Pondering Perfection

http://Pondering Perfection

I may now be living outside of the snow zone (yes!!!!!), but that doesn’t mean that it’s warm and toasty all the time.  In fact, it’s been downright nippy in the mornings and evenings, and we had a few days where it only reached into the 50s.  Still a lot better than subfreezing temps.  And mind you, I’m not complaining… it’s just a bit of a surprise to me.  And I definitely understand that nothing and no one and nowhere is “perfect” (and I do find that perfection is somewhat boring, don’t you agree?)…  That said, I still somehow I had a vision about it always being warm here year-round in the Sunshine State; I’m glad now that I bought a decent amount of warmer clothes with me.  Still doesn’t quite feel like home; once we’ve closed on the “old” house (this Friday, yay!!!), and I can stop thinking and worrying about things up there, maybe it will.  Though I know that the house that I lived in for all those years, raising my kids, will always be what I think of as “home” in my heart.  And although I certainly don’t foresee holding any snowballs in the future, this outfit would certainly stand me in good stead if I could find it in my size IRL lol!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  AnaSTyle – Iggy.  Love this cold-weather style!  Comfy, chic, & cozy, Iggy includes top, pants, & soft flat boots.  6 color options to change the color of the scarf & sleeves on the top; boots can be black or brown.  Sized for Hourglass, Legacy, & Maitreya, Iggy is EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event opening today Dec 7th through the end of the month.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy (freckled)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Hair:  Foxy – Tini
  • Jewelry: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Are You Home

Let It Snow

http://Let It Snow

I’ve had almost a week of near hysteria with missing documents from a mortgage refinancing back in 1998 (22 years ago!!!!) threatening the closing on the sale of our house in NY.  I’ve been a wreck, but things have been worked out and we — TADA! — have a closing date!!! It’s a good thing because we are ill equipped to handle the costs of two homes as far beyond our initial Sept closing date as we’ve gone, plus furnishing the new home, and our credit cards are maxing out.  I won’t totally settle down until the paperwork is totally done, but at least now I see a clear road ahead.  I’ve barely had time or energy to come inworld but I DID succeed in snagging a fabulous office chair from a consignment shop, so at least now I’m somewhat more comfortable when I’m on the computer. I’ve promised myself that I will be back to a more regular if somewhat diminished blogging schedule for December; hopefully everything will go as planned! Here’s to happy shopping and happy blogging!

The look:

  • Dress:  MOoH! – Christmas Sweater.  FREE, EXCLUSIVE HUNT GIFT! Absolutely adorable big holiday sweater, that can be worn with pants or just as is with high boots (if you don’t mind your legs getting cold lol)!  Includes a HUD with 3 color choices for the holiday pattern, 3 that say “Naughty is Nice”, & 3 that say “This is as Jolly as I get.”   Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, Maitreya, & Classic.  To get this fabulous sweater, all you need to do is find it as part of the Grumpy Santa Grid-Wide Hunt, an Evil Bunny Production, from Dec 3rd – 31st. Your hint is:  “These nutcrackers keep the evil spirits away“.
  • Slippers:  Ari-Pari – Candy Cane Slippers. FREE HUNT GIFT!  So cute, so cozy, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just can’t wear shoes any more.  Unrigged mesh slippers in 4 color options (pink, green, red, & blue).  Also part of the Grumpy Santa Grid-Wide Hunt, an Evil Bunny Production. Your hint is: “You’ll find me near the fur-baby gifts!
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the newest, most updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.   With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!  And I have to admit, I LOVE the shape of the legs!
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy (freckled)
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Terceira
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Xmas Puppies

The scene:

  • Useless Addiction – 12 Days of Blue Christmas Gacha.  Exclusively available at The Gacha Life, an Evil Bunny Production, opening Dec 5th with a theme of 12 Days of Christmas, this gacha includes 12 items (see key below), of which I’ve featured 9:  fireplace, Wreath, Candle Cluster, Topiary Tree, Presents, Gnome Tree, Light Pine Cones, Poinsettia with Lights, & the Let It Snow rug.

 

Taking A Moment

http://Taking A Moment

I realize how extremely fortunate I am to have such good things happening in my life at a time when so many people are suffering, and I also know that it’s something that I worked very hard for a very, very, very long time.  I also know that an awful lot of people have been forced into much less-positive moves, against their will. But I do have to also say that this is EXHAUSTING.  No matter how many things I cross off the list, even more are being added.  We did have a few pieces of furniture delivered today, so now at least we have chairs to sit on.  But the POD arrived as well, and we have just a couple of days to unload it all and then start the process of figuring out every item’s new home. And then, and then, and then, and then, and then…  grabbing even a short bit of time for myself to just “be” is priceless… hmmm, maybe this is actually a self-portrait (though NEVER in shoes like these)?!?  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Kelsey Sweater Outfit.   Includes a VERY cropped & VERY sexy knit sweater (the top half of it anyway lol), together with waist-high solid knit leggings sporting a big metallic buckle & matching stiletto heels. Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, & Maitreya, Kelsey is available in a Fatpack, or a Slimpack. Complete Outfit Options are all in one hud & contain 100% original textures. EXCLUSIVELY available at the November Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production. The theme for this round, open Nov 12th – 30th, is Baby It’s Cold Outside… but in this outfit you’ll definitely be warming things up!
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Hair:  Doux – Brandie
  • Tattoo:  Shana – Diamonds in Brown
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Lelia
  • Pose:  Po^z – Off Limits (Bento pose with smoke/couch props)

Cocoa Anyone?

http://Cocoa Anyone?

And life is starting to slowly settle in.  It still feels somewhat like a vacation… most meals are being eaten out since our POD with our cookware, spices, etc. doesn’t arrive until tomorrow; we’re doing a lot of “touristy” stuff, wandering around exploring and oohing and ahhhing over little gems we find. We discovered that we were unable to participate in any activities until we had resident ID cards, so we handled that and have hit the pool.  Once the golf clubs arrive tomorrow, we can start doing a bit more than just shop and eat, and then maybe it will start feeling more like home!  Since we’re still without any furniture outside of a bed and a dresser, I’m finding it extremely difficult to blog.  Between that and all the activities I plan on starting to participate in, I’ve realized that I need to cut back on my blogging, so I’ve reluctantly started resigning some of my sponsors, since nothing is worse than not meeting your requirements or doing your best for each and every post. Will I regret it? Time will tell. But one thing I can say for sure… I don’t miss the cold AT ALL.  Though the thought of some nice warm cocoa is still very very appetizing lol, especially when it gets a bit nippy (by Florida standards anyway) at night… Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Sexy Style – CLIO dress, jacket, boots.  Sexy style indeed! You could also add “sassy” for this awesome little outfit that combines a short little dress with an exceptionally style little jacket with black piping to really make it a standout.  And the boots! Wow, soooo sexy different… altogether just an amazing little outfit, in 10 colors (a few of which are patterned like this; the others are solids but still with the piping).  Sized for Slink HG/HG Petite, Belleza F/I, Legacy/Legacy Perky, & Maitreya/Maitreya Petite. Available EXCLUSIVELY at the November Swank Event, open Nov 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Hair:  Doux – Ciara
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Makeup:  Dulce Secrets – Boho Chic Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Serendipity Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Cocoa Anyone?
  • Backdrop:  K&S – Kitchen daylight Photo Booth

Too big a problem to sweep under the rug

http://Too big a problem to sweep under the rug

How do you deal with problems?  Do you sweep them under the rug to deal with another time, or do you face them immediately?  I’ll admit that I do both.  Sometimes I honestly just can’t be bothered with small issues, figuring they’ll either stop being important & will therefore just go away, or that waiting won’t make a difference.  Big problems, however, generally don’t fit easily under that proverbial rug, and need to be dealt with immediately.  Unfortunately, sometimes you have periods of time where EVERYTHING seems to be going wrong, with problems cropping up everywhere.  Now that I am moving in less than two weeks (eeek!), I seem to be dealing with a host of new issues, big and small, from the fact that new furniture I was considering which was going to take a week to 10 days to be delivered last time I looked is now showing as 2 – 4 months, to the roof bag for my car suddenly being too frayed to use safely and new bags all seem to be back-ordered until well after I leave.  Sighs… oh well, the best-laid plans and all that…  Time to take a breather and have a nice slow cup of something hot…  Happy shopping!

  • Top:  Tonic – Fave Cropped Sweater.  You know that one sweater in your closet you always go to when you want that comfy feel but still want to look great?  THIS is the SL equivalent.  It comes in 16 colors; perfect to mix & match with all sorts of bottoms to create multiple looks.  ONLY for Tonic bodies, this comfy sweater is sized for Curvy, Fine, & Fine-Mini, & is EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of eBento, open through October 30th.  Demo available.
  • Pants:  Tonic – Slick Leggings. Skin-tight leggings, with a V in front for added style, in a beautiful “slick” texture. 16 colors, sized for Curvy & Fine, with versions for boots & dainty-fit. EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of eBento, open through October 30th.  Demo available.
  • Cottage:  Dreamland Designs – Garden Cottage Complete.  Includes the cottage, the fence & all plantings within it as well as the two arching autumn trees in front.  All the plantings are copy/mod, so you can easily add more autumn color around the cottage, like I did.  Included & also sold separately: The Autumn Hanging Chair (full of animations, PG or Adult!), the Cabin Fireplace, & the Autumn Chocolate Tray (it gives cups of hot chocolate, just like what I’m holding, & will animate your avatar).  EXCLUSIVELY available in PG or Adult versions as a complete set, Hanging Chair Only (Adult or PG), Fireplace Only, or Garden Cottage with Garden, all at the October round of the Swank Event, open October 7th – 31st.  See the closeup below for a full view!
  • Rug & Rat:  Evolving Images – Body Under Carpet; Rat V; Goth Shield.  Just 3 of many fun Halloween-themed items from Evolving Images, EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of the Swank Event, open October 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Rae
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Dulce Secrets – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  Chameleon – Tattoo Rati
  • Nails:  Livia – Deep Gel
  • Jewelry:  RealEvil Industries – Areah Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Luane’s World Poses – Come Back Home (includes cat)

The fire’s lit; all I need is you

http://The fire's lit; all I need is you

As much as I’m disliking the increasing cold and am getting impatient about the move to Florida, one thing among many that I will definitely miss is that indescribable feeling you get when you’re right next to a happily roaring fireplace.  Unfortunately I have to admit that roaring fireplaces have been few and far between for me for more years than I care to think about.  At least, that is, IRL… here on the grid, I’ve been happily ensconced both by myself and with some very special company in front of many a fireplace, and although I can’t quite get the feel of the actual heat I will admit to having still felt its warmth spreading right through the screen lol!   Even better, no one has to worry about getting up to put more logs on the fire!  So pull up a chair, or even better, hop on an animation… enjoy!

  • Outfit:  Prairie – Charlotte Set.  This cowl-neck striped sweater with 3/4 sleeves over a pair of light-weight skinny cords will keep you cozily toasty in the firelight on those chilly autumn evenings.  Includes a HUD with 8 colors available for the top, & another HUD with 8 for the pants.  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the 09/20 Girls Heaven event, open Sept 20th – Oct 14th.  Demo available.
  • Fireplace:    Swank & Co. –  Autumn Stone Fireplace.   A stone mahogany fireplace that can be a complete addition to your room, since it’s available both as just the fireplace with the wall behind but also with all the autumnal decorations.  (The decorations are also available separately.)  Not only that, it has bento animations built right in for both singles (I’m using one) & couples (& yes, it includes some very adult stuff ). EXCLUSIVELY available in Adult version only at the October round of the Swank Event, open October 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy
  • Hair:  Emo-tions – Ruth 2.0
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Viki – Heart Earrings (GIFT); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Winslet
  • Photo Booth:  FOXCITY – Crescent Room

An Autumn Catnap

http://An Autumn Catnap

It’s absolutely amazing how quickly the seasons changed here in NY from late summer to fall.  The trees are turning, there are fallen leaves EVERYWHERE, and there’s a definite cool edge to the air during the day (it’s downright nippy at night).  Whereas I’m happy to have gotten in one more autumn before moving to the always-sunny south, I’m also shivering in my shoes lol.  The definite changeover has prompted me to change my inworld home as well, from summer landscaping to fall.  I’m thrilled to be able to incorporate some amazing new landscaping/home decor items to help showcase all the wonderful fall fashions that are everywhere!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Apple Heart – Melody with HUD.  Perfect outfit for that inbetween, early fall weather.  Includes the off-should short-sleeved top that laces up in front & then crosses under the fabric, the pants, & the sneakers, all with a HUD of up to 22 colors/patterns for every element, from the top to the laces to each side of the pants (you can make each leg a separate color or pattern!) to the sides/front of the sneakers.  Create a look all your own! Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 09/20 Girls Heaven event, open Sept 20th – Oct 14th.  Demo available.
  • Garden Set:  Dreamland Designs – Woodland Autumn Complete Set.  Available As Full set or Patio Set Only.  The full set is a beautiful entire scene, including everything you see inside the wall (the wall is part of the set; the cat is not) including the autumn tree right in back of the wall, although I admittedly moved a few things around in order to fit into the shot… definitely another benefit, in that each item can be moved separately to make the scene exactly how you want it.  (See below for a shot of the complete set.) The Patio Set Only Includes the Patio Set & the Autumn leaves Centerpiece with Pumpkins. All the furniture includes Brand New Bento Animations, in both PG & Adult versions. The standing light goes on/off by touch as well. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 09/20 Girls Heaven Event open Sept 20th – Oct 14th. 
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the newest updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy @ Collabor88
  • Hair:  Tableau Vivant — Westward @ Collabor88
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Reesha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Cat:  Image Essentials Props and Poses – Full Perm Mesh Cats

A Work of Art

http://A Work of Art

Sorting, tossing, packing, cleaning… after so much time in one big house, it’s like a full-time job!  Which is why I’ve sadly fallen down on the job when it comes to blogging.  But I couldn’t let the month of September end without featuring this beautifully simple gown that I just find irresistible!  The gown is just a simple cascade of the finest silk; it drapes sensually from a crisscross front around the neck down to the floor, with one leg exposed up to the hip.  Beautiful in itself, but for me, what rockets this gown into the next level is this particular texture, the way the primary color (in this case green) fades into a gorgeous secondary color (blue) that really catches your eye.  It certainly caught mine! I found the sweep of color so dramatic & so sensual in this fabric that I even chose not to wear the chiffon skirt overlay!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams by Nile Karas – Tara Gown.  Includes an optional chiffon skirt (not worn).  Available in 6 colors, each with its own 7-texture HUD.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, Legacy, Perky, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the September Swank Event, which ends soon (on the 31st)!  Demo available.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Estambul in Blue.  A perfect clutch for evening wear!  MY ESTAMBUL is a 100% original mesh bag that can be purchased in a fat pack or individually in 8 sparkling textures with gold trim.  All have a resizer & two alternate hand poses. Available at the main store.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Praxeda
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Makeup:  poema – mariola eyeshadow; IVES – Passione Lipstick
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Shoes:  SlackGirl – Agatha heels
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Kardia Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Prop: ChicChica – Raspberry Chammy
  • Location:  Basilique

Heat in the Darkness

http://Heat in the Darkness

Now I know why after moving to this house more than 30 years ago I swore I’d never move again until it was downsizing time.  Moving is exhausting! There’s just so much involved.  And after so much time and having raised your kids in a home, it’s so emotional.  I can’t wait till it’s done, and I can start forgetting about this transitional time and all its stress.  Time is slipping by without my even noticing it, there’s just so much packed into every day. In some ways, the blogging helps, it’s a distraction, something else to do.  In other ways, it’s a hindrance and a burden, because I have commitments and deadlines and all that goes with it.  There are times I can lose myself in the creativity; there are others where I don’t feel a creative urge at all and feel like I’m just plodding along.  I just want this time to be done!!! Hopefully by the end of October, we’ll have completed the move and be swamped by the next stage… setting up our new home!  Now THAT should be fun!!!  I’m even starting to look online at furniture, making a preliminary list of things to go check out in person.  But in the meantime, my purchases will have to stay here on the grid… happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Priya.  A cropped hoodie & High Waist Shorts in 10 HUD-driven colors, together with coordinated footless socks & an urban hip bag in black, makes for a very hot, sporty, urban look.  Priya is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at The Darkness September Event through Sept 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Terceira
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Sneakers:  ROC – Canvas Sneaker! Tiptoe
  • Pose:  Nantra – Beep Beep
  • Location:  NOLA