Confession: Lately all the images of girls and guys enjoying their Starbucks has really been driving me crazy! *WHEW* okay I said it! (and it feels damn good :P)
It's not because I hate Starbucks (because Lord knows I love their caramel frappuccinos every now and then) it's just that I'd love to see more people (including myself!) supporting their local coffee shops too! Me and the boy have the cutest little indie coffee shop in walking distance from our house and we've never even been...it's shameful :P So I've been toying around with the idea to do a blog series where I challenge myself and you to eat, drink, and shop LOCAL as much as we can this summer!
Here's the scoop:
Prompts will be posted every Wednesday. What's the prompt you ask? Well, every Wed. I am going to post about my findings at a local Memphis spot (i.e. coffee shop, diner, store etc.) and that's your cue to visit the type of place I went to in YOUR city, enjoy what they have to offer, snap some pics and then post about it in your blog before the next prompt. (This gives you a week between each prompt to get it done) It's that simple! Not only will you support local, you'll also be helping people like me who want to learn about and visit great spots when they travel :)
Prompts will be posted every Wednesday. What's the prompt you ask? Well, every Wed. I am going to post about my findings at a local Memphis spot (i.e. coffee shop, diner, store etc.) and that's your cue to visit the type of place I went to in YOUR city, enjoy what they have to offer, snap some pics and then post about it in your blog before the next prompt. (This gives you a week between each prompt to get it done) It's that simple! Not only will you support local, you'll also be helping people like me who want to learn about and visit great spots when they travel :)
(PROMPT #1 has been posted! Click here to start your challenge!)
If you'd like to play along, please grab the challenge button below and leave me a comment saying you're in. I plan on giving you new prompts for at least a month but the challenge may go on longer as I find new places to go. The challenge officially ends August 1st, but you can do as many prompts (or as few) as you like as long as you participate along the way! I don't want this to be a challenge with a ton of rules...I just want to you to have fun and support local with me :D Also, at the end of the challenge, I will throw everyone's name in a hat and one challenge participant will receive a free goodie bag from Cute Stew! Even if you don't plan on participating, please help spread the word! (repost, repost, and repost again) Thanks!! :D
Grab the button!
Sign up starts now and never ends...you can join along the way!
MK
p.s. Thank you to Thomas of eat local memphis for giving me the boost of inspiration I needed to make this summer series a priority. I always think of things to do for the blog and kind of let the ideas dwindle...but very soon after I had this idea, I found his website and that was the confirmation I needed to get this thing in gear!
& this blog is under construction. excuse any weirdness you see!
blog design by the most awesome:
40 lovely readers said...:
i am TOTALLY in! this sounds like fun! :)
I'm in! This sounds like a great way to try new things :)
i want to do this, but i dont live in Memphis :(
so if i can, im gonna follow the type of places you go and find similar ones in Oakland c'os to be honest I have yet to discover great places out here haha
IM IN! :D
Oh you don't have to live in Memphis Gwen!
Everyone is going to find places in THEIR cities. Like if the prompt is "restaurant" you go and find a great local restaurant in Oakland :D
ooooh, I wanna play! (Also, you know Thomas at Eat Local is Finny's daddy?) :)
Kat -- I found his site while I was on Muddy's blog so I figured it was him :D I love his writing...he's so funny!
This is great! I always try to support indie business instead of huge corporations.
Can't wait to see the first prompt!
This sounds awesome! I'm so in!
This is so cool...I'm in!!!
what an awesome idea!! i will try!
What a great idea! Although not many choose to travel through my city I will definatly try to do some local business features in reflection to your challenge!
Thanks for the prompt!
I'm in! This will give me the chance to explore my new city and find some awesome local shops. :)
I'm IN! This sounds like it'll be fun!
Blogged about your challenge to encourage others to stay tuned, and participate!
Posted here:
http://creativebiostar.blogspot.com/2010/06/oh-awesome-day-after-all-waiting-its.html
im in!!!
Me too! :)
This is a great idea! Please count me in. :)
Thanks for the shout out about eat local - it really makes life much for exciting! Love the challenge. I'm sure that I can hang!
-Thomas
SOUNDS FUN!!!! I'm in!
Great idea and may I submit my local business for consideration? My wife Kelli and I own and operate "Square Beans" on Collierville's town square. We are an indie coffee house and been open for over 2 years now and have just added GELATO and SORBETTO. We are open 7a-6p M-W, 7a-10p Th-Fr, 8a-10p Sat. Come see us!
thanks to everyone who's playing!!! can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!
square beans -- I plan on visiting square beans soon! me and my boyfriend are on a mission this summer. we live by the U of M so we're trying to find a bunch of local spots in collierville so we can make a day of it. any recs??
I'm so in! What a great idea. I saw the link for the challenge on the Muddy's Bake Shop blog. Right on!
Melly this sounds like a blast! And just when I needed some blogging inspiration!
ok i'm totally inspired! i really want to be able to do all your challenges :) i'm in :)
I'm so totally in that it's not even funny!
I'm totally in! First post: http://pamplemousse1983.blogspot.com
this is so exciting!
i am going to do out tonight and do it!
I do believe I have just signed up for this! Will make every effort to participate as much as possible as this is *such* a great idea not least of all for getting to know my new local area :D
I mentioned this campaign on my b'log just this moment! http://pigwidget.blogspot.com/2010/06/inspiration-monday.html
Obviously, im in! But just thought id leave a message too! :)
wow. pretty sweet idea but looks like i missed the first one
I want to join! Am I too late?
nope you're not too late to join...
I'm in for the challenge! I live in a really small town (Linwood), but I work/go to college in two different towns (Schuyler & Columbus). So is it cool if I kind of combine the three? =S
I'm in! This is such a good idea :)
go for it April!
Better late than never, right?
I recently moved from Cleveland to SE Minnesota, and this is my first summer here, so this will help me get to know my new digs.
PS I have no clue why it deleted my 1st comment.
Oh this is wonderful! I am a big fan of eating/shopping local, I even grow my own veggies! I am going to have fun with this challenge and good for you for promoting such an important thing! I am SICK TO DEATH of trendy Starbucks photo shots, blech! Yah yah frapacinnos are yummy....but cool kids shop local! WORD
what a great idea :) we will take part and support local!
http://commonthreadskingston.com/
Too late?? If not, I'm totally game!
Post a Comment