I think we all love shoes. Most women love shoes, and men...well they just have to have shoes. Italians make great shoes, so do the Spanish. Old time cobblers used to make your shoes to fit. But of course things have changed now.
Although I have high heels, and shoes for every occasion. I tend to lean towards athletic shoes, walking shoes or running shoes. To my delight I discovered that my favorite shoes New Balance are Made in the USA!
I found a cute little video that is only 2 and a half minutes long. What I love about this video is that it's so American, Grandma and Apple Pie. God knows I love that stuff :) http://www.tricitynewbalance.com/made-in-the-u-s-a-c-49.html
This is what I found on their website:
"New Balance has a 100 year history of performance that continues today. As the only privately held major footwear manufacturer in the world, New Balance is proud of the entrepreneurial spirit that pervades throughout the company. We've built this company on commitments to fit, performance, social responsibility, domestic manufacturing, grassroots promotions and community outreach, all of which make New Balance a unique leader in athletic footwear and apparel.
New Balance's achievements are the result of our associates’ hard work and devotion to the goal of being the world’s leading manufacturer of high performance athletic and active lifestyle products. Our core values, integrity, total customer satisfaction and teamwork, are the driving forces behind this mission. We value individuals who are passionate, innovative, and up for a challenge."
New Balance are totally the shoes for me. I think I'll make them my "signature" workout shoes. I need a new pair of shoes, can't wait to go out tomorrow and buy me a pair!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
There are NO smoke alarms made in the U.S.A.
Smoke alarms are sold here but not made here. I've searched high and low for U.S.A. smoke alarms and there are none :(
The problem is, I need two smoke alarms in my house so I'm forced to buy the foreign made gadgets. I did get a very nice letter from Bob Pokorny (a manager at Simply Lighting, a company offering all sorts of smoke alarms). Here is the letter Bob sent me.
Chris:
Far as I know you have US companies such as Kidde and First Alert but the product is made outside the US. There is no one that I am aware of that makes the detectors in the US. Be aware of a company called American Sensors, which is a Canadian company. I am not implying they are doing anything underhanded it is just information I am passing along that might be useful for your blog. If you do find someone let me know who it is. All reputable smoke & fire alarm companies comply with the following authorities: Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), California State Fire Marshal (CSFM). It would be greatly appreciated if you would have a link in your blog to the smoke and co detectors on our site. The link you can use is http://simplyltg.com/acatalog/Kidde_and_First_Alert_Smoke_and_CO_Detectors.html
For the last 8 years we have sold on line the top manufacturers and their brands such as Kidde, Firex, Nighthawk, Lifesaver, KidSmart, BRK and First Alert. We offer competitive prices and the convenience of shopping on line. Plus we offer free freight on orders over $99.00 and only $6.95 for all other orders for the lower 48 States. No sales tax if outside of the State of Ohio. Hope the information provided is useful. Please provide us a link to your blog.
Thank You,
SIMPLY LIGHTING
Bob Pokorny
www.simplyltg.com/acatalog/
Ph 216-337-8925
Fax 216-883-6465
I wrote other companies, most of the letters were just plain "NO we have no smoke detectors made in the U.S.A."
So it looks like I'll be forced to buy a foreign made product. Only because I need two smoke detectors in my home.
The problem is, I need two smoke alarms in my house so I'm forced to buy the foreign made gadgets. I did get a very nice letter from Bob Pokorny (a manager at Simply Lighting, a company offering all sorts of smoke alarms). Here is the letter Bob sent me.
Chris:
Far as I know you have US companies such as Kidde and First Alert but the product is made outside the US. There is no one that I am aware of that makes the detectors in the US. Be aware of a company called American Sensors, which is a Canadian company. I am not implying they are doing anything underhanded it is just information I am passing along that might be useful for your blog. If you do find someone let me know who it is. All reputable smoke & fire alarm companies comply with the following authorities: Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), California State Fire Marshal (CSFM). It would be greatly appreciated if you would have a link in your blog to the smoke and co detectors on our site. The link you can use is http://simplyltg.com/acatalog/Kidde_and_First_Alert_Smoke_and_CO_Detectors.html
For the last 8 years we have sold on line the top manufacturers and their brands such as Kidde, Firex, Nighthawk, Lifesaver, KidSmart, BRK and First Alert. We offer competitive prices and the convenience of shopping on line. Plus we offer free freight on orders over $99.00 and only $6.95 for all other orders for the lower 48 States. No sales tax if outside of the State of Ohio. Hope the information provided is useful. Please provide us a link to your blog.
Thank You,
SIMPLY LIGHTING
Bob Pokorny
www.simplyltg.com/acatalog/
Ph 216-337-8925
Fax 216-883-6465
I wrote other companies, most of the letters were just plain "NO we have no smoke detectors made in the U.S.A."
So it looks like I'll be forced to buy a foreign made product. Only because I need two smoke detectors in my home.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Support your local merchants at any cost
It is rare to find U.S.A made clothes anymore, but I did manage to find something for a baby shower in down town Bigfork. A baby PJ cost me $31 and change at Merry Gems in Bigfork Montana. I thought the price was a bit high for such a small piece of clothing but it was so lovely so unusual, so American, I couldn’t resist. After leaving the shop it struck me how important customer service is. Customer service and quality is almost a lost art in America, but not in Bigfork, and I’m sure not in other small towns.
There was a time, back in the day, when a woman shopped, and an attendant would assist. If you were looking for gloves, the attendant would pull the gloves out, show them to you, and encourage you to try them on. In the meanwhile, you would chat and talk about the weather or indulge in a little harmless gossip. Shopping was enjoyed, savored, loved for the social qualities of it. You ended up spending "LESS" and appreciating more. But most importantly you walked away with something that lasted practically a lifetime. My mother still has those gloves and she's in her 70s now.
We have become so fat and stupid as a nation we have forgotten to appreciate our own good craftsmanship. We have stopped appreciating art in all its forms in this country. I had to come to a small town to realize that we still have little slices of Americana when it comes to shopping.
When I walked into Merry Gems I had no clue what I was going to purchase. I needed help because I did not know what to buy a baby. I had not had a baby in over 20 years. I asked the attendant what I could buy for a baby shower that was Made in the U.S.A. She was very engaging, she showed me all the possibilities, and the brands made in America. She managed to take care of others without losing her attention on me. That NEVER happens at Wal-mart or Kmart.
One day at KMart I asked the cashier a question, she in turn asked her manager and her manager rolled her eyes at me like I were some sort of knucklehead. I told the manager right then and there, never mind, I'll go somewhere else, and I did. I haven't been to K-Mart since and that was seven months ago.
After making my selection at Merry Gems, I purchased the product, bought a cute hand-made card and handed her the item. She pulled out the box, wrapped it up with lovely baby-color ribbon and handed it to me. She then turned and picked up a little package of chocolates tied with a bright red ribbon and gave them to me. I popped one of those chocolates in my mouth right away and it was like I’d just tasted heaven. I’ll have to go back and get some more.
This shopping trip was a real one, there was no pushing and shoving, no checking yourself out at a line with your debit card. There was no impulse buying. I may have spent $31, but I would have spent a lot more on junk if I had shopped at a discount store. Because what is the first thing one does at Wal-Mart? We pull out a shopping cart. It is not a small shopping cart either we have, it's a BIG one. They want you to fill it up, and it usually costs more than $31!
This adventure in Buying American is becoming much more fun than I thought. Shopping shouldn't be about spending money, but about human interaction and appreciation and courtesy. The real bonus to this whole experience, was that I purchased a soft and beautiful AMERICAN made product for a new life. Perhaps this baby will wear his PJs and become a leader in appreciating American made goods and supporting local small business. We can only hope.
There was a time, back in the day, when a woman shopped, and an attendant would assist. If you were looking for gloves, the attendant would pull the gloves out, show them to you, and encourage you to try them on. In the meanwhile, you would chat and talk about the weather or indulge in a little harmless gossip. Shopping was enjoyed, savored, loved for the social qualities of it. You ended up spending "LESS" and appreciating more. But most importantly you walked away with something that lasted practically a lifetime. My mother still has those gloves and she's in her 70s now.
We have become so fat and stupid as a nation we have forgotten to appreciate our own good craftsmanship. We have stopped appreciating art in all its forms in this country. I had to come to a small town to realize that we still have little slices of Americana when it comes to shopping.
When I walked into Merry Gems I had no clue what I was going to purchase. I needed help because I did not know what to buy a baby. I had not had a baby in over 20 years. I asked the attendant what I could buy for a baby shower that was Made in the U.S.A. She was very engaging, she showed me all the possibilities, and the brands made in America. She managed to take care of others without losing her attention on me. That NEVER happens at Wal-mart or Kmart.
One day at KMart I asked the cashier a question, she in turn asked her manager and her manager rolled her eyes at me like I were some sort of knucklehead. I told the manager right then and there, never mind, I'll go somewhere else, and I did. I haven't been to K-Mart since and that was seven months ago.
After making my selection at Merry Gems, I purchased the product, bought a cute hand-made card and handed her the item. She pulled out the box, wrapped it up with lovely baby-color ribbon and handed it to me. She then turned and picked up a little package of chocolates tied with a bright red ribbon and gave them to me. I popped one of those chocolates in my mouth right away and it was like I’d just tasted heaven. I’ll have to go back and get some more.
This shopping trip was a real one, there was no pushing and shoving, no checking yourself out at a line with your debit card. There was no impulse buying. I may have spent $31, but I would have spent a lot more on junk if I had shopped at a discount store. Because what is the first thing one does at Wal-Mart? We pull out a shopping cart. It is not a small shopping cart either we have, it's a BIG one. They want you to fill it up, and it usually costs more than $31!
This adventure in Buying American is becoming much more fun than I thought. Shopping shouldn't be about spending money, but about human interaction and appreciation and courtesy. The real bonus to this whole experience, was that I purchased a soft and beautiful AMERICAN made product for a new life. Perhaps this baby will wear his PJs and become a leader in appreciating American made goods and supporting local small business. We can only hope.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
How To read bar codes
A friend of mine, out in Carmel, California, sent me this information via email today. If you want to know if something was made in China or USA here is the scoop.
With all the food and pet products now coming from China , it is best to make sure you read labels at the grocery store and especially Walmart when buying food products.
Many products no longer show where they were made, only give where the distributor is located. It is important to read the bar code to track it's origin.
GREAT WAY TO "BUY USA & CANADA? AND NOT FROM CHINA!!
This may be useful to know when grocery shopping, if it's a concern to you. The whole world is afraid of China-made "black hearted goods".
Can you differentiate which one is made in Taiwan or China ?
If the first 3 digits of the barcode are 690, 691 or 692, the product is MADE IN CHINA .
471 is Made in Taiwan .
This is our right to know, but the government and related departments never educate the public, therefore we have to RESCUE ourselves.
Nowadays, Chinese businessmen know that consumers do not prefer products "MADE IN CHINA ", so they don't show from which country it is made.
However, you may now refer to the barcode, remember if the first 3 digits are:
690-692 ... then it is MADE IN CHINA .
00 - 09 ... USA & CANADA
30 - 37 ... FRANCE
40 - 44 ... GERMANY
47 ... Taiwan
49 ... JAPAN
50 ... UK
BUY USA & CANADIAN MADE by watching for "0" at the beginning of the number.
We need every boost we can get!
With all the food and pet products now coming from China , it is best to make sure you read labels at the grocery store and especially Walmart when buying food products.
Many products no longer show where they were made, only give where the distributor is located. It is important to read the bar code to track it's origin.
How to read Bar Codes ... interesting!
GREAT WAY TO "BUY USA & CANADA? AND NOT FROM CHINA!!
This may be useful to know when grocery shopping, if it's a concern to you. The whole world is afraid of China-made "black hearted goods".
Can you differentiate which one is made in Taiwan or China ?
If the first 3 digits of the barcode are 690, 691 or 692, the product is MADE IN CHINA .
471 is Made in Taiwan .
This is our right to know, but the government and related departments never educate the public, therefore we have to RESCUE ourselves.
Nowadays, Chinese businessmen know that consumers do not prefer products "MADE IN CHINA ", so they don't show from which country it is made.
However, you may now refer to the barcode, remember if the first 3 digits are:
690-692 ... then it is MADE IN CHINA .
00 - 09 ... USA & CANADA
30 - 37 ... FRANCE
40 - 44 ... GERMANY
47 ... Taiwan
49 ... JAPAN
50 ... UK
BUY USA & CANADIAN MADE by watching for "0" at the beginning of the number.
We need every boost we can get!
Monday, February 8, 2010
My U.S.A. Made LapTop Desk
The other day I decided I needed a lap top desk for my new laptop computer. A laptop desk for those of you who don't know is a table with a pillow bottom, so you can comfortably put it on your lap and type away, which is how I'm writing my blog now :)
I looked at the laptop desks at Wal-Mart, (made in China) the price was $16.00
Now if I had gone to Walmart in the old days I would have ended up spending at least 50-$100. Instead of opting for the 'stinkin' Wal-Mart brand I found a way excellent little desk for $59.95
This one is way cooler and way worth the money. It's made by Donna MacDonald in California. I found her on etsy.com and her website is lapdeskandmore.com. The laptop pattern has peace signs and flowers, very attractive to an old hippy like myself.
She sends a cute card along with the desk, explaining the desk's features. The product is hand made so has a few imperfections, but so lovely still. She made the desk with a handle so it can be carried more easily from room to room. the desk is made of wood and is easy to care for.
If you need a new lap top desk and want to support a small business, visit her website. I highly recommed this home-grown American-made product.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Gift baskets and underwear Made in U.S.A.
I was very successful today putting together a bridal shower gift. I went to Vicki Montana Classics. It's a very cool place actually here in Montana. She had homemade huckleberry everything, so I loaded up the basket with Montana made soaps, and lotions, wheat for bread and a special kosher salt. I'll include a coin later. I believe it's an old custom somewhere where the bride gets "bread" so the family will never go hungry, Salt, so life will always have flavor and a coin so that the couple will always have prosperity. Cute huh?
So that mission is accomplished, I now have a bridal gift, made 100 percent in USA, including the basket itself. and it cost less than $35.00. I'm very pleased with the whole thing.
So that mission is accomplished, I now have a bridal gift, made 100 percent in USA, including the basket itself. and it cost less than $35.00. I'm very pleased with the whole thing.
That mission is accomplished but the search for plus size underwear and bras for this ALL American woman are hard to come by. I have found panties, but I have not found a bra maker yet that will take care of the big melons I carry. I can of course MAKE my own panties, I found some patterns on the internet, tell me what you think.
I'm not going to win a beautiful sexy panty contest, but what's a girl to do. After studying these very easy patterns I decided someone, somewhere in this great country of ours can make some panties that fit and don't cost more than $30 a pair. I did find panties that were about $18 a pair that would fit, but good grief. That's a lot of money for a scrap of cotton to fit around one's arse...
But I will not give up! I will go to J.C. Penneys sometime this week since I was told they do have an all American, Made in U.S.A. bra. for $32. It will have to last me the whole year, because that is much more than I'm used to spending.
Next week, I will be writing the executives at Wal-mart to see if they carry anything U.S.A in their store, if they do. I'll let you know.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Bath and Body Works is All American!
Yesterday's adventure with "Olive Press Soap" had me frantically looking at my "Bath and Body Works" labels on my body wash and splash. I was incredibly worried that I may have to give up the lovely scent and feel of BBW.
I looked on the label, everything looked like it was in order and Made U.S.A. But to be sure, I sent an email to the product manager. This was her response.
Dear Cristina,
We are eager to assist you with your concerns regarding the
manufacturing location of our products.
All Bath & Body Works Brand products with the stamp "Specially made for
Bath & Body Works 97 West Main Street New Albany, Ohio 43054 USA" are
made in the United States. Products not containing this statement are
not made in the United States.
For further information on specific products that do not contain this
statement or that are made by a third party, please reply to this email
with the product name and fragrance.
Thank you for your interest in BathandBodyWorks.com. We hope you enjoy
our products and look forward to serving you in the future.
Sincerely,
Linda C.
BathandBodyWorks.com Customer Service
Visit http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/
I am totally impressed with how quickly they emailed me, but more relieved that I don't have to give up that fabulous product. Let's face it. So far, U.S.A. Made bath soaps are far superior than any other in the world. I know...because I smell FABULOUS today!
I looked on the label, everything looked like it was in order and Made U.S.A. But to be sure, I sent an email to the product manager. This was her response.
Dear Cristina,
We are eager to assist you with your concerns regarding the
manufacturing location of our products.
All Bath & Body Works Brand products with the stamp "Specially made for
Bath & Body Works 97 West Main Street New Albany, Ohio 43054 USA" are
made in the United States. Products not containing this statement are
not made in the United States.
For further information on specific products that do not contain this
statement or that are made by a third party, please reply to this email
with the product name and fragrance.
Thank you for your interest in BathandBodyWorks.com. We hope you enjoy
our products and look forward to serving you in the future.
Sincerely,
Linda C.
BathandBodyWorks.com Customer Service
Visit http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/
I am totally impressed with how quickly they emailed me, but more relieved that I don't have to give up that fabulous product. Let's face it. So far, U.S.A. Made bath soaps are far superior than any other in the world. I know...because I smell FABULOUS today!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Made in the U.S.A soap. my first product
For the past two days I've been doing a little research on where I can buy American made products. But before I can really shop I had to look around the house and see if I already had American made products I could use.
I was at "Ross Dress for Less" the other day and found a box of soap. The price was $6.99 for four large bars of "Olive Oil Press Soap," with Moroccan Rose scent. I picked up the box, NOT because I needed soap, but because the packaging reminded me of my mother's table cloth. Her kitchen is decorated with an "olive tree" motif. Very pretty.
I got the soap home and finally got around to looking at the bottom of the box, and sure enough it was Made in the U.S.A. and distributed from Elegant Home Designs, in NY, NY. Okay, so the "ingredients" olive oil, and perhaps the moroccan rose scent is not exactly USA. The Americans worked on the packaging, wrapping and making of the soap itself will be allowed in my blog. Otherwise, I'm going to be stinking for a very long time.
The soap is great, it lathers up nicely for shaving in the bathtub, if you do that sort of thing, but I've used great homegrown Montana soaps that are of a superior quality. Still for the price the Olive Oil Press Soap I purchased at "Ross Dress for Less" wasn't bad.
I was at "Ross Dress for Less" the other day and found a box of soap. The price was $6.99 for four large bars of "Olive Oil Press Soap," with Moroccan Rose scent. I picked up the box, NOT because I needed soap, but because the packaging reminded me of my mother's table cloth. Her kitchen is decorated with an "olive tree" motif. Very pretty.
I got the soap home and finally got around to looking at the bottom of the box, and sure enough it was Made in the U.S.A. and distributed from Elegant Home Designs, in NY, NY. Okay, so the "ingredients" olive oil, and perhaps the moroccan rose scent is not exactly USA. The Americans worked on the packaging, wrapping and making of the soap itself will be allowed in my blog. Otherwise, I'm going to be stinking for a very long time.
The soap is great, it lathers up nicely for shaving in the bathtub, if you do that sort of thing, but I've used great homegrown Montana soaps that are of a superior quality. Still for the price the Olive Oil Press Soap I purchased at "Ross Dress for Less" wasn't bad.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Made in America Websites
I found one good website that has a ton of information on American made products. It's at www.madeinusa.org
So I'm not alone! These guys are serious about this with lists of websites and stores that sell only American made products. And I thought this was going to be hard. It's not.
American Made Products website is dedicated to bringing jobs and prosperity back to America. They have tabs and listings for everything we could possibly want, from computers to clothes.
I was also recommended a site yesterday by my dear friend Katherine. www.etsy.com this site sells handmade gift items (yes made in America) and I think it will be where I get the bridal shower gift.
In the meantime I'll searching for a new yoga outfit. The clothes I have just don't fit right for yoga. Even though the exercise of yoga is not an American concept. I can still wear the clothes made in America for the practice.
If any of you know, of any other websites that sell American, please email me at gypsyraven@bresnan.net
God Bless you all and God Bless America
So I'm not alone! These guys are serious about this with lists of websites and stores that sell only American made products. And I thought this was going to be hard. It's not.
American Made Products website is dedicated to bringing jobs and prosperity back to America. They have tabs and listings for everything we could possibly want, from computers to clothes.
I was also recommended a site yesterday by my dear friend Katherine. www.etsy.com this site sells handmade gift items (yes made in America) and I think it will be where I get the bridal shower gift.
In the meantime I'll searching for a new yoga outfit. The clothes I have just don't fit right for yoga. Even though the exercise of yoga is not an American concept. I can still wear the clothes made in America for the practice.
If any of you know, of any other websites that sell American, please email me at gypsyraven@bresnan.net
God Bless you all and God Bless America
Friday, January 29, 2010
The beginning of my challenge
I am an American woman, and American women love to shop. Just about everyone I know rich and poor go to Walmart. I looked around my house and EVERYTHING except for my books and crossword puzzle was made in CHINA or somewhere else. Even the things I buy online are made in China or some other place. It dawned on me why American's are out of work. I mean it makes sense that if you are buying things that are made somewhere else, then we are keeping our fellow Americans from jobs and businesses. I've decided to embark on one of the greatest shopping challenges I've ever taken up. I'm shopping strictly American. If it's not made in the U.S.A. I'm not going to purchase it. I'm going to shoot for this for at least one year. I will report to you all the quality and "stuff" I get and where.
Friends have asked me on facebook, "it's going to be a very difficult task." You may not make it. Someone else said, where do you think your computer came from? (Actually I had my computer made in 'Bigfork, by the PC fitness guys, the parts were probably from China tho).
Are you willing to go naked with no clothes? because even if I make my own clothes, the fabric may come from China or Turkey or something. Think about it..is your underwear made in china? I'm wondering if I'll even be able to buy an American bra, but by golly I know someone, somewhere in this great country of ours is sitting and making BRAS there has to be!
Thank God for the internet, if it wasn't for online shopping I don't think I could accomplish this mission. Wish me luck. I need to buy a bridal shower gift. If anyone has any ideas for a bridal gift let me know. That should be a "simple" thing, don't you think?
stay tuned, I'll let you know.
Friends have asked me on facebook, "it's going to be a very difficult task." You may not make it. Someone else said, where do you think your computer came from? (Actually I had my computer made in 'Bigfork, by the PC fitness guys, the parts were probably from China tho).
Are you willing to go naked with no clothes? because even if I make my own clothes, the fabric may come from China or Turkey or something. Think about it..is your underwear made in china? I'm wondering if I'll even be able to buy an American bra, but by golly I know someone, somewhere in this great country of ours is sitting and making BRAS there has to be!
Thank God for the internet, if it wasn't for online shopping I don't think I could accomplish this mission. Wish me luck. I need to buy a bridal shower gift. If anyone has any ideas for a bridal gift let me know. That should be a "simple" thing, don't you think?
stay tuned, I'll let you know.
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