School!

I hope all your summers went well!

Now let's welcome school.

If school hasn't started for you - awesome.

If it has, welcome to my life.

School actually started on August 21 for me. Yep, quite early compared to lots of you.

And the high school I go to has block scheduling - 87 minutes per class; four classes a day.

This semester I have endless days of Debate/US Democracy, Orchestra, Honors Geometry, and French. Oh-so-very long. But ya gotta get used to it.

Debate is actually my favorite class. My teacher is actually quite funny. (For example, to illustrate sovereignty today, he showed us the clean version of "Honey Badger Don't Care", which is pure awesomeness. c:) 

Least favorite class? - French. I'm forced to take French 1 (I'm a freshman), and I already know the basics of it. So when the recite numbers and days of the week, I am bored out of my mind. 

Welp, if you have school now - what're your favorite classes?  Anything funny happen today? c:

If you don't have school - KEEP ON KEEPING ON! :D

Music

Hello!

This post is going to talk about my tastes in music. Please don't be offended if I diss Bieber or 1D or anyone else. 

I just also want to say that I'm not trying to be hipster in liking mostly indie music. Foster the People is my favorite indie band, even though they're quite famous. Pop music just isn't my thing.

So yes - indie music of all types is what I listen to constantly. I listen to so many obscure bands/singers that most of my friends don't know. For example - Young the Giant, Two Door Cinema Club, Phoenix, Kimbra. 

I just think that whatever's hot in the Top 40 is just way too manufactured. Some songs just sound way too...fake. Take a look at One Direction. They were put together on the X Factor. It's not like they were lifelong buds or anything. Very produced. And their songs....don't get me started. Really. I've already offended tons of you out there. I just don't connect with their music. I get no meaning out of it other than the obviously stated ones. 

Take a look at Foster the People's "Call it What you Want". It's basically about being yourself. "...locked up in ideas; we like to label everything...", "...if it don't conform to what you were born into you run the other way...", and "...what I've got can't be bought...".  Tons of quotes I record come from songs like these.

There is so much music out there. Whether it be punk rock, country, alternative, or indie - it's your choice what you want to listen to. Music is so amazing, if we didn't have it, I'm pretty sure someone would find a way to make it or else I would not survive this world. [:

Anyways - I am currently uber obsessed with Two Door Cinema Club right now. And apparently, they're quite popular in Ireland/UK. 

And now here's some songs I think you should hear:

2DCC - "What You Know"

FTP - "Call it What you Want"

Kimbra - "Settle Down"

Sure, these songs are a bit more well known, but they're still amazingly good.

Well, have a nice day. [:

Shop 'Til You Drop

Hello there again! 

I'm trying to be a bit more active with my posts here, but alas, I am not. 

Anyways, this post will be about shopping. For clothing of course. Well, unless you like grocery shopping better. So I suggest you might want skip my post and head over to Good Housekeeping or something.

Well.

I love to shop, but especially when I can snag a great deal. I think I got this gene from my mother - if it's not on sale; you can't buy it! (Of course, my father is fine with spending money here and there, but that's another story.) 

This is the reason I love shopping at thrift stores.

Those little shops that have donated and used clothing from random people somewhere for a discounted, uber cheap price. I'm a proud thrift shopper. I even have preferences for the nearly new stores I shop at. (My local Salvation Army is too expensive for used clothing, in my opinion. I mean, $5 for stained sweater? No, thank you. Well, your local Salvation Army may be fine, but every place is different.)

I've bought some great pieces from them. A new Vera Wang skirt (tags still attached!) for only $2. A vintage cameo pendant necklace. A barely used J. Crew blazer. And some super cute oxford heels.

So go on! Don't be afraid to be seen at thrift stores! You never know what you may find for such a great price. :)

Long time, no post! + Online Clothing

Hello dear readers!

I think it's been quite a while since I last posted...

 

Anyways, I hope your summer is going super well! If you're out of school. I've been out and about for the past week or two - fishing, picnics, friends, etc.

Anyways. Well. 

Oh yes. I am going to show you a couple of web-stores that I shop from frequently. One is a bit pricey, but the other one is surprisingly affordable. (I really don't know why I'm telling you this. Just have to get it out there! If you like clothes, and want to be unique, these websites are for you!)

First --- Modcloth.com

Modcloth is a cute little retro-indie-vintage clothing site. They have the cutest clothes and swimsuits! 

(Here's a little screenshot I just took. I zoomed out, so it is a bit bigger)

 

In addition to clothing, accessories, and shoes, they have home decor items and books. Their prices vary, but range from about $20-$50 for a nice shirt. Dresses are usually a bit higher though. Swimsuits are expensive also - $80. I've been dying to get one, but just can't afford it. And, if you're like me, you may just browse through their sale section every day to see if you can snag a great deal. And every Tuesday (called "Twelvsies Tuesday") they have 12 items on sale for only that day. Pretty cool. :D

Here's some of their items (click pic to make larger):

 

(Left to right : Scoop of Sorbet Dress - $59.99, Classy in Cabo Top - $37.99, Perennial Favorite Flats - $27.99, Bathing Beauty One Piece in Needlepoint - $89.99, Lace See Shorts - $37.99)

And second - Urbanog.com

 

 

I love this site! It is surprisingly super cheap (compared to most sites) but stylish at the same time. They have a bit more funky styled clothing - like indie, tribal, bright colored. I don't buy much of their clothing, but mostly their shoes and jewelry. Most of their shirts are sheer and cut out at the back, but that may be because of the summer season. Everyday, they have a daily "Deal of the Day" - where a few items are on sale for only that day. They have some super good deals there - like a $28 pair of wedges for only $13! They are very affordable - in tops the prices range from $5 to $40. 

 

Here's some of their items (items with - * - are on sale):

 

(Left to right: Bohemian Spirit Dress* - $17.10, Malibu Beauty Top - $20.70, Bamboo Morris-16 Rosette Cuff Thong Flat Sandal* - $15.20, Bird of the Tropics Necklace and Earrings - $16.50)

Well, I hope you enjoyed my informative e-fashion post (if you read it). If you did read this, thank you so much! It's good to know that all this work didn't go to waste. :) If you have any suggestions to other clothing sites, I'd be happy to know! I love shopping online - my small town does not offer many unique clothing stores. Welp, thanks for reading! :D

Summertime!

(Yay, new graphic! Finally made it.)

Before I begin, any constructive criticism for my new graphic? I took a few tips at my last one, and tried to make my skills a little better. I know, the hand is really messed up - just a basic shape and no details. But it looks okay from afar. At least that's what I think. The hair's a bit iffy, but oh well. Comment away with your thoughts! :)

After that long intro, I will begin with what I meant to begin with.

Summer!

We're nearing the end of the school year (though I already finished, as said in my last post) and summer is just around the corner. Ice cream, butterflies, and warm, sunny days. Ahh. :)

My plans for the summer are going to Philadelphia (seeing grandma and aunts + Philly cheese steaks :D), going to Minneapolis (seeing the Phillies play the Twins), and a mini Southern road trip. Usually, my family and I travel a ton during the summer (last summer  was Greece/Bulgaria/France), but we take a break between vacations, and so now it's just all withing the United States. 

Anyways, enough of me. I want to know what you're doing for this upcoming summer. Any major trips? Or just lazing around the house? :) Either way, have a great summer guys. :D

(Oh and by the way, my Valley Fair trip was actually very fun! But more terrifying and kind of boring. Went on my first (and only) roller coaster! *shudders* Terrifying. The feeling it gives you is weird. And that you absolutely have to scream. But still a nice experience. ^.^)

New Graphic!

(I know, I said I needed a new graphic for this blog, but I've been busy. Or lazy. :P)

Hello everyone!

Over the past few days, I spent several hours on this graphic.

(I know, the top of the head is cut off. I didn't plan ahead. And there are those little edgy things around the edges. Ack, I don't know how to make it straight!)

I scoured the Internet to find graphic tutorials and found these two to be amazingly helpful:

First - http://stardollgraphictutorials.blogspot.com/2010/08/hair-tutorial.html - for the hair.

It is amazingly simple, but time consuming to make the hair that way. I think it looks much more professional and cleaner that way, instead of shading or using the burn tool. 

Second - http://hunnigall.blogspot.com/2010/11/beginner-skin-shading-in-general.html - for the skin.

There are three ways in this tutorial to make the skin. Any one of them makes the skin look so much cleaner, but again, they are time consuming. But so worth it. I used the "Shady Lady" way.

Anyway, I hope you find these tutorials to be helpful in your graphic design making. Remember, I'm only an amateur in graphic design creating, and if you are too, look what you can do! Just practice a ton, and you'll get it perfect. :)

Hello + Satchel Backpacks

(I think I need a new banner; new one next week!)

Well, hello everyone! It's been a while.

I hope your day has been amazing so far!

As for me, my day has been pretty okay except for the fact that my stubbed pinkie toe has caused me to limp most of the day. *evil mumbling* I hate my couch.

Anyway, all my posts are pretty random, and I will continue to keep it that way. :)

Now, on to the post. I am going to tell you about a little trend thing going on: satchel backpacks.

I personally love them. They are very fashionable and can be paired with almost anything.

They can come in many different colors to suit your style. I prefer the classic, vintage looking brown leather, which can go with a ton of different outfits. 

They are easy to carry around, as they're not in the way like huge bags, and can pack a bunch of things. I like to use it when I'm riding my bike around to places, which is easier than using a tote bag or purse. 

(Some of the many ways you can wear it! Classy or casual.)

Satchel backpacks are super versatile. Anything goes when you wear it. A floral dress if you're going for a vintage/girly look, or ripped skinny jeans with a tee if you want to keep it casual. 

And that's my little post. :) I hoped you liked it. If you have any other suggestions to what trends/clothing/styles I should post about, comment below! :) 

Thanks for reading! ;)

Info + Snowflakes...

(I think it's time for a change in my banner - new one (maybe) next week!)

Now, let's all thank Manny for giving the Stardoll Chatterbox a new look! :) It's pretty cool; love the fresh look of it! 

After a few experiments of types of posts to post (like nail ideas, stuff about me, graphic designs, or real life), I'm still deciding. I hope you just like the randomness of my posts. :)

Now, I am going to start a little story thing. I don't know; just trying new things out here and there by being inspired by other writers. And I love writing stories! 

I'm going to name these little pieces - *Snowflakes*

(I know, I know. Summer's coming but I'm making a winter story. I just like the winter a bunch!)

**********************

Marissa worriedly took a glance outside her cabin's window. Snow was coming. The heavy, grey clouds signaled the coming of it. She pulled herself away from the window to tend to the fireplace, where a hungry fire ate at the logs. Though she was warmed by the heat as flames licked her fingertips, she felt an eerie chill run over her skin.

She remembered the horrifying things she had experienced before arriving at this haven. The excruciating pain she felt, running for her life with an injured leg. All that deep, red blood, staining the snow. Leaving her boyfriend and best friend behind. She shook the thought out of her mind. No, no, she didn't kill them. She couldn't help them. They were helpless. She fought the tears threatening to break out into waterfalls. 

Scritch. Scratch. The sounds startled Marissa, and she jumped up from the fireplace. There. The sounds again. No, it can't be, she thought. It can't. She grabbed a poker for the fireplace, the closest weapon she could find. Again, the sounds continued. She searched for where they could be coming from. No. The roof. There's nowhere to hide. No way to go outside. Her heart beat quickly and hard; the sounds were almost deafening. Her breath quickened as a splinter of wood fell from the ceiling. They can't be getting through. No. She didn't know what to do. She desperately scanned the petite cabin for a hiding place. 

There it was. A small little latch at the far end of the cabin, in the corner. It must be a cellar of some sort, she thought. It has to be. A few more small pieces fell from above. The snow had started falling outside. She had to make a run for it. Before those heavy breathing beasts came through...

TO BE CONTINUED...in my next post :)

***********************

So, I hope you liked that! I'm usually best at writing suspense/horror/scary stories. Be sure to read my next post, maybe tomorrow or the next day, to read what happens next in...

*SNOWFLAKES*

The Hunger Games! :)

Before I begin...

The owner of this blog is suspected to be a hacker?

Interesting.

I'll just keep on continuing with posts when I have time, but I don't think I can take over this blog. I have way too many things to do and I don't want to let anyone down. 

---------------------------------------------------------------

Well, on Saturday I went with my friends to see the Hunger Games! Other than the fact it was my first time at a movie theater (well, yes, I know, that's very weird. I don't get out much :]) the movie was AMAZING. 

If you haven't seen it yet, you should totally go! And if you haven't read the book yet, you really should too! Usually, books explain things better than movies, since movies don't go into much detail. Sure, there are differences, but there'll always will be. Now, I'll just talk a little about it. :)

(Here are most of the characters;(from left to right)Clove, Marvel, Foxface, Thresh, Glimmer, Cato, Rue, Peeta, Katniss, and Gale.)

The cast is really well picked and they act really well, in my opinion. I'm not a movie critic and you may have other opinions, which is fine with me. Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark, and Liam Hemsworth acts Gale Hawthorne. There are also other actors (well, duh) like Clove, one of the tributes, is played by Isabelle Fuhrman, who acted in Orphan. And yes, like most starstruck watchers of this movie, I am now obsessed with Josh Hutcherson. Haha, yes. :)

 

(These are some funny little memes. I'm sure you've seen these before, on Facebook and such. Ah, Peeta...)

And now, I will leave you alone. Now you go read the Hunger Games and watch the movie. You won't regret it. :)

This is just to say...

Hello again!

I may only post about graphics every so often, and just post when I have time. 

Hope that's okay with you all! :)

Now, I'll just post a creative nail idea I think you'll like. I love painting my nails with all sorts of designs. It takes some patience, practice, and creativity! ;] 

(These pictures are all not mine, nor are the ideas. It's just really fun to try them!)

Floral Print Nails

1.) Start with a base coat, if you want to protect your nails. After it dries, paint your nails a light color, preferably pastels, if you want to go for the vintage look.

2.) After that layer dries, start painting the flowers. Pick two pinkish colors, one darker or lighter than the other. But it doesn't have to be pink, be imaginative! Maybe purple and blue, yellow and orange; anything goes! :) Put a little dot of each color next to each other and swirl a bit with a toothpick. Do that several times on each fingernail to each finger.

3.) After the flowers dry, add two little green leaves to the flowers for a finishing touch. And voila! You are done! If you want, you can do every other nail as shown above in the picture, and put stripes or polka dots too. It's your nails, do what you want! ;]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'll also post some random things about me. I don't know why, but just so you'll get to know me better! :D 

-I absolutely LOVE Foster the People. They are amazingly amazing, and their music is so real. I can just relate to their songs a whole lot. :) 

-I also love the Philadelphia Phillies! They're an American baseball team and they're pretty much awesome. :) If you've ever been to a MLB game of your favorite baseball team, or any sport for that matter, you know how amazing it is to see your favorite players on the field. I've even gotten  an autograph from one of my favorite (relief) pitchers - Ryan Madson, though he's not on the Phils anymore. :(

(Well, I'll admit it. This sunset in SD is actually quite beautiful.)

-I live in South Dakota, USA. I feel safe posting this, because who would want to go to that boring state just to find me? Haha, but really. SD is boring. Very. We don't even have a million people in the whole entire state! Well, the wide open spaces are quite refreshing and relaxing, it does get boring. But horseback riding is fun to do here, and the county fairs. All that small town flair. :)

(Ah. Those antlers. It's my dream as a deer hunter to get my first trophy buck.)

-Just something to add to my South Dakotan life. I love to hunt. Deer. It may seem cruel to kill them, but it's actually good for them. If we didn't hunt them, they would overpopulate the state. I've only gotten 2 deer (both does) in the past season using a deer rifle. Can't wait for next season! And deer jerky is delicious! And all the other meat. Just cleaning and butchering the deer is gross for me. 

(There's Lucas Shogren playing the cello on the left. He's on the left in the next pic. His wife is in the middle. His cello/violin/percussion group is called Clocks and Clouds. They're amazing. :] )

-I absolutely love orchestra! It may seem nerdy, but I really get into it. I play violin, and it's really fun. :) We had a concert last night, and a semi-famous conductor guy directed us. Lucas Shogren. *Sigh.* I am obsessed with him. He is actually pretty cute :) (he's married though). We were playing his song for a while, and I always thought it was written by some old guy. It really surprised me when we rehearsed and he came up. Ah, starstruck. :)

Now, I'll just end it for today. Sorry if I bored you with just telling you about myself and if this was way too long. Either way, I'll just post more with each post. I'll try not to do Stardoll related topics, so you can get a little break from it. Hope you all have a great Wednesday night or Thursday! (For me, I have no school on Thurs. and Fri. since it is spring break.) :)

Little late here!

Hello dear readers!

Sorry about the delay, if anyone cares at all. I was supposed to post yesterday. :)

But now, it seems I will just post randomly whenever I feel I have the time. 

Surprises; ya gotta love 'em. 

And also: To Starminimon who asked to be experimented on: I'm super sorry, I haven't finished it yet! My computer has difficulties loading up huge programs like Gimp, and you know, there's always school. I'll try to post it as soon as possible! :)

Now, I will show you some more graphics I have made a while ago:

Again, little border left behind. Oh well. You may notice that some of these models look the same, because I've used them multiple times. Here, I'm just practicing the art of drawing hair on Gimp. :)

Now this is a little tilted head action, with the hair flowing down. I added a little clothing, but it doesn't look too well.

The final piece! It's still a work in progress, as I need to add some shading and finish it up. 

Well, any comments are appreciated, and if you'd like to be experimented on, please comment! (I'll try not to be late like this time.)

Have a good day people! Or night. ;)

Greetings! :) And Graphics!

Hello everyone! :]

Snickers_4314 here, new writer for the Stardoll Chatterbox! 

Here's some things about me:

-I'm also known as Anna and I live in the middle of nowhere in the good ol' US of A.

-I am 14 years old, in my freshman year of high school. 

-I love drawing and mostly anything that has to do with art.

-I LOVE mashed potatoes! Yes, I could eat them all day... :P And also sushi and ramen noodles!

I could put more, but that would be way too much to write! 

Anyways, I think I will mostly post about random things. If you have any suggestions, please comment! I am an aspiring graphic designer, so I will post some of my recent experiments here. Speaking of which, here are some! Please comment with some constructive criticism, I want to be a better graphic artist!

One of my first graphic designs! I rarely do full body poses. I drew the shoes and dress. And to make it easier, I did just draw over a picture found on the internet. 

 Yeah... um don't ask. Yes, this is what I mean - just experimenting. :) It looks really bold looking.

Hm. Forgot to erase some of that border. Oh, well. More of a natural looking makeup (If you can see.) I'm not a pro at enhancing the dolls yet.

Welp, any help will be greatly appreciated on my graphics! If you want to be "experimented" on, then just comment, and on my next post, which will be next week, I will post them. If you also want a graphic, say, for your banner, just ask please! :)