30 Day Random Challenge Day 25: Increase difficulty of a previous challenge

Yesterday, my challenge was to increase the difficulty of a previous challenge, which ended up being the challenge from Day 1. In order to change things around, I decided to find two coords that featured two of the ice cream prints featured.

 

Above: A coord featuring Baby's Creamy Soda Pop JSK. Source: LiveJournal (coord by artemiscangee).

The first coordinate features Baby's Creamy Soda Pop JSK and uses black and pink for the other items. Mixing Baby with AP is a nice idea and the pink does bring out the pink elements of the print. Also, the AP socks were from a different print series, adding to the creativity of the outfit. However, I do feel that the coord does use the cliché idea of a matching headbow and JSK and there is not a lot of accessories. Overall, the outfit is fairly basic and does draw attention to the print on the JSK but as the stylist was intending for it to be used for a Lolita fashion presentation, it is a good way to introduce Lolita.

Above: A coord featuring AP's Milky Planet OP. Source: daily_lolita (coord by La Lapine Noir).

The second coordinate features AP's original Milky Planet OP with some offbrand items. The combination of accessories with the OP is very creative and plays around with the variety of colours on the Milky Planet print. Even the use of a Disney character bag is cute. Overall, this outfit does make good use of the Milky Planet OP and would be nice for a meet up or changed a bit to make it suitable for a tea party.

30 Day Random Challenge Days 23 & 24: Find a New Blog

On Sunday, my challenge was to find another blog to start following. It took me two days to find one but I eventually found it. The blog I ended up finding was Lace a la mode. It's by Shannie Bee and is about J-fashion and Kawaii in general. The most recent post as of now is about her starting monthly challenges and her first one is about completing unfinished projects. That would be interesting to see especially as she has invited her readers to participate as well.

Her second most recent post was about a DIY mini party held by Angelic Pretty in San Francisco. The DIY projects were deco-ing items. Sounds interesting and I would like to go to a deco party one day. Shannie even posted the outfit she was wearing that day which I thought was creative and quite suitable for the occasion. Also, the box AP provided for deco was a pink heart shaped box, which does suit AP's style well.

I enjoyed reading those posts and can't wait to see what else comes from Lace a la mode.

Above: Pictures from the AP DIY mini party. Source: Lace a la mode.



30 Day Random Challenge Day 22: Find 3 Good things that have happened since starting the Challenge

Today, my challenge is to find three good things that have happened since starting this challenge. I took this one off the 30 Day Lolita Challenge but instead of doing it on Day 30, I decided that it would happen on any day. The three good things are below.

1. Chia pudding

A week into the challenge, I tried making chia pudding for the first time. The texture of the pudding was nice but it was bland. That was probably due to the fact that I wasn't able to add as much stevia as I would have liked to and using lite milk. However, I will make chia pudding again but next time I might consider using a nut milk and adding more sweetener.

2. Being able to fit into Creamy Cat

Just recently, I was able to fit into Creamy Cat but it was too tight. At least I was able to zip it up fully and I just have a little bit to go before I can wear it.

3. This Challenge

I'll count the 30 Day Random Challenge as a good thing because it has pushed me out of my comfort zone and most of the challenges have been enjoyable. I hope I enjoy the last eight days as much as the previous ones.

 

Above: A chia pudding. Mine was not in a glass with berries on top. More like in Tupperware containers with the berries mixed in. Source: More Fun With An Apron.

30 Day Random Challenge Day 21: Read a Story from LaLa

On Friday, my challenge was to read a story from LaLa. The manga I read was Toshokan Sensou Love and War. For more information, click here. It was interesting to read and I want to buy it as a volume. The chapter I read was about the Task Force protecting the author of a book about nuclear machinery, someone whom one of the Task Force members was a fan of. It was funny reading about what they did to him. I wish manga magazines placed in more than one chapter at a time though.

Above: The front cover of Toshokan Sensou Love and War volume 3 of the English version.

30 Day Random Challenge Day 20: Spend 2 Hours finding a Shiny Pokemon

Sorry about the delay but things were really busy and I decided to put a hiatus on this challenge. When it restarted on Thursday, my challenge was to spend two hours finding a Shiny Pokémon on Pokémon X. Even after two hours, I couldn't find a shiny and my best Pokéradar chain was seven on Gulpin, which is not a Pokémon I am too keen on. However, my best Pokéradar chain of all time is chaining 27 Zoroark. That may make a nice shiny as well as it's pre-evolution, Zorua. Even though on all of my games on Pokémon Platinum, I have found at least one shiny, I don't seem to be having any luck finding one on X. I wonder if I'll have better luck on breeding two Pokémon like rabbits in order to get a shiny.

Above: A baby Shiny Zorua. Source: colorslive.com (Picture by luffy 33).

30 Day Random Challenge Day 19: Do a Simple Braid

Yesterday, my challenge was to do a simple braid. I was able to do a good one quickly, so I wore the braid I made to Uni yesterday. It was nice to wear a different hairstyle out. Because I enjoyed wearing it and it was simple, I think I'll wear a simple braid again in the future. Unfortunately, yesterday's weather was not hair friendly, which made the braid messy but it still had structure and was decent. I guess I should have done this braid before attempting the Dutch and French braids. Maybe I'll do the simple braid a few times before attempting those two again.

Above: The simple braid I did. Sorry about the messiness of it but I will do it again in nicer weather. I think it does look good on me though.

30 Day Random Challenge Day 18: Read a Manga from Ciao

Yesterday, my challenge was to read one of the manga series from the issue of Ciao I have had for a while but have not got around to read. Ciao is one of the most popular Shoujo Manga magazines in Japan. The series I read was Nijiiro Prism Girl by An Nakahara. The blurb to the series and one chapter (as of now) is found here.  The chapter I read was about Nijika rehearsing a dance for a contest and performing when she had an injury that was caused during the rehearsal. It wasn't something I would have chosen as a manga book but I did enjoy reading it and I liked Nijika's helpful and determined personality as well as her cute pet Kapitama-kun. It would be nice to find Nijiiro Prism Girl as a manga book (ideally in Japanese).

Above: The cover of Nijiiro Prism Girl Volume 1. Source: MangaFox

30 Day Random Challenge Day 17: Repeat a Failed Challenge

Today, my challenge is to repeat a challenge I have failed. The failed challenge was to spend at least 20 minutes doing handstands. Even though I did not succeed in doing a handstand, I improved by first doing the entire 20 minutes in four five minute blocks. I also felt that my handstands were vertical even though I could not hold them though. Maybe it was practice or the fact that I changed my technique and I felt so energised while doing them. Because of that, it was nice repeating this challenge again and in the future, I would like to do handstands at least once in a while.

Above: A picture of a handstand on the beach. I wish I can get my handstand to look this good and be able to manage this variation. Source: The Undeniable Ruth.

 

30 Day Random Challenge Day 16: Eat Hot Chips with a Can of Soft Drink for Lunch

Today, my challenge is to eat hot chips with a can of full sugar soft drink. Normally, I would have diet soft drink and I rarely eat chips. Because of that, one of my challenges was to eat chips with soft drink, which I decided would be creaming soda. I thought I would have enjoyed this challenge but it was hard eating them as I started to feel full less than half way through. Also, I do enjoy drinking creaming soda but the flavour was taken away by the chips and I could not help but think of something better to eat than just chips (and most deep fried things). Interesting how things don't always go as planned and I think I'm just fine only having chips rarely.

Above: A picture of hot chips. I don't know why but I think I'm starting to find them too fatty for my taste. I used to enjoy them though. Source: The Sydney Morning Herald.

30 Day Random Challenge Day 15: Wear a Bracelet and a New Pair of Earrings

Yesterday, my challenge was to wear a bracelet and a pair of earrings I have not worn. I decided to go with a bracelet that has rock like beads and a pair of dangling earrings. Usually, I only wear dangling earrings on special occasions but I chose those earrings because they seemed to somehow match the bracelet. One good thing that happened yesterday with wearing the earrings was that I got a compliment! I hope the challenges later on result in something positive as well.

Above: The bracelet I wore. I forgot I had this bracelet but I think it's nice.

Above: One of the earrings. Not something that I would have chosen (It was a gift) but it's something I like.

30 Day Random Challenge Day 14: Do a French Braid

Today, my challenge is to practice doing French braids. I was only able to do two today. My first one was a big mess but my second one had a structure but was really loose and somewhat messy. Maybe the second one was somewhat neat because I have done the Dutch braid fairly recently and both the French and the Dutch braids are similar. I guess I'll be practicing more and when I do a decent Dutch/French braid, I'll show it.

I can't believe it's been two weeks since I started doing my 30 Day Random Challenge. Here's to the next 16 days.

Above: A French braid. I hope to get mine that nice one day. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

30 Day Random Challenge Day 13: Draw a Pokemon

Today, my challenge is to draw a Pokémon. For this one, I chose one of my favourite Pokémon, Plusle. I love the electric rodents because they are cute but somewhat powerful (they're not the strongest but they make up for it with their charm). While struggling to find a Pokémon that was easy to draw, my eyes turned to the Minun soft toy I have. I then thought of drawing Minun's "cousin", Plusle. Using the instructions from Drago Art,  I drew a Plusle.

It was fun drawing Plusle and maybe I'll draw Minun in the future. Maybe in the future, there could be an electric rodent that is an Australian rodent (e.g. antechinus, bilby etc.).


Above: My drawing of Plusle. I know it's not perfect but I rarely use Paint and not everyone can be a talented artist, despite what you think when you see fanart.

 





 



30 Day Random Challenge Day 12: Spend at least 20 minutes Doing Handstands

Today, my challenge is to spend at least 20 minutes doing handstands. At first, I decided to split the 20 minutes into four five minute blocks but I was only able to manage three of those (15 minutes) unfortunately. I did attempt doing handstands a lot but I wasn't able to do a proper one. Because it was something I haven't done in a while and the point of this 30 Day Challenge is to do things I would not usually do, I thought this would be a good challenge, which it was. Maybe tomorrow's challenge will be something that I can do.

Above: A handstand. I wish I can do this one day. Source: Maria's Farm Country Kitchen

30 Day Random Challenge Day 11: Wear a Random Pair of Earrrings

Today, my challenge is to wear a random pair of earrings. Usually, I wear the same pair of earrings day after day or I don't wear any earrings. So, I chose to wear a different pair of earrings as a challenge. I ended up choosing my diamante flower studs. I first thought they were too formal for going to Uni in but I ended up being more comfortable in them as the day went on. I guess that was because I'm not used to wearing accessories normally. Maybe by the end of this challenge, I'll decide to wear accessories more often.

Above: A close up of one of the diamante flower studs.

30 Day Random Challenge Day 10: Find a Youtube Video related to a Lolita Brand

Yesterday, my challenge was to find a Youtube video related to a Lolita brand. I found a video of Angelic Pretty at AniRevo 2013 in Canada. It was about it's Canadian debut. I found the clip interesting and it made me think about how AP should come to Australia. It would be hard to organise an Australia wide event due to the size of this country. However, if AP can do it in America and Canada as well as China, I don't see how size can be an issue. The fashion show at the beginning was nice. I would like to be in a Lolita fashion show one day but I feel that I don't have the right body shape to do it now. A brand Tea Party in Australia would be nice as well and I hope I can pick up brand at short notice if I don't have any at that time (I do have one brand piece but it's a tote bag though).

Oh well, who knows what could happen in the future. Even later this year is a mystery.

The video is here.

Above: A shot from the AniRevo Angelic Pretty video. Source: Youtube

30 Day Random Challenge Day 9: Find a Youtube Video of Son Yeon Jae

Today, my challenge is to find a Youtube video of Son Yeon Jae. She is my favourite Rhythmic Gymnast because her routines are full of character and she is a joy to watch. However, in Australia, sports such as Rhythmic Gymnastics aren't very popular. Instead, most Australians prefer sports such as rugby, AFL and cricket. However, I don't like those sports.

I watched all of Son Yeon Jae's routines for 2014 and my favourite one is the hoop routine because she emphasises the character in the music and the elements in the routine are very effective. Even the ending is amazing (not giving any spoilers). Unfortunately, the only way I can watch Rhythmic Gymnastics on TV is during the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, which will be on later this year. Because South Korea isn't part of the Commonwealth, I won't be able to see Son Yeon Jae compete though :(.

Her hoop routine is here.



Above: Son Yeon Jae at the London Olympics. Source: The Korea Herald

30 Day Random Challenge Day 8: Download a Song From a J-Pop Group I Have not Listened to

Yesterday, my challenge was to download a song from a J-Pop Group I have never listened to. I decided to download a recent song from Morning Musume. I have heard of them before but I have never listened to one of their songs. I ended up downloading "ウルフボーイ (Wolf Boy)", which wasn't what I expected from an idol group. It was funky but was more Electro-Pop. It even changed tone but it was subtle, which is nice and I did enjoy listening to it. No wonder why they have been able to last over a decade if they can be this creative. Because of this, I would recommend listening to Wolf Boy at least.




Above: Current line up of Morning Musume. Source: Hello! Project Wiki

30 Day Random Challenge Day 7: Do a Dutch Braid

Today, my challenge is to do a Dutch Braid. I first attempted the braid in the morning but it turned out really messy and affected the ponytail I had to do just before I left home. Later on at night, I practiced doing a Dutch Braid a few times and I still couldn't do it well. I have done a Dutch Braid a few times but it has never been perfect. I guess I need to practice it a bit more before I wear it in public.

After today, I will have to do some minor changes to a few of the challenges in order to be realistic.

Above: A Dutch Braid. I hope one day I can do one. Source: Land of Hair Styles.

 

30 Day Random Challenge Day 6: Find a Youtube Video of the "Lolita Best Friends Challenge"

Yesterday, my challenge was to find a Youtube video of the "Lolita Best Friends Challenge". It was quite hard as the challenge was first done in September last year. However, I think there will be a lot more of that challenge by the end of this year.

The video I found was the original one by Kat from Hello Batty with her Lolita best friend, Davina. The video can be found here. They were entertaining to watch and it was interesting seeing their beginnings as Lolitas as well as what their opinions of each other were. Also, their Lolita dreams were quite interesting as well as the prints they made up (watch the video if you want to see them).

The reason why I found out about the Lolita Best Friends Challenge was because Rosalynn from Lolita Wonderland did it but as far as I know, her video has not been posted yet. Maybe one day I'll have a Lolita Best Friend.

30 Day Random Challenge Day 5: Spend 30 Minutes doing Yoga

Yesterday, my challenge was to spend 30 minutes doing yoga. As I haven't done yoga for a long time and don't exercise as much as I should, I thought this would be a good challenge. I was right as yesterday was a pretty bad day for me and I didn't feel like exercising. At first, I thought about doing this in three 10 minute sessions but I ended up doing the 30 minutes in one go.

It was interesting seeing how even something as simple as sitting cross legged was hard. I guess that was because I haven't done it for a long time. Overall, doing yoga was invigorating and I will try to do yoga at least once a week from now on. During the 30 minutes the hardest pose for me was warrior III, which is where you stand on one foot with the other leg being at a ninety degree angle behind and the rest of your body being in line with the non supporting leg. It was hard keeping myself still in that pose. Here's hoping I can hold the Warrior III pose for at least 10 seconds in time. Another pose which I found hard was the Shoulderstand. I have never been able to even achieve that pose but if I practice, I should be able to improve.

The easiest pose for that session was doing a straddle pose called the Seated wide legged pose. It was easy to do but still a stretch. At the end of the session, I decided to do the splits to finish the session.

Above: Warrior III pose. (Source: Yoga Life Journey)