Backpacking Off the Beaten Path

I headed out to The Liaison Collaborative this morning to check out this month's collection inspired by a Route 66 road trip. I didn't try to capture the spirit of that road in my photo, but I really like this month's theme. For those who don't know, Route 66 is a 2,400 mile iconic and scenic East/West road in the United States from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. It has been replaced for practical travel purposes by the interstate highway system, but Route 66 lives in the American imagination. A trip on Route 66 is more than a way to get from point A to point B. It's the Mother Road. Think Jack Kerouak's On the Road or John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath.

I discovered a new-to-me pose store at The Liaison Collaborative. I really liked the Off the Beaten Path poses from NanTra. My son spent a month in Scotland this summer where he spent his spare time backpacking and camping - activities that baffle his nice hotel or condo rental parents. I do appreciate the romance of camping out on a remote Scottish island, I'd just never do it. I was thinking these thoughts as I posed this blog photo, a study of on-the-road romance and sore feet.

Credits:

 

Pose, Backpack and Waterbottle by NanTra (at The Liaison Collaborative)
Baiastice Kafue Top-gold
Maitreya * Washed Out * BF Jeans Shorts
Pure Poison - Viking Woman Sandals - Brown
Epoque Metal Petal Ring - Gold/Obsidian

Eaters Coma - HAIR 55 / Mocha (at Uber)

Lara Hurley-Fae drained /Rose Pale
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Flat
Slink Physique Mesh Figure V1

A Little Magic

I've been away for awhile taking an unscheduled break to deal with some real life summer fun with the family. I logged in and went to some of my favorite events. We <3 Role-Play has made room for one of my all time favorite fantasy creators, Evie Miles of Evie's Closet. I'm the sweetest fairy ever!

Truth Hair has updated some of the fantasy hair colors and is offering this hair in the pastel shades for free. Free pink (and other colors) from Truth? WINNER!

Speaking of Truth, Mr. Hawks has a new monthly event called Uber. I found my first ever Lara Hurley skin there. It's flawlessly beautiful and comes with a SLink Physique applier complete with hands and feet.

Credits:

 

Evie's Closet Obelia Dress
Evie's Closet Obelia Pants
Evie's Closet Obelia Wings

Lara Hurley Skin - Fae drained /Rose Pale
Lara Hurley-Fae red eyebrows/Rose Pale
Lara Hurley-Fae-Soft freckles/Rose Pale
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Physique Mesh Figure V1
TRUTH HAIR Jinx
Mon Cheri Falsies Eyelash - Upper
IKON Spectral Eyes (right) - Amber

Safari Chic at Collabor88

There are lots of winners at this month's safari themed Collabor88. I'm in love with the separates from Fashionably Dead, especially the tweed jacket which fits perfectly over the shorts and tank top. My Pure Poison sandals for medium Slink feet are perfect with my ensemble. Flowey has binoculars that work with our animation overriders to help us study the wildlife. Of course perving on the neighbors is fun, too. ;-)

Credits:

Fashionably Dead Safari Shorts - Olive (at Collabor88)
Fashionably Dead Tucked Racer Tank - Rust (at Collabor88)
Fashionably Dead Tweed Blazer - Light Brown (at Collabor88)
Pure Poison - Hellen Sandals - V1 (at Collabor88)
ARGRACE KAORU - Cinnamon

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
The Skinnery Maya 13 (honey) BB CL1

Binoculars and pose from Flowey (at Collabor88)

Glitter for My Face

Adam N Eve Skins came out with new SLink Visage makeup appliers for the Taliya - five Fae makeups and five goth makeups. They are wonderful!

I decided to wear a glittery Fae makeup and show off the key crown from Sad Harlekin, available at We <3 Role-Play!

Credits:

Sad Harlekin Head Dept - Keeper of Secrets - silver (at We <3 Role-Play)

Adam N Eve Skins Genesis Skins Taliya T0A for SLink VIsage (Fae)

Peqe - Mermaid Dress - Pink (at We <3 Role-Play)

Adam N Eve Skins Genesis Skins Taliya T0A for SLink VIsage (Fae)

Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky

Slink Physique Mesh Figure V1

Adam N Eve Skins Skin Taliya Tone 0A Red

IKON Promise Eyes - Green

Lamb Hair Cry Baby - Snickers

Wet Head

Just in time for bikini weather comes this fabulous wet hair from Argrace. I adore the special and imaginative styles at that store! My Baiastice bikini is at Collabor88 for a few more days, and my freckled skin is the PXL Creations applier for my SLink Physique.

Credits:

ARGRACE HIKARI - Cinnamon (New Release)
Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower
Baiastice Luli Bikini - corals (at Collabor88)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Physique Mesh Figure V1
PXL Creations MIA Jazz NAT ~ Makeup 03 REB C2 (at Rhapsody)
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Pose by oOo Studios

It's Event Time

We begin at FaMeshed with shorts and a top from Cracked Mirror. Just so you know, I'm wearing this outfit over my SLink Physique. It fits perfectly!

PXL Creations came out with an applier for the SLink Physique so I quickly donned his lovely Mia Jazz skin available at the musical Rhapsody event until July 12th.

Coming up this Friday is the ever popular Fifty Linden Friday. I usually don't have the time to blog one day events, but oOo Studios kindly slipped me a preview of a cute pose set with a water bottle, perfect for hot summer days. Make sure to stop by all the stores on Friday. Check the inworld Fifty Linden Friday group for landmarks.

Credits:

PXL Creations Face freckles medium (tattoo)
PXL Creations MIA Jazz NAT ~ Makeup 03 REB C2
Cracked Mirror Jaden Shorts (tan)
Cracked Mirror Jaden Top (retro print)

Mon Cheri Falsies Eyelash - Upper+Lower
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
Slink Physique Mesh Figure V1
TRUTH HAIR Oceana
IKON Spectral Eyes - Green

 

Physique By SLink

No, I didn't go work out in the SLink gym, I bought the brand new mesh body by Siddean Munro, SLink's owner/creator. I'm wearing my usual shape - Physique is fitted mesh - and didn't see much of a difference in my body shape except for the lack of jagged edges. That's a good thing. I added the same size Baiastice mesh lingerie that I usually wear and it fits perfectly. A detailed alpha HUD is included to allow us to continue to wear most of our favorite mesh clothes we have collected over the past few years.

Scroll down at your own risk - to show my Physique, I'm showing my - umm - physique.

The only item that didn't work perfectly for me on the first try was my SLink hands. For some reason I had to go down a size to get the seamless fit I always have enjoyed. If that's the biggest issue, there really is no issue.

And yes, you need SLink hands and feet for this mesh body. You can wear your mesh head, or your system head. Appliers are coming from most major skin designers. I picked up the DeeTaleZ applier and saw a notice from Glam Affair letting customers know that appliers are also available in Glam Affair's main store.

My bottom line.... another excellent product to improve our avatars from SLink.

Credits:

Slink Physique Mesh Figure V1
DeeTaleZ Appliers for SLINK PHYSIQUE BODY MIXEDTYPE
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky

DeeTaleZ HUD for Slink Visage "Face Viola" MIXEDTYPE
TRUTH HAIR Lunara
Baiastice Lena Lingerie-lace-black
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue

Poses by Diesel Works

The Skinnery Makes A SLink Visage Applier

I'm entranced by The Skinnery skins. When browsing through Flickr I spotted a SLink Visage head with a skin applier that I didn't recognize. I was over the moon when I realized it had to be The Skinnery! I popped over immediately and after testing the demo, snatched it up. It comes with five eyebrow colors and loads of lipsticks. I do hope this is the first of many appliers.

One thing a customer should know when buying the Visage applier from The Skinnery - there's no skin for the body. If you already have a Skinnery skin or two, that's no problem, but it's worth mentioning, since most of the appliers I have purchased come with a corresponding skin for the body. 

Credits:

The Skinnery Xiao (Slink Visage Hud) honey

Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky

Monso My Hair - Amy/ Red

IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue

The Skinnery Chloe 3 (honey) DB CL1

Fashion For Life - Still Going Strong Through June 20th

Don't forget to explore and shop at the 10 sim event, Fashion For Life! A portion of the proceeds of whatever you buy support medical research in the fight against cancer. You can support a good cause and gather wardrobe favorites like this adorable handbag from Pure Poison.

Credits:

Essenz - Laguna Shoes (at Fashion For Life)
Fission: Wide Open Spaces Dress - Blue (at Fashion For Life)
Pure Poison - Chrystal Necklace (at Fashion For Life)
Pure Poison - Flowers Cabin HandBag (at Fashion For Life)

Fox.Poison- Clear Glasses (Grey/Black)
Eaters Coma - HAIR 47 / Light Mocha
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
The Skinnery Chloe 10 (honey) DB CL1 (at The Arcade)

Aye Aye Captain

Collabor88 is open and it has a summer water theme. I'm a sucker for jean shorts and Maitreya's are a perfect summer basic. It was hard to decide which of the many adorable tops to add, but I settled on Baiastice's cute anchor top. Yummy Accessories offers the cute necklace and awesome captain's hat.

I'm still having fun with the SLink mesh heads, and get really excited when a skin maker releases a new skin applier. Adam N Eve Skins just released Simone. The skin is released with a basic applier including three brow choices, three eyeliner choices, and freckles, a mole or a sunkissed pink nose. An additional lipstick HUD can be purchased for more choices.

Credits:

Yummy Anchor Necklace- Gold (at Collabor88)

Yummy Captain's Hat - Navy Rim (at Collabor88)
Baiastice Marina shirt-anchors (at Collabor88)
Maitreya * Washed Out * BF Jeans Shorts (at Collabor88)
Eaters Coma - HAIR 47 / Light Mocha
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky
Adam N Eve Skin Simone Tone B Bare (New Release)
Adam N Eve Skin Simone Genesis Tone B Basic Applier for Slink Visage Head
IKON Spectral Eyes - Green

Miamai at Fashion For Life

Most beautiful mesh dress ever, don't you think? It's by Miamai. Buy it and support the American Cancer Society at Fashion For Life. Your taxi to Wander sim here.

Credits:

Miamai Gown - BL Shae (at Fashion For Life)
Maxi Gossamer - Bracelet - Khaleesi's Temptation
TRUTH HAIR Gaia
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
the Skinnery Chloe 3 (honey) DB CL1
IKON Spectral Eyes - Green

Fashion For Life Starts Tomorrow - Unless You're a VIP

I love Second Life, and sometimes I love it a lot - like when we come together to do good. Fashion For Life is an annual mega shopping event in Second Life which supports Relay for Life, a campaign to raise funds for The American Cancer Society. Spread across 10 connected sims, all designers are offering a percentage of their sales on every item to Relay For Life. As of midnight on the 7th of June to the 20th of June, you can feed your shopping habit and support a worthy cause.

Today for a donation of $2,500 L, 100 people will become early access VIPs. Only 100 people over 10 sims for an uncrowded, unlaggy shopping experience. Here's how you do it:

Donate 2500 lindens to Relay For Life at a special vendor on the American Cancer Society’s sim. THIS TAXI will drop you right in front of the vendor. In exchange for your donation, you will get to enjoy the sims avatar and lag free and be first to see all the exclusives. Contact the lovely Cajsa Lilliehook inworld if you need further assistance.

Credits:

ArisAris AA42 Other Epochs Black dress (at Fashion For Life)
Bliensen + MaiTai - Yasemine - Earrings (at Fashion For Life)
Bliensen + MaiTai - Yasemine - Necklace (at Fashion For Life)
MINA Hair - Femke (marerials) (at Fashion For Life)
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky

Adam N Eve Taliya Genesis Tone B Basic Applier for Slink Visage Head

Adam N Eve Skin Taliya Tone B Bare
IKON Spectral Eyes - Green

Not That Door

Okay, I won't open the door. But I could have wiped out those lame brains because I'm tough. You can tell I'm tough because of the scar on my cheek. You should have seen the other guy. ;-P

This is a skin post, believe it or not. Adam N Eve Skins released a new roleplay addition for the Taliya applier for the SLink mesh heads. For me, SLink Visage mesh heads give a whole new dimension to photographs because of the variety and quality of expressions. Now Sachi Vixen, Adam N Eve Skins creator, has taken that a step further, giving me the options of dirty faces and cheek scars!

Credits:

Adam N Eve Taliya Genesis Tone B Basic Applier for Slink Visage Head

Adam N Eve Taliya Genesis Tone B Role Play Applier for Slink Head

Adam N Eve Skin Taliya Tone B Bare
Lamb Hair - Cry Baby - Butterfinger
FATEplay - Veronica - Vorhees (clean)

Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
IKON Spectral Eyes - Green

 

Fear of Purple

 Between The Arcade Gacha Event, We <3 Role-Play, and FaMeshed I put together this new look. The Truth Hair gacha is fabulous in any color, isn't it? Truth must not know my theory of redheads looking pukey in purple, because the ginger shades have purple flowers and bears (bears not shown). Or maybe he does know and is urging me to get over my fear of purple, because it works, darn it!

The sleeves are an amazing addition to my wardrobe from Geek, found at We <3 Role-Play beginning at 3 P.M. SLT time, today or tomorrow, depending on your time zone (don't confuse me if you're across the international date line).

The Mutresse top and Maxi Gossamer earrings are ready to be snatched up at FaMeshed, which opened on the 1st. Finally....

This face. I want to kiss it. The Skinnery has gorgeous gachas at The Arcade. Breast skin appliers are included, but SLink appliers are sold separately.

Credits:

TRUTH HAIR Sakura Hair and Flowers - Gingers (at The Arcade)
Mutresse Rali Shirt (at FaMeshed)
geek Machina Sleeves - Tan (at We <3 Role-Play)

the Skinnery Chloe 3 (honey) DB CL1 (at The Arcade)
Maxi Gossamer - Earrings - Ashira Teardrop (at FaMeshed)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue

We Love Role-Play Opening June 4th

The We <3 Role-Play shopping event, beginning June 4th at 3 P.M. SLT, has great items for roleplayers and fantasy fashionistas. My thrilling Ninja outfit from Pucca Firecaster's Creations comes in both female and male versions, right down to the shoes!

Of course roleplay is about more than Ninjas. Bite and Claw invites us to search out a Renaissance sim to strut in the nicely textured Anne gown. Distorted Dreams makes the look dreamily romantic with a circlet of blossoms added to my hair. All of these items are available exclusively at We <3 Role-Play!

Credits:

(top pic)

Pucca Firecaster's Creations ~ Ninja (Female) - boots
Pucca Firecaster's Creations ~ Ninja (Female) - bracers
Pucca Firecaster's Creations ~ Ninja (Female) - half mask
Pucca Firecaster's Creations ~ Ninja (Female) - jacket
Pucca Firecaster's Creations ~ Ninja (Female) - pants

Argrace Hair  HARUKA - Rosewood

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Izzie's - Neva Skin rosy GB
Izzie's - Neva Eyeliner black
Izzie's - Freckles (face only)

(bottom pic)

Spellbound Hair Hecate // Reds

Distorted Dreams Hair Wreath - Kyna Peach
Bite &Claw Anne Gown - Snow
Bite &Claw Anne Sleeves - Snow
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Izzie's - Neva Skin rosy GB

Izzie's - Lipstick strawberry
Izzie's - Neva Eyeliner black
Izzie's - Freckles (face only)

Twenty Questions

The latest Strawberry Singh meme is a lot of questions! I'm taking a deep breath and jumping in.

Meme instructions: Answer the following 20 personal questions about your Second Life. Don’t forget to share a link to your post in the comments!

1. When and how did you discover Second Life? – I read an article in the New York Times about Second Life in early August 2007.
2. Did you know about virtual worlds before or was this your first experience with them? – I had no clue. I'd played the Sims a bit, but that was all.
3. Has Second Life met your expectations? – I don't recall what my expectations were. I do recall that SL was very complicated and I'm amazed I stuck to it. Thank you newbie mentors! When I attached a box of household goods to my body and asked how to remove them, the poor mentor had to deal with a newbie on a Mac who didn't even know how to right click.
4. If you could teleport back to the first ten minutes of your avatar’s slife, what would you tell yourself? – Hmm....I'd probably tell myself to forget most of the freebies and to invest in a decent skin. Oh, and to take off the dumb freebie nipple tattoos.
5. How long did it take you to master avatar flying and driving vehicles inworld? – Wait, we can FLY??? I'm still not good at it. And I can't drive in SL worth a darn.
6. Do you have a mystery alt? – No. I'm quick to tell my friends who I am on an alt. I get lonely otherwise!
7. Is your SL avatar a reflection of you, or someone you wished you could be? –Physically Dolly is a younger me with a better ass. Personality wise, it's just me unless I'm roleplaying, and even then it's an exploration of sides of myself.
8. Is there an individual you met in SL that inspired you in your RL? How? – Probably, though I can't think of anything specifically.
9. Do you feel it is easier to create stronger bonds/relationships with people you meet inworld as opposed to the real world? – Not stronger bonds, but I was surprised at how attached I became to my Second Life friends.
10. Did you ever imagine or believe people could fall in love with someone they never met before Second Life? – I never imagined it.
11. How has your perspective of dating changed (or not) since you started playing second life? – I don't really think my perspective has changed. But my dating life in Second Life has been wilder, because for the most part it's a safe place to explore sides of my sexuality that I wouldn't feel comfortable doing in RL.
12. How has your perspective of employment changed (or not) since you started playing second life? – I've always admired entrepreneurs, so not really.
13. Name three things in both your lives that overlap each other significantly. – I'm not sure I understand this question.
14. If you could live your life more immersively in a virtual world, would you? (Kind of like the Matrix) – No, SL is the wild west. It's a great place to visit, but I have to be able to turn off the computer.
15. How do you think behavior changes for people if they’re inworld vs in real world? Why do you think that is? – Not many people in my real life have looked me in the eye and acted like a troll, so I agree common courtesy suffers from anonymity. On the plus side anonymity can be freeing when respect for fellow residents is observed.
16. How has second life consumerism changed your perception of spending habits, the value of money, the need to be “bleeding edge” with fashion? – I do spend money in Second Life, but I can indulge myself for a lot less than it costs in real life, so I don't begrudge my shoes and hair. In real life I practically live in jeans.
17. Do you think virtual worlds like SL drive and redefine human interaction or do they narrow and limit it? – Human interaction is changing with or without SL. I text instead of talk on the phone these days just like everyone else.
18. If technology progressed tomorrow to allow you to send emotions to people the way you’d send text or voice messages, would it enrich your SL experience or infringe on it? – If you can write or speak you can send emotions. You just have to be willing to talk about them.
19. Name three skills you attribute to having learned or honed in second life alone. – Interior design and talking photos are skills I've honed in SL.
20. If your grand kids googled your Second Life Avatar’s name, would they be intrigued, disgusted, proud or something else? – The good news is that it seems grandchildren accept their grandparents more than those kids' parents do. At least that's my observation. They'd be curious, probably.

Credits:

Pure Poison - Pin - It Girl Wedges (at My Attic)
Tee*fy Laura Unbuttoned Knotted Shirt Check (at Collabor88)
Zaara Elina shorts navy (at FaMeshed)
LeLutka - AMANDA'S hair - StrawberryShortcake (New Release)

Purple Moon Coco Sunglasses in Cherry

Zenith Butterfly Ring (Silver)
Izzie's - Neva Skin rosy GB

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
IKON Promise Eyes - Green (M) 

Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower 

 

Happy Memorial Day!

I've always had a thing for a sailor, but for this Memorial Day I salute all the Armed Forces and their families for their bravery and sacrifice. To our Afghanistan troops in particular, come home safely and soon.

Credits:

Fishy Strawberry Navy Uniform Pin-Up Top, Bottom and Hat - Blue (at My Attic at the Deck)

Hucci Pinup Peep - Moonglow (at Collabor88)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink AvEnhance Feet High
Tram Hair D428 hair / maroon (at Collabor88)
Izzie's - Neva Skin rosy GB (at The Liaison Collaborative)
Izzie's - Neva Eyeliner black
Izzie's - Freckles
Izzie's - Lipstick cherry

Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower

IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue

Kirin - Burlesque Poses / Cane Pose 5

Did I Buy It All?

It sure seems like I've been buying out the stores and events recently. I had to fatpack the Hucci shoes on sale at Collabor88, because I knew I'd need every color eventually. Then Lelutka released new hair and coldLogic released the perfect floral summer dress. What's a fashionista to do?

Credits:

coldLogic dress - valeri.blush (New Release)
Hucci Pinup Peep - Pink (at Collabor88)

Zenith Butterfly Ring (Silver) (at FaMeshed)
Izzie's - 80's Sunglasses (black lenses)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink AvEnhance Feet High
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Emma

LeLutka - AMANDA'S hair - StrawberryShortcake (New Release)
Adam N Eve Carolyn 2 Tone C Applier HUD for Slink Visage Head
Adam N Eve Skin Carolyn 2 Tone C Bare

Pose and props from Adorkable (not available)

Just Call Me Gilda

I went to The Liaison Collaborative which reopened with all new fashion, home and pose offerings. The theme this month is a Riviera vacation. I immediately fell in love with the new Izzie's skin Neva in a new tone called Rosy. It's a full skin release, so all of your favorite Izzie skin tones are available with mix and match lipsticks, eyeshadows, freckles and moles.

The pretty Shoreline necklace and earrings from Cae come with a color change HUD to change from gold to silver on a whim.

Truth's new vintage Thelma hair has a no-bow option which makes this hair perfect for a wide variety of looks. I feel like Rita Hayworth in Gilda. Just put the blame on Mame, boys.

Credits:

Izzie's - Neva Skin rosy GB (at The Liaison Collaborative)

Izzie's - Lipstick rust (included)

Izzie's - Neva Eyeshadow brown (included)

Izzie's - Freckles (face only) (included)

Mandala Simple Ears Hutuu

Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower

Baiastice Sophia jumpsuit-orange

Cae Shoreline Earrings (at The Liaison Collaborative)

Cae Shoreline Necklace (at The Liaison Collaborative)

Truth Hair Thelma [w/o headband] (at Collabor88)

IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Just Me and Mesh

After looking so scary in the last post I thought I'd better try a more normal look today for a couple of reasons. Reason number one is that my friend Clay was a little disturbed that my zombie av could have such sexy hair, so I thought I'd wear the hair for him while looking more normal. That's also who the wink is for! Reason number two is so I could remind myself how good mesh can look. Zombie Girl aside, most of the new female avis in our library are just ugly. Poor noobs.

I'm in the mood for casual, and have chosen a few of my recent casual items to wear today. The Pure Poison wedge sandals with the cherries on them are adorable, and work so well with my cherry necklace from Yummy Accessories. Of the several pairs of jeans I've bought recently, Mon Tissu's rolled up cuffed ones are my favorites. The latest coldLogic release has the cutest summer tops!

Digs has a lot of beautiful new home furnishing releases that can be used indoors or out. The Genoa lanterns (currently found at The Liaison Collaborative) are definitely going on my patio. I used an animation from the Digs Jensen Footstool for this picture because I thought it showed off the shoes and my casual attitude today.

Credits:

Yummy Fruit Necklace - Cherry (at Collabor88)
coldLogic shirt - bates.snow (New Release)
Mon Tissu Harlow's Cuffed Jeans ~ Medium Wash
Pure Poison - Cherry Wedges (New Release)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky

Adam N Eve Taliya Genesis Tone B Basic Applier for Slink Visage Head
Adam N Eve Skin Taliya Tone B Bare
Argrace Hair HARUKA - Russet
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

 

The New Mesh Starter Avatars Are Here

I must admit, I was underwhelmed by the new mesh starter avatars released yesterday for Second Life. That is, until I got to the Zombie Girl. She may be scary - but at least she's supposed to be! Actually she's awesome, as is the male zombie.

The facial expressions of all of the mesh avatars are fixed, and there is no way to wear any clothes that require an alpha with the new mesh bodies. Some of the clothes are nice, but don't necessarily fit other mesh bodies, which should leave newbies scratching their heads.

Speaking of heads, I kept my Argrace hair on while I tried all the female avatars and a few of the males. They all came with mesh hair, but not as nice as they could be. Check your library to find all the new mesh avis and try them for yourself. You will love the zombies, I promise.

Mad Women

No spoilers here but this was my face at the end of Mad Men this week. OMG! What a pearl clutching moment!

SLink's Visage mesh heads are still so much fun to wear. My only complaint is there aren't enough new skins coming out for them. The store with the most Visage skin appliers, and perhaps my favorite, is Adam N Eve. Sachi Vixen, its owner/creator released a new applier called Taliya. I had to have it.

Collabor88 is a vintage style lover's dream this month. My dress, hair, pearls and glasses can all be found there for the rest of May.

Credits:

Yummy Bombshell Beads - Pearl (at Collabor88)

Yummy Ellery Glasses - Black (at Collabor88)
Clawtooth: Lady Julliette - Strawberry cream (at Collabor88)
The Secret Store - Betty Swing Dress - Pink Polka (at Collabor88)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky
AE Taliya Genesis Tone B Basic Applier for Slink Visage Head (New Release)

Adam N Eve Skin Taliya Tone B Bare
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Friends List

I was lucky enough to catch Ayla Barzane online before she went to bed. She was kind enough to pose with me for Strawberry Singh's Friends List Meme. It's like old times! Which is why we went vintage - well, that and the fact that Collabor88 is so deliciously vintage this month.

Meme instructions: Grab a friend from your second life friends list (optional) pose with them and/or answer the following questions. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments and share your picture in the Blog Memes Flickr Group.

1. What is the number of contacts on your Second Life Friends List? (visible in firestorm viewer or your web profile) Seeing Berry's friends list makes me feel totally antisocial. My list is only 126.
2. Are you picky about who you add to your list or do you usually add most people? Apparently more picky than Berry. I never thought I was! One dirty little secret is that I have almost never turned down a friend request, but I've deleted a few the minute they've logged.
3. Who is your oldest contact? (check your calling cards) I couldn't figure out how to sort them by date. I'm guessing Malloc Rau. I've tried to delete my calling cards to reduce inventory because I never use them (it doesn't work, they always show back up).
4. Who is your newest contact? (check your calling cards) That one is easier. Winter Sorex.
5. Do you know every single person on your list? Almost all of them.
6. How many do you speak to on a daily (weekly) basis? Daily one or two. Weekly maybe three or four. I'm not nearly as social in SL as I used to be.
7. How many do you see/get together with in-world on a daily (weekly) basis? Two or three.
8. Who on your list do you have the closest relationship with? Clay Cowen, Ayla Barzane, and Aprilmae Devin.
9. Who do you wish you knew better? Berry, because I just adore her from a distance. She is so incredibly sweet and talented. And Cajsa Lilliehook because she is knowledgeable about progressive politics. I really admire her.
10. Who on your list is the funniest/most entertaining? The winner of the funniest person on my list is Friar Tyles.
11. How did you meet most of the people on your list? (work, parties, etc…) I used to meet loads of people through role play. Now it's mostly bloggers, creators and random folks I chat with when wandering the grid.
12. Do you ever clean out your list? Not often. I've done a couple of purges.
13. Do you have a crush on someone in your list? Clay Cowan and I have hung out together for years. Can that still be a crush? 
14. Is there anyone on your list that you would trust with your password? Yes, but it hasn't ever come up.

Credits:

(Left on Dolly)

Lamb Hair Cry Baby - Butterfinger (at Collabor88)
Tee*fy Laura Unbuttoned Knotted Shirt Tropical (at Collabor88)
Tee*fy Leah High-Waisted Skinny Jeans Used (at Collabor88)

Glam Affair - Vera - America 08 F

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands

(Right on Ayla)

TRUTH HAIR Thelma (at Collabor88)

e! Odette Top - (Floral Pink)
Tulip  Vintage Cut-Offs Abyss

MAGIC NOOK Lasso Hoop Earrings (Gold)
Glam Affair - Cleo - America - 06 D
 

flowey's original Shake My Milkshake / breakfast (at Collabor88)

 Standby Inc. - Jukebox (OakBlue) (at Collabor88)

The Loft - Gerzzo Chair and Table (at Collabor88)

floorplan. soda crate stack (at Collabor88)

What Next Cafe Clock

Color and coldLogic

The new release from coldLogic and Strawberry Singh's color meme are a terrific combination for today's post. In Second Life and in real life I always get a lift from reds. Anything from rusty orange reds to deep cherry reds make me smile. Pair red with black and I'm ready to swoon. The coldLogic release of shirts, shorts and skirts have plenty of great color combos for this fashionista besides cherry and black. The detailing on this blouse is adorable in any color!

Meme instructions: Blog a picture of your favorite color or a variety of colors that you like. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments and share your picture in the Blog Memes Flickr Group. 

Credits:

coldLogic shirt - sisney.cherry sheer (New Release)
coldLogic shorts - davar.black&cherry (New Release)
Maxi Gossamer - Earrings - Nova Dream Moon
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
TRUTH HAIR Elyse
Pink Fuel Sora <Alabaster> - No Eyebrows
IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue (M)
Mynerva Eyebrow Style 2~Brown Light
Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower

Drows at We Love Role-Play

I wasn't quite sure what a drow was until I researched it after seeing the beautiful Pink Fuel skin at the We <3 Role-Play event. It comes with SLink appliers and every other applier you can think of. FATEplay makes a gorgeous dress called Lena in blue and silver for the event. The very useful updo from Mina, and the silver circlet from Keystone finish off my fantasy look.

The gate, fencing, and well in the photo are wonderful mesh items by Atelier Visconti. Look for it at Fantasy Faire on the Sanctum sim.

Credits:

FATEplay - Lena Dress - Silver (at We <3 Role-Play)
MINA Hair - Mientje (materials) (at We <3 Role-Play)

Keystone Eni's Forged Circlet - Silver (at We <3 Role-Play)
Pink Fuel Drow <Dusk> - Pure (at We <3 Role-Play)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue 

Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower

Pose by Olive Juice

You Know You Need New Bloomers

My friend Ayla IM'ed me and asked me to keep an eye out Victorian clothing because she's roleplaying on a Victorian sim. So of course I told her about the new bloomers from Luminary and hair from Mina, both at We <3 Role-Play. The event, bigger than ever and heavy on fantasy fun, begins today on May the 4th (be with you).

Credits:

Luminary Anke - Pink (at We <3 Role-Play)
MINA Hair - Mientje (at We <3 Role-Play)

Distorted Dreams Hooper Earring - bronze (at We <3 Role-Play)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) S - Flat

Glam Affair - Vera - America 01 F
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower

Fantasy Goddess

You know how many of us wish we were princesses? Not me. I aim higher. Call me the Goddess. Put me on a pedestal and worship me. Who would want a mere tiara when you could have this amazing Pure Poison headdress fit for a goddess? It's a rare gacha item for the Fantasy Gacha Carnival, opening to the public on May 4th. That's right. May the fourth be with you.  ;-) I just had to say it.

Credits:

Pure Poison - Caprisci Headdress - RARE  (at Fantasy Gacha Carnival)
TRUTH HAIR Zoella (New Release)

Peqe - Hybrid
Zenith Butterfly Ring (Sliver) (at FaMeshed)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Glam Affair - Vera - America 01 F
Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

My Blogging Journey Makes My Feet Hurt Sometimes

It's time for the Strawberry Singh blogger challenge of the week. This time we're talking about our blogging journey. I hung out in my new gazebo from Digs while I thought about my answers to the questions.

Meme instructions: Copy and paste the following questions and answers to your post, delete my answers and input your own. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments so others can come by and read your answers as well!

1. Which electronic devices do you use to blog with? I only use my laptop to blog. I'll occasionally comment on my iPhone, but I'd never use it to write a blog post.
2. Do you have a mission statement for your blog, if so, what is it? My mission statement is pretty broad - "a Second Life blog about whatever takes our fancy." By that I mean that I'll blog things I like - fashion and home and garden, primarily.
3. How do you feel about blogs that use their platforms to spread negativity? I don't get them. I'm mystified that anyone would take the time to spew ugliness on a regular basis. A big line needs to be drawn, however, between a blog whose sole purpose is to stir up drama and a blog that does an occasional negative review.
4. Are you a grammar junkie? Do you thoroughly check your blog for errors before posting and/or do you judge other people’s posts if they contain errors? I care about grammar and spelling. That said, I make mistakes too, so I'm not terribly judgy unless a blog post is incomprehensible. I do prefer clear posts, though. If a blogger takes great pictures but isn't really a writer, I'm perfectly satisfied to peruse a list of credits.
5. If you could switch blogs with another blogger who would it be? I'm too fickle to want to switch with just one blogger! Neva Crystall takes photos I just want to crawl into and live in. Strawberry Singh's blog, which I obviously love, shares so much fun along with useful information, stunning photos and teaching moments. Who wouldn't want to trade places with Berry every once in awhile?
6. Has your blog/blogging style evolved over the year(s)? How? Maybe it's evolved. It has changed. I started blogging with my friend Ayla, but she didn't enjoy blogging as much as I did, so now it's just me. Doing these challenges has helped me to relax and open up a little more when I blog.
7. What is the most extraordinary thing that has happened to you because of blogging? What is extraordinary to me is that there are people who read my blog. Who would have thought?
8. When it comes to Second Life blogs, there are different styles: Fashion bloggers, Lifestyle & Travel bloggers, Informative bloggers, and more. Which style do you prefer and where do you feel your blog fits in? My blog fits best into the fashion category, but I like all kinds of Second Life blogs. If you scroll down to the bottom of my blog you'll see the blogs I read most often. I have a lot of respect for information blogs like Nalates Things & Stuff, Jo Yardley's Second Life, and Living In a Modem World. They often explain to me the more technical side of Second Life and give me new perspectives to think about.
9. What has blogging taught you? Oddly enough, this question is the one that I'm stuck on. Obviously I've learned things about blogging, about promotion for events and products, about photos and post-processing tips. But I want to answer this with some insight about personal growth through blogging, but have I grown? Have I opened up? Does anyone care whether I have or not? Maybe I just like taking pictures. Maybe the journey makes my feet hurt sometimes.
10. Share your top 3 tips for new bloggers. 1) Don't start a blog to get freebies. Blogging is an expensive hobby if you're doing it right. It's fine to be on a few blogging lists, but make sure they're designers you love, or your personal style will suffer. 2) Involve yourself in the blogger community through blog challenges, inworld groups, charity events, and/or Plurk. You'll make new friends involved in the same hobby and your blog will be richer for it. 3) Be yourself and your style will shine through. 

Credits:

coldLogic belt - zois.sunny (New Release)
coldLogic dress - zois.sunny (New Release)
Kunglers Yara necklace - Golden
Maitreya Hair Siobhan (Mesh) - Ginger
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) S - Mid

Beetlebones SUNANTHA SANDALS

Glam Affair - Vera - America 02 F
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Pose from Le Poppycock

How Do I Look?

Here's another Pose Fair find, this time from Savoir Faire - The Dressing Room Prop. I dressed it up a bit with the Apple Fall coat and palm tree, and the Standby Inc birdcage. The prop has ten darling built in poses. This pose is just calling out, "How do I look?"

Credits:

Tee*fy Vanishing Clouds Skirt Sky
Tee*fy Vanishing Clouds Top Sky
Glam Affair - Vera - America 02 F
Argrace Hair - HARUKA - Cinnamon

Leverocci - Satin Wrap Heels Lavender
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

The Attitude Is In the Pose

 Hooray for poses! If you like taking pictures in Second Life you collect static poses. I have so many poses in my animations folder and they never get deleted. They don't age. A pose from 2008 can be just as fresh looking as a pose from 2014. Still I buy more. With Pose Fair in full swing until May 3rd, Strawberry Singh's weekly meme is about our favorite pose makers. Maybe I can make up for the times I forget to credit pose makers.

Meme Instructions: Share a picture of your favorite pose or a list of your favorite posemakers on the grid! Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments and share your picture in the blog memes flickr group.

1. In the top photo I'm smoking away in oOo Studio's Rita pose (number 4). Olaenka Chesnokov makes natural poses that fit me well. I look for poses that have energy in them, as if I am capturing someone mid-movement. The energy and attitude are easy to find when I use an oOo pose.
2. Another posemaker I return to over and over again is Diesel Works. Rogan Diesel makes sexy poses suitable for fashion shoots that I can't resist. I have his pose stands scattered all over my platform and usually get dressed and accessorize for a fashion photo while standing on one.
3. I'm in awe of Del May's work. Talk about attitude! Her couple and group poses are beautiful and unique. The single poses capture a carelessly perfect hipster vibe that I've never seen anywhere else.
4. I'm a big fan of pose props. Sometimes I need a pose prop for inspiration. I snap up Chandni Khondji's Hopscotch pose props because they're cute and well thought out whether I'm riding a magic carpet, viking ship, or police call box!
5. I hate to think that they aren't making new poses still, but I loved Olive Juice and Adorkable poses. My friend Aprilmae Devin has made some lovely poses when I bullied her into it and has them available at her store Alterior Motions.

 When I go to Pose Fair my mission is generally to find a new pose store or two to add to my ever-growing collection of poses and props. I really liked Infiniti's Walk the Line pose prop. It gave me something fresh and fun to photograph, and there are a good assortment of poses built in.

Credits:

Argrace Hair Victoria - Ginger (top photo)

Argrace Hair HARUKA - Copper (second photo)

Mon Cheri "Falsies" Eyelash - Upper+Lower
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber
Maitreya * Hemlock * Half Tucked Shirt (New Release)
Maitreya Boyfriend Jeans - Sky (New Release)
BoHo HoBo Scarf Ladie's Small (candystripes)

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid

Glam Affair - Vera - America 02 F
 

Collabor88 Goodies for April

I'm late in pointing out how great Collabor88 is this month, especially if you like florals and other girlie-girl goodies. But I'm not too late! Baiastice offers a darling top/dress, and coordinating leggings that fit perfectly under the top. The Hucci sandals with butterflies for SLink high feet are by far my favorite item this round. They're well worth fatpacking at Collabor88 prices.

Also at Collabor88 is the wearable pose balloon chair from Flowey. The Truth hair, Fleur, is available at Season's Story - Spring, also filled with loveliness and worth a visit.

Credits:

Hucci Vinnitsa Sandal - WildPink (at Collabor88)
Baiastice Jade Balloon top-Hawaii pink (at Collabor88)
Baiastice Lesha trousers-aqua (at Collabor88)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - High
TRUTH HAIR Fleur (at Season's Story)

Adam N Eve Carolyn 2 Tone C Applier for Slink Visage Head
Adam N Eve Skin Carolyn 2 Tone C Bare
Flowey air chair with poses - watercolor blush (at Collabor88)

Flat Ebbe and Me

I've been waiting for Strawberry Singh to do this meme ever since she plurked about stalking meeting Linden Lab's new CEO a week or so ago. I had such fun with Flat Rodvik and I figured Flat Ebbe Linden would be a fun date. However, Berry thinks we should just lecture poor Ebbe about how to be a good CEO. Sorry, Ebbe, our date will have to wait.

Meme instructions: Pick up a copy of Flat Ebbe Linden from Berry's marketplace store for free and take him to one of your favorite places on the grid. Also, share at least three things that you’d like to tell Ebbe. Please remember to leave a link to your post in Berry's comments and share your Flat Ebbe picture in the Blog memes flickr group.

So Ebbe, as we pose for a pretty picture standing in the courtyard of Cory Edo's beautiful creation newly released at Collabor88, the Cortona Villas, here are my thoughts:

1. I really like what you have said about Second Life so far. You have inherited a passionate and creative user base who created everything interesting to see and do in SL, so we don't really see ourselves as customers of a product. We are creators and supporters of a surreal visionary world. We built it, we feel connected to it. I think you get that and I really appreciate that you do.
2. You're in a honeymoon phase, but eventually you will tick off one group or another in SL. While this ire will probably be a by-product of some benefit you want to introduce, it will happen and you will be tempted to withdraw from your current accessibility so you don't have to listen to a lot of - well - let's call it counterproductive trash talk. As a communications professional in another life, I can tell you that once you have opened the conversation with your customers as you have done, closing that conversation when things get challenging is a mistake that leads to bad feelings and loss of trust for the entire community - not just the ones who were ticked off in the first place. Have a communications strategy to deal with these issues as they arise. Appoint other Lindens to speak on the issues and keep the messages consistent and honest.
3. Advice for retaining new users - here's one little thing that seems to have been overlooked for years - the waddle-walk of a newbie. I'm not suggesting you need to fix the dorky stands (you're using one of them in the picture), but couldn't that waddle-walk be turned into something more graceful? A script in the shoe with a nice smooth female or male walk? Anything? The new starter avatars with mesh outfits and hair are a good beginning, but give a poor newbie a decent walk.

Credits:

Argrace Hair HARUKA - Cinnamon (Unrigged / resize)
Mutresse Guzla Shorts (at FaMeshed)
Tee*fy Sophie Cut-Out Ruffle Top Bloom (at Collabor88)
Ingenue Pandora Flats (Slink Feet Add-On) Sepia (Gacha item)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Flat

Glam Affair - Vera - America 02 F
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

Bicycle and pose from What Next

 Trompe Loeil - Cortona Villas (at Collabor88)

Potted plants from Apple Fall and XED Designs

Dear Dolly's Advice for SL Newbies - A Strawberry Singh Challenge

Hi Newbies! I don't know how you found my blog but you are so lucky that you did! I'm going to give you a little advice on a successful beginning to your Second Life. The fabulous Strawberry Singh has a blog too and challenged other bloggers to offer tips to you newbies out there.

I'm going to give you five new tips based on my exhaustive SL experience and knowledge. Then go back to Berry's blog post and read her tips and check out her comments section for other bloggers offering helpful tips as well.

1. Second Life can be a fabulous platform for creativity. Everything you see as you look around you was made by someone who was once new and confused just like you. What should you do first? I did a blog post awhile ago about updating a starter female avatar on a budget of $10 USD or $2,500 Lindens (not freebies). The style tips are still relevant and there are SLurls to the shops, so check it out HERE. 
2. You'll need to buy Lindens to shop, and if you're not ready to commit to that, just throw on an outfit out of your library and head out to explore. Where to go? Check out Ziki Questi's Blog for art installations and pretty sims that welcome visitors. Or try browsing through this Flickr group, The SL Tourist Board, where every photo has a SLurl to the sim where the the photo is taken.
3. Meet people. There are clubs and cafes all over Second Life. Open Search and teleport around the grid until you find somewhere you like. Listen to music and dance, chat with other patrons. If you ask nicely you can get some answers to things that still confuse you.
4. Learn SL etiquette. If you've heard about SL sexy times and you want to experience it, go to one of the many adult themed places where your advances might be welcomed. Don't proposition random strangers around the grid. Don't think you can hide behind an avatar to be rude. Word gets around about obnoxious avatars quickly. Don't beg for money or walk into someone's private home making a nuisance of yourself. Do speak in full sentences when you type. Do read avatars' profiles and take the time to fill yours out with relevant information about yourself. If you see an avatar whose style you admire, DO compliment them and ask for shopping tips and/or landmarks to their favorite stores. 
5. Don't expect SL to be easy to use, because it takes awhile to figure out even some basics. Stick it out. Make friends, learn together. Share You Tube tutorials and blog tutorials, take in-world classes. Before long you'll be giggling at newbie questions and mistakes and waxing nostalgic for the days when everything in SL was new and thrilling just like we do!

Credits:

COCO JacketOverShoulders (AppleGreen) (at FaMeshed event)
COCO Shirt&Shorts(SmallFlowers) (at FaMeshed event)
COCO Shirt&Shorts_Hands(Tone-3) (at FaMeshed event)
Pure Poison - Magda Sandals - Lime (New Release)
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky
TRUTH HAIR Harriet
Adam N Eve Carolyn 2 Tone C Applier for Slink Visage Head
Adam N Eve Skin Carolyn 2 Tone C Bare

IKON Spectral Eyes - Blue
Desk and chair from Digs
 

Tell a Story of Maidens Fair

Roleplay captures the imaginations of many in Second Life. A themed sim setting of a medieval forest full of dangerous rogues is just the right setting for this JunBug two piece outfit I found at the latest We <3 Role-Play event. Between that and my medieval chic new hair from Truth I am inspired to search for a prince in need of rescue.

Also at We <3 Role-Play is FATEplay's new release, Dany. This lovely dress inspired by the Game of Thrones comes with a cape that can be worn separately. Without the cape it can be worn as an original modern dress, don't you think?

Credits:

top photo

JunBug April Corset Skirt in Mint (at We <3 Role-Play)
April Laced Top in Mint (at We <3 Role-Play)
Celtic Sword (from our libraries)
TRUTH HAIR Lagertha (New Release)

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky

Adam N Eve Carolyn 2 Tone C Applier for Slink Visage Head
Adam N Eve Skin Carolyn 2 Tone C Bare
IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber

bottom photo

FATEplay - Dany Dress - Sapphire
ISON - lace-up gladiator sandals (tan)
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands
Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) - Mid
Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky
Adam N Eve Carolyn 2 Tone C Applier for Slink Visage Head
TRUTH HAIR Lagertha

Hello Again

I really should take off my SLink mesh head. I kind of miss my face, and I only have so many skins to put on Becky so far. Then again, I love that my SLink face has interesting expressions that are just so photogenic! Please, please, skin designers - make more skins for SLink heads! So far I have skin appliers from DeeTaleZ, Glam Affair, Izzie's, and Adam N Eve. Are there more out there?

FaMeshed as an event never lets me down. I always come away with something new that becomes a wardrobe basic. Mutresse's release of tank top and shorts is a good example. I have a top almost like that in real life and wear it all the time in warm weather.

The photo prop from What Next has been in my inventory for awhile, but oldies can still be goodies. I'm nostalgic for public phone booths in the cellular age, I guess. I haven't used one in YEARS!

Credits:

Mutresse Guzla Shorts (at FaMeshed)

Mutresse Nadya Tank Top (at FaMeshed)

Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands

Slink Visage Mesh Head - Becky

TRUTH HAIR Lottie

DeeTaleZ for Slink Visage "Face Viola" MU MIXEDTYPE

IKON Spectral Eyes - Amber