Kawaii

Loving the Tokidoki/Blythe up for sale

I've been waiting for it to arrive and it finally did today. <3

Simmy

Eeee! I've loved Tokidoki for only a short amount of time but I can tell that my obsession with it will only grow over the next few years. I've named this vinyl from the Cactus Friends series Simmy-- after the Tokidoki artist, Simone Legno. I thought Simmy was a more feminine name and a bit more fitting for a little sweetie like my new addition. I think she fits in well with my Dunnys and Mad*L figure.

My very first Tokidoki piece wasn't Simmy though; it was the new Dunny from the third series that recently came out. I named it (it's an IT because my Dunnys have no sex) The Oki Ninja since it looks like a ninja and "oki" appears in both "toki" and "doki." Haha, that's how clever I get when thinking up names for my vinyl army.

Blythe for sale: (Picture of her in my photo section!) In other toy related news, I'm selling a Blythe doll for Kathleen, my sister. She had always wanted a Rosey Red and when the opportunity came, she snatched it right up. Unfortunately, Kathleen didn't really bond with the Rosey, so she's putting her up for sale. Er, more like I'm putting her up for sale. I don't like dealing with Ebay so I put her on the TIB forum since I like most of the people on there. Rosey will find a good home. I'm also posting on other sites where I know people might be interested in a Blythe. Her starting price is rather high (according to some people): $290.00 USD. I'll be taking offers for the next few days. If you want to know more, please refer to my Rosey Red thread. Contact me through PM's or email. My email is listed on my journal here... I check both regularly!

QotD: Check the Mailbox!

What magazines do you subscribe to, and why?

<3 Juxtapoz

I don't have any subscriptions at the moment since I can honestly say that I can't stand most magazines. They're filled with too many ads and too much junk for my mind to consume. >__< I have, however, found three magazines that I would die for because even the ads interest me. I plan on putting the first two on my Christmas list this year so I don't have to search for them all over the state. Bookstores get very few copies of each and not every bookstore has them in stock to begin with. Treasure hunt!

• Juxtapoz
• Giant Robot
• Bookmarks

I prefer the first two the most. Juxtapoz and Giant Robot are art and culture magazines designed and written for those who love art, vinyl toys, dollies, etc. I think they were secretly made for my pleasure, haha. Bookmarks is a magazine for fans of literature, which I am. I read up on new books coming out as well as classic books that people have loved for years.

Hairstyles, photoshoots & giggles.

So in a few weeks, after I get back from California, I'll be going to a hair photoshoot with Beth. This won't be one of the impromptu sessions Beth and I have with her pretty camera. This one is for a hair salon.

*winky*

A few weeks ago, Beth was invited down to a Cedarburg hair salon. One of the hairstylists that worked on Beth's hair for a past runway show really fell in love with Beth's hair and style and asked Beth if she would be interested in modeling for her hair salon. Beth, being the lover of photoshoots and fashion, jumped at the chance. She could tell this woman was professional. Anyway, Beth asked if I would be her navigator on the way to and from the salon for her hair consultation so I ended up going along.

After the stylist talked with Beth and we were on our way out, the lady came up to me with another stylist and asked if I would be interested in doing the same photoshoot as Beth. I left my information with them and they gave me the hair salon's card and that was that. I emailed them a few days ago (since this is the time they told me to get in contact with 'em) and I guess I'm going in for a hair consultation when Beth goes in for a new hairstyle.

It's not guaranteed that they'll use me for the photoshoot but Beth said that either way, I'll be getting my hair done for free. I've never had my hair colored before! (I never wanted to ruin the quality of it.) I'm not even sure if they'll do anything for me since I don't have any experience... but I do appreciate the nice gesture of recognizing me. Just that is a little confidence boost. I'll update with more information along the way but it will probably be a while since the the actual photoshoot is later in September.

Nerves kick in/Plum will fly.

With my vacation with Beth coming up so quickly and the recent terrorism scare, I'm starting to get a little antsy about traveling by plane across the country.

Plum, My Geek

I know that there are a bunch of precautions that U.S. airlines are taking but I still feel a little weird about taking a plane that far.

I'm also a little confused about what they're allowing passengers to take on the planes. I keep hearing different rules-- no drinks, no carry-ons, nothing at all, items only in clear bags but they have to be approved, etc. I tried to look up what's going on but the news is all over the place and a lot of the rules only applied for Britain, not the U.S. How confusing is that?

The good thing about Dad going on so many vacations himself is him helping Beth and me prepare for the flight. Haha, I know that if I didn't have Beth with me, I'd totally get lost and probably end up in Europe or Africa somehow.

I have heard, more than all the other rumors, that I should be able to bring a carry-on and my purse still, just no liquids. I'm hoping that's true. If not, Plum will have to stay home. (-_-) *sniffy*

QotD: My Intro to the Big Screen

What was the first movie you remember seeing in a movie theater? 
Question submitted by mainmor.

Happy memory time. The first movie I saw in a theatre was Disney's Peter Pan. (It must have been brought back out into theatres in the 1980's cos the first time it came out was 1953.) I remember this movie experience well because I was confused as to how a "tv" could be so big. O___O

When I walked out of the theatre, there was a small table outside with colorless papers of a scene from Peter Pan, free for any kids to take to color in themselves. I loved stuff like that so when I saw other kids running up to the table to take one, I ran over too... and took half the pile.

That was probably the only bold thing I ever did when I was young, haha.

The countdown begins. ^__^

My four year anniversary with Shawn is about a month away (September 13th). Eeeee! Shawn and I used to pay more attention to the numbers but we don't do that so much anymore.

A Kiss

The little month anniversaries aren't that big of a deal. Instead, we sometimes acknowledge that it's the 13th (also my lucky number) and give each other a happy little kiss. Sometimes he'll be the prince he's always been and bring me a few flowers as a surprise. I appreciate those times too.

For the past three anniversaries, Shawn and I have taken turns being the one to plan the 13th. Shawn did it the first and third times; I did it the second anniversary. For the first one, I was given three bouquets of red roses... one was sent to me earlier in the day when I woke up in the morning; another was given to me when he arrived; the last dozen was taken apart ever-so-gently and made into a trail that formed hearts and sweet words between the two of us. It was... breathtaking. That was only the beginning. Shawn then cooked a steak dinner for me and had engraved a silver heart anklet of mine. The other anniversaries were just as amazing. I won't get into too much detail. I will say that twinkle lights, candles, flowers, and more gifts were involved. <3

Shawn

Now it's the final time we're going to go all out-- as far as I know. Anniversaries can get pretty expensive so I figure that it will be fair enough to stop after this year, now that we each prepared and planned out two big anniversaries each. I'm still trying to figure out a good plan. So far, I have a few things in mind. I'm not that worried though. Shawn seems to like whatever I plan out for year anniversaries. It's the birthdays that he doesn't... bode well with. (Another story.)

I'm excited though. Unfortunately, however, this is about the time I get all the questions from friends: You've been going out for how long? So when's the wedding? Why aren't you guys married yet? I don't understand why people are in such a rush to get married these days! I already know that young marriages don't work out most of the time. I'd rather take things slow, finish college, get a secure job that can support my family, and THEN consider a lifetime with Shawn. We're only 21; we have so much time. We care about each other enough to wait since we both know we're not ready for that type of commitment yet.

Be dramatic... er, try to?

Oh, Darling

Beth and I were bored today so when Beth suggested we go outside for a mini-photoshoot, I was totally up for the idea. It took a while to figure out the outfits and for Beth to do both of our makeup. It's funny because it took a long time, yet we were outside for about 20 minutes. I did learn something though: I'm a much better photographer than I am a model. I will give models credit very rarely, but I will say this: it takes talent and a good dose of confidence in order to pull off an amazing picture. I don't think I'll ever be completely happy with my shots.

Beth's so natural at it. She whips up outfits every day and applies new makeup every day. Routine is something that suits me. I can't think up new ways to apply makeup and my closet doesn't hold as many clothes as Beth's closet does. *sigh* It's frustrating seeing her pictures turn out so well and mine so... so-so. I will admit that it's great having a sister who loves clothes so much. Every once in a while, she'll let me dig into her closet and let me borrow something. I might post Beth's photos later. She only sent me the ones of me so far.

Verge

Speaking of appearance... I've lost a lot of weight in the past year or so -- about seventeen pounds-- and I feel great. The cool thing about losing the weight is that I didn't really try to. When I went to Carroll, I got into a slump. I like to call it the Carroll Funk. I weighed 128 pounds, which I thought was perfectly fine, but I just wasn't happy. The atmosphere at Carroll was low and too comfortable. There wasn't enough room to breathe and grow up. In other words, Carroll was a glorified high school times ten. Then I transferred to Milwaukee and everything changed. I went from dreading every day to looking forward to class and the freedom the BIG campus provided. I love it there! I got out and walked around more, not to mention all the walking from class to class I had to do. Before I knew it, I was eating healthier (no fast food for me!), exercising more, and having more fun with everyday chores. I feel so good. I think that's why I love doing photoshoots more now-- I feel so much more confident about myself and the way I look. The real test was this summer though. I had to make sure that I didn't fall back into the routine of eating fast food and just sit around. And I didn't so... I WIN.

Simple & good.

Nami, the Shy Girl

I've been sleeping really well lately. I've been having good dreams (from what I can remember in the morning). I don't get tired out during the day. I'm hoping that this is some sort of sign that I'm going to have a good routine for when classes start up again. That'd be nice.

I have a weird hobby. I love watching Ebay auctions even if I don't plan on bidding. It has to be something I love though-- so that means Blythes or Pullips or rare books. I like seeing who's bidding and see if I know them. I even get excited the last few seconds the auction has left, excited to the point where my face is practically glued to the computer screen. Tonight, for example, I watched a Pullip Noir auction. I won a mint one myself a few weeks ago and was intrigued by who would win the one today since a few of the bidders were people I had been up against in my own auction. The end price didn't add up to the huge amount I had paid for Hue, but still, it was really exciting

*drifts off to sleep*

It was a simple and good day. <3

A 20 Minute Ride.

Most people don't have as much fun on a 20 minute ride from one city to another, but oh yeah, WE DO.

My Fresh Pink Look

Beth, Shawn and I decided to go out on a mini-shopping trip to the mall to get Mom's birthday presents for tomorrow. The trip was pretty successful; we bought her a glitter puzzle (it's as much fun as it sounds), a book (that's on hold right now), and the newer version of the book-to-film adaptation Pride and Prejudice. She'll love everything. (I also snatched up the latest Juxtapoz. Shawn tried to treat me by buying it. I'm afraid that I already bought a copy and forgot I did. Oopsie.)

We had to stop at the apartment because Shawn's credit card and driver's license were missing. He was pretty sure he left it here, and thank god, he was right. He doesn't have to worry now. ^_^ On the way over, we pumped up Rooney and took pictures in the car. It's the impromptu excursions like today that I really cling onto the most, more so than the big trips that are planned. Beth and I must have known today was gonna be fun since we dressed up. I'm trying to obtain more confidence through the way I look, hence the newer wardrobe and fascination with shoes and jewelry. Maybe Beth's fashion sense is finally wearing off on my poor, sad clothing. It's about time. Anyway, it was great being so goofy and colorful all at one time. Being fruity rocks.

State Fair Face

Tatum is coming back today. In fact, she's probably back at the house now; Mom was supposed to pick her up around three o'clock. I think it's the first birthday Mom will have that Dad might remember. Well, "remember" is too nice of a word to use-- Kathleen hinted to him in a letter that she slipped in his suitcase right before he left for Las Vegas that her birthday was coming up. He was graced with a hint. It would be funny (or not-so-funny) if he still forgot. He hasn't remembered in years.

Shawn better always remember my birthday. I doubt he'd forget since our birthdays are only four days apart, haha. Lucky, lucky Shawn.

I uploaded a ton of pictures from the ride over here but I didn't wanna clog my entry with all pictures so they're snuggling up in my photo section. I love how bright they all turned out. Even if they were edited a bit... it shows how much fun I had today. (I hope Vox doesn't have a photo limit. Uh oh.)

My birthday is everyday... duh.

I have a few fetishes: Blythes, books, urban vinyl figures, and kawaii stuff. Kawaii is my most recent and not-so-recent fetish and a less expensive one, even when ordered in bulk. The craze started when I was four. I was in California with Dad's side of the family for Christmas and New Years.

Kawaii Stuff

My birthday is on the 27th of December, which is good and bad, for it falls directly between two huge holidays. Dad's side of the family, even with Mom's constant reminders, refused to acknowledge my birthday-- no cake, no balloons, no "Happy birthdays!" (Sad, I know. But I was four so I got over it pretty quickly.) The reason I got over it was because Mom felt so bad about everyone "forgetting" a four year-old's birthday that she rushed me to the nearest mall and found a store called Sanrio. From that day on, I was hooked. Even now, past my adolescence (kinda) and past my teen years (thank god), I'm still hooked on Sanrio and anything that resembles anything kawaii.

My kawaii fetish is undeniable and kind of scary at times. My friend, Blair, introduced me to a lot of online outlet stores that sell it for really cheap prices and I got my first bulk in a nice, happy package the other day. Oh kay, so maybe the package wasn't happy but the presents inside the package made the receiver very happy. Mwa haha. I don't think there's any stopping me from buying even more kawaii stuff all the time. My bank account is already pretty low from my Blythes, Pullips and their wardrobes, so I don't know how well this new/old fetish is gonna go. I just like to consider it my birthday everyday since I always get so many presents in the mail. ^^;

Pigeon Up Close

On a side note: I had no idea that the response towards my Blythes would be so big. I'd be happy to help out anyone who is interested in them or buying one (or a million). They're all on the expensive side so your bank account isn't really safe if you start to like them... but I'd like to add that Blythe dolls are completely worth it. I don't think I was ever as happy without them in my life.

A few good reference sites for them are wikipedia, ThisIsBlythe, and the official Takara Blythe site (in Japanese and English), BlytheDoll. ThisIsBlythe is especially amazing because of the forum. I've belonged to it for a long time now and I've met tons of good friends. It's also a good place for trading and buying Blythes, clothes, furniture, accessories, etc. I wish I had discovered Blythes earlier cos then I could have gotten them for a lot cheaper than what I've had to pay for them. Oh well, everything happens for a reason. ^____^