My Christmas Gift Haul 2023

Hello

안녕하세요

(Annyeonghaseyo)

こんにちは

(Konnichiwa)

你好

(Ni Hao)

We spent Christmas at my sister's again, and as always the dinner was amazing. I was in charge of the baked good as usual and I made the usual lemon drizzle cake, as well as a lemon cheesecake and for the first time I made a yule log.

From the end of October, right up to Christmas week, I was working nights, which was a nice change. I really enjoyed it. I'm now on my countdown to seeing Eric Nam and I can't wait to see who else could be heading to the UK to perform.

Firstly from my brother Michael, sister-in-law Stacey and their kids, I got Harry Potter make-up brushes. I've had these brushes before and I love them. I still use the ones I got in the past, so I can't wait to switch between them, which will make cleaning them a lot easier.

Next from my friend Nichola, her husband Dave and their daughter Grace. I got bath goods and an amazon voucher. I used my voucher towards some new pans. The Christmas bath fizzers are really cute. I can't wait to use them. I also can't wait to use the shower gels because I can tell they're going to smell really nice.

From my friend Mary-Kate, I got some Sailor Moon shot glasses. Which have become my go to Soju glasses. I adore sailor moon and these have been on my to buy list for quite a while.

From my friend Clare, her other half Lee and their kids, I got this amazing Stray Kids tumbler. I absolutely love it, I'm hoping Stray Kids come to the UK this year, and if they do, they will definitely be making the journey to see them with me. I love that I can use it for either hot or cold drinks.

Next from my nephew Owen and friend Alicia, I got this Spa Secrets facial set. I look forward to using this, as it's perfect for when I feel like giving myself a spa day and some down time.

From my nephew Daniel, I got this Lush Little Snow Fairy gift box. I absolutely love Snow Fairy, so I will definitely love using these products.

Next I got this Soap & Glory hands and feet set, from my sisters dogs. I tend to dog sit 2 of her dogs for her a lot, so much so my house has become their 2nd/holiday home. I love Soap & Glory's hand and feet products, they always moisturise my hands and feet and I swear by their heel genius.

From my sister and her husband Bob, I got some cute bed socks and this No.7 Shimmer & Glow make-up set. I can't wait to play around with the make-up. But I have worn the socks, they were really comfy and keep my feet nice and warm.

Next from my mum and her other half Dave, I got £60, which will be going towards any K-pop concert tickets.

Next from Skye, I got this The Nightmare Before Christmas book, that is part of my reading challenge. I also got this Edward Elric POP! figure. I love Fullmetal Alchemist, so I loved receiving this.

Lastly from my dad and his wife Alison, I got Volume 7 of Heaven Official's Blessing, some chocolates and a surprise envelope with £350, which will be going towards K-pop concert tickets. I'm hoping ATEEZ and Stray Kids are coming over so it's being kept for the possibility of getting tickets to see them. With Volume 7 of Heaven Official's Blessing, I've now completed the novel series, so I can't wait to finish reading the rest of them and giving them a special place on my bookcase.

Well that brings me to the end of my Christmas Gift Haul, I loved all my gifts and felt insanely grateful for them all, especially the money as it means I won't need to stress to much when it comes to trying to get tickets.

I always appreciate the time and effort my friends and family put into getting gifts for me.

Did you get some presents from family and friends that's perfect for you?

Let me know in the comments below.

see you soon!

안녕

(Annyeong)

さようなら

(Sayonara)

再见

(ZaiJian)

Bye

Fangirl Monthly: May Box

Hello

Annyeong

Konnichiwa

Ni Hao

Google Images

I was so excited when my May box arrived from Fangirl Monthly as it's Fullmetal Alchemist, I've never seen the original anime, I got into the franchise through Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood which I have on DVD, I also have started getting the 3-in-1 manga collections of the series. I've noticed no matter the genre of anime or manga people like one franchise that I've always seen people recommend is Fullmetal Alchemist, shall we see what goodies we go in the Fullmetal Alchemist box!

First up we have an EXCLUSIVE "THE FAMILY" POSTCARD PRINT, the artwork again is done by Mayu Matsumoto. Whether you've watched the anime or read the manga, or neither, you're familiar with the sad story of 2 brothers trying to undo what happened. It's such a sweet print of the brothers with their mother, back when everyone was whole and happy.

Next we have the CUSTOM FLAMEL SYMBOL COTTON JEWELRY POUCH, another pretty pouch to keep all the jewelry items together. In the series both of the Elric brothers are seen with this symbol upon them, Edward has it on the back of his infamous red coat and Al's(Alphonse) is on the left shoulder of his amour body. The Flamel symbol resembles many other ancient symbols including The Rod Of Asclepius - which is the Ancient Greek sign of medicine, The Caduceus - which is the Ancient Greek symbol related to the god of Alchemy, Hermes and the medieval professed, French alchemist, Nicholas Flamel. I can see why they went with the Flamel symbol seen as the series is Edward and Al looking for the Philosopher's Stone, which Nicholas Flamel is connected to.

Next we have a CUSTOM TRANSMUTATION CIRCLE VINTAGE BOOKMARK, I look this bookmark, it's rally pretty and personally for me looks and feels like it's been passed down my family for generations, I think it definitely looks like something they would have used in the time that Fullmetal Alchemist is set. I'm in too minds whether to use it or not as it's really pretty and I want to use it and at the same time it feels tight to not damage books leaving marks where it's been sat. It looks really well made.

Next we have CUSTOM OUROBOROS DANGLE EARRINGS, sadly for me I'm not a fan of these earrings, there is something that I can't put my finger on that makes me scrunch up my nose, maybe it's because my ears are no longer pierced to be able to wear them. I'm sure they look better worn than they do not, whether they are sturdy and well made, is something I'll have to keep an eye on from other subscribers. To the eye they do look like they will be sturdy. I love that they got the symbol correct as it symbolises and represents the eternal cycle of life and death.

Next we have a FLAMEL PENDANT NECKLACE, this is the same symbol from the jewelry pouch and it's really well made, the necklace clasp is easy to use and it fits really nicely, it's another item that I think has a masculine feel to it meaning both men and women can wear it.

Lastly we have a REPLICA COSPLAY STATE ALCHEMIST POCKET WATCH, Fangirl Monthly debated whether to put another pocket watch in their box as they have had a few already inside past boxes, fans stated that this item needed to be included as it's a famous item from the series and they listened to their fans. I hope like myself that other subscribers are glad that they listened. It's really well made and even has the infamous engraving inside "Don't forget 3.Oct.11, which is the date that everything changed for the Elric brothers, as they burned down their family home after their mothers death and a failed transmutation circle to bring her back to life, causing Edward to lose an arm and leg and his brother to lose his entire body. 3.Oct.1911 they left the remains of the childhood home to move forward and grow (insert Ed short jokes here) in alchemy as well as search for the Philosopher's Stone to get Al his body back. 3rd of October is also the franchises unofficial Fullmetal Alchemist Day that fans started, it's basically their version of Star Wars day on May the 4th. I think the pocket watch is my favourite item from the May box, it's just perfect.

It's now time to get into all the business side of the Fangirl Monthly subscription box, whatever month you subscribe, as long as it's before the deadline you will get that months box, if it's after the deadline you will receive the next months box. Each box comes with 3-5 anime and manga inspired jewelry, accessories and goodies from a selected series each month. You get the choice of what term of what subscription plan you would like, there's a 6 month plan which is $102/£83.69 and renews every 6 months until you cancel, there is a 3 month plan which is $52.50/£43.08 and renews every 3 months until you cancel, and finally there is a monthly plan which is the plan I am on, which is $18/£14.77 and renews every month until you cancel. You are able to skip any of the months boxes if you need to for any reason. These boxes do not include shipping and each shipping price varies for where they are shipping to, I pay £24.81 a month which is including shipping. If you are interested in subscribing or fancy checking them out then you can head over to the Fangirl Monthly website.

I really liked May's box, I think they did Fullmetal Alchemist justice in the item they chose to represent the box, my main favourite items have to be the pocket watch and the bookmark. I think they created another versatile box and I'm curious to know what series is going to be featured in July's box. You may have noticed I wrote July and not June, I've skipped June's box as it's a series I'm not familiar with so didn't want to paying for something that I know I wouldn't use or wear, June's box is Madoka Magica. Fangirl Monthly have released a sneak peak for one of the items from the box, which is a cute bracelet but not of the symbols on it mean anything to me. I do look forward to seeing pictures from other subscribers though.
June box is Madoka Magica.
July box is still to be revealed.

A lesson without pain is meaningless. For you cannot gain anything without sacrificing something else in return. Although, if you can endure that pain and walk away from it, you'll find you have a heart strong enough to overcome any obstacle, yeah.. a heart made of full metal." "This is my last transmutation. Just sit back and enjoy the show!" 
- Edward Elric -

See you soon!

Annyeong
Sayonara
Zai Jian
Bye

Halloween Week Special: Monster Style Anime's

Hello

An nyeoung

Konnichiwa

Ni hao

Google images

Today I was going to do a post on making pumpkin pie but I won't be making that later on as it has to be made the night before it's needed to get the pest taste experience so going to use it for a later post, so today I'm going to share with you my top 5 ghoulish anime's, I say ghoulish but these anime's consist of gore, demons, monsters and feelings of uncomfortableness. So shall we get started.

No.5

High School of the Dead

Google images

Highschool of the Dead is set in present-day Japan, beginning as the world is struck by a deadly pandemic that turns humans into zombies, euphemistically referred to by the main characters as "Them"

The story follows a group of high school students (and the school's nurse) as they deal with a worldwide catastrophic event known as the "Outbreak". As the cast tries to survive the zombie apocalypse, they must also face the additional threats of societal collapse, in the form of dangerous fellow survivors, and the possible decay of their own moral codes. Starting from the high school, the students escape into town where they must deal with a corrupt teacher and his students. They check their homes for survivors, and pick up a little girl and a dog.

In at No.5 is the first anime I watched in this type of genre and when I first watched this anime it was because I liked the opening theme and how I didn't get how pervy this series was going to be from the opening is beyond me. Many people (mainly my friends) thought it was strange that I enjoyed this show as it's full of girls with big boobs and up skirt shots, something I think that if they'd focused on the story a lot more would have made the show a lot better and possibly kept both the manga and anime running. For a more in depth review of the anime check out my Highschool of the Dead Anime post.

(By shiroyasha123)

No.4

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Google images

Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric continue their search for the Philsopher's Stone, hoping to restore their bodies, which were lost when they attempted to use their alchemy skills to resurrect their deceased mother. Edward, who lost only limbs, joins the State Military, which gives him the freedom to continue the search as he tries to restore his brother, whose soul is tethered to earth by a suit of armour. However, Edward and Alphonse are not the only ones seeking the powerful stone. And as they search, they learn of a plot to transmute the entire country for reasons they cannot comprehend.

Even though some people wouldn't put this anime in with this type of post I think with some of the moments within the series can leave you feeling uncomfortable and aware of who you connect yourself with. I first watched this anime a few months ago and loved it from the first episode. What I love about this series is that even though it has it's dark moments it has comedy to lighten the mood. This is definitely an anime I recommend everyone to watch whether your an anime fan or not. Check out my Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Anime post.

(By AngelOfDarkness306)

No.3

Blue Exorcist

Google images

The story revolves around Rin Okumura, a teenager possessing abnormal strength and endurance who, along with his twin brother Yukio, was raised by Father Shiro Fujimoto, an Exorcist. One day, Rin learns that he and Yukio are the sons of Satan, the strongest of all demons. Witnessing Shiro dying to protect him, Rin ends up doing what his guardian asked him never to do: draw the demon-slaying blade Kurikara, which restrains his demonic powers, from its scabbard. From that moment on, Rin not only gains permanent demonic features like fangs, pointed ears, and a tail, but also the power to ignite himself into blue flames that can destroy almost anything they touch.

This is one of my series' and the reason that it's taken the third place spot is because the manga is still on going where the anime has taken a different root and finished after one series so for me the end of the anime was a bit anti-climax, don't get me wrong I think the ending is good but it could have ended with more. I love the characters within the series and my favourite has to be Rin the main character. This is another anime I have posted about in the past so check out my Blue Exorcist Anime post.

(By Anopex Z)

No.2

Tokyo Ghoul

Google images

The story follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who barely survives a deadly encounter with Rize Kamishiro, his date who reveals herself as a ghoul, a human-like creature that hunts and devours human flesh, and is taken to the hospital in critical condition. After recovering, Kaneki discovers that somehow he underwent a surgery that transformed him into a half-ghoul by transferring some of Rize's organs into his body, as she died when she attacked him, and just like them, he must consume human flesh to survive as well. With no one else to turn to, he is taken in by the ghouls who manage the coffee shop "Anteiku", who teach him to deal with his new life as a half-human/half-ghoul, including interacting with ghoul society and its conflicting factions, while striving to keep his identity secret from other humans.

Did you get my hint that this series may get placed in this countdown? hint spot the ghoulish. I've seen many people cosplay Kaneki and even though I'd heard of the anime I'd never shown an interest in seeing it, that was until I saw he first volume of the manga had been released here in the UK so thought I'd see what the big deal was. I watched the anime pretty much within 24 hours and thought it was amazing. It does seem that the anime is slow going but the season ends wanting you to jump straight into the second season, I love that in the final episodes it builds up so much that you don't expect it to be the final episode, I'm definitely a fan of the series now and it's another anime that I will recommend people to watch.

(By Daniel Mor16)

Have you guessed what I've placed in my No.1 slot?

An anime full of gore, death & on edge moments.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

No.1

Attack on Titan

Google images

The story of Attack on Titan centers around the adventures of Eren Yeager, his foster sister, Mikasa Ackerman, and their childhood friend, Armin Arlert. After the wall which protects their hometown of Shinganshina is breached by Titans, Eren watches in horror as one of them eats his mother. Vowing to kill all the Titans, Eren enlists in the military, along with his friends.

Attack on Titan has to be my favourite anime and manga series, I'm even being one of the characters for Halloween tomorrow. I love all the characters from the series, some more than others *cough Levi cough* I love that from start to finish you are kept on the edge of your seat on what will happen to the characters and who will live till the end of the series. Everyone has their theories on what will happen throughout the series, I may guess at what I think will happen but I can't wait for the story to unfold. If you haven't I highly recommend this anime and check out my Attack on Titan Anime post.

(By Etri Khor)

Honourable mention:

Death Note

Even though I've not finished the anime series, it's definitely worth mentioning in this post.
Black Butler
To be honest just Sebastian Michaelis needs an honourable mention here.

Do you have any dark and horror style genre anime's you enjoy and recommend for me.

If you do please comment them below.

See you soon!

An nyeoung 

Sayonara 

Zai Jian 

Bye 

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood Anime!

Hello

An nyoung

Konnichiwa

Ni hao

(google images)

This has to be in my list of favorite anime's, whenever people mention an anime to watch I notice a lot always mention either Fullmetal Alchemist or Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and after watching the latter I see why. It has everything you could want in any series not just anime, you have amazing characters (with hidden depths in their personalities), strong bonds, amazing fight scenes, comedy, shock value and emotional moments. The one thing I love about this anime is the fact that it made me feel sorry and sad for one of the enemies, which was unexpected when you obviously expect to hate the enemies and want them to be defeated. Like many anime's it has it's trademark jokes (no Edward I didn't call you short at all).

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood is a reboot of the first anime Fullmetal Alchemist and directly following the events in the manga, for the plot of the show check out my post Manga Madness: Fullmetal Alchemist, the main story is Edward and Alphonse finding a way of getting their original bodies back. Let me introduce the characters.

(google images)

Edward Elric

Edward is known as the Fullmetal Alchemist because of his automail limbs but the title is often confused to be the name of his brother Alphonse. He is the youngest State Alchemist, in history, joining the programme at the age of 12. Both he and Alphonse scour the world for the philosopher's stone in the hopes of returning their original bodies. Edward lost his left leg in a failed attempt to ressurrect their mother using the forbidden human transmutation, and lost his right arm in exchange for Alphonse soul, binding it to a suit of armor. He's rather sensitive to anyone calling him short and often flips when he is done so, he's mainly seen wearing black with a red coat and white gloves and often wearing his hair in a plait.

(google images)

(google images)

Alphonse Elric

Alphonse is Edward's younger brother, unlike Edward who lost his leg in the failed attempt to resurrect their mother, Alphonse lost his entire body, at the last moment with not being able to live without him Edward sacrificed his right arm sealing Alphonse soul in a suit of armor with a blood circle, he is often mistaken to be the Fullmetal Alchemist because of his body and height, most of the series Alphonse is seen in the armor but in his normal body looks like his brother but with shirt hair.

(google images)

Winry Rockbell

Winry is a close friend of the Elric brothers, she lives with her grandmother Pinako Rockbell who raised her after the death of her parents. Winry is a practicing and gifted automail mechanic, continuolly redisgning and repairing Edwards automail prosthetics. She is often used by enemies as a hostage to make the Elric brothers comply. She's often seen wearing her work overalls (boob tube top and baggy bottoms) but is also seen in normal everyday skirts and tops, she has long hair that is often tied in a ponytail and has her ear pierced.

(google images)

Roy Mustang

Colonel Roy Mustang, also known as the Flame Alchemist is a State Alchemist and Edwards superior, his main goal is to be the next Fuhrer, heavily relying on his subordinates for their support to propel him along that path. He is often seen wearing his military uniform and has short black hair.

(google images)

Riza Hawkeye

First Luitenant Rixa Hawkeye is Mustang's most trusted and dearest subordinate. She often caries out the duties that Mustang is to lazy to do, she also acts as his personal assistant and protects him from danger. She holds a strong sense of admiration for Mustang and would even go as far as risking her life for him. Riza speacializes in firearms, in particular Sniper Rifles, she can hit nearly any target with lethal accuracy . She is often seen in her military uniform with her hair pinned up.

(google images)

Maes Hughes

Captain Maes Hughes is a close friend of Roy Mustang's, he's a devoted family man to his wife and daughter and is often seen bragging about them to anyone he can. He always offers advice and hospitality to the Elric brothers when they need it, he's just generally a kind and humble person that would do anything for anyone. He is often seen in his military uniform and has short hair and wear glasses.

Homunculi

The Homunculi serve as the main enemies throughout the series, they are a group of artificially created humans who seek to fulfill their leaders goals of creating a philosopher's stone. Each Homunculus is named after each of the Seven Deadly Sins, they also have the ability to regenerate, rendering them near impossible to defeat and destroy. Five of the Homunculi were created by a man they call father from his own faults where Wrath and Greed and the second Greed are humans who accepted a philosopher's stone.

I wont reveal all the Homunculi as to not ruin the identities of some who have not and want to see the series.

(google images)

Lust

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Gluttony

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Envy

Greed

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Sloth

Wrath

Pride

As always Fullmetal Alchemist has some amazing opening and ending track to the series, let me share some with you.

opening 1 - Again by Yui

ending 1 - Uso by Sid

I love how this one is done

opening 2 - Hologram by Nico Touches The Walls

ending 2 - Let It Out by Miho Fukuhara

opening 3 - Golden Time Lover by Sukima Switch

ending 3 - Tsunaida Te by Lil'B

opening 4 - Period by Chemistry

ending 4 - Shunkan Sentimental by Scandal

my favorite ending track

opening 5 - Rain by Sid

ending 5 - Ray Of Light by Shoko Nakagawa

Sadly I don't own any of the DVD boxsets but they are on my list to buy, if you're wondering how I watched the series it's simple, i'm subscribed to Netflix and they have the series on there. I love all the characters and the suspense of the show, my next goal is to watch the first anime Fullmetal Alchemist and see which I prefer as that one has an original story line, I really can't recommend this show enough. To be honest if you asked anyone, anywhere in the world some of their favourite anime's I'd be suprised if Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood weren't on their list, I like lots of anime's but this is one of those that I could continue to watch on repeat. The show can even relate to real life when you pay attention to the morals and lessons in the story. 

'A lesson without pain is meaningless. For you cannot gain anything without sacrificing something else in return. Although, if you can endure that pain and walk away from it, you'll find you a have a heart strong enough to overcome any obstacle.. yeah a heart made of full metal.' - Edward Elric

See you soon!

An nyoung 
Sayonara 
Zai Jian 
Bye