Jord Wood Watch Review + Giveaway!

We all have our go-to accessories. Some people collect purses, some love hats, and others like jewelry. I'm not a watch person. As much as I try to wear a watch, I dislike the design and size of most watches and wind up using my phone to tell time.

Enter: Jord wood watches.

Pictured with my power mini bracelets.

Jord contacted me about their product and I was immediately curious. A watch made of wood? As beautiful as they seemed on the website, I wondered if they'd seem flimsy in real life.

I chose an Ely watch in Maple and received it quickly. The packaging was beautiful and luxurious -- I immediately thought about how one of these watches would make an impressive gift. As for my concerns about quality, they were immediately dismissed. My Ely feels sturdy and well-crafted. The wood is such an interesting design choice and when I wear my watch around, people always comment on the unique design.

The band was initially too big for my wrist, but it was simple to resize it myself by taking out an extra link. Now it fits perfect! The only minor complaint I have about this watch is the size. While the Ely is the smallest Jord Watch design, it is still larger than I would have liked. I think these watches would be excellent for people with bigger wrists or those who are used to wearing a watch, but for me personally, it did feel a little large. After chatting with people who wear watches regularly, they thought the size was fine, so it's probably just me!

Overall, I love my Jord watch and I'm glad to have a real wristwatch of my own. It feels like something every adult should have!

Jord is going to give a watch away to a lucky reader! Just fill out the widget below for your chance to win.

Jord was kind enough to provide me with a watch to review. All thoughts are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Cosplay Deviants: Undressing the Art of Playing Dress Up

One of my favorite sets! It's in character and has cute little nods to the source material.

After writing about Cosplay Deviants: Undressing the Art of Playing Dress Up in a round up of photo books about cosplay, Cosplay Deviants offered to send me a copy to review for you guys! While I received a free copy, my opinions are honest. Everything in this review is safe for work. There is no full nudity, but the photos are suggestive. The book itself contains full frontal nudity.

Of course Princess Peach would wear the frilliest of underthings.  

As someone who is into the intersection of geeky and sexy (I loved seeing a nerdy burlesque show at Dragon Con!) I was immediately excited to receive my copy. In case you aren't familiar, Cosplay Deviants (link NSFW!) is a cosplayer submission-run image site featuring sexy stripped-down versions of your favorite characters -- think Suicide Girls, but with cosplayers. The website prides itself on featuring cosplayers and geeks rather than hired models. The book is an extension of the site, with tasteful nudity of characters from video games, anime, comic books, and other media.

The book cover -- gorgeous!

The book itself is extremely high quality; it's a large hardcover book with a dust cover, with full color pages throughout. Each character is given a page or two, first featuring the full costume, then various stages of undress. The result is a beautiful collection of artistic photos of a wide range of characters.

I really enjoy the concept of this book and the execution -- to me, this book is a work of art. I do, however, have a few minor complaints. First, the quality varies from cosplayer to cosplayer. While some photoshoots make you feel like you've entered the fictional world, some seem more random than realistic. The photo sets where the model is wearing in-character underthings and where the location is spot on are fantastic! The sets that are a little lower quality brought me out of the experience. Overall, I felt the sets were more often high quality than not, so it's a minor complaint.

Mad Moxxi is a sexy character, so seeing her brought to life is a treat.

Next, the book doesn't have a ton of different body types. Now, I don't really blame Cosplay Deviants for this since it relies on submissions, but it would be nice to have a few plus size ladies, women of color, or even men featured. After searching through the Cosplay Deviants site, it seems like there is more diversity on the site itself. Perhaps we can look forward to a second Cosplay Deviants book featuring lots of different cosplayers!

A few more of my favorite sets with carefully thought out character references.

Overall, I am highly pleased with this book! I'm proud to have it on my bookshelf and it provides plenty of fictional character inspiration. If you're into artistic nudity, mixing geekery with sexiness, or hobbies like burlesque or cosplay, Cosplay Deviants: Undressing the Art of Playing Dress Up will be a wonderful addition to your collection.

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Rose Tints My World

(Photo: Woodlawn Theatre)

Science Fiction, Double Feature

Rocky Horror is something near and dear to my heart. I've had an obsession with the show for years and years, and when I turned 18, I joined a shadowcast to live out my dreams of performing the show on stage. Even though I don't perform anymore, October just isn't complete without a trip to see Rocky live, and whenever I go to a convention, I HAVE to see Rocky or Repo!

I'm really not sure why Rocky Horror appeals to me so much. It's campy, it makes fun of B-grade science fiction, and the cult following means the show is still alive and well decades later. There's something unabashedly fun about dressing up, shouting, and throwing props. The movie itself is even great to me - I love the music unironically, and I've devoted a lot of brain space to memorizing call-outs, the dialogue, and choreography.

Performing at my first-ever Repo! The Genetic Opera show (left). (Photo: Smolder'n' Scully Sins)

Halloween Tradition

My Rocky Horror experience this year was the stage show, which differs from the movie in several important ways. The stage shows are rarely direct replicas of the movie - it stands on its own with a few musical additions, different costumes, and usually, a totally different feel.

This year's stage experience was special because it starred three ladies from RuPaul's Drag Race fame - Bianca del Rio, Courtney Act, and Michelle Visage. I love drag, I love RPDR, and seeing these ladies in person was like a dream come true! The small nods to the Drag Race fans were perfect and not overdone. In fact, although I mainly bought my tickets to see my favorite drag queens, the entire cast was super talented. And, as an added bonus, the entire show was circus-themed, with Frank-n-Furter as the ringmaster! As a lover of circus arts and a die-hard Rocky fan, I couldn't have been happier with how the show was staged.

It was great when it all began, I was a regular Franky fan!

Columbia Rose Tints My World

For the first time, I also had the opportunity to dress up as Columbia, my favorite character from the show. Costume Supercenter, an online costume shop, contacted me to try out a costume from their site, and I chose my favorite glitter monster!

Cosplay is for everyone, regardless of skill level, and I think this costume proves it! While I don't have the skills or confidence to sew my own sequinned jacket yet, I trust myself to modify pieces to my heart's content! The costume itself came with a hat, bowtie, jacket, top, and shorts. I purchased and modified the hat (more on that later), wig, fishnets, socks, and shoes.

The costume itself is not as high-quality as a professional seamstress, but it worked out perfectly for me. I really like the jacket -it's the right shape and color, and even has coattails! The shorts are not my favorite, so I would like to replace them with handmade shorts in the future, but they are comfortable and look great in photos. The top isn't the correct shape, but I love how sparkly it is!

The hat that came with the costume was poor quality and too flat to even fit on my head! I knew from reading reviews on Costume Supercenter's website that it would probably not work out, and made plans to create my own hat. I bought a felt top hat online, purchased sequinned fabric and a ribbon, and glued the fabric onto the hat. I love the result and it was pretty easy - if a little tedious. I feel like the hat makes a huge difference in the costume overall!

One of my favorite parts of Columbia's original costume is her sequinned tap shoes. I bought some similar character shoes and added sequins myself.

The last step to this costume was Columbia's distinctive, over-the-top makeup! I'll go into more detail in a future post, but suffice to say that extreme makeup looks are my new favorite thing. It's hard to tell in these photos, but my blush and lipstick were BRIGHT! I also covered my eyebrows with glue for the first time.

Sneaky theater selfie! We weren't allowed to take photos of the show, sadly.

I had a fabulous time at the Woodlawn's Rocky Horror Show production, loved seeing some of my favorite queens, and had such a great time putting this Halloween costume together!

Do you have any Halloween traditions?

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Sponsor Spotlight: September 2014

Get excited! It's October! My sponsors are an amazing bunch - check out their amazing websites and read more about their fall plans!

Costume Playbook

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With Halloween just around the corner, it's time to start finding the perfect costume! Finding a fun costume can be an easy and budget-friendly process. All you need to do is get creative. I've got a lot of ideas up on my site: Costume Playbook.

Here's an idea - are you an 80's kid or a 90's kid? For 80's kids, you might want to dress up as Punky Brewster. For 90's kids, consider going as Alicia and Cher from Clueless or Kim Possible. Thinking of a cute costume for you and your significant other? Check out some of our couple costume ideas here, from HIMYM to Scott Pilgrim.

The possibilities are, indeed, endless!

What's on your fall to-do list? Think of at least 20 more creative, unique costume ideas to post on my site, in time for Halloween! It means more sleepless nights for me but I think it's going to be worth it if people would appreciate it :)
Also, I was thinking of stuffing a turkey for the first time. It's quite a feat and I hope I can achieve it!

Are you a pumpkin spice fanatic? Let's just say, there is this pumpkin spice cheesecake being sold in a bakery nearby that I plan on gorging on at least three times during this season :)

Little House of Crafting

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Little House of Crafting is a shop full of geeky pinback buttons, magnets and some 8bit magnets. I started Little House of Crafting in February 2013 as a hobby to keep a friend company in Artist Alley's across the Midwest. Later that summer I opened my online store. Thanks to the support of many, I'm able to donate 5% of my sales to the Student Loan List to assist graduates with their student loan debt.

What's on your fall to-do list? My fall to-do list consists of drinking apple cinnamon tea, stepping on crunchy leaves on the sidewalk and, enjoying my extra hour of sleep from the time change.
Are you a pumpkin spice fanatic? I am not a pumpkin spice fanatic.

The Written Word(s)

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Writing - Geekery - Life. I write about my passion for writing, literature and words, through a series of snail mail-related posts, how-to's, book reviews, geek gushing and the occasional giveaway. I especially enjoy writing about the people that inspire me.

What's on your fall to-do list? For the fall, I would like to have lots of fun while dressing in layers and wearing my new darker lip stick from MAC, I'd like to spread lots of love through random acts of kindness and I want to read lots and lots while still keeping up with school :)
Are you a pumpkin spice fanatic? Not really, I actually don't like the taste of pumpkin XP but hot apple cider, that's my fall drink!

Joie Fatale: Confessions of a Book Pimp

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Hi! I'm Joie, and I am over at Confessions of a Book Pimp, where I am chronicling my desire to become fit and strong, as well as having fun sharing my fandoms and other likes. I'm also a pop culture fan, book, & comic lover (hence my nickname ""Book Pimp"" from my best friend) as well as an anime, music, & cat fan.

What's on your fall to-do list? Get my house in working order and complete Insanity: The Asylum workout series!
Are you a pumpkin spice fanatic? Sort of...only in terms of coffee for me though. But my husband LOVES it, and seeing him so giddy about the smell does make me smile.

Harper Honey

Heathers-inspired bracelet giveaway!

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I'm Harper and my blog, Harper Honey, is a blog dedicated to the universes in my brain. Feminist essays, pretty things I lust after, music, career and college tips. I also review movies and musicals.

What's on your fall to-do list? My fall to do list pretty much boils down to my life goals: to be cute, funny, successful, financially secure, good hair, and a little bit scary.
Are you a pumpkin spice fanatic? OH MY GOD NO. I used to be pretty "meh" about the whole thing but in the past few years, people began acting like the return of Pumpkin Spice was like the second coming of Jesus and that's when I became vaguely anti-pumpkin spice. Like, WHY is this happening? I am convinced there is some level of brainwashing involved, or at least mob mentality at play.

The Geeky Seamstress

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I create kawaii and quirky illustrated stickers, cards, prints, zines, and more. I have a fatal attraction to cuteness that I need to share with the world! On my blog you will find plenty of handmade shops to fall in love with and support, kawaii goodies, indie business advice, SG shop updates, and tidbits of my life as a mom and small business owner.

What's on your fall to-do list? Halloween prep! Now that I have a house, I'm really looking forward to trick-or-treaters and decorating my place. I'm also looking forward to local fall festivals, arboretum visits, and haunted houses! I'm really excited about sewing up some fall garment and costume pieces too.
Are you a pumpkin spice fanatic?  I'm more of a caramel fan :) bring on the salted caramel mochas!

What's on your fall to-do list?

Want to join on as a sponsor? October is a great month to do so! Click here to learn more about sponsoring!

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Sponsor Spotlight: August 2014

It's that time again! My sponsors are a rad group - bound together by our mutual love for geekiness, each and every one of my sponsors is near and dear to my heart. Please check out their sites - you'll find some gorgeous art, thought-provoking articles, and geeky fun!

My sponsors help me make my blog more awesome. Thank you to each one of you for supporting my work.

The Written Word(s)

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Writing - Geekery - Life. I write about my passion for writing, literature and words, through a series of snail mail-related posts, how-to's, book reviews, geek gushing and the occasional giveaway. I especially enjoy writing about the people that inspire me.

Who's your favorite fictional character? My top ones would be Stargirl, Lizzie Bennet, Sloan from The Newsroom, Rebel Blue and Elizabeth from Bioshock Infinite.
Are you a cat person, dog person, or neither? Dog person. My dog Nikki annoys the crap out of me, but I love her.
What's your best tip for staying cool in the hot weather? Air conditioning XD Nah, really my tip would be to get lounging in a chair outside with a cute bathing suit, your favorite drink with some Companion Cube-shaped ice, and an external fan under your laptop so you can work without you or your computer overheating.

October June

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October June is a lifestyle, travel, and style blog written by a theatre student with a love of adventure, bad puns, and 90s sci-fi. Here you'll find personal style, inspirational posts, blogging tips, DIY projects, and sometimes recipes.

Who's your favorite fictional character? This question causes me so much anxiety, but I have to go with Hermione Granger. She taught me at age 6 that it was okay - preferred - to be a smart and capable girl, and to occasionally be a know it all. I see so much of myself in her and I grew up with her in the truest sense of the phrase. She has continued to be one of my biggest heroes since childhood.
Are you a cat person, dog person, or neither? Definitely a cat person! I love dogs, but kitty friends are my favorite.
What's your best tip for staying cool in the hot weather? Hmm... I'd say central air, but that feels like cheating. Sometimes when it's too hot at bedtime, I put my pillowcase in the freezer to give it a bit of a refreshing cool feeling. Just don't forget about it in there!

Joie Fatale: Confessions of a Book Pimp

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Hi! I'm Joie, and I am over at Confessions of a Book Pimp, where I am chronicling my desire to become fit and strong, as well as having fun sharing my fandoms and other likes. I'm also a pop culture fan, book, & comic lover (hence my nickname ""Book Pimp"" from my best friend) as well as an anime, music, & cat fan.

Who's your favorite fictional character? My favorite character is Thursday Next from Jasper Fforde's Thursday Next series. She is unimpeachable, just, strong and has flaws. Also she can travel into the WHOLE of fiction.
Are you a cat person, dog person, or neither? I'm a cat lady...with no cat. I feel like a sad Dr. Seuss tale, waiting to happen.
What's your best tip for staying cool in the hot weather? Sleep if possible cause less energy is being used so your body can cool, or movie theaters for the A/C. If not SWIM cause if all else fails you'll be hecka tired and can't help but sleep.

The Geeky Seamstress

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Hi! I'm Mindy, a geeky gal who spends far too much time playing with her sewing machine. My blog, The Geeky Seamstress, chronicles my adventures (and misadventures) in sewing and cosplay.

Who's your favorite fictional character? My favorite fictional character is actually a tie between Captain Marvel, X-Men's Rogue, Wonder Woman and Sailor Jupiter. I love all of them!
Are you a cat person, dog person, or neither? I am most definitely a cat person. I could watch cat gifs all day!
What's your best tip for staying cool in the hot weather? Stay indoors with AC and play video games or read comics.

Scrawny Girl

Use XOMIA for 15% off until the end of the month!

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I create kawaii and quirky illustrated stickers, cards, prints, zines, and more. I have a fatal attraction to cuteness that I need to share with the world! On my blog you will find plenty of handmade shops to fall in love with and support, kawaii goodies,indie business advice, SG shop updates, and tidbits of my life as a mom and small business owner.
Who's your favorite fictional character? My favorite fictional character is Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer!
Are you a cat person, dog person, or neither? I'm both! I love cats, but I have a dog >_< My husband is allergic to cats, so my cat Vash the Stampede lives with my mom.

What's your best tip for staying cool in the hot weather? Staying cool in the summer requires big hats and lots of iced coffee. 

Harper Honey

  Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

I'm Harper and my blog, Harper Honey, is a blog dedicated to the universes in my brain. Feminist essays, pretty things I lust after, music, career and college tips. I also review movies and musicals.

Who's your favorite fictional character? This is like asking someone to choose their favorite child, but I think my favorite is Atticus Finch, from To Kill A Mockingbird. He was a man of principle who at once respected everyone, even when they didn't deserve it, and through his integrity and compassion, compelled others in his community to do the same.

Are you a cat person, dog person, or neither? I'm both but I think I like cats a bit better having grown up with them.
What's your best tip for staying cool in the hot weather? Stay hydrated and wear cute skirts!

Gamerwife

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Hi! I'm Mariko, a.k.a. Gamewife: cat mom, indie video game enthusiast and general nerd-girl about town. Gamerwife the blog is a mix of game reviews, cat love and snippets of my often mundane, but usually nerdy life. I love cooking, geek and video game culture, and a lot of very bad tv shows. Come join me, won't you?

Who's your favorite fictional character? My favourite fictional character is a toss up between Batman and Doctor Who.

Are you a cat person, dog person, or neither? I'm definitely a died in the wool crazy cat lady. But I also love dogs and all animals, really. Just a sucker for cute.
What's your best tip for staying cool in the hot weather? My best tip for staying cool in hot weather is spending as much time in water as possible.

Thanks again to my fabulous sponsors! If you're interested in supporting xo Mia in September, click here for rates and more information.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

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