SunSafe RX to Protect Your Skin

April 18, 2018 by 2 Comments

At our house, we are always looking at new ways to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful effects.  Some of us, mostly the men of the house, burn with just the mention of Summer, let alone the actual sun.  But we are trekkers and must be in the sun, so what to do? Well, lots of sunblock, for one.  We also found a product called Sunsafe Rx.  Sunsafe Rx is a natural supplement which helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays from the sun.  All you do is take them daily as directed and the benefits last all day long.  Not only does this help with sun protection, but also has anti-aging benefits.

There are powerful antioxidants in Sunsafe Rx which are good for both your skin and your eyes.  All the ingredients in Sunsafe Rx are natuaral and proven to help skin health.  Sunsafe Rx is also made in the USA, and is manufactured and tested in an FDA-regulated GMP-certified facility.  Sunsafe Rx prevents skin aging by preserving collagen and elastin and inhibiting the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun spots.  For your eyes, lutein and zeaxanthin protect from the oxidative stress of UV rays and may help fight the causes of age-related macular degeneration.  This is probably the only sun protection you actually want ending up in your eyes. Sunblock, not so much.  Sunsafe is great not only for those sunny Summer days but for year round, whether in the sun or not.  Some extra health boosts for your skin and eyes are never a bad thing. SunSafe Rx is available now on their website sunsaferx.com and retails for $29 for 30 caplets and up to $89 for 120 caplets.

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Celebrate National Watermelon Day with Applebee’s #Woodfired #WatermelonSmile

August 1, 2016 by 10 Comments

Disclosure- I received an Applebee’s gift card in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. For more info, see “I Disclose”.

August 3rd is national watermelon day, and to celebrate Applebee’s has introduced some new Summertime favorite menu items called Wood Fired Grill Salads.  This menu includes some delightful combinations of fresh vegetables and succulent shrimp, chicken, and of course watermelon.
Southwestern Steak Salad: Hand-Cut Wood Fired USDA Choice Top Sirloin Steak paired with chimichurri, pico de gallo, corn and black bean salsa, cheddar, crispy tortilla strips and a creamy house-made cilantro ranch dressing.

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They have a few new salads to try as well-

-Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad: Mixed greens, cucumbers, feta, almonds and house-made creamy mint-Greek yogurt dressing. Also available with Spicy Blackened Chicken.

-Spicy Blackened Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad: Mixed greens, pickled in-house red onions, cilantro leaves and house-made champagne vinaigrette.

-Crispy Chicken ‘N Spicy Cornbread Salad: Mixed greens, made-in-house jalapeno cornbread croutons, grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon and buttermilk dressing.

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We recently went to check out these new menu items and tried the Crispy Chicken ‘N Spicy Cornbread Salad.  Upon first glance, the spice component might make some turn away from this delicious salad, but the spice is more of a flavor then a burning mouth sensation.  The jalapeno cornbread croutons a perfect complement to the smoked bacon flavor and buttermilk dressing.  For those of you not big on salads, Applebee’s has a menu full of delicious items including burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, steaks, chicken and fish dishes.

There is also the new wood fired grill menu including your 6, 8 or 12 oz sirloin steak, pork chops, salmon, chicken breast or baby back ribs then you get to pick two sides and your meal is created just for you.  The little guy is a cheese head and loves the mac and cheese and mozzarella sticks kids meal while my husband usually gets something different each time we go, this time he chose the crispy brewhouse chicken with a stout based gravy, cheddar cheese, garlic mashed potatoes and crispy onions on top.

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In addition to all these fun new summer dishes, Applebee’s is also celebrating national watermelon day with a contest!  To celebrate this new salad and fun occasion, from July 20 to August 3 Applebee’s is inviting guests to submit their favorite salad recipes via photo or text on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtags #WoodFired and #Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $100 Applebee’s gift card.  See details and official rules at www.beesmeetup.com.

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Win a Fun #PEEPSONALITY Gift Package by @PEEPSBrand

July 29, 2016 by 67 Comments

Disclosure- The PEEPS & COMPANY® products, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by PEEPS & COMPANY®. All opinions are my own. For more information, see “I Disclose”.

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Sandy toes, sunburned nose, summertime is in full swing! Whether you are trying to make a splash or would just like to have it made in the shade, PEEPS & COMPANY® has got you covered.

We would love to offer you the opportunity to add PEEPS® to your summer vacation with a gift pack from PEEPS & COMPANY® that you and your family can use for some fun in the sun!

If you’re interested in this opportunity we’ll send you your favorite PEEPS & COMPANY® summer goodies, including:

  • One (1) PEEPS® Beach Ball
  • One (1) PEEPS® Collapsible Plastic Water Bottle
  • One (1) PEEPS® Character Flying Disc
  • One (1) PEEPS® Wetsuit Pouch
  • One (1) PEEPS® Pail
  • One (1) Signature PEEPS® Beach Towel
  • One (1) Signature PEEPS® Tote

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Below are some links we thought might be helpful in your post. When posting on social about PEEPS & COMPANY® products, please use #PEEPSONALITY or tag @PEEPSBrand:

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One of you can win the following PEEPS & COMPANY® product prize pack to use this summer: one (1) PEEPS® Beach Ball, one (1) PEEPS® Collapsible Plastic Water Bottle, One (1) PEEPS® Character Flying Disc, one (1) PEEPS® Wetsuit Pouch, one (1) PEEPS® Pail, one (1) Signature PEEPS® Beach Towel, one (1) Signature PEEPS® Tote

You can use this 20% discount code towards your next purchase on the Peeps site- http://bit.ly/PEEPSHaveSippy\ Discount code: SWEETSUMMER20 (no, this is not an affiliate link, I get nothing out of it).

To enter to win, please feel free to use the RC form below. Good luck! Ends Aug. 24, 2106.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Discount Tickets for Splish Splash Water Park @SplishSplashWP #splishsplashwp

June 17, 2016 by 1 Comment

We will be headed out to Splish Splash Waterpark in a little more then a week, and we wanted to share a discount code with you so you can save when you go as well!

Just click THIS LINK to get your savings.

Follow along with us on our social media so you can see all the fun as it happens (@HaveSippy on Twitter and Sam HaveSippy on Instagram) with the hashtag #splishsplashwp .

See you soon at the waterpark!  Don’t forget the towels  🙂

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Filed Under: entertainment Tagged With: ,

Cool Down with Hot Toys

July 27, 2015 by 4 Comments

Disclosure- We have received the below in order to facilitate reviews. All opinions are our own and honest.

Summer is fully upon us, in all it’s glory. And by “glory” I mean it’s hot, sticky, sweaty heat. (Almost enough to make you forget what a brutal winter it was, ay? I said almost.) For those of you looking for ways to cool down, try these.

Little Tikes has a play table perfect for whiling away summer hours, the Treasure Hunt Sand and Water Table.

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There are several things about this toy that make it worth the buy. The no tech, getting kids to play outside aspect, being involved in creative play, multiple kids can enjoy the table at one time, it can be used in more then one way, you can bring it indoors in cooler weather should you choose to, and the best part- it keeps them busy for HOURS. Hours of time that the kids can entertain themselves and really, truly have a great time. Kids love water play. They love sandboxes. Combine them? Um, yes. The lid is also a water play basin, so they can play with both sand and water areas at the same time. You can get in there and play with them, let them play with friends or siblings, and you can also set it up for them to use when you need to get some of those “grown-up”, boring outside things done. Use it during cookouts so the kids can play and the adults can talk with no boredom-whining. So many reasons! Get yours at http://www.littletikes.com for $59.99

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While we are on the topic of things that will get the kids active and playing for hours, check out the Little Tikes Slam ‘n’ Curve Slide. For any of you who follow me on Instagram, you have no doubt seen quite a few photos of my boy making good use of it. Heck, even the dog got in on the action (not recommended for use by pets by the brand, of course) and splashed around in the wading pool area with my son. The slide is easy to set up, and anchors into the ground to keep it steady. It inflates in less then one minute with the included pump. Then you attach your water hose to it, and turn it on- voila! Water slide/bouncy house fun, right in your backyard. As time goes on, the pool at the bottom fills. It doesn’t get very deep, however. There is also a basketball net and mini inflatable ball included for more fun- get a game on while staying cool.

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In my opinion, this is one of the best toys you could have for warm weather. It is also perfect for anyone who plans on a “staycation” this year, or who has the kids home from school all summer long. My child has spent literally hours playing on it, and asks for me to set it up regularly. It’s a little cumbersome to put away- first you have to let it dry, then you roll it up (think of a giant sleeping bag) into it’s included storage sack. It’s also a bit heavy to move, but that’s to be expected. Just stick it in a closet when the season is done until you are ready to break it out again next summer. The Slam ‘n’ Curve Slide is well worth it’s price- it will keep the kids as busy as any swing set. Find it at http://www.littletikes.com for $399.99

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For those inside times, check out the Dyson AM09 Fan + Cool Heater.  It’s perfect for those hot days and nights, when everything just feels sticky and gross.  Some of the coolest features (see what I did there?) about this fan are that it oscillates, tilts, is easy to clean, and is blade-less and safe. You know kids and fans- they always want to stick their fingers (toys, straws, etc) into the slots and “see what will happen”.  We all know what happens, and it’s never good.  Having no blades also means it’s easy to clean, and that it doesn’t just blow dust around- we have all seen how dust accumulates on fan blades, and without them, it is just that much cleaner. The AM09 pivots and tilts easily, and oscillates with one touch. It is quieter then most other fans, and comes with it’s own remote control.  The remote lets you control oscillation, temperature, airflow, and it even has a sleep timer.  When the nights start to get cooler, it functions as a heater, as well. Get yours at http://www.dyson.com for $449.99

Filed Under: review, toys Tagged With:

Must Haves for Summer Travel

June 8, 2015 by 6 Comments

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this review.  All opinions are my own and honest.
With summer upon us and holidays and vacations on their way, it’s time to get ready for warm weather, packing, and road trips or plane travel- whatever suits you.  The hardest part of travel is just that- the traveling, especially if you have kids.  Here are a few items that can make your trip that much easier.

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My son’s new favorite piece of luggage is his VRUM suitcase, officially called VRÜM Ride-On Storage.  This rolling suitcase comes in several licensed characters, like SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  Kids can pack it up, ride on top of it, and roll it along as they make their way to their hotel room.  My son loves it because not only is it one of his favorite characters, but it’s easy to pack, hard covered (so no biggie if it falls over), and has straps inside to secure all his toys so they don’t hurt themselves- very important.  It can be a little unwieldy when you try to pull it behind you (it doesn’t want to move in a straight line) but is light to carry if your child doesn’t over-pack it. It “locks” shut with a twist, so things won’t fall out, either. By Wicked Cool Toys, available for $39.99 on https://shop.govrum.com

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Skip Hop Zoo Travel Blankets are adorable, fun, and functional.  Not only that, but the price is right for only $20- this is a great gift for any child with a summer birthday, or “just because”- not to mention truly perfect for travel. This portable mini-pillow is just the right size for little heads, and has a handle on it as well for toting about. Grab it and go, no matter if you are hitting the road or catching a flight, this will be your child’s new best buddy.  One part stuffed animal, one part pillow, one part blanket, these creatures all all cuddle. Out of the stuffed animal, your child can easily pull out a soft blanket to snuggle on trips, and use the animal as a pillow.  They can play with the stuffed toy or just hug it as well after they stuff the blanket back inside- and yes, it’s easy enough for them to do it (perhaps kids under 3 will need some help).   Available in Ladybug, Monkey and Owl for $20 at: http://www.skiphop.com/product/zootravelblankets.html

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When the going gets tough, the tough get packing.  But mom and dad should not have to carry everything- let the kids do their part. Let them carry their own rolling luggage. Olive Kids and Wildkin  have options for kids big and small, with prints ranging from cute animals to sophisticated prints for teens (and even mom and dad to use).  The rolling backbacks have plenty of room, pockets, mesh dividers, water bottle pockets, and more.   Use the handle and wheel it about, or toss it over your shoulder and carry it as a backpack.  Wildkin offers duffels, tote bags, larger rolling luggage for bigger kids, and more.  They are made to last, and available in just about every size you could need.  The patterns are not only pretty, but will stand out- which matters on a luggage carousel or in a plane. Luggage is available for $49.99 and up at http://www.wildkin.com/B_LUGGAGE.html

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One thing I can get picky with is packing shoes.  I don’t like to pack shoes in with the rest of the clothing and luggage- shoes are just so dirty and often smelly. I use plastic grocery bags or I pack them in separate compartments- or both.  Eagle Creek has come up with a great way to pack shoes without being gross- the Pack-It Specter™ Shoe Sac by Eagle Creek.  This is pretty neat, and you don’t need to waste a zillion plastic bags. It is ultra light weight, comes in several colors, and is water repellant- so even if your shoes are a bit wet or muddy, you don’t need to worry when packing them up.  The bag has a quick grab handle, so you can grab it and toss it in the car if you just want to have a change of shoes handy as well. The Shoe Sac is a great option for those who travel often, or just like to pack well when they do. It’s also washable, hang to dry.  Available for $18 at http://shop.eaglecreek.com/

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Totally Taken Care Of with Listerine #LISTERINEMom

June 8, 2015 by 5 Comments

Disclosure – I received LISTERINE® Brand products and a Walgreens gift card from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. and The Motherhood as part of my participation in the LISTERINE® Brand Totally Taken Care Of program. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own.

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Taking care of summer fun can be a daunting task.  Rain or shine, you still have to keep your family’s days fun filled. Plan ahead to have more fun and less stress.

First of all always be prepared.  Check your local weather forecast, and keep that in mind.  Weather can change on a dime, and even the slightest chance of rain means pack rain gear and have an alternate plan if your activity is outside.  An example would be a picnic in the park can be great fun, but can’t be banked on for a meal.  When picking a park to eat in, make sure you find one that has some cover in the form of a gazebo or covered area to run to if rain starts to fall or to protect you from the overbearing sun.

Of course, no matter how long you are away for, oral care should be one of your top priorities.  Using the proper tooth paste and mouth rinse, like Listerine Total Care can make all the difference.  Total Care helps prevent cavities, restores enamel, strengthen teeth, kills bad breath germs, cleans the whole mouth, and freshens breath.

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Keep a towel in the car. It will come in handy in many situations, and more often then you might think.  Towels can of course be used to drying, but also if your kid gets cold, sits in something sticky or wet and you don’t want them to ruin the car seats, or you end up somewhere where you don’t want to sit on the ground.

It can be easy to totally take care of a summer adventure, with minimal effort but some thought and preparation.

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Banana Boat For Summer Fun #BBBestSummerEver @bananaboat

June 7, 2015 by 6 Comments
Disclosure- Sponsored by BANANA BOAT®, All opinions are my own.banboat.
 A necessary part of summer is the sun of course, but with those hot days at the beach also comes the danger of skin damage and skin cancer from the sun.  The best way to fight this is with sun screen, and one of our favorites is Banana Boat®.
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 As every parent knows a good summer trip involves preparation.  Snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray ,and a towel are just some of the necessities needed for summer fun.
One fun trip we took recently was a fishing trip to a local camping spot. The prep for this trip was simple.  It was a damp morning, but it was due to clear up in the afternoon so we of course grabbed the Banana Boat® as the husband and son are super fair skinned.  We also grabbed the snacks, water bottles, and hand sanitizer.  Of course, in addition to hats and fishing gear.  Can’t fish without that!
The day started out dreary and pouring, so it was a good thing snacks were packed.  The rain cleared up, it was time for fishing so sun screen was applied and fishing commenced.  As the day progressed, the rain started up again the fishing trip had to be brought to an early end around lunch time.  The best part of this trip- not a spot of sun burn among any of us.  My son even caught a fish!  If you can call that a fish, LOL- and yes, it was put back. No one getting burned is always tricky, because my son and husband are  quite pale.  Of course, everyone can burn, but the lighter you are, the harder it can be. The day was a success with the little guy catching the only fish and everyone having a good time.
No matter you have planned this summer,  preparation and sun screen are necessities.
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Below are a few tips and tricks regarding sun screen:
Be sure to apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to you and your kids’ entire bodies 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
We know family gatherings can be hosted under many different conditions-Banana Boat has some great products that offer multi-skin benefits, like water-resistance, ease of application and
comfort. For example, for families at the beach, I love their new SunComfort™ Clear UltraMist® Sunscreen it provides Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water resistance, and also
allows sand to easily brush off!
Make sunscreen application fun for kids. Make up lyrics to your own melody to sing while applying sunscreen. It keeps them engaged and makes it feel like less of a chore.
Banana Boat® sun care products are tested in seven conditions
–sun, pool water, ocean water,wind, sweat, sand and extreme heat–to provide safe and effective broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection for the entire family.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Banana Boat® . The opinions and text are all mine.

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