Did somebody dial 911?!

So…we’re enjoying a nice leisurely Saturday afternoon at the in-laws, when the doorbell rings.  It’s a police officer checking into a 911 call from their house.  Hayden was apparently playing with one of the phones and dialed 911.  What a little turkey!  

I had a wonderful mother’s day and hope you all did too.  As usual, when a holiday weekend rolls around, I end up getting way behind.  So today’s post is playing a little catch up. 

First things first…

Since the first chosen winner from our inaugural giveaway did not claim her prize, I chose a different winner by random number generator last week.  Lucky number 5--congrats Tabitha!  The set of boutique baby washcloths has been mailed.  Thanks again to everyone who took the time to enter.  Be on the look-out for more giveaways in the coming months.

And, how can a week go by without another recall notice?  Kolcraft is recalling Tender Vibes bassinets with model numbers KB021-ARC, KB022-VER, KB039-CMR1 and Light Vibes bassinet with model number KB043-BNT1. 

The latches that attach the bassinet base onto the metal frame can appear to be locked in place but still remain unlocked. This allows the bassinet to become detached from the metal frame, causing the bassinet to fall and the infant to be injured.

The model number for your bassinet can be located on one of the legs of the metal frame.  Kolcraft is providing a free repair kit and instructions for securing the latches to the metal frame.  To request your free repair kit, contact Kolcraft directly at (888)624-1908.

On the sewing front, I completed a new baby girl lovey last week. 

This lovey features lovely prints from the fabric collection Hushabye by Tula Pink, cozy chocolate brown flannel, and very soft cream minky.  Each square is quilted with a classic X pattern, and the borders and edges are hand snipped to achieve a fluffy tactile delight for your little girl.

It’s available for sale here at my Etsy shop.

Help me reach my next facebook milestone.  When Posh Patooties reaches 200 Facebook fans, I’m going to host another giveaway. 

Have a terrific week!

Nicole

Blessings and love-y

Whew…finally a week with no recalls! 

We kicked off a terrific week in our household Sunday with the christening of our precious baby girl.  Sophie was a little angel sleeping throughout the ceremony.  Not even a peep when the deacon poured that freezing cold water on her head!  We feel very blessed to have two beautiful healthy children.

To top it all off, that night Sophie slept 8 hours straight…gotta love that ;-) .

Hayden transitioned seamlessly out of his crib into his “big boy” bed.  We had a week of fun filled outings at the zoo, butterfly museum, and local parks and even managed to buy mommy a new car!

 

Plus, both kids took two-hour naps every day, so I got in some much needed cleaning and sewing time.  All in all a fantastic week.

Hubby promises that I’ll have all the sewing time I want over the next two weeks before he goes back to work, so keep an eye out for more product listings.

The product of all that sewing time this week is this gorgeous baby boy lovey on sale at our Etsy shop today.

It features beautiful prints from the fabric collection Spa by Rosemary Lavin, cozy chocolate brown flannel and deliciously soft, cream minky.  Each square is quilted with a classic X pattern and the borders and edges are hand snipped to achieve the fluffy, raggy effect.

Can’t wait to get back behind the sewing machine and work with some of the other beautiful fabrics recently in the shop.

I hope you all have a great week.

Nicole

Recalls galore, and the winner is...

**UPDATE**

I have not yet received a response from our giveaway winner with a mailing address so that I might mail out her prize.  If I have not heard from her by Wednesday night at 11:59 PM, I'm going to pick a different winner by random number generator.  Also, just wanted to let those of you know who were affected by the bunny cup recall, I returned the offending cup to Target and received a refund of $3 and change, no problems.  Hope everyone else has a similarly easy experience.  

Be on the lookout for a new product announcement within the next 24 hours.  Hint:  It matches the washcloth set from the giveaway.  

********************************************************************************

 

After a tough case of food poisoning, my hubby was finally well enough for us to leave on vacation early last week.  We had a blast visiting family in Florida near Destin.   

Hayden wasn’t enamored with the beach like we thought he would be.  In fact, he was down right terrified of the sand.  Notice the death grip he has on Bryan's shirt!  This too shall pass me thinks.

I promise, not every blog topic will be about consumer product recalls, but I do have a couple to tell you about today.

But wait!!!  We have a winner from our first ever giveaway.  Selected by a random number generator…drum roll please…lucky number 7.  Lee!  Congratulations Lee and thanks to everyone else who entered.  We’ll have more giveaways in the future, so keep an eye out!  Lee, be sure to send me your contact information so I can mail out your prize!

Now on to the recalls:

I’m sad about this first one…Target is recalling a bunny sippy cup that the Easter Bunny left Hayden this year.  He loved it.  I guess better safe than sorry though, so it will be going back to the store.

The ear that sticks up on the cup can poke the child in the eye when they drink out of it.  The cups can be identified by imprints on the bottom: "TARGET 200020683" for pink and "TARGET 200020884" for the blue.  Return the cup back to Target for a full refund.

Manhattan Group LLC is recalling Whoozit® Starry Time baby rattles.

The clear balls on either end of the rattle can break releasing small parts that are a choking hazard for small children.  The recall notice does not specify a model number or dates that it was sold, so you should visit Manhattan Groups website here for more information on the recall to find out if your rattle is involved in the recall.  If so, they can be returned to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.

As we get ready to baptize Sophie on Sunday, I wish you all a safe and blessed weekend.

Nicole

First ever giveaway, and yet another recall…

Let’s jump right in to the recall news.  Drop-side cribs sold exclusively at JC Penny are being recalled due to possible entrapment leading to strangulation and suffocation.

Nan Far Woodworking Co. is recalling Rockland Furniture brand drop-side cribs imported and sold by JCPenney from 2005 to 2008.  The wooden cribs used plastic hardware to attach the drop side.  The drop-side can malfunction, detach or fall creating a space in which the child can become entrapped possibly leading to strangulation or suffocation.  

Models involved in the recall are:

343-8124 Nightingale Spindle Drop-Side Crib
343-8280 Cottage Standard Drop-Side Crib Version 1
343-8271 Cottage Standard Drop-Side Crib Version 2
343-9105 Drop-Side Crib and Changer
343-8191 Renew Standard Drop-Side Crib
343-8192 Renew Convertible Drop-Side Crib

The model number can be found on a rectangular label located on the lower portion of the headboard panel.

Nan Far Woodworking is providing a free repair kit to immobilize the drop-side.  For more information and to request your free repair kit, click here.

On a more fun note…

I had time this week to cut into some of my favorite fabrics—Spa by Rosemary Lavin.  With my sweet baby’s help, strapped on in her Baby Bjorn, we made a couple boutique wash cloth sets.  One of these sets is today’s giveaway.

The other can be found here at our Etsy shop.

We’re about to go on vacation, so I’ll pick the winner in two weeks by random number generator.  There are multiple ways to enter the giveaway:

1)      Leave a comment below on this post.

2)      Follow this blog, and leave a comment to that effect below.

3)      Like us on facebook, and leave a comment to that effect below.  If you already like us on facebook, just leave a comment below telling us so.

That’s three chances to win!!  Be sure to leave an email address in your comment if you post anonymously so I can contact you when you win.

The giveaway is now closed.

Have a great weekend!

Nicole

Recall Notice: Topeak Babyseat II Bicycle Carrier Seats

Unfortunately, they just keep coming!  If you like to bike with your little one on board, you might want to read on… 

Todson is recalling Topeak Babyseat II bicycle carrier seats due to a possible laceration/fingertip amputation risk. 

A child can place his or her fingers in the opening at the grab bar's hinge mechanism. When the grab bar is lifted to remove the child from the seat, the child's fingertips can be caught in the hinge mechanism, possibly severely injuring the child’s finger(s).

Models involved in the recall are TCS2100, TCS2101 and TCS2102.  The model number can be found on the product’s packaging.  If you no longer have the product packaging, click here to determine if your product is involved in the recall. 

They are providing retro fitted hinge cover and instructions for installation.  To obtain your retro fit kit, click here.

Our very first giveaway will be posted sometime tomorrow.  Be on the lookout for the announcement with instructions on how to enter!

Happy and safe biking!

Nicole

Another Babka???

Yet another recall!  Did you buy one of these shirts?

Happy Shirts is recalling Big Movers Super Car toy trucks that were given away with the purchase of a Big Movers navy t-shirt in boys’ sizes S, M, and L between February and March 2012.  The 4-inch long blue trucks have over-sized tires and a flashing light on top and were sold with a yellow, red and blue logo on the hood.  Connections in the toy truck's battery compartment can smolder or catch the trucks on fire, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. 

Although the recall notice says additional information can be found on the Happy Shirts website, I only found a link pointing back to the recall notice.  It doesn’t look like a replacement will be given out; however, for instructions on returning the truck for a refund, contact them by phone toll free at (855) 354-2779.

If you received one of the recalled toy trucks and are successful at obtaining a refund, please come back to this post and comment on your experience.

Be on the lookout for our first give away coming up next week.  I’ll give you a hint…it will involve items made from one of my favorite fabric collections—Spa by Rosemary Lavin.

Have a great weekend!

Recall Notice: Lakeshore Learning Materials Feels Real Baby Dolls

One more recall notice today…apparently the appendages on these dolls can come off and pose a choking hazard.

The affected dolls were sold between May 2011 and January 2012 including items numbers DS301-Black Feels Real Baby Doll, DS302-Asian Feels Real Baby Doll, DS303-White Feels Real Baby Doll and DS304-Hispanic Feels Real Baby Doll.  They can be identified by their production number, 550200, which can be found on the smaller label sewn into the back of each doll’s diaper.

If you are in possession of one or more of the affected dolls, discontinue use immediately and submit the information requested here to receive a replacement doll.

Hopefully that’s it on the recall front for a while.  Happy Tuesday!

Nicole

Recall Notice: Safety 1st Push 'n Snap Cabinet Locks

As our children’s safety is my number one priority, I will do my best to stay informed about all children’s product recalls and will share that information with you as it becomes available.  

If you are currently using Safety 1^st Push 'n Snap Cabinet Locks, as pictured here,

you should read the following recall notice issued by Dorel Juvenile Group and take the appropriate measures to ensure your child’s safety.

Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are conducting a recall of the Safety 1st Push ‘n Snap Cabinet Lock, Model Nos. 48442 and 48391 manufactured prior to December, 2010.

Young children can disengage the cabinet locks, allowing access to cabinet contents and posing the risk of injury due to exposure to dangerous or unsafe items.  Consumers who own a recalled cabinet lock should click on the link below to obtain a free replacement cabinet lock.

Dorel Juvenile Group will contact all registered owners and provide them with information on how to obtain a free replacement cabinet lock.  The affected cabinet lock should not be returned to the retailers.  Consumers with further questions may contact us at 1-866-762-3212 Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM EST or you may email us at cabinetlatch@djgusa.com.

Dorel Juvenile Group is committed to manufacturing products with the highest standards for our users.  Any recall is unfortunate particularly those affecting children’s products.  We sincerely regret any inconvenience this recall may have caused you.

To obtain your free replacement cabinet lock please click the link below:

http://safetynotice.djgusa.com/cab_latch/

To find out about other recalls when they happen, be sure to follow this blog and/or like us on Facebook.

Have a great week!

Nicole

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

After 9 long months, our beautiful baby girl, Sophie Isabelle finally arrived February 20th.  My husband and I are the proud parents of a 6 lb. 8 oz., 19 ¼” bundle of pure perfection.  We are completely in love with her!

Now that she’s almost three weeks old, we’re finally getting back into a routine that’s allowing me a decent degree of productivity.  I’ve finally finished the baby afghan that I gave you a sneak peek of over a month ago:

  

Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend

This delicate diamond pattern in a dusty rose soft acrylic yarn is sure to please both mom and baby.  Measuring 41” x 42”, it’s the perfect size for a crib blanket and can also double as a stroller or car seat blanket.  This beauty can be purchased on our website at http://www.poshpatooties.com.

In the coming weeks be on the lookout for other finishes including boutique wash cloth and burp cloth sets and our very first give away!  I’m soooo excited…can’t wait!

Happy March!

Nicole

Review: Summer Infant BestView Handheld Color Video Monitor

In the final days (or at least what I hope to be the final days) of this pregnancy, I’ve been feverishly working on preparing for Sophie’s arrival and thus slacking on work and the blog.  Well…it’s 4am, the house is quiet, and I’m wide awake.  What better time to review our new video monitor? 

We went with the upgraded version of the same model we previously had.  I say previously, because 3 days before the second monitor arrived, I dropped and broke the handset on the old monitor.  It had been dropped (and thrown by Hayden) time after time over the last year and a half.  This last drop was just one too many.  Bummer.

Anyway, right out of the box, the upgraded version was a hit.  It’s thinner, sleeker design is easier to carry around, and the adjustable stand on the back makes it easier to set up at your desired angle than the old version because it doesn’t have pre-set stops.  You can adjust it at any angle you want up to 90°.

The controls are easy to use and intuitive with the volume control located on the side of the handset instead of having to go through the menu to adjust the level—a common complaint of the old version.  It took me about an hour to figure out how to adjust the brightness, not because it was hard to do, but because the instructions were a little misleading.  For those of you out there who may be having the same problem as me…to access the menu, push the power button once.  Simple enough huh?  I blame my confusion on this pregnancy.  Sorry Sophie, you’re an easy scapegoat for mommy!

As with the old version, the upgraded version allows you to pan around the room and zoom in close on your little one.  The camera automatically switches to night vision when not enough light is present in the room.  The daytime image is in color.  When not on the charger, there is a power save feature that turns off the video feed.  With one touch, you can turn the video back on.  If you so desire, you can also turn the sound off because there is a lighted sound meter that goes from green (no noise) to orange (moderate noise) to red (loud noise) to alert you that your child is awake and/or crying.

The sound quality on the upgraded version is terrific.  With the older model, the volume had to be turned way up to hear small noises like breathing, sighs or quiet whimpers, and at a high volume setting there was always a certain amount of static.  Not so with the upgraded model.  Even with white noise in the background, I can hear little to no static and can hear everything like I’m standing right beside the crib.  As with the older model, there is audio feedback if the handset and camera are positioned too close together.  You can avoid the feedback though by turning off the sound on the handset when they’re that close together.

In my opinion, the video quality is great and certainly sufficient for my needs.  Other reviews have complained that the night vision quality is too grainy.  It’s at least as good as the old model.  If you’re expecting the video to be HD quality, then you’re out of luck.  If, however, you want to be able to see whether or not your child is sleeping, getting into trouble, or simply to know that his/her chest is still rising and falling, you are good to go. 

The new model also comes with a cable that you can plug into the handset and your TV.  This turns your TV into the handset if you so desire to see your child on a larger screen.  Also, if you still have a working VCR, you could use this feature to record those precious moments when your child first wakes up cooing and babbling.  Wish we still had a VCR that worked!

For those of you worried about security, the handset has to be paired with the monitor in order to work, so you don’t have to worry about anyone outside of your home being able to pick up the signal with another handset or different monitor.

All of this is great, but the thing I like best of all about the new version is that it doesn’t interfere with my wireless router.  When we initially read reviews on the old version, they all said that being digital rather than analog, it wasn’t supposed to cause any interference with wireless signals.  Well, those reviews were wrong.  Any time the monitor was in use, I wasn’t able to connect wirelessly to the internet.  Very frustrating! 

With the new version, I haven’t had any problems connecting and maintaining a connection wirelessly to the internet.  Love it, love it, love it is all I have to say.  Thanks Summer Infant!

Did you find this review helpful?  Leave me a comment to let me know.

Nicole

The taxman cometh, and I'm ready for him

A good chunk of this month has been taken up by getting all of the accounting that I’ve been procrastinating finished so that I can submit my state sales tax return by the January 20^th deadline (no newly instituted $50 late fee for me…I even got a $.01 discount for early filing) and to hand over in a nice tidy package to my wonderful hubby so that he can complete our federal tax return.  The goal was to finish before Sophie arrived.  Usually I’d still be tying up loose ends for the federal return into mid March, but I can happily say I’m about a day away from being finished this year!

You would think after all of these years of running a small business—before Hayden made his appearance, I was a professional genealogist—I would learn my lesson and not put off a whole years worth of accounting to the very last minute, but that just goes to show you how much I detest all of the minutia that goes into maintaining the books.  In college I didn’t anticipate the turns my professional life would take and thus took not a single business course (let that be a lesson to all of my artistic nieces and nephews!) 

Over the last 9 years, I’ve had to teach myself everything I now know about running a small business including accounting.  And every year, I end up having to re-learn accounting principles as well as the ins and outs of my accounting software.  This year I vow to turn over a new leaf.  I’ll let you know how that turned out next January when I’m going through the whole process yet again…

So now that I’m so close to finishing, I’ve decided to take a little break and do something a little more fun…tease a project that’s almost complete as well as what I’ll be starting on next.

Here’s a quick peak at a new baby blanket that’s almost complete—Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend:

I can’t wait to show you the fully finished blanket!

Here are a few pics of new fabric arrivals that I’ll be working with soon.  There will be some wash cloth sets, loveys, and burp cloths to watch out for from both of these collections.

Spa by Rosemary Lavin:

Don’t you think Spa is the perfect name for this collection?  I find the colors and patterns very soothing.

Flutter by Allison Jane Smith:

Whimsical and light, love it!

And one more project that I’m about to start for my sewing room is to refurbish the top of my antique ironing board. 

It’s a family heirloom that I love…my maternal grandfather made it in the early 1900s.  As far as I know, it has all of its original parts including the fabric on the top--which has definitely seen better days.  First, I’m going to try to clean up and salvage the material, but if that’s not possible, I’ll be re-covering it in something that complements the colors I’ve chosen for the workspace. 

So that’s what’s on my agenda.  When I start working with the new fabrics, there will be a small giveaway or two.  So be sure to stop by often and/or follow me so you don’t miss out.  I hope you’re all having a great week!

Nicole

My top 5 favorite purchases as a new mom

1. Upholstered Rocker – The first few days home from the hospital with my son, this was the only piece of furniture in the house where I could easily and comfortably sit. It was a terrific spot to get the hang of nursing—relaxing for mom and soothing motion for baby. After we moved him out of our room and into the nursery, we used it to rock Hayden to sleep before naps, bedtime and those middle-of-the-night feedings. If you decide to buy a rocker/glider of any kind, be sure to test-drive it first. They can be costly, but in my humble opinion, worth every penny. We happened to luck into a great deal on Craigslist--$100 for like-new condition. It was meant to be!

2. Video Monitor – I can’t tell you how many times we were chided by this person or that person for wanting a video monitor. After all, back in the day they didn’t even have audio monitors, and we all survived…right? Well, it seemed like everywhere we turned, we were hearing horror stories about SIDS. You’re cautioned over and over that “back to sleep is best”. We were so paranoid about this for the first couple of months, that Hayden slept in the pack n’ play right beside the bed, with the video monitor zoomed in on him close enough that I could look over at the monitor in the middle of the night to make sure his chest was still rising and falling. Plus, even though he was within arms reach, we had the volume turned up as high as it would go. It sounds funny to us now, but at the time, as new parents, this one item gave us great peace of mind and as restful of a night’s sleep as one can have when you have to get up every few hours for a feeding. We still use it today for our son and have ordered a second for the new baby.

3. Aquarium Crib Soother – Hayden was not a good sleeper for most of his first year of life. Despite my best efforts, I could not put him down drowsy yet awake like the pediatrician and all of the books tell you to do. I could nurse or rock him to sleep no problem, but the second I tried to lay him down he would wake up and start crying. Naps were ridiculously hard. I would spend 1 to 2 hours on average for every nap getting him to fall and stay asleep, and then he might sleep for 30 minutes…1 hour if I was exceptionally lucky. This all became much easier thankfully once he was weaned. I was able to get him into a bedtime/naptime routine that included turning on his crib soother and letting him fall asleep to the music. Now, if he wakes up in the middle of the night (unless he’s not feeling well) he’ll just turn on the soother and fall back to sleep on his own. Also…in the morning, he likes to listen to the music and watch the fish swim for 15 – 20 minutes after waking up, giving mom and dad a little extra time to rest.

4. Bouncer – This little contraption is the only reason I was able to take a shower the first 3 or 4 months after Hayden was born. I could set it up on the floor in the bathroom, and if he didn’t fall asleep, the music and the toy bar would mesmerize him. Its portability was the best feature. Hayden still likes to play with the toy bar and the music to this day. He will even occasionally crawl in it and chill out for a while.

5. Portable Car DVD Player – Awesome invention! Before purchasing and installing the DVD player, a 4 hour car ride to my parents house was about 75% crying despite making multiple stops, taking his favorite toys, and having plenty of snacks. After installation it was smooth sailing, and he’s not even a kid that’s particularly interested in the TV. I would have bought it sooner had I but known.

I'd like to hear what your favorite baby gear purchases are.  Leave a comment or email me at nicole@poshpatooties.com.

I’ll be reviewing our new monitor as soon as it arrives. If you would like a review of any of the specific brands for the items above, post a comment and I’ll make it so.

Have a great week!

Nicole

A new year, a new baby, a new business...well, almost new

I had good intentions in 2011 to really hit the ground running with Posh Patooties. My son was getting older and more independent every day. I had more and more time on my hands to spend creating and working on the “back office” tasks of running a business. All of the pieces were starting to fall into place…so what happened?

Shortly after Hayden (my beautiful little boy) turned one, my wonderful hubby and I found out that we would be expecting another bundle of joy in about 9 months. What a blessing! This terrific news wouldn’t stop the Posh Patooties train in its tracks right? Sophie (my darling daughter-to-be) wasn’t quite so sure about that.

Morning sickness, HAH. Try all-day sickness well into the second trimester. Chasing around a newly walking, errr…running and very active toddler left me with zero energy each and every day. My daily goals were to create during his naps and work on computer stuff after he went to bed for the night. To my credit, I did complete several items. With the help of my niece and budding graphic designer, Lauren, a basic website was put together. I even opened an Etsy store and made my first sale despite my inadequacy as a photographer.

This is all great, but I didn’t come anywhere near reaching the goals that I had set out for myself at the beginning of the year. Well, it’s a brand new year, and a fresh start. I know there will be a lull shortly after Sophie makes her grand entrance and probably a few other setbacks…it’s inevitable.

I have faith though that 2012 is going to be a great year both personally and professionally. How can it not be? Hayden brings us joy, laughter, and inspiration every day. We can’t wait for Sophie to finally arrive and complete our little family. My husband and I will be celebrating 10 years of wedded bliss this year…love you hon!

I plan to blog regularly about shop news and new projects/products. As a mom, I know all too well how difficult it can be to make buying decisions for baby products, so I’ll also be reviewing the products and services I buy for my own kiddos. I will also pass along information about recalls as I hear about them. If there’s a product you would like another mom’s perspective on, contact me and I’ll look into it.

There will also be a few giveaways, so be sure to follow us, lest you miss the boat!

I hope you will all be there to share in this journey with me. May you all have a very safe, happy, and prosperous New Year.

Nicole