Oh yeah! I love 80’s music! While I was happily born in ’77, I grew up during some interesting and musical times, my friends. This is the first in what will probably be a series of 80’s countdowns (among other decades). Thanks in advance for reading and listening and…seriously? Could someone comment already? I’d like to know that maybe just one other person is semi-entertained by these posts. Thanks!

(no particular order)
1.) “Never Say Never” Romeo Void: Probably my fave 80’s song ever! In fact, I just bought it on vinyl! I just love this song, the band, the singer is a rad fattie and she rocks my socks! The eclectic sound of the sax along with the more new wave/punkish rhythms and riffs make this an essential song of the 80’s!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIImGMjn_8

2.) “Borderline” Madonna: While many will cite “Like A Virgin” as the ultimate in her catalogue, I disagree! I think “Borderline” is more apt a choice. With it’s tender chimey-melodic intro and street style music video it appealed to many an 80’s kid! In the video you see Madonna in ripped jeans, floppy hair bow and many outfits in a faux modeling/photo shoot style montage. As with most of her songs back then, this one involved a troubled love affair, “You just keep on pushing my love over the borderline!” Gotta love it!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P_Y0NEE_v0

3.) “Rock ‘N Roll High School” The Ramones: Okay, The movie “Rock ‘N Roll High School” rocked my third grade world! I saw it at a friend’s house while spending the night and while I had no idea what the world “laid” meant, I knew it was awesome and that the legendary Ramones were the ultimate both in rock and punk! We felt like we were peaking into the real-awesome world of high school and rock ‘n roll! Still my fave Ramones song (along with “Judy is a Punk” it’s a tie). A must for true 80’s music!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiDvKqRjYn0

4.) “True” Spandau Ballet: Sing along now! “Ahh huh huh huuuuh huh…” Everyone knows this ditty! It’s a classic and a true statement of what new wave music really was. Always heartfelt and always catchy!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycOpO-PpA-k

5.) “Kids in America” Kim Wilde: Fun, full of pop effervescence and yet somehow still cool and almost punk leaning! (Like the Go-Go’s but without all the booze!) This song speaks to the music dork in me, too. Because when you’re young and every song in Your Song you feel like you really are living and moving and feeling just for the music! Ya gotta love that it’s on Rock Band 2, too! I always get 5 stars on this badboy! =0)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hWZqllm3mQ

6.) “I Ran” Flock of Seagulls: C’mon! You can’t think 80’s and not think of this song, this band and those hairstyles! I do love this song though. It’s so 80’s Emo it hurts…in a good way! Plus, how many songs mention the Aurora Borealis? You know you wanna do that 80’s shuffle-arm-swingin-finger-snap-dance! DO IT!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUjIA3Rt7gk

7.) “No More Words” Berlin: Sure, everyone knows “Take My Breath Away” from the Top Gun soundtrack, but this is my fave Berlin gem! I love her voice and the frankness of the lyrics! Okay, I love “Metro” as well, it was a toss-up for sure…but this one won out! (Also, the video has a cool depression era theme…Love it!)
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MSYzT_LuZ8

8.) “Rock Lobster” B-52’s: The video? Rad! It is all things 80’s! Stop-motion animation, weird and bright outfits, polluted environmental images, funky dancing and an homage to all things retro-glam! Okay, so it’s sums up the B-52’s as well. But you can’t deny the cool factor and the quirkiness that made this song (and the fab band that made it) a hot 80’s tune!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDZy6-fMCw4

9.) “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun“ Cyndi Lauper: How could I leave out my beloved Cyndi? I would die(of humiliation)! Her album “She’s So Unusual” was an obsession of my 5 year old life! Not only did I love Cyndi Lauper and want to be her (doy!), but I poured over every lyric and melody and stared at the album’s images for hours on end! I wanted those painted shoes, that crinolyn skirt, that mad-rad hair do! When I begged my dad to let me shave and color my hair like Cyndi he thought I had lost my mind! I have always loved Cyndi, she’s my idol! She’s an incredible person and seeing her live for the first time a couple of years ago blew my mind! She eminates a light of goodness and warmth from her that can only be experienced in person! She has had a vast and steady recording career and her latest album “Bring Ya To The Brink” still kicks my ass with it’s fabulosity! She’s a true artist!
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTtelwOgscM

10.) “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” Michael Jackson: It wouldn’t be an 80’s countdown at all without MJ! I know this song in particular wasn’t a huge hit in its own right (I believe anyway), but it was the opening track that spawned a revolution! That snare-bass line combo that is the intro can still give me chills to this day! It was such a moment in time! (*Please see the post before this one regarding my thoughts and history with the album “Thriller”.) It’s actually kind of a funky song, but it still makes me move my ass to the thumpy beat! And even sing along to the strange lyrics: “you’re a vegetable” The king of pop (and R&B crossovers) may be gone from this world, but his contribution to the world will never be forgotten.

Thanks for reading (and hopefully commenting!) Don’t like my picks? Hit me up about it! Tell me why! What’s your ultimate 80’s songs? Lemme know! Thanks and take care! =0)

I have loved Michale Jackson since I was 4 or 5 years old. When the “Thriller” album came out my family went nuts! We would check out the making of “Thriller” video from the library on the regular! My dad memorized the famous Vincent Price dialogue from the album. We knew the dance moves and could even re-enact the dramatic scenes from the video! We were dorkes, but we were music dorks!
I would stare at the “centerfold” of the LP (that’s a vinyl record to you kids out there) for hours dreaming of marrying MJ and getting to play with that baby tiger in the photo! I didn’t fully grasp how BIG that album was until about a year later when ALL of the kids at school had added some element of MJ to their wardrobe! Crazy! We all followed his career for many years after that, too! Do you remember the EVENT that was the “Black & White” video premiere? I do! It was rad! I never passed judgement on Michael Jackson and I don’t think I ever will. I am sure that a lot will come out after his death and I have no doubt that the “exclusive stories” and books will hit the market and airwaves within the month–vultures!
Remember, he was never convicted of anything, ever! When you are that famous and faced with that accusation, you will do what you can to squash it quickly and quietly regardless of your innocence or guilt! It’s sad, but true. I know I would! I mean, almost anyone can end up on a sexual predator list now days. It is just what our paranoid and knee-jerk society has brought us to. Unfortunately that on top of a lifetime of abuse and protection and probably never knowing who he truly was lead him to lead a life many saw as bizarre. How normal a life can you lead as a Jackson family member? Yeah, exactly!
So save the judgement for yourself. Maybe now he can finally be left alone…you know, what he wanted all along?! Please, save yoru faux mourning and pity, he doesn’t need it!

I am a big fan of white boards or dry erase boards or whatever people call them these days. I have one on the inside of my front door. This helps with so many things. My husband and I can leave each other notes, messages, lists (shopping), etc. I jot down my day’s to do list and any phone messages we get. The only problem is actually getting up and writing things on the board sometimes. You know how it is, if it’s not within reach or sightline, forget it!

So, today without much intent or aspiration I decided I should make a mini version for my online notes and things. Because sometimes I’m waiting for something to download or what have you and I think to myself, “Self! You gotta remember to look up _____.” And of course I forget whatever it is before whatever it was is done downloading. Ugh!

It took me all of three minutes to make and I had all of the items needed around my tiny apartment, so I’m sure you do, too! =0)

What you need: Cardboard, Paper, Scissors, Glue Stick, Ruler, Pencil, Clear Shipping Tape, Dry Erase Pen

 1.)    Find a piece of sturdy cardboard. The size and shape are entirely up to you. I just used a piece that was in a package of labels.

2.)    Find a nice piece of paper.  It can be plain white, fancy, lined, or just leave the cardboard as-is! It is your preference.

3.)    Glue stick the cardboard and adhere the paper to it. I love the “UHU Stic” brand because it goes on purple (so you can see where your glue’s going) and dries clear!

4.)    Measure the cardboard on the blank-back side so that you can draw a line down the middle to create two equal halves. This should allow for your memo board to be two-sided when it’s done.

5.)    Cut the cardboard (with the paper glued to it) in half.

6.)    Tape the two sides together, covering the decorative paper, to “seal” the entire deal.

7.)    Yeah…Uhhh…Now it’s done! You can write notes all over this baby with a dry erase pen and simply erase with a tissue or paper town or your finger. You’re ready to rock ‘n roll!

8.)    If you make this, send me a picture of your finished project!   

 

I stumbled upon this artist on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5164938

I love her style: http://yumiyumiart.blogspot.com/

What have you discovered today?

Upcycling is sweeping the world and all those (crafty) along with it! And I say WOOT! To that!
To upcycle is to take something otherwise disposable or discarded and turn it into something better! While I have only ever made one upcycle project, I love what I have seen all over the web, the DIY network, HGTV and on my fave, www.etsy.com !
I encourage everyone to try an Upcycling project. It doesn’t have to be complicated or require many tools, it can be as simple as cutting up an old t-shirt or soda can. Below are my faves from the web:

Soda Bottle lamp (http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/11/upcycle_art_diy.php ) Project info (https://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/tetani/upcycleart/htmls/chandelier.html ) Does require some tools, but doesn’t look impossible, even for me!

Soda Bottle Flower Pin (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19393942 ) Super cute idea!

Polar Bears (art) made of cans (http://greenupgrader.com/4221/i-can-haz-recycled-can-art/ )Wow!

Dr Pepper Earrings (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=19660919 ) You know you could see a teenager pulling these off, no worries!

Record Bowl (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_3&listing_id=19655660 ) I love these! I’ve seen them many times and I just love the concept.

Record clock (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=19658392 ) I love this, too. Another fine way to upcycle your unwanted/unusable records.

Wine Bottle Platter (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=19662604 ) I never would have thought of this; perfect conversational piece for a wine/cheese/cocktail party!

Wine Bottle Tumblers (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=19674085 ) My first concern was the edges, but this etsy seller took care of any sharp edges. Nice!

Cork Necklace (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_1&listing_id=17992997 ) This is too cool! She ships them in test tubes, too!

Gift Card notebook (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_18&listing_id=19650044 ) I always hate throwing away gift cards; now we don’t have to. Some have beautiful pictures on them, too!

Children’s Book Notebook/Journal (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=11726243 ) Adorable!

TV Dinner Notebook (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=14948809 ) Kitsch, anyone? I love it!

Telephone Wire Bracelets (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_8&listing_id=18439662 ) My mom used to make these for me as a kid when the telephone guys would leave big old messes of white and purple wires behind. You’d never know they were discarded, they’re lovely.

Upcycled Crayons (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_14&listing_id=10743971 ) This is such a great idea! This way it’s much harder for toddlers to break them.

Upcycled Glitter Crayons (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=19643263 ) Glitter is almost always a good idea!

Tape Measure Bracelet
(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_12&listing_id=19674238 )For when the ends die completely, your tape measure can live on in your wardrobe!

Band Flyer Envelopes (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_14&listing_id=15530134 ) Genius! Band flyers are full of color, bold fonts and creativity! Win!

Crocheted t-shirt purse (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=14608298 ) I’ve seen many variations on this concept. It’s truly something you can have fun with!

Tie-Snap Bracelet (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_2&listing_id=14608298 ) Wow! I love this idea! Very chic, very eco-conscious and very cool!

Mint tin belt buckle (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_15&listing_id=19638882 ) Wow! Secret compartment, functionality and style!

Floppy disk pencil holder/box (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_18&listing_id=18935772 ) For the chic geek in your life!

Seatbelt Wallet (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_10&listing_id=19467325 ) I like this, I bet it’s super durable!

Upcycled furniture/wall décor (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_19&listing_id=12124147 ) I’d seen stuff like this on “Design on a Dime” on the HGTV channel…I love it! It really brings warmth with all of the varied wood tones.

Upcycled Vanity/Dresser-Sink! (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_6&listing_id=7580384 ) This is amazing and beautiful! So unique!

Soda Bottle Greenhouse (http://www.foammagazine.com/street-style/matix-upcycle-contest-winners/ ) If I had a yard, I’d sooo make one of these babies!

Soda Tab Lamp (http://casasugar.com/tags/upcycle ) Wow! So different, I love it!

Metal Hanger Laptop Stand (http://greenupgrader.com/5247/diy-laptop-stand-built-using-a-upcycled-coat-hanger/#more-5247 ) Not sure exactly how it works, but I love anything you can reuse hangers with! Let’s all please Mommy Dearest and get those metal hangers out of our closets all together!

The Ultimate: Coffee Stirrer Chandelier (http://www.inhabitat.com/2008/05/28/recycled-coffee-stirrer-lamps-from-touch-collective/ ) Just…WOW!!!
Have you ever upcycled something? Let us know what/how…include a picture! What did you think of this post? Comment!