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15 Ways To Support Small Businesses

September 7 2020 By melbournemamma Leave a Comment

15 ways to support small businesses

Now, more than ever, small businesses need OUR help and I’ve got 15 ways to support Melbourne small businesses during the COVID-19 lockdown and beyond. ❤️  ⁣⁣

Like many small business owners, I had great plans for my (digital marketing and social media management) business this year. Following on from the success of 2019, I thought this year was going to be a game-changer for me. (could. NOT. have. been. more. wrong.)

Enter COVID-19 and all my plans went out to window – along with the plans of hundreds of thousands of other small businesses owners in Melbourne.

Even in our wildest nightmares, I don’t think any of us would have envisioned, let alone prepared for what was to come.

While some businesses have been able to PIVOT!!! (Ross Geller would be so proud – ha!) and are thriving in this current situation, unfortunately, there are so many more that have closed temporarily or permanently.

Supporting small businesses does not have to be costly either, in fact, there are a few ways to show your support that won’t cost you a cent.

Here are 15 ways YOU can help local shops, restaurants, and others. If you’ve got any ways to support Melbourne small businesses, please share them in the comments below:

15 Ways to Show Your Support

1. Purchase Products Online

You can buy pretty much everything online these days – clothing, books, electronics, pet supplies, makeup, wine and more – so do a quick search for local stores online and save yourself a trip to the shops. Some small businesses are even offering FREE local delivery to those in surrounding suburbs.

2. Purchase Gift Vouchers⁣⁣

If you can afford to do so, purchase gift vouchers from your favorite local businesses. You’ll be supporting them financially when they need it most, and although some businesses may not be able to accept them right now, you can plan a future date night, shopping spree, lunch with friends or weekend getaway.

3. Order Takeaway or Delivery

Your favorite restaurants and cafes may have had to shut their doors, but many of them still offer takeaway or delivery. If possible, order directly from the business, so they don’t lose a large chunk of the bill to an external third party (from memory UberEats takes 30% of the total). If your favourite feed is within a 5km radius from your home, why not beat the queue and pickup.

⁣⁣4. Follow, Like, Comment and Share Your Favourites on Social Media⁣⁣

Spread the news of local businesses to all of your friends and followers. If you had a delicious dinner delivered or fantastic customer service from your local book store, give them a shoutout and let everyone know. When you interact with businesses on their social media accounts, it helps with engagement, which, in turn, leads to more visibility and sales for their business.

5. Leave Positive Reviews⁣⁣

Now is the perfect time to leave reviews for all the businesses you love, but have never actually gotten around to writing a review for. Not only will it help them gain some social proof but it will also help improve their online rankings.⁣⁣

6. Keep paying your memberships and subscriptions

Subscription or membership based businesses like gyms, zoos and museums rely on regular sources of income from members. Since many of these businesses have closed, customers most likely are asking for refunds or pausing their memberships. If your income isn’t affected by lockdown, consider keeping these memberships as-is.

7. Take Online Classes

Lots of businesses are finding ways to provide value through online classes. Even if you’ve never learnt a new skill or hobby online before, now is a great time to try something while also supporting a local business.

⁣8. Refer People Directly⁣⁣

If you know someone or see someone looking for a particular product or service that one of your favourite local businesses can offer or supply, let that person know about the business and provide a link or contact details, so they can get in touch.

⁣9. Buy Quarantine/Lockdown Gifts for Loved Ones⁣⁣

If someone in your life is having a hard time, why not send them a little something to let them know that you’re thinking of them. Purchase gifts from your favorite small businesses and have them posted or delivered directly to their door.

10. Stock Up on Items You’ll Need Later⁣⁣

If you’ve got birthdays coming up in the family or you need some new gear for Summer, why not start purchasing now. It’s always great to be organised.

11. Choose Local Stores Over Chain Stores When Possible

⁣⁣Many local businesses have online stores in addition to their brick and mortar locations. Whenever possible, consider giving them your business instead of large chain stores that have an Australian wide presence.

12. Start Your Christmas Shopping

Only 111 sleeps to go⁣ – yes! I did it – I said the “C” word 😳
By the time we get out of lockdown, the shops will be blasting Christmas carols and shelves will be stocked with Christmas goodies, but why not get an early start on your shopping list and grab some fabulous unique gifts and experiences from local businesses.

13. Pay in Advance

If you have money available, pay ahead for services or activities you use regularly, even if you’re not using them right now. Think cleaning services, swimming lessons or dance classes, even pet grooming and gardening. ⁣⁣

14. Send Them A Kind Message⁣⁣

If you can’t purchase now, perhaps send a personalised message to a business owner to let them know that you’re thinking about them. If someone is trying to decide whether or not they close up shop forever or make another go of it, this could really make the difference.

⁣And last but not least…..⁣⁣

⁣⁣15. Have Patience

ALL business owners are pretty stressed right now, so have patience and be supportive. Many businesses are working at a dramatically reduced capacity, so it may take them a little longer to respond to your query or concern – especially those who have children that are learning from home. Maybe they’ve just had a really shitty day/week/month and they’re not as “present” as they usually are.

Please share your favourite Melbourne business(es) in the comments below.

Take care everyone x

⁣

Filed Under: Shopping Tagged With: melbourne, shop local, shop local melbourne, shopping

Beds 4 Everybody Mattress Giveaway

November 13 2018 By melbournemamma 49 Comments

If you’re looking for a new mattress for the kids or yourself, you need to check out Beds 4 Everybody, a Melbourne family owned AND Melbourne made mattress company.

I’ve been needing to get a new mattress for my 11 year old daughter because she wanted a bigger bed (if I had known she was going to be so tall I would have bought her a king single to start with #hindsight) but quite frankly the thought of traipsing through mattress shops all over Melbourne, trying to figure which ones to buy, was giving me a headache. There are soooooo many options when it comes to mattresses these days and I had no idea where to start.

Enter Beds 4 Everybody, a new local business, who heard that I was looking for a mattress for my daughter and offered to send me one for her AND also provide me with a mattress to giveaway to a lucky Melbourne family!

Beds 4 Everybody have one goal – to make quality beds at an affordable price.

Foam is the most expensive component of a mattress. So, Beds 4 Everybody make their mattresses with Recofoam, allowing them to produce a budget mattress with extra layers of foam and comfort. Beds 4 Everybody also sell exclusively online, which means they can heavily reduce the numerous costly overheads, and pass the savings onto customers. However, they do have an showroom in Cheltenham, if you want to have a look at the mattresses before you buy. The showroom is located within the factory where they manufacture their beds.

Beds 4 Everybody also make bed bases and ensembles. All bases are made from recycled timber and have a outer cover to match their mattresses. All products come with a 5-year warranty and also include free shipping within metropolitan Melbourne (mattresses can also be delivered across Victoria for an additional fee).

Since 2011, their parent company has supplied over 50 000 refurbished beds to Victorian charities and welfare organisations. So it seemed only logical to create Beds 4 Everybody and begin to produce brand new mattresses to sell to the public.

My daughter has now been sleeping on her new mattress for nearly two months and she loves it. We recently had a slumber party for her birthday and she insisted on dragging the mattress in to the playroom to sleep on as she now refuses to sleep on anything else.

I actually had a little nap in her bed last week  (DON’T tell her) when I had a migraine because my neighbour was mowing the lawn right near my bedroom and I needed to get as far away from the noise as possible. Her bed was so much more comfortable than my own bed.

Note to self: Do not give children comfy new mattress during last week of school term as they will not want to get out of bed. Wait until school holidays!

Check out my daughter’s first reaction to her new mattress here!

The wonderful folks at Beds 4 Everybody, are so generous, that they’ve also given me a mattress to give away to one lucky reader. Winner can choose between a single, king single or double.

Terms & Conditions

  • Entry is open to Melbourne Mamma newsletter subscribers only (subscribe here) .
  • Entrants must answer the following question in the comments below “In 25 words or less, tell me what size mattress you’d love to win and why”.
  • This competition closes at 10.00 pm (Melbourne time) on Friday, 23 November 2018.  The winner will be randomly drawn and notified via email newsletter. Any prize not claimed within 48 hours of notification will be redrawn.
  • To qualify to enter you must be aged 18+ and live within 20 km from Melbourne CBD.
  • Winner can choose from single, king single or double size mattress. Not transferable or refundable.
  • Prize is ONE mattress only (single, king single or double) and includes delivery within 20 km radius of Melbourne CBD.

 

Filed Under: Giveaways, Reviews, Shopping Tagged With: giveaway, shop local, shop local melbourne, shopping

Ultimate Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide 2018

November 5 2018 By melbournemamma 1 Comment

Melbourne Mamma - Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide 2018

There’s just seven weeks until Christmas and I’ve rounded up the best products from some of my favourite local stores and created my Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide.

When you shop from local stores this Christmas, you won’t be helping some CEO get a nice fat Christmas bonus, you’ll be helping a local Melbourne family have a wonderful Christmas, or perhaps a much needed family holiday or even make it easier for a business owner to send their kids to a school holiday program while mum and dad are working during the school holidays.

Avoid the mayhem at the shopping centres and shop from the comfort of your home (all products are available online). Not only will you be doing yourself a favour but you will also be supporting local stores that really appreciate it – especially at this time of year.

In the guide you will find gifts idea for kids of all ages, along with mums, dads, teachers and stocking stuffers under $20!

 

 Melbourne Mamma Christmas Gift Guide 2018 - Christmas Gifts for Babies and Toddlers

Rainbow Wall Clock $79, ICONIC Rainbow Puzzle $110, Kid O Myland STEM Car $60, Toddler Christmas Creative Box $39.95, See-ya Suitcase $99, Red Velvet Santa Sack $69.95, Toddler Dinosaur Creative Box $39.95, Vintage Balance Bike $99.95, Dinosaur Crayons $16.95, My First Multi Play Activity Cube $64.95        ,

 

Melbourne Mamma Christmas Gift Guide 2018 - Christmas Gifts for Little Kids

Preschool Christmas Creative Box $39.95 , Name Crayons $20, Animals of the World Canvas $124.95, KontraBand Kids Headphones $34.95, Sunjellies Retro Basket $35, Dear Little Mailbox $39.95, Le Toy Van Popcorn Machine $69.95, Preschool Space Creative Box $39.95,  KICKBricks $99, Sailor Wall Clock $79

 

Melbourne Mamma - Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide 2018 - Christmas Gifts for Big Kids

Freckle Christmas Tree $4.95, Sphero Mini $81.99, Neon Clock $69, Happy Mail $21.95, DIY Sound-Activated Walking Dinosaur Kit $36.99, T-Rex Money Box $19.95, Wing Bookends $59, Hands Free Walkie Talkies $39.99, LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar  $38.95, Christmas Reindeer Chocolate $6.95

 

Melbourne Mamma - Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide 2018 - Christmas Gifts for Tweens and Teens

Forever Young Print $99, Origami Animal Necklace $99, Harry Potter Hedwig Owl Mug $24.99, Stainless Steel Flask $45.00, Neon Clock $79, Metropol Scooter $129.99, Beach Sounds $69.95, Herschel Backpack $79.95, Ultra Drone Storm Camera Wi-Fi $94.95, Tallala Towel $39.95

 

Melbourne Mamma - Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide 2018 - Christmas Gifts for Teachers

Craft Beer Gift Box – Four Pack $44.95,  Chocolate Freckle Thanks $6.95, Best in Black Tea Kit $35, The Ultimate Movie Buff Quiz Mug $22.99, Teacher Gift Box $20, Personalised Teacher Bookmarks $17.95,  Twelve Days of Christmas Tea Advent Calendar $40, Weekly Pad $12.95, Santa’s Specialty Hamper $40, Michel Cluizel Chocolates $49

 

Melbourne Mamma - Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide 2018 - Christmas Gifts for Mums

Christmas Calories Block $6.95, Antipasto Platter $85, Glasshouse Hamper $119, Bucket List $29.95, Sun Umbrella from $129, For the Love of Tea $80, Goal Digger Planner $44.95 , Vintage Ladies Bike $289.99, Folding Wine Table $99.95, Kollab Shopper Tote $24.99

 

Melbourne Mamma - Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide 2018 - Christmas Gifts for Dad

Skwosh Swim Trunks + Craft Beer $99, LEGO Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter $114.99, Personalised Best Dad Bamboo Wall Hanging $45, Beard Oil Gift Pack + Craft Beer $59 , Get Shit Done $12.95, OrbitKey Clip $49.90, Weekender Hamper $149, Gents Shoe Polishing Kit $32, Mens Travel Set $185, Coffee Break Basket $60

 

Melbourne Mamma - Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide 2018 - Christmas Gifts under $20 - Stocking Stuffers

Get Shit Done  $9.95, Pastel Arch with Unicorn BIY Kit $19.95, Outer space crayons $16.95, Mini Patternation Magnetic Game $18, Xmas Grab Bag – Chocolate Raspberries $6.95 , Fortnite Do Not Disturb Sign $12, QUUT Alto Sand & Snow Toy $19.95, Fornite Dance Tee $15, On The Go Colouring Book with crayons $6.50, Glow In The Dark Temporary Tattoos $7.99, Who Am I? The Hilarious Guessing Game $14.99, Little Messages $16.95, Xmas Chocolate Freckle Pop $6.95, Little Whale Light $19.95, Desk Pad $12.95, Frosty The Melting Snowman $16.95,  Mesmerised Book for Newborns $15.95, Apple Park Mini Bunny Rattle $11.99, I Love Gaming Poster $12.99

Have you started your Christmas Shopping? What’s on your wish list this Christmas?

All prices in the Melbourne Christmas Gift Guide were accurate at the time of publication. Please contact individual stores for any porduct enquiries.

* This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase via one of these links, I will receive a small commission, at no cost to you.

Filed Under: Shopping Tagged With: christmas, shop local, shopping

Melbourne Mamma’s Market – 26 August 2018

August 15 2018 By melbournemamma Leave a Comment

Melbourne’s biggest designer label sale “Melbourne Mamma’s Market” is on Sunday, 26 August 2018 at the Kensington Town Hall.

Don’t miss the opportunity to grab some fabulous bargains from 20 local boutiques and designers.

Save a minimum of 50% off everything! For more information click here.

Melbourne Mammas Market - Designer Label Clearance Sale - Sunday, 26 August 2018, Kensington

 

Filed Under: Markets, Shopping Tagged With: melbourne mammas market, sales, shop local, shopping

Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2017

November 6 2017 By melbournemamma 1 Comment

 

There’s just seven weeks until Christmas and I’ve rounded up the best products from some of my favourite local stores.

 

Avoid the mayhem at the shopping centres and shop from the comfort of your home or a local boutique. Not only will you be doing yourself a favour but you will also be supporting local stores that really appreciate it – especially at this time of year.

 

In the guide you will find gifts idea for kids of all ages, along with mums, teachers and 20 stocking stuffers under $20!…

Read More

Filed Under: Shopping Tagged With: christmas, shop local, shopping

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Tracey  {Melbourne Mamma}
Nothing beats sitting down with a good book and a Nothing beats sitting down with a good book and a cup of tea on a Sunday afternoon. 📚☕️⁣
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It would have to be my favourite way to end the week.⁣
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My daughter has been baking again, so I’ve snuck a couple of cookies too 🍪🤫⁣
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Who else is mentally preparing for #remotelearning to kick off again tomorrow? 🙏🏼⁣👦🏻👧🏻
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#sunday #metime #lockdownlife #teatime #melbournelife #sundayafternoon #mumlife
Don’t forget that Daylight Saving starts tonight Don’t forget that Daylight Saving starts tonight ⏰⁣⁣
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Feel free to set your clock forward as far as you want 🤣⁣⁣
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And the good news is there’s one less hour of 2020 🙌🏼⁣
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#daylightsaving #melbourne #lockdownlife #melbournelife #bringon2021 #fastforward⁣⁣
All you need is ❤️⁣ ⁣ So, I may have a got All you need is ❤️⁣
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So, I may have a got a little too excited this afternoon when I spotted this #blastfromthepast in the freezer section at @aldiaustralia🍦⁣
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I’m not sure if they’re being sold anywhere else but Peters have released their Hava Heart icecreams in mini size and I’m suddenly flashing back to dinking my friends down to the milk bar to buy one 🚴🏻‍♀️ #80slife⁣
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#havaheart #melbourneicon #aussieicon #melbourne #melbournelife #melbourneicecream #petersicecream ⁣#childhoodmemories
“I live my life a quarter mile at a time." - Dom “I live my life a quarter mile at a time." - Dom Toretto⁣
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How cool is my son’s latest @lego project - Dom’s Charger from Fast and Furious 🖤👦🏻⁣
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Based on the iconic 1970s Dodge Charger R/T, it’s packed with authentic details. The opening hood reveals a model version of the iconic V8 engine. Other cool features include moving pistons, wishbone suspension, steering system and air blower. There are even nitro bottles in the trunk to bring Dom's daring high-speed chases to life. Just like the real thing!⁣
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Now we just need @lego to create Brian’s Supra 🧡😉⁣
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#rideordie #lego #legotechnic #legodomscharger #domscharger #fastandthefurious #legolove #legocar
Perfect day for kite flying (or drying the laundry Perfect day for kite flying (or drying the laundry) ☀️🌬🪁⁣
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It was so nice to go to the park as a family and have some fun.⁣
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#lockdownlife #melbourne #melbournelife #friday #blueskies #kite
Someone in my house was VERY excited to get a copy Someone in my house was VERY excited to get a copy of “Hollowpox”, the latest book in the Nevermoor series by @digressica today. 👧🏻💜⁣⁣
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I was even lucky enough to get a free little tote bag when I picked up my order from @dymocksbooks 👏⁣⁣
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With no ”back to school” date set for year 7s here in Melbourne yet, I knew this would give my daughter something to smile about. She's tearing through books at the moment 😁⁣📚📚⁣
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#whatmydaughterisreading  #hollowpox #jesscatownsend #bookssheloves #favouritebook #nevermoor ⁣⁣
This is the first book I have read by @kelrimmerwr This is the first book I have read by @kelrimmerwrites and it certainly won’t be the last (I’ve already got “The Things We Cannot Say” on my bedside table).⁣⁣
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This is a moving story about how the lies we tell can either bond a family or tear it apart. 🛋☕️📚⁣⁣⁣
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My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣⁣
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“1959: Grace is a young mother with four children under four. All she ever wanted was to have a family of her own, but there are thoughts Grace cannot share with anyone in the months after childbirth. Instead she pours her deepest fears into the pages of a notebook, hiding them where she knows husband Patrick will never look. When Grace falls pregnant again, she turns to her sister, Maryanne, for help.⁣⁣
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1996: When Beth's father, Patrick, is diagnosed with dementia, she and her siblings make the heart-wrenching decision to put him into care. As Beth is clearing the family home, she discovers a series of notes. Patrick's children grew up believing their mother died in a car accident, but these notes suggest something much darker may be true.”⁣⁣⁣
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#truthsinevertoldyou #melbournemammabooklove #mmreadingchallenge2020  #librarybooks #sunday
Day 2 of the school holidays and my kids were “b Day 2 of the school holidays and my kids were “booooored” because I won’t let them on devices all day, every day 🙄 📺 💻 🎮 🙅🏻‍♀️⁣
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👦🏻 is now happily building his @lego Technic “Dom’s Charger” 🖤⁣
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👧🏻 was reading a book and is now having a 😴⁣
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Hopefully the weather will be better tomorrow and we can go for a long walk or bike ride. 🤞🏼⁣
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How are you keeping the kids entertained/active during the school holidays?⁣
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#lockdownlife #melbourne #schoolholidays #lego #fastandthefurious #domscharger
12 years 👰🏻🤵🏻⁣🥂⁣ ⁣⁣ Today w 12 years 👰🏻🤵🏻⁣🥂⁣
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Today we celebrate the best decision you ever made 🥰⁣⁣
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#anniversary #weddingday #ido #melbournemamma #love #12years #mrandmrs #marriedlife
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