The Frugal Diva likes to emphasize the positive. With Olympic uniforms made and on their way to London, let’s concentrate on how we can shop American.

These are brands manufactured here in Los Angeles.

American Apparel clothing at great prices is manufactured right here in downtown Los Angeles employing 5000 workers. Llet’s support this local business and their efforts at not only manufacturing in the USA but keeping it sustainable, donating to local schools, giving their employees ESL classes, access to health care, benefits, and encouraging workers to bike or bus to work. While teens are the target market, there are plentiful items for kids that include organic and natural play dough, organic cotton clothes, and fun hair accessories. Even if they are mocked on Sex and the City, a scrunchie keeps hair out of your eyes and off your neck while working out. Check out a store near you.

The word diva practically screams out for fabulous pjs, robes, and slippers to wear for lounging and even for sleeping. Bed Head Pajamas answers the call with unique prints and lux fabrics. Normally they are a little pricey however they have a big warehouse sale in August and for those not in Los Angeles, take a peek at the sale page on their website.

Single Dress sells to many upscale department stores however you can snag something on their online sale page for for a great price. Scroll down for the deals at the bottom of the page. All made right here in Los Angeles.

Let me know about your favorite made in the USA clothing, accessories, and shoes. I’ll be happy to add them to the list.

Do you want pickles that have traveled halfway around the world? Why send a fish from across the ocean when we have two coasts and numerous lakes?  Do you need out of season fruit picked thousands of miles away. If there is one time you want to shop local it’s where nutrients are concerned.  Shelf life shouldn’t be into the next millennium for food.

What I like about Annie’s Organics is that there really is an Annie.  Annie lives on her certified organic farm in Connecticut with her husband and two daughters, where she grows a wide variety of vegetables and flowers for her local co-op and farmer’s market.  She remains the inspiration and corporate conscience for the Annie’s family of products. Her products are a twofer – organic and grown in the USA.

Lundberg Family Farms has been producing rice in California since 1937. They have branched out into other rice products such as chips, rice cakes, and rice flour however most of their products are still organic and sustainably farmed plus they participate in the Non-GMO Project.

For the best local fruits and vegetables try the farmer’s markets. My only problem was figuring out where and when.  This site solved all my problems. LocalHarvest.org has all the markets nationwide so you can keep up with any changes, find out what’s fresh that day, and plan your weekly produce shopping.

Let me know your favorite local provisions and they will be added to this ever growing list.