Did you know that for every $100 spent at a locally-owned business, about $68 stays in the local economy compared to only $43 if spent at a national chain?

Here in Lexington, we have a great organization called Local First Lexington which advocates for shopping local all year long. To bring Small Business Saturday into focus and to encourage shopping local all holiday season, Local First Lexington is having a "Shift Your Spending" Challenge.

Between November 19-January 1, shop at Local First Lexington merchants and save your receipts. Once you have 10 local receipts, you can enter the challenge here and be entered to win $500 in gift certificates to local businesses!

Need some recommendations for members? Here are my top 10:

Coffee Times Coffee House: Coffee, tea, and gifts
Lexington Beerworks: Great spot to take out of towners for a brew, or to get your home brewing supplies
West Sixth Brewery: Get the IPA
Good Foods Market & Cafe: Local and organic food and awesome hot bar
The Morris Book Shop: Super cute book shop with a great selection
The Crushed Violet: Best place to get a fragrance
Bluegrass Barkery: My pup's favorite store
Street Scene: Amazing vintage boutique
Columbia Steakhouse: Get the nighthawk, and don't skimp on dessert
Room Service: Furniture and accessory consignment - have gotten a couple great pieces of furniture here

Where will you be shopping locally in Lexington?