⊰ Annapearl's Cute & Smart Life ⊱

❤ TOUCH DETECTIVE SOLUTION (scenario 1) W/ SCREENSHOTS ❤

2012-01-27T17:45:00.000-08:00

I finished (and done with) all my Angry Birds and now FINALLY moved on to touch detective that everyone has been playing for ages already. I solved the first scenario (about stolen dreams) and did the first half of the second scenario (right up to the point where they tell you to pay if you wish to keep playing).

I still havent purchased the paid set ($8.99) but not because of the price...Somewhere around 3 in the morning I asked my roommate Kinoko "i just finished half of the second scenario, should i buy the rest?" and Kinoko, who was watching me play the game deep into the night the day before said "If you don't buy it - you can sleep" Fair point.

Im still planning to buy the rest and post the solutions here, but when i'm a little bit less busy with work...maybe during spring break or something.

ANYWAYZZ.... here is the full SOLUTION

1. Cromwell will ask you to bring some flowers, a cake and a "shock-absorber"

the flower is inside Makenzie's room.

2. Take the pillow from Penelope's room (you can see it down in the item screen)

3. You will have found a butterfly net in the park, which has a hole in it. Pick it up and use it to take down the spiderweb from the hotdog stand. The spider web will mend the hole in the net and....

4. You will be able to catch the butterfly which will come in handy later on

5. Buy the Sweet Dream Cake at the bakery

6. Take some free samples of the mushroom cookies as well

7. Do what she says...there's nothing else there for now

8. When you come back to the office give the Cake the Flower and the Pillow to Cromwell, he will make them into a dream watching device.

9. there is a teddy bear on one of the shelves in the store. Buy it.

10. the teddy is wrapped in a paper bag

11. Open the bag and put the mushroom cookies inside.

12. That's right.

13. Go to the second floor of the condo and heat the bag with cookies up in a microwave

14. When you come home, inhale the fumes from the bag to get high and ever the Penelope's dream

15. One you exit the dream you will have to problem of not having witnesses and not being able to convince Penelope to stay up late. Here you will need to use the butterfly to sprinkle dust on the following people: Health Freak in the park

16. Crazy pink sweater lady at the Shopping Plaza

17. And Beatrice the landlady at the Condo

18. Cromwell too

19. Once you are inside the dream again, go to the terrace on the second floor of the condo and you will find an old pump. Take it to Cromwell to fix

20. When you go to the clothing boutique you will find Penelope's clothes in the dressing room. That is because Daisy has a secret Sweet Lolita thing going on hehehe

21. You will be out of the dream, walk around, talk to people...and go back in

22. By now Cromwell would have fixed your pump

23. Go to the condo and pump Beatrice into a ball to make her feel "nostalgic" (how weird!)

24. You are going to need a key to open Daisy's room while she is not home

25. Beatrice won't give it to you and won't let you go inside her room. Use funghi to run inside the room (just tap him infront when in front of the door)

26. And he will come back with a key. HE IS SOOOO CUTE!

27. The clothes are folded right under the leather jacket. NOW, THIS POINT in the game DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. First Penelope complains that her clothes are stolen and then it turns out that they are Daisy's own clothes! so...where are Penelope's?

28. When at the condo, close the front door and the paperbag thief won't be able to escape

29. He will run to the terrace and jump off onto the street

30. Poor Makenzie is too scared to jump after him

31. So you take the ugly teddy from the store

32. And poke a hole in Beatrice!!!!

33. She will fly around in a comical way...sorry i was laughing too hard and didnt take a screen shot

34. Beatrice will land on top of the paperbag and squash him

35. Whren you touch the paperbag you will see that it was Antoinette!

Enjoy the long explanations that come at the end.

*NOTE: that's pretty much all the clues you need for this scenario. If you are not able to move on to the next clue, it means that you haven't read some of the speech bubbles. Just walk around and talk to everybody and that will unlock the clues.

❤ PEARL THE BENTO GIRL ❤

2012-01-24T22:30:00.001-08:00

My typical school lunch. He he not really....but now that I am taking 7 courses and some days i have classes from 9am to 9pm, i gotta come prepared or else i will end up spending tonns of money on overprised campus food

1. Half an apple and half a tangerine

2. Walnuts

3. Granola bar. I know I will be craving something sweet at some point in the day. This should do the trick.

4. Fresh organic tomato

5. Rice flower + Rice heart

6. Organic teriyaki sauce in a cute lion-shaped container

7. Roasted veggies

8. Hard-boiled egg

9. Vitamins

10. Water with built-in filter

11. Cutlery/napkin/teabag pocket

☃ MUSHROOM GARDEN XMAS WALLPAPERS ☃

2012-01-06T21:21:00.000-08:00

I have just completed the iphone / ipad game called Mushroom Garden (a.k.a. Funghi Gardening Kit) "the Christmas version" and these are the wallpaper-trophies

7th of January is the RUSSIAN XMAS!!! here are some gifts for my beloved (though unknown) readers, most of whom are...from India and Pakistan (according to my blog stats) lol....quite an unexpected region, i must say....but WELCOME

☆☆ CLICK "DOWNLOAD LINKED IMAGE" and not just "save as" to get full resolution☆☆

in exchange....please let yourselves be known by commenting and following this blog...i dont "need" subscribers or anythig...but i'm just wondering who y'all are :}

❤ PEARL THE XMAS PARTY GIRL ❤

2011-12-30T19:12:00.000-08:00

This holiday season I was not really into doing anything wild...usually I am, but not this time. Maybe

it's the fact that I was very stressed out during the first semester of school and then right afterwards I had to concentrate on my part-time job (therefore I could not stay up too late). Anyways, seems like the most relaxing events I went to - were the most fun for me.

Japanese parties are always so civil and well-organized LoL

Here are some pics from the U23 (A Japanese agency where Kinoko works) Christmas Event.

The Italian restaurant was packed! No chairs to sit on....

LoL this is not a pose! It's a genuine picture-of-the-moment a.k.a. "Dan saw a lot of cute Japanese bishounen"

(i was gonna write "yummy pizza!", but i'm sure you get it already)

the Hair Show....Japanese hairdressers are the most professional and skillful. Have I already mentioned that?

Lazy way to do red-eye reduction...i know...sorry

zero editing

my BINGO prize

"OMG! We have the same hairstyle! Can i take a picture with you?!"

❤ LATEST ACQUISITIONS ❤

2011-12-25T20:25:00.000-08:00

It's all about the small things in life

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT (top to bottom):

- Versace Bright Crystal mini perfume from Kinoko

i love this scent...smells like my years in London.

back then i went through two bottles of it.

now Kinoko treated herself to a huge set of three and was sweet enough to give me the tiny one

Arigatou ^_^

- Swarovski Nuts Violet Earrings

The name is so cute! They totally look like nuts, but in pretty bright purple crystal.

I like solid crystal designs from Swarovski

i always wanted to have a pair of pretty purple earrings to highlight the green in my eyes

- Moomin Valley cellphone charm from Japan

Kinoko's mom collects Moomins (and so do i) how cute!

She is really cool and always sends me souvenirs from Japan

Makes me feel special ^_^

Arigatou gozaimasu

- Lolita Lempicka Lolita mini-perfume collection

First time ever i was gifted perfumes that i actually love

in fact, its a blessing

(i have been looking for a sugary-sweet scent that is not annoying)

i never would have gone for this brand on my own...so thank you Dan-sshi for introducing me

by the way, the box is from Korea

- Moomin Valley facial towel

Keiko-san wa sugoi desu!

(keiko is kinoko's mom)

How did she know about my "cute towel collection"?!?!

This is a worthy addition.

The character is Little My , which is my favourite

Yay so happy!

Who wants to see my cute towel collection ????????????

- CandyDoll Macaroon Pink lip gloss

I saw this product in a youtube video once and i thought it was the prettiest

I used to have a lot of lip glosses but then i grew cold towards them ,

going for shimmery lipsticks.

I like this one because it's got a milky (white) base so it looks really pastel

nowadays i'm using it together with consealer (like a primer or something)

gives me same nude lip effect as my Shu Uemura lipstick

- Dolly Wink Eyelash glue

I haven't opened it yet

But i have faith that it's better than Duo from Sephora

cuz that one takes too long to dry, smells bad and it's hard to take off from the lashes

- Train Onna no Yokubo extra warm tights

After my fav blogger mentioned these tights in her post

I just had to have them!

the rest of the products in the bottom picture are just "box fillers" for my order of those

awesome tights

- Dolly Wink Sweet Doll false eyelashes

so...everyone and their dog have these eyelashes...

they are so famous, i had to give them a chance

once you start wearing falsies, there is no going back.

i love my false-lash collection and i want to see it grow!

- Gingerbread Santa

Too cute to eat. It was a gift (duuh)

❤ PEARL THE DECEMBER TAURUS GIRL ❤

2011-12-04T16:27:00.001-08:00

Nothing gets done in my life without checking my horoscope first...I can imagine some of the readers rolling their eyes at hearing this satement. Yes, I believe...that "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, that are dreamt of in your philosophy" (Shakespeare) things that cannot be explained and connections that cannot be defined. I also believe that everything is going to be just fine ^^

❤ PEARL THE WINTER MUSHROOM GIRL ❤

2011-12-04T12:08:00.001-08:00

You guessed it! I went to Atelier May once again to get my haircut! This time around was very exciting because we cut off ~2'' inches from my bleach-damaged tips = 3'' more and the bleach will be gone!!!!!

If you remember, back in the day I was obsessed with bleaching the heck out of my fragile hair, which caused it to...pretty much self-destruct. Multiple sessions of highlights have really worked wonders. As you can see, most of the hair is still evenly blond (which is the effect that I want - solid colour) even though the highlights now constitute most of the length. Plus, the roots no longer look so ridiculously grown back (highlights create a more subtle transition) and the healthy hair is growing back thicker, which (FINALLY) creates some volume...YOKATTa!

I never mentioned a word about the atelier's design, which I really love. In fact, I like it so much that I'm going to copy it for my own bedroom hehe (in two years, as my horoscope advices, I'm going to redecorate and repaint my apartment). It's all baby-blue and white...the colour is sightly paller than the famous "Tiffany's" box. In the middle of the salon they have a big dining table with candy and cute stuff. The effect is very clean and spacious...I wish my own home looked so peaceful and sweet.

❤ PEARL THE MUSHROOM-OBSESSED GIRL ❤

2011-12-01T22:09:00.001-08:00

I have an essay to write + work + internship tomorrow! why am i not sleeping?! BECAUSE THE NEW FUNGHI APP IS OUT!!!!! omg!!! #%#^$&*(*(%%@#! wow!

what more can i say? it's the xmas edition and they have wall-papers you can download too ( if you earn enough points) and you dont have to pay for "food"

and funghi has his own website now too....how cute....you can check out his profile and videos and "Funghi anatomy" lol

www.namepara.com <3 <3 <3

❤ PEARL + KINOKO = BFF ❤

2011-11-30T19:26:00.001-08:00

Actually she probably shouln't be called Kinoko, since she no longer has that mushroom haircut...maybe I should be the Kinoko now...anyways....here's us playing in the autumn park

❤ BETTER THAN COFFEE ❤

2011-11-26T10:23:00.001-08:00

Two Hills Organic Matcha Powder - $29.99 @ Health Food Stores

I have a love-hate relationship with coffee...on one hand - I need it to survive 3-hour lectures that finish at 9pm. On the other hand, it makes me feel "burnt out" and (as my mom's experience shows) coffee

addiction causes migranes. In the latest years matcha-drinking culture has really exploded here in the West.

The heath benefits are widely talked about (I will try to summarize them below), but I have become a complete convert when one day after drinking a Matcha Latte @ SecondCup I was sitting in class and my eyes started opening all of a sudden...I was feeling somewhat restless (as one does after drinking a coffee), but not in a nasty way. Since then matcha-based drinks have become my #1 choice for chasing away midday yawns.

Basically, I don't particularly care about matcha's cancer-fighting properties as much as the fact that it gets me through the day!

☂ free radicals = cause aging (by oxidizng cells....like something like "rusting" of the body) --> antioxidants = absorb free radicals = slow down aging
☂ matcha = 20x more antioxidants than pomegranates (top antioxidant fruit)/gram
☂ matcha = 10 glasses of green tea (in terms of caffeine)
☂ matcha = increase physical endurance by 24% (due to leaf properties)
☂ matcha = pretty much calrie-free + also boosts metabolism + burns fat ---> and does not raise blood pressure
☂ matcha's green colour = clorophyl --> removes toxins and heavy metals from the body!
☂ matcha tastes bitter = but not nearly as bitter as coffee. When mixed with plenty of milk (as in matcha latte) it tastes kind of sweetish - I kid you not!
I used to get matcha latte + vanilla syrup, but recently I cut the syrup and just get powder+skim milk. Tastes good! (still tastes like a "treat")

BEST PART: you are not drinking the brew, you are drinking the leaves .: matcha does not stain your teeth!

DOWNSIDE: you're drinking powder. Kind of weird and hard to get used to. It sinks to the bottom of the cup and you have to keep stirring it

❤ PEARL & KINOKO @ ROOSTER COFFEE HOUSE ❤

2011-11-06T23:20:00.001-08:00

The thing about "hipster scene" in Toronto...you're either IN or OUT. You're either regularly going to lame badly-tuned acoustic shows in sadly overpriced venues in Kensington market where pseudo-

intellectual anorexic boys with moustaches (who are wearing their mom's sweaters) will lie to your face that "this is their last cigarette, sorry" OR you're out and you hang out with curtsey girls + earnest nerds + stylish fobs, like me!

But once-in-a-while some hipster wannabe friend (yes, Kinoko, I'm talking about you) will drag you to a GOOD cafe where you will reconnect with your inner hipster and redefine your place in the Big T. City............

Here are some photos from Rooster Coffee House!

So we spent hours sitting in those comfy chairs, sipping organic matcha latte. As I was flipping throught the pages of a book about street dogs and squinting in the light of the setting sun I was thinking: "Maybe there is a reason why I've been so into vintage clothing lately... and maybe I should go to one of those art openings that I never bother with...and didn't I feel just great back when I was vegetarian?"

LoL way to sneak up on me, Canadian culture~

❤ PEARL BEAUTY SHOPPER GIRL 2 ❤

2011-11-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

I think I have already mentioned before (maybe not) that I'm not too much into buying makeup. I do spend tonns (ridiculous, really) of money on "beauty care" products. Among those I give preference to
naturals and organics, unless they have some kind of technologically advanced features. Here are my latest aquisitions:
1.
Nanoblur Skin Perfection Cream $20 - Shoppers Drugmart - I saw ad for this weird product in the newspaper (lol, i know...) and it promised: "millions of light-reflecting particles diffuse light in different directions and make your skin appear 10 years younger). Doesn't actually do anything to cure wrinkles. It's just some kind of weird make up.
UP SIDE: Yeah, right?! Well, actually....it kind of works. I put it on one side of my face and it made a pretty huge difference. No joke. The small wrinkles that i had on my forehead could not be seen from a 10'' distance. It also almost totally hid the blackheads on my roommate's nose. We looked at each other and agreed that it works. Make the skin look whiter and took the redness away.
DOWN SIDE: I dont know why, but IT BURNS (a bit) and feels like the entire face is covered in clingwrap. Plus, the product is supposed to go on top of your liquid foundation which is not easy to do because putting a cream on top of another cream makes the first cream (i.e. foundation) really patchy.
CONCLUSION: It does work so i will keep it for days when i need to look instantly better at any price

2.
Consonant Foaming Face Wash $18 - The Bay - 100% natural - mostly organic
UP SIDE: I've been using this product for a year now. Simply best facewash I've had every since i started washing my face (which was long time ago LoL)
DOWN SIDE: It's very very gentle. The only way it can clean the face if it has already been cleaned with some other product (make up remover or massage cream of something else) otherwise have to wash the face twice
CONCLUSION: The fact that all the ingredients are so good and honest and natural makes me feel very safe using it, which is a big thing. I have a bit of a fear that i might get "immune" to it eventually, but still....not planning to switch any time soon.

3.
Shu Uemura Clensing Oil $40 - Holt Renfrew
UP SIDE: Best make-up remover in the world! No harsh chemichy-plasticky wipes that burn my sensitive skin (you know, even the product says sensitive skin it does not make a difference: some burn just as badly, or just simply don't work) and create garbage. No cotton balls. No nothing. Pump into hands -- massage over face (massage every eyelash to take off the mascara) BEST PART: i can take off my eye make up with my eyes open! Then emulsify with water (have to close your eyes at this point) and the product turns into soapy cleansing thingy. Rinse away!
DOWN SIDE: I used to be very good with using it every night, but washing your face with water every night can be a hussle. Even if instructions say that I won't need to apply anything else after clensing with the oil -- not true. Need my foaming cleanser toner and moisturising cream.
CONCLUSION: the quality if really superb (other oil cleansers like neutrigena and other stuff from Japan that Kinoko had -- dont even compare!) They say Shu Uemura invented this thing after working in Hollywood and dealing with moovie make up. It's been over a year i ONLY use this thing. It's a keeper.

4. Consonant Help Some Body Soap $12 - The Bay - All Organic - Charity Product
UP SIDE: Gentle + Organic + Moisturising + Smells Good = perfect for everyday body cleansing.
also VERY IMPORTANT - 100% of product cost is donated to a charity that buys bedding and anti-mosquito nets for African kids. The charity promises that 100% of all donations reach the child. THEREFORE: buying this soap is the same as putting $12 directly into the child's hands. This is my bar #4...so i've donated $48 bucks...which is not much, but considering that so many charities take the money and then use most of it to pay salaries for themselves and 3rd parties...I'm glad to help with no second thoughts.
DOWN SIDE: no down side
CONCLUSION: it's organic. it's high quality and it helps kids sleep better. what else?!

5.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Eye Cream $120 - The Bay
UP SIDE: Eye creams are so expensive and i was determined not to buy one until i was sure that it's the best one of them all. For half a year I've been going around all different beauty stores and getting samples of eye creams (a sample typically lasts a week or two, so i needed to make fresh trips once-a-month to shops further and further away to avoid the embarassment of being known as the "eye-cream beggar")
At long last! the quest is complete! this it the best one out of dozens that i have tried.
DOWN SIDE: the price. so steep. i hope it's going to last at least a year LoL
CONCLUSION: it's not even a cream, it's a serum. i can SEE the wrinkles becoming more "elastic" after a week or so eye skin is "bouncier".

6.
Nature's Gate Spring Fresh Aluminum-Free deodorant ~$13 - Noah's Health Foods
UP SIDE: No Aluminum = wont give you breast cancer!
Natural deodorant usually don't work at all :( I used this one during my first wave of nature-loving (LoL) in first-year uni. After so many failed deodorant purchases (seriously theres a deodorant cemetary under my bathroom sink) I've decided to go back to it, even if it is not ideal.
This one is pretty good at being an anti-persperant...my armpits are pretty dry
DOWN SIDE: Somehow does not do much for the smell, i have to cover it up with body sprays and perfumes and re-apply constantly and always always shave :(
CONCLUSION: Compared to other things that don't work at all - this is pretty good for what it is. Better than risking cancer, eh?

❤ PEARL NOVEMBER TAURUS GIRL ❤

2011-11-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

sounds awesome to me!

you know where to get yours right? www.astrologyzone.com

❤ PEARL THE YOGA GIRL❤

2011-10-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

In case you havent figured it out yet, I live very close to a shopping mall. Temptations are many, benefits - a few. Free Sunday Yoga at Lululemon, for example!

All the furniture in the store gets moved out of the way and the place fills up with mats and Happy Yoga People. For one hour before the store opens everyone gets a lovely workout. Did i meantion that it's free?

Afterwards they have free snacks and tea. How lovely.

The reason why they do it is -- marketing (of course). I just had to stick around and buy the "Unmat" (like i said i would). On the way out i grabbed a cup of Freshly Squeezed juice.

JUICE: Beats, Carrots, Ginger, Spirulina.
Tastes gross, but so good for ya!

❤ PEARL THE TOPSHOP LOVIN GIRL ❤

2011-10-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

**Make sure that you click the "read more" button so see more stuff!**

UK TOPSHOP is finally (gawd! finally! ~_~) in Toronto! During my first 1.5 years in London I was

living within walking distance from Oxford St.

Hypnotized by stylish British girls and overwhelmed by boredom I would march to the Topshop Flagship store and dig through heaps of fabulous stuff.

It's been over 2 years of my being back on Canadian soil and all my glory garments from there are starting to show threads. Thank Goodness! Now I am saved ^^

So far the prices are pretty steep (lets face it, I dont have a sterling salary anymore). I gotta wait for a sale :(

But so far i have hauled
#1: Rain boots a.k.a. Wellies ~$45
perfect for this time of year!

#2: Velvet headband ~$16 for bad hair days
you can see me wearing both of them here: http://dailybooth.com/annapearl/19704274

#3: Faux leather school bag! ~$60
I swear I've seen this bag in my dreams. At long last we have found each other <3

#4: Topshop sketchbook ~ complimentary
i shall not rest until it is full!

#6: Topshop tote ~ complimentary.
So many girls walking around with these at my university these days LoL

❤ PEARL THE RUSSIAN CANDY GIRL ❤

2011-10-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

I am torn between cutting down my sugar intake and going to the Russian store to get more candy for this blog review...I suppose its best to take it one step at a time by showing you this very famous brand called "BELOCHKA".

My roommate (as you know) is from Japan, but she loves all the Russian sweets that I occasionally end up with. Perhaps there may be other people out there who are looking to get into the Russian "KONFETA" (means candy)

#1: BELOCHKA - very famous chocolate truffle with tiny (almost dust-like) bits of hazelnut and chunkier pieces of walnut. "Belochka" means "little squirrel".
Classic Russian food stuffs (the ones that go back to Soviet times) use natural ingredients and simple recepies because back then it was about feeding the huge nation and not about pushing for corporate greed.

❤ PUMPKIN MUFFIN REVIEW ❤

2011-10-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

Let it be known that October is actually my favourite month. I love everything about it: romantic gloomy mornings after the rain, smell of freshly fallen wet leaves, gorgeous sunny days when the sun is still warm enough to remind you that the summer has just past, harvest treats, cheap fruits, bright colours, elegant fall fashions, wellies, rain coats, commute to school, Halloween and...PUMPKIN MUFFINS!

"Being a student" is practically synonymous with "drinking coffee." How else can one stay motivated to do a lot of work for no money?
As it happens, I have been going around trying out different seasonal treats at Toronto's coffee shops. Here are the conclusions:
#4 Second Cup: As much as I love their Matcha Latte, their muffins suck :( no creamcheese, cheap icing on top. Expensive too. To make matters worse, I bought my muffin early in the morning and it was dry and stale (obviously from the night before) FAIL!

#3 Country Style: Cheaper by one penny. LOL. A tiny bit of creamcheese. A bit greasy, but i liked the raisings (because i like raisins). Dislike the icing sugar. But at least it was fresh~

#2 Starbucks: Best tasting one of the four. I like that they bake their muffins without paper cups. No grease, lots of creamcheese, lovely pumpkin smell. But the price~ it's really just too much.

THE WINNER Tim Hortons: Super cheap, lots of cheese, very fresh, tastes like pumpkin. A bit greasy, but it's ok. Plus, its a Canadian company ;) oh....and there's one close to my house LOVE IT!

❤ PEARL THE HANBOK GIRL "the show" ❤

2011-10-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

So i know it's been like...a month since the actual show...but I'm only posting the pictures now. Tsk tsk

tsk. Anyways, I dont thave any actual on-stage photos for now (my friends took some, but I'm not going to use them here) so ENJOY the backstage xoxo

❤ MOMOKO DOLL WALLPAPER ❤

2011-10-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

My lil Jap sis Kinoko made me an account on the Japanese Momoko Doll webpage so now I can
download free Momoko wallpapers for my computer! Starting with this cute blondie here <3

I've been into Momokos for....years now, but I dont actually own any. I'm not AT ALL into collecting dolls (and these particular ones are expensive), but I have been collecting photos of Blonde Momokos from the internet (LAME MUCH?! ha ha ha)

Now I can change my wallpapers All the time.

THE PICTURES ARE POSTED IN THE ORIGINAL SIZE (just click to enlarge).
i'll keep posting them...so, if you dont speak enough Japanese to create your own account, i guess you can get them from me here ^^

Just "download linked file" MAKE SURE YOU DO T.H.A.T. INSTEAD OF JUST "save picture as" to get the full resolutions. K?

❤ PEARL THE TAURUS GIRL (october) ❤

2011-10-03T14:59:00.001-07:00

GET IT? im busy (U_U)

My every month starts with organizng my schedule, my paperwork, my life.
So many decisions to make! Just no way i could make it without some extra help from the Divine
Providence (that comes to me in the form of the horoscope from Susan Miller's AstrologyZone that always comes true day-by-day since i started reading it in 2006 (5 years already)

- Posted using iPad

❤ PEARL THE "IKUSEI" GAME GIRL ❤

2011-09-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

In your face, Angry Birds! Nowadays all of my Japanese friends are playing this super-cute mushroom-growing game! Basically you grow mushrooms on your iPad/iPhone and collect the rare species. This

free app is a spin off for the paid Touch Detective app where a Lolly detective goes around solving mysteries with her assistant Funghi (who just happens to be a mushroom)

I just finished this game and have now moved on to the "mutant" bonus level.

❤ PEARL THE HANBOK GIRL continued ❤

2011-09-11T21:51:00.000-07:00

So for the past two days we were doing street promotions for the Harvest Fest with the rest of these
"yobbin yoja". I was walking around in my Hanguk Bride costume handing out flyers and saying silly things like: "you dont need to be Korean to enjoy Korean culture!" lol

The dress got to stay with me overnight! Even after i got home didnt have the heart to take it off...it's so big! makes me feel like a princess :}

Second day in my very own neighbourhood. Go-go Ktown Uptown (cuz there are two of them, ya kno)

❤ PEARL THE SHOPPING GIRL ❤

2011-09-11T21:13:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my most recent purchases from the past 2-3 weeks.

1. DUO false eyelash glue. $10 @ Sephora

Review: Not bad. A bit watery. I took it out to go clubbing and had no need to touch up my lashes, so it did it's job. BUT not as good as the sample glue that comes in sets of Makeup Forever lashes.

2. DR. BRANDT eye cream. free sample (retail $60) @ Sephora.

Review: Haven't tried it yet.

3. SEPHORA face scrubber. $10 @ Sephora.

Review: I've been wanting it for such a long time (ever since I saw Queenie QQ video on it). I think it works great! it pics up the whiteheads (the ones are are ready-ready to come out) like an eraser and makes foam clenser more fun! It's got a "suction cup" like an octopus, so i just stick it to my mirror!

4. SEPHORA Brush + Mirror. $10 @ Sephora.

Review: very handy for touching up my funny bangs. The back is red so i can easily find it in my chaotic purse...

5. BENEFIT liquid skin highlighter. $35 @ Sephora.

Review: First liquid highlighter that I am using (before I was using powder one) Looks more natural than powder, but I'm not sure about the tint...I think it makes me look more pale. Maybe next time I will get Benefit "Girl Meets Pearl", which has a brownish tint. Packaging is good. Better than a tube...

6. LULULEMON yoga mat. $35 @ Lululemon.

Review: My old yoga mat is still in a good condition, but I am planning to use it at the gym in the basement of my building (since the floors there are not all that clean...well...it's a public place) but I needed one more mat to use at home. This is the "beginner" model, but I chose it because it weighs less than the professional ones. I need one more mat to take to the Athletic Centre @ my uni...I'm gonna go with the weighless "Unmat" (havent decided yet, because i am worried that it does not have enough cushioning for my bad left knee)

7. MURAD eyecream. free sample (retail $90) @ Sephora.

Review: Meh, I've had better for that price (like the unforgettable eye serum @ Elizabeth Arden)...gonna finish the sample and forget about this one.

8. BATH AND BODY WORKS scented candles 3 for $10 @ Bath and Body Works.

Review: My first purchase at B&BW! I used to go to BodyShop more than any other because their ingredients are better. But I guess it doesnt really matter for candles. These really really smell a lot! Tonns of chems in other products, not gonna buy any cosme from there.

Fall Flavours: Lavender Macaroon, Creamy Pumpkin, Acorn & Fig.

Yay! I missed Vivienne SO MUCH! I still remember hunting for genuine items in London's vintage stores and admiring it in shop windows..

I ordered these online together with a birthday gift for my boyfriend (i know he is not reading this blog, but i'm still not gonna say what it is cuz its a s.u.r.p.r.i.s.e. )

Linen scarf from a little Korean butique called Olive & Brutus. I bought the white one as a birthday gift for my friend and had to have one too!!! the mother-of-pearl necklase was a hand-me-down from my mom's friend, who got it from her husband but rejected it straigh away. i like it though ^^

❤ PEARL THE MUSHROOM GIRL ❤

2011-09-11T19:02:00.000-07:00

What new things have been happening in my life? Well, there's always the HAIR! It has a way of looking the "same but different" every time...

Akemi-san and I - ♬ So Happy Together ♬

May: Hair stylist/client relationship is more like boyfriend/girlfriend
Pearl: Haha, yes! If I was "cheating" with a different hairdresser, you would know...
May: Did you cut your bangs yourself?!
Pearl: No-no!! I didn't touch them!
May: Ah...you take good care...

What's better than a "mushroom" haircut for the fall?! On the way home i saw some cute shrooms that look like MEEEEEEE

I look kinda like little red riding hood. I do realize....

Yup. That's the place.

❤ Fly with Origami Learn to Dream ❤

2011-09-06T14:43:00.001-07:00

My Origami club has new t-shirts.

C U 2MORRO @ CLUBSDAY

❤ Hanbok Pearl ❤

2011-09-03T21:38:00.001-07:00

Hanbok is Korean traditional clothing that is still used for all kinds of special occasions (pretty much as kimono in Japan; but of course hanbok has its own contexts).

This month my boyfriend and i will be participating in the Korean Harvest Festival in Toronto. We will
be modelling bride and groom/couples hanbok (it hasnt been decided which ones yet) for the fashion show that they are putting on. So exciting!
Today we went to the tailor to take our measurements.

We also talked about how to walk in a Hanbok,

how to practice facial expressions consistent with the designer's vision.

(i do not own this pic, i have no idea who does)

I think Hanbok looks great on blonde girls!

It was my first time getting to have a good look at hanbok clothing. What did not surprise me is its striking similarity to the Russian national costume called Safafan. That's no coincidence!

(i do not own this pic, i have no idea who does)

The Hanbok takes its form from ancient clothing of the tribes in North-Western China (Mongolia...pretty much). In the middle ages Russia was under Mongolian seige for 300 years!!! That was the only time in history we ever let somebody win, btw...
Fascinating stuff LoL
- Posted using iPad

❤ iPad Blogging! ❤

2011-08-30T20:03:00.001-07:00

You may have noticed: but i hardly sit down in front of my computer to blog anymore!
I wish i could, but even now my bf is playing on it...
If i do get a chance, i am so unmotivated by my messy desktop, it kills all my inspiration...

My iPad, though, seems to be with me at all times and i love it cuz its like the best thing that's happened
to me EVER!

I'm using this app called BlogPress to edit the enties

Plus a combination of these two apps to edit the pictures
I cannot achieve the same effects as in Photoshop, so the posts will start looking totally different all of a sudden. But exploring the possibilities of new technology is exciting, isnt it?

- Posted using iPad

❤ END OF SUMMER FASHION ❤

2011-08-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Momoko is copying my style!

So I've been looking through this month's 25Ans magazine....I actually have never read it before, but since I AM 25, I was hoping to get some good advice. It seems that ladies in mid-20s are supposed to be boring dressers with neutral make up (cuz presumably they are junior-lower-range employees in Japanese companies) with lots of expensive jewelery. Not quite my thing, but I got some ideas for once-in-a-while elegance spurs.

It's nice to look smart, but I really really just can't give up on being cute. Even if i'm running a risk of looking like a tart :P

❤SUMMER WEEKENDS❤

2011-07-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

So far so good....my bleach-damaged hair is starting to recover with highlights and frequent haircuts @ http://www.atelier-may.com/

The famous AbEx paintings have arrived to Toronto

People like to talk much about Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism and point out the artists' flaws, lack of diversity in the show (and in the movement itself). People can keep talking, but standing face-to-face with these masterpieces....I was really just at a loss for words.

This is just a blurry picture of Origami workshop that we did at the Sick Kids hospital together with my club.

❤SUMMER HAUL❤

2011-06-30T17:30:00.000-07:00

As i have mentioned in the "Summer Fashion" post, i've decided to get some sunglasses and new shoes.

These shades I found in the men's section of H&M. They are quite cool, but i think i'm gonna give them to my boyfriend and then look for a girlier pair at Forever XXI (when i have time)

I was also inspired to buy a hat. Caps and baseball hats don't really suit me (i was dying to buy the hat with my gym logo on it, but it doesnt really go with my face....maybe i still will, tho...we'll see). The only type that looks good on me is trucker-hat.

But anyways, after trying on several pricy hats i stopped by at BANG-ON, which is a t-shirt printing shop, where they do hats as well. This pink one cost $10 + $5 for lettering. Some of my friends dont like it, but i think it looks D.O.P.E. !

These are "light" Converse Chucks. Meaning, they have a thinner/less heavy sole and more padding. Final sale too!

The ones on display were more like a "baby pink" creamy colour, but when the shoe-store-dude brought out my size they were more like "bubblegum" pink. He said that the ones on display faded over time and suggested for me to wash my pair in the laundry machine. LOL maybe i will.....

Then I headed down to P.A.T. in Korea town (get some snacks and glass noodle for the house). On the top floor they have a beauty shop. Cute Unnie (35 y.o.) in there attacked me with friendliness (really charming and nice tho!) and offered to do my make up.

I also ended up buying this massage cream, which she said she's been using for 15 years. Her skin looked really amazing, so i bought it!

REVIEW: theconcept is pretty unusual.

***U wash your face, put this cream on dry clean skin.

*** IT MELTS and turns into "oily water" (5-10 min, depending on ur temperature)

***Then you massage for 3 min and it takes away all the dead stuff, balances pH, refines pores and moisturises.

****Then you wash with foam clenser, but the moisture still stays (!!!). Not as much as from a lotion, but still...

****Next i didnt moisturize at all just put my Korean BB cream (which has hydrating component in it) and yay!

the bottle is pretty huge and i am looking forward to seeing long-term effects of this product.

so far i have no complaints, except when the cream is melting while forming drops of water, it kind of tickles my face....

Unnie said i use too much powder....maybe she's right, but i am not used to the concept of "glowing skin"...if it reflects light, to me it looks greasy. But powdered faces are out of fashion, so i better open my mind.

The cat-eye she did looks pretty cool too ^^

PS< i also found out that when you wear pink trucker hats, truckers holler at you when u walk through the intersection LOL

❤ JAPANESE T-SHIRT FOLDING MADE EASY❤ lol

2011-06-30T15:52:00.000-07:00

On popular demand: here is the more detailed explanation of the "Japanese T-shirt Folding Technique" a.k.a. "Three Second Method"

10.

11.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEK2lia7AEE

❤ SUMMER FASHION❤

2011-06-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

Gimme Gimme Korean stuff! I havent done any major fashion shopping in a while and I turned to Pinkage and CeCi for inspiration. They both fit my preferred style SOOO perfectly!!! i'm totally all-set

for the summer....EXCEPT Canada Post is on strike, which foils all of my online-order plans :{

No words to describe how much I admire the "Korean Fashion Vision" (but here are some)

Charming Modesty

Impecable Elegance

Ageless Style

Perfectly Feminine

Subtle Cuteness

Fashionable Classic

Casually Formal

Clean & Minimalist

The main two items i was looking for were 1. new kicks (age-appropriate casual sport shoes)

2. summer sunglasses (L.A. big bug shades/paul smith/80s aviator/j-lo...they are all hopelessly otta style)

in the end i'm gonna go with pastel-coloured/white Chucks + vintage-looking/feminine aviators

❤ SNIP SNIPPIDY SNIP ❤

2011-06-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

This post is a little bit late (it's been a week) he he, but anyways....TA-DA! here is my new haircut from Atelier May!

I love it <3 <3 i finally look like a 25-year-old lady XD...if i could just manage to style it the same way Akemi-san did it (somehow it seems that blow-straight technique requires three hands for me LOL) I would keep this style forever! (and look 25 forever MWA HA HA)

❤ PEARL ROCKS DANO FEST ❤

2011-06-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

Dano festival is a traditional Korean event. It originated as a day of rest at the end of rice-planting
season. I got a buch of cool brochures (as well as cook books and korean history books) with more information on it, but i'm to lazy to quote it all here. Just Google it, it's pretty cool. James and I spent the whole morning-afternoon-evening-night at the Christie Pits (huge valley-like park in Korea town) and totally enjoyed every second of it!

From ethnic foods to bubble teas to cake snacks (that i've won in the wheel-of-fortune game) to useless junky gadjets (I got a cell phone charm in the shape of a photo camera that has a "signal sensor" and starts flashing different colours when the phone rings. Unfortunately it also picks up signals from nearby phones, which makes it flash overtime LoL) to awesome cheap fashions. J got me a pair of $5 earrings that look totally elegant and expensive (Koreans know how to do that) and a $10 shiffon top that looks super-classy as well. You can check them both out in my latest Youtube vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZzvsHIPR7s

The weather was amazing as well all day long...clear skies, no wind, around 27C...

The day started as a romantic date picnic fieldtrip (type thing) but later on we were joined by some of our friends...some other friends we ran into (children and old people are ever-present at culture fests, but Dano has always been well-attended by young people of our age)

Cute dancing children, martial arts displays, amateur bands, singing competitions, magic shows...what else i dont remember...

I made a new friend ^^

Cool, huh

There was this lonely grandma sitting all by herself, when the metal band came on (yes thats right, Korean amateur metal www.cretem.net) i forced him to dance with her. She turned out to be really energetic...it was embarassing for him, but her huge smile was worth it....she was glowing and said to me "i feel alive"....d'aawwww (i'm like so totally going to Heaven after I die! LoL)

LAST BUT NOT LEAST....there was a talent contest for the audience members. At first i wasnt going to participate, but the host kept calling for "one more contestant...last chance!" and I thought to myself "what the hizzle! i'll give it a try..." and ran to the stage.
I was singing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9btm41jN-s in Korean (it's actually, like, my favourite song) and...I WON the first prize among 10 contestants. The winner was determined by the audience applause. Maybe it was J's enthusuastic cheering that turned them on but....gosh...what can i say, hearing people clapping and shouting for you feels UNREAL. I still wish i was a Rockstar... LOL

Well....i think thats a long-enough story. See you next year @ the Fest *.~

❤ RAINY DAYS - MAY EDITION❤

2011-05-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

So....what have i been doing all these days? Well, it's been really rainy in T dat for the past coulple of weeks. I like rain, so i have been engaging in my favourite rainy-day activities, which i highly recommend to you:

#1 (above)

BOOZIN' WITH YOUR BUDDY...always fun to catch up and yap yap yap

#2 play some board games

#3 hang out with parents.

they will buy you food and give you a ride so u dont have to walk in the rain

# 4 do homework!

maybe nature is trying to tell you something....like "stop procrastinating!"

❤ ITS THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN...❤

2011-05-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Do Hurry, Or You

Must Wait Until Next Year To See

High Park Sakura

Warm weather and no wind...even though there were many people around, the park felt tranquil and peaceful. The air was rather humid and thick to a point where i could hear every camera shutter.

There were plenty of those...and lots of romantic couples and cute kids in spring hats... The aroma of the trees was unbelievable as well.

Going to see Cherry Tree blossoms is always an event...and a "MUST DO" every year.

We found our very own "private" cherry tree. Even though it was not as big and "glamourous", it was still lovely to have a little picnic underneath (with cherry petals falling into our food)

❤ GREENTHUMBIN' ❤

2011-05-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

English Lavender and Peppermint

There is not much to write about plants....i like things that are alive and smell nice....I'm a girl he he. Anyways, in addition to my bamboo, Ikea plant (species unknown to me) and Aloe Vera, I now have

two more green friends - Pepperning and lavender!

What are they good for? I guess we'll find out...for now i'm thinking mint tea + DIY potpourri ?

❤ HOUSE PARTY PEARL-STYLEZ ❤

2011-05-10T17:38:00.000-07:00

NO, you cannot see my BUTT because i am wearing BLACK BOOTY SHORTS

Looking at these photos made me think: "Gosh! ALL of my friends are really good-looking"...thanx for

coming! i LOVE you all!!! i got lots of cool gifts too :D

i love you, baby-chan!!! xoxo

hi hi Akemi-san! I think he looks happy ^.~

whats's that on the table???? HOMEMADE SUSHI?!!? pearl, you rock!

❤ DINNER + MOVIE ❤

2011-05-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

I guess the pictures kind of speak for themselves...

The movie that we saw was awesome, by the way: beautiful, philosophical, with cool action scenes,

classic characters and a tragic ending. Apparently it is even based on a real story. Plus, it was in Mandarin (which I really like listening to). At dinner we ate Phat Thai...it was good too.

❤ HAIR DID ❤

2011-05-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

Back to the Atelier for highlights...

Funny thing to say but i usually tense up a lot when I go to the hairdressers. Mostly I am just paranoid

that they are going to "screw it up"...the tension leaves me unable to speak and I just nod to everything they say and reply "whatever you recommend" "sure" "yeah, that's ok" EVEN IF I DONT THINK SO...i cannot even tell them to cut it shorter or whatever...Knowing this adds even more stress....

When I went to get the hair done today i was feeling that way as well, but i managed to relax. Akemi (the owner) is so knowledgable, kind and cool...i felt completely taken care of!

you guys should see all the sophisticated equipent that they are using (including pneumatic "dentist-style" chairs....heat drying thing that looks and moves like a UFO as well as energy-saving outlets that automatically turn off the blowdryer after a while)

The result does not really look dramatic or anything. Even though it does not seem like much has changed about my hair, I do not regret paying the high price.

❤ RAINY PICNIC ❤

2011-05-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

Did you notice how every time you try to organize a picnic or a bbq or another outdoors event...it always rains! My long-time friend Amelie was celebrating her birthday today and we got together in her garage

for some yummy BBQ. I knew it'd be like this, so i wore my winter jacket and and cuddled up to my boyfriend...

If you are well-prepared and sheltered, you can really enjoy the rain...and i love it! I felt very good having a lazy afternoon, slowly munching away on second-third-fourth helpings of homemade burgers

Playing with the cute kids that happened to be over

And marvelling at the spring season that always passes so quickly!

❤ LONG TIME TO SEE, BABIES! ❤

2011-04-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

all three of us are cute, but when we (blonde, redhead, brunette) are seen together our beauty just multiplies (exponentionally..to the power of 3...cubed that is)

Do I have a BFF? I do, but not just one! You have already met Kinoko. She's the one I spend most of my time with; however, I have other awesome friends who are more than worthy of being considered

"my best". Introducing: Maya and Julie!!! We do not get to see each other that often because #1. Maya lives in Montreal #2. Julie lives in Toronto, but she is a very private person and the space that we give each other is what actually makes us feel close. I dont see them every day but I love them OH SO MUCH!!!

Yesterday was one of those special occasions when we got to see each other (Maya was in town for Easter + Dentist) So we went for movies and then gossip+drinks @ Julie's.

I love Russell Brand and I've been meaning to see this movie since it first came out! We went to one of those small discount theatres called Rainbow Cinemas (google it) with 1/4 size seating and 1/2 size screen. It's cozy, cheap and enjoyable! The tickets were only $9 but we didnt choose it because we are so stingy...just for a different movie experience. Plus it's nice to support a small chain that is not some corporate monster!

Today Maya is going back...I LOVE U BABY! COME BACK SOON (or else i'm coming to mtl to get u!) <3

Nova Scotian country boy + Korean play-boy.....they bonded so well!! i'm gonna die of cuteness overload!!!

❤ THERE GOES ANOTHER PRINCE...❤

2011-04-29T09:11:00.000-07:00

picture taken from LA Times website

I just HAD TO SHARE this one....it's from somebody's facebook (a friend of a friend from london actually) I dont know where there original comes from :}

I never liked Backstreet boys or Enrique Iglesias...pop stars are so cheap (lol)! When I was ~10 I was

aiming right for the top...my cebrity crush had to be no less than a future King! You remember how cute he used to be before he started losing hair.....*sigh*

Funny to think, but i was SOOO SURE that one day we would meet! LoL (what a dork!)

But I kind of still dont get it...how come he can marry such a nobody ("Miss Middleton") and still be a King?!

❤ HAIR = CONSTANT CAUSE FOR HEADACHE ❤

2011-04-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Oh, White-Girl Hair...why are you so bothersome?! Why couldn't you be stronger, fuller and less expensive to maintain...For a year now I've been getting my bleach&cut in Korea Town at a fun buzzy
place called Maya by a cheerful Japanese ex-Kogyaru Masumi (I will introduce you soon).
I have been to all kinds of hairdressers - Canadian, Russian, Italian, British, Japanese, Korean (and more?) in different parts of the world. However, I do find that Japanese hairdressers are the the best. Why? Because they always use quality products and...they are not lazy.

I am so picky about my fragile tangly frizzy hair! When I feel that my hairstylist is not pouring their heart and soul into my Do, it almost makes me want to cry with frustration. When I go to a Japanese stylist I feel the same confidence in the quality of their work as one feels driving a Japanese car or shooting with a Japanese camera. Nippon people are good at getting the job done properly!

I do try to find Japanese salons that get a lot of caucasian clients, though (for obvious reasons). Maya is awesome and Masumi rocks! However, I am planning to change the way I colour my hair and now I have to look for a more experienced hairdresser to do the initial change. Thus I have found Atelier May.

picture taken from Atelier May Facebook page

I went to check it out this morning. I got my shampoo + head massage done there by Sho (above) and talked to the owner - Akemi. She is just the kind of professional i've been looking for ( Akemi has opened her first Atelier May in Tokyo ~20 years ago). We have disscussed the "action plan" for getting my hair back on the healthy track and I have decided to go back there for highlights next week.

I will probably have to go to Maya for the cut though (unfortunately I could not afford to do both @ A.M...Korea Town is cheaper...he he)

More pics coming soon...(so please click "Follow"... will cost you nothing, but makes me happy :D)

❤ EASTER JOY ❤

2011-04-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

in this photo: one of my fav dollies - momoko-chan

Happy Easter, dear PEEPS! Today is a lovely spring day. The three of us (Kinoko, James and myself)

woke up bright and early and went on a little piligrimage (lol) to a church out of town. We made a lot of thanks, blessings and wishes under the "Open Skies" of Easter Holiday.

I keep wishing for all the people to live in harmony...pretty far-fetched ha ha, but like Yoko Ono says: WAR IS OVER...IF U WANT IT

everybody is artistic in my family...here is some Egg Art from my daddy in Russia. Hand-painted from scratch. Looks pretty cool. Can you send me one in the mail, papa? ;}

Here is some photography from my mom (also in the Russian Orthodox tradition):

the eggs are edible and decorations are homemade (by my mommy)

❤ PEARL THE BITHDAY GIRL ❤

2011-04-23T20:54:00.000-07:00

So I celebrate my 25th birthday today. 1/4 of a century...it seems, only yesterday I was a teeny bopper

with pink hair and now I am a "young lady" in my "mid twenties" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Yeah rite! Well, some people still give me ~21 (yes it makes me happy...) because I am kind of scared of growing up, like i will lose something precious of myself. SO my plan is to "look" my age, but feel forever young inside.

As you can see I got a bunch of wikkid gifts (and more of the ones that cannot be shown on the picture like gym pass and haircut/colour that i havent gotten yet). I feel lucky this year because I get to celebrate it together with my mom (we are not fighting anymore) and my best friend (hi Kinoko) and my best boyfriend (so far so good, agee!) @ my own apartment. I am also looking forward to a big house party i am planning to have at the beginning of next month (it is postponed because of university exams)....i am also quitting smoking as of tomorrow!

Here's to a new year and a new chance to get closer to my dreams!

PS. GOING FOR MY LAST CIGGY.....NOW~!

PPS. I FINALLY GOT A NEW CAMERA...MORE MORE MORE MORE PICS COMING SOON!!!

❤ KINOKO'S WORK PARTY NIPPON-STYLEZ ❤

2011-04-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

in this photo: me & my bbf - kinoko

Just came back from U23 party. It is a Japanese company that my friend works for in Toronto. James

and I had fun and the atmosphere was giddy and excitable. We played some party games including BINGO and a mass version of rock-paper-scissors. There was a musical performance and "smile for Japan" support event.

I met some interesting people and took a lot of photos. OMG the cameras were flashing non-stop all night long!!!! Taking a picture of one pose was taking forever because others' cameras were being handed to me from all directions....in this way the Japanese have not disappointed me. They ARE the original Camera-Whoring nation! (and Bless them for that!)

The company is also making an effort to contribute to the Japanese earthquake charity and to help newcomers from Japan make friends among Canadians.

hahaha kinoko does not look stressed out at all!

while James and myself hauled some pens and a mouse pad in the BINGO draw, Tommy'd won $50 from some Yorkville (celebrity shopping district) store. JELLY! he didnt even let me have the pink ribbon the thing was wrapped in!

PS> I LOVE IT HOW THERE'S TEETH IN EVERY PHOTO!!

❤ FAREWELL KITTY! ❤

2011-04-18T14:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Hello Kitty fans...I am sorry to disappoint you, but all of us "dog-people" are just SOOOOO tired of seeing her, like, everywhere! The Ultimate Cuteness Staple has been around for way too long and has
grown tiresome. Like Backstreet boys: undeniable, popular, but hardly fashionable anymore.

I never liked her. Again sorry. Just a matter of taste, you know...if I liked cats, the Kitty-cliche would have been easier to accept. However, I am allergic to cats...and Kitty-chan is no exception.

At long last there is a pooch counterpart to the veteran feline created by the same lady (her name is Yuki, I think). Rebecca Bonbon came out in 2009 (fresh!) and is just sooooo cute!

She is my new role model: (LoL)

Both pictures of RBB from her official website

She's got a blog and a twitter and a sweet sweet (imaginary) life that...I wish i had :D

As for the products, they are not really amazing...some t-shirts, some stationary...all pretty tacky NOTHING compared to H.K. But the character is just getting started, right? It's up to the fans to make her "roll out"

I cannot really take care of any pet at the moment...but when I do, I think I already know which one I'm gonna get...and what I'm gonna name it...and how I'm gonna dress it. he he

❤ SUCKER PEARL ❤

2011-04-13T16:55:00.000-07:00

A little while back we went to see this new movie Sucker Punch. Despite all the bad reviews that it's been getting, my personal opinion is that it Totally Ruled! Mainly because of the charming main

character that just happened to look similar to me...he he he (and of course her cute gun)

When we were at the theater right before the movie started, one of my friends kept telling me "you'll see, you'll see the main girl looks exactly like you", and when she appeared on the screen he kept pointing and saying loudly "Exactly!"

Wow...sometimes I like to pretend "in my head" that I look like some cute fictional blond characters (Sailor Moon or Marylin Monroe :D), but I try not to take it too seriously for fear of appearing delusional.

However, when apparent similarities are noted by somebody else (whom I've only met for the third time in my life, namely that friend I have mentioned) it gives me confidence and makes me itch with Cosplay cravings!!!

So, there you have it...no big reason, I just thought I look like Babydoll.

What do you think?

❤ POKER PEARL = LUCKY CHARM ❤

2011-04-05T23:58:00.000-07:00

(picture by redhotpokertour.com)
Aigoo! (lol) My man's got poker skills...wow...i really had no idea, until he'd won the pub poker tournament playing against an elderly Irish guy (I just assume he was Irish because his name was Sheamus) tonight :DDDDD

James had two unpredictable flushes that ensured his win (I wish I knew more poker lingo so I could tell the story in more elegant terms)...but yeah...on the last one Sheamus went all in and James took all his chips and...well...won the game.
Cant help but think that my presence had something to do with it :} It was the first time I sat right next to him at the table...my good energy must have mingled with the deck somehow he he
Next time, though, he won't have the luxury of being cheered for by a Lucky Pearl. That is because I WILL BE PLAYING AGAINST HIM

I couldnt join the tournament before, as I had my Italian class (ending at 9pm), but now that the school is over, I will be able to play POKER (a.k.a. one of my favourite games ever) together with my baby!!!!!
can't wait!!! ♠♧♥♢

❤ I'M JUST SO PLEASED WITH MYSELF....LoL ❤

2011-04-04T19:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about where fashion trends come from and how do they end up spreading through the population? My theory is that FASHION IS LIKE FLU! Once you get sick you begin

displaying the symptoms (on your body), which get passed on to others through their eyes.

Even if there are people in the Haute Couture world that claim authority over creating styles, a trend is not going to spread out or end on their say-so. Some looks become classics, some stay for decates and some fail to take off. This process appears to be happening naturally and uncontrollably....like a virus.

My fashion immunity must be pretty weak, because I seem to cough up trendy finds all the time (without meaning to)

Like this dress, for example: mid-thigh, polka-dot, puffed shoulders, white-collar front...Or the hair colour that I'm sporting since 2008... I dont mean to sound conceided (is that how you spell it?), but this thing happens to me all the time! Even if I dont do research (on the internet, in magazines, in stores etc.) the ideas that match the current trends somehow end up in my head.

I mean, I DO look around, but without a particular intention to look "current", more like - I am looking for things that fit my style and my taste...but no matter how much I try to "wash my hands off of" fashion notions, they infect me.

I'm sure it happens to others as well! Let me know if that's how your fashion inspiration comes to you!!! ;} I really do believe that YOU DON'T NEED TO FOLLOW FASHION, IF YOU FIND A STYLE THAT SUITS YOU AND MAKES U FEEL CONFIDENT - FASHION WILL FIND YOU!

Pretty bold assertion, I guess. If you are reading this entry, you do not have to take it seriously...But I will try to provide proof for you in the future :}

ANYWAYZ! I did look through the whole April issue of Popteen in the end (thanx Foki!) It's very....teen...but there was one style that I liked and found inspiring for the spring:

I remember my mom wearing this kind of stuff back in the 90s....so it's kind of like a classic...i think i'll give it a try tho!

❤ BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.... ❤

2011-04-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

No sooner had I said that (see Valentine's Day entry) than I have found a new boyfriend!
Actually he found me...I didnt have to work for it at all! (lucky break ^=^)

We met on the 4th of March and haven't been apart much since...James may not be the most perfect guy in the world (and he does not comply with 100% of the criteria that I've outlined..LOL...that is to be expected, though...they are silly anyways), but we have a lot of fun together and for the time being I feel quite happy.

I am older and sometimes his lack of experience is completely obvious to me, but his strong character and kind personality show a lot of potential. I'm not worried, I'm happy. Have I already mentioned that I'm happy?

He likes taking pictures and supports me in my camera-whoring efforts, which is awesome as well! So expect a lot more photo-posts soon :} in other words....FOLLOW THIS BLOG!!! :D

❤ VALENTINE'S DAY BLA BLA BLA ❤

2011-02-14T19:30:00.000-08:00

I'm single on Valentine's day. I'm sitting in a room by myself, writing a blog. Sounds "classically" pathetic, no? Strangely, I'm not sad at all. In fact, I feel almost completely satisfied (my coffee will be ready any minute and then I will be totally satisfied). I feel like at this point in my life things ARE as they should be.

If you know me personally, you will probably agree that I'm totally boy-crazy. My frist memories go back to the huge puddle at my grandma's cottage, where me and my best friend Andrei were digging around in the dirt. I had a steady crush on his older brother Denis from the age of 1 till about 10, at which point Andrei and I "broke up" (he banned me from climbing the trees on his side of the road and i banned him from clibing the ones on my side. This must have hurt him more because mine ones were more challenging to climb). I liked Denis because he was extremely skinny and very funny. Every time I saw him I would remember one of his jokes and start laughing uncontrollably. He probably thought I was retarded and never played with me, prefering to ride his bicycle and smoke hand-rolled cigarettes.

There were boys and girls at my school, but we were in separate classes in different wings of the building. Sometimes during "school duty" (order-keeping and tidying chores) me and my gfs would wander into the area where other classrooms were located and....well....silently (with giggles, of course) stalk the boys there. I dont remember any specific characters, but I had enough secret crushes to distract me from school work. For some of my friends these missions ended in love affairs and even pregnancies. Not me, though. As wild as i am, I was always far too shy.

After moving to Canada I've had some definite romantic successes (and unmentionable failures) at a public school. I never actually gone out with any guys from my own school, but the mixed atmosphere helped me loosen up a bit in general. First/second year of uni I was pretty loose :} Then I went to England, which was a completely different kind of experience alltogether. I dont wish to bore you with the timeline of my relationships, let me just say: from the times of the dirt-puddle, up until about a year ago MY HEART WAS NEVER MY OWN. It was always bleeding or singing for somebody...

This year that has past. How was it different from all the other ones? You know, honestly, I didn't actually like anybody. Well, OK OK...there was this ONE guy that I really liked. And it was going...good? But then we were separated by destiny (and I also screwed up a bit too...) But, yeah, other than than I DIDNT SERIOUSLY LIKE ANYBODY. If I was younger, maybe I would have looked past that and gone out with ppl that were asking me out REGARDLESS of how much I don't care about it. But why would I? There's social status, attention, moral+material support, some people are simply scared to be alone...I'm just too mature for that these days!

My morals have changed and so have my standards. It does seem to me that I have, perhaps, become more superficial. Like, first thing that I'm looking for is neat appearance. I mean, if a man has a beer-belly, doesnt shave or tie his shoe-laces, not only is he not nice to look at; it also reveals problems with his attitude. Who wants to constantly be taking care of a lazy careless guy? I no longer care how awesome his stupid hipster band is :P Blame it on the whole "Russian upbringing" thing, but to me a man must have $$, or have ambition to make $$, or have potential to make $$. I DONT WANT ANYBODY'S MONEY, OK? But if you are a man and you dont know how to make money....like, what DO you know? Lemme tell ya, I'm just so SICK of worthless guys...if they just know how to smoke pot and yap yap yap about Boudrillard (or some crap like that) all day long, where's the food gonna come from?! Am *I* supposed to fetch it? fo real? And thirdly, but most importantly: a man has to be a gentleman and never put Lady's reputation at risk, never leave unfinished business and always keep promises that he makes!

*Sigh* unfortunately guys in Canada are not brought up to think that these things are important...I dont know what it is, but even explaining these concepts to a random Canadian dude for sakes of conversation is a difficult task...

This is getting really long and (potentially) offensive for potheads with untied shoe-laces who rate a chick's "hottness" on a scale of one 1-10, being completely oblivious of their own thinning hair...THE POINT IS: "better be alone than in bad company".

I wish I could say 100%: "It's not me, it's them", but it's not true of course. That's why I took a "year off". To be by myself, to look into my own defects and try to work on them as much as I could. Like, my crazy hot temper (I fly off the handle so quickly...really had a hard time controlling myself in moments of frustration) or my daredevil attitude. NO MORE HOME-MADE HAIRCUTS EITHER.

Slowly but surely I'm letting some of the old, dysfunctional patterns fall away. In the end I wish to be a balanced, wise, kind, generous, confident person that I actually already am. It all just needs to be brought out to the surface + polished so I can shine in the best possible light and be able brighten up another person's life.

One thing I can't change: being pretty shy. I have NEVER EVER asked anybody out. I've never even kissed anybody first. No matter how much I may be agonizing, I always wait for "the object" (lol) to make the move. And....I don't mind, I feel more comfortable this way.

So, about being alone on Valentine's day doesn't have to mean that you are a loner. It's a personal choice. Honestly, I'm soooo glad to be mature enough to try and make this choice...for the first time ever, really!

PS. Hey, well...at least Im not the one who bought this:

HOLIDAY-THEMED HAIKU:
unrequited love,
trampled upon in the dirt.
sad day for rosedom.

❤ HAPPINESS IS A WALK-IN CLOSET, BABY! ❤

2011-01-30T22:42:00.000-08:00

This entry is kind of a continuation for my Youtube video. To sum up, yesterday I went to IKEA to buy discount hangers (plus a few other items) and made a "haul" video about them afterwards.

Even though I love IKEA, and get excited about it like a little kid, there's really not much point in repeating the same story over again....EXCEPT: the story isnt finished!

After I got home and jumped into my closet to get it all-nice-n-organized...I realized that I didnt have enough hangers!!! What was I to do other than go back to IKEA to purchase some more?! (the limit was 2xcustomer anyways...so I didnt even have a choice) Today was the last day for the promotion, so if I missed it, that would have been it! (buying hangers at regular price is not an option...$6...c'mon) Plus, i really really loved the scented candles (they smell even if not lit!) so i wanted to get a couple more.

I was going to go early in the morning, but my friend called me up wanting to come over and I couldn't say "no". We hung out for most of the afternoon (he rejected the idea of chilling @ IKEA) until 5. This was on a Sunday, when IKEA closes @ 6...my place is in the middle of nowhere so it takes a while to get to any point of civilization. WAS I GOING TO MAKE IT?! I honestly didn't know. It was a magically crispy-clear winter (-13C) evening and it was worth getting out in the frozen streets just for a refreshing walk. Gosh! TTC almout gave me a heart-attack! SOO SLOW (Sundays they really dont bother, eh) No jokes, when I got out at Leslie station - it was 5:55! Waiting for a shuttle bus was a risk...walking would take 5+ min...so what did I do? I RAN. I did...and i made it! Dart toward the Markethall doors (why do they always keep them closed), my heart stopped for a second as I was pulling the handle "what if it's locked!" Phew...walking briskly through the sections (knowing exactly what you need and where to find it feels good) I grabbed the candles on-the-go (rose and vanilla). As soon as I did, the intercom announced: "The IKEA store is now closed, please proceed to the check-out". Straight there! That's where all the hangers are - in big "super cheap stuff" bins. As I was waiting in the line for self-check out my heart has completely regained its normal rhythm.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE IKEA COFFEE. And the Bistro was still open!

Call me a dork, but I really enjoyed standing in the long line to the bistro with all those satisfied shoppers (cuz you wouldn't be standing in the FINAL coffee line unless you feel completely satisfied, knowing that you have made it before closing, and got everything you needed ,and dont have to rush back because it's Sunday).

IKEA is not just a corporation, it's an institution. Sometimes it's good to feel part of an institution, especially if it's a good one.

I got a frozen yogurt, a coffee and a bun. I asked the lady if I could fill the coffee cup later, after I finished the yogurt. She said yes, there should be enough coffee for another 5min (uh! adrenaline!) So I was walking around the Grocery section (which was closed) eating the yogurt and studying ingredients of Swedish foods. When I was done, the coffee was still there, I got it and headed home.

UP AT THE TOP IS A PIC OF MY HAPPY ENDING: (the scented candle is just in the top left corner)

❤ YEAR OF THE RABBIT ❤

2011-01-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

I am very excited about 2011! Each new year is an opportunity to make a fresh start (cheeeeese..everybody feels that way). This time around I have a brand-new worldview to work with and I just can't wait to see where the *NEW ME* will take me. Building a different life...reaching for my dreams...I'm sure it will be a success!
My bestest wishes to all of you, I hope we can stay closely connected...here's a little good-luck souvenir:

2011 ---> YEAR OF THE RABBIT (KROLIK)

❤ ABOUT THE NAME "CUTE&SMART" ❤

2011-01-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

It goes like this: my gorgeous friend Nana has a simple but charming tattoo about half-way down her
thigh (right below where a mini-skirt would normally end) that says Beautiful & Sexy. It's perfect for her because she really is quite a bombshell (not the typical trashy kind, but the "sweetheart" kind).

One day she was telling me that she is growing out of it and she wants to get it removed for a more-classy/less-sassy look. "Noooo way!" - I cried. "I love it! It's perfect for you, and the positioning is just right (and original too). If you are getting rid of it, I'm stealing the idea!" - "Go ahead" she said.

If people call me "beautiful", I gladly accept the compliment, but I am not confident enough to call MYSELF that. And "sexy" reminds me of times when drunk guys forget my name but still want to continue hitting on me: "Yo, Sexy, come over here". It's a loaded word and should be used sparingly (I think).

"'Beautiful & Sexy' is not quite ME" - i said to Nana. She answered: "Yeah, how about 'Cute & Smart'?" DONE AND DONE! These are the only two things I've got going for me in this world...

Perhaps when people look at me they think that i'm dorky, weird, lazy, loud-mouth, awkward, loner, bossy, OTT (who knows what they say behind my back) but very few would deny me my intelligence and my natural sweetness.

I'M CUTE AND SMART AND I KNOW IT and people who know me know it too....so....that way we all agree.....which means that it's good enough to be put in writing ^-^

PS. I'm not getting the tattoo after all because i have other tattoo projects pending. And Nana still has hers....all is well that ends well =D

ABOUT THE NAME "ANNAPEARL"

2011-01-18T20:47:00.000-08:00

the real name in my passport is Anna C*** but I have been using Annapearl as my art name since 2005.

Here is the story of how it came about: in 2004 my parents moved into a new neighbourhood. As I was
walking around to check it out, I stumbled upon a tiny little street called ANNAPEARL Ct.
I thought: "Wow! It sounds like the most beautiful name in the world..." I'm an "artist" so when I see a beautiful thing I want to make it MINE. I bet you know how I feel, when you look at a gorgeous sunset - just NEED to take a picture and put it on your desktop (corny example, but I do just that all the time as well).

So I did. I have been signing my works as "Annapearl" ever since. Somehow the name got used more and more by my friends (especially in my "hood", because they know the story) and now I am very commonly known as Pearl.

I still like "Anna" (when it's pronounced properly) but being called Pearl makes me feel special because it is a name that found me!