Black Friday Shopping Starts When?! I Will Shop Small Business Saturday

Black Friday Shopping Starts When?! I Will Shop Small Business Saturday

Black Friday shopping starts when?! It's Thanksgiving morning as I am writing this and by all accounts there are already sales in progress. Wow. As for me, I am choosing to avoid this shopping experience and instead wait for Small Business Saturday...

https://shopsmallneighborhoods.americanexpress.com/

There are lots of reasons to support small businesses, but to me the most important reason is that by supporting our neighbors we are supporting our neighborhoods and communities and that translates right into the supporting our country. Let's show them some love and save some dollars to spend in the small local stores. I will choose that myself...and if I wait long enough, maybe Black Friday will fall on Wednesday next year.

Glue Dots

Glue Dots

I must admit that after posting something every day for a year, once I crossed the one year mark I decided it was ok to be a little more sporadic with my posts and share only when things really speak to me and I am moved to do so. Well, today I was moved...by glue dots.

 

 

Ah, glue dots (which, incidentally, are incredibly different from glue spots). And as it turns out there are about ten different varieties of glue dots. I know because I spent a fair amount of time today in the local craft store looking at the choices. Some were too big, some were too small, some were micro, some were super strong, some were permanent. These removable dots (as Goldilocks would say) were just right. I believe they will be perfect for the project I am currently working on. I know I have friends who have nightmares over the sheer volume of glue dots they have used to hold various bulk projects together. But I am new to glue dots, so for now my project still is quite a novelty and I look forward to applying these sticky circles to hold all the pieces together. And best of all... 

 

...these glue dots are made in the USA...yea!

Take This Out To The Ballgame

Take This Out To The Ballgame

Last week I noticed one of my co-workers coffee drinking out of this tumbler...

 

She said she got it at a baseball stadium. I was impressed and asked to give it the once over. On the bottom it was marked as being produced by Whirley Drinkworks of Warren, Pennsylvania. So I looked into this a little more. Check out the awesome video on their website http://whirleydrinkworks.com/ that shows more about the many plastic products they make right here in the USA...and take this out to the ballgame!

Styling Some Fabulous Custom Soaps

Styling Some Fabulous Custom Soaps

I love learning new hobbies and craft techniques. This week I decided to try my hand at soap making. It was so much fun! First I found a great glycerin soap base to start with. I found these bags of Something Fabulous pure glycerin soap cubes that could be melted in a microwave. They are conveniently packaged in re-sealable bags and so easy to work with...

 

And the soap, colorings and fragrances I used were all made in the USA...

 

 

 

I molded some opaque soap shapes using some fancy beads with a theme. Then I melted a layer of the clear soap and let it create a surface, placed my opaque soap pieces inside and finished a couple of bars off by sealing them with more clear soap.

 

 

I created these fun bars with an 80s rock theme. Soap making is a great project and a wonderful way to personalize a gift for someone!

"Green" Jeans Made From Recycled Water Bottles

"Green" Jeans Made From Recycled Water Bottles

I want to thank and credit my friend Omar for pointing me in the direction of this link to one of the coolest concepts I have encountered since starting this blog. "Green" jeans made in the USA using recycled water bottles. You really just have to see this for yourself...

http://www.defynewyork.com/2013/09/23/dirtball-made-in-the-u-s-a-green-jean-made-of-recycled-water-bottles/

Can we give this idea some big applause?

The Gift of Caring

The Gift of Caring

Occasionally I break from pointing out American-made items to pointing out American-made spirit. October is breast cancer awareness month, so before the month is over I want to take a moment to salute the walkers at a recent event I was involved with that raises money for the fight against breast cancer...

 

I don't know of anyone who hasn't been impacted either personally or via someone they know and it is time to find a cure. Find out more about the fundraising efforts here... http://www.cancer.org/involved/participate/makingstridesagainstbreastcancer/index. We've lost too many already...it's time now for cancer to lose.

An American-Made Infrared Heater

An American-Made Infrared Heater

Fall is here. I know that, not just because the calendar tells me, but also because I am chilly. Well, in fairness, I'm always chilly, but suddenly more people are joining me. In recent years heating has become increasingly expensive. While this may not be a full solution, perhaps it's a help to at least keep a little bit of your space warm and toasty...

Look closely at the corner of the box and you will see these EdenPure infrared heaters are proudly made in the USA...doesn't that make you feel all warm and toasty too?

Flat Taffy

Flat Taffy

I intend to continue sharing cool American made items via this blog, but after having shared something daily for 365 (well, 366) days straight I have decided I am no longer going to number my days. I will still post cool things as I find them, but will not worry about disrupting the rhythm if I don't an entry every single day. Instead this will just keep letting you know about things as I find them. For example, right now I am chewing on a delicious piece of flat candy...It's McCraw's Old Fashioned Flat Taffy by Hammond's Candies and it is handmade in the USA...

 

 

I like this very much. because it is so thin it is not overly chewy. Just enough, but it's not a sticky taffy either. As Goldilocks would say, it's just right.

 

 

What a delicious treat!

One Year Anniversary - An Awesome Year in Review

Day 366.
One Year Anniversary - An Awesome Year in Review

One year ago today I began writing this blog and have had something to share with you every day. Sometimes a gift idea, sometimes a cute or clever item I happened on, sometimes a link to something interesting and sometimes a video with an interview, craft or review. Today I'd like to offer a concise year in review. This was originally intended to be a 60 day project (I've obviously gone well beyond that initial goal), but to keep with the theme of 60 I want to share with you the highlights of an awesome year in 60 seconds...

 

Thanks to all who have been following this. We've made a difference just by paying a little extra attention. Perhaps we've saved some elephants, perhaps we've helped our domestic economy or perhaps we've simply raised a bit of awareness. Whatever has happened in the last year, I count it as a gain. And if anything I've had to share has made a difference to you I ask this...please pass it on. Let's keep making a difference with little ripples in the water. I believe that this is how we start to make change in the world.

Going Gourmet in Layers

Day 365.
Going Gourmet in Layers

I love this adorable mason jar of cookie mix by Sisters Gourmet www.sistersgourmet.com.

 

Not just for the reason you can guess...

 

 

 

...but also because the layers made a little analogy in my mind. This blog has existed for 365 days. In that time I've found layers of purpose to why I am writing it. Initially it was an answer to a challenge and an effort to put a positive focus on how we can all make a difference (particularly in regards to saving elephants). It grew from there to a mission...I didn't want to let it be a short term idea that dropped, I wanted it to have legs and grow and actually make a difference. Around Christmastime last year I saw that happening, mot tangibly in my aunt's response to buy only American made gifts for the holidays. From there I kept at it and it evolved from a gift guide into an everyday guide to American made things we can incorporate into daily living. It then became a daily ritual, a cause to keep my eyes open and a conversation starter. All these layers are what this blog has become for me. So much like the layers in this cookie mix (crunchy oatmeal with coconut and chocolate...these layers are gourmet to me and I am glad to have set out on this journey!

Let Them Eat Cake...Chocolate Cake

Day 364.
Let Them Eat Cake...Chocolate Cake

I love it when things are easily spelled out for me. Cake mix shouldn't be hard. I love a delicious cake...particularly a chocolate cake...but love it even more if I don't have to work hard to see if it's an American made product. Here's a box cake mix that is not only a delicious choice...

 

...but also clear and unambiguous about it's ingredients and the fact that it is...

 

 

...made in America. Cherrybrook Kitchen also has lots of other products that are options for people who may have certain food allergies. You can check them out at www.cherrybrookkitchen.com.

This Cooler is Wheelie Cool!

Day 363.
This Cooler is Wheelie Cool!

Have you noticed the longer this blog has gone on the worse my puns have gotten? But seriously, this is a Wheelie Cool cooler by Igloo that is...

 

Of course, made in the USA. I must say, this is one of the most practical items we own. It's the perfect size to fit in the backseat or slide into the trunk of the car if we're taking a road trip and the wheels on the bottom are so convenient. As I am still unpacking from a recent trip this is one of the last things I am removing from the car, but it makes travel so much nicer!

Wonderful, Wonderful

Day 362.
Wonderful, Wonderful

Perhaps you can guess from the title that today I'm munching on some Wonderful Pistachios from California.

 

I love pistachios and, as their name suggests, they are wonderful! I also think they have some very clever ads...so my suggestion for today is get crackin!

Cats, Cats and More Cats

Day 361.
Cats, Cats and More Cats

I saw these leggings and thought they were just too cool. Any cat lovers? These are for you!

http://elasticwonder.com/collections/everything/products/cat-photo-collage-spandex-leggings

Part of a brand called Elastic Wonder by Idilvice, I wanted to learn more. This company makes cool, funky stylish clothing here in the USA...New York to be specific...

http://www.idilvice.com/servlet/the-template/about/Page

Here are some of my favorites among their designs featuring cats, all made in the USA...

http://www.idilvice.com/servlet/the-1065/Cat-dsh-faces-fleece-zip-dsh-jacket-fake-dsh-fur-dsh-collar/Detail

http://www.idilvice.com/servlet/the-1023/black_tan_cat-pink-Tea_dress-cocktail_Party/Detail

http://www.idilvice.com/servlet/the-1033/Cats-Kittens-Photo_collage-Tote_Bag/Detail

And there's even something cool for the elephant fans too (seems appropriate here) that is also mjade in the USA...

http://www.idilvice.com/servlet/the-946/elephant_photo_print-tie_dye_t-dsh-shirt-A-dsh-line_Skirt-asian_elephant/Detail

This line is very cool!

Jerseys

Day 360.
Jerseys

Sports were the hot topic this morning, but I don't follow any of them so all I can really comment about are my favorites colors for the uniforms. To that end, if you want to dress the part for your favorite sport I found this item about some cool jerseys made in the USA...

http://m.complex.com/style/2013/06/durkl-introduces-made-in-usa-collection

Play ball!

Balloons

Day 359.
Balloons

It occurred to me as a typed the header to today's post that in less than a week I will hit the one year mark for this blog, having posted something every single day since last October. I think that is reason for celebration...which I guess would warrant some balloons!

http://ethixmerch.com/redirect?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pioneerline.com%2Fimpress2.php

I think it is cool that not only are these balloons made in the USA, but they can be custom printed for any occasion. So let's celebrate!

A Book I'm Looking Forward To Reading

Day 358.
A Book I'm Looking Forward To Reading

Last night Jim Breuer, a comedian well known for his work on Saturday Night Live, gave a benefit comedy performance at my church. That might seem like an unusual venue, but the show was to help raise funds for a facility for the church to help kids with autism and special needs and their families and the show was fantastic! He even took some time for meet and greets afterwards...

 

Among the merchandise he had available (and incidentally, donated a portion of the proceeds from the sale to the cause) were copies of his book. Although I have not yet read this book, after seeing his show I was impressed with him and am eager to read what he has written.

 

 
And I share this with you not only as a new fan of his comedy, but also because...you guessed it...this book was printed in the USA!

 

Thank you Jim for what you did to help a great cause. We appreciate it very much!

The Mark of Quality

Day 357.
The Mark of Quality

Every now and again the company I work for orders promotional items (like bumper stickers) and when a recent shipment came in I couldn't help but notice this on the box...

There's a real mark of quality and I'm proud that I'm not the only one in the office looking for products made in the USA!

Memories and Boat Shoes

Day 356.
Memories and Boat Shoes

Although I am back at home, I am fondly remembering my trip to Maine and the fun we all had on the boat ride from Portland. Next time you're on a boat in Maine you might want to try these boat shoes by Sperry Top-Sider, made in Maine...

http://www.sperrytopsider.com/store/SiteController/sperry/Made%20in%20Maine/cat90046DM/cat5830167/subcategory?CID=G_made_in_maine&gclid=CKrCldWjjboCFcSd4AodLzMAsw

Be ready and be stylish with a passion for the sea.

Where Have We Been, Where Are We Going

Day 355.
Where Have We Been, Where Are We Going

While exploring various tourist attractions you're bound to pick of souvenirs of your travel. I think it's great if you can find stickers and magnets like these to showcase where you have been...

 

So of course I was pleased to find that people visiting the Tepee in Cherry Valley are able to take home these souvenirs that are made in the USA. Wherever you are traveling, keep an eye out for this as well!

Makin' Mints-chief

Day 354.
Makin' Mints-chief

Here are some rockin' 80's style mints I found that are awesome not just because of their zebra stripe flair...

 

...but also because they are made in the USA!

 

Sometimes Bigger Is Better

Day 353.
Sometimes Bigger Is Better

Do you remember in the Super Mario Brothers game when Mario entered the giant world? That's sort of what I felt like when I found these oversized giant treats, made in the USA!

 

OK, on the screen they may look normal sized, but trust me, these treats are BIG!!! Just like my appreciation for all my friends in Maine. It was an awesome weekend!

Meeting My Inspiration and Saving the Elephants

Day 352.
Meeting My Inspiration and Saving the Elephants

Remember about a year ago when I began writing this blog? This weekend I had an opportunity to meet the woman who inspired it. Sharon Knettell, a phenomenal artist who cares passionately about saving elephants from slaughter, was doing a raffle of a custom piece of artwork to benefit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and we had a wonderful opportunity to chat.

 

If you would like to learn more about this wonderful cause (and how you can "adopt" an elephant) visit their site at http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/ or see what Sharon is up to at http://sharonknettell.com/. Thank you Sharon!

Update: Sharon's efforts over the weekend resulted in raising over $1000 for the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust!!!

Milky's Got Moxie

Day 351.
Milky's Got Moxie

My friend Milky (of course that's his nickname), introduced me to a locally made soda drink while in Maine. It's called Moxie...

I was also pleasantly surprised to find Saratoga spring water while away...go hundreds of miles and you'll still find wonderful local beverages made in the USA!

Ice Cream From Maine

Day 350.
Ice Cream From Maine

While in Maine I got to enjoy a taste of some homemade ice cream made from Captain Sam's in Portland. I learned about their process and that they like to use local ingredients...

 

What a delicious taste of Maine!

Canadian Greetings that are Made in the USA

Day 349.
Canadian Greetings that are Made in the USA

I have a roommate this week from Canada and she brought me some cool Canadian candy treats. She also brought some yummy Old Dutch ketchup potato chips. What I love best about these chips is that even though they were brought from over the northern border, even this awesome treat is made in the USA!

 

We will eat well!

This Soap is Rad!

Day 348.
This Soap is Rad!

No, I haven't just fallen into 80's speak, this soap literally is Rad....the Rad Soap Company in New York produces natural soaps, many with locally sourced ingredients and I had the chance to learn more about it from Dan Long...

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1nCsSmD-JA

 

I was impressed with the selection and have decided it's already time to start thinking ahead to holiday gifts. I won't spoil the surprise, but hint, hint...someone on my list is going to be enjoying some Rad Soap! Find more about them here...

 

http://www.radsoap.com/

Gum for a Good Cause...or Maybe Even Seven

Day 347.
Gum for a Good Cause...or Maybe Even Seven

I came across some gum and mints that are not only delicious and breath freshening, but the purchase of these items also helps out some very worthy causes...

 

These are made by Project 7, which aims to do good works in seven key areas. Read a bit of their mission statement...

 

http://www.project7.com/mission/

 

 

And what do we see on the packaging? Made in the USA!

Musical Soap

Day 346.
Musical Soap

Saw this and absolutely had to try it out. How clever is this musical soap?

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fapWdh9lnz8

 

This soap is made in the USA, however the packaging does specify that it's made in the USA with U.S. and foreign components (I'm guessing probably the sound components), however since it appears that the majority is U.S. made I am still opting to include it.

 

 

Clever and a patriotic way to start the day!

 

Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds

Day 345.
Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds

I love sunflower seeds. By themselves they are great, covered in maple sugar they're even better...these delicious Sunny Seeds are sunflower seeds coated in chocolate...
 

 

I love that it's a portable treat in this little container that's easy to carry in my purse. A nice little pick me up and...

 

 

...made in the USA!

 

Boop-Oop-A-Doop Juice

Day 344.
Boop-Oop-A-Doop Juice

In fairness, I haven't actually tasted this product because I bought it as a cute novelty. About a year ago I had an opportunity to meet the animation voice of Betty Boop and yesterday I found this adorable can of...I don't know, Boop Juice...

 

Perhaps a unique item for a collector. And of course you are reading about it here because it's...

 

 

Boop-Oop-A-Doop!

Add Some Cheese Please!

Day 343.
Add Some Cheese, Please!

So yesterday I shared some delicious, locally pressed apple cider to start fall off right. Apples and cider are great, but they are even better with some extra sharp cheddar cheese and some of the best comes from Adams Reserve...

http://www.adamsreserve.com/

So while enjoying the tastes of fall, remember to add some cheese, please!

Starting the Day with Cider

Day 342.
Starting the Day with Cider

There's a crisp chill in the air. Fall is here and that means...apple cider!

 

I got some from a local cider mill that presses their own right on site for visitors to watch. There are lots of local apple orchards and cider mills that will be offering a real treat this season. Enjoy some of nature's sweetness by way of a taste of delicious apple cider.

For the Coco-nut

Day 341.
For the Coco-nut

Sometimes you feel like a nut...

Sometimes you feel like a coconut...

Sometimes you feel like a whole lot of coconut!!!
 

 

Perfect for the coconut lover and made in the USA!

 

All American Jeans

Day 340.
All American Jeans

Yesterday was a bit of a lazy day as I had the day off. However, I had occasion to stop in to see my mechanic who ordinarily only sees me in dressier work clothes, so he was surprised to see me in jeans and my American made earth day t-shirt. It got me thinking that for your next lazy day if you are looking for American made jeans here's a great place to find a nice selection.

http://www.allamericanclothing.com/made-in-usa/L_ladiesjeans.html

Hope you can enjoy a t-shirt and jeans day too!

Show Me Some Stripes, Please

Day 339.
Show Me Some Stripes, Please

I am taking a long weekend and am home today on a day of vacation. I've been looking forward to working on some craft projects and things in my sewing room. I'm excited to have some new fabric choices to play around with. A friend has started customizing some patterns for printing on fabric and she introduced me to a great service where you can basically have any design you like printed on the fabric of your choice. It's called Fabric on Demand and it is a really cool service...

http://www.fabricondemand.com/index.html

Of course I was curious about the origins of their fabric, so I looked on their frequently asked questions page and found this information...

"All of our fabrics are from American mills with the exception of the fleece and suede which has been shipped from China."

So since I am not purchasing fleece and suede anyway I am glad to know the fabrics I am working with are from American mills. Their website indicates the main offices are in California and their printing and shipping facilities are in South Carolina. It's been great to experiment with new fabrics...today I'm working with stripes...

 

Time to do some sewing!

Delicious Pasta made in the North Country

Day 338.
Delicious Pasta made in the North Country

It has been awhile since I last felt compelled to publicly announce my lack of cooking skills...well, time again now I suppose! Although I do many things, I have never called myself a cook, so when I have to cook I look for something really easy to prepare. Thankfully I had the answer last night. I stopped at the grocery store and was so excited to find Morgia's pasta, which is made in upstate New York morgiaspasta.com/. I used to spend a fair amount of time in Watertown, so I became very familiar with this delicious pasta made in a family business up in the north country.
 

 

So now the question is, will I be able to turn this into my dinner? It was as easy a choice as anything...yes, mom, I can boil hot water :)

Of course I exaggerate for effect, but this was a very simple and delicious meal to create...

And an absolutely delicious taste of Watertown, NY!

I Have a Paint Gun and I'm Not Afraid To Use It

Day 337.
I Have a Paint Gun and I'm Not Afraid To Use It

Living in a state where gun control is a particular hot button issue, I'm glad to say nobody is trying to top me from using this new painting tool I will be trying out over the weekend with some of my crafting projects...

 

It's designed to take the pressure (and mess) from your fingers while using a spray paint can. And as you can see...

 

 

...made in the USA!