I’m So Over Holiday Shopping

http://I'm so over holiday shopping

Enough already, right? The holiday shopping season starts so early now, and it’s already been such a tough year, I am just so over it at this point.  It’s just enough already.  Completely shopped out, and that’s saying something for a shopaholic like me.  Though I should be specific… I’m done with HOLIDAY shopping IRL… I’m NEVER done with the fabulous shopping available here on the grid.  Maybe because with unlimited space it’s not like buying something new makes me let go of something older but still loved.  On that note, a great new look to share… and HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Noel Coat Outfit.   Includes the highly style coat worn alone with the cutest little matching boots (matching panties also included).  A bit steampunky IMHO, a bit military, a bit Victorian, a bit Russian in feel, Noel is sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya, Noel is available in a Slimpack. or in a Fatback that includes all color options. Complete Outfit Options are all in one hud & contain 100% original textures. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, open Dec 12th – 30th, with a theme of Christmas Around the World… 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy (freckled)
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Hairbase 2 + Hairpiece F
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Makeup:  poema – Mariola Eyeshadow;);  DS’Elles – Scandalous Lipstick
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Jewelry:  Empyrean Forge – Effloresce Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Image Essentials – Holiday Shopping
  • Location:  Winter Ice Christmas Fest

It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing

http://It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

It’s funny how the past becomes much more glamorous the further it gets in the rear window, isn’t it?  Each element of this look brings to mind days gone by (long gone by lol, like before my time).  All I can say is that I feel FABULOUS in this look, so feminine, so stylish.  The movement, the SWING, is amazing… I really tried to capture that in a still pic, but the fact is that I could go on and on, but you really have to try this all for yourself, and feel it for yourself!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GGVG Fashion Store – Mistral.  Talk about style!!!  This two-piece dress evokes the fashion & glamour of the past (to me it says “40s”, but since I wasn’t alive back then, who knows?), with its silky fabric, soft folds, swing skirt, & huge polka dots.  I absolutely adore the overskirt & the way it moves (remember when flexi first hit SL?).  This outfit just makes me feel so feminine & sophisticated, I love it!  In 5 colors or in a fatpack, Mistral is sized for Hourglass, Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya, & is this round’s EXCLUSIVE at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.  Demo available.
  • Hat & Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Vivien Leigh in Brown.  The first from MY BAGS by Mila Blauvelt in its new facet of head ornaments to match the bags!  With a fabulous metal ornament on top of what I think of as a modified beret style (not really knowing hat styles I don’t know the “real” term), & paired with an adorable clutch that echoes the same shape, My Vivien Leigh is available in 7 colors (hat & bag sold separately) or in a fatpack; every color includes a Hud for metals & the bag includes an Exclusive Pose Bento for the hand.  See the closeup below for this unique look, EXCLUSIVELY available at the December round of the UniK Event, open Dec 7th – 28th. 
  • 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:  Stealthic – Purity
  • Makeup:  poema – Mariola Eyeshadow; IVES – Passione Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Accolade – Japanese Tensha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Elaine
  • Pose (for the closeup shot):  Reve Obscura (RO!) – Lush Bento Pose
  • Location:  The Mercury Room, Owl’s Hollywood Jazz Lounge

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