A collection of all the amazing things/artists/guests/cosplay at Fan Expo! Enjoy!
<3
Monday 29 April 2013
Saturday 27 April 2013
Fan Expo, part 1
And by part 1, I really mean that this is the only post with writing-the second one will be pictures of cool shit.
Fan Expo is pretty new to Vancouver. New as in this was its second year. Now, I gotta say that the turn out for it was AMAZING. I know that Fan Expo was a little concerned about bringing the show to Vancouver, and paying so much for the guests that they had going on, but, mean, the geek's in this city have surely earned the right to claim fan expo for a long time coming.
The guests were great-although there were a few who cancelled who I really wanted to see (namely Tom Felton) but they tried super hard to get some great and varied guests. There was more than enough Q&A time with most of the guests, and each had their own panel time, as well as group Q&A if it were applicable (like for Buffy/Angel).
If there was one major thing that I could complain about, it was the panels. I expected/hoped for a large variety of panels, that included not just the media guests, but the comic artists/writers and industry sponsors. I think I've been spoiled from the other Vancouver cons, which have a huge variety of panels and events-from cosplay fashion, to art demonstrations-and just expected the same from Fan Expo. I mean, the media guests are great, and they are super fun to watch and ask questions to and all, but I feel that a lot of the big comic fans want to talk to the people who WRITE and DRAW what they love, and see how/why they did something. I mean, meeting Stan Lee is awesome, but he doesn't single handedly write/draw/ink/colour every single comic out there (not anymore, at least) and it would be cool to talk to the new blood.
Alright, so there's actually one more thing I would complain about-the line ups to get in. Especially for the people who pre-bought tickets (I did not, but was with people who did). I think that if someone put in the effort to buy tickets online, and show up on time, they should be able to go right in and enjoy everything they paid for. Instead, there were people who pre purchased, and had to wait over an HOUR. I think that is just so unfair to do to people. Fans shouldn't be punished for buying tickets online, and going to an event they are looking forward to, just because the staff were under-prepared for the shear amount of people who wanted to be there.
But, I mean, I had a great time, all things considered. I am so looking forward to all the other conventions that are still to come here in Vancity.
Part 2, a pile of photos, coming in about 2 days <3
Fan Expo is pretty new to Vancouver. New as in this was its second year. Now, I gotta say that the turn out for it was AMAZING. I know that Fan Expo was a little concerned about bringing the show to Vancouver, and paying so much for the guests that they had going on, but, mean, the geek's in this city have surely earned the right to claim fan expo for a long time coming.
The guests were great-although there were a few who cancelled who I really wanted to see (namely Tom Felton) but they tried super hard to get some great and varied guests. There was more than enough Q&A time with most of the guests, and each had their own panel time, as well as group Q&A if it were applicable (like for Buffy/Angel).
 |
| Drusilla/Spike- Buffy/Angel |
 |
| Cassandra!!!!-Waynes World/Relic Hunters |
If there was one major thing that I could complain about, it was the panels. I expected/hoped for a large variety of panels, that included not just the media guests, but the comic artists/writers and industry sponsors. I think I've been spoiled from the other Vancouver cons, which have a huge variety of panels and events-from cosplay fashion, to art demonstrations-and just expected the same from Fan Expo. I mean, the media guests are great, and they are super fun to watch and ask questions to and all, but I feel that a lot of the big comic fans want to talk to the people who WRITE and DRAW what they love, and see how/why they did something. I mean, meeting Stan Lee is awesome, but he doesn't single handedly write/draw/ink/colour every single comic out there (not anymore, at least) and it would be cool to talk to the new blood.
 |
| Stan Lee |
Alright, so there's actually one more thing I would complain about-the line ups to get in. Especially for the people who pre-bought tickets (I did not, but was with people who did). I think that if someone put in the effort to buy tickets online, and show up on time, they should be able to go right in and enjoy everything they paid for. Instead, there were people who pre purchased, and had to wait over an HOUR. I think that is just so unfair to do to people. Fans shouldn't be punished for buying tickets online, and going to an event they are looking forward to, just because the staff were under-prepared for the shear amount of people who wanted to be there.
But, I mean, I had a great time, all things considered. I am so looking forward to all the other conventions that are still to come here in Vancity.
Part 2, a pile of photos, coming in about 2 days <3
Saturday 13 April 2013
Finals
So, finals sprung up on me pretty quick. On the plus side, I have successfully completed my first semester of real university-minus finals, of course. On the bad side, I still have 4 finals to write.
You probably guessed it already, but I'll be pretty spotty, update wise, for the next 2 weeks or so.
BUT! when I return, I will have LOADS of cool stuff to share, including more projects and things I'm doing; stuff about friends visiting; and Vancouver's Fan Expo! And I will have LOTS from Fan expo.
So, fear not, there will be lots of fun stuff in the future.
xox
My Twitter will be the only thing that I'm really updating, so go follow me!
You probably guessed it already, but I'll be pretty spotty, update wise, for the next 2 weeks or so.
BUT! when I return, I will have LOADS of cool stuff to share, including more projects and things I'm doing; stuff about friends visiting; and Vancouver's Fan Expo! And I will have LOTS from Fan expo.
So, fear not, there will be lots of fun stuff in the future.
xox
My Twitter will be the only thing that I'm really updating, so go follow me!
Sunday 7 April 2013
Beach time baby
This is more of a pile of pictures, mostly of the nature variety. I take a lot of photos sometimes, and I want to share them with people, even if only a few people.
Art is like that, I guess.
Not that I'm an artist. I prefer to think of myself as someone who admires beauty in all its guises.
Which makes me sound incredibly pretentious. I will be the first to admit that I'm arrogant, but pretentious? Not so much.
Anyways, this is all in Vancouver, near Stanley Park. Birds, birds and beach, and me.
Art is like that, I guess.
Not that I'm an artist. I prefer to think of myself as someone who admires beauty in all its guises.
Which makes me sound incredibly pretentious. I will be the first to admit that I'm arrogant, but pretentious? Not so much.
Anyways, this is all in Vancouver, near Stanley Park. Birds, birds and beach, and me.
Trumpeter Swan, turtles and the common mallard. Lost Lagoon. 2013.
Great Blue Heron, in a tree, which is pretty uncommon. Lost Lagoon, 2013
Reflections, near Coal Harbor. 2013
A Spotted Towhee, Lost Lagoon. 2013.
Me! Right near Sunset Beach. 2013
First beach, 2013.
Yaletown Sakura trees. 2013.
Friday 5 April 2013
La Carmina Interview-Goth Fashionista and World traveller
Due to some interesting circumstances, I had the absolute honor of giving La Carmina a small interview about the goth travel lifestyle.
But, before I get into the interview, there's a few things you should know about this lovely lady!
La Carmina is a fashion, alt culture and travel TV host (Taboo, Bizarre Foods, oddities and World's weirdest restaurants), author of several books, journalist (including The New Yorker, Cosmopolitan, Vogue and LA Times) and a professional blogger over at lacarmina.com
In short, she is a jack of all trades, and looks amazing as she does it. Seriously, how awesome is that outfit?
Other really cool things about her? She's from Vancouver; she's done work all over the world for a TONNE of different corporations; she has several books published; she runs a coolhunting company (La Carmina and the Pirates); regularly contributes work to CNN and Huffington Post on fashion and travel; AND, if that wasn't enough, she is the single most nicest, most amazing celebrity that I have had the experience of chatting with.
La Carmina: I’ve discovered that there is fascinating alt culture in the most
unexpected of places. Cities like LA, Berlin and Tokyo are known for
their vibrant Goth scenes. But I had an equally wonderful time
drinking absinthe in an intimate Phoenix, Arizona Gothic party. I also
loved trying squeaky curds and swinging on a bondage bed in Wisconsin.
It’s impossible to name a favorite place since they all have unique
qualities; I’ve simply become more eager than ever to keep exploring
the world.
Of all of history's past goth fashion trends, which would you like
to see make a comeback?
I’d like to live in a world where people wear giant sailboats on their
heads, as they did in the Rococo court of Marie Antoinette.
In your opinion, what is the best place for goth culture/scene in
North America? Europe?
It’s hard to name a favorite, since I enjoy smaller, more relaxed
scenes as much as the crazy, explosive ones. However, as a Goth travel
destination, I recommend Los Angeles; many big bands come here and the
club scene is electrifying. Here are my LA Gothic recommendations:
http://www.lacarmina.com/blog/
For Europe, Berlin is a must: it’s gritty, deathrock heaven. I also
adore Prague’s absinthe and Art Nouveau. I hope you find my Europe
Goth travel guides useful:
http://www.lacarmina.com/blog/
Favourite music (bands or genre) to travel to?
My blog readers know I have a weakness for cheesy Italo Disco. What
can I say? It perks me up and puts me in a good mood.
Favourite underground trend you want to see come into the mainstream?
How about bagelhead forehead inflation in Japan? Just kidding. (Info
on bagelheads: http://www.lacarmina.com/blog/
It’s an extreme form of body morphing and expression that not everyone
will understand, and for this reason, I hope it stays in the hands (or
foreheads) of those who are truly passionate about it.
Fashion trend you most want to see die a fiery death?
I don’t hate on any styles, as I think fashion is an individual
expression. Something like khakis might be too conservative or
predictable for one person, but fit another person perfectly. However
I think it’s beneficial for everyone to dress in colors and cuts that
flatter them.
City, country, event you have yet to see that's at/near the top of your list?
So many! Dubai, Egypt, Transylvania, New Orleans, South America,
Africa… and I can never get tired of traveling in Asia.
Were there any countries that didn't approve of your pro-alt
culture fashion of ideas?
I sometimes get funny stares, but generally, people are more curious
than disapproving. I think reactions can depend on how you carry
yourself. If you smile and are open, chances are that you will have a
positive interaction.
Favourite piece that you just cannot part with?
I still wear some investment pieces that I picked up over 10 years
ago, during my travels. My long, fuzzy white coat from London is
timeless to me.
Favourite hair and makeup product you discovered during your travels?
I always stock up on decadent false eyelashes and lash glue while in
Hong Kong and Japan. They're much cheaper and better than the ones in
the West.
When you travel for extended periods of time, how do you decide
what comes with, and what stays at home?
I don’t stress too much about packing, since I can pick up essentials
along the way. If I’m doing on-camera TV work, I always bring my basic
makeup products (especially Make Up Forever HD foundation and powder),
and prepare my outfits ahead of time. You can see my TV hosting reels
at http://www.lacarmina.com/bio.
Have you considered getting Basil Farrow a friend? If so, would
he/she also be a Scottish Fold, or another variety?
It’s Fold or nothing! They’re an incredible breed; so gentle and
intelligent and fuzzy-faced. However Basil Farrow is the Pharoah --
I’m sure he wants to keep my full attention, and not share any
portions of food! Tons of his cute photos are at:
http://www.lacarmina.com/
But, before I get into the interview, there's a few things you should know about this lovely lady!
La Carmina is a fashion, alt culture and travel TV host (Taboo, Bizarre Foods, oddities and World's weirdest restaurants), author of several books, journalist (including The New Yorker, Cosmopolitan, Vogue and LA Times) and a professional blogger over at lacarmina.com
In short, she is a jack of all trades, and looks amazing as she does it. Seriously, how awesome is that outfit?
 |
| La Carmina.com |
See? Single most awesome lady that does proves that those in the alt scene can be seriously successful without giving up their individuality and sense of self.
Where can you find this lovely lady? Why, various places, including
Facebook
Twitter
Tumblr
Google Plus
And now, for the interview!
 |
| La Carmina.com |
Where can you find this lovely lady? Why, various places, including
Tumblr
Google Plus
And now, for the interview!
Anteela: You have had the opportunity to travel all over the world,
exploring and discovering new trends, not just in the goth scene, but
in many things. What was your favourite, and what/where was it?
exploring and discovering new trends, not just in the goth scene, but
in many things. What was your favourite, and what/where was it?
La Carmina: I’ve discovered that there is fascinating alt culture in the most
unexpected of places. Cities like LA, Berlin and Tokyo are known for
their vibrant Goth scenes. But I had an equally wonderful time
drinking absinthe in an intimate Phoenix, Arizona Gothic party. I also
loved trying squeaky curds and swinging on a bondage bed in Wisconsin.
It’s impossible to name a favorite place since they all have unique
qualities; I’ve simply become more eager than ever to keep exploring
the world.
Of all of history's past goth fashion trends, which would you like
to see make a comeback?
I’d like to live in a world where people wear giant sailboats on their
heads, as they did in the Rococo court of Marie Antoinette.
In your opinion, what is the best place for goth culture/scene in
North America? Europe?
It’s hard to name a favorite, since I enjoy smaller, more relaxed
scenes as much as the crazy, explosive ones. However, as a Goth travel
destination, I recommend Los Angeles; many big bands come here and the
club scene is electrifying. Here are my LA Gothic recommendations:
http://www.lacarmina.com/blog/
For Europe, Berlin is a must: it’s gritty, deathrock heaven. I also
adore Prague’s absinthe and Art Nouveau. I hope you find my Europe
Goth travel guides useful:
http://www.lacarmina.com/blog/
Favourite music (bands or genre) to travel to?
My blog readers know I have a weakness for cheesy Italo Disco. What
can I say? It perks me up and puts me in a good mood.
Favourite underground trend you want to see come into the mainstream?
How about bagelhead forehead inflation in Japan? Just kidding. (Info
on bagelheads: http://www.lacarmina.com/blog/
It’s an extreme form of body morphing and expression that not everyone
will understand, and for this reason, I hope it stays in the hands (or
foreheads) of those who are truly passionate about it.
Fashion trend you most want to see die a fiery death?
I don’t hate on any styles, as I think fashion is an individual
expression. Something like khakis might be too conservative or
predictable for one person, but fit another person perfectly. However
I think it’s beneficial for everyone to dress in colors and cuts that
flatter them.
City, country, event you have yet to see that's at/near the top of your list?
So many! Dubai, Egypt, Transylvania, New Orleans, South America,
Africa… and I can never get tired of traveling in Asia.
Were there any countries that didn't approve of your pro-alt
culture fashion of ideas?
I sometimes get funny stares, but generally, people are more curious
than disapproving. I think reactions can depend on how you carry
yourself. If you smile and are open, chances are that you will have a
positive interaction.
Favourite piece that you just cannot part with?
I still wear some investment pieces that I picked up over 10 years
ago, during my travels. My long, fuzzy white coat from London is
timeless to me.
Favourite hair and makeup product you discovered during your travels?
I always stock up on decadent false eyelashes and lash glue while in
Hong Kong and Japan. They're much cheaper and better than the ones in
the West.
When you travel for extended periods of time, how do you decide
what comes with, and what stays at home?
I don’t stress too much about packing, since I can pick up essentials
along the way. If I’m doing on-camera TV work, I always bring my basic
makeup products (especially Make Up Forever HD foundation and powder),
and prepare my outfits ahead of time. You can see my TV hosting reels
at http://www.lacarmina.com/bio.
Have you considered getting Basil Farrow a friend? If so, would
he/she also be a Scottish Fold, or another variety?
It’s Fold or nothing! They’re an incredible breed; so gentle and
intelligent and fuzzy-faced. However Basil Farrow is the Pharoah --
I’m sure he wants to keep my full attention, and not share any
portions of food! Tons of his cute photos are at:
http://www.lacarmina.com/
 |
| La Carmina.com |
 |
| La Carmina.com |
Wednesday 3 April 2013
Sakura
It's Spring here in Vancouver. There has been some glorious weather the past few days, and it has been just lovely to take walks around in the sun.
Now, for those that don't know, because you don't know about Canada, or whatever, but Vancouver is on the coast. Here, we get the same weather as Seattle, which is about 3 hours away. And has the reputation as the Rain City. This is a well deserved reputation.
It's always raining here.
Which is why having nearly 2 weeks without rain, in the spring no less, is something of a rarity. To have such nice temperatures too (16C, 60F), well, just wow.
Because there has been such great weather, the sakura are up in (almost) full bloom! I LOVE cherry blossoms. I swear, they are my spirit flower, if that's a thing. Which is should be. Vancouver is super lucky to be able to have so many sakura trees, which were a gift from Japan (specifically Kobe and Yohohama) sometime after WW1 to celebrate the Japanese Canadian soldiers who fought in the war. Since then, the trees have grown and spread all over Vancouver, enough so that there is now an annual Cherry Blossom festival.
But, even before the festival, the trees are out in their pale pink glory, obscuring the sky with pink petaled clouds.
If you ever plan on visiting Vancouver, the early Spring is the time to do it. Nice weather, beautiful sakura, and lots of super happy people shedding the cold, rainy winter and embracing the warmth and beauty surrounding us.
xox
Now, for those that don't know, because you don't know about Canada, or whatever, but Vancouver is on the coast. Here, we get the same weather as Seattle, which is about 3 hours away. And has the reputation as the Rain City. This is a well deserved reputation.
It's always raining here.
Which is why having nearly 2 weeks without rain, in the spring no less, is something of a rarity. To have such nice temperatures too (16C, 60F), well, just wow.
Because there has been such great weather, the sakura are up in (almost) full bloom! I LOVE cherry blossoms. I swear, they are my spirit flower, if that's a thing. Which is should be. Vancouver is super lucky to be able to have so many sakura trees, which were a gift from Japan (specifically Kobe and Yohohama) sometime after WW1 to celebrate the Japanese Canadian soldiers who fought in the war. Since then, the trees have grown and spread all over Vancouver, enough so that there is now an annual Cherry Blossom festival.
But, even before the festival, the trees are out in their pale pink glory, obscuring the sky with pink petaled clouds.
xox
Monday 1 April 2013
Pancakes!
I may have mentioned this once or twice, but I like to be healthy. I exercise a lot, and I try to eat clean food, and I watch what I eat.
I mean, sure, I have a killer sweet tooth, but, I think I'm allowed a vice or two.
But, I digress.
One of the amazing fitness tumblr ladies I follow posted this AMAZING recipe for pancakes.
Not just any pancakes, no. Pancakes without flour. Yea, that's right. No flour! There are several varieties, but I'm all about the protein variety.
It's a small recipe, and is perfect for one. I doubled it for the hubs and I, and it was just the perfect amount.
The Basic Recipe!
1 banana
2 eggs.
Mash, skillet, flip, done.
No, seriously. That's it.
The Protein Variety (for 2)
1 banana
2 eggs
2 scoops protein powder (I like vanilla)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp _____milk
Mash, skillet, flip, done.
I served it with fresh strawberries, french vanilla yogurt and some coffee. Nice, clean way to start the day.
And so tasty!
I mean, sure, I have a killer sweet tooth, but, I think I'm allowed a vice or two.
But, I digress.
One of the amazing fitness tumblr ladies I follow posted this AMAZING recipe for pancakes.
Not just any pancakes, no. Pancakes without flour. Yea, that's right. No flour! There are several varieties, but I'm all about the protein variety.
The Basic Recipe!
1 banana
2 eggs.
Mash, skillet, flip, done.
No, seriously. That's it.
1 banana
2 eggs
2 scoops protein powder (I like vanilla)
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp _____milk
Mash, skillet, flip, done.
And so tasty!
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