One hot mess

http://One hot mess

OMG, selling a house in these times is EXHAUSTING.  On the good side, houses where we live are moving waaaaaay faster than they used to.  Last year, when we first started planning for this, we expected it to take up to six months. Now we’re being told it will be just a matter of weeks.  But what we didn’t realize was what that meant in terms of showing the house.  Yesterday alone we had 8 showings.  And since we’re not allowed to be “in” the house (we can be in the backyard) and we currently have two big dogs here (one who is a rambunctious 9-month-old 80-lb pitbull puppy), it means sitting in the backyard with two dogs on leashes or dragging them off for yes, another walk.  So far, today will be an off day with only two showings scheduled, but we’re being told to prepare for an onslaught over the weekend.  We’re going to need a vacation after this lol!  I’ve barely had time to go inworld what with all the prep, cleaning, and avoiding being inside, but some outfits just demand to be blogged, no matter what! Enjoy your shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Evangeline & Boots.  Talk about hot!  This outfit completely wow’d my partner & demanded his full attention!  An off-shoulder top with fishnet sleeves paired with open front shorts in 6 denim textures (HUD driven) plus black thigh-high fishnet boots & a choker, Evangeline is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  Tonic Curvy/Fine (not the boots though), & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at The Darkness August Event through August 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Tram – G0220
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Amalfi
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Scandalous Crave Lipstick
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Bento Nails Mesh Stiletto Long Mongrel
  • Jewelry:  Aurealis Jewelry – Kiara Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Taxi Bento Pose Set
  • Location:  The Hood

Beer on the Bay

http://Beer on the Bay

So I’m no fan of beer, I’ve never developed a liking for the taste.  But THIS is definitely what I need…  some time on an empty stretch of beach to just be with nature and stop stressing out! Today is the day that our house goes on the real estate market… it’s been very stressful to say the least, and that stress will probably be pretty constant for months what with showings, contracts, closings, packing, and the actual moving and resettling.  I’ve been in this house for more than 30 years… it’s where we raised our kids, so leaving it — even for a better lifestyle — is definitely as much of a sad event as it is a happy one.  Starting a new chapter is great, but it does mean ending the one before.  Sighs… now where’s that beach?

  • Outfit:  AnaSTyle – Letizia White.  As I’ve said before (& is clearly visible just by a quick look at my blogging history lol), I love off-shoulder tops, and the shoulders to this seemingly simple top are loose, way-off-shoulder, & very loopy, so that if you stretch out your arms they seem to expand.  Asymmetrical in front, with leather lacing up the slightly open sides, are added details that show it’s not just another t-shirt top. The washed jeans are long & wide bottomed, & just scream comfort.  I didn’t wear the included high heel mules because who can walk through the sand in those! Letizia is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event that’s open just a few more days till August 19th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Navy & Copper – Hannah
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Amalfi
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Marina Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Props:  Crystal – Crystona cooler
  • Location:  Soul2Soul Bay

On Fairy Patrol

http://On Fairy Patrol

Contrary to common human belief, being a fae is not all fun & games.  The fantasy kingdoms need protection, & in exchange for the ability to relax & enjoy the beauty of the realms, many of us step up & do our part to help protect & ensure their continuation, both against threats from the less-friendly denizens & those from the outside world.  The main problem with patrol is not to get too distracted by the beauty or the hidden secrets when you stumble upon them, or you can find yourself lost in wonder & exploration. Next time you wander in the forest, keep an eye out & listen for the fluttering of wings… you never know what you might find!

  • Outfit:  Fatal Fashion – Outfit 128, Flower Nymph.  Available in two versions, light (white) & dark (black).  Includes the dress, leg lace wraps, wings, flower crown, flower bracelets for arms & legs. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, TMP, Altamura, & Maitreya.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at Fable 5, an Evil Bunny Production, open August 8th – 31st.
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Aurora Eyes.  Beautiful magical unisex eyes, with just a touch of the cosmos, as you can see in the closeup below. Includes HUDs with 8 textures for Catwa, Omega, Lelutka Evol, & BOM Layers. EXCLUSIVELY at Fable 5, an Evil Bunny Production, open August 8th – 31st.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Skin:  Petrichor/Plastik – Styliste.  OK, let me say first thing that that skin is no longer available. Originally available as a gift at SL17, this 100% custom gorgeous skin had versions for both male & female fantasy folk, & included both BOM layers & a ton of appliers. So why am I blogging it? The answer is simple… Petrichor makes a whole range of magnificent fantasy skins, many of which I hope to be blogging in the future, but for today, for THIS look, this is the skin of choice, & a perfect example of the quality of their skins. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  D!va – Vally
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Metal Satyr Horns Fatpack
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Olek Makeup (eyeshadow); {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Queenie Lippies (Genus Appliers)
  • Jewelry:  Nanika – Dragonfly Necklace
  • Pose:  Kokoro Poses – Herta Pose Set, #1 (includes bow & arrows)
  • Location:  Lost Unicorn

The End of the Road

http://The End of the Road

Wow, I’ve been so busy in both real life and in SL dealing with moving!  We’ve made so much progress on our house that we should be ready to do pix and get it listed next week.  And here on the grid, I’ve been busy moving my alt & her partner to new fantasy digs because although I’d loved what I’d created for them at the back of the property, they were starting to hog all my resources, which for someone like me simply can’t be tolerated!  So with all this work, I’ve turned to what has always been my relaxing release… going for a lovely long aimless drive in beautiful surroundings.  And no, I don’t own a motorcycle IRL (though I surely do adore riding on the back of one, my arms wrapped tightly around the driver), but hey, that’s what SL is for, right? To do all the things you can’t IRL!  And on that note, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Enchtris Check Outfit & Boots.  With a belted blazer over a pair of shorts with dynamite heels, this is definitely a sexy look that can create its own heat wave!  The miniskirt has a HUD with 10 different plaids; the top & thigh-high boots are in black only.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Clover
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeshadow; LUXRebel – “LOVE Y” Group Gift Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Sofia Earrings; RealEvil Industries – Aqvila Bracelets; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Pose:  CNZ – Motorbike

Summertime Blues

http://Summertime Blues

I love summer, I do.  Although those years of hopping the train after work on Fridays to go up to my parent’s house by the lake for nonstop weekend activity are LOOOONG gone, somehow that’s still the image that comes to mind when I think of summer.  Close behind it are those years filled with activities with my own kids.  But this year feels so different, so many of the things I’ve continued to do even as I got older — craft fairs, outdoor concerts, barbecues, travel — are just not in the realm of possibility this year.  I haven’t even been able to play golf because I was in post-surgical mode.  And now we’re in the middle of a heat wave.  So yes, the summertime blues have got me in their grip (even though for totally different reasons than in the song)… Hmmm, I guess I need to do something drastic to snap myself out of it.  For right now, I’ll just keep reminding myself that I DO LOVE SUMMER, and dress the part! Happy shopping!

  • Shirt:  Tastic – Women’s Kai Knotted Top.  That perfect little top to throw on all summer, it just fits so well showing the perfect amount of cleavage.  And, in 6 colors or as a fatpack, it goes with everything! Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/V, Voluptuous, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.  Men’s version available too!
  • Flag:  sonder – Summertime Yard Flag.  A store created for the imagination & vibrance of the children of Second Life, sonder always does such wonderful family-oriented type things.  Since I don’t have children in Second Life, many of them just don’t work for me (their clothes are adorable though, for those who do!). But their outdoor items are just so cute, & I decided that planting my flag is a positive action to take to de-blue myself! Includes texture Change – 4 types of metal post & 6 different flags. Available EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_SUBJECT
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:   DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Shorts:  MOZ Designs – “Riley” Belted Shorts
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Parisienne Love Heart Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  K&S Store – Lana
  • Peacock & Flowers:  Morgan Sim Designs – Flower Garden with Peacock

Sandcastles

http://Sandcastles

It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged male fashion.  To be honest, there’s just not as much male fashion out there as there is for women, so finding the gems that make me want to blog this instead of that is pretty difficult.  That said, this shirt just made me do it!  It’s not easy finding Hawaiian-style shirts with that casually relaxed masculine vibe. This shirt definitely made me take more than a second look, and it absolutely demanded to be blogged.  I’d love to come up with some clever line tieing it in to sand castles, but it’s testing my creativity at the moment… it’s early and I need coffee, so I’ll let you create your own metaphors…  Happy shopping!

  • Shirt:  AnaSTyle – Alessio Tropical Shirt.   In 6 tropical & floral textures, available individually or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink, Belleza Jake, & Signature Gianni.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Skin:  Akeruka (AK) – Clay (deluxe bento, with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Male Physique Mesh Body
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Justin
  • Eyes:  IKON – Odyssey
  • Pose:  IDK Poses – Pack #88, pose 5
  • Sandcastle:  Careless – Sand Castle

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

http://Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Memories (and no, I promise I won’t sing the song, but I included the lyrics on my post in case YOU want to lol).  Memories have been thick about me lately.  In preparation for the big upcoming move (still a couple of months away), one of the things I’ve been doing is going through lots of old photo albums and boxes of snapshots.  There’s something to be said for pre-digital memories… rather than just looking at a screen, you’re holding them in your hand, which in some ways makes them feel a bit more substantial.  Sorting through decades of old photos really triggers some of those old memories… you recall more than just the image, but also sounds, smells, tastes, all the sensations you might have experienced at the time.  Remembering friends and family who are gone, either by death or just by drifting away.  And it’s not just photos… cleaning out closets I’ve been smelling perfumes that haven’t been worn in a while, choosing “keep” or “toss”, previously loved books, and all those little knick-knacks that accumulate over a lifetime of living in one place.  I’m a sentimental sort, so there’s just so much to wade through, there are times the memories just get overwhelming.  And there have been so many moments where I just sit and close my eyes, and remember the way it was…  years down the line, will I be doing the same about THIS moment in time?

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Paradise Dress in Yellow.  It’s hard to say what I like best about this little tropical dress.  Each of the 4 textures are very different but equally fantastic, every single one providing not just a different color but also a very different look.  The overall style of the dress is also phenomenal, with a dark semi-sheer cut-out in the neck & another in the back (see below), each with the pattern itself continuing onto the new texture.  Did I say “fabulous”!?!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, Starbody, Signature, & Maitreya, this knockout is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th.
  • Hanging Decor:   Swank & Co. –  Hanging Red Macaw Heats, Lanai version.  A charming little piece of tropical decor to add that little extra something to your outdoor space.  Also available in a Green Macaw version (see below), as well as in “Dichro” versions with additional hanging crystals.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  StunnerOriginals – Eyeshadow Amorous;  DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:   Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Perfume Poses #3 (front pose); Simply Dvyne Poses – Reaching (back pose)

A Poet’s Heart

http://A Poet's Heart

I get so excited when I have the opportunity to blog something that falls under “fantasy,” although I guess some would argue that EVERYTHING in Second Life fits under that headline.  But for me, there is a very obvious difference… the world of fantasy is one that doesn’t reflect modern life, so it includes all the fantasy creatures (fairies, elves, mermaids, centaurs, furries, and more), as well as medieval, steampunk, and futuristic genres. I’m sure there are more that aren’t coming to mind, but the point is that they all represent things that just don’t fit into our everyday existence.  As I’ve said previously, many years ago I had created an alt to play in SL as a fae, rather than “dress up” my regular avatar.  Doing fantasy as Ceja felt like wearing a costume; dressing in my fantasy clothes as Thea felt more “real” and part of every day because it’s just who she was.   Back when the Fantasy Faire was happening, I was excited to revive and update my fae existence, and now really yearn to blog more fantasy.  I’m SOOO thrilled to have a new fantasy sponsor, Poet’s Heart, that will truly help me spread my wings and fly!  Just the first post of what I promise to be many more!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Jane.  A simple but beautiful gown, with optional sleeves & a HUD that offers total ability to customize the look, by changing the not just the color of the gown, nut also your choice of solid & patterned textures for the corset, colors for the laces on the corset, the lace edging, & even the metallic details.  See the pic below for a full-length shot of this stunning outfit.  It’s sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is available in a Floral Pack, a Goth Pack, a Happy Pack, a Virginal Pack, a Lively Pack, or a full Fatpack.  So many looks from one outfit, it truly is a fantasy!
  • Accessories:  Melt – Peony Necklace in Plum; Fae Headdress in Purple (gacha items)
  • Shoes:  Rogue Echo – Vita Light Heels
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  Soul – Jalyn, Ranitormeya V2 Skin, in the FF20 tone
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Symphonia
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Crystal Satyr Horns Fatpack
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Lipstick:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Nightmare Lippies (Genus Appliers)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Floral Lace Wings
  • Pose (full-length shot):  Stardust – Aurelia #5
  • Location:  Farhaven

Show-off

http://You're showing off again!

As much as I believe that when you’ve got it, flaunt it, there are times when it really irks me that I have to work really hard for something that comes so naturally to others.  And no, I’m not getting on a soapbox today… I was just thinking how at least as humans we CAN work at it.  In the animal kingdom, it seems almost more unfair that the males of the species get to make all the exciting displays while the females tend to be rather dull, though I know it’s all in order to attract and win a female so that they can mate.  It’s kind of funny that with humans it’s more the opposite… it’s the women who don all the plumage in order to attract the males.  (And yes, I DO know that it goes both ways, but women tend to do a whole lot more, even if some would contest that men do as much, we all know what society demands!)  Bottom line though, just a fun pic with a fun message… and some great items for sale at events!

  • Outfit:   WellMade – Chilla Outfit.  Light, summery, stylish, with a HUD that includes 20 pastelly & brighter shades for the patterned top, 20 matching solids for the belt, & your choice of black or white for the skirt. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza Freya, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My COBELLI in Orange.  Awesome looking, almost a “bag in a bag” with an outer semi-translucent “shell” over the inner colored bag,  together with round, gold handles.  Such a great look!  My Cobelli is an 100% original mesh bag with Materials enabled — be sure to switch on advanced lighting to see the textures at their best.  Available in 9 colors, EXCLUSIVELY at this month’s eBento which ends on July 30th.  Comes with both an arm & a hand hold plus a no-pose version to more easily use the bag with other animations.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Doux – Jenna
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Cosmetize – The Charlie’s Angels
  • Nails:  Madpea – Iconic Heat Polish
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – True Hearts Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Mosquito’s Way – Alexis
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Aya #6
  • Backdrop:  PALETO – Backdrop Civita (animated peacocks NOT included, but vendor is unknown)

Down the Rabbit Hole

http://Down the Rabbit Hole

I’ve always had a special affinity for Alice in Wonderland.  In elementary school, I was often called Alison Wonderland (meant derogatively, of course), but it never bothered me because I secretly liked it.  (I didn’t like it as much when they called my best friend and I Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, but hey, it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as what some other kids got). I loved the story and its drug-fueled imagination (of course, I didn’t understand the drug angle until much later), falling through a hole into a new world, kind of like Dorothy landing in Oz.  Alice was never my favorite character though; I always loved the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat.  So when I saw this outfit for the Down the Rabbit Hole event — which is a really fun theme, and no, you don’t have to drink anything or shrink small to go! — I knew it was mine to blog.  And I do mean MINE, not my alt who does the fantasy blogging, but MINE.  I mean come on… the provided hair is RED, and that means it’s MINE.  What a relief knowing that I definitely have the perfect outfit all set for Halloween!!!

  • Outfit:  BWC – Mad Hatter.  A totally unique, adorably sexy creation, that includes absolutely everything you need for a complete outfit — the jacket, the corset, panties, thigh high stockings, leg garters, heels, hat, choker, even the hair!  Lots of great little touches, like the card in the hatband & the pocket watch sticking out. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Tonic, eBody, Ocacin, TMP, Maitreya, & Fitmesh. You should note that not all items come in all sizes, but by using my alpha & the fitmesh for the corset (there’s no HG for that), it fit perfectly! But since all bodies are different, be sure to try the demo first.  EXCLUSIVELY available at Down the Rabbit Hole, an Evil Bunny production, open from July 11th – 21st.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Cashew
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Pose:  Diversion – Urban Girl
  • Location:  Enchanted Fantasy (awesome store for Fairytale Landscapes & Decorations)