10 Sonoma-Made Products That Will Help You Start The New Year Right

One of the things the New Year bestows on us is the opportunity for a fresh start. As we near the end of this year, many of us are more than ready to close the book on 2020. But how can we kick off 2021 in a way that feels just right? We certainly don’t need more restrictions in our lives, like extreme diets or exercise regimens. Here are a few items that are full of fun and that can also help you lead a happier and healthier life. An added bonus? They are all made in Sonoma County. 

Strum your heart out

If you’ve always wanted to learn an instrument, the time is now. Try ukulele for its easy-to-learn accessibility. Petaluma’s own Kala Brand is the world’s largest. All their ukes are designed in-house. Their elite models are even built in Petaluma. Check out these gorgeous designs from their Surf line. $89 (and up), Kala Brand Music Co., 707- 775-4073, kalabrand.com 

Send someone your love

A nice handwritten card is such a nice if not nearly extinct way of wishing people well, from birthdays to thank you’s to just because. Cards by Kim Dow Made This are so pretty, they’re a good excuse to get writing. $4, Kim Dow Made This, PO Box 1282, Healdsburg, kimdowmadethis.com 

Keep a routine

Setting a routine makes a habit out of your must-do tasks. Kim Dow Made This will customize a chore chart for you with up to six steps. A good one for kids with parents that feel like they’re repeating themselves. $10, Kim Dow Made This, PO Box 1282, Healdsburg, kimdowmadethis.com

Get cozy

Whether you’re needing to take a quick nap or you’re looking to get comfy to read a book or watch a movie, a pretty blanket will set the stage for these acts of self-care. Knit of recycled fiber by a small, family-run U.S. business, this blanket features an illustration by Grace Estrada of Sonoma-based Yarrow Goods. $150, Yarrow Goods, yarrowgoods.com

Organize!

One small step for organization, one giant step for Sonoma style. This leather landing spot for little things can help reign in the chaos. Made by architectural designer and artist, Melissa Steenport of Sonoma. $55, Melissa Steenport, melissasteenport.com 

Step away from the computer!

Put your work away already. Yes, the one attached to the laptop that seems to be everywhere you are. With this gorgeous hand cut leather pouch by Melissa Steenport, putting your laptop away is an act of beautifying your space. In fact, go ahead and leave it out in this sleeve, where you won’t be as tempted to uncover it. $130, Melissa Steenport, melissasteenport.com 

Exfoliate while washing

Ugh, we don’t need to go over the importance of hand washing right now. But can we distract you with the awesomeness of this wool covered soap? The wool is sourced from happy sheep at Plum Blossom Farm in Cloverdale. Wool preserves the soap longer and offers exfoliation. It’s also naturally antibacterial. $15, Plum Blossom Farm, plumblossomfarm.com, Made Local Marketplace, 529 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-583-7667

Craft on

When life gives you lemons, do some needle felting. This sweet sheep kit comes with instructions, needles, a mat and wool sourced from sheep at Plum Blossom Farm. $24, Plum Blossom Farm, plumblossomfarm.com, Made Local Marketplace, 529 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-583-7667

Wear Shoes

Apparently, going barefoot all day is bad for foot health. Put on a pretty and comfortable pair and you’ll feel efficient and stylish to boot. Designed by Santa Rosa and New Mexico-based Gapelii, these leather shoes are handmade in Italy. $179, Gapelli, gapeliibrand.com

Chop sustainably

Get your home-cook motor running, and chop chop chop those tasty and nutritious foods. Do so on a board that won’t harm your knives. This gorgeous piece is made in Healdsburg from upcycled wine barrel planks. Available with a smooth or “vintner’s edge.” $162.50, Sonoma Millworks, 1480-A Grove St, Healdsburg, 707-431-1860, sonomamillworks.com

Seasons of green

Studies show bringing nature indoors can have a positive impact on our mood. How about hanging greenery on a wall? This wreath subscription from Dragonfly Floral offers wonderful seasonal wreaths sourced from their own farm’s flowers. You can enjoy in-season flowers all year long. As a bonus, you won’t have to water this one. $45-$165 (spring, summer, fall and holidays), Dragonfly Farm and Floral, 425 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-3739

By: Karen Kizer