Hello My Dears!
It is so good to see you all once again. I love sitting in Judy's comfortable living room in front of a nice warm fire as we go around the web for the latest shopping deals.

I see Judy has made hot chocolate and homemade cookies for us. What do I see on her patio? Why look – it seems Judy has become a proud adopted mom to some adorable doves! Well as they nestle to sleep in their dovecote, I guess it is time to get started on our shopping spree.

Your Star.com
Our first stop is to the STARS! I had a very dear friend that past away a few years ago, I always wanted to honour him in some way, but never could figure out how until I stumbled on this site. Here you can purchase a star and name it anything you want. You can choose to name a star on the big or little dipper, or on one of the astrological signs. Name a star for one you love, a new baby or even name one after you! There are so many stars to pick; you will have to look for yourself.

RAZZAMATAZZ.net
You might be wondering why I am reviewing a hair product store. When I find outstanding service, a caring store owner and a great product, I have to let my readers know about it.

A few weeks ago my little sister came over my house very upset. She had used a hair product that advertised natural highlights. What she got was dull, frizzy hair that was breaking left, right and center! The stuff she had used had fried her hair. She mentioned someone told her to get Razzamatazz. She searched the web and found the web site. Before we bought any products we emailed the owner and told her what had happened. The owner was wonderful! She sold only as much product as my sister needed and carried out a follow up with me to make sure my little sister was happy the products results.

The prices are reasonable, the product quality is OUTSTANDING and the owner is with you all the way. Her concern is your happiness. I also like the fact that the company does not test on animals!

The site is Web TV friendly, there are several options you can pick regarding how to pay, and the site even takes Paypal. They will also post world-wide! So next time you are having a really bad hair day, like my little sister, visit Razzamatazz!

What caused the controversy? Our editor wanted some items sent to Europe, but although it does not state it on the sales policy, if you live outside Canada and the USA you need to make a minimum order of $100. This is because the site owner has difficulty in getting her wares to a post office due to her disability. Our editor found that an acceptable reason but, my dears, your Tessa is disabled herself and feels that it was an excuse and not a justification. So read both reviews, visit the site, and make up your own mind.

The artists she represents are all extremely talented and although the artwork is wonderful, this site comes close to getting my turkey award for many reasons. I am disabled and I feel uncomfortable that this seller is asking you to help keep her film on line because she is disabled. The film costs her almost $600 a month to have on her web site. Currently she is asking a donation from visitors to help keep the film going. I guess you, my dear readers with computers, can decide if the film is worth it.

There are a few things about ordering that the site does not mention; luckily Judy, who sent this site to me, asked a few questions. Postal rates ONLY include Postage to the USA & Canadian addresses. If you live outside the US and Canada you need to purchase $100 US in merchandise or your order will not be accepted. She states she has to drive over a hundred miles to send packages so unless you make the $100 purchase it is not worth it for her to drive. This is interesting as she is now hiring people from Atlanta to California – see the News section.

Turkey Award site or not? I leave you, the buyer, to decide. But Web TV people, stay away, it's not worth the hassle.
~ Tessa Moonbeam ~

After enjoying the show I looked at the stuff the web site was selling. I could so easily have spent a lot of money filling a shopping trolley with tee-shirts, cards and posters. The original art work was way out of my purchasing power league [$1000 plus for some of them] but it was a real pleasure having a look at them.

I live in the UK so when I saw that there was nothing in the sales policy regarding international sales I enquired. I find that although the internet is global some web sites do not take this into account. This site turned out to be one of them. It had not occurred to the vendor that a sale might be from outside the North American continent! I discovered that I would need to purchase $100 US worth of goods. Now I do not have a problem with this – but it should be clearly stated in the sales policy and it currently is not. So please Duirwaigh Gallery, edit your site!
~ Judy Farncombe ~

Well my dears,
I see that it is time once again to leave Judy and our online shopping trip. The doves are now tucked up in their Dovecote and the fire is dying down so we are off to bed too. I guess this shopping trip was not our usual kind as we have stirred the cauldron. You, our readers, must now decide where The Duirwaigh Gallery is to be placed - in our ‘Honest Shopping’ or our ‘Turkey Award’ section. Although we have yet to place an order, we decided to let you choose for us which one you want this site to be placed in. Please feel free to send your thoughts and votes to AskTessa@lycos.com. Please put ‘For’ or ‘Against’ in the subject line, my dears, and in an upcoming issue we shall announce where you have decided the gallery will go.

As always your suggestions on stores, or any comment at all, is always welcome! So until next time my dears I wish you Brightest Blessings.
Much Love,
~ Tessa Moonbeam ~

©Tessa Moonbeam 2004