Lancaster- More Fun at the DoubleTree!

Hello and Happy Saturday!
We just got back from Lancaster, PA, and we had so much fun.  There was so much to see and do, and we can’t wait to go back in a few months and see what summer looks like!  🙂
While at the Double Tree Lancaster, a Hilton Hotel, there was a lot to see and do without even having to leave the campus.  The kids had a blast in the mini-water park that they had right inside the hotel, and of course there was a “grown up” pool as well.  They even had a hot tub!  We hopped into it for a second, but, no kids allowed, so, it was literally a second.  So, a bummed mommy- because I sure would have liked to stay in there for awhile!  🙂

There is a 3 hour bus tour that every guest gets to take.  We were able to go on a 90 minute tour, since we were only there for one night.  We were able to get a taste of some of the things to see and do (and eat!) in the area.  We got a great tour, some fun information and insights to the people and history of the area, as well as stopped to try out a few of the local delicacies  🙂
(Think home churned ice cream, hand rolled hot pretzels, and BBQ chicken to name a few!)
There is a lot to see and do in the area as well- Dutch Wonderland and Hershey Park are both local, and The Crayola Factory is also nearby  🙂  There is outlet shopping, fun food finds, Amish and Mennonite villages and tours- so much to see and do while staying at the Double Tree Lancaster, right in the center of it all!

I will be posting more about our trip all week- In the meantime- check out the website  🙂  Lancaster is a great place to go for a fun filled family vacation, and you won’t find a nicer place to stay then the Double Tree Lancaster!
Have a great night, and get some rest ladies!  🙂
~Samantha

DoubleTree Resort, PA

We are currently at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton in Lancaster, PA.  If you follow my Tweets or are my friend on FourSquare, you have seen all the fun stuff we have been up to today!  (and if you aren’t- why not? LOL- link up with me so we can be social together 🙂
We have been busy travelers today!
I can’t wait to tell you more, but I need to go, go, go now!  LOL- dumb blogger, why did you pick this weekend to go down?  Sigh.  At least it’s back now!

This place is beautiful- the grounds are lovely and well kept, the hotel itself is spotless, and the attractions in the area can’t be beat.  Oh, and did I mention they have their own indoor children’s waterpark?   Hmmm…that will get you thinking!  🙂
Be back with more later.  HUGS, and it’s good to be back.  Missed you guys!
~Samantha

Guest Post- Educational App

 
Here is an interesting new service that could be a lifesaver for parents looking for an educational way to entertain their kids!
Science Days Out is a new iPhone app which promises to share the best science centers and other educational experiences in the US. It includes opening hours, websites, maps, pictures and , making it really easy to pick a place at the last minute, put the kids in the car and just go!
You can also see which attractions are closest to you and read reviews, as well as submitting your own.
All of the most famous kids’ favorites – the awesome USS Intrepid aircraft carrier in New York (did you know they put Concorde on the deck? – it’s amazing) and the Franklin Institute in PA, for example – are in there, although there are also plenty of smaller science centres in virtually every state.
It’s priced at $0.99, and there is an Android version is coming soon too if you don’t have a SmartPhone –but  if you do, why not give it a go and let fellow Moms know what you think? Just visit the site below or search for “science days out” in the app store on your iPhone/iPod/iPad!
 
(Submitted by Nick) 

It’s fun to stay at the Hil-ton Ho-tel!

This post brought to you by Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.
I said young man, are you listening to me? The Village People are headed to Branson, Missouri on May 13th, and the Hilton Promenade is the only place to stay, offering exclusive ticket and rooming packages.
THE VILLAGE PEOPLE!   How fun is that?!?  I have to tell you- I am not one of the 1/3 of Americans who are within the 1 days drive to reach Branson, Missouri- but with packages this affordable (and this much fun- THE VILLAGE PEOPLE!!)  I am truly going to see if we can work something our.  I don’t mind a little road trip, as you all know!
Young man, (or mom!)  there’s a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you’re short on your dough.
You can stay there, and I’m sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.
You sure would!  There are so many ways to “stretch your dough” in Branson, and SO MANY ways to have a good time!  I’d even say endless.  I’m really excited about this- The YMCA song is such a staple at every event- your prom, wedding, every dance you have ever been to- it would be so much fun to see it preformed live!  Of course, there are other fantastic Village people songs ( In the Navy, Macho Man, I Am What I Am- to name a few!)  What is your favorite Village People song?
The 70’s will come alive in front of your eyes on May 13th at the Branson Tri-Lakes Center. Your favorite groups from the disco era, the Village People, Maxine Nightingale & Janice-Marie, will be performing 2 hours of their pop culture hits, songs like “YMCA,” “In the Navy,” “Macho Man,” and “Boogie Oogie Oogie”. And after the curtain falls, your favorite performers will be staying after to sign autographs and take pictures with the fans.
After you’ve gotten down and grooved the night away with your favorite 70’s icons, you can head back to your comfortable room at the conveniently located Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing. Your Hilton Promenade Village People Concert Package includes two 70’s Supershow tickets –featuring Village People, Maxine Nightingale & Janice-Marie and one-night stay at the beautiful Hilton Promenade. Packages are starting at $219.00 for two people.  (Right?  Bargain!)
While you are there, there are other attractions that are fun to see!  I noticed the See The World In Branson event, from April 1- May 31 right away.  You can enjoy multiple cultural and International experiences in entertainment and traditions without actually having to travel abroad, just check it out right there on your Branson vacation.   You and your family can experience most every continent and catch a glimpse of many various cultures by visiting hotels, theaters, stores, and restaurants.  Oh, did I mention you get to eat all the different foods, too?  LOL.  I’m down!  There is also a Bluegrass and BBQ event that sounds just delicious!  And Branson remembers the heroes of the Armed Forces at the “Branson Doesn’t Forget” The Armed Forces Show, Sat. May 21st.
When you are all done for the day, head on back and relax in your plush and comfy Hilton Serenity collection bed, which includes a pillow topped mattress, down comforter and luxurious 250 thread count triple sheets. And because I know so many of you mommies are internet junkies like I am- you can know you can have all the access you want with the Hilton’s high speed Internet access.   Upload photos, check your email, update friends and family on Facebook and twitter- whatever it is you want to do!
Don’t forget to check out their sister hotel, Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.  Location, convince, comfort- the Hilton Hotels have it all!
It’s like the package said, it’s fun to stay at the Hil-ton Ho-tel- so book your package today!
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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

Branson, anyone?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
I don’t know about you, but every time I see a brochure for Branson, MO?  I just want to pack a bag and be on my way.  It looks like a great spot for family fun and great entertainment!  I have been getting mailers from them for about 2 years now, and it always looks like such a blast!  Branson has live shows that will fit anyone’s taste- there has to be something for everyone, because they have just so many shows!  Tribute to John Denver, Gospel, Country music, Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus, the 12 Irish Tenors- really- something for any taste.
Known as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” Branson, MO is also a fun one of a kind family vacation destination!  Less then a day’s drive away from home for about 1/3 of Americans, and now offering all sorts of air-fare deals to the new Branson Airport as well as the Branson-Springfield Airport- your vacation awaits!  With events like Kids Day Camp, Talent Contests, Bridal Shows, Cooking with the Chef- there is so much to do and see, you man need a second trip to accommodate all the fun!
Right in the center of it all, are the Hiltons of Branson!  And you know you can trust a quality hotel like the Hilton.  Considering that Branson is the perfect, wholesome spring break destination for a family, and you want to be able to relax and enjoy your stay (and your sleep!) while on vacation and not worry about where you are staying- what kind of place it is, how far away it is from all the attraction you want to see?  What better place to stay than the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel.  Both the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing and Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel are currently offering  fantastic packages that include two adult tickets and two children’s tickets (ages 4 to 11) for two full days of fun at Silvery Dollar City. It also includes a $25 food and beverage voucher for Level 2 Steakhouse located on the second floor of the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. This two-night, three-day package starts at $455.00 plus tax. It’s just another way Hilton is making family fun even more affordable.  Enjoy being in the midst of all the action by booking your stay at either hotel today!
Here are a few ideas I have about a fun filled day in Branson:
My day would start with a cup of joe at Jammin Java where quality coffee is served in a sustainable local environment.  After this we would check out the playground on the grounds of the hotel, get some relax time, until lunch.  For lunch we would go to Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, where they have the best ” ‘que”, yum.  Then have a nice afternoon shopping and seeing some local sites, take a nice walk around the neighborhood and get a real understanding of Branson.  We would end our wonderful day in Branson at Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar and Grille, an actual sing-along piano bar, how awesome is that!!!
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New Car Seat Safety Info!

This week, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines on car seat safety and positioning, recommending that toddlers should now stay in rear-facing car seats until the age of two and that after two, children should sit in booster seats until they are 4’9”.
New Car Seat Guidelines: More Details

EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale™ Review and Contest

I have to say, the EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scaleis super handy.  As a person who LOVES to travel, this is fabulous to have.  It will eliminate all the guessing of “how much does this weigh?”  “Will I have to pay an extra fee at the airport?”  and trying to get your luggage weighed on your traditional bathroom scale, LOL. 

Seriously- with airlines charging and arm and a leg to fly already- and with the simply evil ones charging per bag- can we really afford to guess when it comes to EXTRA FEES????  No thanks.
When I had the chance to review the EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale  I jumped at it.  I don’t fly as much as I used to (kids!) but when I do, I don’t mess around.  I like to pack in advance, I like to know what the baggage limits are, sizes & weights.  We are big travelers here- I consider us “road warriors”, LOL- and as you all know- knowing is half the battle.  When traveling, surprises are often unwelcome.  (Especially those that hit your wallet!)

The EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale  is super easy to use, as well.  It has a double handle smart grip design, which makes it easy to lift even heavy or awkward luggage.  We let the kids hang off it to illustrate how easy it is to use- for real, if it can measure wiggly 6 year old, it will have no problem with your baggage!  🙂

  • EatSmart SmartGrip two-handed design – Easier lifting of heavy luggage
  • 110 lb / 50 kg capacity – Graduation of .1 lbs / .1 kgs
  • Easy-to-read backlit LCD display
  • Compact and lightweight design – Perfect for any traveler
  • Auto Calibated; Auto Power-Off; Runs on 1 long-life lithium battery (included); 100% EatSmart Satisfaction Guarantee

NEVER PAY OVERWEIGHT BAG FEES AGAIN! The EatSmart Precision Voyager digital luggage scale is a practical solution to most airline luggage restrictions*.
Simply clip the EatSmart buckle to the handle of a suitcase or bag. EatSmart‘s proprietary two handed SmartGrip design allows for easier lifting of even the heaviest bags. Lift the bag and the scale will beep when the weight has been determined and appear in the large baklit LCD. Push the ON/OFF button and the scale resets to zero for the next bag.
The scale is compact, lightweight and durable so you can take it along for the return journey.
The Precision Voyager is a practical solution from the casual vacationer to the road warrior!
*Most airlines now impose a strict 50 lb. weight limit on bags per person. Check with your individual airline before flying.

You can get your own EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale  HERE!
You can also enter to win one below- here is how to enter! 

Mandatory entry
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Leave me your email so I can contact you if you win.  


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Become a “fan” of Eat Smart Products on FaceBook.   I’d love you to tell them Have Sippy Will Travel sent you- never required, always appreciated!

Follow Eat Smart Products on Twitter and tweet about this contest
#Win EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale™ Review a… http://t.co/d8lNKld  @HaveSippy

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Follow me on Twitter ( you can use my adorable button to the side!) and tweet about this contest
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– enter the Heirloom Wooden  Toys Contest HERE

– 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  March 28,  2011.