Made in America

Hmmm.....where do I start? Well, it seems that lately I get a lot of emails about how nothing is made in America anymore (yes, tell me something I don't already know!). How this is bad for our country....how we're giving power to other countries....how things aren't good quality anymore....etc, etc, etc. You know it already!

You see, I guess I wouldn't mind these emails so much if the folks sending them were actually suggesting what to do about this. I don't like a lot of grumbling with no action or improvements or suggestions, etc. (Just ask my husband about this!) The people sending these emails are the ones that shop at places like Wal-Mart. Um, hello. So, to me, it seems a little hypocritical to complain. Yes, I shop at Target which isn't much better but I also don't send mass emails complaining about how nothing is Made in America anymore. I understand fully my contribution to the problem. Read a book like The Wal-Mart Effect or A Year Without Made in China and it will open your eyes. At the same time, my brain is always churning.....how do you make it better? I'd love to buy more items that are actually made in America. But what is Made in America anymore? Hence, this post.

My new mission is to find and suggest products (only good ones) that are Made in America. I'd love to hear your suggestions too! Today I will write about my favorite one....Ball Mason Jars.

The Jarden Corporation owns the Ball and Kerr labels which are the most prevalent brands here. Jarden is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. According to their website, the jelly, half-pint, pint and quart jars are still manufactured here in the US. The lids too!

Below I've listed a whole bunch of uses for mason jars. They're my new favorite thing!

1.) It's original purpose. For canning....

Image via Jarden's Ball website

2.) To drink from....

Image via Duet Weddings

3.) As a flower vase:

Image via Amy Atlas

4.) Use it to house your sewing kit. Very cute!

Image via Martha Stewart

5.) Buy this product and you can even turn your mason jar into a kids sippy cup. Ingenious. Wish I'd thought of this. Although I can't promise the EIO Kids Cup is made in the US.

Image via EIO Website

6.) To create ambient lighting....

Image via Design Mom

So, as you can see, they are most versatile. Let me know if you can think of any other cool uses!!!

Will be keeping my eye out for other great, amazing, cool American products. Stay tuned!