Christmas Time means buying safe and responsible toys, right?

I often turn over items to see where it's made.  If it's made in China or Mexico, I put it back on the shelf.  My family's safety is more important than saving a few pennies.  So, as I am searching websites for toys, I often type in "Made in USA".  On the TOYS R US website, only 1 item came up.  I am awaiting a response as to whether I can search in a different manner on their site.  Hopefully, there are more options.   A site I found while googling  Made in USA toys came up called FatBrainToys.  I love it because there are thousands of toys made in America.  Check it out and remember.... Savings are great!  Safety is better!

Cutting boards and Placemats...not just for the kitchen

I was just thinking about how many placemats I have around the house not being used for eating a meal.  I have saved several dollars by utilizing placemats and clear cutting boards on wood tables to help keep them protected.  When we first got nice furniture, I wanted to ensure it stayed that way.  Free from cup rings, sticky fingers, and dust!  I went and spent about $20 each on customized cut tempered glass to protect my night stands and end tables.  After having children, I realized I needed to do that on all my wood furniture, but just couldn't afford to do that for every piece.  I figured out at some point that a really nice $5 placemat would do basically the same thing.  If you find a good placemat, it will keep the moisture away from your wood in the event of a spill.  I also have utilized clear glass cutting boards that I found at my local home store for approximately $6 each to use at my kids nights stands.  Recently, my brother moved and he had his coffee pot on his dresser, so I simply went upstairs and pulled out an old (but in great condition) placemat I no longer used.  I simply put in underneath to protect his wood furniture.  So, sometimes, thinking outside the box (or kitchen in this case) can save you several dollars.