This last Friday was our Valentine's Day wine pairing and poetry event, Champagne, Chocolate and LOVE. We think the discovery aspect of our wine pairings combined with the unexpectedness of live readings of prose and poetry can be unparallelled. Such was our experience Friday evening!
Naturally, our locally made gourmet chocolate was an exciting hit that went perfectly with our Champagne choices, but it was the poetry that thrilled and touched us all. Aldonia Bailey, Altadena artist and poet, brought poets Heather Hilliard-Bonds and Brian Miles, and magic ensued. From audience participation in Brian's poems to Aldonia's heartfelt musings and Heather's song-infused offerings, it was truly an enjoyable night! Listen to this little video clip I recorded of Heather reading and singing - who knew that Whitney Houston would pass away the very next day. Thus poetry and song celebrates, albeit unintentionally, the life of one of the greatest songstresses of our time.
Have a great week ahead, my friends - it's Valentine's Day on Tuesday! Drop by the store and see how we can help you find something for your sweetheart!
Lori & Scott
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Where Everyone Knows Your Name
Every once in awhile, an article in our local newsblogs generate many responses. Two such articles in Altadena's Patch.com have done that this week and I think they're worthy of your time to check out. Of course, if you're not local, you might think that it's really not something you're interested in. I say, au contraire, mon ami - all of us need to be concerned about our local independent businesses these days.
The first of these posts was written by friend Karin Bugge. I love her style and what she has to say. You'll find this article here. It's called Unoccupied Lake Street, and the comments are very interesting.
The second article, written by Patch editor Dan Abendschein, is short in length and about a local restaurant closing down. Again, comments are interesting. You'll find that article here.
In stark contrast, here's an article from NBC Today Show's Mike Leonard about the value of an old-fashioned business' wonderful customer service. I think you'll enjoy the accompanying video - my goodness, the entrance from the back alley sure looks a lot like Steve's Bikes! You'll find a lot of correlation, I believe, with many independent businesses in your area....I'm sure you know of one or two without thinking about it much. View this video here.
All this to say (briefly, because I know it's Superbowl Sunday) that there is something inherently valuable in local businesses. They're like a love-letter to your community......go out and experience one today!
Have a wonderful week, my friends, and enjoy!
Lori and Scott
The first of these posts was written by friend Karin Bugge. I love her style and what she has to say. You'll find this article here. It's called Unoccupied Lake Street, and the comments are very interesting.
The second article, written by Patch editor Dan Abendschein, is short in length and about a local restaurant closing down. Again, comments are interesting. You'll find that article here.
In stark contrast, here's an article from NBC Today Show's Mike Leonard about the value of an old-fashioned business' wonderful customer service. I think you'll enjoy the accompanying video - my goodness, the entrance from the back alley sure looks a lot like Steve's Bikes! You'll find a lot of correlation, I believe, with many independent businesses in your area....I'm sure you know of one or two without thinking about it much. View this video here.
All this to say (briefly, because I know it's Superbowl Sunday) that there is something inherently valuable in local businesses. They're like a love-letter to your community......go out and experience one today!
Have a wonderful week, my friends, and enjoy!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, January 29, 2012
And Now For Something Completely Different......
'We're hoping to succeed; we're okay with failure. We just don't want to land in between.'
--David Chang
"He's serious. Lots of people say this, but few are willing to put themselves at risk, which destroys the likelihood of success and dramatically increases the chance of in between." ---- Seth Godin
I don't think anyone could say that we're "inbetween", unless they were speaking about our physical location. Sandwiched inbetween two other stores, WFS has no windows to the outside world. Inside, though, we're a world apart from other shops.
Did you realize that we represent over 50 local artists? We have local representation in all genres - card makers, authors of books, fine art and prints, gourmet food products, body products and jewelry! WFS takes pride in the fact that we invest in our community, because that's what helps make us strong.
We also believe in buying fair trade, or buying merchandise that "gives back". That means the company we buy from donates to a good cause, like LiveStrong or Women At Work. We love this so much, we actually hunt down those companies whose products fit our business model! We've been lucky to find so many recently and it's a great feeling to know that our customers appreciate this about us. Thanks so much for letting us know how important giving back to the community and the world is to you, it helps us shape our future plans.
Some people worry that a business model like ours is risky. Is it? Yes, it is - to be different is always risky. Is it worth the sacrifice? Resoundingly, yes! If we happen to do any good at all, it's worth it. To help call attention to our local artistic community, it's worth it. To help change what we as average shoppers care about and look for in products is worth it. What....did you think we were in this for the money?
If your plan is to tailor your shopping habits to fit your socially conscious sensibilities, we're your store! Come in soon to see what goodies we've gotten in for Valentines Day - our local artists and WFS appreciate you!
Have a great week ahead, my friends!
Lori and Scott
--David Chang
"He's serious. Lots of people say this, but few are willing to put themselves at risk, which destroys the likelihood of success and dramatically increases the chance of in between." ---- Seth Godin
I don't think anyone could say that we're "inbetween", unless they were speaking about our physical location. Sandwiched inbetween two other stores, WFS has no windows to the outside world. Inside, though, we're a world apart from other shops.
Did you realize that we represent over 50 local artists? We have local representation in all genres - card makers, authors of books, fine art and prints, gourmet food products, body products and jewelry! WFS takes pride in the fact that we invest in our community, because that's what helps make us strong.
We also believe in buying fair trade, or buying merchandise that "gives back". That means the company we buy from donates to a good cause, like LiveStrong or Women At Work. We love this so much, we actually hunt down those companies whose products fit our business model! We've been lucky to find so many recently and it's a great feeling to know that our customers appreciate this about us. Thanks so much for letting us know how important giving back to the community and the world is to you, it helps us shape our future plans.
Some people worry that a business model like ours is risky. Is it? Yes, it is - to be different is always risky. Is it worth the sacrifice? Resoundingly, yes! If we happen to do any good at all, it's worth it. To help call attention to our local artistic community, it's worth it. To help change what we as average shoppers care about and look for in products is worth it. What....did you think we were in this for the money?
If your plan is to tailor your shopping habits to fit your socially conscious sensibilities, we're your store! Come in soon to see what goodies we've gotten in for Valentines Day - our local artists and WFS appreciate you!
Have a great week ahead, my friends!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, January 22, 2012
A Prosperous Water Dragon Year!
 | ||||
| Long Nian Da Ji |
Tomorrow begins the Chinese New Year, The Year Of The Dragon. The Chinese zodiac is made up of 12 signs, similar to the Western system, but their signs are comprised of animals. The Dragon is the major symbol of good fortune in Chinese Astrology. The Dragon constellation, for example, is accorded the honor of being the guardian of the Eastern sky. According to tradition, the Dragon brings in the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity.
This year is also considered a water element year, and so is thought doubly prosperous in matters of financial success, family and romance. While I was researching Chinese astrology, I found it interesting that ever since 1996, the year element has been in a destructive relationship with the fixed element of the animal sign. That is the longest unfavorable period in the 60 year cycle of Chinese Astrology, and that means a scarcity of good luck. The year 2012 is thus blessed not only by the lucky Dragon but also the end of that destructive cycle. All signs are pointing to 2012 being a better and luckier year for everyone, especially for our country's beleaguered small businesses.
I ran across an article by Robert Safian in Fast Company called This Is Generation Flux: Meet The Pioneers Of The New (And Chaotic) Frontier Of Business. It's a fascinating piece that details the emerging young pioneers that have challenged today's economy by recognizing that "the future of business is pure chaos" and how they, and we, can survive and even thrive in these fast changing times. The author asserts that "We are under constant pressure to learn new things. It can be daunting. It can be exhilarating."
Exhilarating, indeed! I have to admit that even as worrisome business has become in the past few years, particularly for independent retailers, it's been quite a wild ride. I'm excited by so many innovations and possibilities this new frontier offers and how they relate to our store. Says Mashable's 26-year old founder, Pete Cashmore, "All these industries are being revolutionized. It's come to technology first, but it will reach every industry. You're going to have businesses rise and fall faster than ever."
Of course, it's the evolution of business as we know it, and it's happening at lightening-speed, or so it seems. Beth Comstock, the chief marketing officer of GE, says, "Business-model innovation is constant in this economy. You start with a vision of a platform. For a while, you think there's a line of sight, and then it's gone. There's suddenly a new angle." I'm painfully aware of those angles, aren't you? The great thing about this type of atmosphere is the opportunity it affords to learn. We learn, we adapt, and we keep ourselves moving forward.
One thing Mr. Safian says resonated with me. It's something I've been saying since we took over our store. He says, "If ambiguity is high and adaptability is required, then you simply can't afford to be sentimental about the past. Future-focus is a signature trait of Generation Flux. It is also an imperative for businesses: trying to replicate what worked yesterday only leaves you vulnerable." GE's Peters says, "Some people question changing our (business) definitions. When they do, I ask: How many of you use the same cell phone from five years ago? The world isn't the same, so we need new parameters." I agree with Ms. Peters. The world isn't the same, our towns aren't the same and we can't sit and mourn the fact. We need to deal with the changing world on its terms, not ours - adapt, realign and move forward!
Wishing you the best this new year has to offer, my friends - may it be good to you and yours!
Lori & Scott
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Winter Follies
The holidays have all been celebrated, the New Year greeted and the Rose Parade has marched off into history. Welcome to January! Although it's winter, the weather has been anything but, and we're enjoying summer-like temperatures. It's been great for us, we can leave the doors open so people can peek in to see our new Valentines Day displays. If this is what's in store for us weather-wise this season, we'll take it!
Yes, Valentines Day is coming and WFS is gearing up for the love fest by stocking some of the best Valentine cards and gifts we can find. You've got to see our cards, by Crane & Co., Tree-Free Greetings, Laughing Elephant, African-American Expressions and Designs For Better Giving, to name a few - they're made in the U.S. or are California-based companies, and we think you'll love them! We've got the most delicious chocolates by John Kelly, another of our local vendors, who make their signature dark chocolate enrobed truffle fudge treats right here in Los Angeles. The beautiful scarves, leather & recycled material bags and gorgeous jewelry by Open Hand Design, a fair trade company, are 35% off, and we have some beautiful vintage Shaeffer pens on special as well!
WFS is planning a very special Valentine wine tasting and reading from one of our Altadena authors - stay tuned for more information on that. You might have noticed that we are taking a tasting hiatus this month. Our intrepid wine bloggers, Anne Bannon and Michael Holland, are extremely busy this month. Anne wears many hats, one of which is writing another blog called Your Family Viewer.com and she's tied up with award shows. Not to worry, all that will be wrapped up by February and they'll be back, funnier and more informative than ever!
Our collaborative event with the other Webster's stores, Fancy Food Truck Friday, will also be on hiatus until April. The temporary use permit we renewed late last year will take us through the end of this year if we take this winter break. Unaware that the weather would be so beautiful, we all thought it would be a good idea if we waited until Spring for more gourmet food truck fun....oh how tricky Mother Nature can be! We'll try to fill this gaping hole in our community with our wine and food pairings, so make sure you save the date for those as soon as you hear about them!
Our friend, Karin Bugge, has written an excellent article in one of our local newsblogs, Altadena Patch.com, that's called "Altadena Is No Sierra Madre". Great stuff and the comments are interesting - if you have a moment, I highly recommend you check it out and leave your comment, too. All of us small business owners in Altadena are very interested in your opinion so let us know how you feel!
On a more personal note, Scott and I lost our beloved pet, Pepe the Wonder Dog, last Thursday. He was very special to us. Intended as a birthday present for our daughter's 18th birthday, we found him at a pet store in Blue Jay village, near Lake Arrowhead, in the San Bernardino Mountains, while we were on our honeymoon. We got married on December 27th, 1997, and brought him home with us on January 4th, so he'd been with us for a little over 14 years. Soon after that, Parisa moved out to an apartment that didn't allow dogs, and he became our empty-nest pup. He was quirky, persnickety at times, didn't like other dogs much but he was a one-family dog that was loyal and true to the end. We miss him dearly and we keep hearing his nails clicking on the hardwood floor....wishful thinking, I'm sure, but comforting nevertheless.
Have a great week to come, friends!
Lori and Scott
Yes, Valentines Day is coming and WFS is gearing up for the love fest by stocking some of the best Valentine cards and gifts we can find. You've got to see our cards, by Crane & Co., Tree-Free Greetings, Laughing Elephant, African-American Expressions and Designs For Better Giving, to name a few - they're made in the U.S. or are California-based companies, and we think you'll love them! We've got the most delicious chocolates by John Kelly, another of our local vendors, who make their signature dark chocolate enrobed truffle fudge treats right here in Los Angeles. The beautiful scarves, leather & recycled material bags and gorgeous jewelry by Open Hand Design, a fair trade company, are 35% off, and we have some beautiful vintage Shaeffer pens on special as well!
WFS is planning a very special Valentine wine tasting and reading from one of our Altadena authors - stay tuned for more information on that. You might have noticed that we are taking a tasting hiatus this month. Our intrepid wine bloggers, Anne Bannon and Michael Holland, are extremely busy this month. Anne wears many hats, one of which is writing another blog called Your Family Viewer.com and she's tied up with award shows. Not to worry, all that will be wrapped up by February and they'll be back, funnier and more informative than ever!
Our collaborative event with the other Webster's stores, Fancy Food Truck Friday, will also be on hiatus until April. The temporary use permit we renewed late last year will take us through the end of this year if we take this winter break. Unaware that the weather would be so beautiful, we all thought it would be a good idea if we waited until Spring for more gourmet food truck fun....oh how tricky Mother Nature can be! We'll try to fill this gaping hole in our community with our wine and food pairings, so make sure you save the date for those as soon as you hear about them!
Our friend, Karin Bugge, has written an excellent article in one of our local newsblogs, Altadena Patch.com, that's called "Altadena Is No Sierra Madre". Great stuff and the comments are interesting - if you have a moment, I highly recommend you check it out and leave your comment, too. All of us small business owners in Altadena are very interested in your opinion so let us know how you feel!
On a more personal note, Scott and I lost our beloved pet, Pepe the Wonder Dog, last Thursday. He was very special to us. Intended as a birthday present for our daughter's 18th birthday, we found him at a pet store in Blue Jay village, near Lake Arrowhead, in the San Bernardino Mountains, while we were on our honeymoon. We got married on December 27th, 1997, and brought him home with us on January 4th, so he'd been with us for a little over 14 years. Soon after that, Parisa moved out to an apartment that didn't allow dogs, and he became our empty-nest pup. He was quirky, persnickety at times, didn't like other dogs much but he was a one-family dog that was loyal and true to the end. We miss him dearly and we keep hearing his nails clicking on the hardwood floor....wishful thinking, I'm sure, but comforting nevertheless.
Have a great week to come, friends!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Welcoming 2012
The new year unfailing conjures feelings of anticipation, new opportunities and hope. As David Cameronsaid recently, "It gives us an extraordinary incentive to look outward, look onwards and to look our best: to feel pride in who we are and what - even in these trying times - we can achieve."
Our hope for this new year is just that. It would be an extraordinary gift for all of us to feel that sense of pride and thankfulness in ourselves and our achievements and even more extraordinary if that spilled over onto everyone else.
Here's wishing you and yours a meaningful, achievement-rich 2012 - we're looking forward to sharing it with you!
Enjoy the week ahead of us, my friends!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, December 18, 2011
We Are Wealthy In Our Friends
Like most business owners, Scott and I have met many people. Some met during the course of each day, some while at networking events, classes or through our friends. I love meeting new people - each one offers a new opportunity for a relationship of one sort or another and I relish the anticipation of discovery.
More than what for us is normal, we've met so many that have become wonderful friends. Over these past few years, we've had the pleasure of knowing them and experiencing their kindness. For us, it's a testament to the goodness of humans, which is the basis of our holiday traditions. As wild and crazy as things may get, we can always count on our friends to surround us with warmth and support.
May all of you be surrounded this season with the wealth of your friends and family. May you be at peace and enjoy every moment of whichever holiday you celebrate. We are grateful for you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.....Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa, everyone, we wish you happiness!
We'll be taking a holiday hiatus and will be back shortly after the new year. Until then, stop by the store if you can and say hello.
More than what for us is normal, we've met so many that have become wonderful friends. Over these past few years, we've had the pleasure of knowing them and experiencing their kindness. For us, it's a testament to the goodness of humans, which is the basis of our holiday traditions. As wild and crazy as things may get, we can always count on our friends to surround us with warmth and support.
May all of you be surrounded this season with the wealth of your friends and family. May you be at peace and enjoy every moment of whichever holiday you celebrate. We are grateful for you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.....Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Kwanzaa, everyone, we wish you happiness!
We'll be taking a holiday hiatus and will be back shortly after the new year. Until then, stop by the store if you can and say hello.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Let There Be Light!
Have you ever visited a place so beautiful that it literally took your breath away? It's those moments that we humans live for, it's what inspires us and what keeps us looking for that next "fix" of fabulous. Without them, we are bereft and without hope.
Scott and I had one of those moments last night, as Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane Association flipped the switch and Santa Rosa Avenue exploded into a million points of colored light! Seemingly suspended in the dark night as you gaze down the road, it's as if the entire length of it was made to be Santa's runway. Of course, according to the history of Christmas Tree Lane, it wasn't a runway for a sled and its team of flying reindeer. But it was a mile-long driveway for a home that was never built, and I'm sure that Mr. Nash would've let Santa use it for takeoff, should he have needed it.
Christmas Tree Lane is such a wonderful attraction for Altadena to have, and it's a testament to the hard work of the Association members and volunteers who make it happen. We are so proud to be a supporter of CTLA and we were very worried a week or so ago that the lighting ceremony wouldn't take place. A brutal windstorm swept through the San Gabriel Valley with hurricane force - somehow, the atmospheric conditions made that wind possible, and the damage it left behind was considerable. Two trees were lost on Santa Rose Avenue, bad enough, but all up and down this street with the lovely Deodar Cedars, large branches had broken, falling and pulling down the carefully placed light strings that had just been placed. So much debris littered the street and yards of the homeowners there - would there be enough time to get it all repaired and cleaned up before the ceremony on the 10th?
True teamwork is hard to find, but it was found in spades in our community - it was found right at Christmas Tree Lane! Kudos go to all those involved with the restoration of the light strings, the clean up and setting up for what was a fantastic event - an event sorely needed by all of us. For it is without beauty we grow melancholy, and with the events of last few weeks, beauty has been hard to come by.
Here's hoping you all have a wonderful week coming up! Be sure to like us on Facebook and look for the announcement of our special holiday wine pairing next Saturday. Watch for news of a special benefit on Sunday for Altadena Community Church. We're also planning an Ugly Christmas Sweater shopping extravaganza the week before Christmas! Hang onto your hats, friends, the season is upon us!
Lori and Scott
Scott and I had one of those moments last night, as Altadena's Christmas Tree Lane Association flipped the switch and Santa Rosa Avenue exploded into a million points of colored light! Seemingly suspended in the dark night as you gaze down the road, it's as if the entire length of it was made to be Santa's runway. Of course, according to the history of Christmas Tree Lane, it wasn't a runway for a sled and its team of flying reindeer. But it was a mile-long driveway for a home that was never built, and I'm sure that Mr. Nash would've let Santa use it for takeoff, should he have needed it.
Christmas Tree Lane is such a wonderful attraction for Altadena to have, and it's a testament to the hard work of the Association members and volunteers who make it happen. We are so proud to be a supporter of CTLA and we were very worried a week or so ago that the lighting ceremony wouldn't take place. A brutal windstorm swept through the San Gabriel Valley with hurricane force - somehow, the atmospheric conditions made that wind possible, and the damage it left behind was considerable. Two trees were lost on Santa Rose Avenue, bad enough, but all up and down this street with the lovely Deodar Cedars, large branches had broken, falling and pulling down the carefully placed light strings that had just been placed. So much debris littered the street and yards of the homeowners there - would there be enough time to get it all repaired and cleaned up before the ceremony on the 10th?
True teamwork is hard to find, but it was found in spades in our community - it was found right at Christmas Tree Lane! Kudos go to all those involved with the restoration of the light strings, the clean up and setting up for what was a fantastic event - an event sorely needed by all of us. For it is without beauty we grow melancholy, and with the events of last few weeks, beauty has been hard to come by.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Altadenablog |
Here's hoping you all have a wonderful week coming up! Be sure to like us on Facebook and look for the announcement of our special holiday wine pairing next Saturday. Watch for news of a special benefit on Sunday for Altadena Community Church. We're also planning an Ugly Christmas Sweater shopping extravaganza the week before Christmas! Hang onto your hats, friends, the season is upon us!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Giving Thanks
Live your life so that the fear of death can never enter your heart. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light. Give thanks for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. And if perchance you see no reason for giving thanks, rest assured the fault is in yourself.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y!
"Is it Saturday yet
Cuz I wanna get up
Is it Saturday yet
It just feels like a Saturday
Baby
Is it Saturday yet
I just wanna get up
Is it Saturday yet
Cuz it feels like a Saturday
Baby
Is it Saturday?"
----Nick Carter
Saturday - a mini vacation, a day away from the office, a chance to get caught up on things that have gotten away from you - like shopping! You may have heard about Small Business Saturday recently. If you haven't, it's American Express' nationwide program to promote shopping at independently owned small businesses. Held the day after Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), Small Business Saturday hopes to increase the awareness of the value of shopping locally.
American Express isn't the only organization to uphold and promote this idea, nor were they the first. Many others have been there much earlier - B.A.L.L.E. (the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) was the leader of the pack with their mantra of believing "that local, independent businesses are among our most potent change agents, uniquely prepared to take on the challenges of the twenty-first century with an agility, sense of place, and relationship-based approach others lack. They are more than employers and profit-makers; they are neighbors, community builders and the starting point for social innovation, aligning commerce with the common good and bringing transparency, accountability, and a caring human face to the marketplace."
The Amerian Independent Business Alliance, formed around the same time as B.A.L.L.E., is a national 501c3 non-profit organization helping communities launch and successfully operate an Independent Business Alliance® (IBA), "buy independent, buy local" campaigns, pro-local policies, and other initiatives to support local entrepreneurs and vibrant local economies. Their latest campaign, pictured below, launched yesterday:
Cuz I wanna get up
Is it Saturday yet
It just feels like a Saturday
Baby
Is it Saturday yet
I just wanna get up
Is it Saturday yet
Cuz it feels like a Saturday
Baby
Is it Saturday?"
----Nick Carter
Saturday - a mini vacation, a day away from the office, a chance to get caught up on things that have gotten away from you - like shopping! You may have heard about Small Business Saturday recently. If you haven't, it's American Express' nationwide program to promote shopping at independently owned small businesses. Held the day after Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), Small Business Saturday hopes to increase the awareness of the value of shopping locally.
American Express isn't the only organization to uphold and promote this idea, nor were they the first. Many others have been there much earlier - B.A.L.L.E. (the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies) was the leader of the pack with their mantra of believing "that local, independent businesses are among our most potent change agents, uniquely prepared to take on the challenges of the twenty-first century with an agility, sense of place, and relationship-based approach others lack. They are more than employers and profit-makers; they are neighbors, community builders and the starting point for social innovation, aligning commerce with the common good and bringing transparency, accountability, and a caring human face to the marketplace."
The Amerian Independent Business Alliance, formed around the same time as B.A.L.L.E., is a national 501c3 non-profit organization helping communities launch and successfully operate an Independent Business Alliance® (IBA), "buy independent, buy local" campaigns, pro-local policies, and other initiatives to support local entrepreneurs and vibrant local economies. Their latest campaign, pictured below, launched yesterday:
Urging the U.S. populace to shop local, independent stores and businesses, AMIBA aims to educate us about the difference between corporate-owned (chain) stores, big boxes (stores like WalMart, KMart, Target) and their smaller, neighborhood counterparts. The purveyor of the best information on this subject I've found, AMIBA is invaluable for their support of many nationwide shop local associations.
Smaller, but certainly as important, is The 3/50 Project and their shop local message. Conceived by Cinda Baxter in 2008, in the early days of this devastating recession, The 3/50 Project gives small stores readily accessible promotional material to educate their customers. It was also our jumping-off point, where I learned exactly what was up with these movements and the logic behind them. Cinda gave me the basics and pointed me to the organizations, like AIMBA and B.A.L.L.E., where I could learn more. The 3/50 Project's latest holiday promotion is "Keep The Cheer Here" aimed at underlining the need for differentiators in our communities - places that are unique to each and give new-comers a taste of the flavor of their town.
A relative newcomer to the mix, Independent We Stand has already made a large impact on localvores of all stripes. Formed to support local businesses and also to educate people about their importance, Independent We Stand's videos and informational materials are a testament to their commitment to small business. They go a step further and ask that you take their pledge to shop local. We have a special place in our heart for Independent We Stand.....check them out and I'm sure you'll see why.
These are just a few of the organizations making a difference in the way we think about local economies. As you all know, independent businesses, retailers in particular, are the drivers of the American economy, as it was in the past and as it will be in the future. As for Small Business Saturday, we'll be participating this year, too. We'll open at 8:30 am and close at 6:00 pm and you can expect some great bargains! Until then, I'll leave you with this video - I hope you'll watch it and take it to heart - see you on Saturday!
Have a great week ahead, my friends!
Lori and Scott
Sunday, November 13, 2011
November's Bad Rap
Poor November....that lonely month, or so it seems, akin to maybe only February in the words of poets. Witness Thomas Hood, from "No!":
"No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member -
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds -
November!"
Or Sir Walter Scott's quip:
"November's sky is chill and drear,
November's leaf is red and sear."
But I tend to lean toward Edgar A. Guest's view of the month:
"Give me the end of the year an' its fun
When most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done;
Bring all the wanderers home to the nest,
Let me sit down with the ones I love best,
Hear the old voices still ringin' with song,
See the old faces unblemished by wrong,
See the old table with all of its chairs
An' I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers."
In my experience, November has always been a month of action. First of all, we've got the changing foliage around us, daylight savings ends and there's Thanksgiving towards the end of it. This year we've got a lot more going on. This Saturday, November 19th, it's the Elves Fair at Waldorf School, The Market At St. Elizabeth Of Hungary Church, and Webster's Community Pharmacy's Holiday Open House. It's also our monthly Wine Pairing event and this month's starring vintage is the new Beaujolais Nouveau release! Anne Bannon of OddBallGrape.com will entertain us with the history and pageant of this particular wine, which is mandated by the government of France to be released on a yearly basis on the 3rd Thursday in the month of....you guessed it....November! Singled out as one of the very few red wines that are best served chilled, it's also a natural as a companion to a Thanksgiving table. That means we'll be tasting the new Beaujolais release against tasty favorites like turkey and stuffing, sweet potatoes and of course, pie. The fun starts at 4:00 p.m., but that's not all - our good friend Marcia Copess of Home Body Botanicals will be in store to answer questions about her completely natural, locally-made, homeopathic skin, body and home care line now available at WFS. We're excited to have her and her good-for-you products in store, and we know you'll want to know all about them! We hope you'll find time in your day to drop by - we'll be waiting for you.
All in all, November has turned out to be not as dreary as lore would have it. We've signed on several more local artists including two natural soap makers and one who makes the most darling fascinators - those British-inspired head fashions that have taken the U.S. by storm - you'll just have to come in and see these quirky beauties, and take a whiff of the new soap products, as well. We have three local artists' work hung on our walls - Patrick Gothard, Aldonia Bailey and Rose Sinatra. Most of all, though, we're enthused and honored to be part of a market test for new product made by our friend Ellen Zimmerman called Jewish Holidays In A Box. Geared toward busy or mixed-faith families, this is a one-stop shop for celebrating holidays, including Hanukkah - it has everything you need, such as a CD that goes through the different rituals, prayers and pronunciation. We thought it was such a great idea that Ellen is letting us test out some of the Hanukkah kits - look for them on our shelves soon!
Gotta run now, dinner's almost done. Have a wonderful week ahead, friends, and remember: "Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." - Elizabeth Lawrence
Lori and Scott
"No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member -
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds -
November!"
Or Sir Walter Scott's quip:
"November's sky is chill and drear,
November's leaf is red and sear."
But I tend to lean toward Edgar A. Guest's view of the month:
"Give me the end of the year an' its fun
When most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done;
Bring all the wanderers home to the nest,
Let me sit down with the ones I love best,
Hear the old voices still ringin' with song,
See the old faces unblemished by wrong,
See the old table with all of its chairs
An' I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers."
In my experience, November has always been a month of action. First of all, we've got the changing foliage around us, daylight savings ends and there's Thanksgiving towards the end of it. This year we've got a lot more going on. This Saturday, November 19th, it's the Elves Fair at Waldorf School, The Market At St. Elizabeth Of Hungary Church, and Webster's Community Pharmacy's Holiday Open House. It's also our monthly Wine Pairing event and this month's starring vintage is the new Beaujolais Nouveau release! Anne Bannon of OddBallGrape.com will entertain us with the history and pageant of this particular wine, which is mandated by the government of France to be released on a yearly basis on the 3rd Thursday in the month of....you guessed it....November! Singled out as one of the very few red wines that are best served chilled, it's also a natural as a companion to a Thanksgiving table. That means we'll be tasting the new Beaujolais release against tasty favorites like turkey and stuffing, sweet potatoes and of course, pie. The fun starts at 4:00 p.m., but that's not all - our good friend Marcia Copess of Home Body Botanicals will be in store to answer questions about her completely natural, locally-made, homeopathic skin, body and home care line now available at WFS. We're excited to have her and her good-for-you products in store, and we know you'll want to know all about them! We hope you'll find time in your day to drop by - we'll be waiting for you.
All in all, November has turned out to be not as dreary as lore would have it. We've signed on several more local artists including two natural soap makers and one who makes the most darling fascinators - those British-inspired head fashions that have taken the U.S. by storm - you'll just have to come in and see these quirky beauties, and take a whiff of the new soap products, as well. We have three local artists' work hung on our walls - Patrick Gothard, Aldonia Bailey and Rose Sinatra. Most of all, though, we're enthused and honored to be part of a market test for new product made by our friend Ellen Zimmerman called Jewish Holidays In A Box. Geared toward busy or mixed-faith families, this is a one-stop shop for celebrating holidays, including Hanukkah - it has everything you need, such as a CD that goes through the different rituals, prayers and pronunciation. We thought it was such a great idea that Ellen is letting us test out some of the Hanukkah kits - look for them on our shelves soon!
Gotta run now, dinner's almost done. Have a wonderful week ahead, friends, and remember: "Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn." - Elizabeth Lawrence
Lori and Scott
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sharing Our Bounty
"They began now to gather in the small harvest they had, and to fit up their houses and dwellings against winter, being all well recovered in health and strength and had all things in good plenty. For as some were thus employed in affairs abroad, others were exercising in fishing, about cod and bass and other fish, of which they took good store, of which every family had their portion. All the summer there was no want; and now began to come in store of fowl, as winter approached, of which this place did abound when they came first (but afterward decreased by degrees). And besides waterfowl there was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison, etc. Besides they had about a peck of meal a week to a person, or now since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion. Which made many afterwards write so largely of their plenty here to their friends in England, which were not feigned but true reports.”
- William Bradford, 1621
- William Bradford, 1621
Ahhh, November, with thoughts of Thanksgiving and the holidays approaching! We, each of us, have a collective memory as a nation of the first inhabitants of this county sharing their bounty with the newcomers to their land. Of course I mean the Indians and the Pilgrims, and without such collaboration, it would have been much harder for them to survive.
This month, we have an opportunity to honor the philosophy of our Native American friends who helped those first Americans. We can give a little (or a lot) of packaged food which is very much needed to feed the hungry at Pasadena's Union Station Homeless Services. We've joined up with Altadena's Fork In The Road Gang to collect your donations until the big collection party at the Fork on November 12th and 13th. Please watch this video, put together by Agent Phil Coombes: Put The Fork In Hunger
We have a large box at the store you can drop the packaged food into and we'll take it down to the Fork for you. Easy-peasy, right? But wait - that's not all. For being such a sharing and caring person, we'll give you 10% off any purchase at the store! This is going to be one of the largest food drives in Pasadena history, folks. We'd like to make sure our friends at Union Station have enough to go around this season, because donations have been down lately. Please help by bringing some cans or packages of rice, beans, dried soup.....whatever you'd use in your own kitchen.....for the many people in our community who need them. We thank you, and so do they!
Next Friday, Nov. 11th is not only Veteran's Day, it's also Webster's Fancy Food Truck Friday. Webster's Fine Stationers will be giving veterans a 20% discount all day (and evening, since we're open until 9:00 pm) - all you need to do is tell a crew member that you saw (or heard about) this and you're an active or former member of our Armed Forces. It's just a little gesture to show our thanks, and we'd like you to know just how much we appreciate your service.
Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more details and updates on the food drive, on Fancy Food Truck Friday, what's new in store and more!
Enjoy your week ahead, my friends!
Lori & Scott
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