 |
| Photo by Strafford Floate. At my last school performance in December |
 |
| copyright 2011 |
Goodnight all, and my best wishes.
xxx Lilly
Friday, January 20, 2012
End of December
This is a very personal photo for me, because it was my last performance to date, and my last ever school performance. (There have been hundreds). Here I was performing Vivaldi's Winter (II and III) arranged for flute choir, which is part of the Four Seasons and is one of my favourite pieces of music. Myself and another flautist were performing solos in this arrangement, so it is a particularly special and memorable ocassion in my school and musical life.
I received this rose at the end of the concert I was performing at in the above photo. Traditionally, red roses are given to the year 12 music students and musicians by their teachers at this performance which occured after our exams. I took this photo a few days before I moved out of my old house in to the place I am living now. (Chunky heels are a hassle to pack!) The rose lasted a week or so and I disposed of it on the day of moving house. Also that day I found a four leaf clover, which I consider to be a positive sign that the move was the right decision and there was hope for my future. (I had my university audition for a Bachelor of Music the day later, which was successful. I have almost finished enrolling for this year and I am so excited!)
Goodnight all, and my best wishes.
xxx Lilly
Goodnight all, and my best wishes.
xxx Lilly
Sunday, December 25, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
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
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
Thursday, December 1, 2011
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
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
Sunday, November 27, 2011
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 |
 |
| http://www.broadwayworld.com/columnpic/sabra-rubinaldphoto-by-james-houston-from-complexionsdanceorg.jpg |
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 |
 |
| http://gothic-photography.net/images/1212365037_428888778_50e7527266.jpg |
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
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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.
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?)
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
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 |
(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 |
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
Thursday, November 10, 2011
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)