Day 31 - The end is here

Today was the last day of our adventure. I feel this was the longest month of my life. What did I learn through this journey?

1. Very few things are made in this country
2. You sometimes have to search hard to find them
3. When you do, people will make it know that it is Made in the USA!!
4. If you are aware, you can make smart choices and buy American when it is available
5. Some things you have no choice but to buy imported
6. Buy local when you can
7. I now understand why things made here cost more
8. If you tell vendors to get more American products they may
9. I will always check where things are made
10. I want to make a difference

Did I make a difference? No news crew or anyone important showed up at my door. Now one patted me on the back. But I did make a difference because now more than just me is aware of where things come from. My friends and family helped me along the way and not they too check labels. They can share that with others and maybe we can make a small dent.

So we were all outfitted in our USA best today. My girls in their colorful dresses, commando and barefoot! My husband surprised me with a Hawaiian shirt from our honeymoon and old black referee pants that barely fit - commando and barefoot too. I had my white American tank I bought at Marshalls and I found ancient black shorts that were at least 15 years old. I did happen to find one bra and one pair of underwear made here. The underwear was a gift and came from a store in Hollywood, before they outsourced their products :).  At least I wasn't commando, but I was barefoot!!  We took a really cute family shot that I will share with my friends and family. I congratulated my family on a great job and thanked them for bearing with me throughout the entire month.

Thanks for following, I hope you learned a thing or two along the way. It was fun, but really hard. Try it for a day, a week or a month, see where it takes you.

Good luck and look for the Made in the USA label!!! Make a difference and buy American!!

Day 30 - Barefoot and commando

So tomorrow is the day!! We all have to be outfitted in our USA best. The girls are all set, my husband and I are still digging through our stuff to find shorts. However, I cannot locate a pair of underwear from this country for any of us therefore we are all going commando. I still have tomorrow but it is not looking promising.

On another note, as I was getting the girls ready for bed, I grabbed one of their favorite books to read:

 

A cute book that they have had since they were babies all about the holidays that we celebrate our flag; Memorial Day, Flag Day and Fourth of July. Of course when we finish it I give it to them to put on their book shelf and I hear "what does man-u-fact-ured mean??" Why?? This was manufactured in China my little one says. I snatch it from her hands and right there, plain as day, I see it:

 

I got so mad!!! This is a book about our flag and how we celebrate what it stands for and it was produced in China! I still don't get it! Why couldn't it be done here? Penguin is the publisher, I have to look into this.

 

 

On to tomorrow, our last day, can I make a difference??

Day 29 - Uniforms!!!

I totally forgot to order their uniforms!!!  So now we are getting close to August and all the advertisements have started. Honestly they started 3 weeks ago!! I need uniforms for my girls, I usually order them in June but I totally forgot - I'm in trouble.  Next week is too late now I'm nervous things won't come on time.  So I checked out the companies I order from.

www.frenchtoast.com great site and the shorts and shirts are cheaper than the uniform company. Everything that I usually buy from them every year is imported, so they are out till next week. I hope they come in time...

The other company for their polos and jumpers is Flynn and O'Hara - a nice Irish sounding company.  Let's see!! www.flynnohara.com

 

I checked what I usually get from there and nowhere on the website does it say where the clothing is made. I checked the FAQ's and history - nothing. That means it is not made here or they would yell it out. My only saving grace with this is that they are in Seaford and if I have to run there next month, I can. The drawback - the line will be out the door. UGH!! Either that or I will be on the computer at 12:01 August 1, putting in an order. How can I avoid this?? I wonder if any school uniform company is based in America??  I'll let you know...

Day 27/28 - Light at the end of the tunnel

So this weekend was so nice. I received my gifts on time to bring them to the birthday party yesterday.  They were really cute!!

I love that they explain the history and how/where the toys are made. I will use this company again and buy these toys for other little peanuts that come along.

So you know I believe in divine intervention - right? Well it happened again. I was getting the girls dressed this morning to go out and I always pick out their outfits. Today I figured - why not - and let them loose in their closet. One picks her go to dress that she would wear every day if I let her. It is a hand me down that she loves - its all nice and foofy! The other one picks out another hand me down that is more practical, but just as nice. As the little one is putting it one, she goes, "I bet this is Made in China!" I laugh and say probably, and check the big ones outfit to see where it is made. Made in the USA! What, I don't believe it - really!!  As I discover this, the little one goes, mine too - Made in the USA!!  I run over and check and amazingly enough it is!!  Both dresses that they randomly picked both are Made in the USA. Both were given to me from a friend and came from a local boutique. How lucky am I that I do not have to look through their entire closet now to find outfits for Wednesday. They may be going commando and barefoot, but they will be covered!! Thank God for that lifeline, you just saved me hours of searching.

This is the last week of my adventure, let's see what else I can discover. I read the circulars this week for the first time. I can shop on Thursday for school supplies and stuff but funny I'm not looking forward to it. I guess we'll have to see what happens when this is done.

Enjoy the week!!

Day 26 - What's in a name??

So today is my name day. What is a name day?? In Italy people celebrate the day that the saint you were named after was born. My parents named me after Mary's mother Anne - that's the day I celebrate. This is a tradition my husband started with our family. We all celebrate our name days in different months of the year. Because of the tongue lashing my husband received for getting me nothing for our anniversary, he was not messing this one up.

Knowing he can only purchase item within the country, he did not go wrong. Card from Hallmark, made in the USA. Palm tree for the backyard, made in the US and a Kohls gift card. What a great husband - he learned his lesson well. Love you!!

Still searching for rosaries and outfits for the girls for next week. I think my husband and I are set, I just have to find shorts or a skirt. I will try this weekend. Enjoy!!

Day 25 - Hail Mary Full of Grace

So next year my girls will be receiving their first Holy Communion. This is a big deal in our family and we cannot wait for them to experience this wonderful Catholic sacrament. Every Sunday at Mass they walk up with us to receive and are upset they cannot participate. Now soon, they will be able to. Aside from the party that we will have after I figured while I have time, lets find a favor. I know you think I'm nuts, but once school starts I have no time for things like this. Plus May is a super busy month for us, so doing this now would save a ton of time.

I want to give out rosary beads. My father and I and our whole family are dedicated to to the Virgin Mary. I want to honor her this day by sharing a gift of the rosary with everyone. Even if 95% of my guests throw them in a drawer, they are in the house and can be of some help one day if it is ever needed.  So in the spirit of things I googled "rosaries made in the usa". I go the website www.rosarybeadsusa.com . I found a few pairs but they did not say they were made here, just assembled. They even have red, white and blue ones





but again not being specific. I think all the parts are made else ware.
 "The gift of prayer - Made in the USA" is stated on the webpage but I don't think their products are made here. This is a joke.

On www.maryshop.com "online shopping dedicated to the Virgin Mary" - did I just write that???? They didn't have much of what I wanted and were not specific about where they were made.

www.rosaryshop.com did not have anything to offer either. I am finding some rosaries made here but they are about $25.00 each and that is too much for a favor.  Well I can do one of two things. Wait a week and find a nice set made somewhere else or kill myself and find an affordable set made in the USA. Hmmm, I'll continue searching tonight and let you know. Maybe I'll pray on it :).

Day 24 - this and that

So my goal is nearing of trying to outfit my whole family in USA clothes by next week. Now I'm nervous, I have a top - that's it! My husband also has his ugly anniversary top. I told him that we have to have our entire outfit from the USA by next week and he laughed. "Why don't we start with what we have?"

You know, I didn't think of that. I have a lot of clothes, maybe, just maybe I can find something in my closet that is made here that I can use instead of buying something. So my mission now to is ransack my closet and find if anything exists in there that I can wear!  I'll keep you posted....


So my sister sent me this today, how cute,  I have to get these for Zoey!

 

 
 
 

 

 
 
Lastly, I saw this in the paper over the weekend. This is how other countries see us, you truly cannot blame them. The return of the twinkie makes national news!

 Believe me, that would be me if anyone touched my Mallomars but really, this is what we are proud of?? Till tomorrow...

Day 23 - Gonna Get in the Hot Tub!!

If you are a true fan of Saturday Night Live - you will get that. If you are not, that's OK, watch the first minute of this clip and laugh!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcrRZCZcyX4

So why the title?? Our hot tub cover ripped in half on the first day of July. In the summer we use it as a "cold tub" for the girls to play in. I didn't even bother to look to purchase one until August because I need one made here. Finally today I could not take it anymore. Between the girls jumping on the cover and the leaves getting in I figured I could get everything ready and place an order when the month is done.

I found the website www.spadepot.com looked up what I needed priced it and went to exit when I saw this.



OMG! Really?? I would have never guessed. Now am so mad at myself I didn't look sooner. Under this graphic it said "Why Made in USA Matters" It said this:

Made with Pride in the USA

Unlike many of our competitors with their spa cover factories located in Mexico or China, we produce all of our covers right here in the USA. When you buy your new spa cover from The Spa Depot, you are not only assured of getting the best quality that money can buy, you also help preserve jobs here. Good for you, good for our economy. I love this, this is what it is about! Companies are starting to get it! Today I did something that I have never done in my life - I did not comparison shop! I did not check prices, I did not see who else sold this product for cheaper. I placed my order because I was really impressed with what they stand for. I know it is just a hot tub cover but it's made here and I'm proud of that. Now I just have to wait 4 to 6 weeks for it to arrive.....they didn't say it would come fast, just that it was made in the USA :)

Day 22 - Short and Sweet

Did not do much today. I did take an inventory of all my American stuff and nothing is made here - not one thing. I did find an American deck of cards by Bicycle that are made in America, that made me feel better.

I came across this timely article from last week about a guy who is doing what I am for 30 days, but to the extreme. Read it, it is interesting and eye opening.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/17/living/aj-made-in-usa-movie

Day 20/21- All American Toys

So the weekend was nice and we stayed home most of it to recoup from our AC trip. I have a birthday party on Saturday and I would like to get this little peanut something meaningful, instead of just a gift card. He's so cute, he deserves something good and made in America.  So I settled down and figured I was in for a marathon search.

I first came across this site: http://toysmadeinamerica.com/ it is an index of tons of different sites dedicated to USA only sites that sell toys. Dolls, trains, you name it they sell it. Wow, I was surprised! I chose one of the first ones listed www.all-americantoys.com.

How cute is this??? From their webpage....

These  are all 100% USA Made Toys, therefore they are the best, and they reflect the sense of pride in American craftsmanship. With all the big department stores pushing products made in China, etc. it is getting harder and harder to find items of this quality and safety and to find USA Made Toys.... Help support our American workers, and keep your children safe by buying USA Made Toys instead of foreign made toys.

SOLD!! Now will it come by Saturday?? That's the question...we are still delivering on Saturdays correct?

So I thought a cute Made in America T shirt would be nice to go along with the toy. His mom is a good friend and is helping me out with ideas and brands that sell here so I know she would appreciate it. There are a ton of Made in America Shirts with the saying but it is becoming hard to find a shirt that says it and is actually made here!

How funny?

but the description says Imported, HA! What's the point?

This is going to take awhile, I may have to get back to you on this tomorrow...maybe a book would be easier.... Enjoy the week!

Day 17, 18 and 19 - The Heat is on!!

Car temperature at around 3:00 on the Belt!! No joke!!

I'm back, internet is fixed and I even squeezed in a trip to AC for my anniversary! AC was nice but too hot. I was nervous to go because I knew I had to get the girls stuff and I wanted to shop - they just opened new Tanger outlets there and I love my outlet shopping! The first night was not challenging because I just wanted to enjoy myself. They had a nice Margaritaville Restaurant there with a gift shop. The shirts were nice and surprisingly some were made in the US!  I was also able to get my mom a Tervis Margaritaville mug as a thanks for watching the girls and dog - go Tervis. I'm happy that Jimmy Buffet has Made in America stuff - that says a lot about him and his brand.

 On the boardwalk there are little trinket shops but I could not bypass my favorite saltwater taffy place! http://www.fralingers.com/

I know this was made in America because it was invented here. I love this country!!

Where Did Salt Water Taffy Come From? Salt Water Taffy originated in Atlantic City in the 1880’s. Legend has it that Salt Water Taffy received its name by accident. A young candy merchant opened a taffy stand on the first Atlantic City Boardwalk – then just two steps above sea level. One night a generous tide brought in a surf which sprayed sea foam over his establishment and dampened his stock of candy. The next morning, the merchant was dismayed to find his merchandise wet and responded to a girl’s request for taffy with a sarcastic but witty, “you mean Salt Water Taffy.” The name stuck! ~from Fralinger's website.

If you have never had saltwater taffy, the peanut butter chews are the best!!! 

Other than that, we could not locate any other article of clothing that was made in the US. I saw a lot of this:

 

which ticks me off!! So we grow the cotton here in America, ship it over to Haiti have them make the shirt and they ship it back. How Is that cost effective? I am so interested to see a breakdown of how that works - I have to research this. Next weeks mission...This also ticks me off. All our flags and Americana, "Made in China". I wonder how they feel to produce the majority of our American decorations? Anger, indifference, smugness that we can't do it ourselves...I wonder...

I couldn't resist, I wanted to go to the outlets just to browse - I knew I could not purchase anything though. I popped into Disney but nothing - I have to get the girls something!! I bypassed Crocs because I know they are either made in Mexico or China. After that we heading back and God punished me for attempting to shop because I ended up with heat exhaustion. Not a fun thing and something I would not wish on anyone. Therefore my shopping was done and I took it easy the rest of the time.

I did manage two things before we left early though. I did find my girls kites on the boardwalk that were made in America - it was either that or God forgive me - Hermit Crabs!!! I really didn't want to do it, they stink and carry salmonella, but they do come from here.

The other thing I managed was giving my husband the "ugly shirt". His exclamation of "What the hell is this??" was a dead giveaway that he did not like the shirt. It will go back with the Flojos (non American shoes) next week. 

Good time, but I missed out on some primo shopping. My husband lucked out. He did not get me anything because he could not find anything made here. Have you heard of a gift card??  I'll let it slide because this was not his idea, I really can't expect him to shop around like I am. I just get him back next month!!!



Day 17 - computers!

Having internet issues, may be offline for a few days, will keep you posted. Game is still on as I work this out!!

Day 16 - Socks, lies and cheesecloth

SOCKS -   My husband's are gross, I throw them out when I do the wash. Then he asks me what happened to all them and I blame it on my mom - thankfully she comes over often enough that I can do that :). So he needs them and I am building his USA outfit so I found a nice site. www.socks4life.com . They have all different kinds and are very reasonable.

LIES - I am a skeptical person at heart, it comes from my dad. We believe in all the conspiracy theories, UFO's/aliens (I went to Roswell!!), JFK assassination, you name it. So when I bought those Flojos shoes yesterday they said CA on it. But it didn't say Made in the USA or Made in CA. Now of course this is not a conspiracy, but it made me think why it wasn't mentioned. I emailed the company last night and inquired where their shoes were made. Here is her reply:

Hi Annemarie,

They are shipped out of our warehouse in CA but made overseas in China.

 

Lyneah Lindstrom

Flojos

355 E Thousand Oaks  Blvd

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

(805)497-1888

www.flojos.com

https://www.facebook.com/Flojos

 

From: Annmarie Palumbo [mailto:nubbypuppy@hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 15, 2013 6:42 PM
To: customerservice@flojos.com
Subject: Production question

 

Hi! I see that your flip flops come from CA, but are they actually made in America?  Thanks so much!

Annmarie Palumbo

nubbypuppy@hotmail.com

 

I was right!!! I knew something was up, but now I have to go back and return them. I'll wait because Mike is going to hate his ugly shirt so I can return them both back at the same time.

 

 

CHEESECLOTH - No I am not making cheese, I am trying to protect my blueberries from the damn birds that are dive bombing and eating all of them. Blueberries were my dad's favorite fruit so this plant means a lot to me. So I decide today I have buy cheesecloth or my plant will be bare of fruit by Friday. I'm driving to the old fashioned hardware store in town and realize if it is not made in the USA I can't buy it. What do I do? If I don't buy the cheesecloth, the berries will bite the dust. If I do buy it, I break the rules. Argh!! I get there and ask the salesman for help. He shows me the package and I quickly pray that it is made in the USA. I truly do believe in divine intervention and I believe my dad was in on this. I can count on one hand the items I have located in 15 days made in this country. Guess what .................

 

it was!!! I'll take it!!! I was so relieved I wanted to kiss the salesman. I went home happy and successfully saved my blueberries. If this works, I promise to drop some off dad - they are your favorite - and they are Made in the USA.

 

 

 

Day 15 - Where the hell is Lesotho??

Another week of this, and I am finally finding things. Today's goal was to successfully go to Kohls and buy something for my husband for our anniversary...I couldn't do it...I chickened out.

Kohls is my downfall, I live there. I anxiously await the circular every week and count the days to the next % off sale. A few of us text each other when it comes, so you'll see "got a 20" or "only 15 :(" or the best one is "I GOT A 30!!!! - let's go!!!" I knew if I went, I would break the rules and I couldn't risk it. So I went to Marshalls instead :).


I searched every thing in my husbands size in that store - even underwear, undershirts and socks - and found only one garment. When I saw it on the rack, I laughed because it was literally the ugliest thing I ever saw. Of course this is the shirt that is Made in the USA (from imported materials). Please forgive me but I had to buy him something. He will hate it and return it but it made me laugh so hard, I had to get it. The company is Tori Richard based in Honolulu, HI. www.toririchard.com

 

Marshalls has a huge shoe section - HUGE!! I am a shoe-a-holic. Almost my whole closet is shoes - about 200 pairs. I tried to steer clear of the section because I knew I could not buy anything but it just sucked me in! I found these:

 

from a company called Flojos, they are made in CA. I did not need them, I have a ton of white flip flips but they will go towards my American Outfit at the end of the month. www.flojos.com

 

On my way to the cash register I noticed these two tops. The flag one I grabbed and assumed it was Made in China and the other one I noticed the label.

 

 

The company for the flag shirt is Happening in the Present - no specific website.

The cross shirt is from Project Social. There brand is nice and big on the TShirt, but they do not have a specific website either. It seems Nordstrom's sells both brands.

 

 

So what about Lesotho??  In my search through every article of clothing in Marshalls, I came across the expected countries of India, Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Mexico, Lesotho - wait Lesotho - where the hell is that? I started laughing, I have never heard of this country, It has to be fake. It is in someone's basement somewhere in Shanghai. When I got home I researched it and it does exist. It is a landlocked country in the middle of South Africa! Really, we are selling things from there now? How long does it take for things to get here, but they time they arrive, the things are out of style. This just made my day.

 

 

Overall I did good! I got my husband the fugliest shirt in America and I came away with a pair of shoes and 2 shirts!!  All made in America! 

I feel happy I finally got stuff done! 

 

 



Day 13/14 - I'm in trouble

I have nothing for my husband for our anniversary. I have avoided the shops but now I have to go in. I must hit Kohls tomorrow. A quick search on their website for Made in the USA clothes turned up this:

 

Now obviously I cannot get this for my husband but you must go to the website and read the details of the garment. It's comical...

 

I will go to Kohls tomorrow, I will stick to my guns and I will get him something.

 

Still searching various sites for clothes for our 7/31 USA party. While searching I found this on the http://www.madeinusa.org/ website. It's so true!

 

 

 

John Smith started the day early,
having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 am.

While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking,
he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG),
and put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), 
designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and 
tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA). 

After cooking his breakfast in his new
electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA), 
he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO),
to see how much he could spend today.

After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) 
to the radio (MADE IN INDIA),
he got in his car (MADE IN JAPAN),
filled it with GAS (from SAUDIA ARABIA)
to continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB.

At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day 
checking his Computer (made in MALAYSIA), 
John decided to relax for a while. 

He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL), 
poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE)
and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA),


and then wondered why he can't find
a good paying job in AMERICA. 

 

 

Pray for me tomorrow, Kohls is my Achilles Heel, I need your support.

Day 12 - Good Watch Hunting

So I searched today for a watch for my husband - there are very few to choose from. This took forever!!!! A lot of the watch companies in the US are super expensive, like over $2500. If I'm going to spend that money on a watch, forgive me, but I'm, buying a Rolex. I finally found this article about a start up company from Detroit called Shinola. It just opened last week. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/06/shinola-detroit-store-bikes-watches_n_3544473.html. I laughed because my dad used to say, "you don't know sh-- from Shinola" all the time. Shinola was an old shoe polish company. It was a definite sign. The watches are beautiful and affordable (around $500). I picked one out and went to order it and they were sold out. I chose another one and the same thing. After the third time I checked and every single watch they offer is sold out! I am actually happy for them that everyone wants their watches but now I am back to square one - no watch. Here's there site if you are interested http://www.shinola.com/shop/watches.html.

So I am on day 12 of no shopping and I cracked today. It was raining and the girls were exhausted from camp so I put them up for a nap. Now what? I went shopping in my basement!! I have so much stuff that I cycle through depending on the season and then it goes in the basement never to be seen again. I found things I haven't seen in years. It was great. Granted 95% of these things were not made here but they were not new purchases so I was safe. My house looks great - but I do feel guilty!

Looking forward to the weekend, going to try to hit a local market for things I can actually purchase.

Day 11 - I'm not the only nut

I remember when I was younger someone told me "if you think you are the only one with an idea, about 7 million people have the same idea". Now I didn't think I was the only one who cared about buying American, but there are a ton of people who are on board with this! I saw a video with Billy Bob from Texas stating he only buys Made in America socks! Loved it, it was like a train wreck, I couldn't look away. I hope to God, I am not this nutty, but I do admire these people for sticking to their guns.

I found this webpage about Tervis the company that makes the hot/cold cups and this video was on it from ABC News. Please watch it, it is a great idea and one I will do and share this holiday season. BTW - I was at BBB yesterday and noticed their Tervis display and the fact that they are made in America. I will no longer complain that they are expensive, but I do love them - I have 4!!

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/MadeInAmerica/made-america-tervis-takes-off-stores-year/story?id=17888099#.Ud9nT8jD_IU

So I now realize that my anniversary is next week. I'll go to Kohl's with my 30% and find something like I do every year. OMG, I can't! Crap...I know he needs a watch, but I cannot find any made strictly in America. I chased Timex for an hour, only to learn the outside is from here but the inside is either China or some other country. If anyone can find a nice men's watch out there, preferable local, please let me know.

On a happy note, I am not the best at doing laundry, it could wait up to a week before I get to it. So because I had a house full of company this weekend, we used most of the towels.  I have a couple of "good towel" sets from my shower that I never used (I've been married 14 years). Please stop laughing, I love them and I cannot bring myself to use them, they are so pretty. My husband used the facecloth to one set 5 years ago and I didn't talk to him for 2 days.  Anyway I was naked and desperate in the bathroom and grabbed my second best saved set. Out of habit I grabbed them and voila they were made in America!! Hurray, small victory!!  There is no name on the towel so I cannot locate the vendor. I check my first best towels tomorrow and let you know where they are from!!



To conclude, I felt I did not give anything to America today so I thought it was only fitting to go to the first fast food eatery open in America in 1921, White Castle!! Don't judge me, you know you love them too and eat them on the sly. My dad was a huge fan of these "belly bombers" and I felt it was time to give back and "buy American". They were awesome! I had an extra one for you dad!!

Day 10 -At least we produce our own sh--

Got the kids off to camp this morning and tried to see what the dollar store had to offer. After 30 minutes around the store I found 2 items that qualified for purchase. Inserts for my shoes and small cake plates. I did need both so I bought them. I could have been a rat trap and I think I would have bought it just to buy something!  I went with my mom and she is picking up a few things and feels the need to inform the cashier of my mission. The cashier agrees and says that her mom is the same way and wishes me luck. "I don't know what you'll find here honey - but go 'head!"

Then I was dragged into Ace Hardware. Any other day I love this store for the tools and gardening supplies. I wanted a special key ring and I couldn't get it, I looked for a trellis for my cucumbers and that was a no go. I got frustrated and decided to wait outside.

I browsed among the fertilizers and realized I needed nice dirt for my garden. My dad was a big fan of Peat Moss, but I liked the enriched Organic Soil that contains cow manure - cow poo. It is great for the garden, is all natural and works wonders for my tomatoes. I checked and they did have it and surprise, surprise it was made in Westbury, NY! Finally something we produce here, we can make our own shit - literally. I'm so proud!! I bought 3 bags and proudly put it in my garden today. I'm using American cow poo in my garden, I wanted to tell my neighbors, but I knew they would not be as excited as I was. Here's the site http://licompost.com/products.htm. If you garden and want to stay with local businesses, this is great!!

In my search for American made products I can across this book, I am going to try to get it from the library, it looks interesting.

 

Till tomorrow...thanks for following and feel free to share with anyone you know will care.

Day 9 - China Girl Doll

I found a lot more new sites today, they are out there, you just have to look. I found more children sites and am starting to build an outfit for them. I realize that the Made in the USA things are really expensive! I now get it. You have to pay workers here and pay rent here and now I get it. I'm the first one to want a bargain, but I do see why people outsource. I don't agree with it but I get it.

Some funny news. My friend told me her friend went to the huge American Girl store in NYC and looked at the back of the neck of her daughter's doll and realized it was not made here. Really, is anything sacred? People were shocked but will still buy them.

My other friend told me she is now checking her clothing in the morning to see where it is from. Awesome!!

Tomorrow - I will tackle the dollar store!! I will not leave the store without something from the USA. If I don't post anything tomorrow night - you know why!

Day 8 - Let the games begin!

I'm over my kids wearing foreign clothes every day. My goal is to have them in an outfit completely made in America by July 31st. Can it be done??

After dropping the girls at camp my husband and I went to our local nursery. They do a great summer sale where everything is half off. They are so expensive, that half off is what you would pay normally but the sale is really good.  We did need a few things but had to make some modifications. Grass seed was not a problem, we can manage to produce that here.  Unfortunately an outside temperature gauge we cannot. I also needed slug tape. What the heck is slug tape. I know that sounds weird but I cannot bring myself to kill the little slime balls that eat through my garden every year. My neighbor fills pans with beer and that attracts them and they drown. How sad :(. With this copper tape, you put it around your plants and when they touch them they get a tiny shock and turn around! My husband thinks I'm nuts but I have a soft spot for them. The nursery had the tape but I could not purchase it, it was made over "there".  My garden will suffer, but it is for the cause.

After we stopped by our local Trader Joe's for groceries. I love this store! Most things are organic or all natural and you won't find anything with HFCS. I had no problem purchasing anything I wanted. Most everything was manufactured and produced in Monrovia, CA.  I bought cute flowers too - Product of USA!!

 

The only thing I could not purchase that I wanted was beer. I like a light beer for the summer and I am a huge Corona fan. OK, Corona is from Mexico - that's out. They make a similar beer called Trader Jose's. Great - but it says in big letters on the outside - Imported!

We found this, made local and it looks nice. I'll let you know how it was.

 

 

So I started searching for sites of American made stuff. I came across this site http://americansworking.com. It looks really good! I searched for children's clothing and they had a ton. I did not recognize many of the names but I will start using them. I found this on the website too http://store.americanjoeapparel.com

 I think I'll order it for my husband!! More sites tomorrow...

Day 6/7 - Computers!

I hate the fact that I missed a day - my brand new computer - an ACER - made in China - decided to not work. This is God's way of telling me to stop using stuff not made here :). Is there even a US company that makes computers?  That is next weeks mission... Thanks to Ramesh from Acer tech support for getting me back on track.

So we had a nice weekend of not too many encounters with non US products. Why??  Because all we did with family was EAT!! This cannot be the whole summer or I will be trying to find Made in USA fat clothes soon.

Went to a carnival in town dedicated to Stars and Strips and saw a wonderful fireworks display. Vendors sold local goods but most of the prize items were not from here.

Today my awesome sister in law came over with gifts for my girls from Disney World. I wondered before I checked...maybe not from here but would it be from THERE. Yes, it was. Wow, even good old American Disney has bit the China bug.

Well one week in and it has been hard but enlightening. I love that everyone that sees what I am doing will send me pictures of things that they find made here. I am making people aware of where things are made and if that is the only thing I achieve with this, then I am happy.

Next week will start links and websites of places that do sell only American products. That sounds like fun and I hope I can finally start shopping again!!

Till then...

Day 5 - Food Shopping Marathon

Having company this weekend and I needed to get some groceries. After the Safeway incident this week, I was a little leery about going to another food store but I knew I had to. I made a list and promised to stick to it. I told my husband I would be back in an hour and set out. 45 minutes later I was still in the produce section checking all the labels of the fruits and vegetables!! I did manage to get all of them from this country but it took awhile. The jarred fruit gave me a run for my money. I like to buy this type of fruit for the beach in case I run out of fresh stuff. Some of the brands are made in China. How can that be cheaper than packaging it here? Someone has to look into this. Georgia is the peach capitol of the US. You're going to tell me it is cheaper to get peaches from China than it is to ship them up and jar them from Georgia? I found better fruit and moved on. Finally an hour and 45 minutes, my husband called and asked it I had been abducted -  it took him that long to realize I wasn't back yet. Shopping was hard and I will try to avoid it - eating out has to be easier than what I went through.

I'm looking forward to taking the time next week to find companies and resources that produce in the USA. I can't wait to share!!  Enjoy the weekend!!

Day 4 - Happy Birthday!!

Happy 4th of July!! The birthday of our country, what a great day!! It does make you proud to live here. Even though I am always complaining about the state of affairs in the country and how it is going to the dogs, I would not want to live anywhere else.


I am a huge "theme" person. Every holiday is represent in my house - fully with tons of decorations. And every holiday since the day they were born, I have dreseds my girls in an outfit to fit the holiday. My friends think I am nuts but I love it - it is so festive. The biggest amount of outfits I have is for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. All American Flag stuff, dresses, shorts, shirts, matching shoes, headbands, jewelry, you name it. We all were dressed from head to toe in red, white and blue today, even the dog!! Out of all of us, guess who's clothes were made in the USA??  ZOEY!!  Her collar was made in Farmingdale, NY.

Zoey wins today!!

 Sadly, not one article of our own clothing was made here. Latin America one today with most of our clothes from Guatemala and Venezuela. Even my beautiful bag that I was looking so forward to using, had to stay home because it wouldn't cooperate.  I had to resort to a back up bag :(.

This is no ones fault but my own.


I am starting to realize through this whole project, that instead of griping about where stuff is from; I need to find local, made in the USA stuff to replace it with. Now I cannot afford to replace my whole wardrobe and every item in my house, but I can try to make a conscience effort to buy American.  So after this long weekend, next week's posts will be websites and companies that do produce items in America. I'll do my research and let you know.

Happy 4th of July and Happy Birthday America!!

 

DAY 3 - Shopping woes

We went to the movies and only bought popcorn. I was too tired to worry about what was made where. I did sneak in my own SnoCaps - made here - and Junior Mints! I realized the new bag I brought to the movies that I just received as a gift was made in China and now have to ditch it for the month. It is so cute!!! Argh!!  After we went to Panera for lunch and all was well and local.

After lunch my husband stopped at the local soccer shop to buy new cleats. Totally forgetting our pact, he almost bought them until I checked and they were made in Vietnam. He "put them on hold" Hello, till August 1st??? I have to make sure he doesn't sneak them in the house. I am not doing this alone.

The worst part of the day was receiving an email from Disney about the semi annual sale. OMG!!  This is the one I do damage with. I checked a few items and they all say imported but no specific country of origin. Damn you Disney!!

On a happy note. Tomorrow is the 4th and we are looking forward to celebrating our country's birthday. I bought another American flag two weeks ago at Michaels and it says "proudly made in the USA". It will be proudly flying tomorrow on my porch and for the rest of the summer.

Tomorrows report will let you know where all our American Flag clothes are from. I bought a new bag at Target and it is so cute, I can't wait to use it. Happy 4th!!

Day 2 - Signs of Life

Once the girls were in camp (all dressed in our foreign best!) I had coffee in my American Flag mug and tried to guess where it came from. I guessed China but it was really Indonesia!! I should start making a tally of countries or get a map and color it in - that's a job for the girls.

Beautiful mug!!

Not from here though

 

As I was drinking my coffee I grabbed the circular from Petco to see what was on sale. I saw this and I felt the first glimmer of hope...

Dog Treats made in the USA, that's awesome!! Wait, why is this a big deal?Where are the ones I bought from?? I quickly checked and found that they are from Texas and NJ. Whew! Poor Zoey would be so upset if I took her treats away. It's nice to know other people care about this. I'll go to Petco tomorrow....

 

Later in the afternoon we picked raspberries from the backyard and I am positive they were made in the USA. I know, I planted them and watched them grow. They girls couldn't wait till I took the picture so they could eat them. Homegrown blueberries and blackberries next week!!

 

 

I am a very private person concerning social media; I do not share pictures and rarely chat on Facebook. But I did want my friends to know what I was doing this month. I sent out a few emails to family and friends to follow the blog. By 5 PM one of my oldest - in years known - not age :) - friends stopped by to give me this. It is a bracelet by Alex and Ani and it is "Made in America with love!" I love it and love the thoughtfulness behind it. I'll wear it everyday this month to remind me why I'm doing this. Thanks Stay!!

 

 

So we get through the day and go to Moe's a local Mexican place for dinner. I met up with my other closest friend to catch up. Moe's is great and affordable and the girls love it - kids eat free on Tuesday's and the line is always out the door. With their meal they always get a chocolate chip cookie. I checked the packaging and it was made in Canada. Really?? My husband scoffed one down before I had the chance to warn him! I don't think he would have listened though. I was nervous to tell the girls; this is always a special treat for them once they eat all their dinner.   My friend notices the dilemma and says don't worry, our cousin's Italian ices are sold up the road. They are homemade, (the company started in Florida and are now selling them here), have no HFCS (another pet peeve of mine) and are delicious!!  They were awesome and she saved the day!! Go to http://20-degrees.com/ to see if they are sold by you. Thanks Cath for making my girls not freak out due to lack of dessert!!

 

Going to the movies tomorrow, what lurks at the snack counter?? Can I buy Goobers and Snowcaps?? Stay tuned...