Manhattan Avenue

Oh but dreams come true on
Manhattan Avenue

~ “Manhattan Avenue” by Nellie McKay

The setting for this grouping of furniture from the RFL Home & Garden Expo and the first anniversary Shiny Shabby is deep in the city with Nellie McKay’s satin voice. Stephen came over and gave me a tutorial in color theory in decorating, starting with the deep purple sofa and chairs Victor Newchurch made as his donation items for the Expo. With yogjio’s deco fireplace as the centerpiece and Tess Spargel’s mirror over the mantle (both donation items), we accessorized with Piraiyah Novikov’s glamorous pieces for his gacha at the Expo. I clothed the windows with the city view with curtains from Piraiyah for Shiny Shabby (which I tinted slightly), and I topped the mantle with finials from Elsa Wellesley’s gacha at Shiny Shabby. Kaerri Rae makes some of the most beautiful flower arrangements in SL, and this orchid is one of her donation items for the Expo. (She also happens to be one of the hard-working organizers, with her partner Cain Maven and bestie Reven Rosca, for the Expo). I thought Synnaria Vlodovic’s gothic chandelier with purple roses might add a kind of a eclectic addition to the décor.

My Manhattan cosmopolitan might be dressed up for a night out in Hilly Haalan’s sexy mini with a color change HUD that allows me to tint the main dress a blackberry with fuchsia insets and pink studs. The one dress could provide hundreds of combos with such versatility. My jewelry is Mea Carnell’s contribution to Cosmopolitan Room, studded with rhinestones. Senzati0n Domenitzo’s sexy shoes for Shiny Shabby complete my look.

Monicuzza Babenco has created a gorgeous applier for the Catwa mesh heads for Shiny Shabby this round, and I spent some time messing with eye makeup and lipstick to make this look. VivienMarli’s beautiful and barely controlled tumble of curls gives a wildness to this chic Manhattanite’s sexy look.

Hair: .Entwined. Lena by VivienMarli for [Entwined], available at Shiny Shabby *

Mesh head: CATWA HEAD Annie V4.5 by Catwa Clip for CATWA

Skin appliers: *YS&YS* Ariel Tone02 Skin Applier – Catwa Mesh Head by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS&YS*, available at Shiny Shabby *

Eyes: L’Etre – Mesh Eyes [#38] by dam1710 for L’Etre

Body: Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara V3.5 by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Dress: [hh] Nicola Dress MAITREYA SIZE by Hilly Haalan for Hilly Haalan *

Jewelry: Meva Cubes Collar Iron with Meva Cubes Bangle Iron by Mea Carnell for Meva, available at the Cosmopolitan Room *

Shoes: Essenz – Congo (Maitreya) by Senzati0n Domenitzo for Essenz, available at Shiny Shabby *

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

Décor:

• :: N :: Etheria Sofa, Relay (1.1) by Victor Newchurch for NEWCHURCH, available at RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• :: N :: Etheria Chair, Relay by Victor Newchurch for NEWCHURCH, available at RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• NOMAD // 05 // Gilded Gold Table by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD, available at RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• NOMAD // A // Antique Palm Tree Lamp // RARE by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD, available at RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• NOMAD // 06 // Gilded Gold Room Divider by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD, available at RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• RFL Orchid Vase by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri, available at RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Bocas Belle Mirror by Tess Spargel for Spargel & Shine Homes, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Sanctuary Darque Decor~Iron Rose Chandelier in Purple by Synnaria Vlodovic for Sanctuary, available at RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• NOMAD // Beige Satin Curtain by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD, available at Shiny Shabby *
• [Schultz Bros.]  Deco Fireplace – Black by yogijo for [Schultz Bros.], available at RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• llorisen // finial d by Elsa Wellesley for llorisen, available at Shiny Shabby *
• llorisen // finial a by Elsa Wellesley for llorisen, available at Shiny Shabby *
• llorisen // finial b with books by Elsa Wellesley for llorisen, available at Shiny Shabby *
• llorisen // finial c by Elsa Wellesley for llorisen, available at Shiny Shabby *
• llorisen // finial e by Elsa Wellesley for llorisen, available at Shiny Shabby *

Tree House

“A tree house, a free house,
A secret you and me house,
A high up in the leafy branches
Cozy as can be house.
A street house, a neat house,
Be sure to wipe your feet house
Is not my kind of house at all-
Let’s go live in a tree house.”
~ Shel Silverstein

This is one of those mega blog entries that just about puts me under. The RFL Home & Garden Expo is packed full of amazing things and I want to show them all, so I crammed select pieces into a gorgeous little treehouse from Kathy Greymoon. My living room is comprised of donation items for RFL, including an industrial table from Bethesa Hancroft, a rug from Tess Spargel, an original painting from Sarah Gantt, a gacha polaroid display from xMister Dash, a lovely Japanese lute from Ryo Ixxel, and one of the darling yoga frogs from Garvie Garzo. My plush sofa and chair are ValiantCo’s contribution to Fameshed this month.

Slide around the corner and find Aki Shichiroji’s orchid terrarium on Loz Hyde’s Paris-themed chest of drawers with one of jiuis32’s full perm frames. There is a whole section of full perm items at the Expo this year, which I spent a fair amount of time perusing. Sometimes I get frustrated and want my own frame with my own texture or to create gifts for friends and full perm can fulfill that need. (It’s not just for reselling!) I found quite a few things that struck my fancy!

Chic Aeon has made a collection of book lover pieces for her gacha at the Expo, and I rather liked the idea of books piled around my house (read or to-be-read). Propped on top is a sunny pitcher of daffodils from Chiana0 and Sisterbutta’s hunt item. I want to note that everything I show contributes, if not 100% donation to RFL, at least a portion. This house is built from love.

My dining room is a place of comfort and joy. I used Liz Gaelich’s gateleg table, (which comes in closed and open versions) as my main table, flanking it with Cory Edo’s chairs for Collabor88. Sisterbutta’s whimsical and beautiful floating paper cranes serve as my centerpiece. Chiana0 made the lovely dark wood hutch and plates that line the hutch. I always like chairs as a piece of art and décor so Akahata’s awesome skyline chair and Sisterbutta’s lovely neoclassical armchair decorate as well as provide seating. DanielEstro always makes his pieces in grays with modify so I feel free to color pieces as I see fit and I warmed up his “Hope” wreath with color. A pretty lamp and wall hanging from Isabelli Anatine bookends the scene with Kasslina’s exquisite and unique antler chandelier lighting the space. Another pretty rug from Tess Spargel gathers it all together.

Shiny Shabby opens today with their first anniversary round and I look forward to showing more items in the next few weeks but I couldn’t help donning Sora Tatham’s denim-based dress. With a texture-change HUD included, you can switch up the top and scarf for different color combos. Boots from Katat0nik Pidgeon fit men or women and are completely modifiable for size as they are not rigged (whew). Elikapeka Tiramisu is also joining in on the fun for the first anniversary with this full bob for Shiny Shabby.

I got my hands on the new Omega-ready Sadie head from Maximillion Grant that he has been promising his pleading customers for a few months. It’s finally done! Since Max had to retrofit his HUDs to be Omega ready and redo all the layers, it took some time. I tried Monicuzza Babenco’s new Logo applier for the Alex head on this one with mixed results. I think we are going to have to wait for Sadie-themed skins to come out for it to look good. For example, Moni compensated for Alex’s full lips by making them thinner but on the thinner lips of the Sadie, it doesn’t look the best. I will keep experimenting, dear readers. Just get yourself to the RFL Home & Garden Expo and donate til it hurts!

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

Mesh head: LOGO Sadie v5.0 Omega by Maximillion Grant for LOGO *

Skin applier: *YS&YS* Paige Tone 02 – Skins Applier for Logo Mesh Head Alex by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS&YS*, available at Shiny Shabby *

Eye applier: Weaponized Sugar Eyes – Spring Green by weaponizedsugar for Weaponized Sugar

Body: Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara V3.5 by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Dress: *agp* Jean outfit-Maitreya by Sora Tatham for *agapee*, available at Shiny Shabby *

Boots: *katat0nik* (dark) Buckle Boot by Katat0nik Pidgeon for *katat0nik*, available at Shiny Shabby *

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

Dining Room:

• UNCERTAIN SMILE DECO FLOOR LAMP – DECO FANS by Isabelli Anatine for UNCERTAIN SMILE ,available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• – aKa – Skyline Chair Oak by Akahata for aKa, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• [ zerkalo ] Hope Wreath – Dark by DanielEstro for [ zerkalo ], available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• by Chiana Oh – Welsh Dresser [Dark] by Chiana0 for by Chiana Oh, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• by Chiana Oh – Dotty Plates – Welsh Dresser Set [Yellow] by Chiana0 for by Chiana Oh, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Rug Multi-Floral 3 by Tess Spargel for Spargel & Shine Homes, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Thistle Gateleg Jacobean Table Open Dark Wood (cm) by Liz Gealach for Thistle Homes, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo
• UNCERTAIN SMILE DIY RECYCLED FRAME – DARK ROSES by Isabelli Anatine for UNCERTAIN SMILE, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• DG – Ebonized Neoclassical Armchair w Silk Broche Fabric m/c/nt by Sisterbutta for AMDG, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• DG – 19th Century Japanese Crane Serving Plate w Origami m/c/nt by Sisterbutta for AMDG, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo*
• Yoga Frog 11 ~ Sleeping Angle Pose by Garvie Garzo for meadowWorks, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• OTB! Rustic Retreat  Antler Light by kasslina for Outside the box, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Trompe Loeil – Savonarola Armchair Charcoal PG by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at Collabor88 *

Living Room:

• [[RH]] Biwa -Japanese Lute – display by Ryo Ixxel for [[RH]] Design House, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Sarah Gantt – Medium Landscape Oil Painting by Sarah Gantt for Gallery by Sarah Gantt, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Yoga Frog 10 ~ Lotus Pose by Garvie Garzo for meadowWorks, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• [Con.] Basic Sidetable – Medium by ValiantCo for Consignment, available at Fameshed *
• [Con.] Cooper’s Leather Sofa – A by ValiantCo for Consignment, available at Fameshed *
• [Con.] Cooper’s Armchair – A by ValiantCo for Consignment, available at Fameshed *
• [Con.] Regal lamp – freebie by ValiantCo for Consignment, available at Fameshed *
• HORNTAIL – Polaroid Parade [HeartCreative] by xMister Dash for Horntail, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• *RnB* Wagon Table – 14 Weathered Painted Woods (c) by Bethesa Hancroft for RnB Furniture, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo * by
• Rug Multi-Floral 2 by Tess Spargel for Spargel & Shine Homes, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• MESHWORX~Lulu Chest – Effel Tower (Mod/Copy) by Loz Hyde for MESHWORX, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo
• Frame004Texturized by jiuis32 for CCDesign, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo
• [ Organica ] Orchid Terrarium by Aki Shichiroji for Organica, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• tms bird cage decor:  petunia planter (antique white) by Lavinia Godenot for the mustard seed home store, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• by Chiana Oh – Jug of Daffies [Yellow] by Chiana0 for by Chiana Oh, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• DG – Framed sketch “The House that Jack Built” – RFL Hunt by Sisterbutta for AMDG, available at
• Book Lover’s – Tall Book Stack (copy) by Chic Aeon for ChiC buildings, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Book Lover’s – Book Stack with Leaning Book (copy) by Chic Aeon for ChiC buildings, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Book Lover’s – Book Stack Short (copy) by Chic Aeon for ChiC buildings, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Book Lover’s – Repurposed Veggie  Storage (RARE) by Chic Aeon for ChiC buildings, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *
• Rug Multi-Floral 4 by Tess Spargel for Spargel & Shine Homes, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *

House: Treetops Cottage by Kathy Greymoon for Greymoon Designs, available at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *

Going Home

Home, I’m making my way home.
My mind’s already there.
Yes, my mind is

Light, you’re with me in the dark.
Light my way at night.
Let your light shine

~ “Going Home” by Asgeir

The Home Expo is on, benefitting RFL. I had the fortune to preview it and then the “misfortune” of sorting through the amazing things I picked up and got to preview. I admit I am not as quick to decorate my space as I am to decorate myself, so it took me some time and some help. (Thank you, Grayson, for the space!)

Froukje Hoorenbeek is premiering her new home, the Villa Utrecht, at the Home Expo. While the sale of this beautiful structure is not benefitting RFL, Froukje co-sponsored a sim at considerable expense, so she is definitely donating to the cause. The house is gorgeous and she told me has a lot of personal significance for her (which is I chose the lovely song from Asgeir for the title and quote). The textures are lush and lifelike and the house is well made with windows and doors that open out as they would in RL and a great attic up top (plus the clock keeps time in your time zone).

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention other creators who have donated to the cause for the Home Expo. Alex Bader is also a sim co-sponsor and has built a gorgeous parcel that makes going to Home Expo worth it alone. He is generously donating all the proceeds from sale of this oak tree at Home Expo to RFL.

Cleom Bailey is also participating and donating proceeds of the set from which this iron table and chairs comes. And John2010 Bailey is donating proceeds from the lamp I threw all over my parcel. I am astounded by the content and generosity of the creators participating in this event. They not only donated to participate but give 100% of proceeds from their donation items to RFL. When I got to preview, I made sure I hit a lot of those RFL kiosks to purchase items.

Tomorrow I will take you inside the house to show a few more items from Home Expo. By the way, that pretty flowerbox is a GIFT that Sheerpetal Roussel is offering at Home Expo.

Villa: Dutchie Villa Utrecht  by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie, available at the Home Expo 2014 *

Exterior:

• DaD DESIGN “Pink flowers on pot” C/M – 2014 HGE Gift – and DaD DESIGN “Red flowers on pot” C/M – 2014 HGE Gift – by Sheerpetal Roussel for DaD Design, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• Topiary d’Ete Fleur with Lights by Tess Spargel for Spargel & Shine
• -JoHaDeZ- Garden Latern “Star” by John2010 Dexler for -JoHaDeZ-, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• Skye Four Season Oak Tree by Alex Bader for Studio Skye, available at the Home Expo 2014
• iron table and iron chairs by Cleom Bailey for Cleo Design, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• *alirium* nanohana by Alir Flow for alirium
• *aG* MossyBrickPath by Alir Flow for alirium