Think before buying this holiday season (43T)

I didn’t participate in the madness that is black Friday nor have I ever…

I think the glut is ridiculous and the news coverage makes me sick.

Instead, I’ll participate in Small Business Saturday by supporting a local shop owner. I plan to do our grocery shopping at a Mom & Pop store up the street. They can have our money and for that matter, I’ll have to remember to say hi to the owner when I pass him roaming the store. He’s super friendly to one & all!!

If I have some extra time, I plan to hit a craft fair to look for those stockings.

EDIT: Instead of the craft fair, I went to the local farmers market and got this bag!

The local newspaper has a great round up of some shops & bazaars. Here’s the article (posted mainly so I don’t forget to research) & also I think we’ll be visiting the Gordon Square Holiday Market because a local store owner I like City Buddah has set up a pop up store there for the next few weekends! Also, I’ll be recycling many of M’s old toys for my neice (her bday & xmas) because we have so much stuff she’d love that’s collecting dust.

_{Side note: I do not relish the thought of going through that closet but I have to start at some point right?}

Any suggestions as to where I can shop online since I suck at sewing and or knitting? It would be nice if they were personalized but it isn’t necessarily a requirement. I don’t want felt though because we keep our stockings for years and they aren’t as sturdy.

With all the changes around here I think we need to begin anew.

Maybe I’ll check some local shops too…

I decided to check out The Hunger Site Store last night. I was looking for things I could bundle together for Christmas stockings or give as small gifts.

My fair trade order supplied 175 cups of food! =)

Items purchased:
Mini Guatemalan Worry No More Dolls – Buy 1, Get 1
Beaded Chameleon Keychain – Flat (pictured)
Recycled Bike Chain Ornament – Double Star
Flowers and Stripes Drawstring Bag – Free
Red Monkey Silicone Oven Mitt – for hubby
Smarty Pants Coffee Mug – for me teehee!
Festive Sequined Book Ornament – Teal
Cultivate Peace Silicone Bracelets – Free

Here’s a break down of the other stores to support a cause close to your heart:

• The Hunger Site funds food for the world’s hungry.
• The Breast Cancer Site funds mammograms for women in need.
• The Animal Rescue Site funds food for animals in shelters and sanctuaries.
• The Veterans Site funds meals for homeless veterans & their families.
• The Child Health Site funds basic health services for children around the world.
• The Literacy Site funds new books for children in need.
• The Rainforest Site funds preservation of endangered rainforest habitat