
My son Gabriel turned 4 today. We had so much fun at Chuck E. Cheese's at his birthday party last night. :D
I didn't actually expect for the party to be nice and smooth like it turned out knowing Chuck E. Cheese's is always crowded no matter what day or time you go. But the one in Woodbridge, Virginia where we had it held is actually nicer, newer and cleaner than all the other ones we've been to. And since it was a week night party, we didn't have the same crazy crowd and we even had unlimited time at our tables instead of just the usual 90 minute-limit on their birthday parties. So anyway, everyone had a lot of fun, even the adults!
To all our family and friends who helped celebrate Gabriel's birthday with us: THANK YOU SO MUCH! Gabriel is currently enjoying his new toys (presents) as I'm writing this entry. ;D
***************** CURRENT CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAYS ****************
Friday, July 3, 2009
Happy Birthday, Gabriel!
Posted by Jocelyn at 11:29 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Labels: Family Events, Gabriel, My babies
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Gabriel is Turning Four
My eldest son Gabriel is turning four tomorrow- Friday, July 3rd and we're celebrating his birthday with a Chuck E. Cheese's birthday party tonight. Yes, we opted for a weeknight party instead of a weekend one. The July 4th weekend seems to be one of the busiest times for everyone and most of our invited friends have plans to go out of town or have parties of their own to attend to.
Anyway, Dan and I went toy shopping yesterday at Walmart. Gosh, toys aren't cheap these days. The whole time I was thinking we could have used coupons to save money. But well, what can you do?
About the party, we've invited about ten kids with their parents so it should be so much fun! For his birthday theme, Gabriel personally picked "Cars"- his favorite Disney character these days. So we have a Cars-themed cake, balloons, favors and confettis.
I'll be sure to post photos here of Gabriel's 4th birthday party by the end of the week. Promise! ;D
Posted by Jocelyn at 6:46 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Chuck E Cheese's Party, Gabriel, Saving Money
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
| From Angelina Jolie's cat eye to Anna Wintour's iconic bob -- see the looks we love and loathe |
| Establishing a signature style can be a great way to make a statement, but it can also turn into a rut. Look to these examples for clues on how long you should stick with your signature style and if it's really right for you. |
Posted by Jocelyn at 11:32 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Beauty Tips, Total Beauty
Learning About Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are amazingly beautiful creatures. They're such a delightful sight to see with their shimmery and colorful wings. No wonder many people find ways to attract these elusive little birds to their garden or yard.
Do you know that hummingbirds come in many different species? I was just browsing through this cool online hummingbird library and learned that the male Costa's Hummingbird does a spectacular courtship ritual to attract their females for mating; or that the Calliope Hummingbird was named after the Greek muse Calliope and is the smallest bird found in the United States and Canada.
I also learned that there are many types of bird feeders to attract hummingbirds, they are drawn to the color red and that they feed mostly on nectar and small insects.
And for the best hummingbird feeders, it's advised to find those that are sturdy, easy to clean and are designed to give you a better view of visiting hummingbirds.
Looking for useful tips and products on hummingbirds? Visit www.Birdfeeders.com
Posted by Jocelyn at 10:33 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Hummingbirds
You must read this hair removal guide before attempting to wax yourself |
| Once you overlook the temporary pain, at-home waxing is mighty tempting. But before you try that waxing kit you bought, read these essential tips so you wind up with smooth, hair-free skin -- not ingrowns and frustration. |
Posted by Jocelyn at 10:26 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Beauty Tips, Total Beauty
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Original ToiBocks: Not Your Typical Jewelry Box

Looking for a smart, elegant way to store your jewelry, cash, and other small personal items?
Introducing The Original Toibocks- a jewelry/valet box that's perfect for when you want to hide your valuables such as cash, jewelry, toys (even intimate items) and more. This is not your typical jewelry box. You'll never know that the red velvet-lined top tray can be lifted up to find a secret compartment that only you- the ToiBocks owner- can unlock.
The beauty, ingenuity and extra functionality of this jewelry box greatly impressed me. Now, I don't have to worry about my curious toddlers going through my regular jewelry box to find my intimate items too! Not to mention, it's a very stylish addition to my bedroom decor. :D
Invented by Dawn Tulman, a mom who had a great idea in mind to create a product that will address the need to safely and discreetly lock away personal items, The Original Toibocks is definitely a product any woman will love!
The Original Toibocks retails for $99.95- a worthy investment for a very unique, useful product that will last for years to come.
To learn more about The Original ToiBocks, visit www.toibocks.com today.
Posted by Jocelyn at 1:45 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: Jewelry And Accessories, ToiBocks
| These makeup artist tricks will take your mascara to a whole other level |
| Just because you've bought a great mascara, doesn't mean you'll automatically have perfect lashes. It all depends on what you do with it. That's why we asked the experts for their tricks to getting long, voluminous lashes. With these tips, your lashes will stop people in their tracks! |
Posted by Jocelyn at 12:15 PM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: Beauty Tips, Total Beauty
Monday, June 29, 2009
Save Up To 70% Off Men's and Ladies' Watches at BlueDial.com
Believe it or not, my honey doesn't wear a watch. He says he's not really into watches or any type of jewelry. But I think it's more because he's not used to wearing one and I have a feeling he will be open to wearing it once someone close gives it to him to wear. (Hint, hint). ;)
So lately I've been shopping around for a stylish, yet affordable men's watch. Yup, his birthday is coming up in only a couple months and I think he will be happy with a watch from BlueDial.com. I've purchased a watch from this popular online watch store before and I can say that I was a very satisfied customer. The watch I bought came in perfect shape, nicely boxed, and it arrived very timely as expected. Of course, I was happy with the price- most of all.
If you haven't checked out BlueDial.com yet, they sell a good variety of brand-name watches for men and women such as those by Gucci, Bulova, Movado, Pulsar, Citizen, and more! I was browsing through their Seiko Watches section and I was amazed at the many styles of Seiko watches to choose from.. it's hard to pick the best! :D
At BlueDial.com, you can get men's and ladies watches for up to 70% off regular retail jewelry stores! They even offer free 2nd day shipping to Continental U.S.
To start shopping for the best deals in watches online, go to www.bluedial.com
Posted by Jocelyn at 2:21 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Jewelry And Accessories
| Take this quiz to get customized tips on winning your skin battles, from acne and wrinkles to chronic dryness |
| Does it feel like your skin is conspiring against you, sprouting pimples or fine lines when your back is turned? It may seem impossible but you can overcome any skin challenge and have a flawless complexion -- with the right care. Take this quiz to identify your enemies and get tips on how to conquer them. |
Posted by Jocelyn at 7:25 AM 2 comments Links to this post
Labels: Beauty Tips, Total Beauty
Sunday, June 28, 2009
| First, decode your undertones with this photo how-to |
| So many makeup how-tos have suggestions for "cool tones" and "warm tones," but what if you don't know what your tone is?! Figure it out with this easy-to-use guide -- and then find the perfect makeup colors for your skin tone. |
Posted by Jocelyn at 9:02 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Beauty Tips, Total Beauty
Friday, June 26, 2009
| Flip flops, sundresses, self-tanner and these celebrity-inspired hairstyles -- gotta love the warm season |
| Summer is the perfect time to rock a sexy casual updo. It feels great to get hair up off the neck, and a casual updo says "confident" more than any other. Here are several celebrity-inspired looks to try. |
Posted by Jocelyn at 12:04 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Beauty Tips, Total Beauty
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Belli’s Pampered Pregnancy Body Wash Review and Giveaway
Hidden by the “pregnant glow” that all mothers-to-be tend to illuminate, it is not unusual to find skin flaws such as blemishes, acne or dark spots. During pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes countless changes causing her skin to become sensitive, dry and itchy.
That's why Belli created the world's safest skincare line to address the specific issues of mothers and babies during and after pregnancy.
For expectant mothers looking for a mild, moisturizing body wash that will gently cleanse the skin while keeping it soft and comfortable, there's Belli's Pampered Pregnancy Body Wash. It's the "safest daily cleanser to use during pregnancy that contains active anti-inflammatory ingredients and relaxing aromatherapy ingredients that help to treat skin problems pregnant women are likely to experience for the next nine months", says Annette Rubin, a mother and Founder of Belli.
Belli’s Pampered Pregnancy Body Wash is a pure and balanced skin cleanser that contains only the safest ingredients to clean and soothe the skin. Active ingredients include:
· Green Tea: Calms and soothes irritated skin with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants properties
· Cucumber: Soothes and refreshes dry skin with active anti-irritant ingredients
· Lavender: Relaxes skin with aroma-therapeutic oils
· Chamomile: Softens, refreshes and moisturizes irritated skin
Although Belli's Pampered Pregnancy Body Wash is specially formulated for expectant mothers, any mother (or woman) could certainly use all the great skin benefits it offers. I know I do! :D
Belli's Pampered Pregnancy Body Wash retails for $18.00 in a 14.35 oz. Look for it under Belli's Pregnancy Line at: www.belliskincare.com
*Win Belli's Pampered Body Wash in the full size bottle, worth $18!
*HOW TO WIN IT: As always, please follow the ONE (1) COMMENT ONLY RULE. Please read on for more details...
*CONTEST RULES: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE LEAVING YOUR COMMENT.
ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT, PER CONTEST IS ALLOWED. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND ANY EXTRA ENTRY CREDITS YOU'VE DONE IN YOUR COMMENT. If for some reason you forgot to add a detail on your first comment, you can delete it by using the "trash can" icon beside your comment, then re-enter your new comment with the details you want included. This way, I am able to track the real number of entrants for each contest. I regret to inform you that if you enter multiple comments, those comments will be deleted and you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
*To enter this contest, leave a comment by Thursday, July 9th, 2009 at 12MN, EST. OPEN TO U.S. and CANADA RESIDENTS ONLY. ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT IS PERMITTED. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick One (1) WINNER using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email and announced as a comment on this post.
Want to earn EXTRA CREDITS? Contest entrants will each win one(1) extra credit by doing the following:
1. Mention this contest in a post on your blog with a direct link to www.hipmamasplace.com
2. Add the Hip Mama's Place badge on your blog sidebar. You can find the badge code on the top right hand of the HMP main page and paste it on an HTML page on your sidebar.
3. Subscribe to Hip Mama's Place via the FEED READER or by EMAIL.
4. Favorite Hip Mama's Place on Technorati.
5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
6. Post this giveaway on Facebook
If you do all six (6) extra entry credits, that means you will have five(7) total entries. Remember, the more entries you have, the more chances of winning! Please don't forget to mention the extra credit/s you've done in your comment. Goodluck!
Posted by Jocelyn at 11:38 AM 27 comments Links to this post
Labels: Bath and Body Products, Contests and Giveaways, Skin Care And Makeup

















































