In the Flesh

Ethel in the flesh.

I'm struggling with her dress. I can't sew for my life and am trying to create one with a glue gun. Needless to say, my method is backfiring. Grr.

Real Love

I've already got a beautiful wedding gown in the works - one that I won't be seeing until April or March - but as lovely as it is, the dress is restricting and frankly, impossible to boogie in. But le cub and I envision a wedding reception filled with music and dance. *Jersey Shore fist-pump* Which means a second dress that allows for maximum "dance-age" is necessary...

After searching high and low, I found it. I found "the one"!!! The above-pictured Oscar de la Renta gem is the dress I will be changing into after our ceremony and dinner. This dress is probably doesn't appeal to all people (asymmetrical designs are an acquired-taste), but to me, he's perfect. (Yes, Oscar is a "he".)

Don't tell anyone, but I think I love this lil' number more than I love my wedding gown...

And my last dress for the December Taiwan ceremony? (Traditionally there are multiple outfit changes.) FOUND IT! No photos of this one, but I do have a close-up of the YUM-meh fabric swatch. *swoon*

Mission accomplished. Wedding wardrobe, done :)

Four Eyes

Such a pain to keep Sculpey/Fimo clean. Finally did it. Here's Ethel and the start of her face. The eyeballs were baked separately and fit into sockets. They can be shifted with a small pin (at the center of her pupils). As for her glasses (they're not finished... still needs a bridge), I wanted them to look a little less matte than the rest of her, so I painted over the baked-clay with acrylics. Think I will be doing some repainting with gloss in order to make them even shinier. And ooh, they're currently be held on by soft clay. Final version of Ethel will have her glasses glued down...

Happy Feet

Taking a break from building my stop-motion characters and props and shopping for socks online. Mens socks! Keeping in mind that le cub's groomsmen will be sporting white shirts, charcoal gray or black pants, and THESE mismatched ties, which of these Happy Socks should we pick? Oh, the paradox of choice...

Head's Up

Ethel's head. A work-in-progress. Foil core. Sculpey overlay. Not edible. *sigh*

What a Girl Wants

I desperately want electrolysis. I'm not THAT hairy, but fine little hairs do sprout up on my arms occasionally, and I hate it. And my pits. I want them fresh and clean 24/7 as well. Know of a quality defuzz consultant? Please, do share.

Created a new character to build in Flash. I have yet to name him, but in the meantime, let's refer to him as OHM. Old Hairy Man. His story is going to be one involving a vending machine. And yes, it's going to be epic.

ONIK ONIK

Le cub was home (Minnesota) for the holidays, and look what he brought back for me! He was a very talented first grader.
ONIK-ONIK!

Must frame.

Tying the Knot

Mismatched skinny ties for le cub's groomsmen :)

Like Father, Like Daughter

While back home in Taiwan, I found a framed photo of my "ba" as a tot. (He's stuffing his face with what looks to be a dinner roll, and yes, he's wearing diapers.) In the same drawer was a snapshot of me as a tot. (I'm stuffing my face with a plate of cake. Little has changed since my early-years.) Get a load of the identical "huh?" expressions on our faces. I am definitely my father's daughter.

Oh, Valentino!

When Julia Roberts got made over in "Pretty Woman," she did so at Valentino. That said, when given the task of picking out evening gowns for le cougar and cub wedding reception in Taiwan (brides typically change three times at traditional Chinese weddings), my mother and I headed straight for the timeless designs of Valentino. Yes, I have a very nice mom. Since she wore orange and gold (festive alternatives to red) to her own wedding way back when (click HERE), I wanted to do the same. Here I am, all five-feet of me, trying on an orange and light-gold Valentino confection back in Taipei. I love the fluffy bow perched on my booty. The dress was, coincidentally, on sale... so le cougar mom and I took it as a sign and purchased it. One dress down. One more to go...

Let Them Eat Cake

Parents insist that le cub and I serve cake on the big day. But we're serving a trio of desserts... is an additional helping of dessert really necessary? Can't believe I just asked that.

I Did!

My toes, adorned with Valentino sequins, will be uber-happy on the day of le cub and cougar wedding.

Thank you, mommy.

Ho-Ho-Ho! Ha-Ha-Ha! Hee-Hee-Hee!

Happiest of Holidays, my friends!!!

Picture: Still from A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Bling it On!

I'm all for looking like a disco ball during the dancing portion of my wedding day with le cub. Back in Taipei, and my mom is worried that we won't be able to find something suitable to wear to the epic cougar and cub wedding ceremony that she's throwing us in Taipei. I have no complaints. Doll me up!

Pictured: Sparkly tunic - Marchesa Resort 2010

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Boarding a flight back to Taipei! *fist pump*
Should I not find the time to post while away...

HAPPY HAPPY HOLIDAYS, and a VERY MERRY NEW YEAR!!!

Much love always,
le cougar, le cub, and le Beans

Ho-ho-ho! Hee-hee-hee! Ha-ha-ha!

Progress Report

Wow, wowee, wow. Honestly, tastings alone, are reason enough for two people to get married.

Last night, le cub and I, accompanied by Rebecca, attended our second tasting at Chris and Jerry's downtown loft. Based on our first tasting, Jerry was able to capture our flavor profile, and with that in mind, he created a full menu for us - covering hor d'oeuvres, starters, entrees, desserts, and late-night snacks. That's right, late-night snacks. Le cub doesn't want any of our guests leaving hungry.

This second-tasting was incredibly indulgent. The presentation was gorgeous and the flavors were "mayjah." Needless to say, le cub and I left their home fat and happy. We can't wait for our cookie tasting. That's right. Jerry is going to have us over for a COOKIE TASTING. Life is very, very good.

Original drawings to come.

Baby It's Cold Outside

Le cub and I bought "Dizzy" and his friend "Dozey" on sale yesterday at 99 Ranch Market. We then proceeded to give them both a warm bath. Dizzy was not pleased.

Til Death Do Us Part - Animatic

It is with sweaty palms that I have uploaded my first video onto YouTube. My very first! Thought I'd give folks a peek at the work-in-progress for my second-year stop-motion film, "Til Death Do Us Part". Tah-dah! An animatic. This short is my light-hearted way of highlighting the issue of depression in the elderly, and was inspired by my grams. Changes will definitely be made. This current version has temporary sound effects, score and voice-over. (I plan to audition Geoffrey Rush sound-a-likes.) Final version to come. In the meantime, enjoy!

Petite Sentiments

Some small (and totally random) expressions of joie:

Fantastic Mr. Fox. So cussin' fantastic that I paid to watch it twice.

Snuggies. Le cub and I have purchased 10 to date. Our fool-proof go-to-gift this holiday season.

I love cheese. Consumed 7 slices of Tillamook cheddar last night while watching "The Biggest Loser" finale. I need help.

Bagged It

Braved the holiday shopping crowd last night in order to snatch up a couple boxes of See's Candy (Nuts and Chews, baby!) to bring back to my grammy in Taiwan. As usual, I couldn't resist taking a peek at the sale section at CUSP. Purchased two more Christmas presents. One for a friend, and one for me! I bought a hunter green shoulder bag from French Connection - on sale for a reasonable $79. Apparently it's the same one that Taylor Swift has been toting around this past month. See HERE. May her talents and youth rub off on me.

Just caught Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe of Precious on Jay Leno. Adorable. Have you watched Precious yet?