Open to Suggestions & Guest Bloggers

When I started my official blog here, I didn't see the benefits or how my website would turn out. I started out thinking that I would showcase and advertise the extra unwanted things I had accumulated over time. It never occurred to me that I would end up writing article pieces of my journey as a Sanrio Collector. It is my pleasure to share all my experiences with many collectors out there-- even the Enthusiasts. I am touched to hear from a few of you that are reading my blog. It really keeps me going and finding topics to continue writing as best as I can. 

The reason that I took a two year hiatus was because I needed to take a break from collecting Sanrio. Literally, Sanrio had consumed my entire life (at the moment-- it still is). I needed to venture out, spending money on other things in life that was different and normal.  Another big factor was that I felt like I had a writer's block and couldn't continue blogging and finding topics to write about for this site. 

Nowadays, I am in a different head space. A different mindset when I start to write as a Collector. I find a topic that I like and just write whatever comes to mind. I try to not let other things like fear of writer's block get to me and just continue to remember how much I love Sanrio-- the titular of this site. Also, I knew what kind of articles that I wanted to write about-- something that wasn't blindly going to ignore the negative side of collecting a favorite hobby. I want to write articles that are open to interpretation and most of all, get to the heart of the matter even if it doesn't paint Sanrio in a good light. 

This site isn't meant for those die hard fans that go out for their way to intimidate or try to "shut down" any constructive criticisms on their favorite brand or idol. As an adult Collector, I wanted an outlet where I can express my ideas and opinions freely-- to discuss and to debate like mature adults. I find that most Hello Kitty forums or message boards are overrun with topics that are too kid friendly and not one topic that is controversial. There is nothing wrong about debating over issues that deals with Sanrio-- as long as the discussions are handled in a mature way. 

Hence, my blogging here. Writing about my favorite hobby has given me a renewed love for Sanrio. It has continued my obsession.

For those who like to write, I am open to reading your submissions and if I feel it fits my website-- I'll post it for you or we can arrange something for you to setup as a Guest Blogger. If you want to express your love for Sanrio or Hello Kitty, submit away. If you have something critical to say to Sanrio-- submit because we all know that they're listening and watching.

Rules of Submissions

Subject: Guest Article (ADD subject or it'll be deleted without opening)
Article By: Name, Web Alias, or Anonymous
Type of Collector: Enthusiast, Addict, Casual, Fan, or Collector
Instructions: Please check for misspellings and for grammar. If a sentence doesn't make sense, please leave your e-mail address to confer on any editing that needs to be done. Please don't forget to add the title of your article. Do NOT send any attachments. I won't open it.
Please send all correspondence by e-mail.

Will You Always Love Sanrio?

Not love Sanrio anymore? Surely not.

This is a question that I sometimes wonder about, whether or not, I'll still be collecting Sanrio in ten years from now. At this point in my life, I don't see myself being disenchanted with Sanrio and moving on from my obsession in the far future. I have been hooked on Sanrio throughout my life, starting from childhood until now. Sure, when I was growing up, I collected here and there, but it was never a full time thing with me. Not until a few years back did I start to collect more frequently than an occasional visit to a Sanrio store. 

As a collector, I found myself going out of my way to find special merchandise that I couldn't find in my local Sanrio store. Before turning into a full time Collector, I would only buy products that was immediately available at my local Sanrio store. I didn't think far and beyond when I was in that particular phase. I liked Sanrio, but at the time, it didn't consume my whole life. I didn't know there could be more to collecting cute themed characters than just stationery, desktop items, and dolls. 

 

 Vintage Collection

In the 90's, there weren't a lot of household decorative items that were easily available to purchase and a themed room (or shrine) would have never occurred to me and plenty others living in the States.

I can never say with absolute confidence that I will always be interested in Sanrio. I know that life can change a person in a heartbeat, but whether it'll happen to me drastically-- I hope it won't. My journey still has a long way to go and my theme house goal hasn't been met... yet.

This brings me to the subject of one of my online Sanrio buddies who recently told me that she has moved on from her obsession. I kind of already figured out that she was losing interest in collecting Sanrio, but it was still a sad confirmation that another diehard fellow collector has gone onto a different path in life.

I've heard about other full time collectors' obsessions fading away and have pondered on as to what could have factored into moving away from Sanrio or the kawaii life. The answer could be many different reasons, such as a change of perspective in life, change of lifetime goals, change of financial status, or-- just a simple reason, it was just a phase in their lifecycle.

It could have been a hyped up fad that lead to being influenced by online friends through the power of social media. Another way for an obsession to form could have been influenced by a celebrity who loves Hello Kitty. Or a person can be influenced by the attention that a collector is getting for his or her collection. It may be superficial and may be one of the causes as to why another fellow collector can lose interest in Sanrio. 

For me, I have always asked myself: what happens when I meet my Sanrio theme house goal?

Will I see things differently once I have attained all the things that I would need for a Sanrio theme home? Will I get tired of the double standards that comes with a kawaii life? In Asia, Sanrio obsessions are normal there, but here-- you can be judged for it. 

For the most part, Sanrio merchandise comes in plastic and has a less than mature (or gimmicky) feel to the appearance of always coming in the form of stationery and school supplies, rather than more quality home decor that isn't JUST made with cheap plastic and bright flashy neon color pink. 

There lies the problem. Can cute be turned into cool?

There comes a time in your life that you go through phases and Sanrio might be one of 'em. How confident are you that collecting Sanrio isn't just a phase in your life? Will your path lead to a collector's road to continue your journey or will you take the other road and leave it all behind for another obsession?

Preparing for HK Con

You all heard about the first ever Hello Kitty Convention to take place right here in Los Angeles, right? I'm assuming you do know and will skip the details that you can find here.

Hello Kitty Convention 2014

If you were following one of my social media sites, then you would know by now that I have bought my tickets to attend a whole day at the convention. I am still on the fence on going a second day because I know I'll go flat broke on the first day of the convention. I'd love to buy a second ticket, but I am not sure if I'll have any spare money to be able to fully enjoy a second day at the convention.

To let you know ahead of time for those who cannot make it to this year's convention, I'll be tweeting and instagraming my activities throughout the day. Be sure to follow for updates on October 30. 

Ever since I bought my ticket, the convention has been on my mind constantly throughout the week. I have been making a list of what I would need to prepare for such a big special day. One item that stood out from the list was a kittified outfit.

To plan that outfit, I wanted to go for a pink themed style. I just bought a pair of Hello Kitty sneakers and it would match perfectly with my pink Hello Kitty cap. Or should I wear my pink Chubby Bunny hairbow instead?

Below are pictures of my planned outfit for the convention: