Archie Mcphee - Wonderfully Weird

Anytime we are in the Wallingford neighborhood, we are tempted to go to Archie McPhee. Established in 1983, Archie McPhee has been entertaining shoppers with storefronts in Fremont, Ballard and now in Wallingford.  The colorful storefront only hints at the spectacular finds inside.

Plus anthropomorphic Bacon!

The store is a smorgasbord for the senses.  Some of favorites are:

The mass variety of mints (everything from banana to absinthe, with unflavored available for your nihilist friends and brain flavored to slow down the zombies.);

Band-aids of every size and style; 

Costume basics such as mustaches, hats and embelishments; 

the plethora of hand accessories;
 

Coffee cups that strike from the deep;

The Wallingford Beast;

Caution tape for every occasion;

Soap opera music boxes;

and amazing masks such as this Banana Slug.  

Whomever you may be shopping for, Archie McPhee probably has what you are looking for.... and some things you didn't know you needed. 

May The Fourth Be With You - Star Wars Day

May the Fourth is Star Wars Day.  We are big Star Wars fans. (Which may be the understatement of the year.) Therefore, logic dictates that we will be celebrating.   Star Wars is a worldwide institution with countless fans and it has it's own day to celebrate all it's glory.  There are various ways you can get your geek on to commemorate the occasion.

You can:

1. Watch all 6 movies (this one's obvious, but important nonetheless)
2. Have a lightsaber battle throughout your neighborhood (bonus points if you can get passerbys involved)
3. Go to a bar/restaurant with a live band and convince them to play the song from the Cantina bar
4. Have a Wookie calling contest from the tallest hill you can find
5. Head to Card Kingdom and try one of the several Star Wars themed games
6. Have a creative party and craft yourself some awesome Star Wars tchotchkes (head over to StarWars.com for some great ideas)
7. Get a Star Wars themed tattoo (only for advanced Fans)
8. Host a dramatic reading of one of the many Star Wars novels
9. Take some time to create your own Star Wars fan film (See ours here or check out some awesome ones here)
10. Be Vader for a day and tell your kids you are their father (or mother) in a loud and raspy voice as much as you can

Whatever you do, Have Fun!    And May the Force be with you!

Holy Movies Batman! - A Gotham Night To Remember In The Emerald City

Back before the Dark Knight, before Tim Burton's Batman, there was a Batman phenomenon that involved printed sound effects, cheesy puns and Adam West.  The Batman TV show from the 60's gave us an over the top, kitchy take on Batman that is still part of our pop culture society today...even if you didn't know it.  Between the first and second seasons of the TV show, a movie was released piggybacking on the its success.  And on February 28th you can experience this film like never before, with Adam West and Burt Ward!  The stars of the film will be on hand for a Q & A before the film, so if you having burning questions for the Original Dark Knight and his ward this is your opportunity. http://seattlecinerama.com/coming-soon/

MMMM Brains – Red, White and Dead Zombie Walk

You wouldn’t think that hordes of shambling undead would be a good family outing, but then you’ve probably never been to the Red, White and Dead Zombie Walk.  Every year for the last 6 years thousands of zombies have gathered for World Record breaking walks through the Fremont neighborhood. While the first few years were more of an impromptu gathering, this year’s walk has something for the whole family with a zombie fashion show, mobile food court, massive Thriller dance, Apocalypse Survival Car Show, beer garden and more.  And although some costumes may be a bit much for younger kids, the attendees are generally a good group of people just having fun.  (Our boys have been going for the last several years with no issues but our experience won’t necessarily be yours!)  Tickets are required to be counted for the Guinness Record attempt … get yours here - Zombie Walk Tickets and more info here - Zombie Walk Info     See you in the HORDE!!!!