Happy New Year!

Okay, I'm a day late. Thanks goodness I only have one resolution and it's not to stop procrastinating.

What is my one resolution?
To NOT step foot in a Walmart.
We don't go there that often even though it's the closest thing to us for shopping.
I already try to avoid it but when I'm in a hurry or need one thing, that's where I go.
Not anymore. Now, I don't know if other people in this household will shop there, but me personally will not. This may sound hypocritical to some, I'm still shopping at Sam's. They just have better deals on diapers. I know all the money ends up at the same corporate demon and I know Walmart won't shut down without my $50 a year I probably spend there. But I'll feel a little better about myself and isn't that what resolutions are all about?

I hope all of you have a safe, prosperous and healthy new year.

:-)

CPSIA "protest" video

Check out this great video made by a fellow Etsian.
Her blog Mama's Little Monkeys has a list of all the shops featured in this video.

CPSIA Will Kill Handmade

Max is in there playing with a Two Kazoos tic tac toe.

:-)

Digital Scrapbooking: Christmas Kit

My Retro Revival Merry Mod Christmas kit is available at The Red Porch. Just in time to make your holiday layouts with all those super cool pics you took yesterday! Click on the image to take you to the store (and check out the other great kits while you're there!)

Light at the end of the tunnel?

This article sounds promising regarding the new lead testing regulations.....of course they have to approve it. But it's making a lot of us sigh with relief.

Toy companies cheer proposed lead rule changes


:-)

CPSIA Product Testing Regulations

If you are unaware, the government passed new regulations on mandatory testing of products that would come in contact with children 12 and under. This goes into effect February 10, 2009. It is causing a tremendous amount of concern among us that hand make items for children.

This effects everyone though. After February 10, 2009, any item made prior to that date that has not been tested cannot be sold. Garage sales, thrift shops, consignment shops will not be able to sell childrens items.

I have been struggling to find the right way to post this on my blog. It's so overwhelming I didn't know where to start.

Here is an excellent blog post about it. Please visit and read carefully. She has explained it very well and provides links for more information and ways to help.
Sweet Figments

More links regarding CPSIA testing:
ZRecommneds: Five steps you can take

The Red Porch Site Has Launched!!

Go check it out!!

The Red Porch Handmade Digital Art

Super cool stuff!

:-)

Buy Handmade This Holiday Season

When you buy handmade items, you are buying quality.

You are buying one of a kind.

You are supporting a person that put their time, energy and love into creating something special.

What's more meaningful.....a mass produced product that everyone has or a gift that is handmade by one person for another?

There are so many amazing handmade products out there I'm sure you'll find the right one that will make your family and friends say "wow....thanks!"

Visit Etsy.

Cool handmade things for everyone on your list.
And you don't have to leave your house! (Another bonus!)

Wishing you a safe, warm and blessed holiday season.