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1. Butterbeer from Harry Potter

Butterbeer is a popular drink from the Harry Potter series and has become a staple in the world of fandom-themed recipes. To make your own Butterbeer, combine cream soda, butterscotch syrup, and whipped cream. Voila! For an extra special touch, top it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

2. Lembas Bread from Lord of the Rings

In the Lord of the Rings series, Lembas Bread is a staple food item that is said to keep the characters nourished on their long journeys. To make your own version of Lembas Bread, combine flour, sugar, salt, and butter. Roll the dough into small balls and bake in the oven until golden brown. For an extra special touch, wrap the Lembas Bread in a piece of parchment paper and tie with a ribbon!

3. Bantha Milk from Star Wars

In the Star Wars universe, Bantha Milk is a popular drink made from the milk of Banthas, large creatures that resemble mammoths. The fruity Disneyland version has been a little controversial, but we find that the classic at-home recipe is usually a winner. To make your own version of Bantha Milk, combine milk, ice cream, and blue food colouring. Optional: flavoured syrup, such as blue heaven, works great in this recipe. For an added touch, serve in a tall glass with a straw and a Star Wars-themed garnish. A delicious treat from a galaxy far, far away!

4. Krabby Patties from Spongebob Squarepants

Krabby Patties are the signature dish of the Krusty Krab in the Spongebob Squarepants series. To make your own version, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Shape into patties and cook on the grill or stovetop. Serve on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and cheese. For bonus points, colour your ingredients with high-quality gel food dye and transform your creation into Pretty Patties instead!

5. Direwolf Bread from Game of Thrones

In the Game of Thrones series, Direwolf Bread is a staple food item that resembles the sigil of House Stark. We think this is a no-brainer: a staple baked treat from a timeless series! To make your own, combine flour, yeast, water, and food colouring. Shape the dough into the shape of a direwolf and bake until golden brown.

6. Pumpkin Pasties from Harry Potter

Pumpkin Pasties are a sweet treat mentioned in the Harry Potter series. To make your own, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon the mixture onto pre-made pie crusts and fold them into triangles. Bake until golden brown.

7. Peeta's Cheese Buns from The Hunger Games

Peeta's Cheese Buns are a staple food item in The Hunger Games series. To make your own, combine flour, yeast, milk, butter, salt, and shredded cheese. Shape into rolls and bake until golden brown. Trust us - they're tasty enough to start a revolution.

8. TARDIS Cake from Doctor Who

The TARDIS is the iconic time machine from the Doctor Who series. If you're in the mood to bake something a little more elaborate, you can never go wrong with a cake. To make a TARDIS cake, bake a rectangular cake and frost it with blue icing. Use white fondant to create the windows and "Police Box" sign on the top of the cake. This is one recipe where you've got a lot of creative control, so decorate away to your heart's content!

9. Green Eggs and Ham from Dr. Seuss

This one's a classic. Green Eggs and Ham is an iconic children's book by Dr. Seuss that left us all hungry when we were younger. To make your own version, scramble eggs with green food colouring and serve with ham.

These fandom-themed recipes are a fun and delicious way to bring a little bit of our favourite worlds into our daily lives. They're also a great way to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with new flavours and ingredients. Whether you're a Harry Potter fan, a Game of Thrones fanatic, or a lover of all things Doctor Who, there's a fandom-themed recipe out there for everyone.

Have you ever baked something from your favourite fandom? Will you try one of these recipes? Leave us a comment!

I started using BNPL services back in December last year. In case you don't already know what that is (and honestly, good on you for being able to resist for so long) these are Buy Now, Pay Later services, similar to a Laybuy payment plan where only a portion of the cost is paid upfront, with the rest paid off in instalments. 

Different to the traditional laybuy system, however, BNPL ensures you're able to take home your products right away, rather than waiting until everything is paid off.

Most popularly, such as with services like the BNPL giant Afterpay, this is done via four easy installments. These are taken out via automatic payments once every fortnight, with helpful prompting from the company a few days ahead so you have ample time to prepare.

In some other services, such as Zippay, these automatic payments are processed weekly as a small portion of the overall cost. (E.g. $10 a week over over 5 months to pay off a $200 order.)

So here's the big question: are these services actually worth it?

My answer: yes.

Christmas is hard enough already. Christmas shopping in the middle of a pandemic? A nightmare. Now, more than ever, we're seeing far more people turn to online shopping, which can end up being a lot pricier than traipsing your local shopping mall for off-the-shelf bargains. There's shipping to consider, plus all the other costs associated with that sweet, sweet temptation we all feel to click 'express checkout' and worry about the consequences later.

BNPL services are an easy way to ensure that your budget is sorted ahead of time. Rather than shelling out the full $100 for that new Funko Pop! Vinyl bundle, for example, and having to regretfully watch your entire paycheck drain in one go, services like Afterpay help you take it home straight away at only a quarter of the cost. You won't even have to worry about that next $25 payment for at least two weeks, which gives you even more time to save a couple of pennies here and there to pay it off. By the time you receive that prompt that tells you you've got an automatic payment coming up, you're good to go.

There's not really any escaping the fact that automatic payments, subscription services, and BNPL are all the way of the future. How many of us gladly let Netflix, Spotify and Disney+ snag a few bucks from our paycheck every week without even noticing? I've found BNPL services to be quite similar, in that by the time I've paid off the order, I've barely noticed the payments themselves. As long as you're not going overboard (and Afterpay, for example, will set a particular limit for each shopper to ensure that this is not an issue) it's a painless, easy-to-use payment method that I recommend to everyone.

With Black Friday mere hours away and many sites already offering early discounts (psst - have you joined the Ozzie Club yet?), Afterpay remains a great option to ensure you're saving as much as possible during the actual sale. Discount codes, automatic discounts, and special deals on Ozzie Collectables are not limited only to traditional payment methods, so that bundle that's already been discounted up to 70%? You're paying even less for that at only a quarter up front with Afterpay. It's a no-brainer win-win.

Look, everybody's different. BNPL certainly isn't for everyone. At the end of the day, how you manage your finances is entirely up to you, and there are always going to be those that prefer to manage each dollar at a time, who already budgeted ahead of time with a special savings account just for the holidays, or who just aren't that into the whole automatic payment thing. To each their own. But for those of us who have found more ease through BNPL in the past or are looking to dip their toes into a more structured way of budgeting their holiday shopping, you really can't go wrong.

Ozzie Collectables currently offers a number of different Buy Now, Pay Later services available at checkout for your convenience. You can use these on the entirety of our Black Friday range. Save by shopping our already mega-discounted Black Friday category from midnight tonight, and use our code BFCM2021 at checkout for 10% off everything else site-wide.

Ready? Get collecting!

Happy Black Friday, everyone, and best of luck completing your Christmas shopping. What do you think of Buy Now, Pay Later services? Do you use any? Leave us a comment!

Yu-Gi-Oh began circa-1996 as a manga story featured in a Japanese shonen magazine about a fictional gambling game played by a boy named Yugi Mutou who awakens an alter-ego spirit within his own body after solving the ancient Millennium Puzzle. The manga was so popular that it was soon after adapted into two anime programs, first airing in October of 1998. The premise of the series centres around the fictional trading card game known as Duel Monsters, with players using cards to "duel" each other in a fictional world full of fantasy battles and monsters. Along with later releases of anime spin-offs and video games, the series spawned its own real-world trading card game based off the fictionalised one.

There's a reason it's become one of the highest-grossing media franchises ever. The game itself has a real appeal among gaming fans worldwide. Originating in Japan and now appreciated all over, it's a collectable battle card game developed by Konami. Players combine spells, traps and monsters to battle and take down their opponents. With 25.2 billion cards sold worldwide by 2011, Guinness labelled it the top-selling trading card game in history, beating out other industry giants such as Pokemon with ease. With players of all backgrounds and age groups enjoying the game since 1999, it's no wonder that there's more lore, info, and rules out there than ever, and getting started can be a tricky gig. Well, here's how you can start!

1. Do your research

That's what you're doing here, right? How to play articles can be a great starting point for figuring out where to get started, but like I said above, there's a tonne of information out there. Forum and social sites like Reddit, Facebook or Twitter are full of real players who'd be happy to offer their advice. We recommend reading the actual Yu-Gi-Oh rule book first, as well as brushing up on where your local community groups are situated to find likeminded individuals to play with. 

2. Stock up

You're gonna need some materials to get started. Most importantly, the cards! Retailers like Ozzie Collectables have specialised categories just for the latest packs and cases of these cards, as well as accessories that can help you on your gaming journey. One of the most crucial things to understand is that there is no one deck style for everyone. Have someone in your local gaming community walk you through a game or two so you can get a feel for how different decks work for you. Whilst it's not necessarily to stock up on a full-blown collection before you get started, it's useful to have at least some of the basics, as well as enough cards in your deck to play a full game, so you don't go in unprepared.

3. Watch the anime

And read the manga while you're at it! No, not the whole thing. (Well, unless you have hundreds of hours to spare and won't be needing a break for work or a social life any time soon.) But brushing up on the basic plot and lore of the game can help you establish your own playing style. Not only that, but fans of the story typically report that they find the game more enjoyable, since they've seen their favourite characters play it on the screen. Couldn't hurt to watch a few episodes, right? (Cue the binge...)

4. Find somewhere to play

Your local card or hobby shop is a great place to start. For Melbourne dwellers, especially those in the south east, you'll be pleased to discover that Ozzie Collectables is actually an official tournament store. Not only are you able to stock up on supplies and merchandise, but going this route can help you find an actual community of people willing to play. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date with all things Yu-Gi-Oh, game nights and more!

Sound like a plan? Here are some quick bonus tips before you get started!

• Yu-Gi-Oh is considered to be a quick game, especially compared to RPGs like Magic the Gathering. Be prepared to sharpen your wits and stay on your toes!
• There's a YouTube community known as Yugitube full of passionate players and enthusiasts - a great starting point for your journey.
• It's not as costly as many other similar games. If you're looking to bust your boredom but save a buck, Yu-Gi-Oh is probably the way to go.
• Don't be afraid to tell people it's your first time! Once you're ready to head to your first casual tournament, you might feel intimidated by all the other players. Just remember you're there to have fun, and there's no harm in speaking up and asking for help or advice.

Ready to play? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Fear not, reader. At one point, I was just like you. Following the success of shows like Stranger Things in 2016, the pop culture world saw a resurgence in popularity for RPGs, and perhaps none so drastically as the Dungeons & Dragons community. People knew they dug the concept, but other than the made-up version of the game utilised by the show (which takes just a few liberties to keep things plot-friendly), getting into the game itself seemed daunting.

Of course, it's not just the Netflix screen that gave your average person a starting point for RPGs. I know I'm not alone in saying that I already had somewhat of a good idea of how it worked. As the eldest child of a self-identified geek, my dad already had a few things to say about his own experience with table top gaming in his teens. Back then, you might be hard-pressed to find a supportive community of gamers who weren't also moonlighting as locker fodder for bullies. Movies will certainly have us believe that interests centring around fantasy worlds were looked down upon. Times certainly are a' changin'. Now, instead of a slightly underground, niche community of 'geek' hobbies, we're pleased to see that gaming in any form is more popular than ever, with geek subculture on the rise and popular culture more, well, popular than ever before!

This also means that there is a whole host of information available at our fingertips. Rather than having to ask a guy who knows a guy who knows another guy with a personal collection of long, dusty print books, getting started with a new hobby is as simple as a two-second Google search. 

So, without further ado, read on to discover 4 steps you can use to start your journey into the world of Dungeons & Dragons today!

1. Get Researching

You know in Buffy, how the characters always seemed to spend hours holed up in the library, pouring over ancient texts for a scrap of information on whatever monster of the week they were about to battle? This is totally nothing like that.

I know you're no stranger to search engines. There are a gazillion resources out there designed to help beginners with their D&D journey, and even more than a few apps designed to make it easier than ever. You can read up on game rules, character ideas, and even find online generators for things like stats and dice rolls. Technically, you can play an entire game without a single prop or book, and you can do it all remotely. The nightmare that was 2020 certainly reminds us that this can be a good thing.

Once you're done scouring the web for the how-to side of things, don't be a stranger to videos and podcasts. YouTube is a great starting point for informative videos that won't make you feel like you've been staring at a wall of text for approximately eternity, and podcasts are a great way to listen to your favourite influencers, comedians, and RPG gamers try their hands at their own campaigns. Some popular D&D groups right now include Critical Role and The Adventure Zone. These are especially great for beginners, as you can chuck on an episode while driving to work, cleaning the house, or falling asleep. Listening gives you entertainment while providing your mind with an opportunity to absorb how-to-play info, too. It's a win-win!

2. Stock Up

...Yeeeaaah, I know what I just said about playing remotely, but... come on. You know it'll be more fun this way!

You can find a tonne of helpful books, starter kits, miniature figures, dice sets, accessories and more on reputable sites like Ozzie Collectables. (Wink wink, nudge nudge.)

Sure, you don't need all this stuff to play, but trust me when I say you'll thank me later; when you're in the middle of battling that high-level villain and the rest of your party is down to 1HP each, you'll be glad you stocked up on all those spell guides, with a hand-painted miniature figure representing your brave fighter character standing tall (er, a few inches tall, at least) on the board in front of you.

And owning your own set of lucky dice to help you role a nat 20 every time? Priceless. 

3. Create your Character

So, who are you playing as? A human? Elf? Dwarf? And class? Bard, cleric? There are tonnes of combinations and ideas out there for your character, so get drafting! Once you're done with the basics, figure out your stats, and start envisioning your character's physical appearance. Don't forget to name them, too! 

Something I always recommend for first timers is drawing their character, too. Even if you're not the best artist, it can help to get your creative juices flowing and bring your OC to life on the page. Plus, once you're done adding all your personal touches, it'll feel that much more rewarding to take your new character on an adventure. (And give you that much more motivation to keep them alive!)

4. Get Connected

The thing about D&D is that it's not really something you can do alone. I know, I know. A game popular with nerds and introverts, and I'm telling you you've gotta go out and make friends?!

The thing is, geek subculture is more social than ever. It's a great way to connect with people who are just like you, finding your tribe without totally abandoning your comfort zone. You can get started by visiting community pages on sites such as Facebook or Instagram, or else asking around at your local universities and hobby shops for information on tournaments and club nights. Even just in Melbourne you're sure to find a plethora of groups hosting game nights and events where you can meet up and connect with other players, dungeon masters, and experts. Once you find a group of people you're comfortable with, you can even make game night a regular thing, giving you plenty of time in between to stock up on strategies!

Not super social? I get it. Another idea, if you're just getting started, is to start your own D&D group. Know a few creative friends who'd be willing to learn the basics and kill a few hours together? Try volunteering the most creative or outgoing person as your DM, or switching it up with smaller campaigns and mini-adventures until you get a feel for what your group likes best. If you're all starting out together, don't worry so much about getting it perfect - like anything, RPG gaming is a learning experience!

Bonus Step 5!

Most importantly, don't forget to have fun! I know it can seem a little cliched, but with a game as complex as Dungeons & Dragons, sometimes you really can forget that it's just that: a game. Make sure to take some time to relax and find some real enjoyment in the creative, exciting fantasy world of Dungeons and Dragons!

What did you think of our list? Have you played much D&D, or are you just starting out? Leave us a comment below!

The first - and most important - part of selling a collection is to find out how much it's worth. Ideally, you can use sites and apps like Pop Price Guide and the Funko app to catalogue your collection. This will help you to get an idea of which pieces are worth more than others, as well as providing you with a one stop list of all of your items.

The next step is finding somebody to buy your collection. You can always go down the road of online selling and BST groups, but you run the risk of a few things: being scammed, missing a good deal, or giving away your collection to someone who won't appreciate it the right way.

Luckily, there are always businesses looking to buy collections at a reasonable price, and at the moment Ozzie is one of them. They're looking for all kinds of pop culture and Pop! Vinyl collections to buy from dedicated collectors. Plus, Ozzie completely covers shipping. 

Interested? Follow this link and get in touch with Ozzie to get started in turning your hard work collecting into geeky gold.

Would you ever sell your collection? Leave us a comment!

The collectable, pop culture world is a complicated one. Companies like Funko are constantly releasing new and exclusive items, and a lot of the time, it can be hard to get them where you want them. Whether you’re shipping off a gift to a friend, getting ready to move your prized grails from one house to another, shipping out an exclusive to another country, or just looking to swap and transport collectables, you always run the risk of damaging them in transit.

There’s nothing quite worse than opening up a box only to find out that the item inside has been creased, crushed, torn or otherwise tarnished during its journey. Today we’ll be showing you the best way to pack your collectables to keep them in mint condition no matter where they’re headed!

Included below are the four steps plus some handy images to help you out, straight from the Ozzie warehouse. Take a look at how we perfectly pack our collectables!

Step 1) Pick the right box.

Sometimes preventing damage can be as simple as selecting the right box to ship your collectable item out in. This includes ensuring that your box is not too big or too small, but sized so that it fits your collectable item with not too much room on either side. If the box is too spacious, your collectable item is more likely to be knocked around during transit, and may become damaged.

For this same reason, we recommend that you find a box with the right cardboard thickness. A little extra padding goes a long way.

Step 2) Cushion the inside of your box.

This is a big one, and can mean the difference between receiving a crushed box and a mint condition item. Old newspaper, scrunched up plastic wrap, foam, and tissue paper are among some items you can use to internally cushion your box. The key is to prevent as much movement as possible and create a barrier between the walls of your box and the collectable item inside. Use these padding materials to frame your item and keep it stationary as close to the centre of the box as you can manage, as well as preventing as much damage as possible in the case of the outer box being dropped or thrown.

TIP: Go the extra mile when transporting Funko items and place them inside of a Pop! Protector case before packing. 0.5mm cases work the best, but the regular 0.35mm cases can work just as well with the right style of packing, and you can grab them starting at only $2 here.

Step 3) Seal your box.

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s one that a lot of first timers seem to forget. Investing in a proper roll of packing tape that is strong enough to seal up the corners of your box can make a world of difference. We recommend using a tape gun to line the open edges of your box, folding over the corners to ensure that your collectable is packaged away with maximum security.

Step 4) Finishing touches.

Finally, it’s time to ship out, move, or transport your collectable item. If you won’t be handling it yourself, then we recommend even going the extra mile of including some Caution or Fragile tape to let the person handling it know that there are some delicate goods inside! This can be especially important for shipping items across long distances, as your box is likely to be handled by many people. This ensures that everyone gets the memo that your item needs to be handled carefully, preventing maximum damage.

Once your box is as secure as can be and ready to go, we recommend shipping only with the trusted major postal service in your area: one that can provide you with tracking info so that you can keep a close eye on your box in transit and be notified once it has arrived safely. Most postal services will notify you if any major damage occurs to the box whilst in transit, but as an added layer of security, we recommend taking some photographic evidence of the item, including internal and external boxes, before it ships out. This way, if any damage occurs on the trip, you can find out exactly where it took place.

The best part? All of these painstakingly perfect steps are included when you shop with Ozzie. Free Pop protectors, free signature, free tracking and minty fresh collectables. Try it out and place an order!

We hope these four easy steps are able to help you out in packing, shipping, or transporting your own collectable items. Let us know in the comments if we missed a step or if you have any other tips for aspiring collectors.

Until next time, happy collecting!