Let's Say Thanks--Free postcards to soldiers

Xerox is printing and sending free postcards this holiday season to soldiers. Just go to:

www.letssaythanks.com

and follow the steps to make a postcard. Xerox will print and send it free!

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Before you finish Christmas Shopping for kids...

Why not check out this site:

www.healthytoys.org


It's a non-profit that tests toys for harmful chemicals. Curious about the worst toys?

WORST TOYS LIST

Before you give little ones toys, check their lists. They are not all-inclusive lists, but they do offer a testing service.

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Dental Care

My two oldest had their dental checkup today. It went well, though we do have a few cavities to speak of :( Apparently, they inherited my crowded teeth and we're not flossing enough.

As usual at a dental exam, the dentist gave each of the girls a toothbrush. Though they are cute (the handles look like a whale), they are made in China.

Why do I care? Every week I get recall notices in my email box and the majority of them are lead paint recalls from China. I'm just not comfortable with products from China, especially those that are put in my children's mouth.

So I went on a search for toothbrushes for the girls. It may seem as if there is no selection for Made in the USA products, I've found the following:

TOOTHBRUSHES
Dr. Du-More's (I've purchased the flossers at Wal-Mart)
Radius
Oral-B (be sure to check the label)
POH

Remember the '07 scare about China toothpaste?

TOOTHPASTE
Tom's of Maine
Nature's Gate


I'll update this after we've tried any of the toothbrushes. We already love Tom's of Maine and have been using it for years.

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Bumkins Bibs

Bumkins bibs are MADE IN THE USA! Read about the company here. After the bib recalls (Made in China) I dumped all of my foreign bibs and decided to start looking for bibs that are more likely to be lead free and are still good at keeping baby and toddler clothes clean.

I started using the Bumkins diaper covers early last November. I was in a Babies R' Us and discovered the exact same pattern as my diaper cover in a bib...by the same company! I was ecstatic. I've been using it now for months with my toddler and it is durable, washable, and water resistant. The colors are also nice :)



PROS: Great bib, good coverage overall, great selection of colors

CONS: May be difficult to purchase locally (and those that carry it usually hike up the price an extra $2 per bib compared to online stores); a little larger for smaller babies, but Bumkins does carry a 3-9 month size

COST: $6.95 + Shipping online, $8.95 plus tax locally

RATING (out of 4):


**On a side note, I looked up the bibs at Babies R' Us online on a whim, since that is where I first found out about them. They are having a clearance sale! I bought one girls' 3 pack of bibs for $4.95 (originally about $16), 3 smock size bibs for $4.25 each (orig. $16 each), and a 2 pack of bibs + washcloth for $7.50. Ahh, love the bargains!

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