Photographic Interlude

Hello there lovelies,

I am currently suffering from acute lack-of-motivation-itis. So, here are some photos from my latest adventure in the Mt. Coot-tha Botanic Gardens with The Boyfriend.

LOL WHUT. Ibis faces off with Water Dragon. Neither is amused.

We were sitting by the pond, and heard some kids yelling "snake, snake". We thought they meant the eels in the water, but there were actually two pythons by the side of the water. One of the kids who has seen lots of Steve Irwin shows, assures me that they were mating. Thus, these pictures may actually be snake porn. Oops.

These pythons were so beautiful. The bigger one looked about 3 metres long.

This picture reminds me of the rings with two snake heads on them. Except those snake heads are usually devouring each other, and these ones quite obviously aren't.

This is Lizard King. You are in his territory. He thinks you should get out.

Cutest little bird nest. I couldn't believe how tiny it was.

Hopefully my motivation, and your regularly schedulled programming, will be back soon.

Until next time, xo.

Chinese Entertainment Co. Buys Share In Legendary Pictures

Legendary Pictures, the co-producers (with Warner Bros.) of the new American-made Godzilla movie (due to be released in 2012) are now partly owned by a Chinese entertainment company.

The Hollywood Reporter reports:

BEIJING -- It's finally happened: a Chinese entertainment company has bought a piece of Hollywood.

Though Chengtian Entertainment is a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed Orange Sky Golden Harvest Entertainment, the company that on Monday bought a 3.3% share of "Inception" producers Legendary Pictures of Los Angeles is Beijing-based and focused squarely on China's booming entertainment market.

After months of speculation that a cash-rich Chinese bidder, or one from Bollywood, might pick up a debt laden Hollywood property such as MGM, Chengtian CEO Chen Xiaowei, formerly president of Nasdaq-listed The9 -- one of China's largest online gaming companies -- called Chengtian's partnership with hit-factory Legendary a "match built in heaven."

"Chengtian and Legendary will produce and distribute films in China and around the world and also produce and distribute games," Chen told The Hollywood Reporter before boarding an airplane to meet Legendary founder Thomas Tull for the first time.

It appears the acquisition of a 3.3% share in Legendary Pictures is hoped to pay off for the Chinese at the cash register. Ka-ching!

To read the full article, go here.

DStar + Redsean + NSR

I've DJed with the dude DStar two times now, and both times I've left incredibly impressed with just about everything he does. Naturally I love his new mix with DJ Heat and Trazz. So many jams, so many dope mixes, etc. Such a party mix.

DJ DStar and DJ Heat - Fall Back

I've also played with Redsean a few times. As in a zillion times. Dude hooked me up with my first gig in Dallas and has been heaps keen to book me whenever I go back. What's more, he's as good a DJ as he is a person. His latest mix is a chill endeavor; put on headphones, light a cigarette, and relax.

Redsean - I Need a Beach

Last up is a mix from a friend with whom I've never DJed (though I hope that changes soon): NSR. His Gummy Bears & Boat Shoes falls somewhere between DStar's and Sean's mixes - NSR mixes some chill tracks with a few party jams, the end result being a refreshing, invigorating mix.

NSR - Gummy Bears & Boat Shoes

Bonus: Download Redsean's "Pastel Lights" remix here.

Thought For The Day...

Peter Klaven: I love you, man.

Sydney Fife: I love you, too, bud.

Peter Klaven: I love you, dude.
Sydney Fife: I love you, Bro Montana.
Peter Klaven: I love you, holmes.
Sydney Fife: I love you, Broseph Goebbels.
Peter Klaven: I love you, muchacha.
Sydney Fife: I love you, Tycho Brohe.
- From the movie I Love You, Man

Have you told your friends how much you love them lately?

Until next time, xo.

Best of the Interwebz

Photo.

Hey there lovelies,

I have a wierd and wonderful collection of links for you to check out this week - mostly DIY related, which probably reflects my latest DIYing craziness. It's becoming an obsession, but in a good way. Anyway, you came here for links right? Here they are!

Loving this post on Recycled Fashion about refashioning ties. Check out the super cute tie embellishment on her jeans!

If you're like me then this Le Love post about someone's beloved dog will make you cry.

The amazing Syl and Sam of Lipgloss & Black have finally launched their own website! Check it out, and buy their cute gear.

Check out all Rabbit Whites' posts about her No Make-Up Week, as well as posts by other interested bloggers!

Shouldn't Wear That is a great read from Sal of Already Pretty about how we judge what others should wear.

How To Make A Cat Bed From A Computer Monitor is something that every cat owner should read. Particularly the part about selecting the right size monitor - it counts!

Speaking of DIY for kitty owners, check out this tutorial & pattern for a Kitty Pirate Hat!

I am really loving the Beth Ditto A/W 10 Collection at Evans. Kick-ass plus-size fashion!

Cute blog alert! Check out Click Click Went The Needles for said cuteness.

Photoshop Legislation Won't Fix The Real Problem is a really good article from Jezebel. You should read it, and tell me your thoughts!

A lovely little how-to for feather printing. The Thank You cards made here are super adorable!

The COOLEST RINGS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. (Via Impish DIY). Who wouldn't love an eyeball on their finger?

Coincedently, this is the most awesome shirt in the world - The Time Travellers Essentials Shirt. You know, just in case you need that shit later.


What have you guys been enjoying on the internet this week? Linnnnnnks? Come on, you know I need them to survive, just like a zombie needs brains. So, in order to keep me alive and blogging, show me the links!

Until next time, xo.

I Am Not Ok.

Photo

Hey there lovelies,

I want you all to repeat after me: I am not ok. Even if you're ok right now you should still say it with me. I am not ok. See, it's not that hard. You can all say it. It's being able to say it when you really mean it that is the trick. No matter how "ok"you are right now, you won't always feel that way. It is impossible. Anyone who tells you that you can be ok 100% of the time is either lying, or delusional. So when you aren't feeling ok, it's important that you can let people know. Maybe all you need is someone to listen for a minute. Maybe you need a fullscale intervention of epic proportions. Either way, you're never going to get those things if you're not prepared to admit that you aren't ok. Other people can't help you unless you let them know that you need help.

You can't handle everything that life throws at you on your own. Go ahead and say it. I am not ok. Those four little words can make a hell of a difference when it comes to getting you the help you need, and helping those around you understand what is going on in your head. If you need some help don't be afraid to say it, and say it loud. I AM NOT OK. Don't be afraid to let people know that you aren't ok. You aren't helping anyone by pretending to be alright when you aren't - not even yourself. So whenever you need to, just say I'm not ok.

Until next time, xo.

Putting Legendary Pictures Godzilla 3D (2012) Into Perspective (Part 2)

Written By: Ken Hulsey

Not too long after the rumor about Legendary Pictures proposed "Godzilla" movie hit the net back in August of 2009, fellow MIN writer Armand Vaquer published a very insightful article about his attempts to verify the rumor through his contacts at Toho and what he thought of a Hollywood reboot of the beloved monster franchise.

Since that time we have learned that the rumor was indeed true and Legendary Pictures officially announced it's plans for a new "Godzilla" film several months later in March of this year. However, many aspects of the film have remained top-secret, leading to many unsubstantiated rumors about what we could expect to see come 2012.

Now, after hearing Brian Roger's comments from the 3D Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles this past weekend, I thought it would be a good idea to once again try and put some perspective on what we now know about "Godzilla 3D 2012"

As many fans had already speculated Legendary Pictures upcoming "Godzilla" film actually had it's roots in the unmade Yoshimitsu Banno film "Godzilla 3D To The Max". After Banno tried, and failed, to get his sequel to "Godzilla vs Hedorah" (1971) produced by two separate independent digital film studios he just so happened to cross paths with Rogers, who thought the idea would work if it was produced by a bigger studio. In 2007 the two film makers approached Toho about their plans and were able to secure the rights to produce a 3D Godzilla film here in America.

Though all of these negotiations took place in private behind closed doors, rumors of a 3d Godzilla film were still persistent throughout 2008 and 2009 leading many people, including myself, to speculate that "3D To The Max" was still going forward. Imdb even listed a 2011 release date for the film that lead to more rumors and speculation among American Godzilla fans.

The first thing the interviewer wanted to know was whether Legendary Pictures was going to redesign Godzilla? Rogers was quick to point out that they had no intention of following in the footsteps of Tristar's "G98", the film would feature the Japanese Godzilla, end of story.

Rogers was also quick to put the 'man-in-a-suit vs CGI' battle to rest, stating that this time around Godzilla would be a computer generated monster, not an animated character, but a live-action monster.

That, of course, probably won't sit well with many G purists out there, but in the modern world of film making, that's how it goes.

I don't agree with it, but they didn't ask me for my input did they.

Ever since the film was first announced there has been a lot of heated debate amongst G fans on whether the film should be a modern remake of the original "Gojira" (1954) or a totally original reboot of the monster franchise? Roger's stated that the film would indeed be a reboot, not a remake. The film maker also noted that he believed Legendary Pictures was the perfect studio to handle the delicate job of reinventing Godzilla in the same way that Christopher Nolan reworked the "Batman" franchise and J.J. Abrams reinvisioned "Star Trek" for a modern audience.

I'm sure that we can all breathe a little easier after hearing those comments. It would seem that Legendary Pictures is taking the whole thing seriously.

Rogers also revealed that Godzilla would not be the only monster in the film and that there would be a fight between Big G and another monster, possibly monsters, stating that he knew that is what the fans would want to see. The film maker, however, did not reveal whether or not these monsters would be from Toho's library of creatures, like Mothra or Ghidorah, or brand-new creations.

Let the rumors begin on that one.

Oh, and before I forget, that alleged Godzilla pic that was floating around the Net a few months back is not the new Godzilla. Rogers squashed that one as well.

Okay lets recap, the film will be in 3D, a CGI Godzilla, Japanese Godzilla not GINO, Godzilla vs unknown monsters and it will be like Nolan's "Batman" films.

Sounds pretty damn good to me!

Of course, what Rogers didn't talk about was a director, which has also been the subject of much debate and speculation. I guess that we will still need to be patient on that front.

According to the film maker "Godzilla" is still scheduled for a 2012 release, though he did leave the door open for a possible change.

A Dose of Style - Daisy Lowe

Hello there lovelies,

I'm not having a great day. I swear that school holidays are the way the universe reminds retail assistants that people are crap. Anyway, I decided to try and cure this not-so-great day with pictures of another style inspiration - Daisy Lowe. Seriously, who doesn't try to cure their retail blues with pictures of hot chicks in cute clothes? Yup.

I love this skirt, and the borderline it walks between cutesy and dead sexy.


Ok, so this pose pretty much just made my day. And, this is pretty much the perfect festival-going outfit. Comfortable, but stylish, and with minimal fuss. Plus, the jacket and gumboots are great for fast-changing festival weather.

Eeeee, this dress makes me squeal. I call this look "Rainbow Dorothy drinks a Yellow Brick Martini". The corset belt gives the the cute dress & shoes a grown-up edge. Also, I love Daisy Lowe's cute little smile here.

Biggest fan of Daisy Lowe's laidback casual style right here! Really loving the way that this whole outfit looks like it just got thrown together - and that great cardigan.

More amazing festival wear! PVC leggings make another appearance, which I whole-heartedly approve of. Props to Daisy for matching her cool t-shirt to her sunglasses, and for wearing gumboots that have actually gotten muddy.

As usual, one of the other things I love about Daisy Lowe is that she always seems to be smiling and having a great time! She gets dirty, and makes a fool of herself, and above all she always seems to be having fun. Sure, I suppose those model genetics help in keeping a person happy. But still, having style icons that always seem to be happy and enjoying themselves inspires me to try to do those things as much as I can myself. What do you guys think of Daisy Lowe?

Until next time, xo.

Godzilla 2012: Brian Rogers On Legendary Pictures Film Plans

Brian Rogers answers questions on "Godzilla 2012 3D"!

Godzilla to be CGI ....... and will fight another monster!

Praise God!

Kaiju Kobayashi, R.I.P.

The man who played the intense prime minister who stopped the United States and the Soviet Union from going to war after Godzilla attacked a Soviet nuclear submarine has passed away.


Left, Keiju Kobayashi.









Kyodo News is reporting:

Keiju Kobayashi, whose earnest performances endeared him to viewers throughout his nearly seven-decade long career, died of heart failure at a Tokyo hospital Thursday, his agency said Saturday. He was 86.

Kobayashi played Prime Minister Mitamura in Return of Godzilla (1984) (a.k.a. Godzilla 1985) in a very memorable performance. In that movie, the United States and the Soviet Union were about to go to war after a Soviet submarine was sunk by Godzilla. As the prime minister, he disclosed the real culprit for the sinking to both governments, thus averting war. He also resisted the U.S. and U.S.S.R. ambassadors' demands to use nuclear weapons against Godzilla.

His career spanned seven decades with his most recent role in Koisuru kanojo, nishi e. (2008).

Kobayashi appeared in roles ranging from prime ministers to police detectives in over 260 movies and television dramas.

He was also the recipient of medals of honor from the Japanese government for his achievements and cultural contributions.

Blogging Update: Facebook!

Hello lovelies,

Just a quick note to say that The Secret Life now has a Facebook page! I'm getting up with the times now guys.

I'm going to try and make it so that Facebook fans get sneak peeks at content, but what else would you guys want from a fan page? Giveaways? Pictures of penguins? Elephants in tap shoes? Let me know, and I'll try to make it happen!

Until next time, xo.

Best of the Interwebz

Photo by me.

Hello lovelies!

Best of the Interwebz is a little light-on this week, as I'm spending my entire weekend in Toowoomba for the Carnival of Flowers (watch this space - lots of pretty photography to come!). As a result I haven't had much time to peruse my favourite blogs this week. So, I'm going to try and distract you from this fact with photos from my last trip to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens with The Boyfriend. Hah, I bet you won't even notice now. Onwards!

You should all read this post from the livejournal community Sliced & DIYced. Then, you should go forth and make your own Zombie Jane! Also, you should join Sliced & DIYced - where the people rock, and the DIY kicks ass.

Designing Your Life is a thought-provoking read from Luinae of More Magic Always.

A is for Arsenic is a new kick-ass clothing line from Miss Amelia Arsenic of destroyx.

Seriously, go now and read this amazing piece of poetry, written by a 15 year-old girl about body image. You will not regret it.

These are seriously the hottest boots ever. Well, I agree with the Haute Macabre writers that the fur has to go. But otherwise, hottest boots ever!

If you're in need of a positivity boost check out Daily Pep Talk From A Best Friend. It is so beautiful.

Congratulations to Impish DIY for opening her very own Etsy store! Woohoo! I am lusting for this cute necklace.

Learn to make your own heart tights - all you need is tights, and fabric paint.

Got a wish? Head on over and add it to Kitty's wishing tree, which is possibly the most adorable thing ever.

Duck. He's just chilling, in his ultra-clear water.

Can you spot the lizard?

Curlews are fascinating birds. This one actually had a baby with it.

Mystery man looks out over the lake. Ok, so it's The Boyfriend. He's mysterious!

I really loved the effect the light was having on this pond.

These birds are so fearless that they come right up to you.

I find these totems fascinating. They are all carved wood.

See, you totally didn't even notice when I stopped posting links. I don't care if you did notice, I'm telling you that you didn't. Hope you are all having wonderful weekends!

Until next time, xo.

Spotlight On: National Diet Building

Above, the National Diet Building in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Spotlight On: National Diet Building

by Armand Vaquer

(Originally published in G-FAN #88, Summer 2009)

The National Diet Building is Japan's capitol building. It first appeared in Godzilla (1954) and in several other Godzilla films, most recently in 2003's Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. The Diet (Japan's Parliament) consists of the House of Councillors and the House of Representatives. Next to Tokyo Tower, the National Diet Building suffered the most damage in Godzilla movies by a Tokyo building.

In 1910, the Finance Ministry started a commission in an attempt to take control over the new Diet Building design from the Home Ministry. Prime Minister Katsura Tarô chaired the commission, which recommended that the new building emulate an Italian Renaissance architectural style. This recommendation was criticized by many who thought that choice to be too arbitrary.

The ministry sponsored a public design competition in 1918, and 118 designs were submitted for the new building. The first prize winner was Watanabe Fukuzo.

The Diet Building was eventually constructed with a floor plan based on Watanabe's entry. The roof and tower of the building were inspired by another entrant, third prize winner Takeuchi Shinshichi, and are believed to have been chosen because they reflected a more modern hybrid architecture than the purely European and East Asian designs proposed by other architects. The 1936 landmark building southwest of the Imperial Palace is known for its pyramid-shaped cap, and inside are cushy chairs and fantastical mosaics.

Above, iconic scene of Godzilla trampling a wing of the Diet Building in 1954. Copyright 1954 Toho Co., Ltd.

In Godzilla, the Diet Building had one of its wings trampled by Godzilla and in Godzilla x Mothra x Mechagodzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., the entire tower section gets demolished during the battle between Mechagodzilla and Godzilla. When Godzilla was first released in 1954, Japanese audiences applauded the scene of Godzilla's rampage through the building.

King Kong, with Mie Hama in hand, stood atop the building's tower in King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) and Mothra used it to build her cocoon in Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992). Distance shots of the building could also be seen in Monster Zero (1965) and in Godzilla x Mechagodzilla (2002).

*****

Note: Tour information for the National Diet Building is included in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Fictional Style Icon - Turanga Leela

"Our enemies will be like swiss cheese, with blood coming out of the holes."

- Turanga Leela, Benders Game

Hello there lovelies,

Our fictional style icon for the day is a cartoon sewer mutant with a smart mouth and a kick-ass attitude. I am talking, of course, about Turanga Leela, better known as just Leela from Matt Groening's Futurama. Leela grew up an orphan, believing she was the last of an alien species. She found out later she was in fact the least mutated of all the sewer mututants, and her parents wanted to give her a better life by pretending she was an alien. Leela is also the captain of the Planet Express ship, and flies the other Futurama characters around as they find themselves on all kinds of crazy adventures.

Here's a few life & style lessons to be learned from Leela:

1. Don't be afraid to experiment with your hair. Try different haircuts, styles, and even colors!
   
2. If you buy good basics, you get good mileage out of them. Look for quality in your basics - flattering cuts, good quality fabric, skilled stitching, etc.
   
3. Accessories can be functional, as well as fashionable. "What Leela calls "this thing I wear on my wrist" (referred to in another episode as a "Wrist Lojackimator") is capable of minor plot conveniences as needed."
   
4. You always look cooler when you carry some kind of laser/ray gun. Always.
   
5. Even if you're a sewer mutant with only one eye, there are still heaps of people who think you're pretty damn hot.
   
6. When shopping for boots, opt for styles that are fashionable yet functional enough to give people a good ass-kicking with. Leela's footwear never prohibits her from giving someone a good roundhouse kick to the head.
   
7. If people are terrified of receiving a good ass-kicking from you (& your stylish boots) then they will never call you out on wearing the same outfit twice. Even if you wear it every day.
   
8. Your eyes are the most interesting feature of your face. Don't be afraid to draw attention to them!
   
9. All of us make mistakes (*cough*ZappBrannigan*cough*), but the trick is not repeating them.
   
10. And last, but not least, it never hurts to have some sexy lingerie in your arsenal. See the following picture for evidence.

Ahh, how I miss the highschool days of weekend boozy Futurama marathons. By the way, if you want to be really, really confused watch the episode The Farnsworth Parabox after having a few drinks. It will blow your mind. Literally.

Until next time, xo.

Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self

A young( & much littler than 13 year old) me.

Hello there lovelies,

I was looking through one of my old online journals when I found this - a letter to myself at 13, that I wrote in 2008. While now I would probably add some more practical things to this letter (such as, dude, learn how to cook and iron BEFORE you leave home!), I think that this would have been more valuable knowledge.

Dear little Stacey,

You are beautiful. No matter what she says, you're beautiful. And most especially, no matter what he says, you are beautiful. One day there will be someone who loves you, and appreciates you, just as you are. That's right, you won't have to change. And you don't have to change. One day, someone will help you pick up the pieces, and finally mend. You won't have to worry about the things you've done, because they'll understand. You don't have to compromise your own values and beliefs, because they will understand. You don't need to drown in that bottle, or pick up that joint to numb the feelings that you're feeling, because they will understand. You don't need to be afraid of your body, your sexuality or your desires, because they will understand. Most importantly, you don't need to worry about being abandoned, because they will understand. You don't need to lose weight, or dress like a slut, or put on make-up, because they'll think you're more beautiful as you.

I know that there's things happening to you, and things that will happen to you that I can't fix, or change. But just know, eventually they will be reconciled. Eventually you won't feel like you're alone in a crowded room. I know that there's nothing I can say to convince you that you're perfect, and you're loved, and one day you'll be loved the way you've always wanted to be, but I know that it's true.

The only one holding you back is you.

Love, big Stacey.

How about you lovelies? What would you tell your younger self if you had the chance? Are there things that you wish you had have known sooner? No matter how bad the journey was, I'm glad that I finally learnt the things that I wish I had known all along.

Until next time, xo.

GODZILLA 2012 Producer Brian Rogers To Speak At 3D ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: 3D Summit.com

To say that any news on Legendary Pictures upcoming 3D "Godzilla" film has been scarce is an incredible understatement. After the studio announced the film way back in March, and promised that news on a director was forthcoming, it went into total silence mode.

Since that time there have been a few rumors, one that Tim Burton was being courted as either a producer or director, a t-shirt at this years Comic Con, and that's about it.

Now, possibly, we may get some 'real' info about the film from producer Brian Rogers who will be speaking at this years 3D Entertainment Summit in Los Angeles. The event, which will be held at the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City on September 15th and 16th, will feature a all the big names in the 3D entertainment field from video games to movies.

It is certain, that if Rogers is going to be in attendance, then he will undoubtedly be talking about "Godzilla 2012 3D", and for the first time since the film was announced we will be getting some real 'meat-and-potatoes' information to talk about ............. let's hope.

Here is Rogers info from the event's website:

Brian began producing 3-D projects in 1992. His latest project is the motion picture "Godzilla" for Legendary Pictures and Warner Brothers Studios. He has an extensive background in visual effects driven, ground breaking, new technology projects and has worked in all 3-D formats including 65 mm; 35 mm and High Definition digital capture including producing the world’s first high definition digital 3-D production. He has worked for several Visual Effects houses including Digital Domain, Rhythm & Hues and R, Greenburg / Imaginary Forces.

Here is some more information about the event from their press release:

Unicomm, LLC and The Bob Dowling Group announced today that the 3D Entertainment Summit(TM), presented in association with Variety and featuring an all-star lineup of entertainment and business executives, has already more than doubled attendees and sponsors/exhibitors over last year's record event. The third annual Summit will be held September 15-16, 2010 at the Hilton Los Angeles in Universal City, CA.

"The 3D revolution across all entertainment mediums is driving unprecedented interest in this industry leading event and we are expecting a sold-out conference," said John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, LLC. "Particularly exciting will be the record number of senior executives attending from the major Hollywood studios, TV broadcasting companies, consumer electronics manufacturers and national cinema chains."

Keynote Speakers at the Summit include Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation SKG; writer/director M. Night Shyamalan (The Last Airbender; The Sixth Sense), Chris Cookson, President of Sony Pictures Technologies, John Rubey, President, AEG Network LIVE, Michael V. Lewis, Chairman/CEO RealD, David Bishop, President, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Vince Pace, CEO, PACE and Bryan Burns, VP, Strategic Business Planning and Development, ESPN.

In addition to keynote addresses and panels, the Summit will feature a state-of-the-art 3D Entertainment Lounge(TM) where attendees can experience a variety of interactive 3D Entertainment systems and see what they just heard about. The sold out exhibits area features leading edge entertainment companies showcasing everything from 3D display cell phones, the latest 3D TV's and video games to even a thirty foot Dome presentation system.

The highly interactive, discussion-driven environment of the Summit allows entertainment professionals the opportunity to gain practical insight into 3D technology, market considerations, adoption rates, creative and production strategies, and talent and licensing issues to gain a better sense of how 3D relates to their future.

Here is the address:

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
555 Universal Hollywood Dr.
Universal City, CA 91608

To Register Online Click Here

Don't get your hopes up about attending this baby, unless you have a lot of spare cash lying around, tickets range from $845 to $1,145 per day.

Geez, and I thought the tickets to Star Trek conventions were high?

(Belated) What I Wore Today!

Hey there lovelies,

Long time no see! Unfortunately, I've been caught up in "being a grown-up" for the last few days, and blogging has just been out of the question. So finally, here are my outfits from this weekend! You didn't want to see what I wore? Well then skip on out of here, because I'm all about pic vanity this evening. Onwards to my Saturday outfit!

Outfit Rundown:

Beanie: Trade Secret (Billabong), $14.95

Dress: Made by me!
Stripey Socks: Kmart, $6.95
Boots: Kmart (Grosby), $30

Even though we spent most of Saturday helping The Boyfriend's sister find a new car, I wanted to dress up a little. And, well, this is pretty dressed up for me. Sunday anyone?

Outfit Rundown:

Bandana: stolen from The Boyfriend
T-shirt: Greazefest, $35
Jeans: Trade Secret (Otto Mode), $24.95
Boots: Given to me by a friend.


I was feeling kinda' rock & roll trailer-trashy on Sunday, and this is the ensemble I threw together with than in mind. I am newly in love with these cowboy boots, so you can expect they will get a lot more use in the future!

There you go. I'm a little short on the whole "words" thing tonight, because my brain is not working so good. How were your weekends? Did you have fun? And what did you wear?

Until next time, xo.

Willow Smith

In case y'all haven't yet heard, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have a nine year-old daughter named Willow. Not content with doing kid things such as playing with dolls, listening to Justin Bieber, and giggling with friends, this young lady went out and recorded a heater of a track called "Whip My Hair." Fittingly, Willow seems to be taking cues from older pop stars rather than her peers - all sorts of Rihanna and Kelis vibes going on here. None of it makes sense. I mean, how does a nine year-old sound this good? And why is she saying the words that she's saying? Eh, whatever - this is large.



P.S. Go Cowboys.

P.P.S. Did we ever come to a conclusion re: whether or not Will Smith is a Scientologist?

Best of the Interwebz

Photo found at yes & yes.

Hello there lovelies,

It's that time of the week again - link time! Read on dear readers, and enjoy.

Check out this beautiful photoshoot by Maddie of Sprinkle Diary. It is amazing!
How to make your own tinted lip balm, from the lovely Luinae of More Magic Always.

Moments Make This Lady-Dude Feel Pretty Friggin' Feminine from the Secret Society of List-Makers is awesome. Well, to this Lady-Dude anyway.

Get accessorising with this Statement Wrist Cuff tutorial by Drummbellina!

How To Identify a Bargain is more shopping-help gold from Sal of Already Pretty.

No Signposts In The Sea gives her thoughts on shopping, from the perspective of a sales assistant.

Why Cats Are Awesome. Kitteh comics for the win!

The Dainty Squid shows us that even your food can be cute with this recipe for colourful cupcakes!

Yarrr! Thera of Crafty Pirate brings us Sewing for Landlubbers Part 1, which is all about the basics of fabric.

Photo by mylacuna, found at kind over matter.

Got an old hoodie, and don't know what to do with it? No problem! Use this tute from Trisha of Mary Sew to turn it into a bolero/shrug type thing!

10 Inspiring Women Share: What Makes Me Beautiful is a really nice read.

Read this comic. Because everyone knows that T-Rex is the best judge of fashion.

If you're a crafty type, then head on over to Sliced & DIYced. It's a livejournal community all about stitching for the rock & roll inclined, created by Max California and Thera Joyce of Crafty Pirate. Consider this a membership drive! Rock & Roll DIYers, we need you!

To finish up, here is the most annoying, and awesome thing ever.

Until next time, xo.

Bikini Shopping Blues

Hello there lovelies,

Today I plan to talk about a rather tenuous topic - swimsuit/bikini shopping. I hate it, you hate it. I'm yet to find anyone female who doesn't despise the process of squeezing into tiny pieces of fabric in badly lit fitting rooms (which often seem to have borrowed the carnival mirrors). It is a process that seem to waken insecurities in even the most secure of women, and as the Australian Summer draws closer I'm starting to see this again every day. A few weeks ago a lovely lady came into the fitting rooms with an arm full of swimsuits. Only a couple of minutes after she went into the changing room, I started to hear crying. I didn't know what to do. I asked if she was alright, and got no response so I stood like a stunned mullet until she came out again. As she handed me the swimsuits back, wiping away the last of her tears she said, "This is really hard sometimes, isn't it?". It saddened me, firstly because she was so sad, but also because I knew exactly what she meant.

I know what it feels like to try on a bikini, look in the mirror and feel as if every one of your flaws has been magnified by a hundred, regardless of whether said flaws even exist. I know how it feels to look in the mirror and be crushed because you don't see the body of Jessica Alba in Sin City reflected back at you. But why do I need the "perfect bikini body" to be happy about the way I look in a swimsuit? The answer, of course, is that I don't. And, of course, neither do you. Do you know who the only person who ever told me I look bad in a bikini is? Me. I am the only one who has ever seen the multitude of flaws that I constantly stress about when putting on a swimsuit. And you know what? I may not be Jessica Alba, or Scarlett Johannsson, or any other Hollywood starlet, but this Summer I am going to put on my damn bikini and strut confidently along the beach with the best of them. This is the body that I have. No magazine exercise regime, or fitting room mirror, or anything else is going to tell me that this body isn't good enough to show people.

This Summer I am banning feeling bad about my "bikini body". I am banning worrying about "wobbly thighs" in shorts. I am banning worrying about "chicken wings", or "pot bellies", or wonky ankles, whatever else there is to worry about. I don't want to be the woman crying in the change room about what I see in the mirror anymore. I'm not going to hate my body for not being something that it can't be. But mostly, I'm not going to punish myself because I'm not a swimsuit model. The best part about this? You don't have to do any of these things either. You don't need to listen to what anyone else has to say about your body, and you don't need to listen to the bad things you say about your own body. Your body does so much for you, and it is deserving of your love. I know that loving your body can be one of the hardest things to achieve, especially when you've been bent on hating it for so long. But I promise, you are worth the effort. And I will be the happiest person in the universe when no one cries in the change rooms while they shop for swimsuits, because they realise time is better spent loving than hating - and that this rule even applies to your "bikini body".

Until next time, xo.

DIY Madness!

Hey lovelies!

I finally procured some batteries for my camera, so you get pictures of my mad weekend of sew-tasticness. Hurray!

This one was serious t-shirt surgery with the objective of saving one of my favourite t-shirts. It may be too much information but I have recently, shall we say, "grown" from a B cup to a D cup, leaving most of my upper body garments a little short. I added the lime green pieces (thrifted fabric) using this technique.

Note: Don't wear white bras under thin black fabric when taking photos with a flash. Moving on. When The Boyfriend pre-ordered his copy of Starcraft 2, he got a free shirt. However, we had already ordered him the same shirt from Jinx! So of course, I asked to get the largest size so it was good for DIYing. This was super-easy, because I had the bodice piece left over from another shirt. I just chopped off the sleeves/neckpiece of the t-shirt, and reshaped it to be more dress-like. Then I sewed the shirt piece to the left over bodice, and there we go. Nerdy dresses all around!

Now for the first peek at what I've been making with my 5 metres of anchor fabric. Again, using this technique tute from the wonderful Max California, I made this cute skirt. This skirt was another very easy piece to make - just a few rectangles and a bit of folding. I love it!

Eeep, I used Max's tute again for this shirt! Do you see how versatile it is yet? I adapted a basic pattern that I got while doing a TAFE course in basic sewing - made it slightly looser and longer, and added the white bands around the edges.

There you go guys! That's what I've been up to. How about you? Any crafty endeavours? Link me up lovelies!

Until next time, xo.

Top Five Godzilla/Kaiju Books

Top Five Godzilla/Kaiju Books

by Armand Vaquer

With Christmas just around the corner, it is worthwhile to take a look at what English language, mass-market books to buy for the newbie or longtime kaiju fan.

Most of these books are still available through various sources such as Amazon.com, eBay, Barnes and Noble, Border's Books, etc.

So if you are wondering what to buy, here's my top five Godzilla books:


Number One. Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters by August Ragone is the top book to pick up without question. Ragone is thorough in his research on the genius of Japanese special effects with many rare photographs. Toho Co., Ltd. and Tsuburaya Productions cooperated in the production of this book and it shows! Hardcover.




Number Two. Japan's Favorite Mon-Star by Steve Ryfle is a valuable reference book on the history of the Godzilla movies. Although dated (this one cries out for an update as it ends with the 1998 U.S. Godzilla), Ryfle's research on the King of the Monsters makes this a must-have in your book collection. Softcover.




Number Three. Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men: The Fantastic Cinema of Ishiro Honda by Peter H. Brothers is the first (it came out last year) English language biography of Japan's top director of science-fiction and fantasy films. Although it has no photos and there's some glaring typos, this is a must-have book for G-fans. Softcover.





Number Four. Monsters Are Attacking Tokyo! by Stuart Galbraith IV is a collection of interviews of actors, directors, special effects directors and others organized by topic. Although the organizing could have been better executed (some fans feel it is too disjointed), it is a valuable resource as it includes interviews with some who have since passed on. Softcover.




Number Five. Godzilla On My Mind by William Tsutsui is a tome of what Godzilla means to fans. If you're looking for a filmography, this isn't the book for you. But if you're interested in Godzilla and his pop-culture influence, grab this book. Softcover.

Others


A Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series, 2d ed. by David Kalat. This edition just came out and I haven't read it yet. But, I am told that it is an excellent book on the Godzilla series. It is available at Amazon.com. Hardcover.




The Official Godzilla Compendium by J. D. Lees and Marc Ceracini is long out of print and if one can find one, it is generally pricey. It is a good introductory book aimed at the small-fry fan. It has reached the status of a collectors' item. Softcover.




The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan by Armand Vaquer came out this year and is a travel guide to Japan tailored to fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films featuring movie locations, attractions, transportation and accommodations. Magazine format.