Support your neighbors. Shop locally.

Here is a blog I wrote for Creative Tampa Bay, a very cool Tampa-based group that's all about working together to make Tampa Bay even cooler than it already is!


Support your neighbors. Shop locally.
By Ester Venouziou, LocalShops1.com founder

I love to shop. I grew up in Brazil, and some of my favorite memories have to do with shopping, mostly with my grandmother and my sister, on Saturday mornings.

We’d go to the produce market, chat with the vendors as we picked up fruits and veggies. Then it was off to a meat market, or to the fish guy. Along the way we usually stopped at the newsstand, where my grandmother picked up the daily paper and maybe a magazine or two, and, if my sister and I had had a good week, we ’d be rewarded with some comic books.

Eventually we’d end up at my parents’ shop: Importadora Jenny, a fabric store named after my mom. I was about 8 or 9 then, and I remember sitting behind the counter, helping wrap up purchases, talking with the customers.

We moved to New Jersey when I was 12, and that all changed.

For the next 15 years or so, shopping meant going to the mall or to the big-box stores. I remember, when I lived in Jacksonville in the mid-1990s every Tuesday was my shopping day. Winn-Dixie and Target and Stein Mart were the regular stops. And then there was the mall. There were two pretty close to where I lived, and I’d go to one one week, the other the next. I don’t know why I even bothered to alternate, because they both had pretty much the same stores. Every week, I’d come home with bags full of things I didn’t need, things I couldn’t afford. What was in those bags I can’t remember. All I know is that shopping had stopped being fun.

• • •

There are many reasons to shop at locally owned, independent places. Studies show that money spent locally, at an indie, is more likely to stay local. On a typical November shopping day, the Tampa Independence Business Alliance reports, if all taxable purchases in Hillsborough County were made at locally owned independent businesses instead of national chains, it wo uld make a $28 million dollar difference to the local economy.

Economics aside, supporting the independents also helps preserve the businesses that link us to the past, the businesses that ensure our communities will retain charm and character to the future.

And shopping at independents is just a lot more fun.

• • •

We launched LocalShops1.com in August 2008. We are a small, grassroots group, dedicate to helping promote independent businesses. It’s always free to browse, free to join and free to get listed.

We’re not saying, never shop at the chains or franchises. We’re simply saying, think before you shop. There are times when shopping at those places makes sense, and yes, you might run into us at Publix or Target sometimes.

We just want to make it easier for people to find their options, so they don’t automatically default to the big-box stores or the malls.

Our goal is to build a network of indie business owners and indie-minded shoppers, and we’re doing that through our Web site, of course, but also by co-hosting neighborhood parties/fundraisers and marketing/business seminars. Former radio jock-turned comedian Pat Largo has been an integral part in all this, as our official spokesman and party host.

We believe in working together with the media, as well as other business and neighborhood groups, to help our local businesses thrive. We re all in this together.

Fave store contest: Cherie's Eklectica

Linnea Barone's entry

I believe one of the best, intriguing gift shops around the Tampa Bay area
is CHERIE's EKLECTIKA, located on Beach Drive. This gift shop sells various
items that you do not find in your ordinary gift shop. I was able to pick up
some Christmas gifts that were great and out of the ordinary. You can spend
hours looking around and reading all the great cards they have. Also i
cannot forget that the staff is great and makes you feel very comfortable!

GO CHERIE's.

Frou-frou girly, flouncy, Tu-tu heaven!

Calling all Little Divas!

Great find, from a local Dunedin girl who turned a hobby-gone-haywire into a local business.

Fru Fru Tu Tus, created by Meghan Cox, specializes in princess-wear straight out of a child's dreams. She offers hand-made tulle tu tus trimmed in satin satin ribbon, in any color combo you can think of.

They have specials going on for Halloween and the upcoming holiday season. And, no additional charge for any special orders! The tu tus can be sized from infant to toddler and up. (Ahhhhh, to be small again!!! The diva in me wants one of my very own!!!)

Flouncy, glitzy, glam tulle heaven!!!! And since she only charges $15 to $17 each, this is a great local find in these lean times. She even takes Paypal.

Since Meghan works out of her house, tu tus are offered through her website, frufrututus.net. Meghan says though she may start selling her tu tus in local boutiques that do consignment. You can also call her at (727) 768-2721.

On the hunt for hot wings!

I’m the kind of girl who prefers good bar food to a 5-star culinary masterpiece any day. I’m just not the fois gras type. And who the heck knows what wine goes with what today anyway?

I can put on a gown and diamond studs, go to some event, and within 10 minutes my slingbacks are under the chair, my hair’s down and I’m looking for a nice plate of …

Hot wings.

Yep. Tough to be glam when your chin’s dripping red sauce and your manicure is greasy. Not to mention the breading stuck to my hair.

So, I consider myself to be quite the hot wing connoisseur, since I get them wherever I go. But recently, I’ve had my expertise challenged by a couple of friends who in were in quite a brouhaha over just who has the best wings. Their choices were the place with the, uh, owl on the logo and the house where they boast that they, um, serve ‘em naked.

Since these friends are male, I countered that they’re rating a couple of other things than the quality of the wings.

To make a long story short, I am on a mission. For the next few weeks, I’m officially on the hunt for the area’s Best Hot Wings. I’ll be sampling at every mom’n’pop nook and hole-in-the-wall pub around. I’ve got plenty of wet naps and a bunch of antacid. It’s a dirty job, but hey, someone’s got to do it.

Suggestions are welcome. No jacket or tie required.

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.

Need a job? New shopping center looking for workers

Considering the economy I figured it would be a good idea to get this information out there.
I was watching BayNews9 this morning and saw that there is a new "high end" shopping mall opening up in Wesley Chapel.

They are having a job fair today in Wesley Chapel at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites at 8310 Galbraith Rd from 10am - 7pm.

They say to come dressed to impress, and bring your resume. The jobs they are hiring for range anywhere from managers to retail shop help. There was no information on which stores would be going into this center, but let's all hope they are independently owned! You can check out the information on BayNews9.com under local news in Pasco. Good luck to you all.

Your Local Shopper,

Jenn
localshops1

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.


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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!

Shopping, one piece at a time

keata138 (check her profile in www.localshops1.com "meet the staff" page) sent us this recently ... and it inspired us to go hunting for treasures at some of our favorite antique shops.

She writes:

Many find solace in things that match. I, however, am not one of those people. Sometimes, single purchases over a long period of time yield the most interesting results—you simply have to be patient.

For instance, many purchase their dishware in a box, all of the pieces designed to beautifully compliment one another. But since dishes and silverware are one of the most common gifts for those entering the sanctity of marriage and couples don’t always share the gift or their partner’s taste, portions or entire sets are discarded into the “Purgatory for Rejected Belongings”.

This purgatory is my hunting ground and the treasures here appeal to both those with a penchant for sets and those who prefer to create eclectic mixes. As I have mentioned, I am the latter but have been known to buy sets at random. Over the past several years, I’ve collected pieces from local antique shops, thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales. The styles I choose are similar—from antique to contemporary, they’re all cool colors.

My cabinets cradle prized pieces from almost every decade in greens, teals, yellows, blues, and the occasional violet. Think of a table setting at my house as a schizophrenic peacock, which in my opinion, is worlds more interesting than a landscape of identical pieces. And the best thing about displaying pieces like this for your company is the hunt.

Whether you pay $1.50 or $150 for a piece, it’s your find, chosen specifically by you (the one who will ultimately use the piece anyway) and you worked hard to find it. As your collection grows, like a garden of colored porcelain, it gets better. Odd additions, like the Siamese cats with rhinestone eye salt n’ pepper shakers on my table, personalize and enhance the collection.

So instead of going and buying a box of dishes or silverware set, try going to one of your local “junk” shops. It’s almost unfathomable how many amazing things others consider junk. You’ll have fun, find treasure, spend less, and help support your local economy by shopping at an independent store.

Party pictures

Like you've read on our web site, www.localshops1.com, we dropped by Designers Consigner in downtown St. Pete Wednesday for a super-awesome party with owners Julie Karikas and Michelle Bahen, and their equally awesome shoppers. Here are some party pictures:













Michele Bahen, left, with our very own TheOldGoldLady and store manager Debbie.

Showing off that perfect necklace

It's a question older than the trees .. .Which length necklace do I wear with this shirt?

I have necklaces in all lengths. When I buy one, it is because I like it, not because I need a certain length. So once I actually go to wear this new, beautiful necklace I end up sometimes having to change my shirt, just so you can see it.

So here is a little advice on how to choose the right length.

If you are wearing a button down shirt, let's say for work, you can either go with a nice neckline necklace, or even go with an extra long one and wear it outside the collar of the shirt. If you choose the neckline one, you cant go wrong with a chunkier type necklace.

Now if you are wearing a V-neck it is probably best to go with a "Y" necklace (depending on how low the V is) or you can even try a nice pendant type necklace.

Now if you are going to show a lot of neck and possibly have an off the shoulder youre probably safest to go with a choker, or something closer to the neck.

And when putting that necklace on, please think about where you are going and how it will match, or clash, with your other jewelry and outfit.
If you are going out for a night on the town and your outfit is flashy and hot! then maybe tone down the necklace a little. Don't let it take away from your gorgeous outfit.
And if you have a really awesome, but somewhat loud, necklace, maybe pair that with a more mellow monotone outfit.

And please try to avoid the big giant necklace, with the big giant matching earrings. Everything in life, even your necklace, is all about moderation. :)

Your Local Shopper

Jenn
www.localshops1.com

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

Save our Store sale

Hey, everyone!

We need your help. We were at a really fun store tonight, Sequins and Denim, in downtown St. Petersburg. Calls itself "a fashionista's playhouse," and we couldn't agree with it more. Funky shoes, retro and modern styles, all sorts of cool things.

Anyway, we started talking with the owner and she asked for our help: She needs some quick sales, or she has to be out of there by mid-month.

So she's having a huge sale: Everything is 50 percent off. Please, please, if you're in market for shoes, clothes, jewelry, check out what she has to offer. We'd hate to see another shop leave that cool stretch of St. Pete. She's at 441 Central Ave. Phone: 727-894-0325.

She's also planning a huge party, next Saturday. We'll be adding more info on that in the next couple of days, on www.localshops1.com

Thanks for your help. Let's do all we can to keep another independent store alive in the Tampa Bay area.

New Publix coming to Valrico

Hey, Valrico browsers! We hear there's a new Publix heading your way, replacing a Winn-Dixie and Eckerd's. Check out more info in our Web site's members only page. And of course, come browse for all the locally owned, independent options for food and drinks ....

And if you have a favorite spot we haven't listed, please let us know. Thanks!

You can always e-mail us at shoplocally1@gmail.com

Our Web site is at www.localshops1.com

Reasons to celebrate!

So you're thinking, Labor Day's passed, and the next day to celebrate is Halloween? Not so! There are plenty of "official" days before that. Here's what's coming, according to Greetings 123's Editor Bob, and our suggestions for how to celebrate:


Sept. 6: Rent A Movie Day
We're always up for a classic or a chick flick, of course. Casablanca, Breakfast at Tiffany's, When Harry Met Sally, we could watch those every week! But we'll surprise you: We also like the occasional adventure or action, and not just the ones starring Johnny Depp or Brad Pitt :)
And we know we just saw Sex in the City -- okay, twice -- but is it out on video yet?



Sept. 7: Working Mother's Day
Grandparents Day
Eeeek! Time is running out. But we can help! Check out our awesome listings, on www.localshops1.com for the best choices for independent shopping. We have more than 350 stores listed, so we're pretty sure you'll find one with cool things for your mom, grandma or grandpa. Clothes, shoes, jewelry, art, furniture, fishing poles ... If you're still unsure what to get, we can give it a shot. E-mail us and we'll offer suggestions. Or even go shopping for you. We loooove to shop, anyway.

And while on our site, browse around, check out our weekly poll, tell us what you think, submit info on your own favorite locally owned, independent stores.
And don't forget to enter our monthly contest for TWO great prizes -- a one-hour facial and a towel set. Then next Sept. 7 you'll already have two great gifts handy.


Sept. 10: National Sobriety Day
Well, what can we say? We certainly didn't invent this one, but we'll play along. Perhaps a cheese and lemonade party? (and of course, check out our web site for independent food stores!

Saving face (make-up tips for the summer)

Well, I was out all day on Monday, doing my shopping. Stopped to get a bite for lunch and went into the bathroom to wash my hands and when I looked in the mirror I was shocked ... all my make up was GONE! There was literally nothing left.

If you are like me and spend at least 15 minutes in the morning getting all dolled up, then you understand what I was going through. I did some research on how to keep that beautiful face going all day and here is what I found. And since we are in Florida, you can use this info almost all year round.

#1 have an oil blotter handy. They will keep you fresh and will not take off your make up. But if you are desperate I have found that a light tissue does a good job too.

#2 use a make up primer on your face instead of lotion. This will keep the make up in place and suck up all the extra oil that could be on your face.

#3 ALWAYS, apply powder after you put on your foundation. This too will help to get that extra oil.

and finally #4 keep it light!!!! Don't go crazy with the make-up. Go easy on the products and you will do great!

I hope this helps some of you out, I know the next time I head out for a full day of shopping in this beautiful Florida weather I will heed the experts advice. Good luck shopping and if you are having a problem deciding on which stores to go to, why not try going to an independently owned store. Support your neighborhoods. Check out our site for some help. www.localshops1.com

Labor Day Fun

Hello everyone. My name is Jenn and I will be your guide to the world of shopping. I live in Pasco County and I represent the website www.localshops1.com where you can find listings for independently owned stores in your local area. We cover the Tampa Bay Area all the way from Hernando County down to Sarasota. I will be posting almost everyday to give you fashion ideas, tips and let you know about things that are going on around town. If there is anything in particular you would like to know about you can always go the our website and ask us anything. And as for Labor Day, it is the day to go shopping!!!! There are so many sales and so many different things going on today is a great day just to get out. And if you dont where to go, check out www.localshops1.com for stores and now even restaurants. Have a safe and wonderful Labor Day. Ill be checking back in soon!

Love to shop?

Check out our cool new store, for shirts, mousepads, mugs and soooo much more.


www.cafepress.com/localshops1