Friday, December 28, 2018

The Nightmare After Christmas



Hey, readers.  Hope you're all doing well this holiday season.  I'm doing pretty good.  Got spoiled with a lot of The Nightmare Before Christmas stuff this year.  Can't complain about that. XD

Time to take a close-up look at these goodies.  Starting with the Sally doll.


Wasn't able to get Jack.  So, until he can be obtained, Lord Vader will be keeping Sally company.


Next, are these earring sets, a bottle of black nail polish and a pack of glue-on nails.  I'm not really into glue-on nails.  So, I'll have to find a different use for them.


My favorite out of the bunch was this Zero sweater.


In non-The Nightmare Before Christmas gift news, I got a pair of dress boots.  Now, I can stop relying on my winter boots for those occasions when I decide to dress-up.


Lastly, is this Pan's Labyrinth DVD.


If you enjoy reading my blog and want to show some love, consider donating to my ko-fi page.  The link can be found in the header under "SUPPORT".  Til next time.

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Sarcasm and Jewelry

Hey, readers.  It's been a bit busy over here.  Did some Christmas shopping, wrapped some gifts and worked on my podcast with a couple of friends.  During my shopping excursion, I swung by the craft store and got this pack of assorted chains.


Since my cousin is into owl jewelry, I decided to make her an owl charm bracelet.



While I was still in a jewelry making mood, I went ahead and made myself a necklace with the other silver chain and the last of my key charms.


On the podcast front, it's slowly coming along.  Did a recording last night.  For some reason, the the program that I use to record the podcast keeps cutting itself off while my friends and I are talking.  Luckily, it decided to cut off closer to the end of the podcast instead of right in the middle of it like last time.  Need to figure out why it keeps doing that before the next recording session.

If you're interested in checking out my podcast, you can listen to it on soundcloud.  Once I work out all the kinks, I'll start uploading episodes to youtube.  If you enjoy reading my blog and want to show some love, consider donating to my ko-fi page.  The link can be found in the header under "SUPPORT".  Til next time.

Friday, November 30, 2018

Podcast Update and Prezzies


Hey, readers.  Still working on getting my podcast together.  Got myself a couple of co-hosts and some ideas for topics that we might talk about in potential future episodes.  We tried doing a test run a few weeks ago.  But when I went to playback what was recorded, there was no sound.

This resulted in the test run being a bust.  I figured out what went wrong and fixed the audio problem.  It should be smooth sailing for the next test.  I also celebrated my birthday this month.  My mother cooked a special dinner, my cousin took me to the movies and I got some cool gifts.

First, we have this spooky, glittery tree.



The best part about it is that it lights up.



Well, looks like Jack now has some company.



Speaking of Jack, I also got this Jack Skellington travel mug.



For the piece de resistance, Beetlejuice.  Now, I own the movie and the animated series.



And so ends this blog post.  If you enjoy reading my blog and want to show some love, consider donating to my ko-fi page.  The link can be found in the header under "SUPPORT".  Til next time.

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Aji's Birthday Mix '18

Hey, readers.  My birthday has arrived once again.  You know what that means?  Another playlist.  Yay!

Hope you like this one as much as my last one.  Also, if you enjoy reading my blog and want to show some love, consider donating to my ko-fi page.  The link can be found in the header under "SUPPORT".  Til next time.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Netflix and Chills

Happy Halloween!  Hope your night will be filled with treats and spooks.  As for me, I'll be spending my night watching the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina on netflix.  I watched the first 2 episodes over the weekend.  Even though the message of female empowerment seemed heavy-handed in some scenes, the series is pretty good so far.

Here's a little diddy to get you in the Halloween spirit.  Til next time.


Tuesday, October 16, 2018

The Misadventures of Missi & Duke

Hey, readers.  If you don't know already, I'm a proud member of the Voltaire Signal Corps on facebook.  The purpose of this group is to spread the word about The Captain himself, Aurelio Voltaire.  Everything from his music to web series updates.  One day, someone in the group posted a video of a fan animation using one of Voltaire's songs.

The animation was the work of Daria Cohen and is part of an ongoing series called The Vampair Series.  So far, only parts 1-3 have been released.  Parts 1 and 2 featured songs by Aurelio Voltaire and part 3 featured a song by Lily Allen.  I liked what I saw and can't wait to see more from this series.  Besides youtube, you can also follow Daria Cohen on her other social media pages here, herehere and here.

For your spooky viewing pleasure, here's parts 1-3 of the Vampair Series.  Til next time.





Saturday, October 6, 2018

A Penny for Your Jewelry Thoughts

Hey, readers.  Happy Gothtober.  Got another Etsy find that I wanted to share with you.  The name of the shop is PennysLane.  It specializes in selling handmade beads, sugar skull jewelry and more.

If you haven't realized by now, I love sugar skulls.  So, whenever I see something related to that, I'm immediately drawn to it.  If sugar skulls aren't your thing, don't worry, the shop has plenty of non-sugar skull related items as well.  Here are some examples of what you'll find at PennysLane.






The items in this shop look amazing.  Definitely a must to check out.  Til next time.



Note: I did not take any of the pictures shown in this blog post.  All images are from PennysLane.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

Bandcamp Bandwagon

Hey, readers.  Finally signed up for bandcamp.  Now, I can follow the artists that I like on there instead of bookmarking their pages.  Don't know why I didn't think to sign up sooner.  Anyway, I wanted to talk about a couple of bands that I recently started following.

The first one is October Burns Black.  A gothic rock band consisting of artists from other bands in the scene.  They described the tracks on their debut album, fault line, as a nod to the past with a distinctly forward looking orientation.  The band draws influences from death, living and dreams.  The other band that I want to talk about is Astari Nite.

Astari Nite hails from Miami, Florida.  Their sound is a mix of post-punk and new-wave.  Through their semi-cinematic productions, they explore the themes of magic, melancholy, love and submission.  These bands are worth scoping out.  So, I highly suggest you do so.

I caught wind of October Burns Black and Astari Nite from the youtuber, Skullgirdle.  You can check out her channels here and here.  Til next time.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Creeping from the Shadows

Hey, readers.  Couldn't really think of anything to blog about and didn't really feel like blogging at all.  So, I went silent for all of August.  Was mostly active on facebook, twitter and instagram.  If you don't already follow me on those platforms, I suggest doing so.

August wasn't a total bust.  Toward the end of the month, I went to a craft meet-up.  The people I met were nice and I got a lot of compliments on the jewelry that I made.  A good time was had and I'm looking forward to attending more in the future.  Here are some of the pieces that I made at the meet-up.




I gave the winged heart earrings and necklace to my niece.  I kept the other pair of earrings for myself.  On to other news.  Since my mother had birthday this month, I decided to make a matching charm bracelet that goes with the charm anklet that I made for her last year.  Luckily, I had enough chain left over.



I also made her a pair of earrings.


Sorry for the month of radio silence.  I always say that I'm going to try to blog more.  But that keeps falling through.  Definitely need to work on that.  Til next time.

Saturday, July 21, 2018

Halloween Hunt


Hey, readers.  Popping in to recommend a facebook page to check out.  It's called Hill House.  The page is run by Sarah Hill.  She's a collector of Halloween stuff and does reviews of items that she finds at stores and online.

So, if you're looking for spooky home decor, I suggest giving Hill House a follow.  Til next time.

Friday, June 29, 2018

Bitch, Where You Been?

Hey, readers.  Sorry yet again for another long absence.  I've just been spending the month brainstorming topic ideas for the podcast that I want to do.  It's most likely going to focus on stuff that's going on in the entertainment world.  Doesn't sound very goth does it?

What can I say?  Ranting about movies and movie news is just one of the other things that I like to do.  Not gonna dive into a full blown podcast just yet.  Gonna start small with chats on discord.  Once I get a flow going, that's when I'll move to podcasting.

Don't worry.  I'll still post about goth-related stuff and other spooky happenings.  That's something that I'm not planning on giving up on anytime soon.  Til next time. 

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Doctors and Brainstorming

Hey, readers.  Spent the last few weeks being poked by doctors.  Good news, I'm fine.  Other good news, I got some new glasses.  I've also been getting out a little more.

In a previous post, I mentioned that I wanted to open an online shop and sell my handmade jewelry.  Due to lacking the funds and supplies, that plan's being put on hold.  Maybe something I revisit in the future.  Lately, there's been another idea that I've been toying with.  

Thinking about starting a podcast.  Nothing's been set in stone.  Still need to figure out what the podcast would be about and who I would get as guests.  Got some serious brainstorming to do on that.  Til next time.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

In Not So Bright Day, In Blackest Night



Hey, readers.  Happy World Goth Day!  I celebrated the day with a trip to the eye doctor. XD  Yep, pretty boring.  Hoping the rest of you out there have found better ways to celebrate the occasion.

Til next time.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Coraline Vibes

Hey, readers.  Wanted to share with you another one of my Etsy discoveries.  The shop is called Gothic Moppets.  The owner specializes in creating decorative/collectible cloth dolls that are inspired by the Gothic, fantasy and fairy tales.  When I saw these dolls, I immediately thought of Coraline.

Here are some examples of what the shop has available.




Eeeeeeee, so cute!  If you want one of these dolls for yourself, swing by Gothic Moppets and buy away.  Til next time.



Note: I did not take any of the pictures shown in this blog post.  All images are from Gothic Moppets.

Another Note: It hasn't been confirmed if whether or not these dolls will spy on your lives and report back to a creepy lady with buttons for eyes, resulting in her trying to lure you back to her world.  You've been warned.



Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Digging Myself Out

Hey, readers.  As some of you may already know, I haven't been feeling like myself lately.  My anxiety and depression decided to double down and hit me like an oncoming car.  I felt like my life didn't have any meaning.  But I'm trying to change that.

Decided that I'm going to get back into studying video production/film making.  Like I said in a previous post, I haven't taken a class related to this subject since I was 18.  Before everything went digital.  So, I'll be starting from scratch.

Another thing that I want to do is open an online shop, where I can sell my handmade jewelry.  For that to happen, I need money for jewelry supplies, packaging and other stuff.  If you want to help me reach that goal, click on the link to my Ko-fi page that's located in the header and buy me a cup of coffee.  Sharing the link also helps.

Here's hoping it all works out.  Til next time.



Saturday, April 7, 2018

Whitby Goth Weekend 2018: Everything You Need to Know

Hey, readers.  I was contacted by Jawbreaker Clothing, asking if I would share their infographic about Whitby Goth Weekend.  Since I like supporting things that pertain to goth, I agreed.  So, if you're planning to attend or thinking about attending WGW, check out what's in store below.  Til next time.


To zoom in on the image, click here.

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Figuring Shit Out

Hey, readers.  I know I haven't been blogging much as of late.  Sorry about that.  I've just been in another one of my funks.  Really haven't felt like doing anything.

Been spending the last few weeks wondering what to do next.  I feel like I'm not living up to my potential.  I've wanted to get into video production and film-making.  But I haven't been behind a piece of video editing equipment since I was 18.  Before everything went digital.

Now that I have a good camera to shoot videos with (By camera I mean an ipod touch.  But whatever.  It's better than nothing.), I can start experimenting with making videos.  But  what do I film?  Therein lies the problem.  Honestly, I'm boring as fuck.  So, it wouldn't make sense to film myself.

My brain is a jumbled mess.  Plus, I'm anxious.  Those 2 things don't really help with the brainstorming process.  What if what I come up with is stupid or not good enough?  What if nobody likes it?  

What if I'm a complete failure?  Why the fuck am I wasting space?  Being me is sad and tiring.  Don't be a me.  Later.





Sunday, March 11, 2018

Having One of Those Days


Hey, readers.  Going through a bit of a thing at the moment.  Don't know how much I'm going to post this month.  Just thought I'd let you know.  Later.

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Yesterday's Skulls

Hey, readers.  Told myself that I was going to put out more than 2 blog posts this month.  Guess that's not happening since the month's almost over.  Anyway, just wanted to leave a couple of recommendations for y'all to check out.

First up, is a webcomic called After Yesterday by Jaime Lalor Illustration.  It's described by the creator as a love story that's not a love story.  A story about music that's also not about music.  Margo has to decide what she wants or continue to just float through life.  Floating through life.  That sounds familiar. XP

Next on the recommendation list is a music artist called Mystery Skulls.  I found out about him through one of my friends.  His sound is a mix of electronica and neo soul.  If you like either of these music genres, then Mystery Skulls is for you.  Below is a video for one of his songs called Endlessly.

And we have reached the end of the post.  If I'm lucky, I might squeeze in a third post before February's end.  If not, see ya next month.

      

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Jewelry for Spookies and Cuties

Hey, readers.  I come to you bearing gifts.  Okay, not really.  Actually, I come to you bearing info about an online shop that I've been following.  It's called Darkling Beloved.

This shop is a one person operation that sells jewelry and other accessories of the spooky and cute variety.  Below, are some images of what the shop has to offer.










If you like what you see, head on over to Darkling Beloved and get your online shopping on.  Or, if you're broke, just stare at all the pretty accessories til your heart's content.  Don't forget to use the coupon code SPOOKY10 for 10% off.  Til next time.



Note: I did not take any of the pictures shown in this blog post.  All images are from the Darkling Beloved website.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Covering Tracks

Hey, readers.  Wanted to share with you a band that I just became aware of called Death in Rome.  They're a neofolk band that does covers of popular pop songs.  I found out about them while listening to The Gothquisition 3 on the Cemetery Confessions podcast.  Their cover of Barbie Girl was amazing.

Below are videos for the Barbie Girl cover and a cover they did of Pump Up The Jam.  I recommend checking them out.  Til next time.

  

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Oh Yeah!

Hey, readers.  Today marks the 4th anniversary of Cafe LaStrange.  My blog is another year older.  Guess it's time to start checking out preschools. XD 

Last week, I created a Ko-Fi account.  Ko-Fi is a site where content creators can receive small donations from their fans.  Each donation is equal to the price of a cup of coffee.  So, if you're feeling generous, head on over to my Ko-Fi page and buy me a cup of coffee.  Link can be found in the header.

Let's give it up for 4 years of awesomesauceness!  Til next time.


Monday, January 8, 2018

Christmas Gift Haul 2017

Hey, readers.  Happy 2018.  Figured I kick off the new year by showing pics of some of the gifts that I got for Christmas.  First up, is this top.  It's simple and versatile. 


It also came with a cute choker.  Bonus.


Another article of clothing that I got was this sweater.


My favorite part of it were the skulls, keys, hearts and flowers on the sleeves.  Not crazy about the scorpions and snakes though.  But I can deal with it  The good outweighed the bad with this sweater.


In the accessories department, I got a couple pairs of hoop earrings.  You can never have too many hoop earrings.  Never!


What's better than necklaces and chokers?  Star Wars themed necklaces and chokers.


After I removed the choker and necklace from the packaging, I noticed that there was a Darth Vader necklace hidden behind it.


Moving on to DVDs, I got the complete series of Chobits and the animated Beetlejuice.



As a surprise, my mother presented me with art that was made out of one of my reusable sugar skull shopping bags.  A bag that she claimed she lost.  My mother is a sneaky lady.


Lastly, I got a copy of Midnight, Me and Bob Macabre.  So far, I'm halfway through the book.  Things are about to get very interesting.


That's it.  You made it til the end.  Thanks for reading.  Til next time.