Raspberry-Filled Almond Torte Cookies

These cookies get a double-dose of almond flavor with a crunchy almond topping and almond extract in the frosting. ~ Cook’s Country

True to my word, another cookie recipe, and these are a bit of work but so good and beautiful! I may be sending a batch this year to Max and Polly in thanks because they just released the update for the Alex mesh head at LOGO with makeup and so much more. Yes, now you can apply Omega makeups AND Omega eyes! (I have more to say about that in a moment.) You can also tint the skin, inner eye (more important than you think), lashes, hair base and Omega makeups.

And now you can also fiddle around with expressions, using a typed command to evoke certain expressions (even one you have made yourself—so if you hate saying “lol” but prefer “laugh” it will go off at your command), set the timing on those expressions (for example if the smile seems insincerely short), and set a series of expressions animating in order (imagine doing a machinima where you could just have it go off in a sequence *wink*wink*). Max includes a very thorough explanation on the LOGO site (that I have linked through).

Omega makeups are included now, which is remarkable. However, makeup creators need to make sure they make makeups using the most up-to-date Omega scirpts—ones that find the zone of the eye versus the lip. (Older Omega scripts just lay over the whole surface layer.) That’s why I am able to show you Alaska Metropolitan’s great eye shadow but I can’t use her lipstick as well (though she has promised to update her Omega makeups soon). I encountered this same problem with a Catwa head when I tried to combine lipstick with blush. Contact your Omega makeup creator and ask them to upgrade!

I was also able to use one of the few Omega eye appliers to change the color of my eyes. I was so very very happy to be able to do this rather than fit in mesh eyes. The eyes that come with the head are already fit perfectly. I really hope eye creators start making Omega eyes for just this kind of application (thanks WeaponizedSugar for offering them on MP).

Max has also made it easier to include add-ons. Now they are boxed in an HUD, you click and it automagically adds the required scripts to your HUD. I was able to add the expressions expansion packs to my HUD that easily! He offers all his makeup add-ons this way too.

You see here Monicuzza Babenco’s beautifully freckled Beatrix for My Attic, which she has made for several mesh heads but which fits the Alex head so wonderfully. The freckles are gorgeous on the face (and also on her body applier, which is sold separately). Elikapeka Tiramisu’s gorgeous style for Shiny Shabby complements the look I assembled with other pieces from Shiny Shabby including Giz Seorn’s brilliant sheepskin coat over a knit cardigan (a wonderful combination of great textures and mesh with a trendy silhouette) and Thetra Blackheart’s multi-textured jeans. Aleida Rhode’s beautifully-made 100% original mesh (I know because I saw the models) include a great texture change hud for parts of the boot and can be worn without mesh feet so you don’t have to worry about fitting.

Hair: [e] Becca by Elikapeka Tiramisu for Elikatira, available at Shiny Shabby *

Mesh head: LOGO Alex v3.0 Omega by Maximillion Grant for LOGO *

Skin applier: *YS&YS* Beatrix Tone02 Skin Applier for Logo Mesh Head Alex by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS&YS*, available at My Attic *

Makeup: alaskametro<3 “Matte Smoke” eyeshadow – Omega HUD by Alaska Metropolitan for Alaskametro

Eye applier: :{WS}: Omega Eye Applier – Redrum Medium by weaponizedsugar for Weaponized Sugar

Body: Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara V3.4 by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Jacket: GizzA – Norsk Jacket with Cardigan – Women [Blue] by Giz Seorn for GizzA, available at Shiny Shabby *

Pants: E-Clipse LuceJeans Grey (Maitreya Compatible) by Thetra Blackheart for E-Clipse, available at Shiny Shabby *

Boots: Elysium – London ankle boots – charcoal by Aleida Rhode for Elysium, available at Shiny Shabby *

Poses by Luth Brodie for Reel Expression (no longer available)

Photos taken at Furillen, created by Serene Footman

Bittersweet

Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter. ~Carol Bishop Hipps

Around the fireplace

Welcome to this omnibus blog, where I show photos of my living room from Barnesworth Anubis’ house for Collabor88 jam packed with wonderful goodies, mostly from this month’s Shiny Shabby, showing you CAN do one-stop shopping and walk away with a sim’s worth. I can’t comment on everything shown but will make passing comments on each photo.

There are a ton of gachas at Shiny Shabby, including those from Kunst and Hoorenbeek, Toro, Reverie, Apt B, and Concept. ConceptDesign’s awesome plywood chairs come with color change for the cushions and pillows for lots of mix and match fun.

The horse’s corner

Take a ride on Eku Zhong’s antique horse for Shiny Shabby. Rugs abound among the gachas, of course, but if you want an alternative, Whimsy Winx and Sasy Scarborough have cooked up several sets of wonderful rugs for décor, sold at their stores.

The bay window

Barnesworth chocked this house full of cozy bay windows for sitting or decorating. I threw Kunst Himmel’s pillows up there (which include poses), and put a fern from ConceptDesigns out.

The front window

A sitting area by the front windows (with a crisp fall breeze floating in) includes hand chairs jammeh and a pretty chest of drawers and mirror from Paolla Flux’s gacha at Shiny Shabby.

The “kinky” bookcase

ROMP is opening today, and I will be featuring more from that later this week, but I couldn’t help but put one of Anaisterpellie’s kinky lamps from ROMP up on the bookshelf from ConceptDesign, holding a very cute country shelf from FadeArcade.

My obligatory close-up shows Abraxxa Anatine’s funky eyeglasses matched with jewelry from Maxi Gossamer for Fameshed and the yummy sweater set from Theatra Blackheart for Shiny Shabby. An easy ponytail from Karla Marama makes sense with this casual look and another one of Sawsan Secretspy’s luscious skins has hit her store.

And yeah, this was a fuckload of work with more coming. Thanks again, Sabein, for helping me get there.

Hair: pr!tty – Nahla – {Medium Roots} by Karla Marama for pr!tty, available at Shiny Shabby*

Skin: .::WoW Skins::. V2 Fatma Golden 03 by sawsan Secretspy for .::WoW skins::. *

Eyes: [theSkinnery] Flirtacious  eye collection – 4 by Umazuma Metaluna for [theSkinnery], available at The Cosmetic Fair *

Lashes: .LeLutka.Kornelia lashes.01 by Thora Charron for LeLutka *

Body: Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara V3.4 by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Sweater/skirt combo: E-Clipe Jolie V4 by Theatra Blackheart for E-Clipse, available at Shiny Shabby*

Eyeglasses: EarthStones Eyeglasses – The Classic – Brights by Abraxxa Anatine for EarthStones *

Necklace: MG – Necklace – Celestine Heart – Short by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at FaMESHed *

Leggings: erratic / basics – leggings by Erratic Rain for erratic *

Boots: shine by [ZD] VINTAGE COWBOY BOOTS cognac by Cecilia Blachere for shine by [ZD]

House: [ba] tabor cottage by Barnesworth Anubis for Barnesworth Anubis, available atCollabor88 *

Around the fireplace:

• concept}  Corner set –  08 Chair Classic- RARE by ConceptDesign for concept}, available at Shiny Shabby*
• concept}  Corner set –  07 Chair Colors – RARE by ConceptDesign for concept}, available at Shiny Shabby*
• concept}  Corner set –  09 Chair Pastel – RARE by ConceptDesign for concept}, available at Shiny Shabby*
• Apt B // Snuggle Up Basket by FadeArcade for Apt B, available at Shiny Shabby*
• Soy. Solid Wood Center Table by Soyoy for Soy., available at Shiny Shabby*
• Toro. Magazine + Espresso shot by jammeh for Toro., available at Shiny Shabby*
• Soy. Book one is reading by Soyoy for Soy., available at Shiny Shabby*
• .08 [ kunst ] & [ hoorenbeek ] – Mason jar & candle by Kunst Himmel and Limer Hoorenbeek for [ kunst ], available at Shiny Shabby*
• W.Winx & Flair – Rug Set – Striped by Whimsy Winx and Sasy Scarborough for W.Winx & Flair *
• Soy. Mini Leather Stool w/ texture change by Soyoy for Soy., available at Shiny Shabby*
• {Reverie} Day Dream – World’s End Clock  – Autumn [RARE] by Paolla Flux for {Reverie}, available at Shiny Shabby*
• :HAIKEI: white cosmos pot by qo0op for :HAIKEI:, available at Shiny Shabby*
• Con.&floorplan. framed poster / football by Tegin Serin and Wavie Haller for Consignment and floorplan *
• Apt B // Snuggle Up Logs by FadeArcade for Apt B, available at Shiny Shabby*

Horse’s corner

• Soy. Mini Leather Stool w/ texture change by Soyoy for Soy., available at Shiny Shabby*
• Trompe Loeil – Classic Newsprint Wall Art Penn Station by Cory Edo for Trompe Loieil *
• Dutchie hanging fern by Froujke Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• .07 [ kunst ] & [ hoorenbeek ] – Wood planks stool (b) by Kunst Himmel and Limer Hoorenbeek for [ kunst ], available at Shiny Shabby*
• W.Winx & Flair – Rug Set – Creamy by Whimsy Winx and Sasy Scarborough for W.Winx & Flair *
• Culprit Beloved Rocking Horse B by Eku Zhong for Culprit, available at Shiny Shabby*
• 6. Apple Fall Shauna’s Chair by warehousefifteendesign for Apple Fall

Bay window:

• .04 [ kunst ] & [ hoorenbeek ] – Wood planks table by Kunst Himmel and Limer Hoorenbeek for [ kunst ], available at Shiny Shabby*
• .10 [ kunst ] & [ hoorenbeek ] – Autumn carpet by Kunst Himmel and Limer Hoorenbeek for [ kunst ], available at Shiny Shabby*
• .03 [ kunst ] & [ hoorenbeek ] – Pillows (wall) by Kunst Himmel and Limer Hoorenbeek for [ kunst ], available at Shiny Shabby*
• .02 [ kunst ] & [ hoorenbeek ] – Pillows (floor) RARE by Kunst Himmel and Limer Hoorenbeek for [ kunst ], available at Shiny Shabby*
• concept}  Corner set –  01. Plant box by ConceptDesign for concept}, available at Shiny Shabby*
• Dutchie hanging fern by Froujke Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *

Front window:

• {Reverie} Day Dream – Dreamers Frame – Autumn [RARE] by Paolla Flux for {Reverie}, available at Shiny Shabby*
• {Reverie} Day Dream – Dreamers Dresser – Autumn by Paolla Flux for {Reverie}, available at Shiny Shabby*
• [ zerkalo ] Fall in Love – Chair by DanielEstro and Anaisterpellie for [ zerkalo ], available at Shiny Shabby*
• Toro OK handchair by jammeh for Toro., available at Shiny Shabby*
• Toro Plain handchair by jammeh for Toro., available at Shiny Shabby*
• Toro. Shinjuku Floor Lamp by jammeh for Toro., available at Shiny Shabby*
• Trompe Loeil – Enfield Wall Art Wood 1 by Cory Edo for Trompe Loieil *

The “kinky” bookshelf

• [ zerkalo ] Kinky Games – Lamp3 by DanielEstro and Anaisterpellie for [ zerkalo ], available at ROMP *
• Apt B // Snuggle Up Shelf by FadeArcade for Apt B, available at Shiny Shabby*
• Toro. Shinjuku Rug by jammeh for Toro., available at Shiny Shabby*
• concept}  Corner set –  05. Book box by ConceptDesign for concept}, available at Shiny Shabby*

For the Architects

The first gesture of an architect is to draw a perimeter; in other words, to separate the microclimate from the macro space outside. This in itself is a sacred act. Architecture in itself conveys this idea of limiting space. It’s a limit between the finite and the infinite. From this point of view, all architecture is sacred.   Mario Botta

I have a huge thing for architects and architecture. It’s the combination of artistry and engineering, the aesthetic and the practical, the communication to the human condition through space that is so amazing to me. I have visited many beautiful spaces in my life and my breath has been taken away.

I am not an architect—I lived with one for a time. My best friend from childhood is now a practicing architect for a German company in Chicago. She designs buildings around the world. I am so damn proud of her because I remember the drawings she made of houses for us when we were ten and sitting in the living room of her parents’ tiny suburban ranch home and now she works for an international firm.

I know many real life architects in SL as well—degreed, licensed, practicing. I read a funny thing about romcoms that they always have a main man who is an architect, and this guy always seems to have a great house, job and seemingly endless time for romance. Truth is that the architects I know, even partners in firms, drive old cars, live in fixer-uppers (because they are doing the fixing up), and work 60-80 hours a week. They are interesting group for sure, but generally overworked.

Nowadays most architects work on computers, endlessly between the CAD work and reading emails and architectural code, but at one time they worked on paper. Think Frank Lloyd Wright when you view this gorgeous set of items Tobias Convair has created for the Arcade (opening in a week). You can collect all the fun stuff that even seasoned modern day architects drool over—drafting table, pencil cup, drawings, cabinet, stool, french curves, compass, model—and even an architect’s scale (which is so evocative of one my dad used to have that I want to pick it up, weigh it in my hand and feel its smooth surfaces). They are rendered in exquisite, loving detail by Tobias, who is himself an architect. The brilliant part is there are all no copy/transfer so if you have an architect friend or two (or one that would like to be one), you can purchase the pieces at the Arcade or a yard sale and give them as a gift.

I dressed like my dear friend, who tends towards stylish but mostly practical (her shoes, once she gets to the office after walking from the L, get changed to a more stylish pair and promptly kicked off under the desk). A sleeveless bowed top and long slacks from Thetra Blackheart are the main outfit in complimentary, almost neutral tones. Pops of color come from Ariadne Garrigus’ modern glasses and Erratic Rain’s absolutely sexy and chic sandals (made for Slink feet).

My hair and makeup are pictures of simplicity—there simply is not enough time for overdoing makeup and hair when buildings need to be designed! I love Mirja Mill’s darling updo with a built in animation to let the hair down into a ponytail. After all these years, Mirja still finds new styles and has fun making them for her customers, and this one is particularly fun. My skin is one of Shyla Diggs Boucher’s newest, being offered at the Arcade as a rare. If you want this rare skin with dark brows, find a friend who is willing to swap with you! Or pass your extras on to your alt.

Architecture is not simply a job. It is a lifestyle. It is a way of looking at the world. It is a verb. It is a constant exploration where one looks for and finds inspiration in the world around them, and then applies that inspiration to create something completely new. And that thing we create is beautiful and makes a difference in the world.  ~  J. Brantley Hightower

Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * VIOLET*/chocolate by Mirja Mills for.:EMO-tions:. *

Skin: -Belleza- Mimi Makeup 1 RARE by Shyla Diggs and Tricky Boucher for -Belleza-, available at The Arcade beginning March 1 *

Eyes: adoness: havila eyes: asparagus by Cruella Pennell for Adoness, available at The Thrift Shop *

Top: E-Clipse MimiChemise CaenStone by Thetra Blackheart for E-Clipse, available at The Style Icon *

Slacks: E-Clipse MimiChemise CaenStone by Thetra Blackheart for E-Clipse, available at The Style Icon *

Pencil: [MAGIC NOOK] Pencil (Mouth) – Yellow /FREEBIE/ by Ayumi Cassini for Magic Nook (may no longer be available)

Glasses: ***ArisAris Igs95 Azahara Classic Glasses by Ariadna Garrigus for ArisAris *

Hands: Slink Mesh Hands (av) Casual  Left and Slink Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1 Right by Siddean Munro for Slink

Nail appliers: Nailed It – Autumn Nights Set HUD by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It *

Feet: Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) – Mid by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: erratic / clarice – mesh sandals / gold by Erratic Rain for erratic *

Pose by Rogan Diesel from

Skybox: [PM]Pixel Mode  – Clock Tower Sky Box by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed*

Rug: Buchanan Round Rug from the Buchanan Collection by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *

Architecture set: +CONVAIR+ The Studio The Arcade by Tobias Convair for Convair, available at The Arcade beginning March 1 *

• +CONVAIR+ Studio Architect Scales
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Architect’s Drafting Table RARE
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Architectural Drawings
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Architectural Model
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Art Pencils
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Curves/Eraser
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Drafting Compass
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Drafting Stool RARE
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Drawing/Tape
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Lead Pointer/Holder
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Mystery RARE
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Sketch Book
  +CONVAIR+ Studio T-square/Triangles
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Tracing Paper
  +CONVAIR+ Studio Lead Pointer/Holder

For my favorite architect: S ;)

The Weekender

“The only reason why we ask other people how their weekend was is so we can tell them about our own weekend.”  ~ Chuck Palahniuk

When I was a young woman, I would read fashion magazines that often had fashion spreads for “The Weekend.” The outfits were often for running off to the Hamptons or seeing your sorority sisters at “the club.” Seeing that, I thought I would grow up to have a weekday and a weekend wardrobe, but now I’m an adult it’s all kind of run together into jeans and yoga pants and t-shirts and sneakers or boots. Occasionally I dress up on the weekends for a cocktail party or going out but mostly, it’s all one and the same.

I can still dream that I go away for the weekend—perhaps to the Hamptons or Napa or to Taos. Yeah, that’s it. A quick flight down to Taos, and this is what I’d wear. First this sweater and shorts set from Thetra Blackheart that she was selling at Limited Bazaar. (I will admit, it’s limited and I picked it up over a week ago but I just had to show it!) With a decidedly Southwestern flavor, this outfit would take me to Taos in style (and no, the locals would not roll their eyes because they would be hoping I’d spend money). And I would because isn’t that what ladies who dress for the weekend do—shop? A necklace at Jon Ree’s Mustang Trading Post and these fabulous designer boots from Harry Hyx would be ideal purchases.

Of course a pale freckled girl can’t go to Taos without sunscreen so imagine there is a fine layer of Lancome protecting my delicate face from Shyla Diggs and Tricky Boucher. I would let my hair down for the weekend, this from Alice Demonia, and enjoy the sunshine, the shopping and the relaxation, forgetting all about my weekend laundry and cleaning at home.

“The rhythm of the weekend, with its birth, its planned gaieties, and its announced end, followed the rhythm of life and was a substitute for it.”  ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

Hair: *Alice Project* Steph II by Alice Demonia for Alice Project

Skin: -Belleza- Delaney Skin by Shyla Diggs and Tricky Boucher for -Belleza-

Eyes: IKON Spectral Eyes – Leonine (ML) by Ikon Innovia for  IKON

Jacket: E-Clipse ThessSweater by Thetra Blackheart for E-Clipse, available at Limited Bazaar

Shorts: E-Clipse Shorts Mare by Thetra Blackheart for E-Clipse, available at Limited Bazaar

Necklace: MTP Ladies Telluride Turquoise Necklace by Jon Ree for Mustang Trading Post

Boots: ISON – cult riding boots – (tan) by Harry Hyx for Ison

Poses by Tutys for Tutys