Top Posts for March

This month has been a great one for this blog. My Facebook page has been a great way to reach new readers and to interact with others. I've been learning more and more: about items made in the USA, about blogging, and about the community of which I've quietly become a member. I've been getting so much positive feedback, from friends and from strangers. Thank you to all who've been supportive and encouraging me.

The top five posts for March 2013 are:

Spring Ready

I am ready for warmer weather. My feet are almost ready.

Sage

Indecision is one of my downfalls. When I can't decide what to wear on the nails, sometimes a taupe-y neutral is my compromise. It's not really apparent from the above photo, but this one definitely slants on the purple side. It's SpaRitual in Sage. This is the first time I've tried this brand and so far I am impressed. Their polishes are 4-free and vegan.

Now on to the next decision-making conundrum, what to do for dinner...?

IKEA, Made in the USA?

Is anything at IKEA made in the USA?

Whip It Good!

Some new whisks for the kitchen. These 8" and 10" standard French whips are from the Best Manufacturing Co. They have a slim shape, nice weight, and are dishwasher safe. I can't wait to whip up something delicious with these!

“Made in the USA: The 30 Day Journey”

Check out the trailer for the recent full-length documentary “Made in the USA: The 30 Day Journey.” The film follows Josh Miller on his 30-day road trip across the U.S. talking to people about what "Made in the USA" means to them, all while living solely off American-made items. Pre-orders are available for the DVD which ship next month. Find out more on the website.

Boiling an Egg and Other Things I Can Do Now

My kitchen renovation is almost complete. While there are still a few minor details left to be finished (some missing hardware, window replacement, fully unpacking,... ), finally having a functional kitchen again has been wonderful.

Brand Spotlight: Osmium

Today I am linking up with USA Love List to talk about a new brand of American-made men's clothing: Osmium. A quick peek at their online lookbook tells you they have a few basic items any man would want in his closet: chino pants, button-down shirts, a knit sweater, and a few other key items. But take a closer look because this a clothing line that understands that it's allll in the details.

Cheese and Crackers

Do you ever have those days where you get home and you're so hungry you can't even wait to cook? Yep, I know those well. My game plan in those situations is to stuff my face with something quickly right out of the fridge and then think about what to do next. I usually reach for some cheese and crackers.

Fast Fashion's Challenge: Making Money With 'Made In The USA' -- NPR

NPR compares American Apparel to Forever 21, two leaders in the 'fast fashion' market.

From NPR: "Fast Fashion's Challenge: Making Money With 'Made In The USA'"

Firelit, Festivities, and Facebook

San Francisco at sunset, as viewed from Alameda

My husband and I have, as least lately, been giving each other lots of food and beverage boozy gifts. I'm not sure what that says about us, but I've been liking it. It's a consumable gift. It's something we both enjoy. It's usually something we wouldn't have bought for ourselves.

Springy Watermelon

My friend, Heidi, sent me this photo via text the other day. Caption: "Springy Watermelon #gettingaheadofmyself." Like some of us warm-weather lovers, she's getting antsy for spring. Want to fast forward the seasons a little early? Get something that screams "Spring!" onto your fingertips. Heidi's beckoning the vernal season with Essie Watermelon, a pinky red polish. Until then, count down the days until March 20th. Good call, Heidi.

Blocking Out the Noise

What?! I can't hear you! Did you know that a NYC subway is about 95 decibels? A rock concert can be even louder, reaching up to 115 dB. Need some ear plugs for all that loud noise?

Stuff I Love: Made in NYC

 

I am honored to be a guest blogger at USA Love List this week. I contributed a post as part of their "Stuff We Love, State by State" series.

Birthday Beers

Moustache pint glass = bar photo fun

Today is my friend Lena's birthday. Yesterday, I spent a gorgeous sunny day in the Bronx celebrating with her and her posse. In addition to some great food at the Bronx Ale House, we took a long walk at Orchard Beach park, made a quick stop to the grounds of the Bartow-Pell Mansion, and headed over to City Island.

Made in the USA: More Consumers Buying American -- CNBC

According to CNBC, more consumers are paying attention to American-made products. Good things, good things.

From CNBC: "Made in the USA: More Consumers Buying American"

Lip Balm

Some of my stash of lip balms

I am a lip balm girl. I must have one with me at all times. I have them stashed in my purse, jacket pockets, work bag, nightstand drawer, and in various places around my apartment. Even if I wear nothing else on my face, lip balm is a must for me before I leave the apartment.

Here are some favorites:

Cashmere Sock Dreams

I know I have featured them before on this blog, but I am so in love with these socks I felt the need to give them their own post. I've purchased them quite a few times as gifts and for myself. They are super warm, soft, and go over the knee on me or cuffed to just below the knee. I wear them with boots, under pants, over leggings, over skinny jeans, and with just about everything. I recently purchased a pair of these for my girlfriend who was recovering from an organ transplant (yay!!!) and was reminded how much I love, love, love them.

Sherwood Bedroom

Room & Board Sherwood Six-Drawer Chest in Walnut

I have been asked several times in the past couple of months about my bedroom furniture. It's been lurking in a few of my photos and I've been meaning to talk about it for a while now. (Remember that chest of drawers when showcasing my new red dress, for instance? Or the dresser from my post about my favorite foundation?)