GOOD NEWS!

I am great at school and loving it, making new friends.
But best of all I quit my job. I had begun to hate it.

What will I do with myself now? I totally got a job at a local organic bakery, for similar pay. This Job matches my lolita lifestyle to a T I can wear whatever i want there too as long as my hair is back and I wear an apron. DOABLE! and sweets so many sweets!

That's all for now, expect more from me soon, now that I'm in a happier and more energetic state.

Lolita On A Budget

I know there are tons of these posts out there, but I find they just aren't as good at guiding a poor little lost lolita very well. So this is my version!

Budget The Upstate way!

Aside from how totally awesome and not in the least bit corny that sounded, I find I am surrounded by people who spend too much time trying to get proper understanding of alien cultures, and what not.

Fortunately for you the people of my home city Ithaca, have thoroughly ingrained that kind of behavior into my own personality. (awwwe they've Care-washed me) This means I am not only understanding about things I really could care less about, but that I have achieved great insight on things I really love!

What To Get Where?

I'd like to start out adressing the many things one needs for a lolita wardrobe, starting from inside out.

1) Bloomers

2) Shirts (only for JSK and/or Prince Style wearers)

3) socks/tights

4) Petticoats

5) Shoes

6) Purses

7) Jewlery/Misc accessories

8) Coats

9) The Dress

Bloomers

I highly suggest you make your own bloomers, they are pretty easy to make already, not to mention way cheaper, and you can personalized them to look even better than the store ones. The only time I might stray from this opinion is If the bloomers you intend on buying are made for wearing alone.

Shirts

Now a lot of people will tell you buy all your underclothing and stuff that doesn't matter from bodyline. While this is often true it is not so in the case of shirts. Why? I recently found out that a couple brands on cutieland offer shirts of far better quality, but get this, for prettymuch the same price! these brands include Chess Story (also my favorite dress brand!) Magic Tea Party, some Classical Puppets shirts, Pumpkin Cat (they are a new brand and i'm falling in love with both their cute clothes and their cute name!), and Infanta (which tends to be the cheapest and of same high quality). However I Warn You Now! Do Not buy from Dream of Lolita, They copy brands like Angelic Pretty, putting out replica's, and buying replica's show's no respect for the artists. Not to mention they produce the lowest quality product on Qutie Land.

Socks/Tights

I do not recomend buying socks from any specific lolita site, they are always more expensive that they should be, with the exception of socks with specific characters (I.E. Milky Chan). i can get a pair of three lace cuff socks in my size on amazon that do just fine for $10, Bodyline Charges $11 for one pair! As for cute tights, the same thing goes. You can get tights that don't have a specific character anywhere. you can even get the false thigh highs with teddy bear faces or crosses at the top. Socks are the biggest rip off in the lolita world.

Petticoats

This one depends on if you want quantity or quality. I have never bought a Petticoat from Bodyline, or from Qutie Land. I have one my mom got off a square dancing site, a minny one ment to help give the more cupcake shape in conjunction with the square dancing, and a black one made for lolita that I got off of Milanoo. So far all my petticoats are lack luster. The one from Milanoo actually plumps perfectly but they never sealed of the ends so it's constantly got string hanging down. A word to the wise Milanoo gives you what you order but it's all a disappointment. 

So where Does one buy a petticoat? having been disappointed by cheap petticoats in the past I personally would not buy from Bodyline just in case, but if you feel the need to go ahead I have no problem with that. I however do suggest classical puppets petticoats, I hear a lot of good things and they are all fairly reasonably priced. I myself plan to get a magic tea party petticoat when I have extra money, because they are so cute, have really soft looking fabric, and are not see through, I could totally wear them alone as a skirt for casual lolita.  If you still want to buy a petticoat from Bodyline, do not buy one more than $47 at that point you're in the same price range as better quality petti's from Qutie Land

One last note, Do Not try making your own petti, it won't be cheaper, it will be really time consuming, and you might even mess it up.

Shoes

My favorite subject of course. Buy shoes from Bodyline, they have a decent size description chart, and really from what I've seen, it's the only department where the company really is just as good for a much cheaper price, they have every style. Just buy Bodyline shoes no one cares.

Purses

I realy don't care where you get your purse, but I do have a suggesion. if you have a cute old stuffed animal that would go with a decent amount of your dresses, turn that into a purse, teddy bears make excellent back packs. and there are so many easy tutorials out there for making them.

Jewlry/Misc Accessories

If the dress has the option of getting jewelry or a head bow with it I really wouldn't pass them up, you may think it's a waste of your money but you'll regret not buying them, I know I do. as for additional accessories, Bodyline has some, and often Claire's will have some stuff that is on the mark during their spring season most years. You can also make super cute bracelets with those chunky beads from the early 2000's that everyone was giving you or your sister. Accessories can be found everywhere. I found a super cute shell necklace (it was supposed to be the one Ariel's voice was trapped in from The Little Mermaid) at Hot Topic one day.

Coats

Coats are hard for me, coats meant for lolita just aren't warm enough for winter around here. if you live in a place that barely gets cold enough to snow sure buy them from where ever you want. If you're walking five blocks with -15 wind chill regularly like I do then you'll have to make do with my solution. 1) get the prettiest and warmest coat you can, my favorites, a dark red wool pea coat and a light blue one (both with cap sleeves some how). 2) ear muffs or hats (try the kids section for one's with animal ears). 3) Get those really expensive gloves that are thin but somehow warm. 4) get warm boots to wear outside, and keep your flats in a purse or something. 5) wear a winter or fall weight dress with leggings or knitted tights, and as many petticoats as your can fit. also a bibbed sweater of sorts would be a great shirt for your JSK. 6) if you have a wig that is super long and heavy wear it.

we can really do no more.

The Dress

This is the most important. The dress can come from any store but make sure you're buying it for the right reasons. You must love the dress. I don't buy dresses from Bodyline because it's cheap I honestly like the dress I'm getting (I.E. 1371 in navy blue I find that dress soooo adorable!) Yet I find so many Brand dresses super adorable (I.E. Daydream Carnival) but the problem is I cannot afford that dress. where do I buy most of my dresses from? Well Cutie Land of course the prices are middle of the road, the quality is high, and most of the dresses are made but companies who are trying to get to their feet. When you buy from Cutie Land you're not only getting something great for a decent price you're helping people. not to mention since many brands go through the site you have a variety that just could not be found elsewhere. but I don't just buy any dresses from Qutie Land Either, I buy the ones that make my heart skip a beat upon seeing them. That's what a dress should do for you. So buy what makes it hard for you to breath, but is within your price range. I assure you you can find that dress anywhere.

Sites Referenced

http://www.qutieland.com/

http://www.bodyline.co.jp/bodyline/showAll.asp?type=left&subType1=Lol&subType2=Pan

http://www.angelicpretty-usa.com/

http://www.milanoo.com/?PID=2120461&Promotion=cjr&refid=cjr&linkid=11676668

A Healthita!

Did You Guys Miss Me?

...Sorry I've been so busy and stressed lately, I have migraines almost daily. *pout* getting money saved up for college is hard.

Good News Though!

1. I am starting culinary arts school the 25th of August! And yes I will be doing everything in my power to make my uniform frilly.
2. I have just started a Graze snacking account! For those who don't know about Graze, it is a fair trade, California based mail out healthy snack company.
3. I have a coupon code so that you guys can get two free boxes.
   
   https://www.graze.com/us/p/BETSYC2WU just go to this link and use the code there and your first and fifth box are free.

    

   I'm Pretty Excited About This, My First Box Arrived Yesterday...

   Inside are four snacks. Pomodoro Rustichella (perfect to  top a salad), chili and lime pistachios, super berry detox (all fruit, would go well on hot cereal or yogurt.), and bananas foster trail mix. It all sounds so good! Now for some close ups.

   

   
   

   

    I was also pleasantly surprised to find they sent with it a copy of the nutrition information.

   

   
   

   I can't wait to dig in! I encourage you all to try this! You can quit any time, and with my code your first box is free. What's the harm right?

   
   

   TA TA DEARIES!

A Fearsome Lady

Something I've Been Meaning To Talk About...

What Could I Possibly Be Talking About? Violence & How A Lady Handles Herself In A Violent Situation.

How Do I Define A Violent Situation?

A violent situation one might encounter can happen in many different ways.

1) A brawl at an event or establishment (and unfortunately we can't pull that move the queen from brave does... It's not safe and most likely won't actually work in any situation above play fighting)

2) Domestic abuse (hands down if a guy is abusing you leave him he isn't worth it)

3) A violent crime. (The scariest and least likely of the situations but still be Prepared)

How Is This Relevant To Lolita?

Weather you want to believe it or not Lolitas can be exposed to all types of violence too we may be ladies but we are still humans. However as Lolitas we do look innocent which may even bring extra violence our way, some may see us and view us as easy targets. So what am I insinuating? We should train and become finely tuned lethal weapons... (go go lolituh-uhs!) OK maybe not lethal weapons but indeed learn how to take care of ourselves without help in those situations.

Situation 1: The brawl/ spat gone wrong/ cat fight

What do you do? Abstain mostly... depending on how relevant you are to the situation. If someone is defending your honor or something very relevant to you try to somehow get them to hear that you do not want this try to get them to abstain, if they do not listen, leave the situation. This will be hard but it is necessary for your own well being. If you are being instigated to violence abstain, always abstain. However, if you were arguing and all of a sudden something violent is done to you, you have every right to defend yourself. I did say defend, meaning you only neutralize the threat to your person, meaning you will have a block, a strike, a take down, and an escape. Notice I said a for each one of those and also notice the order in which I said them. I would also like to define "Take Down" a take down is a throw, it will either get your attacker on the ground, or propelled against a wall it is not a hit, it is a device used to get your attacker further away from you and less likely to chase you.

Situation 2: Domestic Abuse

As soon as your partner abuses you physically, mentally, or emotionally you need to make the decision to get out of that relationship, and do not give them a second chance, especially when it comes to physical abuse. Violence is never OK. You get out you tell the cops, and I know it's hard I have never gone to the cops yet myself even. it's scary I know it. Fortunately that is no longer something I have to worry about right now but you really should get there as soon as possible after the incident. Why? By filing this report with the police you have a previous incident, and you can get a restraining order, if he/she decides that he/she will not let you go. I know it sucks waiting and worrying are they going to try something again, but at least this way you can cut the violation down to two singular incidents. I also suggest if you are worried about this happening after the first incident get into the first self defense class you can find. I took Krav Maga and now I could probably kick my mans butt and he's literally twice my weight and over a foot taller than me, of course I never want to or feel the need to... except when he forgets to do dishes haha! I jest.

Situation 3: Violent Crime

It's actually really hard to defend yourself from a violent crime without having taken a self defense class, besides not walking alone at night. However their are signs you can read from some kinds of attackers (mostly rapists). These are called survival signs. I highly suggest the purchase of the book entitled "The Gift Of Fear" it's like nine bucks, and a great tool, especially the chapter entitled "Survival Signs". However, I will give you the names of them since I am so kind. 

Charm & Niceness (sorry you just cannot believe that a stranger is just nice, I'm sure some are, but defensively you have to believe they are doing it with the express purpose to control you.)

Too Many Details (only two possibilities for someone blabbering out facts about what they are doing, one they are lying, or two they have a disorder such as aspergers that effects their filter, and understanding of how to be social. Always bet on the first one.)

The Unsolicited Promise (examples I'll make sure your safe, I'll leave you be, I'm gonna split after you get to your door. They might be being truthful... but much more likely it's a lie to gain your trust.)

Discounting The Word No (when you drop subtle hints you want them gone or when you say no thanks and they don't leave you alone. You don't have to be forceful about it an actually nice guy will leave you alone if you say no thanks or act like you aren't interested.)

Loansharking (anytime a stranger offers help it can easily become the, well I carried your groceries let me in your house you owe me, type of situation.)

Forced Teaming (any incident in which a stranger tries to make you part of a unit or team with them usually by using the word "we" we gotta stick together in this neighborhood.)

Type Casting (you know when someone who doesn't know you insults you by overgeneralizing you like one might do with the members of a teen clique. "Oh you're probably too much of a snot to hang with me" this kind of insult is something that we naturally want to prove wrong. But you have to tell yourself "hey I don't know this jerk, who cares what he thinks anyway, he should just let me go about my business, I have no time for this in my life.")

Final Message

While not everyone is out to get you you should always stay on the skeptical safe side, if someone is actually nice and you have a few encounters with friendly waves they might eventually become your friend, but really don't count on people being nice, learn to defend yourself using mental techniques and physical techniques. You may be a very lady like little girl, but I implore you learn how to go from teddy bear to momma grizzly for your own protection. I am the sweetest most elegant little princess until I feel threatened, and then I go rabid fox on em hatchee hatchee hatchee ho! No one says it's wrong for me to be this way many admire this 5'1" 110 lb red head for being able to sit pretty, go crazy kung fu master, and then go right back to her tea party. ^_^  BE A LADY YES, BUT BE A FEARSOME LADY!

P.S. I would also like to point out how hilarious it would be to see a Sweet Lolita defense class, you know with the wigs and everything, super over the top nonsense!

Guess Who's Back!

I Have Been Gone A Long Time and I Apologize. 

My excuse is that I have been going through a lot recently, relationship issues, going through the job change, and I'm changing my major. I know you're curious what I'm changing my major to, well I'm going into culinary arts, an looking into acting. I actually may be studying abroad in Italy in two years time.

I Was Working On A Project While Gone However.

I made my sister her very own beaded crown.

I must say it is quite stunning for a first attempt and she absolutely adores it. I intend to make more of these and start selling them, but in the mean time I will tell you how to make a simple on of your own. all you need is 16 gauge wire, beads, lace, ribbon, hot glue and a button with a loop back.
1) Braid a few pieces of the wire into a circle for the base.
2) Cut four pieces of wire equal length. Wrap one end of the wire around the base repeating with each of your four pieces at equal distance.
3) Thread your wire with the beads leaving enough room at the top to attach your button.
4) Put the wires through the buttons loop and wrap around until secure.
5) glue your lace around the base covering up all the exposed wire, make sure to glue your ribbon on the inside of the lace.
when dry tie the lace around your head under your chin and voila you are a pretty princess.

Well that will be all for today! I do hope to be back soon, but my stress is definitely not going to end anytime soon.  Many bills to pay and all. I plan on figuring out more of the cook book recipes, keep voting on that poll.

Hey Guys I've got a little notice for you!

I Have Signed up For Addsense.

So If you notice adds on my site no worries. Just trying to support my blog and Lolita habits. As a notice I will be personally approving which adds should be allowed on here. I won't have weird adult entertainment adds floating around so no worries. I will also still be displaying adds for free for the little guys, such as artist Gab.riel who needs to make me a fresh picture for his add, by the way, he's switched to pay what you'd like policy, ooohhh ahhh. <-shameless product placement pls.

Also while I only really want to display adds for free for the little guys I personally know. If you would like to display an add for your etsy shop or what not shoot me a line including a link. If I decide your work is relevant to this blog I will of course consider displaying your add on here. Of course the charge will be a very small one time fee and your add will be displayed for a specified amount of time. Us little guys gotta stick together after all.

But In Other News...

Has anyone noticed this super great new trend in Lolita where dresses are beginning to lean towards more elegance... or dare I say towards more Grimm's fairy tales like style? Gasp! I'm actually super excited for the elegant sweet Lolita pieces that may be coming up with luxurious fabrics  in super pastel pinks, purples, and mint greens, not to mention sky blues! I am very excited about all the sky blue pieces out right now. I also think part of my excitement to the mix of kawaii and elegance may have been sparked upon my discovery of my dream dress, Day Dream Carnival. I want it so bad!

Ok folks I'm gonna end this rant before I forget to get dressed for work and go in my jammies. Toodle loo!

Just A Quick Check In On Everything Plus FROZEN!

Hello All!

The job search continues, but the one place I applied, which is the company my job is being outsourced too has some really neat features, that I could grow to like. Including better pay, better insurance, and easier to achieve insurance, including dental ooooo ahhhhh! So that's good, especially since now I'm feeling much less depressed, and I'm posting on here yay! I will soon be able to more easily afford loli clothes buahahaha! 

In other news a friend and I went to see Frozen... Yeah I'm a procrastinator...

It was quite good, not as good as Monuments Men, oh god that movie was breath taking, but I was quite pleasantly surprised by how good it was! I cried during like five separate occasions. I can definitely see why it's been in theaters since thanksgiving, and I admit I already pre-ordered the blue ray from amazon. So now my sister and I can watch it together, it is a sister flick after all. Just like Brave is a mother daughter flick and I always watch it with my mom... and cry a lot, over the bond of mother and daughter, I am truly a huge softy.

But I digress, the hair in Frozen is super loli friendly and I plan on either getting wigs in the hair styles or styling wigs into the hairstyles myself.  P.S. bought a beautiful wavy strawberry blonde wig recently can't wait till it arrives.