April 2022

Madison, Wisconsin is one of those places that immediately feel like home. With a population of close to 300k, Madison is in Dane County and widely remarked as one of the best places to live in Wisconsin and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. If you’re just visiting, count on visiting a lot of bars, farm-to-table restaurants, gyms, coffee shops, and beautiful parks. With such a variety of local offerings and cool people, it’s no wonder why so many small business owners have become some of our best friends!

In 2015, Madison accounted for over 50.07% of business according to sba.gov, with changes after the pandemic creating a boom pushing the small business numbers to record levels in 2021. Small business owners have such a big impact on the community and give the most back, which is why at RA!, we believe in the power of voting with your dollars. So many people we know and love count on the support of the local community for survival (Us too! We are local and small!), so whether you’re living local or planning a summer trip to explore, be sure to visit as many local Madison favorites as you can. To get you started, here’s a list of a few of our favorites and why we love them.

Glitter Workshop – Madison, WI
A Place to Created
Our HBIC, Alla loves a good (or any) reason to craft and The Glitter Workshop has like 10 of them. Book a workshop like candle pouring, bath bomb making, acrylic paint pouring, crystal sun-catcher creating and so many others and plan on getting your hands dirty. Don’t worry – it’s good for you. If crafting isn’t your thing, or you’re looking for a great gift idea, this epicly-named store also offers pre-made, purchasable items like mugs, jewelry, art prints and so much more. We’ll see you there and we may or may not throw glitter at you.

Change Boutique – Madison, WI
Accessible, Ethical Clothing
Madison resident Nikki Anderson sought to find a way to blend creativity with her passion for social work and came up with a great way to share sustainable products and teach sustainable practices in garment production. Filled with beautiful items you can feel good about buying, and founded on the believe that, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”, we agree, change is born at the boutique!

Forest Coaching and Studios – Madison, WI
Holistic Health & Fitness Coaching
After enjoying all that cheese, you’ll be happy to hear that the local Kettlebell Queen, Annie Forest of Forest Coaching and Studios, is a fan of using dairy products to heal and regulate your metabolism. Average Joe or Weekend Warrior, they’ve got something (based in neuro-science) for you. After a free initial consultation, you can get to work with Madison’s best personal trainers that coach from the heart, for your healthiest body. If it’s not private coaching you’re looking for, they’ve got great online courses you can take from home and kick-butt classes to keep you moving year-round. Yeah yeah, workouts can make you a little sore but that’s why they keep our RA! CBD Freeze on their shelves.

Nutzy Mutz & Crazy Catz – Pet Store
We are self-proclaimed crazy-pet-people. We love Nutzy Mutz because they are as passionate about helping animals, people and building a community of heart-centered peeps in town as well are. Since their doors opened in 2006, we’ve popped in to buy our furry friends sustainably sourced pet-products, and always linger to chat with their people and pet-loving team of experts. Plus they have animals (you can pet!) of all shapes and sizes like cats Melina, Kiki and Cheerio and their friend Reuben the Rooster.

Good Style Shop – Vintage Clothing
Why do we love them? Three words: Vintage Color Blocking. Madison, Wisconsin may have its own style, and you can never go wrong here. Visit Good Style Shop and can get lost in this small store filled with a broad range of vintage fashion ranging form Victoriana through the late 1990’s streetwear. Pick us up a sick flatbill or hoodie if you find something we can’t live without, ok?

BONUS ROUND:

Frannie’s Market – Cedarburg, WI
Quality Local Goods
What isn’t to like about Frannie and her market? Trick question – there isn’t anything. We like to go in, see what is in season, stay for a bite and take home a ton of cheese. Listen, when a market, employed by midwest’s finest combines shopping locally, unique classes, food and wine, fun is to be had all around. Whether you’re there to grab locally made staples or learn how to build a tabletop terrarium, definitely bring home some cheese – you won’t be disappointed.

Gift ideas for dad can be tricky. Fathers Day is right around the corner and the idea of gift-giving can leave you pondering, what do you get the man that already has it all? If there’s one self-care item you can bet he hasn’t thought of buying for himself, it’s CBD.

A few years ago, CBD (aka cannabidiol) began taking the world of wellness by storm due to its numerous plant-based health benefits. Trending as an alternative to popping pills, its calming and anti-inflammatory benefits are now available as edibles, balms, creams, and so much more. What dad doesn’t need a reason and a means to chill out!

We asked RA! owner and dad, Richard Bowman, about his experience with CBD, and he has a lot to say about it.

“How has CBD helped me as a father? It’s helped me BE a better father. CBD has helped me stay active and present with my son. I may feel and play like a kid at heart, but as anyone old enough to have kids knows, joint pain, a job and a mind that wont quit can hold you back from being everything your kid needs you to be. Time with your kids is so important and that time needs to be spent focused and kind. CBD has helped me do just that. From better sleep to less physical discomfort from the inevitable ‘wearing out’ process, I really feel better and more available to my kid.”

This year, show dad just how much you care by giving him the gift that keeps on giving – relaxation! Here are a few of Richards favorite dad-worthy products:

CBD FREEZE

Sure, there are many ways to prevent muscle soreness from working out excessively. Just ask your friend who’s the fitness freak: stretching, using the correct weights for your tolerance, saunas and cryotherapy. But who has the time! Sometimes you’ll need more than just what you can do at the gym.

“I love to play laser tag, ride bikes and skate with my kid, but those favorite activities can leave me a bit achy the next day. A few swipes over tired muscles with CBD Freeze sets me straight as the menthal, arnica, tea tree oil and aloe vera goes to work on the pain and inflammation.”

Comparable to BioFreeze or Icy Hot, this muscle freeze gel dries quickly without leaving a residue. This cold therapy gel is infused with high quality CBD and is perfect for the back, neck, shoulder and hips.

FRUIT CHEWS

Does dad love a snack and have a sweet tooth? A gummy snack could be just the way to go. With a variety of options for flavors and potency, fruit chew edibles are some of our best sellers because they taste great, and come with very little guilt, if any!

“The RA! CBD Fruit chews are a playful, all-natural way for me to get a good dose and an even better zen. Even if you’re not a sweets fan, these taste great and give me a chill vibe for any activity.”

CBD-infused edibles but the fun back in functional wellness as something you can add to your diet while watching a ball game to complete or enhance it.

SLEEP DROPS

Having kids does not mix with not being able to have a restful sleep.. Not only for the mom or dad not getting the rest he/she needs, but also for the people (yes the kids) in the home.

“There is literally nothing that will set me up for the day ahead like a good night of sleep. I just don’t always get the quality hours my body needs. On the nights when I can’t fall asleep or I think I’m going to wake up in the middle of the night, I reach for RA! CBD Sleep Drops.”

These drops are made with a CBD tincture, which, due to its high bioavailability (easy absorption into the body), makes it an effective, long-lasting sleep remedy compared to other ingestible products like edibles, capsules and beverages. Step one: Drop a dose under your tongue before you brush your teeth at night. Step two: Sweet dreams!

BONUS ROUND:

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