Waterfalls near Spring Hill TN : Jackson Falls

Jackson Falls

Spent a lovely day with K at Jackson Falls. Its about the closest place to find a waterfall near Spring Hill / Columbia TN. I have been trying to get in touch with nature lately. I think I feel less sad when I spend time outside. Sometimes I get so tired that its hard to spend a very long day outdoors. However, Jackson falls is not hard to get to at all, and is very easy to walk too only about 900ft. I highly suggest stopping there if you are ever driving down the Natchez Trace Parkway. The falls are located at mile marker 404.7. They allow dogs too and there is an overlook trail as well. The falls are two part and you can climb up some rocks to get to the upper fall which is where we took these photographs. K said in the summer sometimes kids will go down the waterfall like a slide. I have no idea how they did that because it seems like it would be dangerous and painful. I took a lot of photos with my instant camera. ^_^ . The whole place reminds me of a fairytale, I would love to go back and take some storybook style pictures. Overall it was a wonderful day and very peaceful. I tried to collect some acorns to commemorate the occasion, I teasingly told K I was going to keep them forever and ever so that I could show them to our great grandchildren, but their tops ended up falling off. "-_-

A Happy Couple

K is an oh-so-serious photographer

Nashville Oktoberfest 2015 Event Review

Nashville Oktoberfest 2015 Event Review

Nashville Oktoberfest

Oh Nashville Oktoberfest…. I had such high hopes… but alas you have failed me…

I have always been a fan of German culture, I was enrolled in German for 3 years when I was in high school. Our teacher had encouraged us to visit the Nashville Oktoberfest but something always came up so I never went.

Well this year was different, I thought it would be a great time. I was looking forward to German food, music and Beer. My friend and I dressed up in traditional Tracht (dirndls) and were eagerly looking forward to it.

Upon arriving, it was packed! This was to be expected, in fact I believe that Oktoberfest is Nashville’s biggest event. However, I was not expecting to be as overwhelmed as I was. Sometimes in my head I decide to do fun things, and think “Oh yes you will enjoy a fun day outside with people” When really its just a day of sweaty loud misery slowing walking through crowds of strangers towards an unidentifiable goal.

These annoyances would have been alright if there were say… German music, German food, or traditional vendors at the Oktoberfest. But on the day I went only country music was blaring, and regular “fair” food served (funnel cakes, corn-dogs, curly fries etc.) and the same tents selling the same old stuff (candles jewelry, and the like) I will say I think I did see at least one place selling bratwurst, but that was about it. 

Nashville Oktoberfest

The Beer buying process was also long, confusing, and very expensive. Involving waiting in line to buy a ticket before you could wait in line to get beer. You also had to make sure you were at the right beer tent (non- VIP) Everything was cash only, and of course, the ATMS were broken. My poor friend K had to walk all the way to Walgreen's to get money. When he came back I was so stressed out and miserable that we ended up leaving. I still feel guilty about making him walk all that way “-_-…

Upon looking online, it seems I’m not the only one that feels this way about the Oktoberfest. There seems to be a trend with it becoming more and more commercialized with every year, with less o f a focus on German culture, to a shift towards pandering to generic likes of people in order to generate more revenue.

I do wish I had not put off visiting this event until now, I would have liked to have seen it a few years back when it was more of a real Oktoberfest.

In the end, the day was redeemed by going out for Vietnamese pho which was quite delicious.

I also got to spend the day with my friend S. I have known her since she was small but have never really spent time with her. She is in her senior year of high school now, and I am sure she will accomplish great things! Though, I do think that she will probably move away for school and I will seldom see her. That’s how friendships are sometimes though, and that’s ok. I will enjoy spending time with her now and treasure the memories we make for a long time.

In the end I suppose all we really wanted was an excuse to dress up... Next October we'll probably just get beer from the grocery store and have our own private Oktoberfest in a park or something... XD

Soapwalla Deodorant Review

Soapwalla Deodorant Review

I have been on a search for an all natural deodorant that actually works for a while now. Upon first using Soapwalla, I would have written a sterling review upon finding the holy grail of natural deodorant. However, this is no longer the case…

For the first month, using this deodorant was wonderful, it lasted the whole day with no smell whatsoever. In fact, I would say it worked better than the previous drugstore aluminum formula I had been using. Also despite as not being described as an “antiperspirant” I did notice that I was less sweaty, perhaps this is due to the natural clays in the formula. The fragrance is minty and fresh due to essential oils. I believe they have a citrus fragrance version as well.

Then after awhile, I started to burn a bit when I applied it, it did not last long. I thought at first it was due to the peppermint irritating freshly shaved skin. After awhile my armpits were bright red! I read other reviews, and I found I was not the only one with the redness, however, the other reviewers said that the redness dissipated in a few days after they “adjusted”, so I continued to use it.

This proved to be a bad decision, as it just got more erythematous and painful. Upon discontinuing, my underarms cleared up in a few days.

So what caused this to happen in the first place? The culprit, is the baking soda ingredient, which also so happens to be the same ingredient that causes this natural deodorant to work so much better than others. Baking soda causes the pH causes a more alkaline skin environment which inhibits bacterial growth. Well upon researching I found that the pH of the skin is delicately balanced, make the pH to alkaline and it allows more yeast to grow and also damage the skin (Causing the redness) However, this side effect does not happen in all individuals. So I can not completely discount this as a protect for everyone, I will use it still on days I wear things that are white to prevent staining but that's about it.

Ingredient List

(*: certified organic, +: food-grade)
Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*; Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*; Rosehip Seed Oil*; Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Butter; Corn Starch*+; Sodium Bicarbonate+; Kaolin Clay; Vegan Kosher Glycerin*+; a custom blend of essential oils, including: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender)*; Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree)*; Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange); Mentha Piperita (Peppermint)*; Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergaptene-free Bergamot)*; Non-GMO Soy lecithin*+; Non-GMO Vitamin E*+.

Not Your Mothers Sea Salt Spray Review

"It adds sexy, tousled waves and a light matte finish to any hair type. Infused with natural dead see salt and sea kelp this salon formula has you and your hair on the boardwalk all year long."

I like this product, can not say I love it, but its a good product overall. First of all, it will not give your hair curls, or waves really for that matter, if your hair is straight like mine. But, I did feel like it gave my hair an overall nice texture and slightly more volume. It also has a really lovely coconut smell to it which has to be my
favorite thing about it. The directions say to brush it through to apply it evenly, I've found that if I use a brush, any texture or waves I had totally go away, so I only finger brush when I have it in. I spray it in while my hair is damp, and spray a little more while my hair air dries. Also, I wish it sprayed a finer of a mist for more even application

The Verdict : Overall I like it and I use it semi-often, but I think I will only buy it again if its on sale, I think it would  work way better on someone who has hair that is already a little bit wavy.

Not Your Mothers Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray Ingredients:
Water, Sea Salt, Polysorbate 20, Dimethicone PEG-8,Meadowfoamate, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Propylene Glycol, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Sodium Benzoate

Lolita Blog Carnival : My First Lolita Item

I remember I was in the 9^th grade with my friend Kirsten. We were both rather artsy (ahem..goth) and into J-rock bands like Malice Mizer. One day she brought one of the GLBs to school, I was fascinated with it, I had never seen clothes like that before. Lolita clothing was much more unattainable then , as none of the

brands, except Metamorphose shipped over sees. On a trip to San Francisco, at a Kinokuniya Bookstore, I discovered they had them, I was so excited I picked up two issues! They came with posters which I of course had to hang on my walls. I used to draw designs of the dresses I saw in my sketch book, it definitely had a big impact on me. Even now, I’ve found I’m more drawn to old school designs.  Two years or so later, I bought my first dress from Metamorphoses. The posters are down now, replaced by “grown up” framed art. The magazines are worn now, with pages falling out, seldom flipped through. But whenever I come across them I get filled with warm nostalgic feelings. ~~*```

Lolita Blog Carnival Links

Alice in Lolita Land

The Beautiful and Damned

Breidholt

The Life of a Lolita

Whimsical Adventures of Me

Vanillastraumfabrik

Wonderland Gone Mad

ABC Lolita

Spoon and Fork

Sparkling Girl
The Electric Carousel

 

Victoriangirldress Petticoat Review

Petticoat Junction!

Click Read More for a Long-ish Review

Lolita Blog Carnival : Next Item on my wishlist

The next item on my wish list is Juliette et Justine’s Cecil Robe! I don’t think I will ever find it, though still listed on the web shop, it is out of stock. I emailed them about restocking but they never contacted me back, unfortunately…… Now that I think about I can not recall ever seeing hardly any of JetJ's items being in stock

I have always admired JetJ’s painting dressing, but none of them were quite right to me… some were cut weird, some just had downright ugly paintings on them. However, Cecil Robe is absolute perfection!

Cecil Robe’s is based off of Waterhouse’s painting of a sleeping St Cecilia. ( Random Fact: Andrew Lloyd Weber, the creator of The Phantom of the Opera musical, purchased the painting for 6 million British pounds! Luckily, Cecil Robe isn't quite that much)

Pre-Raphaelite is my favorite art movement, I also think the bodice is super elegant, without being to over the top.
Juliette Justine's web store can be found here, where you can see more beautiful designs...that are all out of stock Lol
juliette-et-justine.com

To See other Wish list Items click the below links for other Lolita Bloggers
Lolita Blog Carnival
armure de rose
Sidhe Banshee
McDuff Auditorium
Sweet and Simple
A little bit of this ... A little bit of that
Northern Star
Lolita Glamour
Fire Extinguisher






Lolita Blog Carnival: Tips for Surviving the Summer in Lolita

1.) Wear a chiffon blouse. There are some Jsks that can look nice without a blouse. But wearing a blouse, even when its hot, holds the benefit of protecting your dress from sweat (eww). Keeping dresses in good condition is important  to many lolitas. Especially for those with "revolving closets" that tend to buy and sell their items alot. A chiffon blouse is light weight, and having extra coverage on your shoulders can help prevent a painful sunburn. Loliable chiffon blouses are also easy to find at many popular mainstream clothing shops. 

2.) Carry a parasol. Parasols are fantastic. I bet every person writing on this week's topic will mention parasols. They are a feminine, frilly, and pretty accessory with a victorian flavor. They also come with the benefit of personalized shade.

3.) Short socks/ crew socks. For whatever reason, I always grew up calling these "bobby socks". Though I personally can't pull them off        they can be use to create very cute coordinates.

4.) Go with natural hair. The wig may tempt you with its promise of beautifully, perfect, already styled hair. But it's appeal will quickly wear off when it becomes a nuisance that you can't take off while out and about.

5.) Be mindful and considerate if you are hosting a meetup. Pick indoor locations, like the movies, or a tea house. Some botantical gardens, zoos, parks ext will have events at dusk during the summer if you want to do    something out doors.

6.) Go with lighter colors. This one from Angelic Pretty is a great example of a very cute summer time coordinate that incorporates many of the tips I've mentioned here.

7.) Keep hydrated! Here's a recipe for Disney Land's famous (non-alcoholic) mint julep. It is cool and refreshing, I always look forward to it when I go there :D 

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
3 tsp lime juice concentrate
3 cups club soda
6 Tbsp creme de menthe syrup (not liqueur)
6 oz thawed lemonade concentrate
mint leaves

METHOD
Dissolve sugar into club soda. Add lime juice and lemonade and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add creme de menthe. Chill.

To serve, combine 3 parts syrup to 5 parts water. Add mint, or fruit as garnish. Serve chilled 

See other Carnival Member posts for even more tips on staying cool this summer

Lace-a-lamode

The Bloody Tea Party

FyeahLolita

Ima-Princess

Lolita In the Sky With Diamonds

Ramble Rori

Starry Eyed Lolita

Jess Cosmic Delight

A Sweet Lolita's Disney Life

Tutorial: How to Insert Eyelets / Grommets

Eyelets , or Grommets, can be a practical and unique touch to many sewing and crafting projects. But sometimes they can be tricky to insert. After playing around with them a lot I found using the Sew-ology eyelet kit, is the best way to place them in fabric

My Most Recent Wardrobe Addition

      So today I was very exited to wear my newest addition to my wardrobe: BTSSB Snow White JSK in black. It has been a dress I've been looking for a long time. At first I found it in pink, and then literally the next day it showed up in black. Talk about buyer remorse. I need to sell the pink as its strange to have two of the same dress, I'd rather have variety! It's an older print, with a gorgeous rendering of the story of Snow White. I think I like older prints more than new prints. They have such a nostalgic feel, and remind me of when I was first getting into this fashion years ago.~*

     The dress is very versatile and can be dressed up or down. Today I chose to make an otome styled coordinate, for the meetup I was supposed to go to today. Unfortunately, it was canceled because of the rain. But I still put on my frills and had a meetup of one. 

I went with simple hair and makeup today. Currently, I'm on the search for apple themed items to go along with this dress, instead I had to settle for my Cinderella's carriage necklace. The blouse is chiffon and perfect for summer, grab one at F21 while its still available as its a great, cheap wardrobe builder for your Lolita ensembles.

PS: This is also my first Lolita Blog Carnival post! 

Check out other's most Recent Wardrobe Additions

Under The Parasol

Hello Batty

Hello Kitty Loves Disney

Annie Old Fashioned

Masquerade Doll

The Bloody Tea Party

Ima Princess

Ramble Rori

*~Bye~*

Loliable Bathing Suits

One can not really don their lolita frills at the beach or the pool. But what's a girl to do when she wants to keep her frilly aesthetic on her sea faring adventures?

1.) Go Retro! There are a lot of great vintage inspired options out there. The one thing that I dont like about the retro bathing suit trend is the high waisted bottoms. They look like granny pannies, and are rather unflattering.

Instead go with something with a bustier top like this from  sea folly , and pair it with a modern bottom. And for those that want a one-piece, this one from shabby apple is adorable with it's lovely pink accent bow.

2.) Make Your Own! Go on Etsy or wherever you source your patterns, and try to snag one of these beauties McCalls 5906 , or Simplicity 1604. The silhouette is very ballerina like, you'll be the only girl on the beach with it!

3.) Stick with Brand. Both Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Metamorphose have released bathing suits, but they may be difficult to find! Hopefully they will release new versions this season.

*~So what sort of bathing suit have you gotten for this summer? ^_^

I Will Dance on Your Grave!

So I was looking through some old pictures on my phone and found these photos from last year from an outing . We went to the Cheek Wood botanical gardens which is a really cool place if you ever go to Tennessee. I never posted them to daily lolita over all the rules they broke, but I think they are perfect for this weeks theme on EGL.

Here is my friend, she's a proper and good lolita, she was not even mad at the two gentlemen photo bombing her.
See how good she is? She just air pets the statues so her hands dont get dirty, thats how good she is.

I am very bad! No petticoat D: no Blouse D: no hair done D:

Cheek Wood also has really cool, modern art statues. I thought this one looked like a giant claw coming out of the ground, Im pretending to be scared. Some random people came up and asked me if I was pretending to be trapped like a mime lol. They said I was to smiley to look scared XD

Anyway it was a very beautiful place to visit. 

Here is their website link if you'd like to know more about them! http://www.cheekwood.org/

"The fifty-five acre site includes the original Cheek gardens, designed by Bryant Fleming, with pools, fountains, statuary, extensive boxwood plantings and breathtaking views of the rolling Tennessee hills. Cheekwood was opened to the public in 1960 and the many specialized gardens have developed since that time.

Visitors will discover a Japanese garden, an herb garden, two perennial gardens, a color garden, water garden, seasons garden and an award-winning wildflower garden. Each garden has a special purpose presenting a particular group of plants or garden style. "

Also please note, these are not real head stones,( unless Sappho was really buried here, but I highly doubt that) no dead people were disturbed by my frolicking. XD

Until Next Time!