Walk the Walk Success Stories

Success at last! For weeks I have been looking for a quality journaling book made in USA. I struck out at a drug store, book store, arts and crafts store, and 2 office supply stores. Then, last night I found exactly what I wanted at my college book store (run by Barnes and Noble): a leather-bound journal by Gallery Leather of Bar Harbor, Maine. So, once again perseverance pays off! A nice selection of Gallery Leather products is available at Spartan Photo Center (SC).

Another great find: colorful organizing folders with a flap and cord, made in USA by SMEAD, available at Office Depot. I confess I thought SMEAD was some version of MEAD, but according to the company website, SMEAD is a privately held woman-owned business headquartered in Hastings, MN. They have 15 manufacturing plants, including 8 in the U.S., one in Mexico, and 7 in Europe.

The results of my All-American back-to-school shopping for the kids:

• Alore shirts from zebulonUSA
• Columbia Knit rugby shirts
• PointerBrand jeans and camouflage pants (lots of these!)
• Fleece Farm sweats and long-sleeved tees
• Campmor for Polartec fleece jackets
• Drifterbag brand backpack, from BuyAmerican.com

So, it really IS possible to buy American! Keep the faith.