Paxton Gate has always seemed more like a creepy-cool natural science museum than store, what with its displays of stuffed critters, slithering plants and other curiosities, so it makes perfect sense that they'd pair up with the California Academy of Sciences for an event. This Thursday (March 11th), head to the Academy for a night of scientific exploration, courtesy of Paxton Gate's diverse collection of "treasures and oddities inspired by the garden and the natural sciences". They'll be relating their selection of fossils and taxidermied creatures to the Museum's specimens and science. Taxidermy artist Jeanie M., whose work can be found at the Gate, will be demonstrating her craft, and DJ Smiley will be there to provide a dose of modern music.

And while we're on the topic of fossils and natural science, we've got to share these beautiful tables and chairs from Bae Home. Preserve your own scientific specimen for posterity by having an impression made of a plant of your choice into the cement exterior of the piece. It's a bit more practical than a cabinet of curiosities, and requires far less dusting, to be sure.