How to Support Small Businesses and Win Free Stuff
October 22, 2008 
The free stuff is at the bottom, but do me a solid and read the whole thing. I work hard to entertain.
So... I know what you're thinking. This is a food blog!! Why in the world is a Better Businessman title and a picture of two scary men smiling at My First Kitchen? Because, my friends, small businesses keep this country going. And if you've never heard that before, you should watch more presidential debates; they use that line A LOT.
My friend, The Nester, has a great plan to support small businesses, especially the ones run by women out of their homes who make awesomely cute stuff for your house and body and baby. What's the plan? Buy your Christmas presents from women who make awesomely cute stuff!! Great plan, right?
Instead of fighting crowds and attending every "biggest sale of the season" sale to find gifts for those you love, go to places like etsy and discover beautiful, quirky, classy, unique items that you won't find anywhere else. And if you live in North Carolina and can make a trip to Greensboro, Those Creative Women are hosting their big Fabulous Day of Shopping and Social Delights at my house on November 8th. You'll meet some awesome ladies - The Nester, Lauren, Cindy, Melody, and even Emily (she isn't selling anything, but I guarantee she'll be rocking the camera and snapping pictures for at least some of the day) - and get a jump on supporting small business owners - women! - who just want to make what they love and share it with others. Women like us! And of course I'll be there with my tasty treats for your enjoyment and gift-giving.
Yeah, did I not mention that? I'm going to start selling some of my food! Scones, truffles, and awesomely tasty spice mixes. Come November, you're all over it. The perfect gift for foodies.
And in the spirit of supporting small businesses, I want to debut the very first My First Kitchen giveaway!!
Don't you want to win this? Is this not the coolest nightlight you've ever seen? I know. You want it. I understand. And out of the kindness of my heart, I will give it to you. Well, Cindy will give it to you, but let's not split hairs.
How to win? Go to Imagery Limited, and check out all of the fab stuff available for your enjoyment. (The categories of products are at the very top of the page.) Come back here, and leave me a comment telling me what item you want really really badly!! This one is mine. Comments close on Sunday!! I'll announce the winner on Monday. If you live in the Greensboro area, you can stop by her shop to pick up your loot, or if you live in the wild wild west, she'll ship it to you.
So go support local businesses this holiday season. And, yes, I love gifts. And, YES, you can totally send me something fun and unique. I'd be honored.
Fun Stuff
Reader Comments (28)
I am so loving this one: http://www.imagerylimited.com/ornaments-suncatchers-decorati/stained-glass-ornaments/1432836
Her stuff is gorgeous!!!! Thanks for having the giveaway...and I love the "support the moms" campaign!!!
I would love any of the garden art she has, but the clocks were beautiful, too! Thanks for this giveaway.
This mirror is beautiful Wrapped Wire #3493. thanks for the giveaway.
I like the stained glass ornament...very cute!
-Sandy Toes
This one is my fave today. It tends to change from day to day. 'Cause they're all so cool!
In the spirit of this announcement, my jewelry drawing will be at midnight tonight. Increase your chance of winning something from one of Those Creative Women. Enter Here!
Awesome to see you yesterday, Kendra!!
I'm waiting for " name my mixer" :)
I love the "Seeing Red" clock. This is a neat-o giveaway!! Thank you for entering me.
Tasha
Ooh Ooh! Pick me, pick me!! I want the Dancing Lady Tea Light on Black. :)
I love sdtained glass ornament #3540!
So pretty!
I love this idea and will definitely support some small businesses this Christmas. :)
I love the second of the three mirrors!
I like the suncatcher ornament. Looking forward to the 8th!
I really like the stained glass earrings!
HI! Love your blog! Wanted to tell you that I'm a new cook. And I'll be back for tips!
Hard to choose but I have a weakness for artsy earrings-I want the textured glass #3498! Fun!
I love the black stained glass earrings with the black wire. I also love your rectangular clock in Fall colors, very striking.
I just can't decide, but I do know that I'm seeing Christmas presents right and left for all my girlfriends, sister-in-law, etc. Too many fun choices!! I think the ornaments/suncatchers are my faves since they're so cute and small and will fit in so many places.
Boy, I wish I could come check out all your goodies at the show in Nov. Here's an idea for next year... expand westward! Or start touring with the Christmas Craft Shows! :)
I LOVE the clocks! I think my favorite is "Pictured Time" #3226.
Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway!
I love the clock that YOU picked, too. What an interesting place to browse.
Congrats on being a saucy blog :-). I love your layout and what you had to say about why you have the two photos up :-P.
I love that!!! So cute. I can not wait for Those Creative Women!! I will see you there!!
Check out my giveaway here!http://www.three-peas.com/2008/10/celebrate-fall-extravaganza-fall-crafts.html
I like Bertha the stained glass wall art! All of it is beautiful though! Thanks for the giveaway chance!!
blue ornament #3420 is beautiful. blue is my FAVORITE color. there is bookoos of talent on that website. VERY impressed. thank you for sharing!
I like it all. If I had to pick I like the sun catchers but really I would love any of the items in her store. Got to love Etsy!
I love it all ! Beautiful work. If I have to pick just one I'd choose one of the clocks...Seeing Red. All my favorites had red in them.
In LOVE with the earings! What a great idea you have for x-mas shopping! I totally agree with you, we need to be supporting eachother. AND, the hand made items I have seen by all these wonderful women are WAY better, MUCH HIGHER QUALITY and better priced than anything you will find in a traditional "store". I don't think I will ever buy my stuff at the mall again!!
I love your blog...and congratulations on being SAUCY!
I am also having a giveaway in celebration of starting my own business...an online coffee shop: www.getthebean.com We sell all sorts of stuff, not just coffee. If you want to get in on the giveaway stop by the blog: www.getthebean.blogspot.com.
We also do stuff to raise money for cancer charities (im a recent 3b cervical cancer survivor)
LOVE your blog, LOVE your idea and LOVE your giveaway!!!
xoxo
Meaghan