I wish there's a Kroger store close to where I live now. I used to love grocery-shopping at Kroger back when my family lived in Houston, Texas a few years ago. Kroger is definitely a grocery store I would highly recommend to anyone. They got the best prices on grocery and food items and if you're good at keeping up with your coupons, I always get mine on the Sunday paper or print them online at their store website. The savings really add up! :D
I'm also excited to tell you all about a new fun contest Kroger is hosting. How would you like to design your own reusable shopping bag and win fantastic prizes if you're one of the lucky winners? 
*This is one of the designs submitted at the Kroger Reusable Shopping Bag Contest site
Now through May 15, Kroger is inviting customers to visit www.kroger.com/green to enter the Kroger Reusable Shopping Bag Contest. The contest gives Kroger customers the chance to design their own reusable grocery bag with Kroger.com's easy-to-use design tool.
Upon submitting their entry, designers will receive a confirmation email allowing them view their final design and send to family and friends for votes. An expert judging panel will rank the top bag designs, with special consideration given to those designs that have the most votes.
Great prizes will be awarded to the top 10 bag designs, with one lucky designer winning a $1,000 Kroger gift card and the chance for their bag design to be sold in stores. Judges will also select four finalists who will receive $250 Kroger gift cards and five runners-up who will receive $100 Kroger gift cards.
Kroger has also partnered with Café Press so designers can purchase a reusable bag (and other merchandise) with their design on it.
It’s worth noting a variety of stores under the Kroger banner are participating in this contest. For a complete list of participating stores, click on the drop down box in the top right corner of the site.
So what are you waiting on? Design your own Kroger Reusable Shopping Bag now!
*Win one of the two(2) $25 Kroger Gift Cards! Kroger is giving away two $25 Gift Cards to two lucky Hip Mama's Place readers! Please don't forget to read the contest rules very carefully before leaving your comment. ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT IS PERMITTED.
*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, you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
*To enter this contest, leave a comment by Thursday, May 7th at 12MN, EST. OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY. ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT IS PERMITTED. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick two (2) winners using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email or you can check the winner announcement via Prizey.Fetch. You can also choose to enter the name or nickname you use to enter this contest while you're there.
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.
If you do all four extra entry credits, that means you will have five(5) total entries. And 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!
** ~~~~~~ CURRENT REVIEWS, DEALS, FREEBIES AND GIVEAWAYS ~~~~~~ **
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Kroger Reusable Shopping Bag Contest and a Gift Card Giveaway!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Old World Bracelet by Twisted Silver- Review and Giveaway
Have you been to Twisted Silver recently? I love this hip online jewelry store and my latest find is the Old World Bracelet.
Don’t you love a modern twist on a vintage vibe?
Yes, the Old World Bracelet by Twisted Silver certainly has that look and feel. This bracelet takes the simple, vintage-inspired styling from the necklace to create this beautiful wrist adornment. Looking for an effortless way to look fashionable? This hot beauty can be worn at the workplace or at your next weekend getaway!
And oh, what's even hotter? Twisted Silver is giving away one Old world Bracelet (valued @ $60) to one lucky Hip Mama's Place reader! So read on. Please don't forget to read the contest rules very carefully before leaving your comment. ONLY ONE (1) COMMENT PER ENTRANT IS PERMITTED.
*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, you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
*To enter this contest, go visit www.twisted-silver.com and find your favorite VINTAGE VIBE piece, then return to this post and comment about what you found by Wednesday, May 6th at 12MN, EST. OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY. One comment per entrant, please. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick one (1) winner using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email or you can check the winner announcement via Prizey.Fetch. You can also choose to enter the name or nickname you use to enter this contest while you're there.
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.
If you do all four extra entry credits, that means you will have five(5) total entries. And 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!
| Did your hometown make the list? Find out! |
 Are you having a good hair day? You probably are if you're living in one of these cities. We looked at humidity levels, pollution, rainfall, average wind speeds, water hardness, demographics and the number of beauty salons per capita to find which cities have the best conditions for healthy, stylish hair. So did your town make the list? |
Looking for a New Job in Philadelphia?
If you're looking for a new job in the greater Philadelphia metro market, you might want to check out WCAU/ NBC Philadelphia's new online employment platform. This new online employment marketplace provides job seekers and employers that visit with a superior online job search experience. The platform offers employers the ability to post jobs for free while continually grading, filtering and ranking candidates according to how well they qualify for a job. The technology behind this offering features a new profile-matching paradigm with a comprehensive taxonomy and proprietary algorithm eliminating the need for employers and candidates to weed through unwanted listings or unqualified resumes.
One of the largest complaints among online job seekers is the requirement to use keyword search technology which forces users to weed through hundreds of irrelevant job listings in the hope of finding one or two ideal opportunities. WCAU’s new job marketplace uniquely allows job seekers to see precisely matched jobs within two minutes, and allows them to remain anonymous while exploring new career opportunities. Further, match alerts are sent to users in real-time when a new job matches their profile and preferences. So if you're looking for Philadelphia Jobs, this is a very helpful piece of information. Now if you're job hunting in New Jersey, you can check with Realmatch online.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Toddler Recipe: PUPS IN A BLANKET
Here's a simple yet nutritious recipe that I found on WholesomeToddlerFood.com. I am going grocery-shopping this afternoon so I will be getting the ingredients to make this for my little boys tonight.
Have you made anything like this recipe before? Did your kids like them? If you have any other similar recipes, I'd love to know so please share them with a link to the recipes. Thank you!
*PUPS IN A BLANKET
Ingredients:
One pack of all-beef, or turkey all-natural (or tofu) hot dogs
Puff pastry dough or Ready-to-Bake Crescent Rolls or Lavash or Wraps
Veggies & Cheese
Directions:
In a skillet, cook the (tofu) dogs until they brown and blister- may boil if using meat dogs, while the dough sits out defrosting.
Wrap the dogs in a square of the dough and roll them up like a cigar with veggies & cheese. Cut into smaller pieces to desired Toddler-friendly size.
In an oven preheated to 375-400 degrees F, bake the rolled dogs for about 25min. or until they are fluffy and golden brown.
Serve with Sweet Potato Fries or Veggie Sticks and Dipping Sauce
What's Your Favorite Watch?
Do you have a favorite watch? 
I have one and it's a Gucci bangle watch with a pink Mother Of Pearl dial. Simply casual and elegant. And the good thing is that I found a nice discount of this watch online on BlueDial.com. The watch retails for $545.00 at the regular watch store, but it's only $324.00 at BlueDial.com!
If you haven't been to BlueDial.com and you're shopping for a new watch, you should go check it out. They got all the famous brand-name watches you can think of- like Seiko, Citizen, Gucci, Movado, Fossil, ESQ, and more. They got a huge selection of affordable watches too- like Bulova watches. Who knows, you might even find a greater discount on your favorite watch on BlueDial.com.
BlueDial.com offers FREE 2nd Day shipping, free sizing, and same day shipping on all of their watches.
| Try the makeover tricks we used on TotalBeauty.com reader Kim to help spice up her dating life |
 New to the Internet dating scene at age 50, Kim turned to our makeover dream team for beauty tips to help in showing off her sexy, independent self. Follow their steps to see whether their advice worked, and how you can recreate her look on your next date. |
Monday, April 27, 2009
Sparkly and Beautiful Mommy Bracelets by Something 2 Brag About- Review and Giveaway
I've always wanted to feature beautiful mommy bracelets here on Hip Mama's Place so when Becci Kerry, owner and designer of Something 2 Brag About, introduced me to her line of personalized and handmade jewelry, I was excited to see what she has to offer.
So I checked out her store website and was definitely very impressed. Her custom mommy bracelets are absolutely gorgeous and I couldn't wait to get one made for me!
Well, this past Saturday I attended a parents' day out and wore my beautiful and sparkly S2BA mommy bracelet- (especially created for me by owner and designer Becci). As I anticipated, I received a lot of compliments on it from the other moms who were at the meeting. What I love about is that it's so versatile I can wear it on casual days with my jeans and shirt, or on special occasions- (like a special date night with my lovable other half). ;D
I apologize, but since I broke my camera, I couldn't take a photo of my chic mommy bracelet from S2BA. Anyhow, it's an absolutely stunning one-strand sterling silver bracelet with my mother's birthstone (sapphire), swarovski crystals, an assortment of charms, and initials of my first name and of my two little monkeys Gabriel and Jaden. I love it, love it, love it! :D 
Just take a look at these lovely mommy bracelets from Something 2 Brag About. Aren't they the kind you would be delighted to receive or proud to give to your Mom on Mother's Day? Something 2 Brag About doesn't make run-of-the-mill mommy bracelets you find on mass mailing jewelry catalogs, or the cookie cutter pieces you get from the regular jewelry store. S2BA creates custom personalized jewelry that the wearer will be so proud to own.
"It is about the connection between you and your loved one’s. Whether it’s hand stamped personalized charm or a hand beaded name bracelet for a new mother, an adopted child, or a generation’s creation for grandma maybe a remembrance of a loved one or a four legged friend. We pride in original designs from your heart. You design it and I will create it!", Becci said.
Becci is a stay-at-home mom of three girls who has made her jewelry designing hobby turned into a rewarding family business.
For one-of-a-kind, unique and stylish personalized jewelry, check out Something2BragAbout.com. An added bonus for you all Hip Mama's Place readers, S2BA is offering a coupon for 12% off your purchases at their store. Just enter the coupon code: HIPMA12 at checkout. Coupon expires 6.1.09 and cannot be combined with any other offer or used on sale or clearance items at their store.
*Win a $30 Gift Certificate good towards any purchase at Something2BragAbout.com!
CONTEST RULES:
*VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT ONLY ONCE. 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, you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
To enter this contest, leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Something2BragAbout.com by Monday, May 4th at 12MN, EST. Open to US and Canada residents only. One comment per entrant, please. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick one (1) winner using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email or you can check the winner announcement via Prizey.Fetch. You can also choose to enter the name or nickname you use to enter this contest while you're there.
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.
If you do all four extra entry credits, that means you will have five(5) total entries. And 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!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Shedd's Spread Country Crock® Calcium plus Vitamin D Spread
I have a confession to make. I still struggle with my three year old picky eater. I always encourage my child to eat his veggies but there are times when a fight at dinnertime over eating the rest of the carrots on his plate turns into a downhill battle. For me, it's not always worth fighting at the end of a long day no matter how much I try to get him to eat well.
I am, however, very good at keeping up with my kids' nutrient intake. So I try and get creative and find ways that I can incorporate for example, their calcium and Vitamin D intake in simple foods they eat. Think breakfast toast or pancakes smothered with Shedd's Spread Country Crock (my family's favorite butter spread). Now, they've just added calcium and vitamin D to their spread to make it easier for us Moms get the right nutrients in our diets and those of our kids.
Take a look at this:
Each serving of Shedd's Spread Country Crock Calcium plus Vitamin D provides 100 mg of calcium, which is 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium, and 80 IU of vitamin D, or 20% of the DV for vitamin D. You can't get any better than that.
Here's a fast fact according to Mom Central:
There are 9 out of 10 girls, and 3 out of 4 boys, that don't get enough calcium. A recent study indicates that there has been a decline in Vitamin D levels among Americans, both children and adults, over the past 10 years. Getting enough calcium into the diet is important for the development of strong bones and teeth, while Vitamin D is needed to help the body absorb calcium, although very few foods are natural sources.
To help us Moms with nutrition, www.CountryCrock.com provides recipe ideas, nutrition information and tips for simple ways to get more calcium and vitamin D into your diet. You can also take the Shedd's Spread Country Crock® Calcium quiz for a chance to instantly win a $25 Visa® gift card. You'll also be entered for a chance to win a family vacation for five to Yellowstone National Park. Visit www.CountryCrock.com daily through June 13, 2009 for more chances to win!
Also check out the promotions section on the website to print out a 55$ coupon good towards your next purchase of the Shedd's Spread Country Crock® Calcium plus Vitamin D.
Friday, April 24, 2009
| Pro tips on keeping a fresh face -- even in sweltering hot weather |
 Making makeup last all day-- especially in hot, muggy conditions-- doesn't have to be a high-maintenance hassle. Follow these tips from pro makeup artists Charlie Green and Molly Stern and your look, whether natural or dramatic, won't melt away. |
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Two New Flavors from Ragu Old World Style Pasta Sauce
One of my family's favorite dinners is spaghetti- a meal that I can easily put together on busier nights. So I was glad to participate in testing out the two new varieties of Ragú Old World Style® pasta sauce- Sweet Tomato Basil and Margherita .
As a busy mother of two young kids, I try to create meals that are not only delicious and quick to prepare, but also meals that offer good nutrition for the whole family. To make my all-time family favorite spaghetti, Ragu's all-natural red sauces are my best bet as they contain more than a full serving of vegetables in every half-cup of sauce- besides the fact that they're yummy! :D 
I also like trying new recipes so it's great that these two new varieties of Ragú Old World Style® pasta sauce- Sweet Tomato Basil and Margherita, come with great new recipes- a great help with making delicious and healthy dinners on the table even on my busiest nights!
Ragu also offers Moms like you and me a lot of helpful tips on nutrition, parenting and time-management, as well as healthy meal options and recipes designed to make meal planning easier. Check it out today at: www.ragu.com.
*This post is sponsored by Mom Central.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Motherhood Essentials Kit by Belli Skincare (Review and Giveaway!)
Mother’s Day is the one very special day out of the year that we Mothers get the recognition that we all deserve. With the present economic conditions, many of us look for Mother’s Day gifts that are easy on the budget and yet, something heartfelt so that it is remembered forever!
Belli Skincare’s Motherhood Line was created with mothers who deserve the appropriate recognition for the full-time job of being a mom- in mind. Belli Motherhood Essentials Kit is perfect for flaunting motherhood. 
For first-time moms, motherhood can be a little chaotic and scary. From diaper changes, feedings and sleepless nights (for the mom not the baby), the first few weeks of motherhood is anything but glamorous. Not only are you adjusting to a new baby in your life, but your body is still recovering from all the changes it went through during pregnancy. Belli Skincare, the world’s safest skincare line available to address the specific issues of pregnant women, new moms and babies, introduces the Motherhood Essentials Kit, which includes the Pure Comfort Nursing Cream, Eye Brightening Cream, Body Firming Serum and the Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer. The Motherhood Essentials Kit is the must-have skincare survival kit for new moms. Available for $38.99 at www.belliskincare.com.
My top pick from the Belli Skincare Motherhood Line:
*Eye Brightening Cream
As a busy mom of two toddlers, one of my biggest challenges is getting a good night's sleep. Lately, my eyes look tired and dark circles have started forming around them. Thanks to Belli Motherhood Eye Brightening Cream, my eyes look more revived and I look more well-rested after only a couple weeks of everyday use! :D
Benefits:
-hydrates delicate skin around your eyes
-lightens dark circles and minimizes the appearance of fine lines
- special skin care ingredients include:
* Vitamin K to enhance circulation and reduce the appearance of dark circles
* Saccharomyces Cerevisia extract for making the eye area look restored and achieve even complexion
* Rice and Soybean protein to improve hydration and help minimize dark circles and puffiness around the eyes
Belli Motherhood Eye Brightening Cream retails for $37.00 (.85 oz tube).
*Win the Motherhood Essentials Kit from Belli Skincare, valued at $39!
*VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT ONLY ONCE. 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, you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
To enter this contest, leave a comment on this post by Monday, April 27th at 12MN, EST. Open to US and Canada residents only. One comment per entrant, please. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick one (1) winner using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email or you can check the winner announcement via Prizey.Fetch. You can also choose to enter the name or nickname you use to enter this contest while you're there.
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.
If you do all four extra entry credits, that means you will have five(5) total entries. And 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!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Review: Yanni Voices CD
I remember back in college when I was first introduced by a friend to Yanni's music. Although I am not totally a big classical music fan, nevertheless I liked listening to Yanni.
But if you're a fan of Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban or Sarah Brightman, then you'll love Yanni's new CD album, YANNI VOICES! Thanks to One2OneNetwork, I recently received a review copy of this fantastic CD featuring Yanni’s breathtaking instrumental compositions.
In YANNI VOICES, Yanni marks the first time ever that he has brought vocals to the forefront of his music. Teaming with Grammy & Academy Award-winning producer Ric Wake for an album two years in the making, Yanni Voices re-interprets some of Yanni’s classic, inspired compositions and debuts new music, introducing four amazing young vocal artists, Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills, all discovered and produced by Yanni and Wake.
*Experience Yanni Voices
World Tour: This month, for the first time in five years, Yanni is returning to the stage to launch an incredible world tour featuring 50+stops throughout the US including Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and more! Performances by Yanni, his world-renowned orchestra, and the four new talents from YANNI VOICES – Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills, promise an AMAZING SHOW so get your tickets now!
Buy the Album: Yanni Voices CD and DVD are now available in leading music retailers and at Amazon.com.
Suzy Welch's 10-10-10: A Life Transforming Idea
As busy moms, we all juggle many things at the same time. Oftentimes, we are faced with uncertainties in making decisions. Decisions that we sometimes later regret or feel guilty about.
Whether faced with a big life choice or something as small as what to do with our kids for the afternoon, decision-making impacts our lives in many ways- in the short term, or over a long period of time.
Best-selling author Suzy Welch, a mother of four and a columnist for BusinessWeek and O, The Oprah Magazine, provides moms with a decision-making practice that is as simple as it is profound in her new book 10-10-10: A Life Transforming Idea. Through the 10-10-10 method, Suzy shows how you can remove the emotion and uncertainty from decision-making and dramatically change how you make choices, both big and small,in your life. In this book, Suzy suggests a transformative new approach to decision-making. All it takes are three simple questions: When faced with a complex dilemma, stop and ask, "What will the consequences of my options be in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years?" Yet the outcomes are illuminating, and seldom predictable.
As a Mom herself, Suzy shares her own experiences with stories from her own life and the lives of others. Suzy shows how the 10-10-10 method can serve a as powerful tool in making decisions large and small, routine and radical, changing lives for the better at home, in love, at work, and in friendship.
I like how this book is clearly written. Suzy writes with anecdotes you can really relate to and are easy to understand. If you want a proven strategy for making difficult decisions and clarifying life choices, this book will immensely help!
10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea is now available on Amazon, Borders, and Barnes and Noble.
Friday, April 17, 2009
| Learn what earth-friendly buzz words to look for... and which harmful ingredients you should avoid on your labels |
 "Pure" and "natural" might be the buzzwords of today's hottest products, but don't believe everything you read. Because the personal care industry is unregulated, even the word "organic" can be slapped on products chock-full of chemicals that can be dangerous. But who has the time to read through the laundry list of ingredients? If you do -- great. If not, use this cheat sheet to know what ingredients to avoid, and what ones are the best earth-friendly alternatives. |
Thursday, April 16, 2009
New Häagen-Dazs five™ Ice Cream
Whether it's chasing toddlers or shuffling kids to and from soccer practice, Moms deserve a treat at the end of a long, busy day. However, for those of us watching what we eat and the ingredients in the foods we buy, we are sometimes limited in our sweet-toothed choices. Snacks that are packed with artificial ingredients are among those off-limits treats that we not only don't want to buy for our kids, but for ourselves.
Haagen-Dazs, original maker of super premium ice cream, now goes beyond their goal of using pure ingredients. The new Haagen-Dazs Five series is made from just five all-natural ingredients of milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and one hero flavor ingredient such as vanilla bean, mint, coffee, ginger, or milk chocolate. Using just five pure and simple ingredients naturally lends itself to an ice cream with one-third less fat. What makes me appreciate this clean label product (other than the taste, of course!), is that it's a dessert you can feel good about sharing with the whole family.
The new Häagen-Dazs five™ ice cream comes in seven yummy flavors: Mint, Ginger, Coffee, Vanilla Bean, Passion Fruit, Brown Sugar, and Milk Chocolate. And thanks to Mom Central, we had the opportunity to receive 4 of the Häagen-Dazs five™ ice cream flavors. I must admit, I was a little skeptical about a ginger-flavored ice cream. But surprisingly, I loved how the ginger flavor blended in well with the other ingredients. Subtle, yet so yummy. These ice cream flavors are truly and incredibly delicious!
Want to try the new Häagen-Dazs five™ ice cream? It's now available in stores! Just log on to Häagen-Dazs' website and use their Flavor Finder to find your favorite flavors in a store near you.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
New Electrolux Eco-Friendly Washer and Dryer
This Earth Day, Electrolux and Kelly Ripa have teamed up to introduce an eco-friendly front-load washer and dryer in a truly vibrant shade – “Kelly Green.” The new limited edition shade, an upbeat green designed to pack a visual punch, was inspired by the great outdoors and self-proclaimed eco-Mom Kelly Ripa. Here’s a quote from Kelly herself:
“I love green … the color green and the act of living green,” said Ripa. “What better place to make a simple, every day difference than in the laundry room? Kelly Green is a gorgeous shade, and just by using the new Electrolux high-efficiency washer and dryer you can save energy and use less water. How green is that?”
Just in time for Earth day, Electrolux kicks off its virtual flower garden campaign to drive awareness and raise funds for Global Green USA. Starting today, when you go to http://www.electroluxappliances.com/ and plant a virtual flower for a friend, Electrolux will donate $1 to Global Green USA to support their healthy green schools initiatives across America. Everyone who logs on to the site and plants a virtual flower will be automatically entered for a chance to win a new eco-friendly Kelly Green front-load washer and dryer!
In addition, Mom Central will be giving away one eco-friendly “Kelly Green” washer and dryer set to a member of our community! To enter, simply go to http://www.momcentral.com/blogs/win-a-kelly-green-electrolux-washer-a-dryer.html and (1) tell Mom Central which flower you planted on the Electrolux site and (2) share your own “laundry tips” for saving time and energy. Mom Central will pick one lucky winner in a random drawing from all entries received!
So go log on to both sites (Electrolux and Mom Central) to enter for a chance to win the new eco-friendly Electrolux Kelly Green washer & dryer giveaways! (I would love to win these myself!). :D
Monday, April 13, 2009
Aden + Anais Australian Swaddling Blankets (And A Giveaway Here!)
I just received a head's up from Aden + Anais- makers of soft, breathable Australian muslin baby wraps, beautiful baby hooded towels and washcloths, that they're currently having a sale on their Winter Warmth and Dream blankets.
Sale Prices:
Winter Warmth Swaddles- normally $49.95, now on sale for $29.95
Dream Blankets- normally $59.95, now on sale for $39.95
Just visit www.adenandanais.com and enter promo code "wintersale” to receive the discount.
*Win one of the beautiful Dream Blankets, valued at $40, by Aden + Anais!
*VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT ONLY ONCE. 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, you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
To enter this contest, leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Aden + Anais by Monday, April 20th at 12MN, EST. Open to US and Canada residents only. One comment per entrant, please. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick one (1) winner using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email or you can check the winner announcement via Prizey.Fetch. You can also choose to enter the name or nickname you use to enter this contest while you're there.
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.
If you do all four extra entry credits, that means you will have five(5) total entries. And 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!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
| Which cheapies are as good as the high-end products? |
 We asked Lesley Bride, senior scientist at Procter & Gamble Beauty, and Fritz Clay, owner of Hair Play Salon in San Francisco, to compare similar products and say which are so close, you might as well save -- and which are worth the splurge. The results will surprise you. |
Great Spring Holiday Recipe Ideas and Tips at MakingLifeBetter.com
With Easter and Passover come the chance to gather loved ones around the table for good food and good company. For this year's spring holidays, families are seeking affordable recipe ideas, yet still want to prepare a special meal the whole family will appreciate. 
MakingLifeBetter.com has great holiday and everyday meal ideas. With a combination of trusted brands that offer great quality at affordable prices as well as plenty of recipes and tips to help make everyday life better, Moms now have an easily available resource to help with meal prep any day of the year.
Whether you're planning the perfect Passover or cooking a delicious Easter feast, keeping your pantry, refrigerator and freezer well-stocked can save you time and money. Here are some great recipes from top favorite brands:
Easter Dinner:
*Shedd's Spread Country Crock: Make your Easter main course a D-light, with this super-simple recipe for Country-Style Glazed Ham made with Shedd's Spread Country Crock Calcium plus Vitamin D. For a great holiday meal offer, check your April 5th Sunday newspaper! You can get up to $20 back on your ham or turkey purchase by mail when you buy $40 in Unilever products like these during the month of April.
* Bertolli Sauce: If you usually dine out for your Easter meal, but are trying to save money this year, serve a restaurant quality feast at your own table with Bertolli Premium Pasta Sauce. A delicious recipe for Lamb Chops a la Pizzaiola from top chef Rocco DiSpirito will have your family wondering if it came from an Italian restaurant.
Passover Meals:
* Ragú: Ragú Old World Style Pasta Sauce has a full serving of vegetables in every half-cup of sauce and is a good source of Vitamins A and C. For a family-friendly Passover dish, try Matzo Pizza with Ragú.
* Shedd's Spread Country Crock: Add a little nutrition to a Passover favorite, Matzo Brei, with Country Crock Calcium Plus Vitamin D, which provides 20% of the necessary daily value of Vitamin D in each tablespoon.
Everyday Ideas:
* Knorr Sides: Spend less time in the kitchen by making a quick one-dish meal in three easy steps. Simply add your favorite cooked meat or chicken to Knorr Rice and Pasta Sides to make your family a satisfying one-dish meal, like Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo.
* Recipe Secrets: Creating a Country-Style Pot Roast is as simple as combining a few ingredients in the Dutch oven to roast , including Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix, which provides the perfect blend of seasonings to create delicious, affordable meals and great recipes for every occasion.
* Breyers: Bring a sweet ending to your Seder with a classic Hot Fudge Sundae using delicious Breyers All Natural Vanilla Ice Cream - a family-favorite made easily (and more affordably) at home!
For more great spring holiday recipes, helpful tips and ideas on Beauty and Style, Home and Family, Vitality and Wellness, check out Unilever's consumer web site, MakingLifeBetter.com. There is also a coupon to get up to $20 back on your ham or turkey purchase by mail when you buy $40 in Unilever products during the month of April. Just click HERE for the coupon details.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Eleven Shoe Collection- Spring/Summer 2009 Styles Are In!
I have super active kids. So when it comes to choosing the right pair of shoes, I don't only look for style- but also for comfort, function and durability.
One of our top favorite brand of stylish kids' shoes is Eleven Collection. 
Recently, we were thrilled to receive the Joaquin and Eli sandals from their Spring/Summer 2009 Collection. 
Aren't these adorable? For our constant trips to the park since the beginning of Spring, these shoes are just perfect!
"Our Spring/Summer 2009 collection is dynamic and functional, perfect for everything kids will want to get into this season," says founder Nancy Coronado.
Eleven’s shoes feature soft leather uppers, and flexible, durable rubber soles for superior traction. With no break-in period, the shoe’s cushioned insole makes each step a comfortable one, and all shoes feature easy on and off.
Eleven’s new Spring 2009 collection is made up of eleven (11) Spring styles with vintage and city-sleek colors, swank modern accents and superior quality. This new collection comes in sizes 9-3, reflecting the recent addition of sizes 2 and 3 for children ages 7-8. Featuring a fresh combination of vintage-inspired colors and designs for girls and boys including a robin-egg blue sandal, a silver and white Mary Jane, and a navy fisherman sandal, in addition to traditional trainers for both boys and girls, the Spring 2009 Eleven Collection line of shoes will surely please your fashion-conscious little dudes and dudettes!
Retail prices: from $46 for sandals to $50 for shoes. Right now, Eleven Collection is offering FREE SHIPPING with a purchase of two or more pairs of shoes at their website at: www.elevencollection.com. While you're there, also check out their "Sale" section to save even more!
*Win a pair of Eleven Collection shoes for your little one from their Spring/Summer 2009 Collection!
*VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT ONLY ONCE. 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, you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
To enter this contest, leave a comment with your favorite style and size of shoes from Eleven Collection by Friday, April 17th at 12MN, EST. Open to US and Canada residents only. One comment per entrant, please. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick one (1) winner using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email or you can check the winner announcement via Prizey.Fetch. You can also choose to enter the name or nickname you use to enter this contest while you're there.
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.
If you do all four extra entry credits, that means you will have five(5) total entries. And 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!
Thursday, April 9, 2009
X-14® Mold & Mildew Stain Remover
The good news is that mold and mildew stains are easier than ever to get rid of - quickly - with X-14® Mold & Mildew Stain Remover. X-14 effectively removes mold and mildew stains two times faster than the leading competitor, and doesn't require any scrubbing. Safe for use on sealed grout, tile, vinyl and plastic surfaces when used as directed, X-14's superior formula keeps your home's surfaces stain-free for up to two weeks.
Since I've started my Spring cleaning, I was happy to test out the X-14 Mold & Mildew Stain Remover. Thanks to Mom Central!
I've used X-14® Mold & Mildew Stain Remover on our bathroom tile and tub and it does work well in removing soap scums and mildew stains.
Just a warning: X-14 Mold & Mildew Stain Remover is an extremely strong product. The label directions recommend opening a window and/or using a vent fan to eliminate the odor. If you cannot ventilate the room and are sensitive to sodium hypochlorite, the manufacturer recommends avoiding the use of this product.
All in all, it is an effective product that eliminates mold and mildew. As with any cleaning product, make sure to follow the recommended amount to use and how to use the product properly. Also, check out the website's FAQ's section for more details on this and other X-14 brand of products.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Aurora Bracelet by Twisted Silver- Review and Giveaway
Twisted Silver, the place for hip, fun, and funky jewelry, has a new promotion called “Simplicity Speaks”. As part of this promotion, they recently introduced the new Aurora bracelet .
Simple solo, stunning stacked, the lovely Aurora bracelet by Twisted Silver is individually fire treated with fascinating and light-catching aurora borealis color results and will age and change in a way that cooperates with all other metal jewelry. This bracelet features ¾” x ½” brass links and 8” adjustable length.
Simple back-to-basic jewelry is the perfect subtle accent to any look: basic hoop earrings, chain necklace or plain band ring. Simple jewelry stacked and combined together creates an eye-catching statement without being too overboard. Simplicity speaks your style for you!
The Aurora bracelet is now available at www.twisted-silver.com for $30.00.
*Win it! One of you lucky Hip Mama's Place reader will get a chance to win the Aurora bracelet by Twisted Silver!
*VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT ONLY ONCE. 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, you will automatically be disqualified from the contest.
To enter this contest, please visit www.twisted-silver.com and answer the question: "What simple styles are calling to you, either to wear solo or stacked together?", by Wednesday, April 15th at 12MN, EST. Open to US and Canada residents only. One comment per entrant, please. Non-bloggers are always welcome to enter. I will pick one (1) winner using Random.org. The winner will be notified via email or you can check the winner announcement via Prizey.Fetch. You can also choose to enter the name or nickname you use to enter this contest while you're there.
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.
If you do all four extra entry credits, that means you will have five(5) total entries. And 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!
Monday, April 6, 2009
WineStyles Store
I love fine wines. I particularly love fruity and mellow wines, although I am always open to new tastes.
If you haven't been to WineStyles, it's a wine retailer that carries all the top affordable wines you can imagine!
WineStyles is one of my favorite wine store. There's a WineStyles store close to our home and I love going there to get my favorite wines or just trying new wine flavors.
From regional and local wines as well as unique, hard-to-find wines from small and large vineyards from around the world, you'll find them all at a WineStyles store. WineStyles features up to 150 revolving world-class wines and are affordably priced between $10 and $25 per bottle. From regional wines to unique small vineyard wines, you will find it at WineStyles. I love that this wine boutique is very organized so that it is so easy to find the perfect bottle.
Aside from wines, WineStyles also offers a wide variety of gifts and accessories like customizable gift baskets, monthly wine clubs, a frequent buyer program and private event opportunities. My friends and I have gone to a few of their weekly wine tastings. It's really a great gathering place for friends to unwind and relax.
With over 100 locations throughout the U.S., there is bound to be at least one WineStyles store close to your area. Just go to www.winestylesstore.com and find it under the "Store Locations" category.
| Find out what products to splurge on and when to save your hard-earned dollars |
 You don't have to spend half your paycheck on skincare products to stay wrinkle and pimple-free. That said, slathering household condiments on your face to avoid paying for the good stuff isn't necessary either. Dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban and P&G scientist Mary Begovic Johnson helped us compare products with similar ingredients that are very different in cost. Here's what we found. |
L.A. Police Gear
Looking for great deals on police gear and tools? Check out L.A. Police Gear.
L.A. Police Gear has the largest inventory of police apparel and tools with extremely fast shipping. Right now, they are offering free shipping on 5.11 Tactical Pants. Just enter coupon code BOTHWAYS at checkout.
L.A. Police Gear is a factory-authorized dealer for most of police gear brands you see on their web site. They sell not only to cops, but to the general public as well. For more details, just log on to: www.lapolicegear.com or call these numbers if you have questions or want to place your order by phone: 1-661-294-9499 (inside California) or 1-866-793-1911( for all other states).
Sunday, April 5, 2009
VistaPrint Mailing Address Labels
Whether you are an individual or business needing a business card, printed marketing materials, or promotional products, VistaPrint is the one to rely on.
I have personally ordered business cards from VistaPrint before and I like the quality of their product and the prompt service they offer. Plus, the low prices can't be beat!
And because I receive and send packages and mail a lot, one of the things I need is my own custom printed mailing labels. Not only it saves me a lot of time, it also makes my address label look more personable and professional.
I wished I knew before that VistaPrint had these very affordable, high-quality, full-color print return address labels! I mean, look at the prices- you could get them starting at only $7.99!
Anyway, so I browsed through the available template designs VistaPrint has online. I was expecting about 20-30 designs but WOW, I was amazed at the THOUSANDS of designs they offer! What's so cool is that even if you use one of VistaPrint's many design templates, you can still personalize your mailing labels and customize them with text and by uploading your logo or graphics. But if your prefer to use your own personalized address labels, you can do so by simply uploading your file and VistaPrint will print it for you!
Personally, I will be ordering my new business cards from VistaPrint and will probably go with either the "modern" or the "floral" design. I am such a "flower" girl so I would most likely go for one of the simple and elegant floral style. :D
Ready to get started ordering your own custom printed return address labels? Just go to: www.vistaprint.com. Ordering online is fast, easy, and convenient. VistaPrint takes great pride in the quality of their products and services they offer. If for any reason, you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase from them, you can just contact Customer Support within 30 days from the date you receive your order (or the date it was scheduled to arrive) and they will refund the full price of the product you ordered, excluding shipping and processing costs.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
| Get a perfect score and you'll be on your way to a skin cancer-free life |
 Sure, you may dutifully apply your SPF 30 when heading to the beach each summer... but how protected is your skin on a daily basis? Here, we test your sun knowledge to see how much you really know about sunscreen and sun safety. |
