Geek Art Takes the Nerdom to Whole New Levels with BasToy Photo

You know how much I love my miniatures. How I love taking pictures of my dolls and minis anywhere and everywhere. I'm not alone in this endeavor. However, my photos can't hold a candle to a toy photographer that I have known for many years now. Alx Basurto (nope, didn't misspell his amazing name!), has been building quite the reputation for his toy photography skills.

He created BasToy Photo to capture toys in fun ways after starting his blog (which I also enjoyed reading). I've enjoyed following his Instagram account as his skills in art are truly envy-worthy. Some of the best have been of Dr. Who figures and Link from Legend of Zelda. Would you believe this photo is not artwork, but a toy that was creatively caught on camera?

But he doesn't stop there!

He is now launching a new product line that I, for one, am excited to see! I only recently learned about something called acrylic photos. And today, I'm also sharing that there are holographic photos. Alx has taken his pictures and made them available to purchase on his website. You can choose between the 3 options: acrylic, holographic, and regular prints. He shows them off in this latest video of his. 

One more thing...

Okay, you know I'm stickler about proper spelling. And even more so when it concerns my favorite characters. So just in case you are like me, I need to tell you that Alx is very much a cool nerd like us. He deliberately misspelled some of the names on the website due to copyright and trademark rules. I had to be reminded, as my indignation left my legal reasoning in the dust. I don't want any of you to fall into that and think this guy isn't on the up and up with geekery and nerdom! 

Prices start at $20. As he explained in his video, all types come in 2 sizes; 13x19 or 18x24. These are great sizes if you are a poster person like me. I have posters of all kinds about the house walls. Some are harder than others to get frames for. So I appreciate this sizing that he offers. The holographic is amazing! I think seeing it on the Joker was perfection. I asked him about hanging the acrylic though. See, I love to hang things up and show them off. Especially now that we are in our own home. With the acrylic, you just need command strips. Which we tend to keep on hand anyhow. You could frame them if you want. But as he mentioned, they come with that naturally 'wet' look as it is. So it is great bonus to me. However much I liked the Joker holographic, I'm getting one of the acrylics (for now). I have chosen the Mikasa print. She is a my all-time hero in the Attack on Titan series. But I think we might have to go back and get others later down the road... *hint hint* in case the husband is reading this.

How to Follow, Search for, or Contact BasToy

Alx has created many ways for you to follow him. He genuinely does want to hear from fans as well as prospective clients. So don't hesitate to reach out! He is up for commissions and for doing collaborative works.

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter 

YouTube

Website 

Shhh something special is happening!

I also want to let you in on a secret... ready for it? Here goes...

He's giving you, my readers, a discount! How does 10% off your order sound? So, here is what I need you to do. I need you to watch for another blog post that is coming up soon. I will be receiving and reviewing one of his amazing photos. I'll post all about it. And I need a favor. I need all your friends to read these posts. To like, share, and follow this guy. He has worked hard to make something unique and fun. I think it would be a shame for it to stay in the shadows, don't you? In exchange, here is the information you need for your amazing deal. 

The code is NERDUNI10. You get 10% off your purchase. It is good up until August 31st (so don't wait too long!). 

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Creativity Blooms With Cool Maker By Spin Master

Spin Master might as well be a household name for us. We love so many of their toys and games! I have posted previous reviews on some of them. But now we got some more of their Cool Maker line that was really awesome. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent these products in exchange for hosting a party and sharing my own personal review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Cool Maker aren't your typical girls toys. They are for creativity-boosting play. For learning and designing in fun ways. I was sent these two for a fun online party I did. My daughter demonstrated their uses for our guests while I explained the features. 

Stitching creations!

Style 'N Stitch Fashion Studio was definitely our favorite. My daughter has been learning to sew by hand, but some things are easier to do on a machine. Like her doll clothes creations. As her Mom, however, I worry about needles and fingers being in close proximity on my clumsy girl. With this device, that isn't an issue at all. The needle is safely hidden in the cartridge. There are so many features to love besides that though. There is the fact that it runs automatically. All my girl has to do is line the material up under the guide line and it starts to stitch.

The guide line shows her exactly where her sewing will be. There is a drawer for her to keep the needle threader, which just helps her to adjust the string if it comes out of place. In the drawer, there is also a stamper. With a touch of water, she can add decals to her creations that came with it. There are 2 clamps to hold the material in place for her and help her to maintain that straight stitch. Oh yes, there is a pre-printed cloth inside this kit of hers. It has patterns on it and instructions in the manual that allow her to make things like a hair tie, purse or plushie. I find this is a great addition to teach her about patterns and how they work. Almost forgot a couple more things. The machine has an on/off switch as well as a cutting switch to help if the thread catches. There is a pause switch in case she needs to turn the material and can't keep up while it is running. Should the material get stuck, which has happened, there is a knob on the side that allows her to release it manually. 

While there are a lot of good things about this device, we have noticed there are some cons. I would highly suggest reading the manual as thoroughly as you can. We have learned a lot through it. Like how to get material unstuck - something it has done several times. I'm still trying to understand the threading as it keeps stitching on one side only, meaning that once she stops, the seam just comes apart. On a normal machine, that happens because the bobbin isn't connecting or threaded correctly. I'm hoping we will figure it out though as she really wants to be able to use this machine to make more things. Even I want to use it! 

Braiding and Beading come next

That wasn't all they sent. We also received the KumiKreator Bead & Braider.

This one took a little more practice to get used to. If you don't follow the directions, you find it jams. And heaven forbid your 5 year old think it funny to grab it while the older sibling is trying to turn it... That was a tricky time that required my engineer husband to step in and save the day.

But if you do it right, and it isn't so hard to do that, you can create beautiful necklaces and bracelets.

The spools look like we can even refill them. It has beads you can add to make them more stylish. My older daughter loves it. As her Nana pointed out, they make great gifts she can give away for Christmas (something she loves doing). 

Where to find them

If you want to get your own (Christmas is only 145 days away, just so you know), you can find the KumiKreator at Walmart, Target, and Amazon. The Style 'N Stitch is available at Target. I've also seen other versions on Walmart and Amazon for the sewing machine. You can get more refills too. 

What did you think? Which one strikes your fancy more? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below!

Bath Time Fun!

Have you ever heard that throwing some glow sticks in the bath and letting the kids bathe in the dark could be fun? Well, I have. And we have tried it! My 5 year old thought it was awesome. But glow sticks are a one-time deal. Short-lived fun. I wanted to make it a little longer-lasting. And thanks to a company that had something fun to try out - we have a solution! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in exchange for a review. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.*

I was contacted about doing a review on some LED underwater lights! Of course I said yes. I mean, I knew we were moving, but let's face it - I can always make some time for fun! 

They are on Amazon. You can get free shipping on them if you have Prime or even if you buy other qualifying items that give the free shipping option. So that is my first bonus. I don't have Prime, but I like to wait and order multiple things at once for the free shipping. Only when I know there are things I need to get! 

Bonus number two - this thing works underwater! You can light up a pool, the tub, a sink! Whatever you want to add a small light to. It would work as a nightlight in the bathroom sink. My daughters like taking baths in the dark with it hanging in the tub. If we do ever get a pool, I'm setting up these lights for fun night swimming! 

Next good thing that I like about it is the remote option. With a click of the remote, I can easily switch between the options of how it lights up. 

Then there are the suction cups. They hold pretty well. Easily slide them into place. There was also a spare one in case I needed it. 

Lastly, is the charging function. I can plug it in for charging using the USB cord that came with it. So if I'm working, I can plug it in the laptop and have it ready when I'm taking my evening bath. Just don't forget to put the waterproof plug back in to keep the water out of the inner workings. 

And that is it! Awesome? Or not so much? Let me know in the comments below!

Israel Favorites: Where to Shop!

Every time we go on a trip, we are bound to buy something, yes? Going to Israel was no different. I went with certain items in mind, and I left with other things I hadn't even thought of! 

Shkalim Fashions: We were recommended this shop as some friends in our group, who have been going for many years, had high praise for Uri. This guy is amazing! He is friendly, loves to make friends with his customers and goes beyond your average service to make people happy. We bought a shirt and jacket for my husband, as well as a jacket for me. When I had begun the packing process and checked the weather in Israel, it was saying it would be around 60 degrees. I packed for cooler weather, but didn't think I'd need a heavy coat or more than my sweater. I was incredibly wrong! So getting an IDF fleece jacket from Uri's shop was tremendously helpful to me. I wore it every day for the rest of the trip. His shop was within walking distance of the Dan Boutique where we were staying, just down Ben-Yehuda Street in Jerusalem, Israel. If you take a trip to Israel, you MUST stop in and see him. He has a wide variety of clothing, not just your average tourist-type clothing. Each time we stopped in, people were coming and going, always with a smile. I've included a website link for his shop. There are many things missing from the online store that he had in the shop. From Harley Davidson shirts, to funny sayings. One that I hope to get next is the Sababa shirt. It was something that our tour guide, Shraga, kept saying. My husband has the IDF Softshell Jacket. I have the IDF Fleece Jacket. Amazingly good quality. My husband also got the Jerusalem Coordinates T-shirt from there. That one is super soft and comfortable.

The Garden Tomb: At the end of the trip, we made a stop here. Sobering, yet joyful at the same time. The shop here had so many amazing things. They sell more of these olive wood communion cups that we had gotten as a part of taking our communion in the garden and little carved pendants.

This is where I also found a cross for my mother. It was carved from olive wood and each end reminded me of the fleur-de-lis shape.

My husband purchased this model to set up in our home. I could have stayed and shopped more, but we were getting low on our spending money and had to get back on the road. This is another place that I highly recommend. Especially for gifts to take home to family and friends.

Genesis Land: We had a wonderful lunch here, after riding a camel. Once all that fun was over, we were allowed some time to shop. They have a beautiful little shop there that focuses on local artists and products. This is where I purchased some date honey. I had no idea it was such a thing! They also gave me a recipe to make the date honey chicken that we had had for lunch. It was delicious and I have since made some back home! My husband and I are planning to order more later on from them. As well as perhaps more za'atar spice. We LOVE using it in our cooking here!