TONKA CHUCK & FRIENDS Fold ’n Go Tumble Tower Playset

August 18, 2011 by 634 Comments

This is one of my son’s favorite toys of the summer- Chuck the Truck!  We have received this Fold ’n Go Tumble Tower Playset for review, and I am very happy to tell you about it.  If you have a child who loves trucks, you will definitely want to know more about Chuck and Friends  🙂

Little Man loves to watch Chuck on The Hub onTV.  Daddy is a little more flexible on the TV rules then Mommy is- so if I am at a yoga class, at the store, or working an overnight- you can bet Little has a whole lot more TV time then with momma, LOL.  Chuck is always one of his picks, and we have it “On Demand” so he loves that he can go through several shows.  Mommy keeps telling Daddy not to let he watch so many shows at once- but…well, you know daddies.  When the Cat is away, and all that jazz, haha.  And I digress!

I confess I only saw one episode of Chuck- because Little Man told me all about it, what Chuck does, who his friends are, and I wanted to see what Daddy was putting on for him, LOL.  But it’s a cute little show, and the toys that go along with it are fun.  This one has been in my living room for far too long, and I keep trying to get it into the playroom- with no luck.  Somehow, within a day or so, it is back on my coffee table.  What can one do!  I am just going to go with it for now, since he loves it so much.  The boys at the Pre-K are also having a blast with it- he brings it to school at least once a week, haha.  Chuck is getting some play- literally!

Here is a bit more information on the Fold ’n Go Tumble Tower Playset-
“Rev up your engine for tons of tumbling fun! Set your CHUCK THE DUMP TRUCK vehicle at the top of this tower to watch him tumble down the moving ramp and come speeding out the side. Then, put him on the lift to send him up to the top to do it all over again! When you and your vehicle pal really want to put your “driving skills” to the test, send him down the ramp to do his flipping ramp stunt. When playtime’s over, park your CHUCK THE DUMP TRUCK vehicle inside the playset and fold it up, so you’re all set for on-the-go stunt fun!”

We were also sent this PLAYSKOOL WHEEL PALS ANIMAL TRACKS FILL ’ER UP FARMSTAND Playset that has it’s own launch track as well.  However- Little has adapted this a bit and made the horse NAMEOFHORSE a “friend” for Chuck, so they have adventures together now.  Trucks and horses?  Why not?

It is a cute set, and would also be great for younger kids.  Animals with wheels are really just double the fun, no?  LOL.  Plus then they can play with your trucks AND other animals!  See how that works?  Thank goodness I have Little here to explain everything for me, haha.

“When this WHEEL PALS horse vehicle gets “hungry”, nothing will stop him! Your child can set the vehicle up at the end of this country road-themed playset and then press the tree to launch it. As the horse vehicle zips by, an apple “disappears” — just as if he ate it! Every time your child presses the tree, the fun just keeps rolling!”

You can win both of these fun sets in this Birthday Bash Prize Pack sponsored by the fab toy makers over at Hasbro.  It must be like a “Santa’s Workshop” over there, they just have so many cute things for kids.
You can buy these toys HERE, at Amazon, Toys R Us, and many other locations.    If you would like to enter to win them, you can also enter below.  Here is how!

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.

– What is another toy from Hasbro that you love?  Links help!  🙂  
-“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 TONKA CHUCK & FRIENDS Fold ’n Go Tumble Tower Playset… http://tinyurl.com/4x6fmvf  #Hasbro #toys #kids #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)

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. 7, 2011
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Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Frecklebox- Review and Giveaway

August 15, 2011 by 323 Comments

Frecklebox has some adorable items to use for your child’s school year.  When getting ready for Back To School, I would for sure put Freklebox on my list of places to shop at!
From Personalized Luncboxes, to personalized placemats, and more- Frecklebox is the place to go for item’s that will never be mistaken for anyone else’s!

They have adorable patterns to choose from, so bring your child in to help choose their favorite.
This would be a great place for a personalized gift as well  🙂

Here is a little info from their website;
“Frecklebox.com is a unique site where you can purchase truly special, one-of-a-kind personalized gifts. Our growing selection of personalized gifts includes personalized books, coloring books, puzzles, posters, party favors, stickers, journal books, placemats, growth charts and more.

Our personalized books and unique toddler gifts allow you to put a very personal touch on your gift. You make the stories and artwork actually about the child you’re giving it to. The effect will absolutely mesmerize the child. It takes just seconds to create a personalized children’s book or another personalized toddler gift-and to create memories that last a lifetime.”

One of you will win a free item from Frecklebox!
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.

– Like Frecklebox on Facebook.  This is not mandatory, and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this contest.
-Follow Frecklebox on Twitter and tweet about 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
 
*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. 3, 2011.

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Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Think Geek- Daddy’s Point Of View

August 11, 2011 by 4 Comments
Hello and welcome to Daddy’s Corner!  It’s my turn to tell you what I think about some of my favorite things.
SO It’s time for more awesome.
Ready for science?  You better be, ’cause there are mantis men and science to be done!  What? you have no idea what I’m talking about for shame, go play more Valve games.  Then come back here and enjoy this kick butt Portal 2 shirt.  The mantis men must be stopped, so says Cave Johnson.  Portal 2 is a great game and this is a great shirt, you will get noticed every time you wear it, promise.
 
Recently I have realized watches are awesome.  Not only do they look cool they also make you stop asking what time it is.  Now if only there was some way to get small messages across using them, lets say 10 characters long and still have a nifty looking mirror finish to it.  Check it out -Thinkgeek to the rescue!  This watch tells the time of day, date and scrolls a 10 character message across the screen.  
 
At first I loved this idea, but then I had to come to the realization I have no idea what to put, so much I can say, first of course there was an insult, but that didn’t make much sense.  I’m going to insult myself every time I look at my watch?  Nope.  Then came the brains storming, I thought of robot stuff, maybe something Bender from Futurama would say, maybe.  I want something deeper.  So I figured it out words of wisdom which we can all use hearing sometimes.  The immortal words inscribed on The Guide, “Don’t Panic”.  I smile every time  I check the time.  Its wonderful.  Also the very nice touch of this watch it is big.  When buying a watch I have to be careful to try it on before purchasing because most watches aren’t meant for monkey arms and just won’t fit.  But this watch fit like a charm with some room to spare.  Now I know why their mascot is a monkey. 
 
Ready bat-girls? or bat-women I guess.  You don’t have to feel left out in this dork fest.  Take a look at these cool Batman wallets.  Yes, they are out of stock but I have a funny feeling they will be back in stock very soon.  These wallets are made tough to survive the roughest purse or pocket.  Looks stylish and holds lots of cards, cash id’s etc.  It snaps close nicely and if even sparkles.  Let the world know that you are Geek Proud, or like my own wife- married to a Geek and proud of it!
Take a look add it to your wish-list and wait it out while  ThinkGeek gets some more in stock.
 

Disclaimer- we received the above products to provide a review.  All opinions are ours.
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Filed Under: review

The Butterfly Cabinet- Book Review

August 9, 2011 by 11 Comments

I absolutely adored The Butterfly Cabinet– it was a real page-turner, and I could not put it down!  Set in Ireland about 100 years ago, this book is loosely based on real facts and a true crime that was committed. 
A mother kills her child- but was it an act of cold blood, or a mother trying her best to raise her child?  This is
abuse in the eyes of today- but in a different time…it’s so hard not to be judgmental!  Not being from that age or culture, it is impossible to see it with any eyes but my own- but I can try.  I empathize most with the maid and nanny (later on), whose views are most like my own, and whom I feel kindred with.

The book alternates between the mother of the child, and the maid who is telling the story.  One begins to understand the mother a bit more, about her life, as we read from her journal.  The maid is an enchanting character, one I was happy to hear from and get to know.  Haunting, sad- yet hopeful for the future- it broke my heart, and made me want to hug my own kids.  I loved the storytelling, the historical details of Ireland and the setting.  Fans of history, or lovers of all things Irish will say this is a “must read“.

I would buy this book in a heartbeat.  Well written, from the heart, and full of history drama, and suspense- even a happy ending, though tinged with sadness.  It is all we can ask for from a book, really. 

“Vivid, mysterious and unforgettable, The Butterfly Cabinet is Bernie McGill‘s engrossing portrayal of the dark history that intertwines two lives. Inspired by a true story of the death of the daughter of an aristocratic Irish family at the end of the nineteenth century, McGill powerfully tells this tale of two women whose lives will become upended by a newly told secret.”
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Filed Under: book review, review

Sight Words- Learn with Rock ‘N Learn! Contest

August 9, 2011 by 245 Comments

Rock ‘n Learn teaches kids using music.
“Rock ‘N Learn began as an idea that would help children learn by putting educational material to music with a current sound — the kind of music that kids enjoy and find motivating. Now with over 50 products, we have sold millions of audio/book and video programs to teachers and parents throughout the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Rock ‘N Learn programs helps students learn math, phonics, reading, early childhood, social studies, Spanish, test-taking strategies, writing, and science. Our DVDs incorporate music with exciting, colorful imagery.”

The kids really enjoy it, and it is really cute when they start singing along.  When kids are enjoying what they are learning, they are more likely to retain the information being presented- not to mention that they are more likely to pay attention!  My Pre-K class does our own sight words several times a week, and it was interesting to see how they responded to “other” sight words.  We use the local Kindergarten’s list to go on.  These words were a bit different, and were certainly presented to them in a different way then I do.  They loved it from the first few minutes.

The kids thought it was fun, and they got upset when I turned it off before it was over.  (Hey- it was lunchtime!)  I told them I would let them watch the rest later- and they were asking for it as soon as they woke up from nap.  They even said they would watch it instead of going outside!  I said no, they had to go outside- it’s important for kids to be active- but that I would skip doing OUR afternoon sight words and finish the DVD that day, as a special treat.  (OOOOh, how nice of me- letting them learn sight words instead of sight words!  LOL)

We have done these sight words in addition to our sight words since seeing the video that day.  They are so excited to learn more words, it makes me feel good.  And they sing along, and are learning the new words very quickly.  We only do the Rock ‘n Learn sight words if we do our weekly ones well- so it is motivation for the kids to try their best.

Here is a little more information about Sight Words–
“Sight words are the most frequently used words in the English language, and this DVD helps students learn to read them automatically. As a supplement to phonics-based strategies, Rock ‘N Learn Sight Words boosts reading and spelling skills. Children learn over 60 sight words through engaging characters, entertaining songs, and fun practice. Words are presented in context to help build reading comprehension. Includes all pre-primer Dolch words, the top 20 from Fry’s, and more. A bonus section helps kids with word shapes and spelling skills. “

You can buy a DVD here, or enter to win below!

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.

– Like Rock ‘N Learn 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 Sight Words- Learn with Rock ‘N Learn!  Contest http://t.co/V5t066I #education #B2S #Giveaway #kids @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 Aug 29, 2011.

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Filed Under: education, giveaway, review

The Lion’s Deceit- Children’s Book Review

August 7, 2011 by 11 Comments

The Lion’s Deceit is a book about a lion that gets too lazy to go hunt for food, so he devises a way to bring his food to him.
By telling the other animals he is sick, he lures them into his cave and eats them up, while having to do no work at all- that is, until a clever beast figures out what the Lion is up to.  This is a tale author Mpho Otukile was brought up with in her native Africa, and wants to bring to new generations and her own children. 

This story was new to me, so it was an interesting read for me. I like bringing cultural stories into my home and classroom, and I feel this will enrich children, and let them hear what their peers around the world hear.  It was a cute and simple story, and Village Life Books will donate part of the sale proceeds to Books for Africa, which makes it even easier to want to buy.  I love companies that care! 

You can purchase an autographed copy of The Lion’s Deceit from Village Life Books or, purchase from Createspace eStore, using coupon code 2LU4EXJM to get 10% off.

You can also Follow Village Life Books on Facebook. and on Twitter to keep up with all the news.  Happy Reading!

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Filed Under: review

Beautiful Sterling Anabella Palm Beach curtains- Perfect for your Little One’s room

August 7, 2011 by 10 Comments

I had a really, really hard time finding curtains for my son’s room.  As you know, we re-did it a few months ago, when he got his “Big Boy Bed”, and the only 2 things that I didn’t finish, were the curtains, and the toy box.  While I still have not found just the right toy box, I HAVE found great curtains, at Baby Bedding Zone.

These Sterling Anabella Palm Beach curtains are great- theyare heavy-duty to block out the sun in the early morning, which as any parent knows is a MUST HAVE for children’s or baby’s window treatments.  They are also very thick, and are lined, which keeps the drafts out in the winter, and the air conditioning IN in the summer. 

They would work well for windows of many sizes, since they are very long.  I had to hem these a bit, but there was no problem doing so, and they still look good in my little guy’s room. 
I was not originally going to go with white for his curtains- but since the rest of his room is so colorful, it really worked nicely, I think.  The green sash and boarder works with the rest of the room’s theme and colors, as well.  All in all, I think these would be a solid addition to any nursery, and would grow nicely with the child into their big kid rooms.

Here is a little more information about Sterling Anabella Palm Beach curtains-

“Never before has it been so easy to create the perfect room for your child. Each luxurious, soft-to-the-touch cotton drapery ensemble by Sterling Anabella has been designed to complement your sophisticated sense of style.
Set of 2 white pique drapery panels with scalloped edge trim in blue. Includes double sided tie back in white pique with blue accent color on reverse. Rod pocket top and white lining. 96″ long.
Made from 100% Egyptian cotton.”

Baby Bedding Zone is a great place for all your bedding needs!  Some of the cutest cribs in my opinion are the pirate crib bedding,  frog crib bedding, and of course- jungle crib bedding!  Check them out for your decorating needs  🙂 

Disclosure- I received the above mentioned product for review.  All opinions are my own, yours may differ. 
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Filed Under: home, review

Mars Needs Moms- Review and Contest

August 6, 2011 by 393 Comments

We just received a copy of Mars Needs Moms for review, and we loved it! My kids really liked it- and my son is being very nice to me, for fear that an alien will try to take me away if he’s not nice to his mommy. NOT really the thing I was looking for out of a movie- but he’s not having nightmares, and he’s being an extra-good boy, so I’ll take it! 🙂

The animation was insane! The acting came through, and you can almost forget that it is computer generated and not “real” people on screen. The facial gestures alone are fantastic. Even though this is a “kids” movie, it was one we all enjoyed, and my grandma wants to see it. We are bringing it over next week 🙂

The aliens are not “scary” looking, so they won’t scare your kids. They also make silly gestures and sound funny when they spoke, which my son loved. He thought they were just hilarious.

Seth Green is the “body” behind the main character of the movie, but not the voice. However, you can totally tell it is him, and I LOVE the extras from the movie- they are really fun and funny. As fans of Seth Green, my husband and I were cracking up.

Film Synopsis:
Take out the trash, eat your broccoli — who needs moms anyway? Nine-year-old Milo (Seth Green) finds out how much he needs his mom (Joan Cusack) when she’s nabbed by Martians who plan to steal her mom-ness for their own young. In a race against time and oxygen, his quest to save her knows no bounds. And with some unexpected help, Milo just might find his way back to her — in more ways than one.

The 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo Pack Includes Cool Bonus Features Such As An All-New Special 3D Exclusive Featurette, An Extra-Terrestrial Language Tutorial, Cast & Crew Behind the Scenes, Deleted Scenes and More!

The Disney Blu-ray Combo Packs provide families with an enhanced entertainment experience – offering the flexibility to enjoy the film at home, in the car and on portable devices, in several platforms of [Read more…]

Filed Under: disney, family, giveaway, kids, movie, review