Fussy Gussy

What Is a Blunderbuss, You Might Ask?

2012-02-23T23:34:00.018-05:00

The cover art for the Jack White's upcoming solo album Blunderbuss has been released (pictured above), as well as a complete track listing from the album.

You may be asking yourself "what does blunderbuss mean, is it an object or a whimsical sort of word that could mean a storm of some kind, or a sort of frenzy?" At least, these are the things that I've been asking myself .

Well, I looked it up and (according to Wikipedia) it's a firearm (a type of shotgun, to be more specific) that was used primarily in the 17th and 18th centuries, and the early part of 19th century. The word is Dutch in origin and means "thunder pipe".

Early versions of the gun were decorated with a carved mythical dragon's head around the muzzle, thus making the muzzle blast that much more dramatic. Because of this detailing, the blunderbuss was also known as "dragon", which led to the eventual naming of the infantry which used these guns as "dragoon".

Pretty cool stuff, right? I think it's a great word. Very expressive. And I enjoy the history behind it.

Mr. White will be appearing as musical guest on Saturday Night Live on March 3rd. I'm so very excited.

Check out Jack White's self-directed video for "Love Interruption" (the first single from the album), and/or visit Third Man to order your very own 7-inch record.

Lingering Questions About Murder House

2012-02-22T00:30:00.009-05:00

With American Horror Story well over and done, I've had plenty of time to sort out my many lingering questions that were either not answered at all, or not adequately answered during the first season, and therefore will never be answered since it's been revealed that every season of AHS will have a whole new cast, house, plot, and so on. In fact, we now know that the second season will take place on the East Coast, and will involve a "horror institution". What that means exactly, I'm not sure. But I digress.

And so, here we go with my list of lingering questions (most of them are about Tate, of course):

1. Why exactly was Tate so angry and full of rage? We know that Constance wasn't a good Mom. She was most likely neglectful, abusive (verbally and possibly physically), and an all around selfish, superficial, manipulative woman. But was there a certain sinister event that made Tate the monster that he is, or was it the house?

2. Why didn't Tate go all the way with Violet on Halloween night? Violet was totally game. And what did he mean when he said that he'd never done it with a girl before? This still irks me.

3. What was on Tate's thumb ring, exactly? I still feel like there was some sort of power to the ring that was never addressed.

3 (a). Speaking of Tate's thumb ring, I LOVE this Etsy treasury of snake thumb rings that was inspired by my fixation on the topic. Thank you Balthasar for creating this gem of a treasury! I'm sure there will be plenty of Etsy treasury fodder next season, too.

4. In the episode "Birth", why did Billie Dean Howard have such a strong reaction against Tate? Was it for all of the obvious reasons (murderer, monster, etc.) or was there some sort of spirit world past relationship between Billie and Tate?

5. Can ghosts make telephone calls? Violet seems to be the only ghost who is able to contact a living person without seeing them face to face (I'm thinking of Constance in "Birth"). Somehow Violet asks Constance to come over to discuss getting rid of ghosts, but she does so without leaving Murder House. I guess telephone is the only option here. Since ghosts are basically energy, I wonder how this works?

6. Why was Tate so angry and full of rage when he killed the exterminator in the basement? He seemed crazed during that scene. He said all sorts of things about repenting for sins and taking innocent lives. Was he projecting his own feelings of guilt onto the exterminator?

7. If Addie died in the street, how did she learn about Tate and all of his wrong-doings? In the episode "Piggy, Piggy" Billie Dean Howard tells Constance that Addie is glad she didn't die on the Murder House lawn because she's afraid of Tate "now that she knows the truth." Do ghosts have neighbors, like living people? Or do you just magically know everything about every spirit once you cross over?

7 (a). And on this note, did Tate ever find out that Addie was dead?

8. Who was the hedge clipper guy from the opening credit supposed to be? Ryan Murphy said that by the end of the season we'd understand every single thing in the opening credits, but I'm at a loss about those hedge clippers.

And that's that (for now). I may very likely be tempted to post further lingering questions as the arise. And stay tuned for casting updates and other juicy tidbits about season two!

Sleigh Bells Rill Rill Video

2012-02-21T00:30:00.004-05:00

I don't know why it's taken me so long to watch Sleigh Bells' "Rill Rill" music video but alas, I finally have. And it's so fantastic! Lots of great horror movie elements, and all of the high school stuff is excellent. The locker shrine. Love the 1980s elements, too. The pastel peach colored phone is perfection.

Those Winchester Boys Crack Me Up!

2012-02-21T00:00:00.007-05:00

I'm in the midst of putting together a list of my favorite Supernatural episodes (I haven't decided if I'm going to do top 10 or top 5, or if I'll include finales in a separate list?)

Anyway, I'm re-watching all of my episode "nominees" and while I know that "Changing Channels" isn't the most plot heavy episode, it's definitely oozing with Winchester charm and some very funny bits. Like the clever (and spot-on) sitcom style opening credits or the Knight Rider segment that closes the whole channel changing hilarity.

It's not everyday that you see a Winchester riding a bike, let alone both Winchesters riding a double bike with a basket that has flowers in it. If you watch the show, you know just how ridiculously adorable (and unlikely) this is.

Jessica Lange As Frances Farmer

2012-02-20T18:48:00.002-05:00

Jessica Lange as Frances Farmer in the 1982 movie Frances, a role for which she earned her first "best actress" nomination at the Academy Awards.

American Horror Story + A Horror Institution

2012-02-20T12:45:00.011-05:00

American Horror Story will be back in October with an entirely new cast, new location (the East Coast), and (as rumor has it)...will involve a "horror institution" instead of a plain old house. Whatever than means? A mental hospital? We have lots of creepy abandoned mental hospitals on the East Coast.

Rumor also has it that Jessica Lange will be joining the cast of season two, though as a new character or as Constance we don't yet know.

Earlier this month on Ryan Murphy revealed the afore mentioned details about the new season, as well as the juicy tidbit that the secret to season two is embedded somewhere within the season one episode "Birth": “Go through it frame by frame. I planted it in there."

I, for one, am not phased by this secret about season two and have no future plans to watch the entire episode of "Birth" on slow-mo. I'd like to be surprised by season two, though I will keep a close eye on casting. According to Murphy no members of the Harmon family will return (meaning, Dylan McDermott, Connie Britton, or Taissa Farmiga), but that "four of the previous cast members" are in talks.

Evan Peters, maybe? Wouldn't that be nice. Or Denis O'Hare? I'd love to see more of him, too.

Happy Valentine's Day From Jack White

2012-02-14T14:25:00.024-05:00

Yesterday was a great day because I got to hear Bret McKenzie talk about Muppets on NPR for maybe 20 minutes. And I got to hear him sing the chorus of Harry Nilsson's "Without You."

Today is a great day because Jack White's self-directed video for "Love Interruption" has been released and it's fantastic. It features Jack White, three lovely ladies, and a small dog.

One of these lovely ladies is Ruby Amanfu, who sings back-up vocals on the song. She's stunning. Absolutely gorgeous, and her voice is equally so.

The video itself is kind of soft focus-ish, but not entirely, and has moments of very bright, fuzzy light and then other moments of perfect crispness. It has a very sensual feel to it, and is in keeping with an aesthetic that Jack White seems to be building with Third Man. It's velvety and lush but also very simple and clear and to the point. And there's a lovely kind of old fashioned glamour going on that I personally really, really love.

As I wrote in my previous post about the song "Love interruption" Jack White's solo album Blunderbuss will be released on April 24th. He's also started announcing some tour dates, which has me totally on edge (but in a good a way). I am so excited to seem this man live in person. Again.

Bret McKenzie + More Muppet Talk On NPR

2012-02-13T23:03:00.011-05:00

I listened to yet another Muppet themed Fresh Air interview this afternoon, this time with Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords, who also wrote most of the music for the movie The Muppets.

I adore Flight of Conchords, and as you likely already know from my previous posts on the topic I'm a huge fan of the Muppets. I've loved them since I was a kid and I thought the new movie was just perfect.

McKenzie's song "Man or Muppet" (from the movie The Muppets) has been nominated for "Best Original Song" at the Academy Awards this year. The song is a duet between Jason Segel's character Gary and his Muppet brother, Walter. Both characters are trying to work out who they really are. "I reflect on my reflection and I ask myself the question, what's the right direction to go, I don't know. Am I a man, or am I Muppet?"

Unfortunately for all of us, the nominated songs will not be performed at the Academy Awards this year.

When asked about this during the interview, McKenzie said he didn't know why, but went on to describe what he might have done had he been asked to perform on stage at the Kodak Theater. His description surpassed my every imagining, bringing not only Jason Segel and Jason Segel's Muppet-self on stage, but also a background chorus of all of the Muppets. How awesome would that have been!?!

As for the song "Man or Muppet", Terry Gross (the host) very aptly (and with a surprising amount of seriousness) described the song as a "Muppet power ballad". Well, she asked McKenzie if he saw the song as a "Muppet power ballad", to which he answered in the affirmative. He said he listened to songs like "Without You" and "All By Myself" for inspiration. He even sang bits of them.

He then said something that had me practically choking on my breakfast tea, I was laughing so much. "I think that everyone's had this crisis at some point, trying to figure out whether their a man or a Muppet." I love this stuff!

Thank goodness I decided to listen to NPR this afternoon. It made my day. Or better yet, my week!

P.S. Check out this duet version of "Life's a Happy Song" by Kermit the Frog and Bret McKenzie. It's so adorable.

Dracula Just Needs Somebody To Love

2012-02-09T21:23:00.007-05:00

A still from the 1931 movie Dracula starring Bela Lugosi. You can see Dracula's "brides" below on Jack White's bass drum.

I remember being so captivated by Dracula (the man/vampire) when I saw the movie for the first time. I couldn't have been more than 7 or 8 years old. I clearly recall telling my Mom that I really liked Dracula and felt sorry for him because he seemed so lonely. Like he just needed some good friends or something. I definitely didn't understand the drinking blood aspect to the story, or the immortality. I think it's time for me to rewatch this movie.

The Dead Weather + Brides of Dracula

2012-02-09T21:09:00.007-05:00

I love this photo of The Dead Weather playing live at the Third Man Records pop-up store in LA in 2009. I especially love Jack White's "Brides of Dracula" bass drum. Excellent.

Kill List, Is It a Horror Movie...?

2012-02-08T21:06:00.007-05:00

Or is it a crime drama? Perhaps it's both? I watched the trailer for the upcoming movie Kill List and was completely intrigued and mystified. To me, this is how one should feel after having watched a trailer for this sort of movie.

All I do know is that it's about a hit man who is hired for a job. He has a family with kids and all. He and his son even play sword fighting in the backyard. Then there's lots of quick editing and some woods and some fire, and some strange people in twig masks (you have to watch the trailer to know what I mean!)

Right now it seems to only be playing out West in arts type theaters, as well as in NY, so hopefully it will come to my neck of the woods soon! According to the Kill List Facebook page, you can also rent the movie online (iTunes, Amazon, etc.) or watch it through various On Demand services.

The Racontuers + Bang Bang (Live Cover)

2012-02-07T00:00:00.011-05:00

I recently found this Raconteurs' live performance of the Cher-come-Nancy-Sinatra ballad "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" and I just had to share it. I think it's so awesome.

According to online sources, they performed this song when I saw them live in Amherst, but I must have been in some kind of overwhelm-happiness-induced-delerium because I don't remember, and I certainly would have remembered this. At least I can enjoy it now, thanks to the marvels of technology.

Jason Segel In My Neck of the Woods, Oh My!

2012-02-06T23:22:00.005-05:00

Jason Segel was honored as this year's Hasty Pudding Theatricals' "Man of the Year" AKA he was not 3 miles from me on Friday afternoon/evening. In an effort of fandom, I actually went into Harvard Square to drop off my record player for repair, and decided to linger around for as long as I could take. Maybe I could get a glimpse and/or photo of the man himself? Rumor had it, Mr. Segel would parade through or around Harvard Square/yard at some point in the afternoon, while it was still daylight.

Two Starbucks-venti-mocha-hot-chocolates (with whipped cream) later, I had had enough. I lasted a total of 90 minutes before I caved and got in my car. I then sat there for a few minutes, going back and forth about whether or not to stay, and ultimately decided that I had to go home. Does this make me a terrible fan? Maybe I'm not a "fan" exactly, but more of an admirer??? I really do adore the guy. And I think he's crazy talented and smart, to boot. It would have been cool to see him, or maybe even get a photo or even a hug (I read that some students or something got hugs). Oh well.

Anyway, enough of that, and more about the awards ceremony. Hasty Pudding chooses both a man and woman of the year (every year), roasts said man or woman, presents them with the coveted "Pudding Pot", then treats them to a performance of their current theatrical production. Some previous "Pudding Pot" recipients: Justin Timberlake, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Stiller, Charlize Theron, and Robert Downey Jr. to name a few.

Perfectly Awesome Movie Poster

2012-02-06T22:48:00.009-05:00

I love everything about this movie poster! It's so up my alley I can't even tell you. Love, love, love it.

Oh, the Horror! And the Horror Again!

2012-02-06T22:15:00.010-05:00

I had quite an eventful Sunday, though it had absolutely nothing to do with football or the New England Patriots, and had a lot to do with horror movies.

A friend and I went to not one but two horror movies yesterday. We ventured to one neck of the woods to the extravagant, overly huge cineplex to see The Woman in Black, then ventured to a whole other neck of the woods to what I refer to as a "golden age" cinema, which was a great deal smaller than the cineplex (and with about a gazillion times the charm) to see The Innkeepers.

Both movies had strengths and things that I loved. The Woman in Black was basically perfect to me except that the story, though terribly sad and creepy, never really hooked me. I had this same feeling when I read the book years ago. In fact, the one plot point that really struck me from the book was changed in the movie.

But, as I said, other than this, the movie was really great. The grey, misty, wet atmosphere of the book was brought to the screen brilliantly. There's even a scene in the bog which is pretty sticky. I loved the way in which Eel Marsh House was envisioned. Lots of dark, richly painted walls (think deep, royal purples and blues and crimson reds). Tons of candles. The cast was fantastic. And to be honest, I kind of expected to be thinking about a certain boy wizard the whole time, and only once did he enter my mind. Daniel Radcliffe is without glasses in this role, and his bright blue eyes are very hard to miss. I thought to myself "did Harry Potter, the character from the books, have blue eyes?" And that was that. No more thoughts on the subject. I would definitely recommend The Woman in Black to anyone who loves a good ghost story set in the English countryside at or around the turn of the century. The 19th century, that is.

Ti West's The Innkeepers was entirely different than what I'd expected, though I should have had some idea having seen House of the Devil, also written and directed by West. The story is pretty straight forward. Supposedly haunted inn called the Yankee Pedlar is closing for good, and the staff has been scaled down to two: Claire and Luke. I'd say the movie is far more about these two than any ghosts, and not just because one of them in is every scene. Claire is really adorable and kind of a spazz (to use my friend's very apt description). She screams a lot, but in a comedic, Muppet-ish kind of way. Luke seems bored out his gourd and kind of grumpy, but clearly crushing on Claire. I really liked these two.

As for the horror element, it's there, though subtly. I was definitely startled a few times, seriously spooked once. On the whole, I found the movie funny and relatable, and more sad and tragic than scary.

All in all, it was a pretty intense (and fun!) Sunday. Next on the movie front: Kill List.

Supernatural Wins People's Choice Awards

2012-02-01T16:22:00.013-05:00

Congratulations to Supernatural for winning not one but two People's Choice Awards this year!

Everyone's favorite monster-ghost-demon hunting brothers won "Favorite Network TV Drama" beating out such hospital dramas as House M.D. and Grey's Anatomy.

Supernatural also took home the "Favorite Sci-fi/Fantasy Show" award beating out Fringe, True Blood, The Walking Dead, and The Vampire Diaries.

Supernatural retruns this Friday night, February 3rd with new episodes. I can't wait!

Evan Peters E! News Interview

2012-01-31T23:25:00.010-05:00

I read a pretty great interview with Evan Peters today that was done about a week after the American Horror Story finale aired. As we all know by now, the show is set up to change completely each season. New characters, new location, new house, new ghosts. But, Ryan Murphy has said that some of the cast might return next season, though in entirely new roles, which could be interesting.

In the interview, Peters is asked how he would feel about coming back next season. This is what he had to say: "I think it would be really awesome to get back...If I don't come back, then that's great too. I had an awesome time and I learned a lot. I'm pretty emotionally exhausted, so I'm cool to move on and go do a comedy or something like that. I'm happy either way."

On his character Tate, and the general darkness that came with the character: "At first it was really fun and then it sort of became...I mean it's still fun to get into it, but it just became harder and harder. It's not real, so there's only so much time you can spend going to that place before it starts to take its toll...I was constantly battling that from the beginning and I was just like, ‘Okay, this is cool, it's just a season. Just got a couple more episodes. And then I'll just listen to a lot of Christmas music!' "

I love that Christmas music is Evan Peters' antidote to the darkness that is Tate Langdon.

Björk + Darkly Passionate Song Lyrics

2012-01-30T20:26:00.010-05:00

Speaking of darkly passionate song lyrics. I wrote about Björk's latest album Biophilia a few months ago, but I've only just started really listening to it and I have to say, Björk blows my mind. She's incredible. I love her music, her voice, her lyrics. Her creativity. It's almost as if she's growing these songs and sounds versus creating them. Like, she's somehow growing these electronic and artificial sounds from the Earth itself. They're like electricity.

My favorites songs on the album are "Thunderbolt", "Crystalline", "Cosmogony" and "Virus".

Which brings me to the topic of darkly romantic song lyrics. In the song "Virus", Björk virtually whispers the words "Like a virus needs a body, as soft tissue feeds on blood, someday I'll find you, the urge is here", with so much gentle strength and passion. She amazes me.

I highly recommend Biophilia. I still hold Homogenic as my all time favorite Björk album, but this one comes in close.

Jack White + Love Interruption

2012-01-30T20:25:00.030-05:00

I'm one very happy girl. On my way home from work this evening, I heard Jack White's new song on FNX and it's so, so good. Gorgeously gritty. The song is called "Love Interruption" and it's available for download on iTunes.

It's also available for pre-order on 7" vinyl at Jack White's website and at Third Man Records, to be released on February 7th. You can also listen to the track on both sites. There's even a cool round icon that spins like a record while you listen.

"Love Interruption" has a very rich, warm sound to it. Simple but sweet. Well, more bitter than sweet. The lyrics are edgy and fairly violent, yet filled with a dark sort of passion. It's all about love, and what White might "want" love to do: "I want love to grab my fingers gently, slam them in a doorway, put my face into the ground". Like I said, dark, gritty, passionate.

The refrain is my favorite part: "I won't let love disrupt, corrupt, or interrupt me." Tell it like it is, Jack. These lyrics send shivers up my spine.

White's full length solo album Blunderbuss will be released on April 24th.

Of Blunderbuss, and releasing a solo record, Jack White says: "I've put off making records under my own name for a long time, but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas."

P.S. I just read that this whole solo thing was sort of an accident. Apparently Jack White had booked a studio session and someone didn't show up, so he decided to go with some of his own songs.

It's Christmas At Murder House!

2012-01-30T20:24:00.012-05:00

American Horror Story and the 12 episode long tale of Murder House and the Harmon family is over. And not over for now. Over for good. Or at least that's what Ryan Murphy tells us. For one, I believe him and look forward to meeting a whole new family in a whole new house next season.

Speaking of things that Ryan Murphy tells us. I remembering reading an interview with Murphy in which he stated that by the end of this season we (the viewers) would understand each and every spooky thing in the opening credits. I think I understand about 3/4 of the spooky things. I still don't know about that guy with the hedge clippers, or the body in the attic (at least, it looks like the attic). You know, the one draped in a clear frosted tarp? Do you know who that's supposed to be? Beau (we were told) was supposed to have looked like he died in his sleep, peacefully, so he would likely not have been in an upright position with a tarp over his body. And what about that child skeleton hanging in the mirror? Who's that supposed to be???

I'm going to write a post with all of my unanswered questions soon, so for now here are my thoughts on the final episode of American Horror Story aptly titled "Afterbirth".

This episode of was a mixed bag for me. I loved the tension of the first few minutes. I thought "maybe it's all been a figment of Ben's imagination?", but then we see the Harmon family moving into Murder House and the rest is history. I found Ben's death scene completely devastating and heartbreaking. So, so sad and violent in a dark, upsetting way.

But once that new family showed up, I sort of lost interest. And then they were gone, and I was relieved. I'm happy for the Harmon family, that they've been reunited in the afterlife and all. They have their baby boy and named Moira the godmother. They even celebrated Christmas. Love it!

And so, here's a list of the things that I loved about "Afterbirth":

1. The tension of the first 10-15 minutes. Ben discovering that Tate was Constance's son. The baby in the mirror closet.

2. Ben's death scene. As I said before, it completely broke my heart and genuinely upset me, but I thought it was very well done.

3. Tate's "confession" to Ben about missing their talks, and how much Ben was helping him. And Ben's response.: "You're not a person, you're a monster...a psychopath, Tate...and the worst kind. You're charismatic and compelling, and a pathological liar." Totally.

4. Tate's attempted murder of the new kid. He couldn't do it!?! He even asked the kid to look away, or something. Maybe he really is a changed person. Or a changed ghost person. Or better yet, a changed man-boy-ghost.

4.a. I really enjoyed Tate's hair during the season, but I hope that Evan Peters goes back to his usual medium brown hair color. I re-watched a bit of Kick-Ass recently and I really like the brown hair.

5. Violet and Tate's final kiss. Of course, we know that Violet was trying to save the new kid's life (which she did), but it was also very sweet and sad, especially Tate's choked sobs after the kiss, once Violet had gone. Poor Tate. Doomed to be alone forever. Maybe he'll go dark side again and join forces with Hayden.

6. Christmas at Murder House! I love that this episode was not only the finale, but also a Christmas episode of sorts. The tree was very pretty. Simply and sparkly.

And that's that! It was a really fun ride. I've loved writing about it, and keeping notebooks with timelines and what not.

Thank you Ryan Murphy for creating such an interesting and refreshing tribute to the horror genre, the age old story of the haunted house, and the poor family that buys it for half of what it's worth in an attempt at starting fresh after some unspeakable tragedy. Great season! Great show!

American Horror Story: Birth

2012-01-19T01:22:00.006-05:00

It's officially been one month since the final episode of American Horror Story and I think that I'm finally ready to write about it. I've watched it twice now and while I think the first 15 or so minutes were tense, awesome, and devastating, I still have so many questions that will never be answered.

But I'm going to address these questions in a separate post, because there's too many and I want to devote one whole post to the single greatest episode of American Horror Story, season one. The penultimate episode, aptly titled "Birth".

I absolutely, whole-heartedly loved this episode. I think that Alfonso Gomez-Rejon is fantastic. He directed my other favorite episode of the season "Home Invasion", and there's something very special about his eye and the way in which the characters come to life in his episodes.

I loved the opening flashback sequence of young Tate and Nora, and then all-grown-up Tate and Nora. "Life's too short for so much sorrow."

I loved Billie Dean Howard's monologue about spirits and energy and regret. So what if her Croatoan ritual didn't work. The Winchesters could've told her that.

I loved Tate's come-on-turned-beat-down at the hands of a very angry Patrick. I feel like Evan Peters was channeling Adam Brody a smidge in this scene. That perfect sarcasm and boyish-ness. Only a smidge, though. I adore Adam Brody, by the way.

And I loved Violet. That final scene broke my heart. "I used to think that you were like me, you were attracted to the darkness. But Tate, you are the darkness." Such high drama and sadness. I felt so sad for both of them by the end, Violet telling Tate she loves him but can't forgive him. And Tate, tear soaked and weepy "You're all I want, you're all I have!"

Poor Tate. Poor Violet.

Poor Ben. And poor, poor Vivien. But as we see in the finale, things turn out pretty much okay for the Harmon family.

Jack White On American Pickers

2012-01-18T15:39:00.009-05:00

Over the holidays, I watched an awful lot of cable TV at my Mom's.

As I'm currently without cable, I rarely get to watch things like Hoarders or better yet, Hoarders: Buried Alive (I still don't understand what the difference is, but that's another post for another day). I love catching up on these reality shows, and am equally relieved when I return home to my 10-ish channels and cable box free living room.

All of this said, I really, really like The History Channel show American Pickers. It follows Mike and Frank on their "vintage picking" adventures all across the country. These guys are the best. They're smart, funny, and wicked entertaining.

And so, you can imagine how happy I was to see Jack White on last week's episode titled "The Elephant in the Room" in which Mike buys a taxidermy elephant head and then sort of panics when he realizes that finding a buyer might prove difficult. Enter Jack White (who apparently already has a giraffe in his home).

It was a lot of fun to see Jack White haggling with Mike and Frank, and to see how much fun these guys were having with the whole thing. You can watch the full episode at The History Channel or click HERE to check out the 7 or so minutes with Jack White.

Winchester Brothers On Etsy

2012-01-11T20:30:00.005-05:00

I love the TV show Supernatural, and I love this Supernatural themed treasury curated by Balthasar on Etsy! Who knew there was such an abundance of Sam, Dean, Castiel, and Bobby inspired handmade goodies out there.

I'm especially in love with this Supernatural inspired pendant (pictured above) handmade by Paisley Monday. For those of you not familiar with the show, salt is perhaps the most useful household item when it comes to fighting ghosts and demons. Need to keep a ghost from harming you? Just grab a seat, then grab some salt, and make a circle around the chair with said salt. That ghost won't stand a chance.

Jack White + Colbert = A Rock Odyssey

2012-01-10T16:19:00.013-05:00

In June of 2011, The Colbert Report aired a three part series called 2000 and 1...and 1: A Rock Odyssey (if you watch, you'll know why I wrote the title in such a long, odd, broken up way). The series follows Stephen Colbert on his quest to record a follow up to his 1980s song "Charlene (I'm Right Behind You)". He enlists the help of Jack White, and the deadpan hilarity ensues. I haven't laughed so hard since the NPR Muppets interview with Jason Segel.

The best part of this series (though) is the outtake aptly titled "Catholic Throwdown". It features Jack White and Stephen Colbert trying to out-Catholic each other. It's priceless.

Happy New Year + Jenny Lewis

2012-01-09T22:52:00.008-05:00

First off, Happy New Year! I hope that you had a wonderful holiday and have started off the New Year with a splash. Or perhaps in a more low key way, like me. I've started my New Year off with a lot of movie/TV show watching. And lots and lots of tea. Too much perhaps. But not to worry...I've switched to decaf Irish breakfast, so I can drink all I want and still get to sleep at night.

As part of my Wintertime hibernation, I checked out an episode of the British/Canadian TV show Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... and was so excited to see one of my favorites, Jenny Lewis, hit the stage. Lewis and her band were joined by M. Ward and Costello himself (both on guitar) for a perfectly bittersweet and lovely performance of "Pretty Bird" from her 2008 album Acid Tongue.

Lewis was also interviewed by Costello, and she was really cool and down to earth. I just love her!

Merry Christmas From Fussy Gussy

2011-12-25T12:59:00.011-05:00

Merry Christmas from Fussy Gussy (and Sam Winchester!) I love this photo of Sammy decorating the Christmas tree. Note that he's using tree shaped air fresheners. Awesome.

I'll be heading into my annual Wintertime hibernation, which will include lots of hot tea & chocolate, and also posts about:

1. the last two episodes of American Horror Story

2. all of the holiday movies I'm going to see this week (like My Week With Marilyn, which I'm very excited about!)

3. and finally...how sad I am that I won't be seeing Tate Langdon ever again (except when I re-watch the first season of American Horror Story over and over and over)

And that's that! I love this time of year. Hopefully it will snow soon. I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of delicious food and good times with family & friends!

See you in the New Year!!!

Nativity! Is My New Favorite Christmas Movie

2011-12-15T21:51:00.007-05:00

I've finally seen Nativity! I've had this movie on my "must see" list forever and a day, but it hasn't been available in the US...until now.

The movie was written and directed by my new hero Debbie Isitt, who also wrote and directed the hilarious (and apparently entirely improvised) wedding-competition movie Confetti (also a must see).

I think this lady is a comic/musical genius. She incorporates musical elements into both movies and a theatricality that is both charming and refreshing.

Nativity! tells the story of Paul Maddens, a primary school teacher who once had a love for acting, but lost this love when he lost his actor girlfriend (played by Ashley Jensen of Extras) to Hollywood. Word has it that she has become a famous Hollywood producer, and Paul feels sort of bitter and sad about this. We've also got Gordon Shakespeare (what a name!), a rival (private) school teacher and fellow actor. And lastly there's Mr. Poppy, Paul's child-like, enthusiastic new assistant teacher.

Both Gordon and Paul (much to his chagrin) are set up to put on a school production of the nativity story, and the hilarity ensues.

I don't want to give away too much of the plot here, but I do want to say that the kids in this movie are amazing. So cute. So funny. And talented, to boot! If you enjoy British comedies with dry humor, musicals in any capacity, and/or Christmas movies (or movies in general) that star Martin Freeman, you'll love Nativity!

Snow People Cookies On Etsy

2011-12-14T23:13:00.006-05:00

I am totally loving these adorable snow people cookies handmade from scratch by Debra Buker of Etsy shop Yummy Delicious Cookies. The cookies themselves are a special cream cheese/sugar recipe (yum!) and they're decorated with royal icing.

I love the details of these little snow people. The scarves. The ties. The hats. Perfectly wintery and just in time for Christmas!

Debra is an artist, designer, and baker (of course!) Thank you Debra for creating such fun and festive confectionary delights!

To see more deliciousness visit the Yummy Delicious Cookies shop on Etsy!

Winchester Logic + Murder House Ghosts

2011-12-14T15:35:00.010-05:00

I know that one should never try and apply the logic from one supernatural themed TV show to another, but I can't help myself in this case.

All of these American Horror Story ghosts...why have none of them moved on? Or maybe some of them have, and we haven't met them because they don't feel the need to linger? But the vibe that I get from the "logic" of the show is that if you die in Murder House, you stay there for eternity.

Which brings me to the Winchester boys. I think the show Supernatural does a really great job of setting up questions and answering them. And since Sam and Dean Winchester are "hunters", they often look to rules and guidelines set out by hunters before them.

These guys are essentially supernatural detectives who are awesome fighters, dress really well (think worn in jeans, great boots, and plaid flannel, in kind of a cowboy meets lumberjack kind of way), and they can out-smart pretty much any creature known, or unknown, to man. When trying to track down or fight a creature, they look to folklore, legends, and ancient texts for information. If the lore says that you have to use fire to kill a ruguru, then that's what they do and it pretty much always works.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer also did a really great job of this.

And so, on the topic of ghosts, in Supernatural land there are only two types of standard ghosts:

1) Those who are unaware of their death and therefore wander around reliving the events of their death, never able to move on. I don't know that Supernatural actually has a name for this type of ghost, so I'm going to call them "wandering spirits".

2) And then we have vengeful spirits. These people died wrongfully and are sticking around until they exact their revenge.

In order to get rid of a wandering spirit, you need to make them aware of and accept their demise. They always move on after that. For vengeful spirits, all one needs to do is find their remains (all of them), salt the bones, and burn said bones. Easy as pie!

On the American Horror Story episode "Piggy Piggy", medium Billie Dean Howard says something along these lines. She refers to her maid who had been murdered as the vengeful type, and to Tate as the wandering, clueless type. We now know (and I've had this feeling for a while now) that Tate has actually known all along that he's dead. He faked his cluelessness to (supposedly) keep Violet in the dark. "Hi, I'm Tate. Wanna hook up?" probably would not have gone over to well, as Tate points out toward the end of last week's episode, "Smoldering Children".

But my point is, if we look at every ghost in Murder House, are all of them vengeful or wandering spirits?

Take Tate. What is he avenging? His own death? Abuse at the hands of Constance, maybe? And how about Violet? What is she avenging? She was a wandering spirit for a few weeks, but now that she knows she's dead she should be able to move on, right? I know for the sake of the show that we need to see the Violet/Tate relationship come to some sort of climax and/or resolution, but it makes me wonder. In "Smoldering Children", I 98% believed Tate when he told Violet that she died in the bathtub, in his arms, loved, etc. But that 2% of doubt makes me wonder if she is avenging something or someone, and doesn't quite realize it yet.

Or maybe the rules simply don't apply.

I've read that this week's episode of American Horror Story will tackle the topic of "how to get rid of ghosts". I can't wait to see what they come up with!

Jason Segel On NPR + the Muppets

2011-12-12T13:09:00.010-05:00

On opening day of the new Muppet movie called The Muppets, I was lucky enough to catch Jason Segel and Nick Stoller on NPR's Fresh Air talking about the movie, and let me tell you...I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. This interview was absolutely priceless.

Muppets feature pretty heavily in my life. I refer to people as Muppety all the time (I've done so on this blog!) The Muppets Take Manhattan is one of my favorite movies. I have an "I Heart Kermit" lunchbox. The Muppets version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" is on my Christmas playlist. All of my siblings (I'm the youngest of 7) say "the Muppets always remind me of you" aka, me!

And so, listening to like minded Muppet fans on Fresh Air was a real treat for me. Jason Segel and Nick Stoller (of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, another one of my favorite movies) wrote and produced the movie. James Bobin (who has directed episodes of Flight of the Conchords) directed the movie. And Bret Mackenzie (one of the stars of Flight of the Conchords) wrote many of the songs featured in the movie. When talking about Bret Mackenzie and his song writing style, Jason Segel said "He's by nature very Muppety". I have to whole-heartedly agree.

The general vibe of the interview was light-hearted, humorous, and (like the movie itself) smart and very sweet. On how they went about writing the movie, they said:

"we wanted to be Muppet purests". I adore the idea of Muppet purests.

I really, really like/admire Jason Segel. His musical sensibilities, his sense of humor, his love of Muppets.

On the character of Walter, the wide-eyed, innocent Muppet-mega fan, and star of the movie, Segel said:

"he reminds me of what Kermit was, maybe, before he became famous, you know when Kermit was still living in the swamp." This cracks me up!

My favorite song from the movie is called "Man or Muppet" and features Segel as Gary, a Muppet version of Gary (which apparently the studios allowed him to keep and now lives at home with Segel and his other puppets), Walter (Gary's Muppet brother), and Jim Parsons as a perfect and very funny human version of Walter. They played the song during the interview. It's awesome.

If I don't stop myself now, I'm just going to ramble on about how much I love these guys and the Muppets, and the songs from the movie, and so on and so forth. And so, I'll end by saying this: I'm so, so happy that the Muppets are back, and thank you Jason Segel and Nick Stoller for writing such a touching, funny, and perfectly wonderful movie, just in time for the holidays.

I Finally Saw the New Muppet Movie!

2011-12-07T16:10:00.010-05:00

I saw the new Muppet movie yesterday (simply named The Muppets) and it was everything I could have hoped for, and more! It was hilarious (that kind of goes without saying!), sweet, smart, thoughtful, and clearly made with lots of love for the Muppets. I'm definitely going to see it again at least one more time while it's in theaters.

The story is fairly straight forward. The world's biggest Muppets fan and his brother (and brother's girlfriend) have to reunite the Muppets and raise $10 million or the Muppet Theater in LA is going to be torn down so that the evil Tex Richman can drill for oil.

There are some amazing musical numbers, like the movies' show stopping opener "Life's a Happy Song" and "Man or Muppet" (my personal favorite!) Most of the original music is written by Flight of the Conchords' Bret McKenzie, so the songs are pretty hilarious and cleverly dramatic.

The movie is also chock full of celebrity cameos. Neil Patrick Harris, Feist, Zach Galifianakis, and Sarah Silverman, to name a few. Jack Black is also in the movie, but he plays more of a prominent role, as himself. It's a lot of fun!

Stay tuned for more about the Muppets! I listened to an amazing NPR interview with the movie's writers (Jason Segel and Nick Stoller), and I have some priceless tidbits to share.

Further Speculation On Tate's Thumb Ring

2011-12-06T02:02:00.010-05:00

As you may already know, I'm dying to know what's up with Tate's thumb ring. It seems like an interesting and odd detail, and I wonder if it holds some great secret to understanding Tate's character and/or motivations. And so, I've made it a goal to find out more.

I managed to get a semi-better image of it when re-watching the pilot (for the umpteenth time!) and it looks less to me (now) like a snake and skull, and more like a snake eating some other creature or animal. Makes sense? Maybe??? It's so hard to tell, though. It really could be anything.

I've read that this week's episode called "Smoldering Children" will give us some major insight into Tate and Constance. And also Larry. I'm so, so excited.

I really enjoy Larry. My favorite quote of Larry's so far: "I'm very interested in that fire place."

Last Thursday I wrote "If I can manage to make it to next Wednesday without writing yet another post about Tate Langdon and/or Even Peters, it will be a miracle." A girl can't help herself, I suppose.

Jack White + Love Is Blindness

2011-12-05T20:01:00.014-05:00

Just a tidbit about Jack White's cover of the U2 song "Love is Blindness". It's soooo fantastic! It's dark, moody, sensual, and fairly feedback-ish sounding. Which I love.

The song is part of the full album cover of U2's early 90s classic Achtung Baby, and it features not only Jack White, but other personal favorites, like The Killers, Depeche Mode, and Nine Inch Nails. And to boot, all proceeds from digital sales go to Concern Worldwide, Ireland's largest aid and humanitarian organization.

On a related though completely different note, I really enjoy this photo of Jack White. I love a man in a suit vest and fedora.

I Love Christmas! On Etsy

2011-12-05T19:52:00.012-05:00

It's no secret that I love Christmas. And so, when I discovered that my sexy santa pot holder was featured in a fabulous Christmas treasury on Etsy I knew that I just had to write about it.

The treasury features lots of sparkly retro goodies, like this vintage inspired Christmas card handmade by Retro Rose Collages. I love it!

Thank you Chrysa of Etsy shop Simply a Circle for curating such a fabulously retro treasury!!!

Holiday Craft Fair Season Is Here!

2011-12-02T16:18:00.012-05:00

It's that time of year again! Yes, it's holiday craft fair season. My favorite time of year!

This weekend Fussy Gussy will be at not one but two holiday craft fairs: the RISD Alumni Holiday Sale and the Harvard Square Holiday Fair! Fussy Gussy will be selling all of the usual handmade goodies, from pot holders to dish towels, hostess mini aprons to super cute grocery totes. It's gonna be a blast!

What: RISD Holiday Art Sale

When: Saturday December 3rd (10-5)

Where: RI Convention Center, Providence, RI

Click ♥Here♥ for more details, like directions and such!

What: Harvard Square Holiday Fair

When: 13 days throughout December
Where: Church Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA
Click ♥Here♥ for dates, times, and other info!

Hope to see you there!!!

Ryan Murphy Gives Evan Peters Major Kudos

2011-12-01T21:35:00.019-05:00

I just read this week's post-AHS episode interview with Ryan Murphy, and in it he gives Evan Peters some major kudos.

On the topic of Rubber Man and of the truly horrible things that Tate has done so far, Murphy says "I think Evan's done an amazingly difficult job making a monster sympathetic...Tate is the true monster of the show, but because Evan has made him so likable and lovable and complex, I think people are torn."

Totally. I looked back at my first ever post on AHS and this is what I wrote about Tate: "I love this character! I can't wait to see what happens with him this season. He's messed up, disturbed, but charming and articulate."

If I can manage to make it to next Wednesday without writing yet another post about Tate Langdon and/or Evan Peters, it will be a miracle.

Maybe Tate Really Does Love Violet???

2011-12-01T20:42:00.026-05:00

After watching this week's episode of American Horror Story, I think I've decided that warm fuzzy Tate, (the one who cries a lot and shows emotion) really does love Violet. Or if it's not love, it's some sort of infatuation that's fueled by feelings akin to love.

As for cold, sinister Tate...who knows? Maybe my whole two-Tates-theory is for the birds??? His behavioral flip-flops are definitely not my imagination, but it might just be something that goes with the territory of being dead and trapped in Murder House.

In this week's episode, Constance finds out that Tate has fathered one of Vivien's twin babies, and she's not too happy about it (at first). She finds him in the basement, takes his face in her hands in a fairly rough way, and begs him to tell her that he did not do it. When he says nothing, she's loses it, starts hitting him (a lot!), and the scene ends with Tate cowering on the basement floor, clearly terrified of his mother, and crying. And yet, it seems that his main concern (and the only concern that he actually voiced) was that she please not Violet what he'd done. Is he ashamed? Feeling remorse? Or is he just desperate to hold onto her?

From what I can gather, he likely never had a girlfriend in high school. Then he died at 17-ish, and has been lingering around Murder House since. This is the first time (since he died) that a teenage girl has lived in the house. And she's great. She's cool, she's "a pretty girl", and she's wicked smart. That's my kinda girl. What's there for one lonesome ghost boy not to love?

In this episode, we also learn that young Moira is an illusion. Of course, we've always know something like this, but now it's been defined. For the bulk of the episode, she appears to Ben as her pinup girl self, making passes left and right. But by the end, Ben has realized that he made a mistake by locking his wife away in the mental hospital and that maybe she was a indeed a victim of assault. He sees things clearly for the first time, and there's an inkling that some truths are about to be brought to the surface for the house, and for all of its inhabitants, spirit or not.

As Moira leaves the house, she changes (ever so quickly and smoothly) into her older self, and says "congratulations Dr. Harmon, you're finally beginning to see things as they are."

I'm pretty sure that in next week's episode we'll learn something about Tate as a child, and about his relationship with his mother and/or why he hates her so much. I'm so looking forward to it.

Tate Langdon, You Had Me At "If You Love Someone You Should Never Hurt Them"

2011-12-01T00:59:00.016-05:00

Seriously. I've been crushing on Tate Langdon since episode one of American Horror Story, and it all started with those words. "If you love someone you should never hurt them". Well, it may have started earlier (with the skull face and whistling), but those words still send shivers up my spine. He says these things with such intensity, yet also with a sort of vacancy or emptiness, which we now know could be blamed on the fact that (a) he's a ghost and/or (b) he's more than likely a psychopath. But I'm having a hard time coming to any conclusions about the boy. He's so complicated and seems to have lots of secrets.

My questions are these:

1. What's with the thumb ring? It's hard to tell what it is exactly, but it looks rather big and vaguely goth. Maybe a skull or snake or both? It would make sense if it were. I think it's an interesting detail.

2. Is Tate lying to Violet? Does he really love her or is he using her for some sinister purpose? She seems so head over heels that I'm worried for her. The popular opinion online is that she's already dead. I don't think I'm on board with this theory, though. It seems too obvious. But then again, Tate as Rubber Man seemed too obvious, so who knows...?

3. Are there two Tates? I've written about this in previous posts, and I really do think it's a possibility. He can go from sinister and cold to weepy and angsty in seconds.

And yet Constance (his mother) has described him as "a sensitive boy, a young man with too deep feelings, the soul of poet but none of the grit or steel that acts as a bulwark against the horrors of this world." She also seems like a totally mixed bag. She can cut you like a knife with her words, and she locks her children away in attics and closets, but she also has this tender side and can be very protective of these same children. My heart broke for her when Addie died.

3 (a). By the way, where is Addie???

4. What is Tate's relationship with Nora? He's doing everything he can to please her. In fact it seems like that's been his focus for the past 7 years. She's a mother, he has mommy issues, what those issues are we still don't know. She's very pretty, and looks fabulous in all of her 1920s splendor. She's my new favorite character on the show. There's something extra heartbreaking about Nora.

5. Are we supposed to believe that Tate still has no idea that he's dead? He's lives in the basement, (basically) brooding and sulking. I loved Hayden's "Little Lord Fauntleroy" bit. Speaking of which, he's hanging out with dead ladies, and he seems to realize that they're dead.

6. Why didn't Tate go all way with Violet on Halloween? The beach would have been very romantic, and their make out session was getting pretty hot and heavy. Why wait until now?

Perhaps some of these questions will be answered in part (or in whole) this week, with "Spooky Little Girl" (love this episode title). I can't wait to watch! I'm so happy that this show came along when it did.

Jack White + Evan Peters Sort of Look Alike

2011-11-30T20:38:00.020-05:00

I feel like Jack White and Evan Peters sort of look alike. Their coloring is different, but they have a similar boyish handsomeness. And how about those brown eyes!

It could explain why I'm enjoying them both so much right now?

Evan Peters Finds Horror Movies Stressful

2011-11-29T20:33:00.015-05:00

I read an interview today with Evan Peters of American Horror Story, and I wanted to share a few tidbits.

1. He doesn't like horror movies, but not for the usual reasons, it seems. "I wasn't a huge horror movie fan before [doing the show] because they kinda stress me out." Even though I love a man (or man-boy, in this case) who loves horror movies, I'm charmed by the fact that he admits to finding them stressful.

1 (a). He goes on to explain that "since working on the show I've definitely gotten into it a lot more and I have an appreciation for what's going on behind the scenes." He'll be watching House of Wax in no time! Or better yet, Orphan. It has a few similarities to American Horror Story. The tragedy of losing a baby, the mistrust between husband and wife, the gaslighting, and Taissa Varmiga's big sister Vera Farmiga stars in it.

1 (b). I watched Peters' interview on Young Hollywood today and the topic of horror movies came up. Again, he said that horror movies stress him out. He then said "I have to eat a lot of food before I go in there [to the movie theater], so I kinda relax, you know?" This guy cracks me up!

2. Apparently, the pilot was shot on location at and in the actual Murder House (which of course is not called Murder House in real life...it's just some Victorian house in LA), and Peters talked about how creepy the house is. "We heard some noises and stuff [while] shooting, but that's to be expected in a three story house with an attic. It's just a creepy house, it's so terrifying with that wood everywhere. I would never, ever want to live in that house." This made me think about wood, and how yes, I suppose that amount of dark wood on the floors and walls and molding would be a little intimidating.

3. His father told his mother that she should never watch the episode "Piggy Piggy", for obvious reasons. It must be tough for parents, especially mothers, to watch their children play such complicated, dark, possibly psychotic characters. In real life Peters describes himself as a "total goofball." He also plays piano.

And that's that! I've included a link to the full interview here if you'd like to check it out.

Handmade + Sci-fi = Cyber Monday On Etsy

2011-11-28T12:36:00.017-05:00

It's Cyber Monday, and Fussy Gussy is offering 20% off your entire order + free shipping! Just enter coupon code: CYBERGUSSY at checkout. It's as easy as pie!

I LOVE this still from the movie The Science of Sleep. It's one of my all time favorites. But what does this movie have to do with Cyber Monday you might ask?

Take the words: Cyber Monday. I think they have a bit of a sci-fi ring to them, don't you? And so, I thought, what does this have to with handmade goodies on Etsy? And that's when I thought of the movie The Science of Sleep, in which the lead character creates all of these supposedly high tech, sci-fi sort of devices using the most basic, everyday objects. Like bike helmets and some wire tubing. But these objects are handmade, so they're wonderful, special, and unique.

And that's that. I hope that you a lovely Monday!

Happy Thanksgiving From Fussy Gussy

2011-11-24T02:43:00.010-05:00

I love this pilgrim pinup girl! She's such a classic.

I hope that you have a very Happy Thanksgiving!!! My sister is making cheesecake. Yum.

The Muppets Are Back!!!

2011-11-23T23:24:00.012-05:00

The Muppets opened today in theaters, and Jason Segel and Nick Stoller were on NPR's Fresh Air to talk about the movie and their love of Muppets. It's been a very good day!

I'll write more about the Fresh Air interview this week (there are so many little tidbits that I have to share!), but I'd like to say for the record that I have not laughed so hard and so consistently over a half-an-hour period in a very long time. Hearing these guys talk about the Muppets was sooooo hilarious. Hearing them talk about the Moopets was equally hilarious.

As you may well know, I love Muppets and have been waiting for this movie for a long time now. One of my very first posts on this blog was about a favorite movie of mine Forgetting Sarah Marshall and about how Jason Segel may or may not be bringing back the Muppets. Well, it's happened. And I am one very happy girl. Can't wait to see it!!!

Canadian Maple Trees On Etsy

2011-11-22T18:50:00.009-05:00

I love this photo of Canadian maple trees by fellow Etsian Raceytay. It's so lush and rich and sort of hypnotizing. I think it's just gorgeous!

It also seems fitting with my new found love of The White Stripes and the documentary Under Great White Northern Lights, which follows the duo on their 2007 tour of Canada. Canadian maple trees, the red, black, and smidge of white in the sky.

Jack White + the Slow Build

2011-11-22T15:45:00.017-05:00

My appreciation for Jack White has been a slow (albeit steady) build.

As I wrote in my post from a couple of years ago about The Dead Weather, I saw The White Stripes on Charlie Rose a few years ago and I really liked Jack White and the things that he had to say about his music and the creative process.

The White Stripes have been on my radar since their album De Stijl. It was our closing time music at the cafe where I worked during college, and we all loved it so much. It was like a big, noisy present after a long day of making latte after latte after latte.

I've loved Jack White's other bands, like The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather. I was even lucky enough to see The Raconteurs live when they toured with Bob Dylan a few years back. They were amazing, totally killed it (in a good way), and they looked phenomenal. I really love their style.

And who could avoid hearing (and loving) "Seven Nation Army" from the band's 2003 album Elephant? It's a great song, there's no doubt.

I even bought The White Stripes' 2005 album Get Behind Me Satan because I loved the cover so much. The apple. The red, white, and black. Jack White's sinister-ish facial hair. Meg's coifed hair. I loved it then and I love it now. In fact, it's one of my all time favorite records. It's extremely rare that I love an entire album, and this is one of those rarities.

But somehow (and I don't fully understand it myself), my love of The White Stripes never stretched beyond De Stijl, Get Behind Me Satan, and the occasional song. Until now.

I watched the documentary Under Great White Northern Lights this past week. The film follows Jack and Meg White on their 2007 tour of Canada, which would ultimately be The White Stripes swan song. As I understand it, this tour preceded what was supposed to be a full tour for their album Icky Thump, but the band was forced to cancel for personal reasons. The band stopped recording (with the exception of their cover of "Rated X" for the Loretta Lynn tribute album), and officially disbanded earlier this year.

Under Great White Northern Lights is one of the most sensual, aesthetically pleasing, and entertaining tour documentaries I've ever seen. It was beautifully shot, and almost entirely in black & white (and some red, of course). The live music performances are so, so good. Oh my goodness! I felt like I was there, you know? I may even like their live versions of songs more than the studio versions. There's a raw intensity and energy that I love, and White's voice has so many different layers to it that really come out in the live performances.

And not only did they perform the usual big shows, but in the afternoons (before the big shows) they performed a series of "side shows" in unusual or unexpected locations, giving people little to no notice (think local bowling alley, or city bus). Like an impromptu acoustic performance of "Apple Blossom" for (what looked like) one family with an adorable bouncy baby, at the Wildcat Cafe in Yellowknife. It was really, really cute.

I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves Jack White or live music documentaries in general. The duo perform such personal favorites as "I'm Slowly Turning Into You" and their atomically charged/very moving cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene". The movie closes with an extremely touching performance of "White Moon", with Jack at the piano, and Meg at his side fighting back the tears. Eventually those tears win out, and Jack hugs/snuggles Meg in very sweet and tender way. It's an intense and bittersweet ending to what I think might be the best film I'm seen this year.

And I'm happy to say that I now own it as part of my ever growing live-music-documentaries collection. And I'm sure I'll be watching it plenty this holiday season while I get ready for craft fairs galore! More on that later.

A Rainy Retreat On Etsy

2011-11-22T14:52:00.008-05:00

I am in love with this treasury very aptly titled A Rainy Retreat curated by Peru Lily Crafts on Etsy! Words like cozy, warm, charming, sweet, snuggly, and perfectly lovely come to mind. And I love it when an Etsian gathers together such an interesting and varied collection of goodies on such a specific and unique theme.

I especially love this vintage postcard garland by Vintage Scraps. And it's just one of the many goodies featured.

Thank you Peru Lily Crafts for creating such a lovely treasury!

Ice Cream On Etsy!!!

2011-11-21T02:24:00.008-05:00

I'm getting more and more into Etsy treasuries these days. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Etsy vernacular, a "treasury" is group of items curated on a theme or color by a member of the Etsy community. This holiday season I've really enjoyed searching the treasuries for things like "gingerbread" or "peppermint swirl". I'm loving it. And I'm finding lots of new shops along the way!

Today, my treasury find is this ice cream themed treasury put together so perfectly by Sarah from Morebees. I love the pastel colors and general yumminess. I also love how many different kinds of goodies there are. There's an ice cream cone lamp (for example) next to a deliciously kitschy vintage ice cream advertisement. Love it!!!

Thank you Sarah for creating such a uniquely sweet treasury!

Yet Even More Christmas Soap On Etsy!

2011-11-19T18:20:00.019-05:00

I clearly have a bit of a crush on Christmas soaps. I think this is my third post on the topic in one week! I just love them. They're always so sweetly wrapped, and the scents are delicious perfection!

You've got to check out these Merry Christmas soap favors on Etsy! I've been a fan of Prunella Soap for a while now, but this is the first time I've seen these cuties. All of her soaps are 100% organic and vegan, and are 100% handmade in Portland, OR.

I also love the way that her soaps are photographed. Very clever and cute.

I'm sure I'll have more Christmas goodies to share with you over the coming weeks! Stay tuned.

Lots of Questions + One Crazy Answer

2011-11-18T19:16:00.015-05:00

This week's episode of American Horror Story was not only was a blast to watch, but it also raised yet even more questions, and answered a few. One in particular.

Constance was all over this episode, so I think I'll devote most of this post to the lady in question, with a few extra tidbits toward the end.

Constance: crazy, fabulous, shallow, cruel yet kind Constance, played so brilliantly by Jessica Lange. As I've written in previous posts, I definitely feel like something very nasty went down between Constance and her son Tate. At this point I think everyone is assuming that Tate is her one child that was not born physically afflicted in some way. In the pilot episode, she referred this child as "a model of physical perfection" whom she "lost to other things".

Constance has also said that her womb is cursed, and that you'd think that she and her Van Johnson look alike of husband would "make little cherub children", but that their "beauty was an affront to the Gods." Does this strike anyone else as crazy logic???

In this week's episode (called "Open House"), Constance shows up at the house to visit with Tate after his session with Dr. Ben, but instead of being happy to see his Mom, Tate literally cringes when she tries to touch his face. He then proceeds to tell her that yes, therapy is helping him, and they're getting to the root of the problem: "turns out I hate my Mother", he says and skulks off down the hallway. Could this just be teen angst? Or something more sinister?

And this brings me to Beau, Constance's other son, and the third child we've met. Poor Beau had some sort of serious physical affliction, and was kept hidden away from the world, locked in the attic of Murder House for (most likely) his entire young adult/adult life. And now he haunts said attic, looking for someone to play ball with. So sad! Turns out he was killed in an act of mercy (or at least that's how it was set up) in 1994 by a love sick Larry. Love sick for whom, you might ask? None other than Constance. The plot thickens.

It also turns out that Larry was not responsible for the fire that killed his family. His crazed, heart broken wife was! She went crazy after Larry confessed his love for Constance and proposed that they split up. This all happened in 1994, after Constance had moved next door. The timeline gets even more complicated.

And now some questions, as well as one answer.

Is the Van Johnson look alike the father of all of Constance's children? I think so. In her "affront-to-the-gods" monologue she definitely alludes to the fact that together, they had four children. We've met three. One more to go. I wonder who it will be???

The one solid answer that I got out of this week's episode was about the Infantata. Turns out after the Montgomery baby was brought back from the dead in a Frankenstein-ish plot twist! And the new creature is fierce, fast, and immortal. And it feeds on blood, like a vampire. So there you have it. The Infantata in the basement is literally a back-from-the-dead-Montgomery-baby-creature that has been living in the house all these years. Since the 1920s. Holy smoke!

I cannot wait for next week's episode in which we learn who or what Rubber Man is. Awesome!

I Haven't Forgotten About Those Winchester Boys

2011-11-17T22:52:00.006-05:00

It's been a while since I've written about my favorite show on TV. You might be thinking "What is she talking about!?! Every time I check her blog it's American Horror Story this, Tate and Violet that." While I do love, love, love American Horror Story, and it is indeed my favorite new show on TV...(and it consumes my thoughts, and has even crept into my dreams on occasion)...Supernatural remains my long standing favorite. I love those Winchester boys!

Last Friday's episode was really funny and cute. It co-starred DJ Qualls as a fellow hunter who teams up with Dean on a case, and he was a great addition to the show! Adorable, cool in a way that's completely unique to him. I loved it! Definitely a stand out this season, so far.

Stay tuned for more on this week's episode of Supernatural.

Andrew Garfield + Lily Cole + Lady Gaga

2011-11-16T22:54:00.005-05:00

I LOVE this photo to pieces! It's just perfect. I found it this evening while searching for photos of Karen Elson, and instead I came across one of the UK's other redheaded beauties, Lily Cole. And yes that's Lady Gaga on the table, along with Andrew Garfield. He's one of my faves. The photo belongs to a series of photos based on the fairytale Hansel and Gretel, for Vogue magazine.

This photo was styled by Grace Coddington (the creative director of Vogue) and photographed by Annie Leibovitz.

Fearless Violet + the Seasons

2011-11-16T03:03:00.012-05:00

One of my favorite Violet quotes is from the pilot, comparing the East Coast to LA: "the East Coast is much cooler. At least we have weather!"

To which Tate very intensely and thoughtfully responds "I love it when the leaves change", as if he's actually seen leaves change. Not in LA, my friend. Hmmm???

Above, Taissa Farmiga as the "fearless" Violet from American Horror Story.

Exciting News About Tate (Fingers Crossed!)

2011-11-15T21:11:00.028-05:00

I read some very exciting and promising news today. From E! News: "A source close to the show tells us that Tate will eventually come to terms with who he is and what he did, but not until this season's last three episodes. And those episodes will be shocking."

Yay!!! Isn't this amazing news!?!

I'm hoping that this means that my Evan-Peters-only-being-in-7-episodes-is-just-hype theory is correct. And if it was just hype, it worked wonders, at least on me. I've been consumed with thinking about American Horror Story for weeks. This past weekend, I re-watched the first 6 episodes and even started a notebook to keep track of timelines and the like. I'm hopeless!

Basically, I'm leaning more and more toward the idea that Tate and Constance have/had some kind of perverse relationship. Not sure what that means yet, but I think it makes sense. He is/was a deeply disturbed kid. He looked angry and/or bitter toward Constance when she waved to him from the street (in episode 3, "Murder House"). My only reservation here is that Constance (while clearly vain, superficial, and mean spirited at times) doesn't strike me as an evil character. So who knows.

I also think that there are two Tates, be it literally or psychologically for the character. I watched a few scenes on slow-mo, and during the Infantata-strobe-light-attack-sequence in the basement, Tate appears to turn into the Infantata, almost like a medium. He also appears behind the Infantata in skull face, and pushes his beloved Violet to the ground in a menacing way. Why would sweet, caring, tender Tate want to put Violet in harm's way when he puts so much energy into protecting her at other times.

Like in this week's episode "Piggy Piggy" when he drags a drugged out Violet into the bathtub to save her life, sobbing and crying "Don't you die on me Violet! Don't you die!" It was such a sad and tender scene. It seemed so real, too. By the time Violet comes to and realizes that she almost died (and that Tate saved her), she starts sobbing too.

Hence, the two Tates. One menacing and skull faced. The other: sad, lonely, and deeply in love with Violet.

I have so many questions! But, I'm really glad that American Horror Story is unfolding slowly-ish. It wouldn't be any fun if in one (or two, or even three) episodes we found out everything we need to know about any given character.

I have more to write, but I need to get my thoughts/questions organized. Like, where is Addie, and what were the circumstances of Nora's death? Curiouser and curiouser.

Elizabeth Bauman On Etsy

2011-11-14T21:12:00.007-05:00

I've been a fan of Elizabeth Bauman for a while now, but I realized this afternoon that I have not yet written about her work! I find her images beautiful and haunting.

I love this original painting called The Long Wait, for lots of reasons. I love the hazy quality of it. I love the shadow of the dog on the wall, a lot. It might be my favorite detail. I love the lady's perfectly green dress. And I love the mysterious sort of narrative. Who or what is she waiting for? We may never know. Or perhaps only we can answer that question...?

This painting is also available as a limited edition art print in Bauman's Etsy shop. Enjoy!

Another Yummy Christmas Soap On Etsy

2011-11-12T22:30:00.012-05:00

I just had to write about this super delicious Christmas cookie soap that I found today on Etsy. Doesn't it look good enough to eat!?! Those sprinkles, the "buttercream frosting"!?! (I use quotes because it's soap!) And the scent of this perfect-for-the-holidays soap: fresh baked sugar cookies! Yum. Super Yum.

I will most certainly be shopping for my family and friends at Lippicott Soap Co this holiday season. Love their soaps!

Candy Canes + Peppermint On Etsy

2011-11-11T13:00:00.009-05:00

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Christmas! And I started my season a week ago by making my Christmas mix and hanging my Christmas tinsel (I make this distinction because I also have Halloween tinsel).

But you know the Christmas season has really begun when you start to hear Christmas music on your local oldies station. Or at the mall. When Williams-Sonoma starts playing Bing Crosby you know it's official. Or better yet, Judy Garland's deliciously heart breaking rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", one my personal faves.

One of my other favorite things about this time of year are all of the candy canes and peppermint! I also love red and white, which of course make pink (my all time favorite color). And so, I thought I'd peruse Etsy (my home away from home) for some red and white and peppermint goodies. I found lots of goodies, but these two really make me happy.

The first (top photo) is a very special candy cane soap from Etsy shop Lippincott Soap Co, a long time fave of mine. I ordered a bar of this soap last year and I am definitely going back for more. It's high quality, handmade soap with beautiful packaging. It also looks exactly like a swirl of candy cane! But for me, the scent is the real zinger. Fresh but sweet, and super cozy and Christmasy.

The second is a collection of highly detailed, simple yet adorable yet charming yet beautiful (and on and on!) peppermint candy vintage buttons from Etsy shop Andie's Specialty Sweets. I read their featured seller interview not too long ago and was so inspired and impressed by their confectionary delights. It's apparent that a lot of love and care goes into each confection, and each and every detail.

Stay tuned for more Christmas features throughout the month, and into December of course. And enjoy!

Theater Clouds On Etsy

2011-11-10T20:34:00.014-05:00

I love this art print by Elly MacKay of Etsy shop Theater Clouds. Elly makes art prints from scenes that she assembles using yupo paper, ink, light, and a miniature theater. I love it!

I discovered her shop a few days ago through an Etsy friend, and was so happy to see that she is currently the featured seller on Etsy's homepage. Congratulations Elly!

I find her work so magical, charming, and thoughtful. Truly beautiful and unique!

Check out the Theater Clouds featured seller interview to read about Elly's interest in Victorian-era storytelling and picture making inventions (like tunnel books and zoetropes), her creative process, and one very special trip that she and her mother took when was a teenager to meet members of the Movable Book Society.

It's a great interview. Very inspiring!

Ghosts, Ghosts, and More Ghosts!

2011-11-09T20:49:00.011-05:00

After watching last week's episode of American Horror Story ("Halloween: Part Two"), I started to think very deeply and seriously (but not too seriously!) about the ghosts who make up what seems like 85% of the cast, or maybe more!?! Anything is possible at this point.

What I'm most taken with is the way that some ghosts appear only in the clothes that they died in, while others seem to have the ability to change clothes.

Take Tate for instance (since he's my favorite character, we'll start with him!) Tate has been seen wearing faded jeans with holes in the knees, fluffy striped crew neck sweaters, equally fluffy solid colored v-neck sweaters, t-shirts that say "normal people scare me", among other items of clothing (like, the Rubber Man suit). How can he do this if he's a ghost? I don't get it. Maybe he isn't a ghost at all. I'm sure we'll find out soon. Hopefully.

Moira is also an interesting one. She can alter how she appears (age wise) to men and women (women see her as older and very buttoned up, men see her as young and pinup-esque). Neither of these is accurate. As we saw in "Murder House", 1983 Moira is indeed wearing a maid's uniform, though it's nothing naughty. Just a plain old black and white maid's uniform. Not to mention that she was shot in the eye, and therefore given a "ghostly eye" which appears only in the older, buttoned up version of herself. Argh.

On the opposite end of the spectrum we have the ginger twins, who look exactly like they did when they died, bell bottoms and all. And the "undead Breakfast Club", as they were so cleverly called. They all had their wounds, for crying out loud!

I know rationally that I may not be able to rationalize these details. I'm enjoying the American Horror Story ride so much, why worry about it? Right? Hmmm. Maybe this week will give us some juicy tidbits.

Peanut Butter Cookie Deliciousness

2011-11-09T12:30:00.007-05:00

Does it get any yummier than this!?! These peanut butter sandwich cookies are made using organic peanut butter and spices, and are turned into sandwich cookie perfection using a peanut butter and sea salt filling. Yum. Double Yum. And perfect for the holidays!

Check out these cookies and more at Whimsy & Spice, one of my favorite shops on Etsy!

Vintage Christmas On Etsy

2011-11-09T11:53:00.008-05:00

This is my favorite time of year, in general. It's Autumn, the leaves are changing, the weather's getting colder. We may even have the occasional freak snow storm, like New England saw over Halloween weekend.

And Christmas is right around the corner!!!

But, I especially love this time of year on Etsy because there are so many beautiful, kitschy, and unique Christmas themed treasuries! Check out this vintage Christmas treasury created by a fellow Etsy seller, Pretty Little Bikes.

My christmas rockabilly pinup girl pot holder was featured as well as lots of other adorable goodies, like these kitschy bottle brush Christmas trees handmade by Ruin Bibber.

Thank you Pretty Little Bikes for creating such a splendid treasury!

American Horror Story On Etsy

2011-11-08T13:15:00.003-05:00

I love this American Horror Story themed treasury so, so much! You've got to check it out. It really captures the atmosphere of the show, from the Victorian-style photographs to the grunge era clothing, jars of creepy things, and equally creepy baby dolls.

Thank you Polestar for creating such a haunting treasury about my favorite show on television!

The above photo is called "Mirrors" and it's by Tamara Lichtenstein on Etsy. I adore this photo! Perfectly romantic.

Seven Episodes, It Can't Be True!?!

2011-11-07T23:59:00.003-05:00

There's a rumor going around that Evan Peters is listed as appearing in only seven episodes of my new favorite show, American Horror Story. This cannot be true!?!

First off, it would be terrible! There are way too many fans who really love the character Tate. Also, Evan Peters is listed third in the opening credits, next to Connie Britton and Dylan McDermott, and before Taissa Farmiga and Jessica Lange, for crying out loud.

I hope that this is nothing but a rumor. Or hype. I hope that it's just hype. I really do love the show in all of its twisted, heart stopping, Infantata-in-the-basement glory. I just can't imagine it being the same without Tate. He's an awesome character, plain and simple.

Would you be heart broken if Tate were no longer around, rocking his perfect grunge era striped sweaters and messy long-ish hair?

And on that note, why is it that Tate can change clothes, while many of the other ghosts remain in the outfits that they died in? Food for thought. Perhaps he's not a ghost after all. More on that tomorrow.

Merry Kitschmas On Etsy

2011-11-07T23:38:00.007-05:00

Christmas is my favorite time of year! And so I was extra excited to find that my pinup girl pot holder has been featured in this perfectly kitschy Christmas treasury on Etsy, very fittingly titled "Merry Kitschmas"...love it!

I also love this cute and colorful necklace handmade by Chrome & Cotton (pictured above).

Thank you Amy from Velvet Coco for curating such a kitschy collection of handmade goodies!

"I Thought You Weren't Afraid of Anything"

2011-11-02T23:47:00.002-04:00

Evan Peters as Tate Langdon in American Horror Story.

You've Just Gotta Watch It!

2011-11-02T23:44:00.004-04:00

We're four weeks in, heading into the fifth week with "Halloween: Part Two", and American Horror Story is totally killing it, in a good way. I love this show! And I have to be honest, whenever I try to explain to a friend or family member what's so great about it, I find myself struggling to find the balance between revealing plot details and keeping it mysterious and shocking, just as it is. I want to share everything, but that would ruin...everything. And so, I've turned to the old stand-by "you've just gotta watch it!"

The most recent episode "Halloween: Part One" was so, so good. We finally "meet" Chad and Patrick, the "stylish" couple who most recently owned the house. We learn a bit more about Charles Montgomery, the man who built this doomed house in the first place.

But for me, a good chunk of my love for the show stems from my love of the character Tate, and his secret, forbidden romance with Violet. They're so sweet! And he's so strange and dark and disturbingly charming. For anyone who has not yet seen the show, I don't want to reveal too much. I just hope that we find out more about Tate soon. I'm so curious to know his story!

Röyksopp

2011-11-02T23:16:00.000-04:00

I really, really love Scandinavian electronic music.

The above photo is of Svein Berge and Torbjorn Brundtland of the Norwegian electronic duo, Röyksopp.

It's where my love of Scandinavian electronic music really began, and took hold. I have so much love for these two that I don't really know what to write.

To begin, their music is technically crazy rich. Gorgeous. When they do have lyrics, they're usually sung by someone equally awesome, like Karin Andersson or Robyn (see posts below). I love so many different kinds of music, but often I find myself drawn to music that either sounds like it was generated by machines or sounds like it came straight from center of the earth, or something, like made from fire or a volcano. Highly artificial meets highly organic. Somehow, Röyksopp manages both for me. The music is emotional yet cool.

And to boot, they take wildly weird photos like the one above. They're so great!

Robyn + Body Talk

2011-11-02T22:49:00.004-04:00

I'm so into Robyn right now! I've liked her for years, but there's something extra special about her most recent album Body Talk. It's a perfect dance album, heavy on the synth, heavy on the dance beats. Robyn's voice sounds fantastic, and I really enjoy her lyrics about heartbreak, dancing, and fembots. Especially the fembots.

Like Karin Andersson (see posts below), Robyn is from Sweden and has collaborated with Norwegian electronic duo, Röyksopp (see post above). Their song "The Girl and the Robot" is so completely awesome! Great dance track.

Robyn recently headlined the O Music Awards in LA, and I caught a few of her performances online. She's got some pretty excellent dance moves, let me tell you.

Fever Ray

2011-11-02T22:38:00.002-04:00

I love this photo of Karin Dreijer Andersson of Fever Ray. Andersson is from Sweden, and Fever Ray is her solo project. She makes up one half of the duo The Knife (see post below). The other half of the duo is her brother, Olaf Dreijer. She's also collaborated on a number of songs with the Norwegian electronic duo, Röyksopp (see post above).

Fever Ray is known for obscuring her face in some way, either with props, her own hair, or elaborate makeup, like in this totally surreal acceptance speech at a Swedish awards show in 2010.

I love Fever Ray. I think she's super interesting and she takes risks.

The Knife

2011-11-02T22:22:00.001-04:00

Karen Dreijer Andersson and Olaf Dreijer of Swedish electronic duo, The Knife. Like Fever Ray (see above post), The Knife have a haunting quality to their songs. They also tend to wear masks and rarely appear for interviews or awards shows.

Happy Halloween From Fussy Gussy

2011-10-31T19:32:00.003-04:00

And from Buffy and Spike...??? ;)

This photo is from the classic, totally awesome episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer called "Something Blue". In the episode, Willow is super sad and casts a spell to have her will be done, but it goes terribly awry and Buffy and Spike end up engaged! (This is long before Buffy and Spike were actually involved, back in the days when they were basically enemies who sometimes helped one another for the greater good.)

Happy Halloween everybody!!!

Flaming Lips at the State Theater

2011-10-26T21:23:00.003-04:00

Monday, October 24th, what a night! After work, I hopped in my car armed with two new mixes, both chock full of Flaming Lips songs.

A couple of hours later I was in Portland, Maine at the State Theater watching Wayne Coyne rolling around (on top of) the audience in his magic human hamster ball. It was so awesome!

Having read about the Lips' live shows, I knew a bit of what to expect, but it was so much more theatrical, beautiful, and colorful than I could have imagined.

The show was wicked noisy, which I loved. They sounded fantastic. "See the Leaves", "Pompeii Am Gotterdammerung", and (what I'm fairly sure was) "Is David Bowie Dying??" were my faves. "Do You Realise??" was also amazing, of course. It closed the show. Someone fainted a few rows ahead of me. Very dramatic and confusing.

There were tons of oversized balloons, confetti, oversized balloons filled with confetti, green lasers, and plenty of fog/smoke (from fog/smoke machines, of course). Wayne Coyne was wearing his usual dress pants and button down shirt, as well as a very cozy looking fur-type neck warmer/stole. He was quite a joy to watch, let me tell you. Very funny. Charming. Sweet. He has a wizard-meets-circus-ring-master kind of vibe, with a smidge of Fraggle, and/or any member of The Electric Mayhem.

I adore the Muppets, so any comparison to Fraggles or Muppets is a huge compliment! I really, really love Muppets. They're charming and adorable! I think this vibe has a lot to do with his wildly curly hair, and general playfulness and energy.

I'm still buzzing from it. Can't wait to see them next time they're in my neck of the woods!

The above photo was taken by a friend of mine who was also at the show (we went together, and danced our hearts out!) It captures the balloons, confetti, and fog/smoke very well. Beautiful, and magical. Thanks for the pic!

Wayne Coyne + Exciting News

2011-10-19T21:55:00.002-04:00

Oh, how I love a man in a three piece suit! I came upon this photo of Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne earlier this week, and I love everything about it. The three piece suit is (obviously) a draw. The cluttered fridge. The where-have-you-been-all-my-life pink stove/oven that seems to have been plucked straight from the part of my brain that fantasizes daily about home decor.

And now, for the most exciting part of this post: I'm going to see The Flaming Lips next week!!! I'm so, so, so, so, so excited, I can't even stand it.

Conan O'Brien Can't Stop

2011-10-19T19:43:00.003-04:00

Conan O'Brien Can't Stop was so awesome! It was funny and smart (it is Conan O'Brien after all). It was also poignant, heartfelt, and quite sweet at times. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Conan O'Brien, or who enjoys "show biz" documentaries in general. There are also some great celebrity appearances: Jack White, Jack Black, Eddie Vedder, Jon Hamm, Jack McBrayer, Stephen Colbert...the list goes on and on. Check out the trailer ♥Here♥, and enjoy!

Thank Goodness For The Flaming Lips

2011-10-12T20:20:00.001-04:00

I can't seem to get enough of the The Flaming Lips lately. I don't know what switched on in my brain recently, but all of sudden I'm buying up Flaming Lips stuff like there's no tomorrow. I've always liked them and have been intrigued by their experimental, psychadelic, space rock, avant-garde sensibilities.

And I've always found Wayne Coyne's personal style very appealing. Love the neutral colored suits with vests, love the dress shirts. Love the hair.

I may never figure out why all of a sudden my long-standing intrigue has been replaced by full fledged love, but I'm really enjoying it. And it makes me happy. So, who cares why!?!

Moira + Moira

2011-10-12T19:50:00.001-04:00

The two Moiras from American Horror Story.

American Horror Story

2011-10-12T19:42:00.002-04:00

If you watch TV or go to the movies, or if you're a fan of horror movies and/or Ryan Murphy, you've more than likely been hearing about American Horror Story for months now. It all began with these very short "clues" that were aired on FX and were circulated all over the internet, like this one entitled "Lying Down". And then came the "Family Portrait" and finally, last Wednesday the show aired its pilot episode.

I basically loved it. The story is familiar: a family suffers some sort of tragedy or drama and relocates to a new town to start fresh, and/or said family purchases a house that would normally be way out their price range, but because of a previous tragedy in the house, the price is right. These elements alone draw me in. Enter an amazing all around cast, a beautiful spooky Victorian era house, and general creepiness, and you've got me hooked. The pilot episode was really, really good. And I can't wait to watch tonight's episode!

As far as the casting goes, here's the nut shell list:

Vivien (wife & mother): played by a new face for me, Connie Britton. She's hard for me to describe, but I really enjoy her character, and find her very relatable. I like her a lot.

Ben (husband & father): played by Dylan McDermott. Handsome and strong, but tender and pretty cool. He wears a snazzy, vintage looking Brixton hat and has a good sense of humor.

Violet (daughter): played by Taissa Farmiga, little sis to Vera Farmiga, a favorite of mine. Violet is adorable, edgy, and angsty, but not too angsty.

Tate (one of Ben's clients (?)...Ben's a therapist): played by Evan Peters (from the sadly short lived but awesome sci-fi series Invasion). I love this character! I can't wait to see what happens with him this season. He's messed up, disturbed, but charming and articulate.

Moira (the housekeeper, who comes with the house!): played by Frances Conroy (of Six Feet Under fame) and Alex Breckenridge (styled like a 1960s pinup girl in sexy maid costume). This character is seen as both a younger and older version of herself.

Constance (the nosy, fabulously glamourous, Southern neighbor): played to perfection by Jessica Lange. She's lived next door for a while, so she knows all kinds of secrets.

I'm sure I'll be writing more on this topic as the season progresses. Stay tuned!

Siobhan Magnus Scoops For the Cure

2011-10-05T21:59:00.002-04:00

Fussy Gussy's all time favorite American Idol contestant Siobhan Magnus helped out at 3 Scoops Cafe in Brighton, MA this past weekend scooping up ice cream to help raise money for Susan G. Komen for the cure. I find this so endearing. She's the best!

Click ♥Here♥ to read the full Boston Globe article.

In Celebration of Björk + Matthew Barney

2011-10-05T21:34:00.001-04:00

I love this photo from Matthew Barney's project Drawing Restraint 9. Barney is Björk's life partner and the father of her daughter, Isadora. Björk also has a son, Sindri, from a previous relationship.

I admire both Björk and Matthew Barney so much, the fact that they are a couple and have a family kind of blows my mind. It also makes me very happy.

I highly recommend the movie Matthew Barney: No Restraint which documents the making of Drawing Restraint 9 in a very interesting and oddly entertaining way.

In Celebration of Björk

2011-10-05T21:07:00.001-04:00

In celebration of Björk's soon to be released album, Biophilia...

Björk + Biophilia

2011-10-05T20:49:00.000-04:00

Björk has a new album coming out on October 11th. Yay!!! The album is called Biophilia and is supposed to be highly creative and ambitious, even for Björk, and that's saying something. For more information, visit Björk's website or stayed tuned. I'll most definitely be writing about it soon!

Wool & Water on Etsy

2011-10-05T18:07:00.004-04:00

Isn't this paper doll magical!?! It was made by one very talented lady, Amy Earles, who sells reproductions of her original paintings, paper dolls, and other art works in her Etsy shop, ♥Wool & Water♥. I love her work and hope that you enjoy it too!

This particular paper doll is called ♥Little Maple♥ and it's one of my personal favorites.

Black Swan Snow Globe on Etsy

2011-10-05T14:58:00.003-04:00

I love this Black Swan snow globe!!! As you may know from previous postings, I love the ballet Swan Lake, the movie Black Swan, as well as all things handmade. So when I happened upon this gem of a snow globe this afternoon (on Etsy, of course!), I knew that I simply had to write about it.

You can find more snow globes (and other adorable handmade goodies) at ♥The Tiny Tiara♥ on Etsy. Enjoy!

Helena Beat

2011-09-28T22:37:00.003-04:00

I watched the music video for the incredibly catchy Foster the People song "Helena Beat" yesterday, and I was entertained, inspired, creeped out, and disturbed. It's a great video. I don't want to tell you anything about it, because it's all about the element of surprise, I think. But it's a good one.

Rebecca on Etsy

2011-09-28T21:22:00.003-04:00

Yesterday as I was perusing Etsy, spending my precious morning hours gazing upon handmade delights of all kinds, I happened upon a Rebecca themed treasury and thought, "wow, kindred spirits!"

Thank you Ellie-Rose for curating such a splendid treasury!

Rebecca is possibly my favorite movie of all time and I tend to love virtually anything written by Daphne du Maurier (who wrote the novel of the same name that the movie is based on). What a treat to see so many lovely handmade and vintage items along such an equally lovely (and mysterious, and romantic!) theme.

The photo above by Elle Moss is featured in the afore mentioned treasury. Elle Moss' photos are haunting, surreal, and perfectly intriguing.

Any Human Heart

2011-09-17T22:21:00.004-04:00

As I write, I'm watching the BBC mini-series Any Human Heart for the third time. I love this mini-series, and not just because of Matthew Macfadyen, though he is quite a draw. In fact, I first watched it because of Tom Hollander, who plays the Duke of Windsor. Both he and Gillian Anderson (who plays his wife, Wallace Simpson) are splendid in their roles.

Matthew Macfadyen, Sam Claflin, and Jim Broadbent all play the main character, Logan Mountstuart, at different times in his life.

And Hayley Atwell plays the lovely, charming, funny Freya, wife and true love to Logan, mother to little Stella. She's a very refreshing actress, Hayley Atwell. And beautiful in an equally refreshing way.

I adore Any Human Heart. It's charming, funny, romantic, and bittersweet. And there is something very special and unique about the way in which the three actors portray the same man. It's difficult to put into words, honestly...

I suppose I'll close by saying this: Any Human Heart is without a doubt fantastic. Inspiring. And something of a must see.

Trent Reznor + Karen O = Something Amazing

2011-09-17T21:16:00.006-04:00

I saw the The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trailer last weekend, and I was blown away. It was one of the best and most exciting trailers I've seen in a long time. If not ever.

Like many out there (perhaps?) I was a little miffed by the idea of "Hollywood" remaking the original: a perfectly grim, gritty, atmospheric, well written, well acted Swedish movie based on the (also) Swedish book. But then David Fincher was on board. And Daniel Craig was cast, and Rooney Mara, followed by such favorites as Christopher Plummer and Stellan Skarsgard.

But it was not until I saw this trailer that I decided I definitely want to see this movie! The trailer is perfectly edited, fast paced, and completely intriguing. And the best part: throughout the entire trailer plays a thoroughly unexpected cover of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song", performed by none other than Trent Reznor and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs' front woman, Karen O. It's awesome. Totally awesome.

It even rivals Jack Black's van-driving-cassette-tape rendition in School of Rock. Awesome in a different way.

The Woman in Black

2011-08-30T15:16:00.005-04:00

I went to see the movie Don't Be Afraid of the Dark yesterday, and was so, so happy to see the trailer for the upcoming movie adaptation of Susan Hill's ghost-story-thriller-novel The Woman in Black which comes out in February of next year.

I've read The Woman in Black and if memory serves, it has great atmosphere, interesting characters, and a bit of a twist in the end. The novel was written in the early 1980s, and has been adapted for both the stage, and for the small screen as a made-for-tv movie.

The trailer opens with still type shots of creepy antique dolls (excellent start). There's a wonderful (and also very creepy) child's rhyme that's recited throughout the entire trailer. I love this stuff! And Daniel Radcliffe looks quite dashing in his late-1800s-early-1900s three piece wool ensembles, and longer hair and sideburns. Very effective.

And now, some plot background: the movie stars Mr. Radcliffe as Arthur Kipps, a young solitcitor who is summoned to a small coastal English town to settle the affairs of woman who has recently passed away. He stays at her home, Eel Marsh House, which is situation on Nine Lives Causeway, an atmospheric spot that is completely cut off from the town at high tide. He experiences some strange-goings-on at the house, and spots a woman dressed in black lingering around the property. Just my cup of tea.

Camelot

2011-08-29T02:38:00.001-04:00

Richard Harris and Vanessa Regrave, as seen in the movie-musical Camelot. I can definitely see the resemblance between Richard and his son (see my post below about the lovely Jared Harris), especially in the chin and jaw line.

Speaking of Jared Harris

2011-08-29T01:59:00.005-04:00

As a result of my feverish Mad Men-athon this past week, I did a little research on Jared Harris, the lovely British actor who portrays my favorite Mad Men character, Lane Pryce. As it turns out, he's Richard Harris' son! This is totally blowing my mind, while simultaneously making me very, very happy.

I've always really liked Jared Harris, though I've never had a specific reason why. I just enjoy watching him in movies and TV shows, I suppose. He's a great actor, he's got that perfect strawberry-reddish hair, and he looks fantastic with a beard.

And so, when I read that he's Richard Harris' son, it somehow all made more sense, or came together in some odd way. I adore Richard Harris, and he made quite an impact on my childhood. Camelot was a staple in my house, and A Tramp Shining was my father's favorite album.

As an adult, I also quite enjoy Harris in Orca, The Killer Whale. And A Tramp Shining is now one of my favorite albums. I especially love the songs "Paper Chase" and "Dancing Girl"...and "MacArthur Park", of course.

The other interesting tidbit is about Jared Harris' mother, Elizabeth Rees-Williams. She was married to Harris through the late 60s, and then married Rex Harrison. He's another one of my childhood favorites. The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is one of my all time faves, and who can forget My Fair Lady.

It's interesting, I think. And to get back to subject at hand, Jared Harris will be killing it (in a good way!) in the role of Professor Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, to be released in Decemeber of this year for the holiday season.

Mad Men

2011-08-29T01:10:00.003-04:00

I'm finally caught up on TVs favorite 1960s-revival-drama, Mad Men, and I have to say: I am finally in love with the show! The first three seasons were good, there's no doubt. But there's something very special about season four. Or a few very special somethings...

I love the shiny brilliance of the new agency, Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. The office looks great, and I like that they're the "scrappy upstart", as Peter put it so well.

I love that Peggy is basically second in command to Don, creative-wise. It's about time. She's such a clever one.

I love Lane Pryce. I've always really liked Jared Harris, the actor who portrays the awkward-yet-charming British accountant who is doing his best to keep things afloat. He makes me giggle, and I like his three piece ensembles and double breasted jackets.

And I most especially love the episode entitled "The Suitcase".

Wow. What a well written, perfectly executed piece of television. The episode is mostly Peggy and Don in the office alone, working on copy and brainstorming. It's Peggy's birthday, she has plans with her boyfriend, and at the last moment, just as she's on her way out the door, Don calls her into his office. She can't say no...she's doesn't want to say no, really.

They end up spending the night together in a very sweet, respectful, platonic way (which is a real rarity on the show!) They work, they go out for Greek food, then drinks, they engage in emotional and surprisingly personal conversation, and ultimately fall asleep on Don's office couch, exhausted from lots of work and drink. It's a great episode. Highly recommended!

All in all, I'm so glad that I watched season four, and I'm excited to see what happens next!

Natalie in Pink + Grey

2011-03-05T01:36:00.004-05:00

Love this photo of Natalie Portman and Vincent Cassel from Black Swan. This is just one example of the pink and grey wardrobe that I love so much (please see the things-that-I-love-about-black-swan list in the post below).

Black Swan, Red Eyes

2011-03-05T01:03:00.004-05:00

I've been meaning to write a little something about Black Swan for ages now. I've seen the movie twice, and yes, this means that I loved it. Instead of writing lengthy descriptions and meanderings on why I thought it was so wonderful (since you most likely have either seen it by now, or have heard enough about it to feel like you've seen it), I'm going to list a few key elements that work very well for me and leave it at that.

Here are some of things that I love about Black Swan:

1. Nina's day-to-day wardrobe. All that pink and grey, the shrugs, the tattered, worn out leg warmers. I love it all!

2. The horror. The anxiety. The angst. The all around relentless tension of the film.

3. Ballet. As a young girl I was pretty obsessed with ballet, and as I grew older my interest turned more to the aesthetics of ballet. The grace, and strength, and beauty of it all. And movies about ballet. The Red Shoes and Suspiria are two of my all time favorites.

4. Doppelgangers. They're creepy, no?

5. Vincent Cassel.

6. Natalie Portman. I've always been neutral-ish about Natalie. I absolutely loved her in this role. Her vulnerability and obsessive nature. And the transformation into the the black swan was remarkable.

7. Which brings me to my last note: Nina's transformation into the black swan. I adore the red eyes. The black feathers slowly making their way to the surface. Great details. And so creepy.

And that's that! Enjoy.

Bored to Death, Loving It

2011-03-05T00:20:00.001-05:00

I am loving the HBO series Bored to Death. It's funny, sharp, great looking, and well acted. Jason Schwartzman is perfect as Jonathan Ames, a struggling Brooklyn writer who moonlights as an unlicensed private detective. He's perfect. Impeccably, yet subtly dressed. His inflections are spot on. And he's adorable!

Zach Galifianakis is hilarious as the best friend-come-reluctant-sidekick who gets pushed around by his girlfriend and likes to eat ice cream sandwiches. He's also a very talented comic book artist. And lastly (though not least-ly), there's Ted Danson as Jonathan's boss. Perfect in a suit. It's great to watch him in this after watching seven seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm this Winter. He's so good in both. And let's not forget Cheers.

Easy A + Emma Stone

2011-02-18T13:19:00.002-05:00

Emma Stone. Wow. What a super talented, beautiful, funny person.

Easy A is a good movie that effectively showcases Emma Stone's charm, quick whit, and all around star appeal. It also happens to showcase some clever writing, especially for those characters played by Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci, both stalwart favorites of mine. They were odd, lovely, and hilarious.

As a side note on Stanley Tucci: I helped him shop for a baby gift (at the time, I worked for a French children's clothing boutique on Madison Avenue). He was possibly the most charming man I've ever met.

All That Heaven Allows

2011-02-01T23:51:00.006-05:00

I'm back from my Wintertime hibernation, although Winter is in full force her in New England. The snow is crazy!!! We've had something like 7 or 8 feet fall, and then the snow is plowed and piled up into these giant snow mounds. Lucky for me, I like snow.

Which brings me to the photo above and the title of this posting...the beautiful and heart wrenching technicolor classic, All That Heaven Allows. It tells the story of recently widowed Cary (played by Jane Wyman) who falls in love with the local landscaper, tree farmer, wood worker, and all around free spirit, Ron (played by Rock Hudson). Now keep in mind, this is the mid-late 50s. Keeping up with the Joneses is all that seems to matter to most everyone in this story. Everyone, except for Cary and Ron (and a few open minded close friends).

A wealthy widow and mother of two grown children falling in love with a free spirited tree farmer-come-wood worker!?! Enter: wealthy, judgemental, gossipy society and you've got one killer melodrama. And this is about 30% of why I love this movie. The other 70% goes to Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson who were perfect in their roles, and (of course) to the art direction. Lush, gorgeous landscapes and interiors, some Christmas decor during the holidays, and plenty of snow.

I've watched it a few times now, and plan on watching it again soon. I think I'll make it a Wintertime tradition!

Vincent Price Never Looked So Good

2010-11-27T21:35:00.005-05:00

I''ve just finished watching the movie Dragonwyck, and I simply cannot get over how handsome, charismatic, and darkly charming Vincent Price was in the starring role of Nicholas Van Ryn. He is also very tall, 6 foot 4 inches. And slender. Dressed in the gentleman's attire of the mid-1800s, Price was striking and exceedingly well cast. I've now added House of Wax and House of Usher to my library list, and can't wait to watch both!

I read the gothic novel (of the same name, by Anya Seton) a few years ago, and quite enjoyed it. I recommend both the movie and novel to anyone who loves a good gothic romance. And I further recommend the movie to anyone who is intrigued by the idea of a dapper, strangely seductive Vincent Price.

Happy Holidays from Fussy Gussy

2010-11-24T23:10:00.003-05:00

The Social Network

2010-10-22T00:55:00.005-04:00

Let me start by saying that I am not on Facebook. I know that this puts me in the minority, and I'm okay with that.

For months now, I've been awaiting the opening of the movie The Social Network. Despite my not actually being on Facebook, I found the subject matter very interesting. Entrepreneurs. Harvard. Hackers. A story of our time, and so on. I also heard a couple of interviews on NPR before the movie was released, and these sealed the deal.

The movie stars Jesse Eisenberg as the co-founder and now CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Garfield as his business partner and best friend, Eduardo Saverin, and Justin Timberlake as Sean Parker, the charismatic founder of Napster and all around influential guy. I also have to mention Armie Hammer, who plays the very tall, sparkly eyed Winklevoss twins.

How can I accurately express my love for this movie? Not only was it completely entertaining, smart, very funny, and well written, but it also looked fantastic, the music was awesome, and every actor did an incredible job. What more can I say? Best movie of 2010 (thus far)? For me, a definite yes.

Check out the equally compelling trailer for The Social Network that features a beautiful choral version of the Radiohead song "Creep".

Beautiful Work on Etsy

2010-10-22T00:02:00.002-04:00

Browsing Etsy this evening, I came upon this divinely beautiful portrait by ♥Candace Jean♥. It's titled "Two Turtle Doves", and sort of has me under a spell. I can't stop looking at it. I hope that you enjoy it as well!

Thank Goodness For Sesame Street

2010-10-21T22:17:00.004-04:00

As some of you may know, I am a huge fan of the Muppets. I loved them when I was a kid, and I love them now.

As some of you may also know, I love spoofs of vampire TV shows and/or movies, especially involving Muppets or puppets of any sort. In this case, the HBO series True Blood.

And so, when I came across this Sesame Street spoof called True Mud, I HAD to give it look. It's HILARIOUS. How could it not be!?! Check it out ♥Here♥ and enjoy!