Toy Boats Recalled by Buzz’s Boatyard Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

These toy boats have been recalled due to lead concerns. Please see the full press release at the CPSC website!

For comments on the recall from the manufacturer, see their website at www.buzzboats.com/poppop.htm

Free Sample of Personalized Fruit Roll-Ups!

Check out these cool customizable Fruit Roll-ups! Sign up for a sample and help out your school!

(Sorry. This offer has expired.)

Review of K'NEX Sesame Street Building Sets

Do little builders live at your house? Are they fans of Sesame Street? You will dig the new Sesame Street sets from K'NEX. We sure did!

Chunky parts make this set an easy one for little hands to grasp (and for piece-hunting Moms to find.) They can stack, connect, and create their very own Sesame Street character, with very little parental guidance. It encourages creativity and gives kids a chance to do something on their own!

Our boys loved this set. The just-turned-5-year-old liked it best, building and rebuilding in every room of our house. I liked that the pieces all go back into a sturdy container (no plastic baggies for this toy.) The handy guide on the side of the container told us how many of each piece were included, which helped us account for everything when it came time to clean up (has anyone seen that left arm?)


The best part of the set is its ability to expand upon. By getting another Sesame Street set, or any other Kid K'NEX set, you can create anything! (We have an alien set that worked nicely alongside Ernie -- an Ernie-alien hybrid was just what this family needed.)

For all the Sesame fun, see the K'NEX website - There are assorted sets for all price ranges!

Thanks to K'NEX, we have the opportunity to give away one Sesame Street K'NEX set to a lucky reader! To enter to win, just comment here with any other K'NEX product you think is neat (see website for ideas.) You have until October 6th at 5pm to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Review of Affresh Washer Cleaner

Is your washing machine smelling a bit icky? Do your clothes have a slight musty odor to them? Maybe the heat and humidity has left your washing machine in need of a good cleaning, itself. If so, I've found a solution that is simple as it is effective!

Affresh washer Power Puck cleaning tablets are simple to use -- just pop them into a load of hot water and let them dissolve away your stinky problems. Paired with the new Grit Grabber cloths, you have everything you need to maintain and reclaim a shining, odor-free wash!

We tested this out after a few loads of particularly dirty laundry and the most humid of September days. In no time at all, my wash was smelling like -- well, nothing! And the Grit Grabber cloths took all the dinge and dirt out from around the opening of my washer.

Affresh cleaning kits contain both the Power Pucks and the Grit Grabbers. Each are individually packaged for a fresh clean every time, and come stored in a reclosable container for easy storage. Designed to keep High-Efficiency (HE) washers at their peak, these worked well for even my traditional top-loading washer. Used once a month, the Affresh kit can keep your wash loads from being affected by the nasty buildup of body oils and other unthinkable kinds of dirt (yuck.)

Affresh comes in just the tablets or the entire kit, and is available online at affresh.com. Clean clothes mean even more coming from a clean washer, don't you think?

*Order any affresh product from whirpool, amana, or maytag's official websites, and get free shipping with promo code "AFFSH3"

Car Recalls and Ride On Defects!

These TCB Imports police cars sold at discount and dollar stores were recalled due to lead hazards. (See the full report at CPSC.gov)

Two kinds of Razor ride-on vehicles were recalled. One for mechanical failure and one for laceration hazards (surgery was needed for one child). Please see each recall at the official website HERE and HERE.

Review of Sunbeam 2-lb. Nonstick Breadmaker with Express Bake

I love fresh-made bread. I hate kneading.. and waiting. The Sunbeam 2-lb Nonstick Breadmaker with Express Bake can do all your bread baking with little effort and delicious results!

Sweet breads, french bread, wheat bread, quick bread, cake, and even jams can be made in this bulky, yet beautiful machine. Just drop in your wet ingredients, then the dry, push a button or two and wait! Fluffy loaves will appear in 2-3 hours (less for quick breads) and your whole home will smell like you baked all day!

I love the nonstick pan (the bread pops right out), the sturdy metal paddle, and the sleek design. The extra-large window allows me to peek in without disturbing the bread. It's affordably-priced and easy to use.

Available at Buy.com for under $41 (less at some retailers), this handy helper can lower your bread bill and keep you feeling domestic!

Igloo Products Announces Recall of Coolers Due to Laceration Hazard

The metal on the cooler has been reported to cause potential laceration hazards (eight injuries have been reported.) For full details for the recall, please see the CPSC press release.

Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores Recall SmartSpace™ Chairs Due to Fall Hazard

These chairs can collapse when the legs are not fully locked. For full details of the recall, please visit the CPSC official website.

20% Savings from Little Jet Set!

Is there anything at Little Jet Set that we don't adore? (See our review of some of their hottest items for more information on their really cute gear for kids on the go.)

For a limited time, you can save 20% on all regularly-priced Crocodile Creek products, including backpacks, lunch bags, puzzles, and books. Just use code "CROC20" at checkout!

Harry Potter Bookends Recalled Due to Lead Dangers

Read the full press release from the CPSC website for all the details!

Review of Mini Bugs Books by Jessica Spanyol

Books? We have plenty. But the crazy thing about children's stories is that they seem to want the same ones over and over and over and over. It's enough to drive a well-meaning, literacy-enforcing parent mad. Good thing there are new and innovative happenings from our friends at Candlewick Press!

The MiniBugs Books are beyond description. Our favorite of the four in the collection is Keith and His Super-Stunt Rally Racer. Simply (but cutely) drawn, tiny insects adorn the pages of this high-octane action book for kids in the 2-5 age range. The story is wordy. (Can you say "he jumps over Mr. Thornton-Jones and friends in their Double-Decker Road-Train" three times fast?) The story is silly. (Mini Fish Vans and spilled milk, anyone?) The result is hilarious.

Taking over where Dr. Seuss and other wordy wordsmiths left off, The Mini Bugs series is a sturdy set of books small enough to stick in a diaper bag or knapsack. The pages are tough, and the endings are precious (the bugs take a nap at the end.) If alliteration and high-flying adventure are in your blood, you WILL get a kick out of these books.

Affordably priced and available where the best books are sold, The MiniBugs books rock our home library.

Win with SwagBucks!

Get rewarded for searching the web with SWAG BUCKS! It's FREE, easy, and fun. You can trade in your Swag Bucks for some awesome prizes . Some of the prizes include: Gift Cards from Amazon, Target, Starbucks, Gap, Macy's & more. Or save up and get a Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, iPod, Flat Panel TV, Drum Set, Guitar, or other cool items. (US, UK, Canada) Click Here

(We checked it out, and earned 10 points almost immediately. Prizes start at just 50 points for a Starbucks gift card.)

Review of Gerber Organic and DHA Dinner Purees

Good news from Gerber: They've introduced new flavors to their baby dinner lineup (one organic and three new DHA) and have brought back their Organic Cereal! In celebration of all the excitement, we had the chance to sample some of their best products!

(For information on the recall that affected Gerber's Organic cereal, and what Gerber has done to remedy the situation, please see this article.)

Here's what we loved:

Gerber 2nd Foods With DHA Macaroni and Cheese with Vegetables Dinner: Carrots, broccoli, and yummy mac n cheese provide 3g of protein and over 17 mg of DHA per jar!

Gerber 2nd Foods with DHA Spring Vegetables with Brown Rice: Made with 100% pure pea and spinach puree, whole grain rice, and containing no artificial flavors!

Gerber 2nd Foods with DHA Garden Vegetables with Whole Wheat Pasta Dinner: The same 18 mg of DHA contained in this delicious mixture of carrots, peas, and whole grain macaroni. 2g of protein per jar!

Gerber 2nd Foods Organic Chicken with Country Vegetables and Rice: This meaty option has certified organic carrots, sweet potatoes, chicken and brown rice. (And it's tasty, too!)

Gerber Organic Brown Rice Cereal: We have been waiting for them to bring this back! A hit with our infant, the organic cereal is an affordable way to ensure only the best whole grain meal for your baby.

Have we ever tested a Gerber food we didn't like? Nope. And with even more fun flavors to choose from (with baby's health in mind) we have even more to love. All of the items were lovingly packaged in a lovely gift basket and ready to baby to eat at home or on the go.



Would you like to win a gift basket like this? Just visit the Gerber website and discover all the unique dining experiences for baby and toddlers. Then come back here and comment on this post with a Gerber product you didn't already know about! You have until September 29th at 5pm CST to enter (one per person, please.) We will pick 2 lucky readers to get a gift kit of their own! (Gift kits are already assembled and will contain items similar to those reviewed in our post.) Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

More Simplicity Infant Crib Recall News!

The official page on the CPSC website is not loading properly. Therefore, I'm providing you with the entire recall here on this post. If the link comes back up, you can see it in its original form here: (we don't have photos at this time.)
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08401.html

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2008
Release #08-401

Recall Hotline: See Listing Below
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Simplicity Brand Drop Side Cribs Recalled By Various Retailers Due To Serious Entrapment And Suffocation Hazard To Infants and Toddlers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms 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: Simplicity Brand Drop Side Cribs

Units: About 600,000

Retailers:

AAFES, of Dallas, Texas
Babies"R"Us, of Wayne, N.J.
Burlington Coat Factory/Baby Depot, of Burlington, N.J.
K's Merchandise (out of business)
Meijer Distribution Inc., of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Nebraska Furniture Mart, of Omaha, Neb.
ShopKo, of Green Bay, Wis.
Target, of Minneapolis, Minn.
Wal-Mart Stores Inc, of Bentonville, Ark.

Importer/Distributor: Simplicity Inc., of Reading, Pa. (this company is no longer in business)

Hazard: Due to sizing problems with the crib's hardware, the drop side can come off the tracks. When the drop side detaches or partially detaches, it creates a hazardous gap, which can lead to infant entrapment and suffocation.

Incidents/Injuries: SFCA and CPSC are aware of nine incidents in which the drop side detached on cribs that are part of this recall. There have been no injuries.

Description: This recall of Simplicity drop side cribs involves models that used a different style of hardware from those cribs recalled in September 2007. The recalled model numbers include: 8620, 8745, 8748, 8755, 8756, 8778, 8810, and 8994. The recalled drop side cribs have a date code, which can be found on a label on the headboard under the mattress support, which ends in 05DH, 05GB, 06DH, 06GB, 07DH or 07GB (examples: 1806 DH or 0507 GB). The recalled model names include: Aspen and Crib N Changer Combo, Gabrielle, Camille, Providence and Shenandoah. Only the brand name "Simplicity" can be seen on the label on the headboard.

Sold by: Department stores, children's stores and mass merchandisers nationwide from January 2005 through August 2008 for between $150 and $300.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should return the recalled crib to the place of purchase for a refund or store credit. SFCA Inc., of Reading, Pa. is working with retailers to carry out this recall program.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact:

AAFES - (800) 866-3605 - www.AAFES.com
Babies "R" Us - (800) 869-7787 - www.babiesrus.com
Burlington Coat Factory/Baby Depot - www.babydepot.com
Meijer Distribution Inc. - (866) 280-8419 - www.meijer.com
Nebraska Furniture Mart - 800-359-1200 - www.nfm.com
Shopko - (800) 791-7333 - www.shopko.com
Target - (800) 440-0680 - www.target.com
Wal-Mart - (800) 925-6278 - www.walmart.com
SFCA Media Contact: Amanda Lahan, (202) 466-6210, amanda.lahan@pbnco.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08401.html

Review of qubo's Turbo Dogs

Race cars and dogs? Sounds like the perfect formula for a kid's show with some spark! Turbo Dogs is new this fall, and so far -- it's a hit at our house.

With story lines that are simple enough for even the youngest to follow, Turbo Dogs (from qubo and Scholastic Media) teaches kids about teamwork, staying positive, and the power of being true to yourself. We loved how the lessons were simple, and the characters showed personalities similar to people in our own lives! The innovative 3D CGI aminated series will capture the attention and heart of a child in your home.


Our kids laughed, squealed, and jumped up and down for the comical adventures these dogs had at the race track. I even chuckled... my kids were excited to learn about good sportsmanship! What could be better?

A little loud, a lot of crazy, and with more life lessons than you can throw a bone at, we give Turbo Dogs two very enthusiastic tail wags! Visit the qubo website for more details, and see their fall schedule below:


TURBO DOGS premieres on ION Television on Friday, October 3 to air weekly on Fridays at 3:30 PM (ET)

TURBO DOGS premieres on NBC on Saturday, October 4 to air weekly on Saturdays at Noon (ET)

TURBO DOGS premieres on qubo Channel on Sunday, October 12 (at 9:30 AM, 3:30 PM, 9:30 PM, 3:30 AM ET)

Soccer Goal Net Recalled Due to Strangulation Death

A 20-month old child was killed as a result of becoming caught in these recalled nets made by Regent Sports. Please check to see that you don't have one in your home! Full details of the recall can be found at the CPSC website.

Pottery Barn Kids Recalls Children's Metal Water Bottles Due to Choking Hazard

The sip tops of these Pottery Barn bottles can come off and cause a choking hazard. See the CPSC website for full details on what to do if you own one!

Review of Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring by Ron Pridmore

What's more endearing that a baby turtle on his first day out of the shell? Not much. And with that, we dove into the tender and exciting world of Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring by Ron Pridmore.

Templeton emerges from his eggshell with much the same curiosity as a young human child. He knows that his mother loves him, and not much more. Exploration around the pond has its ups and downs: some creatures are friendly, and some are not. The lessons that Templeton encounter are learned in a tough, but caring way.

This book has a touching set of illustrations that kids and adults will love to share (and the familiarity of similarly-drawn animals will help younger kids to identify family sets within animal groups!) If you've ever wanted to let your little one know about the world around him with a balanced view of both the caring of community and the importance of heeding good advice -- this book is a keeper!

Kids of all ages will find it engaging: My 10 year old appreciated the delightful pictures and my 1 year-old "oohed" and "awwed" at both the animal illustrations and the language. Available in hardcover at major book outlets, Templeton Turtle Goes Exploring is a classic-in-the-making.


Interested in snagging copy for your young reader? One lucky commenter will get a new copy to share with a child in their life! Just comment on this post with your child's favorite animal by Sept. 26th at 5 pm CST, and we'll pick one winner! Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Review of Jane Be Pure® Mineral Liquid Foundation

What do most women want from a foundation? If you're like me, it's simple: light feeling, flawless coverage. I want to appear my best without feeling made up!

I recently tried out and fell in love with Jane Be Pure® Mineral Liquid Foundation. Being fair-skinned, I get frustrated with how dark and unnatural foundation can look on me. This was a different experience, however. I barely felt it go on. It was smooth, silky, and didn't gunk up my pores. And boy, did it cover! My skin never looked better!

Available in a variety of shades, Be Pure® Mineral Liquid Foundation is Oil Free, Talc Free and Fragrance free and is great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. It offers natural SPF protection and is truly affordable (under $7!)

Check their website for the full line of Be Pure® Mineral products. They're a steal! (Available at Drugstore.com and other fabulous retailers....)

Review of ImagiPLAY PuzzlePlay Rainforest

If the threat of lead paint in your kids' puzzles has you a bit uneasy, I completely understand. That's one of the reasons I was so excited to try out the new ImagiPLAY PuzzlePlay Rainforest. It not only was exactly the kind of toy my boys love the most (puzzles), but it captured the charm of a brightly-colored educational activity with the safest of methods. (All painted materials are tested to ensure they meet or exceed U.S. and European safety standards.)

Made from the earth-friendly rubberwood, this puzzle stimulates the brain! I was challenged trying to piece it together, but my kids were right on task, putting each piece in its place. I enjoyed watching them work together on this project, and as soon as it all came together -- they tore it apart and built it again!

Hours of fun? How about days! This cool, trendy puzzle is guaranteed to last through the tough play that kids can put a puzzle through. One of many top-notch play options at ImagiPLAY, the Rainforest puzzle sells for $19.98 and is available at ImagiPLAY's website.

(Note: Equally impressive is the standard by which ImagiPLAY's products are made. Fair trade practices are used to be sure that workers are paid a fair wage and work only in safe conditions. Visit their policy page for more details!)

Remote-Controlled Helicopter Toys Recalled by Protocol Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

This remote-controlled toy was sold in many retail stores. To get the full scoop, please visit the official CPSC website.

Review of Eco-Friendly Families by Helen Coronato

Thinking of "going green?" Want to get the whole family involved? It's not as difficult as you would think -- and so goes the advice behind this jam-packed book full of practical wisdom for anyone wanting to waste less and live better.

You don't have to be gung-ho crunchy granola to get the most out of this 200+ page guide. In fact, most of the tips included in the easy-to-read book just make good sense for everyone! Menu planning, recycling hacks, organization pointers, and great ways to spend time together are all discussed with straight-forward style and step-by-step guidance. (I love the end of the chapter checklists!) And you can really get excited about the homemade cleaners and all-natural household tips included for anyone to follow!

All ages can get in on the responsible techniques used in this book. Eco-Friendly Families is a book you'll use again and again (which is great -- since it's printed on recycled paper!) Available at bookstores and Amazon.com.

Healthy Kids, Naturally

(Family Features) Keeping kids and teens healthy can be a challenge during the busy school year. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone.

Fortunately, there are some simple, and natural, things parents can do to help kids stay healthy and energized for all their activities:

Hygiene. The CDC says that the single most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands. When there’s not sink and soap around, use natural hand sanitizers—wipes or gel—with 100 percent pure essential oils.

Nutrition. Growing bodies and brains need fiber and nutrients to stay healthy. A child’s health can suffer from too few of these good things and too many sugary, highly processed foods.
The USDA Food Guide Pyramid recommends nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. One serving size of fruits and veggies for children equals one of the following:

• 1/2 cup juice
• 1 cup raw leafy salad greens
• 1/2 cup chopped raw, canned or cooked fruit or other vegetable

Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3s, are crucial for development and health of the brain, heart, nervous system, tissues, skin and immune system, especially for school-age children. DHA can be found in fatty cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna, and in DHA-enriched products like eggs and milk.

What about nutritional supplements? If kids and teens are actually eating nine servings of colorful fruits and veggies—plus foods containing all the other recommended daily nutrients—every day, then they probably don’t need them. But with picky eaters, tight schedules, food allergies and more, they don’t often get what they need. In these cases, supplements might be a good idea. But be careful. While it’s easy to find a fun and fruity multivitamin that kids don’t mind taking each day, it’s the nutrients they need, not loads of sugar or artificial colors and flavors.

Rest. Rest, relaxation and sleep are key for handling stress. While moderate stress is normal, the demands of school life can cause stress overload for youngsters and adolescents—and their parents and teachers! Be sure to schedule in downtime and allow for adequate sleep when you’re planning the week.

Kids need more sleep than you might think:

• 3–6 years old: 10 3/4–12 hours per day
• 7–12 years old: 10–11 hours per day
• 12–18 years old: 8¼–9½ hours per day

Stomachaches, nervousness, trouble sleeping, anger flares or infections may be signs of stress. Fortunately, there are plenty of safe, effective ways to handle it. Breathing deep, exercising, stretching, physical play and homeopathic remedies may help.

If you would like to know more about natural ways to help your kids stay healthy, the Whole Body Team Members at Whole Foods Market are well-educated about all of the products they offer and are happy to answer questions. You can also visit WholeFoodsMarket.com for educational podcasts and more information.

Courtesy of Family Features

Review of Baby Abuelita Products

Hispanic heritage is important to many families, but often times get lost as each new generation is born. That is the inspiration behind Baby Abuelita. A celebration of culture, education, and fun, the videos are an exciting way to learn more about life in many Hispanic countries!

We recently previewed a DVD from Baby Abuelita: Our children loved the music best of all. A combination of English and Spanish lyrics, some songs were easier to learn than others. The characters interacted with one another in such a loving and natural way -- it was sweet to see the different age groups show respect! Not only did we get a quick lesson in Spanish and culture, we were reminded of important social skills and manners. (Hang up your clothes?)

Super animation, likeable characters, and lessons for all age groups -- this is what makes Baby Abuelita different from other products on the market.

The line of DVD's is not available yet (we got a sneak peek), but their dolls, books, and toys are! Visit the website for all the details and for more information on when the videos will be ready to buy!

Save 15% on All Artwork at Baby Browns!

The adorable styles at Baby Browns are being discounted for the fall season. Personalized artwork, hand-painted ceramic, removal stick-ons, and 1,000's of other pieces are perfect for decorating a nursery or playroom. Save big with discount code "Artwork". Visit Baby Browns website for the full selection!

Review of Limited Edition 25th Anniversary Cabbage Patch Kids

Whoa! Can you believe it? The Cabbage Patch Kids are back.. and even if you were like me growing up and couldn't manage to get one, you have an opportunity to get in on all the nostalgia with your very own Kid! We scored one before they were available in stores, and we were psyched!

These Limited Edition dolls have all the authentic detail that made CPK's the "thing" to have back when I was a kid. Smelling oh-so-much-like-babypowder, these dolls come with a commemorative silver-stamped Birth Certificate and Adoption Paper, as well as a "silver anniversary" baby spoon. Only available for a short time, these dolls are every bit as adorable as they were 25 years ago, and each and every CPK is a one-of-a-kind replica of an original 1983 doll -- made with the same sculpts/molds and materials!

(Just one of many dolls available for adoption)

My gal, Dina Ruthanne, is a dimpled cutey with all the special touches you would expect from a Cabbage Patch Kid. (You know: bellybutton, sweet eyes, and that signature yarn hair.) I will be keeping this gem in her box for safe-keeping!

If you want to relive the magic of Cabbage Patch, you can visit the official website at www.cabbagepatchkids25.com. It's a blast from the past!

Baby Einstein Celebrates 10 Years of Happy Moms and Babies!

We were thrilled to learn that Disney's Baby Einstein product line was celebrating 10 years of successfully reaching babies and toddlers with amazingly fun discovery! Their DVD's have had us tickled (read the review here), and we are so pleased to know that they intend on being around for awhile.

We had a chance to revisit the stimulating and entertaining programming offered by the Baby Einstein musical DVD's -- with their release of the best-selling Baby Mozart (perfect for soothing moments) and the soon-to-be released Baby Beethoven (for stimulating and upbeat play.)

When we popped both DVD's into the player for an afternoon review, I was taken aback by how focused my youngest son (18 months) was. Even my older crew enjoyed the music while they played. Seeing visual images of things that were familiar to my baby (animals, puppets, and other babies) kept the experience real. Not overly-stimulating, these DVD's can be enjoyed over and over again as your baby develops. (We also liked that each DVD can be viewed in English, Spanish, or French.)

The entire line of Baby Einstein gear and DVD's, recommended for babies 3 months and older, can be found at their website: www.babyeinstein.com.

We have 2 DVD's to give away! The folks at Baby Einstein want one lucky Lille Punkin' Reader to have one each of the new Baby Mozart and Baby Beethoven DVD's (valued at $19.99 each!) Just visit the Baby Einstein website and tell us one other DVD or product that you think is neat, and leave a comment here with your choice. You have until September 17th at 5 pm CST to get your entries in! Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Optave Inc. Recalls Action Baby Carriers Due to Fall Hazard

These baby carriers (marketed under "Action Baby Carrier" and sold by specialty retail and online stores) have come apart in places -- but have resulted in no injuries at this time. See the official press release at the CPSC website for details.

Circo Children’s Bobbie Socks Recalled

The little flowers on the socks have been reported as detaching -- which presents a choking hazard. Please see the official release from the CPSC for instructions!

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Review of Charlie and Lola's "I Am Not Sleepy and I Will Not Go to Bed" Pop-up Book

What's cuter than Charlie and Lola? Not much. The two tykes are at it again with their stubborn and quirky tendencies towards resolving their own problems (in hilarious ways, of course.) We got a kick out of I am Not Sleep and I Will Not Go to Bed by Lauren Child...

Charlie's little sis, Lola won't go to sleep. Saddled with the responsibility of getting her to bed, he chooses compassion and humor to coax the defiant little Lola into bed -- for good! Told with the flair that Charlie and Lola have been bringing readers for years, this particular edition is presented in a sturdy, colorful, and surprisingly detailed pop-up book!

My kids were wide-eyed and amazed at the various activities presented in this pop-up. Pull-tabs, flaps, gears, and gizmos -- there was more to do on each page then I had seen in a pop-up before. And while part of me winced at the thought of my 3-year-old ripping off a tab or two, the book held up well, and the kids were given a hands-on reading experience perfect for my own anti-bedtime bunch.

This Candlewick book almost qualifies as a work-of art, but most will just appreciate it's simple truths, lively illustrations, and high humor factor. Sold at bookstores everywhere, this is a treat!

Hooded Sweaters Recalled by Empress Arts

More sweatshirts recalled (although these look more like sweaters)... sigh. I think at our house we should scrap hoodies with any kind of drawstring before they even have a chance to be recalled. Full details at the CPSC website.

Review of Scrubbing Bubbles Toilet Cleaning Gel

Looking for a no-scrub, fresh-scented solution to your icky toilet needs? Look no further than our latest in the series of Scrubbing Bubbles product tests: Their Toilet Cleaning Gel!

This cool gadget works like a syringe -- just "inject" an application of the cleaning gel just under the rim of your toilet. The green, star-shaped blob stays through several flushings (we timed 5 days' worth.) Your bathroom smells good, the water stays sparkling, and there's no need to scrub during that time! We liked that it was more discreet than other types of bowl cleaners (and I didn't need to remove the toilet tank lid to use it.) All-in-all, it held up well to our needs, and I didn't have to touch any part of the toilet to do it.

(Note: Like all cleaning products, keep this out of the reach of children. And if you have curious monkeys in your home who will be intrigued by the appearance of a green, gelatinous star under the toilet rim, let them know it is NOT FOR EATING, TOUCHING, OR LICKING. Cause, you know.. kids can be crazy that way.)

Just add this product to our list of completely lovable products from Scrubbing Bubbles. To see other reviews, check out the Fresh Brush and the Action Scrubber. To hear it from Scrubbing Bubbles, visit their website!