The Tropical Bedroom

http://The Tropical Bedroom

All bloggers are shoppers, and nothing gets a shopper’s blood going like truly fabulous pieces on a fantastic sale.  I JUST moved my tropical mainland home in SL, which was supposed to be “no big deal” but  is of course necessitating a total redesign of almost everything (even what I want to keep is hard to find in inventory).  I was so thrilled to spot this set in the ad for this weekend’s Slept On Sales that my blood was REALLY going (in a good way!), and when I saw it was from Dreamland Designs, which ALWAYS means top quality and is a sponsor of mine to boot, well ballistic might describe it lol!  One thing I’ll say… as good as it looks in the pictures it looks even BETTER in person!  It’s truly an amazing deal!  This weekend’s Slept On Sales  runs from August 24th – 27th.

Dreamland Designs – 

  • Louise Peacock Bedroom Set.   Beautiful rattan styling boasting beautiful colors, perfect for any country retreat or lakeside/oceanside/tropical home.  Set includes the nightstands & matching lamps (on/off touch).  The bed is loaded (& I do mean LOADED) with animations, for singles, cuddles, & adult.  It all ads up to relaxation, in every way! See the ad below for details.
  • Louise Little Seat.  Matching loveseat with a casually strewn throw that invites you to sit & enjoy more phenomenal animations (single, couple, & adult)!  Also includes the wall painting above the couch.  See the ad below for details.
  • Caily Fringed Rug Set.  Set of 3 coordinated rugs to help finish the scene.  Material enabled, each rug is copy/mod & can be moved/sized/etc. individually.  See the ad below.

Daydreaming

http://Daydreaming

If you’re familiar with my work, then you know I often have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in my hand, but rarely do I have a bottle of beer.  The reason is simple, I don’t like beer.  Occasionally, especially when it’s very very hot (like it is now) and I’m at an outdoor get-together of some kind, yes, it might be the best choice, but ever since a college party where a keg exploded or something (the memory is distinctly hazy for obvious reasons) and the smell got all over me, I just don’t enjoy it.  There is one huge HOWEVER, though… I love some European beer.  Imagine my shock when my husband ordered a flight of local beer in Belgium, and I loved, LOVED, two of the four beers.  So now this pic makes much more sense to me, because in my mind, SL beer takes just like Belgian beer lol!  Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – NEW!  Nadia.  I just love denim BUT it simply must have style (I’m obviously talking “not jeans”). Strapless & sleeveless, with a modified sweetheart neckline, a center seam, fabulous edging, & a built-in waist belt with a big buckle, Nadia is DEFINITELY stylish! Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack with a HUD for all colors.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Nadia is sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, Love Momma, & Belleza GenX (Classic & Curvy).  She is EXCLUSIVELY available at the current Dubai Event, open July 20th – Aug 15th.  See the ad below; demo available.
  • Table & Stools:  CJ Creations – Essella Bistro Set.  This lovely little bistro set includes a table with “self-generating” props through a touch menu, stools filled with single & couple animations (I’m using one!), a table umbrella (not used for this shot), a round rug, & a philodendron (also not used).  See the ad below for additional details.
  • Pergola:  CJ Creations – Naxos Wisteria Garden Pergola.  Slatted pergola with beautiful hanging wisteria & ivy, perfect for providing some much needed shade in the summer heat.  Includes a touch menu to choose any of 3 woods.  See the ad below for details.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocca
  • Hair:  S-Club – Sara
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Hype – “Something” Eyeshadow; Chinoca Store – Raven Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Tarentella Gypsy Dancer Necklace, Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Lapointe & Bastchild – Swear Naomi Sandals

A Gothic Tale

http://A Gothic Tale

I always find Gothic tales to be a bit unsettling, even the romances, everything is just so dark and forbidding.  What I also find unsettling is when EVERYTHING seems to be going just wrong enough to totally stress me out.  And yes I rarely vent RL angst in my fantasy posts, but I find that I really need to!  It’s all little stuff, but you know what they say about straws!  First, I shifted wireless carriers and bought new phones for the family, two of which needed to be shipped.  One involved tricky timing, but I was guaranteed (GUARANTEED!) that there was more than enough time.  Needless to say, that phone was delayed, information was not forthcoming, and my stress level was skyrocketing.  As soon as that seemed to be resolved after a full 24 hours of personal insanity, and I was able to concentrate on my photo shoot, I was unable to log into SL.  Then when I finally logged in, I had no body, things wouldn’t rez.  Hard to do a photo shoot.  That took several hours to full resolve.  When my photoshoot was complete, I went to start writing this post, and discovered that my website was down… very very frustrating and actually a bit terrifying since my web skills are extremely weak, leaving me with no alternatives other than a straight Flickr upload with a bit of copy (and yes, plenty of bloggers do that successfully, but it’s just not my way).  Thankfully the outage was only a few hours, and the site is obviously back up and running, but I am WAAAY behind schedule!  It’s been a bit of a horror show… so perhaps the gothic drama is pretty perfect timing!  And on we go to the next thing!

  • Dress:  Poet’s Heart – Helmiina.   Two very different looks in one package!  I’m wearing Helmiina as a gown with a long-sleeved coat but you can also choose to wear her as a strapless gown with shoulder ornamentation (see below).  Choose colors for the top, the skirt, the shoulder ornamentation, the coat, & the trim with the included HUD.  Note the texture with the bare trees… it’s stunning!   Helmiina comes in four color packs plus a fatpack; each color pack has 6 gown colors plus black & white.  She is sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is available at the specially reduced price of 50% OFF at the current round of We Love Role Play, open July 4th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Windows:  Dabble – Dorian Gothic Window.  Fabulous mood-inducing gothic decor.  Includes two sizes (Wide & Regular), both of which I used; two different frames; three different window scenes (two of which I used).  EXCLUSIVELY available for 25% OFF at the XXX Original Event, July 13th – August 3rd. (Note that this is their anniversary round, so there are gifts at every booth!)
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Hair:  Oblivion – Middle Age
  • Horns:  Les Encantades – Capri Horns
  • Makeup:   Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 2; Rubedo – tyrilly;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lips
  • Tattoo:  Petrichor – Rosalune (GROUP GIFT)
  • Wings:  Aii and Ego – Fairy Wings
  • Pose:  Black Tulip – Angel

 

All I Want Is A Room Somewhere…

http://All I Want is a Room SomewhereDreamland Designs – Designer Showroom:  Living Room Set.   It can be challenging to create the perfect room; some sets work well with others, some may not.  Dreamland Designs can help, by showcasing room set-ups that incorporate bits & pieces from various sets to create that “look.”  The set pairs the Clair Fringed Sofa with the Kerwin chair, both of which are filled with single & couple animations (PG or Adult, your choice!).  This showroom also includes the Loft Brick fireplace with art frames (fireplace clicks on/off), the Claire glass coffee tables with decor, the Countryside round side table with its macrame lamp (clicks on/off), the Countryside distressed console table with a candle/decor tray, the Tranquility rustic bookcase (filled), the Claire wall shelf, 4 rugs, floor basket planter,  BOHO hanging decor, & the chandelier (which has on/off touch).  Both versions (PG/Adult) are currently available at the main store for the special reduced DESIGNER SHOWROOM price.  Come check out the full display for yourself!

NOTE: I’ve added some additional accessories & a couple of sleeping dogs to further personalize the showroom… you can do so much with this living room look!

Testing the Waters

http://Testing the Waters

Breathe… I need to breathe… there is just so much going on, April is turning out to be a very tough month.  So many things that need to be done RIGHT NOW in real life — taxes (no, they’re not done!), holidays (cooking, traveling), birthdays, vacation travel plans — it just goes on and on!  And as for blogging, on top of my usual requirements (which I often struggle to meet), I’ve signed up for two fabulous fantasy events… I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing them, but looking at the calendar just adds to my current stress.  So yes, some relaxing time in the jacuzzi has become a must… we actually added one to our lanai this year, and I am totally addicted to it… I love to sit out there in the dark, with just the glow of the hot tub light and a low light on the deck, leaning back, listening to music and looking up at the stars…  not only does it help my poor deteriorated back, but it just so totally relaxes me in every way.  I love it most when there’s even the slightest chill in the air, so time is running out for THAT as well, but even when I can’t actually be soaking IRL, my SL jacuzzi helps put me in the right mindset when I’m busy typing or editing or whatever…  takes a deep breath, and leans back in the water… relax… relax… relax…

  • Tattoo:  pecheresse – lana tattoo.  Includes three versions — faded (white tintable), fresh, & healed (I’m wearing healed) — BOM ONLY, both as the full tattoo as well as all the individual, separate pieces so that you can pick & choose which layers you want to use.  The tattoo is drawn & made with gen x (belleza) UV MAP,  which means that it’s optimized for it, but as you can see, it looks awesome on Legacy & on other bodies too.  Check the demo to be sure how it works on your brand of body.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, (which means free gifts at most booths!), open through April 10th.  Demo available.
  • Jacuzzi:  DRD (Death Row Designs).  Includes the pergola with lights, the hot tub with steps, & the standing candle array.   You can easily turn on/off steam, bubbles, bubbling sound, & water just by the touch of a button.  Loaded with some pretty excellent animations for single female, single male, & couples (I’m showing two of the 11 single female anims).  Available in PG or Adult as a fatpack or in any of three texture packs (Dark, Light, Style), each of which has two tones included, as shown in the ad below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, with a free gift of the towel rack (shown on left), open through April 10th.  Be sure to check out the demo!
  • Vase:  CJ Creations – Spring Vase Cream w/ Magnolia Branches.  Placed on top of the towel rack, this stunning vase set adds just the right touch!  Also available in grey.

A Sense-ibly Dreamy Design Choice

http://A Sense-ibly Dreamy Design Choice

Dreamland Designs – Colonial Claw Foot Tub Set.  A hot soak can be so integral to your well-being whether IRL or on the grid.  For me, part of the relaxation includes gazing out on the beauty of nature; obviously in SL the “hot” is supplied by your brain, which makes the animations even more important.  This tub is loaded with bento animations & sequences for singles & couples with props, in both PG & Adult versions, so in this case “hot” can be interpreted however you choose!  And when not in use, this tub set just looks so stylish! Material enabled; copy/mod/no trans, the tub includes a texture changer for the rim & metal piping.  The set also includes the bath tray, the stool with plant & rolled-up towel, the puddled towel on the floor, & the chandelier (which has on/off touch).  Both versions (PG/Adult) are EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Sense Event, open March 18th – 28th.

Reading IS Sexy

http://Reading IS Sexy

http://Just part of my TBR pile

I’m a huge reader, generally at least a book a week, all fiction but across multiple genres.   I have for as long as I can remember.  Back in the day, I never went ANYWHERE without a book in my bag; I was that girl sitting at the bar waiting for whomever I was going to meet, reading a book (nowadays it’s more often my Kindle, and I’m NOT sitting at bars lol).  I have to admit it always surprises me a little when I find out that someone doesn’t like to read; it doesn’t bother me, mind you, nor make me think any less about the person (though I’ll admit that I DO think differently about them); it just surprises me (and saddens me in a way too) that they don’t enjoy that feeling of expanding their knowledge and/or their imagination, of losing themselves in other people’s lives and understanding situations and choices vastly different from those they themselves have faced.  But I have discovered that a rather high percentage of those non-book-readers are somewhat snobbish about the fact, thinking that it somehow makes them better, that they don’t “waste their time on all that”.  I’ve even had a few men (and it’s top of mind because it just happened again the other day) say that being “bookish” made a woman less sexy… well, now THAT statement DID make me think less about him…  I prefer men who think that being bookish makes a woman sexier… after all, she has more to draw on in conversation, in understanding, in handling situations, and yes, even in bed…  Although that could definitely make her more challenging, perhaps even a bit threatening…  which says more about the guy than it does about the woman.  And yes, I have quite a few reading nooks in my SL home and scattered around the parcel (they’re actually better and more comfortable than in my RL home lol), because to me, no home is complete without at least one.  Glancing over at my book, I feel that urge coming on… Happy Weekend!

The Look:

  • Outfit:  United Colors – Josette Jacket & Skirt.  Definitely sexy & smart!  The cut of this outfit is just outstanding & totally sets off your shape!  Josette includes a HUD with 8 colors for the jacket, striped skirt, & buttons, plus 5 metals, so you can mix & match top & bottom or not, as you choose.  Sized for Legacy & Maitreya, she is EXCLUSIVELY available at the current round of  The Liaison Collaborative, Winter Calm, open Feb 18th through March 10th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_PRIVATE
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella BOM Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol. 1; theMARS – Organic Lipstick
  • Glasses:  Mulloy – Josa
  • Jewelry:  Kunglers – Kara Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

The Scene:

  • Bookcase:  Dreamland Designs – Aurora Antique Book Shelf.  I’ve seen many bookcases in SL over the years, I’ve even owned quite a few.  But this is the first time I’ve seen one that not only looks fabulous in a home or office setting, but also has quality built-in bento animations!  Let’s start with the look, which is honestly exactly what I was looking for in my own home.  One detail that I adore is that only the center section is pre-filled; the rest is open for you to add your own items for display (see the ad below).  Then let’s talk about the animations… the shelves include female/mail single stands (I’m using one) plus bento cuddles/adult anims with speed control & more.  Material enabled; copy/mod/no trans, its available in both PG & Adult at the special Energy Weekend price, Feb 24th – 26th.
  • Table & Chair:  Dreamland Designs – Aurora Leather Chair Set.  Includes the black leather chair, table with books & reading glasses, plant with ottoman/stand, plus two rugs (see the ad below).  Includes bento animations for single female/male with props & for couples.  Available in both PG & Adult at the Energy Weekend price, Feb 24th – 26th.

Cozy, chic, and comfy!

http://Cozy, chic, & comfy

I don’t usually post at the end of the day, but I got waylaid today by both a game of mah jongg (where I had NO jokers the whole time, very frustrating!!!) and then a migraine (maybe from the lack of jokers??? There’s a thought!).   But some of these fabulous items are on the weekend sale, so I figured this was one instance of better late than never!

So, getting down to business…  even though I occasionally branch off into other home decor looks, I’ve learned that when it comes to my home here in SL, I gravitate towards what seems to mostly fall under the label of “Boho”.   And although I adore matched sets, I also find that mixing and matching often helps me achieve a result that makes me smile and feel just so right and comfy every time I walk in the room.  My new bedroom is a perfect example, one that I’m more than happy to share!  It’s definitely cozy, chic, & comfy!

Dreamland Designs:

  • DD Stone Fireplace.   Simple & simply perfect!  Animated flames with burst sounds & sparks (can turn on/off).  Material enabled; copy-mod-no trans.  Includes the mantel & plants (see the ad below).   On sale at the store for Wanderlust Weekend (Feb 18th -19th).
  • DD Casa Floral Chest.  I just fell in love with this set & how it adds such a decorative charming touch to the bedroom.  On sale at the Designer Outlet, through Feb 28th.
  • DD Tampa Steel Bed in Green.  Includes the nightstands, table lamps (which turn on/off), nightstand books, & white fur rug.  Loaded with comfort, looks, & truly excellent bento anims, for singles & couples.  Available in both PG & Adult versions.  See the ad below.

 

Art Deco in the Corner

http://Art Deco in the Corner

Nobody puts baby in the corner” is a line from the movie Dirty Dancing that often rings in my brain, maybe because I LIKE sitting in the corner.  It’s a perfect vantage point to see everything, and I find it cozy.  Although I’m primarily a fashion blogger, I’m rather obsessed with landscaping and home decor, so I’m always happy to have the chance to do a “non-avatar” shot.  I do find them to be extremely challenging, though, especially when it comes to lighting.  And I’ve just recently noticed that the majority of my home decor pix are in a corner (I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise lol).  This time I got some fabulous assists from the items themselves, from the light thrown by the fire plus that from the table lamp.  And both are adjustable, as specified in the descriptions, so of course I spent an inordinate amount of time playing with light levels and different options, but indulging those obsessive tendencies is what makes all of this so much fun for me!  And isn’t that what SL is all about?

22769 – Art Deco Chairs & Decor.   You can buy the chairs & the table decor individually or as a set, in either black or white.  The chair includes 8 single bento animations; the light has 10 different light levels & can be turned off completely.  Available at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, Winter Solstice, open thru Feb 10th.  

Snooper’s Attic – Kilmer Set.  Includes the sensational cabinet with the sunburst that gleams in the right light, the candle plate (with burning candles), the vases, & the canvas above the cabinet.  Available EXCLUSIVELY for 25% OFF at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, Winter Solstice, open thru Feb 10th.  

CJ Creations – Menorca Boulder Fireplace Set.  Includes a really unique chimney/rock fireplace for inside or out, with lots of on/off options such as the fire, sparks, light & sound, plus 12 texture options.  It looks so realistic, especially with the intermittent “bright flash”, just like in a real fireplace! Also includes the beagle statue, falling ivy, the hanging tapestry, & the potted fan palm.  See the ad below for additional details.

A Glass of Wine in Her Hand

http://A glass of wine in her hand

For some reason, these lyrics (from Satisfaction by the Stones) are stuck in my head, though obviously the song has no connection to the pic (although I AM hoping to make a connection, it’s not the same type at all).  Be that as it may, I’m using it lol because titling these posts is sometimes as time-consuming as editing them, and I’m anxious to go check out ALL the weekend sales & ongoing events.  (I’m actually sitting here drinking coffee IRL, not wine, but I live in a different time zone than my avatar).  Not much to say today; on to the details!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Frankie Jacket Outfit.  I do love jackets & boots in the early spring when you no longer need that heavy coat but there’s still that chill in the air!  When it combines fabulous textures & styling like this, not to mention the way the plaid of the skirt is echoed on the bootstrap, well, it’s a pretty easy decision what I’m going to wear!  Choosing the color now, that’s a different story!  Complete sets are available in 12 individual colors or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes all 12 color options (Boots, Dress, Jacket, & Panties) plus 4 Boot Metal choices plus 4 Boot Zipper choices, all 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya, Reborn & Erika, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the Sense Event, which ends TODAY (eek!!!), Jan 28th (then it will be at the main store).  Demo available.
  • Bar Set:  Dreamland Designs – Industrial Bar Table Set.  LOVE this set, it not only looks fabulous, it also includes some awesome bento animations with speed control/sequences/props for food & wine (as shown, I’m using one of the anims) for both singles & couples (it’s available in PG & Adult). NEW & EXCLUSIVE, this set is available as part of the SECRET SALE this weekend Jan 28th – 30th.
  • Cabinet:  Dreamland Designs – Industrial Country Cupboard Set.  Beautiful detail & textures in this set that includes the cupboard, basket of fresh fruit, & the mirror (because of my room setup, I moved the mirror to the far side, which also shows how versatile this is no matter how much space you have).  Row of glasses not included.  See the ad below.  NEW & EXCLUSIVE, this set is available as part of the SECRET SALE this weekend Jan 28th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Clarity
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Chinoca Store – Raven LS
  • Nails:  Miumiu – #38
  • Tattoo:  CAROL G – Peonies Leg Tattoo
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Chianna Jewelry Set in Burning Embers;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band