MTAC 2015 Report & Haul!!

I'm back from this year's MTAC with only a bit of the con crud/post-con exhaustion. And I had fun!

2014 was pretty terrible. I didn't like any of the events, the venue was hot and crowded (yes, I know why we were there), and I just wanted to go home as soon as I got there. I wondered if maybe I was outgrowing anime conventions, or at least outgrowing MTAC. But this year was so much better, it really restored my faith. It was run by someone new this year, the guy who was actually president of my college anime club when I first joined, someone who really got me interested in anime and being in a social setting. Although my anxiety did spike a bit a few times during the con, I was able to keep it under check and really enjoyed myself!

This year, me and my fiance didn't get a hotel room to save on costs, but we probably will next year. When you have five or so hours in between panels you want to go to, and one of them is late at night, you realize how exhausted you are from the day and just want somewhere to sprawl out and nap.

So I was mostly with my fiance, my bestie Miraiina, and her husband this year, and Miraiina had never been to a con! So it was lots of fun to see how excited she was! The first day, we both twinned our lolita outfits! We wore Squirrel Party with similar wigs and accessories! I realize we never got any pictures of us together for ourselves, though other people took them. She looked way cuter then me :P

The first day we only stayed until about sundown. There were no panels we really wanted to go to, so we made it our shopping day! I have what I bought a bit lower down in the post. The second day I was feeling really hot so I didn't dress up. I helped my fiance with his panels and danced during the ParaPara Power Hour. The only other panel we went to was Religion in Anime, which was good but very basic. Next year's theme is "16 Bit" and I would love to do a video game panel, maybe on Animal Crossing, but I don't know what the point would be aside from, "This is Animal Crossing."

I guess now I'll get into what I bought or received~ The only thing I won't be talking about are the cans of coffee because...well, it's just a can of coffee.

I didn't have too much money going in but I did get a good bit, and then my fiance and bestie got me a few things!

I'll start with my favorite and biggest purchase, this giant, pink Yoshi! I'm proud of myself because while he was the first thing I saw, I bought him lastly just to make sure there was nothing else I wanted to spend that money on. I sleep cuddling him now!

Here is a size comparison! He really is big!

The other plushie I have was from my fiance! This adorable lavender (my favorite color!) sheep with a daisy (or egg XD) on its head. It's so fluffy. It also sleeps with me, usually above my head.

Next are two Yoshi keychains from a $3 bin. When did Yoshi become so important to me? I'm really glad I found him in his helicopter form from Yoshi's Island! They're both attached to my phone now.

Next is a sticker and some pins from NattoSoup! Miraiina got me the smaller pins! Unfortunately I think one of the gems from the big pin fell off when the pin fell off while I was dancing...

Lastly is something else the bestie got me, this cute Sailor Pluto figure!! This was something I was eyeing in the dealer room but decided against, so I'm very grateful that she bought this for me!

And I believe that's it! I have a touch of the con crud, so I haven't been doing much lately...I hope you all are doing well!!

Bonus, me at con with smeary smeary eyeliner under my eyes XD

Waiting on the Mail

Today's OOTD~

Dress & Bolero: WalMart

Bag: Loris

Jewelry: Forever21, Hot Topic

Shoes (not pictured): UNIF

I have a spending problem. This is not a secret. If I have even five dollars, I feel like I instantly have to go out and spend it on something. Usually this something is something I don't really need. The past week I've been spending a little more then I should where I should be saving; mostly online but also some in store things such as the dress and bolero above.

So I guess this is a two part thing, where this is the entry I post what I'm waiting for in the mail, and later I do the actual haul post. I'm hoping that if I make a post like this I won't buy anything until after the local anime convention this weekend, haha. Like all hauls/similar posts, this is in no way bragging, just sharing. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's get started!!

Firstly is something from Amazon, and it's something I'm slightly familiar with as well: Wreck This Journal Everywhere! On Amazon, this book is usually about $10, but it's on sale for $6. I actually have one of the normal-sized Wreck This Journal books, but I got it and started filling it in a few years ago, when I was in a kind of bad time in my life. I don't know, I just feel weird continuing in it. So instead of getting a new full-sized one, I got the smaller one. This one has some different prompts as well! I'm probably going to do a vlog series where I show what I've done in it (you know, like everyone else)!

Secondly is this adorable pair of earrings from the Etsy shop, DoomStuff! Even though I only have one piercing open right now, I love, love ridiculous, big earrings. This pair of earrings combines a lot of things I love: aliens, the 90s, bright colors, etc.! I just heard about this shop from my bestie, but I'm sure I'll be buying from them again, as all of their items are similarly amazing, including jwelry made from computer keyboard keys! This pair of earrings cost $11.

Next is another Etsy item, from the shop AWRecycled Journals! I actually featured this store in an older entry! This journal isn't for me, however, is for my fiance, as he loves Miss Marple. This cost $8.

Second to last is from my very first Aliexpress order! Aliexpress is like an English Taobao, so you don't need a shopping service. The pros of this site are low prices and huge variety, as well as not needing a shopping service like with Taobao. The cons are that many items are knock-offs and the quality of these items are a gamble, and unlike with a shopping service that will wait for all your items from various shops to arrive, the items will arrive separately if you order from different stores. I only ordered two relatively cheap items for my first order. I actually saw this dress first on Taobao, so I was excited to see it on Aliexpress! I love the dotted pattern, it's so happy! This cost only $13.

Lastly is the item I'm probably most excited about - this 90s-esque smiley purse/backpack!! I've been looking for a new happy-colored purse as mine is old and the fake leather is flaking a bit. This is absolutely perfect for my life! This was almost $30, so a little pricey considering it's more then likely a knock-off, but it's so cute I couldn't resist. 

So that's what I'm waiting on, and I'll do an actual haul/first impressions when I receive the items! 

What items are you waiting on?

March 2015 Collective Haul!

Alpaca necklace from my bestie wants to be in the haul, too!!

In March, I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase and receive a good bit of items! I've never done a haul on my blog, only on my vlog channel, but it just didn't feel like a fun video, so I figured maybe it would be better as a blog post? So this is a haul from Forever 21, Hot Topic, the Nintendo Eshop, and even WalMart!

As with any of my haul/what I got posts, I am in no way bragging, only sharing! I like looking at hauls, but they're not for everyone. Now that that's out of the way, let's start~

I'll start with probably my favorite item from WalMart, this floor length light teal skirt! It has an inner opaque skirt and an outer, sheer, chiffon skirt! It's very flowy and wonderful to wear outside in the spring! WalMart's really been stepping up their clothing game lately! Unfortunately with this and a bit of my other items, I don't remember the exact price, but I believe this was $12.

Next from WalMart is this black slightly patterned skater dress with a heart-shaped mesh neck! I decided to get this in black because it would go with most of my things that way. I think this was at least under $14? 

I got this lace, floral shawl from WalMart as well! I've never really owned one, but my bestie really likes them, and they are indeed cute! The only bad thing is that the fringe at the bottom gets stuck on everything, including all the charms I have on my purse! I think this was around $10.

Second to last from WalMart are these adorable light teal shorts! These were under $10, I believe. Unfortunately they're a little tight if I just ate something big, haha.

Lastly is what I'm wearing today (hence this picture), a black tank top with daisies on it! (sorry for boobie shot, aha) I love daisies, so I had to get this! I also pretty much live in tank tops after it gets anywhere above 50˚. I think this was only $3! They had a lot of cute other pattens I might want to get later...

Next is Forever 21, where I only got two things. I love Forever 21, but being plus sized, I can rarely buy from their main line and have to get F21+. This would be fine if my local F21 had a plus size section. For the longest time it had maybe three plus size items in the entire store, but when I went on Friday, there was an entire plus size room! I had seen this acid wash 90s-esque romper on the website but I think it was sold out, so I was happy to see it here! When I first tried it on I got scared because it was a bit small, but I forgot that the straps were all the way on the smallest setting ^^; This was about $15, I think.

The next item I got from F21 I'm not going to picture, because they're just really basic jeans. But they're also really comfy jeans, and they were also only $10!

From Hot Topic, I also only got two items. Firstly is this adorable baggy tee shirt with sprites of the characters and enemies from the first Mario Bros game! Blooper is my favorite. I don't remember how much this was, but it's Hot Topic so imagine it is marked up a lot.

Last from HT are these adorable cameo earrings with crab spiders suspended in the middle! When it comes to spiders, I've recently found a lot of them cute...as long as they are on the computer screen, and not next to me. I believe these were $9.

Finally is the Nintendo Eshop purchases. I decided to get a new theme, so I got this adorable Kirby theme! I love the stripes on the folders and the happy music! As with all (?) themes, this was $2.

Secondly I got another Megaman game, because for some reason I can't get enough of platformers lately even though I am really, really bad at them. 

Lastly is a game I owned when it first came out but had since sold back, Mario Kart 7! I can't get enough of Mario Kart, I really can't. I love most of them so much. My thumb is so sore from pressing the A button already. And I'm actually decent at these games, too!

So, that was it! Of course, I didn't get this all in one day, haha.

What have you bought recently?

24 Years Old! Birthday Haul!

I'm only more then a week late! Haha. I've been busy with cleaning and hanging out ._. Anyways. This is my birthday overview and a haul of what I got. As with all my hauls, I'm not bragging, I just like sharing what I got, and I like watching and reading other people's hauls!

So on my actual birthday, the 28th, I was off work! So I got to sleep in. I got all dressed up and waited...and waited..and eventually headed a few towns over with the fiance to the Cheesecake Factory to meet my parents for dinner! It was really nice, and I always enjoy seeing them, since I get homesick so easily, haha. And, cheesecake. Yum.

After that, my friend Chelsea picked me up and took me to Nashville, to Dave&Busters! For those of you who don't know what it is, it's like an arcade place, where you pay to play all sorts of games, and most of them give out tickets which you can exchange for prizes! Eventually our friend Megan joined us and we played for hours! It was great because I hadn't seen Megan in YEARS.

When it came time to exchange our tickets for prizes, I had quite a few, so I was able to get some nice things...

A cute Domo keychain which I attatched to my purse...

A Pikachu plushie which is GREAT for late night cuddles...

And then this journal! Which has not been written in at all yet.

And, of course, candy!! I got a lot of candy so the fiance could have some, too. Then my friends surprised me by using their tickets to buy me presents!

This cute purple, spiky bracelet and Hello Kitty earbuds!! Thank you~!

After that, Chelsea took me home, where my fiance and presents from my parents were waiting! My big present for the year is...

A red Keurig! Um, ignore the dirty pan x_x As you can see by the empty K-Cups, I've already used it quite a lot. They got me three different kinds of coffee and tea, and the Keurig came with samples...so I have lots of varieties. My favorites so far have been the iced coffees and teas! It's been very useful. Maybe a little too useful, haha.

There was also a plethora of hair and makeup goodies!! Yay! My favorite of these has been the Tarte lip color!

They got me this book, How to Be Like Walt, which is so far very interesting!!

They also got me my favorite peanut butter, because I have an addiction problem...heh.

I feel like I'm leaving something out, but...I don't know what...

And then on Saturday, I had another little party with friends! Two of my friends couldn't make it, but my good friends Erik and Ashley did, and they brought cake and chips and soda and etc! We went out for lunch, coffee, came back and watched the Power Rangers movie, talked lolita with Ashley (I can play dress up with her! I am in a happy place!) and then we just talked and watched other things.

Ashley gave me a really nice gift...

A Hello Kitty tin, four little Hello Kitties, a wallet, some tissues, and a bracelet I wear often! Oh, and CANDY!

All and all, I've had a great birthday and a great couple of days. As I said at the beginning, I'm doing some heavy duty cleaning...in order to renew our lease at the apartment, we have to do a walkthrough, and while I know our level of cleanliness and how much clothes are strewn on the floor probably isn't what they care about, the apartment does need a serious cleaning. Hopefully we can get that done before tomorrow. I just purchased Tomodachi Life, also, so hopefully I won't get too distracted...

And tomorrow is International Lolita day! I'm trying to get together with a few friends, but it may be just me dressing up alone, haha.

Mini Pre-Birthday Haul~

Today I'm going to talk about the fun day I've had yesterday and show you what I purchased as well as what my fiance got me for my birthday!

We were woken up super early by the sound of one of our pictures falling into the sink...but we didn't know that's what the noise was, so there was brief moment of panic. But it was kind of nice to be awake that early. We then decided we were up, so why not have breakfast at Taco Bell, since he had never had anything from their breakfast menu. I'm usually not a very adventurous eater, I like to stick to what I like, so I had the steak and egg burrito! After that we kind of just lazed about for a while. Then we ran a few errands, and then we were off to Opry Mills!

Here is a selfie I took~ I felt cute...

Last time I was there, I had seen a bag I really wanted, so the fiance said he would get it for my birthday!

Isn't it so cute? And large! I can fit everything into it! The texture of the fake leather is so soft, it feels very worn, yet durable. And now I finally have a bag I can wear across my chest again! I am in love!

Then while fiance headed to the mall's theater to check movie ticket prices, I headed to F21 again...I can't help myself. I just wanted to look at a hat... So I ended up getting this one:

I immediately removed the feathers, however XD It looks really cute! I'm not much of a hat person, but hats actually look decent on me. I'll probably get a lot of wear out of this hat this summer as most of my wardrobe will go with black! And then, I had to head over to the plus size section...and ended up getting a new swimsuit!

It has little cutouts on the sides covered in mesh, and the tummy part is ruched. I love it! ...D-do you want to see me in it? I'm a little embarrassed to post this but...

Yes, my thighs are as big as a small planet and my tummy sticks out, but...I like it. I think I look okay in it. Trying to be confident!! And, no, I don't know why the fiance's laptop is in the bathroom XD

After that, we went to a cheaper theater to go see Godzilla!! It was a really good movie, and a really good Godzilla movie. But I think my favorites are the older sillier ones...and ones with Mothra in them~

Today, we slept a little later and then went swimming with a friend. And there were beautiful thin people there, but I didn't cover myself up. I had a good time. Yay confidence! Please love your body, okay?

Love you guys!!

Pre-Birthday Fun! Forever 21/Forever 21 + Haul!!

I had such a very fun day today~! It's officially one week until my 24th birthday! I'm not shy about reminding people, haha. I don't care about if I receive gifts (but I appreciate them, of course) but I like to celebrate. I already know what I'm doing on the actual day of my birthday - going out to dinner with my parents and the fiance and then going to Dave & Busters with my two longest friends! But for the past few years, it's been tradition that one of my best friends, Erik, gets a cake for me and has people over at his place and we just generally watch stuff and catch up. That's going to happen next weekend!

I got to hang out with Erik today, as well as his super awesome girlfriend Ashley, and the fiance! We first went out to Dairy Queen and had some food. I've lost about seven or eight pounds since I started my job, so I figured a little treat was okay. Then we got coffee! My weakness! And then we were a little stuck for what to do, but didn't want to part ways yet, so Erik suggested we go to Opry Mills, which is the big mall in Nashville. So we made a trip of it!

Since the flood of 2010 and the re-opening of Opry Mills, there have been less "interesting" stores like a bookstore, a boba tea shop, a media store, etc, and more high-end clothing stores. Of course this gave the boys a lot to complain about, but me and Ashley loved it! It was so good to have someone to fawn over clothing with! I really only have one other friend I can do that with.

So we went many places, but in the end, we spent about an hour in the giant Forever 21. Forever 21 is one of my favorite stores, even if most of their clothes doesn't fit my body type. This one, however, also had a plus size section! I also have to say that my experience this time was very nice. Usually, especially at the one at the mall in my city, the shop people can be a little rude. But this time, people asked how we were doing, and the cashier was very nice.

Erik bought me three pieces of clothing and one jewelry item as my birthday present! So I figured a haul and review was in order!! I got from both the plus size section and their regular clothing selection. I'm going to be listing the size I have it in as well as the price of these items in case you would like to check them out as well. I'm so thankful to have such kind friends!! Also...I took these pictures on my phone, so they are kind of poor quality, especially the first one! I'm sorry! But, onto the haul~

Aaaah, blurry picture! There's a worn picture below, however. Anyways, I've never had a romper before, but I think they're so darling. This romper has a mesh top (covered up by the text ^^;) and two straps on either side holding it up. The back has a little tie area that holds together the top and opens up so you can put it on with ease. The waistband is super stretchy and comfortable! Great for just relaxing around the house. My one issue with it is that it's just a bit short when you sit down but...that's the style, so, what can you do? It's not that big of an issue.

Here's a picture of it worn! Trying to be okay showing my body! >_< And yes, the bedroom is a little messy, what are you going to do about it. As you can see, a 1X is not super form-fitting, but still not super baggy. Perfect! Actually, Ashley got the exact same one so we can twin!! I love this thing! The only thing that could make it better - pockets!

Next is another item from the plus size section. This picture does not do it justice at all, it's such a wonderfully light peach color with gorgeous lace detailing. As you can see, the back is a little open with the knot at the neck. The thing I love about shirts like these are that they're so versatile. You can dress them up or just wear them with some jeans and sandals! I can't wait to see what sort of coordinates I put together with this shirt! And look at that price!

This is the last clothing item I got, and not from the plus size section. It was also on sale!! It's no secret that I fell hard for the whole spikes and studs trend. And sheer? And high-low? Perfect. And the back is even open a little. Another small detail I like is that the buttons are covered by a flap of fabric so they aren't seen. Included with this was a little bag of spikes to replace any that fall off. I'm probably going to wear this mostly open as I don't think it can close over my bust, haha.

The final item I received was jewelry. I love F21's jewelry with a burning passion. Mostly because it's all at such a wonderful price. But I fell in love with this because it's clear (a huge trend right now) and iridescent (I just realized I spelled it wrong on the picture...)! It's a little clunky and gaudy and I think that's another reason why I snatched it up. This was the last of its kind there, but I also saw similar bracelets in an oil slick-type color, yellow, and black and gold.

As usual, I'm very satisfied with my purchases at Forever 21/Forever 21 +. Their clothes are affordable, comfortable, and on point with current trends. I saw a few other things there I might pick up when I go shopping at my local one next (like a floppy hat? can I pull off a hat?) I also want to thank F21 for even having a plus size section at some of their stores. I hope that they can integrate F21+ into all of their stores in the future, so girls and guys of every size and shape can wear cute clothing~!

Until tomorrow, please be happy and love your body!