Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Year Resolutions

My mother has been asking me to write a resolution for a few days now, so I thought I would do it on my blog. Our family has been getting sick and such, so I wanted to post this so I wouldn't forget, Anyway, these are my self-goals, so some (most) are kind of selfish, and are general "ideas".
Onwards!
  1. Study more and pay more attention to my work. Self-explanatory, but I might as well include it.
  2. Be more creative and pay attention to details. On everything, like for projects and design. Sometimes ties into #1.
  3. Exercise more (and take more calcium!) so I can grow taller. It's harder being short when most of your friends are three inches or more taller than you.
  4. Practice drawing. I want to be more consistent, and improve my drawing "style".
  5. Try pay attention to the people around me, and be more aware of the world. It is good to reflect and think about things like that. Also, be comfortable meeting new people.

Be unique.Comments? Questions? Share your thoughts? What are your resolutions? Enlighten me. :)

Friday, December 25, 2009

Sherlock Holmes (the movie)



I went to see Sherlock Holmes today with my mother and a relative. Straight to the point, I liked it. The action scenes were well done, and the music fit the mood perfectly. Even though Jeremy Brett is a better Sherlock Holmes, the new movie had decent acting and characters. They twisted some of the characters from the stories and also added new ones. I'm not sure how I feel about the bond between Holmes and Watson in the movie. However, some of the quotes were epic. Search it up, watch the trailer, or even watch the movie. It's not the best, but you could do a lot worse.
"You've never complained about my methods before."
"I've never complained! When have I ever complained about you practicing the violin at three in the morning, or your mess? Your general lack of hygiene or the fact that you steal my clothes?"<-interesting...
~Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson
Quotes from IMDb

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas

...and a Happy New year! Feliz navidad y prospero ano (y felicidad). Have a peaceful and joy-filled holiday season!
(image not mine, click to see source)

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Rodarte for Target

I was sooo excited for this collaboration. Then I got sick, and it sold out on me. Bam! In a day? That's what I get for thinking it wouldn't be sold out where I live. (Seriously, I do not live in a fashionable city) However, I was sick, and so I couldn't get to the nearest Target today. I will stalk it tomorrow...

Rodarte® for Target® Juniors Swiss Dot Dress - Blue

This was going to be one of the only dresses I like! The contrast between the punk boots and the lace details of the dress makes a wonderful juxtaposition.

Rodarte® for Target® Juniors Mesh Lace Cardigan - Ochre

This is one of the items mentioned in the video made by Tavi(on Style.com) It's so lacy! And I need a not scratchy sweater.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Happiness in Sweet Packages

Even though I am still sick, today was one of the best days I've had before break. Mostly to my friends for taking time to give me little gifts of joy that exponentially raised my blood sugar levels. I feel kind of bad because I was sick and couldn't give out planned gifts, but I am still happy that they thought about me. Thanks so much.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Saturday Flea Market

A long overdue post, I was busy with some stuff and still am sick. Anyway, I went to the flea market, and had some sense to take pictures of all the stalls. It took me two hours to finish walking around. I saw some interesting things, though: Ornaments and things

Necklaces and rings, however, there was some trouble so I couldn't take the time to look.
Flowers, in December!
A whimsical...clock? I saw it, but was way too expensive. Pretty and unique, though. The little fishies move around, I guess to keep time.
In the end, I got a silk scarf and some little presents for my friends. It was fun though!
EDIT: The pictures were shrunk, click for slightly bigger ones!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Running a Business

On the Soap Queen, Anne-Maire has posted something that might be useful for all future business owners (hint,hint-Dad). Go check it out, and while you are at it, buy something form Brambleberry! Support a wonderful business, and send me some extras. :)

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Fashion Book Read: The Classic Ten

Normally, I'm not that interested in women's fashion, but I was in the library looking for a non-fiction book for a project, and stumbled upon The Classic Ten The True Story of the Little Black Dress and Nine Other Fashion Favorites by Nancy MacDonell Smith. I am almost always interested in the history of modern culture, and so I was drawn toward this descriptively titled book. It did not disappoint. Written by fashion news and features director of NYLON magazine, Nancy MacDonell Smith explores the meaning of the little black dress, lipstick, high-heels, pearls, the trench coat, the cashmere sweater, jeans, sneakers, and the white shirt. She gives a detailed history of the meaning of these items that people wore, and how it reflected upon their culture and ours. When I read this, the meaning of fashion really struck a chord. I could understand a bit more why people dress the way they do "in fashion" in our culture. However, this book is also just a great read for a person who not only enjoys fashion and new styles, but likes classical pieces in a woman's closet (aka: not me). It was fun to read and interesting-a great book to read while at the airport or a rainy-day read.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Update

I have an update on the sewing machine scenario.My dad fixed it on Monday, yay! Now I don't have to spend $100 on a new one. On another note, I finally updated pictures from early November. It was still warm here then, but it has been getting chilly!

An iris blooming on the side of a small road, an artistic arrangement of a leaf, an interesting acorn, and a flower that looks to be one from the stylized design of a manga. (xxxHolic)


Our camera sucks like heck, and Blogger is being stupid, causing me to waste my storage because I needed to upload it five times when I accidentally deleted the picture. I don't even know where the storage went, since the pictures are not stored on my blog.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

No Sewing Machine for Me

A few weeks ago, my grandma thought I should get my sewing machine repaired. The bottom of it wouldn't "catch" the thread, and so it would only half-stitch the fabric. Because of this, the thread from the top would also get clogged up at the bottom. Unfortunately, we could find no one to fix it. Now it has been relegated to the garage. I should have searched for a new sewing machine yesterday, but we ran out of time, and I don't think I should get one as an impulse buy. Boo. I will be looking for one now, as possibly a Christmas present? Any suggestions?

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Sales Are Not Good For Your Wallet

Black Friday...such an ominous name, but such a strong attraction it holds...Tomorrow, when I should be doing my projects for school, my mother will be most likely be sailing through sales at Walmart. I might follow later, because I need a coat(or ski jacket) and a top for our school's trip this winter. Even if merchandise is marked down as "sale" most of the time they are still expensive when added up.

This Thanksgiving I was truly worried about a family member. The appointment is scheduled for the eighth of December, and we are waiting for the test results, but meanwhile his health is deteriorating. Thankfully, my parents say it is not critical, but this in between stage is the worst, when you are waiting, but now is not serious enough to be sent to the emergency room. I worry for what is to happen, because he will need surgery. I hope for a brighter day soon.

Giving thanks

For the world we live in.

Friday, November 20, 2009

The Rain

Language is really such a variable subject. Sometimes, gym class is physical education, "pro" and "skills", trousers are pants( but there are still trousers here), fashionista and reccesionista are mainstream now(my Language Arts teacher wouldn't probably approve, and who says that in real life?!), but I digress. My chosen word of the day is nascent.

Today, the weather forecast said it was to be rainy. I hoped that it would rain during physical education, because, really, who wants to run on a Friday? P.E. class came, and it was sunny here and warm. I remember thinking with vengeance, "The weather forecast lied!" Of course, we had to run a mile (not ameliorated by the nice name the teacher gave it). About two thirds of the way through, it started sprinkling. Then the wind picked up. After P.E., it started alternating between raining and drizzling throughout out classes. What a glorious day.

It might be nice to take photos of the rain, but our camera is severely lacking the thing known as quality. Here are things that remind me of today's rain:

Spring Rain. Aventurine and Freshwater Pearl Bracelet by DesignByMagriet


Sun Moon Stars Rain - embellished mixed media print on chipboard by mizkatie



Cloudy Day - hand painted silk crepe de chine luxury scarf by MuseSilkPaintings

Pretty, but the bracelet and the scarf are unaffordable. I need a silk scarf, too. However, this is why you go to flea markets.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veteran's Day

In a time when the world is never all still, and holidays' are for stores to make money off of, it's good to remember the reason why we have these holidays. November 11 marked the official end of World War I, in 1918, at 11 in the morning. At that time, it was called" the war to end all wars" and the"Great war". Unfortunately, it was not, but it marked a great loss of lives for soldiers and civilians. Take only a second, if you will, to remember their lives, and what they have done. The past isn't just the past, but can be part of the present, and can shape the future, too.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloween and Homelessness

This year, I'm going as Kamui from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. My hair was even chopped shorter for this purpose. Unfortunately, CLAMP's characters aren't always easy to dress up as. While my costume is decently accurate, my friend commented on the finer details of it:"isn't his pendant supposed to be more twisted?" and "isn't the chain supposed to be longer?" Friends are always helpful (I checked my reference. My version is pretty accurate!). Lost of people dressed up today at school. Some were cool (a homemade lolita costume, Piglet, Native American princess) and some were (sumo wrestler, ostrich riders???)...Needless to say, it was very amusing. I hope my costume will turn out well officially tomorrow. The pendant I made out of polymer clay might break, so I'
m being extra careful. Is anyone dressing up? Kamui Kamui(again)

On a different note...today, while my mother and I were driving, she noticed a homeless person on the side of the road, and gave her a dollar. I couldn't see what was on the sign she was holding because of the sun in my eyes, but apparently the person was asking for money. I told my mother that the person could have a gun, or be crazy. But they weren't. That simple gesture and the words exchanged prompted me to think about the unfortunate, unemployed, or simply uneducated people even in rich or well-off suburbs. Some didn't get an education. Some may be abandoned by their families. Some may have lost their job and their home. Some may be alcoholics or drug users. Some, though, may be just plain unlucky. It's impossible to know what people have been through, or how they feel. For the homeless, how much can a dollar help? A meal today is a day of hunger tomorrow. However, I want to know more about people. If I could just sit down and talk with someone else about their life, their situation, their feelings, could I just know about them a little bit more? Would I be able to help them a bit more? Probably not. But I still wish I could have asked about that poor person's name.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Blogger Regulations

Apparently, there are new regulations for product reviews since I was gone. Since I don't get paid for this, nor do I get samples to try, I will just put it up here that everything I have reviews thus far was bought by me, my family, or a friend(I don't know anybody who works in PR). If a product is a sample, or furnished by a company, I will let you know on the bottom of that post. Thank you!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

School makes me dizzy...


Whee! Sorry I was completely gone. I am attempting to adjust to this year. I will try to post more often. It has also been strangely cool these past few days, and after running every day, my hands started to dry out. I have been attempting to remedy the problem by using Weleda Skin Food. This is a cream that smells pleasant, and if you use a reasonable amount, it gets the job done. Sweet almond oil, beeswax, and calendula officinalis extract all go into it to make it mostly natural. Unfortunately, I only have a trial size. It's pretty expensive, but good in cold and and windy weather! It's really starting to feel like fall around here. I hope you all had a good September!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Give Away on Soap Bar Blog

There is a give away on Soap Bar, a blog run by Joanna Schmidt for a bottle of limited edotion Be Delicious perfume. Check it out!

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

We are popular with the birds here

Yesterday, because of the heat I was eating dinner outside, on the porch. We have a sapote tree in front, so as I was eating, I saw a bird landing on a branch. At first I thought it was a seagull, but as it turned to stare at me, I realized it was a hawk ( or falcon. but it was pretty big) It flew to a telephone line close by and perched o it a while, then flew off. My thoughts went like this:
  1. Oh wow, a seagull
  2. Why is a seagull here? (We don't live very close to the coast)
  3. Wait, it's tan-coloured...
  4. OMslktgpweflgkG, it's a hawk!!!1
  5. Is it going to eat my dinner?
  6. Dang, it flew away...
It had red-orange eyes and yellow talons, and the chest area was a light speckled tan. The back and wings were a mostly medium brown, and was 12-16inches long(?) After researching, I still don't know. We have a lot of crows and some scrub jays here(they visit our trees) , and many other small birds. Does anyone know what kind of hawk/falcon that was?

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Brambleberry, Redesigned!

Finally, the new Brambleberry website is up! Thanks to Anne-Marie and the rest of her team for the new design. The website is now easier to navigate and order from. The design is clean, and the site is more helpful, too. Also I just found the descriptions of the products. (Sorry,Anne-Marie, i didn't notice it before!) Check it out!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Product Review: Kiss My Face Organic Lip Balm


It's been a long time... as usual. But this time I've actually got something to review! For starters, I got this lip balm in strawberry. It smelled awesome- like real, fresh strawberries. After awhile, though, it starts to smell artificial. I get this a lot with lip balms containing more than SPF 4. It may not bother other people as much. The texture is softer than some other balms, but certainly not the softest, and feels nice enough. Best of all, though for me the staying power was pretty good! It absorbs yet still stays on my lips so I don;t have to constantly reapply. Reccomended if you don't live in an extremely hot climate!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Vintage Obsessed!


Recently, I've been noticing vintage jewelry more often. (Vintage Cloisonne Enamel Bangle by Vintage4U). Right now, I want an enamel bangle-I hardly ever wear jewelry. And something about enamel+thin bangle=right!


(Off white enamel and gold tone vintage Bangle BRACELET by tootsystreasures)

I think the idea of a poison ring is cool, because it would be useful for keeping small items in it.


(Poison Ring by BongeraFiligrana)


Tuesday, April 28, 2009

The Wanted Jacket


I haven't posted in forever, but I WILL get the sakura pictures here, I hope soon... Anyway, in the meantime, I've finally found a jacket I like, from Target. That sounds easy, right? Just drive over to Target, find it, pay for it... but it's gone. I should have picked it up last time I was there, but I didn't! Now it's only available online, and I don't want to pay shipping...
I have no idea why I like it so much, but I know I won't find another good jacket for the price! Only $16...

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Product Review: Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme

Such a nice product. First off: it's great, it moisturizes, my cuticles look(or used to look, before I forgot about this) better, and it smells like LEMONS. It contains sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, and sunflower oil, so it is very moisturizing, but slightly greasy, which I didn't really mind. My only catch with this is that it can be slightly hard, but my other extremities have a low temperature. Even though Spring has officially sprung, this is still a must-have. Go get one today!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Bath Bombs!

A few days/weeks ago, I was making bath bombs for some friends and decided to put them in cupcake wrappers.
I call this scent Spring Forward, and it's a blend of Brambleberry Bonsai and leftovers from this other one,
Tranquil Breeze. I also mixed a bit of Cybilla Creamsicle too, so now it smells really tasty.
Next project: Sugar scrub!
Now off to hunt for a recipe... Happy Spring!

It's still cold...

I haven't really posted for a long time, more like a month. It has been sunny, and a definite end to winter. Today, though, the sunlight outside seems to be fluctuating. It was supposed to rain( which we definitely need!), but it was sunny for a few minutes, and really seemed like spring. Then, the clouds started covering up the sun. However, just when it was starting to sprinkle this morning, the sun came out again. If something is controlling the weather, they're either bipolar or having a seizure. However, the nature does not seem to mind.
Tulips in our yard
We also have a freesia plant, and it smells sooo good. If Brambleberry comes up with a freesia scent, I want it. Freesias are not obnoxious or heavy, like gardenias, they just smell floral and fresh. Perfect for spring.
Closeup:
Also, our lemon tree is bearing fruit! Only a few lemons are yellow, though. The rest are still greenish.
Happy spring!

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Product Review: EO Nourishing Hand Cream


In the winter/fall/all year, I have dry skin. In the winter particularly, I have very dry hands. In fact, my hands are so dry that they cracked on my knuckles, and on the back of my hands. So now my hand is a scarred mess. It took so long to finally find a hand lotion that I liked, but this one from EO is pretty good. It moisturizes normal skin well, and the consistency is nice, but looks ... lumpy. When you rub it in, it isn't, but because it looks that way, it puts me off a little. The scent at first reminded me of patchouli, but it started smelling like lemon verbena (that was the scent) a second later. This cream is mostly natural, and has essential oils in it, so so can feel better about putting it on your skin. Beware, however, that it is not completely natural. Also, it doen't heal cracked and scarred skin that well, but overall, pretty good!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Ackk..

I've been gone for so long! Amazing things, though, have happened since I was gone. The inauguration, for one. It was simply amazing, and we even got to watch it in school! Plus, we have a project about Japanese culture coming up soon. I chose sushi! So now, I have to make sushi at school! Unfortunately, I have no idea how to make sushi of any kind. Better than writing an essay, though, right?