Posted on

Capturing Couture ~ Made in the USA & Giveaway

Made in America

Last week I started my series “Made in America” with an explanation why it is important to me to shop American made products. Today I want to introduce you to a product that I adore and use pretty much every day.

You see, before Christmas I was looking for a new camera strap. Although the camera came with a strap, I was tired of ‘sporting’ the make and model. I wanted something comfortable and fashionable. That the product is made here in the United States is a bonus; I found that out after the fact 😉 …

Capturing Couture is not only making camera straps, wristlets, and camera bags here in the US; Erika and Lisa are exporting their products to Germany, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Australia. Erika and Lisa brought fashion and functionality together.

I currently own three of their products and I am very happy with them. My hubby gifted me a beautiful camera bag and the matching camera strap for Christmas:

CC Camera Strap Capturing Couture Camera Bag

Last week I received my wristlet for my point-and-shoot camera:
Wristlet_CCI am telling you; I totally adore their products and I would like for you to check out Capturing Couture.

To make it easier, I am giving away a camera strap for your DSLR (from any of their gorgeous collections) or 2 Wristlets for your point-and-shoot.

All you have to do to win is to let me know which one you would like. You have until next Sunday, February 5th to post in the comment section. To have an extra entry, “Like” Capturing Couture on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Thank you for stopping by today and for your support of American made products.

Love & peace,

Iris

Posted on

Why “Made In America” is important to me

Made in America

Open your mouth for the mute,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Open your mouth, judge righteously,
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
(Proverbs 31:8-9 ESV)

For years I wanted to approach this subject, but every year I ‘chickened out’. You know why? Because I don’t want to come of as harsh or as Miss-Know-It-All on this subject. Believe me, a lot of prayers went into this project.

My series is not political motivated; nor do I write out of patriotism (I am just as passionate about German made merchandise). Why is “Made in America” so important to a German gal living in America? Two words: Child Hunger.

You see, for me “Made in America” and eradicating child hunger go hand in hand. If people living in America do not have work, how can they supply food for their families/children? If you read the statistics (unfortunately only 2010 numbers are available that this time), it is very disheartening to see 20% of children are hungry in this rich country. And that is not counting children that live in insecure food-environments. I am thankful for local and national food banks that assist families, but I don’t think that will solve the issue at hand.

At the end of 2004, our then 19-year-old son pointed us to a documentary. I believe that the company highlighted in this documentary is highly responsible for the vanishing manufacturing jobs in the United States. I haven’t set food in their stores since I watched the documentary.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that many have to shop there, because of the budget they have for the basic necessities like food. I am blessed that I live in a large city that has different options to shop for groceries (like our Arizona based grocery chain – Bashas and AJ’s). Actually Target started to have bigger grocery sections in our area. Like I said, I have more options in a big city than people living in rural areas.

But I digress. The biggest issue is that America imports more than it exports. The most current foreign trade data is from November of 2011. The gap between exports and imports is scary to me. Trade is good, but it needs to be more balanced.

So, what can I (personally) do to turn things around in America? Maybe it is just a drop of water in a large bucket?!? But if we all look at what we buy (one product at a time), we maybe can do this together and help Americans put food on their family’s table. I want to support American families and not necessarily American companies (not the same in all cases which I will show you).

Over the next several months, I will link to products that are made in America. Not only will I link to the products, but will also purchase them (some are already in my possession :wink:). And you, my dear readers, will be able to ‘cash-in’ as well on some of the products that are made in America (sorry, can’t give away a Viking kitchen appliance).

Thank you so much for reading my blog today and hopefully you will join me on a journey to buy more American made products to lower the child hunger in this country.

She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
(Proverbs 31:20 ESV)

Love & peace,
Iris