Zoobies. Have you heard of them? They are famous characters of kiddie lit that have blankets hidden inside. I almost bought Corduroy Bear for myself, though the Llama in his pajamas was awfully cuddlesome and the Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar was a temptation, I must confess.
We had, you see, the pleasure of attending a “family and friends” night before the grand opening of a new business in La Grange. It has been a while since we’ve been to an opening, and longer still since it involved toys.
I didn’t want to leave.
We were excited to hear that Becca and Nathan, along with Becca’s mom Leah, were opening a “green” store and delighted to go to the event, which was not only filled with toys and books and other items, but with a crowd of supportive family and friends – and lots of children discovering new toys. You can imagine the happy chaos of that, can’t you?
Eco Maniac of La Grange is on the main thoroughfare through town, La Grange Road (also known as Mannheim a little further north and Route 45 throughout. La Grange Road also hooks up to historic Route 66). It is a most perfect location for such a store, nestled in among other independent shops, the La Grange Theater and restaurants. But, I digress. I want to tell you about the store in which items that are green, sustainable, organic, and repurposed are sold.
Also found within Eco Maniac’s bright rooms are jewelry, clothes, and just the thing for a little gift, a stocking stuffer, perhaps, or maybe a little something to wear to a costume party.
I wish all the best for Eco Maniac in La Grange. I admire their leap of faith in opening a new store in this quivering economy and I applaud their respect for our little planet in their choice of merchandise. I can’t wait to go back, which I will do just as soon as I find where Tom hid the car keys.
You’re giving me ideas for Xmas gifts. We are doing a beeswax candle project using local wax, but I’m needing more ideas. Thank you!
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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I spent a nice bit of time looking at your website and blog and hope to read some more. I do hope you will be able to visit this wonderful shop. Your beeswax project sounds interesting; from local hives?
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Thank you! I look forward to more of your posts as well. Re beeswax candle project- yes, local hives! I bought the wax from a beekeeper I met at our local farmer’s market. I am a beginner, to say the least, and I’m excited to see what I’m able to pull together, while having fun doing it:)!
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That sounds interesting – and fun! I hope you will post about the candle making. Here’s to the soft glow of beeswax candles this winter.
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Penny, this is such a good idea. I had to google repurposing, as I’ve never actually heard the word before, but am in complete agreement with it and wish the new store every success.
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I should have thought to give some meaning to the word repurposing, Perpetua. It is used often now in these parts, but, not all readers know the word, though, I suspect, many do repurpose items just the same. The generations living and growing up during the 1930’s, what is called here The Great Depression, but was worldwide in scope, certainly knew how to use and reuse and then use in some other way. This is such a delightful little shop. I hope they are successful as well.
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Wonderful store -=- I’m not much of a shopper, but this is one I’d enjoy browsing. And buying. Those toys are fabulous.
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Sallie, I think you would enjoy this store and there is a fabulous line of books as well. One was called “I Took the Moon for a Walk”. I didn’t get to open it as the other kids wouldn’t let me hold it. Sigh.
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Haha – I can see why Tom might hide the car keys, especially with the two grandchildren you now have to buy for! Corduroy is a tradition in our home, starting with the, now lost, hard cover book about Corduroy in the department store that I read to Anton a million times and now with new, paperback version that sits on Eoin’s shelf. If Eoin was a bit younger I would make a trip to Eco Maniac just for that bear alone! I will be sure to stop by the store the next time I’m in LaGrange, maybe with Kate when she’s here for the holidays.
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I’m going to have to sneak over to have a better look. I hope you can stop by when Kate is in, Janet. There are some fun books, clothing, earrings etc. There is a fairly new Mexican bakery on Calendar Court about one block away with some pretty delicious pastries and coffees – you and Kate may enjoy as well.
Would you believe they already have Corduroy? The bear is so cute. I hope I remember it next time I need a gift for a baby shower.
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A great cause to promote. I’ll have to let my family up that way know about it. MTM has a great-niece these days. 🙂
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Oh, please do, Andra. It is a great store and there are other good spots all up and down the street. Was St. Nicholas good to you?
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Ooh, I can feel myself reaching for my purse and thinking, ‘Mira would love that!’ Just as well I’m safely on the other side of the world. But truly, this is a business to be admired and supported. Good for them.
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I’m sure this would be a wonderland for Mira – and Mira’s grandmother as well. I’m sitting here with shaky self-control, Juliet.
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The presentation at the store is beautiful, Penny! My fingers are just itching to pick something up and look at it!
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I think all at the Shrewsday Mansion would enjoy this store, Kate. I need to go back when there aren’t so many little ones around (or Tom, tee hee).
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What a wonderful store, Penny. I love the little Zoobies. I don’t think I’ve ever seen them before! And the repurposing is so inspiring. I agree with you that the proprietors are quite bold to take this on in what you aptly called a “quivering economy”-I quite liked that term. But I, too, wish them well, and would just love to be in a position to give them my support. I’m sure you really did enjoy yourself! Very wise idea to go alone next time! 🙂
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They are the cutest and cuddliest of toys, Debra. It is a shop made for young children – and their grandparents. I will certainly think of this store in my gift-giving ahead. I think we all try to support as we can our local independent shops. Have a wonderful weekend, Debra.
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Dear Penny, if I lived closer–not a couple of states over from you–I’d frequent Eco Maniac. Like you, I admire the owners for starting a new venture in this economy. But it is people like them, who take a risk, who will ultimately get our country out of its doldrums. Peace.
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Oh, I do hope these small businesses do take us out our doldrums, Dee. I try to buy from the independent shopkeepers whenever I can, even if it is just a card. I hope you are having a good weekend.
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