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Toys and Books
2008-06-07 04:06:00
I emailed a good friend who's going to have a trip to the Philippines with three little kids in about two weeks from now. Her and I were sort of comparing notes about what and what-not to bring on the trip and exchanging ideas about how to entertain our kids so they are less fussy on the long flight. I know from reading a lot online about mothers who have travelled with little kids that things like puzzles, drawing and doodle pads, coloring books, little story books, and little toys make for great entertainment for kids so I'm starting to gather those things now too. Sorry about writing so much about our upcoming trip. Can you all tell I'm having mixed emotions about this? I am very excited about it, and yet I can't help getting anxious and a little worried- mostly because I have never been on a long plane ride with my precious ones. I just hope and pray they'll be relaxed and sweet the whole time.
More About: Books , Toys

Travelling With My Laptop
2008-06-07 02:58:00
Now that my trip to the Philippines is getting closer, I am finalizing the things I need to bring with me. So most of today was spent folding up, ironing clothes and organizing thing in our luggages. Then I thought about my laptop. I do need to get a case for it, so it's well-protected in my luggage. I can't use it on the plane or anytime during the trip so it won't be on the carry-on bag. My hands are going to be full with my two little ones the entire trip.
More About: Laptop , Travelling

Are You For Taking Diet Pills?
2008-06-07 02:47:00
I recently saw an article on a celebrity mag about Hollywood stars who go on a rigid diet and taking diet pills to lose weight rapidly. It's amazing what people really do to make themselves look slim. They go to extremes about diet pills. I admit, I'm not immune to diet pills. I actually tried a popular brand last year through a friend's recommendation. She said taht she read all the diet pill reviews and did a lot of research, then tried this one brand and it worked great for her. Well, people have different experiences and react differently to diet pills because I took the same brand my friend took and it didn't really worked for me. So how about you, are you open about taking diet pills to lose weight?
More About: Diet , Pills , Taking

Business Cards, Photo Magnets, Etc
2008-06-06 06:14:00
One of the things that are on my to-do list that I can't seem to get done is getting me a good business card/mommy card type thing. You know how sometimes you meet new people, or even when friends ask you if you have a card handy with your contact information, and you can't give them anything simply because..you don't have one!So enter the business card or for us mommies, there's now a trend going around about 'mommy cards'. They're nice and sleek and trendy things to have, and I've been wanting to have a set made for me- but it always gets put off and I realized that it's been on my to-do list for maybe almost a year now? LOL. Speaking of mommy cards and business cards, have you checked out Vista Print recently? Besides business cards, notes and stationery, invitations, or announcements, they also now offer cool calendar magnets that are really cute and very affordable. They are large calendar magnets printed in full color on super smooth vinyl that you can customize with ...
More About: Business , Photo , Magnets , Cards

Have You Been "Carrie-d" Away Yet? :)
2008-06-06 04:52:00
Everybody's talking about the Sex and the City Movie these days. I have not seen the movie yet, but I will. I've been on and off watching the show for years and I can say, I'm not a big fan although I found the few full episodes I've watched cute. Other times, the characters are just a little annoying that I just either change the channel or turn the tv off completely!I'm a bit picky when it comes to the kind of movies I watch but when I saw the trailer of this movie and the interview with the characters, I'm convinced I'm going to go see it. :)
More About: Carrie

HealthFindersHub.com
2008-06-05 23:50:00
There's a new kind of online health providers search website that lists all types of medical doctors such as anesthesiology, family and general medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and surgery- in your local area. What's also cool about this website is that you can also read on a lot of health informational topics. So if you're looking or researching for articles on cancer and its cure, for example, this is the best place to go! Find a Doctor now if you need one at HealthFindersHub.com, or add your own listing if you are a health practitioner and you want to be added on their extensive medical providers list.

Island Getaway!
2008-06-05 02:59:00
Now tell me if this beautiful scenery does not make you want to pack up your bags and head over to the nearest island you can get away to! :)Can you tell I am very excited about my homecoming to the Philippines? I am going there in less than four weeks- yes, less than FOUR weeks only! So now I am thinking of places that I can get away to. My sister just told me there's this beautiful island we can check out. I mean, who knows how much it's gonna cost me. But maybe, just maybe...we can find some island that looks and feels like St Thomas Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands and find some lovely villa somewhere to rent. Maybe villas like the ones listed on St. Thomas villa rentals. Oh wow, am I really daydreaming!
More About: Getaway

Calling All Mustang Car Owners and Enthusiasts
2008-06-03 21:30:00
Do you own a Ford Mustang and are looking for the best, most reliable online aftermarket retailers for parts and products? There's an online marketplace for Mustang parts called AmericanMuscle.com that offer the hottest products at the best prices you can find. They sell Mustang tires, wheels, lights, brakes, suspensions, interior/exterior styling, and many other Mustang parts and products at reasonable prices.One of the newest offerings they have is the Carroll Shelby Mustang Wheels. If you're looking for the hottest selection of Shelby Wheels including the CS56 and CS69 styles for the 2005+ Mustang, AmericanMuscle.com has all of them! With the set of Carroll Shelby Wheels from AmericanMuscle.com, you can be sure you'll set your Mustang apart from the crowd!Other Mustang Wheels are being offered, besides the Shelby Mustang wheels. Also, they offer free shipping on all Shelby Mustang Rim orders. AmericanMuscle.com has a staff of 50 top-notch customer service reps, both over the p...
More About: Calling , Owners

Radio Disney Concert Series is Coming to Wildwood, NJ!
2008-06-03 17:24:00
Magic Mondays- Radio Disney 's hottest musical artists, will appear live on Morey's Piers, a favorite New Jersey vacation hotspot on July 7th, 14th and 21st. These FREE concerts will take place at the Radio Disney stage next to the Giant Ferris Wheel on Morey?s Mariner?s Landing pier. Show times are scheduled for 1 pm and 4 pm. This information was taken from a recent press release for Radio Disney.Here are other highlights to these free concerts:-The Radio Disney Summer Concert Series finale is scheduled for 2 pm Saturday, July 26, 2008 at the Wildwood s Convention Center Oceanfront Arena with Raven-Symone from Disney Channel?s ?That?s so Raven? and the currently showing Walt Disney movie, ?College Road Trip? starring Martin Lawrence and Raven-Symone. The July 26th concert will also feature Mitchell Musso from the ?Hannah Montana Show?. -July 26th Concert ticket holders may enjoy super savings at Morey?s Piers from the time of purchase through July 27, 2008. Simply show your offici...

Sometimes All It Takes Is A Lipstick
2008-06-03 17:12:00
Some days when I'm all tired and stressed out and I feel like I'm neglecting myself or drowning in a sea of endless house chores and writing tasks, I just go to my makeup drawer and put on my favorite lipstick or lip gloss.I know it might sound a little strange. But yes, it makes me feel better and I'm ready to go again!Sometimes, all I need is a lipstick to brighten up my somewhat dreary mood. :)
More About: Lipstick

What's Your Excuse?
2008-06-03 16:52:00
My husband has been thinking of having lasik surgery done. But he is not too much into it because he said he went to an eye specialist a few years back and something in his retina is not fit for such surgery. So I told him, "Hey, there are lots of new technologies nowadays that you might already qualify". But then there's always an excuse not to go get it done.I mean lasik is expenisve and is a major surgery that needs serious consideration before making a decision. But if you go to a reputable one that has proven success for so many clients like Lasik in Walnut Creek, then you should stop making excuse for yourself not to have lasik surgery done.
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My "Fabulous Mega Blog"
2008-06-03 16:42:00
I feel like I'm writing a lot about myself these days, sorry folks. But this is one of those. Just had to share it! :)I was going to say that I am happy with the way things are turning out for Hip Mama's Place. I am getting a lot of complements from advertisers and more product review requests than I expected. It's been very productive so far and I'm just happy to share my joy with you all. Yesterday I got an email letter from an advertiser that said, "Wow. I just found out about your fabulous mega blog and I'm happy to have my product featured on it!". I mean, isn't that something? So that said, I want to thank you all who regularly visits Hip Mama's Place. You are all the reason that keeps me going and making it a success! :)
More About: Blog , Mega

Boating Accidents Due To Operating Under the Influence
2008-06-03 01:33:00
You hear about fatal boating accidents in the news every now and then. Do you know that in Arizona alone, 50% of all fatal boating accidents that happened there in 2007 were alcohol related? That and 1/3 of all fatal boating accidents nationwide are all alcohol related?Operating a boat while impaired is just as dangerous ? and just as illegal ? as drinking while driving a car. So here are a few facts that you should know when operating a boat. The legal limit for blood alcohol is .08 in both driving a car and operating a boat. The penalties are similar too. Just like driving under the influence, Boating Operating Under the Influence is a Class One misdemeanor. So it is important that before operating a boat, a sober operator should be designated.In Arizona however, Boating Education Online is not required to operate a boat. But educated boaters are 70 percent less likely to be involved in a boating accident. That' why if you are into Arizona Boating, you should consider taking clas...
More About: Accidents

Scootababy Baby Sling
2008-06-03 00:46:00
I was so happy today. I received the Scootababy Baby Carrier to sample and review on Hip Mama's Place. I had been looking for a sturdy, reliable baby sling that I could use for Jaden when we travel to the Philippines next month. There are a lot of baby slings in the market today, but this one is just what I was looking for. Jaden is a big, heavy little guy so I need something that's really gonna stand a 27-hour flight trip. (Gosh, can you imagine that long?). But this baby carrier is just what I need! It's made of dark denim, but the inside is made of soft, plush cotton. So nice!Stay tuned for a detailed review of this great baby carrier/sling coming to Hip Mama's Place very soon!
More About: Sling

Alleviate Stress with AbsoluteCalm
2008-06-02 23:36:00
Do you find yourself feeling tired, weak, irritable, and feeling old? There's a new product called AbsoluteCalm, a feel good Nutraceutical to help calm the mind and relax the body without making you sleepy. The natural ingredient is Magnolia Extract which is known to be a safe remedy that can neutralize occasional stress, anxious and depressive states?almost immediately! Magnolia Extract comes in a perfect form from nature and doesn't produce any side effects.AbsoluteCalm is a dietary supplement that has been scientifically formulated to quiet the anxious mind using the latest advances in the fields of psychology, nutrition and neuroscience. Their laboratory follows rigorous quality-assurance procedures and contains only standardized plant extracts and pharmaceutical-grade amino acids to ensure maximum purity and potency.According to the FAQ's on the website, most people who take Absolute Calm? experience increased relaxation, a sense of well-being, and reduced worry within 20 mi...
More About: Stress

Sweetest Address There Is...
2008-06-02 23:29:00
I must have received the same complements on my 'sweet address' so many times that I feel I just had to share it.You know, my address goes like this (numbers changed due to privacy):1234 Wildflower LaneFlower Mound, TX 76111And I always get this complement: "That's the sweetest address I've ever heard!". LOL. Maybe because it always says "flower" in it. :)And then today, I received an item in the mail for review on Hip Mama's Place, and the advertiser says in her thank you card to me: "Your address couldn't be any more sweeter! I just had to say that!". Funny. :)
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RV's
2008-06-02 23:28:00
A close friend and her husband from Pittsburgh, PA used to own a nice RV and they would be inviting me for day trips with them. For some reason I wasn't able to go with them even for once. But I used to remember they would go camping for days and check out cool country places.New RVs these days cost like buying a house, but there are always places where you could buy one for a reasonable price. I think someday I would like to own one- maybe if I can talk my husband into buying us one. I love road trips and camping. Although I haven't been to camping anymore since I was in college and that was like 15 years ago. LOL, am I really that old? :)

Saturday Fun With Friends!
2008-06-02 04:48:00
Saturday was a lot of fun. My baby Jaden and I went to my friend Cathy's house for her daughter Aviia's first birthday party. Cathy by the way is a friend from DFW Fil-Am Hip Mama Meetup Group, which is a group of moms that I organize. Aviia looked so adorable in her white little birthday dress and was showered with tons of wonderful gifts. We were joking with mommy Cathy if she had another baby shower again- because she was opening the presents for Aviia like a mom-to-be opening her baby shower presents (lol).So we were in Cathy's house since noon and didn't leave until almost 6PM. It was just nonstop chatting, food, and so much fun! Some of the mommy friends and their kiddos went for a splash at Cathy's very inviting pool. We all had a lot of fun even just watching them through the window in Cathy's kitchen. I must have eaten half of what she prepared. Ugh. Just couldn't resist all the yummy 'pagkain' (food- in Filipino).I had a blast seeing and chatting with my friends ...
More About: Friends , Saturday

Scrapbook Addict
2008-06-01 06:11:00
I used to do a lot of manual scrapbooking. At one time while I was pregnant with my first baby Gabriel and right after I had him, I got hooked on scrapbooking and would buy a lot of supplies for scrapbooks and memory books. I didn't realize how much scrapbooking supplies I had accumulated until I sorted all of them out from our last move and put them in boxes. Man, I was a scrap addict! If I saved all the money I spent on those supplies, I probably would have saved at least a couple thousand dollars. Yes, that's how crazy I was with scrapbooking! Now that digital scrapbooking is the new trend, it looks like I'm going to get into it too. I am now looking into buying a Photo Elements software on Ebay. :)
More About: Scrapbook , Addict

Why Hoodia?
2008-06-01 05:59:00
You see this ingredient in almost every diet pill in the market today: hoodia.So what is hoodia and why is it a known effective ingredient in weight loss?Hoodia gordonii is a cactus-like succulent plant, native to the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa.The active ingredient in Hoodia is the appetite-suppressing molecule, P57, which is licensed to the British pharmaceutical company Phytopharm who are researching its potential as an anti-obesity drug. Scientists from Phytopharm say P57 acts on the brain in a manner similar to glucose. It tricks the brain into thinking you are full even when you have not eaten, reduces interest in food and delays the time before hunger sets in.As with any diet pill, consult with your doctor first if it's right for you.

Win an IPod!
2008-05-30 16:43:00
Everybody's talking about IPods these days. I do have one- a big white Apple 350GB Ipod , which I hardly use. I keep saying to myself, "yea, I'm going to use it one of these days". LOL, it's now two years since I won that IPod from one of those incentive sites I joined then and it still looks as new now! Talk about laziness, LOL! So now that I'm travelling I might have a chance to finally use it. :)Speaking of IPods, you can win one through DDI (Development Dimensions International). They are offering an iPod nano to participants who fill out a brief online survey. The survey is targeted at HR executives in health care. At the end of the survey, participants will be asked to provide their e-mail address and contact information and then they will randomly select one winner from the participants who complete the survey.To take the survey, click here.

Can You Suggest Great Toys for Plane Travel?
2008-05-30 16:16:00
I am totally psyched about my up and coming trip to the Philippines to visit my siblings, whom I have not seen in three years. My last visit was in late 2005 so I'm excited to see everyone again. It will just be me and my two little boys, Gabriel and Jaden. As excited as I am however, I can't help feeling anxious about being on a long plane ride with my babies. I know it will be a real challenge trying to keep up with my kiddos. The one thing that gives me reassurance is that I will have my girlfriend Loyna's mom (I call her Nanay Gloria) to accompany and help me with my kids on this long 27-hour trip. I know she will help me a lot, but still..(sigh).By the way, do you all have any suggestions for toys or activities for kids ages 1-3 years old that are suitable for plane travel? Something that you might have already tried and tested on your trips with your kids?I've been reading up a lot on this topic online and saw this very interesting website about a mom who travels 2-3 times...
More About: Travel , Toys , Great , Vacations , Plane

Gravesite Care Services
2008-05-30 15:32:00
Looking for a company that offers quality and affordable gravesite care services? Look no further than Gravesite Masters. You know how sometimes we think of our loved ones who have passed and we really don't have the chance to go to the gravesite personally? Also at times when you need to deliver flowers to extend condoleces to friends and relatives whose loved one has passed, here's a service that will answer those needs: Gravesite Masters.Gravesite Masters offer a wide variety of products and services related to grave site care and beautification, headstone accessories, gravesite memorial items, and sympathy/bereavement products, and flowers and flower delivery. They deliver both artificial bouquets and fresh-cut floral arrangements to cemeteries, funeral homes, churches, business, and residences for those wanting funeral or sympathy flowers or for any other occasion. Additionally, they provide flower planting and watering; gravesite maintenance and restoration; landscaping - in...
More About: Services , Care

Blog Commenting: Quick Way To Improve Blog Traffic
2008-05-30 15:01:00
I like browsing through DoshDosh whenever I get a chance- when I need helpful tips to improve my blog and suggestions for increased blog traffic.There's an article about blog commenting that caught my attention today. The writer wrote:"A comment left on a popular blog may be viewed by a few hundred people in one day. Multiply that by the lifespan of the blog and you?ll see that a simple comment may say a lot about you. Every blog comment is usually permanent. It?s not just a hyperlink but a long-term representation of your brand."So comment away on blogs, and see your own blog getting more new hits!
More About: Blog Traffic , Traffic , Blogging , Blog , Quick

Lifelock to Protect Your Credit
2008-05-30 13:12:00
You probably heard about Lifelock , a credit protection service company that helps block your credit so only you can use it, stop pre-approved credit offers, help reduce the amount of junk mail you receive and ensure that things go smoothly when you apply for credit. Lifelock also contacts the four major credit reporting agencies for you and sends you alerts that will require notification if anyone uses your credit information at all or tries to get new credit, change your address, expand credit lines, open a checking account, get insurance or utilities, and other credit-related applications using your information. To use the service, you pay $10/month or $110 if paid annually. Life Lock will also protect your children under 15 for $25.It is at your own discretion whether this kind of service will suit your needs. I haven't used lifelock personally yet, but I think this service provides added security if you want to totally eliminate the possibility of identity theft.
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Have you heard about Black Friday deals?
2008-05-30 03:36:00
I've only heard about Black Friday deals some time last year on a forum that I frequent. Do you all know that on Black Friday , which is the day after Thanksgiving, is the day when major retailers around the country discount products to help kick off the Christmas shopping season? Black Friday ads are usually kept secret until you receive the circulars in your Thanksgiving Day newspaper. But there's this site called Black-Friday.net that gives you the advantage by showing the Black Friday 2008ads before anyone else. They also give you direct links to each product you're interested in so you can buy them online on Black Friday without the hassles of standing in line at the store!I was navigating through black-friday.net today and it's amazing how many major retailers there are that feature Black Friday ads. Think Amazon, Bestbuy, Toys R'Us, Macy's, Old Navy, and many other brands you love! Even Walmart, JCPenney, and Overstock.com. I'm definitely checking out a lot of these sto...

Craigslist is the way to go, baby!
2008-05-30 01:45:00
If you haven't used Craigslist .org to sell your unwanted stuff before- you definitely should.My husband and I started listing some of the furniture that we don't want to haul with us on our next move- just last night on Craigslist. I mean, just last night, people! Mind you- we sold almost everything TODAY! Yes, TODAY! It's amazing. Just minutes after listing our items last night, we received tons of emails and phone calls- people just trying to get our things from us. So fast and so soon! (LOL). So today people are just getting in and out of our house getting our things out. I'm so sad the house is almost empty now. Can you all imagine? And hello, we still live here!!!! :)Anyway, I'm not complaining. We made some nice money today selling our stuff. My husband and I went, "yayyyy!!!". It's amazing and it happened so fast! So if you want to get rid of things you don't want anymore, Craigslist is the way to go, baby! :)
More About: Baby , Moving

Tiny Flashlights
2008-05-29 11:39:00
Last night I was cleaning up the kids' room and remembered about checking underneath their bed for toys and other things that accidentally got under there. Sure enough, there were some toys and little books. I wished I had a flashlight like Surefire new flashlights though. I had to use a good old cigarette lighter instead to really see what's under the bed at night.
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Wordless Wednesday: Statue of Sam Houston
2008-05-28 16:00:00
*A trip to Huntsville, Texas a year ago...
More About: Statue , Houston , Wednesday

Getting Our House Ready
2008-05-26 21:03:00
So this past weekend hubby and I just worked on cleaning our house and getting it ready for the MLS listing. Gosh, I am soooo exhausted right now. I think we did a good job, though. Considering we got a 3,000 sq ft house and two little kids to tend to. :)We hope the house will sell quickly. My hubby has to be in Maryland in July for the new job there.Anyways, here are a few pictures of our house that my husband took yesterday to include with the listing. *Front View of the House *Family Room *Entry *Dining Room *Kitchen* BackyardIf anyone is interested about the details on the house, please let me know. And if you have friends or family looking to purchase a house in the Dallas/Fort Worth area- our gorgeous house is for sale and is in a very desirable, sought-after neighborhood in multi award-winning and beautiful Flower Mound! (Can you tell I am REALLY TRYING to sell it?) :)
More About: Ready