Overflowing With Gratitude

As we reflect back on 2010, we have so much gratitude and excitement in our hearts. As a family we enjoyed many camping trips, festivals, hikes, road trips, concerts, and a whole lot of fun with friends and family. As a business we enjoyed an entire year of Andy working full time for Hip Mountain Mama, vending at our first 3 events, introducing many new products, partnering with many amazing folks, and meeting a lot of wonderful people!

Looking forward towards 2011, we also have much excitement for what is to come! As a family we plan to embark on many fun family adventures, continue on our efforts to live a more sustainable lifestyle and possibly get a sweet van or camper for summer time travels. As a business we plan to vend at more events, bring in some new awesome products, continue with our One Small Change Grassroots Movement to encourage others to make eco friendly changes, and keep working at building our dream business.
We are so blessed to be living the life we have chosen and are constantly striving to meet our goals and achieve even more dreams. And, we wouldn't be here if were not for our loyal fans, customers, supporters, and friends. We are extremely grateful for each and every one of you for standing by us over the years and offering words of encouragement, advice, ideas and friendship.
The Hip Mountain Mama Family would like to wish all of you a very special New Year filled with love, joy, peace, and fun. May all your intentions for 2011 become a reality...

"Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh, Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is." ~Mary Anne Radmacher

Overflowing With Gratitude

Winter Fun

It sure has been a busy time around here the last few weeks. With the Holidays, Kids being out of school, the business booming, and everything else we've been constantly on the go but we have also had so much fun.
We've seen old friends who are currently living out of the country, spent time with new friends, and enjoyed time with our family.

This crazy Colorado weather has allowed us to ride bikes and soak up the sun and enjoy snow shoeing and sledding all in the same week. We've been making the most of every minute of it. I hope you are enjoying the start of winter and the end of a great year.

~Andy

Winter Fun

One Small Change 2011

The Hip Mountain Mama family is not only passionate about our journey to live a more sustainable lifestyle, but we are also very devoted to inspiring others to do the same. We launched our One Small Change Grassroots Movement one year ago and we are excited to kick off another year full of fun, eco friendly, and important changes.

The idea is simple...we ask that you decide on 1 eco friendly change each month and then do your best to follow through with that change. It could be to set up a recycle program in your home, or attempt to use less water, start a compost pile, switch to organic apples...the possibilities are endless! And we ask that you make it a small and do able change...there is, of course, times when a large change is manageable, but for the most part, keep it simple and set yourself up for success. Along this journey we will be here to encourage, help, inspire, and make changes with you.

January is coming up quick and we would love to have you join us on this amazing adventure of change. Please stop by our One Small Change website to read more about how it works and to get started today! We are offering prizes all year long to participants and will have some serious fun along the way!

One Small Change 2011

End of Year Sale 2010

First of all we want to thank everyone for supporting small businesses this year! It is more important now than ever to spend our money with small and local businesses. And as a bonus, you are going to find unique, special, and often hand made items!
We had such a great time this month supplying old and new customers with products that we love and believe in. With Christmas over now, we wanted to offer you some of our awesome products at a great discount in our End of Year Sale.

We need to make room in our warehouse for new products and we are very excited for what we have in store for the shop in 2011! Stop by and take advantage of our sale that ends Dec. 31st. While you are there, be sure to check out our New Arrivals Section as our new items are starting to trickle in!

End of Year Sale 2010

Happy Holidays

From the Hip Mountain Mama family, we want to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas! We hope that you are enjoying all that this wonderful season has to offer and we sincerely thank you for all your love, kindness, support, and friendship!

Love, Suzy, Magnolia, Sienna, and Andy

Happy Holidays

Winter Solstice Traditions

Nature and me go way back...let's face it, I am in love with nature. Playing in nature, hiking in nature, sitting in nature...love it all! Some of my fondest memories come from a time when I was working for an organization that required me to live in nature for 8 days in a row in an 8 day on 6 day off rotation. I slept under the stars and the moon and was completely in tune with the cycles of the moon, seasons, and all that surrounded me. Honestly, I am not sure where this love of nature came from...it has just always been there.

With my love of nature, comes a true respect of the changing of the seasons. I am so lucky to live in a place that has very distinct seasons and this goes well with my desire for change. My family has always celebrated the changing of each season, but I have been intimidated to start any traditions. So, we usually just talk about it, have a special meal, maybe do some crafts, but nothing concrete. My intimidation comes from the fact that since the majority of this country does not celebrate the changing of the seasons with much depth, I just didn't know what I was supposed to do. I hear of people doing this or that, and I have read some books, but I was still afraid I wasn't going to do things right. I guess I was searching for someone to guide me along...but that person never came along.


So, last year, I said to heck with it! I am going to start our own traditions, whether it is what others do or not. I wasn't interested in sitting in the dark all day or spending the entire day in silence like I had heard of others doing, so I came up with some things that suited our family.



This year we started a new tradition of waking up early, heading down to Red Rocks Amphitheater and drumming up the sun with a few hundred other folks. We awoke at 5 am, grabbed out Djembe, tambourine, and some warm clothes and headed out on the hour long drive to congregate with some seriously fun folks to watch the sun rise. After this amazing experience we headed home for a nice big breakfast and let the kids open 1 gift...a Solstice gift. Then for the rest of the day we had a pretty average day with the kids playing while Andy and I worked. Around 2:30 I dropped everything and we bundled up again to head outside to play for the rest of the afternoon. Then inside for some warm Chili and homemade bread and to bed early!

These traditions work well for our family and I am so excited to have a few things in place that my kids can look forward to each year. It is my intention to raise children who are aware of the universe and all it is capable of. To respect Mother Earth and understand all the cycles that she goes through in a year.



Does your family celebrate the Winter Solstice? What are some of your favorite traditions?

Winter Solstice Traditions

Sisterhood Review: Mukluks

Mukluks??

I'm sure my lovely loyal readers will recall my commitment to review my favorite purchases from an environmentally friendly, family-run small business- Hip Mountain Mama. Well here is November's December's installment!

There are always a ton of new things added to this awesome site, and great sales too. There are many things I'd love to order, but as soon as I caught sight of the Mukluks I knew I had to get them. Spawn#2 had these slipper-moccasin-sock-hybrids when she was a wee lass and they were awesome. These Mukluks (I am not the only one who didn't know what Mukluks were, right???) from HMM only come in adult sizes, which was perfect for Spawn#1- did I tell you he's a giant? He's a giant.

So anyway, they arrived and they are perfect! There are some really cute colors but also neutral ones that are great for boys.

They're warm, thick and toasty and they stay on very well. Since they're 100% wool they are a little scratchy, so you will need to wear socks with them. I may actually just tack a sock inside of them so they are easy for Spawn#1 to wear.

And remember (as always), when you purchase from Hip Mountain Mama you are supporting hand-made and fair trade practices. It's not often that you get to feel good about purchasing something these days, and I am always happy that the quality items I order from HMM are contributing to the lives of others.


And pssst! Check out HMM on Facebook, they are always having sales and specials for fans. They ship daily, so hurry, you still have time before Christmas!

~Kim

*Kim is one of the Sisters in our Hip Mountain Mama Sisterhood review team. She blogs over at Not Blessed Mama, a blog for Mamas who like to keep it real!

Sisterhood Review: Mukluks

Top 5 Holiday Gifts For Adults

As promised, here are the top 5 gifts we have shipped from Hip Mountain Mama this holiday season. Remember, we are still able to ship things on Monday via USPS Priority or Fed Ex which takes 2-4 business days. So, for you last minute shoppers, no need to worry, place your order before Monday Dec 20th at noon and you are all good! We also gift wrap using recycled wrapping paper, so let us take care of that for you!
*good on US orders only and on in stock items. We can not guarantee drop ship items will arrive before Christmas. Drop ship items are marked in the description and only apply to a few items.

1. Hand Warmers
These are all the rage this year! Hand warmers make the perfect gift, as they are affordable, cute, and very functional. A Hip Mountain Mama favorite for sure!

2. Mukluks
Mukluks are also very popular this year and another Hip Mountain Mama favorite. Keep those toes toasty this season with some adorable and useful Mukluks! A great gift for men and women.

3. Handmade Coozie
If you are looking for an original gift for someone who has it all, our handmade coozies is a very hot item! Hand made, one of a kind, unique, functional, and oh so cute! These are made in the US by a super hip Mama and you can't go wrong giving this gift!

4. Vintage Mushroom Scarf
This has been a popular item all year! The soft cotton scarf with mushroom applique is so cute and will go with so many things. Who doesn't love mushrooms?



5. To Go Ware Utensil Set
This is an item I have chosen to give to a few folks this year. A reusable gift that will get so much use! Everyone needs a set of bamboo utensils. Take them to work, school, restaurants, camping, picnics, pot lucks everywhere!

Top 5 Holiday Gifts For Adults

Feature Friday: Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Kids

For all you last minute shoppers out there, we thought we would fill you in on our top 5 sellers for holiday gifts this year. Today we will let you know about our top 5 kid gifts and tomorrow I will post the top 5 gifts for women and men. If you place your US order over the weekend we can get it to you by Christmas (on in stock items only, we can not guarantee drop ship items....drop ship items are marked in the description and only apply to a few items).

1. Clementine Natural Crayon Rocks

Clementine Natural Art Supplies is a hot item this year. The company is based out of Boulder Colorado, USA and make the most wonderful products. Kids enjoy the vibrant colors and natural smells, and parents like the eye pleasing packaging, and natural ingredients. At only $5.99, these Crayon Rocks make a great little gift that kids will just love!

2. Tie Dye Kit

Tie dying has made a come back and is something people of all ages can enjoy. Give your child the gift of color and creativity with this fun tie dye kit!

3. Branch Building Blocks
A classic! Kids love playing with blocks and building things. Our branch building blocks are made from wood harvested in Vermont, USA on a family's homestead. This same family carves the wood into blocks making this a wonderfully natural gift that your child will love for many years.


4. Play Silks
Allow your child's imagination soar with this simple, beautiful, and natural toy. Play Silks can be transformed into costumes, capes, veils, parachutes, lakes, forts, and anything the imagination can come up with. Gift your child with some play silks this year and sit back to watch the amazement.

5. Baby Legs Legwarmers
A day doesn't go by this season that we don't sell a few pairs of our Baby Legs, Leg warmers. Kids and parents love these functional and cute leg warmers. The colorful designs, warmth they provide, and ease make these a hit for the whole family!

Feature Friday: Top 5 Holiday Gifts for Kids

Happy Holidays

Here at Hip Mountain Mama we know the importance of giving green, natural, and eco-friendly gifts for the holidays. Hip Mountain Mama is a unique store that specializes in hip and natural products for hip mamas and their families. While we take Mother Earth and the state of our planet very seriously we also like to have a little fun. We hope your Green Christmas Gifts go over much better than ours did. Happy Holidays from The Hip Mountain Mama Crew; Andy, Suzy, Magnolia, Sienna, & Meadow.

Happy Holidays

Groovy Hand Warmers

First of all I wanted to congratulate Holly Days Closet for winning our Avani's Natural Soap Giveaway. It has been so fun working with Tammy on this giveaway and I am very excited about her growing business. If you are looking for last minute gifts, be sure to swing by Avani's Website!

Now, on to these Groovy Hand Warmers. Hand Warmers seem to be all the rage these days and I understand why. I have been wearing my Hand Warmers for about a month now, and I just love them. I love having my fingers free to zip up jackets, tie shoes, answer my phone, or eat an apple all while my hands stay toasty warm. Our hand warmers are crocheted with wool on the outside and lined with fleece on the inside.

My hand warmers come with me everywhere and are not only functional, but they look cute! Grab a pair for yourself or a friend for only $12.99. We are busy bees around here shipping every day and we can guarantee these will be delivered to you by Christmas if you place your order by this Sunday, Dec. 19th. (US orders only).

Groovy Hand Warmers

Sunshine Fun

One of my favorite things about living in Colorado is our awesome sunshine! I have so many memories of this time of year sitting outside in my snow gear soaking in the magnificence sun. On Sunday we experienced a beautifully sunny day and we just had to spend it outdoors.

We all voted on ice skating and headed to our local outdoor skating rink. Magnolia just adores ice skating and claims it is her all time favorite sport. Sienna could take it or leave it, but still enjoys being outside with the family.



All in all we spent 4 hours at the skating rink, taking 1 break to grab some lunch, and all came home feeling like we had the perfect late Autumn day!


What are your favorite outdoor activities this time of year?

Sunshine Fun

Avani Natural Soaps Giveaway

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Tammy of Avani Natural Soaps. We enjoyed a cup of tea while talking about our businesses, our desire to live a natural lifestyle and our children (who coincidentally go to the same nature and science school). I was really inspired by Tammy and her decision to develop her own line of soap and skin care to help with her daughter's severe eczema. She tried other products on the market and just couldn't find anything that would not irritate her daughter's skin. After doing a lot of research, she came up with her own all natural products and her daughter's skin cleared up. Tammy had a strong desire to share these products with the rest of the world, and so created Avani Natural Soaps.

My family has been using Avani's soaps and body butter and we are truly hooked! The body butter has cleared up my daughters dry hands and the smell is something I can't get enough of. The soap is also amazing and the whole family has really been enjoying it!

Avani’s promise is to bring you the highest quality handcrafted soaps and bath products that are all natural, vegan, scented with pure essential oils, free of synthetics, paraben free, healing, gentle and biodegradable. Tammy is a down to earth, kind, and friendly Mama and we are so excited to support her and her business. Tammy's products are amazing and the packaging is very simple yet elegant. If you are looking for a last minute gift idea, these products make a great choice!

For the giveaway Tammy is offering 1 lucky winner a bar of her Lavender Soap and a 4 oz jar of her Lavender Body Butter. Hip Mountain Mama is also going to throw in a stainless steel water bottle for the winner.

To enter: (you can enter up to 3 times, but make sure to leave separate comments for each to increase your chances of winning)

*Check out Avani Natural Soap, then come back here and leave a comment
*Join Avani's community on facebook, then leave us a comment here letting us know
*Tweet, blog, or share this giveaway on your facebook, then leave us a comment and let us know

We will announce the winner on Wednesday December 15th. Only open to US residents. Good luck!

Avani Natural Soaps Giveaway

Feature Friday: Organic Toys

Giving your children organic cotton toys to play with can be such an important decision. Yes, it is impossible to avoid inhaling toxins all together, but you can do your part by choosing to give your children safe toys to play with. The organic cotton dolls and soft toys that we have carried in our shop are all great little toys for babies on up to 6 and 7 yrs.
We have offered a nice selection of Under the Nile's organic cotton toys since we opened up shop 2.5 years ago and have been really happy with them! My kids have enjoyed their toys for years and we are strong supporters of their business.

Although we will continue to support Under the Nile and use these toys, we have decided to discontinue them in our shop so we can focus our attention to other high quality products. For this reason, we are offering all of our Under the Nile toys at great prices until they are all gone. We have very limited quantities, so now is a great chance to grab a few for holiday gifts or to hold onto for birthdays or other special occasions.

Enjoy!

Feature Friday: Organic Toys

Gnome Fever

Do you ever get Gnome fever? Every once in a while I get this gnome obsessed feeling that I just can't shake...must make gnomes, must play with gnomes, must do something that involves gnomes. They are just the cutest little creatures that seem to evoke the imagination and take you to a place of carefree wonder. It must be the fact that we have been working so hard lately...I just felt a need to escape and live amongst the gnomes for a few hours.

With Sienna by my side, I got out my felt, wool, needle and thread and got to work. I made a little gnome family that was really quite easy. I used the pattern from Conscious Family Living and it was the perfect skill level for me and what I was willing to whip up on a whim. Then I thought I needed a gnome home. Not quite sure how to do this, I came up with something as simple as they come. I sewed a piece of felt in a circle, cut out a door, and sewed on a roof.

Sienna grabbed the whole lot and ran outside to play. I laid in the grass, soaking in the sunshine, while Sienna allowed her imagination to soar. I listened to Sienna say things such as 'we are from horse land', and 'I have 38 sisters', and 'let's go on an adventure'. I smiled. Sienna and I both got a chance to play with gnomes on this day and we came away with a peaceful and happy attitude.

If you are ever feeling stressed or down...I highly suggest playing with Gnomes! Try it, it works!

Gnome Fever

Handmade Beverage Coozies

This weekend Suzy and I were busy showing off our products at a local market. I took a little break to run home and take a few things off the site that we had sold. I happened to run into the mailman (almost literally) on my way out of the house. I was so glad I did because he was delivering a new batch of Handmade Coozies from Peaceful Peacock. I took them straight to the market and they turned some heads for sure.

We love these coozies. They are handmade in Montana by Julie of the Peaceful Peacock. Each one is truly unique and made with love. Our last batch sold pretty quick so we are happy to have these back in stock just in time for the holidays.

This batch is pretty awesome. There are some great men designs in case you are looking for a handmade gift for the man on your shopping list. The Turtles, Black Diamonds, Blue w/ Pocket, and Tree would all make great gifts. Who wouldn't love such an awesome beverage holder this year?

~Andy

Handmade Beverage Coozies

Feature Friday: Handmade, Natural, and Organic Cotton Toys

Each week we do a Feature Friday where we talk about a favorite product and show pictures of our family enjoying it. Instead this week we are going to use some old photos of our Children loving some of their favorite natural toys.

Now is the time of year that many people buy toys for their children, grandchildren, and friends. It is amazing how many people brush off the dangers of toxic toys or even understand the importance of buying organic produce yet give their children plastic toys.

Please purchase natural and handmade toys this holiday seasom. It is better for your children and helps support many small businesses. Hip Mountain Mama offers Handmade Wood Toys made in the USA, soft handmade Waldorf Dolls, Organic Cotton Toys, Silk Dress Up Items, and more.

Buy them from us, make your own, our buy them somewhere else but most importantly, tell other people to buy natural toys from small businesses this year too.

~Andy

Feature Friday: Handmade, Natural, and Organic Cotton Toys