Made in the USA 2012

Gardner Salsa Made in Midtown Sacramento

Local boy makes good salsa by Barbara L. Steinberg

Hey Midtown locavores! This is the real deal, Gardner Gourmet Roasted Salsa. Made by Midtown resident, Sash Gardner. Made in Midtown at Lulu's Kitchen at 16th and G streets. Sold in Midtown at Pacific Market at 25th and P streets and also at PS Market at 28th and T streets.

I met Sash Gardner at Feeding Crane Farm's open house at the newly established commercial  Lulu's Kitchen -- previously Steel Magnolia. And was amazed to hear the story of this young state worker gone roasted salsa maker! Three levels of heat: mild, medium and hot.  I was able to sample mild and medium. A little kick even for me who loves spice! So for the weak of taste bud, you might want to venture out with the mild.

So Midtown and all of Sacramento, get out there and support a really small business. A really Made in California USA business! Other locations include Corti Bros, Compton's and Taylor's!

Made in the USA Favorites in 2012

Shopping Made in the USA is easier than you think! by Barbara L. Steinberg

Well, it was easier than I think! Or thought. As it turns out, I was already buying local, shopping local, eating local more than I realized. And then it just becomes first nature...not second. There were a handful of items that could not be found: computer battery and brassieres are the two items that come to mind. Oh, yes, a replacement for my electric toothbrush that died early into the challenge.

Overall, it was a stress free process. I had a lot of fun and  found some really great items. New cookie sheets and re-usable plastic storage containers at the Grocery Outlet. Buying second-hand giving new life to discarded goods -- and still finding many items USA made.

Shoes! This is nearly impossible. They either cost hundreds of dollars or you have to buy them online -- or both.  I have returned most online shoe purchases because they didn't fit.  I have friend up north who crafts custom-made work and cowboy boots, but what I need are everyday comfort shoes and stylish dress shoes. Anyway...

The year is winding down. Damn nearly over. It's been a pleasure shopping U.S.A. I have met so many interesting people and discovered lots of amazing companies.  So here's the short list of some favorite Made in California/USA for 2012:

• Andalou Naturals - A purely accidental find at Grocery Outlet. Shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. Absolutely yummy. It just shows that these products are everywhere. You just have to read labels and ask a few simple questions.
• NutriBiotic - Made in Lakeport, CA, I discovered this great non-soap skin cleanser. They make a number of  body care, supplement, and protein products.  I am allergic to many additives and also recently developed an allergy to coconut, which is in many products. I am grateful to have discovered both items.
• Slogger Shoes - My garden boots of ten years or more finally cracked. I needed a new pair and fast since California's winter rains arrived with a vengeance.  Who knew I could find something so fun and waterproof Made in California USA? Amazing I got them on sale AND free shipping.
• The "Traveler®" Shower Curtain/Liner - The liners I have bought for years are made in China and cost less than have the price. BUT...this brand is higher quality and I am certain will last many years longer. The liner is now being carried by U.S. Mart in Venice, Florida.

The other thing I discovered was amazing Made in the USA customer service when contacting the companies. Almost without fail, the staff or owners were friendly and open to answering all my questions. Especially for items ordered online.

Of course, almost all of my food was local or as close to local as possible.  Almost nothing that didn't say USA! It really changes your shopping habits. So many snack crackers were from other countries. Cereals. Sweets. Whatever. No disrespect to our international trade. I continue to support local farms here in the Sacramento region including the Capay and Suisun valleys. Bread, meat, cheeses, olive oil, and wines -- all local. Although I can't control some of this when eating out, I always ask -- California, USA, or other?

Earlier this year I was excited to discover Made in Montana while vacationing in the Big Sky state.  The only gifts I bought were Montana made including an incredible Cream of the West cereal.

I still get so excited when I discover something so simple as Uranus Soy Shorts one of my first purchases in early 2012.  Still wearing and loving my Made in the USA shorts of soy and jumping for joy into 2013 -- just around the corner -- and with it more adventures shopping Made in the USA.

Jump for Joy, Shorts Made of Soy

Are American Made by Barbara L Steinberg
 

I was so excited when my Uranus Apparel Soy Shorts arrived several weeks ago.  Better than a birthday. Well, almost.  I just love all of these little packages delivered to my mailbox. 

The shorts come in a wonderful burlap bag and are sweetly wrapped in light brown tissue paper. While my child-self wanted to rip things open, the grown-up me gently pulled the label from the tissue and gleefully unrolled the darling soy shorts. Insert a little "tee hee" here.  And I really was jumping for joy. The next morning after I shimmied into my Soy Shorts, I walked a little more girlie. I swear!

On a recent visit to San Francisco, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lauren Golik, who along with her cousin Natalie, is a driving force behind shorts of soy. Entrepreneurial girl cousins inventing environmentally friendly underwear! I'm lovin' it!  As I said to Lauren, "When I started this journey, who knew I'd be talking underwear!"

The idea was born in Florida to college co-eds. One thing led to another and the rest is soy shorts history. Use of a waste product -- soy food products, like tofu and soybean oil -- makes these shorts eco-friendly. What's interesting is that with all of the USA soy products, the soy fabric isn't manufactured anywhere in the USA. But! All other aspects of Uranus Apparel soy shorts are Made in the USA. AND! Manufactured right here in California. Score!!!

So back to the arrival of my Venus Soy Shorts. They are fabulous. And, oh so soft. While I'm bold in many ways, not so bold as to flash my bootie in shorts of soy.  Suffice to say, I love wearing them and they are my "shorts" of choice. They have since added Earthy Soy Shorts after customers asked for new colors. And not to leave our male counterparts at the curb, a new line of boy soy shorts is in the works.

With bottom covered, my next hurdle is discovering a Made in the USA bra. This, I can assure you, will be a great challenge. If you have any tips...send them my way.

Are you a chocolate fanatic?

If so, Lake Champlain Chocolates will be your new addiction! 
by Barbara L. Steinberg

I must continue to thank the gods above for the San Francisco Fancy Food Show -- Mecca for anyone like me. Even after the fact, vendors continue to entice me with heavenly samples. Who am I to turn down a gift? Certainly don’t want to offend the culinary universe. 

I love simple desserts and treats: Lovely fruit crisps or a luscious bread pudding. My friend Terry’s snickerdoodle cookies or a perfect piece of blueberry pie.  None of that lava cake or chocolate ganache or truffle-ly stuff for me. I have to admit that chocolate holds no great fascination for me. Unless….pause here…it’s just really something so special that even I can’t resist.  But never say, “Never!”  Certainly not when it comes to Made in the USA, all-natural, perfect in every way sea salt caramel from Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington, Vermont.

When their sales rep called and asked if they could send me a press kit and the above mentioned samples, I politely said, “Yes!” She didn’t indicate what would be sent and, frankly, I didn’t really care.  But then the box arrived.  Sort of a mix between birthday and Valentine's Day!

It was larger than I expected. Not huge mind you, but looked like it could be hiding more than just a morsel of chocolate. There was a lot of extra padding inside to protect this precious cargo – a lot – and I smiled when I finally unearthed the two smaller boxes inside.  They were wrapped so perfectly it seemed a shame to open them. 

Again, chocolates are not my heroin (that would be good bread). I noticed the one box contained truffles – no urgency there. Then I inspected the other box and whispered to myself, “sea salt caramels!” OMG! If you’ve never tasted SSC they are sort of a newer trendy sweet. I was introduced to them about five years ago by a local chocolatier. Since then, everyone seems to be on the bandwagon.  When they’re done right….well, then it’s right!

After a moment, I gently opened the box and there like sleeping babies were eight innocent little gems. Sea salted caramels. It was late and I thought this would be the perfect end to my day. Just one. A small bite. Then my mind began to whirl.

What is this confection? A choir of angels were singing! I had to have another. And then another. It was art wrapped in a thin layer of Belgian dark chocolate with a light sprinkling of salt. There simply aren’t words to explain. I had to reel myself in at three pieces. 

I needed to share this good news. But who was worthy of such joy? When I realized there were two layers of these caramel lovelies my heart skipped a beat. The gods must be crazy and I am so glad! Carefully choosing among friends and colleagues I distributed the sea salted caramels. The response was always the same – remarkable! 

I was generous with this gift but believe me I consumed my fair share. Someone asked, “What’s in these!” On the bottom of the box ingredient #1 = heavy cream. This says everything. Lake Champlain is big on local Vermont creams, butter, honey, and maple sugars. You know these candies are made with love.

The box of truffles sits waiting on my kitchen table. I’m afraid. Very afraid.  But the good news, you don’t have to travel to Vermont to buy Lake Champlain – although a trip to Vermont would be the crème de la crème if it included one of their factory tours and samples.  They may make a convert of me yet! Oh, yes, they make organic chocolates too -- practically health food then.

Sawyer & Muir on the Path for Made in the USA

Except they Call in Made in America

I didn't know that Diane Sawyer had gone on the Made in America bandwagon last year. I just don't watch that much television anymore. Not enough hours in the day if I spend too many mindless hours in front of that glowing screen -- not Made in the USA. But I guess I have missed some good stuff. 

So Diane and I shared a vision. Can't say I stole the idea from her since I didn't know. Someone just sent me an episode that I really love about an entire house built of American Made products. Sorry to have missed the story when it airred.  But here it is. And I believe that my 366 days of Made in the USA may not be as hard as I feared.  The program says that an additional 5% purchase of American Made products creates more than 200,000 jobs. I'm shooting for 100% but if get to 80% how many jobs did I create?

If you see any more of these episodes, please let me know.

 

First hurdle for Made in the USA 2012

Electronic Dental Hygiene is not American-Made by Barbara L. Steinberg

Well, it finally happened. Day 21 of the New Year found me facing my first challenge to shop 366 days (this is a Leap Year) of Made in the USA. 

My Sonicare toothbrush died! R.I.P. old friend. It was a long time coming since I can't even remember how many years I had that appliance. But enough of that.  While I am able to justify not buying new shoes or maybe that bitchin' new shirt, the whole dental hygiene thing really has to be addressed. I can say I have seen first-hand how my Sonicare improved my dental check-ups over the years. And now enough of that!

How many brands of electric toothbrushes are there in the world? Probably not too many, but I can tell you this none of them are Made in the USA. While I admire the longevity of my Sonicare toothbrush, but my brand loyality in this arena comes down to this: The price! That's it. If the toothbrush was Made in the USA that would be my first consideration, followed by: The price! I'm guessing if there was an electric toothbrush currently manufactured in the USA, it would cost mucho dinero.

So there I am at Costco on the electric rechargeable toothbrush aisle. OMG! You can't buy just one toothbrush. Oh, no! They come in two-packs, three-packs, with one spare head, three spare heads, and tons of packaging. (That's my other big gripe. How much packaging do you need? And where is that made?) At Costco I think you have two brand options: Oral-B and Philips Sonicare. So back to my criteria: (1) Made in the USA -- that would neither of these. And (2) The price!  I did not want or need three toothbrushes. And I didn't want to spend more than $100! Seriously! So that eliminated Philips right off the bat. But I was still concerneed  about where the products were made.

You'd almost for certain assume Made in China. While I don't want to be responsible for the decline of jobs and economy in China -- after all I do have a heart and there are people involved -- but I have been resisting the Made in China purchases for a long time. This would be my third consideration following the price. If it's not Made in the USA and I don't want Made in China, how many other choices are there? Time will tell.

Costco had an Oral-B two-pack electric toothbrush with three toothbrush heads. Naturally this toothbrush was not Made in the USA. And surprisingly, it also wasn't Made in China. The toothbrush itself was made in Germany and the storage case in the Czech Republic. Have hope, it's distributed Proctor Gamble out of Cinncinati, Ohio.  Asking price was $99 but there was an automatic manufacturer's rebate of $20! Score and out the door!

Okay, that wasn't too painful. Less than a month into this 366 days of Made in the USA I made it over the hurdle. None the worse for wear, but a bit of a sting. More to come, I'm sure.

Sherwin-Williams Color My World Red, White & Blue

Thousands of Possibilities at Made in the USA Paint Company
by Barbara L. Steinberg

Or perhaps I should be calling this my catch-up from missing the last few days of not being able to post because there are so many new things coming my way and they are all Made in the USA and follow-ups to things I previously mentioned that there just aren't enough hours in the day to get it all d one. Whew!

Okay, first:  Remember the Made in Chico, Square Deal Mattress Factory. Well, I thought I should give you a little visual. I just love this tag on my bed. A constant reminder of it's USA roots.

I just returned from the San Francisco Fancy Food Show where I ran into a couple of small world stories. The best was seeing Maisie Jane of Maisie Jane's fame who was the whole reason I discovered Made in Chico and Square Deal  in the first place. That's another whole long story.  Maisie Jane was an exhibitor at the Savor California booth at the show. I met Maisie Jane when she was still a teenager and had a small retail outlet in Chico. That was the beginning of my quest for all things California.

Had coffee with, Lauren, co-founder of Uranus Apparel, and I now know more than I ever thought possible about "soy shorts"! Fascinating stuff. Just a little teaser:  So the by-product of press the oil from the soy -- some kind of cake of soy gunk. It's made into fiber and then fabric. The really cool thing now is that much of their production is now being handled in northern California. More small world, yes? Lauren brought me a sample. No kiddning, this soy fabric is incredibly soft. Hope to give you all the details...yes, when I find time to breathe.

Back to Sherwin-Williams and the whole reason for this, "Now for the rest of the story..."  Okay, so I did the article on Phillip's Bakery, right? And I asked, "Who was Sherwin Williams anyway? And is it Made in the USA?" Well, answer's in reverse:  Hell yes, Made in the USA since 1866 - can't get much more USA than that! And, made by a couple of USA guys - Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams! It just doesn't get any better. But it does. They have this Center of Excellence in Cleveland, Ohio which is a HUGE interpretive display about the history of Sherwin- Williams! If I ever get to Cleveland, I am there for one of their FREE tours. Small world here: I have some work that needs to be completed on my front porch; including paint. When the new Sherwin-Williams paint store opens at the old Phillip's Bakery location I will beat feet to their front door.

Signing off from Made in the USA 2012. More small world stories to come and lots of incredible products from the San Francisco Fancy Food Show.

Phillip's Bakery was Made in the USA

The Phillip's Bakery Sign is Gone by Barbara L. Steinberg

Sometimes Made in the USA is about old-fashioned, long-time businesses. This family-owned bakery graced this Folsom Boulevard corner for decades until it closed a few years ago. Family fued. So sad.

It's a cool old brick building. I mentioned it to more than one bakery owner -- hoping they would re-open the neighborhood store. Bring another Made in the USA bakery to East Sacramento. But there the building sat. Empty. Day after day. For years.

But then we heard a new business was going in. Not at all what we hoped...Sherwin Williams...you know, paint! Though I'm glad to see any new business in this economy, I still felt more than just hunger pains as I watched the building be revamped. For years I have feared and worried about the loss of the fantastic neon sign at the front door. Tonight my worst fears were fulfilled. I drove by and saw....the sign is gone.

Where? I don't know. I'm sure someone probably does. But to put this in simplistic terms....truly a sign of the times.

I wish the new business owners well. Is Sherwin Williams Made in the USA? And who was Sherwin Williams anyway?

Ahhh, Spa Shoes Made in the USA

OKA b. Shoes that Love You by Barbara L. Steinberg

And yet another product I already owned and bought last year because....drum roll...they were Made in the USA. I needed some new slip-ons. Not for spa use necessarily, but to have for that quick footwear and out the door. I did go with the basic black, but these come in some really great styles and colors.

OKA b. really are comfortable and affordable, too! The website states, A shoe that's 100% recyclable, waterproof, made in the USA and priced under $40." And they give you guidance on recycling their sandals and all the other great eco-friendly stuff they do.

Made in the southern quadrant of the USA in Buford, Georgia. Where? Okay, near Atlanta. These sandals are fun, fanciful, frilly, fierce, and Made in the USA! You know, they're kind of like flip flops on steriods.  Hey, I wonder if I could find a real pair of flops Made in the USA. Do you know?

Good Health is Made in the USA

Herbal Remedies are on the American Made List by Barbara L. Steinberg

When I began this rambling, I knew there would be challenges. There was no way to know which life necessities might or might not be Made in the USA. And how do you define a necessity? Would there be substitutes? In an emergency, naturally, the rules of the game could be bent. So far, no bumps in the American road.

I use a lot of alternative health therapies including acupuncture. My practioner is brilliant and has teneded to everything from chronic back pain to simple head colds. Most recently, it was a double-billing that included both!

Besides the usual needles, she uses many traditional Chinese formula herbal remedies. I didn't think (nor should I) when this past week she "prescribed" a couple of herbal supplements to treat the back pain and cold to consider where they were derived. Then today I suddenly asked myself, "I wonder where these supplements are made?"

Well slap me on the back and jump for joy. Clearly stamped on both bottles, "Made in the USA!"  Evergreen Herbs and Health Concerns are products I have used more than once. Nearly a miracle cure in my mind. Either that or I have been incredibly lucky. Don't really care either way. They work. And better still, they're Made in the USA.