It’s been almost a year now since I fell into the DC Comics rabbit hole, so I’ve decided to start a new section for the blog.
Each week (on Saturdays specifically) I will be posting the various comic book issues that I pick up/read in that week.
I’m posting this on a Tuesday, just to get it up, but this will regularly be on a Saturday.
I’ll start with the individual issues, then move on to graphic novels.
Harley Quinn: Legion of Bats #1
This is a new series for me – Harley Quinn: Legion of Bats. This follows on from the end of Season 3 of Harley Quinn: The Animated Series. I really enjoy the show, so I’m looking forward to seeing where this comic run will go.
I will admit that my favourite part of this so far is the moments where we see Nightwing/Dick Grayson.
Harley Quinn: Legion of Bats #2
The next comic I picked up this week is Harley Quinn: Legion of Bats #2. Issue 3 comes out later this month, so I was able to catch up with this one pretty quickly.
I enjoyed seeing Riddler and Clock King in this issue, as well as seeing more interaction between Harley and the Bat-Family.
The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #3.
The last of the single issues for this week is The Joker: The Man Who Stopped Laughing #3.
I started reading this storyline last month, and picked it up after seeing that Jason Todd/Red Hood is featured. I’m enjoying seeing where it goes as more of the puzzle pieces are revealed to us.
That’s it for the single issues, next on to the Graphic Novels!
Injustice: Gods Among Us. Year Four: Complete Collection.
The first of the two graphic novels I picked up this week is Injustice: Gods Among Us. Year Four: Complete Collection.
I didn’t actually think I would enjoy Injustice as much as I have, especially as I haven’t played the games, and the animated movie is meh.
Despite that, here I am on Year 4. This mostly features the Regime vs the Gods of Olympus.
Injustice: Gods Among Us. Year Five: Complete Collection.
The last comic book I picked up this week is Injustice: Gods Among Us. Year Five: Complete Collection.
This completes my collection of Injustice: Gods Among Us. Now I need to start on Injustice 2, so I would probably expect to see that in upcoming comic book hauls.
I’ve really enjoyed reading Injustice, it’s a pretty cool take on Superman going dark, and really highlights the differences between him and Batman.
I enjoy Tom Taylor’s writing, and the fact that Bruno Redondo does some of the art doesn’t hurt either.
And that is it for this week’s comic book haul. I hope you enjoyed it – let me know if there are any comic book storylines that you think I should read!
This is White Elorda, signing off, until next time nerdy birdies. Stay safe, and nerdy my friends.
How have you been doing? Are you sad that Halloween is over? I know that I am.
At the beginning of October, I went on a trip to the Disneyland Resort in California. Of course, Little Red Hood came along with me. Here are some photos of him that I took during the trip!
First off is Little Red Hood on his first ever plane ride/flight. He was good company while I read my book.
This one was taken at dinner on our first day in California! There was a Red Robin right next to our hotel. Little Red Hood didn’t feel like coming out of my bag!
Side note: isn’t this spooky Mummy!Mickey Mouse bag adorable?
Little Red Hood getting settled in after we checked into our hotel.
One of my favourite things about Disney is the snacks. Here is Little Red Hood enjoying a Mickey Mouse pretzel with cheese sauce. This is one of my absolute favourite snacks at the Disney Parks.
Little Red Hood made a new friend! This adorable Alien is a sipped that you can fill with your favourite drink. We grabbed him from the Tomorrowland section of Disneyland Park.
Little Red Hood riding the Disneyland Railroad! This photo was taken at the Main Street station, overlooking the entrance gates to Disneyland.
Little Red Hood enjoying a lovely sunbathe by the hotel pool.
At California Adventure, in front of the Pixar Pal-A-Round.
Enjoying a moment of peace and quiet in Disney’s California Adventure. This was taken outside of Mickey’s Philharmagic. I love the little flowers that are dotted around the parks.
And those are all of the photos from Little Red Hood’s adventure at Disneyland in California. I wasn’t confident enough to take him out of rides, but it was nice to carry him around in general.
We have some fun trips coming up, so expect to see more of Little Red Hood’s adventures really soon!
Until then, this is White Elorda signing off. Stay nerdy my friends!
Today, I’ll be starting a new segment of my little nerdy blog: Little Red Hood Adventures!
To give a little bit of backstory, my wife made me an Amigurumi of Red Hood/Jason Todd from DC Comics Batman Universe. He is compact enough that I can take him along when I go on various adventures, or just out and about. I’ve gotten a couple of cute photos of him, so I figured I may as well document his adventures here.
And so this blog series/segment is born!
I may as well start with Little Red Hood’s most recent adventure!
Last night I attended the Final Fantasy Distant Worlds Orchestra Concert at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh. I took Little Red Hood along with me.\
Below is his photo from the night! Taken with the program book that the venue provided when we took our seats.
This is the third Final Fantasy concert that I have attended, the second Distant Worlds. I highly recommend them to anyone who is a fan of music from the series – it is an amazing experience. Even better when you go with friends!
Below is a photo of the stage, where the Orchestra was setting up for the show.
And that’s about it for today’s post! I look forward to sharing more of Little Red Hood’s adventures with you soon!
This is White Elorda, signing off; stay safe, and nerdy my friends!
This is going to be my second “Something Like A Book Review” – you can find the first here if you are interested. This time I will be covering all four of the books that make up The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater.
I read all of these books in quite quick succession (the last two taking only a day a piece) so I thought it would be easier to write my thoughts and feelings on the series as a whole, instead of breaking it up into parts.
I’m not a professional book reviewer, so I’m going to apologise now if my thoughts seem choppy or half-formed; I’ll do my best to make as much sense as I can.
As a warning, I will do my best to be vague about events, but there will probably be some spoilers in here, as I am talking about the whole series of books.
With that all being said – let’s jump right in!
I’ll be going over the books individually first, including the blurb; before going over what I thought of the story as whole, favourite characters, and things like that at the end.
Book 1: The Raven Boys
The Raven Boys
“Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue never sees them – until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks to her. His name is Gansey, and he’s a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from the Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble. But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way that she can’t entirely explain. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul whose emotions range from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher who notices many things but says very little. For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She doesn’t believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem. But as her life becomes caught in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.” – Blurb from the inside cover of The Raven Boys.
I’ll start by saying this, this is my least favourite book in the series. I still enjoyed it, and it did a good job of hooking me into the story enough to read the other books – so I’m not saying that it is bad; just my least favourite.
I think the introductions to these characters in this one are amazing, you automatically get the feeling for who the boys (and Blue) are, and they feel fleshed out and real, unique from one another. This also applies to the three main women living in 300 Fox Way; Maura, Calla and Persephone. Their relationship is well established right from the beginning.
One of the only real problems, and it isn’t a huge problem really, is part of the dynamic between Gansey, Adam and Blue, at least in the beginning. Gansey has a hard time understanding how certain things he might say, may offend people who don’t come from the same background as him. That’s completely fine, as he does come from a position of privilege, however, there is not really any effort on the part of Adam and Blue to help him understand – they just become offended and expect him to understand. I suppose this bothers me, just because Gansey can’t help how he was raised anymore than they can. And this is coming from someone whose social-ecomonic standing is closer to that of Blue and Adam than of Gansey.
As someone who was born in Wales, I love that a famous Welsh King is the centre of the stories lore, even if it does irk me somewhat that he is called Owen Glendower throughout the entirety instead of Owain Glyndwr, which is his proper name.
I enjoyed the twists and turns at the book’s end. The revelation regarding one of the main characters didn’t really take me by surprise, but maybe it’s because I picked up on the clues mentioned throughout.
I definitely enjoy the very end of the book and the way it leads into The Dream Thieves – it seemed very in-character for Ronan.
Book 2: The Dream Thieves
The Dream Thieves
“Ronan Lynch has secrets. Some he keeps from others. Some he keeps from himself. One secret: Ronan can bring things out of his dreams. And sometimes he’s not the only one who wants those things. Ronan is one of the Raven Boys – a group of friends, practically brothers, searching for a dead king named Glendower, who they think is hidden somewhere in the hills by their elite private school, Aglioby Academy. The path to Glendower has long lived as an undercurrent beneath town. But now, like Ronan’s secrets, it is beginning to rise to the surface – changing everything in its wake.” – Blurb from the inside cover of The Dream Thieves.
This is my second favourite book in the series, and it is a very close second. This is also the book that introduces my favourite character from the entire series. I’ll discuss that more in my final thoughts a little bit later though.
I really enjoy the feeling of escalation in this story, even though we do get a bit de-railed from the quest to find Glyndwr, to focus on Ronan and Adam. I don’t really mind, as I am glad that we get to explore these two really complex characters – that they get the focus they deserve.
I enjoy the hints that we get that lead to the revelation about Kavinsky. I generally enjoy books that let you figure it out for yourself, it feels very rewarding when you are proven right, or even if you are wrong, those clues come together in a satisfying way. I also like the dynamic he builds with Ronan, where it’s hard to really tell what his intentions towards Ronan are.
It’s also interesting to see the tension between Adam and Gansey, as Adam tries to come to terms with the climax of The Raven Boys, and the choice he made.
Book 3: Blue Lily, Lily Blue
Blue Lily, Lily Blue
“Blue Sargent has found things. For the first time in her life, she has friends she can trust, a group to which she can belong. The Raven Boys have taken her in as one of their own. Their problems have become hers, and her problems have become theirs. The trick with found things, though, is how easily they can be lost. Friends can betray. Mothers can disappear. Visions can mislead. Certainties can unravel.” – Blurb from the inside cover of Blue Lily, Lily Blue.
This is my favourite of the 4 books. I enjoy the further development all of the characters receive, as well as the reveal of the true main antagonist of the series as a whole.
I think the part of this book I enjoy the most, aside from my favourite character, is reading Gansey’s conflicting feelings regarding the emotions that are starting to blossom between himself and Blue. You really get a good feel through the writing of his struggle to deal with, not only the way he feels, but they way it might affect all of the people around him.
I enjoy the addition of the Greenmantles, and how Colin, the Professor mentioned in the second book, behaves against the way he was portrayed in the Dream Thieves. I just enjoy villain characters who are really good at getting things done, as long as they are telling other people to do those things for them.
This book has another amazing climax, from the culmination of a situation that is talked about throughout the book, to the reveal of the Third Sleeper, and the return of Neeve.
Book 4: The Raven King
“For years, Gansey has been on a quest to find a lost king. One by one, he’s drawn others into this quest: Ronan, who steals from dreams; Adam, whose life is no longer his own; Noah, whose life is no longer a life; and Blue, who loves Gansey… and is certain she is destined to kill him. Now the endgame has begun. Dreams and nightmares are converging. Love and loss are inseparable. And the quest refuses to be pinned to a path.” – Blurb from this inside cover of The Raven King.
The final book in the series is my third favourite of the four. Again, not because it is bad, I just found books 2 and 3 more enjoyable.
I like the way the introduction of Henry Cheng is handled in this one. Even though he is mentioned in Blue Lily, Lily Blue, he doesn’t really rise to prominence until this entry. I’m glad that he doesn’t feel shoe-horned in at the end, and his presence does have an impact on the story that still flows well with the events of the previous 3 novels.
I also like that this story brings the focus back onto the quest for Glyndwr, yet also discusses some of the other real world problems that characters have to deal with, such as graduation from high school, and Gansey’s mother’s political career. I also enjoy the way the story builds on the supernatural good trading business that has been present in the background since the Dream Thieves. We get to meet more of the players involved, and how they are all tied to Ronan’s father Niall Lynch.
That leads me into the ending:
Now, the climax of the quest to find Glyndwr, I thought, was pretty satisfying, it may not be the ending that everyone wanted, but to me, it made sense. It fit in with the theme of cycles present throughout the story. I also liked it because it didn’t give them an easy fix.
That being said, I didn’t care for the rest of the ending as much. It didn’t feel complete to me. The stuff with Gansey, Blue and Noah, felt complete; but everything with the demon did not. We didn’t actually see the demon be defeated by Gansey’s sacrifice, we didn’t see the aftermath of Piper’s body being overtaken by the demon after Laumonier shot her. I just feel like were were given pictures of these scenes that were then just abandoned.
Of course it is possible that this is to lead into other books, but my feelings will remain the same until those books appear.
I also like that Ronan and Adam end up together, because it felt natural.
Final Thoughts
That brings me I suppose, to my final thoughts…
I really enjoyed this book series, so much so that I got the hardcover copies because I know that I will most likely read them again in the near future.
My favourite character in the series is the Gray Man, or Mr. Gray as he comes to be known. I get a lot of enjoyment out of his character arc, and that we only get glimpses of his trauma. I’d love to see a book that focuses more on him in the future.
My favourite of the Raven Boys themselves is Gansey. I feel like I identify best with his want for people to understand him, and the joy it brings him when he feels as though he has truly been seen. I also love how he just wants the best for all of the people around him.
I think my least favourite character in the series is Artemus, Blue’s biological father. I just feel like his character was kind of pointless. He didn’t really do anything, besides one moment of exposition.
I will definitely be checking out the new series with Ronan as the main character.
And that’s it for this little ‘Something Like A Book Review’ on the Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater. I hope you enjoyed! If you’ve read these books yourself, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Diolch am ddarllen! Thanks for checking out my nerdy blog today! I hope you have a wonderful day!
Until next time, this is White Elorda, signing off. Stay nerdy my friends!
I’m going to be doing something a little bit different today.
I guess you could call this something of an announcement post, so this is going to be something on the short side.
I started up a companion Instagram account to run along side this blog! It’s pretty much brand new, featuring only 2 posts at this time.
You can find me on Instagram here or by searching @whitesnerdylife on the app.
At the current moment, I am focusing on nerdy photography, though I am hoping that the content will evolve as I continue to work on this blog, and explore living a nerdy lifestyle. I hope to start sharing post ideas there, as well as announcing upcoming posts and videos for my YouTube channel (which will be linked below in my signature.)
And that’s about it for this little announcement! Thank you for checking it out!
Is there anything you’d be interested in seeing me post over on my IG?
I’m looking forward to sharing new nerdy content will you all soon!
I’m back again with another set of tag questions for you! The theme of this set, as you can guess from the title, is Disney! I found this list of questions on Pinterest!
With all that being said, let’s jump straight into the questions!
Favorite Disney movie?
Fantasia, without a single doubt. It’s been my favourite for as long as I can remember, and nothing has been able to change that. Ever.
Walt Disney World or Disneyland?
I have only ever been to Walt Disney World, so I would have to go with that one. I do hope to Disneyland someday.
Favorite Disney character?
I would have to say the Broomsticks from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and the Dancing Mushrooms from the Nutcracker Suite – both from Fantasia. I also love Berlioz, the grey kitten from the Aristocats.
The first Disney movie you remember seeing in the theatres?
I believe it was Aladdin that was released in 1992.
What type of Disney item do you collect the most? (Pins, Vinylmation, dolls, etc.)
Definitely pins. I have quite a few plush, but I definitely have the most pins. In terms of characters, I definitely collect Sorcerer Mickey items the most.
Your favorite Disney song?
Either Baby Mine (from Dumbo) or Once Upon a Dream (from Sleeping Beauty)
Favorite attraction/ride at the parks?
I can’t pick just one, so here is my top 3: Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
What is your dream job at Disney?
I think my dream job as Disney would probably be an animator, or someone who does the narration for one of the rides.
Who’s the park character you never want to miss meeting at the parks?
Sorcerer Mickey, also Baymax for my wife.
What’s your most treasured Disney item?
This Fantasia Snow Globe. This came with me from the UK when I moved to the US. It plays the tune of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice as the broomsticks move around the globe with Mickey inside. I got this from this Disney Store in Chester and it is my most treasured Disney item.
Fantasia Snow Globe
Which Disney voice actor would you most like to meet?
Honestly, there isn’t one.
Favorite Disney movie that’s not a classic/famous?
Either Black Cauldron, because it is highly under appreciated; and also Cinderella 3: A Twist in TIme, just for the presence of Prince Charming – he makes that film.
If you could say anything to Walt Disney right now, what would it be?
Simply a thank you, for bringing some magic into the world.
Your favorite snack to get at the parks?
Either the Mickey Ice Cream, or Pretzels with Chocolate Sauce.
Your favorite parade/show at the parks?
Festival of Fantasy – with the Maleficent Dragon that breathes fire!
Flounder, Sebastian, or Scuttle?
Scuttle, because he reminds me of a mad scientist, and because of the names he gives the human objects that Ariel brings to him.
Your favorite Disney memory?
Proposing to my wife in the UK Pavilion of Epcot. My wife is from the US, and I’m British, so this was the best way for me to combine both of our countries of origin in my proposal.
Do you have a favorite pair of Mickey ears?
Yes, and here they are!
If you could, what “forgotten princess” would you add to the official lineup?
Princess Elonwy from Black Cauldron.
Your favorite princess dress/outfit?
Aurora’s colour-changing dress. Also, Jasmine’s wedding dress from Aladdin and the King of Thieves.
Your favorite Disney soundtrack?
Fantasia, though I also really love the songs from Aladdin and the King of Thieves, as well as The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Genie, Abu, Carpet, Iago, or Rajah?
Rajah, because he makes adorable faces, and he’s a tiger.
Favorite restaurant at the parks?
The Rose & Crown in the UK Pavilion at Epcot. They do amazing pub style food!
How did you first discover the “magic” of Disney?
Watching Fantasia with my Granddad. It’s how I got to love that film as much as I do.
What attraction are you most likely to go to first when you’re at the parks?
Haunted Mansion, or Big Thunder Mountain.
Your favorite “iconic” moment? (ex. Ariel on the rock, Aladdin finding the lamp, Rafiki lifting Simba, etc.)
Chernabog emerging from Bald Mountain. If we’re talking about in some of the classic films, Maleficent revealing Aurora from beneath her cape.
What’s the saddest moment for you in any Disney film?
Thackery Binx dying at the end of Hocus Pocus. That will always get me every single time.
Best Disney kiss?
The kiss that never happened – aka “you fight good” from Shang to Mulan.
If you could live in any world from a Disney movie, which would you choose?
I’d probably say Halloween Town, from the Nightmare before Christmas, Tangled, or Arendelle.
Favorite Disney villain?
I really enjoy Ursula and Maleficent. Favourite will probably be Chernabog, even though I don’t really count him as a villain.
Which Disney princess has the best sidekicks?
Mulan, because she has Mushu, Crickee, Little Brother and a very good horse.
If you could have a party themed around any Disney movie, which one would you pick?
Fantasia, if you couldn’t guess.
Are you the only one obsessed with Disney in your family?
It’s pretty much just me and my wife.
Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, Cogsworth, or Chip?
Lumiere, or Chip.
Favorite Disney princess/ prince?
Favourite Prince is specifically Prince Charming from Cinderella 3 – because watching him comprehend that mice are talking to him, is the funniest thing.
Favourite Princess would probably be Merida.
If you could choose the plot/adaptation for the next Disney movie, what would it be?
I’m not really sure. Part of me would like to see a Disney version of Little Red Riding Hood, or some of the more obscure Grimm’s Fairy Tales.
Favorite hotel at the parks?
All Star Movies and Art of Animation. The decor at those hotels is stunning, and All Star Movies has a Fantasia section.
Which Disney movie do you turn to when you’re sad/upset?
Fantasia (which I suppose should be obvious at this point), The Aristocats or Hercules.
The Aladdin show or Frozen show?
I haven’t seen either of the, so The Beauty and The Beast Show.
Do you plan to have/have you had your honeymoon at a Disney park?
We hope to have our anniversary at Disney World. I would love to plan a “second” honeymoon, or a vow renewal at a Disney park too.
Favorite piece of Disney clothing/accessory to wear?
My Sorcerer Mickey cardigan. It has kind of a eccentric Grandpa vibe to it, but I love it anyway!
One thing you wish you could add to the Disney parks?
More Fantasia, whether it be a ride, or part of a parade. Just more Fantasia.
Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck?
Why not both? Both is good.
Seriously, I can’t choose between them.
What Disney movies/worlds would you like to see in the next Kingdom Hearts game?
I would like to see Fantasia done properly. I’d also love to see an Aristocats world where all of the characters are turned into cat – similar to the Pridelands world.
Which Disney movie, even if it’s not your favorite, will always have a special place in your heart and for what reason?
Haunted Mansion, with Eddie Murphy – I just find it so funny, and not in the way that they intended it to be.
And that’s it for this Disney Tag! It was a long one, so I’m glad you stuck around until the end! Answer these questions too if you like, I’m not tagging anyone specific!
Diolch am ddarllen! Thank you for reading through this post! I hope you have a wonderful day, and remember to stay kind, and nerdy my friends!
When planning a big trip I find it handy to write down as many details as I can in my travel journal. I’m going to share some of the things I like to keep jotted down in my travel journal when I am planning for a trip.
Why I use a travel journal for planning my trips
Honest answer? It’s just the most convenient for me. It allows me to keep all of my important travel information together in one place.
I also like that I can customise the look and feel, while also including the planning stages as part of my journaling for a trip.
This is my favourite type of travel journal to use: Black Voyager Journal (this link is not affiliated or sponsored.)
Flights/Trains/Travel Arrangements
How are you getting to your destination? Are you flying, driving or taking the train?
Write down all of the details of your flights/trains/travel arrangements:
If you’re flying: Airline + Flight Numbers
If you’re taking a train: Train Company + Train Number. Also the address of the train station.
Make a note of any layovers or breaks – the duration of the layover and where it will be occuring.
Some things to consider: Will you be driving to the airport/train station? If so, do you know where you will be parking your car? How much will the parking cost? If you are parking away from the airport/train station, do you know how you will get to the airport/train station? Is there a shuttle. These are all things to consider making a note of in your journal.
Other details to note for traveling: What is the baggage allowance for your trip? (This can include how many bags you are allowed to bring with you as well as how much they can weigh.) What time do you need to leave home/your hotel to get to your flight/train on time?
Hotel/AirBnB/Accommodations Write out the detail of your accommodations:
Any confirmation or reservation numbers.
Address of your accommodations and directions (if needed)
Maybe a map as a cute addition.
Check-in and check-out times. Does your hotel have early check-in or late check-out?
Does your hotel serve breakfast? What time is breakfast served?
Write out any important phone numbers, especially if you are traveling internationally. Numbers like: your bank, your Embassy, your Hotel, Local Emergency Services.
Do some research on the area immediately surrounding where you plan on staying, make notes on anything interesting or important that is close by. This can include restaurants, grocery stores and coffee shops.
Weather
A quick point, but if you are traveling somewhere that is unfamiliar to you, make a note of what the weather is usually like at the time of year that you will be there. Of course this won’t be 100% accurate but it at least gives you an idea.
I’ve found that just having this helps when it comes to writing packing lists.
Local Transportation
Is your accommodation close to the local transportation?
Make a note of what the local transportation is – bus, train, subway, tax, or do you have to walk everywhere?
How do you get to this transportation from where you are staying? For example, can you walk to the local subway station, or would you have to take a taxi?
Is there anything that you need to take care of for the local transportation? E.g. If you plan in renting a car, do you need an international driver’s permit? Other things might include rail passes.
Make sure to download an apps you might need for local transportation before you leave for your trip. These might include directions, public transit schedules or maps. I like to make a note for myself in my journal – usually along with a checklist.
Make a Packing List
Make it as detailed as you can, include even little things that might seem really obvious or trivial. You’d be surprised at how often often those are the things that you forget, or leave behind.
I tend to include two check boxes in my packing lists so I can tick things off as I pack them for my trip, as well as for the trip back.
I will usually separate out my packing lists by bag and category – so for example, I will write out a list of clothes that need to be packed in my suitcase, then a list of the toiletries that need to be packed in my suitcase, so on and so forth until everything in my suitcase is accounted for, then I will move onto the next bag.
Itinerary Overview
This doesn’t need to be detailed. This is just a brief overview.
Write out the things you know you will be doing on your trip. Include any important information such as ticket numbers, confirmation or reservation numbers for meals or other other booked experiences.
I’ve found that this helps to find the holes in your trip that you can fill with more spontaneous activities.
Write down a list of places that may interest you to visit, so you have something to reference if you find yourself looking for something to do.
Detailed Itinerary Runthough
If you already have detailed days planned out, then I would write those out separately from your overview (which I discussed in the last section). This can include your travel days.
Things to note in your detailed itinerary runthough:
Wake-up times – this can be useful on days when there is a lot of traveling, or if you are on a specific time schedule.
Things to bring with you/pack in your bag.
Opening times (if applicable)
Places you’re planning on stopping to eat (include reservation info if you have them)
Brief directions (if needed)
Times of tickets/experiences/tours (if applicable)
Bedtimes
Meal times
Activities (Shopping/Games/Museum/Tours/Zoo etc.)
Other stuff you might want to include:
Make a list of important things that you need to do before you leave:
Do you need to call your bank?
Do you need to clean out your car?
Do you need to turn your cellular data off?
Have you printed out all of the paperwork you might need?
Have you downloaded all of the apps that you might need?
If you have dietary restrictions, or preferences – write down any restaurants that you know cater to your specific requirements. – In this same vein, write down how to tell your server about any allergies that you may have in the native language of the country you are visiting, if this is applicable.
Write out any phrases that you might need to know – such as asking about the bathroom or asking for directions.
If it something that interests you, write out a basic currency conversion chart so you can have a basic idea of how much things cost.
Make sure you write out any reminders that you may need for yourself, such as picking up tickets or asking for information, for example, a reminder to call the airline to ask about vegetarian/vegan meal options.
And that is about everything that I like to include in my travel journal when planning a trip! I hope you found this little guide helpful!
Diolch am ddarllen! Thanks for reading and remember to stay kind and nerdy my friends!
When I travel, I like to make packing lists – so I thought I’d share some of the things that I like to pack in my personal bag.
What kind of bag do I use?
For personal use, I prefer to use a backpack, they have less chance of getting in the way of a suitcase that way. Sometimes, I will also use a small shoulder bag to keep my essentials in, if I need to access them quickly.
Wallet/Purse – I suppose this is kind of obvious, but it’s something that can be easily forgotten so I like to include it. I personally keep my cards and cash in separate wallets, but both of these stay together, and go together into a secure pocket inside of my bag.
Phone & Charger – Another obvious one, but as with your wallet, one that is easily forgotten if not accounted for. I like to keep my phone charger in my personal bag so I have access to it while I am traveling, especially if I am traveling by plane or train. It’s so much easier than having it in a suitcase, I’ve learned that from personal experience.
Portable Charger – Following on from my phone and its charger. I also like to carry around a portable charger in my personal bag. It’s good to have a backup if you aren’t able to get to an outlet for your charger. I keep my portable charger in its own little bag along with the “in” and “out” cables, so they are always together.
Metal Straw & Case – No matter how far am I traveling, I like to take my set of metal straws with me in their case. The set I have has 3 straws, one that’s perfect for thicker beverages like smoothies and milkshakes, a straight thin one and a thin one with a bend in it. These come in handy when I travel, because I can’t always get a straw and it’s useful to have a reusable set that I can pull out of my bag. They have their own cleaning brush so they are easy to wash out while you are on the go.
My set of metal straws comes from ByteSizeTreasure (link is not sponsored or affiliated.)
Travel Cutlery – Similar to the metal straws. I like having my reusable travel cutlery, as they are a good alternative to the single use plastic kind that you can end up getting when you’re on the road, or just out and about. My set contains a fork, a TSA safe knife, a spoon, and a set of chopsticks.
My set of travel cutlery comes from Outlery (link is not sponsored or affiliated.)
Nintendo Switch Lite – this is probably the latest addition to my personal bag when I travel. I was honestly on the fence about even getting a Switch Lite when they first came out. I really enjoy having some of my favourite video games in a handheld format. This includes Devil May Cry 1-3, and Darksiders. This is really handy for traveling long distances, as it’s an easy form of entertainment.
iPod – I haven’t been able to transition to using my phone for music, so I still like to carry my iPod with me when I travel. I didn’t include the charger on the list here as this uses the same charger as my phone. Music is a must for me no matter how far of a distance I travel.
Headphones – I suppose this one naturally follows along from the iPod, as I don’t want or like to listen to my music, or play games with the sound playing out loud. So headphones are definitely important. I haven’t upgraded to air pods or wireless headphones yet, so I like to use wired earbuds when I travel instead of over-the-head headphones. Currently I am using Minnie Mouse headphones that came in this super convenient little travel case.
Travel Journal – This one is probably also obvious given that ‘travel’ is in the name, but it is important enough to me to include. My own travel journals usually start one of two ways – either blank, ready for me to start chronicling my adventure, or they have all of my travel details and plans already laid out. I usually have a pen kept along with my journal, as well as a roll of washi tape and a sheet of stickers.
Notebook & Pen – As well as my travel journal, I like to keep a small notebook and pen in my bag, just incase I need to jot down anything important. I keep a separate pen with this notebook than the one I use with my journal. This one I carry around all of the time, not just for travel.
Small Plush – This will usually be a keychain attached to my bag, though sometimes I will have a small plush inside my bag for longer trips. I find that having something soft helps out with my anxiety from being around crowds of people.
Pouch of Essentials – I’m going to group this all into one thing as these are always kept together in a pouch in my bag. This pouch includes face masks, hand sanitiser, hand cream, feminine hygiene products, lip balm, hand mirror, compact powder, little face brush and phone screen cleanser.
Book – I suppose this one can also be considered obvious. Another form of entertainment that I like to have with me when I travel. I will usually pack a longer book for traveling so I don’t have to pack more than one. If I let myself pack more than one book, I won’t have space for anything else.
And those are all of the things I like to pack in my personal bag when I travel. What are your travel essentials? What would be your perfect trip when it is safe to travel again?
Diolch am ddarllen! Thanks for reading and remember to stay nerdy my friends!
I’m coming at you today with some soft and cosy cottagecore questions.
Now I’m not actually a part of the cottagecore aesthetic myself, though I do borrow inspirations from it from time to time. I have a great deal of appreciation for everything that goes into cottagecore, whether it be the aesthetics or the actual lifestyle.
I got these questions from CozyKitsune’s YouTube video.
What is cottagecore?
Before I get into the questions, I just want to give the Wikipedia definition for what Cottagecore is:
Cottagecore is an Internet fashion aesthetic, also described by some sources as a Generation Z subculture, that celebrates an idealised rural life and developed throughout the 2010s until being named on Tumblr in 2018.
Let’s jump right into the questions!
A scent you love?
I couldn’t pick just one, so here’s a quick list:
Black Tea
Roses
Fresh Cut Grass
Petrichor (Rain on porous rock)
Tobacco
Road trip or camping trip?
Definitely road trip. I love the idea of going on an adventure in the car – packing a bag and just going places. It’s honestly something I’ve missed in recent times.
Question for you guys though – what is the shortest amount of time for a drive to be considered a road trip – in your opinion?
A song to lull you to sleep?
The “Total Result” music from Devil May Cry 3. It’s a really sombre piece of piano music that I find so soothing.
I also like Aerith’s Theme from Final Fantasy VII and the piano version of Musician from D.Gray-Man.
Three flowers you need in your garden?
I honestly need 4. English Tea Roses, Gladiolus, Daffodils and Pansies. I couldn’t so without a single one of these flowers.
River or Lakes?
I’m going to be difficult and say neither, I prefer the ocean.
If you could have a mini version of any animal, which would you choose?
If I could choose a supernatural creature, I would have to say dragon, what with them being the symbol of my country and all.
If not, I would have to go with either an albino Raven, or a European Magpie.
Cloud-watching or Stargazing?
I honestly really like both, but if I had to pick one, I’d have to go with cloud watching. I just love all of the different shapes that you can see as they float by.
If you could only have one artistic talent, what would it be?
I would have to say either photography or drawing. One of those two.
Pressed or dried flowers?
Pressed flowers. I just think there’s something oddly romantic about them.
If you could be any fictional character for a day, who would you choose and why?
A tough question honestly – though I’d probably have to say the player character from Pokemon Sword and Shield. Not only would I get to catch adorable Pokemon, I’d also get to meet Piers.
Boots or Bare Feet?
Boots.
Marble Statues or Wood Carvings?
I honestly couldn’t pick. I don’t have a clear preference, they both have their charm. One just doesn’t win out over the other for me.
If you had the ability to play any instrument, which would you choose?
Either the piano or the violin – basic, I know.
Lace or Linen?
Lace, definitely – there are just so many beautiful and delicate patterns to admire.
What is the last thing you sewed?
A journal cover for my wife.
Power to talk to animals, or talk to plants?
As much as I would love to talk to trees, I would also love to talk to my cats.
Stone Walls or Wood Fences?
Having grown up in the Welsh countryside, I have to say stone walls. There’s just something lovely about them, especially when they have moss growing on them.
And that is all for these cottagecore questions!
I hope you all enjoyed this little tag post, I’d love to see your answers to these questions if you are interested in answering them!
Diolch am ddarllen! Thank you for checking out this post, and remember to stay kind and nerdy my friends!
Today, I thought I’d answer some tag questions about myself – I found these questions to be a little bit random, so I thought they would be fun to answer! I found this list of questions on Pinterest, but was not able to track down the source of them.
Let’s just jump right into it!
#1. Thing you cannot leave the house without?
My keys. My anxiety will go through the roof if I don’t have my keys with me. I am somewhat paranoid about getting locked out of my house. Also currently, one or two face masks, even if I don’t plan on getting out of my car.
#2. Favourite Brand of Makeup?
Besame. Everything that they make is vintage inspired and absolutely stunning.
#3. Favourite Flowers?
English Tea Roses, Daffodils and Gladiolus. Honourable mention to Poppies, and Orchids.
#4. Favourite Clothing Stores?
Hot Topic and thrift stores. Also Box Lunch, though I’m not sure if that counts as a clothing store or not. What do you think?
#5. Favourite Perfume?
My own custom scent that I created at a local shop called Paisley & Company. I do also enjoy the Bone Daddy cologne from Box Lunch/Hot Topic and Saint by KVD Beauty.
#6. Heels or Flats?
Honestly, combat style boots, such as Doc Martens. If I absolutely had to pick I would say flats, though I do enjoy a cute heel every now again, though it is rare.
#7. Do you make good grades in school?
I did while I was still in school, but that was a long time ago.
#8. Favourite Colours?
Not to be completely basic, but red and blue. If you want a more artistic description, I like Crimson and Cobalt Blue.
#9. Do you drink energy drinks?
Not at all. They either give me heart palpitations, or nightmares. Sometimes if I’m really unlucky, both.
#10. Do you drink juice?
Every now and again, yes. Grape juice is my favourite, though I do enjoy Apple and pulp-free Orange Juice.
#11. Do you like swimming?
Very much so. I take to water like a fish. I don’t like swimming in the ocean without goggles though.
#12. Do you eat fries with a fork?
Sometimes. Sometimes I eat fries with my hands. It honestly depends on the fries.
#13. What’s your favourite moisturizer?
The Goats Milk Mousse from Paisley & Company. They make it in custom scents and it is absolutely amazing!
#14. Do you want to get married later on in life?
I’m actually already married. I have been since Halloween of 2020.
#15. Do you get mad easily?
Not really, no. It doesn’t take a lot to irritate me, but there is a difference between that and actually being angry. It takes a lot to make me full on, seeing red, kind of mad.
#16. Any phobias?
Arachnophobia, Coulrophobia, and a mild fear of the dark.
#17. Are you into ghost hunting?
I enjoy watching the shows, even if a couple of the really do make me kind of mad (looking at you Ghost Adventures), but actively ghost hunting for myself, no.
#18. Do you bite your nails?
Yes, for many years – though I am trying to break myself of the habit.
#19. Have you ever had a near death experience?
Not yet, not as far as I can recall.
#20. Do you drink coffee?
On occasion yes, though I honestly prefer drinking tea. My favourite way to take coffee though, is as a latte.
And those are the 20 Questions About Me! Did you find any of my answers interesting? I don’t really like tagging people to answer things like this, but if you want to answer, feel free to!
Diolch am ddarllen! Thank you for checking out this tag post, and remember to stay nerdy and kind my friends!
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