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New Shineys from @ThinkGeek !

July 28, 2011 by Samantha 6 Comments

Lookie here- ThinkGeek has new stuff!! Check it- out its a Replica Phaser from the J J Abrams Star Trek movie. According to the hubby, its got a good weight to it. According to me and my little, it looks like a nifty laser and is perfect for pointing around the room and making laser noises. The husband agrees with this comment as well. But, my dad has laid claim to it- Little gave it up to grampie willingly. He is a big, big fan of Star Trek. Now onto more great stuff.

This one is a personal favorite of mine. Don’t you always have this major, huge-huge problem, where you think “I can’t snuggle this breakfast meat, it’s far too greasy, and not nearly large enough not to lose in tossing and turning whilst in bed!” In comes ThinkGeek again with My First Bacon. Cute enough to replace that old teddy bear, yet edgy enough to make even the coldest adult chuckle. JUST KIDDING- do not attempt to remove child’s teddy bear! LOL
“Baconie” as he is called in our house (yes, named by Little) is 19 inches tall and 7 inches wide, a bit bigger then the size of a bread box, just big enough to hug. However- upon hugging Baconie you get a surprise! He gives lets you know, “I’m Bacon”. In a very pleasant voice. This is meant to help children be proud of who they are, lol- can you tell it is super educational? LOL, ok, but it’s HILARIOUS!
“Squeeze him and he says, “I’m Bacon!”. No matter what the situation, he says, “I’m Bacon!” This reminds children that no matter what happens in life, they should be true to themselves and always be proud of who they are. Which of course, means bacon lovers. What child on this planet wouldn’t want to befriend a piece of mostly meat held together with fat and love? And don’t just think about the kids, adults enjoy My First Bacon just as much as the kids do. Sometimes a little too much.”

Bacon that travels well! LOL

You can also see Bacon in the Lancaster posts, right here on Have Sippy Will Travel!
He is a well-traveled breakfast meat……

Next up is the Geeky Twin Bed sheet set these are really awesome. They have a cartoon-y fun feel even though the pattern involves aliens, zombies, mad scientists as well as ninjas, robots, and even bacon! Little Man loves the sheets and has been ‘beggin for them to be put on his bed. He really likes the fact that Baconie is features on the sheets and there are ninjas on his pillow. What I like a lot about the sheet set is as first glance it looks like a regular plain pattern, but upon closer inspection once again ThinkGeek gets everyone smiling.

PS As of right now ThinkGeek is having a MASSIVE sale, everything is on sale and the discount is significant.The Geeky Bed Sheets have been marked down by 67% to the price of $9.99, pretty spiffy is you ask me.
You can Follow ThinkGeek on Facebook and Twitter, to stay in touch.
Enjoy all, and happy shopping! 🙂

DISCLOSURE: I received the above products for review . I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Filed Under: gaming, kids, review

Win Wisharoo Park, an educational and adorable prize pack!

July 28, 2011 by Samantha 120 Comments

My son has a new favorite DVD- Wisharoo Park! If you have not heard of it (or if you have, but have not watched it yet), let me tell you how very much he enjoys it, and why I think you will, too. It became a fast favorite, and he carried around the little pamphlet that it came with for days. I love it’s message, and the characters are lovable, sweet, and adorable. I hope they come out with stuffed animals soon, my son would just love them, LOL. Of course, I had to bring it to the Pre-School to see what the kids had to say. The ages of the kids here are 2.5 to 6. Wisharoo Park was create for children aged 3 to 6, so the majority of the kids fall right within that demographic.

Originally airing as a TV series on PBS, Wisharoo Park has now launched as a multi-media program, with a website, Facebook Page, and DVDs. This technology based program and curriculum promotes positive self image and self esteem, and helps children feel good about themselves while discovering and understanding their personal strengths.
Wisharoo Park’s online community updates weekly with new activities, videos, games, and a whole lot more. There you can also interact with the aforementioned adorable buddies of Wisharoo Park. You can also look forward to an iPad app which is designed to complement your child’s learning and preschool curriculum, coming soon.

I am so excited to see what else Wisharoo Park comes up with, because I know that I love it, my kids love it, and the kids in the preschool love it as well. It is fun to use as a “break” or on a rainy day (or for wintry snowy days) to break up time when we can’t get outside and play. While we often do yoga, kids dance and exercise videos, and other physical activity- it’s nice to have options that are educational, and are great for social and personal learning as well. For me- whatever gives kids a love of learning, and confidence in themselves (which is really half the battle, isn’t it?) is a great choice and a good buy. I hope you check out Wisharoo Park soon, it is super-Have Sippy recommended!

You can also enter to win a Wisharoo Prize Pack below-
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.

– Visit the Wisharoo Park website: www.wisharoopark.com and sign up for the Wisharoo Park Newsletter

– Visit and like Wisharoo Park’s facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Wisharoopark — where if you “like” Wisharoo Park they can get three free songs (a $2.97 value). This is NOT MANDATORY and Facebook is in no way sponsoring this contest.

– Follow Wisharoo Park on twitter at @WisharooPark

-“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 Wisharoo Park, an #educational and adorable prize pack http://t.co/u4q8w9o @WisharooPark #kids #education @HaveSippy
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– enter a Birthday Bash giveaway at 3 Princes and a Princess 2

– 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 will receive the above products for review . 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 17, 2011.

Filed Under: education, giveaway, kids, movie, review

Rock N’ Learn DVD Review and Giveaway

July 27, 2011 by Samantha 261 Comments

In the Pre-K, sometimes we get rainy days, where I will occasionally put on a DVD to entertain the kids a bit and break up the day when we can’t go outside. There is only so long kids will sit for projects and work-time! 🙂
One of the best places to look for educational and fun DVDs is Rock ‘N Learn. They offer quite a bit in the way of kid’s DVDs, all of which are education based. Music is used to help kids learn, which the kids enjoy. If the kids have fun and enjoy it, they are more likely to learn what is being taught to them, and retain the information.
One of the DVDs that we have used was “Human Body”. I used this DVD during the week that we were discussing and learning about- aptly- the human body, lol. But I have put it on since then, at the request of the kids. On rainy days, I give them the options, and they choose what they like. If they CHOOSE a learning movie? Do I really need to say anything else? 🙂

Here is a bit more information on “The Human Body”
“This entertaining approach to the human body engages young, inquisitive learners, while the depth of material gets older students ready for tests. Join Kevin and his friends Marko and Bailey for an enlightening adventure to explore the skeletal, nervous, muscular, circulatory, urinary, respiratory, and digestive systems along with the five senses. Clear explanations, beautiful science models, and amusing animations make this DVD perfect for the classroom and home. Meets the National Science Education Standards.”

You can buy all sorts of fun and educational DVDs and CDs here!

You can also enter to win a DVD below-
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 Rocn ‘N Learn 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 Rock N’ Learn DVD Review and Giveaway http://t.co/p9xV6IP #education #kids @HaveSippy
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– enter a Birthday Bash giveaway at 3 Princes and a Princess 2

– 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!

Filed Under: education, giveaway, review

Daughters of the River Huong

July 27, 2011 by Samantha 7 Comments

This book was just enthralling- I could not put it down! I loved the pace, the flow of the book. It was well researched, but did not take on the tone of a history book. It was about a woman who was on one of the last helicopters out of Saigon during the Vietnam war, when Saigon fell. But it was not a war book- it was a family history- a short history of Vietnam. I found myself getting annoyed, at times, at the way people in the book thought or acted- but I had to remember that it was not my culture- not the way I was raised, not even my time period- so how in the world could I understand or make judgements? It’s important to remind ourselves of that with books like this, lest we lose the real meaning. My heart hurt for her, for so many others in the book. As an international volunteer, mostly working with children, certain parts of the book really broke my heart. As a history buff and hopeful PhD candidate in the future, it was an interesting book to read from the angle it was written. The traveler in me just wanted to go SEE it, go visit the places that sounded so beautiful, and read more about the legends in the book. I always have a hard time talking about books like these- that I love, but don’t want to give anything away because I don’t want to ruin it for you!
If you are a lover of history, of drama, of romance, travel, or just want a good, interesting read- this is one to pick up. I think by now you know I tell you my honest to word opinions- I think most people would love this book.

Here is a bit more information about Daughters of the River Huong–
Product Description: Daughters of the River Huong by Vietnam-born, Houston-based writer Uyen Nicole Duong is a richly woven tapestry of family, country, conflict, and redemption. A saga spanning four generations of Vietnamese women, we discover lives inextricably tied to their country’s struggle for independence. Narrated by the teenaged Simone, a girl who flaunts convention and enters into a forbidden relationship of love and sensuality, readers are drawn to the lives of four of Simone’s ancestors, from Huyen Phi, the Mystique Concubine from the extinct Kingdom of Champa, to Ginseng, the Mystique Concubine’s second daughter and a heroine of the Vietnamese Revolution. Duong tells a tumultuous story of power and lust that transports us from the Violet City of Hue to the teeming streets of a Saigon at war, from the affluence of Paris’s St. Germain des Pres to Manhattan. Love, war, capitalism, revolution—this novel delivers a chronicle of history as fascinating as it is memorable.

Disclosure- I received this book in order to facilitate the review. All opinions are my own,
yours may differ.

Filed Under: book review, review

CoCoa Puffs Prize Pack

July 26, 2011 by Samantha 280 Comments

I am a cereal addict. Like, Seinfeld style, LOL. And being that I am also a chocolate addict, this new cereal from CoCoa Puffs is right up my ally! Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is the newest kind of Cocoa Puffs- and they are really good. They are shaped like little brownies, and taste very much like original Cocoa Puffs…less crunchy, and a little sweeter, though.

Just out this June, you should really check it out if you are a fan of Cocoa Puffs. My kid loves them as much as I do, so the box was gone in no time. The cereal to go containers are really useful, you can keep the milk cold and then eat it when you are ready. Kids grow up strong eating cereal! They should sell those!

With the delicious taste of brownies “baked” into every bowl, Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is a delicious chocolate-y cereal ready to be enjoyed for breakfast or as a satisfying snack on the go. You will be sure to get some brownie points as your family´s taste buds delight in the perfect balance of whole grain goodness and delicious chocolate flavor in every bite.

Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch has at least 8 grams of whole grain (48 grams recommended daily) and a good source of calcium and Vitamin D in every serving. For chocolate lovers everywhere, Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch is sure to become a choco-licious go-to! You can get more information on the Whole Grain Nation Website.

You can enter to win the above prize pack below! 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 General Mills 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 CoCoa Puffs Prize Pack http://t.co/vc53Uxk @HaveSippy
*can be done daily

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– enter a Birthday Bash giveaway at 3 Princes and a Princess 2

– 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: The Cocoa Puffs Brownie Crunch product, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

Filed Under: food, giveaway, review

Let’s talk about Cleveland! @PositivelyCleve

July 25, 2011 by Samantha 22 Comments

We begin our adventures in Cleveland, home to the “A Christmas Story” house, Ohio’s first Great Wolf Lodge (technically Sandusky) and more theme parks then you can shake a stick at. If you are looking for a fun filled, out of the ordinary family vacation- look no further then Cleveland. And for so many Americans, it’s right in your backyard!

Looking for something a little “wild”? How about one of Cleveland’s multitude of Live Animals attractions and exhibits? This year, they also bring on the African Elephant Crossing at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where you can see elephants from just 15 feet away. This five acre, state of the art facility, was spared no expense by Cleveland- $25 Million was spent on this habitat, construction, and education and puts it on the forefront of modern elephant care.
Not only are the elephants amazing, and being so close gives you a real sense of how truly massive and majestic they are, but there is also the educational and conversational component not to be overlooked. Yes, of course- the focal point of any good zoo trip will be the animals- but don’t you want your kids to walk away with more then a souvenir? They will be able to learn about the elephants and the animals that join them in their habitat- how we are like them, what we can do to help them, and what the zoo is doing to help. You and your child can walk away, changed and inspired. Your day at the zoo doesn’t have to end just because the gate closes- keep learning, reading, and exploring! Your child (and you!) will be better off for it- not to mention the memories of that day you “met” the elephants will last forever.

Maybe you are feeling like taking a stroll through history. Check out Hale Farm and Village– “where History Loves Company”! Not only will your child be delighted with the stables of farm animals such as horses, cows, and sheep- but they can also experience life on the farm at this 19th century living history museum. Since it’s opening in 1958, Hale Farm has been entertaining guests with it’s heritage and recreation of history. Children learn so much visually and by participating and doing- what better way to give them a love of learning and introduce them to the past then with with a visit to Hale Farm and Village, where they can truly get their hands on history?
Speaking of hands on fun- the Great Lakes Science Center is a great place to spend the afternoon, or even a full day with your brood. With over 400 exhibits, all of which your children are free to touch, turn, and experiment with, time will fly by while they learn all about the world around them. And you will have fun, too! Build DNA, check out your body heat, and work a mini moon rover all in one day. You can watch science exhibits put on by the employees- how about something fun, like mentos and diet cola? Watch a movie in the six-story OMNIMAX theater, and be swept away while you view a tornado blow by in this life-like arena. Ohio-born John Glenn has a featured exhibit there, along with a the NASA Glenn Research Center. See a real space flight suit, space shuttles, and more!

You will never be bored in the Cleveland area, because there are more then 6 amusement and water parks! With the summer heat being in full swing, cool off in one of these fun attractions. Cedar Point, the number one rated amusement park in the world, is well worth at least a one day visit. Boasting 17 roller coasters, the brand new WindSeeker and Dinosaurs Alive, themed restaurants, numerous snack and drink stands, and for the kids- Camp Snoopy, Planet Snoopy, and the Jr. Gemini Children’s area. Meet all your favorite Peanuts characters as they greet your kids, pose for photos, and give hugs and high fives. A day at Cedar Point will not be forgotten, whether you are there for the coasters, the kiddie parks- or a little bit of both.

If you are not packing your bags and making hotel reservations yet, wait until you hear this- many area hotels offer specials and discount tickets to area attractions and theme parks. Check out PositivelyCleveland for all the latest deals. Once you get to Cleveland, don’t forget to stop by the Cleveland Plus Visitors Center and get your Cleveland Plus Pass. With these passes (choose your length of stay), you can receive admission to many attractions as well as discounts on dining, shopping, and more- all at deep discounts. What are you waiting for? I’ll see you in Cleveland!
Don’t forget to follow on twitter! @PositivelyCleve

Disclosure- I recieved travel in the Cleveland area in order to facilitate this and other reviews. This did not affect my views. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: review, travel

Twin Sisters Kids Halloween Party 2-CD Set

July 25, 2011 by Samantha 7 Comments

Whats that sound?
Is it a ghost?
Is it a creepy house? Maybe its a spooky Halloween noises CD. Little Man loves music, and not surprisingly loves dancing around to just about anything. He is, however, a little obsessed with “spooky” music. He is a strange duck, and even played a spooky song for Santa this year. Yep. Yep…
He was super psyched to see this new fun Kids Halloween Party 2-CD Set from Twin Sisters.
This now includes “spooky music”, which is this disc of haunting noises and sounds, right out of a haunted house or a scary movie, minus the really scary things, of course. This is a kiddie friendly spooky sounds CD, which is perfect for your little ones’ “scary” Halloween party at school. The funny thing is, with the proper lighting and sound level, it can also set the right tone for a haunted house/ trick or treaters’ fright-fest. As an added bonus there is a second CD full of Halloween art and craft ideas, party games, and skits for that lovely little Halloween party or to use with your kids or your classroom. I love having some new things to use with the kids this year, and am looking forward to using them in the classroom 🙂

Here is a little more information for you-
Two-disc Halloween party set! Disc 1 includes 60 minutes of continuous eerie sounds and scary noises to create a spooky atmosphere. Disc 2 includes 100 party games, crafts, and skits, 50 recipes for terrific Halloween treats, plus 20 pumpkin carving patterns and instructions—all printable from your own computer. Product is meant for Ages 2 to 10

Filed Under: kids, review

Anytime Costumes- Perfect for playtime, too! #Contest

July 25, 2011 by Samantha 642 Comments

Did you ever notice how hard it is to find boys dress up clothes? Every little girl has a billion outfits, and tons of accessories to match (and not match, LOL) but for boys? Not so much. Here at the Pre-K, the girls have 2 bins full of outfits. The boys? NOT ONE THING. A few months ago, I decided to change that. As liberal as I am- I try not to have a heart attack when my 2-3 year boy old puts on a Snow White dress and plastic high heels, I know it is just a “thing”, a phase that he will quickly grow out of- it got my goat that there is almost nothing in the way of boys dress up to be found. I found a few cowboy type things- a hat, some boots (and I have posted pictures of Little in those boots, LOL) and a few fireman hats- but, that’s really it! Then I thought- costumes! Just get costumes. I found a few that I brought in, and then I got this Green Lantern one from Anytime Costumes. He is the super hero of the moment, and the boys here just love playing with it. Here is a picture of Little Man in the costume-

As you can see, he is having fun! The costume comes with a ring and the mask, as well. The shoes are built on- they go over your child’s shoes, so they pretty much cover them up. There are a few velcro strips on the back, and it is a thin material- so it is good for all sorts of weather. The mask has nice, large eyes, so the children can see well.
The boys are fighting over it, of course, LOL. I got it a little big, so all the boys can fit into it. This is the favorite dress-up outfit for the boys at the Pre-K, and it is also Little Man’s current favorite. With the cowboy boots, of course! He has his own outfits at home, this one is to share with everyone.
Boys need to have fun, too! And not for nothing, but they should not have to resort to wearing their sister’s (or whomever’s) princess dresses when they want to play, or be left out entirely. Think about how many outfits your little princess has- and maybe think about picking one up for your little prince, as well 🙂
[Read more…]

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review