Collabor88 - December Edition

There is a lot to love at this December's Collabor88. The wintery theme suits my wintery sim. There are three outstanding homes at Collabor88 to keep us sheltered until the spring weather comes. I'm standing in front of the LISP home, the smallest of the three. I like small. It comes in snowy and non-snowy versions which is good if you don't like changing your home the way you change your dress.

Also from Collabor88 is this adorable coat/dress from The Secret Store, and the bow hair from Clawtooth. It's rare for me to walk around in the same thing for three days, but I made an exception for this ensemble.

Credits:

Clawtooth: Snuggle Party - Strawberry cream (at Collabor88)

The Secret Store - Sarah Dress Coat - Blueberry (at Collabor88)
ISON - cult riding boots -S- (navy)
Maxi Gossamer - Ring - Hampton Boho
Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands

Glam Affair - Vera skin - America - FLF F

JANE - lil piggies tights.cableknit.bl navy

  IKON Spectral Eyes - Chocolate

Surrealism and Second Life

Strawberry Singh's surrealism challenge made me smile. Surrealism and Second Life are like peanut butter and jelly - made for each other. Many of my favorite Second Life artists are innate surrealists. See the Flickr streams of Orsini Dive, Whiskey Monday, Patricie, and Alles Klaar, among others. Berry did a great job on her picture, capturing the essential topsy turvy surprise of surrealism with her challenge to the rules of physics. I would have loved to see what the early surrealists would have done if they had such a medium to work with, wouldn't you? Here's Berry's instructions for the challenge:
  
Create an image in Second Life that has a surreal feel to you. Don’t forget to share your link in Berry's comments and add your picture to the Blog Memes flickr group.

In Second Life it is as easy as can be to walk on water with a cat on your head. And when you can live on water and air, then it only stands to reason that you'd put up your umbrella when the boulder rains come (and matching your hair to the pink sky - well - that's a given). I was all excited about the Designers United Event so this challenge is the perfect opportunity to blog a few more of my purchases. Here's your SLurl to Designers United.

Credits:

 

Ohmai: Mochi Kitten (Pet Ver - Head) (at Designers United)
Fashionably Dead Swept Away Hair - Pastel 1 (at Designers United)

Tee*fy Vanishing Clouds Skirt Sky (at Designers United)
Tee*fy Vanishing Clouds Top Sky (at Designers United)
Belleza- Leila Med 4 R

Slink Enhancement Hands and Feet

LISP - Rainy Days Umbrella (pose prop)

Shower Her With Annual Reports and Silk Stockings

Strawberry Singh's meme/challenge of the week is about our Zodiac signs. Oh my!

Meme instructions: Copy and paste the following questions and answers into your post; then delete my answers and input your own. Don’t forget to leave a comment on Berry's post with a link to your post so we can all come by and check it out!

1. What is your birthday and/or Zodiac sign? – My real life birthday is in January and I am a Capricorn.
2. Do you believe in or follow astrology? – I'm ambivalent. I don't follow my horoscope in the paper because - well - how vague can you be, right?
3. Do you feel your sign’s attributes reflect who you are? – I've learned from an astrologer friend that a sun sign (mine being Capricorn) is only part of the story. She calls me a double 12th house Capricorn - because my sun and moon are both in Capricorn in the 12th house (the house of secrets - sort of Pisces related). We're ruled by Saturn who I think ate his children in the myth. He's kind of a stern taskmaster. How other people perceive me (according to her) is by my rising sign. It has something to do with the exact time we're born. For me that's Aquarius and that's good because Capricorns have a stern rep, but Aquarians are associated with Hippies - a lot more fun. I have a bunch of planets there, but I don't want to bore you with my arcane knowledge of the astrological meanings of Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter. All that said, my favorite Capricorn description was on a Sylvia calendar from years ago. It said something like "To capture the attention of the Capricorn goddess, shower her with annual reports and silk stockings. She's ambitious, loves classy things and has good legs." That's me in a nutshell if you add to that list a nice shiny espresso machine.
4. Have you ever been to a psychic or astrologer either in RL or in SL?  My friend has been an astrologer since the 70's. She has read my chart many times. Her philosophy (she's a Jungian) is that the alignment of the planets in your birth chart is a map of strengths and weaknesses in your psyche. But she doesn't see astrology as fortune telling, more as a jumping off point to self-knowledge based on the collective unconscious. 
5. Do you read your horoscope daily and try to follow any advice, recommendations or warnings it may have for you that day? Oh lord no!
6. Do you have very strong feelings about astrology, either negative or positive? Strong feelings? No. I do like reading annual reports and wearing silky stockings on special occasions. Eerie, yes?

Credits:

booN WMO003 hair chestnut
booN gathered raised hairbase chestnut
Maitreya Lux Sweater - Wool-Mix Creme
Maitreya Mini Skirt * Vivid Leather Lust
Slink Mesh Hands (av)
Glam Affair - Cleo - America - Clean F
Beetlebones Mesh Lashes

Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Summer Shore, w3) 

LISP - Mesh - Tea Poses 2 - Walking & Holding

Digs - Emmet Desk

Hello Again!

I'm back. Again. Yes I know my blogging has been a bit erratic in recent months, well more like 9 months, since I first took ill.  The good news is my health is slowly improving, I'm feeling fitter than I've felt in many years, but it's not all been easy. You may or may not have missed my presence on Second Life or Plurk, and I don't feel that I have to explain, but I want to, perhaps the only reason being that it's selfishly cathartic.

Last August I was admitted to hospital with a rare liver infection, the doctors still don't know what caused it, even after a plethora of tests. Things improved after a couple of rounds of antibiotics, but again in January I had a reoccurrance and was laid up in bed for the first 2 months of the year. At the end of February, the day before my birthday in fact, I got a call from the Doctor with MRI results. The infection had cleared up but there were changes in my liver the doctors weren't happy with. Basically, they diagnosed me with a fatty liver or Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver as it's properly known. As you can imagine, this was an extra blow to my health that I just wasn't expecting. Yeah, I have always struggled with my weight, yeah, I guess I was classed as obese, yeah, I was quite unfit, but you really don't realise what effect it has on your body until it smacks you in the face.

At first I blamed being on my computer so much. I hated it, it was switched off for two months. I blamed six years of being on Second Life every day for hours on end. Partly that was true, but in reality, I only had my own lazy arse to blame. I made the choice, the choice to sit at my computer all that time, I was the one who let it get to the stage where I was putting my health in great danger. Having chronic depression and anxiety hasn't helped, but again, I chose to let that stand in my way of being healthy.

That day, when my Doctor called my house to tell me the bad news, something snapped in me. I got out of my sick bed and I swore that things were going to change. I have four beautiful daughters who need me, one of whom is autistic. My eldest daughters are broody (not allowed to have babies yet though!) and it made me think, I want to be a fit and active Grandma. My husband, the poor man. He puts up with so much, without complaint. He loves and cares for me unconditionally and I need to be well for him, so I can be the wife he deserves.

Anyway, I'm rambling a bit, I know. I'll finish up by telling you since February the 26th this year, I have lost a total of 2 stone 2 lbs (30lbs for the US guys) and I am feeling a million dollars compared to how I was for the first two months of the year. I am determined to be healthy, I go walking whether it's raining or blowing a gale out there and I make damned sure get my half hour or exercise a day and eat healthily.

I will be on Second Life, but not at much as I used to be. I'll still blog when I am inspired or just for the fun of it, but Second Life isn't allowed to dictate my real life anymore, I just can't afford it to.

Now on to the picture! When I logged on for the first time in two months last week I had a whole lot of shopping to catch up with. I love this little dress from Zaara, you'll all know by now that you can pick it up at Fameshed. I changed my skin when I saw this one from Glam Affair at this months Collabor88, perhaps a little darker than I usually go but what the hell, it's summer (almost). The table set from Lisp can also be found at Collabor88 and it comes in a few different shades and is filled with cute animations.

That's me done, phew! Until next time, ta ta for now. <3

When It Rains

Sometimes I get tired of dressing Dolly up in the latest fashions and still want to mess around in Second Life. Shocking, I know. I've had this new Tee*fy release on for two or three days and HAVE NOT EVEN BOTHERED TO MATCH MY SHOES TO IT!

Whew, with that upsetting confession out of the way, I'll tell you what I've been doing instead - dressing up my homes. Dolly's got several you know. She's quite the jet/teleport setter. I seem to fall in love with all of the latest Barnesworth Anubis releases, and the rainy Parisian skybox at Collabor88 is my new love.

Mixing and matching furniture designers is as much fun as mixing clothing designers. My credits may seem kind of vague, so feel free to leave a comment below if you can't tell where I got something. Also, if the pics seem a little dark, well - I was feeling artsy fartsy and it was raining outside my skybox!

Credits:

From LISP: sofa and chair, chest with lamp and bird dodads, clock, lamp on the table under the clock, telescope for spying on the Frenchman across the street, oo la la!

From The Loft: console table, jute rug, mirror in the bedroom, basket of pillows

From Cheeky Pea: coffee table

From Culprit: framed pictures on console table

From Apple Fall: hydrangeas in vase

From Dutchie: potted plants

From Pilot: bed and stool in the bedroom

March Collabor88 Goodies

I'm only halfway through unpacking my Collabor88 purchases, so I'll make this a quick post.  The Fashionably Dead shorts, Tres Blah socks and saddle shoes, and LISP table with nerd bookends are early favorites from the March Collabor88 offering. 

I got distracted from further unpacking by the sudden need to furnish my new Barnesworth Anubis skybox, also from Collabor88.  The furnishings (straight out of my inventory) are from Dutchie, Post, LAQ, UrbanizeD, and LISP.

If music be the food of love, play on

I'm sick again, so I'm going to let my pictures do all the talking. If there is anything you like you will find the SLURLS on the new page I'm about to get up and running. Much love!

(fashionably dead) Hand Drawn Skinny Jeans - Denim @ Collabor88

Tee*fy Ana Slouchy Satin Tank  Pink @ Collabor88

/Wasabi Pills/ Jamie Mesh Hair - Black coffee

*FIR & MNA* Shuffle Slippers (Womens)

22769 ~ [homme] Headphones UJ

*League* Jen Suntan Pink Champagne

Slink Mesh Hands

{sa} Vintage Crate with Record Player @ Collabor88

{sa} Woodsman Slouch Bench @ Collabor88

{what next} Home is Where Collage Prints (blue)

LISP - Spring Words Single Cushion

[Rassasy Foods] Supreme Pizza /w Box

LISP - Anna Sofa 

Morag the KittyCat  =^.^=

Is That a Wrinkle?

I'm dimly aware of a push on Plurk to highlight pose makers and poses this week in blogs, and that's a wonderful notion.  This pose and mirror prop is from Estetica, a relatively new (to me) pose maker, who clearly understands how to breathe life into an avatar.  And no - Dolly has no wrinkles, but her typist has a few!

Credits:

 

Dura Hair - Girl 40(Sienna)

 

BeetleBones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)

Baiastice Aida dress - nude (from Fair)

 

Yummy Boho Ring and Thin Boho Ring - Yellow (from November Collabor88)

 

Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eye (Desert Dawn Shadow, w3)

  

Slink Mesh Hands

Glam Affair - Lilith - America 06 Red

Lisp Fireplace (from November Collabor88)

Cheeky Pea Desk - (from Fair)

Estetica Vanity Mirror Pose Prop

Collaborate and Listen

It seems my dream of becoming a morning person may be coming true this week. Three days now I have woken at 7am and sprung out of bed. This means of course I was ready and fired to shop when Collabor88 opened it's doors to November at 8am this morning.  Here are a few of my favourite things.

Glam Affair - Perla sweater - Marocco for C88

Clawtooth: I Digress - Girl Next Door for C88

LISP - Coco Picture Frames - Large for C88

BALACLAVA!! Recycled Coffee Set for C88

LISP - Anna Cabinet and Lamp - White 

Izzie's - Tights light cream

Mayfly - Liquid Light Eyes (Pale True Grey)

Glam Affair - Lilith - Jamaica - Clean D

Phone prop - Olive Juice

There is still no cure for mornings...

...but coffee helps. I was up at the crack of dawn this morning so I jumped on and checked out some of this weeks new releases. I ended up at Maitreya and loved this sweater dress. I imagined me throwing something like this on first thing in the morning to get up for coffee, then have a good slob around in it. I imagine you can dress it up a bit too, but I'm in a lazy mood so this suits me!

Maitreya Milia Sweater Dress - Oxblood

>TRUTH< Swift w/Roots - mocha

Glam Affair - Lilith - Jamaica - Clean D

LISP - Sofia Kitchen Set 

52 Weeks of Color Challenge - Antique Brass by Dolly

Did I say I loved Autumn? It has been raining in my part of the world, and a chilly rain is no fun.  The trees are gorgeous though! Antique brass - taupe - I don't know, but it's as close as I could get to the color swatch for this week's color.

Credits:

coldLogic jacket - kelley.taupe

 

League Merino Leggings -Long -Cream 

 
SIGMA Jewels/ Chantal earring (mocca-brass)

Gos Aviator Boot - Amelia

Monso My Hair - Minu/ Cookie Pack - Red1 (at FaMESHed)

  
Glam Affair - Cassiopea - America 02 RD HB

LISP - Rainy Days Umbrella Pose Prop

 

  

Domestic Goddess

A woman's work is never done.  Just as well I have some cute domestic appliances. The Lisp 'Dolly Days' collection is so much fun and after winning the ironing board at the gatcha, I thought it was about time everyone learned the truth as to what I actually do all day on Second Life. Worked to the bone I am!

LISP - Sofia Kitchen Set

LISP - Dolly Days Ironing Board - Red @ The Arcade Gacha

LISP - Dolly Laundry Room - Red

LISP - Dolly Days Basket of washing - Pink

*Reasonable Desires* Lady of the House Apron

Slink Womens Natural Barefeet (Mesh Rigged)

Glam Affair - Lilith - Jamaica - Clean

/Wasabi Pills/ Lola summer Mesh Hair - Black Coffee

Season of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness

coldLogic combo - ambrose.java

JANE - lil piggies tights.waffle knit - truffle

>TRUTH< Blair - Dark browns

Glam Affair - Lilith - Jamaica - Clean

Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eyes (Twilight Steel)

LISP Parasols and Umbrellas with poses

[Gos] Curvaceous Boots 

Pose for 2nd picture - (marukin) Adularescent - Polarity 

52 Weeks of Colour Challenge - Aqua Island by Ayla

Another day, another colour catch up. Perhaps I went a few shades lighter than the example swatch, but I think you can still classify this as aqua. I even managed to co-ordinate with my sofa! Yeah, I know, it's a talent. Some people match up with their significant others, some their pets. Me, I blend with the furniture. Story of my life.

coldLogic dress - mattison.ice

NX-Nardcotix MANA Edith Ebony

(fd) Marie (Brunette B) - slightly tinted darker

-Glam Affair- Leah MedTan - Clean

Dark Mouse Crystal Earrings (Silver) - Store now closed

Pose: Olive Juice - Call Me: Phones with Poses

Mayfly - Liquid Light Mesh Eyes (Twilight Steel)

LISP Mathilde Sofa

[ba] paris penthouse skybox

52 Weeks of Color Challenge - Aqua Island by Dolly

I love this color, aqua island, and Leverocci's ruffled tank has once again come to my aid, as has Lisp's Mermaids and Salty Dogs cabinet and accessories.  The pose is from Alterior Motions.

Additional Credits:

Mandala - nails

Mayfly - Deep Sky Mesh Eye (Teal Hazel, w3)

Elikatira Flattery - Red 04 (available at Hair Fair)

Mon Tissu Hanalei Shorts ~ Beige

Glam Affair -  Roza - Natural Summer 01 Red (available at The Dressing Room)

52 Weeks of Color - Persian Rose by Dolly

I'm a girlie girl, I really am, complete with laces and satin ribbons and curls in my hair.  But I don't wear much bright pink.  It's a real life thing, I guess, it washes me out.  So, when a bright pink (or purple) turns up as the color of the week, I get nervous and I think I overdo it.  I tinted the wall, the flowers, the upholstery.  It's a wonder I didn't put on a pink hair!  I do think I managed the right shade for the dress, thanks to Celoe.  

Credits: 

Celoe - April dress petunia

Truth Hair - Savina w/Roots (Mesh) - marmalade

Maxi Gossamer - White South Sea Pearl - Necklace - Single Strand

Glam Affair -  Roza - Natural 01 Red

Glam Affair - Leah Lipstick 10

Beetlebones Mesh Lashes V.01 (Dainty brown)

Mayfly - Deep Sky Mesh Eye (Steel Blue, w3)

Lisp - decorative plates (at One Voice)

What Next - bench (slightly modified)

Flowers in vase - my own

Decorating with Dolly

I'm having such fun redoing my parcel.  I just built a new house for my alt Callie (she's so spoiled she has to have a bigger house than Dolly), and am having a wonderful time decorating.  You may recognize the Post grouping from the Chic2 venue.  The handy color change curtains are from Lisp.  The little peek of the kitchen table and chairs grouping in the upper right corner is also from Post. The hanging lamp is part of the Lisp kitchen grouping also available at Chic2.

The second picture is the foyer, perfect for a small grouping that includes the Fifty Linden Friday lamp from Meshworx, rug from Lisp, side table from Post, plant from Rustica and artwork from Organica. The lounge is the star and it's from Designer Prims.

Ayla and I went to Photo Hunt.  The challenge was handing us some poses and an emoter. I took two pictures, one of which was in this house.  You would not believe what the neighbors were doing! Hehehe.

52 Weeks of Colour Challenge - Shuttle Grey by Ayla

This has pretty much been the weather in Scotland for the past few days and this weeks colour sorta matches the mood.  The dress is a coldLogic group gift from when they opened and I added a bit of colour by wearing these tights from fri.day (Seasons Gatcha) and my lilac wellies from [Gos].  The brolly I love and it's from Lisp, still available from Collabor88.

The picture reminds me of the nursery rhyme,

Dr Foster went to Glouceter,

In a shower of rain;

He stepped in a puddle,

Right up to his middle,

And never went there again.

Other thingummies:

Hair: Elikatira - Frost

Skin: Curio - Yum/Acorn

Shape my own

Location: My neighbour April's place

C'est Tres Blah

Tres Blah's cute new mesh outfit is now out at Collabor88. The sweater and skirt are one piece, so there's no fuss getting two pieces to fit together although I'd love the option of just wearing the sweater - maybe in another release.  The darling pose prop umbrella from Lisp is also available at Collabor88, with several poses and texture color change.  The pretty and shiny necklace is from Glow and available at The Dressing Room.

Tres Blah Camille Outfit - Cream

LISP Rainy Days Umbrella pose prop

Glow Italian Briolette Necklace

Fri.day hat hair: Apple