Having had two pregnancies (and two beautiful boys as a result of that!) were life-changing events for me. But alas, after almost three years since my second baby, I still have the dreaded "muffin top". 
Thanks to maternity and post-maternity belly support products by Amon Maternity! Pregnant and post-pregnant mothers can now have the most comfortable belly support they need.
I especially love the Bodyshaper- which significantly helps me get into my body-hugging tops, dresses and regular jeans. I'm still aiming to get back into my pre-pregnancy shape, but the Bodyshaper is a great choice for when I need firm and comfortable support around my tummy and mid-section (and disguising my "muffin top") without the discomfort of stiff bands around those areas. I was surprised the first time I wore my Bodyshaper- it definitely helped me look like I've already regained my pre-pregnancy figure! :)
I've owned a few other tummy control type undies before I got my Bodyshaper from Amon Maternity. But what I love most about the Bodyshaper is that I don't feel confined or restricted while I'm wearing it. The fabric is ultra soft and easy on my sensitive skin while providing ample stretch and breathability.
So if you've been looking for products that will effectively provide pregnancy and post-pregnancy belly support, think Amon Maternity. Products are available online at: www.amonmaternity.com
Exclusive to Hip Mama's Place readers: enter coupon code "HIPMAMA10" at checkout to receive 10% off on any of your purchase at www.amonmaternity.com
*And even better news, Hip Mama's Place readers! Amon Maternity has graciously offered to give away $50 Gift Certificate to one of you to use on your purchase at their store online!
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post by January 8th, 2010 at 12MN, EST. This contest is open to U.S. AND CANADA ADDRESSES ONLY. Please note that the sponsor will cover U.S. shipping. However, if you live in Canada, you will be responsible for shipping charges. 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 $50 Amon Maternity Gift Certificate giveaway on Hip Mama's Place!
(followed by this URL): http://bit.ly/772cCE
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!
Good luck and Happy New Year!
Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “The opinion I am sharing remains my own. I received the product mentioned on this post to facilitate my review and I was allowed to keep it”.
** ~~~~~~ CURRENT REVIEWS, DEALS, FREEBIES AND GIVEAWAYS ~~~~~~ **
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Amon Maternity Bodyshaper- Review and Giveaway
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Relaxing DIY Spa Day Idea
Take a minute to unwind from the holidays and give your feet a treat
Whether you have five minutes or five hours to relax, you'll love this step-by-step at-home pedicure. It's an easy way to put your feet up (literally) and have a few calm moments to pamper yourself and reflect on all the fun you (hopefully) had this holiday season.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Season's Greetings from Hip Mama's Place
Hello, friends. Christmas is a big thing in my family, so I apologize if I've been MIA for a few days now.
It's been a busy week preparing for the holidays. Anyway, I just want to tell everyone a "Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!".
Make a Smilebox slideshow
Wishing you all peace, love and laughter this Christmas and throughout the New Year!
I will be traveling to Georgia for a few days and will be back here on Hip Mama's Place before the New Year and I have a few lineup of exciting, new giveaways. So watch for it! Meanwhile... enjoy your holidays! :)
Monday, December 21, 2009
The 13 Best Makeup Tools
See which brushes, tweezers and eyelash curlers Total Beauty Readers love
Even if you use your fingers to apply most things, all of us have a few tools in our makeup arsenal that we wouldn't want to live without. TotalBeauty.com readers shared their favorite makeup tools, maybe it's time to add a few to your stash?
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1
Readers call this "the most perfectly designed eyelash curler …"
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.3
It "provides fuller coverage than the usual brushes that eat up your powder …"
No. 11: Bare Escentuals Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush, $20
TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.3
It is best when you want "skin tone perfection," as it allows …
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Find Your Signature Scent!
Take this quiz for insight into the perfect fragrance for you or a loved one
Picking a fragrance, especially if it's for someone else, can be so overwhelming. There are so many to choose from that after 10 minutes in the store they all start to smell the same! Luckily, this quiz will help you narrow things down so you can find your (or someone else's) signature scent. Happy sniffing!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
New All-Natural, Safe and Chemical-Free Bathroom Products for Kids
Kids need safe, gentle, and all-natural bathroom products. Average drugstore brand deodorant, shampoo, body wash and toothpaste may contain nasty stuff that are harmful for children– such as Aluminum Chlorohydrate (linked with brain disorders), Parabens (linked with breast cancer), Propylene Glycol (commonly used in manufacturing antifreeze), and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a known carcinogen!).
To address this need for safe and gentle bathroom products for kids, two notable companies have recently developed these products:
*Junior Varsity Naturals Kids Deodorant- Send your kid to school smelling fresh all day (Citrus Sport for Boys and Cherry Blast for Girls) with peace of mind. Junior Varsity Naturals Kids Deodorant contains no harsh or potentially dangerous chemicals and is made with safe, botanical ingredients. Even adults with active lifestyles will benefit from this deodorant! It goes on clear and won't leave any white residue. I love the packaging on this deodorant too- bright and colorful and the smell is yummy. I gave this to a friend's twelve year old son for his birthday and he's been using it everyday since! Available at: www.jvnaturals.com for $6.95
*TheraNeem Kids Therapé Shampoo & Bodywash- I am loving these shampoo and bodywash from Theraneem for my kids! The smell is super fresh and natural. Made with Neem oil and Neem leaf extract, calming chamomile and calendula, this unique formula gently takes care and deep cleans my little boys' sensitive skin, hair and scalp without harsh chemicals or soaps. Available at: www.organixsouth.com for $13.95 each (12 oz bottle)
*Theraneem Herbal Toothpaste- This delicious flavored all-natural toothpaste support healthy teeth and gums with organic supercritical extracts of Neem bark, Neem leaf, coconut oil and jojoba and shea butter. It's all-natural, completely safe formula contains no sodium lauryl sulfate or Parabens! Available in 2 flavors: Mint and Cinnamon. Buy today at: www.organixsouth.com for $7.49
Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “The opinion I am sharing remains my own. This post was sponsored by JV Naturals and Organix South. I received the products from the sponsors to facilitate my review and I was allowed to keep the products”.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Great News! Hip Mama's Place Won the Corner Bakery Cafe Holiday Catering Challenge (Enter To Win CBC Food Worth $150 Here!)
Oh, what a wonderful, blessed day! And a beautiful day it is. :)
Yesterday, I was out most of the day running errands and wrapping up my Christmas shopping. When I got back home, I had a beautiful surprise waiting for me in my email inbox. It was from Madison- the nice PR lady from the Corner Bakery Cafe Holiday Catering Challenge contest. 
As many of you know, Hip Mama's Place was lucky to be chosen as one of 12 mom blogs nationwide to participate in this awesome contest. CBC catered food in my house worth $150 and I was able to throw a free holiday/birthday party to our family and friends last Sunday, December 6th (the day after my birthday). Indeed, it was a birthday blessing. The food was really yummy and everyone complemented us for how nice our party was and all the free food! :) Anyway, to make the long story short, Madison sent me very exciting news yesterday: Hip Mama's Place won the Corner Bakery Cafe Holiday Catering Challenge photo contest! I had 184 votes total.
So of course, my reaction: "Oh, wow. Yayyy!!! This is so awesome!!! Thank you CBC!!! And what a wonderful holiday surprise for me and to all my wonderful HMP readers and followers!" :)
And without everyone's support, this wouldn't have been possible. So I thank all of you, dear readers and friends who took the time to vote for Hip Mama's Place. You're all so wonderful and I just want to let you all know how much your loyalty means to me.
Anyway, in case some of you missed it, here is our photo entry to the contest:
All of the other 11 mom bloggers who were selected by Corner Bakery Cafe along with me to participate in this fabulous contest worked very hard with their photos too. I'm happy that Corner Bakery Cafe has awarded each of them a $25 Corner Bakery Cafe gift card to give away to their readers as well. A special mention to The Mommy Insider who posted this great news first. Thank you very much for the sweet post! :)
You can still see all of the other photos on the Corner Bakery Cafe Holiday page HERE.
*And wonderful news to you all my dear Hip Mama's Place readers! One of you will win a Corner Bakery Cafe Catering package that will include their signature Cinnamon Creme Cake, boxes of Mini Cookies and Bundt Bites along with a $50 gift card that can be used for a Corner Bakery Cafe Catering order. The total value of this prize package is $150.00! :)
To enter the contest, watch this 3 minute video:
When you're done watching the video, come back to this post and leave a comment telling me what you think about Catering vs. Cooking. There is no right or wrong answer. We just want your opinion on it. Also, I'd like to mention that there is a coupon code for $10 off at the end of this video to use on your holiday catering order at Corner Bakery Cafe.
This contest is open only to U.S. participants who live or work close to a Corner Bakery Cafe location. This contest ends on December 21st, 2009 at 12MN, EST. I will choose ONE (1) WINNER using Random.org and will be announced as a comment on this post.
Your comment is your ONE (1) entry. To EARN EXTRA ENTRIES, just do the following: (You may leave extra comments for your extra entries if you wish)
1. Become a fan of Corner Bakery Cafe on Facebook and post a comment on their wall and tell them Hip Mama's Place sent you
2. Become a fan of Hip Mama's Place on Facebook and post a comment on our wall and tell me why you like visiting Hip Mama's Place or how you found us online
3. 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.
4. Tweet this event on Twitter. JUST COPY AND PASTE THE PHRASE, URL PAGE AND HASH TAGS (#) BELOW AND POST IT ON YOUR TWITTER PROFILE UPDATE.
"I just entered the Corner Bakery Cafe Food Giveaway on Hip Mama's Place!
(followed by this URL): http://bit.ly/8cKgk0 #giveaways #christmas #contests #deals
5. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook however you want with a link to this giveaway:
http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2009/12/great-news-hip-mamas-place-won-corner.html
6. Write a short post about this giveaway on your blog linking to our home page or the URL page address listed on #5
7. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
You will have eight (8) total entries when you do the above-mentioned extra entries besides your comment. The more entries you have, the greater chances of winning!
Goodluck and happy holidays!
Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “The opinion I am sharing remains my own. This post was sponsored by Corner Bakery Cafe. I received catered food from Corner Bakery Cafe to facilitate my review”.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Get Your Kids Excited This Holiday Season With VTech Toys (And Enter To Win the V.Smile™ Cyber Pocket!)
Old MacDonald had a farm, e-i-e-i-o!
My toddler boys love this nursery rhyme. And if you're a parent with small kids, you got to admit: Old MacDonald teaches kids first animal words and sounds the easy way! And one of the toys that taught my toddlers about farm friends is the Discovery Nursery Farm by VTech. This toy is awesome! Thanks to a friend who gave this toy as a gift to Jaden on his second birthday! :)
Recently, Hip Mama's Place received a V.Smile™ Cyber Pocket to review from Vtech and as I anticipated, my eager 4.5 year old learner (Gabriel) was very delighted with it!
The V.Smile™ Cyber Pocket is not your ordinary educational video gaming system. It's a fun on-the-go game play and learning system in one. I love that we can take the V.Smile Cyber Pocket on the go, or connect it directly to our home television.
The V.Smile Cyber Pocket is a truly fun and interactive way to approach learning. Your early school-age kids can play a variety of exciting and imaginative games anywhere they want with this gaming console. With 40 V.Smile Smartridges it plays, kids can learn new skills with the varied learning challenges each Smartridge presents. Featuring popular characters like Cars, Shrek, Dora, Scooby, Thomas, Little Einsteins and more, the V.Smile Cyber Pocket helps your kids learn essential lessons in language, math and science while they're having fun "video-gaming"!
V.Smile™ Cyber Pocket features:
* TV connection cord for Big Screen play
* Flip-up hi res LCD screen with 320 x 240 resolution
* Touchable writing pad and stylus
* Switchable joystick controls for left-handed or right-handed children
* Plays all V.Smile toys Smartridge
* Includes V.Link to connect to online game zone
* Big buttons designed for a smaller kids` hands
The V.Smile Cyber Pocket is now available at Amazon, ToysR'Us, Walmart, Target, Sears and KMart. Suggested retail price: $49.99.
*And good news! VTech is giving away one lucky Hip Mama's Place reader a new V.Smile Cyber Pocket, valued at $49.99!
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post by December 20th, 2009 at 12MN, 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. Become a fan of VTech on Facebook and post a comment on their wall and tell them Hip Mama's Place sent you
2. Become a fan of Hip Mama's Place on Facebook and post a comment on our wall and tell me why you like visiting Hip Mama's Place or how you found us online
3. 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.
4. Tweet this event on Twitter. JUST COPY AND PASTE THE PHRASE, URL PAGE AND HASH TAGS (#) BELOW AND POST IT ON YOUR TWITTER PROFILE UPDATE.
"I just entered the V-Tech Cyber Pocket giveaway on Hip Mama's Place!
(followed by this URL): http://bit.ly/7AGHvP #giveaways #christmas #contests #deals
5. Mention this giveaway on your Facebook however you want with a link to this giveaway:
http://www.hipmamasplace.com/2009/12/get-your-kids-excited-this-holiday.html
6. Write a short post about this giveaway on your blog linking to our home page or the URL page address listed on #5
7. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter
You will have eight (8) total entries when you do the above-mentioned extra entries besides your comment. The more entries you have, the greater chances of winning!
Goodluck and have a happy holidays!
Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “The opinion I am sharing remains my own. This post was sponsored by VTech. I was sent a V.Smile Cyber Pocket by VTech to facilitate my review and I was allowed to keep the product”.
Victoria GPS Tracking System: Real-Time Vehicle Tracking
If you're shopping for a GPS-based vehicle tracking system that offers portability and power, look no further. 
The Victoria GPS Real-Time Tracking System offers real-time vehicle tracking, with and amazing 10-second updates if the device is traveling at least 10 miles per hour and every 20 feet if it’s moving less than 10 miles an hour. The Victoria Tracking System can go from vehicle tracking device to personal tracker. So if you're a cyclist or a runners, you could bring your Victoria GPS unit along on your workouts.
The Victoria GPS Tracking System is used in:
- Commercial vehicles: to curtail wasted time, trips and fuel.
- Newly-licensed teen drivers.
- Costly or large assets such as boats, motorcycles, antiques, artwork.
- Children or grandchildren who are attending school far away from home.
- Someone who has memory problems or whose driving abilities have become questionable.
- Sportsmen (hiking, hunting, bicycling, horseback riding, snowmobiling)
This real-time vehicle tracking device has NO ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMEMENT. Users pay a monthly unlimited 10-second tracking updates of $39.95 per month with an initial activation fee of $29.95. The good thing is that, you can cancel at any time without penalty and if you want to restore service, you only pay the $29.95 activation fee and the monthly service. International customers pay a monthly fee of $49.95 and the activation fee remains the same.
The Victoria Tracking System is 100 percent web-based which means that there are no software to install or to purchase separately. The data is stored on secure company server and is accessible from any web-enabled computer by logging onto www.landairsea.com
Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “The opinion I am sharing remains my own. This post was sponsored by LandAirSea.com”.
Friday, December 11, 2009
More Holiday Gift Ideas For Kids (And Enter Fun Giveaways Here Too!)
This weekend, we're definitely finishing up with our family's Christmas gift shopping. Our house is all decorated, the Christmas tree is up and the holiday menu list is almost done. :)
Now, if you're still looking for last-minute gifts for the people in your Christmas list, look online as well for great holiday deals. You'll be surprised at how much money you'll be saving with coupon codes, free shipping deals and such.
Here are a few more holiday gift recommendations for kids- affordable, fun and something they will surely enjoy!
Christmas books from Scholastic
*The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson, Illustrated by Jon J. Muth- Truly a magical, delightful read about Santa getting ready for Christmas Eve. It's a special and beautifully-illustrated Christmas story book that kids will treasure for many years to come!
Description: Far, far North, when the nights are longest and the stars shine brightest, Santa begins to prepare for his big night of giving. He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time.
(Recommended ages from 4 years up)
*The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann, Illustrated by Gail de Marcken- I've watched the Christmas Nutcracker story performed on live stage before but have not read an actual book about it. I'm glad I own a copy of this amazing book. It's a superb Christmas story my kids will always love reading!
Description: In this gorgeous telling of The Nutcracker, Gail de Marcken brings E.T.A. Hoffmann's richly enchanting world to life. With beautifully detailed illustrations, the story of THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING will become an instant classic. It's a story readers of all ages will delight in. (Recommended ages from 4 years up)
And for some hands-on fun, how about these awesome craft book/toy items from Klutz?
*Paper Fashions Fancy- A great gift idea for little girls who like fashion or love dressing up their dolls! Paper fashions get glam! In the Klutz paper fashions custom, young designers get to turn colorful paper, ribbons, beads, sequins, and jewels into glamorous fashions and accessories. The kit includes an all-new set of patterned and colored papers — some with glitter, foil, and velvety black flocking to make elaborate, fancy couture: like gowns, red-carpet-ready ensembles, prom-pretty frocks, and more.
*Invasion of the Bristlebots- #1 Award winner 2009 Toy of the Year Award, FamilyFun magazine
Invasion of the Bristlebots comes with two mini-robots— basically motorized toothbrush heads. These guys zoom around like caffeinated cockroaches, spinning, skittering, and bouncing off walls. Resistance is futile. The book bristles with ideas for robot games and activities: race robots against each other, use the included punch-out walls to construct a bristlebot maze, stage a robot sumo-wrestling match. You can even customize your Bots with the provided wire legs, feelers, and beady eyes.
From now through 12/16/09, use coupon code HOLIDAY25 at www.Klutz.com to receive 25% OFF your entire order!
*Gotta Catch Santa Claus DVD- Get yourself and your kids in the holiday spirit with this fun Christmas-themed movie that will sure to become a family favorite! Funky music, holiday magic and a supersonic sleigh are all wrapped up in this CGI-animated family adventure starring William Shatner as the voice of Santa!
Description: Trevor is a true believer in the holiday spirit, so his skeptical best friend, Veronica, challenges him to show the world actual proof that Santa is real! Trevor and his friends embark on the adventure of a lifetime to catch Santa in action and reveal the true magic of Christmas. But they've got to find Santa before LeFreeze - a dim-witted monster who's carrying a serious 100-year-old grudge- and his snowman minions put Christmas on ice forever! Join the race to save Christmas in GOTTA CATCH SANTA CLAUS, the jolly, jammin', modern-day holiday classic destined to become a family tradition!
*Nintendo DS Game: Winter’s Tail
Game Synopsis: Take an exciting journey on your Nintendo DS and learn about the real-life story of Winter, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin who overcame incredible odds. Including fun mini-games and a fully interactive storybook based on the Scholastic Book Winter's Tail, read by the authors Juliana, Isabella and Craig Hatkoff. The release date is set for November 24th. Rated E for Everyone!
*Good news, Hip Mama's Place readers! Our sponsors have offered to give away the following items to five lucky winners!
*Prize pack containing one copy each of the "The Christmas Magic" and the "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" books (one winner)
*Gotta Catch Santa Claus DVD (2 winners, 1 DVD copy to each winner)
*Nintendo DS Game: Winter’s Tail (2 winners, 1 DS Game to each winner)
To enter the contest, leave a comment with your choice of prizes listed above. I will be choosing winners at random and there is no guarantee that you will get your desired prize. You will win any of the above-listed prizes.
This contest ends on December 19th, 2009 at 12MN, EST and is open to U.S. AND CANADA ADDRESSES ONLY. I will choose FIVE (5) 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 kids' books and DVD giveaways on Hip Mama's Place!
(followed by this URL): http://bit.ly/5fJjbR
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 and have a happy holidays!
Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “The opinion I am sharing remains my own. I received the products mentioned on this post to facilitate my review and I was allowed to keep them”.
Solutions for All Your Winter Skin Issues
Need help with dry, chapped skin and lips? We've got the answers
Cold weather outside and dry heat inside can really do a number on your skin. If you've tried slathering on every lotion you can get your hands on to no avail, then you need these expert tips to fight dry skin. We talked to Arielle N.B. Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care, and Liz Earle, a natural skin care expert, to find out what ingredients, methods and products work best to get you soft, silky skin all season long.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Hot Holiday Gift Choice for Kids: Books by Candlewick Press
The holiday shopping season is here and for families pinching their pennies, books can be a wonderful (and affordable) gift giving choice for kids (and even adults!). For under $10 or $20, you can give your favorite child an interactive experience that is sure to last for years to come.
Here are a few of the hottest children's books from Candlewick Press that are perfect for gift-giving this holiday season:
*THE MAGICIAN'S ELEPHANT by Kate DiCamillo (Newbery Medalist), this New York Times bestseller is a great addition to any family library. In a highly awaited new novel, Kate DiCamillo conjures a haunting fable about trusting the unexpected -- and making the extraordinary come true.
About the book: "When a fortuneteller's tent appears in the market square of the city of Baltese, orphan Peter Augustus Duchene knows the questions that he needs to ask: Does his sister still live? And if so, how can he find her? The fortuneteller's mysterious answer (an elephant! An elephant will lead him there!) sets off a chain of events so remarkable, so impossible, that you will hardly dare to believe it’s true. With atmospheric illustrations by fine artist Yoko Tanaka, here is a dreamlike and captivating tale that could only be narrated by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo. In this timeless fable, she evokes the largest of themes -- hope and belonging, desire and compassion -- with the lightness of a magician’s touch". (Recommended for children ages 8-13 years)
*A Walk Down Sesame Street: Pop-Up Book- This is a one-of-a-kind spectacular pop-up celebration of Sesame Street in honor of its 40th anniversary, featuring all the characters children have come to know and love.
About the book: It’s a rare person who doesn’t want to know how to get to Sesame Street. The ground-breaking children’s television show has an indelible hold on our hearts and imagination. On November 10, 2009, Sesame Street marks its 40th anniversary, and Candlewick is proud publish the first full-scale pop-up book in over ten years featuring its beloved characters. Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Count von Count, Bert and Ernie, Super Grover, Oscar the Grouch, Abby Cadabby, Zoe, and Elmo are all here. Complete with spectacular pops and other novelties -- and highlighting the letters, numbers, early learning skills and other concepts Sesame Street is known for -- this is truly a delightful gift for preschoolers, and a nostalgic keepsake their parents will treasure. (Recommended for children ages 0 months and up)
*Swan Lake Ballet Theatre by Jean Mahoney- Aspiring ballerinas, musicians, and lovers of fairy tales will find everything they need to celebrate and reenact the magic of SWAN LAKE.
The perfect gift for dancers and dreamers! A gorgeous, fold-out miniature stage, interchangeable scenery, and moveable figures offer hours of fun as children reimagine all four acts of Tchaikovsky’s great ballet. The haunting story of SWAN LAKE comes to life through:
- A full-color book relating the story of the ballet and offering staging suggestions
- A sophisticated collection of scenery and backdrops
- Nine dancing figures and supporting cast
- An audio CD featuring music from SWAN LAKE
(Recommended for children ages 6 yrs and up) 
*Board Books by David Martin and Melissa Sweet: "Christmas Tree" and "Hanukkah Lights"
My preschoolers love these board books- the sweet illustrations and simple language bring the holidays to life and makes our story-time even more festive! (Recommended for children ages 1-3 years)
*Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star by Author/Illustrator Petr Horacek- this is a sweet seasonal read your preschooler will delight in! Tenacious Suzy Goose aims to top her Christmas tree with a star from the sky -- with unexpectedly wondrous results -- in this vibrant, whimsical tale.
About the book: "It’s Christmas Eve, and Suzy Goose and her friends are admiring their beautifully decorated tree. It’s perfect except for one thing: a star for the top. But Suzy sees just the right one, high in the sky, and no one can stop her from trying every possible way to get it! Bold, expressive illustrations follow the charmingly single-minded goose in a new adventure, a tale of seasonal magic found in surprising places". (Recommended for children ages 3 yrs and up)
*Maisy's Snowy Christmas Eve by Author/Illustrator Lucy Cousins- It snowed the first time this winter where we live the first time I read this book to my little guys and I thought the reading experience was sort of magical. This is now my four and half year old's new favorite Christmas board book! It's a fun read and the 'snowy' scenes and illustrations will get you and your kids into that warm, fuzzy and serene winter mood.
About the book: It’s Christmas Eve, and snow is falling everywhere -- on Maisy’s house, on her friends’ houses, even on Eddie the elephant. Everyone’s making their way to Maisy’s house through the snow, with Cyril on snowshoes and Charley and Tallulah on a sled. It’s warm inside, and there’s plenty to do, decorating the tree, making mince pies, and wrapping presents. But wait -- has anyone seen Eddie? (Recommended for children ages 3-5 years)
*P.J. Lynch Classic Christmas Collection- P.J. Lynch’s incomparable artistic sensibility has brought warmth and depth to three cherished holiday stories:
- THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY by Susan Wojciechowski
- A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens
- THE GIFT OF THE MAGI by O. Henry
Now offered together in a beautiful slipcase, this timeless Christmas collection, showcasing P.J. Lynch’s masterful artwork, is a gift to be savored for seasons to come. Three quintessential Christmas stories, superbly illustrated by the award-winning P.J. Lynch, are now available in a lavish three-volume slipcase.
(Recommended for children ages 7 years and up)
*The Gingerbread Pirates by Kristin Kladstrup- What if a brave Captain Cookie stood up to Santa? A fresh, funny story that sparkles with all the excitement of a pirate adventure- and all the magic of Christmas morning.
About the book: It’s Christmas Eve, and Jim and his mother are making pirate gingerbread men to leave for Santa. Jim’s favorite is Captain Cookie, who carries a gingerbread cutlass and has a toothpick peg leg. The captain is much too good to be eaten, so Jim keeps him close by his bed. But late that night, when Jim is fast asleep, Captain Cookie steptaps away on a daring adventure to find his pirate crew -- and rescue them from that mysterious character he’s heard about: a cannibal named Santa Claus. At once contemporary and timeless, suspenseful and joyous, this masterfully illustrated tale is destined to be a new holiday classic. (Recommended for children ages 4-10 years)
*Ho, Ho, Ho, Tucker! by Author/Illustrator Leslie McGuirk- Storybook Animations
About the book: Oh No! Tucker loves Christmas, with all the trimmings -- making a snowman for Santa, marking just the right tree, getting into all the boxes of decorations -- but somehow manages to burn his nose while baking cookies on Christmas Eve. When you-know-who spies that bright red nose through the window, however, Tucker makes a very special friend and takes the sleigh ride of a lifetime. Now the tuckered-out terrier is already dreaming of next year! (Recommended for children ages 2-5 years)
Candlewick Storybook Animation packages include:
* A full-color hardcover picture book
* A dual-disk DVD/CD with full animated story and two audio read-along
versions of the text -- one with page-turn prompts
* A full-color poster, plus a sheet of reusable stickers!
*Cars by Author/Illustrator Robert Crowther- Crazy about cars? Get in gear- and get ready for action- as Robert Crowther’s info-packed, interactive pop-up book showcases some very cool wheels.
Hop in and take a drive in the smartest, fastest automobiles -- from the earliest carriages to the cars of tomorrow. With the pull of a tab or the lift of a flap, fans can ride in the first automobile, find out how engines work, see their car slide off the production line, and plenty more. And the grand finale? Feel the thrill of the racetrack by taking pole position with stock car and Formula 1 stars! (Recommended for children 5 years and up)
*Gladiators by Toby Forward-Reimagine ancient feats of courage and strength -- and relive gladiators’ triumph and despair- with this extraordinary set.
Unfold a spectacular model of the world’s most awe-inspiring amphitheater- the Colosseum- and enter an ancient world where, for three hundred years, gladiators pitted their strength and skill against one another. (Recommended for children ages 7 years and up).
This exciting set includes:
- A sophisticated pop-up scale model of the Colosseum
- A forty-page book describing a day at the games -- for both a Roman citizen and a slave
- Eight gladiator cards identifying weapons and fighting styles
- A map of the streets and buildings of ancient Rome
- A diagram of the Colosseum and its underground tunnels
- Game pieces and rules for playing the ancient Roman game of tabula
*Fairie-ality Style: A Sourcebook of Inspirations from Nature by Author/Illustrator: David Ellwand- The beauty of these fanciful creations will take your breath away -- and inspire you to bring the colors and textures of nature into your own home.
Photographer David Ellwand’s eye for natural beauty has brought him international renown. In this stunning new volume, a follow-up to FAIRIE-ALITY: THE FASHION COLLECTION FROM THE HOUSE OF ELLWAND, he uses the same gorgeous array of natural elements -- feathers, flowers, stones, shells, and more -- to explore the limits of imagination in home design as well as haute couture. Partly an inspirational sourcebook for imaginative DIY projects, partly a showcase of unique fantasy fashion, FAIRIE-ALITY STYLE is an eco-designer’s dream -- the ultimate exploration of truly organic materials. This book is part of the Fairie-ality series and includes pull-out color palette. (Recommended age range 0 months and up)
All books are now available for purchase through Amazon.com and at leading book retailers nationwide.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Free Aveeno Tote Bag Worth $8!
I snagged this freebie from Frugal Shopping With Julie, who sends me deals by email every now and then. (Thanks, Julie!)
It's a free Aveeno Tote bag worth $8! Click the link below and request yours while supplies last!REQUEST MY FREE AVEENO TOTE BAG!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
An Open Letter: Pretty, Please? Hip Mama's Place Needs Your VOTE
Hello Hip Mama's Place friends,
I need a HUGE favor from you all.
First off, I'm happy to announce that Corner Bakery Cafe has chosen Hip Mama's Place as one of 12 mom bloggers nationwide to host the "12 Days of Christmas" CBC Holiday Catering Challenge. I am trying to win $150 worth of Corner Bakery Cafe food to give away to one of you, lucky readers of Hip Mama's Place!
Of course, being a winner for this contest will not only mean great exposure for Hip Mama's Place but will also mean new buyers for my Etsy store as well (www.DesignsbyJocelyn.Etsy.com).
So here's how you can help me (and trust me, this will only take one minute, if not a few seconds of your time). I need you all to vote for my photo on Corner Bakery Cafe's Facebook page.
Here is a direct link to Corner Bakery Cafe's Facebook Holiday page:
http://www.facebook.com/cornerbakerycafe?v=app_191444394706&ref=ts
To access the photos, please become a fan of Corner Bakery Cafe while you're logged on to your Facebook account first from the link above.
*Step by step what to do:
1. While you're signed on to your Facebook account, click the button, "Become A Fan" on Corner Bakery Cafe's page (link above)
2. Find the "Holiday" tab on Corner Bakery's page (3rd tab). There you'll find their "12 Days of Catering from the Corner" page.
3. Scroll to the bottom to find the "Party Photos" section and click my photo that has the two elf boy and girl dolls surrounded by all the yummy CBC food. My photo is on the second row, second from left), which is this photo:
4. All you have to do to vote for me is click "I LIKE THIS". Make sure the photo says, "Hip Mama's Place" on the top when you click on the photo. :)
That's it! You will have until December 13th, 2009 to vote for me.
I thank you so much, friends! You will be doing me a HUGE favor, as well as a two-in-one "holiday and birthday gift" to me when you vote for me!
Pretty, please? :)
And you don't have to be in the USA to vote, everyone on Facebook is welcome to vote. Please forward this to your friends if you can. Your help is greatly appreciated. If in the future you need my help on votes or anything similar, please count me in and I will gladly help you out as well. :)
Happy holidays to you and your family! :)
Jocelyn Duncan, Blog Editor/Founder
Hip Mama's Place.. where cool, trendy moms hang out!
www.hipmamasplace.com
Handmade Jewelry: http://www.DesignsbyJocelyn.Etsy.com
Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/hipmamasplace
Become a Hip Mama's Place fan on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hip-Mamas-Place/134189539767
The Hollywood Cookie Diet® Review
There is a new diet available in the market today that allows us women the chance to eat delicious cookies, while still maintaining a sensible diet and staying full longer. It's the Hollywood Cookie Diet® where you simply eat a cookie (a variety of flavors are available) for breakfast, lunch and two snacks and sensible recipe choices for dinner.
While I tried the Hollywood Cookie Diet®, I cannot claim that I lost weight using it. Part of the reason is because I wasn't consistent with the eating regimen it suggested. But according to users of this diet, it relieves hunger while helping them lose weight. Women can stay on the diet for as short or long as they choose—until they reach their weight loss goal.
Each cookie contains approximately 150 calories and necessary nutrients for the day. Cookie flavors include tasty chocolate chip, to-die-for oatmeal raisin, savory lemon or the variety pack for just $19.95 a box. With 12 cookies in each box, The Hollywood Cookie Diet® offers 3 days of meal-replacement, which is less than $2.00 per serving.
In additon to The Hollywood Cookie Diet®, busy parents who would like to lose weight the healthy and easy way, without feeling they are sacrificing their hunger, will also love The Hollywood 15-Day Detox Diet®, which offers women a chance to get rid of those toxins for better overall health, The Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet® , which is the #1 liquid diet in the world with over 15 million bottles sold, and The Hollywood 24-hour Miracle Diet®, which is a wonderful way to cleanse the body.
Disclosure: "I was sent a sample of the Hollywood Cookie Diet® to facilitate this review".
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Perfect Hairstyle for Your Holiday Party
You won't need to buy a new dress -- just revamp your hair!
Sure, you want to look your best for all those holiday parties this year, but who has the time and money to shop for a new dress, shoes and accessories? Luckily, with these hairstyles you can wear last year's LBD and no one will even notice!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Budget-Friendly Gifts for Everyone on Your List
Got $20, $50, $100 to spend? No matter what, we have a gift for you
Money is tight, so this year you want to get the most bang for your present-buying buck, right? Luckily, that's totally doable with this gift guide. We've broken it down by price range so you'll know exactly how much you're spending on everything, from a $15 makeup kit for your friend to a splurge-worthy fragrance set for your beau. It's all here!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Clean+Green®: Eco-Friendly Aerosol Pet Cleaning Products
Did you know that typical household cleaning products and air fresheners are one of the leading contributors to poor indoor air quality? According to the Environmental Protection Association(EPA), poor indoor air quality can lead to health issues that manifest soon after exposure or, possibly, years later. But as any pet owner knows, accidents happen– and top priority is given to cleaning up the mess. As people become more aware of the dangers of harsh chemicals in cleaning products, they may wonder if the eco-friendly products on the market work as well as their tried-and-true clean up tools.
That's why SeaYu® Enterprises launched Clean+Green®, the only eco-friendly aerosol pet cleaning products on the planet, to offer cleaning products that deliver instant results in a non-toxic, eco-friendly solution. Unlike other cleaning products that can be harmful, require multiple applications and/or only temporarily mask odors, Clean+Green permanently cleans pet stains and eradicates odors. It is safe for pets, people and the planet.
We tried using the Clean+Green Carpet & Upholstery Odor Eliminator, Cleaner & Stain Remover to remove dog urine stains on our carpet and I can say, this product really works! It doesn't have that funky, chemical smell and it's so easy to use- just spray, allow it to soak and dry and the stains are gone!
Each Clean+Green product is individually formulated to address a specific odor/stain problem and can be used on carpet and area rugs, wood floors, tile, cement and all fabrics – even litter boxes! And you'll feel safe to know that Clean+Green products are made with ingredients and materials that are all-natural, 100% biodegradable, and recyclable. They're non-toxic, non-flammable, non-carcinogenic, no harsh chemicals or perfumes, no VOCs and no CFCs. What more can you ask?
Clean+Green is available at WalMart, Stop & Shop, PETCO®, PetSmart®, Pet Supplies Plus® and other retailers that sell pet specialty products in the US and Canada, as well as through the Clean+Green site - www.sea-yu.com. I think these would be great holiday gifts for the pet lovers in your list too!
10 New Holiday Makeup Looks
Steal a style from one of these celebs for your next big -- or small -- bash
A holiday party is no time to stick with your everyday makeup routine -- you need to shake things up! Have some fun trying a new look, and watch heads turn in your direction as you enter the soiree. Bonus: all the looks in this gallery are super-simple to do with the makeup you already own!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Exceptional Holiday Gift Ideas from Cambria Cove (And A Gift Card Giveaway!)
Add cheer to your holidays with unique, special products to decorate your home, entertain your guests, and create an inviting place for yourself and those around you.
If you've never been to Cambria Cove online, you are missing out on so many delights. From unique home accessories for entertaining to beautiful holiday decor, gourmet food, bath and body gifts, jewelry and one-of-a-kind stationery items, Cambria Cove will completely mesmerize you.
And for a merry holiday, how about treating yourself, your home and your special guests with these four delightful things from Cambria Cove?
*Berry Wreath by Creekside Farms ($45)- Fresh, natural and handmade by skilled craftsmen, this beautiful wreath is made of fresh boxwood, fresh bay leaf, and dried canella berries. I love this wreath- the smell reminds me of fresh morning dew!
*Burgundy/Gold Table Runner ($75)- I was looking for a classy burgundy and gold holiday table runner for my dining room table and I fell in love with this one from Cambria Cove! Wow. Rich burgundy silk overlaid with an elegant floral and foliage print in glorious gold made my table so breath-takingly beautiful! I actually wished I have two of this gorgeous table runner to use for my mantel as well but...
From Fair Trade-friendly Priya Collection and made by craftspeople in rural India who are striving for a better life, this table runner is 80" in length.
*Cambria Cove Signature Medallion Ornament by Extasia ($65 each)- I love decorating our Christmas tree each year. I love the fact that I can put my own personal touch to the tree by hanging unique ornaments in it. This year, I indulged myself with these sparkly Signature Medallion Ornament by Extasia in Gold. The lacquered brass medallion inlaid with hand-pressed glass intaglio is absolutely stunning! And since I love vintage styles even in the jewelry pieces I create, these holiday ornaments are pure delight to me! :)
*Vintage Gilded Assorted Holiday Cards from Cambria Cove ($30)- If you love vintage greeting cards with images of santa, scenes of old Christmas towns, snow-covered houses and people dressed in clothes of Christmas past, you'll love these greeting cards by Cambria Cove.
*And great news, Hip Mama's Place readers! Cambria Cove is giving away a $100 Gift Card to one of you to use at their store! To enter the contest, read on for more details.
To enter the contest, go visit www.cambriacove.com and browse around the store. When you're done, come back to this post and leave a comment telling me what you would buy at Cambria Cove if you were to win the $100 gift card.
This contest ends on December 14th, 2009 at 12MN, 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)
"I just entered the $100 Cambria Cove GC giveaway on Hip Mama's Place..
(then this URL): http://bit.ly/7S9bPt
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!
