Month: March 2018

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For the first time since I started this blog, a post was published, deployed, and poof, it just disappeared into the ether.  Since I write and edit as I type, it’s a lot of work gone, and no, I don’t remember what I said, but it was absolutely the best post you’ve ever not seen!

At least the look was saved, because (finally!) I have tweaked, modified, and retweaked my new mesh head until not only does nothing bother me, I’m actually really REALLY happy with the result. If you read this blog regularly, then you know I’ve talked before about “being ready for prime time” and all that, but honestly, I was still not 100% there.  Then several things changed: first, I got my new Laine head shape exactly where I want her (which is surprisingly close to how Shae created her); second, the head itself was updated (yes, already), which fixed some brow/eye issues that had prevented me from getting my 1st choice skin; third, I finally found the basic Omega eyes to allow me to use appliers so I can change my green eyes from light to dark to whatever without having to reposition new mesh eyes to fit (one of my pet peeves, probably because I’m just not good at it). Add a flowy but simple outfit together with a stand-out tattoo, and my Tonic curves plus my Tonic head create a look that I can totally live in. (Which isn’t to say that I won’t still do the occasional tweak or wear my other mesh head for a different look!)

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head: Tonic – Elaine Bento Mesh Head
• Shape:  pre-release of Laine Sinful Curves (modified), from Bentoutta Shape
• Skin:  7 Deadly S[k]ins – Perla
• Freckles:  Izzie’s – Beauty Mole and Cheek Freckles
• Eyes: [alia] – Omega Mesh Eye appliers in Green; appears to be same store as Slightly Skewed, Marketplace Only
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Hair: Magika – Love Song
• Makeup: DS’Elles – Eyeshadow Series 6 for Omega; LIVIA – Bianca Lipstick
• Tattoo: SHANA (Marketplace Only) –Sofi Black
• Outfit: Seven – Aysha (comes with both black and white tops)
• Shoes: KC Couture – Laura Heels (with multi HUD)
• Nails: LIVIA – Deep Gel Nails
• Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Cabo San Lucas Leather & Shell Necklace & Earrings ; Earthstones – Bangle Set Obsidian/Red Jasper; RealEvil Industries – Luxy Rings (HUD); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
• Pose: BellePoses – Paula 7, from the Dollhouse Event (Events and Marketplace Only)
• Scene: My bedroom at home in Willowdale; props shown: Follow Us – Glam Mirror (includes shoeboxes); Reign – Reign Love Shoe Rack (gift); +Half-Deer+ – Lingerie Clutter; Dirty Princess – She Is Such A Poser! Handbag Pose-stand;  Cube Republic – Spider Plant Stand & Pups

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As much as I look forward to the MadPea Easter Egg Hunt, it does get to be too much at times. When that happens, I just go home, listen to my own music, and take a much needed break! Eggshausting!

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head and Eyes: Tonic – Elaine Bento Mesh Head, Skin Fair exclusive with a 50% discount through March 26th; then at the mainstore
• Shape:  pre-release of Laine Sinful Curves (modified), from Bentoutta Shape 
• Skin: Pink Fuel – Morgana
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Hair: Magika – Shine
• Outfit: S&B Fashion – Casual Happy Easter Outfit; includes top, capris, boots & bunny visor
• Nails: Estatic – Easter Nails (Omega), appears to be Marketplace Only
• Tattoo: Pin Up – Arabesque (Omega)
• Jewelry: Indulge Temptation (IT!) – Farah Bracelet; Earthstones – Sentiment Necklace, Loved; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
• Pose: EXPOSURE – RoadWarrior 5, Marketplace Only
• Scene: My backyard at Willowdale

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I love grid-wide hunts for all sorts of reasons, but by far the biggest one is exposure to sims I might never otherwise see. I was only on my 5th sim in the MadPea Easter Egg Hunt when I stumbled upon this awesome scene in the underground. How could I not drop my basket and take the opportunity to sing in the subway, especially in this great little outfit of new releases? One note… for me this skirt desperately called out for panties, yet it was challenging to find a pair that didn’t show in the open zipper area (challenging, but not impossible!)…

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head: LAQ – Neve (Bento)
• Skin: WoW Skins – Mandy
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Eyes: IKON – Hope Eyes in Emerald
• Hair: Magika – Excuse Me
• Top: MOZ Designs – Amy Crop Top, NEW Release; comes in 13 individual colors/prints/materials (including satin) plus 5 different fatpacks
• Skirt: Egoxentrikax – Samy Skirt (10 texture HUD)
• Lingerie: Lumae – Lacy Days MultiApplier HUD, black
• Shoes: Reign – Spring Tassel Wedges
• Tattoo: Juna – Moho Woman (Omega)
• Nails: ZOZ – Bold Soft Polish
• Jewelry: Sn@tch – Infinity Chain Choker, Designer Circle Anniversary Gift (in gold, rose gold, & silver); RealEvil Industries –Aqvila Bracelet; No Match – No_Diamond loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
• Location: The Divide

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One of the things I hate about Second Life are how often things just don’t work the way they should. But one of the many things I LOVE about Second Life are imaginative poses and animations. I still jump on every pose ball I see, and am always checking out all the furniture to see what goodies are hidden. Sometimes you strike real gold, which can completely set the scene for an only-at-home little outfit like this gem from Grafittiwear…

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head and Eyes: Tonic – Elaine Bento Mesh Head, Skin Fair exclusive with a 50% discount through March 26th; demo at the mainstore
• Shape:  pre-release of Trelaine (modified), from Bentoutta Shape 
• Skin: Pink Fuel – Morgana
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Hair: Tukinowaguma – Necke
• Outfit:  Grafittiwear – Hush Tank & Panties; comes in 3 separate color palettes with HUD (Floral, Retro or Solids)
• Tattoo: Juna – Moho Woman (Omega)
• Jewelry: Earthstones – Sentiment Necklace, Loved; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
• Scene: One of the kitchens available through the scenery/decor hud for skyboxes at Active Urban Rentals

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So I’ll admit it… I was unsure how my new Elaine head would “dress up” since for me, dressing formal is not just putting on a beautiful gown like this chocolate confection, another stunner from Allure. It’s also wearing the right hair and much more makeup on both eyes, lips and cheeks. I’m thrilled to say that Elaine definitely knows how to doll up and look elegant, though I’ll admit that finding lipstick that fit the mouth perfectly was a bit of a challenge. Then again, I’ve found that statement can be made of ALL mesh heads, but it’s something that new mesh head wearers should be aware of so that they’re not at a loss. After all, that’s what demos are made for!

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head and Eyes: Tonic – Elaine Bento Mesh Head, Skin Fair exclusive at a special 50% off price through March 26th; demo also available at the mainstore
• Shape: Bentoutta Shape – K’Elainei (modified); featured at the Hashtag Summer 2018 Event
• Skin: Pink Fuel – Morgana
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Hair: EMO-tions – Petra
• Makeup: DS’Elles – Eyeshadow Series 10; LIVIA – Taryn Lipstick
• Tattoo: SHANA (Marketplace Only) – Diamonds Black (Omega)
• Nails: LIVIA – Metallic Shine Nails
• Gown with Shoes: Allure Couture – Grace Strapless Gown in Chocolate (includes Tonic sizes) with optional Flexi Skirts; includes Black Glitter Slink Heels
• Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Maharani Necklace, Earrings & Tikka (w/ color change); Yummy – Sweetheart Rings (full hide/show HUD with metals/gem change); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
• Pose:  Crystal Poses – Lisa Pose 2
• Location: Ballroom Expression

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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’m so tired of winter, especially lately when it’s not only causing me issues in RL, but has actually impacted my Second Life as well. But the sun is beginning to warm things up, just like this little dress did for me last night. For some reason, I thought it was on the conservative side (SL fashions can really warp your perspective it seems!), but when my partner saw me in it, he judged it to be incredibly sexy and hot because of how it clings to my curves in all the right ways. I think I’ll go with his judgement!

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head: LAQ – Neve (Bento)
• Skin: LAQ – Valentine Skin Applier
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Eyes: Avi-Glam – Ardor Eyes in Ivy
• Hair: eXxEsS – Avila
• Dress: MOZ Designs – Keira Dress (available in 9 individual colors including this Black Floral Ribbed Cashmere and four fat pack options)
• Shoes: KC Couture – Talea Heels
• Tattoo:  Juna – Lule V2
• Jewelry: Jewellery by Cailyn – Safari Noir (Cow) Earrings & Bracelet; Lucas Lameth Boutique – bmc! Moo Bangle; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
• Pose: ProPose – Bright 9, at the Swank Event
• Scene:  Serendipity Designs – Bonaventure Chair, NEW EXCLUSIVE at the Swank Event for 25% off (moves to the store at the end of the month)

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It’s taken a ton of tweaking (my inventory is loaded with new new new new shapes that need to be deleted), but Elaine is definitely ready for prime time. She’s looking great, but with a very individual look, which is a quality I value highly. She seemed to get quite a bit of attention too lol, which is why this look rated a 2nd blog… 😉

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head and Eyes: Tonic – Elaine Bento Mesh Head, Skin Fair exclusive, March 9th – 26th; demo also available at the mainstore
• Shape: Bentoutta Shape – pre-release of K’Elainei (modified); will be featured at the Hashtag Summer 2018 Event starting March 15th
• Skin: Pink Fuel – Morgana
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Hair: TRUTH – Farryn
• Makeup: B(u)Y Me – Liner Set Elaine 1 (Marketplace Only)
• Tattoo: Pin Up – Luz del Fuego (Omega)
• Nails: LIVIA – Calla Nails
• Outfit:  Graffitiwear – Amira Silks (HUD)
• Lingerie: Tonic – Corazon Bra (HUD)
• Jewelry: Indulge Temptation (IT!) – Femkant Bracelet; Earthstones – Sentiment Necklace, Loved; Shiny Things (extinct) – Glass Squares earrings
• Location: Fogbound Blues

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Now that Elaine is fully morphed into Ceja, I’m back out exploring the grid and wishing for a bright future with the beauty of Chinese lanterns. And what better for wishing on lights than these NEW airy silks from Graffitiwear? Choose from two color sets, each offering 6 mix-n-match colors in the HUD.  There are two versions to the pants included, solid and sheer (I’m wearing the solid); the top is sheer only.  Since I generally prefer to keep my bits covered, I wore my Corazon strapless bra underneath… looks perfect!

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head and Eyes: Tonic – Elaine Bento Mesh Head, Skin Fair exclusive, March 9th – 26th; demo also available at the mainstore
• Shape: Bentoutta Shape – pre-release of K’Elainei (modified); will be featured at the Hashtag Summer 2018 Event starting March 15th
• Skin: Pink Fuel – Morgana
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Hair: TRUTH – Farryn
• Makeup: B(u)Y Me – Liner Set Elaine 1 (Marketplace Only)
• Tattoo: Pin Up – Luz del Fuego (Omega)
• Nails: LIVIA – Calla Nails
• Outfit:  Graffitiwear – Amira Silks (HUD)
• Lingerie: Tonic – Corazon Bra (HUD)
• Shoes: KC Couture – STEFY Wedges
• Jewelry: Indulge Temptation (IT!) – Femkant Bracelet; Earthstones – Sentiment Necklace, Loved; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band; Shiny Things (extinct) – Glass Squares earrings & bracelet
• Pose: Fashiowl –Flying Lanterns (Bento), Pose 3
• Location: Les Reves Perdus

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Whenever you do a major update to yourself — be it a new head or a new body — it generally takes some time to personalize the new look into YOU. Granted, I’m a bit more obsessive than most, but I’m thrilled to say that Elaine — my new bento mesh head from Tonic — is definitely on her way to being ME. I thought I was almost there before, but my first personalized effort looked great, but felt too young for how I like to be. I’m happy to say that my friend Shae at BentouttaShape came to the rescue with another fully modifiable starter shape for Elaine, and it made all the difference in the world. Add a beautiful new freckled skin (only tried on approximately 50 skins to find it lol), and voila, Elaine morphs into Ceja. And on another note, I’m happy to have found that on a recent visit to Sn@tch, ALL of the new items were available in Tonic sizes. I resisted and only bought two things, though both have so many options in their huds, it’s way more than just two outfits (not even counting their use as separates)! Great shopping week lol!

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head and Eyes: Tonic – Elaine Bento Mesh Head, Skin Fair exclusive, March 9th – 26th; demo also available at the mainstore
• Shape: Bentoutta Shape – pre-release of K’Elainei (modified); will be featured at the Hashtag Summer 2018 Event starting March 15th
• Skin: Pink Fuel – Morgana
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Hair: TRUTH – Apple
• Top:  Sn@tch – Halsey Sweater (HUD with 28 different textures/sayings)
• Jeans:  Sn@tch – Millie Denim Leggings (HUD with 20 textures)
• Jewelry: Indulge Temptation (IT!) – Crescent Moon Earrings
• Tattoo: CyberStar BodyArt – Starswirl
• Pose: FoxCity – Selfie V2-1
• Jewelry: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

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Tweaking a new head and shape to create the personalized look that is “you” can be a long, frustrating process. I was talking to a friend last night who never once tweaked her body shape, just loved it right out of the box. I wish I was like that, but instead I’m always obsessively striving to recreate my memory of my standard avatar’s look but with the more finished details of mesh.  My Tonic Curvy body is exactly how I want her to be; and thankfully, there are people like my friend Shae from Bentoutta Shape who are experts in modifying head shapes to give incompetents like me a head start (no pun intended!) in achieving the look I want for Elaine, my new Tonic bento head. I’ve taken one of her early efforts with Elaine, added a freckled skin (yay! my freckles are back!), my favorite eyebrows, and then just tweaked a little here and there to achieve a look that is closer to where I want to be. Just baby steps so far (hence the baby doll outfit lol)… more to come!

• Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty
• Head and Eyes: Tonic – Elaine Bento Mesh Head, Skin Fair exclusive, starts March 9th; demo at the mainstore NOW
• Shape: pre-release from Bentoutta Shape (fully modifiable shapes to be available after Skin Fair opens)
• Skin: Lumae – Eirtae T6 Tawny Bare/Freckles
• Eyebrows: DS’Elles – Eyebrow Series 8 for Omega
• Hair: DeLa – Hannah
• Outfit: MOZ Designs – Tara Baby Doll, exclusively available at the Fitmesh Designer Expose through March 21st
• Tattoo: CyberStar BodyArt – Starswirl
• Pose: Reve Obscura – Shutterbug Bento Pose with Mesh Camera (included)
• Peacock: Tomato Park