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CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT: Family. Friends. Hounds. Books. The Beach. Autumn. Cameras. Computer. iPhone. The color orange. Caramel frappucino. The words "dude!" and "nice!". Oh...and world peace ;-)

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23 February 2009

::return to sender::

I wrote a post a few weeks ago about the Phil & Teds Vibe. The stroller is the more stylish version of their classic in-line (tandem) strollers. Since the twins are only 3 months of age, we didn't start using them until a couple of weeks ago. That's when the troubles began.

First, the braking system on the Vibe is much easier to access than the other P&T models. TOO EASY. In fact, all you have to do is lightly run a finger over the red brake button on the center of the handle bar and the whole stroller halts to a stop. Incredibly dangerous on a downhill trip!!! The twins have been jerked forward way too many times for me to count. I may be clumsy, but they just make it way too easy for me to hit that brake by accident.

I tried to return the stroller to the store today. First, they couldn't decide whether I could return it or not. Granted, the stroller was purchased in October, but I haven't used it until a couple of weeks ago. They have a satisfaction guarantee--and I'm NOT satisfied. They then tried talking to the P&T distributor, Regal Lager, to get a return authorization. That was denied. The distributor maintains that the breaking system is not a hazard and would not take responsibility for it. Finally, the store manager returned the stroller for store credit. It's a good thing I buy formula and diapers every two weeks. The GIANT store credit can come in handy. They even matched the prices I was getting on Diapers.com. Not a bad save on their part.

As a replacement, I bought the Mountain Buggy Urban Elite--from ANOTHER store. It is a side-by-side stroller--with four 12" wheels-- that can still easily fit through standard doorways. I wish I had researched this stroller earlier, because they offer carry cots/bassinetts to fit onto the stroller frame for the younger babies. For twins, you can either buy two separate cots or one larger twin cot. For a baby and a toddler, you buy just one cot and leave the other seat alone. Since this New Zealand brand just filed for bankruptcy in January, there are great deals to be had. I bought the top of the line model for 40% off retail price. My hope is that someone buys the brand and continues to make accessories and parts for it. We'll see!





06 February 2009

::is this the magic potion::

Is this the magic potion I have been dreaming about? Since the arrival of the twins, the beagles have not been getting their baths regularly. So during a trip to the Kiehl's store the other day, I picked up the chamomile-infused Spary-n-Play Cleansing Spritz in a desperate attempt to keep the hounds somewhat odor-free.

Let me tell you, that is some amazing stuff. You spray it on (generously) massage it into their fur and skin and then wipe it off with a towel. Voila! You have clean and fresh dogs again. Of course this is only a temporary fix between regular baths, but boy is it awesome!

Another amazing Kiehl's product is the Ultimate Strength Hand Salve. Since I am constantly washing my hands and sanitizing bottles, my hands are a dried up mess--my cracked knuckles all have bloody "smiles" on them. Scary. The Kiehl's hand salve not only treats my incredibly dry skin, it also absorbs nicely. No greasy residue and no perfume-y fragrance. The ladies at the nail salon would be proud.