25 Days of Etsy Christmas. Day Twelve: Star Trek-Inspired Presents

this list came about accidentally. i was doing research for a sci-fi list and came across so many awesome star trek-inspired items that this just had to happen. here are ten of my favourites: 

1. i have loved glitter mortis ever since the shop opened and, before i had decided that i really should pursue my dream career in fashion, i had my eye on the goods in this etsy for the shop i had been planning on opening. take a moment to check them out and you'll see why. for this list, a spock glitter print at $40 USD. 

2. check out this set of 4 star trek insignia wine glasses. they're going for $30 USD at desolation allie.

3. a great stocking stuffer is this engage key chain. it's only $13 USD at stampin off the path.

4. i really like this enterprise-inspired mobile. you can order it for $75 USD from rays scraps. check out this shop for more original, handcrafted gift items!

5. for something subtle and classic, i like this tungsten carbide laser ring. $49 USD at custom tungsten. if you're looking for a ring with another logo, check them out; i found at least two that would be good for people on my list. 

6. how about a fused glass tray? $38 USD at jamie burress, an edgy shop with an eclectic mix of glass items. fused penis pin, anyone?

7.  we're back at lenny mud for a third time and this time it's for this great spock travel mug. it's only $20 USD and on my own etsy favourites list. 

8. bright, useful and a great gift for the grown-up geek on your list: set of embroidered towels for $30 USD at scooters sewing shenanigans

9. your beer-drinking geek will dig this captains pint set. it's $40 USD at mc etching.

10. and finally, we have this great upcycled journal or sketchbook going for $22 USD at meow kapow retro wares and art. check out this shop for almost four-hundred geektastic listings. 

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Product Review: Handcrafted, Cedar Soap Deck

nine days ago, i ordered this lovely handcrafted, cedar soap deck from t and j soaps, an etsy shop based in albany, new york. not only did it arrive quickly (i received it yesterday) but theresa added a sample of their oatmeal, milk and honey soap to my package and it smells and feel wonderful. i always appreciate when sellers add a little something to personalize the purchase and/or to simply make you smile. the deck itself is well-made and, having already used cedar products in the bathroom, i know it will last a long time. i'll definitely be back for more!

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My walk home, last night. And other things.

i'm horrible at keeping surprises. somehow, yesterday, when my daughter's aunt texted me to say that she was in town and invited us to have dinner at her hotel, mum was the word. i even made up some story just in case the attendants in the lobby asked me who i wanted to see. the covert ops mission was a success and, when the suite door opened, my kids stood there in stunned silence for a full three seconds before bursting into a staccato of happy, high-pitched and incoherent syllables. it's important to have a "cool" aunt when we're growing up and i'm glad my daughter has this one, from her dad's side given that all of my sisters are fourteen and younger. (my favourite aunt and i are still super close and i think about her almost every day).

after our take-out dinner and brief catch-up session, i decided to stroll through downtown with the kids for a bit. i tend to avoid ste-catherine street this time of year, even if the holiday lights are so pretty, but it was passed nine and i was confidant that most shoppers had retired for the night. 

i was right. :-)

we went to chapters so that i could grab a decaf coffee and break a twenty for bus change. i couldn't possible walk by the discount book section without perusing... after ten minutes i was content with a book on the victorian tailor and another one on the battle at waterloo. i was about to turn around and go home when i figured the kids were being quiet enough. i rounded the corner and bam! i found an amazing book on marlene dietrich that is normally sold for close to one hundred dollars and it was priced at a wonderful $19.99 CAD. i was happy with this when my daughter, knowing what inspires her mom, pulled out another hardcover book on all things art deco, also priced at $19.99 CAD and normally priced at about $15.00 more. 

i'm so thrilled!

the marlene dietrich book is still in it's plastic and i'll have a lovely date with it and a few glasses of wine, sometime in the next few weeks. despite how her daughter's biography permanently skewed the way i view marlene, this book is one of my prized possessions for sure, now. someone had unraveled another copy and i got to peak inside and the glimpses i got were, of course, breathtaking. 

i'll have another date with the art deco book soon, too. i'd been planning on taking out pretty much anything related to this from my local library, next month, for design inspiration. 

we passed by many shops on our way to the bus stop and two windows, in particular, caught my eye and i was a bit shocked, given their source.

years ago, in my early twenties, i worked at mexx, on ste-catherine west. there are two on that street and i worked at the one that is not connected to the mall chain. i needed a job, any job, and so i walked in one day, was interviewed and hired on the spot. dear god, am i not built to work at the bottom of the retail chain. also, that particular mexx was a cesspool for frustrated people who needed to take their shit out on people below them in the chain of command. 

for starters, there was this crazy bonus system and, as soon as i figured it out and started to make sales, i was sent do to work in the stock room (with down-to-earth people i preferred) but those hours still counted as sales hours because of my official title and so my sales average lowered and i would always make a fraction of what i should have, given my sales. and i had two toddlers to feed. when i called them on this, i was told to find another job if i wasn't happy. 

in addition to this, i had one visible tattoo at the time. one. when our roof was being redone and our air conditioning was out for a week, in the middle of a particularly muggy summer (they're all like that now, it seems), i figured i could walk around in a sleeveless top because my assistant manager had a huge tramp stamp and did everything she could so that her shirt would lift and everybody could see how cool she was. i was reprimanded and told to wear my blazer, even though i would sweat.

my biggest pet peeve was that i was made to, for all intents and purposes, harass customers until they  were ready to tell me off. it was too bad because, when left to my own devices, i was an excellent seller. i still am. i've sold everything from wallets to leather jackets to mexx' generally sub-standard clothing to real estate because i'm honest. i will tell you if that pair of pants doesn't work and i will glow and grin and share my happiness with you, if you look amazing in them. that's it, that's all.

there was this one customer. i thought she was beautiful, in an offbeat way, with her dark hair, cat-like eyes, wide mouth and generous curves, so it was my pleasure to offer her my assistance. she shrugged me off so i went to pretend to rearrange a table of tank tops for the seventieth time that day. my manager came over and asked me to go and ask the customer if i could help her. i told her i already had and she glared at me, "encore" she said, in french. one word was all she cared to dispense. i returned and the customer asked me to kindly leave her alone. can you believe that my manager sent me in for a third round, in which i tried to buy time by telling the woman that she looked like janeane garofalo. then she yelled at me. it was at that moment that i remember thinking, i am so going to rise above this and this moment, the months i spend at this job, will be one blip in my past. it would be another couple of years before i decided to study fashion design and start actually getting my act together but this moment, and a slew of other ones slammed into me, yesterday, when i stopped in front of this window. 

many people had to return their clothing when i worked at mexx. tears, loose buttons, broken zippers after a few days, etc. but i've never hated the overall style of the place. yesterday, when i walked passed this 1920's-inspired dress, i did a double-take and then raised an eyebrow when i saw the name on the hanger. i even looked up at the store sign to confirm. how gorgeous is this dress?

then, a few steps away, this dress in a dynamite (?!?) window:

(please excuse the reflection. iphone + night lights)

i love both of these dresses and will be heading back downtown, this week-end to investigate and properly photograph more windows. i can help but feel apprehensive, though. will these designs be ruined the same way the pinup was ruined by the modern incarnation of the ideal? will these be styled with the flapper in mind (or at least her spirit) or am i going to see new year's eve party photos, cringe and let my forehead meet my desk? i think i might already know the answer to that. 

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25 Days of Etsy Christmas. Day Eleven: The Video Gamer

for those of you that are just popping in now, i've been working on a twenty-five-day gift guide that promotes artisans and small businesses, in an attempt to "occupy" christmas and encourage people to woah-back on the mall-madness that takes place around this time. next year i'll be more prepared (my blog is not even two months old!) and will feature only local artisans but, for now, i am featuring etsy sellers. 

we have reached day eleven and, today, the geekery continues with gift ideas for the video game nut on your list. if you don't want to buy him or her actual video games or you do but you'd like to add a little bit to it, take a look at these items:

(it's a little heavy on the pacman but that's what's out there!)

1. how could i not kick this list of with this handmade pacman ghost table?? it's going for $495 USD and is up for grabs at masters of fate.

2. simple, useful and pretty damn slick, we have the legend of zelda zippo lighter for $29.95 USD at knot lot.

3. as an addition to the gift of a console or in a stocking; for someone who is always fussing with their controller wires or tends to leave them in a pile that drives you nuts, i recommend this four-pack of game controller wall clips. they're only $10.95 USD at laboratory 424. 

4. this retro, frogger-inspired tee is one of many awesome t-shirts up fro grabs at ice cream tees. this one is $14.99 USD but check out some of the mad holiday sales currently posted on their site! once you start perusing (and chuckling), you'll want to go through them all. oh and canadian props! this shop is in newmarket, ontario, near toronto. :-)

5. this mario bottle stopper is really cute! order it for $25.00 USD at heritage bay. i recommend that you take some time to check out this shop, whether or not this particular item is your cup of tea. they offer beautifully handcrafted items, a lot of which are celtic-inspired. 

6. we're back at scallywag design but this time for his pacman and ghosts, five-piece shot glass set. order it for just $39.13 USD.

7.how about these nes controller prints? they're $28 USD at benton park prints, a fantastic shop currently offering amazing holiday sales. go check 'em out!

8. these space invader button earrings are not only adorable, they're only $5 USD at button upp. these make for a great stocking stuffer for the retro-loving lady geek on your list!

9. i've featured breakeble designs but i absolutely had to return in order to post this 1980's atari italian marble coaster set. it's $25 USD and perfect for most grown-up geeks. 

10. last but certainly not least, we have this set of two, minecraft-inspired hand towels. they're only $12.20 USD at gamer mom creations so grab them if you want something that original and chuckle-inducing. also, you're welcome for getting blue oyster cult stuck in your head. ;-)

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25 Days of Etsy Christmas Gifts. Day Ten: Superheroes (!!)

creating this list was so much fun and i'm excited to share it with you! we're about to kick off a few consecutive days of total geekery, with regards to this gift guide, and today is all about superheroes. 

BAM! ZAP! POW!

1. i like these adorable superman cufflinks. they're only $13.95 USD at bazinga jewellery and a great way for the superhero lover on your list to subtly flaunt his love for this caped crusader. into geekery in general? you must check this shop out. we're talking over seven hundred awesome items up for grabs, here. 

2. how about a pair of custom superhero kicks by kaboom kicks? for $49.99 USD, blake davis will hook you up with one wickedly drawn character per shoe. check out the listing for details!

3. i came across this set of 7 justice league coasters for $42 USD at lime green coconuts and i think they're great: eye-catching and practical. 

4. i love this pow pillow. order it for $24 USD at nokomomo and check out the rest of the shop for a great selection of geek gifts, featuring spock, the tardis, nintendo and more.

5. i want a upcycled comic book bracelet! green, original, and kick-ass, they're going for $25 USD at custom comix. i know i'm repeating myself but you have to peruse this shop. it's loaded with almost six hundred amazing upcycled comic book gift ideas!

6. simple and awesome, this wolverine shot glass had to make the list. it's only $9.13 USD so you can put it in a stocking or maybe add it to a nice bottle of liquor you were thinking of buying the x-men lover on your list. find it at scallywag design.

7. lingerie-meets-comics has got to be in most of my guy friends' top ten list of the sexiest thing their girlfriend or wife could wear. the twain meet with definite KA-POW in this limited edition superhero garter belt. grab it for your lady or for yourself at $40 USD at voluscious. 

8. I'm digging this set of 4 upcycled comic letters. it's $40 USD at green door trading co but do take a look at their shop. they have various sizes and you can buy these alone or in sets. 

9. for the grown-up geek on your list, i recommend this superhero poster set for $50 USD from poster explosion. the shop has a great selection of more subdued art, such as these and, if you're looking for yourself or for the lady comic lover on your list, look for the amazing wonder woman poster also up for grabs on this site. 

10. last but not least, this captain america infinity scarf  is a great addition to almost any comic book lover's wardrobe! grab it for$25 USD at rebel downtown.

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25 Days of Etsy Christmas Gifts. Day Nine: The Traveler

in the last two years, i've finally begun to travel and, even though the furthest i've been so far is jamaica, i knew even before i boarded a plane that i would be hooked. i have a bucket list of travel destinations and i start ticking them off as of next year, while keeping up with the road trips i love so much, in between trips. 

if you want holiday gift ideas for the traveler on your list and you want to support artisans and small businesses but you don't have time to run around town trying to find that perfect present? here are ten items (and shops) you should definitely check out on etsy.

1. this customized, hand printed leather book would make for a great travel journal. at $25 USD, in blue will personalize the cover for you so you can stick with this wonderful j.r.r. tolkien quote or ask mary lynn schroeder to print up to ten words of your choice on the cover. if you want to pick up a leather journal for yourself, while you're at it, i highly recommend that you browse this shop!

2. and now we head over to hailfax, nova scotia, where effie handmade offers up a nice selection of stylish travel bags and rolls, including this lovely jewelry organizer clutch for $44 USD. if you like the idea but not the print, have a look at the shop for a variety of bold, fun fabrics. 

3. how stylish are these personalized leather passport holders? at $22 USD, these come in an array of colours at bambina, based in nyc. want to create a fun, matching set for someone? check out the rest of this shop for great ideas for gift combinations!

4.  i like these personalized leather luggage tags for $12 USD at quiet leather. this is great for a small budget, as a stocking stuffer or as an addition to luggage bought as a gift.

5. these simple and classic leather travel pouches are going for $48 USD and could be given to someone of either sex. check out meredith bridges for more. 

6. available in a variety of colours, this chevron print organizer is perfect for stashing a passport and travel documents. check out the listing for detailed photos. they're $25 USD at dc bijou.

7. i love this large, leather duffle bag that makes for the perfect week-end bag. it's $230 USD at blue drop, a great shop based in athens, greece. 

8. if you'd like to get the lady globe-trotter on your list some inexpensive but adorable jewelry, i recommend this tibetan silver travel charm bracelet. get it for a mere $16 USD from ruth joy.

9. i like the idea of underwear travel bags and i found these for $39 USD at metka by traczka, a shop in warsaw, poland. there are many of these on etsy so look around if these aren't your cup of tea but i think they're pretty cute!

10. check out this french tourist attractions print. it's only $10 USD at peacock attic. it's worth searching for similar ones on etsy, if paris is not the right destination for your traveler; i found tons before this one caught my eye!

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Newest Addition To My Vintage Pattern Collection

i bought this on etsy, last week, and got it in the mail today. when i finally get around to making style a, it will no doubt be in black lace but here it is:

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25 Days of Etsy Christmas Gifts. Day Eight: Nautical-Theme Presents

i am back on track, after a two-day absence. apparently one day is required in order to recover from a clothing swap with my crew and so, now that the headache is gone and all the clothing has been picked up, washed, etc., i am back with day eight: nautical-theme gifts. 

firstly, if you live in montréal and you have a sailor or someone that loves this theme on your list, head to rue st-denis and check out départ en mer. i bought my father a sifflet de bosco (sailors whistle--- i've found too many names in english to settle on one) there, last year and the service was amazing. they gift-wrapped it and answered all of my questions; my father loved it and was grateful for all of the meaning that went into it and what it symbolizes. 

if you don't live in montréal or you do but you don't have time to check the aforementioned shop out, maybe the all-things-nautical lover on your list, be he/she sailor or rockabilly or anything in between will appreciate one of these gifts:

1. i love this ooak reclaimed wood anchor that is going for $20 USD at lake shore home. i wish i has somewhere to put in in my own flat!

2. for the lady who likes a nice, retro, nautical look, how about this striped clutch with anchor cameo? it's going for $35 USD at toriska.

3. this nautical signal flag cushion cover is bright and fresh and going for only $18 USD at cape bags.

4. if you're looking for jewelry for the woman on your list who digs this theme, i suggest this hand stamped sterling silver anchor bracelet. $34 USD from georgie designs.

5. for a smaller budget or as part of a larger gift ensemble, i like these nautical dinner napkins. they're only $12 USD at creative chics home.

6. know someone who travels and loves all things nautical? i like this large, nautical week-end bag. get it for $65 USD at mio mode.

7. for a selection of gorgeous nautical-theme gifts, check out scrimshaw by linda layden and i'm sure you'll find something you like. check out this scrimshaw pocket knife with nautical motifs going for $60 USD.

8. if you are absolutely sure of her size (and i mean 100% sure because, boy, do you not want to mess this one up) i recommend this colour-blocked, retro, nautical swimsuit going for $106 USD at fables by barrie. i've been watching this shop for some time now and i like where they're headed. having made swimsuits, myself, i know what a huge pain in the ass it is to make them and so i appreciate what these guys have been able to do, over time. check them out for great retro styles!

9. how about this silver-plated business card case with anchor? it's going for $48 USD at cosmic firefly. even if you don't dig this particular gift idea, i strongly recommend that you check this shop out. it is LOADED with gorgeous gift ideas, be it for someone on your list or for you (cap locks are necessary here-- they have 811 items and have made over 13 000 sales). 

10. do you know someone who is into nautical style but also relates to tattoo culture? this organic, loose-fit sweater with anchor is great, comes in a variety of colours and is only $38 USD at kind label.

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