What Words Were Created the Year You Were Born?

I've been learning a lot of new words lately. I have penpals in New Zealand that have been showing some of their words and phrases. I've learned a lot about the differences between the Queen's English and American English from a dear friend in the United Kingdom. But I'm also learning American words and terms that are new, or just new to me. I have found a word that describes my love of learning these words. Ready for it? I am a logophile. Where do I mostly find words to learn about? Well, since I'm also a bibliophile, I find them in books. 

Logophile - A lover of words.

Bibliophile - A person who loves or collects books, especially as examples of fine or unusual printing, binding, or the like. 

I have also come to enjoy getting the Word of the Day from Dictionary.com. I learn words for myself. Or I find words that I think the kids should know and create spelling lists in our homeschool curriculum from them. Here is a new word for the generation of today...

Nomophobia! Can you guess its meaning? I had a pretty good laugh when I first saw it. After all, it is a running joke in our house these days. 

Nomophobia - Anxiety caused by being without access to a functioning mobile phone. 

I recently learned there was even a thing as finding words and phrases that were created the year you were born! If you are curious about your own year, just go HERE. For example, my year is 1988. Yes, I'm quite old in the eyes of my children and siblings. In that year, I have found some interesting new words that also give insight to what was going on during that time.

Some of these, I wasn't familiar with. Like d4T, heteroglossia, himbo, and mommy track. Others, I grew up hearing regularly or even used myself. Like swole, pimped-out, defrag, unibrow - these were things that were pretty common as I was growing up. One of my favorites was gangsta. We used to make jokes with this one all the time. 

We didn't use it correctly, of course, but then who ever does?? Mommy-track is about moms who chose to work and raise kids. They resigned themselves to making money, probably to make ends meet, but knew they probably wouldn't grow in their careers because of the kid side to life. I've witnessed that firsthand. A job I applied for was very interested in me until they found out I had kids. They told me flat-out that having kids made me a liability. I would most likely miss work they thought. Who knew that began in 1988? 

And e-book?! I'm not a fan of those. But I didn't realize they started that early. Just took them a while to gain popularity I suppose. I still prefer holding a book in my hands, flipping each page, and indulging my imagination with pictureless descriptions. Even the smell of a book can be alluring. I will happily spend time wandering through book stores - used ones, not so much new ones.  

The first place I heard the term killer app was in a song. Took me this long to realize just what it really meant!

And in case you missed it, Al Yankovic's favorite MC is M.C. Escher. My dad's favorite too. This guy was amazing with his art. Mathematically and artistically inclined. But that is just a side note. 

So humor me here. What word(s) came out the year you were born that you had no idea of? What word have you learned recently? Or what is your favorite word? I'd love to know. Who knows if I might learn a new one from you. Leave me a comment below!

Christmas Gifts for the Doll Lovers

I have been keeping really busy preparing for Christmas, while maintaining the day-to-day life. It hasn't been easy. And I've walked away from projects more than once.

Everything I have been putting together is while using what I have on hand. Though I'll be glad when I can take a trip to Hobby Lobby and the Dollar Tree again! My mom and little sister have been building a 1/6 scale mall. My mom found a Barbie house at a steal and has been giving it a renovation in her free time. But what to put in it? Each floor represents a different use. When she told me the plan and showed me her progress, I knew exactly what I was going to do for her! 

Mall needs! 

Malls have shops, no? So each store needs items for the customers. This is where I started making boxed products for the shelves. But let us not forget that when a customer makes a purchase, they need to be able to carry it out comfortably. So bags as well! 

 Some are simple Google finds. Or even through Pinterest. 

As I mentioned before, I have walked away from projects repeatedly. Fit them into brief moments of freedom. I feel like most of the time that has been after the kids went to bed. I would work while my husband gamed. 

Nightmare Before Christmas vibes

My little sister likes NBC. So I got the idea to paint these support pieces from a 3D print job and add other things that she could make her own diorama with.

I had a larger piece that came from a chair I printed. It was the perfect shape for Zero's doghouse. Then I printed pages for the floor and background that she can attach to the boards to make a mini 'room' with. I couldn't find the Jack, Sally and Zero figures I wanted in the right size. It is amazing how void stores were of characters that I had thought were a staple between Halloween and Christmas. Apparently not anymore! I also missed my chance to find her some mini pumpkins. But I had the thought that later on down the road, I will find them and send them. And she can create her own room!

Then there are my own doll creations...

But I was also distracted by my own doll decorating. My dolls are prepping their living room with all the fixings for a great (and nerdy) Christmas! 

These gift tags were at our local HEB in the Christmas decorating section. They are the perfect size for the dolls! The first one I did was in pastel colors as my daughter chose those. 

I'm working on a second one, but needed to find my tiny gears as it will be a steampunk version. Still feeling like I might be missing something else for it.

Then of course my husband gave me my gift early. A Legend of Zelda themed Christmas tree!! It even lights up!!! I LOVE this! 

Under the tree, we had to have gifts. Which meant that I needed to wrap small boxes. Mostly tiny boxes that held little things before, but are now the perfect size for the dolls to hold after wrapping them in scraps of paper.

Back to Christmas gifting!

See how easily distracted I can be?? I'd say it has been worth it. I can't wait to see the finished project that my mom and sister will have. And I wish I could see how much my little sister enjoys it. My daughters love when I make things. It makes their play time even more realistic! I plan to keep creating more things and send them as I'm able to. At least play time won't be on pause for now!

Every Day Can Be A Cosplay Day! Starting with Elves!

I love to dress up. Doesn't matter what I'm doing. If I'm going out, I like to do so in my own style. 

Why do I enjoy cosplay on regular days? 

Being close to the holidays, I wore a green blouse and black leggings with calf-length black boots. I did up my hair too. My son walked in and said, "Mom, you kinda look like Link!" If you don't know who that is, look up Legend of Zelda. So I decided to pull out my elf ears that my mom had sent me for my costuming collection. Totally worth it! We had to run to the post office. The worker was dead on her feet. Tired. Didn't want to deal with another person. And working completely on her own. You could see it in her eyes. She told one customer ahead of me that she hated Christmas by the time it rolled around because she saw nothing but boxes every day leading up to it! I felt her pain. When I took my turn walking up to her, she barely glanced at me as she asked the standard questions. Poor lady. Then she finally looks at me and shock lights up her face. She forgot what she was saying for a moment. Then she collected her wits and went back on. But she kept staring at me. Finally, she asked me, "I know this is rude, but I gotta know. Are those ears really yours?" I wish I could say yes! I turned my head and moved my hair aside to show her how they just slide over my ear. She started laughing and I told her I was a cosplayer that took pride in showing off these things. So ask away! Maybe I get a lot of funny looks. But if I can make one person smile, or at least have them break out of the monotony, then it is totally worth it! 

I wore that look again a couple weeks later, but with some slight changes. We were once again going to the post office on a weekend. This time, the lady was there, but so was the funny guy. He's the one who suggested the prank of asking a Walmart employee if the chicken legs were from the front or the back of the chicken. Apparently someone has done this and stumped a manager... Anyhow! He called, "Next." I stepped forward. And that's when he glanced up. He grabs the counter, bent over laughing. "Well, hello Mrs. Spock!" He tried to get the lady to look, but she was past the point of even faking a smile. Can't blame the poor woman. But I made one person smile! 

We also went to Walmart afterwards. So many people were staring. But one woman steps up and says, "I love your ears!" Person number two! My day was made.

So here are some of my every day cosplay looks. Feel inspired? Tell me about it! Better yet, message me! I love seeing others' styles. 

Link from Legend of Zelda or Lord of the Rings elf? 

This look can go either way. It just takes the switch in accessories. I usually prefer to wear my leggings. I find they are easier on my back than jeans are. The flexible material adjusts better than denim. So I wore black leggings. I also chose to wear the black boots. If I was going more Link, I'd wear my brown boots. My mom found 2 pairs a long while back. By Dream Pairs on Amazon. They have lasted about 2 years now, I think? Love them! Starting to wear the heels out, but excellent boots at affordable prices. 

For the top, I have this green shirt that I wear over a longer white tank top. I don't like wearing the leggings without my shirt covering my rear a bit. The green one is dark. From East 5th. I love hunter green. I've been looking for clothing with this and other colors to add variety to my wardrobe. But this green works great for the woodland creatures - elves - that I love so much! The sides have details to help show I do still have curves. Having gained as much weight as I have has been hard on me, mind-wise. I don't often feel as beautiful as I wish. It was cold, so I added the long great sweater. Grey is just another color that fits the themes. My daughter says that when the wind catches it, it looks like I have a cape on. 

That is the main part of the look. Just simple, yet effective. The true cosplay part comes from the accessories. If I want to go elf, I need my ears!

My mom had sent me a big bag with multiple types of elf ears that she got from Amazon. I like these, as they just hang onto the ear. No glues or other adhesives. However, some are too loose. And with my glasses, I do have to tuck the ears under the glasses over my own ears to stay on properly for longer periods of time. But they look good, no? 

Leather bracelets like this, or even bracers are a favorite of mine. I LOVE Wonder Woman. This was another gift from my mom that has been included in so many of my looks. 

I wear this Evenstar necklace when I want to be Arwen from Lord of the Rings. The day I dress like Link, I was wearing this necklace that I got from a friend who sold Paparazzi jewelry.

I would love to expand to somehow do a Tauriel version. It will take some thinking though. My mother recently sent me a long, dark green top that I might modify to look like this. 

  

So this is just one look I've created for my everyday cosplay! Two characters, in the Elven realm! I need to work on a couple more. Like the every day version of Harley Quinn I want to do based on a single necklace I got... Yes, sometimes my ideas stem from a single item! 

Not all my styles are based on a character though. Some are just things that I can feel good in. I haven't been able to accept my current size. I still can't see myself as beautiful, but I can look generally 'good' in my own eyes when I pair things up just right. Like this one for colder days.

                        I enjoyed this one as it also matched my Mini Me doll.

What do you think? What character would you create an every day cosplay for?

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!

6 Gift Ideas When Christmas Shopping for Nerds

There are so many types of suggestion lists for gift ideas. For Moms, Dads, Him, Her, Teachers - even for Pets! You know what I don't see enough of? Ideas for Nerds. And the best thing about us, is how easy we can be to gift. Check out some of the best things I have found recently. 

I start with two things we saw at Wal-Mart. Around this time of year is when they start putting out cool things that you have wished for, and you didn't even know it! 

Minecraft Throw 3-piece set: This is an awesome set for any age. Minecraft lovers can curl up on the couch with a small pillow and throw during those lazy winter days. The fold-able cube can be used to store them when not in use or used for something else entirely. Better yet, these are being sold for less than $20! 

Minecraft Builders & Biomes board game: This is awesome! As a family who loves both board games and Minecraft, this is the best of both worlds. I haven't tried it out (yet!), but hope to one day. According to their website it is $25. 

 

Fragrant Jewels bath bombs: I came across an Instagram ad for these and would really love to try them one day. These are more for the lady nerds out there. Maybe I'm alone in this category, but I LOVE surprises. Bath bombs, candles, mystery packs - just can't get enough. Probably the thrill that draws me in. The Dragon Egg bath bomb is what caught my eye. They even have the winter one that looks gorgeous and has white themed stones instead. But after looking a little deeper on their website, I saw several that were pretty cool - nerdy and otherwise! Plus, you can get 15% off with this code - MYGIFT15 at checkout. Or throw in your email address and try for free shipping! There is something fun about the element of surprise. You can get candles or bath bombs, each one comes with a hidden ring inside.

For the cool Moms - Jedi Mom shirts! Etsy is amazing. They have wonderful things you didn't know were possible. For the Star Wars fan moms out there, why not show them how the Force is with them or that they are the Jedi Mom.

Speaking of Etsy, I ordered my husbands amazing Christmas gift from there. I present to you the Portal Inspired bookends by DVAMakerStudios!

Now, let's talk about handmade gifts that are fairly simple. The first one just requires a laminator. Everything else is optional. 

I made each of my kiddos a bookmark a while back. They are super simple, super inexpensive, and bring a level of love that can only come from those who know others well. Stickers, printed designs, hand drawn art - your imagination is your only limit. Think of the bookworm you care about. Who are their heroes? Who do they love to read about? Start with that. Create the bookmark they won't ever want to part with. Then finish it by laminating it. My strongest suggestion would be to make it of cardstock, however. This way it will stay more rigid.

I really want to try this next one - A book clutch! Talk about the perfect night out accessory. I'm a huge fan of books. So having one as a purse, just seems natural.

Well, that is my list. What else can you think of? Any cool Star Trek ideas out there? Gamer themes that rock your nerdy world?

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!