YARDLEY & THE DOLLAR STORE

Today I went to run some errands and so I stopped at the Dollar Store to pick up some car wash that hubby likes and just to shop around a little. Ever since I became so aware of American made products I can't go anywhere without comparing every item these days. This really saves me a lot of money because if I see Made in China, I don't buy, I don't care how pretty it would look on my table or how neat my front yard would look with that cute little flag flying. Oh believe me, someitmes I think it won't matter but I am trying to make a difference, one item at a time. So I really have to stick to my guns and practice what I preach and someitmes that is very hard.

While I was at the Dollar Store, I realized I was out of my Dove bar soap. Knowing they don't carry Dove, I started checking every single type of soap on the shelf. It finally came to a toss up between a 14 oz. bottle of body wash with my favorite lavendar scent or a bar of YARDLEY OF LONDON natural oatmeal & Almond. I bet by now you can guess what the deciding factor was? Of course, YARDLEY was made in the USA and originally from England. The lush lavendar scented body wash that I would've loved to have was Made in China. But when I looked at both products, Yardley easily won out. I haven't verified with the company yet whether all of their products are made and manufactured in the USA but I just put out an email this evening so when I get a reply I'll update and let you know.

If you want to make a difference, all I am saying is shop around a little. Even at the stores where you think everything is from overseas, you may just find that one product Made in the USA. It is worth it to buy it and keep our workforce working.

ANNIN & CO. FLAGS MADE IN AMERICA

In order to appreciate this company, I have to tell you a little of the history of Annin. They are actually the oldest and largest flag manufacturer that started in a sail loft in New York City making signal flags for sailing ships as early as 1820. Today they have 4 locations in Virginia, Ohio and New Jersey, all in this great nation, not overseas.

Guess where the flag that flew on the moon on the Apollo mission is from? Or the US Flag that sits atop Mt. Everest when National Geographic had their expedition? Or the flag that flies over the North Pole? You guessed it right, Annin & Company have a serious stake in American History.

What I like about their website is you can find a retailer in your local area that sells Annin flags. Just put in your location and you can find the closest place to buy an American made flag. I never knew anything about this company until my friend at USA COFFEE sent me a flag with my order of coffee as a thank you. So noticing that the flag was American made, I had to research and found this wonderful company that has stayed true to it's roots since their conception. I like the prices, I like the fact that they have many different flags to choose from and I like the idea that I can read about their history on their website and if you don't know flag etiquette, this website will tell you. Another big plus for me was they give you the history of the POW/MIA flag too. You gotta read that. USA all the way for this company.

Back in the USA

Actually, I haven't left the US but I've been busy with some other things, called life in the fast lane that I haven't been keeping my blog up these past few weeks. That's all about to change and I hope you hang in there with me. There are so many companies that most Americans are unaware of that actually do make their products in the USA. Again, I will note that there are websites out there that have USA made items, but these are along with imported as well. That is a good thing but not what this site is about. What I am looking for in my quest for American made, are ONLY products and companies that make, manufacture and buy all of their materials in the USA. With that said, I have also compiled a small website where you can bookmark to find products that we discuss here on this blog without listening to my rants and raves.

If you go to BUYUSAMADE.INFO you will see what I'm talking about. The list will grow daily as I add more to it. If you have a company or product made in the USA please list it on this site.