Dungeons and Diamonds

D and D Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

As much as I try to deny my sweet tooth, I always get "the craving" (especially after dinner). And although I love fruit, these cravings are always epitomized by things like chocolate milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, and cake. All those things usually lead to a slippery, slippery slope, so unless it's a special occasion (mmmm, fresh anniversary cake!) I try to make healthier versions of the sweet treats that I love. Below is the recipe for the "Dungeons and Diamonds Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake.

1 Cup Almond Milk (I usually buy either plain or unsweetened vanilla)

1 Tbsp Natural Peanut Butter (more or less to taste)

1 1/2 Tsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (more or less to taste)

1 Banana

~ 7 Ice Cubes

Makes 2 servings

1. Blend the liquid and soft ingredients first

2. Add ice and blend until smooth

So simple, but so delicious! I love how it tastes like something way more calorie-laden and decadent than it actually is.

(via BleacherReport)

Do you have a "healthy-fied" dessert to share? Post a link in the comments section!

Possibilities

2012-01-03T05:09:00.000-08:00

(via Never Lose Hope)

Yet another year has passed me by, even though I feel like just yesterday I was writing my 2011 New Year's Post. In retrospect, 2011 was a huge year for personal growth. I think we are all subconsciously aware of the simple truths of life, but sometimes it takes someone else to re-state the obvious. This could be in the form of an inspiring book, a conversation with a friend, or listening to your inner voice (the one that separates itself from all of the "shoulds" and "can'ts" of the world.) All of these things have contributed to a renewed sense of purpose over the course of the past year. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up, but I DO know that I want to be happier and feel a sense of fulfillment about what I do. If 2011 has taught me anything, it's that I must make it happen! Thomas Edison said "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." I need to remember those words when it comes to this blog and all of the creative projects I have lined up. Be unstoppable.

(via Weheartit)

In an effort to make more sound resolutions for this year, I have tried to make them measurable and achievable.

1. I will post at LEAST one new blog a week. Some of you may say, "only one? Isn't that setting the bar a bit low?" With my work schedule (and inconsistent posting schedule) I think making this goal achievable is best. If I manage more, fantastic, but my goal for now (with my work schedule) is one. Hopefully I can bump it up to 2 or 3 once I establish the habit.

2. I will continue down the path towards financial freedom/success by sticking to the budget we have created, learning more about finance, and seeking the advice of a financial adviser.

3. I will work out 3x a week. As with #1, if I do more, great, but if I can stick to at least 3, I will be happy (I know, I know, this resolution is being made en masse, but its a big one for me!) I will achieve this by waking up a little earlier in the morning to get a workout in, and setting mini-goals for myself. (First goal is January 15, my anniversary! Second is February 14, Valentines Day!)

4. I will study for and take the GRE.

5. I will apply to grad school to start my MBA.

6. I will make it to at least two nerdy conventions.

7. I will discover what makes me happy and pursue it with vigor!!

This song brought me into the new year via her live performance.
HAPPY 2012!!

Question: What was your favorite moment of 2011?

D and D Holiday Gift Guide 2011- Stocking Stuffers

2011-12-09T04:18:00.000-08:00

(Via Country Living Magazine)

I present to you, the next D and D Holiday Collection- Stocking Stuffers! I don't know about you, but I love investigating my stocking on Christmas morning. (I'm doubly lucky because I have a stocking at my parent's house and at my own home.) Usually we save the stockings for last, which always gives me something to look forward to. Everything in this collection is $20 and under, and there should be a little something for everyone.

1. ThinkGeek, Han Solo in Carbonite Ice Cube Tray, $9.99

2. Fred Flare, "Tea Rex," Tea Infuser $14

3. Sephora, Chloe and Love, Chloe Miniature Duo, $12

4. Amazon.com, Envirosax Origami Shopper, $11.95

5. Lindt USA, A Touch of Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Bar, $3.50

6. Aamzon.com, Nite Ize, Meteor Light K-9 LED Dog Ball, $8.91

7. ModCloth, Hello Kitty Holiday Ornaments, $9.99

8. Barnes and Noble, Smencils Gourmet Scented Colored Pencils, $14.95

9. ModCloth, Fancy Fraiche Sink Side Tumbler, $8.99

10. Uncommon Goods, Whiskey Stones, $19.50

What is your favorite type of stocking stuffer gift?

DND Holiday Gift Guide 2011: Etsy Favorites

2011-12-07T20:19:00.000-08:00

(source)

When looking for that one of a kind gift, look no further than the handmade market-place Etsy. Etsy is a nerd's dream, and some of the most unique gifts I've gotten have been from its multitude of talented sellers.

Unfortunately, for those unfamiliar with Etsy, navigating it's pages can seem a bit overwhelming. So, I made it my mission to troll the farthest reaches of Etsy-space to bring you a curated collection of handmade gift ideas. There are options for guys, gals, pets, and nerds.

Winter Wishes

This is only a small showcase, so if you find any other talented artists, please share in the comments below!

Dear Santa...

2011-12-06T17:46:00.000-08:00

Winter will always have a special place in my heart. I am a HUGE fan of the holiday season, and like a moth to a flame, I am drawn to the shine, glitter, delicious hot beverages, and general goodwill. I also got engaged during winter, and there is just something about the quiet peacefulness of the crisp cold night when it finally does snow.

In addition to all of the "eat, drink, and be merry," 'tis also the season of giving. This post will be the first in a series of gift guides that just may help you find the perfect present. The following collection is from my own personal wish-list.

1. Amazon.com, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Season 1, $34

2. American Apparel, Medium Leather Carry-all clutch in Taupe, $50

3. Books, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern and 1Q84 by Harkuki Murakami both $16

4. Nordstroms, Tom's 'Classic' Glitter Slip On, $54

5. Fred Flare, Eskuche 33i Headphones, $70

6. Amazon.com, PS3 Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller in Candy Pink, $51

7. Shopbop.com, Gorjana Fairytale Small Earrings, $40

8. Nordstroms, Diptyque 'Baies' Scented Candle, $60

9. Urban Decay, 'Naked' Eye Palette, $48

10. Sephora, Tokidoki 'Pittura' Brush set 24 Karat Edition, $34

Question: What's on YOUR wish list this year?

Tough Mudder Recap

2011-12-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

Back in October, Chris and I completed one of the toughest events on the planet with a small group of friends and family. (see my original Tough Mudder post here) I can truly say it was one of the most painful, cold, tiring, AMAZING tests of willpower that I have ever gone through in my entire life. To be honest, I was not as prepared as I could have been, but I was ready to suffer the consequences. But then again, I'd be lying if I said you could ever really be prepared for an event like Tough Mudder. I finished though, and completed all of the obstacles which was my ultimate goal. It took me about a week to recover, including getting rid of a nasty cough, bruises, and a cold I picked up. No Regrets!!!

Pre-TM photo with Team ManBearPig

My T-Rex arms were no match for the "Funky Monkey (bars)" First dip of the day!

Berlin Walls: The camaraderie was awesome. Had no problem getting help to get up and over!

The hills, oh my Lord of the Rings, the HILLS! (I think I'm smiling from delirium!)

"TEAM LOG!!"

The net right after the "Chernobyl Jacuzzi"- Frozen from this point on.

"Tis merely a flesh wound"

The official Tough Mudder Wintergreen, VA video.

** All photos courtesy of our good friend Rhys F. who basically ran the whole course beside us giving encouragement and taking rad photo and video. Thanks again Rhys!

Here's to Tough Mudder 2012...

Question: Have you ever done an obstacle course or a non-traditional race? (I want to do the Run For Your Lives 5K next year.)

Beer Fest

2011-09-28T07:03:00.000-07:00

No, you have not died and gone to heaven...close though! If any of you readers live near, or have ever shopped a Wegmans grocery store, you know full well the awesome selection of beer that they have on hand. One of the features that I can hardly ever bear to pass up is the "Create Your Own Craft Pack." Essentially they have various individual bottles of beer (usually lots of really awesome seasonals) that you can mix and match to create your own six pack. With all of the awesome looking (lets be honest, I'm sometimes a sucker for packaging) seasonal beers, I knew I had to go with a fall/pumpkin theme. From left to right we have

Hex- Magic Hat Brewing Company

Saranac Pumpkin Ale- Matt Brewing Company

Shipyard Pumpkinhead Ale- Shipyard Brewing Company

Dundee Oktoberfest- Dundee Brewing Company

Shock Top Pumpkin Wheat- Shock Top Brewing Company

Woodchuck Hard Cider Fall Edition- Woodchuck Cidery

I've decided to go through each beer (not all at once!) and give you my review/opinion. Keep in mind, I'm not a "professional beer critic" (best job ever???) but hopefully I can give you a bit more than "Get in mah belly!"

First up is the Woodchuck Hard Cider: Fall Edition. As I mentioned in my Fall Favorites post, The Belly Dancing Gamer ordered this at dinner the other night and offered me a taste. I had gotten an Oktoberfest (can't remember which) and while that too was delicious, I wished we had time to stay for a second drink so I could get a cider of my own. This cider, like the normal edition, is very crisp. It reminded me of an apple pie with a hint of nutmeg and other spices. I definitely recommend it for the season!

Question: What is your favorite brew?

Fall Favorites

2011-09-27T04:33:00.000-07:00

With my mind on the upcoming chilly fall evenings (see: Home Sweet...Hogwarts) I couldn't help but think of all of the things on my wish-list for the upcoming autumn season. (Although here in VA, the weather has been flip flopping lately! One morning humid and 80, the next breezy and 50. I always bring a light jacket and scarf with me just in case.)

Fabulous Rain Boots- I have been lusting after a pair of glossy black Hunter rain boots for a while now. I'm just stalking a few websites to see if they go on sale. You can also find them here, here, and here.

Rich Plum Coat- I'm not going to lie...I saw this plum coat on Pinterest and was smitten. From Victoria's Secret.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts- Another Pinterest find. I am going to try the recipe this week (with pictures of course!) I would pair these with warm apple cider or some hot tea.

Woodchuck Hard Cider (Fall Edition- Limited Release)- Speaking of apple cider...The Belly Dancing Gamer ordered this the other night at dinner and offered me a taste. 2 words: APPLE PIE.

Vintage Dooney and Bourke Leather Bag- I'm not quite sure what peaked my interest, but I have been on a vintage D&B kick lately. I am tracking a few eBay auctions with the hope that I will find one in great condition.

Dramatic Winged Liner- Lately I have been loving a dramatic black winged liner. I am still working on perfecting the art, but if you want to see a real master, check out the lovely Keiko Lynn (pictured above) and her winged liner tutorial.

Friday Favorites

2011-09-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

(Via Pinterest)

Hello readers! Work has been quite busy lately, hence the lack of posts, but I'm back with some of my favorites from this week.

Beautiful nails like these, these and these. I've been sporting french nails lately, and I love it!

The Merlin series on BBC. A new take on the Arthurian legend. Not as visually appealing as Camelot, but its good fun! (Seasons 1-2 available streaming on Netflix!)

No heat curls. Love this for when I shower the night before. I can wake up, take out the headband and have awesome curls which last through a full work day. (That girl's accent is super cute!) It's nice to not cause as much heat damage to my hair. ( Bigger curls tutorial here.)

Pinterest, aka the biggest time-sink EVER. Follow my pin boards here.

I adore these denim trousers by EmersonMade. I want them in my fall wardrobe.

I need to make an appointment with my stylist to get red red red!

I saw a poem yesterday morning and it really struck me. "The Laughing Heart" by Charles Bukowski

Have a great weekend everyone!!

The Juice Must Flow

2011-09-14T03:02:00.000-07:00

(original here)

Streaming Netflix is absolutely amazing. Without it, I never would have seen a little documentary called “Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead” about an Australian man who embarks on a juicing journey to lose weight, get healthy and “reboot” his body. He juices for around 2 months, under a doctor’s supervision. If you’ll notice, not once did I use the word “fast.” In this instance, the subject of the film was getting his daily calorie and nutrient needs from the juice he replaced meals with. Juicing fresh fruits and vegetables is an awesome way to get your vitamins and minerals in a quick, easy, and tasty way. (I know there have been some days in the past where I have looked back on my meals for the day and not had ONE single colorful thing in my food. Behold, my beige shame) Keep in mind that you don’t want to deprive your body of the (healthy) calories it needs to function on a day to day basis, especially if you lead an active lifestyle. I have made fresh juice a handful of times now (my favorite is carrot, apple, ginger, spinach) and last week I had a juice every morning for breakfast.

Breakfast of Champions

Chris and I had some Crate and Barrel gift cards saved up, so we were able to purchase a Breville Compact Juice Extractor, exactly like the model below.(Retails for about $99.95)

I know there are probably less pricey juicers out there but the Breville gets stellar reviews in a cost/performance comparison.

Check out the documentary if you can, and then head on over to the Reboot your Life website for recipes and advice. If you have any questions about juicing, leave them in the comment section below.

Question: Have you ever made fresh fruit/veg juice and if so, leave your recipes in the comment section!

*** Disclaimer: I am NOT a registered dietician, nutritionist, or health expert. However, there are plenty of resources available online for you to assess your own nutritional needs.

To Mordor!!

2011-09-13T02:44:00.000-07:00

(source)

Okay, I just found the most awesome geek exercise challenge/experience that I think I’ve ever seen and I HAD to share it with you guys. I found it yesterday while I was perusing the MyFitnessPal community. For those of you who are unaware, MyFitnessPal is a website (and iPhone/Touch/Pad app.) with a nutrition tracker (calories and nutrients) and a forum where users can contribute recipes, post success stories, discuss fitness and nutrition, and provide support for those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. I happened to be scanning the Fitness and Exercise boards when I came across a post entitled “To Mordor!” (Obviously you can see how that would intrigue me!)The user stated that she would be “walking to Mordor” (based on accumulated mileage) and upon further research I realized that this was all part of something called the Eowyn Challenge. The Eowyn Challenge was started back in 2003 when a group of Tolkien fans calculated the mileage from different segments of the journey’s undertaken by the famous fantasy characters. They used official maps, milestones, and detailed charts to create the foundation of the challenge.

Let's just go ahead and get this out of the way.

(source)

I think this would be a SUPER fun thing to keep track of, as you can use mileage from walking, running, biking, hiking and swimming to make it to your Middle Earth destination. Once I get some updates to the blog (including tabs at the top!) I am going to have a section where you can see my progression. Apparently it is 1100 miles all the way to Mordor and 1560 if you go the way Frodo and Sam went. I think I am going to start from the beginning and log my progress to Rivendell, a mere 458 miles from Hobbiton.

If you want a more detailed explanation and access to the charts, check out the Eowyn Challenge Walk section.

Home Sweet...Hogwarts

2011-08-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

With summer coming to an end and fall creeping up on us, I can’t help but daydream about cozy nights in front of the fireplace, warm spiked cider, and cute coats and scarves. If any place evokes these types of feelings, it’s Hogwarts, the well known magic school from the Harry Potter book series. I’ve created a cozy Hogwarts living room, inspired by rich browns and reds, worn in leather, and fantastical tapestries.

(source)

1. Pottery Barn, Alexandra Persian Style rug, $229

2. Pottery Barn,Comfort Square 3-Piece Sectional with wedge, $2,999

3. Pottery Barn, Veranda Round Chandelier, $349

4. Amazon.com, "My Only Desire" art poster, $15

5. Pottery Barn, Chesterfield Leather Arm Chair, $1,599

6. Pottery Barn, Emmett Trunk coffee table, $599

Also check out this recipe for Butterbeer! (for a spiked version, add Butterscotch Schnapps)

A really cool, subtle Harry Potter print.

Question: What are you most looking forward to in the fall?

Baltimore Comic Con 2011

2011-08-24T17:49:00.000-07:00

We came, we saw, we squealed like giddy nerd girls! This past Saturday, Chris and I drove up to Baltimore with our good friends Marius and TheBellyDancingGamer (from here on out TBDG) to frolic about the Baltimore Inner Harbor Convention Center.

Phoenix and 3 Wolf Moon

This ain't no joke!

Too short for the camera.

Smile!

I am smiling.

My smile looks scary and forced here. But really, I was quite happy!

I wasn’t sure what to expect, this being my first Comic Con and all, but I had a great time! It wasn’t as big as some other cons I’ve been to (e.g.- Otakon and Katsucon) but for $20 I think it was worth it. There were lots of cool costumes (gave me lots of cool ideas for the next stop on the con tour) and a good sized dealer’s room with lots of great artists including Joel Watson (of Hijinks Ensue- As a side note, TBDG's "Buffy sketch" is on the front page!! ), Jo Chen (of Buffy, Serenity, Marvel and video game fame! Also I found out she’s local!), John Linsner (Dawn Creator) and various other famous and up-and coming talent.

Then, there was the cosplay...for better or for, errr...worse.

Captain AMURR-ICA!

Back from the future

Why was Scorpion all alone on that weird triangle? The world may never know.

Even Timmy had a costume! (Thanks Thinkgeek!)

Two Wolf Timmy Moon...I think my brain just exploded!!

Mortal Kosplay

Why so serious??

I purchased a really sweet DC Comics poster (for a great price) from Terry Huddleston (be on the lookout for a “Home Sweet” post based around this print!) and a Green Lantern Corps propaganda poster. All of the artists I spoke to or purchased something from were very gracious and down to earth, which made for a great experience.

The only real down-side to the BCC was the Costume Contest. It was slightly disorganized, and was running VERY late. We got through the kids (all I can say is BABY THOR!) and a handful of the adults before we had to head back downstairs before everything closed. I haven’t looked up the results of the contest yet, but I’m pretty sure the Epic Optimus Prime took something home.

If I could offer some advice to the planners, it would be to have more events other than just the Q&A/Info panels. I would pick a couple of rooms to constantly run some TV/Movie spinoffs (i.e.- Justice League, Batman Beyond, Smallville, Iron Man etc. ). I would also have more art panels, to include costume construction. They should hire me as their nerd event planner. Be on the lookout for more BCC2011 recaps from TheBellyDancingGamer . (She’s WAY better about taking pictures than I am!)

Are you Tough Enough?

2011-08-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

This October, I will be participating in what will most likely be the most challenging physical experience of my life (up to that point of course.) I mean, it really is billed as the “Toughest Event on the Planet.” The event is TOUGH MUDDER, an obstacle course originally designed by British Special Forces. This year, TOUGH MUDDER will be at Wintergreen Resort on 22 October, a mere 2 -3 hour drive from where I live.

(source)

Here is an interactive course map with all of the obstacles explained in detail.

Early on, a group of my friends and family decided to form a team and run the course together. There are seven of us, each, on some level, making a commitment to finish strong. Now I like working out, and try to exercise regularly, but if I want to be a “tough mudder” then I knew I had to kick up my workouts and healthy eating habits. (From Jabba to Jean Grey, if you will!) I have been doing a combination of outdoor trail runs, interval training, and strength training workouts to boost my overall fitness. I have been keeping track of my workouts and will occasionally post my “weekly re-caps” here on Dungeons and Diamonds. I am not a personal trainer, or a dietician, or any sort of fitness expert, by ANY means, but I will post the workouts, that have given me results and healthy eats that I enjoy.

There will, of course, be a recap of Tough Mudder afterwards including mud filled photos and video!

Question: Are you currently training for a race or some other sort of physical event?

Next on the Calendar...

2011-08-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

...BALTIMORE COMIC-CON!!! (August 20, 2011)

Although I really want to make it out to San-Diego and NYC for their c-cons, Baltimore is much closer. I won’t have time to construct a sweet super-hero costume, so I’ll have to settle for a cute nerd shirt and jeans.

Leave a comment below if you are also attending. I'll see you Saturday!!

Container Gardening for Noobs

2011-08-15T04:05:00.000-07:00

(source)

I am definitely a “noob” when it comes to gardening of any sort. But I told myself I was up for the challenge of putting together a small but fruitful container garden. The idea of having fresh, organic veggies and herbs to cook with was very appealing. I live in a small apartment with a decent sized balcony that receives the perfect amount of sunlight for such an undertaking.

Supplies:

Space- You don’t need a lot of space, just a spot where your plants will be able to get a healthy amount of sun.

Containers- I purchased plastic containers with removable trays from both Target and Home Depot. They were pretty inexpensive with the small ones being around $4 and the larger ones being around $6. They can be as fancy or as plain as you want, but if you live in an apartment like I do, I definitely recommend getting ones with trays (or purchasing them separately). You don’t want the people below you to get dripped on. Also, make sure you get containers big enough for the plants that will be living in them. I made the mistake of cramming 5 (!!!) bean seeds into one small container, and they didn’t grow as big as they should have and didn’t produce very much. (Whomp whomp! Lesson learned!)

Home Depot Planters

Target Planters

And just for fun- Solar Powered Plant Pot!

Seeds- I try to buy organic fruits and veg as much as possible (though they can be expensive) so I knew I wanted to go with organic seeds. I was also able to buy these at Target and Home Depot. With most veg seeds, you’ll want to start them indoors, until you get seedlings, and then transplant them into a bigger pot. I used something similar to these biodegradable pots to start my seeds.

Seeds of Change

Park Seed Company

High Mowing Organic Seeds

Potting Mix- As you can see in the picture above, I went with Miracle Grow "Organic Choice" potting mix. It's a little more expensive than the regular stuff, so if you want to be frugal, you can get a BIG bag of non-organic potting soil (or dirt, as I did) and mix this stuff in.

Stakes and ties- If you’re growing tomatoes, cucumbers, or any other “veg on a vine” you might want to consider staking and tying them (as you’ll see in the pictures below). I’ve read that certain vegetables have the tendency to rot if they are sitting on the ground. We used a simple, tall plastic stake and biodegradable ties, also purchased at Home Depot. (An alternative is to make or buy plant cages that work similarly to a trellis.)

Internets and/or Library- It’s a good idea to brush up on the care of certain fruits, veggies and flowers. For example, until I started doing a little research, I didn’t know that rosemary doesn’t require as much watering as most other herbs.

And now, without further ado, our modest container garden:

Sad bean plants

Mint, oregano, rosemary

(sadly not as lyrical as "parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme...")

Organic Puppy

First cherry and heirloom tomato harvest!

There has since been a TON more.

For container gardening advice from an expert, I highly suggest you visit Life on the Balcony- Container Gardening Tips for Apartment and Condo Dwellers

And to keep it nerdy, how ADORABLE are these Piranha Plant Earrings from etsy seller lizglizz ???!

Question: Do you attempted a container garden (or a regular one)? What were the results? Share any tips or tricks you have!

Jim Butcher: IRL

2011-08-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

This past Monday, I attended my first ever book signing for none other than Jim Butcher, author of the Dresden Files series. Butcher is on a signing tour to promote his newest book in the Dresden series, Ghost Story. [I’m actually only on book 6, so no spoilers please!] Joining me in this adventure were two other members of the NEC gaming crew, Sitara and Marius. The three of us suffered through our workdays in anticipation of the nerd fest that awaited us.

Beginning of the line

Around 5 PM, Barnes and Noble employees started handing out wristbands which noted a specific signing group. As Sitara said “We’re number two! We’re number two!” After our brief wait to get through the line, we decided a beer and some food were in order, and walked 10 feet away to the Gordon Biersch for some much needed fuel.

Dedication!

At 6:30 we headed to the second floor of B&N to mill about (in the SciFi/Fantasy section, which was TOTALLY unplanned) and wait for Jim to appear. The event consisted of an hour long Q&A session (Did you know Jim Butcher recently bought a LARP farm??) and a very well organized book signing. Butcher was very pleasant, down to earth, and definitely appreciative of his fans.

Storm Front Graphic Novel + Dresden-ettes + NEC Security

Through some strategic iPhone placement, I was able to capture the whole Q&A section. I've posted part one of the entire video and the other 4 parts are available to watch here on my YouTube Channel.

Jim Butcher 1 from Alexis B. on Vimeo.
Jim Butcher Q&A @ B&N Tysons Corner, Pt. 1

I had Jim sign the first volume of the Storm Front graphic novel, since Chris had already purchased a copy of Ghost Story on a business trip. Since the signing was pretty packed we kind of had to photo-bomb the pictures with Jim, but between the 3 of us, I think we made out pretty well.

Cheese!

Afterwards, we did a little happy nerd dance over to the B&N café for a drink and to geek out over our signed pieces of Dresden history. As a side note, I'd like to give a kudos to the Barnes and Noble staff at Tyson's Corner. They were pleasant, well organized, and from a participants point of view, the event went off without a hitch.

You can purchase your own copy of Ghost Story here and here.

Also, head over to The Belly Dancing Gamer to check out Sitara’s photos and write up of the event.

Question: Have you ever been to a book signing? What was your favourite?

A word of advice...

2011-07-05T04:23:00.000-07:00

(via Pinterest)

Take heed.

Fourth of July Bizness

2011-07-04T15:55:00.000-07:00

A Geek in Girl's clothing

2011-07-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

When I started this blog it was a chance to combine my various interests in one big, frothy space. Part of me also wanted to prove that YES, there are girls who like shopping AND Star Trek. First stop J.Crew, second stop Games Workshop! There is always some level of disbelief when I out-nerd nerds, (3 words: Magic: The Gathering) in my 3 inch heels. Perhaps, on some unconscious level, I flock to those who are like me, but I feel like there are a lot more of us out there than people might realize.Most of my close girl friends are gorgeous, smart, funny and nerdy on some level.

I feel like there is definitely a resurgence of women/girls claiming their spot in the geek world, and doing it in style. Below I've gathered together some serious girl power. Check it!

Here is an AMAZING article on the most recent Miss USA and geek credibility. (Also, check out the rest of her blog, Has Boobs, Reads Comics)

Ashley Eckstein, of Star Wars: The Clone Wars fame, has not only made a name for herself voicing Ahsoka Tano, but has also established a Star Wars clothing and accessory line made specifically for fangirls. In her blog, Ashley also encourages girls to embrace what they love, even in a traditionally male dominated genre.

The Frag Dolls area team of professional female gamers who work for French design company Ubisoft to advocate for females in the industry. Not only are they seriously hardcore and competitive, they are all adorable! Check out their website for more about their individual backgrounds, and videos of them crushing their opponents.

And for the lulz:

Question: Do you tend to make assumptions (for better or for worse) about people's "geek cred" when it comes to their appearance?

Honeymoon(ey) Pt. 2

2011-06-12T19:12:00.000-07:00

Honeymoon(ey) Pt. 1

2011-06-06T19:57:00.000-07:00

A little less than six months ago I went on a fabulous honeymoon to Costa Rica, planned by my amazing husband. He tried to keep it a surprise, but failed miserably. He also knows what my tastes are and upgraded us to the "Royal Package" complete with our own personal 24 hr on-call concierge! I had an absolutely fabulous time and would go back in a heartbeat. (Especially since I was under the weather until Tuesday.

We stayed for 7 days at the Paradisus Playa Conchal (which is, upon searching for the link, now the Westin Playa Conchal) in Guanacaste,Costa Rica. We stayed in the Royal Service section which is adults only, with a private bar, pool, and restaurant. While we had access to the rest of the (huge) resort, it was nice to walk downstairs to peace and quiet. The service was top notch and left you wanting for nothing. If I could make one recommendation, it would be to do more out of resort activities. We did a few, but there were so many parts of Costa Rica to explore. Also, make sure you pack your sunscreen. They have plenty of on-resort shopping, but a can of Banana Boat sunscreen spray was almost $20!!! )

The amazing view on our top-floor suite balcony.

The shallow end of the private pool.

Swim-up bar (and a speedo.)

We were upgraded even more when we arrived. (Thanks travel agent!) This balcony spanned the entire length of the suite. This is one side...

...And a stone hot tub on the other!

Inside the suite (comfortable sitting area)

One of two bathrooms.

Tub and sinks.

Some amazing views.

This post will also be a two-parter. Stay tuned!

What is the most exotic place you've ever traveled to?

The Hobby Pt. 1

2011-06-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

So, back in this entry I described the current Warhammer campaign that my good friend Marius has been running. Since I FINALLY got around to getting a new camera charger, I have a plethora of photos that I've been waiting to share. Here are some of the accumulated battle shots. There are a lot so I will post them in batches in separate posts. Enjoy, fellow nerds!

LLRB

2011-05-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ladies Love Roth Brewery!

What do you get when you combine some NC State alumni, hard core beer connoisseurs, and the blessings of Odin?

That's right: bad-ass beer.

(source)

This past Saturday, I took a road-trip down to Raleigh, NC to attend the wedding of a high-school friend of mine. Since we were "in the neighborhood," we figured we'd stop by a micro-brewery that is owned and operated by a crazy group of Vikings that we call friends.

Raleigh Red: Goes down easy!

Getting an (un)official tour.

We took a moment to celebrate Amurr-ica: Where people have the right to bear arms and EAT BEIGE.

"Who's drinking Foehammer?" (Not Chris and Matt!)

OoO: What is best in life??

2 old friends and a free-style rapper

We had to wake up and head back home EARLY the next morning, to celebrate Mother's Day with our families. But we had one more beige meal in store for us. That's right, disgusting biscuits from...

Which we all agreed was nasty about two hours later. Funny how no one complained while they were eating.

So if you are ever in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area, don't forget to check out Roth Brewery!

You can also order sweet swag on their website. (I'm sure I'll be sporting my new t-shirt in a future post.)

What's your favorite beer? (I love recommendations!)

DC 48 Hour Film Fest

2011-05-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Demille"

A few weekends ago, I was given the opportunity to be a part of a group that was producing a short for the Washington, D.C. 48-Hour Film Festiva l. Even though I don't get to act very often anymore, it is still one of my favorite things to do. I had a blast hanging out with the "2-Late" crew.

My co-star, the "Indestructible Man"

Superheros have chores.

General Patton doing what he does best.

I'm not sure why people are smiling. Its not like we were having FUN or anything.

photo by: Eric Santiago

The Final Cut:

Super Depressed from Pablo Sanfrancisco on Vimeo.

Have you ever done work for TV/Film? I want to hear about it!!!

Channelling Cheetara

2011-04-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, so technically this is a leopard print. But I liked the alliteration.

This is a new nail product I kept seeing in all of the fashion magazines, and I thought I'd give it a go. Check out Sally Hansen's "Nail Effects."

(source)

Essentially, they are printed strips made from real nail polish that you apply to your nails. The kit comes with 16 strips, a cuticle pusher stick, and a mini file, to file off the excess material. It's supposed to last for about 10 days (or until you get tired of the pattern.) They are normally $10 at your local drugstore/Ulta, but I happened to find them for $5 at Wegmans of all places. (Cheaper than a manicure..Score!)

I tried Kitty, Kitty.

Verdict: I LOVE THESE!!! Once I figured out the best technique for application, these were no problem at all. A few people have commented that they look professionally painted on. These photos were taken 2 days in and no chipping or cracking thus far. I would definitely recommend these, especially if you can find them on sale.

ABC's of D&D

2011-04-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

This poll has been going around the blog community, so I thought it might be fun to do. Here is a peek into the woman behind D&D.

ABC’s of Me

A. Age: 28

B. Bed size: King. Can't settle for anything less now!

C. Chore you hate: Actually, I LIKE cleaning. I'm a super-Virgo when it comes to chores/organizing things. If I had to choose though, I would say dishes.

D. Dogs: 1 border collie/husky mix named Ripley.

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee. It's almost timed to switch to iced.

F. Favorite color: Blue

G. Gold or silver: Sliver

H. Height: 5’5

I. Instruments you play: French Horn and Trumpet

J. Job title: Unfortunately, I have to stay generic with this and say "Contractor." I actually just got a new position in my company, and I will say that I get to use my love of gaming. Super excited.

K. Kids: Not for me. I'm selfish, and don't want to give up sleeping in, going out, traveling without hassle, and I could not handle cleaning up after babies' bodily functions.

L. Live: DC/Metro Area

M. Mom’s name: Michelle

N. Nicknames: Lex, Luthor, The Enforcer, Mad Dog

O. Overnight hospital stays: A few, but only because I got taken to the emergency room around 10/11 PM.

P. Pet peeve: Unwarranted rudeness.

Q. Quote from a movie: "As you wish."

(source)

R. Right or left handed: Right.

S. Siblings: One younger sister.

T. Time you wake up: During the work week it's usually around 7 AM. (That's all about to change though, when I switch to AM workouts.) Weekends, usually around 10.

U. Underwear: Worn daily.

V. Vegetables you dislike: Okra, brussel sprouts.

W. What makes you run late: UGH, everything. Making my lunch for the day, blow drying my hair, hitting the snooze button on my phone too many times.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: One when I broke my leg when I was super young, and one a few years ago when I dislocated my kneecap. My knee was still on the side of my leg, so I pretty much passed out when the put the x ray tablet under my leg.

Y. Yummy food you make: From-scratch maple almond butter. Om nom nom.

Z. Zoo – favorite animal: I haven't been to the zoo in forever. I'm not sure how I feel about exotic wild animals being kept in concrete slabs anymore.

Visual Basic

2011-04-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

The following videos have been entertaining me over the last couple of days.

Epic Rap Battles of History: Abe Lincoln vs. Chuck Norris

ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining (I was talking to my sister, and I think we've been waiting for this for over 10 years. Srsly!)

A Game of Thrones premieres on HBO next Sunday (17 Apr 2011). Here is the first 15 minutes of the first episode.

Game of Thrones Exclusive Preview

I can't resist posting this. "Pony Effect 2". (Not going to lie, I still have ALL of my old ponies in a box somewhere. Also, look at "Battlepony Galactica")

Love this Comcast commercial. "I am Epic Win" (Tiny Giraffe!)

In other news, I officially, officially start my new job (same company) next week and I am STOKED. Already moved offices, so I just have to get through this final project with my old position this week.

Any other fun videos going around that I may have missed? Post them in the comments!

Home Sweet...Hoth

2011-04-11T04:23:00.000-07:00

Sure, Hoth is a frozen, desolate wasteland. However, as I've attempted to show you in my "Pick a Palette" series, inspiration for art, design, and fashion can be found anywhere! I haven't decided if "Home Sweet..." is going to become a regular occurrence on D&D but I thought I'd give you a glimpse of the idea behind it with "Home Sweet...Hoth."

(source)

1. Crate and Barrel/Z Gallerie, Nolan Orange Pillow, African Ikat Pillow, Stefan Pillow (here, here, and here) $30, $50, $50

2. IKEA, Ludde sheepskin rug, (here) $40

3. IKEA, Barometer floor lamp, (here) $60

4. Crate and Barrel, Domino 3 piece sectional, (here) $3,999

5. CB2, Element coffee table, (here) $399

6. Star Wars galaxy map, (here)

7. CB2, Orbit arm chair, (here) $119

Just for fun, check out ThinkGeek's Tauntaun Sleeping Bag. Perfect for those long winter nights.

What other places would you like to see covered if I were to make this a series?

Approach With Caution

2011-03-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

There is power in the Three Wolf Moon. But please, don't take my word for it......read here.

True Love

2011-03-01T20:29:00.000-08:00

**Also, a big shout out to Mike B. for my new banner! I think it is pretty much amazing, and I definitely appreciate all the time and effort it took to do something like that! I kept making changes and seeing as how I'm still at the mercy of Blogger, he was definitely more than patient. Mike doesn't have an online portfolio yet, but I'm expecting to see lots more of his work in the future.

"I don't think I'm ready for the JLA yet."

2011-02-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

Junior Lifeguard Association that is.

(source)

Yes, we finally have our little paws on Smallville Season 5.

After getting back into the series that last couple of nights, I have a few thoughts:

1. After Smallville, BSG, X-Files, etc, I can now recognize Vancouver, B.C. in any show.

2. At first I thought to myself "No way will (this) Lois Lane work with Clark. Lana Lang and Clark were meant for each other." This is strange because normally I always go for the love/hate relationships. But Lois was the interloper! (Even if she is more my kind of girl than Lana.) However, I have been assured that Lana gets more annoying, and that I will love the Smallville Lois and Clark in due time.

(source)

3. I like that the show doesn't take itself too seriously. We're all familiar with the characters and we already know most of what lies in Clark's future. I happen to like the inside jokes, the overt references, and yes, all of the red, blue, and Superman symbols that permeate the series.

I've also started watching Stargate: Universe, which has been a nice little diversion, although the jury is still out on whether this show will leave a lasting impression. I did a little research and found out that SyFy is not renewing it for a 3rd season.Chris thinks its almost a direct rip-off of Battlestar Galactica. I think it might just be the camera angles and music.

(source)

What was the last series that contributed to your lack of sleep? (I call it the "Just one more episode" syndrome.) For me, it was Buffy, then Angel. There was a period of time several years back where I was getting around 3 hours of sleep a night because I "couldn't leave one more episode on the disc!

Pick a Palette: The Dresden Files

2011-02-26T08:58:00.000-08:00

The last few posts in the "Pick a Palette" series have been based off of people. I decided to go a different route this time and do a palette based on my new favorite book series.

(source)

Although the first book in the Dresden Files series (by Jim Butcher) was published back in 2000, I just finished the audio-book* version about a week ago. I have to commute to a different work location than my main office sometimes, and it is somewhat of a long drive. Listening to an audio-book definitely makes the time fly and doesn't make me as bitter after sitting in the car for over an hour. After Storm Front was over, Chris downloaded Fool Moon (book two) onto my iPhone and I can't help but listen to a few chapters anytime I have a few free minutes.

This palette is re-imagining of Dresden, as female, and (slightly) more stylish. Except for the blasting rod and staff, I think I managed to capture all of the "Harry" elements.**

1. Commando, Clear Anodized Handle with Standard School Chalk (for drawing circles), (here) $5.95

2. J Crew, Laramie tote (for carrying spell components and power items), (here) $279.99

3. Steve Madden, Pasport Boots, (here) $130.00

4. House of Harlow, Black leather garter bracelet (shield bracelet), (here) $100.00

5. Spiegel, Cascade Duster, (here) $129.00

6. Dragonweave Jewelry, Pentagram of Brisingamen pewter necklace, (here) $29.00

7. Volkswagon, New Beetle, available at your local VW dealership, starting at around $18,000

8. Old Navy, Lightweight roll-up shirt, (here) $29.50

9. Old Navy, The Diva skinny jeans, (here) $29.50

Map of Chicago Illinois (here)

Dresden Files novels available on Amazon.com

* As a note, the audiobooks are read by none other than James Marsters, of Buffy and Smallville fame. I definitely hear Spike every once in a while, even without the fake British accent.

** I originally had included a silver glittery skull for a Bob-type spirit but thought it would be a bit much.

Have you read any of the Dresden Files? What other books are you caught up in now? (I love recommendations!)

Just Married!

2011-02-23T05:41:00.000-08:00

Well, not really"just." More like "A little over a month ago Married!" But you get the idea.

( C/o Bridesmaid Erin )**

More photos and a honeymoon post coming soon.

** Mad props to those of you who recognize the amazing artwork by Marius. So appropriate.

2011: Year of the Rabbit

2011-01-01T11:40:00.000-08:00

(source)

In the words of Britney.."It's been a while, I know I shouldn't have kept you waiting, but I'm here now." (Break the Ice, if you were wondering.)

Well here we are. New year. New post. New banner soon. I feel like 2011 is the year of NEW.

Although I came up with some resolutions (I love them) I also took a cue from Felicia Day and reflected back on four things I've learned from 2010. In no particular order...

1. You can't please all people all the time

I will be the first one to admit, that I tend towards being a "people pleaser." As much as I love kicking butt in martial arts and on the warhammer playing field, I usually try to avoid conflict with my friends, family, and co-workers. Now, there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to keep the peace, or choose your battles, but you have to be careful that you don't lose YOURSELF in it. I didn't realize until the end of 2010 that I had been trying so hard to make everyone else happy, that I wasn't getting what I wanted or needed.

2. Prioritize

2010 kept me analyzing my priorities constantly. Priorities are different for everyone, but mine include Chris, my friends, my family, my dog, work, fitness, and personal growth. The past several months I have found that that it is easy to make up excuses about dropping priorities,and even easier make promises to yourself that you end up breaking. I have had to take a cold hard look at my priorities and try to arrange them in a way that works for me.

3. There will always be someone more/ (insert descriptive word here)-er than you. Love yourself!

Thinner, richer, prettier, more athletic, healthier, taller, more creative....the list goes on. We are all works in progress, and sure, there is always room for improvement. Looking back on 2010, I feel like there were so many times that I compared myself to others. "I'm not as thin or fit as she is..." "I don't dress as well as she does..." "I don't make as much money as he does..." I'm sure poor Chris bore the brunt of this (especially around that certain delightful time of the month.) I was also surprised that the many people I envied had problems of their own, or had worked extra hard to achieve the things they had. I have definitely learned that I need to start taking my own advice and LOVE MYSELF for the awesome things I have to offer this world.

(source)

4. Make reasonable goals

Ugh, this was a tough lesson to learn. I want to do it all! Learn chinese, work out 6 days a week, eat organic and fresh at every meal. It's not that these things are unattainable, but when you set unreasonable deadlines for yourself, these goals just become a series of disappointments. I did not achieve all of the things I had set out to do in 2010, but in retrospect, I did not set up reasonable goals. For example if I say "I will go to the gym 3 times a week," I feel pretty confident that this is something I can accomplish. If I end up going more, HURRAY, that would be amazing. It's definitely better than saying "I'll go 6 times," and only making 3. Always set yourself up for success. And always be aware of your current limitations. I am getting married in 2 weeks, (AHHHHH!) so I know I can cut myself some slack. Hopefully I can take what I've learned and apply it in the coming year.

In 2010 I:

moved in with my fiance Chris* got a puppy* visited my friend Marie in Chicago* visited Chris' older brother in Texas* started planning my wedding*

went to VA beach for my good friend's baby shower

(Pretty low-key, but money and time were wrapped up with work and a wedding.)

In 2011 I will:

get married!* go on a honeymoon to Costa Rica for a week* gamble in Las Vegas* take up fencing again* continue horse-back riding* try hip-hop dancing* be more responsible with my money* finish painting my Santa Ogre Warhammer Fantasy Army* dress up more* be more cognizant of where my food comes from* spend time with my family and friends* discover new work opportunities* hit the con scene*

not take "20 minutes per round"* kick ass and take names

(source)

Here is more information on 2011, year of the rabbit.

Readers, what was your favorite moment of 2010?

Cure for the Sunday Blues

2010-11-21T19:26:00.000-08:00

(source)

The Sunday Blues. For me, its an inevitable part of the week's end. As soon as 6 o'clock hits, I start getting anxious about the following work week. Time to clean, time to do laundry, time to make dinner, figure out what I'm going to wear tomorrow, take the dog out and forget to take the 30 minutes of relaxing "me time" I had promised to myself earlier in the morning. If you're like me, and suffer from "The Sunday Blues," you could probably use a little something to lighten the mood. Here are a few things that are making me happy right now.

Watch the Aurora Borealis Live (Through the Canadian Space Agency!)

Artist Re-Interprets Harry Potter into a Space Opera (Also check out Her Disney Gallery!)

Burst of Beaden- Artist Jon Klassen's site

ban.do's shoe clips and hair accessories

Star Trek Bottle Opener (gifted by the lovely Sitara)

Dance Party For One! (Kaskade Ft. Dragonette: Fire in Your New Shoes)

Dreamy (Florence and the Machine- Cosmic Love)

Ripley, my rescue dog!! (gratuitous puppy photo)

I found her through Petfinder.com. Please consider a rescue if you're looking for a pet.

Virginia Fall Foliage

(source)

Do you have a cure for the Sunday Blues?

Breakfast of Champions

2010-10-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

Notice the USDA certified organic label at the bottom.

And to answer your question, YES, it was frakkin' delicious.

"Can you even match my keyboard to my dress?"

2010-10-08T04:38:00.000-07:00

Remember this post? Well, a while back I was actually gifted this keyboard by some very generous friends of ours. (Thanks Liz!) Well, I finally got around to hooking up to my keyboard and it makes me so happy. I feel like I need a new, white monitor to match. This thing really is amazing.

So pretty!

Deceptively plain!

Keyboard in action. This is "Rainbow Mode." I currently have it on "spark mode" which means the keys only light up when I press them. It reminds me of a thunderstorm on the white base.

And here is a random Ripley photo just because:

What is your favourite"tech-cessory?"

Boozy Cupcakes

2010-10-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

Although Chris is the chef in this relationship, sometimes I come across recipes that sound far too delectable not to try. (Especially one that involves 3 different types of alcohol.) In this case, my BFF Stephanie mentioned these treats in passing and I had to give them a go.

These beauties combine two of my favourite earthly things: chocolate and beer. They are the brilliant brainchild of Deb over at Smitten Kitchen.

Chocolate Stout and Whiskey Cupcakes

Guiness and butter: The start of a beautiful friendship.

This must be how Paula Deen enjoys her beer.

Somehow, a giant knife slipped into the picture again.

Chocolate, beer, butter, flour sugar. I should have just grabbed a spoon.

I've got a golden tiiiiicket! Also, a bar of chocolate.

Fresh out of the oven!

Holes for the whiskey chocolate ganache filling.

You know you wanna.

Bailey's Irish Cream frosting. (Chris said it looked like larva. YUM!)

**Check out smittenkitchen for more amazing recipes!

Do you like to bake or cook? What is your favourite recipe?

Saturday

2010-09-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Most of my Saturdays are spent indulging my love of sleeping in. There's just something about waking up from the week prior and snuggling back down into the down comforter, just because I can.

Typical Saturday A.M.

(Thanks Chris, for catching me in all my glory!!)

Then there's the food. I'm usually luck enough to wake up to coffee and some sort of delicious breakfast being made. (My fiance has set the bar pretty high for himself.)

(Toasted English muffin and fritatta, with OJ and coffee on the side)

Eventually I get some inspiration to be productive (which usually just involves making lists and then getting distracted by some trashy reality show like Jerseylicious or Bridezillas.) By that point, Chris has given in to the adorable fuzzy face of Ripley (who is "not allowed on the couch") and the two of them begin the arduous task of watching food network re-runs.

(from these pictures, you would never think my dog to be a little on the rambunctious side)

Pay no attention to the stark white walls. We've only lived here for 10 months.

What is your favourite Saturday morning ritual?

Blog Lovin'

2010-09-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

If you check out the right hand side of my blog you’ll notice a list of blogs and some informational websites that I usually check on a daily basis. Besides the major news websites, these are some of the tools I use to keep updated with the latest in style, science, home improvement and, of course, geekery. Here is a low-down on my ever-expanding list of faves:

(source)

100 Layer Cake- A wedding blog with beautiful photography, and lots of inspiration.

A La Mode- A style/fashion/beauty blog managed by the lovely Tara with info on trends (good and bad) and deals for those of us on a budget. LOVE the Target picks and spotlights.

Apartment Therapy- A design blog with sub-sites for tech, kids, green living, and recipes. Its where I go to daydream about living in more than a 2 bedroom apartment with white walls.

Carrots 'N Cake- A healthy living blog by Tina, who tries to showcase her efforts to eat healthy, but everything in moderation.

Drawsgood Illustration and Design Blog- The artwork of Michael B. Myers, Jr. Lots of amazing traditional line art as well as digital media. Not updated very often, but lots of older stuff to keep you occupied.

Fabulously Broke...In the city- "I am a 20-something year old who got out of $60,000 of debt in 18 months, earning $65,000 (gross) a year." That pretty much got me hooked. I will be the first one to admit that I have Dom Perignon tastes on a PBR budget. Lots of good advice about living within your means, and cutting out all the extraneous stuff in life.

Felicia Day- Official website and blog, of the famous red-headed gamer girl, and creator of web-series "The Guild."

Further Dispatches- The continuation of LOST star Jorge Garcia's blog. Lots of "LOL's" to be had here.

Healthy Tipping Point- Another healthy living blog by Caitlin. She too, strives for balance between getting lots of exercise, eating to fuel the body, and drinking delicious beer!

Her Universe- Website and blog of Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Created her own line of Star Wars memorabilia especially made for women.

io9- THE website for all geek news. Check out the latest trailer for the new HBO mini-series, "The Game of Thrones" based on the books by George R.R. Martin.

LettisLove- Blog by one of my best friends, Erin, chronicling her adventures as a new mom.

Loremaster- My friend Matt has made this the place for all things D&D (the real one, hehe) and RPG. He free-lances for Wizards of the Coast, so there is a lot of original content.

Neil Gaiman's Journal- Written by one of my favourite author's. I just recently found out that he writes for the new Dr. Who!

Once Wed- Lots of DIY style, for brides on a budget. Love the photography and easily accessible design ideas.

The Chloe Conspiracy- Style blog by Chloe who manages to always look amazing while mixing Forever 21 with Miu Miu. I always visit this site first thing in the morning to find out the newest online deals of the day for my favourite e-tailers.

The Bellydancing Gamer- Run by the beautiful "Sitara", another good friend of mine. She does it all. Science, gaming, shopping, fashion and of course, dancing!

Dr. Michio Kaku- I read "About Time", and "The Physics of Star Trek" way back in the day. His website features all of the awesome "what-ifs" of science, explained for the layman to understand.

Young House Love- Home improvement website by a young couple from Richmond, VA. They have literally renovated every sq. ft. of their one story brick home and it is now gracing the pages of design magazines and blogs everywhere! Lots of tutorials that I can't wait to test out once we have a house.

If there are any blogs, websites, collections of madness out there that you think I might enjoy please leave a link in the comment section. I love new material!

"Maww-iage...is what bwings us together...today"

2010-09-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

As some of you may or may not know, I am getting married in 4 months. Since I might post a few wedding related topics between now and then, I thought I’d give you a glimpse into my wedding vision.

I definitely think tradition has its place, but with our eclectic tastes, I wanted as many personal touches that I could get, without breaking the bank, or missing the mark on a cohesive theme.

Now, you can go ahead and put this:

(source)

And this:

(source)

right out of your minds. (Although to be honest, I have threatened my fiancé with the storm trooper bridal party idea more than once.)

Chris and I are getting married in January, and the first thing I thought of, when picturing a winter wonderland, was The Chronicles of Narnia. Now before you start envisioning talking lions and centaurs, I was thinking more about the environment and the mood of the film. My vision consists of a subtle winter wedding that’s more about evergreens, candlelight, and stars, than the usual snowflakes and holly berries.

Here is a “mood board,” where I’ve collected a few images that have been inspiring me throughout the planning process.

I would also love to include some of my favorite instrumental pieces from The Lord of The Rings and Braveheart to name a few. We are having our ceremony in a Catholic church, so first I’ll have to check the rules regarding secular music being played. In my wildest dreams, there would be a string quartet playing during the ceremony and cocktail hour, but I’m just not sure if it’s in the budget yet.

So everything is coming together, slowly but surely. I make sure to watch "Bridezillas" every Sunday morning to keep myself in check.

Tell me about the most fun wedding you ever attended, and why it was so.

(Also, please look for a Dungeons and Diamonds face-lift coming in the near future!)

M.A.C. Wonder Woman Collection

2010-09-10T05:03:00.000-07:00

MAC cosmetics recently announced they are teaming with DC Comics to create a limited edition line inspired by Wonder Woman. This is so very “dungeons and diamonds” that I might just have to take a trip to my local MAC counter to investigate when the products are released.

(source) (source)

"MAC Cosmetics said Wednesday that the company is partnering with DC Comics’ Wonder Woman to create a limited edition color cosmetics collection featuring the illustrated superhero. Set for a spring 2011 launch at all MAC locations worldwide, the lineup is expected to include lipsticks, eye shadows, blush and nail polish ranging in price from $13 to $49.50. (No word on whether metal-deflecting bracelets are part of the collection.)" - WWD

In addition, DC Comics also unveiled Wonder Woman’s new look, to go along with an alternative history that's been written for a particular story arc. Black leggings, a red bustier, and black leather jacket replace the old red leotard, hotpants and knee boots. I think the new look would allow her to blend a bit better with the mere mortals. Although, with the few comics I have read, that doesn't seem to be one of her main concerns.

(source)

Look for Wonder Woman’s new gear and background to be introduced in Issue #600.

What do you think? Is this a change for the better, or worse?

RIPLEY _ _ _ has joined your party!

2010-06-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

So last post I mentioned that we had a new addition to our household. Behold, Ripley! (Yes, like the lazy video-gamer, we kept the name she had when we adopted her. We'll just pretend its a reference to Alien.)

At the adoption event when I first met her.

Chillin in the shade at the adoption event.

DERP!

Look at those Yoda ears!

She's just resting her bum is all.

We adopted Ripley (aka Professor Longbody) from a rescue organization in DC called K-9 Lifesavers which is based out of DC/Southern Maryland. We saw her first on Petfinder.com and I was smitten with her 2 different color eyes. I drove to an adoption event to meet her and the rest is history. After 2 weeks she can already sit, shake and lay down. We're taking her to obedience classes starting July 12 to help teach her a few more "dog manners."

Having a dog has been a big adjustment to our schedules, but she is my crazy little furball and I love her. It's also increased our activity like crazy, and I'm sure my waistline approves. We've found a local dog park where she can socialize and run her little heart out, which is great, considering we don't have a yard.

Iif you are interested in getting a pet, I encourage adoption! There are lots of loving animals out there who need a good home.

Do you have a pet? (Hint: If the answer is yes, post a picture. I want to see!)

If you could have any pet in the world, what would it be?

"Shot Through the Heart...and you're to blame"

2010-06-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

Greetings readers! I am back from my slightly unexpected absence. We have a "new addition" to our family, in the way of a very precocious little black and white dog. (More on her in an upcoming post!) She has taken up a lot of our time recently, but D&Di has returned with more geeky goodness than ever! More on her in an upcoming post!

Today I bring you a very simple modern day vampire hunting ensemble. Where are the silver bullets and the UV Ray guns you ask? Well, I thought about it, and the things I highlighted here can be purchased with ease on the internet, and a lot of brick and mortar stores. (And in the case of the stakes, procured from your own back yard!)

As Buffy showed the world, there is no need to let style fall by the wayside when battling the creatures of the night.

1. Joie, "The Pepper" suede messenger bag, (here) $265.00

2. Low Luv x Erin Wasson, cross pendant necklace, (here) $113.00

3. Lars Enander, Gransfors Bruks Ancient Collection Battle Axe, (here) $876.99

4.Barnett, Panzer V Crossbow package, (here) 189.99

5. Puma, tank top, (here) $60.00

6. KRMA, "Dean" leather jacket, (here) $598.00

7. The Green Dragon, curly walnut vampire stake, (here) $27.00

8. Enzo Angiolini, "Zoot" boot (here) $99.00

What would you include in your vampire hunting kit?

Also, check out my newest article over at Loremaster.org. : "Challenge your Self/yourself"

Friday Favorites

2010-06-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick re-cap of some of my favorite things this week.

Coffee

I really want to find a decent way to make iced coffee at home for the summertime.(But really, I'll take it any way I can get it.) Do any of you readers have any suggestions, or recipes? I used to work at Starbucks, but their ice coffee brewing method never seems to work quite right at home

(This mug makes a bold statement. Get yours here.)

Avatar: The Last Airbender

I was (pleasantly) surprised by this Nickelodeon cartoon. Marius and Sitara have actually been singing its praises for a while now. I had caught commercials here and there but dismissed it as another "lowest common denominator" anime. But during a cleaning spree in my apartment last night, it happened to be on when I was looking for something to put on TV in the background. After ONE episode I was hooked. It is actually NOT an anime, but a really smart, well edited, mature cartoon.

And let's keep it real, I <3 this weird animal companion from the show (Which has a name but I lovingly call "flying bison thingy")

Making Wedding Arrangements

We finally found a venue!!! I have actually started to get excited about planning, rather than getting frustrated that I had made ZERO progress. We are about 6 months out now, so I figure I should probably start dress shopping soon. (Thank jeebus p90x just came in the mail today!)

http://www.eventsatregency.com/

Puppy
Our new puppy will surely get her own post this weekend, (we pick her up on Saturday) but here is a teaser.

Pet-Finder.com - An awesome resource for adopting a rescue.

Late Night Vacuuming
Every night this week I have gotten the urge to vacuum way past the time when any normal person would want to vacuum. Have I mentioned yet that I love to clean? I also love fresh laundry, no dirty dishes, and clean floors.

Martha Stewart's Spring Cleaning Checklist

I think that's pretty much as random as it gets. That's what keeps life interesting though.

What were your favorite things this week?

Welcome to the Jungle

2010-06-02T06:51:00.000-07:00

In the past few months, my fiancee has introduced me to the wonderful world of Warhammer.
Warhammer is a miniatures game created by Games Workshop, whose HQ is based out of the U.K. (They even have a Warhammer themed pub called Bugman's Bar where you can order a pint of your favourite brew and play a quick game, or discuss battle reports with the local nerds.) As the title suggests, it is essentially a wargame in which two armies built with an equal number of points, go head to head on the battlefield. It is equal parts skill (building your army, deciding which attributes to give your soldiers) and luck (roll of the dice.)

One of our good friends "Marius" has been plotting a campaign for quite some time now, and we have spent the last couple of weekends play-testing in the jungle setting he has developed. I am interested to see where this campaign goes, and I want to pull out all the stops. I will be creating a blog based on yet-to-be-named campaign, where you will find background stories on all of the armies, profiles of the players, and battle reports after each session.

The armies disembark on the shoreline. I am playing Ogres, my fiancee has the Brettonians, "Eurydice" is fielding a sweet Dogs of War group (with a BEAR), Mike G. is playing Chaos Warriors, "Sitara" has the wood elves and Matt J. (of http://www.loremaster.org) is playing Daemons.

I only had my iPhone on me at the time, so the quality of the photos aren't that great, but you get the idea.

And naturally, when the concentration of nerd is high, you get stuff like this.

Brettonians Into the Fray from Alexis B. on Vimeo.

Beers, Burps, Battle from Alexis B. on Vimeo.

Are you currently running a warhammer campaign, or playing in one?

Are there any other Warhammer topics you'd like to see written about?

Be Prepared

2010-05-31T10:03:00.000-07:00

First, D&D is back! (Can I even use those symbols together without getting sued?)

Second, Happy Memorial Day! My father served in the US Army for 25 years and my fiancee served in the Air Force for 6, and both say they're better people for it. To those who defend our country, (or used to) I say THANK YOU.

Third, I had a doughnut (spell check would not allow DONUT) this morning for breakfast, and boy oh boy was it tasty.

Survival of the Alive-est

A few weeks ago, before one of our weekend Warhammer sessions, Jon, Liz, Chris and I were pontificating on the subject of survival during a "hypothetical" zombie epidemic. Jon happened to hear of a brilliant item called a "bug-out" bag. This is a bag packed with gear that you would need to survive at least 72 hours in case you had to "bug-out" of your house quickly. In case you didn't already have one put together, I have given you some options below.

Your bug-out bag should be small enough for you to carry on your own, but big enough to store the essentials. They need to be durable enough to withstand the elements and a some "wear and tear." (Especially the "tear" part if we're talking about zombies.) The first style, is a backpack design which leaves both hands free, in case you need to carry weapons, children, or pets. (Or one of each?) The second is a messenger style, which also leaves both hands free. The last example is a hand carry, which if heavy enough, could also be used as a blunt weapon.

1. SPEC.-OPS."T.H.E. Pack", available (here) $179.99

2. UTG "Multi-Functional Tactical Messenger Bag", available (here) $28.50

3.Klein Tools 20" Canvas Tool Bag, available (here) $60.87

Even more important than the bag part of your BO bag, is what is contained within. As much as I would like to include lip-gloss, some instant Starbucks coffee, and a fashion magazine or two, the BO bag needs to be pared down to hold only the basics. (Although it's questionable how long I would survive without a cup of coffee.)

1. Rand McNally, "Map of Northern Virginia", available (here) $4.70

2. Morakniv™ " Forest Exclusive Model 311BB 4 1/4", available (here) $99.00

3. Adventure Medical Kits, "UltraLight/Watertight Medical Kit, available (here) $36.00

4. Surefire, "E2L Outdoorsman Dual Output LED Flashlight," available (here) $159.00

5. Eton, "FR400 Special Edition Pink Crank Powered Emergency Radio with AM/FM, NOAA and TV-VHF", available (here) $58.99

6. Glock "19 Pistol, 9mm," available (here) $459.00

7. Datrex, "2400 Kcal per ration Emergency survival food bar," available (here) $5.19/12 pack

8. Steri-Pen "Traveler Hand-held UV Water Purifier," available (here) $60.00

9. Evian bottled water, available (here) $34.99/24 pack

10. Ultimate Survival Technologies "StrikeForce Fire Starter," available (here) $24.00

11. Max Brooks, "The Zombie Survival Guide," available (here) $9.50

Is there anything you think I should have included and didn't?

Do you have your own version of a bug out bag?

On Location

2010-05-10T19:02:00.000-07:00

With summer just around the corner, I have been day dreaming about all of the many exotic places I would love to go on vacation. I love the outdoors, so I would be happy on a beach, in a forest, in the mountains, and yes, even on a snow-capped mountain.

It's a big, beautiful planet so there are lots of choices for all of the aforementioned choices. If we're talking day-dreams though, you might as well dream big. And what could be dreamier than visiting one of the seriously amazing settings seen in some of the most epic movies and television shows.

New Zealand: Lord of the Rings

Nelson Region, NZ

Image: TripAdvisor

Wellington Region, NZ

Image: Wellington, NZ, Botanical Society

Taupo Region, NZ

Image: http://timmjunge.files.wordpress.com

Middle Earth

For information regarding "Middle Earth" tours, check out the following sites:

Southern Lakes Sightseeing- Lord of the Rings

Red Carpet Tours- There and Back Again

United Kingdom: The Chronicles of Narnia

Glenfinnan, Scotland

Image: ParadiseConnection.com

Gloucester Cathedral, Great Britain

Image: Business Week

Oxford University, Great Britain

Image: Veritaserum.com

Hogwarts

Image: PotterForums.com

Harry Potter Location Tour Information:

British Tours- Harry Potter

Harry Potter Fan Trips (This is amazing!!)

Hawaii, United States: LOST

North Shore, Oahu

Image: Mark Benko.com

Kualoa Ranch, Oahu

Image: AffordableHawaiianTours.com

K'olau Mountains, Oahu

Image: Pono-loa.com

New Otherton

Image: lotsafunmaps.com

LOST Tours:

KOS Inc, LOST Hummer Tour
Hawaii Activities- "Oahu LOST Paradise Quest"

If money was no object, where would you go on your dream vacation?

Is there a set from a film or tv show that you'd love to visit?

Pick a Palette: The Legend

2010-05-08T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is for a friend, who had a request. I think it really works for summer. Or going on an adventure to save a princess.

Clockwise from top:

Shirt: Old Navy, "Women's Eyelet Flutter Sleeve Top," in New Zealand, (here) $24.50

Belt: Banana Republic, in bark brown (here) $55.00

Ring: Noir Jewelry, "Dagger Knuckle Ring", in gunmetal, (here) $77.00

Pants: Gap, "The New Easy Straight", in khaki, (here) $25.00

Shoes: Stuart Weitzman, "Apron Sandal", (here) $375.00

Pump up the Jam

2010-05-06T20:39:00.000-07:00

Image: http://www.cleverdonkey.com

Promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, is something that I've been striving to do for the last several years. (And at the very least I want to be prepared to outrun zombies.) In my opinion, the best way to do that is to lead by example. This week I've been evaluating my fitness levels (or lack thereof) and have decided to make some small daily changes that I know I'll be able to keep up with. Now, I am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination. But I'm going to share the things that I've learned from experience.

Small Changes make a Big Impact- By trying to change everything all at once, you are only setting yourself up for failure. (Especially if you have a lot of other things going on in your life.) Today, for example, I forgot my lunch, so I went to Subway and chose apple slices instead of chips. When I go to visit my colleagues on other floors, i try to take the stairs. It's easier for me to make things a habit when I start small.
Be Active- Something as simple as taking a walk around your neighborhood or going for a bike ride will give you more energy and contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Activity doesn't always have to take place in a gym. It could be your backyard, a pool, or a park. Make it fun! I take horseback riding and fencing, and am looking for a hip-hop dance class in my area. Want to ready yourself for a possible zombie apocalypse? Look up your nearest accredited martial arts studio or medieval sword-fighting instructor. (yes, they exist!)
Set realistic goals- Instead of saying "I want to lose X amount of pounds in X amount of days" or "I want to have a body like so-and-so" why don't you say to yourself "I want to be able to do 30 push-ups in a row," or "I want to be able to run a 5K." I used to say the aforementioned things to myself all the time when I was feeling down and out about my fitness. Now I just want to be stronger, faster, and appreciate my body for all the amazing things it can do.
Everything in Moderation- Let's keep it real here. I am not giving up sleeping in on Saturdays, lazy Sundays, french fries, cupcakes, beer, or pizza. But I always try to keep in mind how much and how frequently I have these things. It's easy when I'm active, because I always want to choose to do/eat things that make me feel good and give me energy.Moderation means I will never feel deprived.

My work-out must haves!

Clockwise:

1. SIGG water bottle. This is a kid's version, but there are many more designs and sizes (here). Good for the environment and keeps water cool. Also at your local Wegmans or Whole Foods grocery stores.

2. iPod video. This is an older version, and really any portable music player will do. I like how light-weight this is. (here)

3. Herban Essentials Wipes: These come in packs, with scents like Peppermint, Lemon, Eucalyptus and Lavender. These are really refreshing after working out, and awesome in the summer as a general anti-bacterial, all natural wipe. I got my packs at Marshalls for $4, but you can also purchase them online (here).

4. Nike training gloves. My hands get very sweaty, so I HAVE to have these when I lift. (here)

5. Towel from my linen closet. :)

Wall Swag

2010-05-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

A house isn't a home until you've put your own personal touches on it. The easiest way to impart your sense of style, aesthetic, and sense of humor is by adorning the biggest canvas you have: your walls!

Vintage Style Super-Hero Posters by Michael Myers

Artist Michael Myers has a series of these vintage super-hero posters, which would look awesome framed in a TV room or office. Click on his name above and check out his other designs and illustrations.

(Check out his blog! Some great work from him and links to other.)

Battlestar Galactica Propaganda Posters (as a 5 poster set) (here)

and First Cylon War Print (here) designed by Adam Levermore-Rich

"Join the battle against Cylon tyranny! Show your true colors and support the cause by displaying these posters in the common areas of your ship. Officially sanctioned by Fleet Operations, each poster contains critical messages from the Colonial Ministry of Information that will help recruit, inspire and inform your fellow Colonial citizens." - Quantum Mechanix

These would be a cool addition to any retro themed office.

Seems like any other battle, save for the cylon on the far right. Makes you look twice.

Nintendo Wall Graphics (here)

Of course, my preference is Original Mario, but they also come in Donkey Kong and New Super Mario Bros

I would have killed to have this in my room when I was a kid! Especially after that glorious day when I finally beat the game.

Star Trek Wall Decals- Full Wall Mural (here)

This is just spectacular. I love it as pictured, as the backdrop for what appears to be an IKEA dorm.

Truly, if you are going to do something, never do it half-way.

Are you a minimalist when it comes to artwork/decoration or do you like to go all out?

(Also, Happy Star Wars Day! May the Fourth be with you!)

Three Wolf Moon: 3 Ways

2010-05-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stepped into your packed closet, or rifled through drawers stuffed with clothes only to come to the conclusion that you have nothing to wear? Or consequently, waited far too long to replace those well worn/loved tees? Well, I'm here to tell you that it happens to the best of us.

But fear not. No matter your gender, skin color, or Stargate series preference, I am here to tell you that I have the answer to your couture quandaries.

Yes, my dear readers, there is only one item you need to feel once more feel that rush of power when you prepare yourself for the day ahead.

THREE WOLF MOON

Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt by The Mountain, (here)

But please, don't take my word for it. Check out the over 1,700 reviews on Amazon. Read about the amazing powers and irresistible allure this t-shirt has granted to it's wearers.

In case you were wondering what you could possible pair with such a glorious piece, I have created three different looks to inspire you.

Blazer: Fred Flare "The Boyfriend Blazer", in black (here) $64.00

Shoes: Miz Mooz, "Sachi", in green (here) $105.00

Jeans: Banana Republic, "Heritage Railroad Stripe Cropped Boyfriend Jean" (here) $89.50

Bag: Melie Bianco "Diagonal Stitch Tote", in gold (here) $79.00

Bracelets: Gap "Metallic Beaded Stretch Bracelets" (here) $9.50

Watch: Timex "Men's Classic Camper Watch", in black (here) $24.00

Jeans: Gap "Skinny Mid-rise Jeans", in medium wash (here) $60.00

Boots: Steven by Steve Madden "Iden", in cognac (here) $159.00

* wear shirt tucked in

Necklace: Banana Republic "Imperial Necklace" (here) $69.50

Bag: Matt and Nat "Hendrix" (here) $165.00

Shoes: Steve Madden "Caryssa", in blush suede (here) $89.00

Skirt: J. Crew "Perfect Pencil Skirt", in fresh plum (here) $79.99

Do you already own a Three Wolf Moon (herein after 3WM) or maybe it's less powerful predecessor the Two Wolf Moon (2WM)?

Have you seen one of these in action?

Image: T-Shirt Pirate.com

Pick a Palette: Star Trek: TNG

2010-04-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

I am hoping to make "Pick a Palette" a regular on Dungeons and Diamonds. I like to search for inspiration in the least likely of places. This week's palette is from an old favorite.

Image: Agony Booth Media

Clockwise From Top
Top: J. Crew "Silk Streamers Cami" in dijon mustard, on sale (here) $59.99
Clutch: Herve Leger Crystal Clutch, on sale (here) $908.60 (yes, its on SALE)
Ring: Forever 21 "Sparkling Rhinestone Wrap Ring" (here) $5.80
Pants: Forever 21 "Fab Skinny Jeans" in black denim (here) $9.50
Shoes: Nine West "Bonfire" heels in black leather (here) $89.00

Is there a particular person, place or thing that inspires your style/design/creativity?

Do you have a particular color palette you usually stick to?

Tech-cessories

2010-04-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, technology is a huge part of your life. I freak out if I get in the car and realize I've forgotten my phone. We are constantly connected, in one way shape or form. Right now I'm typing away on my PC (clearly), and within arms reach I have access to a digital camera, my iPhone, and a scanner/printer/copier/fax machine.
Technology is becoming increasingly accessible and luckily, (for those of us who are suckers for nice packaging) increasingly customizable.

If you're going to limit human interaction, you might as well do it in style.

1. INCASE gold slider case for iPhone 3G and 3GS, available (here)

2. MIMOBOT: USB Flash Drive, available (here)

3. LUXEED U5 Dynamic Pixel LED Keyboard, available (here)

4. Nintendo DSi, available (here)

5. Elecom EHP-AIN 100 Ear Drops Tiara Earphones, available (here)

6. Pentax K-x Digital SLR Camera, sadly only available in all the awesome color combos in Japan, but click (here) to play with all the neat options.

**NOTE** I am aware that there is a sea of pink in the options above, but most of the websites offer several color/design choices for these items.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think there is probably something for me to re-tweet.

Are there any "tech-cessories" that you can't live without?

Have you customized any of your gadgets? Show me!

Nouveaux Nerd

2010-04-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

Back in the day, I had more than my fair share of "nerd" attire. From anime t-shirts to my Dana Scully FBI badge, I wore it loud and wore it proud. And i'm not gonna lie: I can't bear to give up my 3 sizes too big X-Files t-shirt (which i still sleep in.)

Nowadays though, it seems as if some retailers/designers are getting a bit more subtle with their "Geek Chic."

1. Bella's Jacket, from the Twilight series. By B.B. Dakota and available (here) and (here) in multiple colors. I actually own this jacket in olive (a Christmas gift from a friend).I have to say, it is warm, cute, and functional what with the multitude of pockets.

Pictures: PacSun/Summit Entertainment

2. "My Other Ride is a LightCycle" (t-shirt and hoodie) by Rolf Nelson, available (here) at Threadless. (Where, incidentally, you can find lots of other cool tees.) Tron fans rejoice! With upcoming release of the remake, this design will definitely sate the old and new-school nerd alike. (The best part: it glows in the dark!)

Pictures: Threadless

3. Lord of the Rings: The One Ring, available (here) on a chain in gold plate, silver and 14k gold.
I would wear this on a chain, layered with other necklaces, and definitely with the elvish script.

Picture: MyPrecious Jewlery

4. House Slytherin Thin Striped Tie, available (here.) One for the gents. A little preppy to the undiscerning eye, but those of us of the House of Guilty Pleasure know which bleach-blonde brit you're trying to channel.

Pictures: Whimsical Alley, Warner Brothers Pictures

5. And if subtlety isn't your thing, go for the gold with Liz's "Viva La Zombie" line, available (here).
I think I need the Organic Cotton Women's tee.

Any geeky swag you just can't give up?
Run across an amazing accessory?
I want to see!

Carpe Diem

2010-04-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

I would like to say THANK YOU to Jon Hauris (husband to the lovely Liz) for jazzing up my little banner. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness! :)

Yes, this post has been self-deleted because "people don't want to read that."

Weekend Warrior

2010-04-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Is it wrong that I didn't shower until 10 PM last night? Maybe that was TMI. Still, showering aside, I was quite productive yesterday. Chris and I cleaned the apartment (after he kicked me out of his kitchen domain), did some laundry, went to pick up my car from work, and acquired the last season of Angel, and the only season of Space: Above and Beyond. I also worked on my blog a little bit, which is coming along, slowly but surely. I need a Photo-Shop master to help me pimp my banner.

Friday we went to see 30 Seconds to Mars, MuteMath, Neon Trees and Street Drum Corp at American University in DC. First off let me start by saying that the Tenleytown area of DC (to include the AU campus) is SO NICE. I can't believe after all my years here that I've never really driven or walked through that part of town.All of the students were out and about in the nice weather, so it was a fun atmosphere. How was the concert? Well, the lead singer of Neon Trees had a great voice, so I will definitely be checking them out on iTunes. MuteMath was incredible. Their sound is a little bit Coldplay, a little bit Muse, a little bit Sting. There performance was just so technically proficient that I would definitely say they stole the show. 30 seconds to Mars on the other hand...Oh Jared Leto....A part of me hopes you were actually really sick, considering you told the audience 200x that your voice was thrashed and you weren't feeling well. I found out you canceled your show in Charlotte today, so I'm inclined to believe you. You were pretty energetic for a sick guy though. Also, I was informed last night that you are almost 40, so all in all, I might be able to forgive Friday's performance. I will still rock out to Kings and Queens.

What's in store for today? Not sure yet. I'm still wearing pajamas, so as long as I get cleaned up and dressed, I will consider this day a success. For now, I will heed the call of the fresh brewed coffee in the kitchen.

Make it So

2010-03-16T18:16:00.001-07:00

The much anticipated (har har) update is here!

Work: ...is definitely keeping me busy. Driving between 2 offices can get a little hectic sometimes. Thank the Lord they cover mileage! Speaking of which, I haven't submitted an expense report since last November. Sorry I can't go into more detail, but its the nature of what I do and all.

Love: Yes, you heard correctly. I am officially engaged to the most handsome, kind, smart, strong, wonderful, amazing man I've ever met!! (I know, i almost made myself puke!!) But seriously, he's everything I could have ever wanted and more. Clearly, I am super happy, and can't wait to celebrate that with all of my friends and family. We have an awesome apartment together, and we're hoping to get a dog sometime in the near future.

Wheels: Well, considering I commute to work on all the major highways of Northern Virginia and DC, I decided it was time to seriously start looking at new cars. With my parents sound advice, I decided to say goodbye to the Jetta, and I purchased a shiny new 2010 Mazda 3 iTouring.
(Like this but in dark gray.)

Never fear though...My dad took the Jetta, or the "Hoopt" as he lovingly refers to it as, to commute to work with.

Travel: Two weekends ago, Chris and I went to visit our good friend Marie in Chicago. I miss her a lot, but I am proud of her pursuing her acting career and doing what makes her happy. I also went to visit another good friend, Erin, who lives on the coast. She is due with her first baby sometime next month, and I am SO excited for her.

Life: Is so far consumed with work, working out, trying to get the apartment in some semblance of order, and in the preliminary stages of wedding planning.

Keep on Keepin' On

2010-02-16T18:17:00.000-08:00

So much to write about but that's what I get for not blogging since LAST YEAR.
Since I'm nursing a killer headache, and need to get to bed soon, i'll just give you a preview of whats to come...

Work- the shortest update, since I can't talk about it!

Love- He liked it, so he put a ring on it.

Wheels- Mazda 3, zoom zoom!

Travel- Chi-town soon!

Life- Um, buying wedding magazines does not count as wedding planning.

Stay tuned!

I leave you with Bob's Big Boy.