The Secret Cove

http://The Secret Cove

Well Fantasy Faire has ended.  My real life was suddenly so busy and frantic with a 12-person luncheon I was hosting that I totally missed the last two days of the Faire.  The few days before that I was obsessively tackling some rather involved ideas (for me, anyway) that I’m now having a bit of difficulty making the transition back to human.  So I did the next best thing (or maybe even the best? I guess the answer is a highly subjective one lol)… I brought a touch of fantasy into what I consider a “real life” shot…  And there we are… back to reality!  Enjoy YOUR reality (whatever that may be)!!!!

  • Boat:  Fern Cottage – Little Moored Boat.  Original mesh boat, post & rope attached.  Seats 2 with 7 single animations each & 3 romantic cuddle animations.  Can be placed on Linden water, your own water prim, or even on dry land.  Available in 3 versions or as a fatpack, for 25% OFF at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open only through tomorrow May 10th.  Be sure to teleport to the demo area to see the full-sized version!
  • Mermaid:  Aii & Ego – Riptide Tail; Mermade – Shifting Sands in Garnet (tail applier)
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Tempestuous

Midnight at the Oasis

http://Midnight at the Oasis

I’ve been so happily busy — obsessed even — with spending every spare second  that I’m not putting together fashion looks over at the Fantasy Faire.  Between shopping and exploring and doing on-site photo shoots, time has been FLYING by.  And then suddenly I realized that it’s already May and that the Faire will close in just a few days on May 7th and I’m panicked that I never spent any time with all the wonderfully awesome non-fashion goodies.  So I immediately unpacked all of my outdoor favorites and started seeing what would work together to create a dino-mite scene (sorry, sorry, sorry, I haven’t had my coffee yet!) that would fit in a photo frame.  For some reason, the song ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ started playing in my head (maybe it was on Fantasy Faire radio at the time? I honestly don’t know), but I can’t get it out of mind, and it was that or something about a meeting getting off to a rough start, so that’s the title I’m going with lol.  And now, back to our regularly scheduled program!

  • Dinosaurs:  Prehistorica – The Dawn Kingdoms – Amazing, amazing, totally AMAZING!!! I admit I went a bit dino crazy, but these are just so incredibly realistic (well, it SEEMS realistic, having never really seen a dinosaur I guess it’s all conjecture, now isn’t it?) that I just couldn’t help myself.  If you want to ride — or be — a dinosaur, this is definitely the place to go because they not only have all these to buy they’ve created a prehistoric land where you can RIDE since it admittedly takes quite a bit of space when you’re on one of the big ones.  All of what I used to make this scene & more are available at Fantasy Faire in the Faireland of Khumbala; you can TP direct to Prehistorica’s booth HERE:
    • Allosaurus Animesh Creature (far right with me on top!) – just one of a line of creature “pets” that are rideable or free-roaming.  The controls are really easy to manage, & he roars on command.  Such fun, I can’t stop grinning!!!  See the ad below for more details.
    • Utahraptor Rideable Pet (front left of pool) – one thing that I LOVE about this guy is that you can ATTACH him to ride if you’re in a no-rez area… AND he has a color customization HUD.  Did I mention how much fun it is to ride a dinosaur?  Just one of a range of rideable pets. See the ad below for more details.
    • Utahraptor Decor (upper left of pool) – perfect for helping to create scenes like these, they also include a color customization HUD; sound options are also part of the menu options.  See the ad below! 
    • Drogon, Valyrian Adult (back of pool) – if you watched House of the Dragon, then you’re familiar with Drogon.  I kind of cheated with this one… he’s part of two special EXCLUSIVE diorama sets (The Blazing Throne & The Winter Throne that are each a 100% DONATION to RELAY for LIFE.  I’ve included the ad below for them, & you can see him in all his animesh glory the minute you walk into the store (& he really is a don’t miss sight!) 
  • Rock Pool:  Dabble (FKA Tyler’s Treasures) – Forest Rock Pool.  NEW! the rock pool not only looks fabulous with animated water (& animated sounds!), but it also is full of single & couple bento animations (see the ad below).  AVAILABLE in adult or PG for 25% OFF at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of WooHoo! Bay; you can TP direct to Dabble’s booth HERE.  
  • Trees:  Dreamland Designs – Magical Tree Scene.  Totally beautiful scene that is perfect for both fantasy & what I’ll call “more realistic” landscapes.  Includes the “magical tree,” flowers, magical sparkling lights & wisps (see the ad below).   NEW, EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE & a 100% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of Giggenwhirl; you can TP direct to Dreamland Designs booth HERE.
  • Stone Portal (on left):  [QE Designs] – Mystic Stones.  Set includes three different shape stones with lights, with portals (shown), or bare.  Includes a HUD to change the color of the stone, & of the portal (see the ad below).  AVAILABLE as a 100% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of The Shimmering Fen; you can TP direct to the QE Designs booth HERE
  • Grassy Stones & Pools:  Mindgardens Creations – Pandora Rocks.  An incredible set of rock shapes (including those with ponds & the big arch in the back; see the ad below) that are available in four different rock textures — grassy stone, (which is what I used), brown stone, dark stone, & winter stone.  The possibilities are truly endless! Even more, each set is a 100% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of Frostweald; you can TP direct to Mindgardens booth HERE.
  • Sphere:  Raindale – Moonstone Platform & Magic Sphere.  Includes animated magic spheres in 5 colors plus a platform in 3 colors with 5 gem colors (I didn’t use the platform, but see the ad below for details).   AVAILABLE as a 100% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Nysaris Faireland; you can TP direct to Raindale’s booth HERE.
  • Fantasy Flowers:  Fantasy Illumination – Fantasy Utopia Flower.  Original mesh, materials enabled, this unique fantasy flower has flowing animated lights in the middle.  Available in two colors (pink & white) as a 50% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of Opera; you can TP direct to Fantasy Illuminations’ booth HERE.  See the ad below for more detail.
  • Crystals:  Harshlands – Glowing Crystal Plants.  Set of original mesh plants with glowing crystals in 5 colors + tintable.  Includes three grouped shapes & one crystal cluster, all of which are easily resizeable.  Particle fireflies included.  See the ad below for more detail; at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open April 18th – May 10th.

Spring Eggs

http://Spring Eggs

OK, intellectually I get the whole egg thing for the spring, rebirth and mythological and pagan tales, but I do have to say that some designers do it better than others.  These are some of my favorites to build an “egg-celent” fantasy scene (sorry, I just couldn’t resist)…  And since all these eggs are rather on the large size & most have scales, they totally make me think of dragons.  And I do love my dragons, so I naturally snuck one in to my scene!!!!  Happy shopping!

Raindale

  • Silvermist Collection.  This is such a perfect collection for a fantasy setting!  It includes so many different items, in several different versions, so you can create exactly what you want — 3 color versions of the arch, 3 matching color versions of the platform, 3 versions each of different color eggs on pedestals (I’ve shown 2), plus 3 colored eggs to place wherever you’d like (again I’ve shown two).  Everything is copy/mod, so you can resize or use multiples to create your scene.  EVENT EXCLUSIVE, available only at Ostara’s Altar for just a few more days, through April 15th.  TP direct to their booth HERE
  • Willownut Stump.  Awesome little stump with mushrooms; includes sitting animations for single male & female… & it’s just 10L (once you find it that is!) because this is a 2023 Ostara’s Altar hunt prize! See the ad below… then good luck in your hunt!

Dabble (formerly Tylar’s Treasures) – 

  • Spring Egg – Perfect for the season & its strange association with eggs, this solitary egg steals the show with its beautiful floral pattern, golden stand, & floral ring.  Includes a resize script.  Available at the Spring Mischief Event, open just a few more days until April 15th, as a gift for the Mischief Menagerie Group.  See the ad below.
  • Baby Dragon – Animated baby dragon on rock.  Soooo cute! Dragon has a 5-color texture menu by touch… an older item, but one of my personal favorites! Available at the main store or on MP.

Testing the Waters

http://Testing the Waters

Breathe… I need to breathe… there is just so much going on, April is turning out to be a very tough month.  So many things that need to be done RIGHT NOW in real life — taxes (no, they’re not done!), holidays (cooking, traveling), birthdays, vacation travel plans — it just goes on and on!  And as for blogging, on top of my usual requirements (which I often struggle to meet), I’ve signed up for two fabulous fantasy events… I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing them, but looking at the calendar just adds to my current stress.  So yes, some relaxing time in the jacuzzi has become a must… we actually added one to our lanai this year, and I am totally addicted to it… I love to sit out there in the dark, with just the glow of the hot tub light and a low light on the deck, leaning back, listening to music and looking up at the stars…  not only does it help my poor deteriorated back, but it just so totally relaxes me in every way.  I love it most when there’s even the slightest chill in the air, so time is running out for THAT as well, but even when I can’t actually be soaking IRL, my SL jacuzzi helps put me in the right mindset when I’m busy typing or editing or whatever…  takes a deep breath, and leans back in the water… relax… relax… relax…

  • Tattoo:  pecheresse – lana tattoo.  Includes three versions — faded (white tintable), fresh, & healed (I’m wearing healed) — BOM ONLY, both as the full tattoo as well as all the individual, separate pieces so that you can pick & choose which layers you want to use.  The tattoo is drawn & made with gen x (belleza) UV MAP,  which means that it’s optimized for it, but as you can see, it looks awesome on Legacy & on other bodies too.  Check the demo to be sure how it works on your brand of body.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, (which means free gifts at most booths!), open through April 10th.  Demo available.
  • Jacuzzi:  DRD (Death Row Designs).  Includes the pergola with lights, the hot tub with steps, & the standing candle array.   You can easily turn on/off steam, bubbles, bubbling sound, & water just by the touch of a button.  Loaded with some pretty excellent animations for single female, single male, & couples (I’m showing two of the 11 single female anims).  Available in PG or Adult as a fatpack or in any of three texture packs (Dark, Light, Style), each of which has two tones included, as shown in the ad below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, with a free gift of the towel rack (shown on left), open through April 10th.  Be sure to check out the demo!
  • Vase:  CJ Creations – Spring Vase Cream w/ Magnolia Branches.  Placed on top of the towel rack, this stunning vase set adds just the right touch!  Also available in grey.

A Sense-ibly Dreamy Design Choice

http://A Sense-ibly Dreamy Design Choice

Dreamland Designs – Colonial Claw Foot Tub Set.  A hot soak can be so integral to your well-being whether IRL or on the grid.  For me, part of the relaxation includes gazing out on the beauty of nature; obviously in SL the “hot” is supplied by your brain, which makes the animations even more important.  This tub is loaded with bento animations & sequences for singles & couples with props, in both PG & Adult versions, so in this case “hot” can be interpreted however you choose!  And when not in use, this tub set just looks so stylish! Material enabled; copy/mod/no trans, the tub includes a texture changer for the rim & metal piping.  The set also includes the bath tray, the stool with plant & rolled-up towel, the puddled towel on the floor, & the chandelier (which has on/off touch).  Both versions (PG/Adult) are EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Sense Event, open March 18th – 28th.

Reading IS Sexy

http://Reading IS Sexy

http://Just part of my TBR pile

I’m a huge reader, generally at least a book a week, all fiction but across multiple genres.   I have for as long as I can remember.  Back in the day, I never went ANYWHERE without a book in my bag; I was that girl sitting at the bar waiting for whomever I was going to meet, reading a book (nowadays it’s more often my Kindle, and I’m NOT sitting at bars lol).  I have to admit it always surprises me a little when I find out that someone doesn’t like to read; it doesn’t bother me, mind you, nor make me think any less about the person (though I’ll admit that I DO think differently about them); it just surprises me (and saddens me in a way too) that they don’t enjoy that feeling of expanding their knowledge and/or their imagination, of losing themselves in other people’s lives and understanding situations and choices vastly different from those they themselves have faced.  But I have discovered that a rather high percentage of those non-book-readers are somewhat snobbish about the fact, thinking that it somehow makes them better, that they don’t “waste their time on all that”.  I’ve even had a few men (and it’s top of mind because it just happened again the other day) say that being “bookish” made a woman less sexy… well, now THAT statement DID make me think less about him…  I prefer men who think that being bookish makes a woman sexier… after all, she has more to draw on in conversation, in understanding, in handling situations, and yes, even in bed…  Although that could definitely make her more challenging, perhaps even a bit threatening…  which says more about the guy than it does about the woman.  And yes, I have quite a few reading nooks in my SL home and scattered around the parcel (they’re actually better and more comfortable than in my RL home lol), because to me, no home is complete without at least one.  Glancing over at my book, I feel that urge coming on… Happy Weekend!

The Look:

  • Outfit:  United Colors – Josette Jacket & Skirt.  Definitely sexy & smart!  The cut of this outfit is just outstanding & totally sets off your shape!  Josette includes a HUD with 8 colors for the jacket, striped skirt, & buttons, plus 5 metals, so you can mix & match top & bottom or not, as you choose.  Sized for Legacy & Maitreya, she is EXCLUSIVELY available at the current round of  The Liaison Collaborative, Winter Calm, open Feb 18th through March 10th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_PRIVATE
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella BOM Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol. 1; theMARS – Organic Lipstick
  • Glasses:  Mulloy – Josa
  • Jewelry:  Kunglers – Kara Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

The Scene:

  • Bookcase:  Dreamland Designs – Aurora Antique Book Shelf.  I’ve seen many bookcases in SL over the years, I’ve even owned quite a few.  But this is the first time I’ve seen one that not only looks fabulous in a home or office setting, but also has quality built-in bento animations!  Let’s start with the look, which is honestly exactly what I was looking for in my own home.  One detail that I adore is that only the center section is pre-filled; the rest is open for you to add your own items for display (see the ad below).  Then let’s talk about the animations… the shelves include female/mail single stands (I’m using one) plus bento cuddles/adult anims with speed control & more.  Material enabled; copy/mod/no trans, its available in both PG & Adult at the special Energy Weekend price, Feb 24th – 26th.
  • Table & Chair:  Dreamland Designs – Aurora Leather Chair Set.  Includes the black leather chair, table with books & reading glasses, plant with ottoman/stand, plus two rugs (see the ad below).  Includes bento animations for single female/male with props & for couples.  Available in both PG & Adult at the Energy Weekend price, Feb 24th – 26th.

Cozy, chic, and comfy!

http://Cozy, chic, & comfy

I don’t usually post at the end of the day, but I got waylaid today by both a game of mah jongg (where I had NO jokers the whole time, very frustrating!!!) and then a migraine (maybe from the lack of jokers??? There’s a thought!).   But some of these fabulous items are on the weekend sale, so I figured this was one instance of better late than never!

So, getting down to business…  even though I occasionally branch off into other home decor looks, I’ve learned that when it comes to my home here in SL, I gravitate towards what seems to mostly fall under the label of “Boho”.   And although I adore matched sets, I also find that mixing and matching often helps me achieve a result that makes me smile and feel just so right and comfy every time I walk in the room.  My new bedroom is a perfect example, one that I’m more than happy to share!  It’s definitely cozy, chic, & comfy!

Dreamland Designs:

  • DD Stone Fireplace.   Simple & simply perfect!  Animated flames with burst sounds & sparks (can turn on/off).  Material enabled; copy-mod-no trans.  Includes the mantel & plants (see the ad below).   On sale at the store for Wanderlust Weekend (Feb 18th -19th).
  • DD Casa Floral Chest.  I just fell in love with this set & how it adds such a decorative charming touch to the bedroom.  On sale at the Designer Outlet, through Feb 28th.
  • DD Tampa Steel Bed in Green.  Includes the nightstands, table lamps (which turn on/off), nightstand books, & white fur rug.  Loaded with comfort, looks, & truly excellent bento anims, for singles & couples.  Available in both PG & Adult versions.  See the ad below.

 

Art Deco in the Corner

http://Art Deco in the Corner

Nobody puts baby in the corner” is a line from the movie Dirty Dancing that often rings in my brain, maybe because I LIKE sitting in the corner.  It’s a perfect vantage point to see everything, and I find it cozy.  Although I’m primarily a fashion blogger, I’m rather obsessed with landscaping and home decor, so I’m always happy to have the chance to do a “non-avatar” shot.  I do find them to be extremely challenging, though, especially when it comes to lighting.  And I’ve just recently noticed that the majority of my home decor pix are in a corner (I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise lol).  This time I got some fabulous assists from the items themselves, from the light thrown by the fire plus that from the table lamp.  And both are adjustable, as specified in the descriptions, so of course I spent an inordinate amount of time playing with light levels and different options, but indulging those obsessive tendencies is what makes all of this so much fun for me!  And isn’t that what SL is all about?

22769 – Art Deco Chairs & Decor.   You can buy the chairs & the table decor individually or as a set, in either black or white.  The chair includes 8 single bento animations; the light has 10 different light levels & can be turned off completely.  Available at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, Winter Solstice, open thru Feb 10th.  

Snooper’s Attic – Kilmer Set.  Includes the sensational cabinet with the sunburst that gleams in the right light, the candle plate (with burning candles), the vases, & the canvas above the cabinet.  Available EXCLUSIVELY for 25% OFF at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, Winter Solstice, open thru Feb 10th.  

CJ Creations – Menorca Boulder Fireplace Set.  Includes a really unique chimney/rock fireplace for inside or out, with lots of on/off options such as the fire, sparks, light & sound, plus 12 texture options.  It looks so realistic, especially with the intermittent “bright flash”, just like in a real fireplace! Also includes the beagle statue, falling ivy, the hanging tapestry, & the potted fan palm.  See the ad below for additional details.

A Glass of Wine in Her Hand

http://A glass of wine in her hand

For some reason, these lyrics (from Satisfaction by the Stones) are stuck in my head, though obviously the song has no connection to the pic (although I AM hoping to make a connection, it’s not the same type at all).  Be that as it may, I’m using it lol because titling these posts is sometimes as time-consuming as editing them, and I’m anxious to go check out ALL the weekend sales & ongoing events.  (I’m actually sitting here drinking coffee IRL, not wine, but I live in a different time zone than my avatar).  Not much to say today; on to the details!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Frankie Jacket Outfit.  I do love jackets & boots in the early spring when you no longer need that heavy coat but there’s still that chill in the air!  When it combines fabulous textures & styling like this, not to mention the way the plaid of the skirt is echoed on the bootstrap, well, it’s a pretty easy decision what I’m going to wear!  Choosing the color now, that’s a different story!  Complete sets are available in 12 individual colors or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes all 12 color options (Boots, Dress, Jacket, & Panties) plus 4 Boot Metal choices plus 4 Boot Zipper choices, all 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya, Reborn & Erika, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the Sense Event, which ends TODAY (eek!!!), Jan 28th (then it will be at the main store).  Demo available.
  • Bar Set:  Dreamland Designs – Industrial Bar Table Set.  LOVE this set, it not only looks fabulous, it also includes some awesome bento animations with speed control/sequences/props for food & wine (as shown, I’m using one of the anims) for both singles & couples (it’s available in PG & Adult). NEW & EXCLUSIVE, this set is available as part of the SECRET SALE this weekend Jan 28th – 30th.
  • Cabinet:  Dreamland Designs – Industrial Country Cupboard Set.  Beautiful detail & textures in this set that includes the cupboard, basket of fresh fruit, & the mirror (because of my room setup, I moved the mirror to the far side, which also shows how versatile this is no matter how much space you have).  Row of glasses not included.  See the ad below.  NEW & EXCLUSIVE, this set is available as part of the SECRET SALE this weekend Jan 28th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Clarity
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Chinoca Store – Raven LS
  • Nails:  Miumiu – #38
  • Tattoo:  CAROL G – Peonies Leg Tattoo
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Chianna Jewelry Set in Burning Embers;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Last glimpse of winter’s beauty

http://Last glimpse of winter's beauty

I’ve been making it no secret that I want winter to end… but not everyone feels the same.  Some are still reveling in the beauty of the sparkling snow and the wonder of a frozen, glistening world.  For those of you who still relish winter — and for the rest of us will be ready to wonder anew NEXT winter lol — there are some truly fabulous bargains in SL to be found on exceptional winter items.  Here’s just one of my favorites…  Me, I’m happy that the skies are turning blue and I’m having warmth on my face (or at least not a chilling wind) when I walk the dog!  I’ll love you winter again next year!!!

Dabble Home & Garden (formerly known as Tylar’s Treasures) – Winter Sparkle Cascading Pond.  Beautiful wintry scene, with a small cascading waterfall into a rock-surrounded pool, framed by bare winter trees glistening with ice & lights together with two deer with fairy lights in their antlers.  Animated with bento multi-speed animations for male, female, & couples in either PG or Adult versions.  ON SALE for just L$99 at Designer Outlet, open Jan14th – 31st.