Bumbo Recall

Earlier this month Bumbo issued a voluntary recall of the Bumbo Baby Seat to add a restraint belt and new warning labels.  If you hadn't heard about this recall, stop using your Bumbo and go to  http://recall.bumbousa.com/ to order a repair kit.

I loved our Bumbo seat.  Lucie, Josie, and Linus used it.  Linus was the only one to figure out how to wiggle his little behind up and try to flip himself out of the seat.  He only used it for a short time due to his strength, adventurous nature, and the fact that he doesn't like to sit still for two minutes.  A restraint belt would have been a small deterrent, but I think he still would have found a way out.  Needless to say, the Bumbo has been sitting collecting dust for a few months now, and was on my short list to go back up into the attic.

On the Bumbo site, it states that you shouldn't return the seat to the manufacturer or retail store, but I found out that Walmart's corporate policy is to issue a full refund on any recalled items.  Since I know I won't be needing the Bumbo seat ever again (at least, until the grandchildren start coming for visits), I decided to bring it over to Walmart today.  

Walmart was quick to refund me the full amount on a Walmart gift card, no questions asked.

Before the recall, I had considered putting the Bumbo on Craigslist for $15.  I am glad I forgot all about that, because an extra $42 was welcome this week.

Aunt B's

Last week, we visited Aunt B's Yogurt Bar in Somers, NY.  Aunt B's is a self serve yogurt and waffle bar which offers a large variety of yogurt flavors and toppings.

Some of the flavors available were Angel Food Cake, Cake Batter, and Raspberry; as well as Chocolate and Vanilla.

We had to limit the kids to two toppings each, because there were so many to choose from.  You could top your creation with fresh fruit, gummy worms, Fruity Pebbles, nuts, and a wide assortment of chocolate treats.  

I stuck with Cake Batter topped with crumbled Butterfingers.

Rainbow colored sprinkles and fresh strawberries for Josie.

 Linus enjoyed sampling a little bit from everybody.

There were iPad stations set up at the window counter.  So you could surf or play games while you eat.

The prices were reasonable and the frozen yogurt was the best I have had in a very long time.  I used to love my White Chocolate Mousse from TCBY.

The kids are begging to go back.  Hope to make it back there the next time we are in Somers.

Supplies

I am becoming  frustrated with the school district.  How is it acceptable to not know what the supply list is for my incoming 6th grader?  The school year starts in less than 2 weeks.  If you are not going to tell us what team the kids are on, then require the teachers to write up universal supply lists by grade.  It is very nice that the supply lists for teams A through G are up on the school's website, but since we don't know which team we are buying for, what good is it doing?

New students to the school are anxious and excited.  Did the district ever consider that the uncertainty of not knowing if they have the right supplies is causing undue stress?  I have bought pencils, pens, crayons, paper, and erasers; but I need to know how many binders, which type of notebooks, and if there are certain colors required.

We contacted the school yesterday and they told my husband that they don't even know what team Katie is on.  You must think I am stupid, if you think I believe the teachers do not have their class assignments yet.  I know the teachers at the high school received their class lists at least two weeks ago.  I do not care what Katie's schedule is, when she has lunch, or who is in her class.  I just want to know what to buy her before the sales end, or worse, before the stores run out of that obscure item on the list and then Katie receives a zero for a homework grade because she is unprepared.

Katie wanted like a large zipper binder like she used for 5th grade, since that worked for her.  Luckily a good portion of the teams have this on their list.  If she gets placed on a team where two separate binders are required, I am not going to go out and replace what is already bought.  It is my hope that the teachers will accept that.

Now to look for a suggestion box so I can suggest creating uniform supply lists by grade for next year.

A new dress for me and a promo code for you

A few weeks ago I was excitedly awaiting my new dress from eShakti.  It arrived recently and I couldn't be happier.  In case you don't know, at eShakti you can customize your measurements and style preferences.  You do not have to settle for standard sizes that don't fit correctly.  Also, if you like the design but want to change the sleeve, neckline, or length; you can customize that too.  

I love my new sundress, but, I needed new shoes, and while I was out, I picked up a sweater too.  Now, I am all set.  All I need are plans (hint hint).  Pictures to come soon.

I am pleased to offer you a special promo code JM3ZZNG, especially created for Adventures From Beyond The Crib readers.  From now until August 31 use this code to get 10% every time you shop at eShakti.  This code can be used in addition to the other offers online.  This discount code is not applicable on  overstock items.  Please feel free to share this offer with anyone you believe would like eShakti for their clothes and accessories as well as the sizing, customization and great customer service.

Go check out www.eShakti.com.

Pacifier Dilemma

Where do pacifiers go?  Do they wind up in that black hole that all our socks must live in?

We were faced with a night with no pacifier and an unhappy little boy, so we stopped at Hannaford to grab a new pacifier.

The pacifier of choice is the MAM.  He loves that thing.  When Linus was admitted to the hospital last November, the nurses gave him a MAM pacifier and he never went back to the Gumdrop one he had been accustomed to.

I walked down the baby aisle, located the MAM pacifiers, and all the 6+ month ones were pink.  Now, I was faced with a difficult decision.  Do I buy the pink pacifier and have a peaceful night or do I buy the blue NUK pacifier?  Either way I would be wasting $6.99, because I knew that I would have to go out and buy a blue MAM in the morning.

Pierre offered to get a Sharpie and color the pink ones blue for me if it made me feel better.  I didn't take him up on the offer and bought the blue NUK.  As soon as we checked out, I handed it to Linus.  He kept taking it out, staring at it and flipping it around in his mouth.  He sucked on it sideways and upside down.  He is such an easy going baby, that he went along with it, but I could tell he wasn't happy with change.

We made it through the night, and most of the next day with the NUK, but I made a pit stop at Babies R Us last night and bought a 2 pack of the MAMs.  Linus is happy.  I just need to figure out how to attach a tracking device on those things.

If faced with the same situation, what would you choose?  Pink or Blue?