geek – A Geeky Gal

The Geeky Girl Tag

April 13, 2018by Megan // A Geeky Gal15 Comments

I saw this tag over at Cateaclysmic and thought it sounded fun! If you want to participate, I highly encourage you to do so! Just leave me a comment with a link to your post and I’ll check out your answers too. Are you ready for mine? Here we go!

What is your must-have tech gadget? Definitely my Fitbit. It’s been helping me reach my fitness goals and keeping me in check. I was super lucky and got it as a gift from my lovely husband at Christmas. Highly recommend!

Which house do you belong to in Hogwarts? Ravenclaw!

Who is your favorite Doctor? Ten of course, though Nine holds a very special place in my heart.

If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be? Teal’c from Stargate SG-1. I tell my husband every episode how much I love his facial expressions (or lack thereof). And he’s undeniably funny without meaning to be!

What is your gaming system of choice? I discussed in this post about how the PlayStation 4 is my favorite gaming system.

If you had a super power, what would it be? The ability to bend time and space like Hiro from Heroes. “Fine. Stay here. Be just like everyone else. I wanna boldly go where no man has gone before.”

What is your favorite fantasy world? Harry Potter. Hands down. I love the books so much and love to get lost in the world JK Rowling made for her characters.

concept_artist_dermot_power_harry_potter_films_wb_by_sceptre63-d8gjffw.jpg — by Sceptre63

If you could be any fictional race, what would you be? I would love to be an elf. I always gravitate towards that race for any video or board game.

Star Trek or Star Wars? That’s a hard one. Don’t make me choose! How about both plus Stargate?

List your top 5 geektastic movies or TV Series. (in no particular order…)

Doctor Who
Daredevil
Stargate
Supernatual
Sherlock

List your top 5 favorite video games. (in no particular order…)

Kingdom Hearts series
God of War series
Animal Crossing
Fatal Frame II
Skyrim

I tag every one of you reading this! Either link back to me or post a comment with your post so I can like and comment on it. Spread the geeky love!

Sunshine Blogger Award (+ Tags)

April 12, 2018by Megan // A Geeky Gal14 Comments

After a brief break from blogging, I’m back with more content! Last week I shared one of my favorite blog series posts called Link Loves where I share posts, articles, and products that I like. I also posted about how to buy your first cosplay, 5 of the geekiest things I have ever done, and stay-cation essentials for introverts! Little did I know that Trinity from Triform Trinity was keeping an eye on me and nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Thanks Trinity! Check out some of his amazing game reviews like this one on FF XIV Stormblood and this one on Severed!

Sunshine Blogger Award Preview:

The Sunshine Blogger award is a peer recognition for bloggers that inspire positivity, joy, warmth and any other emotions that you feel when you think about the sun. I’m taking a different approach and I will nominate some bloggers that are new followers and write amazing posts!

The Rules:

Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
Nominate 11 new blogs to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

Questions:

If you had the chance to write one article that could change a person’s life, what would you write about given your previous content? I would write a post about how video games have made me who I am. I touched on it in this post about fandoms but I’d love to do a much more detailed one like Normal Happenings is doing on his blog. You hear about books that changed a person’s life, but what about a game? Maybe my post could open another mind or a heart or just make someone think.

One day you see a portal to another world. Where does it take you? If I’m lucky, it’ll dump me into the world of Harry Potter and give me magical abilities so I can finally attend Hogwarts at 25 years old.

What type of music is your home? The type that you can always fall back on to fully relax and is the one that interests you the most. I would have to say alternative. There is nothing like blasting Fiona Apple’s Criminal or Nirvana’s Heart Shaped Box in the car. I feel the most myself when I have alt rock playing.

You are making a game; what genre are going with and why? My first game would most likely be a visual novel. I love to write and the idea of multiple story lines with choices excites me.

Breathing in space or breathing under water: which one do you choose? Breathing under water. I love to swim and being able to breathe under water means I can stay under for as long as I want. And you know, mermaids.

Favorite mascot? Hufflepuff may not be my house but I love that their mascot is a badger.

What is your morning routine before going to work/school/etc.? I’m usually up at 4 am to make it to work by 5:30. I’m a girl so I usually have to pick out some clothes, tame my hair and throw on some mascara and eye shadow. I brush my teeth then make my breakfast and lunch for the office. I throw on some Converse, and I’m out the door.

Tell me a story of when you encountered your first video game. If you’re interested in reading about my first game, you can check out my post on it here which was a part of my 30 Day Video Game Challenge.

What is your element? Earth.

Why is this your element? If you follow astrology, Earth would be my element, but I picked it for other reasons. Earth is grounded and strong.

Running or walking to your destination? I enjoy walking over running but I have taken up the Couch to 5K program! You can watch my progress on Instagram.

My Questions:

What was your first fandom? (Or what was the first thing you obsessed over?)
Who is your favorite fictional character?
What is something you love about your favorite fandom?
What is something you hate about your favorite fandom?
Are you a fan of something that doesn’t seem to be that popular?
What do you watch/read/play the most?
What fictional place/house would you love to live in?
Where would you take a fictional dream vacation?
What character has a wardrobe you’d love to have?
What Hogwarts house does you pet belong in?
Tell me about your favorite day in your life so far.

My Nominations:

Matt @ Normal Happenings

Tasmin @ The Aspiring Kryptonian

Mariah @ Bizarre Brunette

David @ Science vs Hollywood

Jennifer @ Nerdy Vegas Chic

Sally-Ann @ Geeky Hippie

Jacob @ AwksNerd

Mija @ Mija’s Malice

Sarah @ Girly Geekdom

Cody @ Gameocracy

Salome & Bari @ Maeberry Cosplay

Please leave me a comment with your post so I can read your answers! Also, if I didn’t tag you, please feel free to do it anyway and leave a comment here with your post! Can’t wait to see everyone’s answers!

My Current Favorite Things

Stay-cation Essentials for Introverts

April 10, 2018April 10, 2018by Megan // A Geeky Gal12 Comments

I will be the first to admit that I forget to take care of my mental health. I go, go, go until I’m all out of energy and have none left to give which is a big no-no for introverts like me. Self love and self care need to become a part of my routine. It’s all about taking time to rest, relax, and recharge. Sometimes that means saying goodbye to friends and family as you shut the door to your home and become unavailable for a weekend.

Say hello to my introverted, geeky stay-cation. Once a month, I will be going on my mini vacation at home for my mental health. It’s a little something for my husband and me to spend time together, but it’s also for me to recharge. Here’s a sample of all the things we have planned and how you can do it too!

Spa Time

I’m a lucky girl thanks to my husband in so many ways. For my birthday he got me several handmade bath bombs. I’ve only been able to use one since January. I’m looking forward to trying them all out now! This is a great time to decompress and just be by yourself. Light some candles and shut the door. This is for you.

bath bombs // bath pillow or rolled yoga mat // relaxing playlist // favorite book or comic

Movie Night

Whether it’s an episode of Black Mirror, several episodes of Law & Order: SVU or the latest Marvel/Disney movie, Alec and I always wind up on the couch watching something right after work. It’s one of the ways we decompress after a long work day. What better way to relax on a stay-cation than to plan a movie night complete with all the fixings and the environment of home where you can take off your shoes and pants!

movie // blankets // popcorn // candy // soda // pizza // pajamas

Plan Meals and Cook

We don’t eat out that often, and it’s a great way for us to save a little money. Plus I usually enjoy cooking. I say usually because I’m a lazy cook. As I’m on a weight loss journey, I try to find recipe blogs that are healthy, low calorie, and easy. These all fit the bill. But when you’re on a stay-cation, you can take the time to cook with your SO and make it fun! Why not try making your own pizzas from scratch or yummy Chinese “take-out?” Grab your grill and make some kebabs or hobo dinners on the grill. Make it match your movie night or create a theme night! Whatever you’ve been craving, find a recipe and make it!

slow cooker // griddle // cookbook

Take Photos

We take pictures on vacation so why not on a stay-cation? Your home can be just as insta worthy as the beach or a hotel. Some cool photo opportunities might be:

bath bomb video
bath tub filled with bubbles and surrounded with candles
flat lay of your book, bath bombs, and candles
screenshot your relaxing playlist
flat lay of your pajamas, the movie, and some treats
selfie in your pajamas under the blankets with a tub of popcorn between you and your SO
the title of the movie as it comes on the screen
long table shot of all the goodies you’re partaking in
photos of each other cooking in the kitchen
shots of the meal being prepared
flat lay of the meal
selfies of your silly faces before digging in
and whatever else you can think of!

hands free shutter control // HD camera lens kit // phone tripod

**This post contains affiliate links; actions you take from the hyperlinks within this blog post may yield commissions for ageekygal.com which never add to your cost if you choose to make a purchase, but make it possible for me to maintain this site. ♥

Convention Life

AGeekyGal’s Cosplay Guide: Buying a Cosplay Online

April 3, 2018by Megan // A Geeky Gal21 Comments

So you want to buy a cosplay online and have no idea where or how to start? I’ll break it down for you and even discuss my own experience with buying cosplay online. If this is your first cosplay, start here!

Unfortunately, I don’t know how to sew (as may be your case as well). My first ever cosplay was in September of 2015. I agonized over this costume. I wanted to make it myself and had saved tons of tutorials to my computer. I was determined I was going to make my cosplay… Until I realized I didn’t have a sewing machine and literally had no experience with one. That’s okay though. I’ve since bought my cosplay and plan on revisiting it later when I’m more skilled and knowledgeable to handcraft it like I had originally planned (maybe).

Before you consider buying your cosplay online:

Press Start. Ask your fellow cosplayers! Ask your friends and family! Where do they buy their cosplays? Are there sites or sellers or commissioners they would recommend? Do they have cosplays for sell? Would they mind helping you make your cosplay? Start in your immediate circle before branching out. You’d be surprised that you may not even have to buy your cosplay from a website!
Research. Take this time to Google what you can. Write down site names, look for reviews on these sites (youtube and the reviews on the sites themselves are good places to start), and cross off the poorly reviewed ones. There’s also groups on Facebook that have cosplays and wigs for sale, offer commissions, etc. Check out the blacklist in these groups too; if they don’t seem to have one, message a moderator and ask for the list. Those are the people you shouldn’t do business with. If you choose to go the Facebook route, pay with PayPal using Goods & Services. The seller will pay the fees and if anything goes wrong, you can file to get your money back with PayPal.
Check out commissions. If you know someone, or even someone who knows someone, who has a portfolio to show off their sewing and crafting skills, it wouldn’t hurt to get your cosplay priced out by them. Keep in mind that you’ll most likely be paying for materials and labor, not just materials! You’re paying for high quality work here too. This cosplay should last and last (with the right seamstress).

When you buy your cosplay online:

Look for your costume specifically. What I mean is: look up the costume by your character’s name and the name of the show. You’ll get better, filtered results this way. No one wants to dig through hundreds of pages for a Sailor Moon costume with things like “crescent moon necklaces” and “lunar eclipse sunglasses” popping up alongside the actual costumes.
Look at the reviews for your costume. Say you’re on AliExpress. The store you’re shopping with has high reviews and lots of favorites! Sounds like it’s pretty reputable. Now, when you get to your costume, look at its reviews. These are separate from the stores reviews and favorites. Sometimes they’ll even have pictures with reviews which I love and count on the most. This helps you know what you’re really getting!
Compare prices. Now it’s time to really utilize those browser tabs! Find your cosplay on several pages and compare the prices! Lower is not always better but it’d good to know the average price for the cosplay itself.
Get out the tape measure. You’ll need to measure yourself for the best fit. Most likely your cosplay will be in standard Chinese sizes which differ from what you’re used to! So get out that fashion tape measure that you bought years ago and take your measurements: neck, chest/bust, waist, hips, arm, inseam. See this link here for how to measure yourself!
Compare your measurements to the provided sizes. Click on the sizing chart. Most cosplays should have a sizing chart available. If not, contact the seller for one. Now most people will be between sizes. My personal rule of thumb is to buy the size that accommodates my largest measurement which is my hips. I can get the rest of the cosplay tailored if needed. The flipside is to think about how the cosplay should fit you: Should it drape and flow? Should it be tight and form fitting? Using your measurements, choose the best size for you. Another option is to see or ask the seller if they offer custom sizing, then you can give your measurements to the seller. Always add a little wiggle room in your measurements if going with a custom option!
Email the seller any questions. Ask them about sizing, fabrics, shipping, when you would receive it, or anything you need to know before you place your order. This is a great opportunity to feel out the seller and make sure you’re getting what you pay for!
Order the closest size to your measurements. After double checking your measurements and asking the seller all of your questions, it’s time to place your order!

After your cosplay arrives:

Carefully inspect the cosplay and all the accessories. First insure that you have received the full cosplay you ordered. Check that all pieces are accounted for. Next, check for loose threads, glue, missing buttons, stains or anything that is not right. Take photos of any damage for reference. Unfortunately, things happen, and if your cosplay is damaged or missing pieces, it’s time to email the seller. If everything is right…
It’s time to try it on. Hopefully those measurements were right and your new cosplay fits like a glove… or however it’s supposed to! Take pictures of the front, sides, and back to make sure it all fits right. If it’s uncomfortably loose in some areas, it’s time to take it to the tailor. If it’s too tight, double check the measurements and politely contact the seller.
Test it with your wig, shoes and make up. Once your cosplay is the right fit, it’s time to put it all together before the con. Make last minute adjustments and buy any necessary accessories.
Leave an honest review. Just do it! Now everyone else can find a great cosplay and reliable seller like you.

Places to buy your cosplay from:

Facebook Groups – Before doing a search for your cosplay and size, take a look at all the files and documents for the group. This should include a blacklist. Stay away from anyone on that list! They are a no-go for purchasing your cosplay. Ask for pictures of the cosplay and up close pictures of damage. Always use PayPal’s goods and services when purchasing from individuals. They will get charged a small fee, but PayPal protects you if something goes wrong. If a seller asks you to pay through PayPal’s friends and family, it might be a scam!
Etsy – Choose a shop with tons of reviews and read them all: the good and the bad. Take into account the complaint and how the seller handled the situation. Look at their listings and note the quality of their skills. If you’re still unsure, send them a polite message about the cosplay they have listed.
Ebay – Be wary if you decide to go the Ebay route. See if anyone has purchased the cosplay before and see if they wrote a review. Read all the rates and feedback on the seller before making a purchase and don’t be afraid to ask for more pictures or precise measurements! Many times stock photos will be used over and over again so check that if the seller is using a stock photo that their own logo is on it.
AliExpress – This site should come with a big, fat warning sticker. Be aware that everything ships from China and could takes months to arrive. Research any shops you’re considering buying from. Read all the reviews on the shop then all the reviews on the cosplay. Try to find reviews with pictures. Research the hell out of this one before making a purchase.
Other sites: EZCosplay, CosplayMagic, Uwowo, CosplaySky, Hello Cosplay, Amazon, HotTopic

Some tips:

Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for not making your cosplay.
Make sure your cosplay is comfortable for sitting, standing, and walking.
Do your research on any and every seller and website.
When leaving a review, add photos.
Iron your costume (if possible) before the con. Shipping adds folds to the garment and a quick ironing will take them out!
Now get out there and cosplay!

Got any tips for buying a cosplay online? Share them in the comments!

Link Loves

Link Loves: Star Trek, Women’s History Month, and Frustration with Non-Gamers

March 30, 2018by Megan // A Geeky Gal11 Comments

Welcome to the fifth installment of Link Loves. This post is all about my favorite links of the week! It can include bloggers, articles, news, clothing, accessories, and other cool links I’m enjoying.

Matt at Normal Happenings wrote a phenomenal post about Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and the underlying theme of carrying on despite everything trying to tear you down or trip you up. With my grandfather’s sudden passing and a job that never feels secure, Matt’s post felt like a life boat, coming just in the nick of time. Give it a read. You’ll be glad you did.

Luna over at GamersUnitedGG wrote a fantastic post on female video game characters in honor of Women’s History Month. From Ms. Pacman to Samus Aran, she gives a look at some of our favorite and influential female characters from the 80’s and 90’s. Give it a read and comment with your favorite female game protagonist!

Rockker66 has taken on the 30 Day Video Game Challenge! Day 5 is “What is your guilty pleasure game?” Check out this post for all the details on Rockker66’s guilty pleasure. Don’t forget: you can still participate in the challenge! Make sure to link my blog so I can like, comment, and give your post a shout out!

Fan Art by MessyPandas

In case you didn’t know, I’m a HUGE fan of Doctor Who. I am beyond excited for Jodie Whitaker’s Doctor. I also love the gals over at The Ultimate Guide to the Fashion of Doctor Who who put together this awesome list of fan-made title sequences for the new Who.

Megan at The Dragon’s Tea Party graces us with another #rant. Man, do I love a good rant. She talks about her frustration at non-gamers and their perception of the gaming world and gamers. I’m sure it’s all things you’ve heard before and frustrations you’ve experienced. It’s good to see someone put it down in words.

Awards & Nominations

Mystery Blogger Award (+ Tags)

March 20, 2018by Megan // A Geeky Gal10 Comments

I have successfully completed my 30 Day Video Game Challenge! Over the 30 days while I was keeping up with the daily posts, I was nominated for not one, not two, but FOUR awards! (And I was also nominated for a fifth!) This last award is courtesy of Clan Geek! Thank you for the nomination Clan Geek! CG put a great spin on my 30 Day Video Game Challenge with their very own 30 Free Games Challenge. They also talk about books and D&D so check out their blog!

Mystery Blogger Award Preview:

According to the creator, Okoto, “Mystery Blogger Award” is an award for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts. Their blog not only captivates; it inspires and motivates. They are one of the best out there, and they deserve every recognition they get. This award is also for bloggers who find fun and inspiration in blogging, and they do it with so much love and passion.

The Rules:

Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog.
Display the award logo on your blog.
Mention the creator of the award and provide a link as well.
List the rules.
Tell your readers three things about yourself.
Answer five questions from the nominator.
Ask your nominees any five questions of your choice, including one weird or funny question.
Nominate from 10 to 20 bloggers.
Notify the bloggers by leaving a comment on their blog.
Share the link to your best post.

Three things about me:

I am in love with Farmhouse style thanks to Fixer Upper on HGTV. It’s my personal mission to splice this style up with some geek flare which is proving difficult so far.
I don’t have any tattoos! Strange considering my age but I’ve always believed I should get something meaningful if it’ll be on my body forever.
In that same vein though, my nose is pierced. I don’t wear my nose ring often anymore, but it’s still there.

The Questions:

What is the thing that you never get tired of doing? Pinning things on Pinterest. I get a wild hair and pin 100’s of pins sometimes. Every day I pin at least one thing.

I love sweets! So share with us your favorite sweet from your country! Reese Christmas trees! Oh, and Dove dark chocolate! I usually keep a bag in the house of Dove and treat myself to a square a day.

What song would you choose if you could only hear that one for the rest of your life? Ooo. This is hard. I have to go with Emilie Autumn’s ‘Time for Tea’. I love this artist and have for years. Her music reaches me in places that others just can’t touch. I could have picked a tamer song but ‘Time for Tea’ is epic.

If you could be any fantasy creature which one would you be and why? I would want to be a vampire. I’ve had a fascination with them since I was a kid. I especially enjoyed any books I could get my hands on that featured them, good or bad. some recommendations for fellow vampire lovers: House of Night, Night World, Vampire Academy, Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, and Blue Bloods.

Weird question, What is something we do now, but in 5 years everyone will look back on and be embarrassed? Selfies. Here’s grandma, just ignore the dog ears and tongue. It’s what they called a “snapchat filter.” Old people are weird.

My Questions:

If you could meet any video game/book/TV character, who would it be?
Name your top 3 favorite websites.
Which video game/book/TV character would you marry?
What video game changed your life?
What’s the background on your phone/computer right now?

My Nominations:

Anna @ Nerdy Alerty

Jessi @ Boards and Crafts

Natalie @ Natalie Patalie

Barb @ You Fancy Me Mad

Ray @ Super Powers Sold Separately

& anyone else who wants to answer these questions!

My Best Post:

30 Day Video Game Challenge

Please don’t forget to come back here and comment with the link to your post so I can check out your answers!

Awards & Nominations

Sunshine Blogger Award (+ Tags)

March 15, 2018by Megan // A Geeky Gal9 Comments

I have successfully completed my 30 Day Video Game Challenge! Over the 30 days while I was keeping up with the daily posts, I was nominated for not one, not two, but FOUR awards! (And I just got nominated for another!) I’ll be sprinkling in these award posts over the month of March. This fourth award is courtesy of Luna over at GamersUnitedGG! Thanks Luna! Definitely check out her blog for spoiler free reviews, blogging competitions, and other gamer things. Luna is a very talented writer, and her blog is a great combination of the things she loves.

Sunshine Blogger Award Preview:

The Rules:

Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog.
Answer the 10 questions the blogger asked you.
Nominate 10 new blogs to receive the award and write them 10 new questions.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or on your blog.

Questions:

Why did you start blogging? It started off as a release for me. I enjoyed writing and needed an outlet after a really bad relationship. It’s weird to look back and see how much has changed since then. It was probably over 5 years ago that I started my first blog.

What is your favorite party game? Currently it’s Lego Harry Potter.

If you were in the Winter Olympics, what would you be your sport? Netflixing if I’m being honest.

If you were in the Summer Olympics, what would be your sport? See above! I’m worthless at sports.

Who’s your favorite Villain? I am super fond of Regina from Once Upon a Time.

Zombies, Aliens or Mutants? Zombies. I think we’re prepared to take down Walking Dead zombies.

In a horde mode, who or what are you fighting? Probably ghosts from Fatal Frame.

Describe your perfect day. Overcast with rain, a big blanket, Netflix, Padme, and snacks!

What is your favorite video game genre to play? Horror and RPG.

If you could have a career in video games, what would you want to do? I actually have a degree in Game Art! I can’t talk about work, but it comes close to having a video game career. I’m a 3D modeler.

My Questions:

What game are you currently playing?
What game you’re most looking forward to?
What is you favorite game of last year?
What would you change about your favorite franchise?
What game has influenced you creatively? Writing, drawing, etc.
What games do you have multiple copies of?
How do you usually spend a lazy evening?
How many countries have you been to?
What was your favorite TV show when you were a child?
What was the very first game you ever beat?

My Nominations:

Emma @ A Cornish Geek

Pepi @ Depepi

Aivanther @ The Daily Rager

Heather @ Just Geeking By

Steph @ Schtick & Substance

I’m only nominating 5 bloggers for this award. I have one more award left to go this month and want to spread the love! Please don’t forget to come back here and comment with the link to your post so I can check out your answers!