A lovely, Lushy Christmas

Firstly, I'm very much moved in to my new house with my mum, brother and sister. It's still chaotic, but reallly, what else were you expecting? I've also gotten my results for year 12 (finally) and am thrilled that I passed the audition requirements for the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. So, yeah the last 12 years of musical education have paid off. =D

Anyway, I've been spending a fair bit of money at Lush on Swanston street and in Melbourne Central lately. Actually, I'm so pleased by everything I've bought there, I want to work there! That's a big deal for me as I've never seen myself doing any sort of retail work. Time to rewrite my resume, it seems. So, as a tribute to everything I've bought or tried there, I have decided to write a rave/ haul about the products I have purchased, and I'll be totally honest. Disclaimer: I have paid for everything listed and haven't been asked by Lush to write this. Just so you know. =)

Goth Juice: This pricey little pot of discontinued goodness has been my favourite ever since I first tried it. I love the mossy, earthy scent so much I would wear it as perfume if it was ever bottled. Apart from the cost, my only complaint is that I wish the scent would linger more once the hair gel was in my hair, but you cannot smell it once it's applied. For some, this may be a good thing. It's a lovely purple colour, too, and purple is my favourite colour.

Demon in the Dark: This is a bar of soap containing mint and clove oils. Have I ever mentioned that I have a 'thing' with mint? You know, how some people go gaga over the smell of garlic frying in butter, or vanilla? Well, I love mint things so much, if I could only smell/ taste one flavour for the rest of my life, it would be mint. So, I may be a bit one sided when I say how much I love this soap. It foams into a light lather and rinses away easilly. Also, I have sensitive skin, so I was a bit cautious about trying this soap, due to the stong oils. Almost all mainstream soap bars irritate my skin, but this soap is fine.

Sweetie Pie: This is something that is a novelty in my opinion. It is essentially sodium laureth sufate made into agar jelly, not gelatine. I've always felt a bit iffy about using gelatine products and food. I'm not a vegetarian, as I eat fowl and seafood, but I know that I'll be a vegetarian when I'm older. Anyway now's not the time to talk about that. The soap contains glitter and is dyed blue/ black. It has a scent of blueberries that reminds me of jelly lollies. Everyone else in my family is a bit repulsed by this soap, but think it's really fun to hold. In the shower it becomes really slippery, but it can be brushed over a shower sponge or puff and used like a shower gel.

Mint Julip lip scrub: This is something I feel I could have made myself, but I was curious to try it and, well it has mint oil in it... Super satisfied witht the results; smooth, soft lips and a delicious flavour.

Dirty perfume: This is a men's perfume, but I feel that it is suitable for ladies to wear just fine. It is fresh, minty and subtly earthy. Very expensive for the amount, though, but cheaper than a high fashion brand. It's hard to go wrong with perfume, mind you. Either you like the scent, or you don't.

Dirty Toothy Tabs: I have only bought this a few days ago, and only tried it twice. Essentially it is a small tablet that you chew and then brush your teeth with. It foams up to a light lather similar to toothpaste. I initially tried one without a brush. DON'T do that- it really tastes awful. It is really important to follow the directions on the box. In my personal opinion, I feel that toothpaste is better tasting, easier and more efficiant at cleaning my teeth, but I actually bought these for a camping trip I'll be embarking on soon enough. I think that they are very convenient and they have far less packeging than toothpaste tubes. I though that it wasn't minty enough for my tastes, as I love a good strong mint flavour.

I also bought a bar of Teo Deodorant for my dad, but as I'm sure you can understand, I didn't try that. It smelt pretty though.

I hope you are all enjoying your holidays!

xxx Lilly

Updates

So I'm not sure how much you bloggers know, but I'm essentially all settled in to my new house with my mum, sister and brother. Things are naturally chaotic, but slowly sorting themselves out. That does explain why, even though I haven't been studying, I haven't been able to write anything substantial. =(

But, last week I had my audition for Melbourne University Conservatorium. I was rather stressed about it, but I felt I played well in the end... and I've recieved good news, but I won't tell until it's all official. =P

Also, on Saturday I'll be heading to a Tim Burton- ish themed party for the 18th birthday celebrations of one of my good friends. I've decided to dress up as a Mrs. Lovett type character so I don't have to go out and buy more clothes. As nice as that would be, I spent a shocking $65 on Illamasqua foundation yesterday (It is lovely) and subsequently cannot afford to spend money...

Follow me on Twitter; @lillypeppermint

xxx Lilly

Scaracters

Everyone who's read my blog or follows me on Twitter will know that I love the work by Amerian McGee. In particular, his creations Alice and Alice: Madness Returns.

In honour of his work, and as an entry to Audfaced's current makeup contest I created a look inspired by the Cheshire Cat from both games.

Here you can see my entry. It is my first published YouTube video, so it's rather rusty and unpolished... but, hey, making videos is a learning experience, so I can only improve from here.



I should mention that I did compose the music for the video. More details are provided in the video decription, but the piece was composed in 2009 or 2010... perhaps even in 2008. I don't remember eactly, but I chose it because it was the right length. XD
In case you're interested, here is the promotional video published by Audfaced.




xxx Lilly

Goths and Ballet

I have always been facinated with dance. I have studied Jazz Ballet, Contemporary, Irish, Hip Hop, Jazz, Ballroom, Bellydance and Latin for varying periods of time, the longest being 12 years. So, naturally, dance and dance related things have always been very close to my heart.

Ballet, for me, was always out of the question. I'm rather tall, with a large bust (sorry for being frank) and solid- ish legs. When I turned 17 I became rather slender and women tend to do, but I will never be skinny and petite which is rather a requirement of ballet. This has frustrated me because I love ballet. I really think it is a beautiful form of dance.

When people think of ballet they imagine a prima balllerina dressed in white with a stiff tutu and hair in a bun. This is a true image of ballet in the traditional sense.



http://artsalive.ca/upload/dan/karenkain_swan_full.jpg

But ballet has expanded and grown, as alll art forms do, into contemporary ballet which is modern, unconventional yet just a dramatic and mysterious.


http://www.broadwayworld.com/columnpic/sabra-rubinaldphoto-by-james-houston-from-complexionsdanceorg.jpg

 None the less, ballet has always been beautiful, dramatic and with a focus on 'line'. There is also a sensuality about ballet, in the lightness of the movements and the lines the body creates. Ballet forces the body into positions it is not designed to be in. This makes ballet a very unhealthy form of dance, but with an element of fantasy and the surreal.

Ballet's appeal to Goths, I believe, lies in this fantastic, dream like quality.

Google 'Goth Ballet' and you will find dozens of pictures similar to this...



http://gothclothes.com.au/shop/images/P/Ballet-1020-b.jpg

While these sorts of shoes a clearly ballet inspired and very pretty, they are without question fetish shoes and so may not be appropriate for everyone. (I should add that these shoes are not designed to be walked in. They are for show only.) However, Google 'Gothic Ballet' (Isn't is amazing how a few letters can change the meaning) and you will find many beautiful pictures...



https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyrgKNEsV3UOBEyZ2LcQmx45s0s11IC6UejcHjD4E_NNu70lPAlRgA3cPzT95kcYfH7zI7kDTX_SZHYMX9r51gOhvaiutkAyZEkc7fOrQzh8Zvp9f9GGhfSq4Okm1RZVykeYX1xWm54ZnW/s1600/SK-0820.jpg

 


http://gothic-photography.net/images/1212365037_428888778_50e7527266.jpg



https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zhTiQc-xu8JKMPdpckrXyaWA3-nUyxX349ScsLdP66p8ZVp4Ih-tUQx9EpTSY99LkKQggv07S6A7X9vBljSer2SRTJXjyko3bG8bLO_j503BMIrrN97kt-dzJd14WG_IuS2JKWQD-sU/s1600/ballet.jpg

 All of these pictures, and there are hundreds more, have a dark, romantic quality about them. A touch of sadness or an air of danger, yet they are still 'ballet'. There is also a distinct contrast between this and traditional ballet, through the use of lighting, colour, symbolism and/ or texture.

Ballet can incorperated into fashion easilly. I feel this is similar to Lolita fashion styles, with more flow and something of a simplication. Ribbons and stocking are items that are often found in wardrobes, and are perfect. Tutus, flowing skirts that go to the knee and shorter hoop skirts are also perfect. Singlets, corsets (to the looney in the back, of course you cannot dance ballet in a corset. It's just for show), plain t shirts and flowing loose shirts are good for top clothing. Colour wise, ballet often features pastel and pale neutral colours such as ivory. While these can be very effective as Gothic attire, perhaps you would feel more comfortable in black, grey, charcoal or even neon colours. Hair can be arranged in a bun, neat or deconstructed, or in an elaborate up do and secured with nets, ribbons or pins. In a performance, hair will always be off the face, but really you can have your hair however you like.
The 'Gothic' nature is really brought out through contrast. For example, stocking can be ripped and distressed, clothes can be stained, torn and embellished, huge chunky boots can be paired with pastel stockings and neat hair... The combinations are endless and any amount of DIY creativity can bring a ballet costume, or ballet inspired garb to be spooky, cute, mysterious, dark or even sexy, depending on your personality.
(Sorry for any ballet loving Cybergoths reading this. I'm not all that experienced with Cyber fashion, but I'm positive it can work. Oh, and if someone ever composed a ballet featuring vampires and droids I really would love them for ever.)

I don't encourage everyone to suddenly stop what they're doing and take ballet lessons and I'm certainly not supporting the idea that you must be rail thin in order to enjoy this look. That would be foolish and very unrealistic. Instead I think that the grace, elegance and attention to detail can be incorperated into our everyday dress, manner and lifestyle.

xxx Lilly

Inspirational People: Hex

Stephanie "Hex" Bendixsen is a host on the Australian TV shows Good Game and Good Game Spawn Point. Herself, co-host Bajo and on SP a 'robot' called D.A.R.R.E.N review games, give gaming news from Australia and around the world and feature events related to gaming. Occasionally, the field reporter Goose gives insight to the games industry and technology.

Hex is an inspiration to me as a young, vibrant female who plays games in what is largely a male-dominated industry and is in the public eye. There is a bit of a stigma about 'girl gamers' which is for the majority, untrue. Hex is someone who is refreshingly real, down to earth, young and actually 'cool'. Her knowledge of gaming history and 'skill' as a gamer is very impressive.

http://data.whicdn.com/images/3574634/tumblr_l7ed3aqIwz1qdp8nco1_400_thumb.jpg?1282875726

 Hex is also 'Alternative' and unique in her style and manner. She is intelligent and articulate, which OF COURSE is important.
(Did I mention she is just as nerdy about dragons, warlocks, ninjas and magic as I am?)

http://edge.alluremedia.com.au/m/k/2010/06/good-game-andrew-hansen.jpg

Hex with Andrew Hansen, part of the Chasers and another huge inspiration and idol of mine.

P.S Now I'm 100% completely finished with school forever. Last night was my last performance through school. Also, I'm recently single, which is sad. =(

xxx Lilly

No more school

Yesterday was my last ever official day of school, and my high school graduation was last night. I must admit, I am so relieved to be finished with school but I didn't feel the 'rush' that I was expecting to feel. I believe that this is because my Music Performance- Solo practical exam was on Sunday, the day before yesterday, and I had been preparing for that exam for 12 months. I think I wrote about it in my previous post. Anyway, while I believe that that exam won't be my hardest exam, it is the exam that I wanted to be most successful in, as I have been studying classical music for 11 years and want to make a career out of that. Subsequently that exam certainly had the most weight attached to it, and I certainly relaxed afterwards. My dad took my brother and myself out for lunch which was nice, and he bought me a book. =)

Yesterday we had a dress up day. There wasn't a theme, but fancy dress in general. I decided to dress up as Red Riding Hood, and on Saturday, as a much needed distraction from the ever present nerves building up to Sunday, I went to Spotlight and bought some cheap panne velvet in a beautiful dark red and sewed a cloak and hood (by hand). I don't know how to use a machine, and the one that we currently have is apparently not very good. It took about 5 hours in total, which was quite efficient as it was the first article of clothing I had made from scratch, and the website I was using as reference was in inches, which makes things more difficult.

Anyway, this post has taken far too long to publish, so I'm just going to wrap it up by saying I only have one more exam to go and that is next week! I am slowly getting through this!!!


xxx Lilly

Things to do after Year 12

Life as I used to enjoy it has recently come to an almost stand still, due to Year 12. Lately I haven't been able to spend hours writing blog posts, watching TV shows and playing games until 3am, or spend my time composing music as I love to do, simply because of the amount of school work, study and practice that has been required of me. I do push myself academically, and that doesn't improve the situation. Rather, it results in unreasonable expectations, and the feelings of failure when I don't succeed where I want to.
But, VTAC applications are in (except for that supplementary form that I forgot... ) and in exactly one month from tomorrow I will be sitting my last exam for school. Ever. Scary stuff to say the least.
Next weekend is my solo flute exam, which requires a 25 minute solo performance with pieces that meet a variety of criteria. Overall I do feel comfortable with my performance, however there is one piece I am studying that is AMus standard that is... well technically challenging to say the least. Highly atonal with rapid ascending passages in the upper register, combined with quaver triplets over crotchet triples in the piano, with... you get the idea. It's undoubtably the hardest piece I've ever studied on any instrument.

Year 12, and I'm guessing most senior high school years across the world, are demanding and very stressful. I am living on the notion that I only have one week of compulsory classes left ever, coffee and the promise of a fresh start once the whole thing has ended, regardless of the outcome.

So, it seems natural to compensate for the things that have been missing from my life this year, starting from the 16th of November, after my Music Performance- Solo written exam (which happens to be my brother's 13th birthday!)

1. Get my L's
It's something of a tradition for Australian young drivers to get their learners when they are 16, and to churn away at those hours so they can get their P's when they're 18. I've been 18 for over six months now, and I still don't have my L's. It's getting rather frustrating, because sometime last week my only valid form of ID went missing, and I still haven't found it.

2. Get a job.
I have been living off the support of my parents and centerlink for the last two years, with the excuse the I have been concentrating on my studies, and that all of my free time has been taken up with flute playing. That isn't going to be an excuse over the summer, or next year even if I am at university. I do like the idea of getting a job at a nice coffee shop or tea house, or even working at Lush.

3. Move house.
This is going to happen anyway, I know, because we have bought a house just a suburb away. Exciting, and requires some packing... =S but overall it should be a positive experience.

4. Buy a computer.
This will not happen for a while now, as I am terrible at saving money. I really want a computer, preferable a desk top so I can fill it up with new games. Laptops simply don't have the grunt for my tastes.

5. Eat healthier.
Year 12 takes its toll on you due to the lack of sleep, and I don't think my diet has been overly healthy this year. I simply haven't been eating enough lunch or breakfast, so I haven't been able to focus during the day at school.

6. Sleep in.
Goodness, I love my sleep, and I am looking forward to when I am able to lie in my coffin from 4am until 1pm without worrying that I am missing classes or not spending my time studying.

7. Read.
I have always read, but this year I have been somewhat restricted in what I read because I have had to read my Literature texts multiple times each. I am looking forward to being able to read without having to analyse the text, but simply enjoy it.

8. Have a clean bedroom.
This is so hard for me. I haven't sustained any attempt to clean and organise my room since year 2, and that's not an exaggeration. When I have the time...

Anyway that's all. I should SHOULD finish my Styles homework before my SAC on Tuesday. (SACs in term 4... Yes indeed. =/)

xxx Lilly