Fly Right Gifts is Closing (for a bit)

We will be closed Sunday, February 21 - March 3. Please come in before or after that and check out our new fragrances from Pacifica--The French Lilac has got me totally yearning for Springtime!

In time for Valentine's Day: New BlueQ

The UPS man came by today with some great new things from Blue Q: more hilarious magnets, more recycled plastic totes and some new stuff I thought I'd try!

Since I grew up in Pella, Iowa--home of all things Dutch--I really took a liking to this water bottle with a windmill on it! It's 18/8 stainless steel and printed with non-toxic inks (of course).

Do you know somebody who's been having trouble with getting tickets? Maybe a new car air freshener would help. This one has a friendly police man on it and says police are my favorite people. Mmmm. . .fresh "baked" doughnut scent.

If parking tickets are the problem, perhaps the image of Saint Otto, the patron saint of parking is what's needed! Can't hurt; might help! They're made in the USA and scented with essential oils

VD warning!

VD, or Valentine's Day as it's commonly known, is quickly approaching! Don't get caught at Jewel buying tired roses at 6pm on February 14th! I have put together some easy grab-n-go gifts for the special gal in your life. I have limited quantities of these, so it's best to shop early to get the most choices. The small reusable gift heart canisters start at $15, and contain some tried and true favorites put together in a special way. I've also got a few gift baskets put together, if you're more traditional. All of them feature a unified theme that will show her that you are thoughtful, caring, and supportive of businesses that are eco-friendly! What chick doesn't dig that?!

There are lots of great options for unique jewelry and hand knit accessories too. And if you are really inclined to buy flowers, we have some great recycled glass vases to put them in! Of course we have a nice selection of Valentine cards too--even some vintage reproduction ones with Valentine hankies tucked in them. And be sure to check out the Valentine-themed dishtowels!

Make Somebody's Day

It seems a lot of people are really down lately. Maybe they're struggling with crap at work or at school, maybe they're just not where they thought they would be by now, or maybe it's just the weather. Whatever the reason, a little "pick me up" gift could really help them know that you understand and care. These little gifts don't have to be big or expensive, it's just the fact that you're thinking of them that will maybe cheer them up a bit.

We have a selection of small Hide A Note cards. They're too small to mail in their little envelopes (each card is 2.5" square) but they're perfect for tucking into a backpack or briefcase or hiding in the medicine cabinet or a drawer. There are four cards in a pack with subjects like Thanks, Quotes, Kids, Friend, Birthday, Love, Get Well, and Encourage. That's potentially four days of cheer for $1.99.

For a quarter you can get an organic gourmet lollipop. For $1.50 you can get an aromatherapy smencil. For $2.50 you could give them a great scented votive candle. For kids, there are some great Melissa and Doug things for under $5--sticker books, coloring books, and kazoos. Everybody can use lip balm this time of the year (starting at $3.25). You know you love getting a new lip balm. . .

A handwritten note on some cheerful notecards can make a far away (or across the street) friend feel appreciated. Find some inspiration in a new box of notecards for yourself!

New Year's Greetings!

It is officially 2010, and I'm still wondering what I'm doing owning a business. It sure is fun (for the most part), though. I have to thank you all for your support over the last year and a half--of course I couldn't have done it without you!

What are your resolutions this year? We have plenty of things here at Fly Right to help you if you resolved any of the following:

• To be more organized
• To eat healthier/cook at home more/bring your lunch to work
• To create less waste
• To use more recycled/upcycled products
• To keep in touch with old friends
• To keep the house a little cleaner
• To support local businesses and businesses that are environmentally conscious

All of these are worthy goals to achieve, even if you're not into making formal resolutions. As they say, every little bit helps.

I hope that 2010 will be a healthier, happier, more prosperous year for all of us!

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.