Meet the Maker: Lighting the Way with Sunbeam Candles

Meet the Maker: Lighting the Way with Sunbeam Candles

At Sunbeam Candles, Earth Day is a welcome opportunity to celebrate the values that guide our work year-round. As Spring unfolds and communities come together to honor the planet, we’re proud to share our story and join in the EarthFest spirit!

For over 20 years, we’ve been handcrafting high-quality candles in our 100% renewable energy powered workshop, bringing warmth, light, and sustainability into homes nationwide. We believe in thoughtful production, mindful living, and everyday actions that support a healthier Earth.

Handcrafting candles in our solar-and-wind-powered workshop in Ithaca, NY.

Handcrafting candles in our solar-and-wind-powered workshop in Ithaca, NY.

A Candle Rooted in Sustainability

Our candles are handcrafted with 100% pure beeswax sourced exclusively from domestic beekeepers. We never use paraffin, and our commitment to plastic-free packaging, cotton wicks, and essential oils rather than artificial fragrances reflects our dedication to high-quality, clean-burning candles.

We also focus on longevity and reusability. Beeswax burns longer and cleaner than other waxes reducing waste, and many of our container candles can be repurposed once the candle is finished - perfect for Spring cleaning and refreshing your space sustainably.

Thoughtfully made, start to finish, Our hand-dipped tapers reflect our commitment to sustainability and craftmanship.

Thoughtfully made, start to finish, Our hand-dipped tapers reflect our commitment to sustainability and craftmanship.

Why People Choose Sunbeam Candles

  • Earth-friendly & ethical - Perfect for low-waste, eco-conscious lifestyles

  • Handcrafted & unique - including exclusive hand-carved designs

  • Clean burning & long-lasting - A healthier alternative to synthetic candles

  • Thoughtful designs for gifting and home - Ideal for self-care, seasonal décor, or meaningful moments.

This Earth Day, Light with Intention

Candles are more than a source of light - they’re a way to slow down, set a mood, and bring mindfulness into your daily rituals. This Earth Day, we invite you to burn brighter and more sustainably.

Discover candles that align with your values and help illuminate a more conscious way of living. www.sunbeamcandles.com

Spring is the Season for a Light Rosé!

Spring is the Season for a Light Rosé!

Image of rosé being poured into a glass

Springtime is an ideal time to enjoy rosé wines, especially as the weather warms and people crave lighter, more refreshing beverages. A rosé’s crisp and light profile makes it a perfect alternative to heavier red wines during the warmer months.

Its versatility and food-pairing capabilities make it a perfect choice for spring dishes, including salmon, grilled meats, salads, soft cheeses. It is also a popular choice for spring events like picnics, barbeques, and garden parties.

Some of our popular rosés:

  • Frey Organic Rosé: this dry rosé is quickly pressed off the skins of perfectly ripe red grapes and fermented with traditional yeasts. Enjoy the aromas of fresh strawberries and wild roses with smooth, crisp raspberry flavors. It has an 84-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

  • Emina Rosé Prestigio: This wine offers a bouquet of cantaloupe and orange blossom with a hint of jalapeño. It opens with savory notes of dried sage and white button mushrooms that transition to flavors of Valencia orange, lemon-lime and honeydew melon that culminate in a zesty, fruit-filled finish. It has a 91-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

  • La Vielle Ferme Sparkling Rosé: Made from vines planted on limestone soils which allows the roots to draw the necessary freshness and water they need to provide good acidity to the wine. Once blended, the wines are rested in stainless steel tanks. The neutrality of the stainless steel allows us to preserve the fruit aromas and the freshness provided by the limestone soils. It has an 87-point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

  • Bonterra Organic Rosé: This delicate, salmon-hued Rosé leaps from the glass with heady aromas of grapefruit, blood orange, watermelon and cherry. Light bodied and fresh, the wine culminates in a clean finish accented by mouthwatering acidity. This wine has an 87 point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

Rosés aren’t your thing? Try a white pinot noir…

Amity White Pinot Noir: This white wine is made from red wine grapes! Produced from mature vines, it has intense lemon custard, pineapple, and melon notes. Amity Vineyards sits atop the Amity Hills in the Willamette Valley, the heart of Oregon Wine Country. This wine has a 90 point rating from Wine Enthusiast.

NEW Local Vendor: The Elderberry Co.!

NEW Local Vendor - The Elderberry Co.!

Jenny Watson’s journey into entrepreneurship began in 2017, rooted in her passion for health and her desire to support her family’s well-being. Becoming a mom herself nearly 10 years ago, Jenny was dedicated to prioritizing natural remedies. She discovered the benefits of elderberry syrup through personal use, finding it to be an effective solution for boosting her family’s immune systems and keeping them healthy throughout the year.

What started as a simple Facebook post asking her friends and family if they wanted to try her homemade Elderberry Syrup quickly transformed into something much larger. Encouraged by the enthusiastic responses from her community, Jenny decided to share her creation with a broader audience. She set up The Elderberry Co. with a vision of making natural health accessible to families everywhere. With a commitment to quality, Jenny crafted her elderberry syrup in small batches, ensuring that each jar was filled with the best ingredients. Word of mouth spread rapidly, and demand grew as people experienced the benefits for themselves. Jenny’s genuine passion for wellness resonated with customers, leading to a thriving business that captured the attention of health-conscious individuals across the nation.

The Elderberry Co. Elderberry Immunity Gummies

As The Elderberry Co. expanded, Jenny assembled a small, dedicated team of people who shared her commitment to holistic health. Together, they began to develop a full line of natural products that complemented the elderberry syrup. This included Elderberry Gummies, Collagen + Biotin Gummies, loose leaf tea, raw honey, magnesium balm, tallow, and more. Each product was designed with care, using high-quality ingredients that families could trust. Through her innovative marketing strategies and strong community engagement, Jenny successfully grew The Elderberry Co. into a nationwide brand, proudly shipping her products to all 50 states. Her approach emphasized not just the health benefits of her products, but also the importance of empowering families to take charge of their wellness in a natural way.

The Elderberry Co.. Magnesium Balm

Today, The Elderberry Co. stands as a testament to Jenny’s hard work, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. She remains deeply connected to her roots, continually engaging with her customers and sharing her knowledge of natural health remedies. As she looks to the future, Jenny is excited to keep expanding her product line and educating families about the power of nature in achieving wellness. The Elderberry Co. is not just a business for Jenny; it’s a mission to inspire and empower others to lead healthier lives, one elderberry at a time.

The Elderberry Co. products are only available at our Near West Store!

Learn more about The Elderberry Co.!

A Thank You From Farm to Family Fund

Thank you, Bloomingfoods shoppers, for your donations in February through the Positive Change Program! With your rounding up last month, we reached our goal of raising $35,000 since May 2024. This amount will be matched with $70,000 through a 2-for-1 challenge grant. The total of $105,000 will help us continue supporting local farmers, agencies and families in our community while reducing food waste.

With the uncertainty of these times, we are all the more appreciative of your support. Many thanks to Bloomingfoods for this program!

With gratitude,
Farm to Family Fund
Board of Directors

Local, Women-Owned Brands We Proudly Support!

Women-Owned LOCAL Brands We Proudly Support!

Know & support all of the WOMEN-OWNED LOCAL BRANDS we carry at our stores!

NEW Local Vendor: Winter Blooms!

NEW Local Vendor - Winter Blooms!

Winter Blooms, nestled in a picturesque valley just east of Bloomington, spans 107 acres and features a geode-filled creek winding through its landscape. While the surrounding area rests in muted grays and browns during the cooler months, the farm's greenhouse bursts with vibrant color. Dedicated to fostering connection and expression, Winter Blooms helps the community convey compassion, joy, desire, and whimsy through the heartfelt act of giving flowers.

Emily Winter, the driving force behind Winter Blooms, is a passionate dreamer, a devoted mother of two, and a flower farmer. Her lifelong love for nurturing plants and working the soil—rooted in her childhood near her grandparents’ 14th-century working farm in England—has culminated in this fulfilling pursuit. It beautifully combines her love of art, planting, the outdoors, photography, science, and spreading joy.

Winter Blooms grows and sells flowers through the cooler months of the year. Flowers are available from December through the end of May and sold locally at the Bloomington Winter Farmer's Market, Bloomingfoods Near West & East Stores.

Learn more about Winter Blooms!

What's Your Fruit Sign?

What’s Your Fruit Sign?

Capricorn: You’re the Cherry

Although cherries are undeniably delectable and sweet, there’s also something dark and mysterious about them that a Capricorn can relate to. You could be eating a bowl of cherries on your front porch during a summer day or you could be sipping on a bitter Manhattan before biting into a maraschino. However, eating a cherry involves some grit, as you always have to deal with the pit. You’re up for the challenge, Capricorn.

Aquarius: You’re the Avocado

Like the avocado, people either love you or hate you. Aquarius is known for having a controversial personality that can attract fierce admirers or passionate haters. Avocados deal with the same thing, as the people who love them can’t get enough of their creamy goodness and the rest can’t stand the texture. Either way, you’re social and community-oriented at heart, which is why you love the way avocado becomes guacamole dip to be shared with all.

Pisces: You’re the Watermelon

You’re the wateriest water sign who ever lived, Pisces. You’re literally made from mutable water, giving you an infinite number of emotions and imaginations. The watermelon is the most rehydrating fruit of all, which is exactly why you align with its frequency. You’re also the zodiac sign of immortality and you’ll love the way watermelon contains the most lycopene of any fruit, which has anti-cancer properties. You’re also an incredibly giving zodiac sign and a watermelon is more than enough to feed the group.

Aries: You’re the Pineapple

Like the pineapple, you have a tendency to steal the show. It towers above all other. You’re ruled by warrior Mars, which can often come across as prickly and unapproachable at first. However, once they get beyond your guarded surface, people are often shocked to discover how sweet you really are.

Taurus: You’re the Grape

You and grapes have a lot in common. You’re both incredibly sensual, luxurious, and romantic, which is why you know you’ve fantasized about a lover feeding you grapes at some point or another. Grapes are also used to make wine, which is exactly your vibe. Everyone knows Taurus loves to wind down and relax with a glass of any of the varieties. You are ruled by pleasure-oriented Venus, after all.

Gemini: You’re the Orange

You’re a connoisseur of sweet and sour flavors, as it reflects your dual-sided nature. You know you can’t resist the joy of peeling an orange and getting your hands all sticky before taking your first juicy bite. Not only do citrusy flavors capture your cheery disposition, but their bold and awakening flavors get your creative juices flowing. An orange always leaves you feeling energized and what Gemini doesn’t want that?

Cancer: You’re the Peach

Your nurturing and caring personality could only be described as peaches ‘n cream. This fruit is soft as velvet on the outside, reflecting your soothing nature. Like the peach, you taste sweet with a hint of sour, but that core you don’t expect to bite into perfectly captures your protective nature. People have a tendency to mistake your kindness for weakness, just like the peach.

Leo: You’re the Mango

You’re ruled by the sun and you reign during summer. The only fruit that could really do a Leo justice is the plumpest mango in the produce section. And if juice isn’t dribbling down your chin when you bite into it, are you even really enjoying it? The mango reminds us all to kick back, relax, and have a good time—just like you do, Leo.

Virgo: You’re the Apple

You’re clean eating royalty, Virgo. You’re literally the zodiac sign of health and wellness, which is why you probably know all about how an apple a day keeps the doctor away. This pristine fruit is perfect for picking, giving you something to do when the summer ends and fall begins. It’s also the fruit that’s symbolically tied to purity and fertility, which is exactly what a Virgo represents.

Libra: You’re the Strawberry

Did you know that feeding your love chocolate-covered strawberries is a love spell? Of course you do, Libra. You’re the zodiac sign of romance and relationships, after all. And if you haven’t thought about your crush while eating these heart-shaped fruits that inspired the most popular candy flavor of all time, are you even a Libra? Whether it’s big or small, biting into a strawberry makes you want to fall.

Scorpio: You’re the Pomegranate

You’re passionate, intense, and a little possessive, Scorpio. That’s why you could only be represented by the gorgeous and detoxifying pomegranate. This bejeweled fruit is associated with contracts—just like Scorpio—as it was after eating six pomegranate seeds that Hades was able to trap his beloved Persephone in the Underworld for six months out of the year. If that’s not symbolism for Scorpio, I don’t know what is.

Sagittarius: You’re the Banana

Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter—planet of joy, luck, and abundance—while bananas are literally proven to make you happier. You probably know all about the way eating a banana can lift your mood, especially when you’re hangry and you don’t know when your next meal is going to be. You’re also a philosopher at heart, which is why you always love peeling back the surface and seeing what’s inside.

Source: https://stylecaster.com/lifestyle/zodiac/1618218/zodiac-signs-fruit/

New Fair Trade Products at our East Store: dZi Handmade!

New Fair Trade Products at our East Store: dZi Handmade!

Last month we introduced new fair trade products from a new vendor, dZi Handmade! dZi is a founding member of the Fair Trade Federation. They were founded in 1984 in Kathmandu, Nepal, just as Tibet was opening to independent travelers for the first time since Chinese occupation! dZi began their work in Nepal creating job opportunities and marketing products for Tibetan refugee families. In 1990, they also began working with Tibetan refugees in India. They have since expanded their capacity to support 13 artisan groups in Nepal, and 7 groups in India. 

The felted wool birdhouses have already generated some excitement at the East Store. Felted wool is naturally waterproof, ideal for being out in the weather. These birdhouses will last a few years before starting to fray, and then the birds will pick at the fraying pieces to use for making nests, naturally repurposing the materials. 

Our East Store also has felted wool coin purses, small paper prayer flags, new Tibetan incense (which come with the world's tiniest prayer flags), and ceramic lotus incense burners. Be on the lookout for more Fair Trade products in the future!

Individual at the East Store holding new items

To learn more about dZi Handmade, their work, and artisan groups they partner with, visit:

https://www.dzi.com/about-us

https://www.dzi.com/fair-trade-home

Forget to Place a Pre-order? We Got You!

Forget to Place a Pre-Order? We Got You!

We will have the following turkey, ham, and duck available at both of our stores on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last!

  • Fresh turkey options include (available in-store beginning Thursday, November 21st):

    • Bowman & Landes (Fresh, Free-Range, Vegetarian-Raised, No Antibiotics, Uncooked)

  • Frozen turkey options include:

    • Becker Farms (Local, Pasture-Raised, No Antibiotics/Hormones & Uncooked) - limited supply and only at our East Store

    • Organic Prairie (Organic, Uncooked)

    • Ferndale Farm (Uncooked)

  • Ham & duck options include:

    • Fischer Farms Whole Smoked Ham (Local, No Hormones, Hickory Smoked) - Only at our Near West Store

    • Beeler’s Boneless Half-Ham (Vegetarian-Raised, No Antibiotics, Uncooked)

    • Beeler’s Spiral Bone-in Ham (Vegetarian-Raised, No Antibiotics, Uncooked)

    • Maple Leaf Farm Duck (Local, Frozen, Uncooked)

We will also have Tofurkey options available at both of our stores.

We will have the following house-made sides and pies available in our Grab-N-Go coolers starting Monday, November 25th on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last:

  • Turkey Gravy

  • Mushroom Gravy

  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes

  • Green Bean Casserole

  • Mac and Cheese

  • Roasted Root Vegetables

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts

  • Cornbread Stuffing

  • Sweet Potato & Apples

  • Cranberry Relish on the Salad Bar

  • Vegan Wellington

  • Holiday Cheeseballs: Bacon Cheddar, Cranberry Blue Cheese, and Goat Cheese & Apricot

  • Pies: Apple, Pumpkin and Pecan

Cooking instructions for our house-made sides are listed on our 2024 Thanksgiving Pre-order page.

Learn more about our in-store offerings in our 2024 Pre-order Catalog!

We will be modifying our hours of operation during the upcoming holidays:

Thanksgiving Day: 8am-12pm – hot bar, salad bar & deli will be closed
Black Friday: 11am-7pm – hot bar, salad bar & deli will be open 11am-6pm
Curbside will not be available from Sunday, November 24 through Saturday, November 30.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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