Lose Weight for the Big Day in 15 Days

Every year after winter season, some ladies suddenly find themselves are putting on more weight, so do I. In winter, pretty a holiday season, I just cannot resist the temptation of delicious food and tend to eat a lot to satisfy my ravenous appetite. If you are just like me and if 2010 is your wedding year, then sadly, but I have to say it’s a misfortune. Imagine this, you purchased the pretty wedding dress a long time ago just for the big day, and suddenly find this gorgeous bridal gown couldn’t fit you anymore.  But do not panic, we still got plenty of time to lose weight and it just needs 15 days! When consulting for losing weight, the nutritionists generally suggest drinking more water, eating more vegetables and fruits instead of the high-fat diet. This theory can be applied to our Lose-weight-in-15-days program.




































We may subdivide the program into three stages as follows:

Stage 1
keep 3 meals a day
This stage will take about 3 to 4 days. The purpose of having 3 meals normally per day is to keep you from hungry, allowing us to stick to the weight-losing program more easily. For breakfast and lunch, we can eat as the same amount of food as usual (better eat vegetables and fruit only), but do eat less for supper or eat fruit instead. This will prevent the unwanted calories be absorbed by the body in night. Eat supper 3 hours earlier before going to bed. In addition, protein is a must for body and don’t take it away from the menu. If you have the habit of drinking milk, please drink fat-extracted one.
vegetables and fruits, the golden rule of losing weight
Eat vegetables like broccoli and green beans, the fiber within these vegetables could help the body expel the toxin. Fruit aids in digestion and can also give the stomach a full feeling.

Stage 2
This stage will take 3-4 days too. In this stage, we should still avoid eating high-fat food. We can eat rice and other staple food aside from vegetables and fruits for breakfast and lunch.
Stage 3
Fruit, fruit, fruit
The last stage lasts pretty longer, about 8 days. During this style, fruit should play as the main role in our diet.

Find the right fruit. Orange, pomelo, apple, grape and tomato are some good choices. Some ladies would suggest drinking fruit juice to lose weight. This is not correct in my opinion. The calorie of one cup of fruit juice is pretty much the same as eating three apples. For example, 100g orange juice contains 65 calories, pomelo juice, 60; apple juice, 70. If you prefer fruit juice, it’s better to choose tomato juice which has only 30 calories.
Eat the right vegetable, like asparagus and pumpkin. They all have a healthy benefit to body.

By following the steps, I have lost 5 pounds of weight successfully. I am sure that you can too and the wedding dress will just suit you perfectly. Good Luck!

Floor-length Taffeta Wedding Dress

Empire Spaghetti Straps Floor-length Taffeta Wedding Dress(md90532)

FREE Shipping! The LAST day

Silhouette: Empire Neck: Spaghetti Strap
Hemline / Train: Floor-length Fabric: Taffeta
Shown Color: Showed in White Nett Weight: 2KG
Shipping Weight: 2.5KG









Empire skirt which creates the soft and tender visual image. Available for all sizes and custom made.
Here is a close shot of the top bodice.

Naruto Uzumaki Naruto 6th Hokage Cosplay Costume

Quality Cosplay Costume for Uzumaki

Cos Component: Shirt + Pants + Coat
Cos Texture: High Elasticity Cotton
Coser Properites: Anime
Costume Sales Type: Customize
Weight: 1.5KG
Price: $67.99

Update No. 232 (January 20, 2010)

ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 23
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 63
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 49
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5
Peppermint - Volume 3
Tokyo Crazy Paradise - Chapter 50

Update No. 231 (January 19, 2010)

ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 23
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 63
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 49
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5
Peppermint - Volume 3
Meru Puri - *completed*

Update No. 230 (January 18, 2010)

ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 23
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 63
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 49
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5
Peppermint - Volume 3
Shiro no Keiyaku - *completed*
Otogibanashi no Fude - *completed*
Dokusen Happiness - *completed*
Ama Iro Omoi - *completed*

Update No. 229 (January 17, 2010)

ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 23
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 63
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 49
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5
Peppermint - Volume 3
Moujyuu wa Ori no Naka - *completed*
Bituona Koi - *completed*
Bitter Trap - *completed*
Non-chan to Watashi - *completed*
Hana Sakasu Te - *completed*
Genius House - *completed*
Hoshiyomi no Togensha - *completed*
Blanc Marie - *completed*

Update No. 228 (January 16, 2010)

ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 23
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 63
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 49
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5
Peppermint - Volume 3
1/3 no Kareshi - *completed*
Kiss/Hug - *completed*
He's Dedicated to Roses - *completed*

Update No. 227 (January 15, 2010)

ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 23
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 63
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 49
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5
Peppermint - Volume 3
Andarshan no Hanayome - *complete*

Review: Ai Hime ~ Ai to Himegoto


GENERAL INFORMATION
Genre: Romance, Drama, Shoujo
Author: Mitsuki Kako
Manga: 3 volumes
Original Run: 2006


PLOT
(Original from OneManga and AnimeNewsNetwork | This is an edited version)
On a day of blossoming sakura, Mao, a 16-year-old high school student, by chance encounters a handsome sleeping man. Once awakened, he unexpectedly gives Mao a kiss. Yet, as fate would have it, it turns out that the mysterious stranger is actually her uncle - though not by blood.

He is the chosen caretaker that Mao will be living with during the school year. But how will Mao handle her blossoming feelings for her "uncle" while living with him? Will either one of them be able to cast aside social conventions to be together?


REACTIONS/COMMENTS


Story: I give the story of Ai Hime two thumbs up and five shining stars! The story is actually very simple. Many stories with simple plots are often complicated by authors in order to make it thrilling. However, Mitsuki didn't follow the crowd and made her own way of making her story very interesting. The story is not only full of twists and surprises, you'd be shocked if you realize that it is so enjoyable yet the plot is still kept simple. The story is brief and complete. It's not too fast nor too dragging. The end was acceptable. I can't think of a better end myself. The story is definitely one of the pluses of the manga. It is a good and very relaxing fun read.



Art: The artwork is pretty average. The characters can be individually identified and the background is clearly shown. Action and movement is also clearly depicted. But, what is probably the good thing about the art is that it has a perfect usage of designs. There are many detailed designs in the art. But it is mildly used and it isn't too much to the point where the page is cramped. Space is very well-divided. Though there isn't much shadowing and lighting, the depiction of movement in each character makes them seem alive.


Characters: The characters are very well introduced and defined. They have very lovable personalities. But, the author did not fail to put in flaws for every character, such as in real life. It would be too impossible and very unlikely if the characters are too good to be true. However, she presented their flaws in a comical fashion that you wouldn't mind laughing it off as you read. The characters certainly show improvement throughout the series and being more open to others and true to themselves. Mao is the normal high school girl who looks for love, having problems, going to school, and having a loving family who is not always together. Meanwhile, Jin is the representation of a selfless person who puts others' best interest before himself.



Romance/ Romantic Relationships: Of course, the central part of the story is the romance between Mao and Jin. The story shows how their love blooms and how it is strengthened by the jealousy and trust they build in times of tests and obstacles. The third parties in the story help in the realization of these changes. As they grow not only physically but also stronger emotionally, the story focuses on how they face their love for each other. As uncle and niece and as a man and lady, they are caught between these relationships. It shows how to they fight on against the views of society on their supposedly scandalous relationship.


I don't remember this being an option during the poll. I thought you were reviewing the top three winners. Where is the third one?
Well, the third place of the poll was 'other romance anime/manga'. I looked through comments and my profile to see if any comment was left behind but there was none. I had no choice but to choose for myself what to review. I had weighed my options already. I had thought about reviewing Marmalade Boy and Kaichou wa Maid-sama!. The former having been a well-known title with an anime counterpart and the latter having an upcoming anime. But, I decided on manga-only titles to let others read some not-so-well-known but very good mangas. I have considered reviewing 7th Period is a secret, Cherry Juice, Orange Planet, Peppermint, Cutie Boy, and Miyuki. However, compared to the ones aforementioned, Ai Hime ~ Ai to Himegoto struck my mind. As I did my comparison, I found Ai Hime to be a better candidate as it was one of the well-made mangas I have read. And, as it is short, it is a good choice for light reading. Furthermore, it is personally one of my favorites. I really felt Ai Hime deserved this chance. For suggestions of what I can review next, please comment on any post!

Hope you enjoyed!

Update No. 226 (January 14, 2010)

ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 23
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 63
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 49
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5
Peppermint - Volume 3

Review: Vampire Knight


GENERAL INFORMATION
Genre: Romance, Supernatural, Action
Author: Matsuri Hino
Manga: ongoing
Anime: 13 Episodes
Original Run: April 2008-July 2008
Vampire Knight Guilty 13 Episodes
Original Run: October 2008-December 2008


PLOT
(Original from Wikipedia | This is an edited version)
Yuuki Cross's earliest memory is of a snowy night in winter, when she was attacked by an evil Level E vampire and was saved by a kind vampire, Kaname Kuran. Yuuki is the adopted daughter of the Headmaster of Cross Academy, Kaien Cross, who is an ex-vampire hunter that now wishes for vampires and humans to live alongside peacefully. She has grown up and become a prefect for the school which has one main purpose: for vampires to coexist peacefully with humans. Her fellow guardian and childhood companion, Zero Kiryu, whose parents were killed by a pure-blood vampire, is now determined to kill them all and refuses to trust them. Zero himself is now manifesting vampire traits, having been turned into a vampire after he was bitten by the Pureblood vampire who attacked his family, Shizuka Hio, four years earlier.

Yuuki tries to help him fight his bloodlust while also seeking to recover the memories she lost. As the series progresses, Zero's thirst for blood leads to his drinking from Yuuki, by her consent, to avoid becoming a level E vampire and losing himself to his monstrous instincts. To stop this, Kaname gives Zero his own "pure" blood, even though the only way for an ex-human to become a truly "stabilized" vampire is to drink the blood of the one who bit them in the first place. However, since Kaname is a Pureblood, his own blood helps keep Zero from going insane and from needing to feed from Yuuki.

Eventually, it is revealed that Yuuki is a Pureblood vampire herself, the Pureblood Princess of the Kurans and the fiancee of Kaname. It is also revealed that Kaname is Yuuki's elder brother and they spent their childhood together. Although, despite this being what Yuuki grew up believing, Kaname is not Yuuki's blood brother, but the ancient ancestor of the Kuran family resurrected by Rido Kuran. To save Yuki from being killed by Rido Kuran, their uncle, her mother had sealed her memories shortly before her own death and put Yuuki under a spell so she could live as a human and avoid being found. After Yuuki reawakens to her vampire nature, Rido again tries to kill her. As Kaname kills the corrupt vampire senate, Yuuki fights Rido. During a fierce battle, Zero aids her in killing him, but later on tells her he will have to kill her when he sees her once again. She tells him that she will keep running, so that he will have a reason to live. Although this is where the anime ends, the manga continues the story.

A year later, Zero is still determined to kill all purebloods, but has decided to hold off on killing Kaname Kuran because it would jeopardize the peace. He appears to be indifferent towards Yuuki now, but his body still seems to lust for her blood. Yuuki has received Artemis back and she vows to take any pureblood out of their misery if they wish, this being a way for sacrifice of her loved ones to be abolished. Kaname continues to strive for peace and continues to support Yuuki in any way he can. Kaname quickly has come to realize that Yuuki is also in love with Zero, but does not hold that against her.


REACTIONS/COMMENTS

Story: The story will be somehow complicated if you're not one to remember details and names. However, if you understand the story, you will find it interesting and very eye-catching. Although the concept of vampires, supernatural powers, and forbidden love are common elements of a manga, or even a simple story, The author has a different way of bringing out these factors and combining them together. If you are in for stories and unfolding hidden pasts, you may appreciate the manga more. It has more information and the complete background and history of every character. The story centers on Zero, a human-turned-vampire, Kaname, a pureblood vampire, and Yuki, a pureblood vampire who lived normally as human before her memories were recovered. The three, their conflicting romances, their different status and kind, and their contrasting goals of eliminating all vampires and having humans and vampires coexist peacefully are the central core of the series.


Day/Night Class: Cross Academy is divided into the Day Class and Night Class. The day class usually purposely leave the school on late hours to get to see and get near the handsoem and beautiful members of the night class. However, they are prevented from doing so by the school prefects, Yuki and Zero. Unbeknownst to them, the night class are actually all vampires lead by their leader and president, Kuran Kaname and vice-president Takuma Ichijo.


Characters: The characters are individually defined and each with his/her own design and matching personality. The fact that each character is being refined and their pasts are being revealed makes Vampire Knight a detailed series. However, it is one of the pluses of this series. Each character has their own distinguishing features that makes you see them all for themselves and not confusing them with each other.



Romance/ Romantic Relationships: The most notable romantic relationship in the story is the love triangle of Yuki, Kaname, and Zero. Fans are mostly divided between Zero/Yuki fans and Kaname/Yuki fans. However, it doesn't stop fans from being interested in the relationships of other characters such as that of Ruka and Akatsuki. Many fans also consider romance in the relationship of Rima and Shiki.


Animation: The animation for vampire knight anime is simply above-average. Although it's not to the highest level, you would appreciate that it's very detailed. Details have a big part in the story and the animators did a good job on not letting fans down on that. The style, specifically lightning, really works well especially since this anime is more on dark. It's impressive they can still show details in dark settings. In light ones, they also use the time to bring out brightness and life.


Voice Acting: The voice acting quality in Vampire Knight is very good! I must say that the seiyus did a very good job on giving life to their respective characters. I must also specifically note here that Mamoru Miyano did an exceptional work as Kiryu Zero and also with Kiryu Ichiru. Besides his act as Zero, his other notable roles were as Suoh Tamaki in Ouran High School Host Club, Yagami Light in Death Note, Nodacchi in Gakuen Alice, and Kiba in Wolf's Rain among many others. Aside from Miyano, many famous seiyus have featured their talents in Vampire Knight. This includes Yui Horie as Cross/Kuran Yuki who has also voiced Sawachika Eri in School Rumble, Sakuya in Sister Princess, Narusegawa Naru in Love Hina, and Honda Tohru in Fruits Basket among others; Junko Minagawa as Souen Ruka who also voices Cornelia Li Britannia in Code Geass and Echizen Ryoma in Prince of Tennis; and Kana Ueda as Wakaba Sayori who also voices Yoimachi Koyomi in Zombie-Loan, Tosaka Rin in Fate/Stay Night, Fukuzawa Yumi in Maria-sama ga Miteru, and Sakura Mikan in Gakuen Alice.


Themes/Soundtrack: For the opening themes of both seasons of the anime [Futatsu no Kodou to Akai Tsumi for VK; Rinne: Rondo for VK guilty], I applaud On/Off for a job well done! I really love their music and it totally fits the feeling of the anime. It's a bit bouncy and energetic yet it also gives out a feeling of sadness which serves as a sort of warm-up for the viewers for the coming of mixed emotions. As for the ending themes [Still Doll for VK; Suna no Oshiro for VK guilty], this really introduces you to a wonderful musician, Kanon Wakeshima. I must say, I was scared by her songs at first but it's a good song to listen to, actually. Her voice blends so well with her cello playing. The soundtrack by Haketa Takefumi is also note-worthy.

Again, I am very much hoping you'll love Vampire Knight as much as I did! Personally, I would prefer reading the manga than watching the anime. But, either way, it's still very good. Well, like it or not, it's up to you, anyway.

Review: Shugo Chara!



GENERAL INFORMATION
Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Drama, Fantasy
Author: Peach-Pit
Manga: 10 Volumes
Original Run: February 2006-January 2010
Shugo Chara! Encore! scheduled to start April 2010
Anime: 51 Episodes
Original Run: October 2007-September 2008
Shugo Chara!! Doki- 51 Episodes
Original Run: October 2008-September 2009
Shugo Chara!!! Dokki Doki ongoing

PLOT
(Original from Wikipedia | This is an edited version)
Amu Hinamori, is a student at Seiyo Elementary. At first glance, her classmates refer to her as "cool and spicy" and rumors speculate about her personal life. However, her real personality is that of a very shy girl who has trouble showing her true personality.


One night, Amu wishes for the courage to show her "would-be" self, and the next morning finds three brightly colored eggs—red, blue, and green—in her bed. At first, she is alarmed, but realizes she must have really wished to change. These eggs hatch into three Guardian Characters: Ran, Miki, and Su. Amu's Guardian Characters—Ran, Miki, Su, and Diamond—aid her in her quest of self-discovery. Each Guardian Character represents an aspect of Amu's true self. Ran represents Amu's desire to be more honest and athletic, Miki represents Amu's desire to be more level headed and artistic, Su represents Amu's desire to be more caring and improve her domestic skills.

However, Amu is not the only one with Guardian Characters. Each of the Guardians—Tadase Hotori, Nadeshiko (Nagihiko) Fujisaki, Kukai Souma, and Yaya Yuiki—have their own Guardian Characters. Finding that she has guardian characters, the Seiyo Elementary's Guardians recruit Amu as the Joker and trained and helped her to search for X Eggs and X Characters, the corrupted forms of peoples' dreams, and purify them.

Amu also encounters Ikuto Tsukiyomi and Utau Hoshina (Tsukiyomi), two siblings who also have Guardian Characters and are employed by the Easter Company to search for the Embryo. The Embryo is believed to grant any wish to the one who possesses it. However, the process creates X Eggs and X Characters. It is described as a white egg with a heart and yellow wings.

Later on in the series, Amu obtains a fourth (yellow) egg. This egg contains the Guardian Character Diamond. Diamond represents Amu's desire to shine in front of others and be a good speaker and singer.

Amu becomes close friends of Ikuto and Utau as she learns more about them and the reason why they work for Easter. She also begins to interact more with the guardians and get to know and accept their real selves.

Eventually, Nadeshiko Fujisaki and Kukai Souma leave the Guardians and are replaced by Rima Mashiro and Kairi Sanjo respectively. Kairi later leaves and is replaced by Nagihiko Fujisaki, Nadeshiko's real identity, as the third Jack's chair, with his new Guardian Character, Rhythm.


REACTIONS/COMMENTS
Story: The story of Shugo Chara! is very simple. However, contrary to what you might think, its simplicity makes it intriguing and appealing. The very core of the plot is the path to the discovery of one's true self. One can relate very well to the series especially since most people have gone through situations that put to test one's knowledge of one's self. This may happen more frequently for one person than for the other but in one time or the other, we are brought into the challenge of being ourselves. It is a plus for this series that the concept of the plot is unique. The story might sometimes seem too slow-paced but it is definitely well-developed.


Characters: The character designs are very wonderful and fitting for a shoujo series. It is also note-worthy that the personalities of each character is unique not only to that character but for the series itself. While most magical girl series showcase klutzy and sweet romantic heroines, Amu, as the series' heroine is in contrast very stubborn, short-tempered, and sometimes even rude. The guardians also have their own unique characteristics. Tadase appears as a soft-spoken and kind young boy. However, with his guardian character, Kiseki, he can change into a completely different egoistical king who wants world domination. Kukai is the energetic and sports-minded senpai (upperclassman) of the group who tends to act as the carefree big brother of his underclassmen. Yaya is the childish baby of the group while Rima is the petite yet confident and strong-willed queen. Kairi is the calculating type of person who goes from ordering around people to hiding in the corner when Amu is around. Nagihiko, on the other hand, is very troubled with keeping secrets from Amu while as Nadeshiko, he was the perfect example of a lady. The background of each character is individually detailed out while making sure that the family history doesn't take away the main plot of the story.


Romance/Romantic Relationships: The romance in the story is absolutely one of the most audience-grabbing factor of the series. The most notable relationships are those of Amu and Tadase; and Amu and Ikuto. Aside from the romantic moments of the pairs, their love triangle appeals to a lot of viewers, particularly those in for suspense. Some series start out as one genre and because of a romance side story, it turns into a romance series all the way. But not Shugo Chara! Peach-Pit definitely did a good job on maintaining equal amounts of romance while keeping the real core of the plot, which is self-discovery.


Guardian Characters: Although the story is unique in itself, what makes it truly unique is the way it brings the message to its readers that everyone sometimes act as someone they are not. That is, the concept of the Guardian Characters. The Guardian Characters in the series are the representatives of the real selves of each character to whom they belong to. They are born out of the character's wish to be him/herself. It is not unusual for one to have more than one Guardian Characters, as many characters have 2. Although, only Amu has more than that, which is 4. Just as Amu's guardian characters represent aspects of her real self that she wants to show, the guardian characters of the rest of the cast also represent their real selves.

Animation: In terms of animation, Shugo Chara! is fairly average. It has good quality images and motion, however, compared to the new and other graphic-excelling anime titles, Shugo Chara! doesn't stand out very much. Despite this, you are not left unsatisfied because it isn't so poorly made or flat. The quality is enough to bring out the atmosphere of the series. Timing is also very good.


Voice Acting: The seiyus and voice actors/actresses of each character in the series did a good job on the acting. You will really feel like they are the real voices of the characters. Aside from the well planned out casting, the series boasts of a star cast. This includes Nana Mizuki as Utau Hoshina(Tsukiyomi) who is the famous seiyu also behind the voices of Hyuuga Hinata from Naruto, Tamao Tamamura from Shaman King, Aria from Sister Princess, and Cisqua from Elemental Gelade among many others; Hiroyuki Yoshino as Daichi who is also the vocie of Kai Miyagusuku from Blood+, Pete Pumps from Ginban Kaleidoscope, Zed from KIBA, and Hibiki Tokai from Vandread among others; Ryoka Yuzuki as Temari who also voices Ruby Moon from Cardcaptor Sakura, Ino Yamanaka from Naruto, and Marie from Sister Princess, with many others; Miyuki Sawashiro as Yoru/Yu Nikaido/young Ikuto whose other notable roles were Shinku from Rozen Maiden, Puchiko from Winter Garden, and Mint Blancmanche from Galaxy Angel among many others; Yuichi Nakamura as Ikuto Tsukiyomi who also voices Tomoya Okazaki from Clannad, and Tesla and Muramasa from Bleach; and also Riko Takagi as Tadase Hotori who also voices Kahoko Hino from La Corda d'Oro and Sarugaki Hiyori from Bleach.

Soundtrack: For the soundtrack, I give a rating of 7/10. While the songs are pretty catchy and somehow lively, the styles of each opening and ending themes are very much the same with each other that sometimes it almost feels the same when they're not. However the singing voices receive my praise, especially Buono!. They did a job well done. The lyrics also fit in very well. As for inserts, Nana Mizuki once again displayed her talent for us to enjoy.

Like my previous review and all other reviews, this is nothing more than a general overview from one point of view and that is mine. There may be aspects about this series that I like but you don't or things you like but I don't. That's all up to you.

Update No. 225 (January 9, 2009)

ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 21
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 35
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 49
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BURBUR AND MARIFEL!

Update No. 224 (January 8, 2009)

--NEWS FLASH!--
As you all probably know, I have already announced in my last update that I would be cutting down the deadline of the poll to Saturday. That is, tomorrow! To all of you excited otakus out there, I'm happy to announce that I will start writing the reviews immediately after the poll ends. The review will probably be posted by tomorrow afternoon/evening or Sunday morning.

I said that the top three would be getting the review they deserve and so they will. If I am able to post tomorrow, the other two will be posted on Sunday and Monday. However, if I am only able to post by Sunday, the other two will come by MOnday and Tuesday. I have conflicting schedules for tomorrow so I'm not sure how it will turn out. Hopefully, for the better!

Of course, I can't possibly miss thanking you guys for all the support. I must say that I thought I would be the only one to answer the poll. Fortunately, not. As of now, there are 20 respondents and it's more than I hoped for!

Lastly, I want to say that since some people have been stating that I keep posting updates and you can only barely notice the difference of the first post to the next. So, starting now, I am entering all updated series in boldface. Thanks!



--UPDATE--



ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 21
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 24
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 49
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5

Update No. 223 (January 6, 2010)

IMPORTANT NOTE:
I have decided to end my poll by this Saturday. I am itching to make my review and I hope you guys are excited too! So, please cast those votes now so we can have our review! :D I'll be reviewing the top three results of the poll. Then, I will also put up a next poll on the characters you would love to see profiles of. Hope you also participate in this!

Thanks you for you cooperation and support!



-- on with the update --



ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 21
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 24
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 48
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 46
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5

Update No. 222 (January 2, 2010)

ANIME

Currently Watching... (including the next episode I'm going to watch)

Naruto Shippuden - Episode 142
Bleach - Episode 252
Sister Princess - Episode 15/26
Rozen Maiden - Episode 9/12 [NEXT: Rozen Maiden Trauma]
Saiunkoku Monogatari 2 - Episode 21/39
K-On! - Episode 5


MANGA

Currently Reading... (Including the next chapter I'm going to read)

Gakuen Alice - Chapter 63 [125]
Oura Koukou Host Club - Chapter 62
Vampire Knight - Chapter 50
New Prince of Tennis - Chapter 21
Millennium Snow - Chapter 10
Get Backers - Volume 20
Zombie-Loan - Chapter 24
Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge - Chapter 92
Shugo Chara - Chapter 48
La Corda d'Oro - Chapter 62
Kyou Koi wo Hajimemasu - Chapter 18
Hana Yori Dango - Chapter 24
Cutie Boy - Chapter 9
Miyuki - Chapter 25
Yamada Taro Monogatari - Chapter 12
I'm at End of your Sight - Chapter 6
Kare First Love - Chapter 20 (11 pg. 19)
Sensual Phrase - Chapter 70 (ch. 70 pg. 22)
Oniichan to Issho - Chapter 13 (vol. 3 ch. 13 pg. 2)
Shinobi Life - Chapter 4
Kaichou wa Maid-Sama - Chapter 36 pg. 19
Sailor Moon - Chapter 17
Le Portrait de Petite Cossette - Chapter 5

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everyone!
1st post of the year!