Donnie: Why do you wear that stupid bunny suit?
Frank: Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?

While it doesn’t answer the question the question why he’s wearing it, now we know where Donnie Darko may have got his stupid man suit.

Korea Town, Western and 3rd.

I’m not sure it’s very convincing, though.

(Pic taken w/my phone.)

It’s the eve of Valentine’s Day and some of you may be out shopping even as I type. Many others I know, will rush out during lunch break tomorrow to pick up that perfect little something for your lover. Our series should provide you with a number of possible ideas from sommelier costumes and corsets to lightsaber whips and beginner butt plugs shaped like pacifiers. If sex shops aren’t your thing, you can always order something online (though you better be spectacular to compensate for the inevitable lateness of the gift). And when you’re all done with your new toy, you can recycle it because green is sexy.

We’ve got Valentine’s Day licked because pink boxes and haiku aren’t just for doughnuts anymore.

It happens out here (most recently, at a Culver City sex shop near the home of a woman I was dating), it happened back East, it happens everywhere.  You walk into a sex shop, begin browsing, and, within two minutes, a young Goth staffer comes over and says, “I use this at home, and I really love it.”  Then she proceeds to give you a sexual symposium on the merits of German vs. Japanese (and I don’t mean cars), furry vs. metallic, water vs. oil, etc.  The problem is, we didn’t ask.

I call this The Nordstrom Effect.  It reminds me of those Nordstrom salespeople who, though typically not young nor Goth, are just as overly helpful as the sex shop girls.  In both cases, what starts out as accommodating quickly becomes annoying.

At Nordstrom, I think the salespeople do this because (1) commission is likely a big part of their compensation; and (2) they want to uphold Nordstrom’s well-deserved reputation for excellent customer service.  However, at the sex shops, I think it’s nerves.  Specifically, the salespeople and their managers figure that many customers in their stores are uncomfortable and in need of hand-holding.

And sometimes they are right.  I’m sure there are many people — perhaps women more than men, if this series is an indication — who feel shy about striding into sex shops and picking out personal items.  (Guys often have their own problems in other stores, such as when picking out lingerie for their women).

The cure for The Nordstrom Effect, and the shyness which may cause it, can be found online.  There are tons of Internet retailers out there, such as Adam and Eve , 123 Adult Store, and Sex Toy Sex.org (links NSFW, obviously), where you can shop in the privacy of your own home.  Moreover, some of the Los Angeles area shops profiled in this series provide online shopping as well.  Many of the well-known sites will send your items in discrete packaging designed not to raise the red flags (or any other parts) of nosy neighbors and pervy postmen.  Coincidentally, I met one such retailer the other night, the woman who runs the Los Angeles-based Sex-Butter.com (not to be confused with Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax for your surfboard, unless you are using “surfboard” as a euphemism), who sells her products primarily online.

Of course, it is a fun experience to grab your sweetheart or friends and check out a sex shop or three in the flesh, whether as a bona fide shopper or simply a tourist.  Our writers in this series have done just that, profiling some of the sex shops they like in the Los Angeles area.  However, if avoiding The Nordstrom Effect is a priority, then shopping online might be just what the Naughty Nurse ordered, on Valentine’s Day or any other day.

[Part of blogging.la's "We've Got Valentine's Day Licked" series]

(Pleasure Chest logo photo from smussyolay)

Let me start with the disclaimer that I’m personally sort of sexual Luddite. Once I went to a sex toy (aka f***erware) party and the hostess began by explaining that there are 6000 nerve endings in the clitoris and it just made me wonder why we think we can improve upon that fine creation. So know that I approach the whole issue of sex shops as far more of a novice than a professional (or should I say “expert”).

That said, I think one of the best things about Touch of Romance is that anyone can find something sexy/fun there and pretty much anyone can feel comfortable shopping there (well, anyone who would be reading this post anyway). The atmosphere is enough like hot-topic-for-the-orgasmic-set to put the shyer shoppers at ease, and at the same time, there’s still a reasonable selection of ball gags for the rest of you. 

We asked what the most popular Valentine’s Day gift was and our helpful hostess/shop girl told us that the We-Vibe, supercalifragalistic vibrator that it is, was this year’s top seller. We-Vibe markets itself as the couples’ vibrator so it’s kind of a perfect Valentine’s Day present, plus since it reaches the clitoris and the g-spot, it pretty much ensures that no matter how rotten a lover you are, your lady will have a good time in the sack. This, to me, seems like a wise investment.

For those on more of a budget, Touch of Romance also has a fine selection of videos, toys, massage oil, and cute lingerie, including the modern day pasty, “nippies patch of freedom,” in a variety of shapes and colors. As you would expect, there is a Baskin Robbins-ish assortment of lube, including, I noticed, something labeled “rim job flavored” lube, “a tasty anal treat,” perhaps unsurprisingly featured on the clearance table.

A few other things worth mentioning because they amused me–the “bounce back Bob” inflatable penis punching bag, the DIY make your own sex toys book, and the “lube injector.” Who knew? I mean, good idea, but as my road dog noted, “Some people are thinking every minute.”

So happy shopping. Have fun and be safe kids.

The details:
Touch of Romance
19212 Ventura Blvd
Tarzana, CA 91356
818-774-9030
Mon – Thu: 11am – 10pm
Fri – Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sunday: 12pm – 7pm

This blog post might not be safe for work due to language. The links are definitely NSFW.

Walking through the Pleasure Chest last night was a blast. I’m pretty vanilla in my own sex life, but I read. A lot. And finally seeing sex paraphernalia I’d only read about up close and personal was a HOOT! I highly recommend a visit there whether you are looking for a fun gift for Valentine’s Day or need to complete your fetish collection. The store is a brightly lit, clean and happy place. No dark corners or shady customers here. The staff that I did speak to were smiling and helpful. And oh the variety of toys to play with!

The first thing that caught my eye was the OhMiBod set of vibrators. These hi-tech wonders connect to your iPod (or iPhone – yes, there is an app for that!) and set the rhythm to whatever music you choose. Gives the phrase “Plug and Play” a whole new meaning. There was also a large collection of vibrators made famous on Sex And The City. Remember The Rabbit? There is a wide variety on that theme – Hop’n Jackrabbit, The Pearl, The Bath Time Bunny and more. The Rabbit has a lot going on with it – multi speeds, parts for internal and external pleasures, independent gyrating sections, etc. Need something a bit more specific? Try the Sqweel – a ten-tongued, multi-speed rotating, uh, gizmo that only stops when you do or the batteries die. (I couldn’t help laughing when I saw it in action as it made me think of those old alien spaceship miniatures used on the original Star Trek.)

Past the vast vibrator section (There was one named “Better Than Chocolate“!) is a huge section of dildos — all shapes, sizes and colors, including some shaped like fists and hands. There were the Classic Cocks (8″, 10″ and 12″) and the Classic Dongs along with the Ballsy Supercock (One Size Fits Most). Point of order here please: What is the difference between a cock and a dong in dildo parlance? There were also “soft pack” dildos – “flaccid and realistic looking cocks to bulk up your bulge” (not usable for penetration). I guess if the ladies stuff their bras, the guys can stuff their undies. I had just never thought of it before! (And they were quite soft.)

Of course there is a section for anal play with Classic Butt Plugs and Smooth Butt plugs. I’m going to be honest that if I had a choice, I would choose the Smooth. Of course I would have to get the Butt Plug Starter Kit before any of that could happen. There was also a Jellies Butt Plug that made me think more of the awesome shoes I wore in the 80′s than it made me think of a sex toy…

In the back of the store is the BDSM section with some amazing masks and crops and chains and leashes. There were ball gags and even beginner ball gags for those just starting out. The ball gags were right next to the mini feather body ticklers which seemed like an odd juxtaposition, but then, as mentioned, I’m pretty square.

The store is large and there is a whole section of videos, another large section for party games and an entire wall of lube – all styles and flavors. They have testers so you can feel and taste the lube before you buy. There are cute panties and lingerie (not a huge selection, but a there was a variety) and even a smoke shop section. There are greeting cards and candles and valentine themed candy. The book section brings together erotica, sex health and even a cook books. Intercourses has fun recipes for all moods and flavors and is a personal favorite.

The Pleasure Chest is a phenomenal resource for sex education. They hold classes and workshops regularly on all topics: fellatio, cunnilingus, masturbation, anal sex, dirty talk, spanking and BDSM (among others). They can even design a workshop to your specific need. They will even help you host parties and fundraisers as well.

When I got there last night, there was a class just starting about Oral Sex. A gay man and a straight woman (I think, I didn’t hear her introduction) gave the class (the class was PACKED!) and from what I overheard while I was browsing, they were really giving a great tutorial on everything from how to talk to your partner about fantasies and wishes to detailed anatomy and how your naughty bits actually work. There was lots of laughter and lots of really good straight-forward information.

Once you buy your costume at Forplay, head over to the Pleasure Chest to get everything else you’ll need for that hot night and life of fun!

The Pleasure Chest (love their logo!)
7733 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood
323-650-1022

And don’t worry – if you are still too shy to actually go to the store, you can always shop their online store!

You could call this the “cut to the chase” gift giving guide for Valentine’s Day. Here at blogging.la we don’t really beat around the bush much–unless you like that sort of thing, in which case, this is probably just the series for you–so when we got together and thought about what kind of Valentine’s Day series to run, we realized there are probably a thousand foodies blogging about where to go to go to dinner and who has the best artisanal chocolates. We could tell you our favorite flower markets or the most romantic day trips or the best views in L.A., but ultimately what’s all that about anyway? You know what we’re talking about. You’re not taking someone to an amazing, and expensive, dinner on Valentine’s Day to express your deep respectful platonic love for him/her, are you? In romance as in sales, always be closing, lovers.

This is a Valentine’s Day series for the closers. We’ll take you inside a couple of sex shops. You can browse along with us as we marvel at the variety of dildos and lube. Whether your favorite flavor is vanilla or something spicier, we should find something you’ll delicious for you, something that will communicate to your partner how you *really* feel. Because you’ll still be enjoying that pocket rocket long after the chocolates are eaten and the flowers are wilted.

Join us as we sing the body electric this week, readers.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.

Other posts in this series:

We’ve Got Valentine’s Day Licked: Forplay
We’ve Got Valentine’s Day Licked: The Pleasure Chest
We’ve Got Valentine’s Day Licked: Touch of Romance
We’ve Got Valentine’s Day Licked: Recycling Your Very Used Sex Toy
We’ve Got Valentine’s Day Licked: Vendor Fair at the Bordello of Decadence
We’ve Got Valentine’s Day Licked: The Pleasure Chest, take two
We’ve Got Valentine’s Day Licked: Sex Shops and The Nordstrom Effect
We’ve Got Valentine’s Day Licked: The Power of the Little Pink Box

(This post is part of Sweet Charity:  Blogging.LA’s Guide to Giving, our guide to alternative places to spend your dollars and make a difference this holiday season!)

Esperanza Community Housing serves the families that live in and around the Figueroa corridor. The organization’s original focus was on housing, and they’ve built and maintained sustainable and affordable housing for folks with low incomes. But they’ve expanded their mandate to include all kinds of things that go beyond just housing and show a real dedication to developing a self-sustaining, vital community. They provide health-related education and services in English and Spanish, they run arts and science workshops for kids and families. They have an extensive education program, and train community leaders to become “health promoters,” giving them the knowledge and resources to work for health and social justice issues on a grassroots level.

Esperanza Community Housing also operates Mercado La Paloma, an amazing marketplace and community space located at 3655 South Grand Avenue. The Mercado is full of small, independently owned, community-based businesses, all of which were founded with the assistance of Esperanza Community Housing, who provided business training and startup resources, with the intent of creating jobs and business ownership opportunities in the community. The shops in the Mercado include small restaurants and shops, selling everything from arts and crafts to computer supplies. I found out about it when I met some friends for dinner at Mo-Chica, which is an amazing Peruvian restaurant located in the Mercado. (You should go, and try the AMAZING ceviche!!) Mercado La Paloma also houses art exhibits, hosts classes on topics ranging from health and nutrition to computer how-to, has a kids’ reading nook, and plays host to events like film screenings and festivals. All in all, it’s an amazing, welcoming gathering space that provides much-needed community resources.

Want to help Esperanza Community Housing continue to provide affordable housing and resources? They welcome tax-dedutible donations on their website. And you can also support the small businesses in the Mercado by doing some of your Christmas shopping there! A good time to visit might be tomorrow, December 17^th, between 5:00 and 9:00pm, when the Mercado will be hosting a holiday celebration, with live music, dancing, and art workshops.

Esperanza Community Housing and Mercado La Paloma are located at 3655 South Grand Ave.  Directions are available here.

Photo of the Mercado La Paloma mural from lili.chen on flickr.

Last weekend, Artisanal LA and Unique LA combined to give you the gift of convenient two-stop holiday shops:  fancy and/or homey food stuffs for the foodie in your life; home-spun arts and crafts for the not-foodie in your life.  Artisanal LA was a downgraded version of its fall version; Unique LA was a massive, overwhelming congregation of some 300 local vendors sprawled about the entire penthouse of the California Market Center.  Navigating through both was half the fun, once you got past the overwhelming nature of it all.  For those who didn’t make it out (womp womp), I had a few choice favorites – so long as you trust me, your shopping will be pretty much done by the time you reach the end of this post.  And, because all of these gifts are from local vendors, you probably can find them somewhere in town or you might even be able to work out an arrangement where you order online and pick it up offline.  Who needs the mall?

For the bacon lovers

I love bacon.  Having said that, I’m waiting for the put-bacon-on-everything trend to end, and the put-bacon-on-things-that-actually-taste-good-with-bacon one to begin.  Lucky for me, bacon belongs on bread pudding and in caramels.

Creme Caramel’s Bacon Bread Pudding

Oh. My. Wow.  Is the only thing I could say after tasting Creme Caramel‘s bacon bread pudding.  The bread pudding itself is custardy without drowning in it; it’s bready without the dryness.  Add the bacon, and you have an explosive smack of flavor and salt.  Just, wow.  I’m buying this right now.  This may or may not be present for myself.  Ok, it is.

Morning Glory Confections’ Bacon Fat Smoked Spanish Paprika and Fleur de Sel artisan caramel

I’m not a big fan of caramel generally, but these were delicious.  Morning Glory Confections’ already flavorful, smooth caramel gets a subtle undertone of bacon (it is just the fat, after all), and the paprika and fleur de sel hold their own to round it all out.  You think it’s too many mix-ins, but unlike my sister at YogurtLand, Morning Glory strikes a perfect balance between not enough and too much.

For the pie lovers:  Crust by Stephanie Jayne‘s Missouri Butter Pie

Pie is the so-old-it’s-new trend that supposedly is making a comeback (as if it ever went away).  My favorite pie at Artisanal LA: Crust by Stephanie Jayne‘s Missouri Butter Pie.  It’s a take on the St. Louis gooey butter cake: with a crackling top, it’s a little gooey, a little sugary, a lot delicious.  Stephanie also makes a variety of other pies inspired by Americana – your classic apple and pumpkin pies, for example – as well as distinct creations, like her campfire s’more pie and fleur de caramel tart.  And, in what possibly is the best idea ever, she also sells slices of pie, so you don’t have to go to a crappy diner to just get a forkful.

For the cupcake lover:  The Scootabaker’s Cupcakes

She delivers her baked goods via scooter, so she’s The Scootabaker, natch.  At Unique LA, she offered mocha latte, triple strawberry, and almond green tea mini-cupcakes, as well as full-size lemonade cupcakes.  Subtle flavors, moist cakes, balanced frosting – and people are stopping traffic outside Magnolia for what?

For the one who could use less Threadless: Urban Octopus’ t-shirts

Back in the old days and in the future, people put/will put messages, food, and other whatnots in canisters and sent/will send them to each other via pneumatic tubes.  Today: not so much.  Instead, the would-be tube traveling canisters house Urban Octopus‘ sweet graphic tees; as far as I know, hand or snail mail delivery are your only options.

For the biker:  Beatrice Holiday Wheel Cute Couture

If your favorite biker needs a new seat cover, or a fanny pack masquerading as a handlebar bag, then Beatrice Holiday‘s biker gear is for you.  Perfect for showing off at the next CicLAvia.

For those who would like to give a child an educational toy without resorting to American Girl:  Kauzbots

Each of these Kauzbots symbolize a cause, and ten percent of the retail price of each Kauzbot sold is donated to the bot’s particular charity.  Kalvin is the robot group’s leader, and he wants to teach kids about homelessness.  Sure, big K’s not quite a professor in urban politics and the criminalization of poverty, but for a little kid, it’s an interesting way to start the dialogue.

Happy hunting!

I hope you’ve heard of Unique LA by now.  If not, I hope it’s because you just moved here and are wandering aimlessly about the city, trying to figure out where the soul of the city is beneath the relentless traffic and weird, indecisive weather.  Well, I’ll just tell you: a little bit of it can be found this weekend at Unique LA.  This would be a congregation of over 300 (!!) vendors selling everything from messenger bags to home decor to cupcakes.  Each and every one of these vendors is based here in LA, so the city’s influence is there, somewhere, in their nifty designs.  When you need to break, grab a drink (your ticket gets you free drink, and there will be a host bar) and grub from, among others, The Manila Machine, Flying Pig, and Platine. Or, hang out at an eco workshop or learn how to sew or do something useful at a one of the DIY workshops scheduled throughout the weekend.

Across the street, Artisanal LA pops back up from its very successful autumnal debut: it’s strictly a pop-up this time, so, no, there won’t be any Lord of the Flies moments.  But, there will be over 30 local artisanal food vendors with delicious treats for immediate and future consumption.  The Flying Pie Man falls into the former category; he’s whipping up a special Pork Belly Sukiyaki Pie just for the event.  Nosh on that and pick up something bacon-ized from Cast-Iron Gourmet, for that friend of yours who hopes and prays that the bacon trend never ends.  And that’s just the beginning – the entire list of participants is here.

In keeping with community spirit, a portion of Unique LA’s proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit 826LA, and a portion of Artisanal LA’s proceeds will benefit LAUSD’s Edible Schoolyard Program.  This all works out so that you, an Angeleno, can support your friendly neighborhood businessperson, and together, everyone can help support the local community.  Is your heart warmed yet?  Good.  ’Tis the season, you know?

Unique LA will be at the penthouse of the California Market Center downtown, 110 E. 9th Street.  Artisanal LA will be across the street at the Cooper Building, 851 Santee St.  Tickets to Unique LA are $10; if you buy pre-sale tickets, you’ll score a little goodie bag.  Whether you buy the tickets in advance or the day-of, your Unique LA wristband will let you into Artisanal LA for $5 instead of $6.  Other option: check out the full details on Artisanal LA’s 2-for-1 offer here.  Both events run from 11am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday.

This is a heartbreaker. Artist, collector & gallerist Ben McGinty’s closing his beautiful Gallery At the End Of the World in Altadena, and this weekend is its last hurrah. You can’t miss your last chance to see his amazing back garden full of treasures, everything from a hanging garden of magnifying glasses to the back of a gypsy caravan. There will be the ubiquitous eclectic collection of art, crafts and handmade books, and a chance to meet the artists & enjoy drinks with the locals.

Also celebrating a final night tonight: The Robotanists close out their residency at Casey’s, the historic Irish tavern in downtown. Don’t miss their atmospheric, dramatic compositions and vocalist Sarah Ellquist’s lush vocals.

Continuing the theme of going out with a bang (or in this case, lots of bangs & thuds & whams) is the final Derby Dolls bout of the year…tonight’s their season championship, with my personal faves the Tough Cookies going up against The Swarm.

And I also have to recommend hitting Divine Design in Beverly Hills, the annual charity shopping event; 100% of funds raised to to Project Angel Food, and everything–from Oscar De La Renta dresses to cosmetics & jewelry and shoes, is 60% off today; 70% off on Sunday; and 80-90% off on Monday.

That’s right kiddies.  It’s that time of year again.  Time for the annual Toluca Lake Open House.

Oh.  You don’t know what that is?  Allow me to explain.  Every year, for as long as I can remember (actual dates/amount of times are surprisingly hard to find) Toluca Lake has held an annual Open House the first Friday in December.  The open house features the businesses along Riverside Drive between Sancola and Pass Ave.  Most of these businesses are independently owned businesses.  They open their doors for the evening allowing residents and non-residents alike to walk around and explore what the community has to offer.  Many businesses even offer hot chocolate, coffee, treats, etc. for the passing guests.  And yes, it gets busy.  I always loved seeing the community come alive when I was younger.  The busiest spot every year is where the pictures with Santa take place.  Kids (and adults too) line up to get their pictures taken with the jolly fellow.

Do you have friends and/or family in town dying to see a “celebrity?”  Bring ‘em.  There are always many well-known faces in the crowd as Toluca Lake is home to more of them than they’d like you to know.  But I will cover that in a later post about Toluca Lake.

I hope you all can make it out.  It’s a great time.  And be sure to keep your eye out for me.  I’m the albino looking dude who will be freezing my buns off.

Lisa Barrio’s owner of Paint “n” Play Studio and Gallery in Monrovia is just the kind of small business typified by the article done this morning by Julia. “PnP” as it is affectionately referred to here in Monrovia, is a small business centered on art you create yourself. It is much more than a small business, it is also a gathering point for many in the community for a variety of reasons, chief which is the personal touch you get from Lisa when you do business with her.

Small Business Saturday is a big deal here in Old Town Monrovia and for Lisa as well. She has a special deal in place for Saturday only, $5 of any Holiday item you purchase, or make including the treasured by many “legacy prints”. (Get a coupon HERE).

According to Barrios she is happy to see Small Business Saturday getting attention for many reasons.

“It is the small business that gives most back to the community it serves. They are the first ones asked to help by non-profits and charities for donations as they know a small business has a heart and doesn’t have the red tape and ‘rig-a-ma-role hoops’ to jump through that a large corporation does”.

A legacy print is a hand print in clay done of a loved ones hand (or foot in the case of infants) into unfired clay then it is fired,  painted and decorated with the help of the PnP staff. These treasures are permanent and can be passed down for generations to come.

Details: Paint “n”Play 2 Art Studio and Gallery, 418 S Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia CA 91016 626/256-4848  Web Site HERE

Want an alternative to the traditional big box gift? Like art and love to meet the artist who created it? Look no further than my corner of LA for 5 Gallery or Shop Receptions on Saturday 11/28. All of these gallery’s are holding their event in conjunction with the Small Business Saturday that Julia blogged about earlier today.

Friends of Dorothy is having its Grand opening weekend with associated ribbon cuttings and reception. See the work of artist Susan Dobay and City Art Photography. Opening at 10AM and goes until 10PM. Get yourself some fresh Christmas Cookies and Hot Cider.519 South Myrtle Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016, (626) 932-0110.

Irish Gardener will have my favorite paper artist, Beth Butterfield there with several samples of her work. Also there will be Frances Pampeyan a plein-air oil artist who shows in several galleries in the area.  They will be serving light appetizers and wine during their reception that will start at 6:30 and end when patron stop coming in, call that “open ended extended hours”.  504 S Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016, 626-357-5000.

Segil Fine Arts will be open until 9PM. They will be running their “2nd Saturday” event (never mind its not the second Saturday). This event involves you eating at a locally owned fine dining restaurant in Old Town Monrovia (my faves Cafe Opera and Cafe Massilia) and bring in your receipt for 10% off you purchase in the gallery. 110 West Lime Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016, (626) 358-5563.

Sycamore Gallery will be open with the works of Robert Rodriguez as the featured artist. 116 East Lemon Avenue,Monrovia, CA 91016, (626) 357-6200.

Paint n’ Play 2 Art Studio and Gallery will host its reception from 6:30-10:30 and will include free wine and munchies while you peruse the art and talk with the 10 artists,among them one of my favorite photographers doing LA Land marks, Stephen Coleman. (As a bit of shameless self promotion and disclosure be advised that one of the 10 includes me). Concurrently the Monrovia Association of fine arts will be hosting its annual Holiday Party and will have numerous artists there for you to chat with as well.

You may have heard that today is something called [checks notes] “Black Friday.” I quote Wikipedia here:

Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping season…On this day, many retailers open very early, often at 4 a.m., or earlier, and offer promotional sales to kick off the shopping season.

To me, it sounds like a nightmare, but hey — to each his own.

Why not support your local small businesses by shopping with them tomorrow on the brand new tradition of Small Business Saturday? You know there are many business in your neighborhood that you love and want to keep around.

One of my personal favorites is The Traveler’s Bookcase. They are tiny but carry  so many amazing books — cookbooks, art books, travel guidebooks, travel writing and many awesome accessories for all your travel wants and needs. They may not be able to offer steep discounts, but they will offer personal service and a lovely inviting atmosphere. (Their couch is a comfy place to fantasize about your next adventure.)

Why should you support small businesses? Here are some interesting facts* that I just learned:

• For every $100 spent at local small business, $68 returns to the community.
• Small businesses employ half of all private sector employees.
• Small businesses represent 99.7% of all employer firms.

In these wacky economic times, keeping small businesses in business is more important than ever. If you can, please consider supporting your favorite small businesses this holiday season!

*I learned this on the Small Business Saturday website and you can learn more about the effort there too.