Good morning on this wintry Friday. We got a little snow last night, about half an inch or so, with a bit more to come tonight. No big storm yesterday – just a quiet, pretty snowfall in the evening.
So far, so good.
We’re a sleepy bunch this morning. Riley has yet to get up to attend to business. I’m in my flannel pajamas, wrapped in a shawl, drinking my morning Peet’s. Scout’s in the ‘tunnel.’
Note pink flannel pajamas on the left.
I wore those pajamas all day yesterday, except for when I returned the rental car. I figured it might not be a good idea to arrive at the rental counter in pink flannel.
The trip to New Haven went well, but oh, was I exhausted! Not enough sleep the night before, lots of driving and a very late arrival back home at the cottage. I arrived in New Haven about an hour and a half before curtain, so I went to IKEA. It’s right next door and I needed some dinner and the food is good, but more importantly, it’s cheap. I called Don to say I arrived safely, played around with my iPhone and, after dinner, took a quick walk through the store.
I bought these:
The cost was about a dollar per glass. The pale colors drew me in and they’re nice and tall. We’ve managed to break every tall glass around here, leaving us with something close to a juice-style glass in size (also from IKEA) and some plastic crap. I figured these were a good investment. Why only 3?
I don’t know. I truly don’t know what I was thinking.
But here’s an interesting discovery:
IKEA of Sweden.
Made in China.
Is everything being made in China now? It sure seems that way.
Call me crazy, but perhaps the lack of jobs in this country and other countries might be greatly improved if we started manufacturing our products at home. It’s not rocket science. It’s just common sense. Why aren’t we taking care of our own?
You can’t walk through Target or the dreaded Walmart or any other store without seeing ‘Made in China’ on most everything.
By the way, this sweet little Nisse from the Danish company, Maileg?
Made in China.
Just think what a difference it would mean to the economic picture of every country if jobs and manufacturing were brought back home. The lines of eager job applicants would stretch for miles. We could get our citizens back to work, help them become independent again. Unemployment payments would greatly decrease.
Why aren’t we doing this? Perhaps the need for cheap labor should be trumped by the needs of our country’s citizens.
I could write a treatise on this, but I won’t. At least for the moment.
I’ll leave you with this shot of the sun rising over our back forty.
Happy Friday!
My sister just lost a job she had for 16 years because the company she worked for is now out sourcing all their work to Lithuania and costa rica. This is office work, not factory work. They pay the out of country labor less than 1/2 of what they paid the American workers. And give the foreign workers much better benefits as well. This is just wrong!
You’re so blessed to have such breathtaking views this morning, not to mention a little snow!! (We haven’t seen more than an inch all season!)
I completely agree with you that it’s a real shame most of out manufacturing is done outside of the U.S. I know friends that have lost their long standing jobs because their factory moved to Mexico!! :(
Enjoy your new glasses!
Blessings,
Leslie
It’s always surprising to me to find things made in China in Ikea. A couple of years ago I tried not buying anything that was made in China and once you start to look at things in any store you notice how hard it is to make this a reality. The answer is really to make do with what you already have but it’s when you try to buy gifts or replace needed items it becomes next to impossible. good luck with your challenge!
This was the Friday I was going to have my coffee and quickly look over the blog world and get on with my life – but you’ve done it again. Why is so much stuff made in China? The Walmarts that are running small stores out of business seem to get everything from China. The news makes a big deal out of children’s toys from
China with lead paint – we’re told they don’t have the same standards we do but their stuff costs less than stuff made here at home. It creeps me out (sorry, I can’t describe how it makes me feel) it concerns me that we are willing to take the cheap in order to have LOTS of stuff instead of having a few things of quality (I’m not saying quality is ONLY made in the U.S.). Sorry Claudia, you’ve pushed another button – I guess I should get my own blog and rant there. Love your stuff – especially your words.
I love flannel PJ’s, however it is a little to warm here to even think about them as we are in the middle of our late starting Summer.
I understand your anger over the country of origin on the bottom of the glasses, same thing has happened in Australia. Trying to find groceries, furniture, clothing etc. made in Australia is a very difficult task and the factories, businesses etc. out-sourcing to other countries is a huge worry for our kids future.
it´s all about the money – they outsourse and move every production out of country over here at the moment. finding countries where they don´t need to have a decent salery and back here the unemployment rate raised enourmesly – it´s so devastating.
A basic reason for imports instead of home made – our federal government has made it near impossible for businesses to start up and for established ones to survive, taxes, regulations, etc.
Betty
I try not to buy anything Made in China but it’s hard! I’ve never been to an IKEA store but I would love to go! Enjoy your weekend! ♥
YOU DID IT AGAIN…….GREAT POST….
AND YOU ARE SO RIGHT…..GREAT COMMENTS AND I AGREE WITH ALL OF THEM
WE NEED A BIG CHANGE IN THIS COUNTRY
TAKE CARE……RIZZI
Cheaper labor costs mean greater profits. When I had my shop it was nearly impossible to find case goods made in America. Lovely pix btw ~ and glad you’re home safe and sound. Enjoy your pj’s.
I love your new glasses. I’m in need of new ones myself and might just have to put this on my wishlist for a planned Ikea pilgrimage in March. I couldn’t agree with you more about the made in China. Did you know American Girl dolls are made in China? How ridiculous is that? Especially since the cost clearly doesn’t reflect cheap labor!
Probably being made in China because of loose labor laws there, no need for employers to pay worker’s comp. insurance, medical insurance coverage for the workers and their families, cheap, cheap, cheap. It shows in Wal-Mart’s clothing that they sell. Have you ever noticed how thin their fabrics are? And how cheap the buttons are? And how they fade after one washing. Many families here in the U.S. now don’t have jobs and are forced to do their clothes buying at places like Wal-Mart. Then 30 days later the shirt they bought falls apart and back they go to Wal-Mart to buy another cheap shirt. Sounds like an evil plot to me.
Dear Claudia
We have two ot these glasses in our household. IKEA is everywhere. So someday we live alike.
And everything is made in China, at least in the East.
It’s simple calculation: A Chinese works for 6 Swiss franks a day and probably works for 12 hours, 6 days a week. A worker in Switzerland earns 30 Swiss francs an hour, works 9 hours a day, and five days a week.
I don’t know about the situation in the states, but I don’t think that anyone works for 8 dolars a day.
I love that picture of Riley. So cute.
Kristin
Oh Claudia – we have the same feelings in this household and do our best to buy goods that are local first, then Canada, then the US. We really try to avoid China but unfortunately it is sometimes impossible. I had a heck of a time with buying a new stove. I ended up buying one that was made in Mexico. Large retailers don’t even want to tell you where it’s made. At least I had better luck with couches – the ones in my living room were manufactured in the US and the one in my sunroom was manufactured in Canada. They were a little more expensive but I’m willing to pay more for our workers. Lately I’ve been trying to buy vintage/used or articles made by locals artisans. We support our local butcher (whose meat comes from local farmers) and our local greengrocer (who lists on the sign where every type of produce came from). In our area, they have started an organization of farmers and producers and they are allowed to put a symbol on their products if they are local – it helps everyone out shopping to support the local economy.
Ok – I’m going to stop my rant or I’ll go all day. You can see I’m passionate about this. I hope you have a lovely weekend. J
Try to find products that are “Made in America”, it is almost impossible. Everyone knows this is bad for the economy, but nobody does anything about it! Oh, don’t get me started!
When I got in the car to take Chili to the groomers, the temp was 71 degrees. Happily (for him) we rode with the windows down and enjoyed the premature spring weather. Of course, this time next week, we could be covered in snow, too. Ya just never know about this weather!
Have a great weekend.
Recently found your blog and really enjoy visiting here.♥
I agree with the made in China issue. It really is too bad that things can’t be made in our own country. I’m in Canada but we have the same thing here.
Tis truly a crying shame. You’re right. That’s why I’m going to start looking at everything I purchase and see where it’s made from now on.
Brenda
Here’s one for you. I talked to my pharmacy to see what vitamins are not made in China. None. If they say made in Canada that only means the cover of the tablet. The ingredients are all manufactured in China! ~ Maureen
I am right there with you Claudia. I wanted my Christmas gifts to be not from China. It was hard for the grandkids esp. Even the American Girl dolls are made in China……that’s bad.
I heard somewhere that if we stopping buying their products it would hurt our economy……why?
Not that your post really had to do with the glasses but we use Hartstone’s large coffee mugs for all of our drinks. They are almost impossible to break. The handle makes it great to hold. They are American made actually close to where I live. And…..I can buy them at the outlet which is the factory. I should send you one. If you want one send me your address.
Isent it terrible? I`m so with you Claudia–as you wrote, it is all the same here in Denmark—the nisse is :Danish Design–and that`s it—- One woman is earning her BIG money from setting this in production in CHINA..it should not be possible- we are just starwing all over the western world, and leaving the earning to other countryes!
Love your fantastic photo.
Hugs, Dorthe
Happy Friday, sister.
Mere
Claudia,
That is why I like the old stuff! I try not to buy products made in China but it is near impossible.
Carol
I totally agree with you, but I need to substitute the word, CANADA.
I try and stay away from the dollar stores, tempting as it is to not pay too much, for poor quality items…
But it seems so little is actually made here in Canada. Even our veggies year round practically are brought in from other countries. We are rarely able to purchase home made, or home grown….
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I’ll stick to vintage Claudia. Don’t get me started on this subject!! You my Friend are so right.
Nice glasses though. I’ve been wanting to go to Ikea. I haven’t been in so long.
My flannels are on.. cozy :)
Stay warm,
xxx Liz
It use to be that we always took care of home first! Anything left could be spread to savings, charity, etc… It’s not a racist thing believe me. I have purchased items made in France, Germany, etc… some of the finer items these countries are noted for QUALITY as well! It’s my understanding when a Chinese person is presented with a gift they immediately turn it over to see where it’s made… it’s considered an insult if it’s labeled “made in china?” Why is this? Here in the USA we have pride in what we make or do… at least the older generations.
I REFUSE to purchase China made items for these vary reasons! It’s only when it’s necessary {shoes, etc..} that we jump the American ship. If only our politicians that claim to be looking out for the better of the AMERICAN CITIZENS shared our philosophies?! I think ALL AMERICAN companies outsourcing to other countries to SAVE TAXES should pay a higher tax to import their CRAP and a new tax should be created especially for them for exporting their jobs… a lose, lose for them! Any politician looking out for anyone but his countrymen should be recycled out of a job without a pension as well.
Hopefully those are -lead free- materials in your new glasses? My concerns have been escalated since they attempted to poison man’s best friend, laced our babies formulas, Radiation to tissue boxes, lead paint for our childrens toys and the list goes on!
Watch your food items too! Just saying… you’ll be pleasantly surprised what your feeding your family!
Boy what a can of worms, Claudia! {wink}
It use to be that we always took care of home first! Anything left could be spread to savings, charity, etc… It’s not a racist thing believe me. I have purchased items made in France, Germany, etc… some of the finer items these countries are noted for QUALITY as well! It’s my understanding when a Chinese person is presented with a gift they immediately turn it over to see where it’s made… it’s considered an insult if it’s labeled “made in china?” Why is this? Here in the USA we have pride in what we make or do… at least the older generations.
I REFUSE to purchase China made items for these vary reasons! It’s only when it’s necessary {shoes, etc..} that we jump the American ship. If only our politicians that claim to be looking out for the better of the AMERICAN CITIZENS shared our philosophies?! I think ALL AMERICAN companies outsourcing to other countries to SAVE TAXES should pay a higher tax to import their CRAP and a new tax should be created especially for them for exporting their jobs… a lose, lose for them! Any politician looking out for anyone but his countrymen should be recycled out of a job without a pension as well.
Hopefully those are -lead free- materials in your new glasses? My concerns have been escalated since they attempted to poison man’s best friend, laced our babies formulas, Radiation to tissue boxes, lead paint for our childrens toys and the list goes on!
Watch your food items too! Just saying… you’ll be pleasantly surprised what your feeding your family! Julie pretty much sums up our families core values!
Boy what a can of worms, Claudia! {wink}
After reading today’s entry, Claudia, I just felt I had to comment. My husband was just reading his Smithsonian magazine when he called for me to”listen to this,” The tomato blight of 2009 which all but wiped out the tomatoes, peppers and other various vegetables from hobby gardeners as well as farms throughout the northeast states, has now been found to have been caused by persons planting tomatoes seeds which were bought at Big Lots and had been imported from where? You guessed it…CHINA! I have much more to say about that whole DE-bockle, but I can assure that there is nothing pleasant about it!So I won’t!
Thank you for your beautiful blog, and your breathtaking photos! Smiles,Jackie
All my feelings on the subject of inferior goods and loss of American-made items due to GREED and China, have been covered by your savvy readers.
Get the right people to govern this ailing country – and then term limits!!! It’s the ONLY way to bring us back into a safe and quality marketplace, and to give our grandchildren a secure future.
Meanwhile, antiques and vintage shopping for me – and I did love IKEA so much!
I’m with you on this post. I WILL NOT shop at Walmart to save a buck especially after watching a documentary about their labor practices! By shopping there, I would in essence be supporting their practices.
People watched as they took benefits from the auto workers and didnt worry because it didn’t affect them, then they went for the airlines, now the teachers, fire fighters, police, and now nurses. Oh, and we’re supposed to trust our 401K’s.
That’s my 2 cents worth. It’s all about profit, greed and exploitation. This country is polarized and the whole political machine is a joke! WE the people, give me a break! Who ever thought we would be in the back pocket of a communist nation?
Looking at your photos are lovely and help to take my mind off all the noise of the next election.
~Sandy
Oh Claudia, I’m so with you on this, and there’s the environmental damage caused by freighting everything around the globe too … the same IKEA made in China stuff is on sale all over Europe too!
There seems to be a fashion at the moment to vow to buy nothing new in these frugal times. I’m doing the opposite, buying wherever possible ethically/locally/and from small businesses. Every gift I buy this year will be handmade and come from Etsy, Folksy, or NOTHS. We need to put the money back into the hands of our fellow countrymen, be they in the US or the UK.
Whenever I see Made in China, I pass on that item and look for something Made in USA or even better I buy something vintage. IT does take more effort, but if each one of us did this at least once a week, think what a difference it would make. I think it is shameful of IKEA to be selling crap from China.
On another note, love your snow pictures. I am enjoying them in my flannel jammies.
Lauara
ABC evening news has been doing a months’ long series “Made in America”. It highlights products made in the US and on their website you can find other made in USA products. They highlighted a builder who was building an entire house using only USA made products (down to every nail!) l
One more word….I love Annie’s comment about supporting small businesses and cottage industries Etsy etc. I’m heading over to Judy’s etsy shop today to get one of her handmade pillows. Looking forward to your shop Claudia. So glad to see the return to handmade items.
~Sandy
you know they said they would help the 3th world countrys but they are trying to make us one
Beautiful shot of the back 40!
I agree on the chinese items but many people in this country don’t want the lesser manufacturing jobs in this country. Time after time I have heard people who are on unemployment say that the jobs available are just not good enough or what they are looking for and they would rather sit at home on their unemployment for 99 weeks and hope that it will be extended again.
On the other side, I saw that I think it was South Carolina is now requiring 20 hours of volunteer work per week for people to get their unemployment. This leaves the other 20 hours for employment searches and keeps you out there while helping the places that rely on volunteers. I like that idea. What about you?
Just a few more reasons to buy…..garage sale, flea market, Salvation Army, Goodwill ;^)