I loved Amelia Bedelia books when I was a young girl. She seemed to always get into the most ridiculous of situations, but you couldn't help but adore her! Now I have an 8-year-old daughter who is just starting to love reading, and I introduced her to the series. She loved every book she has read, and I usually never hear a peep from her as she snuggles into the couch for her reading.
A great addition to a homeschool or tutoring curriculum (or just a great way to pass the time and brush up on your reading skills), the Level 2 Readers by Peggy Parish are a delight! With so many in the series, it is hard to know where to start. Available at your local library, book store, or online at Amazon!
Friday, August 31, 2007
Review of Amelia Bedelia Books
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Toys "R" Us Recalls Wooden Coloring Cases Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Cases
Units: About 27,000
Importer / Retailer: Toys "R" Us Inc., of Wayne, N.J.
Hazard: The printed ink on the outer packaging of the wood case contains lead. Also, some of the black watercolor paint contains excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recall involves the Imaginarium brand 213 Piece Wooden Coloring Case which includes crayons, pastels, colored pencils, fiber pens, paintbrush, pencil, water colors, palette, white paint, ruler and pencil sharpener in a light tan wooden carrying case. The case measures about 14 inches high by 19 inches wide.
Sold by: Toys "R" Us stores nationwide and toysrus.com from October 2006 through August 2007 for about $20.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the products away from children and return the item to the nearest Toys "R" Us store for store credit.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Toys "R" Us at (800) TOYSRUS/869-7787 between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday, and between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, or visit the company’s Web site at www.toysrus.com
Win a Nursing Necklace!
LollyBeads is giving one lucky Lille Punkin' reader a Nursing Necklace from their collection! Read about how to get in on this great giveaway on their review HERE!
Review of Table Topper Meal Kits and Potty Toppers
Families are always on the go. Places to be and things to do will always keep me and my kids with so much to remember to bring in our already brimming diaper bag! I was happy to make room for two new products, however, brought to us by Neat Solutions.
The Table Topper All-In-One Meal Kits are a young diner's delight. When taking kids to a restaurant of any style, eliminating extra mess for you server is very important. The Meal Kits provide everything you need to keep your little one eating better, happier, and neater! Each kit contains a plastic Elmo fork, plastic Big Bird spoon, Stick-On placemat with fun designs, and a Disposable bib (all stored neatly in a sippy cup with lid!) Since each kit is no bigger than a small plastic cup, it tucks neatly into a diaper bag, purse, or even a coat pocket! My kids loved the familiar character prints, and they stayed engaged in their meal with little fuss and less mess!
After a good meal (or even during) your child may need to visit the public restroom. And while I am not particularly concerned about the sanitation standards of most bathrooms we visit, there are some that are just unbearable! For those situations (or instances where you have a child who is very particular about using a strange potty), the Potty Toppers are a life saver! A child-sized version of the toilet-seat liner for adults, Potty Toppers are adorned with cute Dora the Explorer or Spongebob prints and stick in place! The soft and comfortable liners act as an effective barrier from germs and wetness! Potty training is now familiar and safe, even in the most questionable of places!
Get your family out and about with these great products from Neat Solutions. Available at Target stores and online at Amazon!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Paramount Apparel International Recalls Bass Pro Shops Youth Hats Due to Strangulation Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Toddler and Youth Nylon Bucket Hats
Units: About 500
Distributor: Paramount Apparel International Inc., of Bourbon, Mo.
Hazard: The hat has a drawstring, posing a strangulation hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: No incidents or injuries have been reported.
Description: The hat is a nylon bucket-shaped hat with mesh sides. There are nylon fabric strips on the side of the hat that snap up. The front of the hat has a zipper pocket with a silver boat-anchor appliqué with embroidered text below. The hat adjusts with a bungee drawstring sewn in the crown of the hat. A label sewn into the back inside of the hat reads “Bass Pro Shops.”
Sold: Exclusively at Bass Pro Shops retail stores nationwide from February 2007 through June 2007 for about $8.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled hats immediately and contact Paramount Apparel to receive a refund or replacement item.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Paramount Apparel toll-free at (800) 255-4287 between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.paramountapparel.com
Review of Wheely Bug from Prince Lionheart
My boys love ride-on toys. They are always underfoot, and someone is always zooming from one laminate-covered room in our home to another. One thing I hate about all the activity, however, is the noise! The wheels on all our toys are so loud that it really becomes distracting.
Imagine my delight when we were lucky enough to test the Wheely Bug by Prince Lionheart! An adorable ride-on that will appeal to both boys AND girls, the Wheely Bug that we tried was perfect for both of my boys (ages 2 and 3). Supporting up to 50 pounds with its comfortably padded seating (and easy to clean to!), it offers wheels that turn in any direction. It can withstand the toughest play, but only weighs 4 pounds. (This makes it a perfect toy to toss in the back of the van for trips to Grandma's house!) And don't worry, Mom; it is entirely non-toxic and contains no PVC. Researched and developed in child care centers, it is designed for “industrial” kid use. Most importantly, it is quiet! No grocery cart wheel-rattling to contend with; these wheels are smooth and soundless.
The only drawback to this toy? You'll need to referee all the arguing over "Who gets it first!" My boys love their Wheely Bug and can never quite seem to get a grasp on taking turns with it.
The award-winning Wheely Bug comes in two sizes for 18 months+ and 3+ and is available in Bug, Bee and Cow designs! Available at Amazon and Target retailers!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Children's Watering Cans Sold Exclusively at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Recalled
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Robbie Ducky™ Kids Watering Cans
Units: About 6,000
Importer: Jo-Ann Stores Inc., of Hudson, Ohio
Hazard: The beak of the watering can contains lead in the paint, which violates the federal law prohibiting lead paint on children's toys. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled Robbie Ducky™ Kids Watering Can is yellow with an orange beak and is about 10 inches high by 6 inches wide. "Robbie Ducky™ Garden Collection Duck Watering Can" is printed on a sticker on the bottom of the watering can.
Sold exclusively at: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores nationwide from February 2007 through August 2007 for about $10.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the watering can away from children and return it to any Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Store for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Jo-Ann Stores Inc. toll-free at (888) 739-4120 ext. 7 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email the firm at guest.services@jo-annstores.com or visit the firm’s Web site at www.joann.com
Review of House from Kidsonroof
My kids love playing with cardboard boxes... who doesn't? But what if you could get your child the ultimate in cardboard boxes? One with a roof, doors, windows, and is sturdy and easily assembled? What if that same house was a blank slate for creativity with markers, paints, glitter, and a whole lot of imagination?
House by Kidsonroof (Hip from Holland) is just that! A simple but genius product that allows your kids to have the experience of the "ultimate" cardboard box! My 3 kids (ages 2, 4, and 9) had hours of fun playing TOGETHER in their Dutch-designed House. They decorated all sides of the house, put mail through the mail slot, did a "Little Pig, Little Pig" play, and even napped inside the house! It was the best afternoon I had in a long time.
And when they were done, there was no need to allow the huge house to be lurking in the middle of my living room floor for weeks. We just folded House back up and put in into the cardboard box it came in. I was then able to slide it back behind the closet door or under the kids' beds for easy storage.
House is made from 100% recycled material and has no sharp edges. Did I mention that 5% of profits go to UNICEF? Visit Hipfromholland for more info on House and to purchase online!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Review of LollyBeads Nursing Necklaces
My son is 7 months old now... and he can't stay focused on anything. This includes nursing. I was pulling my hair out trying to find ways to keep HIM from pulling my hair out, when a friend suggested a "nursing necklace." What is a nursing necklace? It is a brilliant idea made possible by such talented craftswomen as LollyBeads. The necklace provides a distraction for the nursing infant, giving them tactile and visual stimulation to keep them doing what they need to be doing--EATING!
I ordered the Mixed colors necklace and was anxious to give it a try. It was a generous 36 inches long, very sturdy, exploding with color and variety, and was equipped with a safety clasp in case of being yanked too hard. (The necklace is meant to be placed over your head, and not unclasped every time. This keeps the safety feature from becoming loose.) The necklaces are very affordable, and Laurie at LollyBeads also makes some other very beautiful pieces of jewelry! How did it do? Wonderfully! I was not only able to keep my little guy busy and eating.. but I think that I may have even been able to watch a little TV!
The perfect gift for a nursing mom (or for yourself), these nursing necklaces are a lifesaver! Check out all the designs (including Sugar and Spice, Snips and Snails, and Newborn) at the LollyBeads website.
Want to WIN a nursing necklace from LollyBeads? Just comment on this post with the one design from anything on the LollyBeads site that you love the most! One entry per person. Contest ends September 10th! (Be sure to either leave your email on your post, or send it in an email so that we can contact you!)
Links to the contest from your webpage or blog earns 5 extra entries, so be sure to let me know in your post if you've linked up! Good luck!
*As with all our promotions, your information will never be used for anything other than contacting you if you win! Your privacy is VERY important to us.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Recalls again...
Boy, all these recalls are keeping us busy! Here are the latest, just in from the CPSC:
Basic Editions Girls' Clothing Sets Recalled by Kmart; Drawstrings at Waist Pose Entrapment Hazard
Name of Product: Basic Editions-brand Girls' Clothing Sets
Units: About 4,700
Importer: Millennium Apparel Group, of New York, N.Y.
Hazard: The recalled shirts have drawstrings at the waist. Children can get entangled or caught in a vehicle door and can be dragged, posing a serious risk of injury or death. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist by drawstrings in upper garments.
Incidents/Injuries: None.
Description: The two Basic Edition-brand girls' sets have fully tunneled waist drawstrings and two-fer style layered shirts. One set has a light green screen print top with "Varsity Club Winning Attitude" text, over a white shirt, paired with turquoise cuff shorts. The second set has an orange screen print top with "Paradise University Girls Club" text, over a white shirt paired with light green knit shorts. Both sets were sold in the following girls' sizes: 4/5, 6/6X, 7/8, and 10/12.
Sold Exclusively at: Kmart stores nationwide from March 2007 through May 2007 for between $10 and $13 per set.
Manufactured in: Egypt
Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the drawstrings to eliminate the hazard.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kmart at (800) 659-7026 between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, or visit Kmart’s Web site at www.kmart.com
Priddy "Trucks" Shaker Teether Books Recalled Due to Choking Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Priddy "Trucks" Shaker Teether Books
Units: About 35,000
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press, LLC, of New York, N.Y.
Hazard: Small pieces of the teether can break off, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: St. Martin's Press has received two reports of children biting off pieces of the teethers. No injuries reported.
Description: The recalled cloth teether book entitled "trucks" has a yellow dump truck on the front cover on a blue background. Attached to the top of the book is a yellow rattle with a green teether attached on the right side of the rattle and an orange teether attached to the left side of the rattle.
Sold at: Barnes & Noble and other bookstores and retailers nationwide from January 2006 to June 2007 for about $7.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these toys away from young children and contact St. Martin's Press for instructions on returning the product for a free replacement product.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact St. Martin's Press at (800) 347-9411 between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.priddybooks.com/recall
CPSC, Stokke Announce Recall of Sleepi Crib Foam Mattresses Due to Entrapment Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Sleepi Crib Foam Mattresses
Units: About 1,000
Manufacturer: Stokke, of Kennesaw, Ga.
Hazard: The crib mattresses are not properly sized, creating a gap, posing an entrapment hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: Only oval shaped Sleepi cribs with foam mattresses sold under the following model numbers are the subject of this recall: 660321, 660320, 660301,660305, 660318, 652268, 652269, 652246, 652247 and 652248. The cribs were sold in a variety of colors, including white, walnut, natural, cherry and whitewash. The model number can be found on the packaging and underside of the crib.
Sold at: Juvenile product retailers nationwide and via the Internet from September 2006 through March 2007 for between $750 and $850.
Manufactured in: Italy
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the cribs immediately and contact Stokke LLC to receive a free replacement mattress.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Stokke toll-free at (877) 978-6553 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.stokkeusa.com
Review of bebePOD Plus by Prince Lionheart
This review is for one of the most adorable and ingenious products on the market today. It is now my favorite infant product in my home, and I use it daily. The bebePOD Plus (from Prince Lionheart) is a "chair" for infants that are old enough to support their heads, but may not be able to sit all by themselves. It provides a way for them to sit up and be part of the world around them!
Tired of keeping my always-moving 7-month old in a car seat or swing (where he couldn't actively participate in our ongoing day), I was thrilled to find that the bebePOD kept him sitting comfortably upright in a "big boy" way, without stress to his little body. (My son is VERY small for his age -- only 13 pounds, so this chair was a miracle for us!)
In addition to the comfy soft seat, the bebePOD Plus outdoes itself with a new attachable tray with a super-fun Sassy toy that can be affixed! I also love that when the toy isn't in use, you can put one of the two easy-to-clean mats in place. This is perfect for feeding the little guy snacks. We have replaced our large highchair with this little chair for now. (NOTE: the bebePOD is not intended for use on raised surfaces -- baby could fall!)
We take our bebePOD with us everywhere! We set it on the floor next to us at church, restaurants, visiting family, and at friends'! It also is a lovely way to keep baby safe and happy while I'm doing dishes (in my careful line of sight, of course.)
The bebePOD comes in a green or red color with coordinating mats, tray, and Sassy toy. I've managed 3 kids before the bebePOD, but now that I have one, I would never want to go without...
Available at Amazon, BabyCenter, and other fine retailers!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Four More Children's Recalls!
I'm sad to report that we have another batch of recalls to inform you of. Details of each recall are below.
Children’s Metal Jewelry Recalled by TOBY N.Y.C. Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
Name of Product: TOBY & ME Jewelry Sets
Units: About 14,000
Importer: TOBY N.Y.C., of New York, N.Y.
Hazard: The recalled metal jewelry sets contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The three recalled jewelry sets include: a princess pink and clear crystal bead necklace and bracelet set with a painted metallic crown pendant; a pink and white pearl necklace and bracelet set with a painted metallic poodle pendant; and a pink pearl necklace, earrings and ring set. All sets are sold in a pink gift box with “TOBY & ME” printed on the front and “TOBY & ME” hangtags attached to the packaging.
Sold at: T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and A.J.Wright from August 2006 through May 2007 for about $8.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewelry away from children and contact TOBY N.Y.C. for information on receiving a full refund or replacement item.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact TOBY N.Y.C. toll-free at (866) 235-0588 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or email the firm at info@tobynyc.com
Children’s Charm Bracelets Sold by Buy-Rite Recalled Due to Risk of Lead Exposure
Name of Product: Children’s Divine Inspiration Charm Bracelets
Units: About 7,900
Importer: Buy-Rite Designs Inc., of Freehold, N.J.
Hazard: The recalled jewelry contains high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: The recalled charm bracelets have silver-colored charms, including angels, crosses, and hearts, and clear and pink beads that hang from a silver-colored chain.
Sold at: Dollar stores and other small retail stores nationwide from March 2004 through August 2007 for about $1.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled jewelry away from children and return it to store where purchased for a full refund. If unable to return it to the store, contact Buy-Rite for information on how to receive a refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Buy-Rite at (888) 777-7952 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.buyriteinc.com
Thomas and Friends, Curious George and Other Spinning Tops and Tin Pails Recalled By SchyllingAssociates Due To Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Name of Product: Spinning Tops and Tin Pails
Units: About 66,000 spinning tops and about 4,700 pails
Importer: Schylling Associates Inc., of Rowley, Mass.
Hazard: Surface paints on the wooden handles of the tops and pails contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None.
Description: The recalled tops and pails are primarily metal and have wooden handles. The tops are painted with Thomas and Friends, Curious George, or a circus scene. The pails are painted with Thomas and Friends, Curious George, or in a solid red or yellow color. Tops with plastic handles are not included in this recall.
Sold at: Specialty toy stores and gift shops nationwide from July 2001 through July 2002. The tops were sold for about $13. The pails were sold for about $6.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled toys away from children and contact Schylling to receive a refund or free replacement toy.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Schylling at (800) 767-8697 between 9 am and 5 pm ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.schylling.com
Martin Designs Inc. Recalls SpongeBob SquarePants™ Character Address Books and Journals Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard
Name of Product: SpongeBob SquarePants™ Address Books and Journals
Units: About 250,000
Importer: Martin Designs Inc., of Ashland, Ohio
Hazard: The paint on the metal spiral bindings of the address books and journals can contain excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Incidents/Injuries: None.
Description: The recall involves address books and journals with SpongeBob SquarePants™ character on the front cover and a black metal spiral binding. The UPC numbers (80773007505 for the address book and 80773002260, 80773075501 and 80773007551 for the journal) are printed on the back covers.
Sold at: Retail stores nationwide from June 2006 through July 2007 for about $2.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled address books and journals away from children. Consumers should remove the UPC as proof of ownership and contact Martin Designs Inc. for a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Martin Designs Inc. toll-free at (866) 898-0261 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.martindesigns-ltd.com
Review of Ultra Palmolive Oxy Plus Odor Eliminator
Am I the only housewife in America still washing dishes by hand? Apparently not, because Palmolive decided to introduce a new variety of the always-effective, hand-softening dish soap!
If you are like me, you wash about a hundred stinky sippy cups a week. In fact, if you've ever been unfortunate enough to find a cup or bottle under a couch that has gotten a little vile, you may even just chuck them into the trash!
Ultra Palmolive Oxy Plus Odor Eliminator is awesome, because it takes the food or yucky milk odor right out of your dishes. It works great on plastics, bottles, Tupperware, and more! It leaves behind a grease-free clean smell, and my hands are so much softer than when I use harsher cleaning products. (Plus, you won't have to throw away every sippy cup that smells a little off...)
Plus, Palmolive makes great bubble mixture for the kiddies to blow bubbles with!
Basic Bubbles Recipe
2 tblsp dish soap
1 cup water
(Hint: By using the Odor Eliminator variety, you can have pretty pink bubbles!)
Palmolive is available at local dollar and grocery stores everywhere!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Review of Mvelopes Money Management System
Has credit card spending become unmanageable? Have you lost track of where all your money goes each month? What if you could try a tool that allows you to see every penny of your spending, across all accounts, in real time? Perhaps one of the most innovative household budget monitor available, Mvelopes is completely online. This means there is no cumbersome software to download, and you can access your account information from any computer in the world. Mvelopes is confident that their product is the best way to increase control over spending and eliminate debt. In fact, most users experience a 10% spending decrease after just a few months of using the program!
Based on the method of cash envelopes, Mvelopes allows you to set an assigned cash amount to each budget category, or envelope. This envelope needs to be funded prior to spending from it. A quick glance at your account will tell you how much you have left in your envelope, and how long it has to last you until you can fund it again. Following this system eliminates the possibility of living beyond your means, and guarantees that debt will not increase over the course of the program.
In addition to keeping you accountable for your envelope spending, Mvelopes Personal Budgeting System keeps track of spending accounts, as well. All checking, savings, loan, and credit accounts are easily accessed from one main screen in the
In addition to the obvious budgeting tools that are included in the Mvelopes Personal Budgeting System, there are also several exciting free resources available to all users. A financial fitness quiz, personal printable budget calculator, debt calculator, financial forums, articles, and a complete 5-day budgeting e-course are all provided to users free of charge, and they are certain to help educate and encourage responsible household budgeting and financial freedom.
Mvelopes Personal Budgeting System is an innovative approach to a very classic financial concept. Perhaps one of the most user-friendly and easy-to-learn methods of household budgeting, Mvelopes is quick to start and takes hours off the traditional tasks of account reconciliation and bill payment. I really enjoyed how easy the program was to use, and I was very shocked to see some of the places that my money went each month! I was also very impressed with friendly and helpful customer service centers available via email, phone, or live chat, who helped me with all of my technical and support questions.
Readers of Lille Punkin’ can try Mvelopes Online Budgeting tool FREE for 30 days!
Review of Baby Einstein Discovering Shapes DVD
We home educate at our house, so it's not unusual to find a few videos or DVD's at our house with an educational theme. We play them once and a while as part of a unit study or to give the kids a break from the usual Public Broadcasting cartoons. I don't, however, solely rely on DVD's to "educate" my young ones. I enjoy them as a fun alternative to some of the mindless programming options that seem to overwhelm the tube these days.
So it was with great excitement that I was able to preview the new Baby Einstein Discovering Shapes DVD from Disney. Looking for a movie that was more fun than flashcards, I put the DVD in and allowed my 2 and 3 year-old boys to give it a try! I have to admit, that I was very surprised. The uplifting classical music was a favorite for my kids. (We often incorporate music into our daily routines -- it keeps the kids happy and cooperative.) And while I wasn't sure if they were "getting" much of the learning concepts that was playfully presented in the video, they were bopping along and giggling at the adorable puppets and sweet little babies.
The DVD had almost a soothing effect (which is nice when you have a couple of sometimes aggressive boys that get a little carried away watching some shows.) I played the DVD during naptime, and by the time the DVD had played all the way through, my youngest son was relaxed and quietly napping. I wasn't even sure he had "learned" much from the DVD (which was OK with me.) But a few minutes after waking from his afternoon nap, he brought me a lump of modeling clay that he had been playing with earlier in the day. He looked up at me with his big blue eyes and said, "Oval"... or a gooey variation of it, anyway.
I guess learning can be more about fun than I had thought! Baby Einstein DVD's and this special introduction of shapes can be purchased at most retailers of children's videos and Amazon.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Toys ''R'' Us, Inc. Announces Precautionary Stop Sale on All Vinyl Bibs
WAYNE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Toys “R” Us, Inc. announced today that as a precautionary measure it has removed all vinyl bibs manufactured by Hamco, Inc. and its other vendors from Toys “R” Us and Babies “R” Us store shelves.
Because of its strong commitment to safety, Toys “R” Us voluntarily adheres to the stringent California Proposition 65 standards for its testing of vinyl baby bibs. All of its vinyl bibs are tested against these requirements every six months by an independent testing facility. These bibs, including those manufactured by Hamco, passed these rigorous tests, including as recently as May 2007. However, the company noted that stores have received shipments since that time and therefore decided to conduct additional re-testing on these items.
Based on discussions with the Consumer Product Safety Commission staff, following the agency’s own tests conducted last week on certain Hamco bibs sold by Toys “R” Us, there were no instances of any hazardous levels of lead found in these products.
In recent days, Toys “R” Us asked Bureau Veritas, a world leader in independent testing, to re-test samples of all Hamco-manufactured bibs sold by the company. Among its findings, the Bureau Veritas tests found two samples of Hamco bibs that contained lead over the strict Toys “R” Us testing requirements. As a result of inconsistent results between the company’s May 2007 and August 2007 tests, Toys “R” Us has immediately stopped sale of these items in its stores. These bibs were sold to Toys “R” Us by Hamco and marketed under the Koala Baby, Especially for Baby and Disney Baby labels.
While not aware of any concerns regarding vinyl bibs made by other manufacturers, the company has temporarily removed all vinyl bibs from its store shelves to help minimize any potential consumer confusion and as an additional precautionary measure so that the company can voluntarily re-test these products.
In addition to its rigorous testing of all products prior to shipment to its stores, Toys “R” Us has recently increased its third party re-testing of products on store shelves. The company will continue to take decisive and aggressive action in ensuring the products it sells meet only the highest quality assurance standards.
The company said that customers who wish to return vinyl bibs purchased at any time from a Toys “R” Us or Babies “R” Us store may do so and receive a full refund. For questions or additional information, customers may call 1-800-869-7787.
About Toys "R" Us, Inc.
Toys "R" Us is the world's leading specialty toy retailer. Currently it sells merchandise through more than 1,500 stores, including 586 stores in the U.S. and 694 international toy stores, which includes licensed and franchise stores, and through its Internet site at www.toysrus.com. Babies "R" Us is the largest baby product specialty store chain in the world and a leader in the juvenile industry, and sells merchandise through 255 stores in the U.S. as well as on the Internet at www.babiesrus.com.
Contacts
Toys "R" Us, Inc.
Kathleen Waugh, 973-617-5888
waughk@toysrus.com
or
Lisa Lewin, 646-366-8826
lewinl@toysrus.com
Friday, August 17, 2007
Review of Lansinoh Nursing Pads
This is a post for the nursing Mommies out there... but those of you that know and love a nursing Mommy -- take note! Perhaps the very best nursing pad out there is actually a disposable one. I know, I know... it's hard to believe that something you just throw away could be one of the best investments out there. And while I don't always want to go the disposable route... these are top of the line and super-convenient!
The Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads were given to me by a mom of five the FIRST time I started nursing... I was hooked immediately, and now I give them as gifts to all new nursing mommies in my life. They are super thin, very nicely contoured to fit the breast, contain just enough absorbent material to keep you dry (but not so much that you feel like you are carrying around a full diaper in your bra), and they are so discreet under ANY shirt! With just enough sticky stuff to keep them in place, these pads are more like a very stealth weapon against wetness and leaking.
Available at major retailers, pharmacies, and Amazon and Drugstore.com!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Review of Firehouse Dog on DVD
If you are like me, you sometimes indulge your kids in a movie that you know will be a little too immature to be enjoyed by the adults. You figure that you will put the movie in, and do a little laundry with the time you just bought yourself. Firehouse Dog (20th Century Fox) caught me by surprise, however, when I dropped the laundry to actually watch this surprising comedy!
A tale of a displaced movie-star pooch who finds a new home at the fire station, Firehouse Dog stars the young and talented Josh Hutcherson (Bridge to Terabithia) and Bruce Greenwood as a father and son with a distance between them. When Dewey (the dog) comes into the lives of the firefighters and the boy, fun and faith come with it! While this movie will probably not win any awards for special effects, your kids will enjoy the off-the-wall and unbelievable sight gags and jokes.
This movie is rated PG for peril (dogs chases, a few intense fire rescues, a dog falling from a plane into the back of a tomato truck), language (uses of the word "butt" and few other words we don't use at our house), and some potty humor (a dog poops into a pot of soup). These elements are minor, brief, and almost forgettable in comparison to other PG movies out there. I had absolutely no problem letting my kids watch the movie -- twice. I found myself laughing, and really enjoyed the message of family, dedication, and teamwork.
This overlooked movie gem can be purchased at any DVD retailer, and for more reviews of the movie, check out Amazon's customer comments.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Review of LUNA Tea Cakes
Yummy.. that's the only way to describe these very different kind of snacks. Formerly a LUNA bar fan that got a little burnt out on eating a bar every day, I was up the for the challenge of trying out the new "tea cakes." In flavors like Berry Pomegranate (for longevity), Orange Blossom (for healthy skin), and Vanilla Macadamia (for mood balance), there really is no end to the possibilities for a healthy snack.
These all natural snacks are infused with tea from the Republic of Tea, and are the first non-soy product from the popular LUNA line. While small in size, they are chewy and satisfying. A sweet little 130 calories will get you through the afternoon (or whenever you snack), with a healthy alternative to those naughty candy or cookie cravings.
Full of vitamins, anti-oxidants, and healthy omegas, LUNA Tea Snacks have found a permanent home in my snack cabinet! Available at Amazon in boxes of 24 or Drugstore.com in boxes of 12.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
TOY Recalls: Too Many to list!
In light of the most recent Mattel toy recall, we aren't listing all of the articles in their entirety. The recall, issued early today, includes the following toys made by Mattel:
- Polly Pocket toys and playsets - Read the full article HERE
- Doggy Day Care toys and playsets - Read the full article HERE
- Barbie and Tanner dog toy - Read the full article HERE
- Sarge jeep toy - Read the full article HERE
- Batman and OnePiece action figure - Read the full article HERE
For more information, please call (800) 916-4997 or visit the website at http://service.mattel.com/us/recall.asp
Review of Bio-Oil
Three babies in five years equals ALOT of stretch marks, and with the winter approaching for some new bouts with dry skin, I was looking for a solution. That's when I learned about Bio-Oil, a specialist skincare product designed to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone.
While the name threw me at first (sounding more like a mechanic's secret or something out of a science fiction movie), I was really excited to give Bio-Oil a try! While the makers of the product openly admit that the oil will never completely remove stretch marks, they do claim it helps to diminish the appearance. I began using the oil on my stomach soon after receiving it. I applied it as the directions indicated (using proper circular motion), and did so diligently for a week.
There was actually a small improvement in the marks, and my skin was so much smoother, softer, and better-looking overall! How I wished I had known about this BEFORE my pregnancy. I can see that using this product loyally for the duration of a pregnancy could prevent the horrible strain that skin goes through during the nine months of growth! I have also started to the use the oil in other ways, like easing the horrible dry skin I get at night. I also look forward to using it on scars, uneven skin patches, and in places where I will likely get wrinkles. Perhaps the best use for the oil is on my C-section scar. It has become soft and less noticeable since using the oil, which is great for making me feel less self-conscious about it!
The oil is light and natural feeling. It is safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing a baby. It has no preservatives and is made from all-natural ingredients in South Africa. And best of all, it is affordable! Available at Walgreens pharmacies, Bio-Oil is a steal at only $11.99 for 2 ounces.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Giveaway Rules, Newsletter Terms, and Privacy / Disclosure Policies
Giveaway Rules:
We have several giveaways here at Lille Punkin' and in the interest of keeping things fair, we have a few simple rules. Unless otherwise stated:
1. Unless otherwise stated, contests are open to residents of the U.S. ages 18 and up only.
2. Unless otherwise stated, contests are one entry per person
3. Any information given will be used for the sole purpose of contacting the winner. It will NOT be shared with any outside entities.
Newsletter Terms
Subscribers who sign up for our newsletter (check the sidebar on the right of each page for entry) are automatically eligible to win our monthly prize! We always have a new prize each month, so be sure you stay subscribed to be entered! Our newsletters and announcements only come to you a few times a month, and we promise each one will give you valuable information (like a chance to win prizes or other incentives.) We won't clutter up your already busy inbox with excessive stuff you don't need -- We swear!
Our privacy policy is simple:
We will NEVER give your info out to anyone else... except when we pass on your mailing info to our sponsors for prize fulfillment only. We don't sell, share, or otherwise "leak" your info to anyone. And once you get the prize, your personal info is sent into our trash folders, so we won't bug you again after prize fulfillment.
Disclosure
The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post may not always be identified as paid or sponsored content. Product reviews, however, will always be titled "Review of..." and are never compensated for (although product sample may have been received to review, and this will be noted at the bottom of the post.) You can trust our reviews!!
Even though we receive some compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely our own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.
Have questions about our policies? Drop us an email!
Thanks so much!
American Idol DVD game winner!
We have a winner for our blog contest! Laura has been notified, and we thank everyone for their participation in the giveaway!
Review of Prenatal Mini Cradle by Prenatal Cradle
After having 4 babies in a very short number of years, I was more than happy to take a break from the strain of carrying an unborn child on my small 5' 1" frame. The backache, pulled ligaments, and sciatica were just more than I could bear during my last pregnancy. Thankfully, I found a simple product to help alleviate most of the discomfort cause from my growing belly.
The Prenatal Mini Cradle is a simple but effective 3" stretchy "belt" that goes around your middle to pull up and support your stomach and baby. With simple design, it is firm enough to keep you from straining under the weight of the new child. Smooth hook and eye closures in the back won't snag on your clothing or pantyhose! And it's washable for daily use, as well.
I used the Mini Cradle daily, and found it to be the next best thing to having my husband carry the baby! Inexpensive but very effective, the Mini Cradle is just one product in a line of quality items offered by Prenatal Cradle. They have been designing maternity supports for 20 years, and it shows! (If you suffer from varicose veins of any kind, you may want to check out their V2 supporter. I also used this product, and it saved me from severe pain during the last trimester!)
The Prenatal Cradle products are well worth the investment, as they can be worn over and over for multiple pregnancies! For more information, visit Prenatal Cradle's website. You can also purchase this item at Amazon.com.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Coca-Cola® Themed Drinking Glasses Recalled Due to Laceration Hazard
Name of Product: Drinking Glasses
Units: About 300
Importer: Formation Inc., of San Bruno, Calif.
Hazard: The inner wall of the double-walled glasses can break easily, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Formation has received one report of a glass breaking during normal use. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves clear double-walled soda glasses sold in a bell-shape. The drinking glasses were sold in two sizes: 16-ounces and 22-ounces, and have various Coca-Cola® graphics printed on the glass.
Sold at: The World of Coca-Cola® Store in Atlanta, Georgia exclusively from May 2007 through June 2007 for between $6 and $8.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using and discard the glasses immediately. Consumers can contact Formation for a refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Formation toll free at (866) 428-1176 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.formationinc.com"
Review of Healthy Handfuls Organic Snacks
I'll admit that eating organic isn't the most important thing I do for my family. But I sure like the idea of doing it as often as I can. Giving my kids some healthy but tasty organic snacks sounded like a great idea! We were fortunate to try out Healthy Handfuls Organic Snacks, and the reviews were very positive!
Our testers were at a small family gathering with 5 kids ages 2-8. We had each child test a sample of each of the following Healthy Handfuls snacks:
- Cheddar Cheese Lucky Duckies
- Lemon Vanilla Koala Krackers
- Oatmeal Raisin Crocodile Cookies
- Peanut Butter Python Pretzel Bites
- Chocolate Chip Chimpies
"The lemon vanilla cookies taste like the ones you get at McDonald's!"
"I like the peanut butter in the pretzels. They have good peanut butter like at the natural food store that you grind yourself."
"More Chocolate Chip Chimpies, please! I love them!"
"The cheese ducks are better than goldfish. They have more cheese."
There you have it, folks. For delicious snack foods that are certified organic, use no hydrogenated oils, no GMOs, no preservatives and contain no trans fats, you might want to give Healthy Handfuls snacks a try. Not only are they kosher, low in fat, and low in sodium, but they are pretty tasty too!
For more information, visit the Healthy Handfuls website, or order from Amazon and get FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $25!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Review of Boon: Innovations for Modern Parents
I don't know how "modern" a parent I am, but I will say one thing: Boon is for me and my kids! We were delighted to try out two new products from the family-friendly and stylish company.
Since bathing isn't just a task at our house, (it really is a social networking opportunity) we were eager to test the Bath Goods: Designer Toys and Scrubbies bundle. I had to laugh when I first opened the package -- scrubbies (think bath poofs) for kids?!? This is genius! I am always picking up my precious pink poof from the bathtub floor, while at the same time envisioning what gross things my kids have just used it to scrub away..... The scrubbies are small, like little bath poofs made just for Keebler elves. Or my kids.
The brightly colored abstract shapes stuck to the sides of the tub, shower stall, mirror, you name it! My oldest son Micah (the budding Picasso) scrunched up his face and began a painstaking recreation of every animal on our farm from the appliqués. Very cool.
And the Flo is beyond brilliant. A multipurpose device that fits snugly over your bath faucet, theFlo does so many things:
- Improves access to water flow
- Helps protect against injury
- Dispenses bubble bath
- Allows access to shower diverter
And while I was at first slightly disturbed that my shower getaway had now been officially converted into a "child-friendly" zone, I had no need to worry. Flo clips on and comes off with no installation, hardware, etc. (One note: for those of you with older bath faucets, Flo may not fit on longer faucets. My one bath could not accommodate the gizmo as easily as the newer bath with a shorter faucet.)
Long story short, these fun and fancy offerings from my new friend Boon can turn any bathroom into a mini water playland. There will be screams of delight from the kiddos. I promise.
Visit the Boon website for more info on other great products. Available at Amazon and other retailers.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Blessed Nest Giveaway!
Want to win a $100 GC to the Blessed Nest store? Check out their fantastic Itzbeen timer for busy new parents and details of the giveaway, now through the end of August!
Review of Circle of Friends Little Docs
Did you know that while it almost always begins in infancy, eczema is one of the most common chronic childhood diseases? It also lasts most often into adulthood! This uncomfortable condition of the skin (characterized by dry, red, and itchy patches anywhere on the skin), can really make a baby or child miserable! And finding out that your child has eczema can be a very difficult ordeal.
With many prescription ointments containing steroids and some OTC treatments getting the thumbs-down for effectiveness, it can be confusing as to what options are good ones for little ones. Thankfully, I was blessed to do a product review of the Little Docs line by Circle of Friends! (Yep, this is the same wonderful bunch of people who make the Lice Free Zone products!)
This amazing bunch of products are truly safe, gently, and very effective! The products contain nature’s own anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Calendula, Chamomile and Lavender and substantial levels of Vitamins A and E. There are no active drug ingredients. What's best about the products is that they are so easy to use!
There is a Soothing Shampoo and Body Wash: Put this on a toddler-sized bath poof for a fun lather that helps calm itchy skin. This is a wonderful alternative to using the oatmeal bath that is often messy and, as my kids call it, GROSS!
The Cooling Spray Lotion is my favorite. Instantly relieving the irritation of ezcema, the neat spray pump is an easy way to put on the product if your child is less-than-cooperative about having ointments put on! You may even get a giggle or two out of them...
And don't forget the Little Docs Calming Cream! A soothing alternative to pasty creams that goes on clear, I use this personally on my sunburn and bug bites!
Even if you're child has allergies, you have nothing to worry about. The formulations are free of Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates, synthetic fragrances, dyes, propylene glycol, alcohol, soy, nut oils, gluten, oat and dairy that can cause an allergic reaction.
You can get your dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, clinically-tested and non-irritating Little Docs products at Amazon and the Circle of Friends website!
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Orvis Company Recalls Children’s Toys Sold with Sleeping Bags
Name of Product: Stuffed Plush Horse/Pillows and Fairy Dolls
Units: About 220 Horses and 1,300 Fairy Dolls
Distributor: The Orvis Company, of Manchester, Vt.
Importer: Carstens Inc., of Burlington, Wash.
Hazard: The plastic button eyes on the stuffed horse and the pompom nose on the fairy doll toy can easily detach, posing a small parts choking hazard to young children.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported
Description:
Stuffed Horse: The plush brown horse/pillow was sold as an accessory with the purchase of a Horse Animal Sleeping Bag. The horse pillow has outstretched fore and back legs, a bushy black mane and tail and attaches to the sleeping bag with a hook/loop attachment on the belly of the horse. Stuffed horses with eyes directly embroidered on the plush fabric are not included in the recall.Fairy Doll: The Fairy Doll toy was sold as an accessory with the purchase of a Unicorn Animal Sleeping Bag. The stuffed fairy doll has a sewn-on pompom nose, a pink satin dress with glitter netting as a ruffled collar, sleeves and dress apron. The doll attaches to the sleeping bag with a hook/loop attachment on the bag and between the doll’s wings. The fairy doll is one of three toys that attach to the sleeping bag. Also included are a large unicorn pillow and small flat unicorn. The unicorn attachments are not included in the recall.
Sold through: The Orvis Company mail-order catalogue and the firm’s Web site from September 2006 through December 2006 for about $70.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately and contact the firm to obtain a refund or replacement horse and fairy doll. Consumers can continue to use the sleeping bags while waiting to receive replacement toys.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact The Orvis Company toll-free at (866) 531-6199 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.orvis.com/recall"
Review of Dr. Moo's
It is recommended that everyone meet the daily calcium requirements through a healthy diet with adequate intake of dairy products and calcium-rich foods. But, if for some reason your child is NOT able to reach the recommended daily allowance for calcium, a calcium supplement is a good way to go. Dr. Moo's contains no dairy or animal products and is low in sugar! For more information, or to make a purchase, please visit Dr. Moo's website!
I am only 29 years old but am starting to feel the effects of not getting enough calcium. I have been told by my doctor that early onset of osteoporosis is not uncommon in women who have had many children close together. The more I read about calcium, the more it concerns me that my children don't get enough.
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements:
"There is a widespread concern that Americans are not meeting the recommended intake for calcium. According to the Continuing Survey of Food Intakes of Individuals (CSFII 1994-96), the following percentage of Americans are not meeting their recommended intake for calcium:
Alarmed by the increase of children with calcium deficiencies, the makers of Dr. Moo's decided to do something. The motivated mom and her husband (an orthopedic pediatric surgeon) created a chewable, fastmelt tablet for children that provides 250 mg of calcium. Dr. Moo's also provides some Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Zinc. With a crazy grape flavor that my children actually like, we were excited to give Dr. Moos a try!
What was the verdict at my house? Thumbs up from all the kids! While the 2 and 3 year olds loved their "medicine", my daughter wasn't quite as enthusiastic. (She would rather swallow pills then chew them.) She agreed that they didn't taste bad, but she just didn't like taking "medicine." However, once I explained to her some of the information in the FAQ's on the Dr. Moo's website about the dangers of not getting enough calcium, she was on board! Taking them with meals is recommended, and is a great way to be sure that they swallow all the tablet.
Wanna win a bottle? Just comment here on this post with something you didn't know about children and calcium prior to visiting the Dr. Moo's website.
One entry per person, and you can read the rest of our rules HERE. You have until September 25th to get your entries in!
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