Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

It's time for another sparkly Sparkler!!!!



And who do we have with us today? None other than the talented Mary from Pretty Good Things (a favorite of mine!!!)



She does amazing adorable hair pieces but don't just listen to me, let's let the lady speak for herself...

Thanks for asking me to do this. It was harder than I thought! Everyone should try making these lists - it's good to remind yourself of things you take for granted or to find the positive in your life. Why not celebrate why you think you're great and how your life is great once in a while? Have you made a list?

Here you go:

* I love making, crafting, fixing, drawing, sewing, painting, DIYing...and I think I am pretty good at these things.

* I believe in biorhythms, sort of.

* So far, getting older is pretty awesome. The past few years have shown me that - hey! guess what? It's my life! I've observed how life falls into place without a struggle when I honor myself, listen to my heart and let me be me. I've learned I can do things I that I once thought were beyond me - and I can do them well (surprise!). I've also figured out that when I honor myself I make more genuine work. It shows and in the end it is better for this reason. I am looking forward to growing into a stronger more confident individual who sees the positive side of life and rolls with the punches on the daily. Because everything works out in the end!

* I am good at thinking in pictures. This is a problem when I can see the image of an object but can't find the word for a couple seconds.

* Rainbows and anything iridescent or sparkly makes me extra happy and makes me feel like I am 8. Baby animals (especially kitties) or excessively tiny or gigantic things also make me extra happy (especially if these excessively tiny or gigantic things are of normal sized objects.)

* I've accomplished most of my "what do you want to be when you grow up" list: artist, seamstress (my term at 6 was sew-er) and model (it counts even if it is for my own business, right?). Maybe we should all listen to our little selves...

* I have my own personal alarm clock in the form of my cat, Simon. He also tucks me in at night.

* I've managed to keep a hold of some of my bestest friends for around 20 years. I am pretty lucky because they are genuine, kind, generous, smart, hilarious and basically totally awesome.

* I get to crack up at least once a day because I have a hilarious boyfriend who also fits the friend description as mentioned above.

- Mary P.


Love it! Love it! Love it!


Okay... who's next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

We haven't had a Sparkler in for-ev-AH! Well it's Sparkler time again NOW!



And who is my latest sparkly Sparkler??? None other than Miss Queen Gilda herself!



Who is this adorable girl?!? Well not only is she cute as heck, smart and funny but she is a talented up-and-coming designer currently finishing her training at Parson. And look at her amazing work:




Gilda is currently living in NYC and has been busy drawing, sewing and even interning with Pat Fields.



But don't just listen to me run on about how great she is, here are her thoughts on what makes her so great!

This list has turned into a "list some really bad things about yourself that you don't exactly want people to know."

1. I've lived away from home for 6 years now and I'd like to think I've matured a little. the first time i ever did my own laundry, I couldn't figure out the washing machine and its Japanese instructions (i couldn't speak the language then), and thought the tap wasn't turned on. so I pulled the hose out. 3 seconds later I had a flood in my tiny Tokyo apartment. It was not pretty.

2. My worst habit is cracking my knuckles all the time... I don't just crack my fingers and toes, i crack like, everything. The knuckles on my fingers and toes all crack in several different ways. then there's my neck, my back, my knees, my left wrist, and some other weird bones in my pelvic and feet but I don't want to gross you out further. I try to take more vitamin d thinking it will help stave off osteoporosis when I get older!

3. I am a night owl. I do my best work from midnight to 7am. I hate mornings and can never get up.

4. I've been spoilt and have always lived really near to the downtown area. so I always think I'll get to where i want to go in a flash, and end up late all the time. oops.

5. Speaking of late, in Singapore, my friends and I are awful. Everyone is just late. we set a time to meet but if we're held up somewhere, we'll just text each other and no one gets really offended. it's like "I'll see you when i see you". in fact, it's your own fault if you are early. ha ha!

6. I think I do have quite an interesting closet. I dress myself depending on my mood each day, so it can be simple, preppy, colourful, monotone, or really crazy, (or dead boring if I'm late), and I have clothes for all those moods.

7. I am really into quirky, unique clothing and accessories. I especially love huge necklaces and I am a jacket addict. I've designed and made about 7 of my own jackets and have about 20 winter jackets and coats.

8. I hate summer. maybe because I grew up in Singapore and complained about the heat for 20 years before I moved away. I don't spend money on summer clothes so I never have anything nice to wear in summer. What's the point of spending too much if I'm just gonna be sweating like a pig in what I'm wearing?

9. Even though my roots have now grown out about an inch, I still have strangers stopping me to ask how I get my ash blond. it amuses me. My teacher at parsons stopped me in the middle of a really serious critique to say how she thinks it's funny that I'm Asian but somehow the blond works on me. Hey girl hey!

10. I'm obsessed with japan and excluding the 3.5 years I lived in Tokyo, I've visited japan at least 10 times. the shortest trip was about 5 days, the longest was 6 weeks! I love that country and want to go back there one day to live and work.

11. I live in my hammer pants. I don't care if people think my crotch is at my knees. They are comfy and hide my thighs and my huge butt (at least i think so!)

12. I've moved to the USA 2 years ago and there are still so many cultural things that I'm not used to. I always thought I was very westernized, growing up in metropolitan Singapore. Until I moved here and realized there are parts of the American culture that still shocks me, and that I have somehow grown to appreciate the Asian in me more than ever!

Thank you for asking me to do this Sparkler thing! it's fun to sort of sit down and think weird things of myself, lol.

Okay... who's next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

I CAN NOT believe it has been so long since I've had a Sparkler here!!! With NYC, the puppy and general madness I must have been out of my mind.

Well let's fix that right now!

Say hello to Miss Michells (aka Decline Designs)...



Michelle is a "fashion blogger, freelance seamstress, lover of shoes. And cats!" She has a fabulous site - Decline Designs - and great vintage on Market Publique too.

But don't just listen to me, let's hear from her!

* I really like bright colors, as you may have noticed!

* I love shoes, like any reasonable person. My current favorite brand is Fluevog.

* I'm frequently interrupted to be informed that I talk too fast.

* I'm also frequently told that I'm long-winded. The book I wrote to enter into the Young Authors competition in 3rd grade was longer than all of my classmates' books combined.

* I am a ridiculous softie for animals. We have two cats that we rescued from being strays, and I want a dog too! I grew up in a house out in the country, where we had a lot of animals from a very young age. I've decided that when my husband and I get old and retire, we're going to rescue and foster animals.



* I had a mohawk at one point, and sometimes miss it, only to remember what a pain it was to put it up in the mornings.

* I've been a vegetarian since the age of 12-13, which was no picnic in the small, conservative town I grew up in!

* I'm a bit of a compulsive worrier, although I've got much better about it over the last six months.

* I am a huge, huge Buffy geek. As in, I own all 7 seasons on DVD plus all of the trade paperbacks of the season 8 comic, to date. (the aforementioned cats are named Wesley and Giles, despite Wesley being a female. We found her when she was too young to tell!)



* It's not a commonly known fact, but I love Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles. In fact, I have photographic evidence of my love from an early age.

* I am super, super proud and glad to have the mother and grandmother that I do; they are both total badasses and worked really hard to get where they are today. My grandmother was the one who instilled a feminist ethos in my mom, who in turn instilled it in me (even when I was young and naive and reacted by rolling my eyes and saying "Oh mom, we don't need feminism any more!" *cringe*). I love them both to death.

Thank you, Poochie, for asking me to be a Sparkler! I love your blog and have deep envy for your shoe collection :)

xoxo
Michelle

Thank YOU, Michelle for being a Sparkler! Everyone, go chat her up!


Okay... who's next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

I am sooooo ready for another Sparkler, what about you???



Today's Sparkler, Kate, is a WONDERFUL young lady I've had the pleasure of working with. She came to work in my office as and intern and now I'm happy to call her a friend.



But, while I could go on and on about her, let's get her thoughts. I mean, that's why we're here, right?

I don't particularly like talking about myself, and prefer listening to other people, instead. But at the same time, I think it's important to be able to talk about yourself for purposes of self-awareness.

* I’d love to some day work for Smithsonian magazine – that’s the nerd in me coming out!

* I’m an old movie fanatic – give me a little Katharine, Grace or Audrey (maybe with a side of song and dance?!) and I’m happy.

* I’m convinced good food is always worth the wait and often extra money. I don’t mess around with my food.

* Despite my affinity for food I’m only a mediocre cook. I’m hoping my mom’s culinary talent will someday rub off on me.

* Your true best friends are the ones you don’t see for months but when you do finally see you pick up right where you left off - it's like you haven't missed a day. I'm so glad I have several of those in my life.

* I’m a firm believer that things always work out the way they should.



* I’m a voracious reader and am trying to expand my horizons beyond trashy murder mysteries.

* I love laughing until I cry.

* I have no musical talent whatsoever – it’s one big thing I think is lacking in my education. But I have been told I'm apparently not tone deaf. Surprising.

* Someone once told me they liked how I turned out - which made me hope that someday I can be as good a parent as my parents are.

* I think every woman should have a signature scent (or two). I’ve narrowed mine down to two but am not sure I could just choose one of them. I also wish I could wear men's cologne without smelling too manly.

* I come from a family of loud and crazy people (emphasis on crazy) - so if you can't deal with my family then you don't stand a chance!



Well, Kate... I think you've turned out great too and I'm so happy to know you!

If you want to chat her up, you can find Kate on Twitter too - http://twitter.com/katecsullivan

Okay... who's next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

Why yes, it is time for another Sparkler!!! And boy, oh boy (pun intended) do we have a fun new addition to the ranks!



Let me introduce you to Mr. SebbyWood! This guy is fun and so busy all the time, I don't know when he sleeps!



This UK partner in crime is great to talk to but you don't need to hear it from me... let's hear it from (for) him:

Spill it I will...

Before I start this list, I would like to make clear that I, contrary to popular belief, am a guy. I believe the first guy to be a sparkler on SD... and I'm honored. Truly, but as a believer in Female Supremacy, yes, you heard right, Supremacy, I don't know if I can list how I'm awesome, but I'll try.

* I'm a guy, and am a avid reader of this blog. That's pretty awesome. What's more awesome, is that I've taken advice from this blog, to buy my own female shoes.

* I'm a guy, and am confident enough to mix and match male and female clothing.

* I'm a guy, and need to point it out a lot... apparently... ha ha.

* As much as I probably should, I could never hold a grudge.

* I form opinions on people by only my experiences with them, and not that of hearsay.

* I am on the 5th level of Prestige of Call of Duty (which means I have completed the game, 5 times. Yes, I'm sad like that). My other favourite activities include listening, learning from, producing and presenting radio. Shopping. Browsing the Internet. Shopping. Designing websites. Shopping. Filming short films and Shopping.

* I have 36 pairs of shoes. Of which only 24 are male.

* I am a kind and loyal friend, and would do pretty much anything for the people I consider friends.

* I love radio. So much so that I am currently creating my own radio station. I have my own weekly radio show (which is also awesome) and can't stop listening to radio.

* If we are out, talking, and you tell me that you haven't seen Anchorman, I will go and buy you a copy of that DVD. I think have bought about 28 copies of it so far and tell everyone to pass it on to the next person when they have seen it and find someone who hasn't. It's just a film that needs to be seen. I'm also obsessed by Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

* When slightly younger (and maybe slightly more naive) I helped establish the UK Youth Parliament, as well as lots of youth councils within the UK and London. Wanting to give a voice to young people (myself being one) and wanted to be able to affect decisions being made for them without any thought about them... It's still around today, as strong as ever.



* I am an amazing hugger. (Big headed I know, but isn't this whole exercise?) If you every feel down, or a bit empty, or just want a hug, I am the man with the most loving grip in the world.

* I am rather proud to be called someone's muse. Their inspiration for which they grasp to be productive in their field. In this case, photography, as you can see by the pictures taken alongside this article.

* I am an advocate of Wordpress to the highest level. I will preach about Wordpress to all my clients and friends who are thinking about creating a blog or website. So much so in fact, that Wordpress sent me a hoodie, to say thank you.



* Most importantly, I am happy. Truly happy. I have an amazing set of friends which hasn't been easy to get, taken years in fact... and also have real drive and determination to do something useful with my life. And I wouldn't think twice to help someone get to where I am today, if I could.

* Finally, I think I am the only male reader to this blog, who doesn't read just because of a foot or shoe fetish, which makes me pretty darn awesome as well.

Love to everyone, and I can't WAIT to read about the next Sparkler...

Seb. x


That's quite a question there in the last bullet. Do we have other male readers out there? Gonna speak up??? I'm curious too.


Okay... who's next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

I think I'm ready for another Sparkler!!!!

Today's Sparkler is a new friend who is very inspirational to me. Miss Mmmeg (follow her updates on Twitter for info and smart dialog) continues to grow and inform on some of her favorite topics - creating a value driven life, being frugal, minimizing waste and mindless consumption.

Plus she has chickens too!

But while I know she's great, let's hear what she thinks:


How's this?

* I have a wonderful husband, whom I love very, very much. We've been married 7 1/2 years (we got married young).

* I'm definitely a nerd. I've had a 4.0 since middle school -- even through college.

* We have two chickens in our urban backyard: Cleo and Chloe. Best eggs ever! And they're super sweet pets.

* I have 5 cats, go ga-ga over kittens, know the names of my neighbors' cats but not most of my neighbors, and talk to cats I meet on walks. Fortunately, my husband shares the same obsession. We're very proud of our feline kids.

* I have a deepening appreciation for "weeds", now that I am learning about edible and medicinal plants that grow locally.

* I consider myself very green-minded. It's hard not to be when you start wondering if it's safe to eat normally edible plants growing wild in your own neighborhood.

* I am proud of my frugality and resourcefulness -- but I am not "cheap" by any means, or even a tightwad. My motto is quality, not quantity.

* We don't have any televisions. We watch stuff online & borrow DVDs from the library. We love how convenient and clutter free it is.

* My mom thinks our house is "Spartan" but we love it like that. We've worked hard to declutter our house and our lives.

* Despite being frugal and rather minimalist, I do have a large shoe collection with many brightly colored shoes. I love color and pretty things in general.

* I am a very loyal friend -- perhaps too loyal sometimes. And I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt and understand where they're coming from, even playing Devil's Advocate for strangers online.

* My husband and I both sing in a college chorus just for fun.

* I'm a musician. I have about a dozen instruments, though my main instrument is the saxophone, which I played in college for a while as a jazz major.

* I graduated college with a degree in Latin, Spanish, linguistics, and foreign language education. I especially loved classes in sociolinguistics and what I learned in college definitely helps me in business and life in general.

* I hate lawns -- especially ones that obviously take a lot of pesticides, herbicides, and gas (via lawnmowers) to maintain.

* I'm very proud of my father, even though he passed away when I was 6. He was wounded at the Battle of Normandy in WWII, helped organize many things in my home community, and had crosses burnt on his lawn and worse because he was so involved in the civil rights movement. Big shoes to fill!

- XOXO


Okay... who's next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

Sparkler Time!!! Can you feel it?!?!

I so love all of these great Sparklers! I mean, how cool are you!

Today's Sparkler I've know the longest so far! We worked together at the Most Magical Place on Earth. Even if sometimes it wasn't so magical, Emily sitting next to me made it more fun! She has a great passion for music and photography so check out her updates via Twitter and Flickr.

But don't just listen to me! Here's what so great about her in her own words!

* I love NineWest shoes because they always fit me well.

* I believe music can change the world, one person at a time.

* I love hosting parties and planning all the details and small touches that add so much to the party.

* I love Flickr, always a source of inspiration.

* I am a loyal friend.

* I believe in the power of giving one's word.

* I am always striving to be as honest with myself and others as possible, even when it's hard to tell the truth sometimes..

* Music festivals, especially those camping in the woods are food for my soul...

* I love good action movies on the big screen.

* It's hard to let go of old wounds; when I am hurt, I can't let it go easily.

* I dj in public even though I have social anxiety because I have lots of music to share.

* Music changed my life and keeps changing it for the better.

* I believe Life shouldn't be so serious all the time and it's important to play.

* I love Guinness and a lot of other beers; cheese is a close second and chosen over dessert every time.

* I have tried to be a raw foodist, but currently eat lots of veggies, grains and seafood.

* I try to keep lists of everything amazing in my life and review them the moment I get down about something.

* I tend to be brutal on my shoes and small electronic devices.

* I love discovering new outfits from the same old clothes in my closet.

* I believe in the power of love and the power of the human spirit.


I miss ya, Em!


Okay... who's next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

Are you ready for another amazing Sparkler???? I think you are!

Today's Sparkler is Miss Lindsey Hall who I have the pleasure of working with IRL. Amazing!

I know why she's sassy, smart and super fun to be around and now you get to know too.

So what's so great about Miss Lindsey (besides her inspiring blog - Time to Toast) ??? Well let's let the lady speak:


* I wish I had been born in the 30's: a kid in the 30's, teen in the 40's, twenty something in the 50's. I would have been a pin up girl ;)

* I love Snow White. Actually just anything Disney.

* I have a twin sister! She’s 8 years younger than me but we are seriously identical

* It's hard for me to make a decision, but once I do I stick to it and follow through. Never looking back

* I hate text ro-messages. (Dating via texting??) Really?

* I associate songs with every important relationship in my life. It’s how I remember you forever....good or BAD.

* I met one of my best friends on an airplane!

* I get so tired of setting a good example, but it’s better than being made an example of

* I know I am destined to be the mother of four boys, even though I'd love a girl, I just know it’s not gonna happen. Gonna be me and stinky boys :)

* I secretly love the Hills, I hate myself for it

* I remember the day in third grade that I decided to like sports because boys like sports and I like boys.

* I’m so thankful that during my "starving artist" period I was never anywhere close to "starving"

* You name it I've seen it in LA. What a crazy fun town!

* I would die without my Brother and Sisters. They are my everything. We are so lucky to have each other. Our parents gave us the gift of life long unconditional friendships.

* I like the thrill of the chase and get bored after that (I wonder why my friends say I date like a man?)

* My Best Friend makes me realize true friendships last forever no matter what side of the nation you're on


Okay... who'se next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

That's right! More Sparklers headed your way! How can you resist them?!?

I love that I got the darling fabulous Ashe Mischief of Dramatis Personae and Mischief My Dear (featuring Etsy's sassiest hair pieces and more!) to contribute her list.

Not only is this lady talented and a great writer but she's wonderfully supportive and is my go to for all things fabulous like corsets, circus outfits and top hats!

But enough of my yapping! Let's hear it from the lady herself:


I feel so self-indulgent doing this! It's kind of weird....

* My mother instilled in me the importance of buying grocery store made birthday cakes (our favorite) just to celebrate being alive. I try to buy one as often as I want (but I try not to more than one a month!).

* While I can see a life for myself without children, I can't see a life without pets. When I see a puppy on the street, my voice gets high pitched and I bounce towards them.

* I love my nieces & nephews like they're my own, even though the oldest is only 8 years younger than me! I often call them "my kids," even though they're not as large a part of my life as I'd like.

* I get "adopted" by every friend & lover's family, and it makes me glad to have such a big "family" of my own.* My love of the 80s and all things 80s is unabashed and true. It may stem from having a sister 12 years older than me, and her giving me Billy Idol & Axl Rose pictures for my walls...

* During undergrad, I lost about 40 pounds when I discovered clubbing. Nothing makes me feel healthier, sexier, fun, and engaged than a dirty bar, a dance floor, and great music. Preferably 80s.

...

Love her! Can't wait to party with her! Need her to take me to NOLA so we can shimmy!

Okay... who'se next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

I <3 This

I love that I am seeing one of my Sparklers over there to the right! Hi Mademoiselle Robot!

Welcome!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

I just can't get enought of my Sparklers!!!

This week's Sparkler is gorgeous girl is Mademoiselle Robot! Delightful lady who is one of the busiest people I know (mom, writer, internet troll ass-kicker, stylist and stylish) who also created Puppy, Kitty, Bunny - aka the cutest site around!

Follow her on Twitter too, so you don't need to just take my word for it... this girl rocks. But enough of my yapping, let's hear why she's great in her own words:

Hey lover,

* I always rescue animals.

* I smile when a good song comes onto my iPod, no matter where I am.

* I always tell it like it is and I don't care if people think less of me for it.

* I like hot boys, but I appreciate hot girls even more.

* I think 99% of people are douche bags, so I cherish the remaining 1%

* I am always up for new adventures.

* I hate losing but I am totally ok with it.

* I have a potty mouth but I don't use it to insult people (at least not too often).

* I am a devoted friend.

* I am proud of everything I have done, even the worse things.

* I always question myself about everything I do.

- xxx

Love it!

Okay... who's next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

Hey, Sparkler! What's So Great About You?

I'm so excited to feature a lovely lady for a new Sparkler!

This week's Sparkler is Miss Samantha Darko...

While I could go on and on about the fun we have chatting on Twitter, I'll let Miss Darko tell you about herself:

Here's Me:

* I love to play in the dirt.

* I love sci-fi tv shows from Dr. Who to ALL Star Trek to Farscape.

* I laugh riotously loud all the time and I even snort laugh.

* I embrace my terrible spelling and create "Sam-isms".

* I care for people and animals.

* I am still catching up on reading lists from high school.

* I am the proud to be the person all my friends come to for sex advice.

* I can build almost anything given the right tools.

* I think that people's flaws are more beautiful than their perfections.

* I am always finding things on the street and dragging them home to create things.

* I can sit and paint for 8 hours with out getting up to do anything else.

* I am a pack-rat who is an organizational freak.

* I love reference books.

* I will take you to the hospital, pick you up because you drank too much or bail you out of jail, no matter what time it is. No questions asked.

** Poochie is AMAZING!

~Samantha


Awww...Sam! I think you are amazing too!


Okay... who's next?!? Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!

What's So Great About You?

Image via hel (taffie) via Flickr

In the wake of all of the negativity trolling around and the general feeling of meh-ness, I put on my headphones, grabbed my pup and be-bopped around the park down the street. I also watched the video of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent and decided, you know what? People fricking rock! Okay, yeah, not everyon but generally, they do. Including me. Including most of the people I know and talk to, in person and online.

I want to feature everyone I know on here because I think you are cool. And yes, I mean you! If you don't tell me why, I'm going to write something about you myself. So either email your list and a picture to me to be featured or I'll come track you down!

Here's me:

* I'm willing to eat desset.

* I'll laugh unabashedly at silly things.

* I care about people, animals and volunteering.

* I embrace my crazy.

* I can laugh at myself and I'll let you tell that high-larious but embarassing story about me. Heck I may even tell it myself.

* I don't shy away from wearing bowling shoes.

* I'm willing to get dirty.

* I like my scars.

* I cry at sappy videos.

* I still read kids books.

* I can admit when other girls are hot.

* Bugs and spiders and snakes don't scare me.

* I think wit and smarts and talent are sexy.

* I like Star Trek: TNG and Star Wars.

* I can do stuff by myself.

* I like to treat.

* I'm a cynical boitch... But in a good way.

* I'll totally tell you where I got that cute skirt if you want to get one too.

* I'm a fantastic baker.

* I'll clean up the dog poop or cat barf.

* I'll share the armrest.

* I want to learn more about YOU!

Come on, Sparkler, Spill it!