Tea Time With Dinosaurs

For Sale

2012-01-15T23:15:00.001-07:00

Wedges, Size 7.5

I am making my first ebay sale. I have too many things in good condition that never get worn because they are either too small, too large, or too not me to wear.

These shoes, a pair of wedges that I really love, but are a half size too small for me, are my first attempt at selling on ebay. I've done a bit of buying, but never selling.

Have you sold anything before? How did it go?

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

A Splash of Color

2012-01-13T19:47:00.001-07:00

It is so easy to stick to a simple, classic, black & white wardrobe pallet. Color is daring, bold, dashing, often too exciting to feel safe. I'll almost always grab for something in black before something in color, and I'm not sure why. I like color, greenish blues and orangy reds in particular. Sometimes I need to remind myself that a dash of color is needed.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Guess Who's Back

2012-01-11T21:57:00.000-07:00

Back again...

Hello! I have not blogged in a very long time, as my pesky friend reminded me the other day. I can list excuses up the wazoo, but those aren't important. What is important, is that I did some deep thinking, and I reflected on why blogging regularly wasn't really interesting to me anymore. I think I was a little overwhelmed, and I had this idea in my head that I needed to be posting nothing but outfit photos, because my other posts were not worthy/didn't interest anyone.

I didn't start this blog only to post photos (even if it was a large motivator to get started). The title Tea Time With Dinosaurs has a meaning to me. It is a reflection of my many, scattered, and unrelated interests, and that was one of the excitements of the blog. I wouldn't be limited and I would have a place of my own to post outfits, talk science, rant about any little thing I want.

My tumblr was falling into the "post pictures of pretty girls in pretty outfits" rut too. But I've done some tweaking, redid the layout (though I'm still tinkering a bit), and am back to using it as an inspiration board about everything I have an interest in, not just the things I think others will enjoy.

Maybe you are here (if you are still reading this far in) just to see some outfits or something. Those will be more regular, but other content will be making its way in too. I'm not going to limit myself. Maybe I'm being conceited, but this blog is all about me and what I like, and if others like it too, yay, there is more awesome in the world than I know. If not, oh well. I'm going to have fun with this again, because isn't that what it is really all about?

Anywaay. I do have an outfit to share with you today. Tada:

Top from Gap

Pants from Gap

Jacket from Forever21

Shoes from Aldo

Bobby-pin from Target (I think)

I spent my Christmas money on some new shoes and pants (and also new tires for my bike!). Since today was the first day of school, it was the first day since being back from vacation that I both had a reason to get dressed and I wasn't still ill. I was so motivated to take photos, I left my house an hour and a half before I had class to find a good spot and take some pictures.

I had my camera and my tripod all ready to go. It was going to be awesome. But silly me forgot the piece that connects the camera to the tripod. So I decided to find someplace with a ledge or something to take a couple photos. Not perfect, but I won't be making that mistake again. heehee

Look! New shoes!

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

PS My jacket was missing a button all day because I was too lazy to sew it back on. At the end of the day another button fell off. Now I have twice the work. Geez
. . .

Hiatus

2011-12-11T10:53:00.001-07:00

I obviously haven't posted anything here in a while. I'm in finals mode now, it's been a crazy semester. I'll likely be back in the new year. Happy holidays!

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Panda says Hello

2011-11-02T19:03:00.002-07:00

Here is a Panda. It waves. I animated it ages ago while working on my adobe flash skills. I found it while looking through the cluttered art folders, full of nonsensical doodles and such, on my computer. Have a lovely day.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Halloween. It's always been one of my favorite days of the year, because you get to dress up in a costume and no one can judge you for it! I usually get into the spirit of Halloween way too early, but this year, with school work and exams piling up, I never really got into the spirit until last week when I gave myself a little manicure following Lipgloss & Black's awesome skull nail tutorial. With little skeleton's staring at me all week, it was hard not to be excited.

Even with the excitement, I never actually finished the costume I was working on, and when Halloweekend came along, I spent the whole thing studying instead of partying. Finishing my costume didn't seem like the priority.

Yesterday, though, I was so sad that Halloween was almost over and I still hadn't celebrated in any real way. With no plans, I sat down around 6pm, got out my makeup, and thought about what I could easily whip up. I had cat ears, I could be a cat. With a bit of googling, I found lots of ideas for makeup. I ended up following this tutorial for a leopard face.

It was surprisingly easy, and I did it all with only my everyday makeup. I ended up using some light concealer, bronzer, medium and dark brown matte eye-shadows from an e.l.f. pallet, black eyeliner, Nymph and Diva magicdusts from Lime Crime, and Styletto black lipstick from Lime Crime. All normal, everyday stuff (except maybe the black lipstick). People really didn't believe I wasn't wearing costume makeup.

In no time at all I had a feline face. I curled my hair, dressed in an all black outfit I'd easily wear on a regular day, tossed on some ears, and pinned on a tail made from braided yarn. It may have been a very last minute costume, but it was awesome!

The pictures I got (not the best) don't quite show off how awesome it really was, unfortunately. A friend told me I looked just like that lady who had all that plastic surgery to look like a cat, and that she should have just done what I did instead. Haha.

For a last minute Halloween, it sure was a fun one. Hope you all had a great one this year!

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Is it fall yet?

2011-10-05T19:42:00.001-07:00

Top from Target

Shorts from American Eagle

Shoes from LuLu*s

Belt from H&M

Flower from H&M

I am ready for the weather to change. I have serious outfit envy, at the moment. I see so many bloggers pulling out tights and capes and sleeved things, and I still have to resort to my shorts so I don't keel over on my walk to school. I'm trying really hard not to make this me:

comiques

I'll probably give up on warm weather clothing next week, just because I'm too excited! (I organized all my tights the other day in anticipation!) If I'm wearing tights and a sweater next week at 90F, it's because I can't wait anymore! I love fall clothes so much.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

The little tunic that could.

2011-10-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

Ruffle-Sleeved Top from Forever21

Grey & Black Tunic from Forever21

Leggings from Target

Shoes from Forever21

Necklace from Forever21

I've practically been living in this tunic top all summer. It's sleeveless, and goes well with shorts, but it's also easy to put a top underneath on the days I don't feel like bare arms. I bought it from Forever21 over 3 years ago and have worn it a bazillion times. Funny story: the day after I bought it at Forever21 I saw the exact same top in a burgundy color in the maternity section at Target. It was the same, with all the same details, just a different color shear material. I guess if you make a versatile product, you can market it to both juniors and pregnant women at the same time.

The top is wearing out, though. I complain about Forever21's current quality a great deal, but I have a lot of clothes from there. My oldest items are staying strong at 6 or 7 years, I'm not quite sure exactly how old the oldest is. I miss the days when they provided quality, stylish clothing for inexpensive prices. But at 6 years old, some of the things that have held together this long are starting to show their age. In 3 months I can shop again, though, and I'll be looking for quality things to replace those items that have lasted me so long.

Oooh. I just realized I'm half way through my 6 month shopping ban! Go me!

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Warby Parker Home Try On

2011-09-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I tried out five of Warby Parker's frames in their awesome home try on program. I've been interested in a new pair of frames for a while, and, since I'm thinking of possibly getting some as a Christmas present to me come January (when I can shop again!), I decided to start shopping around. I love that nifty shops like Warby Parker let you do a test run for free. I picked out five pair, liked three of them, and snapped photos of four of them. Here were my picks:

From top to bottom: Griffin in Greystone, Tenley in Midnight Blue, Fillmore in Revolver Black, Begley in Greystone, and Sinclair in Burgundy Fade

Tenley frames in Midnight Blue. I like the shape, but they don't seem entirely me. Also, I thought I'd love the dark frames more than the light ones I picked, but that turned out to be opposite what I expected. I'd want to try these again in Burgundy Fade instead of Midnight Blue. These frames placed 3rd.

Sinclair frames in Burgundy Fade. These ones made my top two. They seem the most "normal" on my face from all of them, and I could easily see myself wearing these regularly. I like the color, but wouldn't mind trying them in Greystone as well.

Begley frames in Greystone. These ones also made my top two. They aren't as "common" as the Sinclair frames, but there is something about the quirkiness of them that just appeals to me. They are like two parts librarian, one part mad scientist, and one part Harry Potter. I really like the Greystone color.

Griffin frames in Greystone. I thought these ones were going to be the ones I liked best when I picked them out. They were just too big for my face though. I realized, once again, the importance of trying everything on.

The Fillmore frames were so cool, but the lenses were set so far apart that I had trouble seeing through them. I have narrow eyes, what can I say?

As of now I'm still in the market. But closer to the end of the year, I may be placing one more home try on order with Warby Parker, because these vintage inspired frames are just so neat.

If I had to pick, right now, I'd have trouble choosing between the Begley frames and the Sinclair ones. I feel like if I asked my family and friends, most of them would pick the Sinclair ones, if only because they aren't quite as quirky. But I like the quirk of the Begley frames!

Internet friends! What do you think?

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Describe yourself, ready go.

2011-09-21T15:21:00.001-07:00

Career Fair week means dressing up in a suit and trying to look/act awesome so that someone will give you a job. I always have a bit of trouble at these things, because I'm supposed to sell myself, and often times I'm not even sure I know enough about myself to be able to sell myself in any way, let alone in a way that will get me an interview.

One of the toughest questions for me is always one where I have to describe myself. The statement "describe yourself in 3 words" is one that sends ice through my veins. Is it okay for me to just tell them that I'm awesome? Cuz I am!

Seriously, though, evaluating yourself can be tough. To prepare a bit for the week, I did some research on the companies I was interested in, and I did some research on myself. Cue personality test! I stumbled across the Psyc Central Personality Patterns test, and once I finished taking it, I felt much more prepared to face those dreaded questions.

The thing I really liked was the fact that not only did it list my traits, it visualized them for me. Here were my results:

Unflappable, Astute, Scrupulous. Those I traits I can sell that accurately describe me and set me apart from many of my peers. Awesome is a bit tougher of a sale. Right after seeing this laid out for me, anecdotes popped into my head that would help explain each of these things, make me memorable, and put me in good light.

I also got some ideas for how to answer the worst question of all, the one where you have to talk about a negative trait, you know the one I'm talking about. It's tough taking something bad about yourself and trying to convince someone you want to hire you that it's actually a good thing. Just about any of the traits I scored high in can be spun into a tale that answers this question, however. It is just a matter of finding the correct words.

Whether you have a career fair, an interview, or just like personality tests, I strongly recommend this one. Take it, be honest.

Oh, and here, if you are interested, is the text form of the above charts, which goes into the traits a bit more.

Unflappable

You are not a slave to your emotions. It takes a lot to upset or unnerve you. That's why you're a good person to have around in a crisis.

You don't let it all hang out, which means that those around you often don't know the pressures you're under or what you're going through. You're not the kind of person people run from in a crisis.

Introspective

You like your own company; you're a very interesting person. Tracking your own mental processes, knowing what you're thinking and why you do what you do, is important to you. Often, what's going on in your mind is more compelling than what's going on outside. For the most part, those with a high score on the "introspective" trait enjoy reading, taking long walks, learning new things, and other solitary activities.

You are not someone who is constantly looking to be among a group of friends; you never feel bored when you are by yourself.

Creative

You are good at solving problems, coming up with original ideas, and seeing connections between things, connections that most other people miss. People with a high score on the "creative" trait often are employed in such fields as finance and scientific research, and enjoy avant garde and classical music as well as literary fiction and scholarly non-fiction.

You do not shun abstractions and concepts in favor of the concrete and tangible.

Competent

You strive to master everything you undertake. You tend to learn quickly and do not shy away from challenges.

You are not a "que sera sera" type of person, nor do you go easy on yourself when attempting to master a new skill or get a job done.

Astute

You are a quick study. You generally don't need to have things explained to you more than once. When presented with a problem, you will often have an instant understanding of where to look for the solution.

You do not take your sweet time when presented with a new task to complete or problem to solve. You don't avoid assignments that require you to learn new skills.

Intellectual

You are thoughtful, rational, and comfortable in the world of ideas. People find you interesting to talk to. You're the living embodiment of the saying "You learn something new every day." In general, those with a high score on the "intellectual" trait are employed in such fields as teaching and research, and are enthusiastic about reading, foreign films, and classical music.

You do not avoid abstract conversation, experimenting with new ideas, or studying new things. It bores you to stick to the straight and narrow of what you already know.

Organized

You like to think a task through before you embark on it. If it's the slightest bit complicated, you make a list (even if it's only in your mind) and methodically work your way through it. When you have a goal in mind, you're not satisfied until you reach it.

You are not one of those people who ignore the details, and you don't understand how anyone can get anything accomplished without thoughtful planning ahead of time.

Solitary

You are a private person, not very comfortable in a big group, and view excessive socializing as a waste of time.

You not prefer hanging out with others to spending time alone; you do not tend to feel at home in a crowded room, club, stadium, or auditorium.

Private

You don't see the need to share what you're thinking and feeling with everyone in the world, and you tend to present yourself in a somewhat formal way in order to keep your inmost thoughts to yourself. A high score on the "private" trait is a likely indicator that you are among those who can be happily occupied at home, away from the crowds, but, when the time comes, are equally enthusiastic about packing your bags and taking a trip.

You do not consider yourself a "free spirit," whatever that may be, and you're not comfortable expressing yourself without a bit of self-censorship.

Scrupulous

You are an honest, fair person. You don't lie or cheat to get ahead. You treat others with respect and hope for the same in return.

You do not feel that you are above the rules that everyone else follows; you are definitely not willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Style Spot: The Grey Sweater

2011-09-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Style Gossiper

Meijia S.

Fall is slowly approaching. The grey sweater, warm, comfortable, and versatile, is going to be a favorite of mine this season. Over-sized, and oh so perfect, this piece can easily be played up or down with the right accessories and can easily be a staple piece in any wardrobe, once the weather turns frigid.

Wear with a striped sleeved top, sleeves slightly rolled to show off what's underneath the grey, and black jeans for a casual yet chic look.

A collared top, shorts, and over the knee socks in a monochrome pallet mix preppy with sophisticated.

Or grey out completely and add a pop of color with a bold accessory.

The Time is Grey

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

21 Things

2011-09-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

A year is up. I'm no longer 21. Time to look at my list of 21 things to do while 21 and see how I did!

If you count the two things I did within the first week of me being 22 (which I'm totally going to do, guys!), then I completed 15 things off of my list of 21. That's passing, at least! I did try really hard on a couple of them, though!

I didn't really blog a whole lot about the things I did from this list over the year, but I don't feel entirely bad about it because I was enjoying the moment, rather than making sure to document it. I do feel like elaborating on a couple things now, however:

Eat Raw for 3 weeks:
This one I whole-heartedly attempted. After almost a week, though, I felt sick. It was hard, and I wasn't getting enough calories, and summer had just started, and it just fell apart. I didn't want to make myself sick again, so I never really made another 3 week attempt. I still love the idea and the way that I feel if I eat raw for a day, so that's what I'm going to do every once in a while. Maybe this year I'll eat raw for three weeks, but just pace myself through the whole year.
I know there are people who live this way as a lifestyle, and take it pretty seriously, and I'm not trying to make light of it. It's something that actually really interests and appeals to me.

Visit a Hot Spring:
This is still on my over-all mental bucket list, I just couldn't find the place or time to go this year. Perhaps it was a bit of a hefty goal for my 22nd year. I did, however, see (and drink out of) a soda spring in Yosemite. It was pretty awesome, and I count that as almost visiting a hot spring. Heehee

Find the Perfect Bag:
This one I consider a success. When I added this one to my list, I had a nice, leather, possibly designer bag in mind, and I was stalking the sale sites, like Guilt, for the perfect one. I didn't find it. Then, a random day trying to kill some time before work while hanging out in Urban Outfitters, I saw a little, black handbag on the sale rack. It was a mix between a doctor bag and a satchel, and even though it wasn't leather or expensive ($19.99!), it just seemed like the right thing for me at the time. I'm going to have to do one of those 'what's in my bag' posts one of these days. I've had it for over half a year, and it's holding up surprisingly well!

Do something entirely spontaneous:
This one has been more of a guideline to live by than a singular event, but I feel, from when I first made the list, I've been completing this task, over and over, just by saying yes to the small things in life I would have normally said no to without timely notice or a set plan. Sure, I didn't decided to fly to a different country on the fly, but going with the flow and just going along with a situation wasn't something that was ever in my comfort zone, and now, if only a little, I feel my comfort zone is just a little bit bigger because of my focus on this task.

Aside from these, I went to the Glee Live concert, saw Demetri Martin live (just this past weekend!), painted 2 paintings, filled a journal with stories and poems, grew (and killed :/ ) herbs and cooked with them, went camping for 9 days straight (no showers! eep), and so much more. It was a pretty great year, and though I didn't make a list for this year, I plan to embrace new opportunities as they arise and hopefully enjoy being 22 as much as I did being 21!

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Ballerina Roots

2011-09-13T20:39:00.002-07:00

Dress as Top from Forever21

Jeans from Macy's

Flats from Charlotte Russe

I'm listening to the rain starting up again right now, reminiscing about my days in ballet, and thinking about how easily I allow ballerina elements into my style. I actually really love it. It's been stormy the last few days, which has temporarily lowered the highs. I went outside in jeans today (first time in months) and I didn't die. I don't think I'll be able to pull off the same thing tomorrow, unfortunately. I'm so ready to be able to wear tights and long-sleeved things again. No more than a month and a half until my wishes come true.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

I am 22.

2011-09-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

I had the best birthday. Friday I went out to dinner with friends, and then we migrated to someone's house to build a fort, watch Meet the Robinsons, and play Apples to Apples. Then, Saturday, a few friends and I visited the zoo (it was half price day on my birthday! $3.50 admission!) where we fed the giraffes and had a jolly-good time. I may be 22, but I still get to do what I want on my birthday, and I couldn't think of a better way to have spent it.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Motivation

2011-08-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

I made this last night. It will be hanging above my desk this semester.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

That time again.

2011-08-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

Lots of people are heading back to school, me included. It's this time of year that I'm always pumped up about getting things done and doing awesome in all my classes. This usually only lasts a week or two before the work load is so heavy that I just want to cry a lot. That's when I tend to start procrastinating and pretending like I don't have 17 homework assignments to do. Every semester I tell myself things will be different, but it's easy to fall back into bad habits.

Like with anything, if you give yourself a set of rules that are super strict and perhaps a little difficult to obey right off the bat, the moment you break one of them you feel like you have failed, and instead of trying again, maybe give up all together. Maybe that's just me.

I've worked hard to figure out what I can do to succeed in college these last few years. Somethings I've tried had failed. Others have been so helpful that I've tried to incorporate them into my everyday life. I feel like this is the perfect time to share some of the tools and resources that have either put me or kept me on the right track in these last 3 years of school.

One of the things that has helped me with my study habits is understanding how I learn. There are many online tests for categorizing how you view and learn from the world. Take one, or maybe a few, be honest, and think about the results. The big thing to keep in mind is that you aren't going to be given the guide to perfect studying (something I was hoping for when I was first introduced to the idea).

The things I remember best are events I've taken part in. Sitting and reading a text, while interesting at the time, isn't going to stick with me long enough for me to be tested on it. If I can related it to some event, or, say, join my friends in acting out how the Diels-Alder mechanism works, it sticks with me forever. Everyone is different, and that is 100% okay. There is no magic guide to studying or learning. You have to write the guide for yourself.

Once you figure out how to study and learn in a way best for you, even knowing the materials, a situation where you are tested on them may be so scary that everything that was just in your brain is suddenly gone. I had major problems with this early on in college. Test anxiety was actually something I sought professional for to overcome. Seeing someone to talk me through my problem didn't really help, and I only ended up going to two sessions. I was again looking for a magic cure, someone to tell me exactly what I needed to do to fix my problem. It wasn't until I decided to figure out why for myself, and made a serious effort to get over it, that a change happened.

One of the things I realized at that point, was that I was telling myself that I was going to do poorly. Even if I didn't say it out loud, the nagging thoughts would be there, preventing me from doing well. I've realized that self-imposed mental blocks are often the only things keeping us from success. When people talk about how they aren't good at things because they were unsuccessful once, well, that's turned into a bit of a pet peeve of mine.

You can't tell yourself you are bad at math, for example. Sure, perhaps it isn't your forte, but so many people say they can't do math because of a bad experience with a math class many years ago. Actually, the stigma about math seems to rub off onto people who've never actually had a bad experience, and suddenly everyone hates math. You aren't bad at math, you just haven't learned it in a way compatible to you. Sure, you may be better at other things or other things may come more naturally, but you can't tell yourself that you will never add again. That is what I was doing to myself with exams. but I got over it. School is so much about playing a mind game with yourself, it's almost silly. Which brings me back to the 17 assignments I pretend that I don't have to do.

I can't tell myself right now that this semester is going to be totally different than all previous. I'm not going to set myself rules that dictate that I never work on an assignment on the day it's due or that I must start one the day it is assigned or that I will study this class at these times every week. Rules like those (all of which I've set for myself in the past) don't work for me. I've learned this, and I won't be making the same mistakes twice.

I'm not setting myself rules this semester. I'm going to do my work and study hard, but not try to make it seem like I have to force myself. It will be alright for me to have some fun, it's okay to take a break, and I'm going to do so regularly so that I don't feel the need to push aside all work because I'm feeling overworked. It's going to be a difficult balance, but I'm not going to stress out about it. That's my goal this semester: I'm not going to stress myself out about it, I'm just going to get it done. I've got the tools and the skills and the time, and I've got nothing to worry about.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Too hot for clothes.

2011-08-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

I think you are jealous of my Lion King poster.

Top from Forever21 (~6 years old)

Shorts from Forever21 (~4 years old)

Shoes from Charlotte Russe (~5 years old)

For the last few days it has been hot, hot, hot. We are currently under both heat and thunderstorm advisory, so the humidity is a terrible factor as well. All weekend and the first two days of school I've been sticking to my little summer uniform (explained in detail in this guest post I wrote over at the Demure Muse in July). Shorts, a loose top, flat shoes, a cardigan for the AC, and shades.

I haven't been all too creative about it the last few days either. I'm all for dressing for function and being stylish, but when it's so hot that you feel like the sun is melting you and you have to ride a bike around through crowds of clueless freshmen, well, that's when I give up on style, and all I want is "make me not feel like I'm dying".

P.S. those photos are from Sunday. I wanted to take photos when I got home yesterday, but I was so hot and gross that the first thing I did was change. Today's outfit has been seen before. I fail like that.

P.P.S. I'm a little amazed that every part of this outfit is ancient (by the current standards of the stores they are from) but still some of my favorite pieces. Some day I'll take that top apart and make a pattern out of it. That day is not today, for I am scared to do so.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Adventures in a Bow Tie

2011-08-19T09:33:00.002-07:00

Blouse from Target

Overalls from Tulle

Shoes from Forever 21

Handbag from Urban Outfitters

Sunglasses from Coach

Headband from Forever21

Bow handmade by me!

I meant to post this last night, but the internet was being so slow, I gave up and went to sleep instead. Anyway. My friend took these photos after we enjoyed lunch yesterday. It is very different traipsing around in front of the camera when you are by yourself than it is when your friend is snapping the photos. I think I was grinning like an idiot in almost every shot. Ha, stepping out of my comfort zone.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

I wore this yesterday.

2011-08-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Dress from H&M

Cardigan from Forever21

Shoes from Forever21

Necklace from Forever21

I need to talk about the shoes. It's like I have a new pair, but really they are old. 3 years old. And they have spent the last year and a half, or so, in a box, in my parent's closet. I thought I had thrown them out long ago, but while I was cleaning the last of my things out of my parents' house, I discovered a box full of old shoes, some, like these, which had seen better days.

They were dusty, misshapen, with loose threads all over, but with a needle, a swifter duster, and some TLC, I managed to make them look decent enough to wear again. I used to wear these every day, way back when. It's nice to be able to wear them for a little while longer.

Also from that box of shoes, I kept a pair of 5 year old bright pink ballet flats and several others (some older, some newer). I'm going to treat them all like new shoes, and try to keep them as nice as possible for as long as possible. Some of them I've barely ever worn, so this is their second chance.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

New Banner!

2011-08-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

If you are viewing this post from my blog, you can see that I have the most amazing of new banners heading this whole mess of a thing. If you are viewing this from a reader or somewhere else, get over to the blog and look at it! It is fantabulous!

The always amazing Danielle Keller (aka Miss Lucid) drew it with her skillz. I'm still going to fiddle with the layout a bit, until it's just right, but the art work is awe-inspiring. Seriously, when I hit her up for this commission, I knew it was going to be great, but it is so perfect that I just don't even know.

Miss Lucid, to be found at DeviantArt, SmackJeeves, Tumblr, and other places (I'm totally not a stalker), is currently offering commissions to help fund her senior project at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. If you are interested, she'll be offering them for another two weeks, give her your money. (Click here for zee prices)

Now, as far as this little blog here is concerned, I feel guilty for not posting. My excuse is lame. I've done nothing of interest the last several days, and have, in fact, spent too many of them sitting at home by myself. I am nearly done with a painting, though, so I haven't just been twiddling my thumbs (the whole time). I plan to get dressed for work tomorrow, and won't forget the bit that connects my camera to my tripod (like the last time I tried to take photos) so with any luck, tomorrow I'll be back to posting. Maybe. :)

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

The Outfits that Weren't

2011-08-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Oh boy. I didn't think I'd be this busy getting back to vacation after my vacation. I haven't even had a chance to upload my trip pictures yet. Since I've been back home, I've had a friend stay at my place for 3 days, worked 7 long (one of those extra long) shifts at work, and helped move my sister into her new house. On top of that, I've been working out in a gym for the first time in my life, and there have been days I've been too sore to move, let alone put together (and get on) a decent outfit.

But tomorrow I'll be back to posting outfits. In the mean time, here are some pictures I've taken in the past of outfits I've never posted.

I have a few more, but I'll save those for another day.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

I'll be back soon, I'm shopping in my own closet!

2011-07-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

I've been back from the wilderness for a couple of days, but won't be back to my own computer until Friday afternoon. That's when regular updating will return. Also, I'm excited to share a few pictures of my trip.

I'm at my parent's house at the moment. They are moving in a couple months, so I've been going through all the things I have left here. Even though I'm not shopping for a while, I feel like I just gained a bunch of new stuff. Clothes I haven't worn in ages, shoes I forgot I had, purses I thought weren't cool enough years ago, are now making their way back into my wardrobe. While most of what I've found here is going to be donated, a few things (like an awesome pair of pink flats I got 5 years ago) are going home with me.

Some of the things I'm holding on to will be re-purposed. I don't have many shorts, and the pants I have don't fit well, but that will change when I chop up the pants I found in a box today. I'm excited about these new things that are actually rather old things.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Random Picture Post #2

2011-07-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

15 Things All About Me

2011-07-20T14:00:00.002-07:00

I have a very monotone voice when I speak English and a rather dynamic voice when speaking German. People have always commented on my lack of inflection when I'm speaking English. I wish I knew what I was doing differently, as the way I speak in both languages is entirely natural to me.
I really dislike the summer time. Especially in the desert. I'm not fond of the heat or the sun or the general lack of clothing.
My family leaves the shampoo caps open, and it drives me crazy. Every time I see it, I close them all. I also squeeze my tooth paste from the end of the tube, and know when someone else uses it because they squeeze it from the front.
I adore the opera. I have since I was young.
I've been a nail biter my whole life. I told myself I wasn't going to bite my nails anymore as my new years resolution this year. A couple weeks ago was the first time I'd chewed my nails off all year. I don't know why I did it, but the result was ugly and I immediately missed having my fingernails. I don't think I'll do it again any time soon.
My favorite animal is the giraffe. It was my favorite when I was really young, but then changed to many different things, including the dolphin and the tiger and the turtle. A while ago, though, I realized that those other animals were fads that had to do with which animals were popular or the book I was reading or seeing Siegfried & Roy, and accepted the fact that my favorite animal was, and still is, the giraffe.
I like to read. I've read 31 books since school got out in the middle of May.
One of my favorite things is walking along the streets in Germany after dark around Christmas time. There isn't a time or place more magical to me than when I can see my breath in the air and feel that special feeling I only get there and then.
If there is something important that I need to do, often times I will schedule my entire day around it. If someone asks me to join them for lunch, my first thought will be "I can't go to lunch, I have to go to the store and buy milk" even though going to the store will only take 15 minutes tops. I can't explain why I do this, and I usually laugh at myself when I realize I'm doing it. (usually it's for more important things than milk though)
I started ballet when I was 3 years old. My parents refused to let me start pointe when I was in 5th grade, so I quit and joined band instead. I greatly miss ballet and now include ballet conditioning in my workout routine. I'd like to take classes again one day, when I can afford them.
Every single time I am at a gas station filling up my car, on repeat in my head is "Remove nozzle, select grade". Every gas station has different instructions, and if I try to read what they have to say, I'll mess up. "Remove nozzle, select grade"
If I were to go to Hogwarts, there is a great discrepancy in where people would think I would end up. Most people would assume I'd go straight to Ravenclaw, no question. When I really think about myself, though, I think I would get sorted into Slytherin instead, yet when I tell people this they always tell me that I just want to be in the same house as Draco Malfoy.
I'm a really fast reader. I can read well over 1000 words per minute and still have complete comprehension. This is useful for assignments and exams. When I read for fun, however, I usually read at a ridiculously slow pace. My pace has everything to do with the situation in the story, and the dialogue of the characters. I make it entertaining for myself, even when all I want to know is what happens next.
At almost all times there is some fictional story being spun in my head. Some of them I write down, others will forever remain only in my head, but each has a full cast of characters who experience some sort of adventure. I continue to work on my writing skills so that one day the stories in my head will be represented well enough for others to make sense of them. By others I mostly mean a couple of my closest friends, who are the only ones I'm willing to embarrass myself with.
I get so nervous when I have to kill a bug, in my house, by myself, that I've actually broken out in tears because of the anxiety.

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .

Random Picture Post #1

2011-07-19T14:00:00.000-07:00

RAWRS & Sugar Cubes,

. . .