(21) 趣味は何ですか?(What are your hobbies?)
sewing, crochet (though I hardly do that any more...), clay, daydreaming, blogging!
I actually really love art too, and like to draw and paint though I am honestly no good at either!
(22) 愛用の香水があれば、教えて下さい。(If you have any favourite perfumes, please tell us.)
I love sweet smells! My total favorite is Pretty Nina by Nina Ricci!
But I also really love Miss Dior Cherie, Dior Addict Shine, D&G Light Blue, J'adore, and some others :3
I work at Duty Free, and we sell perfumes, so I keep getting old testers and change smell all the time! Currently my obsession is DKNY. I love the Candy Apple series! The Sweet Caramel smells like caramel, but not in a "I SMELL LIKE CANDY!" way, in a soft, subtle way. PureDKNY is a "drop of vanilla" and also light and subtle. Love them! The entire Be Delicious line smells like apples and is awesome too!
(23) ロリィタする上での「コレだけは気をつけている」ということはありますか?(Is there anything you are careful of in lolita?)
I do my best not to get into other people's way with my fluff :3
(24) 主によく出没する所は何処ですか?(Do you have any favourite haunts to go to in lolita?)
not really... I go wherever I usually go :D
(25) 週に何回くらいロリィタですか?(how many times a week do you dress lolita?)
eh... a lot ^^; I rarely take daily outfit shots though!
(26) ロリィタ初心者時に仕出かした恥ずかしいエピソードを教えて下さい。(Please tell us an embarrassing story when you were a beginner in lolita.)
my first skirt. End of story. XD
(27) アナタの今の髪型と色は?(Your current hairstyle and colour.)
all natural :3
straight and brown with red and sometimes gold highlights. Mostly just brown though :D And darker on top than at the ends
I sort of want to get a feathered hime cut... not sure if it will look good though, so I am scared to do it!
(28) ロリィタ歴はどのくらい?(What is your lolita history?)
eh... I don't know... I actually got into the style in 2006, and started wearing in 07 I think
(29) 専用の衣装収納場所がありますか?(Do you store your clothes in a special place?)
My closet :D
(30) 今までロリィタを止めようと思ったことはありますか? また、その理由は?(Did you ever think about stopping Lolita? What was the reason?)
No... Sometimes when it is not appropriate to wear lolita fashion, I will dress down and wear just skirt-pants and t-shirts. I am thinking of getting into gyaru style because it does not stand out as much and there are no big big skirts that get in the way of other people!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tiana's Kitchen~New Orlean Style Beignets
Sorry for the lack of update! My laptop has died so I am using my mom's at the moment ^^;
Last week I made some beignets! After watching Disney's Princess and the Frog at the December Lolita Meetup, I became obsessed with those delicious looked squares of fried bread topped with clouds of powdered sugar. Unfortunately, I did not know what they were called, and therefore could not search for a recipe! Luckily, in the egl tinychat one night I asked, and one of the girls told me that they were called "beignets". Also known as French Donuts, these scrumptious pieces of fried dough were really not that hard to make!
After making these, I found out that there is actually a cookbook based on Tiana! It retails for $10.99 on Disney Books or for $7.91 (and eligible for free shipping) on Amazon
This is the beignet recipe I used. The original instructions are in print and my added comments are in bold
New Orleans Style Beignet Recipe
1 Envelope Active Dry Yeast
3/4 Cup Water (110 degrees F)
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Beaten Egg
1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk
3 1/2 – 3 3/4 Cups A.P. Flour
1/8 Cup Shortening
Vegetable Oil for Frying
Powdered Sugar in a shaker or sifter
Combine the Yeast, Water, and Sugar in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (You could also make this in a food processor, or the old fashioned way, by hand). Let this sit until frothy, about 5 minutes, my mom says it is better to first dissolve the sugar into the water, then sprinkle the yeast on top so the yeast can use the sugar as food
then add the Salt, Egg, and Evaporated Milk. Mix on low speed, then add half of the flour until it starts to come together, then add the shortening. We replaced the shortening with butter XD It would probably be better to melt the butter first because it will mix better than solid chunks!
When the shortening is incorporated start adding the remaining flour, a little at a time until most of it is incorporated.
At this time I always turn the dough onto a floured bench to finish by hand, just like when I make bread; it’s a touch thing. Knead the dough adding just enough flour as necessary to make a non-sticky, smooth dough. Place the dough into a large oiled bowl, loosely cover and let rise (I made mine last night and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator).I let mine rise for a whole day in the fridge because we went to a party ^^;
Though if you are making this all in one go, just let it rise for a couple of hours in a warm place until the dough doubles
After the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle that is about 1/2″ thick.
With a very sharp knife working at a diagonal to the rectangle, cut into 2″ wide strips.
Now cut into diamond shapes by making diagonal cuts in the opposite direction.
Place the Beignets on a floured baking sheet to let rise about 40 minutes in a warm place (I place them in a barely warm oven). We put it in a 200 deg F oven and opened the door every 10 minutes or so to prevent heat building up too much and cooking the dough
When the Beignets have risen, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350-360 degrees. Test the oil by sticking a wood/bamboo chopstick into the oil. If tiny bubbles start to come up then that means that the oil is hot enough! Or you can test by dropping a scrap piece of beignet dough into the oil. It should float up quickly and start to brown
This is our draining station :D Paper towels over cooling racks!
Place 2-3 Beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to smash or deflate them. When they are golden brown, flip them over until golden brown on the other side (They go pretty quickly so start checking them right after they go into the oil). The beignets will be very puffy! I accidentally smashed a few before I figured out that using a spatula wiggled under them would keep them puffy. Then carefully sliding them into the oil, and turning with chopsticks
Remove to paper towel lined plates to drain.
Serve hot topped with plenty of powdered sugar (because the dough doesn’t contain much sugar, you will want a lot!). Best served with Cafe au Lait. Enjoy!
Makes about 2 dozen.
It also tastes good by itself I found :D I don't always like to eat too sweet, so when I do not want too sweet I eat it without sugar!
Try making this for a potluck meetup!
Last week I made some beignets! After watching Disney's Princess and the Frog at the December Lolita Meetup, I became obsessed with those delicious looked squares of fried bread topped with clouds of powdered sugar. Unfortunately, I did not know what they were called, and therefore could not search for a recipe! Luckily, in the egl tinychat one night I asked, and one of the girls told me that they were called "beignets". Also known as French Donuts, these scrumptious pieces of fried dough were really not that hard to make!
After making these, I found out that there is actually a cookbook based on Tiana! It retails for $10.99 on Disney Books or for $7.91 (and eligible for free shipping) on Amazon
This is the beignet recipe I used. The original instructions are in print and my added comments are in bold
New Orleans Style Beignet Recipe
1 Envelope Active Dry Yeast
3/4 Cup Water (110 degrees F)
1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Beaten Egg
1/2 Cup Evaporated Milk
3 1/2 – 3 3/4 Cups A.P. Flour
1/8 Cup Shortening
Vegetable Oil for Frying
Powdered Sugar in a shaker or sifter
Combine the Yeast, Water, and Sugar in the work bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (You could also make this in a food processor, or the old fashioned way, by hand). Let this sit until frothy, about 5 minutes, my mom says it is better to first dissolve the sugar into the water, then sprinkle the yeast on top so the yeast can use the sugar as food
then add the Salt, Egg, and Evaporated Milk. Mix on low speed, then add half of the flour until it starts to come together, then add the shortening. We replaced the shortening with butter XD It would probably be better to melt the butter first because it will mix better than solid chunks!
When the shortening is incorporated start adding the remaining flour, a little at a time until most of it is incorporated.
At this time I always turn the dough onto a floured bench to finish by hand, just like when I make bread; it’s a touch thing. Knead the dough adding just enough flour as necessary to make a non-sticky, smooth dough. Place the dough into a large oiled bowl, loosely cover and let rise (I made mine last night and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator).I let mine rise for a whole day in the fridge because we went to a party ^^;
Though if you are making this all in one go, just let it rise for a couple of hours in a warm place until the dough doubles
After the dough has doubled in bulk, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface and roll out into a rectangle that is about 1/2″ thick.
With a very sharp knife working at a diagonal to the rectangle, cut into 2″ wide strips.
Now cut into diamond shapes by making diagonal cuts in the opposite direction.
Place the Beignets on a floured baking sheet to let rise about 40 minutes in a warm place (I place them in a barely warm oven). We put it in a 200 deg F oven and opened the door every 10 minutes or so to prevent heat building up too much and cooking the dough
When the Beignets have risen, heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a large saucepan to 350-360 degrees. Test the oil by sticking a wood/bamboo chopstick into the oil. If tiny bubbles start to come up then that means that the oil is hot enough! Or you can test by dropping a scrap piece of beignet dough into the oil. It should float up quickly and start to brown
This is our draining station :D Paper towels over cooling racks!
Place 2-3 Beignets into the hot oil at a time, being careful not to smash or deflate them. When they are golden brown, flip them over until golden brown on the other side (They go pretty quickly so start checking them right after they go into the oil). The beignets will be very puffy! I accidentally smashed a few before I figured out that using a spatula wiggled under them would keep them puffy. Then carefully sliding them into the oil, and turning with chopsticks
Remove to paper towel lined plates to drain.
Serve hot topped with plenty of powdered sugar (because the dough doesn’t contain much sugar, you will want a lot!). Best served with Cafe au Lait. Enjoy!
Makes about 2 dozen.
It also tastes good by itself I found :D I don't always like to eat too sweet, so when I do not want too sweet I eat it without sugar!
Try making this for a potluck meetup!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Doll Face~My Queen Feb. 15 on EyeMake
女人我最大is a TV show in Taiwan that I enjoy to watch. I found it on YouTube luckily, so I can watch it here too!
Today's episode was on eyemake. It showcases two girls who look completely different before and after. See for yourself:
While they DO look very cute in the after pictures, they look completely different! Makeup should emphasize your good points and cover your flaws, not completely reshape your eyes and make you nearly unrecognizable
That being said, there were some good tips from the series that I would like to share with you today!
Lolitas cherish the big doll-eye look, which can be achieved with false lashes, skilled application of eyeliner, circle lens, and eyeshadow. Many Asians have monolids unfortunately, which effectively makes for a smaller eye. Therefore eyelid tape is popular. SUN uses eyelid tape in the episode, and explains that she actually applies it upside down for more propping power. Eyelid tape is cut at a bit of a curve. Usually it is applied in a frowny-face manner, meaning it follows the contour of your eye. SUN applied it in a happy-face manner, because the slightly pointing up edges helped to hold her fold in place better. YMMV
Here is a tutorial for cutting your own eyelid tape if you don't want to go out and buy it!
Warning
constant use of eyelid tape may result in some problems in the long run!
*sagginess - repeated pulling off of the tape can cause the delicate eye skin to sag earlier in life
*allergy - be careful if you have sensitive skin! The adhesive may make a reaction for you
*discomfort - you are wearing tape on your eyelids. It will feel strange at first, but most people get used to the feeling after a while :)
More tips mentioned in the video:
*Apply eyelid tape after foundation, but before powdering. The powder makes the tape less sticky
*Organize your makeup! TOMOKO has a TON of makeup. She uses one bag for each type of makeup (lip sticks, powder, etc.) and organizes her brushes by type and size. Very tidy is easy to find your things!
*For undereye bags, cover first with an orange based concealer before applying foundation on top. Pink base concealer can be used to cover veins or slight shadows
*SUN shaved off her eyebrows because she didn't want to bother with them. They suggest to first draw on your desired eyebrows, then pluck out the hairs outside your drawn line. Shaving will leave a thick root base, so plucking is preferred
*TOMOKO prefers to use brown eyeliner to make a softer look. Then using black, she makes only the outer corner wingtip. This makes a large eye effect without lines that are too harsh
*Use some eyeshadow to make a base color before applying eyeliner, then layer eyeshadow on top again for better staying power and to soften the lines
*SUN applies her false eyelashes first, then curls her real lashes with false, then applies mascara to put them together. TOMOKO heat curls her lashes first, then applies false lashes. Either way, make sure that your real and false lashes are together, not in two layers
*When removing false eyelashes, soak a cotton ball with eye makeup remover and hold it to your lashes until the glue loosens, then remove the lashes and carefully pull the glue off with tweezers. DO NOT soak your lashes in makeup remover though! SUN soaked a pair in remover to get rid of the glue, and they just fell apart ^^; If you just use enough to get the glue loose and then pull it off, you can reuse the lashes several times
*Layering lashes is fine to make prettier lashes, but keep in mind that eyelashes DO have space between the lashes! Do not layer so many lashes that it becomes one solid piece and looks like a big black block when you open your eyes. Not attractive!
Tip!
layer colored lashes! The hostess talks about using triple layered lashes with the top and bottom layers being black, and the center layer being blue
*Balance top and bottom lashes! If you have dramatic top lashes, balance our the bottom lashes with some simple, false bottom lashes
*TOMOKO only lines the outer portion of her lower eyeliner. Lining too close to the inner corner can make the eye appear smaller. Start lining where your eyelashes start
*SUN drew her eyebrows too angled, and one of the teachers fixed it for her, making it more rounded. It looks more innocent, childish, and frames her face better. Sharp eyebrows may suit a Gothic Aristocrat, but for most lolitas, a soft, gentle arch would be a better fit!
Point!
If you are in a rush, pick one point to focus on. Trying to do an elaborate routine while rushing will result in a sloppy job all over. Better to do a good job on a simple point (maybe eyelashes, or eyebrows, or covering shadows) and keep a simple face than an elaborate mess!
Point!
Keep your entire face balanced. Too often, we will focus on what we view as our biggest flaw, and try to cover it up and fix it, and then forget about making a balanced face. Keeping an overall clean look is better than covering up a bad point, but not having a "good point"
Hope you learned something from this EyeMake episode of My Queen! Have fun and experiment with your makeup!
Today's episode was on eyemake. It showcases two girls who look completely different before and after. See for yourself:
While they DO look very cute in the after pictures, they look completely different! Makeup should emphasize your good points and cover your flaws, not completely reshape your eyes and make you nearly unrecognizable
That being said, there were some good tips from the series that I would like to share with you today!
Lolitas cherish the big doll-eye look, which can be achieved with false lashes, skilled application of eyeliner, circle lens, and eyeshadow. Many Asians have monolids unfortunately, which effectively makes for a smaller eye. Therefore eyelid tape is popular. SUN uses eyelid tape in the episode, and explains that she actually applies it upside down for more propping power. Eyelid tape is cut at a bit of a curve. Usually it is applied in a frowny-face manner, meaning it follows the contour of your eye. SUN applied it in a happy-face manner, because the slightly pointing up edges helped to hold her fold in place better. YMMV
Here is a tutorial for cutting your own eyelid tape if you don't want to go out and buy it!
Warning
constant use of eyelid tape may result in some problems in the long run!
*sagginess - repeated pulling off of the tape can cause the delicate eye skin to sag earlier in life
*allergy - be careful if you have sensitive skin! The adhesive may make a reaction for you
*discomfort - you are wearing tape on your eyelids. It will feel strange at first, but most people get used to the feeling after a while :)
More tips mentioned in the video:
*Apply eyelid tape after foundation, but before powdering. The powder makes the tape less sticky
*Organize your makeup! TOMOKO has a TON of makeup. She uses one bag for each type of makeup (lip sticks, powder, etc.) and organizes her brushes by type and size. Very tidy is easy to find your things!
*For undereye bags, cover first with an orange based concealer before applying foundation on top. Pink base concealer can be used to cover veins or slight shadows
*SUN shaved off her eyebrows because she didn't want to bother with them. They suggest to first draw on your desired eyebrows, then pluck out the hairs outside your drawn line. Shaving will leave a thick root base, so plucking is preferred
*TOMOKO prefers to use brown eyeliner to make a softer look. Then using black, she makes only the outer corner wingtip. This makes a large eye effect without lines that are too harsh
*Use some eyeshadow to make a base color before applying eyeliner, then layer eyeshadow on top again for better staying power and to soften the lines
*SUN applies her false eyelashes first, then curls her real lashes with false, then applies mascara to put them together. TOMOKO heat curls her lashes first, then applies false lashes. Either way, make sure that your real and false lashes are together, not in two layers
*When removing false eyelashes, soak a cotton ball with eye makeup remover and hold it to your lashes until the glue loosens, then remove the lashes and carefully pull the glue off with tweezers. DO NOT soak your lashes in makeup remover though! SUN soaked a pair in remover to get rid of the glue, and they just fell apart ^^; If you just use enough to get the glue loose and then pull it off, you can reuse the lashes several times
*Layering lashes is fine to make prettier lashes, but keep in mind that eyelashes DO have space between the lashes! Do not layer so many lashes that it becomes one solid piece and looks like a big black block when you open your eyes. Not attractive!
Tip!
layer colored lashes! The hostess talks about using triple layered lashes with the top and bottom layers being black, and the center layer being blue
*Balance top and bottom lashes! If you have dramatic top lashes, balance our the bottom lashes with some simple, false bottom lashes
*TOMOKO only lines the outer portion of her lower eyeliner. Lining too close to the inner corner can make the eye appear smaller. Start lining where your eyelashes start
*SUN drew her eyebrows too angled, and one of the teachers fixed it for her, making it more rounded. It looks more innocent, childish, and frames her face better. Sharp eyebrows may suit a Gothic Aristocrat, but for most lolitas, a soft, gentle arch would be a better fit!
Point!
If you are in a rush, pick one point to focus on. Trying to do an elaborate routine while rushing will result in a sloppy job all over. Better to do a good job on a simple point (maybe eyelashes, or eyebrows, or covering shadows) and keep a simple face than an elaborate mess!
Point!
Keep your entire face balanced. Too often, we will focus on what we view as our biggest flaw, and try to cover it up and fix it, and then forget about making a balanced face. Keeping an overall clean look is better than covering up a bad point, but not having a "good point"
Hope you learned something from this EyeMake episode of My Queen! Have fun and experiment with your makeup!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Lolita 100 Meme 11-20
Part two of the Lolita 100 Meme!
(11) 逆に一番一番嫌なことは?(What do you hate about it? Pet peeves??)
When my petticoat gets ruffled up. Or is not poofy enough :(
Also my lack of accessorizing and hair skills!
This year I have decided to try and do better at those points
(12) 愛読雑誌は?(Magazine you read?)
EGLB. That's it :D I do get scans online of the Japanese GLB and some Kera though
(13) ヘッドドレス派? ボンネット派? リボン派?(Headdresses, bonnets or ribbons/katsushya?)
Alice bows! I actually really love Alice bows, but don't wear them... I like small ribbons too, like for pigtails or something :3 and I love tiaras! Though maybe not for everyday wear...
(14) ドロワーズは穿いていますか?(Yes to Drawers/Bloomers?)
um, YES! poofy skirts are more likely to get pulled up indecently XD
(15) ヘッドドレスは前で結ぶ派? 後ろで結ぶ派?(do you tie headdresses at the front or at the back?)
back
(16) 好きな音楽のジャンル・バンドなどはありますか?(Who is your favourite band/type of music?)
rock! Actually I like almost all music. I like Evanescence, Disturbed, Taylor Swift (sometimes), Three Days Grace, Coldplay, Creed, Shinedown, Godsmack, Metallica, Nirvana, Puddle of Mudd, Flyleaf, Black Eyed Peas, Jay Chou, Nana Kitade, S.H.E., Da Mouth, t.A.T.u., PINK, Nightwish, Breaking Benjamin, Nine Inch Nails, and a lot more!
(17) 携帯の着メロは何ですか?(What is your phone ring tone~?)
King and Queen by Da Mouth
(18) ライヴにはロリィタで行きますか?(Do you go to concerts in lolita?)
never been to a concert
(19) ライヴに行く方はライヴ中にヘドバンしますか?(For people who attend concerts: Do you headbang there?)
(20) 何色が好きですか?(What colours do you like?)
milk pink, sky blue, pale lavender, mint green, bright yellow, white, silver, black, and lots of others!
(11) 逆に一番一番嫌なことは?(What do you hate about it? Pet peeves??)
When my petticoat gets ruffled up. Or is not poofy enough :(
Also my lack of accessorizing and hair skills!
This year I have decided to try and do better at those points
(12) 愛読雑誌は?(Magazine you read?)
EGLB. That's it :D I do get scans online of the Japanese GLB and some Kera though
(13) ヘッドドレス派? ボンネット派? リボン派?(Headdresses, bonnets or ribbons/katsushya?)
Alice bows! I actually really love Alice bows, but don't wear them... I like small ribbons too, like for pigtails or something :3 and I love tiaras! Though maybe not for everyday wear...
(14) ドロワーズは穿いていますか?(Yes to Drawers/Bloomers?)
um, YES! poofy skirts are more likely to get pulled up indecently XD
(15) ヘッドドレスは前で結ぶ派? 後ろで結ぶ派?(do you tie headdresses at the front or at the back?)
back
(16) 好きな音楽のジャンル・バンドなどはありますか?(Who is your favourite band/type of music?)
rock! Actually I like almost all music. I like Evanescence, Disturbed, Taylor Swift (sometimes), Three Days Grace, Coldplay, Creed, Shinedown, Godsmack, Metallica, Nirvana, Puddle of Mudd, Flyleaf, Black Eyed Peas, Jay Chou, Nana Kitade, S.H.E., Da Mouth, t.A.T.u., PINK, Nightwish, Breaking Benjamin, Nine Inch Nails, and a lot more!
(17) 携帯の着メロは何ですか?(What is your phone ring tone~?)
King and Queen by Da Mouth
(18) ライヴにはロリィタで行きますか?(Do you go to concerts in lolita?)
never been to a concert
(19) ライヴに行く方はライヴ中にヘドバンしますか?(For people who attend concerts: Do you headbang there?)
(20) 何色が好きですか?(What colours do you like?)
milk pink, sky blue, pale lavender, mint green, bright yellow, white, silver, black, and lots of others!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Happy New Year and Valentine's Day!
Today is Chinese and Tibetan New Year! I celebrated yesterday by eating from morning until night :3 Since my parents are separated, I ate brunch at Mystic Lake Casino buffet with my dad, and traditional dinner with my mom!
I made some non-traditional cupcakes for dinner :)
Nutella cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and mocha cupcakes in heart-shape!
I am also bringing some to work to share with my coworkers :D
How are you celebrating today, Princesses?
Let me share some ultra hime deco photos with you! I saw this room in Cutie Room Book 2010, and later found her blog and some photos from a display in Japan. This woman likes to do hime deco! It is pretty, but a little too overwhelming!
EVERYTHING is covered in laces and roses!
Some of these things you can make yourself, too! Hopefully I will have time to make tutorials in the future showing some of the simple things to make. For now, go out and enjoy this double (triple?) holiday!
I made some non-traditional cupcakes for dinner :)
Nutella cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and mocha cupcakes in heart-shape!
I am also bringing some to work to share with my coworkers :D
How are you celebrating today, Princesses?
Let me share some ultra hime deco photos with you! I saw this room in Cutie Room Book 2010, and later found her blog and some photos from a display in Japan. This woman likes to do hime deco! It is pretty, but a little too overwhelming!
EVERYTHING is covered in laces and roses!
Some of these things you can make yourself, too! Hopefully I will have time to make tutorials in the future showing some of the simple things to make. For now, go out and enjoy this double (triple?) holiday!
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