Chew on This: Gum Tree is Opening!

How frustrating the constant and never ending search for green merchandise in our local stores. Many shops are carrying at least a couple eco-friendly products, but who has time to strip search the product labels of every item we pick up? As much as I love supporting my local economy, I find myself shopping online for most of my eco-conscious gifts and needs. It is much easier to find what I need with the help of those online directories.

So when I heard a shop dedicated to supporting local merchants and green products was opening just a mere few miles from my home, the giddiness overtook me. I was soon telling my friends, neighbors, doctors and yoga instructors. Everyone had to know about this! Yes, Gum Tree was the sweet refreshment I had been waiting for in my local shopping experience.

On Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach, in a beautiful craftsman style beach house, Gum Tree is half eco gift shop and half organic cafe. The shop proves to all those weary of the "brown bag" eco product, that environmentally friendly can be as easy on the eyes as it is on the earth. Chic, sophisticated and with all the freshness of the near by sea air, you'll be able to shop for home, baby, and of course yourself. And once you've exhausted yourself, and possibly your pocket book (if you failed to resist the urge to buy everything!) then you can cruise just steps to the adjoining cafe and grab a bite.

Gum Tree opens tomorrow! Stop by for the grand opening. Support Green & support local business!

Gum Tree
238 Pier Avenue
Hermosa Beach, CA
310-376-8744
www.gumtreela.com

Whole Foods to the Rescue

I've always been a fan of Whole Foods, but as of late, the organic grocerery chain has captured my respect. While trying to peddle my cards, I learned that Whole Foods tries to buy locally whenever possible. This led me to want to research the full scope of WF's do-gooding. They are not only a great source of healthful information, support the local ecomony, but also often donate to local charities. One example of this is their 5% days. They work with a local school or charity, pick a day at their store, and donte 5% of their net sales that day to the selected charity. For example, this Thursday at the WF's in Redondo Beach, CA, 5% goes to the Surfrider Foundation. To keep abreast of the 5% days at your local WF's, visit their website, choose your location and sign up for the Fl@vor's email list.

Shoe Fest: One For You, One For Me

It's easy to get wrapped up in the shopping frenzy of the holidays. Above and beyond the giving to our loved ones, it's the time of year we are supposed to count our blessings and think of those less fortunate than ourselves. One way to appease our loved ones and those less fortunate all in one fail swoop is with Tom's Shoes.

Tom's has fun colors of shoes that will wow even the toughest of Christmas gift recipients. And, for every pair of shoes you buy, Tom's gives a pair of shoes to a child who cannot afford any of their own.

So spread the Christmas cheer worldwide. Visit TomsShoes.com for a list of local retailers, or to buy online.

www.TomsShoes.com

www.peezandques.com