INFORMATIVE WEBSITES.........just love them!!

Whilst browsing for USA made gardening gloves I came across a wealth of information "out there" which I thought you might find interesting and informative. My hope is that you will be inspired to purchase USA made products this year. I know that my findings 'just scratch the surface', so if this will nudge you towards buying more, or even one, American made product, our purpose in writing this blog will be fulfilled. Several websites that caught my attention in the random search really deserve some recognition so please pay them a visit.

Still Made in USA......this is an online shopping resource for American made products for home and family. The wealth of information on this site will satisfy even the fussiest of us! Please spend a little time browsing. You will be pleased that you did!

Made in USA Forever......All products offered on this site - from wallets and pens to electronics - are Made in America. This online shopping resource will be invaluable in your search for everything you will ever need for your home and family. "Doing something real for our economy" is their motto. I think it should be all of ours as well. Take a peek, it will be fun!

Doing any remodelling or building and having a difficult time finding building materials manufactured in America? I was amazed at how many individuals are building their homes with products made in America. A daunting task to say the least so Kudos to them all! The products used in these construction projects come from more than 33 States here in the US. I found that each website provided a comprehensive list (this is just one of many) which can be printed up for future reference.

Whilst on this subject it will be worth your while to visit Diane Sawyer ABC World News to learn much, much more about American made products in their "Made in America" series. You can find American goods for home re dos to bathing suits to furnishing college dorm rooms on these websites. Have fun browsing. Hope you find this helpful and inspiring.

Kitchen Gadgets and more......

Ever tried to find a kitchen gadget Made in USA?

Yep, I know the frustration. Walls and walls of floor to ceiling gadget displays and NOT A SINGLE ONE is made here in the USA.

There is a small silver lining. Epicurean makes a great line of utensils, mainly spatulas and cutting boards, all Made in USA.

Sur la Table now provides an excellent line of Bakeware made in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by USA Pan. Excellent quality along with being eco friendly - woo hoo!! - this was a great find. Give it try, you will be pleased.

Rada Kitchen Store has been making knives of all kinds since 1948 right here in the USA. Pairing knives, steak knives,breadknives plus a small variety of other kitchen utensils. These include whisks, spatulas, ice cream scoop, food chopper & peelers. One can also buy gift sets of knives for a special occasion. The best news though is that their pricing is competitive. They pride themselves in their service and that they have been successful for more than 60 years! I spoke to a very nice lady there just before Christmas who, very proudly, gave me a summary of the company history. Cannot wait to order my replacement knives from them.!

An article "What Matters to You?" in February

2012 Car and Driver written by David MacNeil,

Founder/CEO of MacNeil Automotive caught

my attention. His company manufactures

ALL their products here in USA.

He talks passionately about American manufacturing and therefore American jobs being lost to foreign countries. One has only to walk into ANY store be it clothing, sports, kitchen/housewares, hardware to see that 85% or more of the labels show that the product is made overseas. This is shameful and is a trend that really must be stopped.

MacNeil continues " Recognizable American Brands have been forced by shortsighted management and buyers at large national chains to build factories overseas just to save a lousy $.50 on a tape measure. To these ruthless buyers, it is all about the money."

It is my opinion that buyers and management are stuck in a 'made in China' rut when it comes to purchasing decisions. This just the easy way out. The question is :

"How can we get the word to these buyers that we as

consumers are fed up with buying foreign made products

and want more products MADE in USA?"

It is our duty as consumers to be more vocal. Ask for a website where we can participate in a survey, where we can offer an opinion, which will be seen by management. Try to talk to a supervisor / manager on the floor where possible. Contact Diane Sawyer and her team to have her continue their Made In USA campaign. Above all, in MacNeil's words, lets support "the American economy, preserving the industrial infrastructure, and keeping the "money" in our family, a family of 300 million people from all over America."

I just LOVE MacNeil's message and would encourage all of you to incorporate this line of thinking into your daily shopping experiences. Good luck and persevere!

We can do this!

A Little Vintage something........

Had an unexpected surprise today whilst shopping for some cute summer tops. Dropped in at Ross on a whim and found several beautiful tops all MADE in USA!

Here are my stupendous finds:

Brittany Black has a showroom in New York, but manufactures her gorgeous clothing in Los Angeles.

Vintage Suzie is definitely a wonderful find. I think you might just fall in love with her style. I did, her stuff is right up my street, just a little vintage and just a little hippy! Love it.

Then there is Karen Kane. I stumbled upon her clothing line over the Christmas period. Take a peek at her website she has an interesting story to tell.

Happy New Year - 2012 Pledge

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Here's my pledge for 2012.

Buy

MADE IN USA

I have made a small tag with that message to hang

on my handbag to remind

me daily of my commitment to this cause.

I hope that others might see it and take notice.

Maybe even be curious enough to chat.

Please join me in trying to Buy MADE IN USA this year.

I realise that this is a very difficult, and time consuming job.

I also realise that we will have to ' bite the bullet ' and just purchase the item

because we have no other avenues!

It is my hope that we can make our voices heard by

Talking to the store clerks about our concerns

writing an email

sending a tweet

encourage your friends to buy

MADE IN USA.

Above all, please let us know when you find some great USA stuff !!

Happy Hunting!

AG Adriano Goldschmied: ***** (5 Stars!)

I recently went jeans shopping, not an easy task as many of you know, and when searching through the many brands of jeans for just the right fit I was very disappointed to see that iconic American brands like Levi's and Wrangler are now made outside of the US. But never fear dear readers, I went searching for one of my favorite brands, AG Jeans by Adriano Goldschmied, and held my breath as I checked the label. When I saw the MADE IN USA tag in bold for all to see I couldn't help but smile. I happily selected my "The Jessie" pair and went to try them on. Not only do they fit PERFECTLY but when I wear them it feels like I am wearing pajama bottoms because of the awesome materials and craftsmanship. So please give a round of applause for Adriano Goldschmied, our our first ***** (5 star) USA Made brand.

holiday gift guide - for him

hi everyone! we've been hard at work researching great USA made gift ideas for this holiday season and here are a few great ideas for the men in your life. Take the Shop USA Made pledge with us this holiday season and come away with high quality gifts that support our local economy.

The Glass Factory beer mugs $1.50ea

Wilson NFL all pro football $16Classic Shaving rosewood shaving mug $45

Caseable create-your-own ipad protective jacket $49

LL Bean men's goose down vest $59

Todd Shelton bellweather slate l/s collared button down shirt $124

The Portable Kitchen charcoal BBQ grill and smoker $260