Aren’t these pretty? Etsy has so much to offer! These lovely “recycled” bobbypin sets are created using repurposed vintage fabric, these sweet poppies range in size from about 1″ to 1 1/2″. Each layer of vibrant peacock green petals is handcut and handsinged, and stitched together with a little black bead.
You will receive two wonderfully unique poppy bobbypins. 1 set costs $12.00 and can be picked up from Foundling on etsy!
Article by: Heather Flottman
Owner/Designer
liliputians NYC
As you have probably already read (perhaps here on Boutique Café ) the CPSC has granted a 1 year stay of testing and certification (an excerpt from the press release is in italics below).
The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.
Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.
However, this issue is NOT over. Stop. Take a breath. Pat yourself on the back. Know that you’ll still be able to continue selling custom outfits, hair bows, or whatever product you create come February 10th. And then regroup.
It is crucial that momentum is not lost. Hope is very near with Senator Jim DeMint of SC (one of the 3 in the Senate who voted “nay” against this along with Senator Jon Kyl and Senator Thomas Coburn) introducing legislation to reform CPSIA. Call, email or write Senator DeMint and tell him “thank you.” Call your senators and tell them you support this. Let common sense prevail.
Keep the heat on Congressman Waxman and other members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Email them. Call (202-225-2927) and let them know that CPSIA needs to be amended. Let them know you support the 6 points presented by Senator Demint. Keep up the fight and save handmade.
It’s a Good START and worth celebrating! Here we go:
NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 30, 2009
Release #09-115
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
CPSC Grants One Year Stay of Testing and Certification Requirements for Certain Products
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously (2-0) to issue a one year stay of enforcement for certain testing and certification requirements for manufacturers and importers of regulated products, including products intended for children 12 years old and younger. These requirements are part of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which added certification and testing requirements for all products subject to CPSC standards or bans.
Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements.
The decision by the Commission gives the staff more time to finalize four proposed rules which could relieve certain materials and products from lead testing and to issue more guidance on when testing is required and how it is to be conducted.
The stay will remain in effect until February 10, 2010, at which time a Commission vote will be taken to terminate the stay.
The stay does not apply to:
* Four requirements for third-party testing and certification of certain children’s products subject to:
o The ban on lead in paint and other surface coatings effective for products made after December 21, 2008;
o The standards for full-size and non full-size cribs and pacifiers effective for products made after January 20, 2009;
o The ban on small parts effective for products made after February 15, 2009; and
o The limits on lead content of metal components of children’s jewelry effective for products made after March 23, 2009.
* Certification requirements applicable to ATV’s manufactured after April 13, 2009.
* Pre-CPSIA testing and certification requirements, including for: automatic residential garage door openers, bike helmets, candles with metal core wicks, lawnmowers, lighters, mattresses, and swimming pool slides; and
* Pool drain cover requirements of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.
The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. These businesses will not need to issue certificates based on testing of their products until additional decisions are issued by the Commission. However, all businesses, including, but not limited to, handmade toy and apparel makers, crafters and home-based small businesses, must still be sure that their products conform to all safety standards and similar requirements, including the lead and phthalates provisions of the CPSIA.
Handmade garment makers are cautioned to know whether the zippers, buttons and other fasteners they are using contain lead. Likewise, handmade toy manufacturers need to know whether their products, if using plastic or soft flexible vinyl, contain phthalates.
The stay of enforcement on testing and certification does not address thrift and second hand stores and small retailers because they are not required to test and certify products under the CPSIA. The products they sell, including those in inventory on February 10, 2009, must not contain more than 600 ppm lead in any accessible part. The Commission is aware that it is difficult to know whether a product meets the lead standard without testing and has issued guidance for these companies that can be found on our web site.
The Commission trusts that State Attorneys General will respect the Commission’s judgment that it is necessary to stay certain testing and certification requirements and will focus their own enforcement efforts on other provisions of the law, e.g. the sale of recalled products.
Please visit the CPSC Web site at www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html for more information on all of the efforts being made to successfully implement the CPSIA.
****Don’t Miss this great article on ZRecs though, CPSIA-Certification Delayed un 2010 – Seller beware
** To VIEW our new Video Interview – click the “watch the show” button” or subscribe to us in iTunes! Thanks everyone.
The same person who sent me the Flip Mino, which I reviewed–and totally fell in love with–on a past Daily Dish (it has since been “misplaced”…I’d rather not talk about it) asked me to try out One True Media, a site whose mission is to “empower you to express yourself in new and creative ways with the media that matters to you most – your own – and to share your creations with your most important network – your family and friends.”
Okay, I have to be honest here; though I am a pro with things like Shutterfly (I can design a mean Christmas card) and Facebook albums I have never tried to create one of those cute videos like you see at wedding receptions with the photos in a slideshow-type format set to music. For my oldest girls’ baptisms I handed that responsibility to my dad, who did a knock-up job with it. (It’s SO his thing.) Fortunately the now-MIA Flip Mino eased me into the whole uploading to YouTube thing so I was excited to try One True Media and see just how easy (hopefully) it would be to create my own cool photo show.
Super cool. Super easy. Super, dee-duper fun! Yep, that pretty much covers it. I signed in to my One True Media account (much of the site is free; premium membership gives you access to extra templates, songs, and services) and decided to dive right in without the help of tutorials. I selected one of the montage QuickStyles and within minutes I was uploading about 30 photos for my very first montage (a.k.a. hip slide show with music). I then put them in order, played around with things like transition and effects (I almost sound like a pro) and even uploaded my own song. I changed the timing on some of the photos and voila! I got the song and photo montage to end at the exact same time. The process was so easy I bet my girls could easily do it (i.e. I shouldn’t have any problems).
Once the montage was done I had a number of actions from which to choose. I could email it, embed the code into my favorite sites, post it to YouTube, share it to TiVo, add it to One True Media’s public gallery, send it to a mobile phone or post it to TypePad. And for those who like to hold a physical copy of their creations in their hands, you can even purchase a DVD. I exercised my right to choose and did two things: emailed it and embedded it. Now you get to “review” my very first montage. I took about 30 pictures from 2008–a very small sampling for sure but a good overview nonetheless…
I didn’t spend a ton of time on my first montage attempt but I sure could have! It was so much fun and I’m already trying to figure out what I will create next to share with friends and family. My only complaint? One True Media is highly addictive so proceed with caution. I get very little sleep as it is so I’m going to have to control my newfound addiction to it! –Emily
“We can’t fix what’s inside your closet or restore your body, or jump-start your mommy-mush brain but we CAN stylishly put you back together when communicating with the outside world!” What? I’m supposed to communicate with the outside world? I have four kids and tend to stay at home in my pj’s until at least noon. Okay, it’s not that severe but I will admit my correspondence with friends, family and acquaintances could use some style. HauteMammas totally understands.
HauteMammas.com helps you create custom calling cards (okay, I SO want a calling card!), note cards, thank-you notes, permission slip pads, address and gift labels, babysitter pads and even pet sitter notepads. Okay, I’m not a pet lover but I’m almost considering one just so I can use a pet sitter notepad! I received samples of their gift labels, a set for gifts from me and a set for gifts from the Hill family.
To be honest, the Pink Pump gift label was not my style but I loved the fun design of the Enjoy Wave for family gifts. I was determined to see past the stiletto and check out HauteMammas other designs and I’m glad I did! I found a ton of designs I thought were super cute like the Spring Dots, Enjoy in Le Fleur Blue (tag rather than label) and the Merry Christmas Red & Green Dots. Once I saw those I moved on to the calling cards, and yes, I just HAVE to have one of these, especially the Pink Sorbet Polka! How great it would be to have something to give to playdate moms and family friends. Sure beats scribbling your name down on a scrap piece of paper (grocery store receipts in my case).
I checked out HauteMammas’ pet sitter notepads–there’s even a space for detailing play time! And for those of us whose pets consist of toddlers and pre-teens, the babysitter pad outlines everything your sitter needs to know…and then some. I would have liked a few more options in the thank-you notes and note cards, but the site has enough other fun products to keep my happy.
Your New Year’s resolutions may not have included a stationary makeover but it’s still the perfect time of year for one. Show off your hot momma style with some help from HauteMammas.com! –Emily
* Promotion! HauteMammas.com is offering Daily Dish readers 10% off their order. Simply enter code “Cafe 10″ at checkout.
** To VIEW our new Video Interview – click the “watch the show” button” or subscribe to us in iTunes! Thanks everyone.
We love a good CD, especially if it encourages family-room dance parties. Whether it’s Putumayo Kids’ Brazilian Playground or ABBA’s ABBA Gold, if it makes us move and groove without getting on Mom’s nerves (sorry to say many children’s CDs do that) it’s added to the collection. Well, we just added Pop Fly and I highly recommend you do the same. Yes, it’s a children’s CD but the fact that I’m a fan should tell you it’s really, really good.
The man behind Pop Fly is Justin Roberts. Apparently this guy had another big hit in 2006 with Meltdown (his 5th CD–where have I been?). After listening to Pop Fly I’m sorry I missed that one; I’m seriously considering buying it. But back to the CD at hand…Pop Fly is Justin’s 6th CD and a wonderful example of his “kindie” rock style (think of it as family indie rock). “Pop Fly,” the title song is all about the “occasional triumphs of a distracted outfielder” and is probably my most favorite; it really gets us moving! A couple songs later you have “Henrietta’s Hair” (my youngest daughter’s favorite) about the imaginative creatures living inside Henrietta’s hair. I don’t think my kids ever skip a song when listening to Pop Fly; I can’t say the same for some other CDs in our collection.
My family’s not alone when it comes to being fans of Justin Roberts’ new CD. Pop Fly was selected as one of Amazon.com’s “Best Children’s Albums of 2008.” To make the Top 10 list on Amazon.com is quite the accomplishment and yet no surprise once you’ve listened to Justin’s music. Don’t take it from me; here are some recent quotes from some very reliable sources:
If you too find yourself hosting in-house dance parties for the entire family and would like to dance to something other than Now That’s What I Call Music 4,002 (okay, it’s only up to 29), you just HAVE to pick up Justin Roberts’ Pop Fly. One Pop Fly CD…$14. A child folding her own clothes…priceless. –Emily
*** Giveaway! We are giving away one copy of Justin Roberts’ Pop Fly CD! Visit Justin’s website and read his bio. Then return and leave a comment telling us what you found most interesting about him and/or his music; please include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: February 2, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Jennifer B., the winner of the Pop Fly CD giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
* Congratulations to Jennifer B., the winner of the Pop Fly giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
Okay, I didn’t really travel to Hawaii for this review, but I sure felt like I was there every time I applied the Papaya-Pineapple De-Aging Mist and De-Aging Body Balm from Pevonia’s Ligne Tropicale (Tropicale De-aging Line). The scent rocked my nowhere-near-tropical world!
I’ll get back to the scent in a moment. First a little bit about Pevonia’s Ligne Tropical. This powerful skin care line uses organic phyto-extracts and a revolutionary delivery system to “deliver a glorious sensory escape.” Tropical fruits and de-aging ingredients help repair, restore and rejuvenate skin. If you want to “preserve and reclaim youthfulness” this is the way to do it, at least according to Pevonia.
I received the Tropicale De-Aging Mist and Tropicale De-Aging Body Balm in the aforementioned Papaya-Pinapple scent. Holy cow, the combo of pineapple and papaya was heaven every time I used the mist and body balm! I’m a big fan of tropical scents (except for gardenia if that’s considered tropical) and this was quite possibly the best combination I’ve ever had the pleasure of smelling. I kid you not, I could not get enough of it! I kind of wish they had a perfume as well; I would definitely give it a special place in my medicine cabinet next to my bottle of So Pink from GAP.
So they smell really great, but do they really work? I can’t honestly say and this is why. The De-Aging Body Mist is supposed to give a boost of hydration and refresh skin during outdoor activities or any time of day. Aloe vera gel cools and soothes skin and chamomile calms skin. I applied it after showering–totally not when I should have done it since my skin was still fairly hydrated. Plus it’s the middle of winter in Utah and I’m not feeling the need to cool and refresh my skin. It’s cool enough! I will say it did cool my skin post shower and it felt great on my skin, but I will have to wait until the heat of summer to see if it gives that immediate boost of hydration my skin will need.
As for the De-Aging Body Balm, it’s mission is to smoothe the look of wrinkles on the body while repairing skin damage and brightening skin’s overall tone. It has retinol, collagen and elastin to improve texture and plump and soften fine lines along with shea butter to heal and protect skin. I’m still young enough that I don’t really have fine lines and wrinkles except for around my eyes, and this is no eye cream. I also have minimal sun damage so I wasn’t the best test subject for the Body Balm–and I didn’t feel like I could say to an older friend, “Hey, you’ve got all-over body wrinkles. Would you try this out and see if it de-ages your skin? I’ll keep my fingers crossed it works!” I will say it was a very rich and creamy lotion and though a little didn’t go a long way, it did a great job as a moisturizer.
I am intrigued by Pevonia’s De-Aging Line enough to give it a go in, say, another 20 years. Until then I’ll enjoy it as a wonderful, tropical, wish-I-were-in-Kauai early morning pick-me-up and hopefully keep my skin from aging as quickly as it normally would! –Emily
*** Giveaway!!! Pevonia is giving away a gift set to on lucky Daily Dish reader! Visit Pevonia’s website and leave a comment telling us what other line of skin care intrigues you; include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: January 30, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Michelle H., the winner of the Pevonia giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
Coming Soon!!! January 27, 2009. 
Boutique Designers from eBay and Etsy join forces for “One Last Hoorah” due to the ridiculous CPSIA regulations coming into effect that will put countless boutiquers, crafters, WAHM’s and sellers of children’s products out of business. These regulations do not take into account small business and will wipe out our community as well as your choices as consumers.
Please mark your calendars and tell your friends. As our items we make with our loving hands will suddenly be illegal on 2-10-2009!
WisteriaLane and Guests are ushering in Spring with their new eBay launch “It’s a Spring Thing”. Don’t miss out on these fresh new designs, with all the splendor of Spring including this breathtaking Garden Fairies design by Wild By Design!
Think of me4kidz’s new Diaper Bag Buddy like you would a AAA membership. You may never need towing service or flat tire repair but it give you peace of mind knowing if you did need it, you’d have it. The same goes for the Diaper Bag Buddy from me4kidz.
Similar in concept to the Medibuddy I reviewed March of last year, the Diaper Bag Buddy is full of products that will come in handy in case of emergency, and I’m not talking medical this time around. Unlike the Medibuddy, the Diaper Bag Buddy is not filled with antibiotic ointment and antiseptic wipes, though it does have a few bandages just in case. This little on-the-go kit includes everything you need for your little one’s emergencies, from wipes and diaper rash cream to shampoo & body wash–and everything is natural and organic. Here is what this amazingly small (like the Medibuddy) kit includes: diaper rash cream, aloe vera gel pack, face & body moisturizer, bandages, one-time-use thermometer, shampoo & body wash and wipes. Yes, all that in a reusable and 100% recycled case that fits perfectly in even the most packed-to-the-brim diaper bag!
I have my Diaper Bag Buddy sitting within easy reach in my diaper bag but have yet to use it–which is a good thing in this case. Though I can’t say how well the aloe vera gel or thermometer worked (thank heavens!) I can say I still find it hard to believe so many baby-emergency items are packed in so tiny a case. And though it takes up about as much room as a baby bottle it is worth it. Just think how much space those items would take if I were to pack the not-so-travel-size products individually! I love knowing that if I do run out of baby wipes or run into a painfully red baby bum, the Diaper Bag Buddy is within easy reach. It’s like having AAA service for your baby! –Emily
*** Giveaway! me4kidz is giving away one Diaper Bag Buddy! Please leave a comment with a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: January 27, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Katie M., the winner of the Diaper Bag Buddy giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
Trisha from Mom Dot explains just how messed up the CPSIA legislation really is, and how Julie Vallese (the CPSC’s spokesperson) insulting the momprenuers and mommy bloggers might not be the best idea.
On a personal note: Thanks for sharing the fab mommy made products that you own Trisha. Especially the gorgeous picture you won on Boutique Cafe. We can’t believe that these beautiful products may be no more without some serious re-writing of this legislation.
The following is yesterday’s post from “freshly baked” regarding the uncut–and unintelligible–interview with Vallese, former spokesperson for the CPSC. We thought it fitting to re-post here on Boutique Cafe. Enjoy!
… If you’ve been keeping an eye on the CPSIA issue via blog posts, news headlines or even Twitter than you’ve probably already heard about the “enlightening” WBAL TV interview with Vallese, (former) spokeswoman for the CPSC. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s a must-see for even those not involved in the CPSIA issue.
After you’ve watched the video, perhaps you can tell me if I’m wrong when I say Vallese never really answered any of the questions asked during the interview. She talked and talked and talked but never said anything. She went from stating resellers of used children’s products don’t need to worry about testing to saying in not so many words (actually, many, many, many words) that testing may be the only way for a business owner to have the “level of confidence” she needs to sell those used products. By the way, the phrase for the day is “level of confidence” so wonderfully utilized throughout the second half of Vallese’s interview.
I just wanted to say thank you to Vallese for clarifying the CPSIA for me. Now everything is crystal clear: The CPSC is just as confused as I am about the new legislation. Just as entertaining as the uncut interview are the various blog posts from those same “mommy bloggers” Vallese referred to so affectionately in her interview. You will find of my favorites listed below. Perhaps SNL should consider having Vallese host an upcoming show…
This is probably the first day in a long time I’ve smiled when talking about the CPSIA. Hopefully it won’t be the last time. Better laughing than crying, right?!?! –Emily
Prayers have been answered!! Influential and inspiring mommy blogger Stephanie Nielson (”Nie Nie” as she is known to her vast audience of blog fans) and her husband Christian were in a terrible plane crash on August 16th. Since then, word has spread across the globe, with heartfelt messages, events and donations pouring in for the family. Now for the good news…Nie Nie is BACK and blogging!!
We love you Nie, welcome back! XOXO
And I’m not talking about the president of the Hair Club for Men. (Did you know he’s also a customer?) I’m talking about more affordable and “pure, natural & organic” reinforcements from Jason. In December of last year I reviewed Jason’s Cranberry Rejuvenating Body Scrub and Cranberry Hand & Body Lotion. I wasn’t a big fan of those two products but I am a big fan of their Thin to Thick hair care line…and not because I can see a difference in my hair.
The goal of Jason’s Thin to Thick Hair Care line is self explanatory; it’s supposed to nourish, revitalize, strengthen, etc. so your hair is healthier and stronger. Generally geared toward men I didn’t hesitate to enlist my husband’s help in testing the Pro-Vitamin Thin-to-Thick Hair Thickening Conditioner and Incredible Thin-to-Thick Revitalizing Scalp Elixir.
Though my hair isn’t thinning like someone’s I know I too wanted to test it out as I’m a firm believer in nourishing my color-treated, dry hair as much as possible. The Hair Thickening Conditioner is supposed to reinforce and strengthen weak, chemically processed hair by infusing amino acids into the hair cortex. Did it do that? I asked my husband, who doesn’t usually condition his hair, to try it out for about a week. When asked for his take on it for this review he gave a typical male response: “My hair feels softer. What is it supposed to do?” (Unless it’s a really cool stroller or digital camera he’s not much help.) But for him to say it feels softer is a big deal. I too tested the conditioner and I loved it. It deep conditioned in only 1-2 minutes versus the 3-5 minutes my other conditioner requires. It had a wonderful scent and best of all it restored softness to the most over styled, blow-dried part of my hair–the bangs.
The conditioner was easy; the Incredible Thin-to-Thick Revitalizing Scalp Elixir was a bit more difficult. For the life of me I could not get my husband to apply this elixir to his scalp at night and then sleep in it. He’s the guy who changes his pillowcase every few days and showers more often than the Seattle Sky. He just couldn’t do it, and I couldn’t quite get myself to try it out either. I generally don’t shower until dinnertime and I wasn’t sure I wanted the elixir on my scalp that long. But it does sound like a super cool, super powerful product in the fight against thinning hair. It actually sounds like the most important product in Jason’s Thin to Thick hair care line: “This revitalizing, preventative and corrective elixir purifies and energizes the scalp. Helps free hair follicles of debris which inhibit hair growth. Biotin, Folic Acid, Inositol, Cysteine(vege), (all essential to healthy hair growth), and hydrolized proteins help control thinning hair and excess hair fallout.”
For men and even women who are concerned about the health and well-being of their possibly (some are still in denial) hair, Jason’s Thin to Thick hair care products are worth a try, especially since they’re much more affordable than other options. On a side note, if you’re not worried about thinning hair and only want a really awesome deep conditioner, try Jason’s Mint & Rose Intense Moisture Treatment . I’ve been “reviewing” this product for a few weeks now and love it! –Emily
*** Giveaway!!! Jason is giving away a gift set to one lucky Daily Dish reader! Please visit Jason’s website and leave a comment telling us which hair care product you’d most like to try; include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: January 22, 2008 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Lisa C., the winner of the Jason giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
If you’ve never attended a Quilt Market you’re in for a visual treat! Here’s a brief glimpse of what it looks like inside the doors. Thank you to all of the designers and sellers who participated and allowed us to capture their booths. Enjoy!!
Thank you so much Amy for taking the time to visit with us once again! (we’re still giggling about the Pot Roast comment!)
** To VIEW our Video Interview – click the “watch the show” button” or subscribe to us in iTunes! Thanks everyone.
Patty Young’s vibrant new fabric “Andalucia” has set the design and handmade community on fire!!! Many designers have joined together to whip up some sweet clothing and accessories with the new line.
Search on eBay right now for loads of beautiful listings created with love…and of course some Andalucia magic. Click now to visit all the listings, and bid on your favorites >>
This review is going to answer the age-old question, “Does stretchmark minimizing cream really work?” Actually, it’s going to also answer the questions, “Does body firming gel really firm?” and “Is there an eye cream that can make my eyes look like they got at least 6 hours of sleep?” You’d think the answer would be no because that’s a lot to live up to, but the answer is YES, YES and yes!
First, the info. Belli is a line of skin care products that “pamper and protect.” With three collections (Pregnancy, Motherhood and Baby) Belli meets the needs of each stage using the highest quality, safest formulations. For example, Belli Pregnancy is the only skin care line in the world that is teratology screened. What does this mean? It means the company has “[searched] through over 16 million medical research articles in over 5000 international journals, excluding ingredients linked to birth defects or other problems with pregnancy.” Belli Motherhood is LactMed screened so it is free of ingredients harmful during breastfeeding, and Belli Baby is screened for xenoestrogens (chemicals that can act like hormones and interfere with normal development of the reproductive system). Before Belli I didn’t even know xenoestrogens existed!
After learning about Belli’s background and philosophy I knew I would be reviewing a quality product. I felt no need to test their body washes and lotions; I was pretty sure they would live up to Belli’s reputation. (It has a great one, by the way–just Google Belli skin care.) And I’m currently not pregnant–been there, done that–so the Pregnancy line was out. That’s okay because I really, really wanted to test Belli’s Stretchmark Minimizing Cream, Body Firming Serum and Eye Brightening Cream…for purely selfish reasons of course. I have four kids, you know.
The Stretchmark Minimizing Cream is supposed to “reduce stretchmark length and irregular surface area by up to 52% and stretchmark depth by up to 72%.” Now, I’m not sure the percentages and you better believe I won’t be gracing this review with before and after photos, but I do know I saw a slight difference in my stretchmarks after using this cream. I started using it in November and it took a little while for me to notice a difference, but then again I was only using it in the AM and the directions say AM and PM, so theoretically it would take about 8 weeks…which is where I’m at and where I’ve finally noticed a difference. I don’t suffer from the red type of stretchmarks but I do have those faint white lines and a few smooth, shiny type stretchmarks (TMI, I know) and this cream managed to lighten the faint white ones and tighten up and fade the other. I wasn’t a believe until week eight but now it’s a “YES” in answer to “Does stretchmark minimizing cream really work?”
Now for the Body Firming Serum…again, no before and after photos on this one either. Belli’s firming serum is designed to “lift and firm your breasts, buttocks and abdomen” and help “restore, repair and nourish slackened skin.” Good to know because after nursing four kids I’ve got some serious slackage going on. I applied the serum to all three areas and though I didn’t notice a big difference in the buttocks and abdomen (fortunately I don’t need too much firming in those areas) I did see a difference in my breasts…or rather, my husband did. (Okay, I did too but it’s much more fun to say he did!) I am being totally honest when I say he made a comment that let me know the Body Firming Serum was doing its job. After engorged milk ducts and gravity taking their toll I didn’t think anything would help but this stuff did–that’s a big “YES” for the “Does body firming gel really firm?” question.
Last but not least is Belli’s Eye Brightening Cream, which “revives and illuminates tired eyes…[and] hydrates delicate skin, lightens dark circles and minimizes the appearance of fine lines.” Really? Does it really do all that? Well, it does at least do two of the three: minimize the appearance of fine lines and hydrate the delicate skin around the eye. As for the dark circles, I’m not sure this eye cream did the trick. Of course I’m a seriously sleep-deprived mom so it didn’t have a snowball’s chance, but I have used another eye cream that did seem to help with dark circles better than Belli’s. I will say it did have a more immediate effect perking up my eyes once applied than others have, and that’s a big bonus if you’re heading out the door and need a quick pick-my-eyes-up. For me this eye cream was only a “yes” in response to the “Is there an eye cream that can make my eyes look like they got at least 6 hours of sleep?” But if you read the customer reviews you’ll find the Eye Brightening Cream was a resounding “YES” for others.
Kudos to those who’ve stayed with me this entire review. I hope it was worth it! Now, Belli’s higher price tag may make you think twice, but once you’ve thought twice, make the investment. Your body–and you–are totally worth it! My believe? A little investment now saves me a much bigger investment (i.e. surgery) later. –Emily
* Promotion! Belli is offering Daily Dish readers 10% off their order. Simply enter code “BELLIVIP10″ at checkout. You will also automatically become a Belli VIP member and receive a coupon for 15% off your next purchase! Offer expires October 1, 2009.
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Article by: Heather Flottman
Owner/Designer
liliputians NYC
On December 17th, I wrote my first article for Boutique Café. It summarized the CPSIA and its effects on the handmade toy and clothing industry as well as the unintended consequences for a gamut of other businesses that sell or manufacture products for children 12 and under. Fortunately there have been some positive developments to report since then.
For one, the media seems to be finally paying attention. News programs are reporting the ramifications of CPSIA, blog postings have a steady stream of calls-to-action, and newspapers big and small are focusing on the issue. This needs to continue to make the public aware of the impact the legislation will have to small business if not amended.
The thrift and resale shops were given a reprieve yesterday with the CPSC’s press release which clarified that “sellers of used children’s products, such as thrift stores and consignment stores are not required to certify that those products meet the new lead limits, phthalates standard or new toy standards.” It later goes on to state, “However, resellers cannot sell children’s products that exceed the lead limit and should avoid products that are likely to have lead content.” And, “Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties.”
A particularly, promising statement for the handmade clothing sector was reported in the McHenry County Business Register, a Chicago area paper, by Hyacinth Filippi Worth. As stated in the article, “Davis [CPSC Spokesperson Patty Davis] said all products intended for children 12 and younger must adhere, Davis also said hand-made, one-of-a-kind items likely will be exempt, which would allow small-time crafters and seamstresses of children’s products to continue making and selling original products.” This is a promising assertion, but unfortunately is not an official ruling at this point. I hope we can make it one.
On January 9th, a notice of proposed rule making was posted on the CPSIA web site (see Children’s Products Containing Lead: Proposed Determinations Regarding Lead Content Limits on Certain Materials or Products; Notice of Proposed Rulemaking under What’s New). This preliminary ruling will possibly exempt the following natural materials provided that “these materials have neither been treated or adulterated with the addition of materials of chemicals such as pigments, dyes, coatings, finishes or any other substance, nor undergone any processing that could result in the addition of lead into the product or material.”
•precious and semiprecious gemstones
•natural or cultured pearls
•surgical steel
•precious metals: gold (at least 10 karat); sterling silver (at
least 925/1000) platinum, palladium, rhodium, osmium,
iridium & ruthenium
•wood
•natural fibers such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, flax & linen
•other natural materials such as coral, amber, feathers, fur &
untreated leather
This is a very positive development and hopefully a definite ruling. However, it is just a start. DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO USES UNDYED FABRIC? Children’s apparel is about color. There needs to be more exemptions.
The CPSC has formally requested comments. The rules regarding testing are not final. Comments on testing methods (eight questions have been asked) are being accepted until January 30th and can be emailed to Sec102ComponentPartsTesting@cpsc.gov. For a discussion on these questions, the Fashion Incubator forum is a great place to familiarize oneself.
I am hopeful that component testing will be allowed along with exemptions for all components which clearly are not a lead risk as well as excluding some products altogether (such as books, handmade clothing, second hand clothing). I also hope that X-ray fluorescence ( XRF testing) is permitted as a more reasonable (read nondestructive and inexpensive) testing method.
Please help in getting this amended. Safe products are possible without the demise of small businesses in America. At this point it is imperative to keep up the momentum.
As mentioned in the article, satisfy the CPSIA’s request for comments by emailing them your thoughts on 3rd party testing methods.
The Committee on Energy and Commerce sponsored CPSIA and it is the chairman of the Committee that can call hearings on this matter. Let’s convince him to revisit this legislation by writing letters or calling (202-225-2927) to express your concern and how this law will affect you. If you’ve already written them, please write them again. Here are their names and addresses:
The Hon. Henry A. Waxman, Chairman
Committee on Energy and Commerce
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Hon. Joe Barton, Ranking Member
Committee on Energy and Commerce
2322-A Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Hon. Bobby Rush, Chairman
Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
The Hon. Ed Whitfield, Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection
2322-A Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Continue CALLING and writing your congressmen and senators (Search by your zip code in the top left and right pages to find your representatives contact info.) Make sure they hear your views on this issue. Mention the REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY Act and explain that because CPSIA burdens small businesses unfairly, that CPSIA needs to be amended. Convince them to join their colleagues such as Congressman Charlie Dent, Congressman Jim Gerlach, Congressman Tim Holden, Senator Orrin Hatch, Senator Patrick Leahy, and Congressman Anthony Weiner who have taken up our cause.
The second round of voting has started at Change.org. Register if you haven’t already and make this issue one of the top 3 items presented to President-elect Obama.
Keep blogging about CPSIA and utilizing sites like facebook, twitter, and YouTube. The internet is a buzz with CPSIA. Just google it.
Join the mail-in protest, sending soon to be “hazardous goods” to CPSIA founder Rep. Rush.
Take this survey to help ascertain the economic impact of CPSIA for retail and manufacturing businesses.
And if you haven’t already . . .
Sign this petition for the Children’s Apparel Industry and this one from the Handmade Toy Alliance.
Visit the CPSIA “ war room” and CPSIA Central to discuss get up to date news on the topic.
It’s not too late!! That special Valentine’s Day dream outfit can still be ordered in time for your child’s favorite “Love-ly” holiday. You’ll find hundreds of Valentine themed custom and handmade listings on eBay by searching “Boutique Valentine”.
Not only can you indulge in a unique handmade creation, but you can feel spectacular knowing that you are supporting WAHM’s! Now, that is sure to give you a lovin’ feelin.
Search “Boutique Custom Valentine” for hundreds of items now >>
If I had the budget I’d be a skin care and makeup junkie, but since I can only support one or two habits at a time, it’s jeans and shoes for now. So I never complain when I get to test a new skin care line and today’s is one of my favorites so far. We’ve had some great ones in the past (Dr.Hauschka and NutriMinC RE9 being top on the list) but great as they are, the prices are on the higher end and the nightly regimen was a bit too much work for me. I like simple, effective and good for my skin, and that’s what I found with Avalon Organics’ Vitamin C Skin Care.
Vitamin C is known for its wonderful antioxidant properties so I love that there’s an entire line of products designed around it. This Vitamin C Skin Care uses powerful antioxidants to protect against aging caused by the sun. Along with protecting your skin, the various products nourish and hydrate, improving your complexion and bringing back that healthy glow you lost somewhere between high school and college.
The good stuff doesn’t stop there. Vitamin C Skin Care is formulated using safe, pure ingredients and are free of mineral oil, petrolatum, propylene glycol, parabens, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. Full of antioxidants and free of glow-diminishing ingredients–sounds like something I’m going to like!
I received the Vitamin C Refreshing Cleansing Gel, Rejuvenating Oil-Free Moisturizer and Revitalizing Eye Cream. I’ve used them for about a week and I’m totally hooked! Here’s why:
The only negative thing I have to say, and it’s a minor one, is the eye cream dispenser doesn’t keep the cream from getting a little hard on the end. I’m not a big fan of hardened creams or lotions, and though you can eventually soften up that little blob of cream, it means extra patting and rubbing in the eye area and I’m too vain about keeping that area wrinkle free to do that. I end up wiping that part off on a tissue and using the rest. See? Not a big deal but still, I have other pump-style creams and unless I’ve gone a week or so without using them, they don’t have the same problem.
I didn’t include the product descriptions in the review but they’re tempting enough to make you want to try the product. I’m talking statements like “fortified with the synergistic action of Vitamin C plus Lemon Bioflavonoids, Melatonin and organic White Tea to refresh and balance for healthy, radiant skin and “nourishes delicate eye area with Cocoa Butter, organic Sweet Almond, Borage and Flax oils with Vitamin C for optimal photo-aging protection plus Lemon Bioflavonoids, organic Green Tea and White Tea to defend against damaging free radicals for smoother, younger looking eyes.” See what I mean?
The prices are more than you’d pay for Aveeno but far less than you’d shell out for Shiseido. (Who wants to take out a second mortgage just to moisturize anyway?) For the pure, organic and glow-inducing ingredients you’re getting, the prices are fabulous. It’s no more than I’m paying now, so it’s pretty much a given I’ll be switching over to Avalon Organics Vitamin C Skin Care. My Avon Anew just doesn’t measure up… –Emily
***Giveaway! Avalon Organics is giving away a gift set to one lucky reader! Visit Avalon Organics’ site and leave a comment telling us another product (besides the ones mentioned above) that sounds like something you’d like to try. Please include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: January 16, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Duong S., the winner of the Avalon Organics giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
We all love a good superhero. My current personal favorite is Ming-Ming from WonderPets. (Can you tell who’s in charge of the TV lately?) But what does a superhero have to do with outerwear? If you’ve ever struggled to secure your little one in her car seat complete with winter coat or even slightly less bulky pullover sweater you know it often requires superpowers to adjust a five-point harness without compromising safety. Never fear! Babycapes are here!
Babycapes were created by two moms, who faced the similar struggle of trying to get their busy baby girls into car seats with bulky winter coats. The Babycape has a generous front opening with three snaps so it’s easy on/easy off and allows you access to harness straps. It has a cozy hood and openings in the sides for little arms, but the pièce de résistance is its back opening with a single snap. When open it lets you easliy slip your child into a stroller, car seat or front carrier without removing the Babycape, and when closed it makes the perfect outdoor cover-up.
Olivia and I were able to test the pink Minky Sherpa Suede Babycape during the Christmas holiday. I couldn’t wait to see if it were as easy to use as it appeared, but I was even more interested to find out if it would keep her warm even in frigid weather. I will admit it took us a few tries to get the hang of the Babycape. (Perhaps if I’d watched the instructional video on the website like any smart person would do, I’d have got it the first time!) Our first attempt we put it on her in the house, slipped her arms through the arm holes and quickly realized we had to take her arms out in order to get her arms under the harness straps. Then we put her arms back through and adjusted the cape around here. Olivia, who isn’t the best traveler anyway, was a bit flustered by the time we were done and none too happy.
When we tried it again and left her arms under the cape she got a bit frustrated having her arms covered, but at least it was easier to get her in the car seat! And even in 20-degree weather she stayed toasty until the car’s heater took over. Because we had a bit of a struggle the first few times using the Babycape I almost gave up, but when we tried it today, Olivia and I both seemed to finally get it! She kept her arms under the cape until I had her in the car seat. I of course didn’t realize until now the generous front opening was for me to use to adjust the harness straps. I was flipping the cape up to secure her, which she thought meant it was time to pull the Babycape completely off!
Now we’re becoming seasoned pros at the Babycape thing and I am slowly falling deeply in love with it. It really is a much safer alternative to a big winter coat and it is less hassle than a coat and blanket, which is what we were using (and the blanket was always just as cold as the car!). The Babycape is to die for when it comes to style and design and it is super soft to boot. Today I caught Olivia turning to look up into her hood and smiling at who knows what. (I think she was smiling because she too had fallen in love with her Babycape.)
I love that the moms behind Babycapes are just as interested in making sure your child is safe as they are in telling you about their product. They’ve dedicated an entire page of their site to safety information complete with a safety video and links to sites with more information about car seat safety. When a company is as concerned about your child as you are, you can rest easy knowing their product was designed with your child’s safety and comfort in mind.
Babycapes are custom made and assembled in the U.S.A. They come in a wonderful array of luxurious, machine-washable fabrics such as Marshmallow Minky, Minky Sherpa Suede (love how that rolls off the tongue) and Minky Cuddle. And because one size fits newborn to preschooler, you won’t have to purchase a new coat year after year. Those Babycape moms have thought of everything–talk about superheroes!
The weather is still frightful, at least in my neck of the woods, and Babycapes will come in handy for a few months yet. I suggest you pick one up now, especially since they’re on sale through January 31st. Considering Babycapes last a good 3-4 years, that’s less than $30 a year…a heck of a lot cheaper than your typical winter coat and a heck of a lot safer in a car seat. Comic books and movies will tell you, the superhero is always a safe bet! –Emily
*** Giveaway! Babycapes is giving away one Babycape, winner’s choice! Please leave a comment telling us your favorite Babycape (color and style); include a valid email address for our drawing. We’ll draw the winner from the comments and contact her via email. Deadline: January 14, 2009 (midnight). The winner will have 24 hours to claim her prize or a new winner will be chosen.
* Congratulations to Leah F., the winner of the Babycape giveaway! Thank you to everyone who took the time to read the review and add a comment. Keep reading the Daily Dish for your chance to participate in more giveaways!
Boutique Cafe’s Daily Dish is where you’ll find 99% of my product reviews. The other 1% comes from Polliwogged, a new site from the ZRecs network that launched in September. Most of the time there is very little overlap but once in a while I am asked to review a product I’ve either already reviewed on Boutique Cafe or have plans to review on Boutique Cafe. This is one of those times, but like the SoYoung Mother diaper bag, it’s worthy of a double mention. Plus, this Daily Dish review comes complete with a fabulous promo code–something you won’t see at the end of the Polliwogged review!
Here is my take on the Ritzy Sitzy shopping cart cover from Itzy Rizy, first posted on Polliwogged in early December, 2008:
Infant and toddler shopping cart covers have become a must-have for germ-conscious parents – you know, those parents who still rinse their baby’s pacifier off when it drops on the floor? I have four children and haven’t rinsed a pacifier in months (only when it “drops” into another infant’s mouth); I didn’t think I would need for a shopping cart cover until the Ritzy Sitzy in Perfect 10 Paisley showed up on my doorstep.
Yes, shopping carts are filled with germs, but it’s all about strengthening the immune system, right? I didn’t want to take the time to strap in a cart cover before strapping in my baby, but when I discovered all of the Ritzy Sitzy’s features I was intrigued enough to give it a go.
The true “aha!” moment was when I read how it also fits high chairs, double shopping carts (think Costco) and park swings. Though not disgusted by shopping carts, the state of many a restaurant high chair has turned my stomach. We used the Ritzy Sitzy on my oldest daughter’s birthday when we hit a local restaurant for dinner. Since it was our first time using the Ritzy Sitzy, it took a minute to figure out how to strap it on, but once we did I was impressed with its extra padding, safety belt and extra toy loops and pockets.
Fortunately the Ritzy Sitzy is machine-washable, because our little girl enjoys her fries and always seems to hide a few in her high chair. We didn’t use the toy loops or pockets, but if I had an extra long mall trip planned I would stuff those pockets with snacks and attach her favorite fabric book and pacifier. Plus, I like variety and so the Ritzy Sitzy’s reversible design is an added bonus for me.
I can’t say I’m completely sold on the shopping cart cover thing; perhaps it’s due to their price and that fact that my first three children survived just fine without one. But I am a fan of the Ritzy Sitzy when it comes to high chairs and I always have ours at the ready in our van in case we brave a restaurant with kids in tow. It makes my dinner go down a little easier knowing my daughter isn’t enjoying someone else’s.
The Ritzy Sitzy comes in a wonderful variety of fabrics – good luck choosing just one! –Emily
Update: We have had adult-only dinner dates since this review so our Ritzy Sitzy had its own little Christmas vacation. But every time I opened the trunk of our van, I saw it ready and waiting for the next germy high chair and that meant one less thing to worry about during the holiday craziness!
What I didn’t mention in the Polliwogged review is Itzy Ritzy’s eco-friendly collection made from bamboo, which is sustainable and grown without pesticides and fungicides. Naturally anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and deodorizing, bamboo even has an inherent UV protection factor. Itzy Ritzy’s baby bamboo fabric is luxurious and super soft but still practical because it’s machine washable!
* Promotion! Itzy Ritzy is offering Daily Dish readers 20% off their purchase! Simply enter code “Boutique” (without the quotes) at checkout. Offer expires February 9, 2009.
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