Any time someone makes a reference to popular culture, there is a distinct possibility that there will be a visceral reaction from someone else in the room.  There are those who are far from its influence, shying away from any complex discussions of what some might consider mundane topics, or even keeping all mediums of communication limited.  There are others who really can’t help themselves, keeping all the lines and channels open, and making great efforts to keep up with the latest in everything.  Still others just have a special sense for the kitschiness of pop culture, drawn to it because it holds an endless supply of moments that are potentially delightful.

It’s one of the great pleasures, then, for those who are so wired to respond whenever an obscure television reference comes up, to discover new pockets of culture that feel the same.  It’s hard to call it a subculture, exactly, although there are those in Sydney who would call it an alternative phenomenon.  It’s just that by its very nature, pop culture is very much the stuff of the mainstream.  Perhaps it’s in the obsession and fanaticism that it starts to enter into another realm altogether.

However the definitions wash out, there are many options for the curious cultural adventure-seekers in Australia.  There are times of the year when one can step out of their Hilton Hotel Sydney location,

and walk into one of the most extravagant celebrations of pop in the world.  The Pop Culture Expo called Supanova is still in what might be called its rough beginnings, but it seems to be making a pretty smooth setting out.

This is well-trod territory, where celebrity appearances dot the conventions itinerary, and the events are all hyperlinked on all the latest digital devices.  What is original, however, and impossible to replicate, is the energy that the fans and participants bring.  Dressing up and going out as a living quotation from tv, film, music, etc., isn’t necessarily original, but it certainly becomes that whenever another generation invents it.  In Australia, it takes on some new and startlingly wonderful directions.

Some of the most significant, and often under-recognized, contributions to the phenomenon started here, after all, and it is the sort of place where 70s fashion is still not at all out of style.  Trends are set, and new identities are forged, in a remarkably visionary place, and pop culture enthusiasts from all over the world are likely to find themselves perfectly at home.  Here, differences and similarities in global pop culture rise to the surface, and participants have no choice but to engage in the celebration of everything.  A Sydney dining guide and a ticket to pop culture, and there’s a delightful time up ahead.

Lego-Zombie, Supanova in Sydney is a post from: Cup of Snarky

If you’re like me, then shopping for that perfect outfit can be a nightmare. No matter what your size, you’ve likely had that “oh wow that looks awful” moment. Trying on clothes in those tiny, hot and horribly lit dressing rooms is supposed to be fun isn’t it? Then why is the music always blaring and the sales people always rude?

When you are wearing a size 22, however, you’re faced with even more roadblocks. It’s hard to find that cute or sexy outfit you saw the super model wearing on the runway last night. The designers today don’t seem to know how to cater to plus size beauties or maybe they just don’t want to try. We have begun to see a bit more excitement over “plus size” models but, of course, somehow it’s just not the same.

The problem for me and many others is that we just don’t know where or what to look for. We’re not sure of what is flattering on our figures. We are tempted to try new looks but even if we do know what the latest fashion trends are, where do we find our size?

Here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. When shopping, the first thing we must do is be confident. Don’t be embarrassed because you wear an 18 or 24 instead of an 8. We are all beautiful and we all come in different shapes and sizes. Be proud of what you have and rock it with confidence.

2. Don’t always assume that the shapeless dress or long shirt is going to work. Sometimes that shapeless piece hides the good features as well. Try to find something that draws attention to your favorite features and curves.

3. Find colors that compliment your features, such as your hair and skin tone. Anyone can browse online to find what shape they are and what colors are right for them. It just takes a little time and research to discover what you love most about yourself and then find colors that really make those areas stand out.

4. Be bold with colors and accessories. Show your personality. Accessories are one of the easiest things to buy as a plus size woman since it’s more of a one-size-fits all world when it comes to accenting our outfits with accessories.

5. Take a friend with you. Shopping alone is never fun. That special friend can be honest and tell you what looks good and what doesn’t instead of the skinny girl working the counter.

Some of the trends I’ve come across this year are, long summer dresses, long sleeve cardigans and elbow length sweaters in bold colors, long shirts and skinny jeans. Yes ladies, we to can wear skinny jeans if matched with a long shirt or sweater. The idea is to keep the shirt or sweater not too short and not too tight. No matter what the trend may be or what it may become, we can look our best. We can have fun with the clothes we choose to wear. Everyone has their own style and just because we might be bigger than the girl next door doesn’t mean we have to wear the clothes grandmother wore. Whatever your style, wear it with confidence and you will always be following the latest trend.

Olivia Williams is a health, fitness and beauty blogger who believes that self-confidence is the number one way to rock any outfit. Whether it’s letting your inner beauty shine naturally or allowing you to feel better about aging with occasional Botox injections, Olivia believes there is no right or wrong way to do beauty.

Fashion Trends for the Plus Size Woman is a post from: Cup of Snarky

When the future’s at stake, it’s a whole lot easier to make the essential decisions. Making choices for healthy eating, additions to make for a healthier home, and creating an atmosphere that promotes nurturing are really essential to making the important choices in life. The same principles are at work when it comes to childrens furniture .

It really is an act that has implications for the future. Finding the perfect things to make a children’s room inviting, stimulating and relaxing can be enormously rewarding. These decisions to help to create the perfect mood, and there are plenty of choices to help make these decisions easy. Making the necessary purchases for the future never fails to instill a new sense of hope, and buying for children has a way of naturally making hope come to the surface.

It’s a very pleasant process, too, because the way that color works on perception is one that has subtle and not-so-subtle physical effects. Just as children are attracted to bright colors , these have a way of affecting adults in the same way. This might even suggest that one is always young at heart, in essence, and can’t help but find something that will cause that spark of childhood to come to light.

Children’s Furniture and the Future is a post from: Cup of Snarky

Some of the top cultural attractions in Seattle might be slightly overshadowed by the much more visible and famous landmarks and attractions such as the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

However, this beautiful city in the Pacific North West offers a great deal more to residents and tourists alike than these major landmarks might indicate. But don’t let that get your down, nor deter your decision to visit. In fact, if anything it should add to your excitement and it will definitely enhance your experience in one of the hotels in Seattle .

One of the great aspects of the cultural atmosphere in Seattle is the great museums that exist in this city. There are various thematic museums with focuses on different art periods and genres, as well as the sciences and technology and of course the interests of children. The Frye Art Museum
is one of the most popular and respected in the city. In addition to the great exhibits permanent works it houses, there are numerous educational programs and public lecture series that it offers. Studio classes and workshops are also some of the popular programs available at the museum.

The Pacific Science Center is another great establishment in the city and it is popular with children and adults. The IMAX theatre and Planetarium are two of the most popular features of the center, though there are numerous other programs, exhibits and events that entice audience members of all ages. The laser shows presented here are some of the latest and most popular and are presented in the state of the art facility. The Children’s Museum, Seattle is another great place to find exhibits and programs that are specific to the interests and needs of youngsters. This is a great place to take the family and find activities and exhibits for various age groups. The Imagination Studio, Cog City, Mountain Forest and the Global Village are just a few of the fabulous permanent exhibits that are featured here.

Seattle Museums is a post from: Cup of Snarky

New York City gets thousands and thousands of new visitors every day, coming to see for themselves what the heartbeat of the city feels like first-hand. They come to enjoy the live performance, the spectacular restaurants, and the five star New York hotels , to see if the public perception matches reality. There are many visitors who come and never even see the excellent subway system in the city, perhaps out of fear of crowds, or simply wanting to avoid the hassle and the grit of traveling by metro.

But there is a whole life here, and one that’s a daily experience for New Yorkers. It’s an exhilarating experience for first-time visitors, as the rush of the trains and the movement of so many people making a kind of splendid organized chaos really does feel like entering into another world. Many people have noticed the tiles decorating some of the stations, and these are art works that were started at the turn of the 20th century. There are also plenty of other fascinating art works here. About twenty years ago, with the help of the Metro Transit Authority , the Arts for Transit project started, and there are now more works in the stations than ever before, offering an unusual glimpse into the interior life of the artists and people of the city.

Some of the thought behind the project developed in response to the subway graffiti, realizing that there was an enormous, untapped creative possibility here for demonstrating works of stunning visual art. Over the past two decades, the Arts for Transit has sponsored over a hundred new works, by many of New York’s most renowned artists, to display their inner visions in the subway stations. There are also street musicians and performers connected to the project. In part, this, too, was an effort to control the traffic of subway performance all over the city, and to give the artists a little protection so that they could play for a few dollars with the cooperation of the authorities. It’s another view of the city, and one that is radically centered in New York.

NYC Subway Art is a post from: Cup of Snarky