Now

“Remember, remember, this is now, and now, and now. Live it, feel it, cling to it. I want to become acutely aware of all I’ve taken for granted.” ~ Sylvia Plath

Poulet Koenkamp has come up with a darling look for this month’s On9, an East Asian-influenced minidress with a cut up the side of the thighs and an asymmetrical top. Fit to the body, either a mesh body or system body, it’s a hot look, especially paired with the lace up heels from Skyler Lebed that she is featuring at Romp and the cute earrings AvaGardner Kungler has done for On9.

MissAllSunday Lemon has generously made three fantastic ‘dos for Hair Fair 2016, a portion of each sale benefitting Wigs for Kids. This mix of high bangs and high ponytail with locks framing the decolletage is a sexy fun look.

MissAllSunday also offers a whimsical side ponytail with a braided front. I saw a girl wearing this style at Summerfest (the RL one, not the SL one) this year and it was darling on her.

Finally, a braid frames the face for this long style, perfect for RP or everyday wear. As always, MissAllSunday rocks the Hair Fair!

Hair:

• /Wasabi Pills/ Fionna Mesh Hair by MissAllSunday Lemon for /Wasabi Pills/, available at Hair Fair 2016 *
• /Wasabi Pills/ Bubblegum Mesh Hair – Review copies by MissAllSunday Lemon for /Wasabi Pills/, available at Hair Fair 2016 *
• /Wasabi Pills/ Marceline Mesh Hair – Review copies by MissAllSunday Lemon for /Wasabi Pills/, available at Hair Fair 2016 *

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

Mesh head: CATWA HEAD Sarah V4.9 by Catwa Clip for CATWA

Eyes: [theSkinnery] Sona eyes – 1 by Umazuma Metaluna for [theSkinnery]

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

Dress: :: PM :: MeiMei Dress MAITREYA -all colors- by Poulet Koenkamp for PurpleMoon Creations available at On9 *

Earrings: (Kunglers) Sampaguita earrings – Candy by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers Extra, available at On9 *

Shoes: **Dirty Princess** Erotic Princess Heel Maitreya by Skyler Lebed for **Dirty Princess**, available at ROMP *

Poses by Fanny Willis for Everglow *

Believing

There may be fairies at the bottom of the garden. There is no evidence for it, but you can’t prove that there aren’t any, so shouldn’t we be agnostic with respect to fairies? ~ Richard Dawkins

KittyCatS recently came out with a new line of kitties that are based on fantasy with unicorn horns. Called KittyCornS, they are darling little kitties with great patterns and a sparkling horn. KittyCats has even made two that are tributes to David Bowie and Prince (see the “Purple Rain” kitty below). When you breed two KittyCornS, you get a special kitten!

Of course, this fairy is dancing through the fields when she comes upon these magical KittyCornS. She kneels down and finds they are sweet and gentle and just as fantastic as she is. It seems the theme for Enchantment this round has inspired many creators, including Erielle Deschanel and Mariska Simons, who made this fairy-themed lingerie with matching wings and headpiece. The wings and headpiece come with comprehensive HUDs that allow you to switch out colors on the tendrils, flowers, etc. The lingerie comes with a lace bodysuit (great lingerie on its own or with another outfit) and the beautifully fit corset and skirt (which are separate pieces for mix and match with other outfits too). I accessorized with Mea Carnell’s darling daisy jewelry and flat sandals from Senzati0n Domenitzo, also featured at Enchantment.

Wavy curly fantasy hair is Luka Hauster’s perfect offering for Hairology. With knotted bits and gently waves flowing down, it’s a gorgeous look for my fairy, especially with Umazuma Metaluna’s skin applier on the Karin head from LeLutka for the Ultra Event. I added Monicuzza Babenco’s fantasy lipstick, the rare prize at the Gacha Garden, to light up the pink in my look.

Hair: *PH* 8135 by Luka Hauster for Pink Hustler, available at Hairology *

Skin applier: [theSkinnery] Demi (LeLutka Applier) honey by Umazuma Metaluna for [theSkinnery], available at the Ultra Event *

Makeup: *YS&YS* Evanescence 13 Lipstick applier Lelutka RARE by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS&YS*, available at Gacha Garden *

Mesh head: .LeLutka.Mesh Head-KARIN v1.3 by JadenArt for LeLutka *

Eyes: [theSkinnery] Sona  eye collection – 2 by Umazuma Metaluna for [theSkinnery] *

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

Outfit with wings and headpiece: ~Bl Lounge~ Princesse Maia Violet with ~ Blacklace Lounge ~ Princesse Maia – Fairy Wings and HeadDress Scandal Pack by Mariska Simons and Erielle Deschanel for Blacklace Lounge, available at Enchantment *

Jewelry: Meva Daisy Necklace, Rings 1 and 2, Bangle and Earrings by Mea Carnell for Meva, available at Enchantment *

Shoes: Essenz – Tucson (Maitreya) by Senzati0n Domenitzo for Essenz, available at Enchantment *

Poses by AbbyAnne for Sari-Sari

Taken at Frisland

Magical pets: KittyCornS by KittyCatS

Love Birds

It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds. ~ Aesop

I walked out to the beach to find that it looked like a flock of lovebirds had taken nest in my palm trees. Oh wait. They purred and I realized they were KittyCats perched in my palms. KittyCatS recent release of LoveBirdS include a removable beak and crest and come with brightly colored feathers, made for Valentine’s Day but perfect to brighten up your spring after a long winter. Each KittyCat includes a special animation in them, where they will rez you a blanket and special poses so you can enjoy them with a friend.

I enjoyed the warm air in an outfit made of separates from the first anniversary Shiny Shabby. My top from evastika Aura is fitted for Maitreya bodies matched to denim shorts from Systi Cisse, also for Maitreya bodies. Cute bowed flats from Darling Monday come in several colors. A cute little diamond-studded watch from Bob for Shiny Shabby includes a HUD to change various parts of the watch.

Carina Larsen has made this cute and casual ponytail for Shiny Shabby with her great texture-change options. I am wearing Monicuzza Babenco’s gorgeous new applier for Shiny Shabby on the Catwa Annie mesh head in a warm tan. I found my palms at the RFL Home & Garden Expo from Cari McKeenan, who got them out late. The donation from purchase of the trees will go directly to ACS.

Hair: Amacci Hair – Lorene by Carina Larsen for Amacci, available at Shiny Shabby *

Skin applier: *YS&YS* Ariel Tone03 Skin Applier – Catwa Mesh Head by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS&YS*, available at Shiny Shabby *

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

Eyes: L’Etre – Mesh Eyes [#30] by dam1710 for L’Etre

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

Top: #EVANI – Wendy top  BLUE (MAITREYA LARA) by evastika Aura for EVANI, available at Shiny Shabby *

Shorts: [sYs] CALINE short (fitted mesh) – denim by Syane Cisse for [sYs], available at Shiny Shabby *

Watch: [VALE KOER] PASTEL BEZEL WATCH by Bob for Vale Koer, available at Shiny Shabby *

Shoes: fri. – Sarah.Janes (Cloud) – Maitreya by Darling Monday for fri.day, available at Shiny Shabby *

Palm Trees: LB_PonyPalmv1.3 by Cari McKeenan for Little Branch, avialable at the RFL Home & Garden Expo *

Poses by Sylva Petrov for **Sylva’s Animation Factory

Wildlife: “LoveBirdS” by KittyCats for KittyCatS

Raspberry-Filled Almond Torte Cookies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos taken at Furillen, created by Serene Footman

Katniss

I have been reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins this week, as recommended to me by my pal, Bram Ellison. Set in the post apocalyptic world of the North America, a country called Panem, our heroine, Katniss, is a participant and survivor, with her District 12 associate, Peeta, of the Hunger Games, a televised survival game between children chosen from each of the 12 districts of Panem to fight to the death to prove that even children are not beyond the reach of the Capital, the existing power. Pressured by President Snow after a seeming act of defiance in surviving the Hunger Games, Katniss is coerced into pretending to love Peeta. This ensemble and reading the book inspired me to create a narrative from Katniss’ perspective. She is being dressed for the night before her wedding to Peeta; the intent is to bring romance to the Hunger Games for the television audience.

Effie wakes me from a nightmare-filled nap that afternoon. “Rise and shine!” she chirps cheerily. “Tonight Caesar Flickerman will be interviewing you and Peeta, and then they will be filming you in a romantic dance. You have to look your most alluring for Peeta.”

After Flavius, Venia and Octavius have done their usual magic of converting me from Seam denizen to glamorous victor (always an arduous task for all of us despite their careless gossip and chatter), Cinna eases my dress over my head. Blooming a deep burgundy into a glittering purple hem, the dress swooshes around me almost airlessly despite the heaviness and richness of the fabric. The bodice leaves my shoulders exposed above a blossom of fabric, and Cinna dusts them with a subtle glitter. “This deep purple is the color of royalty but also of passion,” he explains to me. “It represents your love for Peeta. He should not be able to resist nor will the audience.”

He smiles at me as he pushes feathers into my updo, dotting my hair with diamonds. “These feathers represent a bird in flight, Katniss.” I know he means the mockingjay, and I realize then that Cinna fully supports our dissent as well and that this is his very subtle message. I feel a renewed conviction about what we are about to do.

Cinna dabs his fingers into a jar of dark makeup. “I am going to do a different sort of look tonight,” he explains, as he applies the makeup in streaks around my eyes, covering the black eye Haymitch accidentally gave me in training. “We will say it’s a romantic mask.” I look in the mirror and what I see in the makeup are tears, the tears I want to shed for the other victors, who will die, the tears I want to shed for Gale and Prim and my mother, but mostly the tears I want to shed for Peeta and myself. He presses the mockingjay pin into my hand and I curl my fingers around it.

I put on a brave smile and walk through the tunnels to the arena.

“The bird, the pin, the song, the berries, the watch, the cracker, the dress that burst into flames. I am the mockingjay. The one that survived despite the Capitol’s plans. The symbol of the rebellion.” ~ Katniss in “Catching Fire,” the second book in “The Hunger Games” series by Suzanne Collins

Hair: Miamai_Lenoira_Black with Miamai_Lena Hairbase_Black (which includes the eye makeup seen) by Monica Outlander for Miamai, available at Hair Fair 2011 *

Skin: *YS & YS* Linda – June TDR by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS & YS*

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Eggplant (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Dress: -AZUL- Yolanda/Lavender (MMV2011finalist/MissVenezuela) by Mami Jewell for –AZUL- *

Earrings: {H} Caged Pearl Earring – Silver by Reghan Straaf for Hatpins *

Fashion is Danger!

Oooooh oooh oooh ooh
You think you know fashion, well fashion’s a stranger
You think fashion’s your friend, my friend
Fashion is danger

~ Flight of the Conchords in “Fashion is Danger”

I couldn’t help but share that song because it’s funny. Eshi Otawara’s newest outfit is sort of dangerous fashion—from the huge hatpins sticking out to the wild prims whipping about, there is a chance you may get hurt. If you don’t, just admire the construction of her work—the feathery fringy furry jacket, the speckling of flowers over the outfit, the crazy body-changing shape—all of it subversive fashion for SL. Wear it for fun or wear it for drama—it’s dangerous fashion.

Wear it with bold pink lips from Monicuzza Babenco as I do here (you can barely see the skin but the lips are luscious enough to carry this) and wear with white fantasy hair from MissAll Sunday Lemon (who seems to be putting out tons of new hair—go to her store), and you’re going to be one dangerous fashionista.

I’m the edge
I’m the chic
I’m the taste
I’m a larger than life with just a hint of lace

Hair: /Wasabi Pills/ Yumi Hair – Iceberg by MissAllSunday Lemon for /Wasabi Pills/ *

Skin: *YS & YS* Beatrice – 05 Happy by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS & YS* *

Outfit: AOI TORI (black and white) by Eshi Otawara for Eshi Otawara *

Quick and Easy

I threw this outfit together—quick and easy—and I’m pleased.

I really enjoyed putting it together, mostly because of the pieces that dominate—the chic and long-legged slacks and darling short brocade jacket with fabric flower from Maylee Oh. Pairing these two pieces creates a different proportion—making the look show legs for miles and punctuating it with a busy pattern up top. That pattern would be WAY too much all over but is ideal on a short jacket. I put one of moonbubble Gothly’s great and versatile tanks underneath and wedges from Teresa Republic extend the leg even further.

My skin is another version of Monicuzza Babenco’s latest. The coloring seemed to match the warm colors of the outfit. I have been wondering what it is about this skin that I like so much, and I think it’s the little twist to the lips that really makes this one. I love chiaku Xue’s short styles. She does short like no one else on the grid. I keep putting this one on for every occasion.

Written while listening to David Hidalgo and Louie Perez singing “Cure for Love.” Dang!

Hair: **Dura-Boys&Girls**16(Dark Brown) by chiaki Xue for Dura *

Skin: *YS & YS* Mary – 12 Gold by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS & YS* *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Green (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Jacket: The Secret Store – Eglantine – Floral by Maylee Oh for The Secret Store

Top: [bubble] Basic Top Orange by moonbubble Gothly for [bubble] *

Slacks: The Secret Store – Basic flared pants – Cream by Maylee Oh for The Secret Store

Earrings: (Kunglers Extra) Marajoara earrings – nature by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers Extra *

Shoes: HM – Bilson Wedge – Coral Rose by Teresa Republic for haut.monde *

Poses by Freedom Parx/GM Nikolaidis for Fluke *

Mood Indigo

You ain’t been blue; no, no, no.
You ain’t been blue,
Till you’ve had that mood indigo.
That feelin’ goes stealin’ down to my shoes
While I sit and sigh, “Go ‘long blues”.

~ “Mood Indigo,” as sung by Nina Simone

There’s a reason I chose this particular version of “Mood Indigo.” While it talks about the blues, it’s really a peppy number as done by Nina Simone. It starts off in a Duke Ellington style (as well it should as he wrote it) that moves through at a energetic pace, which belies the lyrics. It suits our beauty as shown here.. she sparkles and is the epitome of brilliance but underneath she may be a “poor fool that’s bluer than blue can be.” While I realize this gown is not indigo, it certainly is blue. Her elegance is provided by saby Clary in this satiny sleek gown with silver lace highlights and sheer bodice panel and heels from nut Barak.

Her beautiful skin is another skin tone from Monicuzza Babenco’s newest releases, a shimmering makeup on a beautiful tan skin. I donned piercing light blue eyes from Ikon Innovia and earrings from Alienbear Gupte that are a couple years old but still amazing today.

I’m just a poor fool that’s bluer than blue can be
When I get that mood indigo

Hair: >TRUTH< Eden – pearl by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: *YS & YS* Linda – 14 Ice by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS & YS* *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Pale Azure (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Dress: Utopia KATHLEEN azure by saby Clary for Utopia

Earrings: Frideswide Earring (white) by Alienbear Gupte for Alienbear Gupte’s Designs

Shoes: #OC# Crush heels – Azure by Nut Barak for Orange Creations *

Meg

Her name was Theresa but everyone calls her “Meg,” because she is so much like nutmeg—brown, spicy and warm—and she smells faintly of spices. That’s because she works at the spice store around the block from me—one of my favorite places. She knows cooking back and forth, taught to her by her gramma, and she gave me the best recipe for banana bread that has among it’s spices.. well, what else but nutmeg.

Meg is wearing a darling retro skirt from Maya Levane, something she picked up at a vintage store topped by a comfy tank from moonbubble Gothly (whose store she loves). She loves jewelry and she has been to the Accessory Fair several times. She has a great set from Mouse Mimistrobell on—necklace, earrings and bangles. The set is as eclectic and funky as Meg herself. A pretty little ring from AvaGardner Kungler punctuates her look.

Monicuzza Babenco’s newest skin is an ideal visage for Meg with its sweet nutmeg tone and beautiful glow. The lips and eyes on this skin are sublime, incredibly attractive and sensual. Her hair is a beauty from Truth Hawks with its woven-in braid and streaks (which I changed to auburn for subtlety). Her toes are gloriously rendered by Siddean Munro in a pair of Siddean’s newest flat sandals.

Full of sugar and spice and everything nice.

Hair: >TRUTH< Clementine Streaked (Upper) – mocha by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: *YS & YS* Mary – 01 Nude by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS & YS* *

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Dark Hazel (M) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Top: [bubble] Basic Top Brown 2 by moonbubble Gothly for [bubble] *

Skirt: (TokiD) le frills skirt – light flowers by Maya Levane for TokiD

Necklace, earrings, and bracelets: Dark Mouse Waves & Sun Necklace, Bangles and Earrings by Mouse Mimistrobell for Dark Mouse, available at the Accessory Fair *

Ring: (Kunglers Extra) Lotus – ring 2 by AvaGardner Kungler for Kunglers Extra, available at the Accessory Fair *

Sandals: Slink Cassia Sandals Choc by Siddean Munro for SLink *

Optimistic

You can try the best you can
If you try the best you can
The best you can is good enough

~ Radiohead, “Optimistic”

I am writing this while listening to Radiohead and in pure bliss. It’s a beautiful day out, I have new headphones, I got a full night’s sleep and I have some cute clothes! Today’s summer-kissed outfit features, first of all, patched jeans from Dick Wiesel. With their cute but sexy look and variable patches (depending on what color you get), they are a great go-to for a more colorful jeans look. (Dick named these “Cherry Pie” after the Warrant song. Way to play the age card, Dick!)

My top is a frilly beautiful from Maria Gherardi. These are available in several colors but I had to hunt her store down because the main store sim is gone. My shoes are older but no less amazing mules from Fallingwater Cellardoor.

My tan lines come courtesy of Monicuzza Babenco, who takes tan one step sexier with a bikini line. (I had to show the lines—it’s really nicely done). The makeup is sensuous and fresh. My mane is courtesy of Truth Hawks, who has not yet run out of sexy women’s names for his hair.

The best you can is good enough….

Hair: >TRUTH< Bebe – fudge by Truth Hawks for >TRUTH< *

Skin: *YS & YS* Penelope Sunburn TanLine – TDR by Monicuzza Babenco for *YS & YS*

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Blue (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Top: [MG fashion] Gigi Tank Top (burgundy) by Maria Gherardi for MG Fashion

Jeans: :. WoE .: Guage G2 Patched Jeans (Cherry Pie) by Dick Wiesel for :. WoE .: *

Necklace: necklace *cp* pink >> **~Twinkleberry~** by Emiko Harvey for Twinkleberry

Shoes: (Shiny Things) Plainers – pink by Fallingwater Cellardoor for (Shiny Things)

Poses by Diesel Rogan for Diesel Works Animations*