Status Update!

Hello everyone, I offer a mandatory apology for my lack of posting. In hopes that you will forgive me, I'd like to share a few things that have been going on in my life.

Firstly, I got accepted to a few colleges and universities! Five to be precise. I applied to:

• The Cleveland Institute of Art (my top choice for Biomedical art)
• Maryland Institute College of Art
• St. Edward's University
• The University of Texas at Austin 
• Texas State University at San Marcos
• Kansas City Art Institute
• Rhode Island School of Design (my reach)

Phew! I've heard back from the first five and currently maintain a spotless acceptance record :) I should hear back from KCAI and RISD sometime in March. Oh, and I'm also pretty ecstatic that I got a big juicy scholarship from Cleveland T___T Thank you Cleveland, college is within my reach!

While I sent all of my applications before Thanksgiving, I've been busy with follow up activities, financial aid stuff and sitting back waiting for letter c:

Speaking of all these art schools, I keep my Flickr pretty current, mostly with pieces for my AP Drawing portfolio for this year. Please check it out! I'm pretty excited that my painting is going to state UIL competition this year ♪ Wohoo!

In other news, in case you missed the earlier post, my label/online shop Milk Thistle is now in business! I plan to add more items soon ♥

Also, look forward very shortly for a yummy lavender shortbread cookie recipe and some crafting and shopping updates ♫

 Also, would anyone be interested in any new types of posts, such as photo inspiration or brand spotlights? Are there any post series that I've neglected? I would really appreciate your input!

Stay tunes for more ♪

Loliweeks Blog Feature

Hello everyone! Several days ago I was flattered with a request from the lovely Delano of http://loliweeks.blogspot.com. She asked me to be featured in one of her "Blogs of Notice" series ^o^ I really enjoyed completing the interview and just wanted to say thank you again to her for featuring me!

Anyways, you can read her post here~

In other news the Milk Thistle shop is finally up! Yippee!

Lolita Love

Imai Kira

♥ This post will cover a few Valentine's Day ideas that you can do either with a partner or by yourself ♥

For the lone Lolita:

• Submit a Valentine about one of your favorite Lolita to Lolita Valentines ♥
• Decorate your space with freshly cut flower - make your own arrangement by purchasing several types of flowers and mix and match until you find something you like! Try even incorporating fluffy feathers, bows, lace or sparkly accent pieces 
• Cook a Valentine's Day breakfast with heart-shaped "looney eggs" (use a heart shaped cookie cutter on a piece of bread and fill the hole with an egg and fry it up), pink lemonade, heart-cut strawberries and rose hip jelly c:
• Have a conversation heart (or candy in general) themed photo shoot with your favorite Lolita pals
•  Make a garland out of vintage Valentines - you can usually find them seasonally at antique stores
• Visit your local drug store or super market and buy one of those big fancy candy samplers you know you've always had your eye on ♪
• Make Valentine's Day goodies bags full of candy for your friends or co-workers

For the +1 Lolita

• Create a romantic date look with fresh pink blush, luxurious false lashes and a cute subtle pink manicure
• Have a classic picnic in the park - don't forget your parasol and a bubbly drink
• If you can't meet in person, have a fancy Skype date! Order in tasty food, dress to the nines and place a vase of flowers in the shot
• If your loved one is away, send them a care package! Fill it with cutesy Valentines and confetti as well as goodies (my boyfriend is in college so his package currently consists of power bars, a box of Thin Mint cookies and 2 mix CD's, haha) 
• Have a dinner at a fancy restaurant - dress much richer than you are, make reservations under false names and if you're not married pretend that you are!
• Start an old-fashioned scrap book - include ticket stubs, cute letters or notes and even dried flower petals
• Plan a romantic train ride to the country side - dress in vintage styled clothing and pack a picnic lunch in a cute straw basket and remember to take plenty of pictures!

Here's to a wonderful Valentine's Day!

♥♥♥

February Lifestyle Ideas

• Start an indoor collection of seedlings to plant in the spring - try strawberry plants, sweet peas, pansies or herbs ♥
• Winter isn't over yet! Don't forget to treat your skin right and drink plenty of water and tea 
• Pearls are great accessories, why not add them to your beret, cardigan or scarf? Sew-on pearl beads and inexpensive and easy to use.
• Add some fung shui to your life~ Open windows, de-clutter and opt for natural materials like wicker baskets and light cotton.
• Take a nice warm bubble bath with fragrant salts, candle light and nice music. It's your time to relax after the hustle and bustle of the last few months.
• (Shameless self-plug ahead) stay on the lookout for my new shop! I will be adding items soon ♥
• Check out Kyary's silly karaoke videos.
• Sit down and draw your meal. Watercolors and pens work beautifully.
• Visit a cute bakery or cafe and take photos of the food and decor. Film and Instax-style cameras work especially nice. 
• Check out this cute (and translated!) daily make-up tutorial

EGL Wardrobe Post

Hello everyone. This month's EGL theme is wardrobe posts and I decided to make one this year. It's small, but cute. That should explain why my blog isn't filled with outfit posts ^_^ ; Anyways, I hope you like my room and wardrobe and I would love to see anyone's as well ♥ I absolutely love looking at rooms and wardrobes for some reason. Probably because I'm always looking for ideas for myself hehe...

Click here ♥

Edit: due to bandwidth issues, photos are avaliable here

Unusual Brand Item #9

This edition's unusual brand item comes from the gorgeous jewelry and Victorian inspired item brand Schwarz Schmetterling. This item isn't a clothing piece, but was listed under their "art" category. And by art, I do mean "art". Why? because it's a finger in a jar. 

 Yup, that's right. But wait, they're more

It's removable! Just what I wanted!

This is quite strange to find from a strictly classic brand. I wouldn't even expect this from Moitie! This lovely little appendage (porcelain, I hope) can be yours for the reasonable price tag of 8,000 yen, or $103.92. Wut?

January Lifestyle Ideas

Happy New Year everyone! I apologize for almost forgetting about my monthly posts, but here they are ♫ Also, please excuse all of the tutorial tips, I've been rather obsessed with Pinterest lately ^_^;

• Experiment with colors like creams, cool pinks, ice blues and beiges if you never have before.
• Try this yummy lavender shortbread cookie recipe ♥
• Have a half-used eyeshadow you don't want to throw out but never use? Turn it into matte nail polish
• Already experiencing warm weather? Try these shorts for a casual look. Accent with lace or pastel accents for a more pop-kei look  
• I'm not sure if this counts as a tip, but Innocent World is having their new years sale!  I don't think I'm going to be able to resist u__u
• Many Japanese girls have little pouches for just about every electronic or collection of pens, candies or make up supplies they one. They not only keep everything organized, but also protect your items from marks and scratches ~
• Puffy eyes or dark under-eye circles? Michelle Phan has a new video using frozen cucumber pads
• Fabric stickers are a cute way to dress up a planner, phone, photo frame, flower pot or anything else for that matter! 
• There is an interesting video series featuring Misako Aoki & Kaya (who I'm not familiar with, but I think is a performer/brolita?) via Kawaii Girl Japan 
• Want luscious pastel locks without a wig or bleach? Try dying (which may include a bit of bleaching) the tips of your hair. That way you can test out the color, let it grow out and cut it off if you don't like it and add a bit of pop to your outfit without damaging your hair nearly as much or waiting years for it to grow out again!