You guys!!! Thrift Store Cosplay is winding down and I only have 2 days of cosplay left to share with you. I have really enjoyed tricking out my closet with fun, whimsical and practical items. Some of which are very specifically costume-ish and others that I will definitely get some more wear out of. My closet is pretty amazing right now!! I must admit and because everything was procured at vintage, thrift, consignment and resale stores, I feel hella good about it!!
I’m gonna be taking some polls on which were your favorite characters and such from the whole August series, so keep an eye out for that!! Also I have a giveaway going on right now with JORD Watches. I hope you’ll take a minute to enter to win $100 at JORD! Use this link: woodwatches.com/g/nerdinthesand
Last night we said goodbye to Downton Abbey after 6 seasons of shocks and awww’s. It has been a wild ride. And I can’t help feeling that we (the fans of Downton) will be hard pressed to find a replacement for this show! There is really nothing else like it out there. And while PBS promises new and exciting programming in our future, unless it’s a Downton Abbey spinoff, I just have my doubts since the bar has been set so high.
The madcap story of Carson and Mrs. Hughes after life at Downton Abbey. I’m thinking they finally open that bed and breakfast they were talking about and adventure ensues. Think of all the wayward stragglers that Carson would have to contend with. It has Emmy written all over it!
Lily James is primed to take over the world right now after the successes of Cinderella and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. So why not throw her a spinoff? She and Atticus go back to America where they are raising their daughter, Victoria Rachel Cora Aldridge. Rose being Rose, she would absolutely be in the thick of it over there, probably in New York City. And while there she would obviously hook up with Shirley Maclaine’s Martha Levison. Sure, they aren’t actually related by blood or even marriage, but everyone is family when it comes to Downton Abbey and I’d love to see the sparks fly when Rose and Martha interact.
No one deserves a spinoff more than Lady Grantham and her (begrudging at first) bestie, Violet Crawley. Sure, Isobel is primed to marry Lord Merton, but this duo would undoubtedly remain close. They have been through so much together and have come so far in this hilarious and tumultuous friendship. They deserve second life! Perhaps they start solving murders in England. Not sure what they would be doing, but I know that they should be doing it together and that it would be amazing!
The Manny
The finale of Downton Abbey finally saw a happy Thomas Barrow…FINALLY!! Sure, he’s taken over as head butler for Carson, but I think he’s better suited as Master George’s manny. Imagine the absolute adorbs that would come from that pairing! Outings in the park, visits to the city and hopefully one day, Thomas would find romance with someone special pushing the limits of the time period.
Branson has long been my favorite character on Downton Abbey. And while Henry Talbot is no Matthew Crawley, I have come to like him and appreciate his friendship with Tom. The fact that they are now in business together makes this concept the easiest of all to accomplish. Mary would obviously make an occasional appearance to check on her husband and her, I’d venture to say, best friend. The automobile industry in the late 1920’s going into the 30’s would make for incredibly interesting story lines.
Of course there’s the guilty pleasure spinoff that sees the return of the favored dead. Matthew Crawley and Lady Sybil return to haunt the halls of Downton Abbey. It would have to be funny because anything else would just be wrong. Sure, it’s the least plausible of the spinoff concepts, but you can’t fault me for trying!
February is the month of love. Which often illicits a “Yuck” and an eye roll from me. Instead of my usual “down with love” attitude, I decided instead to share the things I love with my instapeeps. And the best part is that a bunch of you joined my challenge and shared the things you loved with me! Check out the hashtag #NerdsLove for more from everyone and each individual hashtag below for more specific expressions of love.
It’s never too late to share what you love. The hashtag #Nerdslove is not going anywhere! Do you love something? Share it!
We’re all nerdy for something.
You know what I love about Fridays? The fact that they always come back around again. Fridays never leave us nor forsake us, gentle reader! Fridays are steadfast and ever constant. And so shall my Follow Friday Blog series be.
I want to help you discover the multitude of internet talent that may be hiding just around the river bend. You deserve to enjoy fun photos, sweet music and hilarious posts that will help remind you that the world is a beautiful place and God put beautiful people in it!!
As always, if you have a suggestion you’d like to send my way for consideration please email me at: nerdinthecity01@gmail.com. I always love to hear from you, readers!!
Do you love Star Wars? Did you see The Force Awakens and wonder to yourself “Hmmm…I wonder what kind of things that moody, little twerp Kylo Ren would tweet if they had such things as Twitter in that galaxy far, far away?” Well, wonder no more. Because Emo Kylo Ren exists for your reading pleasure on the Twittersphere!! And boy is he hilarious. Just take a look at the above tweets. There’s more where that came from. Go follow @KyloR3n right this instance!
Allow me to introduce you to the wonderful world of Maxwell Glick aka Mr. Cheezy Pop. Maxwell is best known on the inter webs for his charming portrayal of Ricky Collins in The Lizzie Bennet Diaries web series (which again, if you haven’t seen…you must see immediately.) He was also in School of Thrones and Muzzled the Musical (both of which deserve your viewership as well.)
But it’s his You Tube channel that I want to draw your attention to. In this age of digital trolling and Trump on TV, it’s fair to say that we could all use a little positivity in our lives. And that’s exactly what Maxwell has to offer. He LOVES Disney and his channel has is a veritable treasure trove of fun including, but not limited to: original parody songs (my personal favorites,) Disney tours, reaction vids, commentary and a whole lot more.
The point I’m trying to make is that you should give Maxwell a try!!
Meet Theo and Beau. A pair of best friends who love to take the most adorable naps together. Luckily mom, Jessica Shyba had the good sense to document the adorable that took place and put the resulting pictures up on Instagram, where these pictures feel right at home.
Beau was just a toddler when he found his new best friend in puppy, Theo. Both were tiny tykes when Jessica started out. They have both grown, but don’t worry the cute still continues in this family’s newest endeavor “Naptime with Theo and Beau.” A children’s book that is now available everywhere books are sold. And “Bathtime with Theo and Beau,” their follow-up book, just landed in stores on January 19th, 2016.
But that isn’t all, in 2014 the family welcomed home Evvie, their newest edition. And guess what she loves to do…take naps with adorable animals like Theo and the family’s cat. Don’t miss a single moment of the adorable that this family has to offer with the popular hashtags: #TheoandBeau and #TheoandEvvie and of course @mommasgonecity herself!!
Marty, Michael, Brandon and Jared are four nerdy dudes who decided to start a podcast together. Each Tuesday on their weekly podcast, they break down what’s new, exciting, infuriating, etc. in pop culture. It could be a new trailer that dropped, a TV show pilot, a game launch…if it’s nerdy and they have a reaction, they’ll be discussing it on the podcast.
They occasionally have guest reactors including your truly! But don’t take my word for it. Check them out every week and make sure to weigh in on any reactions you may have or burning questions you want answered on their Twitter page.
If you enjoy clean, fun, family entertainment then let me introduce you to the first family of Vine. The Eh Bee Family is a hilarious group consisting of Mom, Dad, Daughter and Son who love to tell funny 6 second stories on a daily basis. They have over 2 million followers on Vine and over 12 million followers word wide over various social media platforms. Check them out on You Tube, Instagram, Twitter and their native platform Vine. This group is safe to share with the little ones. The kids and parents alike are talented and have found a way to share the joy of their family with us all.
Calling anyone who loves to read and believes in equality. Emma Watson has been working with UN Women and in an effort learn more about equality and to prepare for her role as feminist icon and all around lovely human being, Emma has started her own Book Club on Goodreads. The group is called “Our Shared Shelf” and the first book we’re reading is “My Life on the Road” by Gloria Steinem. The perfect choice for this group.
In a world where more and more people are escaping direct interaction with the online community due to the huge insurgence of internet trolls and hate mongering, Emma Watson takes a bold step towards greater connectivity with her fans and creating a conversation about equality that is positive and productive to the narrative of our culture. She has a big dream for the women of this world and she’s not afraid to share it!! So get onboard the Hogwarts Express…ok, I had to make a Potter reference somewhere!! Moral of the story is, join in!
And, of course, if you aren’t yet following little ole me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube, Pinterest, Podcast coming soon, Periscope (@nerdinthecity), Vine, Snapchat (@nerdinthesand) and on the very Blog you are currently reading, then now’s the time to pick your favorite platform, cause I have a little something for everyone!
Thanks for reading. Go forth and discover something or someone new!
Nerd runs deep in my family. My father has it, my brother has it, my mother has it, my uncle has it, my cousin has it and of course… I have it.
Nerdy things were not cool at school. But they sure were cool at home!
My parents are huge Trekkies, saw Star Wars in the theaters and are always watching whatever superhero, fairytale, castaway TV show comes on. The nerd runs even deeper than my immediate family. My aunt and uncle, my cousin and her husband…we’re all a bunch of nerds.
So I come by my nerd pretty naturally. You could say I was destined for nerdom! And in the wake of a new Star Wars movie, I wondered what my family members felt about Star Wars. What it’s meant to them. And here’s what they said…
Linton (Uncle):
“I can remember thinking ‘STAR WARS?’ How could anything be better than STAR TREK? Not possible!! But then I went to see it, it was just AMAZING! From the scroll in the beginning to the very end. Star Trek, take a back seat!”
Barbara (Mom):
“It’s hard to believe that I have such a vivid picture of watching the first Star Wars movie in 1977 since I don’t have a great memory about other events in my past. I remember not really knowing much about what I was going to be seeing. I went with some friends from college. I always liked Sci-Fi, Star Trek was a favorite, but I didn’t really know much about Star Wars.
That day in the theater when it came on the big screen was like nothing I’d ever seen before. Bigger than life, exciting, fantastic, amazing! Coming out of the theater we couldn’t talk about anything else, but what we had just experienced. And when we learned that there was going to be another movie made, we were ecstatic.
Each subsequent movie has been the same, bigger than life and amazing. I know the upcoming one will be awesome and I can’t wait!”
Sterling (Cousin):
“Well it was you and Jeremy who introduced me to Star Wars (along with Power Rangers, the Rosie O’Donnell Show and Gone with the Wind, those were the only things ever on TV at your house.) And my first memory was actually not watching Star Wars together, but dressing up for Halloween as Star Wars characters together. My Ewok costume wasn’t staying together so I remember my father stapling me into it.”
Jeremy (Brother):
“Star Wars. I must say it has been quite a ride for me. I cannot pinpoint when I first watched it or when I first became a superfan, mainly because it’s been with me for as long as I can remember. My sister likes to think that she introduced me to it, I tend to think the other way around. Whatever the case, it has been a huge part of my life. There was a time post-prequels when my enthusiasm waned. Why? Who knows. It could have been my post-college adulthood trying to push out all of the things I liked as a kid. Whatever the reason, Star Wars was put on the back burner for several years.
What brought it back (and in a big way?) I think it must have been watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series. It gave me new stories and characters to love as well as reminding me of all of the other aspects of Star Wars I loved.
Now, I’m back to being that superfan I was as a kid (so much so, I have a Star Wars room and even contemplated naming my soon-to-be baby girl Leia…or Rey.) And how, if you are a living breathing human (or non-human) can you not be excited about The Force Awakens? I mean…Episode VII!!! Who ever thought that this day would come! (*contented sigh)
I LOVE STAR WARS!”
Eric (Dad):
“I saw Episode IV then I was a counselor at Salvation Army summer camp.. The rest of the time at camp we college age counselors (at least the cool ones) discussed the various aspects of the movie. Little did I know that that was just the beginning of my involvement with a whole new universe – or at least a galaxy!”
What does Star Wars mean to you? Comment below or send me an email at liztailor481@gmail.com
The Walking Dead has taught us, the viewers, many valuable apocalyptic life lessons over the last 5 seasons. Season 6 kicked off with a bang on Sunday and I’m sure there will be brand new lessons to learn.
Perhaps one of the most intricate lessons we’ve been learning is how to raise a kid amidst a zombie apocalypse. Information that I’m sure will come in handy one day. Hey, if Glenn and Maggie make it, they may be able to benefit from Rick’s experience raising Judith and Carl.
1. Role Models are Important
Carol has become a surrogate mother to little Judith, in the absence of Judith’s deceased momma, Lori. Sure…she’s a killer, but it’s only ever been out of necessity and to protect the family. And if that means killing psychotic kids, disease-ridden women, crazy cannibals or the run of the mill zombie, then so be it. What better role model is there for a 2 year old baby girl, really?
2. Learning from Big Brother
Carl loves his baby sister. And sure…he had to kill his own mother, but she was a zombie. What’s a son to do? Plus big brother will be able to teach little Judith to shoot one day. And if she makes it through her terrible two’s, she’s gonna need those skills!
3. Father Knows Best
Rick loves that little girl! That much we know. Sure…he’s murdered countless people. Being the leader of the pack in a zombie apocalypse means making the tough call. And desperate times call for a swift stab to the temple. You better believe that Rick will do whatever it takes to protect his daughter from the evil undead of this world!! There is no greater love than this: that a man would lay down a score of zombies to save the life of his friends and family.
4. Home is Where the Heart Is
The farmhouse…er. The prison…uh-uh. Terminus…definitely not. Alexandria…ummmm. Ok, so home may be a fluid concept when you’re faced with hoards of flesh eating zombies. But that hasn’t stopped Rick from trying to find a place for Judith, Carl and Co. to call home. Is it his fault that just when they all get comfortable, everything goes to hell in a hand basket? No. He keeps hoping. He keeps trying. He keeps fighting. That’s what a good father does.
Here’s hoping the rest of season 7 is a little brighter for little baby Judith and her extended apocalypse family!!
This one is a no brainer. Growing up there was one teacher we all wanted to have and that was Feeeeeeny! Fee-hee-hee-heeeny! He cared about his students with crucial life lessons and was always there when they needed him. Always! From elementary school through college. Now that’s dedication!
#2 – Minerva McGonagall
Any good teacher uses a mixture of love and tough love to teach. Professor McGonagall is the perfect example of this. She genuinely cares about all her students and looks the other way if the situation calls for it. And sure, you’re not supposed to play favorites, but Minerva always had a soft spot for the boy who lived and his two best friends. In the final film of the franchise, it’s that moment when Minerva McGonagall calls for everyone to defend Hogwarts that makes me cry every time! I always wished to go to magical school and be taught be her!
#3 – John Keating
Good teachers teach. Great teachers inspire! And there are few fictional teachers as downright inspiring as Robin William’s John Keating from Dead Poets’ Society. ‘O Captain, My Captain’ I’d stand on my desk and follow you anywhere!
#4 – Mr. Holland
As a musician, I always had a special place in my heart for Mr. Holland, played by Richard Dreyfuss in the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus. Sure Mr. Holland wasn’t perfect. There was that whole, almost had an affaor with a student thing. But hey, even teachers aren’t perfect. This film had poignant life lessons and a truly delicious soundtrack. Win, win!
#5 – Corey Matthews
Yes, the same Corey Matthews from the beloved 90’s TGIF sitcom, Boy Meets World. Corey and Topanga are back with two adorable kids of their own and it’s their daughter Riley Matthews that’s learning about the world now. And just like Feeny before him, Corey has become the kid’s teacher, spirit guide and emotional counselor. Following them from elementary school into middle school (and here’s hoping he continues through college just like Feeny.) That’s not the only similarity to my #1 favorite fictional teacher! It seems like Corey really was paying attention in class all those years because he makes an excellent teacher and fans of Boy Meets World will love where they take these characters. (Plus Shawn comes back!!! And Eric and Angela and Mr. and Mrs. Matthews and yes…even Feeny returns a couple times.) It’s definitely a must watch!!
Honorable Mentions
I actually have a lot of teachers in my family. My mom is a preschool director. Dad teaches middle school (bless his heart.) Granny was an art teacher. Grandma was a teacher too. One of my best friends is a damn fine high school teacher. If one of them had been my teacher when I was a kid (obviously my parents taught me..but you know what I mean) then maybe I would have been a better student than I was.
Who do you wish had taught your classes? Or is there a real teacher who inspired you?
Are you ready yet? The big day is fast approaching. Any minute tickets will go on sale and fangirls and boys everywhere will begin camping out on street corners and handcrafting brand new Jedi robes to wear. It’s an exciting time in the life of a nerd.
I recently read an article that perfectly sums up what if feels like to be a modern Star Wars fan. Take a read.
With only 90 days till the big day, there is much to reflect on, much to geek out over, much to anticipate. A nerdy girl’s heart can only take so much excitement.
Here’s a little something I wrote on what Star Wars means to me:
What Star Wars Means to Me
by Liz Tailor
Star Wars means family.
Star Wars means longevity.
Star Wars means commitment and pure, unadulterated joy.
There is no recollection of a time without Star Wars. It has always been a part of my history and so shall it ever remain.
Star Wars is my deal breaker. My caveat. “You’ve never seen Star Wars??? Please leave this table right now.”
It’s so entwined in my personality I truly believe that people who don’t love it, or at the very least like it, have no hope of ever understanding me.
Star Wars means dreams.
Star Wars means hope.
Star Wars is proof that greatness can be achieved.
That’s a lot to put on a franchise of movies and TV shows and books and toys and stories. But there it is. It means all those things and so much more. I’d scale it back if I could, but I have an obsessive personality and I fell in love with Star Wars a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away and I’ve never looked back.
Yes, Game of Thrones has ended for the season and any faithful watchers are probably still smarting from the events in that finale!! In an effort to remember the happy times, I went back and watched season 1 again. MISTAKE!!! Remember the happy times??? When was that? The first 20 minutes of episode 1 and then never again. There are many shocking, upsetting, unjust deaths on Game of Thrones. But none are quite like the death of Eddard “Ned” Stark. He is the Hand of the King, the just Lord of Winterfell, a father of 6 and a husband. His death sets events in motion that would change the course of the show and separate the beloved Stark family forever. (Trust me, don’t go back and watch. It’s straight up depressing.)
This was a really easy one! Some days you need a simpler hairstyle to get ya through the day. Ned Stark knew how to keep it simple. When you are Lord of Winterfell and have great responsibilities, then you really don’t need to be taking time to worry about your hair!
