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!