Wednesday, April 28, 2010
the thing about love is...
...No-one can do it for you. No-one can tell you how to do it, find it, keep it... it just happens. Sometimes it lasts, sometimes it doesn't.
I'm an avid magazine reader, as most people who know me would be able to tell you. Since the humble age of 9 or 10 when I was reading Dolly or Girlfriend or another such pre-teen magazine that a friend had snuck to school that day. I was transfixed on the pages that told me how love happens, how to find it, how to flirt, etc. Then I became a teenager. Every rule and regulation and idea on how to make conversation, flirt without seeming like some kind of emotionally disturbed invalid or any other advice counted for nothing. After smiling, trying to initiate physical contact (which, by the way, freaks most people out when you try to touch them when you're talking to them) and every other little gem thrown my way, I realised something... it's all fake.
The people who write these articles in any magazine, whether you're 10 or 100, are probably in stable relationships and have forgotten what it's like to pine for someone's attention... OR they're just as clueless as you are. Let me say something, loud and clear, there are no rules on how to fall in love.
When I fell in love with my partner, I wasn't looking for it. I wasn't dolling myself up, going to some kind of meeting place and hoping to find true love. In fact, I was so over the idea of being with anybody (after being screwed around one too many times) that I didn't want to know anyone who wouldn't be a good friend. I met him through a friend. A friend who had a huge thing for him so, in typical female fashion, I dismissed any idea of romantic encounters and carried on with my life. She ended up dating someone else and we ended up planning to meet, purely as friends, to go to the same rock concert.... no-one wants to go to a concert alone, it sucks.
We hung out during the day, got some lunch, went exploring around Sydney (I'd just moved there and he was from Melbourne) and had no expectations of eachother. As it turned out, there was some kind of chemistry there. At literally the last minute before he had to go back interstate, he asked me if I wanted to fight the statistics of long distance dating and have a go. I said yes without blinking. The reason I didn't even have to think was simple- I had so much freedom for those last few days, I had no pressure to behave a certain way or ask what 'we' were or do anything at all except enjoy each moment and work out what was happening later.
We're still together now. We still love eachother and, like most people who live together, we do have arguments about mundane things like housework... but we're also supportive, ambitious about things separate from the relationship and we give each other space. There still aren't many rules for our relationship, except for the obvious "don't sleep with anybody else" and "don't take drugs" (not that either of us do, but just as a constant reminder on how craptastic they really are). I think that the lack of structure, the lack of ideals and goal and rules and everything else before you've even met somebody is pretty much the secret to being happy.
Being single is awesome. You don't have to answer to anybody (except, maybe, your parents or roommates) and you're free to see your friends when you want, male or female, and just generally be selfish and do things that you wouldn't do in someone else's company. Being in a relationship is awesome... but only if you're happy together and both of you are willing to make an equal amount of sacrifices. Don't go out looking for love like you're hunting a baby seal, be selfish for a while longer and don't dismiss someone who does like you if they don't make your ideal list of what a prospective partner should be like. Unless it's something dangerous, obviously. Live each moment without rules and see where you end up, you might enjoy it.
I'm an avid magazine reader, as most people who know me would be able to tell you. Since the humble age of 9 or 10 when I was reading Dolly or Girlfriend or another such pre-teen magazine that a friend had snuck to school that day. I was transfixed on the pages that told me how love happens, how to find it, how to flirt, etc. Then I became a teenager. Every rule and regulation and idea on how to make conversation, flirt without seeming like some kind of emotionally disturbed invalid or any other advice counted for nothing. After smiling, trying to initiate physical contact (which, by the way, freaks most people out when you try to touch them when you're talking to them) and every other little gem thrown my way, I realised something... it's all fake.
The people who write these articles in any magazine, whether you're 10 or 100, are probably in stable relationships and have forgotten what it's like to pine for someone's attention... OR they're just as clueless as you are. Let me say something, loud and clear, there are no rules on how to fall in love.
When I fell in love with my partner, I wasn't looking for it. I wasn't dolling myself up, going to some kind of meeting place and hoping to find true love. In fact, I was so over the idea of being with anybody (after being screwed around one too many times) that I didn't want to know anyone who wouldn't be a good friend. I met him through a friend. A friend who had a huge thing for him so, in typical female fashion, I dismissed any idea of romantic encounters and carried on with my life. She ended up dating someone else and we ended up planning to meet, purely as friends, to go to the same rock concert.... no-one wants to go to a concert alone, it sucks.
We hung out during the day, got some lunch, went exploring around Sydney (I'd just moved there and he was from Melbourne) and had no expectations of eachother. As it turned out, there was some kind of chemistry there. At literally the last minute before he had to go back interstate, he asked me if I wanted to fight the statistics of long distance dating and have a go. I said yes without blinking. The reason I didn't even have to think was simple- I had so much freedom for those last few days, I had no pressure to behave a certain way or ask what 'we' were or do anything at all except enjoy each moment and work out what was happening later.
We're still together now. We still love eachother and, like most people who live together, we do have arguments about mundane things like housework... but we're also supportive, ambitious about things separate from the relationship and we give each other space. There still aren't many rules for our relationship, except for the obvious "don't sleep with anybody else" and "don't take drugs" (not that either of us do, but just as a constant reminder on how craptastic they really are). I think that the lack of structure, the lack of ideals and goal and rules and everything else before you've even met somebody is pretty much the secret to being happy.
Being single is awesome. You don't have to answer to anybody (except, maybe, your parents or roommates) and you're free to see your friends when you want, male or female, and just generally be selfish and do things that you wouldn't do in someone else's company. Being in a relationship is awesome... but only if you're happy together and both of you are willing to make an equal amount of sacrifices. Don't go out looking for love like you're hunting a baby seal, be selfish for a while longer and don't dismiss someone who does like you if they don't make your ideal list of what a prospective partner should be like. Unless it's something dangerous, obviously. Live each moment without rules and see where you end up, you might enjoy it.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
SMEE by Samie Lee
One of my most delightful friends from my old hometown of Adelaide is the beautiful miss Samie Lee, an up and coming fashionista who is planning to release a clothing and pajama line as well as her range that is currently selling on her Etsy page, SMEE by Samie Lee.
Born at the very end of the eighties, she feels she was born in the wrong era, and that maybe she was born 30 years to late. With a great love of vintage clothing and modern art her style can only be described as unique. She would like to make her mark on the fashion industry but has trouble keeping motivated with her sewing. At the young age of 20 she has achieved everything she wanted to achieve and is now looking for bigger and better things.
Her loves include; Seth(Her Gorgeous Son), Lex (Her Soon to be Husband), Art Galleries, Shoes, Coffee and friends.
She's also a great blogger and writes about her life, her loves and her designs as she is working through them and designing for both of her ranges.
So what is SMEE? It's a children's range featuring some adorable hand made dolls that my good friend has slaved over making. Each one is 100% handmade, meaning they are all individual, one-off unique pieces that are great not only for children, but for doll collectors or people into something a little bit adorable and a little bit different to take into their lives and decorate in their homes. They're cute, cuddly and absolutely adorable. Best of all, each doll has their own individual name and life story... and, being soft and cuddly, you don't have to worry about embarrassing incidents like accidental decapitation or your small child choking on any snapped off limbs if they're a little bit rough with their toys.
Born at the very end of the eighties, she feels she was born in the wrong era, and that maybe she was born 30 years to late. With a great love of vintage clothing and modern art her style can only be described as unique. She would like to make her mark on the fashion industry but has trouble keeping motivated with her sewing. At the young age of 20 she has achieved everything she wanted to achieve and is now looking for bigger and better things.
Her loves include; Seth(Her Gorgeous Son), Lex (Her Soon to be Husband), Art Galleries, Shoes, Coffee and friends.
She's also a great blogger and writes about her life, her loves and her designs as she is working through them and designing for both of her ranges.
So what is SMEE? It's a children's range featuring some adorable hand made dolls that my good friend has slaved over making. Each one is 100% handmade, meaning they are all individual, one-off unique pieces that are great not only for children, but for doll collectors or people into something a little bit adorable and a little bit different to take into their lives and decorate in their homes. They're cute, cuddly and absolutely adorable. Best of all, each doll has their own individual name and life story... and, being soft and cuddly, you don't have to worry about embarrassing incidents like accidental decapitation or your small child choking on any snapped off limbs if they're a little bit rough with their toys.
Here is the first doll in the range, Anna Sue:
Anna-Sue loves reading books and drinking copious amounts of coffee. She never goes anywhere without a hat and will always be there when you need her. She also speaks fluent french.
Recommend ages 3 and up.
Roughly 40 cms tall.
Every doll is different so they may not look identical to the ones pictured.
Handcrafted from all new materials.
There will only be 50 dolls of this style available.
Price includes postage within Australia. Please contact if international shipping is required.
You can buy Anna Sue and other designs by Samie Lee on her Etsy page, As well as on her website: http://samielee.weebly.com/
Recommend ages 3 and up.
Roughly 40 cms tall.
Every doll is different so they may not look identical to the ones pictured.
Handcrafted from all new materials.
There will only be 50 dolls of this style available.
Price includes postage within Australia. Please contact if international shipping is required.
You can buy Anna Sue and other designs by Samie Lee on her Etsy page, As well as on her website: http://samielee.weebly.com/
Please drop by her website sometime and take a look. She's an interesting and funny writer, a great designer and just a lovely person.
You can also follow her on twitter: @Samielee13
Th-Th-That's All, F-Folks!
You can also follow her on twitter: @Samielee13
Th-Th-That's All, F-Folks!
More polyvore
Modern Day Jasmine by kittencaboodle featuring Lanvin shoes
If Princess Jasmine lived today, it's pretty much a guarantee she'd be one of those pseudo bohemian socialite types. After all, she's sixteen, a princess (read: incredibly wealthy) and would probably hang around with the brat pack.
the lioness by kittencaboodle featuring Valentino shoes
This is a Lion King inspired set. I understand that they're lions, not people, but I wanted to give off the same vibe and earthy colours that you see in the film and the stage show.
Captain Hook by kittencaboodle featuring Juicy Couture jewelry
Peter Pan inspired. Again, I wanted to get more of a vibe than an actual copied look per se. I would never dream of trying to recreate tinkerbell, bless her tiny soul, but most people tend to leave Captain Hook alone... what's wrong with him? He's a stylish guy!
Beauty wishlist, 2010
Beauty products I would LOVE, 2010:
Shu Uemura false eyelashes.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation (SPF 15) in NC15.
I've used MAC foundation in the past... for some reason, it is the only brand with the exact right shade for my skintone. Most foundations are too dark, not that I'm especially pale, but they seem to assume that every female on the face of the earth is using fake tan/bronzer or they just have too much orange or pink pigment and I look strange >_<
L'oreal Studio Secrets Anti-Redness Primer.
I -love- using a primer. It's like the secret step that suddenly made me smack my head against a surface and go "Oh! THAT'S how you do it!". I'm currently using a Natio primer, which works very well, but I have an uneven skintone and acne scars, etc. Green concealer can be a pain in the ass if you put too much on, so I'm curious to see if a green-tinted primer would work any better.
L'Occitane Ultra Comforting Mask.
An absolute favourite of mine. I buy a tube of this once a year and save it for stressful days or special occasions. It makes your skin feel -divine- after has absorbed, etc. and it's really soothing.
MAC blush in Pink Swoon.
Again, another favourite. I've had mine for almost 2 years now (you'd be surprised how much use you can get out of this!) because it's actually a lot pinker than what you'd expect. It's the perfect dolly pink shade and makes your skin look like porcelain. Mine's almost completely gone :(
MAC liquid eyeliner in Boot Black.
What can I say? the blackest black eyeliner you can buy.
Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise
This perfume smells like heaven. Better than Angel, it's literally like you're in a tropical paradise. Yum.
Lush Snow Fairy shower gel.
Pink bubblegum-scented goodness with glitter sparkles. Shame it's only around at Christmas.
Lush soap in 'Bohemian'.
I love citrus scents. This is the perfect soap for me, it makes your skin feel soft as an infant's and smells like lemon meringue pie.
Shu Uemura Moyoco Anno Cleansing Oil.
Ok... so, a quality product which I already love AND limited edition manga illustrations on the bottle.
Any questions?
Shu Uemura makeup brushes.
My own set of brushes is getting a bit old now, a lot of them are synthetic and were part of Christmas or Birthday presents from a few years back... when I -do- get around to replacing them, I'll be spending my moneys on THESE babies :D
THIS Bobbi Brown eyeshadow palette!
MAC lipstick in Morange.
Is it red? is it orange? it's.... uh.... both.
Shu Uemura false eyelashes.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation (SPF 15) in NC15.
I've used MAC foundation in the past... for some reason, it is the only brand with the exact right shade for my skintone. Most foundations are too dark, not that I'm especially pale, but they seem to assume that every female on the face of the earth is using fake tan/bronzer or they just have too much orange or pink pigment and I look strange >_<
L'oreal Studio Secrets Anti-Redness Primer.
I -love- using a primer. It's like the secret step that suddenly made me smack my head against a surface and go "Oh! THAT'S how you do it!". I'm currently using a Natio primer, which works very well, but I have an uneven skintone and acne scars, etc. Green concealer can be a pain in the ass if you put too much on, so I'm curious to see if a green-tinted primer would work any better.
L'Occitane Ultra Comforting Mask.
An absolute favourite of mine. I buy a tube of this once a year and save it for stressful days or special occasions. It makes your skin feel -divine- after has absorbed, etc. and it's really soothing.
MAC blush in Pink Swoon.
Again, another favourite. I've had mine for almost 2 years now (you'd be surprised how much use you can get out of this!) because it's actually a lot pinker than what you'd expect. It's the perfect dolly pink shade and makes your skin look like porcelain. Mine's almost completely gone :(
MAC liquid eyeliner in Boot Black.
What can I say? the blackest black eyeliner you can buy.
Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise
This perfume smells like heaven. Better than Angel, it's literally like you're in a tropical paradise. Yum.
Lush Snow Fairy shower gel.
Pink bubblegum-scented goodness with glitter sparkles. Shame it's only around at Christmas.
Lush soap in 'Bohemian'.
I love citrus scents. This is the perfect soap for me, it makes your skin feel soft as an infant's and smells like lemon meringue pie.
Shu Uemura Moyoco Anno Cleansing Oil.
Ok... so, a quality product which I already love AND limited edition manga illustrations on the bottle.
Any questions?
Shu Uemura makeup brushes.
My own set of brushes is getting a bit old now, a lot of them are synthetic and were part of Christmas or Birthday presents from a few years back... when I -do- get around to replacing them, I'll be spending my moneys on THESE babies :D
THIS Bobbi Brown eyeshadow palette!
MAC lipstick in Morange.
Is it red? is it orange? it's.... uh.... both.
Places in the world I'd rather be
prague! it looks like a fairytale even now!! I could be a princess and live in a castle... maybe.
Paris:
I have family in France (mum's family are french and portuguese) but I've never had the chance to go, despite the fact I have citizenship.
I know that Paris is a bit of a tourist trap, it's dirty, it's expensive, it's confusing, etc. BUT I'd love to live there -temporarily- and get some artistic endeavors done.
Denmark:
Some of the greatest fairytales were written and/or set here. It seems like the sort of place that dreams are made of.
London:
some of dad's family live in London (immediate family, my aunt etc.)
I'd a) like to visit them and b) love to live in such an amazing city as far as music, fashion, art, etc. goes.
TOKYO.
As long as I could remember, I've always wanted to go to Japan, Tokyo specifically. The idea of a metropolis where you could so easily lose yourself, the diversity of the different people and districts, the culture clash from everything I've seen before and the birthplace of most of my favourite things. When I was little, I used to wish I was Japanese or half Japanese. This dream is obviously unattainable and I've become more at peace with my own background (after all, being half french, half british and living in Australia makes me kind of an international woman of mystery XD) but it's still a huge goal to live in Japan for at least a year, so I have time to see all the things I want to see and soak up the culture, the sights and everything else before I have to leave again. I'm applying for jobs at Tokyo Disney as a Disney princess and I'm also hoping to get work teaching English in Japan. It's also the best way for me to make an impact with music, my fashion ideas and the other goals I have in store for my life. The biggest setback, obviously, is taking my 1 year old along with me and being able to find a safe place for her to live in a country I know nothing about other than my anime knowledge (when it comes down to it). Also, without family nearby, it would be very hard to have someone always available to watch her. Still, someday when she's a little older, this will become a reality.
Here's hoping.
A little more about December 21st...
My birthday has great significance in the Mayan calendar... apparently, that's the day that the world will end in 2012 (worst 23rd birthday ever, right?) I got bored and looked up other people born on Dec 21st as well as any festivals, etc. on that day.
Aoyagi Ritsuka (from Loveless)
Being one of my favourite characters in one of my favourite manga series, I find it kind of amusing that we share the same birthday... though he's a little younger than I am ^_^;;
Aoyagi Ritsuka (from Loveless)
Being one of my favourite characters in one of my favourite manga series, I find it kind of amusing that we share the same birthday... though he's a little younger than I am ^_^;;
- "Voiced by: Junko Minagawa
- Ritsuka is twelve years old and the protagonist of the story. He was named after the lunar day "Rikka," which fell on May 5 in the year 2005. His "true name" is Loveless, although it is yet to be seen on his body as the other teams' names are. He enjoys taking photographs and "making memories."
- In the first volume, the story alludes to an abrupt change of personality occurring in Ritsuka two years prior. It is seen often through flashbacks, when his mother beats him and denies that he is truly Ritsuka and that he is actually someone else in his body. Before this change, he was a popular, yet academically average student; presently, he doesn't get along with his classmates, and he purposely points out their faults. In contrast to this, he is the perfect student. In addition to the personality change, he suffers a loss in memory. The cause of these drastic changes is still unknown, although he has regular therapy sessions to determine why."
From the Loveless wikipedia page.
Frank Zappa, musical icon.
"Frank Vincent Zappa[1] (pronounced /zæpæ/; December 21, 1940 – December 4, 1993) was an American composer, electric guitarist, record producer, and film director. In a career spanning more than 30 years, Zappa wrote rock, jazz, electronic, orchestral, and musique concrète works. He also directed feature-length films and music videos, and designed album covers. Zappa produced almost all of the more than 60 albums he released with the band Mothers of Invention and as a solo artist."
"Zappa was a highly productive and prolific artist and he gained widespread critical acclaim. Many of his albums are considered essential in rock and jazz history, and he is regarded as one of the most original guitarists and composers of his time; he remains a major influence on musicians and composers. He had some commercial success, particularly in Europe, and for most of his career was able to work as an independent artist. Zappa was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997."
From the Frank Zappa wikipedia page.
Jane Fonda, actress, exercise guru, feminist icon, writer, model.
During the late 1930s, Stalin launched the Great Purge (also known as the "Great Terror"), a campaign to purge the Communist Party of people accused of sabotage, terrorism, or treachery; he extended it to the military and other sectors of Soviet society. Targets were often executed, imprisoned in Gulag labor camps or exiled. In the years following, millions of members of ethnic minorities were also deported. "
There are also a whole bunch of musicians, politicians, etc that I can't be bothered posting because they're not that relevant to today.
Holidays and observances on December 21st:
Jane Fonda, actress, exercise guru, feminist icon, writer, model.
"Jane Fonda (born December 21, 1937) is an American actress, writer, political activist, former fashion model and fitnessguru. She rose to fame in the 1960s with films such as Barbarella and Cat Ballou and, excluding a 15 year hiatus, has appeared in films ever since. She has won two Academy Awards and received several other awards and nominations. She announced her retirement from acting in 1991, but returned to film in 2005 with Monster in Law, and later Georgia Rule, released in 2007. She also produced and starred in several exercise videos released between 1982 and 1995.
Fonda has been an activist for many political causes, one of the most notable and controversial of which was her opposition to the Vietnam War. She has also protested the Iraq War and violence against women. She describes herself as a liberal and a feminist. Since 2001, Fonda has been a Christian. She published an autobiography in 2005 and currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia."
Again, from her wikipedia page.
Joseph Stalin, tyrant XD
"Joseph Stalin (born Ioseb Besarionis dze Jughashvili in Georgian or Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili in Russian patronymic nomenclature; 18 December 1878 – 5 March 1953) was the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union's Central Committee from 1922 until his death in 1953. In the years following Lenin's death in 1924, he rose to become the leader of the Soviet Union.
During the late 1930s, Stalin launched the Great Purge (also known as the "Great Terror"), a campaign to purge the Communist Party of people accused of sabotage, terrorism, or treachery; he extended it to the military and other sectors of Soviet society. Targets were often executed, imprisoned in Gulag labor camps or exiled. In the years following, millions of members of ethnic minorities were also deported. "
There are also a whole bunch of musicians, politicians, etc that I can't be bothered posting because they're not that relevant to today.
Holidays and observances on December 21st:
- Roman festivals – Divalia in honour of Angerona
- R.C. Saints – O Oriens, Saint Petrus Canisius; formerly feast day of Thomas the apostle
- In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice, sometimes known as Yule, occurs on or very close to this date. In the Southern Hemisphere, the summer solstice occurs around this time.
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