{ This post is a shout out to my peeps from Rockford, Illinois. }
We all love our Hometown. It is the place that wraps its arms around you, no matter how long you have been away. Familiar faces, streets, businesses...it is home.
I live in Rockford, Illinois. And I love my town. The hubs and I travel quite a bit, and when all is said and done...we always end the trip saying what a great time we had, but we are ready to go home. I want to see my guys behind the counter at my local hardware store. I want to eat a Hawaiian Burrito at my favorite restaurant. I want to drive the tree-lined streets with the houses I dream about living in. It is the simple things that make me love this place.
Recently, it has been sad to see Rockford making a certain 'list' that a large magazine publishes, ranking cities based on their perceived desirability. {I am not naming names because I think the whole idea is ridiculous, so why even go there.}
Rather than feed into such negativity...I give you the "Put On Some Positivity" campaign!!
Daniel & Michael Hopkins of Oblique Ideas are the great minds behind a website from my town called Exhilarate Rockford. It is an organization that collects snippets of appreciation and improvement (all phrased positively) about Rockford and publishes them online. They want to uplift our city, give everyone a chance to express their pride and love for the town where they live. They have a simple mission. Share and spread positivity about Rockford, Illinois.
Simple as that. It really is not a hard task. Focus on the good. Spread the love. Pass it on. You can do it!
While they have been providing a format for people to share the reasons why they love it here online...they have taken what you have said and turned it pride you can wear!
I don't think I could say it any better than the brothers have said it themselves...
"It is about reminding people of the good things so that they will care more about their city. It's about changing the way we think, to know why we want to work so hard to solve the problems we face. That is what we are all about. We don't want to ignore the problems, but we do want to highlight the assets, the organizations that are helping, and the great places in town people should visit. It is all about sharing some love."
Amen to that!
So if you want to show your support...and share some Rockford love...visit Exhilarate Rockford. Leave a short note telling everyone what you love about this magnificent city!!
Rockford has shown my little shop an unbelievable amount of love and support. It is because of all of you that I am able to be a part of this great city!! To return the favor, I want to help spread the positivity, too! This weekend, Urban Farmgirl is carrying the shirts that are the cornerstone of the "Put On Some Positivity" campaign! Want to wear your pride on your back?? Stop by the shop and pick up a t-shirt in support of Daniel & Michael's project!
{Shirts are $23...come in sizes XS-XXL. They are a heathered charcoal gray, 50/50 cotton blend. Super cozy and comfy, I promise. I am wearing one as I type this!}
Want one shipped to you? I am happy to spread some Rockford love across the miles...just drop me a note with the email address you use for PayPal and what size you would like and we will get one out to you right away!
(Shipping is an additional $5)
