May the 4th Be With You!

We are almost all Star Wars fans in our home. My oldest daughter is decidedly not and the younger daughter hasn't seen much lately to make up her mind. But the rest of love the movies and some of the characters. 

So, yes, I do love being able to celebrate the holiday devoted to fans - Star Wars Day. May 4th for you non-fans. This year, I decided to take up the fun challenge of doing something cool. I printed out these cool bookmarks that you can find by 123homeschool4me. She has a HUGE database of free printable resources. This time though, I was only interested in the bookmarks. I printed off 2 copies of those. But then I found some others too... Figured I would let the kids choose any they wanted. The rest though.... I had a plan for! I also decided to go ahead and laminate them. They last longer that way.

I had been wanting to make a sweet treat for my family to enjoy. We have been under so much stress and so strapped in the financial department, that treats weren't so common for us. And I wanted to make it really special! I found these two ideas. But in the end, we created our own.

The craziest option is the BB8 Freakshake. I had never heard of a freak shake before. I was thinking that might be too much sugar, but I thought maybe I could make some of the attachments for fun.

The one my husband really wanted was the Wookie Chocolate Milkshake. Much simpler. He was most excited by the waffle cookie being included. It doesn't require much. We weren't going to waste the time and effort to make the belt across a jar, but with some icecream, chocolate syrup, and these wafer cookies - I think I made it close enough! 

I made some little chocolates using my Star Wars molds. We had these the weekend before Star Wars Day because the boys would be out of town. This way they didn't fully miss out on the fun. The X-Wings weren't as strong as I usually have them... maybe next time.

For the actual day, my daughter made some Twix cookies that we put the chocolate ships on top of. It was delicious!  

I had taken time out to play dress up with the girls. I pulled my costume bin out and let them create their own characters, both rebel and empire sides. While I can't share their photos (for safety reasons), I will show you what outfits they came up with for me! They also chose my makeup colors and we all played with my Star Wars palette from ColorPop.

The blonde is my Jedi costume, while the redhead is the Sith. They were pretending to be Vader's daughters, taking turns being Light and Dark. So of course they decided I had to be both as well.

We had a fantastic time! Even my non-fan daughter was getting into the cosplay aspect with great vigor. It made me proud. We had some mermaid photos afterwards for Mer-May. And they can't wait to come up with the next idea! Until next May, may the force be with you!

Cosplay for Every Day - Nerding It Up!

I've been testing out my abilities to create an everyday cosplay look. Something that can be worn in normal day style, but shows off my nerdy tendencies. I've surprised myself with some of the little things I have come to find in this. First of all, I didn't think my wardrobe would match my ambitions. It is pretty limited. However, it has given me a challenge and rise to match it. Second, it is pretty simple to do! Here are some simple styles I have been using.Let me know your thoughts. And feel free to challenge me with a character! 

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider

While I haven't played the games, I have loved Lara Croft since watching the movies. Or more to be precise, the idea of her. After all, Indiana Jones was amazing!

This look is easy to do in everyday style. A pair of jeans, or leggings, booties would be preferable, a dark green top, black tank underneath, and if you are really good - the classic Croft belt! My belt is plain, but fits.

I threw in the leather cuff and for fun, I'm carrying a handgun like she did. Though mine isn't nearly so big as the one she had! On a side note, this picture was hard for me to post. Shows my size a little too much. Makes me even more aware of the need to lose weight. So while dressed like a total hero, I feel great about myself until I see myself through the lens. Any other cosplayers feel like this out there?

Steampunk

This is a favorite. And I have been wanting to find more pieces to incorporate. I've been researching skirts and shirts. Definitely want to get another vest. But little things go a long way. Star with a plain tee, layered with a vest. Over that (because it was cold) I added a red duster. I admit the bright red isn't quite Steampunk, but I'm working with what I had on hand. The skirt is long and ties at the top. Added the cameo choker. If you really want to finish it off, add your own top hat! And don't forget the boots.

To give you an idea of just how dressed down this is, here is what one of my fully done up Steampunk costumes was like.

Elf

This was perfect for the holiday season. But I generally dress like this even when it isn't near Christmas. I even had the idea when my son said I looked like Link from Legend of Zelda.

My son now borrows ears from me. He is building his own Dark Link cosplay. 

These were gifted to me by my Mom who found them on Amazon. Black leggings and boots, white under tank top, green shirt and because it was cold - a grey duster cardigan.

That is all I needed. I did up braids in the hair. Added an Evenstar necklace when I wanted to be more Lord of the Rings elf.

I feel as though there is potential to expand on this one, but that will come later when I get some other things. Like another cuff bracelet. I wore the Wonder Woman one I had on the one wrist.

If you are wanting to be more like the average any kind of elf, a necklace like this one from a Paparazzi jewelry consultant works well. 

Apocalyptic survivor

One of my other favorites for its simplicity is the survivor. From prepping to learning archery, I don't think there are many of us out there who haven't wondered about the possibility of some kind of event that turns our world upside down. More so than we saw in the pandemic. But cosplaying one as though I stepped out of a video game? Oh yeah! By the way, shout out to one of my favorite, yet most stressful, survival games so far - DayZ.

Obviously, I wouldn't carry the bow around. But I thought it looked cooler for the photos. Because it is colder out, I'm wearing my Walking Dead beanie and my IDF jacket from Israel. I've paired it with a regular shirt and leggings. Boots are a must, though I would strongly say that the better kind for this are combat style boots. Sadly, I don't currently own a pair. But that is a goal in this new year - get a pair of combat boots!

I borrowed my husbands airsoft rifle. Though if crap hits the fan, as they say, then I'm sure the real guns will come out, right? My husband likes to make silly comments and that is why I'm looking at the camera in this one. Never take your eyes off your target!

And balance. Something I seem to forget at the first round. I also put the hair in braids as you don't want it getting in your way!

Super hero

Personally, I prefer Wonder Woman. But this Superman shirt is the only one I have to work with right now. I was given this shirt because one of my names start with S. So it is my Super shirt!

My husband said I look as though I'm landing, ready to shoot people with my laser eyes. So I glanced over and took this shot for him! Though the only people getting Moms laser eyes today, are my kids....

Boots and leggings - as usual. Superman shirt - or add your favorite character shirt. I use this sleeveless cardigan that when the wind catches it, flows behind me like a cape! I always feel super when I wear this one!

Star Wars

I want to branch out on this one too. I love Star Wars! But this is my first attempt. I went plain style. Think of Leia as a General. Start with the hair. Having long, thick hair I need it to stay out of my way. 

I wore the Maleficent cloak (came from Hot Topic years back) with a long white tank and shorter tan shirt underneath. Paired with grey leggings and boots again.

Now, you might want to pair it with a slight amount of bling. I did!

This bracelet is on Amazon. It is the homing device used by Leia and Rey. I can call in reinforcements when the kids get too crazy!

I have done a version of Harley Quinn too! Though I wasn't able to get a picture this time around. I promise to do that in a later post. And to think, that one was triggered by a single necklace I was given!

Another Everyday Cosplay - Star Wars Style!

As a fan of the original (and some of the newer ones) Star Wars saga, I decided to try my hand at what an everyday cosplay would look like for it. This wasn't one of the Padme Amidala looks, though her queenly styles have always been a favorite for me. Nope, went a little on the plainer end for this one. 

Brown boots for the dusty desert travels. Grey leggings for comfort and ease. You can't see it, but I'm wearing a long white tank top with a tan tee over it. This is just because I like something covering my rear when I wear leggings. But the color scheme also matches the outfits you'd find on somewhere like Tatooine. Even in the hottest areas, you want to cover up more, so a dark cloak was added.

For me, it was chilly again today with light sprinklings. So yes, covering up a little more. Finally, there is the hair and accessory. I only used one this time. The bracelet that my mom had sent me when I was planning to go to the symphony. It is the Tracking Beacon (Homing Beacon in the movie) one you can find on Amazon. Rey and General Leia Organa Solo had them.

I love it! Simple, yet adds the perfect touch. Going with simple, I did 4 braids and styled them as you see. If I do something more along the Queen Amidala look, I'm sure it will be quite a bit more sophisticated. I used to love trying to do my hair in ways that would come closer to mimicking hers. 

Well, that ends this version of my cosplay in everyday style. Until next time! In the meantime, why not tell me who you would love to dress as, or perhaps you have an idea of who I should try? Let me know in the comments below!

Oh the Cosplayer Dilemma!

I love cosplay. I love the culture. I love dressing up. Becoming my favorite characters for just a short while! So, I often look for the chances to do just that. The last costume opportunity was dressing as a pirate for the homeschool class I teach. It was great fun! And the next one I have scheduled is to be a Viking at the Scarborough Renaissance Festival. But shortly after this, I was planning to create an evening gown style that was reminiscent of Queen Amidala from Star Wars as we attend a night at the symphony. There, we planned to enjoy music from Star Wars and hear (I was also hoping to meet) our beloved Lando Calrissian, Billy Dee Williams. Sadly, he will not be attending. Music is still being planned to include Star Wars, but will also have music from Titanic. And from Lord of the Rings. See, it is called Sounds of the Cinema. Something I had overlooked when planning the evening. According to the email I woke up to, we are going from outer space to Middle Earth as Sean Astin will be present! I love Sean! He was a crush when I first saw Goonies. Later, I thought he was the better hobbit in Lord of the Rings. I cheered for him in Rudy as he overcame such great odds. And most recently, I about cried when they killed him off in Stranger Things. HOW COULD THEY KILL BOB?!?! The writers at least kept him longer than originally planned and his death was very heroic. Only saving grace for those guys.... But I digress. 

So, what is my dilemma, you ask? Glad you asked. I was in the process of trying to create a Star Wars-esque dress. I was dressing up the Padme look in the black and red battle outfit she had. I thought I would wear my suede black boots with the long black and silver cape. My mother sent me beautiful jewelry to accessorize with. 

But then I get this email that Lando won't be there. Sean Astin will. I would LOVE to be able to meet him. I just want one photo! I promise I wouldn't squeal and go total fan girl on him. I have better control than that. So.... do I wear a Lord of the Rings-like gown instead? My wedding dress was the Elvish style of Arwen. She was, after all, my hero. Beautiful and elf. What I always wanted to be. As much as I love him for Goonies and Stranger Things, I'm not going 80's style. I refuse. Those styles are better left back there. 

The part of this email that caught me the strongest was the Red Carpet. Looking at the picture of what I had started putting together, I'm not feeling like it is Red Carpet level. So do I find another gown to pair up? Or switch to my Elf style?  

What are your thoughts?? I'd love any input on this conundrum of mine. Drop me a comment below and have a great rest of your week!

Preparing for Our Night at the Symphony!

My husband surprised me by purchasing tickets for us to go to the symphony later this mobth! Better yet, they are playing Star Wars music and will have our beloved Lando Calrissian actor, Billy Dee Williams, there! I'm so excited about it. As soon as he told me, I knew we had to dress up. Something that he totally agreed to.

He has decided to keep his attire simple. He will be wearing his "interview suit". But to dress it up, he requested Star Wars themed cufflinks and a tie. The cufflinks were relatively easy to find. I purchased these from Mercari.

As I looked for ties, however, I noticed that unless we wanted to pay a premium amount, finding him a Star Wars tie that wasn't tacky, wasn't easy. So I decided to look for another theme that suits him better. He might like Star Wars, but Star Trek holds a higher spot in his heart. And knowing him, he would rather show off such a love in front of Star Wars fans. So I decided to order him this tie to go with his ensemble! 

Now for my gown. After all, a lady should be regally attired when going to the symphony, don't you think? I wanted to create a dress that would reflect my love of Star Wars. While I loved Princess Leia as a character, her clothing choices were mostly your bland, everyday variety. So I looked at her mother's outfits instead for inspiration. Queen Padme Amidala had many to choose from. All in a great array of fanciful uniqueness. I used to enjoy trying to imitate her hair styles for everyday wear. In my own way. I got inspiration from various Pinterest photos.

My mother and sister sent me some dresses recently. I am considering giving this one a makeover, however, I had not had much time to consider how so in recent weeks as I was overseas.

Don't worry! I have not forgotten to regale you with tales of Israel. Just been busy trying to get back into the groove of daily routine. Anyhow, I thought of adding a leather-like thick banded belt to the higher waist. But that is where my mind blanks. I do also have a long black cape with a silver lining I'm thinking to pair with it...

What ideas might you have? Which dress from the Star Wars series would you choose if you were in my shoes? Can't wait to read your comments below!

Preparations For Free Comic Book Day

Free Comic Book Day happens on the first Saturday of May every year. And it is a blast! Being the nerdy family that we are, we love to dress up as the characters that inspire us. As a family! Not only do we get to dress up and get free comics, but we bond. We share in fun times together as we prepare our costumes before the big day and then we show them off. As fun as it is, it can be a lot of work. And it means that I need to have all my supplies in order. My crafting corner needs some help, but it works out for now. Eventually I need to get another one of my storage boxes for my steampunk supplies alone. My Mom bought me this first box and it has been amazing! My kids can search through it as we work together. Though the baby loves to rearrange everything... almost daily!

My husband normally looks like he walked off the set of a Resident Evil movie.

He created his cosplay before we got together. And made it as realistic as possible. Makes me a proud wife! Sadly, he might not be able to get dressed up with us due to his old pants needing replacement.

My oldest son asked me to help him look like a Black Ops Guy. A spy with a cool gun, basically. His was easy to put together. But then he changed his mind and decided he wanted to be the Jedi from the Force Unleashed 2 game. *hit head here* So I started over and had plenty to come up with.

I bought a pair of cheap suspenders and hot glued belt-like pieces to it to create the chest harness. I used Pringles lids and craft sticks that I painted silver to make the decorations for his belt.

My Mom sent Ace bandages that I could use to wrap his arms. It will look awesome!

My younger son wanted something that truly tests my creative abilities. He wants to be a Tusken Raider from Star Wars.

For the most part, I was able to make the pieces easily. I sewed and hot glued his rifle sling and pockets together.

He decided to use some Jedi robes as the main part of his costume. Makes him look more like a Tusken assassin. The mask has been tormenting me though. I have to use what we have around the house, which makes it even harder. Otherwise I would have followed this guys tutorial. Or use this guys great idea. Instead, I'm using the hood piece on the black robe to hot glue these pieces I created using broken Nerf darts (painted silver) and a toilet paper roll that I cut in half and painted.

I had a couple silver pieces I had taken off something else. They made the perfect toppers for the darts that go right above the mouth. The mouth part is still up in the air for me. I have a leather belt, but I haven't figured out how to get the triangular shape yet. Then, to finish it off, more Ace bandages will be wrapped around his head.

My oldest daughter wanted to be Princess Leia. Normally, I'd be so proud! However, this was difficult in that she had no white dresses and I had nothing plain white to use. White is not a family-friendly color around here. It stains too easily. I did find a great tutorial on Pinterest about using a large piece of white fabric or sheet to use without having to sew anything. Yay for easy! And my Mom had sent me some pillow cases that I could use. Then she changed her mind and wanted to be Aurora instead. Thanks for continually being indecisive kids...

Then there is the baby... What do I do for her? I am thinking a Barbie Princess is just right for this little lady. She has dresses. I just need to accessorize her. I think...

Finally, there is my own cosplay. I'm going all steampunk. A Steampunk Time Traveler. I finally got the skirt to an acceptable style. I also found the shirt that looks perfect under my corset. I'm feeling pretty good about how it looks.

I have been working on this for quite a while. Took an old pair of boots, glued on the gears to the ankle and painted the toes. I had a cheap pair of goggles that I put in actual colored glass lenses into, painted and added gears on the sides. My Mom sent the corset.

I added gears and chains to 'punk it out more. I sewed pocket pouches that I added gears to so that I can hang them from a draped belt. I'm still debating on whether I'll add my steampunk'd glocks.

I created one holster at least. And one of my favorite pieces? This cuff!

One thing I have learned, is that your craft supplies can come from anything. I had an old pair of boots with buckles on them. I cut those pieces off and now they are being used for my oldest sons costume. Embellishments can come from things you least expect. Like the silver pieces I mentioned that I've glued to the Nerf darts. They came from a busted pair of headphones. Always remember to think outside the box!