I know that I tend to write about more lady related topics, but that’s so not fair! I am all about equality and this bargain huntress won’t let the men down, believe me! So guys, here’s a quickie guide to www.Etsy.com ! Please, don’t be afraid to venture into the unknown. There is an entire world of crafty peeps out there waiting to work with you to create something truly legend -wait for it- ary!

From custom leather goods to personalized stationary or t-shirts, Etsy is the place for all things custom and personalized (yes, even license plate frames)! It’s what I love most about it. You can order dog tags or cuff links with your name or any other info on it. And please, don’t fear being judged! I have made some strange requests of sellers on Etsy and have never had anyone so much as blink an eye at it! So dive on in! The crafty waters are perfect! (Got a gag gift in mind? Post in the “Alchemy” section and let sellers bid for your project or contact a seller directly!)

I would say that the neatest thing I’ve found on Etsy is the personal care (aka: health and beaty) items. From organic to vegan and fragrance free (my husband won’t buy the fragranced stuff) you can find or request anything your heart or your body desires! Even custom undies!!! Yes, you can get Fight Club soap to show off to your friends/guests! You can get all things liquor/beer related from soaps to artwork. The sky is the limit!

Keychains? Yep! Shaving soap refill? Uh-huh! Macho bracelets/necklaces? Oh yeah! If you can dream it then there is someone out there willing and able to make it for you (depending on the project and your budget). Halloween stuff, too! I even found fridge magnets that look like real bacon! Sweet! And baked goods, too! Yeah, too lazy to bake for yourself or go to the store? Buy some goodies on Etsy! You can taste your way around the world! From jams to cookies and lollipops and cake…custom blended teas and coffees…did I mention the sky is the limit? Yeah, ’cause it is!

And clothes? You can get custom made garments for the same price you’d pay for ready to wear stuff in the store! Ridiculous-cool! Hunter S. Thompson passport cover? You got it! Giant Bruce Lee wall decal? Sure! It’s all in how you work the keyword search. See, all the stuff below I slapped into my fave list for your viewing and linking pleasure. And there’s so much more than what you see here! Check out more of my manly faves: http://www.etsy.com/favorite_listings_public.php?user_id=51553 (only the first 5-6 pages are for men). All I did was type in “for men” into the keyword search box at the top of the homepage www.etsy.com and sorted by price (or you can set other parameters and click on categories, too) and went window shopping!

So, check it out, give it a shot and tell me what you think! Thanks fellas! =0)

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!

Sorry darlings, this huntress has been quite busy with the goingson at the cafe. Passed my first (of four total) inspection! Cross your fingers for the next ones…hope to be open around the 31st! Until then, check out my very own Etsy.com shop: www.notblueatall.etsy.com for my lovely handmade aprons. They are made with love and generous arpon strings!  =0)

All Prices have been reduced and you’ll get free shipping through August!!!

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 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