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Halloween Express Review and Giveaway- Come #Win Your #Costume here!

October 2, 2011 by Samantha 505 Comments

And WOW, if you don’t have your costumes yet, you better be glad they are EXPRESS, Lol. Halloween will be here before you know it! What’s a momma to do? No, don’t waste your time and frustrate yourself going to some of those super stores (that may not be very “super” at all when it comes to costumes!) and shift through what’s left, and end up with some overpriced, cheap-o costume.

Why bother? There is still plenty of time to get the costume you and your kids actually WANT, and it will be at your door before you know it. The costumes at Halloween Express are high quality from what I have seen, and there is so much to choose from! Baby costumes, kids, adults, plus sized- the variety in each category seem endless.

You can search for costumes by price- example, under $30, under $20, etc. That is SUPER useful to momma’s on a budget. There is a 110% price back guarantee, which can only mean they are THAT SURE you will love your costume. Orders over $65 are shipped free, and all orders are placed the same day- Yipee!

Want to save even more? Use this code – HAVESIPPY – which is good for 10% off site wide with NO minimum order (excludes gift cards, personalized and special order items). Valid now through 12/31/11.

That is great to save for your whole family! It will give you 10% off your whole order, which will save you even more money. One of you will win a costume, up to $75 below, but you can all win with that great deal. (NO, I do not make a part of the profits from any sales with that code. As you know, I do not take part in any form of affiliate programs- I only tell you about my honest thoughts on products and places.)

Want to win? 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
(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

-Follow Halloween Express on Twitter and tweet about this contest (can be done daily)

#Win Halloween #Costume from @HalloweenXperts http://tinyurl.com/3v9onzr @HaveSippy #kids #family #contest

– Follow Halloween Express 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 Halloween #Costume from @HalloweenXperts http://tinyurl.com/3v9onzr @HaveSippy #kids #family #contest

*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Spooktacular event Bloggers’ sites!

3 Princes and a Princess 2, Closer to Lucy, Have Sippy Will Travel, and The Thrifty Things. You can Follow GFC, Twitter, or Facebook- each is worth an entry.

– 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 the above product for this post. 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 Oct. 11, 2011

Filed Under: family, giveaway, holidays, kids, review

AquaDoodle- All the Fun- NONE of the Mess! Great Kids Toy

October 2, 2011 by Samantha 7 Comments

AquaDoodle is one of my new favorite toys! It is fantastic, and I can’t believe that I have not used it sooner. I have to say- it was my own fault- I thought it was dumb. I know, for shame! I had never tried it, and just thought- how stupid! Drawing with water, then it dries, the kid will cry that their painting is gone, they will get water everywhere, drive me insane, blah blah….and I was dead wrong. I am super sorry, Aqua Doodle!

We were sent an AquaDoodle playmat and also a travel companion- a little penguin! Since we were about to leave for Ohio, I thought that the penguin may keep them occupied in the car- but my first reaction was UGH. But I was SO WRONG. My son was there when I opened the box, so of course he wanted to play with the mat right away (I didn’t take the penguin out until after).

I put it on the kitchen floor, filled the “pen” with water, and handed it to him- and he was quiet for a full 45 minutes, playing with it, and then he danced on it for another almost hour! My son let me make dinner, vacuum, and do a load of laundry AND check my email and even send out a few tweets- IN PEACE. What? The only thing he wanted, was after the mat was dry (from dancing on it, no doubt, LOL) he wanted a refill of the water pen to color on the mat again. I’m officially buying this for all birthday gifts for children under age 7.

The penguin was great for the long car ride. The only issue I had with him was that the pen kept getting stuck closed, and it was really hard to open. Like, it took a tool to open it every time. Luckily we had a tool kit in the car, but that was a pain. The penguin was loved by both Kamikaze and Little Man- Kamikaze even consented to letting me put up her picture with it 🙂 So you know she REALLY liked it, haha. Too bad she would not let me take her picture at the time, LOL.

For families that travel, I would recommend the stuffed animal Aqua Doodle for sure. Just keep your receipt, so if your pen breaks, you can swap it out. I think mine was just a fluke and defective, but better to be safe then sorry.

Your kiddo can choose a bear, dog or penguin and just add water to bring these adorable characters to life. They can doodle again and again, since designs disappear in minutes for a brandee-new doodle area. AquaDoodle is a mess free, creative and fun experience for your pre-schooler and beyond- maybe a teesnsy bit wet, but we all dry off, LOL. What’s a little water? 🙂

You can follow AquaDoodle on Facebook HERE- don’t miss the fun Facebook news 🙂
Happy Doodles! 🙂

Filed Under: kids, travel

My Son at the #QuestForZhu Movie Premier!

October 2, 2011 by Samantha 6 Comments

Here are a few pictures of my Little Man at the Quest For Zhu Premier in NYC Sept. 26. He got to meet all the stars of the show (and hug them, too!) and watch all his favorite “hams” in action in the new movie. He had a great time, and he even brought one of the newest Zhu Zhu Pets– Carly, a gift from our friend Becky- to see the movie with him 🙂

See if you can find Carly in the pics 🙂 (By the way- you can now get Quest for Zhu on both DVD and Blu Ray- your kids will love it!

Starring Mr. Squiggles, Chunk, Num Nums, and Pipsqueak- this is going to be a hit with your kids. Can you say stocking stuffer? OK, I can’t wait that long either. Check it out- if you have a fan like I do, this will be one movie you will be glad to have. We went with my mom, and the next day we saw her again- my son went running up to her to tell her all about the movie, LOL. She said- yes, I saw it too, silly boy- I was with you! He just looked at her, says “Right, OK.” and kept on telling her about it 🙂

He loved it- it is easily the favorite movie he has seen in a very long time.

Filed Under: kids

Happy Napper- Review and Giveaway! #Win yours here

October 2, 2011 by Samantha 611 Comments

Alright everyone- do you know what a Happy Napper is?

A Happy Napper is a stuffed toy which turns into a very soft pillow. These lovable are currently available in 6 creatures, monkey, dragon, ladybug, penguin, unicorn and dog. Little Man absolutely loves his dog. All creatures also have a noise button. The dog has a door bell, where when you press it, the dog snores/barks as you would expect a cartoon dog to act, then wakes up barking.

Snuggling with joy! LOL

It is quite silly and always makes the little guy giggle. It is also nice that after a press or two you can it is easy to suggest the dog is awake and wants to play, Keeping the ‘toy noise’ in the room to a minimum. When a pillow or in the dog’s case a dog house it is a comfortable sized pillow, a bit larger then a throw pillow you’d find on a couch, but smaller then a regular sized pillow on a bed.

Also when in pillow form, it is not easy to push the button with your ear/head/face and wake yourself up. So says my husband when he falls asleep on it. When opened the dog is about the size of a backpack and very soft and fluffy. It’s a great floppy plush that will keep your little boys or girls happy and excited to hit the hay, hopefully. 😉

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
(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

– Besides the puppy, what is your Favorite Happy Napper?

-“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 Happy Napper! Great #kids #toy http://tinyurl.com/687jut4 @HaveSippy #contest

*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Fun for Fall event Bloggers’ sites!

3 Princes and a Princess 2, Closer to Lucy, Have Sippy Will Travel, and The Thrifty Things. You can Follow GFC, Twitter, or Facebook- each is worth an entry.

– 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)

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

An Act of Kindness Can Help Create Bully Free Schools

September 28, 2011 by Samantha 2 Comments

This information was provided to me by the sponsor- I have never personally used these products, but thought that you all may like to hear about it.

“Over the years, school districts have made attempts to implement acts of kindness programs and teach kindness lessons in an effort to alleviate the problem of bullying in schools. Bullying is a long-standing, all too common form of intimidation and stress for children. The constant alarm and anxiety felt can make it difficult for targeted children to focus or engage in a classroom, which can cause learning to become arduous and frustrating.

Boom Boom! Revolution is optimistic that with teamwork and dedication an end can be brought to this unfortunate occurrence. As part of Boom Boom! Revolution’s continuing desire to bring forth an uprising of guerilla goodness, Boom Boom! developed acts of kindness cards that not only offer educators an exciting method for teaching kindness, but also encourage kids to perform kind acts intentionally, and regularly!

Most people are aware of the typical forms of bullying – after school playground conflicts and lunch money theft – often made light of in films or on TV. Yet, bullying comes in many forms of physical maltreatment, and more often as psychological abuse. Having an entire school community stand united against bullying is likely to be the best deterrent, but with the right tools, one brave individual can also make a lasting difference.

Boom Boom! Cards’ Teen Deck is one such tool. For those ready to take a stand against bullying, Card #26 provides a great start, “The next time it’s necessary, stand up for someone who is being made fun of.” Yet, cracking jokes at someone else’s expense isn’t the only type of bullying found in schools. Social isolation and peer pressure are also prevalent. These types of group bullying can be confronted by a simple act of kindness like the one on Teen Deck Card #18, “Ask someone who is alone at lunch or break to join you.”

To extend the efforts against bullying, professional staff in the school community can take a vested interest in making a positive impact on students’ behavior by teaching kindness lessons via acts of kindness performed on a regular basis. These acts should showcase peer consideration and emphasize teamwork among one another. In addition, trained staff should be accessible to students in need of assistance, to include bullies, as they often struggle with confidence issues or challenges in their personal lives.

The Teen Edition of Boom Boom! Cards can also help to reinforce a school’s effort at home. For example, Teen Deck Card #6 aids in communication, “When your parents or guardians ask, ‘How was your day?’ actually tell them,” however, parents need to make time to ask the question and to listen very closely, as a child may try to express trouble in school in an indirect, discreet manner.

Boom Boom! Revolution is proud to work with educators and parents to give kids the knowledge and courage they need to not only stop bullying, but to prevent them from becoming a bully themselves. With proper guidance and support, students of all ages can become Boom Boom! Revolution Agents of Altruism, intentionally performing acts of kindness wherever they go!”

Filed Under: family, kids

Wordless Wednesday! A Study In Ice Cream

September 27, 2011 by Samantha 10 Comments

Filed Under: kids

Sock ‘N Boots- Cute New #Kids #Book coming out!

September 26, 2011 by Samantha 3 Comments

Sock n Boots are best friends and the stars of the “Sock n Boots“ book series. They are “the two most loveable pieces of footwear around”.

The Sock n Boots characters and stories were created to foster a love of reading at a young age and to teach young children valuable life lessons. The stories stimulate positive thinking, while building a bond between parents and children, as well as teachers and students.

The goal of the books is to transform story time into an interactive bonding time.

Each Sock n Boots story begins with a question. Then through the antics of the characters, a lesson is taught that answers the question. Once the story is finished the question is posed again which opens the door for additional discussion and interaction.

We hope that children, as well as adults, grow to love the Sock and Boots characters and the stories they tell. A love of reading starts at a young age and Sock n Boots are on a mission to make sure that children associate fun with reading, and learn valuable life lessons along the way.

About the Characters

Sock is the younger and more mischievous of the pair. He is a playful and very emotional little guy. He is quick to look for fun but often finds trouble instead. It’s not uncommon to see him shed a tear or two when things get tough. His pal Boots always seems to be there to make him feel better and get him out of trouble.

The smartest little Boot you’ll ever get to know. He’s a little wiser than his younger friend Sock which makes them fit so well together. He’s all for fun but manages to keep a level head. Boots has a sweet tooth and can’t resist a nice big piece of chocolate cake. He is everything a best friend is supposed to be.

For more information on Sock n Books go to: www.socknboots.com

Or find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SockandBoots

My son loves this book- we call him Boots and Toots, I don’t even remember how that started (and he wants me to change his bloggy name to Boots, LOL- I told him maybe….)
A cute book about friendship is always a great bedtime story. There are three stories, or you can purchase a Sock n Boots compilation book with all three stories with all three stories in it. We have feelings week coming up at the Pre-K and I think the kids will really enjoy this one. Have fun, and happy reading!

Filed Under: kids

Calico Critters- Fun Kids Toy

September 25, 2011 by Samantha 11 Comments

Did you have Calico Critters when you were a kid? I did- I think I had rabbits. Tan ones. I saw Calico Critters in Toys R Us a few months ago, and thought that my kids would like them, maybe for the holidays. How cute are they? As you know, Little Man loves things that are “mommy and baby” or that go in sets- so he loved playing with these, as did Kamikaze.

The clothing is a little bit hard to get on the Critters, but other then that- playtime has been fun! The set comes with a little toy for the baby bear, which my son particularly likes (Aw, mommy! The baby gets a toy!)
Kamikaze is pretty good with doll clothes, so she was able to get them on and off without too much trouble. Little Man, at barely four, not so much. They both loved that it came with a whole array of fun things to do.

Includes: Margaret and Halley critters, 2 dresses, 2 mannequins, hat, handbag, hand mirror, 2 headbands, baby toy and wall portrait

Since it had all these fun items that came with the Calico Critters Margaret and Halley’s Shop Play Set, it made for a fun playtime immediately, and they also are the same size as lots of other toys, so they will fit into some other playsets, carriages, cars, busses, etc- so your child can play with them in toys they already have, too. For example- Little put Baby Halley into a little stroller and had Mommy Margaret push her around, and then they took the bus to the Farmer’s Market and to ride a pony.

Here is a little product description as well-

“Mother Margaret and Baby Halley go shopping with the Calico Critters Margaret and Halley’s Dress Shop Play Set! The Calico Critters Dress Shop Play Set includes the Critters Margaret and Halley, as they shop for dresses for the special events in Cloverleaf Corners! To help them find something fancy to wear, the Calico Critters Margaret and Halley’s Dress Shop Play Set includes 2 dresses, 2 mannequins, hat, handbag, hand mirror, 2 headbands, wall portrait and baby toy for awesome pretend play! Margaret and Halley will be dressed to impress when they are done!”
This is a fun toy, and would be a hit with younger kids of either gender (but not babies! The parts are too small) or pretty much any girl, in my opinion. My son is 4 and loves to play mommy and baby, and also loves to play with animals, so I think its great for boys who are still young or who like gentle play as well. Boys do have that loving, nurturing side of them as well, which we can forget. It’s great to let them develop that if they choose to.

You can order Calico Critters at Growing Tree Toys – there is even an option for gift wrap if you are sending a holiday or birthday present. Feel free to follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates- and you can also sign up for Growing Trees Toys email updates. Have fun shopping 🙂

Filed Under: kids, review