Sooooo apparently I haven't posted since April. I won't give any lame excuses (school) or make any promises for future posts (lol lie), but I do feel guilty that I haven't done more with this space. I think by making this a Crafting Only blog I've limited myself. Surprisingly I do like other things. Video games, classic movies, decorating cakes, etc. I don't plan on changing the name because it took me FOREVER to find one that I liked. However there's nothing wrong with a little diversity, right?
Future Posting Plans!! (told you I'd lie)
A Month of *blank*
Over the weekend I watched a very interesting documentary on the National Film Registry. It talked about how it came into being and how the 25 films a year that they've been saving get picked. It's really interesting if you're a fan of the silver screen. One point they make is that they try to not only chose movies that have lasting value (The Godfather, Superman, Fargo), but also are significant in their own way (Zapruder film, Popeye the Sailor, The Negro Soldier). After looking through the list I realized that while I knew of many of the films I had seen only a small few. It was a shock since I consider myself reasonably well viewed. So in order to improve my own noggin as well as my own blog (and therefore you!) I'm going to review several pieces a month. I'm going to attempt to stick to a theme and I will put the super star films last, if at all. So you'll see things like The Bank Dick instead of Gone With The Wind. I want to get a rolling start on writing so this won't begin until January so I can get a backlog going.
PS, if you're a fan of 'behind the scenes' documentaries like I am, you'd enjoy This Film is not Yet Rated. It's a peek into the American rating system and why it's a giant pile of steaming poop. Poop I say!
A Piece of Cake
It won't always be cakes, but I have a butt-ton of Wilton products going to waste. Might as well put them to good use! It won't always be cakes, but so long as I do something creative then there's no harm (well except to my waist line). Also? Don't expect a masterpiece. I kind of suck at this, but practice makes perfect. I also plan on throwing in my cheating tips to make box mixes taste like they're from scratch (cheat on the cake but never on the icing!)
I'm sure I'll think of some other terrific idea that I won't follow through on, because that's how I roll. ^_^
Monday, November 25, 2013
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
(Maybe not so) Obvious Tip #2
Need to wash that pesky corset? Cover the stained/discolored spots with a baking soda paste, then wash it down with vinegar for some hot bubbly action. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub, then hand wash it thoroughly. Use an old towel to absorb water but don't ring or squeeze the corset. (thanks to Starlit Creations for reminding me about this tip)
Now hang that baby up. My preferred method is to use the same hooks you use to hang up your shower curtain. Metal is fine so long as there's no rust on them, otherwise use plastic. Put one through the last grommet on the top and bottom of each side of your corset (assuming you took off the lacing)*, then hook over the shower bar. Remember to move the bar back a little bit so the water doesn't drip on to the floor. Unless you have a crazy thick fabric it should be dry overnight.
*Personally I replace the lacing/cording every time I wash my corsets. However I also wear a corset sock so mine don't get dirty too quickly. What's a corset sock? Basically it's a cotton tube that you put on before your corset to absorb sweat and make the corset a little more comfortable. If you don't have the time to make one or the money to buy one, just get a tight fitting cotton tank top. Put it on, then your corset, then cut off the shoulder parts that stick up (or don't if something will be covering up that bit).
Now hang that baby up. My preferred method is to use the same hooks you use to hang up your shower curtain. Metal is fine so long as there's no rust on them, otherwise use plastic. Put one through the last grommet on the top and bottom of each side of your corset (assuming you took off the lacing)*, then hook over the shower bar. Remember to move the bar back a little bit so the water doesn't drip on to the floor. Unless you have a crazy thick fabric it should be dry overnight.
*Personally I replace the lacing/cording every time I wash my corsets. However I also wear a corset sock so mine don't get dirty too quickly. What's a corset sock? Basically it's a cotton tube that you put on before your corset to absorb sweat and make the corset a little more comfortable. If you don't have the time to make one or the money to buy one, just get a tight fitting cotton tank top. Put it on, then your corset, then cut off the shoulder parts that stick up (or don't if something will be covering up that bit).
Miss Klingon Empire 2013 and Trek Trax Atlanta
Reposted from Livejournal
This past Saturday (4/20) I packed up my car and headed to Atlanta. My main purpose was to compete for the first time in the Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant (MKE), however it had the supreme added benefit of letting me see some of my good Trek friends.
About 2 hours out of ATL I started getting nervous. Very nervous. I knew it had to do with MKE since I had put a lot of work into my performance, but it's not like I've never entered a contest before. I tried to ignore it with music, which helped.
I got to the hotel around 1. After a quick check-in Theresa (my roomie and all around awesome lady) found me and helped me schlep my stuff upstairs, then it was off to panels and all around fun.
I started getting ready around 5, which was quite early since the contest didn't start till 8:30. However I get hot easily so I wanted to give myself time to prep and cool down before I hit the main floor. At around 7:30 I slipped on my heels, tried to fight my nerves, and headed down. Immediately I was getting compliments, which gave me warm fuzzies. I knew that Kligons in fancy dresses was a rare sight, but it was still nice. I saw Eric, head of the con and emcee, so I said he. He mentioned that what I was doing was what he had always hoped a woman would do. I was SO GLAD to hear that because my biggest concern (other than my talent) was if my costume would be acceptable to enter the contest with since I'd never seen anyone else in fancy dress. Note: Even though Eric is the top nut, he in no way influences the judges. In fact the only time I saw him talk to them was when they gave him their decision.
While I was milling I saw Theresa, who had a shot of honey rum for me. Girl knows what helps! :D I also saw Keela, who was wearing her crown as last year's MKE Queen. She gave me a hug and rooted me on. I'm hereby stating that hugging the previous winner is clearly good luck!
A little before 8:30 I took my seat by the stage with another contestant and waited. Waiting while nervous is BAD. I'm glad I had water with me because I was starting to get acid burps. I tried to read over my recitation for the talent portion (a Klingon-ized version of Henry V's 'Once More Into The Breech'). The other contestant was incredibly sweet and talked me down a little. We also traded boyfriend stories, which was really cute. Finally the last 3 women showed. Omg did they SHOW! They were equally very pretty and very Klingon.
I'm skipping a full breakdown because I'm fairly sure a video will be popping up on youtube soon.
All in all every lady did a bang-up job. The audience ate up every moment and it was clear that they loved what they saw. The best part was the catfights. I can think of at least two times we all got on stage and hissed at each other. Not going to lie, it was hot. There was one moment though where one of the ladies nearly knocked my wig off. XD
Finally the time came to pick the winner. It all happened so quickly I don't think I really registered that I'd won till I was mock-fighting again. lol! I was, and still am, incredibly honored to be chosen. Ever since I found out about MKE seven years ago I've wanted to compete. In fact I came up with the idea for my costume nearly a year ago (although I didn't start working on it till January). To say I've been lusting after the crown would be an understatement...
Now I need to start plotting for Miss Star Trek Universe...
This past Saturday (4/20) I packed up my car and headed to Atlanta. My main purpose was to compete for the first time in the Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant (MKE), however it had the supreme added benefit of letting me see some of my good Trek friends.
About 2 hours out of ATL I started getting nervous. Very nervous. I knew it had to do with MKE since I had put a lot of work into my performance, but it's not like I've never entered a contest before. I tried to ignore it with music, which helped.
I got to the hotel around 1. After a quick check-in Theresa (my roomie and all around awesome lady) found me and helped me schlep my stuff upstairs, then it was off to panels and all around fun.
I started getting ready around 5, which was quite early since the contest didn't start till 8:30. However I get hot easily so I wanted to give myself time to prep and cool down before I hit the main floor. At around 7:30 I slipped on my heels, tried to fight my nerves, and headed down. Immediately I was getting compliments, which gave me warm fuzzies. I knew that Kligons in fancy dresses was a rare sight, but it was still nice. I saw Eric, head of the con and emcee, so I said he. He mentioned that what I was doing was what he had always hoped a woman would do. I was SO GLAD to hear that because my biggest concern (other than my talent) was if my costume would be acceptable to enter the contest with since I'd never seen anyone else in fancy dress. Note: Even though Eric is the top nut, he in no way influences the judges. In fact the only time I saw him talk to them was when they gave him their decision.
While I was milling I saw Theresa, who had a shot of honey rum for me. Girl knows what helps! :D I also saw Keela, who was wearing her crown as last year's MKE Queen. She gave me a hug and rooted me on. I'm hereby stating that hugging the previous winner is clearly good luck!
A little before 8:30 I took my seat by the stage with another contestant and waited. Waiting while nervous is BAD. I'm glad I had water with me because I was starting to get acid burps. I tried to read over my recitation for the talent portion (a Klingon-ized version of Henry V's 'Once More Into The Breech'). The other contestant was incredibly sweet and talked me down a little. We also traded boyfriend stories, which was really cute. Finally the last 3 women showed. Omg did they SHOW! They were equally very pretty and very Klingon.
I'm skipping a full breakdown because I'm fairly sure a video will be popping up on youtube soon.
All in all every lady did a bang-up job. The audience ate up every moment and it was clear that they loved what they saw. The best part was the catfights. I can think of at least two times we all got on stage and hissed at each other. Not going to lie, it was hot. There was one moment though where one of the ladies nearly knocked my wig off. XD
Finally the time came to pick the winner. It all happened so quickly I don't think I really registered that I'd won till I was mock-fighting again. lol! I was, and still am, incredibly honored to be chosen. Ever since I found out about MKE seven years ago I've wanted to compete. In fact I came up with the idea for my costume nearly a year ago (although I didn't start working on it till January). To say I've been lusting after the crown would be an understatement...
Now I need to start plotting for Miss Star Trek Universe...
Monday, January 7, 2013
Ichibancon 2013 - Charlotte NC
(note: this was originally posted in my Live Journal. sorry for all the personal comments!)
Ichibancon was held in Charlotte again this year (although rumors have it going to Concord next year). It's actually over two weekends with the second coming up on the 11th, but finances and desire kept me to the first weekend only.
I headed up with Owen on Thursday and stayed with Tohma, Ally, Laura, and *memory blank*. It was a suite so there was plenty of space for all of us and our assorted costumes. Thankfully Owen and I scored bed space. :) Thursday night and Friday morning was very relaxed and fun. I hung out with my buds. Friday I got a special surprise from my bestie Kim. She made me a HUGE Pinkie Pie plush for Christmas. SQUEE! I'll post pics on my Facebook. I adore both Kim and my Pinkie to pieces! <3
The con started late afternoon on Friday. There were only a few I was really down for and aside from the Prosthetics and Sailor Moon ones they were a bust. No one showed for the Tamago making panel, and I had some douchebaggery at another. Ah well. The good ones were AMAZING so it's no real loss. Mina's SM panel was fun, but next year we're going to 18+ because Brittany and I couldn't stop being pervs. lol! Kelly's panel was fun as always. Hopefully next time I can help out more then just bringing candy. ^_^ The Prosthetics panel was superior and I'm a little sad I won't get to see the second half.
For the Friday night panels I did a costume quick-change that I'm pretty proud of. I got into Myu Jupiter for the SM panel (wig malfunctions everywhere!) then raced upstairs to change into Telma. I did a quick photoshoot with Kim which turned out well considering it was very spur of the moment. After that it was maxing and relaxing up in the room.
Saturday was mellow then crazy then mellow. I helped Tohma out by watching her dealer's table while she did the Costume Contest. It was kind of cool in an odd way. It also made me wish I owned a Kindle. lol! I'm very jealous over Laura's jewelry making skills. She does chain mail and it's beautiful. I'd compliment Tohma (and my badass custom Jupiter towels) but she already knows she kicks ass.
That night I got a sweet present from my cousin Angela. She got me a very nice set of travel makeup brushes which I've already used. Later we all headed downstairs for some Cards Against Humanity and drinks, otherwise known as Boozy Cards. We didn't play too long I think? Well...maybe we did. We started around 11pm and I think I went to bed around 1am. Either way it was hella fun. While we were there I passed out some Fun Shit (aka candy and mini Christmas toys) and gave Matt a One Direction toothbrush set. Insert dirty jokes here. XD
Sunday was rather quiet. Owen and I packed up, said our good-byes, and left a little after noon. By 4pm we were home and resting.
While it wasn't 'omgbestestEVAR' it was still incredibly more fun then the last Ichiban. I'm fairly sure I'll go again next year, but it will take a while to get the bad taste from years' past out of my mouth.
Ichibancon was held in Charlotte again this year (although rumors have it going to Concord next year). It's actually over two weekends with the second coming up on the 11th, but finances and desire kept me to the first weekend only.
I headed up with Owen on Thursday and stayed with Tohma, Ally, Laura, and *memory blank*. It was a suite so there was plenty of space for all of us and our assorted costumes. Thankfully Owen and I scored bed space. :) Thursday night and Friday morning was very relaxed and fun. I hung out with my buds. Friday I got a special surprise from my bestie Kim. She made me a HUGE Pinkie Pie plush for Christmas. SQUEE! I'll post pics on my Facebook. I adore both Kim and my Pinkie to pieces! <3
The con started late afternoon on Friday. There were only a few I was really down for and aside from the Prosthetics and Sailor Moon ones they were a bust. No one showed for the Tamago making panel, and I had some douchebaggery at another. Ah well. The good ones were AMAZING so it's no real loss. Mina's SM panel was fun, but next year we're going to 18+ because Brittany and I couldn't stop being pervs. lol! Kelly's panel was fun as always. Hopefully next time I can help out more then just bringing candy. ^_^ The Prosthetics panel was superior and I'm a little sad I won't get to see the second half.
For the Friday night panels I did a costume quick-change that I'm pretty proud of. I got into Myu Jupiter for the SM panel (wig malfunctions everywhere!) then raced upstairs to change into Telma. I did a quick photoshoot with Kim which turned out well considering it was very spur of the moment. After that it was maxing and relaxing up in the room.
Saturday was mellow then crazy then mellow. I helped Tohma out by watching her dealer's table while she did the Costume Contest. It was kind of cool in an odd way. It also made me wish I owned a Kindle. lol! I'm very jealous over Laura's jewelry making skills. She does chain mail and it's beautiful. I'd compliment Tohma (and my badass custom Jupiter towels) but she already knows she kicks ass.
That night I got a sweet present from my cousin Angela. She got me a very nice set of travel makeup brushes which I've already used. Later we all headed downstairs for some Cards Against Humanity and drinks, otherwise known as Boozy Cards. We didn't play too long I think? Well...maybe we did. We started around 11pm and I think I went to bed around 1am. Either way it was hella fun. While we were there I passed out some Fun Shit (aka candy and mini Christmas toys) and gave Matt a One Direction toothbrush set. Insert dirty jokes here. XD
Sunday was rather quiet. Owen and I packed up, said our good-byes, and left a little after noon. By 4pm we were home and resting.
While it wasn't 'omgbestestEVAR' it was still incredibly more fun then the last Ichiban. I'm fairly sure I'll go again next year, but it will take a while to get the bad taste from years' past out of my mouth.
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