I'm a self confessed bargain hunter. It's really rare that I pay full price for anything unless I absolutely have to. And when shopping for anything for myself or for my family, I always ask myself, "Am I getting the most quality and value for my money with this spend?"
Which is why, I'm excited to share my recent experience shopping for back-to-school things at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls -- my two top favorite off-price store that carry high quality, name brand items such as apparel, footwear, accessories and home merchandise. I admit, whenever I shop at either of these stores, it's all about the thrill of the find!
So last few days ago, I had a budget in mind to shop for new back-to-school clothes and school items for my boys. Since I look for the best prices, I eased myself into the clearance clothing racks in the boy's section first and sure enough, I found five items for my boys there. I also browsed through the books and toys section and found a big box of crayons (which we couldn't get enough of since my kids love all sorts of art using crayons!), pencils, a Lego toy and two classic Dr. Seuss books. Wow, I was amazed at how little I paid for my "best finds" that day! I only spent a little under $60 total for two pairs of Oshkosh pants, three Oshkosh long sleeve shirts, a big box of crayons, a Lego toy and two classic Dr. Seuss books! Paying less for more plus high quality brands... that's my idea of bargain shopping. At T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, I shop guilt-free knowing that I don't pay full price while still getting the look or brand I want!
Now, this is interesting. Recently, Mom Central/T.J.Maxx and Marshalls surveyed nearly 1,000 moms to uncover their back-to-school shopping habits and found that almost half of the moms (43%) named value or prices as the most important factor with the second highest factor being quality (40%) when it comes to back-to-school shopping and a whopping 80% said rising costs will impact this shopping season. This is where off-price retail stores like T.J.Maxx and Marshalls come into play. I mean, why should you pay full price when you can get them at up to 60% less than mall, department and specialty store prices?
Still finishing up with your back-to-school shopping? Go visit T.J.Maxx and Marshalls where you'll find anything from backpacks and pencils, to zip-up hoodies and graphic tees, and even boots and hair bows - all at prices you can really afford!
*Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of T.J.Maxx and Marshalls and received a gift card to facilitate my review and thank me for taking the time to participate.”
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 ~~~~~~ **
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Back-to-School Shopping at T.J.Maxx and Marshalls Stores
Friday, September 23, 2011
Another Reason Why We Love Verizon FiOS: Flex View
A couple months ago, I wrote about why we switched to Verizon FiOS for our cable tv, internet and home phone service. It's now been two months since we've had FiOS and so far, so good.
For this post, I'm sharing with you all another great reason why we love Verizon FiOS: Flex View! How does it work? With Flex View, you can now access the movie on demand you rent or buy and watch them wherever you go- on your pc, laptop or on your smartphone. Let's say you're watching the latest chick flick on tv that you just bought on demand, but you only got ten minutes left and you have to leave the house for an appointment. Flex View lets you continue enjoying your movie on your smartphone while you're out. Now how cool is that?
This short video explains further how Verizon FiOS Flex View works and how you can set it up. What's really neat is that it doesn't cost us an extra monthly charge on our bill! It's a totally free, cool feature from FiOS!
Now, I admit I'm not much of a technology savvy gal. So I asked my husband that we fiddle with Flex View a little bit to see how it really works and if we really like this feature. Turns out, it wasn't that hard at all. First, you have to download the free Media Manager app in order to buy, rent, download and watch Flex View videos on your pc. The download was super easy and only took a few minutes to set up. I tried watching Something Borrowed from my tv to my laptop and I can say, it's a really cool feature. Now, if you want Flex View on your mobile device, you also need to download the free Verizon FiOS On Demand app on your phone to buy, rent, download, and watch Flex View videos on it. I think that this feature is great for those long drives when you want to entertain the kids in the car with their fave movies on demand. I can see how you could use your laptop or smartphone to entertain them with the cool Flex View feature!
Another thing I love since switching to Verizon FiOS is our internet connectivity-- it hasn't been this real "high speed" before! I do a lot of work online, so I do need my internet connection lightning fast. Verizon FiOS definitely has made work and life easier for me and my family by doing what it promises to do: provide us with the best quality tv, internet and home phone service. There is no room for complaints here.
Please note that Verizon FiOS is only available in select parts of the country, check here to find out if it's available in your area.
Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: "I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Verizon FiOS and received a free trial of the products and services necessary to facilitate my review".
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 2011 Best All-Around Mom Blog 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.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
How to Wear Fall's Hottest Makeup Trends Without Looking Ridiculous
See the 8 hottest trends off the runway and learn how to make them wearable for your everyday
This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup trends article
While avant-garde makeup looks amazing in magazine spreads and on models strutting down the catwalk, the looks can end up looking ridiculous at the office or even when you're headed out for a Saturday night on the town -- until now! Our beauty expert fills us in on how to translate these trends into looks that are wearable.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Emergen-C Kidz Review and Giveaway + Help A Great Cause!
I first learned about Emergen-C vitamin drink a few years ago from a friend's recommendation who insisted I should try it for treating cold and flu fast. I'm so thankful she did. Since the first time I tried Emergen-C fizzy drink, I have been a believer and now, it's a staple in our house.
Recently, I found out about Emergen-C Kidz, a new Vitamin C drink specially formulated just for kids. I love that it provides the key vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, and antioxidants to help my kids get the nutritional health and immune system support they need. Thanks to Mom Central, we got to try the three new yummy, kid-friendly flavors of Emergen-C Kidz - Fruit Punch, Orange, and Grape. My kids love these!
*My boys Gabriel and Jaden picking apples at the Hartland Orchard and Farm in Markham, Virginia (September 17th, 2011)
Both of my boys- Gabriel (six years old) and Jaden (four years old) are quite picky eaters. It's always a challenge getting them to try new vegetables or fruits. They do eat a few varieties but to supplement the nutrients they miss out on, I supplement their diet with a daily dose of multivitamins. To me, it has to be a multivitamin that includes a good amount of Vitamin C which is known to help lessen the symptoms of the common cold and protects against immune system deficiencies.
Each packet of Emergen-C Kidz contains 250mg of Vitamin C, plus antioxidants, B vitamins, and electrolytes to keep my kids feeling great every day and help them stay healthy! I like the fact that Emergen-C Kidz drink mixes are not only delicious -- they also don't contain artificial flavors or sweeteners like other drink mixes do. So I really feel good about giving them to my kids! And what's more, Emergen-C Kidz is committed to a really great cause!
My Emergen-C Kidz Pledge and Why You Should Make the Pledge
Emergen-C just launched the My Emergen-C Kidz Pledge on Facebook, where parents commit to a fun and healthy lifestyle for their families. For every family that takes the Pledge, Emergen-C will donate an additional 25 cents to Vitamin Angels- a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing childhood mortality worldwide by connecting vital nutrients to infants and children under five. Emergen-C hopes to raise $5,000, which would help save the lives of 20,000 children worldwide for one year!
Parents can take the My Emergen-C Kidz Pledge at Facebook.com/EmergenC, where they can find tools and resources to help them track, celebrate, and share their progress.
So you're not only buying an excellent product, you're also helping a really great cause! I've already made the Pledge myself and it's a good feeling to know that I am helping fight the problem of global malnutrition in needy children worldwide.
Want to know more about Emergen-C Kidz vitamin drink mixes, Vitamin Angels, and the My Emergen-C Kidz Pledge? Go visit Facebook.com/EmergenC today! You can also follow Emergen-C and Vitamin Angels on Twitter via @EmergenC and @VitaminAngels.
Emergen-C Kidz Fruit Punch and Orange flavors are now available where vitamin C products are sold, and Grape is available exclusively at natural food retailers, including Whole Foods Market. The retail price for a 30-packet box averages $10.99. Free samples of Emergen-C Kidz are also available on the Emergen-C Facebook page while supplies last.
*GIVEAWAY!
One of you, lucky Hip Mama's Place reader, will win three (3) boxes of Emergen-C Kidz vitamin drink in three flavors- Fruit Punch, Orange and Grape!
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post by October 3rd, 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 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!
Your comment is your one required/mandatory entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following:
1. Tweet this giveaway daily on Twitter however you like, but include this URL page and hash tags anywhere in your Twitter update: @HipMamasPlace @emergenc @vitaminangels http://bit.ly/nCfbWw #giveaways (1 EXTRA ENTRY FOR EACH TWEET THAT YOU DO DAILY)
EXAMPLE OF A TWEET:
I want to win Emergen-C Kidz samples @HipMamasPlace @emergenc @vitaminangels http://bit.ly/nCfbWw #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. 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)
5. 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 Twitter post links). Good luck!
*Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Emergen-C and received samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”.
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.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Pumpkin At-Home Face Mask (As Seen in Good Housekeeping)
Halloween is coming up very soon and I'm already looking for ideas for fun activities to do with my family. Yesterday, I was at the craft store looking for great craft ideas for my kids, checking out Halloween decor and costumes for this year. It seems like a lot of work for us moms, but believe it or not- I find doing these things fun!
For me, it's all about keeping my family always happy! :)
Anyway, I wanted to share this fun, easy DIY at-home pumpkin facial mask recipe for super busy, sometimes too stressed moms out there (like me!)...now, this one's for me!
Featured in this month’s issue of Good Housekeeping magazine and created by beauty guru and parenting expert Erika Katz, this mask is full of exfoliating enzymes that brighten the skin so we moms don’t look too “scary” this fall season!
Pumpkin Face Mask Recipe
2 tsp canned pureed pumpkin
1/2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp heavy whipping cream
Mix all ingredients and apply to face. Leave on for 10 min and rinse.
Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which is very healing to the skin and is essential to maintain and repair skin tissue. It also helps reduce lines and wrinkles. Honey is a humectant. The cream moisturizes and helps flaky skin.
About Erika Katz:
Erika is a mother of two and the author of Bonding Over Beauty, A Mother-Daughter Beauty Guide to Foster Self-Esteem, Confidence and Trust. Erika wrote this guide for mothers and teenagers because she realized that as young girls head toward the teen years, mothers suddenly seem out of touch. In this down-to-earth guide for moms of tweens, Erika Katz offers practical advice for building self-esteem, confidence, and trust by teaching moms how to open up a dialogue during the often awkward preteen and early teen years.
I am definitely going to make this at-home Fall beauty recipe myself. Sounds yummy for my face! :)
Good Housekeeping magazine's September 2011 issue is now available at your nearest newsstands!
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.
Monday, September 12, 2011
$20 Target or Kohl's Store Gift Card Quick Giveaway Contest! *Extremely Easy To Enter*
Hello, friends.
Today I am helping out a new business gain online exposure and new Facebook followers, through a fun and quick giveaway contest here at Hip Mama's Place: a $20 Target or Kohl's Store Gift Card- your choice!
Patrick Stull has created a moving portrait photography book, Evolve... A Women's Journey with a focus on the evolution of pregnancy for the mom to be. Stull is in the process of taking his sculpture and photography work to New York and San Francisco with an exhibition slated for late Spring 2012.
Evolve reads like an anthology, addressing the ultimate empowering experience that is pregnancy. For some of the woman featured, the journey is fraught with self-doubt over their changing body, for others it is ebuliant joy embracing each stage of the pregnancy. The story and images that accompany Evolve (available in a book, or ebook format along with a narrated iPAD app by the women featured in the book) is meant to serve as a sounding board, a conversation starter and a gift for women going through pregnancy. It is a nod to women, focused on all their power, strength and beauty as they bring life into the world, with ease or challenges, it's a real portrait of each unique women's story as featured in the book.
*GIVEAWAY!
One of you, lucky Hip Mama's Place reader will win a $20 Target or Kohl's Store gift card- your choice! Read on for the simple rules.
To enter this contest, simply Like Patrick Stull on Facebook, then come back to this post and comment that you just followed them and state your name on Facebook so I can track that you actually did follow them!
VERY IMPORTANT: In order for your entry to count, YOU MUST BE A NEW FOLLOWER OF PATRICK STULL on Facebook and YOU MUST CLICK THIS LINK TO PATRICK STULL'S FACEBOOK PAGE. Your entry will be voided if you are already their follower before or if you've clicked the Patrick Stull Facebook page somewhere else!
That easy!
This contest will end on September 19th, 2011 at 1MN, EST and is OPEN ONLY TO U.S. RESIDENTS. One (1) winner will be chosen at random and will be announced as a comment on this post. So come join the fun and win this fantastic 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.
Fall 2011's Hottest Lip Colors
Go bold or go home is this season's motto. See how to wear fall 2011's hottest lip trends now
This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup trends article
This season's runways were covered with splashes of wine hues and bright berries. So we talked to Jessie Powers, Make Up For Ever National Educator, who filled us in on how to wear these fall lip trends. Get the hue recommendations for your specific skin tone now.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Help Group's 2011 Summit: Advances and Best Practices in Autism, Learning Disabilities and ADHD
Attention, parents, professionals and teachers: attend the Autism & Learning Disability Conference with some of the nation’s leading experts.
The Help Group will host its annual Summit: Advances and Best Practices in Autism, Learning Disabilities and ADHD on Friday, October 21st and Saturday, October 22nd at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. This cutting edge conference, generously sponsored by First 5 California, will feature more than 20 of the nation’s leading experts presenting the latest information to professionals and parents.
For information and online registration visit www.thehelpgroup.org
Friday, September 9, 2011
5 Ingredients 15 Minutes Bookazine Offers Easy, Speedy Recipes for Busy Parents- Review and Giveaway
No matter how busy I am as a work at home mom, I do my best to cook healthy, nutritious meals for my family. But on days when I am extremely busy and are short on time, that becomes a challenge.
So glad I was introduced to a new book-a-zine from Heart Magazines that's filled with easy, speedy ideas for my family's favorite recipes. Now I can whip up a satisfying and healthy meal even when I only got a short time in my hands!
5 Ingredients 15 Minutes is a special 116-page bookazine offering new family favorites including rotisserie chicken recipes, pasta dinners, salad entrées, fun fast food, takeout magic, and more -- all from the editors of Good Housekeeping, Redbook, and Country Living. I've tried a couple recipes from this bookazine and it was amazing how easy and super fast I made them from start to finish! Plus, they came out really great! The bookazine looks like a thick magazine but it's got 135 speedy recipes with less than 400 calories! Perfect now that I am watching my diet. :)
Plus, it also offers great tips like supermarket shopping shortcuts and pantry organization tricks to help you shave even more time off your meal-time prep! It also includes time-saving appliances and useful utensils guides, plus a comprehensive recipe index, so it’s easy to find the meal you’re looking for!
5 Ingredients 15 Minutes is now available on newsstands and on Zinio.com for only $9.99!
*GIVEAWAY!
One of you, lucky Hip Mama's Place reader, will win a copy of 5 Ingredients 15 Minutes Bookazine from Hearst Magazines! (US and Canada entrants only!)
IMPORTANT: You MUST be a follower of Hip Mama's Place via Google Friend Connect (link is located at the left middle side bar under "Our Hip Followers") for your entry to count. Be sure to include your email address in your comment (or one of your comments, if you'll do extra entries).
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post by September 23rd, 2011 at 12MN, EST. THIS IS YOUR MANDATORY CONTEST ENTRY.
This contest is open to U.S. AND CANADA 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!
Your comment is your one required/mandatory entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following:
1. Tweet this giveaway daily on Twitter however you like, but include this URL page and hash tags anywhere in your Twitter update: @HipMamasPlace http://bit.ly/oKWPht #cooking #giveaways (1 EXTRA ENTRY FOR EACH TWEET THAT YOU DO DAILY)
EXAMPLE OF A TWEET:
I want to win a copy of 5 Ingredients 15 Minutes Easy, Speedy Recipes bookazine @HipMamasPlace http://bit.ly/oKWPht #cooking #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. 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)
5. 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 Twitter post links). Good luck!
*Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “My reviews and opinions are 100% my own. Heart Magazines provided me copies of 5 Ingredients 15 Minutes bookazine necessary to facilitate my 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.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
What Your Esthetician Won't Tell You
You'll be surprised to find out what your esthetician was keeping from you the last time you were getting steamed and extracted
This is a TotalBeauty.com facial skin care article
Whether you think getting a facial is a big beauty treat or a total waste of your hard-earned cash, one thing is certain: You'll want to make sure the esthetician who's working on you knows what she's doing. Are all facialists as well-trained as they should be? Do they urge you to buy skin care products even they wouldn't use? Check out these eight secrets your esthetician won't tell you.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
SheaMoisture’s Organic Raw Shea Butter Baby Collection Now Available at Wagreens: Review and Giveaway Worth Over $50!
My kids are growing and so are our family expenses. I honestly don't consider myself frugal. But at the rate things are going with the economy, I've started to really make a lot of changes on my spending. Although that's not to say that I compromise quality when it comes to the products I buy.
Recently, I got introduced to Shea Moisture's Organic Raw Shea Butter Baby Collection -- quality, organic baby skin and hair care products that are easy on the budget! I got really excited, since I already regularly use the Shea Moisture Organic African Black Soap Bar for myself and I love it!
I still consider my six and four year old sons, Gabriel and Jaden, babies, so I still use baby stuff for their hair and skin -- shampoos, baby wash, soaps and lotions. So I was so glad to be given the opportunity to try these new line of baby skin and hair care collection from the organic brand Shea Moisture! We are halfway using our samples and so far, it's been great!
The SheaMoisture Organic Baby Collection includes:
* Baby Head-To-Toe Wash & Shampoo: Gently bathe little ones with this sulfate-free, ultra-moisturizing organic Shea Butter body wash and shampoo. Apply a small amount to the face, body and hair, lather and rinse thoroughly.
* Baby Head-To-Toe Ointment: Apply liberally to baby’s chapped skin. Can also be used at every diaper change.
* Baby Healing Lotion: Nourish and hydrate baby’s tender skin with this nutrient-rich blend of shea butter, cocoa butter, argan oil and aloe vera. This gentle, all-natural moisturizing lotion soothes, softens and protects delicate skin. Smooth lotion on baby’s skin after bath or any time skin is in need of moisture.
* NEW Baby Oil Rub: Nurture, calm and moisturize with pure, healing organic oils. Gently rub into baby’s skin after bath or use as a gentle, therapeutic massage oil.
* NEW Baby Eczema Therapy: Nourish, soothe and protect dry, cracked or irritated skin quickly with this non-greasy moisturizer for baby’s delicate skin. Pure, organic ingredients soothe skin and help relieve the symptoms of eczema and psoriasis.
* NEW Baby Eczema Bar Soap: Cleanse away impurities without causing dryness, tightness or irritation with this nourishing organic bar soap.
I love that these products are formulated with organic ingredients that are proven safe and effective in softening and moisturizing delicate skin (lotions, rub oil and soaps) and moisturizing hair (wash and shampoo). I also love that they have frankincense & myrrh as healing properties -- they leave baby-smelling, fresh and subtle scent on my boys' hair and skin! Plus, they don't contain harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde or animal ingredients like some of the regular products do! These products are gentle enough for baby's everyday use and are even suitable for adults of all ages.
Priced affordably from $4.99- $9.99, SheaMoisture Baby Collection is now available at all Walgreens nationwide, at www.walgreens.com and even at Target and Walmart.
*GIVEAWAY!
One of you, lucky Hip Mama's Place reader, will win all six full-size products from the SheaMoisture Baby Collection listed above, valued at $55! (US entrants only!)
IMPORTANT: You MUST be a follower of Hip Mama's Place via Google Friend Connect (link is located at the left middle side bar under "Our Hip Followers") for your entry to count. Be sure to include your email address in your comment (or one of your comments, if you'll do extra entries).
To enter the contest, leave a comment on this post by September 21st, 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 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!
Your comment is your one required/mandatory entry. To earn extra entries, just do the following:
1. Tweet this giveaway daily on Twitter however you like, but include this URL page and hash tags anywhere in your Twitter update: @HipMamasPlace http://bit.ly/mZc2KP #baby #skincare #giveaways (1 EXTRA ENTRY FOR EACH TWEET THAT YOU DO DAILY)
EXAMPLE OF A TWEET:
I want to win the SheaMoisture Baby Hair and Skincare Collection pack @HipMamasPlace http://bit.ly/mZc2KP #baby #skincare #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. 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)
5. 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 Twitter post links). Good luck!
*Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “My reviews and opinions are 100% my own. SheaMoisture provided me the products necessary to facilitate my 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.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Gruffalo DVD- Review and Giveaway
Thanks to NCircle Entertainment, my little boys have a new favorite DVD movie in the house- The Gruffalo! They think the movie is hilarious and I totally agree! :)
About The Gruffalo:
The Gruffalo is a cute, magical story about a little mouse who takes a stroll through the woods in search of his favorite food- a nut! During his search, he encounters three animal predators who all wish to eat him and the clever and confident mouse has to use his wits to survive. He tells his predators that he is meeting a monster that he names the "Gruffalo". Of course, the predators get scared and they leave him alone! But well, what do you think happens when the little mouse comes face-to-face with the terrible creature of his imagination: the Gruffalo himself? (I will leave it at that for your viewing pleasure!) :)
My Review:
When we first opened the box to reveal this DVD, the first thing my six year old Gabriel asked me was, "What's a Gruffalo, mommy?". And I thought to myself, "wow, what is it? I don't know either. I think it's just a made up word, baby". But, it did really get me thinking. Although my command of the English language is quite excellent, there was a tiny part of me that doubted if there was really such a thing as the word "gruffalo"! Believe it or not. :)
So I told him we'll watch the movie 'cause mommy doesn't know either and we'll find it out together! He got super excited when we played the movie the first time. :)
"What a smart little mouse!", exclaimed Gabriel, followed by an unstoppable laughter- the first time we watched this very entertaining family movie. The part of the movie that really makes him and his little brother Jaden laugh so hard is whenever the little mouse makes up "Gruffalos' favorite food" to tell to each of his predators. Like, when he told the owl (who wanted to eat him), "The Gruffalo likes owl ice cream!" and the owl's imagination showed an image of himself inside an ice cream cone with his head topped with a scoop of ice cream. So the owl got really scared and flew away. Too funny! I couldn't stop laughing like my sons either. So clever indeed!
I highly recommend The Gruffalo movie for those family movie nights when you just want to gather everyone in the living room and be entertained with a fantastic, wholesome movie and yummy popcorn! This movie is beautifully animated and appropriate for children of all ages.
A 2010 Academy Award nominee, this super entertaining family movie is narrated by English actress Helena Bonham Carter with voices of an all-star cast. The DVD runs for 40 minutes and is now available for purchase at your local retailer or at www.NCircleEntertainment.com!
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One of you, lucky Hip Mama's Place reader, will win a DVD copy of the movie "The Gruffalo"!
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To enter the contest, go to: EntertainmentThatEducates.com and browse through the free entertaining activities for your kids offered on the site. Then come back to this post and leave a comment with your most favorite activity and why you/your kid like it. Comments must be in by September 17th, 2011 at 12MN, EST. THIS IS YOUR MANDATORY CONTEST ENTRY.
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*Hip Mama's Place Disclosure: “My reviews and opinions are 100% my own. NCircle Entertainment provided me the products mentioned in this post to facilitate my 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.
