Ren Fest Art

Yay!!! I finally am satisfied with the art in my living room. Le sigh. Finalement!

Its been quite a tough struggle searching for just the right piece(s) for behind my couch as I knew I needed something more vertical shaped to counter the long horizontal entrance mirror to the right of my couch even though I would have liked to align several pictures in that way.

These are the post cards from Ren Fest that I framed and hung.


I set the two Spring and Winter ones above next to each other and then placed these others below. My favorite and the one that caught my eye originally is the profile vignette. I just love how they each have that framed look, and all are done in more of a dark green and brown color. It definitely fits the colors of my living room for sure.

Pin Up Style

Even though I am currently living on a not so glamorous budget, and my priorities have basically destroyed any clothing shopping for several months now, I still enjoy window shopping! The new fascination with the 40s and 50s style incorporated into current trends piqued my interest completely and inspired this entry. The usual pin up style I of course, find sexy, but a pit over the top for every day wear for me.

If I had the curvy body type *coughmariacough* to pull something like this off... you bet I wouldn't hesitate! I would still like to incorporate certain elements of this though into my fashion... looking forward to my next spree so much!
This one on the left is definitely super sexy, but I think would be perfect for a dinner date!! Love the halter neck line and fun polka dots.


I absolutely crave this next one's subtle nautical theme! Instead of throwing anchors over a long sleeved white shirt like I have seen all too often, this carnival striped puffy skirt is soo fun!!! And the pockets! The pockets!! Eeeep hehe!



Those shoes are pretty much to die for (I love when they have that ankle bracelet clasp) and with the bright skirt and boyish denim jacket, its a perfect combo. I can't think of anything more perfect to wear for a fun night out. This is probably the most flirty out of them all.


Now for a more subdued and classic look, this simple dark dress paired with stockings that are so popular right now (and so functional in this weather!), the vintage cap hat that I have seen in almost all the antique malls but haven't snatched up, and the little ankle boots that I have also seen versions of in the shoe stores recently. I am so glad fashion has passed over the horrible 70s and 80s finally and returned to the more flattering styles of the 40s and 50s. I hope some of those elements stick with us in the future...

This outfit would be something to wear out during the day for errands or probably a day rambling about on my own I think. Or maybe on one of my many bus trips as suggested in the photo... I can bring Bowser along hehe.

These next two are ones that are most easily created shopping in current stores like Forever XXI, Charlotte Rousse, and any mall. These skirts are pretty much flattering on any human being lol, unless you are one stuck with more of a disproportionate midsection.

I think it takes confidence and attitude to really pull these off, but so much fun as well! Perfect for a late night date, or an evening out solo.

Finalement, a perfect look for your typical grinding day at the office or simply for achieving a more professional appearance with that splash of attitude. I think the pale blonde hair does it in this one... but I still love the outfit. Very easy to throw together, again.

Ooooo I want to go shopping and then out on the town hehe!! All of these looks are perfect for a day out antique shopping and book browsing as well... which would be my idea of a perfect saturday!

The inspiration just smells good Mmmm! Hehehe.

Ren Fest 2009

This year at Ren Fest I was disappointed that they did not continue the yearly tradition of creating a plot and theme. Instead they decided to create themes for each weekend. I really loved the year they did Queen Maeb and the trolls... the fairy princess was kidnapped by the troll prince for political reasons. Ah the intrigue!!! Sadly there were no plays this year to enjoy, but the christmas decorations were fun.

P.S. The cameras that I used were the disposable, and they stink.

This was at the entrance while all the actors were arguing about whatnot and the rest of us were just impatiently waiting for them to let us all stampede the place.

These were the chapels and gardens where people sometimes get married. I definitely would never do that... because who wants a bunch of strangers all up in your special day? But I do love how all the ivy completely covers this building!!!

I always love people watching and enjoying the creativity of their costumes. This was by far my favorite, even though it is completely the wrong era historically!!! But my favorite so ah well lol. A Victorian festival would probably not be the most fun... Im good on needle point thank you very much.

This creature is an Ent!!! I was so excited to find one I just had to run up to him!!! If only there were more wandering around...

I was also surprised to find several venetian mask stands scattered about the grounds. Surprised and happy! I ended up not indulging though (yay for discipline!) as I am happy with my collection right now and really wanted to concentrate on finding some wall art for behind my lovely green barrel tufted couch.

A few of the shops I found wandering about included this one by an artist. I actually stayed here for about half an hour rummaging through all the different prints trying to decide which piece to purchase. I ended up buying 6 different 4 x 6 post cards at a great price, and then went home and placed them each in matted 8 x 10 espresso stained wood frames. I hung 4 of them up above the couch arrayed in a vertical rectanglur pattern. As soon as they were hung I felt so satisfied!! I definitely chose the perfect collection... they each are sort of vignettes of fairies and are all in the green and brown, forest color range. I love them! And the shop was just such fun.

These are some of the abundant food shops lining the entire festival. My mom had to indulge in the kettle korn, and I had some of that in the morning, followed by my turkey sandwhich I had packed for lunch (yay for being thrifty!!). I didn't get the beef jerkey that I so love this time, but now that I am older I realize that there is always next year!! :P I am so getting a sausage on a stick then too!

We also got to get lost in the labyrinth again!! I wish they had a real hedge maze... but I guess that it too much to ask... Ah well. This was just as fun! Once you reach the center you ring the large bell, and then climb up the stairs to overlook the entire expanse. This is just one section of it.

These little critters were creatures I found in one of the many little shops. Again, so cute!

9

This is one of the newest Tim Burton films produced, and as we all know, I am a huge fan.

Besides the great christmas classic The Nightmare Before Christmas of course, there are several of his movies I love. The main aspect I enjoy is really his artistic expression... but there are always other elements as well.

1. Nightmare Before Christmas- I love this one because it introduced me to the artistic variability and freedom that clay animation can achieve. His pieces specifically reminded me of Brian Froud, the artist. This is one of my all time christmas classics!

2. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory- To be fair, I never liked the origical version because Willie Wonka always seemed evil and overly mean to me as a little person. Seeing this new version though which explained his actual history and then also changed the ending to be more of a moral and happy one, allowed me to enjoy the rest of the story. And... who didn't like Johnny Depps unique interpretation?

3. Sweeney Todd- Again, I was rather hesitant when I realized this was a musical unexpectedly and Johnny Depp doesn't really have the... training for a knock out performance that I so usually expect. But he surprised me and I really enjoyed the entire story and performance. I do like musicals though...

4. James and the Giant Peach- More creepy critters and great clay animation in this one. The story itself was more what I enjoyed which was of course a book first.

5. Sleepy Hollow- I was not expecting this film to be ironic or satirical in the least, so throughout the film I kept asking myself if I were insane or if the characters were really being humorous. Once I realized that I enjoyed the rest of the film quite well! Again... Johnny Depp appearance.

Apparently 9 was created in response to a video post on youtube which Tim Burton fund inspirational. I actually enjoyed the beginning of the film when 9 did not have a voice and had just been created. He wanders about his creator's world of diagrams, drawings, and clues with no idea and at this time you know this story could lead anywhere.

In the end it was a rather simple plot, and I had wished they could have made this more complex and involved and longer by far, but it was good for what it was. I am glad I went to the dollar theater for it though, too short to pay so much money!!

Animal Crossing: Gamecube versus Wii

My sister's random bog inspired me in my own game post. She asked her readers to post comments with their favorite video games for fun, and this reminded me of mine!


I was introduced to Animal Crossing a year ago from my roommate in the Gamecube format and was addicted from the beginning. It was at the end of the semester around the holidays so it had that extra charm to it.


What I love about this game are as follows:

1. There are several things you get to collect throughout the game including fossils, fish, bugs and such that all accumulate in the museum. Certain species can only be found in certain seasons and times of the day which requires a more spaced out playing time.

2. The timing is in real time, which can get a little frustrating at times because the store hours are only open at set times and certain peddlars and events occur scheduled. This adds a more realistic element to the game though and makes playing each day more motivating and exciting.

3. The goal of the game is to pay off your mortgage and then debt, but as you do you also get to decorate your little house, and then renovate and decorate some more! Such fun!

4. Finally, you get to do little quests and jobs for your fellow neighbors and are rewarded with special gifts which is probably my favorite part.

The Animal Crossing Wii seems a little too busy for me, but I like the fact that you can chat with other animal crossing players at the same time and visit eachother. I can be comfortably resting in my living room with my fire and be chatting away with just anyone and go fishing together! So cute.

Here is the gamespot review for the GameCube version. It did pretty well by the critics.

http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/rpg/animalcrossing/review.html?page=2