ILD Eastman House Meet-up!

Hi friends! <3

For International Lolita Day, I went to the Eastman House with the semi local comm. It had been a couple of years since the last visit, so it was especially nice to go again. Various clubs and businesses in the area create gingerbread houses and visitors to the museum can bid on them in a silent auction. Funds raised go towards the museum I believe, which is pretty cool. There were so many gingerbread houses on display! More than last time I want to say. I loved all the little details and clever ways the different candies/building materials were utilized.

Here are some of my favorites... <3 

This one was done by The Mad Hatter. We went there for tea last year :-) 

Continuing on...

The house was completely decked out for the holidays and ready to impress. Christmas trees were scattered throughout. Each tree had specially themed ornaments. It was fun trying to guess them all while walking around. The mini trees also seemed to be acting as a secondary fundraiser. Pretty clever.

We took a bunch of pics on the grand staircase and then went to a café for a late lunch/supper. I got this delicious mushroom wrap with a side of pasta salad...

And this giant chocolate chip cookie that was about as big as my head! Haha :-D

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Wore a sweet/classic coord in blue x ivory x gold.

Headbow, jsk~ Angelic Pretty "Merry Bunny"

Ring~ Angelic Pretty "Candy Ribbon"

Otks~ Metamorphose "Snow Party Logo"

Shoes~ Bodyline

Blouse, earrings, pin, necklace~ vintage/thrifted

Other rings, hair clips~ offbrand

Makeup and details...

Cherry Blossom Festival Coord!

Hi friends! <3

I decided to go last minute to the last day of a local cherry blossom festival. It took place at a history museum downtown. The weather was perfect, and I really wanted to dress up and see the beautiful cherry blossoms. The museum inside also had interesting displays relating to local history and a special photo exhibit featuring different bands that have performed in the area. I recognized one of the photos as being from an Optic Oppression concert I had been to a few months ago. How cool is that? There was also a traditional tea ceremony presentation to conclude the festival. I had such a nice time.

The walkways were sprinkled with fallen petals. So pretty!

Many of the trees were in full bloom. Colors ranged from white-pink to rosy-pink. I took a bunch of pics, just sharing some of my favorites with you...

They were also selling drinks and things to help raise funds for the museum. I got this green tea which was very tasty :-)

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Instead of my usual lolita type coord, I tried out wa style. I got a few compliments on it, so it must have looked alright. What do you think?

Hair clips, earrings~ offbrand

Jacket/top~ handmade/gift from a friend

Belt~ vintage/gift from my grandma

Blouse, scarf (worn as tie under belt), bracelet~ vintage/thrifted

Necklace~ Metamorphose "Crystal Lantern"

Skirt~ BTSSB (underskirt from "Love Moon Princess" OP)

Otks~ BTSSB "Strawberry Tart"

Shoes~ Bodyline

Ring~ Angelic Pretty "Candy Ribbon"

Makeup and details...

Albright Knox Meet-up!

Hi friends! <3

Went to an art gallery with another comm. There was a special exhibit by Takashi Murakami called 'The Deep End of the Universe' with lots of colorful and detailed creatures. It was great seeing the unique and creative things on display. I especially liked how some of them were interactive :-)

Loved this colorful dragon...

And these adorable pandas...

You could even sip some tea in a tent and imagine yourself in a far away land...

Or experience a different perspective in a room with giant furniture...

Also, floor candy... ?

Or take a nice mirror selfie in a cube made up entirely of mirrors...

I even made a new friend! ;-)

***Went to Denny's after for food.***

Ordered a skillet that arrived missing sausage, but had bonus pieces of broccoli...? I had the waitress  fix it. You would think if an ingredient is listed in the description on the menu it would come with it, right?

 And a cake batter shake. No issues here. Super delicious <3

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Wore a classic/sweet coord in bordeaux x ivory/tan x gold.

Headbow~ Innocent World "Moonlight Church"

Jsk~ Innocent World "Rabbit and Horse Carousel Frill"

Purse~ Innocent World "Starry Keynote Embroidered"

Otks~ Metamorphose (from Snow Party Special Dress set)

Shoes~ Bodyline

Blouse, necklace, earrings~ vintage/thrifted

Rings~ offbrand

Makeup and details pic...

Carousel Museum Meet-up!

Hello friends! <3

Today I went to a carousel museum with some friends from the two nearby comms. 

First, we entered a gift shop to pay admission and decided to take took a look around too. I saw a figurine and necklace set, pretty stationary, and a tank top that tempted me to buy them, but I was too excited about the museum to give in. 

Once everyone had their tickets, we started our self-guided tour. It was interesting walking through the displays and learning how the sheet music and carousel horses were created.  I liked how not one single person made a horse. Each horse was divided into sections that carvers were assigned to work on based on their skill level. Apprentices did legs and tails, journeymen did the body, and the master carvers did the head and neck. All these parts were then assembled and glued together.

 

Here's some of the various finished horses...

There were also other types of animals made for carousels like this ostrich and zebra...

A handy display card for this one explained that horses were "romanced." Meaning that the side of the horse that faced the public was made more decorative, while the other side was left plainer. This was done in order to appeal to riders (and perhaps save on expenses as well). Extra details in carving, painting, and even the addition of fake gemstones can be seen here.

Moving along, we came across a kiddie carousel for little kids to ride. Each horse appeared to have a name on the back of the saddle. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be the rider's name or the horse's name...

Then, there was the regular (adult) carousel. I was super excited to pick my horse and get ready to ride. Take my token please! I loved the spots and vivid colors on my horse <3

Short video of the ride and music...

Music organ and carousel itself...

Afterwards, we went for icecream.  Mine had a crazy amount of whipped cream and sprinkles :-D And then, we ended the day by browsing at an antique store.

It was a great time and I had a lot of fun! <3

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Wore a sweet/classic coord in navy x white x gold.

Headbow~ Innocent World "Moon and Stars Embroidery"

Jsk~ Innocent World "Midnight Merry-go-Round Diamond Lace"

Bag~ Innocent World "Starry Keynote Embroidered"

Overskirt~ Angelic Pretty "Aquarium Carnival"

Otk~ Angelic Pretty "Holy Lacy Doll"

One ring~ Angelic Pretty "Candy Ribbon"

Wristcuffs~ Belladonna

One ring~ Chocomint

Shoes~ Bodyline

Blouse, earrings~ offbrand/vintage