Category Archives: General

Birthday Wish List

I always see bloggers put together Birthday wish lists. However, in all my years of blogging, I have never completed one. As it is my birthday at the end of the month. I thought it was time to rectify this and produce a wish list of things I want for my birthday or that I will end up buying for myself over the autumn.

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.

My Birthday Wish List 2018

Birthday Wish List 2018

  1. Navy Floral Bomber Jacket
    Even since I saw Killing Eve, I have obsessed with getting an embroidered bomber jacket. Whilst I loved the green version Villanelle wore. I think this blue one as it’s more practical for me as I wear a lot of blue.
  2. BB-8 Keepcup
    As you know I love drinking coffee when I am on my adventures. I am also concerned about the environment. Being a caffeine addict should stop me. So I am trying to carry a reusable mug with me more often.
  3. Wonder Woman or Harry Potter Alex and Ani Bracelet.
    I have received an Alex and Ani bracelet on several recent birthdays, one was brought from me in New York and another Princess Leia one. They also have collections based in DC comics and Harry Potter. I’d love another bracelet this year, but am having trouble picking just one.
  4. Batgirl: A Celebration of 50 Years
    I have always loved the earlier Batgirl comics, I think it’s because those are the ones I started reading. That’s why I was excited about this “Celebrations” book. As it collects some of the classic Batgirl storylines, combined with newer Birds of Prey and New 52 storylines.
  5. Spectrum Makeup Brushes
    I recently discovered the Spectrum store in Carnaby Street and it became my favourite shop! Downstairs they sell amazing makeup brushes and bags, based in Disney characters of Mean Girls. Upstairs is a coffee shop, which is an Instagrammer’s dream! I fell in love with so many things in the store including these brushes.
  6. Danielle Nicole Ravenclaw Clutch
    I keep seeing Danielle Nicole bags on Instagram, with designs based on Disney character and Harry Potter, they are the height of geek chic. When I saw the Hogwarts’ house collection, I fell in love. What an amazing way to show your ‘house pride.’ I adore both the uniform crossbody bag or this house badge clutch. But in the end, I feel the clutch is more subtle.
  7. Kikki-K Personal Planner
    I have used the Bullet Journal system for as my personal organisation over the last few years. However, I am toying with the idea of going back to a planner. Especially, after reading Boho Berry’s post. I love the set up she has used combining a traditional Filofax and Bullet Journal.
  8. Satchel in chestnut
    For years, I’ve loved with satchels, I have had a red Cambridge Satchel for the last several years and it’s still going strong. However, I want a smaller version for running around. I love the classic look of chestnut leather, plus you now have the option of magnetic clasps under the buckles for ease of access.
  9. Puma Kimino Trainers
    Jason is addicted to trainers, whereas I seem to just replace my converse every few years. However, I think his addiction is rubbing off on me. Recently, I have been drawn to other styles. First Adidas Stan Smiths and now these embroidered Puma ones.
  10. Little Miss Caffeine mug
    You can never have too many coffee mugs, right? I know the Little Miss Blogger version is hugely popular at the moment. But as I have never felt like a proper blogger! I thought the Miss Caffeine version was more me!

Is it anyone else’s birthday this month?
Any fellow Scorpions?
Do you create a birthday wish list?
Let me know in the comments below.

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Autumn Tag

I love blog tags! They are a great way to get to know your blogger friends better. One of my favourite tags was the Christmas tag from a few years ago. I loved reading about fellow blogger’s traditions.
That’s why I love this Autumn Tag. As autumn is my favourite time of year, I love reading about other people’s traditions.

I discovered this cute Autumn Tag on Chronical Sunflower’s blog. It was originally designed by Ellduclos to kick-start her ‘Blogtober’ series. As always the questions are at the end of the post if you want to play along.

The Autumn Tag

Autumn Tag

  1. What is one candle you MUST light every Autumn?
    I always loved the Candy Corn candles from Yankee Candle. However, it seems to have been discontinued this year. Being replaced by Sweet Seduction. I am not too keen on the smell but love the new ceramic jar! Instead this year, I brought several Pumpkin Spice home fragrances in TK Maxx. Including pretty jam-jar candle and reed diffuser.
  2. When you think of Autumn, what does it remind you of?
    Whilst, most people might think about colder weather, falling leaves and cosy nights in! For me Autumn means Birthdays! My birthday is on Halloween and my husband’s birthday is two weeks later. So when the leaves start changing colour, I start planning celebratory nights out. And shopping for birthday presents.
  3. What is your all-time favourite Autumn/Halloween movie?
    I don’t really have a favourite autumn movie. However, we tend to watch a lot of box sets in the autumn. This year I am thinking of re-watching Gilmore Girls or Once Upon a Time. And dreaming about New England in the autumn!
  4. What Halloween costume do you have in mind?
    As I said it’s my birthday on Halloween, so I never get dressed up! We tend to have a meal or drinks somewhere. So I plan a date night outfit, rather than a costume. Saying that, with MCM London, the weekend before Halloween. I am planning a little geeky Halloween outfit to wear then.
  5. What is your favourite Autumn trend?
    At the risk of sounding basic, I love PSL! I have written before about some of my favourite Pumpkin recipes. As I said I have brought pumpkin spiced candles this year. Autumn is all about the Pumpkin Spice!
  6. When you think of Autumn, what drink comes to mind?
    Obviously, for me, it has to be PSL. However, saying that I am attempting to try some other autumnal drinks from different coffee shops this year. You can follow my efforts on Instagram.
  7. What is your go-to Autumn beauty product? A must-have staple!
    I am not a beauty blogger or a make-up addict. But when the weather gets colder, I reach for my favourite lip balm and moisturiser. Currently, my favourite lip balm is Marc Jacobs’ Lip Lock.
  8. Do you prefer apple pie or pumpkin pie?
    I am not a huge fan of pies! Plus I hate cooked apples. So I am going to say Pumpkin Cheesecake!
  9. Do you have any Autumn traditions? If so tell us all about it!
    Autumn officially starts once I have had my first PSL! Once the weather gets cooler, I dig out all my favourite cosy knitwear! In October, we start decorating the house with pumpkins, autumnal candles and fake coloured leaves. Towards the end of the month, Halloween decorations get added. Then it is birthday season! This normally involves a Jason and I having a nice meal, drinks with friends and a Sunday dinner with family.
  10. The moment of truth, is Autumn your favourite season?
    Yes!

Autumn Tag

The Questions

Note: I have changed some of the words into British English e.g. using Autumn instead of Fall and adding a ‘u’ into the word favourite. For the Americanised version see Ellduclos‘ original post.

  1. What is one candle you MUST light every Autumn?
  2. When you think of Autumn, what does it remind you of?
  3. What is your all-time favourite Autumn/Halloween movie?
  4. What Halloween costume do you have in mind?
  5. What is your favourite Autumn trend?
  6. When you think of Autumn, what drink comes to mind?
  7. What is your go-to Autumn beauty product? A must-have staple!
  8. Do you prefer apple pie or pumpkin pie?
  9. Do you have any Autumn traditions? If so tell us all about it!
  10. The moment of truth, is Autumn your favourite season?

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.

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Pokemon GO! Revisited

Thinking about it the summer of 2016 was all about Pokemon Go!  I remember becoming obsessed with the game, going on a poke-walk every day. Exploring new parks because they were “nests.” Getting annoyed when the game froze or finding only pidgeys! However, by the winter we stopped playing. That is until now!

Back then Pokemon Go seemed to be everywhere, the mainstream media told scare stories of people getting themselves into danger due to playing the game. On social media, sightings of rare Pokemon in your areas. Even bloggers become obsessed with the game, I remember joining in on the Pokemon Go Book Tag and even doing a Q&A on Epicfied’s blog.

How I became obsessed with Pokemon GO again!

I am unsure why I stopped playing if it was because it wasn’t as much fun playing in the colder weather. If it was the server issues. Or I just got bored with the game. I didn’t delete the app from my phone, just move it from the first page on iPhone. I remember a friend telling me last year, they had released the second generation of Pokemon. And did consider playing again, however, never did.

Then earlier this summer, I read that a major Pokemon Go update had occurred and finally, you could add friends and start trading. So I opened the app and had a quick look. That weekend, Jason and I went once again went for poke-walk in our local park.

Having not played in over 18 months, we caught loads of new Pokemon from the Johto and Hoenn regions, which had all been added to the game. As a result, we levelled up with a few days of starting to re-playing.

In the time whilst we stop playing numerous additions had been added. The game now included research tasks, raids and community days. So there seemed to be a lot more ways to “catch them all”. I spend a lot of the first week, reading up online about all the new additions to the game. What was the difference between field research and special research? How to raid? What is a ‘shiny’ Pokemon and why do I need them?

Pokemon Go Gifts
Pokemon Go Gifts

Although we haven’t been exploring London parks this summer. We have been playing every day. I tend to go for a walk to our local park at lunchtime and then for a long walk with Jason in the evening. One of the first weekends we played was the ‘Squirtle Community Day.’ We spend several hours walking along the river, trying to catch a shiny Squirtle or one with sunglasses. I love getting out and walking every day, guaranteeing to hit my 10,000 steps. Rather than just spend the evening at home watching TV.

Raids!

One of the biggest changes to the game has been the introduction of raids. Randomly, a Raid Boss will take over a local gym and trainer have to work together to take down the Raid Boss. The Raids are tiered, with level one raids being able to complete by one person. However, Level 5 tiers need seven or more players to compete. With this in mind, you need to have a large group of players locally to take advantage of this features.

Jason managed to find a west London group via Discord and we joined them for a few raids. A member of the group also invited us to a group based in our actual area. So instead of just going for Poke-walks after work, we are now joining the raiding parties to get the more powerful Pokemon.

Pokemon Go - Moltres Day
Moltres Day

This past weekend, was a special raiding event, “Moltres Day.” Our group would be meeting in the morning at a nearby underground station. And whilst we were expecting a larger group, than what was had been playing with. We were amazed to discover nearly 50 players. We divided up into teams (based on our Team within the game) and set of touring all the local gyms!

The plan was to hit 18 gyms in the area in the three hour period. However, Jason and I only had raid passes for eight raids. There seemed to be a lot of server issues on the day and so we called it quits after 90 minutes. However, I did manage to get a 100% IV Shiny Moltres so I was very happy.

Did you use to play Pokemon Go?
Do you still play?
Are you part of a Raiding group?
I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Pokemon Go - Moltres Day
💯
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The Geeky Girl Tag

I had seen The Geeky Girl Tag posted on a few blogs last year and I always intended to join in. Yet, for some reason, I never got around to filling in the questions. Last month Heather from Just Geeking By, posts a list of 10 Tags for Bloggers. So I figured I would use this as my cue to finally join in. (And, do a few more Blog Tags over this year). Zombie Goddess Beauty originally created The Geeky Girl Tag. If you haven’t already joined it. “Tag you are it!” The questions are at the end of the post.

geeky girl tag

The Geeky Girl Tag

1. What is your must-have tech gadget?
I guess the gadget I use the most is my iPhone, so I’m guessing that makes it my must-have gadget. Like most people, I use my phone to keep in touch with people, but never actually call anyone! I always text and use social media. I also use my phone to take photos, keep organised, listen to music and play games!

2. Which house do you belong to in Hogwarts?
Ravenclaw. I took The Storing Hat Quiz on Pottermore test twice. The first time, I got Gryffinfor and I was unhappy with my results, I felt it was completely wrong. I have never considered myself brave or courageous. Although I have been called stubborn a lot. So I guess this could be mistaken for determination! The second time I took the test I was sorted into Ravenclaw, which I think is a much better fit. I also retook the Patronus test which changed from a bloodhound to a dolphin.

3. Who is your favourite Doctor?
It has to be Eleven (Matt Smith)! I love all the modern Doctors, and of course, I can’t wait to see Thirteen. But overall, I love the childish nature of Eleven. Similarly, I loved all the companions Eleven had, the Ponds, Craig and especially Clara.

4. If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?
It would have to be with a detective so I could pick their brain. With this in mind, my first choice was Sherlock Holmes. But thinking about it his social awkwardness wouldn’t make him a fun dinner guest. Then I thought Jessica Fletcher (I adore Murder She Wrote), but as most her dinner companions get murdered, or accused of murder I decided against that. Therefore, I am picking Batman! In fact, I would love to have dinner with the whole Bat-Family.

5. What is your gaming system of choice?
I prefer portable game systems. At the moment I play a lot of games on my iPad however, I do still love my old Nintendo 3DS, especially as  I love re-playing puzzle games like Professor Layton series.

6. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. I thought about flying so I could see the world. But with teleportation, I could take people with me and more luggage when I travelled. Think of all the possibilities. You could pop to Japan to buy comics, teleport some friends to Disneyland for the day. Or spend the evening having dinner in Italy. Of course, I would also use my power for good like rescuing people from natural disasters.

7. What is your favourite fantasy world?
The Star Wars Universe. There are so many planets from Star Wars I would love to visit, such as Naboo or Mandalore. In reality, as I am a city girl at heart, ultimately, I think I would end up spending most of my time on Coruscant.

8. If you could be any fictional race, what would you be?
If you had asked me this last year, I would have been stumped. Jedi isn’t really a race and I’m not sure what race from Star Wars world I would have wanted to be part of. As you would expect since seeing Black Panther I now want to be a Wakandan!

9. Star Trek or Star Wars?
Star Wars all the way!

10. List your top 5 geektastic movies or TV Series.
Star Wars
Marvel Cinematic Universe (movies and TV shows)
Game of Thrones
Sherlock
Harry Potter

11. List your top 5 favourite video games.
The Professor Layton series
The Sims
Animal Crossing (I am loving the Pocket Camp iOS version)
Pokemon Go (I started playing again this summer and am loving it again).
Candy Crush Saga (sorry I have to include it, I’m addicted)

The Geeky Girl Tag Questions:

1. What is your must-have tech gadget?
2. Which house do you belong to in Hogwarts?
3. Who is your favourite Doctor?
4. If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be?
5. What is your gaming system of choice?
6. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
7. What is your favourite fantasy world?
8. If you could be any fictional race, what would you be?
9. Star Trek or Star Wars?
10. List your top 5 geektastic movies or TV Series.
11. List your top 5 favourite video games.

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Afternoon Tea at Home

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.

How to Host your own Afternoon Tea at Home with a Twist

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.Afternoon Tea at Home with a Twist

Milk Jug // Sugar Bowl // Cake Stand // Tea Cup
Tardis Teapot // Harry Potter Tea Set // R2-D2 Teapot
BB-8 Tea Set for One // Tea Infuser // Cake Stand

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.

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Highlights from SDCC 2018

Monday Musing: Highlights from SDCC 2018We 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.
  • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald new trailer! As its a chance to go back to Hogwarts!
  • Mayans MC trailer. I loved Sons of Anarchy, and whilst I am a little apprehensive of a spin-off show, I am hoping this will not disappoint.
  • #RallyforRose

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.

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Monday Musings: Bad Blogger

Monday Musing: I've been a Bad Blogger

I’ve been a bad blogger!

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.


via GIPHY

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?

Let me know in the comments below!


via GIPHY

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It Is All Connected

Monday Musings: It Is All Connected

Monday Musing: It Is All Connected

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.

Recommended Reading

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Pinspiration -Black Widow

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 Cookies
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.

Black Widow Belt
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.

BlackWidowCocktail
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.

Black Widow Nail Art
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.

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Monday Musings -Batgirl Revisited

Monday Musings - Batgirl Movie

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.

Batgirl (New 52)

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.

Batgirl Summer of Lies

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.

Recommended Reading

9 Rad Women We’d Love To See Director Batgirl (Nerdist)
10 Female Directors Who Could Take on DC’s ‘Batgirl’ Movie (comicbook.com)
Batgirl: Year One
Batgirl: The Darkest Reflection TP (The New 52)
Batgirl: Summer of Lies

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