It's-a Me-a...Mario!

Making his video game debut in Donkey Kong in 1981, Mario is one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time.  Mario games have sold more than 200 million copies worldwide. DAAYYYUUMMMM that's a lot of copies!

Mario himself is a short, stout Italian man usually seen wearing a red hat, shirt and blue overalls.

As Nintendo's mascot, Mario is said to be the most famous video game character in history.  He was even recognized by Guiness World Records who awarded him "Most Prolific Video Game Character."

Maybe even slightly more popular than the Mario character is his theme music, created by Koji Kondo, a Japanese composer.  The beats and beeps go unrecognized by gamers and non-gamers alike.  

I must say, that as a non-gamer i L-O-V-E this theme song.  It's even set as my text message ringtone!

                     

If You Don't Mind Dubbed Movies...

My first year of college i had a roommate who was obsessed with anime films.  I wasn't so into it UNTIL she made me sit down and watch Spirited Away.

Directed by famed animator Hayao Miyazaki, Sprited Away tells the story of a girl, Chihiro, who is forced to move into a new town by her parents.  On the way to her new home her father makes a wrong turn somewhere and they end up in some abandoned theme park.

I'm NOT going to give the rest of the movie away, but just know that it involves a witch, some dragons and a series of hardships that Chihiro has to go through in order to prevent herself from disappearing. Spooky, i know.

Check out the trailor for yourself.

 
                            

Oh Girl! I Just Got My Nails Did!

  

One of the biggest trends of the year in Japan is nail art.  Basically, any polishing you do to your nails is considered "nail art," but the Japanese have taken it one step further.

If you were to walk down the streets of Harajuku, and could stay focused long enough to take a gander at the nails of some of the girls, you would completely understand.  The Japanese have started up the trend of using nail decals, nail charms, appliques, and even hand drawing little pictures on each nail.

Some of the nails are so ornate that the girls purposely get super long acrylic nails put on so they have more surface area!

       

Where's my Shiseido Lipstick?

Okay people, get ready for a super short, quick, one minute history. Believe me, you'll thank me when I'm done.

Shiseido is a make-up company that was founded way back in the day (1872 to be exact), in Ginza.  This is one of the cities in Japan known specifically as a culture and fashion hub. In 1917, Shiseido released their first face powders revolutionizing the way Japanese geishas did their make-up.

Shiseido is now one of the top cosmetic companies in the world, and one of my total favorites. Every shade of lipstick is super vibrant and ever blush is heavily pigmented.  The colors just pop.  Let's face it girls, and some guys, we DEFINITELY don't look gorgeous when we wake up...think of Shiseido as a make-up pick-me-up. 

You can find Shiseido cosmetics at most Sephora locations.

Character of the Week

So, here's your Sanrio fill for the week.  Deery-Lou is one of the many adorable characters created by the famed Japanese company.  

D.L. is a "cheerful fawn" that lives with his friends in the Rainbow Forest that's filled with butterflies and flowers.  He spends most of his time chasing butterflies and he lovesssss making new friends.

Born on January 8, D.L. shows his happiness with his life by swinging his tale from side to side. Just precious!

If you love Deery as much as I do, you can visit the Sanrio website and download all of the free wallpapers and widgits they have.  You can even send you friend an e-card featuring Deery.