Disengage Gray

Ravey Train UV Glow at The Caboose

2012-02-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

A few nights ago I went to The Caboose for an event called Ravey Train. While I had a lot of fun, it was a weird experience. This was the first time I've been to a rave held at a sports bar where 75% of the room is pool tables and only about 15% is dance space while the other 10% is sitting space. But the DJ was good and the UV lights were awesome.

I was really shocked at how much my outfit glowed. I wore an old Seifuku I got off Milanoo and haven't had an opportunity to wear really and will probably never where again now that I finally made it out somewhere in it. It was dingy and really crappy although I do like the skirt. I was surprised that my shoes even glowed. The lining was white so they lit up perfectly. All in all, I had a really good time!

Angelic Pretty: Country of Sweets Apron Skirt review

2012-02-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

I feel a bit like I've been a brand whore lately with the add ins to my wardrobe. What used to be two Meta skirts and a handful of brand OTK socks has turned into one AP OP, one AP JSK, one AP apron skirt, an AP OP on the way, and and even bigger handful of socks and some headdresses and finally a purse.

You can see my post here to see about my purse, some socks and my JSK but only now can I tell you about my apron Skirt.

Travis bought me the Country of Sweets Apron Skirt from AP in white and I've already worn it twice since it arrived. This set has really been the biggest influence on branching out to find good accessories to go with it. I think I've found the very best.

E-bay is my best shopping tool and it's where i get everything. I found the perfect pink blouse to add lace to and throw it in with some Lolita clothes. I also found pink and white striped OTK's from Refuse to be Usual and I got a pair of pink platforms from Milanoo of the brain An-ta-i-na. Shoes are about the only thing I'd trust from that website. I've bought clothes and immediately regretted it. (Although my outfit for a UV Glow rave in Wichita tomorrow will contain pieces from there.)

The skirt is adorable on if I wear just the skirt. The Heart Apron piece which detaches nicely is too small for my American sized breasts and will pull the middle of the skirt in the front upwards awkwardly if I wear it. The bow on the side detaches as well as was great with pairing the pink blouse i bought and pinning up near the color for a more school girl charming look. The print is cute and well painted. I have almost no complaints except the apron size and that detaches making me completely happy with the skirt. A job well done to Travis. ^_^

Angelic Pretty: Clockwork Marionette JSK and Accessories Review

2012-02-02T18:24:00.000-08:00

You know what gets my blood boiling? A new Lolita dress. I can't help it. It gets me pumped up and happy and all rip roaring and ready to go out into the world and declare, "I'm a Lolita. Get over it!"

Sometimes I have qualms about the amount of money I spend on Lolita bran but when they arrive in person it always makes it worth it to feel the quality. Having bought pre-owned and brand-new, nothing really makes me feel proud like a brand new dress.

I bought Clockwork Marionette from Angelic Pretty's USA site about a week ago. It was on sale. The moment I bought it, I realized I need some sure-fire accessories and ended up getting the OTK socks and Cantonier in the matching black and pink and for good measure, I threw in my first brand purse.

All of the items I bought were discounted which is half the reason I could buy all them. Everything is really flattering about this series. The top is really slimming and while the measurements say the bust is 91cm and there is no shirring, I'd say even a 92 and possible a 93 can fit into the top. The skirt is a bit longer than usual possibly due to the ruffle on the hem but a longer petticoat can fix that or making it poofier with short petticoats. Even the Cantonier looks good because I was most worried about this piece. It didn't look flexible but it is and it's well made and designed. I can see this being the first piece that falls apart. I also really like the OTK's. They fit well and don't squeeze my thighs too much and the black rim outines where the socks end on my legs really well.

My only drawback on this dress is the material wrinkles very easily but as I'm determined to get better at ironing anyways, I see it as a challenge that I accept with full authority.

20k Views T-Shirt Design Contest~ Win $100 Gift Card to Angelic Pretty

2012-01-05T18:14:00.000-08:00

Good at Art? Want $100 to spend at Angelic Pretty? Think you've got what it takes to win a T-shirt Design contest? Well this is the contest for you!

This contest will run from today, 5 Jan 2012 until 5 February 2012 which gives you, dear readers, a whole month to prepare.

However, be prepared! Since this is a big contest, there are two parts to it! This is a Facebook driven contest, meaning I want to hear more from you guys.

Part 1:
Add the Disengage Gray Facebook page found "here" and post a comment with your favorite print from ANY brand from 2011.

Part 2:
Create your design and post it to the Facebook page ONLY! I don't want any e-mails! I just want wall photo posts! This way everyone can see them. I know I'm always curious about my competition.

I'm adding a theme. Guro-Lolita. You don't HAVE to stick to the theme but it's desired and will certainly give you brownie points.

On 5 Feb 2012 sometime during the day, I'll announce the winner on the Facebook page AND on here but I plan to contact the winner through Facebook only!

So, have it! Make your best attempts to win a $100 gift card to Angelic Pretty!

Note* Because it's been asked of me, yes, this contest is International! You don't have to be just from the USA. I was going to announce this later but the shirts WILL be sold with a percentage per shirt given to the artist of an amount to be determined after I get pricing on the shirts.

Piraat Pizzeria and Rotisserie- San Francisco, California

2012-01-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

Where should you go if you like beer, chicken, pizza, and you live/are near Downtown San Francisco? Piraat Pizzeria and Rotisserie!

I don't think I've ever been to a place that serves pizza and also has spits for roasted chicken. A strange combination if I do say so myself. Which I do. I didn't try the chicken but the pizza was superb.

Honestly, it's a bit hard to do Pizza wrong. Most Pizza's are pretty unique but never super poor tasting. This pizza was hardly greasy and the break was done well which makes it better than those boring pizza's that are normal.

I went with a personal cheese pizza with spinach and a cup of hot tea which was perfect for my aching throat. Having caught a cold right before our trip, Allison and I hit up this place for dinner not wanting to wander far from our hostel the first night due to me feeling like utter shit. I used hot, herbal tea to calm my throat and pizza to fill my belly while Allison used beer to satisfy her alcoholism and pizza to fill her tummy.

The only drawbacks to the Piraat's was next door is a fine looking italian eatery that drew our interest more but was always closed and the fact that the area around Piraat, which is downtown, isn't the nicest. Piraat's was clean though and the bathroom was nice. They were A-Ok with me! I would eat there again.

The Golden Gate Bridge~ San Francisco, California

2012-01-05T17:16:00.000-08:00

What's so special about the Golden Gate bridge? Absolutely Nothing! And yet, it attracts so many people. The only real claim to fame it has is the fact that more people commit suicide there than anywhere else in the world. I can understand how that's a cool fact for the morbid lovers but for everyone else, they should be appalled. In fact, if you're such a bridge lover, why not go to the other side of the Peninsula and visit the exact same bridge where the only difference is the color it is painted?

With the amount of traffic surrounding the bridge and the toll to get onto and off the bridge, the surrounding sight can be a bit hectic. There is only about 20 parking spaces close to the bridge so the only really good way to get there is to take a bus.

It's really hard to get a clear photo of yourself with the bridge and no other people in your photo as it's a highly congested area in terms of people. However, a plus side to the bridge is it's a good spot to take photos of Alcatraz off in the distance but also a reminder to my poor, sad soul that I didn't get to go. All in all, if you're not big into touristy stuff, don't visit the bridge because that's all it really is; a big tourist trap.

The Five Item Challenge Winter Edition~ Can you do it?

2012-01-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been inspired and even though I started about 5 minutes ago, this is already going to be hard. Basically, Allison, blog found here, is doing this thing called The Five Item Challenge. There are different rules to it but we've both agreed that a 5 items per four seasons is the best way to play. It'll save us money AND help minimize our life styles. I plan to split my seasons up like this:
Winter- December January,and February.
Spring- March April, May.
Summer- June, July, August.
Fall- September, October, November.

However, this will not affect my sewing items, just my shopping. I've already decided on my items for Winter and so I will share them with you!

To Complete my sock fetish and need for socks for my Honey Cake OP, I'm buying a pair of red Honey Cake socks.Brand- Angelic Pretty. Cost: $41.50

This is the most divine head band I've ever seen. It's soooo freaking adorable in my book. I HAVE to have it. Thankfully they have it in brown to go swell with my Honey Cake OP. Best part is they are bear ears! Brand: Baby, the Stars Shine Bright. Cost- $67

Continuing on with the brown theme, the best purse I found to match my Honey Cake OP that satisfies me just so happens to be this lovely Scalloped Chain should purse in brown. Brand- Angelic Pretty. Cost- $111.50

I found that these Wonder Cookie hair ties would make a great addition to the outfit, maintaining the sweets feeling and would go great with my long wigs in tern, helping them maintain their beauty so I don't have to deal with tangles. Brand- Angelic Pretty. Cost- $44

Lastly, I don't have enough cute jewelry that is well made and still fits my style. I figured this necklace which matches the above hair pieces would be perfect to match my Honey Cake OP. Brand- Angelic Pretty. Cost- $55

My Total for these five items are $319. I've already set aside money for most of this with my upcoming paychecks. The one drawback to this challenge is that I set a standard for myself to have 5 full Lolita outfits this year and there are only four seasons in a year. So, I'll have to drop it down but that will still be phenomenal to create three more unique outfits based on the seasons. I hope I continue to maintain this effort!

Honey Honey Cafe and Crepery-San Francisco, California

2012-01-04T18:16:00.000-08:00

Down the street, the very steep street, there lies a magical Mediterranean restaurant called Honey Honey Cafe and Crepery. It's a lovely place, painted in yellow and you can see many faces in the windows. As a food aficionado, seeing faces is key. The more people, the better the food. At least we can make this small assumption.

The walls are adorned with cute decorations and on one side entirely, there hangs a giant chalkboard filled with delicious sounding food. There are savory crepes, sweet crepes, sandwiches, dessert, and all sorts of drinks. What piqued my interest happened to the be savory Milano Omelet and Turkey Sandwich with pesto and Swiss cheese. Of course I didn't eat these on the same day. We visited twice!

The first time we went was magical. It was like going to the old Cool Cat Cafe in San Antonio again. I've learned though that my tummy is smaller and so is my wallet concerning such treats. A bit on the expensive side for my Texan taste, I spent $12 for a sandwich and coke. "How very sad!" my wallets cried out to my heart. However, no other taste can compare if you like simple foods!

I believe the second trip was based purely on the fact that it was so close to my hostel and that the nearby restaurants were either not as good or not open. However, we would have eventually gone back if we lived there. Don't let the sickly sweet name of the place throw you off Adventurers! This is the place to go for good omelets, good coffee, and good potatoes! I only regret to have never gotten a crepe here.

Angelic Pretty Honey Cake OP Review

2012-01-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

Recently I took a trip to San Francisco. Half of my decision to go there over somewhere else was the fact that San Francisco has great shopping with four Japanese brands that I've always wanted to see in person; Angelic Pretty, Baby the Stars Shine Bright, H. Naoto, and Black Peace.

I went to San Fran at an iffy time of the year, New Years. Half of the shops I desperately wanted to go to just happened to be closing for New Years following the Japanese calendar so I was freaking out when I made my purchase thinking that if I didn't make it then, I'd never be able to make it.

I bought the Honey Cake OP in yellow after trying it on and falling in love with it. It was discounted which was awesome. Along with the purchase, I made some startling discoveries!

My bust size is smaller than I thought is one of my discoveries and something I've longed for quite some time now. I fit everywhere but there in most Lolita clothes and even now I still have problems.

The shape of the dress is lovely but as a big hater of Ruching, I wish the dress was more fitted. I feel like the empire waist would be more emphasized. However, there were other parts of the dress I paid particular attention to like the lace hem where there are little bears and hearts which is pretty unique.

The buttons are a bit fragile on the waist ties unfortunately. I've already busted one off but that will be repaired within the next few days with a little handy dandy sewing.

While I've never been the biggest fan of yellow, I think it fits my complexion well and the skirt length is at the right length to show of my legs which I'd consider a "charm point" personally. I think a good pair of OTK socks would be perfect which I plan to add to my dress soon enough. Also the fact that there are so many other colors in the dress gives me more options to pair pieces with it. Reds, blues, pinks, and greens would be lovely and even some cream. I'd really like to see a forest green pair of shoes or socks and bag go with this OP because the small amount on the cap of the honey bear would really be unique.

A drawback to my purchase is the fact that the dress is an older print so when I was in the Angelic Pretty shop, they didn't have any other accessories for it for me to pick up. It was probably for the best though since I shouldn't spend such amounts of money all at once.

This is my second Angelic Pretty piece with the first being a Salopette. Both have been comfortable and well sewn, working well with the poofy petticoats I like to put under the skirt. I would like a better fit because both have been awkwardly fit or ruched to fit and it would be a more lovely dress without the ruching.

San Francisco Japan Town: My Dream Town

2012-01-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

I don't think I've ever found a place I love so much in the USA as Japan-Town or Nihon-Machi is we're being ever-so proper. From the hostel Allison and I stayed in on Taylor Street down Geary to Japan-Town, it's about a 20 minute walk or 10 minute bus ride which was the perfect incentive for us to just go there all the time.

We had around 15 meals in Japan-Town and coffee. We saw movies. We shopped for clothes. We shopped for Letter writing materals. We shopped for magazines. We bought alcohol and snacks. Even with all this, it wasn't enough and I wish I lived closer. I could go AWOL and work there! They have several positions open for work too.

Reguarding books, Kinokuniya is an amazing Japanese book-store and Maido is the perfect place to buy letter materals, stickers, and cute school supplies. There are two-Maid's, one being for cute stuff and one for being the more serious student. I dropped about $50 on notebooks, pens, and magazines and Allison dropped $100 on school supplies. In the East Mall, there is a place called Daiso which is a 100 Yen shop in japan or $1.50 store here. I got some of THE best chap-stick I have ever tried there as well as Maple Buns all for $1.50 each.

I think my favorite place to go for food and coffee was this cute little anime themed restaurant on the bridge between the West Mall and the Kinokuniya Building. On the TV they play Hayao Miyazaki and the shelves are filled with plushies and the food is phenomenal. Before this trip, I didn't drink Coffee and I don't drink much in the way of Green Tea but somehow, I started drinking both here. Also, Croquettes are amazing. Who doesn't love fried mashed potatoes?

Inside the Kinokuniya building there are two really great places to eat in my opinion. One is Susie's Crepes next to the Kinokuniya Bookstore on the second floor. The crepes are light feeling and you can get a custom made crepe with fruit and ice cream and Nutella from $5-$7. I suggest going closer to when they open as the place gets packed quickly but as they cook crepes early, it's not too big of a problem.

Next to the Crepe Shop was a restaurant with Karaoke rooms and delicious food and alcohol. I got an Udon Omelett which was my favorite thing to eat in all of Japan-Town. There were many places with great food but this particular dish was my favorite. To go with it, Allison and I split a bottle of Hana-Awaka which is Sparkling Sake. We wanted to try it primarily due to the fact that neither of us like sake but we want to. We actually liked this one. We ended up going to the grocery store in the East Mall for more. It's relatively cheap too at $6 a bottle and two of those are enough to put me under now that I've become a bit of a light-weight.

If you've never been to San Francisco or are planning to go soon, I suggest spending some good time here. A lot of the shops are novelty and crappy but there are some diamonds in the rough and the food is simply the best. Another plus is the price. We spent about $13 a meal which was pretty good in San Francisco as food is more costly than I thought, especially if you aren't eating fast food.

♥ Here's to a great 2012 ♥

2012-01-03T18:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year all! I hope you have high aspirations for the coming year like I do. There is so much I want to do. There's so many clothes I want to make! I don't really know how I'm going to accomplish the large majority of my New Years Resolution. I suppose to be honest, my Resolution list has turned into a more of a long-term To Do list that contains good pointers and helpful ideas. For Example, I vow to make it back to Neo Nightclub in Chicago while at the same time, I want to drink more water and cut soda from my diet.

My list is too long to post so instead, I'll list the few that pertain to the blog!
1. Reach 5,000 views a month here on the blog.
2. Have 1,000 Facebook followers
3. Buy a new Laptop (So I can make better posts)
4. Be more Creative (This is one for every day life too)
5. Make 10 posts a month at the least
6. Find a Charity to support monthly
7. Stay in and review more hotels.
8. Read and review 5 books a month
9. Make travel arrangements every time we have a holiday from work.
10. Watch and review one movie a week.

Some of the other plans I have this year also include having a good panel at Naka-kon now that I found out I'm going to be a panelist and I want to start a Tumblr involving Urban Exploration and our Natural Environment. There are others as well that will benefit the blog in the long run but aren't necessarily pertaining to it on a personal level. I'm sure I'll also have a few things I wish to do to make the blog successful while I'm away most of the year but we'll have to delve further into that when the time comes and I can get my general situation down pat. So, that being said, What are you guy's New Years Resolutions??? I'm curious! Tell me moarrr!!!

Merry Christmas and a Happy Birthday to me!

2011-12-25T11:55:00.000-08:00

So I turned 23 recently and that's pretty much all I'm going to say about it. It was a devious night filled with so many shots from so many random people that I finally understand all those people who say they don't remember what happened. I never thought I'd do that but while I can't remember anything except that I kept sticking my tongue out at people and now have the nickname snake tongue, it was a pretty good night filled with drunken dancing.

Also, my hair is ruined past the point of saving. I need to get a hair cut. Before I even got home from the night of madness, I was feeling a bit under the weather and not in the normal hang over sense. By the time I was home, I was in full sick mode. I caught a cold and there went another two days of my life that I can't remember cause it was spent in bed with medicine. It's finally Christmas day and I'm well enough to get up which is good because tomorrow, Allison and I leave for San Francisco and I can't be sick for our trip of a lifetime. I'm still a little under the weather and cross-eyed but if I keep taking the meds my mother so wonderfully packed up for me, I think it's going to be ok. ^_^

But, so yes, Merry Christmas my dear readers. While I have no photos that I can show you where I'm not completely shit-faced, just know that it was an uncontrollable night and I'll never drink that much again. Look forward to many new posts before the year is out! Feliz Navidad. (I hope most of this makes sense because I can't really think straight with my cold about grammar and such.)

Wasteland is BACK! Omaha, Nebraska January 28th, 2012

2011-12-14T10:08:00.000-08:00

I don't know what madness luck this is but I am NOT going to fight it. In fact, I urge you random luck to keep blowing my way! So what if I only have two more days of work before a 2 week long holiday. Nothing special! I'm lying, I know. It's actually super fascinating fabulous!

Well, moving on to the exciting portion of this foray, On January 28th, 2012, Wasteland Omaha is throwing their comeback Industrial party called Wasteland IS BACK! Event found here. I'm aiming to go. It's a four hour drive but I've got costuming plans to make that weekend in Omaha anyways for Nakakon in February. Shall I see you at the Side Door Lounge? We aim to please, you aim too, please.

Midwest Meltdown- EDM events in Wichita? ♥FINALLY♥

2011-12-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

So, I've finally started to begin my search in escaping the average mundane here in Kansas. For awhile, I was kinda excited about being here. There are Lolita's and Kansas City has good Upscale shopping. Then I began to realize that is all it has. Sure, there is an anime convention in February which I'm definitely going to. But that's in February and it's NOT enough. I need more. More in the way of dancing so that my feeling of suffocation that's got me down can go away. Where's the freedom?

Anyways, aside from being melodramatic, I've finally found the first event of what I'll hope to be many events to curb my energy! A group called Electric Collective has been putting on EDM events in Wichita for a year or two now. I remember seeing an ad for the last event they threw back in October but I saw it mid-November and there was nothing new posted that was happening back then. Alas, that has changed. They are hosting an event called The Midwest Meltdown now on January 21st, 2012 and I WILL be there dancing my ass off in the cold weather in skimpy rave clothes. Actually, I'm going to make an outfit Tokyo Decadence would be proud of! I have the perfect materials to do so already so lovers, look out! I hope all you Kansans will make it out and chat with me! Or dance since I can never hear ANYBODY in those kinds of places. ^_^_^_^

The event page can be found here and they also have a Facebook page so all you OCD FB peeps can keep it on the calendar. I know I'm adding it to mine.

Chicago~ The Rundown City

2011-12-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

I'm still alive!! Somehow, I didn't manage to get myself mugged. I think I've held off so long on writing this because it isn't the post I wanted or the trip I wanted. I don't know if this post will live up to my trip. It was the weirdest trip. I suppose that might have something to do with taking a trip all by myself which in a way was super boring. Friday, the 25th, is when I left for Chicago on an Amtrak train at 5:18 a.m. The ride was to last 10 hours. The ride to Chicago was interesting but I was definitely ready to be there by the time I got to town. I talked with an ex-Soldier and had breakfast in the dining car which was surprisingly pretty good. I only got French Toast but it was fluffy and delicious. I tried napping but I couldn't figure out how the seat worked and it was super uncomfortable so I ended up using my Droid to read novels the whole way there. The application on the Droid Incredible 2 which I have have, is surprisingly good. Books are cheap and you just thumb through the pages. When I got to Chicago, it took me awhile but I found the blue line headed to O'Hare airport and made it to my hotel.

Going into the hotel was a surprise. I didn't expect much from it. It looked a little rundown but the lobby was nice. Going to my room was not so nice however. There was no safety latch on the door in case someone tried to come in while I was sleeping and the carpets were stained and it was generally super run down but the bed was comfortable and although I was worried about bed bugs, that wasn't an issue. In general, although run down, the Chicago O'Hare Garden Hotel where I stayed was clean, just run down. My favorite part was it was within walking distance from the city train. However, I didn't like that it advertised wireless internet when if you wanted to use the wireless, you had to sit in the lobby. However, that down side was made nicer by the super comfy black leather chairs, television and nice soapy, clean smell that the lobby had. I might stay there again because it was affordable, and safe feeling despite it's lack of door security. However, as I'd rather be closer to the actin of downtown, I'd have to take that into consideration as it's pretty far and I know I made a lot of trips into town.

For items that I did on Friday, I tried to get a feel for the city. I invited some Lolita's to come out and have dinner with me but they were all kept over by work. I played my meal choices safe, getting subway for diner and walking around town. I went to Betsey Johnson to exchange the dress I purchased in Kansas City for a few other items. I ended up with two jackets, a dress, two necklaces, and a pair of earrings. I also got a purse but it was a purse that was exchanged due to one of my old ones being broken. I'd only had it a month when it broke so they let me get a different one instead. I honestly love Betsey Johnson and I plan to wear her for New Years. You'll get to see my dress then! New Years in San Francisco will be amazing.

Continuing on with Saturday, Saturday was really disappointing for most of the day. I really wanted to go to Millennium Park and Chinatown and other places but it was raining pretty heavily. I ended up going for lunch in Chinatown. There I had to buy an umbrella because it was impossible to walk around without one plus I was wearing one of my new Betsey Johnson coats. Definitely not about to ruin a $300 coat with rain. In the way of food, I eat like I was a starving homeless girl. I had a strawberry smoothie at one shop, I bought a Curry beef fun and an egg custard bun at another shop and then I found a little food mart shopping area with Japanese food and got Chicken Udon soup. It was THE best Udon I'd ever had. I'm going back if I make it back to Chicago in January where I'll have friends with me and we'll take a gazillion photos.

After Chinatown I just walked around some more downtown and looked at things and window shopped. It was rather uneventful. I eventually went back to my hotel and put on my wig and made sure I was presentable for Neo Nightclub, the biggest reason I went to Chicago. I needed some Industrial clubbing love and I definitely found it at Neo Nightclub. It lived up to what I wanted even though I was super nervous. I walked around for almost an hour before I found it though cause I took a wrong turn but I eventually pulled out my GPS and found it when I got annoyed at trying to find it on my own. The club itself is down an alley way which made me nervous but also made me laugh cause all I could think about was Queen of the Damned and how cliche it was to have a goth club down an Alley. The cover fee was $5. I was glad I had cash because the website doesn't say how much it costs or whether they have a coat room or any really pertinent details. Inside the place was cozy and had a good atmosphere. While drinks were a bit pricey, they give you big glasses so it's kinda worth it. The bartender mixes well and didn't have a problem when I showed him an ingredient list for a drink I wanted. The club is open from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. I stayed until 3:30. I made a few new friends who will be fun to see again when I go back.

Sunday was the boring day. I literally got up, dressed, and left the hotel finding a McDonald's. I ate there and then headed toward the Amtrak station. On the way I stopped at Starbucks for Hot Chocolate and took my train home with no issues other than a kind of rude male conductor who yelled at a kid. That's the end of my Chicago trip!

I recommend Chicago for someone who wants an atmosphere like New York city but doesn't want to pay the prices. The city of Chicago is a bit run down from what I saw but their downtown has all the accommodations that NYC has in terms of high end retail which is always important. I wished I got to do more of my plans and I took more photos and I didn't leave my memory card at home and traveled with a small budget. There will be things I change on my next trip for sure. I think in general it was a successful trip and I got a good feel of the city and subway so that I can guide the people I bring with me around fairly easily. I hope you enjoyed me short rundown of the city of Chicago as well as my small amount of photos. If you have questions, please comment or e-mail me at disengagegray@aol.com. There is also the Facebook page you can add here.

Future Chicago Trip: November 25th-27th!

2011-11-15T10:08:00.000-08:00

It is official! I am going to Chicago for Thanksgiving weekend. My plans so far are to travel to Chicago via Amtrak on Black Friday and have a nice dinner and explore a bit on Friday Evening. Saturday will be filled with exploration and then Saturday night, I'm hitting up an Industrial/Goth club called Neo. Sunday I'll have brunch before heading back to base!

This is one of the first times I've seen that the Amtrak will be a quicker ride than driving. Plus, I hear Chicago parking fees are phenomenal. With my military discount as well as absurdly cheap prices for some reason, my hotel and Amtrak costs are a total of $265. Not bad, eh? Hopefully, this weekend will go as planned and I'll have a new event to write about. If not, expect great things after next weekends foray into the big city of Chicago. My first trip there and I'm sure it'll be exciting!

Nebraskon 2011, Sunday

2011-11-09T06:14:00.000-08:00

Sundays are the days I almost never go to a convention unless I'm working. Nebraskon was different; I had a job to do. Shelly threw a panel teaching Anime and Lolita Hair Techniques and taught about different things involving your hair and how important it is to style it the right way. She also taught the crowd how to do spikes with back coming and hair spray as well as curling with a flat iron. It was super exciting. I think I'm a bit biased because I was one of the hair models but I think it went over pretty well.

Before Shelly's panel, we attended a panel on Ball Jointed Dolls where they talked about the dolls, what they're made of, and etiquette. At the end of the panel, there was a girl who'd ordered a brand new doll with all the parts and had the unopened box with her and we all crowded around to see her open it. After the BDJ panel was a trip to the Dealer Room to see if there was any last items I wanted. I obtained a pair of angel wing Gaiaonline clips and a keychain of the Laughing Man from Ghost in the Shell to go with my purchase of a Panda Squishable from the day before.

I don't know if it's me but I feel like panelist are becoming more creative than when I first started going to conventions. It isn't just a boring speech anymore. Everything is interactive and about engaging the crowd while teaching which I'm fine with due to my short attention span and all. It's really made me want to put together a panel with my knowledge which I'm doing for a convention in the near future coming to you!

My closing thoughts for Nebraskon that although it seemed so short to me and I wish it wasn't over that it was one of the most well put together conventions I've been to. Things seemed organized and the people working the convention didn't seem too stressed out. The attendees themselves were of a variety of ages and I learned you don't need a super big group to have fun at a convention or even much of a purpose which I felt the need for in the past. Either conventions are changing or I am and I hope it's both!

Nebraskon 2011, Saturday

2011-11-07T06:30:00.000-08:00

Oh, Nebraskon! You gave me quite a bit of firsts. This was my first time to Nebraska. First time to an anime convention alone. First time I didn't buy from artists in the artist alley. First time I've paid for a badge to a convention. First time I've seen such neat technology at a registration check in. There are probably more first in there but I can't think of anymore off the top of my head.

Arriving around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, I went up to Registration. There was no line, shocking! Checking in, it was done by computer and I could pay with my credit card. They had a credit card swiper attached to their Ipad and I paid $35 for my ticket which included the military discount. The convention staff had plenty of schedules on hand which was great because I kept loosing mine and sometimes not having enough is an issue with conventions. Leaving registration, it was a little confusing walking around the building until a nice lady informed me there was a map on the back of my program which was super helpful!

My first stop was to go to the Dealer room until Shelly, the friend I was meeting up with as well as the hairdresser putting on the Anime and Lolita Hair Techniques I was a hair model for, came. We actually ran into each other right before I made it to the dealer room so after I helped her re-tie her apron, we went to the dealer room together. The dealer room was nice sized. There seemed to be a good variety and the artists and dealers were intermingled with each other. I know some prissy dealers who wouldn't like that but I liked it because I hate having to go to two different places to see what I actually want to buy. I like to contemplate aforehand before I make the purchase.

The only thing I bought on Saturday was a Panda Squishable. This is now my second squishable and I love it just as much as the first! ♥ I saw another square shaped Panda stuffed plush that I wanted too but I decided one was enough and with that quick browse, we decided to check out panels.

Before we made it to any panels, we stopped at the restaurant in the hotel to eat. It was okay and nothing to rave about plus with them apparently not expecting too many quests, they were ill-prepared and kind of rude about altering any food from it's original state. All I wanted was no tomatoes in my salad... However, that was apparently too much for the cooks.

After that, Shelly and I headed to the Lolita Tea Party we'd signed up for as it was about time for it. As they went down the list you signed up with at Registration by number, Shelly and I weren't supposed to sit next to each other, however, she asked the girl running the party and I was given the seat next to her when we got in which was super nice. We made small talk with those around us, took photos and waited to be served. The fair was Sweet Tea and the most delicious cake ever. I'll be doing a full review of the cake for my next trip to Omaha as there will be another one soon and we'll be going to the actual cake shop so just wait for that part. But know, it was delicious. There was a prize for whoever had the chair that had the rose sticker taped to it of a namebrand headbow, However, the sticker was lost and we ended up doing a contest of Numbers 1-100 which was fine. I'm happy for the girl who won. She looked super excited.

After the party, we went to the Belly Dance to Dubstep panel and caught a bit of it but it wasn't our cup of tea so we ended up leaving and looking at the schedule, there weren't too many good panels left so we went to the game room. The game room was actually my hangout spot for a large majority of the time. They had a DDR machine in one room and an X-Box Kinect set up with a Para Para game and Dance Central. I think I spent a good 8 or 9 hours of the con just playing those games.

After some DDR, Shelly and I decided to go back to her place so she could change and feed her daughter. We went to my hotel after that and I changed into my clothes for the rave and then after that it was off to Noodles and Company where I had the Wisconsin Mac and Cheese. It was delicious. Then it was back to the con. We went back to the game room and then went to do Karaoke. It took them a while to set up the Karaoke so Shelly ended up ducking out for the evening leaving me to fair by myself. I went back to the game room and then down to Karaoke when it was finally set up and then after my song an hour and half later, I headed to the bar.

At the bar, I probably had an equivalent of 9 shots of Vodka and some orange juice. The bartenders were generous in their portions sizes and I was pleasantly surprised. I ended up chatting up a few people before finally heading to the rave around 11:30 and dancing for 3 hours, having a blast while sorta shwasted. To sober up, I went to the game room yet again! ♥ I played games until they closed and then headed back to my hotel for pizza and soda and to pass out. ♥

Noodles and Company, Manhattan, Kansas

2011-11-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

Want the best Chicken Noodle Soup? I'd try Noodles & Company if you want something super delicious. Definitely some really good Chicken Noodle Soup! They use real slices of chicken, super large noodles, chicken broth, and delicious vegetables.

While Noodles and Company doesn't have a large menu selection, I believe the small amount of choices helps them make superb dishes of the ones they do have. While my friend Gully and I only had Chicken Noodle Soup the first go, Gully returned and had the Macaroni and Cheese and stated it was delicious as well. Another friend of mine, Baldwin, has been there three times this month so far. So, I think we're all in agreement. The food at Noodles and Company is good.

Manhattan, while unfortunately no equal to it's New York counterpart, has Kansas State Football. KSU Football is something unprecedented in my book. The fans are die hard and people come in to watch KSU football from many different places even outside the state. If you're coming into town travelling and looking for a good eatery, I'd suggest Noodles and Company. It's a break away from the normal game day food; Buffalo Wild Wings, Chili's.

Freshly opened, you can find Noodles and Company near the Hy-vee on Fort Riley road tucked into a newly built shopping center. I can just say near Sonic and the mall if you're familiar with the area but I wouldn't be suprised if there wasn't a single soul reading this blog who actual is. I HAVE been pleasantly surprised with Kansas so far though. I've found good food, decent shopping if you don't mind a drive and there happens to be a large number of Lolita's who like to travel for conventions. (Hint Hint for this weekend ♥) So, Please enjoy this place if you end up in the premises. E-mail me back and let me know what you think. If you've ever been to another Noodles and Company restaurant, let me know what you think. Does it compare in different places or is the one here in Manhattan just particularly good? E-mail me at disengagegray@aol.com or deathsbonyhands@aol.com!

Edit: So, I visited Noodles and Company with my Lolita friend Shelly in Omaha, Nebraska and I've realized a few key differences that are very important.

1. The Wisconsin Mac and Cheese is pretty freaking delicious. I'm getting that next time I go again.
2. The two shops are different from each other. The one in Omaha has several other menu options that the one in Manhattan doesn't have. If you're going to go to the one in Manhattan and you've been to Noodles and Company before and you have a favorite dish, I'd suggest checking online to make sure they have the dish you want. Otherwise, be prepared to either try something new or get your second favorite!

Nebraskon, Omaha, NE. Nov 4-6

2011-11-01T06:38:00.001-07:00

My hotel room is all confirmed for this weekend. Nothing too glamorous but I'm going to take pictures and review panels! Lot's of Lolita to come!

Cafe Trio in Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas

2011-10-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

The first place I've ever walked into and immediately thought "Gay Bar"! would have to be Cafe Trio. I usually reserve my opinions until later but this place screamed the words to me. Why? Because almost all of their waitstaff was male as well as the dining ratios. There were male bartenders, male waiters, male dish cleaners, groups of males just eating, groups of males drinking, and our particular waiter was definitely gay.

Not that this is a problem, mind you, but it was a shocker! It was easy to get over the shock as we made our way through the deep wooden, fancy dining room and out onto the back patio.

I thought we wouldn't get seating as the place was full and our table was supposed to be a for a reservation that was a no-show. To eat inside was a long wait and the reason we got our seating so quickly was because people complained of the amount of wind outside. When we sat down I didn't feel any wind aside from a light breeze.

We were left with a beautiful but secluded view to one side, and the luminous blue bar with soft lighting to the other. Perfect for a luxurious evening out as it was such.

Prices were a bit steep but the portions were large. For about $13 you can get a pizza done in the New York style, yet perfectly done and still slightly fancy seeming. My mother got a crab cake sampler platter. The waiter was unfamiliar with my choice in drinks. a sweet tart, and he had it made Martini style. The drink itself was a bit tart but not undrinkable.

Right off the plaza, the restaurant itself seems like it lacks traffic as well as finesse but once you go inside, you'll know it's the place to be if you're into upscale eatery and cocktails. I'd suggest making a reservation if you're worried about seating or don't want to wait more than 10 to 20 minutes at the bar. Expect to wait quite awhile to receive your check at the end of the night as well. I suppose they expect you to linger and drink. Cafe Trio is by no means quick dining. Plan to relax and enjoy yourself inside with piano music or outside with the gorgeous Plaza and park below you.

Conan's Pizza in Austin, Texas

2011-10-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

Conan the Barbarian themed Pizza restaurant in Austin, Texas? I think so! Right around the corner from my favorite resale shop Buffalo Exchange, lay a small, tucked away pizza restaurant called Conan Pizza. I've seen the place before and it never looked all that appetizing. It was just never what I wanted to eat, even as much as I like Pizza.

Well, the other day when I was in Austin, Texas shopping around with Alley Ray, I decided I was extremely hungry and I wanted to eat before it was time to head out to an Industrial Rave we went to in San Antonio thrown by DJ Inferno. Food comes before clothes to me as I can't rave and drink on an empty stomach. Coming out of Buffalo Exchange and Toy Joy, I decided, why not? I'm in an adventurous mood and I could go for some Pizza.

Stepping inside, you almost don't notice the decor of the place. Wooden beams separate the booths which are lined with Conan the Barbarian comics. The tables even have them underneath glass. I ordered a small cheese and two drinks for a total of $13 and we sat and waited while they cooked the pizza fresh. The style of the pizza itself was more along the lines of New York style Pizza and simply delicious. I'd definitely suggest eating there if you just happen to be hungry or in the mood for a super comic book themed restaurant. Who knows, maybe you could even hold a comic book meetup there, especially if you collect Conan comics!

Figlios Italian Restaurant and Bar in Kansas City, Missouri

2011-10-19T18:12:00.000-07:00

Recently I spent a bit of time in Kansas City, Missouri/Kansas. I'm not sure where I was exactly due to the fact that the lines of the city cross state borders very easily and you'll never even notice. They aren't clearly defined lines to an untrained eye which I am definitely not yet but I'm guaranteed to ask next time I visit, which will be soon, how you can tell the difference between which state you are in.

My mother and I visited Filgio's Italian Restaurant and Bar in the Plaza area of Kansas City. The plaza is an upscale shopping and dining area that our hotel, The Holiday Inn, bordered. There is a Bebe, Betsey Johnson, North Face, Cheesecake Factory, Panera Bread, Nine West, H%M, and many, many other stores which we stopped in.

Figlio's was the choice of the evening and a perfect one at that. I started out my course with a kick of Vitamin C and Rum in the form of a Screwdriver with Malibu Rum instead of the traditional Vodka. I'm sipping one now as a matter of fact. ;)

As for food, I went with a Baked Three-Cheese Ziti and my mother went with an Appetizer with Bread covered in Marinara and Pesto, Calimari, and cheese Ravioli. Yum Yum, Italian Food at it's finest! I was not dissappointed in any way, including our waiter and bar service. I plan to return on my next Kansas City excursion!

Busy Girl? Morning Musume- Only You dance cover!

2011-10-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

I FINALLY filmed this. I've had this dance committed to memory for about a month now fully ready to film and I never did it. I think it's cause I got super sick of listening to it to even film it. So yup, I finally had some free time and space for a new "set" to dance in. It's not ideal but I like it anyhow. When I started learning this dance as well, there weren't any mirrored dance shots and I'm currently operating on a sub-par system so I couldn't mirror it myself. Then I suppose I was just too lazy to re-learn it so it's all awkward and lefty and I'm not lefty handed! So anyways, how do you like it?

All the Blood in the World

2011-10-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

So, this is by FAR, my favorite Guro-Lolita photo. Lea and I both fabulous in it. Definitely better than any professionals and models out there could do at least I like to believe. Lea and I are already planning out other ideas of what we want to do involving Lolita styles and hardly done ideas. It'll probably be another month or two until we can get together again with her photographer sister at Jade Noir Photography found here but we'll do by golly! Also, We both made our own dresses and Lea accepts commissions if you're interested. One day I'll have the confidence to do my own comissions but not yet.

This is definitely Lea's shot more than mine. I don't like me so much. I'm muscle-thighed and not angled right for my dress. My facial expression isn't the greatest either. We took a LOT of photos though. So, expect more to come!

Brought Specially for you by Bloody McBloodkins

2011-10-03T15:10:00.001-07:00

Wahooo! Here's a preview of my full outfit for the Guro-Lolita shoot. I hand-sewed the dress my self. The photos are going to be fantastic! I saw a few before I had to hit the road and they were superb!

I'm a model, you know what I mean

2011-10-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

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I can't recall if I ever posted this video for you all to check out my portion of the runway show at Rendezvous on 4th Avenue in Tucson. I'm only posting as a way to remind myself that I need to be an awesome model tomorrow because I'm doing a Guro-Lolita shoot. Wish the team luck!

An Average Day

2011-09-24T17:40:00.001-07:00

Why does the Army not believe in sleep? I mean, really, I'd like to sleep in sometime but it never seems to happen that way. My day started off pretty early at 7 a.m. which although not early for the Army, it's early for people getting back from Field Training and not have a weekend for two weeks. I didn't get back to sleep due to volunteering for a detail to help clean gear from FTX. That took us, all 30ish of us, working until 11 a.m. to finish. It was pretty fun though and if I hadn't volunteered I'd still be up cleaning my own gear to that we can turn it in Monday. I honestly didn't really want to do that yet since there were no washers open yet to wash my sleeping bags.

At 11, I got to pass my rifle off to another member of my platoon who didn't volunteer and go off post finally for the first time in two weeks. I immediately grabbed up a male in my platoon and headed to Walmart where we proceeded to goof around in the Halloween aisle before moving to the back of the store to grab cloth that I needed to finish my costume for the Guro-Lolita shoot I've got in a week.

After leaving Walmart, we hit up Game Stop and I sold my DSi and games and then we moved on to Walgreens to pick up photos I'd ordered online. I've been wanting to get them for so long to add to my photo album I'm creating since I don't ever want to forget these memories and who knows how long Facebook will be around with all these changes.

After Walgreens, Vail and I headed to a fair we'd passed in the park. I wanted to go primarily to get some Funnel Cake and ride one or two rides. Vail and I ended up spending too much money just to win this blue flamingo. I could have bought thirty of them for the amount we spent and the quality of it but I suppose it's not about how much it cost, it's about how much fun it was to win it and the effor that goes into it.

After the fair I finally came back and got food for the week and now I'm going to start to finish the white Lolita dress I'm making, unfortunately without the cloth I really wanted as they didn't have it. Sierra Vista fails at having good cloth. But, whatever. A good day in all was had! ^_^

Lolita Altruists Society

2011-09-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

Lately I've been trying to come up with some ways to invest my time that don't cost money and can help better mankind as a whole. Being in the Army, I see and hear a lot of bad stuff that is followed by listening/watching news during my eating periods. I know there is still a lot of good in the world but it's just not something that you hear about as often. So, I'm aiming to do as much as I can to help out the world.

Now, of course I'm busy more than 3/4 of the day with work and sewing projects but I figure I can take some time to really get things coming in my plans on the weekends. If I can even help one person out, then I've done what I really joined the Army to do.

My current plans are as follows in regards to the things I want to do with my new group called the Lolita Altruists Society:

-Highway/City Cleanup
-Shirt Funraiser (all Funds will go to the below project)
-Donations to Food Banks
-Donations to Soup Kitchens
-Using Conventions to fund raise in exchange for hosting panels on Lolita sub-culture
-Advertising about Free Pet Care when Shelters and Clinics offer it
-Recycle Aluminum and Plastics
-Start a Victory Garden growing cucumbers and Strawberries

I think these are a pretty good start for my ideas. I'd really like to focus on charities that involve children since I think adults should be able to fend for themselves and should be willing to do anything they can for their children. Plus, Children are a lot less likely to be crack addicts who only want to spend their money on drugs.

At the same time, I want to advertise Lolita Sub-culture and make it a more known fashion as well as a more accepted and tolerated fashion. It would make my life a lot easier to know that I don't have to explain what my clothes are every time I leave the house!

So, if you'd like the help with the cause, there are a variety of ways you can help!
1. Click this link.
2. If you'd like a more hands on approach, join the facebook page. We need volunteers to go out in their Lolita and do good deeds. If you're interested in organizing an event in your area, if you'd like to draw us a Logo that would go on shirts, if you'd like to just stay updated with what we're going to be doing, join the facebook page! Found Here.
3. If you know any Lolitas and would just like to pass around this, please do!

Anyway that you think you can help, volunteer your services! To get into direct contact with me, either e-mail me at deathsbonyhands@aol.com or disengagegray@aol.com or even contact me over the FB page!

Bain de Terre-All About Curls Shampoo and Conditioner

2011-09-13T22:32:00.000-07:00

I've tried LOTS of expensive hair care products such as Biolage, Matrix, Friedman, and a few others. I've been happy with them. Receiving Biolage in the mail during Basic Training was the best gift I'd ever received or so it felt because my hair just came back to life automatically after using cheap shampoo that I was forced to buy because there were no other options. Even so, being a test dummy for my sister who is a Beautician meant lots of product. I'm sad that she didn't introduce me to Bain de Terre because I have been introduced and it's now my favorite shampoo.

My hair isn't particularly curly or anything but I use the All About Curls shampoo because one of my battle buddies who got the set sent to her in the mail by her Beautician friend. It works wonders. My hair doesn't feel super silky soft immediately but when it dries, it looks healthier and the healthy glow last longer without my hair getting oily like it does with other products. My thin hair feels thicker and stronger. There is just something about it that makes me happy and it smells good for longer than other shampoos do as well. I take my hair down after work and I get wafts of a sweet scent through my nose. If I ever recommended anything to anyone it would be this Shampoo and Conditioner if I was given only one choice. ^_^ Please do try it. Now, to find a product that works well with my skin and we'll be all set.

September Contest! Suprise Stationary Grab Bag!

2011-09-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

I don't remember what I said about waiting to do a contest but I've found a good timeline to do another one and I know what a super fun gift I'm putting together is, however, I can't tell you what's in it cause I don't know the specifics! I'm going to be giving out a stationary grab bag full of unique stationary items I'm picking up in Austin at the end of the month.

In order to grab this lovely surprise grab bag full of what I PROMISE to be fun goodies, all you have to do is the normal rules for the contest. Post a link either here or on the facebook page found here with a link to a post you made on the internet about Disengage Gray along with a response to the following comment as well as your e-mail for when I announce the winners so that I can get in contact with you. The due date for the contest is October 5th. Enter with the best expectations!

Question:
When piecing together a Lolita Coordinate, what is your top favorite color combination?

My answer? Pink and Ivory! Now I want to know yours! If you haven't liked the facebook page yet, do it! I post there a lot, sometimes little tidbits that don't go there!

My New Blog: A blog for all my crafting

2011-09-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

I decided to open a second blog. Why? Because I don't want to muck this blog up with post about my endless designs and sewing projects. The title is Sugar Boat Sailor for my love of sugary, cute things and Sailor Lolita. I rather like the design. It seems a bit more sophisticated than this one but that might change soon. *wink wink* If you'd like to take a look, click here. I hope you enjoy because I like to draw designs a lot and I like sewing and I make TONS of mistakes all the time so maybe I can help you fix yours or keep you thinking about them before you start making them!

Labor Day Weekend Thus Far~ Over So quickly

2011-09-03T23:20:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend in the Army means a four-day weekend, possibly the most exciting thing ever! Especially when you're still in training. I made plans to come to Tucson with my battle buddy for the four-day, Kitzman. We decided to hit it big; fashion, food, and parties. Well, we sorta did all that.

Friday morning started out early for me. I went and got my eyebrows waxed and headed over to Enterprise where I had a car rental waiting for me. I picked up the car and picked up our friend Lawrence who needed to go to the airport to meet his wife. So we rolled up in style and had a nice long drive singing along to Three Days Grace and being super emo. It was great.

Upon arriving in Tucson and dropping off Lawrence, Kitzman and I headed to visit Urban Outfitters. On the way we decided to get food and hit up this place called The Cereal Boxx. It was delicious. Urban Outfitters was a fun visit and so was walking around University of Arizona pretending to be college students. While at The Cereal Boxx we used their complimentary wifi to find ourselves a hotel for the weekend. We stumbled upon The Hilton Tucson East on hotels.com and booked two nights for a total of $120. A nice price if I do say so myself.

After we checked in, we went to Target, bought swimsuits, and utilized the pool for a while before we got ready to go out for the evening. We hit up the liquor store, BevMo and then went to eat at Ali Baba's. After eating, while smoking hookah, my friend Valarie, a fellow Lolita, showed up and we headed back to the hotel to drink away the night with Vodka, Cotton Candy Vodka, and Pineapple rum.

In the morning I took Valarie home after we had breakfast in the hotel. It was a pricey breakfast but super delicious. The hot chocolate was actually worth the five bucks I paid for it. I slept for the rest of the day while Kitzman read and then at 3 we left to go to the Lollipop Culture Shop to get ready for the Fashion Show. I did hair and makeup there and Valarie's boss put on fake eyelashes and jewels and gave us accessories to wear in the show to promote. I had a stuff animal, a keroppi backpack, and some rings, and a necklace. After the show we headed to this place called Brooklyns for some Pizza before we walked all down 4th Avenue which is truly an interesting place. It's probably the only interesting place in Tucson.

We stopped into a bookstore before coming back to the hotel for the night and I picked up my first book on Political Science that I've ever willingly wanted to read and I can't wait to get around to reading it.

Tomorrow we leave for Fort Huachuca. We'll return our car, take shuttle back to base, and then releax for another day in our barracks before starting up training again for another 25 days until I graduate. Boring compared to our eventful weekend.

Ali Baba's Persian and Lebanese Restaurant and Hookah Bar

2011-09-03T23:05:00.000-07:00

Before last night, I've never tried Lamb before. I keep saying I hate it because I never wanted to try it but I decided to finally give myself the right to say I hate it or like it. Let me tell you, I like it. Not only do I like lamb but I also like Hummus, Persian Mint Tea, and Hookah but I already knew all that.

However I do not like Middle Eastern cookies with dates. I like cookies to taste sweet and I don't really know how I want my dates to taste but apparently not the way these cookies that I bought at Ali Baba's taste.

But that's really okay. I can forgo date cookies if I can eat more delicious lamb that my conscious tells me not to eat but my mouth and tummy keep saying yes. The texture of Lamb is better than regular meat and the taste is better than cow.

The Hummus served at Ali Baba's was delicious. I've never not had good hummus though. The only issue I had was neither the Pita nor the Hummus was warm and I prefer one of those to be warm to offset the other.

Moving onto the other side of the quaint little restaurant, Kitzman and I got a bowl of Hookah. We mixed Jasmine and Honey together and for our second bowl went for Jasmine, Honey, and mint. A choice combination if I do say so myself. The Hookah's were cheap and strong, just the way I like it. Even better was we got more Persian Mint Tea which is a very nice tasting hot tea if I do say so. It's not super strong or flavorful and the mint is subtle. I could drink that all day everyday.

The Cereal Boxx- Tucson, Arizona

2011-09-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

I do believe my favorite meal of the day is breakfast. It's filling and heart-warming and when you do it right, nutritious. However, what's even better than breakfast? Breakfast at 2 in the afternoon!

Kitzman, my battle buddy for the weekend, and I went to this place called The Cereal Boxx. We spotted it when we were walking around the University of Arizona campus pretty randomly and wondered what the hell a cereal cafe is.

Apparently a cereal cafe is a restaurant that serves different brands of popular, sugar-ridden cereals as well as a few other baked kids like panini's, bagels, muffins, and the like.

Walking in, the atmosphere was quite unique and the furniture was very modern. We looked at menus and I went with a plain bagel and cream cheese as well as a plate of the Lemon Poppy seed muffins and a strawberry smoothie.

The bagel and cream cheese were normal but I really like bagels and cream cheese so it was perfect to feed my appetite. The Lemon poppy seed muffins were a little dry but still really tasty. The last time I had a lemon poppy seed muffin was in Granbury, Texas at this place that served coffee and muffins and had the most moist muffins I've ever had the pleasure of eating.

The real treat of the meal would definitely be the Strawberry Smoothie. I'm used to the candy-like Smoothies Asian shops serve in Texas. This was a real fruit smoothie without extra syrup or anything that made it candy like. I was very excited with my choice and drank every last drop even after eating all that food.

Kitzman got the better baked good item though over my poppy seed muffins. She purchased a lovely little piece of Pistachio cake. It was moist and yummy and if I ever return to Tucson after this weekend, I'll be attaining several pieces to bring home for sure.

Rendevous on 4th Avenue Fashion Show- Tucson, Arizona

2011-09-03T22:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was in a Fashion show for the Lollipop Culture Shop in Tucson, Arizona. The show was called Redevous on 4th Avenue and we represented. We had Lolita's of all styles; School Girl, Sweet, Goth, Punk, Fairy Kei, Kodona/Ouji and more. I was the school girl Lolita. I wore a white button-down blouse, a Metamorphose Skirt, TUK Creepers, OTK Black socks, and I had on Hello Kitty Jewelry from the shop and sported a Plushie and Keroppi backpack.

The show was fantastically cute. There were 9 other shops involved but I do believe ours was my favorite. We worked it like fierce wanna-be top models. Rawr!

Winner of the San Francisco Soap Company Contest!

2011-08-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

This past month I held a contest to win a Soap kit from San Francisco Soap Company and the winner was Jen Wang! Congratulations! She's received the kit in the mail and I asked her to send me a photo when it arrived and here it is! Isn't her top adorable? It matches the soaps!

I'll be doing more contests in the future! Unfortunately I'll have to skip the next month as I'll be out doing field training and moving around but I'll definitely be doing a big one for Halloween! So keep check here and the facebook page found here to find out the latest updates as they come! It may be CD's, costumes, name brand accessories. Stay tuned to find out!

Buono- My Boy Dance Cover

2011-08-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I bring to you today, my latest dance video where I pull off being a total pro when I hit the lock on my locker super hard and I almost knock over a lamp and I act like it never happened! Also, can I get a Hooah for school girl uniforms? I'm female and yet, I like them so very much. I DEFINITELY will be buying more of them in the future. I've already chosen another cute one that I want to buy as well as some maid costumes so I imagine there will be some fun in the future. Anyhoo, check my video out, like it, love it, comment. I leave the choice to you!

Metamorphose Tempe de Fille: Super Cute Skirts?

2011-08-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

I think I'm in love with Metamorphose Tempe de Fille, especially their skirt selection. Some that I've seen AREN'T the cutest but then others are completely adorable. I recently made a purchase, title of the skirt style is unknown at this moment but I'll find out one day and update this. I bought it off the ever so lovely EGL_Comm_Sales forum on livejournal.com. I believe I spent $175 on the skirt.

There is nothing like a good name-brand skirt. It's comfortable, well made, and simply adorable. As much as I like cheaper brands like Bodyline and replicas from Tao Bao, I just can't pass up having the real thing. It can be very costly but if you just spend your time searching places like EGL Comm Sales and e-bay for deals, you can eventually build up your wardrobe. I so far own an Angelic Pretty Salopette, this Metamorphose skirt, I have another one on the way, an h. Naoto Frill top, and about five different name brand headbands from Angelic Pretty and Baby, The Stars Shine Bright and socks from both Angelic Pretty and BTSSB. The only thing I've ever paid full price for was my socks and I'm pretty happy with the used items I've purchased. I can't wait to continue to build up my name-brand wardrobe!

La Casita's of Sierra Vista- Drink Review

2011-08-14T23:07:00.000-07:00

You remember when I talked about drinking in moderation? Saturday night, the 13th of August, I threw all I knew out the window and just had a good time. The good time entailed four shots of Rum and Vodka, two Malibu Pineapples, my favorite drink, a strawberry Daquiri and two shots called Sweet Tarts. You could definitely say I was a little wasted by the end of the night. However, after one of the longest weeks of my life, I felt like it was an almost needed occasion to unwind and release the pent up stress.

We started our lovely evening out, and by we, I mean a few of my Army buddies, by going to the wonderful La Casita Restaurant and Cantina. We got a big table and while it was being prepared, we sat at the bar. I ordered a shot of rum and a Malibu Pineapple straight off and downed the shot before having the mixed drink. It was just one of those nights. I always get Malibu Pineapples though. I REALLY wanted something new. I tried this drink app I downloaded for my Droid Incredible 2 called Drinks Recipes. It's a free app that lets you look up drink mixes to try based on what you like. I found a drink called the Blue Neptune.

The Blue Neptune, inlvoves 2 oz. of Lemon Vodka (Can be orange but we went with Lemon), 1 splash of Blue Curacao, juice of 1/2 a lemon, sugar on the rim of the cocktail class, a lemon peel and ice but we forewent the ice. The first few sips were really tasty and REALLY sour. The Lemon was heavily prevalent and being pure alcohol, it's a very strong drink. If you like the taste of lemon vodka this is the drink for you.

After my Blue Neptune, I went with another shot of Rum, followed by another shot of Rum I had with one of my buddies, followed by a shot of Absolut Vodka one of the males bought for everyone. He did a round of 10 shots for us, really setting the mood for everyone of togetherness and friendliness. After the lovely shots, I decided I needed a Strawberry Daquiri with rum as the alcohol of choice. And I ended my foray at La Casita with another Malibu Pineapple.

La Casita's bartender is really top notch. She was friendly, mixed drinks well, and even took the time out of her work to use my phone and create the drink I wanted. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of Mexican Food having had way too much of it in my lifetime, I'd go back for the drinks. They weren't super expensive. My tab was only 42 bucks by the end of the night, meaning I could leave a bigger tip with the money I saved. In fact, we went on to another bar afterwards called JR's where I got two Sweet Tart shots and as delicious as they were, they were $6 a piece. Not bad but not good either. Austin's Shot Bar on 6th street does shots for $3 a shot.

Clothing Reviews: Milanoo, Angelic Pretty, and Refuse to be Usual

2011-08-08T22:07:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, my friend and I started a project we are currently working on. Said project requires a costume and for us, it was School Girl style. So, We ordered matching costumes from Milanoo. I've ordered clothes from there before as well as shoes. I don't particularly like the quality of the stuff I ordered in the past. I ordered a Bolero and it's by far, the cheapest, frilliest frock ever. I don't even know what to do with it because I sure won't wear it. I decided to try again to test and make sure whether or not it's just cheap quality.

The school girl costume was better quality than the Bolero but that I suppose isn't saying much. I like the skirt fine but the top is poorly made. I broke off two buttons just trying to put it on. I can glue/sew them back on myself so in the long run it'll be fine but there is one thing I know I won't get used to or like. The top zips up the middle. If it zipped up the side it would look a hell of a lot better. I guess beggars can't be choosers and we all learn about shopping on the internet from cheap Chinese wholesale websites the hard way but it's kinda sad. I'm going to end up ordering a whole other school girl costume and this time from e-bay in hopes of a better quality top. I suppose it's good I look smashing in a school girl uniform. You can't have too many uniforms I suppose!

Next off we have my new Angelic Pretty socks. As I own three pairs of AP socks, this new pair is my least favorite. In fact, the fabric is even scratchy! I'd never expect a pair of expensive designers socks from Japan to be scratchy. I can understand why though.

This pair of AP socks has sparkly fabric between the lines which makes the socks slightly uncomfortable. However, for as uncomfortable as I make them sound, don't let that fool you. They're still better than an old pair of tights I used to have. I can wear them without having to take them all. I suppose more disappointing than the itchy material though is the fact that the design stretches a little unseemly. I haven't gained weight in my legs since my last pair. I just think these aren't the best pair of socks AP has to offer.

Lastly, we have a favorite of mine. Refuse to be Usual. I hardly ever have anything bad to say about RTBU. I did have a weird mishap though that is worth mentioning. I ordered a pair of a pants and a vest. I was told they were out of the size of pants that I ordered so I asked if I could choose a different pair instead. The seller said yes so I chose a second pair and somehow, when I got the items in the mail, I had two pairs of pants and no vest. One pair was the original in the sizes I wanted, and the other was the new pair I'd chosen. So, I'm two pairs of pants up and down a vest. But it's cool I suppose. I like both. I don't feel the need to be a bitch and send them back or demand a refund. I'll wear both and make good use of them. I was just saying the other day I should add more pants to my highly-skirted collection. ^_^

Saboten-Con 2011- September 30th-October 2nd.

2011-08-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to leave a little reminder for any of you awesome Lolita Chickies in the Phoenix area that Saboten-con 2011 is coming up! Rumor has it that there will be a Lolita Tea Party on Sunday as well as a panel on Lolitas. With the date being my last weekend in the lovely state of Arizona, I'm planning to attend for a bit of fun with the local Lolitas. ^_^ For links to Saboten-Con's website, go here.

Buono- Our Songs Dance Cover

2011-08-06T23:02:00.000-07:00

I'm SURE you've all anticipated my next dance video complete with errors and all! (*hint the sarcasm) However, even so, I'm still posting this cause I like it. I added a few spins into the middle of it because I was bored of just bouncing back and forth. The first spin didn't come out so well however, I'm damn well pleased with the second! Also, note my outfit! I'm totally wearing my Army ACU dress shirt, neck tab, socks, and shoes. I thought they went well. I messed up a bit in the beginning before I got myself started on a good take. You can't tell but I was sweating heavily by the end of this take.

I did this song about six months ago originally but since I didn't have another song ready yet and I wanted to re-film it since I didn't like the last one all that much cause I hate my outfit, I went ahead and redid it all school girl looking. I also got a complaint of not being able to see my feet so this one you can see my feet. ^_^ I also like how at the beginning I made a derpy sound while trying to get my camera situated. It kept falling over on it's little mini tripod. The legs wouldn't hold under the weight of my Nikon.

Lastly, Don't Forget! My contest for a soap kit from San Francisco Soaps is ended on the 15th. Only 9 days from now!

H. Naoto is opening a store in San Francisco!

2011-08-04T21:34:00.000-07:00

Well, it's begun! The Invasion! First it was Baby, the Stars Shine Bright. After that, Angelic Pretty and now? H. Naoto! I really think there is going to be a big explosion of Asian, specifically Japanese, shops in the USA. It's a good and bad thing that it's opening in San Francisco I believe. Good because now, all the shops are together in the same area and bad because now they are all grouped together and not spread out so that I can visit different places.

I'm really excited with this new surgence of all things Japanese in America. I've got it lined up to go see Dir En Grey, I'll eventually visit Lolita and Goth shops that actually have clothes I like and I don't even have to leave the U.S. How exciting! I kind of wish I lived in San Francisco because the shop is also hiring according to their website here.

Starbucks Cake Pops

2011-08-01T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'm not the biggest fan of coffee. I prefer to grab my caffeine in other ways than bitter ground beans such as NOS, Rockstar, or just a plain old fountain soda. However, apparently being in the Army means you have to like Starbucks because everyone around me seems to enjoy a hot brew. I end up there quite often and my favorite part about it is the desserts. Recently, I discovered that Starbucks has cake pops! Boy do I love me some cake pops!

They're about $1.00 to $1.50 and worth every penny. I bought all the white chocolate ones. The little black spot on the end is coffee flavored so forgo it if you're the same as me. I want to try the strawberry one. I've had a red velvet cake one before and it was amazing. The cake is always moist and the chocolate just the right amount of solidarity. I can now have something to enjoy when I feel like spending money on the giant coffee enterprise found around the world.

Skippy's List

2011-07-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

So, the latest craze amongst the young students at my AIT, we've found something called Skippy's List. Everyone's reading it so I hopped on the band wagon and rode along. I was not disappointed at it's hilarity factory.

Skippy's List is a list of things a guy in the Army has done and been told not to do afterwards or it came up on a funny conversation. The website explains before it tells you 213 things that you shouldn't do as a member of the Army. Funny thing is, I know people who've already done some of these things.

My favorites on Skippy's List are as follows:

(These two have to be together)
33. Not allowed to chew gum at formation, unless I brought enough for everybody.
34. (Next day) Not allowed to chew gum at formation even if I *did* bring enough for everybody.

36. Can’t have flashbacks to wars I was not in. (The Spanish-American War isn’t over).

69. May not pretend to be a fascist stormtrooper, while on duty.

77. The MP checkpoint is not an Imperial Stormtrooper roadblock, so I should not tell them “You don’t need to see my identification, these are not the droids you are looking for.”

94. Crucifixes do not ward off officers, and I should not test that.

172. “A full magazine and some privacy” is not the way to help a potential suicide.

203. “To conquer the earth with an army of flying monkeys” is a bad long term goal to give the re-enlistment NCO.

208. Not allowed to play into the deluded fantasies of the civilians who are “hearing conversations” from the NSA, FBI, CIA and KGB due to the microchip the aliens implanted in their brain.

212. Must not go on nine deployments in six years that require a security clearance that I don’t have, even if the Army tells me repeatedly that I have one and I have no reason to question them.

and lastly,
213. Do not convince NCO’s that their razorbumps are the result of microscopic parasites.

This list is hilarious. I hope I can be as cool as this guy.

The Best Place to go on an Army Base: The Bowling Alley

2011-07-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

You know what? I actually dislike going bowling. But it becomes fun when you've got about 30 people from your company there in a mix of civilian clothes and Army ACU's. Thankfully, I'm one of the ones in civilians.

On the weekends, the bowling alley has become our hangout spot. We bowl, have a few drinks, and dance around ridiculously in the parking lot. It can't beat clubbing at an industrialist dream of a nightclub but, it IS something to do that holds entertainment value. Which let me tell you, is important when you're super bored.

What's my drink of choice? Visiting the tiny shoppette near the bowling alley, I grab up some small bottles of liquor and put them in my purse to mix with soda. I went happily with the Malibu Coconut Rum, Grey Goose Orange Vodka, and a bottle of Disaronno. Delicious indeed.

After the festivities end every night, we all walk back to the barracks chatting, having a good time, and for those of us obsessed with Drum N Bass and the like, we party rock down the street.

Outfit Rundown:
Shirt- Sumairu
Skirt- Flirtatious
Purse- unknown brand from Hot Topic

August Contest Give-away!

2011-07-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

It's time to announce another contest! I learned a lot from the last contest which is basically that it's hard to order items from online Lolita websites. So, instead of going through the hassle again, I'm going to give away a Lolita favorite; scented Gift Bags! As I love the San Francisco Soap Company, I'm going to personally purchase and give away one of their gift bags containing body Lotion, body mist, bar of soap & a bath pouf in my favorite scent of Sugared Citrus which smells amazing! All because I love my viewers just that much.

The rules are simple; Make sure you've liked the facebook page here as well as either make a comment here or on the facebook page about why you like Lolita so much. As I announce the winner on facebook, that's why you should add it! The deadline is on August 15th. Meaning an entire month to get around to it for all you procrastinators! In the mean time, I'm holding a personal obligation to myself to get out there and do my usual reviews and the like instead of staying cooped up on base! I'll also continue with my purchase reviews as they come in the mail because boy, have I made some purchases! ^_^

Hello Kitty Back to School Party

2011-07-19T21:18:00.000-07:00

Come dressed to impressed for the Hello Kitty Back To School Party hosted by Lollipop Culture Shop in Tuscon, Arizona. There will be raffles and giveaways and the best-dressed Nerd to show up will win a prize! I plan to show up as it'll be my first time going to Tuscon and I'm going in my Angelic Pretty love. ^_^ It's going to be quite the fashion statement gathering! Go here for directions!

Is my luck just amazingly bad or something?

2011-07-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

So, duty stations. Yup, I've received mine earlier this morning. It's still subject to change, however, I'm hoping it changes cause yeah, you know where it is? Kansas. Yup, Dorothy Town! I better prepare my red shoes and go clickety-clack cause I have a feeling the entertaining things I could do on the weekend are going to be very limited. However, while this is a slightly disappointing change, don't let that make you think I won't continue with excitement. I'm only 8 hours away from home and my favorite goth club which always brings excitement. Plus there is always anime conventions! Anywho, continue hoping for me to get stationed somewhere cool so I can continue being a cool kid!

Must be Touring Season: Dir en Grey with The Birthday Massacre

2011-07-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

So, Dir en Grey is going on tour in North and South America this coming fall/winter. I'm super excited because I want to go. At certain locations, The Birthday Massacre will be opening for them. According to Aramatheydidn't, These will be the dates and place and who will open.

Nov 23 ........Tetro Caupolican.....................Santiago, Chile (Support Act: 10 Years)
Nov 27........ Espaço Lux ........................... São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil (Support Act: 10 Years)
Nov 29 ....... Circo Volador ........................ Mexico City, Mexico (Support Act: 10 Years)
Dec 4.......... House of Blues ..................... Huston, TX (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 5 ......... Trees .................................. Dallas, TX (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 7 ..........Center Stage ........................ Atlanta, GA (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 9 ......... Theatre of Living Arts ............ Philadelphia, PA (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 10........ Sonar .................................. Baltimore, MD (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 12.........Irving Plaza........................... New York, NY (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 13.........Paradise Rock Club................ Boston, MA (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 15.........Club Soda............................. Montreal, QC (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 16........ The Phoenix Club Theatre ...... Toronto, ON (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 18.........House of Blues...................... Chicago, IL (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 20.........The Bluebird Theatre.............. Denver, CO (Support Act: The Birthday Massacre)
Dec 22.........The Grand Ballroom at the Regency Center........................... San Francisco, CA
Dec 23.........House of Blues Sunset Strip............................................. West Hollywood, CA

Harry Potter 7.2

2011-07-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats a Saturday night in civilian clothes, a few drinks, and the latest Harry Potter film. Of course it was good and somehow, I still feel deprived.

Was it just me or was the ending a little less than epic and filling? It lived up to what I wanted but somehow, I suppose I wanted a miracle that didn't exist. So, I loved it but then I didn't. Maybe it's a film that I need to watch a few times to feel the impact or maybe I'm in shock that it's the end. Or maybe the ending where Potter and company attempt to look like 38 year old adults and fail miserably just didn't do it for me.

However, the movie theater, Cinemark 10 at the Sierra Vista Mall, had this really fun photobooth. Our photos came out SUPER retarded! Looking at the camera while it was taking our picture, the screen showed us with the worst looking complexion I'd ever seen in my life. It was horrific. WE were both just like... omg... absolutely not. But, they printed fine. We had planned to take more after the movie but didnt get around to it. We ended up at Applebees having my favorite drink; Malibu Rum with Pineapple juice.

Music Video Roundup 6: Korean's and Coeds

2011-07-14T22:09:00.000-07:00

So, I've been on a big Bbiribbom trip lately and I suppose the Koreans are just taking over my mind if that makes any sense. I can't help it! I love Korean Pop >< It sticks in my soul on those long runs we do every morning and through those boring classes I spend 8 hours in every day, keeping me awake as I sing in my head.

Of course, it's not so great either when I need to pay attention or I just want to dance because it would be completely improper to dance around the school hallways and probably against Military Uniform Regulations or something stupid. Plus, all the Sergeants walking past may look at me strangely and I don't need negative viewings!

Anyhow, the first two videos are of a Korean group called Co-ed School, which is... Co-ed if you couldn't tell. Males and females, singing together and dancing! Although admittedly, I like the odd ratio of girls to boys but there just seems to be too many boys as I can't seem to pay attention at all to all of them. It's good stuff though, music-wise. I really, really like Bbiribbom Bbaeribom. It's adorable even though I don't quite get what it means. The outfits they wear are SORTA, LOOSELY, similar to Lolita. The second video is a song called Too late which is a lot less bubblegum. The sound is reminiscent of G-Dragon's Heartbreaker. I'm not sure which came first but they sound alike. I like how with Too Late the video focuses on making the guys sexy and focuses on them more than in Bbiribbom Bbaeribom.

Lastly I share with you a gag video. Nothing can bring a smile to my face quite like a bunch of guys dressing up like girls and dancing around in front of a bunch of people. Seriously, best video to crack me up ever!

Pink An-Ta-I-Na U.S. Size 7 shoes for sale!

2011-07-12T20:44:00.000-07:00

So, I got my order confirmation from Milanoo and SOMEHOW I'd ordered two pairs of the same shoe and not even noticed it. Can you imagine that? I'm confused to. Anyhoo, they came in the mail today and sure enough, there were two pairs of the same shoe. How do I alleviate the situation? By selling them!

They're cute, baby pink, have heart buckles, and a detachable bow. Can you ask for more than that in a pair of Lolita shoes? No? Neither can I. If they'd come in another color I'd keep them right off the bat but I don't need two pairs of the same color, same size shoe.

My asking price is $50 bucks which includes shipping to anyone in the USA. It's $60 to outside the USA. I accept paypal.

If you're interested, e-mail me at disengagegray@aol.com.

Lastly, don't forget about the contest I've got going where you can win a Baby, The Stars Shine Bright Necklace! Check it out here! The contest ends in three days at 11:59 p.m. All you have to do is post a link to my blog somewhere else on the net and I'll take care of the rest. Even if I don't reach 10,000 views, I'm still going to give the necklace away! So, try you're best!

Did you know I could dance? Momoiro Sparkling by C-ute

2011-07-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

So, my guilty pleasure in life is music from Hello! Project. I'm ashamed most of the time to like it but there are those small instances where I'm like, "I love it and I'm proud!" I suppose today is one of those days where I'm like that because I put a lot of hard work into learning the dance to Momoiro Sparkling by C-ute. I share with you my dance version, raw and uncut!

My outfit breakdown is a pink top from e-bay, Angelic Pretty Salopette, Angelic Pretty socks, and petticoat from Refuse to be Usual on E-bay. I'm also wearing a pair of handmade bloomers that you can't see!

Miyavi- What's My Name World Tour hitting North America!

2011-07-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

So, Miyavi has extended his What's my Name World Tour to hit North and South American this October and November. The dates haven't been released yet and neither have the places but he's definitely coming according to his official website found here.

I'm beyond ecstatic because even though I don't like a LOT of his stuff, there is still stuff I really enjoy and he's an amazing performer and guitarist. I kinda wish it wasn't a solo tour because I'd love to see another group that he brings with him but I still plan to attempt to go!

Don't drink Draft Cider if you don't like the taste of beer.

2011-07-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

Lately I tried a new type of alcohol; a hard cider. Not really knowing much about hard ciders, I just grabbed whatever and that was a mistake I won't make again. The last time I'd eve had hard cider was a home-brew at Yulecon 1 a few years back. Some guy that was an acquaintance of mine was going around with it and I had a glass or two. It was good stuff.

This draft cider basically tasted like beer. I didn't want to drink it but I'm not about to let $10 go to waste so I had two bottles. Definitely reminiscent of the piss taste of cheap beer.

Now, however, if you love the taste of beer, not hating, this may be the stuff for you. Next time, I'm going for a different kind of cider. Maybe a home-brew of my own! So, Woodchuck Hard Cider, you're not to my taste. It is unfortunate!

Temporary Pre-Order Form

2011-06-25T18:07:00.000-07:00

Want to get your hands on some Disengage Gear or know that you ordered it before everyone else? Well, just send us an e-mail with the above information! You don't have to pay now. It's not a commitment. It's a way to see roughly the numbers of amount of people who'd like what so we don't order too many or too little.

E-mail us at disengagegray@aol.com with any comments, concerns, or questions! We'll e-mail back as soon as possible and answer your concerns!

For Order information on which shirt is what product number, just look at the photos below! Each shirt will cost $20 with a $5 shipping fee within the USA, $10 anywhere outside the U.S.

Satisfying the Addiction: Creating a Coordinate Part 1

2011-06-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Finally! I've been waiting a week to get some of the many (16+) items I blew my first few paychecks on! Boy am I happy. Before I started ordering I knew I wanted to put together a super cute Coordinate that may not be in the norm. Of course, with all internet shopping one must be careful about the coloring of certain shades and getting stuff that will look good without ever having tried it on.

I would say my E-bay shopping was a success even though I was worried it wouldn't be. Today in the mail, I received both the pink tops I ordered in hopes that one would be the right shade. I also got a pair of AP Over the knee Socks I bought to pair with something else coming in the mail. Lastly, I received the 2 yards of cloth I purchased to make a skirt with in my free time. I also put in the photo my Salopette, and my Strawberry fur neck warmer that I received first about a week ago. Not pictured are my adorable white and strawberry pumpkin shorts which may have to just be saved for a later date.

With the pink tops, I was disappointed when I pulled them out of the packages. Both are salmon colors. The off the shoulder one is a deeper salmon and while it doesn't go at all with my Salopette, it is still cute and will look great with a leather vest or baggy tank top/tunic dress over it. I bought it used on E-bay for $5. The second top is "kimono" sleeved but really it's just an nonrestrictive sleeve that makes my flabby upper arms look thin. This is a good style for me. While the coloring isn't exact for the Salopette, it somehow works I think. I'll end up breaking down one day and getting an AP top in pink or a proper blouse from some other brand but for now, after all the name brand I've bought lately, this top works wonders.

The AP OTK socks fit awesome. The print looks good stretched over my legs which I was worried about. I hate when the print looks good before you put the socks on and then after that, it's all funkified and doesn't look good. These do, as expected of a name brand pair of socks.

It's always worrisome to shop on the internet but sometimes you have to just give it some faith and make the attempt. I won't get any more mail or even the possibility to Monday and it JUST may kill me. When you're successful, you're VERY successful. ^_^

Branching into a Business: Disengage Gray Gear!

2011-06-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it had to happen eventually right? Disengage Gray is going into clothing! I know, I know, I almost never though it would happen myself but guess what? It is! I've finally come to the point of my life where even if I can't help draw cutesy designs, I can help plan and I can gather a team of the greatest and brightest to create super cute clothes. We'll be starting with shirts and maybe one day branching out more but for now until we actually get the shirts printed up and online for sale. I may even get up a pre-order form tonight if I have the time to work on it but definitely by the end of this weekend!

Number One for shirts is titled, The White Rabbit.

Number Two is titled, Teacup.

These two are LS originals of her own creation. I've got a shirt that she's drawing that is my idea. Involving hearts, tentacles, and Alice-Lolita's. It'll be fantastic. We're hoping to go into printing by next weekend but we'll see how our tentative schedule goes.

Gothic and Lolita Bible: Volume 39

2011-06-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

Volume 39 of the GLB was released a few months ago in March. It contains the normal styles; lolita, goth, and punk. Everything looks fantastic as per usual. I love the direction this magazine is taking. The coverart is beautiful and they have put together an array of what's new and what's "in" for the Lolita world.

Apparently what's in is blue for spring. While spring is almost over and a new issue will be out for summer, I really like the coordinates that they've made involving blue. This picture above is also really cool. Normally the patterns in the GLB are for sweet things or JSK's and accessories but this is a full One-Piece and it's super cute.

As much as I like the clothes in this issue which tend to lean more towards Sweet and Classic lolita, I'm particularly liking the goth models. There seems to be some sort of concept behind quite a few of the photos. Whoever the photographer is, they're doing an awesome job. This is the kind of stuff I'd want to do as an amateur photographer.

Lastly, aren't these shoes amazingly cute? I found a few items in the GLB to be unique and different than the normal stuff. I could definitely coordinate an outfit around these shoes. I actually think I may try as I love them just that much. A big matching bow, black socks, white skirt, black cut sew or blouse with possibly either a bolero or white fur vest or capelet. Yup, I could have fun with this. So many items come in black and white these days although plain colors are a bit harder to find at least if you want something cute.

Music Video Roundup 5: The Live Sessions

2011-06-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

So, I have to make another post even though I quite literally just made a post. It's cause I haven't done it in so long I swear! That and this one is a live video version. I'm only putting some of my latest favorite lives here.

First is the hottest man on the planet! Hyde. I love the way this man looks more than any other man. I suppose this is my ideal guy as well. I don't care that he's like.. 30 years older than me (he's actually 20 years older than me but whatever)! Lead singer of Vamps and L'arc en Ciel, this mans' musical talents are awesome. I love his singing voice. He makes this sorta horrible song sound good! Definitely meant to be sung by a hot, shirtless man with eyeliner and sex appeal. By the way, might I mention my hair currently kinda looks like his due to always being either in a braided bun or a normal bun and the length.

I have to continue live videos by hot Asian men. They just do it better I suppose. I know Gackt probably isn't singing live here, although he totally could be cause he's an amazing singer but we don't get to see him dancing all that much. He's also 15 years older than me but I'd jump on it! The beginning of this video is kinda rough due to the quality but when Gackt starts up, it gets way better quality-wise.

2ne1, you have my heart! Does anyone else think that Dara and Minzy's hair look awesome? This group is probably one of my absolute favorite Korean performers. They break the norm and that's what I love the most. Good beats, good performance, good style. I like it! Although I do not like their backup dancers... They kinda scare me and not in a good way.

Music Video Roundup 4: Summer and rock

2011-06-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been too long since I shared some of my latest favorite music videos! So here we go straight into it like diving into a pool of jello

I like this one for it's summery feel of how hot the dessert is. Hot bodies, empowering women to have dirty things done to them, and long nails that kinda scare me! Koda Kumi is always so dirty in a lovely kind of way.

Ahhhh, another Summer song! This is F(x)'s song Hot Summer. Dancing, pretty girls, and interesting outfits; definitely a Korean music video. I really like Amber's new hair do to. Blonde looks good. She looks better with black but this works as well. Plus she's gotten better at dancing. Guess that hiatus did well for her. The only downside to this is I think the dancing isn't as complex as most of their other video's dances. I DO have to say I want those pink platform tennis shoes one of the girls is wearing.

New Morning Musume. Had to post it with my Jpop love and Momusu love. The new members are good although not shown enough in this video. I think Maji desu ka ska shows them more. I really like Gaki's part though. It's all electronic. ^_^ Depending on the dance shot I may attempt to learn this dance after the one I'm learning currently which is C-ute's Momoiro Sparkling. I tie this into being summer through it's white colored clothing as according to E-bay (Cause that's a valid source lol) White is the shit this summer!

I finish off this post with rock and suicides! That's summer right? Gackt is of course awesome and I love this side of him more than any other side. It's less visual kei and actually rock and you know, as much as I love pretty Japanese boys, I like to see them rock out more than just sit there and look pretty while playing shitty music. Wow, all the NOS I've been drinking has made me a cursing, hyper person! I feel much more effective this way. ^_^

Hey Pretty Lady: Edana, a V-Logger

2011-06-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

Edana, gorgeous girl, talented writer, perfect model, speaker of Japanese and great at makeup tutorials on youtube. This sums Edana up in just a few words but I doubt that's enough to state her talents. She turned heads in Tokyo just walking down the street with host boys as her audience. I'm here to share her V-logs with the world! Not that I need to do anything really. The best part? She's still a total nerd like me! Wheeeeee hot chicks who like nerdy things like video games, cosplay, and anime. Yup, she makes me Jelly!

This is just one of the few videos Edana has posted up. She talks about copy cats, wiccans, makeup tutorials, and cookies! I particularly like her makeup tutorials and her copy cat rant. It's funny ^_^

Photo by Lustre Marvaloso or Jonathan Reyes

Baby, The Stars Shine Bright: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Part One: The Good

2011-06-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

Due to the popularity of my last post involving Alice and the Pirates, I decided to branch out this series and continue on with other major Lolita brands. As I'm always perusing online (no, seriously, ALWAYS), I thought I'd share some of the latest accessories from BTSSB that I'm absolutely in love with and will probably purchase within the next few weeks. Of course, I love gifts! But, I'm a working girl and these days, gifting such expensive trinkets means only one thing if it comes from a guy and I'm a virtuous lady who prefers these gifts to be annonymous! *wink wink* :) My mailing address is D Co 305 MI BN, Fort Huachuca, AZ 85613!

First up is the Rose Boudoir Earrings for those of us females unafraid of needles and piercings. They come in Pink and Cream and while costing 4200 Yen, that's roughly $52 in American bucks if you're too lazy to go to a currency converter. Not too bad for a pair of name brand earrings especially ones so cute! I love them in both but I'll probably be buying them in pink as my current coordinates are in pink and black, and pink and mint. ^_^

To go with the lovely Rose Boudoir earrings, there is a necklace! It also comes in pink and cream and is even lovelier than the earrings. Of course, the price tag is not quite so lovely at 9975 yen or $124. Quite pricy for a necklace but if you like roses, it's still divine enough to pay that price tag.

Lastly on my wishlist from BTSSB's latest items is the Ansie Rose Socks. I must be in a summer florals mood! However, as roses are my favorite flowers and the fact that I grew up in the apparent Rose growing capitol of the world, I'd like to say that Roses are the most royal flowers! This lovely sock comes in white, pink, black, sax, and I believe an off-white color. My google translate is failing me with lack of good internets. The price is normal for Lolita name brand socks; 3675 yen or $45.

Nina by Ricci Eau de Toilette

2011-06-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

At the end of BCT, we acheived something called Family On-Post day where essentially we could go around anywhere on post with our families for about four hours the day before graduation. Immediately I hit up the PX near my barracks and spent almost the entire time browsing around what they had. It was like a Macy's essentially with it's size, nothing like the one here at Fort Huachuca which is small and sad. Looking around at the beauty section I ran into the perfumes. Having been disallowed from having anything with smell, I knew I had to have something nice like perfume or an Eau de Toilette.

I smelled almost everything they had in search of the perfect perfume for I am picky when it comes to scents. I like musky scents or floral scents along the lines of rose. Basically I've got the taste of an 80 year old lady. Katy Perry's new perfume Purr smelled really nice as well. It had a grape-ish scent which makes sense due to it's purple color. This came with not only the Eau de Toilette but also shower gel and some lotion which smells the absolute best to me! Better than the perfume even!

A funny story to go with this bottle would have to be from the other day when one of my Sergeants was doing the contraband checks for my shared room, i.e. looking for alcohol or cigarettes as we aren't allowed to keep them in our rooms and she took my bottle out and smelled it and said nice perfume. Kind of funny that while something so serious is going on, we talk about perfume. I love the army!

Goal: 10,000 blog views Giveaway Contest!

2011-06-18T10:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers, I challenge you! Pass around the link to my blog i.e. share the word. Post a link to where you have shared it in the comments below. You can share it in any way you like; video, pictures, art, anything that garners attention. If this goal is reached by July 15th, I'll be giving away a prize of Baby, the Stars Shine Bright's Princess Berries necklace of your color choice (pink, yellow, black)!

To add to that, If we can reach that by July 1st, I'll throw in a pair of Baby, the Stars Shine Bright Strawberry and Cherry Shirring Over the Knee Socks also in the color of your choice.

How do I determine the winner? Well, blogger has this cool application that allows me to see how many people come to visit from a link. I'll be determining the winner based on that. You HAVE to post where you put the link in the comments though so I can see who posted what. Also, include your e-mail so I can get with you if you win! Who knows, if this goes well, maybe next contest will have something super big! Lastly, if you haven't added the facebook page, you should totally do that. I'll be posting the latest posts and contests over there as well! Check it out here.

Gackt having a North American Tour?

2011-06-18T02:00:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it that Gackt plans to have another musical tour after his current Yellow Fried Chickenz tour (Which by the way, is a really stupid name) that will include North America. A super good rumor it is and one we can only hope is true. Dude, no matter where it is, I'm on it like a fat boy on cake. I'll continue to monitor this rumor as it's definitely something I'm interested about Also, if interested, Gackt has two new single coming out called Episode.0 and Paranoid Doll. For a preview of Episode.0 you can go to his website here and if you click the little Japanese button next to the song title, there is a preview! There is an interesting story behind Episode.0 too being basically a bet between Gackt and the people who release Vocaloid. If they wrote a song he liked, he'd have to sing it. Either he liked it or it's an advertising ploy. Also, the last bit of current Gackt news I have is that Gackt is going to be in his first international film called Bunraku which has yet to finalized a release date but for those lucky enough, there have been presentations at film festivals across the world.

J. Lohmeyer Peace Out!

Erase Negate Delete- Just Like This

2011-06-18T01:36:00.000-07:00

Oh for the love of Cyberpunk, my horizons have mysteriously become expanded during Basic Combat Training in a way I never thought would happen. The moral of the story is, you should always expect to meet interesting people with similar tastes no matter where you go. However, what I'm trying to say is I met this entertaining, and strangely happy man named Ralph Love, member of the bands Order of the Fly and E.N.D. or Erase, Negate, Delete. He handed me a copy of his cd.

The first impression I got was how striking the cover was. Cool is too lame of a word to describe it. Extraordinarily interesting would be a better term. The cover art for the album Just Like This was done by Ralph Love himself.

Listening to the album, I found my two favorite songs are Only a Machine and Arrival of the Worms. Most of the titles of the songs are cliche goth but the songs are a bit different than the norm so it totally makes up for it in originality factor. Watching some of the live videos as well, the pure talent of the band makes it all worthwhile. I hope one day to make it to one of their shows in the near future. As I'm going to be around Love for the next three and a half months, it's always a possibility. ^_^ If you'd like to check out a live of Only a Machine, just click the youtube video, link found here or video found down below. If you'd like to make a purchase or just hear previews of each song, click here.

Hello Kitty Love~ My new Stainless steel bowl set!

2011-06-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

The best and worst part about a dorm-style living is the fact that I have a mini-fridge in my room. It's good because when I don't have time to run to the dining facility I can grab some milk from the fridge and add it to my cereal or I can mix up yogurt, fruit, and nuts and have a delicious treat in the middle of the night. However, it's also bad because I keep pizza there and that is not exactly healthy when I compare it to the DFAC which has salads and the food system is set up on how healthy it is. Green is for the healthiest, yellow for the middle, and red for the worst. You get the idea.

I thought to myself the other day while browsing around the internet how useful it would be to have bowls and now that I wanted a bowl set that I could re-use and save on plastics, I knew it had to be Hello Kitty. It ALWAYS has to be Hello Kitty! So what did I do? I picked up a Stainless Steel resealable bowl set for $16.99 and I'm ecstatic that it came in today! I imagine I'll be super ecstatic to eat my cereal in the mornings now! Next to conquer will be a plate and some silverware and of course. Next time on J. Lohmeyer likes to shop too much online!

Salopette~ What the hell are you?

2011-06-10T22:56:00.000-07:00

The question that has been bothering me for about a week now is what in the world is a Salopette. Hoorah for all that Lolita knowledge but I still didn't know what a Salopette is and the definition the internet gives me is only that it's an overall/coverall cross and from what I can tell from photos, I thought it was a pair of coveralls with a skirt that somehow could be put over the shorts potion.

I do believe that my original notion is completely wrong though and that it's, at least in the Lolita world, an interchangeable top that has buttons to attach to shorts or a skirt.

Looking around the internet at Salopettes, I primarily find that Angelic Pretty is the lead designer of Salopettes. They have all sorts of sweet delights, one of which is en route to my ever so lovely barracks. I have specifically got the Dreamy Color Salopette found here on the way in mint green.

In a way, I hope I'm the only Salopette lover because then I can buy them all up as they are adorable in photos. It's kinda like Pokemon. I gotta buy them all! By the way, if you ever want to look up old Lolita releases, this is a good website.

Scion actually gives out goodies?

2011-06-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

I'm speechless in a totally awesome way. Yesterday before mail call, I was told I had a package. I expected maybe the new bathing suit I ordered or my new sheets or at least my new bowl set but alas, I didn't get them. I got something from Scion. Opening it, I had no notion of what it could be.

A T-shirt, a cap, a chap-stick, a key chain, a pen, and some free ringtone downloads are what I found inside along with a Scion product bag. To my utter amazement, a company followed through with their promotion. How did I get a promotion you ask? I use this semi-crappy internet service just for members of the Armed Forces. After creating an account to have internet, I was led to a page that asked if I wanted free goods. I can't turn down an offer of free so I clicked yes and voila, just like that, I received a goodie package in the mail. I was also given a bottle of water at the airport while waiting for our flight and we got to use the priority members entrance to make our process through security quicker. It was pretty cool.

The Hardest Trial in the world

2011-06-05T05:07:00.000-07:00

Well, here I am again. I'm finally done with the technological no-no period of my life where I can't even press little buttons on a telephone. In fact, the only technology near me for the past ten weeks was a flat screen TV that only played HLN and that station only played the Casey Anthony trial. Boring. Yeah, a mother killing her kid sucks but I don't give two coins worth of attention to one murder case when I'm training to go into combat where I may be the one killing a child if it's pointing a gun at me.

The best experiences during Basic Combat Training to me were all the ones that pertained to physical fitness excellence; The Pecs Obstacle course, my improved PT scores, and the one that made me the most emotional to complete was the Right of Passage run where I received my 10th Infantry Regiment medallion that signifies I've officially finished training and joined my first Regiment/Brigade/Battalion.It was a seriously good feeling to have my Drill Sergeants shake my hand and tell me well done while emotional music about being a soldier played in the background. I don't know why it was since I wasn't doing it to impress them and I wasn't looking for their approval. But it was still great to know that I'd accomplished something new without quitting or giving up.

The worst experiences involved dealing with people and doing a 16 kilometer ruck march just to receive corrective action at the end. The weather in Missouri was also horrible most of the time I was there.The things I didn't mind so much that I thought would be horrible were the gas chamber, camping out, and shooting my m16 which I turned out to be a pretty decent shot with.

I'm super happy to have graduated and gotten out of the state of Missouri and moved on from the repetitive yelling of the Drill Sergeants when their angry and the lack of sleep we seemed to miss during the last week especially. I've seriously spent more time sleeping in the past day than I have all week. It's a nice feeling to be able to snap however and whenever I like. I've got two more days of lockdown to Prosser Village which is my Battalions area. I'll be spending this sleeping and trying to avoid shopping on the internet too much. I've already broken down and browsed hundreds of pages of Lolita clothes and checked up on all the updates I would need in the world. I managed to find one rare find that I've already purchased and am now waiting for it in the mail. I bought an Angelic Pretty Mint and Pink Salopette. Salopette's are adorable! One reason I spent so much time browsing on the internet is the fact that I will need accessories. Literally, the only non-uniform clothes I have are three shirts; one platoon shirt, an underarmor Army shirt, and a black shirt with wings on it. I have one pair of black pants and I have a cute bathing suit I got at Walmart on family day. That's it. So, anything I need for this outfit will have to be bought and shipped to me. Pretty lame but whatever. It means new things; wigs, shoes, socks, jewelry, blouses ^_^ I'll make good use of my new found financial resources so that the first new event I can go to won't be fashionably lame. I'm even trying to see about meetups amongst Lolita's down here in Southern Arizona.

So far I'm really liking it here. There are Mountains surrounding me, the only grass is on the running track, and the air is clean with no pollen from the forests to kill my air passages like back in Missouri. I can shop, eat, and use the computer. What more could a girl ask for while she's getting in shape to be the best soldier she can be? Next up on my list of things to do is find a local convention. I'm already planning to see about going to PMX in November depending on where I get stationed. Hopefully Sierra Vista has one or Tuscan cause I don't think I can go farther than Tuscan. >< Also, I'm seeing about spending Fourth of July in Los Angeles. I have to get to Phase Five though and I don't know if I can do that in a month. >< We'll see though! Wish me luck. I'm officially back and ready to post about various topics as I find what I want to talk about. I've already got one planned involving music!

Holy Crap Privates

2011-06-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

This will be short and sweet! I've finally graduated from Basic Combat Training! Never have I been happier in my life. Graduation was fun and we hit it off really well. It was pretty amazing. I was even almost brought to tears and we all know I'm not an emotional person. However, I now have funds for doing all the things I love and the time to earn more money. I'll be making a long post about everything later when I have more time! Hopefully this weekend I will as we are supposed to ship out to go to AIT tomorrow morning at 7:30! So, we'll see. I've heard rumors on the Private News Network.. aka.... gossip.. that some people won't be but we won't find out until later so wish me luck!

Don't I look smashing in my Dress Blues/ Army Service Uniform? I'll get some in my ACU's soon too! I bought a Nikon Coolpix to take fun pictures with until I get that Nikon D5000 I've been wanting at the end of the month ^_^

J Continues to Write:

2011-05-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

Dear Sweet Readers!

How are you all? I've crossed over into the 40's with only 46 days left. Today, my company is finally crossing over into the white phase. I doubt our training will be less. In fact, my Drill Sergeants have said it gets more difficult. But my platoon can handle it. We are the best of the best. How do I know this? Competitions are the key! We are always competing against each other whether we want to or not, which has created a few hostile situations amongst platoons.

Last time I wrote I could only think of this place as a summer camp, but now I'm thinking of it as grade school. The Drill Sergeants are our teachers, the First Sergeant is the vice principal and the Lieutenant who is commander feels like the principal we hardly ever see. The only big difference is, when you get in trouble there are real repercussions. We have cliques, backstabbers, and thieves here too. In fact, we do just as much memorization here as a school and we have lots of classes we call Briefs. We have learned first aide for combat, gone through a gas chamber, shot M16A2's, thrown live grenades, gone through two obstacle courses and we have so much more planned.

We'll be firing grenade launchers, learning land navigation, climbing extremely high into the air without equipment, doing ruck marches, learning an explosive amount of weapons, learning field survival, and we'll even throw in a good cause; a blood drive.

Apparently the Army only accepts blood from soldiers as we are thoroughly screened. Meaning the blood I donate now can save a life later. Even my life. Combat tends to deplete blood levels that are stored I imagine that I'll be donating a lot. In the past, I've hated donating blood, but this is for a very, very good and dear cause so I'll have to suck it up. I've got tattoos for Chrissakes, you'd think I wouldn't mind a little needle prick.

The more activities we do, the closer graduation flies towards me so I grow more and more excited. Wish me luck dealing with everything!

J. Lohmeyer

<3

J writes!

2011-04-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hello regular readers!

It's me, J! I'm about a week and a half into Basic Combat Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri! From my count, as of today, April 1st, I have 60 days left.

Honestly, this isn't so bad. It's overwhelming a bit, bunking down with 50 girls in close quarters, sharing bodies, tattoos, and stories. Trashy girls are trashy, yo.

However, my body is getting Super Hot! I'm loosing fat. The food is pretty good here too so it's weird. We are constantly running everywhere and using lots of brain power so, it works up a good appetite and quick metabolism.

The military may just be the place for me if I can have more privacy and free time. Hopefully we'll get more phone time soon and I can make my own post with photos of me in this "sexy" uniform. I say this in jest because I look stupid. The beret looks great though. too bad we can't wear it until graduation day.

So, look forward to more and thanks to Allison for posting this for me. I love the postal system! (note from Allison: ironically the postal service held onto this letter due to weight issues and I received it two weeks late.)

- J. Lohmeyer

P.S. Expect some greatness when I get out. Don't falter, June 2nd I graduate from BCT. Shit gets real after this <3

Mi Tierra in San Antonio, Texas

2011-03-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Busy with life calling and having to eat three meals a day if I want to stay healthy, I came to San Antonio prepared with a little cash and a map. If you live in Texas and have to go to the MEPS station here in San Antonio with any branch of the armed forces, you will end up at the Holiday Inn in downtown San Antonio. I, myself, have been here before back in November and let me tell you I wish I'd had money and time to search for extra food because only half of what I get is appetizing enough to eat with the free MEPS meals. I came with a plan and a vengeance.

Unfortunately, my favorite Mediterranean restaurant, The Cool Cafe, has closed it's downtown location and my idea for a crepe had to be thrown out the window. Looking around on my iPhone map, I found a little Mexican bakery called Mi Tierra within walking distance. Going inside there is a super Hispanic feel. It felt s bit like being in Loredo and no one speaks English.

I purchased two strawberry creme strudels and a caramel empanada, and gave one of the strudels to my indie chick roommate. We both agreed they were super delish and perfect for such stressful situations that being a member of the military can present. The caramel is tasty too but I prefer the strawberry.

The Auspicious Mini Meetup for the Metroplex Lolitas

2011-03-16T18:08:00.000-07:00

March 16th, what a glorious day for a meet-up! I was almost singing White Wedding by Billy Idol in my head for second. Good thing I stopped that. Who needs such a creep-factor song to ruin their lovely day? Not me for sure. Today was a day of talking and laughter and just cutting up for fun. Nothing serious, no strings attached. We were just getting to know each other and so well that time passed way too quickly.

At 2:30, the first Lolita stormed the Borders off of Hulen and I-30 which was myself. Arriving first, I ended up talking to a random stranger named Aries before being gladly joined by LB. Once Jaz arrived with her sister, we moved to a larger table in the coffee area and eventually were joined by Amy and Cam. We spent until 5 p.m. talking, having random people come up to us and ask about our outfits. No one ever seems to think we're just there to have fun. We must be doing something extra spectacular.

At 5, we parted ways with Jaz and Porshia while Amy, Cam, LB and I headed over to Central Market for dinner. You'd be suprised how many Lolita's are health concious or vegan altogether. I've never met so many vegan's in my life. But Central Market is the best place to go to find good food at an okay price.

I purchased some delicious Macaroni and Cheese, half a pound of fresh strawberries, and a fountain soda and spent $9.50 altogether. At the end, I still had mac and cheese left and I got a refill on my drink. It was a good, non-heavy, fun, meal. The other girls had tasty looking dishes as well. LB got a chicken salad sandwhich and cream soda, Cam got a pasta dish with penne, tomatoes, and olive oil. Looking around the shop there were so many options, chicken, pork, ice cream, potatoes of all sorts, lots of other pasta dishes, sandwhiches of all kinda, salads.

Cutest Lolita Designs of all time?

2011-03-16T03:53:00.000-07:00

A friend introduced me to the most amazing website in existence for Lolita's. It's still a work in progress but Hello Lace is a top-notch website designed for Lolitas. With their Wardrobe page you can find designs by all of the top designers and put together your dream outfits. I've done as much and came up with over 50 pieces I wanted, mainly JSK's or Jumperskirts. Here are my top five!

This design, The Rider's Parka is by Angelic Pretty from 2010. It comes in adorable colors and I want every single one!

These cuffs are soooooooo cute! They go with the outfit below but I think I'd wear them with any matching pink or white outfit! This is big for me since I'm not big into cuffs.

One of the few One Pieces I've ever wanted and of course it's from Angelic Pretty. They aren't my favorite designers but this is the best. 最高!!!!!!!!

Hello Lace hasn't gotten much Mary Magdalene items up but I love most of their dresses. They still maintain the reserved, floral prints I like best in my Lolita. This outfit is particularly amazingly beautiful!

I wish I'd known this existed earlier! I'd probably have spent a majority of my younger years attempting to save up enough money to buy this baby. I bet out of everything I aim to find this will be the most difficult to find in mint condition. I really hope Metamorphose re-releases this outfit one day. I'll be first in line to buy it. Metamorphose is still my number one Lolita brand currently! Especially after releasing this years Sailor outfit! For any of you who keep up with my posts from the beginning, Sailor Lolita is my favorite Lolita type.

The Wrong Time to Start Learning a new Language?

2011-03-16T03:18:00.000-07:00

Never! It's never the wrong time. My reasoning? Well, you kind of have to do things when the mood hits. Especially if the action is one you don't get into the mood often such as learning a language. Taking advantage of the opportune moment if you will.

So why am I starting a new language? Well, As much as I love Japanese, there has been a bit of crisis in Japan. You'd have to live under a rock in the middle of the rainforest to not know what's going on in Japan. Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcano, Nuclear Plant Explosions. Yep, Japan has had one hell of a week. With several of my friends cancelling their spring break trips to Japan, I've had to question my own trip to Japan.

In January, My friends Lisa and Allison and I were planning to take a forray into Tokyo for a few weeks but we don't even know if postponing it until summer will be enough time for the country to right itself from all this mayhem. So, instead of being burdened with the questions of what to do and possibly having to change plans last minute, we decided to go ahead and change our plan up now! And so, in January, or May, depending on if I can get leave in January or not, Lisa, Allison and I, and possibly my friend Kelly are going to South Korea!

Seoul, Incheon, and Busan are our three target cities for a week or two of vacationing. From Busan we may take a ferry over to Fukuoka for a day or two but South Korea will be our major destination. We've got a bunch of friends there and it just seems like a nice trip off the beaten path. So, in honor of changing plans, I've already started to attempt to learn some Korean! I've learned 10 Hangul so far and I've started learning some phrases for later as well as practicing pronunciation with my friend Narae who will be my tutor. My next step will be to pick up some textbooks, guidebooks, and culture books so I'm not suprised by anything upon arriving. So far though, this means two exciting trips over the next year! Considering my lack of being able to find current travel information on Korea, hopefully this will be a good step! So far, how does my Hangul look? (Photo at the top is my writing!)

Update!

2011-03-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

Exciting news? Why yes! Some sad news? Unfortunately so. But pray tell what is it?

I'll start with the bad news.

I don't know if you know, but back in the middle of November I signed up to a member of the Active Duty United States Army. Most of the reaction from those around me is mostly people who are like, "it's your life. Do what you please." Which is completely comforting. I love that I've surrounded myself with people who fully appreciate the value of freedom of choice. I've gotten quite a few people (mainly male) telling me I'm stupid. Then I've gotten a bunch of people who are curious. What's someone like me doing in the Army? As much as I love Japan and I say I hate America sometimes, I am really proud to be an American. I really like our country. I didn't sign up just for my patriotism though.

Going to college hasn't really been my thing. I hate listening to Professors who can't even catch my interest. They just sit on their tenure and decide they don't have to do anything now they've gotten it. They waste my time and my money. Also, my conservative parents want me to aim for getting a degree that will earn me money over happiness. They're probably right. With this economy, I need all the help that I can get. However, I want the freedom of my own choices. I'd rather be in debt and happy than not and unhappy. Since I can't get a loan due to my non-existent job and the fact I don't really want to be in debt, I came up with the gameplan of joining the Army as long as I could get a good job that will earn me money on the outside world once I'm done.

So, now although I'm under Uncle Sam, he'll pay for my college while at the same time training me to have a job that's more hands on since I'm better at that. I can have a degree AND a well paying job and no responsibilities for the next five years. Plus, I can settle some of the other more personal issues in my life.

Now, why mention this now? I'm leaving on a bus from Austin to San Antonio to stay overnight in a hotel on military orders starting Sunday, March 20th so that on the 21st, I can officially start Basic Training. This means 9 weeks of Basic Training in Missouri at Fort Leonard Woods and absolutely no connection to the outside world except via Cell Phone once I earn the privaledges. Even then, I'll only get a VERY short time once a week to use it. After June 6th, when I gradute, I'll be moving to Fort Huachuca in Arizona for my Intelligence training. I'm not sure about computer usage once I get there so we'll see. But in conclusion, It's going to be quite a while before I can update with any event type things or anything like that. I'll also be moving what type of events I post about depending on where I officially become stationed. I don't find out until September 2 where that will be. I graduate from AIT, the training for Intelligence Analyst on September 9th and then I've got some leave to do LOTS of fun things and post about them so September will be a busy month.

I'm finding it kind of sad since I just spent a lot of effort in December and January working towards a goal of over 1k in readers a month! I've been slacking off lately since I've been just so busy excercising so that I won't have such a hard go of it in BT. I've been making new friends and hanging out. I've been going on road trips to visit relatives with family. Now my time is running short and I'm trying to squeeze in some more posts. So, expect at least two or three more before I leave in a week! And I hope that my numbers don't drop too low before I can manage to get out and start doing things again!

Now, for the Super FUN news.

I'm getting an Iphone with internet! Which means that when I'm allowed to use my cell phone in BT, I can update on here how I'm doing so you can all know what it's like! Maybe I'll get photos of me in uniform. I bet I'll look cute ^_^ G.I. Jae is on her way! I'm also planning to keep a daily something or other and possibly post it on here. I'm not exactly sure what I'll do but it will be something fun. Maybe some self-loathing on why I do these things to myself. Who knows.

And Lastly

Dr. Awesome Doom Hammer Fist, if you're out there and you're seeing this and I never did get in contact with you. I left you a message on your cell about this but I thought I'd repeat it once more. My letters aren't getting to you! They're getting returned. Did you stop your mail? I don't want to seem like a douchebag cause you think I'm not mailing you. I just have no way of getting in contact with you ><

Repo! The Genetic Opera by Amber Does allas

2011-03-12T18:41:00.000-08:00

Lately through getting to know the Lolita's in the DFW area, I've met a girl named Michelle. Recently she became a member of Amber Does Dallas, a shadowcast show that performs not only Repo! The Genetic Opera but Rocky Horror Picture Show as well. I've had the pleasure of seeing them both performed in numerous locations by numerous casts.

Back a few months ago, and I mean SEVERAL months ago, I saw a cast in Austin do Repo! for the anniversary of the movie being released. We got to see special behind the scenes footage never seen before and it was a blast. The cast did very well. I've seen the Rocky Horror cast in Austin as well and they were not so good although I've heard rumour that they have become better.

Amber Does Dallas performed Repo! at Yulecon and I wasn't highly impressed but even so, since Michelle wanted support, Lisa and I headed out last night to go see her perform and I must say, they were much better. I think having your own stage to perform on regularly is the way to go. Even having a female Repoman was good. She was very into character.

As a new cast, the members make their own props and some of the clothes. The ones they do have they got right and some of their props are really cool. My favorite was the wooden board with a fake headless-armless body attached that the person holding the board up operates by using their head and arms. The fake body can be opened and fake entrails are inside. I would LOVE to see this taken a step father by actually having bloody organs inside that looked realistic. Maybe one day as they earn more money they can do so. My favorite costume was the Blind Mag costume in Mag's final song as she dies.

Now, for those of you who don't even know what Repo! The Genetic Opera is or what a shadowcast is, let me elaborate. Repo! as it's shortened to, is a movie about a girl named Shiloh who has a blood disease. Her mother is dead and her father is a doctor. What Shiloh doesn't know is that her father accidentally killed her mother and that her father is a Repoman who works for a company called Geneco reposessing Organs. The leader of Geneco is a man named Rotti Largo who has three idiotic children, Amber Sweets, Pavi Largo, and Luigi Largo. Rotti is dying and doesn't want to leave his children his organ enhancing company so he seeks out Shiloh with the thought that since Rotti loved Marni, Shiloh's mother, if Nathan, Shiloh's father, hadn't stolen Marni away from Rotti, Shiloh would be his child and Shiloh's a good girl so he wants her to run Geneco. As the story progresses, you find out that Rotti actually poisoned Nathan's cure for Marni's disease and it ends up killing Marni. We get to see Rotti's children and why he doesn't want them to inherit Geneco. Amber Sweets is addicted to having surgery and the drug called Zydrate. Pavi is addicted to cutting off other peoples faces and wearing them as well as being a player. Luigi has anger issues and kills people every time they anger him or mess up his coffee orders. So yeah, Rotti isn't too far off in wanting a different successor.

Repo! is a rock-musical so it's got some really fun scenes which play well into Shadowcasting. Shadowcasts are basically when a group of actors play out the film while it's going behind them. I haven't ever heard of a non-interactive shadowcast so the general idea is that it's audience participation where you scream at the screen and you have prop packs with fun things like tampons, underwear, and gold coins you get to throw at the stage. Depending on the show, the prop pack is different but the idea is the same. Also, the shows are normally an 18 and up event since the language used during the show by cast members and the audience is adult and some shows allow alcohol to be drunk beforehand. If you like racy humor, this is your type of event.

If you're interested in seeing a shadowcast show of Repo! or Rocky Horror, please click this link (here) for the Amber Does Dallas page.

Looping around to before the show, Lisa and I went to Super H Mart for Purikura and food. I actually bought something besides ramen! I bought Omrice! Although, looking back I was pretty sad I didn't get ramen. The Omurice was pretty good but the egg was a little cold so I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to plus I really like eggs with milk in them. It just wasn't what I wanted in the end. It never is though is it?

Metroplex Lolitas Part 1

2011-03-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

So, I've been going to a bunch of meetups or just having some general fun hanging out with fellow Lolitas and so I felt like I should post what we did.

The day before Valentines was a day for cupcakes and boardgames for the Metroplex Lolitas. We met up at Sprinkles Cupcakes for some supposedly world famous cupcakes.

My thoughts on them? They were decent. I've had better cupcakes many times over. Why didn't I like these? You don't eat cupcakes to worry about how much you weigh. These cupcakes were weightless. They weren't sweet and they just needed more oomph.

So, all in all I wasn't completely pleased with the "world-famous" cupcakes. I'd rather go to Walmart and get a vanilla cupcake with icing than eat another Sprinkles cupcake.

After cupcakes we headed over to Zeus's Comics and Collectibles. When we called on the phone we were told we could use their back-room to play our Loliopoly game Camille had got made for us. Upon arriving though, that was not the case. We probably should have reserved the room but we were told it would be open. So, we went next door to Quiznos and pushed tables together. They didn't mind either since everyone bought food.

Completely full but not ready to go home, some of us headed over to Super H Mart to do Purikura. We finished up the evening there having a blast like usual. It was a great day.

Fort Worth Zoo

2011-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

I'm still alive! I promise this isn't a robot. It's been quite some time since I updated. I've been super busy preparing my life for the next 7 months of hell I'm going to be enduring and I've been making sure I get some quality fun time in.

For me, Quality fun time means making friends in my area who enjoy the same things I do, like fellow Lolita's, goths, etc. etc. As long as they fit the bill I'm super content.

Recently I met a girl named Lisa whose super fun and loves Lolita and is willing to do Group Orders with me! So, I've been buying up Lolita clothes like crazy. I bought two skirts and a blouse from Bodyline and a new sweater from Forever 21. Unfortunately, the blouse doesn't fit so I'm selling it. Link Here.

I also bought an amazing JSK from Baby, The Stars Shine Bright. it's the Tulip Bouquet print and I love it dearly. Unfortunately, the chest just doesn't fit. So I'm selling it here. One day I will re-buy this and hopefully I'll have less fat on my back and it will fit.

Anyhoo, my current excitement has been Lolita Meetups, hanging out with Lisa and doing fun things, and our foray out into the world today was a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo!

We arrived around noon after sleeping in. From there, we paid the $5 it cost to park and bought tickets to go in which is $12 a piece for adults. And we were off! We moved like lightning at first. We visited the birds, and bugs, and snakes, and bats. It was a blast. We started lagging as we finally made it to Asian Falls and got to the Gorillas after circling around. The only food we bought there was actually priced decently!

For two cones with single scoops of ice cream, I paid $5.50ish and we got two collector 32 oz. cups filled with soda for $3.75 a piece. It was cheaper than going to the movies! I was super impressed.

All in all it was a super fun day! The only downside and yet, still an upside, was the fact that there was a lot of new stuff being built which meant some exhibits were closed. There was also some animals hibernating so we didn't get to see them. So, in our case, not going in-season was kinda sad.

All this talk of J-Rock Going Under?

2011-02-12T02:32:00.000-08:00

So, there has been ALOT of speculation on why J-rock is dying and I think I've realized something that I haven't noticed anyone else pointing out. The bands that are breaking up are the super famous ones that even us Americans who haven't REALLY delved into J-rock notice.

But for all of the popular ones going under or going on hiatus, searching Youtube these days, there are plenty of new ones to take their place. Sure, they kinda suck at first but didn't our favorites suck at first too? I know I hated An Cafe's first few songs out. With experience, pride, and confidence comes better music and more creativity. I see lots of videos.

Now I suppose I'm late in the game at this. Everyones been speculating for quite some time but I just wanted to throw my two-sense in there with a short post with just a few band names that I've seen recently that I'd never seen before. Maybe it's my lack of information gathering, or maybe they are just new bands. Check these names out because I kinda like them.Some are old names with new videos, and some are just flat out new bands to me. Each name will have a link to my fav videos attached to the name so all you have to do is click the name!

ViViD
SuG
DaizyStripper
SID
The Kiddie
Satsuki
Damijaw (This one is pretty unique)
Sincrea (I really like his voice)
Solid Beat (This is harder rock than all the others. Same singer as Damijaw I believe)

The two things I've noticed with most of these is the softer sound of the rock. J-rock used to be lots of screaming and moaning and loud sounds which as much as it's sekushii sometimes, I prefer to not bleed from my ears. I like soft rock these days. Call it my age or whatever. I suppose J-rock has just toned down which is cool with me. Also.. is it me or are J-rock boys looking prettier and more feminine these days? There are some dudes I swear are chicks and I've considered myself the master in telling the difference in the past. I can't tell anymore so I'm starting to think we've got a few girls in here now which is always great!

Short Notice Lolita Meetup/ Dogtag Giveaway at The Church Dallas

2011-02-11T19:46:00.000-08:00

Oh to be young and Lolita! I don't know how I just sit around and waste the days doing absolutely nothing when there is a Lolita meetup in my near future! By near future I mean tomorrow!

The Meetup is hosted by The Metroplex Lolita group on Livejournal which I'm a member of. It's a group for members of the DFW area who like Lolita. Tomorrow just happens to be our monthly meetup.

If you're interested in going, you don't even have to be a Lolita as long as you appreciate the culture. It's preferrable that you wear Lolita but not a must.

The first stop on our menu will be Sprinkles, a cupcake shop in Dallas located at 4020 Villanova Drive. We'll be meeting there at 1:20 to eat delicious cupcakes and getting to know each other.

View Larger Map

After Cupcakes, we plan to head over to Zeus Comics and Collectibles to play boardgames and just have random fun. This will start at 2:30 and is located at 4411 Lemmon Ave.

View Larger Map

This is a great way to mix together Lolita and our secret nerdness. I think as Lolitas in America, most of us learned the style through magazines and other collectibles and/or people we saw at conventions. I'm excited to go to a comic shop again. I haven't been in three months to one!

Also, This sunday is the super special event at The Church! The Dog Tag Giveaway.

The first 200 people who pay at the door get dogtags which in turn, lets them get into The Church later on for free or discounted prices. The door price without dogtags for Sunday is $5 for over 21 and $10 for under which is the normal price.

DJ Joe Virus and DJ Bill Stanley will be playing on Sunday and the club is staying open after hours until 4 in the morning!

Alice and the Pirates: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Series Part One: The Good

2011-01-31T06:13:00.000-08:00

In this case, the good definitely outweighs the Bad concerning the brand Alice and the Pirates. I searched their entire collection online and choose my favorites, least favorites, and some that could have been good but due to error in judgement, are completely hideous.

This Part one focuses on what I think is good from the Alice and the Pirates line and why exactly that is. Reasoning is always important. Also, this may help you, the readers, understand what I like and dislike. Taking the first dress at the top of the post is a nice brown and creme dress. It's lovely and gorgeous and I love everything about it except maybe the skirt part. It's a little noisy print-wise but definitely something I can overcome. I'm a big fan of brown and I haven't seen enough brown in Lolita in the past. It's all about pastels and black which is great but not great enough for me. The second dress is also the same just in black and white only. I think this is a great variation on Gothic Lolita. Normally you don't see any print whatsoever for Goth Loli. This is one of those dresses that can also cross over into "the real world" where people won't stare but they'll just compliment you on good taste.

I love the print on this dress. It isn't super different or new in the shape of the dress but it combines lots of great elements from other outfits that are popular among other Lolitas. The peep cut on the skirt matches well with the dark but vibrant print full of reds. The cut of the waist will look attractive. This design on the mannequin also shows that it looks good with sheers as well as with cotton fabrics. I think it would look better paired with a creme sheer top or a light salmon red one. I don't however like how it's strapless. I've never particularly enjoyed strapless tops.

This is a great example of how one dress can be the same but the differentiation of color really sets of how it looks. I love creme and pink together and I love how the peep skirt also has polka dots on it. Out of the two dresses, I'd probably buy this one first and the black second. You'd only have to buy one creme top and you'd have a top that goes with both dresses.

I'm a particular fan of this dress. It's a new design from Alice and the Pirates. I think I like it so much because it isn't just a green and pink dress with pink trim. it's a green and pink dress with pink and creme trim. The difference is while a lot of other dresses can look busy with so much going on, this one remains simple looking even with it's triad of major colors. This is most likely due to the fact that the rose print isn't made of gigantic patterns all across the skirt taking up too much space and drowning out the nice olive green. Also, I think the collar really makes this dress. Without the collar I feel like this dress would be just like any other dress.

Remember that Coquette*Tiara purse from the post before? Well, I think I want this purse first. I absolutely love eccentric purses. I've owned a latex pleather purse in black with a gigantic working clock on it which people always wanted to ask me what time it was thinking they were funny and original. I have an R2D2 back pack purse that people love taking photos of. My current favorite purse is a liscence plate turned handbag by Little Earth that's super unique. I think a carousel-like handbag would be amazingly perfect for me.

I don't understand how this can be worn with Lolita if you're wearing a high collared shirt. However, that would not stop me from buying this. I just recently made myself a new choker with a lamb on it and glass pearl beads. It's slightly reminiscent of this but seeing this photo makes me want to attempt to make it myself. I'm good at jewelry making I've learned. This may be next on my project list. I've got lots of left over plastic beads already. :3

Even though all of these photos read Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, they ARE from the Alice and the Pirates line owned by BTSSB. As I've always had trouble getting to each different website BTSSB owns, I'm linking them directly through my blog for not only myself but for you, the reader, to help us all get to the right website quicker.

Baby, the Stars Shine Bright can be found here.

Alice and the Pirates can be found here.

Marui One Online Shop

2011-01-30T23:51:00.000-08:00

Online Shopping is a specialty of mine. I spend so much time just browsing around attempting to find good deals on my favorite items. For awhile I was starting to have an addiction to E-bay and loosing control of my ability to tell myself no to online shopping. Due to realizations and hating myself for not having any money to go out to show off my purchases, I vowed to not spend any more money online for a few months. Suprisingly, I actually stuck to this and managed to stave myself off of online shopping for 3 months. I've only recently allowed myself to make some purchases of necessity.

What's my neccessity? Socks. I need more legwear and since I wear socks every day, my good ones are starting to become worn out so I bought a few new pairs. My first recent purchase was a pair of pink trouser socks from e-bay to go with my Lolita clothes. Today I bought some socks that go over the knee in turquoise, black, and pink, and another pair of socks to the knee in pink. They all came from the same store Rinka Collections. Even though I only bought them today, I already can't wait to get them in the mail. My trouser socks took a week and a half to get here from South Korea and came in cute heart wrapping paper.

After purchasing my socks, I went online to attempt to find a Swimmer Japan shop. Swimmer is located in La Foret in Shinjuku and I unknowingly purchased some of their things on e-bay several months ago. I haven't been able to find any new Swimmer items on E-bay so I went to find the online shop but I failed miserably. Thankfully, I found something even better. Marui One has an online shop.

I perused all of their stock which unfortunately isn't as good as I would like it to be. Sure, they have good brand items from all the best alternative brands like Moi-Meme Moitie, Peace Now, Black Peace Now, and more I'd never heard of. But the stock is limited to a few items with most being sold out. I just hope this means they're going to be putting up new stock with the new space. I'll check back in a few months and find out.

I share with you photos of all my favorite pieces from Marui One's online shop. The tan romper looks amazing in black. It's by Emureverie which I'd never heard of before today but it's adorable and cost $135. The black leather handbag is Artherapie and cost $332, also a brand I'd never heard of. The socks are Moi-Meme-Moitie and cost $25. The adorable pink bag is Coquettish*Tiara and cost $76. My next handbag is DEFINITELY coming from here. I love this line. Lastly, this lovely little butterfly top is Peace Now and cost $70. I don't wear a lot of tops like this but I really like the design. I'm big into butterflies and dragonflies. Surprisingly, if I got the romper in black, I could wear all of the clothes as one outfit. I'd have to choose between bags and the Artherapie bag goes better. But I would have to buy both bags because I love Coquettish*Tiara.

Staying Cheap While Traveling~ Hostel Know Hows

2011-01-24T23:15:00.000-08:00

I come from an upper middle class family. When we vacation it means we stay in four or five star hotels. In Tokyo, we stayed at the Dai-Ichi Hotel in Ginza off the Shinbashi Station. In Kobe it was the Ana Crowne Plaza. When we used to summer in Destin, we stayed in San Destin at a resort. My dad didn't grow up with a lot so because he has money now, he likes to spend it in ways to keep him comfortable, especially on vacations. Basically what this boils down to is I've never stayed in a motel and I've never stayed in a hostel.

Truthfully though, I've always wanted to live the life of a rugged traveler and stay in hostels and go on my own adventure. I knew the day was coming when I would be staying in a hostel but I never knew just how close they were!

On my trip to the East Coast for work, due to a series of bad, unfortunate events, I ended up stranded in D.C. I had $300 on me, a plane ticket from Providence, Rhode Island back to home in five days and nothing in between. So what did I do? I made do with what I had and didn't cry about it! Probably because I knew if I could survive two of the days on my own I'd be fine when it came to the rest of the days. I just had to get to Kingston, Rhode Island.

My course of action was stated in an earlier post. I found a cheap bus ticket and I went to NYC. The question is what did I do once I got there! Can you take a guess?

During the long, tiring bus ride through the North Eastern states, I continually texted with my good friend Ben. I asked him to look up three hostels for me. Ones that were cheap and didn't look to be in too bad of areas. He performed magnificently and gave me three names. I took one name and address and took a cab to the hostel.

By the way, I HATE cabs. My first experience with a cab was when I was 19 and I was with my parents who did all the talking. They managed it just fine. My second trip with a cab was only two years ago, when I was 20 and it was horrific. I knew nothing about cabs. I didn't know that they had lines for customers or that not all of them took credit cards. I didn't know that they'd be super rude and take off before even asking me where I was going or I could ask about a credit card machine. I REALLY didn't know he'd pull me out of the cab once we got back to said line and berate me in front of the other cabbies and demand his spot back. What he didn't know was that it was the lousiest day I'd ever had and I yelled back which is something I never do. I'm mellow people! The cab I took in NYC had no clue where he was going and didn't even listen to what I said directions wise. Thankfully he figure out where he was supposed to be going and it only cost me $20. $15 of that was his and the rest was tip. It was cheap for the distance I went. I've been in more expensive cabs. I suppose I should just say I had U.S. Cabs because the Japanese cabs we took were nice.. except for one but that was because I walked up to him stumbling drunk asking him questions in Japanese which I couldn't even understand his answers. I just walked off cause I was intoxicated and I couldn't understand him.

The hostel he took me to was a bit of a shock. I thought it wasn't a hostel but a home. It was on W. 91st I believe in the Upper West Side. Even going up to the door I thought that I had it wrong. It looked like a condemned building and I could have sworn that the sign said it was but upon closer inspection is said that it was a youth hostel. I knocked on the door and waited. A guy answered and I asked to be sure that it was the hostel. He said yes. He was a guest who was booking the very last room they had available. I asked him if he knew of any other in walking distance. I didn't want to spend all my money on cabs. Surprisingly he knew of one over on 96th street. He said it was a little more expensive per night which is why he tried out the hostel I originally wanted.

I walked the five blocks over, not really realizing how long those blocks are especially in biting cold. I walked up to a place similar to the last. The inside had a more lobby feel. I waited for the desk man to get to me and I asked for a room and he had one. I was on the first floor in a room with one other girl. It only cost me $30 which was reasonable but a little on the expensive side for a hostel apparently. I was satisfied either way. I had a place to call my own with only one other person and I was satisfied. I dropped off my stuff, actually not fearing to leave it. Mind you this included my laptop and expensive camera. I went out into the world, catching the subway to meet friends.

Coming back to the Hostel, I arrived after dark alone. Since it was the Upper West Side, I was actually not afraid to walk alone. I've heard (mainly from my parents) that if you turn just one wrong corner you can end up in a bad area or an alleyway. Thankfully, this wasn't the case. It was a straight shot of two blocks from the subway and I was home free. There was even a Mcdondalds across from the Subway.

Sleeping wasn't too bad. The bed was a little uncomfortable but I was so exhausted from wearing heels and walking around roughly 100 blocks in NYC that I didn't even eat dinner. I just passed out. My hostel was warm which was the most appreciated part of it. I didn't need to sleep under the very small blanket underneath me. If it was cold, it wouldn't have kept me warm. I just passed out and hardly dreamed. I woke up when my roommate came back but I hardly remember waking up.

In the morning I learned she was a Korea girl. It was her last night at the hostel. She'd been there for a week. She got ready and left while I searched for the cheapest route out of town to Kingston on the free wifi. I managed to find a cheap bus ticket to Boston and then a train to Kingston because the only public transit was by train into Kingston or public bus and I didn't know anything about how small Rhode Islands Transit system was. I could practically go across the entire state for $2. It cost me $4 to get from Kingston to Providence to the Airport. I only had to put up with the usual scummy chums who think that because I'm a little white girl I must need loving. I seriously ALWAYS get that on public transportation, no matter where I am. Whether it's in Fort Worth or Rhode Island. I surprisingly was NOT hit on by anyone in NYC. I think bigger cities just keep to themselves or I just had the pure luck of not meeting those scumbags.

I apologize that I have no photos of my awesome adventure. For some reason I didn't think to pack the charger to my camera and ran out of juice long before NYC. That and I didn't expect to end up in NYC to begin with except maybe passing through.

I'll definitely go through the Hostel experience again. I imagine next time I hit up Tokyo, it'll be a mix of Ryokan's and Hostels or cheap military hotels. I hope you've learned something through my experience. I don't suppose you know what there is to garner from this. It's kinda hidden in the layers.

1. Bring two towels with you so you have your own towels. The piddly wash cloth they give you isn't enough.

2. Toiletries. Don't expect to be provided any and if you magically are, they will be tiny.

3. A blanket. I'm not positive about the temperatures of other hostels but I prefer to have a blanket on me when sleeping no matter how thin. It's just one of those comfort issues. Also, if you're already packing a rucksack and you want extra comfort. Pack one of those egg carton squishy things you put on your beds for extra comfort. The bed wasn't bad but it wasn't the best.

4. Check out the location. You never want feel unsafe about leaving behind your valuables or getting mugged at night walking home. I know I technically didn't do that but I had Ben do it on good faith and he didn't fail me.

This post could have been quite a bit smaller now that I think about it :3 But hey, I thought you'd be interested to know the particulars.

Gantz Live Premier Event

2011-01-20T23:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went to the Gantz Live Premier Event. Yeah, I didn't exactly know what that meant either until it started except the fact that they would be playing Gantz and today was the only day I could watch it. I also didn't know the movie doesn't come out in Japan until January 29th so thinking back I'm super lucky.

There were roughly 350 U.S. cinema's doing this "live event". They were all queued up to show the film at the same time. Basically, the live event consisted of showing the theater out in Hollywood on our screen through video hook ups. We could see the Editor of Otaku USA come on screen and announce that Kazunari Ninomiya and Kenichi Matsuyama would be in Hollywood for the entire showing. They came on screen before the show started with their interpreters and spoke in English wishing us a good viewing essentially.

After the film, Ninomiya and Matsuyama came back on stage and there was a Q & A after the credits chalked full of questions from fans. They asked things like what the hardest scenes to film were, what scenes they were excited about. Both mentioned that the scenes for the first film weren't a big deal for them, it's the later two films that really piqued their interest. The editor of Otaku USA asked what it was like working with Watanabe Natsuna considering she was nude in her opening scene.

According to Nino and Matsu, apparently this is Natsuna's first film and the first shot they filmed for the entire movie was this scene but since they were still developing characters and getting to know each other, it was more professional than anything.

The film itself was interesting to me for a few reasons. I've never seen or read Gantz the anime or manga. I don't know the plot. All I know is it's bloody and lots of my male friends like it. Watching the film I definitly can't wait for the next one so I want to read it on my own. However, there was a group of about 7 boys sitting directly in the row behind me, which was annoying as it was a pretty empty theater all the way here in Fort Worth, I overheard their conversations. They mentioned that it wasn't an accurate depiction of the anime. At first I was a little worried but then I thought back to my favorite Live Action film which is 20th Century Boys. I've read all of the manga for that and while it was the best Live Action I've seen, they switched stuff up for a movie format and it was done in the same three part movie. So, I'm not really worried about that.

The two things I hated about watching this film were

1. Why in hell did they dub this? I don't understand why and even Nino mentioned he'd like the movie to be subbed when they bring over part two. If this was anime, it wouldn't matter if there was a shitty dub which this one was. But this is a live film. Dubs completely ruin live films. Half of acting is in the intonations of how a person speaks. Their facial expressions can be right but if their way of speaking doesn't match up, it ruins it. This ruined the movie for me. The entire time I sat in my seat wanting to walk out due to how hard it was to continue watching it dubbed. If they don't sub the next one, I'm forgoing the theater experience and just waiting for it to go to DVD so I can buy it and have a better experience.

2. There were many fights where instead of blowing the Aliens away, the characters either just stood there or made a run for it. If they only just shot their guns at the creatures, they'd be able to go home quicker. Also, Matsu's character complains about how he doesn't want people to die anymore but after Natsuna's character sacrifices herself for him, he just sits there and then gets himself stabbed. How does he think he can fight an alien with 20ish swords when he only has one and his reflexes are slower? He basically commits suicide in my eyes without even finishing off the alien or wounding it. There was just so much wasted time and so many wasted characters that I'm just wondering what exactly was going through the directors head He should have removed the characters to safer places where they weren't only 2 feet from an Alien who wanted revenge for it's fallen comrades.. I can't feel for a stupid character who doesn't show improvement. Only Nino's character seems to be a worthwhile character. I mean, sure he's a little douchy but at least he's not cowering in fear. He practices his abilities on his own and becomes better at what he knows he has to do to survive.

All in all, I am now more interested in learning about the Gantz world. I will watch and most likely buy all of the Gantz Live Action films as they come out. :3 Also, I'd like to craft those suits they wear. On the before movie trivia, it mentioned that each suit cost $5k to make and they made around 5,000 suits for the movie.

A Crazy Sunday/ Czen/ Purikura/ Korean Bakery/ Karaoke/ The Church

2011-01-19T13:43:00.000-08:00

So, Sunday I got together with a friend, Eddie or Dr. Awesome Doom Hammer Fist, and we went to all sorts of events! We did quite a bit more than I expected when thinking about it the day before. This post will include my own thoughts plus Dr. Awesome Doom Hammer Fist to get some new perspective since I do these things all the time.

Dr. Awesome Doom Hammer Fist went to the Mochitsuki festival held by the Dallas- Fort Worth Japanese American Society while I showered and got dressed to go meet him. Here's what he had to say about the even:

"Even the light rain and chill could not dampen this event. Although most of the hands-on activities were geared toward children, performances filled the main presentation space with entertainment for all ages; two choirs, two dance troops, drummers and one guy seriously pounding some rice. My favorite was the Taiko Drummers. No microphone necessary for this show. I don’t wanna work. I wanna bang on the drum all day. Good work if you can get it. The mochi itself took some getting used to by this gringo due to the consistency, but with flavorful traditional toppings was quite tasty."

Dress- I believe it's Foxcity, not completely sure. The tag is in Korean. It reads Yeo-Woo according to my friend Narae
Shrug- H&M
Socks- From a sock store in Kyoto
Shoes- Bamboo

We met up at his hotel, The Doubletree on 75 and Campbell which was super nice. I perused the travel brochures in the corner while I waited for Dr. Awesome Doom Hammer Fist. I learned about quite a few interesting events I didn't know about that are more localized. After he got there, we headed over to Super H Mart in Carrolton.

At Super H Mart, we ate at Czen's. We had Ramen. I know it's so stereotypical to eat Ramen but Korean Ramen is really delicious and has a nice, spicy kick to it. It's much better than cup Ramen due to it's freshness. Plus they put eggs in it and I normally mix rice into it.

"Up until Sunday I could honestly say I never tried Korean food. Being introduced to it in an Asian mall setting made it all the more memorable. The food vendor “stalls” along the far walls of the shopping center reminded so much of the don’t-know-what-it-says-but-oh-so-good meals I loved while visiting Hong Kong. The ramen noodles came in the spicy variety as requested and hit the spot perfectly on a cold evening. My only wish was for some protein in the mix. I likes flesh in my food. Add some beef or chicken and color me ready to eat this dish all winter long."

After eating, we walked the few hundred feet over to the Purikura shop and chose the machine in the back and proceeded to mix costumes into our clothes and attempt to make silly faces but we ended up starting to pose as the photos were taking which made some very interesting photos. I also enjoy them and one day, my Purikura book will be full of silly photos.

My entire family loves the bread from Tous Le Jours bakery inside Super H Mart. Specifically, it's the whipped cream bread. However, it sells out quickly and is hand-made every day so by the time we got around to attempting to buy some, it was gone. We couldn't let our efforts end there so we decided to try another bakey that I know of.

"The little cake we picked up there was beautifully packaged, and, if we had stayed, it would have been unique to eat it in the private rooms around the store. Never seen that in a regular bakery. The cake, by the way, was delicious."

Korean letters allude me. I can't read them like I can with Japanese. However, I can give you a general address of this bakery. If you want amazing smoothies, it's the place to go. I hate Smoothie King simply because they insist on adding things like protein and basically destroying a perfectly good, sweet smoothie. The smoothies I get at this Korean place are simply fanatastic!

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Dr. Awesome Doom Hammer Fist bought a cake with sprinkles from the Bakery and I bought a strawberry smoothie. We took it to go with us!

We drove just down the street and went to a karaoke parlour I know of.

"Have you ever seen the movie “Lost in Translation”? They sing karaoke in a private room during one of the scenes. Where can I do that here in the U.S. of A I’ve wondered; rather than the normal kattle kall karaoke. Turns out, if you know the right lady, you can experience it in Dallas or Austin. What a freakin blast to have a professional grade set-up that you and only you control. Oh the power. Bwahahaha. I literally sang until my voice gave out (even though it only felt like an hour had gone by), and my throat still feels like sand paper today. But as soon as I recover, sign me up again."

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They have all sorts of songs there ranging from Korean, to English, to Japanese. Dr. Awesome Doom Hammer Fist and I did some duets together involving Abba and music from Phantom of the Opera. For the song Phantom of the Opera, we scored 100!

Korean Karaoke parlours are very similar to Japanese ones. You have a private room where you and your friends can go. You search through books and you input the numbers of the songs into the system and begin to sing. At the end of the song, you get a score on how well you do. It doesn't judge on how well you sing, more like, if you're singing in along with the words and I have a suspicion that it somehow can tell how much fun your having and grades on that because I seem to do well when I am giggling through an entire song because I can't rap but I just HAVE to do Eminem. When I sing in my serious tone, I do a little more poorly. One day I will know the truth!

Generally Karaoke parlous allow you to bring in food and drinks as well and some even provide you with some if you pay them dinero. Our karaoke parlour has alcohol. However, we were satisfied with what we brought in which was cake! :3

After our two and a half hour singing stint, we headed over the infamous and glorious goth club The Church. Both rooms had an 80's feel to them so we went back and forth depending on the song choices. It was a blast. Nothing beats the feeling of wheezing from dancing too much. We left around 1:00 when we just couldn't keep up anymore. Exhaustion was overtaking us. I dropped Dr. Awesome Doom Hammer Fist off at his hotel, and then I returned home to have a deep, albeit short, sleep.

I end with Dr. Awesome Doom Hammer Fist's words about The Church.

"Can’t say as I’ve ever been to a club with two dance floors having different music playing. That’s a nice luxury at The Church on a Sunday night apparently. Bad music playing one room? Head to the other. Too hot in Room Dos? Back to Numbero Uno. The dress of the patrons was entertaining and varied. Good people watching. I saw a nazi, a rabbit, and post apocalypse gas mask wearing dude mixed in among the traditionally Dallas preppie clothing (mainly in the 80s room). But everyone got along just fine. Just peeps enjoying the music. As with any club conversation was minimal (too loud), but the boogie business was booming and time flew there too."

Lolli Bomb Photo Bomb

2011-01-18T11:36:00.000-08:00

I've finally finished going through enough film to put up some more photos! I admit they are mostly of Angi B. Lovely and as unprofessional as that is I suppose she's my favorite! So, for now until I can get a better camera for movement which will be in the next two months (Nikon D5000 here I come!) you'll just have to choose my favorites as your favorites! :3 I swear it's not a plot to control your mind! So, moving on, here are a few shots of The Lollie Bombs from Scarlett Switches Birthday Bash ^_^

Happy 100th Post!

2011-01-15T23:46:00.000-08:00

Although I suppose it defeats the purpose, I've created 100 posts including this one! To celebrate, although it wasn't intended, Disengage Gray has a new banner! I'm super, super, super pleased with it! The banner was created by Deviant Art user Galyuu.

Now I suppose this is where I should speak about where I want to go with Disengage Gray. I suppose now though it's a we. Along with the announcement of a new banner, I've added a new blogger onto Disengage Gray. Speaking with my friend Allison who is super great with makeup, she'll be doing some looks and what not concerning makeup. I'm not sure exactly what but I trust her instincts! So, expect fun makeup stuff!

Other than that, I suppose I want to hit 1k views a month and at this rate, it looks very likely! So refer this blog to your friends! Let everyone know! We've got a facebook group, a blog e-mail, and the ability to send this blog through tweets and facebook! We've got this!

Friday with The Lolli Bombs

2011-01-15T14:10:00.000-08:00

When I know I'm going out, I get a rush of feelings that fly through me. I feel angst, excitement, and the will power to make myself look cute. I do my makeup, put on my clothes, change those clothes two or three times until I find the right outfit, zip up my shoes, grab my bag, grab my keys, and fly free.

Eye makeup- Aromaleigh (Closed down)
Dresses- Black Dress is BCBG and the creme knit dress is Energie
Socks- Alice and the Pirates $20
Boots- Bamboo
Bag- Little Earth
Cell Phone stickers- Purikura in Dallas and Hello Kitty stickers from Toy Joy in Austin.

I bought all of my clothes at Buffalo Exchange in Austin, Tx save for the socks which I bought online.

As I go out at least once a week, the rush of emotions gets to me and I hate to have a disappointing night. I have to have a good time to counteract the exhaustion I feel by letting so many emotions hit me like a train. This Friday was only fun in part.

I must really enjoy watching alternative women stripping because it was the only high point of my night. It really sucks when I call up all of my friends and none of them can attend an event with me. This is exactly what happened last night. What with Universities starting back up, most aren't in town, or they have to save their money for school books. It makes me long for Austin where I've got friends who aren't college students and love nothing except partying.

I arrived around 10:30 at The Church and the show had already started. I missed two acts and half of a third. But what I caught was delightful. I caught my favorite, Angi B. Lovely which itself was great. I consider Angi B. Lovely the best because she doesn't attempt to tell a story. She just dances and strides along to a themed song with themed props. Last time I saw her, she was dancing a long to a Christmas song. This time it was to the Grouch from Sesame Street. Very cute!

I finally learned who Whitemeat the Clown is! That was entertaining for sure. He was a guy dressed as a clown with a gigantic red, plastered penis attached to him which he pretended to snort cocaine off of it and danced around, slowly getting down to just his shorts and crazy socks. It was a change of pace from having the girls strip to having the guys. I only wished the cute, possibly gay guy who was helping The Lollie Bombs with props did a striptease. That would have made my night.

After the festivities I left The Church and headed toward home. Deciding I was hungry and I didn't want fast food, I stopped at Denny's and got the best smothered Cheese Fries I've had in a very long time. It was another reminiscent fact of Austin and how I used to go there way too much.

As for The Lollie Bombs, I loved the show but I'd like to see a little more variety. Having characters is awesome. Watching girls dance half naked is fun too but, there is only so many times you can watch it and not get bored. Maybe having choreographed dances or less props and focusing on teasing the audience would be good. Maybe show off some flexability or pole dancing would be cool.

Japan-America Society of DFW: Mochitsuki Japanese New Year Celebration

2011-01-12T15:10:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 16th is my mother's birthday! But it's also the Japan-America Society of DFW's Japanese New Year Celebration. From 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Fujitsu Network Communications in the cafeteria, you can sample many different activities and performances.

For $5 for members and $8 for non-members. Cash or check only so leave your plastic behind! There will be Mochitsuki (pounding of Sweet Japanese rice), Kakizome (First calligraphy of the New Year), New Years childrens games, Origami, Ikebana (flower arranging), Traditional New Years decorations, and a contest for New Years cards and this is just the activities.

There will also be performances in taiko drumming with the Dallas Kiyari Taiko, a choral performance by the Cherry Blossom Choir, Yosakoi Dance by two highschools and an elementary school, and a kimono demonstration. Lastly there will also be a green tea and mochi sampling with many fillings such as Anko, Kinako, Nori, and Zunda Mochi. I'm looking forward to trying the Zunda Mochi as I'm not a big fan of green tea flavoring or red bean paste.

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For a map you can go here. The address is 2801 Telecom Parkway, Richardson, Tx, 75802. For more information go to www.jasdfw.org or call 214-342-2022

Scarlette Switches Divine Decadent Birthday at The Church Dallas

2011-01-09T19:39:00.000-08:00

Striptease and Birthdays, what a great combination. Who could want anything else on their birthday? I know a good set of boobs could have perked up my 22cd, and of course, I spent it in celebration at The Church, clubbing the night away. Now, if mine was this fun without all the glam, Scarlette Switches is aiming for the best.

Performing live music will be The Gorehounds with a striptease by The Lollie Bombs, dances by Gore Gore Dancers, a special DJ Set by Blixaboy, and I'm not really sure what Whitemeat the clown is but they/he/it will be there as well.

January 14th will be an exciting Friday and thank God for dog tags because if you've got them, it's $5 off. Located at 2424 Swiss Ave, Dallas, Tx, The Church also known as The Lizard Lounge, will be open for business.

Edit~
Through The Church's mailing address, I've found out the prices for this extravaganza are $20 for under 21 and $15 for over. Plus $5 off for Dogtags or VIP. A little pricier than normal but worth it.

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Curly Hair vs. The World

2011-01-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

Remember during the 80's and 90's when girls got perms? You'd go to the salon and you'd sit under a hot heater with chemicals in your hair that practically melts the skin which of course is why you let your beautician pull hair through tiny holes in a cap which is one of the most painful memories I have from childhood physically.

But even so, I love me some curls. I love taking that hot iron to my hair but doing it everyday is a little annoying. So, why don't people still get perms? Is it because you can't control the curls and how much you curl? Is it because it's expensive beyond belief to get a perm? Probably! Thank god we have curling irons!

I think curls go right with every sub-cultural style; steampunk, Lolita, Goth, all the most important styles. You can create the most beautifully polished, well-manicured looks just with curls alone.

I've always said that the wig makes the woman but recently, my hair has become long enough to curl properly. I'm going to continue to let it grow so I can continue to feel beautiful and not just cute. Short hair cuts are for cute or sexy people and sexy isn't in my repertoire. I could only do cute. Now, I've got variety. So, wigs aren't quite so necessary anymore.

I won't give up my wigs though. I've got a fetish for synthetic. Bring on those hues. Since dying hair too much leads to damaged hair, you won't always be able to dye your hair every day a different color so thankfully, I've still got a hankering for that synthetic dream. So, pink, ringlet Lolita wig, meet your wearer! I'll always love you I promise. :3

Gothic and Lolita Bible Vol. 37

2011-01-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

The major theme I noticed throughout Volume 37 was a display of BJD, or Ball Jointed Dolls. Now, I'm no expert but I have an inkling that those are the Pullip dolls. I am guessing because of a little shop called Toy Joy which has a few specialty books on Pullip dolls. I know they aren't Dolphie's because of the strange obsession people at conventions have with Dolphie's.

There was more goth clothing items than Vol. 38 which suits me just fine. I love the cute Lolita and with the right wig, I can look pretty good in it but for everyday wear and with my actual hair, I'm more goth than anything. I never truly went through a traditional goth phase but during 10th and 11th grade, I wore Tripp skirts (I still do) and multi-colored knee socks and I attempted corsets but I didn't have the prowess I have now for shopping and I could never pull it off just right. I learned that I wasn't the mall goth type of goth. I was more of an elegant velvet dress with a black bolero and maybe a top hat or school girl cap with my platform boots or black rockinghorses. Having this style suits me just fine especially since it's a dying style. It's hard to find a good goth unless you're in Europe, even at goth clubs such as The Church.

One of my favorite brands is Alice and the Pirates. Owned by Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, it's a brand that focuses on more pirate Lolita wear. Although most of the time it's just blacks and the occasional awesome print mixed in with Lolita wear. Located on the bottom floor of Laforet in Harajuku, It'll be one of my first stops when I return to Tokyo in a year! H. Naoto is another favorite designer/label. As creepy as I find him in his American Goth and Lolita Bible feature, He has good taste. He's designed Hangry and Angry's clothes and image, clothes for Amy Lee of Evanescence, Psycho Le Cemu, Ayabie, S.K.I.N. and my all-time favorite, Gackt! Sexiness complete.

Lastly, as any and every magazine dealing with Lolita, you will have Mana. Now, as seemingly that every Lolita loves Mana, I do not. His clothes are interested and I like some of his designs. On a whole, I'm not a big fan. Yes, he's goth. Yes, he does Lolita. I think his designs are behind the time and not classic enough to stay for forever. However, I will give credit where credit is due. I love Mana in the above photo. I don't want to see an old man in a girls dress. I think he should create designs for men and women, like he's doing, and model the mens side only. There aren't enough Dandy brands out there to begin with. Maybe he should attempt to revolutionize that failing field. He could get someone super cute like Kanon Wakeshima or just a model to do his designs. There are sexy enough women out there who could pull it off. Iida Kaori for instance would be good. She's tall, gorgeous, and has long straight black hair. She'd fit his image perfectly.

Takahashi Ai to graduate from Morning Musume AND Hello! Project

2011-01-09T11:12:00.000-08:00

Takahashi Ai is the oldest member of Morning Musume, longest reigning leader and longest member. At 24 years old, she's been a member of Morning Musume since 2001, having joined as a fifth generation member of Morning Musume.

For those of you who don't know much about Morning Musume, it's a group owned by Hello! Project. The members are rotating and everytime a new girl comes in, she's chosen by an audition and becomes the next generation. As seen with a previous post of mine, the 9th generation was just chosen. In the group, there are leaders and a sub-leader. Takahashi's sub-leader is Niigaki Risa, also a 5th generation member.

Takahashi is only the second person in Morning Musume to last to the age of 24 which so far is the oldest age. Nakazawa Yuuko is the one who happened to last until 24 who happened to be the last leader of the entire Hello! Project and passed it on to Takahashi.

Hello! Project is the company name. It owns all of the smaller groups like C-ute, Berryz Koubou, Morning Musume, Buono, and the solo artists as well as those who have graduated from Morning Musume but haven't left Hello! Project as a whole. In Hello! Project, there are 26 active group members and then there are the Hello! Project eggs who are in training as well as the Hello! Pro members who aren't specifically active in a group or as a soloist. I'd estimate around 40 members total or more in Hello! Pro.

With Takahashi's announcement of graduation, it doesn't really come as a surprise to most people. She's older. I can see why they kept her though. She's a responsible leader as well as the best singer. She's a good dancer, cute and super fit for her age. The only piece I'm shocked at is that she's leaving Hello! Project as well. I figured she's stick around for a few more years. I can see how leaving Hello! Pro is a good thing too. She's talented and doesn't want to give up but she wants to continue music that isn't cutesy Idol stuff and wants to act. She can't really do that while still being a Hello! Pro member because she'll have to take time off to focus on the yearly Hello! Pro concerts or the Elder Club concerts and that really takes away from your ability to accept jobs and succeed. Takahashi Ai wasn't my favorite member but I really enjoyed her. So, Good Luck Takahashi Ai. May you succeed in all your endeavors.