Home Sweet...Middle Earth (or, new house inspiration!)

Hello lovely followers, it's been far too long, hasn't it? Needless to say, a lot has happened since last November including a new job, starting my own company, and moving to a new house. Although this blog has gotten a little dusty, these huge changes have inspired me to start pursuing my love of creativity, design, and writing so I hope you will keep reading as I have big plans for D + D.

 Now that we have much more space (that actually belongs to us) I have been obsessed with decorating and furnishing our home in a way that represents our style and interests. We have slowly but surely been purchasing new furniture and decor to replace the older stuff we had in our small apartment, which led me straight back to another "Home Sweet" design.

This living room takes its inspiration from three really awesome 50's and 60's inspired Lord of the Rings "travel prints" by artists Steve Thomas and Timothy Anderson (who both incidentally also have tons of other awesome sci-fi/fantasy/comic prints). Since I plan on recreating this in my own living room, I used the wood floors and muted color palette that already exists on the walls and window treatments. I definitely plan on doing a photo shoot once I finish organizing everything.

Lord of the Rings Travel Prints (Misty Mountains and Rivendell): Steve Thomas, (here) $35.94

Lord of the Rings Argonath Travel Print: Timothy Anderson (here) $40.00

"Porto" sofa with chaise: Habitat (UK), (here) $1520.00

"Lind" round ottoman in Slate: Room and Board, (here) $699.00

"Big Sky" wool rug (6'x9'): West Elm, (here) $499.00

"Scalloped Felt" pillow cover in Ivory: West Elm, (here) $34.00

Hand Blocked Silk Triangles pillow cover: West Elm, (here) $39.00

Threshold Embroidery Linen Arrow pillow: Target, (here) $23.74

"Big Dipper" arc floor lamp: CB2, (here) $199.00

Green Moss candle:  Izola, (here) $35.00

Braided cable throw in Oatmeal: West Elm, (here) $79.00

Home Sweet...Middle Earth (or, new house inspiration!)

Baltimore Comic Con 2011

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!)

Baltimore Comic Con 2011

A Geek in Girl's clothing

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?

A Geek in Girl's clothing

Nouveaux Nerd

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!

Nouveaux Nerd