On Fairy Patrol

http://On Fairy Patrol

Contrary to common human belief, being a fae is not all fun & games.  The fantasy kingdoms need protection, & in exchange for the ability to relax & enjoy the beauty of the realms, many of us step up & do our part to help protect & ensure their continuation, both against threats from the less-friendly denizens & those from the outside world.  The main problem with patrol is not to get too distracted by the beauty or the hidden secrets when you stumble upon them, or you can find yourself lost in wonder & exploration. Next time you wander in the forest, keep an eye out & listen for the fluttering of wings… you never know what you might find!

  • Outfit:  Fatal Fashion – Outfit 128, Flower Nymph.  Available in two versions, light (white) & dark (black).  Includes the dress, leg lace wraps, wings, flower crown, flower bracelets for arms & legs. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, TMP, Altamura, & Maitreya.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at Fable 5, an Evil Bunny Production, open August 8th – 31st.
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Aurora Eyes.  Beautiful magical unisex eyes, with just a touch of the cosmos, as you can see in the closeup below. Includes HUDs with 8 textures for Catwa, Omega, Lelutka Evol, & BOM Layers. EXCLUSIVELY at Fable 5, an Evil Bunny Production, open August 8th – 31st.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Skin:  Petrichor/Plastik – Styliste.  OK, let me say first thing that that skin is no longer available. Originally available as a gift at SL17, this 100% custom gorgeous skin had versions for both male & female fantasy folk, & included both BOM layers & a ton of appliers. So why am I blogging it? The answer is simple… Petrichor makes a whole range of magnificent fantasy skins, many of which I hope to be blogging in the future, but for today, for THIS look, this is the skin of choice, & a perfect example of the quality of their skins. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  D!va – Vally
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Metal Satyr Horns Fatpack
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Olek Makeup (eyeshadow); {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Queenie Lippies (Genus Appliers)
  • Jewelry:  Nanika – Dragonfly Necklace
  • Pose:  Kokoro Poses – Herta Pose Set, #1 (includes bow & arrows)
  • Location:  Lost Unicorn

Full Moon Cigarette

http://Full Moon Cigarette

As a long-time ex-smoker, I have to admit that cigarettes still hold a certain allure.  Don’t get me wrong, I’d never EVER go back to smoking cigarettes… health risks aside, it’s a dirty extremely expensive habit that turns me off big-time in real life.  But what DOES still appeal to me is the mystique surrounding the act of that solitary cigarette, all alone except for your thoughts, your memories… just standing there, completely self-absorbed in contemplation for the length of that one act… and then crushing it out, and returning to your life, as it were.  Yes, it’s a romantic image, very far from the ugly reality, but it’s one that lingers, like a wisp of smoke in the air.  Bottom line, I will continue to daydream with smoking as a prop, as a tool to my imagination… but no, not ever again in real life…

  • Outfit:  Pink Cherry – Casual Outfit “Aubrey”.  I’m not quite sure as to the classification of Aubrey as a “casual outfit” (though it’s definitely not a dressy one), but I’m VERY sure that it’s got a style perfect for every closet.  The short little leather skirt buttons up the front; the belted top doesn’t belt at the waist as you might expect… instead it belts “empire style”, right underneath the deep v neckline, creating a wonderful little blousing effect.  In 9 color options (I’m wearing the red/black) & a fatpack, Aubrey is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, TMP, & Classic, & is available EXCLUSIVELY at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th. Demo available.
  • 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:  Doux – Mecca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeliner;  DS’Elles – Scandalous Hunger Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Jewelry:  NO MATCH – NO.DIAMOND loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Scarlett #6
  • Backdrop:  MINIMAL Gallery – Omnia

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

Irresistible to Mermaids

http://Irrisistible to Mermaids

I’m physically a mess when it comes to my lower extremities.  I recently had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in my knee, but for years I’ve suffered with painful feet and ankles that swell to the size of softballs which I’ve just learned is due to severe arthritis.   Perhaps this is why the idea of being a mermaid is so appealing to me, to not have to deal with all the painful difficulties I have with my legs (though somehow I think I’d probably be at the mer-doctor to see about a painful crick in my tail lol).  In any case, I absolutely loved the whole mermaid look I created back at the Fantasy Faire.  And this truly awesome Little-Mermaid-inspired single pose and prop was just too hard to resist, so I brought her back from the depths in order to squeeze in a blog before the month ended.  Includes a wonderfully detailed scenic prop on it’s own bed of sand that includes the pose; fork is included too, though my favorite thing are the bubbles!  An awesome piece of decor for any underwater scene, even when not going through your collection!  And of course now that I’m back in mermaid form, I have the urge to flip my tail and go exploring the deep… happy shopping!

  • Pose/Props – Something New Props & Poses – I’ve Got Thingamabobs.  As I said above, the detail is amazing, ON ALL SIDES.  (See below for a back angle.)  Should be stamped “irristible to mermaids,” & it’s EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, closing very soon on July 30th. 
  • 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 – Everlasting worn in Cotton Candy (BOM) with the browless option.  Available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  Shape & demos also available.
  • Scales:  Nefekalum Tattoos – Ghost Blue
  • Hair:  Firelight – Wilma, Fantasy Gradient Edition
  • Makeup:  [ae] Adam & Eve – Fantasy Eyeshadow
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers), Set 1
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Mermaid Tail & Outfit:  La Perla Boutique – Mermaid Set
  • AO:  KAMI-HITOE – Merfolks Starters AO
  • Location:  KingsDale and Siren’s Bay

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

Summertime Blues

http://Summertime Blues

I love summer, I do.  Although those years of hopping the train after work on Fridays to go up to my parent’s house by the lake for nonstop weekend activity are LOOOONG gone, somehow that’s still the image that comes to mind when I think of summer.  Close behind it are those years filled with activities with my own kids.  But this year feels so different, so many of the things I’ve continued to do even as I got older — craft fairs, outdoor concerts, barbecues, travel — are just not in the realm of possibility this year.  I haven’t even been able to play golf because I was in post-surgical mode.  And now we’re in the middle of a heat wave.  So yes, the summertime blues have got me in their grip (even though for totally different reasons than in the song)… Hmmm, I guess I need to do something drastic to snap myself out of it.  For right now, I’ll just keep reminding myself that I DO LOVE SUMMER, and dress the part! Happy shopping!

  • Shirt:  Tastic – Women’s Kai Knotted Top.  That perfect little top to throw on all summer, it just fits so well showing the perfect amount of cleavage.  And, in 6 colors or as a fatpack, it goes with everything! Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/V, Voluptuous, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.  Men’s version available too!
  • Flag:  sonder – Summertime Yard Flag.  A store created for the imagination & vibrance of the children of Second Life, sonder always does such wonderful family-oriented type things.  Since I don’t have children in Second Life, many of them just don’t work for me (their clothes are adorable though, for those who do!). But their outdoor items are just so cute, & I decided that planting my flag is a positive action to take to de-blue myself! Includes texture Change – 4 types of metal post & 6 different flags. Available EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_SUBJECT
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:   DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Shorts:  MOZ Designs – “Riley” Belted Shorts
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Parisienne Love Heart Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  K&S Store – Lana
  • Peacock & Flowers:  Morgan Sim Designs – Flower Garden with Peacock

Sandcastles

http://Sandcastles

It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged male fashion.  To be honest, there’s just not as much male fashion out there as there is for women, so finding the gems that make me want to blog this instead of that is pretty difficult.  That said, this shirt just made me do it!  It’s not easy finding Hawaiian-style shirts with that casually relaxed masculine vibe. This shirt definitely made me take more than a second look, and it absolutely demanded to be blogged.  I’d love to come up with some clever line tieing it in to sand castles, but it’s testing my creativity at the moment… it’s early and I need coffee, so I’ll let you create your own metaphors…  Happy shopping!

  • Shirt:  AnaSTyle – Alessio Tropical Shirt.   In 6 tropical & floral textures, available individually or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink, Belleza Jake, & Signature Gianni.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Skin:  Akeruka (AK) – Clay (deluxe bento, with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Male Physique Mesh Body
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Justin
  • Eyes:  IKON – Odyssey
  • Pose:  IDK Poses – Pack #88, pose 5
  • Sandcastle:  Careless – Sand Castle

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

http://Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Memories (and no, I promise I won’t sing the song, but I included the lyrics on my post in case YOU want to lol).  Memories have been thick about me lately.  In preparation for the big upcoming move (still a couple of months away), one of the things I’ve been doing is going through lots of old photo albums and boxes of snapshots.  There’s something to be said for pre-digital memories… rather than just looking at a screen, you’re holding them in your hand, which in some ways makes them feel a bit more substantial.  Sorting through decades of old photos really triggers some of those old memories… you recall more than just the image, but also sounds, smells, tastes, all the sensations you might have experienced at the time.  Remembering friends and family who are gone, either by death or just by drifting away.  And it’s not just photos… cleaning out closets I’ve been smelling perfumes that haven’t been worn in a while, choosing “keep” or “toss”, previously loved books, and all those little knick-knacks that accumulate over a lifetime of living in one place.  I’m a sentimental sort, so there’s just so much to wade through, there are times the memories just get overwhelming.  And there have been so many moments where I just sit and close my eyes, and remember the way it was…  years down the line, will I be doing the same about THIS moment in time?

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Paradise Dress in Yellow.  It’s hard to say what I like best about this little tropical dress.  Each of the 4 textures are very different but equally fantastic, every single one providing not just a different color but also a very different look.  The overall style of the dress is also phenomenal, with a dark semi-sheer cut-out in the neck & another in the back (see below), each with the pattern itself continuing onto the new texture.  Did I say “fabulous”!?!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, Starbody, Signature, & Maitreya, this knockout is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th.
  • Hanging Decor:   Swank & Co. –  Hanging Red Macaw Heats, Lanai version.  A charming little piece of tropical decor to add that little extra something to your outdoor space.  Also available in a Green Macaw version (see below), as well as in “Dichro” versions with additional hanging crystals.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  StunnerOriginals – Eyeshadow Amorous;  DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:   Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Perfume Poses #3 (front pose); Simply Dvyne Poses – Reaching (back pose)