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Router Review AND Contest! Daddy’s Corner

September 9, 2011 by Samantha 534 Comments

Daddy Here! As the techie-geek, I thought I would handle this one.

So what is all around us yet can be so aggravating to actually use and keep using you want to pull your hair out?

Answer: The Internet. If your connection to the Internet seems to be more of a chore then a pleasure it might be time to rethink some of your tech. There are a few components to look at first of all, call your provider. Ask them if they see any errors on their end that would cause there error. Nine out of ten times this won’t really help, but it is worth a try. Next up check your wires, look for frays and lose connections. Don’t try to repair the wires just get new ones.

Next up your router. This is a biggie. You want to get something that can cook it yet won’t break the bank or be over complicated. Up comes the Cisco Linksys E4200. This wireless router is dual band runs on gigabit speed and runs on the wireless n protocol. IF you aren’t all that tech savvy, all that means is it is very up to date and will give you the speed for your kids or husband to kick tush in their on line video games, you the ability to use the Internet for browsing and photo uploading and of course the little ones the ability to check out what a spaceship really does in a video form.

Setup of the router was incredibly easy. Took about an hour and that includes setting up the security. Interesting tidbit when switching to a new router we had a friend who complained the internal log caught allot of blocked traffic. Odd part is there was a clear increase in speed. So not only was their router slower but also less secure and thus leaking bandwidth. Some more nifty characteristics are the ease of use. Lest say you are having some guests over and they aren’t of the highest regard. You can set up a private network allowing only limited access to the Internet. There are also parental controls which can be used to limit access time and also sites themselves.

The Linksys E4200 wireless router is perfect for anyone interested in building the ultimate connected home. The E4200 is the first building block that can handle gaming consoles, HDTV streaming video, Roku boxes, eReaders, smartphones, and anything other wireless device that needs screaming connectivity. Also, with back to school fast approaching, now is a great time for parents to make sure their homes are well-equipped for their kids to succeed academically and maximize learning from home to school. A simple and cost-effective way to make the home an ideal learning environment is to transform the home into a learning hotspot with home wireless.

Today’s middle and high school students have grown up with mobile technology and feel most comfortable in a wireless environment for anytime/anywhere studying, interactive web research, easy collaboration and communication and parent accessibility. The wireless home learning environment also more closely aligns with how they use technology at school. The Linksys E4200 router from Cisco (http://homestore.cisco.com/E4200) lets parents easily set, use and manage their own home wireless. The E4200 is also perfect for college students setting up wireless in their first home away from home.

This router is a great upgrade and an easy one to install and use, With a little knowledge and some studying up it has a whole lot of bells and whistles.
Enjoy 🙂

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- along with which size you would prefer 🙂

Extra Entries
(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

– Like Cisco 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 Computer Router from Cisco #Contest http://tinyurl.com/3bkw8zf #technology @HaveSippy

*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Back To School 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 in order to facilitate 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. 2, 2011

Filed Under: giveaway, review, technology

Dizguise Costumes Review and Giveaway

September 7, 2011 by Samantha 295 Comments

Halloween is coming, and my sweetie pie is already super excited- we have hung spiders and cobwebs in his room- the boy can’t wait! It was my favorite as a kid, too (really, until I had kids and was not able to go to the fun parties anymore, LOL), so I understand his undulated joy.

My son LOVES Scooby Doo- so when he saw this costume he just flipped out. He didn’t need to see any more- that was the one! Scooby Doo, for any of you regular readers, is as you know one of his all time favs. Sometimes it is all about the classics!

It was over 90 degrees when he put it on- and this is a one piece jumpsuit and headpiece OFFICIAL Scooby Doo costume, and super warm- so after a few minutes I forced him to take it off and he lost his mind. He cried like I was going to throw it away! I offered to let him sleep with it as a peace offering, and now that it is cooling down, he wears it almost every day, LOL.

Dizguise Costumes has a zillion fabulous costumes- and if I can judge by this Scooby Doo one, they come fast, send you shipping info right away, and are really great quality for a super price. You will not find that at your local Halloween Store, even IF you can find a costume you like in the size you want- a BIG if. Plus- there is the bonus of not having to try to get the attention of some preoccupied teenager on a cell phone texting to go get your costume, LOL.

(And if you saw, you can save 10% on costumes if you use the code Halloween2011 !)
Who loves saving? EVERYONE!

Of of you lucky ducks will win an adorable costume from Dizguize Costumes- this cute Garfield Costume in size 2T or 4T!

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. In your comment, please- along with which size you would prefer 🙂

Extra Entries
(Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

– Leave me a link for your favorite costume not mentioned here 🙂

-“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 Dizguise Costumes #Contest http://tinyurl.com/42qdgom @HaveSippy

*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Back To School 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 review. 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 Sept. 30, 2011

Filed Under: giveaway, holidays, kids, review

Back to school- with Dinosaur Train clothing!

September 6, 2011 by Samantha 12 Comments

Little Man’s First Day of School outfit- you KNOW it had to be Dinosaur Train! (Pre-K is officially back is session today!)

NEW DINOSAUR TRAIN APPAREL from Kids with Character!

Dinosaur Train’s summer line shirts and pants/shorts sets are great for back to school. Look for NEW Dinosaur Train apparel coming in August and September at Kohls and Kmart.

Get ready for an all-new season of Dinosaur Train this August with “Dinosaur Big City” which premieres on PBS Kids on August 22; and the DVD release of Dinosaur Train: Dinosaur Big City on August 23 (SRP: $14.99). From the world-renowned Jim Henson Company, Dinosaur Train is seen in over 13 million households every month* and embraces and celebrates preschoolers’ fascination with both dinosaurs and trains. The series encourages scientific thinking and other skills as it teaches viewers about natural science, natural history and paleontology.

Doesn’t he look adorable?
As you know, my Little Man LOVES Dinosaur Train- it is one of his favorite shows, they are some of his favorite toys- and he LOVES the outfit! He was so excited to wear it today.

My Little Man just loves his new Dinosaur Train outfit, and he was looking sweet as pie. The pants do bleed the first time you wash them, so wash them separately the first time. The t-shirt under the button down shirt is Little Man’s favorite part, and he likes to wear it alone. I let him wear it twice before today because he was so excited to wear “Buddy”!

Make sure you head to Khols or KMart to pick up Dinosaur Train clothing for your own little one’s school days- or just for their play days 🙂

Feel free to follow the Jim Henson Company on Facebook and PBS Kids on Twitter for all the fun news. Have a great day!

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, kids, review

Think Geek- Daddy’s Corner Review

August 28, 2011 by Samantha 8 Comments

It’s time for another edition of cool stuff at ThinkGeek!!!

(Review by Daddy!)

In this edition we are reviewing the God of War toys including Kratos and Hercules. And also a nifty shirt that sells out in no time flat the Ge Ni U S periodic table t-shirt.

First up God of War. God of War is one of the best selling game series of our generation. It follows the trial and tribulations of the protagonist Kratos on his quest for vengeance and retribution against the Greek Gods, who have used him and his family as pawns. If you haven’t played a God of War game it is very violent, very gory, and- for those of age- very fun. This line of toys is based on that series of games.

First up is Kratos. Kratos is incredibly well detailed from the angry look on his face to the chains which he is stuck wearing and using as weapons along with his blades throughout the series. He is not as articulate for our little ones, but let’s be honest, this is not a toy for the little ones. They shouldn’t even know who Kratos is. This is a big boy’s toy, meant to be admired on a shelf locked in battle against another figure. The other figure mine as well be from the series as well, Hercules. This figure has the same amount of detail as Kratos and is absolutely stunning. A scary sight to be seen. In the game Heracles tries to smash Kratos with his gauntlets, and these are also shown in the action figure. SWEET!

Hercules and Kratos make a great pair, but keep in mind there are two more figures available at ThinkGeek. They are Zeus and Hades. All look great and would make any gamer giggle with happiness and probably want to play some God of War, too. The interesting thing about God of War is it actually based on real Greek myths so after playing through the game it sparks an interest in learning what the myths really involved. (Thus further expanding the players knowledge, not only of the game, but also of ancient history. It gives me something to talk about with the wife- who is NOT a gamer.)

Next up is the Genius shirt. This shirt makes me laugh. It is perfect for the science geek in your life. Be it an actual scientist or just a scifi enthusiast who enjoys the science channel. Genius is spelled out in periodic elements Ge for Geranium, Ni for nickel,m U for Uranium, and S for sulfur. It is very neat and gets some interesting looks when out and about.

I can’t forget my favorite robot- Bender! This Talking Bender figure says all the best catch phrases from the hit Futurama show, like “Who are you and why should I care?” and “Would you kindly shut your noise hole?”

So there you have it a gift for your gamer and also a gift for your science friend. Now between those two you should be able to keep the whole crew happy- just don’t bring up who would win in a fight, Spock or Chewie.

This is Daddy, signing off! May the force be with you.

Filed Under: review

Win $50 HearthSong Gift Card- and a review!

August 25, 2011 by Samantha 665 Comments

Naptime is always interesting at the Pre-K. And my Little makes it more interesting, by NEVER SLEEPING ON A NAP MAT. You read that right. After putting 20+ kids down (and you thought your brood was tough! LOL) my son will not get on a nap mat. Yes, all the other kids do, even the 2 year olds. My son? NOT GONNA HAPPEN. I bed, I argue, I even offered treats if he would just sleep on his mat- and then I gave up. My son will only sleep in HIS bed, or his pack and play. This makes travel interesting, as well, haha. But I am trying not to sweat the small stuff. After all, he can’t bring it with him to college, right? (RIGHT?????) 🙂

SO! When I got this adorable Monkey Sleeping Bag from HearthSong, one of my very favorite places to shop for children’s gifts, I was thrilled and just beside myself when he brought it to school….to take a nap on. NOT in the pack and play. LOOK!

OK, this may seem like some small thing to some of you. However, I think all of our children have had things they just won’t “budge” on, be it potty training, switching to a bed, giving up a certian toy, not throwing food- you get the idea. They get “stuck” on things now and again. My son loves Jungle Animals (have you seen pictures of his room? LOL all jungle themend!) so I knew he would love the sleeping bag- but I never thought it would get him on a nap mat. But you saw it- I have proof! Hahaha 🙂

If your child is an animal lover, they will just love to nap on a Monkey Sleeping Bag at their Pre-K, to have a familiar place to sleep when traveling, or going to grandma’s- any chance they get, really. It has a handle on the back for easy carrying as well. There is also the option of a Cute Kitty. Adorable, yes?

The monkey head is an attached pillow, which is very smart so that your child can’t lose it while at school or traveling about with it. Monkey Sleeping bag comes with a stuffed banana- I suppose the monkey may get hungry!- and I thought it was kind of a silly thing to have. Until, that is, my son stared bringing it even to his regular bed. And the kids at the school all wanted to play with it. what is it about a stuffed banana? The world may never know….but who cares, they have fun with it! And that monkey bag? UH, LOVE IT.

Here is a little more information for you-
“Each of our portable, adorable Animal Sleeping Bags is appliquéd with bright colors and comes with a soft, plush pillow pal and removable accessory. They’re surprisingly easy to tote – the bag and pillow fold up in a flash transforming into a bag with a handle at the top.

Front-load machine washable. For ages 3 and up.”

Want a chance 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. In your comment, please.

Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

– Follow HearthSong on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway

#WIN $50 @Hearthsongtoys Gift Code http://tinyurl.com/3nlbof2 #backtoschool #giveaway #contest @HaveSippy

– Follow HearthSong on Facebook- this is not mandatory and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this contest.

-“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 $50 @Hearthsongtoys Gift Code http://tinyurl.com/3nlbof2 #backtoschool #giveaway #contest @HaveSippy

*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Back To School 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

AboutOne- Homework Help- Review and Contest

August 22, 2011 by Samantha 1 Comment

Alright, so its that time of year again. Summer temperatures are simmering at a boil, the janitors are finishing up cleaning the under bellies of the desks and moms everywhere are getting ready to do a happy dance. 🙂

But in the midst of this happy dance, there is a monster just below the surface As the kids are once again thrust into school, we are also scheduling more events into a smaller window of time. Sports practice, homework, projects, play dates, school, etc etc. There has got to be a way to keep all this stuff in order and in one place.

Solution? A huge complicated spreadsheet could work. But what happens when its lost? Or you need someone else to look at it for you and get a time of day or address? Huge problems, that’s what.
My suggestion, Aboutone.com. A normal mom needs this little helper to assist. AboutOne acts as a filing system, calender, scheduler, important data organizer and so much more. This one site will show you how to get organized.

The graphical interface is both easy and intuitive, with a few clicks you are able to pull up any data you may need. You can either click through specific schedules and data by family member or view them as a whole. The various categories of data are presented on the top of each page, “Family, Address Book, Education, Health, Possessions”. This site acts as a digital filing system and more. My husband’s office is currently in the process of ‘going paperless’ and the most daunting task is figuring out a file system everyone can understand and use it without each individual tweaking it and losing data and time.

I think AboutOne is a great way to make your home filing “paperless.” It will show you how to straighten up and even how to declutter your home. It also gives you good ideas on how to organizes your hard copies of documents, if you still feel the need to hold onto them. A folder for each heading on the site would work out perfectly.

Mandatory entry

– Fill Out this Entry Form– Must be done in order to be eligible

Rules: One winner will be chosen at random from all entries across all blogs to receive the following prize: $500 AMEX gift card and an upgrade to a free subscription to AboutOne.com to 1 grand prize winner + a $250 donation to the school of their choice. All other entries will receive an email with a code for 25% off a one year subscription to AboutOne.com. This giveaway ends September 9th at 11:59 p.m. ET and is open to U.S. residents age 18 or older.

DISCLOSURE: I received the above product for review from the Global Influence Network for my participation in this program. I also received a payment. All opinions are mine, yours may differ. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Sponsor is responsible for prize.

Filed Under: giveaway, review

Hoodwinked Too! Now on DVD and BluRay!

August 21, 2011 by Samantha 3 Comments

Hoodwinked Too! Hood Vs. Evil was recently released on DVD, BluRay, and 3D BluRay. There is a star studded cast of characters from Red Riding Hood, The wolf, Hansel and Gretel, The woodsman and even a scary witch and a troll. Lending their great voices to this film are: Hayden Panettiere, Glenn Close, Andy Dick, Martin Short, Joan Cusack and the always loved Patrick Warburton. All of these stars put their own take on the character and it shows. But the shining star is Mr. Warburton, as always did a stunning job. You may know his voice as The tick, or maybe Kronk from The Emperors New Grove, or Brock Samson, from the Venture Brothers. If you haven’t seen any of these first put the kids to bed, then look them up- great entertainment all around.

Back to this movie. The story revolves around the reforming of the old team working together again to give the story a happy ending. There are a few twists and turns as the movie progresses to keep your interest, and I know I won’t spoil it for you. Let’s just say the witch had the right idea. Anyway take this movie for what it is- a sequel to a a pretty good kids movie- and you will be happy. Go in expecting another Shrek or Cars and you will be sorely disappointed. Either way your kids will enjoy it.
Just an FYI? The first Hoodwinked was one of my son’s first shows in a theater! And he loves it still.

Disclosure- I received the above in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: movie, review

LoveMode Clothing- Review and Contest

August 20, 2011 by Samantha 341 Comments

I know I am not technically a Junior, but the clothing at LoveMode.com is so cute, and a lot of the tops are versatile enough that most women will love them and look great in them.

Specializing in trendy juniors clothing, LoveMode has everything from tank tops to dresses- this is a great place to shop for back to school clothing AND save some cash while doing it! You can find fun, and cheap juniors clothing there- and there are great specials, like free shipping, uber sales, and more! This top was already very low priced, but it was a STEAL when I ordered it, at under $10!

Don’t let the junior’s have all the fun- I’m in my 20’s and I am rocking this shirt, LOL. I really like it and have already worn it a few times. By the way? FREE SHIPPING all the time, with no minimum order! Look at that- cheap on cheap- but the clothes are still fab 🙂

One of you can win $25 to spend at LoveMode.com
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.

– Follow LoveMode on Facebook- this is not mandatory and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this contest.

-“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 LoveMode Clothing http://tinyurl.com/443hesn #backtoschool #clothes #giveaway #contest @HaveSippy

*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Follow any of the Collective Media Magic Back To School 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)