A month has flown by since we opened our doors to candle enthusiasts and lovers of all things cozy and fragrant. It's been an incredible journey filled with smiling faces, shaking hands with long-time supporters and meeting lots of new friends! When we decided to expand Wisco Home Goods with a physical store, we knew our store had to be a unique shopping experience. You're greeted by a warm ambiance, fun, and nostalgic music. The carefully curated displays were all designed to enhance this immersive atmosphere. We're thrilled that so many of you have commented on how inviting our store feels, and we're committed to maintaining that ambiance as we continue to grow! One of the highlights of our first month has been introducing our customers to the incredible range of scents that candles can offer. As September started we noticed more fresh and floral scents like Botanical Dreams, Jolene and Lulu Lemongrass were the preferred scents. As September grew to a close and we started to long for Autumn we noticed a shift to the warmer scents like Warm Vanilla and Tuscan Aurora. In fact, you guys loved Warm Vanilla so much that it was the number-one-selling candle for September! As we look back on our first month, we want to express our deepest gratitude to all of our customers, both new and returning. Your support and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring. We're excited about the future and have big plans for our store. In the coming months, you can expect even more scents, more workshops, and more opportunities to immerse yourself in the world of Wisco Home Goods.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wisco Home Goods 2023-09-06 New Candle & Home Goods Store Coming to the East Side Madison, WI, 2023-09-06. Wisco Home Goods will be opening its first retail location on September 7, 2023. The public is invited to celebrate the occasion and to experience the intriguing scented soy candles, soaps and other home goods firsthand. “We’ve been operating Wisco Home Goods as an online business since September of 2017.” said owner Jeremy Backman-Aurit. “After 6 years of making candles in our kitchen and then our basement, we’re super excited to be opening a retail storefront. It’s a dream come true.” Wisco Home Goods is a creator of lifestyle products that are focused on cleanliness and sustainability. They work hard to lower the carbon footprint of their products. Their candles and soaps are handcrafted in the store. Wisco Home Goods even uses a re-useable and recyclable double old-fashioned glass, in order to encourage a longer life for their candle jars. They minimize chemicals, such as preservatives in their products, as much as they can. None of their products contain added colors or stabilizers. If they can avoid additives, they do. This is in line with their mission statement of “Do Good. Smell Good.” “We’re proud to be adding our business to the Rolling Meadows Shopping Center. In line with our goals of lowering impact on the earth we live just a mile away from home. You can find us at 4664 Cottage Grove Rd.” said Executive Smart Person, Don Backman-Aurit. “We’re very excited to join Misty Mountain Games, Redfish Bluefish, The Curious Crafter and others in creating a true neighborhood space for the Rolling Meadows Neighborhood.” About Wisco Home Goods Wisco Home Goods, founded in Sept. 2017, focuses predominantly on clean, soy candles. They also offer hand soaps, sugar scrubs, handmade bar soaps, hand-knit washcloths, and virtually anything you might need to spoil your body and your senses just a little bit more. Don and Jeremy Backman-Aurit are the sole owners and operators and have worked hard to turn their interest in sustainable, clean products into a viable business. Media Contact: Don Backman-Aurit Executive Smart Person & Co-owner don@wiscohomegoods.com 262-353-2882 wiscohomegoods.com

The anticipation is building, the shelves are being stocked, and the finishing touches are being applied – Wisco Home Goods - The Brick and Mortar store is just days away from opening it’s doors! This announcement marks the culmination of years of planning, designing, and hard work. As the countdown to the big day begins, the air is filled with a mix of nervousness, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment. In the final days before the doors open, we are focused on ensuring that every aspect of the store is picture-perfect. Whether it's arranging merchandise on shelves, or confirming that we have sufficient inventory, these meticulous details will help us provide you with a better customer experience, and we want that experience to be flawless! The days leading up to the store opening are crucial for generating buzz and excitement within the local community. If you like our posts on social media, please consider sharing them. Please bring a friend or family member to the store opening on September 7th. We are grateful for your support! We have poured our heart and soul into bringing the store to life, and it has been an emotional rollercoaster. Excitement, anxiety, pride, and nerves all intermingle as the realization that the store's doors will soon be open to the public sinks in. The sleepless nights and countless hours of work become a badge of honor as the dream transforms into reality. The days leading up to a store's grand opening are a unique blend of hard work, anticipation, and exhilaration. It's a time when every detail matters and every effort contributes to creating an exceptional shopping experience for our customers. The emotions felt during this period are a test ament to the passion and dedication that go into building a successful retail venture. So, as the countdown continues, we ask you to join us in taking a deep breath, embracing the excitement, and getting ready to welcome a new chapter in our history! Between now and September 7th we will be hosting hours when we can. Please check our social media to see if we'll be in-store. Wisco Home Goods officially opens on September 7th, 2023. Store located at the Rolling Meadows Shopping Center 4664 Cottage Grove Rd Madison, WI 53716 We are still working on getting our sign on our building, look for our small signs in the parking lot and in front of our store, to find us.

In the early days of the American colonies, long before the advent of electricity, candles were an essential source of light and played a significant role in the daily lives of settlers. Let's journey back in time and explore how candles were used in the early American colonies, shedding light on the challenges and ingenuity of our ancestors. In the absence of modern conveniences, colonists relied on candles for illumination after sunset. Candle-making was a crucial skill passed down through generations. Tallow, a rendered animal fat, was the primary ingredient used to make candles. Colonists would carefully prepare the tallow, pour it into molds or dip wicks repeatedly into melted tallow to form taper candles or tallow dips. This labor-intensive process ensured a sustainable source of light for everyday life. Candles were the main lighting source in colonial households, as other lighting options were scarce or costly. The soft, warm glow of candles provided comfort and security in the darkness. However, candlelight was not as bright as modern electric lights, and it was often a challenge to perform tasks requiring detailed work or extended reading in the limited illumination provided by candles. Candles served practical purposes beyond illumination. They were used to mark the passage of time, indicating bedtime or the start of daily activities. Candles also played a significant role in social gatherings and community events. Candlelit dinners and gatherings created an intimate atmosphere, while town meetings and church services were often illuminated by rows of candles, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. While candles were indispensable, they also posed significant fire hazards in the wooden structures of colonial homes. Extreme caution had to be exercised while using candles, especially in close quarters. To prevent accidents, candleholders made of iron, brass, or tin were used to secure the candles. Families would carefully monitor candles, extinguishing them before retiring for the night to minimize the risk of fires. In the colonies, candles were sometimes used as a form of currency. When money was scarce, barter and trade were common practices. Candles, especially those made from beeswax, held value and could be exchanged for goods and services. Candles also served as payment for taxes or debts owed. As time progressed, innovations in candle-making emerged. Beeswax, a more expensive but cleaner-burning alternative to tallow, became increasingly accessible. It produced candles with a brighter flame and a pleasant aroma. Later, the introduction of spermaceti candles, made from whale oil, provided an even brighter and longer-lasting light. In our day and age, it's difficult to imagine the large role candles played in the early American colonies, providing light, comfort, and a sense of community. The art of candle-making and the use of candles as the primary source of illumination shaped the daily lives of settlers. While candles presented challenges and fire hazards, their significance cannot be overstated. Today, we can appreciate the hardships and ingenuity of our ancestors, who relied on the humble candle to illuminate their path in an era devoid of modern lighting technologies.

The celebration of June Dairy Month in Wisconsin has a rich history that dates back nearly 90 years. It originated as a promotional campaign by the Wisconsin Dairy Industry in the late 1930s to promote the consumption of dairy products and support local dairy farmers. Since then, it has grown into a beloved tradition that highlights the significance of the dairy industry in Wisconsin. As is common in the united states, Dairy Month began as a promotion to encourage dairy consumption. In the late 30's Wisconsin dairy farms were overproducing for the dairy demand, which was driving down prices. In response, the Wisconsin Dairy Industry sought to increase consumer demand for dairy products. June was chosen as it is the time of peak milk production. Expansion and National Recognition The success of June Dairy Month in Wisconsin inspired other states to adopt similar initiatives. Gradually, the celebration spread across the United States, with other dairy-producing regions recognizing the importance of promoting dairy products and supporting local farmers. In 1939, the National Dairy Council officially recognized June as National Dairy Month. Local Events and Festivities June Dairy Month in Wisconsin is marked by a wide range of events and festivities that celebrate the state's rich dairy heritage. Local communities organize dairy breakfasts, farm tours, cheese tastings, parades, and various dairy-themed competitions. These activities provide an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to learn about the dairy industry, interact with farmers, and enjoy delicious dairy products. Educational Initiatives June Dairy Month also serves as an educational platform to raise awareness about the nutritional value of dairy products and their role in a healthy diet. Schools, community organizations, and dairy producers collaborate to organize educational programs, workshops, and presentations that promote dairy knowledge among children and adults. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the dairy industry's contributions to Wisconsin's economy and overall well-being. Economic Impact and Tradition Wisconsin has a long-standing reputation as America's Dairyland, and the dairy industry plays a vital role in the state's economy. June Dairy Month helps showcase the economic significance of dairy farming and related industries. It serves as a platform to support local dairy farmers, raise consumer awareness, and boost the sales of dairy products. The celebration has become deeply rooted in Wisconsin's cultural fabric, forming a cherished tradition that brings communities together. June Dairy Month in Wisconsin has evolved from a localized promotional campaign to a nationally recognized celebration of the dairy industry. It serves as a platform to honor the hard work of dairy farmers, promote the consumption of dairy products, educate the public, and celebrate Wisconsin's rich dairy heritage. This annual tradition holds great cultural and economic significance, bringing communities together and highlighting the vital role of dairy in Wisconsin's identity.

Opening a brick-and-mortar storefront is a big step for any online retailer, and that's exactly what we're doing at Wisco Home Goods. After 6 years of building our online business out...of...our...basement, we're excited to take the next step and open our very own storefront. We're here to answer a few questions you might have. Why open a storefront? Honestly, it was always part of the long-term plan. Additionally, 6 years of online sales and craft fairs has helped us understand that we enjoy connecting with our customers on a more personal level. While we've enjoyed making products that have been shipped all over the country, we wanted to create a space where people could come and sniff and experience our products in person, get a feel for the quality and craftsmanship, and have a conversation with us about their needs and preferences. A storefront also allows us to better showcase our products and those of other Wisconsin producers in a creative and immersive way, giving customers an experience they can't get online. Just think you'll finally be able to smell our candles before purchasing. What a concept! What can customers expect from the storefront experience? Our storefront will be a reflection of our brand and our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and customer service. We're creating a warm and welcoming space that showcases our products, our personalities and a sense of community. Customers can expect to see a range of products, from our signature candles and body care products to locally-made crafts and gifts from other vendors. We will also be offering private candle making classes for small groups. What do we hope to achieve with our storefront? Opening a storefront is not just about making sales, although that's certainly part of it. For us, it's about creating a sense of community around our brand and our products. We want to build a space that inspires community, and our connection with you. We also hope to inspire and educate our customers, helping them to discover new products and ideas that they might not have considered before. This is a huge step for Wisco Home Goods, but we're excited about the opportunities it presents. We're committed to creating a warm and welcoming space that reflects ourselves and our values. After all, we are Wisco. We hope to see you at 4664 Cottage Grove Road in Madison very soon! Continue to follow our blog for more information. Follow us on Facebook @WiscoHomeGoods and Instagram @WiscoHomeGoods. Below are pictures of the space as we viewed it for the first time. Follow our journey as we move toward making our dream a reality.

You've enjoyed the pleasant autumn notes of apple, cinnamon & bourbon in our Apple Toddy soy candle for five years. What if I told you that you could treat your taste buds to the same enjoyment? It's true! Sooo, soooo, true. There is an Apple Toddy Cocktail, and it was the namesake for our candle. We like to make this cocktail for our friends during cozy, chilly evening gatherings. It's sweet, comforting, and has a bit of a kick. Just the thing for your next winter party. What you need: 4 cups Lapacek’s apple cider 1 ½ cups bourbon (or pour with your heart) 4 tablespoons locally sourced honey 1 tsp ground cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 2 large chunks of candied ginger 1 tsp lemon juice 1 tbsp whole allspice How to do it: Heat the apple cider with bourbon, honey, cloves allspice, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer. Turn off the heat. Let cool and chill overnight (or not, it's up to you). When ready to share, warm the mixture to about 150 degrees (we use a mulled wine/Glühwein warmer) with cinnamon sticks, and candied ginger. Serve to many a delighted and warmed guest.

Man oh man, it's been a busy summer. It's hard to believe that soon we will be sipping Pumpkin Spice everything, wearing our best flannel, and pulling out the big comfy blanket to wrap up in. To give everyone here at Wisco Home Goods a break and the ability to recharge we will be "closed" August 10 - August 30. Now, we use "closed" loosely. You'll still be able to buy our products at Lapacek's Orchard, Native Trails Trading Post (private labeled as Native Trails Trading Post Candles) The Poppy Seed and as always, wiscohomegoods.com. Please note, when ordering from wiscohomegoods.com during this time, your order will ship on or after August 31st. Be sure to follow our social media to see where in the world Wisco Home Goods is. Many thanks for all of your support and we look forward to seeing you in September!

If you reviewed our blog posts, you might ponder how we so rarely talk about our business in the blog. There's a reason for that. First of all, can you think of anything more boring than a corporate blog that only talks about itself? I imagine it would be just as boring as a date where the person across the table only talked about themself. Secondly, we like to talk about things that are important to us and to our community rather than brag about what we do. Well, today is going to be different! As we approach our 5th anniversary, we're finding that Wisco Home Goods is gathering some momentum and we wanted to share. We started our little venture in September of 2017. We immediately went to work learning how to make candles and get them on the shelves. It took 15 months for us to sell our first 1,000 candles. By contrast, we will be making over 1,000 candles this month. As a result, we've found a need to upgrade our tools. This is our first upgrade. Buying this wax melter set us on our way. It holds about 12 pounds of wax and can be used to make a whopping 24 candles without needing to be refilled. Last September we got frustrated with how slowly we made candles using this wax melter, so we thought we'd be super fancy and upgrade. We purchased a wax melter that held 45 pounds of wax (90 candles). That one, unfortunately, didn't last as long as we had hoped, and so we are already on to our second 45-pound wax melter. I won't bore you with a picture. Yesterday, however, marked a historic day in the history/future of Wisco Home Goods. Our newest wax melter arrived. Meet Gerty (husband included for scale). As we struggled to use that initial wax melter, I remember dreaming of having this glorious machine. Now she's ours. Gerty can hold 65 pounds of wax (130 candles). When we combine Gerty with our 45-pound wax melter, we suddenly have the ability to make over 220 candles in a single shift. Previously we'd been limited to about 100. We couldn't be more grateful to all of you, our supporters, for helping us reach this milestone. 5 years ago, we were concerned that our first order for 50 pounds of wax was too much. Thankfully, we've found a wonderful group of supporters and a few stans along the way. Happy anniversary to us and welcome to the family, Gerty!

It's June, y'all! Long ago (2002), in a galaxy far far away (San Francisco) Pride didn't start until the Friday before the last Sunday in June. Now we have entered a world of rainbow capitalism where corporations pretend to be allies in order to profit from the pride dollars being spent during the month of June. Now, it's Pride Month, not just Pride Weekend. We're not bitter about it. To the contrary, we're thrilled that more people are encouraged to attempt to understand our plight, while also enjoying all of the colors; the pageantry; the fabulousness. This year, to celebrate Pride, we decided to pose ourselves some questions. Yes, we know what you're thinking. You can't just survey yourselves. But, here's the thing. We can. And have. And here's the result. We've already heard from Jeremy. Now we'll hear from Don. Stay tuned folks it promises to be a ride. What was your first pride event? My first pride event was accidental. Having grown up south of Madison in a very small town in the 80s, I'm not even sure you could have called it a closet. I was that boy that did what he could to explore his interests while also spending copious amounts of psychic energy trying to convince those around me that I was likely heterosexual. Yeah, it was a losing battle. Anyway, on a Saturday in early May, 1988 the city of Madison held its first Pride Parade. It just happened to be the same day as the state's band and choral solo & ensemble competition, which was also happening in Madison. I'd done my competing and headed out for some shopping on State St. What gay high schooler ever passed up a chance to shop on State St? I eventually ran into a "roadblock" in the form of a pride parade. I remember standing and thinking about their courage. Deep down inside I knew who I was. I knew I was one of them. I just couldn't admit it. I'm thankful I had that moment. What was your best Pride event? When I lived in San Francisco, my partner and I invited my niece to come spend a week with us. We had no other expectations outside of having a nice visit with a niece I love. While she was there, we actually both got roped into doing work for my partner's restaurant. We were tasked with putting together appetizers for the gala ball to wind down the Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. We had a great time! On our way home from the event, my niece came out to me. I was honored to know she trusted me with that information. She hadn't yet told her mother, my sister, and I had to keep it from her because there's one thing you learn as a gay. It's not your duty to out anyone. The next day we went to see Rent in SF and spent time at the pride festivities. I treasure that day, as I helped my niece find her way and to understand the acceptance that was in the world and that she wasn't alone. What does pride mean to you? It took me a long time to feel pride. Now pride means that I don't have to worry about your feelings. To quote a protest chant from decades past, "We're here. We're queer. Get used to it." It's honestly how I live. If you ask me a question and the answer should include my husband, brace yourself sweetheart because I will tell you I'm married to a man. Pride to me is knowing that I have no obligation to fit anyone else's expectations. I am and do whatever I know will make my life better. Judge me all you want. I'm the only one allowed to determine the course of my life. If it doesn't agree with you, that's on you.

Pride obviously comes in many sparkly colors. However, everyone has their individual memories & meanings of Pride and everything that has become associated with it. I hope to bring you on pleather clad, dancing on a box, glitter-filled journey of what my pride experience has been. What was your first pride event? It wasn't an official pride event, however, it was the first time I felt a part of the community. The year was 2001-ish. Dell became the world’s largest PC maker. AOL announced that it had over 28 million members, AOL.com was the most popular website and Jeremy was invited to his first large-scale homosexual house party. Needless to say, I wore my favorite pair of army green cargo pants, an appropriately tight T-shirt, and flip-flops. I remember arriving with my friend Zac and instantly being intimidated by everyone's confidence and individual fierceness. Slowly and surely after a few Mike's Hard Lemonades I eased into my groove and started to accept that this wasn't the normal Dodgeville High School event where I needed to remain cautious at all times in case someone might see me doing something gay. It was then that I let down my guard and people started to approach me and conversations, stories and free-spirited gayness began to flow. It wasn't an official event, however, it was the first time I felt a part of The Community. P.S. don't tell my mom, I forget where I told her I was that night. What was your best Pride event? The year was 2012. President Barack Obama was re-elected for his second term. Hope and optimism practically oozed from everyone's pores. All eyes were on the world's most iconic Queen as Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. And Jeremy was in his first pride parade. In the 11ish years that have transpired since my favorite pride event and I discovered body glitter and put it to full use on many a dance floor. I also met my future husband. It was in June of 2012, that Don was invited to march in The Chicago Pride Parade as a member of ROTC Chicago (Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps Chicago.... as in the big city with lots of tall buildings on the large lake in the midwest.) I was invited to be the best water boi I could be. The first group practice was in Lincon Park. Again, I remember being taken aback by everyone's confidence & fierce independence. Don joined the other gays to twirl his rifle and I set up my solo arboreal picnic nearby. Not long after the rehearsal began I watched one potential member after another be asked to leave as their skills were not on par with what the corps expected. I can remember my panic set in as I sent every positive vibe I had to my husband to make sure he made the cut. Long story short, he did! The fates smile upon us that day and Don was invited to join the corps in the parade. Fast forward a day or so, and we are at the start of the parade waiting in line for the corps' turn to go. So much noise. So much joyous chaos. SO many drag queens. So many sensible tops paired with comfortable cargo shorts. I can never forget the commotion before the main event. We are lined up, the music starts and the corps moves around a corner of a city block with a very tall building to the left, into the light, and toward a 3-mile-long WALL of cheering people. I remember turning the corner and being taken aback by the deafening cheers of literally millions of supporters. I have never been so overcome by joy and support in my life. It began to sink in that I was a part of something extremely meaningful to so many people. Lucky for you, I recorded my POV of the event and posted it on Youtube. Check out this link. Can you find Don in the corps in front of me? What does pride mean to you? Pride is a celebration of everything and everyone that makes you proud. Pride is diversity. A divergence from the beaten path. Pride is uniqueness. Pride is evenings at home with your chosen family watching RuPaul's Drag Race. It is celebrating what got you here. Pride is being fiercely you. You are pride. With all that glitters and shines I wish you a very happy pride! Jeremy

I It's true. I'm about to introduce you to the best margarita you've ever had in your life! It's called the Lavallette Margarita. It's so good, you're going to want to tell your friends about it. Before we get to the recipe, we need to step back a few steps. Every good cocktail has a back story. And, as is often the case, the Margarita has a very murky past. Some say it was invented by Carlos "Danny" Herrera in his restaurant near Tijuana in 1938. However, The Café Royal Cocktail Book from 1937 has a recipe identical to the Margarita but called the Picador. Believe it or not, the stories become even more convoluted after that. Suffice it to say that no one really knows who invented the Margarita. You are probably feeling a little dejected at this point, dear reader, but I have good news. I know exactly where and by whom the Lavallette Margarita was invented. The 80s were a crazy time, so I don't know exactly when it was invented, but two out of three ain't bad. The story, as it was told to me, starts with a summer home on the Jersey shore, in Lavalette, to be exact. My friend, Stephen von Weber, enjoyed inviting friends to visit and hang out at the beach. It's hard to know where inspiration struck, but it's safe to say he invented the perfect Margarita to serve to his guests. It doesn't have tartness or the harshness you might expect from Margaritas you've made at home with store-bought Margarita Mix. I don't know about you, but the older I get the less my body tolerates the excessive amount of citric acid added to those concoctions. Fear not! This recipe uses none of those. What's the secret ingredient that makes this one so yummy? I know you're dying to know. It's beer, but not just any beer. You want to use something that is "skunky" as we call it in the biz. Genessee Cream Ale is what the original recipe calls for, but, if you can't find Genessee, I highly recommend Moosehead or Heineken in that order. One last note. I confess I prefer my Margarita not be blended. The Lavalette Margarita, however, really is in it's prime when blended. So now, the moment you've been waiting for. The recipe!!! Lavalette Margarita Makes 1 pitcher Ingredients: Ice - Lots of ice. Fill your blender jar about 2/3 full 6 oz. Tequila - The truth is it doesn't matter. This recipe can make any tequila taste fabulous 1/2 can Limeade 2 oz. Triple Sec 6 oz. Beer Directions: Add all ingredients and set the blender to puree. Puree until you're happy with the results. Serve immediately.