Sometimes buying local and shipping isn't exactly the easiest or you are shopping for someone and struggling to find, just the thing. I am not one of those people, who think online shopping is evil, far from it. I do try to cultivate my own list of go-to online haunts.
I also like the idea of giving a gift that lasts or continues well past the birthday or the holiday and frankly-- who wants weird fruits every month? So this list might be just what you need to give a gift that continues past the holiday and does not contain any under ripe pears.
Today I will share a few with you!
Birchbox
I LOVE BIRCHBOX. I became aware of this wonderful service via Twitter. I was skeptical. I am *not* a makeup person. I loathe shopping for make up and lotions and potions. The reality was I needed to be shopping for them and wasn't. Boom-- Birchbox was the answer. You sign up, answer questions about your hair, nails, make up and style and then monthly they mail you a cute box, with 4-5 samples of make up, perfume, lotion and skin care items. Very nice. It is a great little pampering party in a box. Have I loved everything? No. Have I found some amazing products that I never would have discovered on my own, you betcha. Totally worth the $10 or so a month in my opinion. You can give a gift subscription and then not only will the special someone get great stuff in the mail, they will remember who was so thoughtful to send them something so cool every month too!
I will also say this. Birchbox offers amazing customer service. They are responsive, via email and Twitter. They are kind and gracious and they want you to be happy.
You can also earn points for reviewing the products each month and every 100 points is equal to $10 in store credit. Pretty cool.
Umba Box
I discovered Umba Box by accident while checking Facebook on H's computer (why he does not have Ad Blocker Plus is beyond me.) Umba Box is a selection of curated Etsy type items. I started subscribing thinking I would only try it for a few months. Well, I have stuck by them. I have gotten an eclectic mix of items over the last few months. All very good quality, creative and different. While I am not a HUGE fan of the screen printed tea towels, I have loved the hand made cosmetics and lovely stationary. I have given a few of my Umba Box items as gifts and the recipients have loved them.
Umba Box's website is not without its own issues, but it has improved steadily and their customer service is AMAZING! I have called them and recently chatted (via on site IM) with them and they are a classy operation also.
I think this box is great for people who enjoy supporting artists and crafts people. I plan to keep subscribing.
FAB
Again, a wonderful Twitter referral. I love the FAB app. I am less in love with their website. I love their product mix. I love that they do no spam my Inbox. I love that they appreciate their customers (hello, little $25 gift card just because and cute little poster that came in the mail.) Shipping time has improved steadily and they have a new free shipping option, which is fantastic!
Everything I have ordered from FAB, has been, well FAB!
FAB is a great place to shop for that something different or interesting.
Brooklyn Industries
"Wow, that blouse is too cute."
"I love that purse."
"That jacket is really cool."
Yep, this is what happens when I am wearing something I have acquired from Brooklyn Industries. I have to credit SS and JC for turning me onto Brooklyn Industries a few years ago. There has been no going back. A decent number of items in my closet come from Brooklyn Industries and I don't live in NYC.
I will say, one has to be objective and honest about their body shape. Know what styles flatter and follow the size chart. The return policy is fair, but read and understand it before you shop. Shipping seems reasonable.
Purses and tote bags ALWAYS fit!
I hesitate to give away one of my favorite boutiques, BUT it really is an awesome little shop. Also, their sales cannot be beat! If you really love something, order it, but watching something sometimes pays off.
Fair warning-- some of the merchants mentioned will give me credit if you click the link and sign up. No, I am not going to tell you which ones. I will thank you for the credit, but that is NOT the point of this post. I am just sharing some of the places I love to shop online. I have been fair and objective in my description and their shortcomings. If I get credit, and it because you wanted to give something a try, on m recommendation, thank you in advance.
Happy Shopping!
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shopping. Show all posts
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Locally handmade gifts, easy as 1, 2, 3
I try to shop local and handmade for as many Christmas/Holiday presents as I can. It just feels nicer and I like supporting local artists. Below is a list of some local craft markets and shops, which I have visited in the past and found just the right thing. They are in no particular order.
The North Market.
Who doesn't love the market. Local food and farmers. Popcorn. Ice cream. Coffee and tea and spices (btw-- love the spice vendor. Love.) Annually they have a craft show and it is a great one. Just the right size to browse before or after lunch. A great selections and tons of fun. The last two years, the kids have shopped for grandparents at this craft expo. This year the North Market Holiday Open House is December 1 and 2, 2012.
Junctionview Studios
First of all I love this place. A co-working studio for various artists. They sponsor various open houses, art shows during the year and the one for the holidays is fantastic. A good mix of crafty items and arts.
This year the Holiday Art Market is December 16, 2012 from 2-6 pm.
Glass Axis
Glass Axis is a glass work coop. They have a retail store and host public Sales and Workshops throughout the year. The Glass Pumpkin Patch in October is worth noting. The Holiday Sale and Workshops, is likewise worth the trip. This year the Holiday Sale is December 7-9, 2012. Workshops and handmade, locally blown glass. Perfect.
Not a craft fair person or busy on those dates, the following are shops/stores where I go to find local and handmade items.
Wholly Craft -- you just never know what you will find. They have quirky hours, so check the website.
Sobo Style-- not all local and not all new, but fun and funky.
The Candle Lab -- I love this place. I could make candles all day. You can pour your own or stick with something they have in stock. I love their bath bombs. Possibly the best bath bombs ever...
Objects for the Home -- not all made here, but many items are by local crafts people. Ask. I have always found them to be very helpful and knowledgeable.
So what did I miss? Do you have a favorite, not on my list???
The North Market.
Who doesn't love the market. Local food and farmers. Popcorn. Ice cream. Coffee and tea and spices (btw-- love the spice vendor. Love.) Annually they have a craft show and it is a great one. Just the right size to browse before or after lunch. A great selections and tons of fun. The last two years, the kids have shopped for grandparents at this craft expo. This year the North Market Holiday Open House is December 1 and 2, 2012.
Junctionview Studios
First of all I love this place. A co-working studio for various artists. They sponsor various open houses, art shows during the year and the one for the holidays is fantastic. A good mix of crafty items and arts.
This year the Holiday Art Market is December 16, 2012 from 2-6 pm.
Glass Axis
Glass Axis is a glass work coop. They have a retail store and host public Sales and Workshops throughout the year. The Glass Pumpkin Patch in October is worth noting. The Holiday Sale and Workshops, is likewise worth the trip. This year the Holiday Sale is December 7-9, 2012. Workshops and handmade, locally blown glass. Perfect.
Not a craft fair person or busy on those dates, the following are shops/stores where I go to find local and handmade items.
Wholly Craft -- you just never know what you will find. They have quirky hours, so check the website.
Sobo Style-- not all local and not all new, but fun and funky.
The Candle Lab -- I love this place. I could make candles all day. You can pour your own or stick with something they have in stock. I love their bath bombs. Possibly the best bath bombs ever...
Objects for the Home -- not all made here, but many items are by local crafts people. Ask. I have always found them to be very helpful and knowledgeable.
So what did I miss? Do you have a favorite, not on my list???
Monday, January 16, 2012
rockibot - Nerd Herder Gadget Wallet
No one answered my Facebook poll, so I guess that means people either like what I post, don't particularly care or dislike polls. Anyway, too bad, ship has sailed and I will write about what I want to write about. I have decided to write more posts, which deal with cool things I discover and like and use all the time.
A few years back, at the urging of my good friend and college roomie, SS, I joined Facebook. Reluctantly, I might add. I was not sold on social media, at all. I hardly used my cell phone, couldn't text a word. Fast forward to 2012 and I have embraced social media, love my Iphone, rarely talk on the phone but text like there is no tomorrow. Now I hang out regularly on Twitter, update my Facebook, tried google+ and decided it was for the birds. Then along came Pinterest. At first I ignored the rumbles and praise of the online bulletin board. Then I joined, thanks to an invite from a Twitter pal and I have been pinning ever since.
I think most guys don't get Pinterest. In fact it was a topic at my NYE party and the men close to me, just look at me when I have spoken about it. "You pin stuff", "it is like a bulletin board you share?"
"Can you buy stuff?" Well yes and no!
My new nerd herder gadget wallet is an example of something someone pinned, I followed the link to the rockibot etsy site and I ordered it, along with the wristet. I loved the concept. A wallet, which controls your smart phone, ear buds, has a place to tuck a few bucks, your flash memory and off you go. Easy to keep track of in my purse and makes for an easy transfer from purse, to writing bag, less to carry when I run out to pick the kiddos, perfect for trips to the park.
Also as L pointed out, I will hopefully now, stop yelling in exasperation, "Where IS MY PHONE." as I root through my purse, bag or coat pockets. I have been using it all week and I love it. I even carry it up to my room in the evening, effectively keeping the ear buds and audio playing device always together. No more frantically searching for ear buds when I want to listen to my audio book or music after the kiddos have gone to bed.
I also have to give kudos to rockibot, not only do they make a great little gadget herder, they have exceptional customer service. First of all I got an email letting me know my item had shipped, shipping was quick, and my nerd herder came all wrapped up in this pretty package.
I loved the little present. It felt decadent to unwrap it, even though I knew what I was opening. I also thought the little card and pencil were very cute.
On Twitter the other day I chimed in on a Twitter conversation about buying local and American made. That is my goal for 2012, to support local artisans and shop owners but to also put more energy into searching out and supporting small artisans, hand making beautiful items in the United States and around the world. Corporations have lost touch with their customers and perhaps it is time to show those corporations we just don't need then as much as they think we do. Also as a creative person, I enjoy supporting other creative people.
A few years back, at the urging of my good friend and college roomie, SS, I joined Facebook. Reluctantly, I might add. I was not sold on social media, at all. I hardly used my cell phone, couldn't text a word. Fast forward to 2012 and I have embraced social media, love my Iphone, rarely talk on the phone but text like there is no tomorrow. Now I hang out regularly on Twitter, update my Facebook, tried google+ and decided it was for the birds. Then along came Pinterest. At first I ignored the rumbles and praise of the online bulletin board. Then I joined, thanks to an invite from a Twitter pal and I have been pinning ever since.
I think most guys don't get Pinterest. In fact it was a topic at my NYE party and the men close to me, just look at me when I have spoken about it. "You pin stuff", "it is like a bulletin board you share?"
"Can you buy stuff?" Well yes and no!
My new nerd herder gadget wallet is an example of something someone pinned, I followed the link to the rockibot etsy site and I ordered it, along with the wristet. I loved the concept. A wallet, which controls your smart phone, ear buds, has a place to tuck a few bucks, your flash memory and off you go. Easy to keep track of in my purse and makes for an easy transfer from purse, to writing bag, less to carry when I run out to pick the kiddos, perfect for trips to the park.
I also have to give kudos to rockibot, not only do they make a great little gadget herder, they have exceptional customer service. First of all I got an email letting me know my item had shipped, shipping was quick, and my nerd herder came all wrapped up in this pretty package.
I loved the little present. It felt decadent to unwrap it, even though I knew what I was opening. I also thought the little card and pencil were very cute.
On Twitter the other day I chimed in on a Twitter conversation about buying local and American made. That is my goal for 2012, to support local artisans and shop owners but to also put more energy into searching out and supporting small artisans, hand making beautiful items in the United States and around the world. Corporations have lost touch with their customers and perhaps it is time to show those corporations we just don't need then as much as they think we do. Also as a creative person, I enjoy supporting other creative people.
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