Tumbling Over A Tumbler

Day 254.
Tumbling Over A Tumbler

I was in a store yesterday that had a display with lots of American imagery, giving the impression tht the items for sale might be made in America. I walked over and picked up one item, looked on the label and rolled my eyes as I saw that it was not...sigh. On the next shelf over I saw some plastic tumblers that had American imagery in their wrapping. I thought to myself, if the first item wasn't made in America, what are the chances these are. Happily, I was wrong. They were Tervis tumblers, most definitely made in America (proudly displayed prominently on their label) and I looked into this further...

http://www.tervis.com/

They are manufactured in Florida and really look like a great product. I didn't buy the one I saw in the store (mostly due to time and the lengthy line I saw) so instead I looked online and I'm glad I did because I see you can customize your own tumbler...

http://www.tervis.com/customizer-ldg

I think that's a great idea and something I definitely want to do!

Yeah, It Matters

Day 253.
Yeah, It Matters

This blog has been all about spotlighting great American made products, but why? There are lots of answers to that question. If you look back to the beginning you will see my personbal reasons for starting this blog which were in part related to compassion for elephants and equally for showing support for our countty's workforce and economy by using the power of our dollars. It evolved from being a message to encourage readers to think about their purchases before Christmastime to a continuing effort to show that this matters every day. Apparently I'm not the only one to believe that "American Made Matters"...

http://www.americanmadematters.com/

A great video that puts it very well. I also found this website to be a great resource for finding more American companies that are keeping industry here in the USA. Thanks!

American Heroes Here In My Hometown

Day 252.
American Heroes Here In My Hometown

Today's post is going up late. Why? Because this is the sight I woke up to this morning as seen from my front porch...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB0dDOFtggo

So rather than feature an American made item, I'd like to say thank you to the American heroes in my hometown, the firefigthers, police and emergency service providers who were out early this morning helping people and doing everything in their power to keep our community safe in the face of this flood that has caused such hardship to so many in our area.

Green Apple Licorice

Day 251.
Green Apple Licorice

I found another yummy snack...some green apple flavored licorice (can you tell my dentist just loves to see me coming?)...

 
These are great! They were one of several flavors made by I.M. Good Snacks in Akron, Ohio...

http://www.hickoryharvest.com/our-products/candy-licorice/

I bought these at a local store whose owner says he finds peach and watermelon to be among the favorite flavors in the summer...but I'm loving my green apple licorice!

I Love Chocolate!

Day 250.
I Love Chocolate!

I love Chocolate...but do you sometimes feel like your choices are limited to milk, white or dark varieties? Not with this chocolate! I was excited to find that Hammond's chocolate bars come in a much wider variety of flavors like PB and J, The Cookie Jar and Red Velvet Cake...

 

And they are made in the USA!

 

 

I tried the Red Velvet Cake bar...it had a smooth, flavored filling inside...

 

 

Absolutely delicious!



Absolutely Dilli-licious

Day 249.
Absolutely Dilli-licious

Yesterday I enjoyed a bag of locally made popcorn. Here's what I liked about it...

• All the kernels were popped and fluffy
• Packaging was convenient for travel
• Flavor was unique and delicious

This particular flavor was Homestyle "Dilli-licious" made with dill flavoring...

 

Fantastic flavor, fantastic product. And I always love to see the Pride of New York seal to assure me that the product is made here in New York. Another delicious find!

Flute Making

Day 248.
Flute Making

I recently had the chance to attend a Native American Arts Day where I met a gentleman who makes flutes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBcxDbsas0Q

Thanks so much for the info!

Gummy Bears That Make You Think

Day 247.
Gummy Bears That Make You Think

Yesterday I had a moment while shopping that made me think about the fact that I want (and need) to consciously think about what I am buying. I was walking down an aisle where I saw a bag of gummy bears and absentmindedly put them in my cart. I took two steps and then looked at the back of the package...made in the USA? Not the ones I picked up at first. I backed up and found that right next to the more familiar name brand was this bag of gummy bears...

 

 
And these, sure enough were made in the USA...

And they are delicious!

It just made me stop and think that it's easy to incorporate American made products into our everyday shopping, but we do need to be aware and think to look more closely at the items we buy.

A Tout for Tito's

Day 246.
A Tout for Tito's

Here's something for my 21 and over readers...I happened to find myself in a liquor store where I had an encounter I had to share. I picked up a bottle of flavored vodka while browsing. The owner of the store said to me "that's good, except for..." and then indicated the label of another country. "Here's what I would suggest for you, made in the USA". Now, what was interesting about this encounter is that I don't believe I had ever mentioned my blog or my "made in the USA" efforts to this gentleman (although I guess it is possible it may have come up in the past and it slipped my mind). I choose to think he made this recommendation out of a similar show of support for American industry. The suggestion he made was for some Tito's Handmade Vodka from Austin, Texas. I am not actually a person who drinks, so I really can't offer a personal opinion, but for those who do enjoy vodka I was glad to learn a little more about this company...check out their video...

http://titosvodka.com/about/

So if you're looking for an option that is American made, Tito's brand was highly touted by the owner of this store and is made in the USA. Final thought...of course if you drink, please drink responsibly and never drink and drive.

Good Going, Gaga!

Day 245.
Good Going, Gaga!

I recently bought a new fragrance by Lady Gaga called Fame. I bought the eau de parfum in the roller ball format...

 

I was really pleased with this scent...it's got a really nice fragrance that I can't really describe, but that I found very appealing. I also kind of liked a unique feature that seemed so "Gaga"...look closely and you'll see that the perfume in the roller is actually black liquid! That was cool, but the best part was this...

 

 

Made in the USA! Good Going, Gaga!

 

 

Ice Ball Press

Day 244.
Ice Ball Press

I hope you enjoyed checking our cool products made in each of the fifty states. I wasn't sure what the first featured item following the "state series" would be until last night when I was watching tv with my husband and we saw this super cool (literally) gadget being showcased on tv. Take a look...

http://www.cirrusproducts.com/collections/ice-ball/products/matte-black-2-75-cirrus-press

Basically it sculpts balls of ice for your drinks...they are really clever! When I saw it I hoped thatthis product was made in the USA and, low and behold...

http://www.cirrusproducts.com/pages/faqs

So here's a great way to cool down as we kick off the summer!

Made in Wyoming - Salsa

Day 243.
Made in Wyoming - Salsa

I love a delicious salsa...the Wyoming Buffalo Co. has some delicious options for salsa lovers, form their Pineapple Mango Habanero Salsa to their Boot Scootin' Salsa and plenty of flavors in between...

http://www.wyomingbuffalocompany.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=9&Itemid=767

Go west salsa lovers!

Made in Wisconsin - Cheese

Day 242.
Made in Wisconsin - Cheese

OK, this may be a little too spot on, but for Wisconsin today we're going to spotlight...you guessed it...Wisconsin cheese...

http://www.wisconsinmade.com/gourmet-food-gifts-cheese-dairy.aspx

Enjoy!

Made in West Virginia - Quilts

Day 241.
Made in West Virginia - Quilts

Can you imagine how much effort goes into a hand quilted creation like this?

http://www.mountainmade.com/log-cabin-lone-star-quilt

Handmade in West Virginia, this quilt is absolutely beautiful! I have tried my hand at quilting and can appreciate how much effort and attention is required for something so detailed and gorgeous. Great showing WV!

Made in Washington - Glass Garden Art

Day 240.
Made in Washington - Glass Garden Art

Day 240...yeah! That means today we have completed our fourth cycle of 60 days...back in October who would have guessed? So for sa special day, I have a really special item made in Washington to share with you. I think you will be blown away (pun intended) by these hand blown glass tulips and other beautiful glass garden art...

https://www.madeinwashington.com/product_category_list.cfm?CurrentPage=1&Category=55&ViewAll=1

With a garden made of glass even I could be a successful grower!

Made in Virginia - Peanuts

Day 239.
Made in Virginia - Peanuts

Since this blog began in support of saving elephants, let's treat the elephants to some peanuts from the peanut capital... Virginia!

http://www.madeinva.com/Burlap_Bag_p/whitleys_burlap.htm

These jumbo peanuts come in a burlap sack...a fun and unique way to enjoy your snack.

Made in Vermont - Hand Turned Wood Lamps

Day 238.
Made in Vermont - Hand Turned Wood Lamps

I really love hand crafted items, which I think is why these hand turned lamps caught my eye...

http://www.springhousevermont.com/FURNITURE/LIGHTING/LINKS/hand_turned_wood_lamps.htm

Made in Vermont by Spring House, they serve a function, but imaging the way they must have been created is what makes this design so cool to me. Beautiful!

Made in Utah - Furniture Reproductions

Day 237.
Made in Utah - Furniture Reproductions

For the feel of a piece of furniture from the pioneer days you can look to this Utah based company for some historically styled furniture reproductions...

http://www.peelfurniture.com/

What a great way to capture a piece of history!

Made in Texas - Pralines

Day 236.
Made in Texas - Pralines

I remember when I was a little girl someone gave me my first praline to taste. It was a piece of pure sugary deliciousness that I have never forgotton! In preparation for National Praline Day on June 24th (I guess I could have waited to post this, but I want to share my 50 states alphabetically) here is a great idea...Texas made pralines by Aunt Aggie De's Pralines...

http://www.auntaggiede.com/

Just looking at them takes me back to my childhood!

Made in Tennessee - Apparel

Day 235.
Made in Tennessee - Apparel

When I found this site I liked it immediately because the owner has a blog and wants to promote what's great about manufacturing in his state...and he's proving it himself with these cool t-shirts made in Tennessee...

http://www.madeintennesseeapparel.com/shop/

Here yopu can read all about why he launched this line...

http://www.madeintennesseeapparel.com/showing-your-pride-has-never-looked-so-good/

Awesome work, awesome tees!

Made in South Dakota - Popcorn on the Cob

Day 234.
Made in South Dakota - Popcorn on the Cob

This just looks fun...popcorn that pops right off the cob!

http://www.madeinsouthdakota.com/Catalog/Product.cfm?shopBy=vendor&vendorId=142&productId=8180

Just don't tell secrets around it...you know the corn has ears!

(groan)

OK, that joke was really corny...and so was that pun...but the popcorn is cool and perfect for a movie night.

Made in South Carolina - Handmade Soaps (with a twist)

Day  233.
Made in South Carolina - Handmade Soaps (with a twist)

I know I've shared fragranced soaps on this blog before (you can't blame a girl for gravitating to what she likes), but the one I want to point out today is a little different. Handmade by Essentially Southern in Charleston, South Carolina, here's a collection of lovely handmade soaps with unique fragrances, but scroll down and read about the Bubba Bar...

http://www.essentially-southern.com/bath-soap.html

I love that it's soap made with beer! Maybe that gives you some ideas for Father's Day...it's a week away!

Made in Rhode Island - Clam Chowder

Day 232.
Made in Rhode Island - Clam Chowder

I'm planning a trip to New England and gret seafoods certainly part of the appeal. If you want to bring some of that taste home here's a way...from the champions of a chowder cook off, here is some of The Original Black Pearl Clam Chowder...

http://www.onlyinrhodeisland.com/newclamchow.html

You'll notice a couple of other recommendations on this site for products from the Rhode Island Seafood Company also. It's an easy way to bring home a taste of Rhode Island!

Made in Pennsylvania - Kayaks

Day 231.
Made in Pennsylvania - Kayaks

It's the time of year to start enjoying the great outdoors. If getting out on the water is your thing you might enjoy these Emotion Kayaks from a company based in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania...

http://pennportal.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/pennsylvania-company-emotion-kayaks/

Made in the USA and very cool, check out all this company has to offer...

http://www.emotionkayaks.com/

Let's hit the water!

Made in Oregon - Wooden Sunglasses

Day 230.
Made in Oregon - Wooden Sunglasses

What a great gift idea with Father's Day right around the corner. These are cool sunglasses by Shwood, handcrafted in Portland Oregon that have frames made of hardwood...

http://www.madeinoregon.com/Shwood-Sunglasses/

These are stylish and clever!

Made in Oklahoma - Pecans

Day 229.

Made in Oklahoma - Pecans

Sometimes you just feel like a nut, right? Well if the nut you feel like is a pecan here's a great family owned business, Landgraf Farms in Madill, Oklahoma, where they grow their own pecans and provide some delicioous options for ordering...

http://www.landgrafpecans.com/index.php/shop/store-pecans

From plain pecans to candy pecans and other gifts items, they've got you covered for those days when you just feel like a nut!

Made in Ohio - Farm Toys

Day 228.
Made in Ohio - Farm Toys

These are some very cool farm model toys designed for collectors, made here in the USA by Moore's Farm Toys in Dresden, Ohio...

http://www.mooresfarmtoys.com/custom

They are so detailed! What clever designs...if you ate today, remember to thank a farmer.

Made in North Dakota - Stoneware Pottery

Day 227.
Made in North Dakota - Stoneware Pottery

Here is some beautiful stoneware pottery by Davy Pottery made by a small team in a studio in North Dakota...

https://www.davypottery.com/store/category.asp?catID=5

I particularly like this collection with leaves and pine needles...

https://www.davypottery.com/store/category.asp?catID=10

What lovely pieces they make!

Made in North Carolina - Sofas

Day 226.
Made in North Carolina - Sofas

If you're looking for furnishings for a small room here are some sofa choices by Simplicity Sofas that "F.I.T.S." (Furniture In Tight Spaces...I like that, it's very clever!). I also like hat these furniture pieces are made in the USA by a company that started with a small factory in High Point, North Carolina...

http://www.simplicitysofas.com/

Did you check out the video of the seven year ols assembling a sectional in less than one minute? Too cute...I think even I could manage that!

Made in New York - Mined in New York, Herkimer Diamonds

Day 225.
Made in New York - Mined in New York, Herkimer Diamonds

Ok, technically Herkimer Diamonds aren't actual diamonds...they are double terminated quartz crystals. But they are beautiful...

 

In upstate New York there are many gift shops that proudly offer these stones, often wrapped in silver or gold wire, as unique (and locally crafted) jewelry. Here are some beautiful examples...

 

 

I've been lucky enough to have the experience of mining some of these crystals for myself at the world famous Herkimer Diamond Mines. No question, these are a natural treasure of New York State.