Cardio Barre- weight loss and toning

June 7, 2011 by 13 Comments

I have a secret weapon. I do.
So, I have been talking about my weight loss, and I am still trying to lose about 30 more pounds. Since January, as you know, I have lost just over 22 lbs. Lately I have been posting about more things that I have been doing, using, and posting progress pictures. But- this is (so far) my #1.
The most fantastic weight loss and toning product- I love it so much. It’s called Cardio Barre!

I have been using it at least twice a week since February. It is not so easy, though! You will have to work. It’s not wild and bombastic, like some of those over the top (for me) videos you see- flying all over the place and rolling all about. BUT- it is really, really difficult, because it works muscles you may not often use, and you will work on your balance as well. Even if you do yoga, like me- it’s still a new bunch of movements, and you may have trouble finding your center at first. Take your time! I totally didn’t do the whole video the first few times, and I still don’t look graceful, LOL.
All the people in the video are ballet dancers- and look it. I HATE THAT! I wish fitness producers used more “real” people instead of perfect ones, it always makes me feel inferior and kind of puts me off. The good news? Even though you may not be a size 0- you can do this. You can! I was a size 16 when I started. Yep! I’m a real person. I have never taken a dance class, either. Not even as a kid.
I don’t have a perfect body. But, I want to have a body that is perfect for me, that I am happy with. My goal is not to be a size 0. I like to eat. 🙂 And I don’t want to be hungry and cranky all the time, LOL.
I just want to look and feel good!
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Filed Under: fitness, health, review Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Dog Collar Charms- Part 2 (a day at the dogpark!)

June 5, 2011 by 7 Comments

We had a great time visiting local dog parks and handing out the cute dog charms from Dog Collar Charms.  (For those of you who missed my first review- you can make your own custom dog collar charm for your fuzzy buddy, by uploading a photo, choosing a color, and simply attaching it to your pup’s collar! Easy Breezy!)
The other doggie parents at the dog park really liked it- and it was fun to hand out info to everyone.  Where better to meet dog-people then at the dog park, right? 

It was so easy to make, and the dogs looked fab in their new dog collar tags!  As you can see, the picture quality is pretty good, too!  It’s one inch by one inch.  It’s a unique, fun way to put an adorable touch on your doggie’s ensemble.  For us- it is also reassuring- we have a big dog.  He is microchipped, collared, has on his tags, etc and all, but I always worry that he will get loose and no one will go near him because they will be scared.  This pic of him with our baby shows what a gentle giant he is!

These are really cute- if you have a hard to shop for person in your life- like we do!- who happen to be animal people- I can highly recommend these.  They would love them!   We will be buying at least 2 for the holidays- my aunt and girlfriend would love them- their pets are their whole world! 
Love my Chaac!  🙂

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  All opinions are my own, yours may differ.  

Filed Under: animals, review

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

Pambras- Don’t miss this review and contest!

June 1, 2011 by 123 Comments

 Ladies- this one is ALL you!  Don’t miss this one it’s amazing, and will make your daily life better.  This is one of those little things that will just make your daily life better.  As a large-chested woman, I have often had issues with bra sweat.  It’s gross, I know- but I shove paper towels or washcloths into my bra to absorb some of the sweat and keep me less sticky.  Someone, though- is smarter then me!  They created these bra liners to be placed under your bra (it also is between your breasts) to keep you comfortable, even while working out and in the hot summer sun.  I have tried it out in all sorts of “sticky situations”- yoga, spinning, at the pre-k, visiting my mother  (Ha!) and you know what?  I can honestly tell you that these are comfortable, they stay put, and THEY WORK!  And if you get all sweaty?  Yank it out and put in a new one!  Whooopeee!  This is a no-brainer. 
Summer is HERE, and with it?  Comes sweat and gross-ness!  Make your life oh-so-much more comfortable with Pambras- there are several to choose from, so there is one that you will like!

You all know how I have been in fitness mode?  Well- Pambras have stood up to the test,  I am pleased to say.
Every once in a while, a product comes along where it is so great, and I love it so much, that words fail me.  I am there now.
It’s a small thing- but, I really do HATE that under-bra sweat and the rashes that accompany it.  I am so much more comfortable with the Pambra on, it makes all the difference in the world.  I personally can’t recommend them enough- and I have told every woman in my life about them.  If you get only one new wardrobe piece this summer- make it a Pambra- you will not be disappointed!
By the way?  Women owned, made in the USA, AND they give to  the Susan Komen for the Cure foundation.  Company that cares- AND is all about women!  I’m super down!  🙂
Some more products they make?

AND- 3 of you will win a package in your choice of style!
Yep, that’s right!

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 item you like best- and let me know why it speaks to you  🙂 

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

– Follow Pambras on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway
#Win Pambras- Don’t miss this review and contest! http://t.co/d1B0KJN @HaveSippy

– Follow Pambra’s Blog 

-“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 Pambras- Don’t miss this review and contest! http://t.co/d1B0KJN @HaveSippy

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 21, 2011.

Filed Under: fitness, giveaway, 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

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