A New Year: State of the Blog

First of all, I would like to apologize for the radio silence all throughout January. I've been traveling to 2 conventions as well as trying to gather information and plan things that I would like to write for the new year.

The next thing I would like to announce is that I am changing the name of the blog. Today, inspiration struck me and I had always been planning to change the name once I figured out what I wanted to write about and where time took me as I blogged. I found that I want to blog about more than just makeup but still keep a focus there. Once I design a new header and figure out the new layout, the blog will henceforth be known as Beam Me Up, Beautiful. Although I will not be changing the address so that it is easy to find.

I feel that this name encourges geekiness in all areas and is something that allows me to stray some from the topic of beauty without going against the expectations of my readers. It also still references that it stated off as a beauty blog and that those posts and reviews will still be an integral part of what I do here. Some of the items you might see in addition to make up are:

• Video Game Reviews
• Movie Reviews
• Convention Reports
• Cosplay Tutorials
• Book Reviews
• Anime
• TV Shows (Particularly shows that are genre such as Game of Thrones, Alcatraz, Once Upon a Time, Touch, and Face Off)
• Interviews

I hope you all will stay with me through this as it is an adventure for me to explore everything geeky. As I gather a list of events I'll be at, even as an attendee, I will post it here.

Chanukah, Oh Chanukah Come Light the Menorah!

With this season, comes the celebration of giving. I thought I would share the small haul I received from those I care about this season.

My mom and dad got me my long awaited European Charm bracelet. This is something I've wanted for a while and something that can tell a story. I've never been a fan of charm bracelets because of how they dangle so this was something I could get on board for. Each bead represents something about me or something that I believe in. From L to R:

Puzzle Piece - I support Autism Awareness wholeheartedly. I participate in studies and also I try to help teach those around me a little more about what goes on and how different Autism can manifest.

Dreams Really Can Come True - This bead serves as a reminder. It is part of the Disney collection which is something I've been a fan of all of my life but also a reminder that no matter how hard things are, that dreams do come true and to never give up hope.

Daughter - With the English on the outside and the Spanish and French on the inside, this represents the fact that the bracelet and charms were a gift from my parents but also, as a multi-lingual individual, it represents one of my favorite hobbies.

From my brother and Jenn, a jersey scarf with the TARDIS screenprinted on it. I am wearing it as I type this and it is so comfortable. Doctor Who is a 20 year fandom for me. It is one of three fandoms that I keep returning to. Also, this scarf will be perfect for the human TARDIS costume I have planned.

Coming soon is a review of the two Timey Wimey collection eye shadows I received from my friend, Rachel Norris as a surprise and I will go into more detail there about that gift and also share a little bit about the colors.

I just wanted to take a moment and share the gifts I have received, not to brag, but to acknowledge that having wonderful friends and family with or without gifts is the best thing for someone.

Good Things Come In Small Packages... The Greens...

The final part of my memorial list of cosmetics for the perfect look inspired by the dragons of Anne McCaffrey's Pern. A lot of people don't realize that the dragons that inhabit Pern are based on equine musculature and anatomy as opposed to reptilian. That is also why they have smooth skin as opposed to scales.

For the Eyes:

• Riddle Me This - Geek Chic Cosmetics
• Inevitable Betrayal - Geek Chic Cosmetics
• Twilight Princess - Geek Chic Cosmetics
• Princess Jupiter - Persephone Minerals
• Jupiter Crystal Power - Persephone Minerals
• Sailor Jupiter - Persephone Minerals
• Bulbasaur - Shiro Cosmetics
• Link - Shiro Cosmetics
• Kokiri Forest - Shiro Cosmetics

For Nails:

• San Francisco - SinfulColors
• Fresh Frog of Bel Air - OPI

Most green colorants aren't safe for lips so it is hard to find a green lip color. That's not to say it's impossible but I haven't tried any that are out there and I'm keeping this list to things I have tried myself.

The Smallest Males, and Yet....

I'll admit, I never really paid the blues much attention but I remember them being quite quick when compared to the larger browns and bronzes. The same went for the greens when compared to the golds. I think my love of blue dragons comes also from another fantasy series however that is for another post entirely:

For the Eyes:

• Oshus - Shiro Cosmetics
• Squirtle - Shiro Cosmetics
• Gyarados - Shiro Cosmetics
• A Neat Gun - Shiro Cosmetics
• Solid Snake - Geek Chic Cosmetics
• Aqua Illusion - Persephone Minerals
• Wicked - Sweet Libertine Cosmetics

For Lips:

• Hipster Ariel - Geek Chic Cosmetics
• Mana Potion - Geek Chic Cosmetics

For Nails:

• Swimsuit... Nailed It! - OPI
• Gone Gonzo - OPI
• Who Let the Dorks Out? - Sephora by OPI

Probably the color I have the most different cosmetics of which seems strange to me but at the same time makes some sense. :)

Brown Dragons, Riding Leathers, and Wingleaders

This one was probably a bit easier for me to figure out a multitude of cosmetics I use. I tend to stick with browns for a more natural makeup look and for professional looks.

For the Eyes:

• Boomerang - Shiro Cosmetics
• Brock the Rock - Shiro Cosmetics
• Vulpix - Shiro Cosmetics
• Eyes of the Werewolf - Geek Chic Cosmetics
• The Pointy End - Geek Chic Cosmetics
• Makoto - Persephone Minerals
• Baklavah - Persephone Minerals

For the Lips:

• Espresso - Laura Mercier
• Sweet Transvestite - Geek Chic Cosmetics

Sweet Transvestite was supposed to be more of a maroon but it tends to look a little more brown on most skintones including my own and I love it that way. It's unfortunately no longer available but I highly suggest checking out Geek Chic's lippies.