Something to think about..

This was forwarded to me in an email, and I thought it was pretty good:


Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition                                

                                                                          
  As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
  gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods
  -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.  
  This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of
  genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that,  
  at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American  
  hands. Yes there is!                                                    
                                                                          
  It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit
  in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?              
  Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
  from your local American hair salon or barber?                          
                                                                          
  Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
  health improvement.                                                      
                                                                          
  Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
  detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or
  a book of gift certificates.                                            
                                                                          
  Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking    
  down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful  
  gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the      
  summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
                                                                          
  There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift        
  certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what    
  about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember,    
  folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting  
  your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep  
  their doors open.                                                        
                                                                          
  How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or      
  motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?              
                                                                          
  Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
  local cleaning lady for a day.                                          
                                                                          
  My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who
  is struggling to get his repair business up and running.                
                                                                          
  OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people    
  spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and  
  pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.                                      
                                                                          
  Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
  your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet
  at your hometown theatre? Musicians need love too, so find a venue      
  showcasing local bands.                                                  
                                                                          
  Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese
  lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about  
  fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to  
  burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.        
                                                                          
  You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that  
  China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring  
  about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to
  follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care    
  about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we      
  couldn't imagine. THIS is the new American Christmas tradition. 

We can start right here and buy from our friends at OLA!  Tonight during the Fantastic Friday Sale I bought this yummy looking carrot cake mix from cvmso021

And last week I got some handcrafted fragrance tarts from metzymom

      And, oh looky...here's something from Crittercache  what kid WOULDN'T want a horse for Christmas?? Guaranteed Made in the USA!

So SHOP LOCALLY and support your friends and family!! Anybody you know sell Avon?? Buy from them.. Amway? Buy from them. Pampered Chef? Tupperware? Party Lite? Buy from them! It'll make their DAY to get a call saying you'd like to book a party or look at a catalog.  Happy Shopping!!!!