Schleich- Review and Contest (LOVE these toys!)

Here come the wild animals!  Watch out! 
No, for once, I am not talking about my kids, LOL.  I am talking about Schleich‘s new Wild Animals!  Schleich, makers of the super-high-quality line of German-made toys, have just come out with some fabulous new products.  I had the pleasure of seeing their products at NY Toy Fair, and had to resist the urge to sit and play with them!  (They really took their time with the set-ups for these, I really did want to sit and play, haha….sometimes you can take the girl out of the Pre-K, but you can’t take the Pre-K out of the girl!) 

I understand why so many people collect them.  We bought two of the Schleich line for Little Man previously, this horse and also a cow, which was “borrowed” by a friend, but not returned so far, haha.  He has had them for over a year, and as you can tell from the horse- there are no signs of wear and tear.  They were kept in his “to go” bag, and used at restaurants, parties, long car rides, etc.

Now we have some new ones- and they even match his new room decor!  I have heard these described as “collectibles” and while I do think they are great collections- they can sure handle play!  They are built German tough.   They are also so, so detailed (be prepared for some questions about the boy animals!  LOL) that they seem to have expressions and thoughts going on, don’t you think?  Really life-like.  They have amazing correctness and attention to detail in their bodies, muscle tone, size, anatomy, everything! 
We stopped home on the way out one day- and guess what was waiting there!  We received- Buffalo Calf, Buffalo, Warthog Boar, Warthog piglet, Warthog sow, Lion, and Lion cub playing.  Of course, we had to take a few with us.  I gave him only the Lion and Lion Cub Playing to bring that day, because I thought they would be his favorites.  But Little Man has really surprised me, and has insisted on taking the Warthog Family just about everywhere.  (By the way, thank goodness his car seat tray table has those little bags on the sides, because that is where the Warthogs stay while we are at school, LOL….don’t want them to get lost bringing them in every day!  They are in one side of the tray, Cooper is on the other!) 
Go figure.
(Literally!)

The first day, right after opening them up
Out and about with the lions!

My Little Man really likes his new Schleich toys, and I really like the quality and durability that they have.  Yay for everyone is happy!  We have bought this brand before, and will buy again.  Really, isn’t that when you know it’s a winner?  
Speaking of winners- one lucky winner from Have Sippy Will Travel will receive this exact set of toys to add to their
Schleich collection.  Don’t have one yet?  Perfect time to start one! 
Want it to be you?  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.

– What is your favorite Schleich toy, other then those named above?  

+2 entries

-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription
+3 entries

Follow me on Twitter ( you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Schleich- Review and Contest (LOVE these toys!) http://t.co/ideU5S0 @HaveSippy

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries

– Stumble this post

– 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 yours 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 And Canadian shipping addresses only.  Limited to US + Canadian residents; 18 years old and above.  Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends April 26,  2011.  

Whrll-ing over to you….From Micky’s Magic Show

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Life According to the Pre-K

I posted recently on a group I am on about some conversation at the Pre-K, and a few other members messaged me that I should post it.  So, I thought I would. I hope you enjoy a few of my “conversations” (and see why I need the blog- I really need to chat with grown-ups sometimes, LOL”)

Ahem-  
Tyler- DON’T sit on your friends. 
Maddy, is that really a good place to put a rock? 
No, no, we put ONLY our OWN hands in our sleeves.  Is that your hand?  No?  Get it out. 
Milk is not for hair.  Milk is to drink.  NO, milk is to drink. 
Puppies are great, yes- but no puppies in the potty, you got him stuck in there last week, remember?  Was that nice?  No. 
Juice is for drinking, not for wearing. 
This is not a toilet. 
Tyler- WE DO NOT SIT ON OUR FRIENDS!!!!!

Just a few words of wisdom.  The next time your job is boring you- just tell someone one of these helpful little nuggets, and watch their faces turn.  
Welcome to the mommy-hood, right?  (Or in my case, the mommy-hood meets world of Pre-School.)
Did we ever think we would be saying these things????

Pier 1- It’s Spring!

This post brought to you by Pier 1. All opinions are 100% mine.
March 20th has come and gone, so you know what that means!  Spring has spring, and that means it’s time to get ready for BBQ season!  YAY!  I love outdoor entertaining  🙂   My house is small, so I am super happy when we can entertain outdoors.  I just love Pier 1, they have some really fun and unique items available, and they are always updating!  For me, it is all about the fun and the functional.  They have a really cute, really colorful Taza Round Outdoor Table (also comes in square) that is very Middle Eastern, and would add such a touch a flair to a backyard party.  The Rock Point Outdoor chairs would be a perfect match, colorful, comfortable, and with added cushions?  No one would ever leave them!  LOL (Wait- am I happy about that?  Hmmm…)
If you need a bigger table, but are going for colorful- don’t worry, Pier 1 has you covered!  Not so much for the tiled tables?  That’s OK- they have TONS of styles and colors (and materials!) to choose from to get that perfect look.  Your backyard should reflect who you are just as much as your living room!  After all, it is where we will all be from April- October!  May as well get it perfect, and love it!  There is no place like Pier 1 to shop for fab finds.  (Speaking of fab finds- if you go to their website, you can click on the “Special Savings” and “Clearance” buttons to see all the latest bargains and deals to be had.  Don’t miss out!  Quantities are limited, and I know I have missed out more then one, so hop to it, quick like the Easter bunny!)
Did I mention that so much of Pier 1’s outdoor furnitare can also be used indoor?  Why not, right?  When it looks that good- you will miss it during the cooler months, and may want to bring it in  🙂  I would LOVE one of those new Mosaic tables- they would be great for summer parties, but I would also love to use it in my living room…..(I did mention this to the hubs, Mother’s Day IS coming!)
Just to add a little elegance or comfort to your patio or deck this summer, check out the new Papsans and “Swingasans” that they are offering at Pier 1.  (Not to mention the Outdoor Garden Stools or Pagoda Umbrellas!)  Those papasans are really something.  We have one that we love, but the new swingsan is really something!  A supremely comfy chair and a swing all in one.  I may have to go check that out as well!
(Don’t forget to follow them on Pier 1 Tweetups!)
Happy decorating, bloggy buddies!
Visit Sponsor's Site

Big Event Fundraising

OK- do you all HATE the chap garbage that is normally associated with fund-raising?  Overpriced garbage- sorry, but I call it like I see it.  I’d rather just give a donation then have to get a $10 roll of cheap-o wrapping paper, thanks.  AND IT NEVER, EVER ENDS…..Lol, ah- to be a parent!
Of course- the kids also get prizes- WHOOP-e-de-do!  MORE cheap garbage, that we in fact pay for with our payment of overpriced junk, LOL.  And only the top kids get even those tacky prizes.  To me- either skip the prizes for the kids all together, thus letting the kids participate in something that they benefit from anyway (that is why they are fundraising, right?) but without a silly personal prize, or give them all a chance to win.  That’s just me.  They don’t all have access to 300 family members with disposable income for $38 cookie cutters. 
(Can you tell I really dislike traditional fundraising catalogs?  And yep- bad me, I do not participate in them.  OOOOHHH, going to “mommy jail!”   I’ll do all the bake sales, can drives, and coupon book sales that you want- DO NOT hand me a catalog of junk to sell to my friends and relatives.  I want to continue to have friends and I don’t want to be disowned, thanks!  LOL)

OK- I will get back to the point!  There is a better way.  Big Event Fundraising
With other fundraisers, there are two ways to raise money, donations and selling various items.  IE- cookies, wrapping paper, etc.  As the children (and of course the parents/grand parents/ uncles/ aunts) sell more products, the projects generate more revenue and usually the child gets a bigger prize.  These prizes usually don’t add up to much more then pencil sets, erasers or race car sets.  Not that the prize should be the main point, of course.  It would be nice if the kids could do this without a personal gain only in mind, since the fundraisers are already for them!  Anyway- most times these prizes come months later and are forgotten in a drawer or lost in a desk within days.  And break.  They always break. 
Big Event Fund raising is different, the innovative idea behind their fund raising program is this: why give kids prizes they don’t really want when you can give them memories?  In all honesty, is your son/daughter going to remember seeing a reptile exhibit IN THEIR GYMNASIUM or winning a pencil case?  Or a Super Splash party?

I know I would like to see a giant iguana up close, rather then having a millionth pencil, but hey that’s just me.  These prizes are also attainable.  All the child has to do is sell between 5 and 8 items in order to attend the show chosen by the kids/staff.  I really like this idea, it makes kids want to be involved in activities, teaches them about interaction with people, and also teaches them about a specific topic during the actual activity.  Yes, these activities are actually educational.  WOAH- you mean things that actually make sense for a school environment?  And require cooperation?  And won’t clutter my house?  Or make my kids screech when a cheap toy breaks?  I am SO down.  It’s really a win-win situation.  (Oh yeah, and they also state that they offer higher quality merchandise.)  I just wish they did this when I was in school. 😉

Just an FYI- this is a sponsored post for Big Events Fundraising.  But that doesn’t mean I don’t mean EVERY work I said!
🙂 

Manhatten Toys- review and CONTEST!

Oh ZipBins, how I love thee!  LOL
So, you all know of my undying love for ZipBins, yes?   The uber-cool carry cases/storage for toys that also double for a play mat?  (Sigh- love!)  Now Manhatten Toy has teamed up with ZipBins to create a really cute toy for boys, called Boysterous Action Figures.
My Little Man loved, loved, loved them.  He was so excited when they came out of the box, and called “video game boys” (because they look like character’s in his friend’s Leapster sports game.)  
I love that they come in a convenient carry case, and we can bring them wherever.  Since they are not based on actual sports stars, they are not going to have negative associations that they come with, either, and they are just “normal” people.  I like that a lot.  Just normal kids, playing normal, fun sports.  LOVE it.  It can be tough to find toys that are not just advertisements for celebrities or movies, and while Little Man loves to play with toys that are friends from his favorite movies and TV shows- sometimes it is really refreshing to play with toys that have no association with anything, and can let their imagination start fresh.  


We brought our Boystrous toys out with us last weekend to a bruch for my grandma’s birthday party.  They kept my Little Man entertained the whole 4+ hours we were there- after missing his nap, too!


It awesome that the ZipBin not only carries the toys, but also is both a skate park on one side, and a soccar field on the other.  Yay for versatility!  Not to mention getting more for your dollar.  
These toys are magnetic, so the board sticks to their feet, as does the soccer ball.  Hands are also magnetic!  

We also play with them at home, of course!  🙂 

The Boysterous™ action figure line is the newest, edgy, addition to Manhattan Toy. Boys all over have anticipated the arrival of this exciting new collection. Rambunctious, but not rowdy, these boys are a new twist on action figures. The Boysterous boys are here and ready to play! “It’s the perfect gift for boys ages 3-8. Action figures based on real kids – not over-hyped, over-paid sports stars, or characters filled with violence and other material inappropriate for small boys.”
There are five sports themed action figures in all: hockey, skateboarding, snowboarding, soccer and football. These exciting sports themed action figures are fun to pose as they go zipping and zooming all-around their adaptable Zip-Bin® playing field and park action sports.
Each action packed figure comes with their own sports equipment: hockey puck and stick, skateboard, snowboard, soccer ball and football. Magnetized feet and hand allow each action figure to grab their gear. Boys can collect all five for lots of exhilaration and sports fun!
PRODUCT DETAILS:
NAME: Slap Shot Sam, Touchdown Dylan, Shredding Sean, Goalie Gavin, Half Pipe Pete
PRICE: $17
Age: 3+
Size: 3’’L x 2’’W x 8.5’’H
Launch Date: Jan 2011

PRODUCT DETAILS:
NAME: Extreme Sports Zone™ ZipBin
Show-off Boysterous sports moves with the dual sided Extreme Sports Zone play environment. This ZipBin unfolds into a 3-in-1 sports field that combines features for football, soccer and hockey games – then flip and zip to the other side to convert into a half pipe ramp! Also folds and zips up into a carrying case with an easy grab handle.

Want to enter to win your own Manhatten Toys Boystrous toys?
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.

-Become a Fan of Manhatten Toy on Facebook 

-Follow Dove on Manhatten Toy and Tweet about this contest 
#Win Manhatten Toys- review and CONTEST! http://t.co/fNypu5c @HaveSippy @ManhattanToy

 
+2 entries


-Subscribe to Have Sippy Will Travel by email, and confirm subscription
+3 entries


Follow me on Twitter ( you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
#Win Manhatten Toys- review and CONTEST! http://t.co/fNypu5c @HaveSippy @ManhattanToy

Please make sure you follow first!
+2 entries


– Stumble this post


– 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 yours 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 And Canadian shipping addresses only.  Limited to US + Canadian residents; 18 years old and above.  Sponsor is responsible for providing and mailing prize. Ends April 25,  2011.  

Just Emailed Winners!

Pokey me has just emailed winners!

Dinosaur Train- Nicole S
Luggage Scale- Laura
Scrabble Flash- Ann
Fierce Fun Toys- Kristie
Thomas’ Bagels-(there are 5) Susan, Amber, Kiersten, Grace, Eloise
Magdagascar LIVE- Aileen
Barefoot Books- Kimberly
Skin MD-Darcy
Cover Your Hair- Tami

And finally- Heirloom Wooden Toys is- Ann W

WOW that’s a lot of winners!  I will add them as they confirm, and I hope you all enjoy your wins   🙂
~Samantha

Madagascar LIVE – we are going tonight!

At PPAC tonight, we will be seeing the Madagascar show by Dreamworks!

So excited, I’ll be tweeting!
~Samantha