Prepare for Romance at the Secret Sale

http://Prepare for Romance at the Secret Sale

It’s no secret… Valentine’s Day is on its way.  But what better way to prepare for that or for any romantic occasion than by creating a special love nook? Even better is this chance to create it at incredible sale prices!  All these items are available on a very special sale, THIS WEEKEND ONLY, through the Secret Sale, January 29th – 31st.  Your romance may last… but this sale definitely will not!

Dreamland Designs:   

  • Sweet Love Rug with Pillows  —  Materials enabled, this snuggly little rug with three stacks of pillows boasts bento animations for singles, friends, & cuddles.  Available in PG & Adult versions for just 99L at the Secret Sale.
  • Lazy Love Bean Bag — Shown on front left, such cozy seating! Includes animations for singles & couples.  Available in PG & Adult versions at the Secret Sale price of just 50L.
  • Romantic Lovers Tray — Front & center, this tray of goodies is perfect for Valentine’s or any romantic occasion. The bottle gives a glass of champagne on touch. Copy/mod. Secret Sale price of just 50L.

Tylar’s Treasures:   

  • Smitten Fireplace – I am smitten with this fireplace! It’s not too simple; it’s not too ornate.  The roaring fireplace clicks on/off; includes optional props via menu (the two candelabra & the picture frame, ready for you to add your own photo just by drag & drop).  And would you believe the whole thing is only a land impact of 5 (2 for the fireplace + 3 for the props)!?! And would you believe a Secret Sale price of just 50L?
  • Smitten Photo Ladder – Shown on the far right, this ladder is a fantastic way to add even more of a totally personal touch to your decor with a column of 4 frames for showcasing your own photos.  Includes a 4 color texture change menu for the bows.  Also at the Secret Sale price of 50L.

En Garde!

http://En Garde!

It’s rare that someone asks, but I notice the looks when I stroll into a strange sim.  As a child of what was at the time a somewhat shocking union between elf and fae, you’d think I’d be used to the subtlety of raised eyebrows and the directness of outright stares.  But in these more modern days, it’s my warrior attire and attitude that seems to draw the more immediate reaction.  It’s sad that even today most people seem to prefer their fantasy folk in either dreamy silks that show a lot of skin or more formal medieval wear that covers it all up (both of which I love to wear on the right occasions)…  warrior garb is still cause for those ongoing second looks.  Sometimes I can even hear the unspoken thoughts about whether I’m just dressing the part or if I have the skill to wield my weapons with expertise.  And believe me, I understand those doubts. Even today, it isn’t easy for a female to become a warrior.  And growing up as an outsider, not really belonging to any one clan, I was included in the basic training given to all so that I could help defend when necessary.  But true warrior training was denied me, so it was something I had to develop the hard way (not that there IS an easy way!), watching, teaching myself, training independently for hours and hours, learning from anyone willing to teach me, whether it be as a lesson to warn me off or to truly help me hone my skills.  So yes, I understand those looks, but mixed in with the hostility and the indifference I am also beginning to note some looks of admiration when a practiced eye notes the ease with which I both carry and wield my weapons, how they are truly extensions of my body.  So as I continue to hone my skills, I’m also learning to hold my head up just a little bit higher, to meet those doubting eyes with confidence and ease, ready to defend.  En garde!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Clary.  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, the Clary basic outfit (tunic, leggings, leather corset, shoulder “armor”) comes in 6 individual colors; both the matching Clary boots & the matching armbands are each available in your choice of black or brown.  A matching black choker completes the Clary look! Originally developed for last month’s We Love Role Play, this fabulous outfit is now at the mainstore!  Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Glam Affair – Snow Skin
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes, Pack 2
  • Hair:  monso – Jinx
  • Horns:  Rainbow Sundae – Aylin Horns
  • Makeup:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX; Rubedo – Ava EvoX
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Wings:  FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Pose:  Repose – Pack F Blade
  • Location:  Elvion

Beauty is Truth (Ode on a Grecian Urn)

http://Beauty is Truth (Ode on a Grecian Urn)

It’s kind of funny, kind of sad, but the thing I struggle with most in blogging is coming up with a title for the pix.  There are times I really understand why some bloggers just choose to call all their pix “Look XYZ”; personally, I don’t want to take that much of a short cut, but wow, there are times my mind just goes on and on in a stutter, and others — like this one — where it gets stuck on something that may not even make sense but I’m just helpless to move on without losing a great deal of time.  And with more minor surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning, that is just something I can’t afford to do.  So I apologize if this one is a bit of a stretch… I mean, there’s not an urn in sight, but I feel that it’s just out of range, and the sense of a Greek goddess just remains strong with me (I thought about punning something about Green Goddess Dressing, but even I couldn’t go there lol).  So we’ll just stay with Keats; a bit heavy perhaps for a Monday morning, but that is where I’ve been stuck, so that is where I will stay.  Happy shopping!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams – Tanya Gown in Cats Eye.   More sophisticated glamour from what I consider to be one of the best gown designers on the grid! To me, this gown evokes a Grecian goddess, with the one shoulder artfully pleated on the diagonal across the chest in a lighter tone, then draping off in the back to the ground with a simply gorgeous blend of additional tones.  There’s also an optional extra floaty train, if desired (not used in this shot). Elegance, sophistication, simplicity… to me it adds up to classic beauty.  Available in 13 colors or as a fatpack.  Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I & Maitreya, Tanya is  EXCLUSIVELY at the January Swank Event, Jan 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Evolve
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup:  Cazimi – Dusk EvoX Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Reign Crown Jewels Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  Stunner Originals – Bento Nails Mesh Ballerina Long
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Bianca
  • Location:  Poison Rouge

ODE ON A GRECIAN URN by John Keats

Thou still unravish’d bride of quietness,
       Thou foster-child of silence and slow time,
Sylvan historian, who canst thus express
       A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme:
What leaf-fring’d legend haunts about thy shape
       Of deities or mortals, or of both,
               In Tempe or the dales of Arcady?
       What men or gods are these? What maidens loth?
What mad pursuit? What struggle to escape?
               What pipes and timbrels? What wild ecstasy?
Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard
       Are sweeter; therefore, ye soft pipes, play on;
Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear’d,
       Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone:
Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave
       Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;
               Bold Lover, never, never canst thou kiss,
Though winning near the goal yet, do not grieve;
       She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,
               For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair!
Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed
         Your leaves, nor ever bid the Spring adieu;
And, happy melodist, unwearied,
         For ever piping songs for ever new;
More happy love! more happy, happy love!
         For ever warm and still to be enjoy’d,
                For ever panting, and for ever young;
All breathing human passion far above,
         That leaves a heart high-sorrowful and cloy’d,
                A burning forehead, and a parching tongue.
Who are these coming to the sacrifice?
         To what green altar, O mysterious priest,
Lead’st thou that heifer lowing at the skies,
         And all her silken flanks with garlands drest?
What little town by river or sea shore,
         Or mountain-built with peaceful citadel,
                Is emptied of this folk, this pious morn?
And, little town, thy streets for evermore
         Will silent be; and not a soul to tell
                Why thou art desolate, can e’er return.
O Attic shape! Fair attitude! with brede
         Of marble men and maidens overwrought,
With forest branches and the trodden weed;
         Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought
As doth eternity: Cold Pastoral!
         When old age shall this generation waste,
                Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe
Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say’st,
         “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all
                Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.”

Winter Stress

http://Winter Stress

It’s a long hard winter out there.  Obviously, not so bad where I live in central Florida.  Yes, it’s cold for here (frost warnings!!!) but certainly not anywhere like it is in oh so many other places.  But the overall climate — and I don’t just mean weather! — is just so exhausting.  All the COVID, all the recurring minor shortages (of all things right now, cat litter!!! Unlike here in SL, my real life cats absolutely must have cat litter!!!), just all the stress on top of all the weather… well, I think many of us are dreaming of a break, a vacation.  I know that I was, and I even had an exceptional one on the books for April, painstakingly selected, everything booked, everything paid for (a fabulous cruise along the Mediterranean coast from Lisbon to Barcelona, with stays on both ends since I’ve never been to those countries at all), constantly questioning if we should go or not, but desperately wanting and needing to just go.  And then the cruise line writes that they are “pleased to announce” they are repositioning the ship from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, cancelling my reservation, and I’m just sitting here watching my vacation sail off into the sunset.  Now, what to do? When we booked months ago, it was so much easier to feel good about the state of COVID because it seemed so far away that everything would be fine. But now? Much more worrisome, much harder to stay positive.  And yet, I DESPERATELY need that vacation.  With all the medical stuff that’s been happening to both me and my husband, an escape is definitely called for.  So many ideas are being tossed around now… driving to nearby cities for a week; a spa vacation in the mountains; a week on a beach… but none can hold a candle to the big let’s-go-for-it vacation we were finally, FINALLY, going to get to do.  Sighs… though I will admit that relaxing in a spa looking out at the snow on the mountains has its appeal!  At least in SL, I’m ready for it!!! Happy Shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  [If Design] – Wanda.  If you want to knock them out in the boudoir, or by a pool, or at a beach party, I don’t think you can do better than this drop-dead stunner.  If you’re more daring than me (it is rather transparent), it can take you so many other places as well, especially with the optional glitter layer. Choose from 11 different colors in the HUD for the upper, the lower, & the glitter (if used), or use the included tinter to modify these shades to your own customized color. Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra, Maitreya & Petite, this amazing look is EXCLUSIVELY at the January Swank Event, open Jan 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Leg Jewel:  [If Design] – Leg Jewel.  Fitted mesh flowers for your leg, in 24 colors + tinter. Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Belleza F/I, eBody, Kupra, ebody Curvy, perky, reborn, & Maitreya, this jewel is the perfect accompaniment to Wanda & so much more! EXCLUSIVELY at the January Swank Event, open Jan 7th – 31st.  
  • ead:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Bellami
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Makeup: Goreglam – Planetarium Lip Gloss
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Pinwheel Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  Gorgeous Dolls – Girl Hallowaii
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Sailor
  • Backdrop:  Milk Motion – Mountain Hotel Spa

After the Clubbing…

http://After the Clubbing...

This is a rough month.  Two weeks ago, my RL husband had a full hip replacement. Two days ago, I had to have a tooth extracted (never fun); next week, I’m having a surgical “procedure” that’s not serious, but again, not a fun thing.  And on and on it goes.  So being housebound and temporarily unable to participate in almost any kind of social activity, I do what anyone with a second life would do… I make up for some of it inworld.  Although I wouldn’t say that I went out clubbing per se (which to me means going from venue to venue, partying along the way), I definitely dressed for it and then did go out dancing to a live performer.  But sometimes the best part of going out is coming back home, if you get my drift… Happy shopping!!!

  • Outfit:  AvaGirl – Octavia.  A single-sleeved “half jacket”, artfully tied under the breast line over a black velvet tube top with a ruffle, over skintight BOM skinny black leather leggings… wow, that’s quite the look when you want to stand out.  Includes a HUD with 8 deep rich color options for the jacket.  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Belleza F/I, eBody, Kupra, & Maitreya, this amazing look is EXCLUSIVELY at the January Swank Event, open Jan 7th – 31st.  Demo of the jacket/top available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Exile – Jasmine
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Ruth
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Boots:  KC Couture – Scarlett
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Aurora Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Just A Little Snow Shower

http://Just a little Snow Shower

I know that when so many people are dealing with severe arctic chill, I really have no right to whine about the cold snap here in central Florida, but when I moved out of the northeast for warmth I just didn’t expect to be bundling up with a warm coat, several layers, and gloves in order to walk the dog after dark.  No, it’s not bone chilling and skin numbing, but yes, my arthritis screams and my whole body tightens up.  Last year when it kept getting down into the 30s and 40s, everyone kept saying how unusual it was, but here we are again, expecting frost.  The kicker for me is that I gave away most of my cold weather clothing (including outerwear) when we moved.  Here I thought I’d been so smart since we have such limited closet and storage space in our severely downsized home, and now I find myself having to buy new things just to survive a winter in central Florida.  Not that shopping is such a terrible thing… I do love to shop as much IRL as I do on the grid, the difference is that I just don’t wear it half as well as my alter-ego here.  And let’s face it… she doesn’t actually FEEL the cold, she just puts on the right clothes to fit the weather scene and to look good lol!  It’s the weekend… happy shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  GuGuVaGa Fashion  (GGVG) – Rain Coat & Dress.  Sophisticated, classy, edgy, this look is so stylish it can’t be summed up easily!  A mid-length modified trench coat (it looks like leather, but then it wouldn’t be good in the rain or snow, now would it?) hanging open over a sensational little tube dress.  Comes in 7 different color packs, each with a single color raincoat (black, blue, lilac, orange, yellow, red, or pink) plus 5 colors of the tube dress.  I just love the drama of bright red paired with black, especially with a bright red for my hair, but wow, was it a tough choice!  Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya, this amazing look is EXCLUSIVELY at the January Swank Event, open Jan 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Tram – F728
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Boots:  KC Couture – Heda
  • Jewelry:  WILD Fashion – Amore Mio Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Antonia

When You’re Gone

http://When You're Gone

The chair is empty, your glass awaits your return, and you are MIA as I await word of your return… The pain of not knowing where you are, or what you’re doing, and why you’re not here with me…  these seem to be the constants of relationships in Second Life.  I hear it all the time; I occasionally still experience it myself although thankfully not as much or as often as when my relationship was newer.  But to me, that’s what this picture evokes… that feeling of confusion, of being caught midstream between inaction and tp’ing somewhere just to take up the time, just waiting waiting waiting for a word, a sign, anything of what to do.  In days gone by, my solution in this situation was to go to a live music venue, to listen to the music and watch the crowd; more recently, my typical reaction is to shop (perhaps that’s why I became a blogger???).  Bottom line though, I’m looking awesome and awesomely comfortable in a subtly sexy way in this comfy casual outfit from my favorite designer.  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Nancy Cardigan Outfit.  Print leggings, a soft button down knit top softly falling off one shoulder sporting pockets that match the print on the pants, & matching heels… if I saw this in a store IRL I’d be grabbing it!  Love everything about this, including the colors (she’s available in 5 individual colors, in a 5-texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 10, all with 100% Original Textures).  Sized for Legacy,  Hourglass, Freya, Altamura, & Maitreya.  Coordinated men’s outfit sold separately, both EXCLUSIVELY at the January Jail Event, open January 10th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  bonbon – Nori
  • Makeup:  Synergy – HD Eyeshadow Lagos; Warpaint – Polaris Eyeshadow; Goreglam – Planetarium Lip Gloss
  • Nails:  Livia – Mix It Pro Nails
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Inlaid Harmony Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Mimmo

Chic Farmhouse Style

http://Chic Farmhouse Style

I’m one of those people who’s always rearranging the furniture, sometimes to accommodate one large thing (like the Christmas tree!), sometimes because I need to reclaim a few prims, and other times because I see something that I just think will give me that perfect look.  This time was a combination of all three!!!  I had cleared out a large portion of my front room for the Christmas tree and all its presents; upon taking the tree down, I faced a semi-open room and therefore seized the opportunity to move things around.  That somewhat awkward short wall in the front was always a bit of an issue for me, and although I had something there, in my head it was just a placeholder.  When I spotted these sets from my favorite home decor designer (and a sponsor!!!), I just knew they were the perfect solution to “make” that wall.  And I was right!!!  I just love it when my mental images match up to reality, don’t you?  May your shopping be as successful as mine!!!

Dreamland Designs:  Available at the main store.  

  • Aliz Peacock Chair Set  —  Set of two chairs with pillows on a beautiful fringed rug.  The chairs include bento animations (singles, couples, FF/MM) in both PG & Adult versions.  Note that the set walks the line between green & blueish tones (the chairs are more in the seafoam green, the pillows a bit more bluish); I found it blends perfectly with just about any colors!!!
  • Aliz Shabby Console Table Set — Farmhouse style console table with planter, matching mirror with plaid wreath (can be taken off if desired), & matching wall sconces with candles that touch on/off.

Fae at Sunset

http://Fae at Sunset

It’s a new year, and as always, that brings reflection, and reflection brings change.  I’ve decided to expand upon those changes I’ve made in the past year, taking on more of the blogging life (I do love it so!) and releasing my human counterpart from some of her obligations.  Our sponsor lineup has therefore undergone some exciting shifts, with hopefully even more to come as new opportunities arise in the fantasy arena.  It’s just so much fun, and I simply adore that being a fantasy blogger lets me experiment not just with looks but with persona and character.  It’s like being inside a fairytale or an epic fantasy novel which makes me just beat my wings with joy!!!!  But a blogging fae is a busy fae, so I must spread what fairy dust and blessings I can, and fly off for my next adventure… Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Petrichor – Veridia.  Created in combination with ERSCH, Veridia is perfect for anyone who roleplays as forest elf, dryad, & so much more! To me, she totally captures the essence of being fae — soft, flowy, attuned to nature.  Not only can you choose to use or leave off any piece, but in addition to having a wide range of colors for every element, you also have the option to hide/show built-in pieces, like the leaves or the collar or the belt or the long skirt (opting for a short skirt instead).  Me, I love it all, & didn’t want to hide a thing! Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra, Lara, & Reborn.  Buy individual items or as an individual body fatpack.  Matching headdress, jewelry, staff, & arrows also available, EXCLUSIVELY at The Epiphany, open Dec 15th – Jan 12th.  Demo available.
  • Skin & Head Shape:  Loa – Clara.  BOM Skin for Lelutka EVO X heads. 4 versions of the skin including browless & freckled option, HD ear texture, 3 blushes, shape + browfixer for Gaia (both of which I’m wearing).  Available in 11 tones — I’m wearing Opal, together with the matching body skin which comes with 4 “textures” (shine, soft, matte, flat chest) plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons.  Demos available.  See the closeup below!
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows, includes 5 colors plus eyeliner only; Blush for Cheeks (included with Clara skin); lipstick included in Lelutka EvoX HUD
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  Samia – LEA
  • Hair:  Doe – Miria (includes optional horns)
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX
  • Pose:  West End – Hartje
  • Location:  Elvion

Frozen

http://Frozen

I do love the beauty and wonder of a wintry landscape!  The world just takes on a sparkly, glittery quality, the epitome of a winter wonderland.  One of the things that’s so much fun being a fantasy blogger is that I not only get to dress the part, I get to BE part of the story, to become someone or something that just belongs.   Having just spent some time IRL with a little girl who absolutely adores the movie FROZEN, I have that vision in my head, so it was great fun to step into a similar role.  (However, I have NOT been so happy experiencing being FROZEN trying to upload to FlickR!!!!)  But although I may look as cold as ice, with my warm fae blood, I never feel the chill!  Sending a few fairy blessings your way to launch the New Year off to a fabulous start… happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Poet’s Heart – Mysteria.   A perfect fantasy gown when a medieval gal finds herself in a wintry setting.  This beautifully classic sleeveless gown is transformed into something unique with optional semi-transparent sleeves edged in satin, a flowy semi-sheer cape, & a snowflake overlay skirt in either light (worn) or dark (the bodice & sleeves have a much subtler snowflake pattern as well).  Mysteria comes in four color packs or a fatpack of all 20 colors.  Each color pack has a HUD to customize the skirt, top, sleeves, sleeve top, & cape so you can change up the look as much as you’d like.  She is sized only for Maitreya (though she fits Legacy perfectly on me, with no deformers), was originally created for the  We Love Roleplay (being away made me late!!!), but is now available at the main store. Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  ND/MD – ICE Bom
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Artemis Collection
  • Hair:  RunAway Hair – Andrea
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Crystal Satyr Horns
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows
  • Beauty Mark:  Unholy – Beauty Mark BOM for EvoX
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Frost Wings
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; FaiRodis – Frozen Crystlas Necklace; Zibska – Everly Tiara (Gift)
  • Pose:  Black Tulip Poses – The Ice Queen
  • Props:  Zyn – Staff of the Winter Wizard; Jinx – Ickle Reindeer Animesh Companion
  • Location:  Frogmore