new year's reflection + rambling

 

Hi, everyone; this blog post is slightly more personal than my others. It's just reflection and me venting my frustrations, nothing major.

I feel like I always get randomly depressed around the start of each new year. Don't get me wrong, I'm incredibly grateful to be here to experience another year, but I feel kinda weird about it because I'm like, "Ok, wow, another year wasted away doing nothing." and my family always tells me, "Rina, you're young, smart, and beautiful. You're still in high school; what are you really supposed to be doing anyway?".

I don't know! I just thought that my life would be different, that I'd have a different high school experience than the one I've been experiencing. I don't have many hobbies outside of gal that anyone in my circle actively engages in. I have a minimal social circle, but it's not like anyone cares about my interests outside of makeup and clothes!!

*SIGH* I'm frustrated ok...

Please don't misinterpret my words, I like having an audience to share all this stuff with, but sometimes, I wish I could abandon social media and start over. Like every facet of my identity since 2020? I want to scrub it clean from people's memory. I wish I could form a new version of myself in their minds. I'm not happy with who I am. I want to do things differently, and if given the chance, I'd gladly start over >,<

I feel more dreadful about being online than most people, I think. (my F-tier gal life...) I spend too much time online it seriously starting to rot my brain. This is exactly why I hope that I'll be able to make friends this year. Y'know, like-minded people who are as serious about fighting games and gyaru as I am? But none of that seems likely, so in the meantime,e I'll just imagine I have the things I want already instead of complaining about not possessing them.

(I feel really insightful rn like him)

I think one thing that's been keeping my company is playing visual novels and RPGs. Recently, I used my Christmas money to finally buy Persona 3 Portable, which I've been really enjoying so far ^o^. It's kept me thoroughly busy during the heavy snowfall. I'm playing as the fem protag, kotone, so no spoilers, ok? 

I think that I'm really emotionally attached to the soundtrack of every persona game, but I think that Time is probably the one track that I love the most out of any of the songs from any of the many games in the franchise. It sounds peaceful and lonely. It makes me nostalgic to hear it.

The Lyrics are pretty sad to me personally:

Time

Old dry winds go by

Lone air comes quietly

Time

Old dry winds go by

Uncertain space you need to fill in

Every time goodbye to yesterday

Greeted by today

Smiling to tomorrow

No one really belongs

Each time we hope to stay around

I know how you feel

Beyond your words

Despite them being sad, I relate to them a lot. I'm just upset that I feel disconnected from everyone in my world. I want that to change this year. I want to be close to the people closest to me. I refuse to let time pass me by before I attempt to improve my life.

Whew, that was a lot! (EMBARASSING.) But before I finish writing, I'd like to thank you all for reading my blog. I pray that all your wishes come true this year. 

Until next time, bye-bye, stay sweet.

Let’s Recap: Vacation!!

 

Hi everyone! I always post blog updates late because I prefer typing on my laptop vs. on my phone. (Blogger on mobile is terrible FYI). We got back home at a reasonable time if I remember correctly... Regardless, I'm so happy to be able to post a recap of the mini vacation I took with my family up North^^

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

Okay, first things first. Let's start with the look:

I did my makeup really simply, it's been a while since I've worn lashes, though. It felt weird to blink with them since the plastic strip kept stabbing me in the corner of my eye!!! Anyway, it's nothing wild, just brown eyeshadow topped with silver glitter!! And, of course, I'm wearing my wet and wild lipstick in the shade of breeze. They should sponsor me. I've gone through 3 tubes of this stuff in 1 month before.

Forehead... >,<

I look like a bug here...

Did I mention that my scarf is tied into the shape of a bow?

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

Now, to the fun bits of my trip, the shopping! There was this cute Japanese goods store that I walked around in with my Grandma. She even took pics of me shopping without my knowledge (LOL)

This was in the store's makeup section. They even had Dolly Wink products, so naturally, I picked up some lash and brow mascara. There were even K-Beauty brands there There were loads of options, but it wasn't cheap at all! I guess when you pay, it's not only for the imports but also for the experience too?

This was in the stationary section of the store, I got a few mechanical pencils shaped like cat paws, but there were other cute things in here, like backpacks, pencil cases, and even lunch boxes

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

I think I enjoyed this portion of the store the most: The arcade! Heres a pic of one of the claw machines. My grandma and I tried playing but we didn't win anything and that sort of bummed me out...

There was also a huge selection of figures and keychains in another portion of the store. I ended up getting a small little Genshin blind box and I pulled this cute little Yae Miko figurine...

But all of that pales in comparison to THIS:

Now I have never watched a SINGLE episode of one piece in my life, but good God, I might for him. I've always had a little crush on Ace... I got some weird stares for this pic, but irdc I got to be with him!!!

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

On our next stop during our shopping spree, my aunt took me to this upscale thrift store location. And I'm going to be totally real. There wasn't ANYTHING in there. Like actually nothing, everything was butt ugly 😭😭😭 But I did get some cute mirror selfies and this cute jumpsuit I plan saving for next summer.

Cho Kawaii Desu Ne... #ready for summer, I am a July baby afterall.

I always feel the need to treat every moment I get alone in front of a mirror as if it's my own private fashion show...

Overall I enjoyed myself, and I had lots of fun^^

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

BONUS BONUS BONUS:

Here: Look at this stupid picture of me winding down and eating my dinner which was a slice of pizza that was bigger than my head

Still not over this pic WWWW

Anyways, that's all for now. See you in my next blog post. Remember to stay sweet, bye bye!!!!

Are Gaijin Stuck in the past? ☆

Hi everyone, it’s been a while since my last post, right? I’ve been *really* busy with school and other life stuff, so please forgive my absence from my blog! College preparation is no joke, so I appreciate you all waiting for me  (ﾉ´ з `)ノ♡

Lately, discussions in the gal comm have been circling around the idea that the gaijin of today are permanently entranced by the past when it comes to style, and the majority preference does reflect this. This also brings up the argument that gaijin gals are staunchly against innovation, rejecting all new forms of style, precisely that of Reiwa era fashion.

Now, let me be real with you all: I’ve made my opinion of Reiwa gyaru pretty clear in the past (probably too clear, LOL), and my stance hasn’t changed. I find Reiwa to be extremely underwhelming, to say the least. It feels like it’s lost the boldness and rebellion that made the subculture so magnetic in the first place. Don’t get me wrong—evolution in fashion is natural and necessary, but Reiwa's muted and overly polished look just doesn’t speak to me. It looks too... polished? I can't describe it, but it just doesn't register in my head as gal.

While I have to admit there are some modern gals, like Ran, who do an amazing job of mixing Reiwa elements with Heisei aesthetics, I feel like they’re the exception rather than the rule. I also think it’s a bit unfair to assume that the community is entirely resistant to change. In fact, many modern gals seem to embrace elements of Reiwa-era trends subtly, blending them with older aesthetics. 

It’s not hard to see why so many of us cling to Heisei styles. There’s an undeniable charm and nostalgia tied to that era—the over-the-top glamor, wild creativity, and unapologetic attitude that defined gyaru at its peak. It wasn’t just a fashion style; it was a movement, one that celebrated individuality and rebellion. For many gaijin gals (myself included), replicating those looks feels like a way to honor the roots of the subculture and keep its spirit alive. Think of it as preserving the past, in all its bold, sparkly glory.

To me, Reiwa  just doesn’t carry the same energy. It feels diluted—like it’s trying too hard to appeal to mainstream fashion while losing the unique spark that made gyaru so iconic. Maybe that’s just the direction the world is heading, but I can’t help but feel a pang of disappointment. I don’t want to see gyaru fade into something so unrecognizable that it becomes just another trend.

That being said, these are just my opinions, and fashion is all about personal expression. Don’t let my feelings influence how you see the state of modern gal fashion. Whether you love Reiwa or live for Heisei, what matters most is that you’re expressing yourself authentically. Be yourself, ok?  ☆⌒(≧▽​° )

What do you think? Do you feel like the community is too focused on the past, or do you see innovation happening in your own circles? I’d love to hear your thoughts. 

In the meantime, stay sweet, bye!

My glorious return!! ☆ + blog revamp!!

 Hey, it’s been awhile hasn’t it? Been really busy with school amongst other things…. Anyways, i’ve been getting more active on my socials, you can find me on tiktok (eugh misinformation and drama central I KNOWW…) as @agehadreamer, i’m more active on there than anywhere else. Oh!! I should also mention i’m planning on posting youtube videos soon (but i want to get better at makeup before i do that). I feel like this post is more of me rambling than actually posting pictures of my makeup but I honestly could care less, it’s MY blog so I think I can do whatever I want!! But while we’re on the topic of pictures…. here’s some recent gal make i’ve done in my short little blogging hiatus:

Cute and simple 💗

MY FAVORITE LOOK EVER!!!

Love the gold in this one ^_^

Went to the mall food court in this one

My easter make!!! love this dress

From yesterday, I’ve been really digging brown and silver together recently…

Well, with that photo dump out of the way… I’m pretty sure that you’ve noticed i’ve revamped a few things on the blog! Nothing too major just a few cute things here and there…. 

Ah i’m running out of things to talk about so i’ll end this post here. That’s all for now until next time, remember to stay sweet! Byebye!!

STAYCATION!!!

 hi everyone!! sorry for disappearing!! i’ve been very busy umm anyways  .. my family and i went on a staycation and i had a ton of fun (о´∀`о)

ofc i took some pics so here they are!!

bonus dog filter pic

(cute isn’t it?)

LOL 

That’s all for now! Remember to stay sweet! byebye!!

Holiday photos!!

 In december my family and I took a vacation for the holidays (*^_^*) we saw a bunch of christmas lights and rode rides… it was so fun!! i even did a co*de to walk through the park !!

Here are some pictures of me before we left （╹◡╹）♡

That’s all for now! Remember to stay sweet! byebye!!

Shopping!! (First Blog Post!!)

Hi!! Welcome to my blog!! I’m rina and this is my blog where i’ll post my makeup looks and talk about the gyaru lifestyle!!

          

            *･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･'(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)'･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*

The other day i went shopping and it was so fun, so got compliments on my makeup and a guy at the anime figure store called me cute… (°▽°) !! I think that shopping is like therapy for me because i was so stressed out with finals but those are over now (i passed them btw woohoo!!) Anyways enough talk here are the pictures I took  ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°

That’s all for now!! remember to stay Sweet bye bye! (^_−)−☆