Not only can you bring your packages in to be wrapped for FREE this Saturday, December 10th, between 1-4, we are also GIVING AWAY a vintage picnic basket filled with amazing wrapping supplies including the very popular Spools of Twine.  You still have time to enter!  Stop by the store today, or tomorrow up until 5:00 to enter.  The drawing will be at 5:00 this Saturday. Good luck and Happy Holidays!  

Shopping for moms, girlfriends, sisters, aunts, all the women in our lives, seems easy compared to finding the right gift for our guys. Guys want and need fewer things, if they truly are dying for something - they go buy it. This keeps the 'wish list' fairly short.  We are here to help with your holiday guy gift purchases. 
Our first suggestion in this short blog series is 'local art'.  Not just any art, a locally designed, silk screened poster with regional significance.  PROGRESS is stocking 3 awesome options: 1. California Coastal Counties 2. Southern California Communities 3. California Surf Spots.  These are a handsome addition to any home or office.  ...And a sure winner for the holidays.

As we move toward the holidays and think of giving, and little ones, remember PROGRESS for special gifts for family and friends.  A few quality items always has more value than a boat-load of loud plastic things.  Creative toys for creative minds, well designed things for living with small people, that's where the "family" comes from in our subtitle home|gift|family.

It's been so long since we've posted any thing, it kind of puts us in a predicament: what do we feature first?  The fact the we are going to take part in the Museum School Craft Fair, or that we've let holiday explode all over the store, maybe we'll start with a personal favorite Avarcas sandals. 
If I had to really cut to the chase about our little handmade in Spain, super adorable infant sandals (white|pink|blue), I would tell you that the owners of AvarcasUSA.com are good people, kind and creative.  And that their sandals for infants, as well as children and adults, are the perfect blend of soft supple lovingly crafted goodness and modern style.  Come in and check out these heirloom quality ifant sandals or get online to see styles for yourself.  If you want to see the grown up versions check them out at Hunt & Gather. 

There are way too many puns I could use to talk about our new Log Pillow.  It's sort of overwhelming actually.  And the obscure Log Lady references... really, don't get me started.  I'll simply stick to the facts on this one.  Our new photo finish, super plush pillow, looks good amongst other woodland themed pillows, or on its own, in the car (makes a great neck pillow), or on a plane - this cushion will make a handsome addition to any pillow collection. - Unless you don't find firewood charming, because you had to haul tons of it, everyday after school, in the snow, when you were a kid. 

While we are on the topic of amazing locally made foods that we now carry... let us introduce the delicious line-up of caramel sauces from Praline Patisserie.  This stuff takes the average and makes it divine - a perfect secret weapon to have in your cupboard.  As a topping for cakes, pies, ice cream, cookies, and crumbles, or a dip for apples, a sauce for bananas, or even try the Smoked Applewood flavor on your BLT, -it's all so good.  We're not kidding.  There are four flavors to please you:  Lavender, Smoked Applewood, Vanilla Bean, and Fleur de Sel.  A yummy treat for you and yours, or a slam-dunk gift for anyone with taste buds!

This mustard brings life to any dish, be it a veggie sandwich, salad dressing, bratwurst, potato salad, or tofu marinade.  After sampling both the warm spicy Hong Kong and slightly sweet Champaign Garlic we were BIG FANS.  Now you can be a big fan too.  Stop by and grab a jar of this locally made wonder. 
Also makes a great food gift box when paired with other locally made foods we carry. 

In the process of beefing up our guy gifts, we have come across a new awesome shaving cream from Vermont called Ursa Major.  The creators, Oliver & Emily, say, "we created Ursa Major to provide men with a spirited natural alternative to the bland, toxin-laden products that pervade today's market."  SOLD!  We, um, Bruce, was willing to give it a try.  I have to say I, he, we, love the results.  A comfortable shave and sublime aroma.  Very kissable, if you must know.

Our very generous neighbor, Pixie Salon, started a fundraiser a while back where she gives 100% of the day's sales to the MUSEUM SCHOOL.  We are inspired to join them.  So this Sunday, September 4th starting at 10 a.m. we are joining Pixie Salon, along with The Station Tavern, and Cafe Madeleine in supporting the Museum School by donating a portion of our proceeds from the entire day's sales.  So if you're wondering what to do on Sunday, spend the day in South Park, get a new do, have some lunch, and shop - with us!