Top Posts for 2014

Thanks for another great year for The American-Made Guide to Life. This marks my 301st post.

I made a somewhat unconscious decision to post less this year, yet my posts are still true to my goal of writing about the quality things I find and love that are made in America. Although, I know some would like me to post more, I've been having a busy (and successful) year with my paid work and that has been rewarding as well. I think finding that right balance of writing and just doing are always difficult for me. I would love to be able to write more about everything I have and find, but there's just not enough time to be able to do it the way that I would want.

Regardless, thanks for all the kind feedback and steadfast support. I have enjoyed all the personal (virtual and real) connections that this blog has helped me make, the journalistic outlet that blogging has given me, and the reaffirmation that supporting my local craftspeople and makers is making a difference in my community. I hope that the new year brings even more development into American manufacturing, that the support expands, and people continue to see the positive impact of having local production of goods and services. I wish for a 2015 with prosperity, peace, and good health.

On that note, the top five posts for 2014 are:

American-Made Christmas

 

Merry Christmas!

Spotted on the Christmas Tree

 

Made in the USA Gift Guides 2014

This year, I embarked on the great task of creating some gift guides that really indicated things that I would like to give or receive.  I made them as gender-neutral as possible. In each, as well, I tried to feature at least one locally-made, made-in-NYC, or made-in-New-York-State product. I hope you enjoyed these lists of gift ideas that I created.

Just in case you need a little extra help getting that last-minute holiday shopping done, I've got a gigantic roundup of some other American-Made gift guides. In my list of other gift guides, I've tried to focus on locally-made as well. Happy Holidays!

American-Made Hanukkah

Happy Hanukkah.

American-Made Gifts for Holiday Traditions

Here are five American-made gifts for some memorable holiday traditions:

American-Made Gifts for At-Home Cooks

Here are five American-made gifts for the at-home cook in your life:

American-Made Gifts for Your Nerdy Friends

Here are five American-made gifts to give to the nerdy friends in your life:

Memorial Bears for the Military

On this Memorial Day, a reminder about those in the military who don't make it home to loved ones.

Honor Thy President

In honor of President's Day, here are some fun American-made presidential things.

Putting Away Christmas

We put away the Christmas things ages ago, but I just forgot to blog about it. This great plastic storage bin is where some of our Christmas decorations live in their off-season under our bed.

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:

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:

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Be jealous. This is what I will be having for dessert for Thanksgiving.

Things I Spotted at REI Made in the USA, Part II

Grabber hand warmers

Here are ten more things I spotted at REI that are American-made.