Cat-ching up

https://Cat-ching up

Coming home after a long vacation is such an awesome feeling…. nothing like being away to really make you appreciate the home you’ve created.  However, it does definitely come with its drawbacks, one of the biggest being catching up, and when you have a houseful of animals, there’s a lot of “cat-ching” up to do as well! Cats really make you pay for having the audacity to leave them in the care of others, even while allowing them to stay in their own home… and that’s on top of the thousands of emails and buckets of mail that await your return (not to mention all the dirty laundry that accompanies you home lol)! Now to catch up on my blogging too (not to mention my shopping)…  Time to relax and settle in, and get to work (and play)!

  • Outfit:  Carol’s Store – Kaya Jeans & Sweater.   This outfit just says “comfort” but it definitely says it with style! Choose from 10 single colors for the cozy ribbed knit top, & 10 for the skinnyleg jeans, or you can opt for a fatpack for either or a megapack for all, where the HUD now includes the ability to easily add tint so you can customize colors to create your own unique look!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Kaya is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Erika, & Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of the Cosmopolitan event, open through Nov 23rd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Monia, in Rose Kiss (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Kerr (includes earrings)
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – BROOKE Eyeshadow & Lipstick
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Jewelry:  Pure Poison – Cat Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Grimes
  • Cats:  Rezz Room – Bengal Cat Family

Checking you out…

https://Checking you out...

It’s been an interesting few days… we caught the very edge of Helene, so lots of wind with only a spot of rain and no damage, so we were very VERY lucky.  Being stuck indoors was actually very beneficial, since my new computer arrived and I’ve been working hard to move everything over, knowing that the old one might say “bye, good luck, I’m done” at any moment.  Moving things from a 5 1/2+year old PC to a brand new one is not as easy as one would think (or as easy as it should be for that matter).  It took me 3 days of frustration and eight tries to move my iTunes (one approach took forever copying music files and uploading, and that one didn’t work lol!), partly because the first set of instructions I followed put the wrong program on my PC and then I couldn’t seem to find it to uninstall it.  Who knew they moved so much around with some programs going in as “apps” rather than “programs” and therefore not showing up for uninstall; all I can say is that it definitely does NOT make things easier.  The good news is that I have managed to move the most important “old” programs, though others are still proving obstinate.  I hate to have to pay for something I already own because it’s “not compatible” or because after years of use I can’t find serial numbers, etc.  But if it’s one thing that I think everyone who knows me would agree on is that I am persistent, and I do not give up easily.  I will say that SL looks amazing with my new setup, and I no longer have to turn things on for photo shoots and then back off in order to be able to move, etc… I can just keep it all on! Of course, in time, with more enhancements on the horizon, that may change.  But for now, fall is absolutely glorious in SL!!! Enjoy!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Maia Dress.   Absolutely lovely, with an easy fall that drapes your shape & open lace at broad cuffs & along the edge of the bodice.  Choose from 10 single colors or a fatpack, where the HUD now includes the ability to easily tint the dress, so you have even MORE colors to play with (which is what I did to get this awesome fall color)!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Alessia is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Erika, & Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of the Dubai event, open Sept 20th – Oct 15th.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Monia, in Rose Kiss (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Hype – Something Eyeshadow + Sugarose – LARY;  TOP1Salon – Rebellious Lipstick
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Jewelry:   Eclectica – Boho Earrings;  AvaWay – Paige Necklaces Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Bag:  Bueno – March Bag
  • Pose:  Pose Maniacs – Olga
  • Backdrop:  brassie lassie – fall city pathway

Had a bad day?

http://Had a bad day?

Bad days… unfortunately, they’re just part of life.  I’m not talking about the kind of life-changing horrors and accidents and losses… yes, they’re still part of life but they are just too big  to be considered a “bad day”.  I’m talking about days when the train breaks down, or the boss dumps five new emergencies on your desk, or you have a fight with your significant other, or your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and you can’t get a signal on your phone.  I had that kind of day yesterday, though it was more of an early evening kind of thing… my web hosting suddenly changed how many GBs my little website is allowed, and I’m over… they’re threatening that I won’t be able to post any more unless I optimize or (what a surprise!) pay more.  The instructions to optimize are anything but clear, and I’m already paying way more than I should for a blog like this where I don’t actually sell anything or make money.  I’m considering going the route so many other bloggers have gone, and just give it up… only post on social media.  I don’t even know if anyone even reads this any more, since my email program died and I didn’t resurrect it.  But personally, I really like having the blog… sometimes it’s like looking through old photos, bringing up memories and people and places you’ve forgotten.  So, I need to buckle down and either (A) try to figure out this optimization thing, or (B) move to a different hosting platform.  I’m leaning towards the latter.  But if anyone is actually reading this who has a similar-type blog, I’d love to hear who you’re using for web hosting.  And then I can do a post about “Good Day Sunshine”!  Enjoy!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Alessia Dress.   You can look amazing even when you have a bad day… in fact, it might be even more important so you can show life it won’t beat you!  This dress will have you look & feel fantastic, even when life feels like it’s gone the other way… the high neck, the waist sash, the little dots, the way it softly hugs your curves & then just a bit of flounce at the asymmetric edge…  even if you can’t smile, he will! Choose from 10 single colors or a fatpack, where the HUD now includes the ability to easily tint the dress, so you have even MORE colors to play with!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Alessia is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Cosmopolitan, through August 31st.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Grasp
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Chinoca Store – Raven Lipstick
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Le Forme – M02 Metallic Pack
  • Jewelry:   ZOOM – Zuri Set Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose & Props:  STUN – Rachel (modified) + SINCHI – 1993 Wine
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Madison Penthouse Backdrop

Perfect deliciousness

http://Perfect deliciousness

One thing I can definitely say about this summer is that it’s HOT.  And I just successfully survived what’s considered a Floridian’s biggest fear… not hurricanes, not sharks, not gators, but a BROKEN AC in the SUMMER!  It wasn’t fun, I can fully tell you that, but thankfully it was only for a few miserable hours and since we still had power, we did have fans, but the indoor temperature got well up into the 80s (we won’t even mention the humidity lol).  Not something I’d recommend!  If only I’d had this dress!!! I would have been so much cooler…  but I have it here inworld, and I guess that just has to be enough!!! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Miranda Dress.   It’s the dog days of summer, & everything is about beating the heat.  This light gauzy, loose & airy mid-calf length dress is perfect both for the weather & for just looking amazing! Open floral lace under the bosom & at the bottom add just the right amount of detail. Choose from 10 single colors or as a fatpack, where the HUD now includes the ability to easily tint the dress, so you have even MORE colors to play with!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Miranda is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Cosmopolitan, through August 3rd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – ER100
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  poema – Nubian Night Manicure
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Love Surrender Earrings (GROUP GIFT); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Glasses:  Lacey Babes – Jefa Sunglasses
  • Pose:  STUN – Kula
  • Backdrop:  EMPIRE TEXTURES – Roadside Fruit Stand

A Bird’s Eye View of Frogmore, now in PBR

http://A Bird's Eye View of Frogmore, now in PBR

If it’s one thing I’ve learned in my 17+ years in Second Life, everything changes.  Sometimes small things, sometimes HUGE.  Mesh was one; it completely revolutionized both your avatar and everything around you.  Now it’s PBR.  I’m still struggling with lighting, and I crash ALL THE TIME.  I TP home, dare to turn around, and BUGSPLAT.  I do my weekend shopping, and by the 3rd or 4th TP, BUGSPLAT.  It will take adjustment certainly, both in Firestorm tweaking the viewer to make it more stable, tweaking my computer to make it better able to handle the increased load, and then the learning curve for doing photoshoots.  But I can already see how it’s worth it.  First off, it’s always bothered me that mirrors didn’t reflect… now they do!  I haven’t seen too many other PBR textures yet (that I’ve known about anyway), but Frogmore has just updated itself to be fully PBR… that means PBR terrain, windlight, all of it.  And all I can say is WOW!   It’s so impressive, the difference in textures and shadows, etc. really does create a more realistic environment.  We’re not yet at the level of quality video games, but we’re getting there!  Enjoy!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Cynthia Dress.   What better way to explore a SIM than in something lightweight & airy, with so many stylish details! I love the high halter neckline & the straps in the back (no idea what that style is called, but I LOVE it & tried mightily to find a pose that showcased both front & back without standing in front of a mirror).  Add the seersucker-look fabric with open floral lace on the straps & at the waist, & this is top-quality summer look! Choose from 10 single colors or as a fatpack, where the HUD now includes the ability to easily tint the dress, so you have even MORE colors to play with!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Cynthia is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Cosmopolitan, through July 20th.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Ava
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadows; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Nails:  Demicorn – Almond Nails
  • Jewelry:  U:Refined – Melissa Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Simply Sweet Poses – Feeling Sassy
  • Location:  Frogmore

Care to join me?

http://Care to join me?

Summer days (and summer heat) are here, so I decided it was time to change to a suntan skin and start sporting that summer look!  I’ll admit that I’ve been having some difficulty resisting that lazy hazy feeling from the endlessly beating sun, but what says summer more than a picnic!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Megan Top & Skirt.   Lightweight & cool, & oh so stunning! Simple but full of details, like the neck “strap” & contrast trim on both the skirt & top… adorable! Choose from 10 single colors or fatpacks for the top (including the ability to change the trim color) or the skirt; or the MegaPack for both fatpacks together!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Megan is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of uber, open through June 22nd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Haven, currently available only at the Hair Fair through June 16th
  • Eyes:  Tville Eyes Store – Afrodite
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Amalfi Summer Nights Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:   piXit – Manaram; Gnite – Coke
  • Location:  Luanes World, Le Monde Perdu

Looking for a brighter tomorrow

http://Looking for a brighter tomorrow

Sometimes it’s hard to keep your spirits up.  I’m fortunate, and I know it.  The things that are going wrong in my life right now are not huge or life-altering.  But it’s like a steady drip… in itself, what is a drop? But drop after drop after drop after drop eventually becomes a bit overwhelming.  That’s where I’ve been… in that “overwhelm”.  I finally FINALLY got a good night’s sleep last night… first time in weeks that I wasn’t awoken by pain.  I hadn’t realized the level of exhaustion that was lurking behind my day…  how I’d surrendered to those feelings of, well not hopelessness but definitely something not life-affirming.  That constant low-level pain with flashes of greater intensity is so draining, so demoralizing, and just so sneaky that you don’t realize how it’s invaded EVERYTHING, especially when your mobility is curtailed so all of your activities are “on hold”.  I miss that daily mile-long walk with my dog way more than I’ve realized; we can now make it to the end of the street, but that’s not even a quarter of the way.  I wasn’t even reading (and I read about a book a week!), and I just devoured a fabulous novel in two days.  Hopefully now things have shifted from maintaining a low status quo to a slow but steady climb back to a more pain-free and more active lifestyle.  I know my dog will be happy when we can get back into our routine, and that will open the way for me to resume my other activities.  All such minor things, but I will be so glad to turn off (or at least slow down) that drip, drip, drip of pain and confinement.  Well enough moaning about poor little me… it’s the weekend, isn’t it, and that means one thing… SHOPPING THERAPY!!!!  Checks my linden balance… and I’m off! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Mati Top & Skirt.   Perfect casual skirt set for the increasing heat of spring (we’ve been in the 90s where I am IRL). Choose from 10 single colors or a fatpack for the top; 10 single colors or a fatpack for the skirt (even single skirts include a HUD to change the belt); or the MegaPack for all these fabulous choices!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Mati is sized for Reborn, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of uber, open through May 22nd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Sasa
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  WarPaint – Romancer Eyeshadow; Guapa – Graphic Eyeliner; Celestial – Softness Lip Applier
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Veechi – Magnetic Gels
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Goddess Necklace & Earrings; MINIMAL – Chelin Letter Necklace C; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – My White Horse
  • Location:  Elvion

French bread & cafe au lait… Ooh la la!

http://French bread & cafe au lait... ooh la la

I’m so excited, I just booked what promises to be a very special vacation for my milestone birthday this year (and no, I’m not telling you which milestone!).  This trip includes a river cruise as well as some awesome foodie cities I haven’t been to in decades (if at all), including Paris! Everything French is on my mind… I’m even listening to a French radio station on my land lol!  So my first instinct for this day-after-booking post was to do something a little bit French as well… and what is more French than fresh bread and cafe au lait?  Bon appetit and, of course, happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Raine Tops & Skirts.   Experience incredible texturing & fit on this sexy crochet crop top & this flirty swingy short skirt. Choose from 10 single colors or a fatpack for the top; 10 single colors or a fatpack for the patterned skirt; or the MegaPack for all these fabulous choices!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Raine is sized for Reborn, Legacy+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of uber, open through April 22nd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Doux – Kikichun
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella Eyeshadow; Fontaine – Mirage Lips
  • Nails:  :NN: – Scarlet Cateye Short Almond Nails
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:  IT! Indulge Temptation – Flor Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Bread Bag Pack
  • Location:  Sainte Rose Sur Mer & BarDeco

Think you’re man enough to handle ME?

http://ARE you man enough to handle ME?

So as much as I may be knocked over by individual photos by fashion bloggers that always stand there looking straight at the camera in some variation of the same pose, personally I prefer pix that tell a story, that show the “model” caught in a moment of doing something.  That said, I’ve discovered that sometimes a particular fashion look demands a head-on, look-in-the-eyes pose, usually one with a bit of a challenge (at least in my own head, anyway lol).  This was definitely one of those times, and when I stumbled upon this little speakeasy, I just knew this was the place, and this was the atttitude…  Enjoy!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Evelyn Jumpsuit.  As stunning as this jumpsuit is in the ad, not to mention how amazing I felt in it from the moment I tried it on, I was still somewhat unprepared for how incredibly sexy it looks when out & about… in fact, my partner kept commenting on it when I wore it this week for our Friday date night, & after 16 years together, that’s saying something! Choose from 10 single colors or the fatpack of this amazing “wavy-striped” jumpsuit (even the single colors come with a HUD to change the belt & buckle color).  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Evelyn is sized for Reborn, Legacy, GenX (Classic & Curvy), LaraX+PetiteX+Lara V5.3, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  See the ad below; demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Bella
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Hype – Something Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Fontaine – Mirage Lips
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Dhoom Essy Earrings; MINIMAL – Chelin Letter Necklace C; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Dezz
  • Location:  The Speakeasy @ Butterscotch

Wait, is that the Easter bunny?

http://Wait, Is that the Easter Bunny?

Unbelievable how fast the year is flying by… and equally unbelievable how merchandising for Easter has been EVERYWHERE for what seems like forever… one holiday just bleeds into the next.  But Easter does mean one thing, and that is that spring is here (or right around the corner, depending on where you live).  Jackets are coming off, shirt sleeves are getting shorter, shorts are coming out of the closet, and dresses are getting, well, spring-ier!  Now if only my allergies would get with the program lol…  Happy spring and happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Florence.  Beautiful spring/summer dress, with a gathered lace-edged bodice on a simple dress with a broad multi-pleated lace edge.  Choose from 10 single colors or the fatpack of this gorgeous subtle floral print.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Florence is sized for Reborn, Legacy, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  An exclusive at Cosmopolitan through TODAY Feb 16th, she will be available at the mainstore thereafter.  See the ad below; demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Tram – J0524
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – BoHo Luna Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FocusEnjoy Spring (includes hat & bicycle)
  • Location:  Frogmore