Posts Tagged ‘body care’
Friday, June 4th, 2010
Hello Friends of the Bambino!
You know, it takes all types. Some people are so eager to jump on bandwagons that they draw conclusions before they’re reasonable, while others are so analytical that they practically require an argument appear in The New England Journal of Medicine before believing it. But it’s a third type of person I’ve been thinking a lot about lately.
I’ll call them Reactionaries. You know who I’m talking about. It’s the grandparent who scoffs at filtered water and other comforts of the modern world. (”When I was a kid we drank straight from the tap and slept on the floor.”) Or perhaps it’s the new dad who, when confronted with research about toxins in kids’ products, says “My parents fed me milk from cheap plastic bottles and let me lick paint off the walls. And I’m doing just fine.”
Well you know what, he may well just be. But the times they are a changin’. Case in point…
Did you know: that according to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, BPA levels found in children between 6 and 11 years old are twice as high as those in older Americans?
Why is this relevant? Because it’s an example of how things just aren’t what they used to be.
Yes, plenty of things are better now than they’ve ever been. (Hello, Interweb!) But when it comes to potentially harmful toxins, we’re exposed to more and more new chemicals every year, with virtually no structure in place to protect us. In fact, there are approximately 82,000 chemicals registered for commercial use in the United States, with 700 more being added every year. Incredibly, a 1998 EPA study found that only 7% of chemicals produced in the largest volumes had been subjected to a comprehensive set of basic toxicity studies. That’s right, seven percent.
So the next time gramps – or that guy next door – tries to diminish your enthusiasm for making healthier, safer choices for your kids, tell him he’s living in a different world.
Want to know more? Check out Jerome Groopman’s fantastic new article in The New Yorker, “The Perils of Plastic: How worried should we be about everyday chemicals?”
If we’re sparking some interest and you happened to miss “Toxic America,” Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s 2-part special on CNN which concluded last night after a year-long investigation, you can check it out here, along with plenty of additional related coverage.
Alright, so you’ve stuck with us this long. I guess you deserve something – other than brilliant insight and useful information, of course. So let’s try this on for size…
  
In celebration of World Environment Day (June 5th, if you haven’t heard), from now through June 11, take 20% off all Erba Organics products. Just enter the following code at checkout:
erbababy
Because it’s chemical-free and contains certified organic ingredients, Erba is good for your baby and good for our earth.
As my 3 1/2 year old son likes to say, we make it “Easy Cheesy.”
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Friday, May 14th, 2010
Hello Friends of the Bambino!
Some of you routinely seek out products that are unscented, and others like nothing more than the aroma of pure botanical extracts. Whichever way you choose, you’re safe at Greeno Bambino, naturally. But…
Did you know: that countless scented products, from shampoos and lotions to perfumes and colognes, derive their odor from a noxious combination of chemicals innocently passed off on ingredient lists as “fragrance”? We bet most of you don’t pay attention to that stuff, but you should.
A new report by Toxic Nation and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics details the dramatic impact of chemicals typically found in “fragrance,” and the results are nothing short of scary. Think tainted breast milk, sperm damage, hormone disruptors, powerful allergens and skin irritants, just for starters.
So what’s our message? Well, regardless of what you’re shopping for, start reading those ingredient lists (which we provide for all of our body care products here at Greeno Bambino). Or just sit back, relax, and know that we’ve got your back.
Speaking of things that are fragrant, if the flowers are starting to sprout in your neck of the woods, then it’s a perfect time to stock up on some of our new hair protecting offerings from California Baby.
 
And we’ve got something else exciting for you. Pssst, over here…
In case you missed it, Greeno Bambino recently got some love from DailyCandy Kids. We know, pretty cool! Want something even cooler? No, not this. We’re talking about the 25% discount offered sitewide on Greeno Bambino by DailyCandy Kids. Just click right here (and scroll down) for the special code.
Like we said, we’ve got your back.
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Friday, March 19th, 2010
Hello Friends of the Bambino!
Once again you’ve voted with your feet, and we’re here to share the results. That’s right, it’s a brand new Fab Five Faves on a gorgeous Friday:
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1. miYim Organic Lovie Blankies ($15)
- A perfect launch. Just introduced at GB this week, miYim’s adorable organic Lovies are on top of the world. Whether monkey, giraffe, elephant, bunny or frog, they deliver the perfect combination for a comforting bedtime routine: cute, colorful and cuddly.
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3. Ecotots Surfin’ Project Table ($225 + free shipping)
- Putting the fun in function, Ecotots makes unique kids’ furniture that delivers strong value backed by strong values. Available in four colors, the Surfin’ Project Table is guaranteed to last a lifetime. Made from eco-friendly Birch, it has a durable, non-toxic finish and assembles in minutes with no-tools or hardware. Paired with Ecotots’ Surfin Stools, it’s a perfect match.
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- Since switching to Dandelion’s toddler bowls in our house, the kids won’t let us give them cereal in anything else. And since they’re made from corn in an environmentally gentle fashion, these bright yellow favorites are super-green.
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5. Erba Organics Diaper Cream ($14)
- Like an MMA fighter who combines all sorts of wicked moves, Erba’s organic diaper cream kicks some butt. As the aloe base goes to work soothing chafed skin, beeswax and zinc create a protective barrier to combat irritation and wetness. Meanwhile, shea butter moisturizes as echinacea, calendula and anti-inflammatory lavender join forces to reduce any lingering discomfort. Let’s just say your kid’s diaper rash will go down harder than Kimbo Slice.
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Did you know: that there may be unsafe levels of arsenic in your child’s apple juice? (We agree, the fact that some level of arsenic is permissible strikes us as a concern too.) A recent independent study commissioned by Florida’s St. Petersburg Times revealed that more than one-quarter of apple juices tested – including a popular organic brand – contained levels of arsenic that even the notoriously permissive FDA would find troubling. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “think before you drink.”
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Friday, March 12th, 2010
Hello Friends of the Bambino!
We’ve cooked up something special in our test kitchen for you this week in celebration of St. Patty’s Day (what can we say, we like to party). But first, I’d like to talk to you about something important you can do to positively impact your child’s health.
The last thing we want here at Greeno Bambino is for people to get so overwhelmed by the task of replacing conventional kids’ products with their non-toxic counterparts that they throw up their hands and do nothing. That’s why we recommend starting small – with baby steps, if you will. Of course bottles, sippy cups and pacifiers are a great place to begin, and anything absorbed by your child’s skin is a smart second step – shampoos, moisturizers, sunscreens, etc.
But there is one “big” purchase that most people overlook – mattresses. When you think about it, it’s pretty obvious that you should pay attention to your kids’ mattress – your child is breathing right on top of it for 12-14 hours a day after all. Yet many parents don’t realize that most conventional mattresses are practically overflowing with toxic materials.
For the past 30 years, conventional crib and toddler mattresses have been made from a host of petroleum-based synthetic materials like polyurethane foam, vinyl (PVC), phthalates and chemical fire retardants. (Polyurethane foam, the primary filling in nearly all conventional crib mattresses, is so flammable that the National Association of State Fire Marshals calls it “solid gasoline.” Paradoxically, to mitigate flammability the polyurethane foam is often treated with a combination of highly toxic chemicals, including arsenic and boric acid.) Some recent studies indicate a potential link between such toxic chemicals and the significant rise in childhood disorders, as well as hormonal problems, allergies, asthma and cancer. That’s why, along with the easy changes like using BPA-free bottles, we urge parents to consider purchasing a non-toxic, organic mattress like those we carry from Naturepedic.
Naturepedic mattresses use naturally hypo-allergenic organic cotton and they’re highly supportive, provide good air circulation, and maintain even humidity and balanced temperature. Plus, they feature an easy-to-clean, waterproof cover made of clear, 100% food-grade, non-toxic polyethylene, and they exceed Federal and State Flammability Standards. To top it off, Naturepedic mattresses are made, tested and certified in the U.S.A. and recommended by Healthy Child Healthy World, a nationally acclaimed non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about environmental toxins that can affect children’s health.
Starting at just $279 (with free shipping!), Naturepedic mattresses are an investment in your child’s health that is really worth considering. For a small fee, Naturepedic will even make custom size mattresses to fit any crib or bed – just contact us and we’ll help you out.
OK, time to get to the fun stuff:
From now through St. Patrick’s Day (March 17), take 20% off everything green throughout the entire store.
Whether it’s 3 Sprouts’ green hippo organic hooded towel, Green to Grow Regular Neck Bottles, all Leaf-colored Ecotots furniture, Little Green Star Onesies and Bibs, Sam & Bellie Roadway printed products or most anything else green (excluding BabyGanics, on which we’re still running a separately awesome deal), if it’s got green, we’re giving back the green.
Just enter the following code at checkout and you’ll get 20% off all your green goodies:
easybeinggreen
There it is folks, some green goodness on a Friday afternoon. We’ll see you next week with a brand new edition of Fab Five Faves.
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Friday, March 5th, 2010
Hello Friends of the Bambino!
It’s baa-ack…your Fab Five Faves that is, with a look at the most loved items over the past 2 weeks:
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1. Sprig Hollow Dragonfly’s Heli-Scoopter (sale price $9.95; normally $15)
- As you know, Sprig Toys specializes in making truly innovative non-toxic toys, and here is just one more example of the company’s ingenuity. The Heli-Scoopter is a 5 in 1 sand/dirt/water toy that’s great for both indoor and outdoor use, so rain, shine or bathtime, it will keep your active child flying high.
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- To paraphrase Jackie Wilson, your love keeps lifting BabyGanics higher and higher. Not sure what you’ve been feeding your little ones lately (we kid, we kid), but it seems there’s been a growing need for this fantastic air freshener/odor remover. And with our BabyGanics sale still in full swing, this baby might just reach the top of the charts.
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3. VMV Hypoallergenics Gift Set (sale price $60; normally $75)
- Give this gift and you’ll have a friend for life. Why? Because VMV makes the most lust-worthy body care products around – the first to be rated VH-65, meaning they are free of all 65 known allergens. Inside this gift set – beautifully packaged in a hand-made cream-and-chocolate box with an espresso-colored bow — you’ll find carry-on approved travel sizes of VMV’s complete line of baby products, plus a set of Hypoallergenic Bonnet & Booties. We’ve never put this item on sale before, so here’s your opportunity to take advantage of us.
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- Whether you’re an everyday germaphobe (like me) or getting ready for a family vacation (GERM-any anyone?), Clean Well’s travel size hand sanitizers – offered in Original Scent or Orange Vanilla – are just the thing to beat back all those evil little fever-inducing meanies. Also available in a 6 oz. spray pump and pocket wipes.
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5. DANO2 Ducki Bath Toy/Teether ($8)
- If bathing and teething are part of your daily routine, well, maybe you should see a doctor about the teething. But if you’ve got a child who meets that description, then you’ve got to get him a Ducki. Offered in 4 cheerful pastels – Caribbean (blue), Mint, Raspberry and Citrus (yellow) – Ducki is cool as a cucumber and free of BPA, phthalates, lead and PVC.
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Speaking of rubber ducks, we just had a chance to dive into Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Dangers of Everyday Things, a book recently released in the U.S. by Rick Smith (Executive Director of Environmental Defence Canada) & Bruce Laurie (a Canadian environmental activist) about the real-world impacts of exposure to toxic chemicals in everyday products. It’s a freakishly magnetic read. Over the course of a few days the authors intentionally expose themselves to all manner of toxins – from BPA and phthalates to teflon and canned tuna – in order to determine the chemicals’ adverse effects. Though the experiment may be a little bit unscientific, the book contains some compelling revelations and we urge you to check it out.
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Friday, February 26th, 2010
As we mentioned in last week’s Fab Five Faves, we received a wealth of fantastic feedback from the survey we sent out a couple weeks back. One of the the things we heard loud and clear was that you’d like us to feature more deals and discounts in our weekly newsletter. So here’s what we’re going to do…
The Fab Five Faves (which you can always find right here) will now be hitting your inbox every other week. On alternate weeks (beginning today), we will dedicate our newsletter to a super-special promotion. (Don’t worry, we’ll still let you know about ongoing deals in the FFF.)
To start us off on this delicious deal-ified journey, we’re going to spread the love in hopes that you’ll spread it some more.
Starting…now…we will automatically apply a $10 credit to your Greeno Bambino account every time you refer a new customer to our shop. (And by customer, we mean someone who actually buys something. Because, you know, that’s what we do here.) There are no limits to how many credits you can earn. Refer 20 friends and you’ve got yourself a $200 shopping spree, on us. (For those of you who have signed up for our newsletter without actually creating an account on Greeno Bambino, not to worry – you can set up an account in 20 seconds right here. Really, we timed it.)
All you have to do is tell your friends to type your full name (that’s first and last) in the order comments section at checkout, and we’ll give you all the credit in the world (ten dollars at a time).
And for the next seven days, as an added enticement, tell your friends to use the following coupon code at checkout for 20% off their order:
spreadthelove
What the heck, you can use it too.
Did you know…that conventional crib mattresses are often made with toxic flame retardants that can permanently alter a child’s behavior and development? A particularly nasty one called deca will be phased out by 2013 under a recent agreement between federal regulators and U.S manufacturers. That’s right. 2013. And that’s only deca – there are countless others. That’s why we strongly urge people to use natural and organic alternatives, like our favorite Naturepedic mattresses. 
Finally, for those of you wishing for larger sizes of our California Baby Shampoos & Body Washes, they’re here!
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Friday, February 19th, 2010
Hello Friends of the Bambino!
As you know, last week the Fab Five Faves took a short vacation while its understudy – Greeno Bambino’s first survey of 2010 – got a chance to shine. The response was tremendous and tremendously enlightening. Thanks so much to all those who offered their thoughts; we are working hard to implement your super suggestions.
Now, on to the good stuff. In this week’s edition of Fab Five Faves, we’ve got fun, sun and a little something for everyone:
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1. Green Toys Jump Rope ($10)
- Made from 100% recycled milk jugs, Green Toys’ jump rope is a hopeful reminder that Spring is on its way.
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- Whether heading out of town or searching for a perfect little gift, this is a pick that won’t let you down. Inside a reusable mandarin orange trimmed zipper case you’ll find travel size containers of Erba’s chemical-free body wash, shampoo, body lotion and diaper cream.
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4. 3 Sprouts Organic Storage Bins ($38)
- 3 Sprouts’ adorable storage bins are one of our hottest-selling items virtually every week. They’re the perfect antidote to a messy playroom, and a fitting gift for kids of all ages.
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5. Thermos Foogo Sippy Cups (sale price $9.95; normally $15)
- We know how costly it can be to purchase the everyday stuff, so we like to periodically offer deep discounts on staple items like Thermos’ Foogo sippy cups. Pink or blue, with or without handles, these are among the most sturdy, well-made sippy cups on the market, and we think you’ll find our current sale price hard to beat.
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Friday, January 22nd, 2010
Hello Friends of the Bambino!
To finish out your week, we’re bringing you another edition of the populist Fab Five Faves newsletter from Greeno Bambino, highlighting the 5 most popular items of the week as selected by you, our favorite fans:
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1. Sam and Bellie Activity Apron/Smock
- Another brilliant offering from Sam and Bellie, these multifunctional aprons/smocks are equally at home in the kitchen and the playroom. Available in three designs (Roadway, pictured here, Airplanes and Birds & Owls), they have a convenient tri-pocket across the front for holding all manner of supplies for your busy little boys and girls.
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- These teether rings were the first creation of the innovative family-driven design team behind Dano2, and they’re as good as ever. Crafted from medical grade plastics are three individual teething rings of varying color, size and flexibility, all packaged in a compact translucent holding case.
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3. Green to Grow Baby Bottles
- Green to Grow’s sturdy, adorable baby bottles (offered in both 5 oz. and 9 oz. and regular- and wide-neck versions) have always been a steady fan favorite. But since we put them on sale last week (not just any sale, but a super-triple-fantastic sale), they’ve positively flown off the shelves.
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4. Silibibs
- Elegantly simple, Silikids’ hypoallergenic silicone bibs (get them in red, blue or green) with a quick-snap two-position closure are great in the house and even better on-the-go…roll ‘em up small and wipe ‘em clean quickly. Best of all – they’re dishwasher and washer/dryer safe.
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5. Erba Organics Baby Shampoo
- The husband and wife behind Erba Organics are dedicated to creating top-notch organic body care products for kids, and their everyday shampoo is a home run. An organic aloe base combines with the natural cleansing properties of oats and olive oil to create a rich lather, organic lavender and organic chamomile soothe before bedtime, and organic mandarin leaves seal the deal.
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Three more quick hits today:
- If you haven’t heard, GB and Miss Brittany’s Fundough have joined forces to donate $10 from each sale of Miss Brittany’s Organic Preschool Fundough Kit to UNICEF’s relief efforts in Haiti. So pick some up for your favorite kid, won’t ya? It’s like giving two gifts at once.
- We really love BabyGanics’ household cleaning products, and we know you’ll love them too. But in case our recommendation just isn’t enough to convince you, we’re offering a great (temporary) deal: Get 25% off everything BabyGanics when you purchase any 2 or more BabyGanics products. Try it – you’ll like it.
- Did you know that you earn GreenoGreen points redeemable for discounts on future purchases every time you shop at Greeno Bambino? It’s automatic and hassle-free.
That’ll do it…Have a wonderful weekend party parents!
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Thursday, January 7th, 2010
Hello Friends of the Bambino!
Hope your new year is off to a great start. If not, perhaps 2010’s first edition of Fab Five Faves will warm you up.
Let’s sneak a peek at the 5 most popular items of the year’s opening week. (Hey, Avatar’s got nothing on these picks, give or take a billion dollars.) From the looks of it, cozy, calm and comforting are the trends of the moment:
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1. 3 Sprouts Organic Hooded Bath Towels
- Always adorable, always popular. From the artisan designers of Canada’s 3 Sprouts, these towels are highly giftable (yep, giftable is a word – go look it up) and available in 7 different animal/color combinations. Nothing beats stepping out of a warm bath into the loving arms of a warm hug.
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- Whether soaps, shampoos, lotions or bubble baths, California Baby’s products are dependable for delivering unique formulations and strong value. One of our new-ish favorites is this Overtired & Cranky Bubble Bath. If wicked winters, early mornings and sleepless nights are making you irritable, just think of how your kids feel. Help ‘em out with a dose of goodness.
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3. Natursutten Pacifier
- Slightly funky color? Perhaps. Soothing, non-toxic and allergen-free? Most definitely. Natursutten pacifiers are made from natural rubber and are completely free of the nasty bits such as BPA, phthalates, parabens, PVC and artificial coloring. (That amber glow is 100% natural.) Available in two sizes.
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4. VMV Hypoallergenics Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm
- If you’re a fan of VMV, you already know that it’s impossible to heap too much praise upon these expertly crafted products. Free of all known allergens, Boo-Boo Balm is a moisturizing, superheroic salve that provides instant relief from eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, wounds, cuts, grazes, insect bites and minor burns, while fighting infections in its free time.
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5. Green to Grow Re-Useful Baby Cloths (3-Pack)
- Offered in five color combinations, these are the dreamiest multi-purpose cloths you can find. (Yes, you have been dreaming of multi-purpose cloths…you just don’t remember.) We love to use them as washcloths, but they’re just as great for mealtime as they are for bathtime. Crafted from incredibly soft, fair trade, sustainably grown 100% organic combed cotton, they’re a crowd-pleaser.
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That’s a wrap on this week’s Fab Five Faves. Keep your eyes peeled early next week for a special announcement, because we have a new trick up our sleeve that we think you’ll be really excited about. Hope you can handle the suspense.
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Friday, November 20th, 2009
We’re back with Greeno Bambino’s new weekly segment – the Fab Five Faves newsletter – giving you the dish on your fellow customers’ most coveted finds for the week. Let’s get to it:
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- A recent introduction to our shop, Kid-Basix’s totally unique, totally durable and totally non-toxic baby bottle makes its first appearance in the Fab Five Faves. Welcome kid – you’re gonna be a star!
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3. 3 Sprouts Organic Storage Bins
- We can’t say we’re surprised about the continued popularity of these adorable storage bins from Canadian boutique outfit 3 Sprouts. But the number of customers beating down our (virtual) door for these bins since we introduced them last month continues to amaze – easily our most popular gift item recently.
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4. Erba Organics Baby Lotion
- Cold weather = dry skin; thus, the popularity of Erba’s deliciously luxurious, everyday baby lotion.
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5. Dano2 Bug Bite Teether
- This simple, smartly-designed, self-enclosed teether toy is the perfect antidote for a cranky, tooth-sprouting kid. And at just 6 bucks, it’s a steal.
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Now for a few more highlights…
After 6 months of testing a slew of household cleaning products from a wide variety of manufacturers, we are very excited to introduce a full line from our hands-down winner, BabyGanics. Made in the USA by a New-York based pair of dads, BabyGanics’ products continually wiped the floor with the competition.
Also, if you missed this week’s launch of Cool Mom Picks’ 2009 Holiday Gift Guide, we’re proud to have been featured for our Green Toys Chef Set.
See you next week – with some Black Friday deals you won’t want to miss!
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