Take part in the Essence Contest 2009!

This is my contribution to the contest: Click to enlarge! "Royal Princess - The crown is yours!"

***SONG: Sara Paxton - I need a hero*** (with twilight video^^)

This is a real last minute message:

*** The Essence Contest 2009 ***

Essence cosmetics Europe hosts a "Be a trendmaker" contest (with the deadline of December the 31th, so hurry!). You may send in written ideas, collages, videos, drafts - basically everything which is innovative and creative. I finished my contribution just now and -hey it's holidays, you can still make it! For first prize you get the possibility to develop your own Essence product collection. Other about 300 prizes include MakeUp sets, shopping vouchers, digital cameras and iPods.
Check out the homepage to upload your contribution: *click here*.
Good luck for all participants!
Love,

Princess for one night: The Crillon Ball in Paris

Jane Aldridge's official ball gown from Chanel.(Source)

Adishree Singh (Indian princess) in Ritu Beri. Source

Jane Aldridge also got to wear this dress from Chanel. Source

Johanna Piaton de Turckheim (France) in Eli Saab gown. Source 

Group photo of the 2009 debutantes at Crillon. Source

Lily Collins (standing), daughter of Phil Collins, at the ball in 2008. Source

Every year twenty-four lucky girls from international teenage high society get an invitation to debut on the Crillon Ball held in Paris at the luxurious Hotel de Crillon. Among those girls have been royalty princesses and daugthers of politicians and film stars. They are chosen to wear a Haute Couture (high fashion) designer dress from e.g. Lacroix or Oscar de la Renta. Additionally they are lent jewellery from Adler, the company that hosts the ball. All of the fun is contributing every year for a different charity project! I am amazed about this event, because I heard about it only a few days ago. And I am happy that there is a real Cinderella girl: Famous American fashion blogger Jane Aldridge was invited to Paris to take part for Chanel! I am sure she will publish her personal photos the next hours on Sea of Shoes. So there is dancing and a buffet and many people in sparkling dresses... 

I do not have to point out that going to a ball all prettied up in a designer gown is the ultimate dream for every girl??!! Such a great and unique experience^^. If you are further interested in the ball, then take a look at their official homepage, where you can admire the lucky princesses from previous years in their gallery and watch videos from the evening. Wow!!

Love,

Good Witch of the West

Firiel visits the palace

Firiel and Eusis at Hiragrion

Hi^^. Just now I finished watching "The good witch of the west" - alternatively called "Astraea Testament", an anime by the author Noriko Ogiwara. She wrote several fantasy novels that have been turned into a manga series and the mentioned anime later on. It tells the story of fifteen year old Firiel Dee, who gets a mysterious necklace from her father one day. On a visit to the palace of her country, the necklace reveals her true identity and her fate becomes entangled deeply with the quarrel between the two candidates for queen: Adel and Leandra. Additionally there is the lurking danger of a dark intrigue aiming to overthrow the throne altogether. Firiel decides to travel with her childhood friend Roux through the fantastic country to discover the secret of the midday star, which appears to be the key to everything...
There are 13 episodes (that you can find starting here) and I took a liking for the fantasy setting and the cute characters. I was surprised to find out that the movie features more violence than I expected for an anime dedicated to a younger audience. And considering the ending, I think there could have been more...maybe I get the chance to compare the anime to Norikos novels one day!^^ I practised to sing along the intro song and its fun :) Watching is warmly recommended for girls who like stories of brave princesses and far away countries!
Lilly :)PS.: It is a great occasion to train your Japanese language knowledge^^(don't be afraid, there are english subs!)