Winter Wonderful TAG!

Yay, another TAG!! I love doing these, but sometimes when I get behind in videos, I tend to miss out on all the fun tags currently going around. Even though this tag does reference Christmas a few times, it still has some nice general winter questions so I figured it still wasn't too late to give it a shot!

Oh, and while I've realized that the extra room I'm staying at in my aunt's house is waaaay too dark to ever film a video inside, the backyard is quite nice! Loveee all that natural light! This will probably be my usual recording space unless I'm doing tutorials and get ready with me videos…then I will have to do those at my sister's apartment or somewhere else. I'll figure it out eventually! xD

THE QUESTIONS: 

1. What do you like best about winter? 

2. Scarves or Beanies? 

3. What's your favorite holiday movie? 

4. Favorite winter nail polish? 

5. Favorite Starbucks Holiday Drink?

 6. What are your top 3 winter essentials? 

7. Name one item on your wish list this year! 

8. Favorite holiday song? 

9. Are you going Black Friday shopping this year? 

10. Must have winter lip product? 

11. Will you be rocking an ugly Christmas sweater this year? 

12. Have you ever had a white Christmas where you live? 

13. Favorite winter candle scent? 

14. How will you be celebrating this holiday?

Have you done the Winter Wonderland Tag?

Sunday Social

1. Do you plan to change any of your eating habits in the new year? 
Yes! My eating habits were pretty bad to begin with so I plan on changing a lot of them! I received a Nutri-Bullet for Christmas so that's a good start. I'm also going to try to stop eating so late at night and to make more home cooked meals and eat out less often. Now you'd think one would be healthier living in a city where you have to walk around everywhere (NYC), but I think living in LA where it's essential to drive will actually help me be healthier. How, you ask? Yes, NYC made me walk, but it made me walk past tons of Dunkin Donuts and pizza places…and when they're literally right in front of you and only 99 cents a slice - oh, and you're hungry from walking! …Well, of course, I gave in to temptation again and again. Plus, it got so cold there, during the winter I basically lived off of delivery because I didn't want to have to lug groceries through the snow then up 6 flights of stairs. I definitely do not have these issues now that I'm in LA and can already see a difference in my lifestyle after just living here for a month!

2. Any workout tips to get us back in shape after the Holidays? 
I'm definitely not the best person to come for workout tips, but I guess one thing piece of advice that's probably important is to have realistic goals. I gained over 10 pounds in less than a year while living in New York. I understand that's not HORRIBLE, but I'm a petite person and 10 pounds is a significant amount of weight for me. My goal is to get back to a healthier weight through exercise and good eating. I know this will not happen in a month or maybe even 6 months. It might take me all year to get back into the physical shape I was before NYC, but if that's long it takes, that's how long it'll take. If you set unrealistic body goals for yourself, it'll only frustrate you and make it more difficult to stay motivated.

3. What is your favorite thing you did over the Holidays?
Having had my wisdom tooth removed, I couldn't do too much as I was recovering but I definitely enjoyed catching up on all my shows and binge-watching on Netflix. Haha. And of course, being with my family and my kitty, Xander. Oh, and once I was able to - eating my dad's delicious home cooked meals and desserts! His cherry pie is the BEST!!

4. What is something you hope that you accomplish in 2014 that you did not in 2013? 
Visit another country!! I traveled to Europe a couple years ago, and I've been aching to go back since. This year, I hope to make it happen! I still have yet to visit London and that's been on my To Do list ever since I was a little girl!

5. Name 3 things happening this year you are excited about and why.
1. Comic Con!! This happens every year, but I still look forward to it!
2. Finding a job in the entertainment industry! My dream is to be a casting director, but I know I have to take baby steps. Even if it's just an assistant position, I am just so happy to finally be working in the field of something I have so long been passionate about.
3. Getting my bartending certification and getting into entertainment law school. I know I cheated and squeezed in two here at the end, but there's just so much stuff I'm excited about this year! As you can see, I'm going to be a busy girl!

Are you as excited about 2014 as I am?

Influenster Violet VoxBox

Ahhh I finally received another Influenster Vox Box!!! I feel like it's been forever since I qualified for one! The Violet Vox Box was “inspired by this season’s dark, moody florals” and sent to the “beauty queens of Influenster Nation.”

If you don't know what Influenster is, it's a FREE program where once you sign up, you can take surveys and earn badges that can qualify you to receive various FREE VoxBoxes full of sample-sized, and very often full-sized products, to try and review.

So far, I have done reviews for Rimmel's Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara and the Beauty Blogger VoxBox through Influenster. 

Inside my VoxBox

Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo ($5.99)

My hair gets oily very easily so dry shampoo is pretty much an essential hair product for me. While this probably won't replace Batiste as my go-to dry shampoo, I do really like it. It has a very nice fresh, clean scent. When you spray it on, it doesn't leave white residue which I appreciate. I'm really happy to have a travel size dry shampoo that I can take back to LA with me.

Soyjoy in Dark Chocolate Cherry($.99)

This is a healthy, all-natural gluten-free on-the-go snack bar with non-GMO soybeans and real fruit pieces. It has 130-140 calories that can be warmed up in the microwave for a "fresh baked" taste. My bar was dark chocolate cherry flavored - unfortunately, I don't like dark chocolate or cherry flavor. It's too dry for my taste - if I wasn't so against wasting food, I probably wouldn't have finished it.

Sally Hansen New Triple Shine in "Pixie Sticks" ($4.99)

Not a very holiday-like color - I was expecting a deep rich shade since this box was inspired by "dark, moody florals" or even a violet color because well, duh. When I first saw it, the bubblegum pink shade reminded me of Essie's Boom Boom Room. I applied it without either a top or bottom coat and was very impressed with how shiny it was and how long it lasted without chipping. While I am a fan of Sally Hansen bottom and top coat polishes, I only own one SH nail polish color - after seeing how this performed, I will have to change that!

Goody Athletique Headband ($6.00)

Really happy to get this little headband! Not only is it great for keeping your hair out of your face in exercise, but I also like to use it when washing my face and putting on my makeup. It's made from moisture-wicking material to keep your forehead dry and cool. It is also adjustable to give you the perfect fit and to make sure it stays in place.

Montagne Jeunesse Clay Spas ($2.49)

I'm really excited to try this clay-infused fabric masks made from natural bamboo. I always look forward to those days when you get to pamper yourself with a face mask but the application can get a bit messy - no longer a problem with these! 

Have you tried any of these products?

REVIEW: Covergirl Clean Whipped Creme Foundation

Today I'm going to be doing a review for Covergirl's Clean Whipped Creme Foundation. This product was sent to me from BzzAgent, a word of mouth social marketing company, free to review. If you'd like to be a BzzAgent as well, click HERE. The last time I reviewed a foundation it was Revlon's Nearly Naked a while ago and I absolutely loved it. Click HERE to watch that review on Youtube. 

CLAIMS

"Our lightweight whipped crème foundation gives your skin a boost of moisture without the greasy, shiny finish. You’ll love the dreamy, 100% breathable formula that leaves your skin looking smooth, natural, and matte. "

PACKAGING & PRICE

It comes in a little jar container and contains 0.6 fluid ounces instead of the usual 1 ounce of most foundations. It's a bit more affordable though with a price tag around $7-8 instead of the usual >$10. 

COLOR SELECTION

The line contains 10 shades so it's not the biggest selection. I got this online so I didn't get a chance to see the shades in person but since I'm pretty pale, I chose the second lightest shade - 310 Classic Ivory. It has a very pink undertone.

TEXTURE & LOOK

Like the name implies, it has a very creamy, light, whipped texture. Applying it to your skin, it feels super soft - like silk or cashmere. It has a matte finish, and while not super moisturizing, doesn't feel like it will dry out your skin.

APPLICATION & WEAR

First off, let me say I have combination skin - my cheeks, forehead, and temples get very dry while my nose, chin, and mouth area gets very oily. One thing I really worry about with these kind of foundations, is that they'll feel heavy or look cakey, and I prefer a foundation that looks very natural.

This went on very nicely with my Beauty Blender. It was light and easily blendable. I would say the coverage is light to medium but also build able - a little does a long way - you don't want to overdo it or you might end up looking cakey. I don't think you could achieve a full coverage look with this though. I've noticed several people have mentioned it has a poor wear time, but I wore it for over 8 hours without a primer or setting spray and I didn't notice any splotchiness or oiliness. I was actually quite pleased with how it wore over time.

PROS

Affordable

Light, creamy texture with matte non-drying finish

Easily blendable and buildable

CONS

Less product

Limited color selection

Not full coverage
**May cause breakouts

**EDIT: This post and the accompanying video were done after only a "first impression" of the product. I have now been using it for almost a week and have been noticing that I've been breaking out horribly. I can't remember the last time it's been this bad - I usually only get one every now and then around my mouth area but I've broken out around my nose area as well this time. I've been very good about my skincare routine and the only thing that has changed in my makeup has been using this foundation so I can only assume it was the cause of the breakout. I've since decided to stop using the product :(

Have you tried this foundation? 

Tell me your thoughts in the comments & don't forget to check out my video review and demo below!

Get Ready With Me: Christmas

While I spent Thanksgiving in Los Angeles, I made it back home to Florida for Christmas! Adjusting to the time difference has been a bit tough (still is!), so I woke up a bit later Christmas morning than usual. This must be a sign of me getting old - I remember when I couldn't sleep at all Christmas Eve in excitement and got up at the break of dawn to peek at presents. As a result of my lateness, my Get Ready With Me video is cut a bit short. My family were literally waiting on me to finish up so we could eat and open presents! I didn't show my hair  being done (but I am planning a hair curling tutorial video in the future!), and I totally forgot to film my outfit, nails, and accessories! Sorry, guys! I did have my sister snap a few quick shots of me though.

Even though I didn't get to film my hair and outfit, I did add in something a little different. I showed my usual just-got-out-of-bed morning look and what shower products I used along with my usual getting ready products. And before someone points it out, yes, I did brushed my teeth and floss - I just didn't film it.

Christmas Morning Shower Products

the balm En Root Moisturize My Hair Shampoo

the balm En Root Moisturize My Hair Conditioner

the balm En Root Conditioning Treatment Mask

Soap & Glory i-Foam Body Wash

Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask

Hair Products

Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Leave-In Spray

Herbal Essence Hair Spray

LUSH R&B

Face Products

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF15

the balm Time Balm Primer
Covergirl Clean Whipped Creme Foundation in Ivory
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette
Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Pen
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Medium Sand
NARS Bronzer in Laguna
MAC Blush in Pinch O' Peach

Eye Products

Anastasia Brow Duo in Brunette
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze
Naked2 Palette
Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner Pencil
L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon

Lip Products

LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub
Revlon Balm Stain in Smitten
MAC Lipstick in Rebel
NARS Lipgloss in Place Vendome

Other
Nails: butter LONDON in Jack the Lad
Top: Urban Outfitters
Shorts: Urban Outfitters
Cami: Forever21
Leggings: H&M

Happy Holidays!!

Get Ready With Me: Thanksgiving!

Hey everyone! Hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving!! I know I did - further details in a later post. Come along with me as in thhis post (and accompanying video) and see how I got ready for my first Thanksgiving away from home (eek!) . 

Makeup Products Used:

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in "150 Nude"

Bobbi Brown Corrector

Maybelline DreamLumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Pen

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in "Medium Sand"

NARS "Laguna" Bronzer

the balm "Down Boy" Blush

Anastasia Brunette Brow Powder Duo

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

the balm Nude-'tude Palette

 Bobbie Brown "Jet" Gel Eyeliner Pencil

 L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in Carbon Black

Diorshow Lash Plumping Serum

Maybelline Rocket Volume Express Mascara

NYX "Prune" Lipliner

Revlon "Smitten" Just Bitten Balm Stain

Revlon "Lollipop" Lip Butter

Other Products Used

 Urban Decay All Nighter XL Setting Spray

CHI Heat Protectant Spray

Aveda Light Elements Smoothing Fluid

stylesexyhair Spray Clay

Taylor Swift "Wonderstruck"

butter London "Shag" on nails

 Clothes & Accessories

Top: Millau from LF

 Leggings: H&M

Boots: Vince Camuto

Necklace: Unknown

 Bracelets: Brandy Melville

Ring: Forever21

Hope you guys like the look and be sure to check out my Get Ready With Me video below!

How did you get ready for Thanksgiving?

REVIEW: Butter London Shag

I love Thanksgiving not only for the time with loved ones and delicious foods but because it also marks the beginning of Christmas time! So for my Thanksgiving day nails, I decided to go with a polish that would transition perfectly from fall into the holiday winter season. I think butter LONDON's "Shag" was just right for the job. It's not a new polish from this year but instead from last year's Autumn/Winter collection. 

Shag is a beautiful metallic burgundy brown shade. The color reminds me of autumn leaves and the shimmer adds a touch of Christmas. It's very pretty, and I can see it being flattering on all skin tones. The formula is very nice and applies well. I used 2-3 coats to achieve full opacity, then topped with Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat. Definitely one of my favorites!

Retails for $14 at ULTA, butterlondon.com, and Amazon ($15 Prime, not an affiliate link).

What nail polish did you wear on Thanksgiving?

2013 Emmy's Fashion Review

Hey guys! So as usual, I do not have a TV to watch award shows but I DO have Twitter that gives me every little detail the second it happens so it feels like I'm watching it in real time - except there are so many tweets to go through, I'm actually about an hour or so behind so not really. I still got to experience all the ups and down of watching Claire Danes and Modern Family win their respective categories AGAIN (not that it's undeserved or anything, I just like to share the love), Merritt Weaver's hilarious blink and miss it acceptance speech, and overwhelming satisfying feeling of seeing Breaking Bad take home Best Drama (this show is nearly flawless television and in my opinion should win everything).

However, this post is about fashion and that's what we're going to talk about. I usually do a Top 10 Best, sometimes Worst, Dressed List, but this year I found myself commenting on the looks as the pictures showed up on my Twitter feed so I thought I would go ahead and just post my thoughts on a handful of these looks - Parts 2 and 3 will follow. Maybe later I'll round it up for a Top 5 Best and Worst Dressed.

Anna Faris - Monique Lhuillier

Oh Monique (she's my dream wedding dress designer), you make the prettiest gowns. Anna reminds me a little of Emma Stone here (not a bad thing), and I do like the bold yellow color on her but I am not feeling the blunt bangs.

Zooey Deschanel - J. Mendel

Zooey's hair looks so perfect and bouncy (and does anyone else see Alexis Bledel or am I just imagining celebs as other celebs today?), but she can do better than this dress. It's boring, the wrong color, and that thing on the side is so random and tacky. Plus the slit on the side which is supposed to give the conservative-looking dress some sexiness, just looks awkward and unflattering from the side.

Sofia Vergara - Vera Wang

The curve-hugging, plunging neckline, mermaid-flaired silhouette is pretty much Sofia's staple and something we've all seen from her before but she works it SO well so why stop? I do like the added all-over lace detailing and the multi-colored earrings. I usually prefer wavy hair in front of the ears not behind, but I can understand when you're rocking that kind of bling you want to show it off.

Anna Gunn - Romona Keveza

YES YES YES!!! This is what I’m talking about!! STUH-NING!!! Who even knew Skyler White  could look this good?! Love love love!! Hair, makeup, gown, accessories – all a big fat WIN in my book!! 

Rose Byrne - Calvin Klein

Woah, someone's gone blonde! I loved her dark locks, but I’m kinda digging this whole look. It’s so…fresh and soft and girly (although can we please a smile? you're so much prettier when you smile, Rose). Although this dress totally looks like something out of Gwyneth Paltrow’s closet – except she would've gone with stick straight hair instead - I really like it. It's polished and sleek with just the right amount of sexiness with the cropped top.

Melissa Rauch - Rubin Singer

Melissa, you are looking so Taylor here with your cute bangs and pretty smile (I swear I'm not doing this on purpose)…except much more miniature and…and I kinda like it. The teal earrings paired with the royal purple are actually really awesome. And while I don't quite like the mesh on the torso, the color is gorgeous against her lovely pale skin and she just looks so put together and pretty.

Jessica Pare

 What is this?? Okay, okay, I will admit, I love the color, but EVERYTHING else about this gown... Actually, everything else below the shoulders - those shoes?? WHAT THE--??? No. Top too low, sides too wide, too much crinkled wrinkly-looking material, I don't know what's going on with the torso, and again why those black shoes??

Carrie Underwood - Romona Keveza

Carrie!! You are usually at the top of my Best Dressed list!!! Yes, you do look pretty...but you can do SO much better!! It looks like a prom gown or the dress on your Holiday Barbie! Your hair and makeup are flawless and you look good in this color along with every other color of the rainbow but that still does not excuse this decision...but I guess I'll just let you make it up to me next time.

Elisabeth Moss - Andrew Gn

Beautiful! So simple, chic, and classy, and I love the bright red lips and super blonde hair - probably the best she’s ever looked. I guess I’m feeling the black and white trend tonight.

Heidi Klum - Versace

NO. WHY??? #IHateIt It looks like a blood-covered praying mantis/velociraptor is staring at me on your chest/torso and it’s creeping me out. Also, that cannot be comfortable.

What did you think of the Emmys Fashion? Part 2 coming soon!

Back to School Drugstore Makeup Kit

Whether you're going back to school, work or just looking for affordable, everyday makeup, I'm hoping you'll find something you like in this makeup kit! In choosing what to include, I picked out neutral, versatile products that could be worn every day and look good on just about anyone. 

Also, thank you so much for 500+ subscribers on my YouTube channel!

FACE

 Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation 

 Revlon Colorstay Foundation 

 Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

 Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette

 Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer Pen

 NYC "Sunny" Bronzer

 Rimmel Blush in "Pink Sorbet"

 NYX Blush in "Peach"
e.l.f Kabuki Face Brush

EYES

 Covergirl Shimmering Sands Eyeshadow Palette

 Maybelline Sunbaked Neutrals Eyeshadow Palette

 Maybelline 24hr Color Tatto in "Bad to the Bronze"

 L'Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in "Carbon Black"

 NYC Liquid Eyeliner in "Black"

 Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

 Maybelline the Rocket Volum' Express

 NYX HD Eyeshadow Base

 NYC Browser Brush-On Brow Kit

LIPS

 Revlon Lip Butter in "Pink Lemonade" and "Sugar Frosting"

 Maybelline Color Whisper in "Petal Rebel"

 NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in "Beige"

What drugstore products are in YOUR Back to School Makeup Kit?

August 2013 Ipsy Bag

It's August so you know what that means! Everyone is getting ready to go "Back to School" including this month's Ipsy bag. The theme is Glamour Academy which Ipsy claims is "full of beauty essentials that are perfect for stashing in your school bag or when you're prepping for your next big party." Well, let's check it out.

This month's bag is pretty standard especially after last month's cylinder vinyl bag. It's a purple color with gold "Ipsy Glamour Academy" crests printed all over it. Usually I hate it when companies plaster their logo all over a product but here it works with the theme and I think it's actually a cute design with the various makeup products in the coat of arms (I think that's the right term) design. As with past bags, the outside of the bag is made with a satin-like material and the lining at the top is a reinforcing vinyl strip.

In the Bag:

Noya Cherry Lip Balm - I'm not a big cherry lip balm fan, but I'm definitely intrigued by this product - especially because it's made of all-natural ingredients (Coconut Oil, Beeswax, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, etc) and preservative-free. It also has a very nice scent that I'm sure if I liked the smell of cherries more I would be all over. Finally, while the box with its water splashes make it look extra refreshing, I can't help but think it's a bit unnecessary and waste of resources. Receive 20% off any purchase at noyabeauty.com with code: IPSTER.

Pixi Beauty Lash Booster Mascara in Blacket Black - Gave this mascara a try and while it certainly didn't "boost" my lashes or give much volume like I was expecting, it didn't clump and gave a very natural "my lashes but better (and darker)" look. Receive 20% off any purchase at pixibeauty.com with code: PIXI+IPSY.

Chella Dazzling Dark Brown Pencil - I have only used powder on my brows, but have been considering buying a pencil so I was very happy to see this in my bag. My brows are VERY dark and this was a bit lighter but actually blended pretty well to give a natural look. The formula is very smooth and creamy and the mechanical design ensures an always defined tip. Also, while I'm not used to seeing such a skinny brow pencil, I do love the size - makes it very easy to handle and create precise brows. Receive 20% off any purchase at chella.com with code: BROWPENCIL.

Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream - I've been getting a lot of Pacifica in my bags recently, but I don't really mind because so far I've liked everything I've received. This BB Cream claims to have "specialized mineral pigments that instantly adjust to your skin shade" - well, it's not instant, but with some good blending it eventually does. It leaves your skin feeling hydrated and with a natural and dewey look, but there's VERY light coverage and it leaves a little bit too much shimmer for my liking. Would have been nice if it came in a slightly bigger tube (I'll probably only get 2-3 uses out of this) and included SPF as well. Receive 20% off any purchase at pacificaperfume.com with code: IPSY20.

Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub - I've been wanting to get my hands on some Michael Todd Skincare products so I was probably most excited about this product. I've heard people say Michael Todd products are the best thing since sliced bread and also that they're overhyped and not all they're cracked up to be. Who's right? Well, I haven't tried this out yet because I'm saving this for my second California trip in two weeks, but I'll definitely let you all know. What I can say is that it's a decent sample size, has no overpowering fragrance, and claims to gently exfoliate, remove impurities, and leave skin feeling fresh and smooth. We shall see... Receive 30% off any purchase at michaeltoddtrueorganics.com with code: AUGIPSY.

What did you get in your bag?

CALITRIPPIN’ DAY 2: Preview Night!

With registration not starting until 3:30 and the Preview Night exhibit hall doors not opening until 6pm, my family and I had a bit of downtime today before all the impending Comic Con craziness.

I decided to record my July Ipsy Bag video on my hotel balcony. Oh, how I miss recording in natural light – so difficult to do in my NYC apartment because of how close all the buildings are together - they block out most sunlight from entering the apartment.

The view  of the bay outside my balcony

Afterwards, my family all headed down to a local coffee shop called Lion Coffee. We discovered this place and their amazing croissant breakfast sandwiches about 5 or 6 years ago and it’s become a tradition to eat here every Preview Night morning since. If you’re ever in San Diego, I highly recommend checking this place out. Although we come for the breakfast sandwiches, the smoothies are also really good (my sister and I shared a Passion Fruit, Mango, and Strawberry one) and I’ve heard their coffee is not to be missed either – if only I drank coffee. Plus, the service is great - my mother asked for onions and lettuce on her sandwich and when she told them it didn't have any, they offered to make her a whole new sandwich (which we passed, no use wasting food) and gave us a card for a free drink next time we were there. Thumbs up.

Lion Coffee - one of many Comic Con traditions

Next up was Ralph’s for groceries. This is another Preview Night tradition. We learned early on how pricey Comic Con snacks and food can be, so coming to Ralph’s for fruit, sandwich making materials, and whatever else has become an essential part of our SDCC routine.

Picking out snacks for Comic Con

Passing the convention center on our way back to our hotel after grocery shopping

We headed back to the hotel to drop off our groceries and relax. For the first time since I started attending Comic Con, I have free Wifi in my hotel room! They always have it down in the lobby, but NEVER in the rooms. We are only on the fifth floor so I wonder if that has anything to do with it. Either way, I’m not complaining. Being able to post on my blog during the con is something I’m definitely not going to take for granted.

Registration goes quite fast so we weren’t in too much of a hurry to rush over. A little after 4pm, my dad, sister, and I (my mom only had a 4 day pass – no Preview Night) made our way to Hall E and entered the convention center. Getting our badges was a piece of cake and took less than two minutes. Between the three of us, we also got the exact three bags we wanted which were Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, and The Big Bang Theory (for which I was propositioned twice as I waited for my dad and sister).

The line behind me to get into the exhibit hall

Just chilling with my Supernatural bag

Got all three bags we wanted - no swapping needed!

Then the waiting began to enter the Exhibit Hall. It really wasn’t all that bad though and before we knew it, we were already inside heading straight to our beloved WB booth. We picked up our usual Comic Con Exclusive TV Guide issues and what would be our biggest swag item of the night: a Batman iPhone 5 case.

Honestly, I was very underwhelmed with this year’s Preview Night. We made it into the very long and crazy Fox booth line so we did get plenty of posters and Bones coasters (ha, that rhymed), but WB stopped handing out anything but TV Guide issues very early. Also, the CBS booth which usually has fun bags and items for shows like The Big Bang Theoryand Dexter did not do any such thing this year. My sister and I barely even recognized the booth as being CBS. Each year, one of our favorite swag items to receive are t-shirts. My dad will usually pack only a few shirts in anticipation of receiving these shirts to wear during the con. Often times, we’ll go home with 20 shirts between all 4 family members. This year, we didn’t see anywhere that were handing shirts out.

In line for swag at the WB booth

The Big Bang Theory art gallery at the WB Booth

FOX booth craziness

I know this sounds like I’m being a bit greedy basing my opinion on how much free stuff was given out, but that’s why my family and I come to Preview Night. So we can go ahead and get all the cool free stuff early and enjoy the panels and events the rest of the week. If they’re holding or cutting items back to give out later in the week, it kind of defeats the purpose of why we do Preview Night. Aside from lack of freebies, the booths and displays seemed a step down from years past as well.

For the first time in seven years, I actually went back to my room early. After hitting up every booth that seemed to be giving away items, I separated from my dad and sister and walked from one end of the exhibit hall to the other, taking pictures, looking at merchandise, and even tried on a few pieces of a clothing (they actually had legit fitting rooms) at this super cute clothing booth for girl geeks called Her Universe. I didn’t buy anything at the time, but I may be back on Sunday…

Upon coming back to my room, I ate, downloaded my photos and vlogging footage from my camera and phone to my laptop, and began writing this post. My dad and sister returned shortly and we created a somewhat vague plan for the next day which seemed pretty underwhelming, as well. 

I'm staying optimistic though and know by the time Friday rolls around, things will kick into gear overtime so I'm just going to enjoy this quiet before the storm. Greatly looking forward to tomorrow's Visionaries panel with directors Alfonso Cuaron, Edgar Wright, and Marc Webb along with Comic Con's last Dexter panel!

I've always wanted to be behind the wheel of a pirate ship

Photo fun at the Black Sails display

Thor Display at the Marvel booth

Zombie at The Walking Dead booth

A couple Star Wars cosplayers