Let's go to the Expo~ CBD Expo NW!

Hi All! Quite a bit of time has passed and so much has occurred, which caused a slight delay between blogs. However, the show must go on! On that note, let me tell you about a fun expo I attended in the summer, CBD Expo North West! As you might have remembered, last year, I attended the first CBD Expo on the tour in Anaheim, CA. You can refer back to a previous blog about that event. CBD Expo NW was a two-day event that took place in Seattle, WA at Motif Seattle. Unlike when I went to CBD Expo West, I was able to attend both days of CBD Expo NW.

My first day of the event went very well. I checked in and they were able to easily find my name as a press member. I was also greeted by my new point of contact, Kathleen after my previous point of contact Camille moved, and she was so warm and welcoming. It was an amazing experience. It is always great when you are able to work with such kind and genuine people. Kathleen with CMW Media Group was very informative in the months prior to the show and even during the show.

After checking in, I decided that for the first day of the show, I would only interact with half of the vendors so that way I would be able to spend some time getting to know what the various vendors did and learn about their companies. My first encounter was with Keiko, who was based out of Orange County, CA like me! That was a cool coincidence. She teaches CBD wellness classes for seniors in the area, and was planning on doing an island wellness retreat. Afterwards, I continued on and talked with some vendors about bottling and packaging processes for CBD. We discussed how simplicity is popular for some, and this can be seen often in skincare lines such as Drunk Elephant, and many "Clean at Sephora" lines. However, on some occasions, the luxury goods tend to be more alluring when they have a shine to them. So depending on the price point and formulation of the product, the packaging can make a difference in marketability. Also on day one, I got to try out CBD breath mints from a vendor based out of Oakland, CA called Lucent Botanicals. Those were amazing and discrete! The best type of CBD products, in my opinion, are the kind that can do many things at once. The packaging was what drew me to the product, and the fact that the product delivers total transparency so you are aware of what goes into the product instead of being an uninformed consumer. The taste is what made me consider seeking out the product after the show.  I met other really neat vendors that were kind and hospitable as well.  Aside from Lucent Botanicals, I focused on the more marketing and business based vendors for day one.

During day 2, I focused a bit more on vendors that made edibles and topicals. I met a CBD kombucha vendor called Green Buddha Hemp Co. and that has go to be some of the best kombucha I've tasted. I think the smaller brands of kombucha taste less sugary and over processed, and more natural compared to the mainstream brands. There was a water soluble CBD shot vendor called Danodan Hempworks that incorporated the full components of CBD and I liked that because the earthy flavoring was better than I expected it to be. Each shot delivers 6 mg of CBD and can be used in more than just liquids. I also was able to pick up some pet CBD for my dogs and it's done wonders for my senior pitty back in my hometown. Spectrum Confections made some really neat jelly beans as well that have helped me with relaxing during high anxiety moments. Also, the various flavors are pretty fun to guess. They low key remind me of the Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, just without any scary flavors. ;) While making my rounds, I was able to try a sample of Vital Leaf's CBD chocolate bars. Typically, I am not a fan of chocolate. Shocking, I know. Yet, this chocolate actually tasted quite good to me. It was not sickingly sweet, nor excessively bitter. It was pretty good and is also fair-trade and organic, which makes me feel even better about it. I always like to know about the products I ingest, so transparency is very important for me. I am glad that Vital Leaf is very transparent about where they source their ingredients from.

One thing I really love about CBD Expo Tour is that I have learned about so many different CBD products since attending two of these shows. Since attending the shows, I became a CBD product tester for some time, and also have recommended vendors' products to my friends. The tour for the 2019 year is soon reaching it's end. Since CBD Expo NW, the tour has already visited the mile high city (Denver) with CBD Expo Mountain, and kicked it in the other coast in Florida with CBD Expo East. That leaves only one more stop left for the year, CBD Expo West! I likely won't be able to attend this one, despite it being back in my home state, but I hope you'll make it out there! This year, it'll be in San Diego, CA on December 5th and 6th. If you're interested in getting tickets for CBD Expo West, feel free to register here. Also, just a reminder, CBD Expo Tour is a 21+ event. :)

I hope everyone has a nice final month of 2019! All named vendors are linked within this post, so check them out! :D

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Come Out and Play at L.A. Comic Con!

Hi all! It's been a little while since my last post, but it's also been a little over five years since I've started my blog! I am so pleased I've kept this blog going for five years. :) Today's post has been a very long time coming, and the reasoning for that can be seen in a past life update blog. Since Los Angeles Comic Con is about a month away, now's the best time to hype you up for the con with a comprehensive recap from last year's experiences and a future outlook of 2019's con!


Previously at LACC 2018:

I had the opportunity to attend the con for two of the three days as press. Typically, I have a game plan when I attend conventions: Scope out the vendor's hall, interact with con attendees, do free scheduled cosplay photo shoots and if time permits, attend panels that interest me. Unfortunately, I was unable to make any panels or the fashion show that year, but I was able to interact with both con attendees and vendors. Overall, the outlook of the convention was positive.  Also, can I just say that the mascot for the con is awesome looking. I am glad that they kept the same design for 2019.

In 2017,  the process was somewhat unwelcoming when I picked up my press badge. However, in 2018, this was quite the opposite and I felt very welcomed throughout the whole experience from bag check to badge pick up. The staff members looked happy and like they enjoyed their assigned shifts. As someone who does staff for a different convention, maintaining a pleasant guest experience is important. I am always very pleased to see when cons improve upon themselves. Even the convention security situation was a much more pleasant experience than 2017.

When I had discomforts about an uncomfortable situation at the convention and expressed them with a staff member, they did not disregard my concerns. The staff member took my discomfort seriously and notified security. I was extremely pleased to be taken seriously in regards to this situation, as that has never happened before at other conventions. So, for future con goers to Los Angeles Comic Con, please feel free to voice your concerns to staff members, if need be. Never feel like you cannot say anything to anyone. From my experiences, last year, someone will listen to you.

In 2017, I rated the con 8/10, but based on how well they improved upon themselves from 2017 to 2018, I believed that they deserved an increase in rating to 9/10.  I cannot wait to see what 2019 brings.

Peep some photos I took from last year's con:

@januarycosplay - Star Wars

@thebigloserqueen - Snow White

@miss_madra_rua - Gwenpool

I JUST LOVE THAT MASCOT

Coming soon to LACC 2019:

COSPLAY COSPLAY COSPLAY!

I really like that this year is very cosplay focused. Anyone who has followed my blog or either of my Instagram pages knows that I am both a cosplayer and a cosplay photographer. In 2019, Los Angeles Comic Con will have both The Dark Crystal Cosplay Competition and the Cosplay National Championship. Click the links to apply for both competitions, if you're interested in competing! There will also be a Kid's Halloween Costume Contest and Indoor Trick-or-Treating. I like the idea of indoor trick-or-treating because it's a safe alternative for children that might not be able to go out at night on Halloween . It's also reminiscent of what malls used to do in my childhood.  As for me, I was asked to participate in a cosplay group based off of Savannah Alexandra's Puppettes and Purrlesque's fan art, so I hope to be able to fulfill that request to the best of my abilities. I've never done a cosplay group before despite cosplaying for over 14 years. Also, I've been on a con hiatus essentially all summer due to personal reasons and am looking forward to getting back into it. Los Angeles Comic Con is a relatively good sized con where you can wear a more elaborate cosplay and not worry about it being ripped.

There are a lot of interesting guests coming in 2019 as well. Some are giving panels, such as Gerard Way, while others are going to be making appearances and doing autograph signings.

Tickets: If you don't have a full weekend free and are interested in attending Los Angeles Comic Con 2019, the one-day passes are rather affordable for the size of the con. Also, the three day passes are rather decent as well. Children under 12 are free with a paying adult badge too! Very few cons do that, so that's a great perk, if you would like to take your child with you to the con. :)

Anyhoo! That's all from me for now! If you do happen to go to LACC 2019, I hope you have a safe and amazing con experience!

I've also recently created a photography portfolio & post my favorite photos from various cons in there now as well, so check that out too.

Me cosplaying as Blake Belladonna from RWBY (LACC 2018) - Photography courtesy of @jackofsometradesx11

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Orange you glad I didn't say Banana - Facial Peel Review!

Hi All! It's been a while since I've done a product review, don't you think? I recently bought this at home facial peel by Derma-E at Sprouts. I've been really into the natural skin care options lately so I have been testing out different brands to see which work best for my skin as I have extremely sensitive skin.

 I am not sure if you remember, but a few years ago, I tested out the Yes-to brand and it left me with facial burning for over two hours. I have not used that brand since. Instead, I tend to gravitate towards brands with ingredients that are easier to decipher and have not been subject to several negative reviews; ie, products with over 4 stars on multiple sources. I read several written reviews too in depth. Believe me, I make the time for that. I have hyper pigmentation with sensitive skin and I want my face to be the best it can be, not worsen.

When I bought the Derma-E Vitamin C Instant Radiance Citrus Facial Peel (now my punny title should make sense), I got it for 25% off during the vitamins and beauty sale. I love sales, so if I can ever find something cheaper than original price, I will go for it.

The look of the box

Unfortunately, upon opening the box, the cap was cracked and then fell off on the ground. I debated returning it, but the contents inside were alright and undamaged so I just kept it. The product also comes with a little instruction pamphlet and an application spoon. The spoon is also utilized as a way of removing the product while massaging the skin to promote blood flow. You want to put an even layer of the product on your skin and leave it on for 3-5 minutes before using the spoon to remove it.

Unfortunately, the lid was cracked :/

After leaving it on for five minutes, I did feel a slight tingle in my face. It was no where near as unbearable as other products like this I have tried in the past such as First Aid Beauty. While I liked the end result of First Aid Beauty, Derma-E is really good for those looking for a more eco-ethical brand and want to know exactly what they are putting on their face without googling long, complex names.

It's made with orange peels :)

Upon removing it, and finishing with a rose petal toner, my face had a very nice glow with it. I have really bad hyperpigmentation, but pairing Derma-E with Sephora's Glow peel pads made with naturally occuring glycolic acid from sugar cane has helped me obtain a glow like no other. I have been using the Derma-E mask weekly for a month now paired with the peel pads 2x a day and the hyperpigmentation is staring to fade away. This paring is highly recommended if you have sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation like I do. I am also not sure if this is related or not, but I have combination skin, that typically produces really oily T zone, and even that is starting to calm down some since using this pairing! So try it out, if you please! :)

That's all for this post! Let me know if you have any eco-friendly, or cruelty-free make-up brands you would like me to try and and let you know about!

 I just recently got the Beauty Blender Bounce™ Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation in 4.40N (Deep with Neutral Undertones). I wanted to give that one a try first since I feel my shade changes in the summer months. However, I am coming from using Fenty Beauty 420, but have to stop since it is not working for me in the way it used to. The comparable color according to Sephora's Shade Finder is actually 4.10 C/O (Deep with Cool Olive Undertones)  - so I might test that next time after this runs out. After I use it for a couple of weeks, I'll be doing a review blog on that brand as well! :)

Stay tuned for some Seattle blogs, I am going for an expo. In the meantime, check out my photography website- I just launched it! There are never before seen photos from my time doing photography at Los Angeles Fashion Week F/W '19.

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Let me tell you a tale of the Renaissance Pleasure Faire!

Greetings fair knights and ladies! It has been quite a while, hasn't it? First new post of the year too! I'll have to explain my absence for another time and also fill you in on my previous con adventures another time, as well. For today, I'm here to tell ye about my experiences at the Renaissance Pleasure Faire. This particular Renaissance faire is quite possibly unlike any ren faire you have ever been to! Let me stress that there is something here for everyone!

I went on Saturday, April 27th - Renn Con weekend. As I had noticed, each weekend was designated a theme. Since I am both a cosplayer and a cosplayer photographer, I chose Renn Con weekend to attend the faire as press. This weekend was geared towards those who love cosplay and wanted to combine Renaissance styles within known cosplay fandoms. Also, Craft Beer weekend happened at the same time so beer enthusiasts came out to partake in delectible brews and enjoy the events This was also my first time ever attending the Renaissance Pleasure Faire.

The entrance into the event was pretty easy, a quick bag check and a ticket scan. Parking at the dam was only 10$, which is cheaper than pretty much every con I have ever attended. From scanning my ticket and onward, I was immersed within the Renaissance ages. I loved, and let me stress this again, absolutely loved the diversity of this con. I understand for some people, historical accuracy is more important, but for others, diversity can be just as important. Seeing individuals of varying ethnic origins, doing roles that would otherwise not have been assigned to them during this era made me so happy.

The events were pretty fun. The events I watched were dancing, swordplay, comedy, and jousting. Seeing the belly dancers be able to balance bladed weapons on their head and still move made me want to up my belly dancing game. I loved that the swordplay group by the maypole let both men and women fight together, regardless of size. I love swordplay as I was a kendo practitioner, myself for a few years. Jousting was also a good time; I cheered on the blue side. Even though we lost, it was exciting to see the fans taking the action seriously and how big the crowds around the arena got.

There was so much food to choose from as well, which is awesome for the diverse event goer. I opted for Caramel apples, and the workers at the booth cracked me up. I also watched my friend test his strength at a booth, as well, with the worker giving tips and encouragement along the way. If there is anything I can say about the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, they have amazing customer service at every turn. From the moment I got my ticket in the Will Call line to the moment I returned my media badge for the day, just about every worker I encountered was amazing. I only had one questionable experience the whole time with someone taking their character a bit too far in the jousting area causing a moment of discomfort, but everyone else's good energy dispelled that. For the most part, this event brought a very positive experience for me and I am very glad that I was able to attend. I hope to attend the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, next year and bring more of my friends with me.

Here are some photos from the event and when I finish processing other photos, I'll include a slideshow! :) As always, typically, I will post photos from any event I attend prior to writing about it in a blog on my photography Instagram.

Te Fiti by @adinn.cosplays

Daenerys by @kowaikohai

Maleficent and Princess Aurora by @criccicricci & @abracatrena

My event rating: 9.5/10 - would definitely recommend this event to others & want to return again

Pros:

• Diversity
• Themed Weekends
• Enthusiastic Workers
• Variety of Events
• Variety of Food
• Variety of Vendors
• Large event

Cons:

• Parking on grass/dirt
• Needs more Seated Spaces
• Some workers take roles too far - could lead to harassment
• A solution to that is a training weekend for preventative measures

My dear knights and ladies! The Renaissance Pleasure Faire is on it's last two weekends for the 2019 season! So if you can, get out there and go enjoy it! :)

Dr. Facilier - me ( Cosplay/personal - @bosshachi_08/ Photography - @himawarisayscheese)
Taken by @pyrozack & edited by me

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

The Wild, Wild CBD Expo West!

Hi all! I hope everyone has been well! Thanksgiving just happened in these parts! I think Canada celebrates theirs in October. Normally, I would be at a research conference around this time. I was in Vancouver, B.C. last year, if you all remember presenting my Master's Thesis, but this year I had no new research and opted out of attending. While I missed my colleagues dearly out in New Orleans, I am very pleased to tell you all about a fascinating convention I went to back in late September, CBD Expo West.

Being the spoonie that I am, that is, someone that is directly and personally involved with the chronic illness community, I jumped at the chance to be press for this expo. Over the past year or so, I have been trying to learn all there is to learn about the benefits of CBD. Why, you may ask? Well, I am the type of person who has utilized dozens of medications over the years for a multitude of aliments only to be riddled with numerous negative side effects and no relief. As a result, I turned to the magic of CBD. CBD to put it in simple terms does the same high effects that THC has. It's mostly non-psychoactive. I strongly prefer CBD for this reason. CBD is great for anxiety, pain, seizures, and a multitude of other ailments with virtually no negative drawbacks. Many (not all) CBD products will not show up on a drug test either, and you can check with certain manufactures to ensure this is the case. Some products have a 1:1 CBD/THC ratio along with other variations, so keep that in mind as well. There are many great articles out in the medicine world to learn more about CBD and it's uses for pets, adults, and children. :)

CBD Expo West was held at the Anaheim Marriott hotel near Disneyland and was a two day event (September 21st & 22nd, 2018) kicking off the CBD Expo Tour. Unfortunately, due to recently starting a job, I could only attend on the Saturday, but it was an AMAZING day. The Friday beforehand, the expo had a press and industry mixer, which was THC friendly, but I was unable to attend that event. I had never been to an expo of this kind before so I had no idea what to expect. I was greeted by some of the friendliest people I had ever met at any expo or con. I always say, as staff to two major comic book conventions, that what makes or breaks a con at times is how a patron is treated at first entry. First impressions are everything, and the CBD Expo West staff left a great first impression on me. They were unable to find my press registration information on their list, but instead of sending me away, provided me with a same-day registration pass and some useful pamphlets to get me where I was going. I also still had access to the press lounge and was so appreciative for their generosity.

Now, I am not the type to schedule one-on-one interviews with people as I feel they become too formal and less personalized. So I decided to opt out of doing one-on-one interviews and went to various vendors talking to them as if I was just a regular patron rather than a member of the press. When giving informal meet and greets as opposed to a formal interview, I find it as a way I could get a more relaxed feel of how they were as a person and what their company stood for. I met with Dr. Kerklaan Theraputics, Sativa by Design, Relive Everyday, Sagely Naturals, and Topikal Everything Hemp.

Main takeaways from each of these companies:

• Dr. Kerklaan Theraputics - Dr. Kerklaan truly believes in his product and wants his product to work for everyone that uses it. He was a very friendly person, who looked very eager to tell me about why he started his company, and what he hoped that his company could do for the consumer. I really liked that his company also had very focused and specific products for PMS, headache relief, and even sleep therapy. I got some nice creams from them too.

• Sativa by Design - This company was really cool because they will help people create their own products. It's really great for entrepreneurial minded individuals. The people that ran this booth were so friendly and absolutely hilarious and I purchased some CBD tincture for my partner and I from them at a great convention rate that you would rarely find anywhere in California. Their product, Hemp Life Drops work amazingly too!

• Relive Everyday - Probably my favorite booth because I learned so much about this company and what they stand for. The ladies running the booth kindly answered all my questions and even gave me insight of how the life of working the cannabis convention scene can be for CBD vendors. They also gave me the most samples out of everyone. Their pain spray was great, but their gummies and their tinctures were really top notch. I would consider using their company for gummies, if given the chance. The taste is not overwhelming at all and it does work :)

• Sagely Naturals - The rep for this brand had told me that she started out as a customer before becoming a rep and started using the product due to living a high stress lifestyle. Since I work a desk job doing tech based work, she recommended I try out their product called Tranquility to achieve a relaxed mind, while using the Relief & Recovery cream to ease sore muscles from my weight lifting/fitness lifestyle. Those products smelled really good, I must say that for sure. I am really sensitive to smells, and those were very pleasant to the senses.

• Topikal Everything Hemp - The girls running this booth were extremely chill, I mean EXTREMELY chill. They had strawberry lemonade, my favorite kind, and gave me a sample with 5mg of CBD in it, and it was the best. I was actually drawn to this table by their logo rather than the lemonade, to be honest. As a linguist, the way things are written interests me as it looked almost like a different writing system rather than just English. We discussed how the font can really draw in clients and they told me how the artist of it, who also happens to be the owner of the company was very proud of his work.

One of my favorite aspects of this expo was that many of these vendors were local vendors to California, so I could easily venture out and seek out these companies for myself. However, it was really nice getting to know vendors from around the country as well. That is the beauty of expos, meeting people you possibly would not have the opportunities to have met in any other contexts. If given the opportunity, I would love to go back.

Rating: 9.5/10 -
Pros:
I felt relaxed, rejuvenated, entertained, social, and at peace. I don't think it was all the CBD samples talking either. I tried so many samples (probably too many ^_^'), met some cool people, saw some demos, and learned new things about the world of CBD.

Cons:
The only true con was that they didn't have my press registration information on file, but otherwise, everything else was great. I was really glad that they were able to make up for it. Only one vendor rep was slightly standoffish and rude in how she spoke with me, but that might have just been her demeanor in general. I won't hold that against the company. The actions of one do not define the actions of many.

Anyhoo, that's all from me! I delayed this post until I had the time to go through all my samples from the various vendors and I finally got through them all, starting with CBD Living Water's gummy and ending my samples with the hemp infused olive oil by Due Santi that I cooked my baked salmon with. All of the samples were amazing and got me through some rough days the past couple of months. It was much needed and I am very appreciative. If you guys are interested in following the CBD Expo Tour, they have more stops coming through 2019! Their next stop is just around the corner at CBD Expo East in Orlando, Florida at the Hilton Orlando (December 7th & 8th, 2018). I wish I could attend, but alas, living on the West Coast has its drawbacks. I hope to catch them again on this coast!

Let me know in the comments below if you use CBD and how it's helped you :)

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Happy Anniversary Long Beach Comic Con 2018! - Press Edition

Hi all! Things have been pretty busy since last time I have posted. I got a full time job! So exciting! I'm working with voice recognition software and programming it to understand human speech better! I love being able to utilize my Linguistics degree for what my interests lie in. So, yes posts might come slower than I would like because I also do photography as a side job, but the posts will certainly keep on coming! Anyhoo, that is not the reason for today's blog. Today's blog is all about Long Beach Comic Con! Last month, I had the pleasure of attending LBCC for two days as press. It was also their 10th anniversary, so happy anniversary, or how we con nerds call it - coniversary, LBCC! <3

Overall Con Breakdown:

The convention was not in the usual location facing the Pike Outlets, but on the side facing the fountain. While it was a minor inconvenience as some of the signs were slightly hard to tell where they were pointing to, this location was extremely ideal from an outdoor photography perspective. The bag check for the most part was rather acceptable.

 However, one problem that I can state that I had was borderline sexual harassment during Saturday of the con on the part of the security asking me to lift up my shirt after stating to prior security personnel that I had a corset under my cosplay. Cosplay is not consent, nor will it ever be. We must stand firm and call out all wrongdoers.  All of the other security personnel had accepted my statement about my corset (which is still noticealy visible under my cosplay), had just simply wanded me, and were going to send me on my way. However, this one particular security worker decided he would try and convenience me to lift up my shirt for him when my corset can be see through my shirt. By lift up my shirt, I mean my entire shirt, not just a little bit. To which, I promptly told him off and stated that the lining and busk was visible without the need to remove anything. That was an unfortunate mishap that in no way, shape, or form reflects on the convention or the convention center, but on the person, himself. I should hope, that they are dealt with after I gave my report. Unfortunately, that particular experience had me off to a bad start for the day on Saturday.

I was worried this bad mindset would continue; however, getting to the press check in process was great! The staff member that ran that section was extremely friendly and welcoming. That instantly boosted my mood and every other security team member was amazing and showed great professionalism in their duties. The vendor's hall has something for everyone too. They even incorporated wresting this year as that has garnished more interest at conventions in the recent year or two.  I got to meet and talk with various artists in the artist alley and see how their con experience was going and was even interviewed as well. I attended the Space Expo panel, "So you want to build an R2", which featured a group of panelists discussing how they built their own replicas of the iconic Star Wars character along with other droids.

Photography wise, I shot both indoors where the beautiful lights were and outdoors by the reflective windows near the fountain were. Depending on the aesthetics you're looking for, this convention center in particular is quite possibly the most aesthetically pleasing one to me. At this con, I cosplayed as both Velvet Scarlatina from RWBY and Rouge the Bat from Sonic the Hedgehog. One a faunus photographer another an international jewel thief. A fun fact about me, I connect better with non human characters.

Velvet Scarlatina

Rouge the Bat, photography courtesy of @yorkinabox

As stated many times in the past, I am a cosplaying photographer, so I happen to look at the con from the lens of both an insider and outsider's perspective. From an insider perspective, Long Beach Comic Con is such a welcoming and inviting con, that is why I always enjoy going to this particular con every year. They are a very cosplay friendly convention and do all that they can to ensure that the public remains safe, and that cosplayers are not limited in any way with what they can cosplay within reason. From an outsider's perspective, the con has grown so much over the years I have been attending it. I am so pleased and I can see why so many people are willing to purchase the lifetime pass to the con. I know a few that have it, and none of them regret it at all. The con continues to grow and thrive as a welcoming atmosphere to both new and old attendees. I am looking forward to Long Beach Comic Expo in February. Some of my happiest memories happened at this year's Long Beach Comic Con and I am looking forward to creating more in the years to come.
(all photos below taken by me)

Soldier 76 x Fallout 76 mashup by @alexdrastal

Cinder Fall - RWBY cosplayed by @kajicosplays

Psylocke - X-Men cosplay by @utahimecosplay

8.5/10 (honestly, this is one of my favorite cons, I would probably go to this con and Long Beach Comic Expo for as long as they run)
Pros:

• Friendly Staff 
• Considering that I am a staff member for other unaffiliated cons, we represent the face of the con. So I take professionalism and a good attitude to heart, this can make or break a con for so many people.
• Many things to do
• Interesting Panels
• I attended a panel on how to build your own R2D2, that was extremely cool as my old research lab tried to build a robot before
• One thing I like about the panels at LBCC is that there is honestly something for everyone. Some cons do not get very diverse in their panels, and more of them need to. 

Cons:

• The parking situation was not ideal
• This was a complaint I heard from many that I asked about what was their least favorite part of the con. I think the Pike Outlet parking threw so many people off.
• Location change/ Signage
•  I didn't mind the location change all that much
• However, many people, myself included found the signage explaining where the new location was and how to get to it were completely thrown off by it.

Stay tuned for more posts! I still have to tell y'all about NerdbotCon, CBD Expo, and LA Comic Con!

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Ready or not! It's Almost Time for Nerdbot-Con!

Hi guys! This is a busy later half of the con season for me as some of my favorite cons happen in September! One of them happens to be Nerdbot-Con! Nerdbot-Con is an extremely affordable one day con that happens in Pasadena, California. This con is like a fine wine, it gets better with age. No joke! I have attended each year since it has started and it has become more elaborate and continued to the bar without breaking the bank. That is one of the reasons I am extremely pleased to be covering this event as a member of the press, this year. I hope to see you there! Read below for more info! :)




Date: August 14 th , 2018

NERDBOT MEDIA presents NERDBOT-CON 2018

Saturday September 22 nd , 2018
10am – 5pm

*ONE DAY ONLY NERD CULTURE AND COSPLAY CONVENTION*
*Over 120 Vendors*Celebrity Guests*Cosplay Contests*Nerd Karaoke*
*Nerf Gun Zombie Shoot Out*Photo Rooms*Panels*Live Music*Performances*

AND MORE!

*Tickets are on sale now for $18/will go up to $22 at the door*
*Kids under 12 are free with Adult Ticket purchase*

*Celebrity Guests Include*
Gregg Berger – Cartoon Voice Actor
Rikki Simmons – Cartoon Voice Actor
Suzie Plakson – Star Trek Actress

Rikishi – WWE Hall of Famer

Christopher Khayman Lee – Power Rangers Actor
Jack Guzman – Power Rangers Actor
Gigi Edgley – Actress
Eric Bauza – Voice Actor
And More!

All paid ticket holders have free entry to the Nerdbot-Con After-Party!

This will be NERDBOT MEDIA’S 3rd annual NERDBOT-CON at the Pasadena Convention
Center.
In 2018, we are going to go bigger and better with more activities, more vendors, more music,
more guests, more games, and awesome panels!

NERDBOT-CON is your alternative to huge, faceless and expensive conventions with long lines
and enormous crowds that steal your soul (and your wallet!). Our safe and family friendly event
is centrally located in the heart of beautiful Pasadena, California.

NERDBOT MEDIA, a leading company in new media and journalism, has been organizing great
meet ups, after parties, and night events in the Los Angeles area for the past three years,
including the brand-new smash hit anime convention Anime Pasadena.

Our staff has been attending and covering conventions for years now. We think it’s time for
something different! NERDBOT-CON is a fun and interactive event for all attendees.
Cosplayers, photographers, collectors, and all Nerds and geeks that just want to go out, see their
friends, and have an AWESOME time.

Our mission is to bring the very best photographers, videographers, vendors, and entertainment
to the beautiful Pasadena Convention Center. It’s going to be an amazing day of interactive
giveaways, panels, Cosplay contests and photoshoots.

Our official NERDBOT-CON 2017 Highlight Video is available on YouTube!
The Grand Geek Gathering reviewed NERDBOT-CON 2017 and had an amazing time!

Find NERDBOT all over Social Media:
NERDBOT-CON on Facebook
NERDBOT Media Official Website
NERDBOT Media on Facebook
NERDBOT Media on Twitter
NERDBOT Media on Instagram
NERDBOT Media on YouTube

For inquiries about Nerdbot Media and Nerdbot-Con please contact:
Elvin@nerdbot.com
Anthony@nerdbot.com
Loryn@nerdbot.com



Let me know in the comments below, if you'll be enjoying any cons this fall! 🍂🍂🍂
Till Next Time!

-Hachi

LVL on UP at this EXPO! - Press Edition

Hi all! Happy August! I hope everyone has been well and keeping cool, this summer. Southern California just got through a big heat wave of its own, this past weekend. IT WAS AWFUL. However, I digress. The real reason for today's post is to give my full on review for Lvl Up Expo in Las Vegas! This is a long time coming because I went on a brief con review hiatus due to harassment after my Long Beach Comic Expo post. I believe that situation is now resolved and I am looking forward to going to Long Beach Comic Con nearing the end of Summer.

So Lvl Up Expo is one of the most popular conventions in Las Vegas, if not the most popular one from a cosplayer's perspective. You will get crowds coming to this convention from California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and other surrounding areas as it is a good transitioning con from the Spring to Summer con season. By California standards, Lvl Up Expo would be considered a medium sized con. Everyone knows con season is in full force starting in May since there are so many back to back conventions that happen that month. I was pleased to start my "summer" con season with Lvl Up Expo. Would you believe that going to Lvl Up Expo was my second time in Las Vegas as an adult outside of the airport? It shocks the masses of Southern Californians that I know, as funny as that sounds.

I attended Lvl Up Expo on both Friday and Saturday, as I had to leave back to California on Sunday. Day 1, I received my press badge and was greeted by friendly, welcoming faces. That's a great way to start off a convention. As someone who as volunteered and staffed for Comic Con International, the first impressions you make on you attendees go a long way. Afterwards, I walk onto the convention floor. I arrived a little late on Friday, so the con was not extremely crowded, but still there was a hustle and bustle of people around me.

I am a cosplaying photographer, so I always float around the convention floor looking for cosplayers to shoot while in cosplay. It's a fun venture to do as it leaves me opportunities to be shot and opportunities to meet new people.

 For instance, the cosplayer below, Haley, aka H Cosplay is a Las Vegas cosplayer that happens to cosplay as Harley Quinn. Harley is one of my main cosplays even though I do not do any of her original forms, so I was happy to work with her on day 1 of the convention.

Instagram: @h.cosplay

On day two (Saturday), I cosplayed as Bumblebee from Teen Titans and encountered several Teen Titans cosplayers and we formed an accidental Teen Titans cosplay gathering. After we did group shots, I took individual photos of everyone.  The two below are J'son and Badger (Nightwing and Robin).

Instagram - @deku_to_dekiru_cosplay & @badgercosplays

 I also got to try out ax throwing, which was extremely hard to do with a corset and butterfly wings on 😂 I loved the opportunity though! It is not something I have seen at any con I've gone to in California or Canada. Also, the wrestling component of the con was hilarious. It was well orchestrated that it even got some chuckles out of this grown lady.

This was so hard. Photo courtesy of the Ax throw vendors.

So many laughs

All in all, I had a nice two days at Lvl Up Expo. Rating: 8/10

• My primary con about this con was that if you were looking for something, some of the staff was not very knowledgeable about where things were, which sadly caused me to miss panels.
• Perhaps some training sessions beforehand can alleviate this.
• Also, have more security roaming the floor of the convention center because there were some uncomfortable situations I had encountered on the floor that could have been remedied by more roaming security.

A few suggestions for next year are:

• More food truck vendors so that people have options
• Better instructions of how to catch a lyft to and from the convention center because I was dropped off on the wrong side of the convention center the first time and then almost missed my return Lyft because the staff didn't know how to explain where the lyft picks up at.
• More panels and better announcement of panel times/locations

I hope everyone has had a nice summer so far. Have any of you attended any summer cons or went on any fun adventures, this summer? Let me know in the comments below and stay tuned for my next con blog about Long Beach Comic Con! 😊

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Not an Itty Bitty Waist of Time! - Orchard Corset Review

Hi all! I hope you've been well! Today's blog has been a long time coming. It's the first of two corset review blogs I am planning to do. How exciting, huh? My biggest issue when writing blogs isn't coming up with the context of a blog because I have plenty to say and write about. My biggest issue is writer's block. Losing the motivation to write on occasion even though I really want to. It also did not help that after posting my last con blog, that I and several other press members were subject to constant harassment. All is well and I am alright. As a result, that is also why the Lvl Up Expo blog has been delayed so long as well. It will be coming within the next couple of weeks or so. With that being said, away we go with today's blog!

So today I am reviewing the CS-426 Longline by Orchard Corset in Black Satin size 30. I received this corset after being featured on Orchard Corset's Waist Training Before & After Results for waist training in my CS-201 waspie corset. Although this corset was given to me for being featured, I always give completely honest reviews and will tell it like it is.

For those of you that don't know how corset sizing works, the size number is how small in inches your waist will be. My natural waist on a good day is 36" now, and with this corset, I can comfortably size down to 30" (It is actually too big for me now, and I will need to get either a size 26 or 28, depending on fabric). Yes, I can still breathe & eat, contrary to popular belief. I also do most of my photography in my cosplays while in this corset. I have been waist training for about two years now and have become quite adapted to life in a corset. People wear corsets for a multitude of reasons. Some people wear them for the dramatic hourglass aesthetic, while others may wear them for cosplay, pin up, and/or burlesque aesthetics or for medical reasons like bloating, posture, back pain, etc. The list goes on. My main uses for my corsets are cosplay, pin up, anxiety, and bloating. I also wear a corset about four days out of the week.

So, this is how Orchard sends their corsets to you, wrapped up like a burrito. I like their sticker because it reminds me a bit of the Tree of Life, but that is another story. Anyway, all of their corsets are already laced up for you, so you just slip it on, and let the seasoning begin!  You can also purchase new laces, and Orchard has many YouTube videos teaching you the way of the corset.

I was recently on a Cosplay and Corsets panel at Comic Con Revolution Ontario in mid May with my friend Crystal Rose Creations and a few other lovely corset wearing ladies and we gave tips and eased tensions about corset wearing during cosplay. My cosplay/personal IG is @bosshachi_08. On there you can find various pictures of me in my well seasoned corsets. Seasoning is the best way to get your corset to fit your body in a safe and proper way. Word to the wise, the proper way to season a corset is to have it feel like a warm hug, not like a vice grip or like someone is trying to squeeze the life out of you. If you feel pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, loosen up your corset, and discontinue usage in the meantime. Actually, the reason why I like wearing corsets is because that hugging sensation is calming for a person prone to anxiety. Also, consider inquiring with Orchard's sizing department to find a size suitable for your body type. Squishiness, along with torso length factors into a lot of how sizing works and how corsets will look on you as well.

Pre-opening

How it looks straight out of the wrapping paper

Never before worn and unwrapped!

My first time wearing this corset! and one of the few times it was on the outside of my clothes :)

One thing about me is that I absolutely LOVE stealthing in my corsets. Stealthing involves wearing your corset under your clothes so that it is not visible. I will seldom wear this particular corset on the outside of my clothing because it's so long and it does not work well with much of what I wear as an "outside" corset. While I do not go to great lengths to hide that I am wearing a corset, I like the satin because it is smooth and the clothing clings to it well. I personally see no reason to hide the fact that I have a corset on, even if it is under my clothing, and will actively tell people I have one on.

Stealthing as Lucoa from Kobayashi's Dragon Maid at Los Angeles Comic Con 2017 - Photography courtesy of @jackofalltradesx11 :)

Cosplaying as Gijinka Butterfree from Pokemon at Anime Impulse 2018 - Photography Courtesy of @tammohawk.photography :)

Pin up Aesthetics for a photo meet (This look went on to be published in Sex Kitten Pin-Up Magazine)

Unfortunately, all good things eventually come to an end. After about six months of usage, my corset's boning started to come out of the fabric. This is the second corset by Orchard that I own that has had this problem. I think a simple solution is to use tougher fabric to hem the edges with because otherwise, it will keep coming apart like this. My other corset by them is the CS-201 in Grey Cotton, and it also came apart in the same fashion around the same amount of time - except at the closure hooks. It might be a coincidence, but it still makes me sad.

Boning coming out of the back of the corset :(

CS-426 Longline - 8/10 stars.
Pros -

• Natural hourglass (probably the thing I love the most about Orchard's line <3 )
• Great for Stealthing
• Comes in other styles: Leather, PVC, Cotton, Mesh, Brocade, with/without hip ties
• In fact, I would still love to get a mesh corset strictly for the hot California summer and those conventions that I cosplay at.
• Standard option for shorter waists
• Option for plus-sized women 
• Hashtag #orchardcorset and the name of the corset (#cs426 or #cs426longline) and they will feature anyone on their page, not just "famous" people like other companies.
• Orchard Corset also holds weekly, weekend contests to win a free corset on their facebook page - great for those that are frugal or cost-mindful like me to have a shot to win a corset. :)

Cons-

• Can be pricy - Ranges from $70-80$ for standard and $76-$86 for longline
• Boning comes out of the fabric after about half a year of continuous usage
• I have a long waist, but smallish hips, which somewhat made it look a little awkward in the back at times. 
• Can make your skin sweat, bruise, itch with certain bras regardless of tightness.
•  However, they have offered a fix for that with their new bamboo corset liners that go under the corset. I am curious to try one out since they are only $9.99 and I am cheap. :')

Anyhoo, that's all I got for you guys today! If you have any corset questions, or have any brands you would like to recommend that I check out in the future, let me know in the comments below. :)  I also have the patterns to make my own corset, I just need to the time and the money haha.


Till next time,

Hachi