Toes in the Sand

http://Toes in the Sand

So my vacation plans haven’t progressed one iota, and I’m still longing to have my face in the sun and my toes in the sand.  It’s more than a longing actually… it’s almost a physical need.  But life has a nasty habit of getting in the way, and things just haven’t been falling into place the way I had hoped.  Still, I may just have to buckle up, face reality, and accept that I’m just not getting the vacation I want and look into what I CAN do at the moment.  The problem with that, of course, is that doing a “substitute” vacation at this point takes away the chance of doing the “right” vacation later on, because time and money is just never on my side. But sometimes you just have to surrender to the inevitable and do what you can do. After all, the beach is calling, and I must heed the call… we’ll just have to see where my toes lead me!  😉

  • Top:  Tonic – Lacey Daisy Bralette.  Beautiful, feminine, lacey, with optional sheer. 16 colors in the HUD, 8 of which sparkle… what else does a girl need?  EXCLUSIVELY for the Tonic mesh bodies (curvy & fine), & EXCLUSIVE at the June eBENTO through June 30th. 
  • Pants:  MOZ Designs – NEW! “Steph” Wrap Tie Capris.  Great fitting capris with an awesome little wrap tie around the hips. Available in a variety of solids & spring/summer patterns! Original FitMesh sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, eBody & Maitreya.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Tinsley worn in Maple, Browless.  Geez, another gorgeous Omega skin, Tinsley is very fresh-faced & perfect for summer! The maple tone is perfect for setting off those white summer clothes, but they’re all beautiful (see below)!!! Fatpacks of dark & light tones are EXCLUSIVE at the June Dubai Event, June 20th – July 10th.  Demos & Shape also available.
  • Head: Tonic – Coco, one of the two NEW bento heads from Tonic; fully mod & Omega-ready so you can easily customize her to make her truly unique.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid!
  • Hair:  Moon – Summer Breeze (includes Hat)
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – EyeBrow Series 8
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (Omega);  DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Coachella Gypsy Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Le Poppycock – “Bae Watch” Keep Calm
  • Location:  Saltwater
Tinsley in 4 tones; from the left — Cotton Candy & Butter (Light tones); Maple & Walnut (Dark tones)

 

Finding Balance

http://Finding Balance

I’m beginning to understand why some bloggers don’t name their photos but just number them.  Personally, I’ve never liked the practice… it’s not quite at the level of pet peeve, like taking a vertical photograph and turning it horizontal — something I’ve never EVER understood, unless it’s in the hopes of getting a cover? ; but it does seem kind of lazy and to me, somehow makes the picture itself less unique.  But then again, there are times I agonize over what to name an image, only to have the absolute perfect name burst into my brain after I’ve published with something “good enough”.  This is one of those times.  Everything is done and ready to go, EXCEPT A TITLE.  No one is around. So I’m just going to go with what my life is all about right now… finding balance.  Between health and illness, dreams and reality, strength and vulnerability, and so much more.  One day at a time. So true… I guess that’s why it’s a cliché, right?  😉

  • Outfit:  Dallas MacKenzie Designs – Braelyn. “One-piece” double-belted outfit, with midriff netting that’s a muted echo of whatever color/pattern you select for the top.  HUD includes 24 textures for the top, 35 for the pants, 3 for the belts, & 3 for the buckles. Sized only for Slink H/P & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd. Demo available.
  • Hair:  Firelight – Myrcella Curls. Includes two curl effects of this ponytail full of wild curls, in both rigged & unrigged versions.  An EXCLUSIVE athe Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd, in 6 color packs.  Demo available.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Shoes:  Tonic – Encore Clogs, a re-imagined version of an old favorite.  HUD includes 8 luxurious leather colors. Tonic/Slink high versions (so yes, even if you don’t have a Tonic body or can’t wear it because of a clothing issue like here, you still get to wear them!!!!!).  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new bento head from AK (amazing group gift through 6/20 after which it goes to regular price)
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes:  SLACKGIRL –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Makeup:  SLACKGIRL – HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails: Encore – Shades of Blue Nail Appliers
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Savannah Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  GingerFish – Ahoy Poses, 3M

The Beach Body

http://The Beach Body (back)http://The Beach Body (front)

“The Beach Body”… an interesting concept. One we hear about all our lives; for some of us, one of those elusive goals we were never able to achieve for more than a fleeting moment of time if at all.  No, I won’t start ranting about our society and the harm it does to a girl’s self-image; there’s more than enough of that “out there”, and this is definitely not the right forum for it.  BUT I believe it’s one of the reasons we all love it here in Second Life.  Even those of us who don’t spend parts of our second lives blogging about the fashion world spend an inordinate amount of time on how we look because we have that magical ability to look however we’ve always wanted to, better than we’ve even dreamed possible, and then to change it at will.  You’d think that being beautiful and having the perfect beach body would lose meaning when everyone is beautiful and perfect.  And although BEING beautiful is not a unique or special quality in SL as it is in RL, what is important is its interpretation.  And that’s what I find so intriguing… everyone’s definition of beauty is so different.  Even when choosing the same mesh head, the same mesh body, the same skin, the same outfit, it’s extremely rare to see two avatars who look identical (unless they’re using ready-made and don’t tweak; don’t get me started on those lol!).  What I’ve also found is that one thing that holds true in real life is the same in here… the inner beauty is harder to find, but it’s really the one that matters overall.  To the beach!!!! 😉

  • Top:  MOZ Designs – NEW! “Tampico” Swimsuit.  Who needs a bikini to look amazing on the beach?  Sexy sheer in the back, perfect for showing off those back tattoos (see my next bullet!); criss-crossing panels & edging are all color/pattern customizable in the fatpack HUD.  Also available in select single packages. Original FitMesh sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, eBody & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVE at the June eBENTO, June 10th – 30th
  • Tattoo: Juna Artistic Tattoo – Susy Tattoo, a stunner for the back! Includes three shade options (dark, medium & light) with appliers for Altamura, Belleza, Eve, Maitreya, Omega & Classic. On sale for 140L — that’s 25% OFF! —  at the Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Crimson worn in Maple, Browless.  Another gorgeous Omega skin! I love the maple tone, for that lightly tanned look. Dark & light toned fatpacks of 7 tones each available at the Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd discounted to just 250L. Shape & demos also available.
  • Head: Tonic – Coco, one of the two NEW bento heads from Tonic; fully mod & Omega-ready so you can easily customize her to make her truly unique.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… the most natural curves on the grid for the ultimate beach body!
  • Hair:  BESOM – Payson (long)/Dakota (short)
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – EyeBrow Series 8
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (Omega);  DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose: ProPose – Back 3 (seems to be extinct); CNZ – Summer Hula Bento Poses, available at eBENTO

Caffeine with Kitty

http://Caffeine with Kitty

Watching the world go by with a cup of coffee in hand has always been a favorite pastime of mine.  What better way to think, to observe, to relax, to figure things out, to de-stress, to find your strength, to gather your thoughts or your emotions, or just to be.  As a teenager, I remember sitting on the steps of the museum in NYC with my best friend, just watching and talking and drinking coffee.  At other times, I’ve sat on stoops or porch swings… now I tend to sit on my front steps or my back porch. The venue changes, the companion changes, but the coffee itself always remains constant!  (Although admittedly it IS sometimes iced in the hot weather lol!)  😉

  • Outfit:  ICEWERK Designs – Pink Paisley.  A fun, relaxing, sexy little two-piece outfit with the cutest matching pink sandals! Who says you can’t look good when you just want to relax & feel good? Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd. Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new bento head from AK (amazing group gift through 6/20 after which it goes to regular price)
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  BESOM – Maddy
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Lashes:  SLACKGIRL –  Ginny Deluxe Lashes
  • Makeup:  SLACKGIRL – HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Pose:  FMS PosesPose 489 (includes coffee mug)
  • Cat:  one of my KittyCats, this is Bijoux (yes, I’m a crazy cat lady!)

Feeling good

http://Feeling Good

Wow, it feels like a page has turned, and a new chapter has begun! We got great news at the cardiologist yesterday, things are really REALLY progressing, with lots of restrictions easing up.  I no longer have to be the strict caregiver; I was even able to hand over the keys to his car and set him free from the house.  Life is returning (slowly) back to almost-normal as there’s still a long road to full recovery ahead, but all that stress I’ve been carrying around is finally starting to let go.  The relief is palpable. To celebrate, I did a bit of a makeover inworld as well… a new head that I absolutely adore and a lightening up of my sponsors so that I can go back to enjoying the blogging life rather than being stressed by too many deadlines.  It feels wonderful!!!!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Ashley Side Tied Dress & Boots.  Incredibly sexy, without going over the top.  I feel so good wearing this (& from the feedback I’m getting, I’m looking pretty good too lol)! Includes a 32-color HUD, so no matter what your sexy feels like, there’s a color to fit! Sized for Slink H/P & Maitreya.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, a beautiful new bento head from AK.  I’ve never worn an AK head before, but Cleo is currently being offered as a group gift for 1L until June 20th. I first demo’d some of the other heads, & really liked several of them as well as the accompanying HUDs & the animations (LOVE the smile). Cleo was so pretty & just so aligned with how I’ve always envisioned ME, I figured it was worth the 150L group join. I’m SOOO happy I did, because I fell in love with her & the included skin immediately, before I even started tweaking.  (There’s also a gift skin on MP for 1L that gives a slightly different but equally great look.) If I was an official AK blogger, I’d be doing a closeup showing you how awesome she looks straight out of the box.  As it is, I hesitated blogging about her at all because I kind of want to keep her all to myself!!!!
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_WATER 
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Lashes:  SLACKGIRL –  Ginny Deluxe Lashes
  • Makeup:  SLACKGIRL – HD6 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Pose:  BellePoses – Soha 4

 

Feelin’ Groovy

http://Feelin' Groovy

I know I’ve talked about it before, but it always fascinates me how sometimes the smallest thing can be the catalyst for something that feels so much more. In this case, it was the jewelry… Peace and love, symbols of another generation; once I had them on, they cried out for clothing from the same era… and shoes… and of course hair… and then the right setting… and suddenly, there I am, looking at someone very VERY reminiscent of my RL younger self…  yes, the hair is way redder, the body is definitely more curvaceous and taller, but that WAS my hair, and I HAD that hairband with a feather, AND a fringed vest AND huge bellbottoms AND John Lennon glasses (although mine were blue tints) and I rode a city bus, and and and…  well, needless to say, I’ve been singing Bellbottom Blues and the 59th Street Bridge Song ever since I put this outfit together… and I really don’t want to take it off… ever… but of course I will lol because blogging must go on… 😉

  • Outfit: Allure Couture – 70’s Bell Bottom Outfit, great for sit ins, love ins, to tune out, tune in, turn on.  Includes the fringed vest, bell bottom pants, & glasses.  As always when it comes to Allure, the textures & details are stunning, both in front (above) & back (see below). Originally designed for Relay for Life, it’s now available at the Main Store in sizes for Slink H/P, Maitreya, TMP, & Classic. Demo available. 
  • Jewelry:  Stone’s Works –  Peace & Love Necklace & Earring Set (see below for ad view).  Groovy, man, just groovy.  On sale as a set or separately at the “Hippy Days” Creative Spark, in store, June 1st – 15th.  Also worn: Gem Elegance – Ladies Feather & Leather Hippie Peace Sign Headband; Rebel Yell – “Retro” Hippe Bracelet Unisex;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Cadence
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Lime worn in Butter, Browless
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Freckles & Moles:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Moles & Freckles #5;  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Location:  Vintage Fair North

Shopping is the Best Therapy

http://Shopping is the Best Therapyhttp://Another Portrait Shot

It’s true that except for groceries and other everyday necessities, I rarely shop brick-and-mortar stores any more… instead, I’m a confirmed online shopper.  But back in the day, I clearly remember days of “shop till you drop”, just going store to store, looking and trying on seemingly thousands of things, sometimes buying a lot, other times not buying a thing. Sometimes I wonder what changed… was it the shopping experience itself? was it me? was it the combination of both? I guess I’ll never know, but I DO know that there are times when a bit of retail shopping therapy is still exactly what’s called for to get out of a slump, or to chase those blues away.  There’s nothing quite like that feeling of walking out of a store, package in hand, knowing that you found exactly what it took to put that light back in your eyes and the smile on your face!  Not quite the same as shopping on MarketPlace lol!!!! 😉

  • Outfit:   [Sexy Princess] – Summer Tale Outfit, includes top, skirt & handbag. You’ll definitely be able to write your own story in this! The off-shoulder top is fully unbuttoned, closed only by a knotted tie; the hip-hugging skirt is deeply cut in the back, tied with a big bow… sexy both coming & going!  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 11/19 May 26th – June 8th. Demo available.
  • Shoes:  [Sheba] CreationsNEW! Yuna Heels. Includes a 40-texture HUD that lets you set one color for the upper shoe/heel, another for the heel, & still another for the flower. Absolutely lovely! In sizes for Slink, Belleza, eBody & Maitreya. Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Noora worn in Butter, Browless.  I love this skin so much, I decided to wear her for a 2nd blog! Dark & light toned fatpacks of 7 tones each available at the Dubai Event, May 20th – June 10th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Hair: Analog Dog – Nori, Dark Reds 
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Freckles & Moles:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Moles & Freckles #5;  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam (Marketplace Only) – Luminous Eyes, in Ivy
  • Jewelry:  Solange – Retro Jewelry Set in Black (extinct?); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Pose Maniacs – Olga Walking Poses, #4
  • Location:  Backdrop City

Do these say Spring to you?

http://Do these say Spring to you?

Wow, it’s really hard to believe that Memorial Day is over and past, and summer is basically here. Definitely doesn’t feel like it, it’s a relatively chilly day. But it was back to work after the holiday weekend, and now that’s it’s just about June, it’s also back to my full blogging schedule… geez, what ever happened to the long slow days of summer lol?  I do seem to be a little off my game in terms of blogging… I’m a bit unsure of myself, having trouble picking my shots, my windlights, not quite trusting my judgment. Thankfully Rene is generally there, and ALWAYS willing to weigh in with an opinion on everything, from which pic to titling an image, and so much more. Unfortunately, she’s not around at the moment, so let me ask YOUR opinion… do these flowers say Spring to you?  😉

  • Top: Tonic – NEW! Tight Graphic Tee is definitely not your run-of-the-mill tshirt. Yes, the HUD has 24 colors & 16 fun graphics, but what really makes this tee special is that you can easily add your own custom graphics right into the HUD, just by following the simple instructions that are included! Only for the Tonic bodies, it includes sizes for Curvy, Fine, & Fine with the bust minimizer.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the upcoming June Curves event, opening June 3rd.
  • Shorts:  MOZ DesignsNEW! Satin Boy shorts fit like a dream and come in 8 Sherbet colors. Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, eBody & Maitreya. 
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Gipsy worn in Cashew, Browless.  Another stunning Omega skin, built on Genus, with beautiful delicate shading. Dark & light toned fatpacks of 7 tones each available DISCOUNTED for only 250L athe Designer Circle 11/19 May 26th – June 8th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Leila Nail appliers. Five gorgeous “ombre” tones in rich jewel-like shades for your fingers & toes (see below).  Athe Designer Circle 11/19 May 26th – June 8th.
  • Head: Tonic – Abbi, one of the two NEW bento heads from Tonic; fully mod & Omega-ready so you can easily customize her to make her truly unique.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control
  • Hair:  Doux – Pink, at Equal10
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – EyeBrow Series 8
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Jewelry:  Kunglers – Milena Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FashiOwl – Abril 4
  • Location:  My new home in Klamath Isles South

 

Up Up and Away

http://Up up and away

Hot air balloons have always captured my imagination.  Maybe it’s from watching the Wizard of Oz as a little girl, or pictures I’ve seen of hot air balloon festivals, but they always make my heart soar. My family did a hot air balloon ride in Arizona several years ago… it was not quite as magical as I’d hoped — my head was hot from the heat for the balloon, and we hit a day without much wind — but it was still pretty thrilling and the history behind it was fascinating (especially its relationship to champagne!!!)… This gacha brought all that rushing back into my mind in a moment, and although there’s no champagne handy and this balloon doesn’t actually move, let’s toast to taking a ride in my beautiful balloon!  😉

  • Shoes:  MOZ Designs – NEW! “Chloe” Heeled Sandal is one of those special shoes that you build an outfit around rather than match to an outfit.  Created from RL haute couture design, this high heeled sandal with realistic wood & leather textures is available in brown (shown), black, or tan/crochet lace. Vendor is located in the  “Footwear” room. Moz members, be sure to wear your group tag for your group discount! 
  • Balloon:  M.Law Designs – Anne Soft Ballon Gacha offers a beautiful romantic opportunity to float above it all & enjoy a romantic moment that includes 9 couple animations.  60L per play for 7 commons, 1 rare; demo available (#5 shown).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the May Boardwalk Event, May 15th – June 15th
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_TWICE
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Kieron worn in Butter, Browless
  • Freckles & Moles:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Moles & Freckles #5;  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam (Marketplace Only) – Luminous Eyes, in Ivy
  • Outfit:  Graffitiwear – Vogue
  • Jewelry: *Cailyn’s* – Teardrop Necklace Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Waiting for that Kiss

http://Waiting for that Kiss

I don’t know how patient a person you are, but patience is definitely NOT my long suit. I’ve worked on it for years, and I’ve definitely improved over time, but I’ll admit that I still like immediate gratification.  Sadly I’ve done a lot of waiting over the last few weeks… some of it really emotional and filled with worry and fear, some of it just long and boring, and some of it — like waiting for FlickR maintenance to be complete — just purely frustrating. But if it’s one thing I’ve learned is that you can’t avoid waiting, it’s just part of life.  Not only that, the payoff for waiting is often worth it… and in this last case, hopefully the ongoing and increasingly annoying problems with FlickR have been resolved. I guess we’ll all find out together.  I WILL say that my photostream is loading much quicker than before, but whether that’s temporary or permanent, well, time will tell. I just hope I didn’t jinx it by putting it in print lol!  😉

  • Outfit: Allure Couture – NEW! Nico Shorts Outfit, the perfect spring shorts set for just about any guy! Subtle vertical stripes down the center of a loose but shape-revealing tshirt worn over belted matching shorts in brushed cotton with matching sneakers is the very definition of relaxed comfort…  Worn here in olive, Nico also comes in blue, smoke, purple, red, & turquoise, all 100% Original Textures. Sized for Slink,  Signature Gianni, TMP, & Classic (S/M/L). Demo available.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Hut:  Kozy Korner – Romantic Stilt Fort, only 12 prim & sooo incredibly cute!  Includes 4 texture changes to the pillows & blanket. The plants & rocks are in the box separately (not the palms in the background or the jetski) but not attached to the fort so you can do placement to fit your own land.  Full of single & couple animations (148!) — choose from PG or Adult versions. EXCLUSIVELY available at the May Boardwalk Event, May 15th – June 15th.
  • Shower:  Naughty Bits – Bungalow Beach Shower (shown in pic) & Patio Spa Shower (shown below); another low-prim “must-have” is a working outdoor shower.  Both of these are loaded with high quality bento animations for single use or couples, automatic gender detection, & a texture change menu. Another EXCLUSIVE available at the May Boardwalk Event, May 15th – June 15th. 
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Male Bundle Mesh Body, including Physique Body, Dynamic Hands, & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Judas in Earth with Hairbase .  Also worn: Male Body Applier – Slink Hand/Feet & Body Earth Smooth
  • Hair:  Vango – Owen
  • Hat:  [UnderDogs] – Super Boonie
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Atrani
  • Pendant:  Stone’s Works –  Spirit of the DragonRFL