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Vote to change! CPSIA needs amending now!
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As I’m sure most of you have heard by now, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has passed a law that is jeopardizing many small businesses stability in an already very unstable economic climate. Even though this law was enacted with the best of intentions to protect our children, the lack of knowledge and foresight regarding the consequences of such a broad based law will be unfortunately jeopardizing many families incomes when most Americans are already struggling to keep things stable for their families in this economy.
As a retailer of Children’s products http://www.barefootbella.net I along with many other small businesses have already been affected. With the uncertainty of the outcome we have been forced to try to clear out inventory that we bought (at the time) that met all current regulations, to then be told that all of our existing inventory will be unsellable on February 10th unless we receive a certificate of compliance for products that (in our case) were manufactured before the certificates were required. Or our other option, if certificates for the products are unobtainable from the manufacturer, is that we can rent an XRF gun to test our products individually which is extremely costly compared to the cost of the products we are actually selling. Not to mention that the majority of the products that my store carries are American made and are made of fabric, which as stated by the textile industry to be known not to contain lead–but due to this law I am required to prove that they do not contain lead in order to sell them–even though when I bought them from the manufacturers they met all required testing. So as a retailer I will suffer financially for something that I have absolutely no control over. I bought products to sell from reputable manufacturers and designers to then be told a few months later that I will have to pay for them to be retested to meet new requirements that were not in affect when the products were manufacturered–how does that make sense??
In defense of the CPSC the law was enacted with our best interest at heart to try to keep us safe from products being imported from China that have recently been found to contain lead. But the problem with the law is that the broadness of including ALL products that would appeal to a 12 year old and under has jeopardized so many businesses that the law will hurt us more than it will help us. We are not asking to remove the law completely–we are just asking to ammend the law so that it makes sense! And to ammend it soon before it hurts us more than it already has. To make a law retroactive on all past transactions is obsurd in every posible way. If every law ever enacted was made retroactive that would mean that everything you do today could then be made unlawful tomorrow and you could be essentially punished for it–even though when you did it it was not against the law. That statement seems so confusing on so many ways just like this law! But that is what this law is doing to retailers by making all of their existing inventory apply to this law. The point is the law does not make sense the way it is written and it is the responsibility of our lawmakers to fix it and the only way they will do this is if enough people let them know it is unacceptable in its current state. For me as a retailer I feel frozen on what my options are. I feel confident that my products in my store are safe for many reasons. Most of my products are American made and made of fabric and for someone to tell me the clothes my children are wearing now or have in their closet are all of a sudden on February 10th going to be toxic like all of the merchandise in my store will be considered unless I have a certificate stating otherwise is just down right ridiculous. And if that was the case then we have a lot bigger problem then we thought when it comes to our government and their regulations that they have enacted over the years. If all of a sudden all children’s products ever made are considered toxic on February 10th unless they have a certificate stating they aren’t then our government has really failed us in the fact that they aren’t confident in all of their past regulations that were supposed to keep us safe.
As a retailer I will only be selling products that I have a certificate for or have tested myself with an XRF gun, after February 10th, to comply with the law but the cost of doing this has been extremely detrimental to my business and it will take a while to recover when as everyone knows retailers are already struggling to survive in this shaky economy. I am confident my business will survive through this setback but I know alot of others that will not be so lucky.
My basic thoughts on how this law could be amended that would help me personally for my business and I’m sure other small retailers would agree is that 1) the law should not be retroactive to products manufacturered before the date the law was enacted, 2) clothing should not be included due to the fact that the textile industry states that lead is not used in fabric dyes unless it is for outside fabrics like awnings, and 3) children’s books should not be included because if that is the case every school book in our children’s schools should have to be tested to be in compliance with this law–and who is going to pay for that–the government?? I’m sure if I had time I could name about a dozen other items to be amended for this law to make sense, including how it will be affecting places like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, but for now that is a basic overview on how the law affects me personally.
This rule will affect products in schools, day care centers, libraries, Goodwill, resale stores, craftshows, garage sales, ebay and craigslist. It will be illegal to sell or distribute or store children’s product that contain over 600 ppm lead and those not tested.
They are calling Feb 10th national Bankruptcy day because of the number of small business that will be forced to close down. http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/
Please HELP us by calling some of the number listed below. Please ask them to repeal CPSIA before Feb 10, 2008
Why contact Waxman http://tinyurl.com/d2d7z3 His office will tell you to call CPSC.
CPSC will tell you to call him. He is the only one who can call a hearing now.
Please CALL, Write, and BLOG about this
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1. Call Rep. Waxman, ask them to postpone CPSIA deadlines! 202-225-4434. Tell them you know only he has the authority to call a hearing to make exceptions.
2. Call Nancy Nord of CPSC (301) 504-7901 - Ask for help and guidelines for your business under CPSIA. Ask why we retailers and businesses were notified last August since we are all registered with the state.
3. Call Chairman of Commerce Com. Senator John D. Rockefeller IV : (202) 224-6472 They are fighting for us. Ask for help for your business.
Printable CPSIA Action Kit
http://www.etsy.com/storque/media/bunker/2009/01/CPSIA-Etsy-Resources.pdf
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Additional contact you can make. Tell them how CPSIA will affect you, your business, your children, your school, day care center, church.
1. Write the White house about CPSIA http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/opl/
2. Call Senate Commerce Committee 202-324-5115
3. Call Sen. Kerry Chairman of Small Business & Entrepreneurship (202)224-5175
4. Contact your Senator http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
5. Contact your Rep If we all make a few calls we can make a difference. Waxman’s office said this was not intended to cover small American businesses but it does. They said it was an unintended fall out of keeping kids safe from Chinese imports that came to the US with lead. However our American small business are the ones being hurt.
PLEASE HELP and do your part!
Girls Spring Clothes on Sale!
With Spring right around the corner this is a great time to start shopping for Easter gifts! And what better place to do it than the Barefoot Bella Children’s Boutique because right now they have some really great deals going on. All girls and boys clothing is on sale throughout the entire store including Spring clothes and swimwear. Top designer brands at discount prices. There are some really cute girls outfits for Spring and Summer so make sure you check out their girls clothing section. Also if you just love a bargain as I know we all do–then check out what’s left from this years Fall/Winter season because most items are under $20.00 and there is some really cute stuff!
If you like Squash you will love this recipe!
If you are looking for a tasty side dish this recipe is a great one to try. This is a great way to sneak a vegetable in without the kids knowing because this recipe is so sweet and yummy they will think it is dessert!
Caramelized Butternut Custard
Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
2 teaspoons canola oil
4 eggs
1 3/4 cup half and half
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
Brush the entire squash with the canola oil. Place cut side won on a baking sheet. Heat the oven up to 400 degrees. Bake the squash for 55 minutes. The squash should be fork tender when done. Set the baked squash aside until cool enough to handle with your hands. Bring the oven temperature down to 300 degrees. Once the squash has cooled remove the skin. Place the flesh into the blender and puree until smooth. Place 2 cups of the puree into a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs. Pour in the half and half and the maple syrup. Blend together until completely combined and very smooth. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper and stir to incorporate into the mixture. Very lightly spray a ceramic baking dish with a non stick cooking spray. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Fill a slightly larger pan 1/2 full of water. Place the baking dish into the water filled pan. Bake 50 minutes or until the custard sets and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Be sure to cool before cutting.
Serves 6
Yummy Meatloaf
My husband loves meatloaf and this recipe is definately a yummy one. Double the ingredients for bigger families or dinner parties!
Vegetable Meat Loaf Square
Ingredients:
1 slice bacon, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 1/2 cup French bread, cubed
1 pound lean ground beef
2 eggs
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup parsley, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (8 oz) package mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
Place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook 3 minutes or until browned. Remove bacon to a paper towel. Using the bacon drippings cook the tomato, carrot, celery and onion, covered for 6 minutes or until tender. Stir the bacon back into the skillet. Place the bread in a bowl. Place just enough water in the bowl with the bread to cover. Allow the bread to stand in the water 5 minutes. Drain the water and squeeze the excess water out of the bread cubes.
Place the bread back into the bowl. Add the ground beef, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper to the bread. Mix the ingredients together with you hands. Form a square loaf when the ingredients have been mixed together. Place the loaf in a square baking dish. Form a well in the middle of the loaf. Place the cooked vegetables into the well. Sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese. Form the loaf back over the top of the vegetables. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake 50 minutes. Remove and let the meat loaf stand 10 minutes before cutting.
Serves 4
Polliwalks are Fun Shoes For Kids!
Looking for a great gift for a special child in your life? Well I have found the perfect gift idea. Have you ever heard of Polliwalks? These fun shoes are waterproof croc-like shoes but even better than your standard crocs. These adorable slide on waterproof shoes come in four different animal styles with an assortment of colors to choose from for boys and girls.
The best part about these shoes is the fun animal design including eyes on the front and a footprint of the animal on the bottom of the shoe. The Polliwalks company believes that shoes shouldn’t just be shoes, they should be toys for feet! Polliwalks Clogs feature a duck , a frog, a gator, and a ladybug. Kids can step in dirt, sand, or water, and leave footprints wherever they go. Check out these great shoes at Barefoot Bella and get your pair for the upcoming Spring Season!
White Peppermint Hot Cocoa
This recipe is definately a favorite on these cold winter nights! You really have to love peppermint to like this one.
White Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Ingredients:
8 ounces white chocolate, chopped
3 cups milk
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
Instructions:
Place the chocolate in a large microwave safe measuring cup. Add the mil and whipping cream. Stir in the peppermint extract. Microwave the cocoa on high for 5 minutes. Remove and stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
Serves 4
Baked French Toast
Looking for a yummy recipe to cook for breakfast tomorrow. Check out this delicious Streusel Topped Baked French Toast. This recipe is perfect to serve when you want to impress the in-laws visiting for the weekend. It is easy to make but looks so exquisite your guests will think you are a gourmet chef.
Streusel Topped Baked French Toast
Ingredients:
1 baguette, cut into 20 slices
4 eggs
1 cup eggnog
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup frozen cranberries
1/4 cup cold butter, cut up
1/3 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
1/3 cup pecan pieces
Instructions:
Coat a large baking dish with a non stick cooking spray. Layer the bread in a single layer in the baking dish. Place the eggs in a large mixing bowl and beat slightly. Pour in the eggnog and milk and whisk to combine. Sprinkle in the nutmeg and continue whisking to combine ingredients. Pour mixture over the bread. Allow to stand for 30 minutes. Turn bread over and sprinkle the top with the frozen cranberries. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight. Bring the oven temperature to 400 degrees. Place the cut up butter into a mixing bowl. Add the brown sugar. Use a pastry blender to cut the butter into the brown sugar. Mixture should be crumbly. Cover the top of the bread mixture with the streusel mix. Bake 12 minutes. Sprinkle the top with the pecan pieces and continue cooking 12 minutes or until a light golden brown.
Serves 8
Boys 4 Piece Outfit
This is definately a deal & a steal! This boys 4 piece outfit at Barefoot Bella is a great find and at a rock bottom price. Available in sizes 2T to 7 and only $22.00 which is unbelievable for the amount of clothing you are getting.
The set includes a boys tan corduroy jacket/blazer, a button up long sleeve shirt, a coordinating sweater vest, and a nice pair of blue jeans. I got this set for my son and it is so versatile because you can wear all 4 pieces seperately or together to make numerous outfits. The quality of the clothing is also really great–so don’t miss out on this bargain–it is definately a set that can be worn all through out the year. While you are shopping check out the great Winter Clearance Sale going on at Barefoot Bella–there are tons of great bargains!
Sirloin Steak Recipe
Nothing’s better than a nice juicy steak topped with caramelized onions. I haven’t made this recipe yet but plan to try it out this weekend. Also if you like steak check out the link to right of this post for a great recipe book with all of your favorite restaurant’s recipes. This cookbook is great–you can enjoy all of your favorite meals right from home and save tons of money!
Caramelized Onion Smothered Sirloin Steak
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter, divided
3 cups sweet onion, sliced thin
½ teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons beef broth
1 teaspoon thyme, chopped
2 (6 ounce) beef sirloin steaks, boneless and 1 inch thick
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
Place 1 tablespoon of butter into a large skillet and place over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely. Add the onions. Stir in the sugar and allow to cook 20 minutes or until caramelized being sure to stir often. Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme. Stir well to incorporate. Cook 3 minutes or until the beef broth is reduced. Sprinkle both sides of the steaks with the salt and pepper. Place the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter into another large skillet. Allow the butter to completely melt over medium heat. Add the steaks and cook 5 minutes. Turn and continue cooking 3 minutes for a medium rare steak. Adjust cooking times for rare or well done. Remove and place the onions over the steaks before serving.
Serves 2
Golden Winter Seafood Chowder
I don’t know about you but I really don’t like cold weather. But since I live on the East Coast of Delaware I have to deal with it at least 4 months out of the year. The best thing I have found to warm that chill is a great soup. Which of course living near the Atlantic Ocean it has to have Seafood in it since that is my utmost favorite food in the whole world! So today I am sharing the recipe of a very tasty Seafood Chowder to warm you up on a cold winter’s day.
Golden Winter Seafood Chowder
Ingredients:
1/2 cup onion, chopped fine
1/4 cup butter
1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup potato, peeled and cubed
2 ribs of celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1/4 cup Clamato juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) package of sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 (6 ounce) can crabmeat, drained and flaked
1 cup shrimp, peeled, deveined and cooked
Instructions:
Place the butter into a soup pot over medium heat. Allow the butter to completely melt. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes or until tender. Pour in the both. Add the potatoes, celery and carrots. Pour in the Clamato juice and stir to combine. Sprinkle in the lemon pepper and stir to blend the ingredients together well. Bring soup to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender. Place the flour and milk together in a small bowl. Whisk until completely combined. Turn the heat back up to medium. Add the mixture to the soup. Bring the mixture back to a rapid boil. Continue to cook stirring constantly for 2 minutes as the liquid thickens to your liking. Once thick reduce the heat to low and add the cheese, crabmeat and shrimp. Cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted into the soup.
Enjoy!!
