The New CPSIA May Close My Local Thrift Store

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) goes into effect February 10th. In a nut shell, the act requires third-party testing of most products–not just toys–that are aimed at children. In theory, this sounds like a good plan. Especially after all the recalls recently due to lead being found in products imported from China.

But, the testing required is expensive. VERY EXPENSIVE. And it not only applies to the Fisher Prices and Mattells of the world – it applies to  small producers of handmade children’s items. And it may make it impossible for thrift shops and other sellers of used goods to continue to sell children’s products. Heck, technically your local library will be effected as well.

You need to take the time to listen to the newest episode of Natural Moms Talk Radio where host Carrie Lauth (a past guest on The Household Helper Talk Show) and her guest explains the CPSIA and just how it will effect us. Head on over: http://naturalmomstalkradio.com/blog/the-cpsia-and-you/

Talk Show Episode #22: Declutter Smarter

The Household Helper Talk Show is Back!!!
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Cara discusses strategies and tips to Declutter Smarter. Anyone can declutter their home following these easy steps!

The first things to know: tackle one area at a time, don’t be afraid to throw stuff away, and seek tips and advice from others.

Once you get decluttering, here are Cara’s tips to help:

1. Start decluttering 15 minutes a day.
2. Pick one room or area to start with, and stick to it until it’s done.
3. Declutter your storage areas first.
4. Be ruthless when deciding what to keep and what to get rid of.
5. Deal with paper on a daily basis and have a system in place to keep it under control.
6. As soon as you bring something into the house, make room for it.

Cara also gives you the 3 habits you should start today to get you decluttering – and to keep on going!

This episode is part of the Mom’s Talk Radio Mom’s Smarter New Years ResolutionTour. Be sure tohead on over there for more information and inspiration!

Freebies to Celebrate the big 100!

My super cool friend Carrie Lauth is celebrating her 100th episode of Natural Moms Talk Radio. Don’t let the name of the show fool you. Yes she is all about breastfeeding, going green and home schooling – as long as these are right for you and your family.  Carrie and I really got to know each other when we were part of the crew of Moms Morning Show (boo hoo – I miss it). She’s so real and down to earth. I personally almost never miss an episode!

Carrie likes to party too! So to celebrate her 100th episode of Natural Moms Talk Radio she’s giving stuff away! Head on over and take a listen. And fill your MP3 player with past episodes too!

Using What You Have – Episode #19

THE FILE HAS BEEN REPLACED – NO MORE GIBBERISH!

I’m joined by Carrie Lauth of Natural Moms Talk Radio. The plan was to talk about alternative uses for every day household products – but we went even further than that! Carrie shared with us some great “cheats” to save us money, like making your own coffee pods. We even talked about natural beauty products: honey, witch hazel and more!

You can grab your free special report from Carrie “Simply Beautiful: A Natural Mom’s No Fluff Non-Toxic Get Gorgeous Guide” – click here. Don’t forget to grab my quickie report “Alternative Uses for Common Household Products“.

And here is the cool magazine Carrie mentioned: Ready Made

Here’s the washing soda Carrie and I were talking about: A&H Washing Soda

Episode #16 Chores For Your Little Ones

Alice Seba, from Schmoozins.com, and I talk mom to mom about getting our little ones to help around the house. With a little creativity, and patience, toddlers can start to learn to do some chores. This is not only helpful to Mom, but it teaches them skills they will need throughout their lives. This is a very fun chat with Alice. We both really enjoyed talking – and you can tell from all the giggling we did! Alice also told us all about her new site Schmoozins.com – a great place to hang out.

There is so much going on this week!!

Mommy Fest 2008 is all this week! Mommy Fest is a week long interactive online convention for moms. Beginning tomorrow, join me for lots of fun: contests, freebies, exhibitors and blog hopping! It’s a wonderful way to meet new moms – and to learn from moms like yourself. Join the fun at MommyFest.com!

Moms Talk Radio is giving away an iPod! Listen to Moms Talk Radio shows for the rest of the month for your chance to win a Pink 8gig iPod Nano! Click here for more details. (but not before listening to my show!!)

I’m one of Kelly McCausey’s guests on this week’s episode of WAHM Talk Radio. She and I discuss how to keep your home from falling apart while you build your business.

Freebie Friday 5/2

My pal Carrie from Natural Moms Talk Radio has a free natural mom’s guide to beauty. In this report you’ll find tips on how to be naturally gorgeous with a minimum of fuss and expense, and without using any questionable chemicals on your skin. It has cool recipes so you can even make some of your own skin care products. Click here

Free Sample of Quaker Simple Harvest – Choose the Dark Chocolate Chunk Chewy Granola Bar or the Maple Brown Sugar with Pecans Instant Multigrain Hot Cereal, fill in the form and get a free sample… there’s also an option to send one to a friend. [US Only]

Free Subscription to ‘Living the Country Life’ magazine NOTE: Allow pop-ups to see the order form…. Get landscape, gardening, recipe, building and family life ideas to make the most of your country living [US Only]

Sample of Yo-Mommy Yogurt 4-Pack. The first organic yogurt especially for expecting moms. Click Here

Free Subscription to Woman’s Day magazine – click here

Free sample of Special-K Bliss Bars – these sound yummy! [US Only]

Episode #12 – Managing a Home with Disabilities

Based on some listener feedback, I interview Marla Martindale, a RSD Coach. Marla and I discuss how to manage your home and family day to day if you have a disability or are elderly.

The day to day management of your home and family can be a challenge in itself. Add to that a family and a physical disability and things seem impossible. Marla and I talk about how to deal if you are dealt with an ‘affliction’.

1. Acceptance of your affliction
2. Lower your expectations of yourself
3. Ask for help

Marla gives us some awesome tools to use around the house. She uses a ‘tool belt’ her husband made for her to carry things around. She also mentioned a few times about using a ‘gripper’. I found this one at, available at rehabmart.com.

Marla’s website is AWinningLifeWithRSD.com. She can also be heard every Tuesday at her talk show on Blog Talk Radio – WinningLifeThroughPain.

Special thanks to my top 3 partners for this past week.

BlissfullyDomestic.com
MomMasterminds.com
OrganizedMom.Net

Spreading The Link Love

I’m giving a shout out to Karen at Thrifty Mommy. She posted an excellent explanation on how to ‘play’ The Grocery Game!

Heather at Freebies 4 Mom has started a new series on Freebie Tips. I don’t know about you, but I love freebies!

It’s time for another “Blogging for Chocolate” contest over at Moms Talk Radio. This time, it’s a blogging marathon on Valentines Day. Post all day long about things you’ve read or heard on one of the shows at Moms Talk Radio. Head on over and read the full details. (I hope you choose to blog about something you’ve heard on The Household Helper Talk Show)

Chele is hosting a contest over at Moms Love Shopping – you can win a set of personalized place mats from Olive Kids!

And speaking of Moms Love Shopping, Chele’s podcast this week is about shopping for reduced energy costs. Take a listen and then head over to check out my new e-book How To Make Your House Energy and Cost Efficient. In my e-book, you’ll discover so many things on how to transform your house to being more energy efficient with little effort!