Free Shipping For Leap Year

At Hip Mountain Mama we believe that every moment counts. Today is a unique opportunity. Don't do the same stuff you do everyday. Try something new. Step out of your mold and live it up today.

What the heck, we'll offer FREE SHIPPING on all U.S. orders ($5.99 off International Orders) today only with coupon code 'Leap'.

Thanks for your support and for spreading the word about Hip Mountain Mama.

Free Shipping For Leap Year

OSC: Green Laundry

Since we are focusing on green cleaning this month I wanted to touch on laundry.  It can be confusing and frustrating trying to figure out how to do our laundry the natural way.  There are so many detergents on the market, how do we decide what to use?  I created a video about a year ago on my green laundry routine (see below) and here are a few other tips you can do as well...

1.  Wash on Cold
2.  Wear items more than once before putting them in the laundry
3.  Use less detergent
4.  Hang your clothes to dry
5.  Make your own detergent using natural ingredients
6.  Stop using fabric softeners
7.  Only run full loads




*OSC stands for One Small Change...our one small change project is our effort to encourage others to make one small green change at a time for our planet. Each week I write 1 post with ideas, inspiration, and encouragement to help you along this journey of living a more sustainable life. Won't you join us in making One Small Change at a time to create a better Earth for everyone! To read more One Small Change posts, please visit here.

OSC: Green Laundry

Say Yes

AT the top of Torrey's Peak

I have been thinking a lot lately about regrets and how I don't want to have any!  I get a little obsessed some times with living a fulfilled life and worry that if I'm not doing something awesome I will regret it.  I have learned to calm down a bit over the past few years and understand that such things as chillin with my family is a rewarding and awesome experience.  I don't need to be going going going all the time just to have a fulfilling life.  However, there are times for awesome adventures and when they come my way I try my best to say yes every time.


I don't have any photos because I forgot my camera, but my scary adventure this past weekend was going cross country skiing for the first time.  I was nervous, excited, and scared...but went anyway and had an experience that I will remember forever!  Spending the day in nature with 3 other amazing women filled my cup and left me feeling blissed out for days after!

Trying something new is always scary and can lead to a bit of anxiety.  When I feel those butterflies and nervousness I know I am doing the right thing.  I try and treat those butterflies as something exciting rather than scary.  So the next time you are presented with an adventure that frightens you, say Yes!  Be scared and do it anyway...because in the end you might just have the time of your life!

Say Yes

Feature Friday: Tie Dye Wrap Top

I can’t tell you how much I love the Tie-Dye Wrap Top! This top is not only one of the most comfortable shirts I have ever worn, but the fabric is amazing, and the colors are absolutely stunning! You have the ability to change the way you wear this top, also. If you want to turn it into a business top, you can put a little camisole on underneath it. It allows you to change it up a few times, so it never gets boring! The Tie-Dye Wrap Top can adjust easily, it has (2) 56” strings that allows you to adjust the top, as needed. The Tie-Dye Wrap Top is made with 95% Viscose, and 5% Lycra. Viscose is a wonderful fabric that has a silky look and feel to it, plus has the ability to breathe, like cotton. So you can wear it during the warm seasons, and still be able to feel the light airiness of it. It is a wonderful collection to anyone’s wardrobe! When I put this top on, not only do I feel good, I get many compliments from others. 

The Tie-Dye pattern on this shirt is so much fun to wear, it really has a “feel good” look to it. It offers some one-of-a-kind patterns, which gives each shirt its own personality. The blue and purple colors are bright and can enhance any regular pair of jeans in your closet. My favorite feature of the Tie-Dye Wrap Top is the way it can accentuate the curves of the female body, it truly brings out the feminine side in all of us! I highly recommend this top to anyone interested in adding a little color and flair into their lives. The cost just makes this piece more complete!

~Angela

* Angela is a part of our Hip Sister Review Team.  She is not paid for this review and all the opinions are her own.   To read more Sister Reviews please go here. 

Feature Friday: Tie Dye Wrap Top

OSC: Cleaning With Lemons

Honestly I just stumbled upon cleaning with lemons lately.  Each morning I am left with a wedge of lemon after squeezing the juice in my water and/or tea.  I started out putting the wedge in the garbage disposal to freshen it up, but then I started wondering what else I could do with the leftover lemon wedge.  One day I threw it in my sink and had the idea to use it to clean my dishes and sink.  I used it in place of a sponge and soap to hand wash a few dishes and when I was done rubbed to lemon all over my sink.  It worked wonders getting all of the dirt off and leaving behind a fresh smelling and sparkly sink and dishes.  So, what else can you do with lemons for cleaning?  First of all...how does it work?  Lemons have a high acid content, which enables the fruit to work as a powerful antibacterial sanitizer that combats common household bacteria.  It works great to kill germs, loosen up dirt and grease, and leave you with a fresh clean scent.

1.  Put a small piece of lemon down your garbage disposal and turn it on
2.  Wash your dishes with it.  Just take a wedge or slice of a lemon and use it on your dishes as you would a sponge or cloth. Add some baking soda for a little extra cleaning power.
3.  Polish your brass, copper, or chrome with half a lemon.  You can dip the lemon in salt for a little extra scrubbing power.
4.  Clean your windows.  Mix a bit of lemon juice with some water and use to clean your windows.
5.  Use lemon juice in your laundry.  Simply add 1 tsp of lemon juice in your wash with your regular detergent.  It will create a clean fresh scent while brightening your clothes.
6.  Clean your shower.  Squeeze a few lemons into a spray bottle and use to clean your bathtub or shower.

There you have it!  Not a bad idea to have a spray bottle of fresh lemon juice on hand to clean up household messes.  It is safe, cheap, and smells oh so nice!  Do you have any tricks for using lemon as a cleaner?

*OSC stands for One Small Change...our one small change project is our effort to encourage others to make one small green change at a time for our planet. Each week I write 1 post with ideas, inspiration, and encouragement to help you along this journey of living a more sustainable life. Won't you join us in making One Small Change at a time to create a better Earth for everyone! To read more One Small Change posts, please visit here.

OSC: Cleaning With Lemons

Sister Review of The Branch Out Messenger Bag

When I saw The Branch Out Messenger bag online, I thought....oh its cute and I always love getting a new purse. I am 6'2" and usually have problems with messenger bags being the right length, however this one fit great! The strap is adjustable enough to fit me and my 3 year old.

When the branch out bag arrived, I realized that the picture online didn't do it justice!! It feels luxurious and the embroidery has a slight shine to it which really makes it pop!  The first day I wore it I received many complements on the detailing and quality.

I found it great to wear with a few different outfits and it is great for keeping everything a mama would need for work and still have room for some fun stuff. While wandering around Old Town San Diego I even had room for my son's jacket stuffed inside!

So, glad to have The Branch Our Messenger Bag in my life and you will love it also!!!

-Rachael


*Rachel is a part of our Hip Sister Review Team.  She is not paid for this review and all the opinions are her own.   To read more Sister Reviews please go here. 

Sister Review of The Branch Out Messenger Bag

Sneak Peek Into Spring

As a clothing store, Spring is my favorite season as far as business goes.  All the cute dresses and tanks that we bring into shop are just so fun.  Getting new threads this time of year is a great way to honor yourself and the new beginning that Spring brings.  We have had new items coming in all month and are excited to share with you more and more as the season progresses.  Yes Spring is still a month away, but we are in Spring mode around here and maybe you are as well!  Enjoy!

Check out New Arrivals Section for our Fair Trade Spring items that are available now, and others that are available as Pre Order. 

Sneak Peek Into Spring

Thank YOU

 

A big heartfelt Thank YOU to everyone who has ordered from our family business or helped us spread the word this year. It has been an amazing start to this beautiful year and I am truly touched for all of your love and support. It has been a blast meeting new customers and chatting with old customers! The best part about my job is the community we have created of all you Hip Mountain Mamas and Dudes! Peace and Love to you all!! ☮ ♥ ☼

~The HMM Family

Thank YOU

Feature Friday: Sister Review of The Sweet Stripes Skirt

I was excited to be chosen for the Sisterhood Review team, because I had been eying up the Sweet Stripes Skirt for some time, and this gave me the perfect excuse to go ahead and buy it!

When The Sweet Stripes Skirt arrived, I was surprised at how crisp and vibrant the colors were.  It was exactly as it had appeared on the Hip Mountain Mama website, which is so very often not the case when you purchase something online.

The online sizing chart was perfect, and the skirt fit like it was made for me.  The elastic waist was comfortable and not binding the way many elastic waists can be.  The skirt had a nice flow to it and I could move about without feeling restrained by the material.

I’m an 8^th grade teacher and was excited to wear The Sweet Stripes Skirt to school for the first time.  I originally tried it on with a solid colored button up shirt, but because my classroom is either 100 degrees or fifty degrees (all in the same day) I decided to pair the skirt with a solid blue t-shirt and black sweater. 

I’ve been teaching for eighteen years and have never had so many compliments on an item of clothing before.  People loved the color, the look, the material…everything!  Almost everyone who saw me had something to say about the skirt, and I took the opportunity, of course, to hand out some HMM postcards and business cards.  During a meeting, one of my colleagues leaned over and asked if she could touch the skirt, and when she did, she exclaimed, “I had no idea it would be so soft!”

During the day I am up and down, walking around, constantly moving and the Sweet Stripes Skirt kept up with me all day long.  As the musical director for our spring musical, I spend almost two hours, after school running around, dancing, acting things out with great flourishing movements, and the skirt moved with me. 

When I got home, the skirt was also perfectly comfortable as I moved throughout my house, making dinner and doing homework with my four kids, and getting down on the floor with them to play some games.

The Sweet Stripes Skirt is beautiful, comfortable and functional.  I’d recommend it to anyone! 

~Amy

*Amy is a part of our Hip Sister Review Team.  She is not paid for this review and all the opinions are her own.   You can learn more about Amy at her blog, Amy's Real Life.   To read more Sister Reviews please go here. 

Feature Friday: Sister Review of The Sweet Stripes Skirt

OSC: The Toilet Bomb Natural Cleaner

I am always looking for ways to naturally and effectively clean my home.  I have found that vinegar and baking soda can take care of most household cleaning jobs.  Cleaning toilets is no fun...in fact it is my second to last enjoyable household task (my least fave being cleaning the showers/bathtubs)...so it's something I don't do very often.  But let's face it, you can't go too long without cleaning your toilets...you can't hide your toilets from guests or family members...they must be cleaned!  So, how do we clean our toilets around here these days?  I will tell ya all about The Toilet Bomb!

What:  Baking Soda and Vinegar

How:  Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of vinegar into your toilet and let sit for a few minutes.  Then sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda...and watch it fizz (hence the name toilet bomb cleaner).  Let it sit for a few hours or even over night.  Scrub with a toilet brush, then flush.  Do this once a week (or once a month as I do) for a clean, sparkly, fresh toilet bowl. 

Why:  It's cheap!  It's all natural!  And it leaves your toilet or other surfaces sparkly and smelling clean.  Vinegar is eco friendly, biodegradable, and safe.  It kills bacteria and since it is an acid base it is great at breaking down mold, grease, dirt, etc.  Baking soda is also safe, non toxic and because of its mild alkali qualities dirt and grease are easily dissolved. 

Make natural cleaning a part of your One Small Change to protect and love our Earth!

*OSC stands for One Small Change...our one small change project is our effort to encourage others to make one small green change at a time for our planet. Each week I write 1 post with ideas, inspiration, and encouragement to help you along this journey of living a more sustainable life. Won't you join us in making One Small Change at a time to create a better Earth for everyone! To read more One Small Change posts, please visit here.

OSC: The Toilet Bomb Natural Cleaner

My Kitchen Sink Corner

My Corners of My Home Project is my effort to create a home that reflects my own personal style taking it one corner (or area) at a time.  I am breaking away from the norm and doing what feels right for me and my family.  What I love most about this project is that I have no agenda and have no idea when inspiration will strike.  I am usually cleaning up a room when my creativity starts flowing and I just go with it...and an hour or so later I have a new space! 

I have showed you my music corner and my mantle and today I am showing you my kitchen sink area.  Everyone does dishes right?  No matter if you are a woman or man, single, or married with kids....you do dishes!  Every day I spend at least 15 minutes at my kitchen sink, usually more, and that really adds up over a  life time.  In my old home I looked out on trees and it was so calming...today I look out at other homes which is quite a different experience than looking out at nature.  When I was cleaning my kitchen yesterday it hit me that I needed to create a space here that I enjoy.  If I can't look at trees, I can at least surround myself with beautiful things that make me smile. 

I started clearing of the window sill and the thought crossed my mind that this window sill needed to be red.  I had a lot of crystals and rocks in this area and felt like they would stand out more if they were on a red surface.  So without processing my thoughts, I grabbed the red paint and went for it. 

My next thought was that this area needed something swirly...I was thinking waves, but wasn't sure I could free paint waves, so went for a swirl design instead looking something like a vine up the side of the window sill.  

Aside from these new additions, I have a Rainbow Suncatcher hanging in the window that Raegan from Lilah Bloom made for me.  This is one of my favorite things in my whole house!  When the sun shines in the window we get some great colors on the wall in our kitchen.  The beads that Raegan uses are so gorgeous and it is a truly one of a kind item that I am proud to have in my home...and it makes me smile as Raegan and I are both sun worshipers! 

Over the summer I painted a few things in this area such as the word Love a sun and a moon.  I also have a sun, moon, and earth on the window which rounds this area out to create a space that screams ME!  Now doing dishes is a pleasant and peaceful task.  Turn on some music, light some Nag Champa, roll up my sleeves and enjoy a little dish wash! 

My Kitchen Sink Corner

Naturally Fun Parties For Kids

I was honored to have a small part in the creation of Anni Daulter's new book Naturally Fun Parties For Kids!  Anni has written several amazing books lately and her most recent is due out very soon!  Anni is looking for some Mommy Bloggers to review Naturally Fun Parties For Kids on their blogs.  If you are interested please contact Anni with your info (name, blog, address).  Trust me, this is a really great opportunity and you are going to love this book!!

Info: Facebook Page
Pre-Order: Naturally Fun Parties For Kids
Email Anni: annidaulter@mac.com

Naturally Fun Parties For Kids

Feature Friday: Sister Review of Pixie Skirt

Wow! I simply cannot say enough good things about the Pixie Skirt, it's absolutely ADORABLE! Ladies you seriously must own this skirt for Summertime, I'd wear mine everyday if I could! First of all, it has a smocked elastic waistband about 2.5" wide so it fits nice and snug on your hips, no tightness at all. The fabric itself is made up of all sorts of different and colorful patchy cuteness, lots of florals and bohemian designs, very cool! Also, the fabric is sooooo soft, it's like silk:)

One of my favorite features of the Pixie Skirt is the pixie hemline, so very cute and looks fabulous when you're doin' your spinnin' and hoopin'! I've worn mine out on the last few sunny days here in Seattle and have gotten tons of compliments, it's very flattering lemme tell ya! Also, if you wanted to you could easily pull it up and let the smocked waistline sit above your bust for a cute little sundress, I've done that too:) This is a fantastic item and the price is amazing for such a quality and cute piece, go buy it now! :)

 ~Raegan

*Raegan is a part of our Sisterhood Review team.  She is not paid for her reviews and all of the opinions are her own.  You can find Raegan's amazing one of a kind clothing and accessory items at her shop Lilah Bloom Creations.  Please visit here for more Sisterhood reviews.  

Feature Friday: Sister Review of Pixie Skirt

My Mantle Corner

In my Corners of My Home Project I am giving you a peek in to my attempt to create a home that reflects my own personal style while staying away from trying to fit in to the 'norm'.  I showed you my Music Corner last week and this week I would like to show you my revamped mantle.

There is a lot of pressure when it comes to decorating a mantle.  It is such a focal point in homes and can create the entire mood of a room.  I wish  I had a before picture, but since I don't just imagine a shelf with pine cones, cards, kids art work, and a few other random things.  I looked around my home and collected a few items that I was really drawn to and brought them to my mantle.  I placed these items on my mantle, moved them around several times, and finally created a look that screamed peaceful and beautiful. 

I am now in love with  my mantle...it inspires me to keep the entire room clutter free so I can have a calming place to relax and play with my family.  I smile every time I walk into this room!  Stay tuned for more corners of my home!

My Mantle Corner

Handmade Valentines

 

Yesterday we talked about ways to make your Valentines Day more eco friendly.  It got me thinking about the Valentines that my kids give their friends.  Each year the kids give their friends and classmates Valentines, which I think is so cute and a great way show some love to their peers.  In years past we would cut out paper hearts and decorate them...this year I wanted to take it a step further on the sustainability scale.  I looked around our garage and realized we had a lot of larger boxes that we were planning to take to the recycle center.  And that's when it hit me that we needed to make our Valentines out of cardboard.  And what could be easier?  Cut out some hearts, paint them, sign your name on the back, and viola you've got a sturdy, beautiful, and thoughtful Valentine to give. These could also make great decoration by punching a hole in the top and hanging around the home.  So, this year if your kids are giving Valentines to their friends, see what you have around the house that you can use.  There are so many things that you could use that would otherwise be sent to the recycle center or landfill. Try using cereal boxes, paper bags, scratch paper, cloth...get creative and have fun!

Enjoy!

Handmade Valentines

OSC: A Greener Valentines Day

As a part of our One Small Change Project we hope that you will consider making small eco friendly changes around holidays.  Valentines Day is right around the corner and this could be a perfect time to make a green statement to the one's you love.  It is a time to show love, but not just to people...love your planet and show our Earth some TLC.  Below are a few thoughts on how you can go green for Valentines Day. 


1.  Instead of purchasing flowers, buy a plant
2.  Purchase Fair Trade coffee or chocolate for your honey
3.  Send E Cards to your loved ones
4.  If you choose to send paper cards, select cards made with recycled paper
5.  Have a romantic meal at home using organic ingredients
6.  If you choose to go out for dinner support your local restaurants
7.  If you choose to give a gift, shop small businesses and purchase sustainable and/or hand made items

Please add your thoughts in the comments!  Happy Valentines Day!!

 *OSC stands for One Small Change...our one small change project is our effort to encourage others to make one small green change at a time for our planet. Each week I write 1 post with ideas, inspiration, and encouragement to help you along this journey of living a more sustainable life. Won't you join us in making One Small Change at a time to create a better Earth for everyone! To read more One Small Change posts, please visit here.

OSC: A Greener Valentines Day

My Little Snowboarders

When asked if they wanted to learn how to ski or snowboard, they both answered with a definite...snowboard.  Andy and I are snowboarders so it was a natural response to want to learn snowboarding in this family.  Magnolia went a couple of times last year on some hills in our town and couldn't wait to try again this Winter.  We took the girls out on Saturday to a hill in our town where Magnolia spent over 2 hours taking run after run while gaining confidence and having a blast. 

On Sunday CC had a turn at it and after just 2 runs of starting her mid hill, she was ready to start from the top...NO FEAR!  A few falls and a few tears, but most of all we had a weekend filled with lots of laugh, snow, sunshine, and good times.  I am so proud of my girls for trying a new sport...especially an outdoor sport and one that we can do as a family! 

My Little Snowboarders

Over an Open Flame

After a late night out with friends last Friday, we spent Saturday hanging around the home and enjoying some family time.  A few friends stopped by here and there, but for the most part my little family sat around our back yard fire pit chatting, laughing, and spending my 36th bday just the way I wanted to. 

My favorite part was my bday cake which was baked by my husband in his dutch oven over an open flame.  The Colorado sunshine was intense that day and the heat from the fire made us all feel so cozy and peaceful.  The cake turned out great and I couldn't have asked for a more amazing day! 

Everything tastes better when cooked over an open flame!

Over an Open Flame