Bargain Hunters: How will the CPSIA Law requiring lead testing for children’s products affect YOU beginning February 10, 2009?

There has been a lot of circulating information over the past few days about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act that will go into effect nationwide February 10, 2009. For those of you not familiar with the hype, let me help you get back up to speed. ALL items intended for children under 12 are to be tested for stricter levels of lead and other contaminates, even if the item is intended for adults but can be regarded as "kid's stuff" such as comics, games, stuffed toys, etc. This will certainly drive up the costs of children’s products across the board and many specialty businesses will go under due to the high cost of testing. Personally, I'm glad the government wants to make our children safer and healthier, but they took it a little too far when the Act never considered, included or excluded second hand resellers. Here are the regulations in a nutshell...

Manufacturers, importers and retailers are expected to comply with new Congressionally-mandated laws. Starting on February 10, 2009, children's products cannot be sold if they contain more than 600 parts per million (ppm) total lead. Certain children's products manufactured on or after February 10, 2009 cannot be sold if they contain more that 0.1% of certain specific phthalates or if they fail to meet new mandatory standards for toys. Under the new law, children's products with more than 600 ppm total lead cannot lawfully be sold in the United States on or after February 10, 2009, even if they were manufactured before that date. The total lead limit drops to 300 ppm on August 14, 2009. The new law requires that domestic manufacturers and importers certify that children's products made after February 10 meet all the new safety standards and the lead ban.

So what does this mean for Second hand re-sellers like church yard sales, individual yard sales, consignment shops, and seasonal consignment sales? Well for a couple of days we were all in a tizzy. Those of us that were even informed about the law knew that it COULD be interpreted INCORRECTLY and POTENTIALLY make our honest and economy friendly business an illegal one overnight? Second hand resellers certainly do not have the funds to test merchandise since testing can go well into the thousands of dollars per unit.

Luckily, the consignment community got involved and stood up for what was needed. ALOT of phone calls and emails were sent to the authors of the bill at Senator Pryor's office as well as contacting other House and Senate Representatives across the Nation. A big thanks to John Wasson of My Sale Manager, a nationwide seasonal consignment sale computer program company, who helped coordinate and rally for clarification on this hastily put together congressional act.

Today, a press release by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) clarified what we've all been anxiously awaiting regarding second hand businesses. “The new law requires that domestic manufacturers and importers certify that children's products made after February 10 meet all the new safety standards and the lead ban. 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. The new safety law does not require resellers to test children's products in inventory for compliance with the lead limit before they are sold. However, resellers cannot sell children's products that exceed the lead limit and therefore should avoid products that are likely to have lead content, unless they have testing or other information to indicate the products being sold have less than the new limit. Those resellers that do sell products in violation of the new limits could face civil and/or criminal penalties.”

So fear not bargain hunters, it is not illegal to have children's items in yard sales, consignment shops, seasonal consignment sales or thrift stores. However, our children's safety is first and foremost so we all need to pay more attention to new laws, abide by recall listings and be more aware of items that are likely to have lead content. Shoppers and consignors who experience the thrill of Tykes, Tots & Teens 30,000 sq feet, Seasonal Consignment Sale at the GA International Horse Park will have easy access to CPSC recall lists to verify that items are not on the list this April.

See the Press Release from the CPSC http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09086.html
Read the CPSIA Law http://www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf
Check your items for recalls http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html

Blog by Laura Johns, Mother, Bargain Hunter, Founder & Co-Owner of Tykes, Tots & Teens Consignment Sales

Is It "Bye, Bye" to Bratz Dolls?

After a 4 year court battle between MGA, the Bratz makers and Mattel, Inc. who make Barbie, MGA has been ordered by a judge to stop all production of the Bratz dolls and pull them from the shelves after Christmas. I think I read somewhere they'll be pulled in February, but I can't find the source of that information. According to the article I read which quotes court records, Mattel had been investigating MGA and its executives for years due to declining Barbie sales ever since the Bratz dolls appeared in 2001. A 4 year legal battle ensued with both companies filing claims. Recently, a jury found in favor of Mattel that designer of the Bratz dolls, Carter Bryant developed and marketed the dolls to a competitor (MGA) while still working for Mattel. Read the entire article by clicking the following link http://www.walletpop.com/article/_a/bbdp/mga-ordered-to-stop-selling-bratz-dolls/267525#cmntbgn

Maybe, like me, you didn't know or care that there was a battle brewing in the land of dolls. Let's face it, many of us have bigger things to worry about in our personal lives than the fate of a line of dolls. However, I for one will not be sad to see them go away. I'm not a big fan. Also, it will end the battle in my house between my 6 year old daughter and me. She has been asking why she can't have Bratz dolls for a couple of years. My daughter even came home recently with a list of friends who are allowed to have Bratz while she is not. So I don't get in trouble here, I don't think Bratz dolls are evil. I just don't like the name, the way they dress, etc. And, my daughter has never been that much into any dolls so why should I waste money on something she'll only play with to impress her friends. I gave in on the Webkinz, actually her Nana bought it for her when I wasn't around. Still she has a couple of them now that we bought her. I put my foot down on those Bratz dolls though. There are plenty of other dolls out there. She actually has some of the Soda Pop girls which are made by the same manufacturer of Bratz. They have the big almond shaped eyes like the Bratz dolls, but are dressed in cutesy clothes and come with a pet. We were just playing with those this afternoon.

There is a chance that Mattel will keep the Bratz dolls on the shelf by producing it themselves. I hope that the next time we see the Bratz dolls will be in about 20 years on VH1's show, "I Love the New Millenium", or whatever they will call it. My niece and I were hysterical watching the "I Love the 80's" and "I Love the 90's" shows on VH1 this past summer. The show has modern comedians spoofing the fads, toys, sayings, etc. of the time period. Some of it was really funny.

Those of us who lived through the disappearance of our beloved Smurfs will be able to put this in perspective. Maybe the Bratz dolls will become collectors items, or maybe not.

The Fayette YMCA Could Expand if SPLOST Renewed

I recently received an email asking concerned citizens of Fayette County to write to the Fayette County Board of Commissioners urging them to include a community center/YMCA (including an aquatic venue, gym, wellness, teen, arts center, etc.) in the SPLOST renewal ballot next November.

After reading the email and doing a bit more research about the SPLOST, I do intend to write a letter to the commissioners asking for a community center in the SPLOST renewal ballot. Developing and maintaining the http://www.localkidfun.com website for the last year has biased me towards support of enhancing the community opportunities for children and families. Although Fayette County already has a lot to offer, a YMCA with indoor facilities could increase the recreational opportunities in Fayette County providing even more options. I am not stating here whether I will vote for or against the SPLOST renewal in November 2009. My vote will depend on what projects the SPLOST actually will include. The Fayette County Commissioners are currently planning the projects which they intend to include in the SPLOST renewal ballot next November. A letter from many of their constituents will help guide their planning.

If you would like to learn more about the current SPLOST and its projects. Click on the following link http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/finance/SPLOST_Information.htm

Here's a link to the Fayette Family YMCA: http://www.ymcaatlanta.org/Branches/FFY-Fayette_YMCA/default.asp

According to Pam Young, Regional Development Director Fayette/Summit Family YMCA's letters can be sent to Jack Smith, Jack Krakeel, Anita Goodbee, the Board of Commissioners and Recreation Commissioners. I think you write the letter to the following address with each Commissioner's name. County Commission, 140 Stonewall Avenue West, Suite 100, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214.

You can also go to the Fayette County Directory to get individual addresses and information: http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/information/address_directory.htm

Christmas with the Police ~ Giving Opportunity for Fayetteville, GA

This post is courtesy of Fayetteville Police Department MEDIA RELEASE


Fayetteville Police Officers Host “Christmas with the Police”

The Fayetteville Police Department will be conducting a “Christmas with the Police” event this holiday season. The Fayetteville Police Department will select families that may not be able to have Christmas otherwise, to celebrate the holidays with. Officers of the police department will meet with family members to get gift ideas. They will then shop for gifts for the families. Members of the Department and the families will have Christmas dinner, open presents and go to Dixie Land Amusement Park.
The Fayetteville Police Department has been conducting a similar program for the past five years. In the past events we found many of the kids bought not just for themselves but for their parents and siblings.

If you are interested in making a monetary or gift card donation to the program please contact Lieutenant Debbie Chambers at 770-461-4441.

Stuffed Pumpkin Recipe for an Easy Fall Dinner!

Here is a recipe I make every year for family and friends. I got it from my friend Sandy F. when we lived in Jacksonville, FL. It was a family recipe from growing up Rhode Island. Her family made every year to celebrate Fall. I thought I would share this with all of you.

It makes lots of food and it's easy to put together. Put it together early then pop it in the oven for at least an hour (sometimes 2 hrs). Invite your neighbors over and let the kids play outside in this gorgeous October weather while the pumpkin cooks. It makes your house smell yummy. I've made it twice already this fall for two different groups of friends. The leftovers are good too.

TIP: If you are inviting over picky eaters, reserve some extra ground meat for hamburgers to cook on the grill.

Stuffed Pumpkin Recipe
Ingredients:
Pumpkin - Buy a pumpkin at the grocery store or at a pumpkin patch. Look for a good size that will fit in your oven with the stem (usually medium size works).
1 med Onion
2 lb ground turkey OR 1 lb ground pork & 1 lb ground beef
1 Cup Chopped Celery (optional)
1 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Pepper
1 Tbsp Poultry Seasoning
1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
1 Cup Plain Bread Crumbs

Directions:
Cut the top off the pumpkin and reserve. Scoop out the seeds and veins of pumpkin (like you would to carve it).
Precook in microwave 5-10 minutes until it starts to soften (this helps reduce the oven time)

Fry 1 chopped onion until brown
add ground meat and cook until brown
add 1 cup water (reduce water w/ reduced meat)& 1 cup chopped celery (optional). Cook until celery is done. Remove from heat.

Add 1 T. poultry seasoning, 1/2 tsp ground cloves, & 1 C bread crumbs. Mix.

Once cool, stuff mixture into pumpkin. Place top on pumpkin and put it on a foil covered cookie sheet to prevent dripping.
Bake at 350 degrees until done (1-2 hours). Done when pumpkin is brown and very soft.
Serve in pumpkin or in serving bowls. For serving bowls, scoop out the meat into one dish and the flesh of the pumpkin into another. Serve also with rice (our preference), mashed potatoes, or any vegetable.

ENJOY! Candace

Trick or Treat for UNICEF

My kids and I are planning to Trick or Treat for UNICEF this year. My husband and I both collected for UNICEF as children. We want to pass this giving spirit onto our children. I've ordered a few of the orange UNICEF boxes for my kids and the neighborhood kids so that they can participate too.

Here's a link to get your own box http://youth.unicefusa.org/trickortreat/.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Patches

Thank you to my friend Diane of www.petsofgeorgia.com. She gave me a link for Pumpkin Patches by County. Here it is http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/GAEJpumpkins.php. Most of the places listed for Fayette, Henry and Coweta counties were already on LocalKidFun.com. You can find them on either on the Events Calendar or in the Seasonal Activities page under Fall Fun. The Pumpkin Patches site is nice though if you are venturing out of our area either within GA or elsewhere in the US.

My family is heading up to Connecticut this weekend. We'll be going to our favorite pumpkin patch in CT, Jones Family Farms. If I didn't already know about this farm though, I'd check the Pumpkin Patch site. Just in case, I did check and Jones Farm is listed 2nd on the CT page.

Hope this helps those of you in search of the "Great Pumpkin"!