Next Big Style Blogger Contest!

My beautiful, inspirational, lovely sister Moorea Seal is entered in Refinery29's Next Big Style Blogger, and she's depending on your votes! So click over to Refinery29 to see the potential prizes, and vote for Moorea Seal! Scroll down to see this photo and click the gray heart to vote for her. To see more of her style and what she's all about, view her blog, jewelry shop, and her style. 

Candy Apple Red

For almost my entire life, I saw candy apple red nail polish on my grandmother's nails. It was her signature look, the perfect tie to any outfit. For her funeral, the girls in our family painted our nails that same color. The candy apple red lives on.

Question of the blog:

We all have a special person, whether it's a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or godparent, or someone just close to the family. Search deep in your memories.. Who is a special person in your life, and what is their signature? Nail polish, hat, lipstick, shoes...

Lune Vintage Necklace!

Today I got a lovely package in the mail from my older sister, Moorea Seal. She has great connections with wonderful jewelry artists, and got this beautiful necklace for me! Jill from LuneVintage.Blogspot.com made this necklace, the Love Lune Talisman Tassel Necklace in Jasper. It looks just like the image I first saw on her Etsy shop, and matches my style so well! I'm so pleased. Nothing like a new piece of beautiful jewelry to brighten a stormy day!

Here are a few more images of her jewelry. She has a beautiful style that could match any lady's outfit. I will pair this necklace up against my infinite amount of little black dresses, or with a flowy little top and denim. Such a versatile piece, and I'll be wearing it all the time now!

Question of the blog:

Some people are just meant for jewelry, I feel like I'm that type of person. I will always be wearing some piece of jewelry. Currently, I am wearing two rings, a watch, friendship bracelet, septum ring, and my new Tassel necklace.

Are you the type of person who wears a lot of jewelry, or would rather wear no jewelry at all?

California Knows How To Party

It's that time of year...

The weather starts to change..

You know you're in Southern California in the Fall when girls are wearing mini skirts with their Ugg Boots.

Despite this and other nauseating moments in California's history, one of our biggest redeeming qualities are the songs that are written about California. So sit back and enjoy some of my favorite California dedicated tunes.

Joni Mitchell - California (Live 1970)

Phantom Planet - California (2001)

Joanna Newsom - In California (2010)

Tupac Shakur - California Love (1995)

Question of the blog:

What state are you from?

Do you have any favorite songs written for your state/city?

Jeweled

Jewelry by MOOREA SEAL

My darling sister's ETSY shop reopens tomorrow at 8 am pst. Get ready for some beautiful turquoise, chunky rocks, book necklaces, and some pretty little sewing. I am so proud of all of her hard work, and admire how much time she puts into something that she enjoys so much. Moorea inspires me in all aspects of life. Go check out her reopening on ETSY quick, before all of these pieces are gone!
For Moorea's jewelry: Visit her ETSY shop.
For her photos: Visit her FLICKR.
For some beautiful words: Visit her BLOG.

Question of the blog:
Who do you look up to?

A Moment Of Childhoodedness

I live in a town that is about 45 minutes from the nearest shopping mall. Kids in my town call it a "trip" to the mall, or even to In N Out. When I was younger, I felt so left out when I couldn't go to the mall every weekend, because that was cool on Disney shows. But now that I am older, I sort of have a new opinion on shopping malls and the populars.
Even now, as I go to the mall to buy glasses or spend a gift certificate, I feel like I'm not one of "them". Oh, you know who I'm talking about.. Mall girls! (Not to be confused with call girls.) But really. Those girls at the mall that give you the look down because you're not wearing the shortest skirt, and you're looking in the sale rack. As a kid, I was mortified when I was seen wearing something deemed "unstylish" by the popular girls.
The other day, though, as I walked around the mall, I had sort of a revelation. I am so glad I am not comfortable here. I am so glad I am not a mall girl. I am a dirt loving, camp song singing, river swimming, unstyled hair, Nevada City girl. I always have been, and I am so blessed to know that today, and not have insecurity or uncertainty that I am not the prettiest, most up kept girl.
Sort of a childish moment in my life, but I just sort of needed that humble moment. I am so glad I was raised here, 45 minutes away from the nearest mall. Salute my shorts!

You're Out Of Your Element

I picked up my glasses yesterday! So here they are, in all their fun.
Yesterday was lovely in the sense that there was so much joy in my heart, that I haven't felt much of lately. It was so apparent through my continuous childish giggles, sporadic moments of diamond shopping, and sunset catching.
In a way, my life is at a very defined moment of change, like I'm at an important crossroad of some sort. The other day, I went to camp, and had a great realization that sort of placed me back into God's hands, and now I am making decisions according to His will, and not mine. Sooo, prepare for some big things happening in Zanda Panda's life pretty soon.
Among other things, I am getting my hair highlighted tomorrow. This is the first time I've dyed my hair in quite a few years...

Let's take a trip down memory lane, shall we?
Oh yes, graduation time, 2008. Practically natural hair color, when it was super long and whispy indian hair. I want this baaaack!

I think this must have been Sophomore year of high school, when I dyed it red a lot, and was a teensy little baby. Divide myself by 6 and you basically have Alexandra as a sophomore in high school.
Half way through my sophomore year, I dyed my hair platinum blond. It turned out to be more like an awesome fire, where my roots were super blond, and my ends were red. Shortly after this, I chopped it off and dyed it brown again.

One of my first times dying my hair, and still a favorite. Red hair, blond bangs. So sassy and fun. Freshman year of high school.
Question of the blog:
When it comes to hair, I've always been sort of a rebel. I've always thought of it as a secondary deal, like if I'm not satisfied with the way it turned out, oh well. Big changes are my faves though... With most things.
Are you good with change, or are you the type of person that prefers predictability?

Meticulous Markings.

Time for another change. Enjoy my new banner.

Fall 2009

Winter 2009

2010

The Lost Art Of Long Names

A lot of people ask me why I introduce myself as Alexandra, and not a shorter name. To be honest with you, I like my long name better than any shortened version of it. Zandra, Z, you can call me what you'd like, but sometimes I wonder, where has appreciation for long names gone?
Nicknames have taken over. I have never met someone who had gone by Timothy, or Jennifer, or even another Alexandra. Instead, shortened version have replaced these pretty names. Every chance I get, I call people by their real names. Dustin, if you're reading this, the moment you started going by Dustin and not Dusty, I took it. I don't know what it is about long names, but I just love it. (This does not mean I don't like short names... In fact, I could never call my friend Alex by her full name, Alexandra. Her nickname is more of her name than Alexandra is!)

My name is Anne Alexandra Magdalen Ouida Houston Seal.
Anne - Hebrew, meaning gracious and merciful.
Alexandra - Greek, meaning protector and defender of mankind
Magdalen - English, meaning woman of Magdala (or tower)
Ouida - French, meaning famous warrior

I feel as though I take those meanings upon myself. I am a part of my name. If you know me, you know how closely I pay attention to meanings. I think they are important. I love the thought behind a chosen name.

Question of the blog:
I know a few friends that have always gone by their full names, and a nickname sounds so foreign to them. Do you prefer your real name, or your nickname?

It's All Coming Together Now!

Love Games vs. Love Games

This morning, as I logged onto YouTube, I saw that Lady Gaga has a song called Love Games. You know what I instantly thought of? Why, my favorite love games of all, Old Gregg of course! Now if you haven't seen Old Gregg, I suggest you head over to YouTube and look him up. You will be (frightfully) surprised? Maybe that's not the right word for it.. Anyways, Enjoy this music video.



Also, could it be that Lady Gaga is Old Gregg in disguise? See above images for proof that may change the world as we know it. Let me know what you think.

Question of the blog:
Recent polls show that about 99.6% of my friends are closet Lady Gaga fans. What do you think, is she a new Madonna or just a very unique individual that should wear more modest clothing and stop singing about sticks? I vote for the latter.

Fish Tale.

Sorry for the lack of inspirational blogs lately. Seems as though my posts are more bland, the more complicated my life is. My one wish in the world would be to have long hair, so that at least I could have some pretty braids that would hold it all back from my face.



Good day, my readers. I hope I get interesting soon.

In The Spirit

Stina and I, with our school spirit shirts. Seniors '08

I just thought I'd share one of my many examples of commitment, when I point out I was dedicated to Senior Shirt Friday in high school. Every week, I wore that darn shirt. And just for kicks, I'm writing it up here so that I will remember it later on.

Question of the blog:
What was your favorite way to show your school spirit in high school? Wait.. College included I guess. I don't even know if my school has teams or colors..

Pretty, Young Thing.

(All photos from Weheartit)

Pretty heels, faded pinks, nail polish and curly q's.
I feel so girly tonight.
And to add to the girly romance,
for your viewing pleasure. *swoon*

So High, So Low

Today was one of those days that you just sort of had to spend some money. And I did so. Probably too much. But now I have two new shirts and a pretty sweater thing, and my belly is filled with Mediterranean goodness.
Schools stresses me out. That's the honest truth, and in my 19 years it has not gotten any better. After a very rough night last night, a couple hours of crying today, and a phone call to our insurance, I signed up for my classes. I guess I can now go to school part time and still be on my parents' insurance, which is nice. If you're in any of my classes, let me know, eh?

Chemistry 2a : Tues. Thurs. : 12:30-5:30 pm
Human Sexuality : Tues. : 6:30-9:30 pm
Beginning Guitar : Thurs. : 9:30-11:30 am

It'll be a decent semester, I think. I've never taken less than 12 units, so nine and a half will be weird, and I am hoping it won't feel empty.. Although I heard Chemistry is a kick in the ask. 5 units of pure death. And that ask reference is from this, by the way.



he's gonna come out of the mooo-vie!

Part Two.

Yesterday was probably one of the best Halloweens I have ever experienced. Work was a pain but making money is my game.


All of my coworkers and I were Greek Goddesses. We all got ready together and it was so fun being dressed up fun at work. There were some HILARIOUS costumes on customers last night.. We had trucker vampires complete with butt cracks and torn fishnets, and two of my favorite customers came in with the most incredible costumes that looked like they took hours.


Then we went to the Deadbeats concert, which was so much fun! We danced the night away with hippies and simply had loads of good times.


Alex and I. We danced for hours and I was so sweaty gross. love it.


Chaney, Jillian, and someone I don't know.

Dancing, deadbeats, goddesses, hippies. So much fun. I hope you had a great Halloween too!

Question of the blog:
Yesterday, I didn't hear The Monster Mash once! This is the first year I haven't heard it play. Thriller or This Is Halloween or anything in between, what was your favorite Halloween song as a kid?

Costume Part 1 of 2

My precious little belly button sister. Greek goddess today for school.


Gold paint, old shoes, new look and perfect fit.


Little shmitzels looked so precious darling. This was at 6:30 am. What a champ.


Ah, the world of sequins and bed sheets. Tonight is round two of this outfit.. I'll wear the exact same thing for work tonight. Two for one deal!

Apology

I sound like a man today. Scratchy throat and a stuffed up nose! I have two tests tonight, YIKES. Wish me luck! I killed a spider today, I am sort of disgusted with myself. Today I will wash my hair, but I will not spend any time dressing cute. Get over it. Time for some tea and a switch to Psychology studying... I'm getting good blog ideas for later days, I promise! Expect a few on Friday.

There Came A Time...

Sept. 2005

Sept. 2006

Sept. 2007

Sept. 2008

Sept. 2009

Crazy! How time flies, and how I change...

I Hope You Don't Mind, I Hope You Don't Mind

That I'm a hopeless romantic... And I love Moulin Rouge so much that I am continually singing songs from the movie. Also, I hope you like my new banner? Sort of a change of pace from my last header. What do you think? You never know, I could hate this one tomorrow and change it on back to the old one.

Old:

New:

My Type Of Shopping

Yesterday, I went shopping.
I bought a vest, two blouses, and a skirt.
Guess how much I spent? nothing.
I love Crossroads Trading Co. for these reasons: I hate spending money, and I love getting rid of clothes I don't like anymore.
Ahh the joy of trade.

Question of the blog:
Be honest, what was the last thing you bought for over $20?