Manga Quest: Alice in the Country of Hearts

This is a repost from my Wordpress blog.


My husband bought me the omnibus 1 of Alice in the Country of Hearts (Heart no Kuni no Alice) for my birthday this past year. I read it super fast, and found it super interesting and a totally different take of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. The series centers on Alice getting kidnapped down the rabbit hole into a civil war ravaged Wonderland, where all the slightly mad denizens want to seduce her...or kill her. Even though this shojo manga is filled with handsome fellows, the story has a dark and surreal edge, and its sinister secrets make it a compelling mystery/fantasy series. Not only have I enjoyed the story so far (I've only read 1 out of 3 omnibus editions), I really enjoyed the artwork with the gorgeous lolita-esque dresses. I own the second omnibus, but haven't had a chance to read it. I just saw the third one is out, and the series is finally finished in English. I can't wait to get my hands on it!

 

 This photo is from YenPress, who are the ones who translate/make the omnibus editions.

 Have you read Alice in the Country of Hearts, or played the video game this manga is based on? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Manga Quest: Kitchen Princess

It's no secret that I like cute things. Add in baking + romance and you get Kitchen Princess. Kitchen Princess is a shoujo manga written by Miyuki Kobayashi and drawn by Natsumi Ando. This manga started my obsession with wanting to eat flan, and made creme brûlée take a back seat.

Sadly I am missing a few volumes from my collection: 2, 3, and 6. My manga quest is to buy these volumes and re-read this adorable, feel-good manga.







Kitchen Princess is about an aspiring young chef with a flawless since of taste and a heart of gold searching for her "Flan Prince". This mission takes her to the prestigious Seika Academy, where she faces many challenges and love interests.

If that doesn't have you sold, there are super cute recipes at the end of each volume.



Do you have any manga to recommend for my next Manga Quest?

Currently

Source

Things have been busy around here, and every time I get a second something else comes up. I saw this over at Lariats and Lavender and decided to play along.

Reading I just finished the third book in the Confessions of a Shopaholic series, and I'm trying to decide what to read next.

Wondering how to make more time fit in a day. Or how to build a time turner.

Feeling Thankful that my husband has a second interview for a better paying job.

Eating lots of cherries and ramen.

Watching besides My Little Pony or Littlest Pet Shop with Amelia, I've been sneaking in some KamiSama Kiss.

Working On finding a routine to get more done with a baby. It's tough. I need time to work out, work on illustrations for my children's book, and dolls...but none of it is happening right now. I mostly focus on keeping Amelia happy, fed, and on a quasi nap schedule.

Loving my iPad mini. It helps me get so much done with a baby sleeping on me.

Drinking mineral water or strawber-Rita's.

Playing nothing right now. But that new Animal Crossing game looks cute.

Listening To the new Paramore album when I get the chance or 90's alternative pandora.

Wearing Paramore ice cream tee and some GAP pale pink khakis.

Wanting a vehicle with A/C, Coffee, and these overalls that I will never be able to afford.

Following I haven't been reading too many blogs lately, mostly books or manga.

Happy 2013

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year's!

I turned 30 on New Year's Eve, and my wonderful husband took me to the closest book store for a latte and a browse through the crafty books and manga. I'm an easy girl to please.

It was our first outing with Amelia (and using the stroller), which was an overall success. Being a new parent is definitely a learning experience and a daily challenge. :)

Right now I am working on my goals for the new year, and thinking on some major life decisions in between feedings and trying to catch some sleep.

So, here's to a new year of awesomeness and adventure!

Happy 2013!