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5 Fandom Friday: Fandoms I Hold Dear But No One's Ever Heard Of

Happy Friday! I don't know about where you are, but today is a fantastic Friday here. The sun is shining and you almost don't need a jacket because it's kind of warm. It actually feels like Spring is going to show up.

This week's prompt brought on all the nostalgia for me as I went through all the fandoms I've been into. So this is my narrowed down list of not-so-popular fandoms I'm into:

1. Felicity
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A lot of people watched this show or at least have heard of it. But I find a lot of people didn't stick with it if they did watch it. I know this because people are surprised when I mention the time travel part of the series. Yep, there was time travel in this show. I still have a soft spot for this show and Keri Russell in particular. I find it a cozy show to watch in Winter and I tend to re-watch it every couple of years.

2. Scrubs and Cougar Town

Both of these shows have the same creator and so, so many similarities - a lot of actors from Scrubs showed up in Cougar Town, if only for a couple of episodes, and the jokes and humour are very similar. Even the made up coffee shop chain in Scrubs is the same one in Cougar Town. I'm a huge fan of the humour in both of these shows and the casts were fantastic in both shows too. They're shows I will rewatch anytime.

3. Cable aka Nathan Summers

Everyone knows who the X-Men are but not necessarily this one specific character in the X-Men universe. I've read his story from the beginning, from child to time-traveling adult, and he's by far my favourite character.

4. Bust-A-Move

I've been playing the Bust-a-move games for years and years. I fell in love with it in middle school because the local movie theatre I went to had a Bust-a-move arcade machine. This led me to asking for the game for the Nintendo 64. To this day I still play the games on my Nintendo DS and will never turn down a Bust-a-move challenge.

5. 10 Things I Hate About You

This movie was everything to me in high school. I can't even count how many times I've seen this movie. The entire cast is amazing and it solidified my love for Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Larisa Oleynik. The soundtrack was incredible and it introduced me to the likes of Letters To Cleo and Save Ferris. I will forever fangirl over this movie.

What are some obscure fandoms you're into?
xo Jen

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All The Books

I've stated in previous posts my love for Goodreads. The Goodreads app on my phone is the best because I can add books to my to-read list right on the spot when I'm in a book store or a friend recommends something to me in conversation.

This year I challenged myself to read 30 books. But since I'm counting graphic novels and comic book trades, I think I might have underestimated the books I could read.

Right now I'm sitting at 18 books finished.

2016 Reading Challenge

2016 Reading Challenge
Jen has read 18 books toward their goal of 30 books.
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Books Read:

Lately I feel like my list of books to read is never-ending. I'm definitely adding on books faster than I can read them. But, honestly, how is that a bad thing? It just shows how excited I am to read, period. I have plans of Summer afternoons at the park reading and road trips with audio books playing. So many good moments in my life surround a book. 

Books To Read: 

What are some good books you've read recently? Any recommendations to add to my list? And if you're not already, add me on Goodreads!
xo Jen

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What I'm Loving Now

April has been a weird month for me and my schedule has been all over the place. But there are a few things that stand out this month that I enjoyed a lot.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Did you give this show a watch? I was in love with it from the first episode but the show's only gotten better. The songs (yes, songs!), characters, relationships and jokes are perfect. The songs can have me laughing or humming along. I was especially fond of the last few episodes.

*Spoilers*

Turn back now if you're not caught up!

Seriously....


I was so happy to see Rebecca with Greg. To see her move on and be happy. But the season finale left me so upset by all the characters' choices. Though, I'm now wanting a second season more than ever to see how things go.

Tegan & Sara

Tegan and Sara are one of my favourite bands ever. I've seen them so many times in concert and I hope to see them again. They released two new singles at the beginning of the month for their upcoming album that arrives in June. Oh man, I cannot stop dancing and singing to 'Boyfriend'.


What are you enjoying this month?
xo Jen
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5 Fandom Friday: Nerdy Hobbies People Don't Consider Nerdy

Happy Friday! This Friday's prompt had me stumped initially until I stepped back and looked at what my hobbies are...

1. Sewing


Sewing is a hobby that so many people don't know how to do. Most grandmas and some mothers have the skill set but my generation seems to be lacking the skills to mend a shirt or hem a pair of pants. So when I take my sewing skills and mix it with geeky fabric or vintage bed sheets, it equals out to one nerdy hobby that I have.

2. Baking


Baking is one of my favourite hobbies! Most people think it's great that I make cookies and cupcakes regularly. Little do they know, a lot of the recipes I make have some sort of geeky theme to them. They're just hidden to the less-nerdy eye. Take my Pokemon cupcakes I made for the anniversary, my family ate those up without even noticing the themed decorating. 

3. Gardening


Up until we bought our house I had very little interest in gardening. But now that we have a vegetable garden and two flower gardens I've become obsessed with looking up plants, zones, and soil types. I've become a giant plant-nerd. And now that I can hold a conversation with my parents about plants and flowers that onlookers would roll their eyes at, I'm seeing that I've taken on another hobby that I nerd out about.

4. Pets


Everyone uses the term 'cat lady' and we all know people obsessed with their dogs. But geeking out over the fact that you have fish babies in your aquarium isn't all that common. I didn't know that I would become enthralled by having a fish aquarium, or that I'd become so attached to owning turtles. But the knowledge I've attained, the joy I get watching these aquariums, and the passion I have talking about these pets is pretty darn nerdy.

5. Movies


Ok, so we all watch and enjoy movies. Sometimes a movie comes out that you're excited to see and you'll go opening night to see it. But do you own so many movies it looks like you run a movie rental store? Do you get butterflies in your stomach from watching a movie trailer? Yeah, some of you do and that's because you're a movie nerd. And so am I. Some movies turn me into an excited mess. Like when I dragged Adam to the movie theatre 2 hours before The Hunger Games started so we'd get good seats. And NO ONE else showed up until 30 minutes before the movie started. Or when I waited outside a theatre for hours on opening day of one of the Harry Potter movies (or for most of them...). So yeah, I'm one of those people who can nerd out huge over movies. 

What are some of your nerdy hobbies?
xo Jen

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Comic Books

I've always been a Marvel fan over DC Comics. I grew up with X-Men and Spider-man with a bit of Batman thrown in. But ask me about Superman's history? Ha. I know nothing that movies haven't shown me.

The last year has proved to be a year of new things for me however. I started reading Batgirl and Black Canary, both comics that I really love and look forward to. I'm also addicted to the DC Bombshells comics. Then I found some DC Comics New 52 trades for a good price at a second-hand store. So I picked them up.

Catwoman (New 52)
"Meet Catwoman. She's addicted to the night. And addicted to Batman. But most of all, Catwoman is addicted to danger. She can't help herself, and the truth is--she doesn't want to. She's good at being bad, and very bad at being good"

 I read the first two volumes - The Game and Dollhouse. I enjoyed them but I didn't love them. Catwoman is a great character. She's an antihero and badass and knows how to get what she wants. I found the comics a little too sexually explicit for my taste however. It wasn't a deal breaker but it was pretty cheesy and silly. I wouldn't mind continuing on with this series but I'd want to pick the trades up for a good price or maybe continue reading them digitally so it's not as much of an investment. 

Birds of Prey (New 52)
"One is wanted for a murder she didn't commit. The other is on the run because she knows too much. They are Dinah Laurel Lance and Ev Crawford--Black Canary and Starling. Together, as Gotham City's covert ops team, they're taking down the villains other heroes can't touch!"

 I really enjoyed these comics. I read the first three trades - Trouble in Mind, Your Kiss Might Kill, and A Clash of Daggers. I actually flew through these comics. I really liked Black Canary and Starling. Their friendship was strong and there was a lot of trust between them. And from what I can find, Starling was introduced in this series, and I love her! I want to read more with her. She was so kickass and I loved her look - the tattoos and pin-up style. It was interesting getting to know other female characters too - Poison Ivy, Katana, and Batgirl. I will definitely be looking for the rest of this series to read. 
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 Apparently DC is winning me over since I recently picked up the first trade of New 52 Wonder Woman and Batwoman. The DC Bombshells comics are making me want to read more about these ladies. 

 What comics have you been reading lately?
xo Jen

 *All quotes are from comiXology, where all these comics are available in digital format*
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Fandom Favourites

It's hard to narrow down what fandom things are making me excited lately because so much news and awesome things keep coming out!

1. The trailer for the new Ghostbusters movie makes me super giddy and I've watched it at least 10 times now. I'm already eyeing up the new Pop! Vinyl figures for the movie. .


2.  The new trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them was released last weekend, and holy crap, it gives me chills! I cannot wait to be back in that world. 



3. Entertainment Weekly released new photos for the Gilmore Girls return - both of Lorelai and Rory and some on-set photos. And I've been spending a lot of time dissecting the on-set photos with friends. To say I'm a little excited is an understatement. Oh, and the fact that Sookie has been confirmed to come back has basically made my year!


4. Deadpool 2 was confirmed which is pretty exciting since the first movie was so good. But what excites me most? The fact that Cable will be in it. So they better not screw up the casting.

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What fandom things are making you excited this week?
xo Jen

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5 Fandom Friday: Fandoms I LOVE But Didn't Think I Would

It's another 5 Fandom Friday post and this prompt is fun to brainstorm. Honestly, I'm pretty open to new shows, movies, and books. But there are a few things I was unsure about or hesitated a bit to before giving them a try.

1. YA books

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I'm clearly a huge Young Adult book fan. But I was pretty hesitant to start reading them initially. I found myself really into the 'Chick Lit' genre after college and devoured some really easy, light-hearted books. Then a friend kept recommending John Green books and I finally took the plunge and haven't looked back. It's easily my favourite book genre. I didn't realize that I could read some seriously interesting books that involved supernatural and fantasy aspects, mental illness, or growing up pains. 

2. South Park

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My brothers were always into South Park and I would watch the odd episode. I enjoyed them but I never saw myself sitting down with South Park boxsets and watching all the episodes. Well, it eventually happened and I'm happy it did. I'm a big fan of the show. I find it hilarious and I love the real world topics they cover

3. Cats


I was scared of cats growing up. My Nan had a cat that attacked me often and I had two cousins who found it hilarious to somehow get their cat to swat me. Then I moved out of my parents' and the idea of getting my own pet, one I could have in an apartment easily, excited me. In came Seymore. I had a few moments of, 'what the hell did I get myself into?'. Now, 8 years later, and I'm a full-fledged cat lady.

4. Supernatural

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I knew of the show and it peaked my interest a bit. But it was so far into the seasons that I just didn't have the time or energy to give to another TV show. Then I moved away and I had more free time on my hands. I gave Supernatural a shot and I'm still completely addicted and in love with the fandom. 

5. Doctor Who

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This was another TV show that I couldn't get away from. A friend watched the first season (of the newer seasons) and didn't have rave reviews for it so I just forgot about the show. I didn't think I'd be into a cheesy, sci-fi show. A couple of years went by and comic conventions had me dreaming of a TARDIS, which I knew nothing about but it was everywhere! I ended up changing my mind and decided to give the show a chance. I was hooked pretty quickly and I'm still binging the seasons. 

What fandoms are you into that you didn't think you'd like?

xo Jen

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Spicy Chocolate Cookies Suitable For Liv Moore

Are you a fan of iZombie? Did you watch the finale? I won't get into spoilers because some people are behind. But, damn, season two was incredible! If you're not watching iZombie, please get on it.

The show is hilarious, smart, and very witty. I love the pop culture references, the hidden meanings in the chapter titles, how Liv's food corresponds with the theme/personality of that episode, and all the characters! You might think, zombies? No, thanks. But it's so much more than that!

Season 2 brought on some really good characters and storylines including Drake and Keith Mars (yeah, he's always going to be Keith to me so let's pretend that's his name). And even though all the food being prepared on the show contain human brain, the food always looks appealing! And it makes me want to get in the kitchen and whip something up.

For the season finale I decided to make a treat, something with a bit of heat, since zombies are all about their spicy food.


Spicy Chocolate Cookies:
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup butter (I used 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce)
1 3/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix together flour, cocoa powder, cream of tartar and baking soda. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter (and applesauce*) and 1 1/2 cups of sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat to combine. Gradually add flour mixture and beat until combined.
*I imagine Liv could blend up her human brain and substitute that for the applesauce. Then the chocolate and chili powder would hide the taste.
4. In a small bowl mix 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon and chili powder.


5. Using a tablespoon, make balls of dough and roll in sugar-cinnamon-chili powder mixture. Place about 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until cookies begin to crack.


6. Move cookies to wire racks to cool. Eat. If using human brain, prepare to have visions from the victim.


These cookies are so delicious! The applesauce makes them a bit fluffier and they're super soft and fudgy inside. The chili powder and cinnamon add just the right amount of spice to the cookie too. I was a little worried they'd be too much for me since I'm a suck with spicy things. But I'm having a hard time not consuming the whole batch.


Now, go catch up on iZombie! And let me know if you try this recipe.
xo Jen
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Crafty Updates

It's been a while since I did any sewing or craft-related things. I needed to take a small break after getting ready for Toronto ComiCon last month to rest my hand and wrist. But a sunny day last week had me pulling out my camera to take pictures of my leftover stock for Etsy.

I updated my Etsy shop with some new pouches this past weekend and there's still more to add. So keep an eye on my shop.



My next convention won't be until the Summer so I'll be updating Etsy more regularly over the next couple of months. And if you're looking for a custom order, feel free to contact me! Not until the Fall will I be too busy to get any custom orders done.

xo Jen
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5 Fandom Friday: Fandom Guilty Pleasures

Today's topic makes me laugh a little because so many of the fandoms I'm into could be looked at as a guilty pleasure (cheesy, over dramatic, made for children) but I've learnt to embrace these interests. I'm finally at the age where I don't really care what other people think. But I know some of the things I'm into make people shake their heads...

So here are my top Fandom Guilty Pleasures:

1. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic

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I'm super into a show that my 5 year old niece also loves. Not that there's anything wrong with it, but co-workers do look at me funny when I buy MLP blind bags...

2. Pretty Little Liars

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I'm that person chatting with a friend about our PLL theories and our feelings about certain couples and discoveries made on the show. But the show is super over the top and very unbelievable. But I LOVE it. 

3. Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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No one would question someone's love for TMNT. It's a classic that 80s kids grew up with. But the new show on Nickelodeon? Not everyone watches it. They assume it's stupid because it's not the classic and it's made for kids. Wrong! It's hilarious. I try to convince people of this regularly but it doesn't work most of the time. 

4. Young Adult books

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The YA genre has become super popular and I know a ton of adults who read them. But I've also encountered quite a few people who will snub off my book recommendations or book chatter when they realize I'm talking about a YA title. Not cool! 

5. Geeky T-shirts


My t-shirt collection is mainly shirts with geek designs on them. I either get complimented on them or people look at the shirt funny - whether trying to figure out what's on it or why I'm wearing a shirt like that. When asked to wear a certain colour of shirt for work to celebrate something I have to explain that I don't have plain shirts... only shirts with designs and characters on them. They don't always understand.

I'm not ashamed of these fandom loves but I know not everyone gets them. What would your fandom guilty pleasure be?

xo Jen

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What I'm Loving Now

It's April and it's Spring and I'm feeling happier every time we have a somewhat sunny day or I smell a fruity candle or see bright colours in stores.

Maple Latte

It's also maple season in Canada which means McDonald's has come out with a Maple Latte and let me tell you, it's amazing! You can really taste the maple in it and they top it off with whipped cream and maple sugar. Ugh. So good. Do yourself a favour, and go buy one before they disappear from locations!


Throne of Glass

I finally started the Throne of Glass series last month. I'm now two books down, and I'll be starting the third tomorrow. Why have I not read these books sooner?! I seriously didn't expect all the supernatural aspects in the stories and to love the main character, Celaena Sardothien, so much.

This is the synopsis from Goodreads for the first book in the series:

 "After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined."

Seriously, if you're a fan of the YA genre and fantasy books, go start this series!


What are you loving lately? Any book recommendations?
xo Jen
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The Powerpuff Girls

The Powerpuff Girls reboot premieres today! I'm very excited to watch the new show and see more of the Powerpuff Girls' adventures.


In honour of the premiere, Cartoon Network released a site to Powerpuff yourself! You can go here to make yourself.

Here's me after I Puff'd myself. Cute, right?



I'm no stranger to Powerpuff Girls cosplay, which I've done accidentally (it happens when you have a pink dress and red hair) and on purpose. I put together some casual Everyday Cosplay looks for the girls in celebration of the reboot premiere.


I went with a casual, cotton dress and some military style boots for Buttercup since she's the tomboy of the group. Blossom, being the leader, has a more grown up look to her dress and sensible flats to kick butt in. Of course Bubbles has to be over the top cute; a frilly lace dress and bow flats complete her look. And how amazing are those purses? I so want one!

Do you plan on watching the new show? 
xo Jen
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5 Fandom Friday: Gateway Fandoms That Made Me Who I Am Today

I believe I was always a geek. Growing up with two brothers who I was pretty close with opened my world up to more video games, action figures, cartoons, and movies than I think I would have been exposed to if I didn't have brothers. Honestly, they actually introduced me to some of the fandoms I'm still into today.

1. Harry Potter


I didn't even know who Harry Potter was when my youngest brother received the first three Harry Potter books for Christmas. But after he read through them I decided to give them a go and, well, that started my obsession and need to read all of the books as soon as they came out. Never until this series did I know what it felt like to wait impatiently for a book or a movie to come out.

2. Nintendo


We always had some Nintendo console in our house and the amount of hours I put into Mario Kart, Mario Party, Goldeneye, Perfect Dark, and other multiplayer games is insane. To this day I have a weakness for Nintendo-only games and will never turn down the chance to play a Mario, Donkey Kong, or Kirby game. 

3. Hello Kitty


My best friend in high school introduced me to the adorable world of Sanrio. She took me downtown to some small independent stores that were filled with Japanese stationery, candy, and tons of Hello Kitty merchandise. Never would I have guessed that this would start my love for Japanese culture and all things cute.

4. Supernatural (theme, not the TV show)


I was a kid who grew up watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer and reading Christopher Pike books. I was into ghosts, vampires, and other supernatural things. This interest has continued on with me as I read fantasy and supernatural books and watch shows like Grimm, Supernatural, and iZombie. I've become someone who enjoys being creeped out.

5. Beverly Hills 90210


This was MY show growing up. I was addicted to the drama, fashion, and the California setting. This was the first television show that I watched every week and knew everything about. And now I still find myself loving similar television dramas - The O.C., Gossip Girl, Felicity, One Tree Hill, Pretty Little Liars... they might not be all the same but the cheesy, over dramatic story lines get me hooked every time. 

What fandoms made you who you are today?
xo Jen


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