2017 #flashbackfriday

So it seems a few years has passed since I was last active on my blog - so here is a new post for the new year 2018.

Here is a collage of #2017bestnine photo from my Instagram. I've made a mini come back at cosplay with several Kakegurui characters (Yumeko, Sayaka, Meari) and a couple new costumes. It also captured the coscards printed for Comic Fiesta Mini which I attended (and booth-ed) for the first time in Penang.

One year ago, I spent my 2017 new year's day in Tokyo shopping for my first fukubukuro (lucky bag or happy bag). Just before Easter weekend, my heart broke when my beloved mum passed away.

Today I'm reflecting on the past year, and looking forward to spend 2018 more... Beautifully.

TBS - shattered glass incident!

since it was my first time here on Wednesday, i'll tell you something: if you're driving, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan is actually quite a distance from MRR2 to the carpark. once you arrive at the 'ground floor' (or where the bus ticket counters are), you'll see the boarding time noticeboard thing that airports have. one floor above, there are fast food restaurants and a food court. on first sight, everything looks impressive.

suddenly, i heard glass shatter to the ground floor! two person fled the bench near platforms 11-13 as more broken glass fell from first floor. two ladies from the information counter walked over to help one of the man who (i think he was over-reacting) acted frail and patting glass off his short-haired head. he wasn't old nor bleeding as i could see from a short distance.

there weren't many passerby that evening, so there wasn't much of a havoc or crowd. but i'm writing this because i want you to know it happened. where did the glass fall from? it was from one glass pane directly above it; some fell on the escalator beside the bench too.

i wasn't sure how it broke, but soon some uniformed men were standing near the broken pane to divert (nonexistent) traffic and the bench area was cordoned off. one side of the escalator was also shut down, leaving one escalator for passengers to get to the other bus platforms.

not very exciting isn't it? since i couldn't snap a photo of it happening (i was hurrying elsewhere) i'll leave you with a photo of TBS bus depot.

from gingerbread to ice-cream sandwich

24 hours flew past and i have yet to feel disabled by the new android phone in my hand. goodbye, LG Optimus One; hello, Ninetology Black Pearl II.

the larger screen is easy on my eye; plus, i can finally adjust lower brightness than my older device could. the side volume button is on the left unlike LG; i don't quite like how it sticks out, too sensitive for me (often, unintentionally changed the volume). it seems highly unlikely for Ninetology to design a standing dock for BP2 due to the fact its microUSB port located at the top. i like how the body is thinner (as in flatness) but rather long for my girly fingers' reach. begone, hard keys (i deal with you no more); for here comes the soft keys (i have await you long). what's more, i can shoot 8MP photos instead of 3MP photos, albeit it's likely i'll stick to 5MP; it also allows me to tap the screen for better focus. not to forget, screen capture/print screen ability by default!

what's not to like? well, i'm a take-note type of person, so i was dismayed by the lack of scrollable memo widget which i was so accustomed to on LG. having a bigger screen also doesn't guarantee more 'space' as my current theme is 4columns by 5rows (personally customised). as the back cover isn't matte like the LG phone, fingerprints stick to it like ants to sugar. no drops, no cracks, and no scratches as i carry it in a faux suede wallet when i travel. not sure what i'll do with the 2nd SIM slot, since i can't even feed enough credit into my only one. the speaker (the offendingly loud one; not the ear one) is located at the back, so i have to cup the phone if i want to hear the audio clearly; though, i have no idea how i'll do when the alarm rings (hopefully, i'll wake up).

specs are generic (in my dictionary, that means too mediocre to care, except) with 2 processing brains, 2GB internal memory, 2 SIM slots, and 2 cameras (front/back). i don't know how pathetic is the battery life, but on standby, it should last 2 days. by tomorrow, i'd have spent 2 days with my new phone - so, good luck to me for surviving the next 2 years (at least) with the Ninetology BP2.

prevention is better than cure

i woke up choking on smoky air, not quite the barbecue flavour yet not quite ringing the fire alarm. i looked out of the window and the sky was grey, no puffy clouds nor clear blue tint. another kind of alarm rang in favour.

i quickly shut all the windows and doors at home and switched on the air purifier. it will take a while before the air is sterile again, but it could only filter the air in my bedroom. i did not even feel like eating because having a meal at the dining table meant breathing in smelly air.

it started a few days ago - when i first woke up with sore throat, thinking i was not drinking enough water. the following day, the familiar daily air was replaced by another familiar occasional air. when it got worse yesterday, it struck me - a neighbouring souvenir has finally arrived.

the soft hum churning out of the little grey device on the floor was doing its job. soon the air i breathe in my room will be sterile, good riddance to smoky air... but i would still smell a bit of burnt flavour because of the bits stuck in my nostrils. the stinging smell gave me headache eventually.

news feed on the laptop screen began to bombard me with complaints of the air quality, faces in masks, more photos of the grey sky, and the occasional smarty-pants who goes around educating the difference between API and PSI. does it matter?

all i care is that i cannot wash my lolita clothes and put them out to dry without unwanted fragrance. i cannot walk out of my bedroom without needing to wear a mask. i cannot even take off the mask when i am driving because the smell seeps in through the air-con vents.

the return of the hazy summer is just a reminder of how much we care about our selves over the environment. if farmers did not rid of plantation waste cheaply, there would be no spike in sales of masks or air purifiers, staple food prices will go up, and it would put pro-environment NGOs out of job. people simply prefer the hassle of getting the cure, rather than to prevent the hassle of getting the cure.

new logo & first t-shirt design!

this semester, for an assignment, i was required to create a logo which represented myself in no more than three colours. i learned through brand research, draft sketches, and Illustrator vector that the final artwork had not been a simple process. to cut the story short, i managed to design something i like (albeit it may not be to the tutor's expectations) and the result is printed on t-shirts. (you will see more of this logo on my website too!)

i bought two plain tees from Giant, and heat transfer paper from Digital Mall, then i printed and ironed the logo. ta-dah! the result varied from one tee to the other because i printed each one on two different inkjet printers and each tee were of different sizes (M for white, S for black).

i submitted the black tee and kept the white one (as i was only required to submit only one) but i hope it will return to me next semester after assessment is done. if it does not, meaning it has become the university's property as student artwork - i would be in dilemma on how to reflect on this.

anyway, have you ever thought of making a custom printed tee for yourself?

Inspiration #12: The Art of Letter-writing

... In other words, snail mail. Over the weekend I went to a couple mainstream bookstores in search of a letter set (usually a few envelops and writing sheets together with cute prints) and was disappointed to find no such stationery, even in the children's aisle where cute stationery is located. This disappointment quickly developed into an erratic fear overnight, thinking that the art of letter-writing is dying in today's electronic-based communication in the society.

I enjoy the time I spend writing letters, and this requires a certain concentration which turns into appreciation. There is an art to letter-writing because I know it is something I can appreciate. People who do not indulge in this satisfying little hobby do not know what makes penning a letter artful. To me, it begins with the choice of stationery. I put effort in selecting the right pen, the right sheet of paper, the right envelop and the right stamps; not to forget, the occasional embellishment such as stickers. After tinkering with stationery, I find the right time to write - because you just can't do it in a hurry. Putting thoughts to paper, there is a special feeling knowing that it will be read by whomever it is intended. I also decide on how the letter is folded into the envelop, imagining how the recipient would open it. Finally, when I choose a stamp, not only for face value, but also the print it has.

I do realize letters are meant to be a form of communication but there is more than just a physical object. The gratification is when I receive a reply, which usually does not appear until the following month or sometimes more, first reading and then I begin to pen another letter. I have appreciation for letter-writing not for its technicalities but because I perceive it as if giving away apart of me to someone and vice versa.

Inspiration #11: Collage & Thoughts

Brainstorm activity in classroom is a bore and a chore. There are steps to organize thoughts and this is the biggest reason why most students get mental block. First we have to define the main topic, and then we have to spread it by subtopics and sub-subtopics. Instead of encouraging spontaneity, we feel pressured to churn out ideas. Students are not able to perform because they think too much - "What if this is a sub-subtopic and not a subtopic? I can't write it down first!" I think the method should be more free-flow like collages.

I happen to come across an art journal assignment this week which mentioned use of collage to collect ideas before writing a critique. I was already familiar with collage because I kept a small journal when I was before preteen. My parents suggested that I cut out pictures from newspapers to paste in a book, instead of keeping the entire sheet of newspaper whenever I spotted something or someone I fancied - the idea was simple. What I did not realise is that I was making collage on each page of which has inspired me until today. A page of collage is as close as I can describe to how my thoughts actually look like in my mind. For me, collage works two ways. First, like a needle in a haystack, a page full of images in no particular form. Second, like a magnet, starting with one image attracting more similar images. One main reason why I like 'collage thinking' is know there is no finite destination. It is a free-flow of ideas in a collective space, thus it enables me to jump from one thought to another instantly; it is exciting for my mind to know there are no rules.

Inspiration #7: Demand vs Creativity?

Movie adaptation has become more common than ever in the past couple years. There are movies from books, comics, real life story, and even remakes of the same movie from the past. Success and failure of a film adaptation, more often than not, depends on the reviews by critics. What intrigues me is how a movie can be perceived as "great" or "terrible" when it is based off an already existing idea.

Take one recent book-to-movie adaptation 'Life of Pi' for example. Most reviewers have said positive things about it being a good interpretation of the original story, especially the ending of the movie where in the book conclusion can be interpreted differently by different readers. So the director created the movie in his own input with a little difference, and the audience loved it. When compared to popular high-grossing movies of book adaptations from Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Twilight series, fans of the books would only be satisfied with the closest representation of their imagination from the story. Should there be a change from the original plot, surely there will be negative reviews saying the movie does not depict the actual book.

So, where is the creativity? Movie adaptations should be appreciated in its own rights to some differences. I think there is a good movie from an adaptation if it differs from the original story as it shows how the same plot be developed into something else. Critics who cannot accept movie adaptations should just stick to the original, be it books, comics, real life stories or remakes, instead of judging the newer version as inaccurate.

Inspiration #5: Sewing = Savings!

There is a difference between frugal and stingy; I chose to be thrifty without being cheap. My wishlist has this CandyPrincess Royal Coat Dress priced at 44100yen (RM1461.58 today) and that is without the under-dress! Today, I ordered a similar white under-dress from China shopping site Taobao for only 308yuan (RM152.88) and I have 2yards of this Japanese thick cotton (RM76.80) from MayMayShop. Grab some lace trims from my sewing stash, and I am ready to sew again~

Instead of a dark royal look, I decided to go with a brighter sweet print of chains and roses to create a playful appearance for the upcoming spring season with blooming floral image. Here is the design that I am looking forward to finish by the end of the semester, very much inspired by the Royal Coat Dress:

Inspiration #4: Harajuku Fashion

Imogen Mackay Dall has put together a photo collection for Harajuku fashion import label Electric Alice based on the concept "Define Yourself Without Saying A Word." I was most drawn to the first photo in the collection of a somewhat-gothic-lolita model with the concept title stamped on it. I have a long-time love with Japanese culture, particularly the Harajuku lolita movement, and it certainly makes me stand out if you saw me wearing lacy blouse and frilly dress over a fluffy pannier in public.

What I like about Harajuku fashion is how much freedom it offers to which inspires my outfit coordination. Especially when I look at Imogen's photo above, I thought the model was "somewhat" gothic lolita because her outfit is a little bit of punk, rokku, ero, gothic and lolita. Likewise, I too put a little bit of gyaru, mori, decora, otome, fairy-kei and lolita in my outfit because those are what that inspires me. But I don't stop there - I sew and design some clothes and accessories to wear, and perhaps one day, start a fashion label in my name.

January Taobao Shopping~

CNY (chinese new year) is coming up and i needed some new skirts (it looks as if i have only one chiffon skirt, which is true) and new socks (current pairs are wearing thin to the point of having holes). as usual, i always splurge on one extra item on top of my must-have orders.

if you plan to order from taobao in february, please TAKE NOTE: you will experience delays because either most shops are closed or couriers may stop delivery in china for CNY celebration holiday, thus your orders may only be processed or shipped out after CNY. i personally advise against taobao shopping around CNY.

anyway, here is my january batch haul! i paid for my orders on 17 january and received them on 30 january (2 weeks including weekends OR 10 weekdays). of the 10 parcels, 6 are mine and the rest belongs to minori. the parcel (top-left, placed against green 30cm ruler) was like an overstuffed pillow!

a close up photo of my stuff (except shoulder bag not pictured here).

Inspiration #3: Heart Paper Craft

With Valentine's Day coming up, I was browsing for greeting card ideas and I stumbled upon a cute pop-up heart card tutorial on Minieco. What I like about this tutorial is the 8-bit pixelated look of the 3-dimensional hearts. I have always been attracted to paper craft or 'pepakura' (pepa kurafuto) as the Japanese like to call it, but failing to complete my first pepakura of a Walter P99 gun has discouraged me from trying it again due to the complicated cuts and folds - I suppose I should have started with pop-up cards for beginners like me.

Inspiration #2: Yoh's Gallery

Lectures on Wednesdays seem to drag on forever about dots and lines; I could not help but to keep myself occupied looking through Japanese illustrator Yoh's gallery. I think this artwork entitled 'Watashi wa Anata no Kasa ni Naru' (I Will Become Your Umbrella) is an amazing piece! Notice how the flow starts from eyelashes crying droplets on a dolly face which is an umbrella held by a gothic girl whose cage skirt is the umbrella of a boy drowning in (probably) quicksand. I wish I could draw this much of details in my own illustrations - I definitely have to level-up from doodling plain sketches.

Inspiration #1: Disney Dream Portraits

I am no photography buff nor Disney fanatic, but I surely am a fan of Angelina Jolie. When I saw Annie Leibovitz's Disney interpretation complilation circulating on Tumblr, I immediately noticed Angelina Jolie portraying Esmeralda (from The Hunch-back of Notre Dame) looking faraway between the stone gargoyles. With cosplay being a hobby close to my heart, it was really nice to see my favourite celebrity Angelina Jolie posing as a Disney animated film character. Perhaps I could cosplay Exmeralda one day, too?

homemade butter cake & bread pudding!

here are two homemade cakes i baked with my mum on the first weekend of the new year! the top and left photos show two butter cakes (one round and one loaf) while the one on the right is a bread pudding with banana and raisins.

*pictures taken after removed from baking pan for cooling. they were not steamed as the steamer was only used as 'cooling wire rack.'

Schwarzkopf Freshlight Launch + Lolita Meet

when i first heard of the schwarzkopf event inviting lolitas to grace their freshlight launch in november, i was really hoping to attend since i missed MLC halloween lolita gathering. of course, i have heard of both schwarzkopf and freshlight separately, but those weren't my main goal. XD

as the event was held in sungei wang plaza concourse area, there was a changing room provided behind the stage but i only used it to put on my makeup. as i met up with the lolita pack (vinds, iris, azu, emma, sally, stella, and mintos), we were ushered to the media mingle area. i saw balloons everywhere and loads of sweet confectionery on the refreshment table. aside from the cordial juice and karaage chicken, everything was made for the sweet tooth... cakes, cupcakes, macarons, cookies, tarts, pastries, marshmallow and even pocky!

my makeup for the day~

testing Blogger 2.0 app + recent sewing

after trying countless third party blogger apps, i decided to try the official blogger app again because there was an updated version announcement on the pc dashboard. i did not expect it was gonna be this good!

blogger app interface has become more user friendly and had really smooth navigation. no more confusing menu and no more single photo limit. its easy and fast to blog and drafts are even synced from/to the pc dashboard.

weakness of the app is that you cannot arrange where the image appears, and you have to key in labels without auto-complete. temporary solution would be to save your post as draft and arrange the images from pc (which defeats the purpose of mobile app).

anyway, recently i spared a little time from uni to do simple sewing projects. first up, a simple organza petti with lace trim. it does not hold much poof but works well if layered. second one is a dress modification. i cut a long dress diagonally to achieve that asymetrical design and sealed the edge with cotton piping.

i look forward to blogging more!
またね(≧▽≦)ﾉ))

Parkamaya Brand Ambassador Audition

Reposted from BatsuとMaru, 21 October 2012:

Parkamaya, a new Asian fashion retail concept store managed by Parco Japan, will open in December 2012 at Fahrenheit88, Kuala Lumpur. If you have not heard about them, it is time to go to their Facebook page! They are looking for a brand ambassador through a 3-day audition and your votes are counted until 28 October 2012.

Akiko (yours truly) was at Fahrenheit88 to attempt the audition and here is the report! I was first approached by one of the staff to participate in Parkamaya’s audition by having my photo taken at the little studio booth. Despite my repeated refusal (because I wanted to go to the toilet first) she insisted, so it was amusing to see her eagerness to invite me.

Waku Waku Japanese Restaurant @ Mid Valley Megamall

Reposted from BatsuとMaru, 21 September 2012:

If you happen to be looking for Sushi King (opposite MVEV) at the usual spot in Mid Valley, you might be disheartened to find out that it no longer looks like the same place, for it has been replaced by a new contemporary Japanese dining place called Waku Waku. (Fear not, it belongs to the same company as is Goku Raku Ramen and Miraku, but does not serve pork.)

BatsuとMaru

who are BatsuとMaru? akiko (that's me!) and gixxer are the two members who founded the team. ba-tsu-to-ma-ru is a direct translation from japanese meaning X-and-O, as in tic-tac-toe or could also interpreted as hugs-and-kisses. the name represents the two of us who work together.

we make videos where we interview people in Malaysia who share the same Japanese interests, whether fashion, dolls, cosplay, etc. i do most of the appearance, while gixxer does most of the editing. you can  support us by subscribing to our Youtube channel or Like our Facebook page (or click on Donate button).

so far, we have covered only a few personalities in our videos, namely Herman/Misao (cosplay photographer), half a dozen cosplayers (about how they started and a little on local cosplay future), and two PMCG founders (military cosplayers).

there are several upcoming events the BatsuとMaru team planned to capture in our next videos, but Comic Fiesta is our top priority now. we suspect some chaos will happen somewhere, and we hope we will be well prepared for the estimated 25,000 visitors on 22-23 december 2012!

our purpose of creating these videos is simply defined in BatsuとMaru channel/page description:

"A couple cosplayers from Malaysia, sharing our passion for cosplay, dolls and other Japanese interests with the world." - BatsuとMaru