It's Cozy Inside

Is it only me???  Ever since the weirdness with SL this past weekend I cannot stop freezing up or crashing.  I have deleted and reinstalled viewers, checked the health of my comp, etc. to no avail.  So I am back in catch up mode (story of my life).  Today has been a quite a bit more stable and I was able to create a sweet Christmas scene with a cozy daybed that I would love to curl upon.  I think back to our pre-mesh days and I had zero interest in holiday items.  However, I love vintage in RL and there are so many stand-outs in SL...things that evoke deep sentiments and so I indulge, if only for a brief moment.

Credits:
Daybed: Trompe Loeil: Snow Daybed: available in both PG and A versions, includes optional AO packs in case you want to customize it with your own textures. Otherwise, the bedding and blankets are color change.  Currently available at Collabor88.
Fireplace: noctis: Aloysus Edwardian fireplace - Gorgeous Art Nouveau period fireplace, a style that was particularly popular in Europe during the Edwardian years.  It has a crackling fire (w. sound) that I somehow managed to cut out of this shot..naturally. Currently available at Gothmas by Gaslight.
Tree: Dysfunctional Designs: Christmas Tree - if you did not get this tree last week for FLF and you like to decorate for Christmas, I hope you go back and get it.  This tree has all kinds of bells and whistles, different foliage colors, lights, ribbons, decorations, tree skirt - you name it, its customizable on top of being a really nice looking tree.
Chair, toys under tree: 8f8: Granny's Winter Cottage items: currently available at The Arcade.
Stars (wall, mantle), candles, lighted packages:  Trompe Loeil: gorgeous items you can win at The Arcade.  Make sure you get the so pretty advent calendar in front of the Gacha - it's free and precious. You will need that to open the keys, which is really fun on it's own. Cory never overcharges and none of the items are rare <3.
Nativity (left): Pixel Mode: Nativity: includes 4 different sign changes with a touch: available at The Liaison Collaborative
Nutcrackers: Convair: available in both white and color versions. These guys are mod and I shrunk them a lot from their original size: available at The Liaison Collaborative
Stockings: MishMish: Hammie Stocking: gift under the tree at The Arcade
Wreath: The Forge -  Xmas Crown Wreath - I blew it up and put it on the wall - gift under the tree at The Arcade.

50 Shades of Eden and one of them is pissed :)

Angry because I have spent the last several days in SL attempting to get this shot and either my new graphics card is a fail or the cable provider is a lamo and not giving me a good connection. Either way, my son finally relented and let me use his laptop.  What a difference a good computer makes!
I would take the comp back but he might die. Cable doods are coming later this week and if that does not fix it it means no decent comp for me for the duration! Grr

The items I am showing in this scene are some fabulous items from events that are ending soon.  Run to FaMESHed and check out Trompe Loeil's Paxton Living Room Set.  The primary items include an overstuffed sofa and chairs and one of the coolest coffee tables I have seen in SL, not shown but looks like a large tree slice {ie. Sequoia).  Also available are the paintings and lighting shown above. Season's Story, which I think runs a few more days is as lovely as always and I fell hard for Eula's new Wilma hair.  I'm not a huge big hair fan and this hair is similar to my RL hair.  The delicious slip dress is from Ison's collection at Collabor88.  I love Harry Ison like a fat kid loves cake because he makes soime of the best understated, sophisticated clothes on the grid. I am obsessed with his work. Finally, Cannibelle is busy again after a summer slow down and has some adorable stocking sets at the Kawaii vs. Creepy Gacha Fair.  She has 4 styles out and I opted for one of the kawaii's for this post. I have become a huge fan of her stockings!

Credits:
Building: Trompe Loeil: Attic Skybox: currently available at Collabor88
Furnishings and Decor: Trompe Loeil: from the Paxton Living Room Set: currently available @ FaMESHed
Hair: Eula: Wilma: currently available at The Season's Story
Skin: Glam Affair: Aria - Artic 01 G
Makeup: Buzz - Nynx Shadow - Salem: currently available at The Cosmetic Fair
Earrings: Mandala: Oddesey - Zeus - silver
Dress: ISON: Silk Slip Dress - purple: currently available at Collabor88
Cuffs: Pomposity: Handcuff Bracelet
Stockings: Cannibelle: Heart Seam Tights - purple: available at the Kawaii vs. Creepy Gacha Fair
Boots: Purple Moon: Croco Boots (for Slink High Feet)

It's in the details

Trompe Loeil's Attic Skybox for Collabor88 is full of architectural details that lend so much character to the build. The skybox has 3 large rooms, all with fireplaces (and includes both candle and log arrangements) and is ridiculously priced for this month at Collaborate. Also included is a separate surround with dusky skies and lit trees (which I forgot to use) as well as two versions of the skybox: a stand alone and one inside of the surround. Cory is also selling the wingback chairs shown on the left side of my photo, which comes with a white and natural wood finish (and with/without a pillow). The chairs are tastefully texture change with 18 animations as well as props.

In with some old favorites I have tossed in some fabulous items from several events: The Liaison Collaborative, The Theme Park and Mystical Realms, which is closing soon and a must see.  I also was attracted to quite a few items to be found in the Terror-iffic Hunt, which has some adorable items for only $L 5 each.  Details below!

Credits:
Skybox: Trompe Loeil: Attic Skybox: available @ Collabor88
Photo 1 (left to right):
Pumpkin: Dust Bunny: Pumpkin Cats: find it for the Terror-iffic Hunt
Bench: Alouette: Rainy Day Bench
Table: Frogstar: Corny Candy Table:  find it for the Terror-iffic Hunt
Wingbacks: Trompe Loeil: Wingback Chairs: available at Collabor88
Desk/Chair: Circa: "Traveller's Discovery" Table Trio / Highchair - Redwood: a beautifully detailed set that deserves it's own post: currently available at Mystic Realms
Raven Hanging: Frogstar - texture change
Stool: Fetch: Lya Stool: currently available at The Liaison Collaborative
Orange Candles: Atooly: Cluttered Candles - also includes a black set: find it for the Terror-iffic Hunt
Kaleidoscope - Hocus Pocus Shelf: available @ The Theme Park
Photo 2 (left to right) new items:
Coffin Bookcase: Alouette: available @ The Theme Park
Treat Bucket: Schadenfreude: Treat Bucket, 2014: Free - I have collected these every year since I rezzed and am completely obsessed with them every year.
Bench: Culprit: Friend's Bench Crackle
Table: Post: Haarlem Deco Coffee Table (group)
Bookcase: Traveller's Discovery Tall Shelf: currently available at Mystic Realms
Rocking Chair: MudHoney: Owen Rocking Chair - cherry (available in a multitude of finishes. When you sit it automatically starts rocking and includes 13 animations: currently available at The Liaison Collaborative

Cuprit: Villa Sirocco + Tons of Stuff!

Hi everyone!  I knew that my posts were going to get skimpy while I worked on preparations for the SL Home & Garden Expo but I never knew how much time it actually takes (sometimes 16 hrs/day).  I have a whole new level of respect for the folks that do this regularly and while I was exhausted by opening day, I also knew that I was hooked.  I loved the challenge and am looking forward to the next adrenaline high!

SL's Home & Garden Expo 7 opened this week and has 9 sims devoted to some of the best new products on the grid.  The Expo is one of several mega-events operated by Relay For Life of Second Life, which donates funds for cancer research.   I've long been a fan of eku Zhong's work for Culprit. In addition to be a Gold Sponsor at this year's Expo, Culprit has released a fabulous house, the Villa Sirocco, which is a lovely mix of Moorish and Spanish architecture.  The home features a large U-shaped room on the main floor.  There is enough division between the rooms so that they can include a kitchen or a main bedroom; there are really no restrictions.  All rooms open directly into an inner courtyard that features a reflecting pool.  

The stairway is on the exterior of the house, adding to the openness of the interior and also another spot to decorate :).

This is actually just a small corner on the lower level.  Because the house has so much area it can handle heavy furniture looks.  The ceiling is lower on the main floor but the upper level has soaring ceilings.

This photo of the study area is tan from the courtyard.  The room entries are truly fantastic.

Eku has made a few new extras for the house, like the sconces shown above and the lanterns on the stairway that really add a sweet touch to the house.

The upper rooms feature tall beamed ceilings and large windows to let in natural light. These are also very large rooms and can easily be multipurpose.

The two upper rooms are separated by a darling open patio.

/Hangs head in shame for leaving out the toilet!  I had a lot of fun making the other upper room into a bathroom, Trompe Loeil has a lovely set at FaMESHed this month so thanks to Cory Edo for all her hard work on it!

Almost all of the items I've shown in the rooms are available right now at several of the current rounds of several fantastic events.  They include the Home & Garden Expo, The Liaison Collaborative, The Men's Dept., Collabor88, FaMESHEd and The Arcade, all mesh and with amazingly low impact so that you can fill up this grand house and still have room for a garden.

Credits: There are a ton of new items in the post and the SLURL to each event is in the paragraph above so as to keep the credits as clean as I possibly can make them.

Exterior:
Home: Culprit: Villa Sirocco - LI 90: New Release: currently available exclusively at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo  (url is direct tp to the exhibit)
Trees: Studio Skye: left: Four Season Oak Tree: 100% donation to RFL;  right: Ancient Olive Tree: 100% donation to RFL   Both trees exclusively available at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo  (url is direct tp to the exhibit).
Walkway: +Half-Deer+ : Lighted Pathway - Planks - Tex. Change
Pagoda: KIDD: Japan Lantern -Single Lamp
Lantern: Thistle - Lantern with Arm & Glow
Lounge: Sway's:  [Dreamer] Garden Lounger . lavender (from I<3 Ulaa event)
Cart: Roawenwood: Fantastical Cider Cart

Courtyard:
Bench: POST: Nisswa Pine Bench (blanket)
Cat: Fashionably Dead:  Cat - 07 Sitting Down: currently available to win at The Arcade

Stairway:
Lanterns: Culprit - Moorish Lanterns: New Release: currently available exclusively at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo
Cat: Fashionably Dead: Cat - 10 Scared: currently available to win at The Arcade

Living Room: (left to rightish)
Lantern: Barnesworth Anubis: moroccan filigree pendant lantern
Birdcage: +Half-Deer+ : The Mad Scientist's Birdcage - New Release: currently available at The Liaison Collaborative
Sofa: Stockholm&Lima: The Spellbound Settee: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.
Chair: [Fetch]:  Vega Chair -  New Release: currently available at The Liaison Collaborative
Rug: Max Marine - ancient!
Table: Trompe Loeil - Octopus Table Marble - Black: currently available to win at The Arcade
Cigars (on table): Zigana: cigars: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.
Leather Pouffe: Zigana:  leather pouffe . chestnut: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.
Lillies: Dutchie: lilies
Big Lamp: Soy. Floor lamp [Gourd tree]
Lounge: Culprit: Sleek Lounger Brown Leather: 100% donation to RFL. Exclusively available at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo
Radiator: ARIA: Parma short radiator: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.

Sconce Photo:
Sconces: Culprit: Wall Candle:  New Release: currently available exclusively at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo
Table: POST: Latour Antique Telephone Stand
Dispenser: POST: Neuchatel Absinthe Fountain

Study:
Desk and Computer: [Fetch] Vega Desk / Vega Computer & Snacks: New Release: currently available at The Liaison Collaborative
Lounge: Culprit: Sleek Lounger Black Leather: 100% donation to RFL. Exclusively available at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo
Chair: Consignment:  Travelers Desk - Chair (gacha item)
Wall Display: 22769 ~ [bauwerk] Wall Display: New Release: currently available at The Liaison Collaborative
Rug: junk.: bartlet rug. one.
Coffee Table: EliBaily: Nar Coffee Table_Black: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.
Plant: EliBaily: Potted Nep Plant: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.
Ceiling Light: ARIA: Parma pendant  light: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.

Bedroom: (left to right)
Drafting Table: Aria: Parma drafting table, includes stool & cactus - both PG/A available: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.
Wall Light: Pixel Mode - Manchester - Wall Light: New Release: currently available at The Liaison Collaborative
Trompe Loeil - Monserrat Chair With Blanket: New Release: currently available at Collabor88
Bedside Lamp: EliBaily: Pipe Lamp_Black: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.
Horsie: 7 Emporium: Giddy Up (rare): currently available to win at The Arcade
Bed: Pixel Mode: Manchester Bed - PG/A: New Release: currently available at The Liaison Collaborative
Cats: Fashionably Dead:  Cat - 19 Cuddling Pair (rare): currently available to win at The Arcade
Table: Thistle: abc Animal coffee table: 100% donation to RFL. Exclusively available at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo
Sofa: EliBaily: Chester Leather Sofa brown PG/A: New Release: currently available at The Men's Dept.
Rug: LISP - Lolo Rug Green-Beige

Upper Patio:
Fountain: Kaerri: Expo Planter Fountain: 100% donation to RFL. Exclusively available at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo
Lamps: Shabby Tabby : Chalky Lights: New Release: Exclusively available at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo (part of the Chalky Dining Set)

Bathroom:
Lounge: Prime 1:1: StyleWise No.3 By PRIME
Table: Trompe Loeil - Octopus Table Copper: currently available to win at The Arcade
Lilies: POST: Haarlem Deco Vase with Calla Lilies

Tub, Shower Curtain, Towels, Hamper and Vanity: Trompe Loeil - Classic Bathroom pieces PG/A: New Release: currently available at FaMESHED: these items are absolutely full of features and superbly done

Sink: Dutchie:  toilet sink with towel: 100% donation to RFL. Exclusively available at The 7th Annual Home & Garden Expo

Rug: Cheeky Pea: Fish! Rug

Cabinet: Dutchie: distressed cupboard empty

And We Seem so Normal

Ok, this post has taken me literally a week to do but I am so swamped in RL & SL that I can't even tell you the last time I changed. I have taken on some huge tasks for the upcoming SL Home & Garden Expo, which while may leave my own blogging a bit sketchy for a few weeks, has gotten me totally psyched about decor.  Trompe Loeil's August releases for both FaMESHED and Collabor88 only urged me on.  The Brooklyn Carriage House will fit in perfectly in a gentrified urban setting but I was compelled to drop in on what I like to think of as the English countryside and I think it works. In my opinion the Fiona Greenhouse, which is one of the components in Trompe's current collection at FaMESHed is one of the prettiest things Cory Edo has ever built. I will describe details of items in credits or this post will run the length of the blog.

The interior of the Brooklyn Carriage House is spacious, with a high ceiling and a loft upstairs that is roomy enough for you to have a complete bedroom or sitting room. I've decorated the home with a manly touch, using items in current collections at The Men's Dept., The Chapter 4, The Garden @ The Liaison Collaborative, and The Theme Park.

I absolutely love the ceiling lights at the back of the lower level.  Lighting and blinds are controlled by a panel at the front door, which I've come to count on with Trompe builds.

I went for a "party pit" look on the upper level.

The house has gorgeous doors and I found a nice place for a message center.  Breno's Elk Horns...I just think they are mega cool and needed a close-up:)

Credits:
Home: Trompe Loeil - Brooklyn Carriage House: available at Collabor88 - ridiculously priced at L$ 288 for the course of the event.
Greenhouse: Trompe Loeil -  Fiona Greenhouse: available at FaMESHed - this precious piece includes working doors.
Sofa/Ottoman: Stockholm&Lima: G.U.Y. Sofa/Ottoman (TMD Edition): Surrealia Anatine's new brand is beyond fabulous. The sofa is available in both PG and adult versions and is part of a living room set that includes the ottoman, Bicycle wheel art and track lighting (not shown): Available at The Men's Dept.
Chair: -JoHaDeZ- LapDance Chair "Nest" - available in "cuddle and" adult versions, the original mesh chair is loaded with features, incl. 14 cloth textures, 15 lapdance & 15 couple anims in both versions and 24 additional adult anims in the adult version. Available at The Men's Dept.
Square Rugs: junk: Barlet Rug one (lower) / Barlet Rug two (upper): These rugs are available along with the daybed at The Men's Dept.
Round Rug: junk: Round Rug - Zebra: Just an adorable rug from the current round of Kustom 9
Wall Art: Stockholm&Lima: Bicycle Wheels: see Sofa
Antlers: Breno: Elk Horns: These "special" antlers include some bondage fun and accompanying anims. Available at The Theme Park for the "Some Like it Hot" round.
Small Table (down): junk. bartlet wheel table. worn.: Available at The Men's Dept.
Doll: D-LAB Pinocchio02: he is just bad
Neon Sign: HIDEKI - What the f*ck: lovelovelove: Available at The Chapter Four (August)
Cooler: Soy. Cooler box (white)
Stools: oyasumi / metal stool / black & grey: 2 of several components available at The Men's Dept.
Bar/Cabinet: oyasumi / wire cabinet: See Stools
Instrument: HIDEKI - Atom Ukulele: Available at The Chapter Four
Gas Pump: junk. gas pump shelves. green. - I honestly have a gas pump fetish and the little door opens and closes so you can put your junk in: Available at The Liaison Collaborative
Ceiling light: junk. headlamp light. red.: adorable AND manly - Available at The Liaison Collaborative
Daybed: junk. bartlet daybed. denim. - it comes in both PG and Adult version as well as an equally cool tan canvas version: Available at The Men's Dept
Small Table (up) -JoHaDeZ- Sidetable "One" /w Vase: Available at The Men's Dept.
Hookah: [ Nikotin ] Hookah-AK  (Update-4): Available at The Men's Dept.
"Cuddle" Rug: DIGS - Sheyda Rug: comes in both PG and adult versions as well as 6 different texture themes. Both versions are configured similarly with Single, Couple and 3Some poses. The adult version is a steamier version with various sexual preference groupings as well as 3some combos and contains over 400 animations for you to get down. (I apolgize for the texture blur; this new FS viewer is giving me fits): Available at The Theme Park for the "Some Like it Hot" round.
Photo: YONSOU-YOUHEN-OTOME-ZU by Agathe Latte: I picked this up at some gallery ages ago but Agathe made some of the coolest pre-mesh items ever.
Wall Desk: Second Spaces - Patrick Pallet Desk: This little cutie includes both decorated and undecorated versions, each only a wee 1 LI: available at The Men's Dept.
Heart: A.D.D.Andel! Wall Decor: Heart -Blue: Was at the <3 Ulaa event, may possibly be at the store.
Clock: HIDEKI - Pyramid Clock: June Arcade

The4.21.2014: Under the Tuscan Sun

It's been awhile since I've done a decor post, which is a shame since it's a favorite activity of mine. Always a challenge to get started but once I start mixing I have to be careful and edit. The setting for this post is Trompe Loeil's new Cortona Villas which you can pick up at Collabor88 through the rest of the month. I will talk about it more in a sec because it's so good it's sick.  Trompe also is a monthly participant at FaMESHed and has the most remarkable, over-the-top furnishings in her Whimsy collection this month.  The Alyce Bench is a favorite of mine and you can select many different texture types (velvet, leather, etc) and a myriad of colors as well as chose between adult and general poses.  I also tucked in the Candle Fireplace to replace the fireplace included in the Cortona because I loved the glow of the candlelight.  The other items in the room are mostly from the April collection at The Men's Dept. and The Chapter 4.  I spent a fortune on the gacha at Chapter 4 trying to win the adorable Elephant Cart only to discover how amazing all the items are in the set.

 An overall look at the Cortona Villas shows just what an amazing build Cory did for Collabor88 this month.  It sells for L$ 388 and my god, I remember when something as gorgeous as this would have cost thousands and thousands of Lindens.  Get it now at Collab if at all possible. The rooms surround a central courtyard that contains many little living spaces as well. There are all kinds of secret rooms and the doors open upon touch.  The build includes planters and numerous water features as well as a striking pergola at it's entrance. I did add the main fountain which is from Cory's March collection at FaMESHed (the furniture from which is PERFECT for this build). 

Credits:

Build: Trompe Loeil: Cortona Villas: available at April's Collabor88 round

Big Fountain: Trome Loeil: Valiano Fountain Stone Dirty: from March's FaMESHed round 

Sofa: Trompe Loeil: Alyce Bench Velvet Yellow: available at April's FaMESHed round

Fireplace: Trompe Loeil: Candle Fireplace Tile With Drape (drape is texture change): available at April's FaMESHed round

Audrey Chair: Abiss Design: Concerto Chair: available at the April The Men's Dept.

Leather Chair: Hideki: from Set 2 (rare): gacha at April The Chapter 4

Elephant Cart: Hideki: gacha at April The Chapter 4

Bust: Dinmael Bust (Coal/Gold): available at April The Men's Dept.

Mirror: Abiss Design: Deco Mirror: available at April The Men's Dept.

Record Player: Hideki: gacha at April The Chapter 4

Table: Convair: Noguchi Table: soon available on The Marketplace

Rug: Zaara: Ikat Dhurri Rug: gacha from March The Arcade

Asst Decor: Post, Bazar

I am going to start dating my posts because I'm tapped out of ideas lately

I hope everyone who celebrates the Christmas holiday had a safe and happy one.  I live in a cold climate and as I get older I have really come to love the beauty of winter.  The Trace at The Celestial Realm is the most gorgeously landscaped sim and it has become a favorite place for photos (you can even rez there!).

I was excited to get out of red/green clothes; it's not really a favorite combination for me, probably because my schoolteacher mother is the most festive person on the planet and had outfits and various regalia for just about any holiday. Even in SL I tend to grab black so lately I've tried to be more expansive and I'm liking the results. Azure Electricteeth of Tee*fy is someone who really knows her colors and I love the combinations she is offering at this months Collabor88.

Speaking of Collabor88, Miss Cory Edo has recently put her December release for the event out for sale and it is nothing short of a STEAL at L$ 88.  This seems to be some kind of penitence she is forcing upon herself for not being on time for once in her life as she is such a consistent and high quality creator. The Willoughby Lakehouse is a gorgeous farmhouse with touches of Gothic Revival to give it special character. It comes in 2 different colors; I'm showing the "warm" version here as I love the trim combination.

The home includes a snow add-on for the roof (that I forgot to put on) and has a control system for lighting, windows and doors.  It weighs on with a LI of 119 (10 more if you remember to add the snow).  I am a sucker for houses (though I spend my time on a platform) and this one is a definite keeper.

Credits:
Hair: Truth: Ainsley: New Release
Skin: Glam Affair: Mokatana Petal (Happy Xmas) - New Group Gift
Shirt: Tee*fy: Elan Wool Vest Shirt - mint/grey - available at Collabor88
Skirt: Tee*fy: Edela Buttoned Skirt - knitted grey - available at Collabor88
Hands: Slink: Avatar Enhancement Hands - elegant
Stockings: Izzie's: Overknee Socks - aqua
Boots: Maitreya: Stagioni Boots - artichoke: New Release (group exclusive color @ discount!)
Deer: The Secret Store: My Lil Fawn - Toffee - FREE at The Inspiration Point Hunt: the best hunt ever!
Home: Trompe Loeil: Willoughby Lakehouse - "warm": New Release at Collabor88

Let's Give it up for Santa!

Think of all the fun I've missed
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed
Next year I could be oh so good
If you'd check off my Christmas list 

 (Santa Baby, J. Javits, P. Springer)

Santa looks like I'm full of it, which I usually am. Call me the Christmas Queen cuz there is a plethora, a cornucopia o' holiday themed items all over the grid right now.  Absolutely no reason to not be festive, so shape up and cheer up!  Read the credits below for item information so that I don't end up being too wordy here.

Credits: 
Sleigh: Trompe Loeil: Holiday 2013 Couples Sled: Available in Dark (shown here) and Light (white w/blue embellishments). 18 LI Includes several snugly and adjustable couples sits for your daily dose of holiday spooning: Available at The Garden @ The Liaison Collaborative.
Santa: !! Follow US !!: Christmas '13 Santa Claus: Truth in reporting here. This very grumpy but cute santa is a mesh item that includes a sleigh and a bunch of presents around him. All uploaded as a single object with a super low LI of 7.  I just wanted Santa and so I ended up derendering everything but him and a bag, which was tons of fun since my horrible graphics card causes me to crash with nearly every photo I take.  Follow US has a ton of adorable, inexpensive items on the Marketplace, but I recommend if you just want the santa don't be as miserly as me and spend a few Lindens more on the Santa with just the bag.
Dress: The Secret Store: Sarah Dress Coat - Carmine: available at Collabor88
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Sally - Golden: available at FaMESHed: cute hair bow is texture change via HUD
Skin: Glam Affair: Mokatana skin - America 03: available at Collabor88
Eyes: IKON: Destiny Eyes: Clarity
Hands: Slink: AvEnhance Hands: one Pointed and one Elegant
Stockings: Cannibelle: Spot of Winter Tights - Brown (from Darks pack): Slink Appliers included.  A slew of cute new releases at the store, all very reasonably priced!
Shoes: ieQED: Gerda flat for Slink Flat Feet: available at The Seraphim Social. Mesh, materials ready. These shoes are really quite splendid with painstaking texture details, including scuff marks on the bottom and little nails that attach the heel to the sole, as they would have been in the days of Hans Christian Andersen. I just kept crashing and couldn't take it anymore
Feet: Slink: AvEnhance Feet Female Flat
Poses: Imeka: from the Katie set: available at Collabor88

Wish You a Manly Christmas

So, we are celebrating Christmas at my brother's house this year. My brother, Dean, is a big imposing Harley guy with the heart of a marshmallow. Generally there would be a motorcycle in the middle of the living room, but he has a new house so I'm sharing a mental image of what I hope it looks like.  Sometimes men need cozy, too.

Credits:
From The Men's Dept.:
Aria: Hiver sideboard cabinet: Touch options include texture change (color and stencil) and shadow effect
22769 ~ [bauwerk]:  Barrel Chair Green: available in green, red and blue. Includes 10 adjustable poses (animated and static)
From The Arcade: 
Trompe Loeil: Advent Calendar 2013: The tree calender itself is free to all.  Plays are only 25 L for a variety of adorable items.  The items I have rezzed include (left to right): Tree Candleholder, Branch Wreath, Dashing Through The Snow Chalkboard, Recycled Wood Photo Frame, Snowflake Pillow Bunch with animations (Seats 2, eight couples animations). Just rez the keys near the advent tree and the corresponding door opens and delivers the actual item.  The items are exquisite and it's kind of fun to see the door pop open with a mini replica of each item.
From FaMESHed:
Trompe Loeil: Holiday 2013 Hearth: available in 3 wood finishes and touch on/off fire; Holiday Couch: PG and Adult versions with 9 touch controlled color/pattern sofa fabric options and 8 pillow fabric options. About a zillion animated poses; 2013 Holiday Tree: available in 6 colors; each set includes 6 versions; perfect inside or outdoors.
Misc:
Barnesworth Anubis: fancy pet feeder - KittyCats advent 2013: gift 1 of 25 lovely free gifts.  If you miss a day you can come back and get!  The KittyCat folks do such a lovely job with this event.
EmmePose: little grey kitty: attachable mesh prop from Meow pose reopening gift: TY TY
POST: Retro Coffee Table
Apple Fall: Chinese Takeout: old group gift
Sari-Sari: Weihnachtsteller: part of 4 Walls Hunt: 20L
Silent Sparrow: Rudolph Penant: free gift in store with the unmistakable artwork of hyasynth Tiramisu
Lisp: Assorted Gift Boxes: Transferable, but I could not bear to part with them!

Serious Moonlight

If you say run, I'll run with you

If you say hide, we'll hide

Because my love for you

Would break my heart in two

I was yearning to create a quiet, romantic scene ever since I saw Trompe Loeil's Skarstind Patio, that is included as part of this massive cottage pack which is at Collabor88 right now for a ridiculously low price.  It includes the world, so no debate on this buy.  I've decorated it with a collection of items from Collabor88, The Men's Department, We <3 Role-Play and a few old favorites.  Details and locations in Credits.  PS. I miss you, honey.

Credits:

Patio: Trompe Loeil: Skarstind Patio: currently available @ Collabor88 as part of the Skarstind Modular Cottage Pack

Chair (front left): Trompe Loeil: Industrial Lounger: currently available @ Collabor88 in a pack of 15 colours

Chest (left): Culprit: Old Chest Crackle: currently available at The Men's Department

Candle: Funky Junk

Lillies: POST

Chair: (rear left): .encore. President's Chair: currently available at The Men's Department

Bust: Culprit: Dragon with the Girl Tattoo: currently available at The Men's Department

Backpack: Zenith: Rammus Leather Backpack Open: currently available at The Men's Department

Speakers: floorplan.: drive-in speakers: currently available at The Men's Department

Screen: POST: Prouve Dressing Screen

Daybed: 11th Hour: Noir Daybed - Adult: currently available at The Men's Department

Tea Set: Two Cats One Cup: Tilting Tea Server - Pumpkin: available at We <3 Role-Play

Lighting: Trompe Loeil: Industrial Chandelier Tall: currently available @ Collabor88

Rug: *MMG: Mesh Rug [A-#2]: I think it was free or super cheap!

I should be out raking, really.

Qopi says I talk to much in my posts so brevity is the word for the day. Lot's of gorgeous new releases from designers I love!

Credits:
Drift: Cold Shoulder Dress: new release (so cozy and versatile)
Ison: Lace-Up Gladiator Sandals for Slink Med Feet: new release @ Collabor88 (badass)
Stockings: Izzies: Thigh High Knit Socks (incl. Slink applier)
Necklace: Bliensen + MaiTai: Time Loop Necklace: new release
Hair: Elikatira: Brenna: new release (YAY)
Skin: Izzies: Lucie - Pumpkin Pie: new release @ TDR Fusion
House: Trompe Loeil: Autumn Cottage: new release @ Collabor88 (cutest house ever!)
Garage: POST: Hurley Rural Garage: new release (was for The Neighborhood last week - if Post has something new I will be there!)
Walkway: Barnesworth Anubis: Flagstone Pavers
Mailbox: +sanctuaire+: Siouxie Mailbox
Pumpkin / Cornstalks: Deco
Wheelbarrow: Hayana

Apples in Autumn

Hi!! This post literally took me 3 days to finish due to continual crashing when I tried to take photos. I really need a new graphics card.  Autumn is my favorite season, a time when we return to our normal routines, which I find particularly comforting.  I'm also crazy about anything that looks vintage Halloween.  The season and the holiday just go together. I could not imagine Halloween in April, ya know?

Trompe Loeil's Apple Cart release for October's The Garden at The Liaison Collaborative round made me smile. I live in an area of Michigan that is on a high glacial ridge and is perfect for orchards.  Leave the city and within minutes you are in a rolling countryside rife with farm stands, hay rides, corn mazes set against a backdrop of changing leaves. Some of the markets are massive but you can still find Ma & Pa farms with small stands like Trompe's that work on the trust system where you buy your goods and put your money in a bucket.  It hearkens back to simpler, non-electronic days. The Apple Cart is actually quite a complex product: you can simply rez it and have a cute photo prop but it also comes with all it's individual components, including an empty stand that can be used as a stall for any kind of event you choose.  The hand drawn sign has 4 messages plus a blank so you can use your own signage.  The trim and body are separately tintable for your own color options. It's a must have.  Seraphim Social is hosting it's Book Club sales event and for the next week or so you can pick up some lovely items inspired by Neil Gaiman’s Coraline.  A popular meme are the buttons that the ghost children who had them sewn in as eyes. Atelier Visconti released the sweet Other Chair for the event. The chair, which is color change through a HUD, has both individual and couples poses, all adjustable.  The assorted vintage buckets are from my collection of both old and new pieces, including years of Schadenfreude's annual Halloween Bucket (alas none this year!) and Lark's perfect buckets for Candy Fair, which is ending today.

My skin is an exclusive version of PXL's new Jade skin. I love it and it was fun to wear dark hair on Eden for a change.  I wanted to get a decent shot of one of Bliensen+MaiTai's new nail appliers for Slink Avatar Enhancement hands and feet.  Brilliant and so unique they are only one of several awesome new releases for this month's Genre event which features a Steampunk theme. Nothing is over 100 L at Genre and I see many creators there that I don't normally see at other events. I've become a huge fan.  Lastly and I shut up, Wasabi Pills Stella hair for the Wizarding Fair is charming.  If you wish you can unlink the front braid, though I find it makes the hair!

Credits:
Cart: Trompe Loeil: Apple Cart: currently available at The Garden at The Liaison Collaborative
Chair: Atelier Visconti: Other Chair: currently available at The Seraphim Social Club
Halloween Buckets: older Schadenfreude buckets and awesome new buckets from Lark at Candy Fair
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Stella: currently available at The Wizarding Fair
Jacket: ISON: Leather Asymmetrical Jacket: currently available at Collabor88
Pants: TokiD: Rolled Chinos
Shoes: Bliensen + MaiTai: Industrial Revolution - brown: currently available at Genre
Skin: PXL: Jade PA: Halloween Group Gift (join fee required)
Nail Appliers: Bliensen + Mai Tai: Slink Nail Applier HUD: Industrial: currently available at Genre
Eyes: IKON: Destiny Eyes: Clarity
Balloons and the word HAPPY on the Apple Cart: Boogers for the Havenhollow event: free!
Hands & Feet: Slink: Avatar Enhancement Hands and Medium Feet

Vintage Fair: The L'Ook

I've got lots more head-to-toe Vintage Fair looks to show off.  There are so many awesome items I'm having a dreadful time narrowing down my looks, but I have to remember it's one photo at a time.  Hand me the world's smallest tissue and let's get on with this.  I will talk more about the look above but I want to show you the most wonderful prop you can pick up exclusively at Vintage Fair.  It is called the L'Ookbook Boutique Prop and it is set as a small shopfront with bay windows.  The poses are especially made for the prop and include poses both in the doorway of the shop and in the store window.

I took a quick shot of the prop to give you an idea of how it's laid out. I added the platform/black wall, lamps and furniture just to goof off but you can see that it's pretty spiffy and a worthwhile investment if you blog or enjoy taking fashion photos.

Getting back to clothes and such...I am a huge fan of Ingenue!  I remember at last year's Vintage Fair mesh was still in it's very early stages and few designers had invested a lot into adding it to their lines.  But Betty Doyle, an amazing designer and I'm guessing a perfectionist, dived right into it and had full sets of personally created mesh outfits.  I think pretty much all of Ingenue's work now includes some elements of mesh and in my opinion is of the top 10 masters of the craft.  As always, her textures are exquisite, the clothes fit exactly as they should and have such range.  The Lauren skirt I'm wearing is a perfect example of that.  It has that a vintage fair but is infinitely flexible, so you can dress straight period or incorporate it into more modern ensembles. I've never regretted any purchase I've made from Ingenue and my collection is vast.  LeeZu is another brand that has made some amazing mesh outfits but I find the prim sculpts to be brilliant with the jacket, Yriin, to be a stunning example of that.  It's elegant and edgy yet easily wearable, which are adjectives I associate with the LeeZu brand.  I love avante garde but frankly, when I want to look put together and go shopping, that is not the look I tend to grab.  Slink is offering these fabulous kitten-esque heels at Vintage Fair.  These are not just shoes!  These are mesh shoes with separate mesh feet!  The feet are sized in standard size equivalents so that they are proportional to other parts of the shape that meet these standards.  They include a hud for both the nails on the bare feet as well as another hud for skin tinting and nail polishes.  If you go back up to the first photo you can better see the lovely hair from Vanity Hair, The Hamptons, which includes a color change hair band.  I love this style for it's casual refinement and Tabata Jewell's wonderful hair textures.  Lastly, and I hope to show more of this amazing collection is Eclectica's Nouveau Leaves set.  This gorgeous set includes the items I am wearing plus a tiara, brooch, and hair pins, all of which are controlled by a hud for stone and metal color as well as size and shine.  I so admire Tiffy Vella's work and her shop at the fair is just glorious.

Ingenue has also released the darling Greta dress for Vintage Fair.  It is mesh and comes in standard sizes.  There are some adorable dotted versions as well as a variety of prints. I love the texture of the songbird version as it is soooo retro and fun.  The shoes are the fabulous Cleaver heels from :{MV}:, which is a store that is new to me.  Lots of yummy shoes there (Cherelle)!

Tuty's, another store that is new to me, has some fantastic Vintage hair.  I probably should have worn a lighter hair color against the dark wall but trust me, it is definitely worth a demo.  The style I'm wearing, Romantic, is a lovely representation of 40's hair and I love how full use of the hair base is used to enhance the style.  The jewelry I'm wearing from [HANDverk], which I'm not shy about my declaration of love for, has both amazing mission style furniture and jewelry sets, created by partners and design team of Daphne Klossovsky and Tobias Convair.  The Mucha Necklace does not show up well in this flat picture and it's so gorgeous I will show it again but its delicate and distinct like the work of it's namesake, Czeck painter and decorative artist, Alphonse Mucha. The skin I'm wearing in all the photos is from Aeva, and is called Jaci~2 and I've worn it for a few posts lately because I love it so much.  Aeva is the new brand by Heartsick creator, Amesha Jewell, and I love the clear face with bright lipstick and perfectly tilted cat-eyes 

Vintage Fair runs thru August 29th.  It's really worth a good walkthrough or five because there is so much to see.  The slurls for everything I'm wearing ala Vintage Fair can be found at the Chic Management site.  Non-VF items will note slurl to the main store.

Credits:
Prop: BENT.: L'Oolbook Boutique @ Vintage Fair
Skin: Aeva: Jaci~2 @ Vintage Fair
Photos 1&3:  Hair: Vanity Hair: The Hamptons @ Vintage Fair
Skirt: Ingenue: Lauren - Army
Jacket: LeeZu: Yriin @ Vintage Fair
Shoes: Slink: Vintage 2 Strap Pumps @ Vintage Fair
Jewelry: Eclectica: Nouveau Leaves @ Vintage Fair
Shirt: Whippet & Buck: Cole Boatneck
Photos 4&5: Hair: Tuty's: Romantic @ Vintage Fair
Dress: Ingenue: Greta - Songbird @ Vintage Fair
Shoes: :{MG}: Cleaver Heels @ Vintage Fair
Jewelry: [HANDverk]: Mucha Earrings and Necklace in gold @ Vintage Fair
Streetlamp: Trompe Loeil: French Streetlamp
Bench and Planter: Trompe Loeil: Garden Bench and Planter: available in lots of colors
Sconce Lamp: Barnesworth Anubis: Victorian Outdoor Sconce

Tea Leaves

Wow! It's been a week since I've been back from the Dandy's and I've barely had a decent chance to sit down and blog, so I'm hopelessly behind.  Most of this week had stunningly perfect early summer days to be outside or working on the house with all the windows open, so I took advantage before the muggy summer set in.  I've wanted to talk about Cory Edo of Trompe Loeil's NYC66 skyhome that is available this month at Collabor88.  I am a huge Mad Men fan and loved Don's Park Avenue apartment from the moment I saw it and am so thrilled to see it replicated for us in SL.  I make no secret of my love for all things mid-century modern and this is a perfect setting.  The fact that the skybox is partially furnished in fully animated furnishings is a bonus.  The apartment is modifyable and I did a bit of messing around with the original to show you.  I switched out the living room seating with different colors that you can pick up at C88 for 88 Lindens each and I easily altered the tint of the carpet.  There are 9 photo frames throughout the build for you to drop in your own photos.  The skybox is also copyable so you can rez it over and over again when you want to start fresh. 

Chic2 continues for another week and is chocked full of great items that have been made new for the event.  I thought that Bilo's mesh Talullah dress was perfect for my Betty Draper look.  I added CIA Designs bolero jacket to gussy it up for a day on the town.  I added [HANDverk]'s new Octopussy jewelry for an accent.  The jewelry is all mesh and is unrigged so you can resize it as you need.  It is available for the remainder of June for Stumblebum.

Credits:
Dress: Bilo: Tallulah - maroon @ Chic2
Jacket: CIA Designs: Black Bolero Jacket @ Chic2
Skin: al vulo: Baba2 - coquette custard @ Chic2
Hair: LeLutka: Bonjour
Shoes: Ingenue: Freynii
Purse: je suis: Coquet bag: was exclusive to Culture Shock 2012
Jewelry: [HANDverk]: Octopussy - soothing saffron: note new store location!
Skybox and all furnishings: Trompe Loeil at Collabor88!
Poses: Estetica: Chic @ Chic2

Happy Birthday, CHIC!

Wow! I find it hard to believe that CHIC Management has turned two years old!  I was looking at the CHIC website and they have held at least 18 events during that time, not counting the number of weekly Fashionably Late events.  Black and Blue was the first event and I remember that event.  The location was pretty small and how they have grown!  Culture Shock, which just ended was a huge event.  Chic2, began yesterday, and is back to a more intimate setting, though the number of brands represented is similar.  Each brand has been asked to create one new and exclusive (for the duration of the event) item.  The event is mesh-central and every CHIC2 item I am wearing today is mesh.  Just amazing to think mesh has only been around less than a year and how it has changed our buying habits.

Let me talk a bit about the items.  I've been trying to write this post all weekend and it was a total wash.  coldLogic has created the adorable Moody dress for CHIC2.  It comes in 3 different colors that each have their own cute print. They are perfect little summer dresses that you can dress up with a jacket or accessories of your choice.  You can see above so much attention has been given to detail.  The seaming is perfect, as are the shadows and shape. 

Bebe is a new, youthful skin line from Apple May Designs that right now you can only get at Chic2.  The Soho version has subtle shadow and lip tone.  I did pop on Rozena's Kiss Kiss lip color in Bubble Gum, also available at Chic2, for a bit more color and it complemented nicely.  I've not been shy about my love of Wasabi Pills mesh and MissAllSunday Lemon has revised her Anais hair from a pulled back style to a long style in Anais 2.  As she always does with long styles, she has included both a "boobs" and regular version so that more endowed avatars don't lose their hair to their bodies. I like the "boobs" versions when I am wearing several prim layers on top, as well.

In addition to lots of wearable items there is a nice selection of decor and pose items at the event.  The poses I am using are from estetica's Chic pose set made especially for the event. Trompe Loeil has remade their topiaries into a mesh version.  The pack at the event includes several styles and can be switched from a daytime version to an evening version with twinkling lights. A planter is included in the package so you can stick them in the ground or get fancy.  What Next is offering the sweet Hampton Garden set in 3 color choices.  The sets are entirely mesh and include a coalesced set with table and four padded chairs.  A non-cushioned version is also included.  The chairs have about a billion poses for both genders and rezzes or gives you a variety of items such as a computer, brunch, magazine, pen, drinks, phone, etc.  

CHIC2 runs from June 3 through the 24th.  The venue is set up in the round, similar to The Colosseum, with 3 tiers of booths.  I would suggest you simple move from the landing point and find a good place to cam.  It's a lot to take in and the selection is tremendous to have fun, go back more than once because I can guarantee you will miss something!  TP! 

Credits

(at CHIC2)
Dress: coldLogic: Moody Dress - Sage Blossom
Hair: Wasabi Pills: Anais 2 mesh hair - Rye
Skin: (AMD) Bebe - Pale Soho 3
Lips: Rozena: Kiss Kiss - Bubblegum
Topiaries: Trompe Loeil: Mesh Topiaries 6 pack
Furniture: {what next}: Hampton Garden Set - Yellow
Animations: Estetica: Chic

(non-C2)
Shoes: Baby Monkey: Cache
Deck: Funky*Junk: Summertime Dock - from Home Expo 2012
Birthday Cake and Hat: RC Cluster

The FaMESHed are Coming! The FaMESHed are Coming!

Wow! June is just about here which means it's almost summer break and my hopefully-soon-to-be-10th-grader will be officially eating me out of house and home 24/7.  It's also time for a new month of FaMESHed and I want to show you a preview from 2 of my very favorite designers.  FaMESHED made a strong start in May showcasing exclusive works from some of the best mesh creators on the grid.  The month-long event starts at 12:00 am SLT on June 1.

[HANDverk] is again offering a variety of items at the event.  Daphne Klossovsky, one of the talented members of the design team has created the elegant Beaded Leather jewelry set.  I've been watching reruns of The Tudors in my spare time and was bawling over the beheading of poor Anne Boleyn earlier this evening but I was also thinking how amazing she would look in this set.  It's a bit edgier than the jewelry worn during the age of the Reformation but it's spectacular nonetheless.  The sets are available in 5 magnificent colors as well as a gold and silver version of each.

The gorgeous skin I am wearing is from Belleza and is a special edition of the Lily V1 skin.  The skin comes with 10 limited edition makeups that can be purchased separately or in bundled packages.  The skin includes options such as hairbases and cleavage and is available in 4 skin-tones per purchase.  This set will only be available at The Skin Showcase until June 10.

Not to be out-shown is the darling Cory Edo from Trompe Loeil.  I had the pleasure of listening to Cory talk last week at Home Expo 2012 about her SL building career and the explosion of mesh.  She is such a talented creator and she is offering the Godswood Garden at FaMESHed in June.  The garden is contained within a sphere that can be rezzed as an orb or on a stand as I've shown in the smaller photo (I shot it on my work platform and you can see from the size of my photo-stands in the background how large this is).  It weighs in at only 101 prims in total and requires a 34m x 34m parcel.  I bet Anne Boleyn would have liked this, too, to get away from that wretched Henry VIII, who I am really angry with at the moment. It's perfect little woodland getaway and the sphere is scripted to fade in and out of view for easy entry.  Cory thinks of everything!

Credits:   TP to FaMESHed!
Jewelry: [HANDverk]: Beaded Leather set - shown in Lapis Lazuli at FaMESHed
Skin: Belleza: Lily V1 - SE Pale 3 exclusively at the Skin Showcase
Eyes: Glam Affair: Stella Eyes V2 14
Hair: Maitreya: Aisha - Gold Blonde
Garden: Trompe Loeil: Godswood Garden Sphere at FaMESHed

Home Expo: Beachy Keen with Cory Edo

If you are in the mood to shop you've found the right time.  Some major events are happening right now,  many with the purpose of raising funds for charity.  Culture Shock 2012 comes to an end on May 26th and has raised well over a 1.4 million Lindens for the charity Médecins Sans Frontières.  The event has been fantastic and mesh is the star.  It's hard to imagine now what we ever did without it.  Chic Management has been challenged by the  charity to earn 2 million dollars so tp on over! The blue Mahvi Sequined Pants (mesh) from Miamai are an exclusive color at Culture Shock and a perfect tone for summer.  The sequined texture picks up all kinds of high notes making them really fun to dress up or down.  I'm in love with the Safari Back necklace from Finesmith and it is another Culture Shock exclusive so you really might want to get back for a last look before these are a thing of the past.

Before I get started on Home Expo I wanted to quickly mention that Mimi Coral from Cupcakes had her 8th Rezday yesterday and they are having an amazing sale on select items.  All clothing is 25 or 50 lindens, the Charm skin line is 50 L, several full perm templates for mesh clothing and skins are steeply discounted as well as discounts on eyes and some Model Kits.  Being a frugalista, I had to grab the St. Patrick's Day model kit for 50 L as it included the skin above in 3 tones, 2 mesh dresses, and several pairs of eyes.  I've been a Cupcakes supporter since before Mimi and Rosemary Galbraith merged their two stores; they are so generous and sweet.

This gorgeous piece of furnishing is from Trompe Loeil and makes it's debut at Home Expo 2012.  Home Expo 2012 is the largest home products event of the year and features 13 sims, musical entertainment, a breedables fair as well as a hunt, silent auction and a grid-wide raffle.  This event continues it's tradition of benefitting Relay for Life, the fundraising arm of the American Cancer Society.  The event has a short run of only 10 days, ending May 28th at 10 PM SLT.  Please follow this link for tons of information for the expo, including maps and slurls and a catalog of exclusive items.

The Tropical Beachside Bed above is a 100% donation item from Trompe Loeil.  It is a mesh product and with a land impact of 38 prims.  It comes in an instant set-up and includes everything seen here (except my land, lol).  Both the bed and the deck have single and couples poses.  The  sheltered bed, as well as each pillow and billowing curtains, have several texture changing options for a myriad of possibilites.

Another stunning Trompe Loeil offering with 100% of it's proceeds benefiting RFL is the Tropical Scoop Bed.  It is also a mesh product and is available in 3 wicker colors.  The deck is from the Beachside Bed above so is not included.  The Scoop has a touch-activated top that smoothly moves up and down for stargazing/sunbathing.  All fabric elements are individually texture change and I am showing a sample of colors available.  The palm trees in this photo are part of a mesh megapack of 48 trees that includes 3 models with 4 bark and 4 leaf textures for each.  This is also a 100% donation item and with the exceptional attention to detail that Cory Edo offers in this product you should never need another palm tree again.  Thank you, Cory!

Other Credits:
Hair: LeLutka: Rykiel
Tank: MichaMi: Washed Out Tank - Turquoise
Belt: fri.day: cinch belt