For the kids who are looking to leave a light carbon footprint when going to play at the beach! Green Toys, Inc. has a good but limited number of toys available that are lead-free, and phthalate free.

Green Toys products are tested by nationally recognized, independent, third-party labs (located, yes, in the USA.) They contain no traceable amounts of Phthalates or BPA. They are also designed without any external coatings, eliminating the fear of lead paint.” ~ Green Toys, Inc.

All Green Toys products are packaged in recycled corrugated boxes with no plastics, cellophane or twist-ties, and are 100% recyclable. They make their toys from recycled plastic milk jugs, smart!

(Via GreenToys.Com)

   

These cheap little lapel pins must have a lot of lead in them, that’s all I can say. “Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects,” is what it says in the recall press release. Well, sure I could have figured that out, but what are we talking about, a chunk of pure lead or just lead-coated? Are we talking about 600ppm (600 parts per million = 0.06% = 600 micrograms/gram = 600 milligrams/kilogram) or much higher?

The recalled lapel pins have images depicting 12 video game characters. The lapel pins vary in size, ranging from 1- to 2- inches in height. The characters Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Mario, Mario Kart, Pikachu, Princess Peach, Samus, Starfox, Waluigi and Wario were sold individually. Mario, Princess Peach and Samus were also sold as a set.

The top-line symptoms of lead poisoning are;

The symptoms of chronic lead poisoning include neurological problems, such as reduced cognitive abilities, or nausea, abdominal pain, irritability, insomnia, metal taste in oral cavity, excess lethargy or hyperactivity, headache and, in extreme cases, seizure and coma. There are also associated gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, which are common in acute poisoning. Other associated effects are anemia, kidney problems, and reproductive problems.” ~ Wikipedia | Lead Poisoning

This is by no means a small recall with over 71,000 units in question. The pieces sold between $1.50 and $4 a piece. File this under, cheap toys made dangerously cheap.

Sited Links:
CPSC | Ninetendo Recalls Lapel Pins Due to Lead Risk
Wikipedia | Lead Poisoning

   

The thing I am trying to do this Mother’s Day is get away from buying at all the big franchise stores and try to support the small local retailer who are either making unique and beautiful stuff.

Now that I am a full fledged dad with a couple kids and another on the way, it has me thinking of keepsakes. I never really thought about them before but the thought of have a few cherished heirlooms to add to the family tree, sounds - well it sounds nice.

A piece that I’ve been drawn too was recently highlighted in Life & Style Magazine on the original Material Girl, Madonna. It’s the Nashelle Cherished Engraved Necklace from an Indie Jewelry retailer, Penelope Poet. This piece is designed by Heather Beeson, the creative mind behind Nashelle Jewelry. From her studio on the gorgeous Oregon Coast, Heather and her team of talented artists create exceptional jewelry by hand. Penelope Poet makes an effort to support female artists and moms. So I guess if you buy from them you’re building positive karma points, too.

I recently got it for my wife (don’t tell her) with the two boys names engraved on it and with the third on the way, I was assured I can call in a few months or a few years and add more charms to it. What more can you ask for - a keepsake that grows with the family.

(Via Penelope Poet)

   

This thing has mud flaps for miles! This thing is so cool looking! Its low center of gravity and wide stance make this as safe as it is beautiful. It has a working headlight, to boot!

Modeled after the classic 1934 Van Doren design. This graceful tricycle is made of handcrafted steel and features chromed trim, a supple leather seat, a charming battery-powered headlight, adjustable handlebar and seat, and durable steel spoke wheels with solid rubber tires.

(Via BackToBasicsToys.Coom)

   

It’s a highchair for babies, a booster for tots, a student chair for teens — and it’s the only one that offers a compatible feeding tray! This sleek hardwood chair delivers greater value than others, because it’s sturdy enough to support an adult.

We are very happy with ours. It allows us to have baby eat at the table (with or without the feeding tray) with us rather than off to the side with the conventional highchairs. And they have made it very easy to raise or lower the seat and step with a tongue and groove slat design.

It comes in a natural or dark cherry finish.

(Via OneStepAhead.Com)

   

Recently, I have been included in a Beta-testing group of SocialSpark (SS) which is the new child of IZEA who seem to be in the process of letting go of PayPerPost (PPP), which is their first child. SocialSpark is a different format then PPP system. Sure you can get paid for posting articles about different products or services, but SocialSpark promotes healthy blogger networking and an intriguing cross-pollination between advertisers and bloggers. There are many “carrots” to be won on both sides of the fence.

Carrots meaning, props, positive or constructive comments and of course the ability to build endless “friends” (think MySpace or MyBlogLog). Like eBay and Amazon, it promotes a positive feedback system from the rest of the SocialSpark community to maintain a sense of equilibrium and integrity amongst its members. Sure there will some “bad seeds” but they will probably rise to the top of the pile and get plucked (banned/benched), but I sense this system will work. It’s clear this is their focus, based on their Code of Ethics;

• 100% Audit-able In-Post Disclosure
• 100% Transparency
• 100% Real Opinions
• 100% Search Engine Friendly

And like all massive social networking sites everybody is in it for different reasons. If I can do that and earn a few pennies at the end of the day, I will put them in a piggy bank to help my boys when it’s time for them to go to college. Case in point, this post is earning me five and half bucks, just enough for my son to buy himself a Coke when he’s in college (which will be around 2021). And, if I’m still around to see him drink it, I will consider myself blessed. And if I make a few friends along the way, two thumbs up.

   

A collection of cute tea sets and dishes that are fit for any Alice in Wonderland.

(Via Schmancy.Com)