My beloved and fave blog PlanetFabulon.com has mysteriously shuttered. Leaving me with heartache and a need for a fix of fabulosity! So…I shall scour the webz in search and perhaps you’ll join me on this adventure and see what we find in the universe!

Came across a Tweet from 52stations and I friggin’ loved it and Carrie Fisher for writing it: http://carriefisher.com/?p=462

I love this site’s clothing and have bought a few items now. I can attest to it’s quality and uniqueness. You just won’t see another gal walking down the street in thei stuff (yet!): http://eshakti.com/ with sizes from 0 – 38W there seems to be something for everyone! PLUS: you can get customized styling for $10! Yes! No tailor needed! And only $10!!!

I am loving Yoko Ono’s Tweets! You may have noticed my recent post “25 Things” in her honor. Well, check out her site: http://imaginepeace.com/news/ it’s full of fabulosity and compassion!

If you’re a regular Fabulonian, you’ll already be familiar with Mr. Peakcock and his style:  http://mrpeacockstyle.blogspot.com/

And I love this art/design/blog: http://nubbytwiglet.com/blog/ it’s always full of fab typesettings and all kinds of fabulousness!

If you’re on the fashion leaning side of Fabulon: http://galadarling.com/ will surely give you something to gawk at!

Another fashion one, but this one’s a more collage style scene: http://blog.justjr.com/

I think one of the best blogs ever: http://1000awesomethings.com/page/2/ because anyone who blogs about things that are awesome and specifically: #678 Sneaking cheaper candy into the movie theater is fabulous in my opinion!

Okay so this one is both fabulous and adorable: http://leloveimage.blogspot.com/

I Love The Frugal Fag! I had wanted a clever name for this blog to go with his, but stuck with my old standby instead: http://frugalfag.com/

Another Fabulon Favorite: http://expatriato.blogspot.com/

If you love film and all things cinematique check out: http://filmexperience.blogspot.com/

Um, not sure how to categorize this one, fun-weird-crazy-fab makeup and dress-up? http://destroyx.com/

Four-eyes rejoice! http://www.eyeheartglasses.com/

I am an Ikea addict, I won’t lie! But this makes your Ikea filled house look less so: http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/

Have a crock pot? Need recipes/ideas? Cheggit: http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/

Gorgeously Packaged Products (or ideas for them): http://www.thedieline.com/blog/

Fab: http://www.thecriticalcondition.com/

Oooh! I love these old pics: http://blog.krisatomic.com/?p=379

Well, that’s all I’ve got for now sweetie-darlings! While it’s a sad day without our dear Fabulon, we can keep a little piece of her in our hearts, always!

When I took over the lease on a never-even-opened cafe I realized that the skills I’ve attained over the many years of living in tiny apartments woudl most definitely come in handy. While paint color was the first thing I obsessed over, the overall feel of the space is still coming together and very important to me. Of course I want to attract customers, but this is also a space that I will personally be occupying (working my ass off in other words) for 8-12 hours a day! So yeah, this is big!

Once I got the color out of the way (I posted a pic in a recent post with the little sectional I got at Target), the woods and other touches started coming in. While I am happy with my chairs and counters, I thought about the other things. So I thought I would share some of my ideas with you, my beloved and cherished readers!

The one thing I HAD TO HAVE (or OMG I would explode!) was this gorg little wall clock from Target (I’m a junky!):

http://www.target.com/Oval-Metal-Wall-Clock/dp/B0013M4KKK/qid=1248994413/ref=br_1_9/184-6383267-4813656?ie=UTF8&node=15832391&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1

Isn’t it adorable? In a way it’s me in a nutshell. I mean, it’s timeless and classic yet elegant and just a little funky (oval?). I haven’t hung it up yet, but I adore it! And at $25 it’s a total bargain! I think it’s simple silver, white and black will be just enough to pop on my near-Tiffany blue walls.

I personally love clocks and watches and all things representing both the past, present and future (as time and their keeping pieces often do). Target actually has an incredible and diverse selection of clocks for the home. They’ve even made your online shopping easier by including several sub categories (color, room, etc.). http://www.target.com/b/ref=in_br_browse-box/184-6383267-4813656?ie=UTF8&node=318884011

I also have a big huge major problem: A big black brick wall! It is enormous! I just ordered some samples from this fabulous web site: www.dalidecals.com (love the name!) and can’t wait to test their stickiness on this wall o’ mine. I am planning on buying this gorgeous and whimsical tree to fill the gap, bring the outdoors in and remind everyone of the city they are in while being comfy and cozy in my tiny cafe:

                                                                http://dalidecals.com/product.php?productid=145&cat=2&page=1

I think it will attract kids and their parents, too. It will give the cafe a more open feel (it needs all the help it can get at 40o square feet) and remind people that nature is everywhere and should be loved, cherished and respected (or she’ll kick yo ass!). It’s a bit pricey, but it’s cheaper than hiring a muralist and it will be quick and fun to stick it on the wall.

I know you’re not opening a cafe, but if you’ve seen my “J’Adore Decor” post you know all about my love of the wall decals! You can find them everywhere now! I’ve seen them at Michael’s (craft store), Lowes (hardware) and even Walmart! Nuts, I know! But hey, they’re fun and not permanant. So you can change up your space as often as your budget and fancy allows!

I also love the idea of bringing the cafe vibe into the home! As a dear friend and I quickly became obsessed with baking cupcakes and going out for afternoon tea (we have Lisa’s Tea Treasures nearby, delightful!) we also began to include these themes in our home decor! (I will say that she took the classy/elegant route to perfection while I prefer more bold or slightly more european over British tea time trends). The cupcake trend thing really took the world by storm and thus created a near cult-like love for all things related! I love this and glad I didn’t see it sooner (I’d be broke!):

                    http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28430675&ref=fp_feat_9

I love this idea:

                                          http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27428309&ref=fp_feat_7

Just gorgeous! Yet…simple! In fact, this www.etsy.com seller has many styles like this candle for sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5948726 In fact, all of etsy has thousands of sellers just waiting for your attention, affections and business! Check it out! This all lead to my own etsy shop, I admit. Due to our baking obsession, I began searching for aprons. I bought one on etsy and then decided to make an apron for my two best gal-pal’s 30th b-days! They loved their aprons and I got the confidence to make aprons and sell them online: www.notblueatall.etsy.com

You can find bistro sets (both indoor and outside versions) almost anywhere lately. I’ve even seen some impressive ones at Orchard Supply Hardware (some even bargain priced!). But for those of us without a balcony, patio or other outside space to relax and entertain in, we’re left to our own creative devices. When entertaining I love to serve freshly ground and brewed organic coffee. The best kitchen gadgets aren’t always plugged into the wall, darlings! Nope! In this case I prefer the old French Press! It’s simple, sleek, can be washed and stored ridiculously easily and impresses people who’ve never seen one used before! While they average around the $30 mark, you can sometimes find sales or bargains or better yet…vintage! (Some parts may need replacing for some very old or soiled ones.) If you haven’t already noticed, French Presses or “Press Pots” are a rapidly growing trend among coffee lovers. This won’t die anytime soon either…these are no mere fondue pots! These are useful and simple tools for your kitchen and at-home cafe! And while I coudl talk all day about coffees and espresso blends, I shant bore you dears.

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_press

Target: http://www.target.com/b/184-6383267-4813656?node=13386071&LNM=french_press&CPNG=Appliances&AFID=yahoocom&LID=86021194&ref=tgt_adv_XSYH0463

http://www.crateandbarrel.com/search.aspx?query=frenchpress (although this bargain huntress can’t stand to spend so much on so litte!)

And always be sure to at least appear as though you know exactly what you’re doing: http://www.coffeegeek.com/guides/presspot

Artwork always helps when it comes to decorating the home/apt on a budget! Why buy when you can DIY?! Even if you’re not the next Basquiat (J’Adore!) or Picasso, you can certainly paint a coffee or tea cup! And if you can’t do that, there are stencils, decals, photos, magazines and other items you can affix to your final masterpiece! Or if you must (because we’re all so busy lately) you can buy vintage prints and posters. Or, better yet, buy handmade!

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28504315&ref=sr_gallery_17&&ga_search_query=cafe&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=4&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28343219&ref=sr_gallery_6&&ga_search_query=cafe&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21223333&ref=sr_gallery_20&&ga_search_query=cafe&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28331227&ref=sr_gallery_21&&ga_search_query=cafe&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=date_desc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Or at the very least you can get an air freshner, candle or other aromatic: http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=handmade&search_query=coffee+scent&order=date_desc&ship_to=

Why not have some friends over for tea and coffee? You can make mini-sammies and serve scones and other small delectables! Hit your local thrift store for some vintage looking tableclothes and settings or just get some cheap paper doilies and cover your coffee table! (Michael’s has a Martha Stewart section that is to die for! And I seriously resisted liking that section.)

For me? I prefer the funky and mismatched more punk style of tea service. Why not try some of those flavored Baily’s Irish Cream liquers (original, caramel and mint!)  in your evening coffee soiree` or book club meetup? Sounds like a party to me!  You don’t have to be a whizz in the kitchen, but your guests will be quite impressed I assure you! The music you choose may also enhance the mood. Check iTunes for cool cafe inspired playlists. I know of a few country themed ones (ie: paris, rome, etc.)

Have you incorporated anything cafe related in your own home decor? Tell me about it! Or send me a pic! Comments, suggestions, etc are always welcome and appreciated!

I’ve slacked on the music countdown front and I apologize, for realz! I had family in town for two weeks and I’m still working on getting my cafe opened so it’s been a bit nuts. Thank you for understanding and for being so patient and you know what? That rocks! But please, feel free to bitch at me if you feel neglected, I get it! =0)

So this week’s countdown is “5 Bands You Don’t Know” and I’m hoping that you haven’t heard of any of them. Although if you’re into music and reading this blog I’m sure you’re in the know and reading other stuff, too. So if you have heard of them let me know. Also, if I’ve missed someone you think is rad and “unknown” please COMMENT!!!

(In no particular order)

1.) Los Campesinos: I love the song “Death To Los Campesinos”! This band if from Wales and they’re just super cool and fun! I know they’ve gotten some play on alternative stations and channels, but not much and I just dig their whole vibe. Very fun and funky…like me!
                                                                                                                                             Hold On Now, Youngster – Los C…

2.) White Shoes & The Couples Company: Okay, I can’t claim to have “found” them on my own. “Sergio’s White Hot Top 5” on Current TV’s “Infomania” is a huge source of inspiration and complete and utter awesomeness for me. Seriously? Check it out!  But this band is hecka cool! Although I honestly don’t know a thing about them. I just dig their tunes!
                                                                                                                                   White Shoes & The Couples Comp…

3.) Mando Dai: This band is from Sweden and I love their style! Great percussion, good vocals and a solid sound! I got the EP on iTunes totally serendipitously, but I have to have “Spit On Your Love” close at hand for when I need to rock the fuck out!
                                                                                                                                        The Wildfire EP – Mando Diao

4.) Mulatu Astatke: I first heard sogs from them on the “Broken Flowers” soundtrack and really liked ’em. (What a fab soundtrack, too! By the way!) Very chill but a cool funky snakey sort of sound. I love it! This music makes you feel like you’re in a movie or living out some fantasy.
                                                                                                                                        Broken Flowers – Various Artis…

                                                                                                                                Inspiration Information 3 – Th…

5.) The Pierces: Snarky, witty, poppy, fun, but also easy on the ears! I won’t lie though, their album cover caught my eye before their music did. So what?! I bought it and I love it! I try to include it in mixes to surprise people, too.        They’re just a good band to mix things up, ya know?
                                                                                                                              Thirteen Tales Of Love And Rev…

So…what do ya think? Did I pick something you already heard of? Have you never heard of any of these bands? Do they rock? Do they suck? TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! Let’s talk shop and see what we’ve got…in common! =0)

I know! They’re popping up everywhere: Terrariums! These little green garden delights are all the rage and it’s just too easy and cute not to get one for yourself!

From www.Wikipedia.com: Terrarium, simulating a dry habitat, for instance desert or savannah. A terrarium can also be formed to create a temperate woodland habitat. This can be created with pebbles, leaf litter, and soil. By misting the terrarium, a natural water cycle occurs within the environment by condensation forming on the lid causing precipitation. Plants suitable for this type of terrarium environment include moss and tree seedlings.

I bought a DIY kit from a seller on www.Etsy.com for my husband’s birthday and it was so easy to do! She sent me the kit and all I had to do was pick the receptacle (pretty glass container of some sort) and follow the simple instructions! And I even had enough moss and stuff left over to make one for myself! And I love it! It hasn’t died yet and maintenance is a cinch!

You see, I have always thought of myself as having a brown thumb (as in not green). We would even tell our houseplants they weren’t mine so they wouldn’t immediately jump ship and die. Sad, but true. I’ve lost many a beloved plant due to it’s realization that I was it’s caretaker. *sigh* I’ll never forget the gorgeous Hydrangea B’s mama had given me. It was blue with purplish tips and it had four big stalks with big balls of flowers…so lovely. Yeah, it died a slow and painful death. No matter what I did it only made it worse.

Are you terrible with plants? There is hope! Terrariums can be any size and the container options are truly endless! You can keep one on your desk at work, your home, or even around your neck or shoved in a book! Don’t believe me? Check it out:

1                                   2                                          *3

    

                        4                                5                                   6                           

   

7                               8

 

Or perhaps you’d prefer the more elegant approach?

9

While most do have a woodland theme (my fave!) your accessorizing options are also open! Just think of a theme or message or just random cool little things and you’ve got the coolest DIY thingamajig around!

Let your imagination soar and be the envy of all your friends or officemates with these lush beauties! And did I mention how easy they are to care for? Just aspritz of water every few days and a bit of sunshine and that is it! However, not all terrariums are the same so please consult the seller or look up the type of moss you’re caring for online for actual care instructions.

10                                 11                                12              

   

13                                14                          15

  

And if you still don’t trust yourself ot care for a living thing, they have “preserved” ones for you…no care required!

16

I was quite impressed with these:

                             17                                   18                                  

   

19

 

I thought that they evoked more of a show piece vibe.

Do you own a terrarium? Have you made one? Let me know!!!

1.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27468365&ref=sr_gallery_5&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=6&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

2.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24764264&ref=sr_gallery_3&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=6&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

*3.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26192016&ref=sr_gallery_12&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=7&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title *Watch also requires no care as dried moss was used.

4.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26003299&ref=sr_gallery_5&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=14&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

5.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27424915&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=14&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

6.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25483591&ref=sr_gallery_15&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=14&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

7.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26462173&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=15&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

8.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27254065&ref=sr_gallery_11&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=16&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

9.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26301148&ref=sr_gallery_15&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=7&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

10.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26133454&ref=sr_gallery_5&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

11.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26124194&ref=sr_gallery_20&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=10&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

12.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27559626&ref=sr_gallery_14&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

13.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26919266&ref=sr_gallery_20&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=11&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

14.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25583141&ref=sr_gallery_13&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=12&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

15.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27182997&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=13&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

16.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27440160&ref=sr_gallery_17&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=13&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

17.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24659521&ref=sr_gallery_9&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=17&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

18.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27070654&ref=sr_gallery_16&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=17&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

19.) http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27148000&ref=sr_gallery_8&&ga_search_query=terrarium+moss&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=18&order=price_asc&includes[]=tags&includes[]=title

Gossip: In my humble (and free) opinion, the best band to come out of the last decade! Yes, I know that’s a bold statement and I am not one to take such things lightly! But this band’s sound rocks my world and kicks my ass into the next decade! Yep! It’s true.

Image based on beth ditto by IanMackinnon licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike

While relatively unknown in the U.S., the band Gossip have made  a huge splash across the pond,( in the U.K.). And for good reason, they are so different from most modern bands out there. Beth Ditto, singer/icon/rockstar/death fattie/lesbian is all things not normally seen in mainstream music and media. She carries a confidence that belongs in the rock world, true…but her style and shape and performance antics? She’s breaking down barriers many didn’t know existed and while some of us did, we’re either in love with her for it or hate her because of it!

 I’ve been a fan for awhile. Actually, I discovered them through BUST magazine’s review of their album “Standing In The Way Of Control.” I bought the CD and was completely unprepared or the ride! Listening to it is one thing, but then I looked up their videos online and WOAH! She’s a fat girl, too?! Holy shit! She’s also fahsionable and gorgeous and queer and talented beyond comprehension!

Their latest album, “Music for Men” came out this week and once again my mind was blown away! There is little left of my grey matter now as all I can do is sing songs from the album when left to my own devices. In the car, at home, on my iPod and in my bedroom…I’m loving every second of this album! The anticipation alone was enough to kill me, but now that I’ ve heard it a few dozen times? I’m lucky to be alive! It kicked my ass clear into next week! While it was no surprise to me how good it is, I had faith in the band all along…but I also knew it was produced by the infamous Rick Rubin! Yeah, a bunch of ridiculously and musically talented people making a record? Yes, please!!!

Lyrically genius and completely relatable and the production quality is sublime! I can’t say enough good things about this album and this band! Just strap yourself in and enjoy the ride! “And I will thank you for your cooperation…”

Music For Men – Gossip

Video for the first single, “Heavy Cross”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3VbMGIZeE (or scroll down to my previous post for the embedded video)