The Best For Your Pet; Get #InspiredByCrafted

August 10, 2015 by 9 Comments

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Ideal Balance® Crafted™, but Have Sippy Will Travel only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

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My son with our dog, Cooper.

Inspiration can come from some of the strangest places or even the most common.  One of these inspirations could be dog food. Have you seen the new Hill’s® Ideal Balance® Crafted™? This dog food is made of high quality ingredients, and is handmade. Making it this way gives the food a special old world feel, like the way things used to be. This served as inspiration to try to feed ourselves in a more natural wholesome way as well. If the dog is eating better, shouldn’t the people, as well?

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It is amazing to look a the labels of your foods and really know what is in them, then to try to make the same dishes at home in a more natural way. Fried chicken is easy and fun to make, as well as Italian dishes and other ethnic delights. Stepping out of the everyday and into something special is also the way the artists feel who are #InspiredByCrafted, be sure to check out their videos and how they brought their ideas to life.

#InspiredByCrafted is great fun. It is a way for you to express yourself in a crafty way and have a good time doing it. My son loves being crafty and creative- the messier and “cuter” the project, the more fun he is going to have making it. This is the general idea behind his crafts. He has made collages, stuffed creatures, clay dinosaurs, and even some pixelated skeletons, all of which he made with his own two hands and is always so proud of himself at the end. This is the way crafting should be.

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Sasha, available for adoption! Email me for more info and to fill out an application with the rescue.

Be sure to check out the new Hills Ideal Balance Crafted line of products near you. They are available now at pet specialty retailers and online as well.

Filed Under: animals, review Tagged With:

Back to School with OshKosh B’Gosh #backtobgosh #BgoshJeanius

August 10, 2015 by 5 Comments

I participated in a Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for OshKosh B’Gosh. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

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OshKosh B’gosh have been around since 1895 starting business as overall manufacturers in OshKosh, Wisconsin for adults. Soon after they began making these same overalls a bit smaller for their customers’ children and the story began. Since then, OshKosh have made quality children’s clothing and currently have stores across the country. With back to school upon us, you can stock up on jeans, jackets, t-shirts, jeggings for girls, and everything you need to help your kid keep in style this year.

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As some of you who follow me on social media might know, I recently have had some car issues. No worries, we can shop online with  OshKosh, and get delivery right to our door.  You can grab not only blue jeans, but also great overalls, and items from the cute new Black, White & Indigo Collection- whatever strikes your fancy (and of course, the kiddo’s should they want to shop with you).  The quality and quantity of items available and the prices of the garments is great- you don’t need to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks.  We picked up 3 pairs of pants, 3 pairs of shorts, a package of underpants (3), a sweatshirt, tank top, 2 t-shirts, and a button up shirt, all for just under $100 including shipping. Quite a good haul, I’d say.

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My son loves warm, cuddly clothing (anything fuzzy and soft) but also has an appreciation for anything with animals or super heroes on it. There was lots of soft and cuddly clothes and quite a few with animals, as well. The OshKosh baby section also had tons of adorable baby wear if you are looking- and no, we are NOT!
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Filed Under: clothes and shoes, review

Travel with Smuckers and Walmart #Snackation #sponsored #IC #ad

August 10, 2015 by 5 Comments

The J.M. Smucker Company sent me free product samples and asked me to blog about this product.  All opinions are my own.

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When ever getting ready for a snackation ,it is of course necessary to think about where your snacks will be eaten.  You can’t bring soup to an amusement park or cold cut sandwiches on a hot summer day.  One of the exceptions to this rule is peanut butter and jelly.  These sandwiches are perfect for down time between fun stuff, like getting ready to start an afternoon at an amusement park, or even just something for the kids to eat once everyone gets back to the car after a fun day in the sun.  One less stop you need to make, thing you need to buy, and of course, no one likes a “hangry” kid (or parent, either).

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What we really like about Jif peanut butter is the variety of spreads available, from Jif To Go Dippers to new Jif Whips. This is a new take on peanut butter, that whips it up into a light fluffy spread that is quite good.  There are a few varieties, some available always, some seasonal.  We tried salted caramel, which a light, caramel-y taste, and is a little something different then regular peanut butter.  Smuckers makes all the best jellies and jams, with consistently fruit filled products sure to make taste buds dance.  When combining the two, you get the best sandwiches.  In order to make this sandwich, supplies are needed and WalMart is this Summer’s Snackation destination.

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In our house we love peanut butter and have it in various forms including creamy crunchy, whipped, and chocolate hazelnut flavor as well. We recently got a bunch of sandwiches and snacks together for our trip to Dutch Wonderland, a few hours away.  It was great to have lunch and snacks on hand, because everyone was hungry by the time we got there.  It was nice not to have to make one more stop for food, and to have it ready as soon as we wanted it.

Head to WalMart for all your summer snackation needs!

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Filed Under: review

New NeckNapperz for Travel

August 8, 2015 by 5 Comments
Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.
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For those of you who love to travel, this is a product for you.  New NeckNapperz are great for roadtrips, planes, trains- or even for your child’s own bed.  These neck pillows transform from plush toy into a plush neck pillow and back again, which makes them great for dual uses.  Kids are easily bored, as we all know, and being able to entertain themselves while you wait to board the plane or snuggle up with in the car, then use it when they are ready to nap is doubly-useful.  Because it’s fun, it even helps those “I’m not tired!” moments- remind them that their snuggle buddy is ready for a nap too, and they are usually at the very least amused enough to try for sleep (and when they try, they normally go right out!)
The pillow offers support and cradles your child’s head, so none of those stiff shoulders and necks when they wake up from sleeping “funny”.  Goodness knows planes and cars are not the most comfortable sleeping spots.  The neck pillow has a snap on the end, so they can snap it shut and secure if they would like to. It is easy to attach it to luggage or a carry on while you are moving about, so it doesn’t get lost.   It has a nice snap- nothing that will break and fall off, or that will fall apart easily.
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My son really enjoys his new NeckNapperz- he has a basketball, which I have not seen on the website.  It would be nice to see sports ones for older kids or sports enthusiasts. The pillows come in quite a few varieties, including a monkey and a unicorn.  They come in many options, and are fun for boys or girls.  Honestly, they are so adorable I sort of want one (mine is the ugly blue kind that blows up, so not cute).  They are priced at only $19.99, so you can pick up more then one (no fighting to “share” with the kiddos that way).  Get yours now, and have fun traveling!
Follow NeckNapperz on social media
Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NeckNappers
Pin with them on Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/necknapperz/
And don’t forget to follow on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoVfwhmI4rFLy5o9RxWz01w
Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With: , ,

Summer Adventures with Smuckers and Walmart (the Snackation destination)

August 6, 2015 by 7 Comments

I was recently asked by The J.M. Smucker Company to create some unique tips for Summer and I wanted to share with you.

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Summer time means long trips and plenty of fun with family. Sometimes, this fun hits some bumps and issues, like rain, rowdy kids, or car mishaps. Another “fun” thing we all deal with regularly is the ‘ hangry’ monster that can attack not only children but adults as well. Perhaps it’s because you forgot to pack enough snacks, or someone decides to drive just a little while longer without making a pit-stop. Then the Hangry attacks, with a stomach growl then a full on tantrum for no reason. Best way to curb this monster? With some proper snacks that are healthy, filling, and fun.

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I am a firm believer of the classic peanut butter and jelly for any road trip as a go, meal stretcher, or a meal. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will both fill you up, are sweet, and have a protein punch to keep your body going even on the longest of road trips. If planned as a meal make sure to still plan for the stop- kids need to get out now and again.

Tip # 1 Getting out of the car is important for family sanity. In our family, we have a unique take on the classic peanut butter and jelly idea. The little guy doesn’t like mixing things, so it is either peanut butter or jelly- never both. Dad likes crunchy peanut butter and mom likes either way, so there are a few different sandwiches ranging in levels of peanut butter and jelly. To really make things fun, check out Walmart for all your Snackation needs- they have Jif Whips, Jif Chocolate Flavored Hazelnut Spread, Smucker’s Squeeze Grape, and my favorite- Smucker’s Strawberry Jam. With all these options, you are destined to find one to fit the pickiest among your family.

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Tip # 2 Just be sure to include your family in the process.  If you have kids, don’t assume its a jelly only day because if you do, you are wrong. With kids, no matter what you do, it’s bound to be wrong, LOL.

Tip # 3 Make too much. Make and extra sandwich or two. If nothing else Dad will eat it- and you don’t want a hangry kiddo in the backseat, whining away.

Tip #4 Bring Wipes.  They are good for everything from bathroom emergencies to cleanups to car messes and messy faces and hands.  My son is always making a hot mess- I say that’s how you know he has had fun, by how dirty his clothes have gotten, LOL.

Filed Under: food, review

Enjoy Playtime with Sevi Magnetic Playsets

August 6, 2015 by 1 Comment

Disclosure: The Magnetic Playsets from Sevi were provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
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I am always on the lookout for new, fun things for my kids to play with. I was so excited when I saw these Magnetic Playsets from Sevi.

About Sevi:

In toy years, Sevi is Europe’s oldest wooden toymaker — 184 years. Their 2015 collection of Play Sets offer a new direction in creative fun. And when kids slow down to play with these captivating sets, important skills develop from concentration and patience to boundless creativity. Geared for tots ages 3 and up, the play sets are fun for the whole family with their mix and match amusement.

All Sevi designs originate in Italy by specially trained toy designers.

Sevi products are produced in the Far East in a Trudi-run factory employing local artisans under fair and safe working conditions.

All Sevi products have been thoroughly and rigorously tested by an independent lab, and meet or exceed all European and US federal regulations for children’s toys. Parents never worry about the quality or safety of any Sevi product.

All Sevi products are extremely durable, eco-friendly, and kid safe.

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About Magnetic Fashion & Magnetic Faces Playsets:

Each magnetic set can create four different game scenes. Children can play solo or with a friend as the board lays flat or can stand like an easel with a different design on either side.

The box is easy to close and carry to take on a trip. It also stores perfectly on the bookshelf.

The magnetic playsets works on:

  • Creativity
  • Imagination
  • Fine Motor Skills

 

My Thoughts:

My daughters were incredibly excited to receive their new Magnetic Play Sets. They have both had a great deal of fun playing with them and seeing all the wonderful faces and outfits that they can create. I can honestly say that they don’t seem to have a favorite, they take turns and play well on both of the Playsets that we have.

We have taken a vacation and used them for the girls to play with in the car. I was a little bit worried about it initially, because some of the magnet pieces are small. The girls did a great job just getting out a few pieces at a time and were careful not to lose anything.

I am a huge fan on this wonderful product. I definitely plan to look at more of the products that Sevi has to offer.

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Purchase: 

If you are interested in purchasing any products that Sevi has to offer, head on over to their website and check them out!

Filed Under: kids, review, toys Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Liquid Oxygen For Your Skincare Routine

July 29, 2015 by 7 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post.  All opinions are my own and honest.

Many people suffer from acne, from teenagers and continuing. I still get acne on a regular basis, both with my “special” time and when my skin is irritated.  Fun things!  As an adult, I assumed I wouldn’t get acne anymore, but I was quite wrong.  When I was pregnant, it was crazy, too.  For other people who suffer with it, let me tell you about the all-natural skincare line  Liquid Oxygen.

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Liquid Oxygen, an oxygenated skincare line, was designed to be gentle while also combating acne. It is the ideal solution for those seeking clearer skin. Liquid Oxygen starts working from the first application, so it is great for special occasions or anytime you want your skin to look and feel flawless.

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It also has no harsh smells or orders, and feels nice on your skin. It has three steps- first you use the cleanser, then the astringent, then the moisturizer.  Your skin will feel smooth all day long, and the products did not irritate my skin at all.   I’ve been using the product for a few days now, and can say that the skin on my face has improved.  I get many “tiny bumps” (for lack of better explanation) all over my hairline, and those have diminished quite a bit, which I am thrilled by. I also get larger ones on and around my nose often, and they are almost gone as well.  I am very happy with this product so far.

I also like that it is all natural- that is hard to find.  It’s so much better for your skin and the environment then all those harsh chemicals some other brands use.

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According to Liquid Oxygen, here is why they are different and better for you-

“Bacteria and viruses associated with acne find it difficult to grow in an oxygen rich environment. 

Liquid Oxygen acne products contain Oxygen, Salicylic Acid, Vitamins A C D & E, and essential ingredients to deliver clinically proven results.

In a double blind independent Clinical Study, Liquid Oxygen was proved effective by reducing acne in 100% of the people in the study from Day 1 through 3 – when you want it and need it most – And then each and every day for the 30 day test.

NO OTHER ACNE PRODUCTS ON THE MARKET CONTAIN OUR SCIENCE OF OXYGEN.”

If you want to try these products for yourself, head to http://www.liquidoxygen.com/ . They have free shipping going on for orders over $40 right now, which is always nice. You can also get $50 credit if you submit before and after photos- that’s something to take advantage of.  Head over and start your journey to better skin now!

 

Filed Under: beauty, health, review Tagged With: ,

Miraclesuit – Lose 10 Pounds When You Put It On

July 28, 2015 by 4 Comments

Who loves shopping for swimsuits? No one I know, that’s for sure.   I have recently gained some weight- huzzah, right?- and I am in the market for a new, fun bathing suit. As such, I am not one to turn down a minor miracle when it comes to looking fabulous. Miraclesuit is awesome for most bodies.  The miracle being that it makes you appear 10 pounds thinner when you put it on. Hmmm, maybe I should start wearing it to work….hahaha.

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Ok, I may not be a covergirl, but whatevs, I think it’s doing it’s job quite well. I wish it had bigger breast cups, but that is a problem I have with at least 80% of swimsuits. Never enough coverage for bigger chested gals! But my Miraclesuit does better then some others have, and at least they are lifted, so I give it that. I love the color, as well.
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Filed Under: review Tagged With: