Local bookstores and the treasures therein have been a big hobby of mine since I was little. Whether they’re selling used, or new books, they just have a special feel to them, you know? They bring me comfort on days when I need it the most. So, it’s my genuine pleasure to take you on […]
Category Archives: Buy Local
Buy Local, Local Economy, Local Supply Chain, Small Business Tips, Support Small Business
Real Challenges of Being a Small Business Owner
28
Dec
Dec
They say money makes the world go round. For the most part, the phrase is true. But to say just big money turns the wheel is wrong. Small businesses and their owners make up 40% of the Canadian GDP and employ 60% of all Canadians. From small bakeries to the rise of online shops, small […]
Buy Local, Local Economy, Local Supply Chain, Small Business Tips, Support Small Business
Projected Recession Q&A: What does it all mean?
21
Dec
Dec
The projected recession looms large and we wanted to provide some helpful info – for context, and to help the small business owners we love prepare for what may be in-store. We’re still reeling from the health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as we will see, the pandemic economic effects are not […]
Buy Local, Holiday Gift Ideas, Local Gifts, Uncategorized
Christmas, Boxing Day, and Sustainable Shopping
07
Dec
Dec
Sustainable boxing day shopping can mean one big thing – more stuff. Look, I know Christmas at its core is about the spirit of it all, but come on. Gift getting, gift giving, who doesn’t love it? But as Christmas ever encroaches and boxing day sales loom, I’ve been giving more and more thought to […]
Buy Local, Local Economy, Local Supply Chain, Sports Events, Support Small Business
The World Cup, Canada and Buy Local – A Mixed Bag
30
Nov
Nov
We’re done. The Canadians are mathematically out of the FIFA World Cup. But not without making a statement. After a historic run, Canada’s men’s soccer (or football, and vice versa) made The World Cup for the first time in 29 years and scored their first goal ever. And Canadians were watching. In fact, over 3.7 […]
Buy Local, Food & Drink, Holiday Gift Ideas, Local Gifts
Gifts for Men – Local Options for the Gift Giving Season
23
Nov
Nov
Gifts for men. Let’s be honest, like ‘gifts for women’, the whole concept is a bit simplistic. People are complex. Trying to pin down a stereotypical gift for these ‘guys’ – it’s nearly impossible. Not to vent, but I can’t tell you how many hours I’ve spent looking for good gifts for my father. I’ve […]
16
Nov
Nov
The holidays – they’re stressful. Cooking, cleaning, baking, gift giving, gift wrapping, planning, and planning noise. Noise noise. I’m starting to stress myself out already. I think all of us, at some point, loaded up Google and threw in “Christmas Gift Ideas For…” x, y, and z.” I’ve always found researching gifts helpful and all. […]
Buy Local, Local Economy, Support Small Business
Nova Scotian Local Deals this Canadian Black Friday & Small Business Saturday
09
Nov
Nov
Here we go again, Canadian Black Friday shopping. We’ve all seen those clips on YouTube – the ones of endless shoppers and pandemonium in a Walmart. Don’t get me wrong. Black Friday is tempting. I have had the same laptop for longer than Cyber Monday has even existed. And, unfortunately, even a sustainability nerd like […]
Buy Local, consumer protection, Support Small Business, Uncategorized
How credit card fees affect local small businesses
25
Oct
Oct
Credit card fees and debt are a staple for the life of a consumer. After all, probably most of the adults you know have at least one credit card. Why? Well, because they are quite handy, if used responsibly. Buy now, pay later? That mindset is appealing to most of us. Interestingly, the origin of […]
12
Oct
Oct
6 Small Business Tips that will help you on your entrepreneurial journey. Because we know it’s HARD! Let’s first take a look at just how hard, before delving into some solutions. Yup – small businesses are everywhere. But that doesn’t mean that they always succeed. In fact, statistics show that the small business failure rate […]