Feelin’ Good!

http://Feeling good!

So I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m completely blown away by certain pics  I see on FlickR.  Yes, there are plenty of good and some even really good shots amidst a lot of what I consider mediocre shots at best, but there are also true gems that completely floor me.  Those pics make me totally stop and look and try to figure out exactly what it is that grabs me and makes me say “wow” so that maybe, just maybe, I can learn something new.  Now sometimes it just comes down to the photographer’s eye, and I hate to say it but that’s one of those things you either have or you don’t.  Yes, hard work and practice will improve your eye, but that basic sense of the absolutely most perfect perspective and framing, well IMHO those abilities can be finer tuned but simply can not be taught.  In other pics though, it’s a definite sense of technique, a lot of which is applied in edit.  Now some of that I can figure out WHAT they did if not HOW, but since I use Corel and not Photo Shop, I can only try so far to teach myself.  But there’s always been other things that I just knew were being done inworld and I had absolutely no idea how to even attempt them.  Well I just watched a video on photography through Second Life University of all things, and just in minor playing around I can see that (hopefully anyway) I’ll be able to do a lot with this.  If nothing else, I discovered much simpler ways of doing what I already do in setting up my shots and playing with angles, so it could be a huge time and frustration saver.  I also learned to be very very careful about changing ANY settings, even the most innocuous seeming, without writing down what I had before and exactly what I did because I just spent an inordinate amount of time trying to get out of some weird perspective issue that I somehow locked myself into.  Lesson learned!!!  Now to move on to playing with some of what I’ve seen… I hope to be able to share some improved results in the near future!!! In the meantime, happy shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Akeri Wrap Dress.  Akeri is one of those seemingless effortless looks, with a deceptively simple, ankle length hip-wrapped very low-cut sundress with matching panties & flat sandals, & is available in 7 individual colors, a HUD-driven 7 texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 14, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Tonic, Freya & Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at FABLE, an Evil Bunny Production, open August 6th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Hair:  Doux – Bellami
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Milly
  • Jewelry:   IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Victorian, Set 2; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Bird of Paradise
  • Location:  Dusk Point Beach

Fae, Interrupted

http://Fae, Interrupted

A bit deep in thought these days; not sure why, but just not feeling particularly social.  I’m enjoying my time just wandering through somewhat wild places I’ve never seen (this sim is just awesome for that!), tweaking my home to capture more of that wild & colorful essence, and communing with nature and its denizens.  A little private time seems to be just what this fae needs, and she is definitely making the most of it! (Of course, that does NOT impact my shopping… that would be downright sacrilegious lol!!!)…  looks up startled at a sound entering the glade, before settling back to my ruminating on the beauty of the play of light on the water…

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Solar Panties & Pasties.  Definitely a LOT more revealing than my normal wear, but how could I resist? She is sized only for Maitreya, although an unrigged version of the pasties are also included  (NOTE: she fit my Legacy body with just the lower deformer).  Solar’s HUD offers an incredible range of individual choices in light, mid, & deep tones for fabric 1 (the panties), fabric 2 (the drape), metal 1 (the pasties), metal 2 (the hips), & the pastie gems. Demo available.  There is matching jewelry (necklace & headpiece, not shown) which is sold separately.
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Muted.  Highly detailed, gorgeous muted tone skins in your choice of 15 colors (see below for these awesome textures; I’m wearing Mylaela).  Both male & female versions feature all new shading & details, in BOM/default layers only plus EvoX.  Includes Vareni ears, & new brows in 10 colors for both classic & EvoX.  Demo available.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Ghoul
  • Hair:  Lamb – Heart, with Roses & Crown
  • Horns:  not a peep – Lilian Horns
  • Makeup:  Loa – Ninsar Warpaint  (cheek dots, forehead stripe, lip brush stroke)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Irid Light Wings
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Hopeful
  • Location:  The Wylde

Unicorns Support Inflation

http://Unicorns Support Inflation

No, I’m not getting political; I’m introducing the first of a new sales event for Dreamland Designs!!!  Called slept on sales, it will always start Thursdays at midnight and will end Sundays at midnight.  Kicking off with an absolutely adorable item for everyone’s backyard or deck, the cutest inflateable pool with UNICORNS (and of course it’s filled with animations)!  And since this is our debut, there’s also a free gift for you this round from Dreamland Designs (an olive branch basket of original mesh).    Here are the details:

Dreamland Designs:     Inflateable Pool.    Setup includes the pool, the water pipes & hoses, & the unicorn floaties.   The pool comes in Adult & PG; bento animations with speed control.  The floaties are only single anims, are not linked to the rest of the set so can be moved super-easily, & will fit 4 avatars.  Material enabled & copy/mod. On sale for just $L99 during the Slept On Sale, July 28th-31st. 

Also shown:

Late day in late summer

http://Late Day in Late Summer

And we’re back to stress IRL! Construction has begun on the lanai renovation, and of course we ran into a problem on the very first day.  It seems that the existing irrigation lines go right where the footers need to be for the concrete, so we had to watch the concrete guys pack up and go while we resourced an irrigation guy to quickly come and cap off the lines (quick, easy, not too expensive) so that the concrete work can resume next week.  Hopefully, all we lost was the one day in our schedule.  Of course now we need to get all new lines put down… an unanticipated expense (not even estimated yet).  But what’s a secondary issue is that it means we have NO irrigation until then… and in Florida, it’s the dry part of the rainy season, so if go without irrigation, our lawn and plantings would suffer and potentially die.  So it’s back to the old-school way of hooking up a hose to a sprinkler and then manually moving it around the property… definitely not as effective but hopefully it will keep everything alive if not thriving.  Never a dull moment!!!  All this added stress and necessary paperwork/research/etc has impacted my SL schedule, and now I’m desperately trying to get a last few posts in for the month.  I’ll apologize right now that I’ll be hitting the tail end of events, but as always, the status of “exclusive” and “sale” may end, but the featured items are always available after that at the main store (generally with a delay of one or two days).  Let the weekend officially begin!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Melody Shorts Set.  Melody includes a corset top, midcut short shorts (both with fabulous lacing, up the front for the top & down the sides for the shorts), & matching flat sandals, & is available in 6 individual colors, a HUD-driven 6 texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 12, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra & Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the July round of the WOW Event, closing TODAY July 30th.  (After that, it will be at the main store.) Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Eclipse
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Tattoo:  Carol G – Fleshly
  • Hat:  ZOOM – Luxury Windbreak Hat
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Bianca

Margarita Time

http://Margarita TIme

Lace.  I appear to have it on the brain this month; I just noticed that I keep being drawn to outfits that utilize it to maximum advantage.  I’ve also realized that the same thing is happening in my real life lol, with a few new lacy things finding their way into my closet.  It’s just so feminine and so versatile, though with the caveat that it must be done well.  And of course, I’ll be the judge of that lol!  Well, it’s hump day, and as the saying goes, it must be 5 o’clock somewhere, so it’s margarita time, sometimes a necessity to get over that hump!  And after that, well, who knows???  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  COSMOS Apparel – Gill 3-Pieces Set Lace.  The lace top, solid bra & tight little skirt can all be worn separately, but oh my, what a look they create together!  You have so many choices with the HUD… I prefer wearing a solid bra of the same color as the top, but with a contrasting silk edge on both pieces that matches the skirt.  I also added some contrast piping on the skirt to match the top… what an awesome look, I just LOVE IT!  And the textures!  The play of light on both the top & the skirt is subtle, but oh so lovely & realistic!  Available in a 12-texture fatpack with HUD.    Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Tonic, eBody, Maitreya, & Kupra.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open through July 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  bonbon – morina
  • Makeup:  GOREGLAM – Heartseeker
  • Nails:  Avanti – Petra
  • Sunglasses:  BONDI – Tony
  • Jewelry:   IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Gipsy Rose Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Le Poppycock – Into the Afterglow; ChicChica – Margarita
  • Location:  Essencia Hotel

Catch the Wind

http://Catch the Wind

My mind has been blank today in terms of “blog content.”  Life has just been rushing past, as it tends to do, with many hours lost due to migraine, and others spent doing a little of this and a whole lot of that.  It boggles my brain how quickly weekends seem to come around, and yet how little I sometimes seem to accomplish.  Yet I don’t begrudge any of my time spent inworld… I happily create a look, tweaking and tweaking more, and then the next stage of fun begins, setting up a shoot.  I originally went off on a “tribal” kick with this one (my mind went from “tribal print” to “safari”), did a whole shoot but had that niggling feeling in the back of my mind that something just wasn’t right; I showed the final (but thankfully still unedited) shot to my partner, something that I rarely do… thankfully he has always been honest with me in everything, and told me that he didn’t get the connection with zebras and tigers and felt it was overly busy.  That niggling concern verified!!! So into the garbage it went, and off I went on a whole new tack, and voila, I went out and caught the wind!  I’m much happier with the result, and since it truly is a great outfit, I’m happy to feel I’m showing it at its best!  Happy weekend!!!

  • Dress:  Kitty Creations – Tribal Glamour.  Sexy gold-trimmed outfit in a fabulous tribal print, with matching stilettos as well as a gorgeous hammered gold choker, earrings, & bracelets.  Available in 8 colors or as a fatpack with HUD.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Tonic, eBody, Maitreya, & Jomo F/D/T/W.  Also available in Tropical Prints, all EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open through July 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Joya
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Magda; Dernier – Eyeliner Set #4
  • Pose:  Hopscotch – With the Wind
  • Location:  Shamatha

Chantilly Lace and a Pretty Face

http://Chantilly Lace and a Pretty Face

It’s so strange that even with the summer heat, we are cooler here in central Florida than in so much of the world right now.  One primary difference is that in this country the majority of homes and businesses are air-conditioned, and down here every thing is built for the heat since we don’t have to worry about snow and ice in the winter.  Then again, if climate change continues to turn this world’s weather topsy-turvy, then we could be in real trouble if it goes the other way and gets cold down here for prolonged periods, since we are definitely NOT built for that.  Medical procedures all done now but migraines were triggered by the local, so I’ve been taking it easy in my air-conditioned comfort the last few days.  Today is the day I get back to my “regular” activities… which is pretty funny actually because most of them are on hiatus or still in the “I should really start going to” category.  But I was able to spend some quality time inworld, and create this ultra-feminine and tantalizingly sexy look (my partner said he couldn’t take his eyes off the top, wondering how something like that would “really” stay down lol)… It has been fun!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Vulnus – Falerae.   Such a sexy look, but toned down to almost (though totally impossible lol) demure because of the fabulous lacey texture.  Sized for Legacy, Reborn, & Maitreya, EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, themed Island Tropical Heat, open through July 30th.  Demo available.
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Krystanna Heritage Collection.  Includes this stunning gorget-style necklace plus earrings in a “hammered” look.  Can be resized. EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, themed Island Tropical Heat, open through July 30th.  See ad below for details.  Also worn:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Kiara
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Magda; Dernier – Eyeliner Set #4
  • Pose:  Le Poppycock – Side of the Road
  • Location:  Frogmore

My Bow is Yours to Command

http://My Bow is Yours to Command

Aaargh, I’ve been so happy exploring this fairy realm (as well as the weekend sales, to be totally honest) that I missed my cut-off for posting today.  I’ve decided that my cut-off time is completely arbitrary, together with the fact that another week of not-very-pleasant medical activities is upcoming for my human, pushed me into taking the daring step of ignoring my own rules.  Besides, I so love this look that I can’t wait to share it! Considering how peace-loving I am, it always surprises me that the warrior-scout mode holds such appeal for me… perhaps it’s that I feel more of a purpose, more of a specified role as it were… and what could possibly be more important to a role-player than having that?!?  But missing that deadline has pushed my time inworld to a much narrower band for the day, and I must be off to put my bow to good use…  Remember: magic is believing in yourself; if you do that, you can make anything happen!!!!!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Kinta.  Jangka outfits are always so recognizable, the style & detail & quality of textures just stand out in the world of SL roleplay.  In this outfit, I just love what to me are the American Indian touches (feathers & fringe!!!!).  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya, Kinta comes in 6 individual colors or as a fatpack, as do the boots & armbands (the latter not worn in the primary pic); the pants are available in your choice of black or brown; the necklace is single version only.  With all these options, Kinta can be customized for a variety of looks, & the look is simply amazing & just feels so authentic. Brand-new, she is EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of We Love Roleplay for 25% OFF, ending July 30th. Demo available. 
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Vinisa Horns.  Another set of completely awesome horns from Petrichor! These are soooo very different, with a completely different look from any I’ve ever worn or even seen!  The angle itself sets these off… they come forward at a slight angle, & then curve gently up & in.  As always there’s a ton of customization built in, from the style of metal embellishments to the optional gems & the chains, all of which have a wide selection of texture.  There are 4 wear styles (Bare, Solid, Multi, & Gems), & 4 color packs (Colors, Faded, Gloss, & Metalline) or a Fatpack of all.  Includes earrings & necklaces (I’m wearing the earrings), & is HUD controlled for the metals, gems, & horns themselves.  Demo available.  (See the closeup below)
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel
  • Hair:  [monso] – Kaine
  • Ears:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX
  • Makeup:  Rubedo – tinta; GOREGLAM – Superlove Gloss
  • Accessories:  FLO –  Mesh Tribal Feathers
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Irid Dark Wings
  • Bow & Quiver:  Silver Hawk Company – Hunters Bow
  • Location:  The Mystic Realms, Realm of the Fae

A touch of Wanderlust…

http://A Touch of Wanderlust

I love weekends in SL.  First off, even though I no longer work in the real world, weekends retain their more relaxed, I can spend time doing whatever I want attitude.   And with that comes the time to peruse all those weekend sales, discovering fabulous finds that you somehow never knew about, all at an enticing discount where you can easily indulge your fantasies.  What better way to beat the heat and the thunderstorms (which is what summer is like here in Florida lol)?  I totally fell in love with this little Buddha, serenely sitting in his little patch of heavenly garden.  Perfect for making that special dreamy little corner or to even provide a happy little surprise on a spreading lawn… he looked so awesome no matter where I put him that I found it hard to choose, though to my mind he seemed happiest where he could listen to the babbling brook and dream!!!!! Enjoy!

Dreamland Designs:     Buddha’s Wild Garden.    With patches of wildflowers, rocks, & a smiling sleepy Buddha enjoying it all.  Material enabled & copy/mod. On sale for just $L50 during Wanderlust Weekend, July 16th-17th. 

Keeping Lookout

http://Keeping Lookout

It’s been a busy couple of days IRL in terms of things finally getting done.  The replacement blinds that were ordered months ago were installed; the outdoor pavers that needed to be removed before construction of our new enlarged lanai are gone; and the absolute best is that I finally have new sunglasses with a stronger reading prescription so that I can (yes!!!!) actually see to read clearly when needing sunglasses (and living in Florida I just about always need them during the day lol).  My time in SL has obviously suffered a bit with so much happening, but I absolutely managed to put together a fabulous casual summer look… now I’m off to enjoy it!!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Fatal Fashion – Marianna, Outfit 215.   OMG, this summery shorts set is just so adorable, both from the front AND the back!  Everything about it is so amazingly cute, I simply had to show it off from both sides *see the pic below).  Sized for Maitreya, Legacy (shorts only), Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & eBody, Marianna includes the top, shorts, heels, & a silver choker (not shown).  She is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, themed Island Tropical Heat, open July 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_CATWALK 
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Cabo San Lucas Leather & Shell Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Sunglasses:  Nico Creations – Sunglasses
  • Pose:  Sassy Sweet Poses – Feeling Sassy
  • Location:  WillowWood (for both photos)