Memorial Day weekend provided many great memories for me growing up. Many of these memories center around activities I continue to enjoy today. There were the picnics, the parks, the bike rides, the hikes, and even a classic car cruise. One thing I enjoy about Memorial Day… what it marks, the beginning of summer freedom.

After being snow bound most of the winter, summer is always welcome. Getting out to bike, play ball, enjoy the weather and of course grill. According to The NPD Group, Grilling is Now a Year-Round Undertaking… not for those of us in Minnesota. Even though I love everything about grilling; the process, the smell of bbq, the beer and most of all the food, I’m not ready to shovel out my grill during the winter. What makes grilling so enjoyable is being outdoors. Grilling outdoors has always been enjoyable, but it has never been more comfortable… With the introduction of the outdoor kitchen, families across the country are benefiting from better patio furniture, awesome outdoor fireplaces, great sounding music from improved outdoor speakers, and grills that are easy to start and don’t leave you (or your food) smelling like lighter fluid. All of these improvements allow us to spend more time outside and more importantly, make it easier to slow down and spend more time with family and friends.

For me, Memorial Day weekend is really about spending time with family and friends. Remembering those who came before us, taking time to reflect on those that gave their life for our freedom and saying thanks to the brave individuals who continue to protect our country and freedom today.

Have a great weekend.

All the best,
Bill

I don’t know how the debate over Bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles will turn out. In addition to manufactures that use BPA to harden the plastic in their baby bottles, the FDA, EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), and Japanese National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology all believe there are no short or long term health risks associated with BPA in polycarbonate baby bottles (this makes me feel better since we used Avent bottles with our two boys). In 2007 the EFSA even increased the acceptable level of BPA in consumer products based on additional studies.

The government pushing for the discontinuation of Bisphenol A (BPA) is Canada. Canada agrees that BPA in Baby Bottles “is below levels that pose a risk”, however they feel the levels are close enough where effects could occur, and they want to reduce chances of further exposure. As a result it is Canada’s “intention to ban the importation, sale and advertising of polycarbonate baby bottles.”

I’ve used (and still do) polycarbonate water bottles (that contain BPA) for several years. I started drinking more water, less soda, and I wanted bottle that wouldn’t create the waste of “disposable” water bottles. I’m confident the net gain from the thousands of gallons of water consumed, outweighs the possible negative impact from BPA, and for the time being I will continue to use polycarbonate bottles.

But when it comes to my new baby girl, I’m more cautious. As new parents you have enough on your mind; the last thing keeping you up at night should be worrying if your baby bottles are safe. As a result, like Canada, 3LUXE has gone BPA Free with Baby Bottles. We went back to the beginning with our research of the baby bottle category, starting from scratch and immediately eliminated any options containing BPA. We have three new “Best Of” selections that are all BPA Free Bottles . Hopefully this will help you get a little more sleep at night.

All the best,
Bill