Wild & Free

http://Wild & Free

OK, I’m a bit of a homebody.  My husband doesn’t understand how I can be happy not leaving the house for a few days at a time, how I used to like working from home.  But this? This is way too much, even for me.  The way things are now, it’s not like there’s even anywhere to go or anything to do because it’s all shut down, but there’s definitely a sense of being trapped.  The fact that it’s getting colder outside — we’re supposed to get snow in a few days! — doesn’t help either.  And on top of it all my seasonal allergies have kicked in, so it’s just a mix of things that are working together to make me depressed.  I know it’s not just me… everyone is feeling it to some degree.  I’m not sure though if that makes it better or worse.  And the fact that there’s no near end in sight doesn’t help either.  Thankfully there’s the grid and my life and activities there (though to be honest, most of it IS blogging at this point), but I was definitely drawn to doing something exuberant and free, as opposed to the trapped feeling so many of us are experiencing.  Stay safe out there in the real world… chin up (advice for myself as well!)… I don’t know about you, but I’m still shopping… IRL I’m waiting for a sea sponge to arrive so that I can do some painting touchup; here in SL, there are so many events there’s never enough time…  oh wait! Now there is!!!  Happy shopping! and stay safe out there!

  • Dress:  in.SANITY Designs – NEW! Animal Instinct.  I’d love to say something cute about how this really brought out the animal in me or something, but all I can say is that I really did go wild for this outfit!  It’s just such fun & so stylish & sexy, all at the same time.  My biggest problem is that there are 12 colors available, several of which I absolutely adore which makes decisions very very difficult, but luckily they also come all together in a Fat pack with a HUD where you can change the color for the jacket, cuffs, corset, & skirt separately, so you can even mix ‘n match if you want. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Legacy, & Maitreya.  Demo available.  Also on Marketplace!
  • Head, Eyes, Skin, Shape (modified):  LOGO – Josie Brand-new, absolutely stunning bento head, EXCLUSIVELY available at the Skin Fair, at the introductory price of 999L including both the customization & animation HUDs (normally sold separately), March 13th – 29th.  More details — & a closeup head shot — can be seen in my post from March 17th HERE.   A demo is available.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_WATER
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Pose:  HopScotch – Balance (Pose Fair gift)
  • Jewelry:  Pure Poison – Cat Jewelry Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Luane’s World, Romantic Sim

I’ll Drink to That

http://I'll Drink to That

So the world has gone crazy, and many of us are forced to spend all of our time at home.  Coughing and sneezing and headaches from seasonal allergies are always annoying but now they’re somewhat alarming, causing a full self-examination of symptoms and temperature taking.  The magnolia tree next door has started to bud, which has ALWAYS caused me to have severe allergic reactions, but this year, worry is among them.  On top of all the health issues, my workplace has closed, so I have more time to sit and watch my savings disappear… which is just a delightful exercise in itself especially considering that we were planning on retiring in just a few months.  But what can you do but try to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and roll with the punches?  I will say one thing… it’s a wonderful time to be in Second Life. I’m actually a bit surprised that there hasn’t been a big ad campaign to boost virtual worlds, with so many people worldwide locked in their homes, going stir crazy.  I for one will not be surprised to see a huge influx of newbies running around the grid, doing what we all did as newbies.  As for me, well, in addition to blogging, I’m doing more exploring, more music venues, & definitely more shopping.  LOTS of great events out there, with tons of goodies!  Here are just a few…  Maybe I’ll even finally learn to sail that boat I bought months and months ago! I’ll drink to that!  In the meantime, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  WILD Fashion & Beauty – Daphne Outfit.  This brand describes itself as “the image of femininity, more realistic but still fantasized, tasteful and modern…It expresses forms of elegance and luxury with the Mediterranean flavour.”  I think this outfit epitomizes that statement.  Combining denim, lace, & sequins (yes, sequins!) could be either a dream or a nightmare… I’m thrilled to say I’m living the dream!  Includes a HUD with 10 options for the top — 5 with lace, 5 with just sequins — & 10 for the skirt — 5 with lace trim, 5 solid denim with 4 off-center buttons.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, this stunning little outfit is available EXCLUSIVELY at the March round of the Swank Event, March 7th – 29th.
  • Head:  LOGO – Josie Brand-new, absolutely stunning bento head, EXCLUSIVELY available at the Skin Fair, at the introductory price of 999L including both the customization & animation HUDs (normally sold separately), March 13th – 29th.  More details — & a closeup head shot — can be seen in my post from March 17th HERE.   A demo is available.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Lamb – Baddie
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Pose:  Reve Obscura (R!O!) – Just One Drink

Angel of the Morning

http://Angel of the Morning

I’m not particularly into angels.  Yes I love wings, but even in my fae days (yes, once upon a time many years ago, I played as an elvish-fae hybrid) when I wore wings every day, I never wore angel wings. In fact, when given a choice between being an angel or a devil, I’d have to say I just about always go for the dark side.  But not this time.  Somehow this angel outfit just didn’t hit me as all that angelic, if you get my drift… in fact, it almost seems a bit devilish in that it just exudes temptation.  I found it to be rather inspiring, so much so that rather than just do it the easy way and shoot myself flying or hovering against a cloudy background, I decided to make it much harder, and build a small cloud “set”.   It reminded me of a lesson I’d forgotten of late… I have so much more fun when I do it the hard way, going a bit overboard and doing much more than is necessary in order to approximate the image that’s in my brain…  Well, time to hang up my wings and leave my seat in the clouds…  Happy shopping! (and to quote a show from a long, long time ago, “Be safe out there!”)

  • Outfit:  Giulia Design – URIEL.  Includes dress, open-work boots, Charu Tikka, crystal halo, hair decoration, body piercing, gold deco, & animated wings, which you can see in the pic below together with a close-up look at the Tikka & halo.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Freya, & Maitreya, & EXCLUSIVELY available at the Girls Heaven event, open March 8th – 31st.
  • Fountain:  Tylar’s Treasures – Heaven’s Gate Angelic Fountain, with animated water.  Lovely addition to your decor, whether you live in the clouds or on land like most of us. EXCLUSIVELY available at the Girls Heaven event, open March 8th – 31st. 
  • Clouds:  Tylar’s Treasures Cloud Blue Box.  A beautiful blue cloud generator to create clouds for your fantasy, RP, photography, landscaping, home, or any place you want a bit of special romance or mystery.  Also available in pink.  Available only on Marketplace.
  • Mesh Cloud (in bottom pic only):  Tylar’s Treasures Heaven’s Gate Cloud Bento Adult.  A mesh cloud for when you need something solid among the clouds.  Animated with 4 male & 4 female single sits + sequence, 2 slow dances, 6 bento cuddles + sequence, 8 bento multi-speed adult + sequence.  Adult & cuddle versions available.  25% OFF at the Girls Heaven event, open March 8th – 31st. 
  • Head, Skin, Eyes & Makeup:   LOGO – Willow, worn in Alabaster
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Pose:  CNZ (extinct vendor) – Beach Game Poses Set

Something Wicked This Way Comes

http://Something Wicked This Way Comes

This was a fun outfit for me to blog, but a tough one at the same time.  I know that it was inspired by something on the darker side for an event with a dark theme, but I just don’t do dark real well unless it’s Halloween, and even then it doesn’t feel comfortable.  And one thing I want to do when I really love an outfit is feel good about what I’m doing with it.  So although I considered the whole zombie hunting thing, I just couldn’t get it to a level that feel acceptable to my harshest critic (me).  So although I still went dark for me, it certainly is no horror show… but then again, this is a gorgeous leather outfit suitable for all sorts of moods, so maybe where I ended up is where I needed to be after all. Either way, I had fun exploring a few dark corners looking for the right shot… I highly recommend exploring outside your normal venues… followed up by some shopping therapy!!!! Happy shopping!

  • Head, Eyes, Skin, Shape, Makeup:  Tonic – Tempest, a preview of the newest bento head from Tonic, which will debut as an EXCLUSIVE at the Skin Fair on March 13th.  I’m not going to go into a lot of details here, because I did a closeup on Saturday’s blog.  You can see it HERE, & pick up a free demo at the main store.  I WILL say that Tempest is beautifully amazing, & IMHO is absolutely the best head yet by Tonic.
  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Lisha Leather Outfit.  Inspired by Selene, the vampire in “Underworld” who kills Lycans, Lisha is a bit darker than most of Allure’s designs, but then the theme for the event is “darkness.”  Darkness is certainly done in style with a leather outfit that can be interpreted in lots of ways, depending on your mood & how you style it.  The details are fabulous — the “tooling” on the jacket, then the lace & the darker contrast on the cuff of the shoes, the hip belt with a big open ring right on the butt cheek? Just awesome!  Lisha is a complete outfit of jacket, pants, & boots, which comes in 6 separate color/texture choices or as a 10 option Fatpack.  If all you crave are the boots, they are available as a separate fatpack. All textures are ORIGINAL.  The outfit is sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVE new release for the 7Event, March 5th – 20th A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Body:  Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_BLING
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Callan Nails
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Samsara Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Arranmore

Tempest

http://Tempest

So when I first started as a blogger, my very first sponsor was Tonic, the maker of my favorite mesh body.  As I say repeatedly in my blogs whenever I wear my Tonic Curvy body (though I should mention that they do also make a Tonic Fine body, it’s just not ME, I’m definitely a curvy gal), in my opinion it has the most natural curves anywhere. I love it!  Then a while back, Tonic also started making bento heads, with every new head bringing a totally different look and new modifications.  Now I’m previewing Tempest, the newest bento head from Tonic, and all I can say is YAY, she is awesome, totally rivaling the major brands out there.  I’ll admit that in the past, I’ve tweaked quite a bit to get a look that I felt was me; this time, I’m using Tempest straight out of the box and feeling really REALLY good about it.  I’m sure I’ll do some minor tweaks over time, because that’s just what I do… I always like to put my own little stamp on every look, but the truth of the matter is that this head really doesn’t need it, especially since it already comes with several shape options, as described below.  Here are the details of “the look”:

  • Head, Eyes, Skin, Shape, Makeup: Tonic – Tempest, a preview of the newest bento head from Tonic, which will debut as an EXCLUSIVE at the Skin Fair on March 13th. Tempest is strong, confident, powerful, & trouble!  In addition to the customization/animation HUD — which among other things includes eyes in 7 colors, 7 eyeshadows by AlaskaMetro,  face skin from Pink Fuel, with/without freckles, in 12 tones, plus 3 ear shapes (flat, human, & pixie) — it comes with 6 sample shapes (3 for curvy, 3 for a finer shape, all of course are mod!), 3 brow shapes, two versions of the head (one “lite” for BOM), & BOM extras.  And Omega is built in! (Note: you do need to buy the matching skin tone for your body).  I’m using green eyes, biscuit skin with freckles, & curvy shape #3. Makeup & lipstick are straight from the HUD.  In other words, this beautiful look is STRAIGHT OUT OF THE BOX; all I did was change the body measurements to match my body. I can’t even begin to tell you how rare that is for me! The free demo is available for you to play with right now at the main store; no need to wait!
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_BLING
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Samsara Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

See you on the grid! Happy shopping!

Bookworm

http://Bookworm

I may have talked about this before, but I read books.  A lot. About a book a week, sometimes more, sometimes less, but I’d say that’s about where it averages out. And when I say books, I mean REAL books, not digital.  I like the feel of the pages, the weight in my hand, the turning, the ability to flip back.  I only read fiction, but I read all genres, though I definitely have my favorites.  I have a book with me at all times (it’s one of the reasons I favor large handbags).  In my younger days, I was that girl sitting at the bar with a drink and an open book.  I have a hard time understanding why people DON’T enjoy reading, but hey, to each his own.  I’m one of those people who get excited when I find a bookstore; I love libraries; I literally have hundreds of books at home that I’ve gathered but haven’t had a chance to read yet.  And that’s why this scene speaks so much to who I am… I would love love LOVE to have a little hideaway like this in real life where I could be surrounded by books and make myself nice and comfy while indulging in my addiction… In fact, this one looks interesting… think I’ll just curl up for a little bit before heading out for my other addiction… shopping therapy! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  MOZ Designs –  NEW!  “Luna” Halter Jumpsuit.   This 100% Original fitmesh comes in 3 packs — 6 solids, florals & patterns — or a SuperPack of all textures!  Sized for Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, Tonic, eBody & Legacy.  Demo available.  EXCLUSIVELY sold at the March Designer Showcase starting March 4th.  Group members remember to wear your tag for a discount!
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Head:   LOGO – Mae
  • Skin:   LOGO – Amelia in Blossom
  • Hair:  Doux – Melanie
  • Eyes:  AviGlam – Ardor Eyes in ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Laura Heels
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Metatron Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Zaira 6
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – Book Corner

Love is in the Air

http://Love is in the Air

People get so caught up in Valentine’s Day, you’d think it was the only day for love.  I’ve got news for some of you… it’s not! Love is all around us, every day; sometimes, we just have to open our eyes to see it. It may not be as obvious as a big bouquet of roses or a fancy box of chocolates or a sparkly piece of jewelry; it might be an unasked for cup of tea when you’re feeling a little achy or having one of your chores done for you.  The simple things, that all too often go unnoticed (something I know that I’m definitely guilty of).  That said, I’m still a sucker for getting all dressed up here in SL (it’s nowhere near as much fun in RL, much more uncomfortable lol) and having the big romantic evening, dancing to songs from the rat pack era.  I just do always try to be mindful as to the differences between the reality and the appearance of love… and then thoroughly enjoy them both (especially where they overlap)!  Now go do some shopping, and be happy!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams by Nile Karas – Siren Gown.  What a dream of a gown!  Shapely cups for the breasts, then a tight sheath all the way down till it puddles near the floor.  Available in 7 colors (I’m wearing Cyan), each of which has a HUD offering 5 texture options with/without the two-toned treatment. Just stunning! Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the February Swank Event, February 7th – 29th.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Jewelry: Stone’s Works –  Hoops & Spheres Necklace & Earrings (sold separately).  The perfect complement to a stunning gown is a piece of wearable art like this set. I’m wearing it in Onyx, which is available at the mainstore, but in sapphire (see closeup below) it’s ON SALE at Hope 2, the Home & Garden Expo to Benefit Relay for Life from February 13th to March 2nd, which this year includes “Wearable Arts”.  
  • Backdrop:  irrISIStible – Romantic Valentine Backdrop 3 Sky Textures.  As every blogger or photographer knows, a great backdrop can truly help make your photo.  You can count on this one for a lot of great photos because with it’s built-in sky texture changer (just touch it), it offers so much versatility.  Includes a small heart emitter from the fountain. Obviously, I could only use one for the shot, but I’ve shown what all three look like below, & I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be seeing more of this backdrop in future shots.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the February Swank Event, February 7th – 29th. 
  • Head & Skin:   LOGO – Willow
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_RESISTANCE
  • Makeup:  LOGO (a mix of things)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Musa! – Abyss Eyes2 (Omega Applier)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Pose:  STUN – Margulis 2 (curve)

Summer Breeze

http://Summer Breeze

By this time of year, as I look out the window at the bitter cold rain and reach for my winter coat, my thoughts inevitably turn to warmer climes. I’m just not built for cold weather.  Then again, I’m not built for hot weather either. I like a rather narrow band of temperate weather lol.  Though I feel that with cold, there’s not much you can do other than bundle up or go inside.  If there’s a breeze, and you can lie in the shade, heat can not only be tolerable it can be pleasurable… unless it’s excessive, then you’re back to going inside! In any case, when you’re in the cold, the heat seems wonderful, and vice versa.  A typical case of the grass being greener.  Me, I’m ready to do the great migration from the northeast to the southeast… my bones are cold and my joints are aching! Only one thing to do… SHOPPING THERAPY!!!!  Happy shopping!

  • Swimsuit:  powdermoon – Halter Swimsuit with HUD.  The perfect proof that when it comes to swimwear, sexy doesn’t have to mean “teeny weeny”.  In fact, this halter swimsuit covers everything below the waist, but the treatment above the top is incredibly enticing.  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya, this suit comes with a 12-texture HUD (4 solids + 8 prints), & is  EXCLUSIVELY available at the all-new Girls Heaven event, open February 9th – March 4th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Chile, worn in Caramel with no makeup.  I tend to love the lightly freckled skins, & this one is no exception!  Another stunner of an Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Vanity Event, February 15th – 25th.  Demos & shape also available.
  • Head & Eyes: Tonic – Pixie, the newest & newly improved bento head from Tonic
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  Argrace – Tokiwa
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Green Appliers
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love

http://DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love

Music is such magic. It’s amazing how a song you’ve heard millions of times can become so different depending on when or where you hear it or whom you hear it with.   And once that happens, every time you hear that song, it will conjure up such memories, such emotions, no matter where you are or what you’re doing.  Is it that the music adds magic to the moment, or that the moment — or the person you’re sharing it with — adds magic to the music?  It’s probably one of those chicken-and-egg questions.  All I know is that there are songs that are forever indelibly inked on my heart and mind.  Perhaps that’s why the DJ has such an almost mythical role in popular culture. They wield the power of the magic, the power to not just transform moments forever, but to transform lives.

  • Dress: in.SANITY Designs – NEW! Morgaine.  A perfect knit for winter clubbing or whatever. Nice thick knit, with a high neck in front, bare back down super low.  Simple, stylish, & sexy.  6 colors available separately or in a Fat pack with a HUD for all 6. Sized for Slink, Belleza, & Maitreya.  Also available on Marketplace!
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Bento Nails Mesh Ballerina Long Tinny.  I find that nails become much more important when I wear a solid color outfit; these nails really rise to the occasion! They even have a 12 option HUD (6 color bands with gold & with silver nails), & are EXCLUSIVELY available at the February Swank Event, February 7th – 29th..  See the closeup below.
  • Head:   LOGO – Mae.  On sale for 50% OFF at the February eBento event, February 11th to 29th. See Saturday’s blog for details.
  • Skin, Shape, & Makeup:  LOGO – Amelia. On sale & EXCLUSIVELY available at the February eBento event, February 11th to 29th. See Saturday’s blog for details.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_PRIVATE
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Nattalie Wirework Pearls Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl Poses – DJ Booth
  • Location:  Backdrop Central