Showing posts with label American made. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American made. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Past MidTerm... heading for the holidays!





It's late... again! I had a Structural Geology lab exam today. Gruesome. So this evening while it poured down rain, I crocheted a little, dabbled in my etsy.com shop (http://www.etsy.com/people/Andiroth) getting ready for holiday rush, and watched re-runs of The Big Bang Theory on TBS. Else, I'm still learning the ropes of internet marketing, getting my name out there, and attracting users to my site. Not brain surgery, you say, but without an advertising budget, I may need to put a homemade bumpersticker on my car! LOL.. actually, I shouldn't laugh! I actually saw a bumpersticker where the person was trying to get people to click "like" on (his) Facebook page!!

I just got home from Utah this past week! Uploading a few pictures for you! I especially like the 2.7billion year old rock at Antelope Island in Great Salt Lake (top photo)! Definitely worth the trip! Canyonlands (bottom photo) and Arches National Parks are nice, and Upheaval Dome. Discussed a LOT of geology on the trip. Well, it WAS a geology field trip! Camping, long van rides, snow, sun, rain, stars, waxing moon.... good times!

Ah, well... the guts and glory of being a late bloomer! If only I had the opportunities now that I had 20 years ago coupled with the wisdom I have since acquired! This would be a completely different blog! "Everything happens for a reason" (they) keep saying, and "all things work together for good for those who love the Lord (and are called according to His purpose)" ... I certainly hope so!

Love to all my readers!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Buy American!

Buy American! Stop giving your American-made money to corporate tycoons who throw pennies at poor nations in the name of international commerce! Help your neighbors in the USA!

I stopped in a discount store this evening to wait out Friday rush hour traffic at sundown. The low sun angle just makes a nerve-wrecking drive even worse, so I stopped off until after dark. I decided that IF I chose to buy anything, it would have to be made in the USA. There isn't much to choose from. I DID however, find a new (much-needed) plastic litter box for the cat, Sterlite (R) plastic 3-drawer container to house my rock collection, and sport bottles that fit in the drink-holder, AND some BPA-free squirt bottles that looked like dishwashing liquid bottles (why do dishwashing liq bottles need to be BPA-free?) ... anyhow. I was excited to get a few things that I actually need and to BUY AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS!

I am in the market for some new jeans... I searched online to find that most major brands have outsourced their production... even Lee, Wrangler, and Levi's! : o This did not make me happy! But, I DID find American-made jeans at http://www.allamericanclothing.com/ and I do believe they will soon be shipping me some jeans! Woo Hoo!

I crochet and knit... did I tell you, that I buy yarns that are MADE IN USA? I use Peaches & Creme cotton yarns (Old Fort, NC) http://www.elmore-pisgah.com/ and Lion Brand Homespun acrylic yarns (http://lionbrand.com/)

Take a look at the non-food items you purchase... just look at the "Made in _______" I wanted new special towels to take to the gym (made in India/China/Pakistan/Turkey)... new panties? Honduras... new pencils? China (although I am certain if I go to the office supply store I will find American-made pencils there). It's unbelievable! Other than cars and plastic homegoods, what does America produce? My friend replaced her dinnerware recently, determined to buy American, and found Fiestaware is made in USA! On the manufacturer's website, FAQ page, this is the actual question and answer:

Is Fiesta® Dinnerware made in the USA?     The Homer Laughlin China Co is proud to say that our Fiesta® Dinnerware is still made here in the USA at our plant in Newell, West Virginia where it was originally designed and produced nearly 75 years ago.
(copied without permission 2/25/2011 from website: http://www.fiestafactorydirect.com/t-faqgeneral.aspx my apologies for not asking first)

Food is a whole other issue... I want to buy local (regional) seasonal produce, but I have no sense of what should be in season at my local farms? the farmers' market imports, too! grrrrr.... I just know that strawberries, tomatoes, melons, and cucumbers are NOT in season here during February!! Borden advertises that its farms are 100% family-owned right here in the USA and 100% of their proceeds goes back to the diary farmers (http://friendsofelsie.com/about-us) So, I bought Borden processed cheese slices instead of my usual brand.

Have you thought about how you can help America get back to its roots and stop sending our jobs overseas? Or are you just looking for the lowest price? Americans have a higher standard of living, and need larger salaries than impoverished opressed people who are just happy to get something even if it's not enough. Support American families. Buy American every chance you get!