About the links...

I think anyone who wants to make a creative effort to "turn back the pendulum" ought to make it a creative endeavor instead of buying the experience. It's fine to go someplace and pick up your steam goggles, victorian hats, etc, ESPECIALLY since patronizing these vendors encourages the availability of similar items. If the products are quality, why not?

But what I love about this genre is the organic and craft-based aesthetic that goes into creating things like ivory keyboards and brass-mounted wooden mp3 cases. Steampunk celebrates the same arts and crafts movement espoused by eminent Victorian critic John Ruskin. I think what we're experiencing is a renaissance in that rebellion against machine-made items. This is why some of the sites I selected for the recently-added Steampunk Support tab go to stores for clothing patterns and re-enactment gear, instead of ready-made costumes.

That being said, I initially felt awkward about posting them- it's one thing to casually invite friends to check out something you enjoyed, and quite another to shill (shilling was an inescapable aspect of the Victorian marketplace, though). Steampunk Support features some sites I have frequented and enjoyed in my own personal experience, and one or two that I have not. I checked the feedback ratings on the ones I have not personally used, and if it drops below 95%, I'm removing them. Hope you enjoy.

Promo : Healthy Handy Happy

Hello,
It's been a while since I did this, but I am just dropping a note to state that my licensed store, Healthy Handy Happy is currently offering a signup promo for customers from now until May 1st 2011-

What it is: a 5% discount on Beauty /Health products purchased through Healthy Handy Happy Store.

What you need to do :
1) Register as a customer (be sure to register as "open" and not "private" otherwise I cannot verify and complete the discount)on the link posted to the left sidebar.
2) Comment here so I know you've registered and submit the discount.
3) Check out the newly discounted beauty and health products!

I got hooked originally through my mono recovery in 2010- I had a really bad liver complication (I can't donate blood for this reason still) and for the several weeks I was flat on my back, recuperating. I drank lots of tea and at the same time, my mother and sister were shoveling all types of holistic remedies down my throat-
intestiflora (a probiotic supplement for people recovering from antibiotic prescriptions).
milk thistle - for strengthening the liver
double-x vitamin supplement- a three-course vitamin supplement of phytonutrients, minerals, and vitamins
The bed rest and vitamins made a huge difference, and I was walking and even going to the gym by mid-April. And since I got healthy again, I lost ten pounds because I could finally exercise and move. Not a bad thing, especially as we get closer to summer. Happy Spring, everyone!