Like so many people, I like to make resolutions with the coming of a new year. This year I sat down with my 14 year old, Jeremy, and we made some together. What was really wonderful about this was that in my efforts to improve myself and encourage Jeremy to do the same, I found myself connecting with my son. With teenage boys, that is a rare occasion indeed. We both made a resolution to be more active and exercise more. I want to lose the weight I gained during my recent pregnancy and Jeremy wants to lose his own ‘baby’ fat. This has become easier than I thought by the fact that we bought Jeremy Wii Fit for Christmas. For those of you that don’t know about Wii Fit, it is a series of games and exercises for the Wii video game console. As a family we have all created our computerized Mii characters and joined in the game.

It is wonderful because I’m fulfilling 2 of my New Years resolutions at the same time. I am getting more exercise and, more importantly, I am spending quality time with my family. When one of us is playing, the rest of us are cheering him on.

Jeremy and I now have an interest in common, and we can support and encourage each other as we progress. I never thought I would see the day that my teenager wants to spend so much time with me!

Even baby Aiden is becoming more active. At 9 months old, he is now crawling his way around the room and is into everything. He is getting stronger every day. Over Christmas, he hit another milestone. Aiden pulled himself up into a sitting position all by himself. Wouldn’t it be great to have his stomach muscles…toned and strong!

He is also quite entertaining to be around. He loves music and giggles when I dance with him. For Christmas my Mom bought him the new CD “Action Packed” by local children’s performers, Bobs & Lolo. These 2 girls are fabulous entertainers. I’ve seen them perform at a family fair and they had so many kids up and dancing to their tunes. Aiden loves dancing to the music with me. I’d highly recommend them to anyone with young children.

Happy New Year to all the Hippy Ladies out there!

Written for Hippy Grandma

By Megan Chatry, Hippy Mommy Extraordinaire

Children learn kindness by our examples

With less than a week till the holidays I’ve been thinking about the meaning of Christmas. Two things that matter the most to me at Christmas time are being with family and friends and helping others. As a mother of two boys, Jeremy, 14 and Aiden, 8 months, I really try to teach them family values and traditions, and the good feeling that comes from giving to others. Of course Aiden is too young yet to understand, but he’ll learn as he grows by watching us.

I love finding that perfect gift for someone. More and more I am trying to give socially-conscious gifts and teach my children to do the same. This year my favourite gift ideas are candles and soaps from Vancouver based company, The Mystic Masala. I love that the candles are pure soy wax (they burn far longer than regular candles) and made in BC. I especially love that the soaps are hand-made by Wild Earth, a women’s fair trade cooperative in Nepal. Not only do they smell good, but they are helping women earn money to take care of their families.

This time of year I see so many stressed out, angry people and it makes me wonder why they get so caught up in the gift-buying stress of Christmas and forget what really matters. When my little niece was born she was very sick, and had to get a pacemaker. She would not be here today if it weren’t for the amazing doctor’s and nurses at the BC Children’s Hospital. Now she is 2 years old healthy and active. Christmas reminds me how important the people in my life are to me. Sometimes, instead of gifts, I’ll make a donation to a charity like the BC Children’s Hospital for Christmas, so that they can help other families like they helped us.

Kindness is something that the world needs more of, especially this time of year and it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. There is an older gentleman who lives down the street from me. He is very friendly, always says hello when he sees us, but dirt poor. His house is run down and in bad need of repairs. The other day I saw his next door neighbor bring him a plate of food. I assume he made his family supper and cooked a little bit extra to give to him. Such a simple thing to do, but it probably made the gentleman’s day. What a difference one act of kindness can make.

This Christmas I challenge you to embody the true meaning of Christmas and give of yourself to others. Remember that kindness is contagious! From my family to yours, Merry Christmas.

Written for Hippy Grandma

by Megan Chatry, Hippy Mommy Extraordinaire

Our Hippy Grandma Mystic Masala new Ayurvedic Aromatherapy “spicebliss” candle makes the perfect gift anytime of the year!

This delicious candle is made locally in British Columbia, of pure soy wax and 100% cotton wicks. It is a sensual blend of herb, flower and spice oils that balance the male and female energies and awaken the fire within. Patchouli, vetiver, geranium, cinnamon, coriander and ginger meld together in an earthy and spicy love candle. A sensual embrace of divine love!

We also feature organic baby clothes and unique earth friendly baby gifts!

Learn more!

The 13 Days of Green & Groovy Christmas Gifting From Hippy Grandma
Hippy Love For Generations – Gifts From the Heart!

1.  On the first day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

* A soft cozy and luxurious shoo foo bamboo bathrobe would make the perfect gift for both you and your honey!

2.  On the second day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

* A natural cotton hippy grandma BYOB shopping bag needs to be next on your list to bring home all the organic and natural holiday yummies!

3.  On the third day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

* Surprise some little ones with the “Bobs & Lolo” DVD.  Add in 2 CD’s for the car and make it a groovy gift of three!

4.  On the fourth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

* The “Hippy Love Welcome to the World” Bundle, makes an adorable gift for a new addition to the family and her mommy!

5.  On the fifth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

*Five sets of in-laws, mom & dad, hippy sister & baby!  Bamboo towels from Shoo-Foo bundled into “spa combos” are wonderful gifts for the extended family!

6.  On the sixth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

*Ayurvedic aromatherapy assorted dosha tea lights from the Mystic Masala would make luscious and fragrant hostess gifts don’t you see?

7.  On the seventh day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

*The eco-chic and groovy Lav & Kush black dress made from “tencel” (a bio-based fiber) is the perfect dress for your Christmas fete.

8.  On the eighth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

*The “oh so soft and cuddly” bamboo baby blanket from shoo foo makes a wonderful gift for a little baby!

9.  On the ninth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

*Do you have travelers on your gift list?  The delicious “spice bliss” ayurvedic aromatherapy travel candle from the Mystic Masala will add exotic fragrances to the travel adventure for your gypsy hippy. ”

10. On the tenth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma absolutely fell in love with the amazing homecrafted vintage chenille baby jackets and sent these exquisite heirloom gifts to all the little darlings in her life and guess what, you can too! Groovy!

11. On the eleventh day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

* The “Mama Spice Love Bundle” with the Mystic Masala natural source massage oil and soap from a women’s fair trade co-op in Nepal and ayurvedic aromatherapy soy tea light candles would be a lovely gift for a hippy mama who wants to feel pampered and lively!

12.  On the twelfth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

* For an amazing personalized gift for your grandbaby or special angel, commission a piece of original art,  an angel heart art doll by cdgood and leave a legacy!

13.  On the thirteenth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma reminded me:

* Wise women of all ages love a lunar based calendar and the 13 Moon Natural Time Calendar makes a groovy gift for any type of hippy!

Our prices are in Canadian dollars.  We ship internationally.  For orders placed after Dec 4th, to ensure a  before Christmas arrival, choose the expedited shipping option.   For your on-line security, we use 2checkout a secure e-commerce system.  2CheckOut.com Inc.(Ohio, USA) is an authorized retailer for goods and services provided by Hippy Grandma.

The 13 Days of Green & Groovy Christmas Shopping From Hippy Grandma: Hippy Love for generations- gifts from the heart!

Day 13

On the thirteenth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma reminded me:

* Wise women of all ages love a lunar based calendar, it taps into ancient wisdom and cycles and The 13    Moon Calendar makes a groovy gift for any type of hippy!

This calendar is lunar based and like the farmer’s almanac incorporates celestial, biological, agricultural, mythological and chronological processes. Women, who are naturally cyclical beings tend to love re-calibrating to natural time. The new year in the 13 moon calendar starts at the end of July. Regular price: $20

Blow out price for final 6 months (7 moons) : $10

Learn more!

Our prices are in Canadian dollars.  We ship internationally, however we can not guarantee a “before Christmas” arrival for orders placed after Dec 4th.  For your on-line security, we use 2checkout a secure e-commerce system.  2CheckOut.com Inc.(Ohio, USA) is an authorized retailer for goods and services provided by Hippy Grandma.

The 13 Days of Green & Groovy Christmas Shopping From Hippy Grandma: Hippy Love for generations!

Day 12

On the Twelfth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

* For an amazing personalized gift for your grandbaby or special angel, commission a piece of original art,  an angel heart art doll by cdgood and leave a legacy!

Carolyn Dawn starts with a rose quartz rock for the heart. And then builds the Angel from there with pure intentions and respect, from natural objects, antique lace and embroidery, buttons, dove feathers. Beeswax then saturates the figure. Each knot, each stitch is a blessing of Purest Intent.

Each individual 8- 10″ angel come with a packet of sage and wrapped in cedar boughs. A numerology reading of the name and astrology readings are included as well as a short blessing of angel cards indicating what divine gifts are being brought to the child. These unique angel heart art dolls will last forever and be a family heirloom.

Learn more!

Our prices are in Canadian dollars.  We ship internationally, however we can not guarantee a “before Christmas” arrival for orders placed after Dec 4th.  For your on-line security, we use 2checkout a secure e-commerce system.  2CheckOut.com Inc.(Ohio, USA) is an authorized retailer for goods and services provided by Hippy Grandma.

The 13 Days of Green & Groovy Christmas Shopping From Hippy Grandma: Hippy Love for generations!

Day 11

On the eleventh day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

* The “Mama Spice Love Bundle” with the Mystic Masala natural source massage oil and soap from a women’s fair trade co-op in Nepal and ayurvedic aromatherapy soy tea light candles would be a lovely gift for a hippy mama who wants to feel pampered and lively!

Learn more

Prices are in Canadian dollars.  We ship internationally, however we can not guarantee a “before Christmas” arrival for orders placed after Dec 4th.  For your on-line security, we use 2checkout a secure e-commerce system.  2CheckOut.com Inc.(Ohio, USA) is an authorized retailer for goods and services provided by Hippy Grandma.

The 13 Days of Green & Groovy Christmas Shopping From Hippy Grandma: Hippy Love for generations!

Day 10

*On the tenth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma absolutely fell in love with the amazing homecrafted vintage chenille baby jackets and sent these exquisite heirloom gifts to all the little darlings in her life and guess what, you can too! Groovy!

Learn more!

Our prices are in Canadian dollars.  We ship internationally, however we can not guarantee a “before Christmas” arrival for orders placed after Dec 4th.  For your on-line security, we use 2checkout a secure e-commerce system.  2CheckOut.com Inc.(Ohio, USA) is an authorized retailer for goods and services provided by Hippy Grandma.

The 13 Days of Green & Groovy Christmas Shopping From Hippy Grandma: Hippy Love for generations!

Day 9

On the ninth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:

*Do you have travelers on your gift list?  The delicious “spice bliss” ayurvedic aromatherapy travel candle from the Mystic Masala will add exotic fragrances to the travel adventure for your gypsy hippy. ”

The Mystic Masala’s new spicebliss candle is made of pure soy wax and 100% cotton wicks and is packaged in a convenient light travel tin.  Why don’t you order the vaso size for yourself and experience the exotic fragrances as well! An exotic blend of herb, flower and spice oils in these candles, balance the male and female energies and awaken the fire within. Patchouli, vetiver, geranium, cinnamon, coriander and ginger meld together in an earthy and spicy love candle. A sensual embrace of divine love!

Travel Tins: $16.50

Vaso Size: $27.50

Learn more!

Prices are in Canadian dollars.  We ship internationally, order before Dec 4th to ensure a “before Christmas” arrival.  For your on-line security, we use 2checkout a secure e-commerce system.  2CheckOut.com Inc.(Ohio, USA) is an authorized retailer for goods and services provided by Hippy Grandma.

The 13 Days of Green & Groovy Christmas Shopping From Hippy Grandma: Hippy Love for generations!

On the eighth day of on-line shopping for a green & groovy Christmas, hippy grandma said to me:
*The “oh so soft and cuddly” bamboo baby blanket from shoo foo makes a wonderful gift for a little baby!

Price: $50, buy now

Prices are in Canadian dollars.  We ship internationally, order before Dec 4th to ensure a “before Christmas” arrival.  For your on-line security, we use 2checkout a secure e-commerce system.  2CheckOut.com Inc.(Ohio, USA) is an authorized retailer for goods and services provided by Hippy Grandma.