Attention Gossip Girl Fans

Introducing a new blog by one of America's most beloved TV characters.

"What started as a series of hilarious text messages following each episode of Gossip Girl has now grown to have a cult following and gives Rufus the fame he so rightly deserves. One of Rolling Stone's Top 10 "Forgotten" Rockstars of the 90's? I think not Mr. Editor."

Click here to check it out.

Sippin' on Gin and Juice

The combination of listening to "Gin and Juice"/being extremely thirsty inspired these etsy picks.

Teacup & Saucer Ring- Sypria
(Fell in love with this and bought it immediately!)

Sugar Skull Flask by Moxie & Oliver

Golden Tea Dress-Jamie Cox 1984

Currently Watching:Michael Jackson:History on Film (<-clip)

Most amazing thing I've ever seen in my life. The man's moves are absolute perfection.

Darkness Falls Across The Land, The Midnight Hour Is Close At Hand

Should I just accept the award for least updated blog now or later? Don't answer that. Anyway, Halloween was yesterday (had to say that just in case anyone living under a rock was reading this...wait, does anyone even read this anymore? I can't blame them,with the last post being what? About 3 weeks ago!!!) and this year I was pretty low key about it, being that the majority of my friends were gone to a volleyball tournament and my shortage of spare time. But never less,here is my Halloween night recap:

Spider Ring Cupcakes I made for my sister's dance (Making a dozen cupcakes is fun. But 200 cupcakes for a bunch of preadolescences who are too busy attempting to grind on the dance floor to notice the excellent piping job? Not so much)

I was even low key with my costume! I was planning on making a costume entirely out of candy/candy wrappers (sort of like Project Runway meets Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus) but alas, no time. So instead my friend and I passed out candy and delighted every little girl under 12 by dressing up as Miley Cyrus(originally to be trashy/slutty Miley, but again,the little kids)/Hannah Montana. Everyone loved Hannah....no one noticed Miley. I can't blame them,but I was a bit disappointed because I cleverly held a frame with this picture:

with "Just Friends" written on top. It went right over their heads,but oh well.It was a fun night of blaring "Best of Both Worlds" from the house and giving out empty Wonka Nerd boxes to those who refused to wear a costume yet still demanded candy ( a beloved tradition in my house).

My absolute favorite part of last night: my pumpkin.This year I went for a Micheal Jackson's "Thriller" theme. It took quite a long time to do,but totally worth it.

The night was finished off with watching Sweeney Todd and eating all the leftover candy we had(we strategically gave out all the Tootsie Rolls,but kept the Reese's). Hope you all had an awesome holiday!

Currently Listening to: Arcade Fire-Keep The Car Running

Follow Your Nose

Most "make your own beauty product" shops bring up

visions of waxy lip gloss and overpriced body glitter . The Perfumer's Apprentice does not.This cozy little perfume workshop,located in Santa Cruz, has HUNDREDS of scents, and let you test and sample till your heart's desire(not to mention the delicious complimentary tea and cookies, which I demonstrate below).

I know, I know

so attractive,right?

After you finish your masterpiece,you walk out the door with a body spray and roll on bottle of your scent. The best part? (besides the smug satisfaction of informing people that the divine aroma they are smelling, is in fact, you) They keep your scent recipe in their database, so that you can pop in and request a refill of your tailor-made scent.

Click here for more information.

Etsy Picks of the Week

What's better than a cute card? A cute card that teaches you how to make shadow puppets!

From The Little Chickadee

My new favorite ring.

From Mom O Matic

Perfect with a cup of Earl Grey and a scone.

From The Bungalow

xoxo

golden calf

Currently Listening To: Erotic City-Prince

I told you I'd be on a Prince fix all week!

To have one of your items featured, email me at goldenxcalf@live.com

Don't Get "Snoody" With Me

I learned to knit in 7th grade, and ever since, every fall I break out the ol' needles and make scarves like crazy. But this year I started to get a bit bored with the typical scarf, and looked for something just as easy, but a bit more interesting. Behold: the snood.

As far as I can tell, a snood is just the same as a scarf, but connected. You can wear it around your neck, or as a hood. I used this picture from Urban Outfitters UK as my inspiration.

Making this was so simple, and it takes just as much time as a scarf.

It's SO much easier to learn to knit if you have someone to teach you face to face, but if you don't have anyone to teach you,here is an excellent how to video.

This is what you'll need:

1 pair knitting needles (I used size 17)

About 2 balls of yarn

Around 12 inches of ribbon

1. Cast off about 60 stitches

2. Knit just as you would as scarf, until it can go loosely around your neck (it should fit like the picture above) Finish it off like you would a scarf (see video to find out how)

3. Get the ribbon and weave together the opposite ends of the scarf, tying a bow on the top.

The results:

Super comfy and less than half the price (technically, even less, since this seems to be sold in the UK Urban Outfitters)Expect to see these all over this fall/winter.

Totally off topic, but does anyone have any idea where I could get a pair of penny loafers? I've been searching for a pair for a couple of weeks now, and I can't seem to find any anywhere!

Currently watching: Purple Rain. I'm ashamed to say I've never seen this, but luckily it was on tonight. I'm sure I'll be listening to the soundtrack the rest of the week.

xoxo

golden calf

ps: A quick Gossip Girl note: am I the only one that likes Serena SO much better now that she's a bitch? Seriously, so much better than her and Dan and all their "issues" (which I never really got:why the heck did they break up in the first place?)

I'm starting a new weekly post where I put up 3 etsy picks of the week. Email me(goldenxcalf@live.com) if you have any snazzy ones to share, or if you'd like me to post your own work!

This just made doing the dishes fun.

Apron from Boojiboo.


Trailers are THE way to travel.
Trailer Charm from Mom O Matic.

Something every mermaid needs.

Vintage Shell Shaped Compact from Emma's Gems.

I did a bit of a makeover on the site, although it's not complete because I need to change the header to something a way more eye-cathing.Good, or no?

More to come this week!

xoxo
golden calf

Currently Listening to: Different Names for the Same Thing-Death Cab for Cutie. Plans is definitely my fall/winter album.

Bananas and Britney

VMAs....honestly, I didn't find much of anything worth posting. Nothing too amazing on the red carpet (at least that's the way I felt). But Katy Perry's banana romper (<-- link, cause I couldn't find a picture)was beyond amazing.

So a quick recap: the Britney+Jonah Hill sketch was hilarious,no one came even close to Chris Brown's performance last year, and all my predictions came true (see in post below)!

But anyways....

It's finally here.

Topshop USA

Award Shows and Nothing to Compose

Ugh, still having trouble finding "inspiration" (I feel so lame saying that word, but it's true!).I think it's just that whole tricky transition between summer and fall (it's 90 degrees out, but I want to wear all my new coats and sweaters!).

Luckily tomorrow is my absolute favorite award shows, the VMAs (I wish I was cool and only into the whole "indie" music scene,but I love Kanye and all those "generic" rappers way too much. Not that I dislike indie music, I absolutely love it.) So I'll be sure to have a post with my take on the best and worst dressed of tomorrow night! My predictions: Rihanna will look amazing, Jonas Brothers will have their typical mix and match outfits, and there will be lots of 1920's inspired garb.

Until tomorrow night!

xoxo

Golden Calf

The Comeback

K, go ahead and give me the award for worst blogger in the history of earth, I deserve it. So so sorry that I haven't updated in about a month, but with the start of school and my lack of inspiration/time I just sort of drifted away. But not anymore! I am back and planning on having a real post this week and replying to all your lovely comments!

But I think we all know what I'll be doing tonight...

xoxo Golden Calf

Currently Listening To: Doo Wop That Thing- Lauryn Hill

Ohmygoodness, I discovered Lauryn Hill this weekend and am in love with her.

Call It A Day

What this? A week with no post? Lame to the max. Between my cousin coming over and getting Season 1 of Carnivàle (Help me,I'm in desperate need for TV rehab ) from Netflix, it's been a pretty busy week.

I'm afraid I don't have anything really exciting to post, but with back to school shopping right around the corner, I should have some lovely things coming later in the week. Here's a sneak peak:

Dress from Ruche ( A shop I found on the always lovely Painfully Hip)

I fell in love with this dress and luckily I snatched it up right before it sold out!

Currently Watching: Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Ohmygoodness, the calligraphy part was just about mind blowing and super creative!

Ps: Another thing to add to the list of reasons I'm a dork. After all my many hours of watching Sesame Street with my 4 year old cousin, I thought I knew all there was to be known about the Sesame gang. Apparently not, because when I was showing someone this post they informed me that I got Cookie Monster's tag line (last post's title)completely wrong! Maybe I should stay away from complex shows like Sesame Street, and just stick to what I know best: trashy reality TV.

Me Want Cookies Cupcakes

Last Thursday my sister and I went to a pretty neat-0 class at Spun Sugar Bakery. So much fun, super easy (once you get the hang of it) and the best part was that we brought home a dozen(6 per person) cute cupcakes. It's a great class to take if you've just started getting into cupcake decorating.

My Favorite 3 of the Night(from top)Sunflower,Cookie Monster , and a Bubble Bath (with a "rubber" duck of course!)

The bakery also has a gift shop in the front, full every decorating/baking accessory you could imagine! Overall, a very cool place. Click here for their website.

Currently Listening To: Mama's Boy- Chromeo

xoxo
Golden Calf

ps: Turns out I'm taking a trip to Chicago in the fall, so if anyone knows of any must sees (shops,museums, or anything cool) there I'd love to hear about them! Last time I was there I was 10, of course all my time was spent at the American Girl Place, and I really have no idea what to do there, so I'll let all of you be my tour guide!

Birds of A Feather

Watching Project Runway always makes me want to grab a pair of scissors and some fabric and go to town. Sadly I am no Christian, so it usually ends with me lying on the floor, exhausted, surrounded by scraps of fabric and no dress for Michael Kors to mock (and no Heidi to "Auf Wiedersehen" me).

Tonight was no different.

Except this time, instead of trying to tackle a whole dress, I decided to make the feather hair accessories that I noticed some of the models and designers wearing throughout the episode. If y'all remember, I did a post a bit ago about some feather hair accessories that I was in love with, especially the ones I saw at Urban Outfitters. Sadly, I wasn't feeling the same about the price tag. (Call me cheap,which believe me I am, but I pay $20 for shoes ,not headbands.) And here's the end result!



They were SUPER easy to make (I just glued the feathers on fabric covered headband with some tacky glue) and it cost about $10 to make two.

PROJECT RUNWAY SPOILER BELOW

My favorite dress of the night.

Currently Reading: My Custom Van: And 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays that Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face- Micheal Ian Black
I was so happy when I found out that my favorite commentator on VH1's I Love the -INSERT DECADE HERE-... had written a book.

My mom surprised me and signed me up for a cupcake decorating class tomorrow (3 hours! Who knew baking was so hardcore!?!) so hopefully I'll have some nifty things to post.
xoxo
Golden Calf

Save the Cupcake, Save the World

I've never tried to hide my nerdom from people. I wore a LOTR ring around my neck for all of 6th grade and this week I chose to watch the Matrix over going out for a day on the lake (hmm,nerdy or lazy? you decide) So when I told my friends I was bringing Batman cupcakes when we go see Dark Knight at midnight tonight, they were not surprised.

Lots of good posts coming this next week!

And I PROMISE to reply to all your lovely comments tomorrow (after I recover from my Batman hangover)

xoxo

Golden Calf

Something Old, Something New

Agh, so sorry for the lack of posts, I've been pretty busy this week. But luckily I have bunches of new things to post. So on Sunday, my mom and I dragged ourselves out of bed in the early morning (aka, 9 o'clock) and drove down to "Antiques By the Bay" in Alameda.

If you're one of those people (like me) that don't have that Salvation Army Luck (my phrase for you can never find anything at a decently priced thrift store or other vintage shop) this place is perfect for you.

Unlike some "antique fairs" the stands are filled with some pretty nifty things. The vendors sell everything from vintage shoes to tennis rackets straight up from the 70's.

What I Bought:

(From Left to Right) Birdcage Pendant $2, Vintage Watch Bracelet $45, Ship In Bottle Charm $1, Typewrite Key Earrings $4, Cameo Brooch $5

Cherub Candlestick Holders $2 (set of 2)

(In suitcase I bought) Hat with Pin (that I have absolutely no use for, but bought anyway) $1, Black and Gold Clutch $1, Suspenders $1 (they totally remind me of what the Disneyland employees who run the Matterhorn wear at . Very Sound of Music-ish)

I did get a few more things, which I'm sure that y'all see in later posts. Now off to play the Sims (ohmygoodness, I am such a geek. Don't tell anyone that how I'm spending most of my summer. Shhh) Sorry about the lack of comment replies, I'm going to chat back asap!

xoxo

Golden Calf

Currently Listening To: California Love- Tupac and Dr. Dre

Although I'm not really feeling much California love with all this nasty smoke. Seriously, is the whole state on fire?

Coin Operated Boy

Usually my family has a typical 4th of July, filled with fireworks and barbecue galore. This year we got a bit lazy and decided at the last minute to go Fisherman's Warf for the day.

The first thing I did as soon as I got there was run (well...not really because it seems like EVERYONE else had the same "low maintenance" idea as us to spend the 4th by shopping and eating clam chowder until it came out their ears) to Steve & Barry's, since I just had heard the day before that they may be going bankrupt . I had never been and it appeared that "restocking" was not a priority, but I still found a couple good basic things. So thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker. After that we were all a bit famished , we after refilling the parking meter we headed over to Boudin Bakery (remember my "If you're going to be lame, be lame all the way" line? well replace "lame" with "touristy" and you've got my motto for the day) and enjoyed some delicious lunch. I got the tomato soup, which I wasn't too excited about eating until I saw it:

Hey, it's the 4th right? You can eat whatever you want. After that my family took me to an AMAZING place. It's called the Musee Mecanique (or the Mechanical Museum) and it's basically a warehouse filled with old penny arcade games and machines. It has everything from peep shows to executions. I can't even describe it, you've just got to go and see for yourself. But I did make a little video to give y'all an idea of how wonderful it is (keep in mind that I threw this thing together about an hour ago and I'm pretty sleep deprived, so it's not exactly a Spielberg production). Enjoy and I hope you all had a lovely Independence Day.

xoxo

Golden Calf

Currently Listening To: Oh screw it, I need sleep. Goodnight!

Camp Cupcake

Chocolate cake with marshmallow frosting and a smores on top.

Aka Smores Cupcakes

Currently Listening To: Gotta Find You - Jonas Brothers

I was considering lying and claim to be listening to some really cool and indie song, but no, this is what I'm listening to as a type. And yes, I did watch Camp Rock (just like I'm going to go at midnight to see High School Musical 3, in costume no less) I figured if you're going to be lame, be lame all the way. Hmmm, possible senior yearbook quote?

Yay yay yay! ( I swear I have an fixation with saying things x3)going to the Alameda Vintage Fair on Sunday. I hope I'll have a bunch of lovely things to show ya'll when I come back!

xoxo

Golden Calf

Have You Heard of My Religion?

I love religions. Each one is completely unique and beautiful. I've been fascinated by it since about forever and I just recently started to collect religious centered jewelry. I'm always on the look out for new pieces, so let me know if you have seen any neat pieces lately!

Saraswati Pendant (this one was hard to identify, I could be wrong)

Vintage Sunday School Bracelet With Ten Commandments

Buddha Pendant

Shiva Pendant

Tomorrow I leave for some grand camping in the woods with friends. I'm not really what you'd call a "nature fanatic", but I'm excited to go boating,snack on smores and play Uno till 1 AM. Not so much about the 2 minute showers, if I'm lucky. But I will totally be quoting the Brady Bunch (from the "A Camping We Will Go episode") And yes, I have memorized those episodes (it had 2 parts! Cause everyone knows that you can't explain that kind of plot line in just one measly 1/2 hour) Be back on Friday!

xoxo

Golden Calf

Currently (Re)Watching: Arrested Development, the one where Will Arnett's puppet, Franklin, testifies at the fake trial. I swear I am in love with that man. Him and Andy Samberg are totally my top 2 in people to hang out with if stranded on desert island (yes, I actually do have a list).

ps: I set up an email account for this blog! It's goldenxcalf@live.com Feel free to email me tips,tricks,questions,comments or just to chat cupcakes (or anything else cool, of course!).