February is "Love Local" Month in Tacoma/Pierce County!















During the month of February we want to encourage everyone to spread the love of local! As you know, shopping local keeps more of our money circulating in our community, it creates more jobs, it keeps our local independent businesses thriving, its better for the environment and it helps us to retain our uniqueness. What's not to love about that? 

 We've selected a few products from local businesses to showcase here for you so you can get to know these terrific local independent businesses and send them your love. Here's the story of how one girl had the greatest day of her life while shopping local. 
Clarissa's "Love Local" Story

The day started out like any other Saturday morning. I got out of bed, realized I had forgotten to get groceries and I needed a cup of coffee like nobody's business. Like any sane person, I dressed quickly and headed over to Cafe Brosseau for the 12 ounce latte that makes life worth living. 

12 ounce Latte
Yumm! Two shots of locally roasted Madrona Coffee, carefully hand tamped
and extracted on Italian La Marzocco Linea, creamy microfoam steamed
whole milk, and alchemy from the CafeBrosseau Barista Professionals!
A classic cafe drink, done with care and artistry. $3.50 + Tax.
Present your Localist Card at Cafe Brosseau and earn rewards for every purchase!

The day took a strange turn while I quietly sipped (actually gulped) my coffee and read my book. I didn't realize it at the time but I was sort of unconsciously playing with my Beaded Bookmark from Lighted Jewels. I was twirling it around my fingers like a baton and tapping it on the table. Apparently I can be very charming when I'm not paying attention. 

Beaded Bookmark  
These uniquely beautiful beaded bookmarks (also referred to
as scrapers or dabbers) are made from upcycled street sweeper bristles
found while walking the sparkling streets of Tacoma Washington.
The bristles are made of a light-weight flat resilient steel that is bendable with pliers.
Bookmarks are 6-7 inches in length but can be shortened to any length you need.
Be sure to indicated preference in color. $8 each.  
Buy online now at Shop253.com.


"Would you like a cookie?" A voice interrupted my reading. I look up and suddenly I felt totally self conscious. It was him. The guy my friends and I call "Mr. Handsome" and giggle about like school girls. He was holding a cookie shaped like big red lips. "They came as a pair so I thought I should share," he said with a sheepish grin. Oh my Gawd! Did I brush my hair? Did I even look in a mirror before I left? "Thanks," I managed to say as the cookie landed in my hand, "It looks delicious." It was a Pucker Up Pink Lemonade cookie from Scrupalicious. One of my favorite guilty pleasures.

Pucker-Up! Pink Lemonade Lip Cookies
Spiked with sweetness from Cupid’s Arrow, 

with a Kiss of sour for a perfect pucker! The “Pucker-Up Valentine”
Pink Lemonade Cookie measures 4-1/2” across is flavored with
real Vanilla extract and freshly zested and squeezed lemons.
Each cookie, the perfect 1950’s shade of pink,
is presented in mid-century styled packaging for
added charm and nostalgia by Scrumpalicious.
Two for $9. Buy online now at Shop253.com. 

"You've got rhythm," he said pointing at my beaded bookmark. I'm blushing now, my face is just about the same color as the cookie I'm nibbling but I manage somehow to make small talk. He tells me that the paintings on the wall are his and asks me if I have an artistic streak to go along with my affinity for percussion. I tell him I've always wanted to learn but never found the time. That's when it happened. Mr. Handsome asked me on a date. Me. The bookish online shopper with crazy hair and yoga pants on. 

We arranged to meet later at Blue Octopus for the Sips-and Canvas Painting Party. I thanked my lucky stars that there would be wine! I need to play this one cool and I was totally unprepared.
Sips-n-Canvas Painting Party
In this 2 hour painting event, you will receive award-winning instruction,
 a 9x12 canvas panel, all supplies and refreshments.
Kerry says, “I treat this more like a lesson and
offer skills you may be able to use if you want to learn
 how to paint in your own living room.
Art is therapy - everyone can paint and frankly...SHOULD!!”
Enjoy a special Shop253 price of $25 per person ($20 savings). 
Buy online now at Shop253.com.

This called for reinforcements. I got in my car, called my girl friends and headed over to Envy, the most amazing boutique over in Proctor. Within minutes we picked out my perfect date outfit (and a back up option just in case!) Honestly I could have bought out the entire store. They have such great clothes there!
Two Great Outfits 
1) A lovely soft pink Italian made, Seduzione, three piece blouse set.
An cotton simple under blouse, led by a lace overlay with pockets
and a delicate yet feminine scarf to tie the look together. ($75 for the set).
2) Navy blue 02 Collection tulle skirt ($40) accompanied by
 a Ginger G white blouse with crochet detail along neckline ($14)
and an Envy silver necklace ($20).
Present your Localist Card at Envy Tacoma and earn rewards for every purchase!


After shopping I rushed home to wash my hair with my Love Shampoo from Embellish Multispace Salon to tame my wild tresses for a night to remember. 

Love Smoothing Shampoo
Ideal for frizzy or unruly hair for a smooth look.
Its formula, characterized by a soft and creamy foam,
is designed to gently cleanse frizzy hair
and favor styling, making hair smooth.
Available for $25 at Embellish Multispace Salon.
Present your Localist Card at Embellish and earn rewards for every purchase!
 

What happened on my date? Well, I'm sure you know a good girl doesn't kiss and tell! Let's just say, I Love Local. :) 

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Use your Localist card at Embellish Multispace Salon, Cafe Brosseau and Envy Boutique in Tacoma and earn rewards! To learn more about the Localist Card, visit http://golocaltacoma.com/. 



Want to shop local more often? Search for products you need and buy them online now from over 100 local businesses on our online shopping mall: Shop253.com. 


This Love Local Promotion was brought to you by GoLocal Tacoma and sponsored by the following media partners.  





















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