Well, it is the week of Halloween and I know there are some of us that just haven't gotten a Halloween costume ready yet. Every year I say I am going to plan ahead of time and somehow it just never happens. So I have brainstormed with friends for some really easy, somewhat innovative, last minute ideas. Oh, and they are relatively inexpensive also.
One year my mother-in-law dressed up as a cereal (not serial) killer. She wore a black dress and glued a bunch of little individual cereal boxes to her dress and all of the boxes had plastic knives through them. She even put some fake blood on the boxes. It was very cute.
If you have any long pj's you can always put them on with some slippers, put your hair in pig tails and carry a stuffed animal and go as a todder/baby. (thats what im doing this year)
A play on words is always an easy way to go too. A friend of mine came to work one year as "smarty pants" by safety pinning a bunch of smarty candies to her jeans. That went over wonderfully. I have also seen a "sour puss" (cat costume with a lemon) and "black-eyed peas" (a bunch of letter p's and a black eye on the person). Just to name a couple.
And last but not least...fun with boxes. You can be a lego, a dresser, a clock tower, a box of shoes. So many things!
Well, I hope this helps out any of you last minutes types, like me!
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1
Showing posts with label consumer news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label consumer news. Show all posts
Monday, October 27, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Halloween Tips for Pets
I have a fondness for black cats, so I have pretty much had one all of my life. So when Halloween and even Friday the 13th roll around I am extra cautious. I have heard horror stories about what some horrible people can do to animals just for fun. So I thought it would be good to spread the word. Looking around on the Internet I found a site that has some pretty useful information...www.halloween-online.com is the link that I found. Here are some quick tips...
#1 First and foremost, try to keep your pet inside the night before Halloween, sometimes called "Hell Night" and on Halloween itself. If you cant bring them inside your home maybe put them in your garage or patio?
#2 Do not feed your pet any candy! It is lethal to most animals.
#3 Be careful where you put a lit pumpkin, or any candle for that matter. An animal can rub up against it and it would be a mess and possibly cause a fire. That one I learned the hard way a long time ago. :)
There are a bunch more tips if you want to check them out. But mostly just use common sense and keep the happiness and wellness of your pet in mind. I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Halloween!
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1.com
#1 First and foremost, try to keep your pet inside the night before Halloween, sometimes called "Hell Night" and on Halloween itself. If you cant bring them inside your home maybe put them in your garage or patio?
#2 Do not feed your pet any candy! It is lethal to most animals.
#3 Be careful where you put a lit pumpkin, or any candle for that matter. An animal can rub up against it and it would be a mess and possibly cause a fire. That one I learned the hard way a long time ago. :)
There are a bunch more tips if you want to check them out. But mostly just use common sense and keep the happiness and wellness of your pet in mind. I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Halloween!
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1.com
Thursday, October 16, 2008
New web site
We recently came across a new Web site, walmartspeakout.com, a site in which current and former employees talk about the company.
First, the background and the disclaimers:
The site is a project of Wal-Mart Watch, a decidedly anti-Wal Mart group, and obviously not affiliated in any way with the company.
The stories deal with wages, discrimination, corporate culture. Site says all are true, but of course we have no way of independently verifying it. Many entries are anonymous; others signed just with initials.
Now, for some of the stories:
M.L. in Illinois on Wages
"When you have your evaluation each year, you get a very small raise. Then they cut your hours back so that you don't make anymore take home than you did before."
Anonymous on How Not to Vote
"We were told that if a Democrat president is voted in, that the first bill to be reviewed is the union bill and if it passes we will loose benefits, pay, etc."
Anonymous mother of two
"I am not available at night. That is not an option for me, being a single mom. I feel like I am getting pushed out of my full-time job because of being a single mom."
Late For Lunch
"I was a ten year Associate at a Wal-Mart. After all those years of dedicated service I was fired for going to lunch one minute late."
Some thoughts.
Now, we realize Wal-Mart is a business and must look out for its own interests. The mom of two, for example, she might not be able to work nights, but if that's when Wal-Mart needs workers, she needs to find way to make that work, or look for another job.
Wal-Mart is not a charity, and we are not expecting it to operate as if it were. We do ask for some compassion, though. Perhaps offer her a job at a different store, if she's an otherwise good employee? But that might not be possible. Not giving her day hours doesn't necessarily make Wal-Mart evil.
I have personally worked at several reputable companies, often working the late shift. That's just the nature of my business (journalism). But the companies have often tried to take into account that staffers have outside lives, too. It doesn't mean giving us all day shifts -- that just wasn't realistic -- but it meant maybe giving us a day off on short notice, when a family thing came up.
If Wal-Mart is making an effort, we can't blame them for asking the single mom to work night hours.
Now, for the one-minute late worker ... that, if true, is unexcusable.
We'll certainly be monitoring the site, and urge you to do so, too.
First, the background and the disclaimers:
The site is a project of Wal-Mart Watch, a decidedly anti-Wal Mart group, and obviously not affiliated in any way with the company.
The stories deal with wages, discrimination, corporate culture. Site says all are true, but of course we have no way of independently verifying it. Many entries are anonymous; others signed just with initials.
Now, for some of the stories:
M.L. in Illinois on Wages
"When you have your evaluation each year, you get a very small raise. Then they cut your hours back so that you don't make anymore take home than you did before."
Anonymous on How Not to Vote
"We were told that if a Democrat president is voted in, that the first bill to be reviewed is the union bill and if it passes we will loose benefits, pay, etc."
Anonymous mother of two
"I am not available at night. That is not an option for me, being a single mom. I feel like I am getting pushed out of my full-time job because of being a single mom."
Late For Lunch
"I was a ten year Associate at a Wal-Mart. After all those years of dedicated service I was fired for going to lunch one minute late."
Some thoughts.
Now, we realize Wal-Mart is a business and must look out for its own interests. The mom of two, for example, she might not be able to work nights, but if that's when Wal-Mart needs workers, she needs to find way to make that work, or look for another job.
Wal-Mart is not a charity, and we are not expecting it to operate as if it were. We do ask for some compassion, though. Perhaps offer her a job at a different store, if she's an otherwise good employee? But that might not be possible. Not giving her day hours doesn't necessarily make Wal-Mart evil.
I have personally worked at several reputable companies, often working the late shift. That's just the nature of my business (journalism). But the companies have often tried to take into account that staffers have outside lives, too. It doesn't mean giving us all day shifts -- that just wasn't realistic -- but it meant maybe giving us a day off on short notice, when a family thing came up.
If Wal-Mart is making an effort, we can't blame them for asking the single mom to work night hours.
Now, for the one-minute late worker ... that, if true, is unexcusable.
We'll certainly be monitoring the site, and urge you to do so, too.
Cleaning up a mess
This past weekend I had some family in town, with dogs. It was wonderful to see my family, but with the large dog ... not so much. I have 2 cats at home so they weren't too happy about it, either.
But the biggest problem I found, besides the screaming cats, was the mess a dog can leave behind. I have a lighter colored carpet and at one point the dog had gotten his dirty little paws on the carpet, with mud! I was not happy, but I did find a little bit of info on cleaning it up.
I, of course, looked at our local news stations website, baynews9.com, and found something pretty interesting. I wanted to clean the mess up as quickly as possible, but according to Mrs. Fixit, it is best to let it sit and dry. Once it dries you can just get a broom and brush it til it breaks up and then vacuum it.
Well, I tried it and it worked wonderfully. You can't even tell there was anything on it at all. I just wanted to share this with everyone because I was amazed. :)
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1
But the biggest problem I found, besides the screaming cats, was the mess a dog can leave behind. I have a lighter colored carpet and at one point the dog had gotten his dirty little paws on the carpet, with mud! I was not happy, but I did find a little bit of info on cleaning it up.
I, of course, looked at our local news stations website, baynews9.com, and found something pretty interesting. I wanted to clean the mess up as quickly as possible, but according to Mrs. Fixit, it is best to let it sit and dry. Once it dries you can just get a broom and brush it til it breaks up and then vacuum it.
Well, I tried it and it worked wonderfully. You can't even tell there was anything on it at all. I just wanted to share this with everyone because I was amazed. :)
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1
Happy people
Found this in payscale.com and thought it was interesting enough to pass along to you ...It's from a study on job satisfaction, byt the University of Chicago.
According to the study, here are the jobs with happiest employees:
1. Clergy Jobs
Job Description: Conduct religious worship and perform spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. For clergy, job satisfaction is gained through intense faith, and the act of providing guidance and counsel to others.
Very happy: 67.2%
Median salary*: $44,102
2. Firefighter Jobs
Job Description: Control and extinguish fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts. Firefighters live their lives on the call to public service. Although the hours are long, and risks are high, firefighters also experience high job satisfaction, and are held in high esteem by their communities.
Very happy: 57.2%
Median salary: $45,553
3. Travel Agent Jobs
Job Description: Travel agents plan and sell transportation and accommodations for travel agency customers. Imagine the job satisfaction of creating vacations for others. Everyone love a vacation, and the happiness rubs off on travel agents.
Very happy: 56.5%
Median hourly rate (travel agents): $14.23
4. Architect Jobs
Job Description: Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property. Not only do Architects create the buildings we depend on to live and work in, but they also obtain job satisfaction from using creativity in their designs.
Very happy: 53.5%
Median salary: $54,079
5. Special Education Teacher Jobs
Job Description: Teach school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Teaching is not necessarily an easy thing. But most teachers have at least one story of connecting with a student, and the job satisfaction that comes with knowing they've helped someone.
Very happy: 52.6%
Median salary (preschool, kindergarten or elementary school): $41,344
Median salary (secondary school): $43,060
6. Professional Actor Jobs
Job Description: Actors play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Not only do actors experience job satisfaction from using creativity, but they also get to entertain people, and make them happy.
Very happy: 51.0%
Salary varies greatly
7. Science Technician Jobs
Job Description: Use principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development, and to help invent and improve products and processes. Scientists experience the job satisfaction of contributing to people's health and the understanding of the world.
Very happy: 51.0%
Median salary (research scientists): $72,435
8. Automotive Technician Jobs
Job Description: Automotive service technicians and mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. With diagnosing and repairing vehicles comes the thrill of solving puzzles, and the job satisfaction of providing service to others.
Very happy: 53.6%**
Median hourly rate (mechanics/auto tune up): $15.26
9. Industrial Engineer Jobs
Job Description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes. Job satisfaction for industrial engineers comes from designing and managing systems that make jobs easier, and improve efficiency.
Very happy: 48.4%
Median salary: $61,729
10. Airline Pilot Jobs
Job Description: Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers pilot and navigate the flight of multi-engine aircraft in regularly scheduled service for transport of passengers and cargo. Pilots carry a lot of responsibility on their wings, but they also experience job satisfaction from having others depend on them for safe travel.
Very happy: 49.1%
Median hourly rate (airline pilots, copilots, or flight engineers): $63
According to the study, here are the jobs with happiest employees:
1. Clergy Jobs
Job Description: Conduct religious worship and perform spiritual functions associated with beliefs and practices of religious faith or denomination. For clergy, job satisfaction is gained through intense faith, and the act of providing guidance and counsel to others.
Very happy: 67.2%
Median salary*: $44,102
2. Firefighter Jobs
Job Description: Control and extinguish fires, protect life and property and conduct rescue efforts. Firefighters live their lives on the call to public service. Although the hours are long, and risks are high, firefighters also experience high job satisfaction, and are held in high esteem by their communities.
Very happy: 57.2%
Median salary: $45,553
3. Travel Agent Jobs
Job Description: Travel agents plan and sell transportation and accommodations for travel agency customers. Imagine the job satisfaction of creating vacations for others. Everyone love a vacation, and the happiness rubs off on travel agents.
Very happy: 56.5%
Median hourly rate (travel agents): $14.23
4. Architect Jobs
Job Description: Plan and design structures, such as private residences, office buildings, theaters, factories, and other structural property. Not only do Architects create the buildings we depend on to live and work in, but they also obtain job satisfaction from using creativity in their designs.
Very happy: 53.5%
Median salary: $54,079
5. Special Education Teacher Jobs
Job Description: Teach school subjects to educationally and physically handicapped students. Teaching is not necessarily an easy thing. But most teachers have at least one story of connecting with a student, and the job satisfaction that comes with knowing they've helped someone.
Very happy: 52.6%
Median salary (preschool, kindergarten or elementary school): $41,344
Median salary (secondary school): $43,060
6. Professional Actor Jobs
Job Description: Actors play parts in stage, television, radio, video, or motion picture productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Not only do actors experience job satisfaction from using creativity, but they also get to entertain people, and make them happy.
Very happy: 51.0%
Salary varies greatly
7. Science Technician Jobs
Job Description: Use principles and theories of science and mathematics to solve problems in research and development, and to help invent and improve products and processes. Scientists experience the job satisfaction of contributing to people's health and the understanding of the world.
Very happy: 51.0%
Median salary (research scientists): $72,435
8. Automotive Technician Jobs
Job Description: Automotive service technicians and mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. With diagnosing and repairing vehicles comes the thrill of solving puzzles, and the job satisfaction of providing service to others.
Very happy: 53.6%**
Median hourly rate (mechanics/auto tune up): $15.26
9. Industrial Engineer Jobs
Job Description: Design, develop, test, and evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes. Job satisfaction for industrial engineers comes from designing and managing systems that make jobs easier, and improve efficiency.
Very happy: 48.4%
Median salary: $61,729
10. Airline Pilot Jobs
Job Description: Airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers pilot and navigate the flight of multi-engine aircraft in regularly scheduled service for transport of passengers and cargo. Pilots carry a lot of responsibility on their wings, but they also experience job satisfaction from having others depend on them for safe travel.
Very happy: 49.1%
Median hourly rate (airline pilots, copilots, or flight engineers): $63
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Gulfport-St. Pete Beach trolley
Gulfport is now linked with the Gulf beaches. A new trolley takes residents to and from St. Pete Beach and Gulfport. The service begins tomorrow (Thu., Oct. 16) and is available daily, 7:45 a.m. to 9:50 p.m. Going shopping back and forth just got a lot easier.
Here's where you can get a copy of the schedule:
Gulfport City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S.
Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Gulfport Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S.
The schedule is also available on line at www.ci.gulfport.fl.us.
Pink flamingo signs will make it easier to find the trolley stops:
Gulfport Senior Center
The Gulfport Casino
58th St. and 28th Ave. S.
61st St. S. and Gulfport Boulevard
Pasadena Shopping Center
Palms of Pasadena Hospital
Corey Ave. and Blind Pass
75th Ave. and Gulf Boulevard.
Cash fare and exact change are required. The fares listed are for one way. Regular fare is $1.75, seniors 85 cents; students $1.25*. The new trolley will accept PSTA bus passes. PSTA GO Cards are also accepted.
Here's where you can get a copy of the schedule:
Gulfport City Hall, 2401 53rd St. S.
Gulfport Senior Center, 5501 27th Ave. S.
Gulfport Library, 5501 28th Ave. S.
Gulfport Recreation Center, 5730 Shore Blvd. S.
The schedule is also available on line at www.ci.gulfport.fl.us.
Pink flamingo signs will make it easier to find the trolley stops:
Gulfport Senior Center
The Gulfport Casino
58th St. and 28th Ave. S.
61st St. S. and Gulfport Boulevard
Pasadena Shopping Center
Palms of Pasadena Hospital
Corey Ave. and Blind Pass
75th Ave. and Gulf Boulevard.
Cash fare and exact change are required. The fares listed are for one way. Regular fare is $1.75, seniors 85 cents; students $1.25*. The new trolley will accept PSTA bus passes. PSTA GO Cards are also accepted.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Think Pink!
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There is so much information out there on the Internet about breast cancer, but it seems as though we dont really pay attention to it until it hits close to home. I, too, am guilty of this. But once I was aware of all of the issues that can afflict a cancer patient I was hooked on spreading the word. Im not going to torture you with the details, but there are issues above and beyond just having cancer. I know that may sound callous, but it is true. Insurance coverage, hospital stays, early discharges from hospitals are just a few. Please check out these websites for some more information. I believe it is a worthy cause considering at least half of our population is women.
www.nbcam.org
www.thebreastcancersite.com (this site offers a way for you to "click" for free to donate)
www.komen.org (very informative site, a must see for any woman)
Dont forget your pink ribbons...
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1
www.nbcam.org
www.thebreastcancersite.com (this site offers a way for you to "click" for free to donate)
www.komen.org (very informative site, a must see for any woman)
Dont forget your pink ribbons...
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
localshops1
Is this the time to shop?
The situation out there with the economy is scary, and we're all following the markets and our 401ks. The job market is grim. If you're out looking for a job, the prospects aren't all that promising, the wages and benefits not that great. And if you have a job, you might be seeing coworkers get laid off, and might be worrying about what might happen to you.
So at a time like this, it might seem weird to even think about shopping. We understand, of course. For many of us, this isn't a time for frivolous spending.
But a time like this also means it's even more important for us all to stick together and support each other. We're not asking you to run up credit cards or go on a shopping spree. We just want you to consider, before you shop, where your money is going. Money spent locally is more likely to stay locally.
"Study after study confirms that local stores and restaurants generate more than three times the local economic activity of remote controlled national chains," Tampa Independent Business Alliance writes in its Web site, tibatampa.org.
"The "multiplier effect" of taxes collected from such local expenditures bringing up to five times the revenue, while up to 80% of money spent in national chains leaves town in the night deposit. On a typical November shopping day, if all taxable purchases in Hillsborough County were made at locally owned independent businesses instead of national chains, it would make a $39 million dollar difference to the local economy. Locally owned independents circulate the money right here, for local goods and services from banking and health care to printing and cabinetmaking, while taxes support our schools, parks, law enforcement and more."
Yesterday we were at the Tuesday market in Gulfport, and were happy to see the community helping each other, shopping from each other. Someone told us, "No one is really making any money here. We're just circulating the same money back and forth."
And that, at times like this, might not be such an awful thing.
It's your money, your decision, of course. We're not here to preach. We just want to give you the options, and make it easier for you to find an independent shop, if you'd like to support one.
We welcome your feedback, and hope to see you around town.
-- Ester Venouziou
www.localshops1.com
So at a time like this, it might seem weird to even think about shopping. We understand, of course. For many of us, this isn't a time for frivolous spending.
But a time like this also means it's even more important for us all to stick together and support each other. We're not asking you to run up credit cards or go on a shopping spree. We just want you to consider, before you shop, where your money is going. Money spent locally is more likely to stay locally.
"Study after study confirms that local stores and restaurants generate more than three times the local economic activity of remote controlled national chains," Tampa Independent Business Alliance writes in its Web site, tibatampa.org.
"The "multiplier effect" of taxes collected from such local expenditures bringing up to five times the revenue, while up to 80% of money spent in national chains leaves town in the night deposit. On a typical November shopping day, if all taxable purchases in Hillsborough County were made at locally owned independent businesses instead of national chains, it would make a $39 million dollar difference to the local economy. Locally owned independents circulate the money right here, for local goods and services from banking and health care to printing and cabinetmaking, while taxes support our schools, parks, law enforcement and more."
Yesterday we were at the Tuesday market in Gulfport, and were happy to see the community helping each other, shopping from each other. Someone told us, "No one is really making any money here. We're just circulating the same money back and forth."
And that, at times like this, might not be such an awful thing.
It's your money, your decision, of course. We're not here to preach. We just want to give you the options, and make it easier for you to find an independent shop, if you'd like to support one.
We welcome your feedback, and hope to see you around town.
-- Ester Venouziou
www.localshops1.com
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
How 'Bout Them Rays?
Well if you couldnt tell yet, I am a big sports fan. Especially when it comes to hometown teams. Unfortunately I didnt get to watch the actual game last night, but we all know the outcome...the Rays won the game 6-2. Which means they get to move on to play Boston on Friday night at 8pm. Now we are all about supporting our communities, so lets get together and support our home teams too. Go Rays!!
Your Local Shopper (and sports fan)
Jenn
localshops1
Your Local Shopper (and sports fan)
Jenn
localshops1
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
September contest
Last month we asked you to tell us about your favorite vacation souvenir. And many of you did! We could pick only one winner, but loved quite a few of the entries, so we're posting some of our favorites here.
Can you tell which one we picked?
You can find out, of course, on localshops1.com
While there, check out October's contest!
Now, for our favorite entries from some of our favorite local shopper members ....
Kristel Bilgen
My favorite vacation souvenir is an umbrella. This isn’t just any umbrella though, it’s from London, England and it has a map of the tube (their subway) system on it. Not only is it cool and unique, but it’s also practical. Since London is a rainy city what better thing to spend your money on than an umbrella and you will never get lost in this rainy city with a map of the tube! I’ve used the umbrella numerous times and each time I’ve been asked what city it is. It’s a great conversational piece!
Geoff Buchanan
Not another stinking tee shirt!
Having grown up in the Smokey Mountains, it's hard for me to be impressed with sights. Then my wife and I went on our honeymoon to Kauai. I was shocked with each day's adventures in paradise. As I was laying on the beach I looked to my left and saw a two thousand foot waterfall, straight ahead a glass top bay. To my right, four-foot breakers crashed on the reef that protected the bay and protected me from
Great Whites! I realized that I was TRULY in paradise. When I see my Hanalei Bay tee shirt, it does what souvenirs are supposed to do--take me back in time.
Lena Hunt
Being a photojournalist, I get to do some serious traveling. This has allowed me to acquire lots of souvenirs. It should be difficult to pick a favorite but it isn't. I went to the famous Crater of Diamonds, the world's ONLY public diamond mine where you can keep what you find. I didn't find a bling but what I found was my most treasured gem: Shirley Strawn-Wagner who fought to keep the mine public. If only I could fit the world's only-flawless-rated-diamond finder into a jewlery bag. Her continued friendship is my most favorite souvenir.
Elizabeth Brackman
The chartreuse bag summoned me upon entering the tiny gift shop at Westwind Inn, Sanibel Island. Two rope style straps create a perfect circle across the top of the bag, cowrie shells zigzag across one side, and glaring green canvas is decorated with brown Tiki gods who refuse denial. Yet I ignored their call all weekend, despite six visits to the little shop to admire them. Repenting my foolishness of ignoring their demand for the paltry sum of $12, I relented the last vacation day, and now the Tiki gods tote for me each day.
Catherine Culbertson
Easily the best souvenir I've ever returned home with was one I didn't actually buy. Several years ago, I was in Key West for a friend's wedding. Despite the fact the festivities were to occur at the break of dawn the following day, the bridal party and I hit Duval Street while the bride slumbered peacefully. Little did she know we were
getting ourselves into trouble and working our way towards some powerful headaches.
Did I mention Key West has Frozen alcoholic slushies for $4 on almost every block?
They call the walk home the "Duval Crawl" for a reason. Severely inebriated and less a few members of the gang, we headed home--slowly. Along the way we came across Duval Street's famous roving Elvis. Why was there a 6'2 Elvis in Key West? Many have asked, and few know the answer.
Regardless, he knelt down on his knee directly in front of me, broke into a serenade, and finally produced a small plastic ring. I was perplexed.
Everyone loves Elvis. Everyone loves tall men. Everyone loves plastic rings--but what in the hell was Key West Elvis doing?
My brain, befuddled by alcohol, had no idea until the legendary songbird uttered simply, "Will you marry me?"
"Yes," I replied as he picked me up and swung me around. Once he returned my feet to the ground, he placed the ring on my finger and abruptly walked away. I haven't seen him since, but have received reports that there is still a man in Key West dedicated to love -- the love of many, many drunken tourists.
So far, it's been the best relationship I've ever had, and that ring is easily the most amazing souvenir I have ever gotten.
Can you tell which one we picked?
You can find out, of course, on localshops1.com
While there, check out October's contest!
Now, for our favorite entries from some of our favorite local shopper members ....
Kristel Bilgen
My favorite vacation souvenir is an umbrella. This isn’t just any umbrella though, it’s from London, England and it has a map of the tube (their subway) system on it. Not only is it cool and unique, but it’s also practical. Since London is a rainy city what better thing to spend your money on than an umbrella and you will never get lost in this rainy city with a map of the tube! I’ve used the umbrella numerous times and each time I’ve been asked what city it is. It’s a great conversational piece!
Geoff Buchanan
Not another stinking tee shirt!
Having grown up in the Smokey Mountains, it's hard for me to be impressed with sights. Then my wife and I went on our honeymoon to Kauai. I was shocked with each day's adventures in paradise. As I was laying on the beach I looked to my left and saw a two thousand foot waterfall, straight ahead a glass top bay. To my right, four-foot breakers crashed on the reef that protected the bay and protected me from
Great Whites! I realized that I was TRULY in paradise. When I see my Hanalei Bay tee shirt, it does what souvenirs are supposed to do--take me back in time.
Lena Hunt
Being a photojournalist, I get to do some serious traveling. This has allowed me to acquire lots of souvenirs. It should be difficult to pick a favorite but it isn't. I went to the famous Crater of Diamonds, the world's ONLY public diamond mine where you can keep what you find. I didn't find a bling but what I found was my most treasured gem: Shirley Strawn-Wagner who fought to keep the mine public. If only I could fit the world's only-flawless-rated-diamond finder into a jewlery bag. Her continued friendship is my most favorite souvenir.
Elizabeth Brackman
The chartreuse bag summoned me upon entering the tiny gift shop at Westwind Inn, Sanibel Island. Two rope style straps create a perfect circle across the top of the bag, cowrie shells zigzag across one side, and glaring green canvas is decorated with brown Tiki gods who refuse denial. Yet I ignored their call all weekend, despite six visits to the little shop to admire them. Repenting my foolishness of ignoring their demand for the paltry sum of $12, I relented the last vacation day, and now the Tiki gods tote for me each day.
Catherine Culbertson
Easily the best souvenir I've ever returned home with was one I didn't actually buy. Several years ago, I was in Key West for a friend's wedding. Despite the fact the festivities were to occur at the break of dawn the following day, the bridal party and I hit Duval Street while the bride slumbered peacefully. Little did she know we were
getting ourselves into trouble and working our way towards some powerful headaches.
Did I mention Key West has Frozen alcoholic slushies for $4 on almost every block?
They call the walk home the "Duval Crawl" for a reason. Severely inebriated and less a few members of the gang, we headed home--slowly. Along the way we came across Duval Street's famous roving Elvis. Why was there a 6'2 Elvis in Key West? Many have asked, and few know the answer.
Regardless, he knelt down on his knee directly in front of me, broke into a serenade, and finally produced a small plastic ring. I was perplexed.
Everyone loves Elvis. Everyone loves tall men. Everyone loves plastic rings--but what in the hell was Key West Elvis doing?
My brain, befuddled by alcohol, had no idea until the legendary songbird uttered simply, "Will you marry me?"
"Yes," I replied as he picked me up and swung me around. Once he returned my feet to the ground, he placed the ring on my finger and abruptly walked away. I haven't seen him since, but have received reports that there is still a man in Key West dedicated to love -- the love of many, many drunken tourists.
So far, it's been the best relationship I've ever had, and that ring is easily the most amazing souvenir I have ever gotten.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Faith (in businesses) restored.
We've always loved Cafe Bohemia. The coffee shop on Central Avenue, just a few blocks west of downtown, is artsy and casual, with comfortable couches and little bistro tables. It hosts films and art exhibits and poetry readings, and it has great coffee and fun sandwiches and salads. And free wi-fi, too. And it has a sign, reminding customers that it's not Starbucks. No ventis or grandes or talls here.
So, yeah, we're there a lot. And we didn't really need another reason to love them more.
But today, we found one.
Dropped by to meet a friend there, for an afternoon cafe con leche. A sign on the door said the coffee shop was closing early so the staff could attend a fundraiser benefit for another local coffee shop, Local Coffee + Tea. The sign also asked their customers to go to the other fundraiser, too.
You might have read our blog a couple of days ago: Owner of Local Coffee + Tea was calling it quits, but the three 20-somethings who work at the shop weren't ready to give up. They planned to take over, save it, revive it. And the fundraiser tonight was the first step toward that.
Now, purely in economic terms, one coffee shop closing might be good news for the remaining coffee shops. Cuts down on competition, frees up customers.
So why did Cafe Bohemia close early, cutting into its daily profits, to help another coffee shop just a few blocks away? Why did it send its customers to a competing shop?
"They're our friends," we were told.
A few blocks north, we drove by a Starbucks. There, it was business as usual.
So, yeah, we're there a lot. And we didn't really need another reason to love them more.
But today, we found one.
Dropped by to meet a friend there, for an afternoon cafe con leche. A sign on the door said the coffee shop was closing early so the staff could attend a fundraiser benefit for another local coffee shop, Local Coffee + Tea. The sign also asked their customers to go to the other fundraiser, too.
You might have read our blog a couple of days ago: Owner of Local Coffee + Tea was calling it quits, but the three 20-somethings who work at the shop weren't ready to give up. They planned to take over, save it, revive it. And the fundraiser tonight was the first step toward that.
Now, purely in economic terms, one coffee shop closing might be good news for the remaining coffee shops. Cuts down on competition, frees up customers.
So why did Cafe Bohemia close early, cutting into its daily profits, to help another coffee shop just a few blocks away? Why did it send its customers to a competing shop?
"They're our friends," we were told.
A few blocks north, we drove by a Starbucks. There, it was business as usual.
Save calories so you can eat out more.
We love eating out (at independent restaurants, of course! www.localshops1.com for cool choices), and we don't always choose the healthiest options. So when we're home we're always looking for ways to cut back on calories and stick to a healthy diet.
We got an e-mail recently from sparkpeople.com, with tons of tips. Here are some of our favorite suggestions from their list. For more suggestions, you can go to their site, here:
Beverages
* Drink 1 cup of diet soda instead of 1 cup of regular soda. Save 97 calories!
* Swap a 12-oz. glass of whole milk for skim milk. Save 96 calories!
* Drink two 12-oz. light beers this weekend instead of two regular beers. Save 100 calories!
* Prepare your coffee with 4 oz. of fat-free half and half instead of regular half and half. Save 88 calories!
Breakfast
* Spread your whole grain waffles with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup instead of 1 tablespoon of margarine or butter. Save 110 calories!
* Substitute 3 oz. of turkey sausage for a serving of pork sausage. Save 120 calories!
* Grab a small bagel instead of a medium bagel. Save 99 calories!
Snacks and Sides
* Dip 1 cup celery into your favorite salsa or hummus instead of 1 oz. of tortilla chips. Save 125 calories!
* Eat an entire medium apple instead of a small (5 oz.) candy apple. Save 118 calories!
* Bake 2 oz of oven fries in lieu of 2 oz. of fast food fries. Save 88 calories!
* Try 1.5 oz. of fresh grapes instead of 1.5 oz. of raisins. Save 98 calories!
* Choose 3 oz. of mozzarella cheese for your sandwich instead of Swiss cheese. Save 108 calories!
Lunch and Dinner
* Substitute a fat-free beef hot dog for a regular beef hot dog. Save 104 calories!
* Build a sandwich with 1.5 oz. of deli turkey breast instead of an equivalent of hard salami. Save 119 calories!
* Forget broccoli cheddar soup. A 7-oz portion of vegetable soup is better. Save 119 calories!
* Unwrap your 13-inch tortilla wrap and make a sandwich on a 3-oz. whole grain bagel instead. Save 96 calories!
* Eat only half of your hamburger or sandwich bun. Save 100 calories!
Condiments and Sauces
* Dip your salad in a side of ranch dressing (2 tsp.) instead of pouring 2 Tbsp of dressing on the salad. Save 97 calories!
* Add flavor to vegetables with 3 oz. of hot sauce—not 1 oz of bleu cheese dressing. Save 117 calories!
* Try either cheese or croutons on your salad—not both Save 72-116 calories!
Sweets and Desserts
* Serve ice cream in a dish instead of a waffle cone. Save 121 calories!
* Finish dinner with 1 cup of low-fat frozen yogurt instead of regular ice cream. Save 121 calories!
* Instead of 4 oz. of regular chocolate pudding, enjoy a sugar-free portion. Save 92 calories!
We got an e-mail recently from sparkpeople.com, with tons of tips. Here are some of our favorite suggestions from their list. For more suggestions, you can go to their site, here:
Beverages
* Drink 1 cup of diet soda instead of 1 cup of regular soda. Save 97 calories!
* Swap a 12-oz. glass of whole milk for skim milk. Save 96 calories!
* Drink two 12-oz. light beers this weekend instead of two regular beers. Save 100 calories!
* Prepare your coffee with 4 oz. of fat-free half and half instead of regular half and half. Save 88 calories!
Breakfast
* Spread your whole grain waffles with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup instead of 1 tablespoon of margarine or butter. Save 110 calories!
* Substitute 3 oz. of turkey sausage for a serving of pork sausage. Save 120 calories!
* Grab a small bagel instead of a medium bagel. Save 99 calories!
Snacks and Sides
* Dip 1 cup celery into your favorite salsa or hummus instead of 1 oz. of tortilla chips. Save 125 calories!
* Eat an entire medium apple instead of a small (5 oz.) candy apple. Save 118 calories!
* Bake 2 oz of oven fries in lieu of 2 oz. of fast food fries. Save 88 calories!
* Try 1.5 oz. of fresh grapes instead of 1.5 oz. of raisins. Save 98 calories!
* Choose 3 oz. of mozzarella cheese for your sandwich instead of Swiss cheese. Save 108 calories!
Lunch and Dinner
* Substitute a fat-free beef hot dog for a regular beef hot dog. Save 104 calories!
* Build a sandwich with 1.5 oz. of deli turkey breast instead of an equivalent of hard salami. Save 119 calories!
* Forget broccoli cheddar soup. A 7-oz portion of vegetable soup is better. Save 119 calories!
* Unwrap your 13-inch tortilla wrap and make a sandwich on a 3-oz. whole grain bagel instead. Save 96 calories!
* Eat only half of your hamburger or sandwich bun. Save 100 calories!
Condiments and Sauces
* Dip your salad in a side of ranch dressing (2 tsp.) instead of pouring 2 Tbsp of dressing on the salad. Save 97 calories!
* Add flavor to vegetables with 3 oz. of hot sauce—not 1 oz of bleu cheese dressing. Save 117 calories!
* Try either cheese or croutons on your salad—not both Save 72-116 calories!
Sweets and Desserts
* Serve ice cream in a dish instead of a waffle cone. Save 121 calories!
* Finish dinner with 1 cup of low-fat frozen yogurt instead of regular ice cream. Save 121 calories!
* Instead of 4 oz. of regular chocolate pudding, enjoy a sugar-free portion. Save 92 calories!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Shop in Brandon?
One of our favorite members, Mary Berg, recently alerted us about a really cool local shopping campaign taking place in Brandon.
The Osprey Observer is encouraging its readers to shop at local, small businesses. How? By giving gifts! Check it out:
SHOP LOCAL AND WIN WITH NEW CAMPAIGN"
We want to keep our local small businesses open and in business. We all recognize that we need to make a change in our habits, including transportation, driving and more, but how about making it a point to shop local to keep our local, small businesses open?
Osprey Observer staff, advertisers and local small businesses have been meeting and developing a Shop Local Campaign which will encourage residents to consider shopping at a local, small business first to show support in the community.
Each edition, residents can enter the contest by answering the trivia questions correctly. In addition, any reader who has a receipt from a local, small business can bring it into the Osprey Observer offices for a free gift, recognizing their contribution to the economy.
For every receipt brought in - which can also be scanned in and e-mailed to editor@ospreyobserver.com, subject line containing Shop Local - residents will be entered to win the grand prize and runner-up prizes. The grand prize is a one-night stay in a tropical suite at the Tradewinds Resort valued at $400, with a runner-up prize of a night's stay at Palmer House Bed and Breakfast or Cross Creek Ranch.
"We are a local business, and we want to support our local businesses," said Michelle Colesanti, Osprey Observer office manager. "We are developing a campaign that starts right in our own offices and with our own spending, and we hope to continue this trend throughout the community."
Afterimage Salon owner Donna Froncillo wants to get involved with the shop local campaign and says she would like to see, "one coupon for 15 percent off and get a list of merchants that are willing to participate or merchants who will agree to make dontations to a green foundation for every customer that brings the coupon in." She suggests making the coupons available online or through email.
Subscribers to the weekly community update newsletter at www.ospreyobserver.com will also begin receiving a link to community specials or community coupons as an added feature of the Shop Local campaign.
To get involved in the campaign, email Marie Gilmore at editor@ospreyobserver.com or call 657-2418.
---
Me again! After shopping, please let us know about your favorite shops so we can add them to Tampa Bay's most comprehensive directory of independents: www.localshops1.com
Remember, it's free to get listed, free to browse, free to join!
The Osprey Observer is encouraging its readers to shop at local, small businesses. How? By giving gifts! Check it out:
SHOP LOCAL AND WIN WITH NEW CAMPAIGN"
We want to keep our local small businesses open and in business. We all recognize that we need to make a change in our habits, including transportation, driving and more, but how about making it a point to shop local to keep our local, small businesses open?
Osprey Observer staff, advertisers and local small businesses have been meeting and developing a Shop Local Campaign which will encourage residents to consider shopping at a local, small business first to show support in the community.
Each edition, residents can enter the contest by answering the trivia questions correctly. In addition, any reader who has a receipt from a local, small business can bring it into the Osprey Observer offices for a free gift, recognizing their contribution to the economy.
For every receipt brought in - which can also be scanned in and e-mailed to editor@ospreyobserver.com, subject line containing Shop Local - residents will be entered to win the grand prize and runner-up prizes. The grand prize is a one-night stay in a tropical suite at the Tradewinds Resort valued at $400, with a runner-up prize of a night's stay at Palmer House Bed and Breakfast or Cross Creek Ranch.
"We are a local business, and we want to support our local businesses," said Michelle Colesanti, Osprey Observer office manager. "We are developing a campaign that starts right in our own offices and with our own spending, and we hope to continue this trend throughout the community."
Afterimage Salon owner Donna Froncillo wants to get involved with the shop local campaign and says she would like to see, "one coupon for 15 percent off and get a list of merchants that are willing to participate or merchants who will agree to make dontations to a green foundation for every customer that brings the coupon in." She suggests making the coupons available online or through email.
Subscribers to the weekly community update newsletter at www.ospreyobserver.com will also begin receiving a link to community specials or community coupons as an added feature of the Shop Local campaign.
To get involved in the campaign, email Marie Gilmore at editor@ospreyobserver.com or call 657-2418.
---
Me again! After shopping, please let us know about your favorite shops so we can add them to Tampa Bay's most comprehensive directory of independents: www.localshops1.com
Remember, it's free to get listed, free to browse, free to join!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A plea: Help save a coffee shop
Just read a story in the St. Petersburg Times, and can't decide if I should be sad or inspired.
Turns out the owner of one of my favorite coffee shops has decided to call it quits. Michael Duranko, who has owned the cafe for about 18 months, last week told his staff that he just couldn't carry the financial burden, writes Waveney Ann Moore.
We've seen this happen before, unfortunately. Too many times. The little shop on First Avenue South in downtown St. Pete has gone through several owners in the past few years. Each time, new guys move in, add new furniture, new fixtures, make it all even prettier than before. There's a cute courtyard in the back, nice artwork by local artists on the walls, and great coffee and other treats. Lots of organic, lots of vegan, even.
So what happened? Don't we all still drink coffee?
Maybe the location is to blame? It's convenient to the Times, and a lot of us go there quite often, but maybe it's just a few blocks too removed from the real center of downtown?
Maybe it's the economy? More people just drinking coffee at home?
Maybe it's competition: two Starbucks within walking distance.
No matter the reason, we're sad to hear it's not working out ...
But now, the inspirational part:
The coffee shop's three employees -- Kyle DeStefano, 24, Nathalia Estrada, 25, and Ellen Auger, 26 -- aren't giving up on the shop. They plan to take over, keep it going, liven it up, the Times reports. They're planning a game night, jazz night, all sorts of fun things.
The owner hopes to help them with the transition, and is optimistic the three 20-somethings will make it. The landlord isn't so sure, Rent's $3,000 a month, he tells the Times, and three budding entrepreneurs might have a hard time paying that.
Of course, I hope they make it. From what I've seen, the three all work really hard, and seem ambitious and dedicated. And the coffee there is great.
So, here is a plea: If you're downtown, stop by their coffee shop, Local Coffee+Tea, at 330 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. And if you can make it there Saturday, they're having a benefit to raise money for the shop. $10 gets you in, for music, snacks, fun.
I know we all have our own budget issues, and I know we can't save every business out there. But independent businesses keep our communities going, they keep our neighborhoods unique, and they keep our local economy going.
So anything you can do to keep them afloat is definitely most welcome.
Turns out the owner of one of my favorite coffee shops has decided to call it quits. Michael Duranko, who has owned the cafe for about 18 months, last week told his staff that he just couldn't carry the financial burden, writes Waveney Ann Moore.
We've seen this happen before, unfortunately. Too many times. The little shop on First Avenue South in downtown St. Pete has gone through several owners in the past few years. Each time, new guys move in, add new furniture, new fixtures, make it all even prettier than before. There's a cute courtyard in the back, nice artwork by local artists on the walls, and great coffee and other treats. Lots of organic, lots of vegan, even.
So what happened? Don't we all still drink coffee?
Maybe the location is to blame? It's convenient to the Times, and a lot of us go there quite often, but maybe it's just a few blocks too removed from the real center of downtown?
Maybe it's the economy? More people just drinking coffee at home?
Maybe it's competition: two Starbucks within walking distance.
No matter the reason, we're sad to hear it's not working out ...
But now, the inspirational part:
The coffee shop's three employees -- Kyle DeStefano, 24, Nathalia Estrada, 25, and Ellen Auger, 26 -- aren't giving up on the shop. They plan to take over, keep it going, liven it up, the Times reports. They're planning a game night, jazz night, all sorts of fun things.
The owner hopes to help them with the transition, and is optimistic the three 20-somethings will make it. The landlord isn't so sure, Rent's $3,000 a month, he tells the Times, and three budding entrepreneurs might have a hard time paying that.
Of course, I hope they make it. From what I've seen, the three all work really hard, and seem ambitious and dedicated. And the coffee there is great.
So, here is a plea: If you're downtown, stop by their coffee shop, Local Coffee+Tea, at 330 First Ave. S, St. Petersburg. And if you can make it there Saturday, they're having a benefit to raise money for the shop. $10 gets you in, for music, snacks, fun.
I know we all have our own budget issues, and I know we can't save every business out there. But independent businesses keep our communities going, they keep our neighborhoods unique, and they keep our local economy going.
So anything you can do to keep them afloat is definitely most welcome.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Being Sick and Surviving It Without Medication
So, over this last weekend I got sick. And I don't mean the typical sniffles and a little cough. I mean the cannot breath through your nose at all and deep painful cough kind of sick.
Because of my current medications I can't take the typical, TheraFlu, NyQuil, and other OTC cold meds.
So this time around I had to find different ways to deal with it.
I had a lot of help from my friends, and I wanted to share the different things I did that allowed me to survive the weekend and actually make it work today.
First and foremost when you first show signs of a cold take zinc. I, of course, didn't actually get to do that because I woke up with a full blown head cold! But my friend Ester, THE local shopper herself, swears by it.
Now for the sinus and yuckiness, my stepmom suggested to use saline nasal spray. (she's doing rotations to be a doctor, so I listened) :) She said to use that a couple times a day and it should break everything up and help to clear it up. It also helps if you have that really dry nose thing going, too. And one thing I really didn't think about was, blowing your nose. Now I know this might sound like common sense to most of you, but I never really made it a practice to do that. I just kind of suffered with a stuffy nose. But it helps by first of all getting the bad stuff out and of course by clearing up your nose.
Another really helpful thing was Vicks Vapor Rub, or any other menthol type rub. Now understanding that I am not a doctor, nor do I claim to be, this stuff was like a miracle. It seemed to help break up the stuff in my chest too.
Oh and a key item, soft tissues. If you are blowing your nose a lot its good to have them so as to keep the skin intact on your face.
Well, I hope this help someone out there. Flu season is on its way. If anyone has any suggestions about any other secret remedies I am definitely open to them.
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
www.localshops1.com
Because of my current medications I can't take the typical, TheraFlu, NyQuil, and other OTC cold meds.
So this time around I had to find different ways to deal with it.
I had a lot of help from my friends, and I wanted to share the different things I did that allowed me to survive the weekend and actually make it work today.
First and foremost when you first show signs of a cold take zinc. I, of course, didn't actually get to do that because I woke up with a full blown head cold! But my friend Ester, THE local shopper herself, swears by it.
Now for the sinus and yuckiness, my stepmom suggested to use saline nasal spray. (she's doing rotations to be a doctor, so I listened) :) She said to use that a couple times a day and it should break everything up and help to clear it up. It also helps if you have that really dry nose thing going, too. And one thing I really didn't think about was, blowing your nose. Now I know this might sound like common sense to most of you, but I never really made it a practice to do that. I just kind of suffered with a stuffy nose. But it helps by first of all getting the bad stuff out and of course by clearing up your nose.
Another really helpful thing was Vicks Vapor Rub, or any other menthol type rub. Now understanding that I am not a doctor, nor do I claim to be, this stuff was like a miracle. It seemed to help break up the stuff in my chest too.
Oh and a key item, soft tissues. If you are blowing your nose a lot its good to have them so as to keep the skin intact on your face.
Well, I hope this help someone out there. Flu season is on its way. If anyone has any suggestions about any other secret remedies I am definitely open to them.
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
www.localshops1.com
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
We're in the news!
Alex Pickett of Creative Loafing writes about us in his blog. Excerpts:
You’ve heard it from us before: shop local. .... Now, you have another website to help you shop responsibly: Localshops1.com. (Not sure what the “1″ is for.)
Check out the rest, post comments -- and find out what the "1" is for. To go to his blog, click here.
Comments always welcomed!
You’ve heard it from us before: shop local. .... Now, you have another website to help you shop responsibly: Localshops1.com. (Not sure what the “1″ is for.)
Check out the rest, post comments -- and find out what the "1" is for. To go to his blog, click here.
Comments always welcomed!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Gas prices!
I really have about had it with all this "gas price" talk. I have been driving around looking for the lowest prices so I could save a little bit of money. But after this horrible Ike disaster, things seem to have gotten out of control again.
Driving home from work yesterday I saw prices ranging from $3.60 to 3.99.
I was a little upset, thinking it was impossible for the price to have been effected in under 12 hours of the hurricane hitting.
But I digress.
I looked on BayNews 9's Web site and found they have a link to low gas prices in your area.
The link is http://www.baynews9.com/GasPrices.html You can choose your county and it will have updated prices as the days go along.
I hope this will help some of you out there. Now maybe I will even save some gas by looking at the site instead of driving around? Good luck to everyone. And my prayers are with all of the families effected by Hurricane Ike.
Your Local Shopper,
Jenn
www.localshops1.com
Driving home from work yesterday I saw prices ranging from $3.60 to 3.99.
I was a little upset, thinking it was impossible for the price to have been effected in under 12 hours of the hurricane hitting.
But I digress.
I looked on BayNews 9's Web site and found they have a link to low gas prices in your area.
The link is http://www.baynews9.com/GasPrices.html You can choose your county and it will have updated prices as the days go along.
I hope this will help some of you out there. Now maybe I will even save some gas by looking at the site instead of driving around? Good luck to everyone. And my prayers are with all of the families effected by Hurricane Ike.
Your Local Shopper,
Jenn
www.localshops1.com
Monday, September 15, 2008
How to choose the right wine
OK, so I was invited to a dinner party. I asked what I could bring and the host suggested wine. Well, I don't know much about wine, other than it can be pretty potent. So, I find out what is being served and start doing some research on the Internet.
If there is anyone else out there that has been confronted with this type of dilemma here are some clues:
The first suggestion I found was to pair heavier more robust food with a heartier wine and vice-versa. The reason you should not have a heavier wine with, let's say fish, is that the wine could overpower the taste of the fish.
And of course my dinner was going to be chicken. So I had to do some more research. I did find that for chicken it was actually suggested to use a Chardonnay. Off I go to the wine store (an independent one, of course.)
Hope this helps someone! Wish me luck.
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
www.localshops1.com
If there is anyone else out there that has been confronted with this type of dilemma here are some clues:
The first suggestion I found was to pair heavier more robust food with a heartier wine and vice-versa. The reason you should not have a heavier wine with, let's say fish, is that the wine could overpower the taste of the fish.
And of course my dinner was going to be chicken. So I had to do some more research. I did find that for chicken it was actually suggested to use a Chardonnay. Off I go to the wine store (an independent one, of course.)
Hope this helps someone! Wish me luck.
Your Local Shopper
Jenn
www.localshops1.com
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Lecture: Does Wal-mart have a soul?
On Oct. 14 we'll be at Eckerd College, to hear a lecture by Charles Fishman, investigative journalist and author of The Wal-Mart Effect. Admission is free. Lecture starts at 7:30, at Fox Hall, 4200 54th Avenue South, St. Petersburg.
If you're interested in joining Local Shopper, please visit us at our Web site, and check for contact info.
As for the title of the blog ...
Well, you can probably guess our opinion in the matter. We understand Wal-mart offers low prices, and we understand that in some cases that might be the only option, or the best option.
What we DON'T understand is people who clearly have the means to shop elsewhere still go there. Is saving a few pennies, or even a few dollars, worth it?
We're all for saving money, too. But we think we need to weigh in other factors, and perhaps the answer sometimes might be buying fewer things?
Now, we're not saying to skip on essentials, we're not saying don't go shopping. (we're definitely not saying that ... we LOVE shopping!) ... What we ARE saying is to consider the effects of what you buy, and where your money goes.
Some excerpts, from the book, from http://www.walmarteffectbook.com/
‘The Wal-Mart You Don’t Know’
The giant retailer's low prices often come with a high cost. Wal-Mart's relentless pressure can crush the companies it does business with and force them to send jobs overseas. Are we shopping our way straight to the unemployment line?
[the original story that inspired the book, from chapter 4]
‘The Man Who Said No To Wal-Mart’
Every year, thousands of executives venture to Bentonville, Arkansas, hoping to get their products onto the shelves of the world's biggest retailer. But Jim Wier wanted Wal-Mart to stop selling his Snapper mowers. [from chapter 5]
And about the author, also from the book's web site:
Charles Fishman is an award-winning investigative and magazine journalist, who has spent the last 20 years trying to get inside, understand and explain important organizations, from NASA to Wal-Mart. Fishman was the first reporter ever permitted inside a Tupperware factory, and he was the first reporter in 30 years allowed inside the nation’s only bomb factory.
Fishman grew up and graduated from high school in Miami, Florida and received a BA from Harvard University. He is married to a journalist.
Fishman has visited dozens of Wal-Marts in 25 states, and has spent several months of his life in Bentonville.
“The Wal-Mart Effect,” his first book, made the bestseller lists of the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and BusinessWeek.
If you're interested in joining Local Shopper, please visit us at our Web site, and check for contact info.
As for the title of the blog ...
Well, you can probably guess our opinion in the matter. We understand Wal-mart offers low prices, and we understand that in some cases that might be the only option, or the best option.
What we DON'T understand is people who clearly have the means to shop elsewhere still go there. Is saving a few pennies, or even a few dollars, worth it?
We're all for saving money, too. But we think we need to weigh in other factors, and perhaps the answer sometimes might be buying fewer things?
Now, we're not saying to skip on essentials, we're not saying don't go shopping. (we're definitely not saying that ... we LOVE shopping!) ... What we ARE saying is to consider the effects of what you buy, and where your money goes.
Some excerpts, from the book, from http://www.walmarteffectbook.com/
‘The Wal-Mart You Don’t Know’
The giant retailer's low prices often come with a high cost. Wal-Mart's relentless pressure can crush the companies it does business with and force them to send jobs overseas. Are we shopping our way straight to the unemployment line?
[the original story that inspired the book, from chapter 4]
‘The Man Who Said No To Wal-Mart’
Every year, thousands of executives venture to Bentonville, Arkansas, hoping to get their products onto the shelves of the world's biggest retailer. But Jim Wier wanted Wal-Mart to stop selling his Snapper mowers. [from chapter 5]
And about the author, also from the book's web site:
Charles Fishman is an award-winning investigative and magazine journalist, who has spent the last 20 years trying to get inside, understand and explain important organizations, from NASA to Wal-Mart. Fishman was the first reporter ever permitted inside a Tupperware factory, and he was the first reporter in 30 years allowed inside the nation’s only bomb factory.
Fishman grew up and graduated from high school in Miami, Florida and received a BA from Harvard University. He is married to a journalist.
Fishman has visited dozens of Wal-Marts in 25 states, and has spent several months of his life in Bentonville.
“The Wal-Mart Effect,” his first book, made the bestseller lists of the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and BusinessWeek.
Frugal shopping: second-hand stores
Now I know that it is hard to walk into a second-hand clothing store for the first time, but if you choose the right one, chances are you will be hooked. In the beginning I would never even think of going to one of these stores. But my sister dragged me into one a few years back and I was hooked.
I found a brand new pair of Sketchers for just $10. There can be some of these stores that are kind of scary, but take a look around your neighborhood. I am sure there are at least a couple that are clean and nice. For some help on that you can check out www.localshops1.com for some good stores. There are some things you should do when going to a second-hand store. Here is a list of helpful hints:
#1 Set a budget. As always with any type of shopping, you should set a budget before you leave the house. With these types of stores it's hard to figure out a budget at first, but you will find your footing quickly.
#2 Try things on. You should do this anytime you are clothes shopping, but in these cases it is a wise choice. The clothes you are looking at have many different manufacturers and they all have a different cut. (plus it is great exercise)
#3 Look the item over very closely. Sometimes a stain or hole will slip through the cracks and there is nothing worse then getting home and finding a hole in the shirt you couldn't wait to wear.
#4 Great place to find accessories. I am always amazed at the awesome jewelry I find in these stores. And as for shoes, well I already told you about that. And I have found that they usually have a great selection of purses.
#5 Don't buy it if you wont wear it. Now this may sound like common sense, but sometimes you will find this beautiful shirt for only $5. And it is hard to resist since it is so cheap, but really think about whether you will wear it or not.
These are just a few suggestions, but the most important one is this one ... WASH THE CLOTHES BEFORE WEARING THEM. And preferably as soon as you get home, especially if you have any kind of allergies. The stores might not wash them, so please be sure that you do. Hope this will help some of you bargain shoppers out there.
Your Local Shopper,
Jenn
I found a brand new pair of Sketchers for just $10. There can be some of these stores that are kind of scary, but take a look around your neighborhood. I am sure there are at least a couple that are clean and nice. For some help on that you can check out www.localshops1.com for some good stores. There are some things you should do when going to a second-hand store. Here is a list of helpful hints:
#1 Set a budget. As always with any type of shopping, you should set a budget before you leave the house. With these types of stores it's hard to figure out a budget at first, but you will find your footing quickly.
#2 Try things on. You should do this anytime you are clothes shopping, but in these cases it is a wise choice. The clothes you are looking at have many different manufacturers and they all have a different cut. (plus it is great exercise)
#3 Look the item over very closely. Sometimes a stain or hole will slip through the cracks and there is nothing worse then getting home and finding a hole in the shirt you couldn't wait to wear.
#4 Great place to find accessories. I am always amazed at the awesome jewelry I find in these stores. And as for shoes, well I already told you about that. And I have found that they usually have a great selection of purses.
#5 Don't buy it if you wont wear it. Now this may sound like common sense, but sometimes you will find this beautiful shirt for only $5. And it is hard to resist since it is so cheap, but really think about whether you will wear it or not.
These are just a few suggestions, but the most important one is this one ... WASH THE CLOTHES BEFORE WEARING THEM. And preferably as soon as you get home, especially if you have any kind of allergies. The stores might not wash them, so please be sure that you do. Hope this will help some of you bargain shoppers out there.
Your Local Shopper,
Jenn
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