Hey Reader,
I just spent the morning in my favorite possible way - wandering my local Main Street.
The area is already thriving small town cute, and it's honestly getting better all the time. Vancouver's getting a lot of revitalization money pumped into it, and living somewhere that's up and coming is new to me. I could get used to it. (But I hope I don't.)
Because even in an area that's growing, this year has been brutal for the small businesses down here. Nearly every shop owner I talk to mentions it.
So today I decided to do something about it. I got dressed up all cute and hit the town with intention.
This morning, I was on a mission to pick up a check from a new client - a local music studio owner who earned his place in the music hall of fame in a past life, who I never would have met if I hadn't signed up for the Uptown Flea Market I sold plants at this summer.
We met up at Kindred, where I also made some bath soaks that I'm planning on gifting to folks this holiday season. And because my witchy self cannot be denied, I might've also picked up incense and candles.
...And also some more reusable flannel "paper" towels. (Literally the easiest swap ever if you're working on reducing waste and spending.)
Before I left, I also hit up Hi There Juice Bar + Boss Babes Couve, because I knew she needed help with a quick landing page + email list setup.
In less than an hour, I got to support 4 different businesses and initiatives that are local to me.
It was allegedly not going to rain today, but it's the Pacific Northwest so you know how that goes. As soon as I walked outside, the mist began, and I couldn't help but smile because this is honestly my favorite kind of fall weather.
I wanted to eat lunch and hit the bank before I headed back home, so I started walking down the street looking for options. Lots of things were closed because Monday, but a few blocks away, La Bottega had just opened up and I inwardly squealed.
Listen. I've been to Italy. I'm a foodie. I know what great pasta tastes like. And La Bottega? It is fucking fantastic.
Plus, they serve half portions, which is perfect for me. The carbonara is what I usually have, but it's a dinner only item, so I opted for the Aglio de Olio (which I had to ask the server to pronounce for me - 10/10 recommend). I may have also let the server convince me to have a glass of prosecco.
Checking the time, I remembered I had someone from the local Buy Nothing group coming to pickup a few items, and I needed to book it if I was going to make it to the bank.
...But on the way, I saw this magical looking display in White Oak Books, and it felt like I just had to go in there.
A half-price bottle of non-alcoholic spirits, ethically sourced sage + herb bundle, 2 of my favorite pens, and a new board book for Emerson later, it was definitely time to Uber home so I'd be there to help load up the furniture I was passing along.
The bank can wait.
Two hours + $118, and can I tell you how rich I feel right now?
Not because of what I bought, but because of what I chose.
Connection over efficiency. Community over convenience. I spent $118 supporting the places and people who make this town feel like home, and in return I got to be part of something bigger than myself.
That's the kind of wealth you can't deposit in a bank.
It's the kind we all need to choose this holiday season if we want the world we say we do - one rooted in local economies that thrive and give back when we show up for them.
Over the next several weeks, I'll be sharing more about the businesses I'm choosing to support this season, as well as ways you can do the same in your community.
Seed Sprouting Kits are here!
Think you can’t grow food? Think again.
While SNAP benefits have been in limbo, I’ve over here staring at a stack of jars I couldn’t use for candied jalapeños and thinking, okay, what can I do with what I’ve got? Enter sprouting kits.
You don’t need a yard, a “green thumb,” or even a window because these babies grow in the DARK. All you need is a jar + mesh lid, a scoop of seeds, and about three minutes a day to rinse and drain.
In a few days, you’ve got fresh, high-impact greens growing on your counter for cheap. And because this is about more than cute kitchen projects, for every sprouting kit you buy, I’m donating one to someone experiencing food insecurity. If you want one for your place (or to sponsor a few for other households), click here.
Local announcements
Holiday markets are coming, and I've got raspberry jam, seed sprouting kits, and adorable gift baskets for you! You can find me at:
Boss Babes Holiday Market at Kindred Vancouver on December 6th 2pm-7pm
More coming so soon!
Talk soon,