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Monday, May 21, 2012
Shopping
Friday, February 17, 2012
Eco News / Health / Shopping Sir Richard's Condoms: 'Doing good never felt better'
Posted by Kirsten Akens on Fri, Feb 17, 2012 at 9:56 AM
It's National Condom Week. And there's a rubber company headquartered in Boulder that's helping you do good in more ways than one.
Specifically in honor of the Feb. 14 through 21 Condom Week, Sir Richard's Condom Company is asking those of you on Facebook or Twitter to simply share the news via their website. For each person who does, Sir Richard's will donate one condom to Haiti. It's a part of the company's larger "for every condom purchased, a condom is given to a developing country" project.
Most recently the company committed a donation of 500,000 condoms to Haiti:
Sir Richard's prides itself in producing a high-quality product with "carefully sourced ingredients." Their website describes their condoms as being made from 100 percent natural latex, free of glycerin, spermicide and parabens, and — especially for vegans — free of the dairy product casein. In Colorado Springs, you can find them at Whole Foods Market, or many of our local independent grocers, including Mountain Mama Natural Foods.
Now that you can be sure you or your partner's junk will be wrapped in the best glove possible, it's probably also worth mentioning, for those with a discerning eye, that these are perhaps the most fashion-forward condom packages in the industry. There's a different color plaid for just about any outfit. Get it on, Colorado!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Entertainment / Shopping Give the gift of protein on Valentine's
Posted by Edie Adelstein on Wed, Feb 8, 2012 at 7:18 AM
Yobel Market co-owner Donavan Kennedy and I remember what a drag Valentine's Day used to be. Several years ago, both of us worked at the Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant, and the week of Valentine's we were always slammed — booked effing solid, extended hours be damned. Apparently nothing's more romantic than melted cheese and an exhausted staff on the most predictable day of the year.
I suspect he looks back on those times more fondly than I do — fitting of someone who helped start such a compassionate business — but I'm pretty jazzed to watch each V-Day go by with no effort on my part.
Except maybe this: the gift of chickens to a family in need. For $20, you can send a dozen chickens to a family in Uganda, which will not only provide the family with valuable protein and possible income, but a renewable resource to boot. The chicks will be hand-delivered to families living at Canaan Farm through Family Empowerment Uganda (a Christian organization, FYI). Give Yobel your e-mail address and you'll receive a receipt of delivery and a photo of the family.
For an extra $5, you can buy the chicks and take home a "Peeps bouquet" with a card explaining your gift. That way, there's something more traditionally sweet for your Valentine.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Local News / Shopping Yobel Market celebrates successes, looks forward
Posted by Molly Mrazek on Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 6:58 AM
2011 was a busy year for local fair trade marketplace Yobel Market.
Among the list of accomplishments: $2,200 given to clean-water programs; 64 goats given to projects in Rwanda and Uganda; seven women who learned to sew in Juarez, Mexico, and $15,000 given to build a school in Uganda.
- Yobel Market
- Donovan Kennedy (left) with Sarah Ray, co-owners of Yobel Market.
The school in Uganda was the most exciting achievement this year for Yobel Market co-founder Donovan Kennedy. According to Kennedy, the school was four years in the making and was the result of three components: work by the local elementary schools; the Market setting aside a third of their profits for the project, and money that came from selling bricks in the store.
Kennedy adds that the school was a huge community need and saves a lot of kids from what would otherwise be a two-hour trek every day.
Yobel Market, located at 2528 W. Colorado Ave., also engaged in four "exposure trips" in 2011, which Kennedy says translates to "exposing our culture to theirs." These trips usually consist of between four to 25 volunteers, who pay their own way. These volunteers do anything from helping women out of prostitution by teaching them to sew or make journals which are sold in the store, to providing to some manual labor for the building of the school in Uganda.
"[This is] an opportunity for a job with dignity," Kennedy says.
In March 2012, Yobel Market is looking forward to another trip to Uganda where they will be doing some business training with the hopes of making their students a little more self-sufficient.
Kennedy and co-founder Sarah Ray also hope to receive nonprofit status for the Market, having submitted an application to the IRS in December.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Local News / Shopping From the bargain-hunter's bag
Posted by Kirsten Akens on Fri, Jan 6, 2012 at 9:13 AM
Sad news for downtown shoppers in my inbox this morning: Ellie K Boutique (230 N. Tejon St.) is going out of business.
The upside to this downside? The Going Out of Business Sale (and, as you'll read, the baby on the way). Here are all the details, from owner Sara King:
Goodbye, Friends!
To all of our wonderful, loyal customers -It has been a fun year and a half getting to know all of you and the store has definitely been a fun adventure....but our first little baby girl is on the way and we decided to close the store so that I can stay home with her full-time!
Which means...this weekend we are starting our "Going Out of Business" sale! I wanted you all to be the first to know to get a jump-start on everyone else. :) I will be posting the news on Facebook later on today. Saturday we will put up the official signs (and finish the markdowns on all the jeans). Then we will hopefully start advertising the sale other places soon.
Since baby girl is due the beginning of April, we are hoping we can have everything wrapped up by the end of March. So please tell your friends and also keep in mind we are selling most of the fixtures too (just in case you know of someone who might be interested in them!). We will have a list of which fixtures are for sale and how much we are asking for them on the front counter.
So here is the good news for all of you!
ALL True Religion jeans - 50% off
ALL Hudson, AG, Joe's Jeans, J Brand, 7 For All Mankind, and Rock Revival jeans - 40% off
Tops, tanks, sweaters, skirts, dresses, etc. - 30-50% off (most everything is 40% off)
Scarves - 30% off
Jewelry and charms - 30% off
Belts and hats - 50% offWe do still have one small rack of brand new Free People tops at full price. But they are so cute and so worth it! :) (You can see pictures of them on Facebook.)
Hope to see you soon!
Come see us soon to have the best pick of sizes and styles....especially in the jeans...those sizes go fast! Where else can you find such amazing deals on True Religion, Hudson, Joe's Jeans, 7 For All Mankind, Free People, Ella Moss, Splendid, C&C California and more?!I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
Sincerely,
Sara King
Ellie K Boutique
Friday, December 23, 2011
Shopping The gifting isn't over yet
Posted by Kirsten Akens on Fri, Dec 23, 2011 at 4:23 PM
Looking for one more really last-minute gift? How about a calendar?
You've got three local options (that we know of at least...)
1) The Colorado Springs Professional Firefighters Local 5 annual calendar.
Yes, the Springs has its very own firefighters calendar. And, yes, I tried to get you some inside photo samples, but alas, you'll just have to trust me on this one. You can purchase copies for $15 at Colorado Coffee Merchants, 302 E. Fillmore St.
2) The Expressions of Hope AspenPointe annual art calendar.
Filled with art by wounded Fort Carson soldiers this year, purchases of this calendar will go to support art therapy programs at AspenPointe. Purchase online for $10 each.
3) The Original 365 Days of Kittens a Year calendar.
OK, this one's not locally produced, but it's got a local cat in it.
Boom is featured in the month of September, and is cared for by locals Jon and Avery Maddaloni. You'll find this calendar by Workman Publishing at book and calendar stores all around town, retailing for $12.99.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Food & Drink / Shopping Get your holiday on at Front Range BBQ tonight
Posted by Kirsten Akens on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 10:42 AM
Friends, you know you should finish your holiday shopping, but hitting the mall is a scary thing. We do understand.
So, tonight at Front Range Barbeque (2330 W. Colorado Ave.), you can avoid parking-lot hell and crap from China, drink a beer or two, AND support a couple good causes. Shopping heaven, perhaps?
From 6-9 p.m., nine artists, including Brienne Boortz, one of our freelance photographers, will be selling their wares, while Odell Brewing Co. has a special tapping of three beers.
On top of all that, there will be a $1 raffle, to benefit Greccio Housing and the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region (COPPeR), with some really cool prizes from places like Boulder Running Company, Briarhurst Manor Estate and the Indy's 2011 Best Hair Stylist, Chrystal Allen. Could it get any better? Really?
Get all the details below.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Entertainment / Economy / Shopping Shopping tips from SpringsBargains.com
Posted by Edie Adelstein on Mon, Dec 12, 2011 at 9:54 AM
- File photo
- Isaac shares some tips and basics.
Between Gift Guides and deep in the season of shopping, we decided to consult Carrie Isaac of SpringsBargains.com for shopping tips. Isaac was voted Best Local Blogger by Indy readers in both 2010 and 2011.
Her best advice:
Have multiple gift ideas for your recipients. If you're stuck on one item for each person on your list, it's harder to find a great deal as the clock is ticking. Keep several gift ideas in mind so that you'll have more options to choose from if you're looking for a deal.Always, always search for a coupon code if shopping online. I don't have any favorite sites for coupon codes (other than SpringsBargains.com!); I typically just google the website name and use Google's search tools to find items that have been posted in the past 1-7 days to see if there's a valid coupon code available.
Shop locally instead of paying rush shipping. If you're shopping so close to Christmas that you have to pay for rush shipping, consider seeing if a local store has it — you'll often end up spending less by buying it locally than paying for rush shipping. And, don't be afraid to call a local store to see if they have it in stock!
Remember that everybody loves a gift card! A lot of people think that buying gift cards is a cop-out, but has anyone really ever received a gift card they didn't like? Gift cards are a great last-minute gift, and you can make it more personal by wrapping it in a more personalized way. Also, consider adding a little bonus gift: For instance, if you purchased someone a gift card to a local boutique, buy an inexpensive accessory to give along with the gift card.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Entertainment / Nonprofits / Arts / Music / Theater / Shopping Indy Minute
Posted by Jack Ward on Thu, Dec 8, 2011 at 2:26 PM
Tune into the Indy Minute — as seen on ABC affiliate KRDO News Channel 13 — each week for details on all the events that entertain and bring our community together. It's simulcast on KRDO News Radio 105.5 FM and 1240 AM.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Entertainment / Nonprofits / Arts / Theater / Books / Shopping Indy Minute
Posted by Jack Ward on Thu, Dec 1, 2011 at 9:13 AM
Tune into the Indy Minute — as seen on ABC affiliate KRDO News Channel 13 — each week for details on all the events that entertain and bring our community together. It's simulcast on KRDO News Radio 105.5 FM and 1240 AM.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Entertainment / Outdoors / Arts / Theater / Shopping Indy Minute
Posted by Jack Ward on Wed, Nov 23, 2011 at 3:15 PM
Tune into the Indy Minute — as seen on ABC affiliate KRDO News Channel 13 — each week for details on all the events that entertain and bring our community together. It's simulcast on KRDO News Radio 105.5 FM and 1240 AM.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Nonprofits / Shopping New store that supports orphans in Kenya
Posted by Demetrius Burns on Wed, Jun 8, 2011 at 2:01 PM
Since third grade Marilyn Cohn has cradled a tender space in her heart for the misfortunes of Africans, and a call from God at the age of 20 jettisoned her to Africa where she has built schools and provided general aid for her African friends.
Now, her passion for Africa has blossomed into opening Karibu African Import Store (2616 Colorado Ave.) in Old Colorado City where she sells clothing, art and wood carvings, among other items imported from Africa and exported to the aid organization Chosen Children International.
CCI works in the slum of Mitume, Kenya, a city dilapidated from AIDS and tribal warfare, where the largest concentration of Kenya’s street children and orphans live. CCI sponsors educational opportunities for the orphaned children at schools built by the organization and staffed by surviving tribe members.
Cohn visits the tribe twice a year and personally knows many of the children, stating “education is the solution to poverty.”
The store celebrated its grand opening over Memorial Day weekend and Cohn is currently looking for volunteers to help. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. If you're interested in helping out, you can reach her at the shop or contact her at 634-5437.
For Cohn, her service toward Africans has come full circle as the passion borne in third grade is birthing positive action in the lives of children around the same age — visit Karibu Import Store and exchange your change for change.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Arts / Shopping A crafty celebration at Lucy & Louise Atelier
Posted by Jenny Rackl on Tue, Jun 7, 2011 at 8:32 AM
Consider this your invitation. Instead of a blog, imagine a card decorated with your choice of spring delights — along the lines of flowers or ladybugs — with the quick-and-dirty (or in this case, probably clean-cut) information to follow, maybe written in a loopy form of cursive.
- warrenski
- We love spring things.
The party starts at 6:30 p.m., Friday, June 10, and $10 buys you a night of crafts and Cosmos (and hors d'oeuvres) hosted by Lucy & Louise Atelier (1925 Briargate Pkwy., #615) in the Promenade Shops at Briargate. Lucy & Louise Atelier is an independent clothing, gifts and home décor boutique. Products include those made from organic materials and locally crafted jewelry.
The party is in honor of Etsy’s Craft Party 2011, sponsored by etsy.com, a site where you can buy or sell handmade arts or crafts, vintage items and supplies. For this affair, crafters all over the world gather to celebrate a wide array of creations in their communities. The idea is to band together to (literally) make positive change. Last year, more than 5,000 crafters from Barcelona to Brooklyn threw parties of their own.
You can learn more about how to throw your own party at the Etsy blog ... or just go to Lucy & Louise. The theme craft of the night will be wire wrapping, and although the example is a flower you can create anything you’d like — a frame, bird, butterfly, word or even a keychain. It’s an easy craft, so beginners need not worry about flubbing their first creative endeavors in front of seasoned crafters.
And as if shaping wire and community bonding wasn’t enough, another party-guest bonus is a 10 percent discount off of any purchase made throughout the night.
Now you just have to decide what to wear.
RSVP by e-mailing Lisa or calling 635-2077.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Nonprofits / Shopping St. Paws Thrift Store donates $2,500 to local rescue groups
Posted by Jenny Rackl on Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 10:52 AM
The St. Paws Thrift Store (3275 E. Platte Ave.) is filled with the diverse staples of any typical second-hand shop: zebra-striped shoes, a blender, a bicycle and some miscellaneous glassware. But the item that best epitomizes the store is a lime-green knit sweater with a spotted dog on the front. It has nothing to do with the flamboyant color, but the unique mission behind this seemingly ordinary thrift store — to benefit man’s best friend (and other critters).
- Jenny Rackl
- Jennifer Nosler (left) and Amber Morse (middle) with Look What the Cat Brought In accept a $500 St. Paws Thrift Store donation from Vicki Doerfler.
Since opening in February this year, this nonprofit has aimed to raise money for local and surrounding area rescue and welfare groups through selling items donated by the community.
On Friday, June 3, just over 12 weeks after opening, St. Paws donated $500 to five animal rescue organizations: Kritter Karavan focuses on education and giving small exotic animals a forever home; Look What the Cat Brought In is a local cat shelter founded in 2008; Hamlett Spay and Neuter Clinic provides affordable sterilization of both dogs and cats; Westie Rescue locally represents Westie Rescue Network Inc.; and SAINT Rescue is a shelter that identifies and adopts out abused and mistreated animals in eastern El Paso County. This was second donation cycle for St. Paws. The store aims to hand out donations every two months.
St. Paws volunteer and board member Linda Hoover says St. Paws hoped that the community would respond to its mission so positively. “It’s going beyond our wildest dreams, the idea that the community has gotten behind us.”
St. Paws President Vicki Doerfler says the idea for St. Paws sprang from the exhaustion of organizing just one fundraising event for a single rescue group — and then having to start the process over. She realized the need for a source of perpetual animal rescue funding that would allow groups to focus less on money and more on their main mission: rescuing and rehabilitating animals.
“Animal rescue can be so draining,” Hoover says. “It’s nice to be around people who believe what you believe.”
Donations are not handed out in a systematic list order. Each month the needs of all eligible rescue groups are examined and St. Paws then targets the groups where the donation will make the greatest impact.
Look What the Cat Brought In will use the donation to care for severely neglected cats they received from a hoarding situation in Arizona.
Jennifer Nosler is the president of Look What the Cat Brought In. “Every time we get a donation it gives us the courage to go forward,” Nosler says. “It’s a foundation to work from.”
Along with raising funds, St. Paws promotes communication between the various local rescue groups. “We want them to feel like they are part of a community where they are not alone,” Hoover says. “We are an additional voice for them. Not everyone can rescue, but we can offer support.”
So get your tail into St. Paws to see what all the bark is about. You can shop Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., donate, or volunteer. Learn more on the St. Paws Thrift Store Facebook page.
- Jenny Rackl
- Kathy Beers of Kritter Karavan holds Blizzard, an albino African hedgehog.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Breaking News / Music / Local News / Business / Shopping Downtown keyboard shop closing after 15 years
Posted by Bill Forman on Thu, May 5, 2011 at 2:57 PM
The good news: Piano sales are booming in China, so much so that the Chinese market now accounts for 50 percent of new piano sales. The really, really bad news is that the U.S. market is tanking, with domestic sales dropping by 35 percent last year.
That news hit close to home today when we learned that Pianos New & Used, the downtown store that's been keeping Colorado Springs in keyboards for 15 years now, is closing its doors. The store will be liquidating its inventory over the next week or two, although the salesperson I spoke to today says the plan is to try to sell off most everything this weekend.
So whether you're looking for a Steinway Grand or a Moog Voyager, now would be the time to get on it. The shop, which is located at 413 N. Tejon, will open up around 10 on Saturday, 11-ish on Sunday, and continue each day as long as there are still customers in sight.
You can also call owner Rick Vokt at 389-1430 and set up an appointment for this Friday, when the store will be otherwise closed. Probably a good idea to get there before I do.
On a related topic, here's a song about pianos that I'm pretty sure is being sung by Bjork:
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Shopping It's getting to be that yard sale-ing time of year
Posted by Kirsten Akens on Tue, Apr 26, 2011 at 2:19 PM
As the weather turns warmer, the yard sale signs start popping up like tulips. A wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning is driving, biking or walking local neighborhoods searching for just the exact whatchamacallit you've been needing, at a bargain price.
Of course, an even better way to spend a Saturday morning is to hit a community or neighborhood sale.
Fort Carson has announced its semi-annual post-wide yard sale, Saturday, May 7, 8 a.m. And it's free and open to the public. I've never been, but it sounds like a good way to score a lot of deals all at once. (In the event of crappy weather, the event will be postponed to May 14.)
And though it's a ways off, you'll want to mark your calendar now for the Old North End Neighborhood yard sale on Saturday, June 18. The area roughly bounded by Uintah Street, Monument Valley Park, Wahsatch Avenue and Van Buren Street, and which includes Wood Avenue, is known for its fantastic sales, with 90-plus homes usually taking part. Two years ago I picked up a practically brand-new Coach purse for $15, a shiny silver Pottery Barn ice bucket for $3, and a never-used flower cupcake pan from Williams-Sonoma for $2.
On a completely different note, does anyone know why the culture out here is to have yard sales on Fridays and Saturdays? I grew up in a midwest culture of Saturday/Sunday sales, and it royally stinks to be driving to work on Friday morning and eyeballing sales going up when I know I can't stop. Just curious ...
