Elizabeth P.'s Profile
Melissa & Dubious
Something to think about with Melissa and Doug is that they are a rather large corporation. Their name fools a lot of people into thinking they are a small mom and pop deal, but that's not the case. Yes, they have some very nice toys, but over all their quality is not always the greatest. All their toys are manufactured in China, which is not necessarily a problem, but I certainly would not count Melissa and Doug as one of the many companies who take great pains to ensure their products are safe. They changed the company name a few years ago from Lights, Camera, Interaction to M&D which gives it a friendlier feel, but they have had problems with quality control and other issues in the past. I suppose the point i want to make here is that it's unwise to assume that everything they make is safe. I'd much rather buy from a company like the German toy manufacturer Haba. They have a wide range of products, and their wood toys are made primarily, if not exclusively, in Europe. Selecta spielzeug is another good, but usually more pricey, option.
keywords: Toys, wood toys, melissa and doug
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The Most Useful Book in My House
Better Basics for the Home by Annie B. Bond is easily the most thumbed -through, dog-eared, used book in my home. This book is chock full of useful recipes for alternative cleaning products, home care and craft recipes and ideas. It is easily accessible to people just discovering ecological, sustainable and alternative methods. Not only is it full of recipes, but other important information. From this source is where I first found out about the dangers of Parabens in our personal products. The information from here has helped us to replace multiple toxic or questionable items and products in our home with home made or safer ones. I always try to have multiple copies to loan or give away to friends and family, and it is one of my stand by gifts for weddings or house warming. I quite literally cannot recommend this book enough. Everyone should own a copy.
keywords: book
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