Living outside your home country never stops being weird. You’re always connected to it, but the distance is really palpable on national holidays when you’re looking for those specific foods you miss (i.e. real Sour Patch Kids) or thinking about what you usually do to celebrate. It’s a privilege to experience a different country, but no matter how many Heinz products they have here in the UK, I have to agree with Dorothy: There’s no place like home.

In honor of good ol’ U.S. of A.’s birthday, I chose items from three American brands I’ve come to love over the years. They all evoke that laid-back feeling so many associate with Americana: They’re fresh, uncomplicated and get the job done.

1. bareMinerals GEN NUDE® Blonzer® ($26)

I’m not a huge makeup person, so it’s not often I find a product that wows me. But his blush/bronzer hybrid from bareMinerals (makers of the foundation every millennial tried in the aughts), has become a summer staple for me. My preferred shade is the peachy Kiss of Copper, which can be a bit hard to track down these days but is worth the hunt. It warms my face up beautifully without looking too sparkly. I like to use the “W” technique to sweep the blonzer across my cheeks and the bridge of my nose, then I put a little on my forehead and chin. Sun-kissed in seconds.

2. Levi's Trucker Jackets ($98 and up)

When it comes to American brands, it’s hard to find one more red, white and blue than Levi’s (previously featured here). Their denim has been a staple of U.S. fashion since the late 1900s and it’s one of the brands I love seeing during my travels. Transcending cultures, their pieces allow each wearer to make them their own. If you’re looking for a transitional buy suited for cooler summer nights and autumnal layering, you can’t go wrong with one of their classic trucker jackets. Available in a range of washes and cuts, it’s a buy-now-have-forever type of garment.

3. WoodWick Black Cherry Candle ($14 and up)

One of the agricultural goods my home state of Michigan is most known for is cherries. I’ve happily paid far too much for those cherries when living in other states for a delicious taste of the Mitten, but I obviously can’t get them in the UK—that’s probably why I’m drawn to all manner of cherry-colored and scented cosmetics and home goods. This yummy candle from WoodWick, a part of the iconic Yankee Candle Company that started in Massachusetts in 1969, is just sweet enough to remind you of biting into a fresh cherry but not cloyingly so. I also love the vampy hue.

Something to think about …

Episode 226: The Prison Newspaper Vox Media Podcast Network Episode

Local journalism matters in all communities. In this episode of one of my favorite podcasts, Criminal, host Phoebe Judge speaks to Phillip Vance Smith, II, editor of The Nash News at Nash Correctional Institution in North Carolina, which is one of only 26 prison newspapers left across the United States.

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MIDDI is a weekly roundup of mid-priced beauty, fashion and home buys released every Monday. Have a product you’re searching for? Leave your suggestions in the comments.