December 15, 2009
I know I didn't write a review or recap or whatever... but really... I tried. I really really tried to love Alice (miniseries) but the more I saw, the more I didn't enjoy it. The first part was okay, but the second, I just couldn't get into it. Of all the characters I liked, Kathy Bates (Queen of Hearts) was the only one who really appealed to me. Everyone else was so fake. Even though I loved the concept... I think I'll wait for Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland.
I know the people who know me have gotten used to me and my quirky nature but I really want these:
These are Geo Angel Colour Brown Circle Lens and as you can probably tell, it's a Japanese brand. Yes, they're brown and not blue. If you know me, you know how much I love my blue contacts and I wear them behind glasses so it doesn't matter to me if they have prescription or not. I have naturally large pupils so a lot of people tell me that my eyes are big enough, but it's not the pupil, people! LOL. I have an unhealthy obsession with contacts and seeing what I can do to make people go "whoa..." so when I first got into the whole contacts thing, I chose a bright blue that shocked people when they looked directly into my eyes. I won't wear white contacts because I'm not a huge fan of Guro Lolita, but for times such as Halloween or a family dinner, I might reconsider! ^^
For those of you wondering what Guro Lolita is, it's just one word: Injured. Now I'm not talking real injury. I mean fake ones. Guro Lolita often involves using white clothing (cover your eyes, Shiro Lolitas!) where you might consider splashing on fake blood and bandages around your forearms or leg. 
The point of it is to represent a broken doll, but more often than not you'll see girls looking like they've been horribly murdered. You might consider an eyepatch or create a massive discolouration under and around the eye with eyeshadows or facial paint to make it look like it has been severly bruised or injured. A friend of mine did it for the past Halloween and I wish I had seen her in full white, but wasn't able to. She looked terrific. The girl in the photo here is dressed as a Shiro Lolita, that is, a Lolita who only wears white. As you can see she's splashed herself with fake bright red blood, which in my opinion, doesn't really look like blood. Blood dries into this icky rusty brown colour and CLaire, my expert friend in blood stylings could tell you exactly how long and what she's tried to turn a normal lab coat into a bloody nightmare (no pun intended, ha ha ha).
The point of it is to represent a broken doll, but more often than not you'll see girls looking like they've been horribly murdered. You might consider an eyepatch or create a massive discolouration under and around the eye with eyeshadows or facial paint to make it look like it has been severly bruised or injured. A friend of mine did it for the past Halloween and I wish I had seen her in full white, but wasn't able to. She looked terrific. The girl in the photo here is dressed as a Shiro Lolita, that is, a Lolita who only wears white. As you can see she's splashed herself with fake bright red blood, which in my opinion, doesn't really look like blood. Blood dries into this icky rusty brown colour and CLaire, my expert friend in blood stylings could tell you exactly how long and what she's tried to turn a normal lab coat into a bloody nightmare (no pun intended, ha ha ha). Personally I couldn't do that to my clothes. I treasure them too much to just splash it with paint, fake blood, etc... I'd definitely cry inside. Lolita outfits cost too much to just throw away like that! Unless of course I'm being paid to do it. But I think I'd still be heartbroken ;_; ... I'm more of a Gothic Lolita than just Kuro (black) or Shiro (white) anyways, I can't wear just white as it would be hard to maintain since white gets really dirty quickly. And I don't like just black sometimes. I do wear all black at times, but I prefer black and white, or a black/white/grey in checkered/plaid.
Speaking of black and white, I got my Harajuku Lovers Lindsey MaryJane shoes! It came in this really cute box. The photo below (not taken by me) doesn't show quite clearly the design on the box, but the baby/sax blue "border" is a printed image of a piece of blue ribbon with "HARAJUKU ♥ LOVERS" in endless repetition across the box. I'll take my own shots later, but here are some photos to give you the gist of it:
Aren't they cute? Yes I think so too! The straps are stretchy so you don't break them when you slide your foot in and as you can see, they have little Harajuku Lovers logo heart-shaped buttons. The inside is well padded and has an adorable design. Not to mention the soft suede-like fabric on the outside makes the whole shoe quite elegant, to say the least. There's also a little heart "charm", if you will, on the sole of the shoe. You can kind of see it in the photo. Overall, I'm really happy with this, although, I'm still struggling to work my way into them. They ARE 4 and 1/4 inches high, so ladies, don't wear them for too long unless you're already used to it!
December 8, 2009
It was probably a week ago when my friend called and told me about the series, Alice, that was coming out. I was quite intrigued since I, like her, had been fascinated with Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventure in Wonderland. Of course, the fact that Tim Burton, who was one of our favourite director was going to revisit the fantasy in his upcoming Alice in Wonderland movie made it all the more popular for the masses. To be honest, I've never been someone who enjoy something that was mainstream or deemed extremely popular. So I was interested and a little worried. There's always that little worry that somehow the tv show or movie will destroy what you loved about a certain character. You probably understand what I mean if you've watched a movie and loved it, only to have it ruined forever for you because of its sequel. What's a good example? Ah.. the Matrix. The second one for me was terrible and the third? Let's not get into that. For now, let's concentrate on... Alice.
To sum it up quickly, Alice is a two-part TV series directed and written by Nick Willing (UK director who directed Alice in Wonderland in 1999). Or one of those "made-for-television" types of movies. Despite this, the first part has had an extremely clever take on the World of Wonderland. Definite uses of Carroll's characters and his poems. For those who loved the book, you'll love this. Especially if you're a quirky individual, it will make you dance, perhaps with glee.The cast is made up of mainly Canadian and UK actors and are quite the bunch, if I do say so myself!
To sum it up quickly, Alice is a two-part TV series directed and written by Nick Willing (UK director who directed Alice in Wonderland in 1999). Or one of those "made-for-television" types of movies. Despite this, the first part has had an extremely clever take on the World of Wonderland. Definite uses of Carroll's characters and his poems. For those who loved the book, you'll love this. Especially if you're a quirky individual, it will make you dance, perhaps with glee.The cast is made up of mainly Canadian and UK actors and are quite the bunch, if I do say so myself!
Main Characters
Alice Hamilton/Alice of Legend
Alice Hamilton/Alice of Legend
We meet Alice Hamilton, who is played by Caterina Scorsone, a native to Toronto (<3). She is a young and innocent-looking black-belted karate (maybe even judo) sensei. Her father disappeared when she was young and because of this, she is wary of all men. When her boyfriend, Jack Chase, is kidnapped by the mysterious Agent White, she sets out on a mission to find him and bring him back. While pursuing Agent White, she falls through the Looking-Glass and ends up in the world of Wonderland.
Jack Chase/Jack Heart
Jack Chase, played by Philip Winchester, the engimatic boyfriend of Alice Hamilton who is first introduced to us as a white-belted student in Alice's dojo. During a dinner with Alice and her mother, Carol, he receives a text message telling him to run. He is later kidnapped and taken to Wonderland under the orders of Agent White, but not before leaving an important ring in the hands of Alice.
Agent White/The White Rabbit
An agent of the Queen of Hearts, Agent White, played by
Hatter/The Mad Hatter
True to his name, Hatter, played by Andrew Lee Potts, wears a hat that is a cross between a top hat and a pork-pie hat. A wily tea-seller who might give Johnny Depp a run for his money, meets Alice in Wonderland and calls her the "Alice of Legend". He owns a tea shop and does business with the people of Wonderland as well as refugees who have hidden underground. He tries to help Alice find Jack and leave Wonderland, but his true intentions are unknown.
The Queen/Queen of Hearts
Played by Kathy Bates, an American actress best known for her role as Annie Wilkes in the horror movie, Misery, the Queen of Hearts is ruthless and unrelenting. She rules Wonderland with an iron fist and wants only more power. To do this, she commands Agent White to bring back "oysters" to harvest them in order to create instant gratification elixirs for her citizens.
Dodo/Leader of the Resistance
Ah Tim Curry, of course, how could you have a story about Wonderland and Alice without Tim Curry? In this first part, we only see him for a bit, but it is clear that he knows Hatter and is the leader of the underground resistance, the people who don't believe in instant gratification that is given to those who willing submit themselves under the Queen of Heart's ruling. A little quirky (as he always is) but dangerous as well, he wants Alice's ring.
White Knight/Charles (Charlie)
The White Knight, played by Matt Frewer, is the sole remaining knight in Wonderland after the Knights battled with the Queen of Hearts. He lives in the ruins of the Chess Kingdom, where he spends his time setting traps, defending his beloved city, inventing interesting contraptions and as he says, "dabbling in black arts". Another lovable fellow with a French-inspired moustache/beard and will give Monty Python fans a faint reminiscence of John Cleese and his French Knight/Black Knight routine.
Dinah/The Cheshire Cat
Oh yes, the Cheshire Cat did make a quick appearance. Alice Hamilton thinks that the Cheshire Cat is her own kitten, Dinah. Yes, what a coincedence! But I do like how they tied the original story in.
While there are many more characters, I think I'll introduce these ones first. Of course in the course of this first part of the mini-series you will see:
The Carpenter and the Walrus (who actually uses parts of the "The Walrus and The Carpenter" while walking through a scene), the Dormouse (manages the tea-market, much like the stockmarket), the March Hare (who is known as Mad March, an assassin)...
As well as several Card Suits (diamond dancers, clubs - looking like bishops, spades - kind of like the Men in Black!)... "suits" my blog! Har har har. :D
Dr. Dee and Dr. Dum (Tweedledee and Tweedledum), some of Little Alice and Carol Hamilton, Alice's mother.
And of course the King of Hearts, the Duchess (who wasn't actually described by Carroll but was illustrated as hideous by John Tenniel, the artist), the Duchess' child - the Pig (was actually a child before, but later turned into a pig).
Will post more about Alice later! Probably a detailed summary on both parts, keep checking!
December 5, 2009
Today is International Lolita Day! What is everyone going to do? Usually Lolitas meet up and do something. There was supposed to be a meetup, but it was cancelled because there just wasn't enough time to plan; HOWEVER there might be a meet up later this month and we might go ice-skating! Yay! Lolitas on Ice, isn't that something? I think it would be really cute.
Hoping to get a good camera some time so I can do some pro-shots around the city. There are some beautiful shots that I've seen on Flickr such as this shot of Union Station. It's gorgeous isn't it? This particular shot was taken with a Nikkon D700 by Jabassen Da from Flickr. There's a fantastic collection of the city I love that he's taken and it's just beautiful. Do check out his photos by clicking on his name. They're a real beauty. 
Often we forget the beauty that we're surround by. Day to day, we run from one place to another, trying to accomplish everything that we've tasked for ourselves. Life has enough difficulties and problems for us, so once in a while, you should remember to take a deep breathe and just a take a closer look at the things around you. Trust me, you'll see just how beautiful something you might not have noticed before truly is. Like this photo from The Ginger Pixie on Flickr which is as stunning as the photographer herself. If you don't believe me, go on and click on her name and take a look at her self-potrait. The intricate frozen water molecules makes a stunning border on these fall leaves. Absolutely amazing! It's so cold today that I opted to stay at home and bundle up with some cozy blankets. It's suppose to be snowing on Monday! *Brr* Had a nice cup of Milk Tea (courtesy of Lipton), but am missing my PG Tips. It's funny but the heat doesn't seem to like floating to the top of the house. Usually hot air rises (as I'd say if someone around me lets one rip.. ewww), so I was expected to be warmer upstairs. Eventually it was too cold and I had to move downstairs with my blankets. Decided to reread parts of Jane Eyre while having my cup of milk tea. What was really missing was some yummy french sweets, but I'm sure I'll have enough of that soon since I'm planning a Lolita Cake Run sometime in December. Does this not look DELICIOUS?
That's right ladies, this is from La Bamboche Patisserie in Toronto. Click their name to check out their blog. Own by pastry chef Stephen Nason and his wife, it's a fusion of French and Japanese sweet-tastic pastries. I am dying to try their macaroons since they're the BEST IN THE CITY! There are so many different types of cakes, souffles, tarts... I don't know how I'm going to stop. The best part about a cake run is that you get to try so many types of pastry sweet shops. So for those who don't know what a cake run is, it's just a way for us to visit several cake/pastry shops without overeating and getting a chance to try a lot of different varieties - all in one day. It's normally 4-5 shops which are usually all in the same vicinity. There are two ways to go about it. You can either pool together and everyone choose the cakes and tries them or you can just choose what you want. I prefer pooling together to try different cakes. I love trying new things!
What kinds of sweets/pastries/cakes do you like and that recommend I try?
Well, here's a little dessert crêpe recipe that I'd like to share with you all, the basic crêpe recipe courtesy of AllRecipes.com. I hope you guys find it as yummy as I did! ^^
Ingredients
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/3 cups of milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup of all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons of white sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
**My own addition: 1 teaspoon of vanilla, sliced strawberries, half a silced banana, nutella, chocolate sauce and whipped cream
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, flour sugar, salt and vanilla until the crêpe batter is smooth.
2. Heat a medium-sized skillet or crêpe pan over medium heat.
2. Heat a medium-sized skillet or crêpe pan over medium heat.
3. Grease pan with a small amount of butter or apply oil with a brush or paper towel.
4. Using a serving spoon or a small ladle, spoon about 3 tablespoons of the crêpe batter into the hot pan, tilting the pan so that the bottom surface is evenly coated.
5. Cook over medium heat, 1 to 2 minutes on a side or until golden brown.
6. Remove from heat. Spread a round layer of nutella from the middle of the crêpe to an inch from the edges.
6. Remove from heat. Spread a round layer of nutella from the middle of the crêpe to an inch from the edges.
7. Fold in half twice so it becomes a quarter. Lightly drizzle chocolate sauce over it.
8. Serve with the strawberries, bananas and whipped cream or if you prefer something creamier, ice cream.
8. Serve with the strawberries, bananas and whipped cream or if you prefer something creamier, ice cream.
Enjoy! Let me know if you tried it! <3
December 4, 2009
You never know if it's really happening or not, but just as you enter that state in which we call sleeping, you feel yourself falling away, just drifting. You feel a little lightheaded but it's not uncomfortable. And then the darkness begins to cover you and you might not even realize it. Moments pass... hours, but to you, it may only seem as if a few minutes or seconds have passed. There is no time and truly, time here, is useless and can be stopped.
Your mind just seems to play tricks on you. You feel emotions: happiness, sadness, anxiety, fear... You may even feel pleasure or pain. You are in a world where, like a playing card, you bend to the will of the player. But who is the player? Your subconcious mind? A flight of fantasy as one might say. But are you sure? What is real? What is not. At this point, you cannot say. Like Salvadore Dali's paintings, what are you sure of? Nothing. Surrealism. You have no choice but to follow where this world takes you.And just as suddenly you wake up, from the dark and almost weightless environment. Coming to your senses, as one might say. Your eyes focus and you remember, you're still on earth and not in whereever you were a few seconds ago. You might forget what you've experienced almost immediately; however, there are still those few dreams where you will muse and mull over while you are going about your day. Why do we see what we see?
No one knows for sure why we see images or feel certain things during sleep. Some say it's your subconcious mind trying to bring something to light and other say that they are the images and motions of reality that are replayed during the mind's rest. And yet, what it really is... IS Wonderland. I refer to the Wonderland that is described by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson a.k.a. Lewis Carroll. You and I may not realize that, but during the time we are immerse into this "other" world, there are plenty of absurd scenarios that we readily accept even if there is a flicker of doubt that cross our minds. We cannot explain Wonderland. It is how it is. You can try to figure out its puzzles and riddles, but you will never be sure as to why it is as it is.
I've always been drawn to this Wonderland. A place of childlike innocence where things can't be explained. In the same way, I can't explain why I'm drawn to it, just like I'm drawn to Lolita fashion. Strange than I am, it can't be explained other than the fact that I love the concept of elegance and doll-like fashion. In a world where everything is overly critiqued and examined, just keep an open mind and with a little imagination, perhaps you'll catch a glimspe of my Surreal Wonderland.
;;
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