Studio Ghibli - Totoro Collection

Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli will always be an important part of my being a kid-at-heart. I bet a lot of people, especially anime/animation/cartoon fans know what I'm talking about. And although I'm not that addicted to all of Miyazaki's animation movies *winks*, I just can't stop digging into what Studio Ghibli can offer. Fortunately, such animation studio has a lot in store for their ardent fans who are always in the lookout for more.

I have been pensive about the thought of visiting the studio's museum in Japan (of course). I know it's never impossible. But someday, soon... maybe. Why not? hehe After all, Japan is a place I've always been dreaming to explore. If only I don't have to strive learning for a new/different language.

My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke and Ponyo are just some of my favorites from Miyazaki's studio. When I watched them again together with my siblings and niece, I just couldn't help but think of collecting plush toys and other collectibles of each movie's characters.

Imagine how my heart did some somersaults and cartwheels upon seeing this:

I'm not a Lego enthusiast; so somehow, I'm not 'that' captivated by this concept. But a lot of fascinating ideas came to mind when I stumbled upon this setup. *smugs*

This, on the other hand, just made me delirious and envious. To think it's only/mostly a Totoro collection... It could've been more begrudging if the owner also possess other SG collectibles. *swoons*

 When can I ever enjoy this kind of collection? I bet I'd really go broke if I just follow my instincts. But well, I'm a *coughs* responsible *coughs* kind of person. Hence, deal with the priorities before anything else. Nevertheless, I have practical ideas on how to come up with my own SG collection along with my fave anime and the like. I will surely share my works of art, if I could ever find the time and resources to do so.

Eyes On You o_O

Just remember dear figures, I have set my sight upon you. Target, locked. Someday.. soon... :D

Claire from Claymore

Saber and Gilgamesh from Fate/Zero (prequel to Fate/Stay Night)

Slashing Thoughts.. :D

Swords, especially a katana, are my most-loved weapon of all. Though guns are pretty convenient, nothing beats the beauty of wielding the best sword ever. And my inclination for swords led me to liking anime and stuff which have something to do with slashing or fighting with the aid of swords. I have come to adore anime like Rurouni Kenshin, Bleach, Claymore and many more. Movie characters having those sharp blades as their main weapon are also the "apple of my eye." I'm even thinking of collecting some  replica swords.. hmmmm.. :D

So let me share to you some interesting, legendary/fantasy-based information with regards to swords:

El Cid Campiador, considered the national hero of Spain, had 2 known swords; the Tizona and the Colada. Both are swords that frighten unworthy opponents if wielded by a brave warrior.

Durendal, a sword that once belonged to Hector of Troy, and was given to Roland; nephew of Charlemagne and hero of the French epic- The Song of Roland. In The Song of Roland, the sword is said to contain within its golden hilt one tooth of Saint Peter, blood of Saint Basil, hair of Saint Denis, and a piece of the raiment of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On the other hand, Joyeuse was the name of Charlemagne's personal sword. Some legends claim that it was forged to contain the Lance of Longinus within its pommel.

Excalibur is the legendary and magical sword of King Arthur. In Welsh, the sword is called Caledfwlch. In the anime Fate/Stay Night, Saber uses the Excalibur. But in the real sense, Saber or sabre is a kind of backsword that usually has a curved, single-edged blade and a rather large hand guard, covering the knuckles of the hand as well as the thumb and forefinger.

Claymores are either two-handed large swords or basket-hilted scottish swords. Claymore is also the title of one of my fave anime/manga. For Claymores, the term is referring to the big swords they wield; but as for the townspeople, Claymores are the soldiers themselves.

Thuan Thiên or Heaven's Will is the Vietnamese equivalent of the Excalibur. As for the Japanese, Kusanagi (grass-cutter) or Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi is their famous legendary sword owned by the God, Susanoo which was later given to his sister, Amaterasu. hmmm.. So this is where Itachi/Sasuke's ultimate techniques came from.. :D

Jian is a double-edged straight Chinese sword. Today, the martial arts called Taijiquan still uses jian swords. However, most jian today areflexible tai-chi or wushu jian; used mainly for ceremonial purposes and not for actual combat.

Xiphos, is a double-edged, single-hand sword used by the ancient Greeks. It was a secondary battlefield weapon for the Greek armies after the spear or javelin.

In Greek mythology, you can take note of the Sword of Peleus, the father of Achilles. There's also the The Sword of Death, a grey sword that can a kill a person if you just cut a lock of their hair off.

When it comes to Japanese swords, the most famous is perhaps the so-called katana. But Katanas vary in size or length and use. Japan's master swordsmith, Masamune, made the famous and considered best weapon called Honjo Masamune.

Kodachi, is a Japanese sword that is too short to be considered a long sword but too long to be a dagger. Aoshi from Samurai X (Rorouni Kenshin) used 2 kodachi. Shiani, is a weapon used for practice and competition in kendo representing a Japanese sword.

I'd like to go on further but I thought of making a post about anime/fantasy characters and their famous weapons; swords to be precise. So see you on my next post.. I hope it really is about what I just told you... lolz

The Cool And Fun Way To Shake Your Salt and Pepper

The most common condiments that you can find in almost every household or restaurants are the salt and pepper. Many people just cant live to eat without the use of either a salt or pepper or both. The kind of taste or flavoring that both salt and pepper can add to any of your dish  sure is incomparable. While some people should not consume too much salt or pepper because of an existing illness, sufficient amount of such condiments can actually bring a blissful feeling in your dining.

Now how about if you have cool salt and pepper shakers to make your dinining experience more fun and appetizing? Have you come across with cool and funky designs for salt and pepper shakers? Why dont you take a look at these? I'm sure you'd be drooling to have any of these cool salt + pepper shakers:

Want to play with them first? But, I dont think they're for kids, though :D

Umbrellas I'd Love To Have

I dont really fancy using umbrellas since I'm not a lover of the rain or rainy days. Though I love to sleep when it's raining outside, I just cant stand a cold weather for a very long time. And more importantly, I hate to run errands or go somewhere else than our house when it's raining so hard; even tiny drops of rain wetting my skin would piss me off. So whenever the rain's pouring relentlessly outside any facility I'm in, either I'd keep on praying that it would stop or I'm at home and have no other business concerning traveling. :D

For me, umbrellas can give you a sense of inconvenience and discomfort. Well, I'm not really against the use of umbrellas or the presence of rain. I know umbrellas are beneficial and that rain is essential. However, I don't really like both. But - - - if I am given one of these umbrellas, I'd surely love to dance in the rain:

The Samurai Umbrella

just.. wow! :D

Now, the boring grip or handle of your umbrella would have the resemblance of a Japanese Sword or Katana.. :D

The Lightsaber Umbrella

 Clicking the button on the handle will illuminate the entire shaft of the umbrella. The illuminated shaft will then look like  Jedi's lightsaber from Star Wars. Ain't it cool? :D


The Handbag Umbrella

Since I find wet umbrellas inconvenient and uncomfortable to have with you anywhere you go, I think this kind of umbrella could actually satisfy my needs.

You can also find other cool designs of umbrellas by clicking here...

Was Never A Fan Of Dolls...

I was never a fan of dolls, or barbie dolls to be precised; not even when I was a kid. Since I am "one of the boys", haha I prefer to play games or have toys which can enhance my imagination more than dolls can. In fact, I really find dolls very boring to play with. And they may also cost you much; unlike when you are just running around playing hide and seek or other "street games." but still can improve your social skills or the spirit of camaraderie without compromising enjoyment.

Not being a fan doesn't mean I don't appreciate the dolls' beauty, though. And I understand why moms would like to see their daughters play with dolls instead of getting their selves sweaty and dirty from the streets. However, I just don't adore the typical Barbie dolls. I even find it hilarious to see very expensive yet common-looking dolls! But I happen to stumble upon a website promoting "Enchanted Dolls." Indeed, such dolls were enchanting. And seeing such dolls made me want to have them.. for the first time.. lol

These dolls may look a bit scary at first; but hey, look at the details. Aren't they awesome? :D

Not only that they look like real beautiful ladies, but they're so cute; their size, that is. Of course, they're also fragile and flexible.. So, handle with care.. ;)

A Tattooed Porcelain Doll 

 

Costumed Porcelain Dolls

I wonder who can give me these...  :D

I also stumbled upon these Crochet Dolls made by a Filipino doll creator named  Erin Chupeco.

"Erin has created every sort of doll you can think of! Movie, game, literature, and television characters, as well as the occasional famous person."