Another Year....

Everyone is talking about 2009. They are reviewing their outfits, what they bought and what they did with it, flooding their blog with pictures and I'll be honest...if I had pictures of everything I did this year, I'd be flooding as well.

But I am usually to busy having fun to bother with pictures or the thought to remember my camera, I really need a small Digital one to keep in my purse.

This post, I'd like to review 2009 in my own way and I encourage you, my lovely readers, to respond with your own '09 reviews.

This year I started it off with family! It was nice to be around so much love, even though they don't really understand me, they tried and that makes all the difference. From there My Mom and I spent some time in Georgia, with my Grandma, and went to Panama City from there.

I love the beach so much! My Mom and I found the cutest little shop, whose name I can't recall, and I got a pair of bejeweled flip flops, an adorable Bebe style sweater dress imported from Japan that I finally get to wear again, silver shimmer tights, and a pink and white sailor tote/purse that has anchors and sail boats on it!

Really, the tote was bought for my mom and she loves it, but it got a hole in the side and I need to sew it back up.

We collected shells on Shell Island and swam in the ocean until our skin turned pink...or red in my case. We went to the 'Ripley's Believe it or Not' museum and had a lot of fun tacky souvenir shopping, but in the end all we got were towels, which are still cool!

Panama was A Lot of fun, and boy did I want to stay!, but the wind blew and we moved on to Louisiana, where We were again surrounded by family and love....and dogs. Lol It was great relaxing and getting over the terrible sunburn I procured while swimming and collecting shells, remember ladies and gentlemen, Sunscreen is your friend ^_~

I love my family, but Mom talks with my Aunt more than I do, so I feel like a third wheel from time to time, but while I was online during their chatting, I was on Twitter at the perfect moment, or so I thought. I caught the last of 25 tables being offered at Anime Expo!

Oh, I was so excited! I jumped and squealed and rushed to tell my mother who gave me 'The Look'. I explained that it was the biggest con on the west coast, other than Comic Con, and she agreed, so I rushed to get the table and yay me, I got it!

From Louisiana we came home, cleaned, and planned our trip. LA was beautiful! It was wonderful to walk around and fun to see some of the sites as we drove to our hotel.

To be honest, I was VERY disappointed with the con. Half of the panels were canceled or misleading, such as the 'Midnight Tea' that turned out to be nothing more than a still life expose. More than half of the artists sold nothing, sadly that included me and my mother, but the dealers room boomed.

44,000 people and we lost money.....I couldn't believe it.... to be honest, I wanted to cry.

Well, needless to say, nothing good came from the con but the stories and the experience of LA. Four other conventions had to be canceled due to our lack of ability to pay for them, which was sad, but it gave me the time to practice my art, refine my sewing, and pick up DECO for the next season of conventions.

August was my birthday month and wow what a party! Friends came from all over, cakes were had and I had a table filled with heart felt gifts. I was lucky enough to receive not one, but TWO Metamorphose Parasols and a wonderful copy of Alice in Wonderland. I got jewelry for me and my Pullip Doll, Avalon, and a cute little plushie that I named Vixen.

My doll's birthday is the 28th, because that's when I took her out of her box two years ago. She received a small pink sweater from my friend Den, Den truly is a special person.

September flew by and I couldn't even tell you what happened during it, but October, wow, October was a blast!

I worked at a Haunted House called 'Screamers' all month. The people were awesome and for the fist few weeks I worked in the Doll room as a living doll, my cute Lolita cloths came in very handy there ^_~, and for the other half of the month, I worked in 'The Doctor Room'. I played the role of the abused nurse and boy I met there played the role of the doctor.

Oh goodness did we have fun! Running around and screaming every night, popping out from under tables and touching people unexpectedly in the dark....I really suggest working at a Hunted House for a little extra money and a lot of extra fun in October.

November is my mothers birthday and also the same month of Anime Nebraskon. This year, the con was held in Omaha and my mom and i opened our house to our out of town friends that were attending.

I was lucky enough to host not only one of my best friends and her long time boyfriend, but a very special friend of mine who blew me away with the presentation of my second Pullip doll, Ariel Elizabeth.

The convention was a wild three day ride. My mother and I ran an artist table, did close to eight panels, chit chatted with almost everyone, drove back and forth, and still had time to purchase some snacks for a second convention that month, not a week later.

After the second convention, which was a small second year collage get together, my mother and I packed up and went back to Louisiana for Thanksgiving where we were once more surrounded by family and gossip.

We ate and talked and ate and tried to take food home with us, but that failed due to the weather temps. Three specialty pizzas from the most stop in your tracks, beg worthy pizza that can only be found in the state of Louisiana, ruined because of the cold...it was so sad....

But that brings me to December!!!

What a strange month. Living in Nebraska isn't a picnic in the winter. We were snowed in not a week after we returned from Louisiana, a got ourselves dug out and were able to do a small amount of Christmas shopping before we were snowed in again, were we laughed at our situation and did our shopping online.

And that's not mentioning the fact that we have been snowed in, dug out, and snowed in again since then. Talk about a White Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, this year was packed full of Wii stuff. My mother and I got Wii boards, Wii games including Cooking Mama, Circus Star, Science Papa, and Wii Fit Plus. A new Wii controller, a $20 Wii play card, and a Wii Mat.

On top of that, I received a wonderful gift of Kera Max, Betno Cups, Deco supplies, a sturdy case to keep all of my small Deco parts in, coloring books, and stickers!

On the other side of that, I got my mom a new heated back massager, Two amazing rings that will blow her mind when they arrive, and a pair of bloomers from ITS. Lol Laugh if you will, but she wanted them and I had to get them for her.

The day after Christmas I was once again packed up and this time was heading down to Arkansas to meet and visit my best friend's family. It was a week away from the snow and cold, for which a I happy to go.

I rode a four wheeler, sat around a bon fire the burned so hot the top flames were blue, I helped make a porch slingshot out of blue jeans and launched things across the yard... All in all I had a good time while trying not to be offended by the rowdy redneck crew.

I only just got home yesterday night, and immediately went to see Sherlock Holmes, which I suggest everyone go see, it was amazing!

And now am planning my outfit for tonight, New Years Eve. My Mother and I are going to our favorite Casino for a nice dinner and some slots. I may even play a table game or two ^_~

Have fun and be safe tonight and I'll see everyone in the new year!

Happy New Year!

Merry Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Hello Ladies, and also to the wonderful gentlemen that read as well ^_^

It is almost the magic hour! It's Christmas Eve and I wanted everyone to know I was thinking of them and wishing them warm thought and Happy Holidays, no matter what you're celebrating this year. Be it Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Yule!

In my heart!

Kat

Style Focus = Wa Lolita

Recently I have been thinking about doing something wild and different! Something normally undone!

'But you already dress in light blue frills and wear cakes and bows on your fingers. How much more different to you want to be??' You may ask, and you'd be right. I do wear light colors and heels in the snow, even though it's completely impractical, but I've never been one to be happy unless I am shoving at the envelope of fashion, so I've been exploring the normally untouched sub categories of my much loved life style.

One my friend has wanted to dive into is the sub category, Wa Lolita, which is a Japanese Kimono adaptation. I think this is a very beautiful, over looked corner stone of the Lolita community and I'd like to take this week to speak on behalf of a style that can't speak for itself.

When one thinks of Wa Lolita, one thinks of the traditional cupcake style skirt with a Kimono top and that's good for envelope pushing beginners, but for those of us that look at that mild rebellion and think, 'Sure, but what else is there while still following along the guidelines?', I present two other perfectly viable and rule acknowledging choices...

The Traditional Kimono, to the ankles and all, is accepted in this odd sub category. In general, simple silk or matching cotton ruffles are added to the edges and around the bottom of the clothing. Geta of varying heights are worn with the Wa style more than the previously mentioned cupcake style and the as yet unmentioned third option.

Choice three is Much like the dresses one is used to seeing. Jumper Skirts and OPs are made with traditional Kimono print fabric. Bold and whimsical with added lace and bows is exactly how one would describe this sub style look. You can see an example of this style at the beginning of this article.

Accessories for this style include Hair sticks, Draw string purses, Fans, Rice paper parasols, Kanzashi,the possibilities are endless!

I hope you have fun breaking out of the box Lolita's have created for themselves ^_^

Winter Wonderland

Hello my lovelies!

It's been a busy time in my life lately and though I have managed to come out unscathed, I am severely behind on my e-work.

As I woke up this morning, slipped on my slippers, and shuffled into my kitchen for some hot chocolate, I happened to look out the window and realize it was snowing. Not the nice snowing, with big flakes and snow days to follow, but the 'it's to clod to snow, but it's still trying' kind. The kind that only leaves a light dusting of white on the ground and makes one hate to run out to there car to go anywhere.

But that got me thinking about all the fun things that I'd get to do this winter, now that it's officially warm clothing time. For example, It's time to put away my thin broadcloth skirts and pull out my thicker velveteen and wool ones. I get to wear thick tights and hooded cloaks.

Caroling and sledding, roasting marshmallows over an open fire, sipping hot apple cider and baking fresh cookies for holiday parties. I look forward to it all.

But today, let's talk about holiday shopping for those of us with low funds. I know I have found myself in a jam with season. So many people to buy for and very little to buy with.

I recommend buying a hot glue gun from your local craft store. Wal*mart has a cute pink one for three dollars and the glue sticks are about fifty cents a bag. Pretty good deal if you ask me.

Hot glue guns are great for all types of crafts. Handmade gifts are cost effective and easily personalized which helps save money and makes the holidays special for the gift receiver.

Do you knit or crochet? I don't myself, but if you do yarn ranges in price and can be bought in any color you can think of! Scarves, hats, mittens, purses, ponchos, the ideas are endless and always well received.

Your local craft store has small paint containers for low prices and small trinket boxes for a dollar. Toss some glitter in the mix and you've got an amazing gift. I did this for Loliday yesterday and Deco'd the tops with pearls I'd gotten online for a couple of dollars, They turned out great.

Get the supplies for hot coco and a few mason jars. Mix the ingredients, fill the jars, and wrap the tops with scrap fabric or a square from your local fabric store. Add ribbon and a gift tag and ta da! (This can also be done with loose teas, but that gets a bit more expensive.)

I'll be adding two gift ideas every time I update from now on. There are plenty of times in our lives we need to buy or make gifts.

I hope you get some good idea's from my suggestions.

A little to loose....

The time of year has come where sweets start becoming more of our daily eating routine rather than treats. And that my dear is how the upcoming holidays play their tricks on you.

My mother has noticed her clothes getting a bit tighter, so we tracked down a scale at Walmart and for the first time in about 12 years, we are now the proud owner of a little black box of judgement.

I hate checking my weight, to be honest, but since we have it, I decided to give in to the peer pressure and stepped on the small black square. I was horrified to actually see the numbers I had been avoiding for so long.

Now, I hold my weight well, one would never suspect my numbers, but now that I know them something needs to be done.

I'd like to talk about easy ways to both gain and loose the few extra pounds that seem to stick to us like glue.

Let's talk cake! I know we all love it and some of us, namely me, just can't seem to resist that extra slice of sweet fluff! During a season that is practically shoving cake recipes and whipped desserts into your hands and onto your plate, what is a girl to do?

First, we learn to say no! Well....maybe , No thank you, may be more appropriate, but still, there is nothing wrong with resisting that second helping you just 'have to try!'. Next, opt for fruit if you can. A bowl of strawberries can be just as satisfying as a large wedge of Aunt Celia's Double Chocolate Death Cake. For a little extra fun, lightly dust the berries in sugar or the substitute of your choice and a little dollop of sweet cream.

Next let's discuss the weather. If all of us are honest with ourselves, we tend to stay in more in the winter due to the cold. Thus we put on weight just because of our inactivity! I know it seems like Jack Frost has ruined your fun, but cheer up!

Winter is the perfect time to put on your favorite coat, mittens, hat, and ear muffs to go sledding, ice skating, or even caroling! You'd be surprised how much exercise you can get by just walking around your neighborhood and singing. Plus, this is the one time of year that you are aloud to sing loud and proud and not get in trouble. In fact, some people even give you treats!

Ok...so the treats may not help you loose weight, but if you've ever caroled and been offered a box of Hershey's Pot of Gold chocolates, you tend to forgive that extra pound that comes along with it.

Just Add Water!

I know, everyone says it, but it's true. You don't need to down eight glasses a day, but at least two to start with would be good. With all the tea and hot coco we'll ingest shouldn't we have something cool and clear, something that allows our taste buds to reset? You'd be surprised what adding those two glasses a day will do for your body.

There are plenty of other ideas, such as shopping! Who hasn't lost three pounds on black Friday? It's like combining Boxing, Slam dancing, and the 500 meter dash into one activity. Or what about going to play Lazer tag in the brightest colors you can find in your closet?

Remember that eating isn't the only fun thing to do this season!

By the way, just on a small little off note, I've done the Lazer Tag Idea. It was so much fun and I ran around a lot more due to the fact that everyone could see me. I really recommend trying it out.

One is silver and the other gold....

It happens every winter. I look at my multi colored pastel wardrobe and think, 'Can I possibly shove one more skirt in here?'. The sad answer to my query is No. So, with tears in my eyes and a dirge in my heart, I begin the process of saying goodbye to some to say hello to others.

October is here my dears. it's time to go to your closets, decide what you'd like to carry over into the new year and clean out the pieces you know you have no problem giving up.

Why so early, you ask? Why now and not December? The answer is simple.

Our favorite stores and designers have been hard at work over the summer while we were out frolicking around in the warm sun. They are now releasing their darker colored creations so that we, their targeted audience, can 'oooo' and 'ahhhh' and spend more money than we intended.

Our money well spent deserves a proud place in our closets, but if it's to full, that simply won't be possible.

Keeping clothes is ok, but it's ok to let go. There are plenty of communities on-line that you can sell your choices at. I know mine will be going to wonderful homes to be well loved and cared for.

Personally, I like to sell to girls that are just starting out and include a small letter that tells the life of the piece they have just bought. The letter talks about what it meant to me and what I hope it means to them. I encourage them to not be afraid of actually wearing the dress or skirt and remind them that it is only a piece of clothing.

I hope your coming months are filled with Beautiful feelings and beautiful clothes.

Change, They name is not...

I consider myself a well rounded Lolita. I love everything from Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, to Innocent World. I'll admit, my eyes are drawn to the more vibrant and sweet colors of Metamorphose and Angelic Pretty rather than Juliette Justine and Pina Sweet Collection, but In my fight to stay equal opportunity, I happened to come across a dusty link in the back of my favorites folder.

What was it you ask? Non other than the wonderfully exquisite Mary Magdalene!

'How Exciting!' I thought to myself. 'Just the feeling I wanted for Thanksgiving with my family!'

Well, I double clicked it as fast as I could, practically vibrating with pent up joy to lay eyes on the most elegant of classic fashion lines. In the short few moments I had to wonder about the newest classic looks, my mind raced and my heart pounded. But when the page loaded I wasn't just let down, I was dropped six stories.

Not only had Mary Magdalene's site not changed in the past two years, but neither had their clothes! Same colors. Same cut. It was like a smack to the face, not just a blast from the past.

I still feel as if this line is the most elegant of the classic lolita lines, but In the world of fashion either you evolve or you die. I fear Mary Magdalene has gone still in the water. And in this Over The Top market, it is of my opinion that this particular line has lost it's edge, beautiful though that edge still may be.

Fawning over Fawns

Band wagons have never been my thing, but has anyone else fallen in love with the new winter trend of Fawn fur?

Angelic Petty with their new coats, Innocent World, Vicotrian Maiden, if I'm not mistaken. These are all brands I'm not really all that into, but recently I've found myself checking their sites twice a week in hopes of seeing more of this adorable print.

Fawns remind me of fairy tales and magical forests, maidens so pure wild animals become docile and approach them in hopes that they might soak up some of that raident beauty.

I recently, over the summer, bought myself a 'Bambi' tote bag. I have carried this with me for the past six moths of so and was laughing to myself the other day when I realized the winter trends.

I'm hoping to find some false fur at JoAnn's next time I go. I'd love a Fawn muff this year ^_^

Who are we hurting?

I'm sure a lot of you are tired of hearing about this, but since this horse isn't dead, I'm going to get my own kicks in until it is.

For the past two year I have run the Beginning Lolita, Advanced Lolita, and Lolita on a Dime, panels at Nebraskon, Otaku Omaha, and Anime Central, not to mention the convention I have been scheduled at and unable to attend. I have a lot of experience with helping new and questioning Lolita's start on their beautiful paths. I feel it is my duty, as the more experienced Lolita to help them out.

New girls aren't going to know the rules right off the bat. It's not like the knowledge is downloaded into our skulls the moment we decided to get our first frilly dress or Bible. We learn as we go. Trial and Error.

Where does it say in the handbook that we can't wear poka dots and stripes? I'd like to point out that Angelic Pretty has done it. Please note, I didn't say they did it well, but they did it, that lots of girls bought the dresses and skirts and socks in all of the bright pastel colors and shocking red it came is and no one said boo about it. Why? Because it was Brand and Brand can do no wrong....

Is this fair? That Brand can get away with such ghastly coordinates and yet wearing the wrong socks with an otherwise lovely outfit can get you slandered on anon picture posting sites. It's grossly disrespectful and I think it's time for it to stop.

I think new ideas should be embraced and celebrated! Sure, an Iowa State patterned Lolita outfit isn't the best Idea, we all know it, but it's not my idea to judge. I don't have to wear it. It's someone else's idea and good for them for thinking outside the small box the Lolita Community has made for it's self.

I take pride in helping any Lolita that asks for coordination advice or hair help. Gentle nudges are what the community need, not cliff like shoves.

Remember, Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It's not our place to tell someone else how to wear their outfit, it's our honor to suggest matching nail polish and shoes.

We were all new once.

The Grey in a Black and White World

In the past week I have noticed something about myself that I thought I'd talk about this week. My thoughts on the subject being that maybe there are a few of you out there with the same problem.

I am a full time Lolita. I love waking up in the morning and pulling out a cute frilly skirt for the day. I love doing my hair and deciding what nails to wear for the day, I love it all. But lately I found myself curbing my exuberant Lolita lifestyle due to the hawk like disapproval of my family, my mother only included due to my non working-ness at the moment.

It's a terrible feeling to be beautiful for the day and then get a look that silently screams 'Seriously?' before we go out for the day. In the beginning she didn't care that I'd gotten into the style, in fact she wanted to start wearing it to, but as time went on, she became more and more disgruntled at my expensive habits.

So this week I'd like to share with ya'll a few ways I've found to keep my Lolita lifestyle, while still conforming to what she and the rest of my family feel I should look like while at the grocery store...

When you wake up in the morning, instead of reaching for the marshmallow cereal and the coke you hid at the back of the fridge, or cup of coffee if that's your thing, try taking the extra effort to cut up you favorite fruit and have a yummy fruit salad. For a little extra fun, try carving the less squishy fruit into fun shapes, or getting small cookie cutters and shaping them that way.

Wear a night gown with a ruffle around the bottom to bed, or a cute patterned pants set if you like. Never forget that you asleep for at least eight hours a night, shouldn't you be as pretty in sleep as you are when awake?

Make a little time in your day for tea. It doesn't have to be a lavish affair with bone china and silver sugar cube tongs, but a cup of your favorite tea does wonders for ignoring the world for a few minutes. If you have the time, have it in your favorite tea cup.

Want something a little more off the wall? How about flower arranging? Go to your local supermarket and pickup a bouquet of flowers. It can be any kind, from roses to carnations, but having bright sweet smelling flowers around will allow you to see your creation every time you pass it.

I hope these small activities help you keep the feeling of Lolita in your life, even if you are feeling leery about wearing your fluffy dresses and tea party replicas or if you're new to the style and don't have a large wardrobe built up yet.

Remember. You hold the key to your happiness. No one else. If you don't like the situation, change it.

Little cost, great fun!

Well it's the middle of a new week my lovelies and that means that it's time for a new post!

This time I was planning to talk about books and give some suggestions on maybe forgotten or over looked books to read when you feel like getting all dressed up to your Lolita nines, but have no money to actually go do anything, but like most things in life, this to has changed. Instead I'd like to impart a few low cost activity ideas for meet ups. These ideas are great if you're alone too, especially the second one.

Have you ever had to skip out on a outing, be it Lolita or other wise, because there are imaginary cobwebs in your wallet? We've all been there. It's even worse when you're the one that planned the event or came up with the idea to go and you're the only one that can't go. Yeah...been there too, but don't discard your plans for the gathering just because of a little financial bad luck.

So you can't go to the zoo because the cost of getting in to see animals for the day means you won't be eating for a week, don't be afraid to mention this to your hostess and give another suggestion for a gathering place or another date for another meet up. Your host/hostess doesn't have to take your advice, it's there choice, but at least you put the idea out there and who knows, there might be more people who were unable to attend due to their own personal issues that would be able to make the next event.

Do you know of a beautiful church in you area? Churches are great places for photo shoots and if you are respectful, the priest and nuns don't mind if you take pictures inside the cathedral.

Take a sketch book to your local park and draw what you see. This is a great idea for a meet up as well. Tell the girls to bring something to draw with and pair everyone. Take turns drawing each other! It's a great way to break the ice with new members of the group that you've never actually met before.

For a little bit of fun that you don't have to leave the house for, how about making a couple pots of tea for you and your guest and a good book? Each guest can take a turn reading a chapter or two from a collectively agreed upon title already in your collection and no one is left out. After the meet up, post discussion questions to your Livejournal, or any other journal/forum you'd like, from the material and invite everyone who attended to comment.

I hope these few ideas inspired you for your next gathering.

Until next time remember, you don't have to speand yourself into the poor house to have a good time. Sometimes the plainest ideas can be the most fun!

Starting Small

Since this is the first post to my new blog, I'm going to be talking about how to start out your Lolita wardrobe.

But first, food for thought.

When I started I cheated, I'll admit it. I didn't research and look over every brand piece and then save and save and save until I had -just- enough money to squeeze my dream dress into my budget. I took my GLB to my seamstress and showed her a picture and handed her five yards of fabric I got on clearance at JoAnn's. But by doing this, I discovered that I could wear my dress every week if I wanted to and then just toss it in the washer. No harm, no foul.

Sure, Lolita is about being pretty and feeling beautiful, but if you have to dry clean your dress before you wear it and keep it in a plastic covering to keep even one piece of pet hair from getting on it, is the style 'fun' anymore? Seems like work to me.

So I started making all of my cloths out of simple cotton and eyelet lace. Don't get me wrong, I love getting all gussied up and looking my Loli best, but when I'm just running out to the store for milk and eggs, or going to the mall, I'm not going to put on my Metamorphose Dress and fear being spontaneous and accepting an invitation to go to the park or out to walk around down town. I mean, god forbid anything happen to my Brand, right?

Instead I have everyday skirts and Walmart shirts with eyelet around the bottom hem for cuteness. I love the freedom the casualness of non-brand. I never hesitate to hold a melty ice cream cone or go paint pottery and hey! I look great while doing it ^_~*

Ok. On to my wardrobe tips.

If you're just starting out, make sure your first piece is something you can wear and coordinate with at least two other items in your closet, whether the items are strictly Lolita or not. You're spending a lot of money on your Lolita cloths, make sure you can enjoy them. There is no point in having something if it just sits in your closet and does nothing but look beautiful, but sad.

Skirts are good starter pieces. They can be matched up with five dollar T's or nice long sleeved shirts, ruffles not required.

Blouses are another good starter piece. Just like any other shirt, your brand blouse can be paired with jeans and a nice headband. Throw a simple black vest over it to give your starter piece a whole new feel. From sweet to classic in one move ^_^

If you'd rather start smaller, you can never go wrong with a headdress or a pair of socks. They usually run any wear from fifteen to thirty dollars, depending on the wear if you're getting them used, and always brighten an outfit when worn.

I'm going to end my first post with this. Fashion should be fun -and- functional.