IT'S TIME TO START SHOPPING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I usually start shopping for the holidays the end of October because if I wait too long everything will be gone and then I will be forced to buy things I really don't like. So, from now until the holidays I will be adding to this post. Usually, I just shop for children, but I will post other items as I find them during this time.

WALMART: KIDS OVEN
I don't like to buy many plastic items and make every effort not to, but some of my convictions go out the window when it comes to my grandchildren. I just bought them a huge plastic oven. It measures 33"x12"x38". Cost: $45

It comes with 22 accessories: pots, pans, utensils. All the doors open and there is a microwave on top, which opens. My granddaughters are 2-1/2 and 4-1/2 years old and their mom told me when they saw something similar in another store they loved it. (See my other post of the coolest recycled plastic dishes)

WALMART: COLORING BOOKS AND CRAYONS
Children love to color at all ages. There were dozens of different coloring books for all ages from 2 yrs old and older. Not only are they Made in America, but they were only $1 each. There were others that were $2.49. Also, look for the drawing pads and colored construction paper. These are such fun items for kids and easy on the wallet.

The crayons are made by Crayola. There are also magic markers, colored pencils, scissors, etc. Be sure to look for the Made in America Insignia - Usually a flag of the USA, but not always. But it will always say Made in America.

ALL DOLLAR TYPE STORES: They tend to carry coloring books, pads, pencils, etc. that are Made in America.

GAMES: Many games are Made in America, such as Candyland and Chutes & Ladders. I know I bought others last year, but can't remember which ones were Made in America. And, they were only $5 each.

WANT BEAUTIFUL HEALTHY SKIN?

I have been using aloe vera on my face for decades. It is known as a healer of skin. Bonus: If you burn yourself, there is nothing better than aloe. It stops the pain completely by forming an invisible bandage which stops the air from hitting the burn - air is what causes the pain. I also use it as protection from the sun. I apply it before I go in the sun, after I swim, and as a preventer of peeling, plus further protection when I am done sunbathing. I do not trust sun block and never did from day one. Now, there are many articles warning about sun block. So, back to beauty. Aloe prevents wrinkles because it heals skin. The brand I use is Skin Gel, Ultimate Skin Treatment, 99% Certified Organic Whole Leaf Aloe Vera plus Vitamins A,C, E, & Herbs. Unscented. Vegetarian (seems to be vegan also) and Cruelty-Free. MADE IN AMERICA! (Purchased at Nutrition Smart, and probably Whole Foods)

AMERICAN ICONS NOT AMERICAN

The following items that we all think of as American have been bought by or have always been owned by foreign companies. The story behind them was found on Comcast on July 4th.

Budweiser (DRINK SAMUEL ADAMS -BOSTON
AND EXCELLENT)
Nestles (Toll House, baking supplies, chocolate)
Puma, Adidas, and Reeboks
French's Mustard
Anheuser-Busch
Good Humor Ice Cream
Shell Oil
Trader Joe's
7-11
Holiday Inn
Sunglass Hut
Firestone Tires
Frigidaire
Dial Soap

GHIRARDELLI AMERICAN VEGAN CHOCOLATE

Most of the better quality chocolates are from foreign companies, but Ghirardelli chocolate is a California company (the only American one that I found that makes a good vegan chocolate.) Their vegan brand is "Intense Dark Twilight Delight 72% Cacao". Please remember though, it is made on machines that make non-vegan chocolates, which I would imagine all companies do also.

MY FAVE 3/4 SLEEVE COTTON TOP - UNISEX?

Boatneck, 3/4 sleeve tops are hard to find and when you do they are fairly expensive. I like these tops because they are roomy and very comfortable. They come in many beautiful colors and are very casual. They are $7 each, but if you buy 5 or more the price drops to $5 each. These can easily be uni-sex. The sizes run a little big. They can be purchased in light and heavy weight, depending on the season. 100% cotton.

PS They also have short sleeved tops in really nice earthy colors. I do think for a Floridian they can only be worn in winter because they are not light weight enough (for me.)

www.usa-wear.com

Columbia Knit Factory Store

RECYCLED PLASTIC KID'S TEA SET

I just love this set. I bought this for my granddaughter for Christmas and she loved it. It consists of a teapot, 4 cups, 4 saucers, 4 spoons, cream & sugar holders. The colors are deep pastels. It sells for $24.95 and is made from plastic milk jugs. Made in California. This is a nice sturdy set. www.madeinusaforever.com

WHAT IS VERMONT FAMOUS FOR?

Maple Syrup. So, why do some people buy it from Canada? Because they don't read the label.
This is probably the easiest thing you can buy to help save American jobs. There are more choices for Vermont maple syrup than for Canadian maple syrup so it should not be a problem to find one that you like.