11-Year-Old Identical Twins Create Sleek New Writing Utensil

by Jennifer SwartvagherAugust 27, 2020

When studying did you ever wish you had a highlighter attached to your pencil? SOZY’s The Annotator, created by 11-year-old identical twins, Sophie and Izzy, combines a #2 pencil, extra-strong eraser and liquid highlighter into one sleek, functional package. This sleek tool is useful and efficient for students and professionals alike, ideal for note taking, color-coding papers, highlighting materials for presentations or just doodling.

Sophie and Izzy’s journey started in school with a simple hack, combining a highlighter to a pencil by taping them together. This solved the problem of switching between both writing instruments at school. When they went to buy the product, and realized it didn’t exist, they decided to design one themselves.

The girls decided to combine elements of their names for the brand and SOZY (SOphie and IzZY) was the result.

For the girls, their passion project has been a lesson in entrepreneurship.From sketching a prototype from scratch, creating a mold to picking a color palette, developing a brand name, designing a logo, creating a website and writing Instagram posts, they have made important decisions, faced challenges and learned how to start (and run) a business.

The Annotator currently comes in packs of four, in pastel shades and in brights ($10) and they have more in development. Available online, The Annotator has also already been picked up by Kitson, Uncommon Goods, The Graphite Store and Presence, among others.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of SOZY

School Supplies from the ’80s & ’90s That You’ll Totally Remember

One Teacher and Clorox Are Helping Clear Teachers’ Wish Lists

Recall Alert: Apples Recalled Over Listeria Concern

by Erica LoopNovember 2, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced a voluntary recall for 2,297 cases and two bulk bins of McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Jonathon, Fuji, Jonamac and Red Delicious apples sold under the Great Lakes and North Bay Produce Pure Michigan brands due to a potential Listeria monocytogenes concern. Some of the apples recalled were also sold in unbranded clear plastic totes, white paper totes and individually in retailer displays.

According to a press release from North Bay Produce, “The recalled apples were shipped between Oct. 16th, 2019 and Oct. 21st, 2019 from one North Bay facility to wholesalers, retailers and brokers in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.”

Recalled Product Description: North Bay Apples

The recalled products include McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Jonathon, Fuji, Jonamac and Red Delicious apples sold either in plastic bags with the brand names Great Lakes and North Bay Produce Pure Michigan or clear totes, white paper totes or individually under no brand name. The apples were shipped to wholesale and retail facilities in Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin between Oct. 16 and 21, 2019.

Why the Apples Were Recalled

The recall was initiated out of a Listeria monocytogenes contamination concern. Listeria monocytogenes can cause headaches, fever, nausea abdominal pain and diarrhea, with more severe effects in young children, elderly adults or anyone with a compromised immune system. The microorganism can also cause miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women.

As of now there are no reports of illnesses from the apples.

How To Tell If Your Apples Were Recalled

According to North Bay Produce’s press statement, “Apples purchased at retail prior to October 16th are not affected by this recall, and no other North Bay Produce products are affected by this recall.”

For a full list varieties, brands, UPC codes, PLU numbers and item numbers, visit the FDA’s website here.

What Consumers Can Do

If you have the recalled apples, don’t eat them. Throw the apples away or return them to the place of purchase. To contact North Bay Produce with questions call 1-231-929-4001, Monday-Friday, 8am––5pm ET or visit the company’s website at northbayproduce.com.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Recall Alert: More Than 24,000 Pounds of Raw Beef Recalled

Recall Alert: Tyson Food Chicken Patties

Recall Alert: Walmart’s Great Value Ready-to-Eat Sausage Recalled Due to Salmonella Concerns

by Erica LoopOctober 21, 2019

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recently announced a recall for Walmart’s Great Value brand fully cooked ready-to-eat pork sausage patties and turkey sausage patties produced by George’s Prepared Foods due to a possible Salmonella contamination risk. Representatives from Walmart did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

If you have this product, read on for important recall information.

Recalled Product Description: Ready-to-Eat Pork and Turkey Sausage Patties

The recent recall includes 6,444 pounds of George’s Prepared Foods pork sausage patties and turkey sausage patties sold under the brand name Great Value at Walmart. This includes 24.92-ounce and 35.6-ounce packages produced on Apr. 19, Apr. 27, May 7 and May 9, 2019.

Why the Sausage Was Recalled

The recall was issued due to a possible Salmonella contamination concern. George’s Prepared Foods initiated the recall after a third-party cold storage company inadvertently shipped potentially contaminated products. As of now there are no reports of illnesses due to the recalled products.

How to Tell If Your Sausage Was Recalled

According to the USDA, the following products are part of this recall:

24.92-oz. packages containing “Great Value Fully Cooked Original Pork Sausage Patties” with use by date of 10/16/19 and lot code 1091971894.
24.92-oz. packages containing “Great Value Fully Cooked Original Breakfast Turkey Patties” with use by date of 10/24/19 and lot code 1171971897.
35.6-oz. packages containing “Family Size Great Value Fully Cooked Original Pork Sausage Patties” with use by date of 11/03/19 and lot code 1271972894 or use by date 11/05/19 and lot code 1291972894.

Look for the establishment number EST. M2206T or P-2260T on the package.

What Consumer Can Do

If you have the recalled product, don’t eat it. Throw the product away or return it to the place of purchase. Contact George’s Prepared Foods Customer Care Line at 1-800-471-9665 for more information.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Walmart

Recall Alert: General Mills Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour

Recall Alert: Ready-to-Eat Chicken Recall Expanded

Recall Alert: Contigo Kids Cleanable Water Bottles Pose Potential Choking Hazard

by Erica LoopAugust 29, 2019

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a recall for 5.7 million Contigo Kids Cleanable Water Bottles in the United States, Canada and Mexico due to a possible choking hazard. According to a Contigo company spokesperson, in an emailed statement, “As a leading innovator of water bottles, travel mugs and kids bottles, Contigo puts safety and quality first. As part of our commitment to consumer safety, Contigo, in partnership with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily recalling the lids of the Contigo Kids Cleanable Water Bottle.”

If you have this kids’ water bottle, read on for important information about the recall and what to do next.

Recalled Product Description: Contigo Kids Cleanable Water Bottles

The recalled water bottles have a black base and cover on the clear silicon spout. Look for the brand name “Contigo” printed on the rim and along the front side of the bottle near the bottom.

Affected bottles come in three sizes—13, 14 or 20 ounces. The recalled products also come in four color/style options, including solid colors, graphics, stainless steel and stainless steel solid colors. For instructions on how to complete a visual test for recalled bottles, visit Contigo’s website here.

Why the Water Bottles Were Recalled

The clear silicone spout can detach from the bottle. This can pose a choking hazard. As of now Contigo has received 149 reports of detaching spouts. Eighteen of the detached spouts were found in children’s mouths.

A Contigo company spokesperson said, in an emailed statement on the recall, “Contigo identified that the water bottle’s clear silicone spout, in some cases, may detach from the lid of the water bottle. The incident rate is very low of consumers reporting any separation of the silicone spout and no injuries have been reported.” The spokesperson added, “We sincerely apologize to our consumers for the inconvenience. Child safety is of the utmost importance to Contigo and we have worked quickly to correct this issue and provide a solution.”

How To Tell If Your Child’s Water Bottle Was Recalled

Visit Contigo’s website here for visual verification and self-test steps. The recalled bottles were sold between April 2018 and June 2019 for $9 to $24 at Costco, Target, Walmart and other retailers.

What Parents Can Do

If you have the recalled bottle stop using it immediately. Contact Contigo for a return kit. The return kit will include a prepaid USPS label. Send the recalled lid back to Contigo. If the company determines your lid was one of the affected products you will receive a replacement lid. Consumers with questions can contact Contigo at 1-888-262-0622, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST.

—Erica Loop

Photos: Courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Recall Alert: Dole Baby Spinach May Pose Potential Salmonella Risk

Recall Alert: Entenmann’s Little Bites Chocolate Chip Cookies Recalled for Potential Choking Hazard

Recall Alert: Pita Pal Hummus Recalled by Trader Joe’s & Other Retailers

by Erica LoopJuly 17, 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently updated a recall for some Pita Pal Foods hummus products. The products, which were sold at Trader Joe’s and other retail stores, were recalled due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Pita Pal Foods, LP did not immediately return Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

As of now the recall includes 87 types of hummus products, according to CNN. If you have the recalled hummus in your fridge, read on for important information.

Pita Pal Foods, LP Recalls Various Hummus and Dips Due to Possible Health Risk https://t.co/4HdtWtOC4R pic.twitter.com/TAT6l4mYMh

— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) July 16, 2019

Recalled Product Description: Pita Pal Hummus

The recall includes select hummus products made between May 30 and Jun. 25, 2019. The initial recall included products sold under the Buccee’s, Fresh Thyme, Harris Teeter and other brand names. Trader Joe’s recently announced its Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Germantown, Tennessee and Texas stores also carry the affected products.

For a full list of affected brands, flavors, sizes and UPC codes, visit the FDA’s website here.

Why the Hummus Was Recalled

The recall was initiated following detection of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes at a manufacturing facility. The bacteria was not found in the finished products.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, high fever or headaches. It can also cause a serious infection in young children, elderly adults or anyone with a weakened immune system and miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women.

How To Tell If Your Hummus Was Recalled

Visit the FDA’s website here for a full list of recalled products. Check the brand name, product name, size and UPC code to see if your hummus is part of the recall. Trader Joe’s shoppers can check their products on the company’s website here.

What Consumers Can Do

Don’t eat the recalled hummus. Return the product to the place of purchase for a refund. Call 832-803-9295 or email Pita Pal at products@pitapal.com for more information.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Ajale via Pixabay

Recall Alert: Fisher-Price Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard Inclined Sleeper Accessory

Recall Alert: Listeria Risk Found in Packaged Vegetables Sold at Trader Joe’s, Food Lion & Other Retailers

Walmart’s Baby Box Is Packed with Everything New Moms Really Need

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 21, 2019

No matter how prepared you are for your baby to arrive, there are always new things to add to your shopping list, from diapers to baby bottles. The Walmart Baby Box comes loaded with samples of a dozen different baby products that will make those early days with a new baby a breeze.

When you sign up for a baby registry with Walmart, you’ll receive the Walmart Welcome Baby Box for free. The box comes packed with samples of items you’ll need at various stages with your little one and includes a onesie, pacifier, diaper cream, full-size bottle, disposable nursing pads, milk storage bags, diapers, wipes and more.

photo: Courtesy of Walmart

The brand name products featured in the box are both premium and natural varieties. The box also includes monthly milestone cards to capture those cute Insta-worthy moments and a handy buying guide that can help new parents navigate those challenging purchases like car seats and strollers.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

7 Maternity Wear Subscription Boxes & Rentals for Styling Your Bump

This New Subscription Box Brings a Montessori Education to Your Living Room

Could Viagra Become a New Treatment for Children of Mothers with Preeclampsia?

by Erica LoopApril 18, 2019

Researchers at the University of Mississippi Medical Center may have found a new way to protect the heart health of children born to mothers with preeclampsia. And the mainly male-used medication in the experimental therapy may surprise you!

A preeclampsia diagnosis is one potential pregnancy problem that no mama-to-be ever wants to hear. As if the excessive swelling isn’t painful enough, add in the skyrocketing blood pressure (and of course, protein-filled pee) and pregnancy can go from sweet to scary. Given the possibility of serious complications, for both mother and baby, there’s no shortage of research into this pregnancy-induced issue.

photo: 3907349 via Pixabay

Even though science is looking for causes, cures and any other treatment that could work, there are still plenty of what if’s. Along with the potential for immediate complications, children born to mothers with this condition are often at more risk for developing high blood pressure and suffering a stroke later in life.

Doctoral student and lead author of the study, Hannah Turbeville, said, “The ultimate goal of our work is to improve the long-term health of women and children affected by preeclampsia.” Turbeville also added, “There are limited guidelines for addressing the health risks to these groups, and we hope not only to bring attention to these risks but also to propel research forward that will inform preventative interventions.”

So what did Turbeville’s research find? Using rat models (not human subjects), Turbeville and her team lowered blood pressure in the offspring by acting on the nitric oxide pathway. If you’re wondering what this means, how the researchers did it and what the rat modeling has to do with humans, here goes: The theory is that by reducing blood pressure in rat offspring, the same could be true for human offspring of mothers with preeclampsia. To do this, the researchers used the drug sildenafil citrate. If that sounds vaguely familiar, that’s because you’ve probably heard about the medication before by its brand name—Viagra.

Yes, the research proposes that the ED drug Viagra (it also has other uses already) may help to reduce potential cardiovascular risks in children born to women diagnosed with preeclampsia. But don’t expect to see this treatment immediately. As of now it’s still in the rat-modeled trials.

—Erica Loop

Connecting with Your Baby During Pregnancy Has Big Implications Once They’re Born

Exposure to Pollution During Pregnancy Can Affect Your Kids, New Study Finds

The FDA Just Approved the First New Antidepressant in Over 30 Years

by Shahrzad WarkentinMarch 8, 2019

For new parents struggling with postpartum depression—or any adult struggling with depression, for that matter—a new option for treatment has finally become available. The U.S Food & Drug Administration just approved a nasal spray antidepressant for adults.

The FDA just approved a Johnson & Johnson nasal spray antidepressant called esketamin, which will be sold under the brand name Spravato. The new drug is the first antidepressant to be approved in over 30 years and will be used specifically for patients who are resistant to other treatments for depression.

photo: Kendal James via Unsplash

Unlike other antidepressants that can take up to four weeks to take effect, this new spray acts much faster, with clinical trails showing response in just 24 hours. The FDA has placed the drug under restrictive use, however, because it is a chemical mirror image of the anesthetic ketamine, which is also known as “Special K,” when abused as a street drug. Patients will only be able to use the spray in their doctor’s office or at a medical facility to prevent such abuse.

“Spravato has the potential to change the treatment paradigm and offer new hope to the estimated one-third of people with major depressive disorder who have not responded to existing therapies,” said Mathai Mammen, global head of J&J’s Janssen Research & Development.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Moms with Postpartum Depression Are More Likely to Have This in Common

Dads, We Need to Talk about Postpartum Depression—because You Get It, Too

Why KIDBOX Will Bring You Holiday Cheer (And $10 Off Your First Box!)

by Leigh WeinbergNovember 20, 2018

photo: KIDBOX

With cold weather season here and the holidays fast approaching, finding the perfect outfit for your kids can be a time consuming experience.

Enter KIDBOX. The first and only personalized clothing subscription box for your kid, KIDBOX is a convenient way to dress your little one in cool brands during any season all while saving money. When you keep a full box, you and your little one get to select a charity to receive a brand new item of clothing. Do good while looking good.

What’s in the box is based off a style profile that you fill out when you sign up with KIDBOX. Questions include the usual gender, age and sizes, but also get more in depth about your child’s personality like colors they prefer, personality traits and articles of clothing they’re most in need of.

In each box, your child will receive 6-7 pieces of brand name clothing each season for $98. KIDBOX is a “try before you buy” model (like Stitchfix), so you only pay what you keep! KIDBOX will never charge for shipping, exchanges, returns and styling, meaning no risk or commitment. Bonus: they make baby boxes, too, for the price of $68 per box. Same rules apply.

KIDBOX is offering a special coupon for Red Tricycle readers! Save $10 off your first full box using code TRICYCLE10 (code works only if you keep the box).

Click here to get your first box and save $10!

Fly Kids: Your (Money-Saving) Back to School Shopping Guide

by rtstephaniekanowitzJuly 30, 2015

Gone is D.C.’s reputation as a suit-and-tie, buttoned-up city. Fashion is forward here, even for kids—no, especially for kids. Earn an A from yours by getting them a new school wardrobe at some of the area’s best boutiques. Waiting for their sales? Well, that’s just extra credit.

Photo: Fit Right for Kids via Facebook

Put Your Best Foot Forward
During Virginia’s tax-free weekend (Aug. 7-9), Fit Right Kids’ Shoes, a family-owned store, will have top brands such as Asics, New Balance, Saucony, Sperry, Stride Rite, Pediped, and Tsukihoshi shoes on sale for 10 percent to 40 percent off. Find other brand-name sneakers, boots, sandals and dress shoes for boys and girls, too – plus fit specialists to keep your kid(s) comfy.

25050 Riding Plaza, #145 (Chantilly, Va)
Online: fitrightkids.com

Go Organic
The Pink and Brown boutique in Alexandria is stocking up on trendy-but-functional coats after it had a run on them last year. Save 10 percent on those and all fall merchandise between Aug. 22 and 23. Sizing runs from newborn to 12, with all baby clothes and half the bigger kids stock being organic.

1212 King St. (Alexandria, Va)
Online: pinkandbrownboutique.com

Photo: Little Birdies Georgetown via Facebook

Calling All Budding Fashionistas
If you (or your kids) are into cute, stop by Little Birdies Boutique’s new location at the end of August. You’ll find upscale clothing, shoes and accessories (of course accessories!) for sizes newborn to size 8 from brands such as Young Versace, Fendi and Moschino Kids. From Sept. 7-13, save 40 percent to 60 percent off end-of-season pieces. Save on new fall merchandise, too, with discounts increasing along with your credit card bill. Take 15 percent off purchases of $100 to $199 all the way up to 30 percent off $400 or more.

1526 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., (Georgetown)
Online: shoplittlebirdies.com

Stock Up for Next Summer
Kinderhaus Toys is discounting summer styles at 30 percent off starting in early August. But you can find more than clothes, school supplies, books and toys here. Stop by on Aug. 9 between 1 pm and 2:30 pm for the My Kissing Hand Event, where kids can imprint their hands or feet in clay that the artist then fires and paints. Or visit on Aug. 30 between 12 pm and 2 pm for the Homeward Trails Adoption Event, which will feature dogs and cats looking for good homes.

1220 N. Fillmore St., (Arlington, Va)
Online: kinderhaus.com

Photo: Pied Piper Kids via Facebook

Pay it Forward and Pay Less
The Pied Piper, selling children’s wear since 1965, will give 20 percent off a new fall or winter coat to anyone who brings in a gently worn one to be donated to the Junior League of Baltimore’s Wise Penny thrift shop throughout September. Find sizes ranging from infant to 12 for boys and 16 for girls and brands such as The North Face, Lacoste and Ella Moss. And dont forget about Marylands Tax Free Weekend (Aug. 9-150) when $100-and-under pieces of clothing are exempt from the state’s six percent tax.

32 Village Square (Baltimore, Md)
Online: piedpiperchildrenswear.com

Bundle Up without Paying a Bundle
A place for the hip pre-teen and under set, Full of Beans will offer 15 percent off all outerwear and vests between Aug. 15 and Sept. 1. Find accessories, toys, jewelry, shoes, stuffed animals—get the idea?—as well here. Sizes go up to 14 for girls and 12 for boys.

3813 Livingston St., NW (Chevy Chase)

Where will you be doing back to school shopping? Tell us in the comments section.

—Stephanie Kanowitz

ML Interest Tag: brand-name

11-Year-Old Identical Twins Create Sleek New Writing Utensil

Related reads

Recall Alert: Apples Recalled Over Listeria Concern

Recalled Product Description: North Bay Apples

Why the Apples Were Recalled

How To Tell If Your Apples Were Recalled

What Consumers Can Do

Related reads

Recall Alert: Walmart’s Great Value Ready-to-Eat Sausage Recalled Due to Salmonella Concerns

Recalled Product Description: Ready-to-Eat Pork and Turkey Sausage Patties

Why the Sausage Was Recalled

How to Tell If Your Sausage Was Recalled

What Consumer Can Do

Related reads

Recall Alert: Contigo Kids Cleanable Water Bottles Pose Potential Choking Hazard

Recalled Product Description: Contigo Kids Cleanable Water Bottles

Why the Water Bottles Were Recalled

How To Tell If Your Child’s Water Bottle Was Recalled

What Parents Can Do

Related reads

Recall Alert: Pita Pal Hummus Recalled by Trader Joe’s & Other Retailers

Recalled Product Description: Pita Pal Hummus

Why the Hummus Was Recalled

How To Tell If Your Hummus Was Recalled

What Consumers Can Do

Related reads

Could Viagra Become a New Treatment for Children of Mothers with Preeclampsia?

Related reads

The FDA Just Approved the First New Antidepressant in Over 30 Years

Related reads

Fly Kids: Your (Money-Saving) Back to School Shopping Guide

Related reads