Fan-Girl

FTC Affiliate Disclosure

Occasionally on this site you will find links to products I use regularly, have thoroughly vetted for my personal use, and stand behind. Rarely are these links to products or items from companies that I am affiliated with, however, if my affiliation with a particular company I have researched, and support can bring financial benefits to my readers in the form of extra savings on purchases through affiliate-link shopping or coupon codes, and as commission for myself, then I join up, and share it for regular readers, and the casual passersby alike to benefit from at no extra cost to you, or me.  These links will always be clearly, and obviously marked, or discussed.  I don't dig sneaky sales tactics no matter who or what they benefit.

All opinions, or reviews posted on this blog are expressly my own, unbiased, and supported by my own testing and research, and belong solely to Stormy Peterson the author, and owner of The Longshoreman's Daughter. Below, you will find products and companies I'm passionate about, and thoroughly support.


Canvas People
Since 2011, I've used this company to transform my ordinary photographs into large works of art for my home, and so far I've been pleasantly surprised by the product quality and the swiftness of delivery.  Whether converting scans of old 35mm student shots from Photography 101, or tackling the blow-up of a mediocre resolution snap from an early digital camera, Canvas People has handled it all. I'm sure there are countless companies offering photo-to-canvas services these days, but I have to say, the size options for the price (they run amazing promotions, and sales) can be quite hard to beat. 
Darn Good Yarn
Love. This. Store.
It seems anyone these days can get their hands on a re-seller permit, and import cheap wares and goods from overseas factories with questionable (at best) working conditions & pay for their employees, think up a name, call yourself a "store" and rake in dough hand over fist.  What's different about Darn Good Yarn is that they're proving you don't have to cheat, or exploit people in other countries in order to make a profit in America.  There's no need to sell your soul in order to pay your bills - something I can totally get behind!  PLUS, Darn Good Yarn is committed to reducing textile and apparel industry waste - something else I am also passionate about in my own practices. Created by Nicole Snow in 2008 Darn Good Yarn brings us beautiful up-cycled silk yarn, knitting accoutrements, and silk Sari wrap skirts, but also the opportunity to help women support themselves in impoverished or struggling parts of the world, but it doesn't end there, the company also partners with Pine Ridge Industries in Schenectady, NY to lovingly package their outgoing orders giving those with developmental disabilities sustainable employment, and independence.  So.  With each order we reduce waste, support our global economy and women workers by helping them escape crippling poverty, and create jobs here at home for some of our most vulnerable, and often overlooked individuals?  What's not to love?  Read more about Darn Good Yarn here.

Shop Now

Side note:  Please understand this is a very small business that promotes incredible sales every once in a while creating a buying rush that can bog down the shipping process.  You WILL get your items, and the customer service team is nothing if not helpful and friendly!  I made my first purchase over a holiday weekend during a buy-one-get-one sale combined with another offer and it took about 3 weeks to get my delivery.  That being said, the Sari wrap skirts are gorgeous, and I'd much rather get my clothes this way, than overnight from a big box store that is part of a chain that oppresses factory workers.

Healthy Traditions
http://checkout.healthytraditions.com/ref/?code=A21F39B8-5C54-53A2-F0CAC0844B611EF2
(Formerly Tropical Traditions)
For all things organic virgin coconut oil, and to view their current promotions GO HERE where first-time buyers will receive a free copy of Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives, and how it can change yours!  By: Brian Shilhavy.  I have been using coconut oil for cooking, eating, bath and body products, and household uses for nearly ten years, and I keep coming back to Healthy Traditions for quality, convenience, good customer service, and the range of products offered.  I'm also a fan of their recipe section that I found extremely helpful at the beginning of my coconut oil cooking adventures.  Sign up for their mailing list for news on sales, and free shipping offers.  You may also enroll in the Healthy Buyer's Club for further discounted prices on items bought in bulk, which comes in handy for those of you raising families!  Also helpful, by joining their referral program you can earn gift certificates for each new customer you bring to the site - there are no limits to the certificates you may earn, and no expiration date (yay you!).
  

RAREFORM
http://fbuy.me/h7eNP
It's not everyday I find myself getting excited about a new company, but Rareform is ticking all the right boxes for me.  Created a few years ago by two brothers, Rareform has come up with a clever way to keep a rather durable material out of our landfills.  By re-purposing billboard vinyls that would otherwise end up in a trash heap somewhere after their intended single-use expires, they afford themselves the opportunity to make countless one-of-a-kind products without the manufacture of new fabrics (which, as we hopefully all know, can wreak havoc on our natural environment).  So, if you're looking for a unique accessory or gift idea, click this link and receive $10 off your first purchase of $50 or more!

Saucony
I never thought I'd be one to sing the praises of an athletic shoe, especially with all of the fit problems I've had, but if I could I would scream about Saucony from a mountain top, since I've only got this blog it'll have to do.  I need both a wide toe-box, and a heel narrow enough to fit snuggly without pinching, rubbing, or irritating any part of my heel, and ankle to accommodate my, well, I wouldn't go as far as to say "duck feet" exactly ... But when compared to the D.A. haircut of greasers, and the selfie duck-lips of today, it's not exactly the worst thing in the world to have in common with our fine feathered friends, and thanks to these shoes my tootsies are luxuriating to the highest degree, and I'm no longer going ... er, quackers over the cramped quarters, and blisters of my youth.  They also manufacture certain styles specifically for conditions like over-pronation, and find themselves on several short-lists as the best athletic shoes for plantar fasciitis.  Who knew?!  What I like best about Saucony shoes is that they excel at being both the work horse, and the show pony.  I find their cuts, and models to be fairly streamlined with good (non-irritating) seam placement, and without a lot of bulky "junk" just sort of stuck in odd places all around the shoe like other brands sometimes do when they need to roll out something new.  Shop the links in this post for free shipping with your order through June 1, 2018.

Seattle Seed Co.
http://www.seattleseed.com?aff=16 This family owned, and operated business launched in 2010 is a gem for anyone interested in an organic, heirloom, non-GMO gardening experience.  As a company committed to the Safe Seed Pledge, and superior customer service, it's quickly becoming one of my favorite local seed shops!  They also offer internship opportunities, for those interested, simply contact them with your resume and they will keep it on file until a temporary position opens up. You can also become an Organic Seed Ambassador and earn 3% from all completed orders you direct to their site through your personal link.


 Seeds Now
If you're an organic gardener looking for pure, non-genetically modified, non-hybridized, heirloom, open-pollinated, raw & untreated seeds, Seeds Now is your spot.  Committed to the Safe Seed Pledge the company's website is packed with great information for gardeners (especially beginners) to ensure a successful growing season.  Sign up for their newsletter for the latest information on sales, promotions, and giveaways so you never miss out.  You can also join their affiliate program, and earn 20% on purchases made through your unique link.  Shop now, and at checkout enter code: SAVE10NOW to get 10% off your order.




Thrive Market
http://go.thrv.me/aff_c?offer_id=6&aff_id=19088For everything you can't, or don't have time to grow at home, there's Thrive Market.  This membership based, online marketplace is cutting out middlemen to deliver products from some of your favorite natural food brands right to your door.  Because they're buying wholesale directly from brands themselves, Thrive Market is able offer products to their members for prices 25-50% lower than what's available in typical retail stores (including other online marketplaces), and ship all orders over $49 for free within the United States.  The annual membership fee is currently $59.95 and with every new membership purchased, one is gifted to an American family in need.  However, if you're not ready for that level of commitment, give their 30-day free trial a whirl, and see what it's all about!

I'm a girl whose family has been shopping in natural food stores since the beginning when everything tasted like stale garbage, and nearly cost a King's ransom.  Now, to see an Eco-friendly, community-minded company like Thrive Market even attempt to make healthier (and tastier) food choices commonplace and affordable?  This, to me, is worthy of support.