Gifts for home entertaining are great to give this holiday season. They can be used right away and in my family, everyone loves digging into goodies. That's why we were very thrilled when we received this Hickory Handyman Tool Bag gift basket from Hickory Farms. 
Filled to the brim with all of Hickory Farms favorites which includes:
- 12 oz. Our Original Beef Summer Sausage
- 12 oz Spicy Savory Beef Summer Sausage
- 7 oz. Ham Summer Sausage
- 8 oz. Mini Beef Sausage Snacks
- 3.6 oz. Beef Sausage Snacks
- 3.6 oz Spicy Beef Sausage Snacks
- 10 oz. Hickory Cheddar Blend
- 10 oz. Jalapeño & Cheddar Blend
- 7 oz. Mission Jack Blend
- 6 oz. Smoked Gouda Blend
- 10 oz. Sweet Hot Mustard
- 5 oz. Golden Toasted Crackers
- 5 oz. Cracked Wheat Crackers
.. and a black nylon tool bag that's a great gift for my honey! Now he has a nice and durable tool bag to keep his tools organized. How ingenious! :)
My kids love the sausage snacks and golden toasted crackers. I personally love the Hickory Cheddar Blend cheese. And since we're having a holiday party at home this coming Sunday, I saved up some of the cheeses and sausages for our guests. It will be a lovely Christmas tray full of Hickory Farms' yummy goodies! 
So who doesn't know Hickory Farms? Hickory Farms has been a holiday tradition for nearly 60 years providing us with a wide selection of the famous sausages and cheeses in environmentally friendly boxes.
Check out the Hickory Farms store online for holiday gift ideas such as food gift baskets, boxes, towers, tins and so much more!
For a limited time this holiday season, for each Party Planner Gift Box sold, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to Share Our Strength, a leading national non-profit organization working to end childhood hunger in America. Additionally, for 40 of these gift items, Hickory Farms provides free military shipping, allowing our troops across the globe to share in holiday traditions. Visit www.hickoryfarms.com to learn more about these two opportunities as well as the variety of gift boxes available!
"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Hickory Farms and received a Hickory Farms gift basket to facilitate my review."
** ~~~~~~ CURRENT REVIEWS, DEALS, FREEBIES AND GIVEAWAYS ~~~~~~ **
Monday, November 30, 2009
Holiday Gift Idea: Hickory Farms Food Gift Baskets (And Help A Good Cause)
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Stocking Stuffer Quiz: Find Perfect Gifts for Everyone On Your List
Answer a few quick questions and get ideal recommendations for the loved ones on your shopping list
Everyone has that someone (or someones) on their list that are practically impossible to buy for. Rather than wander the mall aimlessly for days trying to come up with a gift they'll like, just take this quiz to find gifts they'll love. It's almost too easy.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
(Photo courtesy, Better Homes and Gardens "Easy Fall Crafts Made With Leaves")
This week has been a hectic one for me. But I want to take a moment to say, "HAPPY THANKSGIVING" to everyone! :)
And before you take off, please enter my giveaways. The links are on the very top of the page. Thank you all!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Walmart Cooking For The Holidays: Thanksgiving Meal For Eight As Low As $20 (Plus a Walmart GC Giveaway!)
Thanksgiving Day is only two days away. Are you all prepared and ready to cook up your family's favorite Thanksgiving meals?
If you're still looking for last-minute Thanksgiving meal recipes, go to Walmart online for their "Cooking For the Holidays" section. With food prices on the rise, it becomes a challenge for us budget-conscious moms to think up great, tasty and affordable meals for the holidays.
Don't fret. The good news is that, if you're a frequent Walmart shopper like I am, you'll be glad to know that for as low as $20, you can create a delicious, unforgettable Thanksgiving Meal for Eight. The Thanksgiving Meal includes one 12-pound Grade-A turkey, three cans of vegetables, three boxes of stuffing mix, one 5-pound bag of red potatoes, two cans of cranberry sauce, one package of dinner rolls, and a pumpkin roll cake for dessert! Sounds too good to be true? Well, go ahead and watch this video.
And if you're less confident in the kitchen, Food Network star Melissa d'Arabian shows you how to create tasty twists on traditional holiday dishes using the ingredients found in the Thanksgiving basket.
Walmart's Thanksgiving Meal for Eight for as low as $20 ensures everyone has the chance to enjoy this year's Thanksgiving.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Walmart. In addition, I received a Walmart gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate and two to offer as a giveaway.”
*Good news Hip Mama's Place readers, you can win a $30 Walmart Gift Card (2 Winners in the US and Canada), courtesy of Walmart and Mom Central!
Read on for more details on the contest.
To enter the contest, share your favorite Thanksgiving memories or money-saving tips by leaving a comment on this post by December 9th, 2009 at 12MN, EST.
This contest is open to U.S. AND CANADA ADDRESSES ONLY. I will choose TWO (2) WINNERS using Random.org and will be announced as a comment on this post.
Your comment is your one entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following: (You may leave extra comments for your extra entries if you wish)
1. Grab the Hip Mama's Place badge code under the "Grab Our Fabulous Button" and paste it on an HTML page on your blog sidebar.
2. Tweet this event on Twitter with a direct link to this URL page: (JUST COPY THIS URL PAGE AND POST IT ON YOUR TWITTER PROFILE UPDATE)
"I just entered the $30 Walmart GC giveaway on Hip Mama's Place..
(then this URL): http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2009/11/walmart-cooking-for-holidays.html
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook (again using the URL page address above)
4. Write a short post about this giveaway on your blog linking to our home page or the URL page address above
5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
6. Become a Fan of Hip Mama's Place on Facebook
You will have seven (7) total entries when you do the above-mentioned extra entries besides your comment. The more entries you have, the greater chances of winning! Goodluck!
Top 20 Earth-Friendly Beauty Gifts
The hottest skin care, makeup and hair care on every green chick's holiday wish list
Why not try something a little different this season and look for eco-friendly gifts? Any of the products in this round-up will fit the bill -- they're all eco-friendly and tested and approved by (notoriously picky) TotalBeauty.com readers.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Go, Diego, Go!: "Diego’s Arctic Rescue" DVD Review and Giveaway
We have had an awesome opportunity to receive a copy of the new Go, Diego, Go!: "Diego’s Arctic Rescue" DVD.
In this new Go, Diego, Go! DVD release, Diego embarks on the journey of a lifetime to save the baby polar bear in the all-new feature-length adventure. The DVD also includes two bonus episodes, as well as a “Diego’s Animal Adventures” featurette.
My four and two and a half year old boys loved bouncing around the living room while watching "Diego’s Arctic Rescue". This DVD is not only full of fun, it's also very educational. If there is any book or movie that will catch my boys' attention instantly, it will be about animals. So we were excited to learn that "Diego’s Arctic Rescue" is all about the animal kingdom and animal lifestyles and habitats- presented in a very fun, wholesome and catchy way!
Go, Diego, Go!: "Diego’s Arctic Rescue" DVD is now available at your leading retailers and at Amazon for $11.99. A great, affordable holiday gift for little ones!
*Good news, Hip Mama's Place readers! We have one Go, Diego, Go!: "Diego’s Arctic Rescue" DVD copy to give away to one of you! Read on for more details about the contest.
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post by December 4th, 2009 at 12 midnight, EST. This contest is open to U.S. ADDRESSES ONLY. I will choose one (1) winner using Random.org and will be announced as a comment on this post.
Your comment is your one entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following: (You may leave extra comments for your extra entries if you wish)
1. Grab the Hip Mama's Place badge code under the "Grab Our Fabulous Button" and paste it on an HTML page on your blog sidebar.
2. Tweet this event on Twitter with a direct link to this URL page: (JUST COPY THIS URL PAGE AND POST IT ON YOUR TWITTER PROFILE UPDATE)
"I just entered the Go Diego Go! DVD giveaway on Hip Mama's Place..
(then this URL): http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2009/11/go-diego-go-diegos-arctic-rescue-dvd.html
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook (again using the URL page address above)
4. Write a short post about this giveaway on your blog linking to our home page or the URL page address above
5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
6. Become a Fan of Hip Mama's Place on Facebook
You will have seven (7) total entries when you do the above-mentioned extra entries besides your comment. The more entries you have, the greater chances of winning! Goodluck!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom DVD Review and Giveaway
If your kids like dancing and singing along with Dora and friends, they will be pleased with the new Dora the Explorer: "Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom" DVD.
Enter the magical, musical world of the Crystal Kingdom in the all-new Nickelodeon feature-length adventure Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom. Along with this never-before-seen title episode, the DVD includes two additional adventures from the top-rated preschool series.
In Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom, Dora continues her magical storybook adventure from last fall (“Dora Saves the Snow Princess”), when the magic crystal that the Snow Princess gave her brings to life another character in her storybook – Allie of the Crystal Kingdom. A greedy king has stolen the crystals that give Allie’s kingdom color. Dora and Boots must help Allie locate the crystals and turn the pale gray kingdom back into a colorful wonderland before it’s too late.
One big thing that I like about Dora episodes is that they're very interactive for children. My kids just don't sit and watch in front of the TV the whole time they watch Dora. Dora has this way of making them get up and move. My four year old Gabriel even answers Dora's questions- both in English and in Spanish. (Too cute!) It's a great way for my kids to learn simple Spanish words here and there. The fun crystal color matching game and two additional adventures – “First Day of School” and “Boots’ Banana Wish” included in the DVD are all great bonuses as well.
Dora the Explorer: "Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom" was an instant hit in our family!
*Good news, Hip Mama's Place readers! We have one "Dora Saves the Crystal Kingdom" DVD to give away to one of you! Read on for more details.
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post by December 2nd, 2009 at 12 midnight, EST. This contest is open to U.S. ADDRESSES ONLY. I will choose one (1) winner using Random.org and will be announced as a comment on this post.
Your comment is your one entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following: (You may leave extra comments for your extra entries if you wish)
1. Grab the Hip Mama's Place badge code under the "Grab Our Fabulous Button" and paste it on an HTML page on your blog sidebar.
2. Tweet this event on Twitter with a direct link to this URL page: (JUST COPY THIS URL PAGE AND POST IT ON YOUR TWITTER PROFILE UPDATE)
"I just entered the Dora the Explorer DVD giveaway on Hip Mama's Place..
(then this URL) http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2009/11/dora-saves-crystal-kingdom-dvd-review.html
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook (again using the URL page address above)
4. Write a short post about this giveaway on your blog linking to our home page or the URL page address above
5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
6. Become a Fan of Hip Mama's Place on Facebook
You will have seven (7) total entries when you do the above-mentioned extra entries besides your comment. The more entries you have, the greater chances of winning! Goodluck!
Friday, November 20, 2009
How to Have a Feel-Good Holiday this Year
'Tis the season to be an earth-friendly, environmentally conscious anti-scrooge
Sleigh bells are ringing, snow is glistening, and you're all about that walk through a winter wonderland. But along with the joy of these seasonal outdoor elements comes the stress of holiday shopping, party hopping and family gathering. We say, no need to be gloomy when there's merriness to be found. Here, ways to relax and rejoice, while respecting the green (both the Earth and your loot).
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sold My First Photo Art Locket Necklace!
Gorgeous. Unique. Affordable.
That's how I will describe my new collection of photo art locket necklaces on Designs by Jocelyn.
I started listing four of those necklaces last night and then this afternoon after I came back from running my errands, guess what I found: my Woot Whimsical Owl Art Locket Necklace sold! I was so excited! :)
Anyway, I still got four more photo art locket necklaces currently for sale and my 20% off sale for first-time buyers is still on. So go ahead and feast your eyes with mod and vintage-style handmade jewelry!
Visit: http://www.designsbyjocelyn.etsy.com to see my gallery
Thank you for looking! :)
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Top 12 Products for Oily Skin
Stop grease and shine with oil-controlling makeup and skin care
If you have oily skin, you know it can be tough to prevent mid-day shine and keep grease at bay. Here, our fellow oily skin readers share feedback on the products that keep them looking matte all day.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Enter for your chance to win a $10,000 Sephora Shopping Spree!
How much stuff could you buy with a $10,000 Sephora Shopping Spree?
Where do we start?! How about 416 DiorShow Mascaras. Or 41 ghd flat irons. Or 51 Clarisonic Skin Care Brushes. The better question is what couldn't you buy? Answer: Nothing! Enter for your chance to win by writing product reviews on TotalBeauty.com or signing up for TotalBeauty.com's newsletters, it's so easy! Find out more here.
Friday, November 13, 2009
15 Ways to Shop Smarter this Holiday Season
Savvy ways to help you slash through the shopping stress
Mall rats, maybe. Online scavengers, for sure. We asked the experts (aka: real women, like you, who love to shop) to dish and divulge their biggest, best-kept secrets for tackling the tough-to-manage deed of holiday shopping. Whether it's for your mate, coworker, mom or kid's teacher, these tricks and tips will keep you merry and bright (rather than Grinch-ish bitter) as you get ready to gift give.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!: Wubbzy's Christmas Adventure DVD Review and Giveaway
My kids absolutely love Wubbzy, so I was thrilled to receive a review copy of the newest Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! DVD: "Wubbzy's Christmas Adventure".
This DVD teaches about showing care and compassion to others and how helping and sharing is important in friendships. Wubbzy, together with his sidekicks Walden, Daizy and Widget makes everything full of fun with upbeat, cute songs and dancing. This is one DVD any child will love watching. My kids certainly enjoyed this movie!
Plus, with the holidays just around the corner- it makes for a great movie to watch with your kids to get into the holiday spirit!
Product Description:
The holidays are coming, and everyone in Wuzzleburg is getting ready for Winter Wonder Wubb Club fun! In this all-new Wubbzy collection, everyone's favorite bendy-tailed buddy pitches in to decorate The Figgity-Fig Tree, fix Walden's snow sculpture and even solve the mystery of the Snow Shoo-Shoo! There s plenty of singing, dancing, hoopty-horns and slippery-sledding too, all in the DVD that celebrates the ultimate Wow! Wow! season of caring, sharing and friendship!
Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!:"Wubbzy's Christmas Adventure" DVD is now available at your leading book and movie retailers and at Amazon.com for $9.99
*Win a copy of the Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!:"Wubbzy's Christmas Adventure"!
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post by November 20th, 2009 at 12 midnight, EST. This contest is open to U.S. and Canada addresses only. I will choose one (1) winner using Random.org and will be announced as a comment on this post.
Your comment is your one entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following: (You may leave extra comments for your extra entries if you wish)
1. Grab the Hip Mama's Place badge code under the "Grab Our Fabulous Button" and paste it on an HTML page on your blog sidebar.
2. Tweet this event on Twitter with a direct link to this URL page: (JUST COPY THIS URL PAGE AND POST IT ON YOUR TWITTER PROFILE UPDATE)
http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2009/11/wow-wow-wubbzy-wubbzys-christmas.html
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook (again using the URL page address above)
4. Write a short post about this giveaway on your blog linking to our home page or the URL page address above
5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
6. Become a Fan of Hip Mama's Place on Facebook
You will have seven (7) total entries when you do the above-mentioned extra entries besides your comment. The more entries you have, the greater chances of winning! Goodluck!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
The Cure for Dry Winter Skin
Find out which top hand hydrators our testers found desk drawer-worthy
We spend hundreds on youth-enhancing face lotions -- but when's the last time your hands got some love? "Hands show aging more than the face," says Los Angeles-based dermatologist Dr. Howard Murad. Good point. So we had 10 testers review hand creams for two weeks. Which ones offered the best hydration -- and which were just greasy? Find out in the ratings.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Fragrance Review: Parisienne Eau de Parfum Spray by YSL
If you like to wear perfume that will bring out your natural "sexy" and aura of mystery, you will like Parisienne- a new fragrance developed by YSL (Yves Saint Laurent).
I had Paris in mind when I heard of the name "Parisienne". Mmmm...Paris. The name, to me, is synonymous to romance. And after seeing the YSL Parisienne commercial featuring the beautiful and sultry model/actress Kate Moss, I was even more intrigued about trying this new scent.
"The essence of a woman who is incredibly free. She is not from Paris but Paris adopts her. Because she knows how to love, how to live.
PARISIENNE, the fragrance of ultra femininity, ultra sensuality. A grand floral with a woody structure, luminous even in its mystery...
Well, mind you- I wore this scent the first time about a few days ago when I was getting ready to go out with my honey. Take a wild guess. The first thing he noticed is that I smelled "extra yummy". (LOL). I was a little concerned at first, because I thought it was going to be a bit overpowering for my usual choice in perfumes. I usually go for floral, slightly musky tones when it comes to fragrance. But wow, the YSL Parisienne was a nice surprise for me. A floral, fruity fragrance with notes of blackberry, damask rose, peony, violet, sandalwood and musk. A bit different.. but actually, a scent I can wear comfortably (and proudly). I love it!
A little advice for those who want to try it: a little goes a long way for the YSL Parisienne so use sparingly. It's not a heavy scent and I feel pretty and sexy wearing it. :)
YSL Parisienne Eau de Parfum is available in three sizes (1.0 oz, 1.6 oz, 3.0 oz) with price ranges from $39 to $85. Check it out today at www.yslbeautyus.com and at your leading beauty and fragrance retailers.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Celebrity Hair Color Hall of Fame: Best Brunettes
Considering a color change? Peruse these photos of Megan Fox, Jennifer Lopez and more to inspire your new look
Joel Warren, L'Oreal Professionnel Hair Color Ambassador shares expert advice on how to get these standout brunette shades in the comfort of your own bathroom, for less than 20 bucks.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Modern, Distinctive Kids' Clothing by Masala Baby- Review and Giveaway!
Add some spice to your baby's life with stylish and wearable clothes by Masala Baby. Designed for kids 6 months to 4 years, Masala Baby's distinctive collection of baby and toddller clothing combines modernity with the rich traditions of India. The result: spirited, eclectic clothing styles you can never go wrong with.
Take a look at these tunics and hoody sets. Gabriel (my four year old) looks especially cute with the Rust Lounge and Hoody Top and Pant Set. Jaden (my two and a half year old) is just happy and comfy in his Clove Tunic Tee and Knit Pants Set! :)
And these really comfy, luxuriously soft body suits- oh my! Reminds me of my babies' earlier years when they just love lounging around the house with their soft cotton body suits- so adorable!
If you haven't been to Masala Baby's store online, go visit and browse around their many varied collections of baby's clothing. Makes great holiday gifts for the special baby and toddler in your life too!
*Win any one (1) baby or toddler clothing item (with a value between $24-$48 each) from Masala Baby!
*To enter the contest, go visit: www.masalababynyc.com and check out the Collections or Categories section of the store. Pick your one most favorite item from the store (with a value between $24-$48 each) and come back to this post. Leave a comment telling me what you like about your most favorite Masala Baby clothing item, including your desired size and color. Also innclude your email address in your comment to contact you in case you win. This contest ends on November 10th, 2009 at 12 midnight, EST and is open to U.S. and Canada addresses only. I will choose one (1) winner using Random.org and will be announced as a comment on this post.
Your comment is your one entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following: (You may leave extra comments for your extra entries if you wish)
1. Grab the Hip Mama's Place badge code under the "Grab Our Fabulous Button" and paste it on an HTML page on your blog sidebar.
2. Tweet this event on Twitter with a direct link to this URL page: (JUST COPY THIS URL PAGE AND POST IT ON YOUR TWITTER PROFILE UPDATE)
http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2009/11/modern-distinctive-kids-clothing-by.html
3. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook (again using the URL page address above)
4. Write a short post about this giveaway on your blog linking to our home page or the URL page address above
5. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
6. Become a Fan of Hip Mama's Place on Facebook
You will have seven (7) total entries when you do the above-mentioned extra entries besides your comment. The more entries you have, the greater chances of winning! Goodluck!
