Day 23 - 7/23 - American Awesome!

I woke up today with that feeling of a kid at Christmas. I  knew this would be a good day, an actual shopping day. I could possible shop today like a normal person. While the girls were at camp I tried to formulate a plan. I wanted to get something for everyone so that we can have stuff to wear in our picture. As soon as camp was over we jumped in the car and raced to the mall. I can't believe I did not discover this store last year. Well last year was more about what was not made here, this year is about what is. I already knew where the store was and where to park because I had downloaded the mall store map and figured out the closest lot to the store. Proper planning makes for more shopping time!!  As we approached the store I told the girls we could actually shop here and they could each pick out something and gave them a budget of $20 each. I however....had no budget.

I must say, I was skeptical and I started by checking every label. I thought I remember them saying on their website that they do have some products that are not made in the USA. Everything I touched was made in the USA! There were signs and labels explaining it all over the store.



 

I went straight to the women's section, my husband to the men's. They even had a kids section so everyone was happy. An hour and a half later my husband begged me to leave. $150 later.....we did! They had everything to make an outfit complete, from underwear, to bathing suits to socks!

Retro tube sock, I loved these growing up!!

It's made in the USA!!

I ended up getting the girls 2 really cute blue and white dresses. I got two bathing suits that were on clearance no less and were $20 each. An American flag purse that I can use the rest of the month and I also purchased a cute onesie for my friends little peanut. If you remember from last year, I tried to find something like this and I couldn't. Today I did. My husband did look for shorts which they had but not his sidz so he settled on a nice teal shirt (which didn't fit). He was fine being the only one not to buy anything, he was just happy to see me able to shop, he actually said, I earned it for all the hard work this month. That was his tune hour one, as hour two approached his tune changed....
 

They even had leather bags and I laughed when I saw this bag, where was this when I bought my India bag??

 

 
And - I hope you know me by now - shoes! Really cute jellies - remember them?? I loved my jellies when I was little, I had them in so many colors. I cried when they broke at my toes in the front. But like any father would do for his little girl, my father got his wire cutters and clipped the broken pieces and my shoes were as good as new!

Overall it was a great experience and I was so happy we went as a family.  The girls saw and understood these items were made in America. They asked me what a sweatshop was after seeing it on all the labels and I tried to explain it the easiest way you could to seven year olds. I totally support this store and will continue to go there. If you have one by you, go, if not, shop online. The prices were affordable and they run great sales. I am now seeing it is possible to buy American at a store and not have to check every label. I would rather shop here than Marshalls or Mandees just for the fact that I don't have to check labels.

Support America and its workers by shopping at this store. I'm glad I did!!