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

Even in the simplest moments, there is beauty…

http://Even in the simplest moments, there is beauty

“Daisies are the sunbeams of the earth, a reminder that even in the simplest moments, there is beauty.”  

― John Ruskin

Thought for the day… the beauty of simplicity… add a few stylistic touches, and there you have it…

  • Outfit:  Carol’s Store – Robin Top & Pants.  The fabulously ribbed sleeveless cropped turtle comes in 10 solid colors; the waist-high pants feature a decorative zipper in the front & an amazing “dip” in the back for a truly incredible look from behind, * also come in 10 colors.   Or choose a fatpack with all colors for either the top or bottom, OR a megapack with all options & full mix ‘n match possibilities.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Robin is sized for Reborn, Legacy, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX+LaraV.5, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  Originally an exclusive at Uber through Feb 15th, she is now available at the mainstore.  See the ad below; demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Hair Yon
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  I n’ K Original – Deep Desire Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set
  • Tattoo:  Apollemis – Apple & Jasmine Blossom Sleeve
  • Nails:  Alaia – Square Glitt
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Katerina Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Hazeel – Cute Daisy

Caught in the Act

http://Caught in the Act

It’s always refreshing to find a clothing style that you’ve never seen before.  That’s why Original Mesh is so exciting… instead of an artfully done imagining of a “body”  or a “clothing cut”, it’s something brand new, something you’ve never seen (or tried on) before.  The style of this dress immediately wowed me the moment I saw it.  the crisscross of the cardigan underneath the chest with a tie in the back, over a lovely sundress is just so different from anything I’ve seen on the grid.  I held my breath when I tried it on, with fingers crossed that it would look as good on my body as it did on the hangar as it were.  Amazingly, it looks even better than I had imagined!  Perfect for the early spring, as the weather is changing and you want to move into those “lighter” outfits, but need to still protect against that chill in the air.  This is a dress NOT to miss!!!! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Rebecca Dress.  Choose from 10 solid colors for the cardigan & 10 patterns for the dress (NOTE: single colors come with a HUD to change the dress pattern), or a fatpack with lots of mix ‘n’ match opportunities.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Hannah is sized for Legacy, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX+LaraV.5, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, & Love Momma.  Originally an exclusive at the Cosmopolitan Event through Jan 20th, she is now available at the mainstore.  See the ad below; demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes: Gloom – Suupaa
  • Freckles:  poema – Molly Moles
  • Makeup:  Goreglam – Heated Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Fontaine Cosmetics – Keep Real Lipstick
  • Nails:  Veechi – Dark Jelly
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Giselle Opal Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

The party’s over…

http://The Party's Over...

It’s January 1st of a new year, the partying is over, and it’s time to get back to real life.  My year started with (a) my FlickR PRO disappearing (wouldn’t you think that automatic renewal would initiate RENEWAL???) and (b) my Netflix freaking out… what will tomorrow bring lol?  But I’m having fun with the Twilight Zone marathon running in the background (I watch it every year!!!), and at least here on the grid things seem to be normal (for now, at least, though I’ll be thrilled once all these holiday images are over lol).  Happy New Year to everyone… may it be a year filled with health, happiness, prosperity, and FUN! (not to mention lots of shopping here in SL!!!!)

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Hannah Dress.  Stunning short slinky party dress with an asymmetrical bottom, edged with both a ruffle & lace. Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Hannah is sized for Legacy, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, & Love Momma.  She is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Cosmopolitan Event through Jan 6th, & then at the mainstore.  See the ad below; demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Raven Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  FAGA – Elsa
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Makeup:  [PAIX] – Liberty Eyeshadow; CAZIMI – Diamond EvoX Lipstick
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Nails:  Dalila – Gyda
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Met Gala Earrings & Red Cord Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  NANTRA – Walk of Shame
  • Location:  Naturally Naughty

Looking for the perfect spot

http://Looking for the perfect spot

Now that we’ve all survived the Black Friday madness, we’re onto the holiday shopping.  Advent calendars, holiday sales, holiday events, decorating our homes (and in some cases, ourselves), exploring all the new winter sims… It’s a great time of year, when all the sparkling snow is beautiful and the decorations are so pretty… but I always know in the back of my mind that two months down the line, I’ll be feeling that old “I’m done with winter” feeling.  But for now, I’m definitely enjoying the holiday spirit, and gave myself the gift of a new me! Well, to be perfectly honest, I was gifted my new body (thank you Rene!!!), but then of course I was inspired to pick up a new head on a Black Friday sale, and t hen of course that necessitated a new skin.  And of course, I’ve been busy creating and tweaking and retweaking my shape… such fun! Now, if I could just find the perfect spot for this mistletoe, where he’ll definitely see it, without it being TOO obvious… Oooh, will that work? Happy shopping!

  • Top:  Carol’s Store – Melissa Sweater.   Perfect, perfect, perfect! A cropped turtle that’s executed in a bolero style over a cropped knit… it’s cozy & warm but still shows off this awesome new body! Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Cristina is sized for Legacy, Belleza GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, & Love Momma.  She is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Dubai Event, through Dec 15th, & then at the mainstore.  See the ad below; demo available.  (NOTE:  I’m wearing Melissa with Ellis Jeans, also from Carol’s)
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Raven Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin & Makeup:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin) + MU Eyeliner + MU Eyeshadow + MU Smokeyeyes
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Nails:  Veechi – Jolly Gels
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Dhoom Mila Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Goddess Creations – Mistletoe; HopScotch – Pose Fair Giftpose 1
  • Location: Where Our Journey Begins