I Choose Evil

http://I Choose Evil!I’m so excited that I’m starting to build a small set of quality fantasy sponsors! I just find it so much fun to give Thea her wings and see where she lands…  this time, it was right in the middle of a land of Enchantment, where she opted to exercise the glorious evil side of fantasy.  OMG, such fun to glory in being mean and self-centered!!!!  There’s so much available, and so many ways to use accessories that can be used for good or evil, but being good can just be so boring, can’t it???  But, the option is there, whichever way you choose to go lol!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Rosaura Gown.  A gown that can be worn two ways (with or without the shoulder thingie), Rosaura reminds me of the question in the Wizard of Oz, “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?, although being designed for an event with a Sleeping Beauty them, instead you get to choose between being the evil queen or the innocent young damsel.  I of course opted for being evil lol!  Sized for Slink Hourglass & Maitreya, these beautifully detailed gown with a separate overskirt comes in 4 color packs plus a  fatpack, with each color pack having 5 colors + black (dark colors) or white (light colors). HUDs can be mix and matched, & allow you to change the color of the gown, the corset, the laces, & the metal hardware.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at Enchantment (Sleeping Beauty theme!), open August 8th – 31st.
  • Horns:  Petrichor/Plastik – Strasi Galaxy Horns.   Introduced at this year’s Fantasy Faire, still photography simply cannot capture the magic of these horns!  100% custom mesh, 9 different variations are included, from solid to muted ) shown in red in the above pic, with spinning worlds) to Cel Stars (shown in blue below, with light that travels up the horns).  HUD controlled with 36 fade variant colors + 16 space variants as well as an Add On Color Picker, together with the fact that these are non-rigged so they can be turned & moved, it’s easy to create whatever look you want!  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  Stix – Cosmos Gold
  • Hair:  Kuni – Minha
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Wings:  Material Squirrel (appears to be extinct) – Bellona Wings
  • Staff:  Snowpaws – Luna Staff (Hunt Gift at Enchantment)
  • Pose:  Jinx – Don’t Touch Poses (Hunt Gift at Enchantment)

Beer on the Bay

http://Beer on the Bay

So I’m no fan of beer, I’ve never developed a liking for the taste.  But THIS is definitely what I need…  some time on an empty stretch of beach to just be with nature and stop stressing out! Today is the day that our house goes on the real estate market… it’s been very stressful to say the least, and that stress will probably be pretty constant for months what with showings, contracts, closings, packing, and the actual moving and resettling.  I’ve been in this house for more than 30 years… it’s where we raised our kids, so leaving it — even for a better lifestyle — is definitely as much of a sad event as it is a happy one.  Starting a new chapter is great, but it does mean ending the one before.  Sighs… now where’s that beach?

  • Outfit:  AnaSTyle – Letizia White.  As I’ve said before (& is clearly visible just by a quick look at my blogging history lol), I love off-shoulder tops, and the shoulders to this seemingly simple top are loose, way-off-shoulder, & very loopy, so that if you stretch out your arms they seem to expand.  Asymmetrical in front, with leather lacing up the slightly open sides, are added details that show it’s not just another t-shirt top. The washed jeans are long & wide bottomed, & just scream comfort.  I didn’t wear the included high heel mules because who can walk through the sand in those! Letizia is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event that’s open just a few more days till 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:  Navy & Copper – Hannah
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Amalfi
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Marina Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Props:  Crystal – Crystona cooler
  • Location:  Soul2Soul Bay

Pretty Woman

http://Pretty Woman

As a blogger, you tend to wear a lot more fashion than a non-blogging avatar.  And if it’s one thing I’ve learned, outfits tend to fall into 5 categories: things I’d NEVER wear, things that look good “on the hangar” but just don’t fit my body/shape to advantage, things that look good, and things that not only look good, they make me feel good too.  This little dress falls into that last, absolutely best category.  Somehow the combination of the cut of the dress and those glorious polka dots make me swing my hips with just a bit more swagger and feel perky and more attractive, while I hear Roy Orbison singing in my head.  Maybe it’s because this dress looks simply amazing from the back, I don’t know.  All I know is that it’s been a while since I just haven’t felt like changing to the next outfit because I feel so good in this one!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Charlie Sun Dress.  To me this pretty little polka-dot dress has a definite retro feel that just makes you feel like that iconic pretty woman walking down the street.  The shape is just perfect, with a modest scoop, a black drawstring that hikes the front of the dress up just the right amount of sexy over one thigh, & the spaghetti straps cross & wrap & recross over a low back (see below for how amazing this dress looks from the back).  Includes matching high heeled sandals & a C-string for a truly killer outfit that’s available in a 15 texture Fatpack, or as an 8 texture Slimpack, all ORIGINAL textures.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Signature Alice, Maitreya, Altamura, eBody Curvy, & Legacy.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 4 Seasons Event, open TODAY August 15th through August 29th.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • 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:  TRUTH – Lady
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Fall Eyeshadow;  DS’Elles – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Goddess Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Night Sassy Bento Pose Set
  • Location:  1950s & 1960s America in Time Portal

Going Japanese

http://Tokyo Love

The theme for this month’s Swank Event is “Swank around the world.”  I seem to have landed in Japan (see my post of August 10th HERE), and I’m enjoying it so much, I’ve decided to stay a while.  Luckily, as described in detail in that post, I found an amazing Japanese bungalow on sale at the 4-Seasons Event, and all the furniture and decor fits perfectly to make a lovely home!  Don’t miss the details of this amazing build (see the pic below for just part of the bungalow) as provided in my earlier post; but in THIS post, I’m focused on this fabulous Asian decor!

Park Place Home Decor – Elegant style in this gorgeous collection with an Asian flair.  All listed items are sold individually & are EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of the Swank Event, open August 7th – 30th.

  • Kokoro Daybed – In adult & PG versions, with a HUD to choice between 4 colors of the bed covering itself, & 10 textures for the pillows.  Loaded with single & couple animations.   
  • Black Tansu Chest & Accessories
  • Empire Floor Screen
  • Fern on Stand
  • Kuro Four-Globe Floor Lamp, with on/off touch
  • Lighted Shoji Screen Set, with on/off touch
  • Reversible Wall Art Decor

Also shown:

  • Bungalow:   MAke a MArk – Japanese Bungalow 3. Includes two skylighted rooms (only one shown in pic), both with sliding shoji screen doors (the one in front slides to the side; two on the side open as shown to a central gallery with flagstones & a wood slat back wall).  The build also includes side garden walls with open doors to the outside (one can be seen below), grass ground with stone walkway to those doors & two uplights, front garden section with bamboo on the sides, stone sections, rippling water sections, & a center wood walkway.  Self-rezzing box, so it’s easy to set up & move to where you want it.  Perfect for home or shop.  On sale for a 50% promo discount EXCLUSIVELY at the upcoming round of the 4 Seasons Event, opening August 15th.  See my earlier post featuring this build HERE.
  • Other Asian Decor:  Evolving Images – Asian gong that sounds when touched; Buddha Rock with Candles (candles go on/off by touch).  Both items exclusively available at the August round of the Swank Event, open August 7th – 30th, & also featured in my earlier post.
  • Bath:  Roawenwood – Bitty Basin Bath & Bath Accessories
  • Rugs:  (Extinct Vendor) – Japanese Tatami Rugs
  • Cats:  Rezz Room – Grouchy Cat Napping; TM Creation – two cats; KittyCatS – Wicker Bed

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

An English Garden

http://An English Garden

This beautifully peaceful scene has special meaning to me after this week.  On one hand, it’s been anything BUT peaceful.  And on the other, well, I’ll just say that it’s certainly been an interesting week.  Like so many others, Isaias dealt me a blow.  We lost a big tree in our back yard, that fell absolutely perfectly with branches up against our newly-finished deck — finished less than 48 hours earlier! — and against the windows of the kitchen.  Incredibly, the damage to the house and deck were minimal — we’ll need new gutters, a minor fix here and there — but our barbecue was crushed.  I have these visions of it heroically throwing itself in the way of the tree, deflecting its fall just enough to create this miraculous landing.  You’d think that was the hardship, right? But what really made this a tough week was that the storm knocked out all cable service in the area.  No phone, no tv, no internet… our cell phones barely functioned… and that all meant no Second Life and no blogging.  I won’t lie, it won’t be easy to catch up.  Thankfully, I had today’s pic done before all connections were lost, so I’m back in gear sooner than would otherwise be the case unless I rushed.  And I try never ever to rush because the result is inevitably sub-standard work, and that’s not fair to ANY sponsor.  Bottom line, I’m baaaaack, and ready to go!  Happy shopping!

Dreamland Designs – English Garden Complete.  A beautiful oasis of serenity, this somewhat formal garden centers around an angel fountain with water gently falling from faucets on all four sides — two of which feature sun medallions, the water gently rippling over the ceramic squares inside it.  (See below for a closeup view.) The garden itself is made of concrete, includes built-in seating in all corners backed by flowers moving gently in the air, surrounded by a low green hedge, with openings on all four sides.  Naturally all the seats include bento single & couple animations (adult or PG, depending on version).  The set also includes two willow trees (& they’re copy if you want more) & two red maples (also copy) plus a variety of animated birds (sparrow, goldfinch, & a wandering pigeon), all of which are optional & can be placed wherever it pleases you.  It might be done in the English garden style, but it certainly fits just about any landscaping! EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th.

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

Prim Precious

http://Prim Precious

As my human counterpart talked about in an earlier post, my elven partner and I seem to have outstayed our welcome at her home.  Even though we had restricted ourselves to the farthest corner of the property in order to ensure privacy for both us and them, we were not so subtly encouraged to vacate the premises.  She wanted us out of there so badly she even gave me use of some of her premium allotment to get a Linden home.  Themed communities are relatively new when it comes to Linden homes; it was one of the things they introduced earlier this year when they updated the linden homes.  Now in addition to offering a variety of home styles, there are also four “first-generation themes”, one of which is Elderglen, or fantasy dwellings.  I had my choice of 4 styles, one of which really is pretty perfect for elven folk.  But the downside is that (a) personal outdoor space is almost non-existent, and (b) you only get 175 prims (not counting the house).  Since the outdoors and nature is very important to us as fantasy folk, I chose a home style with a rooftop for outside decor.  I’ve been working hard to make our nest both stylish and comfy, reflecting who we are, but the fact remains that when you only have 175 prims, every single prim is precious, and every design decision is critical.  Our home is situated right on the water, so I knew that I wanted outdoor seating where we could lounge and watch the sunset and the way the moonlight sparkles on the water.  I also knew that as a fantasy creature herself, one of my sponsors — Tylar at Tylar’s Treasures — does some amazing fantasy-style creations as well as many that could go “either way”, so that is where I went first.  And I was thrilled to find the Brantley Collection, which has now taken its place as the waterfront viewing spot of our new home.  (And with all the great animations that are included, I’m sure we’ll be doing more than just watching the sky and the water lol!)

Tylar’s Treasures – Brantley Boho Collection.  A previous event release, this awesome set is now available at the store.  For me, it offers so much style & variety & useability for an extremely reasonable amount of prims!

  • Brantley Boho Hanging Chair – Includes the very-natural looking wood & metal stand, & of course the chair itself.  Available in both bento adult & cuddle versions, it even includes two dances.  You can also change the color of the cushions to any of 5 choices, each of which matches one of the cushions in the pillow pile. The land impact for all this awesomeness is only 8!
  • Brantley Boho Pillow Pile — A comfy pile of 5 artfully arranged pillows, each in a different color (& as I said above, each of which can be used as the cushion color for the chair).  Filled with bento animations for single females, cuddles, & dances.  Sets up perfectly against the tree roots on the roof, with a land impact of just 5.

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