Focus, the goal is IMPROVEMENT not PERFECTION

http://Focus, the goal is IMPROVEMENT not PERFECTION

I watched a lot of Olympics coverage this time around… both my hands were injured (don’t even ask!), so my activities were extremely limited.  I did a lot of reading, and as much computer time as my poor hands could handle, all with the TV always on in the background and sometimes taking center stage.  One thing I learned and have taken to heart… to get really good at something, ANYTHING, you can’t compare yourself and your results to the best.  You look, you get inspired, hopefully you learn something, but comparing YOUR results to the best in ANY field is demoralizing.  Instead you need to focus on your own personal best, on improving.  I have a FlickR friend, someone whose work I admire greatly, who will suddenly fave one of my oldest pics… pics that at the time I thought were good, but when I look back I shudder!!!  But I find it so very valuable, to really be able to see where my photography has improved.  I still have so much to learn, but the Olympics helped me realize that my focus has been on the best and how my pics are lacking, rather than using them for inspiration to get to the NEXT step, not 20 steps down the line.  All I can do is my personal best, and to keep upping my game, slowly but surely.  Now to turn that attitude on my golf game lol!  And that is my message for the day… time to go shop and enjoy!

  • Outfit:  MAHOGANY Store – Aria Jeans & Top.  Not my normal style, but wow, do I ever love this look!  Big loose comfy jeans with big leg pockets, paired with an airy little top.  Both the jeans & the top come in 3 different color pallets (basics, blues, & grays for the jeans; neutrals, patterns, & solids for the top)… & of course there’s a megapack of each so you have your choice to mix ‘n match as you want with each other or other items in your wardrobe. Sized for Reborn, Legacy, & LaraX, Aria is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, ending in 3 days on Aug 20th. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WingsDG – EF0229
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Arabella Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – BOHO Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Sk8tgirl
  • Location:  Manakai Reef Break

 

 

Oooh, tempting

http://Oooh, tempting

Hmmm, for someone who is a very occasional drinker and doesn’t smoke cigarettes, I seem to do a lot of shots where I’m doing one or both!  But then again, I’m wearing outfits that are not part of my RL lifestyle either… at this point, I’m a bit more of a stay-at-home and blog kind of gal lol!  But I remember what life was like “way back then” in my single days…  and that’s what SL is for anyway… doing things other than what you do IRL… otherwise, what’s the point?  Raises my glass to you… Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  JUMO Fashion – Aspen.  GORGEOUS.  STUNNING. That’s how I felt wearing this awesome 3-piece outfit.  With 3 different textures to choose from  — solid (with little metallic “chips”), print, & lace in a multitude of colors (see the ad below)– you can mix ‘n match for so many different looks.  I simply fell in love with the lace sleeves, so went a little wild mixing all 3 fabrics for a stylish & totally unique look.  And my partner was totally obsessed with the way my tummy peeked out! Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX Classic+Curvy,  Maitreya+Petite+LaraX+XPetite, Kupra & Star, Aspen is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – Aug 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Linda (includes earrings)
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  HYPE – Something Eyeshadow; BNNB Makeup – Bielo Lipstick; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Jewelry:  Orsini – BAIA Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Fliw
  • Prop:  ChicChica – Cherrytini (includes optional cigarette)
  • Location:  Casa Agave Distillery

 

Buy me a drink?

http://Buy me a drink?

Wow, hard to believe that summer is nearing its end… I’m already seeing ads for fall items! Why does everyone always feel this need to rush things?  These are the so-called dog days of summer, where the heat and humidity is so oppressive, all you want to do is lie around and “pant”.  Me, I have an excuse for being less active than usual (not that I’m ever ALL that active lol; too happy being on the computer!)… I’m wounded (again, yes).  This time it’s my hands… I wasn’t even able to type for DAYS, seriously stressing my blogging schedule, and I hate to admit it, but the pain and “freaking out” also stressed my creativity.  I think the results show it, but those results vary widely… from being a little lackluster to honing things down to “THE” shot, one that I just love personally.  And as my earliest blogging mentor told me, I need to be shooting for ME, to create something that I personally am proud of and not worry about response.  And the more I blog, the more I see it’s true… sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason that I can see why one pic soars up into Golden Gallery whereas one that I think is a way better shot languishes way below my average.  My designer friends tell me the same thing… you just never know how people will respond or if something will even be seen.  Bottom line, is that you just can’t worry about it and you need to do what YOU like.  And right now, I would like to have a little fun!  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  WILD Fashion – Tina Jumpsuit.  What an amazing look! Includes fun fashion earrings (with built-in resizer) plus a 30-texture HUD (see the ad below).  Tina is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy, GenX (Classic & Curvy),  & LaraX, & is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – Aug 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WingsDG – EF0401
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  BNNB Makeup – Fabb Eyeshadow & Bielo Lipstick; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Bag:  LaGyo – Thetys Shell Purse
  • Pose:  STUN – Fliw
  • Location:  Sainte Rose Sur Mer & BarDeco

 

Perfect deliciousness

http://Perfect deliciousness

One thing I can definitely say about this summer is that it’s HOT.  And I just successfully survived what’s considered a Floridian’s biggest fear… not hurricanes, not sharks, not gators, but a BROKEN AC in the SUMMER!  It wasn’t fun, I can fully tell you that, but thankfully it was only for a few miserable hours and since we still had power, we did have fans, but the indoor temperature got well up into the 80s (we won’t even mention the humidity lol).  Not something I’d recommend!  If only I’d had this dress!!! I would have been so much cooler…  but I have it here inworld, and I guess that just has to be enough!!! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Miranda Dress.   It’s the dog days of summer, & everything is about beating the heat.  This light gauzy, loose & airy mid-calf length dress is perfect both for the weather & for just looking amazing! Open floral lace under the bosom & at the bottom add just the right amount of detail. Choose from 10 single colors or as a fatpack, where the HUD now includes the ability to easily tint the dress, so you have even MORE colors to play with!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Miranda is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Cosmopolitan, through August 3rd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – ER100
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  poema – Nubian Night Manicure
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Love Surrender Earrings (GROUP GIFT); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Glasses:  Lacey Babes – Jefa Sunglasses
  • Pose:  STUN – Kula
  • Backdrop:  EMPIRE TEXTURES – Roadside Fruit Stand

Step into the Fairytale

http://Step into the Fairytale

Enchanting moments await you at Midsummer Enchantment, an elegant yet magical dark fantasy themed event brought to you by Dark Passions Events.  Open June 22nd through July 7th, the event is full of new exclusives and hunt prizes priced between 10 – 25L$ each.  Step into the fairytale — be it dark or filled with light! — and you just might  find that special item to fulfill your fantasy!   I’m wearing a few of my favorites (more to come!); you can check out the full shopping guide HERE.   Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Petrichor Ersch– Kairah.  Another gorgeous dress with chains, with both short & long versions included (HUD controlled).  As always, the detail is amazing… just look at the metal clasps on the dress! Available in 10 single colors or in 5 fabric packs containing 40-color HUDs for all the elements, all of which are also show/hide (see the ad below).  There’s also a Megapack so you get all fabrics, all options, so you can mix ‘n match as you want.  Maelin is sized for Legacy+Bombshell, LaraX+XPetite, GenX Classic/Curvy, Mounds, Kupra, & Reborn+Waifu.  Originally released for the recent Fantasy Faire, both the outfit & demo are available at the main store.  
  • Skin:  LUMAE – Eirtae Fantasy Tones, worn in Solaris.  EVENT EXCLUSIVE at Midsummer Enchantment, 5 summery fantasy tones for EvoX (see the ad below).  NOTE:  matching body skins by body type are available at the main store.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment, for 40% OFF during the event.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Makeup:  HEXUMBRA – Soliel Sunkissed Face Paint.  Includes 3 strengths of face paint (I’m wearing the strongest) plus 3 strengths of a sunkissed blush, all with tintable options.  (See the ad below.) EVENT EXCLUSIVE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.  Also worn:  Loa – Gaia Face Paint nose contour; StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix HD Lips
  • Tattoo:  Leave Your Mark – Walk Thru Fire.  Another EVENT EXCLUSIVE at Midsummer Enchantment, the artistry in this full body BOM tattoo really kicks your look up a notch! You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  WINGS – EF0208
  • Eyes: Gloom – Tirel
  • Wings:  Aii  – Fairy Wings
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Farys
  • Nails:  Gorgeous Dolls – Girl Hallowaii
  • Pose:  Animosity – Wiccan; Kokoro – Fire Halo
  • Backdrop:  The Bearded Guy – Moonlight Ritual

The Hunting Lesson

http://The Hunting Lesson

OMG, life out there in the real world has gotten so stressful that I have ventured deep into the forest to get some peace and quiet.  I took along a new companion, deciding it was a perfect time to start teaching a few basics of hunting, the weight of taking a life even for the good of the tribe, how the same skills are used when patrolling the perimeter of our territory.  Ahh, the peace and quiet, away from the cacophony of outdoor landscapers, the detritus from  a flooding sink pipe, and the stress and mess of an old dying dog.  Quietly, I start teaching the lessons of walking soundlessly, of listening at a deeper level to hear every sound, to watching for every flicker of movement.  These skills are translatable to every species, as I zero in on a target the cub has not seen until I point it out.  Many more lessons will be needed, so I happily look forward to more escapes into the silence of the woods…

  • Outfit:  Art & KO – Elf Archer Set.   Perfect styling for an archer, with beautiful embossed detailing!  Includes the dress, matching boots, & a quiver, all of which have gorgeous detail.  In a choice of 8 colors (or in a fatpack which allows mix ‘n match like I did).  Optional bow also included, that includes a pose (as shown in the pic).  Sized for Legacy & Maitreya.  Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:   Moccino – Boo in Papaya (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  KMH – Hair F195
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Summer
  • Makeup:  Loa – Lara Face Paint; StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lipstick
  • Ears:  Venge – Ear Blushing
  • Horns:  Cerridwen’s Cauldron – Ram Horns
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Woodland Fairy Wings
  • Turkeys:  JIAN – Lion Cub Collection
  • Location:  The Wylde

Underestimating me will be your first mistake

http://Underestimating me will be your first mistake

I’m a fae.  My kind is slight of build which enhances our flying and agility.  However, I am not purebred fae… the horns I inherited through my father’s line are more than just proof that I am not pure of blood… they are also a sign that there may be more to me than what first meets the eye.  And indeed, they are an indication of greater strength and dexterity than my appearance would seemingly indicate.  Because of that, I have achieved a somewhat unique status among the tribes… not quite belonging, not quite apart, but valued and praised for my ability to defend all creatures great and small…  So go ahead, make my day… underestimate me… and learn your lesson that appearances can definitely be deceiving…

  • Outfit:  Petrichor Ersch– Beryl.  Who said armor couldn’t be sexy?  Originally introduced at this year’s Fantasy Faire, the detailing on this outfit is simply exquisite… Beryl includes a 48-color HUDs for each of the “elements” — the wrap armor, bolero/sleeves/shoulder armor, legs, matching jewelry (bindi & earrings) — that are each sold separately so you can can create & re-create the looks you want, or in an individual body fatpack (Legacy, Perky, Maitreya, Mounds, Kupra, Freya, Reborn,  VTech) or as a megapack.  Demo available. See the ad below.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Gloom – Calin Fantasy, worn in Grey Alien
  • Hair:  monso – Natalia
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Hygge
  • Horns:  Cats Claw Designs – Roses on Horns Fiery Silver Roses
  • Makeup:  Knife Party – Millenium; Loa – Trance Face Paint Lip Stripe
  • Ears:  PROMAGIC – Dhairya Tattoo
  • Wings:  Mishmash Fusion – Broken Glass Wings
  • Pose:  !!GemS!! – WarMaiden, with Elemental – Hero Sword
  • Location:  Harshlands

Safe Harbor Ahead

http://Safe Harbor Ahead

This is the birth of a new persona for me (yes, there seem to be several multiple personalities residing within one small avatar lol), the Dread Pirate Thea la Fae.  I have a feeling that she will make an appearance now and again, though piracy and buccaneering don’t hold a huge appeal for me, I do get a hankering to “shiver me timbers” every once in a while.  An outfit like this DEFINITELY puts me in the mood to taste the salt air and have some rum… unfortunately my parrot companion could not join me due to insurmountable issues with scripted objects the night of my shoot, but the next time Thea la Fae takes center stage I’ll be sure to include the screechy beast!  In the meantime, may you find safe harbor in this troubled world (and of course, happy shopping)!

  •  Outfit:  Jangka Design – Mary.  Fabulously detailed as always, Jangka always inspires character development for me.  Every look has such personality, so much “realness”, they literally bring my “character” to life!  With Mary, you’re ready to take on the high seas or just kick your feet up on a beach & live the life of a corsair! Sized for Legacy & Maitreya, Mary is 100% original mesh & is available in 6 colors (boots & armbands are available in black or brown; the tri-corner hat is brown with a red cockade).  As always, the outfit just feels so authentic & looks so amazing! EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE for 25% OFF at the current round of We Love Role Play; demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Ives Beauty – Dove in Lavender Fairy
  • Hair:  KMH – Hair F163
  • Horns:  Blue Blood – Moonlight Horns
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Hunter
  • Makeup:  Knife Party – Farrah Eye Makeup; Rubedo – Ava; StunnerOriginals – Linette Lips
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Ragged Fairy Wings
  • Pose:  Seetra Poses – Setting Sails
  • Location:  BLACKSPOT – Ghost Ship

 

Taking A Time Out

http://Taking A Time Out

Sighs, I need this… I need to just take a little time out, and sit somewhere and soak up a little sun and the beauty of nature… to relax and de-stress.  One week from tomorrow I’m leaving on my first big trip since COVID, and it’s the longest trip I’ve ever taken as an adult.  I’ll be traveling for 2-and-a-half weeks in Europe, which is waaaaay more than I’ve done since I first graduated college (and that was ages ago lol).  So needless to say I’m stressed… so much to handle, so many details, PLUS all the regular day-to-day things.  It should be more than worth it, but still, this last week should be a doozy.  This is almost definitely my last “human” post until my return the last week of May, although my fae other will still have a few posts about Fantasy Faire right up until we leave.  On top of all the real life craziness, it will be the longest I’ve been away from SL in more than 15 years, and I’ll have zero access the entire time, so it should be interesting both to see how much I’ll miss my “other life” and then to re-immerse.  Well, time is a-wasting, and still so much to do (and this time, it’s NOT just shopping lol though admittedly there’s some of that too).  Wish me bon voyage, and have a fabulous few weeks!  Take care of the grid for me!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Darby Jean Outfit.  Tight jeans cut right below the waist with a tie-wrapped black-or-white polka dot bralette plus open-toe stiletto pumps…  she’s sexy as you-know-what yet breezingly casual.  Darby is available in 4 individual colors, a 5-color Slimpack, or a Fatback of 10, all with 100% Original Textures.  She’s sized for Legacy,  Hourglass/Physique, Freya, & Maitreya.  At the April Swank Event, open through April 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin/Makeup:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly; DeeTaleZ Smokey Eyes; DeeTaleZ Lip Tint
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Morning
  • Jewelry:   IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Pinwheel Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band;
  • Pose:  :LW: Poses – Tell Me This

The Edge of Tomorrow

http://The Edge of Tomorrow

This time of year can be tough…  we just had family staying with us for a week (and all I’ll say about that is that it wasn’t a particularly easy week), and now my sister is coming tomorrow for the weekend.  It’s always great to have company, but it’s also great when they leave!  What is that old saying?  Fish and company both start to stink after three days lol?  Even when they’re easygoing and NOT difficult, it disrupts your routine and just throws your life out of whack.  And whereas I love it when I find a fashion style that’s just a little different, a little bit edgy, at this stage of the game I don’t particularly enjoy that in my daily life.  (Traveling is, of course, the exception, but then you’re actively choosing it for a short time.  More on this to come, since a major vacation is in the offing!)  But back to fashion…  This outfit is definitely “disruptive,” with an extremely asymmetrical top, leather leggings, and a choice of textures that can really make you indecisive lol.  It’s an outfit that can take you just about anywhere, and take you there in STYLE (and yes, all caps are definitely required in this case).  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Hawkers House – Asymmetrical Buckled Top, worn in Goldrush (just one of more than a dozen phenomenal textures), comes with ladies mesh leather leggings & platform boots.  A totally edgy look, sized for TMP (Legacy), Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Tonic, Ocacin, Voluptuous, Maitreya & Classic. EXCLUSIVELY available at the April round of the Swank Event, April 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin/Makeup:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly; DeeTaleZ Smokey Eyes; DeeTaleZ Lip Tint
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Paula
  • Jewelry:  Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Glowing Gems – Jenny Bangle Bracelets; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Margulis #5
  • Couch:  Bricolage – Florence Leather Sofa
  • Cats:  Rezz Room – Bengal Cat Family
  • Location:  Backdrop City