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

Losing sight of winter’s beauty

http://Losing sight of winter's beauty

Enough already! I don’t care what the calendar says, I’m done with winter!  After my miserable trip up north to single digit temps and the flu (my husband caught COVID; we barely got to spend time with the grandkids we were so sick), I thought I was done, but here I am in FLORIDA and it’s 40 degrees… yes, that may be warm to those of you up there in snow country, and it’s definitely preferable to what’s happening out there in California, but it’s just not the temps we are equipped for here.  The problem with winter is that it feels so very long.  Yes, it’s a beautiful season (as they all are, in their own way), with the sparkling snow and ice, but I’m at the point where that beauty is being lost on me… I say enough is enough, and it’s time for it to warm up and be a proper spring! We’re having a vote at my SL estate as to when winter should end… I think we should have that IRL too as well!!!  And although I voted to keep the snow for a few more weeks here on the grid, I vote for it leave IRL today!!! Who’s with me???

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Marta Ruffled Jacket & Pants Set.  Stylish pants set that’s perfect to start off the new year!  An open ruffled long-sleeved jacket tops skin-tight leggings banded by a pearl-buttoned, coordinated plaid print that is echoed on the elbows & back of the jacket, with slouchy stiletto suede boots to finish the look.  Complete sets are available in 8 individual colors or in a HUD-driven Fatback that lets you mix & match 10 textures + 2 button textures, all 100% Original.  She’s sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Hourglass & Freya, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the POSH Event, open Jan 1st – 23rd.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  bonbon – aru
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae Eyes
  • Makeup:  PAIX – New Years Eve Eyeshadow
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Inlaid Harmony Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – with poses
  • Location:  Winterset Hollow (a Frogmore Land), closing Jan 11th

Hearing Your Key in the Door

http://Hearing Your Key in the Door

Another week gone, and the holidays are almost here.  I’m preparing for a drive up north with lots of stops for visiting relatives… and we’re taking our dog, which should certainly make it interesting!  So much to do, and I know it will be great, but a large part of me would just like to stay home… if only I could just TP up there and back… it would be soooo much better lol!  Not to mention time-saving… one week to go, with tons of shopping and blogging to get done before then, so I’m off!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Blair Dress.  Blair is one of those genre-defying short dresses… & that means she’s perfect for helping define your own style!  She includes the dress, optional sleeves, panties (yes!!!), & heels with stockings.  Complete sets are available in 12 individual colors or in a HUD-driven Fatback that lets you mix & match, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite,  & eBody Reborn, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the Orsy Event, open Dec 6 – 21st.  Demo available.
  • Tree:  Dabble Home & Garden (formerly known as Tylar’s Treasures) – Noel Christmas Tree with Music.  Beautifully natural looking tree, simply decorated with colored globe ornaments & lights, surrounded by wrapped presents.  Dresses up your room without overwhelming it. Touch on/off to play Frosty the Snowman; perfect for setting the holiday mood before the fire!!!  Even better, this fun piece of decor is available at 50% OFF at Winter Wonderland, Dec 9th – 30th! 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Palma
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae Eyes
  • Tattoo:  Kira Tattoo – Ella
  • Nails:  Emicsa – Nails Set #001
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Krystanna Heritage Collection Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Stocking:  Jian – Kringle’s Kitten Stockings
  • Pose:  Amitie – with poses
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy – Snowy Cabin View

Dirty Laundry

http://Dirty Laundry

I don’t know about you, but I am sick to death of both the news and political advertising.  Yes, news is important, but the vast majority of “breaking news” is no longer breaking… and so much of what passes as news today really is just “dirty laundry”.  And just like the song lyrics, even the worst tragedy is presented with “a gleam in her (let’s just say their) eye”…  As someone who originally studied journalism  with the goal of working in that industry, I’m so very glad that I ended up elsewhere in life…  That said, I’m as eager as the next one to hear the headlines; I just want it to be “real” news, not rehashed over “older” news, with just one more viewpoint added on top of it.  That is just not news.  Be what it may, it’s here to stay, though sadly the printed version is rapidly disappearing.  I always loved perusing the titles hanging at the corner newsstand, especially when the proprietor allowed you to thumb through to see if it was worth a purchase.  And nothing, NOTHING, goes better with a newspaper (or with anything really lol) than a cup of coffee…as for looking good while doing just that? That NEVER goes out of style!!!  And that’s a news flash!!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Ella Turtleneck Outfit.  Ella is one of those snuggly outfits that just makes you feel all warm & cozy, but with her skintight leggings you look absolutely fabulous! (My partner even gave several unsolicited compliments as to how I looked in this!)  Ella is perfect for relaxing on a cool windy evening but with the matching stiletto heels, she is also ready to go out for work, shopping, or what have you.  She is available in 9 individual colors or in a HUD-driven Fatback of 10 that lets you mix & match, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Maitreya, eBody Reborn, Kalhene &  Kupra, & is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Orsy Event, open Nov 6 – 21st.  Demo available.
  • Newsstand:  Serenity Style – Old Newsstand.  Fabulously realistic, the newsstand includes the main newsstand itself, a table with optional hanging papers, a chair, & stacks of newspapers & magazines.  Includes the option to add snow to the roof.  EXCLUSIVELY available with a 50% discount at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, Believe in Magic, ending soon on Nov 10th.  See the ad below.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Doux – Toxic
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Jewelry:   Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Coffee Break (modified)
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – Coffee Spot Backdrop

Getting Organized

http://Getting Organized

Where has October gone?  It’s just flown by!  All the snowbirds are returning here to Florida (plus lots of brand-new residents fleeing the cold and taxes from elsewhere), and that means everything is getting so much more crowded… but it also means that lots of activities are picking up from a summer hiatus.  I’ve been pushing myself to spend less time inworld and on the computer in general, and more time doing “social” activities (much of which goes against the grain lol, I’m basically quite content being a home-body), but the end result has been less of a “doing so many more fun things” and more of an “OMG I’m so behind in my blogging deadlines”, which is basically the opposite of the overall intention.  Oh well, not all experiments work out the way they’re planned, but that’s what experimentation is all about!  I’m back to needing blogging charts with deadlines and requirements, preliminary choices with initial ideas.  One critical advance, however, is that I DO seem to be making definitive choices earlier in the shoot process, even abandoning entire looks if I just don’t feel it’s all coming together… I still need to relax a bit about faves/awards when a pic is posted — I’ve learned that some of what I consider my best work just doesn’t seem to resonate with others… what matters most to me (or so I keep reminding myself) is that a shoot (or more specifically, what’s coming out of it) makes me smile…  As my very first blogger-manager advised me, you can’t blog for awards and recognition (though they’re definitely very nice to receive)… you need to blog for yourself, to do what YOU want to do to exercise your creative muscle…  Although at the end of the day, I’ll admit that it bothers me when my pix don’t do well…   Enough philosophizing and self-justification!  Now let’s see, requirements are now complete for which sponsors?  And let’s not forget all my weekend shopping!!!!  Who said Sundays were for resting?

  • Hat:  Vesta Cloths – Drey Hat.  Includes a color-changing HUD of 24 textures for changing the hat itself & each of the two bows separately (see the ad below).  A very modern take on what to me is a somewhat Eliza Doolittle look! 100% original mesh.  Available at the current round of Out Shop Cancer, where every sale of this hat goes to the American Cancer Society.  Just a few days left to help support the fight & shop with a purpose… Out Shop Cancer is open through Oct 31st.  
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Mists of Avalon Collection.  Includes the necklace & earrings featuring a beautiful tree of life, plus a HUD for changing the main color to any of 8 rich choices with 3 different metal accents.  EXCLUSIVELY at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, open just a few more days till Oct 25th.  Also worn:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  LIVIA – Net Frenchies HUDs for Mix-It Pro Nails.  NEW release, available in 4 color palettes (Blue/Green, Nude/White, Pink/Purple, Orange/White) or as a Megapak, these HUDs work with all three shapes (coffin, square, stiletto) of the Mix-It Pro Nails (base nails required), which are available for Legacy, Maitreya, Belleza, Slink, Signature, Tonic, Kupra, Ebody Reborn, & Kahlene.  You can mix & match by hand or by nail… so much fun (though I’m so boring I tend to always do them all matchy-matchy lol & I just love the style with the little bats)…  EXCLUSIVELY at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, closing Oct 25th.  See the ad below!  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Glamp
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner; Synergy – HD Eyeshadow Lagos; Joy – Baby Lipstick
  • Pose:   space cadet – Journalin’

 

Feelin’ Good!

http://Feeling good!

So I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m completely blown away by certain pics  I see on FlickR.  Yes, there are plenty of good and some even really good shots amidst a lot of what I consider mediocre shots at best, but there are also true gems that completely floor me.  Those pics make me totally stop and look and try to figure out exactly what it is that grabs me and makes me say “wow” so that maybe, just maybe, I can learn something new.  Now sometimes it just comes down to the photographer’s eye, and I hate to say it but that’s one of those things you either have or you don’t.  Yes, hard work and practice will improve your eye, but that basic sense of the absolutely most perfect perspective and framing, well IMHO those abilities can be finer tuned but simply can not be taught.  In other pics though, it’s a definite sense of technique, a lot of which is applied in edit.  Now some of that I can figure out WHAT they did if not HOW, but since I use Corel and not Photo Shop, I can only try so far to teach myself.  But there’s always been other things that I just knew were being done inworld and I had absolutely no idea how to even attempt them.  Well I just watched a video on photography through Second Life University of all things, and just in minor playing around I can see that (hopefully anyway) I’ll be able to do a lot with this.  If nothing else, I discovered much simpler ways of doing what I already do in setting up my shots and playing with angles, so it could be a huge time and frustration saver.  I also learned to be very very careful about changing ANY settings, even the most innocuous seeming, without writing down what I had before and exactly what I did because I just spent an inordinate amount of time trying to get out of some weird perspective issue that I somehow locked myself into.  Lesson learned!!!  Now to move on to playing with some of what I’ve seen… I hope to be able to share some improved results in the near future!!! In the meantime, happy shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Akeri Wrap Dress.  Akeri is one of those seemingless effortless looks, with a deceptively simple, ankle length hip-wrapped very low-cut sundress with matching panties & flat sandals, & is available in 7 individual colors, a HUD-driven 7 texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 14, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Tonic, Freya & Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at FABLE, an Evil Bunny Production, open August 6th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Hair:  Doux – Bellami
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Milly
  • Jewelry:   IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Victorian, Set 2; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Bird of Paradise
  • Location:  Dusk Point Beach

Late day in late summer

http://Late Day in Late Summer

And we’re back to stress IRL! Construction has begun on the lanai renovation, and of course we ran into a problem on the very first day.  It seems that the existing irrigation lines go right where the footers need to be for the concrete, so we had to watch the concrete guys pack up and go while we resourced an irrigation guy to quickly come and cap off the lines (quick, easy, not too expensive) so that the concrete work can resume next week.  Hopefully, all we lost was the one day in our schedule.  Of course now we need to get all new lines put down… an unanticipated expense (not even estimated yet).  But what’s a secondary issue is that it means we have NO irrigation until then… and in Florida, it’s the dry part of the rainy season, so if go without irrigation, our lawn and plantings would suffer and potentially die.  So it’s back to the old-school way of hooking up a hose to a sprinkler and then manually moving it around the property… definitely not as effective but hopefully it will keep everything alive if not thriving.  Never a dull moment!!!  All this added stress and necessary paperwork/research/etc has impacted my SL schedule, and now I’m desperately trying to get a last few posts in for the month.  I’ll apologize right now that I’ll be hitting the tail end of events, but as always, the status of “exclusive” and “sale” may end, but the featured items are always available after that at the main store (generally with a delay of one or two days).  Let the weekend officially begin!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Melody Shorts Set.  Melody includes a corset top, midcut short shorts (both with fabulous lacing, up the front for the top & down the sides for the shorts), & matching flat sandals, & is available in 6 individual colors, a HUD-driven 6 texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 12, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra & Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the July round of the WOW Event, closing TODAY July 30th.  (After that, it will be at the main store.) Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Eclipse
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Tattoo:  Carol G – Fleshly
  • Hat:  ZOOM – Luxury Windbreak Hat
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Bianca

Tropical Beauty

http://Tropical Beautyhttp://Portrait, Tropical Style

I really can’t believe it’s Saturday already.  Perhaps it’s because I’m older; perhaps it’s because I no longer work IRL & live a relaxed leisure life.  I will say that time didn’t fly by when I was away in Europe a few months ago (wow, has it already been a few months!!!!) when almost every day was loaded with activity.  All I know is that I’m suddenly aware of time flying by at breakneck speed… in fact I was talking to a relatively new avatar the other day, & realized that I’ve been here inworld for more than 15 years.  15 years!!!!  Wow, just wow… On the other hand, I’ve never looked so good (IMHO anyway lol) or had a home I loved as much, and have just started rediscovering some of the joys of SL that kind of fell by the wayside when the demands of blogging became too overwhelming.  As IRL, finding balance (something I’ve learned needs to be achieved over and over again) is what’s key.  The fact remains though, that it is the weekend once again, with sales and events galore.  And time is a-wasting, so on to shopping before the weekend is gone!!!!  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Lorina.  This is one of those outfits that I had to battle my fae counterpart for blogging rights.  It has a tropical beachy Arabian nights feel to it, what with the gauzy semi-transparent fabric on the stomach & then falling from the hipband, not to mention all those slit panels on the legs.  Lorina includes matching heels, is available in 5 individual colors, a 5 texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 10, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, & Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the new round of Down the Rabbit Hole, an Evil Bunny production, opening today July 9th – 19th.  Demo available.
  • Hairpin:  Magnetic – Lily Hairpin.  Mesh hairpin accessory with versions for wearing on both the  left & the right.  Also includes hairpin with Walking FX that emits Lily particles as you walk. EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, themed Island Tropical Heat, open July 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Aislin
  • Makeup:  IDTTY Faces – Lelutka Secret Potion 5
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Jewelry:  Kunglers – Kara Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Sassy Sweet Poses – Checking it Out
  • Location:  Dolce Amore Beach

Can you wish upon a Starfish?

http://Can you wish upon a starfish?

It’s definitely summertime, and I’m getting the beach blues.  I may live in Florida, but I’m right in the middle of the state, no beach bum life for me!  Yes, I’ve got the sun, but right now I’m craving some sand and surf to go with it…  I’ll definitely have to create at least a day trip in the very near future (more is always a bit more difficult when you have a house full of pets lol), but for now I guess I’ll be taking my avatar off for some needed beach time… the problem I keep running into is that the beaches I keep finding tend to be more of the nude beach variety… not my style, I’m a fashion blogger after all!  Oh well, there’s a downside to everything, even on  the grid! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Misha Bikini.  You know summer is officially here when bikinis are suddenly everywhere!  Me, I like them sexy enough to show off my curves but not so teeny that my assets are showing more than I’m comfortable with!  And of course, it’s all about texture, texture, texture.  Misha is available in 5 individual colors, a 6-bikini/2 metal Slimpack, or a Fatback of 12 bikinis that includes four metal options, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra & Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of the Under the Sea Event, an Evil Bunny production, open June 4th – 14th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Lullaby
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Sentiments Necklace, LOVED; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Summer

Just Feeling Beachy

http://Just Feeling Beachy

Wow, re-entry after a long vacation is tough! This was the longest vacation I’ve ever taken in my adult life (it was actually a teeny bit too long to be honest), and it was exhausting.  It totally took me almost a full week to recover and get back into my “normal” routine.  As for blogging, I’ve been a bit shocked as to how hard it’s been to retake up the reins, from not remembering favorite windlights for types of shots to doing really stupid things (like accidentally leaving on a demo body skin,  wondering why there was cross-hatching everywhere & not figuring out until after spending hours post-editing… the real kicker was that it was still the best shot by far BUT totally unusable lol).   The fact remains is that you really can’t go back and redo a shot… you can never quite recapture that same angle, especially when a shoot involves continual minute adjustments to both angle & windlight.  But now here we are in June, it’s hot here IRL & the “full” beachwear is out, so I’ve made the switch here in SL too to tanned skin and beach time.  Happy summer, and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Circe.  Although designed with fantasy in mind, this fabulous little wrap dress with long fringe & a low LOW back just screamed “sarong” to me, which immediately made me think “beach”.  Definitely not your standard beachwear, Circe is available in 5 individual colors, a 6-color Slimpack with three options for the panties w/leg wraps, or a Fatback of 12 that includes six options for panties w/leg wraps, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Tonic & Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of the Pandora Fair, open through May 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Champagne (includes hat)
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Celestial – Softness Lip Applier
  • Pose:  Nantra – Beach Illustrated 2020