Thursday Thirteen - My Little Swimmer!

A VERY smart mama move by me this summer was enrolling my 21 month old in swimming lessons. Down here in South Florida, drowning is the leading cause of death for young children. I was recommended to Little Swimmers (http://www.littleswimmers.net/). Their program is intensive and works! After my munchkin's 1st 5 days of lessons she could successfully manage herself to the pool wall if she were to fall in! We're completing our 2nd set of lessons this week and her progress is remarkable! She's already learning how to swim/kick to the wall from more than 5 feet away! I truly thank the dedication and patience of the awesome Little Swimmers staff!

Wordless Wednesday - Ribbit!

Last night as I sat at my kitchen counter typing up the Recall Wednesday post, I glanced up towards my large window and I was VERY much surprised to see a HUGE frog suctioned to my window. I watched him through the glass, enjoy some yummy mosquitoes for dinner!
Look!

Upclose!!

Recall Wednesday - air pistol cylinder, vacumn, bike, wooden toys, baby rattle, magnets, and rope!

I have received 10 recalls this week. Please review the items listed below.

The information comes directly from the email notifications from the CPSC.

1. Name of Product: Walther Air Cylinders for Air Pistols

Hazard: The cylinders can burst when in use and/or while being filled, posing a risk of serious injury to consumers.

Description: The recalled Walther air cylinders for air pistols are aluminum and involve model 2/WALTHER , 85 cm3, with the imprinted test date between 6 00 and 6 01 2000/2001 located on the end of the cylinder.

Sold by: Champion's Choice store in La Vergne, Tennessee and International Shooters Service in Ft. Worth, Texas from 2000 through 2002 for about $47.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the cylinder labeling, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08338.html

2.Name of Product: Dirt Devil Vacuum Power Brush Attachment Tools

Hazard: Plastic pieces inside the vacuum tool can break apart and be ejected, posing a laceration hazard to consumers.

Description: The recalled Dirt Devil Turbo Tool/Power Brush attachment was sold as an accessory with the following Dirt Devil vacuum models. Only vacuum tool accessories with date codes J7060 through J7365 and have a C-clip connector are included in this recall. The date code is located on the underside of the vacuum accessory. The Turbo Tool/Power Brush tools are about 6 ½ inches long by about 5 inches wide and come in a variety of colors that match the color of the vacuum. The housing of the tool was made in clear, red, green, or light blue with clear, light blue, dark blue, red, purple, or black turbine fans with matching brush rolls.Dirt Devil Vacuum Models:

M110000, M110000HD, M110001B, M110002, M110003, M110006, M110008, M110008CA, M110009

Purpose for Pets: M140000, M140000CA

Ultra Swivel Glide: M086020

Envision Wide Glide: M086700WCA, M086710

Swerve: M086030, M086030CA

Action Upright: M110020CAB

Royal Commercial: RY6100

Sold at: Mass merchandisers, home improvement stores and other retail stores nationwide from April 2007 through April 2008 for between $60 and $170 for the vacuum cleaner, including accessory tools.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08339.html

3. Name of Product: Reebok Studio Exercise Cycles
Hazard: The alloy cranks on the exercise cycles can break during use, posing a laceration and abrasion hazard to users.

Description: The Reebok Studio Cycle is an upright exercise bike used primarily in fitness centers and other institutional settings. The recalled bicycle is black with silver cranks. The unit has an internal belt drive. The base of the bicycle is a single piece that is welded to the frame. The legs are two straight horizontal bars with rounded edges. There is a logo located on the side of the exercise cycle that shows a person riding a bicycle.

Sold by: F.A.I. to health clubs and specialty fitness dealers nationwide from 1997 through 2000. The bicycles were not sold directly to consumers.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08340.html

4. Name of Product: "Sky Scrambler" and "The Sharper Image" Wireless Indoor Helicopters

Description: The "Sky Scrambler" and "The Sharper Image" toy helicopters have yellow, red or blue decals. BH26047 is printed on the Sky Scrambler's tail. "The Sharper Image" is printed on the tail of "The Sharper Image" helicopters.

Sold at: Mass merchandisers, department stores, drug stores, and other retail stores nationwide, and on the Web from June 2007 through May 2008 for about $20.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08341.html

5. Name of Product: Santorini Chairs

Hazard: The seat weld can fail and allow the chair to collapse, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Description: This recall involves Santorini outdoor stacking chairs. The black metal chairs have vertical bars on the back and horizontal bars across the base.

Sold at: Cost Plus and World Market stores nationwide from January 2008 through April 2008 for about $50.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08342.html

6. Name of Product: Bright Starts Ring Rattles

Hazard: The tip of the rattle's antenna, which is attached to a bee figure, can detach and pose a choking hazard to small children.

Description: The soft toy rattle is a bee with a yellow head, ring-shaped green body, blue/green wings and purple/red antennas. Model number 8534 and date code PA8 are printed on a sewn-in label on the bee's head.

Sold at: Toy stores, mass merchandisers, and other retail stores nationwide from January 2008 through June 2008 for about $2-3.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08343.html

7. Name of Product: Classic Horseshoe Magnet

Hazard: The plastic coating on the magnets contains excessive levels of lead, which violates the federal lead paint standard.

Description: This recall involves the Classic Horseshoe Magnets. The 6-inch tall horseshoe magnet has a red plastic coating on the "handle" end. Each "foot" of the magnet has an engraved "S" or and "N."

Sold at: Specialty retail stores and educational supply distributors nationwide from March 2003 through April 2008 for about $10.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08344.html

8. Name of Product: U-shaped Magnets, Bar Magnets, Magnet Sets and Magnet Needle Sets

Hazard: The paint on the magnets can contain excess levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Description: Magnets included in the recall:



"Large" and "Small" U-shaped Magnets: These magnets are in the shape of a "U" or horseshoe. One half of each magnet is painted red and is imprinted with the letter "N"; the other half is painted blue, and is imprinted with the letter "S".

"Large" and "Miniature" Bar Magnets: These magnets are in the shape of a bar. The magnets are painted half red and half white. The red half is imprinted with the letter "N" and the white half is imprinted with the letter "S".

Magnet Sets: This set contains a small u-shaped magnet, two small bar magnets, and two small compasses. All magnets are painted half red and half white. The red half is imprinted with the letter "N" and the white half is imprinted with the letter "S". The package is labeled "Magnets & Compasses."

Magnet Needle Sets: This set contains 10 sets of small cone-shape bases and elongated-diamond-shaped magnets which can be fastened into the bases. The magnets are painted half red and half white.

Sold through: Distributors nationwide which sell to educational institutions, including colleges, high schools and middle schools. A small number were sold through educational stores nationwide from April 2000 through February 2008 for about $9.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08345.html

9. Name of Product: Maxim Apogee and Maxim Pinnacle Dynamic Climbing Lines/Ropes

Hazard: The climbing lines can break, posing a serious fall hazard for climbers.

Description: Two types of climbing ropes have been included in this recall, the Maxim Apogee 9.1mm and Maxim Pinnacle 9.5mm. The Maxim Apogee 9.1mm is a 48 carrier climbing rope. The colors are yellow and black, and red and yellow. The model numbers are 3411-91 and 3415-91, with date codes 060801 thru 080601. The UPC codes are: 75396312299, 75396312298, 75396312301, and 75396312300. The Maxim Pinnacle 9.5mm is a blue 48 carrier climbing rope. The Model number is 3403-95, with date codes 070201 thru 080601. The UPC codes are 75396312292 and 75396312293. The date codes and the UPC codes are on the original packaging.

Sold at: Retailers nationwide from August 2006 through June 2008 for between $180 and $262.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08346.html

10. Name of Product: Wooden Toys

Hazard: The recalled toys contain small parts or can break into small parts, posing a choking hazard. The recalled rattles violate the federal rattle standard. Some of the toys also have a string longer than 12 inches, which can pose a strangulation hazard to young children.

Description: This recall involves a variety of wooden toys including egg shakers (maracas), pull toys, rattles, and trains. The toys are painted glossy red, orange, green, brown, yellow or natural wood.

Sold at: Earthentree's Web site, Fairs, Trade Shows and retail stores nationwide from December 2007 through May 2008 for about $7 to $34.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08347.html

Tackle It Tuesday - The Cleaning Shelf

As you know I'm a Grocery Game junkie (see right bar for more info). This week's tackle has to do with the ridiculous amount of cleaning supplies that I have stocked up on over the last 2 months! All I can say is that I won't be buying air freshener until 2020!!!

Cleaning Shelf BEFORE

Cleaning Shelf AFTER

Munchkin Monday - Meet Munchkin Bryce!

This week's ADORABLE Munchkin Monday is....


Name: Bryce

Age: almost 2 years!

Birth date: August 1, 2006

Likes: Eating food, playing in the pool, reading books (or so he thinks).

Dislikes: Being told “no” and diaper changes.

Smarty Pants Product of the Week - Hiphop Howie and His Pal ... by FreckleBox

Product

Hiphop Howie and His Pal .... by FreckleBox

Smarty Pants Review
As many of you know, I am a teacher at heart - dedicting nearly 10 years in an elementary school! I am a stong advocate of reading to your child each day.

I came across FreckleBox some time ago when I was searching for neat books to have for my munchkin. What I LOVE is that FreckleBox personalizes the books to your child's name! This alone makes it much more motivating for a child to listen to or read a story. The Hiphop Howie story takes the child on the adventure of rhyming words with Howie the frog. It's such a cute story!
Why is it a Smart Mama Product?
The smile on my munchkin's face when she heard her name throughout the book makes it surely a Smarty Pants Product! I also love it because the book will grow in use as she gets older. Right now we enjoy it for her facination with the main character (her) and the rhyming sound, very similar to Dr. Seuss. In a few years I'll be able to devote more time to the actual rhymes, and why the words rhyme.

Website
http://www.frecklebox.com/

Retail Price
Soft cover - $19.99. Hard cover $34.95

Smarty Pants Product Giveaway
Product
Hiphop Howie and His Pal ...(your's munchkin's name)

Retail Value $19.99
Giveaway Entry Dates Today – Sunday, August 3, 12:00 PM EST
Giveaway Winner Announcement Sunday, August 3, 2008

How to Enter Post a comment to this blog entry sharing your favorite bedtime story!
Other Tiny Details Product will only be mailed within the 48 continental states. One entry per person. I will contact the winner via e-mail by August, July 4, so please be sure I know how to get in touch with you if you win!!! If no contact info is provided it automatically disqualifies your entry.

And the winner is.....Congrats to Kagey10!!!

Drum roll please.....and the winner for the Basq Citrus Body Polish is...KAGEY10!!

kagey10 said...
These kinda products make me feel relaxed because I lock the door make sure everyone has someone else watching them before i lock myself away and go relax and soak and scrub away. it is that time of day )once a year) that I get some precious time alone.

Congratulations Kagey10!! I will be contact with you this week to coordinate the shipping of your Basq Citrus Body Polish!!!

Be sure to come by this week to see the next Smarty Pants Product of the Week!!!

Smiles :-)
Caroline

Winner picked at random via Random.org.
Here are your random numbers:15
Timestamp: 2008-07-27 17:43:50 UTC

What do you do on a rainy day??!?! Make cookies!!!

Recall Wednesday - ATV, Bicycle, TV Stand, Log Splitter, Binkie & Lighting

There have been a number of recalls issued by the CPSC in the past week. Please review the postings below and check your homes.
The information below comes directly from the email listsrv notifications I received.


Name of Product: SLA90 Youth All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)

Hazard: The youth ATV lacks front brakes, a manual fuel shut-off, and padding to cover the sharp edges on the handlebar assembly. Additionally, the vehicle is sold without a tire pressure gauge or adequate flag pole bracket. The defects could lead to young drivers losing control of the ATVs, which poses the risk of serious injuries or death.

Description: The recalled SLA90 ATVs are intended for children between the ages of 12 and 15 years old. The recalled SLA90 ATVs were available in the following solid colors: red, blue, yellow, green. The ATVs were available in the following camo colors: pink, brown, green, and blue. The word "Sunl" is on the front side of the ATV. The recalled units have one of the following Vehicle Identification Numbers:

TT05035366 TT05035376 TT05035386 TT05035396 TT05035406

TT05035416 TT05035426 TT05035436 TT05035446TT05035367

TT05035377 TT05035387 TT05035397 TT05035407 TT05035417

TT05035427 TT05035437 TT05035447TT05035368 TT05035378

TT05035388 TT05035398 TT05035408 TT05035418 TT05035428

TT05035438 TT05035448TT05035369 TT05035379 TT05035389

TT05035399 TT05035409 TT05035419 TT05035429 TT05035439 TT05035449TT05035370 TT05035380 TT05035390 TT05035400

TT05035410 TT05035420 TT05035430 TT05035440 TT05035450

TT05035371 TT05035381 TT05035391 TT05035401 TT05035411

TT05035421 TT05035431 TT05035441 TT05035451TT05035372

TT05035382 TT05035392 TT05035402 TT05035412 TT05035422

TT05035432 TT05035442 TT05035452TT05035373 TT05035383

TT05035393 TT05035403 TT05035413 TT05035423 TT05035433

TT05035443 TT05035453TT05035374 TT05035384 TT05035394

TT05035404 TT05035414 TT05035424 TT05035434 TT05035444 TT05035454TT05035375 TT05035385 TT05035395 TT05035405

TT05035415 TT05035425 TT05035435 TT05035445 TT05035455

TT05035456 TT05035463 TT05035470 TT05035477 TT05035484

TT05035491 TT05035498 TT05035505TT05035457 TT05035464

TT05035471 TT05035478 TT05035485 TT05035492 TT05035499 TT05035506TT05035458 TT05035465 TT05035472 TT05035479

TT05035486 TT05035493 TT05035500 TT05035507TT05035459

TT05035466 TT05035473 TT05035480 TT05035487 TT05035494

TT05035501 TT05035508TT05035460 TT05035467 TT05035474

TT05035481 TT05035488 TT05035495 TT05035502 TT05035509

TT05035461 TT05035468 TT05035475 TT05035482 TT05035489

TT05035496 TT05035503TT05035462 TT05035469 TT05035476

TT05035483 TT05035490 TT05035497 TT05035504

Sold through: SunL Group dealers nationwide and Web retailers from May 2005 through March 2007 for between $400 and $500.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to:

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08333.html

Name of Product: TV Stands

Hazard: The stability of the stand does not meet industry standards to prevent TV tip-over, posing a risk of injury or death to consumers.

Description: This recall involves "Silhouette" TV stands with black or brushed silver and black frames and three glass shelves. Models included in the recall are 403650 (brushed silver and black) and 404191 (black). Model numbers are printed on the packaging and instruction sheet.

Sold by: Shopko and Boscov's stores nationwide from September 2007 through June 2008 for about $140.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08331.html

Name of Product: Engines used in SpeeCo and Huskee Brand Log Splitters

Hazard: The engine's fuel tank can crack and leak, posing a risk of fire or explosion.

Description: The recall involves Honda engines (model type GCV160LA N1A) used in Split Master by SpeeCo and Huskee brand log splitters. Only engine serial numbers between 5547012 and 6880908 are included in the recall. The serial number is located below the upper shroud near the oil dip-stick. The following models of log splitters are affected by the recall and are either silver/black or red/black colored.

Huskee Log Splitter

LS401227TS (22 Ton)

LS401228NO (27 Ton)

SpeeCo Split Masters

LS401228SP (22 Ton)

LS401227NO (22 Ton)

LS401225NO (25 Ton)

Sold at: The log splitters with the recalled engines were sold at outdoor power equipment dealers and Tractor Supply stores nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $1,150 and $1,500.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08332.html

Name of Product: Indoor Lighting Fixtures

Hazard: A thermal protector could be missing from the lighting fixtures, posing a risk of overheating and fire.

Description: The recalled fixture is a ceiling-mounted downlight. Model number LV3R is included in this recall and is printed on a UL label inside the light's housing.

Sold at: Electrical distributors and electrical sales representatives nationwide from April 2007 through May 2008 for between $60 and $80.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08335.html

Name of Product: It's My Binky's Personalized Pacifiers

Hazard: The pacifier button, ring handle and shield with nipple can detach, posing a choking hazard to infants.

Description: The recalled pacifiers have "Japlo" imprinted on the front of the pacifier shield at the bottom, center. The pacifiers were sold in blue, white and pink with various words or designs printed on the button of the pacifier. Examples of text and symbols printed on recalled Japlo pacifiers include but are not limited to the following:

BLUE (pacifier w/text)

Image of a skull (no text)stud

muffin

prince charming

my mom rocks

mute button

my dad rocks

momma's boy

insomniac

future ceo

little monster

flirt
bad to the bone

WHITE (pacifier w/text)

image of a skull (no text)

stud muffin

prince charming

princess

my mom rocks

mute button

little monster

future ceo

daddy's girl

born to shop

PINK (pacifier w/text)

spoiled

princess

my mom rocks

mute button

my dad rocks

insomniac

future ceo

flirt

daddy's girl

born to shop

Sold at: Nordstrom and baby boutique retail stores nationwide and online at http://www.itsmybinky.com/ from February 2006 through June 2008 for between $5 and $6.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08336.html

Name of Product: Amsterdam Bicycles

Hazard: The interior alignment tabs of the bicycle's chainguard can be pushed against the chain causing it to derail, which poses a risk of injury to riders.

Description: This recall involves some Amsterdam model bicycles in the Classic 3, Original 3, Royal 8, and Sport 3 styles. The bicycles have an enclosed chainguard. "Electra" and "Amsterdam" are printed on the bicycle's frame and/or chainguard. Bicycles with frame numbers beginning with "F06" or "EL" or bicycles with chainguards marked "06/08" are not included in this recall. The frame number is located on the underside of the bottom bracket.

Sold by: Authorized Electra Bicycle dealers nationwide from January 2007 through June 2008 for between $400 and $850.

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08337.html

Tackle It Tuesday - The Coupon Binder

As you know, I'm a HUGE Grocery Game (http://www.thegrocerygame.com/) fan! I have saved well over $1000 since Memorial Day! Each Sunday I save the coupon inserts from my paper and my mother's. I also normally cut and organize the coupons by brand on Sunday and place them in a 3 ring binder. I purchased baseball card holder inserts to hold the coupons (one page for each letter of the alphabet.) Anyway, essentially I am VERY organized. The last few weeks things have been a little crazy, and coupon cutting and sorting has not been on the top of my list. Today I vow to cut, sort and store the ridiculous amount of coupons I have.




Here's the disaster....




Here's the outcome...



Smiles,

caroline

PS - Please see my Grocery Game savings tracker to the right for referral information at The Grocery Game. Thanks :-)