The Declaration of Independents

I attended a Dane Buy Local "Independents Celebration" today. The name of the event of course is a play on words; "independents" meaning independent retailers in Madison. Speakers talked about—what else—the importance of buying local.
Rick Brooks dressed up as Paul Revere because what else would one do at an Independents Day Celebration but sign the Declaration of Independents? Mayor Dave Cieslewicz stressed the impact buying local has on our economy, adding that a dollar spent locally is reinvested in the community as many as three to five times.
The celebration also upped awareness for Dane Buy Local's Guide to Local Services that just came out. Its three hundred-plus members are categorized in an easy-to-find fashion with labels like "Restaurant/Hospitality," "Gifts/Kids/Pets/Home" and "Business to Business."
Attendees included local businessowners like Orange Schroeder of Orange Tree Imports, Jim Bradley of Home Savings Bank, Josie Pradella of TerraSource Gourmet Chocolates and Jack Garver of Fanny Garver Gallery.
Dane Buy Local, danebuylocal.com

Is Local Losing Out?

Since it seems as though a global warming trend here in the area is a pretty far stretch right now (ice storms, school closings, cars plowed in by snowplows) I wanted to share with readers the effect crazy weather can have on our local retailers. I can’t imagine anyone would be going out in a blizzard just to pick up that hand-blown glass ornament from an art gallery.
Carol “Orange” Schroeder, owner of Orange Tree Imports, recently had this to share with Neil Heinen, Madison Magazine’s editorial director: “… Our recent snowy weather has been a real burden to the independent retailers … It’s our hope that shoppers will take advantage of the better weather during this last week before Christmas to get out and support the local shops they value. Anything you can do to get this message out would be much appreciated!”

danebuylocal.com

It's Thyme

It’s hot outside, so may I suggest cooling off with Thymes’ Azur line of body wash, lotion or bubble bath? This ocean-themed collection is described as “notes of white tea, water lily and sea grasses wash over sandy shores to mingle with earthy notes of amber and musk,” according to the press materials. Not to sound like an ad or anything, but this stuff seriously smells good and is soothing. I would know; I’ve personally tried the hand wash and lotion and used the lovely aromatic candle. Thymes also has other yummy scents like limon, lavender, olive leaf, green tea and more, all offered in soaps, lotions, candles and the like. Learn more about Thymes at thymes.com.
Thymes products are sold in Madison at Carol Thompson Cosmetics (741 N. High Point Rd., 836-1012), Little Luxuries (214 State St., 255-7372) and Orange Tree Imports (1721 Monroe St., 255-8211)