Shop local

Our own columnist at Pumps & Pleats hits the stores each week in search of unique finds and shines a spotlight on some great local businesses.

Hip Slope Mama is calling on shoppers to do the same and spend some of their dough locally.

Well, the call actually comes from Mark Caserta, owner of Park Slope's 3r Living.

The idea? Pick your three favorite small, locally-owned businesses and spend at least $50 total in theses stores on a monthly basis. It's called The 3/50 Project, and its it's own economic stimulus plan, for if half of the employed population spent $50 a month on locally-owned businesses, it would generate $42.6 billion of revenue.

The move could help prevent storefronts from becoming vacant, and infuse some money into your neighborhood.

Don't have the money to spare? Brokelyn has a solution: be chintzy with your staple purchases but do all your splurgy gift shopping at the local places.

Hip Slope Mama via Brokelyn