How To Manage a Kid’s Cell Phone Use.
March 30, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under frugal tips
1. Set a limit on how many text messages she can make during a given week. My daughter knows she is allocated 10 text messages per week and anything above and beyond will result in loss of text messaging for the following week.
2. Limit talk time to a certain hour. I have limited her talk time to one hour per night. This is after 7pm so she is using anytime minutes and is before 9pm on school nights.
3. There is no text messaging or talking until all homework has been completed.
4. No ringtone downloads. She is not allowed to download ANY ringtones. They can become a costly habit.
5. No browsing the Internet. If I find out otherwise her cell phone usage is band until further notice.
I know some of these rules seem severely strict but are necessary for her own protection and my pocket book!
There are kid friendly cell phones for purchase such as Kajeet. Kajeet offers flexible and affordable rates while giving parents full control of cell phone usage. You are able to set up an allowance and Kajeet offers a full suite of online parental controls. The phone even includes a GPS locator to be able to locate your kid’s phone anytime! If you are interested in finding out more about Kajeet please click here. GO KAJEET.
Frugal Housekeeping Tips
March 29, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under Money Saving Ideas, frugal tips
1. Buy a multipurpose cleanser to replace the job of multiple products. Simple Green All Purpose cleaner can be economically diluted and used for many uses. It gets the jobs done and is also non-toxic. Not only does this save you money but also space! I know I have a multitude of cans, spray bottles, and canisters that are stuffed in my cabinet. Getting a multipurpose cleanser that can do the job of all those cleaning products and eliminating the clutter is a great idea!
2. Avoid pricey fabric softener sheets. Dampen an old sock or towel with diluted fabric softener, squeeze out any excess and toss in the dryer. This was one of my favorite tips since I do heaps of laundry. I like the clothes soft and smelling fresh but the dryer sheets are to expensive to use with every load.
3. Make your own room deodorizers. Put a few drops of an oil such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or lavender on multiple cotton balls and place them in a decorative jar with a lid. When you want to deodorize the room simply remove the lid.
4. Remove muddy footprints on the carpet with salt. Sprinkle the muddy carpet with a generous amount of salt and rub it in. Wait an hour and vacuum it off. If any of the spot still remains or the mud is dried, make a solution by diluting 1/4 teaspoon dish washing liquid with a quart of warm water. Cover the spot with solution and vacuum again once spot has dried.
5. Remove hard water stains in your bathroom with toothpaste. Squeeze some on an old toothbrush and scrub the stains away.
6.Clean your toilet with baking soda and white vinegar. Let sit for a few hours, then scrub with a toilet brush.
7. Dry the clothes in consecutive batches. This helps cut energy because the dryer is already warm from the prior loads and does not have to warm up each time you begin a new one.
Check your local Dollar Store! The Dollar Store can be a fantastic source for saving money. I normally can buy most my cleaning supplies such as sponges, towels, gloves, and some cleaners for only $1.00 a piece.
Aloha Friday!
March 27, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under aloha friday, meme
Aloha Friday is happening again at An Island Life! It is a great way to make new bloggy friends and get to know a little about each other by answering a simple question.
This week I decided to play along!
My favorite pair of jeans are
My Hippie Jeans
My Question
The Cookie Critic -Thousand Words Thursday
March 26, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under thousand word thursday
The Cookie Critic
(my husband)
Step 1
“You made cookies?“
Step 2
“Owwwwwwww!”
Step 3
“ewwwwwwww”
The eye-roll of cookie disapproval
Imagine 17 years of the eye-roll!
Nava’s Designs Giveaway.
March 26, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under giveaways
Comments Off
Have you entered this giveaway yet? The baby bedding from Nava’s Designs is exquisite!
Your baby can sleep on clouds of luxury! You can just see the beautiful workmanship in each one of the bedding sets. If you are chosen as the lucky winner you get your pick from 4 fabulous boy or girl designs! You can choose the
OR
Hurry and enter at THE GIVEAWAY! The giveaway ends March 28th, 2009 at 11:59 pm PST
Green Tip Of The Day.
March 24, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under Money Saving Ideas, frugal tips
Green Tip Of The Day.
Switch your light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs. CFL bulbs happen to be 4 to 6 times more efficient than an incandescent bulb. Even though the initial cost of a CFL is higher than a standard bulb, the money savings over the lifetime of the bulb can be significant. A CFL lasts approximately 10,000 hours compared to the standard bulb only lasting 1,000 hours. They also produce 70% less heat making them safer to operate and cut energy costs associated with cooling your home. The Consumer Reports declares that switching a single bulb to CFL can save $5.00 a year in electrical costs. Imagine the savings if you switch all your bulbs to CFL! Switching all the bulbs in your home can be expensive at first so just switch a few at a time.
A simple switch yet money saving and eco-friendly!
tree photo credited to flickr by *w*
Glimpse Intuitive Skin Care by XanGo Product Review.
March 22, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under reviews
My skin is a mighty warrior protecting my internal organs from harmful pathogens and environmental pollutants. I love my skin but haven’t always showed it. If it was a friend it would have left me by now from all the abuse and disregard I have put it through. Ive slathered it up with chemicals and toxins trying to make it look younger. Exposed it to the harmful rays of the sun without sheltering its delicate layers. Squirted it with smelly perfumes and have even neglected it when it was thirsty for moisture by letting it crack. I admit my meanness and apologize to my skin hoping it will forgive me!I was recently offered the opportunity to try a sample of Glimpse. Begging for my skins forgiveness I jumped at the chance to pamper it.
What is Glimpse and how is it different?
Glimpse is an Intuitive Skin Care system created by the same company who introduced the world to mangosteen juice -XanGo. It is the first performance skin care product that contains a self adjusting intelligent formula to meet your skin’s ever changing needs. Glimpse features XanGo’s exclusive patent pending BioActive X3 Complex which is derived from deep within the fruit’s nutrient-rich pericarp through the advanced biofermentation process. The BioActive X3 Complex has shown to stimulate natural collagen production, soothes plus calm the signs of inflammation, and safeguards the skin against the effects of free radicals. It offers extreme anti-oxidant potency greater than green tea catechins, vitamin C, CoQ10, resveratrol, and astaxanthin. The simple 4 step daily regimen is packed with super antioxidants and provides your skin with the ultimate topical nutrition.
Glimpse is 100% clean and green! The holistic skin care contains the purest of ingredients free from hidden additives, chemicals, toxins, and synthetic fragrances. XanGo’s dedication to being environmentally friendly is quite impressive. The company uses a special blending process called cold processing. This method uses less energy and releases less carbon footprints thus making it less harmful to the environment. Even the Glimpse packaging is made from 100% post consumer goods and is recyclable (except the pump mechanism).
How do you use Glimpse?
Glimpse Skin Care is an easy 4 step system consisting of the cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer. It currently is available for two skin types which is System I for normal to dry skin, and System II for normal to combination skin. XanGo recommends usage of twice daily, morning and night.
System l for normal to try skin (this is the one I sampled)
Directions, benefits, and ingredients borrowed directly from Xango’s website.
Step 1 creamy cleanser.
Benefits
Rich in BioActive X3 Complex™ and a multitude of fruit seed oils, Glimpse sulfate-free Creamy Cleanser gently but effectively draws out dirt and makeup, while soothing skin and calming the signs of inflammation.
Directions: Massage over face and neck. Rinse with lukewarm water and cloth. Avoid eye contact.
Ingredients: water (mangosteen infused water), limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, squalane (olive), butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), passiflora incarnata seed oil (passion flower), myristyl myristate (coconut/palm kernel oil), decyl glucoside (coconut/palm kernel oil), persea gratissima (avocado) oil, oryza sativa (rice) bran oil, mangifera indica (mango) seed butter, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, cetyl palmitate (olive), sorbitan palmitate (olive), sorbitan olivate (olive), gluconolactone (corn), mangosteen pericarp oil (BioActive pericarp oil), lactobacillus/mangosteen pericarp ferment filtrate (BioActive polymeric and acidic complex), garcinia mangostana pericarp powder (mangosteen), sodium stearoyl glutamate (canola/soya/palm), chondrus crispus (carrageenan), aloe barbadensis leaf juice (aloe), tocopherol (soybean/corn/canola oil), glycerin (palm), ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, cymbopogon schoenanthus oil (lemongrass), citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, canarium luzonicum gum nonvolatiles (elemi), aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, algae extract (microalgae), vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract (bilberry), saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract, citrus medica limonum (lemon) fruit extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract, vetiveria zizanoides root oil (vetiver), pelargonium graveolens flower oil (geranium), ocimum basilicum (basil) oil, cananga odorata flower oil (ylang ylang), barosma betulina leaf oil (bucchu), abies balsamea (balsam canada) needle oil, glucose, dehydroxanthan gum (corn), xanthan gum (kelp), sodium phytate (rice), sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, chlorphenesin, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, citric acid (corn), arginine (corn/sugar cane).
Step 2 Toner
Benefits
Glimpse Xanthone Toner restores skin’s pH and delivers the first layer of protection andcollagen-building phytonutrients from BioActive X3 Complex. Glimpse Xanthone Toner benefits all skin types by providing concentrated levels of BioActive X3 Complex and enhancing absorption of serum and moisturizer.
Directions: After cleansing skin, shake well and generously mist Glimpse Xanthone Toner over the face and neck, avoiding the eye area, or saturate a cotton pad and smooth over face and neck.
Ingredients: water (mangosteen infused water), aloe barbadensis leaf juice (aloe), lactobacillus/mangosteen pericarp ferment filtrate (BioActive polymeric and acidic complex), mangosteen pericarp oil (BioActive pericarp oil), garcinia mangostana pericarp powder (mangosteen), petasites japonicus root extract (betterbur), aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, canarium luzonicum gum nonvolatiles (elemi), citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, cymbopogon schoenanthus oil (lemongrass), ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, algae extract (microalgae), abies balsamea (balsam canada) needle oil, barosma betulina leaf oil (bucchu), cananga odorata flower oil (ylang ylang), ocimum basilicum (basil) oil, pelargonium graveolens flower oil (geranium), vetiveria zizanoides root oil (vetiver), sucrose laurate (sugar cane), sucrose dilaurate (sugar cane), sucrose trilaurate (sugar cane), sorbitol (corn), glycerin (palm), glucose, sodium phytate (rice), chlorphenesin, potassium sorbate, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, citric acid (corn), arginine (corn/sugar cane).
Step 3 Glimpse Serum
Benefits
With over 30 times the antioxidant activity than that of green tea, BioActive X3 Complex is combined with supportive botanicals to provide responsive, bioavailable topical nutrition developed to remind skin cells to behave young again. Newly energized skin responds with maintaining the skin’s elasticity, improved clarity and luminosity. Glimpse Serum provides visible improvement from the signs of aging while reinforcing skin’s natural defenses.
Directions: Shake well. Gently smooth over face and neck
Ingredients: water (mangosteen infused water), glycerin (palm), acetyl glucosamine, niacinamide, tocopherol (soybean/corn/canola oil), mangosteen pericarp oil (BioActive pericarp oil), lactobacillus/mangosteen pericarp ferment filtrate (BioActive polymeric and acidic complex), garcinia mangostana pericarp powder (mangosteen), sucrose laurate (sugar cane), gluconolactone (corn), xanthan gum (kelp), acetyl carnitine hcl, sorbitol (corn), glucose, sucrose dilaurate (sugar cane), sodium hyaluronate, algae extract (microalgae), plantago lanceolata leaf extract (plantain), sucrose trilaurate (sugar cane), petasites japonicus root extract (betterbur), chitosan succinamide (mushroom), sodium phytate (rice), sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, chlorphenesin, citric acid (corn), lactic acid (sugar beet), arginine (corn/sugar cane).
Step 4 Moisturizing Cream
Benefits
BioActive X3 Complex and handcrafted fruit seed oils provide vital phytonutrients and rich hydration. Glimpse Moisturizing Cream also safeguards the skin under various environmental conditions and assists in calming, soothing and moisturizing the skin to maintain the skin’s natural elasticity, resulting in more radiant luminous skin.
Directions: Apply over face and neck.
Ingredients: water (mangosteen infused water), mangosteen pericarp oil (BioActive pericarp oil), limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, cetearyl olivate (olive), squalane (olive), butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), myristyl myristate (coconut/palm/kernel oil), hydrogenated soybean oil (soybean), oryza sativa (rice) bran oil, persea gratissima (avocado) oil, sorbitan olivate (olive), gluconolactone (corn), hydrogenated olive oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed wax, theobroma grandiflorum seed butter (cupuacu), bassia latifolia seed butter (mahua), lactobacillus/mangosteen pericarp ferment filtrate (BioActive polymeric and acidic complex), garcinia mangostana pericarp powder (mangosteen) glycerin (palm), corn starch modified (corn), sodium stearoyl glutamate (canola/soya/palm), hydrogenated jojoba oil (jojoba), sodium pca (sugar cane), cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, meadowfoam estolide (meadowfoam), dehydroxanthan gum (corn), aloe barbadensis leaf juice (aloe), vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract (bilberry), meadowfoam delta-lactone (meadowfoam), tocopherol (soybean/corn/canola oil), xanthan gum (kelp), chondrus crispus (carrageenan) extract, saccharum officinarum (sugar cane) extract, citrus medica limonum (lemon) fruit extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) fruit extract, cassia alata leaf extract (candle tree), acer saccharum (sugar maple) extract, glucose, phytosterols (soybean), algae extract (microalgae), ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, cymbopogon schoenanthus oil (lemongrass), citrus medica limonum (lemon) peel oil, citrus grandis (grapefruit) peel oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil, canarium luzonicum gum nonvolatiles (elemi), aniba rosaeodora (rosewood) wood oil, vetiveria zizanoides root oil (vetiver), pelargonium graveolens flower oil (geranium), ocimum basilicum (basil) oil, cananga odorata flower oil (ylang ylang), barosma betulina leaf oil (bucchu), abies balsamea (balsam canada) needle oil, sodium phytate (rice), sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, chlorphenesin, cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract, citric acid (corn), lactic acid (sugar beet), arginine (corn/sugar cane).
My Results.
The sample I received was enough to test Glimpse for three days. I went by the directions completing each step in the exact order. The first time I used it I immediately felt my facial skin feel cleaner and refreshed. After the third day there was clearly a visible improvement. My face had a healthier glow and my pores appeared smaller, giving my skin a smoother youthful look. I even asked my daughter, who happens to be brutally honest sparing no ones feelings, if she noticed a difference in my appearance. She said that my skin looked healthier and younger. I am extremely delighted with the results of Glimpse!
A little more information on the integrity of XanGo.
I also wanted to share a little about XanGo’s integrity and generosity. XanGo has signed the Coalition for Safe Cosmetics calling for the elimination of chemicals used in cosmetics that are linked to birth defects, cancer, and other health problems. The company is also committed to helping the less fortunate children in other countries and has developed a special meal replacement pack to feed the severely malnourished. You can read more about XanGo’s Goodness here. GO
If you are looking to start your own home business you might be interested in the opportunity to become a Glimpse Distributor. Find out more information here. GO
If you would like to purchase Glimpse find out more here. GO
This is NOT a paid review and I have no affiliation with XanGo.
Ultimate Blog Party 2009!
March 20, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under Rants and Raves and Stuff
you will find lots of pictures of my two sweet angels, my breathing
floor mop(Pepper), mention of products my family enjoys, ramblings
of everything and anything, and some links to some other wonderful blogs/sites.
Please make yourself at home and have a look around!
I am currently having a giveaway for a cute Webkinz Tie Dye Frog that
you can enter and have some other real great giveaways planned for the
near future so please keep checking back!
Thank you again for stopping by from 5 Minutes for Mom’s and please
don’t make yourself a stranger at Ahappyhippy mom’s!
Added March 22 2009
I just wanted to tell everyone who was nice to leave a comment that I plan on stopping over to your blogs and getting to know you more! I want to visit each and every 1193 currently listed family blog! I am getting busy accomplishing this starting NOW! I’m sure it is going to take me ALL week so if your blog is listed on the bottom…I will see you Friday! Thanks again and Happy UBC!
Added March 23 2009
Ok…This might take a lot longer than I expected. I’m only at 101 on the list and think I may have missed a few blogs in between! I’m having a blast!
Plus, I forgot to add the prizes to my post! I guess I better check them out too! Woo Hooo!
Prizes
#7 , 89, 19 , 102 , 58 (for my mom)
Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
March 18, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under reviews
I wanted to purchase an activity gym for my son to help strengthen his legs and to help him burn off some of that stored up energy. I also wanted it to keep his attention and spark curiosity in exploring sounds and colors. The Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo did all this and more. He loved it!
How much assembly is required?This question is the first thing my husband asks when I decide to buy something new. He honestly thinks the instructions are there for packing material and feels insulted if I dare ask him to PLEASE read them before touching anything. It only took him 15 minutes to put together so I would have to say that the assembly was definitely easy.
Is it safe?
Aiden was six months old when I first placed him in the jumper. He was fully able to hold his head upright without my assistance and under the 25 pounds, 32 inches weight and height limits required to use the Jumperoo. I went by the instructions and checked the distance between his feet and the floor making sure his toes touched completely and that the base was on a flat surface to avoid tip over.
The toy itself is extremely sturdy. I had no worries of it collapsing on him or the seat breaking away from the frame.
I did worry a little about the intensity of the bouncing. I thought he was going to launch himself or cause himself some harm from all the jumping but he just kept laughing and smiling loving every minute he was in it.
Is it easy to clean?
This is really important since all the jumping could cause him to rift up and out his formula. I wanted to make sure that I would not end up with a stinky disgusting bacteria mess that would result in a ruined pricey toy. With some effort the seat pad can be removed and machine washed in cold water on the gentle cycle. Then it can be tossed in the dryer to tumble dry on low heat. The frame and toys can easily be wiped down using a mild detergent thus cleaning is really a cinch!
Storage?
I found it to be a breeze to move and store. The frame has a release button which allows the base tubes to be moved inward so it easily folds up. It was very simple to move from room to room and I could quickly tuck it away when he was done playing.
Is it really worth the cost?
The Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo really does promote sensory development. There is a full array of toys that surround the spinning seat. Toys include a hanging parrot, a bobbling elephant, a monkey swinging from a vine, a spinning lizard, a clear spinning bead ball, a tiger that plays hide and seek, a chew toy, colorful sliding chips, a spinning drum that activates lights plus sounds, and more! Hanging above are two soft toys that he liked to try to reach and bat around which encouraged eye-hand coordination. It also includes a motion sensor that activates Rainforest music & lights when he bounces. There is an option to turn it on for a few minutes of continuous play or to completely turn it off. That feature really came in handy!
I did notice after weeks of use his legs become stronger from the bouncing and he was able to stand for longer periods of time.
The Jumperoo cost me roughly $90.00 and was worth every penny I paid for it! I think the pictures below say it all!
This is not a paid review and I do not have any affiliation with Fisher Price.
Ganz Webkinz Tie Dye Frog Giveaway!
March 16, 2009 by ahappyhippymom
Filed under giveaways
Product Description:
From the Manufacturer
“The Webkinz Tie Dye Frog is a stuffed animal that comes alive online in webkinz world. The frog is yellow and green in color. This frog loves to hop, swim and have fun with you. It looks colorful, bold and has a personality to match. The amazing amphibian is sure to brighten your day.”
FIRST ENTRY
This giveaway I am going to make easy. There is no jumping through hoops to enter. Just leave me a comment. PLEASE make sure you either leave your email in the comment or your profile is public along with the setting to show your email. (check the option under edit profile privacy options to show email). If there is no way of contacting you I will have no option but to delete your comment. You may enter once per day by letting me know you are in it to win!
EXTRA ENTRIES;
1.Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back and leave an additional comment with a link to your post. This is worth 3 extra entries. Make sure you leave three separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3)
2.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.
3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.
4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment.
5. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.
6. Stumble, Digg, or Technorati this post and leave me TWO extra comments. ( At the bottom of this post you should see a bookmark button to make this an easy option.)
A winner will be chosen at random via Random.org.
The contest ends April 6 11:59 PM eastern.
Open to residents of the U.S. 18+
