Geekify your wall outlets!

Maybe not the hottest news of the week but I couldn't resist this article forwarded by a friend of mine..

Mobile devices have become such a huge part of our lives and they always have to be plugged in somewhere.  Behold, the new wall outlet that will accomodate a standard USB power plug!

I'm already planning to install these outlets around the house:  outlets next to night stands - especially in the guest room.  Near desks and writing tables.  Kitchen table.   Any place where the kids camp out with their games.   Even that plug in the floor where my husband or I will stretch out with our laptops to catch up on work.

Best of all you don't have to lose one of your standard plugs to an adapter.

Follow the easy DIY instructions to upgrade your sockets.  Don't miss the point about USB sockets requiring a deeper box.

I plan to use the Power2U sockets because the USB can be closed when not in use.  Important when installing these in the floor and/or you have kids (both 2- and 4-legged) running around.

Independent We Stand

If you've visited before, you've probably noticed the first image in the left sidebar.  Independent We Stand is a nationwide movement of locally-owned businesses that is dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of "buying local".  While large corporations have an important role, small businesses have one as well.  Small businesses return more of their income back into their local communities.  Shopping at locally-owned businesses where possible directly supports your own neighbors.

IWS is building a nationwide database of locally-owned businesses, searchable by city, state, and ZIP code.   Visitors to this site are specifically looking to shop at local enterprises and support the local economy.   If you search on "30338", you'll find some familiar names:  including yours truly, the Happy Sumo restaurant at Perimeter Pointe, the Ace Hardware in Dunwoody Village, and the Dunwoody Tavern, and many others.

Your listing is free, with no strings attached.  You can have a listing even if you don't have a website.   Local means locally owned - whether home based or brick-and mortar.  Since we local operations don't have huge advertising budgets every extra bit of ad space makes a huge difference.  Any questions?  Drop them an email, ask for Bill Brunelle, the project manager and tell him I sent you.  Bill is a cool guy.

While we're on the topic of local businesses, stay tuned for info coming soon on Dunwoody's business expo.  Lots of little fingers are very busy on that event.

www.independentwestand.org

Random Small Biz Samples

The old Borders' bookstore at Perimeter Point was the recent home of the Rhea Lana's Consignment sale.  This could be a step in the direction I blogged earlier about Dunwoody using one of these open spaces as a permanent community marketplace.

The closed Blockbusters' next to Azima salon has a new tenant:  Wellstreet Urgent Care.  This chain will be visiting the DHA board meeting tonight to seek endorsement of a variance.  Stay tuned.  (News story on this chain's expansion into metro Atlanta.)

RIP Oscar's Villa Capri.  Technically in Sandy Springs but had a huge Dunwoody following.  I loved Oscar's because he took care of us like family.  When my 2nd child was born, all I wanted when I was finally allowed to eat was veal scallopini from Oscar's.  My husband called, explained the situation, and it was hot and ready to go by the time he got all the way over there.  Nothing tastes better than a meal you have on the brain right after you give birth.  Men - you gotta trust me on this one.

Congrats to Alon's,  d'Vine, and E 48th Street Market for their placement in Gayot.com's Top 10 Wine Bars in Atlanta.  (Article in Patch.)  Gayot.com reviews restaurants and travel services all over the USA.  Placement in these listings is bound to bring more visitors - and their spending money - into town.

Marlow's Tavern is an Atlanta-based chain looking to move into part of Calico Corners' in the Village.  Again, they're visiting the DHA tonight so we'll learn what they're planning to do shortly.  Unlike Wellstreet above, Dunwoody is not listed in their locations yet so this may not be a done deal.

Finally, the Dunwoody Bakery is evolving into a Coffee Shoppe.  Nicely done, folks.  Ever since Starbucks pulled out of Orchard Park there has been a gap needing to be filled - a place to kick back with a cup 'o joe and a sweet.  Along with the gluten-free baked goods they've filled two niches in one shot.  The free WiFi is a great hook.  Almost necessary in this day and age.  And they're still hiring.

Note to city hall - the majority of the businesses in town that are making news or getting settled are based in or around Atlanta and some were born right here in Dunwoody.  In your rush to bring in large corporations to hire the "well educated" work force as stated in Pike's economic report, don't forget the home-grown industries.  They're more likely to stay put in Dunwoody - and their owners can will vote!