Spy x Family CODE: White

I grew up in the 90’s when parents had no idea what anime was. I would walk down the Blockbuster aisle admiring the colorful video cases of shows like Akira, Princess Mononoke, Sailor Moon, and Project A-Ko. Because they were so unknown back then, most videos were Unrated meaning parents had no idea the video with the cartoon cover had some adult themes with fan service tropes common in most shows.

That being said, now that I’m a parent, I’m making sure to be careful with whatever my daughter watches. Anime is so much more popular and available now than when I was a kid, and while I’m still cautious, it’s also been fun to bond with my daughter over it. Her favorite anime so far has been Spy x Family, so as soon as my daughter heard the new Spy x Family CODE: White was coming to theaters, she had to go. These are my thoughts, starting with the series itself.

Spy x Family follows an international super spy, Lloyd Forger, who is trying to go under cover to reach a powerful diplomat and prevent war between the East and West, but to do so he needs to infiltrate his inner circle of a prestigious school. This would require having a family which results in him taking on Yor as his fake wife. It may sound harsh but Yor has a secret as well. She’s actually a skilled assassin and “marrying” LLoyd helps her stay under the radar to complete her goals. Finally, the young and adorable Anya comes into the picture to complete the family, and of course, she has her own secret as well. She’s a telepath which helps her along the way to complete her goal- to have a real family- with often hilarious results.

That being said, the overall message of the show is about family unity with heart warming moments that over shadow the occasional fight scenes. It plays the part of both a wholesome family anime and intense spy show with the occasional curse worse, fighting scenes, and blood stain on the wall (usually caused by Yor). As for the movie, I will say, the very first scene of the movie had me a little nervous because it contained a flirtatious opening scene that literally showed a bit of ankle but thankfully changed directions fast.

I’ll admit, most anime movies have their glaring flares with plot and I think we overlook them because we just love them for what they are, but I felt CODE: White was able to incorporate a lot of subplots well to make the story exciting, hilarious, and still keep everyone’s secret in tact to continue the series without a hitch. My daughter could not stop laughing out loud at Anya’s antics and you could tell the animators had fun exaggerating her childish imagination during her “crappy” situation.

Also, there is something nostalgic about playing claw machines at movie theaters. Just something magical about seeing a movie with a parents followed by a new stuffed toy.

Nerdy News- Harley Quinn and The Joker: Sound Mind Podcast

I just started listening to the Spotify original series, Harley Quinn and The Joker: Sound Mind, and I’m hooked.

The series is a retelling of Harley Quinn’s origin story, and follows Dr. Quinzel who is fresh out of college, trying to care for her patients at Arkham Asylum while satisfying the unprofessional standards and sexist behavior of her boss in order to keep her job. Things really take off when J becomes Harleen’s patient, and they both seem to be psychoanalyzing each other. Christina Ricci voices Harley and brings a whole new side to the character. She’s not flirty and obsessed like the original Harley in Batman: The Animated Series, nor is she maniac and fierce like the new Harley from Suicide Squad. Ricci’s Harley is calculated, relatable, and endearing in the dark world that is so well crafted for an audio series.

The whole production is well-scripted, and I love Billy Magnussen as Joker. He has the ability to capture elements of past portrayals of the Joker but still make him his own, in one crazy package.

The seven-episode podcast is worth a listen and I’m hoping to see more studios present some of our favorite series in this way and with this much hard work and attention put in. What story or series would you like to see made into a podcast?

Lookout Mountain

Our winter road trip started with a trip to Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This mountain is home to three amazing attractions; Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway. Be ready with some comfy walking shoes because you will be climbing to the peak for epic views of Tennessee valley, delve deep underground into the mountain to witness hidden, natural wonders, and go for a ride through history up the side of Lookout Mountain.

Rock City

There is just something magical about Rock City. It is a nature trail that is 1700 feet above sea level with a 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail with twisting walkways through beautiful rock formations, woods, and gardens. While there you can also view the 100-foot waterfall known as Lover’s Leap, cross the 200-foot Swing-A-Long Bridge, and explore the Fairytale Caverns created by founder, Frieda Utermoehlen Carter who was influenced by her love for European folklore. At the very top, you can also enjoy the Flag Court and See Seven States while enjoying a beverage or snack from their café. This location is so whimsical and I kept getting Tolkien vibes on the trails.

Tickets were $24.95 for adults and $14.95 for children.

See Rock City Website

Ruby Falls

I’m going to start off by saying that I am fascinated by caves so the thought of descending 260 feet underground to walk nearly 3 miles to see the tallest and deepened underground waterfall in the United States did not faze me…so long as I didn’t think too hard about it. Our tour guide was funny, friendly, and informative. They have you watch a very motivational movie right before your tour begins which is about Leo Lambert who accidentally discovered the falls in 1928 and named it after his wife, Ruby. Watch it! It was actually well done and helped you envision what it must have been like to crawl into a mountain only to find a waterfall. Along the way, you will see some fascinating cave formations, and finally, the falls themselves deep within the mountain.

Tickets for the Cave Walk to Falls Tour were $24.95 for adults and $13.95 for children (3-12)

Ruby Falls Website

Incline Railway

The last stop was the Incline Railway which takes you in a railway car to the top of Lookout Mountain on what is one of the steepest inclines (72.7% grade) in the world. Known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile”, the Incline has carried millions of riders from around the world in complete safety since 1895. A ride on the incline is about 15 minutes in each direction and you will learn the history of the area as you take in beautiful views. There is a gift shop at the top but we explored the neighborhood surrounding the top of the mountain which led us to Point Park, a National Park and battlefield during the Civil War. We enjoyed the ride, the views, and learning about the technical endeavors of history.

Tickets are $15.00 roundtrip for adults, $7.00 for children (ages 3-12). There is metered parking at both the bottom and top.

Ride The Incline Website

Travel Tips for Lookout Mountain

I have visited Rocky City and Ruby Falls twice now. First when my daughter was 4 and again when she was 7 and we loved it both times. I also took her by myself during the first trip and felt very safe doing it. This is what I would recommend to anyone planning to explore Lookout Mountain.

Be prepared for lots of walking and wear comfortable shoes and socks.
I would not recommend bringing a stroller to Rock City or Ruby Falls due to some very tight spots and lots of stairs.
For Rock City, I would go as early as possible (opens at 8:30AM) to take my time and enjoy the beauty and magical vibes of the trails in peace.
Plan a nap in the middle of the day to keep little ones’ energy up if you plan to do multiple attractions on the same day.
I always bring a small backpack with me for snacks, drinks, band-aids, a place for discarded clothing, and a small toy for bored or fussing emergencies.
Some locations still require you buy tickets before showing up so make sure to check the website before your trip.

Top 3 Movie Picks for a Nerdy Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is near and it’s time to come up with something romantic – fast- that doesn’t break the bank. Fancy dinners and events are lovely but sometimes spending a night in can make a more lasting impression. If you are like me, and prefer something a little more adventurous than the typical love story, check out my top three picks for a nerdy evening at home.

Love Movies for the Nerd in Your Life

Warm Bodies

It’s the classic love story- undead boy meets girl and falls in love but struggles with their relationship in a dangerous world. No, it’s not Twilight, it’s Warm Bodies, the only zombie love story of its kind. It’s exciting and funny with a twist, unlike any zombie movie I’ve seen. I know movies can give unrealistic expectations about changing people but this is the situation it’s probably best for.

Love and Monsters

Again, not your typical love story and it starts out with a seemingly obvious plot about a boy fueled by love and willing to take on a world full of monsters for the main girl . It turns into a kind of coming of age adventure where the main character learns maybe he had people that loved him all along but had to find himself first. It ends hopeful but the real love story is about the boy and a really cute dog which is what we all really need.

Finding love is tough. Finding love after the apocalypse is tougher.

Scott Pilgrim Versus the World

I realize no one will think this is romantic except me but it’s my favorite movie so it makes the cut. Funny, quirky, with great actors/characters, Scott Pilgrim is the story of Scott who is a bit of a jerk (has the tendency to date and ghost) but meets the girl of his dreams (and sometimes inter-dimensional travel) who also has some dating baggage that comes back to haunt her and fight Scott. Despite the ridiculousness of the story, Scott does develop as a character and faces his own demons (literally) to heal and have a healthy relationship. Plus, the gaming humor is noice.

“Step up your game, Scott. Break out the L-word.”

Don’t Forget the Movie Munchies

Grab your favorite candy and some popcorn before the movie or try something a little fancier. My husband and I like making charcuterie boards together. It becomes a little creative project between the two of us and it’s great to nibble on during the movie. Check out some of my favorite items from Trader Joe’s for ideas below:

– Gyoza

– Egg rolls

– Chocolate Covered Almonds

– Cheese (Goat Cheese with Fine Herbs or Spanish Cheese Tapas Sampler)

– Gourmet Deli Selection (Calabrese Salame, Prosciutto, Capolcollo)

– Cherries

– Sliced Peaches

– Crackers

– Fresh Baked French Bread

– Artichoke dip

Hoggetown Medieval Faire 2022

It’s that time of the year again! The Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has returned to Gainesville, FL! We loaded up the caravan and hit the road for a day at the faire. Due to the pandemic, we haven’t attended the faire since 2019 and my first time attending was in 2009, so I was dying to return and keep the tradition alive. Read on to learn what I love about Hoggetowne and what’s new this year since they moved to their new location.

The faire takes place every year on the last two weekends of January and the first weekend in February. Tickets can be bought the day of but I prefer buying them online. Parking isn’t bad but you may need to be prepared for some walking or you can wait to jump on a small shuttle to the entrance. Adult ticket prices are $20 for a full day of shows, access to a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, and just the chance to dress up with other people who love fantasy just as much as you do. It’s well worth the money.

Check out their website for details on time, date, and ticket prices

The new location seems to provide more room for the vendors compared to previous years and I felt the walk from parking to the actual faire was shorter. The website does encourage masks but they are not required. Because it’s outdoors, and there is a lot of room for social distancing, I felt very safe attending the faire. Plus, if you enjoy dressing up like I do, it’s easy to make a mask fit in with a costume for those moments you may get too close to someone.

Another new change to the faire was a scavenger hunt for attendees. We enjoyed finding clues as a family and at the end of the day, my daughter turned in her scorecard for a piece of treasure.

The vendors are full of amazing artists and artisans of some of the most fun medieval-inspired items you can imagine. Expects lots of leather clothing, “magical” trinkets, elf ears, and talismans to choose from. My husband and I agree to buy one pricey item every year for the home or to build up our cosplay game. This year, my husband treated himself to a beautifully made, green vest with gold buttons.

Included in your ticket is the option to watch a wide variety of shows. We hit up the jousting tournament, Da Vinci Brothers comedy show, and the amazing Barely Balanced acrobats! These performers are dedicated to their craft and have been present since I first came years ago. I love it when I get a chance to talk to them and learn about their experiences because their lives are fascinating.

The Winning Knight of the Jousting Competition

We played some carnival-like games with a medieval flare to them and tried our hands at archery. After some activities, we filled our stomachs with some yummy food, and thankfully they had a vegetarian burrito option. I have to admit, we also love going for the beer! They have two beer tents run by a local brewery, and they really get into the spirit making the tent feel more like a tavern. You can meet some interesting characters there! Ask them for a “bee sting” which is a little shot of mead they’ll add to your beer for a fun twist. Oh and don’t forget to tip! “Huzzah to the tipper!!”

The Lost World of Dragons

I have no idea where August went but I had to make a post about The Lost World of Dragons before it’s gone as well! You still have one more weekend to check out the imaginative exhibit at Museum of Science and History (MOSH) in Jacksonville, FL!! Fantastical yet historical, the exhibit has interactive sections that teach about dragon lore from around the world. As someone who grew up with a fascination for mythology, my inner-child was hyped and taking my own little girl just made it that much more special.

Candy Keane and I had the opportunity to set up shop for the opening night and had a blast. We shared our book, I’m Going to My First Comic Convention!, as well as some art and crafts. It was so fun being back in the convention scene again this year even though it is still a much smaller scale. We did get a bit in costume too with some medieval inspired looks and still rocked our masks.

The exhibit itself is full of interactive activites that pull you into the fantasy world with lifesize dragons that tower over you and come to life. Mythology, quizzes, and photo ops make for a fun day at the museum for all ages. Check out MOSH’s website for more details and explore this magical world this weekend while you still can!

Florida Shark Teeth Hunting

When most people think of Florida, the beautiful beaches are one of the first things that come to mind. People think of sand, waves, and fun in the sun. For me, the beach brings to mind one of my favorite things- shark teeth!

Shark teeth hunting is a favorite past time shared with my family and I love teaching my daughter about all the teeth and fossils she can find! I often find people from Flordai who say they’ve never found a shark tooth. My family loves helping newbies out, and I love educating people on how they can join in. So here are my tips for finding your own teeth or fossils on your next beach trip.

Timing

You can go any time of the year which is another thing I love about shark teeth hunting. Whether the hot summer or chilly winter, the beach can be enjoyed and the hunt is on! It’s the time of day that plays a bigger part for me. The tides switch between high and low every 6 hours. We have our best luck at low tide so try going 1-2 hours before low tide (google low tide for your beach) so the water is pulling back while you search. It gives us a wide space of sand to explore and it exposes a nice new layer of beach cleaned by the waves.

Summer or Winter, you can’t pick a bad time for beach combing.

Prioritize

You can occasionally find a shark tooth sitting prettily on a smooth span of empty sand, but I tend to have the best luck in the clusters of shells that gather in spots at random. No surprise, there will be thousands of shells in these groups so focus on two things.

Color. Though shark teeth may come in a variety of colors (white, brown, gray, black), most are black. I focus on that color against the majority of white and tan sand and shells.
Shape. Look for triangles and points. If you have not noticed, teeth are pointy! Narrowing your search to black triangles will hopefully help look for the tooth among the shells.

Take it slow

There are a lot of teeth out there but they are hiding. It’s a game of Eye Spy. Take a deep breath and enjoy the sand between your toes as as you search the sand for a prize. You never know…you may find “the big one”!!

My best find so far. A broken megladon tooth on New Years Eve

Tips #1 You never know where shark teeth will show up, but you may want to try less populated areas that have had less human activity for more luck. Try a local park with beach access to explore instead of the busy beach full of spring breakers.

Might even find rare porcelain from a sunken ship??

Tip #2 Don’t forget to bring something to carry your treasures. Our family recycles old gum and mint containers which are perfect to not lose a tiny tooth you try keeping in your pocket.

As I mentioned before, besides shark teeth, you can find sting ray barbs , puffer fish mouth plates, and vertebras!

Get out there and enjoy this beautiful word! It is a wonderful way to spend quality time and teach our children something new without spending a dime! Do not forget to keep the beach clean so we can enjoy it for generations to come.

2018 GAAMYs

Some people get excited for the Golden Globes, Emmy Awards, or CMA’s, but nothing gets me more excited than the GAAMYs!

trophy

To understand, I would have to first explain a little bit about GAAM which stands for games, art, and music. GAAM is an event local to Jacksonville, Florida that started in 2012 as a way to get people together to enjoy video games while also raising money for charities. Along with music, dancing, costumes, and art, these events are a lot of fun but require a lot of work to pull them off. Back then, the GAAM auditions were looking for models for their promotional material. Being the huge nerd I am, I submitted my mine and my husband’s pictures for fun. Over time, we went from models to attendees and now volunteers for the greatest event Jacksonville, Florida has had in years! The rest is history.

https://www.facebook.com/MarkParianiProductions/

Credit to Mark Pariani Productions

As a ‘Thank You’, the founder of GAAM started “The GAAMys”, asa night to celebrate everyone’s hard work and showcase some stars who make GAAM possible every year. Models, “volunstars”, and stars chosen from the community gathered together, dressed to impress, to praise those in this wacky community for all they do. And what better way to celebrate than with the yummiest pizza (shout out to GLHF), macaroni and cheese, and a visit from The Rock!

Credit to Mark Pariani Productions

Here’s to another successful year and many more!

#gaam #igersjax #jaxfl #jacksonvillefl

Drink and Draw II- Let’s Get Artsy

Drawing is a creative outlet for me that I usually enjoy in the privacy of my home. Somewhat self-conscious, I never really enjoyed drawing in public, but I thought I’d give the Drink and Draw a try. Hosted by GAAM and local Jacksonville artist, Chappy Lips, it was located at local brewery, Aardwolf Brewery in San Marco area of Jacksonville, Florida.

Mark Pariani Productions

GAAM (which stands for Games, Art, and Music) is an organization making strides in the Jacksonville gaming community (I will have to dedicate post to GAAM in the future) that hosts fun gaming related events throughout the year while raising money for charity. Recently, GAAM, started spot-lighting local, up-and-coming artists to host Drink and Draw where anyone can come, draw, and share a drink among friends.

Chappy Lips , AKA Leslie, wasthe gracious host who set-up a welcoming event and provided her own supplies for guests to explore. Her tools of trade include traditional Japanese inks and brushes that give her often modern influenced art, an old-world charm.

Mark Pariani Productions

After admiring Leslie’s set-up, I grabbed a beer (a saison) and took a seat in a corner where I set up base. Within an hour, the reserved room was full and bustling with activity. As Leslie’s speakers played hip hop tunes, people could be seen sketching, painting, inking, and having a good time.

Enter a caption

All skill levels were welcome but what about ages? Breweries are changing. I’ve seen more locations that are marketing themselves as family friendly or places to enjoy the community. Despite this, I was not sure what it would be like bringing my four year old daughter.

dnd 3 sm
As a mom, there are so many variables to factor in when introducing your child to new experiences…How will my child act? Is she sleepy? Will it be loud? Will she feel comfortable around so many people? How will people feel with her around?…To add to these concerns, being somewhere that resembles a bar crosses into what feels like taboo territory. All concerns aside, we gave it a try and my daughter got to enjoy some art time. She got to meet and see different artists, sample different art tools, and make her own masterpiece. Drink and Draw was a night of creativity and fun! I look forward to the next event.

Zoe titled her art piece “Rainbow Cave”

Check out Chappy Lips on Facebook and Instagram to check out her art or purchase some of her one-of-kind pins and stickers!

gaam drink_draw 2-103 What are your thoughts on children at breweries? I’m interested to hear about your experience!

Photos by Mark Pariani Productions

#momblog #jaxfl #jacksonvilleflorida #momlife

How to Make Your Own Plant Monster- A Tutorial

I love everything about Halloween from making costumes to decorating my house for spooky fun! One year I did both by creating my own Monster Plant that acted as a prop for my Bombshell Poison Ivy costume and later as a spooky Halloween decoration around the house! Here’s how you can make your own.

Supplies

Mini, Plastic Pumpkin
Flower Pot (I used terra cotta)
Glass Bottle (I recycled a typical beer bottle about 9.5” tall)
Wooden Dowel (Needs to be about an inch taller than your bottle)
Green Gardening Tape
Glue Gun/Glue Sticks
About 2 feet or less of Plastic Vines
Gorilla Glue
Spray Paint (base color of choice) and Acrylic Paint for details (lighter base color pink and white)
Paint Brush
Box Cutter (or other cutting tool of choice)

Step 1: Prepare the “bulb” of your Monster Plants by sketching out some pointy fangs on your pumpkin. I used a pencil to draw 2 scalloped rows, facing away from each other that wrapped around the pumpkin from one side of the stem around to the other side. The scalloped points will act as the teeth for your pumpkin. On the row that will act as the top teeth, add “canines” with a longer and large fang on either side of the pumpkin’s bottom. Check out pictures below to visualize it before drawing your teeth.

Step 2: I then slowly carved along those lines using a box cutter. It was a long and tedious process but it got the job done. I would not recommend this for children to attempt.

Step 3: Set up your Monster Plant stem! I stood up my recycled glass bottle and placed my dowel in it at an angle (instead of straight up and down) with the bottle end snug against the angle of the glass and the top leaning against the rim with just a few inches of dowel sticking out the top. Hold the dowel in place with a drop of hot glue on the bottom of the dowel before inserting it and copious amounts of glue on top where it touches the rim of the bottle.

Step 4: Attach the “bulb” to the “stem”. I propped my “bulb” (mini pumpkin) on the end of the dowel so that the top end of the dowel sat in a crevice of the pumpkin stem (1) and the bottom “jaw” of the pumpkin rested on the rim of the glass (2). I then doused those 2 points of contact with hot glue. You’ll have to hold this in place and allow it to dry.

Step 5: Wrap your stem with green gardening tape from bottom to top. I like how the layers gave it some texture. You could even lightly paint the tape with different shades of green or brown acrylic paint if you want to get fancy.

Step 6: Spray paint your “bulb” in your color of choice. I chose spray paint because it’s quick and I wanted vibrant, even color, but you could use acrylic paint. If you choose spray paint, cover the bottom portion of your plant with a garbage bag to avoid color getting on the stem, and make sure you do this is a well ventilated area following proper precautions.

Step 7: Using a super glue of your choice, glue the stem (bottle) to the inside of a flower pot. Hot glue will not stick if using terra cotta which is what I used. Keep in mind, the bulb is fairly light but you will have to choose a flower pot “base” that is heavy enough to keep your stem and bulb portion of the Plant Monster from tipping over.

Step 8: Once dry, add details like spots on the bulb to give it some character! Choose an acrylic paint that is lighter than your base color for the spots to really pop. Paint those teeth white!

Step 9: Give your Plant Monster some leafy limbs! I wrapped a small length of plastic vines around my Plant Monster stem and let in sit inside the bot.

Tip: For an extra creepy touch, leave some “leftovers” from its last meal lying around your plant. You could place icky, fake bugs or even some fake limbs sticking out of its jaws! “Feed me, Seymour!”

This creation was inspired by a drawing I saw in a Halloween workbook my daughter had. I affectionately named our little creation Zoe II which made me realize it would be a fun prop for any Little House of Horror fans out there too. My little Zoe II tagged along with me for my DC Poison Ivy Bombshell group before settling at home for the holidays.

If you choose to create your own, please share your photos! I’d love to see your little monsters.

Happy Halloween!!

That Nerdy Mom

Mom+Nerd+Artist

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