tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63006539237313720092024-03-28T00:17:06.608-07:00Share Some SugarKearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-90492926558900298932010-07-07T18:11:00.000-07:002010-07-07T18:27:41.011-07:00Share Some Sugar Goes Social! New Updates & Features!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com/user/friendgroup"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 328px; height: 209px;" src="http://img.skitch.com/20100708-nq8wgxe7k2hcqysgtfdbhukcg3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />New Features Have Launched!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">After lots of hard work, we are proud to announce some exciting new (and useful) features to Share Some Sugar! It's now easier for you to share, borrow and have a great experience in your neighborhood! Thanks for all of your great feedback. It helped us improve the site to meet (and hopefully exceed) your needs</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >!<br /><br />Here's a flavor of what you can experience now on <a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com/">Share Some Sugar:</a><br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com/user/friendgroup"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Sharing Groups: Share Within Your Social Network!</span></a> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Now you can now share with people you know and trust. Create your own Sharing Groups and invite your friends from Facebook or by entering their email addresses. </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Click 'Create New Group' and follow the steps from there!</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com/user/mywishlist"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 368px; height: 184px;" src="http://img.skitch.com/20100708-jmunmnq6i3mhbqqt54eesn2j61.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com/user/mywishlist">Wishlist: We'll Help You Find Things That You Need!</a></span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Looking for something that hasn't been posted yet? Add it to your wishlist and we'll notify you as soon as someone has posted it.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> Click 'Add to My Wishlist'!</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" ><br /><br />And lots, lots more!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />- Merge Your Facebook account with Share Some Sugar to take full advantage of our new features.<br /></span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> - Search and browse for items within your Friends, Groups and your Neighborhood.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> - Item icons are now pictures of the exact item so it's easier to visually browse and borrow.</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> - Neighborhood Buzz: see what your friends (and groups) are sharing, borrowing and wishing for.</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />We love hearing from you- <a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com/learn/contact">so send us your ideas</a> or just let us know how we're doing, so we can continue to improve the Share Some Sugar experience!</span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br />Your Neighbors, </span> <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Shugie (your favorite neighbor) & Keara (Share Some Sugar founder)</span></span>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-5464304292974692432010-05-27T17:46:00.000-07:002010-05-27T17:57:07.248-07:00The Rise of Collaborative ConsumptionI came across this video (via <a href="www.shareable.net">Shareable</a>, one of my favorite blogs)that does a fantastic job highlighting the future of conusmption: Collaborative Consumption. It's amazing how many different solutions people, company and organizations are coming up with all with the goal of reducing wasteful spending and consumption of newly produced goods. From bikeshare programs to ZipCar and their new app which 100,000 people in the first week to bartering services and gifting economies.... we are just on the cusp of a new mode of consumption.<br /><br />The interesting thing is that most of these new service based ideas all intrinsically connect people to each other in different ways. If it's meeting a new person when you pick up an item on freecycle or unlocking a rental bike at a bike sharing rack and meeting someone doing the same thing... peers, people with similar interest are connecting in ways that have not been common in a long time.<br /><br />It's an exciting time right now and we're exciting to be a part of this socioeconomic shift!<br /><br />Check out the awesome video!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://vimeo.com/11924774"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 478px; height: 275px;" src="http://img.skitch.com/20100528-b441ujda4r66gxabn3n1ti9ck9.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-15128991918342157622010-05-16T07:32:00.000-07:002010-05-16T07:53:14.127-07:00Build a Sharing Community in Your NeighborhoodWe have received lots of requests from our Share Some Sugar neighbors who are <span style="font-weight: bold;">looking to grow a sharing community in their neighborhood. Here are a 3 simple ideas to help you out:</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S_AEOwaNhMI/AAAAAAAACto/bxnTEj3DGoM/s1600/SSSBlankZipPosterTent.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S_AEOwaNhMI/AAAAAAAACto/bxnTEj3DGoM/s400/SSSBlankZipPosterTent.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471878198814672066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />1. Print this poster and <span style="font-weight: bold;">hang it around your neighborhood</span> or put it in neighbors mailboxes. Don't forget to write in your own zip code! (click on the image and then again to zoom in for full size poster)<br /><br />2. Forward ShareSomeSugar.com to the your <span style="font-weight: bold;">neighborhood council director</span> and tell them how it's an easy way to meet new neighbors, be resourceful and environmentally responsible and save money!<br /><br />3. Every neighbor knows a few more neighbors. Tell the neighbors that you know about Share Some Sugar and ask them to tell the neighbors that they know!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com/learn/contact">Email us</a> with ideas, feedback or stories on how you are building a sharing community in your neighborhood!Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-51495041135771848542010-04-19T18:19:00.000-07:002010-04-19T18:24:18.776-07:00Jack Johnson's Sharing Song<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We swear we didn't commission Jack Johnson to write this song for us;) Check out Jack Johnson's Sharing Song:<br /><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YP_hsXJcbVw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/YP_hsXJcbVw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />Here are the lyrics:<br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);">It's always more fun</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> To share with everyone</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> It's always more fun</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> To share with everyone</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> If you have two</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Give one to your friend</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> If you have three</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Give one to your friend and me</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> It's always more fun</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> To share with everyone</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> It's always more fun</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> To share with everyone</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> If you've got one</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Here is something you can learn</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> You can still share</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Just by taking turns</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> If you've got a ball</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Bounce it to the gang</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> If there is a new kid</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Invite him out to hang</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> If you've got one sandwich</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Cut that thing in half</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> If you know a secret joke</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Tell it and share a laugh</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> If you've got one drumsticks</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Give one to your friend</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Make one beautiful rhythm</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Share a beat that never ends</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> And if you're feeling lonely</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Share time with your mom</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> Share some milk and cookies</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> And sing the sharing song</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> It's always more fun</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> To share with everyone</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> It's always more fun</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; color: rgb(102, 102, 102);"> To share with everyone</span>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-18161072955401628372010-03-04T16:21:00.000-08:002010-03-04T16:24:31.714-08:00Universal Design Observations from the Grocery Store<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/10379298/2/istockphoto_10379298-senior-shopping-motorized-wheelchair-electric-buggy-cart.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 253px;" src="http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/10379298/2/istockphoto_10379298-senior-shopping-motorized-wheelchair-electric-buggy-cart.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Insight from the Grocery Store: The shopping experience is not designed for people in wheelchairs. It's not an inclusive, universal design.<br /><br />Observations from co-shopping with Cheryl, a woman in a wheel chair that I met at Biggs after watching her struggle:<br /> #1: Cheryl couldn't see above the 3rd shelf. If she wanted something from the 4th shelf she needed someone to help her.<br /> #2: Luckily there's an electric wheel chair shopping cart. However when it's time to place the items from the cart on the conveyor belt at check out, Cheryl struggled. She didn't have the strength or reach to move a small bag of cat food onto the belt.<br /> #3: Similar to the check out experience, Cheryl couldn't place her grocery bags in the trunk of her car. Regardless of weight (she asked for them to put just a few items in each bag), her bumper was too deep so she couldn't get close enough to her trunk. When she tried to put a bag in the trunk, it ended up hitting the floor.<br /> #4: Grabbing an apple is like asking to play 52 card pick up. For those not in wheel chairs, we tend to grab an apple that is placed in a path of least resistance. But Cheryl could only reach the apple on the bottom of pile...then about 15 more apples came rolling down.<br /><br />I could go on and on. Luckily I was there to help Cheryl. I let her do as much as she could because she wanted to feel independent and empowered. I helped where I could. It was painful to watch.<br /><br />I ask that you reach out to and offer to help someone who clearly would appreciate your assistance. If they turn you down, that's fine. But at least you offered.Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-72135527729722712672010-02-24T18:44:00.000-08:002010-02-24T19:14:39.073-08:00Group Cooking & Being Resourceful in the KitchenThis past weekend I was on a ski trip with a group of 13 friends. We went to Steamboat, Colorado. Steamboat ain't cheap. Between the $95/day lift tickets, $370 condo, flight and shuttle... I quickly realized that I wasn't going to be going out for nice meals. Fortunately my friends were on the same page. So what did we do...we went grocery shopping and made 10/11 meals in the kitchen, spending $54 per person for the whole trip, and that includes alcohol and lots of yummy snacks!<div><br /></div><div>I always look forward to a good chili bread bowl on the mountain, but I decided to skip out on this annual indulgence and opt for carrying lunch with me everyday. Well it was really my awesome friend Michelle who carried our lunch in her backpack! So what if my turkey sandwich looked like it was runover by a snowboarder...it was still tasty!</div><div><br /></div><div>Our friends who went grocery shopping did a great job with quantity. It's hard to guesstimate who much food you'll need for 14 people ovef 4 days. Monday morning came...our last morning in Steamboat. I was planning on having oatmeal until I opened the fridge and cupboard to find a bunch of random leftover items. These leftovers included:</div><div><ul><li>cooked pasta </li><li>leftover chili - a lot of it!</li><li>spinach</li><li>shredded cheddar cheese</li><li>garlic</li><li>eggs</li><li>apples</li><li>brown and white sugar</li><li>olive oil</li><li>tomatoes</li><li>tortilla chips</li><li>Salsa</li><li>Guacamole<br /></li><li>and graham crackers<br /></li></ul><div>There was no way that I was going to let all of this food go to waste. So before most people woke up a few of us decided to try to pull together an elaborate meal using all of the leftover ingredients. Here's what we came up with:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Yummy Frittata</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S4XnoMy-PXI/AAAAAAAACs4/U9kp6zY8dH4/s1600-h/24127_322489961431_661601431_4092104_1594375_n.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S4XnoMy-PXI/AAAAAAAACs4/U9kp6zY8dH4/s320/24127_322489961431_661601431_4092104_1594375_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442010402562915698" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a></span></span></div><div>First we laid about 1/2" of leftover <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">pasta </span>on the bottom of a casserole. Next we beat <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> 6 eggs</span> and poured them over the pasta. Then came some <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">salt and garlic</span>. We sprinkled<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> cheese</span> and then boiled down a large container of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">spinach</span> in a separate pot and then poured it over the cheese. Another sprinkled layer of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">cheese. </span>We then cooked the Frittata in the over for 45 minutes on 375, but after 40 mins we placed 2 chopped up <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">tomatoes </span>on the top layer, covered by another layer of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">cheese</span>. Once the Frittata was done cooking, we served it with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">guacamole </span>and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">salsa</span> on the side.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfast Graham Carmel Apple Pie-less Dessert</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S4XpSCg0YtI/AAAAAAAACtA/tEbQYXAp_WU/s1600-h/24127_322489951431_661601431_4092103_5235017_n.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S4XpSCg0YtI/AAAAAAAACtA/tEbQYXAp_WU/s320/24127_322489951431_661601431_4092103_5235017_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442012220868551378" style="float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></a>Who says you can't have dessert for breakfast?</span></span></div><div>Of course you can! Here's how: Slice up <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">4 apples</span>- any kind that you have laying around. Place them in a frying pan and cook for 5 minutes. Next, pour <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">1/2 cup of brown sugar</span> and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">1/4 of white sugar</span> over top. Let the sugars melt and stir everything together. The sugar will turn into a carmel. Cover the pan and let it sit until the apples are soft. YOU MUST TASTE THE APPLES TO see if they are ready...careful, they are hot! Once they are cooked, pour the mix into a caserole lined with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">8-10 mashed up graham crackers</span>. Then pour<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> 8-10 more mashed up graham crackers</span> over the apples. In order to keep the top layer of graham crackers in place, make some more carmel: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 of white sugar and 1/4 cup of milk</span> in a pan= stir until carmel yumminess. Pour the carmel over the top graham layer and place in fridge for 20-30 mins until carmel is solidified.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bon apatite! Enjoy your leftover yumminess for breakfast anf feel good about being a resourceful frugalista!</div></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-14395142810998212152010-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:002010-01-30T08:26:57.705-08:00From eCommerce to eBorrowing<div>I rencently guest blogged about eBorrowing on Zippycart.com. Here's the article:</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://zippycart.com/ecommerce-news/1177-from-ecommerce-to-eborrowing.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">From eCommerce to eBorrowing</span></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(37, 37, 37); font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;">January 28, 2010<br /><strong style="font-weight: bold; ">OpEd Guest Post</strong> By Keara Schwartz, Founder of <a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(50, 156, 218); font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; ">Share Some Sugar<img id="snap_com_shot_link_icon" class="snap_preview_icon" src="http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.19.0.1/t.gif" style="margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; max-height: 2000px; max-width: 2000px; min-width: 0px; min-height: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; float: none; left: auto; top: auto; line-height: normal; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.19.0.1/theme/orange/palette.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; width: 14px; height: 12px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; position: static; vertical-align: top; display: inline; visibility: visible; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-position: -943px 0px; " /></a> <br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(37, 37, 37); font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(37, 37, 37); font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 20px; ">So you’re a business owner and DIYer and you’re planning on painting your office this weekend. What do you need to complete the job? A paint roller and extender, a drop cloth, a ladder, paint brushes and of course paint. Head to a local or online hardware store and your tab can easily run you upwards of $150. That’s a lot of money to spend when you end up using these items so infrequently. <br /><br />But what’s the alternative? You already saved yourself lots of money by signing up to paint your living room yourself rather than hiring a professional painter. Think about all of the people that live in your neighborhood who probably already own these painting tools. How do you know who has what? If you could type in ‘ladder’ on Google Shopping and you get approximately 128,000 search results on ecommerce sites, you should be able to do the same thing in your own community and find neighbors and friends who are willing to lend you what you need. <br /><br />Welcome to the world of eBorrowing. An online world full of items that people own and are willing to share with people who need to use them. Lots of people own items that collect a lot of dust because the items don’t get used very often. These people are usually happy to share things, like a ladder, with someone who needs it for a weekend project to paint their living room. <br /><br />A new era has emerged. An era of C2C or consumer to consumer sharing sites like<a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(50, 156, 218); font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; ">ShareSomeSugar.com<img id="snap_com_shot_link_icon" class="snap_preview_icon" src="http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.19.0.1/t.gif" style="margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; max-height: 2000px; max-width: 2000px; min-width: 0px; min-height: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; float: none; left: auto; top: auto; line-height: normal; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.19.0.1/theme/orange/palette.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; width: 14px; height: 12px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; position: static; vertical-align: top; display: inline; visibility: visible; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-position: -943px 0px; " /></a> which finds someone in your neighborhood who is willing to lend you something that you need. Sharing or eBorrowing sites leverage consumers’ existing inventory, or items that people already own. <br /><br />The concept of eBorrowing is not new. B2C services like <a href="http://www.zipcar.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(50, 156, 218); font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; ">Zipcar.com<img id="snap_com_shot_link_icon" class="snap_preview_icon" src="http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.19.0.1/t.gif" style="margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; max-height: 2000px; max-width: 2000px; min-width: 0px; min-height: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', arial, helvetica, sans-serif; float: none; left: auto; top: auto; line-height: normal; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.19.0.1/theme/orange/palette.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; width: 14px; height: 12px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; text-decoration: none; position: static; vertical-align: top; display: inline; visibility: visible; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-position: -943px 0px; " /></a>, the car sharing service or<a href="https://www.bagborroworsteal.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(50, 156, 218); font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; ">BagBorrowOrSteal.com,</a> a site that lends out designer purses and accessories, have recently been gaining critical mass. Why? Because it doesn’t make much sense to purchase and own something that you don’t use all that often. But why are these sites gaining popularity now? Well this reasoning is rooted in the current economic climeate where consumers are consuming more consciously. These sharing services have a high capital investment in inventory and the consumer pays directly to a business. <br /><br />These days, consumers are asking themselves if they really need to buy that ‘ladder’ that they will use once or twice a year. Or if it makes more sense to borrow or rent it from a friend, neighbor or another small business, use it and give it back when they are done. Borrowing and sharing isn’t for everyone. It is however one economic and environmental solution that fulfills your need to temporarily use an item. Next time you consider buying a durable item that you may use infrequently, ask yourself if you really need to own the item or if you could just borrow it instead.</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com143tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-1526184286560366772010-01-17T09:14:00.000-08:002010-01-18T08:45:55.516-08:00Cincinnati Enquirer 'Share Some Sugar' article!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100118/BIZ01/1170377/1076/BIZ/Share+Some+Sugar+helps+neighbors+help+each+other?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Cincinnati Enquirer 'Share Some Sugar' article</a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S1NGlTEvXFI/AAAAAAAACso/33UfcYxr_Yg/s1600-h/CinciEnquirerArticle1_17_10.pdf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S1NGlTEvXFI/AAAAAAAACso/33UfcYxr_Yg/s400/CinciEnquirerArticle1_17_10.pdf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427759582500838482" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S1NFwVSYJQI/AAAAAAAACsY/w8PSm6ORrkk/s1600-h/CinciEnquirer1_17_10.pdf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S1NFwVSYJQI/AAAAAAAACsY/w8PSm6ORrkk/s400/CinciEnquirer1_17_10.pdf.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427758672561841410" /></a>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-18219469036422018172010-01-09T10:49:00.000-08:002010-01-09T11:10:06.181-08:00Life without Cable!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S0jTXhr8g-I/AAAAAAAACsQ/eYhmcbdrtAs/s1600-h/airplane.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/S0jTXhr8g-I/AAAAAAAACsQ/eYhmcbdrtAs/s200/airplane.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424818152300905442" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So one of my new years resolutions was to save money. One way that I decided to save money is by canceling my cable. I had already downgraded to the cheapest package which consisted of what seemed like sub basic cable channels. I had the 4 main local news channels and then about 75 infomercial channels. So really there were only 4 legitimate options of shows to watch at once. I did DVR shows and movies that I'd otherwise miss while at work. But all in all I realized that:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">#1</span> I don't watch that much TV. I had been watching the news in the morning and at night. However I don't really have any 'shows'. I'll admit the only show I watch each week is 'The Bachelor', and my girl friends and I get together to watch it.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;">#2</span></span> With HULU and the growth of t.v shows and movies being streamed on the internet, I figured that I could just watch 'T.V' on the computer if I really wanted to watch a show.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">#3</span> I can read the news online to stay in touch with what's going on in the world and in my city. I had already been doing this, but with the absence of TV, I just rely solely on getting the news online.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">#4</span> I'm not a big reader, I'll admit. Without TV I end up reading more!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Beyond the internet...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">So now that I don't have cable, I have not only been watching 'TV" online, but I've also been wiping the dust off of my DVD's. I own approximately 25 DVD's. I decided that I would post my DVD's on Share Some Sugar so others could borrow them. If you're reading this and you own 1 DVD, I have a request. How about posting your DVD on Share Some Sugar and helping out the Cable-less people like myself?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">If you're not a member yet, go ahead and sign up @ www.sharesomesugar.com.<br />Once you're a member:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">- Click on 'my items'-->Add one item<br />- Click on Entertainment-->Other-->DVD<br />and enter the title of the movie and any info along with a photo of<br />the movie (you can grab one from Amazon).<br />That's it!</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I look forward to being able to borrow movies from neighbors instead of buying or paying to rent them. I hope you are excited for this as well! Let's all save $, meet new neighbors and catch up on movies while it's freezing cold outside!</span><div><br /></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-60233510724907781362009-12-21T18:51:00.000-08:002009-12-21T19:10:35.914-08:00Northside Knows Community!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.skitch.com/20091222-r9m2tmkrrpwj6kw3b2uxxami15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 747px; height: 204px;" src="http://img.skitch.com/20091222-r9m2tmkrrpwj6kw3b2uxxami15.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">I had the opportunity tonight to talk about Share Some Sugar at the Northside Community Council meeting. I've been to several neighborhood council meetings over the last few weeks in an effort to meet other Cincinnati Neighbors who are committed to building Community in Neighborhoods.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">There are lots of really awesome things that Northside Neighbors are doing to build a sustainable community. I'd like to share some of the great things that were talked about at the meeting.</span></div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Two very passionate neighbors, Jon and Heather are starting a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) group in Northside. I love that they are building this from the ground up. But the thing that really got me excited is that there are lots of ways for neighbors to get involved. You can not only purchase locally grown food, help garden and grow produce, but you can also share your garden with the CSA so they can use it grow veggies! What a fantastic use of privately owned space. They have a vision of using as much local land as they can get their hands on to grow local food and then support the community with it!</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">In the good old days, neighbors would knock on your door and bring you baked goods when you moved in the neighborhood. In Northside they've evolved this tradition of welcoming new neighbors by having Meet & Greet events and neighborhood potlucks!</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Northside is planning to grow their 'Northside Goes Green' Earth Week into a bigger and better week this year. With plans to have another 'Reduce/Recycle/Run-Walk-Bike' race, a 40th Earth Day celebration, Great American Cleanup and lots more! Looking forward to Earth Week! </span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Northside has moved their wonderful farmers market indoors for the winter:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; ">North Presbyterian Church Auditorium at 4222 Hamilton Avenue on Wednesdays 4:00- 7:30pm from now until the market moves back outside in the spring. For more information contact Robin Henderson<a href="mailto:rjhenderson1@fuse.net" style="color: rgb(85, 136, 170); text-decoration: none; ">via email</a> or at 513-591-0083.</span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">There's a <a href="http://mobobicyclecoop.org">Bicycle Cooperative in Northside; MOBO</a>! Who knew?! Bring your bike and work on it all year long.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Looking forward to partaking in some of the Northside upcoming events!</span></div><br /></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-1900972118787370872009-12-15T14:21:00.000-08:002009-12-15T14:24:13.512-08:00Neighborhood Swap Meet Success!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/SygMew9v06I/AAAAAAAACrs/LV3S-srh_CQ/s1600-h/CIMG0015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/SygMew9v06I/AAAAAAAACrs/LV3S-srh_CQ/s400/CIMG0015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415592274592519074" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(128, 128, 128); font-family:'lucida grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Thanks to everyone who came out to our Neighborhood Swap Meet and for bringing such great stuff to swap!! After all of the swapping, we donated about 15 bags on unswapped items to CAIN (Churches Active in Northside)! It's been a while since I've seen a Sega/Genesis!</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharesomesugar/sets/72157622871180175/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Neighborhood Swap Meet Photos here</span></a>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-71658166665786068962009-12-10T14:12:00.001-08:002009-12-10T14:15:01.633-08:00Shareable.net Article: Why I Started Share Some Sugar<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/SyFymUvRR-I/AAAAAAAACrg/95Y0KNSOk8A/s1600-h/sharable.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 38px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/SyFymUvRR-I/AAAAAAAACrg/95Y0KNSOk8A/s320/sharable.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413734229803616226" /></a>reposted from Shareable.net: http://shareable.net/blog/why-we-need-to-share-some-sugar<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 18px; font-family:arial;font-size:14px;"><div class="panel-top clear-block" style="background-image: url(http://shareable.net/sites/all/themes/shareable/images/meta_dashed_rule.png); background-repeat: repeat-x; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; margin-bottom: 15px; padding-bottom: 15px; background-position: 100% 100%; "><div class="panel-pane h1-title" style="color: rgb(145, 11, 98); margin-bottom: 0.5em; line-height: 1.3em; font-family:arial, helvetica, verdana, sans-serif;font-size:2em;"><div class="pane-content"><span class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="width: 63px; height: 28px; text-indent: 0px !important; display: inline-block !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; line-height: 1px !important; font-size:1px !important;"><span class="cufon-alt" style="display: inline-block !important; width: 0px !important; height: 0px !important; overflow-x: hidden !important; overflow-y: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; ">W</span></span><span class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="width: 16px; height: 28px; text-indent: 0px !important; display: inline-block !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; line-height: 1px !important; font-size:1px !important;"><span class="cufon-alt" style="display: inline-block !important; width: 0px !important; height: 0px !important; overflow-x: hidden !important; overflow-y: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; ">I</span></span><span class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="width: 104px; height: 28px; text-indent: 0px !important; display: inline-block !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; line-height: 1px !important; font-size:1px !important;"><canvas width="137" height="35" style="width: 137px; height: 35px; top: -6px; left: -3px; position: relative !important; "></canvas><span class="cufon-alt" style="display: inline-block !important; width: 0px !important; height: 0px !important; overflow-x: hidden !important; overflow-y: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; ">Started</span></span><span class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="width: 84px; height: 28px; text-indent: 0px !important; display: inline-block !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; line-height: 1px !important; font-size:1px !important;"><canvas width="117" height="35" style="width: 117px; height: 35px; top: -6px; left: -3px; position: relative !important; "></canvas><span class="cufon-alt" style="display: inline-block !important; width: 0px !important; height: 0px !important; overflow-x: hidden !important; overflow-y: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; ">Share</span></span><span class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="width: 80px; height: 28px; text-indent: 0px !important; display: inline-block !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; line-height: 1px !important; font-size:1px !important;"><canvas width="113" height="35" style="width: 113px; height: 35px; top: -6px; left: -3px; position: relative !important; "></canvas><span class="cufon-alt" style="display: inline-block !important; width: 0px !important; height: 0px !important; overflow-x: hidden !important; overflow-y: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; ">Some</span></span><span class="cufon cufon-canvas" style="width: 78px; height: 28px; text-indent: 0px !important; display: inline-block !important; position: relative !important; vertical-align: middle !important; line-height: 1px !important; "><canvas width="104" height="35" style="width: 104px; height: 35px; top: -6px; left: -3px; position: relative !important; "></canvas><span class="cufon-alt" style="display: inline-block !important; width: 0px !important; height: 0px !important; overflow-x: hidden !important; overflow-y: hidden !important; text-indent: -10000in !important; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Sugar</span></span></span></span></div></div><div class="panel-separator"></div><div class="panel-pane tabs" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><div class="pane-content"></div></div><div class="panel-separator"></div><div class="panel-pane meta-data"><div class="pane-content"><div class="view view-author-block view-id-author_block view-display-id-panel_pane_1 view-dom-id-1" style="position: relative; width: 250px; display: block; float: left; border-right-width: 1px; border-right-style: solid; border-right-color: rgb(220, 220, 220); margin-right: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size:0.8em;"><div class="view-content"><div class="views-row views-row-1 views-row-odd views-row-first views-row-last" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><div class="views-field-field-profile-image-fid" style="width: 55px; display: block; float: left; "><span class="field-content"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://shareable.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/profile_mini/profile/images/KearaSSS.png" alt="" title="" class="imagecache imagecache-profile_mini imagecache-default imagecache-profile_mini_default" width="45" height="45" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; background-image: url(http://shareable.net/sites/all/themes/shareable/images/profile_photo_drop_shadow.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; background-position: 100% 100%; " /></span></span></span></div><span class="views-field-title"><label class="views-label-title"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">By </span></span></label><span class="field-content"><a href="http://shareable.net/users/keara-schwartz" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Keara Schwartz</span></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"> </span></span></span><span class="views-field-name"><span class="field-content"><a href="http://shareable.net/blog/keara-schwartz/feed" class="feed-icon" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://shareable.net/sites/all/themes/shareable/images/author_feed_button.png" alt="" title="" width="18" height="18" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " /></span></span></a></span></span><div class="views-field-nothing-1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="field-content"></span></span></span></div><span class="views-field-created" style="color: rgb(164, 164, 164); text-decoration: none; "><span class="field-content"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">12.10.09, 10:04am</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span><span class="views-field-nothing" style="border-left-width: 1px; 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"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><img src="http://shareable.net/sites/all/modules/contrib/service_links/images/forward.png" alt="Forward" title="" width="16" height="16" style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " /></span></span></a></div></div><div class="panel-separator"></div><div class="panel-pane share-this-widget" style="margin-top: 20px; margin-right: 10px; display: block; float: left; "><div class="pane-content"><span id="sharethis_0"><a class="stbutton stico_default" title="ShareThis via email, AIM, social bookmarking and networking sites, etc." href="javascript:void(0)" st_page="home" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); height: 20px; width: 87px; display: block; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: url(http://shareable.net/sites/all/themes/shareable/images/share_button.png) !important; background-repeat: no-repeat !important; background-attachment: initial !important; -webkit-background-clip: initial !important; -webkit-background-origin: initial !important; background-color: initial !important; background-position: initial initial !important; "></a></span></div></div></div><div class="panel-two-col-wrap clear-block"><div class="panel-left" style="width: 68.5%; float: left; "><div class="panel-pane"><div class="pane-content"></div></div><div class="panel-separator"></div><div class="panel-pane"><div class="pane-content"></div></div><div class="panel-separator"></div><div class="panel-pane"><div class="pane-content"><div class="field field-type-text field-field-blog-body"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item odd"><p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Saybrook Avenue is your typical street in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Cincinnati, OH. It’s lined with small starter homes with front porches that anyone from young professionals to retired couples reside in. Unlike many of the new subdivisions, it happens to feel like a neighborhood.<br /> <br />Four years ago I moved from a small apartment in Manhattan to one of these starter homes in Cincinnati. When I moved into my house I needed a lot of house things like power tools, gardening tools and lots of other items that would help me take care of my house. I got to know a few of my neighbors who were all really friendly and offered to let me borrow anything that I needed. I was so appreciative of their offers since it saved me money and time going to the hardware store.<br /> <br />Every once in a while there was something random like a tall ladder that I needed and no one that I knew had it. The idea of spending $100 dollars on something that I would probably only use once or twice made my stomach turn. I thought to myself, "There must be someone in my neighborhood who has a ladder," but I didn’t know who that was. Off I went door to door asking neighbors who had a ladder. “I don’t have one, but I think Greg down the street does.” And so I went to Greg’s house. “I think Amy and Ted are borrowing my ladder, but I can’t remember if they still have it or not.”<br /> <br />As I was going from house to house, I realized a few things. First, I was meeting all of these new neighbors that I hadn’t previously met. Borrowing things was actually a great way to meet new neighbors! Second, wow, why is it so difficult to find out who has what in my neighborhood? There has to be a simpler way to go about this. I can go online and search to buy a ladder and get over 120,000 results, yet I can’t find someone in my own neighborhood who has one.<br /> <br />Two and a half years later I needed that ladder again, but I found out that Greg had moved. At the same time the economy was in a downturn and people’s spending habits were changing.<br /> <br />Out were the days of buying something that sat in your closet collecting dust, and in were the days of only really buying what you needed to get by. The Green Movement was becoming more widely adopted. Bringing your own reusable grocery bags to the store was not only for the eco-conscious college student, but soccer moms were following suit. People were downsizing their homes and staying in to watch a movie rather than taking the family out to dinner and to the movie theatre. Most people were a part of online communities such as Facebook or LinkedIn, but did not feel like they had a sense of community in their own neighborhood.<br /> <br />All of these societal shifts prompted me to think about the insight that I had a few years back, "Wow, it’s really hard to find someone in your neighborhood who has something that you need. There’s got to be a solution to this problem."<br /> <br />And so I created </span></span><a href="http://www.ShareSomeSugar.com/" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Share Some Sugar</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">, an online service that finds someone in your neighborhood who is willing to lend you something that you need. Need that ladder? Or how about borrowing an Xbox and Guitar hero for your holiday? You can go to </span></span><a href="http://www.ShareSomeSugar.com/" title="www.ShareSomeSugar.com" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">www.ShareSomeSugar.com</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"> and type in the item along with your zip code. A list of results come up, showing which neighbors are willing to lend out that item. You then request to borrow the item for the dates that you need it. Once they accept the request, you meet your neighbor to borrow the item, use it and return it to them.<br /> <br />There is a security deposit feature and a contract as options to make you feel more secure in your transaction. Similar to eBay, you can leave feedback for your neighbor. This feedback system enables other neighbors to find out more about other neighbors sharing history prior to initiating a request with them.<br /> <br />When you become a member you choose a neighborhood that you would like to join. You can either join an existing neighborhood or create a new one, like one for your apartment building. The neighborhood discussion groups enable you to connect with your neighbors online. You can plan block parties, give away an old bike that your child outgrew, get a recommendation for a babysitter or anything else.<br /> <br />Why buy when you can borrow from a neighbor? You can:</span></span></p><ul style="margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; padding-left: 2em; list-style-type: disc; "><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Lower your environmental footprint by consuming less.</span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Save money by borrowing instead of buying.</span></span></li><li style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Get to know new neighbors and watch your neighborhood turn into a community.</span></span></li></ul><p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">We look forward to sharing with you and your neighbors at </span></span><a href="http://www.ShareSomeSugar.com/" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Share Some Sugar</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">!</span></span></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></span></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-51204301324841001792009-12-08T14:56:00.000-08:002009-12-08T14:59:19.790-08:00Soapbox Cincinnati Article: Share Some Sugar Makes Neighborhood Borrowing High Tech<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; line-height: 18px; text-transform: uppercase; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><a href="http://www.soapboxmedia.com/innovationnews/1208share.aspx">via: </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(192, 192, 192);"><a href="http://www.soapboxmedia.com/innovationnews/1208share.aspx">http://www.soapboxmedia.com/innovationnews/1208share.aspx</a></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; line-height: 18px; text-transform: uppercase; ">SOAPBOX, 12/8/2009</span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;font-family:'trebuchet ms';font-size:18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(15, 15, 15); font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><div class="article" style="font-size: 100.01%; margin-top: 20px; "><div size="100.01%" style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When Manhattan transplant Keara Schwartz moved from her Over-The-Rhine apartment to a house in Hyde Park, she needed a lot more "stuff."</span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But she didn't necessarily want to buy things that she'd only use occasionally, like power tools or a snow blower or a ladder. </span></div><div style=""><img height="174" src="http://www.soapboxmedia.com/images/Features/Issue%2094/sharesugar.jpg" width="309" align="right" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; display: block; margin-top: 8px; margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 8px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"There was so much stuff I need for a house. Every time I'd buy another tool, I'd think, 'There has to be someone in my neighborhood who has this,'" the graphic design manager said.</span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style=""><span style=" "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That formed the idea for Schwartz's new web site, </span><a href="http://sharesomesugar.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(49, 141, 242); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Share Some Sugar</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">, an online neighborhood borrowing site that launched just weeks ago.</span></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The free service, which is in Beta, has three main components. Users can offer an item to share, look for an item by neighborhood or zip code, or discuss neighborhood issues like block party plans or safety issues.</span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Users sign up for the service by creating a profile which allows them to list, look for items or have discussions. Currently nearly 300 items have been listed on the site including sprinklers, wheelbarrows, a carpet steamer, GPS and digital camera.</span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Schwartz said Cincinnati is a perfect place to launch the site because of its neighborhood awareness. The city has 52 neighborhoods and numerous suburbs. The site allows users to save money, reduce their environmental footprint, and meet their neighbors.</span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"That exchange - of helping someone the first time you meet them – is a good way to start off a new friendship in your neighborhood," she said.</span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Schwartz is promoting the site and working up the inventory through local media and social networking sites. Eventually, she plans to spread the concept to other cities.<br /></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><em style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Share Some Sugar hosts a 'neighborhood swap meet' this Sunday, December 13 at Coffee Emporium. Learn more </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193557333517" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(49, 141, 242); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">here</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">.<br /></span></em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Writer: Feoshia Henderson</span></div><div style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Source: Keara Schwartz, founders Share Some Sugar</span></div><br /></div></span></span></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-76151731708162031572009-12-08T14:50:00.000-08:002009-12-08T14:51:46.065-08:00Infographic: Why Buy Local & Ten Reasons to Shop Local First<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; "><h1 style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 34px; letter-spacing: -1px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; width: 456px; float: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 5px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">This article is reposted from: </span></span></span><a href="http://www.psfk.com/2009/08/infographic-why-buy-local-ten-reasons-to-shop-local-first.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 153, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> psfk.com</span></span></span></a></h1><h1 style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 27px; line-height: 34px; letter-spacing: -1px; font-weight: bold; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-left: 0px; width: 456px; float: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 5px; ">Infographic: Why Buy Local & Ten Reasons to Shop Local First<br /></h1><div class="comment-count" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-weight: normal; font-size: 16px; float: right; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: white; display: inline; width: 26px; line-height: 26px; text-align: center; background-position: initial initial; "><strong style="font-style: normal; "><a href="http://www.psfk.com/2009/08/infographic-why-buy-local-ten-reasons-to-shop-local-first.html#comments" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(http://www.psfk.com/wp-content/themes/psfk0.91/images/icon-comment.gif); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(221, 201, 241); display: block; padding-bottom: 4px; width: 26px; background-position: 100% 100%; ">0</a></strong></div><a class="article-share-this" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php" onmouseover="return addthis_open(this, '', 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.psfk.com%2F2009%2F08%2Finfographic-why-buy-local-ten-reasons-to-shop-local-first.html', 'Infographic%3A+Why+Buy+Local+%26%23038%3B+Ten+Reasons+to+Shop+Local+First')" onmouseout="addthis_close()" onclick="return addthis_sendto()" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 153); text-decoration: none; display: block; padding-top: 24px; float: right; background-image: url(http://www.psfk.com/wp-content/themes/psfk0.91/images/icon-share-excerpt.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: white; font-size: 9px; margin-right: 6px; background-position: 2px 2px; ">Share</a><p class="article-date" style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; line-height: 18px; text-transform: uppercase; color: rgb(153, 153, 153); margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; float: left; clear: both; margin-top: 0px; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; ">AUGUST 5, 2009</p><div class="article-content" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; clear: left; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; "><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><a href="http://www.psfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/infographic-why-buy-local.png" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 153); text-decoration: none; "><img onerror="javascript: wp_broken_images = window.wp_broken_images || function(){}; wp_broken_images(this);" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-40782" title="infographic-why-buy-local" src="http://www.psfk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/infographic-why-buy-local-525x321.png" alt="infographic-why-buy-local" width="525" height="321" style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; " /></a></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><a href="http://www.localfirst.com/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(102, 51, 153); text-decoration: none; ">Local First</a>, a Grand Rapids. Michigan based organization that encourages sustainable, locally-based economies has made a simple but effective illustration of how money flows if it’s spent at a locally owned business versus a non-local business.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">They explain their top ten reasons to shop local first:</p><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 20px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); background-position: initial initial; "><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">1. Significantly More Money Re-circulates In Greater Grand Rapids.</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the Greater Grand Rapids tax base.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">2. Non Profits Receive Greater Support.</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">3. Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">The unique character of Grand Rapids is what brought us here and keeps us here. Our tourism businesses also benefit.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">4. Environmental Impact Is Reduced.</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation and usually set up shop in town centers rather than on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">5. Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses.</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">6. Customer Service Is Better.</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">7. Local Business Owners Invest In Community.</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">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.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs.</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices.</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.</p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; "><strong style="font-style: normal; ">10. Investment In Greater Grand Rapids Is Encouraged.</strong></p><p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; ">A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.</p></blockquote></div></span>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-33727040202513546252009-12-06T15:44:00.000-08:002009-12-07T04:29:55.592-08:00Neighborhood Swap Meet!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/SxxCq-AfiGI/AAAAAAAACrY/waVunP4bAAI/s1600-h/swapmeet.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 352px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/SxxCq-AfiGI/AAAAAAAACrY/waVunP4bAAI/s400/swapmeet.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412274158159497314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/SxxCiVN3IXI/AAAAAAAACrQ/k2Ssh10gwPY/s1600-h/swapmeet.png"><br /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Join us at our 1st ever Neighborhood Swap Meet where you can sell, barter or get rid of stuff that sits in your closet collecting dust and leave with unique items that other people no longer need. <br /><br />Have a tool that you have no use for? A piece of jewelry that you never wear? Or a weird gift that never came out of the box that it came in? Bring them along to our Neighborhood Swap Meet and leave with 'recycled' holiday gifts for friends and family, a hip 'new' holiday outfit or something totally cool that you would never find anywhere else.<br /><br />All unswapped items will be donated to CAIN (Churches Active In Northside) unless you let us know that you want to keep them.<br /><br />The first 50 people who show up will get a free Schwag Bag with goodies from Park + Vine, Share Some Sugar and Coffee Emporium!<br /><br />If you plan to sell, barter or get rid of stuff, please arrive no later than 4:30pm to set up your stuff. If you want to 'shop', come by after 4:30pm.<br /><br />We look forward to Swapping with you!<br />- Share Some Sugar, Park + Vine and Coffee Emporium!<br /><br /></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=193557333517&ref=mf<br />www.ShareSomeSugar.com<br />www.ParkandVine.com<br />www.Coffee-Emporium.com</span></span></span></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-76114076863218392072009-12-02T18:28:00.000-08:002009-12-02T18:49:19.734-08:00East Walnut Hills Neighborhood Assembly<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/SxcjD_cfSrI/AAAAAAAACrA/wBGzkGZwZNw/s1600-h/ewh.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 66px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/SxcjD_cfSrI/AAAAAAAACrA/wBGzkGZwZNw/s400/ewh.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410832028786444978" /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:verdana;font-size:13px;">I attended my first neighborhood council meeting tonight in East Walnut Hills in Cincinnati, OH. I really didn't know what to expect. What I did know is that the room would be filled with people who were passionate about their neighborhood. And that it was. There were about 25 neighbors in attendance. There was a formal leader of the meeting and a typed of agenda and notes from last month's assembly. That was helpful to get me grounded on what topics were discussed that preceded this meeting. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:verdana;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:verdana;font-size:13px;">A few highlights... it felt really good to see how excited folks were when the leader Joe talked about new businesses that recently opened up. In a town where many businesses have come and gone, it's always nice to hear about determined business owner who want to keep a neighborhood alive with new shops and restaurants. A few that I took note of:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li>Lucky John's Slow Market @ <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px; font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;">2550 Woodburn Avenue. Selling healthy and organic products and expanding to sell furniture, accessories, clothing and more- all from local companies.</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia;font-size:16px;">Suzie Wong's @ </span>1544 Madison Road. Owner of Shanghai Mama's opens up new Asian restaurant. Group went here after the neighborhood meeting! It's currently a BYO!<br /></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-weight: bold; line-height: 19px;font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia;font-size:16px;">Art, Jewelry and Potter Sale @ </span>2801 Woodburn Ave. Sat & Sun 11-4 through December. Local artisans make and sell knits, rugs, weavings, pottery, paintings<br /></span></li></ol></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:verdana;font-size:13px;">I must admit it was sad to hear that 19 East Walnut Hills Police Officers jobs will be cut in the next few weeks. As well as a favorite Police Officer will be getting demoted. However, the police officers shared good news. Crime went down 60% in the last year in EWH!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:verdana;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family:verdana;font-size:13px;">I look forward to attending lots more Cincinnati Neighborhood Council meetings and meeting new neighbors over the next few weeks.</span></div></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-10944863043724796122009-12-01T19:24:00.000-08:002009-12-01T19:26:28.280-08:00BuyCincy's Article on Share Some Sugar<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 40px; font-size:30px;"><a href="http://www.buycincy.com/2009/12/share-some-sugar-borrowing-goe.html">Share Some Sugar: Borrowing Goes Web 2.0</a></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 40px;font-size:30px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 21px; font-family:Arial;font-size:12px;"><div class="asset-body" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; margin-left: 55px; padding-top: 5px; font-family: Georgia; margin-bottom: 10px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For most of us, the closest we get to lending some sugar to a neighbor is listening to Andre 3000 demand it in "Hey Ya!" However, a Cincinnati web-entrepreneur is looking to change that. Keara Schwartz created Share Some Sugar, a site that very simply "finds someone in your neighborhood who is willing to lend you something that you need."<br /><br />Search by the item you need and the zip code, city, or neighborhood you are looking, and Share Some Sugar will search its listings to ensure you don't have to buy something you might only use once a year. <br /></span></div><div id="more" class="asset-more" style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">What's better than the concept of the service is the execution. A feedback system lets you rate borrowers and lenders, crowdsourcing the trustworthiness of those you deal with. Concerned that an item might come back damaged? Put a security deposit in your listing. <br /><br />Right now, lending is done on as a neighborhood service. Lend something out, and borrow something you need - no charge. However, as the service rolls out of beta, an option will become available to rent out your goods.<br /><br />Why share some sugar with your neighbors? We'd have to agree with Share Some Sugar's belief statement:<br /></span><blockquote style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; outline-width: 0px; outline-style: initial; outline-color: initial; vertical-align: baseline; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: transparent; quotes: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> We Believe... <br />In being resourceful and making the most of what we have. <br />It is our responsibility to care for the environment. <br />That neighborhoods should feel like communities. <br />We still believe what we learned in kindergarten, that 'sharing means caring'.</span></blockquote></div></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 40px;font-size:30px;">via: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; ">http://www.buycincy.com/2009/12/share-some-sugar-borrowing-goe.html</span></span></div></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-86860813493151762442009-12-01T17:49:00.000-08:002009-12-01T17:52:53.806-08:00'Tis the Season To Share<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:18.0pt; mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; "></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(240, 82, 60); font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; ">'Tis the Season To Share</span></p><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(159, 216, 206); font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; ">What better time of year to share what you have with others than during the holiday season? It's a time of giving, receiving and sharing. Have any Folding Chairs, Gardening Tools or Sports Equipment that sit in your closet or garage collecting dust for most days out of the year? How about sharing some of your things with your neighbors on <b><span style="color: rgb(102, 149, 140); "><a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com">Share Some Suga</a></span></b><b><span style="color: rgb(102, 149, 140); "><a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com">r</a></span></b>? You can feel good about saving your neighbors money and meeting new neighbors in the meantime!</span></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;mso-line-height-alt:18.0pt; mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align:none;text-autospace:none"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(240, 82, 60); font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold; ">Holidays in the Neighborhood</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(159, 216, 206); font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(159, 216, 206); font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; "><ul><li>Ever hear about friends who have attended a <span style="color: rgb(102, 149, 140); "><b><a href="http://holiday-entertaining.suite101.com/article.cfm/plan_a_new_years_eve_progressive_dinner_party?utm_source=ShareSomeSugar+List&utm_campaign=09bee5e9af-Share_Some_Sugar_Close_to_Launching_10_26_2009&utm_medium=email">Progressive Neighborhood Dinner Party</a></b></span>? How about co-hosting one this year with some neighbors?</li><li>Or what about planning a<span style="color: rgb(102, 149, 140); "><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5466374_plan-neighborhood-christmas-party.html?utm_source=ShareSomeSugar+List&utm_campaign=09bee5e9af-Share_Some_Sugar_Close_to_Launching_10_26_2009&utm_medium=email"> </a><b><span style="color: rgb(102, 149, 140); "><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5466374_plan-neighborhood-christmas-party.html?utm_source=ShareSomeSugar+List&utm_campaign=09bee5e9af-Share_Some_Sugar_Close_to_Launching_10_26_2009&utm_medium=email">Neighborhood Holiday Party</a></span></b><b><a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_5466374_plan-neighborhood-christmas-party.html?utm_source=ShareSomeSugar+List&utm_campaign=09bee5e9af-Share_Some_Sugar_Close_to_Launching_10_26_2009&utm_medium=email">?</a> </b></span>You can borrow extra folding tables, chairs and platters from a neighbor on Share Some Sugar.</li><li>Bored of the same old decorations that you put up last year? Try swapping your colored lights and decorations for a neighbor's white lights and inflatable santa!</li><li>Have an email list for your neighborhood? How about forwarding your neighbors this email? Or sending an email to your neighbors about why your neighborhood would benefit from Share Some Sugar.</li></ul></span></span></span></span></div></span></p>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-27486006698340545182009-11-22T09:56:00.000-08:002009-11-30T19:03:36.026-08:00Launch Party Was a Success!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/Swl7kk8h9wI/AAAAAAAACq4/hb8EeqKdKes/s1600/CIMG0581.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/Swl7kk8h9wI/AAAAAAAACq4/hb8EeqKdKes/s320/CIMG0581.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406988695958058754" /></a>Thanks to everyone who attended our launch party. We had over 100 friends and neighbors join us in our celebration! The first 50 people who had RSVP'd received a Sugar Cookie Mix that we recommended they bake for a neighbor!<div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Arnold's Bar & Grill for providing a complimentary & awesome space!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you'd like to see the rest of the pictures, you can <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sharesomesugar/sets/72157622847170308/">check them out here.</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-77194310095038110972009-11-20T08:04:00.000-08:002009-11-20T08:15:02.841-08:00LAUNCH DAY!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/Swa_TfCCu3I/AAAAAAAACqw/GeIjIigwrTE/s1600/homelaunch.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 192px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/Swa_TfCCu3I/AAAAAAAACqw/GeIjIigwrTE/s400/homelaunch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406218744173345650" /></a>Today is a big day here at Share Some Sugar! After months of hard work developing our website, it's time for LAUNCH DAY! I've never had a launch day before, but it already feels really exciting! <div><br /></div><div>Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way. I couldn't have done it without your creativity, passion and friendship.<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>There have been a lot of refinements of the site to make it as easy to use as possible. We hope you enjoy your experience on www.ShareSomeSugar.com. We'd love to hear your feedback, ideas and comments. Please send them to use via the 'FEEDBACK' link on the left side of the page.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm looking forward to celebrating the Launch tonight with friends, neighbors and colleagues in Cincinnati! See you this evening!</div><div><br /></div><div>Keara & Shugie (you're favorite new neighbor)</div></div></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-47630662788855665662009-11-14T14:34:00.000-08:002009-11-16T17:00:00.542-08:00Neighbors Have Your Back<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/Sv8yprXcqMI/AAAAAAAACqo/r5aVNRPYQrk/s1600-h/carter.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/Sv8yprXcqMI/AAAAAAAACqo/r5aVNRPYQrk/s400/carter.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404093769464981698" /></a><br />My dog's name is Carter, otherwise known as Houdini. He is a dog by day, escape artist by night. When I first got him he figured out how to escape from his crate. So I locked up his crate with chains and came home one day to find him sitting on my bed. <div><br /></div><div>Since it was 68 degrees today, I let Carter play around in my fenced in backyard while I went out for a long run. I came back to find the fence gate wide open. My gate doesn't just open with a simple push, it requires a bit of cognition. There's a squeeze and push motion that dogs ARE NOT supposed to be able to figure out. Well, leave it to Carter, he figured it out.</div><div><br /></div><div>I walked out to the street and a few of my neighbors told me that Carter had been running around the neighborhood. I must have bumped into 10 different neighbors who were all walking around the neighborhood trying to get him back. They were sharing their techniques which have worked in the past. My favorite technique is the 'Dog Bate' one. That entails borrowing a neighbors dog and walking the dog into my house as my dog runs by. Generally it works. Carter gets jealous and comes right in.</div><div><br /></div><div>So after an 8 mile run, I continued running around on the hunt for Carter. Finally a neighbor who was walking her dogs offered to stand still. Carter, being a dog who likes to sniff other dogs, went up to the other dogs and said hi. I pretended I wasn't going to get him, and stood back for a few seconds. I then SNATCHED him up and carried my 52 lb dog back to my house. Halfway back a neighbor gave me their extra leash so I would be able to walk him.</div><div><br /></div><div>To all of my neighbors. Thank You for being caring, thoughtful and helpful. Without you, Carter would be running around in the park while his mommy was stressing;)</div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-42864996092370636502009-11-08T09:00:00.000-08:002009-11-08T10:40:56.074-08:00New Promo Video & Launch Party!<div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwyNstd0sfeqfj7Ggz01tyD49AfWiiGOh7LTZsAfXo_gnMCqGAYscBjyUcOTPFvj1gODp3smR01d2S5yET7Nw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div>Things are continuing to be very busy here in the Share Some Sugar pre-launch world. We are in our final phases of the web development based on usability research and final tweaks to make the site as simple and intuitive to use as possible. <div><br /></div><div>Check out our new promo video: <a href="http://vimeo.com/7500774">Share Some Sugar Promo Video</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Come celebrate with us at our Launch Party on November 20th @ Arnolds Bar & Grill, Downtown: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=164115287511&ref=ts">Launch Party Invitation</a></div><div><br /></div><div>How you can help: </div><div>1. Forward a link to our <a href="http://www.sharesomesugar.com">website</a> and the <a href="http://vimeo.com/7500774">video</a> to friends and neighbors.</div><div>2. Spread the word about our launch party and talk to your friends and neighbors about the value of Share Some Sugar:</div><div> Save money by borrowing instead of buying.</div><div> Lower your environmental footprint by consuming less</div><div> Meet new neighbors and watch your neighborhood turn into a community</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Hope to see you at our launch party!</div></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6300653923731372009.post-42416099115126103702009-11-01T08:10:00.000-08:002009-11-01T08:12:19.188-08:00Halloween = Neighborhood Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/Su2zKiuNDxI/AAAAAAAACqQ/LGo_nOPCE_0/s1600-h/Halloween-children-custumes_Full.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 139px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0In9NebAM8Y/Su2zKiuNDxI/AAAAAAAACqQ/LGo_nOPCE_0/s200/Halloween-children-custumes_Full.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399168521987755794" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(159, 216, 206); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px; ">Halloween= Neighborhood Day<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-size: 9px; font-weight: normal; ">It's amazing how much a neighborhood can change when pumpkins, costumes and candy are involved. Yesterday morning was a normal day in my neighborhood. Most neighbors were in their homes, taking care of errands, cleaning up leaves and for the most part sticking to themselves. As the day progressed people were setting up their lawn chairs on their porches and in their driveways around their fire pits. Though Halloween is mostly focused on children trick or treating, it seems that what is really happening is the parents are meeting other parents, stopping to chat and getting to know new neighbors. By the time I left my house to head out to a halloween party, I saw neighbors from all around the neighborhood congregating in driveways and lawns. It felt so good see how much a neighborhood can transform when Sugar is involved! I'm hoping that Share Some Sugar facilitates that neighborhood feeling on the other 364 days of the year!<br /><br /></span><br /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(159, 216, 206); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px; ">Halloween Leftovers<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-size: 9px; font-weight: normal; ">So you anticipated more trick or treaters than who actually came to your house. I did, and I ended up with way too many Tootsie Roll Pops and Mini Snickers. I don't know about you, but it's dangerous for me too keep so much candy in my house. How about bringing the extra candy into your office and sharing it with your co-workers. There's nothing like extending the spirit of halloween beyond the big day. <br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(159, 216, 206); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-size: 9px; font-weight: normal; "><br /></span>Costume Swap<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-size: 9px; font-weight: normal; ">You're awesome spider man costume was the hit of the night! Now what are you going to do with it? Everyone knows you can't wear the same costume 2 years in a row! It's almost as bad as wearing the same thing to work 2 days in a row. Try gathering a group of friends or neighbors and swapping halloween costumes. When next year rolls around, you'll be ready to go. No Halloween morning stress, trying to figure out what you're going to be.</span></span><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 8px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(105, 105, 105); font-family: Verdana; font-size: 9px; line-height: 5px;">I hope you had a great Halloween!</span></div>Kearahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00433513258316744144noreply@blogger.com0