Lots of Exciting Ideas are Percolating!!!

Wow! Lots of exciting ideas are percolating for meeting topics and collaboration in the community!  Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Jen Abangan who recently opened the shop "Childish" in downtown Lodi (formerly occupied by Smitten).  Her store sells gently used kids clothing (I found a really cool knight costume for my son) and toys, as well as new items.  She has a back room where she will host arts and crafts workshops, family game nights, etc.  The space is very kid-friendly! Adjacent to the meeting/event space is a small room all decked out with toys, a t.v. for movies and other goodies so the kiddos can have fun while the parent's engage in a workshop.  Very exciting to have a business like this in our small town!

Last Sunday I attended a workshop at the Ironstone Nest in Sun Prairie with my Mom. We learned all about Milk Paint which is an all-natural, non-toxic powdered paint that mixes with water! You can use it to paint many different finishes including giving things a distressed, old world look (that is what we learned how to do).  O.k., it's non-toxic, very economical because you only have to mix what you need for a specific project, the colors are gorgeous, oh, did I mention that you can get right in our area? You can order direct from the shop's owner, Laura, or stop by her beautiful workshop if you're in Sun Prairie.

What else?? Amy Urbanek, who lives in the area and gave a presentation on making quick, easy and healthy snacks for your family last month, coordinates shipments to the DeForest area by the online grocer, Azure Standard! Azure Standard specializes in natural, organic, earth-friendly foods and products. They deliver directly to customers, buying clubs and retailers by semi-truck and UPS.  According to Amy, most of their prices are very reasonable and some are cheaper than Whole Foods and Willy Street Co-op. The route we would use is the Q1 Windsor Route. The orders are dropped off at the Truck Wash on CV and Hwy. 19 in Windsor just off the Interstate Exit 131.  This month orders must be submitted by October 1st.  Pick up typically takes place the following week (Amy will alert all customers the specific date/time their order will be available for pick up).  I hope you will take advantage of this awesome opportunity right in our backyard! Save yourself the drive to Madison to get the groceries and household supplies you are already using.

And finally, I'm finalizing plans for several upcoming meetings of Lodi Valley Green Folks and will be posting the details shortly.

All the best to you for a wonderful week!