Matchbox Cars- you know you love them!

June 5, 2011 by 10 Comments

The new matchbox play sets are quite cool.  Why?  Matchbox Cars  are always awesome- do you know a kid who doesn’t love them?  So matchbox cars are always great toys, but the new playset is super fun, and Little Man and his buddies have been having a blast with it.  And not only that- but it involves police!  Matchbox Police Headquarters is a great set to have- Kids love to play police person.  Another bonus?  The kids are happy without a tv, video games or electricity.  Just a fun, more classic playset.  Little Man just loves his cars.  (Especially police cars.)  This set includes both a police van and a jail.  The jail is big enough to “put the bad cars in”.  It also has two levels of fun on the inside portion of the play set and a wonderful detailed police station on the outside.  This two sided set is great for 2 or more little ones playing together.  One per side.  Little Man had Kamikaze make sure no other bad guys came in from outside while he jailed the bad car.  This set is also economical retailing for $20 and includes one vehicle, the police van.  Other vehicles retail for as low as $0.99.  Also there aren’t any special cars that only fit this set.  All matchbox cars will fit this, even that odd shark drag racing car that is always floating around.  That one particularly vehicle makes a wonderful ‘bad’ car.  So that is yet another bonus- chances are- you already have toys that will work with the playset.  In a Summer full of loud noisy battery munching toys, toy cars are a welcome change for kids and parents, true?
The kids are going to be home- you don’t want to just shove them in front of a TV all day, and goodness knows that they are going to drive mommy crazy, lol.  This is a great toy to have around.
Happy Summer Fun!

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Filed Under: kids, review

Petcakes- Series 2- Review and Giveaway!

June 5, 2011 by 241 Comments
You know how much I love PetCakes if you are a follower of this blog, my twitter or are my friend or Have Sippy Will Travel’s friend on Facebook- I am mildly obsessed.  (It’s not my fault!  They are really, really cute!)
There is only one problem with PetCakes- my son keeps taking them all, and I never get to keep any for me  🙁
Bratty kid, hahaha.
Pet cakes have just released their next series of cake critters- Series 2 is ready for action!  I posted lots of photos and updates from NY Toy Fair in Feb, but I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to actually have them!  🙂    We bought my son’s friend a Twinkle Sprinkles from the first series for her birthday, and my friend who collects squirrels a Nutty Nicky from the new Series 2- they are so adorable, and I can’t get enough of them. And everyone who sees them, wants them- so….they are popular around here, LOL. 
In mommy’s bed- “sharing” with me.  Only I am not in the bed, LOL
This new series of different animal includes a raccoon, bear, squirrel, and panda.  All of which are so cute and sweet you’ll want to brush your teeth after seeing them!!!!  Ha!  (I’m cracking myself up)  
PetCakes, as you all know are a personal favorite of mine, and of Little Man’s, and of the Pre-K kids.  These little stuffies are just so different and creative, yet lovable and fun.  My son’s personal favorite new critter is: Nutty Nicky.  He has an acorn and is super cute- NOTE- he has no cherry on his head- that is a “typo” I guess, LOL.  Mine?  I am LOVING the panda!  SO CUTE!   Can’t even stand it….
One of you will win an adorable Petcake!
Here is how to enter!
Mandatory entry
You must be a public follower on Google Friend Connect.
Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win.

 Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Please leave me the link to the Series 2 toy you like best   🙂 

– Like Petcakes on FaceBook – Feel free to tell them Have Sippy Will Travel sent you!  Never required, always appreciated!  🙂

– Follow PetCakes on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway
#Win  #Petcakes- Series 2- Review and Giveaway! http://t.co/qRPy5Ou @HaveSippy @PetCakesToys  Adorable #kids #toys

-“Like” me on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Have-Sippy-Will-Travel/118293111555385
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription
+3 entries

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win  #Petcakes- Series 2- Review and Giveaway! http://t.co/qRPy5Ou @HaveSippy @PetCakesToys  Adorable #kids #toys

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at  kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)

 -Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please)

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!”  (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!)

– enter another one of my giveaways

– comment on a non-giveaway post

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck!

DISCLOSURE: A product sample was provided for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited by law.  Open to US shipping addresses only.  Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above.  Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends June 26, 2011.

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Lego- gone mini!

June 5, 2011 by 10 Comments
 Lego is not only the nifty little blocks you can use to make just about everything- but now they have these little figures that are really fun, and come in lots of varieties.  That is awesome!  Now my husband, I mean my kids,   😛  can put all kinds of little people (and monsters, this is an equal oppertunity home) in the futuristic Egyptian castle space-port.  While fishing and surfing- of course!  🙂
Long gone are the two, or maybe three faces on the plain yellow head with a brightly colored shirt and yellow legs.  Now, in stores is the minifigures line of toys.  We have a n assortment of them- and they are inexpensive and easy to keep in your purse for a bribery moment of quiet on a long car ride from hades, or that shopping trip that won’t end.  Come on- you know you keep toys in your purse, don’t lie!  LOL

 
Each package contains one figure with accessories.  By accessories, I don’t necessarily mean a sword or a cape.  I mean, the surfer girl comes with an awesome surf board and a stand to display her on, as well as the lego smirk and of course can be deconstructed to be swapped out with any other minifig parts.  What this means is surfer girl can have a haz mat helmet on and hold an axe, of course with the smirk still intact. 
Legos are a great toy, kid friendly, non violent, educational, helps with creative thinking.  NOT for your very little kids, of course!   Daddy insisted I add this- he wrote these lines, and they HAVE to be added to the review according to him-
“Little Man likes to make totems of the minifigs.  Not so much a grotesque lego parts monster, just a few of them stacked one of top of the other, kind of a awkward way for 4 minifigs to change a light bulb.
I- Daddy- love the little figs too, my personal favorite is either the lawn gnome, or the crazy scientist of course.  Now if only there was an odd beer brewer minifig I’d be set.”
 
Sigh. Ok, see why I had to explain that Daddy wrote that last part?  This is what I live with.  🙂
But these are really fun, and dad and Little have been having a blast with them!
Have fun, and happy building!  🙂
Filed Under: kids, review

Win Lovable Labels!

May 31, 2011 by 58 Comments
You can never be too careful with a child who has allergies.  That’s why these Allergy Alert labels from Lovable Labels are so great!  They allow you to clearly mark your child’s items so that the teacher, lunch lady- whoever, knows about your sweetie’s allergy.  May is Food Allergy Awareness Month, so this is a great way to end the month- with a way to keep your little one’s safe!  One of my kids has an allergy to both dairy and soy- these labels should help remind the staff of what NOT to give her.  In our Pre-K, we have a few kids with allergies, one of whom is allergic to nuts and eggs.  The nuts are a bigger issue- and she was given a cookie by a well-meaning mom at a school party and the child had a very bad reaction.  Sadly, the class mom didn’t realize THIS was the child we were telling her can’t have that food.  Labels help.
Everyone was OK, don’t worry.
Lovable Labels  as a wide variety of labels to choose from, all personalized with your child’s name and needs on them.
By the way- Lovable Labels is Mom Made and created!  Check out their creation story-
It is said that necessity is the mother of invention and this proved all too true for Laura Porreca, Owner and President of Lovable Labels. 

When Laura’s first child entered daycare, she was told to label all his belongings.  This meant labeling everything from his outdoor clothing, to his indoor shoes, lunches, sippy cups and backpack.  Laura recognized a need in the market for personalized labels that were tough and durable and could stand the test of time and the everyday use that children put them through.

After researching and testing many different products and designs, Laura created a line of labels that include Regular and Slimline Stickers, Shoe Labels, Iron-ons and Bag Tags.  They are not only bright, fun and colourful but also met the high standards that parents have come to expect.  The Regular and Slimline labels are microwave and dishwasher safe, the Iron-on labels stay put in the washer and dryer, the Shoe Labels have an extra strength adhesive to ensure they won’t come off and the Bag Tags are made of a durable and flexible plastic.  

Want to win an allergy pack of your own? 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.
What is your favorite product?  Feel free to leave the link   🙂

 Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Like Lovable Lables  on Facebook

– Follow Lovable Labels on Twitter and tweet about this contest!
#Win Lovable Labels! http://t.co/oBd9O4v @HaveSIppy @mylovablelabels

 -“Like” me on Facebookhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Have-Sippy-Will-Travel/118293111555385
+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription 
+3 entries

– Follow me on Twitter ( or you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Lovable Labels! http://t.co/oBd9O4v @HaveSIppy @mylovablelabels

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Email a friend about this contest, with a CC to me at  kangabunnie@gmail.com
(you get an extra entry if they enter, too!)

 -Add my button to your blog, and leave me the link so I can find it

– Follow me on “Networked Blogs”

– blog about this giveaway, and link back to this contest (leave me the URL in comment, please) 

-Add me to your blogroll, with a link back to me

– Vote for me on “We’re On The Fence!”  (Just Click the Button to the left that says “We’re On the Fence” until it confirms you voted for your’s truly!)

– enter another one of my giveaways 

– comment on a non-giveaway post 

OOO, so many ways to win! Good luck! 

DISCLOSURE: A product sample was provided for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed in this post are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

No purchase necessary.  Void where prohibited by law.  Open to US shipping addresses only.  Limited to US and Cnandian residents; 18 years old and above. Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends June 20, 2011

Filed Under: giveaway, health, kids, review

Heirloom Wooden Toys- and coupons

May 31, 2011 by 2 Comments
 
The weather here in Southern California has been changeable, to say the least, but we know summer’s on its way!  Take a look at some of our newest additions to the site from Cre8tive Minds (formerly Marvel Education) to spark some ideas for activities during those long lazy days.

Use coupon code “CRE8TIVE” for $20 off any order over $150 through May 31!


 
Rocking Boat
Cre8tive Minds Rocking Boat offered by Heirloom Wooden Toys
Turned on the rockers, it’s a boat, or a wagon, or a car.  Flip it over and you have a platform with steps for a performance space, bridge, or mountain.  Endless possibilities for play!
Only: $165.95
Free shipping
on orders over $99
We Love Our Customers!   
Filed Under: kids

Mega Bloks, Gotta LoveThomas!

May 30, 2011 by 12 Comments

Enter the world of Thomas and Friends with this great buildable playset from Mega Bloks!

How much  do you love Thomas?  Such a classic!  Little Man LOVES him some Thomas  🙂  
My Little Man loves both Thomas and Mega Bloks, so this is a big hit! 
He went wild for it- and not a day has gone by that he has not played with it since he has gotten it.  We brought this Busy Day at the Quarry playset to the Pre-K, and you know the kids fought for playtime with it.  They loved the action- the trains moved effortlessly on the tracks, the setup was not too hard (you do need grown-up or big kid help, though) and the working crane?  Fab!  They all LOVED it.   

setting up!



 “Help Thomas and his friend Mavis transport rocks from the quarry to the dock. Use real-working crane! Build and rebuild the quarry to make each day a different busy day at the quarry!

Ideal for Children ages 3 and up.

Features:

  • Includes Thomas and Mavis, crane, coal, coal chute, building blocks and ramps.
  • Use the storage bucket to climb and race Thomas and Mavis down the ramps.
  • Real-working crane!
  • Builds up to 4 feet long!
  • Build and rebuild for hours of endless play!
  • Combine with Thomas at Sodor Fair (10515) or other Thomas playsets to further build your Mega Bloks Thomas universe.”

My Little Man just adores it.  We will be bringing it to see Thomas at Day Out with Thomas in Strasburg, PA in June- so you will be seeing more photos of this adorable playset!   This would make a great birthday gift for any train or Thomas fan, as well.
I love that it will match up and connect with out other Thomas Mega Bloks toys, and we have a few, with him being such a fan.  It’s really fun that we got Mavis- she is not one of the trains that comes in all the playsets, so it is nice to get a different one once in a while, right?  Love that.  I like that you use all the parts, even the bucket that it comes in, as part of the play set- then when you are done- easy breezy cleanup, and you know where all the part are- right in the carry bucket!  I love, love that aspect- it makes it great for travel and taking along.
You can buy this playset for just $29.99!  You can also follow Mega Brands on Facebook and Twitter– you don’t want to miss out on cool stuff  😉
One more thing!  Make sure you sign up for the

Mega Bloks Family Club
Members receive:
    * A PRINTABLE COUPON for $5 off any $30 or more Mega Bloks purchase

   Other exclusive OFFERS, CONTESTS, SWEEPSTAKES and PROMOTIONS on Mega Bloks toys

    * Information on NEW Mega Bloks toys for kids ages 1 to 6

  An EDUCATIONAL and INFORMATIVE BLOG by a leading panel of mom bloggers with

      articles on the benefits of construction toys, product reviews, pictures and more

    * A FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER with great new building ideas, toys for kids ages 1 and up

            and other helpful information

    * To sign up, visit: http://familyclub.megabloks.com

 Disclosure- I received this product free to facilitate my review- this is an honest review and all opinions are mine.

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Filed Under: kids, review

Strasburg Railroad- have some family fun!

May 26, 2011 by 15 Comments

(So says Little Man-) TRAINS RULE!

Little Man and a “Red Cap” friend, who is there to answer questions, help out, and make your day that much better 🙂

During our trip to Pennsylvania we went to a very cool destination. The Strasburg Railroad. Out in Lancaster, PA, located on Route 741, there is wonderful railroad station. Many train fanatics say it is the best in the USA for visitors and one of the most fantastic places left where you can actually ride in the old steam engines. This train station is large, restored and maintained beautifully, and you can feel the love that the conductors and employees have for their jobs. They are also AMAZING and so sweet to the kids.

With a Conductor- came to punch our tickets, stayed for a funny-face photo, LOL

While we were there, there was a school group on a filed trip as well as a retirement village out and about, taking some time to relax and enjoy the trains. They also have a great train museum. The [Read more…]

Filed Under: family, kids, travel Tagged With: , , , ,

KinderBike

May 24, 2011 by 4 Comments

My 3 year old son is just learning how to ride a bike.  He is not great with pedals, and they frustrate him.  He almost always ends up scooting along on his trike, which also causes the pedals to spin and whack the backs of his legs.  We took the pedals off of his plastic bike, which made it easier for him.  But recently, I came across something much better!  The KinderBike.  The KinderBike comes in lots of colors and sizes, so you will find one that is perfect for your little one.  It has no pedals at all, nor does it have a 3rd wheel or training wheels.  Why?  So your peanut can learn to balance and glide along on the bike.  They won’t drag thier feet scooting along (also wearing out thier shoes, thank you very much), they won’t have pedals smacking thier legs, and because there are only two wheels, they will begin to find the balance that they need in order to work thier way up to a “big kid” regular old two-wheeler bike in no time at all.
Little Man just loves his KinderBike, and so do all the kids at the PreK.  One of the moms loved it so much, that she went home and got one as soon as she saw it.  She, like me, thought it was the best idea ever to learn to ride a bike.  Her son also realy enjoyed playing on Little Man’s bike very much, and brought his in to show it off right away!  LOL, kids.

Here is a bit more info on the KinderBike–

KinderBike® has changed very little since it’s inception on the banks of the Isar River, in the tiny Bavarian village of Lenggries, Germany in 2004.  Heinz Petzold gave his grandson Luke a laufrad (run bike) for his second birthday and KinderBike was born.  KinderBike introduced the first run bikes to the North American market in 2005.  Since then, hundreds of thousands of young riders – some as young as 18 months – have fine tuned their balance, coordination and agility and learned to ride.
KinderBike afforded parents a mechanism to get their kids outside and active as they glided along side of them on short walks.  KinderBike’s commitment to quality bolstered it’s reputation and encouraged both traditional bicycle retailers and parents to ditch training wheels in favor of this “balance-first” method.  Since then, the “balance-first” method has been widely accepted as the most effective way to teach young children to ride a bike and has spurred a host of imitators.
Today, KinderBike remains the leading manufacturer of high-end trainers and is widely regarded as the leading innovator of quality balance trainers.

Filed Under: kids, review