Misako Aoki in NYC!

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On February 5th NYC's Japan Society hosted a lecture titled Lolita Fashion: Costume or Culture? I was so shocked and thrilled and surprised to hear that Misako Aoki was here! The lecture consisted of a girl fairly new to lolita fashion interviewing Misako to get Misako's perspective on the fashion. She received the basic questions such as if she wore it every day, how her family reacted etc. 2 other influential lolitas also were a part of the panel! The authors of Ramble Rori and (my favorite blog) F Yeah Lolita! Misako was as cute as you'd imagine her to be and super sweet to boot! The lecture ended with a short Baby the Stars Shine Bright fashion show, much to my surprise!

I know that writing down my notes on the panel would be ok, but you wouldn't really be getting the full story and all the nice details so we are in luck that the Japan Society posted a video on the panel for you to see! You can view it by clicking me.

Here's a video featuring the fashion show as well as an interview with Misako:

And here's a video of the coverage done for Fuji TV:

Lastly, I was lucky enough to snag a quick (aaaawkward) picture with Misako early on since I had to leave a bit early due to class the next morning (boo!):

Want to hear about the event from a whole different perspective? Check out Ramble Rori's post, she also got to go to the Tea Party held here with Misako-san!

DIY: Free Printable Scratch Off Valentine!

Click here to download this card
After clicking the link, right click the picture and choose "save as"

Sometimes I like to pretend I'm a Graphic Designer and that I know what I'm doing (hint: I'm not and I don't haha!). I made this cute little valentine for my boyfriend after seeing this super cute tutorial for making homemade scratch-offs on Spoonful.com. I designed my card with our favorite dog breed and filled it with prizes I thought he'd enjoy. (In case you're wondering about the 3rd prize, he's been wanting me to learn a song of his choice on my ukulele since forever!) If you like my valentine, you can download it by clicking the link under it!

Not really feeling the prizes I chose? Want to personalize it yourself? Make up your own prizes and fill them in yourself on my blank valentine!

Click here to download
After clicking the link, right click the picture and choose "save as"

To make the valentine, print it (can be either on good ole printer paper or cardstock). Then cut around the perimeter and use a glue-stick to glue it on a slightly larger piece of red or pink construction paper/ cardstock. Then follow the instructions on Spoonful to make the scratch off part (but I suggest instead of black paint, use red or pink!)

On mine, I'll be adding a bit of extra cuteness by gluing ruffles of fabric or lace along the top and bottom. Feel free to deco this! Add glitter, sequins, rhinestones or just make a whole different design of your own!

Hope you liked my little card design!

Are you making valentines this year?