Stress Sucks - Go Shopping
When I started writing the website review this month, I was working with the idea of dealing with holiday stress. B-O-R-I-N-G!! Everybody is going to tell ya "don't over do it - budget time & resources - and avoid over indulging". But who the hell listens to that crap? Besides sugared-up and stressed are a part of the holiday tradition regardless of what religion you are celebrating. I am a real woman. When I get stressed, I do what women do best - I shop! But let's face it, shopping with a zillion stressed out mundanes, getting mall mauled sucks. Well never fear - the web review-shopping guide is here. You will be book-marking most of these babies for year-round shopping entertainment and find yourself adding a few things to your own "must have" list. Enjoy.
Cool Stuff
The Cult of Archie McPhee
http://www.mcphee.com
Ever wonder where people get the coolest toys on the planet? This Seattle based purveyor of popular culture has been delighting fans of the off-beat for nearly a quarter of a century. I was first introduced to them via their b/w mail order catalogue in the mid-80's. Someone put a copy in my hands and told me to check this out it was cool stuff. They were right and I have been addicted ever since. Where else are you going to find Kali Lunchboxes, Nunzilla Wind-ups, Devils Duckies, and Edgar Allen Poe Action Figures? The website is well organized, easy to surf and just plain fun. Check out their Virtual Sarcastic Eight Ball, take the Nerd Test, and defiantly spend some time in the Voodoo section of Tiki Island. Oh, and if you ever get to Seattle? Wander into this mecca, let them know you are from out of town, and they will give you the tour extraordinaire.
American Scientific Surplus
http://www.sciplus.com
Hey, they are not just for geeks anymore. Long popular with the pocket-protector crowd, American Scientific Surplus got a facelift a few years back and now carries more than just the standard surplus geek-quitment to bail your kid out of the last minute science-fair panic. Yea, they still carry enough science surplus gear to make a trekie swoon, but they also now carry odd arts & crafts supplies, home & garden toys and more. The website, while well organized, does resemble their b/w tabloid style catalogue, which is charming in its own geeky way. Many items are still portrayed only by their unique hand rendered illustration. But that's okay you get a good idea of the functionality of the product complete with text that starts your geek creative side a spinning. Build your own robot, add specimen bottles to your barware, just imagine the possibilities.
Cool Lights
Asian Lanterns
http://www.asianlanterns.com
Ya gotta have light in this dark half of the year, but who ever said it had to be boring. Located in Hawaii, Asian Lanterns, specializes in hanging paper lamp covers that fit a standard bulb. From elegant to funky, you will find an incredible selection worthy of making every lamp in your home a shining jewel. Indulge yourself. With prices this low, buy one for everyone on your shopping list and a few for at home.
Off the Deep End
http://www.offthedeepend.com
Ignore the various levels of silliness here - head straight for the Cheesy Lights. Here you will find an unparalleled selection of Party Lites, seasonal lights and just plain fun. Imagine how much better Thanksgiving would have been with a string of Turkey lights twining thru the table. Or maybe your mother's utmost delight when she opens that box of Burger & Fries lights that will make her kitchen redo complete. Shipping is quick here and personal service is their forte. This is a perfect site for any last minute shoppers.
Cool Stuff for Your Body
Body Art Supply
http://www.bodyartsupply.com
Family church dinner one night, all night rave the next? Short on cash and have a low pain threshold? Or maybe you just want to change you tats to match your shoes and handbag? Whatever the reason, Body Art Supply may be the answer for you. Specializing in temporary adornment, Body Art Supply carries a full line of henna products, temporary tattoos and pierced-look jewelry. The website, while a bit heavy on shameless self-promotion, is more than just a net shopping site. It is informative, as well as visual heavy, giving you all the information and ideas you need for inspiration. Humm? Maybe my toddler can have that tattoo that is on his wish list as a stocking stuffer.
Deva Lifewear
http://www.devalifewear.com
No leathered-up constraining Goth-wear here. Deva Lifeware offers real clothes for real people. With an accent on all natural & comfort, Deva's selections are simple but elegant in a very nurturing way. Clothing like this you just won't find at the local discount store. Every style is offered in a full range of colors and sizes. Deva Lifewear wraps around you like a warm cup of soup. But your feel-good experience with Deva won't stop there. This cottage industry has been providing a living wage & helping their employees for 25 years. In an industry filled with sweatshops and child labor, Deva Lifewear sets an extraordinary example of doing it right. I am sure you will find several selections here that will make it on to your personal holiday wish list.
Shop till you drop.
Joyous holidays to all.
Until next time.
Veritatem dies aperit.
LA. Judge