buy American, jerk

I am always on the prowl for a bargain. Always. The funny thing is, I am always searching for the same things...a great fitting inexpensive bra,good shoes for cheap, some natural fiber socks of some sort that might have some fancy woven arch support with a fun pattern, pants that fit my butt and my wallet and quality cookware. For cheap.

I browse like it's a sport. I train. I research and I put the time in. I know when Goodwill has $2 days. I know when the truck comes to my favorite discount store. I know that my fave big box stores put clearance items in the way back. I won't answer my phone sometimes because i get so lost in the hunt.

The other thing is, every single time i shop, I turn the item upside down, investigate the tag, or look for a marking to see where it's made. I try my hardest to buy American whenever I can. I found a blanket that is made in Tennessee. I found some glass left over containers that are made in California. I buy soy candles made in Virginia to help the farmers and small cottage industries. It is difficult to find items made in the states but it's worth the effort to help someone keep their home, their car and their lights on. Good luck trying to find a shoe or a camera made in the states, but I try to buy domestic every time i can. If i can't buy domestic, then I buy European.

Today's score, which is damn near impossible, was cookware. I landed two eco-friendly saute pans, PFOA-Free, lifetime warranty,non-stick pans that are made in Sugar Land, Texas. They were only $19.99! check out their website - www.tramontina-usa.com

Tonite, I will close my eyes, and rest my weary head on my 17 year old pillows made in Vermont and wrap myself in sheets made in Georgia as i watch my Taiwanese TV. I can't win them all...