Really, these go together. Just watch this video about the economics of local shopping and you’ll understand the connection.
Archive for the ‘Small Business’ Category
The Weirding of Austin and Economic Impact
Posted in Creativity, Getting the word out, Small Business, tagged economic impact of local shopping, multiplier effect on May 9, 2013 | Leave a Comment »
So Cool: What to do in St. Paul-Minneapolis (An Occasional Series): Sever’s Corn Maze
Posted in Cool things in Minneapolis, Mobile Computing, Small Business, tagged Camera+, Camera+ Clarity, Downloading Instagram Photos, Family Fun in Minneapolis, hipstamatic, Instagram, MN State Fair, Sever's Corn Maze, Smart gloves, St. Paul Photos, Talbot's, Talbot's tech gloves., Teresa Boardman, Twin Cities, Weekend Fun in the Twin Cities on October 21, 2012 | Leave a Comment »
Saturday dawned foggy and cool, but turned Minnesota Perfect after lunch: sunny and breezy in the 60s.
This is the THE weekend to be outside.
If you’re not interested in traveling far, consider a drive to Shakopee to visit the Sever’s Corn Maze. Honestly, I’d never been to one until Social Media Breakfast-MSP (#SMBMSP) invited me–unless you count the 2 days I detasseled corn one summer and got lost trying to find the bus home.
Unfortunately, the day I went to Sever’s was freezing–upper 30s with a biting wind. But it was a great day to test my tech-friendly gloves from Talbot’s and take pictures free of frostbite. The Thumbs and forefingers have a special covering that works on touch screens.
While I had my “big camera” with me, I had a lot of fun playing with photography apps and my smart gloves. My Canon Rebel photos can be stunning, however I can’t share them until I download them at home (which I still haven’t done).
Taking Photos and Sharing Them
With my iPhone4, I have the native camera app, Camera+, Hipstamatic, and Instagram.
I take much better photos with Camera+ than I do with Instagram. It’s not only the cool special effects and touch exposure–the photos are clearer–even without the new 99¢ Clarity function. I don’t think it’s operator error either.
My method is the same with each app: Open, Aim, and Click.
It’s easy to share my Camera+ photos to Twitter, Facebook, or via email to my dad, but Instagram is a social network. As soon as I snapped and shared the photo of the maze entrance (above), my friend Teresa Boardman of St. Paul Photos liked it! Plus I could look for other friends lost in the maze (or the corn pit that I somehow missed) by their photo maps and hashtags.
When my fingers aren’t freezing (and I have time to kill) I take pictures with Camera+, save them to my Camera Roll and upload them to Instagram. But it’s a lot of work just to share photos with my friends.
Tech Gloves, Typing, and Snapping
My gloves performed beautifully. In fact, I think I type more accurately with them–especially when aiming for an “o” and not an “i.” Oddly they worked better with Instagram than Camera+. I’m not sure why, though. While functional and fashionable, my bright red gloves are wool and slippery, which means driving with them is dangerous. This winter I’ll have to invest in lined leather ones, so I can answer my phone in the car.
Other than Taking Pictures,What Can You Do at Sever’s Corn Maze?
Just Imagine the State Fair with a lot of corn and pumpkins and you’ll get the idea. Here’s a few of the fantastically fun attractions:
- Mini Donuts
- Giant Slide (from the Fair)
- Corn Pit
- Pumpkin Shooting
- Straw Bale Mini Maze
- Camel AND Pony rides
- Exotic Animal Petting (watch out for the Ostriches)
- Farm Animal Feeding (the goats are cute)
- Pumpkins for Purchase
- Much Appreciated ATM
By the way, if you don’t automatically save your Instagram photos to your iPhone Camera Roll, read here for Mac or here for PC to learn how to download them.
Have a Super Sunday!
Shop Small Saturday is Today!
Posted in Cool things in Minneapolis, Cool Things in St. Paul, Creativity, Getting the word out, Small Business, Word of Mouth, tagged #shopsmallsaturday, Art at Ramsey, ArtMadeDaily.com, College of Visual Arts, Crafter’s Local 612 No Coast Craft-o-Rama, Fired Up Studios, HandmadeMN, LaRue’s, Minnesota Women’s Art Festival, Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Northern Clay Center, Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar, Paper Hat, the Grand Hand on November 26, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Today is Shop Small Saturday. After 11 posts dedicated to this day, I’m rounding out my series with handmade goods.
You could spend all of next weekend driving around Minneapolis and St. Paul to hit all the amazing art and craft events.
My favorite shopping experience every December is the Crafter’s Local 612 No Coast Craft-o-Rama held December 2nd and 3rd in the Midtown Global Market. Here’s the list of vendors. The jewelry I buy here is always my favorite. I’m getting a babysitter for Friday night.
Some of the artists you’ll meet at the Craft-o-Rama also sell their work on ArtMadeDaily.com — it’s similar to Etsy, but much smaller and devoted only to art.
If you like to mix shopping with family fun, visit Saint Paul for next weekend’s Grand Meander. Pet reindeer, visit with Santa, and shop: Art at Ramsey is a juried art show run by artists. Don’t let the junior high gym location deter you. 1700 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul
The Fired Up Studios preview sale is Friday night. Shop among 40 local clay artists and bid in the Second Harvest Heartland silent auction. 1701 East Hennepin Avenue
Also happening next weekend (I know, this doesn’t help you help you shop small today, so you can all month) is the 33rd Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. There is a heavy emphasis on craft vs. art, but it’s still a fun place to shop. December 1-3.
Lastly, the College of Visual Arts hosts their gallery sale next weekend, as well. $25 admission on Friday night. 173 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul
Just up the hill from downtown is the Grand Hand—one of my favorite local galleries that just keeps growing. 619 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul
Shop LaRue’s in south Minneapolis for gorgeous clothing and art jewelry. 3952 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis
The Northern Clay Center offers classes, studio space, and stunning pottery for sale. 2424 Franklin Avenue East, Minneapolis
Paper Hat is one of the shops that everyone tells you about as soon as they discover it. Visit the blog to see photos or read the Minnesota Monthly review. 2309 West 50th Street, Edina
Once you’ve rested from next weekend’s art-shop-arama, visit the 19th annual Minnesota Women’s Art Festival at the midtown YWCA on December 10th. 2121 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
The Minnetonka Center for the Arts has an ongoing holiday show in their gallery (2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata) and on the 2nd floor of Ridgedale Center.
If you have a Twitter account, be sure to follow @HandmadeMN and visit their website. HandmadeMN is a collective of Minnesota artists who sell on Etsy.
Day Ten of the Daily Dozen: Small Business Saturday: November 26th, 2011: Used / Thrifted / Consigned
Posted in Eating & Drinking (aka Restaurants), Getting the word out, One Mile Project, Small Business, Word of Mouth, tagged #shopsmallsaturday, 1957 MGA, Animal Art Thrift Store, ARC Value Village, Architectural Antiques, Bauer Brothers Salvage, Blackbird Minneapolis, buy used this holiday season, covet old cars, Electric MG Midget, Elite Repeat, Express Yourself Clothing, jags, june resale, Lishyloo, MGs, Northwest Architectural Salvage, Peter’s Oldies but Goodies, Quality Coaches, the Blue Door, The Mall of St Paul, the Reuse Center, thrifter, thrifting, Twin City Thrift Stores, Up Six on November 23, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
My friend, Lishyloo is a master thrifter. If you miss the cutie-pie clothes you wore as a kid, check out her Etsy site, that I mentioned on Day Four’s Daily Dozen.
On the other hand, I covet old cars. Maybe it was childhood trips crammed into my parents’ MGs and jags driving around the Iowa countryside or maybe I just appreciate their design; either way, no used-goods list would be complete without Quality Coaches. I have to admit the lack of price on this 1957 MGA listing might just prevent me from seeking more information, but not the Electric MG Midget. Find them at 20 West 38th Street (at Nicollet) in Minneapolis. They are a perfect place to walk to after lunch at Blackbird.
Not too far away on Lyndale, you’ll find june. It’s a “buy outright resale shop, not consignment.” Custom made hats. Wow. 3406 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis
The Selby corridor in St. Paul features a plethora of old stuff, as I like to call it:
Lula Vintage. Mod and cool vintage. 1587 Selby Avenue
Up Six. Mid-century coolness for house and home. 157 Snelling Avenue North
The Mall of St Paul. I counted 6 manual typewriters the last time I was there (my son saw one on display, so we had to stop). Over 5o antique dealers in one place. Awesome record collection. 1817 Selby Avenue
Peter’s Oldies but Goodies is just across the street from the Mall of St. Paul. Lots of old furniture that needing TLC.
Before you head East down Selby, stop at the Blue Door for a snack, but beware, they are always busy.
Between Hamline and Lexington on Selby, you’ll find Express Yourself Clothing. Cool clothes and cool deeds: “Express Yourself Clothing is kind of a hybrid. We’re both a traditional clothing exchange and a social purpose venture where young people from our community learn all aspects of operating a small business. In this unique environment, our customers can expect to receive courteous, professional service; high-quality clothing and accessories at great prices; and the knowledge that 100% of our revenues are reinvested in our urban internship program.” 1154 Selby Avenue
Northwest Architectural Salvage. Are you one doorknob short of a complete collection in your old house? Look no further. Located across from J.J. Hill Montessori School at Chatsworth. 981 Selby Avenue
However for a truly amazing selection of furnishings for your old house and other house jewelry (more doorknobs and funky plumbing fixtures), you must visit Architectural Antiques. If you’re not sure what you could do, visit their idea page. 1330 Northeast Quincy Street, Minneapolis
Also in Minneapolis, but formerly in Saint Paul, is Bauer Brothers Salvage. When my husband I finished our 3rd floor walk-up, we wanted 25 linear feet of Oak molding to match the other 2 floors of our house. We went to Bauer Brothers and asked for it. The guy at the front desk politely shrugged his shoulders and said, “Well, that’s a lot of molding, but you can put your name in book.” So we did. And they called us 2 days later when they had some in stock. 2432 2nd Avenue North, Minneapolis
Another old favorite, the Reuse Center closed in January 2011. I mention them because their story is great. Read it here.
Obviously, I like old houses and old cars.
But let’s get back to my friend Lishlyloo. Hands down she recommends ARC Value Village because they have an excellent volunteer program, great organization and provide AWESOME thrifting. Four locations in the Twin Cities.
Another do-good-thrift-shop is the Animal Art Thrift Store, which supports Minnesota’s largest no-kill shelter at 809 East 7th Street in Saint Paul.
One last stop in St. Paul – Elite Repeat on Randolph at Hamline. Fashionable women’s clothes in perfect shape at great prices. Plus, I love their tagline: “Ralph Lauren found hanging around second-hand shop.”
Day Nine of the Daily Dozen: Shop Small Saturday: November 26th, 2011: Southwest Metro, The Lakes District
Posted in Eating & Drinking (aka Restaurants), Getting the word out, Small Business, Word of Mouth, tagged #shopsmallsaturday, Artworks Art and Frames, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, city living, D.B. & Company, Historic Excelsior Mill, Hot Mama, Leipold's Gifts & Antiques, Market Hill, Minnetonka Music, Old Log Theater, Patisserie Margo, Provisions, Shakopee Trading Post & Gallery, southwest metro, The Sampler, Tim Berry, Tonka Cycle and Ski on November 22, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
More proof that I actually leave the city! Head West! Visit these fun and funky spots west of 494. I can only imagine the trip via streetcar, click here to read the history.
Leipold’s Gifts & Antiques Their yahoo site says they carry lamp parts, which they do – and I mean all kinds of lamp parts: cords, shades, plugs, and harps. But they have lots of other weird, cool stuff. 239 Water Street, Excelsior
Patisserie Margo Super yummy pastries where I’d never expect them. Of course, Margo was a pastry chef at the fabled 510 Groveland and Blackforest, so we shouldn’t be surprised! 284 Water Street, Excelsior
Minnetonka Music My brother-in-law, Tim Berry, buys his musical gear here—all the endorsement I need! 250 Water Street, Excelsior
Artworks Art and Frames Fantastic children’s art supplies. 345 Water Street, Excelsior
Historic Excelsior Mill: D.B. & Company sells yummy, European Soaps and Provisions stocks beautiful dishes, linens, and other housewares. 320 Water Street, Excelsior
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres 501 West 78th Street, Chanhassen / Old Log Theater 5185 Meadville Street
Greenwood. Theatre tickets always make great gifts!
The Sampler: Where I bought my first Kaffe Fassett fabric after a show at the MIA. Quilters are collaborators, thus don’t be surprised by their extensive directory of other quilt/fabric shops It’s like Target telling you where the Walmart is. How cool is that? 551 West 78th Street, Chanhassen
Tonka Cycle and Ski All your bike and board needs and premier boot fitting. Plus they partner with Full Cycle outreach program, which offers free bikes to homeless and at-risk youth. 16 Shady Oak Road South, Hopkins
Shakopee Trading Post & Gallery Stunning sterling silver and turquoise jewelry, blankets, gifts, beadwork. 723 1st Avenue West, Shakopee
Market Hill Fine Fairy Houses & Accessories for Your Fairy Garden. Perfect accessories for all those fairy houses around lake Nokomis or your own backyard. Seriously. 11905 Market Avenue, Cologne
Day Eight of the Daily Dozen: Shop Small Saturday: November 26th, 2011: Mashup Monday
Posted in Cool things in Minneapolis, Cool Things in St. Paul, Creativity, Eating & Drinking (aka Restaurants), Getting the word out, One Mile Project, Small Business, Word of Mouth, tagged #shopsmallsaturday, Art Scraps, Ax-Man Surplus Stores, Borealis Yarns, Chatterbox Pub, Highland Nursery, Minneapolis American Indian Center, Northern Brewer, On's Thai Kitchen, Quinn Violin, St. Paul Corner Drug, The Day by Day Café, Wet Paint on November 21, 2011 | Leave a Comment »
Mashup Monday: A random-mix of places I love. No rhyme, no reason
Northern Brewer For the beer geek in all of us. As a “small shop,” they are kind of big (St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee), but they used to be small not so long ago. Everything you need for making your own home brew (or wine).
Art Scraps The best second-use of industrial leftovers, donated collections (maps, fabric sample books, old National Geographics), and other would-be garbage. The ultimate source for making art with kids. 1459 Saint Clair Avenue, Saint Paul
On’s Thai Kitchen My new favorite Thai food. 1613 University Avenue West, Saint Paul
Wet Paint My candy store. Paper, pens, paints – all the usual stuff you’d find in an art supply store—one on steroids anyway. Where I go to buy my arty kid all his gifts (he shops himself at Art Scraps). 1684 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul
Minneapolis American Indian Center The Woodland Indian Crafts store carries locally made beadwork and greeting cards as well as bead supplies. While you’re shopping, stop in for lunch (Monday-Friday) at the Wolf’s Den Circle Café. 1530 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis
St. Paul Corner Drug Yes, this is a pharmacy, but they stock all of life’s little needs: candy, greeting cards, phosphate sodas, and great advice. 240 South Snelling Avenue, Saint Paul
Borealis Yarns A truly sensual collection of yarns that their website doesn’t do justice too. Free classes, too. 1340 Thomas Avenue, Saint Paul
Quinn Violin Didn’t you always want to play the Cello? You can rent one from $34 a month or buy one and all the necessary accoutrements. 1081 21st Avenue, Southeast Minneapolis
Chatterbox Pub Great food and video games from my childhood: Atari, Nintendo, Frogger, etc. 800 Cleveland Avenue South, St Paul
Highland Nursery Plant magic anytime of the year. 1742 7th Street West, Saint Paul
The Day by Day Café Breakfast all day – score a table in the library or patio if you can. To-die-for caramel rolls. Read their history; I like that they hire people in recovery. We all need a leg up once in a while. Cash or check only. 477 7th Street West, Saint Paul
Ax-Man Surplus Stores Self-declared “surplus heaven,” which it truly is. 1639 University Avenue West, Saint Paul
Tune in tomorrow for a West Metro spotlight, you might be surprised.
Day Seven of the Daily Dozen: Shop Small Saturday: November 26th, 2011: Lunch on the Town
Posted in Cool things in Minneapolis, Cool Things in St. Paul, Eating & Drinking (aka Restaurants), Getting the word out, Small Business, tagged #shopsmallsaturday, Cafe Ena, corkage fee, Dixie’s on Grand, Dock theatre, Fleet Farm, Grand Café, Groveland Tap, Haskell's, Haskell's Port of Excelsior, Jake O’Connor’s Public House, lunch with my dad, Meritage, Mocha Monkey, Muffuletta’s, St. Pauli Girl, Stella Artois, Sugar Sugar Candy, Turtle Bread Company, W.A. Frost & Co., Waconia Farm Supply on November 20, 2011 | 2 Comments »
One of the best things about moving back to Minnesota after four years down south is my (almost) weekly lunch date with my father. Sometimes it’s just us. Sometimes my kids, my spouse, or one of my siblings joins us. Writing about Cafe Ena last night reminded me a lunch date there. Thus, today’s Daily Dozen for Shop Small Saturday is dedicated to some of my favorite lunch spots with my dad.
Grand Café gives you a wonderful feeling when you walk inside. The window plants add a nice touch, as well. And the food is delicious. 3804 Grand Avenue South, Minneapolis
Across the street is a candy store. Just candy. Candy arranged like shoes in the Oval Room. Sugar Sugar Candy makes candy beautiful, as well as tasty. Peak at their amazing website to see the rock candy chandelier.
When I first moved to St. Paul, Muffuletta’s was the one of the only places my dad knew how to find. A huge fan of New Orleans, we went for their signature sandwich and couldn’t finish it! Milton Square, 2260 Como Avenue, St. Paul
Turtle Bread Company creates unbelievable soups and knock-your-socks-off bread. My favorite? The chocolate loaf. 4205 East 34th Street, Minneapolis
When I miss grits and greens, we visit Dixie’s on Grand. As southern as you can get in Minnesota; each month they feature a different locale. Don’t forget to watch the train that circles the bar. 695 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul
W.A. Frost & Co. is for celebrating. It’s also for summer nights on the most extraordinary patio in the world and for mussels and Muscadet. In the summer it’s cool and elegant and in the winter, warm and inviting. I don’t ever need a reason to go here. My favorite thing? Expert dessert and spirit pairings. 374 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul
I invite my dad to Meritage when I want to say, “Thank you.” The food is amazing and we both love France. Enough said. 410 Saint Peter Street, Saint Paul
When I want to explain the charm of St. Paul, we go to the Groveland Tap. It’s home to of one of the best happy hours and excuses to visit in town. This fact is lost on my dad who doesn’t veer much beyond St. Pauli Girl and Stella Artois, but I love the beer selection and spicy fries. 1834 St. Clair Avenue, Saint Paul
Mocha Monkey is the defacto town hall in Waconia (see I do leave the city!). Funky atmosphere, great food, and live music. 115 South Olive Street, Waconia
While you’re there, you ought to visit Waconia Farm Supply which has the best toys in town. It’s like a mini Fleet Farm where everyone knows your name. You name it; they carry it. 801 Hwy 284, Waconia
Jake O’Connor’s Public House energized the Excelsior scene. Not that the Dock Cinema and many antique stores aren’t quaint, but they lack spunk. Of course, I am a fan of Irish bars, so maybe that accounts for something. I have no idea if it’s “authentic,” but I love the semi-private dining booths. I also can’t resist their fish and chips and perfectly poured pints. 200 Water Street, Excelsior
Enjoy stunning lake views from Haskell’s Port of Excelsior. It’s bar food, but you can buy a bottle of amazing wine next door for the tiny $3 corkage fee to quaff with your grilled cheese-tomato sandwich. One Water Street, Excelsior
Here’s to lunch with your dad or mom!
What I Write About
Top Posts
about.me
Sara Kerr
Marketing Maven
Marketing director, social media strategist and professor at St. Catherine University
Feminist. Yogi, Lover of snow and skinny skis, Good Beer, Great Music, French Wine & Sidewalks.
Semi Random Topics
