Problem Finding a Job in America?

With Black Friday and the holiday shopping season just around the corner, I notice all of the Christmas Guides going up and the commercials for the holiday sales being broadcasted.  As we make our lists and check them twice, let's think about giving back to our fellow Americans in the form of jobs and job security.

According to the Census Bureau, the median household income between 2007-2011 was $52,762.  A report by CNN Money shows that it fell to $51,017 in 2012.  That's a monthly income of $4,251.  As of September 2013, the unemployment rate was at 7.2%.  To put things into perspective, that's 11.3 million people or about the population of the state of Ohio.

Now, what do these figures mean?  Unless you are the unemployed looking for work, probably not much.  The intention that I have in doing this blog is to encourage readers to purchase products that are made in the USA to create jobs and reduce some of that unemployment figure.  In my research of trying to find these products, I came across this story on several different websites.  I am not quite sure who the original author is and when I asked no one seemed to know either.  I found it here and got permission to post it on my blog.  I really hope that my recreation gives you a different point of view as you make your holiday shopping lists and enjoy this season of giving.

Here is my revised version of it:

A man wakes up to his alarm clock (made in SC) and while his coffee pot (made in Creston, IA) is making his coffee, he shaves with his electric razor (made in Sterling, IL).  Then he puts on his dress shirt (made in East Rutherford, NJ) and his trousers (made in Cleveland, TN) and his shoes (Port Washington, WI).  Then after cooking his breakfast on his electric Belgian Waffle Iron (made in West Newton, IA), he sits down with his computer (made in Whitsett, NC) to review his schedule, news and weather for the day.  He then checks his messages and phone calls on his Smartphone (assembled in Fort Worth, TX).  He turns on his HDTV (assembled in Detroit, MI) to watch the news and weather.  Then he gets into his Ford Explorer (made in IL) filled with gas refined in Warren, PA, and heads out to look for work.  When he returns home from his day, he puts on his robe (made in Los  Angeles, CA) and sandals (made in Buford, GA), and pours himself a glass (made in Toledo, OH) of wine (made all over the US - primarily in CA), wondering which job he should choose from, since his Made in the USA purchases have created almost 9 million jobs.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is the way to create jobs and change the mindset that everything is imported.  It is done one purchase at a time. Happy Holiday shopping!

That being said, I'm going to attempt to create a job for myself and let you know where your can purchase the products in my revised story (yes, some of the links are affiliate links - I thank you for your support.)  Happy Holiday shopping!

• Alarm clock:Bose Wave® Radio III
• Coffee pot: BUNN 10-Cup Home Coffee Brewer
• Electric Razor: Wahl All-In-One Groomer 
• Dress Shirt: Todd Shelton Baxter White Shirt (Note: Made in the USA with fabric from Italy)
• Trousers: Hardwick Flat-Front Blended Trouser
• Dress Shoes: Allen Edmonds 'Clifton' Oxford 
• Electric Belgian Waffle Iron: Palmer Electric Belgian Waffle Iron 
• Computer: Lenovo M92p Desktop 
• Smartphone: Motorola Moto X, Black (Verizon Wireless) 
• HDTV: Element 40" HDTV
• Robe: RobeWorks
• Sandals: TEROX Sandal 
• Wine Glass: Libbey Wine Glass

Did you know.....?

Photo credit

....that Rockefeller Center was built during the Great Depression?

The stock market crash that plummeted this country into what is known as The Great Depression happened on Tuesday, October 29, 1929.  Construction of Rockefeller Center, a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres....began on May 17, 1930."  The project was completed when John D. Rockefeller Jr. drove the last rivet during a ceremony in 1939.

First Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center 

Photo courtesy of Tishman Speyer

PBS recently aired a documentary on John D. Rockefeller.  According to the documentary, Rockefeller became one of the largest employers in New York City during the time of Rockefeller Center's construction.  If you are interested in watching it, click here.  I highly recommend watching it.

If Rockefeller Center can be built during The Great Depression, what can we accomplish?  We're not Rockefellers, BUT the purchase of $64 worth of American-made products can create up to 200,000 jobs.

Karina

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More Made in America: Are You In?

ABC News continued their special report on Made in America.  How exciting to know that companies are seeing results from this report.

They also reported about the impending Fiscal Cliff and how some people may lose their unemployment benefits.  We can change this.  By spending $64 on products Made in the USA, you help create 200,000 jobs.  Last year, ABC News reported on one company that made their products in the USA - Tervis Tumblers.  From then until now, sales have increased to the point that they have opened 9 new stores and increased jobs.  That's all done by purchases made by consumers like you and me.  By the way, I saw those Tervis Tumblers at my local Starbucks so for you Starbucks enthusiasts, look for them there too.

How many jobs will you create this holiday season?  Stop by and let me know.

Karina
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So Long, Farewell

I was going through my emails trying to find out if I had contacted a manufacturer.  Memory tells me I did.  Emails tell me that I must have lost my mind or hit the delete button on the wrong email.  In the process of strolling down memory lane with the ones that I did find in my email folder, I came across a manufacturer whom I remember makes some absolutely gorgeous baby furniture.  I did a search to find their website, which I did and this is what I found:

www.muukids.com

Dear Muu Customers:

It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that Muu has suspended all operations.

We were recently informed that our primary manufacturer is experiencing significant financial difficulties that prevent them from continuing to make products for Muu. Although we have looked for an alternative domestic manufacturer who can provide the same level of safe, high-quality products at a competitive price, we have been unsuccessful in our efforts. This realization, coupled with the continued weak economic climate, has lead us to the conclusion that it is time to sign off.

On behalf of everyone at the company we very much appreciate the opportunity to provide you with high-quality, American made products these past four and a half years.

Thank you and Goodbye,

The Folks at Muu

Their products were manufactured just north of Milwaukee, WI.  This truly brought me sadness.  This signifies another group of people out of work and just before the holidays.

Remember a simple number: $64 = 200,000 jobs.

How do you feel about this company closing?  Leave me your thoughts and comments.

Karina
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New Sales and Deals

http://www.blogdash.com/full_profile/?claim_code=8ef9d867595611be2c892ea0c04279d3

I updated the Sales and Deals page.  The products listed are Made in the USA.  There are even some toys.  I know the holiday shopping season is creeping up on us quickly.  For those of you looking for some deals early on, check them out.  Remember, spending $64/year on Made in the USA products creates 200,000 jobs.

If you have any questions or comments, please let me know.

Karina
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Shop-A-Thon Thursday

CraftyShops.com (Moneta, VA) Craft retailer whose crafts are all Made in the USA.  Let them know Mom in the USA sent you.
ForSmallHands.com / MontessoriServices.com (Santa Rosa, CA) Resource site for parents and Montessori materials.  They currently have a promotion where you can earn credit to receive free materials. The promotion runs through December 31, 2012.  Click on the box below for more information.

For Small Hands gives parents access to many of the same child-size items children use at school, enabling children to participate in the home environment with the same ease and success they enjoy in the classroom. 

Greenhouse Fabrics (High Point, NC) A wholesale distributor to qualified members of the interior design and upholstery trades.  They do not sell directly to the public, but click here to find a dealer that sells their Made in the USA fabrics.  They also have a blog post here about fabrics Made in the USA.
Love Is A Rose (Winfield, IL) Exclusive imprinting of your personalized message on the individual petals of real, preserved roses.
Olhausen Billiards (Portland, TN) Manufacturer of pool tables, shuffleboards, table tennis, carom tables.  Enter your zip code to find the closest dealer.  (Located on the Shop page under the Sports section)
SendFudge.com (Bellingham, WA) Handmade fudge, chocolates, caramel apples, and other delicious treats
Smoky Mountain Pool Tables (HQ Chicago, IL; made in Portland, TN) Pool tables made "out of solid North American hardwoods and offers a lifetime guarantee on parts and manufacturing."  (Located on the Shop page under the Sports section)
Sub-Zero/Wolf (Madison, WI; AZ; outdoor grills-CA) Refrigerators, ranges, stovetops, outdoor grills, microwaves, wine storage.
Wayfair (Boston, MA) "Your favorite place online to buy anything for your home."

Karina
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Another Need To Know

I was watching Need to Know on PBS.  This week they traveled to Pueblo, CO and, among other places, strolled down Main Street, literally.  What struck me was one lady who was being interviewed talking about politicians and how they can't possibly know what she is going through until they fear their lights being shut off.  What a striking comment.

Here are a few numbers for you, if that works better for you. (I like numbers.)

• Unemployed: ~$1300-$1400/mo (Note: $330/week x 4.)
• President Obama: ~$65,806/mo (Note: His 2011 income divided by 12.)
• Former Governor Romney: ~$1,141,413/mo (Note: His 2011 income divided by 12.)
• Members of Congress: ~$14,500/mo (Note: Their salary of $174,000/yr divided by 12.)

I know that the President and Governor paid taxes and donated to charity, but I tried making these figures simple so please keep that in mind.

I write this blog to raise awareness and encourage readers to buy products that are made in the USA.  These purchases create jobs.  It really is that simple - supply and demand.  I do not want to bankrupt you to make these purchases.  I even did a post about how I bought something for $1 that was made in the USA.  We can talk politics and foreign this and that, but at the end of the day companies supply us with what we are willing to purchase.

Do you feel inspired to check those tags?  Our consumer dollars speak volumes.  Voting is our right and we should exercise it every chance we get.  Every purchase we make also votes for one thing or another.  The people featured in the show above are an example of why I want you to spend $64/year on American-made products.  That's the equivalent of a coffee purchase at your favorite coffee shop once per month.  That purchase creates 200,000 jobs.  That's a huge vote.

How will you vote this holiday season?  Now that it is nearing, can you vow to spend $64 on a product or products that proudly wear Made in the USA?  I would love to hear from you.

Karina
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Shop-A-Thon Thursday

Welcome back to Shop-A-Thon Thursday.  I have found a lot of good companies this week.  I have several more that are coming in next week's wrap-up.  I say this every week, but this is so exciting to be able to showcase these companies.  Every purchase of an American-made product creates another job.  How many can you create?  Enjoy!

2 Little Bostons (Hillsborough, NH) Pet bakery for dogs, cats and small animals, including jerky and treats.
Dan's Chocolates (Burlington, VT) Fresh, hand-made gourmet truffles, delivered directly from Dan's Chocolates to you.  (As in they make it at their factory in VT, you order it, and they deliver it to you!)
FlattenMe (HQ CA, Atlanta, GA; Salt Lake City, UT) Personalized books and gifts that magically transform your star into a superhero, mermaid, pirate and more. His/Her face and name used throughout the story. As seen on Oprah, Today Show, Good Morning America and more as the 'hot gift to give'!
Forking Queen (Chappell, NE) Silverware jewelry - spoon bracelets, fork rings, spoon rings - all handmade.
Heartfelt Books (Delaware or Texas) Personalized books.  You select questions to answer that best fit your relationship or style. Then, they take your answers and create a book.
Jelly Belly (Fairfield, CA) Jelly beans.  Here's a video of their story.  The company was featured on "How I Made My Millions."
J. McLaughlin (Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY) 30% of their clothing and accessories are made in the USA. These are some of those products. Maria Halter Dress, Catalina Spring Tee, Slim Fit Bi-Stretch Dixie
K'NEX (Hatfield, PA) The next generation of construction toys.
The Land of Nod (HQ Morton Grove, IL) Can you say baby, baby and more baby?  Furniture, bedding, storage, decor, toys, gifts, nursery items, even a baby registry.
Old Time Candy (LaGrange, OH) "The best selection of retro candy"  They have candy by the decade all the way back to pre-20s so just about any age range will stroll down memory lane here.  I did and I loved it.
Snapily (Beltsville, MD) Personalized 3D and animated cards or gifts. These look so cool. I don't mean to sound like a kid, but they really do. If you check them out, you'll say it too. Either that or I'm just easily entertained.

Karina
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Some of these links are affiliate links. Please see my PR/Disclosure page.

Shop-A-Thon Thursday

Welcome back to Shop-A-Thon Thursday, where you help to create jobs in the US by purchasing products that are Made in the USA.  Some of the links on the Shop page have been updated to honor Breast Cancer month for October.
 
Crystal Prints (Cambridge, MD) "...Custom designed sub-surface laser engraved crystal gifts, awards and memorials. We utilize BK7 optical crystal products, the highest quality optical crystal products available..."  In my current giveaway, I was asked about 3D Laser gifts.  I was able to find this company who also has a brick and mortar store.  They invite you to take the tour and see their facility, so if you live in the area or will be visiting, stop by their store.
EB Candles (Yorkville, IL) Natural soy wax candles, made fresh daily, also make soy soap and lotions
Super Chexx (Buffalo, NY) Arcade-quality bubble hockey game
Tiny Prints (Phoenix, AZ & Charlotte, NC) Personalized stationery, including holiday cards, Halloween cards, Thanksgiving cards, baby showers, birth announcements, First birthdays, birth announcements, baptism and christening cards, birthday cards, graduation cards, religious celebrations, birthdays, thank you cards, and the list goes on.

Note: I got my Christmas cards from them last year and they were great!  I even needed a rush order and they got here right on time.  As I was picking the pictures to go in the card, I realized I needed to take better pictures, though.  Hence the new photography button that I added to the blog.

As always, enjoy the list.  If there is something that you would like to see, please let me know. 

Karina
I love comments!

Some of these links are affiliate links.  Please see my PR/Disclosure page.

Celebrate Labor Day

Happy Labor Day to everyone! 

To those of you who worked today, you are remembered for the labors that you do.

To those who were able to enjoy the day off, I hope you have been able to reflect and recharge on this day that honors the contribution that you make.

We were reminded at mass yesterday to also pray for those that are out of work and looking for work.  We honor you as well.  It takes a great deal of strength and persistence to be out of work and look for work.  We pray for you and honor you.  

That statement by our pastor at mass reminded me why I do this blog.  I promote making and buying products that are made in the USA.  At the heart of it, though, I am actually promoting employing our fellow community members who would like to be honored for the work they do, not the work they desire to have.

Have a happy and safe holiday!


Karina

How Low Can You Go?

On this blog, I promote buying products that are made in the USA.  My thought process is that the purchase you make today may help create your neighbor's job tomorrow.  With that in mind, I came across this article that I found to be thought-provoking.

Please let me know your thoughts. 

Karina

Need To Know

During election years, politicians talk about Main Street a lot.  I was watching a show on PBS called Need To Know.  The show actually went out to Main Street in Nashua, New Hampshire.  Even with positive news about the economy and how many jobs were created in the month of December, individuals still struggle on a daily basis.  The show focused on these details.

They spoke to busines owners and families that work and live on Main Street.  The picture they painted was not quite as positive.  By listening to them speak, their spirits are positive even though they are drowning in their situations.  A priest from an Episcopal church talked about how the church's endowment fund had lost more than 50% of its value.  Another family with multiple generations living in the same house put their faith in the full-time job of their matriarch.

I sometimes wonder what someone thinks when reading this blog, especially when the title includes, "Putting People to Work one American-Made Product at a Time."  I sometimes tell my husband that you must think I am crazy for thinking I can make a difference or that I must be so arrogant to think that I can change things by blogging about it.  When I see stories about the people included in this show, the idea is reinforced in me that I promote the purchase of Made in the USA to create jobs so people can get back on their feet.  I try to bring your attention to the label.  I'm not asking you to completely eliminate purchasing products made in other countries.  All I ask for is a small change that may lead to more awareness at your next shopping trip.

Karina

Tires Make the World Go Round

Just before Christmas, we noticed that we needed new tires.  Funny thing is that before this blog, I never really considered where tires come from, how they are made or anything related to them, except, "Which ones go on my vehicle?" and "How much are they?"

In doing my due diligence to find tires, another question occurred to me - "Are these tires made in the USA?"  I talked to several people and I don't think that anyone had ever asked them that question.  It almost makes me chuckle thinking about it.  Our tires, though, are Made in the USA.  They are Goodyear Wrangler Radial tires.  (Note: Not all Goodyear tires are made in the USA.)  I laughed with a lady at the store that this was my husband's Christmas gift to me and my gift to him.  She was telling me that it's one of those gifts that you can't really enjoy.  Actually, these were gifts that I would absolutely enjoy.  You see, I drive my babies around in that vehicle and having good tires gives me peace of mind.  I also let her know that by buying tires Made in the USA, I help create jobs for people who may not have one right now.  She had never thought of tires in that way.  Conversations really do change us. 

My hope is that you look at tires and other products differently as well.  Tires go on vehicles and bikes and motorcycles and RVs and boats and buses.  We sometimes don't even give them a second thought until they need to be replaced.  Give thanks for them.  Our loved ones are being transported in something with tires on it.  Their safety is a gift in and of itself.  That purchase is a gift to the person who made it for your loved ones.

Happy and Safe Travelling!

Karina

In purchasing these tires, I created 988,137 jobs.

My Flu Gift Basket

As I mentioned on Friday, I have had the flu....well, in theory anyways.  There are no "sick days" when my job description is Mommy....and truthfully, it's not a job I would call in sick for.  I am humbled that God blessed me with these wonderful babies and I wouldn't miss a day with them.

Mommy being sick is not something that goes unnoticed in our house.  I am still nursing Bina and Lyla thinks Mommy makes everything better, even when Daddy is trying to convince her that he can make things better too.  I just figure the flu will stick around for the usual 10 days or so and then I will be fine.  I hydrate, wash my hands, and rest when I can.  Otherwise, it's business as usual. 

I did find some Made in the USA products that I made good use of while I was sick.  Dial soap is Made in the USA.  It comes in quite handy during all of that handwashing I do on a normal daily basis, but even more so when I have the flu.  Another product I use and especially during my "sick days" is BabyGanics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer.  I also use it on the kids while we are out and soap and water aren't handy.  The last product I used is Angel Soft toilet paper.  It became my tissue - my endless roll of tissue while my nose acted up.  It's like my nose became my third child for a week. 

Karina

These purchases created 35,335 jobs.

The Other Tradition - Leftovers!

I am blessed to say that this Thanksgiving I was reminded of how much food storage I do not have.  I started searching for food storage Made in the USA and came across a container from Green Feet.  It is a glass bowl with a glass lid.  That's great because it can go in the freezer, microwave, and oven.  The only thing that I would have to do is keep my husband away from it.  His hands don't seem to hold on to glass very well.

How was your Thanksgiving?  I would love to hear (read) about your experiences.

Karina

This purchase would also create 59,257 jobs.

The Gift is in The Box

I think whiplash is setting in.  I cannot believe that Thanksgiving is in two days.  I have been trying to think about gifts for the girls.  In my search for products Made in the U.S.A., I came across a cottage at Crafty Kids Playhouses.  It's made out of 100% recycled cardboard!  How brilliant!  Lyla loves playing with boxes.  Doesn't really care what's in the box, just the box.  I keep telling my husband that someone should come up with an idea to sell a box for kids.  Well, ask and ye shall find.  This one goes on the list.

Karina

By the way, this toy creates 124,924 jobs.  Made in the U.S.A., eco-friendly, and creates jobs - there's a feel-good purchase.

Thanksgiving Menu Thoughts

It is Fun Food Friday.  Yesterday, I ran up to the market to purchase our "Date Night" cuisine.  I confess I got a bit distracted while at the store.  Before going to the store, we talked about Thanksgiving so it was still on my mind when I got there.  I began looking around for ideas for our Thanksgiving menu.  On a box of beef broth, I noticed that it said Distributed by, but nothing about made in U.S.A. or product of U.S.A.  This is where the distraction stepped in.  I checked several well known brand name items and no made in the U.S.A.  Surely, I could find something in this market that was made in the U.S.A.  Alas, I did.  Here's the list of some that I found:

• King Arthur All Purpose and Whole Wheat flours - "Milled from 100% USA wheat."  Yay!   
• Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk, yep you got it - Product of U.S.A. 
• PET Evaporated Milk - Product of U.S.A.
• Carnation Evaporated Milk also Product of U.S.A.  
• Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil stamped its "Foil made in U.S.A." seal right on front.

After an aisle or two of searching for U.S.-made products, I did remember that I had a date to get to.  My husband cooked us a wonderful meal.  We ended up eating and then cuddling with the kids.  I know, I know.  What kind of date is that?  We joked about it, thinking that these moments are priceless and as long as we have them, hold on to them - the moment and the kids.  Go hug your loved ones!

Karina

By the way, my purchase created another 70,514 jobs.  (See this previous post to see where that figure came from.)

Mom Helps Create Jobs

According to an ABC News: Made In America report, if we, Americans, spent $64 per year on products made in America, we could create 200,000 jobs.  How exciting is that!   I can spend $5.33 per month to create 16,667 jobs every month!  My part in helping the economy get back on the upswing is in my purchase.  Seems simple enough.  So I set out to make my first purposeful Made in the U.S.A. purchase.  I bought my prenatal vitamins - One A Day^® Women’s Prenatal vitamins.  

Based on my purchase and math, I created 42,104 jobs. That figure blows me away.  I buy some vitamins and create some jobs.  Let's see how many more jobs I can create.  You know, if 5 people spend $320, that would create a million jobs.  Since the holiday season is coming up, that doesn't seem that unrealistic.  $5.33 a month could equal a lot more than a few pennies.  It could equal someone's livelihood.  Happy Shopping!

Karina