Sunday, December 8, 2013

Royal Flush

I haven't completely flushed my goal down the drain, especially when it came to this new purchase...

Made in the USA and dual flushing options, which saves water to boot!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

It's Good(s) for You...

I think what makes this country great, is when we work together for a common good. In this case it's for our own good(s).

Thanks Mom & Dad, this is exactly my point...

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/4FrGxO2Fn_M

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

My Government Might Shut Down, But I won't...

I know it's been a while, but I'm still on my buy USA products... here are some recent purchases, and from a discount store so I didn't spend more because the products were made here...just a reminder that it can be done!

Please note that the pitcher is not only made in the USA, but right next door in Carson CA!

www.scotch-brite.com (totally appreciate the fact that they have brought back a lot of business to the US)
www.housewares.org this is certainly a site worth looking into...

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Patrioschism or just a missing period?

A friend's grandfather served our country in WWII, back when men joined the military out of patriotism and not just because they wanted to blow things up. He was as patriotic as they came.  He was a proud American and would let you know it any chance he got.
 
He also took pride in frugality, but this was only second to his love for country. One of his greatest discoveries was a line of tools that he would purchase at a lower cost than Dewalt or Craftsman; and, of course, made in America with the stamp to prove it - "made in usa". Unbeknownst to him, there was a city....outside of the U.S.A....named Usa....
 
Although I could not find a picture of a tool stamped with "Made in Usa", I did discover that it may have just been a myth. There is a real place called Usa, it's in Japan on the Island of Kyushu. The myth debunks the fact that the city was created after WWII in order to sell items to the U.S.A. stamped with "made in usa" as a guise for poorly produced Japanese products - apparently the city of Usa was around long before WWII. I couldn't, however, find anything about whether tools were ever made there or not.
 
I'm not sure if any of the above is true, or whether my friend's grandfather ever found out about the misrepresentation.  What I do know is that if you check your labels and go in with the right intentions, you can honor those who came before you by paying homage to their patriotism - no matter how non-existent you may think it is in a global economy.
 
My blog is titled “Made in USA” (purposefully omitting the periods) in honor of the good intentions of those who made our country great by simply believing in it.  I hope to do the same.


Sunday, June 30, 2013

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Jeans?



The true price of those blue jeans

Those jeans of yours were made in Bangladesh and traveled a long way before being marked up by 300% or more.

Call it the calculations of the traveling pants. Those jeans you're wearing made a long journey from where they were manufactured in Bangladesh before they made it into the shop you bought them in. And the price you're paying? Let's just say it's a pretty hefty mark-up.

Reuters delved into the manufacturing process and came up with some alarming numbers.

When a factory in Bangladesh receives an order for a pair of jeans, materials and labor together cost about US $8.42. Once the jeans are made, packaged, trucked to the port of Chittagong from Dhaka, 153 miles away, and shipped to the USA (a trip that takes about 30 days), the cost has jumped to about $12.29. That includes U.S. Import dues and the cost of repackaging and trucking to retail stores throughout the U.S.

What do you pay? An average of $38.87, according to Reuters. That's more than 400% over the initial cost of manufacturing, or about two weeks wages for the workers who made them.

Watch the video for more details.

http://finances.msn.com/saving-money-ideas/19559d03-b6f9-4939-bf0e-1a771d6e3e32

Luckily with today's heat, I'll be wearing a dress

Monday, June 10, 2013

May Day, May Day....

May was a tough month. I lost my new dog to Kidney Failure. I had her for six months and 1 day. Was happy for the one more day.


I tried to fill the void with shopping...clothes and shoes not made in the U.S.A. I bought scotch...None of which helped.

I failed to share a single post in May. I can attribute that partly to what was going on personally, that and the scotch; but also, I was faced with having to admit that I completely abandoned my goal of only buying U.S.A.  I was reminded that that's what life is all about. Each failure presents an opportunity to learn and grow, and you always have the choice to get back on track. You get knocked down; you get up again…I then remembered that this journey was to be about the successes and failures.  

"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently."


Special Thanks to Henry Ford, Jon White & Chumbawamba

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth

How far do I take this? How much do I bend the rules?
I received a gift card for my birthday. Does that mean I can buy whatever I want with it? If someone gave me something not made in the U.S.A., I would use it. (Honestly really dying for some scotch)

If I buy something from a discount store, is that the same as buying used? The items are first purchased to sell in a big box store, then re-sold to discount stores. Is that ok?

Well today it was. I went birthday shopping and broke my rules. (although I did see some clothing made in the U.S.A., just didn't fit, but good to know they are out there)

This, however, I know fits into my rules....

I know it's hard to see, but the red tag price is one penny! The shoes are not made in the U.S.A., but a woman at the store was so excited about the price that she bought them for me :) The gorgeous necklace was a gift from my friend Deborah. Who knew it would match perfectly with the shoes?

Is this a fail? I say NAY!


Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Keep On Trucking...

As you know, 2nd hand stores are my out when buying clothes. So many clothes are made in China, Vietnam & Guatemala - even the All American Levis brand (although I've been told some are made here). And... just when you think you've found a brand that is made in the U.S.A. (my Ninety slacks from my last blog) you check the label on a different pair, just to be sure; and, same brand, different style...made in Vietnam!

Headed to Buffalo Exchange again for a pair of jeans, which I've been looking for for about a month now, and found an awesome pair for $7.00. And look how long they are!(yes, those are 5" heels)

Bought 'em then checked the label once I was home....
Gotta love it!

Find yourself a pair, and Keep on Trucking

http://www.truckjeans.com/#!about-us



Thursday, March 21, 2013

Bad Intentions....

I caved...well sort of. I needed a new pair of jeans and some pants for work. I tried the local goodwill, but to no avail. I tried to justify buying from Ross. I mean come on, they buy clothes that didn't sell to the first buyer, that's practically used...right? I found a great pair of pants, they fit perfectly, and quite flattering I might add. Then the guilt set in. The next morning I checked the tag to see how bad my purchase was, China probably, but guess what? Made in the U.S.A.!!!!!

And....the shirt that I bought at Buffalo Exchange (local second hand store), that I thought was way too expensive @ $17.50 also made in the U.S.A. and after searching online found that it was a $108 shirt (crazy)
Bad Intentions....Good Results :)

But...my dog's new collar was researched thoroughly, made in Peoria, IL, out of hemp...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/collarswithcolor?utm_source=transaction&utm_medium=trans_email&utm_campaign=purchase_buyer

Find one for your favorite pooch...

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

I am not alone....

I know I have been slacking with my blogging, but rest assured notwith my buying U.S.A.; and apparently, I'm not alone....

http://finances.msn.com/save-money/256660161?from=en-us_msnhp#/save-money/256660161

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Veggie Tales....

I needed green onions so I headed to my local Sprouts market where I get all my produce. Green onions, radishes and cilantro usually 2 for $1 (I know, very lucky to live in California). Radishes - check, cilantro - check, green onions - MEXICO! Nooooooo! Ok, not to worry, I can buy local, organic. .99cents a bunch instead of 2 for $1. I almost caved, but remembered I'm on a mission and know that sometimes I will have to spend more, and in the big picture what's $1?

Sorry no pictures of the spinach dip, but it had fennel, thyme and radishes...soooo good!

Below is a great email from my parents. Another good reason to buy U.S.A. (But sorry Canada, for me it's just U.S.A. - maybe next year)


Dangerous food

Imported food we eat and the junk we buy
Green Giant frozen vegetables are from China , and so are most of Europe 's Best. Arctic Gardens are Okay. So is Birdseye.
Never buy the grocery store garlic unless it is clearly marked from USA or Canada , the other stuff is grown in people poop (even worse than chicken poop). China is the largest producer of garlic in the world. U.S. Is next.
Buy only local honey, much honey is shipped in in huge containers from China and re-packed here.
Cold-FX is grown and packed in China and is full of fecal bacteria. Doesn't work anyway, big scam. If the country of origin is not clearly marked beware. If produce, ask an employee. Watch out for packages which state "prepared for", "packed by" or "imported by". I don't understand the lack of mandatory labeling, especially the produce. The country of origin should be clearly shown on the item in the store. I go to the local farmers' markets in season and keep a wary eye open the rest of the year.
Please read this very carefully, and read to the very bottom. It's important for all of us.
How is it possible to ship food from China cheaper than having it produced in the U.S. Or Canada ?
FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA '. SO, FOR A FEW MORE CENTS, BUY THE LIBERTY BRAND.
GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE IS FROM CALIFORNIA . Beware, Costco sells canned peaches and pears in a plastic jar that come from China .
ALL "HIGH LINER" AND MOST OTHER FROZEN FISH PRODUCTS COME FROM CHINA OR INDONESIA . THE PACKAGE MAY SAY "PACIFIC SALMON" ON THE FRONT, BUT LOOK FOR THE SMALL PRINT. MOST OF THESE PRODUCTS COME FROM FISH FARMS IN THE ORIENT WHERE THERE ARE NO REGULATIONS ON WHAT IS FED TO THESE FISH.
Recently The Montreal Gazette had an article by the Canadian Government on how Chinese feed the fish: They suspend chicken wire crates over the fish ponds, and the fish feed on chicken s--t.
If you search the Internet about what the Chinese feed their fish, you'll be alarmed; e.g., growth hormones, expired anti-biotic from humans. Never buy any type of fish or shellfish that comes from these countries: Vietnam , China , Philippines .
Check this out personally. I did. Stienfeld's Pickles are made in India - just as bad!
Another example is in canned mushrooms. No-Name brand came from Indonesia . Also check those little fruit cups. They used to be made in Canada in the Niagara region until about 2 years ago. They are now packaged in China !
While the Chinese export inferior and even toxic products, dangerous toys, and goods to be sold in North American markets, the media wrings its hands! Yet, 70% of North Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese should be suspended! Well, duh! Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?
SIMPLY DO IT YOURSELF, CANADA AND THE U.S. !
Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.
THINK ABOUT THIS:
If 200 million North Americans refuse to buy just $20 each of Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our favor...fast!! The downside? Some Canadian/American businesses will feel a temporary pinch from having foreign stockpiles of inventory.
Just one month of trading losses will hit the Chinese for 8% of their North American exports. Then they will at least have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and lawlessness are worth it.
START NOW and don't stop.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Range of Possibilities

I needed a new stove. I knew I wouldn't be purchasing one until after the first of the year, and that meant it had to be made in the U.S.A.  Not difficult if you have $6,000+. There's Viking and Thermador, but I didn't have that kind of money. I did my research and found there were other options...



Professional Line & 6 Burners at about 1/6th of the price! and...



Today, Peerless-Premier is a complete manufacturer, designing and making its own tools and dies, stamping parts and applying porcelain enamel to the raw steel parts and then assembling those parts into modern gas and electric ranges in 20", 24", 30" and 36" widths. The facilities are housed under one roof, taking up an area of two square blocks in the city of Belleville, Illinois.

Read more here...
http://www.premierrange.com/history.php

Purchased through this great company offering free delivery & no tax
http://www.appliancesconnection.com

Probably will be my biggest purchase of the year and proud that I was able to stick to my mission.
I'll let you all know how it works as I am baking a cake tomorrow :)

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Food for Thought...

This part of my journey will be an easy one. For the most part, I try to stay away from processed food, very lucky to live in California, and LOVE to garden (seriously, there is nothing like the taste of a tomato straight from the garden!) I do know, however,  I will have to be cautious even when buying produce, we get a lot from Latin America. I guess this year, if I can't buy it, I'll grow it :)

Here's an amazing recipe I made with my garden fresh kale...

http://kitchenconfidante.com/simple-sundays-cranberry-walnut-kale-salad-with-fresh-cranberry-vinaigrette-recipe#.UOykTpTcS6I.gmail


And, for the icing on the cake (made from scratch or course, love to bake) how lucky am I to work for a company that fits right in line with my philosophy? Not sure I would go so far as to quit my job in order to achieve my goal of only buying U.S.A, but proud to be part of a company that sees the benefits of sourcing locally.

Check out the following link if you'd like to learn more...

http://www.hyattfood.com/serving-communities

Bon Appetit! (I think it's o.k. to use foreign terms, right?)

Sunday, January 13, 2013

"Toil"etries

My quest: Toiletries & Cleaning Products

I mentioned not wanting to be an "ugly" American, but I certainly don't want to be a "dirty" American.

I do a lot of Target shopping and have found a lot of their "up & up" products are made in China. Today I needed to re-stock on a lot of toiletry & cleaning products so I set out on what I thought would be a difficult task. It was not....


Any compromises? Well, yes, I had to buy a product I said I would never buy since the horrible ads they had in the 80's (yes advertising works, and I put the "adverse" in advertising). Actually 3 items...

1. Crest, only because I was a life long user of Colgate
2. Snuggle fabric softener (is it wrong that I want that little cuddly bear to suffocate in the dryer?)
3. Charmin (I'll squeeze it if I damn well please Mr. Whipple)

My toilet paper of choice is Scott, but the packaging says made in the U.S.A. with domestic & "imported" products. Target's "Up & Up" proved to be, well, on the Up & Up - or do they just not get so technical?

My favorite buy was the Old Dutch cleanser (not sure where Comet is made, but at .50 cents how could I turn this one down?) Not only is it made in the U.S.A., but check this out...


I was using Ivory soap for a while, but it wasn't a difficult switch back to Lever 2000 & my Caress body wash is also from the same company. My favorite body wash, carnation scent, from Hove Parfumeur is from New Orleans (even better since it's a mom & pop shop instead of a big corporation, see link for perfume, body wash & massage oils  http://www.hoveparfumeur.com - I love it, you actually have to call in your order or fax it)

Didn't have to switch deodorant or shampoo - yay!  Q-tips are more expensive than the generic brand, but I prefer them and would buy them anyway.  (oh, and the borax is because I'm going to attempt to make my own laundry detergent - am I taking this too far?)

Overall it was a great experience and added confidence that I can make this work!


Friday, January 11, 2013

Red, White & Bluetick....

I did do a little research before I started this mission of buying American made products, but who knew the dog I ended up adopting from a rescue shelter would meet my new lifestyle to a tee....

http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/bluetick-coonhound#overview (see under Other Quick Facts)

Meet Darla Rae...





Monday, January 7, 2013

Alternative shopping....

So, I've been looking for a cabinet for my kitchen, and everything I like is either made in China or India and really expensive. Today, however, I found another alternative when I can't find something made in the U.S.A....dumpster diving!
behold...

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Mission Impossible?

My first challenge with buying American this year was looking for one of those cardboard envelopes to send a CD to a friend (I'm sure the CD was made in China, but I already had it). The envelope I wanted was by 3m - that's an American company - good, recycled materials - good, made in Mexico - damn!

So I started looking at alternatives and found a bubble mailer by Scotch (a part of 3m) and it was made where?...In the U.S.A! woohoo!  Now just a couple of pieces of cardboard cut to size and my CDs will be safely on their way....

Mission Impossible? I think not!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

The Cost of Buying American....

The most common question I'm getting in my new endeavor is "do you have to get rid of things you own that are not made in America?" - A resounding NO! That would be wasteful, unaffordable & certainly not green. I will however start a log of the cost of what I buy that is American Made vs. the alternative. At the end of the year, I will see how "expensive" it really is to buy American....

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Everything is New Again

I thought of starting a blog a few months ago based on one a friend of mine started. She decided to go a year buying only used items (see http://poshparsimony.blogspot.com). From that, I decided to buy only products made in the U.S.A. I researched some of my usual items to see how hard it would be; and, although it will be a challenge, I think I can really do this.

This wasn't about being an "Ugly American" with the mindset that it's only good if it's made in the U.S.A., but a belief that this is a way that I could actually help the economy - Hey I buy stuff, maybe that stuff should be from my fellow Americans.

It really doesn't matter if you're Republican, Democratic, Independent or even Libertarian. The thing that connects us all is that we are American. I really believe that you do what you can, with the tools you have.

My goal is to attempt to make all my purchases only from products made in the U.S.A.. From toilet paper to toothpaste (already had to switch from a lifetime of using colgate - made in Mexico, to Crest - made in Greensboro, North Carolina); clothing to computers (luckily I already have one); food to furniture. Read your labels and do what you can.

I invite anyone to come along for the ride, even if it's just to live vicariously through me and my feats... and failures.

Robin