Make me Purr

Purring to me is an expression of absolute contentment, and yes, I am a cat lover.  A cat’s purr has been said to vibrate at a frequency that can actually heal bones, and cats purr not only when contented, but also when frightened or in pain, kicking off endorphins to heal and calm themselves and everyone around them.

For me though, I think of other things that make me purr. Some days it is letting a piece of Swiss chocolate melt in my mouth, or listening to most anything by Lindsey Stirling.  Sunshine on my bare shoulders, or laying in bed on a weekend morning with a purring kitten on my chest…yes…I purr too.

Then, there are the special people in your life, where there nearness alone, those silent times of connection where no words are necessary, just a look, a touch….I don’t hear it, but  I can feel it inside; that long, languid, contented purr.  Purrs are found when we slow down, be present, and just savor.  A purr is pure blissful enjoyment of the moment. Here’s wishing you many purrs throughout your day.

 

Styling:

Dress: Nelly Mesh Mini Dress Blue – shine by [ZD] at the Comics Fair 2014

Hair: Stay the Night Autumn – Exile

Bracelet: Tamara Bracelet – Ben’s Beauty

Necklace: Noir Necklace (old Group Gift) – Finesmith

Pose: Enjoy – Morphine

Location: It All Starts With a Smile

 

Just in Time for Tyne – Skin Fair 2014 Last Chance

Last day of Skin Fair 2014 is March 30, and you still have time to pick up Amacci’s new Tyne skin.  I had so much fun playing with this skin, because in addition to all the pretty eye and cheek colors varieties built into the skin itself, lips come bare until you start mixing and matching the complimentary lip tattoos in the pack.  I couldn’t resist, which you’ll see below. Each skin comes with the bare skin plus one makeup option.   But if I can be completely honest…the best option is fatpack.  Take a look for yourself.  Appliers to match your Lolas, Phatt Azz, and Slinks can also be purchased separately. While Tyne is currently featured at Skin Fair in Cream, once it rolls out to the stores, even more skin tones will be available.

And while we are discussing events, also be sure to check out Genre’s Mer theme, where you can find Circa Living’s siren-inspired vanity, which also includes a stool (not shown) loaded with animations so you can primp til your heart’s content.

Styling:

Skin: Tyne (fatpack) – Amacci at Skin Fair 2014

Hair: Star Struck Aries – Analog Dog at Arcade

Vanity: Siren’s Song Vanity green – Circa Living at Genre

Outfit: Iridescent Lyra – Mermaid’s Treasure & Boutique

Jewelry: Only You Elite (color-change) – Zuri’s Jewelry

Location: Celestial Dreams

Skin Fair 2014: Meja by BLUSH Skins

Beauty may only be skin deep, but Meja from BLUSH Skins  is a deeply beautiful skin, no matter which shade you wear.  Available now at Skin Fair 2014, Meja from BLUSH comes in several different skin tones, with and without bust enhancement, and with Slink and Lola appliers available.  Multiple eyebrow colors are included so you can customize  your look. And now that traffic has begun to mellow during the last week of the fair, it is the best time to cruise over to find your self a fresh new look for the season.

Styling:

Skin: Meja in Dark, Pale, Tan, and Light Tan – BLUSH Skins at the Skin Fair 2014

Hair: Nova – EMO-tions

Eyes: Ikon

Poses: Scarlett – Diesel Works

Top: Sweet Nothings Scarlet – Mon Cheri

 

 

100% Boyfriend Approved

I have a thing for comfort clothes in both RL and SL, and when you get comfort combined with total smexy, I found a new favorite anytime outfit to grab for dancing, shopping, exploring, or hanging out.

This little number from Urban Cherry looks great coming and going, teasing from the front with its criss-cross bodice and belly baring scoop, and then begging to be untied from the back. It comes 100% boyfriend approved. They just can’t resist those string ties. Just don’t plan to stay in it for long.

It is also girlfriend approved, for the record, currently being offered at the Urban Cherry mainstore in black at 50% off, and in the red I’m wearing for 50% off at the Thrift Store Event. Other colors also available. Oh how I love play clothes, especially when they are on sale.

Styling:

Dress: Miss Daisy Halter Dress in red – Urban Cherry on sale at The Thrift Shop for 50%

Hair: Collide Autumn – Exile

Earrings: Daise earrings – N@N@

Bracelet:  Caprise Bracelet – [glow] Studio

Shoes: Admiral Zebra for Slink Mid feet – CandyDoll

Poses: Martinique – oOo Stuido Poses

Pieces of Me

I could say new year, new look, but this one is a drastic one …so perhaps it deserves a bit more explanation.  A quote I read recently sums it up nicely. “One day someone is going to hug you so tight, that all your broken pieces fit back together.”

Since I started in SL, I have lived many different lives,  avatars created with components of me, but never all of me, to keep my heart and emotions safe.  There was Minx, my flirty, scrappy warrior pixie; Ciara, my spiritual gypsy witch; Terelyn, the fallen angel conflicted about her place in the world; Mika, my magical child self.  And of course, you’ve all known Nyree, my professional model working self.  You see, by splitting myself this way, I could still be part of me that I knew, which gave me some level of comfort, but at the same time, because it was only part, it didn’t matter so much if that one part was accepted or rejected.

I once had someone tell me if I could ever bring all my avatars together, then I’d be completely me.  I could see the truth in that, yet was never willing to do so, not for myself and certainly not for any SL lover.  Until, I met someone on my Princess of Play avatar, Shadow.  Shadow was me, at my most relaxed.  And I guess because of that, and the fact that I was truly looking for a friendship, not expecting a romance, my guard was down…and somehow all of me came together without me even thinking about it.

When you find someone who loves the whole of you, and makes you feel so safe and valued for who you are, it is funny how the pieces merge together. So, Nyree has taken on Shadow’s look, and for the first time, Nyree’s look hasn’t changed due to insecurities, but rather from a sense of freedom to be myself, with all my foibles.  I am living fully as me for the first time in SL, doing the things I love, being with the people who matter, and able to flirt, scrap, play, explore deep, soul-searching topics, work and live my magical SL life.  Dedicated to the one that brought all of me back together again, and gave me all of him in the process. All of Me – John Legend.

On Nyree:

Jacket: ISABELLA MESH LEATHER JACKET creme – shine by [ZD]

Skirt: Giles ruby – ColdLogic
Shoes: Pointy Strap Heel Red for Slink Medium Feet – ISON

Ring: Indonesia Ring – Sajahan – Finesmith

Hair: Celebrity Skin Dark Blondes – Exile

Pose: Pouffe in Red Ottoman (multi-pose) – Circa Living

On Dilip:

Jacket: JONAS MESH PEA COAT grey with rollneck sweater – sharp by [ZD]

Pants: MESH SUIT PANTS black – sharp by [ZD]

Shoes: Elegance Shoes black – Scarpa

Hair: Dura Boy 36 – Dura

Pose: Arwan – Diesel Works

Scene:

Living Room Set, Table, Lamp, Print Rug, Picture Grouping, Hanging hearts, Ottoman, Window, Valentine Knick Knacks – Luxely Valentine Living Room – Circa Living

Tusciana Breakfast Tray – Circa Living

Vintage Love Manniquin – Circa Living

Illusions Round Wall Mirror – Circa Living

Heart Blanket Red – Dreamscapes Art Gallery

Love Is Framed Pic – Dreamscapes Art Gallery

Toronto Study Cabinet – Bazaar Quality Home

Rose Heart Wreath – A.D.D. Andel

Stockholm Attic Skybox – Barnsworth and Anubis

Couples Pose:  #8 Couples Pose – Everglow

Christmas Cottage

Since I currently live in the wilds of Mississippi, this has been my snowy winter hideway this year, to appease my Northern Midwesterner roots.  Wishing you and yours blessings this holiday season.

Home: Frostbite Cottage – Trompe Loeil

Livingroom: Christmas Tree 2013 – Cozy Essentials, Mesh Winter Sofa – Lisp, Hope Faith Joy Wall Deco – Bellarose Furniture and Homes, Maguerite Armchair (POE) – Senzafine, Winter Stool Snow – Sanctuarie, Candle Tray Christmas – Dreamscape Decor, Cozy Clutter of Presents – Cozy Essentials, Cabin in the Winter picture – Marketplace, Aqua Love Rug – Majestic Rose Creations, Garden Coffee Ottoman – Follow Us, Christmas Snowy Trees Table Topper – Cozy Essentials, Village Holliday Cookie Tree – Circa Living.

Bedroom: Priya Bed – Mud Honey, Imagine Bookshelf – Pixel Mode, Christmas Wreath – Bellarose Furniture, Japan Carpet White – hiyoko, Christmas/winter Window pictures – The Bitter Apple, Olsen Chest Bench – Pilot, Winter Holiday Candle – Circa Living

Nook: Christmas Chair White (POE) – PRIME, Mother of Pearl Inlaid Chest – Apple Fall, Noel Red – Cozy Essentials, Holiday Bears (POE 2012) – Special Jewell’s Fine Art, Garden Coffee Table – Follow Us, Let It Snow (POE 2012) – Stonewood Interiors, Christmas Garland Red – Cozy Essentials, Word Art Christmas HoHoHo – Dreamscapes Decor, Joyful Bottle Decor White – Diggs, Curly Tree Wall Decor – Lustre Designs, Winter Holiday Modern Twig Decor Vase Blue and Silver – Circa Living

Fall In Love with Contrast

While styling the other day, I found myself in an interesting conversation with a designer friend.  In a nutshell, we came to the agreement that a contrast is better than a match, so that each piece stands out in its best light.

The people in our lives are like that too.  A contrast is more compatible than an exact match.  I know for myself, I am a terrible procrastinator, often because I spend so much time planning, it leaves me in a scramble to get things done.  I don’t need another person in my life with that matching trait.  I need the contrast of a spontaneous person who is willing to wing it a little, break me out of my rut, and help me get moving and experiencing.  And they don’t need someone just like them, for that matter.  Living all for today would mean getting blindsided by a tomorrow they aren’t prepared for.  So embrace the contrasts in the people you love.  Don’t try to make them act like you.  It is those differences you fell in love with so that each of you can shine in your own unique way.

Here’s another contrast for you.  A wonderful event called Fall In Love, coordinated by Finesmith Muse Inspiration Week 7, Winter Zhukovsky.  And despite her name, she has created a fall shopping wonderland that is so autumny you can smell the apple cider.

From November 23rd until November 30th, 35 leading designers have come together, many offering event exclusives.  Additionally, a fashion show displaying these designs is planned on November 26 at 4pm.  Hunt items courtesy of Finesmith are also tucked here and there, so you can combine your shopping and hunting in one place. Here is your TAXI.

And speaking of contrasts, while the event theme is a color-filled autumn, in honor of our coordinator Winter, here are two cozy Shine by [ZD] event offerings, but with a winter themed twist.

Styling:

Jacket: Angelina Jacket Pink & Black – shine by [ZD] at the Fall in Love event

Dress/Belt: Mica Rollneck Dress Black – shine by [ZD] at the Fall in Love event

Makeup: Frosted Elegance Silver – Shellac

Earrings: Tamara Earrings – Ben’s Beauty at fi*friday until 11/28

Boots: Cantebury boots Burgandy – Loodes of London

Tights: Poka Dot Tights Grey – Cannibelle

Bag: Elephant Bag Dark Grey – Toki Doki at The Dressing Room Fusion

Hair: Rasberry Beret – Exile

Poses: Liz – Imeka at Kustom9

Landscaping: Two Moon Gardens

A Dream Within – Poet’s Heart

“A Dream Within…” is a charity event for Crohn’s and Colitis UK (info: http://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk/) and is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe.

Why Crohn’s and Colitis UK? Crohn’s Disease is a treatable illness, but not curable, also the cause is still unknown. Many people have never even heard of this illness, but with time the symptoms and side effects of Crohn’s will get worse (anaemia, short bowel syndrome, malnutrition, DVT… etc the list is going on and on), and it sometimes gets life threatening. With the growing number of patients diagnosed each year it is vital that the research towards this illness is well funded, that soon they will finally find a cure so future patients will not have to face the huge impact of Crohn’s on their lives.

Why Poe? There is no other like him. Each designer was assigned to a different verse/part of one of Poe’s poems and was asked to interpret it into a creation, a visual composition of theirs.

50% of the income of each design will go to Crohn’s and Colitis UK, but there will also be donation boxes dotted around. Your Chariot.

EVENING STAR

‘Twas noontide of summer,
And mid-time of night;
And stars, in their orbits,
Shone pale, thro’ the light
Of the brighter, cold moon,
‘Mid planets her slaves,
Herself in the Heavens,
Her beam on the waves.
I gazed awhile
On her cold smile;
Too cold- too cold for me-

AURORA BY POET’S HEART:

Styling:

Gown/Hat/Gloves: Aurora Nightsky – Poet’s Heart at A Dream Within

Makeup: Frost Fest Blue (December group gift coming soon) – Shellac

Jewelry: Celeste Heirloom Special Edition – Lazuri

Hair: Sonne Chianti – Bliss Couture

Pose: Refined – Di’s Opera

Location: Winter Wedding Venue – Boudoir

Candy Dreams and Whimsy Wishes

Let me be a kid again, lost in dreams of candylands, fairies, and mermaids.  We all need a little sweetness and magic in our lives, no matter how old we get.

And this post is just a nail and ring fest from two great designers, with  some colorful fun nails from Shellac for your slink hands, and yummy rings, with  couture appeal, that you can find in the gatchas at Circa Living, now that the Candy Fair has closed. Nails come in 6 or more color varieties per pack, and also include the toe nail polish. This is just a sampling of styles and colors for rings and nails.

Styling:

Makeup: Exotical 1 – Shellac

Hair: Locked Brown – elikatira (no longer available)

Outfit: Sohma Tank Tunic Outfit – Senzafine

Jewelry: Vellox Necklace – Kunglers

Shoes: Isabella Sandals Teal – Gos at Collabor88

Pose: Are You Worthy – Neiva Kumasi Poses

Nails/Ring upper left: Lattice Nails – Shellac, & Rock My Candy ring – Circa Living

Nails/Ring upper right: Autumn Palette Nails – Shellac, & Just Been Kissed ring – Circa Living

Nails/Ring bottom left: Angle Cut Nails – Shellac, & Angel Mint ring – Circa Living

Nails/Ring bottom right: Windows Nails – Shellac & Stick Mint ring – Circa Living

Scene:

Toy Box, candy stash: Candy Dreams Wood Chest – Circa Living

Pillow: Candy Dreams Floor Pillow Sugar Honey – Circa Living

Candy Dish: Candy Dreams Candy Dish Lemon – Circa Living

Candy Picture: In the Spirit of Candy – Circa Living

Fall Picture: Fallen Autumn Print – Circa Living

Lava Lamp: Candy Dreams Liquid Lava Lamp Gold – Circa Living

Hanging Lamps: Paper Lanterns Mixed Trio – Dysfunctional Designs

Hanging Wings: Angel Wings with color-changer – Unknown

Shelf: Blank Shelf Small (group gift) – Dysfunctional Designs

Suitcase: Suitcase White – Sickly Sweet

Fairies: Porcelain Fairies (gatcha item) – Baiastice

Mermaids: Mermaid figurines (gatcha item) – Culprit

Book: Where the Sidewalk Ends – floorplan

Rug: Paradise Reef Swirled – Circa Living

Less is more

At this stage in my life, I am finding that in many ways, less is more.  I would rather have less quantity, but more quality.  If I don’t love it or use it, then why keep it?  One example is I have essentially “staged” my home.  I’m anticipating a move in the coming months, so with the exception of a few things that make it still feel like a home, it is very clean and uncluttered, with all excess already packed, or set aside for a yard sale.  Less stuff means I spend less time cleaning now, and will have an easier move when the time comes. And now that it is all packed away with only the essentials I truly use, I find I really don’t miss the excess.

Also, after much deliberation, I am letting go of my SL property in favor of a tidy 200 prim skybox.  This has been a very difficult decision, as I’ve owned my own property for over 4 years out here, and my SL home is a haven for me.  I have come to realize though, that my SL spending is causing me to neglect some important RL budgetting needs.  Not to say I won’t shop. My best friend told me I can sniff out a sale like a drug dog sniffs out cocaine.  But for the first time, I’m styling on an SL budget, and rising to the challenge of still being able to express my creativity and fashion sense with a healthy respect for priorities. That said, most all of the goodies in these pics are on sale right now. Less is certainly more when it comes to finding a great deal.

I guess lately I have been thinking more long-term than short-term, and more RL than SL.  This is actually a healthy shift, I believe, for at times SL has been a diversion, an escape, even an addiction for me.  I don’t see me ever giving SL up completely, for it feeds my creativity in so many ways, but there is an opportunity cost to every decision we make.  If I want to create the RL future of my dreams, it starts with less attachment to my SL life.  Less SL will mean more RL, and in the end, where do I really want to live?

Styling:

Jacket: Alegra Mesh Moto Jacket Fur- shine by [ZD] at Designer Warehouse

Top: TSADE/Body Cuff – Shi. at Collabor88

Skirt: The V Jessy Skirt – Pure Poison currently having a 50% off sale

Shoes: Lace Up Gladiator Sandals Black – Ison at Collabor88

Hair: Windswept – Clawtooth at Collabor88

Makeup: Simply Gray – Shellac

Nails: Solid Darks Slink Nails – Shellac

Purse: Lola Bag Black – Zenith

Poses: June Group Gift – Diesel Works, Careful with the moon – Morphine