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Photo (via kindovermatter).

Hey lovelies,

Woohoo, another weekend! I went out trawling the garage sales with The Boyfriend, plus his Mum & Dad this morning. I came home with a great haul, including a good few metres of nice quality tartan material. Today has turned into a lazy day, involving a little cleaning, some more Degrassi, and some pretty sweet linkage.

5 Scientific Reasons a Zombie Apocalypse Could Actually Happen. Powerful and hilarious stuff.

Speaking of hilarious, Pets Photobombing Each Other is about as hilarious as it gets.

Em of Lick My Cupcakes delivers a tasty looking recipe for Mini Rocky Road Tarts.

The Sum of Our Parts is a great read about how it feels to be a plus-size Asian American woman.

The coolest sneakers ever, by way of (IN)DECOROUS TASTE. They come with The Wizard of Oz seal of approval.

This post about Beauty, by Miss Cleary of DIY STYLE OR DIE is really good. I love this lady!

Check out this amazing Blondie dress, made by Psycho Sue of Sew Misunderstood.

Sal, of Already Pretty gives some great advice about offering constructive criticism in the fitting room.

Click here to see pictures of the most awesome Grandma ever (other than my own of course).

Vincent Black Clothing, spearheaded by the amazing Max California is back! Take a look, cuz she has some really rocking stuff available for the little guys in your life.

Photo (via kindovermatter).

Awesome video tute for making fabric bows, by Thera Joyce of Crafty Pirate (speaking of which, don't forget to check out her shop!).

I hope all your weekends are going swimmingly! Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving to those of you who celebrate it. I for one have no idea when it officially is, or what exactly it is. But, I hope you enjoy it nevertheless.

Until next time, xo.

Fictional Style Icon - Ellie Nash

Hello there lovelies,

You caught me. I've been watching Degrassi: The Next Generation compulsively. I know, I know. But I told you already, I'm a damn sucker for cute shows that tackle serious teenage issues in a realistic yet fun-loving way. Ok, so I probably never actually told anyone that. Now you know. Anyway, watching this show again made me remember how much I wanted to be Ellie Nash in high school. Just look at these screenshots, and I'm sure you'll understand.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure you wished you were that cool in Grade 9 as well. Actually, I'm pretty sure I still wish I was that cool now. At least there are three main things we can all learn from Ellie:

1. Layer up. Seriously, the more layers the better. Especially if some of the layers are mesh.
   
2. Don't be accessory shy - the bigger, the bolder, the better. Chains and eyelets are a plus.
   
3. You could always use a little more black in your life. But I'm sure you already knew that one.

Now, back to watching Degrassi! All of you who are laughing at my lameness, shut up. I mean it! As for the rest of you, come over here and watch with me. Bring cookies.

Until next time, xo.

Haruo Nakajima At 2011 Monsterpalooza

by Armand Vaquer

Left, Haruo Nakajima (right) taking a break during the filming of "Godzilla vs. Hedorah" with Kenpachiro Satsuma

The original Godzilla, Haruo Nakajima will appear at next year's Monsterpalooza in Burbank, California.

Nakajima was "the man in the rubber suit" from the first Godzilla movie in 1954 to 1972's Godzilla vs. Gigan. He will turn 82 on January 1.

Monsterpalooza will be held at the Burbank Marriott Hotel and Convention Center April 8-10. I've attended the first two Monsterpaloozas and they were very enjoyable.




Monsterpalooza has many celebrities from the world of science-fiction and horror in attendance and exhibits featuring everyone's favorite monsters.

Above, Armand with Haruo and Sonoe Nakajima in 2008.

Nakajima's daughter Sonoe told me a few nights ago that they will be attending Monsterpalooza next year.

For more information on Monsterpalooza, go here.

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Hello there lovelies,

The links are a day late again because I was busy having picnics with my girly friends, and seeing the new Harry Potter movie. A great day was had by all, and if anyone mentions the fact that I bawled my eyes out when Dobby died then I will be forced to sucker punch you. Now that I've got that straight, let's continue.

Shopping Smart on Etsy is a cool guest post from the wonderful Audi, on Already Pretty.

Gala Darling peddles some great advice once again in I Quit Vogue...Now What?

Just FYI is another gorgeous post from Sarah Von of Yes and Yes.

Zooborns is probably the cutest dang thing I have ever seen. Click if you're into endangered baby animals.

Average Fantastic is an awesome blog I only just discovered! Check out Audrey Hepburn's Self Esteem Was Probably Just Like Yours.

Vanessa from Chicken Soup for the Dorky Soul offers some tips on How To Look Great Everyday - as yourself.

I love this! Comments of the Week: How To Convince Your GF You Love Her Body.

You'll be sure to find interesting reads from F Bombs - a collection of links discussing feminism and fashion, from Threadbared.

I want to make one of these cute atheletic inspired cut out shirts, so I'm lucky that PS I Made This shows us how.

Why have I never looked at Drumbellina's etsy shop before? Full of cuteness is the best description I can come up with.

Head to Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing to take a quick trip through the Corsets of the 1950's. Interesting stuff!

I'm really loving this Happy Icecream Face Applique DIY from Chich Steals. SO DANG CUTE.

Who You Are & What They Say is a great confidence-boosting read from The Art of Non-Conformity.

This video shows you how to make a cute romper/playsuit from a pair of capri pants!

So, now that I've used the word cute an obscene number of times, and actually admitted to crying over Harry Potter I think it's time for me to sign off. Enjoy the reading!

Until next time, xo.

A Dose of Style - Pixie Geldof

Hey there lovelies,

The mid-week blues call for a seriously fashionable cure, which I am sure Miss Pixie Geldof can supply us with. Not only does this young lady have the cutest name in existence, she also has killer style.

Pixie shows us that black on black on black on black is a winning combination. Of course, awesome people already knew that. I would break an ankle wearing those heels, but it doesn't stop me adoring them. I'm just going to steal your hair now, kay Pixie?

IGNORE THE CIGARETTE, LOOK AT THE OUTFIT. I just noticed that the jacket and jeans in this outfit are very similar to those in the first outfit. Celebrity clothing remixing? Gosh, who knew that ever happened. Plus, this photo is evidence that cropped tops are not always bad things (and neither are wedges).

Oh Pixie, don't you know that you and Alice Dellal are too much hotness for one photo? I friggin' worship this rock chick interpretation of the humble maxi-dress. So yeah, if you guys could just put everything from your wardrobe into mine, and have it magically be my size then that would be awesome. Also, you if you guys could just live in my wardrobe for if I ever need styling advice then that would be awesome too.

Union jack dress, leather jacket, thigh-high socks? Pretty sure you just hit all my cool buttons. On another note, I am loving how versatile her short haircut is. Whenever I have short hair I just wear it the same all the time, but apparently there are different ways to wear short hair. WHO KNEW?

This dress is what Cinderella would have worn if she decided to skip the ball, dump the Prince and go out partying instead. Classy, with a punk rock twist - loving the heeled booties. Oh Pixie, you and your damn hotness.

So yeah, I love Pixie Geldof's style hardcore. Just in case you missed that throughout this slightly creepy post of Pixie adoration. By the way - do you reckon that whoever named Pixie had any idea that she would grow up to suit her name so well? Food for thought there.

Until next time, xo.

Horrifying Trends That I Love #7

Hello there lovelies,

Time for yet another horrifying fashion confession - just take me to the shredder baby. And by that, of course, I mean that I have an obsession with shredded t-shirts. I think they balance perfectly on that line between trashy and trashy. They're a little bit bad-ass (well, you are wearing shredded clothing), and a little bit couture (do you know how long it takes to make one of these bitches?). This is a love affair that has been in the making ever since I was a tenth-grader cutting holes in my jeans. Plus, it's a love affair that looks at least a little classier. Just in case you don't believe me, I have supplied photo evidence:

How can you argue with that much awesome? No really, tell me. I don't understand how you could argue with those pictures. So weigh in guys! What's your take on the shredded t-shirt? Classy or classless? Holy, or just plain holey?

Until next time, xo.

P.S. If you're crazy like me and want to make one of these, check out this tute.

Godzilla vs The Gryphon - Exclusive Art From Todd Tennant

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Todd Tennant

It has been quite some time since Todd Tennant has blessed us with some of his exceptional artwork from his "Godzilla 94" online comic based on the unused Sony movie script by Rossio and Elliott.

Though we had to wait quite some time, it was well worth it! Tennant has produced what can certainly be called on of his best pieces, an exclusive image of Godzilla taking on The Gryphon, in what will undoubtedly be a battle for the ages.

Look for more monster action in the upcoming pages of "Godzilla 94"!

Fans can also check out more of Todd's artistic skills in the pages of several titles published by Blue Water Comics, who publish a wide variety of books based on classic horror and sci fi franchises.

Best of the Interwebz

Photo by SuperDewa

Hello there lovelies,

I can't believe it is Saturday already! What with a busy week at work, a rent inspection and somehow managing to sprain my ankle in my sleep (by falling out of bed), the time has just flown past. In just a few hours I will be watching one of my high school friends get married. I'm a little excited, since the last time I went to a wedding I was about four years old. Anyway, you came for the links right? Here you go!

Can't grow a mo'? No problem! Just make a mechanical moustache!

This week I finally followed my reader advice and bought Frankie magazine. So friggin' cute. Check out their website - it is just as cute as the mag.

I loved this article on Style Bubble, about visiting a Harris Tweed mill, and what the tweed has to go through to be classed as Harris Tweed. Interesting stuff!

Reasons I Just Can't Take You Seriously, from the Secret Society of List Addicts is pure gold.

Peter of male pattern boldness started a really good dicussion about uniforms in the comments of one of his latest posts.

I want to high-five Brandy of The Diary of an Indy Grrrl for this short post about immaturity.

Vulnerability & The Mask of Thinness nearly made me cry. I can relate a little too much.

Now, after that last post made you cry, head to Damn You Autocorrect for a good belly laugh.

Who else thinks that a wedding dress made entirely of metal band t-shirts is an amazing idea? Although, like the writer of the post, I do like to think they were washed beforehand.

I am totally lusting after this necklace, made by Kim of Cupcakes and Mace.

Thera of Crafty Pirate has been busy stocking up Swagger Savvy Designs with all kinds of great booty. Check it out!

Now, last but not least, I am really (REALLY) loving Trisha of MarySew's steampunk-inspired jewelry - in particular, this necklace.

Oops, this is actually the last thing. This is the cool film clip for my new favourite song, from my current favourite album - Left of Center, from Serj Tankian's second studio album, entitled Imperfect Harmonies. This guy is my musical hero.

Now, I hate to leave you like this my dears, but I have a wedding to attend. And I have neither showered, nor shaved my damn legs yet. In other words, I better get moving since we're leaving in just under an hour. Got any link love for me? If you do, don't forget to show me!

Until next time, xo.

Sendai Station Spotlight

by Armand Vaquer

Sendai, Japan is located in the Tōhoku region in Japan and is northern Honshu's largest city.

Sendai was demolished by Allied bombing during World War II. Following the war, the city was rebuilt with wide boulevards and they are now tree-lined, which is something one won't find in Tokyo.

The main station is Sendai Station. Outside of Tokyo, Sendai Station serves more passengers than any other station. Sendai Station was first opened in 1887. It is a major stop for Akita and Tōhoku Shinkansen trains. The present station opened in 1977.

In kaiju history, Sendai Station was first featured in Godzilla vs. MechaGodzilla II (1993) during a fly-over by Rodan. Then, in Gamera 2: Advent of Legion (1996), Sendai Station was featured first in the background while Asagi (Ayako Fujitani) made a pay-phone call to her father. Then, in the same movie, Sendai City was destroyed by an exploding Legion flower pod, with Sendai Station the detonation point.

I visited Sendai during my Japan vacation in April 2006 (my dad was briefly stationed in Sendai during the Korean War) and took the photo of the station at top. This is the same view of the station as seen in Gamera 2.

Details on Sendai Station are featured in The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

What I Wore Today, Weekend Edition

Hey lovelies,

If you thought you were missing out on pictures of my ugly mug this week, then you were sorely mistaken. Because I am a loser, who forgets to take photos I don't have any pictures of my fancy dinner/Hens Night outfits, but I did do a little lame posing in my everyday wear. Onwards!

Outfit Rundown:

T-shirt: Westco, about a billion years ago.
Singlet: Trade Secret (Just Add Sugar), $5

Necklace: Made by me, from t-shirt scraps and random things.
Jeans: Trade Secret (Zinc), $34.95
Docs: Shoe City, $200

I think I may have been attempting Kurt Hummel's "If You Liked Then You Should Have Put A Ring On It" dance from Glee. I think this because I have no other explanation for this pose.

Oh, almost forgot my kick ass ring. It's pretty cute right? But I bet if I hit someone with it that it would really hurt. And, of course, the ability to cause other people pain is something I like in my fashion choices.

Outfit Rundown:

Necklace: Made by me, from T-shirt scraps and random things.
Zombies Recycle (Brains) Shirt: Hit 'N' Run (Emily The Strange), $25
Jeans: Trade Secret (Zinc), $34.95
Belt: Trade Secret, $11.95
Shoes: Trade Secret, $14.95

Once again, I don't really have an explanation for this pose. I was trying to show off the shoes? Would you believe that? If yes, then that is what I was doing. Alrighty, well that's probably enough crazy for today. Who am I kidding? There's not enough time to have enough crazy in any day.

Until next time, xo.

Monster Japan Travel Guide Holiday Sale!

by Armand Vaquer

The holiday season is now upon us. As soon as Halloween ended (maybe even before), the department stores became decked out in Christmas decorations.

Since we are now in the holiday season, I am discounting The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan 20% off the cover price, making the cost of the book $12.00. This special offer is direct from me, not from ComiXpress. So if you want the discount, you'll need to order directly from me.

It is the world's only Japan travel guide tailored to fans of Japanese science-fiction and fantasy films.

Additionally, to even make your holiday dollars go even further, the $12.00 price includes shipping & handling! How's that for getting into the Santa spirit?

From November 8 to December 24 (Christmas Eve), you can get The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan for $12.00 total! Orders postmarked within (and including) those dates will get the discount!

The mailing address can be found here (ignore the price listed on the page).

The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan makes the perfect stocking stuffer for that kaiju fan in your life or for yourself!

None of that "politically correct" "Happy Holidays" stuff around here! Here, we say Merry Christmas!

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Hello there lovelies,

The link love may be late, but it is still here! I've been running around like crazy this weekend. I had dinner with my Mum, Dad, Nona & The Boyfriend on Friday night, went to visit my Uncle and his adorable children on Saturday morning, rushed home to get ready for a friend's Hen's Night (or, bachelorette party), went out for dinner and to the Sit Down Comedy Club for said Hen's Night, and then went out for breakfast this morning. Phew, I'm exhausted. I think I need a few more days to get over my weekend before I go to work! I may not get that, but at least I have your wonderful blogs to keep me happy - here are my favourite links of the week:

NOW THIS IS GOTHIC wins as my new favourite Tumblr Blog. Somewhere in the void, thirteen year old me is crying with joy.

Sex Advice from Johnny Knoxville and Chris Pontius of Jackass. It is surprisingly coherent and good advice!

Check out The Johnny Cash Project for some amazing images - it is "a visual testament to how the Man In Black lives on".

Cool stuff at Photojojo - show off your images using materials you can find for free!

A combination of two of my favourite bloggers! Sal of Already Pretty interviews Nubby Twiglet about working with a capsule wardrobe.

The lovely Vanessa of Chicken Soup for the Dorky Soul offers Organization Tips for the Chronically Cluttered (eg. ME!)

Loving this post at Oranges and Apples - The Value of Scruffy Clothing, or Personal Style Can Be Anything.

Come on let your colours burst is possibly the best blog post ever from Em of Lick My Cupcakes.

Zoetica Ebb shows how to do 10-minute make-up bruises. Last minute costume anyone?

I really liked the outline Luinae of More Magic Always wrote about purging her closet. How do you do it?

Peter of Male Pattern Boldness gives some advice on How To Buy a Vintage Sewing Machine.

Cute, cute, cute. 23 Ways To Cheer Up On a Crummy Day, from Jacque of A Quirky Girl's Thoughts.

I love Trisha's instructions on how to turn a little girl's maxi skirt into a big girl's mini skirt over at Mary Sew.

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This video of Post Secrets from soliders in Iraq, and their families almost made me cry.

Believe it or not, writing this post was nearly as exhausting as the rest of my weekend! I think I'm going to go and take a nap now. Enjoy!

Until next time, xo.

Permission

Photo by me.

Hello there lovelies,

Sometimes I think we are all too hard on ourselves, especially when we're sad. And sometimes I think having so many people telling us how easy it is to be happy actually makes it harder to achieve. Sometimes being happy is easy - usually, when we're already happy. But sometimes, it can be the hardest thing in the world. And when it is the hardest thing in the world it sucks to have people telling you it's so easy to think positive. Instead, I say that when it's hard to be happy that's ok. Not being happy right now doesn't mean that you're never going to be happy again. It doesn't mean that you're weak, or just not trying hard enough.

All it means is that, right now, you're sad. And that's cool.

You have permission to be sad. You have permission to cry, and scream and punch walls (just don't leave holes if you're in a rental). Don't try and force yourself to be happy if you aren't. Certainly take some time to think about why you aren't happy, and what you can do to change your circumstances, but don't force the happiness. Getting happy shouldn't be about trying to force the feeling into existence, just because. Getting happy should be about finding out what works for you. Pretending you're happy when you aren't just makes it harder to figure out what actually makes you happy. So if you're not happy, then just be sad. Eventually you'll spin on back round to happy - real happy.

Until next time, xo.

A Dose of Style - Revisiting The 90's

Hey lovelies,

As usual I'm incredibly buggered after running around the Ladieswear department today. Has anyone else in retail ever noticed that their stores seem to get incredibly messy on quiet days? It's some kind of conspiracy, I swear. Anyway, nothing makes me feel awake like some good 90's nostalgia.

90's Drew Barrymore is the hottest thing in the world. Anyone else remember trying hard to look this awesome in a crop top?

Funnily enough, back in the 90's I never got the appeal of Clueless. Now I do. It disturbs me how much this movie makes me want a matchy-matchy plaid skirt suit.

If only - these could have been the most beautiful children in the known world, haha. Also, I love "grungy Kate Moss", and "long-haired lout Johnny Depp". They make me want PVC and stripey pants.

Winona Ryder, back when there was more cuteness and less shoplifting. Love this dress & shoes combo, and Winona's cute little face.

Did I say 90's Drew Barrymore was the hottest thing ever? Well, I've decided she ties with 90's Courtney Love. I say "hot mess", you say "Courtney freaking Love".

The 90's was the time of epicly cute little sundresses. And I guess Tori Spelling. If I have to pick one or the other then I'll keep the sundress thanks.

Well, I'm exhausted, so I'm going to wrap this up. So here it is in a nutshell - The 90's? PROBABLY MORE AWESOME THAN YOU. Do you have any favourite style icons (or movies) from the 90's? Or are you more the type who wishes that all plaid would be engulfed in some kind of freak fire?

Until next time, xo.