Wealthy Bag Lady Blog

Did You Support Small Business Saturday?

The First Ever Small Business Saturday was on November 27

American Express sponsored this holiday which encouraged consumers to support their local small businesses.

American Express will give you a $25 statement credit when you shop at any small business until 12/31/10.

I went to Pasadena, California, shopped at some local apparel stores and then had a fabulous dinner at a locally-owned restaurant. It was really rewarding because the shop owners actually thanked me for supporting small businesses.

It's Not Too Late

Small Business Saturday was about supporting retailers, but what about other small businesses?

Remember to support your service professionals: your business coach, hair stylist, attorney, life coach, accountant, and fitness trainer. Let's not forget wholesalers and the direct sellers who will supply you with jewelry, cosmetics, nutrition, clothing, greeting cards, utilities, even legal services.

Small business owners will bring our economy back into prosperity, so let's support them all year long.

Carnival Cruise: My Narrow Escape

I missed the terrible fate of those Carnival Splendor Cruise passengers by just a few hours.

I was on the very same cruise ship to the Mexican Riviera the week before.

The Carnival Cruise ship dropped me off on November 7, 2010 in the morning and picked up those ill-fated passengers just a few hours later.

Phew!
________________________________

Here are some lessons I learned:

Be Grateful.
I got sick for one day on the ship and missed Puerto Vallarta, Mexico completely. The gorgeous town was just outside my window and I was in my cabin watching TV reruns. It broke my heart, but at least I had air conditioning, lights and a working bathroom. And I lost 5 pounds.

Make Friends
I got the chance to have fun with my friends on the cruise and make some new comrades at sea. The unfortunate Carnival passengers the week after me didn't get to see the beautiful beaches of Cabo San Lucas, but the stranded travelers really bonded each other to make the best out of a really bad situation.

Laugh Loudly and Often
According to the film, Where is Your Heart?, by my new Sponsor Concierge client, Lisa Kamen, children laugh over 300 times a day, and adults laugh only 15-30 times. The ill-fated Carnival Splendor passengers the week after me said they laughed, played cards and took advantage of the free drinks, even though the beer was warm.

I'd love to get your comments