First it was Thomas the Tank Engine trains. Then Easy-Bake Ovens. And now Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster and Dora the Explorer.
USA Today reporters filed this story: All are beloved children's characters that were licensed to toy manufacturers who contracted with companies in China to make the toys. And all have had those toys recalled. Millions of them. Just since June.

Consider the $2,000 Bugaboo white leather stroller. It's hand-stitched and comes with a parasol.  And guess what? Parents can't get enough of this pram.

We want to know what's the most extravagant item you ever bought for your baby? A $45 onesie? Or how about a Tiffany spoon? And, if you did, would you do it again?

Photo by Bugaboo

A trip to the plastic surgeon's office is becoming commonplace for post-grad gifts.  More people are providing their graduating high school senior with nose jobs, implants and so on.

What do you think?

Here's the latest article on the subject.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17932515/

What do you read? Martha or O? Do you pick National Geographic, Time and Newsweek and actually spend your time reading People, OK!, or Redbook?
What's your favorite magazine?

Moms share their best places and experiences when it comes to dining out with kids. Let us know what's your favorite place and join the conversation at http://renotahoemoms.com/node/441

Don't miss the Plant Faire Extravaganza.

TIME
It's 7:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at University of Nevada
Cooperative Extension's Cliff Fouts Demonstration Garden, 5305 Mill St.,
Reno.


Claudene Wharton is with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension in Reno. Here's what she had to write:


By Claundene Wharton
Special to the RTMoms.com
		read more | login or register to post comments

		

					
	

Do you dream of owning your own business? What would that be?

Elma Karam de White found her newest love and a sense of freedom in owning her own business in Virginia City.
"Married for 28 years and Elma discovers the working world," she said. "My girls at this point had graduated, so I said, 'Why not? I'm going to give it a shot.'"
Read her story at Finding freedom in business