Wheel of FORTUNE!

Guess who is gonna be on Wheel of Fortune?
Yep.
ME!!!

Some of you know I auditioned in NYC a few months ago. I received my acceptance letter a month after that. Well yesterday, I got the call with my tape date. I will be flying to LA on Wednesday 10/20 and taping the next day. I have to get to the studio bright and early at 7:45. Get this: my taping will air in December so I have to dress as if it were winter. Time to break out the magazines and scans. I can't wear a dress because it's bad for putting on the battery pack. I'm thinking I'll do a skinny jeans- woven top- cute blazer/cardi combo with strong jewelry. I want to do a nice multi-chain necklace. I can't wear pinstripes or small patterns because of something about wiggly video. I forget what she said. All the info will come via FedEx next week.

Anyway, who lives in/near LA? I have to stay there for 2 nights. My friend Kat lives in town and she called dibs on me for the night before taping. I can be more flexible after.


XOXO,
Me (*^_^*）

Nike Trainer

Fur Craze!

I seriously want this furry mimi-hat. The super long scarfy straps are so over-the-top I need this hat for sure ^_^

Image Source: Cherry Pop

Blog Awards 2nd Edition

Thanks again to Miss Calia Yang. She also gave me the "A Blog With Substance" award. This makes my heart feel super happy! ^_^

To accept the award I must do the following:

1. Thank the blogger who gave me the award Done! 

2. Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five words.
       Have fun honing your style.

3. Pass this on to 10 other bloggers that you feel have a substance in their blogs.

Here we go:

1. Cherry Gal Blossoming
2. Honest Unique Beautiful
3. Chaudie
4. Statements in Fashion
5. Beauty and the Blog
6. A Brilliant Brunette
7. Alee's Perspective
8. Curves Ahead Make-up
9. A Working Mom's Closet
10. Mocha Make-up Lover

Die Dokument

Hans: Was ist das, Gert?

Gert: Die Dokument.

Hans: Die...Dokument? hmm...(pulls out a revolver)

Gert: Nein, Hans! Bitte! Nicht shiessen! Die Dokument ist gut!

Hans: Ist gut? Lassen sie mich sehen.

Gert: (hands it to him)

Hans: Haha Dumme schlampe. (shoots Gert in the face and flees the scene on a purple Vespa)

Blog Awards 1st Edition

I have been lucky enough to be awarded th One Lovely Blog award from Miss Calia Yang. Thanks, chica! Who doesn't like to be told she's doing a good job?!

To accept the award I must do the following:

1. Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.
Done: Miss Calia Yang

2. Pay it forward to 15*  other bloggers that you have newly discovered. Leave comments to let them know they got an award from you! 
*I think that 15 is a typo so I did 5 instead

1. Pink Dolly
2. Bec's Beauty Buzz
3. Hershley's Sweet Kiss Message
4. Naka's Net
5. Samei

Drunk Attack

Good Morning Afternoon!
I'm working on my awards posts so I will leave you with this video-- which is completely unedited, contains T.M.I. and  has weird spots. I have no shame. Enjoy!

Sewing Meme

I saw this sewing machine meme over at Sew, Mama, Sew! and I figured I'd do it. Some of you reading this are crafty so maybe you'll play along.

What brand and model do you have? 
Kenmore Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine - Model #18221 (available at Sears)

How long have you had it? 
I've had this machine for less than a year. I bought it as an upgrade from my Brother.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? 
$179, but it it also on sale for $129 - 159 every time there's a holiday. 


What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? 
I make skirts, belly dancing related pieces, and stupid stuffed monsters &
stuff for my son. 


How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I go weeks without sewing then sew like crazy for like a week.


Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
My machine is the shiz and I love it. It does SO much more than I need it to and that's awesome. I have a lot of room to grow with it.


What features does your machine have that work well for you?
It's a beast and works really well with thick & difficult fabric. The button-hole maker thingy is a 1-step process. The serger function is great as well. 


Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
I bought a Distinctive [brand] ruffler foot but it isn't working as it should. That's probably my faildom.



Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
No :-(


Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
Heck yes.


What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
I was going to buy a new computerized Singer or Janome machine. Then I realized they use a LOT of plastic parts and are expensive to repair because of the fickle nature of computers. Digital vs. Analog often leads to the latter being the victor for me. Oh and Kenmore machines are really Janome machines manufactured specifically for release at Sears stores. Kenmore is their house brand name. So this means I can take my machine to ANY Sears for service whereas with other brands I'd have to ship it or take it to a more expensive specialty repair center. 


Do you have a dream machine? 
Not really. My machine has both serging and embroidery functions, but I would still like to have separate machines for each. 

Stuffy Stuff Stuff

'Ello mates!

I'm in a giddy mood right now. Woo hoo. Here's why:

• I got 2 blog awards.
• My baby bear has mastered the color yellow and is learning green (even though everyone else in his class is learning red, I choose to be happy and am not surprised he's dancing to the shake of his own maracas).
• ZOMBIE PROM is this Saturday and my girl Krysi is one of the MUAs again. I can't wait to go!
• I found tons of cute sewing projects that I can make use of all my fabric scraps.
• I have a new deco iPhone case that is dark and kira kira instead of pastel. 

Chibi Kuma

This Halloween, Small Bear is gonna be a small dinosaur. We tried the costume on already and it's a little too long but not terribly so. I might just stitch buttons ans straps inside to shorten the sleeves and legs. Then all will be well.

My gal reason for posting this is that I love kigarumi. I wish I was shorter sometimes because then they would fit me better. I tried on my friend's Stitch kigarumi once and it fit, but I wish it was longer. I'm seriously tempted to make my own for Halloween because I have no shame. I've been the sexy nurse, sexy witch, sexy kitty, and other options available for women. I'm thinking I'll just be silly this year and call it a day. Either that or I'll wear my tribal belly dancing gear. We shall see. Either way, I think I'll make a small kigarumi to fit my Wonder Woman doll as a tester for figuring out the best way to stitch it. I'm not so good with pants. Inseams and seats are rough.

I love Halloween!

Know Who's Sexy?

This guy right here.

Ken Watanabe, my imaginary side jawn.

And not for nothin, I miss the good ol' days where if for some reason there was gonna be a fight, men had epic battles instead of pulling out guns. I mean, seriously. If you're pissed enough to kill someone, at least exert some real energy while doing it. And while you're at it, get dressed up like a sexy samurai (or other warrior).

 

CVS Mini-Haul

I decided to try a bunch of drug store brands hoping to post a great review full of win. Sorry, that isn't gonna happen.

I was most excited about the Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipcolor. I thought it would be awesome. It is not. The colour shows up well after about 2 gloopy coats. You have to keep your lips parted until it dries because it is a sticky mess. It feels tack as it dries. When it finishes drying, your lips have a matte wash of colour. Some gyaru like that in a nude, but I don't. I had to add gloss. I did not buy any other colours. I was looking for a new nude. This was a disappointment. The major pro is that this lipstick does last a long time. It is pretty frustrating to get off.

The Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain was another semi-dud. It stains the arms, legs, fingers, etc just fine. When used on my lips, it took a lot of patience. There is a stain at one end and a lip conditioner at the other. Once you get it on, it's fine. Cost: $8.99

The Milani Nail Art polish is okay in terms of colour (Black Sketch) but the brush was a bit shabby so the line I painted was a bit splintered. Because of this, I had to add more to fill in the splintered bit, thereby making the line thicker than desired. Hopefully this was just the one bottle I had. I clipped the stray bristles down to match the others and now it's okay. Cost: $3.99

The Essence of Beauty Retractable Kabuki Brush might be limited edition. The only link I can find is for the not so kira kira version. It's an okay brush, but I like more density and shorter bristles. It needs to be a fatter brush. I really think I chose it for the bling. I had a Revlon kabuki a while back but lost it a week later. I should have just repurchased it instead of this beautiful-yet-mediocre brush.  Cost: $13.99

Last we have the Essence of Beauty Extra Gentle Brush Cleaner. It's awesome. It's definitely gentle and doesn't dry my brushes out. I like the fact that I can spray the brushes because it aids in product preservation. I have no complaints. It's great for deep cleansing. The price is right, at only $5.99.

Has anyone had better luck with these products?

New Hair

I've decided to be hardcore and post a not-so-purdy photo on my blog. BAM!!!  I just got real on ya'll.

So anyway, I decided to just get the relaxer. I wear my hear in its natural state only once per week anyway and sometimes that is only for a few hours. I'm saving myself the headache of extended straightening sessions. My stylist used the Mizani relaxer but I think I'll try the PhytoSpecific relaxer (Index 2, of course) because the back of my head is more nappy while the rest is curly. That area is where the Mizani failed and I'm hearing wonderful things about Phyto.

As you can see, I got bangs cut. I haven't had bangs in nearly 10 years. This is a big change for me. I've been wanting them for a while, but I know my husband is on Team No Bangs, so I was extremely hesitant. On the plus side, I think they fit my face better now that it's rounder. Might as well have them while the weight is there. Hopefully my face will be a lot thinner by the time they grow out! (#^__^#)

One special thing that came from this hair experience is that I'm drooling over Babyliss titanium flat irons. The one I've just linked to is not the exact iron she used (hers was blue).  She told me she swore by her CHI (ceramic) for ages, but after using a Babyliss (titanium) iron at a hair workshop she was hooked. I have to say the difference was incredible. I need to buy that iron while it's still on sale (~$50 vs ~$160)!

Anyway, night night. I'm knackered.


P.S.

Tell J-List you want more gyaru magazines. 
Remember that it's all about supply and demand.
We need to generate a demand so that we can obtain our goods at an economical rate.

Buying Gyaru Magazines

...just might get cheaper. 


I've been in touch with J-list about carrying more gyaru magazines. I've specifically asked about Ranzuki, Jelly, Blenda, and (of course) I Love Mama. My reasoning is much ado about Amazon Japan. I LOVE Amazon. I hate Amazon Japan and it's mostly because the shipping is oh so pricey. 


To give you an idea, consider the info below.


One Magazine

Items:	USD 6.84
Shipping & Handling:	USD 37.15

Two Magazines (same pub)

Items:	USD 13.68
Shipping & Handling:	USD 40.86

In both cases, I used I Love Mama as a reference. That's what I planned to buy (09/10 and 10/10).


J-list carries multiple gyaru mags priced between $8.50 and $12 with shipping at $9.60*
J-list also has subscriptions. Using Egg as an example (since it's the cheapest at a one buy rate of $8.50):
Monthly revolving subscription: $7/mo 
Annual (pre-paid) subscription: $130/yr


So hopefully J-list agrees to carry these additional magazines. I will let you all know what the decision is as soon as they get back to me. I hope they say yes because (for 1 mag) the Amazon shipping alone is about double the price of ordering from J-list.




* 9.60 is for Airmail (7-10 days). 
There are other options both cheaper and more expensive, but the fastest is:
EMS (Asia/North America)   -   $17.00
Fastest shipping available, approx. 4 business day delivery time. Packages can be tracked online, and insurance up to US$200 is included in the shipping price

I Wannabe Like Mel B.

Image from her Facebook page

I'm sure this won't come as a surprise to anyone, but when I was a teen I was a HUGE Spice Girls fan. My nickname in school was Crazy Spice. I wanted Mel B. to be my big sister. She's such a good role model and inspiration for me. Also, and not for nothin, she's absolutely gorgeous. The funny thing is that one would think I'd have stopped being a fan once Spice Girls was over. Nope. I saw her in some mediocre-to-good-but-not-great sci-fi/horror flick called LD 50 (Lethal Dose). I enjoyed it though.

Anyway, I'm watching her reality show now and it just reinforces my belief that we are very similar in both behavior and the way we analyze things. I know there's a lot of editing in the world of TV, but some things are obvious. Now I just wanna have her over to play dress up and drink yummy liquor! She may not be gyaru but I don't give two craps about most celebrities, especially not models. They're just people. Some I think would be fun to hang with. Mel is at the top of that list. She's my MILF motivation, but beyond that she is a goof ball and I know I'd actually have fun on a number of levels with her. So yes. Mel B. FTW

Lovely Blog-Sa 4th ed.

Chaudie | Jen | Lu | Tini | Sharona |Shahana | Fuyume | 

Alicia | Suzanne |Ayame | Elena | Tilde | Samei | Tommy |Jenni | Anna | Bexie 

Click here to join!

I'm going to try something different this time. All of these Lovely ladies have interesting blogs, but I'm going to pick five favorite posts. I will choose only one post per member and a brief bit on why each made the top 5 for this edition.

Bexie has a post about how hard it is to be/look gal at school. I'm so glad I'm grown. >_<;;

Samei posted tons of cute nail images. I love some of the colour schemes.

Chaudie posted a great plan that could give us gaijin gyaru a magazine and convention of our own.

Anna is a ballerina. She mentioned wondering if there were other gyaru ballerinas. Now I'm wondering are there other gyaru who are just dancers period (ballet, belly, jazz, tap, modern, etc).

Elena is looking for Tutuha dresses/clothes so everyone should help her! That blue dress and collar combo is hot stuff.

Pieces of MEEE

This month....
I like: How my belly dancing choreography is coming along and I get more anxious/excited to perform as October 24th gets closer..

I don't like: That the pain in my kidney/side is making it REALLY difficult for me to do yoga & pilates. 

I want you to know: That anything goes when it comes to hoes cuz pimpin ain't easy. Just kidding (not really). But seriously, most of the people reading this are AWESOME.

I've planned: A lesson, exercise, and meal plan for the next 2 weeks to see if it will improve the way I feel and the way my son communicates. He's smart and active but doesn't feel the need to speak English... even though he can answer most questions (non-verbally) and follow any instructions given. Thank you Parents Connect!

I want to say to someone special: Hey BDSS, I love BCT w/ the WFB & NHB on the BCBC and GBBB. Also: ))<>(( 4-ever.

Today

...was awesome.


I woke up in a good mood. Xavier and Erik were watching cartoons while I slept. This meant I woke up to cuddles. Yup. CUDDLES.


Belly dancing was great today. We were in high-gear. Lots of fast formations and spins. We had to work on adding to the choreography for our performance. I practiced in my new skirt!!! Ohhhhh my god. I love it. It spins so nicely. It spins even better than my plain black cotton one. I think the embroidered band at makes the spinning extra twirly.

After dancing we had nomtastic bento noms at Aya. Yum! And blah blah blah. I came home to my boy bears and got lots of happy. Now I'm working on my new photography site. I've been lazy. I bought the domain like two months ago. Shows you where my head is. I've been posting here when I should have been coding. Anyway, here are some shots from my most recent photo shoot.
EDIT : Hey new readers! I'm the photographer, not the model. But I'll pass on the compliments! ^_^

Street Snaps are Good for You

I think everyone who considers themselves as gal should try to see as many street snaps as possible. Magazines are great, but advertisements aren't always 100% reliable in terms or realistic/accepted ensembles. To get my weekly fix, I go to Style Arena. This site has all the goodies I need in terms of street snaps. I love seeing them in my magazines, but the more the better.
*That link goes straight to the most recent snaps in Shibuya.

Onee-Gyaru Hair

Image from Hot Pepper

I'm thinking of getting what I call "Onee-gyaru Hairdo #1" this week. Or at least it'll be my next 'do. I'm supposed to be taking my extensions out right now. I wonder how much my hair has changed?

I'm at a point where I am seriously, SERIOUSLY considering getting a relaxer to make my life easier: faster blow drying = faster hair styling. As it stands, when I blow dry my hair it has to be done in tiny layers. My hair is super thick and the key to decent straightness is tiny layers.After it's straight, hooray for big loose curls.

The problem with relaxing is that I'll loose my natural curl. I'll miss it for sure, but I'm super certain Erik will miss it more. The man love my natural poofiness. What can I say? It's sweet.So therein lies the dilema.

Another possible solution would be to start getting Brazillian Keratin Treatments. I like BKT because it's really a protein treatment that decreases frizz and only loosens curls as a by-product. It's pricey but potentially worth it. I like having options without having to spend 2-3 hours washing, drying, and straightening/curling my hair.