Holidays Greetings

Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year

During this special season, we would like to thank you for choosing The Usonian Inn LLC
as your green travel lodging, thank you for having stayed with us in the past and we hope
you enjoyed our services.
Since 2007, when we took ownership of the property, we implemented some environmental
friendly solutions in all aspects possible to make our lodging distinguished. We've watched
our business and the concept of green hospitality grow to where it is today with nimble and
responsive innovation. We couldn't have done it without our customers support and
understanding during the makeover!
As another year comes to a close, we hope you'll keep in touch. Follow us on Facebook. We
promise to keep you posted on everything new at our motel. We hope you'll enjoy the family
gathering this season and we also hope that our improved facility will be a delightful place
for a return visit with more friends.
We wish you a healthy and more prosperous 2010!
Happy Holidays!
The Usonian Inn LLC staff

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Holiday Season at the Usonian Inn and in Spring Green

We are open this month and happy to having our guests enjoy all the activities in town! Country Christmas celebration was a great event, even so, it was really cold!

Shops are open and busy; all business owners are trying to make your shopping a pleasant experience and a good one to remember!

Plan to be here next December and enjoy a play at the Gard Theater and shopping around; we'll post more for their schedule early February!

The House on the Rock is open and well decorated for the Christmas Celebration!

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Green ideas for the holiday season

I thought I will share this as an inspiration!

http://ping.fm/GOHjD

Stay "a Healthier you" this season!

I prefer to practice prevention in life; this is a good start!

http://ping.fm/6WXT1

Cancellation policy at small properties

I would expect everyone to be a little considerate and be aware of our cancellation policy.

Assumption doesn't work to well with such a large industry; this involves a little of your time and you can avoid any inconvenience that might arise at a later time.

"Cancellation policies tend to be stricter at small B&Bs than at big hotels, and with good reason, said Bill Carroll, senior lecturer at the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.

Cancel your reservation at a four-room B&B at the last minute, and the innkeepers lose 25% of the night's income, compared with just one-half percent at a 200-room hotel, Carroll said.

Although policies vary widely, Sandy Soule, vice president for marketing at BedandBreakfast.com, a marketing service for nearly 10,000 B&Bs, said many B&Bs charge one night's rate or 50% of the total stay -- whichever is more -- if you cancel less than a week before your stay."

Los Angeles Times/Travel October 23, 2009

The Small Business Ownership

As the owner/proprietor of a small business, family owned and operated, I realized that we have to keep our patrons informed; I am listing a few items here that should help.

This is more like talking about the disadvantage to our customer and also what it is expected from you - as a customer.

I determine that if I put "This is a Family Owned & Operated Small Business!" on each or my business page, people might get the idea, that the property is operated differently; and it is.

With such property you can expect that the place has limited staff; hours of operation might be limited as well.

Please review all info on the business page for details of this nature, that will eliminate any confusion that might throw you off, your expectations might be accurate if you will have the knowledge and please DO NOT Make any ASSUMPTIONS - ever, in life.

I don't envision this will crate any inconvenience for you. All it takes is to be informed; ask questions if you didn't have a chance to search for the property's web page.

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"Usonian Inn" Gifts

All items are designed by me, Carolina a.k.a. - CCD

I took a little time and designed some calendars, t-shirt, shoes, and other items with

original pictures from the Inn, with all year round seasons; I hope you enjoy viewing these
items as well as ordering some for Christmas Gifts

Something to remember!

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We like to share the fun with you

We still have a busy season, however ,we decided to flavor in some variety of things and you are invited to share some fun time! Karaoke has been added for later hours of the event!

Fundrsaiser event hosted by the Usonian Inn LLC

Posted using ShareThis

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NEW POST - CONSIDERING....

There is a lot going on at this time; with our business, events we try to organize...

Lots of reading, information are thrown at us plenty and,...we might take some good info eventually apply those strategies at the business

This is just a thought!

We might be able to do Day Rates - not much of a difference, but, at least we let the public know,
we might be renting just for a day - meaning during the day time and for a lower rates;

There could be a brake down for 3, 5, or 6 hours, then rates will vary.

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Where to write reviews

As the most popular site is Tripadvisor, for writing reviews, some people might be familiar with other sites, some found our establishment through different networks;
anyways, here are alternative links you can use:

Write your best reviews here:

on google you can write reviews on Google

kayak has our property listed now

our Facebook business page has a friendly user for review

The list can go on then,
there is Road travel guide

Super pages

Yahoo

Either way, feel free to share with the world your experience at our property!

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NEWS ON THE Biz

Our wine inventory goes higher in numbers occasionally so, we decided to have some of them featured weekly on sale; save $2-$3 on a bottle of white or red as you wish!

*****Select a bottle of wine (available for purchase) from our collection and have a great, relaxing time!*****


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I am HERE!

...and for a good reason; I stay busy all the time making sure you are having a pleasant stay, comfortable and you leave our place satisfied 100%.

...more on TripAdvisor, occasionally, once in a while, - I would say, I am going to see the site myself and, this month, I was WOW-ed!....

...this month alone I had 4 formidable reviews, we always appreciate those, the honesty of people and the time someone takes to share their experience they had at our establishment!

...I am HERE for YOU!

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on tripadvisor!

• Usonian Inn

Places to see - my Tripadvisor public maps

As I would say it: I've been traveling extensively before taking on this business;

I always love traveling, geography, maps, aerial view. My traveling experience started after we moved from New York, N.Y. - when we would find a reason to go by car back to see the city and relatives; we love to observe all those changes going from one state to another. The interstates are always fun, the speed (not the speeding tickets tough), the scenery changes as well, driving different seasons is as much fun.

Then phase 2 was flying places, that was even more fun!
It's not that I love traveling, I am in love with everything that's about traveling; the motions, the excitement, the sound of rolling luggages, the airport landscape, the take off - the flight itself, everything.

I think at times about me that I was Born to travel, so I like to share part of my travel map with you as I am working on it!

You will never run short of places to see!

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We found a reason to invite you here!

Taliesin lovers, if you can not make the regular tours for the estate, come on by and enjoy this event! STAY with us at a discounted rate for that night!

See more information on Facebook Taliesin at Taliesin

"Taliesin Choir and invited guests will perform in our annual Rural Musicians Forum Concert. The concert will take place in the Hillside Theater on the Taliesin property. Admission is free but donations will be accepted."

AT THE SAME TIME we will offer a discounted RATE to STAY at our property, - for all participants!

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ON Google Earth

Now you can see some of our property's pictures on Google Earth; the best place to find an aerial view and so much more.

I had fun uploading some photos and I would like to know that we make it easy for you to find our business.

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The Cornfield!

I heard often people saying they come here for the cornfield view! That's nice!

Some people ask for the rooms with a cornfield view! I thinks when you live in a hectic city, you might want to have a relative relaxing view; all green, peaceful - the cornfield!

So far, after a late start here with the neighbors in the back of the property starting planting late, I got to the point not to be able to see the cars on the road, I am talking about the WI scenic Byway State Hwy 60.


The cornfield is a real refreshment for the eyesight and completes the surrounding area scenery.

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Do you Have people....

I've worked on different institutions in the past, holding different jobs, however, I am experiencing a new trend here at the motel business; customers I see for the first time or even saw just a year ago, come by the office to give me a hug.

Do you have people give you hugs at your job, or at your business?

I have people come to me and they say: "oh, Carolina, you did such a great job to this place, let me hug you; I hope you don't mind I will take pictures of such and such..."
Or just stop in the lobby before departing and give me a hug!....

...from kids, teens to middle age to older ladies,...they come to the office and give me HUGS....

I must be doing something wright, I would say.

Whatever business you are in - the question is : DO YOU HAVE PEOPLE GIVE YOU HUGS?....

This season happened more then ever.....I am glad to know people are leaving this place - HAPPY!

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This week's traffic update

Stay informed, local news alert for travelers on "The Belt line" HWY 12/18 within the Madison city area

Crews plan to shut down the two right lanes of eastbound and westbound Highway 12/18 bear Todd Dr. during the morning. After that, the left lane in both directions will be closed until early afternoon.



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Green enhancement!

I am working on Travel Green Wisconsin application and that will provide you easier ways to find more information about our property!

I am looking forward to have the account activated with them within the next couple of weeks!

Other news

We decided to have an account for the Inn on Facebook, if you are a fan, - feel free to sign and join the conversation; see link on the right side of our blog page

Along with that see the latest pictures of Spring Green village and we would love to have you add your pictures, if you have some.

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All in ONE Week

The good the bad and what lesson can you learn!?


It is happened that customers always will post their opinion, experience, rather their expectations from places they stay, (lodging), visited, shopped at and so on....

I am not aware of any network those in the hosting industry have a place to express their experience with customers; and what is it OK to say OR not to say.

However, I am taking the time to post this weeks' experience with customers from both extremes; life is challenging and some time is tough, you can run short of help, then some emergency can take place, and you have to close the office.

• The best customers of the week: It was this couple I have stay by us one night and you can tell by their action that they were very considerate to the property and treated the business with lots of respect; deciding to use the second bed to place a luggage on, the gentleman came in the office and asked for an old towel he will be able to put on the bed before having the luggage on; "wow", ... I thought his gesture was very considerate of them, to show that much respect for the goods in the room and the property as a whole, and to participate in preserving the business integrity.

• After all they told me they will be out for breakfast and will come back to drop the key and check out. An unfortunate event took place and I had to leave office and close for an hour; ( a note was left on the door of me being absent from the reception desk) they came back and after all they still left a considerable tip for housekeeping. This was the "Wow" number 2.

************************ It was that you do your best to make customers happy at all time and not to consider to filter them in any odd way. It is then they come to the desk to check out and they will bring a long list of negative things to mention and, don't they always have the best suggestions for you!!!
Oh boy!
I am patiently listening, considering what they say and give it a thought to apply changes or implement improvements as necessary or as time and money will allow.
I make a point of thanking people for acknowledging their concern, suggestion or constructive input.
OK, Iam open minded, and that was all good so far! *********************************

• The worst customer of the week: A younger couple checks in and it looks like it's all OK, they buy a bottle of wine and go on with they evening. Next morning, they dropped the key and after a brief conversation they took of; going in the room to clean was another story!

• For the first time since I am running the hotel business, someone decided to be very upfront in expressing their believes or disbelieve as if anyone asked them anything about that;
  

• It was very insulting to the business, to me personally and VERY Disrespectful to the entire establishment, to go in that room and find the Holly Bible (the physical book) laying in the trash can next to the bed, and in addition a small print I usually have in the night stand drawer.
  
• I have news for you "my friend" God is watching your every step, and if this is what you decide to practice every place you go, SHAME ON YOU!
  
• Nobody asked you to convert to any religion and share or express your convictions, no one brought up any sensitive religious subject to discuss with you in particular, and if you are mad at the whole world, that is not any of my problems.... if you don't want to see The Book - DO NOT open drawers. If you don't believe in anything, that's not what I am worried about.
• No one should Disrespect and insult my business practice, and trash the integrity of our establishment with this type of attitude and think they can walk away smiling - that will NOT LAST, my friend!

This post is informational and expresses my pure dissatisfaction with people that walk on this earth with no integrity!

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Happy Father's day!

Where are you taking your father, or husband this time for father's day!

This should be a family fun time when you can share memories and create some new ones; at home or away from home, if you travel - take advantage of a fine hotel - at our facility, The Usonian Inn LLC (http://usonianinn.homestead.com) and a distinguished restaurant in Spring Green.

Yard Sale for special Items

We will have some items for SALE the weekend of May 29, and 30.

In the effort to recycle and reuse older items that are in a very good shape, we decided to have a Yard Sale
scheduled as follow:

Friday 10AM - 6PM
Saturday 10AM - 4PM or as long as we have any items left.

Items list:

Light fixtures
Bathroom mirror with shelf
Smaller size Sink with Faucet
Closet Door with mirrors and trimming frame
Air Conditional Units - all operating

and more FREE items.....

Thank you for helping the community stay SUSTAINABLE!

What's hot in Spring Green

If you plan on having a night well spent at our establishment, consider to purchase one of our special wines we feature in the lobby!

When girlfriends meet, - they shop and dine and then have a little more wine; coming to Spring Green, lately is more special - you should know there are more things happening HERE; There is shopping and there is fine shopping; special late Fridays events (just the 1st Friday of the month) for now; you can enjoy a special shopping tour with wine tasting and after 8PM (after dinner) at open floor restaurants hours. Take a tour of the village for shopping at art galleries, our specialty stores and enjoy some live music along the way into the night!

Girlfriends meet and drink more!

Earth day - the beginning and today's

"This year’s Earth Day is the 40th one; the first one was held April 22, 1970.

Participation in an event like Earth Day in a visible way is important—even if it is what you are doing behind the scenes that has the greatest positive impact on the environment.

We show our guests and our staff that we care and it certainly is a great marketing opportunity.

There is no need to get wrapped up in debates about global warming; Earth Day is about taking care of your own plot of land, being a good neighbor in your community, and being a good steward of the planet.

Be sure to make every day Earth Day at your property."

http://www.ecoquestintl.com/CatalogProduct.aspx?ProductId=3569#ordernowstart

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Odd Jobs and Spring Celebration

We are celebrating Spring in STYLE!

There are a few odd jobs to do too; some painting, some garden work; always that routine maintenance and a little more planning then just Spring stuff.

We are getting excited for being able to celebrate the birth month of the business shortly in May; , there is that and mid month is the FAMOUS MOREL MUSHROOM FESTIVAL close by.

If you haven't visited with us in a while, even on line, make sure you are looking for our calendar of events and our special promotions. http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/The.Usonian.Inn.LLC.608-588-2323/coupons

See more info on our Merchantcircle Blog Page. So far the weather is great and we like you to take advantage and stop by early this spring!

MORE NEWS here:
Usonian INN Liquor License APPROVED!
April 15,2009 (Page 8) Home News (Local paper news article)

• Liquor license for Usonian

Carolina and Teofil Dursina, of the Usonian Inn on Highway 14, requested approval
for a Class B beer and a Class A retail liquor license. In a letter to the board, they
said they plan to enlarge the current hotel lounge for use not only as a breakfast bar
but a cafe with internet access. Beer would be sold during business hours for
consumption on the premises.
The Class A license includes selling hard liquor, which hotel guests would consume
in their rooms. The Dursinas intend to serve breakfast in the lounge and also serve
items such as panini sandwiches at lunch and during the evening.
In a letter to the board responding to the license request, Alan Pecham, village
attorney said under a Class B license the licensee might sell beer for consumption
either on or off the premises. With a Class A license, the licensed operator may sell
all liquors including wine and beer if consumed off premises or in the hotel rooms.
Wendy Crary, village clerk treasurer, said a hotel room is considered a private
residence when rented and occupants may consume beverages purchased at the
Usonian Inn or from other sellers. Hard Liquor could be sold but not consumed in the
motel cafe.
Village police chief Kevin Wilkins recommended the licenses be granted and the
board voted approval.

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Today's interesting Quotes

I run into this quote today and I thought it was interesting!

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."
--St. Augustine, philosopher and theologian


"Just living is not enough. ... One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower."
--Hans Christian Andersen, Danish author and poet

Travel - renovation and a competitive advantage!

Interior makeovers give historic buildings new life as hotels

Historic buildings that evoke the elegance of a past era are finding new lives as modern, instantly iconic hotels.

One benefit of the reuse, recycle mindset that has developers creating fabulous new properties in the shells of once-grand buildings is that elegance and glamour are returning to interior design.

This is just an informative article for our customers.
http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleid=13065

Renovations:

The development of capital replacement budgets and the setting aside of reserves for replacement are long term strategies that keep a property fresh and competitive in the marketplace. If an organization has reserves for replacement set aside, now may be a good time to implement needed renovations which will allow the property to emerge stronger when the economy improves.

The accelerated price of energy earlier this year suggests that renovations related to energy efficient technology would yield future returns. If the property is experiencing reduced occupancy, renovation disruptions will be minimized relative to the guest experience. So, I think we did very well for the past year!

A native of Germany, he says this is a European sensibility. "In America you think, 'It's bigger, it's better,' but many places in Europe you didn't have the space, so you made very small jewels."

This is exactly how we think about our property as a "JEWEL" - that is!

Renovation, staying in business in tough times and meeting the "GREEN" guidelines

http://www.ahla.com/Green.aspx?id=24560

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and just another 'Green" fun link!

http://green.yahoo.com/blog/daily_green_news/8/twelve-amazing-shipping-container-houses.html

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Innovation in tought times

How it helps when you keep your networking live and building it continually.

I don’t know too many small business owners hanging around looking for bailouts. The bailout of choice for the small business owner is innovation and determination.

ONE great step we took in the last year was Renovations:
The development of capital replacement budgets and the setting aside of reserves for replacement are long term strategies that keep a property fresh and competitive in the marketplace.
If an organization has reserves for replacement set aside, now may be a good time to implement needed renovations which will allow the property to emerge stronger when the economy improves.

The accelerated price of energy earlier this year suggests that renovations related to energy efficient technology would yield future returns. If the property is experiencing reduced occupancy, renovation disruptions will be minimized relative to the guest experience.


I am listing this link here in this posting to bring it to live that we, the small businesses are trying so many ways to be innovative and make our businesses going and more attractive in this economic downturn!

Innovation in tough times

developing oneself

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Morel Mushroom Festival (coupon)

Celebrating our neighbors UNIQUE Festival!

The World Capital of Morel Mushroom Festival happens in MUSCODA, WI a great little town where you can feel at home. Come celebrate an entire weekend with great foods, arts and live music, UW parade and so much more.

Usually the Festival is held every spring the weekend after Mother's Day.

Let's discuss where the morels accompanying a dead elm tree are most apt to be located. If it is early in the season, they will be on the south edge of the timber or on the south facing slope near the top of a hill because he sun warms these areas first. As the season progresses, the morels begin appearing further into the woods, further down the south side of the hills, and near the top of the north facing slope. At last, near the end of the season, they will appear at the north edge of the woods and in the bottom land.

Take your time to visit us on merchantcircle.com to find our coupon:
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/The.Usonian.Inn.LLC.608-588-2323/promotion

Your savings Opportunity!

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Hello everyone,

I am taking the time to list here a few opportunity that I was thinking about and I came to the conclusion that is worth publishing this information.

As every business is looking into different strategies to save a "buck", we decided to pass Our savings Opportunity into you.

We have Decided TO USE different ways of saving you money and making it easy for everyone to pay for their travel leisure or business or more, like shopping in our beautiful artsy village.


I. - OUR NEW POLICY stands for a percentage down payment of the total bill, and we though this will have everyone split their payment and this way is not so much of a burden to pay a chunk at once.


II. Yet, another way to book and save is using our on line booking system that allows you to take advantage of the flat fee discount (which we will keep uniform for all offers), this system is limited to 45 day advance booking, but not more. The offer is a flat Fee Discount!

Once we get your request we will produce the invoice for your reservation and you are in your way!

Thank you for helping us speeding in a great way to get more "green," and being an active participant!



We all strive to be in front of customers as often as possible and be our best. But, when we think about it, our clients and prospects give us many opportunities to stay in their minds in positive ways and we want to give them a reason to remember us for future business.

Yet, these opportunities are often overlooked, simply because we neglect to have open communication.

In conclusion:

• If you can find your the room type on line on our system, use our online booking and SAVE - http://usonianinn-online-booking.genbook.com
• The down payment will make it easier for you to pay in small bites and not a big chunk. (I also had people feel comfortable to pay 100% up front, we are NOT asking for that.)

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Spring is in the Air!

It might not be that Spring had arrived yet, but, we get the feeling of the whole nature returning to life and getting ready to revive, to bloom, to challenge the entire environment (atmosphere) with all kinds of fragrances! ... with those birds songs, geese are lined up in the sky and started migrating....

The sun is on the ski mostly every day, all day, sometimes all week. It's long since we had any forecast,...it's like we need that, and we are awaiting for something to happened, maybe some rain,...

Leaves will grow fast and will enhance the sound of winds in the area, coming through and going by and again, carrying life and beauty along to perfect our enjoyment and fulfilling what is usually missing those winter months.

This winter it wasn't as long and dragging, I was busy with different projects. I managed to take a short vacation.

With spring coming there are some other events we are celebrating this time of the year!

Starting with St Patric's Day, then is Earth day - we do have a special event for that date!

Then there is a proposed "GREEN" Open House and Busness Fair on the premises planned for last weekend of March and 1rs in April. More to be listed in details on our Calendar on the web page. We are remembering the Customer Appreciation date as well - now called "Sprint into Spring," so, visit us and enjoy shopping in our great area.

Keep an eye on our calendar of events! (Off my web page - it's constantly being updated)

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TWO Successful Years

When I look back to the last two years, - I realize, we had a great success!
Many things there have been said about the place, our service and we managed to get this place finally to meet our own standards.

“We must make sure customer service culture is established early and deep,” I said,
“If we are not doing it better than anyone else, we are not getting the best return on investment on our hotel.
In this poor economy you have a real opportunity to take customers away from the competition, while also moving the needle on customer service upward.
Every incremental increase will create additional process by capturing new and retain customers."

It’s possible to fix most any problem before a guest’s departure, thereby ensuring their stay is a memorable one. Also, by addressing customer concerns, I am convinced it will make the difference in capturing repeat business hotels would otherwise lose.

We are extracting the negative from the guest before they leave. This is not a money-back guarantee; this is good operations and common sense.

The renovation we approached this past year was a great success and we get compliments all the time.

This is an exciting time in our business.

We are on the move and we, the hotel owners have achieved our goal quickly, we got into the spotlight on the local news paper, the TV station, and being awarded 3"Green" leaves out of 5 on http://www.istaygreen.org/; it is going to be proven that quality in customer service, comfort and cleanliness is what matters.

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Getting Back from a Short Vacation!

I was gone for a short time and it seems like an eternity.

It's so much I have to catch up with that is not as easy as I thought; sorry to those I missed your call.


I'll get back to my e-mail as soon as tomorrow and don't worry I will have a room for you for your event!

We are entertaining a wedding next weekend and rooms are limited.

We are expecting a wonderful spring season and great offer for your stay with us.

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GRAB your coupon and GO!

Valentine is approaching quickly and we want you to have a special time;




We are offering a special rate that weekend; see our coupon on this link:

Valentine Day Special Offer

Other offers, by e-mail orders, will be at a discounted price when you order by February the 12th, 2009
The right Nutrition for a Healthier YOU!

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Back on track

As the Holidays are over, and things go back to normal, I am taking the time to update you on what's going on at the business.

The bathrooms renovation is close to be accomplished in entirety, just a few odds and ends;

We are OPEN and operating, and we are running a special coupon for the "BALD EAGLE WATCH" event. during the month of January only - click on the blog title to see coupon, mention it when call in, and take advantage of the offer.

Sauk City is just a short drive away from our property.
Follow the Scenic route 60 going North from Spring Green towards Sauk City and Prairie du Sac (Sauk Prairie), where winter are the gathering of the Bald Eagles traveling down from the Northern part of the state and neighbors states. See official WI site link.

It is definitely a great season in Wisconsin, roads are kept clear and snow is limited, it's just beautifying the scenery; you can experience the winter wonderland wright here in our backyard.

Take a vacation away from your indoor environment and enjoy the nature wonders of Wisconsin!

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Making any place Sustainable

There is so much anyone can do about becoming Green, you can take the smallest steps and you can still see results.

I wrote soome articles about the subject, and I would say it's a list of rewards we got for accomplishing a "GREEN" establishment. See for yourself.

How to get your house green in small steps

and

Making our Historic Inn Sustainable,


For those in the industry,

"You are invited to sign up for a FREE subscription to the lodging industry’s only weekly environmental news publication. (See sample below.) You will never be charged to receive it. How does one sign up? Go to www.greenlodgingnews.com and fill in your e-mail address in the form on the right hand side of the home page."

We wish everyone a successful 2009!

The Usonian Inn Awarded the Prestigious Green Eco-Leaf Rating

With all what's going on here, approaching our "Green" transformation Phase I to an end, I received a great message I am attaching bellow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:Carolina Dursina at 608-588-2323, or by mail at info@usonianinn.com

Spring Green's The Usonian Inn Awarded the Prestigious Green Eco-Leaf Rating

The Usonian Inn has earned a 3 Green Eco-Leaf Rating this week by completing a 70 point comprehensive eco-audit survey administered by iStayGreen.org - the online social network of environmentally friendly travel.

Spring Green, WI December 17, 2008 - The Usonian Inn becomes the 1st lodging property in Spring Green, WI to receive the Green Eco-Leaf Rating. Currently The Usonian Inn is first of the hotels in Spring Green (http://www.istaygreen.org/getcityus.cfm/city/Spring Green/st/WI) to complete the comprehensive environmental audit administered by iStayGreen.org. The property earned 3 Green Eco-Leafs, which is a "Great" rating.

All Green Eco-Leaf Rated properties are committed to environmentally friendly initiatives. Richard Varner, founder of iStayGreen.org states: "Simple changes helped The Usonian Inn earn their 3 Green Eco-Leaf Rating and become the 1st Spring Green lodging property rated. It's great to see they're intent on insuring a more sustainable future in travel."

To insure a more sustainable future some of the eco-initiatives put in-place at the property include: low energy lighting initiatives are in-place - energy efficient lighting is installed when replacing old lighting sheets reuse option for multiple night stays - towels reuse option for multiple night stays- eco-initiatives are actively promoted to the public - water conservation initiatives are in-place - water conserving devices are installed when replacing old fixtures - recycle containers are located inside guest rooms - recycle containers are located around the property common areas - recycled paper products (bath tissue, facial tissue, paper towels, napkins, etc) are utilized - environmentally friendly chemicals are used in cleaning - environmentally friendly detergents are used for laundry - environmentally friendly chemicals are used for carpet cleaning - the entire property is non-smoking - cotton bedding and towels (non-synthetic) are utilized - bulk amenities and soaps are dispensed in guest rooms - plus much more. The complete audit can be viewed at The Usonian Inn Environmental Self-Audit (http://www.istaygreen.org/ecoaudit.cfm/hid/90002346).

The lodging industry recognizes the need to create a sustainable future for travel. While the The Usonian Inn is the 1st Spring Green property to achieve the Green Eco-Leaf Rating, it is anticipated that many other properties in the area that are promoting eco-friendly initiatives also will seek to be rated. This eco-rating allows the public to know the specific environmental initiatives in place at a property, which enables the environmentally conscious traveler to make informed lodging decisions.

For additional information about The Usonian Inn contact them at 608-588-2323 or visit www.usonianinn.com. To find out how a property can earn the Green Eco-Leaf Rating, contact Richard Varner at 602-864-5553 or visit http://www.iStayGreen.org.

About The Usonian Inn:

The Inn is Spring Green's first original Taliesin inspired inn. It was built in the 1950’s but provides the accommodations of the 21st century style. It's perfect for FLW's fans, it's classic, comfortable, quiet, and combines the ambiance and nostalgia of the old era with a personalized service of today's life style.

Contact:

The Usonian Inn 608-588-2323 info@usonianinn.co

About iStayGreen.org:
With iStayGreen's rapidly growing searchable directory of 100,000 lodging properties and over 3,000 already Green Eco-Leaf Rated, it's easy for anyone to quickly locate and compare "Green" lodging worldwide. To earn a Green Eco-Leaf Rating, hotels must complete a thorough self-audit, and then are rated based on their eco-initiatives. The site also provides an effective way for hotel owners and operators to promote all of the good "Green" things they are doing. Visitors to the site can create their own profiles, add friends, recommend properties, upload photos, form groups, create and respond to forum threads, make reservations, and add comments and reviews to hotel profiles.

Contact:

Richard Varner 602-864-5553 rvarner@istaygreen.org

"GREENING" My Place!

Ah...GREEN, when I say the word, I think of CLEAN!
Green is also my color of preference!

It's always great to share your story; someone might learn something from it!

I. Even the 1st year when we took over, the one small thing we took care off was the light bulbs - CFL (compact Fluorescent Lights). They were replaced with the CFL in all fixtures that we could fit them in, indoor or outdoor lighting.

II. Recycling was always a passion of mine, I could call myself a "recycler" fanatic. We determined that we will continue our habits, no matter were we live. (P.S. - I am also making arts out of recycle goods)

TIPS (for the house):

• Invest in a dishwasher, you will be using less water, detergent and time to accomplish the task!
• Do not place stove, dishwasher or other heat producing units next to the refrigerator or freezer
• One common thing is, people overlook using cloth rags instead of towel paper; it's still a better option even so you have to do laundry - or use sham-wow!
• Find a better cleaner - non-toxic, organic
  

III. I immediately implemented the bed sheets/towels program,


For those that are not familiar with this: if a room is occupied more then one night, we ask customers to request when they want the bed sheets changed and for used towel to drop them in the shower area, like this I know to leave fresh towels for them. (this saves you on laundry, detergent, water and labor.) - for more info visit here!


IV. Replacing old windows, imagine they were the originals, one pane window on old frame....
We looked for an energy star product and had the job done the 1st winter here, double pane, locally produced...
I can FEEL the difference now!

Concluding after one busy season, we decided to remodel the bathroom, however, I call this a DESIGNER MAKE OVER - it is so much more then just deep skin cleaning and having a new shower area.

Improvements of the bathrooms where to start fresh, everything went out the door and the new and sustainable products were replacing those old things.

MORE savings tips:

• replacing soap bars with liquid soaps
• install a toilet that - preferably, has a dual flush, (I went from a 4gal/use to 1.6gal/use)
• place recycle bins in your work and kitcken area, this is a good reminder.
• use a low flow shower head that can save you some money and give you even more then you expect
  

Overall, I felt like I had 2 Full Time Jobs, even so I like to call this establishment my business.
The East wing was finished this past spring and now we are almost done with the West wing, as I like to call it.