As you know, I’m the mother of the cutest cat in the world, Scottish Fold kitty Basil Farrow! The producers of Animal Planet / Discovery Channel’s “Cats 101” TV show found his YouTube videos and fell in love… and scouted him to be in an episode. Since they had already made a Scottish Folds segment, Basil Farrow is featured four times in the Fat Cats clip.

I feel I must preface the video with a Fat Disclaimer! My cat, Basil Farrow, is not obese or even an unhealthy weight. He is a male Scottish Fold; his breed is short with a stocky build, fat cheeks, and thick fur. While he appears to be roly-poly, he is in fact within a healthy weight range (albeit on the higher end…) Rest assured that he visits his cat specialist regularly (no normal vets for my bear!). Basil Farrow only eats byproduct-free healthy cat food, catgrass, and plain organic fat free yogurt. And he exercises daily by running up and down the stairs, and playing with his mouse toy.

Ready to watch my Scottish Fold cat’s appearance in Cats 101 above and here? He’ll give you a big furry kiss if you subscribe to our YouTube channel! (Thank you to my First Mate, Naomi, for taping it.)

You can see more cute Scottish Fold kitty pictures on Basil’s blog, and please add him on Facebook (he loves to make new friends).

Canadian makeup company Annabelle Cosmetics interviewed me about alternative beauty. They write that I’m “quite something of a novelty in the ever-growing blogosphere of same old, same old. Showcasing her fabulously freaky finds amongst keeping herself busy as a journalist and author… there truly isn’t anything this dame can’t do! From a twisted sense of fabulous fashion and wearing makeup truly as an outer expression, she dares you to experiment and tune into your favorite dark side.”

A few of my quotes from the interview:

“I adore alternative beauty because it challenges our expectations about what is beautiful. Even the macabre can be sublime: black and blue lips, pallid skin, spiked eyepatches, facial piercings. I find it thrilling to experiment with subcultural beauty; to create looks that even the most hardened person might find intriguing.”

“Waltz through the catacombs, deck yourself out in ostrich feathers, and make every day into a dark and decadent adventure.”

Et voila l’entrevue en Francais. Je parles Francais, alors vous pouvez me laisser des message dans cette langue…

I’m so proud of my Basil Farrow. Did you enjoy his TV debut? You can also read my makeup interview after the jump.

Japanese Word of the Day: Kichiku = Beast, barbarian
Song of the Day: Marc Bolan – The Wizard (Long live the dandy, glam rock and decadance!)

Gothic Blogger La Carmina – Exclusive Interview!

Gothic Lolita, La Carmina (a beauty blogger reppin’ internationally for all Canadian beauty and spooky lovers alike) is quite something of a novelty in the ever-growing blogosphere of same old, same old. Showcasing her fabulously freaky finds amongst keeping herself busy as a journalist and author… there truly isn’t anything this dame can’t do!

From a twisted sense of fabulous fashion and wearing makeup truly as an outer expression, she dares you to experiment and tune into your favorite dark side. With thousands of fans from around the world checking in to her site for daily inspiration, it’s no wonder she has achieved such incredible success (with only more undoubtedly on the way) – her creativity and modern approach to life is as refreshing as it is magical!

Allow us to facilitate stepping into the mind of this modern-day ingenue and busy body – be sure to fall further down her rabbit hole by exploring her Youtube account, Facebook Fanpage and adding her to Twitter and Myspace!

Before you do, check out this awesome (and exclusive) exploration into the world of being a Gothic Beauty Entrepreneur… a Miss Carmina!

† So for those out there who may not be familiar with your blog, book and clothing creations, can you give us a “run through” of what being La Carmina is and entails?

La Carmina is a “spooky-cute Marie Antoinette” whose world revolves around Japanese/Goth/alternative fashion, music and underground cultures. I run a blog and write about Asia pop culture for CNNGo. I’ve written 3 books (about cute cooking and crazy Tokyo theme cafes) and collaborated on a Tim Burton-like fashion line. Recently, I’ve been doing TV hosting for networks such as Travel Channel. One of my favorite experiences was taking Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods to a horror jail restaurant in Tokyo!

† How did the creation of your empire commence? Planned or natural?

100% unexpected. In 2007, I was in law school but wanted to do something more creative, so I considered a number of possibilities. I gave blogging a go, and fell in love with writing and posting images every day. Readership increased on my La Carmina blog, and when that led to two book contracts in 2008, I knew I was on the right path.

† What is your definition of beauty?

I adore alternative beauty because it challenges our expectations about what is beautiful. Even the macabre can be sublime: black and blue lips, pallid skin, spiked eyepatches, facial piercings. I find it thrilling to experiment with subcultural beauty; to create looks that even the most hardened person might find intriguing.

† Many people would consider your style (both beauty as well as fashion) to be quite extreme, do you ever experience backlash or negativity (lord knows the haters love to prey on those who put themselves out there). If so, how do you handle it?

Ever since I was very young, I’ve dressed Gothic/alternative because I feel it reflects who I am. Taking away this outlet would reduce me to a shadow of myself – and so, I keep strong, no matter what others might think. I’m encouraged by my “spooky friends,” who are even more wildly experimental than I am!

† What is your all-time favorite makeup look?

The super-flamboyant Tokyo Goth/Cyber club look. It combines elegant Gothic Rococo (such as a black veiled hat) with circus neon (feathered eyelashes, colored contacts). You can see photos from Japan fetish and alt club nights in the Nightcrawling section of my blog.

† Makeup essentials you refuse to live without?

My friends and I obsess over the “magical makeup remover” from Japan. We often wear heavy, dramatic makeup that’s hard to remove, but Softymo wet sheets will sweep it all off. Every time I’m in Japan, I stock up on it.

† If you could give one great piece of advice to people just getting into makeup experimentation (or better yet makeup artists as well), what would it be and why?

Any small occasion – a dinner with friends, a movie outing – is an opportunity to experiment with makeup. Give yourself at least 30 minutes to get ready, and do something different every single time. Try false eyelashes, or blending two lip colors, or applying eyeshadows wet. Look at photos or tutorial videos for ideas. The more you practice and try new techniques, the faster you’ll learn what works for you.

† What is the most important message you aim to convey as a blogger?

Waltz through the catacombs, deck yourself out in ostrich feathers, and make every day into a dark and decadent adventure.

† Where/what do you draw inspiration from?

My club-crawling space-alien friends are my number one source of inspiration. I’m constantly blown away by their imagination; they’ll take the most unexpected materials and work them into a fashion
masterpiece. I also draw upon Visual Kei, Gothic Lolita and Japanese Cyber/Goth photos and videos.

† I adore books! Tell us about yours! What can readers expect when they step inside Gothic Carmina’s mind?

You can expect cute Scottish Fold cats, cross-dressing maids, and penguin-shaped sushi! Cute Yummy Time [Perigee/Penguin USA] has 72 recipes on how to turn your favorite foods into adorable characters, with full-color photos and my illustrations. Crazy, Wacky Theme Restaurants: Tokyo [Mark Batty/Random House] is about Japan’s over-the-top, in-your-face dining experiences. Think monkey waiters and dog cafes.

† If you could create a magical makeup product what would it be and how would you use it?

“Le Vampire,” an immortal skin cream that produces pale, perfect skin til the end of time.

† Alright, pop quiz: You have purple eyeshadow, orange lipstick and gold pigment dust… How would you use it all to create one of your signature makeup looks?

Makeup products don’t have to be used for their intended purpose, so be creative and do the unexpected! I’d wet the gold pigment and apply it to my lips, sealing it with lip gloss. Purple eyeshadow can be used as an unconventional blush; try sweeping it on your cheek at an angle, then softening it with a burnt rose blush. Since the lips are gilded, I’d keep the eyes relatively simple: liquid eyeliner and a blend of light brown eyeshadows. Finally, add a dot or two at the outer corners of the lower eyelids with the orange lipstick, for contrast and pop.

† So you are already well on your way to world Internet domination… What’s next for you?