Smart Product

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued from August 18 – 24, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.

1.  Name of Product: THHN Electrical Wire
Hazard: While the actual electrical wire has “14 gauge” printed on it, the packaging incorrectly labels the electrical wire as 12 gauge. If used as a 12 gauge wire, it can overload, posing a fire hazard to consumers.Description: This recall involves THNN electrical wire …

Incredible customer service, quality product, very affordable and fast!  You can’t ask for much more from a business card manufacturer.  PrintingHQ dedicated time and attention to my urgent printing need.  With BlogHer10 fast approaching a few weeks back, I was tremendously disappointed by a set of business cards I had ordered from a competitor.  It is evident that a human eye never verified the order before or after it went through the printer.  The cards were clearly not centered and looked very unprofessional.  I wasn’t about to pass these out to colleagues as a 1st impression token.
PrintingHQ stepped up to the plate, willing to do whatever it took to get the cards done for me correctly.  Much time was invested on both ends to be certain that the card I had envisioned was exactly the card that they would produce for me.  We communicated through Twitter and …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued from August 11 –17, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
1.  Name of Product: Wooden Toy Rattles
Hazard: The wooden dowels can be installed at an angle, allowing the metal rattle inside to become exposed. This poses a serious choking hazard to young children.
Description: This recall involves a wooden toy rattle with light brown stain, eight wooden dowels and a gold-colored metal rattle inside. The toy rattle is circular in shape, measuring …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued from August 4 – 10, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.

1.  Name of Product: Little People Play ‘n Go Campsite™
Hazard: The plastic Sonya Lee figure in the play set can break at the waist, exposing small parts that pose a choking hazard to young children.
Description: This recall involves the Little People Play ‘n Go Campsite. The seven-piece plastic play set includes …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued from July 28 – August 3, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
Name of Product: Solar Lighted Cantilever Umbrellas
Hazard: A plastic connector which attaches to the arm of the umbrella can break, causing the umbrella to collapse. This poses a risk of injury to the user.
Description: The recalled product is a 13-foot Solar Lighted Cantilever Umbrella. The umbrella has tan or chocolate colored material, lights and a black supporting pole. The …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued from July 21 –27, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
Name of Product: Bamboo Torches
Hazard: The fuel canister that holds the wick of the torch has a sharp edge inside the lip of the opening that poses a laceration hazard when consumers try to remove the wick.
Description: This recall involves bamboo torches that have a black metal canister with a smooth black metal lid. The torches are used to light outdoor …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued from July 14 –20, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
1. Name of product: Power Clear 180 Single Stage Snow Blowers
Hazard: Exposure to ethanol in gasoline can cause the carburetor needle to become corroded. A corroded needle can stick in the open position and allow fuel to leak from the carburetor, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Description: This recall involves Toro® Power Clear 180 Single …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued from July 7 –13, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
1.  Name of product: Eastside Fix Bicycle Forks
Hazard: The bicycle’s front fork can crack or break, causing a sudden loss of steering control and posing a fall hazard to bicyclists.
Description: This recall involves Campus Cruisers’ Eastside Fix model bicycles. The single speed bicycle has an aluminum frame and fork. The bicycles were sold in royal …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued from June 30 – July 6, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
1.  Name of Product: Notebook computers
Hazard: The computers can overheat, posing a burn hazard to the consumer.
Description: The recalled products are VPCF11 Series and VPCCW2 Series notebook computers. The computers are available in many colors and have VAIO on the front outside panel. The model numbers can be found on the bottom of the computers.
The following models are included:
VPCF11 …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued from June 23 – June 29, 2010.
Please note that the CPSC announced this week that, “U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), with the cooperation of seven firms, is announcing voluntary recalls of more than two million cribs to address drop-side hazards and other hazards that affect the safety of young children. The recalling firms are providing consumers with free repair kits to immobilize the drop sides or other remedies. Do not attempt to fix these cribs with homemade remedies.”
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.
All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
1.  Name of Product: Child Craft brand “Crib ‘N’ Double Bed” full size stationary-side cribs with dowel
Hazard: The cribs’ stationary side can be assembled upside-down but still appear to be assembled correctly. …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued between June 16 – June 22, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov. All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
1. Name of Product: Infant onesies and rompers
Hazard: Snaps on the onesies and rompers can detach from the garment, posing a choking hazard to young children.
Description: The onesies and rompers were sold in eight colors and prints: eggplant with kiwi green binding, floral print with eggplant binding, kiwi green with eggplant …

Here’s a product I was super skeptical about.  A lollipop that fights cavities?  What?
That package arrived and as I opened it a purple lollipop fell out.  My daughter’s eyes stared and she shouted, “Yea, a lollipop for me!”  I guess so.  I let her open it up and try it.

I waited to see what her reaction would be.  I was expecting a gross look when she realized that this wasn’t the standard lollipop she was used to enjoying on occasion.  I received the opposite.  Honestly, no reaction.  She sat there, continued watching her tv program and licked away at the lollipop.
CariFree, the leading innovator in cavity treatment and prevention, has come up with a clever way to keep kids smiling and cavity free! The Xyli-Tots Lollies are sugar-free and contain Xylitol, the sugar substitute that has been shown to fight tooth decay and cavity …

These are the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls that have been issued between June 9 – June 15, 2010.
Although not seen this week, a common CPSC recall includes sweatshirts that contain drawstrings around the neck.  Please be aware:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov. All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
1. Name of Product: GE Front-Load Washing Machines
Hazard: A wire can break in the machine and make contact with a metal part on the washtub while the machine is operating, posing fire and shock hazards to consumers.
Description: This …

Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, Perfect Chair® Recliners, and other wellness solutions, is running a Father’s Day Massage Chair Giveaway contest and is accepting entries now until June 15th!  Yes, you want one of these in your home!!!
Is there a superhero in your life? Is he a dad? Maybe your dad? Maybe your baby’s dad? Here’s a very Smart Mama opportunity to honor the superhero dad in your life with a spectacular well-needed chair, the ThermoStretch™ HT-275, valued at $2799!

No one shoulders more responsibility than superhero Dad. How great would it be to enjoy a deep, relaxing massage each night…from the comfort of your own living room?! This Father’s Day, Human Touch is committed to providing one stand-out Dad with a top-of-the-line massage chair from Human Touch.  In just a 150 word description of …

It’s finally here!  World Cup 2010 kicks off today! Get out the soccer balls, nets and shin guards, it’s time to play! To launch the World Cup season here are 2 excellent soccer themed children’s books that we have enjoyed in our home, and hope you enjoy in yours!
Goal!
By Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A. G. Ford
This is a remarkable story of the children of South African taking on the unsafe neighborhoods of their village to play their absolutely favorite pastime, football/soccer.  The illustrations are fantastic.
“Uplifting and inspiring, this beautifully written and illustrated book reminds us of the joys and saving grace of friendship and sport. Set in South Africa, this book is a gift for soccer fans and all families around the world.” — Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Add this book to your collection today!
April 2010 ~ hc picture book ~ ISBN …

Congratulations to Bicycle Playing Cards® on their 125th Anniversary!  Woo Hoo!  In celebration of their 125th anniversary, Bicycle Playing Cards® is focused on inspiring families to rekindle the experience that cards can bring. For 125 years, the world’s most popular playing cards have given America the name of the game, now in 2010 Bicycle Playing Cards asks you What’s Your Game?™. This year, Bicycle is committed to teaching players – young and young at heart — card games that help build relationships, make learning fun, and inspire a little friendly competition. Find out more at www.bicyclecards.com
Card games have been a source of entertainment since the first pack of Bicycle Playing Cards® was cut.  Games of Go Fish with siblings and to rowdy games of Texes Hold ‘em with friends, we have founds the entertainment value of this simple, inexpensive “toy.”
As mothers we need …

These are the CPSC recalls issued between June 3 – June 8, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov. All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
1.  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Sprout Stuff, of Austin, Texas, is announcing the recall of about 40 Sprout Stuff infant ring slings. CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using these slings due to a risk of suffocation to infants.
CPSC and Sprout Stuff are aware of one report of a death of a 10-day-old boy in the …

Updated 9/5/10 due to product availability updates.
It arrived around 3 PM. I had shown her pictures and read her information all about the new MobiGoTouch Learning System
that was to be delivered that day. She was ecstatic! She tore into the box like it was the first gift on Christmas!
Her expectations were met! She sat there for the next hour (I made her stop for dinner,) playing the MobiGoTouch Learning System! The default game cartridge, Touch & Learn Game Pack, includes 6 games that entertain and educate. This handheld device seemed to be the right fit for her!
The following day, we ventured on a 4 hour trip to DisneyWorld.  We certainly packed the MobiGoTouch Learning System, knowing that it could potentially help the “Are we there yet?” whines! Within minutes into the trip, she wanted her “computer!” I couldn’t …

Makes sense.  I like products like that.  The Lullabelly Prenatal Music Belt is a great concept and works! We all love the idea of playing soft, classical music to the bun in the oven.  But, we’re often challenged with figuring out exactly how to get the headphones to stay around the huge belly.  The Lullabelly Prenatal Music Belt is the solution to this.  The ultra-soft belt wraps around your belly and closes with a Velcro band, adjustable to all belly sizes!  (An extra extension band is provided in the packaging for the mother’s of multiples! We know your bellies get even bigger!)
The belt contains a zippered pocket that sits on the inside portion.  Within the pocket lies the connection for your iPod or other musical device.  Speakers are positioned within the belt to share the music directly towards your belly, towards your baby.  A volume control is …

These are the CPSC recalls issued between May 26 – June 1, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov. All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
Name of Product: Boys’ Hooded Jackets
Hazard: The jackets have a drawstring through the hood which can pose a strangulation hazard to children.
Description: This recall involves boys’ hooded jackets with drawstrings that are blue suede on the outside and have fur lining on the inside. “Hind Leather” is printed on the tag on the back of the neck. They were sold in sizes …

As you know I have taken the George Foreman out from behind the spider webs recently.  I had tucked it away years ago when I hit a point of frustration every time I cleaned it.  You know exactly what I’m talking about!  The George Foreman manufacturer expects the patience of an oyster to use a plastic fork to clean grilled on gook!  Not so effective in this house!
While cleaning out the underneath of my kitchen sink I came across the solution for this dilemma!  A bottle brush!  Tucked in back of sponges I found a soft bottle brush that I’m assuming I’ve had for at least 3 years.  I don’t think I even used this once to clean Isabella’s bottles.  The bristles are soft enough to not damage the grill and strong enough to get the grime loose.
How I Use It
As soon as I’m done using the George Foreman, or …

These are the CPSC recalls issued between May 19, – May 25, 2010.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov. All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.
Name of Product: Ameristep Plastic Strap-On Tree Step
Hazard: The plastic portion of the step can break, posing a fall hazard to the user.
Description: Product is a plastic tree step that attaches to a tree via a nylon strap and a large metal buckle. It is used to climb a tree in order to hunt from an elevated position. Models 105 and …

Winner:  Emily Robison!  Congratulations Emily!
Giveaway
Win a Savvycents, just like I use in my 10 Steps to Succeeding at The Grocery Game post!  I have found Savvycents to be a great tool for staying organized on my weekly supermarket and CVS runs.
Product Info:
The Savvycents wallet is not only functional but also fashionable. It contains everything you need to organize your monthly or weekly budget using a cash system. With an accordion style file system inside the wallet you can separate money and/or coupons by categories. Your wallet comes with file cards where you can label each category with our pre-printed labels.

There are also blank labels where you can customize your wallet based on your personal categories. You no longer have to carry envelopes to separate your money and deal with loose change in the envelopes. A coin pocket is located on the backside of …

I love Publix, or any other store that thinks of moms with their kids!
Publix has kids (& moms) in mind.  They know kids (& sometimes moms) aren’t so thrilled to be there.  They want their customers to have a pleasant experience. They want them to complete their shopping list and most importantly want to come back.  How can they achieve this?  Easy, keep the kids happy!  Make the kids WANT to come!
Suggesting to my wee one that we need to head to Publix often comes with the response of, “Ok!” in a very enthusiastic tone.  She loves going.  We head to the bakery within the first 10 minutes to get her cookie.  Publix offers kids of all ages, FREE cookies in their bakery.  Typically sugar or chocolate chips are available. Sugar is my choice, keeping the chocolate sticky fingers away while we shop.
Our stroll into produce is …

These are the CPSC recalls issued between May 12, – May 18, 2010. Remote-controlled helicopters, Step2 Push Buggies and toy dart gun from Family Dollar store are included.
As a reminder:
In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines(pdf) (which were incorporated into an industry voluntary standard in 1997) to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets or sweatshirts.
Be sure to check old hand-me-downs for this!
You can find even more detailed information on all recalled products mentioned below on CPSC.gov.  All information below comes directly from the CPSC website.

Name of Product: “Fly Dragonfly” (also called “Queen Bee”) Remote-Controlled Helicopters
Hazard: The rechargeable battery inside the helicopters can overheat, igniting the helicopter and posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.
Description: This recall involves the “Fly Dragonfly” (also called “Queen …

Using The Grocery Game (TheGroceryGame.com) to save the family money has developed into a 20 minute Sunday ritual.
Here’s how I do it in 10 easy steps!

Keep inventory of my kitchen. I need to have a decent idea as to what I have, don’t have or of what I’m running low.  This doesn’t need to be a formal electronic list, although many do keep an Excel spreadsheet for this.  I have in the past, but have found that keeping a simple list of things running low on the fridge works best for me.
Collect Sunday circulars for the newspaper.  I ask friends and neighbors for them.  I label each circular with its published date.
Join The Grocery Game (TGG) – http://www.TheGroceryGame.com A FREE trial is available!
On Sunday, I go to TGG and click on QuickPrint List and select the store I prefer.