Time flies by. It seems to me like the month of July just started and now it's quickly coming to an end. Believe it or not, my mind is already on the "planning stage" for what to do for the upcoming holidays, especially Christmas. Of course, there's still Halloween and then Thanksgiving before that. But I guess, I consider Christmas the biggest holiday of the year and one that I'm always very excited for! I just love, love, love Christmas!
So anyway, yesterday I was sorting through all my Christmas boxes and saw all the old Christmas cards the family received in the last five years. Wow, some of the cards still look like new! I love saving beautiful cards and sentiments and I thought those cards are really beautiful I started thinking what to do about them. So I had an idea: why not re-use or re-cycle them? So I thought I'd share to you all some neat ideas I found online and heard from people I know about how to recycle your old Christmas cards.
1. Greeting Card Gift Tags- Make personalized gift tags out of old greeting cards you have received! Simply cut the images out of the card and shape them into squares, circles, rectangles or just get creative with it!
2. Greeting Card Gift Bags- Cut out images from old Christmas cards and glue them on to blank colored paper bags as gift bags
3. Turn old Christmas cards into new ones- You can make old Christmas cards like new again by simply gluing the front cover of the card onto a new, blank card or cardstock. Craft stores like Michael's or Joann's have all kinds of colored cardstock or textured papers to help you with this easy, fun project! I'm already thinking about making my own photo cards this year out of these old but still beautiful Christmas cards!
4. Make a collage out of images from old Christmas cards- How about making this more fun by making it an art activity with your kids? Help them cut out the images and make a colorful Christmas collage to display as a Christmas decor. How fun is this?
5. Turn old cards into ornaments or decorations- Make paper Christmas tree ornaments using images from old Christmas cards, or pick out your most favorite card and hang it on your wall as a framed art for the holidays. I especially love the Christmas card I received from Storkie a couple years ago so I am already looking for a good frame to do this project!
Now, my creativity juice is really flowing! :)
About the Author: Jocelyn Cañasa-Brown is a working mom of two boys and is a recognized blogger and mom influencer in the Washington, DC area. In her spare time, she designs and creates her own handmade jewelry, maintains her jewelry store on Etsy and is an active moms group organizer and leader both online and offline. Hip Mama's Place was nominated for Parents' Picks 2010 Best Parenting Blogs and named one of the Highest Rated Blogs and Sites on Nickelodeon ParentsConnect for the Washington, DC area. Follow Jocelyn on Twitter and/or Facebook.
** ~~~~~~ CURRENT REVIEWS, DEALS, FREEBIES AND GIVEAWAYS ~~~~~~ **
Friday, July 29, 2011
How to Recycle Your Old and Beautiful Christmas Cards
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Summer Movie Express- $1 Kids' Movies at Regal Cinemas
Select Regal Cinemas, United Artists and Edwards Theatres will offer selected family -friendly (G or PG rated) movies every Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 A.M. this summer 2011 for only $1!
In Virginia, the $1 movies will be shown in these theatres:
KINGSTOWNE STADIUM 16, Alexandria
BALLSTON COMMON STADIUM 12, Arlington
FOX STADIUM 16, Ashburn
SEMINOLE SQUARE CINEMA 4, Charlottesville
GREENBRIER CINEMA 13, Chesapeake
NEW RIVER VALLEY STADIUM 14, Christianburg
SOUTHPARK MALL STADIUM 16, Colonial Heights
FAIRFAX TOWNE CENTER 10, Fairfax
MANASSAS STADIUM 14 & IMAX, Manassas
COUNTRYSIDE STADIUM 20, Sterling
FREDERICKSBURG 14, Fredericksburg
VIRGINIA CENTER STADIUM 20, Glen Allen
HARRISONBURG STADIUM 14, Harrisonburg
RIVER RIDGE STADIUM 14, Lynchburg
COMMONWEALTH CENTER 20 & IMAX, Midlothian
WESTCHESTER COMMONS STADIUM 16, Midlothian
KILN CREEK CINEMA STADIUM 20, Newport News
SHORT PUMP STADIUM 14, Richmond
VALLEY VIEW GRANDE STADIUM 16, Roanoke
HARBOUR VIEW GRANDE STADIUM 16, Suffolk
STRAWBRIDGE MKTPLACE STADIUM 12, Virginia Beach
COLUMBUS STADIUM 12, Virginia Beach
NEW TOWN STADIUM 12, Williamsburg
In Maryland, the $1 movies will be shown in these theatres:
BEL AIR CINEMA STADIUM 14, Abingdon
BOWIE STADIUM 14, Bowie
WESTVIEW STADIUM 16, Frederick
MARLEY STATION 8, Glen Burnie
VALLEY MALL STADIUM 16, Hagerstown
HUNT VALLEY STADIUM 12, Hunt Valley
SALISBURY STADIUM 16, Salisbury
MAJESTIC STADIUM 20 & IMAX, Silver Spring
These are the movie titles being shown (each location may vary):
ASTRO BOY
MEGAMIND
DESPICABLE ME
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
BARNYARD
CHRONICLES OF NARNIA
MARMADUKE
YOGI BEAR
RAMONA & BEEZUS
SHREK FOREVER AFTER
ALPHA AND OMEGA
NANNY MCPHEE RETURNS
KARATE KID
TALE OF DESPEREAUX
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID
OPEN SEASON 3
CLOUDY W/ MEATBALLS
PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING
You can find the closest participating Regal Cinema in your area by simply visiting: http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress
About the Author: Jocelyn Cañasa-Brown is a working mom of two boys and is a recognized blogger and mom influencer in the Washington, DC area. In her spare time, she designs and creates her own handmade jewelry, maintains her jewelry store on Etsy and is an active moms group organizer and leader both online and offline. Hip Mama's Place was nominated for Parents' Picks 2010 Best Parenting Blogs and named one of the Highest Rated Blogs and Sites on Nickelodeon ParentsConnect for the Washington, DC area. Follow Jocelyn on Twitter and/or Facebook.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
6 Stress Busters That'll Make You Look Younger
There's nothing like feeling crazed to make you look, well, old. Here's how to avoid that nasty side effect to stress
This is a TotalBeauty.com women and stress article
As if the job, bills, family demands, and everything else that gets us feeling frazzled to begin with weren't enough, stress also manifests in our skin and health. That's why these 6 stress busters are so essential. They'll help calm your anxiety and make you look years younger. We swear.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Clifford the Big Red Dog: Dog Days of Summer and LeapFrog: Sing and Learn With Us- DVD Giveaway!
We're beating the heat this summer with two fun new DVDs from Clifford and LeapFrog - Clifford the Big Red Dog: Dog Days of Summer and LeapFrog: Sing and Learn With Us!
My kids love Clifford and LeapFrog so we were very thrilled to preview these really fun-filled DVDs!
About Clifford the Big Red Dog: Dog Days of Summer
Street Date: 7/19/11
DVD SRP: $14.98
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Enjoy the summer breeze and warm sunshine with beloved Scholastic character, Clifford the Big Red Dog™, as Lionsgate Home Entertainment releases Clifford the Big Red Dog: Dog Days of Summer this July. Arriving just in time for summer, this all-new Clifford adventure includes five fun-filled episodes that have never been released to DVD, but are sure to become another classic collection. The title supports a larger effort to reach kids and families across the country with the Clifford BE BIG Campaign for civic engagement. Inspired by Clifford’s 10 Big Ideas (Share, Help Others, Be Kind, Be Responsible, Play Fair, Be a Good Friend, Believe in Yourself, Have Respect, Work Together and Be Truthful), the BE BIG campaign invites people of all ages to take positive action and make the world a better place. This DVD will focus on the Be Truthful theme of the campaign. In addition, the DVD contains the kid-friendly direct-play feature, allowing children to insert the DVD and watch without help from an adult. Clifford the Big Red Dog: Dog Days of Summer, which also includes six bonus Speckle Stories, will be available July 19, 2011, for the suggested retail price of $14.98.
An award–winning and beloved brand, the Scholastic Media produced Clifford television series is consistently a top-rated show on PBS® where the TV series airs daily and receives more than 2,000 plays weekly. With more than 126 million books sold since its launch 49 years ago, Scholastic’s Clifford the Big Red Dog is one of the top-rated preschool properties across multiple categories. The brand currently enjoys more than 96% awareness among mothers with kids ages two to five, with over 6.6 million videos and DVDs sold to date.
SYNOPSIS:
Every summer day, Clifford™ sets out on fun-filled adventures with his friends and learns big lessons about friendship, loyalty, and other ways to BE BIG! In these five playful stories, Clifford discovers that one of the best ways to BE BIG is to always be truthful. From Emily Elizabeth teaching Clifford that it doesn’t help to hide things, to T-Bone learning to do the right thing, to Cleo learning a lesson when she plays tricks on her friends, cuddly Clifford leads neighbors and friends around Birdwell Island to learn how to BE BIG by always being kind to each other and being truthful!
About LeapFrog: Sing and Learn With Us!
Street Date: 7/19/11
DVD SRP: $14.98
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
“Leap” into the “Back-to-School” season as Lionsgate Home Entertainment and top educational toy maker LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., team up again to release LeapFrog: Sing and Learn With Us! this July. Originally available in the toy aisle as the “Sing-along Read-along” Early Reading Set, the title makes its DVD debut with an all-new cast of characters performing 12 animated sing-along shorts focusing on developmental reading skills, short vowels, phonics skills and comprehension. In addition, the release allows viewers to download 12 Sing-Along Storybooks so that children can bring these lessons wherever they go! Featuring brand new artwork designed to increase its profile on store shelves, LeapFrog: Sing and Learn With Us! will be available on July 19, 2011, for the suggested retail price of $14.98.
LeapFrog, an education innovator and a leading developer of fun learning solutions for children, remains a favorite year after year and the brand continues to grow. LeapFrog’s award-winning product portfolio is designed to help every child achieve their full potential by delivering best-in-class educational curricula through age-appropriate technology-based platforms, fun toys and engaging content.
SYNOPSIS
Set the stage for independent reading with rocking songs, the fun, loveable characters of the Us band--Og, Al, Gus, Izzy and Meg--and easy-to-read-along stories! Children are introduced to short vowel sounds as words appear on screen with each playful song, allowing them to build reading skills and confidence as they sing, laugh and read-along with 12 animated, musical stories. Twelve matching storybooks are also available on DVD for download to reinforce the learning and inspire kids to read at home or on the go.
Both DVD titles will be released tomorrow, July 19th, 2011 so watch for them at your local movie retailers and at Amazon.
*DVD GIVEAWAY!
Two(2) of you, lucky Hip Mama's Place readers, will each win these two DVD titles (2 DVDs for each winner) from Clifford and LeapFrog!
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post by August 1st, 2011 at 12MN, EST. THIS IS YOUR MANDATORY CONTEST ENTRY.
This contest is open to U.S. ADDRESSES ONLY. Please leave your email address (if you don't have a blog). I will choose two (2) winners using Random.org and will be announced as a comment on this post. The winners will also be notified by email and/or through a comment on their blog (if available).
*IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT CROSS-PROMOTE ANY OTHER GIVEAWAYS HAPPENING ON ANY OTHER BLOG OR WEBSITE. ANY SPAM COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY.
*EXTRA ENTRIES for many chances to win! BE SURE TO ENTER A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH EXTRA ENTRY YOU DO TO BE COUNTED IN!
Your comment is your one required/mandatory entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following entries:
1. Tweet this giveaway on Twitter however you like, but include this URL page and hash tags anywhere in your Twitter update: @HipMamasPlace http://bit.ly/rfTEbf @LeapFrog #kids #movies #giveaways (5 EXTRA ENTRIES)
EXAMPLE OF A TWEET:
I want to win two new LeapFrog and Clifford DVDs @HipMamasPlace http://bit.ly/rfTEbf @LeapFrog #kids #movies #giveaways!
2. Like or 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 reply to the latest post on our wall (3 EXTRA ENTRIES)
3. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter (3 EXTRA ENTRIES)
4. Follow me or friend me on Google Friend Connect (link is under "Our Hip Followers" on the left side bar) (5 EXTRA ENTRIES)
5. Join the Hip Mama's Place Community and EARN 2 EXTRA ENTRIES. You can earn 3 more extra entries by creating a new post or join in on the conversations on the "Forum" section of our mom community. (5 TOTAL EXTRA ENTRIES)
6. Grab one of Hip Mama's Place's buttons under the "Grab Our Fabulous Buttons" on the right hand side bar on our main page and paste it on an HTML page on your blog sidebar. (5 EXTRA ENTRIES)
Remember, the more entries you have, the greater chances of winning! Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do for your extra entries (i.e. your name on HMP Community name, Google Friend Connect, Facebook name, Twitter name and post links, etcetera). Good luck!
*Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “My reviews and opinions are 100% my own. Lionsgate Home Entertainment provided me the products mentioned in this post to facilitate this giveaway".
About the Author: Jocelyn Cañasa-Brown is a working mom of two boys and is a recognized blogger and mom influencer in the Washington, DC area. In her spare time, she designs and creates her own handmade jewelry, maintains her jewelry store on Etsy and is an active moms group organizer and leader both online and offline. Hip Mama's Place was nominated for Parents' Picks 2010 Best Parenting Blogs and named one of the Highest Rated Blogs and Sites on Nickelodeon ParentsConnect for the Washington, DC area. Follow Jocelyn on Twitter and/or Facebook.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Christmas in July SALE at Designs by Jocelyn on Etsy Starts TODAY- See Coupon Code!
Hello, everyone! I hope you're all having a fantastic weekend!
Happy to announce that I'm having a CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE at my handmade jewelry and accessories shop, Designs by Jocelyn on Etsy!
From now through July 31st, 2011, take 10% OFF your order by entering in coupon code: JULYXMAS10 at checkout!
Here are a few top, all-time bestsellers:
Emerald Green and Gold Leaves Earrings, on sale for only $25.20!
Treasures of the Sea Necklace, on sale for only $34.20!
Hot Chick Earrings, on sale for only $21.60!
EXTRA BONUS! Mention that you found out about the sale here at Hip Mama's Place when you message me on Etsy and I will throw in an extra $1.00 off your total order! Hurry, this sale won't last long!
Monday, July 11, 2011
7 Ways Smoking Makes You Ugly
Sure, everyone knows lighting up is bad for your health -- but these beauty-busting effects will really shock you
This is a TotalBeauty.com health article
If the threat of lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema hasn't inspired you to drop those cigs, then what about losing your hair? Read on to see how smoking ruins your hair, skin, and nails. Here's hoping a healthy dose of vanity can help you kick your bad habit for good.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Babybonkie Swaddle Blanket- Review and Giveaway
There is something very comforting to a baby about being wrapped in a blanket and being held in her mother's loving arms. She feels safe and secure and in fact, experts agree that one of the best ways to help calm a baby is to swaddle her in a warm, soft blanket.
As a mom of two small boys, I have used swaddling when my boys were newborns. In my own experience, swaddling my babies helped them get to sleep, stay asleep, and get comforted quickly.
Now, there is a swaddling blanket designed to help infants stay wrapped up through the night to allow more restful, uninterrupted sleep -- Babybonkie swaddle blanket. Not only these swaddle blankets are so adorable and ultra soft for baby, they are also made to be parent-friendly so that swaddling baby is less intimidating.
I had the wonderful opportunity to examine these adorable swaddle blankets by Baby Babybonkie Swaddle and I love their unique, stylish design and shape! The velcro closures make them super easy to use. Check out the "how to swaddle your baby" and you'll see how easy it is to make baby all warm and secure in her swaddling blanket! Plus, they come in really cute, very stylish and colorful fabrics for your darling baby boy or baby girl. What's extra nice is that all Babybonkie swaddles are machine washable and are made in the USA!
Visit BabybonkieSwaddle.com today and see for yourself all the baby swaddling blankets and baby swaddling products they offer! You can also check out the website for stores in your area that carries Baby Bonkie Swaddle products.
*BABYBONKIE SWADDLE BLANKET GIVEAWAY!
One of you, lucky Hip Mama's Place reader- will win a Tory Baby Swaddle Blanket designed for either baby boy or baby girl from BabyBonkieSwaddle.com -- worth $64!
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post with your most favorite swaddle blanket or swaddle product from Babybonkiewswaddle.com. Comments must be in by July 23rd, 2011 at 12MN, EST to be counted for this contest. THIS IS YOUR MANDATORY CONTEST ENTRY.
This contest is open to U.S. ADDRESSES ONLY. Please leave your email address (if you don't have a blog). I will choose one (1) winner using Random.org and will be announced as a comment on this post. The winner will also be notified by email and/or through a comment on their blog (if available).
*IMPORTANT: PLEASE DO NOT CROSS-PROMOTE ANY OTHER GIVEAWAYS HAPPENING ON ANY OTHER BLOG OR WEBSITE. ANY SPAM COMMENTS WILL BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY.
*EXTRA ENTRIES for many chances to win! BE SURE TO ENTER A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH EXTRA ENTRY YOU DO TO BE COUNTED IN!
Your comment is your one required/mandatory entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following entries:
1. Tweet this giveaway on Twitter however you like, but include this URL page and hash tags anywhere in your Twitter update: @HipMamasPlace http://bit.ly/pxmvyb #baby #giveaways (5 EXTRA ENTRIES)
EXAMPLE OF A TWEET:
I want to win a Babybonkie swaddle blanket @HipMamasPlace http://bit.ly/pxmvyb #baby #giveaways!
2. Like or 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 reply to the latest post on our wall (3 EXTRA ENTRIES)
3. Follow Hip Mama's Place on Twitter (3 EXTRA ENTRIES)
4. Follow me or friend me on Google Friend Connect (link is under "Our Hip Followers" on the left side bar) (5 EXTRA ENTRIES)
5. Join the Hip Mama's Place Community and EARN 2 EXTRA ENTRIES. You can earn 3 more extra entries by creating a new post or join in on the conversations on the "Forum" section of our mom community. (5 TOTAL EXTRA ENTRIES)
6. Grab one of Hip Mama's Place's buttons under the "Grab Our Fabulous Buttons" on the right hand side bar on our main page and paste it on an HTML page on your blog sidebar. (5 EXTRA ENTRIES)
Remember, the more entries you have, the greater chances of winning! Please make sure to leave a separate comment for each thing you do for your extra entries (i.e. your name on HMP Community name, Google Friend Connect, Facebook name, Twitter name and post links, etcetera). Good luck!
*Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “My reviews and opinions are 100% my own. Babybonkie Swaddle provided me the products and giveaway prize to facilitate this review and giveaway".
About the Author: Jocelyn Cañasa-Brown is a working mom of two boys and is a recognized blogger and mom influencer in the Washington, DC area. In her spare time, she designs and creates her own handmade jewelry, maintains her jewelry store on Etsy and is an active moms group organizer and leader both online and offline. Hip Mama's Place was nominated for Parents' Picks 2010 Best Parenting Blogs and named one of the Highest Rated Blogs and Sites on Nickelodeon ParentsConnect for the Washington, DC area. Follow Jocelyn on Twitter and/or Facebook.
