Focus, the goal is IMPROVEMENT not PERFECTION

http://Focus, the goal is IMPROVEMENT not PERFECTION

I watched a lot of Olympics coverage this time around… both my hands were injured (don’t even ask!), so my activities were extremely limited.  I did a lot of reading, and as much computer time as my poor hands could handle, all with the TV always on in the background and sometimes taking center stage.  One thing I learned and have taken to heart… to get really good at something, ANYTHING, you can’t compare yourself and your results to the best.  You look, you get inspired, hopefully you learn something, but comparing YOUR results to the best in ANY field is demoralizing.  Instead you need to focus on your own personal best, on improving.  I have a FlickR friend, someone whose work I admire greatly, who will suddenly fave one of my oldest pics… pics that at the time I thought were good, but when I look back I shudder!!!  But I find it so very valuable, to really be able to see where my photography has improved.  I still have so much to learn, but the Olympics helped me realize that my focus has been on the best and how my pics are lacking, rather than using them for inspiration to get to the NEXT step, not 20 steps down the line.  All I can do is my personal best, and to keep upping my game, slowly but surely.  Now to turn that attitude on my golf game lol!  And that is my message for the day… time to go shop and enjoy!

  • Outfit:  MAHOGANY Store – Aria Jeans & Top.  Not my normal style, but wow, do I ever love this look!  Big loose comfy jeans with big leg pockets, paired with an airy little top.  Both the jeans & the top come in 3 different color pallets (basics, blues, & grays for the jeans; neutrals, patterns, & solids for the top)… & of course there’s a megapack of each so you have your choice to mix ‘n match as you want with each other or other items in your wardrobe. Sized for Reborn, Legacy, & LaraX, Aria is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, ending in 3 days on Aug 20th. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WingsDG – EF0229
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Arabella Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – BOHO Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Sk8tgirl
  • Location:  Manakai Reef Break

 

 

Oooh, tempting

http://Oooh, tempting

Hmmm, for someone who is a very occasional drinker and doesn’t smoke cigarettes, I seem to do a lot of shots where I’m doing one or both!  But then again, I’m wearing outfits that are not part of my RL lifestyle either… at this point, I’m a bit more of a stay-at-home and blog kind of gal lol!  But I remember what life was like “way back then” in my single days…  and that’s what SL is for anyway… doing things other than what you do IRL… otherwise, what’s the point?  Raises my glass to you… Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  JUMO Fashion – Aspen.  GORGEOUS.  STUNNING. That’s how I felt wearing this awesome 3-piece outfit.  With 3 different textures to choose from  — solid (with little metallic “chips”), print, & lace in a multitude of colors (see the ad below)– you can mix ‘n match for so many different looks.  I simply fell in love with the lace sleeves, so went a little wild mixing all 3 fabrics for a stylish & totally unique look.  And my partner was totally obsessed with the way my tummy peeked out! Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX Classic+Curvy,  Maitreya+Petite+LaraX+XPetite, Kupra & Star, Aspen is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – Aug 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Linda (includes earrings)
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  HYPE – Something Eyeshadow; BNNB Makeup – Bielo Lipstick; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Jewelry:  Orsini – BAIA Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Fliw
  • Prop:  ChicChica – Cherrytini (includes optional cigarette)
  • Location:  Casa Agave Distillery

 

Buy me a drink?

http://Buy me a drink?

Wow, hard to believe that summer is nearing its end… I’m already seeing ads for fall items! Why does everyone always feel this need to rush things?  These are the so-called dog days of summer, where the heat and humidity is so oppressive, all you want to do is lie around and “pant”.  Me, I have an excuse for being less active than usual (not that I’m ever ALL that active lol; too happy being on the computer!)… I’m wounded (again, yes).  This time it’s my hands… I wasn’t even able to type for DAYS, seriously stressing my blogging schedule, and I hate to admit it, but the pain and “freaking out” also stressed my creativity.  I think the results show it, but those results vary widely… from being a little lackluster to honing things down to “THE” shot, one that I just love personally.  And as my earliest blogging mentor told me, I need to be shooting for ME, to create something that I personally am proud of and not worry about response.  And the more I blog, the more I see it’s true… sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason that I can see why one pic soars up into Golden Gallery whereas one that I think is a way better shot languishes way below my average.  My designer friends tell me the same thing… you just never know how people will respond or if something will even be seen.  Bottom line, is that you just can’t worry about it and you need to do what YOU like.  And right now, I would like to have a little fun!  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  WILD Fashion – Tina Jumpsuit.  What an amazing look! Includes fun fashion earrings (with built-in resizer) plus a 30-texture HUD (see the ad below).  Tina is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy, GenX (Classic & Curvy),  & LaraX, & is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – Aug 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WingsDG – EF0401
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  BNNB Makeup – Fabb Eyeshadow & Bielo Lipstick; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Bag:  LaGyo – Thetys Shell Purse
  • Pose:  STUN – Fliw
  • Location:  Sainte Rose Sur Mer & BarDeco

 

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

In the Pink

http://In the Pink

It’s so refreshing to put on pants in a summer of dress and shorts outfits.  And this is the PERFECT summer pants set! Loose and airy, you can just tell how lightweight the material is, and how supremely comfortable this would be in transitioning from indoor with its strong AC to a brief stint outdoors in the heat.  And the colors!  You can go bold or be a bit more soft-spoken, as I did, with just a touch of bright popping color.  Be sure to check this winner out! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Brielle Pants Outfit.   Available in 8 single 100% Original Textures or in a HUD-driven Fatback with 12 textures.  All outfits include matching flowered boots (super cute!).  Brielle is sized for Reborn+Waifus, Kupra, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, LaraX+XPetite+Maitreya+Petite, & GenX Classic/Curvy.  She is a BRAND-NEW EXCLUSIVE only at Sense Event, July 18th – Aug 8th.  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – Group Gift 03F
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  CAZIMI – Noods Gloss Nails
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Giselle Opal Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Glasses:  Eclectica – Lucite Catseye Sunglasses
  • Bag:  Rezz Room – Dog Walking Bag
  • Pose:   FOXCITY – Secure the Bag
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Tram City Backdrop

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

Like the view?

http://Like the view?

OK, this is my first photoshoot using the new Firestorm with PBR.  I ran into quite a few lighting issues, some of which I resolved during the shoot, some of which I resolved in edit, and most of which I’m just watching videos about to learn how more knowledgeable photographers are adjusting the settings.  That said, I absolutely love the dress and am pretty happy with the shot, despite the imperfections which are glaring to me personally but probably insignificant (if even noticeable) to everyone else.  And, after all, the lighting etc is not the purpose behind the pic, the whole point of blogging is just to show the awesomeness of the dress!  So, on that note, I’m going with the shot, then sitting down to watch more videos and play with lighting BEFORE my next photoshoot.  In the meantime, TGIF and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Suz Dress.  NEW RELEASE! Perfect little spring/summer dress with 18 summery textures (see the ad below).  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, Maitreya+Petite+LaraX+XPetite, & GenX Classic.  You can find Suz at the mainstore.  Demo is available (just click for menu, then demo). 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, currently available at the Access Event thru July 8th, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – TZ0820
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT
  • Makeup:  HYPE – Something Eyeshadow; Heron – JADE Lipstick
  • Nails:  Dalila – Gyda
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Tarentella Gypsy Dancer Necklace, Earrings & Bracelet; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Jucy
  • Location:  Frogmore

Come on in, the water is amazing!

http://Come on in, the water is amazing!

Just like in real life, I struggle a bit with swimwear.  Even with a perfect body (and we all have our own definitions of perfect, but whatever that is, it’s easily achievable in SL with a bit of work!), not all bathing suits are flattering.  I fell for this bikini the moment I put it on… it’s sexy and small, but adequately covers everything that I want covered, and just looks amazing!!!  If you’re looking for a new swimsuit (or even if you’re not), go try it on and see how it looks on YOUR body!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Jess Bikini.   Available in 10 single 100% Original Textures or in a HUD-driven Fatback with 20 textures.  Jess is sized for Legacy+Perky, Reborn, LaraX+Maitreya, & GenX Classic/Curvy.  She is a BRAND-NEW in-house release; demo available.  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, currently available at the Access Event, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – EF0501
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow; Heron Bodyshop – JADE Lipstick
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Petal Pinks
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Dog:  JIAN – Splashy Spaniels, Brit Gold
  • Pose:  FOCUS – The Ocean is Calling with Ocean Deck

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

Don’t worry, you’ll look great, I can fix any issues in post

http://Don't worry, you'll look great, I can fix any issues in post

Last post before vacation… always gets a bit crazed before leaving for a few weeks, but this trip is (A) staying stateside, so if we forget anything, it’s relatively easy to replace, and (B) by car, so packing is nowhere near as restricted.  Even so, so many little things that need to be done before hitting the road.  I do want to spend as much time as I can inworld, since without a laptop, I’ll be forced to take a break from SL.   No more weekend and event shopping for a while… will I survive lol?  Enjoy Second Life for me while I’m gone, and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Ghee – Lola.  Such a cute flirty little dress for the warmer days! I just love the asymmetric straps & hem, the little slit & tie at the high part of the gathered hem, the side cutout, & the brilliance of the floral pattern.  Available in 6 single colors (I’m wearing Rainbow) or as a fatpack, Lola is sized for Legacy+Bombshell, Reborn, GenX Classic+Curvy, Kupra, & LaraX.  She is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the May round of Designer Showcase, open May 5th – 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Doux – Francesca
  • Eyes:  VelvetVue – Bella
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow
  • Nails:  Demicorn – Almond Nails
  • Jewelry:  no.match – NO Diamond Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Say Cheese (includes camera)
  • Location:  Cherishville