review Archives - Page 112 of 232 - Have Sippy Will Travel

IHOP’s Newest Menu Item

May 21, 2014 by Samantha 2 Comments

Picture this- it is mid-week and you have no idea what to make for dinner. The kids want pizza but you want something a bit more satisfying after the week you’ve been having. Something that tastes like home and everyone would love. How about breakfast at IHOP for dinner? While there, why not try their newest menu addition Cinnamon Swirl Brioche French Toast.

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IHOP’s menu is perfect for those mid week slumps in meals by pepping everyone up a bit. Maybe you are dying for something sweet and satisfying like a nice warm breakfast while the kids want chicken fingers and soup. This isn’t possible at every restaurant but at IHOP any time of day is breakfast time. What is nice about IHOP is there ever changing menu. And their most recent addition is a welcome. Their newest Brioche French Toast is cinnamon swirl. They start with two sliced of Brioche French Toast, in a vanilla batter and grilled to perfection. Then they add a cinnamon roll icing on the top. This icing is the same you’d find on a cinnamon roll but instead of rolled up its spread on thick and delicious. Finally a cream cheese icing is drizzled on top of them and the fin really starts, you get to eat it.
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Filed Under: food, review Tagged With: food, IHOP, resturaunt

Hiberate- a series of short stories

May 21, 2014 by Samantha 2 Comments

I received a copy of this book to facility my review. All opinions are my own and honest.

This book was quite short, but not the quick read I was expecting. The short stories were complicated and varied, jumping all over the globe and the gamut of human experiences. Some seemed like you could know the person Eslami was writing about, the stories seemed familiar and ordinary. Ordinary people, as well all know, do live interesting and often convoluted lives, and these were full of vibrant details and backstory. She painted a picture for you with her words and descriptions, intertwining the labyrinth of past and present and different characters’ tales together into one several page anecdote. Some stories were metaphors, such as the title story “Hibernate”, which made you think while you read. Actually, most of the book made you think, which was why it was not the short summer read I had thought it would be.

Most of the short stories had no concrete or “firm” endings, which I don’t like. Perhaps it’s unevolved of me, but I like my books (movies, TV shows, etc) to have sure endings.

This was a very interesting read, very unusual, and a good book if you are looking for something entertaining yet not mindless this summer. Pick it up when you get the chance.
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Filed Under: book review, review Tagged With: book, book review

Travel Trends Event in NYC

May 21, 2014 by Samantha 6 Comments

Recently, I attended an event in NYC hosted by MomTrends. As the PaddlePak Ambassador, you know I had to be there or be square (and honestly, how cute are those watertight backpacks?)

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I was also a MiracleSuit swimwear model (I know, bringing sexy back, summer-style) just to round things out a bit. I had my hair done by the one of the stylists at Butterfly Studio while there, and I must say my locks gave the poor man a hard time. I had just landed home hours before, and my hair was a hot mess. It’s usually a bit iffy later in the day, since I don’t use product and I’m not what you’d call a vain woman (cough- see “very low maintenance” to put it nicely) but you know what travel does to your hair, yeah? Blah. I washed it before I got on the flight, but apparently that didn’t help much. Poor fella, he did his best, and I was in that seat longer then any three other women combined, LOL. Gotta give him an A for effort!

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I didn’t get a chance to talk to everyone in the room, since I was busy with the PaddlePaks and also with the MiracleSuit fun. I have to say, I love my suit as well. I didn’t initially think I’d love this particular style or cut, nor the cover up in the same exact print (seemed like too much) but I was really wrong. The girls were kept in place, I loved the print once it was on (and like so many things, you need to try it before you decide if you like it!) and it was slimming. Most importantly (for me) is the fact that it kept my girls up where they needed to be and inside the suit the whole time.

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You might be thinking “so? You were just walking around a room, how hard was that suit working?” I will give you that- which is why I waited an extra week before writing this post. I wore that suit nearly every day on my trip to Cancun this week, including horseback riding (where it preformed under EXTREME duress), pools, saunas, whirlpools, the ocean, and a cenote swim. I’d say it quite earned the 5 star rating I’m giving it. Plus? I just feel pretty in it. I was the only “model” who was plus sized- and I worked what the Good Lord and carbs gave me. Sexy comes in every size, you better believe it. No matter what size you are, you deserve to look and feel good, which is why I say you will love MiracleSuit.

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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, fashion, kids, review Tagged With: bathing suit, event, NYC, paddlepak

Cooking Up Fun

May 21, 2014 by Samantha 3 Comments

Disclosure: The below was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

Summer Break is almost here, and for many parents, that means trying to think up some fun ways to pass those long, hot days home and without a schedule. For some creative indoor fun, check out these cute kitchen items for kids- some are pretend, some are functional, all are fun.

Chet the Cat and Friends is a new line of kitchen and cooking sets for kids (ages 3 and up) that can help get kids interested in becoming mom and dad’s little chef helpers. With a wide array of items made just for them, kids will have fun learning and playing with Chet and Friends. The plates, cups, flatware, etc are all dishwasher and food safe, so your little culinary artist in training can really eat what they crate and then the items can be washed with no fuss or worrying that they will be ruined. There is also a set of kitchen gadgets, such as a toaster, blender, and mixer, which “work” and have multiple sets of speeds- while they work with real liquids, the toaster does not truly cook toast. It does however pop up play toast and buzz with a timer- no one wants a burnt kiddo. Complete the look with a chef outfit (of course, all decked out with Chet the Cat and Friends as well- it’s very, very cute) that will thrill your little cook. Items range from $22 to $30 on http://www.educationalinsights.com (One of my personal favorite sites for educational yet fun toys for kids.)

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Another toy company we adore for fun and educational kids toys that they really want to play with is Learning Resources. These toys last forever, don’t break the bank, and teach kids the skills we want them to learn in ways they enjoy and want to keep playing with. Many of the toys are low or no tech, which is a great break with today’s kids being so constantly plugged in.
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Filed Under: kids, review, toys Tagged With: crossover, kitchen toys, toys

Midnight Velvet – Dress To Impress

May 20, 2014 by Samantha 3 Comments

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Thank you to Midnight Velvet for providing me with this gorgeous blouse to inspire this post.

When I am going to a special event or meeting someone for the first time, it is important to me to look my best. A great outfit gives me confidence and allows my personality to shine, instead of holding me back with a case of the how do I look? jitters.

Midnight Velvet has an impressive selection of clothes that are designed to make you look and feel beautiful, stylish and classy. To sweeten the deal on fabulous fashions, the prices can’t be beat for such lovely clothing, accessories and items for the home.
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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, fashion, review Tagged With: clothing, fashion, shirts, tops

Lulu Avenue – Spring Bling

May 20, 2014 by Samantha 2 Comments

I am always happy to see spring arrive. Sunshine, spring breezes, blooming flowers and the smell of freshly cut grass delight my senses and often give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Even better than the world around me in bloom, is the knowledge that warm weather brings special events in abundance. Weddings, parties and fundraisers fill my calendar. Shopping for the outfits to dazzle my social circle is fun, but finding the right accessories used to be a challenge. As we all know, accessories can make or break an outfit.

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Lucky for me I discovered Lulu Avenue. They have a terrific assortment of jewelry that is affordably priced, always trendy and Lulu Avenue features core pieces as well as dramatic indulgences to take any outfit from nice to head turning.
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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, evergreen, fashion, review Tagged With: fashion, jewelry

Week 5 On Nutrisystem

May 20, 2014 by Samantha 2 Comments

I neither gained nor lost anything this week, which is (of course) a little frustrating. I have been exercising daily as well, so perhaps it will show next week? Sigh. Always frustrating when you don’t see the results you’d like, but at least I feel good.

It’s very easy to stick to the food plan on Nutrisystem, since there is a variety of food options and the food is actually pretty good. The fact that it is all pre-packaged makes it that much easier- no thinking required. Supplement your diet with fruit and vegetables, dairy, and foods that are “pre-approved” and it’s that simple.
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Filed Under: health, review Tagged With: diet, nutrisystem, weight loss

Win Princess Dahlia and Bed from Groovy Girls

May 17, 2014 by Danielle 26 Comments

Disclosure: Princess Dahlia and the Royally Ritzy Bed from Groovy Girls were provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.

Groovy Girls have been popular for many years. I remember them being extremely popular around the time that I started babysitting. I was in awe of how much all of the girls really liked them and all of their wonderful accessories. I am so excited to be able to introduce my girls to the Groovy Girls as well. My girls were able to try out Princess Dahlia and the Royally Ritzy Bed.

About Groovy Girls:

Groovy Girls have been around since 1998, and are one of the most popular toys for girls worldwide. Groovy Girls are different from other dolls with their deeper message for both children and parents. Each Groovy Girls character has a unique, one of a kind look expressed in her hairstyle, skin tone, and hip outfit – just like girls in real life! The brand encourages developing a girl’s sense of self-identity and individualism, celebrates friendship and diversity and validates the fact that girls are important in the world.

This year, The Manhattan Toy Company is introducing three Special Edition Sweet 16 Dolls and four “Core” dolls that start with the letter “B” –Brooklyn, Bailey, Bayani, and Brenna. They are only $15 for the new 2014 core dolls and $20 for the Special Edition dolls.