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The Let’s Go Shopping 2023 audio recordings are here!

In the US, the long Thanksgiving weekend is generally considered to be the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season. Over the years, the so-called Black Friday/Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday weekend has been characterized by overnight campouts in front of popular retail stores, mad dashes to grab the best deals, fistfights over the same, and general mall mayhem. Since the pandemic, it seems that online shopping has been preferable to the Christmas shipping chaos, so I’m delighted to present to you the following audio files that will enable you to catch up on your gifts list from the comfort of your couch.

The 2023 Let’s Go Shopping event was held on Friday, November 3rd and Saturday, November 4th, and was hosted on the Zoom platform. The entire two-day event was recorded, and the streaming audio files are linked below.

If you’ve ever advocated “shop small,” or used the words diversity, equity, and inclusion in any form, then put your money where your mouth is and shop with our lineup of hardworking, passionate entrepreneurs. When you listen to the recordings below, you’ll hear their stories, their mission, and their best gift ideas for holiday shopping 2023. Please patronize these small businesses, many of which are owned and operated by entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Day 1, part 1:

Featuring Glam Canes, Guidelight Dog Products, Simple Little Goods, and Needle Creations.

Day 1, part 2:

Featuring The Harbolt Company, Elegant Insights, Aille Design, and Mystery boxes.

Day 2, part 1:

Featuring Guidelights and Gadgets, Blind Girl Designs, Tully’s Treats, and A T Guys.

Day 2, part 2:

Featuring Wright Turn Only, Stocking Stuffers gifts under $20, Elegant Insights, and The Harbolt Company.

If you want to review the vendor directory, listing all the contact details for each business, check out the link below.

Select this link for the original Let’s Go Shopping event info.

Happy shopping!

LL

Comments closed

The Let’s Go Shopping virtual event is ready to roll! Here’s the 411.

Well, now we’ve done it. Once again, we’ve found ourselves at the beginning of yet another holiday season. They just keep on coming, year after year. This year brings another online, accessible, virtual, epic 2-day gift extravaganza I call Let’s Go Shopping.

This will be the 8th edition of LGS, where I connect small businesses with the customers who need them. Below, please find the schedule of events, the vendor directory, and the Zoom virtual shopping mall login links. Please join us Friday, November 3rd and Saturday, November 4th at 8:00 AM Pacific time, both days. Discover fashion and jewelry, pet toys and treats, tech gadgets and small electronics, leather goods and needle crafts, stocking stuffers and even a fun hour featuring grab bag gifts.

Want to share this with a friend? Be sure they subscribe to our groups list by sending a blank email to:

lgs+subscribe@groups.io and they will be added to the announcement list.

Support small businesses, sole proprietors, entrepreneurs with disabilities, and shop ’til you drop for great holiday gifts. Power shop in your pj’s!

Let’s Go Shopping Event Schedule:

Day one, Friday November 3:

Please note that all times are Pacific Time. Adjust to your own time zone accordingly.

08:00AM – Welcome

08:05AM – Deck your Cane for the Holidays with Glam Canes!

09:00AM – Guidelight Dog Products: Holiday happiness is going to the dogs!

10:00AM – Simple Little Goods Handcrafted Leather Gifts

11:00AM – One Of A Kind Ornaments and Stocking Stuffers By Terry

12:00 – Harbolt for the holidays

01:00PM – Ring in the holidays with Elegant Insights

02:00PM – Aille Design Style for the Season

03:00PM – Mystery boxes

05:00PM – End of day

Day two, Saturday, November 4:

Please note that all times are Pacific Time. Adjust to your own time zone accordingly.

08:00AM – Season’s Greetings by Guidelights and Gadgets

09:00AM – Festive Fashion by Blind Girl Designs

10:00AM – Tully’s Treats for your Christmas Canine

11:00AM – Tech the halls with A T Guys

12:00 – Wright Turn Only Handcrafted Wood Creations

01:00PM – Stocking Stuffers gifts under $20

02:00PM – All That Glitters by Elegant Insights
2:30PM – Great Gifts for the Guys by Elegant Insights

03:00PM – Harbolt for the holidays

04:00PM – Happy Hour Q and A – BYOB, and get your questions answered.

End of day.

Your Let’s Go Shopping login:

Time:
Friday, Nov 3, 2023 08:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
11:00AM Eastern.

Saturday, Nov 4, 2023 08:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
11:00AM Eastern.

Zoom into our virtual shopping mall:

us02web.zoom.us/j/86492428332?pwd=dVU2d3V3Zi90OEFsZDhZWm9tK2s2Zz09

Meeting ID: 864 9242 8332
Passcode: 600691

One tap mobile
+12532050468,,86492428332#,,,,*600691# US
+12532158782,,86492428332#,,,,*600691# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location
• +1 253 205 0468 US
• +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
• +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
• +1 669 444 9171 US
• +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
• +1 719 359 4580 US
• +1 689 278 1000 US
• +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
• +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
• +1 305 224 1968 US
• +1 309 205 3325 US
• +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
• +1 360 209 5623 US
• +1 386 347 5053 US
• +1 507 473 4847 US
• +1 564 217 2000 US
• +1 646 931 3860 US

Meeting ID: 864 9242 8332
Passcode: 600691

Find your local number: us02web.zoom.us/u/keuo3UY0wE

The Let’s Go Shopping Vendor Directory:

GLAM CANES
Making Independence Glamorous. A chic new look at accessible fashion, the Glam Cane amplifies confidence and promotes sophistication for blind and low-vision fashionistas.

Arthur Gwynne
www.glamcanes.com
team@lachimusic.com
IG: @glamcanes

GuideLight Dog Products, Subsidiary of: GuideLights And Gadgets, Inc.
Holiday Happiness is Going to the Dogs!

KaeAnn Rausch
781-286-1696
GuideLightDogs@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/GuideLightDogProducts.html
Twitter: @GuideLightDogs

Needle Creations
Hand crafted and designed, ornaments, hats, and accessories.
Show off your Elegance!

Terry Powers
terrypowers59@gmail.com
301-916-8549

The Harbolt Company
A little something for everyone!

Brent Harbolt
405-471-1200
www.harboltcompany.com
sales@harboltcompany.com
Twitter: @harboltcompany
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theharboltcompany

Simple Little Goods

Chuck Winstead
502-888-7934
simplelittlegoods@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075977329182&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Wright Turn Only
Wooden keepsakes handcrafted with vision, not sight. Custom orders welcome!

Ray Wright owner
801-560-9866
www.wrightturnonly.com/
wrightturnonly@gmail.com

GuideLights and Gadgets, Inc.
The “Sweet Spot” for Special Surprises!

Barry Scheur
(617) 969-7500
barry.scheur@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/

Blind Girl Designs
Blind Girl Designs- whimsical white cane prints on aprons, totes,
Tshirts and hoodies! Great holiday gifts!!!

Tricia Waechter
862-448-1011
blindgirldesigns.com/
tricia@blindgirldesigns.com
molly@blindgirldesigns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindgirldesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindgirldesigns/ 
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindgirldesigns

Elegant Insights Braille Creations
A distinctive, handcrafted collection of jewelry and accessories embossed in braille or with precision engraving. Get your sparkle on!

Laura Legendary
702-605-1265
elegantinsightsjewelry.coml.legendary@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
customer.service@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Elegant.Insights
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elegantinsights

Aille Design (pronounced: eye)
Braille fashion is a fashion statement you can feel! Each of our clothing designs feature tactile braille beadwork that is fully legible and customizable. Products are handmade and created with and in support of the blind and visually impaired community.

Alexa Jovanovic
716-201-0302
ailledesign.com
hello@ailledesign.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ailledesign
Facebook: facebook.com/ailledesign

Tully’s Treats
We are a small dog bakery. Our healthy treats are bursting with flavor and made with all natural ingredients. No fillers or preservatives. Dog tested, dog mom approved.

Jennifer Vitacco
630-248-3003
tullystreat.com/
tullystreats2@gmail.com

A. T. Guys
Smart technology for your smart life.

J. J. Meddaugh
269-216-4798
www.atguys.com
support@atguys.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atguys

Please patronize these incredible businesses throughout the holiday season, and beyond. Don’t forget to use the hashtag, #LetsGoShopping when posting about the event.

Ready for a little retail therapy? Let’s go shopping!

LL

Comments closed

Call for entrepreneurs! Time to plan Let’s Go Shopping 8.

It may be only mid-September, but I’m already working on the 2023 holiday edition of the Let’s Go Shopping virtual showcase. The planning, promotion, and production of the event is quite an undertaking, so I begin the process of signing up new vendors as early as I can. If you’ve considered participating as a vendor, or if you know someone who might be interested, read on for more details.

Let’s Go Shopping is an online, accessible, virtual mall crawl that brings together small businesses with the customers who need them. The event began a few years ago in response to my concern over how business owners would fare during the pandemic. I wanted to create a way for vendors to offer their products to an audience who could shop from the comfort of their couch. Think of an audio-only version of Home Shopping Network or QVC. As this will be the eighth such event, it’s safe to say it’s been a success. Attendees can shop for everything from fashion to food, tech to pet toys, art to accessories, and lots more.

I’m always looking for new businesses to add to the lineup, to keep the program fresh and interesting. However, the Let’s Go Shopping event is not for everyone, nor is it free to participate as a vendor. Also, there are some guidelines to know about, and all of the particulars are described in detail, which you will be provided after a short chat about your business. Not everyone is eligible to participate, as only individually owned and operated small businesses consisting of fewer than 5 employees can join us. Also, you must be the business owner, not a product representative, associate, consultant, or employee of another company. No MLM type enterprises are allowed. While our attendees are mostly people with disabilities, you do not have to have a disability to present your products, so long as your web site is accessible, or you are willing to take phone orders. The Let’s Go Shopping experience is meant to be fun, exciting, accessible, and as frictionless as possible.

To begin the process, select the Let’s Go Shopping link at the top of the page, or go here to find the main information page for LGS. Subscribe to the Let’s Go Shopping groups.io list, then scroll down to the link that will enable you to send an email with your contact info. All participants, vendors as well as attendees, are required to subscribe to the groups list, so if you or a friend might be interested in joining us, then be sure to sign up and share the link.

More soon!

LL

Comments closed

Fun with Chat OMG…I mean, Chat GPT

Have you played with it yet? I’ll bet you have. I’ll bet you’ve become as obsessed with it as I have. I’ll bet you’ve already read about the myriad ways in which our lives are going to change as the result of it. I’ll bet you’ve even thought of ways you can leverage the power of it to create a better quality of life for yourself. What is it? Well, it’s the Open AI Chat GPT, of course.

I began fiddling with the thing as soon as it launched, and have since read all I can about the technology and how dramatically, and how quickly, artificial intelligence is going to change the way we live. I’ve amused myself by typing in prompts of everything I could think of, and marveled at the output. You can, too. Just select this link to sign up for an account, and fire away. You can also download the iOS app, and log in using Apple, Google, or email. The Chat GPT interface consists of a plain edit field into which you can enter simple data queries, not unlike your favorite search site. Or, try complex and detailed compound questions as to the state of the universe and mankind’s place in it. Of course, there’s a disclaimer on the site warning users of potentially inaccurate or misleading information, so don’t use it to diagnose medical conditions, or to solve your pressing legal issues. Nor will it give you financial advice, stock recommendations, or details about anything that is not already public information. It will soon, though, I’m sure of that. It will only take a minute, in technology years.

In any case, just for fun, I asked Chat GPT two very simple questions, which were inspired by my friend, Steve Sawczyn, who asked the chatbot a similar question. The differences between his result and mine were interesting.

Here was my prompt: Summarize the life of Laura Legendary.

Below is the result. No, I did not suggest a title. No, I did not feed Chat GPT any info at all, nor did I add any qualifiers or conditions. I presume the following was simply scraped off what it could find from the Internet. I think there was an article written about me years ago with this title, so Chat GPT used it.

Laura’s Legendary Life

Laura Legendary is a remarkable individual who has led an inspiring life. She is an advocate, writer, and public speaker known for her influential work in the disability rights movement. Despite being blind, she has overcome numerous challenges and made significant contributions to the community.
Laura Legendary’s journey began with her birth in the United States. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities. She has used her personal experiences as a blind person to raise awareness, educate others, and fight for equal rights and opportunities.
As an advocate, Laura has been instrumental in promoting disability rights and accessibility. She has actively worked to eliminate barriers and discrimination faced by people with disabilities, striving to create a more inclusive society. Laura has been involved in various organizations and initiatives that focus on disability issues, collaborating with policymakers, businesses, and individuals to effect positive change.
In addition to her advocacy work, Laura Legendary is a prolific writer. She has authored articles, essays, and blog posts, sharing her insights, experiences, and perspectives on disability-related topics. Her writing has served as a powerful medium to challenge stereotypes, raise awareness, and foster understanding and acceptance of people with disabilities.
Laura’s public speaking engagements have allowed her to reach a broader audience and inspire countless individuals. She has delivered impactful speeches and presentations at conferences, seminars, and events, sharing her story and advocating for disability rights. Her ability to articulate her experiences and convey the importance of inclusion has made a lasting impression on many.
Throughout her life, Laura Legendary has embodied resilience and determination. She has shown that disability does not define a person’s capabilities and that individuals with disabilities can thrive and make significant contributions to society. By advocating for equality, accessibility, and understanding, she has helped shape a more inclusive world for people with disabilities.

While the overall result was short on specifics, I was especially amused by the complimentary, even flattering, tone. On the other hand, when Steve typed in his query, his result was packed with details, especially about his work history, although a few notable “facts” about him were entirely inaccurate. Chat GPT claimed (look at this, I’m already anthropomorphizing), I mean, reported, that Steve worked for companies at which he never worked, and also reported he sat on the board of an organization he had never heard of, let alone co-chaired. I’m sure he’ll write about his own experience, so bookmark his blog. You can check out the Steve’s Life blog here.

Then, I decided to type a second prompt into the Chat GPT interface. I asked it to summarize a business called Elegant Insights Braille Creations. This is a business I own and operate, although I did not prompt the AI further, nor provide it any more details. This is what Chat GPT output:

Elegant Insights Braille Creations is a unique business that specializes in creating fashionable accessories designed specifically for visually impaired individuals. Their products are crafted with a focus on incorporating Braille, a tactile writing system, into stylish and functional designs.
Elegant Insights Braille Creations offers a diverse range of accessories, including jewelry, handbags, keychains, and more, all featuring Braille elements. These accessories not only serve as fashion statements but also provide a practical way for visually impaired individuals to express themselves and communicate through touch.
The business places great importance on quality and attention to detail, ensuring that each product is meticulously crafted using high-quality materials. They strive to create pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, incorporating Braille in a way that enhances the design rather than compromising it.
Elegant Insights Braille Creations aims to empower and inclusively serve the visually impaired community by offering stylish and meaningful accessories that promote accessibility and self-expression. Through their innovative approach, they are redefining the boundaries of fashion and accessibility, making a positive impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals.

Nice. No issues there. The only slight inaccuracy was that I do not offer handbags, rather, I offer handbag accessories, specifically, purse charms.

If you are as intrigued by this nascent technology as I am, and want to learn more, then I have a couple of suggestions for you. There’s a fantastic newsletter published by a guy who has built the largest following on the subject of AI you’ll find anywhere, and it’s packed with great content on all aspects of machine learning, artificial intelligence, software programs, apps, jobs, commercial and enterprise applications, and everything you could want to know about the rapidly changing world of AI. Subscribe here:

Subscribe to the Superhuman blog here.

No, this is not an affiliate link. I don’t get any sort of kickback. I just think you’ll love this newsletter. It’s super cool. Even the ads are good. You can also follow Zain Kahn, the publisher, on Twitter at:

@heykahn

Finally, I prompted:

Create a blog sign off that is sincere and expresses gratitude and fondness for my readers

Dear Wonderful Readers,
As I conclude this blog post, my heart is filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and fondness for each and every one of you. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and willingness to embark on this journey of knowledge and exploration alongside me have been nothing short of extraordinary.
I am truly humbled by the way you have embraced my words, delving into the depths of the topics I have shared with passion and curiosity. Your engagement, thoughtful comments, and sharing of personal experiences have enriched not only my own understanding but also the entire community we have formed together.
Your presence has made this blog more than just a collection of thoughts on a digital platform; it has become a vibrant and inspiring space where ideas flourish, where discussions thrive, and where connections are forged. Your willingness to open your minds and hearts to the thoughts I have shared has created an atmosphere of mutual respect, kindness, and intellectual growth.
Without your readership, this blog would merely be an echo in the vast expanse of the Internet. But with your presence, it has become a warm and welcoming virtual home, a sanctuary where we can all come together to learn, grow, and share our passions.
So, as I bid you farewell for now, please know that my gratitude for you knows no bounds. Your unwavering support and the cherished moments we have shared have left an indelible mark on my journey as a writer. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to connect with such an incredible community of individuals like you.
May our paths continue to intertwine, and may our shared pursuit of knowledge and understanding guide us towards a brighter and more compassionate future. Until we meet again, please remember that you are valued, appreciated, and an integral part of this beautiful journey.
With heartfelt gratitude,
[Your Name]

Okay, it’s a little gushy, but you get the idea.

And I mean every word…

LL

Comments closed

The Let’s Go Shopping 7 audio for holiday 2022 is here!

If you’re reluctant to leave home this holiday weekend,, thanks to a resurgence of the latest Covid variants, the crazed crowds Black Friday bargain-hunting, or the general lethargy brought about by consuming 18,000 calories on Thanksgiving, I’ve got a great alternative for you. Shop ’til you drop, and do it from the comfort of your couch. Below, check out the complete recordings from the recent Let’s Go Shopping event, held on November 4th and 5th.

Since the files are so large, they are broken up into smaller pieces, making it a bit easier to find the vendor you want to hear most. Also, please note that the program has been edited for length. Be sure to contact each vendor before making a purchase, regarding any mention of discounts or special deals, as they may have expired.

Finally, if you’re looking for the contact details of any of the vendors listed below, select this link for the complete vendor directory.

Day One, Part One:

Mitsy Kit – Handcrafted and Heartfelt
AilleDesign (pronounced: eye) – Fashion you can feel!
Tully’s Treats – It’s a canine Christmas!
Scentsy with Nini – A Festival of Scentsations
Stocking Stuffers – Great Gifts Under $20

Day One, Part 2:

Guidelights and Gadgets – Gifts for the Techies, Cane Swingers, and Leather Lovers on your list!
Elegant Insights – All That Glitters for Holiday 2022
Elegant Insights – Treasures for a tactile tree
Victorialand Beauty – Beautiful you for the holidays
Harbolt Company – The Harbolt Happy Holiday Hour

Day Two, Part One:

Guidelight Dogs – Santa is Bringing it to the Dogs!
Elegant Insights – What’s New for Holiday 2022
Blind Girl Designs – Happiest Holidays”
Inflation Fighters – Deck the Halls with Discounts

Day Two, Part Two:

Scenic Made – Sweeten your holidays with Scenic Made Artisinal care packages!
BrailleWear – Tactile Treasures
A. T. Guys – Tech the halls
Wright Turn Only Handcrafted Wood Creations
The Harbolt Company – The Harbolt Happy Holiday Hour

Happy shopping!

LL

Comments closed

A little shopping, a lot of convenience

It’s that time of year again. You know the one. The season of shopping, celebrations, bountiful feasts, shopping, office parties, Santa, long lines, shopping, overindulgence, and shopping. if you plan to start on your gift list early, if the first week of November is early for you, I’d like to invite you to attend an event that just might make your life a little easier. It’s time for Let’s Go Shopping.

So as to keep the introductory text to a minimum, if you have no idea what Let’s Go Shopping is, I wrote an article about what it is and how it started. Read, “Pandemic to Passion Project: Let’s Go Shopping.”

In short, Let’s Go Shopping is an online, accessible, virtual holiday program to showcase a variety of small business entrepreneurs offering their best products suitable for everyone on your gift list. This year, I’m hosting number seven. Over a dozen entrepreneurs are scheduled to bring you everything from food to fashion to tech gadgets and pet toys, artisan crafted gifts and holiday decor. Below is the complete two-day event schedule, the vendor directory, and the Zoom virtual mall login links. Power shop in your pj’s, and skip the brick-and-mortar mall madness.

Let’s Go Shopping Event Schedule, Day 1, Friday, November 4

Please note: All times are Pacific Time.

08:00AM: Welcome
8:15AM: Mitsy Kit – Handcrafted and Heartfelt

09:00AM: AilleDesign (pronounced: eye) – Fashion you can feel!

10:00AM: Tully’s Treats – It’s a canine Christmas!

11:00AM: Scentsy with Nini – A Festival of Scentsations

12 noon: Stocking Stuffers – Great Gifts Under $20

01:00PM: Guidelights and Gadgets – Gifts for the Techies, Cane Swingers, and Leather Lovers on your list!

02:00PM: Elegant Insights – All That Glitters for Holiday 2022

03:00PM: Elegant Insights – Treasures for a tactile tree

03:30PM: Victorialand Beauty – Beautiful you for the holidays

04:00PM: Harbolt Company – The Harbolt Happy Holiday Hour

Day 2, Saturday, November 5

Please note: All times are Pacific Time.

08:00AM: Guidelight Dogs – Santa is Bringing it to the Dogs!

09:00AM: Elegant Insights – What’s New for Holiday 2022

10:00AM: Blind Girl Designs – Happiest Holidays”

11:00AM: Inflation Fighters – Deck the Halls with Discounts

12 noon: Scenic Made – Sweeten your holidays with Scenic Made Artisinal care packages!

01:00PM: BrailleWear – Tactile Treasures

02:00PM: A. T. Guys – Tech the halls

03:00PM: Wright Turn Only Handcrafted Wood Creations

04:00PM: The Harbolt Company – The Harbolt Happy Holiday Hour

05:00PM: Happy Hour – Q and A

06:00PM: End of day

The Let’s Go Shopping 7 Holiday Extravaganza Vendor Directory

Please patronize these incredible, hard-working, and passionate small business entrepreneurs. Discover those great gifts your recipients will love, and that you will find nowhere else.

Mitsy Kit

Mitsy Kit hand sewing and crafting kits make creativity accessible
for the blind, elderly, disabled and all using our patented, tactile guided system.
We help you to create memories and connect lives, one simple kit at a time.

Tammy Roussell
978-419-1824
Tammy.Roussell@MitsyKit.org
www.MitsyKit.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MitsyKit
Twitter@TammyMitsyKit
Instagram – @tammyroussell
LinkedIn Tammy Roussell

Scentsy with Nini

Fill your life with fragrance

Nini Urschel
Independent Scentsy Consultant
916-206-1151 (cell)
nini95626@sbcglobal.net
nini.scentsy.us
“Sensational Scents with Nini” Private Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/272770334027562/
“NV Wickless Scents & More” Facebook Public Page: www.facebook.com/pages/category/Product-Service/NV-Wickless-Scents-More-125248947558448/

A. T. Guys

Smart technology for your smart life.

J. J. Meddaugh
269-216-4798
www.atguys.com
support@atguys.com
Twitter: @atguys
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atguys

GuideLight Dog Products

Subsidiary of: GuideLights And Gadgets, Inc.
Products for Guide Dogs and the people they team
up with!! Let’s GO! GO! GUIDE DOGS!

KaeAnn Rausch
781-286-1696
GuideLightDogs@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/GuideLightDogProducts.html
Twitter: @GuideLightDogs 

The Harbolt Company

We specialize in unique and hard to find items to make your life easier.
We have a little something for everyone!

Brent Harbolt
405-471-1200
www.harboltcompany.com
sales@harboltcompany.com
Twitter: @harboltcompany
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theharboltcompany

Wright Turn Only

Wooden keepsakes handcrafted with vision, not sight. Custom orders welcome!

Ray Wright owner
801-560-9866
www.wrightturnonly.com/
wrightturnonly@gmail.com

GuideLights and Gadgets, Inc.

The first collapsible locking telescopic cane in 50 years; quality talking medical products; curated selection of simple and affordable tech that we ourselves use every day, leather
bags, pouches, waist packs, phone cases (including several alternatives for the new BlindShell phone), Braille notetaker and display cases: if you want to protect or cover it, we probably have it!

Barry Scheur
(617) 969-7500
barry.scheur@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/

Scenic Made, artisanal care packages

Small batch, big flavor

Johanna Sedman
johanna@scenicmade.com
www.scenicmade.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/scenicmade
Instagram :www.instagram.com/scenic_made/
www.facebook.com/groups/phebyleanne

Blind Girl Designs

Clothing as unique as you are, created by a blind designer with perfect fashion vision.

Tricia Waechter
862-448-1011
blindgirldesigns.com/
tricia@blindgirldesigns.com
molly@blindgirldesigns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindgirldesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindgirldesigns/ 
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindgirldesigns

Elegant Insights Braille Creations

A distinctive, handcrafted collection of jewelry and accessories embossed in braille or with precision engraving. Get your sparkle on!

Laura Legendary
702-605-1265
elegantinsightsjewelry.com
l.legendary@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
customer.service@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Elegant.Insights
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elegantinsights

Aille Design (pronounced: eye)

 
Braille fashion is a fashion statement you can feel! Each of our clothing designs feature tactile braille beadwork that is fully legible and customizable. Products are handmade and created with and in support of the blind and visually impaired community.

Alexa Jovanovic
716-201-0302
ailledesign.com
hello@ailledesign.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ailledesign
Facebook: facebook.com/ailledesign

Braille Wear

Totes, Aprons, and accessories with embroidered Braille and/or print. Fun and unique gifts for everyone! Reach out and touch some Braille today!

Terry Keyson
805 338 9853
Braillewear4u@gmail.com
Instagram: @braillewear4u

Tully’s Treats

We are a small dog bakery. Our healthy treats are bursting with flavor and made with all natural ingredients. No fillers or preservatives. Dog tested, dog mom approved.

Jennifer Vitacco
630-248-3003
tullystreat.com/
tullystreats2@gmail.com

Victorialand Beauty

Natural, Vegan, Honest and Accessible skincare made for everyone to enjoy.

Victoria Watts
1 (239) 450-0534
victorialandbeauty.com
info@victorialandbeauty.com
Instagram: @victorialandbeauty
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Victorialandbeauty
Twitter: @victorialandbty

Your Zoom Virtual Shopping Mall Login Links

Here is your invitation to our virtual shopping mall! Zoom in on Friday, November 4th and Saturday, November 5th at 8:00AM Pacific Time, 11:00AM Eastern for an all-day, online, accessible, virtual mall crawl like no other!

We’re connecting small businesses with the customers who need them. Both days begin at 8:00 AM Pacific Time, and last until 5:00PM Pacific Time. Be sure to join us for two days of fantastic holiday gift shopping. Find tech gadgets, apparel and accessories, sweet treats, home fragrance and handcrafted treasures, dog toys and treats, jewelry and holiday ornaments, leather goods and gifts for everyone on your list. Power shop from your pj’s and save with special deals and even door prizes!

Can’t get to the mall? No problem. We’ll bring the mall to you!

Join Zoom Meeting

us02web.zoom.us/j/88601884692?pwd=dGFVZXdPTGlFRXR5TEpJMTREVDZNQT09

Meeting ID: 886 0188 4692
Passcode: 509750
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,88601884692#,,,,*509750# US (San Jose)
+17193594580,,88601884692#,,,,*509750# US

Dial by your location
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 719 359 4580 US
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 444 9171 US
+1 689 278 1000 US
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 309 205 3325 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 360 209 5623 US
+1 386 347 5053 US
+1 507 473 4847 US
+1 564 217 2000 US
+1 646 931 3860 US
Meeting ID: 886 0188 4692
Passcode: 509750
Find your local number: us02web.zoom.us/u/kvrzYwyTf

Be sure to use the hashtag, #LetsGoShopping when tweeting about the event. Ready for a little retail therapy? Let’s Go Shopping!

LL

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Coming soon: A world of perspective from the global blind community. The World Blind Herald.

Chris Hofstader has been a fixture in the blind community for decades. While the bulk of his career was spent as an executive Vice President at Freedom Scientific, now known as Vispero, he is probably most well-known for his writing. His web site, “Blind Confidential,” offered candid, and anonymous, commentary on assistive technology products, service agencies and organizations, and legislation relevant to the blind community. His unique, journalistic writing style, often biting, sometimes intellectual, and almost always controversial, won him a devoted readership.

Chris briefly attended Harvard University as an English major, and graduated from NYU with a degree in computer science. He is well traveled, well read, and has an abiding love of music, art, and baseball. He also has a new project underway, a venture that will enable Chris to share his skills and interest, while providing a platform for others to do the same.

On January 4th, 2023, a new digital publication, the World Blind Herald, will make its debut. As editor-in-chief, Chris plans to curate, create, and collaborate with other writers to publish a weekly digest of content relevant to a global blind community. Topics include sports and science, travel and technology, fashion and lifestyle, employment news, accessibility issues, and medical breakthroughs, just to name a few. Many of the articles will be published in a digest format, with links back to the original content. A global network of contributors will provide featured articles, and share their own experiences as a blind person living in a sighted society. The mission of World Blind Herald is to inform and entertain readers by publishing articles on a wide array of topics regarding blindness and blind people from the entire English speaking world.

“Our fundamental values are that the community of blind people is not homogeneous and that different blind people have different values, dreams and aspirations,” says Hofstader. “We intend to show this spectrum in all of its brilliant colors.”

You can visit the web site, WorldBlindHerald.com here, and subscribe to receive pre-launch versions of the digest, as the countdown to launch begins. Follow World Blind Herald @BlindHerald on Twitter, and look for a Facebook page, coming soon.

Shown is the World Blind Herald logo, which is a colorful blue and green globe.  In the center of the globe are the letters WBH in white block letters.

My role will be that of marketing and promotion, so I’ll be the one behind many of the social media posts and front-facing communications. I’ll also occasionally contribute articles in the fashion and lifestyle category, and edit those that are submitted by guest authors.

If you’d like to contribute articles for publication in World Blind Herald, contact Chris at chris.hofstader@gmail.com or find the contact form on the World Blind Herald website.

LL

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Miss the live event? Here are the Let’s Go Shopping holiday 2021 audio recordings

The Let’s Go Shopping event recordings are here!

Need to get going on your holiday shopping? Want to support a small business? Get it done all in one day? Check out the event recordings for Let’s Go Shopping 6, which was held on November 5th and 6th, 2021.

Below are links to the audio files for both days, along with the names of the businesses you’ll hear in each file.

Day 1, part 1:

EZ2See® Products LLC – Gifts to keep you organized

Scentsy with Nini – Festive Fragrances for your Holiday Home

A. T. Guys, Featuring the Blindshell Classic 2 and Other Cool Stuff

The Unseen Bean – It’s a coffee Christmas

Guidelight Dogs – Going To The Dogs (and more!) with KaeAnn, Debra and Thor at GuideLight Dog Products!

Day 1, part 2:

Patti and Ricky – Adaptive fashion and accessories for men, women, and kids

Stocking Stuffers: Gifts under $20!

Elegant Insights – Ten years of braille jewelry and accessories! Celebrate with us!

Wright Turn Only – Unique handcrafted gifts

Day 2, part 1:

Guidelights and Gadgets – It Talks, It’s Soft, and You Can Walk with It: Unique Holiday Gifts and More from GuideLights and Gadgets

EZ2See® Products LLC – Give the gift of organization

Angela’s Awesome Jerky – A very tasty Christmas

Scenic Made – Artisinal gourmet

Blind Girl Designs – Fun Holiday Wear by Blind Girl Designs

Day 2, part 2:

Elegant Insights – For the person who has everything

On The Go Dog Gear – Bandannas, bells, bling, and other gifts for the dog lover on your list

Mama Otter’s Tidbits – Handcrafted Gemstone and Seasonal Jewelry Gifts

A. T. Guys Tech and Gadgets for the Holidays

Happy Hour Q and A

Please shop ’til you drop with the Let’s Go Shopping event recordings! Happy holidays!

LL

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No long lines. No empty shelves. No hassles. No mask and no proof of vaccination required! Let’s go shopping with these small business entrepreneurs.

Here is the list of the extraordinary small business entrepreneurs who will be joining us for the Let’s Go Shopping Holiday Gift Extravaganza, November 5th and 6th, from 9AM to 5PM Pacific time. To get your Zoom virtual shopping mall invitation, send a blank email to:

lgs+subscribe@groups.io

and you will be added to the announcement list. Please patronize these fine establishments!

Ready for a little retail therapy? Let’s Go Shopping!

EZ2See® Products LLC

The source for truly accessible low-vision products
Finally, a calendar you can see™

Edward Cohen, founding owner
Order or ask questions at 800/234-8291
www.EZ2SeeProducts.com
www.preventproducts.com/ez2see-calendar/
www.amazon.com/EZ2SeeWeekly-Planner
info@EZ2SeeProducts.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EZ2SeeProducts/

Scentsy with Nini

Fill your life with fragrance

Nini Urschel
Independent Scentsy Director
916-206-1151 (cell)
Email: nini95626@sbcglobal.net
Website:  https://nini.scentsy.us
“Scentsational Scents with Nini” Private Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/272770334027562/
“NV Wickless Scents & More” Facebook Public Page:  www.facebook.com/pages/category/Product-Service/NV-Wickless-Scents-More-125248947558448/

A. T. Guys

Smart technology for your smart life.

J. J. Meddaugh
269-216-4798
www.atguys.com
support@atguys.com
Twitter: @atguys
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atguys

The Unseen Bean

Taste the passion in blind roasted coffee.

Gerry Leary
720-369-8039
www.theunseenbean.com
info@theunseenbean.com
Twitter: @theunseenbean

GuideLight Dog Products, Subsidiary of: GuideLights And Gadgets, Inc.

Products for Guide Dogs and the people they team
up with!! Let’s GO! GO! GUIDE DOGS!

KaeAnn Rausch
781-286-1696
GuideLightDogs@gmail.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/GuideLightDogProducts.html
Twitter: @GuideLightDogs 

Patti and Ricky

Functional and fashionable apparel and accessories for people of all abilities.

Alexandra Herold
303-578-6594
www.pattiandricky.com
alex@pattiandricky.com
Twitter: @pattiandricky_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pattiandricky/
Instagram: @pattiandrickycom

Wright Turn Only

Wooden keepsakes handcrafted with vision, not sight. Custom orders welcome!

Ray Wright owner
801-560-9866
www.wrightturnonly.com/
wrightturnonly@gmail.com

GuideLights and Gadgets, Inc.

Simple and affordable; practical technology that is also fun; leather bags, pouches, Braille notetaker and display cases, Orbit Writer and phone cases, if you want to protect or cover it, we probably have it!

Barry Scheur
(617) 969-7500
bscheur@scheur.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/

Angela’s Awesome Homemade Beef Jerky

Our name says it all.

Angela Fowler
530-813-2911
angelasawesomejerky@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/Angelas-Awesome-Home-Made-Beef-Jerky

Scenic Made, artisanal care packages

Small batch, big flavor

Johanna Sedman
johanna@scenicmade.com
www.scenicmade.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/scenicmade
Instagram :www.instagram.com/scenic_made/
www.facebook.com/groups/phebyleanne

Blind Girl Designs

Clothing as unique as you are, created by a blind designer with perfect fashion vision.

Tricia Waechter
720-841-5087
862-448-1011
blindgirldesigns.com/
tricia@blindgirldesigns.com
molly@blindgirldesigns.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blindgirldesigns
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blindgirldesigns/ 
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindgirldesigns

Elegant Insights Braille Creations

A distinctive, handcrafted collection of jewelry and accessories embossed in braille or with precision engraving. Get your sparkle on!

Laura Legendary
702-605-1265
elegantinsightsjewelry.coml.legendary@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
customer.service@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Elegant.Insights
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elegantinsights

On The Go Dog Gear

Dog gear for your active lifestyle.

Julie Johnson
402-603-0811
www.shop-onthego.com
onthegodoggear@gmail.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/onthegodoggear

Mama Otter’s Tidbits

Treasures, treats, and trinkets for every taste

Charlotte Lang
612-564-5405
mamaotter1@gmail.com
www.mamaotter.com
www.facebook.com/mamaotterstidbits

Shop ’til you drop for holiday gifts for everyone on your list! Be sure to use the tag #LetsGoShopping when tweeting or posting about the event.

LL

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The Let’s Go Shopping 2021 Holiday Gift event Schedule

As the sixth Let’s Go Shopping event gets underway this Friday, November 5th, and continues on Saturday, November 6th, all of the participating small business entrepreneurs are mindful of the current holiday shopping environment. With logistics disruptions, shipping delays, increased delivery costs, and low inventories, the 2021 Let’s Go Shopping holiday gift extravaganza is an alternative to long lines, crowded public spaces, and empty shelves. Show your support for the LGS6 business owners and shop ’til you drop throughout the weekend, and then again over the long Thanksgiving holiday, as the replay of the entire event will be posted here, for those of you who cannot attend live.

Below is the complete schedule for the fabulous, online, accessible, virtual mall crawl, Let’s Go Shopping!

Friday

Important! Please note that all times are Pacific time. Adjust for your time zone accordingly.

Friday, November 5 9:00 AM PT to 5:00 PM PT

09AM: Welcome and introduction
09:15: EZ2See® Products LLC – Gifts to keep you organized

10AM: Scentsy with Nini – Festive Fragrances for your Holiday Home

11AM: A. T. Guys, Featuring the Blindshell Classic 2 and Other Cool Stuff

11:30: The Unseen Bean – It’s a coffee Christmas

12N: Guidelight Dogs – Going To The Dogs (and more!) with KaeAnn, Debra and Thor at GuideLight Dog Products!

01PM: Patti and Ricky – Adaptive fashion and accessories for men, women, and kids

02PM: Stocking Stuffers: Gifts under $20!

03PM: Elegant Insights – Ten years of braille jewelry and accessories! Celebrate with us!
3:30: Elegant Insights – Sparkle On with The Sparkle Squad

04PM: Wright Turn Only – Unique handcrafted gifts

05PM: End of day.

Saturday

Important! Please note that all times are Pacific time. Adjust for your time zone accordingly.

Saturday, November 6 9:00 AM PT to 5:00 PM PT

09AM: Guidelights and Gadgets – It Talks, It’s Soft, and You Can Walk with It: Unique Holiday Gifts and More from GuideLights and Gadgets

10AM: EZ2See® Products LLC – Give the gift of organization

10:30: Angela’s Awesome Jerky – A very tasty Christmas

11AM: Scenic Made – Artisinal gourmet

12N: Blind Girl Designs – Fun Holiday Wear by Blind Girl Designs.”

01PM: Elegant Insights – For the person who has everything
1:30: Elegant Insights – Deck the halls with a tactile touch: Holiday ornaments!

02PM: On The Go Dog Gear – Bandannas, bells, bling, and other gifts for the dog lover on your list

03PM: Mama Otter’s Tidbits – Handcrafted Gemstone and Seasonal Jewelry Gifts

3:30PM A. T. Guys Tech and Gadgets for the Holidays

04PM: Happy Hour Q and A – Pop a cork, crack open a cold one, find something fizzy, and get your questions answered!

05PM End of day.

Here’s how to get your virtual shopping mall invitation!

Don’t miss any announcements about Let’s Go Shopping! To get your Zoom login details, send a blank email to:

lgs+subscribe@groups.io

and you will be added to the list.

More gift shopping goodness:

The “Stocking Stuffers” segment is an opportunity for any of the vendors with well-priced, small items to present their products in a fast-paced format to help you find those little gifts perfect for stockings or secret Santa gift exchanges. The “Happy Hour” session at the end of Saturday is meant to provide a bit of extra time for any of the vendors to make themselves available for anyone who was unable to get their questions answered during the scheduled time slot. All-comers welcome!

Be sure to use the hashtag #LetsGoShopping when tweeting or posting about the event.

LL

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