To celebrate Afternoon Tea Week, I thought I would put together a few products for you to have your own geeky afternoon tea at home. With the rise in popularity of afternoon tea, there are so many great products to chose from. Also as tea parties feature both Alice in Wonderland and Beauty and the Beast, there are some great tea related products based on these franchises available.
Afternoon Tea at Home with a Twist!
Good Food has some great ideas for hosting your own afternoon tea at home, from decorating tips to what to serve. Pinterest is also a great place to search for geekier recipe ideas. In my Pinspiration series, I have featured Stranger Things cupcakes, Hulk cake pops and Captain America cookies. All of these be great for the pastry course of your afternoon tea. Alternatively, you can also look for a macaroon or mini pie recipes.
During an Afternoon Tea, cakes are served on a tiered cake stand. Like the whimsical Alice in Wonderland cake stand from the V&A Museum. Yet, as I discovered when research quirkier teas in London. Hotels are getting more creative with their stands using old records and even books as serving boards. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative the Disney have some cute disposable tiered cake stands. Which come with matching disposable tablecloths and napkins.
The great thing about afternoon tea is there are no hard and fast rules. You could have a matching tea set like this Harry Potter one, or opt for a mismatch of china cups. Taking inspiration from the Mad Hatter’s tea party you could have an ill-sorted collection of plates and cups, and carry this even further with mismatched chairs.
How are you celebrating Afternoon Tea Week?
What themed Afternoon Tea would you like to have?
Let me know in the comments below.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
We are in the full swing of comic con season. As always the headliner is San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Social Media can create awful Con Envy, but can also help us keep up to date with all the fun events happening at Comic-Con. Live blogging via Twitter, streaming in Facebook. Or seeing photos on Instagram can help us stay up to date with what is happening in SDCC. With that in mind here are my highlights from SDCC, from someone who wasn’t there!
Monday Musing: Highlights from SDCC 2018
First off, SDCC started with amazing news! Billed as the 10th Anniversary Star Wars: Clone Wars panel. The Star Wars panel ended with the exciting news that The Clone Wars would be back for the eighth season. Ahsoka is one of my favourite characters, so I loved this news, I can’t wait to see the Clones and Jedi back in action. Soon after the panel, #CloneWarsSaved was trending on Twitter, this was clearly, something the fans wanted.
The other major panel on Day One had to be Doctor Who. This was our first proper look at not only the Thirteenth Doctor but also her new companions. The trailer did give us a sneak peek of them all in action. But it looks like we will have to wait until later in the year to see the first female Doctor in action. I also adored that Jodie Whittaker was the surprise model at the Her Universe fashion show!
What about Marvel?
Marvel scaled back their presences at SDCC this year. There wasn’t a major panel for the MCU movies. Instead, they focused on the television shows, cartoons and comics. The big TV shows like Cloak and Dagger, Legion, and Iron Fist all had individual panels. I was sad to see there wasn’t an Agents of SHIELD panel. As this is one of favourite Marvel shows and I am interested to see which direction the show is heading for in season 6. But, they did share some interesting news, including a new head of SHIELD.
For me, the most interesting panel was the Marvel Animation Presents: Marvel Rising one. Announcing a new cartoon, Marvel Rising. With a new team that includes Quake and Ms Marvel. As well as bring fan favourite’s Ghost-Spider and Squirrel Girl to the small screen. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before we see them on the big screen too!
The World of DC
With Marvel scaling back their panels, it was DC comics time to shine. Their big panels were to promoted all their television shows, movies and DC Universe streaming service. Whilst, there is no news if their new streaming service will be available in the UK. I am really excited about in the new Titans TV series. And Young Justice: Outsiders which will both set to be available in on the service.
Sticking with the DC television programmers, the Arrowverse universe added another hero to its team in the form of Batwoman! Who will feature in the major crossover as well as her own series. The Batwoman TV programme seems to be based on New 52 version of Kathy Kane. The Supergirl television programme, not only deals with topics other shows won’t handle but also deals with them well (I loved Alex’s coming out storyline). I was not surprised to hear, they were introducing the first transgender superhero. And as a result, I can’t wait to see the next season.
Putting the mess of Justice League behind them, the DCEU announced its official name “The Worlds of DC”. Then spoiled us with two amazing trailers for Aquaman and SHAZAM. The stars of Wonder Woman were also there with exclusive footage for the attendees, but nothing new available online. I guess we will have to wait for the official trailer.
Other Highlights
With SDCC lasting four days there were so many fun events happenings. Here are some of the other highlights I loved reading about online this weekend.
The Buffy reboot. I was a huge fan of the original Buffy: The Vampire Slayer programme. And I kind of wish this was a continuation rather than a reboot, but I am excited to see the slayer back on our screens.
It is hard to ignore the toxicity online towards the character of Rose Tico and towards the actor Kelly Marie Tran, from people claiming to be Star Wars fans. So, it was amazing to see such support of the character with a rally at SDCC.
There is an image of the perfect blogger! If you look on Instagram, bloggers build the image of themselves sitting at their IKEA desk, typing away on their laptops producing wonderful content. That is not me! I have never considered myself a “good blogger”. I never update regularly, my posts are often and varied. Whilst I might have the messy hair and live in yoga pants, like a stereotypical blogger. I have always struggled to find a happy blogging schedule. Ultimately, I think of myself as a bad blogger.
This month, I am aiming to focus some time on my blog. I don’t want to do a rebrand but I might have a bit of a re-design if I have time. Instead, I want to focus on sorting out everything behind the scenes. Update my about me page, edit my privacy policy and trying to find a blogging schedule that suits me.
First thing I did this morning was to tackle my drafts! I had over a dozen posts sitting in the draft folder, none of them are ready for me to hit the publish button. It’s not that they are bad posts it’s that they just aren’t quite ready yet and need some extra work, be it photos, graphics or just editing. Of course, that has lead to yet more issues!
To give an example, there are some photos of the Game of Thrones tapestry we saw in Belfast, just waiting for words. Alternatively, the write-up of the Wonder Woman Wrap I knitted which needs photos. The thing is these were posts I planned earlier in the year. And I am wondering if anyone will want in reading these posts now. It has been months after we went to Northern Ireland or after I knitted the shawl (which was a very popular knitting project earlier year).
The oldest post in my drafts folder was one about the evolution of Batgirl, which I wrote in Manila, way back in October 2016! This might not be relevant at the moment, but could be when the Batgirl movie is released! For me, it was a labour of love piece which I hoped to turn into a series. Do I delete it? Or wait until it comes relevant? Or post it now?
The Plan
Next, I figured I would devise a plan of action! Whilst, I will never be the type of blogger who updates regularly, I would like to blog more. I am not suited to updating on a set day or writing a weekly regular series. So I need to find a happy medium. My aim is to focus on set areas and develop content around those sections. Trying to publish twice a week over the summer months. My plan so far involves…
Work on more Geek Girls to London Guides. I have a few ideas for more posts and am hoping to find more inspiration over the summer.
Start a “Knitting Natter” series to write more about my knitting projects. This blog originally started as a knitting blog, I have been knitting more lately and would love to write about my creations.
Complete more of the Five Fandom Friday posts. I joined 5FF very late and so missed so many posts, but I have a list of some of the prompts I’d like to talk about.
Re-start the monthly round-up posts. I used to love doing”currently” updates, but I also like the idea of doing a “monthly must haves” or “things I love this month” type post. So I have to find a way to incorporate these into the blog.
Do you have a blogging schedule or just write when you feel like it?
Do you have any blogging tips to encourage me to write more often?
Is there anything you would like me to write about?
During Phase One of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), S.H.I.E.L.D. featured in the storylines. Nick Fury appearing in several of the movies. Natasha Romanoff was a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent working undercover at Stark Industries. Phil Coulson dealt with Tony Stark in both Iron Man movies and S.H.I.E.L.D. tried to secure Mjolnir in Thor. It was it was the presence of the S.H.I.E.L.D. organisation that linked the movies.
During the first season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the Marvel movies affect the storylines. They cleaned up the mess in Greenwich after Thor: Dark World. The whole organisation collapsed after Captain America: Winter Soldier. Also, Nick Fury saved Fitz and Simmons in the season finale. There is no denying there was an association between the television programme and the movies.
The second season of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has linked to the Agent Carter TV show but had fewer links to the MCU movies. The movies never mention the characters from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. At the start of Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Avengers are working for S.H.I.E.L.D. hunting down HYDRA weapons. As Phil Coulson is still working for S.H.I.E.L.D. at the time, does that mean they know he is alive? Why do they not address this plot hole?
In the later seasons of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., the link is barely there. There is an appearance by Lady Sif. A newspaper headline mentioning Peggy Carter’s funeral in one episode. Later, several “Inhumans” signed the Sovokvia Accords. Now, the show operators almost separately from the movies.
I felt there were opportunities for crossovers. When writing the Sovokvia Accords, it must have included S.H.I.E.L.D. Why were they not mentioned? Likewise, S.H.I.E.L.D. agents must have helped with the closing The Avengers Tower in Spider-Man: Homecoming. Why didn’t Coulson have a guest appearance then? It will be interesting to see what happens post-Infinity War. Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has yet to be renewed for another series. Will the organisation end after this season and the events of Avenger: Infinity War? I can’t wait to find out.
The Defenders
As for Netflix/Marvel TV shows or The Defenders, there is a very loose link to the MCU movies (and other TV shows). It appears more as in passing in conversations, mentioning one of The Avengers or the “Battle of New York”. In the Daredevil, they manage to get reduced rent on their new office because of the incident. Or in Luke Cage, a man selling bootleg copies of the battle on DVD.
But I wonder why they haven’t linked the shows more. Whilst they don’t have to include the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents we know. They could have included someone from the organisation. From the end of the first Captain America movie, we know there is a S.H.I.E.L.D. base in New York. I am sure agents would have investigated a giant hole appearing in Midland Circle. Or at least wanted to question Jessica Jones or Luke Cage after their arrests. Why was this never explored?
In the Netflix/Marvel shows, they are hinting moving towards a Luke Cage and Iron Fist partnership. As seen in the Heroes for Hire comic books. How about a Punisher and Ghost Rider collaboration? This would be a great way to link the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. programme to Netflix programmes.
Similarly, I would love to see Avengers interact with The Defenders. Spider-Man is the obvious character to do the crossover from the movies to television shows. From the comics, he has ties most of The Defenders. Now personally, I like to think of Spider-Man as more a street-level hero. I loved the 1990’s cartoon, one of my favourite storylines was whilst he was working with Daredevil to take down Kingpin. How amazing would this be to see in live action?
Of course, I haven’t even mentioned The Runaways or Inhumans series (because I am not up to date with these programmes). As for the new upcoming shows link Cloak & Dagger. I have no idea if they have connections to the larger MCU, be it movies or television programmes.
The Future?
So what about the future? As I said Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. might not be renewed for another series. Rumour has it Phil Coulson will be appearing in the new Captain Marvel film. As I understand, this film is set in the 1990’s, so a prequel to the stories we know. But will it relate to the programmes? As the movie will also include the Kree, who are in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Will the movie explain where the alien involved in the T.A.H.I.T.I. project came from?
There is no doubt everything is going to be shaken up by Avengers Infinity Wars. The future of the MCU will be very different to the universe we know and love. I am wondering if this shake-up will link the programmes to the movies more or less? Or if the future will be a blank slate to continue the programmes without referencing the movies.
What do you think? Do you like that the Marvel programmes are connected? Do you wish they were more connected? Or do you think they should be separated? Let me know in the comments below.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
It is almost a decade since Black Widow’s first appearance onscreen in Iron Man 2. Since then fans have been wanting a stand-alone film for Natasha Romanoff. Which hopefully, we will be getting in the next few years. Until then she is an important member of Avengers Team (for a while the only female member).
Black Widow
Black Widow Pinata Cookies
When I listed my favourite Captain America pins, I mentioned that I loved piñatas, will I am also a fan of piñata cakes and cookies! I was so excited when I found the Black Widow piñata cookies on the Ya Gotta Have A Hobby blog.
Cosplay Belt Tutorial
It would be quite easy to add this rhinestone design to an existing black belt. Although Set to Stunning designed this belt is intended as part of a cosplay, I think it would be great would be for everyday cosplay. Wearing it over a little black dress or playsuit would make a cute Black Widow themed outfit.
Cocktail by The Experience Bar
The Experience Bar designs nerdy cocktails based on video games, cartoons and movies. By blending Vodka, Kahlua, Grenadine with Cola. The Black Widow cocktail manages to incorporate the colours of her “suit” in this drink.
Nail Art
I love nerdy nail art but tend to be drawn to the simpler designs. Like the Thor Manicure I wrote about, this Black Widow themed manicure is easy enough for a beginner and Chalkboard Nails has created a great step by step guide.
You can see all my Pinspiration posts here, these including more Avengers themed ideas. If you would like to be featured in a future post please contact me.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
Last year, I wrote about the upcoming Batgirl movie. I spoke about how happy I was that Joss Whedon had signed on as the director. And examined some of the storylines I would like to have seen included in the movie. I posted this before Whedon’s ex-wife published her open letter. My post was also written before I had seen experienced seeing the Amazons, Valkyrie and Dora Milaje on the big screen. My opinions have obviously changed since writing the blog post.
Last week, news broke that Whedon had walked away from the project. Initial articles stated he was “unable to find a story” Of course, this is ridiculous. Over the years many comic book storylines have featured Batgirl. Anyone one of which could be adapted into a feature film.
The news instead seems to point to yet more problems in with the DCEU franchise. The success of the Wonder Woman movies last year was a high point for the franchise. However, the Justice League movie (which Whedon worked on), was meet with mixed reviews, was a low point.
According to Wikipedia, there are over twenty possible films planned in the DCEU. Whilst some like the Wonder Woman sequel and Shazam movie, have tentative release dates. Over a dozen more are all in the planning stages. These include a Gotham Siren adaption, Flashpoint and The Batman reboot. Production on the Batgirl movie was due to start later this year. I’m assuming this will still happen. The success of Wonder Woman, shows audience want to see female lead superhero movies. Batgirl is one of the best know DC women, along with Supergirl she is the obvious choice for a next movie.
All over the weekend, I have seen several blog posts featuring lists of “female directors who should direct the Batgirl movie.” I am not going to re-hash them here (but have included a few of the links at the end of this blog post). I will go on record as saying I am hoping Lena Dunham isn’t involved in the project, I am not a fan of her work.
On Twitter, several authors expressed an interest in the project. Of course, we would all love to see Gail Simone write this movie, most comic book fans are familiar with her work. The New 52 reboot of Batgirl, with Barbara Gordon, once again redonning the cape and cowl. Is one of the more popular storylines and, is the obvious choice for the film. Similarly, I would love to see Hope Larson work on the movie. As the current writer of the Batgirl comics she is someone very familiar with the character, and personally, I love the ‘Summer of Lies‘ storyline.
Whilst it looks like the movie is still moving forward, which of course I am happy about. I do still have so many issues around its place with the DCEU as a whole. The Wonder Woman movie could exist outside of the franchise. Her storyline is not intertwined with other characters from the DCEU. Yes, there was the package from Bruce Wayne at the beginning, which served as a plot point. But she could have just as easily found the photo herself.
Batgirl’s origin story includes Batman. In both versions, young Batman intrigues the young Barbara Gordon. Originally, in the Detective Comics (which was later retold in Year One), she idolized Batman and Robin and saves them from Killer Moth. In the New 52 storylines, Batman is an important part of the plot.
Which leads me to my problem. Can this movie work whilst the DCEU is a mess? Ben Affleck has expressed an interest in leaving the franchise. And the standalone Batman movie is on hold. Can they make a Batgirl movie with a new Batman, will that work? Should this movie be made after the new Batman reboot? Or will the Flashpoint storyline reboot the franchise, so recasting a new Batman would be possible.
Overall, I am happy Joss Whedon has left the Batgirl projects. I am excited to see a female director making another superhero movie and the possibility of a female writer. However, as with all projects in the DCEU at the moment, this news has left with more questions than answers.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
Normally, my Monday Musing posts are a chance for me to have a little rant about something that’s been on my mind lately. This week I am I’m going to do something a little different. I am going to make a confession. Are you ready?
It’s a big confession.
I have never watched Supernatural.
Wait a minute, what?
That’s right, I have never watched Supernatural! I have never seen an episode, this show seemed to have slipped past my geek radar. I know what you are thinking, Supernatural is one of the greatest shows, how have you never seen it. The honest truth is I am not 100% sure why.
Before Supernatural aired, I remember thinking it would be a show I would like. I loved the other CW programmes shown at the time. Programmes like Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Roswell. Jared Padalecki starred in the Gilmore Girls and Jensen Ackles was briefly in Smallville. Two shows I also loved around the time. So why didn’t I watch their new show?
As I said I have no idea why I didn’t watch it. Supernatural originally aired on ITV2 in the late evening. So maybe the time it aired had something to do with me not watching it. Since then it has changed networks several times, for a while, I think it was on Sky Living and it’s on E4.
I am assuming because Supernatural has had several broadcasters in the UK, that is why no one channel can repeat all the series. Similarly, why isn’t available on a streaming service. Whilst, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and it’s spin-off Angel), seem to have found new fans by streaming on Netflix. Other “Monster of the Week” type shows, like Charmed or Ghost Whisperer seem to be constantly on TV. Why isn’t Supernatural?
Not being on a streaming service means it is not easy for me to watch Supernatural. So it seems my only option is to watch it the old-fashioned way, to buy all the box sets and binge-watch them. Which brings me to another issue. By now Supernatural is on its 13th season. That is over 250 episode to watch! That will involve a mammoth marathon, how long would that take? It seems a little daunting to even start.
So it would seem I am not meant to watch Supernatural. Even though I am sure, it would be a show I would enjoy. Having said that I am planning on trying to watch the spin-off programme The Wayward Sisters. I am hoping it isn’t too linked to Supernatural and I can enjoy this programme in its own right.
Are you surprised I am not part of the SPN family? Do you think I should start watching it? What TV show are people surprised that you don’t watch?
I had intended my final post of 2017 to be a “Review of the Year!” However, due to illness, it will be my first post of 2018. These are the questions I devised in 2016, with updated answers for 2017. Like before if you want to join in, feel free to use the graphic above and I look forward to seeing your answers.
Highlights – What one great thing happened to you this year.
At the start of the year, I attended the Women’s March in London. I went with a dear friend, we had a chance to chat and laugh whilst we walked for an amazing cause. I adored the March for several reasons, women (and some men) joining in together. the amazing signs (so many Princess Leia themed signs) and the knitter in me loved seeing the sea of pink pussy-hats. Finally, seeing a Wonder Woman movie on the big screen! At the end of the year, the midnight showing of The Last Jedi and I finally got to see Hamilton.
Surprise – either TV show, film, game etc. that impressed you the most. Kimi no Na Wa (Your Name) I first heard about the movie at the beginning of the year but missed the UK release date. So I had to wait for the digital release to watch it. I was not disappointed, the movie itself is visually gorgeous, plus it has a beautiful storyline.
New Fandom – Did you gain a new obsession in 2017?
I guess this is an extension of an existing fandom! After seeing The Last Jedi, I have joined the dark side and am now ‘Reylo’ Trash!
The Comeback Kid – Was one of your fandoms rebooted, re-released, or re-imagined.
This has to be Twin Peaks: The Return, I loved the show 20 years ago and the newest season was as quirky, surreal and funny as before. As with the earlier seasons, the soundtrack is also amazing.
Still going strong? – did one TV show have an amazing season? Or did a book series have a truly impressive release this year?
Last year, I said Game of Thrones, as season six was epic. As expected season seven was extraordinary. I was also impressed with the second season of Stranger Things.
Biggest disappointment of the Year.
Non-geeky related, it was Jury Service. I have always wanted to be called for Jury Service, and in hindsight, it was two weeks of sitting around in various beige rooms and drinking bad coffee.
Event of the year – convention, viewing party, geek girl brunch etc.
For personal reasons this year was very quiet for me. I didn’t go to any conventions. Over the summer, I visited a few geeky exhibits in London (Star Wars Identities and The Art of Brick). At the end of the year, I had so much fun attending the midnight screening of The Last Jedi in Leicester Square which was introduced by Rian Johnson himself.
What are you looking forward to next year?
So many movies, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity Wars and Solo: A Star Wars Story. Hopefully, having a mini vacation in the spring.
Quick Fire Round
TV Show of the Year: Game of Thrones Movie of the Year: Wonder Woman Game of the Year: Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Book of the Year: Geekerella by Ashley Poston Album of the Year: Twin Peaks (Music from the Limited Event Series)
A few years ago, I wrote about our adult version of Christmas Eve box. Our Christmas Eve tradition now involves relaxing at home, ordering a takeaway and having a few drinks. A calm night before the big day. So I create a special parcel for the evening. Think of it as a grown-up version of the boxes designed for children. The box is filled with pyjamas, movies to watch and cocktails!
Each year, I like to add a new ornament to our Christmas tree, something related to the previous 12 months, a souvenir from a vacation, something a little more personal. Or like this year, a geeky one relating to one of our favourite films of the year. I love this Wonder Woman Ornament kit from LexiCorp.
A recent UK Poll recently declared Die Hard isn’t a Christmas movie, well in our house we disagree. Our traditional Christmas Eve movie night involves a trilogy of Muppet’s Christmas Carol, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and ends with Die Hard. When I saw this illustration book based on Die Hard featured on Nerdist, I had to order a copy to include in the Christmas box.
As you know I am a coffee addict and an Espresso Martini is my go-to cocktail. Unfortunately, I am can’t see to perfect my recipe to make them at home. I have a few tried pre-mixed cocktails, but this year I thought I would try the Tipplesworth mixer. I also love this Espresso Martini gift set, which includes a cocktail shaker and martini glasses.
Do you have any traditions for Christmas Eve? What are your favourite Christmas Movies? Do you think Die Hard is a Christmas movie? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Without a doubt, one of the huge success stories of 2016 was Stranger Things. For the months, fans have waited for the next season. So many questions were left unanswered. Hopefully, later this week, we will get some resolutions. To mark the release of the second season of Stranger Things. I thought I would put together a few of my must-haves for any fans of the Netflix show.
Last month, a Stranger Things t-shirt appeared on the Louis Vuitton catwalk during Paris Fashion Week. This week, Topshop has a pop-up store featuring sets from the show as well as selling their new Stranger Things range. Providing the show is really on trend at the moment! #geekchic
It was hard for me to pick just one t-shirt. But as I said they are this season’s all-important fashion item, so I have included three! I love the vintage feel of this Hawkins Power & Light shirt from Topshop. Similarly with the “Visit Hawkins” tee, or you can go for the classic poster t-shirt.
It was a shock to me, to discovered that there aren’t any official books related to Stranger Things. Why hasn’t someone turned it to a graphic novel? I did find a few unofficial book and thing cute Book of Barbs, which is full of 80’s geekiness.
Everyone loves a Pop Funko figure, but I do like some of the newer vinyl collectibles. This pair of VYNL figures is so cute, Eleven with her Eggos and my favourite Barb! Speaking of Eggos, we can’t actually get Eggos in the U.K. (shocking I know), but you can get Bird’s Eye Toaster Waffles, which I believe are similar and ideal for a snack whilst binge-watching season two.
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link.
We are in the full swing of comic con season. As always the headliner is San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). Social Media can create awful 
