Monday, December 29, 2008

CPSIA Law

Here is a little info from Amy at Journal Modiste about the new laws for all those custom crafters out there.

How you can comply now.

We all know about the new CPSIA law. Face it – it's not going away. It may be amended to make it easier and more cost effective for us to test or it may exempt certain classes of items, but until we receive word from the CPSC, we should go ahead and follow the letter of the law. So what can you do now to comply?

This new CPSIA law is a wake up call and an opportunity for home crafters to make sure our products are truly safe. We shouldn't be pushing for a small business exemption. We can't assume our products are lead free because without testing, we don't really know (we do know that the risk of having lead in textiles or untreated wood is very low but we have to prove it). Don't assume since you bought your supplies in the US, that they've been tested and are safe (most of them are imported anyway). The CPSC doesn't care that you are a one-woman show and that you don't want to hurt anyone. They made a blanket law to cover the bases and expect you to follow it.

Here is a nice presentation and break down of the law.. http://nsf.org/business/toy_testing/presentations.asp?program=ToyTes

On February 10, 2009, you will need to prove the items you sell fall below the 600 ppm requirement for lead testing. If your product falls under a current guideline or ban (like pajamas, loungewear or drawcords for example) you need the General Certificate of Conformity now. (Here is what the CPSC wants on the Certificate: http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/faq/elecertfaq.pdf) It looks like you need to have one on hand for each unique item you produce but I'm not completely sure. You don't have to send it to the CPSC if you sell direct to the consumer but must keep it on file for 3 years. The certificate must accompany each shipment to a wholesale buyer.

Now the CPSC allows a “reasonable" method of testing until August 16, 2009 (or as it seems, March 2009 for metal jewelry?), when you will have to have your items tested by a 3rd party CPSC approved lab. One “reasonable" method seems to be the use of an XRF analyzer. I know Jennifer Taggert of The Smart Mama is offering to test your items for a small fee. There may be other offers as well and I can keep a list as I hear about them.

At the very least contact your supplier or the manufacturer and ask if they have run lead tests. If it is a fabric supplier ask for flammability tests as well. Get those emailed, faxed or sent to you and keep for your files.

Now phthalates are another matter. You must get any items containing plastics tested if it is a toy or child care article for children 12 and younger. According to the CPSC “a children's toy" means a product intended for a child 12 years of age or younger for use when playing, and a “child care article" means a product that a child 3 and younger would use for sleeping, feeding, sucking or teething." Here's the link: http://www.cpsc.gov/ABOUT/Cpsia/faq/108faq.html I don't know much about this part of the law but I know it may apply to some of you if you make bibs, pacifiers, footed pajamas, crib bedding, or if you embellish clothing/accessories using puffy paint or iron-on decals and obviously toys. Anything that may contain plastic.

There is no easy testing method for testing phthalates right now short of sending your items to a lab. Third party testing is required in August 2009 and there is a list of phthalates that are banned on February 10, 2009. However, according to the CPSC, you can still sell your existing inventory after February 10 but you can no longer manufacture products that contain phthalates.

Oh and don't forget about the new tracking labels that need to be applied to every product. Again, I don't know much about them but there is a great article here: http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/cpsia-and-tracking-label-requirements/

We still need to fight the law though. The National Association of Manufacturers has put together a very comprehensive plan for the CPSIA. You can read it here: http://www.toyassociation.org/AM/PDFs/Safety/CPSCPetition1208.pdf. It's a very good plan and a great compromise. Kathleen of Fashion Incubator is encouraging everyone to print this letter and mail it with a statement of your support. The CPSC needs to know.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Yummy Chocolate Cake

I got this in one of my emails and had to share.

The Most Dangerous Chocolate Cake Recipe Ever!!!

  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
  • a small splash of vanilla extract
  • 1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts (high). The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous). And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Check out Inside Out, they are have some great giveaways for the next two weeks.

On the First Day of Christmas: We Kick off 13 Days of Giveaways

13 Days of Giveaways At Inside Out
Black Friday will be anything but. Today marks day one of the 13 Days of Giveaways here on Inside Out - the 12 Days of Christmas becomes a baker's dozen. Every business day for the next few weeks, we'll be putting up one must-have product for someone in your family (yes, even the four-legged friends). And everyday, you'll have a chance to win - some days MANY of you will win.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008


Tip Junkie is having "12 Days of Junkie", to help promote the lovely ladies in the Mom-preneur Shop-a-thon, there will be two winners every day starting today!!!!

Be sure to check back because ...

On November 18th she has a Christmas Card Challenge. To qualify to enter this contest, all you have to do is take a picture or scan your favorite Christmas cards you've made or received and blog about it, old and new.

Then on December 8th there is the Christmas Tree Decorating Challenge. She's looking for tips and advice on how you set up your Christmas tree!

I'm excited about this Holiday season, aren't you? Tip Junkie makes my holiday shopping for sure a lot easier this year by supporting other Moms!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Frustration-Free Packaging

It's about time, I know lots of you will feel the same joyous feeling I did when I found out about this. Jeff Bezos of Amazon.com announced an initiative to "alleviate wrap rage" with Fustration Free Packaging, so far 19 companies have agreed to help end wrap rage, including Fisther-Price, Mattel and Microsoft. They will be replacing the plastic clamshell packaging with smaller, easy to open (and recyclable!) cardboard boxes. According to Amazon.com, this eliminates the need for 1,576.5 square inches of corrugated inserts, 175.25 square inches of PVC blisters, 36.1 inches of plastic-coated steel-wire ties, 3.5 square inches of ABS molded styrene and two molded plastic fasteners. Now that's great news for the environment, as well as our safety - and just in time for the holidays!

Friday, October 31, 2008


Check out the great bloggers on Momdot.com, they are celebrating a Christmas of Dreams starting November 12-27 and ON Nov 28th, we will be celebrating a Christmas of Dreams, where one person will walk away with an entire gaggle of items from sponsors like DYSON, Mutsy, and More!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Like the banner says "Get one while you can..."
things this yummy never last for long.


ChexMix

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Another way to help support Breast Cancer Month.




Band-Aid
Band-Aid

Band-Aid (Special Edition)

It’s wonderful when a practical product - one we buy all the time anyway - decides to step up and support a cause. The makers of Band-Aid will donate 15 cents per sale to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for each specially-marked package of Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages sold in 2008, with a minimum donation of $100,000. Trust us - no parent can ever have enough Band-Aids.


Saturday, October 11, 2008

Giveaway: Bissell Pro-Dry Carpet Cleaner


This is a giveaway that everyone located in the U.S. and Canada needs to enter! MomDot is giving away Bissell Pro-Dry which retails for $199. Go here to learn how to enter.

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Sign up to support your school with Box Tops for Education newsletter and you'll receive a Free sample of custom designed Fruit Roll-ups snack.
US Only.

Fruit Roll-ups

Monday, October 6, 2008


We have all been touched by cancer, somewhere in our lives, please read below and let everyone know.



The New
M&M colors

There are many women out there who have
breast cancer Let's do all we can to support this cause.

New
Pink & White M&M's

The maker of
M&M candies has teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to raise funds through the sale of their new 'pin k & white' M&M candies.

For each 8-ounce bag of the special candies sold, the makers of
M&M(Masterfoods) will donate 50 cents to the foundation. The next time you want a treat, please pick up a bag (now sold in stores nationwide) - you will
be donating to a great cause and satisfying your sweet tooth.
Just think...If each of us buys one bag or two... how much will be donated. Buy a bag for a friend...........


Please let your family and friends know.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Something fun for Friday. I came across this at the goodyblog.

Color Coded

Colorchart Do you need a Friday morning distraction? Test your color IQ by arranging these color chips in order. It might make your eyes cross, but it's fun to see how well you judge tone and hue. (I scored an eight, zero being the best, and I blame any mistakes on my poorly calibrated monitor and the florescent lighting in my office. Excuses, excuses.)

And if you're curious to know what Pantone, the color giants, think is your color, check out Colorstrology.

Monday, September 22, 2008


The Cupcakes Club, along with MomDot, is giving away a 10K Gold, Diamond Cupcake necklace ($250 retail) to a lucky contest winner by simply signing up for a free membership at The Cupcakes Club
and then post a comment on MomDot.com


Monday, September 15, 2008

Halloween bag

OMG! Is it time to start looking for Halloween stuff already???
Check out our latest find at etsy.



Description ••• ••• ••• HALLOWEEN at SEW GRACIOUS ••• ••• •••

• A fun little bag, perfect for collecting candy on Halloween night! Your little princess or pirate can carry a handmade candy bucket . . . much better & more eco-friendly than the plastic pumpkin! ;-)

• Don't have a little one? What a cute Halloween decoration for your home! Fill it with candy & keep it by the door; ready for Trick or Treaters on October 31.


http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15043265

Monday, September 1, 2008

Point to Ponder

Kids have little computer bodies with disks that store information. They remember who had to do the dishes the last time you had spaghetti, who lost the knob off the Tv set six years ago, who got punished for teasing the dog when he wasn't teasing the dog and who had to wear girls boots the last time it snowed.

Erma Bombeck

The Joy of Motherhood

My shirt is almost always dirty, remember to not wear white. On a given day I can have various baby bodily fluids, leaking breastmilk, dog drool, or even chocolate kisses on my shoulder from hugging toddlers.

I haven't been in the bathroom by myself in years. Instead, I go with little helpers handing me towels and toilet paper. ("Mommy, my you have pretty panties" This is especially nice when you are at a public bathroom and there is line of people waiting to go.)

My post-pregnant body is scarred with the battle wounds of pregnancy and breastfeeding... stretch marks, loose skin, c-section scars, and ummm.... fat. I wouldn't change a thing.

I listen to theme songs from the Disney Channel for twenty minutes in the car and then realize the kids are not even in the car!

I let my three year old give me a manicure, and then leave it for weeks, proudly showing it off.

I am responsible for all... lost shoes ("Mom, why can't I find my shoes?!!"), lost clothing and toys, and meals that aren't good ("Why did you cook this? I don't really like it.") When things go wrong, it is all my fault.

My three year old tells me I am beautiful, all the time. Even when I know I don't.

I never feel lonely, or unloved. I hear "I love you, Mommy" daily.

I can have hour long conversations about the wonderful things my children do every day... how much they are learning and growing. I am their teacher.

I love good music and good books and take time to enjoy them regularly. My kids know I love good books and good music, and I hope they will one day enjoy it too.

I'll never look back and wish I had more time to play with my kids.

When everything goes right, I get credit for that too. Completely rewarding.

The joy of motherhood.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

An easy, no bake Halloween treat, that is fun to eat.
Spooky Witch Hat Cookies

Take Oreo® cookies and place them on wax paper. Place an unwrapped Hershey's kiss in the middle of the cookie attaching it with a dab of frosting. With orange colored frosting, pipe a ring around the candy kiss to look like a hat band.
These are great to take to school for a quick treat.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Toddler's Creed

This is so true, especially with my little one:)

If I want it, it's mine. If I give it to you and change my mind later, it's mine. If I can take it away from you, it's mine. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine. If we are building something together, all of the pieces are mine. If it looks like mine, it's mine. If it's mine it will never belong to anyone else, no matter what.

Monday, August 25, 2008

What is a home without children? Quiet.
~Henny Youngman