Saturday, February 13, 2010

Pick 3, Spend 50, Save Your Local Economy

I've had the button on my sidebar just about since the beginning...
I really believe in this project.
So, I've decided to document my OWN efforts with this project in hopes of inspiring someone who might be reading this blog. (This project requires mostly shopping, so how could I not participate?)
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If you don't know about the 3/50 project, let me explain:
3
What 3 independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared?
Stop in. Say hello.
Pick up something that brings you a smile.
Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.
50
If just half of the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.

If you're not sure what an independent business is, click here for more info.
Basically, it is a business that's owned locally without a big "name brand".

So about once a month, I would like to record my 3/50 shopping on this blog.

It doesn't have to be retail stores. It can be restaurants, dry cleaners, coffee shops, movie theatres, etc.

As I'm writing this, I can't help but think of some of my favorite places that have disappeared. I just heard, this week, that one of my favorite tiny gift/floral shops The Wild Violet is closing. I stopped by and everything was on sale, and the store was near empty.

*The $50 is TOTAL, NOT $50 at each business.
*And just for the record, this project doesn't recommend that you NEVER shop at big name stores.
It simply suggests that you keep the little guys in mind!

So here's what I found for February! I had so much fun!

My first stop was to Her Alibi Antiques
I found this cool cupboard in their bargain for dirt cheap. It has possibilities, can you see them?


Then I went to lunch with my friend to our favorite spot, Bouillon Soup.
I LOVE their turkey sandwich on focaccia bread, my friend orders Hungarian Mushroom Soup.
Last, I went to Scrapin' Fanatics to get paper for my Valentine's Fortune Cookies.

So, I spent more than $50. But I had lots of fun and supported the little guy.

If you have a blog and would like to record your 3/50 efforts, please feel free to join me and I'll add your link to the sidebar.

5 comments:

  1. I love this idea. There are several stores and restaurants in my area that I frequent monthly. I usually spend a little something to purchase somthing I love. It helps them and it helps me to feel like I have an abundance of money. I am actually on a tight budget, but I believe this attitude keeps the energy moving.

    Mermaid Debbie

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  2. Hi Melissa,
    When I drove through Pocatello last summer I stopped by Her Alibi. As I recall that bargain shed she has out back was pretty awesome. I even remember this cupboard and considered getting it. I did not know about your shop at the time or I would have stopped in. Maybe next time I'm up that way...

    Kelly
    Second Hand Chicks

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  3. Kelly: I'm on that same road, a few blocks up.
    That cupboard was marked down, then marked down again, half of the sale price, I couldn't resist! I need to come visit you too, but I'm sure you will recognize me :) Like I've said, I always like to know what other shops are up to.

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  4. Thanks for stopping in to my Valentine brunch! Melissa, I saw that cupboard when I was in Poky in January. Too bad for me it wouldn't fit in my suitcase, but good for you it didn't!

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  5. Those are some of my favorite shops, too! I'm looking forward to seeing your updates on participating in this project. :)

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Thank you for stopping by to see me and what I've been up to. I love, love, love to hear what you have to say.

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