For every $100 spent in local area stores, $68 goes back into the community. For about every $100 dollars spent in a chain store all but $14 dollars flows out of the state destined for far off corporate headquarters and various suppliers.

I spent the day shopping…..
I think that I had fun although the pressure to find the perfect gift is not so fun
BUT
I hope that my SCOUTing will make your life a bit easier and inspire you to SHOP LOCALLY this season
1st Stop
The Bridge PAI (Local Artisans)
209 Monticello Road in Belmont


Now this was FUN!  I bought a few things…and want so many more
The refurbished sweaters are my VERY favorite (major distraction bc I wanted them all for myself)

  YOU WILL HAVE FUN at this SHOW/SHOP/LOCAL ARTIST STOP

2nd Stop
C&A Camp
(across from the Gleason)
Carlin spends her time SCOUTing items that cannot be found anywhere else
These are a few of my favorite things
ANTLERS *KNIVES *LINEN *FUR
petrified wood and crystals

The fur below is so super soft and real and amazing…and OH how I want it on my bed.

When you shop local, you invest in your community, in your neighbors, and in yourselves. In this economic climate, the best return on investment is in local business. It is estimated that for every dollar you spend, twice as much will be reinvested in the community by a local store than a national store.

Local business owners invest in community: Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community's future.

more tomorrow……
PLEASE STOP by C&A CAMP and The Bridge PAI
(i must say that the people invoved with these 2 LOCAL businesses are HUGE supporters of LOCAL business….please…lets do our part and return the love and support them)
tell them SCOUT Sent you ((please)

3 Responses to “Gift Ideas (downtown)”

1. Carlin Camp says:

   December 8, 2010 at 7:29 am

   Susie, Thank YOU so very much. Have forwarded your blog to all my family & friends that have been so supportive of me (and my little shop)!
   Had no idea The Bridge Pai existed, cant wait to visit! Looks exactly my style. HI Bridge Pai,welcome to the hood!!!
   Susie you are an angel, Stunningly beautiful as well! Your blog & support of local businesses IMO has been the best advocate & bolster,the shop owners & community could ever hope & wish for. You are stellar, steadfast & talented.
   SUSIE, thank you from the bottom of my heart, truly!
   Carlin

   Reply
2. Robin Truxel says:

   December 8, 2010 at 10:43 am

   Ohmygoodness, I randomly walked into Carlin’s store last night and found THE MOST AMAZING things! She has absolutely FANTASTIC gifts (although the GORGEOUS beaded giraffes from Africa I purchased are somehow sitting on MY mantle), delicious linens and really unique gifts for the home….This is a MUST SHOP place for the holidays, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list. Also a great place for jewelry, funky art, super soft socks, amazing lotions, what more could you want? I am lucky enough to be Carlin’s neightbor but thank goodness Susie is letting the world know!

   Reply
3. Tommy G says:

   December 8, 2010 at 2:24 pm

   A day in the Christmas Spirit should include a open ended visit to C&A Camp. Carlin has such fun discoveries for the challenged shopper! Unique gifts that women are lookng for and cool stuff for men too. Comfortable fabrics, headgear and exotic accessories to compliment the hunt box or country cabin. Stop in and suprise yourself.

   Reply