New Toys and Treats for the Holidays

I have been playing around with can tab crafts lately and came up with this cute little wreath ornament. If any of you drink canned beverages and could save the tabs for me, I'd appreciate it. I've also got some bracelets in the works with various colored accents.

I just got done unpacking a big order from Melissa and Doug. I'm pleased that I am one of the first retailers to carry two new toys from them: the cupcake set and the Prince and Princess dress up wooden dolls! The cupcakes combine the baking action of the cookie set (still a favorite) and the candles/decorations of the birthday cake.

EVENT NOTICE

Deck the Depot Festival of Lights Saturday December 12th 5 - 9pm.

Come on down to the Depot District (Windsor/Stanley and Grove Ave.) to enjoy a host of holiday treats--carolers, a petting zoo with reindeer, pictures with Santa Claus, heated trolley rides, sleigh rides and hay rides. Every participating business will have treats and specials for the evening! Here at Fly Right we'll give you 10% off one item and candy and pretzels. This is in conjunction with the Berwyn Park District's Polar Express Ride (which unfortunately sold out in October). Please stop by!

Holiday Shopping Tips

With the holiday season upon us, please remember to shop with a conscience. You have many options when it comes to how and where to spend your money. I know it's easy to go to a big store with lots to choose from--you might finish off your list right there. No, they won't wrap the gifts for you. No, they won't help you find the perfect thing for Aunt Emma. You'll be lucky if they thank you for your business or wish you a happy Christmakwanzakuh. Please think about the principles of the 3/50 project as you do your holiday (and every day) shopping.

3--Think of the three independently owned stores in your community that you would miss if they were gone.

50--If just 50% of the employed people in the US spent $50 each month in these independently owned stores, their purchases would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue!

68--for every $100 spent in independently owned stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures. If you spend that hundred bucks at a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online, and nothing comes home. Even better if the proprietor of the store is in this mentality and the ripple effect takes over! This can be applied to restaurants, bars, gas stations, and grocery stores as well--keep the $$ in your community.

Okay, I'm done preaching, I just wanted you to be armed with this information before Black Friday fliers blind you to these options. And don't get me started about the ecological footprint of shopping at those stores. . . I'll save that for another post.

New Papergoods--100% Recycled!

An "old" favorite, Galison, now has a line of 100% recycled papergoods! We have all three designs in all fthree styles--so get a whole collection, or mix it up. Even the packaging is recycled! The list pad (above) has 160 Euro-looking graph sheets. It's perfect bound, but has perforations so you can easily tear off a sheet to take along to the store.

The writer's notebook sets feature three different covers and page styles: one blank, one lined, and one graph--for all your doodling needs!

The notecard sets are adorable--each has 12 cards (6 each of 2 designs) and 13 envelopes. They're packaged in a recycled box with no acetate--easy to recycle when you're done with them.

We are now able to ship your order UPS, so if you can't make it to the store, just call and we can send it right out to you (you'll have to give us a credit card number or mail us a check first, though).

Counting the days

Ready to start your countdown to Christmas? If so, you should have an advent calendar--one that you can use over and over again! This one from Mudpuppy has reusable stickers that you can remove from the calendar and place on the North Pole scene every day from December first through Christmas. The big night features Santa and his team taking off from the scene!

Don't forget that we can ship UPS now, so even if you're far away, we can get this to you by the first.

New Blue Q

These are some great new tooth brush holders from Q-topia--food grade glaze on responsibly-made ceramic.

The charming winter scene [above] is on a 7" cosmetic/pencil case made from 95% post-consumer recycled plastic. The truck load o' money [below] is a coin purse of the same material. These are just the newest additions to the Blue Q line. Come see the rest of the new bags, too!

This is aimed ACHOO!

I'm sure you're doing everything you can to prevent your kids and yourself from getting sick, but if you do, think about what you are putting in and on your bodies (think organic tea, homemade soup, your favorite blanket). We carry a great line of natural/organic (these are both 95% certified organic) products for babies and adults. The Achoo chest rub is a soothing cream with eucalyptus and other de-stuffing ingredients, but unlike its blue-jar counterparts, it contains no petroleum-based ingredients.
You know how your skin gets in the winter? The cracking hands and feet, dry lips, the flaky bits on the tip of your nose. . . okay, I'll stop now. You get the picture. This Organic Soothing Stick is great for all those severely dry places, and it's paraben-free. It's a great portable size--fits easily in your pocket, purse, or diaper bag.

I have testers out, some come by and try these products--you won't be disappointed!

It's Wool Weather!

Time to get out the hats and scarves and gloves, everybody! We have just gotten a supply of locally handmade knits--fingerless mittens, neckerchiefs, and hats for adults and children. Perfect for this time of year for everybody, and all the time for some people is the new devil cap--available in kids' and adult sizes. We still have the pumpkin hats for kids, too.

The fingerless mittens have multiplied over the Summer--come check out the new colors and styles! There are ones with thumbs now too! These were my go-to gloves all year last year. For indoors or out, these rock! Great for wearing while crafting or computing--any winter activity that makes your digits chilly.

It's about time!

It's starting to feel a little cooler out, the days are getting shorter, and that means one thing--it's almost Halloween!

I can't wait to wear my Halloween apron for passing out candy to the trick or treaters! If only I had the glowing gams of my mannequin. . .

I'm not sure what you call these: is it a reproduction if it's made by the same company that's always made it? These paper cut outs are printed on both sides--perfect for windows as well as walls.

These feline place mats are so cute! Whether you choose the green or the orange, you'll be sure to festify your dining table!

This is a nice set of dishtowels for Fall--only the jack-o-lantern one has a Halloween-specific picture on it. They come folded and tied with a satin ribbon--a perfect gift for the haunted hostess or the October birthday girl.

Yummy!

I have been a fan of Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops since I got them to pass out on Halloween last year, so this year (at the suggestion of a friend) I got big bags of them to sell, so you, too can pass out the world's best candy on a stick! I also have single ones for sale if you just want to try them. Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops are made with no high fructose corn syrup and they are:

• Gluten Free
• Cerified Organic
• 100% Naturally Flavored
• Soy-free
• Nut-free
• Wheat-free
• Dairy-free
• Casein-free
• GMO-free
  

Since I am a big fan of eating fruit with chili pepper on it, I decided to give the Yummy Earth Spicy pops a try. All I can say is wow. I have small bags of these for sale, too. Hopefully I won't eat them all before anybody has a chance to try them--if you come in, I'll give you one of mine to try. Chili Lime Lambada or Chili Mango Mambo--they're both outstanding, if you like a little fire to your sweet.



THANKS (that's a big thanks) to everyone who came out for Oktoberfest! It was the biggest and best one yet--I've gotten great feedback from everybody who came out. The organizers did a great job this year!

Fun Fall Festival

It starts today! Berwyn's 9th annual Oktoberfest will be bigger and better than ever this year! They've added crafters and vendors on Grove by Stanley Avenue, tons more stuff for the kids, and new this year: Dogtoberfest! Of course there will be the carnival, two stages of music, and tons of food. Oh yeah, and it wouldn't be Oktoberfest without beer, would it?

Two bands I have to plug (because they're local and I sell their CDs) are The Boogers--on the kids' stage twice on Saturday, and Hurricane Gumbo at 5 on the Main Stage on Saturday. Yes, Hurricane Gumbo is my husband Jon's band, and they are so much fun for people of all ages! Click on the title of this post for the official website of this awesome event.

We'll be open late--until the last shopper goes home. I'll be sampling 3 flavors of the dip mixes: Heavenly Horseradish, Loaded Potato, and the very spicy Habanero and Green Chile. I hope you can come out and enjoy the great weather and all the fun stuff the Oktoberfest Committee has provided. As always, Oktoberfest is free of charge!

Smencils are in!

They're here. I have regular Smencils and colored Smencils. You can buy them individually or by the pack of 10 (one of each fragrance). What are Smencils? They're smelly pencils (oops, I mean gourmet scented pencils!) . I extensively polled my customers who are under the age of 20, and they all agreed that Smencils would be a great addition to my inventory.

What's so great about a Smencil?

Smencils save trees because they're not made of wood--they're made of 100% recycled newspaper. They do come in plastic sleeves to help keep the fragrance pure, but it's biodegradable plastic made from corn. Both colored and regular Smencils come in the following fabulous fragrances:

• Very Berry
• Cinnamon
• Bubble Gum
• Orange
• Cotton Candy
• Grape
• Black Cherry
• Watermelon
• Root Beer
• Tropical Blast

The Dog Days of Summer

I keep seeing the cutest dogs out walking lately--probably because it's not too hot this year. I always have my dog water bowl right out in front, so please stop by with your pooch if you're in the neighborhood. I have several canine friends who stop in often (just to visit me, not because I give them treats). Feel free to bring your dog into the store if he/she is not a naughty sort of dog. The little Bostons above are Delilah and Mabel (and Mabel is not possessed by Satan or any other evil spirit, she's just got real shiny eyes). They like to come for the Cruise Nights with their dad, Rick. There is one more Cruise Night this year on August 18th. I'll be open until 9, so come and say hello!

As always, I have natural pet treats from Zuke's for sale (and free samples of the peanut butter flavor mini treats). I also have a zogoflex bones from West Paw, Flea Flee doggy bug spray and Dog Poo from Sunfeather Natural Soaps, and the ever-popular Gulpy water bottles.

I have coupons for a free day at the dog lounge, The Spot, 7324 Madison Street in Forest Park. They're good only for new clients and are a $25 value. This is for Fly Right customers only. The Spot is hosting an adoption event for the Animal Care league on August 29th. I have fliers for that too, so come on by!

One Year!

Can you believe it? I've been open for one year (actually one year and one week)! It's been an interesting ride--I just went back and reread some of my earliest posts. I have met so many great people and learned so much!

And I have some great news-- I got a new air conditioner put in last week!

Vacation or Staycation--we've got you covered!

This Summer, it seems people are sticking a little closer to home for their family vacations. We have just what you need to get out of town and possibly see an endangered species--the roadside attraction, weird water tower, or kooky museum. Berwyn author Jerome Pohlen has written a great series of travel guides, and we sell some of the ones closest to home: Oddball Illinois, Oddball Wisconsin, Oddball Iowa, and Oddball Indiana. I made him sign all the copies, so you not only get the book, you get the autograph at no extra charge! The books are divided into territories, so it's easy to look up the areas you'll be driving through. (the author warns us to call ahead and confirm that the attractions are still there--a good example is the Spindle here in Berwyn which is on the cover of Oddball Illinois).

While you're driving around out of town, why not let the locals know where you're from with one of the "Ich Bin Ein Berwyner" shirts--the newest batch is heather gray and comes in S-XXL.

Big fat wallets make driving a pain in the butt for the purseless among us. Come check out the ultra thin/light and super cool Mighty Wallets. They're made from Tyvek--a recyclable paper-thin material that's sturdy, waterproof, and recycled. They come in a variety of prints from tattoo images to shredded paper. Just looking for a small wallet to hold your ID and some cash? We have recycled plastic coin purses with cute images--waterproof and perfect for the pool or a small evening bag. For carrying your pool and beach gear, we have large totes made from recycled plastic as well.

We have some car-friendly toys and games for the young kids, and road trip journals for the older ones. Don't be like me and lose a small Barbie shoe in the seats of the car--it really ticks Dad off. . .

Solar Power!

We have gotten the cutest monarch butterfly garden stakes! The black-eyed susan's center is a solar panel, and the butterfly flutters when the sun hits it. I've been putting one outside in my planter at the store, and it really does get peoples' attention. It works on both sunny and overcast days. It would be great in a houseplant on a window sill or right in your flower bed.

I Scream You Scream

It's almost officially Summer, and that means it's time for ice cream! I'm lucky (or unlucky) to be located a half block from a great little ice cream parlor--Over the Rainbow. They serve hand dipped Hershey's ice cream and stock over 35 different flavors. Tom (the owner) laughs at me when I walk down there with my bowl and spoon in hand, but he knows I'm only trying to save the planet (and him a little money). . .

I have several customers who have mentioned to me that they or their kids can't eat dairy, so they have to miss out on one of Summer's best treats. GOOD NEWS! Tom has gotten some soy ice cream! And it's good! He's got two flavors: chocolate and peach cobbler. And it's from a local company called Temptations. They make it with Chicago Soydairy Soymilk, organic evaporated cane juice, and other ingredients. The chocolate flavor is even gluten-free!

Tom has toys for the kids to play with while you're there, including the Melissa and Doug ice cream parlor set. (conveniently available at Fly Right Gifts).

Father's Day early warning!

We have some great cards and gifts for Father's Day (which is June 21st this year), but you should come and get them now, as the store will be closed June 18-22. I will be spending that time with my own father (and mother) at our family farm's 140th anniversary celebration in South Dakota.

This is a picture of my dad back in his modeling days. . . This is the only picture you will find of my dad wearing a cardigan. Or smoking a pipe.

New Games for Older Kids (and one for little ones)

I just got in a shipment from Gamewright. These award-winning card games were recommended to me by a customer (hello, Geralyn!) and her two boys (ages 7 & 9). She said the games are great because adults as well as kids enjoy playing them, and some of them can be played in 12 minutes or less. All but one of them are made in the USA.

It was recyling weekend for us!

I come from a long line of people who save things "just in case", so it was no surprise when we started to clean out our garage this weekend that we found a lot of stuff that we haven't looked at or needed in quite awhile.

There was an old TV (soon to be rendered obsolete by the high definition changeover June 12th, and it doesn't work anyhow). I think my tinkering husband thought that maybe he could fix it. Well, he didn't, so we went online and found out that Best Buy will recycle old televisions. So we threw it in the van.

Also there was an old computer desk that we never liked and hardly used. Threw that in the van, too. We took that to Goodwill. The attendant there saw the TV and said they aren't taking those, but we told him we were taking it to Best Buy and that he should refer people there if they try to donate one. They're within a mile of each other, so I think it wouldn't be a problem for people. We also had a bunch of spent batteries, which Best Buy also took.

Other things we found we listed on Freecycle.com, or gave in response to posts on there. I have found that people will take almost anything you post on that site. That's how I get rid of all my shipping boxes for the store. There's always somebody moving! Later Sunday evening a lady from a local veteran's group called to see if we had any clothing to donate--that they were going to be in our neighborhood today. So there's a bag of clothes on our porch right now. It feels good to get rid of stuff that you're not using! And I'm hoping that there's a karmic payback for not holding on to my "just in case" crap. If I ever need anything, I will post it on Freecycle under wanted.

The 3/50 project

Click on the following logo to read some important information on shopping local and keeping your favorite businesses around. It all makes sense, and if we all do it, think what an impact it would make on our communities! I have several devoted customers (you know who you are) who I'm sure already know this--in fact it was a customer who brought my attention to this website!

Bloom-n-Zoom time again!

Saturday May 9th is the Bloom-n-Zoom in the Depot District. There will be plenty of plants and flowers and hanging baskets for all your bloomin' needs. This year it's on Windsor Avenue between Grove and Kenilworth Avenues (a mere stone's throw away from my store). It goes from 8am - 2pm (or until they run out of plants). I'll be open at 9 (maybe before that--we'll see how it goes. . .).





I've got Mother's Day cards (even ones from the dog and the cat), new candles, new jewelry, and all the regular stuff too. I've gotten in all sizes of the Berwyner T-shirts, as well, so come on over and get something for Mom (or yourself)!





Here are a couple of the new candles I just made this morning:

Summer Reading for Grade Schoolers

This Reading is Cool journal will help kids keep track of what they read over the summer. Besides recording what they read, they can rate the book and do fun exercises about the characters and situations in the stories.

The Roadtrip activity journal will keep kids busy (and possibly quiet) while you're on Summer vacation. It's got car games (eye spy, the license plate game and auto bingo, of course + a few more you make up as you go). There's lots of space for drawing what you see, and awards to make up for your favorite places (and a couple of nasty restroom awards, too). This journal would be good for one or more than one kids on a family vacation.

And now a word from our sponsor (click on the post title to go to their website):

Did you know that Elementary school children who don't have access to books during Summer vacation will lose up to three months of reading skills learned during the school year? Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. (Citizens Aligned to Renew Education for Students) is collecting gently used books for low income kids in grades K-5 from Districts 98 & 100. You can drop off books at Fly Right from now until the end of the school year. This is a great way to help kids in our community and to recycle your child's outgrown books. It will make your kids feel good to know that they are helping others in need, recycling, and making room for new books of their own.

Pets love Spring too!

Spring is here, and I've been seeing a lot more dogs out and about lately! Today I got shipments of pet supplies from two different vendors, so the pet shelf is full once more.

Back by pupular (sorry) demand are the Hurley bones from West Paw. They're super-tough, they float, are flexible, and they bounce at crazy angles.They're made of Zogoflex (a word they most likely made up) and are made partially from post-industrial waste. They offer a one time replacement if your dog destroys it, and they are happy to take back and recycle the Hurley when your pet is done with it. Zogoflex is FDA approved for use by pets, and they are made in the USA.

When I opened the shipping box, I could smell this organic catnip. It's strong! It's all leaves, finely crushed--no stems or seeds. If your cat likes regular catnip, he'll never go back after trying organic. Even cats who seemed indifferent to catnip before love this stuff.

For all pet owners, these window stickers are vital. Every fireman who has come into my store says that these are noticed immediately and are very helpful to them for knowing to look for your pets in case the unthinkable happens. This is the one product that I sell that I hope never gets used.

We also have a new batch of all natural dog and cat treats from Zuke's, and we still have some of that great-smelling Dog Poo (natural shampoo for dogs) and Flea Flee spray from Sunfeather natural soap company. And of course we still have the Gulpy water bottles. Feel free stop in with your dog--I'll give him or her a treat if you'll let me!

Easter's Almost Here!

We will be open the usual hours on Good Friday (11-7) and Saturday (12-5) for all your Easter shopping needs. A big thanks goes out to Angel(a) and Susan for helping me put out my best email yet!! What? You're not on the email list? You can sign up on the website at:
www.flyrightgifts.com
I only sent it to the local folks, but if you're out of town and would like a copy, just leave a comment, and I'll send it out to you (also leave your email address if I don't have it already). I'm working on the website and hoping to have a shopping cart feature and products soon. If you see something here on the blog (or in an email) and would like to order it, you can--just call me and we'll work it out. 708-484-7899

Happy Easter!

Easter Treats that Aren't Fattening

These handknit chickens are made locally by my knitting gal, Jennifer (and I added the felt beaks and combs and waddles). I had several of these guys when I was a kid, some made by my grandmother and one by my great aunt, Rose. They conceal a plastic egg. Every Easter I'd leave my chickens in my basket and the Easter Bunny would come and put something in them--usually a quarter or some jelly beans. Yes, we reused my Easter basket every year, and I still have it! The chickens come in several colors, and come with the plastic egg. All this for only $5!

These are some beautiful handmade fabric corsages that can be used over and over again for all your Spring events--Easter, Mother's Day, Prom, Earth Day. . . There are several Springy color combinations available. These are from LaLaLaurie (not me, but my friend Laurie from Tacoma). She has more corsages availbable on Etsy, seller name LaLaLaurie.