Playskool Alphie Data Bots – Maestro-Bot and Deci Bot

May 11, 2011 by 18 Comments

Playskool’s Alphie Bots are such cute, cute little buddies!  Everyone should have a friend this cute. 
Maestro-Bot is great for the music lover, and has been a fast favorite of my son and his friends at the Pre-School.
He is not only a great buddy for your kiddo, but will help them learn as well  🙂  Your child will be learning while playing (shhh! don’t tell them!) all about music.
“This little robot figure has all kinds of musical fun to share! Your child will use the MAESTRO-BOT figure’s colorful keys to match the notes and play Three Blind Mice, Twinkle, Twinkle or Mary Had a Little Lamb. This on-the-go buddy even features three modes of fun: Explore Mode, Find It Mode and Song Mode so that your little one can discover the joy of music in three different ways! Let the fun begin! Figure comes with instructions. Includes 3 “AAA” batteries. Ages 3 and up. “

My son (age 3) just adored it!  The kids at the Pre-K can’t get enough, Maestro Bot and his “brother”, Deci Bot come to the school at least twice a week since we got them.  Deci Bot, Maestro’s brother (because they have the same last name of “Bot”, you see- the kids informed me of this  🙂 )  teaches the kids counting and numbers.  He adds and subtracts as well and he uses his colorful fingers to illustrate his words. 
“This little robot figure has all kinds of counting fun to share! Your child will use the DECI-BOT figure’s cool keys to practice counting and count along as this pal’s fingers light up. This on-the-go buddy even features two modes of fun: Explore Mode and Find It Mode so that your little one can discover the joy of numbers in two different ways! Let the fun begin!

Figure comes with instructions.
Includes 3 “AAA” batteries.
Ages 3 and up.”

These little robots are really cute, super fun, and priced right.  If you can find a fun educational toy that kids actually LIKE that is priced for around $20, that’s a good deal in my book.  We bought Deci Bot for one of the kid’s  birthday’s last weekend (Deci was his favorite).  Now there is another “Bot” family member coming to the school every once in a while, LOL.
Happy robo-learning  🙂

Filed Under: education, kids, review

Win a Dinosaur Train with Buddy Train Car

May 10, 2011 by 63 Comments

“Dinosaur Train” will celebrate America’s love of trains with special programming and activities throughout the month of May. To kick off, the award-winning and critically acclaimed animated preschool series from The Jim Henson Company, will debut an all new episode on May 6 on PBS KIDS (please check local listings). Additionally, special train-themed activities and events will be featured in partnership with local PBS stations and on the series’ website.

Celebrating National Train Day, which takes place on May 7th, the new episode includes two 11-minute animated segments with live-action sequences featuring a paleontologist who brings to life the show’s natural science and natural history curriculum for preschoolers.  In “Junior Conductor Jamboree,” Buddy and his family ride the Dinosaur Train from one end of the line to the other and visit all three time periods–from the Cretaceous, through the Jurassic, to the Triassic. In “Troodon Train Day,” the Pteranodon family rides to Troodon Town to celebrate Troodon Train Day, where the main event is a concert by King Cryolophosaurus, giving his first performance in years!

Select PBS Stations across the U.S. will also be hosting train-themed events throughout the month. Participating stations include PBS SoCal, Los Angeles; WXXI, Rochester, New York; WJCT, Jacksonville, Florida; Houston PBS; KERA, Dallas, Texas; UNCTV, North Carolina state network; WHYY, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; AETN, Arkansas Educational Television Network; Vegas PBS, Las Vegas, Nevada; and WOSU, Columbus, Ohio.  Activities may include Dinosaur Train screenings, Buddy costume character appearances, Buddy standees for photo opportunities, and hands-on educational activities.

In addition to the television series, there is also a “Dinosaur Train” interactive website at  PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain. Children can join Buddy, Tiny and all their friends as they discover natural history and the science of paleontology through fun games and activities. During the month of May, the website will celebrate trains with a special themed homepage and new fun printable activities. Kids can also play the online game “All Aboard!” to become a Jr. Conductor on the Dinosaur Train! (http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/games/allaboard.html)  

You know how I love PBS!  And Dinosaur Train is a really cute cartoon that the kids love.  During Dinosaur week, we even watched it a bit at the Pre-K. Dinosaur Train is an award-winning and critically acclaimed preschool series from The Jim Henson Company shown on PBS Kids.

The kiddos loved the new episodes “Junior Conductor Jamboree” and “Troodon Train Day”.  And since it is National Train Day earlier this week (the 7th) and I’m running LOTS of train-themed giveaways right now, what better way to get over your mid-week slump then with Dinosaur Train? 
Don’t forget- your kids can join Buddy, Tiny, Mr. Conductor, and all their dinosaur buddies and play games and activities on PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain.  A fun and educational site, Pre-K teacher approved!  (Besides me, even!  LOL)

We also received a Dinosaur Train collectible train car with Buddy for review. As you know, I used a gift card that I got back in the fall and bought my son the Dinosaur Train train set.  Little Man has been collecting the extra cars and dinosaur friends ever since.  Kids can collect all of Buddy’s friends, who also come with train cars, and connect them to build there own dinosaur train.  (All sold separately!)

One of you will win a Dinosaur Train collectible train car with Buddy!
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.

– Like the Jim Henson Comapny on Facebook

– Follow the Jim Henson Company on Twitter and tweet about this contest!
 #Win a Dinosaur Train with Buddy Train Car http://t.co/iEs8su1 @hensonparents @HaveSippy

-“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 a Dinosaur Train with Buddy Train Car http://t.co/iEs8su1 @hensonparents @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”- I just added it, LOL

– 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 May 20, 2011.

Filed Under: education, giveaway, kids, review

Win a North American Bear Monster

May 9, 2011 by 182 Comments

Ok, so- you know how I mentioned that you would soon be hearing more about North American Bear toys?  Well- It’s that time!
For any of you who missed the review of Supper Monster and Topsy Turvy Pets– go look now!  LOL
Lots of cute stuff- who wants to miss that?  No one  🙂

Soooo….
Now North American Bears would like to offer one of you lucky ducks one of their adorable “My Own Monsters” toys.  They are so cute, and help a good cause, as well!

Here is a little info about the My Own Monster line-
Funny fiend in soft velboa with whimsical charm, embroidered facial features and a charitable heart designed exclusively by North American Bear staff children. With a unique monster story featured on the hang tag, each My Own Monster is truly a gift beyond the ordinary! A portion of My Own Monster sales is donated to Concern Worldwide, a non-governmental, international, humanitarian organization dedicated to reducing suffering and eliminating extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. To learn more about this organization, visit www.concernusa.org.

I love companies that care!   
Note- all these toys are machine washable!  Which comes in super handy when your usually potty trained 3 year old makes pee-pee in his bed (and on his toys) while he is sleeping…..
Or when he spills his fruit smoothie all over it when you hit a really big pothole while driving to work one day.  (Insert variety of your child’s “incidents” here- Supper Monster personally survived both those “attacks” described above- and of course, some time in the washing machine.) 


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.

– Who is your favorite My Favorite Monster, besides Supper Monster? 

– Like North American Bear on Facebook

– Follow North American Bear on Twitter and tweet about this contest!
 #Win a North American Bear Monster http://t.co/sgZjyuK  @NABearCo  @HaveSippy

-“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 a North American Bear Monster http://t.co/sgZjyuK  @NABearCo  @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”- I just added it, LOL

– 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 May 29, 2011.

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Win a Zoobie! Perfect for naptime, playtime- anytime! Contest!

May 8, 2011 by 275 Comments

I have to tell you, this is one product that I really, really like.  It is really useful, cute, versatile, fun, and functional!  Zoobies!  It’s a pillow, it’s a blanket, it’s a toy, it’s FABULOUS!  I love it.  It is great to bring on road trips, to Pre-School, to grandma’s house- it’s a sleepover all-in-one.  My Little Man chose to review Spot- which, again, shows how he is always surprising his momma!  Spot is one of Zoobie’s special Storytime Pals line of Zoobies, because they are all characters we know and love from classic books.  The blanket (44″ x 34″) that comes with it not only covers Little Man fully, but is adorable.  Really- look at it!

When the blanket is out of the Zoobie, Spot becomes a friend to play with or sleep with.  What kid likes to sleep without a stuffie?  When you are all done with the blankie, it packs up to fit back inside Spot, making him both a huggable buddy and a snuggely pillow!  Do you not love it?  And what a good idea.  Spot has been getting a workout via Little Man, LOL. He has already gotten a lot of use, and I know he will be in for a lot more! 

Spot™

Spot™, the mischief yet helpful yellow puppy, is sure to be your childs most loyal companion. With a brown spot on each side of his body and a brown tip on his tail, Spot™ is simply too adorable to resist. The Zoobies® team has worked hard to bring Eric Hill’s storybook character to life. Not only is Spot™ a plush toy, but a pillow with a uniquely printed blanket zipped inside. This product is sure to be a hit for children and collectors alike, so snuggle up with your very own Spot™ today.

  • Large, super-soft coral fleece blanket inside: 44″ x 34″
  • L: 15.5″ x W: 7″ x H: 10″
  • 100% polyester (additional materials)
  • Washing-Blanket: Machine wash, tumble dry. Blanket zips off for easy washing.
  • Washing-Outer pouch: Spot wash (if machine washed, using a laundry bag designed for delicates is recommended).
  • Two bottom hook-and-loop Velcro tabs gather Storytime Pal™ into character shape.
  • Recommended for ages 3 and up, but safely tested for all ages.

Want to win a Zoobie 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.

 Extra Entries
Leave a separate comment for each entry.

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

-“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 a Zoobie!  Perfect for #naptime, playtime- anytime!  http://t.co/tnKyEJH #Zoobie #kids @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 May 25, 2011.

Filed Under: giveaway, kids, review

Daddy’s Corner- Green Lantern Review!

May 7, 2011 by 16 Comments

Hello everyone,
And welcome to another episode of Daddy’s corner.
In today’s episode we will tell you about the awesome new movie coming out called Green Lantern, the cool new line of toys and even a little partying!!!  As you know there is a new superhero movie coming out called Green Lantern.  I don’t want to spoil too much so here ya go.  The premise of movie is the story of Hal Jordan and his origin as Green Lantern and his early adventures. The movie looks really cool and of course with every super hero movie there is a toy line.  These toys are made by Mattel and are really cool.  There are the Colossal Cannons, power rings, and the Deluxe Battle Shifters Figures. 
We were lucky enough to throw a Green Lantern party which included the Green Lantern First Flight DVD, Colossal Cannons, Deluxe Battle Shifters Figures and Green Lantern Power Rings.  Now before we get up in arms about the First Flight movie being not appropriate for the little ones, we pre-screened the movie ourselves then had our little party goers moms over to let us know what they thought.  (My wife insisted we let their mother’s come see before the kids were able to watch.) Of course there were scenes that had to be fast forwarded through, but it wasn’t hard at all to come to a consensus what should and shouldn’t be viewed by the kids.  As always nothing is a better censor then good parenting.  For older kids and teens, you should be OK, but always watch things for yourself, first.  Only you know what is best for your child. 

The party itself was a blast we had snacks and watched the Green Lantern movie, played with the new battle shifter green lantern toys.  Played Green Lantern with the new Power Rings, and of course read some of the hard cover comic book.  Also the comic books were for the dads, because some of it was not for the smaller kids.  The dad’s were really psyched to get a present too!  The kids were allowed to look but they were for the dads to keep and also to remove the non- G parts of the story when reading it for them.  By the end of the party everyone wanted to be Green Lantern, even me.  The only draw back is the Power Rings were way too small for my and the other dads fingers    :(.  Ah well let the little ones have their fun right?  I love how Little Man now has an interest in Green Lantern.  Green Lantern has always been one of my favorite characters and to see him get excited over the movie makes be very happy.  It makes me excited and happy to share things I love and that I liked as a kid with my son. 

Also just and FYI you may want to pre-screen the comics too.  They can be a bit violent and confusing for little ones, but the fast forwarding through violent panels works here too.  Let’s just hope Thor, Captain America, and X-Men First Class are as awesome looking as Green Lantern.  It should be an amazing summer in the movies and for hero toys for comic fans!  Thanks for reading another post from daddy’s corner.  Thank you and good night. “In brightest day… in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight! Let those who worship evil’s might beware my power–Green Lantern‘s light”
-Daddy 

Disclosure- I received these party products from Mom Select and Mattel  to facilitate this review.  All opinions are mine. 

Filed Under: kids, review

Smushees Review

May 7, 2011 by 9 Comments

Smushees are great for hanging out around the house.  They are totally comfortable, they are better then bare feet after a rotten day of being on your feet, chasing kids around or in heels at the office.  They are not the most attractive of shoes, I personally can’t see myself wearing them out and about, LOL, but for the 10 million things you do during the day at home or around it- these are really comfy.  And we can’t always be running around barefoot, so these are the next best thing.  The Smushees sandal is actually a nice relief to wear after you take your shoes off.  It is a nice cushion- I am guessing that is where they got the name from  🙂  Smushees contain polystyrene micro-beads to help them conform to your foot as you walk, which is super comfy, and  since it has a rubber sole, you can wear it outside if you are going to grab the mail or the kids from school or something.  It has only gotten warm enough to wear them in the past week or so, but I know I will be wearing them a lot this summer.  I am on my feet all day, like a lot of you- I really don’t sit much.  In fact, the only time I am sitting is when I am typing on the bloggy, LOL.
Sigh. 
But they are cool to have waiting for you when you get home.  Like a slipper, but more functional  🙂
(They would make a good Mother’s Day gift, especially if you are making a little “pamper yourself” basket or something cute like that.  PERFECT addition.)
Check out their website, and see what you think!  🙂
Happy shopping (and relaxing, lol)

Filed Under: clothes and shoes, review

NoWorkSpanish Review

May 5, 2011 by 7 Comments

Here is an interesting twist on how to learn Spanish– a new concept used by No Work Spanish. 
No Work Spanish was easy to use, and didn’t make you do any “work”, LOL. By this, I mean no worksheets, drills, and certainly no tests, haha.  I have been messing with Spanish for years, and still don’t speak it properly.  I speak Spanish and Russian very, very poorly, LOL.  I love the chance to brush up on my language skills, because I don’t often use them.  I think that is most likely why I am so bad at them- you know the saying, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it”!  It’s true  🙂
I need the visuals- but it was a good supplement and “reminder” for me, to keep me “fresh”, lol.  Not great for little kids, since the stories are long and not really aimed at them- this one is for the grown ups and older kids
No work Spanish is a fun and easy way to bring another language into your life, even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish.
I’m not saying you will be translating at the UN next Friday, haha- but it’s a great introduction, and if you use it, you will gain knowledge and the ability to speak Spanish.  You will need to put time and effort into it- learning another language, for most of us, takes time and isn’t easy.  You may as well choose a product that you like, and can have fun with.  If you don’t like the whole drill/worksheets or going to a formal class thing- No Work Spanish may be just the thing for you!  🙂

Here is a little more information about No Work Spanish for you-

Remember when you learned your first language? You didn’t need language tapes. You didn’t get sent to a class. People talked to you and you listened and little by little, you got the gist of what people were saying.
What if you could learn a second language the same way?

No homework. No language drills. Just listen and learn.

No-Work Spanish is a brand-new concept. The story is read with each sentence said first in English, then in Spanish. You will find your mind connects the English and Spanish, just like you can pause a favorite song and sing the next line, without thinking about it and certainly without making any effort to memorize the words in the song. After a chapter has been read in English and Spanish, it is repeated in Spanish, to reinforce the Spanish version in the listener’s mind.

No-Work Spanish stories are available on CD’s or as audio downloads. They vary in length from 50 minutes to about an hour and 45 minutes. Each story has a different reader, so you will become familiar with variations in pronunciation.

For more info on these Spanish Audio CDs, check them out on their site or on Facebook! 

“This is a MamaBuzz review. The product was provided by: No Work Spanish for this review.”

Filed Under: education, review

Lose Weight and Feel Great! Get Extremely Ripped! Boot Camp Contest

May 2, 2011 by 129 Comments
One of the DVDs I have been using in my recent weight loss journey is Jari Love’s Get Extremely Ripped! Boot Camp.  This workout program is based on the premise of muscle confusion.  This means your body is constantly burning fat and building muscle because as one portion of your body is plateauing, another portion is just starting up.  So you are constantly working out at a higher rate.  I particularly like how this program doesn’t make you work out for a very long time in order to see a difference.  Plus- there are choices for the busy mama!  There are two 30 minue workouts and six 10 minute workouts, perfect for those short breaks between nap time and lunch time.  Of course- there is also an hour workout too, for when you really have time (and motivation!)  to sweat.   🙂
The workouts definately get you moving and keeps the flow of the workout going, this is not a “slacker” dvd program.  You definately have to move, and move quickly.  But I think it works.  An interesting characteristic of this DVD is the ability to either include or not/exclude other fitness products like a step, or other workout products.  All that is really needed is a pair of dumbbells (your husband and his bothersome friend don’t count!) and a workout mat.  Because there are 10 minute options, this is a workout that can even be brought on vacation with you.  I know, I know- who wants to think about working out on vaca?  But you don’t want to slip up or fall behind TOO much, right?  Stay on top of things!  And you can always substitute weights with something else like a shampoo and conditioner bottle.  Yes, I know they aren’t weights, or very heavy- but they are better then nothing, LOL!  
Here is a bit more info on Jari Love‘s Get Ripped! DVD for you-  
“You asked for it and now you’ve got it!  I have had a ton of success with the Get RIPPED! Bootcamp Program and decided it was time to bring Bootcamp to you in the comfort of your own home!

With Get Extremely RIPPED! Bootcamp – you will blast fat fast!  You’ll be amazed at how soon your body transforms into the best shape ever!  Research has shown that high intensity training and weight training are the best ways to lose unwanted pounds fast, increase your lean muscle mass and keep your metabolism revved all day long.  In Get Extremely RIPPED! Bootcamp we mix cardio and strength exercises so you are constantly moving and keeping your heart rate up.  You will burn maximum calories and build lean muscle tissue – both of which are essential to losing weight and keeping it off!  With the high energy music, you will be surprised how time flies because this workout is so much fun!” 

Want to check it out, mamas?  Ok, 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.

– Like Jari Love on FaceBook 

– Follow Jari Love on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway
#Win Lose Weight and Feel Great!  Get Extremely Ripped!… http://t.co/ImvYjzR #fitness #Weightloss @HaveSippy  @411video @jarilove

-“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 Lose Weight and Feel Great!  Get Extremely Ripped!… http://t.co/ImvYjzR #fitness #Weightloss @HaveSippy  @411video @jarilove

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 May 22, 2011.

Filed Under: fitness, giveaway, health, review