Lan Enterprises Recalls Doll Strollers After Child’s Finger Tip was Severed; Product Also Poses an Entrapment Hazard to Young Children

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: Mini Zooper Doll Strollers

Units: About 21,000

Manufacturer: Lan Enterprises, of Beaverton, Ore.

Hazard: A child’s finger can become caught in the rectangular metal clip or the black plastic side hinge, and this can sever a child’s finger tip. Also, the strollers pose an entrapment hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Pottery Barn Kids has received three reports of serious lacerations, including one partial finger severing on a 2 year old boy.

Description: The Mini Zooper Doll Stroller has a silver metal frame with a bright pink cotton canvas seat cover. “Pottery Barn Kids” is printed on a label on the canvas seat cover.

Sold exclusively at: Pottery Barn Kids retail stores nationwide, catalog and Web site from October 2005 through June 2007 for about $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled doll strollers away from children and contact Pottery Barn Kids for instructions on receiving a repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Pottery Barn Kids at (888) 367-0144 between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. ET daily or visit the firm’s Web site at www.potterybarnkids.com

Firm’s Media Contact: Leigh Oshirak, at (415) 438-8106

Mom's Favorite Products...

I just wanted to take a day to let you know what my personal favorite products are. These are "staples" in my daily routine that make my life a little easier and more indulgent!
Murad Vitalic Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer with SPF 15 - This is my all-time favorite product! I stumbled on it a few years ago, and I never go without. With 3 pregnancies in the last 5 years, my face never experienced the same condition from day to day. It protects against the sun and gives me a fresh look almost immediately after applying. Perhaps the most expensive item in my makeup bag, one tube lasts months! I love the feel and smell of this moisturizer.

Caress Exotic Oil Infusions Body Wash (Japanese) - There are no words to describe how yummy this body wash smells. Creamy, dreamy, and luxurious, I always feel like a million bucks after a shower with this stuff! White lotus and kukui nut oil give it a uniquely indulgent feel.

Gillette Venus Breeze 2-1 Razor with Shave Gel Bars - Smooth, smooth, smooth. That's all this mama can say. If you want the smoothest, most comfortable shave at a price you can actually afford, I recommend this beauty. While the gel can feel a little slimy at times, you will be left with no stubble, no nicks, and very moisturized skin. Highly recommended for you pregnants mamas who have a hard time balancing flamingo-like on the tub rim while in the 3rd trimester!

There you have it! My personal favorites for daily beauty.. I hope you found something you might also enjoy.

Kolcraft Play yard death prompts Recall

Read the full article HERE.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kolcraft Enterprises Inc., of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling about 425,000 infant play yards following the death of a child.

CPSC received a report of a 10-month old boy who strangled on the changing table’s restraint strap that was hanging down into Kolcraft’s “Sesame Beginnings” Travel Play Yard where the child was located.

Twelve different Kolcraft play yards are included in this recall. All of the play yards have raised changing tables with a restraint strap that forms a loop beneath the changing table, posing a strangulation hazard to a child in the play yard.

In addition to the strangulation hazard with the changing table restraint strap, one play yard also has a raised cradle that rocks back and forth. A child can roll and get trapped against the side of the cradle in the Contours 3-in-1 Play Yard. If that happens, a child can suffocate. Kolcraft has received 45 reports of children rolling to the side of the rocking cradle attachment.

The recalled play yards were sold in a variety of colors and patterns. Play yards and model numbers included in this recall are listed in the chart below. The model number is printed on a white sticker located on one of the feet of the play yard. They were manufactured in China.

The play yards were sold at retail stores nationwide from January 2001 through September 2007 for between $50 and $130.

Consumers should immediately stop using the changing tables and rocking cradle and contact the firm for instructions on receiving a free non-looped replacement strap for the changing table and a free repair kit to secure the base of the cradle. Consumers should immediately cut off and remove the existing changing table restraint strap. Consumers should always remove the raised changing table and cradle or bassinet before placing a child in a play yard.

A free repair kit for the rocking cradle will be sent to consumers separate from the replacement strap.

For additional information, call Kolcraft at (888) 655-8484 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.kolcraft.com

Play Yard	Model Numbers	Additional Information
Kolcraft Travelin’ Tot, Kolcraft Travelin’ Tot LTD, Kolcraft Travelin’ Tot 3-in-1, Kolcraft Travelin’ Tot 4-in-1	18730T-BZ, 18730T-HJ, 18734T-DV, 18934-SW, 18934-DV, 18935T-UT, 18935-CH, 18942-EC, 18950-GV, 18950T-GV, 18751-DV, 18951T-GS, 18951T-MO, 18744-BL	“Kolcraft” and “Travelin’ Tot” are printed on either the fabric on the top rail or on the lower side of the play yards.
Carter’s Lennon Travelin’ Tot	18740-UE, 18740T-UE, 18736T-LJ, 18737-LJ, 18737T-LJ	“Carter’s and “Travelin’ Tot” are printed on the top rail.
“Sesame Beginnings” by Kolcraft Travel Play Yard	22361-VT, SP001-SBK	“Sesame Beginnings” and “Travel Play Yard Kolcraft” are printed on the top rail or along the fabric draft guard on the lower side of the play yards.
Jeep Sahara SE Play Yard, Jeep Sahara Limited Play Yard, Jeep Sahara XT Play Yard, Jeep Sahara Limited SE Play Yard, Jeep Sahara Limited XT Play Yard	55235-JC, 55237-JQ, 55237T-JQ, 55237-XC, 55237-XV, 55237T-XB, 55770-XA, 55770-XI, 55772-XE, 55773-XY, JP002-XSP	“Jeep” and “Sahara” are printed on the fabric on the top rail of the play yards.
Contours 3-in-1 Play Yard (with rocking cradle and changing table restraint strap)	18604-OC, ZP003-MAL	“Kolcraft” and “Contours” are printed along the draft guard on the lower side of the play yards.

Recalls, Recalls, Recalls!

There has been a large number of recalls today, and several of them were on items that my own family had in the home! Please read each of the articles below very carefully to be sure you are safe:

Target child's gardening and lawn furniture recalled due to lead - Read the article HERE
More Thomas the Tank Engine toys recalled due to lead - Read the article HERE
Knights of the Sword toys recalled due to lead - Read the article HERE
Children's toy rakes sold at Joann fabric stores recalled due to lead - Read the article HERE
Guidecraft recalls children's puppet theatre due to lead - Read the article HERE
Children's spinning wheel necklaces recalled due to lead - Read the article HERE
TOBY N.Y.C. expands recalls for more children's jewelry due to lead - Read the article HERE

Review of One Wee World DVD

My kids love to learn. In fact, most children are geared towards exploring new places and meeting new people. That's why I was excited to view the One Wee World Celebrates Mexico DVD!

One Wee World has such a different approach to their products. Seeing the world around us in an entertaining way that will appeal to the viewpoint of children (but intelligent enough for adults to enjoy), they share destinations and cultures that we may never get to experience up close. This DVD was amazing in its vivid colors, pictures, and music! I was so impressed with the way may kids were engrossed in the drumbeats and costumes of the traditional Mexican culture!

One Wee World DVDs offer so much on one disc. Musical performances and language introductions let kids get involved and become part of the country they are "visiting." And the disc featured an official tour guide, too -- Ambassador Kiki - an animated character who brought a friendly face to the entire journey.

One Wee World is just starting their exciting adventure by bringing us Mexico in a way you may never have seen before. Extra DVD commentary gives adults additional info to facilitate discussion and offline learning long after the DVD is over. And One Wee World promises to give back by helping Paintbrush Diplomacy and the Global Fund for Children.

I'm so excited to see what countries One Wee World will bring us next! To see more about this fantastic company yourself, visit OneWeeWorld.com.

Review of Juicy Juice Harvest Surprise

I was shopping for fruit juice last week, when I stopped to take a look at the nutrition labels of our regular juice brand. I was stunned to discover the the #1 ingredient was water! The #2 ingredient was high-fructose corn syrup (sugar!) Wow! All this time I was doing what I thought was a healthy effort by buying fruit juices with vegetable juices mixed in. But I learned the hard way that all fruit-vegetable juice blends are NOT alike!

It took me about 10 minutes of careful scrutinizing to discover what I thought was the best choice based on nutritional information alone. Juicy Juice Harvest Surprise has 100% fruit juice (no sugars or watered down stuff) but has carrot and other vegetable juices mixed in! Each 8 oz. glass contains a 2/3 serving of veggies and a more than 1 serving of fruit! That's a way easy way to get my kids to take their veggies.

I tried it, and I think it's delicious. So now, Mommy has a way to get her veggies in too! For more information on all 3 yummy flavors (including grape and tropical), visit HarvestSurprise.com!

Review of Myself Belts

If any of you have an independent toddler at home, then you're probably used to hearing, "NO! I can do it!" Simple tasks, that would go quickly with a little help, seem to take forever as you give your child the room to try it on their own. We recently encountered this while teaching my son to dress himself and use the potty.

Myself Belts allow a child to be independent and encourage a healthy self-esteem as they fasten their own child-sized belts! The belts can be unfastened and refastened easily with only one hand, and the velcro makes for a sturdy closure that can be mastered by even the youngest of hands. A simple snap keeps the belt from being completely removed from the waistline of the child's pants (where it could get lost or caught on something.)

The Myself Belts come in all kinds of designs, so they are fashionable too! My son loved his khaki-colored sailboat belt. He wore it with jeans and shorts (and loved to show it off to his friends at church.) Having a "belt just like Daddy" was great for his confidence!


The Myself Belts are perfect for those stages of development where kids want to do more, and they also come in adult sizes for those grownups with specials needs. The belts are mom-invented and have won awards for their innovation and ease of use!


Lille Punkin' readers are invited to use an exclusive discount code to receive 10% off their order! Just enter code LILLE PUNKIN during the online checkout process before October 15, 2007. If you order 2 or more belts, you also receive free shipping!

Simplicity Cribs Recalled Due to Entrapments Deaths

There has been a recall of several models of Simplicity brand cribs due to a few infant deaths and several more cases of injury. For complete information on this recall, please visit the CPSC website.

Review of Baby Danced the Polka by Karen Beaumont

I was introduced to this little literary gem for young kids by my mother -- the children's librarian. Too cute, and strangely true, Baby Danced the Polka by Karen Beaumont is the tale of an infant determined to never go to sleep.

His (or her) parents are frustrated by the fact that every time they put Baby down for bed (so that they can get some much needed housework done), they find Baby out of bed dancing minutes later. The polka, boogie-woogie, and cha-cha are just a few of the clever dance moves that Baby shares with a selection of "favored" stuffed animals while he should be sleeping.

This story has an outcome that is both clever and true-to-life. It is one that parents will appreciate more than the kids. (But kids will adore the flap-book features, colorful drawings, and repetition of storyline.)

This award-winning bedtime favorite is available in hardcover from Amazon and other book retailers.

Review of Baby Briefcase

I'm hopelessly unorganized. I have papers everywhere, and I'm not afraid to admit it. But I will also fess up to the fact that if I just had a place for all my important documents, my life would be easier! (Especially when it comes to all the paperwork you need for a baby!)

Shot records, birth papers, health information sheets, pictures from the hospital, lists of baby gifts and thank you note recipients, and Social Security card applications can all be kind of overwhelming for someone who is just getting the hang of being a new parent! The Baby Briefcase has made it easier (and cuter) to keep everything in one place!

The classy-looking portfolio comes with a handle and fits standard size filing cabinets! It has 15 durable plastic folders, 20 categories (including medical insurance and immunization records), a thank you note tracker, 2 baby wallet info cards, a cute framed photo pocket, and a convenient pen slot! You will never be without what you need again! (And the coolest part of it is the colors: periwinkle, peach, and mint green... yummy!) It is durable and wipes clean (so it just may survive being stashed in the back of a van.)

Don't hide your baby's most important info in a moldy box or the bottom of a junk drawer (or heaven forbid, your diaper bag!) Get organized, and create a keepsake at the same time with Baby Briefcase. Available at select infant and mommy-focused retailers and Amazon!

Review of Homemade Baby Organic Food

I had a dream. I was opening a container of baby food for my son, when I caught the list of ingredients with my eye: Organic pears. That was it. Nothing else. And it wasn't a dream.

Homemade Baby has done for parents and caregivers what I should have been doing all along. They take all the work out of providing a simple, nutritious, organic meal or snack for baby! Their 100% organic and kosher baby food is made fresh DAILY! That's right. The meal that you are feeding your little one was made with only the freshest organically-grown fruits and vegetables. Nothing else added. They even offer a "Meal Integrity System" that allows them to trace the food you feed your baby right back to the field where it was grown! (This is their Field to Fingers documentation system, and I think it is pretty nifty.)

You'll love the little grab n' go containers (that can also be safely microwaved.) Your baby will love the fridge-fresh varieties (Our favorite is squapples: squash and apples.) With several textures and varieties to choose from, you'll never have to think about mealtime again!

Homemade Baby will donate over 10% of the food they produce, as well as nutrition services, to some excellent charities! Available at your local health food grocer and select SuperTarget stores in the fridge section.

*** Have you heard? Homemade Baby now has a very cool Baby Tex-Mex variety for those babies who are starting to chew: containing corn, kidney beans, peas, carrots, and brown rice!

Review of Triple Paste Medicated Ointment

Babies' bottoms get red and sore for all kinds of reasons. My kids all seemed to get diaper rash when they were teething. This last month, my youngest son had one daily! He would be so miserable that it would sometimes keep him up at night.

We tried Triple Paste Medicated Ointment, and within ONE DAY, the rash healed dramatically! This unscented, medicated cream forms a thick protective barrier against further irritation and wetness. It is also the leading ointment used by hospitals and dermatologists!

I was also excited to learn that the same company now makes a cream for severe dry skin and eczema. Fragrance-free and gentle on skin, it is tough on dryness! And both products offer an Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee! (If you don't agree that their products are the best you've ever used, they'll refund your money!)

Available at drugstores and pharmacies everywhere and at Amazon!

Review of Eats, Shoots & Leaves by Lynne Truss

I am a stickler for grammar. I'm worse about punctuation. Forget for a minute that I teach my kids at home, I think that all parents have a responsibility to encourage the proper use of English to their kids. But how do you convey a message in a way that is fun for children?

Lynne Truss' children's book (based on the #1 Best selling adult book by the same title), was a surprise hit! Using comical pictures and language to illustrate the importance of "where to place the comma," Eats, Shoots & Leaves is sharp and entertaining.

A fine example of this is "Eat here, and get gas." This might be something you can do at any convenience station. But by writing, "Eat here and get gas" you are looking at a much different matter!

A fun look at punctuation, Eats, Shoots & Leaves is appropriate for ages 4-9. This book and the sequel The Girl's Like Spaghetti are available at Amazon and other fine bookstores!

Review of JeJe Therapeutic Teether

My baby is teething.. I think. He fusses. He gnaws. He drools. I've tried teethers you stick in the fridge, numbing agents, and letting him chew on my pinkey. Then I received a JeJe Therapeutic Teether from Baby Vibe, and I was amazed!

Easy to assemble (just open the back with a small screwdriver and insert the included battery), the JeJe was ready to go in minutes. I put it in MY mouth to see what all the "buzz" was about. A very strong vibration came from the teether, and I was a little surprised at first. When I gave it to my son, however, he snatched it right up, stuck it in his mouth, and began gumming the teether. He sat perfectly still, letting the teether work against his gums. Eventually he started to hum!

He was happy! And I was thrilled. The rubber-coated teether was shaped like a steering wheel and very easy for his 7-month-old fingers to grasp. And just so you save on batteries, the teether shuts off after 7 minutes!

This doctor recommended teether comes in two colors and is a massaging miracle. It is completely nontoxic and FDA cleared. Available at JeJeTeether.com and select specialty stores.

Do you Dr. Moo?

If you don't, maybe you should.....

Kids need calcium, and that's why we've partnered with Dr. Moo's to give you a chance to win a bottle of their chewable calcium supplement for kids! Read more and enter to win HERE.

Review of Comfy Joey Infant Pouches

Wear your baby? Thinking about it? Want to do it in style?

Those who love high-quality fabrics, intricate designs, and a safe and loving way to carry (or wear) your baby can look no further than Comfy Joey! Brilliant colors, beautiful fabrics, and a simple technique that makes babywearing so easy are only some of the many reasons why I was so impressed with these pouches. They also are sleek, light-weight, compact, suitable for outdoor wear, and are breathable! Wear your baby right away, or stick the pouch in your diaper bag (it's not bulky or awkward to store.)

Comfy Joey also makes these brilliant pouches in kids sizes for carrying around that lovey bear or baby doll. These are so cute, and we tried them at home with our Buzz Lightyear and baby dolls. They really make kids feel like they are good mommies and daddies, too!

Want to win one for a special child in your life? Just visit the Comfy Joey website, and pick out your favorite color of any sling (in stock or not). Come back to this post and tell us! One entry per person, and the rest of the rules can be read HERE. The winners will be picked on September 24th! Good luck, and be on the lookout for the newest designs from the Comfy Joey line coming in October 2007!

CONGRATULATIONS to Lace and Melissa! They are the winners of the carriers and have been contacted with the news!

Review of PBS Kids "Super WHY"

Adorable and catchy, the new educational program in the line-up of morning PBS children's shows is "Super WHY." Designed for preschoolers age 3-6, the premise is simple -- and genius. Super heroes engage kids in the basics of reading. And the consequences are delightful!

If the cute characters facing every day preschool-type dilemmas don't get you, there's always the sounds effects and the memorable theme song (that I'm still singing from this morning.) Taking place in a village where fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters come to life, the stars of the show learn to solve problems using their spelling, reading, and literacy skills. Your child gets to play along!

Empowering kids while they learn, Super Why is addictive in the best kind of way. To learn more about the program, visit PBS for all the details! (And kids can get in on the action with online games and coloring pages at PBS Kids!)

Review of Kashi TLC (Tasty Little Cookies)

*****Please See Recall Info Regarding This Product!!! *******************

This was a fun review. I usually hate anything whole grain, all-natural, and dark chocolate. I am a greasy, chewy, milk-chocolaty, fried and artificial junkie. But this cookie really threw me!

Kashi, the seven whole grain company, has developed a healthy snack I could eat every day. I tried the Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Chewy Tasty Little Cookie (TLC) yesterday, and I was floored! This little cookie (and I mean little) had 3g of fiber, no cholesterol, no trans fat or hydrogenated oils, and was made from 7 whole grains. Specifically: Hard Red Winter Wheat, Oats, Rye, Triticale, Barley, Long Grain Brown Rice, Buckwheat, and Sesame Seeds. Despite all this healthy stuff, the dark chocolate, chewy texture, and lightly sweetened flavor made it delicious!

Try it with a cup of coffee. Also comes in Oatmeal Raisin Flax and Happy Trail Mix (think cranberries, raisins, peanuts, coconut, and sunflower seeds.) Available at grocers and health food stores everywhere! For a free sample, go to http://www.kashi.com/and click on the "get your free snack" button!

Review of Queasy Pops and Preggie Pops

This is one of those products that I have been waiting patiently to be able to test personally. Like all my reviews, I want to do an honest review, and so I need to be able to use it to tell you all about it. Unfortunately for me (but lucky for you), I was sick to my stomach last night, and tried out Queasy Pops and Queasy Drops as a remedy.

Queasy Drops are the all-natural way to to ease a queasy stomach, and they really work! The drops and pops are made from essential oils to create delicious flavors such as cola, sour rasberry, lemon, green tea, ginger and more! They are also drug-free, kosher, and made in the USA!

The makers of Queasy Drops also have a variety of remedies for pregnant women. The Preggie Pops and Preggie Pop Drops are perfect for when you are suffering from morning sickness, have a dry mouth, or just need a quick energy boost. Fans of the Drops and Pops also have used them for treating motion and sea sickness, and suck on them when dealing with some of the side effects of chemotherapy!

I have to admit that I usually do not like to take anything when my stomach is upset. Who wants to add anything to mix when they have an upset tummy? But I was glad to have tried the Queasy Drops by Three Lollies. In less than 15 minutes, I was feeling much better, and there were no drugs to pass on to my nursing son! Available for sale at fine maternity stores and Meijer locations. Also for sale on line at Three Lollies!

Review of Itzbeen Baby Care Timer

Raise your hand if you remember the last time you fed, changed, or put your newborn to sleep... (if you really have a newborn, I don't expect to see too many hands raised.) The sad reality of parenthood is that once the baby is born, your mind seems to take a vacation. Between the middle of the night trips to take care of baby, the hormones, and the flurry of new tasks that are suddenly introduced into the life of a new mother, it can be easy to forget when you last did what.

The Itzbeen Baby Care Timer is the perfect solution. As simple as a stopwatch, but with all the gizmos to make it really cool, the Itzbeen can track how long "itzbeen" since you did all the important things with your baby. One touch of each of the four buttons can set the clock for feeding, diapers, naps, and a wildcard of your choice: medicine, thermometer, or maybe just a lullaby?

Can't see in the dark nursery? Itzbeen has you covered with a handy backlit display, and get this -- a soft but effective night light! You won't lose your Itzbeen because it clips easily to your belt or purse straps (don't you wish you could do that with the TV remote?) And for those ultra-modern nursing moms who gave up their grandmother's safety pin technique, there is a "right/left" indicator you can slide back and forth to show which side to nurse on next!

Maybe you think you have it all covered, and don't need a gadget to tell you how (or when) to parent. The Itzbeen can come in handy for babysitters, grandparents, or even daycare providers who might need a little extra reminder of the important things in life.

The Itzbeen isn't just for babies, however. It is perfect for caring for both special needs children and adults. And long after your children are out of diapers, the Itzbeen can be used to remember to take medicine or even to time how long they've been sitting in front of the TV! Just set the timer... it's easy.

I love this gadget (and I'm not really a gadget person.) For more info, visit the Itzbeen website. You'll be glad you did.

Available at major retailers and online at Amazon for under $25.

Review of Books by Jerry Pallotta and Rob Bolster

My kids usually love math. But then again, there are days that they hate it. It's not that learning isn't fun for them. It's just that new concepts are difficult to get excited about. That's where food comes in.

With the appeal that only candy, pizza, and fruit can provide, Jerry Pallotta guarantees that "Math=Fun!" With such crazy ideas as using photographs of pizza slices in his "Pizza Fractions" book, or Twizzlers in his "Shapes and Patterns", you will leave your math lesson feeling a bit hungry, but very well informed!

Other titles by Jerry (and Illustrated by Rob Bolster) include:

The Hershey Kisses Subtraction Book
Apple Fractions
Hershey's Fractions
Hershey's Weights and Measures
Hershey's Multiplication Book

You'll be sure to find a yummy way to home educate or just tutor your kids into a new math concept in no time! Books are priced fairly, but you'll need to bring your own chocolate!

The Naming Game!

CONGRATULATIONS! Crystal was our winner! Thanks for all who participated!

Got your thinking caps on? Lille Punkin' has just partnered with a fabulous new line of clothing for children! It is so new, it doesn't even have a name yet! Our readers have been invited to help come up with a name for the clothing line, and one lucky winner will get a $150 shopping credit* to a mystery sponsor's 2008 spring catalog line. Who is it? Only we know. But we can guarantee you that you will love it! To be entered into the giveaway, just email us with the name you think best suits the description below. You have until September 26th to get your ideas in. After that, we'll pick one lucky reader for that $150 shopping spree!

Description:

"A funky, fun, girl's line, toddler to age 9 consisting of bold, bright colors, fresh styles and comfortable easy-wear fabrics . The name must be something that has not been used before, something catchy and contemporary, yet still feminine and appropriate for young girls. The line aims to be fashion forward, but not "mini-me" and will be clothing that young, modern girls are able to express themselves in!"

Got a good idea? Just email us at kylinsmom(at)yahoo.com (replace the "at" with @) with your best name for the clothing line, along with your name and email address (all information will be used only to contact you in case you are the winner). You may enter one time per person per day! Blog owners can link to us for an additional 5 entries. Winner will be selected in a random drawing of all eligible entries on September 27th. Contest is open to all U.S. residents 18 and over.


*The prize is only redeemable from the mystery sponsor's 2008 spring catalog line, which will be awarded as a $150 order credit to be placed in January 2008. Delivery of the clothing will take place when the spring line becomes available (around March 2008). Prize is not transferable and has no cash value. Items custom-ordered are typically not returnable unless there is a manufacture flaw. The prize is valid on boys infant to age 8, and girls infant to age 9.

More Toy Recalls Due to Lead Paint Dangers

There have been several toy recalls today due to lead pain dangers. I have them listed below, and you can click the links to see the full story at the CPSC website:

Mattel recalls Barbie accessories with pets included - Click HERE for the full story.
Fisher Price recalls Big, Big World Bongo Band set - Click HERE for the full story.
Fisher Price recalls Geo Trax Locomotive toys - Click HERE for the full story.

A few of the many pictures below: (See the website for full photo listings and details.)

Review of Kidz Bop All Time Hits

I haven't always been a Kidz Bop fan. I didn't really understand the necessity of taking pop songs and revamping them to have kids singing the lyrics that really should only apply to someone ages 14 and up. The my daughter turned 9. She became a different person, obsessed with pop stardom, singing, cartwheels in the living room, and being famous. She wanted to sing along to all the songs on the radio... problem was, there were some very questionable things being played.

When Kidz Bop released their "All Time Hits" 2-disc set, I thought we'd give it a try. I was so surprised! Songs that I thought would be annoying or inappropriate were really made to be family-friendly! (And my daughter didn't know the difference..) Songs included "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Move It Like This," and "Get the Party Started." The best part of the disc? The second disc contained "golden oldies" like "Yellow Submarine," "I'm a Believer," and "We got the Beat." Now I have some backup for that "Who are the Beatles?" question she posed to me last week.

30 songs on 2 discs make for hours of listening. I may never truly be a fan of "The Ketchup Song.." but the hits release allows for some common ground as we discuss the musical relationship between Pink and the Go-Go's.

Available in stores later this year. See other Kidz Bop releases at Amazon.

NettoCollection Recalls Cribs Due to Entrapment and 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: "Moderne" and "Loft" Cribs

Units: About 400

Importer/Distributor: NettoCollection LLC, of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The crib slats can separate from the side rails, posing an entrapment and strangulation hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: NettoCollection has received three reports of the side rail spindles separating from the top rail. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The crib side rails are made of wood and sold with a brown finish. Only cribs with model numbers NC-137 and NC-140 and date codes 9/03 and 02/04 are included in the recall. The model numbers, date codes and "Made in Poland" are printed on a label on the crib end panels.

Sold at: Juvenile furniture stores nationwide from October 2003 through June 2005 for about $1,350.

Manufactured in: Poland

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the crib immediately and contact NettoCollection to receive two replacement side rails.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact NettoCollection toll-free at (866) 996-3886 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.nettocollection.com

Review of Mom's Best Naturals Cereal

I'm always proud when I stumble upon a product that I feel is very high quality and reasonably priced on my own. Not that I don't enjoy being introduced to amazing finds by others; I just really feel a sense of accomplishment when I make "friends" with something no one I know has heard of!

This is exactly what happened when I found Mom's Best Naturals cereal on my grocer's shelves for the first time last week! The family owned business has been around since 1919, and there is nothing artificial in their cereal! Made with no saturated fat, hydrogenated oils, or high fructose corn syrup, their stuff is so tasty! And the best part is how reasonably priced they are!

Not only is their cereal great tasting and good for your, but it is a part of an amazing effort to reduce the environmental effects that manufacturing can have on the world around us. 100% of the energy used to produce the cereal is purchased from wind turbines! They also recycle 99% of the waste produced by their factories! That's something to be proud of!

In yummy varieties like Toasty-O's, Raisin Bran, and Mallow-Oats, there is a cereal for everyone in your family. Visit the Moms Best Naturals website for more info!

You can Win!

We are taking a break for the Holiday, but wanted to tell you about an exciting opportunity we will announce after the break! Your participation could get you a $150 clothing credit to our Mystery sponsor! Check back tomorrow for ALL the details!