Adventures and Musings: 2015

Monday 22 June 2015

Q-Con #1 Cosplay

19th - 21st June marked my third and most fun Q-Con to date!

So last April I fell in love with the anime No Game No Life and am STILL waiting to hear about when season two is going to be a thing. Back in May I went to MCM Belfast with some friends and David bought Sora's top so we decided that we would do a No Game No Life cosplay at Q-Con!

Today I'm going to share the experience of putting together a cosplay in around a month and where we got out bits and pieces.

Wigs

First stop for wigs is good old eBay! I wasn't loving any of the wigs designed to be for Shiro because I didn't think the colour was right. Shiro's hair is funny - it seems to be different colours in different media and lighting. Colour matching was the hardest thing with the anime being so colourful.

I bought this wig from the seller com2shop. This was the kind of color I thought would be the most suitable. I was pretty pleased with what I received.

Light-Blue-Mixed-White-Collection-75cm-Wavy-Anime-Cosplay-Hair-Free-Wig-Cap

Sadly David's wig shopping experience wasn't as smooth...

He thought it would be easier to get a wig that was specifically for Sora. He bought one very much like this. When we got it, it was completely flat and rather bright.

O____O

So we definitely couldn't use this and realised that shopping for wigs that were made for the character was a bad idea so we had a nosy for wigs that matched the colour we thought his hair should be.

Fancy-Girls-Lady-Women-Cosplay-Wig-Dark-Red-Layered-Fashion-30cm-Anime-Hair

Another fab wig, courtesy of com2shop!

Make-up Testing

The hardest part for me was getting a pale enough foundation ><

I glued by eyebrows down and tried my best to cover them with concealer and foundation before filling them back out with a steel blue and silvery grey eyeshadow.

Here I also exaggerated my eyes using eyeliner and white eyeshadow to extend the whites of my eyes to make them look bigger.

On David I just tried my best to cover his 5 o'clock shadow using concealer, foundation and then more concealer on top. Sora's eye bags wer drawn in using bronzer first then brown eye shadow with a bit of purple and plum for depth.

The outfits!

I wanted to sew mine but because of the lack of time, I got mine from eBay!

The quality was fine but I didn't wear the extra white sleeves because the elastic wasn't great for arm circulation ^^' I also got some navy thigh high socks on eBay and just cheated and put on some black flats.

David got his top at MCM and the rest of the outfit was made up of things he already had except the wristband which is also from eBay.

Pre-Con selfie!

I styled the wigs on the morning by backcombing, shaping and holding using hairspray.

I also ditched the exaggerated eye make-up for a more natural look.

Photos from Q-Con

Thank you to everyone who took photos for us!

We discovered another Shiro!

Photo on the right and below from Andrew Adams Show

Possibly my favourite photo from Saturday - thank you Andrew Adams!

David and I had a great day and a lot of fun cosplaying and met some lovely people! Thank you for everyone who stopped to say hi and thank you all for your lovely compliments! We're both really glad people liked our first cosplay together ^^

Stay tuned for Q-Con #2 for shopping and Lolita!

Saturday 6 June 2015

International Loli Day

International Lolita Day is here again!!

There was only two us in the end - just Isla and myself which was A-OK too! We went to Yo Sushi! for lunch while saving space for some dessert at Treat Boutique.

Me and Isla in Treat Boutique. I like how we both turned up in shades of blue xD

After that we had a nosy in Lidl and I returned with strawberries and chocolate glazed ring donuts. Mmmm!!

And finally, an outfit rundown.

Beret - eBay [bow is from Meta]

Cardigan - Bodyline

JSK - Metamorphose

OTKs - Primark

Shoes - Primark [decorations are handmade]

This must be my comfiest co-ord to date <3

Wednesday 20 May 2015

2D Food

Shokugeki no Soma is my favourite anime this season and every episode is a total foodgasm! I was really excited by the Chaliapin Steak don when I saw the characters' reactions to the dish so despite not liking beef I just HAD to cook it and try it for myself!

From the manga

From the anime:

My dinner:

Sadly I didn't have a big enough bowl so mine's not a 'don' but I cooked the steak the same way as Soma-kun, I even used super cheap steak! [Tesco's easy cook steak because I really do know nothing about steak]

The only other changes are:

* plain boiled rice

* chicken stock and a splash of vodka instead of red wine

This was VERY yummy! Despite not liking beef, I really, really enjoyed this dish! While the steak was yummy, it was the onions and sauce that really made it a great dish for me. It's not a lie, it really does make you keep shoveling and it really is a bit sad when you're finished because the flavours leave you wanting more. I will definitely be making this again!

Thursday 14 May 2015

Truly Outrageous

I saw the trailer for Jem and the Holograms. Nope. I was super excited when I first heard about this being a thing but I was very disappointed. This is NOT what I wanted :<

I think I'll stick to the cartoon series thank you because this is truly outrageous in the worst possible way. Show's over Synergy.

Friday 8 May 2015

The Middle of Nowhere

Today Sharon took me out to Riverdale Barn to set up wedding and when she told me it was in the middle of nowhere, she wasn't exaggerating!

Isn't it just the most beautiful place? I forgive the fact that I couldn't get any signal all day! We were there pretty much all day and I was really shocked that Sharon would usually do something like this by herself. It was really interesting to see it all come together and made me realise how big a job it can be but it was definitely worth it because it looked amazing!

To begin with I helped assemble all the lanterns which Joe then hung to the beams of the ceiling.

A totally scrummy Sweetie Cart! Pouring all the sweets into jars was a real challenge, they were SO tempting!!!

I really love the bride's centre pieces, the little Lego people are such a cute and fun touch!

Hope you had an amazing day Dawn!!!

Thursday 30 April 2015

Claire Pettibone

I'm not getting married anytime soon but I'd be lying if I said I haven't thought about a dress, especially now that I'm interning in the bridal industry.

I always thought I'd want to get married in a very Princessy dress. You know the one, sweetheart neckline, in at the waist with a full tulle skirt!

princess wedding dress #wedding #dresses #fashion

When I interned for Lizzie Agnew my favour turned towards shorter dresses - ideally knee length, sweetheart neckline and embellished lace overlays.

Through Inspire Magazine I discovered Claire Pettibone and my dream dress!!

Claire Pettibone's Ceylon dress is so beautiful and simple! What a dramatic change eh?

But I'm a short girl so taking the skirt up to the knee and puffing it out with a light A line petticoat is the dream! *__*

Monday 20 April 2015

After Midnight

On 17th April I launched a Facebook page for my little business. Please follow the link to see the things I've made and works in progress.

[Click here]

Where did this come from?

Since wearing Lolita fashion I've found myself making hair accessories to go finish off my outfits. First it was just little bow clips and then it moved onto headbands.

At the same time as developing my own collection utilizing things learnt from interning in the bridal industry, I enjoy taking commissions since I never know what the next thing will be and I love a challenge! At the moment my work is very Lolita orientated but I look forward to expanding and creating things to cater to anyone who wants a special handmade piece. Having worked in bridal, I would like to create some pieces that are a bit daintier for brides, bridesmaid and even flower girls.

What kinds of things do we make now?

Here are a few commissions. The possibilities are endless and and I will be happy to make you something as long as I have sufficient time and I can get the materials needed!

How much do you charge?

That varies depending on what it is you'd like. Flower or bow clips start from £3 - £5 each depending on size and if I already have them in stock. Bow headbands start from £10 and floral headbands start from £20 depending on the design and the types of flowers and embellishments used.

Lastly, Why 'After Midnight'?

Because that is why I feel most lively and creative! Most nights you'll find me working away with an old anime on in the background for 'company' or doodling up design ideas! I also like to watch things late at night while I make petals since that can take a while even though I don't need to be too focused. Game of Thrones and sewing goes surprisingly well!

Thursday 2 April 2015

My Lovely 2D World

I feel like I've been on an anime ball which is great! I loved it so much as a child and then went through a very, very slow phase so now I really am so happy to be a seasonal watcher, not a casual!

Now, as for things I picked up over the autumn!

*MAJOR SPOILERS AND OPINIONS ALERT!*

Terra Formars ~ Dropped

I only watched one episode of this in the end. It just wasn't my thing and apparently not David's either so neither of us carried on with it.

 Danna ga Nani wo Itteriru ka Wakaranai Ken ~ Completed!

This gives an interesting insight in what life would be like if my other half were an otaku and I were to be 'normal'. A fun, fun anime with fun references but the episodes were a bit short for me, I prefer things with a bit more umph!

Madan no Ou to Vanadis ~ Completed!

So...nothing was super exciting about this anime even in the end but I enjoyed the whole thing, it's characters and the art.

Psycho-Pass 2 ~ Completed!

I really loved Psycho-Pass so was quite excited for psycho-Pass 2. However, I was sadly disappointed. It just didn't have the same 'umph' and charm that the first series had and it just wasn't the same without the characters I loved so much in the original series.

 Akatsuki no Yona ~ Completed!

I picked this up out of curiosity and I'm so glad I did because this was my favourite anime of the season! It has been a good ride watching Yona grow as a person as she learns to cope and strives to survive and protect those that are close to her. It has been good fun following her on her adventure and meeting those who come to join her, especially Jaeha - his scenes with Hak were very enjoyable to watch and Jaeha is best dragon!

I found myself really moved by the whole thing and that last scene that Yona and Hak shared was the most beautiful thing! There simply must be a second season!

Parasyte ~ Completed!

This was a VERY different anime! I haven't seen anything like Parasyte before. It was very interesting to watch Shinichi change long the way from the scared boy who first finds that a parasyte has taken over his right hand to the strong and logical character he becomes! Most enjoyable and I am intrigued about the live action movie!

Shirobako ~ Completed!

WELL! This was NOTHING like Mangaka-san to Assistant-san! It was great to get an insight into how the anime industry works - all the hypes and stresses and the people involved. It was interesting to watch the main characters grow and achieve their dreams and discover why they want to work in the anime industry. It also made me question what I want to do. Very inspiring! I especially loved the idea of wearing Lolita like armour!

And some others:

AnoHana ~ Completed!

One off my hard drive and boy does this anime have a LONG title!!!

This was full of laughs and tears galore! The discovering of Menma's wish and the coming together of a loosened group of childhood friends was very heart warming! A lovely anime in both story, characters and art!

Durarara!! ~ Completed!

One that David brought over one weekend out of the blue! This also a very different watch with a LOT of characters! It was a fun ride and I grew to love a lot of the characters, especially Celty, Shinra, Shizuo, Izaya and Simon! I also have the greatest curiosity about Russian Sushi. Like is the rice infused with Vodka? I'd love to know!

So there we go! A nice juicy roundup of the things I'd been watching! What did you watch? I will share my winter watches very soon!

Friday 20 March 2015

Keep Me Belfast!

I very recently came across this list of reason to stay in Belfast forever and I am sold!

1. Because the locals are great craic.

Facebook: Limelight / Via Facebook: limelightbelfast

They’re wrongfully thought of as being a rowdy bunch (and they can be occasionally). But most of the time, you’re welcomed in with open arms.

2. Because there are so many bars here.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: antxoa

You can find the full list here, but The Spaniard, The Dirty Onion and Cloth Ear are all top watering holes in the Cathedral Quarter.

3. And the bars look like this.

Cat Morley / Via catmorley.com

That’s Café Vaudeville.

4. And this.

Lorenzo Mosica/Archivolatino/Red / Via travel.nationalgeographic.com

It’s pretty cool when your local dates back to 1826.

5. Because there’s amazing architecture everywhere.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: nicokaiser

This is Custom House Square, another example of Belfast’s Victorian heritage. There’s usually some sort of festival or event on in the Square (another reason to love living here).

6. And the insides of buildings are beautiful too.

Miss Copenhagen / Via Creative Commons / Flickr: comawe

That’s inside Harland & Wolff’s Headquarters.

7. Because you know you’re home when you see Samson & Goliath from the plane.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: massiveblur

8. Or maybe it’s when you fly over Slieve Donard.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: erase

9. Because it makes you kinda proud that people choose to film so many series here.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: spatial_pan

They film The Fall in the city, and countless other productions around Northern Ireland. This is Ballintoy Beach… 10 points if you know where it appears in Game Of Thrones.

10. Because the city is literally surrounded with natural beauty.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: 64320477@N05

11. Just look at this.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: glenncartmill

12. Because when you want a day out, you can just visit your local castle.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: black-and-white-prints

This one’s in Carrickfergus.

13. And you can literally take your pick of castles.

John Purvis / Via Creative Commons / flickr.com

This is Dunluce Castle (or what remains of it).

14. Because Northern Ireland’s coastline is definitely on a par with the rest of Ireland’s.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: benamunra

15. And there are epic coastal walks everywhere.

Uccia Graziella Russo / Via Creative Commons / Flickr: 61605871@N07

16. Because we even have our own castle.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: e_phots

Creatively named, Belfast Castle.

17. Because once a year, our parks are lit up with the Festival of Light.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: mrulster

This is Mount Stewart, which happens to be framed with lights and music during the festival. However, there are other monuments in the city that are lit up too.

18. Because look at our city hall.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: rwp-roger

19. Because we know how to do Christmas Markets.

Belfast Christmas Markets / Via facebook.com

The market’s been named 2nd best in the United Kingdom!

20. In fact, we do all markets really, really well.

Via Facebook: StGeorgesMarketBelfast

Yes, St George’s Markets have all the lovely local produce from around Northern Ireland (and some excellent breakfasts), but you can also buy a proper farmers cap, see some live music AND be totally sheltered from the rain (it’s an indoor market!).

21. Because you’ll never go hungry here.

Via Facebook: belfastalleycat

If anything, there are too many restaurants to choose from. Alley Cat is your man if you want a big old burger with plenty of fries.

22. Because we have fresh seafood being served in the city, daily.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: fillyc

It’s one of the benefits of being a coastal city. Here’s the full list of delicious places to eat in Belfast, including steaks, cakes and more.

23. Because our standard shopping centre has a viewpoint at the top of it.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: infomatique

Although Victoria Square might look like a spaceship from the outside, it’s actually because there’s a glass globe inside you can climb to the top of for a panorama of the city.

24. Because in summer, your walk home from work might look like this.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: 13857315@N06

25. Especially if you have a waterfront apartment.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: infomatique

26. Because our waterfront actually looks pretty fantastic at night.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: jonnymckee

This is the Queens Bridge and the Beacon of Hope. So yeah, take that, London, Paris, Sydney…

27. Because our skyline is pretty damn fantastic, too.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: nicokaiser

28. Because our city has a unique history.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: nicokaiser

The SS Nomadic was the tender to RMS Titanic. She was built in Belfast in 1910, but she was too big to get into Cherbourg Harbour. You can now visit her in the Titanic Quarter.

29. And that history is worn on our sleeves.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: magistra-montgomery

We might have a nice waterfront, but we also have murals that could rival Berlin’s.

30. Because we make delicious whiskey.

Via Creative Commons / Flickr: mariejirousek

Bushmills Distillery was founded in the early 17th century, and they’ve been providing the city with delicious single malt whiskey ever since. Mmmmmhm.

31. Because we have clubs hidden under our buildings.

Via Facebook: 361655524012202

See, told you the locals were great craic.

32. Because we also have a lively music scene.

Via Facebook: sketchybelfast

Most of the bars (like Ollies) will have live music during the week, Limelight and the Union do “medium” sized gigs from well known acts. There are occasional acts on at The Empire ,and the Odyssey is where you get the musical heavyweights. The Waterfront Hallhosts classical musicians, shows, and musicals. And the Grand Opera House is the oldest theatre in Belfast.