PLEASE BE AWARE THAT I AM NOT A LAWYER AND MY BLOG POSTS, TWEETS, etc ARE NOT INTENDED AS LEGAL ADVICE.

It’s a happy day as far as I am concerned…

the LATEST from the CPSC http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/sbguide.pdf courtesy of my pal Lisa, of Downtown Joey. It seems we can sew for now, but you DO still need to make sure you are in compliance.

Despite this news, I have decided to CLOSE the Sweet Girl Boutique site as soon as possible. It’s not really because of the CPSIA, but more so I can focus on my other site, Fabrichound. I have moved the Arts and Crafts items to Fabrichound already and will continue to carry them there. I will also take custom orders as possible. You can always email me to make arrangements.

Everything else is ON SALE until it’s gone! Come on over to the website and get a great deal!

**I am editing this post-unfortunately I misread I guess…please disregard my earlier excitement** 

Well! Finally! A LITTLE good news. Let me emphasize the LITTLE though…there is STILL much work to be done if we are going to save our handmade and small business from being crushed by Congressional foolishness!

From the CPCS website…http://cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html

What does this mean? It means that sellers of USED children’s items are in the clear! It’s safe to donate to your local thrift store, shelter or charity organization. It’s ok to continue selling those gently worn Gymbo outfits on eBay and your local children’s resell or consignment shop isn’t going out of business! WHEW!

But like I said, there is STILL much to be done! This only provides guidance for RESELLERS of USED merchandise. There’s still the issue of stock on my shelves manufactured months before the law was even actually signed! And it doesn’t help the artisan and one of a kind clothing maker. The testing requirements the CPSC wants are redundant and impractical for all but the largest of manufacturers. And those changes WILL result in price increases which are SURE to be passed on to the consumer.

Understand that this poorly written and hastily passed legislation affects ALL PRODUCTS FOR CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER. ALL PRODUCTS. What part of that is unclear to some people, I don’t know. That means books, bikes, art supplies, clothing, diapers, shoes, bedding, carpet, play equipment, DVDs/CDs, electronics like mps players, furniture and MORE! Every single thing your child uses in a day will be affected by this if we don’t speak up! You can help make your voice heard by heading over to the change.org site (that blue box over there————->) and voting to make the CPSIA issue one of the top 10 ideas that will be presented to PE Obama to help him implement the change he says he will bring to this country. I say make a change by actually LISTENING to the people!

ok…I’m soapboxed out for the moment…I’ll be back with more links for more info…

Pretty much since kindergarden started, my first born daughter has morphed into this little person I don’t recognize. Now, I know I’m strict. I proudly wear the “mean mom” badge. But I have been having some REAL issues dealing with what’s going on. I can’t even remember if she has gone a whole week without some sort of note or phone call home. She can’t seem to sit still or pay attention, though she’s certainly bright enough. She reads above her grade level, but shoves the worksheets in her desk, undone. She keeps getting reprimanded on the bus for not behaving. She’s not “bad”, not hitting other kids, using foul language or throwing big temper tantrums…And before you ask or suggest…no, she doesn’t eat a lot of sugar/refined food, we don’t watch TV before going to school, expectations are very clear, consequences enforced. We do not suspect she has any kind of learning disorder, needs glasses or is in any other way needful of medical attention. I suppose some of her behavior can simply be attributed to being 5…I do teach art in the class once a month and notice they ALL have trouble sitting still, lol!

But I’m going crazy that she can’t seem to follow simple instructions or sit still. That she doesn’t do what she doesn’t FEEL like doing…who IS this kid and what AM I going to DO with her?

After several talks with DH, he finally, and grudgingly admits that this all seem vaugely familiar to him. I say “This isn’t reading Heinlen behind your Algebra book. It’s Kindergarten and too early for these kinds of issues!” Ok, I wailed the last part! I loved school, still do and I’m pretty worried about the way PA just doesn’t seem to be “taking to it”. She seems to like her teachers and has friends, so what the HECK is going on?

The other day, it FINALLY came to me!

Remember when your parents cursed you? You know, when they say “I hope you have a kid just like you!” Well, that doesn’t sound so bad…I loved school, was obedient and a good student, pretty much a good kid who behaved and didn’t give the parents any trouble, especially not in KINDY!

Guess I forgot half of that equation-the HUSBAND!

Yes, lo and behold, we got a kid just like HIM first! And all the things that drive me crazy about him? She does them too! If it wasn’t so vexing, it would be funny, to someone…somewhere…just not me

So parents, just remember…the next time you think about cursing your kids with a kid “just like” them, remember there will be another set of genes mixed in there and your future grandchild might be “just like” the other parent!

Here’s to hoping the second one is “just like me” LOL!

Once again, I am pleased to be part of the Boutique Cafe 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Show. This year, I am on as just me and talking with Daria about the Sweet Girl Boutique site. Since I can’t really have everyone “*in* to my store, this is the next best thing! Tune in to hear more about the site, me and my family, the products I carry, a DISCOUNT code AND a GIVEAWAY!

Aurora says thanks for the compliments everyone-you really made her day! They are performing it for a little party at school and I don’t know who wrote it because I am too lazy to get up and get the paper right now, hahaha! She brought it home in the homework folder on Monday and has been practicing all week.

Still shopping? Maybe you haven’t even started?  But I have! I’ve been hard at work, hunting down some of the best gifts the internet has to offer. I’ve especially tried to highlight handmade products from the US. Gifts you can feel good about giving because you are helping support the economy. I’m really proud of my men’s gift guide, practically guaranteed to be his FAVORITE gifts, and my guide for crafty kids, perfect for inspiring the little ones on your list to create! I hope you’ll take a moment, curl up with your coffee and let me help YOU with your holiday gifting. Just click the “Gift Guide” tab above.

FINALLY! I’ve been hearing my friends RAVE about Bangerang (aka Fat Daddy) BakeShop ORIGINAL CUPCAKE IN A JAR™ for a while now, but every time I tried to get one from their etsy site, they would be sold out! Not one to give up easily, I just kept coming back and my pursuit has been rewarded! No need for you to go to such extremes though, BANGERANG BAKE SHOP™ now has a website FULL of cupcakey deliciousness!

When my Original Cupcakes In A Jar arrived, I was tempted to open the box and eat them both myself! They DID include two forks…DH is lucky I didn’t eat them in the mail room! I ordered Captain Carrot Cake Cupcake for myself (carrot cake is one of my FAVORITES)and Maple Madness Cupcake for Chops (he’s from Vermont and I always get maple treats for him). I could tell right away from the careful packaging and presentation that Bangerang takes great pride in making a quality product. We admired how great the cupcakes looked, even after being jostled about in the mail, the frosting and sprinkles were on top where they belonged and the cakes looked just as good as pictured online. We settled ourselves with big glasses of milk and got to work tasting.

I don’t suppose it would be much of a review if I just said MMMMMMMMMMMM and OMGOMGOMG…but that’s all that was going through my head! who knew so much heavenly deliciousness could hide in a smallish jar of cupcake? Who knew that a cupcake could be packed in a jar like that, shipped across the country and arrive as fresh and tasty as when it came out of the oven? Or however they make these, because I don’t really know, LOL! All I know is that these are exquistely special little treats best eaten after the kiddos are fast asleep! Bangerang BakeShop Cupcake In a Jar would make a wonderful gift or pick me up for a friend…I love that you can send just one or choose a few for a gift pack. Be sure to check out the LIMITED EDITION holiday flavors shipping Monday December 8. We already have Anti-EstablishMINT™ (Chocolate Cake Baked with Andes Chips Layered with Mint Buttercream), Drunken Johnny™ (Rum Cake with Rum Glaze Topped with Rum Buttercream), Sunshine Gingerbread Gang™ (Chocolate Gingerbread Cake Topped with Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting), and Meet Me At The Cocoanutcabana™ (Chocolate Cake baked with Coconut and Chocolate Chips, Topped with Chocolate Ganache and Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting) on the way…I’ll let you know when they get here, but don’t expect a taste

I know, I’m a couple days behind. I totally thought things would slow down around here and I could enjoy some holiday crafting, but I forgot about my Boutique Cafe 12 Days of Christmas interview, Aurora’s school toy drive, custom orders, a possible Tweet Up, the VW Christmas party (I need to MAKE a gift for the exchange!)…well, it’s a madhouse to say the least!

Anyway, I’m ready announce the WINNERS of my Boys and Girls Black Friday Giveaways…BOYS coloring gift goes to #6 Heather of Tres Fun. And GIRLS coloring gift goes to #10 Stephanie of Bizziemommy. I’ll get with you both to decide on fabrics for the tote.

Thanks to everyone who entered…I do LOVE a giveaway, so be sure to stay tuned for more!

Also, each month, I draw a $10 gift certificate winner from my customer database, so make a purchase or at least register an account and subscribe to the newsletter for your chance to win!

When I was getting ready to stock my store early this fall, I knew I had to have some kind of arts and crafts items. My kids LOVE crafts…not like that’s surprising I guess, with a crafty momma like me, lol! But I digress…the hunt was on during my ABC show prep when I came across Abracadabra! Educational Craft Kits.

“We offer fun, unique, educational crafts, and activities for kids ages 3-10+. Our kits are guaranteed to deliver a creative, interactive, and educational experience.
Each craft kit contains all of the materials required to complete the project. We use only the highest quality materials, and include easy to follow instructions producing an end product that will last and make your child feel proud.
AND SO MUCH MORE!”

I thought this sounded GREAT so I made sure to put them on my short list for the show. When I got the booth and started checking out the kits, I was suitably impressed. Sethi, the creator, is a mother and educator. The kits were born of her own frustration when trying to find quality craft kits for her own children. Being crafty and a mom myself, of course we hit it off. I really liked her energy and enthusiasm for her product, as well the true originality behind it. While discussing the kits, Sethi pointed out some of the advantages that even a crafty mom could appreciate, as well as those sure to be PRAISED by non crafty moms. Sethi was super generous to let me sample TWO kits (since I have two girls) and I finally had some time to get one of them out and let Aurora try it.

We tried the Design Your Own Photo Album Kit, for ages 3-10+. The first thing I love, before you even take it out of the convenient zipper bag, is the insert detailing the educational component and what skills will be reinforced during this FUN activity. On the back, an estimated project time, contents list, instructions and, the BEST part, educational information, including websites for more information.  I think this aspect of the kit would make it ideal for homeschooling or stimulating children outside of the classroom.

I also really appreciated the fact that EVERYTHING Aurora needed to complete the project was INCLUDED in the kit, including small tubes of white and glitter glue. This kit also includes a pre-inked foam brush…just moisten and it’s ready to go. The kit included the photo album as well as plenty of sparkles, large buttons, feathers, etc to decorate it. We had plenty of bits and bobs left over for another project. Again, let me point out the handy zipper bag!

Now, even if you are a crafty mom like me, you still might have trouble rounding up all the items needed to do a craft, nevermind trying to turn it into a learning experience. I am really impressed by the amount of thought that has gone into these kits, down to the small tube of glue! No more dragging out to the craft store just to entertain for 30 minutes!

As I took the pieces out and Aurora examined them, I read the instructions and educational information (this bit about photography, of course) out loud. We talked a bit about cameras and photography. She’s well used to me toting a camera and having her picture taken, so it was easy to relate the activity to something she already knew. Plus, I took the opportunity to expand the craft by suggesting we take some photos and print them to put in the album.

Here, Aurora paints the album cover with the pre-inked foam brush.

Aurora made a pattern first, then glued the pieces in place. I suggested using more, but she only wanted these bits and I’m not one to push in the art deptarment. It’s supposed to be about her expressing herself, right?

Here she is with the finished album. She is VERY proud of it and who can blame her? Other than me snipping the seals off the glue and getting the foam brush wet, I didn’t do a thing! The estimated time for this project is 30 minutes, but I’d say Aurora spent a good 45 minutes on this. She really enjoys crafts and patterns though, so your results may vary.

Overall, I’d say Abracadabra Educational Craft Kits are GREAT!  All kits include small pieces so they are labeled for ages 3+. Each kit is self contained, making them ideal for trips, parties, busy parents and homeschoolers. I can’t get over how everything is in the bag! No more hunting for the dried up glue, etc…

Aurora (5) says she really liked it and would recommend these kits for kids whether they really like crafts or not. She thinks all kids would like this and grandmas would like to do them with grandkids too

Well, I’ve been stressing myself out for at least 24 hours now. I am normally very good about saying NO. You won’t find me guilted into chaperoning a field trip I don’t want to or standing in the pouring rain to sell cookies. I’m even good at saying no to my own family when I find it neccessary.

So WHY did I tell my dad that we would come up to his house for Thanksgiving?!?!

Let me give a little background. My dad and step mom packed up and moved a 5 hour drive away a few years ago. They live in a smallish town in the middle of nowhere, where the combination of dry air and altitude tend to cause a sinus headace the entire time we visit. This isn’t the house I grew up in, so it’s not like going “home”. And none of our other family (my dad’s side) will be there. We have a decent backroad to take and IT looks clear…but it rained pretty hard in SoCal last night and there are several heavy fog alerts on nearby roads, as well as some road closures and chain requirments in the mountain pass near Silver Lake/Big Pine area. The last time we tried this on the day before Thanksgiving, I think Aurora was just barely 2. We were barely moving for the 20 or so miles between Rancho Cucamonga and the 15/215 merge…3 hours to go 20 miles with a SCREAMING toddler in the back seat! No way out! No where to turn off the road and just get out for minute. It was a NIGHTMARE that I swore I’d never repeat!

And I haven’t…until maybe now…

If it just hadn’t rained last night and all the roads were clear. If Baby Z (20 mo) wasn’t already entering the “I will NOT be contained by any manmade devices and I will protest LOUDLY if you try” stage. If I didn’t have two small children that need to get out for food and bathroom breaks. If Chops hadn’t had to go to work today, because I know “just until noon” will turn into him coming home at 1pm, which guarantees we would hit SOME rush hour traffic SOMEWHERE. And our “tolerable at best” 5 hour trip will stretch into a 7 or 8 hour torture session in which there will be at least SOME yelling, a few swear words and my solemn VOW that I will NEVER AGAIN take that trip!

One of my friends said I should be happy that my family wants me to come visit. Maybe she’s right. But if they really love me, they wouldn’t want me to endure all that, would they? I don’t understand why the holidays mean dressing up and driving several hours to visit family. And the stress of the whole situation…the roads and airports are FILLED with people who don’t really WANT to go home but feel they HAVE to. I thought holidays were about celebrating, not OBLIGATION. I don’t know about you, but I have a headache already!

I want my holidays to be spent lounging around in my jammies with the people I love best, not out on the road, screaming at other stressed out people and my family.

Guess I’ll go call my dad and break the bad news to him now…wish me luck!