Local Big Spend

This past Saturday was the BIG SPEND, a nationwide initiative to revive the economy through purchases at small local businesses. Did you spend supporting local businesses?

We thought we would share some of our purchases and why we love them. This was a week long event for Kate….because well, she likes to shop. This also goes for supporting local restaurants and eateries; this is Amy's kind of supporting. Amy isn't much of a shopper, but she sure keeps the local watering holes in business.

Kate spent her Wednesday evening in Grand Bend for dinner at the Growling Gator. A little shopping at Archies is always a must! Avoid it on the weekends if you can though. It gets pretty busy, making it challenging to social distance. It was a perfect night with friends! Coming home with a new Great Lakes sweater, for those cool summer nights.

We also made the short drive out to Camlachie to visit one of our favourite shops; Lake Life Studio. Justine, a local artist, owns and operates the glass studio and boutique, which features many (local) talented artisans. We walked away with a new pair of glass studs (these are an OG to Lake Life) and a fresh beach-going tank top. Justine also hosts glass workshops, which is a really fun night out for a small group of friends or family! Unfortunately, she has not been able to offer these workshops since the pandemic. We look forward to another night like this soon!

If you prefer to stick around home, online shopping is still something you can do while supporting local. And Wooly Doodle in Chatham, ON makes that possible...and has some really cute stuff! Like this black romper, (see photo above) which is also good for just about any kind of activity; like practicing handstands. We are a sucker for free shipping, what’s another $12 if it means free shipping! So better throw in a new headband too!

We love trips to the market for fresh fruits and vegetables. (Wednesdays & Saturdays from 7:00am - 1:00pm). You can also plan to pick up some delicious cuts of meat, a bag of pepperette sticks...and our favourite, sunflowers. It’s always a nice bonus when you get to pick up a bouquet of sunflowers for only $3! They are a lovely touch to a wee little kitchen.

On Saturday we ventured downtown to check out some local shops. Some of our favs include One Tooth, River Bank & Co. and ue inc. We picked up a new scent of Wick + Bear candle at River Bank & Co. Handmade soy candles made right here in Sarnia; they smell awesome and make a great gift. An OG favourite candle scent we love of hers is Basil and Bosc Pear! Kate also picked up ANOTHER fanny pack at One Tooth, because one isn’t enough ya know. We also picked up some leggings for a friend that lives out of town. She LOVES their leggings, so it was her semi-annual pick up we did for her.

We worked up the appetite for a snack and grabbed a treat from Greens Organic Cafe. Vegan cupcakes are healthy right? They are also delicious! And the perfect snack to do some people watching under a shade tree down at the riverfront (and a much needed energy boost for our long walk back home).

Supporting local also includes local services. Like barre fitness classes with with Chantelle from Rhythm & Beat Collective. Chantelle is currently offering classes online and down at Canatara Park and they are awesome! Plus she has a summer series coming up, starting August 10.

Sunday we took another walk on a mission for fries from the chip truck in Centennial Park. It was a scorcher so we detoured to Blackwater to grab an iced coffee. Fun fact, it closes at 3:00pm on Sundays; we got there about 3:12pm... No problem let’s head

around the corner to Coffee Culture; also closes at 3:00pm. WE TRIED. So the walk continued to the chip truck for fries and a plain ole bottle of water.

Did you get out and support the BIG SPEND this weekend? Where is your favourite place to eat or shop in Sarnia-Lambton!?

Kate & Amy