Made in New Mexico - Sterling Silver Jewelry

Day 224.
Made in New Mexico - Sterling Silver Jewelry

I love jewelry...especially pretty rings. So finding a collection of sterling silver jewelry made in New Mexico was right up my alley. Check out some of these beautiful pieces...

http://www.madeinnewmexico.com/st.html

I love the peridot turtles the most!

Made in New Jersey - Salt Water Taffy

Day 223.
Made in New Jersey - Salt Water Taffy

What's more synonymous with New Jersey than the Atlantic City Boardwalk and salt water taffy? Here's a taste of New Jersey from Frailinger's with their assortment of salt water taffy flavors...

http://www.fralingers.com/

Can't you just smell the ocean air?

Made in New Hampshire - Beeswax Candles

Day 222.
Made in New Hampshire - Beeswax Candles

There's bound to be some "buzz" about this...if you're looking for a honey of a treat like these beeswax candles you can find them from The New Hampshire Honeybee in Gilsum, New Hampshire...

http://nhhoneybee.com/novelty.aspx

I love this selection from their novelty line. I adore butterflies, so this one is by far my favorite...

http://nhhoneybee.com/butterfly.aspx

They also have a nice assortment of seasonal candles as well. Is it too soon to recycle my joke about it "being the bee's knees"? Maybe I'll just retire that one!

Made in Nevada - Handcrafted Soaps

Day 221.
Made in Nevada - Handcrafted Soaps

By now you know I love scented treats like candles and soaps. So I was enthused to find a line of Hill's Handcrafted Soaps made in Nevada that come in a lovely variety...

http://www.hillshandcraftedsoaps.com/

I was most interested in the scents like Cucumber Melon, White Tea and Ginger and Lotus Blossom and Bamboo. I can almost experience the scents through my computer screen!

Made in Nebraska - Apple Butter

Day 220.
Made in Nebraska - Apple Butter

Today we'll talk about a sweet treat that you'll just think is the bees knees...was that corny? Well, even though this treat is made in Nebrska, it isn't corn. It's All About Bees Apple Butter with Honey is made using apples grown in Nebraska...

http://fromne.com/product.php?productid=381&catid=3

So it's not just about bees, today it's also about the apples and a delicious spread to enjoy!

Made in Montana - Bath and Body Care

Day 219.
Made in Montana - Bath and Body Care

I want to shop here!

http://www.giffencoulee.com/

Just looking at this collection from Giffen Coulee in Stockett, Montana puts me in a relaxing state of mind. From bath salts to lotions and candles there's quite a selection of treats made right here in the USA with "a little bit of Montana in every product."

Made in Missouri - Dip Mixes

Day 218.
Made in Missouri - Dip Mixes
 
While looking for today's feature I didn't have to venture any further than my pantry cabinets. I pulled out these delicious dessert mixes at first to illustrate my point in this post, but since they're right here in my hands I might just whip these up for the Memorial Day weekend. Here are a couple of my favorite dessert/dip mixes by Wind and Willow in Mt. Vernon, Missouri.

 

 

There are also lots of great soup, cheese ball and dip mixes available from this same company...

 

http://www.missourimercantile.com/windandwillow.shtml

 

What a great taste of Missouri!

Made in Mississippi - Weekender Bag

Day 217.
Made in Mississippi - Weekender Bag

I love to travel! Whether it's a lengthy adventure or just a day trip I love to just set out on the open road, so travel bags are a must. This is a cool weekender bag made by a company in Mississippi operated by two sisters. Very chic and cool...

http://www.themississippigiftcompany.com/queen-lane-weekender-bag.aspx#.UZTEZny9KSM

They also have some other coordinating pieces, also made in Mississippi...

http://www.themississippigiftcompany.com/luggage.aspx

Very cool for a weekend getaway!

Made in Minnesota - Cedar Candle Holder

Day 216.
Made in Minnesota - Cedar Candle Holder

This is just really pretty! Made in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota is this lovely cedar box candleholder with  an artistic design of a loon carved to allow the light to shine through when a candle burns in the glass insert...

http://shop.mnhs.org/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=1348&category=166&CFID=24702751&CFTOKEN=35755559

This page notes that this beautiful holder is made by Wood You Tell Me (clever name) and that sales help support programs of the Minnesota Historical Society, so there's an added benefit.

Made in Michigan - Porcelain Jewelry

Day 215.
Made in Michigan - Porcelain Jewelry

I first discovered the Touchstone Pottery line of jewelry while browsing in a local shop.

 

 

With a little research I discovered (and was all the more impressed) to learn these beautiful items are made by a seven person company in Dewitt, Michigan.

 

http://www.touchstonepottery.net/

 

I think these are beautifully created pieces. They have both a Celtic line and a Pathfinder wildlife art line with these images baked right into the porcelain as part of their manufacturing process. This one is my favorite...

 

http://www.touchstonepottery.net/product/PF29

 

It's probably obvious why!

Made in Massachusetts - Area Rugs

Day 214.
Made in Massachusetts - Area Rugs

If you're looking to cover up, beautify or just add decor to your floo, you might want to take a look at these beautiful area rugs from Merida, a Boston based company that makes rugs at a weaving mill in Fall River, Massachusetts...

http://www.meridameridian.com/made-in-ma/

For me, I love learning a little about a company's background and philosophies...

http://www.meridameridian.com/about/

Sounds like they're doing things right...and with beautiful results!

Made in Maryland - Artisan Soaps

Day 213.
Made in Maryland - Artisan Soaps

To see the soaps that most interested me you have to scroll down the page a little bit, but that's ok because maybe another one of the soaps made in Maryland is more interesting to you. For me, I loved finding these beautifully layered artisan soaps from the Maryland Soap Company...

http://www.marylanddelivered.com/soapsetc.htm

I also liked that these soaps were named with parts of Maryland's geography or well known attributes in mind...for example the Carroll County Wash Day Artisan Soap or the Black-eyed Susan Artisan soap named for Maryland's state flower. Practical, beautiful and made in Maryland!

Made in Maine - Furniture

Day 212.
Made in Maine - Furniture

I was recently talking with some friends about furniture and storage shelving. How appropriate to then happen upon this Maine based company, Alomakuam Designs, operated by a husband and wife team who create such beautiful furniture designs...

http://www.alomakuam.com/furniture_gallery.html

Absolutely gorgeous pieces with American craftsmanship. Beautiful!

Made in Louisiana - Hot Sauce

Day 211.
Made in Louisiana - Hot Sauce

When you think hot sauce, think Louisiana for Louisiana's Pure Crystal Hot Sauce...

http://www.crystalhotsauce.com/

I wanted to showcase this product not only simply for the product itself, but for the resilience of the company that manufactures it. In 2005 they were hit in the middle of Hurricane Katrina, but didn't let that keep them down. Read more about the history of Baumer Foods, the manufacturers of this hot sauce, who are still going strong...

http://www.crystalhotsauce.com/history.php

I think it's admirable when a company rises back after adversity...that's the American spirit!

Made in Kentucky - Horseshoe Chocolates

Day 210.
Made in Kentucky - Horseshoe Chocolates

From the home of the Kentucky Derby, how fitting are these little horseshoe chocolates?

http://www.atasteofkentucky.com/shop/cellar-door-chocolates-mini-chocolate-horseshoes-gift-p-86.html?atokID=0e6e9bfcf03da07439fe7d2f6c08fed5&manufacturers_id=83

They are made by Cellar Door Chocolates in Louisville, Kentucky and look almost too adorable too eat...almost! 

Made in Kansas - Snack Gift Basket

Day 209.
Made in Kansas - Snack Gift Basket

From Kansas, I thought I'd show you a basket with a little bit of everything...

http://kansasoriginals.com/catalog/page/463-0340.html

From cookies to sunflower seeds to candied popcorn these baskets offer a nice sampling of a variety of treats. I like the idea of putting together a themed basket with goodies from a particular state or region. Every year we've sent my brother-in-law and family a hometown favorites basket from New York where he used to live. I know the reminders from home are always sentimental favorites as well, so if you're looking for a gift idea you can take a cue from Kansas and prepare a basket like this with your own state's goodies.

Made in Iowa - Soy Candles

Day 208.
Made in Iowa - Soy Candles

Now, these are really cool. I love candles and soy candles are among my favorites because of how cleanly they burn. These soy candles from Milkhouse Candles had to make my list because as you can see in the description, they are 100 percent American made by design from the soybeans to the jars...

http://www.milkhouseusa.com/asoproducts.html

These candles are made in Iowa and there is a vast selection of fragrances to choose from including some really interesting scent choices like Pineapple Salsa and Lemon Cheesecake...sounds almost good enough to eat! 

Made in Indiana - Popcorn

Day 207.
Made in Indiana - Popcorn

I love popcorn! Hot, fresh, drizzled with butter...can't start a movie without it. So if you would like to taste some "made in the heart of Indiana Amish Country" then Yoder Popcorn has a tiny tender variety to check out...

http://www.yoderpopcorn.com/

I like that they have oils and seasonings available as well so you can flavor your popcorn any way you like...but for me, bring on the butter!

Made in Illinois - Jewelry Boxes

Day 206.
Made in Illinois - Jewelry Boxes

It's ironic that these wooden jewelry boxes are called Montana jewelry boxes because they are made by Heartwood Creations in Illinois. In any case, they are beautiful items made here in the USA...

http://www.heartwoodcreations.com/index.htm

This company sells their products through retailers. They also care about replenishing trees with their replanting effort that I think is quite admirable...

http://www.heartwoodcreations.com/website/Company_info/environment.htm

Nice to see a beautiful product and evidence of a company that cares.

Made in Idaho - Huckleberry Lemonade

Day 205.
Made in Idaho - Huckleberry Lemonade

Since I'm spotlighting Idaho today I originally planned to post a bar of soap shaped like a potato...then I realized every bar of soap ends up looking like a potato, so I decided to show you something else. Lemonade is always a favorite treat during the summer, but here's a concentrate so you can mix your own Huckleberry Lemonade...

http://www.tastesofidaho.com/product/GBP-420

A delicious idea from Idaho!

Made in Hawaii - Lilikoi Cream Cheese

Day 204.
Made in Hawaii - Lilikoi Cream Cheese

Most mornings I start my day out with either cereal or a bagel with cream cheese. I enjoy a variety of cream cheese flavors like strawberry, cinnamon and there was even a great one I can't remember the name of that went great on a tomato-basil bagel. However, I have yet to sample Lilikoi cream cheese, made in Hawaii, although it sounds delicious!

http://www.madeinhawaiifoods.com/product_info.php?products_id=85&osCsid=02a1a6e606cd635f4e66ea1d2718ae17

Since the description explains that Lilikoi is the Hawaiian name for passion fruit, I'm guessing it will be as delicious as the other fruit flavored cream cheese spreads I have enjoyed, however perhaps a little more unique with a taste of the islands. Aloha!

Made in Georgia - Mini-Baskets

Day 203.
Made in Georgia - Mini-Baskets

I adore baskets...they're great for storage, for gift giving, for transporting things from here to there. However, the mini-baskets I've found made by a disabled U.S. Army veteran in Roberta, Georgia are just simply adorable!

http://www.proudlymadeingeorgia.com/Mini-Baskets.htm

Be sure to read his story as well. I love how the peppermint candy gives you a real size perspective and thing these would be so sweet as place settings, party favors or little any-occasion gifts!

Made in Florida - Key Lime Squares

Day 202.
Made in Florida - Key Lime Squares

Today we're finding a sweet treat from Florida thaat seems very appropriate...key lime squares from Anastasia Confections...

http://floridasweettreats.com/5-oz-Key-Lime-Squares-Tray-5152.htm

I think we had to go with something citrus sweet for this state and these, much like with what we found from Arizona, seem like a way you can sample a taste of the state anytime...kind of like another mini-vacation!

Made in Delaware - Dog Biscuits

Day 201.
Made in Delaware - Dog Biscuits

Ok, here's another one for the pet lovers. Don't be fooled by the delicious sounding description (like sea turtles made with peanut butter and banana), these are dog treats from Skipper's Biscuit Company in Delaware, but they are really cute and clever too.

http://skipperscompany.com/skipperscompanycatchoftheday.htm

I love the fun shapes that look like little fish. It's important to be sweet to our pets too and this looks like a great way to do just that.

Made in Connecticut - Wiffle Ball Tie

Day 200.
Made in Connecticut - Wiffle Ball Tie

If you are inclined to play some Wiffle ball the weather is ideal...but if not, you might want to just show some support for the idea of the game with one of these clever silk ties by Alynn Neckwear that celebrate the sport and are made in Connecticut...

http://shop.ctstore.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=23&idcategory=12

For a fan these are ideal...or maybe for a player who just wants to dress up a little. Too cool!

Made in Colorado - Aspen Leaf Jewelry

Day 199.
Made in Colorado -Aspen Leaf Jewelry

As someone who owns several pieces of maple leaf jewelry I was immediately drawn to this beautiful Aspen leaf jewelry that is made in Colorado. Basically, a real Aspen leaf gets plated in a fine metal like gold, silver or copper to make it a beautifully and artistically preserved wearable piece of nature...

http://www.madeincolorado.com/Aspen-Leaf-Jewelry/Aspen-Lace-Leaf-Necklace/flypage.tpl.html

I love these little Rocky Mountain treasures!

Made in California - Gold Nuggets

Day 198.
Made in California - Gold Nuggets

One of my co-workers has been very enthusiastic about buying gold for investments. He's told me quite a bit about it and so far I've responded by telling him my gold investments  are all on my hand right now (i.e. my jewelry). However, gold is really cool and I thought this was a clever way to get a little piece if you're not in the market to "invest" per se (although, who knows, at least it's a little in your pocket...or around your neck on a chain or whatever you might choose)...

http://www.madeincalifornia.net/49er001.html

A pretty neat souvenir or something for the gold collector perhaps? I just like the idea of owning a little piece of California history.

Made in Arkansas - Ice Cream

Day 197.
Made in Arkansas - Ice Cream

It's begining to feel a lot like summer around here. During the summer I love to go out for ice cream. Today's find is a brand of Yarnell's Premium Ice Cream from Searcy, Arkansas...

http://www.yarnells.com/

Their assortments include premium reds, frozen yougurt and guilt free varieties. I think I need the guilt free chocolate...is there really such a thing? Yea!

Made in Arizona - Flavored Jelly Candies

Day 196.
Made in Arizona - Flavored Jelly Candies

When I was young I always wanted to visit Arizona. One of my favorite television shows was set and filmed in Tucson and I thought it would be such a cool place to visit. I hope someday I'm able. In the meantime, maybe I can get a taste of Arizona with some of these Cheri's Desert Harvest jelly candies...

http://www.madeinarizona.com/Site/Variety_of_Gifts_Made_In_Arizona.html

Looking at the flavors...Prickly Pear Cactus, Mesquite Bean and Margarita...you can almost taste the feeling of being out in the desert. 

Made in Alaska - Blueberry Hot Cocoa

Day 195.
Made in Alaska

I'm excited to share today's goodie I found that is made in Alaska because it combines a few of my favorite things. It is CocoAlaska made by the Alaska Herb Tea Co. in Anchorage. This one blends hot cocoa and the flavor of blueberries...when I saw that my mouth started to water!

http://alaskagift.com/cocoa-alaskanblueberry.aspx

I'm a big fan of flavored hot cocoas, but must admit I have never tasted one made with blueberries, so I think I will have to check this one out a little further!

The First of 50 - Made in Alabama - Cornbread Baker

Day 194.
The First of 50 - Made in Alabama - Cornbread Baker

I'm going to be doing something new with this blog for the next couple of months. I have decided that for the next 50 days I will spotlight a cool item each day that is made in each of the fifty nifty United States. So today we'll start with something made in Alabama.

My Alabama find is this cornbread baker...

http://alabamagoods.com/cornbread-baker.html

During the holidays I was baking up a storm and found that the shape of a bundt cake pan garnered me some better than usual results. I think that the same principle is in play here. Not only is this pretty pottery, but I love that it's easygoing too (microwave and dishwasher safe are the magic words for me). Very unique and a great way to start out our journey of cool things from every state!