Shop-A-Thon Thursday

Welcome back to another week of Shop-A-Thon Thursday.  I am always so excited to bring you the new manufacturers and retailers that make their products here in the US. 

This week I added a link to the American Red Cross.  If you can, please consider donating time, talent or treasure to help in the relief efforts for the Hurricane Sandy survivors.  Remember basic math: If you can give $1, that's good.  If 1,000 people thought that way, they would have another $1,000.  That's 1,000 drops in the bucket = a bucket half full, instead of half empty.  Also, don't forget time can be considered a small prayer for them before meal time or whenever you get a moment

American Red Cross

 

The American Red Cross exists to provide compassionate care to those in need. Our network of generous donors, volunteers and employees share a mission of preventing and relieving suffering, here at home and around the world, through five key service areas:

 

       1.  Disaster Relief

       2.  Supporting America's Military Families

       3.  Lifesaving Blood

       4.  Health and Safety Services (Ie: courses in CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard training)

       5.  International Services

Betty Lukens (Cotati, CA) Manufacturer of quality felt visuals, including Through the Bible Felt Sets with over 600 figures and objects and Learning Fun with Felt line which includes over 30 sets to inspire children's creativity.  *** (Listed under "Toys")
Dirt King USA (WaKeeney, KS) Manufacture, assemble and ship a tricycle for pretty much everyone - literally - they have a tricycle that converts for adults.
Do-A-Dot Art (Great Falls, MT and Westlake Village, CA) The original Dot Art marker is easy to use as there are no cups or brushes to set up or clean up, no drips or spill and the product won't dry out if the cap is left off.  The markers are made in Great Falls, MT, while the books are printed in CA.  ** They distribute Glam Art craft kits for Fubulous Wubulous.  These products are NOT made in the USA.
EB Candles and Soaps (Yorkville, IL) Natural soy wax candles and soaps.  They are made with soybeans grown in the US. ***(Listed under "Gifts")
Extreme Bubbles (Farmington, MN) Creators and manufacturers of a complete line of big bubble toys. They sell bubble solution , big bubble wands , and complete bubble kits with everything you need to get outside and blow bubbles!  "We are the only bubble company left that manufactures all our products in the USA."
Gibout Toys (MN) Manufacturer of adorable, large, plush stacking blocks.  ** Please use the link above.  They do not manufacture all of the toys on the site and not all are Made in the USA.  If you venture outside of link, check the description to verify if it is Made in the USA.
Jr. Rangerland (Hastings, MI) "Our games focus on our nation's outdoor parks, recreation areas, and historical sites and serve as a great supplement to junior ranger programs."  Their home office, warehouse/shipping facility and final assembly location is in Hastings, MI. They work with several manufacturers and print companies based in the Midwest United States.
Mason Corporation (Brentwood, TN) They manufacture water slides for pools and water parks, Flying Turtle ®, Roller Racer® Sport, Roller Racer Amusement, Exer-Rider®, and Roller Racer Caddy.

Karina
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Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Policy.


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Shop-A-Thon Thursday

Welcome to another week of Shop-A-Thon Thursday.  This week I am excited to announce that I have added a new category: Homeschool.  The product could actually be for any child needing primary or additional help in reading or spelling, but look for it under Homeschool.

Aerobie (CA) Manufacturer of sport toy products made in the USA.  ** The Aerobie Football and Aerobie Rocket Football are made in China.
All About Learning Press (Eagle River, WI)

• All About Reading: The only comprehensive reading program on the market that begins by teaching five important pre-reading skills to preschoolers, and then continues by teaching all five of the Key Components of Reading throughout grade school. 
• All About Spelling:  Lessons broken down into single concepts and presented in a logical step-by-step order, using sight, sound, and touch to teach the concept and include a review of previously learned lessons. The program is mastery-based so your child.

Note: The only items that are not made in the USA are Ziggy the Zebra puppets and the Reading and Spelling Tote Bags. Everything else is printed in the USA - Teacher Manuals and other bound books in Tennessee and Student Packets in Wisconsin.

Earthly Body (Chatsworth, CA) A respected, family-owned company that has been a pre-eminent manufacturer of high-quality hemp-based natural body and skin care products.
ECMD - Early Childhood Manufacturers' Direct (Carol Stream, IL) Markets and sells a large selection of early childhood furniture and equipment shipped directly from manufacturers to schools, preschools and early childhood programs.
Rhyme University (Long Beach, CA) Your graduation caps & gowns specialist for Preschool, Kindergarten, and Head Start since 1972

Karina
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Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

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Shop-A-Thon Friday

My sincerest apologies go out to you.  Shop-A-Thon Thursday is late this week.  Wednesday and Thursday were moving days for us.  The list is short, but contains no less quality than in weeks past.  Please enjoy these wonderful companies that bring us products that are made in the USA jobs that are performed in the USA.

Hello Wood Products (Rickman, TN) Manufacturer and retailer of Montessori "classroom equipment, puzzles, learning tools and classroom furniture" since 1982
Organic Cotton (Asheville, NC; HQ Rowe, NM) Seed to shelf organic fabrics that are grown and made in the USA.  They also use eco-friendly supplies (soy toner, 100% recycled, high-PCW-content paper, etc), recycle, reuse, or rehome things that can no longer be used.  Do a search for Made in the USA.

Karina
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Disclaimer: Some of the links are affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure Policy.


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Guess Who Joined American Made Awareness?

I just happened to be flipping through channels last night and saw a show that mentioned American Made.  My ears perked up right away.  Commercial break was over.  Who comes on?  Martha Stewart!  Ms. Stewart founded American Made, which honors America's small businesses who make products in the USA.  The list of honorees includes companies doing very impressive things.  Click on the link above to meet them.  The following are a few Tweets about American Made:
Piers Morgan Tonight Verified ‏@PiersTonight 9h

"Manufacturing went where labor was cheap and plentiful...it went elsewhere" @MarthaStewart on what went wrong with economy. #CNN live 

 

Piers Morgan Tonight Verified‏ @PiersTonight 9h

"I think it's just the right time to encourage small business..." @MarthaStewart on her new project #AmericanMade

 

Knowing that someone as accomplished as Martha Stewart is joining in the campaign to honoring companies who make their products in the USA gives hope that the climate is changing.  OR does it?  I randomly chose some items from the Martha Stewart Collection.  Here were some of the results.

 

1) A natural beauty! This Martha Stewart Collection Matin decorative pillow exudes understated elegance with a hemstitch design of muted leaves. Zipper closure.

• Cotton; polyester fill. Embroidery: polyester.
• Machine washable
• Imported
• Dimensions: 12" x 24"
• Pillow comes stuffed

2)  Bold design and uncompromising quality make the Lisbon square dinner plate easy to love. Embrace the modern shape or mix and match with equally fresh but round Lisbon dinnerware, also by Martha Stewart Collection.

• Porcelain
• Dishwasher and microwave safe; oven safe up to 350 degrees
• Imported
• Dimension: 11"

Ok.  Enough of those.  To be fair, I did a search of "Martha Stewart Made in the USA."  Here are some items that are made in the USA with the Martha Stewart name on them. 

Climates are changing.  Awareness brings about change.  Thank you to Martha Stewart for bringing to light this very important topic. 


Karina
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Is it or Isn't It Made in the USA?

I was just online doing some comparison shopping.  Of course, I look for products that are made in the USA.  Here's one that was worth sharing.

item details

• Material: Plastic
• Dimensions: 12.0 " L x 12.0 " W x 12.0 " T
• Weight: 0.65 Lb.  

other Info

• Online Item #: 13331626
• Store Item Number (DPCI): 081-06-0246
• Made in the USA or Imported

Based on that description, is the product made in the USA or not?  I actually had to do a zoom of the picture of the product in order to find out that it is indeed Made in the USA.  On a different retailer's website, I tried the same search and participated in a live chat to get the answer.  I was asked several questions about what I was going to use the bubble wrap for prior to being given the country of origin.  Besides entertainment and packing, what else is bubble wrap used for?  (Everyone loves popping bubble wrap.)  I had to re-ask my question in order to get the answer.  Needless to say, that purchase was lost.

Tell me about some of your online experiences in finding products made in the USA.  I love to hear read your stories.

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

Shop-A-Thon Thursday

Shop-A-Thon Thursday showcases the new manufacturers and retailers that I have found that make and sell products that are Made in the USA.  This has become my favorite time of the week because I continue to find some very beautiful stories and products made right here in the US by our very own neighbors.  Fear not.  I have not lost sight of why I do this blog.  It's not to get you to buy stuff.  It's to bring awareness to the fact that buying products Made in the USA creates jobs.  It sounds simple and maybe it really is.

Stay tuned!  I am compiling a list of all of the manufacturers that I have found until now to see which state has the most manufacturers. 

American Apparel (Los Angeles, CA) They make and sell women's clothing, men's clothing, kids' clothing, and baby clothing.  They even have kids' undergarments.  That has not been an easy find in my searches, so far.  Stop by their website.  It makes for very interesting reading.
Bamboosa (SC) Organic baby clothing, organic women's clothing
Kiyonna (Orange County, CA) Plus-size women's clothing - sizes 10-32, including wedding dresses.  These are not the mumus that are usually associated with plus-size clothing either.  This is the I-have-curves clothes, but in a classy way.  Although, I'm not sure why a size 10 is considered a plus-size.  Maybe I'll save that for a different post.  Either way, these clothes are very good-looking.
Layla Grayce (CA) Retailer of high-end cribs, crib bedding, changers, baby clothing, women's clothing, chairs, rugs, decor, lamps, beds, settees, sofas, iPad cases, desks, bedding, decorative pillows, chests, decorative mirrors, cocktail tables, end tables, bookcases, ottomans, fabric, and wallpaper.
OnTray2Go.com (Mishawaka, IN) Tray that attaches to your shopping cart.  It can store snacks, crayons, coupons, to name a few.  Created  by a mom of 3, "I worked really hard to make sure my product, On Tray, was manufactured here in the USA."  What's the saying about the person who rocks the cradle?  (Hint: Something about they rule the world.)  Thank you, Laura.

Looking for something?  Please let me know and I will do my best to find it.  Let's see how many jobs we can create together.  As always, Enjoy!

 
Karina
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Shop-A-Thon Thursday

Welcome back to Shop-A-Thon Thursday.  There's an old adage that says, Find something you love to do and you'll never work a day in your life.  Doing this blog just becomes more fun every week.  Finding more and more companies that manufacture their items in the US gets better every week.  This week I was even able to [hopefully] help a company find a manufacturer in the US versus China.  If that works out, you may see them on a future Shop-A-Thon Thursday.

My intention is to have a variety of items on the list to meet a variety of needs.  With Halloween coming up next month, I have included some wonderful companies that make such beautiful costumes.  I just had to share them with you.  Your little ones will look absolutely gorgeous in them.  There's also a makeup company, Mehron, for the more creative ones.

As always, please enjoy.  If there's something that you are looking for and do not find here, please send me an email and I will do my very best to find it.

Blue Buffalo (KS, NE, MN, NY, among more) Healthy and holistic dog and cat food.  Many of their ingredients come from the US, except the lamb.  That's free range from New Zealand.  Their suppliers are "instructed to source their ingredients from the US" where possible.
Emily Jones Gallery (Orlando, FL) Artist.  Inspiring portrayals of flowers, landscapes, sunsets, and animals.
Evanese (Los Angeles and Gardena, CA) Women's dresses, including daytime dresses, evening dresses, little black dresses, plus size evening gowns, plus size cocktail dresses, wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses
I'm Simply Me (CA) "Custom typography wall art, decorative coasters, stitch markers, knit and crochet goods."
Nalgene (Rochester, NY) Eco-friendly water bottles


The following are SEASONAL items:

Halloween

Beastly Buddies (Schenectady, NY) Handmade children's costumes.
Calico Annie (Dallas, TX) Handmade children's pioneer clothing, women's pioneer clothing, children's historical clothing, children's Halloween costumes, custom made clothing.
Mehron Makeup (Chestnut Ridge, NY) Manufacturer of high-quality makeup products.  "2012 marks our 85th year of operation."  Here's a good story from their website.

"Mehron [Melik, founder of Mehron, Inc.] traveled from New England to Virginia for nearly 2 years visiting Veterans' hospitals. This selfless donation of his time and talent aided hundreds of returning servicemen in picking up the pieces of their lives after the war."

Prima Fashions (Wesley Chapel, FL) Handmade children's costumes.


Karina
I love comments!
 Disclaimer:  Some of the links are affiliate links.  Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Shop-A-Thon Thursday

Welcome back to Shop-A-Thon Thursday.  Please enjoy this list of new manufacturers and retailers that contribute to the pride of Made in the USA.
 
The Action Baby Carrier (Hillman, MI) Baby carriers
All-AmericanBaby.net Retailer whose products are all made in the USA 
Animal Matters (Wisconsin) Educational children's game, Fur & Feathers™
Beco Baby Carrier (Fountain Valley, CA) Baby carriers, replacement parts and accessories such as Eco Thigh Socks
Blue Star Baby (Fairborn, OH) Retailer of baby products that are made in the USA
Eli Cole (Hamburg, MI) Electrical child safety outlet cover
Grammy Mouse (Maine) Maine Folk Artist.  You can also read her blog here.
GrazeOrganic.com (NM) Organic cloth snack packs and lunch sacks
GreenToys.com Eco-friendly toys
Jeniunely Pure (Ames, IA) All-natural and organic products "made from 100% natural and organic ingredients"
Kala Eyewear (San Francisco, Bay area, CA) Plastic eyewear frames
Kiwi Industries (Albuquerque, NM and CA) Baby and children's clothing made of organic fibers.  Their clothes are cut and sewn at a women's co-op called Southwest Creations Collaborative (http://southwestcreations.com).  However, their hand-loomed sweaters are made at a women's co-op in South America.  Their essential tutu is made in NM.
Mamasoes (Gainesville, FL) Handmade wooden puzzles and educational tools.  I have to share their quote when asked if their products were made in the USA: "Yes, they are made in the garage and painted at the kitchen table in Gainesville, FL."  It doesn't any more made in the USA than that.  
Mrs. Meyer's (Minnesota and Midwest) Household cleaning products that are "earth-friendly, cruelty free and 97% naturally derived, including liquid dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, automatic dish packs for the dishwasher, surface scrub and wipes, bathroom cleaner, liquid hand soap, laundry detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, scented soy candles and room freshener.
MunchieMug.com (Sonoma, CA) Snack cup
Olympic Uniforms (Seattle, WA) Manufacturers of professional uniforms for police officers
Patemm (Fall River, MA) pad with storage pockets
RoomMates Peel & Stick Decor (York, PA) "RoomMates are removable, repositionable, and reusable wall decor."  They have more than 500 designs, including licensed products from comics, movies, sports teams, and kids-themed items.
Soft-Gear.com (NC) Manufacturer of booster seat, place mat, changing mat, deluxe changing mat, and deluxe napping mat 
Tara Grinna Swimwear (Conway, SC) Manufacturers of bathing suits
Tough Traveler (Schenectady, NY) Manufacturer of "USA-made bags, USA-made luggage, USA-made backpacks, USA-made baby carrier backpacks, and other USA-made textile bags and pack products."


Happy Shopping!

Karina

 Disclaimer:  Some of the links are affiliate links.  Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Shop-A-Thon Thursday

Welcome back to Shop-A-Thon Thursday!  I am always so excited to bring you new manufacturers and retailers of products Made in the USA.  

The biggest find this week is an HDTV made in the USA!  Yes, you read that right - a tv made in the USA.  I added three new categories - Electronics, Gifts and the Shoes category was added to the Apparel list.  Yes, ladies, we have shoes and they....look.....good.  Enjoy your shopping!

FYI: All of these companies have been added to the Shop page.

aj Moss (Intervale, NH) Luxury bedding ensembles
Baby Safe Feeder (DeBary, FL) Cross a teether and a feeder and this is what you get.  It's a great product to avoid choking hazards for teething babies while introducing solid foods.
Bose (MA) Manufacturer of "high-performing audio products"
Cozy Pure (Norfolk, VA) Manufacturer and retailer of organic mattresses and bedding and mattress collection.  They also "utilize renewable energy using wind, solar and geothermal to operate our factory."
Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty (Philadelphia, PA) The company name, I believe, says it all.
Element Electronics (Detroit, MI) "Element Electronics will be the only TV company assembling TV’s in the United States."

Exotic Sands (Park City, UT) Manufacturer of "handcrafted sand art designs that combine time, gravity, matter and motion to form fascinating ever-changing works of art."

Kissaluvs (Houston, TX) Manufacturer of cloth diapers.  I own some of these and they are just fantastic.  Also available at ThanksMama.com.
My Blankee (Los Angeles, CA) High-end baby blankets.  I wish they made these for adults. 
NoFeathersPlease.com (Lemon Grove, CA) "Organic cotton, organic wool, feather free bedding and more"
NuAngel (Athen, AL) Manufacturer and retailer of nursing covers, bibs and other baby items

ShoesUSA.com (North Hollywood, CA) Manufacturer and retailer of high heels.  These are very good looking shoes.
Stella & Chewy's (Milwaukee, WI) Manufacturer of raw diet dog food.

Sales & Coupons

• aj Moss Save 20-50% + Free Shipping on Thomasville Bedding, [...], and Waverly Bedding now through September 1st!
• Dog.com is having a sale through September 4th.  You can save up to 20% off select bags of Blue Buffalo Dry Dog Food, which is made in the USA.

• You can also save 10% off dog shampoos and conditioners at Dog.com. Plus, get a 10% coupon off your next order now through September 4th!  Just do a search of "shampoos and conditioners made in the usa."
• Pre-Season Horsewear Sale. Save up to 50% on Statelinetack.com now through September 4th!  
• Celebrate the American Worker! Save 10% off $100 or 15% off $125 or more at Horse.com through September 4th only! Use code CJHWEEK at checkout.

Karina

 Disclaimer:  Some of the links are affiliate links.  Please see my Disclosure Policy.