I recieved the Temptations Snacky Mouse in a Voxbox from Influenster. It's a cat-food brand I believe. What I recieved was a pack of their snacks and the snacky mouse cat toy.
It's a really cute concept and think it'd be a fun way to give treats to cats who are often in playful moods. Unfortunately my cats are really lazy at the moment so they just wanted the treats without the hassle of batting around a toy. The treats are apparently super delicious though because they go crazy for them. We ended up buying several more bags from Kmart ($2-3 for small ones--which is the larger bag in this video-- and $4-5 for larger ones). Now every time my cats see the bag they run over and start meowing. They actually bit a whole in the bag I recieved from Influenster and ate it all over night!
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This specific post is for the cosplay (or costume part) only. I'll have another post coming all about how I made the prop. I made the "gauntlet" using craft foam. I used no sort of hooks/clasps/Velcro in order to allow it to come on and off. I made the smaller end as large as the widest part of my hand (when you put all your fingers together--in a cone shape almost). I created a cone shaped pattern using news paper before transferring that to craft foam. I added details with small strips of craft foam as well. After the shape was finished I coated it in PlastiDip as the primer. For the pants I purchased blue leggings off eBay. For the shoes I used old boots I had bought at Wet Seal years ago now. I didn't modify any of these in any way. For the shoulder piece I used cardboard to create the basic shape. The two sides and top where all cardboard pieces. The rounded bottom (almost awkward half circles) where craft foam and the side piece that curves in and faces away from the body. On the inside there were a few pieces of cardboard that connected to the different sides in order to give extra support and sturdiness. A thicker craft foam was used to create the gold part on the two side pieces in order to give it dimension. So the red part was the cardboard itself and then the gold bordering that was thicker craft foam. The circles and "pipes" where made using EVA foam (small puzzle-like mats). I cut out a circle then outlined it using strips of the EVA foam and made the pipes the same way. All my craft foam pieces where glued together with hot glue (and any pieces that I felt needed to hold a bit more weight I glued using super glue). On the back of the two circle pieces I place Velcro squares that would attach to the Velcro pieces I sewed onto the jacket. For the nuts and bolts I used different sized googly eyes. This piece was primed using wood glue. And painted with both acrylic and spray paint. I can't really explain how I created the shapes I did. It was done by eyeballing it until I was satisfied and trail and error. For the chest plate, I took an old bra and added craft foam detailing. Then I created the larger bottom piece out of craft foam, added detailing and attached that to the bra using hot glue (I attached it while wearing it --obviously I did it carefully). Once that was done, I primed everything (even the fabric part) using PlastiDip and spray painted it. I used spray paint for both the red and gold, so in order to keep the gold paint from getting onto the red areas, I covered the areas I wanted to stay red completely in painter's tape. Once the tape was secured and everything I wanted was covered I went ahead and painted the gold parts. After that dried, I could easily peel off the painter's tape. While wearing the chest plate I patterned the belt using the tape+foil/plastic wrap method. Marked my pattern and cut it out. Then transferred that onto the fabric and cut and sewn that. I attached the belt to only the chest plate (so not the bra band) using hot glue along the top and bottom only. I created the center piece using craft foam, primed it with wood glue and painted it with both acrylic and spray paint. I attached that with hot glue as well. I patterned my jacket before attaching all that. I patterned it using the tape+plastic wrap and then continue to add to it while wearing my chest plate. The way my chest plate and jacket works it, the bra band goes under the jacket while the belt part goes on top (this is why I did not glue the belt to the bra band). The jacket only attaches and meets in the front at the bottom half, the top part was designed to be completely open (almost in a u shape) at the chest then begin to meet or close more near the neckline (reference other photos). I used a velvet-like material to create the red and blue parts of the jacket. For the brown I used a kind of fake leathery material. For the inside of the collar I used a fake wool-like material. The shoulder piece was made using one long rectangular piece and two curved triangle pieces. The two triangle pieces made the top section and the rectangle made the bottom (this shape allowed the piece to curve over my shoulder). As for more about the jacket shape. I eyeballed it and altered the pattern I made as needed. It was trail and error so I can't exactly explain all the different shapes that went into it. Look at reference photos often to see where different lines fall and colors are since the jacket is made out of multiple colors and materials. The front part of the jacket (at the bottom) over lapped so that I could have it close using Velcro. I also attached a piece of clear elastic to the front top pieces (the points that begin to come back in above the chest) so that they stayed rested in place. I attached the collar last. I attached the inside wool piece onto the collar first, before attaching the whole collar onto the jacket. For the knee pieces, I was lucky to have these cardboard pieces that came off of a frame I recently purchased. I only had to readjust how open the where (so that it'd fit around my legs). I used googly eyes for a nuts and bolts effect. I used strips of Velcro that wrapped around my leg to attach all the leg pieces. The bottom two leg pieces where made using craft foam and primed with PlasticDip. I used spray paint to paint them. The shape was this curvy "I" shape almost (look up reference photos or the game model for better ideas). I didn't own any glove patterns at the time so I made one using the same plastic wrap+tape method I had been. There are other ways of making simple glove patterns though. For the left glove I made the "metal" piece using craft foam and looking at the game model/splash art as reference for the shape. I primed it with wood glue and painted it with spray paint. For the belt I created the belt buckle with card board and glue it onto an old belt I had. I didn't own a heat gun at this time but I would recommend using one. The leg pieces for example, didn't keep the shape I wanted. Had I used a heat gun (or a similar method) I would have been able to mold it to custom fit around my legs better and it would have kept it's shape.
Heart & Spike Garter ~ eBay ~ $8.99 I forgot to include this in my video! Oops. I am obsessed with these though and want so many other type of, not only garters, but elastic and chain top and arm pieces, as well. The spikes are screw on so you do have to be cautious of them coming unscrewed and falling off (I've had it happened but luckily found the spike and made sure to tighten them all~they loosen up after a while though). Everything else about it seems fine and well made. It's adjustable not only because of the elastic in the back but because it's also an adjustable strap (meaning u can make the elastic band longer or shorter~think backpack straps). Pink Crystal - gift Got another crystal!! This one's from a friend. I love the way this one is wrapped and the style of string it came with. I most definitely need to pick up some more! Purple Lipstick ~ eBay ~ $2.48 This was color #3 on the exact listing. It's a very pigmented purple. I wish it would've been a darker purple but it's alright since it can be darkened up with an ombre effect (which I have a tutorial for on my YouTube channel). It seems to last for a decent amount of time, but like most, isn't immune to drinking and eating. 32 Piece Pink Makeup Brush Kit ~ eBay ~ $11.99 The kit is so pretty. All the brushes are well designed along with the packaging. The brushes themselves are soft and have little to no shedding. It comes with such a large variety of brushes too! They all work well. I am a little sad that it didn't come with a flat top brush but I was able to just pick up that specific brush individually. Pastry & Sweets Erasers ~ gift No idea where you find these (I believe I seen them in arts & craft isles at different stores like Target and Walmart). I prefer to use them for some cute little decorations rather than actual erasers. Backpack ~ eBay ~ $12.96 It looked slightly more pink in the original photos I saw but it's alright. I plan to make a cover for my Annie cosplay. Overall, the actual backpack itself is very well made, light and comfortable to carry and super cute. It's also quite spacious for being a smaller bag. White Tall Boots ~ eBay ~ $19.99 I bought these in a size 5. They are true to size and fit extremely well. They're also really well made and fairly comfortable to wear (for being heels). The heels aren't too tall or thin either for those who prefer shorter heels or wedges (making them easier to walk in and for longer, as well). Luna Tights ~ eBay ~ $4.74 I believe I forgot to show these in the video as well. I also can't find the exact listing on eBay but just search "Luna Tights". They're well made. The black color is actual fabric and not just painted on. The only "painted on" aspects are the facial details and it won't fade easily. They're fairly thick tights meaning they won't rip or tear easily either (but must still be treated with care, obviously). They're really well made and I'm extremely happy with them. Super cute and great for Sailor Moon fans! Tibbers ~ Riot Merch ~ $37 It's $30 and was $7 shipping. It arrived at a decent speed (I believe it ships from the United States). It's a decent size for the price and extremely well made and soft. Perfect for my upcoming Annie cosplay too! Strawberry Hair Rollers ~ eBay ~ $1.83 These are cute sponge hair rollers you use to curl your hair. You wrap your hair in them while it's wet then remove them once dry. They're sponge material so it's comfortable to sleep with them in. They're also easy to use. Sanrio Stationary ~ gift I love stationary. Especially cutesy one. I have a lot of Sanrio stationary so this fits right in! It's always super cute and makes for great letters (when you have reason to send them xD). The packaging for the stationary is adorable, as well. Pink Pigtail Wig ~ eBay ~ $10.50 I won my wig in an auction so the link is not exact. The wig is extremely nice. It's really thick and long and has little to no shedding. It's also very soft and comfortable to wear. Pink & Brown Wig ~ eBay ~ $12.50 I won this wig in an auction but it's easy to find if you just search brown and pink wig. The fringe does come at the length shown in the photo instead of the usually longer length to allow personal styling. It is also a bit on the thinner side but not so thin it's unusable (I just prefer really thick wigs). It has little to no shedding. Manga Studio Program ~ gift I have yet to really use this program so I can't give too much of a review on it. I do believe this is an older version. I can't give a cost or where to find it since it was a gift, but I'm sure through Google it'll be able to be found. Gesso ~ eBay ~ $6.44 I can't find the exact listing but I'm sure it can also be found at local craft stores for possibly cheaper. This stuff is great for covering props and smoothing out and seams or lines. Can be sanded and doesn't take too long to try. Heat Gun ~ Harbor Freight ~ $9 From the brand Drill Master. It was on sale for half off when I purchased it. It's just a basic heat gun and works great. Dremel 7300 ~ Walmart ~ $30ish Works great. It was the cheapest rotary tool they had. Very basic and came with 5 accessories. Can fit with any other Dremel accessories later if needed. Red Bodysuit ~ eBay ~ $14.37 Fits true to size. Doesn't have TOO much stretch but does have enough. It's very shiny. Seems to be pretty well made. I've seen quite a few posts in the past where someone will mention only using expanding foam once (as in, once it's been opened/used it can no longer be saved to use later). I guess that's the "proper" way to use it since it does only come with one nozzle that'll get plugged up once the expanding foam dries. I've always re-used and saved my expanding foam though, especially since I never use a whole can on one thing. Here's how for any of you who may have been tossing it out before it's empty. *Remember!* Wait till the foam is fully dried before doing this. Otherwise it just becomes a gooey mess and doesn't come out in one nice piece, nor as easily. This is the expanding foam I used and a cosplay piece I used it on. As you can see foam can and probably will end up drying in random spots along the tube. Sometimes it's not fully blocked and others it's just hopeless. In cases where it's blocked I'll find something that'll be able to scrap it out. Not everything is long enough though as you can tell in the photo above. I'm using some random tool I had lying around but even a toothpick can work. When the nozzle is too long for the tool I simply just cut it down. I've never had a problem with it changing the way the expanding foam its applied. It may take a couple tries especially if what you're using has no ridges. If you just press and pull along the side though you'll be able to pull out any dried foam. It should easily come out in one piece. Now do the same for the other end. And one more time for the nozzle that's attached to the can. Then just reattach you cleaned nozzle/tubes and its ready for use!
Gift Cards for Forever 21 and Joann's Fabric Store Just some gift cards I received. Not much to say about these except I'm excited to spend them and already have spent one. Pillow - QVC I'm not sure of the exact brand but it's one of the higher quality ones. The pillow has My Pillow written all over it. It is super comfortable though and full. E.L.F. Eyeshadow Book E.L.F. eyeshadows are amazing. They're super pigmented. These specific eyeshadows are shimmery/glittery. The shimmer is all the way throughout the entire piece of eyeshadow (I note this because some eyeshadows that are shimmery/glittery only lay the shimmer/glitter on top and it gets used up quickly). E.L.F. 32 Piece Eyeshadow Palette This palette has some of my favorite colors to use in it (especially the gold). They're incredibly pigmented and the shimmer/glitter runs all the way throughout the eyeshadow piece. Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix I haven't tried it yet but I have tried this brand and they do have really good hot chocolate. I'm really excited to try these different flavors. Legend of Zelda Tee - Hot Topic Super cute shirt! I love this. Great quality like any other Hot Topic shirt. I got it in a size small. Solar Powered Penguin - .99 Cent Store These are always so cute. I have a slight problem with buying so many --but they're always just a dollar sooo.. Anyways these make for some cute little nick-nacks to have around a room or home. Seaweed Cutter Been wanting one of these for a while. I assume this was gotten from Japan Town, San Francisco. This is basically a hole puncher for seaweed and you can use it to decorate rice and other dishes. It's especially great to make cute bento boxes. Mini Moon Tee - Hot Topic Another nice top from Hot Topic. Love that it's Sailor Moon (like from the anime Sailor Moon, I know the character is Sailor Mini Moon). Good quality of course. I believe this is a size medium. Philosophy Pistachio Meringue Shampoo, Bubble Bath, Body Soap - QVC I've owned products from them before and they're always really nice. It makes my hair feel nice and smells really good. I also love the packaging. The product lasts quite a while, as well. Sailor Mars Lingerie/Bikini - eBay- $10.44 The material isn't the greatest but it's overall well made --you'll probably just need to iron it. The bra is wired and has little padding. So if you like push-up, you're going to have to add your own or may not be interested. This was a one size item. I feel like it could fit up to a US large (maybe larger --it does have elastic bands so it can stretch quite a bit). Hot Cocoa Sampler I haven't tried this brand yet but I love all the different flavors of hot chocolate. I'm so ready for winter now! Ellen Tracy Eyebrow Kit Really nice kit. I love the stencils and they're fairly easy to use. The palette itself is very pigmented. The brush isn't top of the line but it is good enough. The eyeliner is nice as well. Orange Wig - eBay - $17.86 Super nice quality and really thick. It's also really long. It does have quite a bit of shine but that can be taken away with baby or talcum powder. Bangs come as really long side bangs so that they can be cut and styled as desired. Pig Coin Purse This makes me so happy. It's rubber-y material and really sturdy. It's so cute too! I love pigs. FujiFilm Instax Mini 8 - eBay- $117.49 Included 5 packs of film (10 sheets each), selfie/mirror lens, and marker. Came with a wrist strap as well. It's really easy to use and really easy to just run through the film. The film is a bit expensive too --it's about a $1 per sheet (so packs of 10 are between $8-12). I love the color. The selfie lens is really helpful when taking selfies of just you or with friends. Note that the flash will always go off no matter what setting. The ink is also in the photo so when a picture is developing be careful not to shake it around much. Photos develop quickly --within a minute or two. I love the feel of these vintage-y photo styles (childhood!!). E.L.F. Lengthening & Defining Mascara E.L.F. products are always great. This mascara is awesome. Doesn't clump and does appear to add length. I like the brush style as well. Bath & Body Hand Sanitizer in Sweat Pea & Pumpkin Caramel Latter, and Owl Hand Sanitizer Carrier Bath & Body always has great products. Both hand sanitizers smell really good. The case for them is just so cute and different as well. It also makes for a helpful little flashlight if/when needed. BlackHead Out Nose Strips (10 Sheets) - eBay - $2.69 These are much different from the other ones I ordered. This have a more cloth-y and flexible feel to them. They also have no scent (at least not a bad scent). I do have to trim these down because it gets too close to my under-eye area and can be irritating when waiting. The other ones I had feel like the removed black heads better than these ones but that may just be because I didn't have many to start with anyways. These feel more moisturizing afterwards though. Both are really good and get the job done. Strawberry Skittles Candle I love that it's pink and strawberry and Skittles! It smells amazing and the little glass it's in is really pretty. Sheer Black Top Nice quality top. I really like sheer blouses like this. Bali Mango Body Lotion from Bath & Body Works Smells so good! It's really moisturizing. Once again another great quality product from Bath & Body Works. It's a huge bottle with a lot of product that it definitely going to last a long time. Cat Slippers The slippers are so cute. Although, the eye did break off of one almost right away --but it can be glue back on. They're pretty comfortable. I also didn't expect them to be super warm because the material was different from other slippers I've had, but they are! Puppy Pajamas These are the softest and warmest pajama bottoms I own. I love the cute puppy print and the pink coloring. Pink Scissors - QVC They're designed to cut through thicker and sturdy materials and they do exactly that. They look a little awkward to hold and cut with but they actually aren't and work just like a normal scissors. Purple Purse Organizer - QVC This is really helpful especially if you switch purses daily or to match outfits. Now I feel like I should and want to look into getting more and different styles or purses so I can switch them out more often and style them with different outfits. Good quality material and well made. Pink Knit Jumper Love the color. Well made. It's not the most flattering shape but it is meant to be over-sized so it still looks cute. It's pretty warm too. Black & Red Sweater I think I'll use this for another casual Harley Quinn cosplay, maybe Christmas next year. It's well fitted and warm. Really good quality of course. Blue & White Sports Sweater This is really warm and soft. I really love the color too. It's purpose is for active wear but I may also use it as a pajama top because it's so warm and soft. Halo Portable Cellphone Charger - QVC This was a little tricky to learn how to work but once I got it working it was super helpful. It charges my phone pretty fast as well. I also like that it came in this cute wallet like shape and doesn't take up much space. Silver/Lavender Mixed Wig - eBay (auction) - 6.50 I absolutely love this wig. I want my actual hair this color. The wig is pretty long and thick. It's a nice quality and doesn't have much shine so it can look pretty natural. It came with straight cut bangs but they're long enough so that they could easily be swept into a side bang. 90s Choker - eBay - $0.99 Same quality as any of these chokers back in the 90s. It's very stretchable so it easily fitted me. Comfortable to wear. Love the vibe it can give an outfit. Solar Powered Rose - 99 Cent Store - $1 Like I mentioned earlier I have a slight problem with buying so many of these things. They're so cute though and cheaply priced. Tall Lace-Up Boots - Forever 21 - $39.80 Love these boots. They go up to just under my knee. They have a zipper on the side so one you have the lacing situated, you can just zip and unzip them to take them on and off. Feels well made and like good material. Distressed Los Angeles Sweater - Forever 21 - $22.80 Sweater goal for a while now. I love the vibe and look of distressed sweaters. I also loved the print on this one and the placement of the "tears". It's a small but runs over-sized for a loose and comfy feel. Great quality. Floppy Brim Fedora - Forever 21 - $14.90 Dream hat for a while now. It's fit is a bit of a loose fit but it actually helps it sit on my head the way I want. It pulls together so many of my outfits now. Diet Coke Muscle Tee - Forever 21 - $9.99 Such a cute shirt. Recommened you wear some sort of bandeau or cute bra underneath since you can see it from the side. I love how long this top is too. It's a size small and falls to about mid-thigh, so it looks great and super cute with shorts. I'll definitely being wearing this a lot in the summer! Bunny Piggy Bank - Daiso - $1.50 So cute! It's like a marshmallow bunny. I love piggy banks so much. Lucky Cat - Daiso - $3 Something I bought for my grandma. If placed right it's suppose to bring good luck and wealth. Not sure if it works though but I do think it made a cute gift. Twinsider Mascara -Daiso - $1.50 Love this mascara. It's not clumpy and it goes on smoothly. It does add a little length or at least a lengthy look. Foot Mask - Daiso - $1.50 It's a pack of 2. It's very similar in feel and effect wise to face masks, at least the other face masks I've bought from Daiso. BB Face Mask - Daiso - $1.50 I always pick this up whenever I go to Daiso. It comes in a pack of two. It always makes my face feel smoother and softer after using it. Macaroon Squishy - Ichiban - $1.88 I love these things so much. They had some bread bun ones at Daiso but these just drew my attention so much more. It may be because I love cutesy and pink and am obsessed with macaroons, though. It's also well made and I've had no problems with it so far. Hello Kitty Waffle Squishy - Ichiban - $1.48 I'm a little more careful with these next two squishies because some of the sprinkles can flake off. It is overall well made though. It's super cute as well. I love cute foods! Plus it's Hello Kitty! Hello Kitty Donut Squishy - Ichiban - $1.48 Another super cute "Hello Kitty meets cute foods" squishy! Once again the sprinkles are able to be flaked off if picked at or too rough. Over all it is well made though. All the squishies, I feel, we're a great price for the size and details! Donut Headphone Holder - Daiso - $1.50 They can be a little tricky to learn how to use, especially since it has no instructions or explanations. These are super cute though! And as always I love cute things like this. Makeup Wipes - Daiso - $1.50 There are 35 wipes in this pack. Apparently they have collagen and olive oil, both are good for your skin. They also work well and one cloth can remove all every day makeup. But I will always recommend using eye makeup remover for your eye makeup (less scrubbing). Rice Seasoning - Ichiban - $2.29 My favorite rice seasoning. I believe it's seaweed and egg. I always pick this up whenever I go to Japan Town. Scrunchy - Daiso - $1.50 I haven't worn a scrunchy since I was young but I've been wanting to accessorize more so I figured this will go great with some pastel outfits I wear. Scrunchy - Daiso - $1.50 I picked up this scrunchy to go with quite a few outfits I've been wearing lately. A lot of them have either been slightly edgy or just black and gold themed. Pore Care Pack - Daiso - $1.50 It's a stiff sheet and I do have to trim the edges because it's too large for my nose and hits under my eyes, irritating it. I also don't care for the smell at all (I breath out of my mouth). But it does work! It takes out any blackheads (not sure if ALL of them but some--I didn't have many to start). It also leaves your skin feeling softer. Comes in a pack of 4 sheets. Eyelashes - Daiso - $1.50 Love these eyelashes. The style is just so pretty and glam feeling. The packaging is also really pretty and what drew my eye in the first place. Eyelashes - Daiso - $1.50 I always pick up these lashes whenever I go to Daiso. I love half lashes. They're super long looking but can look at least semi-natural at the same time. They're also more comfortable, for me personally, than full lashes (although, I've started trimming down my full lashes more). Top Coat Nail Polish - Daiso - $1.50 It's quick drying. It's also a decent sized polish bottle. It's just a normal top coat other than that. I like it though. Strawberry Cellphone Decor - Daiso - $1.50 Love this! I saw it and knew it was a must have. It's super cheap and sooo cute to have hanging from your phone. I love that it has the option to remove the cellphone strap and just be able to use the headphone jack attachment. Eyebrow Pencil - Daiso - $1.50 I love this. The color is perfect. The pencil itself is really thin or flat (so it's long one way but thin the other --making it easier, for me at least, to fill in my brows). It also goes on smoothly. Phone Stylus - Daiso - $1.50 I picked this up to make photo editing and game apps easier to use. It really does help with that too! Works just fine with my iPhone 4. I also really like how it was designed. It's not super cutesy but it is really pretty and semi-glam. Kleancolor Neutral Zone Palette - Daiso - $1.50 I love all the colors in this palette. Perfect for smokey eyes. They're all super pigmented and really shiny/glittery. Unlike some eyeshadows it's glitter isn't just on the top layer, it's throughout the whole eyeshadow. It also comes off just as shimmer on your skin. Panda Mug - Ichiban - $4 Bought this as a gift for my grandma and she loved it. It has a super cute print around the whole mug. The top of the mug is just as cute. The mug is glass though so it may not be the best idea to take it to go, especially if you're a bit clumsy. Scented Nail Polish by Kleancolor - Daiso - $1.50 each Always been in love with these. Note: these do not smell in the bottle themselves. If you open the bottle and smell it, it'll smell like any other nail polish. In order to smell the scents you have to apply it and let it dry. In other words, it only gains it's claimed scent when it's dry. When wet it smells like normal nail polish (not so good). It's insane how it really does smell like what it claims to (I bough vanilla and pudding scented polishes). Pig Rice Bowl - Daiso - $1.50 Just had to pick up this cute little rice bowl. I love pigs after all and rice so this was just perfect. Good quality too. 1. YouTube ScheduleI have this schedule in my mind that I'd love to be able to stick to. The biggest thing stopping me at the moment is editing software. As most anyone who's worked with Windows Movie Maker knows, it sucks. It crashes constantly. For me it'll crash after splitting clips or scanning through them, after it's been used to much it'll crash my entire sound system when I click to play a clip, it'll delete all clips behind where I split a clip (meaning I have to restart the whole edit), and video files will randomly go corrupt. I'm constantly saving after every little change because I never know when these problems will start, I just know that when they do they won't disappear unless I just don't use it for a week (I usually make it through a video or a video and a half before it starts having issues). So I'm working to get new editing software (all the free ones never work for me ;n; ). Anyways the schedule that I eventually want to create will look a little like this: Makeup Mondays: I'll upload a makeup tutorial or makeup related videos every Monday! Maybe not every Monday but most Mondays--you have to give me time so I don't run out of ideas! Whatever Wednesdays: This'll be the days that I upload random videos. This can be anything from tag videos, Q&As, to cosplay related topics or even skit videos. Anything that wouldn't fall into any of the other days' categories. Fashion Friday: I'll upload outfit of the week videos, closet tags or other fashion tags and anything else related to fashion and clothing. Vlog Sunday: That won't be the title. I'll just call it a weekly vlog. This will be one long vlog (shortened down as best as possible) from the entire week. So it'll be a compilation of any and all vlogging I did throughout the whole week in one video. It'll be posted on Sunday and the vlogs will, obviously, be from that prior week. I only plan to do this if I ever get a more exciting life --something other than just at the computer and running errands all day. Monthly Haul: Of course there'll be a monthly haul every month like usual. I'll probably post these on a Monday in place of a makeup tutorial (this gives me a break from trying to come up with ideas constantly and running out). I hope I can get around to sticking to this schedule. I think I'll start prepping now and start in the new year --let's see how well this goes. 2. Exercise ScheduleI keep meaning to do this. I just want to try and stick to some sort of routine instead of randomly exercising a different times of the day and different days and just falling behind and not exercising for weeks at a time! Wish me luck, it always feels like such a chore until I actually start exercising. 3. Cosplay GoalsI just want to get all my main goals done and completely! I have a bad habit with procrastination so I hope to finish most of my cosplay a month or two before the con I want to wear it too. 4. Licenses & School & WorkI want to finally get around to taking that test and get my license for cosmetology. I also want to figure out my transportation and attend this nearby school for fashion design. With my license I plan to look for free lance work all over California. I'd love to get a chance to work with amazing photographers and models and theaters and get to do some cool projects ~I want to learn and practice more on my theatrical makeup first. I'd also like to get a chance to work with and model for some of the photographers that contacted me. All in all, this means I have to work on socializing, getting out of my comfort zone and deal with my anxiety. 5. Healthier EatingI'd love to start eating healthier. I want to try and cook more meals from scratch and from fresh food instead of T.V. dinners and junk food. So that means less sweets and I need to stop over salting everything I eat. I'd like to learn and try a lot more recipes and healthy ones!
EcoTools Hair Brush: $10.99 Adds volume to hair especially when blow drying. Round brushes are perfect for blow-dry styles. I tried it out when drying my hair a few times now and it definitely made my hair bigger (not a bad thing!). Plus this brand is eco-friendly. The packaging was also nice. Celestial Seasoning Tea The specific type is Candy Cane Lane Decaf Green Tea. I'm not much of a tea person but I do like the holiday and peppermint seasonings. I haven't given it a try just yet but green tea is good for you so I plan to drink it either way xD. Fruit Vines Bites: $1.28-1.79 They taste so good! They're a cute little snacks. There's not too much I have to say about this. They are low fat though! Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover: $7.49 Love this. The bottle's huge and it takes very little product to remove all my eye makeup. This is so much better than just washing your face normally or using makeup whips. It doesn't take much effort to scrubbing--like it says, it's gentle eye makeup remove, so you're able to remove makeup gently. McCormick Thyme: $4.79 I haven't cooked with it yet but some of the recipes look really good, so I'm excited to try it out. Apparently it adds a warm and light minty flavor. NYC Expert Last Lip Color in Sugar Plum: $1.99 The colors super pretty! And it does last a fairly long time. It's a nice neutral color. Something subtle but nice. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner: $4.49 It goes on smoothly and doesn't scratch your eyelids. Once it's set/dry it is waterproof and has little to no smudge or smearing when rubbed. It is a bit difficult to sharpen and get to have a thin point, but that may be because I'm not using an eyeliner sharpener --just a normal pencil sharpener. No6 Protect & Perfect Advanced Sachet: Full Size is $22.99 This is suppose to help with fine lines, wrinkles and aging. I really don't have any problems with these, at least not at the moment, but it's never a bad idea to take extra good care of your skin. I thought this would be something fun and random to post. I believe these tests are irreverent and unused now a days, but it's still just fun to see all the different perceptions people have. These are from the Rorschach Ink Blotch test (I believe). Number Order: #1 top left, #2 top right, #3 second on left, #4 second on right and so on.
1. Moth/winged demon. 2. Two baby elephants playing. 3. Wolf/fox. 4. I saw two things: a man with a long cloak thing wearing a skull (like a steer/bull--something with a long snout) on his head, or a pig/bat thing. 5. Moth. 6. I don't really see anything--maybe a stingray mixed with some sort of fairy or butterfly, like a whimsical stingray. 7. Two old ladies sitting facing one another -also giving someone who's about to walk by a fist bump. 8. Two mole rats climbing/tunneling. 9. Two things seen: cow, or some sore of dog thing (like Jake the dog or courage the cowardly dog). 10. Aquatic life/ocean reef. I see some pretty strange and normal things. What do you see? :D ~Positive outcomes only! :) So there's been many articles and statements come out from and about Comic book authors/creators and their dislike of cosplayers.
One of the biggest thing that bugs me about some of the things were said is blaming cosplayers for profit loss and the comic book creators not getting recognized. If your products aren't selling, that's your fault. You're obviously not marketing your products well enough, even if it feels like you are. Media is so huge, so many things are popular, so it's going to be a lot harder to bring attention to these things that used to be incredibly popular but have since died out a little (or have never been/are new). Revamp it, jump on different marketing strategy band wagons, make yourself relevant and important to mainstream media. As for the recognition part. Really, you just need to sell yourself better. I am going to hate myself for this example, but look at Kim Kardashian. Whether you love her or hate her she keeps herself in the spotlight, maybe not always in the best light, but still in the spotlight. She keeps her self relevant and knows how to draw attention, making her a household name. If you're really that desperate for recognition learn how to sell yourself, use the media and social sites. To be honest though, there are plenty of readers and fans who don't really care to learn much about or even who the author/creator is. There's a good portion who just read and enjoy the story and don't bother with all the "little" details. Example; there's a lot of people who are fans of the Marvel movies, but that's about it. They like the movies, the superheros but don't bother with the comics or the writers because they just want enjoy the "entertainment part". I understand, you have to share the spotlight now with people who were once just fans. Yeah it's difficult to adapt to. But things change and either you learn to stay relevant, open-minded and change with it or you simply get left behind --life isn't meant to be fair or stagnant. Another honesty thing here: there is a lot of people (both non-cosplayers and cosplayers) who just don't care to meet anyone at conventions. Guilty! Yes I don't really bother with meeting any of these guests at cons and if that was all cons were, I probably wouldn't care to go. But they're not, cons are so much more than they used to be and it's a good thing. It brings in a bigger crowd and allows for this community that was once shunned and frowned upon to grow and let people become more open-minded to it. Cosplay gives fans a chance to be apart of the action and enjoy the con (and character/comic) in a different way, instead of just being another guest (which some people are happy with that, and that's okay). Cosplay is an art form though, and it allows so many people to mix two things they're passionate about (a fandom and art form) into one. Side note: Why do I (and possibly others) not care to meet guests? Because waiting in those lines just isn't as fun and would be much less fun, for me personally, in everyday clothes. Now, I will try to meet people who are my favorite voice actor, illustrator, animator, etc etc... But I don't try to meet everyone from anything and everything I'm a fan of. I'd rather meet other fans, look around the dealer room, interact with other cosplayers and go to different panels. Like, I really don't want to pay the couple hundred (ticket + hotel room prices) it takes to be there to just stand in a line for the whole weekend to get a picture and autograph with and meet a guest for about 30 seconds. Here's a good tip for you (the authors); instead of fighting against cosplayers, how about working with them. Think of how YouTubers do collaboration videos to boost up their own fanbase/views. Work with cosplayers. Example: companies in the past have hired cosplayers for promotional gigs. Try befriending some and interacting more with the ones who cosplay characters from your comics. They're obviously a big fan. And if they're not, well this is my next topic: One said something about getting angry after a cosplayer mentioned that they wanted to cosplay a character they didn't know much about because they enjoyed the design and it was relevant. First lets note: cosplayers cosplay certain characters for a lot of different reasons and it's not always because they're a fan. Sometimes they just love the outfit, sometimes it was something easy and affordable, other times it's something someone else suggest or requested and so many more. That's okay. Yes I said it, it is okay to cosplay a character for a reason other than you're a fan. Gasp, I know. Alright, so what the author/artist decided to do after being told that by the cosplay was throw him out of his booth/panel. That is the worst decision you could have made. You had the chance to educate him on the characters/comic, and gain a new fan and consumer but instead you risked turning him off to this entire community and made yourself look like an ass. Congratulations. Now here's a better option you could have went with, especially since you're so worried about profit margins: Told him more about the character. Offered him merchandise, comics, draw him in and try to sell him products. Even if he didn't buy it right there and then you could have told him where your products could be found elsewhere --like online. How hard would that have been, you would've had a new fan/consumer and the guy would've probably became an even bigger/loyal fan with how much effort he felt you put into the conversation--even if it's a short one. And this brings us to our next topic: Cosplayers don't buy anything. Or at least someone stated at their booths cosplayers are usually the ones to just look but never buy. I'm going to let you in on a little secret: they buy things later, when not in cosplay. GASP! Yes, they actually dress like normal people at some point during the convention, shocking! Don't believe me? I'll explain why and how this works as simply as possible: Cosplays are heavy. There's usually not a lot of room to put something as small as a cellphone and wallet, let alone figurines, books or swords. Why not carry a bag? Because unless you've customize it--and sometimes even then--it can take away from the cosplay, and you don't always (or even anytime) put down your bag in a crowded hall every time someone wants a picture --which can happen a lot, like every other second, or you're standing there for a few minutes at a time. People work hard on their cosplays, like it to be as accurate as possible, look good and don't want to lug around extra baggage. Also, some cosplayers have giant props taking up both hands, making the cosplay really heavy --they don't need the extra weight. So here's what they do instead. They wear their cosplay happily around all day or a few days and either for a part of everyday or one or two days out of the convention they don't wear it. They put on their everyday clothes and those things they were looking at earlier when you got mad because "cosplayers don't buy anything", they go and buy them. Alright, so what if they don't buy them. They spent all their money making the cosplays. Yeah, okay, that happens. But they also spent all their money in order to go to the convention --they aren't cheap, and only getting more expensive. It doesn't mean they won't buy any of your products ever. In fact, a lot of people (both cosplayers and non-cosplayers) don't buy anything at cons. They'll look around, find what they like and later look it up online. Why? Because some booths like to bump up their prices at conventions, it's much easier to find it at stores back home or online for a better price. Don't over price items just because you're at a convention (like those nearby food places, darn them) and try giving out business cards to those who are just looking so they know where to find you if they can't afford to buy anything right then. At the end of this all, cosplayers aren't what is bringing down your business. It's your inability to adapt and bluntly put, asshole-like attitude that is. Things are changing. Things are always going to change, in every aspect of life, and there's nothing you or anyone can do to stop it. It's just how life works. So adapt to it and learn to use it as an advantage instead of letting it be your downfall. If you didn't look at it all in such a negative and bitter way, placing all the blame on everyone but yourself, maybe you wouldn't have this problem. So try and learn some better marketing skills (and communication skills), work with your fans instead of attacking them, and keep yourself ever-adapting and relevant, and maybe you'll end up doing just fine... And you'll have to hope that what's a big part of the community, can forgive your ever-so-salty comments. ~Positive outcomes only :) |
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