More Recalls (hoodies, toys, and jogger strollers)

See the full details of each at the CPSC website:

1. Quiksilver Recalls Girls' Hoodies with Waist Drawstrings Due to Entrapment Hazard <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09330.html>
2. Violation of Federal Mattress Flammability Standard Prompts Recall of Sofa-bed Mattresses by IKEA <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09331.html>
3. Liquidation Outlet, Inc. Recalls Action Figure Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard; Sold Exclusively at Dollar Stores <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09332.html>
4. Frigidaire and Kenmore Smoothtop Electric Ranges Recalled Due to Fire Hazard <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09333.html>
5. Baby Jogger Recalls Strollers Due to Fall Hazard <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09334.html>

Stay Safe!

Recalled Window Shades and Blinds!

(Photo by Jenn & Mike)

If you have window blinds or shades in your home, please read this! When our youngest was very young, he almost died from getting tangled in blind cords. You can see the full story here.

Several new recalls have been issued as a result of those who have been working to spread the word of how dangerous many blinds and shades can be for children. They are listed below:

1. Strangulation Deaths of Children Prompt Recall to Repair of Roll-Up Blinds and Roman Shades by Lewis Hyman Inc. <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09324.html>
2. Near Strangulation Prompts Recall of Roman Blinds; Sold Exclusively at IKEA <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09325.html>
3. Near Strangulation of Children Prompts Recall of Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively at Pottery Barn Kids <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09326.html>
4. Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Victoria Classics Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively by Target Stores <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09327.html>
5. Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roller Shades by Lutron Shading Solutions <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09328.html>
6. Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Recall To Repair Window Blinds By Vertical Land <http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09329.html>

Stay Safe!

Review of BillingBoss for Small Business

As a blogger and a freelance writer, I often invoice clients for jobs big and small. Most of the time, I don't even have to wait before I'm paid. Other times, however... well, I have to be a little more assertive in getting what I'm owed. The one thing I've found to be helpful is to use a professional-looking invoice to track my fees and make sure that clients can pay me instantly and effortlessly.

Billing Boss is a service that I've found to meet my needs as a small business owner. You can sign up instantly, and get started sending amazing invoices that can be tracked from creation to payment. Here are just a few features that have me loving this service:


1. It's free.

2. It can be used from your iPhone!

3. It creates invoices that look smooth and professional in minutes, and lets you send them as an email or a PDF attachment. (slick!)

4. You can grant access to your accountant or bookkeeper.

Not only is the interface easy and clean, but it is entirely web-based. Why is this important? I'm never in the same place twice: I work from two offices, on the road, and from my cell phone. Having access to my invoices (and whether they have been paid) is VERY important to keep track of cash on hand. They also have the ability to let you track taxes collected on invoices, as well! (Which is super-handy for tax time.)

You can get all your questions answered about Billing Boss at their nifty FAQ. And don't forget -- It's completely free. (There isn't even a premium option for those who pay to get more benefits. Everyone's important at Billing Boss.)

To learn more, get started, or check out their tour, see the official Billing Boss website at http://www.billingboss.com/!

Review of Dunkadoos

Think you know what a Dunkadoo is?

No, they are not a cookie or a snack food -- they are so much better! Dunkadoos toys are small, affordable plush animals that start out a bit, well... deflated. Once placed in a little bag filled with water, they grow to several times their size. What's really cool is that they don't stay soaking wet.. they dry in only a few minutes, so you can play with them outside of water, too!

You'll know when it's time for your Dunkadoo to get into the water again.. it'll start to shrink. This innovative, battery-free toy only requires some water and imagination for hours of play in any weather.

We really enjoyed the Dunkadoo we *received to sample. I was surprised at how small it started out, and especially how affordable they are. (They have a retail price of less than $8!) Since my kids have a lot of plush, they can sometimes be the least played-with toys. The unique plays aspect of the Dunkadoos, however, give the kids a reason to pull them out and play with them again and again. (They are appropriate for all kids ages 5+)

Dunkadoos are available at your local retailer, including Walmart, and come in several animal choices: Dog, Cat, Shark, Penguine, Frog and Tiger (with more to come later.) For additional info on the Dunkadoos line, see the official website at http://www.jakks.com/dunkadoos-plush-magical-growing-animals

*Sample was received for this review.

"Complete the Cycle" and Win!

Awhile back, we told you about our laundry routine. As messy as it was at the time, it's even changed a bit since then (due to a new HE front-loading washer and dryer -- YEAH! -- and some new products we've been jived about.) One thing that hasn't changed, however, is the overall cycle of how we do laundry.

For some inspirational reading on the ins and outs of laundry additives (brought to you by Clorox), see this ultimate laundry guide. It includes a summary of benefits for all your laundry add-ons (like pre-treaters and softeners), as well as a step-by-step checklist for getting the best outcome with your laundry routine (with separate instructions for traditional top-loading and HE washings.)

Even better, this guide features tips from "the" laundry guru -- Dr. Laundry. He gives practical advice for tackling the toughest laundry problems -- before they cost you. Check out the guide and start getting it right in the laundry room!

Wanna Win? We have a laundry gift basket to give to five lucky Lille Punkin' readers (valued at over $40)! It includes some great products for getting a better laundry outcome, including that crazy FlipFold you see on TV (trust us.. it really works!) To enter, just leave a comment on this post with your most nagging laundry problem. You have until September 3rd, 2009 at 11:59pm to get your entries in. One entry per person, please.

Giveaways are 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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

Bike Trailer Recall

Please see this important recall involving bike trailers for children:

Burley Design Recalls Bike Trailers due to risk of injury

Stay Safe!

Edivvy.com for those BIG Back-to-School Purchases

I pretty much have all my back-to-school shopping done. Pencils, paper, and book bags were a breeze to buy this year. But what about those "larger" purchases that parents must sometimes make (dorm gear, athletic equipment, and cars?)

While I can't do everything on my own, Edivvy.com helps make sure that some of those big back to school wish list items don't go unfulfilled. With an easy-to-shop website that lets multiple purchases work together to buy the big things, there's an easier way to shop than "I'll buy and you pay me back your half later." Some of the more popular back to school gifts offered include laptops, Blu-Ray DVD players, and Gift cards to popular online and in-store retailers (so kids can pick out their own group gifts.)

So what would I buy for my kid on the site? Depending on their age, there are lots of group gifts to choose from, but especially like the ones designed to help kids keep in touch with their parents: webcams and netbooks! The cleverly-designed site shows you the price for each item and also shows a price for "divided by 10" -- or however many people will be pitching in for the gift.

Back to school shopping is a breeze (even if you can't swing the entire bill on your own) with Edivvy.com.

DVD Players, Weight Watchers Plush, and More Recalls!

Check out the complete details for each recall at the links provided:

Walmart recalls DVD players due to fire hazard

Weight Watchers recalls plush figures and magnets due to puncture hazard (needles were found in the products)

eebee's cloth books for kids recalled due to strangulation hazard

Stay Safe!

SXSW Panel Picker is Live!

Good news! I have submitted my speaking proposals for SXSW 2010, and the voting is now available to the public! To see my proposals and to give either of them a "thumbs up" (which would greatly increase my chances of getting picked to speak at the conference), just use the buttons below.

Thanks for your support!

Blogging for Passion Meets Writing for Real Money (click on button below)



Fresh Ideas for Blogging: It's Not All Been Done (click on button below)

LunchBox Builder.com Has Your Winning Opportunity!

There has been lots of talk about feeding families here at Lille Punkin' -- and for good reason: Packing lunches and buying school meals is a burdensome but important part of making sure kids grow and learn each school year. We've teamed up with Walmart, Smucker’s, Motts and Pepperidge Farms (Goldfish) to bring you a chance to win a $150 lunch-inspired prize pack! Here are all the details of the fun promotion:

LunchBox Builder is a cool website where you can design and fill a "virtual" lunchbox. While you're there, you can submit your design for the public to see, print coupons, and get a chance to win a real lunchbox prize pack!

Wanna win? We have a lunchbox prize pack (valued at $150) to give away to a lucky Lille Punkin' reader. The prize pack contains:

• An iPod Shuffle (color may vary)
  
• An insulated lunchbox
• Sharpie pens in multiple colors
• Colored Pencils
• A Smuckers Uncrustables Container
• An Optical Mouse
• A Smuckers Belt Pack
• A Motts Reusable Shopping Bag
• A Smuckers Strawberry
• Pencils
• Coupons
• A Walmart Gift Card
• A Pedometer

To enter, simply comment on this post with your favorite "lunchbox meal." Is it PB&J? Tomato soup? We want to hear about it! You have until Friday, August 28th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. You can enter one time total per day (for each entry after the first entry, simply comment with "Today's entry!")

Giveaways are 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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Walmart provided us with an additional prize pack for this post.

Elmer's Glue Crew Helps Keep Things Green!

If you're back-to-school shopping list is anything like mine, you'll have a cartful of products purchased and ready to go soon. But what about the waste? I mean, what do you do with the products when they've been used up, run out, or just don't meet your needs anymore?

The Elmer's Glue Crew has the answer to at least one of your supply recycling needs. They are responsible for ensuring that your classroom can take its glue bottle and glue stick "empties" to the nearest Walmart, where the greeter will take them and make sure they get handled in a greener way!

To enroll your classroom, just visit the Elmer's Glue Crew website. You can win some fantastic prizes, too! (Follow them via Twitter @ElmersGlueCrew.)

Wanna win? We have our own prize for a special Elmer's fan, here at Lille Punkin'! Just comment on this post with your favorite glue memory, and you'll be entered to win a prize pack containing:

• 8 oz. Washable School Glue
• 8 oz. Elmer’s Glue-All®
• Washable School Glue Stick
• Extra Strength Gel School Glue Jumbo Stick
• Washable School Glue Stick
• All-Purpose Glue Stick
• Washable School Glue
• Washable School Glue Gel
• 3D Jumbo Glitter Paint Pen
• No Wrinkle Glue Pen

You have until Sunday, August 30th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. (One per person/email, please.)

Giveaways are 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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

Review of Wanchai Ferry Frozen Complete Meals

Orange chicken sound like something you might want tonight? Nowhere near a chinese restaurant? Perhaps the thought of breading and frying your own chicken makes you tired. Wanchai Ferry has introduced a new selection of complete frozen dinners, and we were some of the first to try them!

Before you get the idea that these things are as simple as microwaving or heating up a complete meal.. you have got another thing coming. While they are easy to prepare, they will still take a few minutes and some attention to give them that restaurant-quality taste. The meals themselves come in one bag, but are separated into rice (which you microwave in a package for a few minutes), cooked chicken (which you fry in a bit of oil until crispy), veggies (which you also cook in oil for a bit), and a sauce packet (which you dump in when it's all done.)


It took less than 15 minutes to prepare, and it tasted just like fresh food from a restaurant -- really yummy! I've tried both the Sweet and Sour and the Orange Chicken, but I think that I like the Orange chicken the best.


Wanna Win? We have a special prize pack for a lucky winner to experience the Wanchai Ferry dinner for themselves! (It includes some Asian-inspired bowls, placemats, chopstix, and coupons for free Wanchai Ferry dinners!) Just comment here with your favorite asian dish, and you'll be entered to win. You have until next Friday, Aug. 28th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in!

Giveaways are 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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample and giveaway prize provided by MyBlogSpark.com

Nestle Helps us Keep Our Cool!

We had an amazing turnout for our Back to School $500 Walmart Gift Card giveaway, compliments of Nestlé! Some of our best tips received were ones that I use often to make sure my family gets fed on the fly -- and nutrition isn't forgotten about.

One of our quickest tips for combining convenience with common sense is our juice routine. Simply, we dilute our juice with half water. This not only saves money, but it makes sure that when my toddler demands 2-3 glasses of juice a day, we aren't overloading him with calories. (Another great way to ensure that children aren't consuming too much of the sweet stuff is to give them only 100% juice. We've been doing this with Juicy Juice for years!)

Here's my littlest bug enjoying a cold glass of the Berry variety. Yummy!

Thanks again to Nestlé and all who participated in our fabulous Back to School promotion! We'll have news of the winner soon (and don't forget to check back often for all of our giveaways!)

Last Chance at a Crayola Prize Pack and GNO!

Are you ready for the next #GNO event, sponsored by Crayola? You have one last chance to get in on the fun -- tonight -- with another chance to win! See all the details for how it works on our original post and head on over to sign up at MomItForward. You can read more about GNO , or see for yourself at Crayola's website:http://www.crayola.com/promos/creativitycast/

We are also offering ONE MORE CHANCE TO WIN a Crayola Creativity Pack for our readers! It includes lots of back-to-school basics (like crayons and markers), as well as a few some new, innovative stuff (like possibly the Tadoodles Washable Crayon Buddies, for example.) To be entered to win our weekly prize pack, just leave a comment on this post with your tip for Back-to-School survival! You have until next Monday, Aug. 24th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in!

Giveaways are 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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

Wii Remote Charger Recalls and More!

Check out today's recalls. There are some serious ones ranging from Little Tikes to particular brands of Wii remote chargers. Click on the links for the full details!

Psyclone 4-Station Wii Remote Chargers Recalled due to Burn and Fire Hazards

Little Tikes Toy Workshop Sets and Trucks Recalled due to Choking Hazards (look for the red and blue plastic nails)

Stay Safe!

BlogHer Moment on MomTV!

There was much going on during BlogHer that it's easy to forget some of the most exciting times. I had a chance to chat with Maria Bailey of MomSelect about how I recently won a Frigidaire Washer Dryer Combo in a recent promotion of theirs! (It hasn't arrived yet, so I didn't want to jinx it. But seeing how the video is live, I might as well spill the beans!)

See our interview on Mom TV:




Thanks, Maria!

Meals in Minutes with Nestle and Hot Pockets

Most of you know that I've been working with Nestlé to give you great ideas for back-to-school convenience. I'm one of those Moms who really tries to balance the easy factor with nutrition (no frozen pizza every night.) With my husband gently reminding me to include a green veggie at every meal, I've been able to provide my kids the best of both worlds -- convenience and healthy can work together.

Here is an "Oh-my-goodness-it's-6pm-and-I-forgot-to-thaw-out-a-chunk-of-meat" meal that I put together on the fly. It included Hot Pockets Pizza Stix, frozen peas, and apples. The entire meal cost no more than $4.75 and it fed 3 little people and one big person. Total cost per person was $1.18.

Is it my finest work? No. Am I proud that I could throw it together in less than 15 minutes and my kiddos were happy and full? You betcha!

Here are some pics of our adventure (I baked the Pizza Stix in the oven), and the final presentation. Needless to say, they were gone in minutes.

Do you have a super-speedy lunch or dinner meal to share? Does it involve convenience foods? Tell us all about it on this post or our other Nestle Back-to-School discussions for a chance to win a $500 Walmart gift card!

You can enter one time total per day (for each entry after the first entry, simply comment with "Today's entry!". You have until August 17th at 11:59 pm CST to be entered to win. We'll randomly pick one comment to get the gift card -- just in time for the new school year!

Giveaways are 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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Nestlé provided our family with a back-to-school shopping opportunity for this post.

It's GNO Time Again! (With another Chance to Win!)

Did you participate in last week's #GNO, sponsored by Crayola? If not, you may have missed out on some amazing back-to-school tips and chit-chat with your girlfriends via Twitter. As a reminder, Girls Night Out is back again this week, with your chance to sign up at MomItForward. You can read more about GNO on our original post, or see for yourself at Crayola's website:

http://www.crayola.com/promos/creativitycast/

Don't forget -- Whether you make it tomorrow night from 9-11pm or not (and you'll want to be there, trust me), you can still win with Lille Punkin' Reviews. We're giving away a Crayola Creativity Pack for our readers! It includes lots of back-to-school basics (like crayons and markers), as well as a few some new, innovative stuff (like possibly the Tadoodles Washable Crayon Buddies, for example.)



To be entered to win our weekly prize pack, just leave a comment on this post with your tip for Back-to-School survival! You have until this Friday, Aug. 14th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in!

Giveaways are 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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

Baby Gear Recall You Should Know About!

Just another set of recalls that anyone with a baby should be aware of -- More information on each is available via links at the CPSC official website:

Safety 1st SmartLight Stair Gates recalled due to Fall Hazard

Jump n' Jive Doorway Jumpers recalled by Graco due to Choking Hazard

Target recalls Circo Booster Seats due to Fall Hazard

Stay Safe!

Review of JASON Kids Only! Natural Shampoo and Conditioner

Yummy bath goods are high on my shopping list. Why? Well, I have three little boys who come in from playing daily -- and they are usually fairly disgusting. (And I mean that in a loving way.) With sand, leaves, and who-knows-what embedded in their hair, I know that I need something nice and sudsy to get it clean and shiny again. But it would really be nice to use something natural, if at all possible.

The good folks at JASON sent us *samples of their Kids Only! Shampoo and Conditioner to try on my boys. I felt good knowing that while they smelled really awesome, they didn't contain any parabens, sulfates, phtalates, glyocol, wheat, glueten, mineral oil, or petroleum. If you are a concerned parent who needs to watch labels, this is a great way to gets kids clean without any excess ingredients.

Did it work? Well, I still have trouble getting the boys to sit still in the tub, and rinsing was as much of a battle as usual. That being said, they had squeaky clean and pleasantly-smelling noggins when we were all done -- thanks to JASON Kids Only!

Curious as to what else they offer? In addition to the Shampoo and Detangling Conditioner we sampled, they also sell Foaming Hand Soap, Bath and Shower Gel, Daily Detangling Shampoo, Gel Toothpaste, and Extra Gentle Shampoo & Conditioner. The products retail for between $5.49 and $8.99 at retail outlets, or their online store.

Read more about JASON and their Kids Only! line at http://www.jason-natural.com/products/kids-only.php

*Sample was provided for this review.