This is a new blog series where we can each sing the praises of our favorite local shops, brands, and restaurants.
Supporting local businesses does even more than supporting small business owners (though that is great too). It keeps your money local to you (not off wherever the Waltons are vacationing), creates more jobs for your friends and family, and even helps the environment.
Why is shopping local good for the environment? We talk a lot about commutes and how much fuel people use to travel, and the same applies to your stuff. The further your stuff has to travel, the more fossil fuels they use and energy they waste. Large companies and chains pretty consistently show less responsibility and concern for the environment and the communities they are in, so you can effect positive change locally and decrease your environmental impact just by shopping and eating local!
This blog intends to encourage us to get out and explore the businesses near where we live. See it as a fun challenge to see what you can support nearby and be surprised what amazingness you may have missed. You can also check out other lists to find the coolest places to go when you travel to new places!
Mandy Chronert is one of the few people I knew while living in the Bay Area that actually grew up there. But she is the Bay Area, born and raised, and it's no surprise that she knows all about the gems around San Jose. When I moved there, I was blown away but just how many businesses were there, and it could be hard to see past the Targets and shopping malls to all of the amazing local businesses that also hide out in the area. I learned, and especially miss some local restaurants, but we are still lucky that Mandy can point you to some real gems! Take it away Ms. Chronert-
My Bay Area Local Love List:
1. SJMADE (http://www.sanjosemade.com/) – what a cool way to see local products and ideas at festivals and outside of Whole Foods on the Alameda. I've seen everything from natural beauty products, jewelry, clothing for local sports teams, coffee, and all the tasty treats (macaroons, biscotti, cupcakes) you can imagine! I follow them on Instagram to figure out when and where I can find new local things, which when I type that out it sounds ridiculous, but it is the best way to follow these small businesses in the bay area.
2. Therapy (http://www.shopattherapy.com/) – clothing store with multiple Bay Area locations. It's comparable to Anthropologie, but with local products. Shopping or even just browsing is definitely my preferred mode of retail therapy.
Thoughts from B- Yes, this store is awesome. We spent many a night walking through and lusting over house stuff in there.
3. San Pedro Square Market (http://www.sanpedrosquaremarket.com/) – cool multi-use space that offers little pockets of food, beverages, entertainment, and shopping.
4. San Jose Municipal Stadium (http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t476) – home of the minor league San Jose Giants baseball team. This is one of the best affordable activities to do in San Jose. There are frequently free tickets to the baseball games that you can pick up at local grocery stores (cost of an average ticket is $10.00 normally). It's such a quintessential San Jose activity that I have enjoyed since I was a small child. I still go to games whenever I can and my best friend even got married on home plate during the off-season last spring. The food and souvenirs are all local favorites (you definitely have to try the churros).
B Thoughts- Uh, this is an awesome suggestion. It would never occur to me to think about local sports stadiums as a place to celebrate regional food and such, but it's genius.
Thank you Mandy! Have other stores, restaurants, or brands that you love local to the Bay Area? Write me a list! I know there are plenty.
Want to write your own Loving the Local List? You fill my heart with joy! Just send me a list of your five to ten favorite local brands and stores (it doesn't have to be just around the street- a State specific snack or small chain of restaurants works just fine). Write a few sentences on why you love each thing (and I love pictures if you have them) and send them to sunshineguerrilla@gmail.com.
Would you like to buy more environmentally responsible or Made in America products? I've got you covered! Check out my Mega List of Shopping Lists for tons of ideas for any shopping trip.
Jumat, 08 Juli 2016
And we are back!
Hi readers! Did you miss your random musings and daily guilting about what you shop for? Well, never fear! We are back from vacation, and we hit real life running today- 5:30 wake up, taking the car to the garage, the lonnnng gestational diabetes test, teaching class, and cleaning. So yeah, welcome back to reality. Still, we mostly ha a pretty good day, and that feels like an accomplishment all on its own. Three things I love for our first day back:
1. Honest Elements- I bought The Bub a few new shirts on Etsy to fill out his (mostly secondhand) wardrobe. This one from Honest Elements might be my favorite (it has a heart on the back that is so freaking cute). The company makes their shirts in the USA, and they have an amazing message without being overbearing or preachy. They don't have a ton of options, just doing a few things really well. She also checked in with me to make sure when I ordered a weird color combo. New favorite, for sure.
2. This Article on how to be an Actual Ally to Black People- Like so many people out there, I was heartbroken today to read about two more black men needlessly killed by police officers for no reason in incidents that escalated completely without reason. I often feel helpless on these matters and have been staying silent lately because it feels flat and ineffectual to even comment. I feel like I can never understand what it would be like to be a black man or woman in America and trying to empathize feels mocking instead of understanding. This article gives great, practical advice on how to truly help, not just wax poetic.
3. Top Pot Doughnuts- One of my favorite Seattle things, and they have one in Ballard by our hospital now. When you are looking down the barrel at three months of no treats (and just took a three hour blood test), a doughnut is basically a necessity when you are done. Grateful for this local business.
Read more
 |
| from Honest Elements |
1. Honest Elements- I bought The Bub a few new shirts on Etsy to fill out his (mostly secondhand) wardrobe. This one from Honest Elements might be my favorite (it has a heart on the back that is so freaking cute). The company makes their shirts in the USA, and they have an amazing message without being overbearing or preachy. They don't have a ton of options, just doing a few things really well. She also checked in with me to make sure when I ordered a weird color combo. New favorite, for sure.
2. This Article on how to be an Actual Ally to Black People- Like so many people out there, I was heartbroken today to read about two more black men needlessly killed by police officers for no reason in incidents that escalated completely without reason. I often feel helpless on these matters and have been staying silent lately because it feels flat and ineffectual to even comment. I feel like I can never understand what it would be like to be a black man or woman in America and trying to empathize feels mocking instead of understanding. This article gives great, practical advice on how to truly help, not just wax poetic.
3. Top Pot Doughnuts- One of my favorite Seattle things, and they have one in Ballard by our hospital now. When you are looking down the barrel at three months of no treats (and just took a three hour blood test), a doughnut is basically a necessity when you are done. Grateful for this local business.
Senin, 04 Juli 2016
Selasa, 28 Juni 2016
Don't Buy American Greetings, Instead Try...
This blog series "Don't Buy... Instead Try..." intends to point out some of the most egregiously unethical, wasteful, and environmentally ridiculous companies out there. Instead of dwelling on their considerable awfulness, the series will focus on the other options you have for purchasing.
Every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of world we want.
Every single purchase is political.
Every single purchase has ethical ramifications, and
every single purchase should be approached with a spirit of stewardship.
We can change the world by refusing to fund extreme greed, the mistreatment of other human beings, and the trashing of the environment. We need to stay aware of the many choices available to us. Will we get it right every time? No. But if we all make little changes, we can send companies a new message, that consumers will show up if they do the right thing.
Card shopping. In general, I find it heartwarming that people have a tool to articulate things they wouldn't have words for themselves. Plus, it sometimes means you get mail, which is basically my favorite thing ever. My mom and my aunt are both extremely thoughtful card shoppers, and my mom will browse the whole section before she picks the card she wants. It's pretty cute.
In terms of environmental-friendliness or All-American shopping, they can be a trickier deal. When you look through cards at a store, you may not be likely to look on the back to see where it is made or to see if the paper is recycled, but trust me, it's worth it. The cards most jacked up to get your attention, with noise or pop ups or extra doodads, are probably made in China. Bummer. Also, did you know button batteries in cards are baby death machines? They are the things nightmares are made of, but I digress.
If you don't want to switch everything you buy, practice some bougie environmentalism or light consumer patriotism when you buy your greeting cards. It's easy because,
1. You are already reading the card. Just turn it over and read the back.
2. You can find good options in most card sections.
3. It's easy to spot the cruddier companies. Look for a red rose.
American Greetings is one of the major card companies in the United States, second only to Hallmark in sales. And they claim to be the largest in the world. It makes sense. You can find them everywhere.The offices are based in Ohio, but the rest of the story isn't as simple.
Ironically, despite their name, the company is not made in America at all. They must mean American Greetings from China. This company, that also makes gift bags and wrapping paper, has moved all of it's manufacturing to keep prices cheap.
So many questions. Cheap, but at what cost? How many trees really need to come down for you to send your cousin a birthday card? How far is too far for shipments of greeting cards to travel? Why call your company American Greetings if you aren't American at all?
On their website, the company describes their "mission" as to make the world a more civil place. Nice, who can disagree with that? Except, they don't mention one word on how the people who make their cards are treated. Or how they treat the environment. When looking at all of those little actions that make up who they are, it becomes clear that they aren't following their own mission, it's just a bunch of empty feelgoodery nonsense. This exact machinery of capitalism, where we say we want people to be kinder to each other while knowingly stomping on others, is a huge part of why incivility and competition has taken over our culture, and I am ready to see a change.
So boo, no more American Greetings, and when you can, you can find good independent options all over the place. But even if all you do is read the backs of the cards in Target and only buy ones Made in America, you are still doing more good than someone who doesn't care at all. Let's all stop buying imported cards- it makes no sense, and it isn't worth it. Plus....
SO MANY GOOD OPTIONS EXIST! HUZZAH!!!
1. St Jude Fundraiser Cards- St Jude's Ranch is a place for children and their families to recover. To raise money for this very important space, they recycle donated cards (gluing old card fronts on new cardstock) and sell them to make money. Can you think of a better way to buy cards? Even better, you can donate all the cards you have kept to them! Check out their website here.
2. Arbor Day Give a Tree Cards- I absolutely love this idea. You can buy greeting cards (I think made on all-recycled paper? I read that before but can't find it now), and for every card you buy, they plant a tree. So you could buy your Christmas cards in bulk and celebrate the season by helping plant trees! It is such a cool idea, because these cards can cut down on waste and help make the Earth that much cleaner and healthier.
3. Make the Card Yourself- We bought a bulk pack of recycled kraft paper cards, and I have used them for everything from little notes, thank you cards, even our son's first birthday invitations. We bought a pack of alphabet stamps, and we will use the same stuff over and over again. No trees are coming down for our cards, and hopefully we are making a lot less waste. Plus, it is pretty fun to come up with ideas and work on them together.
4. Etsy Cards- Etsy has so many cards, funnier and sillier and sometimes more touching than anything you can find in stores. You can search for a card perfectly personalized to the receiver. They have 400,000 choices of cards on that site, so there isn't a chance I can cover them all here. I bought my hubby this gem for Father's Day and this one just because. Five more great sources for Made in America and recycled greeting cards on Etsy- Le Sentiments, Alluring Prints, Bubby and Bean, Creature Comforts NYC, and Live Beautifully Paper.
5. Maggie's Quill- These Maggie's Quill cards are not just hilarious, but they are made in the US and out of recycled paper! You have so many good choices for cards, there is really no reason to buy something Made in Elsewhere or with fresh paper. Recycled paper is best!
More Options- Green Field Paper Company, Crane and Co, Night Owl Paper Goods, Pumpernickel...
And if all else fails, most (but not all! Nothing with batteries or extra doodads) Hallmark cards are still made in the US. This company did move some manufacturing away, so please check the back. Every card will tell you where it was made somewhere on there. If you are going to rush shop a card in a pinch, I think you are better off starting with Hallmark cards than many of the other cheap brands at places like Walmart or Walgreens.
Want more shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Shopping Lists.
Read more
Every purchase we make is a vote for the kind of world we want.
Every single purchase is political.
Every single purchase has ethical ramifications, and
every single purchase should be approached with a spirit of stewardship.
We can change the world by refusing to fund extreme greed, the mistreatment of other human beings, and the trashing of the environment. We need to stay aware of the many choices available to us. Will we get it right every time? No. But if we all make little changes, we can send companies a new message, that consumers will show up if they do the right thing.
 |
| from Wikipedia |
In terms of environmental-friendliness or All-American shopping, they can be a trickier deal. When you look through cards at a store, you may not be likely to look on the back to see where it is made or to see if the paper is recycled, but trust me, it's worth it. The cards most jacked up to get your attention, with noise or pop ups or extra doodads, are probably made in China. Bummer. Also, did you know button batteries in cards are baby death machines? They are the things nightmares are made of, but I digress.
If you don't want to switch everything you buy, practice some bougie environmentalism or light consumer patriotism when you buy your greeting cards. It's easy because,
1. You are already reading the card. Just turn it over and read the back.
2. You can find good options in most card sections.
3. It's easy to spot the cruddier companies. Look for a red rose.
American Greetings is one of the major card companies in the United States, second only to Hallmark in sales. And they claim to be the largest in the world. It makes sense. You can find them everywhere.The offices are based in Ohio, but the rest of the story isn't as simple.
Ironically, despite their name, the company is not made in America at all. They must mean American Greetings from China. This company, that also makes gift bags and wrapping paper, has moved all of it's manufacturing to keep prices cheap.
So many questions. Cheap, but at what cost? How many trees really need to come down for you to send your cousin a birthday card? How far is too far for shipments of greeting cards to travel? Why call your company American Greetings if you aren't American at all?
On their website, the company describes their "mission" as to make the world a more civil place. Nice, who can disagree with that? Except, they don't mention one word on how the people who make their cards are treated. Or how they treat the environment. When looking at all of those little actions that make up who they are, it becomes clear that they aren't following their own mission, it's just a bunch of empty feelgoodery nonsense. This exact machinery of capitalism, where we say we want people to be kinder to each other while knowingly stomping on others, is a huge part of why incivility and competition has taken over our culture, and I am ready to see a change.
So boo, no more American Greetings, and when you can, you can find good independent options all over the place. But even if all you do is read the backs of the cards in Target and only buy ones Made in America, you are still doing more good than someone who doesn't care at all. Let's all stop buying imported cards- it makes no sense, and it isn't worth it. Plus....
SO MANY GOOD OPTIONS EXIST! HUZZAH!!!
1. St Jude Fundraiser Cards- St Jude's Ranch is a place for children and their families to recover. To raise money for this very important space, they recycle donated cards (gluing old card fronts on new cardstock) and sell them to make money. Can you think of a better way to buy cards? Even better, you can donate all the cards you have kept to them! Check out their website here.
2. Arbor Day Give a Tree Cards- I absolutely love this idea. You can buy greeting cards (I think made on all-recycled paper? I read that before but can't find it now), and for every card you buy, they plant a tree. So you could buy your Christmas cards in bulk and celebrate the season by helping plant trees! It is such a cool idea, because these cards can cut down on waste and help make the Earth that much cleaner and healthier.
3. Make the Card Yourself- We bought a bulk pack of recycled kraft paper cards, and I have used them for everything from little notes, thank you cards, even our son's first birthday invitations. We bought a pack of alphabet stamps, and we will use the same stuff over and over again. No trees are coming down for our cards, and hopefully we are making a lot less waste. Plus, it is pretty fun to come up with ideas and work on them together.
 |
| from Alisa Bobzien |
4. Etsy Cards- Etsy has so many cards, funnier and sillier and sometimes more touching than anything you can find in stores. You can search for a card perfectly personalized to the receiver. They have 400,000 choices of cards on that site, so there isn't a chance I can cover them all here. I bought my hubby this gem for Father's Day and this one just because. Five more great sources for Made in America and recycled greeting cards on Etsy- Le Sentiments, Alluring Prints, Bubby and Bean, Creature Comforts NYC, and Live Beautifully Paper.
5. Maggie's Quill- These Maggie's Quill cards are not just hilarious, but they are made in the US and out of recycled paper! You have so many good choices for cards, there is really no reason to buy something Made in Elsewhere or with fresh paper. Recycled paper is best!
More Options- Green Field Paper Company, Crane and Co, Night Owl Paper Goods, Pumpernickel...
And if all else fails, most (but not all! Nothing with batteries or extra doodads) Hallmark cards are still made in the US. This company did move some manufacturing away, so please check the back. Every card will tell you where it was made somewhere on there. If you are going to rush shop a card in a pinch, I think you are better off starting with Hallmark cards than many of the other cheap brands at places like Walmart or Walgreens.
Want more shopping inspiration? Check out my Giant List of Shopping Lists.
Don't Buy Bath and Bodyworks, Instead Try...
 |
| from candlescoop |
In all seriousness, can you remember being in a mall without the smell of heavily-scented lotions and candles? In general, the company doesn't market themselves as especially American (though they did have a Made in America's Heartland line, which you could clearly read on the bottle was made in Mexico), but their consistent presence in American shopping spaces make them seem inevitable.
 |
| from centsable shoppin |
The company was founded in New Albany, Ohio and their offices are still based there. The company does have some great things going for them, and their office (not their stores) earned some green titles over the years.But the biggest problem with Bath and Bodyworks is a huge issue with all body products-
They aren't required to be specific about where they are produced or where their packaging is produced, and the safety regulations are pretty surprisingly low.
For this reason, even when browsing the store, it isn't always clear where things are made. Lots of "distributed by" and not much "Made in." This is a BAD SIGN!
After doing this research for a year, I can say when companies are doing something right, they aren't sketchy or cagey about it. They want the credit and the added value. If they won't tell you, it's not good news. You can on occasion find a "Made in Mexico" on a bottle, and I read online some of their products are made in China.
The lack of safety concerns is also concerning- when you get prego, they start to warn you about skin and hair products (salicylic acid especially) because it isn't yet tested fully how much the chemicals in products like these make it into your bloodstream. If companies are mass producing unhealthy products, it may have more negative consequences than you would expect.
I should also point out that this is a store selling plastic wrapped in plastic, so you are getting whatever chemicals might leech out as well. If you think I am overreacting to them, you can also look at their "home decor" collection, which is mostly candles. Their candles are made of paraffin wax. Paraffin is another petrochemical- it's bad for the environment and probably not great for your lungs (the EPA has identified 7 major toxins in it). You also can't reuse the container because that black ashy stuff is toxic as well. Is it the worst thing on the planet? No, probably not, but with soy and beeswax options out there, it is also a super easy (and pretty cost-effective) switch. Which brings us back to Bath and Bodyworks- if they could do the right thing, why don't they? And if they are selling all these plastics and paraffins made in (unnamed) Elsewhere, why would we give them our money?
Take a look at these other options. You might be surprised that they aren't all that much more expensive, and it could be a simple way to give healthier, more conscientious, and more thoughtful gifts!
Instead Try these Body Products...
1. Get it Local- It is so nice to buy these things in person, and you can find lotions and other smelly goodies at lots of local grocery stores or farmer's market. Not quite as ubiquitous as beer, but local body stuff is absolutely not too far away, so that is my advice of where to start.
2. Benedetta- Benedetta's body products are made from all "fresh" products from sustainable farms. The company was established in 1996 and all of their products are botanical. The store is in San Francisco, but you can check out their catalog online. They are proud of their small batch method, and you can read a lot about their practices on their site.
 |
| from firebird |
4. Noodle and Boo- I love Noodle and Boo for baby stuff, but they also sell lotions and washes for mommas. I would guess based on their baby stuff that it sells amazing. They have organic ingredients and are made in the US. I am excited to try this myself, and you can get it on amazon and lots of baby shops.
 |
| from Simply Rustic |
Other Options- Avishi Organics, Herban Lifestyle, American Bather, Mrs. Meyer's, Artisan Bath and Body, Ollie and Max Soap Co, Love Lee Soaps, Homemade Betty, Love Your Body Essentials, Empire Squid, Black Kettle Soap Co, Etiquettes
Instead Try these Made in the USA Candles...
 |
| Eco-candle from Amazon |
 |
| Our Own Candle Company on Amazon |
 |
| Candlove on Amazon |
 |
| from Silver Dollar Candle Co |
 |
| from Etta Arlene |
More Choices- Nika's Home, Scents by Darrson, MMTrinkets, Besem Natural Scents, Silver Dollar Candle Co, The Dancing Wick Candle Co, Hello You Candles, Frostbeard, The Candle Crate, Wax and Wane Candles, and the Enthusiastic Candle Co
Minggu, 26 Juni 2016
Quote of the Week- America
We are getting ready to celebrate the 4th, and maybe you are too. Have been thinking a lot about what makes America great, and I love this quote. Hope everyone has a great week!
Jumat, 24 Juni 2016
We Love the Local List- The Greater Youngstown Area
This is a new blog series where we can each sing the praises of our favorite local shops, brands, and restaurants.
Supporting local businesses does even more than supporting small business owners (though that is great too). It keeps your money local to you (not off wherever the Waltons are vacationing), creates more jobs for your friends and family, and even helps the environment.
Why is shopping local good for the environment? We talk a lot about commutes and how much fuel people use to travel, and the same applies to your stuff. The further your stuff has to travel, the more fossil fuels they use and energy they waste. Large companies and chains pretty consistently show less responsibility and concern for the environment and the communities they are in, so you can effect positive change locally and decrease your environmental impact just by shopping and eating local!
This blog intends to encourage us to get out and explore the businesses near where we live. See it as a fun challenge to see what you can support nearby and be surprised what amazingness you may have missed. You can also check out other lists to find the coolest places to go when you travel to new places!
Paige has lived in the Youngstown Area since she graduated from college, and she has done lots of exploring, looking for the kinds of stuff super smart 20-somethings care about (bars, bookstores, places to eat). This isn't a great area for walking, so the spread is a little wider, and I am excited to hear Paige's ideas. We are up to 4 states! Paige also actually calls me with good news about starting recycling programs at her work and other big steps she is taking in her life to be more eco-friendly. Basically, she is this blog's favorite person. I love her suggestions, so let's get to it:
 |
| from city-data.com |
Mojo’s (Austintown)- This bar is relaxed and not creepy, which I’ve found to be a rarity in the area. I occasionally go for dinner by myself, and I’ve never felt uncomfortable or been harassed (last time, the bartender helped me make some connections at the community theater). The restaurant area is quiet and the food is excellent, so it’s my go-to when I have visitors. Best of all, there’s a comedy club in the basement that brings in popular talent (Like SNL members you forgot about). Plus, they have an even ratio of men-to-female comedians! Hurray for funny ladies.
Flaming Ice Cube (Boardman)- This vegan cafe also hosts knitting classes and sells all sorts of earthy, hippy-inspired pieces that are made by locals. I highly recommend the cucumber kale detox, as it is all kinds of refreshing. The yellow candle that was supposed to align my chakra, while pretty, has debatable usefulness.
Flutterby Books (Hubbard) - I didn’t realize this existed until just a few weeks ago, but it is the best little bookshop I have found in the area. They have new and used books, in all sorts of editions, and the owner said her supplier comes in so often that the shelves are different every week. She also keeps a stack of postcards that she gets from random vendors, and gives them out for free to encourage people to write to each other. I love it.
The Art Cafe (Boardman) - This cute little studio in the Boardman mall hosts your usual pottery painting wares, but they also have birthday parties and paint and sips. Because they have the license to do a paint and sip in their store, you’re also able to bring a bottle of wine in whenever you want! So if it’s Saturday at 10am, and you feel like a little merlot will help you paint the most creative vase ever, you go for it.
D’Onofrios (Hermitage) - I should probably let my mom talk about this one, because it was her find and she’s the one who inspired my own love of it- but D’Onofrios is like walking into the grocery store of the 60s. The floors are waxed, the meat is local, the bread fresh, and not a single self-checkout to be seen. They carry the usual grocery store items, but they also have their own line of some things (especially meat-type mixes). They take a lot of pride in keeping that place spotless, and I appreciate it.
The Wizard of Odds (Austintown) - There are actually two of them now, but both are as fun as they sound. I wouldn’t call it a boutique, but I wouldn’t call it antiquing either… it really is just as the name suggests. Full of odd (but fun!) stuff. Bonus for them, I dropped my credit card there and hadn’t realized it was lost, but some customer found it and they called in chase services and made a point to find me. Once they found out I had deactivated the card, they destroyed the old one, and when I showed up and they realized who I was they made sure I knew it had all been taken care of.
Angels for Animals (BFE) - I was trying to think of something in those areas that didn’t cost money, and AfA may seem unconventional, but follow me here. This has to be one of the best kept shelters I have ever seen. People drive from states away to get an animal there. Their staff is paid (and there is leadership among them, not just a few people thrown together), they have their own vet staff, and they love to help you help them. When I first fostered kittens, they brought them to me along with everything else they could need. Because the Cat Director lived closer to me than I did to the shelter, on days the kittens needed to go in for check ups I would drive them to his house in the morning before work, and he would bring them back in the evening. Just a bunch of great people dedicated to cleaning up other people’s irresponsible choices, all with smiles on their faces.
Sidewalks- Hermitage (at least my neighborhood) is full of them! Do you know how great it is to be able to safely take a walk? I mean, I know we’ve got our trails, and buhl park, but I’m just excited to walk to my massage therapy salon. This convenience has not always been available to me, so if you do have it, take a second to appreciate how great they are!
Want to write your own Loving the Local List? You fill my heart with joy! Just send me a list of your five to ten favorite local brands and stores (it doesn't have to be just around the street- a State specific snack or small chain of restaurants works just fine). Write a few sentences on why you love each thing (and I love pictures if you have them) and send them to sunshineguerrilla@gmail.com.
Would you like to buy more environmentally responsible or Made in America products? I've got you covered! Check out my Mega List of Shopping Lists for tons of ideas for any shopping trip.
Langganan:
Komentar (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
Dear Reader Remember my predictions for wedding dress trends this year…? High necks, long sleeves, head to toe lace… Well I was very pleased... -
Dear Reader, Spring is in the air – at last. The clocks change this weekend, but the flowers are already out on this gorgeous Valentino v... -
Ok, here is another Christmas list! I think we can get blocked and need inspiration for gift ideas. I also think it is easy to feel like eve... -
I want to keep highlighting amazing makers in the US, and I feel like my Etsy links can get caught in the more mainstream shuffle. So starti... -
This is the third installment of my baby registry for parents trying to minimize their tiny babies early footprint- a new baby comes with o... -
I try to do top tens at the end of the year. This is a top 13, just because I don't want to fight it shorter. The Boy is not impressed. -
Dear Reader, The Paris couture shows for Spring 2016 have just drawn to a close with SO many beautiful wedding dresses. (Quite a few bonkers... -
Dear Reader, Meet Clare – in 1960s-inspired lace wedding dress 'Stella'… For her wedding to Ed, Clare teamed the all-lace Stella dre... -
Stockings are treated like a footnote for Christmas, but an awesome stocking can be a highlight of the holiday! Especially if we are cutting... -
This blog series "Don't Buy... Instead Try..." intends to point out some of the most egregiously unethical, wasteful, and envi...