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:

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:

Top Posts for October

This is my 200th post. It's been a great journey, this whole blogging thing. I mean, really, I have been lucky to receive such positive feedback from my readers and peers in the Made in America Movement. It's this support that drives me with this blog and for that I am grateful. I have been pretty busy lately and so I am not able to write and post as much as I want. I'd like to think, however, that by focusing on quality, rather than quantity of posts, I've been keeping to my overall goal. Plus, the Red Sox won the World Series. Yup, October was a great month. Thanks, all.

The top five posts for October 2013 are:

Top Posts for September

A thanks to all your emails, tweets, comments, and messages in support of my work on the blog the past month. It's great getting your feedback.

The top five posts for September 2013 are:

Top Posts for August

Hope everyone is having a happy and restful Labor Day. Please don't forget to celebrate American workers by checking out some of the many wonderful things that are made right here in the U.S.A. (I picked up a few things this weekend. On sale.)

As for August, it was my best month yet. It's been great getting to interact more with my readers on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thank you all for the complimentary comments, feedback, tweets, and emails. A special thanks to those who have been helping to support this blog, especially to my guest bloggers: Eric Gold, Josh Miller, and my husband. You guys rock.

The top five posts for August 2013 are:

Top Posts for July

What a great month for me personally! I traveled to Spain and Morocco. I survived the great heat wave of 2013. I spent some great weekends with friends and family. I got a few things done around the apartment that have been on the to-do list for years (no exaggeration).

There was lots of activity on social media this month as well. If you're not following me on Facebook and Twitter, you're really losing out on some great conversations and content that don't make it to my blog. I'm continuing to make great connections via blogging and these sites that I would not have made otherwise. It's been so much fun. Thanks.

The top five posts for July 2013 are:

Top Posts for June

I have been so busy this past month and, thankfully, I am now getting some time to relax. I have a couple of weeks to finally spend with my husband, absorb some sunshine, and maybe even do a little reading. Ahhh. The weather has turned hot, the farmers' market is in full swing (with berries and other yummy goodies), and I have some travel plans in the works.

The American-Made Guide to Life had a good month in June, even if I wasn't able to blog as much as I would have liked due to other priorities. Some of my work was published in the summer issue of Our USA Magazine, I reached and surpassed 150 followers on Facebook, and am continuing to grow on Twitter as well. Thank you for your continued support.

What you can look forward to this summer: new content (of course), a fun giveaway, and some guest bloggers. My husband has even decided to write some posts for you.

The top five posts for June 2013 are:

Top Posts for May

May has been a busy time for me at work (you know, my paying job) so I apologize if my posts have been a bit sparse. Nonetheless, it was a great month. Furthermore, there are great things happening on the horizon. My husband and I are making plans to travel to some fun places this summer as well as visit with family and friends (much needed, I miss you guys). There is also a strong possibility that some of my content will be published elsewhere. Details forthcoming. Now that the temps are rising, I am breaking out all my summer dresses and shorts and sandals and sunglasses. Ta-ta to the heavy sweaters, for now.

I have been finally lured in by that siren, Twitter. Please join me in the fun conversations going on over there: @TAMGTL

The top five posts for May 2013 are:

My 100th Post: Top Posts for April

I can't believe it but this is my 100th post! Um, how did that happen? When I set out to start this blog, I thought that only a few of my friends would read it (maybe). I knew I was no competition for the big-time bloggers (not even close). I was prepared to get ignored by companies and others whom I emailed for photo requests (yep, I still do most of the time). I started blogging to help myself on my little quest to search and find great products that are made right here in the USA, but I didn't realize all the wonderful things I would follow.

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: