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Today we add two shops to the guide. One is in LA and the other is in San Diego. And they don't sell any of the same items really. But they both do a fantastic job of blending art and commerce.

For its part, Family in LA is stuffed with art books, DVDs, comic books, zines, prints and other creative output. The art books alone are worth the visit, as they represent some of the most interesting work being done by up and coming artists around the world.

Igloo (coming to us by way of suggestion) explores under the radar art, particularly that of California surf and skate culture. Prints, photo books, painted decks, T-shirts, even buttons are wonderfully creative in a completely unpretentious sort of way.

Both shops offer online shopping for a limited number of items.

We came across Needles & Pens while doing research on San Francisco stores in preparation for an upcoming visit. Needles & Pens is one of those idyllic shop that opens with little regard to branding, marketing, PR or the capitalist imperative in general.

Needles is Breezy Culbertson (something tells us her parents weren't lawyers or accountants), seamstress and Strandid Clothing designer. Her clothing line consists of arty tops and T-shirts, and unique tops constructed from various vintage fabrics.

Pens is graphic designer, photographer and zine afficionado Andrew Scott. Which means the shop sells zines, art books, indie mags and the like. Zines will run you a buck or three--now that's cheap, fun entertainment.

Naturally, the store also stocks handmade goods from other area artists and plays host to super-cool art shows.