Review of the H2O Just add water locket - and musings about them too

As I pointed out in the previous entry, I bought a replica of the lockets featured in the Australian series “H2O: Just Add Water”.

The series features 3 teenage girls that turn into mermaids when they get wet.  Naturally, this brings them close, and they spend the days swimming around and doing what teenager girls do.  As I have not watched the series from the beginning, all I know about the lockets comes from here.  I liked the design and began to peruse the web for replicas.  Can’t help it, I’m a locket addict.

My research yielded 5 locket designs that have been or are for sale.  The first one was sold at Target stores in Australia, but this one is sold out and unavailable anywhere.  The second one is from World Alive, and it is still available for sale at Amazon, ebay, and at an Spanish website (as well as dolls and watches).  The third one comes from a German website.  The fourth one is from a seller on ebay called Beldiamo.  The fifth one was designed by Blue Crockatt, the owner of Sterling Silver Art.

I must confess that at first, I thought about purchasing one as a private joke to myself for having purchased a mermaid tail this summer.  So, I researched the possibilities.  I studied videos of them on YouTube and pictures, and read people’s comments and links, and came out with these conclusions:

- The Australian one was the closest to the one in the series, except for the blue waves in the back and the fact that it had a moodstone.  But this one was not available, so the points were moot.

- The ones on the German website had a good thing: there were 3 available, one for each girl and each one with a different stone (blue, green and red); and these were official merchandise.  But the 3 waves on the back were not in the right direction: they started on the left and went to the right – the opposite of the ones in the show.  Besides, these cost 40 euros plus shipping.  No pics of the inside.

- The World Alive one was almost identical to the Australian one.  Same exterior design, but it did not have “the grainy” inside.  The inside was smooth.  Plus, it came with 3 pictures of the Season 3 girls to put inside.  The back had the 3 waves in blue, and the same moodstone.  It was also official merchandise.  The price was perfect (around $15).

I did not mind the inside.  After all, the locket would be closed while hanging from my neck.  I would have bought this one.  But the price plus shipping was almost $50 (even though it was available from a seller in my own country), and I considered it too expensive for just a metal locket with a plastic stone that changes color.  When I began reading reviews about how it was delicate and prompt to break, plus the metal changed color after being used, I thought maybe it was just a toy for little girls, and it was then when I considered the possibility of buying a sterling silver one that I could use without fear of damaging it.

The seller on ebay had it almost right, and at a reasonable price ($60) for a sterling silver locket with a stone that you could choose the color.  But the overall aspect was different from the ones in the show.  It looked… thinner to me, for lack of a better word.  The waves of the back were perfect though, but it still lacked something.

The one from Sterling Silver Art got my eye the first time I saw it.  I compared it with the one in the show that appears in this video and it looked just perfect, except for the bail.  The ones in the show had a closed bail, and this one was open.  But other than that, I knew that I had found it.  I found the blog of the artist, and said it had been designed with the help of the fans that had not been satisfied with the licensed replicas.  I liked the fact that the customer could choose the stone he/she wanted, and that these stones were real jewelry stones such as a garnet, coral, moonstone or onyx.  The locket comes with a free sterling silver chain, but one has the possibility of adding a rolo chain if one wants to, and the seller has available a box in the shape of a shell as presentation for the locket.  It was proof to me that the seller had gone great lengths to have happy customers and I liked that.

I discovered by chance that she was also on Amazon and on Etsy, and I messaged her over there.  I asked how long would it take for the locket to ship.  She informed me promptly that she was caught up with orders, and that it would take about 3 weeks for my locket to be shipped, if I bought it right away, as she has a policy of first come, first served.  I liked her professionalism and diligence, and bought the locket in the last days of July, and chose an onyx as stone.  I did not want the rolo chain added, but the listing on Etsy included the shell box, which made me happy, as I did want one of those cute boxes.

The locket was sent precisely on August 15^th, and it took a bit more than a week for it to reach Spain.  It arrived in perfect conditions inside the shell box, with a couple of pictures of the H2O show.  The chain it came with was 16 inches long.  And the locket was shiny and beautiful.  It opens perfectly well, but it snaps close firmly, and it does not open by itself.  The size is about the same of the one in the show, and it has a good weight.  Of course, it is sterling silver, and it is marked 925 on the inside.

I have used it and I do not have anything negative to say.  It is a very nice piece of jewelry, and if well taken care of, should last for many many years.

Here are some pictures of the locket:

Front

Back

And a short video so you can see the details.  I changed the chain that it came with for the rope chain you can see in the pictures.  The chain in the video is the original.  Enjoy!

Link sharing

I admit it, I love necklaces.  I get the most excited when I found out that a movie or series I like has developed jewelry accessories for the fans.  I think it is a very subtle way of showing your support for something without being too obvious, which sometimes can be tricky in a place with a dressing code such as school or office environment.

Sometimes these replicas are official merchandise; sometimes they are not, but it is because an official replica was never made or it was sold out.  

I think the first one I ever had was Arwen's  pendant from the Lord of the Rings.  We bought it locally when the movie came out, and it was the sterling silver version - it was the only one available then, and all the crystals had the same length.  The one they made later resembles more the one in the movie, but still, I like it very much.  We also bought the Nenya ring that belonged to Galadriel, and of course, the One Ring in sterling silver.  There are plenty of places you can still buy these, but my favorites are Tolkien Town and Tolkien Shop.

Later it was Lucian's necklace from the Underwold series; we would discover later it belonged to his beloved Sonya, but I think it is fair to say it was his necklace more than hers:

Picture from the Costumebase shop on Ebay

There never was official merchandise for this movie- or if there was, I never found it; so I purchased this necklace from a vendor on Ebay called Costumebase.  They have a great collection of movies and series memorabilia, so they are worth a look. UPDATE: It seems Costumebase is no longer on eBay, but you still can get Lucian's pendant here.

Then came the Vampire Diaries locket - the one Stefan gave to Elena and belonged to Rebekah and her mother:

Pic of the show showing the locket

There are a lot of vendors on Ebay who have replicas of this necklace; I got mine from djingang2009. UPDATE: It seems djingang2009 is no longer on eBay, but I suspect this seller is her.

Just recently, I bought an H2O locket.  The places to buy this piece are limited and more so as days go by.  You have the official Australian replica, which has sold out and is no longer available (unless you find a particular willing to sell you his/hers); you have the Spanish version:

Picture from the Amazon listing

This one is available at Amazon and eBay (1) and (2)  You also have the German version:

Picture from the H2O Shop.

Available at the H2O Shop.  And then, you have my favorite, and the one that I got, from Sterling Silver Art:

Picture from the Amazon listing

These are made of sterling silver, and you can choose which stone you want added, instead of only a plastic moodstone.  They are available at the Sterling Silver Art website, Amazon and her Etsy shop.  You can even get a rolo chain upgrade (the locket comes with a free link chain) and the pretty shell box you can see in the picture (both upgrades cost a bit extra).  I will post a review on this purchase soon. UPDATE: She has a new velvet shell box in blue that you can buy with your purchase or separately.

This one I have not got yet - but I have every intention to save for it so I can buy it in the future.  It is the locket from the movie The Illusionist:

Picture from the Illusion Locket website

This is an amazing piece of work.  Each locket is hand-made, and it works exactly the same as the one in the movie.  You can even store safely two pictures inside.  You can buy it at the Illusionist Lockets website.

Even though I am always interested in buying sterling silver replicas, I understand this is not possible for everyone.  Even so, if you are a big, big fan, I would advice to wait a bit, see if you really want the replica and get the one that will last the most.  Why? Because if you are a big, big fan, chances are you will still love the series or the movie several years later, and you will want a prop that resists the passing of time so you can use it more. 

Some other times we outgrow our interest for TV series or movies, and a metal or cheap replica will become rusted, or maybe broken with use or time.  Then you'll see it and think, "oh, that piece of junk I bought when I used to like the show".  If you get a lasting one, the love you had for the series may be gone, but you will have a real jewel you can use in everyday wear, store to use in the future, or to pass on to your children.  After all, we are talking about sterling silver lockets and rings.  Movie merchandise is more difficult to pass on, but who knows? Maybe your kids will love the same movies you used to love...

Here is another website I have perused for movie merchandise:
The Noble Collection

Now, do you know of any websites you can purchase well-made and amazing replicas?  Share them in the comments! 

Adventures of a mermaid in Peñíscola, Spain

So, my holidays at the beach are over, and I wanted to share some pics plus a review of the Magictail after using it.

Peñíscola was great. We had great weather, it was not really hot though, and some days we had yellow flag at the beach - lots of waves!

I had a chance to try my mermaid tail and it was awesome.  The pool at the hotel was crowded, so we just stayed at the beach - it only took us a minute to go, since we had just to cross the street across from our hotel to get to it. This beach:

On the Magictail:  the first time I put it on, I did it just were the waves broke into shore, and it was not very comfortable.  The moving water got sand everywhere inside the tail, specially the tips of the fluke.  I had to get into water by moving one step at a time over my hands and buttocks.  Once in the water it was easy to swim into a place where my feet did not touch the bottom.  The next time I went into water, I put it on while inside, and it was easier, at least for me; I rolled down the fabric until the monofin was visible; I lifted one of my feet and inserted it in the monofin; once it was inside, I let myself float and put the other one.  Then I just floated while pulling up the fabric.  It was really easy to swim in it, although I got tired after a while. Maybe because I had not swim in a very long time.  I was surprised of the momentum the monofin gave me while swimming, since it is not very big.  The monofin did not lose grip, and my feet were inside the whole time.

The fabric did not move at all, which was great.  It really is like swimsuit fabric, and very comfy.

When I was ready to finish my swim, I took out the tail: I rolled down the fabric until the monofin was visible and just released my feet.

Since the water was so agitated by the waves, I rinsed up all the sand that had got trapped inside; for this, I took apart every piece (monofin, protector and the tail itself) and rinsed them separately, turning the fabric pieces inside out so all the sand could fall.  Then at the hotel I rinsed everything with fresh water.  Of course, when I came back home I hand washed everything in cold water with a soft detergent.

Mermaid with goggles to protect eyes from muddy water

Having a rest after a swim...

...and being happy of being a mermaid!

There are more pics here, if you want to take a look.  Also, I found in YouTube some tutorials for mermaid hairstyles inspired on the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: On stranger tides".  Here is my favorite.  Enjoy!

A day at the pool, and a Summer job

Well, it's been a busy week, but I am happy.

Last Friday I finally was able to go to the pool for a relaxing day with my mom.  I did not take my tail along, mostly because she said she would be embarrassed to be seen with me while wearing it.  

I was concerned I would end up with sunburns because my skin is so white, so I spent the day using a sun protector factor 50 (no kidding!), and a t-shirt while not in the water.  I tried using it in the water as well but the lifeguard told me I had to remove it, because it was against the law to use clothes in the water and the Health Department could close the pool.  I was tempted to ask if I needed to remove the bathing suit as well, since it is cloth too, but I didn't.  Sometimes I do not understand rules.  I do not know if they would let me use the tail after that.  Good thing I am going to the beach in a couple of weeks...

But since now I am a mermaid, I found a treasure in the pool!  A white pearl.  It was a stud earring actually, just one of those plastic beads with a white cover, so I did not bother to take it to management.  Some days before I had been thinking about those wood boxes they sold at Michael's that were like a treasure chest, and found one just like it by chance at a local dollar-tree store:

So now I am keeping all my "mermaid treasures" on it.  I remember Don Mechanic used to have a tutorial to make this box look like an old pirate chest, but I have not been able to found it.  If you can point me in the right direction I would be grateful.

By the way, while perusing the net I found a great website for people interested in mermaids, the MerNetwork.  It looks like a great community, and they have a lot of interesting sections, such as tail making, tutorials, forums and reviews on tails.  I am not yet a member, but I definitely will.

And this Monday I started a Summer job!  I am working in a lab, as a technician, and I am learning lots of stuff.  It's a lot of work, and I do not have one minute of free time (except for lunch), but I am having a blast, and it is very rewarding to know that my work is anwering science questions.

I hope I can go to the pool again tomorrow with hubby, but we have to stop by the lab in the morning, so there are no plans yet.  Maybe next week...

In the meantime, here is a video of a pretty young mermaid in a pool (not me!).  Enjoy!

A mermaid's tale

Bear with me, because this is a long story...

I was probably about 12 or 13 years-old when I got a book called "La sirena perdida" (The lost mermaid).  It was not a book you read from begining to end, but a book in which you get to choose your own adventure by taking decisions and turning to a specific page to continue the story. 

Book "La sirena perdida"

Anyway, I got to meet a mermaid named Tana, and she and I spent a lot of adventures together, some ending better than others, but all of them exciting.  I was frustrated that nowhere in the book was an ending in which I got a tail and ended up living in the ocean with her.  I wanted to be a mermaid. My mom sewed for me a pair of wool tights, so I got my own rustic mermaid tail, and I always put it on while reading the book.  We did not have then, or now, a culture of mermaids for little girls in Spain, so there was nowhere I could acquire bedsheets, or accesories to transform my room into a mermaid cave.  Oh well... I had my imagination, right?

A few weeks ago, I don't even know what I was doing, I ended up in YouTube, watching videos of people swimming in mermaid tails (I assumed they were neoprene or some kind of latex).  I was completely mesmerized by them, and I was like "Oh my gosh, you can buy those tails?!".  It did not took me long to find the maker's website, and my goodness, what an amazing work.  But I was completely crushed when I looked at the prices.  "Well", I thought, "maybe some day, when I am rich..."

But then it ocurred to me that maybe some other people sold mermaid tails too, so I found this website with a list of vendors.  I visited them all, but only one got my attention as potential customer: MagicTail.  The tails came in a variety of colors and sizes, were affordable, and you could actually swim with them because a monofin was included.  I loved the fact that the fabric was printed as if it had scales.  I wondered if I would find YouTube videos of these tails in action or reviews, so there I went.  And yes, I found them.  Everybody that had one seemed very happy with it, so after several days of consideration, I decided to gift myself one for the good grades I got in my lab tech course.

Two weeks later the tail has arrived, and I am in awe!  Here are some pics of it:

It came with matching top and bikini bottom

Detail of the fluke

Detail of the waist

Isn't the fabric amazing?

I could not wait to open it, and yes, even try it on!  The top does not fit me (I was not expecting it to); even though it's an XL, it said in the website "up to C cup".  The bikini bottom fits like a glove and does not move.  The tail is swimsuit-like fabric (maybe lycra?), and it is very soft.  The monofin is on the fluke, covered by a protector so it does not rip the fabric.  The monofin fits snuggly, but I could adjust it to my feet without trouble.  There is no risk of it loosing the gripe while swimming.  And it's very floppy!  The tail is stretchy, and goes up to my waist perfectly, and as it says in the commercial "it fits like a second skin".  The tail is hot while wearing it on land, but I guess that will be OK in water.  I will not be able to try it in the water until next month, but I'll let you know as soon as I do.  I am so looking forward to it!

Regarding the MagicTail website, it's very easy to open an account and place an order, and you can choose to have the page translated into English from German.  I paid with PayPal, so no troubles there. It took them a week to ship my tail, and they sent me an e-mail when they did.  I got the tail one week later, in perfect condition, excellently packaged and protected. 

When perusing the page for colors, I found a gold and orange tail called "H2O", which I found out was for fans of an Australian TV series that features 3 mermaids (which I have never seen).  Researching tails, I found that the tails used in the show cost 20K each.  For people with not a lot of money to spare I think MagicTails are great, specially after seeing the prices of silicone and latex tails, which are not affordable to most people. 

These tails are a good investment for anyone loving mermaids, small or grown-up, and I would recommend them to anyone looking to buy a mermaid tail.  Maybe I should buy now an H2O locket, which are gorgeous too?

In any case, I should go and read again "La sirena perdida".  Now with a real mermaid tail to put on!!

A new absinthe antique

Topette for 2 dosages

Picture from the Absinthe Originals website

Since I have been a good girl and I have passed all my tests with good grades, my mom has gifted me a new absinthe antiquity.  This time it's a topette, also from Absinthe Originals.

Topettes were used as little carafes to hold up absinthe dosages.  They were divided in little chambers, each one marking how much absinthe one should pour into the glass to have the proper proportion of absinthe and water (normally it is 1 part absinthe to 3-5 parts water).  This topette has 2 chambers, so it can be used for 2 glasses of absinthe.

I cannot wait to get it.  It is only 11 cm (4.3 inches) tall, and it is the cutest topette I have seen.

So now I have two... This is getting dangerous...

The quest for absinthe in Madrid, part I

My husband told me about a wine shop near his place of work that had absinthe on its shelves.  Today I got there to take a look.  After looking around, I did not see it so I went to talk to the sales man and this is how the conversation went:

Me: Excuse me, do you have any absinthe?

Sales man: Yes, it is over here – goes to a shelf, looks around and says – Oh, I think I sold my last bottle.

Me: Oh.  What brand is it?

S.m. (Surprised): Brand?  It’s the only one that exists.

Me: (Puzzled look) There are about 50 brands of absinthe.

S.m: Oh, really?  This one comes in a slim bottle and it’s green.

Me, thinking to myself: "That is not much help."

S.m. # 2, joining the conversation: We have the one that sells the most.

Me, thinking to myself:  "It’s no wonder it sells well, it’s the only one you have."

S.m. # 1: It’s from Catalonia, that’s all I know.

Me: Well, thank you very much for your help.  Bye.

Note to self, living the shop: Do not come back here for absinthe.