Stationery

Day 193.

Stationery

I was looking for some pretty new stationery and came upon this line by New Leaf Paper...

http://www.newleafproducts.net/t/category/stationery/

So many choices and so many items made in the USA. But there's more...did you notice the counters at the top of the webpage that illustrate the environmental efforts this company is making? Very cool. Learn a little more about why your choice in paper matters...

http://www.newleafpaper.com/paper-and-environment/your-choice-matters

It's the last day of earth month, but let's try to keep the support for the environment going all year long.

A Gourmet Nut

Day 192.

A Gourmet Nut

Sometimes you feel like a nut (I get that feeling a lot) and sometimes you feel like a gourmet nut. I picked up a couple of packages of Hunter Mix - Southern Style Nuts by the Squirrel Brand Co. - and I tried the gourmet variety first (leaving the spicy ones for my husband).

Exceptional! It was a delicious mix of nuts including almonds and cashews, some seeds and some sesame sticks. It was really like a classy snack mix. Then I visited the website for this company based in McKinney Texas...

http://www.squirrelbrand.com/

I'm so impressed with the selection of gourmet nut varieties that they offer. The squirrels will be so jealous that I'm keeping these to eat myself!

Walking Sticks

Day 191.

Walking Sticks

Ordinarily I don't know if my eye would necessarily be caught by a walking stick, but in this case I saw some beautiful products in a local hardware store and there were two things that drew me to these Brazo's Walking Sticks, made in the USA.

 

The first thing that I noticed was how beautiful these pieces are...they are stunning! Secondly, I was pleased to see the made in the USA marking on the signs as well as a proud statement that they offer "the feel of nature" and "the quality of American craftsmanship". That's always appreciated, so I commented to the store owner and he let me take a closer look.

So I looked into these a little further and learned that these are hand-made in Texas and the company offers some very unique options...

http://www.brazos-walking-sticks.com/?gclid=CJvku47PwbYCFc9FMgodng8AKA

Very clever, classy and made in the USA!

Hot Pepper Jelly

Day 190.

Hot Pepper Jelly

Sometimes unusual combinations work out deliciously...remember those Tobasco flavored chocolates I tried a few months back? I found another tasty combo when I sampled some locally made hot pepper jelly...

 

A little bit sweet and spicy, this was a tasty jelly with a bit of a kick. I tried it on a cracker with a touch of cream cheese...

Delicious!

An American Journey

Day 189.

An American Journey

I want to share an interesting story with you, but first please let me preface this. I am NOT advocating either for or against the use of cochlear implants. I know this is an issue that can raise strong feelings. I spent over fifteen years working with/co-directing a children's theater program for deaf and hearing students to work together in creating and performing plays. I have a great respect for Deaf culture. I equally respect the rights of those who choose to use a cochlear implant to try to maximize their hearing of sounds. The heart of what I am sharing today is not about these devices, but rather the spirit of the individual involved and appreciation for seeing a young person who takes a unique initiative to try to make a difference in the world.

Yesterday I was driving down a long stretch of road in a fairly rural area. Pulled over on the opposite side of the road I saw a van marked "Jacob's Ride...Hitting a Home Run for Hearing".

 

I was intrigued and pulled over to look up the website and see what this was about. What I discovered was the story of a young man who had become deaf by the time he was ten years old at which time he had the cochlear implant surgery to help him hear. Now he wants to raise money for causes to help others without hearing who may be wanting access to this kind of surgery. So what is he doing? He's raising funds by raising attention while making a 10,500 mile bike ride across the country with stops at 30 major league baseball stadiums! Read his story...

http://www.jacobsride.com/

I thought his endeavor was really interesting, so I turned around to go back towards the van to stop and say hello. Jacob was not there. The van was being driven by his cousin, Jack. Jack told me he drives about 15 miles ahead of Jacob so he can stop for breaks along his journey. I hoped to have an opportunity to meet Jacob face to face, but I was pressed for time in the middle of the day and unfortunately it appeared that he was too far back to justify the wait. So I just offered my support and encouragement for him as he continues on his journey that started in early April and is slated to take him around the nation and end in Florida in September.

Again, I am not advocating for or against the use of this kind of implant and the device itself isn't even something I can identify as "made in the USA"  (I do not have enough information about the companies who manufacture these devices...perhaps there are some that are made in this country, but I do not know for certain one way or another). However, I think the spirit of this young man is what is truly "American made". I admire his drive and dedication. I also think there are few things as American as a bike ride, a baseball game and a cross country adventure all rolled into one! So even though I didn't get a chance to meet you Jacob, I wish you well on your journey and hope you and Jack have safe travels as you persevere on your ride across America!

Declare It Proudly!

Day 188.
Declare It Proudly!

I was out shopping earlier today and I passed a furniture store. Even though I wasn't shopping for furniture, there was something in the window that made me stop and take notice...

 

I'd shop in this store, wouldn't you? A message to retailers...if you sell American made products don't be shy, declare it proudly! These signs would definitely encourage me to check this place out when I am in the market to make a furniture purchase.

Footwear That Signals Warmer Days Ahead

Day 187.
Footwear That Signals Warmer Days Ahead

Where I live we are being teased by Spring...we know it's coming, but every other day it seems to get chilly again even though the sun is trying to start the season. People around don't seem to be patient and are already dressing like it's summer. I see people wearing flip-flops and shorts on days that I'm still shivering wearing a sweater! However, it's an indicator that warmer days are ahead, so when they arrive (and summer shoes make sense) you can be ready with appropriate footwear and here's Okabashi, a company that still makes great summer footwear here in the United States...

http://www.okabashi.com/

They've been making their products in Buford, Georgia since 1984 and I like that they are concerned with environment as well (ideal to point out during earth month).

http://www.okabashi.com/info/Heritage

So if you want to get ready for summer, check them out!

A Nice Gift of Thanks

Day 186.

A Nice Gift of Thanks

Over the weekend I was helping to celebrate earth month during an event at a local hair salon. The owner, Michele, is a wonderful supporter of environmental causes, particularly the clean water campaign. I was glad to be able to be part of her event and she was so sweet to give me a thank you gift at the end. It was a gift bag with Aveda products that she carries in her salon. I love these products and am particularly pleased to share that all these goodies you see are made in the USA...

 

Thank you Michele for the wonderful and absolutely appreciated gift!

Happy Earth Day!

Day 185.

Happy Earth Day!

Today is Earth Day...a great day to celebrate and contemplate what is good about and for the planet.

http://www.earthday.org/

I am commemorating Earth Day with a really cool t-shirt. Not only does this shirt illustrate a message about the importance of clean water...

 

...it is also made in the USA. I know this from the detailed clothing facts that are printed right on the sleeve of the shirt!

And to help with an important clean water campaign I have purchased a water droplet from a local hair salon to help support Environmental Advocates of New York.

http://www.eany.org/

 

So please help support a cause, recycle a can, walk to work or simply hug a tree...it's Earth Day!

Local Cheese, Please

Day 184.

Local Cheese, Please

Last night I attended the crowning of the local dairy princess. Throughout our state there are contests held to select teenagers to promote the local dairy farmers and the products that they make. I think this is a very worthwhile program. It came on the heels of my enjoying some locally made cheese (from Lowville) at an event earlier in the day.

 

So after my mid-day cheese sampling I went to this competition where I got to enjoy some more delicious cheese. Some was made in Vermont and some (as seen next to this hand painted porcelain cutting board courtesy of a local artist) was made in New York...all good!

 

But my favorite part of the evening would have to be the milk punch. The recipe in short is a mix of milk and vanilla ice cream (although I've also had it made with milk, sherbert, vanilla ice cream and ginger ale) with some flavoring...this one had an apple spice flavor with some cinnamon... delicious!

 

Dairy farmers are the backbone of this country's agriculture and it was great to attend an event where our local farmers were thanked and recognized as well as having a chance to hear from the articulate young ladies who were vying for the chance to represent them in the coming year.

My All-American Morning

Day 183.
My All-American Morning

I thought it might be interesting to take note of all the little things I use every day that are made in the USA. Simply by trying to be aware of how many things you already use (or that you easily could be using instead) I think is a key step towards supporting American business. Let's see what American made products I've already used this morning...

I like to be able to see from the get-go, so I start my day by putting in my contact lenses...

Then I wash my hair using my shampoo and conditioner, followed by a styling and some hair spray...

And I get dressed. I love this lightweight sweater...

Then I put on my make-up. I love my cosmetics from...a well known company known for their pink cars...and I use their foundation, blush, eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick...

I spritzed myself with Mariah Carey's Forever fragrance...

In lieu of coffee or tea I opted for a hot apple cider drink this morning...

And I enjoyed it with a bowl of Barbara's Toasted Oatmeal Flakes, a product of the USA...

It's easy to find and use products made in the USA if you just take a moment here or there to pay attention and believe that the choices you make really do matter.

Caught My Attention...Twice

Day 182.
Caught My Attention...Twice

Some months back I saw a television ad I thought was cute. I don't really remember much else other than that I thought it was clever. It was for a clothing brand I was unfamiliar with, but it caught my attention for a moment...unfortunately not a long enough moment for me to catch the name of the brand. I never saw the ad again until the other night I saw a similarly styled ad and remembered thinking that it was cool they were trying something different. The brand is Duluth Trading Co. and when I checked out their website I was pleased to discover they offer a USA Made Collection...

http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/mens/mens-collections/usa-made-tools-clothing/usa-made-tools-clothing.aspx

And even more USA made items...

http://women.duluthtrading.com/store/womens/womens-collections/usa-made-tools-apparel/usa-made-tools-apparel.aspx

Great to find such a nice selection...and glad I saw the ad twice!

This Rose is Just Ducky!

Day 181.

This Rose is Just Ducky!

I love duct tape...I really do! For many years I directed children's theater productions with sets that were pretty much held together entirely with duct tape. One year for Christmas I remember receiving a daily calendar that was titled something like "365 Uses for Duct Tape". My favorite brand of duct tape is Duck Tape...of course, it's made in the USA. I was checking out their website and came upon this really clever craft idea...

 http://duckbrand.com/duck-tape-club/ducktivities/flowers-and-roses/how-to-make-a-duck-tape-rose

So I decided to try it myself. I picked up a few rolls in clover, cherry and cosmic colors and started crafting a rose with the first two colors.

 

 

The only substitution I made was in place of using a straw for the stem I opted for Wilton cookie sticks, also made in the USA.

 
And here's how my first rose came out...

 

What a cool idea and so much fun! I look forward to making more.

Three Times as Much as I Thought I Had to Say (a.k.a. Frogs and Sticky Notes)

Day 180.
Three Times as Much as I Thought I Had to Say (a.k.a. Frogs and Sticky Notes)

It is day 180. When I launched this blog six months ago I hoped I would have enough things to say for an initial goal of 60 days. Then it grew to a "second round" of 60 that got me to day 120. Now at the completion of a "third round" of 60 days I am so pleased that I have been able to be diligent about posting every single day without missing one. I look back on the last half a year and am pleasantly astounded by a few things...the fact that numerous people have found this blog in the first place and are continuing to read it (thank you readers!), the idea that a ripple effect can really start with one person and make a measurable change in the rest of the world (thank you Sharon!) and the firsthand awareness that I have gained through this process that has made me more aware, concerned and vocal about the notion that paying attention to a label really does matter (thank you American manufacturers!)...it has been a wonderful experience to put this blog out into the world and to believe that in some small way it has made a difference.
 

I've mentioned previously that I have a pet frog named Bhodi. He is adorable...and as a result I love adorable frog designs when I come across them. So how excited was I to find some adorable sticky Post-It notes with adorable frog images?

 
I am constantly using sticky notes at work or for leaving myself reminders around the house. I had to have these. And I think you'll also be pleased to know...

Another Devastation, Another Reason To Give

Day 179.

Another Devastation, Another Reason To Give

I cannot believe the things our nation has been facing. In the last several months we've collectively watched and experienced Hurricane Sandy, the shootings in Newtown, the random shooting spree in central New York and now the bombings at the Boston Marathon. This is unbelievable and I am pretty much watching the news in numb shock. So today I will repeat a request I made here several months ago. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy I implored you to support the American Red Cross either with a financial donation or with the gift of donating blood. As helpless as I feel while watching the news coverage of these events, I know that's one thing we can all do that can help make sure resources are available for those who need them when great needs arise.

http://www.redcross.org/

My thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Boston. I have a friend who lives just a few miles from the finish line and she has thankfully let me know she is safe, but has also reiterated just how devastating this is. Be strong, we stand together.

Wood-crafted Toys

Day 178.

Wood-crafted Toys

I've always adored things that are made by hand. There's such a special touch when someone takes the time to individually create a gift item. That's what I liked most about these clever wood-crafted toys made by an area crafter, Eli Keim. When I visited Amish Country Commons, a local store operated by Pam and Dave, they showed me some of his wonderful items that are offered for sale in their shop. There's a sweet simplicity, but also a beautiful art to these creations...

A toy train...

 

A tic-tac-toe set...

 

And my favorite, this bound-to-be-buoyant boat...

 

I love visiting local gift shops where unique, handmade crafts are featured because you get a completely different type of merchandise. These were all crafted locally and I loved seeing the artistry of this gentleman's creations!

Another Interesting Article

Day 177.

Another Interesting Article

Sometimes I stumble across interesting things by chance and I like to share them. I imagine some of you reading this now may have happened upon my blog in this same way...welcome and thank you for reading this, by the way. It is cool to find things out there that reinforce that shopping for American made goods and supporting industry in the United States is of interest to more than just a few of us. That's what I found cool about this article here...

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100519468

Hope you enjoy seeing this also. There are a lot of people out there who really do care about showing support for American manufacturing and this is just one more great example.

A Mini-Vacation

Day 176.

A Mini-Vacation

I have no time in the near future for a vacation, so instead I'm going to take a little mini-vacation every now and then. I'll start by sending my mind to some tropical location while I enjoy some dark chocolate coconut almonds from Sweet Retreat Naturals...made in the USA!

 

These are tasty little bites that give a taste of the coconut flavor that I can pretend I have the time for a getaway.

 

 

 

Well, now I just need to find a bite of some pineapple and I'll be all set!

Treating Our Pets Right

Day 175.

Treating Our Pets Right

While chatting with a local shop owner, Tanya, about this blog she was enthusiastic about showing me all the products she carries in her store that are made in the USA...there were a lot! So I told her I was going to theme this post around the items she carries to treat our pets right. The first thing she showed me was an end-cap display of several brands of pet food. She told me all of these lines that she carries are made in the United States.

 
She also had some treats for the animals including these Jones Natural Chews from Rockford, Illinois...
 

 
And Kelly's K-9 Cookies that are made in Vermont...

 

So kudos for caring about our animals too!

Faith and Representation

Day 174.

Faith and Representation

I respect the faith and beliefs of others and hope that they will afford me the same respect. I am a Christian and believe in the love of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. During stressful times in my life I've taken great comfort in my faith and have found myself clinging tightly to the cross I wear every day as a symbol and constant reminder and representation of that faith. In all honesty I can't say where my cross was made, although I can tell you how I received it. My cross was a gift from my godfather, Papa John, when I was young (I believe I was probably around ten years old when I received it). For many years it went unworn, not from lack of faith, but perhaps from lack of clarity. Somewhere around two years ago I made a personal decision that it was important for me to wear the cross every day and since then I have. Again, I have found it to be a source of comfort and a reminder of my faith, so for others who might be seeking a similar symbol I wanted to pass along this site where I have found a wide selection of cross jewelry made in the USA.

http://www.usa-made-jewelry.com/Store/Products/Cat/162/Cross-Pendants.html

If you are looking for other types of jewelry they have them available also...all made in the USA.

Green Thumb?

Day 173.

Green Thumb?

Every year when the weather starts to break and spring is in sight I get this crazy notion that I might be capable of growing something. From flowers to strawberries and on more than one occasion tomatoes, I've tried it all. I get it into my head that I have a green thumb, but every year my results confirm the opposite. However, with the arrival of spring I am once again finding myself full of optimism and searching out ways that I might make my growing efforts more successful. That notion has lead me to this cool creation, the EZ Tomato Cage made in the USA in Owatonna, MN, for growing tomatoes...

http://www.eztomatocage.com/

This looks easy enough to use that perhaps it would even improve my results! 

Beautiful Bars of Soap

Day 172.

Beautiful Bars of Soap

I found some beautiful bars of soap recently. They are triple French milled bars made by Alda's Forever in Little Rock, Arkansas. The packaging promotes "the return of elegance" with the lovely designs and I would have to agree. Each of the bars I selected had an attractive design that appeared to be sealed in by a protective soap layer so it wouldn't disappear when you used the soap...

 

These bars have a light almond fragrance, but it is not so much that it is overwhelming. In fact, they are rather delicate in all respects, but very pretty and would make a beautiful addition to a guest bathroom.

 

Such a nice find!