Review and Giveaway: My Own Shower CLOSED

 

My daughter has been a huge fan of baths from the beginning.  She loves splashing in the tub, playing with her toys and soaking the entire bathroom in water.  However, since she learned how to stand, it has been difficult to keep her sitting in the tub.   She is all over the place, up and down climbing up on everything.   I was worried about her slipping so we put a bath mat in the tub but I just could not get her to sit.

I gave up on keeping her sitting and moved to showering with her.  It is harder than it seems.  I found it difficult to hold her slippery wiggly body and wash her, all with out dropping her.  Not an easy task!  Have you ever tried washing your hair while holding a wet soapy baby? If not, take it from me, it is difficult.

When Lorri from Rinse Ace contacted me about the My Own Shower, I jumped at the chance to try it out.  Even though Wiggle Bean is only 11 months old, she LOVES the My Own Shower.  It is so much easier for me to sit in the shower with her and bathe her.  She loves catching the water in her mouth and spitting it out just like her Fish My Own Shower.

 It is so easy to use,  just remover the adult shower head,  attach the included quick connector and reconnect the adult shower head.  You can then snap the My Own Shower line to the quick connect when you want to use it.  When it is not connected, it automatically shuts a valve and water only comes out of the adult shower.  

 

The My Own Shower comes in three characters.  You can also purchase extra character heads for only $5.95.

The Rinse Ace® Connector is available in choice of  7 finishes to match the “adult” shower head.

Where to buy:

My Own Shower shower head is available at Lowes, Menards, The Home Depot and other retailers for $15 - $20, in addition to the manufacturer at www.rinseace.com or by calling 1-800-867-4673 and 262-703-0011.

WIN IT!!!

Rinse Ace has  generously offered one lucky Over Thirty Mommy reader a My Own Shower of their own.

How to Enter:
Visit My Own Shower and leave a comment telling me your favorite feature or character. (Please leave a valid email address in your comment or make sure one is visible in your blogger profile).

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

Extra Entries

-   Tell me another product that Rinse Ace sells that you would like to try.
-   Follow Over Thirty Mommy publicly (join followers on right-hand sidebar)
-   Subscribe to Over Thirty Mommy via Reader or email.
-   Follow Over Thirty Mommy on Twitter and tweet about this review/giveaway. (leave link to tweet)

-   Grab my Blog Button, add it to your blog and let me know in your comment where I can find it.
-   Comment on a non-contest post, let me know which article in your comment. (up to 3 entries for this one) 

-   Blog about the giveaway on your site and link back to Over Thirty Mommy and My Own Shower (leave a link to your post in comment) (3 entries!!!)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Please leave a valid email address for winning notification purposes or make sure your blogger profile is public. Good luck!

Winner will be chosen via Random Drawing.  Winners that I am unable to contact or who does not claim their prize within 72 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize.

Giveaway ends midnight PST on January 8, 2010.



Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and fail to include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

**Disclaimer: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.  I did receive a My Own Shower to keep for my testing purposes. This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the product.**

 

Printed Pretty Customized Holiday Cards

Back in August, I came across a blog Mommies Time Out Today.  Kimberly was considering opening an online invitations, birth announcements and holiday card business.  She was looking for feedback on some sample invitations.

At the time of her post, I was in the early planning stages of my sisters baby shower.  Kimberly offered to design custom invites for me, I was thrilled and jumped at the chance to have custom invites for the shower.

I provided her with the details of the shower (i.e Date, time location) and she sent me a fantastic example.

The final invite was done on a green paper.  I received many compliments on the finished invite and my sister loved them.  She got a kick out of the "Lyngheim Zoo" part.

Kimberly recently launched her site Printed Pretty.  Check out the site to see some great custom holiday photo cards.  While it is probably to late to get Holiday cards for this year, (YIKES! Christmas is only 5 days away, where did the year go?) you can get some great ideas for next year.

Thank you for the beautiful invitations, they were just what I was looking for.


**Disclaimer: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.  I did receive a set of custom shower invitations to keep for my testing purposes. This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the product.**

Review: Walgreens Digital Temple Thermometer

About (taken from Walgreens website)

The Walgreens Digital Temple Thermometer utilizes a unique sensor, R.A.T.E (Rapid Accurate Temperature Establishment) that rapidly samples the heat flowing from the blood vessels to the skin surface and translates it accurately to the body temperature.

Features

• Non-Invasive
• Use awake or asleep
• Accurate readout in 6-7 seconds
• Memory recall
• Large backlight display
• Can be used on temple or underarm
• Fever alert
• Over Dose Protection Timer alerts the user when it is safe to give another dose of medicine.
  

Special Note
It takes several minutes for the device to reset between readings.  For best optimal results, wait two minutes between readings.

 Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts

What a great idea!  While I have not had a need (knock on wood!) to need to use this on my infant daughter, my husband needed it after he decided to bring home a cold with him from his business trip to Las Vegas.  I did try it out on Wiggle Bean, even though she was not sick, to see how it worked.  I was a little hard to get her to hold still, she kept shaking her head around.  I assume that it would be easier to get her to hold still if she was not feeling well.  It was easy to use and relatively quick in getting a reading.  I am not 100% on the accuracy but it was a good estimate.  It regularly read her temp at 97.  When tested along side another temple scan thermometer, it read approximately 1/2 a degree cooler.   Overall, it was very convenient and much easier to use than a regular oral or under the arm thermometer.

Where to Buy
Available at Walgreens stores and Walgreens.com.  Regularly priced at $29.99 but on sale right now for $19.99.

Thank you to Mom Select and Walgreens for this review opportunity. 

**Disclaimer: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.  I did receive a Walgreens Digital Temple Thermometer  to keep for my testing purposes. This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the product.**

HUGE RECALL: Window Covering Safety Council Recalls to Repair All Roman and Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation

Window Covering Safety Council Recalls to Repair All Roman and Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) are announcing today a voluntary recall to repair all Roman shades and roll-up blinds to prevent the risk of strangulation to young children. This recall involves millions of Roman and roll-up blinds. About five million Roman shades and about three million roll-up blinds are sold each year.

Here are a few examples of what the recalled blinds look like.  For more photos, see the individual links below.

CPSC has received reports of five deaths and 16 near strangulations, since 2006, in Roman shades and three deaths, since 2001, in roll-up blinds. Strangulations in Roman shades can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Strangulations in roll-up blinds can occur if the lifting loop slides off the side of the blind and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

"Over the past 15 years, CPSC has been investigating window covering hazards and working with the WCSC to ensure the safety of window coverings. We commend the WCSC for providing consumers with repair kits that make window coverings safer and look forward to future steps to eliminate these hazards," said Inez Tenenbaum, CPSC Chairman.

Over the years, CPSC has been investigating deaths associated with different types of window coverings and has worked with the WCSC to address the hazards posed by them. In 1994 and in 2000, CPSC and WCSC announced recalls to repair horizontal blinds to prevent strangulation hazards posed by pull cord and inner cord loops. As a result of CPSC investigations, the industry has modified its products and provides free repair kits for existing horizontal blinds and other window coverings. In October 2009, CPSC issued a new safety alert to warn parents about the dangers associated with window coverings.

Consumers that have Roman or roll-up shades in their homes should contact the WCSC immediately at www.windowcoverings.org or by calling (800) 506-4636 anytime to receive a free repair kit.


Repair Kit Hotline: (800) 506-4636
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
WCSC Media Contact: (212) 297-2100

To help prevent child strangulation in window coverings, CPSC and the WCSC urge parents and caregivers to follow these guidelines:

* Examine all shades and blinds in the home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC and the WCSC recommend the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.

* Do not place cribs, beds, and furniture close to the windows because children can climb on them and gain access to the cords.

* Make loose cords inaccessible.

* If the window shade has looped bead chains or nylon cords, install tension devices to keep the cord taut.


1.  Window Covering Safety Council Recalls to Repair All Roman and Roll-Up Blinds Due to Risk of Strangulation, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10073.html

2.  Near Strangulations of Child Prompts Recall to Repair Roman Shades and Roll-Up Blinds by JCPenney, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10066.html

3.  Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roll-Up Blinds and Roman Shades by Walmart, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10067.html

4.  Strangulation Death of a Child Prompts Recall to Repair Roman Shades by All Strong Industry, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10068.html

5.  Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roll-Up Blinds by Lotus & Windoware: Sold Exclusively at Ace Hardware and Big Lots, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10069.html

6.  Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Matchstick Roll-Up Shades by International Merchandise; Sold Exclusively at Big Lots, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10070.html

7.  Near Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roman and Roller Shades Sold at Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, and PBTeens, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10071.html

8.  Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall of Roman Shades; Sold Exclusively at West Elm, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10072.html

9.  Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall of Roman Shades by Draper Inc., http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10074.html

10.  Near Strangulation of Children Prompts Recall of Roman Shades by Louis Hornick & Co. Sold at Ross Stores, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10075.html

Hard To Get Toys and Christmas Hoarders!

A good friend at work has a daughter that LOVES Melman.  Everything is Melman this or Melman that, it is so adorable.

Walmart released the Merry Madagascar stuffed animals and I meant to go get her one since they were only $9.   I kept putting it off and forgetting.  I happened by them at the store last night but there was no Melman.  They had the Hippo and Lion but no Giraffe.  So I went hunting online and what did I find?  NO MELMAN anywhere!  SOLD OUT, WHAT?  NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Darn it, I waited to long.  Who would have known that the Merry Madagascar Melman would be so popular.  Not me, that it who! If you knew, why didn't you tell me?

You better believe that I am not paying $50 for the $9 stuffed animal at amazon, no matter how cute he is or how much I like my receptionist.



Seriously? $50 for a stuffed animal.  Are you crazy?  Thanks a lot who ever bought him and did not even want him.  You just took him from a little girl that would have snuggled and loved him.  (Guilt!!!! Did it work?  Do you think he felt bad?)

And what is with these Zhu Zhu pets?



I saw a ton (OK, maybe 30) at my local Fredmeyer but everyone online says how hard they are to get.  Did I run back out and buy them all up to sell at outrageously inflated prices? NO!  Why? because I do not want one and why cause some helpless parent grief from not being able to get the one thing their son or daughter wants for Christmas.  I will not be the cause of a child's sadness Christmas morning when Mom or Dad has to explain that they were not going to pay $30+ for a little rat hamster.

Sometimes I wonder how the "IT" gift is chosen each year.  Oprah? Was it you? or maybe Ellen!  Who decided that a hamster would be the most highly desired gift of 2009?  What were you thinking?

What is with the Christmas gift hoarders?  I know you are just out to make a buck by why do it at the expense of potentially ruining some kid's Christmas?  

The year of the Tickle Me Elmo, I stood in line for hours to get one for my nephew.  I ended up buying two but not to sell one to a parent, that did not get up at the crack of dawn and wait in the rain, at a high premium.  I gave my second one away to the giving tree that we have at our office that benefits Foster Children.

Reminds me of the guy at the Vancouver Best Buy this year that was all mad that Best Buy had a limit of 1 laptop per person for Black Friday.   He did not know of the policy until after he and his friends waited inline for over 30 hours. They originally planned to buy at least three laptops apiece and then resell some of the units for a profit.

He was so mad that he decided to just keep the one he was able to get and he does not plan to camp out in front of any stores before Black Friday next year.

GOOD!!! The Fewer the better!  Get out of my lines if you can't abide by the rules!!

RECALL: OSRAM SYLVANIA Recalls Portable Nightlights

OSRAM SYLVANIA Recalls Portable Nightlights Due to Electric Shock Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm 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: LED Rocketship PalPODzzz™ Portable Nightlights

Units: About 26,000

Importer: OSRAM SYLVANIA Products Inc., of Danvers, Mass.

Hazard: The bottom plastic cover on the recharging base of the portable nightlight can break, exposing internal electrical components. This poses an electric shock hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received three reports of the bottom of the recharging base breaking and consumers touching internal electrical components that resulted in minor electric shocks.

Description: This recall involves LED Rocketship PalPODzzz™ portable nightlights with model number 72174. The product can also be used as an emergency light or a flashlight. The nightlight is shaped as a rocket ship and sits in a plastic recharging base that plugs into the wall. The model number and date codes “0808” or “0908” are printed on the label attached to the bottom cover of the recharging base.

Sold at: The Home Depot, Stop & Shop, and other retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com, Smarthome.com, and Sylvaniaonlinestore.com from October 2008 through November 2009 for between $15 and $20.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled portable nightlights and contact OSRAM SYLVANIA for a free replacement portable nightlight and a $5 coupon credit for OSRAM SYLVANIA products.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact OSRAM SYLVANIA at (877)-423-3772 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET or visit the firm’s Web site at www.sylvania.com

---

RECALL ALERT: Amby Baby Motion Beds/Hammocks

Infant Suffocation Deaths Prompt Recall of Amby Baby Motion Beds/Hammocks

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm 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: Amby Baby Motion Beds

Units: About 24,000

Manufacturer: Amby Baby USA, of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: The side-to-side shifting or tilting of the hammock can cause the infant to roll and become entrapped or wedged against the hammock’s fabric and/or mattress pad, resulting in a suffocation hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Amby Baby is aware of two infant suffocation deaths in the Amby Baby hammock. In June 2009, a 4-month-old girl in Lawrenceville, Ga died in a baby hammock and in August 2009, a 5-month-old boy from Gresham, Ore.

Description: The Amby Baby Motion Bed consists of a steel frame and a fabric hammock which are connected by a large spring and metal crossbar. There is only one model of the hammock available which can be identified by a label sewn onto the hammock stating: “Amby – Babies Love It, Naturally.”

Sold online at: Ambybaby.com and other Internet retailers from January 2003 through October 2009 for about $250.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the Amby Baby motion beds/hammocks and contact Amby Baby USA for a free repair kit. Parents and caregivers are urged to find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby.

RECALL: Cake Toys on Children’s Activity Centers

Evenflo Recalls Cake Toys on Children’s Activity Centers Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. 

Name of Product: Evenflo ExerSaucer® 1-2-3 Tea for Me™ Activity Learning Centers

Units: About 66,000 in the United States and 13,660 in Canada

Manufacturer: Evenflo Co. Inc., of Miamisburg, Ohio

Hazard: The candle flame attached to the top of the cake toy can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Evenflo has received 11 reports of the toy flames detaching. Five of the incidents occurred in the United States and six in Canada. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Evenflo ExerSaucer® 1-2-3 Tea for Me™ activity learning centers. The tea party themed toys have a two–tier cake that is light blue, dark pink and yellow. Models included in the recall are 6161834 and 6161920. The model numbers are printed on the packaging and on a label located on the underside of the base of the product. The recommended age for use of this product is 4 months to walking.

Sold at: Toys “R” Us and juvenile product stores nationwide from December 2007 through March 2009 for about $70.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the cake toy from the product and contact Evenflo to receive a free replacement toy. The ExerSaucer® may continue to be used without the cake toy.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Evenflo at (800) 233-5921 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at safety.evenflo.com

Note: Health Canada’s press release can be seen at: http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=900

RECALL: Children’s Plush Books Due to Choking Hazard

Children’s Plush Books Recalled by Simon & Schuster Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm 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: Monday the Bullfrog Plush Books

Units: About 142,000

Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster Inc., of New York, N.Y.

Hazard: The plastic eye on the frog can detach, which may pose a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Simon & Schuster has received reports of three plastic eyes that detached after use and one unit that was packaged with a detached eye. No injuries have been reported.

Description: Monday the Bullfrog is a plush puppet bullfrog with a board book attached to the frog’s mouth. It was sold in clear plastic packaging, and the book is marked with ISBN numbers 10: 1416912312 and 13: 9781416912316 printed inside the mouth of the bullfrog.

Sold at: Bookstores and retailers nationwide and online from January 2006 through November 2009 for about $18.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately place the product out of a child’s reach and contact Simon & Schuster for a free replacement product.

The Mommy-Files Santa Swap

The Mommy-Files occasionally has "swaps".  A swap is where a group of people get together, exchange names and send gifts to one another.  Swaps are a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.  I missed the cut off for the Halloween one but was able to be a part of the Santa Swap.

The 2009 Santa Swap was a huge hit with almost 70 participants.  We each filled out a quick survey to introduce ourselves to our swap partners and to let them know about things we liked.

For the Santa Swap, rather than everyone randomly being assigned names, we exchanged names.   My swap buddy was Katie from Why Bother?.   Katie sounds like a ton of fun.  She has one boy, Jake, age 3 1/2.  Jake, is your typical boy, the good and the bad!  Katie lives in California and recently celebrated her first 1 year anniversary with her boyfriend Joe. (CONGRATS!!! I wish you many more to come).

I mailed out my box on Monday (it should arrive to you soon!!!)  I hope Katie and Jake love all the items I selected for them.  I had a great card for her but forgot to put it in the box, sorry!

My package arrived from her today and my daughter and I had so much fun going through it.  Katie included a great card that explained why she selected each item (I should have thought of doing that).  It was great to read the thought that she put into each item.

My swap partner did a fabulous job capturing me in this box.  I received some Ghiradelli  chocolate squares, YUM!!!! A beautiful bell that my daughter stole already and rang all night.  A cute tigger figurine and pez dispenser (I love Tigger, I have an entire room full of Tiggers).  Katie put in a set of Flip Flop magnets to represent the California beaches.  I bet she had no idea that my office has flip flops on the wall that my co-workers put up after my last trip to Jamaica.  A chocolate oragne with toffee, neve seen one of those before and can't wait to smack that open! There were a couple chocolate Santa's also in there (if you look close enough at the photo, you might notice that one is just a wrapper.  I couldn't wait!).  Katie was also thoughtful enought to put in a pair of Christmas socks and finger puppets for my daughter and a bone for each of my dogs.

Thank you for everything!  I hope you like your box as much as I love (and will enjoy eating) mine.

Merry Christmas! Off to break into the bag of Ghiradelli squares!

If you would like to see what other swap participants received from thier secret Santa's, visit the swap link up here!

Fairy-Gram Winner

Thank you to all who participated in the Fairy Gram Review and Giveaway. We have a Winner!

barbara.montyj said... 2

blog entry 1 http://bmontag.blogspot.com/2009/11/review-and-giveaway-fairy-gram.html

I am about to email you! Please respond within 72 hours! Congratulations!!!!!

Many thanks to Fairy-Gram for this Review and Giveaway Opportunity.

Hot Lunch Dates Winner!

Thank you to all who participated in the Hot Lunch Dates Review and Giveaway. We have a Winner!
#215

charity/ccboobooy said... 15

Following Hot Lunch Dates Blog charity/ccboobooy charisscharity at yahoo dot com

I am about to email you! Please respond within 72 hours! Congratulations!!!!!

Many thanks to Hot Lunch Dates for this Review and Giveaway Opportunity.

MAJOR RECALL: Stork Craft to Recall More Than 2.1 Million Drop-Side Cribs

Infant Entrapment and Suffocation Prompts Stork Craft to Recall More Than 2.1 Million Drop-Side Cribs

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Stork Craft Manufacturing Inc., of British Columbia, Canada, today announced the voluntary recall of more than 2.1 million Stork Craft drop-side cribs, including about 147,000 Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. The recall involves approximately 1,213,000 units distributed in the United States and 968,000 units distributed in Canada.
CPSC urges parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the recalled cribs, wait for the free repair kit, and do not attempt to fix the cribs without the kit. They should find an alternative, safe sleeping environment for their baby. Consumers should contact Stork Craft to receive a free repair kit that converts the drop-side on these cribs to a fixed side.
The cribs’ drop-side plastic hardware can break, deform, or parts can become missing. In addition, the drop-side can be installed upside-down, which can result in broken or disengaged plastic parts. All of these problems can cause the drop-side to detach in one or more corners. When the drop-side detaches, it creates space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. The bodies of infants and toddlers can become entrapped in the space which can lead to suffocation. Complete detachment of drop-sides can lead to falls from the crib.
CPSC, Health Canada, and Stork Craft are aware of 110 incidents of drop-side detachment; 67 incidents occurred in the United States and 43 in Canada. The incidents include 15 entrapments; 12 in the U.S. and three in Canada. Four of the entrapments resulted in suffocation: a 7-month-old in Gouverneur, N.Y.; a 7-month-old in New Iberia, La.; a 6-month-old in Summersville, W.Va.; and a 9-month-old in Bronx, N.Y. Included in these incidents are 20 falls from cribs; 12 in the U.S. and eight in Canada. Fall injuries ranged from concussion to bumps and bruises. The cribs involved in these incidents had plastic drop-side hardware that had broken, missing, or deformed claws, connectors, tracks, or flexible tab stops; loose or missing metal spring clips; stripped screws; and/or drop-sides installed upside-down.
This recall involves Stork Craft drop-side cribs and Stork Craft drop-side cribs with the Fisher-Price logo. This recall does not involve any cribs that do not have a drop-side. This recall does not involve any cribs with metal rod drop-side hardware. It involves only those cribs with plastic trigger and one-hand-system drop-side hardware.
This recall includes Stork Craft cribs with manufacturing and distribution dates between January 1993 and October 2009. This recall also includes Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo that have manufacturing dates between October 1997 and December 2004. The Stork Craft cribs with the Fisher-Price logo were first sold in the U.S. in July 1998 and in Canada in September 1998. The cribs were sold in various styles and finishes. The manufacture date, model number, crib name, country of origin, and the firm’s name, address, and contact information are located on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board. The firm’s insignia “storkcraft baby” or “storkling” is inscribed on the drop-side teething rail of some cribs. In Stork Craft cribs that contain the “Fisher-Price” logo, this logo can be found on the crib’s teething rail, in the manufacturer’s instructions, on the assembly instruction sheet attached to the mattress support board, and on the end panels of the Twinkle-Twinkle and Crystal crib models.
Major retailers in the United States and Canada sold the recalled cribs including BJ’s Wholesale Club, J.C. Penney, Kmart, Meijer, Sears, USA Baby, and Wal-Mart stores and online at Amazon.com, Babiesrus.com, Costco.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com from January 1993 through October 2009 for between $100 and $400.
The cribs were manufactured in Canada, China and Indonesia.
For additional information, contact Stork Craft toll-free at (877) 274-0277 anytime to order the free repair kit, or log on to www.storkcraft.com

Important Message from CPSC:

CPSC would like to remind parents not to use any crib with missing, broken, or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop-side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for disengagement. Any disengagement can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib, especially with tape, wire or rope.
Note: Health Canada’s press release can be seen at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=888
For more information on Crib Safety, visit CPSC's Crib Information Center

Over Thirty Mommy is PR Friendly

Over Thirty Mommy is PR Friendly.

Do you have a product you would like me to review?

Contact me at over30mommy@gmail.com

PR Policies ~

Product review:  we ask you send us the item/product you are wanting a review on. This item is not returned.
Review with giveaway: A second (or more if there will be multiple winners) item is offered to the winner of a contest held at Over Thirty Mommy.  The giveaway item is kept by you and ship directly to our winner/s.  The giveaway item can be the same as the reviewed product, a different product or a gift certificate.
Advertising: Please contact me for my current rates for ad space.

Over Thirty Mommy reviews all types of products that are family friendly.  We reserve the right to decline any products we feel are not a good fit for our site.

Right now, we are especially interested in reviews for car seats, strollers, play kitchens, and  digital SLR cameras (this sponsor will be mentioned in each review, where camera is used, for a period of 6 months).

UPDATE: Car Seat Shopping

UPDATE: I am still car seat shopping, this is a big decision but one I need to make soon since Wiggle is officially to tall for her infant seat.

I was leaning towards the Britax Marathon car seat but one of my readers suggested the RECARO Signo car seat( I have never heard of this seat before).

Does anyone have experience with either of these car seats?

Maybe I should get one of each since I have to buy two (one for me and one for daycare).

Who would have thought that car seat shopping would be such an ordeal.  Not me, that is for sure.

Before Wiggle Bean was born we found a Graco travel system on sale a Target.  It included the Snugride car seat and a full size stroller.  It was a cute pattern and a great price so we bought it with out thinking much about it.  I ever even thought about what I would do when she got a little bigger.  The Snugride fits until 22 pounds and 29 inches.  This is my first baby so I had no idea how quickly they grew but figured this would last at least the first year and probably even longer.

Wiggle is 9 1/2 months and weighs around 18 pounds. So that should give us another good 5 pounds, per the manufacturer, before she is  too big for her infant seat, right?  WRONG!!!  I gave birth to a bean pole.  She is already at (past) the 29' height recommended limit for the seat.

So now the research begins to find the safest most comfortable seat available.  We would like our next seat to last for a while so we are putting a little more effort into the search.  I found some great sites that rate convertible car seats.

After much research I have narrowed it down to 5 (in no particular order)

Britax Marathon and Boulevard

Graco  My Ride 65

Evenflo Symphony

Safety 1st Complete Air and Alpha Omega Elite

Every where I look tells me different things about which one is rated the best so I am turning to you, my readers to tell me your experiences.

Which seat worked best for you and what features did you like or dislike?

RECALL: “Bobby Chupete” Pacifiers Due to Choking Hazard

Grand World Recalls “Bobby Chupete” Pacifiers Due to Choking Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm 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: “Bobby Chupete” Pacifiers
Units: About 641,000
Importer: Grand World Inc., of Maspeth, N.Y.
Hazard: The pacifiers fail to meet federal safety standards. The pacifier mouth guard is too small, posing a choking hazard to infants and toddlers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves “Bobby Chupete” pacifiers. The pacifiers have a ring-shaped handle and heart-shaped mouth guard with two ventilation holes. The nipple is made of latex. “Bobby Chupete” and a picture of an infant are printed on the pacifier’s packaging. The pacifier was sold in aqua, red, white or yellow colors.
Sold at: Various retail stores nationwide from November 2004 through July 2009 for about $1.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumer should immediately take the recalled pacifiers away from infants and toddlers and contact Grand World for a refund or a replacement pacifier.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm 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: “Bobby Chupete” Pacifiers
Units: About 641,000
Importer: Grand World Inc., of Maspeth, N.Y.
Hazard: The pacifiers fail to meet federal safety standards. The pacifier mouth guard is too small, posing a choking hazard to infants and toddlers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves “Bobby Chupete” pacifiers. The pacifiers have a ring-shaped handle and heart-shaped mouth guard with two ventilation holes. The nipple is made of latex. “Bobby Chupete” and a picture of an infant are printed on the pacifier’s packaging. The pacifier was sold in aqua, red, white or yellow colors.
Sold at: Various retail stores nationwide from November 2004 through July 2009 for about $1.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumer should immediately take the recalled pacifiers away from infants and toddlers and contact Grand World for a refund or a replacement pacifier.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm 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: “Bobby Chupete” Pacifiers
Units: About 641,000
Importer: Grand World Inc., of Maspeth, N.Y.
Hazard: The pacifiers fail to meet federal safety standards. The pacifier mouth guard is too small, posing a choking hazard to infants and toddlers.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves “Bobby Chupete” pacifiers. The pacifiers have a ring-shaped handle and heart-shaped mouth guard with two ventilation holes. The nipple is made of latex. “Bobby Chupete” and a picture of an infant are printed on the pacifier’s packaging. The pacifier was sold in aqua, red, white or yellow colors.
Sold at: Various retail stores nationwide from November 2004 through July 2009 for about $1.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumer should immediately take the recalled pacifiers away from infants and toddlers and contact Grand World for a refund or a replacement pacifier.

Review: Chocolate A love Story

Anyone that knows me knows I love everything chocolate.  OK, maybe not everything, I do not like chocolate covered espresso beans (not a coffee fan) and I would not eat chocolate covered grasshoppers (Gross!).  Other than that, I am pretty sure I love everything chocolate.

If I had to rate the types of chocolate it would go Dark Chocolate (the darker the better), White Chocolate (YUM!!!), then milk chocolate (nothing against milk chocolate).

When the opportunity to review a new chocolate recipe book, I jumped on it more because I love chocolate and would love to learn how to make some great treats (way more than wanting to cook, since I am not a great cook!).

Chocolate A Love Story by Max Brenner is so much more than your average cookbook.  This is the bible of chocolate cookbooks.  (can you say that it is a bible of cookbooks without being smitted?)  It contains 65 Chocolate dessert recipes from Max Brenner's private collection.

There are some of the most decadent recipes in this book that I have ever seen.  A few that I am totally drooling over are the Painful white chocolate truffles, Kinky Pavlova, and the Veg-out chocolate cornflake TV wraps.

The art work could be a book on its own.  Yonatan Factor did some amazing work.  It is not your typical cookbook art.  While it would have been nice to see what the finished recipes were supposed to look like, the are is really interesting.  A few of the recipes, like the Veg-out chocolate cornflake TV wraps, have photo type pictures of the actual dessert while other recepis, like the Handsome Tiramisu, have pictures of a car (not sure how that is related to Chocolate).

Product Description: (from Publisher)

With gigantic vats of churning chocolate, desserts like their famous chocolate pizza, and 12 varieties of hot chocolate served in custom mugs, Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man has turned their line of hip, colorful themed restaurants into an international sensation..   Chocolate: A Love Story is a vibrant new cookbook that includes 65 original recipes narrated in the quirky, captivating voice of Max Brenner, the restaurant’s visionary founder and "bald man." Bold original illustrations inspired by Art Deco poster graphics, full-color photographs, easy-to-follow, delicious recipes, and a serving of Max’s unique vision for spreading "chocolate culture" around the world make this book a must for every chocolate lover.

About Max Brenner: (from Publisher)

Max Brenner is a confectioner, businessman, and above all, a passionate lover of chocolate. He began his career as an apprentice throughout Europe, where he worked in the best kitchens alongside renowned pastry chefs. It was in Europe that his love for chocolate evolved into passion, leading him to open a small chocolate workshop in his homeland of Israel. Many years later, Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man is now a thriving international brand, committed to spreading Max’s vision of Chocolate Culture to the world.

Buy it:

Chocolate: A Love Story can be bought for $29.99 US from the Hachette site or from these retailers.

I was given the opportunity to review this product because of my membership at The Product Review Place.


**Disclaimer: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.  I did receive a copy of the book to keep for my testing purposes. This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the product.** 

WINNER: Bath Luve and Matching Buddy

Thank you to all who participated in the Bath Luve and Buddy Giveaway. We have a Winner!
#43

kalea_kane said... 43

I blogged your giveaway. http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/2009/10/contest-time-tick-tock.html This is just sooooo cute!

I am about to email you! Please respond within 72 hours! Congratulations!!!!!

Many thanks to Bath Luve for this Review and Giveaway Opportunity.

RECALL NOTICE: MiaModa Viva/Viva Supreme Child Restraint Mfg. by Lerado

RECALL NOTICE

MiaModa Viva/Viva Supreme Child Restraint Mfg. by Lerado
The harness splitter plate, which is located on the rear of the seat, has sharp edges that can cut the car seat's harness. The base also could crack in a crash. If a crash were to occur, a child wouldn't be adequately restrained and could be injured or killed. The recall affects the following model numbers:

Babies"R"Us Item #	Model #
80385, 80424, 80437, 80445 and 80458	5050
80482	5051
48189, 48367	5070
255231, 255236 and 255244	5080
Not Carried by Babies"R"Us	5000
Not Carried by Babies"R"Us	5001
Not Carried by Babies"R"Us	5081
Not Carried by Babies"R"Us	5071

Los números de modelo están localizados en el lado de la retención de niños y el centro de la Base

To register your Child Restraint and receive a full refund call Lerado toll free at:
(877) 546-8437

Review and Giveaway: Fairy-Gram CLOSED

I was given the opportunity to review the most adorable  Fairy-Gram as a "costume" for my daughter to wear to a baby shower that I was hosting.

As much as I love to put my daughter in Pink (she wore pink under the fairy outfit), I selected the turquoise gram since the shower was for a boy and I wanted her outfit to "match" the decorations.  She was so cute, and was quickly dubbed the Shower Fairy.

We receive the Fairy-Gram shortly before Halloween but I had already decided Wiggle Bean would be a Ladybug this year for her first Halloween.

The Fairy-Gram came beautifully packaged and was waiting on our doorstep when we got home.  The box contained a beautiful Tutu skirt with flower petals between the layers, fabulous fairy wings, 2 butterfly hair clips, a head band, and wand.  The head band was very pretty but Wiggle did not use it because she kept wanting to eat it.  We put it aside to save for when she is a little bigger. We had a bunch of fun with the wand.  We both got great use out of it, it became the official shower wand.

Fairy-Grams come one size fits all and will last many years.  Their website says they fit from ages 1 to 8. Wiggle is 9 1/2 months now and the skirt fit her pretty well with plenty of stretch for her to wear it when she is older.  Her hair is to thin and soft to hold the hair clips so I put them on a headband and they worked perfectly.


About Fairy-Gram (for their site)
Fairy-Gram.com was founded in 2009 by a stay-at-home Mom and her 5 year old daughter. From age 2+, her daughter was always in an outfit, from princesses, to ballerina’s to fairies. Fairies were her favorite and therefore, Fairy-Gram.com was founded, directly from the heart of a 5 year old little girl.

Where to Purchase

The adorable Fairy-Grams can be purchased from Fairy-Gram.com.

WIN IT!!!

Fairy-Gram has  generously offered one lucky Over Thirty Mommy reader a Fairy-gram of their own, in their choice of color!

Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address and be age 18 years or older. If you enter anonymously and fail to include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.

How to Enter:
Visit Fairy-Gram.com and leave a comment telling me which color is you'd like to choose if you won. (Please leave a valid email address in your comment or make sure one is visible in your blogger profile).

You must complete the mandatory entry before doing any extra entries.

Extra Entries

-   Follow Fairy-Gram on twitter.
-   Follow Over Thirty Mommy publicly (join followers on right-hand sidebar)
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-   Follow Over Thirty Mommy on Twitter
-   Add this blog to your Technorati Favorites. Then leave a comment telling me you did so and under what username.  Add to Technorati Favorites

- Grab my Blog Button, add it to your blog and let me know in your comment where I can find it.

- Post a blog about the giveaway on your site and link back to Over Thirty Mommy and Fairy-Gram (leave a link to your post in comment) (3 entries!!!)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Please leave a valid email address for winning notification purposes or make sure your blogger profile is public. Good luck!

Winner will be chosen via Random Drawing.  Winners that I am unable to contact or who does not claim their prize within 72 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize.

Giveaway ends midnight PST on 11/28.

 

I was given the opportunity to review this product because of my membership at The Product Review Place.


**Disclaimer: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.  I did receive a Fairy-Gram  to keep for my testing purposes. This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the product.**

Your lover will love you even more if you get them a pinata

Your lover will love you even more if you get them a pinata

Parenting Advice = Furious

**I did not let her actually eat that candy***

I know that I am a new mom but why do people feel the need to give me unsolicited parenting advice. Who do they think they are to tell me how I should or shouldn't parent my child.  If I make a mistake, that is my problem (so long as it does not jeopardize the safety of my child).

Here is what set me off today: Wiggle Bean is teething her top two front teeth right now and they are on the verge of breaking through.  She is a little more fussy at bed time than usual.  Last night I could not get her to sleep in her crib.  I would get her asleep in my arms but the second that I put her down, she would whimper and cry.  I tried teething tablets but they just were not the same as mommy snuggles.  So I ended up sleeping with her on the bed in her room.

I sent a text over to her daycare provider that said "How is she today? We had a rough sleeping night.  I think her teeth were bothering her?"

Daycare replied back: "She been fine, not fussy at all. She fell 2 sleep n my arms after u dropd her off."

My response: "Not surprising, she looked really sleepy in the car.  She would not sleep alone last night. Only slept if I held her.

Daycare replied: "Oh Mommy u gta stop doen that or else she gna rap u arond her fingr n i knw u wana spoil her bt that can be a mistake n certn situations"

followed by " It ok 2 let her cry, actually good 2 let her cry at times. Seriously i made the same mistake n let Alivia slp wit me at first n was hard 4 her 2 slp alone."

First off her spelling is terrible.  I understand Text speak but OMG, that is horrible. I might have to think twice about having her "teach" my daughter when she is older.

Secondly, what gives her the right to tell me I am making mistakes as a parent.  She regularly tells me that we spoil Wiggle Bean and let her get away with to much at home that she can not do at daycare.

Yes, she is an only child and probably always will be (no intentions of having more children) but she is not "spoiled" to the point she is a brat.  She is a great child and I am frequently told how well behaved she is for only being 9 1/2 months.

I have not yet responded to her parenting critiques.  I do not feel that I am calm enough to reply in a kind manner.


Am I over reacting? Is it common for daycare providers to tell you you are making parenting mistakes?  Would you be upset?

RECALL Update: Maclaren USA Recalls to Repair Strollers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm 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: Maclaren Strollers

Units: About one million

Distributor: Maclaren USA, Inc., of South Norwalk, Conn.

Hazard: The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the stroller’s hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States.

Description: This recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers. The word “Maclaren” is printed on the stroller. The affected models included Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller.

Sold at: Babies“R”Us, Target and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360
.
Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled strollers and contact Maclaren USA to receive a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Maclaren USA toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.maclaren.us/recall