Disney Sea - Japan 2014 - Day 1

Disney Sea! I made a great video talking about Disney Sea (and Tokyo Disneyland, and Pris Disneyland, etc.) but due to an out dated computer and even more outdated editing system, the video won't export so I'm not sure when (if ever) the video will be done. Tat being said, I have many many many photos from Disney Sea to share with you. As part of my Japan trip series I'll just be showing you a few to give you a brief overview of our day. (I might share more later.)

So our very first day in Japan was arriving late in the evening. We met up with my sister who was living there at the time on a contract with Tokyo Disney/Disney Sea (She works with the characters.) So there's not much to report on that day. Our first real day was spent at Disney Sea, Tokyo Disney's second park. We loved it there! I'll admit it was a bit odd, spending our first day in a foreign country at a theme park, but it was also a nice introductory to my sister's lifestyle and a way to ease into the culture through something familiar. I'll leave you with our photos. If you have any questions about specifics, ask in the comments and I'll elaborate.

Life Through Instagram // 1

One year ago I started a series on my blog called Currently. I never added to it past the first post. I didn't forget about it I just never felt inspired enough to continue it. That could again be the case for this similar series I'm starting, but I have a feeling I'll like this one a bit more. The idea for Life Through Instagram is nothing new. Sharing my Instagram photos here to give you a quick update on my life is a pretty good idea that many blogs already do. You all know my feelings toward selfies, so it really makes sense. I hope you enjoy and follow me on Instagram!

1// Two Sargent girls engaged at the same time! My cousin Dianna and I are showing off our unique engagement rings at her bridal shower.
2// The Long Holidays' CD release show!
3// The self titled album! It's so good! (I stole this picture off the TLH Instagram, tehe)
4// CATS! It was amazing.
5// Me 'Jellicle-Bounding' as Mistoffelees.
6// Jim found the cosplay book I'm in during our Free Comic Book Day adventure. (I was cosplaying as Huntress from JLU, back from '07 Comic Con)
7// My spoils from Free Comic Book Day and later that evening hanging out with my friend Andrea at a spontaneous party in her new condo.
8// Hanson calender, Birthday cards, and thread. It's May already.

Disneyland Castles - California, France, & Japan

I love Disneyland. I've been there so many times growing up, it has always been like a second home to me. Last night I was editing a video I shot about the different Disney resorts and I came across photos of me by the castles. This post is dedicated to those castles.

The photo below is me in the summer of 2005 at Disneyland. This original castle belongs to Sleeping Beauty. (I wish there was a solo picture of me with the entire castle...oh well, guess I'll just have to go back soon!)

Here I am at Disneyland Paris in October of 2011. This castle is also Sleeping Beauty's, however it's bigger and more extravagant than the one in Anaheim. It even has second floor balcony you can climb up into.

Finally, here I am Tokyo Disneyland in February of 2014. This castle belongs to Cinderella and was decorated at the time for their 30 year anniversary.

Be sure you are subscribed to my YouTube channel so you don't miss my video all about Paris Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland! (I'll hopefully be posting it tomorrow!)
Thanks so much for reading! Have you ever been to a Disney resort? Which one?

In Defense of the Selfie

Here's a great selfie I took. Seriously, I'm super proud of it. YouTuber skywriter11 made a great video a bit ago on why she is a supporter of the 'selfie' and #selfieculture. She says it best so all I'll say in addition is don't feel guilty for sharing the awesomeness that is you. Your Instagram or other social media platform you post your selfies on, is yours. If someone's selfies bother you, unfollow them. I support selfies, self portraits, selfie culture. True, there is a time and a place for taking a selfie and not everyone does so respectfully. Also, there might be a personal limit to the amount of selfies posted daily from the same person that one can take. Use your best judgment, and watch skywriter11's video below if you are still not convinced.
 

Let me know in the comments how you feel about #selfieculture. (Also, I took a selfie a day for year once.)

Birthday Brunch

 

I took so many outfit photos March and April, I'm still behind on posting! Last month I did not take outfit photos on my actual birthday because I was still recovering from being sick, I made up for it that Saturday though! I invited all my girlfriends over for brunch, then we went shopping in Santa Monica, and finally the day ended at my favorite restaurant, FuRiBo. That day was when my calla lilly engagement ring was ready so Jim's brother and sister brought to me. (These photos were taken before I got it, so I still was rocking the Kyoto ring.) It was such a great day, my friends are the best!

 

Photo Credit: Vince Reyes
Outfit Details
Dress // Hot Topic
Ring //Kyoto, Japan
Leggings // Target
Boots // Steve Madden

Young and Old, Grizabella

This was the first time I did makeup as Grizabella, the star of CATS who she sings the famous song Memory. It was also the first makeup of 2010 and the first time I used oil based professional Ben Nye makeup. It's so much easier to work with than the Halloween makeup, I was truly amazed. I wanted to do two make-up jobs in one night so what better way to do it than with Girzabella?

Feminist Collar Clips

Oh the woes of pointing out problematic things when people are just trying to have a good time. Such a killjoy you are for explaining consent at the dinner table. Don't hide your head in shame, your love of equality is not something to keep to yourself. Tell the world with these super cute collar clips, so your friends won't be surprised when you start talking about pronouns and Smurfettes.

In all seriousness, 'feminist' is not a dirty word. If you agree, these pins are for you. They are this month's new Nerdy Monster item (just in time, wow) and there is a limited amount available on my Etsy shop. I'm designing some other (not all feminist related) collar clips and I am open for commissions if you have a custom design in mind.

Can you guess what kind of product will be released in May? Make your guess via the Nerdy Monster Twitter or Facebook!

CATS - 4/27/2014

Yesterday, as a birthday present, Jim took me to see my favorite musical CATS. It was a big deal that he went with me! (CATS is not something he's a fan of...) I had a blast and Jim says he had more fun than I probably think he did. The show was put on by the La Mirada Theater for the Preforming Arts. So it was a step below a touring production but a step above, say, community theater. Because of that I was not expecting much, but I was actually blown away!

They had most of the original choreography and the performers were all triple threats. The set was beautiful, real (no inflatable set like the last tour), and even was decorated over the proscenium. The costumes were really well made (Broadway style) and the only thing that gave them away as not being an official tour or standing show was their wigs. (I've seen some fan costumes a bit nicer...but they were not that bad).

The Rum Tum Tugger was played by Todrick Hall, who was made famous for his time on American Idol. (and his many YouTube hits) There were also a lot of seasoned performers (some who have been in CATS in tours and such before) and some fairly green performers. They all were quite amazing. There are some clips online from the show here, here, and here.

I Jellicle-Bounded (like Disney Bounding, but with CATS) as Mr. Mistoffelees. I've seen CATS in full costume before but since I was likely the only super-fan in attendance I decided to tone it down a bit.

Photo Credit: James Holmquist
Outfit Details
Ears // handmade by me
Tank & Cardigan & Necklace // Forever 21
Vest // H&M (in Sweden)
Skirt // JC Penny
Leopard Print Tights // a gift
Boots // Steve Madden