A Drop of Happiness

There will not be a spring without autumn; no taste,
If no sorrow, what taste happiness will provide, say?
If no youth, why then heart will throb; gaily and gay?
Autumn prepares to decorate the heart with haste..

~ from “A Drop of Happiness” by Aftab Alam

Fall is rolling in with cooler temperatures. The leaves are piling up outside and while the sun is shining, the day is ending quickly now. So it’s important to grab my drop of happiness whenever I can and remember with every fall into winter, there later comes a spring to summer. I have furnished Trace Osterham’s great new skybox with new finds and pieces that I have custom colored using SL’s tinting. Big strategy for me for decorating is using tints on mod furniture and builds. If a piece of furniture is not mod, I am not a happy person. Half of what you see in these photos was tinted that way, including the cushions of Piraiyah Novikov’s daybed available exclusively in his store at Flux Sur Mer. I paired it with ArtizanMesh’s awesome chair for Chapter Four and Sofi Trenkin’s lovely décor piece that I picked up a month or so ago. Clever pillows from Sway Dench’s gacha at Geeks n Nerds add some cute humor as well as Piraiyah Novikov’s fun Simon Says game for Collabor88 on his gothic table for Gothic Diva.

My dress is Ariadna Garrigus’ gorgeous look for the Boho Culture Fair, which opens tomorrow. She includes the very folk art wedges with them. My bestie is a grayhound from Garvie Garzo’s collection of pups at the Chapter Four. I am so glad to see her in these events because she’s a great artist! Behind me is Tyrek’s collection of potions on a shelf for Chapter Four as well and the awesome RL work of Joe Mainskreet through the avatar hibeebu at Gen Neutral. I saw the pieces on an ad and had to come get a few because they were mounted nicely and fit so well in with the mood here.

Again, I custom-colored a piece from one of Piraiyah Novikov’s gachas, added Anaisterpellie’s lovely table, candles, and rug for the gacha at The Epiphany, and popped up Joe’s artwork. Again, I have Sway Dench’s darling pillows on the chair (making <3). Below. I custom colored pieces of Piraiyah Novikov’s desk and chairs from gachas at his store (I had a big of a night there with the gachas—everything is so pretty and Piraiyah is smart enough to leave things modify so I can do this) and put my laptop win by Surrealia Anatine from The Epiphany on the desk. My doggie from Garvie, whom I have decided to name Herman, stands close.

Bubbles Clawtooth just came out with this casual but cute high ponytail with or without bangs (Saturday and Sunday) and I paired it with one of Inka Mexicola’s lovely skins on my own, familiar system face. Both are available at Kustom9. My necklace was a gacha pull at The Epiphany from Isabeau Baragula. First time’s a charm!

Hair: Clawtooth: Simply Saturday – Dark Ombre Pack by Bubbles Clawtooth for Clawtooth, available at Kustom9 *

Skin: Essences – Quinta02 *medium01* brunette by Inka Mexicola for Essences, available at Kustom9 *

Eyes: {D.A} – Marble – Trunk by Soleil Reid for Dead Apples

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

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

Dress and Wedges: ***Arisaris~Gara08~Coachella~Dress (Fitted Mesh) with ***ArisAris/B&W~Gara08~Coachella~Wedges For Maitreya by Ariadna Garrigus for ArisAris, available at Boho Culture Fair (opening October 19) *

Necklace: Kalopsia – Full Moon Necklace – Blood by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia, available at The Epiphany

Bracelet: Kelly Double Tour_Hennessy by Tracei for Tracei, available at Gen Neutral

Poses by Dove Swanson for Long Awkward Pose (no longer available)

Décor:

• Bee.Bu – Wooden Hook Hung Art (Wide) – 2 by hibeebu for Bee.Bu, available at Gen Neutral
• Bee.Bu – Wooden Hook Hung Art – 2 by hibeebu for Bee.Bu, available at Gen Neutral
• Bee.Bu – Wooden Hook Hung Art (Wide) – 1 by hibeebu for Bee.Bu, available at Gen Neutral
• Bee.Bu – Clipped Art – 6 by hibeebu for Bee.Bu, available at Gen Neutral
• Bee.Bu – Clipped Art – 5 by hibeebu for Bee.Bu, available at Gen Neutral
• Bee.Bu – Wooden Hook Hung Art – 3 by hibeebu for Bee.Bu, available at Gen Neutral

• Greyhound – Watcher by Garvie Garzo for meadowWorks, available at the Chapter Four

• NOMAD // Country Daybed by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD, available at Flux Sur Mer *
• NOMAD // Brocante // Chaise longue by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD
• NOMAD // Classical Chair // .05 by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD
• NOMAD // Amore Desk by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD
• NOMAD // 07 // Fallen Columns Table by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD, available at Gothic Diva *
• NOMAD // Mystery Memory Game // Copper by Piraiyah Novikov for NOMAD, available at Collabor88 *

• SIGMA Home/ Moroccan tapestry chair by Sofi Trenkins for SIGMA Home

• tarte. pulley light – pitch by alixxbella for tarte.

• Stockholm&Lima: Failed Adulting Laptop by Surrealia Anatine for Stockholm&Lima, available at The Epiphany
• Stockholm&Lima:Failed Adulting Record Pile by Surrealia Anatine for Stockholm&Lima, available at The Epiphany

• dust bunny . potted jade plant by lxlnoel for dust bunny

• {what next} Comfortably Worn Rug #2 by Winter Thorn for {what next} *

• !six o’clock! wired lamp by Pepite Roxan for six o’clock

• junk. boho curtain. by Tab Tatham for junk

• [ zerkalo ] Vintage Treasures – Paris Pillow by DanielEstro and Anaisterpellie for [ zerkalo ], available at The Epiphany *
• [ zerkalo ] Vintage Treasures – Table – RARE by DanielEstro and Anaisterpellie for [ zerkalo ], available at The Epiphany *
• [ zerkalo ] Vintage Treasures – Candles by DanielEstro and Anaisterpellie for [ zerkalo ], available at The Epiphany *
• [ zerkalo ] Vintage Treasures – Rug by DanielEstro and Anaisterpellie for [ zerkalo ], available at The Epiphany *

• Sway’s [Text Emoticon] Pillows . :* RARE by Sway Dench for Sway’s, available at Geeks n Nerds *
• Sway’s [Text Emoticon] Pillows . <3 RARE by Sway Dench for Sway’s, available at Geeks n Nerds *

• *AF* Asilah Low Chair – Cuddles by ArtizanMesh for Artizan Fantasy

• GOOSE – wall shelf by Tyrek for GOOSE, available at the Chapter Four *
• GOOSE – batwings jar – light brown by Tyrek for GOOSE, available at the Chapter Four *
• GOOSE – fingers jar – light brown by Tyrek for GOOSE, available at the Chapter Four *
• GOOSE – eye balls jar – light brown by Tyrek for GOOSE, available at the Chapter Four *
• GOOSE – virgins blood jar – light brown by Tyrek for GOOSE, available at the Chapter Four *
• GOOSE – candle (touch on/off) by Tyrek for GOOSE, available at the Chapter Four *

• Hayabusa Design Elegant Tree Platane Plane MX2-4 v1-3 T5 by Mitsuko Kytori for Hayabusa *
• Hayabusa Design Japanese Maple High Details M15-10 v1-4 P1-G by Mitsuko Kytori for Hayabusa *

• {theosophy} Bonvilston Skybox by Trace Osterham for {theosophy} *

Whatever Is Whatever

Thank you, Breezy Luik, for the title! Quite apropos!

It’s one of those weeks. Dashing back and forth, here and there. Half the time I don’t know if I am coming or going. The darling little bicycle carts Trace Osterham made for Arcade are a perfect metaphor for what’s going on with me. One way, Italian ice; the other, cotton candy. Wear it and ride off!

What else do you expect at the beginning of the summer? Flowers need to be planted (the windowboxes are in, by the way), all the classes have to be scheduled, a quick family trip planned, and SL12B is about to open! It’s easy to get around when you’re wearing something cute like this dress from Novery Lorakeet that she has at Shiny Shabby. With Bax Coen’s great little booties, now released in neutrals, it’s a lovely look, especially accessorized with Grazioso Alekseev’s gorgeous glasses (all prims—omg!) and one of Monica Outlander’s hair accessories for the Arcade.

I am wearing one of the LeLutka mesh heads with an applier from Sawsan Secretspy, who has seen fit to bring her artistry to the various faces of LeLutka. With a great hud that offers several eye makeup and lipstick options, the head works perfectly with Sawsan’s skin for the Maitreya body. A cute easy little ponytail from Ikira Frimon for Shiny Shabby and I am ready to go!

Hair: [^.^Ayashi^.^] Tori hair-Fatpack by Ikira Frimon for ^.^ Ayashi^.^, available at Shiny Shabby *

Head: .LeLutka.Mesh Head-KARIN v1.1 by JadenArt for LeLutka *

Head applier: .::WoW Skins::. Lelutka Mary DarkTan applier by sawsan Secretspy for .::WoW skins::. *

Eyes: #adored – dawn eyes – light green by Constance Daehlie for #adored *

Body: Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara V3.3 by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Dress: *LpD* – *Gioia* Dress Deco Flowers by Nevery Lorakeet for . LpD , available at Shiny Shabby *

Hairband: Miamai_Romance_Hairband 01_Gold by Monica Outlander for Miamai, available at the Arcade*

Glasses: *+Crie Style+* Junon by Grazioso Alekseev for *+Crie Style+* *

Nail appliers: Nailed It – Maitreya – Pastels Set HUD by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It *

Boots: BAX Poppy Booties White/Blush Leather (f. Maitreya) by Bax Coen for Bax Coen Designs *

Bikes: {theosophy} Bicycle Cart (Italian Ice) and {theosophy} Bicycle Cart (Cotton Candy) by Trace Osterham for {theosophy}, available at the Arcade *

The Simple Life

“The best way to find out what we really need is to get rid of what we don’t.” ~ Marie Kondō

I have a bit of cabin fever. I need to just get out, hit the road, do something. So I suggested to Mr. Beresford that we take to the road. I imagined a life of leisure, of thoughtful moments and quiet repose. A life where we could enjoy the fresh air and the flowers and the springtime. Where I could wear flowers in my hair (Bubbles Clawtooth’s fabulous look from the Arcade) and flirty ruffled dresses (ValentinaEvangelista’s specifically, from Shiny Shabby) and lounge around.

He was amenable but when he saw our proposed living space (a great camper from Wavie Haller from the Arcade), he snorted and said, “Your *shoes* will not fit in there.”

“But honey,” I said, “We can go through our things and sort out what we don’t need to take. It’s time to simplify our lives.”

Of course, we went back and forth. His programming books, of course, had to go along and well, all my fiction (see the huge pile of books from DanielEstro and Anaisterpellie from Shiny Shabby). He wanted to take all his computers along but I said no, we have other things to occupy our time. (See the checkers from DanielEstro and Anaisterpellie, the trivia game and cornhole from Wavie Haller from the Arcade, and the candles and incense from MadPea next to the very cozy bed in the camper from Wavie). (And yes, two fit cozily in that bed.)

Of course, I had just gotten the new collections from the Arcade of the Cupcake Bunnies from Sway Dench and the Cats Out of the Bag from Trace Osterham, so I wanted to bring them along because they were so cute, which caused quite a fuss between us, but I managed to shrink them up and put them on a shelf or two. He grumbled and tried to sneak in an extra monitor (or two or three) but I put the kibosh on that.

We sorted, we argued, we hemmed, we hawed. After all our negotiations, we realized we would have to pull an additional trailer behind us for everything we simply couldn’t do without (including, yes, my shoes). But we did manage to pack up a couple boxes of things to discard….

Hair: Clawtooth: La Bella Donna (with flowers) by Bubbles by Bubbles Clawtooth for Clawtooth, available at the Arcade *

Skin: [theSkinnery] Leigh 4 (honey) with [theSkinnery] Leigh 4 (honey) by Umazuma Metaluna for [theSkinnery], available at the Arcade *

Eyes: #adored – dawn eyes – hazel by Constance Daehlie for #adored *

Body: Maitreya Mesh Body – Lara V2.1 by Onyx LeShelle for Maitreya

Dress: :V.e. Stevie Lace Dress Lilac by ValentinaEvangelista for Valentina E. Couture, available at Shiny Shabby *

Shoes: Essenz – Lisbon (Fatpack 1) Maitreya by Senzati0n Domenitzo for Essenz, available at Whore Couture *

 

Furnishings:

[Con.] Open Road Collection by Wavie Haller for Consignment, available at the Arcade *

• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Americana poster
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Cornhole
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Flamingo
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Lawn Chair – purple
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Lawn Chair – Yellow
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Paper Map
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Postcards
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Radio
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Route 66
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Trailer – RARE
• [Con.] Open Road Collection – Trivia – Blue

 

HEART – WILDFLOWERS – Daisies and Buttercups by Lilith Heart for Heart Garden Centre, available at FaMESHed

 

My Father’s Shiny Shabby Treasures by DanielEstro and Anaisterpellie for
[ zerkalo ], available at Shiny Shabby*

• [ zerkalo ] Globe
• [ zerkalo ] Draughts
• [ zerkalo ] Huge pile of books RARE

 

Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] Arcade Gacha by Sway Dench for Sway’s, available at the
Arcade *

• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny]
• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] art
• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] balloon RARE
• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] book
• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] butterfly RARE
• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] crown RARE
• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] flower
• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] heart
• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] pinwheel
• Sway’s [Cupcake Bunny] present

 

{theosophy} Well, Cat’s Out Of The Bag by Trace Osterham for {theosophy}, available at the
Arcade *

• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Bikini Bod)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Birthday)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Coffee Break)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Emotional)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (False Advertising)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Hot Bod)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Nature)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Pizza Party)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Recycle)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Spooky)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Suit And Tie)
• {theosophy} Cat in a Bag (Thank You)

 

MadPea Squeeky Clean! by Wavie Haller for MadPea, available at the Arcade*

• MadPea Ex-girlfriend’s Junk
• MadPea Ex-boyfriend’s Junk
• MadPea Pure Mind

P.S. Yes, doing these slurls and the formatting is a bitch. Thank you for noticing.

Before the Party—KittyCatS & Friends Advent Calendar, Day 14

“I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade…and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.” ~ Ron White

Before any party in my house, there is a period of furious cleaning, pulling out the special dishes, setting the ambience. Since the holidays are coming up, I pulled out some accessories for creating the mood. Sway Dench’s fireplace for the Liaison Collaborative is a great centerpiece without flickering fire and Trace Osterham’s collection of bar tray and other party-related items (cleverly named “Eighteenth Amendment”) create a perfect party atmosphere.

Wintery house preparations mean a cozy sweater and tights, this the wonderful cabled turtleneck Missqwerty Pevensey is featuring for Frost with a great shape and wonderfully textured cables. Tights from Maya Levane warm the look up.

But the best part of the look are the other gift today in the KittyCatS & Friends Advent Calendar, these custom-made boots from LeeZu Baxter. LeeZu has thought to include a darling artistic kitten on her boots with a great colorset, made exclusively as a gift to any takers. Come get her fabulous mesh boots from the calendar today!

Sawsan Secretspy has now released her golden skin tone for the Elsa line and it sure is gorgeous with a deeper tone for girls who want to shine. This set includes heavily lined eyes for a more seductive look. My casual updo with a bun at the nape of the neck is one of Mirja Mills newest and comes complete with her great texture-change HUD. And my gorgeous green eyes are from Constance Daehlie’s new set at Anypose.

Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * LOLLI * by Mirja Mills for.:EMO-tions:. *

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

Eyes: #adored – dawn eyes – hazel by Constance Daehlie for #adored, available at AnyPose *

Sweater: [AB] Sweater Dress Tan by Missqwerty Pevensey for American Bazaar, available at FROST *

Tights: (TokiD) un tights -orange 1 by Maya Levane for TokiD

Hands: Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands – Relaxed by Siddean Munro for Slink

Boots: [LeeZu!]  Mia Miu Boots <mesh,resize> /special by LeeZu Baxter for LeeZu!, GIFT available exclusively in the KittyCatS & Friends Advent Calendar *

Fireplace: Sway’s [Valerie] Fireplace . wood-medium by Sway Dench for Sway’s, available at The Liaison Collaborative *

Bar service: {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment by Trace Osterham for {theosophy}, available at The Arcade *

• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Bar Cart (Light) RARE
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Plates (Gold)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Plates (Moss)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Bottles (C)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Bottles (B)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Punch Bowl (Mint)
• {theosophy} Eighteenth Amendment – Lamp (Mint)

Poses by Dove Swanson for Long Awkward Pose (no longer available)

He’s Ba-ack!

He’s back like a bad penny, like a persistent cold sore, like my property tax bill, like dandelions in spring, like tiny little seeds in my raspberry jam that jam themselves in between my teeth and I can’t get them out… well you get the point. Barely Texan has wheedled his way back into my blog.

Barely’s not about the accolades; he doesn’t care if he glitters or glares or struts. He just cares that he looks cool and reflects a unique sartorial presence—when there aren’t barbecue stains on his sweater.

Barely graces us with this great ensemble including a cardigan/shirt combo from etham, tweed slacks from Leri Miles, boots from Theosophy and hair from Dura. No droopy pants or ‘tude with Barely. Just head-on casual chic.

Hair – Dura – Chiaki Xue – Boy*52 in Dark Brown

Skin – Skin – Swallow – Luciayes Magic – Daniel Peach in Brown eyebrows

Hairbase – Exile – Kavar Cleanslate – Hairbase 2: Brownie

Eyes – IKON – Ikon Innovia – Eternal Eyes in Pewter

Necklace – KOSH – Lynaja Bade – Thorn Necklace

Cardigan/Shirt – etham – stephenweiss – James Cardigan in All Colors

Slacks – Leri Miles Designs – Leri Miles – LMDforMen max
Mesh Slacks in Mocha

Shoes – theosophy – Trace Osterham – Lewiston Boots in Moss/Desert

Poses by Dove Swanson for Long Awkward Pose (no longer available)

Done up while listening to the Pimps of Joytime doing “Keep That Music Playin’”

A House is a Home

a house is a home where the chores are never done
where you spend your whole life running to and from
and if the life that you live is not the life you choose
make your child a home and start anew

~ “A House is a Home” by Ben and Ellen Harper

As I blogged yesterday, my trip to the Home and Garden Expo 2014 was very fruitful. I found many home treasures for both exterior and interior. I decorated one room of Froukje Hoorenbeek’s fabulous villa with a few treasures to share. Most of them are donation items at Home and Garden Expo 2014 , which means that 100% of the money earned from their sale goes to Relay for Life in SL. It seems like a gimme: get something awesome and donate to RFL all at once.

So let me tick through some of these items. First, Eku Zhong, who makes some awesome stuff, is co-sponsoring a sim at H.G.E. and she has donated the money from the sale of the brown leather sofa and chaise plus a black set and some other goodies to RFL. Eku does absolutely great textures and buildings for her business (as well as sexy shoes for her other label, Koikoi). I broke down and bought her Dragonfly Cottage at the H.G.E.

Loz Hyde is also co-sponsoring a sim at H.G.E. and he is offering this coffeetable and a similarly-shaped ottoman for donation. I recolored the table to match the décor (thank you for leaving it mod, Loz). The stately armchair in the corner is one of a set of chairs that Apple Fall is offering with full donation going to RFL.

John2010 Dexler has made a few things for the H.G.E. including the artwork above the fireplace from Cleom Bailey. I framed it in black (thank you, Stephen) so it would stand out against the great wallpaper Froukje made for this room. Rod Eun specializes in “low prim” furniture, which means textures on prim blocks, but they look good and are inexpensive and his blanket chest here donates 100% to RFL as does the awesome samovar from Rusalka Writer. Plato Novo is providing a set of lamps with pithy quotes on the shades for RFL’s cause and Laurent83 Waco made the tray that brightens up the room with croissant and tea.

And here is a shot of Froukje’s lovely villa in the full sun.

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

Interior:

• Culprit Sleek Lounger Brown Leather by Eku Zhong for Culprit, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• RE Old Wood Immigrant Blanket Chest by Rod Eun for RE Blueprint Designs, available at the Home Expo 2014
• Antique Ebony Samovar by Rusalka Writer for Absinthe & Others, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• -JoHaDeZ- WallArt “dead tree” by John2010 Dexler for -JoHaDeZ-, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• fireplace by Cleom Bailey for Cleo Design, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• Apple Fall Wingback Chair 5 by Apple Fall for Apple Fall, available at the Home Expo 2014
• %Percent – Betty Lamp (Wells) *MESH* by Plato Novo for %Percent Furniture & Lighting, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Manchester – Endtable by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• Culprit Soft Sofa Brown Leather by Eku Zhong for Culprit, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• Culprit Wall Candle by Eku Zhong for Culprit, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• !! Follow US !! French weekend tray (blog) by Laurent83 Waco for !! Follow US Design !!, available at the Home Expo 2014 *
• MESHWORX ~ Elegance Oval Coffee Table (Mod/Copy Only) by Loz Hyde for MESHWORX, available at the Home Expo 2014 * (modified)
• Dutchie hanging fern by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• AF Annan Reclaimed Frame by Apple Fall for Apple Fall
• {theosophy} Palmerston Wall Hanging (Beachgrass) by Trace Osterham for {theosophy} *
• tan  rug3 by Daedalus Brink for DaHaus
• Fowler Rug 3 by Eric Linden

Thank you, Etrone, for getting me through this!

Put to the Test

“We’re all put to the test… but it never comes in the form or at the point we would prefer, does it?” ~ David Mamet

The Arcade is coming soon and all the sneak previews are starting to emerge. Trace Osterham made this fabulous collection of carnival games, the kind you put your hand on or pull a lever and find out what your personality trait is. They have been scripted for one or two people (depending on the topic) and include sounds and glowing flashing lights. The rare is, of course, the fortune teller, who gives you a cryptic fortune you wear and read. The graphics on the pieces are amazing and Trace did these in mesh himself, so you won’t find them anywhere else. Get one or get all for your SL rec room or carnival! (Please note I rated “The Devil” below. Maybe THAT’s why I scored “Hot Stuff” on the other one–see above.)

Beanster Potato has a few brands she makes content for, all of them sporty and fun with great textures and versatility. This dress is one of her 20.Five brand, priced low and designed for casual wear. Beanster uses prepurchased mesh for these pieces, and she makes no secret of that. The advantage of buying them is in her great textures and the texture-change HUD she includes with every piece. I wore the dress, clicked to the turquoise I liked, and then the shoes, and clicked to my silver. Done!

Mirja Mills just put out this darling medium-length ‘do with a barrette holding back a lock of hair. As always, the hair comes with a HUD to allow quick choice of your favorite hair tone. Lumiya Rae is selling this lovely skin for girls who like beautifully defined features and pretty puckery lips. Appliers are available!

Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * HILARY * by Mirja Mills for.:EMO-tions:. *

Skin: L ~ Delphine : 5 – Caramel  / Bare {Mid Cleavage} by Lumiya Rae for Lumae

Eyes: #adored – dream eyes –  glacier by Constance Daehlie for #adored

Dress: 20.FIVE Mesh: Sinas Dress (Fitted) by Beanster Potato for 20.Five *

Bracelets: Elysium – Kira bracelet – geometric silver(mat enabled – ver 2) by Aleida Rhode for Elysium *

Hands: Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands – Casual – Small by Siddean Munro for Slink

Feet: Slink AvEnhance Feet High by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: 20.FIVE: Helga Heels by Beanster Potato for 20.Five *

Testers by Trace Osterham for {theosophy}, available at the Arcade (opening soon)

• {theosophy} Age Tester
• {theosophy} Enemy Tester
• {theosophy} Evil Tester
• {theosophy} Hottie Tester
• {theosophy} Love Tester
• {theosophy} Passion Tester
• {theosophy} Sass Tester
• {theosophy} Zultor the Fortune Teller

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

A Case of You

Oh I could drink a case of you darling
Still I’d be on my feet
oh I would still be on my feet
~ “A Case of You” by Joni Mitchell

Been having a few of those days lately where I just want to go home, sink into a chair, and have a glass of wine while I listen to my favorite music and relax. I feel like I am behind on a few tasks, least of which is showing this fabulous furniture, which I set up a while ago to photo. First there is this fabulous retro living room set from Froukje Hoorenbeek that includes all her fabulous animations, from purely sitting and enjoy a glass of wine to actually enjoying some time with a favorite sweetheart, smooching or more. Who knew such innocuous furniture could hold such hot thoughts?

Of course if I flop down on this great massage table from Tya Fallingbridge, someone may come along and give me a massage. Or not. But it sure looks beautiful and tempting in the corner of my bedroom with separate tables of towels and massage oils. This is still at Fameshed for a few more seconds so grab it while you can.

Tya has also made this absolutely stunning bed that includes singles and couples poses and some adult surprises. With carved tropical wood and a sheer curtain across the top, it’s a gorgeous bedroom set that she had at Liaison Collaborative and now has in her store. I put wall hangings from Trace Osterham on each side and hung a darling little mobile/lamp from Plethora in the corner.

My lovely dress, which I also wore for my video with Phobos, is one of Spooky Mistwallow’s lovely interpretations for this mesh dress. I particularly have loved her patterns, which are proportioned nicely on the dress. My new peeptoe pumps are Eudora3D’s newest and come with matching bracelets, sold separately.

Finally I have to brag about this gorgeous skin from Mochi Milena, which she has set up as a free piece for newbies and a very low price for the rest of us mortals. If anyone worries that newbies can’t get good content, they should pull them over to Mochi’s shop to grab this skin. It’s absolutely gorgeous (and ridiculously generous). My hair is lovely braided updo from Mariru Catnap that I grabbed from Fi*Friday before Hair Fair and promptly forgot about, which was a shame because it’s absolutely lovely.

I remember that time you told me
you said “Love is touching souls”
Surely you touched mine ‘
Cause part of you pours out of me
In these lines from time to time
Oh, you’re in my blood like holy wine
You taste so bitter and so sweet

Hair: .:CHEVEUX:.F057 Browns01 by Mariru Catnap for .:CHEVEUX:.

Skin: [PF] Renee <Hazel> – Pure (dkbrow) by Mochi Milena for Pink Fuel

Eyes: #adored – siren eyes – coconut by Constance Daehlie for #adored, available at theCosmetic Fair Beach Party

Dress: :KR: Fabiana Dress – Memory by Spooky Mistwallow for Kastle Rock Couture *

Bracelets: Eudora 3D Karnamal Bracelet Copper by Eudora3D for Eudora 3D *

Hands: Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands – Casual by Siddean Munro for Slink

Nail appliers: :[P]:- Slink Applier [NAILS-Feet]:// Concord by Aikea Rieko for Plastik *

Feet: Slink AvEnhance Feet High by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: Eudora 3D Karnamak Pumps Copper by Eudora3D for Eudora 3D *

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

Furnishings:

• Dutchie art deco chair left by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Dutchie art deco sofa adult by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Dutchie art deco chair right by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Dutchie art deco brown and blue rug by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Dutchie art deco coffee table by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Dutchie lilies by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Dutchie Ein Windstoss by Emil Orlik by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• +CONVAIR+ Airplanes! for FFL by Tobias Convair (no longer available)

 

• Trompe Loeil – Roanna Sleigh Seat Brown With Blanket by Cory Edo for Trompe Loieil *

 

• [PM]Pixel Mode – Bali Bed White – Adult by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode*
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Bali End Table – Right by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode*
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Bali End Table – Left by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode*
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Throw Rug by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode*
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Bali Dresser by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode*
• Plethora – Paper Butterflies Light by PlethoraSL for Plethora
• {theosophy} Palmerston Wall Hanging (Tuscan) by Trace Osterham for {theosophy} *

 

• [PM]Pixel Mode – Insouciance Massage Bed – Adult by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Insouciance Towels Table by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Insouciance Oils Table by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• Melilla Drapes by Jolie.Applemoor (no longer available)

 

• {theosophy} Nicholaston Skybox by Trace Osterham for {theosophy} *

Clouds in My Coffee

“I had some dreams. They were clouds in my coffee, clouds in my coffee.” ~ “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon

Home with a cup of coffee is where I want to be. I recently remodeled in SL with some new pieces including this kitchen set from Tobias Convair, an architect who has an eye for what a good kitchen in SL needs for décor. Included with the set are PG and Adult animations for a full kitchen narrative. (You can get busy with your honey or just share coffee.)

My top is one that Circe Ishtari put out a couple months ago but I have been saving it for the perfect look. It comes with a texture change HUD and the ability to color the ruffle and seams, which allows various iterations of the top. I waited well because these new jean capris from Paul Lapointe and Bastchild Lotus are going to be worn frequently this summer for casual looks. I love the painted denim they include in their extensive texture-change HUD. Finally, an African-inspired necklace from Maxi Gossamer, which is one of her featured pieces at Collabor88, which just opened, punctuates the look with a little fashion. (And Pho noticed my nails match my top perfectly with little flowers, thanks to one of Sasy Scarborough’s designs.)

Dutchie Hoorenbeek came up with this clever little four-person table that could serve 1-4 people and she has expanded the idea with newly fashioned chairs in an arts and crafts theme. Dutchie has a fine eye for what people want in furniture—classic, usable, and wonderful animated. An entire meal can be had at these tables with place settings appearing as needed. She also supplies extra settings for viewings as this. With artwork and lighting, the scene is contemporary and cozy.

My new skin is Sawsan Secretspy’s luscious Melodia. With sensual lips and eyes and a pretty blush, this skin suits many shapes and comes with appliers for most body parts. My long locks are Mirja Mills’ newest, suitable for both men and women, as she shows in her ads. I love her textures and the fine wisps that curl about.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from – or how you feel… There’s always peace in a strong cup of coffee.” ~ Gabriel Bá, Daytripper

Hair: .:EMO-tions:. * ROXANNE * by Mirja Mills for.:EMO-tions:. *

Skin: .::WoW Skins::. Melodia Tan 02 A by sawsan Secretspy for .::WoW skins::. *

Eyes: [Buzz] Ardent Eyes – Angel by Eleri Catlyn for Buzzeri

Top: Tokyo.Girl . Ixi Ruffle Top by Circe Ishtari for Tokyo Girl *

Capris: L&B Swear “Capri” Pants – Denim by Paul Lapointe and BastChild Lotus for Lapointe and Bastchild *

Necklace: MG – Necklace – Keisha – Short by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at Collabor88 *

Hands: Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands – Elegant and Elegant 1 by Siddean Munro for Slink

Nail appliers: Flair – Fingernails and Toenails Applier Slink A/E – Set 116 by Sasy Scarborough for Flair *

Feet: Slink Mesh Feet (Av) Flat by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: Essenz – Portland (Fatpack) by Senzati0n Domenitzo for Essenz *

Kitchen:

• +CONVAIR+ Birchdale Kitchen dark PG (short) by Tobias Convair for Convair, available at FaMESHed *
• Various glasses and plates in the cabinet by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Dutchie blue and green rug by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *

Dining room:

• Dutchie dining table by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Dutchie double ceiling lamp by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Extra table dressing dessert by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• Dutchie Falling Snow by Kamisaka Sekka by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Throw Rug by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode *

Skybox: {theosophy} Nicholaston Skybox by Trace Osterham for {theosophy} *

Downtime

“Our culture encourages us to plan every moment and fill our schedules with one activity and obligation after the next, with no time to just be. But the human body and mind require downtime to rejuvenate. I have found my greatest moments of joy and peace just sitting in silence, and then I take that joy and peace with me out into the world.” ~ Holly Mosier

I have been tremendously busy as of late with several projects in and out of SL as well as my RL, and sometimes I have said “Yes” when I should have said “No.” I am learning how to handle how I approach some of it, so it’s a good experience. Today’s blog is a mega blog because I just had to get in so many things—I hate not showing some of the awesome content I have seen lately and I want to share it with all my readers. And I wanted to create a refuge, the sort that would help me find some downtime.

I just put up Trace Osterham’s new skybox made entirely of mesh with optional radiators. The build is welcoming and camera-friendly. With warm colors and textured brick walls it has a simple, open floor plan, but the layout defines spaces. With a land impact of 36 for the build only, it’s also great for low prim usage so you can completely fill it with all your favorite furnishings (most of which I show here are also ridiculously low land impact).

Trace includes this HUD with the skybox so you can swap out textures on the walls and woodwork as you please. The accent colors give the skybox definitely different “moods” as you try them out. I went for warm and neutral, but the green, for example, could make the space look more “industrial.” The decorative “painting” you see on the walls—the modern flowers—are actually prims that Tash Porthos made to be tinted in SL. As you can see, I got kind of wild with the colors, choosing orange, red, and even a light green against the brown wall of the dining room. I love having this option to “paint” bare walls.

I filled mine with some great new furniture from Tya Fallingbridge that she has come out with this month. First is this darling bed with little attached lamps that have derby hats for shades that she has at FaMESHed. With a texture-change sheet set and tons of great animations, it’s perfect for any couple living in a cozy skybox.

This great little dining room set from Tya features texture change on the table runners and comes with animations in the benches. The lovely chandelier has matching wall sconces you could use throughout your skybox. And the rug, which I have used in several places in the skybox, also includes texture change. (See it in the bedroom, on the floor under Tobias Convair’s sectional sofa, in front of the fireplace and here in the dining room—same rug with different textures).

Tya is selling this darling little bench in several versions at The Home Show 2014 with a wall-hung letter tray in complimentary woods and a lovely scrolled coat rack. This set, mixed and matched as I did, would go great in a foyer or home entryway. I have it in the bedroom opposite the bed.

This great shelf from Cory Edo, which she is featuring at Fameshed, is great for filling a wall space, especially when you have lots of books or gacha items you want to display. (I only show the Tommy lamp from McChris Flanagan that I was unable to show the other day.) I filled the shelf with books and yarn I made myself!! (I’d pretend I made it in mesh but really, how hard is to rez a sphere and cover it with yarn texture…?)

My outfit is easy and almost hippy, starting with the midriff-tied shirt with a decorative yoke from Ivana Canieri, which she is featuring at 100 Block. I love the pastel colors, especially since the blue goes with my beaded sandals from Maxi Gossamer, who is featuring a turquoise blue on the leather portions of the sandal but has given a great texture change for the beads (which are materials enhanced natch). My awesome jeans are Kinu Mayako’s great exclusive for the 100 Block. They come with five great denim textures in a HUD so you can pick just the shade you want. I am wearing Truth Hawks’ newest braid, a darling natural look with headband that can be switched via HUD. My skin is Aida Ewing’s offering for The Season’s Story, a natural look for a great day off with downtime.

“It is important from time to time to slow down, to go away by yourself, and simply be.”~ Eileen Caddy

Hair: TRUTH HAIR Elyse by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: -Glam Affair – Brandi – America 01 B by Aida Ewing for –Glam Affair-, available at The Seasons Story *

Eyes: [Brixley] Spring Eyes – darkest brown by Isabelle Requiem for Brixley, available at Kustom9 *

Top: F.owl – Knotted Hipster Shirt BLUE by Ivana Canieri for F.owl, available at the100 Block *

Jeans: [ SAKIDE ] Denim Worker Pants by Kinu Mayako for [ SAKIDE ], available at the100 Block *

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

Nail appliers: Flair – Nail Hud Add On – Slink Avatar Enhancement – Set 209 by Sasy Scarborough for Flair, available at Cosmetic Fair *

Feet: Slink Mesh Feet (Av) Flat by Siddean Munro for Slink

Sandals: MG – Sandals – Ibiza Summer Beaded by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at the Monochromatic Fair *

Poses by {Imeka} Charmy – Pose Pack by NatiWilliams for Imeka, available at Pose Fair 2014 *

 

Skybox: {theosophy} Nicholaston Skybox by Trace Osterham for {theosophy} *

 

Décor:

[PM]Pixel Mode – Wire Form Coat Rack – Copper by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Home Show 2014 *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Hallway Bench – Dark Wood by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Home Show 2014 *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Stuff Holder – Dark Wood by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Home Show 2014 *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Derby Bed – Adult by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *

+CONVAIR+ Modern Leather Sectional.black by Tobias Convair for Convair *

[dirty.little.secret] :: wall stencil :: weeds 1 by Tash Porthos for [dirty.little.secret] *

[dirty.little.secret] :: wall stencil :: weeds 2 by Tash Porthos for [dirty.little.secret] *

[dirty.little.secret] :: wall stencil :: weeds 3 by Tash Porthos for [dirty.little.secret] *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Senza Tempo Table by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Senza Tempo Seat by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Gattera Ferrero Platter by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

[PM]Pixel Mode – Throw Rug by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

7 – Square Frame Wall Leaners by Agustkov for Seven Emporium

Trompe Loeil – Novel Decor – Suitcase Endtable with books by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil *

Trompe Loeil – Birdcage Worn Copper Short by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *

Trompe Loeil – Round Shelf Copper by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *

DMF – Living Lamp (Tommy  – Common) by McChris Flanagan for Dew Me Furniture, available at Erotigacha

Dutchie row of books by Froukje Hoorenbeek for Dutchie *

:CP: Hemmingway Book Pile by Isla Gealach for Cheeky Pea

[what next] Pile O’ Books by Winter Thorn for {what next}

{what next} Knitted Pillow (caramel) by Winter Thorn for {what next}

{what next} Laptop by Winter Thorn for {what next}

Kauri Vase 1 by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *

Kauri Vase 3 by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *

Yarn by me