Heart of Stone

http://Heart of Stone

I’m a softie.  Always have been.  Over-sensitive, a soft touch.  I tear up at commercials (I need to leave the room for those commercials about the homeless cats and dogs, I just can’t bear it).  But sometimes you need to harden your heart and power through whatever situation needs to be handled, to just pull yourself together and do what needs to be done.  That’s been the situation with my mom for quite a while now, beginning a few years ago when I had to take her car away after she totaled it (well, I didn’t TAKE it away, I refused to let her get a new one).  A few months ago, we had to move her into memory care when it became obvious that she was just losing touch with reality.  There were a few times there when she didn’t recognize me; one when she couldn’t remember almost anything or anyone beyond her childhood.  It’s hard.  I miss the woman she was.  But this is the way it is, and the way it will be from now on.  She had a good life, she’s in a good place as long as the money holds out, and somehow thinks she’s on a cruise that somehow never ends and is nowhere near the water, but since there’s no reasoning with dementia, you just go with it.  So I need to change that bleeding heart of mine into one of stone, and just be strong and do what needs to be done.  And I’ll save my tears for all those little four-legged creatures that I can actually help and do something about.  And oh yeah, happy shopping…

  • Outfit:  [Icewerk] – BlackBerry.  Includes the form-clinging sleeveless black Tube Dress (which can be worn alone), the cropped suede jacket that IMHO hits at the absolutely perfect place, & the over-the-knees black suede boots with the most awesome silver buttons going up the side.  I love all the little touches — the buttons on the jacket lapels match the buttons on the boots; the sole of the boots is the same color as the jacket, the hanging zippers on the jacket, the realistic wrinkles on the dress… THAT’S style.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the last round of the Designer Circle 26/19, open Dec 29th – Jan 11th. 
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Eyeshadow; Jessy HD Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Serendipity Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  WetCat – “Last Christmas” (Winter Holiday Gift)
  • Fountain:  Dench Designs – The Ice Fountain

Romeo in Black Jeans

http://Romeo in Black Jeans

I heard the song “No Myth” today in the shower (of course I wrote all this last night, so it was yesterday morning lol), and haven’t been able to get it out of my mind ever since.  So when I started thinking about my next post (this post), I of course envisioned Crichton bare-chested in a pair of black jeans that I knew I had received to blog.  The rest of the outfit then just fell completely into place, one of those effortless looks to put together because the vision in my mind was just so clear and luck was smiling down on me.  (I know I’ll pay for it another day, but hey, I’ll enjoy it while it’s here!)  It’s my first post done completely on my new computer, from the photo shoot to the editing to the posting, and am I ever happy to not be crashing constantly, which of course was always at the most inopportune moments when I stood to lose the best angle, the best windlight, and so on.  The full migration isn’t anywhere near done, but at least from a blogging and SL perspective, I’m all moved in!  It will still be a bit till complete while I wait for answers on a few support tickets, but in the meantime, happy shopping!

  • Jacket:  HERO – Alessandro Jacket.  Simple, sexy, open black leather jacket, sized for Slink, Signature Gianni, TMP, & Classic. EXCLUSIVELY available at the January Swank Event, January 7th – 31st.
  • Pants:   Nala Design – Silva Men’s Regular Jeans.  Includes a HUD of 8 denim textures. Sized for Slink, Adin, Jake, Gianni, Gamit, Onupup, & Classic.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the January Swank Event, January 7th – 31st.
  • Hat:  Stone’s Works –  American Eagle Grey Suede CowBoy Hat. Unisex cowboy hat with a textured band studded with gold eagles AND a resizer built in, so it easily fits whatever size head you have or to adjust over many hairstyles.  You can see the fabulous detail in the closeup below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Driftwood Event, Dec 31st – Jan 24th.
  • Head & Skin:  Akeruka (AK) – Clay (deluxe bento, with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Male Physique Mesh Body
  • Hair:  Vango – James
  • Eyes:  IKON – Odyssey
  • Pose:  Wrong & The Owl – Static Male Poses #15, pose 3
  • Location:  Skyeland home of Rancho del Cielo and Family

 

It’s MY Downtime

http://It's MY downtime

So I don’t know about you, but I just love having days where I never really get dressed and just hang around the house in my pjs. It may not be complete downtime… there’s always some cleaning and basic chores that need doing, and of course I’m always doing something for my blog, but just the act — or “non-act” as it were — of not even putting on “real” clothes can be utterly delicious.  It just feels decadent and pampering, even if I end up logging in remotely to my office and working for a full day, the fact that I’m doing it in pj’s just makes it more bearable and even somehow “bad”.  And who doesn’t like being bad now and then lol?  But even if just for an hour or two before or after bedtime, this is definitely a perfect outfit for lounging comfortably…

  • Outfit: Allure Couture – Her Downtime.  How we all like to dress (or not dress!) when we’re totally relaxing & just hanging… a big man’s shirt with matching panties & leg warmers!  Delish! Available in several options.  There’s a Fatpack of the complete outfit, containing 16 100% original textures for the the shirt, 8 more textures for the Leg Warmers, & 8 Textures for the Panties.  The Shirt & Leg Warmers are also sold as separate Fatpacks of 8 textures each.  Sized for Slink H/P & Maitreya; the shirt is also sized for Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Tonic, & Classic.  EXCLUSIVE new release for the 7 Event, January 5th – 20th Men’s outfit also available! A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Head & Eyes:   LOGO – Mae.
  • Skin & Shape:  LOGO – Naomi, worn in Blossom, together with a very slightly modified Naomi shape which is specifically made for the Mae head.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Cerys
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Pose:  Black Cats – Nailing It
  • Couch:  Serendipity Designs – Cimmaron Sofa

Prepping for New Year’s Eve

http://Prepping for New Year's Eve

OK, I know you’re wondering what’s with all the alcohol lately in my pix.  I mean usually I’m drinking coffee or hot chocolate, lately it’s always champagne!  But no, I’m not turning into an alcoholic but I am definitely in the spirit of the season (or should I say “spirits”?) when it comes to the bubbly.  Unfortunately most of my celebrating will be on my own, though some of it will definitely be in a cozy twosome, both inworld and out.  I’m just practicing, to make sure that I can hold my own…  I mean who wants a Ceja dancing on the table or (even worse) passed out on the table?  So for now, I’m making friends with the bottle, rehearsing to make sure I can party and still keep my head.  Cheers! and, of course, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  !!smesh – NEW! Filippa Outfit.   Includes the solid blouse in a sexy clingy fabric, winter shorts in a twill-like fabric with the cutest “fanny pack” that blends the two fabrics, & slouchy red leather boots.  Sized for Slink Hourglass, Belleza Freya, Legacy, & Maitreya. Demo available.
  • Kitchen Decor:  Salacity – Kitchen Jar Decor.  Jars that say H – O – M – E … simple, classic, useful, & stylish… what can be better? An exclusive release for the Southern Charm event, Dec 10th – Jan 5th.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Cadence
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Jessica Sanctuary Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Diversion – 2019 Group Gifts, #3
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Trying to Smile When You’re Alone at the New Year’s Party

http://Trying to Smile When You're Alone at the New Years Party

This is a really tough time of year when you’re alone.  And yes, I’m married RL and partnered with a great guy I’ve been with for almost 12 years now, but his time inworld is limited and definitely not for big things like New Year’s Eve (then again, I’m not really available for that either lol).  But it made me think about all those years when I was alone, and would go to parties stag with all those couples, smiling bravely through all the toasts and statements of love.  As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that even as a couple, life is rarely (if ever) the way you imagined it would be, and sometimes the forced gaiety of these mass celebrations can just be downright depressing.  These days I generally prefer a quiet night at home or, if pushed a bit, a small intimate party.  But whether you like to party big, party small, or go to bed and wait till the partying’s done, the year will still end and a new one will begin.  And THAT is something worth toasting!  Here’s to a Happy New Year and happy shopping both for the rest of this year and all of the next!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams by Nile Karas – Derin Gown, worn in SeaGreen.  Beautifully elegant, off-shoulders gown, without all the glitter & frou-frou seen on most gowns at this time of year.  Just simple, beautiful, & classic, softly belted with a wide bow sash (added separately), & with optional floaty chiffon skirts & tail.  Available in SeaGreen, Latte, Mauve, Light Pink, Sand, & Sky. Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, Voluptuous, Ocacin, & Fitmesh M.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.  A We Love to Blog in SL designer.
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Reign Crown Jewels. You’ll not only look like royalty, you’ll feel like it too in this jewelry set. The perfect accompaniment to a simple classic gown, where it can “reign” supreme, with each complementing the other instead of fighting for attention.  Set includes the necklace, earrings, bracelets, & a crown (not worn), plus a HUD that allows you to select among 26 gemstones (you select two for this set!) & 9 metals. Also includes a resizer.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.  Also worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Bridget, worn in Apricot browless.  Also classically beautiful, just another stunner of an Omega skin.  Two options of 5 tones each, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows, available at the December eBento through December 30th.  Shape & demos also available. 
  • Head: Tonic – Pixie, newest bento head from Tonic
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_DREAM
  • Brows:  Avada – Anja Eyebrows
  • Mole/Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Shimmer Lipstick
  • Nails:  Weaponized Sugar – Celadon
  • Pose:  BellePoses – Zoe, pose 4 (at the Winter Pose Fair)
  • Location:  Oceana

Hmmm, where should THIS carrot go?

http://Hmmm, where should THIS carrot go?

So yes, I love all these wintry pix, and all the snowy accessories here in Second Life. But I have to say, when it comes to Real Life, I’m so done with it.  It’s sooooooo cold and icy, and rather than feeling even the smallest spark of joy if it starts to snow, instead the attitude that rises is one of “Oh great, more snow.”  And winter hasn’t even officially begun!!  All I keep telling myself is one more winter to go, and then I AM DONE.  I won’t have to live through this and freeze and ache to my bones.  I’ll be able to visit and ooh and aaahhh, and then I’ll be able to go home to a nice warm sunny clime where I never have to worry about slipping on the ice or shoveling out the driveway or having to drag the dog out in subfreezing weather (she’s smart enough to not want to go out either).  And then I’ll enjoy wonderful outfits like this even more than I do now, where all I can see is the fun and beauty, and not the bitter cold that goes with them.  What can I say? I need more hot coffee, just to warm up after having been out in the frigid air.   Brrrrrr…… happppppy shoppppppinggggg!

  • Outfit:  Hawker’s House – Alpine Hooded Cardigan Aspen, which comes with the Skinny Jeans & Snow Boots.  Such a warm toasty outfit for a snow-filled winter’s day of fun! Love the pattern & mixed fabrics on this thick heavy cardigan, which is sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, eBody, Ocacin, TMP, & Classic XS-L.  The comfy mesh blue denim skinny jeans & Larken red snow boots are classic sized only, but easily fit mesh bodies with use of body alphas.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Besom – Aidia
  • Lashes:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl Poses – Snowman
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Tell it to the mountain

http://Tell it To the Mountain

OK, so this is my second time writing this post.  My lovely computer lost the entire thing WHILE I WAS SAVING IT.  My frustration level has been rising day by day.  I’ve known my hard drive was failing, which is why I ordered a new computer back on Black Friday. The day it was to arrive I received an email saying it was delayed… possibly till Jan 10th.  After two days with no further word, I went shopping online.  Configured my own, got something even better for a bit less money, and then went into customer service h*ll trying to cancel computer #1.  Bottom line… it can’t be cancelled but it can be returned no charge.  So two computers are now on the way. In the meantime, this one has gotten so bad that I lost my entire post.  EVERYTHING.  Not just this bit, which is the easy part, but all the details and all the slurls.  Then on top of it, it took multiple tries and loads of time to get the shot below to upload.  Geez, it shouldn’t be this hard! Screams out my frustration at the mountain, trying to let the peace and calm of the scene wash over me… taking deep breaths… remembering to breathe… and oh yeah, happy shopping…

  • Outfit:  Jezzixa Cazalet for Prism Designs – Prism Inez Pant Set.  I just love the gleam of the satin & the way the sleeves are pushed up on this deceptively simple, loose cropped top, plus the little matching splashes of color on the tight pants with the zippers at the top of the thighs & then the open ankle zippers.  Available in 6 color options or as a fatpack, sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  See below for a full standing pic. EXCLUSIVELY available at the Designer Circle 25/19, open Dec 15th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Scene:  TM Creation – “Hug Me Tender Bear” Winter Scene. Winter scene placed on pile of snow with snowy rocks (walkable on top), brushes, ferns, sled, blanket, little bears & literally hundreds of singles & couples anims (including bento). No Poseball – No static poses – Scene Sequence play up to 8 mins of scene (looping x each).  EXCLUSIVELY available in both PG & Adult versions at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Moon – Bedshaped
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow; Jessy HD Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Ariel Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  LIVIA – Deep Gel
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Winslet

 

 

 

At the breaking point

http://At the Breaking Point

You know how much fun the holiday shopping is when it starts? But then at some point, it’s not fun any more, it’s become more of a chore.  Who’s left? What did I forget? What do you mean it’s out of stock? How can I have absolutely NO idea what to get for this person or that? Well, I’ve hit that point.  Thankfully, I bought my one of my most difficult gifts yesterday — my mom who is in memory care — so all gifts are bought, EXCEPT FOR ONE.  My sister’s birthday is New Year’s Eve, so I have a wee bit more time than for Christmas, but I’m pulling a total blank when it comes to ideas.  The harder I push myself to come up with something, the higher the wall.  Sighs, at least it’s just one lol.  Of course my son just called asking for help with ideas for the family, so here I go again lol! Hope you’re having an easier time of it!!!!  It will all be over soon… in the meantime, happy shopping!

  • Outfit: in.SANITY Designs – NEW! Snuggles.  Named perfectly, for this comfy little snuggle of a winter dress. Warm thick knit, off-shoulder, criss-crossing the chest, then hanging a bit loose.  Warm, comfy, snuggly, & stylish.  10 Colors available separately or in a Fat pack with a HUD for all 10. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, & Tonic.  Also available on Marketplace!
  • Shoes:  MOZ Designs – NEW! “Milano” Ankle Boots.  Absolutely adorable with some “open laceup” up the front.  Available in 6 single leathers or a fatpack. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, Tonic & eBody.  Available at both the mainstore & at the December Sense Event, Dec 18th – Jan 8th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Dove, worn in Caramel browless.  What can I say?  I was actually stopped during this photo shoot to be asked what skin I was wearing.  Another sensational Omega skin,  two options of 5 tones each, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows, available at UNIK Event Dec 7th – 28th.  Shape & demos also available. 
  • Head: Tonic – Pixie, newest bento head from Tonic
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  Doux – Lala
  • Brows:  Avada – Anja Eyebrows
  • Mole/Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Fall Eyeshadows; DS’Elles – Series 8 Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Dahlia – Gamma – Sun, Moon & Stars Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Xmas Bike
  • Location:  Cherishville