RCubed

After a little over a week in San Diego for Comic-Con and a few extra days of decompressing, I'm in the process of putting together a post on my experience last week. It's definitely different compared to the previous year, but I'll explain more about that later. Can't believe I'm looking forward to working this weekend, but only because I gotta get the bank account up to par again before my next trip in September.

If there's one thing that adds to the geek aesthetic of Comic-Con, it's the cosplay. A combination of the words costume and play , these outfits are what you would see both in and outside of the Convention Center. These range anywhere from popular Television shows, to movie characters, to Japanese anime. The possibilities are endless when it comes to cosplay. I've also included photos of myself and other attendees who've decided to dress for the occasion. In 2010, I was Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII . Although a pretty simple costume, it was made out of faux leather material, which would easily get hot while walking outside. It wasn't one of the more familiar get ups. Unless you played any Final Fantasy game, you wouldn't really know who I was. Despite that, I did manage to get noticed a few times. Yuna (FFX), Tifa (FFVII), and Vanille (FFXIII) With the cutest Hit Girl at the convention I also dressed up as Lara Croft from Tomb Raider . ...

Part 3 of my weekly SDCC posts highlights a few of the events outside of the convention that I've attended. Several are held throughout the weekend in which either attendees of SDCC and/or those without badges can partake. They are also either free or paid. For a few consecutive years, I've gone to Nerd HQ , which has been held alongside SDCC with daily events and small celebrity panels. Actor Zachary Levi, founder of The Nerd Machine, formed a partnership with Break Media to bring Nerd HQ to SDCC since 2011. The locations for this off site have varied, bringing a different experience with each passing year. The panels, better known as Conversations for a Cause, have also varied. A few friends have attended the latter, which presents a more intimate setting since each conversation can only accommodate a small audience. The conversations are paid, with all proceeds going to Zach's preferred charity Operation Smile. All other events for the HQ are free. Nerd HQ dance part...

With a combination of 100 current and new shades with 6 finishes to choose from, Urban Decay's Vice lipstick was one of the most anticipated makeup releases for me this year. To be honest, it's been a long while since I've actually used lipstick from the tube since glosses, balms, and liquid lipsticks are what I regularly reach for. But I couldn't resist after looking through all, yes all , of the shades online. I had a small list made before the launch, and immediately jumped on UD's website once it went live. I purchased 3 shades with 3 different finishes. My order also came with a sample of their NAKED Skin foundation and face primer. I loved the packaging and UD stamped on each bullet I received. Here are the shades that I purchased: Conspiracy (Metallized) - Plum bronze shimmer Backtalk (Comfort Matte) - Mauve-nude pink Ravenswood (Cream) - Dusty rose with red undertone Top to bottom: Conspiracy, Backtalk, Ravensw...

The second of my weekend SDCC posts is about one thing that's sure to be seen at the convention aside from all aspects of geek culture, the celebrities! With panels and autograph sessions happening inside the Convention Center, there's bound to be a celeb sighting. You can even find them wandering outside as well. Some other places to catch them are at sponsored off site events and nearby hotels. Here are a few encounters that I had while attending the convention in 2010. While majority of people on the exhibit floor are either vendors or attendees, celebrities want in on a piece of the action too. There have been stories of a few wearing masks while blending in with the crowd so they won't get noticed, but a few actually prefer to go sans the disguise. You never know who could be around the same time you are. For instance, I happened to be just a few feet away from Tyrese as I was heading in the opposite direction. My phone camera was ready, so I snapped a quick photo. S...

I liked this box. It had 4 snack items and 1 candy item, plus a toy bonus. What's inside: Big Bar Z: White Choco - The shape of this wafer cookie looked like a churro and had a white chocolate filling inside. Not a big fan of the stuff (hey, it doesn't taste like chocolate!), but it was tasty. Calbee French salad potato chips - Modeled after the nicoise salad, the flavor was similar to that of salt and vinegar, but not overwhelming. I have yet to come across a Calbee chip that I don't like. Mochitto Minako Mochi - Kinako is a roasted soy flour, which is it what covers this slightly sweet mochi. So good! I wish the portion could have been bigger. Puku Puku Taichoco - The phrase pukupuku refers to the sound of fish gulping. This large wafer resembles the popular taiyaki, which is a fish-shaped dessert that often contains a red bean filling. This one however was filled with chocolate cream. Delish!  Sour cider gum - Back at it again with anot...

Today marks 1 month until I make my way down to San Diego for one of the most popular geek conventions of the year—Comic-Con. I'll be posting on my past experiences there in the weeks leading up to the event, along with what I plan to do this year. The first post in this short series is about my first time at SDCC. My first attendance at SDCC was in 2009. Back then a 4-day with Preview Night badge only cost $75. Crazy how things change, yeh? Being new to the event (and really not knowing any better), I went ahead and bought it. My friend who came down with me bought hers later and was only able to get Sunday. So unfortunately I only actually made it out to 2 out of those 5 days that I paid for. NBD. Obviously that wouldn't apply now since prices continue to increase with every year, meaning that you'd have to get your money's worth if you even had the slightest thought about going. My journey to the convention center on Saturday, now that I look back on it, was...