Bad Habits

New Site!

2011-06-05T14:35:00.000-04:00

I will no longer be using blogger to host my blog! I hope you will all continue to follow my blog at my new website, AdelinaMictlan.com or follow it via bloglovin'

Thanks!

xo

AM

Fresh Kills

2011-06-03T15:22:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I received a Night Birds promo CD from Grave Mistake to review. The CD they sent me had EVERYTHING on it. I feel like I have already gone over my obsession with their music in previous posts so I'm not going to go all out repeating myself.

As we all know I love surf and I love punk-- so a loud, fast, horror like fusion could only be the most amazing thing I've ever heard. With sounds like Adolescent, Agent Orange, The Ghastly Ones, The Dead Kennedy's and many other great skate/surf/punk bands that have come before they are more than worth a listen. It also helps that many of their songs, especially on the Midnight Movies album, pay homage to horror B movies--another favorite. Other than that, their lyrics are filled with a vengeful hate for those around them, which is reflected in the vocals, riffs and the vocalists face while preforming. Listen to Thrilling Murder its a more than perfect example of those kind of human emotions on a bad day, at least for someone as cynical as I can be.

They really put on a great show, like I said Gorsegner's(Vocals)face and voice are filled with hate, Hunchback(Guitar) spends most of his time playing from the floor on his knees or back and somehow doesn't miss many cords, Keller(Bass/Vocals) and Mchale(Drums) do an excellent job of completing the sound.

I took this one very blury photo with my camera phone from last night's show at Asbury Lanes, where they played with T.S.O.L.

I bought the tee that matches this album. I've wanted for awhile, it is so horribly grotesque and foul! I wish I had a bigger image so you could see ever little thing that is going on in the design.

They are on tour right now so check out their tour dates on thepunksite.com and make an effort to attend at least one show!

Also, listen to them for free on band-camp

oh, and here is me with Jack Grisham of T.S.O.L. I got him to sign Patt's book (with my name) An American Demon: A Memoir. I'm looking forward to reading it.

He's definitely getting old, but still kind of hot.

AM

Triangles and Fringe

2011-06-01T12:37:00.001-04:00

Current favorite trend:

Bloodmilk

The Desert Child

Miyu Decay

The Addison Story

Nasty Gal

All Saints

Gypsy Warrior Vintage

More on my Triangle and Fringe Treasury via Etsy

"The world itself is the bad dream"

2011-05-29T16:20:00.004-04:00

Photographer Alison Scarpulla has captured the human psyche and it is a lonely, dark place.

*All images are property of Alison Scarpulla

I wonder if she is influenced by Sylvia Plath? Especially, The Bell Jar

"The silence depressed me. It wasn't the silence of silence. It was my own silence."
-Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

American Hardcore Part I Mix Tape

2011-05-26T16:39:00.000-04:00

Next Thursday, 2nd June, T.S.O.L. is playing at Asbury Lanes. I'm hoping they stick to a set-list of their earliest albums influenced by hardcore punk (mainly Dance With Me and Weathered Statues) If not I'm still excited to see Night Birds-- as usual. I think tickets are still available via ticketweb.

It is only fitting that I should make a mix tape that included T.S.O.L and a few early conspirators in the American Hardcore movement that stretched across the U.S. from LA to NY and other major cities like San Fran, Boston and D.C. in the late 70's- mid 80's.

This mix tape I started will be never ending. My absolute favorite music genre is hardcore punk, which tends to be louder, faster and heavier than most punk that was spawned before the 80's. There are so many great songs that I will slowly bring to you.

The mix tapes that I've been creating have been very short, as is this one, only because I want to be able to frequently give a bi-weekly variety of my favorite music from specific genres. Also, some of my music is .m4p format, which only will play on my computer and I need to figure out a way to change that.

You can't download America Hardcore Part 1 HERE.

Song.. Band.. Album..

01 Wrecking Crew.. Adolescents.. Adolescents
02 You Stupid Jerk.. Angry Samoans.. The Unboxed Set
03 Lexicon Devil.. The Germs.. Lexicon Devil EP
04 USA.. Reagan Youth.. A Collection of Pop Classics
05 Rise Above.. Black Flag.. Damaged
06 Final War.. Agnostic Front.. Last Warning
07 I Don't Want to Hear It.. Minor Threat.. Minor Threat EP
08 Don't Tread on Me.. Cro-Mags.. Before the Quarrel
09 Institutionalized.. Suicidal Tendencies.. Suicidal Tendencies
10 Live Fast Die Young.. Circle Jerks.. Group Sex
11 Code Blue.. T.S.O.L... Dance With Me
12 Banned in D.C... Bad Brains.. Black Dots
13 California über alles.. Dead Kennedys.. Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

All of the songs are at different volumes, sorry!

Favorite Vintage

2011-05-25T19:02:00.000-04:00

We Move Vintage

Black Pyramid

Obsessed:

Noirohio Vintage shop via Ebay

AND

Niorohio via Chictopia

Survived by..

2011-05-23T11:57:00.000-04:00

Oh, my malevolent computer you are back alive temporarily...

In my absence I survived via smart phone apps that led me to these mysterious places:

via liquid-sugar

via skinny-witch

via renee ruin

viazombie zombie

2011 is my year of illness, I can't stay healthy. Slowly, I'm working on my new line of occult inspired jewelry. I'll post an in-progress preview soon.

AM

Summer 2011 Trend

2011-05-12T14:43:00.000-04:00

Sultry Summer Treasury
via AMictlan on Etsy

This summer's trend will definitely be sheer outfits with high waist lingerie.

Forever Hopeless

2011-05-11T15:59:00.001-04:00

Hopeless Lingerie and Accessories has me fixated on their line of products. Everything about this company, including their presentation, is on point: the lingerie has very creative structure that is unique and eye catching, the chosen color pallette is among my favorites--dark black, bright red and very very pale pink, the models aren't overly busty or anorexic-ly thin so I can see myself wearing these gems, the photographs have a time-less and eerie feel that compliment's Hopeless's design, which attracts you even more to their work, I could go on and on but these images will do better justice:

Found: Hopeless Lingerie Collections

Found: Hopeless Lingerie Collections

Another plus: even though they are all the way across the (my) world in Australia shipping is only 6.59 USD on etsy, which is a steal.

AM

Oh.. Don't forget about the sale on my etsy: 13% off and an additional 13% off at the checkout with code DOOM13 ENDS FRIDAY 13 MAY!

Love Stinks

2011-05-08T14:33:00.000-04:00

Ever since I laid eyes on Maurie and Eve's Click Biker Boots I've been re-arranging my budget and counting my coins so that I can hopefully purchase these perfect booties.

Found: I Don't Like Mondays

While I dream of the day my budget opens up, I've been torturing myself by putting together the perfect outfit that I just can't quiet afford these days.

No. 6 Aperitif Dress
Found: La Garconne

Rachel Comey Fringed Saddle Bag
Found: Gargyle

Polly Van Der Glas Sterling Silver Human Hair Bangle (I need at least 3)
Found: VANDERGLAS via Etsy

If only I didn't spend every penny that I didn't have on a college education, then I would own all these things in a heart-beat. For now, I'll continue to sleep on these purchases until I break down.

Friday the 13th Sale-with special code!

2011-05-06T14:18:00.001-04:00

Starting Monday, May 6th everything in my etsy shop will be marked down 13% in celebration of the semi-rare occurrence of Friday the 13th! All blog, twitter, and facebook followers will receive and extra 13% off when checking out by using the code: DOOM13

Sale ends Friday the 13th at midnight

dark, misty days

2011-05-04T17:04:00.001-04:00

Vest: 2nd Mile
Black Flag Tee: Courtesy of Low Level
Jeans: Forever21
Shoes: All Saint
Pendant: Courtesy of Bloodmilk
Rings: Adelina Mictlan
Horse Skull: On loan from Patt Whelan
Suitcase: Courtesy of Low Level

"The Horror at Martin's Beach" Mix-tape

2011-05-02T13:20:00.000-04:00

Download "The Horror at Martin's Beach" Mix-tape here

Song Title.. Artist.. Album

1.Surfin' Cow.. Dead Milkmen.. Someone Shot Sunshine
2.Peter Lorre.. Satan's Pilgrims.. At Home With
3.Theme From T.V... Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet.. Savvy Show Stoppers
4.Zombi V Mini Yubke/Zombie In A Mini Skirt.. Messer Chups.. Zombie Shopping
5.Sexy Zombie Pussy.. Mirrors and Wires.. Colorized Audio Transmission
6.Angry Surfs.. Dry Feet.. Philadelphia Beach
7.Miserlou [Instrumental].. Agent Orange.. Living in Darkness
8.Robot Automico.. Ghastly Ones.. Unearthed
9.Harbor Rats.. Night Birds.. Night Birds

Inspiration:

The Horror at Martin’s Beach
By H. P. Lovecraft and Sonia H. Greene

Found: Tumblr re-blog

Found: Tumblr re-blog

Found: Tumblr re-blog

Aussi Lovin'

2011-04-27T18:31:00.000-04:00

Cesar- Black Leather

Found: Wittner

X- Aspirations

Found:

Sea of Ghosts- Fashion Blogger

Found: Sea of Ghosts

dreaming of black magic

2011-04-25T12:39:00.003-04:00

Current look:

Top: Courtesy of Death/Traitors
Bottoms: Urban Outfitters (pants cut and rolled into shorts)
Shoes: Steve Madden Wedges
Jewelry: Adelina Mictlan + Bloodmilk

Current trance:

Found: http://riiings.blogspot.com/

+++

The Films of Kenneth Anger Volume II:
Scorpio Rising
Kustum Kar Kommandos
Invocation of My Demon Brother
Rabbit's Moon
Lucifer Rising

Found:

Preview:

-AM

I wanna be a skunk

2011-04-22T13:24:00.000-04:00

Due to insomnia last night I discovered that one of my favorite punk-cult-classic films, "Ladies and Gentleman, The Fabulous Stains", was in the play now section of Netflix.

I'm sure everyone who has seen this 80's gem can say they have been inspired by Corrine Burns, the heroin, in some way or another. If you have not seen it, especially any ladies, you MUST drop everything you are doing and watch it right this instant.

I put together a modern "skunk" look with some of my favorite designers and products, along with some new finds that were very specific to achieve the look of Corrine Burns, her band-mates and her devote fans.

First, you need the right hair and make-up.

Left to Right

Manic Panic-Flashing Lightning Bleaching Kit.
Found: Manic Panic

Stila- Long Wear Lip Liner- Passionate
Found: Sephora
*For lips and eyes

Smashbox- Jet Set Water Proof Eyeliner-Midnight Black
Found: Sephora
* Use with Arched Eyeliner Brush by Smashbox

Nars- Lipstick- Fire Down Below
Found: Sephora

Clairol- Nice 'N Easy- Natural Blue Black
Found: Clairol
*Doesn't fade so you just have to touch up your roots with Clairol Root Touch-up

Dior- Dior Show Mascara- Black
Found: Sephora

Now the complete outfit-- two looks that are mostly interchangeable.

Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony- Mary Ellen Clog Booties
Found: Shop Bop

OkOk- Nylon Knee High Socks- Red
Found: Revolve Clothing
*Worn scrunched down or to the knee

Mutant Vintage- 50's Red Nylon Blouse
Found: Mutant Vintage on Etsy

Toxic Vision- NAMM Collection- Star Studded Bikini Bottoms
Found: Toxic Vision on Etsy
*I would love to have the top too!

ShyShy- Eyelet Tights
Found: Yes Style

MinkPink- Swiss Dot Blouse
Found: Nasty Gal
*In the 24 hours that I found this *NEW* blouse it's sold out, but I can settle for MinkPink's Good for Nothing Mesh Shirt

Toxic Vision- NAMM Collection- Red Hot Leather n Lace Studded Bodysuit
Found: Toxic Vision on Etsy

Christian Louboutin- Mad Mary Janes
Found/still available at: Discount Louboutin Shop
*I'm not sure if this site makes legit Louboutin's, but I've wanted Mad Mary's since they came out YEARS ago. I never could never afford them until this I found this site. I'll let you know if I test the waters at this discount shop.

Enjoy and "Don't put out!"

-AM

Chick-Rock Mixtape!

2011-04-19T12:37:00.003-04:00

I've been wanting to start making mix tapes for this blog and I was inspired by the painting of Soo Catwoman, legendary punk icon, that Patt recently made. So we(Patt and I) put together an all female fronted, punk mix tape that you can download here.

Song Title..Artist..Album

1.Laura and Marty..Screaming Females..Castle Talk
2.Swing Low..The Gossip..That's Not What I Heard
3.Troublemaker..Shannon and The Clams..I Wanna Go Home
4.Another Shot of Whiskey..Gits..Frenching The Bully
5.You Drive Me Wild..The Runaways..The Runaways
6.I Believe in Me..Avengers..We Are The One
7.A Certain Cemetery..Pretty Girls Make Graves..The New Romance
8.Teenage Rules..The Donnas..Greatest Hits Volume 16
9.Los Angeles..X..Los Angeles

And if you are local to Philadelphia and around on Saturday Boogie Brains, a female fronted punk rock-a-billy, surf band, will be playing at Danger Danger. Hopefully I will make it, if not maybe Patt will grab their record for me and I can include it in a surf mix tape for a later post. If not here is a youtube of them preforming "Cryberry".

I really hope I can make this show.

-AM

spring/summer 2011 look

2011-04-17T15:39:00.001-04:00

I have differentiated my needs from my wants.

These are the things I can't live without spring/summer 2011.

Top left
The Order of the Triangle-glass and silver pendant
Found: Under the Pyramids on Etsy

Top right
Entwined-black tank
Found: Actual Pain

Bottom
Night Birds Sunglasses
Found: dorkrockcorkrod

Top left
Ovid Shoe-in black
Found: All Saints

Top right
snake rib and twig-lily dale pentacle necklace
Found: Bloodmilk on Etsy

Bottom left
Chopped Leather Moto Jacket-Grey
Found: Nasty Gal

Bottom right
Ginger Rock Dress
Found: Miss Brache on Etsy

-AM

A Deadly Spring Fever

2011-04-15T14:02:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure what it is about the warm weather that makes me crave heals and skirts. I've been obsessing over Jeffery Campbell's Lita platform booties in almost every color-- even though I know I would only wear them in black leather.

*images are found, not my own

When and if I get these boots I will definitely have to pair them with a new corset from Boom Boom Baby Boutique

*images are from boomboombabyboutique.etsy.com

and with anything and everything from Decadent Designs.

*images are from decadentdesignz.etsy.com

Both of these shops could easily satisfy the recent spring fever that has come over me. Even though black leather and lace combined with waist cinching corsets don't give off the general "Spring" feeling to the average individual.

It only matters that it does for me.

-AM

Free Night Birds Download

2011-04-03T12:11:00.001-04:00

Huge bummer that Screeching Weasel's tour has been canceled after Ben Weasel punched two girls at SxSW. Most people think that it's not fair for a man to hit a girl-- I think it's not fair for a girl to repeatedly assault a man thinking she is going to get away with it.

After a very dramatic set, which had a more dramatic ending it was almost no surprise that the band broke up-- their entire set at SxSW apparently included rants about how much they do no appreciate the corporate music industry or music critics. After bashing music critics, these critics had a field day reporting and criticizing Ben Weasel.

I was looking forward to seeing Screeching Weasel play, especially because Night Birds were also in the line-up. As I've said before, I'm obsessed with Night Birds. I just got a pair of imitation ray bans with the Night Birds logo on the side-- I should say dollar store ray bans. They are a little big for my small girlish head but I still wear them every time I step out in the gloom that has consumed Philadelphia.

Night Birds has the greatest designed merch Ive seen in awhile. I bought a killer waves tee about a month ago-- it is made with comfortable material and is well designed graphically. It is not black and I still wear it religiously. Although, I try not to live in that shirt in light of the tsunami in Japan. Someone pointed out that people may think I'm an asshole because they don't know about the Night Birds.

My favorite album is Killer Waves-- so here is a free download so you can obsess too.

Hangining on the telephone

2011-03-26T10:04:00.000-04:00

Most people do not know that The Nerves wrote this song and Blondie's cover made it big.

The Nerves were the founding group of the pop and punk scene in LA in the mid-70's. They only produced one self-titled EP, which is my personal favorite, before they split up. Peter Case (bassist) and Paul Collins (drummer) later joined The Plimsouls-- you can recognize"A Million Miles Away" in this scene of Valley Girl(video link).

In 2008 Alive Records release a compilation of The Nerves' self-titled album (remastered) along with unreleased demos and songs. You can download "One Way Ticket" here for free.

Pink Crow

2011-03-16T11:27:00.000-04:00

When making jewelry I do my best to avoid intricate hand piercing and riveting-- especially rivetting multiple layers in multiple places. This would explain why I am so captivated by Carrie Boucher's work. Everything she makes is so delicate yet so strong, both visually and physically. She uses precious objects like antique US stock certificates and places them behind vintage glass finds. These items are held together by intricately pierced and formed metal that emulates the same motifs used in the stock certificates. To hold everything in place and finish her product she meticulously rivets all the layers together.

In my research I found that Carrie Boucher has a darker more industrial side.. She has a small line of works called "Parts Lite" that have a rougher more mechanical feel.

You can find these works, as well as other great pieces from the same artist here, on etsy.

Happy 200th and other oddities

2011-03-09T13:50:00.000-05:00

In remembrance of Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter's 200th birthday I made a treasury on etsy of antique medical equipment and furniture, anatomical imagery,and apothecary objects.

Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter donated his collection of medical oddities, anatomical and pathological specimens, wax models and antique medical equipment to the College of Physicians in 1858, which is located in Philadelphia, PA. His collection was originally used for medical studies and research, but now is viewable on the lower levels of The College of Physicians, in The Mütter Museum.

The museum is filled with goodies, such as: the Hyrtl skull collection, the conjoined liver of Chang and Ang, the body of the soap lady, and many other preserved forms in jars and cases. If you are ever in the area I highly suggest you take a visit!

If you like collecting vintage oddities and unusual photographs definitely check out diabolus on etsy.

I'm obsessed with their vast collection of 19th Century post-mortem, mourning, medical, and freakish photography. Such as the great images below of the Tocci brothers and the disturbing postcard of thousands of human skulls and bones pouring out of the open door of an ossuary. (both photos are property of diabolus and can be purchased on diabolus's etsy) If you want to see more you can go to The Thanatos Archive's website and become a member to view their digital archive.

Photo shoot by Lydia Hudgen

2011-03-02T21:38:00.001-05:00

Photos by: Lydia Hudgens

Styled by: Mel Eligon

Model: Chanel

Most of the rings are mine! More amazing photos from this shoot soon!

No More Midnight Movies

2011-03-01T00:07:00.007-05:00

I like things. I have a million of them. Mostly books. On the verge of insanity, my collection will one day overwhelm me. But until then, I’ll keep going. There’s no sign of it slowing. Adding to my ailment is Port Richmond Books. The greatest used book store I’ve ever stepped foot. And I’ve been to a lot. From San Francisco shops in the Mission to basements on St. Mark’s NYC. They may come close. But not really. I’m lucky to have found a place so near.

Located on Richmond Street right off of Allegheny, this part of the neighborhood gets the absolute minimum amount of foot traffic. So your chances of stumbling upon it are virtually zero. Surrounded by row homes the store is pretty unassuming. It almost looks closed. Fortunately the door was unlocked. I was in.

You start off in a front entrance room. Books are piled everywhere. I was kinda worried because it all looked like shit. But almost right away I found a sweet 1960 Mafia paperback and I knew everything would be alright. Open a door and you’re sucked into a bigger room. A decent selection of art books to the right as well as a bathroom and a shower. To your left is literature/classics/the good fiction, whatever you wanna call it. Way too much to choose from. I could come back ten more times and still spend 50 bucks each trip. Stacks of Kerouac on the floor. Early editions of the Great Gatsby, Hemingway, Richard Wright. Stuff I’ve never even seen before. Lots of cool William Faulkner covers. First editions by William Burroughs that I can’t afford. Lists go on and on.

Strapped for time, I breezed through a walk-in closet sized annex stocked entirely of pulp fiction and dime novels looking like they were just stolen wholesale from a 1954 drug store. Down a hall of all Irish related pages, I had one more door to check out. I said, “Fuck” as I opened it because this next room wasn’t even a room at all, it was an emptied out movie theater. Instead of seats there were shelves. Tall, too. Like ten feet high. I nearly ran down the aisles, scanning the titles, hoping for something to jump out.

Port Richmond Books is at 3037 Richmond Street, Philadelphia. Hours vary but they’re probably there.

birthdays, brews, and bones

2011-02-25T16:19:00.000-05:00

I'm absolutely in love with "BAR" on 13th and Sansom Street in Center City, Philadelphia. It's almost the perfect dive bar, their clientele can be a little douchey on a Saturday night. On draft you can get your cheap dive standards for $3 a pint: Lions head, Yeungling, Bud, Miller Lite, etc. Honestly I'd prefer to have a pint water than pay for any of these, but I'm a beer snob. For those like me, they have a few local craft brews on draft for an extra dollar or two. And if you don't like anything they have on draft they have an extensive draft list: PBR pounders to my favorite 8%-er, Gordon by Oscar Blues.

Bar is small, but luckily it has two floors to escape the Chads and Brads. The second floor is a game room with a dart board, foosball table and pool table, but no taps--just cans and picklebacks.

What is a pickleback you ask? Well, it is the most delicious way to chase that awful taste of cheep whiskey. It's brilliant--it's tasty and it even helps with hangovers! Just ask how.com how to cure a hangover. (Hilarious!)

But be careful, (A lot of) picklebacks could turn a good birthday bad. One minute I was a happy drunk unable to say the "pledge of allegiance" in order to get a pass to drink more. Then the next thing I remember is the crack of my skull against the sidewalk and drunkenly crying over my hurt finger. Apparently I cried for over an hour even though I only remember seconds of it.

When I woke up, I was mildly hung over (thanks to the picklebacks!) with a humongous left hand (thanks to the shots that came with the pickebacks). Nothing is broken, just hurts A LOT and the hospital is making me wear a splint, which is earning me a few extra tips at work. Unfortunately, I will have to put off my new jewelry line for a few more weeks. Ugh...

But I got my x-rays... sort of..

The x-ray printer was down at the hospital so I only got a disc that cannot read the large images just the small ones:

New news

2011-02-18T15:35:00.001-05:00

I've avoided this blog enough.

Since the beginning of 2011 a lot of really awesome things have been happening, even getting mono was cool because I got to watch a lot of tv, play a lot of video games, and sleep entirely too much without feeling guilty.

I'm finally starting my new line that is going to have more than just rings. I finished this piece the other day:

It's 1.5 in in diameter and made in sterling silver. I have it listed on my etsy-- one for $57 and a pair for $97

My new line is going to be mostly hand made instead of cast works. Lately I've been inspired to make delicate jewelry that I'm going to add an my own unusual twist.

I've even started practicing setting inverted gems like these two silver rings with inverted garnets, that will eventually sandwich a tooth:

Lydia Hudgens contacted me about using my jewerly in a photo shoot with blogger Chanel. Lydia takes very beautiful fashion oriented photos and runs a very cool blog that revolves around her work and other great photographers. The shoot is happening today and I can't wait to see how the photos turn out! I'll definitely post a link to wherever they turn up.

I made a really awesome ring for a friend. She is a hair dresser that loves big silver jewelry and I have dead dyed hair, it was the perfect trade. I made her a one of a kind ring in exchange for the best hair care products, like a sampler of the new Awapuhi line by Paul Mitchel, Rockaholic dry shampoo and conditioner and other really great stuff that has made my hair soft and healthy looking.

She shares my obsession with teeth and has a great collection of gnarly found teeth. I carved the ring in wax first because I wanted the teeth to look like a part of the metal and I wanted the metal prongs to look very organic, unlike a normal stone setting.

Also, I just made my inverted cross coffin ring into a man's size for Rob Liebling, lead singer of Pentagram.

*Hopefully* it will be worn on the cover of Decibel Magazine and in a 3 page spread of SPIN which will also include his wife, Halcoholic, wearing my DOOM ring. Both issues are coming out in the April-June months i think.

This ring is kind of massive compared to the original ring that would fit perfectly on the average female's hand. It's about 1.75 inches in length and made out of sterling silver with a hammered finish on the band. You can see more photos or/and buy it on my etsy.

Lastly, I think I'm going to have a give-away soonish, but I need someone to host it. I'll definitely post something about it when the time comes.

Oh and today is my birthday.

I actually took of a night of work so I could FINALLY see Night Birds, ex Ergs North Jersey surf rock, for my birthday. Check them out here. Although, I've only listened to "Midnight Movie Tapes", their new album, a few times-- "Killer Waves" and their self titled album have been a staple in my life for the past many months. I'm obsessed with surf rock.

AM

Rogue Taxidermists

2011-01-27T14:42:00.000-05:00

Today I stumbled upon the Rogue Taxidermy Sculptress Sarina Brewer's facebook fan page and immediately became fixated. I soon found out she is a co-founder of MART (Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermy), which has an interesting list of members that do all different kinds of freakish taxidermy as a controversial art-form.

These members have taken the campy feeling out of their stuffed carcass by creating new beings placed in ironic habits and giving them characteristics that are not usually attributed to their breed.

My personal favorites:

Side show artist Sarina Brewer

The aggressively gory Scott Bibus

Hybrid specialist MF Amazing

Doll master Esther Verschoor

Memento Mori taxidermist and jeweler Loved to Death

Diabolical Dioramist Mirmy Winn

I could go on.. but I think you should click on every link and explore these resurrected curiosities.

AM

Minx and A.Mictlan

2011-01-24T23:39:00.004-05:00

Photo's Minx took of the custom ring I made her, my double finger 3 pyramid stud ring and her beautiful clothing!

Also, I added a new sterling inverted cross coffin ring and a rose-gold plated doom ring to my shop.

Death Becomes You

2011-01-23T17:36:00.001-05:00


The Death Mask and Gloves of Martin Luther

A few months ago I came across The History Channel's show, Death Masks, and was instantly intrigued. They are wax or plaster molds of the recently deceased face. They were used to make portraits or as mementos of the loved one. They had discussed the death mask of William Shakespeare and Napoleon and whether or not the popular opinion of what they looked like is accurate. The mask of Abraham Lincoln was used to analyze how his facial features affected his life.

Death masks were used as tradition in many countries through out history. The most prominent being the ancient Egyptians. The burial mask of King Tut is a great example of such. The mask was believed to guard the soul of the dead and help strengthen them for their after life.

I found an article written by orbit-mag and it only added to my intrigue. According to the article, there is a historical museum in Michigan, who has the death masks of Jesse James and Butch Cassidy. The article goes on to explain some of the funeral purposes of death masks and those would wear them: "In patrician Rome, for example, a wax mask was worn by someone who closely resembled the deceased, while others wore masks of his forbears. According to Pliny, these masks were kept in a special cupboard, an ancestral congregation awaiting the next funeral"

I wonder if The Mutter Museum has any. Something I may have to find out.

Which famous/infamous person in history's death mask would you want to see?

Are you serious?

2011-01-21T15:12:00.000-05:00

I don't know what it is, but I am so in love with pop-punk band,The Mean Jeans. I love their fast vocals that flow with the thrashing of their instruments, as well as their melodic lyrics about that party that everyone wants to be at on a Saturday night. Their tunes are so catchy and fun that it is no surprise that Dirtnap Records picked them up. Dirtnap represent a handful of my favorite (glue sniffing) bands: The Ergs, The Spits, and the late Exploding Hearts.

Mean Jeans' 2009 album, "Are You Serious?", has left a few critics asking them just that. They have been accused by adequacy.net of "manifesting a carbon copy of [The Ramones'] style." and allmusic.com says the album is "as catchy as it is dumb. Which is to say very dumb!"

Are you serious?!

In my opinion, the Mean Jeans' inspiration comes from one of the greatest parties ever thrown by the Ramones and Screeching Weasel. Of course The Toy Dolls and Marked Men make an appearance before Philly's "party animals", Bucket Flush (who the Mean Jeans most likely don't know at all) crashes the party "Not My House" style. (The last part is obviously a complete stretch in this hypothetical scenario) Nonetheless, their would be endless pizza, booze and "too much cocaine" on none other than a "Saturday night". All Cheesy puns intended because it's totally appropriate.

Further reading:
The Comune a visit to the Mean Jeans compound
SPIN "Exclusive: Cool Punk Band Mean Jeans Debut Video"

Follow our twitter

2011-01-18T23:10:00.000-05:00

Follow our twitter!

We update it much much more than we update this blog!

automobile apocolypse

2011-01-13T05:45:00.000-05:00

There are a lot of unexplainable things that keep me up at night-- my imagination just runs a little too wild.

Tonight, I have been thinking about the ridiculous strides car companies have made in my life time: blue tooth, gps, key-less starters, electric windows and locks, engines that run on electricity, sensors that brake when they sense a collision, sensors that spot pedestrians and animals in the road, etc. When are cars going to start driving for us? Or when are cars going to become so technologically advanced that they lock the doors and drive off, kidnapping everyone on the planet, never having to stop for a fill up.

I could explain more of the hypothetical inner workings of this take over, but I wouldn't want anyone to suffer with my imagination like I do.

Here is some further reading:

Audi's unintended acceleration

6 New car technologies in your not-so distant future (3 and 4 are creppppy)

Google robot cars (I hope this site is a hoax)

AM

A habit I've never been able to kick...

2011-01-12T19:02:00.000-05:00

I love food. I love eating food. I love making food. I love trying new food. I am by no means a foodie or an expert in anything, I just know what it is I like. I have a serious sweet tooth, and find it impossible to contain it either.

Tonight for dinner I decided to make stuffed porkchops(for the boy. I don't eat meat.), sweet corn, and my first attempt at making latkes.

I found a pretty easy video recipe and followed it nearly step by step.
2 lbs of red potato (peel and grate)
1 sweet onion
1 bundle(?) of scallions (A friend had suggested including scallions. It wasn't included in the recipe.)
3 eggs
S&P to taste
Garnish with apple sauce and sour cream

How To Make Latkes
Uploaded by Howcast. - Discover more college videos.

I am currently in a food coma. It was so good. Maybe a little to oily to eat on a regular basis but delicious none the less.

Turn of the century tattoos

2011-01-09T15:32:00.003-05:00

Art nouveau has allusively come back as a popular art form. Art nouveau over-took the western world's architecture, furniture, advertisement, art, etc in the late 1800's until modernism exploded in the early 1900's. Artist Cris Cleen, of San Francisco, has embraced this reminiscent form as well as traditional roots of tattooing in his paintings and tattoos.

His works are styled with ornate details applied to turn of the century "pin-ups" and classic industrial era machinery in conjunction with the typical tycoons of that period. Even his more traditional style work shows that he his heavily influenced by the turn of the century. Even his color usage is in line with his reoccurring themes--they are vibrant, yet dark much like advertisement of the time. This is very similar to artist Uncle Allan, who favors similar themes.

Another great find from swallowsndaggers.net

All images are from CrisCleen.com.

You can find Cris Cleen in San Francisco at Idle Hands on Haight St.

AM

"Carving, cutting, breaking, shaping, tracing, folding, skinning"

2010-12-28T15:32:00.020-05:00

If you've ever seen Jessica Harrison's work, I'm sure you did a double take. All of her work visually interrupts a familiar object with her grotesque obsession with the human body, especially the viscera. She creates and manipulates a human flesh like material to make mini-furniture, sculpts mini mouths into flowers, or applies fly legs as fake lashes.

In her latest works she uses traditional, once adored, antique figurines and re-forms them to expose their insides-- leaving a clear message of transgression and shows a glimpse of the artist's psyche.

Further reading on Fly-lashes: NY Daily News

Become a fan on Facebook

*All images taken from artists website

**Title quoted from artists website

Happy Holidays

2010-12-26T12:45:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and all the snow that is coming down today!

Even if you hate Christmas music I'm sure you'll love this surf rock recreation of "Sleigh Ride"-- re-done by the instrumental kings, The Ventures.

2010-12-21T21:40:00.004-05:00

I am a slacker.

Patt made some new shirts everyone should buy.(go here to buy)

If you order now, you might be able to get them for Christmas.

Coming soon: Photo's of Minx wearing bloodmilk and A.Mictlan jewelry

AM

The chill has finally settled in me...

2010-12-16T15:10:00.000-05:00

They Keep Calling Me...

2010-12-06T00:32:00.000-05:00

43 Seconds of Fear from William Pierce on Vimeo.

A nightly love affair

2010-11-29T15:32:00.000-05:00

Each night for the last several months, YouTube and I have been having a love affair. If you really try, it's beyond easy to find some pretty wild videos that you would never come across normally. I feel as if a veil as been lifted from my eyes because I've acquired several new "favorite" bands that I just can not stop listening to. I have had some help guiding my hand on this, but all the same, I've put in the (wo)man hours. Here are a few of the bands that I kind of am in love with.

Asylum Party- A French new wave band that formed in 1985 and played "a very dreamy, refined kind of post -punk." (I'm not sure what's not to love.)

Norma Loy- Another coldwave band from France that has a more apparent goth/ghostly feel to me. They apparently still have a myspace page, I think it's worth a visit. www.myspace.com/normaloy

And lastly, something much more modern that I can't help but be in love with...

Warpaint- An experimental rock band that was described to me as "pretty girls on clouds doing weird shit" and I have to say I agree. It's just lovely. They have a Full length that came out this year called The Fool that came out on Rough Trade, as well as an EP from 2008 called Exquisite Corpse. Neither has left my musical rotation in quite a while. I hope to catch them at Making Time this Friday.

Philly Black friday SALE as reported on bloodmilk

2010-11-25T23:30:00.007-05:00

The codes are out! Get an extra 5% off at your checkout on etsy during black friday sales!

Bloodmilk coupon code: beetlejuice7

a.mictlan coupon code: doom5

Black Spot Books coupon code: littlesilas

feathers/rabid fox will be doing 20% on their site

and darla jackson will be doing 25% off

Happy shoppin!

* Everything on Amictlan.etsy.com will be updated approximately every hour. If you would like something custom or something that is usually on the site please convo me via etsy or email me at adelinamictlan@gmail.com so that I can set up a reserved listing, which is garunteed. Anything on sale MUST be purchase during the sale if reserved.

**All images and content on this post besides the above come directly from jlschnabel.com

Black Friday Sale!

2010-11-22T16:06:00.007-05:00

I will be having a 24 hour, 15% off black friday sale on my etsy shop this friday starting at midnight after thanksgiving and lasting until midnight of friday night. I will be giving out a secret code just before the sale starts on this blog and my facebook fan page to receive an additional 5% off your entire order!

Bloodmilk will be doing a very similar offer, so check out her blog and her twitter to receive her secret code!

Buying a gift from Jewelery by Adelina Mictlan but do not know the size? Convo me via etsy for a special gift card with the image of the ring and an e-mail address to contact me with the size later.

Beavis and Butt-head comment on The Dead Milkmen

2010-11-21T00:09:00.001-05:00

Spooky Surf

2010-11-19T12:27:00.008-05:00

Lately I can't stop listening to garage and surf rock, especially the late 90's SoCal bandThe Ghastly Ones.

They have a very unique "ghoulish" sound mixed with classic surf riffs. Click here to download their album "Unearthed".

Just imagine if the Misfits, The Ventures and Screaming Lord Sutch had a freaky 3-way-- The Ghastly One's would be their bastard child. I've heard their live shows are just as thrilling as their sound. Unfortunately, the have been on a hiatus so you may never be able to catch their "Hot Rod Horror" show live.

I want a tattoo

2010-11-16T23:13:00.000-05:00

Twin Beaks

2010-11-08T23:51:00.000-05:00

My less dark side...

2010-11-08T22:16:00.000-05:00

In the grand scheme of things going on in my life, which, just like everyone else is indeed quite busy, I have managed to find time to teach myself to knit. I am currently working on a scarf for myself, with the intention on making at least two more for what will inevitably turn out to be, late Christmas/Hanukkah gifts. I feel like with sites like Etsy, it makes nerding out and doing things like knitting, crocheting, and the over all habit of arts & crafts truly ~~less nerdy~~ quite hip. There is something that speaks to me about a hand made gift versus something casually purchased that makes me feel quite loved. I hope that those that will receive, no matter how big of a mess, something made by me, will feel the same way. Maybe if I find the time, each will come with a mix tape/playlist made by me of songs that remind of said individual. Apparently, I have caught the Christmas spirit slightly early this year.

Not so private shit

2010-11-08T19:03:00.000-05:00

I love when rich, vibrant contrasting colors meet with dark black lines to form a bold and unopologetic image. One of my favorite artists whose work I envy and want to emulate is designer Richard Minino a.k.a. HorseBites. The way the colors vibrate against each other makes every image captivating, which I realize is a very strong, but very acceptable word to describe an underground artist. Of course, the devious imagery also adds to the charm of each of his many works.

Recently my good friend Tim O'Hanlon got to meet up with HorseBites. Tim makes awesome stenciled shirts and suitcases that are sooo cheap and very clever. He made a sweet tee for Minino of Rollie Fingers that can be found on the HorseBite's blog as well as a photo of Tim's sweet HorseBite's tattoo (under Thursday November 4th, 2010.)

I feel like everyone needs to own something of Tim's, and you can very easily go to his lowlevel etsy shop to do so or head out to Jinxed in Philadelphia this month to see and buy his work on display until December.

Photos:
Top left and middle right-HorseBites
Bottom Left- Tim O'Hanlon

Memento Mori

2010-11-02T21:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Day of the Dead!

Who doesn't love dia de los muertos these days? Even I am guilty of having a sugar skull lady tattooed on me. Although the photo is not sugar skull themed it is one of my favorite almost finished dead lady tattoos that I wish was mine.

I hope that all of the dead rest in piece today and every day so that they will leave myself and others alone.

photo cred: Patt Whelan at Baker St. Tattoo Media PA

and I just made a new treasury that is dead themed so go check it out here.

2010-10-21T20:59:00.000-04:00

As a child, I was always interested in the darker things of life. I can remember having seances with my friend and her sister, constantly hearing creepy stories about the house my aunt lived in, and convincing myself I had seen “something” that may or may not have been there. I suppose most of this stemmed from a book my now late uncle gave me, The Complete Grimm's Fairy Tale's. As a youth,having these very dark fairy tales read to me, really stirred something in my imagination. I found EdgarAllan Poe early on as well. There has been a serious love affair between the two of us ever since. From his engaging writing, to his very controversial life choices, he has just interested me more than most others.

For six years, Poe, his wife Virgina, and mother-in-law, lived on North 7^th St. He is said to have written several works while here including, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Masque of Red Death, and Murders In The Morgue. It is also said that he started The Raven during that period.

You can actually take a tour of the house he called home. It sits at 532 North 7^th Street and can be visited Wednesday-Sunday from 9a-5p. The tour offers your information about his life and a look at several of his works on loan. I feel like this is something I am going to have to drag my dear friend Adelina to soon in the near future.

Death to All Traitors

2010-10-20T17:51:00.000-04:00

Death/Traitors has a new Fall 10 line out now! We will be putting in our order in at JINXED very, very soon. If you are in Philly stop by within the next few weeks to purchase some tee's from the new line (or some from the previous line that we currently carry!) If you can't wait (I can't) you can order it directly through Death/Traitors shop.

At the helm of Death/Traitors is unholy printmaker Alexander Heir who founded this underground clothing line in 2007. He illustrates and hand prints the wicked designs seen on all Death/Traitors' merchandise in his Brooklyn apartment. If you check out his website you will find more ghastly prints, show flyers and cover art to admire.

More to admire is Alexis Gross' recent photo shoot with Death/Traitors new line (right and below). The sinister photo below is one of my favorites from the shoot --it captures Gross' and Death/Traitors' aesthetic: diabolical, supernatural and very metal!

Blog Lovin'

2010-10-18T07:54:00.001-04:00

I felt like I should look into blog lovin' to keep myself motivated.

Follow my blog with bloglovin

From Beyond the grave

2010-10-17T14:55:00.000-04:00

Go check out the BloodMilk/AMictlan photo shoot on Bloodmilkjewelry.blogspot.com

Barnyard Freak

2010-10-15T14:52:00.000-04:00

Walter Potter (1835-1918) is know for his taxidermy dioramas of animals that have human like characteristics, such as "The Death and Burial of Cock Robin"(Detail Close Up on Left). The owl pictured on the right is a grave digger and the black bird on the left is a priest; perhaps "he" is saying a final prayer to comfort all those who are mourning the death of Cock Robin. Other dioramas can be even more humorous or ironic such as two squirrels sword fighting to the death ("The Death"), rats stealing barrels of wine, or two mice trying to aid another mouse out of a trap("A Friend in Need").

Not all of his works tell satirical tales illustrated through elaborate dioramas. My personal favorites of Potter's works come from an even more morbid collection of botched animal births. Below is a cat born with 8 legs and two tails that had lived several days and a cat born with two heads. Among his collection he had cured and stuffed a duck born with 4 legs that lived 13 years, siamese pigs, a two headed lamb and many more farm animals with obscure and monstrous birth defects.

I have come to understand that Potter did not purposefully kill any of the animals in his collection. All were obtained due to natural deaths or executions by a farm hand or wife due to the animals' pesky behavior.

Next Wednesday is the opening of a new exhibition that will feature works by Potter. Unfortunately, it will be in Primrose Hill, London at the Museum of Everything.

further reading: dailymail, ravishing beasts, taxidermy4cash.

Deformed and Disfigured

2010-10-12T20:09:00.000-04:00

A lot of the art and objects I own revolve around the obscure, monsterous, and strange from different local painters, friends, and a small collection obtained from what was once Lineage Gallery. My boyfriend owns a large collection of tattoo related art, which I never really thought of collecting until I met him. Right now I really would love to own a print from tattoo artist Jeremy Ross from Illinois. All of his flash and prints include some type of quaint disfigurement drawn in a traditional style.

My private world of darkness

2010-10-09T18:56:00.000-04:00

I recently made my first treasury on etsy, view it here.

Thanks to etsy I will soon be the proud owner of these three things:

Minxshop (bottom left and right images) makes beautiful vintage inspired clothing. She was recently a featured seller on etsy, which is how I found her and boldly ask her if she wanted to trade. I will probably never take either one of these items off, especially since these are my first clothing buy in years (YES YEARS.. sort of)

AdriLaw (top) sells some finds, such as boots and belts, as well as jewelry made with acrylic. I've always wanted to make a pair of silver dangling inverted cross earrings with multiple crosses, but she beat me to it with a material that is easier to reproduce. I'm very jealous!

Tomorrow Bloodmilk and I are going to do a photo-shoot together in Laurel Hill Cemetery. I'm hoping we catch some ghosties in our images!

Short and Sweet

2010-10-06T13:27:00.000-04:00

There is something that draws me to Northern European artists. It could be the vibrant, yet dark colors, the appearance of simple design in a complex drawing, the strange and intriguing subject matter, etc. I'm becoming more and more influenced by artists like: Angelique Houtkamp(Bottom), Lina Stigsson(Bottom Left), and Uncle Allan(Bottom Right).

A myth of devotion

2010-09-28T18:25:00.001-04:00

So, after over a year we are back! Erin and I were very disappointed after our blogging partnership dissolved after a few short posts. This time we PROMISE to keep this blog updated with style, art, music, and other interests (or irritants) that we may have at any certain time.

Would it be selfish if my re-entry into the bad habits blog was an about me?

I am finally a Moore graduate with a BFA in 3D Fine Arts, which means nothing except I was able to goof off for 4 years. I did learn some valuable skills like how to make videos, make jewelry, weld and I could probably build a house.

I still make videos, sort of. Right now I am collaboratively working on a rockumenatary about air-bands- yes, like air-guitar but an entire band. This short film is an satire about 4 young girls looking for immediate gratification in the music world. I'm pretty excited about this project and will probably post it here when it is finished.

My other collaborative video's can be found here.

I also still make jewelry. I sell it a JINXED in the Piazza and here on etsy. I guess I could best explain my pieces as macabre. Recently I have discovered that men like my jewelry more than women, maybe it is because most of them could be deadly to others when a punch is thrown. If I could only get them to buy it for themselves or their lady friends, when it comes to my things I would consider myself a terrible sales person-unless I'm drunk.

Other than that, I live in Philadelphia and I have two jobs: the first at Dock St. and the second at JINXED. Dock Street has THE BEST pizza I have ever eaten in Philadelphia. Also, their beer, or mainly the RYE IPA, has spoiled me to the point where I wont drink any other beer- craft brewed or not. JINXED is in a really bad location but has amazing things like vinyl toys, sweet tee's, and great vintage finds. I would recommend checking both of those places out.

That's probably enough about myself (Bad Habit #1), but it is a good start to a hopefully successful blog..

Iesha

2009-08-05T18:43:00.000-04:00

This song was the shit when I was little. I would hang out with my friend and her older sister and all of her friends and they'd listen to the craziest shit. Because we were so much younger they would make us dance and dress up super crazy. This was certainly one of the songs. I wonder if it had any effect on who I am as a person, currently.

Bitter Bitter Sweets

2009-07-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

If it wasn't for my good friend and fellow blogger Erin Marie I would have never stumbled upon the treasure that is Bittersweets. The woman behind the jewelry has a passion for vampires and creepy-crawlers that she sculpts and casts into tiny charms that you can proudly dangle from your ears, neck, or wrist. You'll never catch me leave the house without the bottom jaw of my baby vamp ring. Blood Milk wears the top half of the fangs on a daily basis as well. Yes, they are our vampire friendship rings.. which isn't so strange once you get to know us.

Another talented team of jewelers that i have become fond of is Skinny Dog Design. They design a range of iconic pendents and rings. If you like big detailed jewelry this is the place to go. Each piece is run through CAD and then is machine cut out of wax to be casted. This gives them the ability to keep delicate details that may not be achievable by hand. This v twin motor ring makes me want cruise around the city on an old Honda 350.. even though my brother would never let me. When and if the economy restores itself this ring will be mine.

David Lynch

2009-07-27T12:14:00.000-04:00

I, just like many people I know, love all things David Lynch. Twin Peaks is one of my favorite shows ever. Well, David Lynch has started a new project called Interview Project. He has a team of people crossing the country interviewing very random people. It's quite interesting.

Enjoy!

http://interviewproject.davidlynch.com/www/#/all-episodes

Bad Words For Truly Bad Girls

2009-07-25T19:27:00.000-04:00

I love when you walk by a conversation at the perfect moment and just happen to catch the juiciest tidbit coming out of the wrong person’s mouth. As I was walking down the street with my boyfriend and my wifey, we happened upon a woman that had long brown hair, skin as tan as leather, and essentially was a walking spine (i.e. a spine and so skinny she looked like was missing most if not all of her vital organs.) Anyhow, so the “spine” looks square at us and then continues her conversation with some weird middle-aged man and states “It looked just like a clitoris!”

Of course we caught no other part of the conversation. What looks like a clitoris and what a great description. I decided that I’d like to place clitoris in place of every other possible curse word on the planet. Two of my new catch phrases are:

“Clitoris off!”

“Fuck, what a clitoris”

So my bad ladies with bad habits, all I am asking is that you join me in using clitoris more regularly. Its not fair that the only word of female anatomy used in a derogatory manor is cunt. We use dick, balls, cock, and taint like they are going out of style. Let’s give our lady bits a little more credit and let them get as dirty as the man parts. Girls need dirty fun too. Is that too much to ask?

One of my favorite songs

2009-07-18T15:35:00.000-04:00

Revolution Rock

2009-07-18T08:18:00.000-04:00

Last week I went out with 2 friends of mine. I've known the one for a few years now and I consider her to be like a sister to me. I just love everything about her. Shes so unforgiving with everything she does. Her style, her attitude, her outlook on life/art/fashion. She just knows what she wants and goes after it. Whether she realizes it or not. I think shes an amazing artist and has so much potential.
The other friend I have I've only known for a short while. He's so funny and says whatever he feels and just rolls with it. Well, this young man(he's only like 17 or something. Not really but he makes my ass feel old.) Wellllllll, this kid does NOT like the Clash. I can not get over someone just flat out not liking the clash. That feels so odd to me.
On the way to this bar we were discussing The Clash and how absurd he is and maybe he just hasnt heard enough of them to really appreciate them. Train In Vain, Koka Kola, Spanish Bombs, The Card Cheat. It just goes on and on and on.
We get to the bar and Rock The Casbah comes on and we're all drunk so we giggle and dance and giggle some more. The dj proceeds to play The Stone Roses, New Order and 3 more Clash songs. It was so much fun. I cant imagine someone not enjoying it.Hopefully that was enough for said person to look into a few Clash albums. Oh those youngins....

Onto other things...My best friend, Betsey seems to always have some sort of really great project going on, whether its her and her girl friends blog dedicated to Twifanatics and the stars of the movies or her baking endeavors with Bake or Die!(If you are in South Florida, I suggest you take a look at all my girl has to offer. PS thats like the longest run on sentence in the world.) She's just starting a new project which I think is ingenious and more people should take advantage of. It's no secret...the girl loves to shop. Shoes, bags, accessories, clothing, the list goes on. Well, as she so eloquently put it, shes THE "Recessionista" and has decided to open her closet to all who want a look in. It's called Betsey J's Closet and if you're looking for a way to be more fashion forward on a budget I think this is your lucky day. In the next few days or so the site should be up and running and I think everyone should take a look around and help my girl clean out her closet. You know you're just dying to see whats inside.

Well, this is it for now. It's only 8:37 in the morning and I'm being so nice and happy. It's going to be a good day. Now my friends just have to wake up so I can make them go bike riding with me! Have a great weekend. I will.

x

Ugh, a whole week...

2009-07-14T20:40:00.000-04:00

has gone by since I've written anything. It has been a pretty busy week for me. My job as opened a new office and it's become my new 9-5 home. It took a lot of preparation to get it up and running which has been quite stressful. So, in order to alleviate some of this stress I have done the following...

-Watching super old videos of The Smiths like this one
-Listening to Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan.
-Eating the best $6 tacos in all of South Philadelphia with A. and Tim.
-Dancing to The Clash and Stone Roses/Drinking PBC's Kenzinger.
-Watching Twilight.(I don't want to hear anything. This movie is so cute and you know it. Hater.)
-Trying to convince D. to go to Harry Potter tonight.He's sooo not having it.
-Making peanut butter cookies tonight. Yum!

So, besides being so excited for Harry Potter this weekend, I am also excited to see 500 Days of Summer. I'm also planning on visiting my friend, Emi this weekend in New York. I'm very excited to go Window Shopping with her and sit in the park and laugh.

I am the resurrection and I am the light.

x

awkwardfamilyphotos.com Erin Edition

2009-07-07T20:28:00.000-04:00

This is for someone who actually thinks the term "arm shelf" is the funniest thing ever said and can't stop laughing. Freak.
(Dad, ME, Mom and Joey* Christmas 1995)

*Joey is my uber cool 21 year old brother who tells me to call
call him "Joe" and hits on all of my girlfriends via facebook.

Bad Habits

2009-07-07T20:05:00.001-04:00

I have tons and tons of bad habits/tendencies. I seem to think that the bad habit I'm about to share would be looked down on by people in a church, but I quite enjoy it.
Now, after many years of having conflicting schedules, the bf and I both have the weekends off together. At least once each weekend I'll buy some sort of alcohol(wine, gin, a good summer beer) and he'll smoke a little and we'll listen to music all night and just chat.
Sometimes I'll listen to The Smiths/Morrissey,New Order, Queen, etc. or he'll listen to anything from Jay-z to Sunny Day Realestate to Manowar.
We will talk and talk or I'll read a book while he play World Of Warcraft (Ugh, you dont have to tell me. I know.) It's become one of my favorite things to do and I look forward to it. I think I'm more excited to do something so small but awesome with him and maybe only somewhat less excited to have a few drinks and giggle myself silly.
I have much racier habits(not crack or anything. Eek.) but I thought I'd start out slow. Don't want people thinking I'm completely mental.

x

2009-07-07T00:03:00.000-04:00

“People will stare. Make it worth their while.”

—	Harry Winston

Movies and Music

2009-07-02T00:49:00.000-04:00

Atari Teenage Riot makes a come back (Tokyo Drift did not count) in Big Man Japan!

Who doesn't love Hanin Elias' crazy female voice screaming about police violence and revolution over Alec Empire's electronica beats and punk influences?

Now mix that with a mockumentary-style parody poking fun at Japan's standard super hero and villain.. This is another entertaining film that is a part of the 6-Shooter Film Series. (Another favorite on the list, Let The Right One In)

Unfortunately, it is not in theaters in Philadelphia, but I will get my hands on a copy!

Once you go black...

2009-06-30T17:59:00.000-04:00

So, on and off the last 10 years, I'd say...I've been dying my hair black. I really do feel like I've seriously tried every black hair dye there is to try. I've had my hair professionally dyed black, which was a nightmare. They seriously got it all over everywhere and it faded in 2 weeks. I know, I know, they use semi-permanent dye, but seriously 2 weeks?! I used L'Oreal Feria Black Leather and Starry Night. I hated them both. Blue black dye is the worst, at least on me. And again, it fades so quickly. The new love of my life(when it comes to hair color maintenance, anyway) is Revlon Colorsilk Black. I do not care that its only 5 dollars. It works so well and doesn't fade nearly as fast as its more expensive predecessors. Call me cheap, tacky, thrifty. I don't give a fuhhhhh. It is what it is.

Im gonna try and do a compare&contrast/Hit Or Miss with other things I love. Plain tees(AA, Victorias Secret, H&M, F21, etc etc.)

If there is some next level hair dye Im just completely unaware of that you ladies use, hook me up! Give me a heads up.

xox

Damn...

2009-06-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

My heart just broke a little. The man, the myth, the legend... Michael Jackson died. Sad sad day for everyone.

Flavor of the week...

2009-06-25T18:08:00.001-04:00

So, a couple of ideas that the girls and I had were to have a Flavor of the Day/Week/Month in reference to new beers that we've tried. (Let's face it, too many snoody bia's are "cocktail only" drinkers.) I am an equal opportunity drinker.

Christina and I went to Dock Street Brewery at 50th and Baltimore in the heart of West Philly.

(Our girl A. Mictlan works there. I'll let her tell ya'll how sweet this place is. But I'm tellin you know, try ANY of the pizza's. So yum.) We both ordered a pint of Honey Wheat. Let me tell you know, after one I had a pretty fun buzz on. After my second, I couldnt stop giggling at everything.

The description on the menu read as follows, "Abv. 6.9% 17 IBU's. Whear beer brewed with 120 lbs of Pa sourced wildflower honey and spiced with corriander and dried curacao. Bubble gum and hops in the nose. Passion fruit and grass up front, grainy in the middle, with a dry spicy finish."

I absolutely love that you could smell the corriander and got a definite spy kick after each sip. Totally lovely on Tuesday evening. I fully recommend a pint(or several) of this yum beer.*

*I am by nooooo means a beer connoisseur . This is just my lowly opinion.

I'd love to hear about other bars/brews I should try.

Bad Girl

2009-06-24T11:54:00.000-04:00

Western spurs and boot chains are the new bad girl accessory that I need to have this fall. Just imagine a mysterious silhouette, in the shadows of her black attire with silver clanging spurs, walking across the room. I'll be linked to a western outlaw because I am no innocent cowgirl. You won't want to double cross me or the crew of black haired ladies with bad habits. I just need to find the perfect boot to make this scenario complete.

How bad can one girl be?

2009-06-21T10:23:00.000-04:00

I can't speak for the other 2 girls I am starting this blog with...but for me, this is the first one I've actually attempted to do seriously. This is just an outlet for me and 2 of my near and dear girl friends to speak a little about what's on our minds and some of the flattering and maybe not so flattering things we are into and do.

Thank you for reading and I hope you come back time and time again to find that you are truly interested in the nonsense I have to write about. <3

Erin Marie