Things To Do Before the End of the Year

Call this a to-do list for the year's end. Things to do before New Year's Day:

My Christmas, as Told by Instagram

I finally did it, I finally was convinced to get myself on Instagram. Here's how my Christmas vacation was spent, as told by my Instagram.

Christmas Gifts

Wanna know what American-made gifts I bought for my family and friends? Here's the skinny.

P.S. Friends and family, no peeking.

Made in the USA Gift Tags

Want to let your loved ones know that their holiday gift was made in the USA? Use a gift tag to let them know.

Oh Christmas Tree!

We have ornaments from all over the world on our Christmas tree (some purchased on various trips, or received as gifts), but some are American-made. Of course.

Christmas Wish List

Dear Santa,

I've been such a good girl this year. I don't really feel like I need much. 2013 has been great so far: good food, good work, good health, good family, good friends, and no natural disasters. What more could I need, right? But, yes, there are a few things I want. Here are the things on my wish list for Christmas:

Made in the USA Gift Guides 2013

If I had had more time this year, I would have liked to have done some of my own gift guides. Alas, time (and my job) caught up with me. Instead, I decided to do a post of other people's ideas for gift-giving that are as good as or better than what I could have done myself. Presents for the booze lover? Your coworker? The home owner? The dog owner? Your best friend for life? The new mommy? Or the handsome guy in your life? Your favorite country mouse? These gift guides for this holiday season have got you covered:

The Cold Season

As the season inches toward winter, the more you have people around you sniffling, sneezing, and coughing it seems. Feeling under the weather? Got a cold? Arm yourself with some comforting remedies and things to help keep you human while you're sick.

American-Made Sunday Links

This past week was a busy one for news about the Made in America Movement.

Here are a dozen articles and videos you need to see if you haven't done so already:

American-Made Saturday Links

Here are ten articles and videos you need to see if you haven't done so already:

Giving Thanks and Top Posts for November

Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Hannukah. Happy Biggest Shopping Weekend of the Year. Happy Maker Monday. Lots of deals to be had this weekend. If you haven't done so already, have a peek at Sarah's (Made in USA Challenge) list of Made in USA deals this Cyber Monday. There are lots of great gifts lists as well from some of my fellow bloggers (you can find links to their sites over there on the right). If you're wondering where to find some American-made products for the holidays, have a peek at my list of links on my Website Searches for American-Made Products page. I think they come in handy when searching some of the Internet sites.

I'm coming up on my first blogiversary. There is so much for which to be thankful: lots of great ideas this past year, lots of writing, lots of support from readers like you. Thanks for giving me great feedback. I'm really glad that I decided to start this blog and love where it has taken me. Every month, I'm making new discoveries and finding all these great American-made things. I've enjoyed  reading about (and even meeting) some great American makers. I've been blessed to have the support, as well, with all these wonderful people and organizations devoted to the Made-in-the-USA community. Thank you.

The top five posts for November 2013 are: