Thought Of The Day

Although its not starting over, its turning the page. Sometimes even the beginning of a new chapter. Leave what's needs to be, left on the previous page & prepare for whats next to come because the story has just begun!

Ms. K"L"

Thought Of The Day

We can't expect people to do things for us, taking from them on a consistant basis w/o giving anything back in return. Making the mistake of believing kindness is weakness is an age old remedy for Karma. Do unto others as they do unto you.

Ms. K"L"

SLAM BACK TUESDAY

Just my Baby verse......

You kno the type that holds you down
Any time that you frown, she can make you smile
Have u going crazy like Cee Low and Danger Mouse
Have ya niggas saying, damn that's the only chick that comes outta ya mouth
Well I'm like Busta, I love my chick
And after I'm finish she be like "I loves my stick"
We ain't even together but I love this shit
We got big shit popping get on our tip
Mature enough to know its no need for a relationship
Just friends, part timing, with benifits
Few arguements, no fight and shit
Cause when it gets to hot we stay out of hell's kitchen
And did I say never get put on suspention and never serving detention
Friends first, any problems when solve them on the daily
Yea, now that's just my baby...................                                                 

-Johnny Fantaztic

KL's SLAM BACK!!!

I say I use to love him, Common said he use to love her.
Flashbacks of my heart damn near attacked on the fast track, had me believing that I could never love another.
I've always been a sucka for sweet shit like lyrics, pretend to be a hard bitch but either way you look at it, I'm just a hard ass lover undercover.
Re-fuckin-lax
Because I'm woman.
Put my mind at ease,
Sit back Keish, kick off your shoes and relax your feet, party on down to a Fantastic beat.
Right now
We just kickin it,
A little mind escaping long distance friendship, common love for a penship. Conversations endless.
Loathing.
Right now
I wasn't looking for the company
He found me in a game of hide and seek
Peek-a-boo boosky, one hand over my eyes and the other out wide waiting cuz he never ceases to surprise me.
Even when he's mad at me, he's still digging me.
Chitown pimptress I try to be, magic carpet riding through dudes fantasties flip side realities.
Yet... He still feels me?
Just a friend, part timing huh?
Right now
I say after I love him I'd never again love them, Common said he use to love her
Friends turned benefits, turned "I think I could love her."
So I turned to him...

-KL

FOLLOW Johnny's journey on twitter @johnnnyfantaztic.

Thought Of The Day

Every doubt in your mind is linked to your abilities & simultaneously works to add a brick to the wall that YOU'RE building around them. The only limitations in life are the ones you create. Break down the barriers.

Ms. K"L"

Monday Night Slam

Welcome to my Monday Night Slam. I wrote this first one a while ago. But I thought about the person earlier today and thought I would share it with you. Remember everyone's inspiration! Enjoy.

WHERE'S THE PROGRESS? (4/25/09)

Where’s the progress? He claimed that she was replacin’ him with loneliness which made him no longer interested. How could I be ok with this? Hold on to their relationship, so when he completely let go, I’d be there to be the replacement chick. Ok, this is more than inconsiderate. Ok, how could you be ok with this? Life IS about choices, but even so, now you lie in 2 voices. I lie in a bed once visited by a him that pretended he was divorcin’ her. Now I’m fendin’ for my emotions. Once open to lyrical potions and conversation loathing, your phone could buzz and her text messages went unnoticed. You were open, like how I was hopin’ for more than neck blowin’ by candlelight, but that went unnoticed. Where’s the progress in numb motions? I regained my focus like she who was your token did. Rustier than that that is potent and less golden than sunshine. Ha Sunshine is always golden. As my phone went a buzzin’, his text messages go unnoticed. I see his name and delete them. Hmmmmmm... I released him. I bet that one was noticed.m

Thought Of The Moment

"Well I'm having the squeems, while the silliest things floppin around in my brain, and I try not to dream but them possible schemes swim around, wanna drown me in sync, and I don't know how to slow it down. My minds racing from chasing pirates." -Norah Jones, 'Chasing Pirates' (from her new album 'The Fall')

Ms.K"L" [Stamp] Approved Holiday Gift

Here are 10 great gift ideas all under $20!

$20 Gift card from Urban Outfitters can get this.... http://www.urbanoutfitters.com


The Beatles 'Abbey Road' LP- $18.98


DIY Anni Albers Strainer and Paper Clips Jewelry Kit- $14.00


Candy Bud Headphones- $10.00


Unisex Poly-Cotton Sheri Barclay Top 10 Logo Tee- $15.00, American Apparel, http://www.americanapparel.net


Nyttja Frame- $7.99, IKEA, http://www.ikea.com


1 Year (10 Issues) subscription to Dwell Magazine- $19.95, http://www.dwell.com


Norah Jones "The Fall"- $15.00, http://www.Norahjones.com (by the way, "Chasing Pirates" is my favorite song)


2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees/Guitar Inductee Tee- $18.99, http://www.rockhall.com


Live Love and Music Mouse Pad, $7.99, http://www.rockhall.com


1 Year (26 Issues) subscription to Rolling Stones Magazine- $19.95, http://www.rollingstones.com

Space Open At The Merchandise Mart (via ASID IL Chapter)

READY to occupy individual suite identity is available in smaller locations on a newly expanded Design Center floor of luxury showrooms. These locations are able to accommodate firms of 1 to 2 people.

DESIGNER Lounge: exclusively for design professionals. The new members lounge makes shopping easier and more convenient providing the perfect office-away-from-the-office. Access to members lounge requires registration and key pass entry.

THE Library: plays host to hundreds of events throughout the year. It is available for use by showrooms, industry partners, Mart events and outside organizations.

DESIGNER Sample Sale Room: Year round resource for trade offering retail-like immediate gratification for trade professionals that you can take off the floor.

BE a member of the World’s First, Largest Design Center that provides all of your needs at your fingertips.

******************IDEAL FOR DESIGNERS AND ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS************************

Please contact:
Kristin Peterson Director –Leasing
Residential Furnishings
Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. Design Center
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 470
Chicago, IL 60654
P: 312-527-7961
E: kpeterson@mmart.com

Thought Of The Moment: What More Can I Say

"I know I'm not the only one who feels like their quality of life should be better than what it is. It deserves to be better. But what more can I say? There are things present that I must take care of first in order to live out the life that I want. Its all apart of the story right? Right... I have to keep telling myself that. In the meantime, I write to release fumes, and to fill voids... Story of my life." -L.A. The Writer

Corinne Bailey Rae Update

Last Friday Corinne visited 1Xtra to record a Live Lounge Session. Listen to the very first play of new album track 'Closer' along with a jaw-dropping rendition of 'Like A Star' and a rather special cover of Jimi Hendrix's 'Little Wing'.

*Around the 2:09:00 mark start listening
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00nk1th/Max_Corinne_Bailey_Rae_Live_Lounge/

(information courtesy of www.corinnebaileyrae.net)

Tripe Threat Designers

I'VE always been a fan of the "Triple Threat" Designers... the fashion label, the something else (author, t.v. star, musician, etc.), and the home accessories/interiors line. Two of my favorite fashion designers have already conquered two out of the three. But I would love for them to enter the realm of interiors.

BETSEY Johnson (fashion designer/author) and Gwen Stefani (fashion designer/singer) have found a ridiculous amount of success in there separate careers and I do believe the next move for each is home accessories. This would leave Ikea, Urban Outfitters, and DWR pinching pennies, as I believe that these would be the more affordable comparisons to Betsey's and Gwen's lines.

HEART shaped pink and leopard chairs, strawberry shaped pillowcases, and harajuku inspired lamp shades... I can see it now! It is only a matter of time before these two become Triple Threat Designers.

For The Runway: Amerie- Love &War

AFTER taking some time off, Amerie is definitely back. The edge in her appearance is a reflection of her new album. It starts while getting dressed for the opening of New York Fashion Week, blasting through the speakers on the way to Fashion Week's opening show, and finds its way under the tents of Bryant Park... Let's see...Charolette Ronson, Christian Siriano, or Zac Posen. And even finds spins inside of the star studded after parties... and some intoxicated socialite may bring it to the bedroom at the after party's after party... there's a few of those on here :-).

Some of my favorites are "Red Eye", "Flowers", "Higher", "Different People" (sounds like @vmock_manbeast could have killed this beat. Follow him on twitter), "Dangerous" and of course "Pretty Brown" feat. Trey Songz, a spin off of the Mint Conditions 1990s hit.

I'M sure we can expect television exposure on Gossip Girl, The City and The Hills. Definitely an album for the runway!

Album "In Love & War" in stores Nov. 3rd

http://www.imeem.com/ameriemusic/playlist/ML3jlC1c/in-love-war-music-playlist/

Thoughts Of The Moment

"As crazy as it may sound, who would have thought being broke could be so inspiring. You go through such a world wind with the writer's block, lack of creative muses, doubt, fear, and even the thought at times that you may be going crazy... But then at a snap of a finger it all comes back to you that you wouldn't be happier doing anything else. I'm a struggling artist and this is the most exciting struggle of my life!" - L.A. The Writer

November in Chicago

Here's a few things that are coming up in Chicago for November. With school and work let's see how many that I will be able to attend... More to come!

Actions: What You Can Do With the City
"99 ways to improve contemporary cites"
Where: Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts, 4 West Burton Place
October 16th –March 13th

Architecture & Design as a Catalyst for Change
"The conference is for architects and design professionals, interested in educating the general public about architecture and design.
Where: Chicago Architecture Foundation, in the heart of downtown Chicago.
November 5th –7th

SOFA(Sculpture Objects & Functional Art Fair) CHICAGO 2009
Celebrating its 16th year, returns to Navy Pier's Festival Hall to present masterworks from top international galleries and dealers.
Where: Navy Pier
November 6th - 8th

Sax Appeal- brought to you by: Columbia Urban Music Association (CUMA)
"Jazz and Spoken Word artists"
Where: 1104 S. Wabash, Columbia College Chicago; COME OUT AND SUPPORT A GREAT ORGANIZATION :-)
November 13th

Konstantin Grcic: Decisive Design
"1st Americans to explore the work of German Designer Konstanin Grcic. A designer of desks, chairs, benches, stools, a range of kitchen equipment, and lamps."
Where: The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Avenue
November 20th – January 24th

Randolph Street Market presents Modern Vintage Holiday Market
"The best in vintage shopping; art, fashion, antiques and more"
Where: Randolph Street
November 21th - 22nd

Bringing More To The 2nd City That Never Sleeps

THE United States of America although in a reccession, is still a consumers market. We as Americas will spend our last dime on our desires; hints credit card debt, foreclosure, and repossession... but that is getting a bit off topic. This is a prime reason as to why high end retailers housing fashion designer collections, interiors showrooms, and other industries come the states with the certainty of prosperity.

THE most desired cities are much like the "Kitchen Triangle" to designers and architects, being the placement of the sink, stove and refrigerator in relation to the secondary parts of the kitchen; but in modern day, the island is almost the most essential part. These cities are New York City, Los Angeles and Miami. It is even evident through the media that the rest of the country is aware of the big money that these cities have, whether it be a celebrity, politician or a self made millionaire through varies ventures. But as I've become aware of in the past 2 years, Chicago is considerably one of those major players. There are all the major sports teams, music industry artists, actors/actress'... and duh, Oprah Winfrey.

SO this led me to the question of: why is the city of Chicago still being over looked? After talking with my girl(follow her on twitter, and follow her blogspot PowerBitch), we confronted the issue of the demographics and in that sense were led to the Kardashian sister's store "DASH" which has locations in both LA and Miami, as an example. This I could understand but I do believe that the same type of clothing can be found in boutiques around the city of Chicago, and with there television exposure, they would be equally successful in Chicago's market.

ONE of my favorite brands for both interiors and clothing, Missoni (an accessory, apparel and home decor brand) has only one store in the United States which is, well you guessed it, in New York City. If you could compare two city such as LA and Miami have been compared, then Chicago would be New York's twin; fast past, "hipsters", old money, new money, and there's no upper eastside but the equivalent would be the north end of Michigan Avenue. These are every thing a high end international and/or home based retailer needs to exceed predicted sales.

ONE day the city of Chicago will have a fashion week as big and New York, Paris, and Milan. The industry is just clueless of how much money can be made here. Get a clue!

The 1st African American Interior Designer

Before Lauren Lake, before the contestants of HGTV's Design Star, there was Cecil Hayes. Cecil Hayes, a Florida Native like myself, was born in Malone, FL and is a graduate of FAMU with a B.A. in Arts Education. In 1975 Hayes became the 1st African-American interior designer to be recognized worldwide. Some of her achievements are being listed in the top 100 interior designers worldwide by Architectural Digest, and named the Visionary in Design Awards from the Americas, a NAACP Hall of Fame Award. Hayes has done design work for such celebrities as Samuel L. Jackson, Timbaland, and Ty Law just to name a few.

It's to be said that Cecil always saw herself "being somebody",and a very ambitious woman. And as have I, I see Cecil as being a prime example of anything being possible. I remember sitting at my computer in Florida months before moving to Chicago and googling "The 1st black interior designer" not expecting anything worth reading to come up... I sat there reading each and every link, and on those web pages, reading each and every one of those links. she was the epitome of what I wanted for my design career. I believe in signs... Since I can't be the first African-American interior design, I can only be greater.

Tracklist Thursday

AFTER being in the news recently for receiving a year sentence steaming from previous charges, Lil Wayne is keeping the buzz around him by dropping a mixtape. Titled No Ceilings, Wayne flows over some of 2009's hottest beats such as Jay-Z's "D.o.A.", Fabulous' "Throw It In The Bag Remix", and Mario's "Break Up" with a feature by Texas native Gudda Gudda. You didn't here if from me... well maybe you did, but my personal favorite is "I Think I Love Her" feat. Tyga and Shanell.

SINCE her sit down with the U.K.'s Observer, Corinne Bailey Rae is set to have a few shows in the States in December to prepare for the release of her new album The Sea, available February 2, 2010. All proceeds are set to benefit the charity Pump Aid.

"There is something miraculous that pushes you along, makes you keep
going, makes you carry on. It's really about the mystery of that. In
fact, the whole album is about that in a way; it's about loss but
it's also about hope, about keeping going and trying to find that
beauty"
- Corinne Bailey Rae

UNIVERSAL Music Group artist Kate Earl is an artist that I have been watching for a while. I think that the world is ready for her. I'd like to describe her voice between a mix of Natasha Bedingfield and Ingrid Michealson... but of course she is Kate Earl and I believe that she has something special. Her self titled release Kate Earl is now available on ITunes, Check out the video to her track "Melody" at http://www.ilike.com/artist/Kate+Earl/track/Melody . Also view her site at http://kateearl.com/

LAST but not least, I'm feeing N'dambi's album "Pink Elephant"... Listening to the intro to each song give the story behind each song; a MTV Unplugged in a way. Some of my favorite songs are "Nobody Jones", "Imitator", "The World Is A Beat", "Daisy Chain" and "Can't Hardly Wait" which is a song about a woman who is caught up in an unsatisfying situation and is telling herself that she will leave but its not going to be today... wow, way too many females get caught up in these type of relationships; don't stay for the sake not leaving, it will never workout. Check it out for yourself at http://www.imeem.com

Corinne's Sit Down for OMM

I know that we've all been awaiting her return, but after the sudden death of her husband due to an overdose, Corinne Bailey Rae, vanished from the limelight. Rae, who was at the peak of her career, was forced to deal with something that no one can prepare themselves for. I recently experienced a sudden death of a close family member, but I could only say that I understand the type of pain that she was facing to a certain extent, when she got the call in the midst of adjusting to international fame. I believe that she chose the right time for a come back. She has a new look, deeper lyrics, and a sound that is much diffferent from her 2006 chart topper self titled "Corinne Bailey Rae"; I can hear the growth in what she's recorded so far. She recently sat down with the UK's Observer for an interview. Take a look.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/oct/04/corinne-bailey-rae-interview

Behind the Looking Glass that is KFC

In a city that I deamed "The Second City That Never Sleeps", the hours of creative productivity are endless here in Chicago. Not to far beyond the glass wall of KFC in which I sit behind its interior, is Wabash Ave. And beyond that is one of the many buildings that belong to Columbia College Chicago aka Creativity productivity! This is a plaza of spaces holding just a few of the works produced by Columbia students. There's a gallery, Found: Contemporary China Design, housing furniture and photographs that tell a story of China's culture; Shop Columbia, a Columbia student ran and showcase of items created by Columbia students; everything from jewelry, clothing, screens, and indie albums. And The Art + Design Building also known as "623 Wabash". This building is a 4 year retreat to students in Fashion Design, Product Design, Graphic Design and my department, Interior Architecture. This is has become my home away from home. If not on my department's floor in one of the many drafting labs, I'll be engaged in topics and discussion in one of the many lecture series put on by the Portfolio Center. Through the portion that I have come in contact with, within this small radius of Columbia's campus, I'm already a more valuable asset to the industry than when I started a matriculation here only a few months ago. Nothing's better than gaining knowledge that is power!

This summer's Taste of Chicago

Check out the Anniversary Issue of Her Journey Magazine. Her Journey takes you to Costa Rica, and Chicago; a travel delight of The Taste of Chicago featuring me!!! View my contributor's profile on pg. 5 and article on pg. 15!!! Enjoy :-)

http://www.herjourneymag.com