Shop only from independent shops for 14 days

WEll, it’s been quite an experience shopping only from independent shops for the last 2 weeks. It’s been a very thought provoking process and I’m glad to have completed this task.

Moving forward, I will keep this in mind as I send my financial energy out into the world. Thanks again to Purple Heather for inviting me to this endeavor and for inspiring me to give it my best effort.

I believe March 1st marks the end of this particular goal for me. A big thanks to Purple Heather for inviting me to participate in this team event. So far, I’ve only deviated from the path once…(getting our taxes done by H & R Block). If it’s any consolation, I’ve decided never to go back to H & R Block again as it’s such a rip off. Otherwise, I’ve been able to get all my needs met by using local shops. It’s been a good exercise in paying attention to where my money is usually spent. Someone else brought up whether it’s better to support a large company with a good track record vs. a small company that might not be a very good place to work. This has been on my mind as of late. I think as a general rule, I’ll continue to support my local independents…but will try to keep the big picture in mind whenever I shop. Finding the balance is key…like in all things. Ideally, finding bargains and making my dollars stretch but also supporting the local community and not falling prey to the huge corporate giants would be the best solution.

My recent dilema is that I’ve got birthday’s coming up this weekend and can’t think of any local non-corporate store to get a greeting card. Of course, I could make my own, but as a perfectionist…not sure I can do that and get it in the mail in time. So…asking myself what’s the most important. I could make them myself and they might still be more meaningful…even if they’re belated. Plus, I could send free e-cards to cover any lapse. I am enjoying the challenge of thinking outside the box in order to accomplish this goal:)

Tonight we went to the local Farmer’s Market for meat and produce. We also got our hair cuts at an independent salon. It felt good to be supporting our local shops. I also think I may have found an independent Citgo gas stations in my area. So far, so good. If all goes well, I may try to extend this goal as I really hate all the huge corporate players and would love to funnel my funds to ‘real’ people.

I’ve been thinking of doing this on my own for some time and have already started my boycott of Walmart. This is a great opportunity to expand my outlook and really support the local mom and pop shops. I live in an area where I have access to a local farmer’s market and I look forward to seeing how many of my needs can be met in that venue.

My only concern is how to incorporate this goal into purchasing gas for my car. I don’t know of any small or independent locations…but will do my best to look outside the box.