Melificent

iRead: Ready Player One

Another new feature on the blog for 2015!
One of my “resolutions” for this new year is to read more books. My good friend Aurora just told me that she was able to read 30 books in 2014, and I would love to be able to do the same. I started the year with one of the most fun books I’ve read in a very long time: Ready Player One. Now this had been a book I had been recommended constantly, and I actually bought it back in September! I didn’t start reading it until October, and then actually forgot about it until this month. Once I started getting the ball rolling, I finished the book in 2 days. It was one of those books you cannot pry yourself away from, and often made me lose precious hours of sleep (but so worth it).

So what is it about anyways? The book sleeve touted that it was the adult’s Harry Potter, but I would have to disagree. Ready Player One is set in a dystopian-esque future where the majority of the population has decided to immerse itself fully in a virtual reality simulation called The Oasis in order to escape their foul and depressing reality. The creator of The Oasis, James Halliday, was an 80’s pop culture geek who decided not to leave his fortune to family or friends upon his passing, but instead made it a contest: unlock 3 secret gates in The Oasis, and win it all. Some of the most talented gunters (those that study all things Halliday) are the main characters in this story and it follows their adventures to find the gates, defeat them, and all the obstacles that get in their way (mainly “The Sixers,” a big-time corporation that aims to use Halliday’s fortune for evil).

The book is peppered with a bunch of geeky pop culture references, which made me smile from ear to ear. I also loved the eventual theme that you cannot run away from your reality, and that despite how bleak it may seem, life is really worth living. I actually think it would be a great read for individuals that are suffering from depression, adolescence or just going through a rough period in their life. It just so happens that I have been down in the dumps, so getting this message was a real punch in the gut. Sure, it is a fun romp, but it has some pretty deep themes running through the story, which I really appreciated.

If you are an 80’s kid, definitely check out this book! Another reason to do so is that it may be made into a movie. There are some obvious copyright issues that are standing in the way (think of the challenges needed to complete and clear those gates), but that hasn’t stopped me from researching dream casts and possible directors (did someone say Nolan???). Honestly, if they have a tough time casting, I’m willing to volunteer to play Art3mis. Just sayin’.

Have you read Ready Player One? If so, what did you like about it?
What are you reading now? I’d love to get more suggestions to my growing list!

Nerdy Must Haves

1; Tardis serving tray: So I may not be using this tray to serve afternoon tea (lets be real, it would be more like mid-day cocktails), but it would still make the absolute cutest geeky addition to a home. Like mine. Just sayin’. Buying it. What?
2; Discord Pop figure: I have to say that Discord is my favorite MLP character. No surprise there, I love me a bad guy. But real talk: isn’t he the cutest? I clearly need him in Funko form. Reality: I have no room in my home for any more pop figures and have a genuine fear that they might take over my life. Are there any support groups out there yet?
3; Rocket Raccoon tank: Cutest.Tank.Ever. Rocket & Groot were my favorite characters from Guardians of the Galaxy, so naturally this tank is a top must have. What kills me are the fuzzy ears and tail that come attached. They totally beg for whiskers and fangs to complete the look. Even more of a draw? It makes it perfect and easy to participate in some everyday cosplay, whether it be for a Disney visit or a convention!
4; Doctor Who hoodie: OK, I know what you are thinking – “I’m so sick of all this TARDIS merchandise.” Most of the time, I can agree, but I love this more discrete Doctor Who hoodie. The varsity style really makes it wearable and the slight nods to the fandom, such as the 63 to honor the year the show began, make it a nice touch for those in the know.

What I Wore: New Year, New Look

I used to be one for new years resolutions and wishes. I would ponder on the year that passed and make goals for the next. I’m so over that. I don’t know if it has something to do with the rough year I had or just growing up, but I rather just continue living. I still love what a new year represents: a fresh start, a chance to turn things around, etc, but I feel like that could be at any point in time. Why wait until a new year? Either way, I’m looking forward to a sort of blank slate even though nothing has really changed. Well, except my hair.

Embrace the ginge. Maybe that should be my motto for 2015. Everyone knows redheads are firecrackers, so I’m going to take this year by the proverbial horns. Watch out 2015, Melificent is here and she’s going to kick your ass. But in the meantime, have you seen my Luna Cat tights?? I’d say they were pretty spectacular and clearly the only way I could ring in the new year.

Crop top; Forever 21 {similar}
Skirt; Nordstrom Rack {similar}
Tights; eBay
Booties; Forever 21
Cuff; vintage

I’m not the only one getting a makeover. Look out in the next couple months for a complete site redesign! I’m so excited to reflect the blog’s new geeky direction. Cheers, everyone!

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What I Wore: Ugly Christmas Sweater

I hope all of you had a great Christmas! The end of the year is upon us, and I am so happy to see it go. It has been a year of very high high’s and very low low’s. It often felt like I was riding a roller coaster that kept twisting, turning and dropping despite my requests to get off. But I stayed steadfast and here I am. For that, I am proud. I am trying to close this chapter of my life and start fresh in 2015, along with everyone else. This new year has a lot of promise so I am excited to see what paths it leads me down.

With that said, you can’t close out the year without rocking an ugly sweater at some point. It has become quite the trend, but surprisingly this was the first time I participated. I knew I had to find the right geeky kind of ugly, and was immediately drawn to this great Avengers one! It’s no secret I’m a Marvel girl, so I had to have it. I got a lot of compliments on social media for it, so I figured I would do a fun post featuring it and giving you all the chance to snag your own!

Sweater; Zulily {eBay}
Shorts; Old Navy {similar}
Sneakers; Forever 21 {similar}

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Nerdy Must Haves

1; Sailor Moon Selfie Stick; I just recently broke my selfie stick (somehow, some way) so I have been mourning its passing ever since. Then, this glorious creation appeared on my radar. A Sailor Moon selfie stick in the shape of Usagi’s moon stick. I mean. Perfection. In the name of the moon, grab it now for nearly half off!

2; Dark Side Maxi Dress; I love me a sleek and classy fandom outfit, so this Dark Side maxi dress made me swoon. Super sexy and fun enough for nights out on the town, but discreet and glam enough for events and parties! Plus, it’s a maxi, which means it wears like comfy pajamas but still screams hot. Pair it with some Darth Vader studs and studded sandals, and you will be the epitome of geek chic. You’re welcome.

3; Groot Skater Dress; I am so happy I stumbled on Living Dead Clothing. They are the ones that sell those fabulous Sailor Scout dresses, so I was thrilled when they announced a Guardians of the Galaxy collection. I honestly love it all, but this Groot skater dress stole my heart (kinda like Groot himself).

4; Sherlock Pin; I have to thank my buddy in all things geek, The Nerdy Girlie, for this amazing find. I don’t think it gets any cuter than a squishy Sherlock brooch for all us crazy Cumberbitches. He’s easily transportable and provides such a perfect, subtle fandom touch to any outfit. I especially like the way Megan styled hers recently when she went clue-ing for looks!