Money makes the world go round

http://I'm out of lindens till bonus day, can I charge it

It constantly amazes me how quickly my monthly budget disappears.  It always seems like more than enough, and yes, there have been months that I’ve ended up with excess lindens.  Maybe because I’m a shopping addict blown away by the creativity of some designers (the stimulus behind many bloggers lol!), maybe it’s because I’m a total hair freak and always want the latest styles, maybe it’s because I’m never satisfied and get bored easily, so I like to keep refeathering my nest or even changing my nest altogether.  I still like live music events (though I go much much less than previously), and although I’m not a big tipper, I’m a consistent one.  And yes, of course I have a credit card linked to my account in order to bring in my monthly funds (and added little bits when there’s something I just can’t resist ) but that still requires me to bring in money NOW.  It would be amazing if I had a SL credit card that would allow me to buy larger purchases now and pay them off slowly over time.  On the other hand, I guess a lot of SLifers (including me) could end up carrying debt inworld rather than just stimulating the economy. All I can say is that money definitely makes both worlds go round, and I certainly do my part lol… thankfully I don’t have to pay to store all my things that I’m not currently using… I do love the magic of free, limitless inventory!  Well, all this talk of shopping has me itching to go look at this lower-prim high quality furniture I’ve been considering (the new elven home for my fantasy alt and her partner  is a Linden one, so every prim is precious!), so I’m off, “credit card” in hand!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Nimue.   Once again, it’s the stylish details that sets this denim shorts outfit apart from the crowd.   The halter-style top with strategically placed openings both front & back drapes beautifully; the frayed short shorts have artfully placed rips & lacing in the back… I simply had to include a 2nd shot to show you how phenomenal this outfit looks from behind (see below)! Comes in 10 colors for the top, 6 denims for the shorts; sold separately or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th. Demo available.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Tropical in Mango.  A fun, hard box bag , together with a small padlock, perfect for the summer season.  My Tropical is an 100% original mesh bag with Materials enabled — be sure to switch on advanced lighting to see the textures at their best.  This collection of various fruits offers 6 choices & includes a hand pose, EXCLUSIVELY available at the Bundle of Doves Event from July 20th – August 22nd.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Imani
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:   DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Sunglasses:  meisu Eyewear & Accessories – Minutiae glasses
  • Jewelry:   Kunglers – Milena Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Credit Card Poses
  • Location:  Opium Beach & Music Hall

The End of the Road

http://The End of the Road

Wow, I’ve been so busy in both real life and in SL dealing with moving!  We’ve made so much progress on our house that we should be ready to do pix and get it listed next week.  And here on the grid, I’ve been busy moving my alt & her partner to new fantasy digs because although I’d loved what I’d created for them at the back of the property, they were starting to hog all my resources, which for someone like me simply can’t be tolerated!  So with all this work, I’ve turned to what has always been my relaxing release… going for a lovely long aimless drive in beautiful surroundings.  And no, I don’t own a motorcycle IRL (though I surely do adore riding on the back of one, my arms wrapped tightly around the driver), but hey, that’s what SL is for, right? To do all the things you can’t IRL!  And on that note, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Enchtris Check Outfit & Boots.  With a belted blazer over a pair of shorts with dynamite heels, this is definitely a sexy look that can create its own heat wave!  The miniskirt has a HUD with 10 different plaids; the top & thigh-high boots are in black only.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Clover
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeshadow; LUXRebel – “LOVE Y” Group Gift Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Sofia Earrings; RealEvil Industries – Aqvila Bracelets; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Pose:  CNZ – Motorbike

Show-off

http://You're showing off again!

As much as I believe that when you’ve got it, flaunt it, there are times when it really irks me that I have to work really hard for something that comes so naturally to others.  And no, I’m not getting on a soapbox today… I was just thinking how at least as humans we CAN work at it.  In the animal kingdom, it seems almost more unfair that the males of the species get to make all the exciting displays while the females tend to be rather dull, though I know it’s all in order to attract and win a female so that they can mate.  It’s kind of funny that with humans it’s more the opposite… it’s the women who don all the plumage in order to attract the males.  (And yes, I DO know that it goes both ways, but women tend to do a whole lot more, even if some would contest that men do as much, we all know what society demands!)  Bottom line though, just a fun pic with a fun message… and some great items for sale at events!

  • Outfit:   WellMade – Chilla Outfit.  Light, summery, stylish, with a HUD that includes 20 pastelly & brighter shades for the patterned top, 20 matching solids for the belt, & your choice of black or white for the skirt. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza Freya, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My COBELLI in Orange.  Awesome looking, almost a “bag in a bag” with an outer semi-translucent “shell” over the inner colored bag,  together with round, gold handles.  Such a great look!  My Cobelli is an 100% original mesh bag with Materials enabled — be sure to switch on advanced lighting to see the textures at their best.  Available in 9 colors, EXCLUSIVELY at this month’s eBento which ends on July 30th.  Comes with both an arm & a hand hold plus a no-pose version to more easily use the bag with other animations.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Doux – Jenna
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Cosmetize – The Charlie’s Angels
  • Nails:  Madpea – Iconic Heat Polish
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – True Hearts Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Mosquito’s Way – Alexis
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Aya #6
  • Backdrop:  PALETO – Backdrop Civita (animated peacocks NOT included, but vendor is unknown)

Weekend Woes

http://Weekend Woes

OK, doing my blog has suddenly become very, very difficult.  Try to upload images like the close-up below? Post-processing fails because “the server may be busy.”  Try to upload to FlickR?  Panda fail.  The holiday weekend alone makes it difficult to stick to a timetable and a blogging schedule, but these kinds of issues?  Hard to stay calm and relaxed, especially considering the current lack of viewership on FlickR to begin with on Fridays and holidays.  Takes a deep breath, imagines that I’m actually relaxing by the water on a hanging chair, just like in the picture, and tries again… and again… and again…  Well, all I can say is that if you’re actually seeing this, it must have all worked out at some point lol.  What’s that saying? “Patience is its own reward”?  Well, not my strong point, never has been.  On the other hand, imagination always has been… Time for those two to battle it out.  While I wait, I’ll just go hit all those delicious weekend sales because shopping will always get me through!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – July.  I don’t ever post this far in advance of an event, but on this first weekend in July, how could I resist an outfit named “July”?  Another irresistible outfit featuring all those little details that make this designer’s outfits so special — off-shoulder on one side, awesome little “strands” covering the other, the netted lower arms (which can be worn or not, depending on your mood or taste), the frayed short shorts, the matching gladiator sandals. Comes in 9 colors for the top, 6 for the jeans; sold separately or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at The Men & Women Jail, open July 10th – 30th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Tone worn in Cashew.  A beautifully detailed skin, available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones), including both omega & BOM, regular & browless, at the 06/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.  See the closeup below. Demos & shape also available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:   Vanity – Phases
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Chair:  EVHAH – Balam Hang
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

 

The Butterfly Boho Collection

http://The Butterfly Boho Collection

OK, it’s getting hot. Hot and humid (just ask my hair!).  And I don’t know about you, but I can’t just always sit inside with the air conditioning.  Since I don’t live  on the water to benefit from cool ocean breezes, I’m always looking for comfortable shady little nooks to escape to with a book or whatever.  Now obviously here on the grid we don’t have to suffer through weather extremes, but that mindset of special little corners to escape and relax in has definitely followed me inworld.  I’m always looking to create an enticing new spot, and I found this set to truly be something special.  I think you will too!

Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Boho Butterfly Collection.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd, in both cuddle & adult versions:

  • Boho Butterfly Daybed Bento – Includes the wood pergola & the daybed, which is full of cuddle or adult bento animations (depending on version), plus bento singles & dances.  You can also change the color of the daybed to any of 5 choices.
  • Boho Butterfly Birdbath with Animated Butterfly (just touch the butterfly to make it flap… looks so real!)
  • Boho Butterfly Poppy Patch – just touch the grass to change the flower colors (10 choices); since it’s copy, you can add as many as you want to create a unique & natural looking setting

Ahoy there!

http://Ahoy There!

OK, so I’m still on my summer beach kick, but then again it IS summer even if I’m not at the beach enjoying it.  Perhaps I’m escaping there in my mind because the current reality is just getting tougher with the uptick in Covid cases exactly where we’re planning on moving (and I do mean EXACTLY — the county our new house is in is not doing well).  On top of that, my mom who is in a memory care facility in Florida, is not feeling well, and has just had a Covid test for the 3rd time.  Fingers crossed that she’s just not feeling well for “normal” reasons.  And here on the home front, they’re FINALLY starting with the outdoor work that is needed before we can get our home on the market, so things are progressing but still stressful.  No wonder the idea of boating or swimming or just sitting on a beach somewhere is so appealing.  Sighs… I know we’ll get there eventually… it’s just a question of how much s**t will happen between now and then…   The fact is, life goes on (and so does shopping lol)!

  • Outfit:  Apple Heart – Bonita Outfit with HUD.  This is one of those versatile outfits that can be worn in several ways.  The sarong style skirt that is tied up at one hip comes in two versions — one solid & one “net-panelled” (both with fringes).  The included HUD has 10 Colors/8 Texture & offers an incredible range of options since in addition to changing the skirt style, you can choose the color/pattern for the top, top fringe, top bow, panty, skirt, skirt fringe, sandal color, & even the color of the beads hanging from those sandals. You can even hide the bow & fringe if you choose.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Tattoo:  Apollemis Tattoos Store – Apple & Jasmine Blossom Sleeve.  A beautifully drawn tattoo made by the designer, compatible with BoM layers, OMEGA system, Maitreya & Legacy bodies. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Embers
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Amalfi
  • Nails:  alme – Dots & Squares
  • Jewelry:  Cailyn’s – Safari Noir Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Cubic Cherry – Fancy (La Vie en Pose GIFT)
  • Boat:  The Mesh Shop – Bandit IF
  • Bag:  EC – Key West
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

 

Summertime On the Rocks

http://Summertime On the Rocks

I’m still in post-surgical recovery mode, so although I’m making it around my house with a bit of effort, I’m still not able to go anywhere.  It’s also starting to get quite hot outside, which means one thing — I’m starting to dream about beach sands & turquoise blue waters.  I know it will be quite a while for so many reasons, but hey, a girl can dream!  And with items like these out there, dreaming takes on a whole new sense of style and “if only”…  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Suga Baby – Flynn.  Adorable little summer outfit, perfect for sun & sand, hanging out at home, or whatever calls for casual comfort & style. Includes an 8-print option for the top, shorts, & matching sandals. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Rocks/Poses:  EVHAH – Nui Rocks Duo & Swinger.  Tropical landscaping at its best, this set includes 4 different rock setups  complete with palm trees & flowers so that you can design your perfect escape.  Designed to be set up on land or water, these rocks are not just decor… they come in both Cuddle & Adult versions, loaded with single & couple anims.  See a full shot below of just one element in the set, the Curve Swinger, where I’ve used a different included animation.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th through the end of the month. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Butter
  • Hair:  Tram – J0524, only at Collabor88 (demo also available at the store)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Purple
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Ticola
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Inlaid Harmony Earrings  & Sentiment Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Bell-bottom blues

http://Bell-bottom Blues

OK, after sitting there on my butt for a few days with my leg up certainly gave me some time to think.  And I decided to make even more changes in my blogging life.  Even when you love to blog (as I do), it can easily slip into a routine that both dulls creativity and takes away the fun.  Designers obviously establish a style for their brand, but sometimes when you blog the same brand for too long, it just becomes “more of the same”… which isn’t fair to them, and is hard on the blogger too.  Realizing this, I’ve been making changes here and there for weeks.  I’ve done it before; I’ve realized I need to do even more.  I’ve therefore left two of my oldest sponsors; I’ve added some new ones.  More juggling may/may not occur because my goal is simple… to refresh my blog, my commitment, my commitment when I open boxes and see new designs.  I jumped at the chance to blog for Giulia Design… I’ve been blogging them through events for quite a while because their designs are wonderfully varied and awesomely styled, with that special Italian fashion sense, that little something that just can’t be taught.  Now I have the opportunity to sport ALL their new releases, not just those selected for events.  I’d be dancing if I could, but I’m still flat on my butt with my leg up for hours a day. I won’t let it keep me down though, not with styles this good!!!  

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesignNEW!  KETY.  Maybe it’s because I’m from that generation, but I LOVE fringe!  Something about it just makes me happy.  I will admit, though, that fringe doesn’t always work well in SL… if it’s not done “right”, it hangs too stiffly & just looks “off.”  This outfit does it perfectly.  The fringe looks & hangs very realistically (not too much, not too little) from the slightly loose, flowy little crop top with cutaway arms (they’re connected along the bottom of the arm, which looks totally amazing when you move).  The jeans are big comfy bell-bottoms, for a retro look that is still totally “today.”  Comes in 10 colors for the top, 7 for the jeans. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune worn in Cashew.  A truly gorgeous skin, one of my top recent favorites — I’m even using the brows & no makeup!   Available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones), including both omega & BOM, regular & browless, at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.  Demos & shape also available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  KATE – Bohem Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Bye Bye Birdie

http://Bye Bird Birdie

Ok, so I had my outpatient surgery on Tuesday. I have to say, surgery has never been a fun experience but in this new reality? It’s even worse.  Don’t get me wrong… I’m THRILLED that I finally had this procedure done… I’ve been having difficulties with my knee since last year and the surgery was originally supposed to be in late March, so the delay created its own issues.  But as someone who gets very very nervous with anticipation, going in and having surgery all by yourself, with no family to sit with you or comfort you or be there when you wake up, just makes it that much harder.  And my surgery (which was thankfully a very short and relatively minor one in the scheme of things) was delayed by 2 hours, so I just lay there in pre-op for almost 3 hours alone, with no company, no TV, no book, nothing to do but lie there with my own worrisome thoughts about having anesthesia and all that can wrong, despite previous successful surgeries.  I can only imagine how much more difficult it would be for someone facing a major operation or their very first one, how completely terrifying to go through that alone.  When my husband had open-heart surgery last year, I was there all day every day, keeping him company and both of us calm. I would have been desperate without being able to be there and see for myself and help take care of him. Yes, I know it’s for everyone’s safety which is definitely crucial, but it does make an already difficult process even more so. Well I’m home now, gimping around, dealing with the after effects, looking forward to the day when I can walk again without pain, looking forward to a future time when these restrictions can be eased, and loved ones can once again support each other through the bad times.  Hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later.  Until then, we do what we must…  and when the going gets tough, the tough can put their feet up and still get shopping!

  • Outfit:  ICEWERK Designs – Julia Jumpsuit with Julia Heels. Very stylish, & to me seems to invite touching, the stroking of the satiny fabric.  The jumpsuit & matching heels have 16 textures to choose from; the sheer panels have 4.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – NEW! My BANUS in Green.  An adorable pouch bag, with both an arm & a hand hold.  Available in 7 colors, each for just 99L at Sail into Summer sales & hunt event.  There is also a hunt for 1L that you have to look for in the store. (All items are in the store!)
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Maybeline, worn in Butter browless.  Another glorious skin, this time with some of my all-time favorites tones like Butter.  And the best part?  It’s FREE as the June Group Gift to members, with 7 tones in both omega & BOM, regular & browless.  See the closeup below (my own freckles & GENUS makeup added)…
  • Head, Brows, Makeup:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Marcela
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Aurora Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Violet #3 Curve; Kokoro Poses  – Bird Holding
  • Props:  Evolving Images – Bird Cage V; B. Labs – Wine Tray
  • Backdrop:  K&S – Kitchen Daylight Photo booth (rare)

Vicious and Delicious

http://Vicious and Delicious

OK, so I’ve borrowed my title from the name of two FlickR groups, but it’s just so perfect for this!  This whole pic is a bit outside of my norm, but inspiration takes all forms lol, and although there will still be plenty of pix in my “style”, I’m thinking that there will also be a bit more experimentation.  Don’t worry, everything will still be “safe” but I do want to start pushing myself a bit further.  I’ve taken on some new sponsors and left a few behind in order to help me on my journey.  I’m thinking of it as a bit of a reboot, a restart to get out of the rut I was in…  The reboot began back when I started experimenting with fantasy, and has now spread a bit further.  It’s not really a new beginning, more like an expansion pack (for any of you gamers out there lol)…  I’m looking forward to see where my journey takes me… I hope you are too!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles & Myles Harvy Couture – Signe Outfit with Peep Toe Boots. 4-piece set (hoodie, panties, bra, boots) in a black/white stripe. The banding on both the bra & pants feature a word of your choice from a 10-texture HUD (ex: Slut, Curious, Mischievous).  And the boots!!!! LOVE these boots!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, & Classic XXS-L. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Backdrop/Pose:  [VSM] devil inside – Color Your Life.  Available in 3 boxes: the unisex pose with brush (no other props); the pose set with props (including the canvas with an art change menu/easel/rugs/stool; the FULL set including props & skybox (including resize menu & on/off candles). EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th – 30th.  
  • Head, Brows, Eyeliner, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  I find that the Tonic bodies are truly the most natural curves on the grid with options like Booty Control to add that extra oomph how & if you want it & others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Anne-Sofie, worn in Caramel browless
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – GIN
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)