Misandry and Misogny.

This article was very interesting. My biggest issue with the Men's Right Movement isn't even that they want equality. I want equality! We're human beings; gay, straight, white, black, man or woman. We're HUMAN. We ALL deserve to have rights.

My issue with the Men's Rights Movement is that they do nothing for their cause by attacking and abusing people who disagree with them. Militant Feminism is no better. The truth of the matter is this:
Feminism isn't evil. Being a Men's Right Activist isn't evil. What's evil is trying to pin the sins of a wicked world on one another. What's evil is trying to destroy other people on your way to "equality."

And, sadly, Misandry does exist. There are men who ARE being discriminated against. You know why? Because other men have this warped view of "manhood." Being a man doesn't mean that you have to be interested in sports, working out or guns. Being a man isn't about being some distorted version of "manly."
We have this warped view that if you are a Man you can't be interested in fashion or cooking or dancing because those things are viewed as being too "feminine." When we stop viewing "feminine" as being a BAD thing then what do we have? We have a man who enjoys his life.

We have this view that for a man to express any type of emotion is wrong. It makes him a "sissy" or any other derogatory term. Again, because it makes him "feminine."

The number of men that are abused and sexually assaulted by women is ridiculously under-reported because it is somehow shameful that a MAN LET himself be abused or be raped. No. That's wrong. Its just another facet of victim shaming. Men can be abused or raped just like a woman can. A man can be depressed or love fashion just like a woman can.

In a perfect world, we would work TOGETHER to end the inequality between the genders. We wouldn't be fighting AGAINST each other.

To do this, however, we have to admit that there are faults on both sides and that, because we are human this is always going to happen. Just because there are faults doesn't mean that we have to ATTACK each other.

http://time.com/2949435/what-i-learned-as-a-woman-at-a-mens-rights-conference/

Denim Day

Today, April 25th, 2012, is Denim Day.

What is Denim Day? Denim Day is where people across the United States (and even the rest of the world) unite against a common evil: Sexual Assault. AKA: Rape.

How do we unite? Everyone wears jeans. Something you probably already do every day. Except that you wear jeans with a purpose for this day. It is a show of solidarity and that prove that Rape has NO EXCUSES and is never the victim's fault.

How do I sign up? Well you can go to this website: http://denimdayusa.org/ and sign up to be a part of it, or you can follow them on Facebook: http://facebook.com/denimdayinlaandusa

Please do this! It takes so little of your time! If you are curious still you can read the following article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mariska-hargitay/denim-day_b_1445290.html

Albania Week (Day Four)

Let's look at some fashion from Albania, shall we? That sounds like fun!

This particular piece was designed by an Albanian designer called Mimi in 2008 for the Albanian fashion week.


This piece is also from 2008. It is by a designer named Rezarta Skifteri.


This one is by Geraldina Sposa from last year.


He popped up on my picture search and I realized he had some gorgeous eyes and was pretty damn smexy... therefore, he is here specifically because he is hot. That is all.


This particular piece was designed specifically for pregnant women (and the men that can't get enough of pregnant bellies) by Merita Tocila two years ago.


And I know absolutely nothing about this particular dress other than it was published in an article on Daily Times Pakistan!

Batman's Shoe-Mobile Fetish

I found this picture at random and thought it was hilarious! I love that shoe shaped go-cart and really want one now. I think even Batman would be jealous, because what crime fighting hero doesn't want to be seen in some classy red pumps? (There's a pun in that last sentence! *giggle*)

This is the shit, just sayin'!



Also, speaking of shoes, I love these heels.


In fact, I own a pair of them myself and am now debating on whether I want to try to walk in them for my wedding. They would go with my colors perfectly, however I have to walk up some stairs so I may end up killing myself attempting this.


And now, your hideous shoe of the day! (Which is something completely random and that I suddenly decided to do because I am crazy!)


I have no idea what these are called or who designed them. All I typed in was "hideous shoes" and this is one of the things that came up first. Absolutely horrifying, not only for the animal cruelty aspect, but also for the random gun for a heel and the now golden colored hooves (plural for hoof, for those who are curious). Not to mention that they look like they would be a pain to wear.

In the Heart of the Mediterranean

Just for shiggles (also known as shits and giggles), I've decided to blog about a special country, carefully chosen, for this week.

This week's country is Albania. That's right kids, Albania! This week's country was specially chosen by Phil. Thank you, Phil.

Albania, as it's official website claims, is in the heart of the Mediterranean. It is considered a part of the European continent and is actually rich with history and beauty. More so than you would think. Poor Albania is one of those forgotten countries, a lot of the time.

And to start off Albania Week, I have decided to present some delicious recipes. Apparently, Albania has a thing for meat dishes, because the very first page of recipes I looked at were all meat related. I did manage to find a recipe for a Spinach Pie and a Walnut Cake. For my culturally involved audience, I present this interesting recipe for Spinach Pie first.

Spinach Pie (Byrek me Spinaq)
1 cup oil, preferably olive oil
1 1/2 packets (or about 30) pastry leaves (Filo dough)
1 1/2 pounds spinach, chopped
1 cup diced feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 eggs
salt, half teaspoon

( NOTE: A medium-sized, round baking pan is recommended because it's more authentic but any medium-sized baking pan will do).

Brush the baking pan with some of the oil, and start laying the pastry leaves inside. First, lay two leaves, sprinkle or brush with oil, then lay two other leaves, and repeat the procedure until half of the leaves are laid. Make sure that they cover the pan by hanging them about one inch over the edges of the pan.

Sprinkle spinach with salt, then mix well by hand. Add the feta cheese, oil, onions, eggs and salt, and spread this mixture over the already laid pastry leaves. Finish by covering the spinach with the rest of the pastry leaves repeating the first-half procedure and then roll the hanging edges of the bottom leaves over the pie (think of a pizza crust), sprinkle top with oil and bake moderately at 3501_F for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Serve hot, accompanied with buttermilk, or beaten yogurt, thinned down in cold water or with chilled stewed prunes. Sometimes a green salad adds to the meal!
Serves 4-6.

Walnut Cake
Ingredients
Cake
1/2 cup butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup Sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup buttermilk (or additional 1/3 cup yogurt)
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon rind
1 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
Glaze
3/4 cup water
1 cup Sugar
1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 dash ground cloves

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 °F.
cream together the butter and Sugar until light and fluffy, and then mix in the eggs.
Blend the yogurt with the buttermilk.
Sift together the cake dry ingredients and add them alternating with the yogurt mixture into the egg mixture.
Stir in the lemon rind and walnuts.
Pour the batter into a buttered 9X13 baking pan and bake for 30–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will still be moist.
Make the glaze by simmering together all the ingredients, covered, for about 15 minutes.
Remove the cinnamon stick.
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven, turn off the oven, pour the glaze over the hot cake and return it to the oven for about 10 minutes.
Cut the cake into squares and serve it warm or cool.

Throughout this week expect to see blogs about Albanian fashion, fun facts, music and other interesting (and slightly random) things!

Of a Fashion

Okay, I know this is random, but I felt like posting a bunch of pictures of dresses by two different designers, Catherine Malandrino and Carla Zampatti, whose designs I have posted before. The reasoning behind this you may ask? *shrug* I don't know. I felt like it?

To start us off is Catherine Malandrino herself in a lovely green dress. I'm not sure if she designed it or if someone else did, but I like it a lot.


Speaking of green dresses, here is a Green Silk Chiffon Minidress which I adore. I love the ruching along the ruffle line and the one off-the-shoulder sleeve.


And here it is again, just for another view.


Also, have a look at this very patriotic "Flag Dress"! Love the way the model makes it look, didn't really like the other pictures of it.


One thing I have noticed about both Catherine Malandrino and Carla Zampatti is that they seem to prefer an Asymmetrical look to their dresses, which I have to say, I also like.

Here are a couple examples:
Catherine Malandrino:

Carla Zampatti:

Since I posted a picture of Ms. Malandrino it seems only fair that I do the same for Ms. Zampatti. Looking quite stern/posh in white and black (once again, I don't know if she designed it herself) is Carla Zampatti.


I really love this dress/jacket/hat ensemble. And I'm not sure if I like it because of the jacket, which is lopsidedly asymmetrical, or if I like it for the huge hat or for the dress itself, which is quite cute. I think I just like the whole ensemble for inexplicable reasons.


I also love this soft pink dress, though I wish I could've found a better picture of it. This is from Ms. Zampatti's 2009 collection. I'm not sure what the model is doing though. O.o


And finally, a black dress. I seem to always have to have a black dress somewhere in my favorite pictures of dresses. I don't know if it is because black is such a classical color or if it is because of the fabled "little black dress" or I am just insane. Maybe it is all of the above. Who knows? My favorite part of this dress is the bodice. I love the odd angles that stick away and then the straight line of the rest of the dress.


All for now duckies! Hope you enjoyed the random fashion show!

Shoes

Alternate title: The story of a girl who hates them.

So, as you could tell by previous blog I was more than a little upset. So what did I do to cheer myself up you may ask? I turned off the song I had listened to on repeat for an hour and listened to some other music. I talked to my mom on Facebook chat. I looked at pictures of pretty shoes that I want to buy.

Wait...

Repeat that? The girl who hates shoes was looking at pretty shoes to cheer herself up?

Yes. That is correct. And now I am going to post pictures of said pretty shoes that cheered me up. All of them are by my favorite shoe designer Manolo Blahnik.

First off a white version of my all time fav shoe EVER!


I don't know why I like these, but I would wear them!! I am so strange. And have possibly been replaced with a pod person.


I don't think I would actually wear these, but I like the style. Once again, I don't know why. Normally I would think they looked dumb.


These red heels really made me smile. I love sassy red heels!


Lacy heels are even better! I like how he changes up the same basic designs with his shoes.


I honestly have no idea what is up this pair of shoes, but they are weird and therefore I like them. I don't like the looseness of the ropes though. There should be a way to tighten them.


LOVE LOVE LOVE this one!


My all time fave shoe, in black.


These ones remind me of a pair of shoes I almost bought. They were Frenchi lace pumps and they were at Maurice's. Unfortunately they went out of season so I'm going to have to wait to get a hold of a pair!


The last shoes of the evening. They are fun, pink and sassy. And I love the black feathers. ^-^


Shoes can sometimes make even me, the bare-footed heathen, smile. Thank you Manolo Blahnik!

BIGBANG

I randomly talked about the following video in my last blog, in which I said that G-Dragon's outfits were kind of, shall we say, out there. I am sort of addicted to the song currently, so I thought I would share it with all of you! :D

There are two different versions, one in Japanese and an Original version (in Korean). SO you get both, because I just love you all SOOOOO MUCH! ^_^

Japanese Version


Original Version


And is it just me, or have they all gotten EVEN HOTTER?! Especially Daesung! Goddamn, is he gorgeous!! *drools a little* Ooops, my bad. Anyway, so there you have it, double the G-Dragon, T.O.P., Taeyang, Seungri and Daesung! ^-^ (However, I still have NO clue what is going on with G-D's outfits...)

My Bucket List

Hello Everyone!!

Today I have decided to post part (a long part) of my (so far) uncompleted Bucket List. Most of the stuff on here is fanciful, because I am a dreamer at heart, but some of it I could actually do at some point. I would love to read some bucket lists by others as well, maybe we have similar ideas! So, if you feel like sharing post a comment or send me an e-mail with your bucket list!

Now, in no particular order, My Bucket List.
- Listen to music by The Beatles with Ringo Starr.
- Visit a major city in 10 different countries. (Side note: I picked 10 as a standard number, it may vary later, but for now you will see the number 10 a lot)
- Record myself singing an a capella version of "I Need You" by George Harrison and send it to someone random as a gift.
- Swim with Dolphins.
- Visit 10 "haunted" places in Europe.
- Visit 10 "haunted" places in the United States.
- See the Pyramids and the Sphinx.
- Visit the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and The Little Mermaid.
- Publish a book.
- Interview Wentworth Miller, Gackt and Morgan Freeman.
- Act in a movie with Anthony Hopkins.
- Kiss Gackt.
- Witness the birth of a baby.
- Kiss Keira Knightley.
- Produce a play.
- Sing a duet with Imogen Heap or Emmy Rossum.
- Read all the books on my "Must Read" list.
- Beat Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man.
- Try 10 different ethnic foods from around the world.
- Be a vegetarian for a year.
- Live in New York for a year.
- Design a Wedding Dress.
- Learn a foreign language.
- Visit the graves of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.
- Be on the cover a magazine.
- Meet Barack Obama.
- See Paris in Autumn.
- Weigh 130lbs.
- Sing for the King and Queen of a foreign country.
- Practice six different world religions for a year each.
- Be Scarlett O'Hara in a "Gone with the Wind" re-make.
- Star in a Movie.
- Make a touchdown.
- Be in a musical on Broadway.
- See a Broadway play.
- Kiss the Blarney Stone.
- Name a pet cat Amadeus.
- Meet the Dalai Lama.
- Have my picture taken by Leonard Nimoy.
- Go to the Salvador Dali museum.
- Meet Kermit the Frog.
- Pet a Shark.
- Make and sell a piece of jewelry.
- Name a pet snake Shakespeare.
- Visit the Winchester Mansion.
- Ride horses with Viggo Mortensen.
- Bake Cookies for the Russian Ambassador.
- Explore Africa.
- Have Moroccan tea with Judes (my Platonic Soul Mate).
- Go Mushroom Hunting (I have never actually been).
- Be on a day time talk show (e.g. Live with Regis and Kelly).
- Be on an episode of House M.D.
- Have lunch with a president.
- Make zombie cupcakes.

A Fashionable Affair

As promised here is another blog on Fashion and the Fashionable. Today we're going to look at clothing for women, particularly dresses and swim suits. Partially because the trends hardly ever change for men and partially because I am a woman.

First up on women's fashion is this "classic" knit dress by Mark Fast. I'm not sure what the classic part means. Mr. Fast, I would just like to say has not created anything spectacular with this piece, at least in this blogger's opinion. I could also make something like this, being a knitter. It would take time and the materials, but would roughly cost you $30 to $40. That would cover the materials used and, unless I charged you by the hour, my time spent making it. This piece will cost you £1,285.00. That is how much it would cost you in Euros, in United States Dollars (USD) it will cost you more, because the dollar isn't exactly up right now. Total cost in US currency is $1,572.05.


Next up we have a beautiful bathing suit (as Summer has finally arrived). I don't know who designed it, but I think it is one of the most beautiful pieces I've seen. I especially like the side piece connecting the top and bottom. As far as swimsuits go this is my favorite. If you know who designed this particular piece feel free to leave me a comment.


Also in fashion right now is this lovely piece that people are calling a "suspender vest". I actually am looking into making one for myself. I've been seeing a lot of girls wearing this around where I live. I love the simple cut of it and how it accentuates the bust line. I also love the blouse that they chose to pair this with. It looks perfect for the office or a night out with friends. Plus it can be paired with either a nice pair of slacks or a pencil skirt.


This is one of my favorite dresses. I love the neckline, I like the hemming and I love the particular shade that they chose for it. I love the length, though I personally wouldn't wear it that short(I'm self-conscious) and I love the way it hangs on the mannequin. Mini dresses are in this season and they are quite cute, in my opinion.


Up next is a black dress by Carla Zampatti. This is another of my favorite dresses, not just because it is black, but because of the simplicity. If you haven't noticed by now, I love simplicity in my clothing and shoes. The ruffles at the top serve to accentuate the simplicity of the rest of the dress, but still add a decent amount of flair to the piece. I'm not quite sure if this is an A-line or an Empire waisted dress because of the model's stance, but it is lovely nonetheless. I would prefer this dress to the fabled "little black dress".


This next picture is of another bathing suit. This particular bathing suit is a Julisha Cut Out Bathing suit. Firstly, I hate the color scheme. It is too loud and the colors do not match well. Secondly, I don't like the way it is designed. It appears to be too complex to even attempt to put on, let alone be comfortable in. This type of swimsuit is bound to bunch up on you if you try to lay on your stomach and provide some very unappealing tan lines if you lie on your back. And did I mention that I hate the color scheme?


Lastly, we have a Hervé Léger piece as worn by singer, Kelly Rowland. I love the designs that are found all over the front and sides of this particular dress. Especially the right side with the lace up pattern. It gives a great sense of a corset on the sides, while still keeping the flow of the rest of the dress. I also love the length of the sleeves. They fit perfectly with the short hem of the dress itself and keep everything balanced.


Look forward to more dresses, shoes, men's clothing, women's clothing and other such fashion trends in the next blog. ^^

Peace and Elbow Grease,
Sarai.

The Subtle Art of Fashion

I am always the first person to admit that I am NOT fashionable. Not in any way, shape or form. I don't like dresses, I abhor shoes and I detest being confined to what is in and what is out. However, this doesn't mean that I don't like things that ARE fashionable. I love looking at beautiful clothes and shoes. I like knowing what is in fashion and what isn't. I like watching the trends while I do my own thing.

Anyway, this is a blog about different things going on in the fashion world. Some of them are strange, some gorgeous and some just what the fuck? Some of them I even like! So let's begin the tour shall we?

For this particular blog let's start with Shoes. Shoes are the bane of my existence. I love being barefoot. Though, admittedly I love the way some shoes look. I also like the way my feet look in some shoes. I think if I had smaller feet I'd like them better. Unfortunately, for myself, I have size 11 feet (10 in men's) and they just don't make enough cute shoes for my size.

2010 is definitely the year for new and innovative shoes. I'm pretty sure that Lady Gaga has helped with this as the shoes she often wears in her videos are very strange and painful looking. And as I'm sure most people know fashion trends often follow celebrity.

The first picture I would like to show is of a shoe imitating a red rose. I think it is one of the most gorgeously designed shoes I've ever seen. I love roses, being one of my favorite flowers, and this particular shoe captures all the beauty of a rose with the simplicity of heels. The curves of the petals are especially beautiful. Delicate and simple, but they add a touch of class to this already classy shoe.


Next we have the Mink Shoe. This shoe is supposedly lined with genuine mink fur. I do not particularly like this shoe, completely putting aside the fact that it is lined with mink. It isn't a very well designed shoe, in my opinion. Also, the particular pairing of reptilian skin and mink fur does not seem very logical to me. Whilst both can create a beautiful piece of fashion, I do not think that the two together is a good combination. Also, the reptilian pattern changes in four different instances, making the unevenness unappealing to say the least.
Follow the link to see where the fur comes from: http://wildlifemysteries.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/american-mink2.jpg


Next on our list of shoes is the Manolo Blahnik Pepe Sandal. I prefer the closed toe version of these sandals, but was unable to find a good picture of them. I must admit that Manolo Blahnik's shoes are beautiful. I really do like them. If I was into spending hundreds of dollars on shoes that will be out of fashion by the fall, I would buy his shoes. I think what I like about these particular shoes is the simplicity. These shoes don't have to be extravagant or crazy to be beautiful. They are simplistically classy and elegant all on their own.


This next shoe is just for shits and giggles as far as shoes go. Whilst it would definitely be a good anti-rape tool, it is also quite pretty if you look past the spikes. I am a fan of simplicity when it comes to shoes. The simpler the better. Often people think they have to have elaborate hair, costumes and shoes to be beautiful, but beauty is often found in simplicity. Such is the case with this shoe. Remove the spikes and you have a beautiful, simple, shoe.


Our next picture is of a shoe designed by Catherine Malandrino. I love the color of it, but not so much a fan of the heel. It is an interesting design and with the right outfit would kick some major ass, but personally speaking I wouldn't wear them. These would, however, offer more support than the average spiked heel.


Our last shoe for today is another Manolo Blahnik shoe. I do not know the exact name of this particular shoe, but love it. Well, except the point. I am not that big a fan of pointed toe shoes. I like rounded toe shoes, because it offers more comfort for the wearer. However, many women don't care and will go to great lengths to be fashionable. Such is the case with the pointed toe wonder that is this particular creation by Manolo Blahnik. I love the beading and the design on the shoe itself. It is a simple enough shoe, but the beading and various patterning really brings it out.


Well, that is all for now. I plan on posting some more on the topic of fashion relatively soon. Look forward to Wedding fashion, some more shoe fashion and other such fashionable things.

In the mean time,
Peace and Elbow Grease,
Sarai.

A Full Course Meal.

I suppose it is that time again, where I post something. I have been a little lax in posting the words of the day, partially because everything has been so crazy here. So, this is a short apology and a post just for you!

I'M SORRY! (See, short apology)

Now onto the rest of the post...

On today's menu we have as an appetizer:

Je Reviens by Kaolin as our song of the day. I heard these guys after a friend of mine on Facebook posted a status about them. I really like this particular song and I hope you do too!!


and we have for the main course:

Some interesting articles I have found recently. Some of them warm my heart and others make it grow cold as ice, but for now, let's start with some that warm the heart!

A Tabby cat named Zoe has adopted 3 abandoned BOBCATS. Everything is being done to protect the tabby and the bobkittens, and hopefully the bobkittens can return to the wild!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100430/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_cat_nurses_bobcats

A teenager (allegedly obsessed with death) dug up a corpse in a private Jewish cemetery and hacked off it's foot. No word yet from the corpse's lawyers. ^^
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/crime/stories/DN-foot_01met.ART.State.Edition1.b3357.html

Apparently the U.S. and China are in a Honey war... Well, isn't that a sticky situation (I know, that joke was terrible, but still funny)!
http://www.upi.com/Science_News/2010/04/30/Scientist-China-avoiding-honey-tariff/UPI-99381272637537/

and for dessert:

These are a few interesting bits that I found whilst stumbling around on the net. I hope you enjoy them as much I do!

Stephanie Metz creates wool sculptures. That's right, she takes wool and a felting needle and creates beautiful sculptures with it. I love the pictures of her work!
http://www.funlobby.com/index.php/201001021440/awesome-woollen-sculptures.html

France, known as the Romantic Country, is home to a very bizarre statue. Born of the Renaissance, this statue is called Transi de René de Chalon. It is a replication of the decomposition of the human body, a skeleton with dried flesh hanging from its limbs and holding its own heart. It once held the REAL heart of the person it was created for (René de Chalon, Prince of Orange), but that has long disappeared.
http://atlasobscura.com/place/transi-de-ren-de-chalon

The picture that I am about to post is a new thing called the "bijini" It is the combination of jeans and a bikini. I would really like to know your opinions on it, as it seems really crazy to me. I kind of like it though. ^^


That's all for now, I plan on posting the words of the day tonight before I go to work. Hope everyone has a good day!!

Sarai