Once in a Blue Moon…

http://Once in a Blue Moon...

I’ve been blogging for a long time now, and though I’m constantly working on improving my skills, I do tend to follow certain ways of doing things.  But once in a blue moon (yeah, sorry, couldn’t resist lol), I decide to try something totally different, something that I see in a lot of pix that I think are great.  Since gowns always pose a difficulty in that they’re difficult to do on site (too many avatars which even derendered cause computer issues) & 360 degree-type backdrops are hard to come by, I decided to try something new with this picture & create a flat backdrop with a texture. Results are always two-fold… The first, is MY reaction… I see changes I want to do with this type of photoshoot going forward, but if I didn’t feel good about how this shot came out, it wouldn’t have made it this far, to the 2nd judgment call.  And that is how it fares in the FlickR world.   Back when I first started blogging, I was advised not to worry about my stats but to blog for ME, to do shots that I enjoyed doing and that gave me personal satisfaction.  And for the most part, I do that.  BUT (and it’s a big but!) I can’t help but react when a pic that I feel really good about just doesn’t do well.  I see it with other bloggers too… sometimes a great pic, a pic that I wished I had done, just lags behind the norm.  I can never really understand why.  Part of me thinks it’s all timing… WHEN you post, HOW MANY people see the post, HOW FAR DOWN you are in the award groups when they release a batch (which ties into TIMING)… BUT the fact remains that I absolutely love shots that other folks do using this type of backdrop  and I find formal pix extremely difficult to shoot on site (too many avatars are always around, and even if derendered my computer has difficulty because my shoots are rather lengthy).  I felt I could be much more creative if I wasn’t standing in a crowded room where I’m in the way.  And I LOVE these backgrounds… so much easier to set the scene!  But the bottom line is yet to be seen.  In the meantime, I’m taking this stunning look out for some dancing… the gown has already been partner-approved!  

  • Gown:  JUMO – Altagracia.  Includes two versions (the gown plus a mini dress, see the ad below), plus optional gloves & a diamond “necklace”.  I can’t say enough about this gown… stunning, gorgeous, absolutely fabulous detail.  And the textures!!! There are three different texture “families”… 20 satin, 5 sequin, & 5 rose…  all of which have the most fabulous lace trim at the bodice, the top of the sleeves, & along the bottom of the gown (you can see your shoes, which I love!).  I have to say it was a struggle for me to choose which one to wear!  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX Classic+Curvy, Kupra, Erika, & Maitreya+MaitreyaPetite, LaraX+LaraXPetite, I do want to mention that I had to modify my nipples & use nipple covers for the gown (then again, I’m a bit more prudish than many in this regard), but it took all of two minutes & was totally worth it! Altagracia is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the May round of Designer Showcase, open May 5th – 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Bella
  • Eyes:  LOTUS – Bubble Eyes
  • Makeup:  I n’ K Original – “Time Eye” Eyeshadow; Heron – Mistic Lipstick
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:   Heartsdale Jewelry – Met Gala Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Martini
  • Backdrop:  SATO – 1001 Nights

Be a dear, take my bags to the hotel… I’m expected for the opening…

http://Be a dear, take my bags to the hotel... I'm expected for the opening...

And life goes on, though trapped at home like I am, definitely not a lot to report.  At least I’ve healed to the point where I can sit at the computer for a few more hours a day without having my foot and leg blow up to ridiculous proportions.  So I’m left to dream about all the things I could be doing and experiencing… and that is what SL is all about!!! Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Naomi Set.  Beautiful very stylish two piece set, with a lightly cropped top with slightly ballooned long sleeves with 4-button cuffs over a sarong-style skirt that hits just below the knee.  A little half-belt at the side plus a big zipper at the back of the top add just the right amount of detail. Choose between three fatpacks — leather (which I’m wearing), animal print, or floral — or grab the Megapack to avoid having to choose.  Either way, the textures are top quality, & both the leather & animal print fatpacks include additional options for the sleeves.  That turned out PERFECTLY for me, because as you might know, I absolutely love animal prints, but I can feel overwhelmed by them… the ability to partially wear animal print was the absolute best solution for me!  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX, Naomi is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the May round of Designer Showcase, open May 5th – 25th.  See the ad below for details.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Barbwire
  • Eyes:  LOTUS – Bubble Eyes
  • Makeup:  Traditional Face – Aelin Eyeshadow
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Veechi – Magnetic Gels
  • Jewelry:   Cae – Reesha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Airport Hangar

 

A Moment’s Respite

http://A Moment's Respite

I have to say it’s been a bit of a rough time IRL since the end of last week.  First I found out that the reason why my foot was still bothering me after having fallen almost two weeks earlier is because I have a stress fracture… and that I need to wear a surgical boot from 2 weeks (unlikely) up to 4 weeks (hopefully as unlikely)… AND it’s on my right foot, which means that I can’t drive.  I can’t do much of anything, AND we had a family visit scheduled for a few days (which got shortened but not cancelled).   So it’s been a combination of pain, stress, frustration… been a bit hard to sit at the computer for hours in that one position, so photoshoots have been a problem, and even harder to be creative.  But some outfits demand to be seen and to have their qualities shouted from the rooftops… and this outfit definitely demanded its time in the limelight (or should I say “bodylight”?) and to take me away from my difficulties, at least for a few moments….  Happy shopping! (at least in SL, I can get around to all the sales and events without too much diifculty and with zero gimping lol)…

  • Outfit:  {Le’La} – Aurnia Dress.  What a gorgeous style!  The plungy spaghetti-strap top with a multi-slit skirt, skinny belt & built in front & back chains (LOVE LOVE LOVE those chains!), plus matching heels & an optional fur (not worn, but shown in the ad below).  Aurnia includes a HUD of 30 colors (in a stunning pattern) for the dress, belt, fur, heels, & chain, & is sized for Reborn+Waifus, Legacy+Perky, LaraX+Petite, Maitreya+Petite, GenX Classic+Curvy, Erika, & Kupra.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of Designer Showcase, open for just one more day, through April 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn + Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  WINGSDG – EF0401
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella ES
  • Nails:  Dalila – Pastel Glitter
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Baroque Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  double take – alpha PLUS ChicChica – Candy Pink Chammy
  • Location:  Blue Finch Blossoms Hollow

I thought there’d be music

http://I thought there'd be music

Incredibly rainy, windy, depressing day here, complete with tornado watch and wind whistling through the window next to me (which is incredibly annoying and appears to be unfixable)… perfect time to go exploring in this glorious alternate world of ours… And, naturally, looking fabulous while doing so, strutting around in my stiletto heels and incredible-looking dress!  Aaaargh, I thought there would be music here, to drown out that wind!  Maybe I should go shopping?

  • Outfit:  JUMO Fashion – Eloise.  Incredibly figure-enhancing top & skirt with an asymmetrical bodice, & then form-fitting down to the thigh-high slit.  To me, what really stands out & knocks this look up a notch is the artful use of metal chains as straps for the top, & then again as a belt with both ends dangling right at the top of that amazing slit (one end featuring a hanging crescent moon).  Superb selection of textures in the included HUD, with 20 satin colors + 5 animal prints + 5 florals + 4 metals (see the ad below).  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX, Eloise is currently at the April round of Designer Showcase, open April 5th – 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn + Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Resonate
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Lima
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Veechi – Precious Metals
  • Jewelry:  IT! Indulge Temptation – Sofia Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXit] – ShoeMe
  • Location:  Timeless Seasons

Mmmm, the scent of a wild evening to come!

http://Mmmm, the scent of a wild evening to come

I’ve always loved the anticipation of an exciting night out, all the prep and the little touches… the bit of doubt mixing with all the possibilities of what’s to come.  Scent has always been a part of that…  subtle but distinct, teasing those pheromones!  Not too much, not too little… just like my outfit!  Mmmmm, yes, that smells like it will be a night to remember!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Farah Suit.   I just love the shape of this suit, & I honestly think it loves my shape right back!  With a neckline that plunges to the waist-to-hip buttons showing just the right amount of reveal, over flattering pants that are not too tight & not too loose.  The suit also includes matching heels, where the pattern not only goes on the insole but also on the sole itself (something I totally did NOT expect but I have to say that it looks really cool when dancing lol).  Choose between two 20-texture fatpacks, leather or animal print (you know whenever there’s an animal print that’s what I choose), or for some awesome mix ‘n match possibilities (which is what I’ve done), grab the Megapack.  Either way, the textures are top quality!  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX, Rhea is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of Designer Showcase, open April 5th – 25th.  See the ad below for details.Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  CHAIN – Rose
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Lima
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Dalila – Gyda
  • Jewelry:  Amacci – Saraja Ear Hoops;  CHAIN – Lana Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Vanity Pose
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Soho Loft
  • Decor:  Tirrany Designs – Gilded Vanity; Raindale – Vanity Table Clutter; Dreamland Designs – Mosaic Planters; JUMO – Alessa Bag Croco Leather; The Dreamer Creations – Heels & panties

 

Afternoon Siesta

http://Afternoon Siesta

Is there anything more delightful than a spontaneous nap in the afternoon sun, maybe after a well-deserved and hopefully well-enjoyed glass of wine?  Well, yes, there are a few other things I can think of, but a nap like this definitely ranks up there!  And the delight is kicked up a notch or two when you look fantastic taking that nap lol, if not for you, well then for all who see you…  Happy naps, happy shopping, just happy Friday wishes!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Rhea Pant Set.  Comfy & stylish, Rhea includes a cropped long-sleeved embroidered sweater paired with linen pants that are slightly dipped at the waist & slit at the ankles, with a HUD that includes 8 textures for each (see the ad below).  Sized for Reborn, Legacy+Perky, GenX Classic, & Maitreya+LaraX, Rhea is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the March round of Designer Showcase, open March 5th – 25th.  Demo available (just click for menu, then demo). 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Hair Astrid
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella BOM Eyeshadow
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:  IT! Indulge Temptation – Gipsy Rose Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Reeva Wedge Sneakers
  • Location:  La p’tite Provence

The wearin’ of the green

http://The wearin' of the green

So in all the years that I’ve been blogging, I don’t think I’ve ever done a post for St Paddy’s Day.  And no, just because I have red hair and green eyes (well, at least most of the time anyway lol), I am NOT Irish.  (I also CANNOT sing, but hey, this is Second Life, so at least in pix I’m a FABULOUS entertainer… but trust me, I’ll never try to take an actual stage at ANY venue!) But today, the world celebrates along with the Irish, and this dress came in such a fabulous green, well, I just had to do some wearin’ of the green myself!  I even took the stage at a traditional little Irish pub… and there’s my cue to start my next set!  Hope you had a fabulous St Paddy’s Day (and did some happy weekend shopping too)!

  • Outfit:  JUMO Fashion – Fahad Dress.  Stunning short dressy dress with a plunging neckline, hip-high side slits, & the perfect amount of sparkle, with optional opera gloves for that extra little touch!  Not just for St Paddy’s, Fahad includes a HUD with 20 satin colors + 5 florals + 5 “scarf” colors. Sized for Reborn, Legacy+Perky, GenX Classic+Curvy, Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, & Peach, Fahad is currently at the March round of Designer Showcase, open March 5th – 25th.  Demo available. (See the ad below)
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  NO.MATCH – No_Candle
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  PAIX – Liberty Eyeshadow; CAZIMI – Opal Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Valentina Collection Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  BellePoses – Jessica
  • Location:  Ireland

Oh wait, did you say you had a curfew tonight?

Subtitled: And yes, this one’s for you…

http://Hmmm, did you say you had a curfew tonight?

Schedules, schedules, schedules… hard enough to maintain one in real life, but when you also try to maintain all the schedules — personal AND blogging — in Second Life too, well, sometimes it can be a bit challenging both physically and emotionally.  And that’s about all I’m willing to say on the subject lol…

  • Outfit:  Luna Chelsea – Sasha Lace Floral Jacket & Pants.  I really don’t know how this outfit successfully & seemingly effortlessly blends super-sexiness with sedate elegance.  I love the floral lace pattern of the open jacket that buttons unevenly all the way down at the lower hip, with a single button, over skin-tight shiny black pants (latex?) with a flare starting below the calf…  Includes a HUD with 10 textures for the jacket, plus optional light effects to enhance the shininess (I’m wearing the optional blue light). Sized for Reborn, Legacy+Perky, LaraX+LaraXPetite, GenX Classic+Curvy, & Kupra, Sasha is EXCLUSIVELY available at the March round of Designer Showcase, open March 5th – 25th.  Demo available. (See the ad below)
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Nova – Jae
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  WarPaint – Romancer eyeshadow
  • Nails:  Miumiu – #28
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Goddess Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXit] – Gothabilly
  • Location:  Naturally Naughty Photo Studio

How’s it working now?

http://How's it working now?

Just like life, blogging has its ups and downs.  Lately, I have to admit, it’s been more in the down mode.  Don’t get me wrong… I still love blogging per se, but it’s all the “stuff” that goes with it that has been exceptionally frustrating of late.  Part of that is SL itself… in playing with windlights, it no longer is “holding” where it was in the list so I have to remember to write it down or I have no idea what the last windlight was.  The LOD on items has been HORRIBLE… I had to derender about six of my birdhouses for this pic, and then move in a few more to give the effect I was hoping to get.  I couldn’t get my EvoX HUD to detach or open yesterday for modifying my makeup OR my expression (I had to resort to workarounds for both).  And then there’s FlickR.  Things not posting.  Comments not going through.  Minimal views.  Each thing in itself, not a big deal.  But when trying to make a deadline (and just winding up a 5-day migraine cluster does NOT help!), each and every one of those little things adds up to one big you-know-what.  Just a few more to do for February… hopefully March will be better technologically… and that definitely allows my creative juices to flow more freely as well.  In the meantime, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Evergreen – Ruby Outfit, worn in Salmon.  Available in 5 colors or as a fatpack, Ruby consists of a heart shaped corset with “stays” & a high waisted skirt.  With a mix of polka dots & a solid on the bottom half of the corset, the two pieces can be worn together or separately.  Sized for Reborn+Mounds+Juicy, Legacy+Perky, Nerido, Maitreya+Petite, & GenX Curvy, Ruby is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the February round of Designer Showcase, open Feb 5th – 25th.  Demo available. (See the ad below)
  • Head & Lipstick:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Elusive
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Brooke ES & LS
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Reesha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Sydney

To watch the world go by…

http://Watch the world go by...

So I’ve moved my home again in Second Life.  I say “again” because in the 16+ years that I’ve been inworld, I’ve probably done a move at least once a year (both Thea and I have separate homes; we tried sharing, but our styles are just way too different).  Most of my moves have been because of that delicate balance between space (land, more land!) and prims (is there ever enough), with things like access to open water and bad neighbors thrown in (though the bad neighbors is more of a Thea issue since she has a fantasy style home and has been living on mainland for a few years, where “neighborhoods” can change rapidly and poof, your view is gone.  And then again, each time I think that “this is it!), while acknowledging the fact that I just get bored.  Even changing for the seasons, once I’ve re-landscaped and decorated, eventually it becomes ho-hum and the moving bug sets in.  This time though, it feels like “this is it”.   I’ve been so happy creating this home… it’s a setup reminiscent of my favorite SL home ever and is in the same area with the same style (we had moved from that one because I was prim poor and having difficulty setting up large backdrops for photo shoots), but I’m having much more input into the shaping of the island itself.  I love to create little nooks and spaces to enjoy the view and the boats that sail by.  And this  daybed seems custom-made for this gorgeous little overlook, where my honey and I can just sit and cuddle and watch the world go by…

Dreamland DesignsNEW!  Bernice Hanging Daybed.  Fully bento animated, for singles (male & female, with props), & cuddles-couples with sequences, in Adult or PG.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the February round of Designer Showcase, open Feb 5th – 25th.