On the Porch

“Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.” ~ Elizabeth Lawrence

Fall is a time of a lot of running around. School’s going again, the harvest is coming in (and if you think that’s silly, it’s not—I have a fridge full of vegetables I have to do something with), the garden has to be cleared, leaves have to be raked. And meanwhile we are clinging to the last few warm days for a long time with evening descending ever earlier. So it’s hard to sit still and just… relax and enjoy.  I ran around SL shopping in this outfit from Cecilia Blachere, who does amazing textures on mesh. Check out the suede on this skirt and the beautiful knit of this sweater. I accessorized with new pieces from Monicuzza Babenco, including a darling handbag which comes with a HUD to change the inside part so you have a nice neutral bag with optional details to change.

Kuranosuke Kamachi’s beautiful new style tops this look in a very lovely way. I am trying another skin made for Logo heads on the new Chloe. This is the skin offered by Otyebis for Shiny Shabby and I would say it lies on the Chloe head in a very interesting way. There is a lot to love—the pores on the skin, the skin tone, the nicely drawn brows (though not their placement), the pretty lips. But something is just not working quite right. I tried to make it work for me—changing out eyes, clicking different lashes on the HUD, but I think the nature of how these skins are made, they want a tiny, widely spaced round eye and narrow nose, which this head doesn’t quite have.

Hair: =DeLa*= Mesh Hair “Simone” All colors by Kuranosuke Kamachi for =DeLa*= *

Mesh head: LOGO Chloe v4 Omega by Maximillion Grant for LOGO *

Skin applier: ** [PUMEC]  – RYOKO – SUMMER –  LOGO (OMEGA) HEAD  APP by Otyebis for PumeC, available at Shiny Shabby *

Eyes: [theSkinnery] Flirtacious  eyes – 6 by Umazuma Metaluna for [theSkinnery], available at The Cosmetic Fair *

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

Sweater: shine by [ZD] LENNIE MESH SWEATER beige by Cecilia Blachere for shine by [ZD] *

Skirt: shine by [ZD] GRETA MESH SKIRT tan by Cecilia Blachere for shine by [ZD] *

Scarf: shine by [ZD] NICKY MESH NECKERCHIEF tan by Cecilia Blachere for shine by [ZD] *

Handbag: *YS&YS* Parioli Bag Vintage (right arm)  by Monicuzza Babenco for*YS&YS* for the Mix Event *

Bangles: *YS&YS* Antibes Brac Brown by Monicuzza Babenco for*YS&YS*, available at the Dressing Room Fusion *

Shoes: *YS&YS* Monaco Suede Vintage (Maitreya)  by Monicuzza Babenco for*YS&YS* for the Mix Event *

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

Décor:

• [CIRCA] – “Verde Topiary Planter with Pumpkins2 -8 base colours by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA], *
• [CIRCA] – “Into the Forest” Autumn Wreath – Berry Mix by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA], available at Color Me Project *
• Apt B // Snuggle Up Hanging Seat RARE by FadeArcade for Apt B, available at Shiny Shabby*
• Hayabusa Design Magnolia Wada Geometry Curved HD-A M3 v1-2 T3G by Mitsuko Kytori for Hayabusa *
• 22769 ~ [bauwerk] Shabby Pumpkin Decoration by Paco Pooley for 22769, available at Shiny Shabby*
• 22769 ~ [bauwerk] Autumn Handbarrow by Paco Pooley for 22769, available at Shiny Shabby*
• GOOSE – wooden pumpkin lantern hanging by Tyrek for GOOSE *
• Pixel Mode – Fall Harvest – Barrel Display by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode
• {what next} Fancy Pumpkins by Winter Thorn for {what next}
• concept}  Corner set –  01. Plant box by ConceptDesign for concept}, available atShiny Shabby*
• Apt B // Snuggle Up Bucket by FadeArcade for Apt B, available at Shiny Shabby*
• Toro. Racer Bicycle {Midnight} by jammeh for Toro., available at Shiny Shabby*

House: [ba] tabor cottage by Barnesworth Anubis for Barnesworth Anubis, available at Collabor88*

The Dreamer

“Yes: I am a dreamer. For a dreamer is one who can only find his way by moonlight, and his punishment is that he sees the dawn before the rest of the world.” ~  Oscar Wilde

Sometimes being in a virtual space is a form of dreaming in a dream space. We dream of another life, of creations we can’t make or obtain. This beautiful dress from Kiddo Oh, which she is featuring at the Seraphim Social, opening on February 19. Fully mesh, it comes in four colors, including this dreamy pink. I accessorized with Sigifaust’s mesh ring set, fitted to Slink hands as well as Maitreya, which will be sold at the Shiny Shabby event at Neva Crystall’s sim, opening February 20. They come singularly as well. Giela Delpaso has refashioned her nails for Maitreya and Belleza bodies, yay, and I was delighted to see them come out.

The Shiny Shabby event is going to be considerably bigger than the one held in December—over 50 designers, all of them top notch. The furnishings I show here will also be at the event, including this charming bench from anne Dakun, a hanging screen from aki69 (who has made some fabulous dream pieces if you check out his store), and a chandelier from Tya Fallingbridge, part of a shabby chic set she has made especially for the event.

I keep wearing this delicate and beautiful skin from Inka Mexicola because it looks so wonderful and now she has made appliers for the Maitreya body (as well as others), so it’s so easy to wear. My fabulous shag haircut is Shylah Honey’s entry for N21 (opening the 21st, natch) and is one of the more unique styles I have seen hit the grid. I love what Shylah has done here with asymmetry, tendrils of hair and spiky pieces, and a sort of cowlick on top. It’s a standout in the piles of Farrah Fawcett blowouts we’ve been seeing so much of.

Hair: *~*Damselfly*~*Lottie Non-Rig Mesh by Shylah Honey for *~*Damselfly*~*, available at N21 *

Skin: Essences [Alice OMGacha07] medium01 *brunette* RARE by Inka Mexicola for Essences, available at OMGacha *

Eyes: #adored – cloud eyes – earth – a by Constance Daehlie for #adored *

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

Skin applier: Essences: Maitreya Applier Hud *Medium01* by Inka Mexicola for Essences *

Dress: .::Dead Dollz::. Dream Of Pink by Kiddo Oh for .::Dead Dollz::.available at the Seraphim Social (opening February 19) *

Jewelry: ieQED jessi.rings.gold [MAITREYA – V2.1 25] by Sigifaust for ieQED, available at Shiny Shabby (opening February 20)

Nail applier: Nailed It – Maitreya – Pastels Set HUD (wear) by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It *

Poses by Dahriel for *PosESioN*

Furniture:

• Label Motion – Pastel Bench (Pink) by anne Dakun for Label Motion, available at Shiny Shabby (opening February 20)
• {anc} PrintRollScreen .whiteout .3Li  / B&Smapping by aki69 for .a.n.c. Ltd., available at Shiny Shabby (opening February 20)
• [PM] Pixel Mode – Victoria Chandlier by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at Shiny Shabby (opening February 20)

Home for the Holidays—KittyCatS & Friends Advent Calendar, Day 4

Oh, there’s no place like home for the holidays
‘Cause no matter how far away you roam
If you want to be happy in a million ways
For the holidays you can’t beat home, sweet home

~ “Home for the Holidays,” as done by Perry Como

The big news in my house is that we have 50 pounds of venison in the freezer now. Yep, the man of the house got a ten-point buck, so we’ll be eating meat this winter. I put my foot down about having a stuffed head on my mantel, so this great new piece of art from Tya Fallingbridge, the gift for today in the KittyCatS & Friends Advent Calendar, is much appreciated. We can still celebrate the hunt without creepy glass eyes looking at us.

And I got all festive for the holidays at home with the Ugly Christmas Sweater from Phunk. (I don’t think it’s THAT bad personally, though some of the textures on the HUD are ones I would not wear personally. Ever. I am not a snowman-on-a-sweater girl.) My jeans with the really nice backend are from beanster Potato and come with a nice HUD for changing the texture. The texture is what makes the jeans, frankly. And Senzati0n Domenitzo’s darling ankle boots fit with these skinnies perfectly.

Bubbles Clawtooth just came out with this darling hat-on-hair that comes with a texture-change HUD for the hat and what seems a thousand great hair textures. (I am exaggerating, but I spent a lot of time clicking.) This darling look is one of my favorite hat hairs of the season! I loved this skin from Syane Cisse on me. It’s plain, indeed, but has a certain sophistication I think could be dressed up or down.

Hair: Clawtooth: Snow Bunny – The Complete Collection by Bubbles Clawtooth for Clawtooth *

Skin: [sYs] SKIN – LOU M01 (brown brows) with [sYs] SKIN – Kohl eyes by Syane Cisse for [sYs]

Eyes: Egozy.Eyes (Green) by Nicole Button for Egozy *

Sweater: [Phunk] Ugly Christmas Sweater by Parallaxx for Phunk

Jeans: 20.FIVE Mesh: Jan Skinny Jeans by beanster Potato for 20.FIVE *

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

Boots: Essenz – Brisbane (Fatpack 1) by Senzati0n Domenitzo for Essenz, available at Frozzen Fair *

Giftboxes: [ba] gift box – pack and transfer! by Barnesworth Anubis for Barnesworth Anubis

Art: [PM]Pixel Mode – 3D Deer Head Picture by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, GIFT available exclusively in the KittyCatS & Friends Advent Calendar *

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

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!

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} *

The Great Outdoors

“

To me the outdoors is what you must pass through in order to get from your apartment into a taxicab.” ~ Fran Lebowitz

Summer is coming. I know it is! I am ready! Tobias Convair and Tya Fallingbridge have a few outdoor accessories that I have put to good use on my parcel. First Tya has this wonderful hammock at the Liaison Collaborative that comes in two wood tones with color change pillows and single and couples poses plus some adult for romantic encounters. I set it on the front porch of my house so I could lounge by the water, reading the New Yorker on my iPad and getting some fresh air.

Tobias has made a darling cabana house in “Crayola colors,” which goes well with his Pinewood Cottage. I can imagine all the colors lined up on a beach. (Would be great accompanied by cabana boys, hm?) Tya has made these fabulous lounge chairs in four different iterations and mirrored so you can set them up as you please. They include great single poses too. These are also available at the Liaison Collaborative.

Even in the great outdoors, I need to dress up, even if my heels sink in the lawn. Mistahmoose is a new guy on the fashion scene in SL, a game/graphics designer who has decided to ply his trade in world. These shoes are an example of his work. Designed for the Slink mid foot, they include a great texture-change HUD. (And the textures are a sort of suede, which shows brilliantly in the colors.) With a sexy shape and a new look, these shoes are some of the first pieces Mistahmoose has released. I look forward to more!

Movin’ on up, I wear a great artistic dress from Bamshyl Bookmite, one of her offerings for Fashionart. She has made a series of this mesh dress with solid colors and artistic/abstract patterns like this one, perfect for fashion and art. My jewelry I found while shopping from a recommendation in Skin Addiction. Velvetskin makes this necklace and bracelet with a HUD that has several texture change options for the different pieces and also offers the necklace in pieces (so you can wear, say, just the hanging stone on the chain). The set comes with the necklace, bracelets and earrings. I chose to wear a cute little cuff from Jaycee Dover that I picked up at Kustom 9 on my other wrist. Brightly colored nail polish from Di Hoorenbeek brightens my look.

I love these low ponytails from Kimberlee Miles. With three different hair color sets to choose from, I chose the middle set which carries mostly gingers and reds and browns. I love this bright ginger as it matches the playful nature of the style. My skin is one of Inka Mexicola’s lovely pieces for the Dressing Room Fusion with peachy lips and beautifully shaped eyes and brows.

Marry an outdoors woman. Then if you throw her out into the yard on a cold night, she can still survive. ~ W. C. Fields

Hair: (Chemistry) Hair – Prairie (Rigged) by Kimberlee Miles for (Chemistry) *

Skin: Essences – Siggy TDRF03 *blonde* by Inka Mexicola for Essences, available at The Dressing Room Fusion *

Eyes: [Brixley] Spring Eyes – evergreen by Isabelle Requiem for Brixley *

Dress: B BOS -Julie Dress-Thought by Bamshyl Bookmite for B Bos, available at Fashionart *

Necklace: **RE** LUX Liana Necklace – A+B+C by Velvetskin for RealEvil Industries

Bracelets: **RE** LUX Liana Bracelet – A+B – R by Velvetskin for RealEvil Industries and L U X E – Wooden Cuff Grayscale by Jaycee Dover for Luxe, available at Kustom 9

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

Nail Appliers: Di’s Opera – Fingernails HUD – Fruits by Di Hoorenbeek for Di’s Opera *

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

Shoes: [Shimmer] Uptown Girl Heel by Mistahmoose for Shimmer *

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

In the great outdoors:

• [PM]Pixel Mode – Ocean Breeze Deck Lounge – B – Mirror by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Ocean Breeze Deck Lounge – A by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Ocean Breeze Hammock – Light Wood – Adult by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at the Liaison Collaborative *
• +CONVAIR+ Crayola Cabana Yellow (boxed) by Tobias Convair for Convair, available at the Liaison Collaborative *

The Painter

“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen.” ― Leonardo da Vinci

Fashionart is opening in a couple days with the theme of art as inspiration for fashion. I am getting psyched up for the event, preparing my artist’s mind for the exclusives. This cute dress from Johnydeep is a darling start with an artist’s palette on the front. Upon wearing it, I realized my mission as a painter, and set up an easel and started painting. (One of Diana Baroque’s paintings so I could look good. I couldn’t paint my way out of a paper bag.) A jaunty colorful cap from Ravenna Rossini and high heel shoes from Teekie are two more of the exclusives from Fashionart. (And if you think an artist does not wear ridiculously sexy high heels, you clearly have never met Eshi Otawara in RL.)

My glowing skin is the Nutmeg version of Carina Larsen’s newest release. With pretty brows and eyes and delicate lips, it’s a distinctively beautiful skin. Carina released a set of mesh eyes that include a HUD for sizing and glow, which I have been showing for the past few blog entries. My long locks, which fit perfectly under the hat, are Truth Hawks’ newest. Nancoix Urquan has a set of great poses for sale at Fashionart as well. Bring on the art!

“I dream my painting and I paint my dream.” ― Vincent van Gogh

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

Skin: Amacci Skin – Tyne (Nutmeg) – 10 Rose by Carina Larsen for Amacci *

Body paint: :: YaYo :: – Canvas – Body – No Face by Brandi Monroe for YaYo

Eyes: – Zenith Eyes – Mesh Eyes with HUD – Teal by Carina Larsen for Amacci *

Dress: The Dress of a Artist by johnydeep for J&A Megastore, available at Fashionart (opens May 9)

Cap: Frogstar – Ryden Cap (F) Original by Ravenna Rossini for Frogstar, available at Fashionart (opens May 9)

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

Feet: Slink AvEnhance Feet High by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: FOR SLINK HIGH HOLLY MESH BLACK VIDA HEELS by Teekie for Hollyhood, available at Fashionart (opens May 9)

Poses by BoatHouse Paint Brush (wear me) and BoatHouse Painting Pallette (wear me) by IzzieBellah Hinterland for BoatHouse

.:-CatniP-:. Easel  (Standing Paint Animation) by Akasha Wachmann for .:-CatniP-:.

[PM]Pixel Mode – Draped Photography Background by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode *

Painting by Diana Baroque

Poses by Nancoix Urquan for {NanTra} Poses, available at Fashionart (opens May 9)

An Irrevocable Condition

“Perhaps home is not a place but simply an irrevocable condition.” ~ James Baldwin

Tobias Convair believes in home and he knows his stuff. His latest release, the Pinewood Cottage, which he is selling at FaMESHed at a rock bottom price, is his American interpretation of home, an arts and crafts style bungalow which would find a safe place in many neighborhoods around the U.S. With a cozy floorplan that allows for small furniture groupings and an intimate upstairs space with room for a bedroom with fireplace, master bath and office, it’s a sort of archetype of the American dream and where else but SL would one best indulge that dream?

I located the house on my parcel overlooking the Linden seas with a late afternoon light falling in the windows to match the shadows and sunlight Tobias baked in and furnished it with pieces I have collected and new furnishings out for sale right now.

Start with the casual room to the side. With flowing curtains from Isabeau Baragula that I used throughout the house, I put down Tya Fallingbridge’s darling rattan collection for FaMESHed, which would be great in a room like this or the kind of outdoor living room that is so popular here right now. With beautifully coordinated textiles, pillows and blankets, the set has a versatility with several sitting poses per chair.

The casual dining room is furnished with Cherelle Capra’s blue and light wood furnishings that she sold at the Monochromatic Fair but which are now in her main store. Coordinated with several funky accessories (the retro clock and hanging lights), the set brightens up the house, giving a casual homey feel to the kitchen.

Cory Edo has made this formal dining room set for FaMESHed, which I have accessorized with Sway Dench’s gorgeous Moroccan carved screen and one of Tya Fallingbridge’s curved chandeliers. Cory provides the full compliment for a beautiful dining room including captains chairs with several texture change options, dining chairs, a gorgeously designed arts and crafts influenced table and separate dining pieces including place settings with color change scripts. A set of candles from Spooky Mistwallow’s RP store creates an elegant ambience to the scene.

I found pieces with an East Asian influence from Kaerri Rae in my inventory to place in front of the cozy fireplace that Tobias has included with the house. Tobias’ fireplace set, sold separately at his store, fills the hearth with a warm glow while a floor cushion recently purchased from Wendy Xeno provides a space for singles or couples to cozy up by the fire.

In my own home in SL there is no reason to dress up or flounce around in ball gowns. I chose separates from Paul Lapointe and Bastchild Lotus so I could color change to make a harmonious combination and accessorized with Maxi Gossamer’s latest offerings at FaMESHed. My lovely skin is Umazuma Metaluna’s newest piece, a lovely Asian skin with freckles sprinkled across the nose and a high ponytail from Circe Ishtari, drawn up with a scrunchie, completes my look.

“After all,” Anne had said to Marilla once, “I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.” ~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Avonlea

Hair: Tokyo.Girl Hair Suzu [ all color ] ~long flexi~ by Circe Ishtari for Tokyo Girl *

Skin: [theSkinnery] Xiao – Bare face(honey) DB CL1 by Umazuma Metaluna for the Skinnery, available at Chapter Four *

Eyes: Amacci  – Zenith Eyes – Mesh Eyes with HUD – Brown by Carina Larsen for Amacci *

Top: L&B S’wear “Bianca” SM  Camisole Cropped – Color Knit Set by Paul Lapointe and BastChild Lotus for Lapointe and Bastchild *

Jeans: L&B Jeans “Classic” (SM) (Feet) – FatPack by Paul Lapointe and BastChild Lotus for Lapointe and Bastchild *

Earrings: [MAGIC NOOK] Lasso Hoop (Silver) MESH by Ayumi Cassini for Magic Nook, available at the Dressing Room Fusion

Necklace: MG – Necklace – Riva Bow – Short by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at FaMESHed *

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

Nail appliers: Nailed It – French Manicure – Pastels Set by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It *

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

Sandals: MG – Sandals – Riva Bow by Maxi Gossamer for Maxi Gossamer, available at FaMESHed *

Poses by Olaenka Chesnokov for oOo, available at Pose Fair 2014 *

 

House:

• +CONVAIR+ Pinewood Cottage by Tobias Convair for Convair, available at FaMESHed *

 

Casual Room:

• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan Chair – A by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan Chair – B by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan Chair – C by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan Chair – D by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM] Pixel Mode: Juniper Rattan End Table by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• [PM]Pixel Mode – Throw Rug – Straw by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode, available at FaMESHed *
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Left) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Right) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)

 

Casual dining room:

• Winston Drape, M/C by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Retro Starburst Clock – Indigo by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Cafe Stool 1 – Indigo (3 pos) by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Cafe Stool 2 – Indigo (3 pos) by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Cafe Stool 4 – Indigo (3 pos) by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Cafe Stool 4 – Indigo (3 pos) by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Sofa Table with Sea Birds – Birch by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Whimsy Light Strands Row – Light Blue by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• * [CIRCA] Open Table Magazine by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Modern Floor Vase – Birch by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Tiered Crate Shelf w/ Items- 3 Woods by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• [CIRCA] – “Charlotte Bay” Round Cafe Table with Planter – Birch by Cherelle Capra for [CIRCA] *
• blue rug by Jeanie Moonflower for Bygone Days

 

Formal dining room:

• Sway’s [Shirin] Folding screen – ebony by Sway Dench for Sway’s, out for The Challenge *
• [PM] Pixel Mode  – Chandelier – Short – Pewter by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode *
• =Mirage= Candle Cluster – Magick Mix (3 LI) by Spooky Mistwallow for =Mirage= *
• Fowler Rug 3 by Eric Linden (yeah!)
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Dining Table by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Dining Chair Autumn F1 {A} by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Dining Chair w/Arms Autumn F1 {A} by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Napkin and Flatwear Neutral by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Tall Wine Glass by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya DIning Plate Neutral by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Trompe Loeil – Darya Salt/Pepper Shaker Neutral Plum by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil, available at FaMESHed *
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Left) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Right) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)

 

Formal living room:

• Trompe Loeil – Cobble Hill Rug by Cory Edo for Trompe Loeil *
• Saitama Ottoman by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• Saitama Couch by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• Saitama Picture by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• Saitama Orchid by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• Saitama Zen Stones by Kaerri Rae for Kaerri *
• [we’re CLOSED] floor cushion army by Wendy Xeno for [we’re CLOSED]
• +CONVAIR+ FIreplace Tools by Tobias Convair for Convair *
• +CONVAIR+ Fireplace Grate by Tobias Convair for Convair *
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Left) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)
• Kalopsia – Flying Curtain (Right) by Isabeau Baragula for Kalopsia (modified)

 

Porch:

• Sway’s [Shells] Wind Chimes – berries by Sway Dench for Sway’s, available at the Liaison Collaborative *
• Sway’s [Garrison] potted topiary – cone by Sway Dench for Sway’s , available at the Liaison Collaborative *

La Belle au bois dormant

“Consider
a girl who keeps slipping off,
arms limp as old carrots,
into the hypnotist’s trance,
into a spirit world
speaking with the gift of tongues.”
― Anne Sexton, Transformations

Enchantment is opening tomorrow (May 1) and this time Voshie Paine has changed things up a bit to make it more interesting and to get you off a central event sim and around to the stores. Similar to the concept some Japanese groups have done, you purchase one of the Enchantment items and you get a card, which you wear. At each store you go, there is a little stamp kiosk, as shown above. You click on it while wearing the card and *kerchunk*, your card is stamped. (To get a list of creators and locations, go to the Enchantment blog tomorrow when Voshie unveils the theme.)

Once you have gotten a stamp at each store and filled your card, you can take the card back to the magical wonderland at Enchantment (location to be revealed May 1) and get one of the wonderful prizes the creators are offering in kiosks around the fountain. There are 20 creators and 20 prizes and 20 possible cards. Even better, the cards are no copy/transfer so if you get a card you want to share with a friend, pass it along and let them get the stamps or redeem the card.

I tp’d around to all the stores to collect my stamps and see how it worked. Each store has the kiosk close to the front door and it’s a very clever and easy operation. The stamps you have collected show up on the card and the card reports to you how much you have left. (I have two more to go! Argh!)

The theme of this month’s Enchantment is, of course, Sleeping Beauty, so all the items and accessories correspond to this in some fashion. TheAnnex is selling this gorgeous Sleeping Beauty gown with mesh under frock and caged overskirt with cascades of flowers for the event with matching sky-high shoes. The intricacy of the flowers overlaid on the dress make this a fairy tale come true. The matching shoes have flowers embellishing the sculptural shape.

My Sleeping Beauty is made extra gorgeous by Inka Mexicola’s skin for the Secret Story, which is closing today. My hair is Mina Nakamura’s contribution to Enchantment, a bed-tousled flow of waves, ideal for this beauty. Mina also has an amazing lying-down hair she is offering as her Enchantment prize.

I have to say, collecting all the stamps in one night is rather tiring. After jetting around, I had a bit of a lie-down in Tya Fallingwater’s magical dreaming hammock (which also includes couples poses, but my endeavors were solitary) and I admit I dozed off. Don’t wear yourself out. You have all month to collect your stamps—the event runs through the end of May.

 

“Sleep is my lover now, my forgetting, my opiate, my oblivion.” ~ Audrey Niffenegger

Hair: MINA Hair – Roos NB (no materials)  by Mina Nakamura for MINA, special for Enchantment *

Skin: Essences – Amaranth TSS01 *light rose* brunette by Inka Mexicola for Essences, available at The Seasons Story *

Eyes: .ID. Delicate Eyes / Brown by Audrey Lamede for Insufferable Dastard

Dress: The Annex – Sleeping Beauty Gown by TheAnnex for The Annex, special for Enchantment *

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

Nail appliers: Nailed It – Slink – Baiastice’s Yara Set I by Giela Delpaso for Nailed It *

Feet: Slink AvEnhance Feet High by Siddean Munro for Slink

Shoes: The Annex – Impossibly High Heels – Sleeping Beauty Ed by TheAnnex for The Annex, special for Enchantment *

Poses by Olaenka Chesnokov for oOo, available at Pose Fair 2014 *

Furniture: [PM]Pixel Mode – The Dreamer  – White with White Candle Holders by Tya Fallingbridge for Pixel Mode *