Where Have I Been?

Hey, Gang!

  I literally can not believe how fast life is zooming past me right now. It's getting hard to catch my breath. I haven't really updated you guys at all about what's been going on in my life, and what's been keeping me from updating with the general schedule of Nerdette At Large. For a while, I've been trying to keep up with a Monday, Wednesday and Friday Schedule, with a new youtube video on Thursdays.

 Unfortunately, because of the stress of everything going on right now, I have had to take it down to Monday, Thursday, and Friday and even that is a bit of a stretch right now. If you didn't know I am juggling three jobs right now. A Picture Day photographer, Monday through Friday in the wee hours of the morning, I'm generally up at 4 am. A Pizza Server, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Nights, until about 11 p.m. and these are pretty much the busiest nights of the week, so I'm constantly running around.

 I also contribute articles for the Geekery section of Bryanda Law's brainchild, Quirktastic Media. All of this on top of trying to create content here and on youtube for you guys. I am in love with my blog and don't worry it's not going anywhere. While I spend energy sharing my creative thoughts and ideas for others gain at the moment, I will always be interested in creating content for myself, which I would then share with you guys!

  I just wanted to give you guys a little bit of an inside look of my mind when I create. I wanted to kind of apologize and acknowledge that I'm not quite up to my content creating standards right now, but all I ask is that you bear with me because I'll be back to peak creating performance shortly. So thank you so much for those that have stuck with me for so long. Also, Thank you and Welcome to anyone new that may be reading this post.

 Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Twitch 
Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy, ~Spokhette!~

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Nerdette Minute #46: Stickers from Ieafy

Hey Gang!

  About a 5 weeks ago, I ordered some stickers from this amazing artist I found on Twitter, named Ieafy. I loved how colorful her art was and how it was lineless. When I found out that she created stickers and prints for purchase, I knew I had to grab some of her stickers. So I wound up ordering the Alolan Pokemon Set, The Electric Pokemon Set and the Chao Set from Sonic Adventure. She even included a little thank you card with even more stickers on it!

Are you a sticker fan?  Let's talk about it on Twitter! Don't forget to Like + Subscribe to my channel! 

 Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Twitch Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy, ~Spokhette!~

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A Chat with: Lauren of Dresses and Capes

Hey Gang!

 I'm so excited to be doing interviews again, it's been such a long time! I'm so excited to introduce you guys to Lauren, the awesome cosplayer and seamstress behind the blog Dresses and Capes. I discovered her on instagram right after she completed the most amazing Kiki's Delivery Service, and I thought, I have to get her on the blog! So without further ado, let's get to know a little about her.

Tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, I’m Lauren a fashion blogger, comic book enthusiasts, avid moviegoer, and casual cosplayer. Geez, when I describe myself I sound so all-over the place! I can’t help it though. I have a lot of different interest, that all take up a little bit of my time leading to me having no time!

How long have you been cosplaying?

I actually just started cosplaying in fall of 2014. I always admired cosplayers, and thought I would never have their skill or talent, so I never tried. Then, all of a sudden I decided to go to a local small con, and decided to cosplay something very simple, River Song from Doctor Who. It seemed like a natural fit because I love Doctor Who and River and I have the same hair! Looking back, I am somewhat embarrassed about how little effort I put into this first cosplay. I actually made the whole thing the night before, but at the time I was so proud and happy to cosplay a character I love.

What are some of your hobbies?

Well, as I mentioned I also am a fashion blogger (granted I am WAY behind on posting). I love to dress up, especially in vintage pieces, and sashay around. One of my favorite quotes is about being dressed up for life, because life is the occasion.

I also am a huge comic book and movie nerd. My love of comic books actually started thanks to my mom, who loved the X-men growing up. We used to watch the cartoon together on TV, and she would randomly bring me comic books (ranging from X-men to Spider-Woman to Barbie’s Adventures). My mom, is such a huge support in my love of nerdom that I don’t know what I would do without her. In regards to movies, almost every weekend during the summer I am at the movie theater seeing the latest release and discussing it with anyone who will listen. I am also a big fan of classic Hollywood films; two of my favorite films are “Rear Window” and “A Streetcar Named Desire”.

Do you prefer to cosplay alone? or with others?

Well, I only did my first group cosplay recently and had a blast! But, there is something nice about cosplaying alone too. There is a bit less stress about how your cosplay will look next your counterparts, and you don’t have to worry about cohesiveness.

But I would definitely do another group cosplay!

What is your most expensive cosplay?

The hard question, haha! I think my most expensive cosplay was my most recent one of Sombra from Overwatch. While the materials for her coat were not that expensive (thank the gods for the Fashion District), her bodysuit and wig were quite expensive. I usually make every part of my cosplay myself but this time I decided to just order her bodysuit online, and I’m happy I did, as I don’t think I would have been able to find a fabric that would match her design. And for her wig, I bought a pretty high quality ombre wig that I dyed and styled myself (her wig consists of two separate wigs I had to sew together). In addition, I always seem to rack up a lot of little costs along the way; a bit of glue here, some worbla there, and some more spray paint for good measure.

But I feel it was all worth it, as I plan to wear Sombra again for an upcoming shoot and love how the whole cosplay came out. I will be making a few adjustments though.

What is your favorite costume?

My favorite cosplay is actually tied between Sombra and my Sorceress Kiki. I love Sombra because it was an incredibly challenging cosplay to make but so rewarding to see it all come together. It was also amazing to walk the convention floor and have people immediately recognize who I was. Plus, I so rarely do “serious” characters that it was fun (and somewhat challenging) to not smile in pictures.

I love my Sorceress Kiki cosplay, because it was completely an original idea that I was able to create from the ground up, especially with a character I love and relate to. I designed the cosplay on paper first, and adjusted it fit my capabilities and new vision along the way. When I wore it for the first time, it was so exciting to see people slowly recognize who I was. Even though I was not immediately recognizable, it was extra special when someone loved my original design.  

What was your first convention?

My first convention was Long Beach Comic-con. I mentioned it a bit in an earlier question how I did a quick cosplay of River Song for it, and how it kicked off my love of cosplaying. After seeing so many people’s amazing cosplays, I wanted to join in on the fun.

If you could do your dream cosplay? what would it be and why?

Hmm, my dream cosplay? It would probably be the Last Unicorn but a redesign version that is more fairytale like (I love unicorns and loved this movie growing up) or an armored version of Korra from Avatar the Legend of Korra (I technically did this already but I know I could do a better version now).

What got you into cosplaying?

I have always loved dressing up, and cosplay was the natural progression. When I was a kid, I actually was not allowed to celebrate Halloween so when I entered college I went crazy at Halloween. My friend and I would plan these elaborate costumes that we would make from crafts supplies and clothes from the thrift store, but man! We looked good!

Plus, I had reached the level of nerdom where it was time to start cosplaying, haha!

Do you sew or buy your costumes?

I pretty much make all my costumes now, but I did end up buying the bodysuit for my Sombra cosplay. However, when I first started I would buy clothing and alter it to fit my cosplay to the best of my ability. It was a struggle because I always felt like I couldn’t fully achieve my vision this way, and it really forced me to learn how to sew and fabricate.

Any advice for poc cosplayers concerned about being outside their skin tone?

Just do it. I have cosplayed characters that were different races and skin tones, and while some people may trumpet only cosplaying a character that looks like you, I feel like that is complete and utter bullshit. If you love a character, cosplay that character! It was nerve wracking for me the first time I did it, but now I just keep pushing forward. There will be naysayers on the sidelines, but look at the positive comments and find pride in yourself.

Who are a few of your favorite cosplayers?

Oh gosh, there are so many. I really love arkadycosplay, toughtink, kixzune, cheyennejazwise, angiviper, hanecosplay, caleighallen, and theofficialariel. All of them are amazing at what they do, and really inspire me to keep going!

You can find more of Lauren on Instagram.

 Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Twitch Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy, ~Spokhette!~

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Nerdette Minute #44: Shopping Haul

Hey Gang!


 I went shopping with my cousin about a week ago, I hadn't seen her in a while and then when she had some free time, I jumped the chance to hang out with one of my favorite girls! Make sure you check out Brianna, an epic travel and lifestyle blogger in her own right. I was so excited to go shopping, it had been a while since I had gotten anything for myself, so I thought it would be the perfect time to do so. Here's what we got.
 We visited Torrid, Hot Topic, H+M, and Charlotte Russe. I got enough underwear for the next month and a half, but I didn't really feel comfortable showing you those, or the braletts that I got, so the massive shopping haul turned into more of a regular haul.
 I was pretty excited to have a haul to show you guys, like I said before its been a while since I've done some serious shopping. It also felt pretty good to be back in front of the camera again. I have quite a few ideas for my Youtube channel, so make sure that you watch, like and subscribe so you don't miss out!

 Whats your favorite place to shop? Let's talk about it on Twitter! Don't forget to Like + Subscribe!

 Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Twitch Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy, ~Spokhette!~

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Adventures With Spokhette #14: Library Park and Pioneer Cemetary

Hey Gang!

   I just realized that I've been visiting a lot of graveyards lately. I was talking about them with a couple of my photog friends, and they were really creeped out about it. Not that I really care what others think, but I was just curious how many of my readers see Cemetary and skip over the post? I was wandering around Lebanon when I came across Pioneer Cemetary and I automatically turned into the nearest parking lot so I could go explore it.

 This Cemetary was erected in 1799. It is one of the oldest cemetaries I have every visited. It was very difficult to read the monuments, a lot of them where just illegible with wear and tear over the years. There were quite a few that were damaged or broken in half. I'm hoping by the weather, and not some douchbag having their idea of a good time.  

 After traipsing through the graveyard which was slightly wet, because it had rained the night before. I  didn't want to people to think I was too weird and this graveyard wasn't really tucked away. It was at the corner of a very busy street, and I actually noticed quite a few cars slowing down as they passed me, probably curious about what I was doing. I even had a few honk. When I finally left the graveyard and was heading home, I noticed this beautiful gazebo like structure to my right, with a statue of a little girl reading, so of course I pulled over! It's called Library Park, and it's connected to Lebanon Library. You can even use the Library's wifi in the park! Aren't the Statues lovely?!

What are some places you've come across on your travels? Let's chat about them on Twitter!

        Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Twitch Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy, ~Spokhette!~

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Nerdette Minute #43 : The Drak Pack

Hey Gang!

 I'm so sorry guys, time has really been getting away from me these last two weeks. The Spring Season is just a little too crazy for me to handle right now. So I'm knocking posts from Monday, Wednesday and Friday to Just Monday, Thursday and Friday. Thursday will be the Youtube video for the week!

 I'm talking about the awesomeness that is Drak Pack today on Nerdette Minute! A cheesy 80's cartoon about Descendants of movie monsters fighting crime against an organization of generally rotten enterprises!



If you liked this video don't forget to give me a thumbs up to show me that you like this kind of content!!

 Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Twitch Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy, ~Spokhette!~

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Content Creators of Color I've been Loving: Youtube Edition

Hey Gang!

  With the way the world is going right now. Especially with the way T*@(# is doing his job, it's pretty tough out here for a woman, a woman of color, or even someone who doesn't know what they are yet. I thought I would swing through to uplift spirits with a small series, where I highlight content creators of Color who I absolutely love. Today I'm just doing Youtube, but there will be more, on bloggers, artists, photographers and so forth! I'd love to dedicate a safe place on Nerdette At Large for them to shine.

 First, I'd love to introduce you to Hey Claire. Hey Claire, is a youtube channel ran by Claire Marshall, who creates absolutely breathtaking beauty videos and beautiful travel vlogs. The painstaking eye she pays to detail while editing makes me want to cry, because she is just so dedicated and she creates beautiful results. I've been following her since 2011, and I can say with ease that I have seen every video of hers, and probably more than once. She just has one of the soothing voices, that I like to watch/listen to when I'm editing or creating content.

 Next up is Clothesencounters! Ran by Jenn Im, is a breath of fresh air, when it comes to fashion content on youtube. She keeps everything unique and clean, and I've been a subscriber since before Sarah left. Jenn who just recently got married, keeps her channel bursting with new content super regularly, I can visit her channel anytime throughout the week, and there will be a video I haven't watched yet. I thoroughly enjoy her monthly favorites (she even includes a book! :)) and her vlogs out with Ben and their pup, Cheeki.

 I'm so excited to tell you guys about Pretty Brown and Nerdy. These ladies are doing pretty big things. I'm sure I've talked about them on N.A.L. before, but I had to include them in this spotlight. This Nerdy Girl Trio are representing blerds awesomely with their content. They stream different games, do reviews, and have opinion videos about popular characters, and what anime's you should be watching. I fell in love with them right after their Fictional Crushes video and have continued to support them long after! Cheyenne is an organizational role model. She has three youtube channels, she uploads content to, on top of PBN! I can barely keep up with three posts a week, as you saw last week. I wish she held workshops. Jasmine, is calm cool and collected, and super knowledgeable about Anime. Camille, is adorable with her Nintendo love, and if you follow her on snapchat, make sure you check out her recipes!

 Rounding us out is Shut Up Marina. A super informative + intersectionally feminist channel ran by Marina Watanabe, she has a series called Feminist Friday, where she drops feminist knowledge in bite size chunks. Her humor is sarcastic and dry, which I absolutely love, and she has tendencies that remind me of Veronica Mars. Which if you know me, at all, is HUGE PRAISE. She's also bi, so Representation, and does a great job of outlining what she has to say, and why she feels that way and giving you links to do your own research. I've been subscribed since her What is Cultural Appropriation video, which is crazy informative, if you've been wondering about the top you should go check it out.

  Got any favorite youtubers? Leave 'em down below so I can check them out. Let's fangirl on Twitter.

 Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Twitch Until Next Time, Stay Nerdy, ~Spokhette!~

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