Is it just me, or is anyone else feeling like in this weather that 2019 is already here? While I still have my cushions on my patio furniture and my flip-flops still sitting at my door, I need to accept the fact that my world has gone straight to winter. I hate to give up on summer, but acceptance is necessary. No more early morning walks to watch the sunrise. Now it will be treadmills after sunset. The overnight weather change may have had a little to do with my surprise but it is mid-October, no one should be surprised that it is cold in Wisconsin but here I am upset I can’t wear my favorite sandals.

Which reminds me, I recently decided to try one of those subscription-based clothing services. For the busy person who does not have time to go shopping, they will put a few items together based on your preferences and they will ship it right to your house. I opened my box and in it was a sleeveless sheer sun dress and a short black skirt. Two items that would have been great, oh maybe, three months ago. 

I promptly returned the items with a kind note to the stylist: “Are you not aware it is October in Wisconsin?” After making sure it was returned, I canceled my account and basically went right to see Amanda King at Max’s Threads. There I found a super cute plaid tunic that screams fall. 

As I said, I am short on shopping time but as I look back on my shopping habits I end up finding the best items often when I have just a few minutes. Image Club had a super casual camouflage top I saw on a Facebook post. 

Boom — it was set aside for me until I could stop in to buy it. 

Urban Spa; same thing with a polka dot top I really “needed.” Heartland Graphics, I needed a 3X Badgers jacket for a last-minute Badger game day emergency. Thank you, Tracey. They showed me some pictures and set a couple of choices aside for me until I could stop in the shop to pick up.

Maybe my purchases were not delivered in a fancy box with a clever name. But Monroe has our own version of personalized shopping, because we actually have personalized services right here. 

Enjoy your pumpkin spiced whatever they are serving these days. I will keep my eyes out for watermelon to make its triumphant return. 

— Melissa Even is the executive director for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at melissa@monroechamber.org.