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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

CPSC looking for public comment!

This is great news! CSPC wants to know how the public feels about component testing v. final product testing. In English this means they want to know if it would be cool to certify raw materials like fabric, buttons, paint by the original manufacturer.

Please leave a comment if you have a moment or send a letter, we need public opinion out on this one!

http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/ComponentPartsComments.pdf

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Save Handmade

Cool Mom Picks is hosting a Save Handmade campaign, stop by and grab a button for your blog or site

http://coolmompicks.com/savehandmade/

Black Sunday: National Bankruptcy Day

FEBRUARY 10TH 2009 is National Bankruptcy Day learn why the economic bottom of America will be falling out here http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/




Saturday, December 13, 2008

Alert: Home-Based Business Owners

If you are interested in joining a group forming to deal with home-based business rights and concerns regarding the CPSIA, please join us at;
http://homebasedalliance.ning.com/


Market Exits over CPSIA

Selecta Toys
http://www.playthings.com/article/CA6620437.html

HABA (German wooden toy maker)

"Due to the new CPSIA laws we have made the voluntary financial decision to no longer have the jewelry section in our catalog. The 2009 catalog will not include the jewelry. This does NOT mean that our current jewelry does not meet the ASTM requirements. Our overall jewelry sales are a very small percent of our business and the cost to test these items would outweigh the margins to sell the products."

UNCONFIRMED:
Buzz is that Fuzzibunz will reduce to one color per size

CPSIA - What you can do

This link will take you to a site which allows you to send letters to Congressman as well as other ideas for getting our voices heard.

If you are a consumer, it is imperative that you speak out now! Congress thinks consumers want this, but I think we want a reasonable law!

http://www.fashion-incubator.com/

Friday, December 12, 2008

Mom Loves on CPSIA - How it Affects You!

Mom Loves has been taking a break to research the potentially devastating consequences of the new Consumer Product Safety Inspection Act. While the law's intentions are good, the unintended consequences are that many of the mom designers and inventors we feature here will have to close shop in February due to a stringent, expensive blanket policy regarding testing of final products manufactured for children under the age of 12.

Mom Loves would like to state that we fully support restrictions on lead and phthalates in children's products; however, we are concerned that many admirable artisans and crafters who worked to provide safe alternatives to unsafe children's products over the last few years will be forced out of business while large corporations, who were largely responsible for making this a health issue, will continue to operate. Testing for these new measures is very expensive and could easily rack up to $20,000 for a small company or artisan's inventory. Most of us do not have these funds and will either severely reduce our available inventory or close up shop.

The basics of the new law are thus:

1. All toys and apparel for children under the age of 12 must comply with flammability, lead, and phthalate guidelines. All components of the item must be tested on every design of the item. Simply put, if I order 100 zippers, but make 10 different styles using those zippers, the zipper must be tested for each item. All fabric must be tested for lead, which will severely reduce style options for apparel manufacturers and to be honest, put most independent designers out of business.

2. This law was passed under the noses of small business, and most congress men and women, we have spoken with are unaware of the aspects of the law. Most assume it was entirely meant for manufactured toys.

3. Industry estimates show that the independent children's apparel industry is a $900 million industry and most of these producers will shut down during an already unstable, poor economy.


Why you should be concerned:

Etsy and Ebay will be removing members who cannot comply with the new standard.
The new law does nothing to actually promote safer products for our children, it only limits our options. Many organic and natural products will fail flammability requirements and most small business will not be able to afford testing regardless of product safety. The CPSC is taking the path of least resistance by treating the symptoms and not the disease.

Costs of all children's items will rise and selection will be fairly limited.

The country is founded on certain principles. Laissez Faire - the idea that the government won't interfere in the marketplace. Liberty - freedom to exercise our will. The Pursuit of Happiness - being able to be yourself and follow your dreams. Freedom from tyranny - remember the old Boston Tea Party?

CPSC is taking choice out of the hands of parents. Rather than create and maintain higher standards, they are merely removing the issue from the marketplace and removing many of the products you love as well. The fact is that they don't trust us to make an educated opinion. They are trying to be a mom for me and I don't like it. Before this, I chose to buy beautiful, hand-crafted natural toys for my son. I got rid of unsafe baby bottles and avoided buying toys with flashing lights, bells, and whistles. I was making the choice for my family. In February, many of the toys will be gone from the market and I will be left with the big box, annoying toys, and boring selection of clothes at my local department store. I will watch friends who truly care about the safety of our children and craft safe, well-made items, look for new jobs and abandon their dream.

I cannot sit back and let this happen, so Mom Loves will be taking a hiatus from reviews and giveaways and focus on fighting this new law until it considers the far-reaching and devastating consequences that will result. My Mom Gift Guide will publish this weekend and from there this blog will focus on activism and what is going on in this fight. I want products to review in February, how about you?



Thursday, November 27, 2008

Mom Loves Wednesday's Gift - Palumba Toys


Palumba Toys

Palumba Toys are USA made, contain NO TOXINS or unsafe parts, heirloom quality, and crafted with green technology. And they are beautiful! In case you haven't guessed I prefer toys that don't light up, spin, screech, dance, etc...Give me the simple life, right? If you are looking for an idea for someone else's child, take a chance and get them something unique from Palumba's toys! Trust me, most moms would prefer these play inspiring toys to the latest mechanized toy truck!

Take a moment to peruse the beautiful craftsmanship of these toys and you will see that this is a gift that will last many generations! Prices range from $9-$400! Get anything from a wooden iron to a beautiful play fridge.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Mom Loves Tuesday's Gift - Bug Bites Play Food

Bug Bites Play Food

Mom Loves these adorable felt play food sets! Felt is eco-friendly and washable, so your little one can get lots of use out of it. No lead paint to worry about or little plastic parts, just well-made, adorable pieces of food. I love the sushi bento box and the farmer's market set! You can even get a 3 tiered cake decorating set! Because they are soft, young babies will love gnawing on them and older children will love playing kitchen with them. Prices range from under $10 to over $45.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Giveaway winners!

Ok, we have giveaway winners for the Zip-n-Go, chicobag, and KTT announcements!

Zip-n-Go: comment #37 Krisi and Adam (left note on blog)

ChicoBag: comment #5 Joanna (no email, please contact me!)

KTT announcements: comment #3 My Lil'Monkeys (no email, please contact!)

Mom Loves Monday's Gifts - My Little Seat & The Baby Bloak



I recently got to try out my own My Little Seat and I have to say I loved it. When it arrived, I opened it happily and decided we'd be going out to dinner that night.

There are 2 reasons I love My Little Seat. First, I have left restaurants before when I realized there was no highchair for my little man. He's not ready to not be restrained yet! I've also been out to eat where are the highchair's straps are broken! No big deal if you have the compact My Little Seat with you! The second reason I love it is that it allowed my toddler to sit like a big kid with us that night. He really loved feeling all grown up in his own big chair with his own little seat.

You could easily use this at home instead of a highchair, making its $39.99 price tag very reasonable!











I'm a bit biased here since the Baby Bloak is my own idea, but I can genuinely say I give it as a gift to all my mom friends. And what better time to give a Bloak then Christmas when the weather is chilly?

The Baby Bloak is a wearable blanket that you could put on and take off in seconds when you are running to the car, into the store, or on other errands. Since coats aren't safe in car seats, many parents try to keep blankets from falling off in the cold. The Bloak lets you strap your baby into the car seat without interfering with straps and without having to be removed! It also makes a great stroller blanket and nursing cover - that's one handy blanket!


Sunday, November 23, 2008

5 Days of Gifts Mom Loves for Babies

This week Mom Loves will feature 5 Days of Gift Ideas for Babies!  All products are unique and brought to you by mom-entrepreneurs!  We've got lavish ideas and stocking stuffers, but they are all things every mom will love for baby!




Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Mom Loves the Diaper Clutch - a stylish wipe/dipe solution!


We've all seen the diapers and wipes clutches, but I was pleasantly surprised to find one that was different, practical, and really, really cute! The Diaper Clutch is different from the others because it gives you access to your wet wipes without needing to remove a portable travel case. Instead you can just open your clutch, grab a diaper, and pop open the wipes section which holds a standard huggies wet-wipes pack!

The best part though is that they are ridiculously cute! I can't wait to cart mine all over town because it's completely stylish and compact! I'm loving my brown disco dot clutch, but I'd love to hear what your favorite is. The Diaper Clutch just introduced new designs and even a design your own option!


Cloth-diapering mama? I tested the Diaper Clutch and was pleased to see that it holds at two medium bumGenius AIOs. Personally, I use disposable wipes when I am out, so it works great for me! Non-cloth diapering moms, I got 3 size 4 diapers in it comfortably. I think it's just the right size for running errands, dinner out, or a playdate!

The Diaper Clutch is a must-have for the modern mom that's for sure!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Mom Loves the Cozy Care Cape - a bath must-have for mom and baby!


I got to check out a CozyCare Cape today and I have to say, I love it! The first thing I noticed when it arrived was how professional Spa Time Baby's shipping and packaging is. I have the great pleasure of networking with Debra, one of the company's founders and I just wanted to give her proper credit for how professional her product is!

But what you want to hear is about the cape! This is a brilliant idea, moms! The cape features a waterproof backing and a cozy terry outer to protect you from getting soaked during bath time and allow you to dry baby without struggling with a towel. I love the style of the CozyCare Cape as well.

The set of a CozyCare Cape, CozyCare Mat, CozyCare Cap, and two rubber duckies came elegantly presented in an organza bag. My first thought was how fabulous this would be as a baby shower present - pretty and practical!

The CozyCare Cape starts at 38.95 and you can have it personalized with baby's name if you want!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Coming Friday the Mom Loves Gift Guide: Gifts for Baby!

Watch out for our gift guide featuring 10 cool gifts perfect for a baby in a range of prices!

Next week, we will feature the Mom Loves Gift Guide for Moms!

Have a great suggestion for a must-have, shoot us an email at momlovesreviews@gmail.com

Mom Loves Zip-n-Go - the all weather, portable blanket!


Be sure to enter to win below!


The other day I ran across a great new product (yay for twitter!) The mom behind the product was super friendly and offered to host a fantastic giveaway! I love the zip-n-go Blanket because it's super practical, cute, and compact and its proudly made in the USA!

Jennifer Locke is a mother of two young boys and knows the importance of a product that is easy to use, quality made, and can be put away quickly and neatly. She is the creator of the Zip-n-go Blanket™ (www.zipngoblanket.com) , a weatherproof outdoor blanket that folds and zips to become its own tote bag. This blanket keeps you dry, clean, and hands free! You don't have to worry about keeping track of a separate carrying case or strap. These outdoor blankets are made in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with quality materials. From the highly water resistant Urethane Coated Nylon Oxford Lining, Premium Velour Anti Pill Fleece, to their YKK® Zippers you can be sure you are getting a superior outdoor blanket that is also machine washable. It is the perfect multi-purpose blanket for babies, picnics, soccer games, concerts, camping and dogs. It is great to keep in the car too, when you wish you had a blanket!

From Jennifer:
"The blanket when laid out measures 5 ' by 6' so you will have plenty of room to stretch out or enjoy a picnic. The blanket comes with a inside zippered security pocket to keep your belongings like keys, wallet, and cell phone. The pocket can be easily tucked under the blanket to hide from view. When the blanket is folded and zipped up it becomes it's own tote measuring 18" x 15" x2". The large outside pocket can easily hold magazines, drinks, snacks, toys, diapers and wipes. It can also be custom embroidered with your monogram or name. From Plaids, Damask, Leopard,Children prints to solids, Zip-n-go Blankets offer 12 colors and styles from which to choose. They are priced at $74.99 and every blanket comes with free shipping to all US locations and APO addresses by USPS Property Mail! They make great Christmas, birthday, and baby shower gifts. It is a gift that will last for years to come! Zip-n-go Blankets are so sure you will love their outdoor blanket, they also come with 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Zip-n-go Blanket's mission is to keep you dry and clean, while relaxing and enjoying life where ever you might be!"

You have to love it! Jennifer is generously offering up a Zip-n-Go to one lucky reader in either Bright Paisley, Zoo Animals, or Friendly Sea Life!

WIN IT!



Three ways to enter:
1. Leave a comment below telling me where you'd use your Zip-n-Go!
2. Blog about this giveaway and post a comment here with a direct link!
3. Follow this blog! I just added this function!



Friday, November 14, 2008

Mom Loves Creative Baby Nursery Rooms - finally a nursery design site!


When I was planning my son's nursery, I had a unique dilemma. My mom, who is an amazing artist and specializes in children's rooms, wanted to do a mural. The problem? I could not figure out what I wanted. To my surprise there were hardly any websites devoted purely to baby nurseries!

So I was pleased to find a site the other day that focuses entirely on the nursery, Creative Baby Nursery Rooms. Featuring photos, safety tips, and contests, you will be able to design your dream nursery! After all, what is a nursery but the place where your own dream rests peacefully at night?

Check it out here.


Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Mom Loves Jet Set Babies - traveling just got way easier!

If you're lucky enough to be taking a vacation this year and dragging the kiddos along for the ride, you have to hear about Jet Set Babies! Take a second and try to imagine what your packing list for junior is going to look like - it's not pretty, is it? Diapers, bottles, binkies, wipes, blankets, lotions, shampoo, towels...and I haven't even gotten to clothes yet. Enter Jet Set Babies. Simply order up your babies necessities and pick them up when you arrive at your hotel. Imagine, one less suitcase devoted to items that are probably going to only be used on vacation, unless you like to drag home your dirty diapers from paradise.

Jet Set Babies
makes it easy to order up all the essentials My favorite thing? They not only offer up the traditional gerber food and huggies, but have options to order Earth's Best Organic and Seventh Generation products. A jar of Earth's Best will run you from $.80-1.00 and a jumbo package of Huggies is $13.00 - the same prices as your average grocery store or Target without the hassle of dragging it along.

Plus, Jet Set Babies is set up for travel, s don't worry about forgetting sunscreen or pool toys, they have it all ready to order. Visit their site today.

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Mom Loves ChicoBag - Win One Today!

READ TO LEARN HOW TO WIN ONE!

I love the reusable bag movement, but always forget to take them. I must own 20, but the only ones that get used are my ChicoBags. The reason: they're compact and clip on to my bags. In fact, I'd go as far as to say the design is ingenious.

Just check out the product description:
"The ChicoBag™ should be part of everyone's bag collection. It's easy to store - it stuffs in and out of it's own sack & easy to remember because it has a carabiner that you can attach to your jeans or bag. Made of a strong, washable nylon this bag expands and holds as much as 20 pounds. Made in China with fair wage and fair labor."

I use the bag for groceries, carting around student journals, and dragging packages to the post office. These things are seriously sturdy!

Want your own? Win one!

Three ways to enter:
1. Leave a comment below telling me how you and your family are going green.
2. Blog about this giveaway and post a comment here with a direct link!
3. Follow this blog! I just added this function!



Saturday, November 8, 2008

Mom Loves Giveaways!

More fantastic giveaways!

On Barefoot Mommy
Ali Baubles Inside Out Earrings Giveaway Click Here
Visit Ali Baubles.

BabyBums diaper clutch and onesie giveaway!


Friday, November 7, 2008

Mom Loves Mommy Track'd - stop the chaos!


I juggle grad school, a business, three blogs, a toddler, a marriage, and a house. This at times gets overwhelming. Enter Mommy Track'd, a website devoted to getting your life organized. From insightful, funny articles to their ultimate organizer, Mommy Track'd is the solution for todays multi-tasking mom.

Wait! Did I say multi-tasking? A friend once told me after the birth of my son that motherhood means accepting you can't multi-task anymore. I disagree. I think it means learning how to multi-task again. It's just a different ballgame. So why not check out a place that can help you relearn this valuable skill, you'll be glad you did. Visit their website.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Mom Loves Zeebabee - smart baby and mommy accessories!



You know how they tell you to decorate your nursery in bright colors, or how baby toys have strong contrasting colors? It's because infant's sight develops by looking at high-contrast items. The best combination for an infant - black and white. That's what makes Zeebabee's line of burp clothes and mommy tops so inventive! Where does a newborn look the most? Your shoulder and breast! Zeebabee's designs are modern and hip, but very, very smart!

I'm putting this mom-invented idea right up their with Taggies. The best part, of course, is that Zeebabee is stylish, so moms can enjoy wearing their items and know their babies are benefiting at the same time.


A set of 2 Burp See burp clothes is only $20 and the perfect baby shower gift!

Mom Loves Tactile Baby - quality handmade treasures!


I'm loving Tactile Baby's line of beautiful, unique toys for infants. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of toys that flash, play music, light up - is it a toy or a slot machine? I want something simple and well-crafted that encourages my son's imagination. That's why I love Tactile Baby!

The etsy shop features wooden rolling toys, felted wool rattles, and knit hats. These wonderful toys and accessories would make great Christmas gifts. With prices starting at $9.00, you're sure to find a gorgeous gift for your budget.

Check it out here!


Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Mom Loves Giveaways!

There's a lot of great giveaways being hosted this week! Just click on the giveaway to go to the entry page!

Busy Mommy is giving away an Evenflo Carseat!

Goodies for Mom is giving away a BabyWrappe!

Mammalicious Finds is giving away Kids Lunchbox cards!

The Baby Bloak is giving away a special limited edition holiday Bloak!
I'll add more as I hear about them!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Mom Loves Baby Wit - clever, funky baby and toddler clothes!


It's that magical time of election year, so let's celebrate with some clever, witty baby shirts from Baby Wit Featuring political, funny, and funky styles, this is the shop for the hip young parent.

Baby Wit is no one trick pony though. They have some great bibs, carriers, and other fun accessories featuring stylish fabrics. No Winnie-the-Pooh here! I especially love the Stephen Colbert onesie and the Seascape Burp and Bib Set. There are tons of great baby shower gift ideas.


My husband is getting this one for Christmas! Check it out here!

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Mom Loves Toddler Ideas - for the years past 1!

It seems like there are so many websites devoted to adjusting to the needs of a new baby or helping school age children, but there's a lack of info out there for moms of toddlers. I was thrilled to happen upon this site completely devoted to helping moms of toddlers come up with activities, deal with issues like potty training, and address discipline.

Check out this great post on how to save money on toddler must-haves.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Mom Loves Slinglings - every baby should be a slingling!

When my little one was born, he arrived two weeks early. Not a long time in the grand scheme of things, but one of the items I was still shopping for was a baby sling. I had read all sorts of things about the benefits of baby wearing and I knew I wanted to do it. Since little James came via an unplanned c-section, when he came home, I really needed a sling to help with carting him in and out of the store and car since lifting the infant carrier was a no-no.

So I did some online shopping and found Slinglings. Not only did the store carry a large selection of fabrics, but they were offering a buy 2 get 1 free special. Slinglings are affordable without sacrificing style and since they are offering the buy 2 get 1 free special RIGHT NOW you can get one to suit your every mood. Now you might be thinking, why would I need 3 slings? Well, I bought one for myself, my husband, and my sisters. They all got used! At first, my husband was skeptical, but once he found his baby wearing style, he took James everywhere in it. Much to the delight of everyone in his path (he seriously got stopped 5-6 times a day and asked about it).

I can't say enough positive things about Slinglings. During a time, when my son needed to be extra close to mommy and I was adjusting to motherhood, their sling was a lifesaver. Even now I use it to help carry him on my hip at the store or while cleaning house.

So check out Slinglings and hurry while they're offering that fabulous buy 2 get 1 free sale!

Mom Loves Mom-preneurs!


We've survived the flu! And what better way to celebrate than to start preparing for the holidays! Tip Junkie, an awesome blog, is featuring a showcase of made and sold by moms! There are a lot of fabulous gift ideas and many of the moms are offering special discounts! Check it out!

 
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