Spring Cleaning

Over the past week or so, we've been doing some spring cleaning. Cleaning and putting winter clothes away, washing windows, replacing the warmer comforter on our bed with a lighter one, and giving some kitchen items a deep clean.

Going Commando

These cotton bikinis are my new favorite underwear.

Camo Gear

Camouflage has made its way back and is right on trend for spring. To keep it current and fresh, stick to one item of camo and pick a print with a modern twist. Here are a dozen ways that you can incorporate some of this print into your American-made life.

American-Made Thursday Links

Here are seven links that you should check out if you haven't already:

For Beards

Do you have a beard? Perhaps you would enjoy using this all-natural beard oil. A friend of mine recently gave this his seal of approval. Available in 0.5 or 1 oz bottles.

(Photo by Jim White.)

Spotted on the Street

Con Edison manhole cover, Hell's Kitchen, NYC

P.S. See more in the Spotted... photo series. 

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice (Part 2)

New sugar and flour glass canisters!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice (Part 1)

Recently, we went to the Container Store to pick up some new items for our kitchen. We found quite a few things that were perfect for the renovated space, including some American-made products. These glass containers are a nice addition to our new space.

The Portland Collection, Fall 2013

The entire lookbook for Pendleton's The Portland Collection for Fall 2013 is now available. Oh man. They really have outdone themselves this time.

See more of my favorites from this collection here.

(Photo courtesy of The Portland Collection.)

American-Made Tuesday Links

Here are five links that you should check out if you haven't already:

The Colander

Today would have been my grandmother's birthday. She was an incredible woman: the valedictorian of her high school class, a music lover, probably never said an unkind word about anyone, and she spoiled me rotten with patience and love. One of the few things that I inherited from her was this aluminum colander. The star design is something I remember vividly from her kitchen, along with a knife that was pitted and tarnished with age.

Sunday Morning Reading

This is what I'm reading with my morning cup (I mean, cups) of coffee. Time does a really good job in the cover article of their April 22, 2013 issue of hitting some key points, using some powerful infographics, and giving a variety of in-depth looks at how American manufacturing is seeing a comeback (and, hopefully, why it might be here to stay). I'd summarize for you, but really it's worth picking up a copy of your own.

Teaser from Time (April 22, 2013): "Made in the USA"

Related article from Time (April 11, 2013): "How 'Made in the USA' is Making a Comeback"

Doxie Treats

Pita and Clyde with their dog treats

One of my favorite things about writing this blog is that friends and others share with me the things they find, have, and love that are American-made. They text, message me on Facebook, email me links, and mention it in person. Last night, for example, I got a text from my friend, Jennie, with a photo of some dog treats and the simple message "Made in the USA!" She was so kind as to take some more pics and include her two dachshunds, Pita and Clyde.

Brand Spotlight: American Apparel

American Apparel Unisex Tri-Blend Short Sleeve Deep V-Neck in tri-black

American Apparel certainly are setting the standard for fast fashion:

Holding All the Cards

Besides your run-of-the-mill playing cards, there are lots of different card games available nowadays. I found these four card games at my local drug store, some of which are adaptations of popular games that many would recognize. Card games like these are great because they are portable, easy to play, and fun for all ages.

The Farmers' Market

Spring flowers at the farmers' market

Yesterday was the opening day of the season for my neighborhood's greenmarket. I feel blessed to live in a community with one (within walking distance!) and having this market makes me love my neighborhood even more. It's wonderful to have access to meats and produce directly from local farmers. Fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, bread, local honey, flowers, herbs, wine, and even yarn. It's not as big as some of the other Greenmarkets in NYC, but this one suits me just fine. Some of the things that I can get at my local farmers' market are just so much better than anything I can find elsewhere. Anywhere. Every weekend, I look forward to grabbing a couple of shopping totes and heading over to see what's available.

Spring Wish List

American Apparel Unisex Stretch Twill Slim Slack Lite in camel

Here are the top 12 things on my spring wish list for clothing and shoes:

Foiled Again!

March was a month of comfort food for me, cooking up all my favorites that I had missed while being without a kitchen. Maybe it's because I was feeling a bit under the weather or maybe it was because I had more than a few days of the crankypants. Either way, I have been cooking up some goood food in the past few weeks. One of my favorites: roasted chicken breasts with baby potatoes and veggies (usually carrots and sometimes some other stuff).

American-Made Wednesday Links

Some good reads and videos, lately, related to American manufacturing and all things made in the USA. Here are five links that you should check out if you haven't already:

True Love & Dark Chocolate

True love is a man who goes out of his way to get me a dark chocolate bar after a long day at work because I mentioned I had a chocolate craving earlier in the day. #Ilandedmeafinefella