needed to wait until he was older to read Deadpool. Like a typical daddy, he went ahead a read it to him anyway, although he “modifies” certain words and phrases, since Deadpool is WAY not for kids. And now, my kid loves Deadpool. It’s his very favorite.

It’s really hard to find anything about Deadpool in his size- t-shirts, costumes, really anything at all. I’m not so very crafty or great at sewing, so that doesn’t help matters. Since he already told me he wants to be Deadpool for Halloween this year, I have been looking for Halloween Costumes 2015. I knew it would be a tough one to find, and I was right.

Apparently, comfy enough to lounge in. (He wouldn’t take it off, he was watching TV.)

Luckily for me, I found a Deadpool costume at Wholesale Costume Club, even if it was in an adult only size. There are no kid sized ones anywhere, and trust me, I’ve looked. I’m not skilled enough to make him one, but I sure can hem up his sleeves and pant legs, and he will be good to go. Bonus? He can wear it again in a few years if he wants to, so that’s pretty cool.

He loves his Deadpool costume, and since we are also having a Deadpool themed birthday party for him this year, he will already get quite a bit of use out of it. My son loves costumes, and we let him wear them as often as he wants, as long as it’s not too hot.

You can like and follow Wholesale Costume Club on Facebook to see what’s new and for deals.

I know it’s early for Halloween, but it’s never too early to start looking when you know what they want is going to be difficult to find. Plus, dress up is always in fashion 🙂

Filed Under: holidays, review Tagged With: costumes, halloween

Head to Hallmark this Easter

March 27, 2015 by Samantha 4 Comments

Looking for some fun, inexpensive gifts to fill your little one’s Easter Basket this year? Why not head to Hallmark, where you know you will find adorable gifts at a quality you trust. They have some of your favorites back again, as well as some new items for this year. Check out some of our favorites!