Enjoy the show!

For the first time, Coldplay is coming to Seattle!  They haven't been to North America on tour in the three years since their #1 album Viva La Vida!  Tickets go on sale today at 10:00 AM (which is right now)!  Have you got yours?

I had the priveledge of attending my first live venue this summer with my sister at 107.7 The End's Summer Camp 2011 on September 2.  There were a whopping total of 10 bands there of everyone from The Naked & Famous to Neon Trees!  (Starting at 1:00 in the afternoon and ending beyond 11:00 at night was the amount it took to fit all the bands in, with only a little time for breaks in between).

The next concert in a very packed year was just this month with my sister at Deck the Hall Ball (also by The End radio station...maybe we should get t-shirts, sis?).  It was sensational, with Mumford & Sons headlining, Death Cab For Cutie not far behind, Foster the People, Cage the Elephant, Young the Giant, Two Door Cinema Club, GroupLove...I'm so upset they don't let cameras into the KeyArena!  The other reason why I need a smartphone, mom~

Love & Cupcakes,
xox Flowerbomber xox

A Refreshed Perspective

Once of the most recognizable things about me is my passion for the written word. I have notes scribbled on absolutely every free space of paper, I carry a journal as if it were ingrained into my flesh, and the side of my left hand has a permanent ink stained tattoo on the skin. For the last 5 years combined of high school and college, I had such an unsolicited restriction on myself that the only things I wrote should be homework assignments. Once some of that weight fell off with credit fulfillment, I ached for the creative side of things again, where by-the-book homework assignments could not hinder; my brain could finally go off in whichever direction it pleased. So it was only a natural occurrence that I combine my haphazard scribbles with the rising trend of social media and start a blog.


I chose to find both everyday topics (like fashion, baking, crafting) and special occasions (like the Royal wedding, a runway show, a personal revelation) to fill the text boxes and HTML that fit the aura. I knew that, like my attitude, I wanted this to be something positive and fulfilling for not just me, but the potential readers that I would be writing for. Unlike popular magazines or periodicals, I had no commercialistic intentions, just the hope that my reader would be someone that saw things differently than I did, so that I could shed light on a new perspective they may not have otherwise seen. I wrote on the principle that our role as individuals in society is to produce groundbreaking solutions for common, or even uncommon, problems and thus present them in an unproblematic, effortless manner to an audience that does not share the same viewpoint. I had to develop my own sense of self and create specific ideas about the world, something that I could not have done without all my English, history, and psychology courses. To truly be successful in communication, I had to reason with myself while reasoning with my audience.

In modern-day society, we are so influenced by the powers over us that we stop asking questions, often hardened against the truths and changes that combat conformity. I set out with my blog with the intention of doing just that, and accomplished so much more. Through the process I attended my first formal fashion show and met Project Runway host Tim Gunn in person. I spoke of my blog and hobbies in fashion, and he affirmed the power of applying academic knowledge to even something as ethereal as the blogging world, “every course you take is critically important to who you will be…it’s a context that’s historical, political, economical…it’s the whole world, global even!” In the 6 months that I’ve diligently contributed to my blog posts, I have gained almost 400 page views and even some subscribing followers! None of which would be possible if I didn’t have the academic background that I had, if the love of reading and writing hadn’t been instilled in me, if I hadn’t been given the opportunity at Centralia College to have more information available to me than I could possibly ever hope to learn, but ideas that I will blog about every step of the way.

Until next time,

Love & Cupcakes!

xox Flowerbomber xox

Have Your Cake (and eat it, too!)

For a beloved friends' birthday, I was at an impasse to think of a truly inspiring way to celebrate long distance.  We couldn't get together until the following month, so I was left with one resort-- old-fashioned snail-mail!  As entirely archaic as it sounded, I excitedly dusted off my Cricut to attempt at producing something half as special as the recipient of this project.  Less than an hour later, this was the result.  (You will have to click the link to see it, as blogger's upload for pictures is currently down...great timing, right?)


The Cricut made it fun and efficient, producing many individual layers in which to piece and place variously on top of the last.  Although this aspect plays with the mind a bit, the effort, especially in using only minimal scraps of paper, is well worth it.  The card, which I have varied and replicated for every birthday since, was a huge success and made me feel like a true crafter!

As always,
Love & Cupcakes
♥♥♥ xoxo Flowerbomber xoxo ♥♥♥

Bonjour Cupcakes: Flurries, Flourishes, and Failures

Even though my dreams to create the first cupcake cafe in my hometown were crushed when a Bonjour Cupcakes settled into downtown between a vintage boutiquery and truly "odd" shop, I desired to give them a chance before passing absolute judgement to doom them to failure (hey, maybe they could give me a job!).  From passing by, I knew my chances were slim as the windows contained antique wooden chairs with swirly painted wooden signs clearly advertising chic and polished intentions.

All in all, I saw potential as a little bell jingled on the way in, announcing the arrival.  It was a hum of a kitchen that greeted me next.  I noted that some soothing music would have been a welcome touch, instead of seeing directly into the kitchen and instantly picturing all the cookie sheets and cupcake tins that would have to be cleaned only moments after emptying and cooling.

Display cases aligned to present the numerous options available to the hungry customer.  I eagerly searched, I knew what would be the absolute fool-proof litmus test for a good cupcake.  When I did not find one, it nearly knocked me off of my feet.  Who does not have vanilla frosting topped with vanilla buttercream at 1:00 in the afternoon?  Whether they ran out or simply overlooked this seemingly insignificant combination, the options that remained were slim for anyone who is intolerant to chocolate.

(I know, who does that apply to, right?  It must be only me).

Therefore, the only option that remained was a "vanilla base topped with raspberry-pineapple-apple buttercream" encased in a plain brown to-go box.   Despite reservations, I took the risk.

As you can see, chunks of pineapple are evident, sweet apple flavor is absent, and the only thing distinguishably raspberry is the color of the buttercream.  The vanilla base was dense and on the dry side, the buttercream lacked flavor and the texture was unattractive.  Over half went uneaten.  I'd say my dream is coming back into focus.

As always,  Love & Cupcakes!

xoxFlowerbomberxox

So Brisé Without You

Here I sit on a Friday night, behind piles of papers and to-do lists and computers, wishing to be in two other places at the moment.

I must share the first with you, as it is/was a part of my life for a rather long time.  Brisé is a ballet term, and my "Alma Mater" dance school, Pacific Northwest Ballet, is unveiling its revival of the long-awaited Giselle.  It is a beautiful story, danced beautifully, to impeccable choreography and music.  The kind of thing that gets me teary-eyed every time I think of what could've been...

Speaking of music, the next thing I would like to share with you is the new single from my favorite band, Coldplay.  The best way I can discern as to why I am in love with this group is 1) because they are British 2) they brought the military jacket back onto the fashion scene, and 3) they're songs are close to my (completely unattached) heart.  They meant something to me before I shared it with anyone, and letting them mean something to me now--still--is bittersweet.  Anywho, here is their video of the single.  It will take awhile to get used to learning new lyrics again...

(I just figured out how to post videos, am taking advantage by going crazy posting!...crazy posting definition: one who posts randomly, excessively, and needlessly; esp when they are feeling down or trying to escape ---reality)

Thanks to all, I will be returning to the fashion part of the blogging scene 6-11-11.

Until next time,

Love&Cupcakes

XOXOXOXOX

The Royal Un-Birthday Party: DIY

Following the lovable Lewis Carol's Alice in Wonderland, what could make a better birthday party than an un-birthday-tea-party?  It's every fashionista's dream land because, though nothing makes sense, everything mysteriously unfolds into the most elegant patchwork of mismatched cups and saucers, fabulous teas, and sweet atire.

In preparation for this party, I could do nothing more as a hostess than personalize, customize, and decorate to the best of my limited abilities and budget.  Where can one such economically-hit girl go to satisfy her party?  Only the depths of one's garage and stack of cardboard boxes within for Cloud Divine's first DIY post!

The Royal Flowerbox



Scissors, a pencil, a yardstick, a box, heavy paper

Measure your box, and trace accordingly

Now cut...

It should look like this when you're done with step 3

Glue from the middle outwards

Keep Gluing...

And you're done to use as you please!

So, all are wondering, how am I using this?

Even though it has been weeks since my birthday (atleast it's still the same month!), I desired a party more than a Chanel Purse (but not more than the matching Tiffany necklace and bracelet I received).  After much deliberation, I chose to traverse downtown to a quaint little paint-your-own-plate boutique.  I decorated napkins, personalized the drinks, and found an urban English tea!

The box made a fabulous drink carrier!

The painting supplies, with the bright sun making its mark on my photo...

"Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world"

GO ENGLAND!

I wish more could've celebrated with me, but I discovered my own little party in my fabulous mother and my devoted sister who helped me celebrate to the max!

Until next time,

Love & Cupcakes!

Tea-Party Animal: What Happens When I Stay Inside

Sitting here, staring out at intermittent bouts of rain, thunderstorms, anything that could possibly be thrown to prolong Summer's arrival.  With one restrained inside (less my bubble umbrella and Wellies be dug out from under the pile of shoes in my closet), it is the best time to either 1) Bake, 2) Make something cute or funny, or 3) take the day off and search for something that fits into all three!  Enter my latest obsession of cuteness: another blog of note that has captured my undivided attention, My Milk Toof by Inhae Lee.  Following the adventures of two rambunctious baby teeth (ickle and Lardee) that have gone to the tooth fairy and come back to their owner to live out their wild, extremely cute, adventures, I can say no more than post my favorite short story out of the many posts and behind-the-scenes looks.  Enjoy!

Little Chefs

"No, not that."

"Not that either."

A-ha! That's it!"
"Let's make cupcakes!"

"Can we make 300 of them?"

"Control yourself, Lardee."

"These hats mean business."

"I hope all these tools have been sanitized."

"Step one: pour mix."

"Step two: moisturize mix."

"Then add equal parts mix and sugar."

"Careful not to break the eggs."

"Stir, stir, stir'til everything's a blur."

"Lardee, try some."

"It's missing something..."

"This Orange soda should do the trick."

"Oopsy-daisy!"

"This is gonna be delicious."

"Set it for five minutes. I don't wanna wait too long."

"Hey Lardee! Where'd your hat go?"

"Uhhhhhh..."

*Ding!*
"All done!"

"Hot, hot hot!"

"Man, this tastes kinda weird."

"Perhaps less sugar next time..."

"And more Orange Soda."

*If any are wondering, Lardee finds his hat in his cupcake* 

One of the best presents I received for my birthday (just shy of two weeks ago) was the picture book featuring these Milk Teef, along with a cupcake themed gift bag from the best sister in the world!

Cupcake gift bag, clean wipes (strawberry scented), cupcake pin, emery board (not visible), and recipe book.

I love sugar, sweets, and sweet things (like ickle and Lardee) more than I should, but it helps me to stay a sweet person!

Hence the signature:

Until next time,
Love & Cupcakes!
xox Flowerbomber xox

Here today, gondola tomorrow...

Many know Tim Gunn as the esteemed host of Lifetime's Project Runway, but what others don't realize is his true passion for the ethereal world we call fashion.  He teaches it, he mentors for it, he lives it.  So was described at a Lucky Brand Jeans runway fashion show event Saturday, May 7 at The Bellevue Collection.

A poster from the Event

Dressed sharply in a checked dress shirt, complete with tie and deep blue cardigan, Tim offered valuable commentary to the runway show as well as candid comments on shooting Project Runway.  If anyone follows the show, they were most likely as outraged as I that the fabulous Mondo Guerra was 'aufed' in favor of Gretchan Jones for the finale.  Tim openly falls into this disgruntled category, saying the judges "must be smoking crack."  (I disapprove of drug references as much as the next girl, but, when it comes from Tim Gunn, somehow it's seemingly acceptable).  He acknowledged that Gretchan most often listened to the judges' criticism, while Mondo often decided to continue with his own judgement (interjected by Michael Kors).  In the end, the judges were literally split, but decided they wanted someone with a design sensibility, not innovation (because we have waaayyyyyy too much of that...) that determined the Runway winner.  Tim assured us, "Mondo will be just fine, Gretchan needs the help and money...but I don't know what's happened to her."  Oh, the irony.

          Tim also explained how each season works: "30 days of shooting, then we all take a hiatus in which the final four polish their collections to determine who goes to fashion week.  I go out and consult with the designers, help where I can before they come back to Parsons and present to the judges."  His favorite part of Project Runway?  "The mentorship, and even though last season I felt incapable of predicting what the judges would say, there's a great thing in seeing how fashion has become anyone's game--it's versatility in its essence!"  *Runway junkee alert!  New season starts filming this June, set to air sometime in July!*

The Hottest Trend This Season:  The Maxi-Dress

Tim says:  "Keep the maxidress dressed down (yes, he emphasized this), wear in blues [as the model is in this picture], pastels, or jewel tones as they work for all women's skin tones.

Until next time,
Love & Cupcakes!
XOXO

Make An Ornamental Note

At this point in time, anything is possible for me.  A year from now, I may have a growing fanbase or this blog could be as dusty as Chanel's wooden double-C clogs from last season (every 70's trend must end).  I wonder how college will be going, or what friends will remain constant, or if fashion will have become obsolete...scratch the latter--it's not possible.  What greater day to start a fashion/everything blog than on the eve of the first Royal wedding in almost 30 years!  The event between Prince William to Catherine Middleton will be a monumental event that I will always remember.  Kate's dress was an understated design of elegance and grace; it resisted scorn from her fellow "commoners," but took the respectful wishes of the royals into an elegant modern flow that complimented her proper angles in an appropriate V-neck.  All thanks
to Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen.


Until next time,

Love & cupcakes!