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, that is the end of tomorrow:

Made-in-USA in a Box: Founded 1776

Today's post is another from my friend, Xochil. She's got a killer fashion sense and is deeply committed to American clothing manufacturing, especially in her hometown of Chicago. She has some great insight as an insider in the fashion industry and will likely be contributing every now and then. 

Here's her review of the Made-in-USA subscription boxes from Founded 1776 where everything, right down to the packaging, is American-made. 

I love getting packages in the mail, and subscription boxes feed that love of surprises and trying out new products and companies. I’ve tried the Birchbox, Ipsy and Fab Fit Fun. Recently I found out about a Made-in-the-USA box called Founded 1776. It happened to be just a couple of days before the release of their 2nd curated box, “The Paul Bunyan,” so I placed my order, and my box arrived within days. Here's what was inside:

Kansas City and Hammerpress

I always like to have a souvenir from my travels that is not so blatantly a souvenir, but will always make me think of my trip when I see it or use it. I am a sucker for letterpress. So when I walked past Hammerpress studio in Kansas City, I knew I had to have some of their great prints.

This is part III of my account of my trip to Kansas City during Craft Beer Week.

The Busy Bee

Spring is here! The honey bees are getting busy. I've been a busy bee myself, hence why I haven't had the chance to post as often as I'd like. Quite fittingly, I've been obsessed with products made from honey. I've been getting raw, local honey from my farmers' market but I also keep seeing lots of things made from honey or bee-related. Here are ten eleven American-made things related to bees that I love:

How to Cook Everything

This is a post where I spout things about how Mark Bittman is a demi-God. His bible cookbook, How to Cook Everything (or HCTE, for those of us in the know), is the one that I could not live without.

Honor Thy President

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

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:

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.

Advent

Are you ready for December? One of my favorite traditions is having an Advent calendar. Growing up, I have had some really great ones. Some were flat paper with windows, some very artistic and creative, some just silly and fun, some were three dimensional (and involved setting it up on a table), some involved little treats that could be eaten or toys that needed assembling each day.

Spotted at the Restaurant

The breakfast I bought the other day came in this Duro paper bag, made by Maria Figueroa on July 7, 2011. Thanks, Maria!

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

Spotted at the Office

Copy machine paper from American Eagle Paper Mills

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

For Your Un-Valentine

I am not that into Valentine's Day as a holiday, so let's just call this an Un-Valentine's Day post. I mean, really, we should dote on our sweeties year-round. And not just on Feb. 14th, right?

Want a nice way to say, "Hey, I think you're swell?" Here are my suggestions for some thoughtful things for your sweetheart:

Graph Theory

To me, there is nothing sexier than a drawing made with scaled precision. I am in love with graph paper. I know, I know... it's super low-tech. It, however, it just the right thing for the job sometimes. I use it almost exclusively at work and often reach for it when I am at home as well. What do I use it for? To-do lists, maps, scaled drawings of my kitchen for renovation ideas, and, yes, even graphs.

This graph paper from Staples has 4 squares per inch, is printed on both sides, and comes in packs of 6. Perfect for everyday use.

The Stendig

2013 Stendig calendar

This statement-making calendar has been gracing the walls of my living room for a few years now. At 3'x4' with bold graphics, the Stendig calendar is not for the timid. Months alternate between black background with white text and white background with black text. The modern, simple design of Massimo Vignelli make it a timeless piece for any office or home. Published by the Cromwell Company in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bonus: Use the sheets from past months as gift wrap. You'll never have to buy wrapping paper again.

Wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree, 2009

Get your 2013 calendar before they sell out. Available here and here.