Fundraiser for Katsucons late Director of Japanese Cultural

On February 28th, it was reported that Christine Larson, Katsucons Director of Japanese Culture was hospitalized with a a chronic case of the H1N1 virus (aka Swine Flu) and pneumonia. Christines condition was so bad that she was put in a medically induced coma. Mrs. Larson, whom is a mother, is married to Katsucon co-chairman Grig Larson. A Go Fund Me page was created by Cat Hillberry to help pay for Christines medical bills. Sadly, on March 2nd, just 16 days after the 2014 Katsucon show, Christine passed away at 3:45pm.

The family is still in need of donations to cover medical bills. The Go Fund Me Pages goal is $25,000 and has currently raised $10,818. Every little bit helps for this family who is mourning the sudden loss of a wife and mother. I have never attended a Katsucon convention nor do I know the Larson family however in times like these, that is irreverent. You dont have to know someone to lend a helping hand when they are in need.

Please send all donations to the Go Fund Me Page at: http://www.gofundme.com/779x2s

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Couture Maleficent Gallery

Its been a year since the Disney movie Maleficent was released starring my favorite woman in the world, Angelina Jolie. The live action fairy tale told the "true" story of the famous evil fairy from the classic animated film, Sleeping Beauty. Upon the movies release, I created a Couture version of my favorite villain. Using Kandee Johnsons makeup tutorial, it took me an hour to properly apply the makeup. I made the horns, staff and gloves. The wig is a lace front from a local wig shop. The jewelry is from the official Maleficent merchandise line. The contacts are from Pinky Paradise. The dress is from Macys. 

Photography credit: Photos and Designs by Piera

Bodhi Tree Photography 

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Dont Give Up! 5 Reasons to Keep On Costuming

The Cosplay scene has exploded in the last few years. More people than ever before are practicing the art of creating costumes, props and accessories. And its wonderful! However, with this new found popularity,  the hobby seems more stressful  than it did in the past.  Many feel there is pressure to keep up with the millions who call themselves cosplayers or costumers. I have heard numerous complaints and have sadly seen many people quit this hobby. If youre considering it, dont throw in the towel just yet! Below are 5 reasons why you should keep on costuming.









#1. You Make New Friends!
You can never have enough friends! Costuming is a wonderful way to meet like-minded people both online and in person who share the same passions as you do. These meetings can lead to a friendship (or even a romance) that can last a life time.

#2. You Have the Freedom to Express Yourself!
Multi-colored wigs, crossplay, fishnets, gender swap, anything goes! Costuming gives you the opportunity to be creative and bring these characters to life however you want! Dont let anyone tell you "No".


#3. It May Lead to Other Opportunities
Although its not a guarantee, there is a possibility that costuming can lead you to other opportunities within the industry. Running around the con with your friends or updating your online port can catch the eye of the right person and you may get a job offer. Ive been lucky enough to work for Gentile Giant Studios, Superherostuff.com and several other companies.


#4. Its Fun!
I wont lie; costuming is a lot of work. The whole process of bringing a character to life isnt easy but it can also be fun! Wig styling, makeup, painting, sewing, molding can all be an enjoyable experience. Once you have your character just the way you want it and you get to strut your stuff at a photo shoot or a convention with your friends , its an added bonus!


#5. It Gets Your Creative Juices Flowing
You never know what you are capable of making until you try. Who knows? You may end up surprising yourself. I didnt think I could make a Supergirl costume or make a pair of horns and staff for my Couture Maleficent but I proved myself wrong. Sure theres a lot of other things I completely screwed up but thats the process of trail and error and I am very proud of the things I made.


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Freedom Japanese Market Candy Product Review

Lets be honest; we all love candy! Recently, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to try some sweets from The Land of The Rising Sun; Japan! Freedom Japanese Market is an online store where you can order Japanese products that are delivered right to your front door. Several options are available ranging from sweet to sour candy, DIY candy, gum, mints and even food and spices. Freedom Japanese Market offers a snack box subscription where one pound of an assortment of candy and snacks are delivered to your home for $25 a month. Shipping is free worldwide. There are no renewal or handling fees. You can even send a box as a gift! Subscriptions are handled through paypal. You can cancel your subscription anytime without a penalty fee. Lets take a look at the yummy treats I received from Japan!



My snack box included a very helpful list with photos and a description of all of the snacks and candy in the box (which was very helpful because the writing on the candy is in Japanese). The friendly letter also included an origami heart made by Sanae for Valentines Day. Below is a list of the candy I received along with a description and my thoughts on taste testing the products:

1. Dark Chocolate Kit-Kats: The classic Kit-Kats you love, coated in delicious layer of dark chocolate. My thoughts: I am actually not a very big fan of dark chocolate however, I found that the wafer combined with dark chocolate was very delicious. The wafer made the dark chocolate less over powering.

2. Kanpai Ramune: This mini mug is filled with ramune candies. My thoughts: This candy was very yummy and had a taste that very much reminded me of lemon iced tea.

3. Rilakkuma Petzles: Honey butter flavored pretzel sticks in very cute bear package. My thoughts: This was one of my favorites snacks in the box! The honey pretzels were sweet without being sugary.

4. Karamucho: Hot chili flavored potato chips; a favorite in many Japanese homes! My thoughts: These are the type of potato chips that you cant stop eating! The chili flavor was very satisfying without being salty like American potato chips. They were not oily or greasy. This was another personal favorite of mine.

5. Umaibo: This months flavors are pizza (green, white, and red) and onion salad (gold package). My thoughts: This was another snack that wasnt over powered with salt so you can really taste the flavor. It is best described as a very large cheese puff in terms of texture and shape.

6. Pokemon Karipori: A delicious tart, slightly fizzy candy with a grape or melon flavored candy coating. My thoughts: This candy is like pop rocks but in the form of sticks. This is something kids would definitely love!

7. Kaki no Mi: These savory rice crackers are a great little snack, and are really hard to put down. This product contains nuts. My thoughts: These thick crackers are very hearty and have a taste of sesame to them.

8. PukuPuku Tai: Similar to traditional Japanese Taiyaki, but with fluffy chocolate filling instead of sweet bean paste. Fortified with calcium! My thoughts: Another one of my personal favorites! This wafer had a creamy chocolate center that was mouth watering.

9. Hora Dekita DIY Candy: Making "candied apples" is as easy as following the directions on the package! My thoughts: This was hands down my favorite product! The miniature candy apples came with candy syrup for dipping and sprinkle candy. The candy apple was soft and the syrup wasnt overly sweet.

10. Maze Maze Drink: Mix and match candies to create your own flavors and tell us what you like best! My thoughts: Fun flavored candy very much like jelly beans.

Final thoughts: I discovered a very big difference between American candy and Japanese candy. American products seem to be packed with more salt and sugar thus masking the flavor whereas Japanese candy doesnt use the ingredients as much therefore, you get more of the flavor. On the occasions that I do eat candy, I tend not to eat too  much because it is too sweet and makes my teeth hurt. I didnt have that problem with any of the candy I taste tested. Everything was favorable yet light. It was very enjoyable tasting amazing candies and snacks from overseas. CLICK HERE  for information on ordering a subscription box!

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