Comings and goings: For the love of shopping

Saturday turned into a mega shopping day for me, visiting some of the events just coming in, and making one last run to some of those that are going out.  Here is a sampling of some of the finds and finery from my shopping trip.

Going out end of day July 28th. The Home Show, where I found this flower table-scape from Circa Living, and Hair Fair, where any budget I might have gone in with was…gasp…quickly out the window for the love of hair. You still have time today to make one last round before these great events close down.

Events coming in…I Love Donna Flora, where I snapped me up some spunky green sandals for my Slinks.  I love shopping for a good cause, with so many lovely exclusives donated by the designers especially for this event, and knowing that funds are going to help a wonderful lady, Ms. Donna Flora herself, Squinternet Larnia.  So, I figured I had every excuse to indulge.  Also new this month is this luscious halter babydoll dress from Shine by [ZD], with its satin sheen.

Additionally, Zodiac just rolled out.  As you may have guessed from my lion tail necklace from HANDverk, this roaring round is celebrating Leos.  Finally, finishing things off is one version of the new Nyree eye makeup from Face Paint.  Yes…named after me, and to say I’m flattered and honored would be an understatement. This collection comes in a variety of colors, with and without lipstick option, which makes it wonderful for layering.

Styling:

Hair: Bianca Dark Brown – Slink at Hair Fair

Dress: Neckholder Babydoll – shine by [ZD]

Earrings: Burst Carnelian – HANDverk

Necklace: Lion Tail Necklace Grass – HANDverk at Zodiac Leo

Shoes: Boudoir Slippers Green – Slink at I Love Donna Flora

Eye Makeup: Nyree Green no lip – Face Paint

Lips: Dailyn Gloss Medium Tomato – Izzie’s

Pose: Shopaholoc – Glitterati (no longer available)

Scene:

Table: Summer Reflections Coffee Table – Circa Living

Flowers: Paradise Reef Candle – Circa Living at the Home Show

Couches: Hufnie Sofa’s Green – The Loft

Picture: Wall Art Deco 3 – Mirage Arabian Treasure Company

Screen: Japanese Screen – Abadutiker

Rug: Natural Inspirations Bamboo Sauna Rug – Zen and Serenity Shop

Letting go

You’ve been letting me go, little by little for a while now, and I’ve been moving away.  You’ve been my temporary home, and in that time, more of a partner to me than others who vowed to love me till death parted us, but left far sooner.  You’ve never promised this to me, nor I to you, and yet you’ve shown your commitment to me in myriad ways, mostly by letting me be me, and loving me despite my quirks.

With you, I feel safe emotionally.  Safe enough to gradually…ever so gradually…let you go, because it is time, and I need to, even if I still love you.  We’ve both seen it coming, the love still there, but the reality of a future together dimming.  The gentle pulling away, spending more time living separate lives, clinging together briefly in moments of passion and panic, as though trying to reassure each other that it isn’t ending, but knowing in our hearts what is on the horizon.  Don’t speak of it…let’s not speak of it aloud.

Sometimes love isn’t enough, when what each one wants in life is so different. And still we love for today…letting go a little more each day, knowing there will come a day, in the not so distant future, when there is that last kiss goodbye, that final embrace, and then just feeling lost for a time without the other, hoping that what we had can eventually become an abiding friendship as we both move on to whatever life holds for us.

No…don’t speak of it today.  Don’t say it aloud, because today, I am still here.  You are still here.  We will love for today and let tomorrow unfold as it will.

Styling:

On Nyree:

Shirt: Girl’s Slim Mesh T Pastel Green – shine by [ZD]

Shorts: Mesh Girls Cargo Shorts Brown – shine by [ZD]

Necklace: Burst Necklace Carnelian and Silver – HANDverk

Lashes: Long Prim Lashes – Face Paint

Liner: NIC Perfect Liner Black – Face Paint

Lips: NIC Perfect Gloss – Face Paint

Hair/Hat: Lola Mesh Hair Chocolate – Wasabi Pills

Shoes: Sabia Espadrilles Linen – Tabloid

On Darion:

Shirt: Mesh Vintage Tee Plum – sharp by [ZD]

Shorts: Summer Cargo Shorts color-change – JLB Apparel

Hat/Hair: Boy/Girl 18 – Dura

Necklace: Men’s Happiness Choker Chaine – Wicked Gear

Scene: Mangrove Tree Bridge – Rustica

Pose: Follow – Glitterati

How to be a Modern-Day Robin Hood

Legend has it that Robin Hood robbed from the rich to give to the poor. At initial glance, we often tend to view that story in terms of an exchange of money, and many of us say; “I would love to make a difference to those in need, but I can barely make ends meet myself.”

The story is, in fact, a wonderful metaphor. For we are all rich in something, and what is valued most about you is rarely your finances. Maybe you are rich in creativity, or maybe it is compassion.  Perhaps you are rich in faith, and know beyond doubt that no matter how bad things may be today, this too shall pass.  Perhaps it is the ability to make someone else smile, or find the silver-lining in any situation. You may criticize yourself for being quiet, while others delight at what a good listener you are. We take these things for granted, as they tend to be part of our personality.  Rarely do we think of them in terms of any real value.

And perhaps they aren’t of much value to us personally.  They aren’t meant to be.  These are divine gifts that are meant to be given away, for there are others so very hungry for them, as they lack them in their own lives. These are your divine gifts to give; “divine” for they bring hope.  Hope is the real message behind Robin Hood, and you can be a modern-day Robin Hood.  The only cost is caring.

Styling:

Outfit: Femme Fame Hoodie Circus – LeeZu!

Shoulder Accessories: Scale Pauldron Silver – HANDverk at We Love RolePlay

Necklace: Orion Necklace – EMO-tions

Ring: Funky Ring – N@N@

Clutch: Scale Clutch Gold – HANDverk

Shoes: Rose Pump Tangerine – HANDverk

Eye Makeup: Gidget Tangerine No Lip – Face Paint

Poses: Ginger and Eleos Poses – The Muse Poses

Scene: Enchanted Woods – Studio Skye

A Spring Fling

There is something so light-hearted about springtime.  I think it is all the soft colors, new growth and sunshine.  It inspires a bit of whimsy in me.  I know some people go into spring-cleaning mode.  I get the bug to redecorate.  I had an “ooooh…look what’s in the box,” moment when I opened up Circa Living’s latest designs.  I found myself looking around the house for what I could fling, or at least tuck away, so I could freshen up the place, and ring-in the spring with these great new home accessories.

Styling:

Hair: Celie – EMO-tions

Necklace/Bracelet: Strand Bracelet and Necklace in Silver Quartz – HANDverk

Dress: Mesh Ruffled Collar Mini-dress  – shine

Eye Makeup: Gidget Blue No lip – Face Paint

Lips: Faith Lipgloss Pink Natural – Izzie’s

Pose: Model Poses 115 – Focus Poses

Scene:

Birdhouse: Springtime Birdhouse with Sparrows Periwinkle (group gift) – Circa Living

Teacup: Easter Sunday Teacup Fern – Circa Living

Chandelier: Easter Sundy Teacup Chandelier – Circa Living

Pictures: Queen Anne’s Lace and Wheat Fields (part of the Divine Artisian Baking Table Set) – Circa Living

Topiary: Lit Topiary Bucket – Trompe Loeil

Autism Awareness – Lighting the Way – Event Kickoff 6pm April 19th

Tonight kicks off the 3rd Annual event for Autism Awareness Lighting the Way 2013 with a fun biker’s theme. The It Girlz n Fellaz will be the kick off dance show for the benefit. This event runs April 19th through 21st and the events and times are listed below.  We are going to be dancing biker style and would love all of you to come join us as we perform in a one hour dance show as our gift to this most wonderful cause.  Showtime is 6pm to 7pm.  Here is your Taxi to the show.

Autism affects approximately 1 in every 150 children.  It is a group of complex developmental brain disorders that creates difficulties in social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors. It can include learning disabilities, difficulties with motor coordination, and attention and physical health issues. The Autism Awareness event April 19th through the 21st brings awareness to this issue effecting many of our children today, and helps to raise funds, bringing together a host of entertainers and sponsors for you to visit during this weekend event. Please see the website for more info. http://autismawarenesslightingtheway.wordpress.com/what-is-autism/

All events will be held at the Autism Awareness Sim. Here is a snapshot of some of the events so you can plan your weekend. Additionally, 63 sponsors will be bringing you raffle boards with a custom Autism bike, gift cards and so much more.

**********  FRIDAY   APRIL 19TH, 2013  ********** 6pm – 7pm IT Girlz & Fellaz Dance Performance 7pm – 8pm Pepsi Moon Performing* 8pm – 10pm Marv Playing TheBlues

**********  SATURDAY  APRIL 20TH, 2013  ********** 8am-10am Macarius Vlodovic DJ’ing 10am – 12pm – Nan Ember DJ’ing *12pm – 1:30pm – Blazer Bowenford DJ’ing The Blues *2pm – 4pm – SLM Halestorm Concert *4:30pm – 5:30pm – VIFL Titan Angels Performance (cheering)* 6pm – 8pm – Tristain Savon DJ’ing * 8:30pm – 9:30pm – Rebel Yell Concert – Motley Crue

**********  SUNDAY  APRIL 21ST, 2013  ********** 8am-10am – Ambrosous Core DJ’ing *10am – 11:30pm – Grim Berger DJ’ing *12pm – 2pm – SLM Nickelback Concert  *3pm – 4pm – Marky Helstein – Live Performer * 4pm – 5pm – Maximillion Kleen – Live Performer *6pm – 8pm – Skylar Ragu DJ’ing * 8pm – 9:30pm – Flux Woyseck Dj’ing * 9:30pm – 10pm – Dante Couerblanc Doing Firework Show

So rev up your engines, break out your leather and join us to give to this worthy cause.

Styling:

Hair: Vermouth Chocolate Copper – LOQ

Outfit: Aissia Black – JayDee Designs

Tattoo: Cast No Shadow tattoo – CoLLisions Tattoos & Accessories

Pose: Chuan – KaTink

I need you

Baby take a good look at my face. You know my smile looks out of place.

If you look closer it’s easy to trace, the tracks of my tears: Lyrics: The Tracks of My Tears, by Smokey Robinson.

On Nyree:

Hair: Sunshine Dark Brown – EMO-tions

Makeup: Audry 6 – Face Paint

Belt/Dress: Mesh Shiny Mini Dress w Belt in Rose – Shine

Poncho: Paula Poncho Beige – LpD

Pants: Jenyfer Pants Brown – Chloe

Shoes: Victorian Chic Feather Boots – Gizza

Ring: Macarons Multi Ring Color-change – LaGyo

Umbrella: April Showers Umbrella Black Couples – HANDverk at The Pose Fair

Poses: April Showers Sitting and April Showers Melancholy – Exposeur at The Pose Fair

On Darion:

Coat: Mesh Trench Coat Grey – Sharp

Pants: Mesh Suit Pants Grey – Sharp

Scarf: Camoni Scarf Grey Check – Splendeurs Surfwear

Shirt: My Street Tank – Delirium Style

Hair: Dura Boy 28 – Dura

Shoes: Male Dress Shoes – Gabriel

Pose: Here Comes the Rain Again – Exposeur at The Pose Fair

Off Kilter

My life has gotten a little off-kilter somehow, and my tendency now is to look for what I can change.  When it gets like this, I’m not looking for a small correction either, it means something drastic is about to happen..something drastic I am going to do…to force it to happen, because there is that part inside me that demands its voice and it says “Enough is enough.” I know, that sounds rather extremist, but it has never failed me before.

In the past when things have really turned around have been those moments of sudden awareness and even anger when I took a stand and said “Stop…I am the maker of my destiny, and this is what we are doing now,” and I take my power back.  It is funny how it often takes the pain building up to the breaking point before one is reminded that we have that power.  Until then we go along, go along, because it is easier to float with the tide.

When we let life sweep us this way and that, we ought not to be surprised to wake up and find we are in some strange and uncomfortable destination, and yet we usually are.  We wonder how things could possibly have gotten to this point.  It’s time to turn the rudder, rock the boat, drive a stake in the ground and mark the day.  Today is the day for reckoning, and change is on the horizon.

Styling:

Hair: Strangelove Dark Brown – EMO-tions

Makeup: Pure Drama Red No Lip – Face Paint

Shirt/Blazer: Open Mesh Blazer with Tee Red – Shine for SL Buddy Walk

Purse: Flamingo Clutch Mango – HANDverk at L’accessoires

Shorts: Linda Mesh Shorts (Group Gift) – Blueberry

Stockings: Ripped Stockings – Erratic

Gloves: Leather Gloves Black – Izzie’s

Necklace: Zaza Necklace Color-change – Zibska

Boots: Black over-knee stretch boots – Baiastice

Lips: Dailyn Lipstick Dark Cherry – Izzie’s

Poses: Natya – Diesel Works and Model 127 – Focus Poses

Don’t Hurt Me Event March 23rd-24th

The animals in our lives…they give so much, and ask for so little.  The best part of their day is when you walk through the door.  They curl up beside you, a warm comfort, whenever you are sick.  They don’t care what you look like…you are always beautiful to them. They make you feel needed.  They make you laugh.  They love…and love…and love, truly unconditionally.

To think that an animal doesn’t feel, doesn’t love, is to never have been blessed to have one in your life.  We share this planet with many species.  It is our responsibility to protect them, both for their sakes, and our own. Every year 5 to 7 million animals are in shelters nationwide.  Many others are abused, neglected, or killed senselessly.  We need to respect and care for the animals we are blessed to share this great planet with, both wild and domestic.

Don’t Hurt Me is a 24 hour fundraiser focused on highlighting the hurting animals out there, and what you can do to help.  It will be filled with back to back musical and dance performances from 3pm Saturday, March 23rd until 3pm Sunday, March 24th.  Please enjoy this wonderful day with us, and we hope you can donate to this important cause.  The show will be recorded in its entirety and streamed on metaverse, but you may also visit the live performances at the locations below.

Taxi to Musical Performances

Taxi to 7pm It Girlz & Fellaz Dance Performance

Styling:

Sweater: Mesh Mock Neck Long Sleeve Red Stripe – Shine for SL Buddy Walk Charity Event

Hair: Angel Dark Brown – EMO-tions

Ring: Touch of Love Ring Gold/Ruby – Finesmith Valentine2012 Hunt item

Cat: Black Cat Avatar – Zooby

Out on the town

As the U.S. springs forward, I thought I’d step out on the town dressed for windy pre-spring weather for some distraction-free me time.  Just me today, out and about, with no one to chase through the toy department or extract from underneath the clothing racks.  No one pestering about “are we done yet?” or nudging me for ice cream.  As much as I love them, sometimes I appreciate them even more after a little me time.

Today is about a little power shopping with a focus on finding a great statement accessory.  In this case, my impact item is a snazzy scarf from Shine, pulling together the wines, blacks, and purples in my outfit so harmoniously. March may bluster, but I’m cruising, feeling relaxed and unhurried.

Styling:

Coat: Belted Coat Fur – Gizza

Scarf: Pashmina – Shine

Hat: Nikola – Lode

Hair: Gesella Soil – frou-frou

Earrings: Spots and wire earrings strada purple – LaGyo

Gloves: Marlene Gloves – PurpleMoon

Makeup: Grace Pink – Face Paint

Boots: Equestrian Boots Autumn Collection – Gos

Pose: Model 111 – Focus Poses

The Art of Virtual Living

I recall speaking to an extremely talented home designer inworld not so long ago, and while I was commending her on her artistry, she chuckled and stated she wished her parents understood her designs as art, but that they simply could not understand why someone would spend money or want to live in a virtual home.

As one who has lived in a waterfall cave, a hobbit hole, a treehouse, a beach house, and currently a modern two-story apartment, to name a few…I am a bit of a home whore. I have found my sl home to be a place of peace and creativity.  It is a get-away where I can express myself and surround myself with luxury, or flights of fancy, that I could never indulge myself in real life.  In my sl home, with the soft cascade of water fountains, the gentle tinkling of wind chimes, and my favorite colors surrounding me, I have created a place of comfort, a haven to experiment and unwind, without ever needing to worry about house-cleaning or child-proofing. The artistry of an SL home is that it enables self-expression and a place of respite, all at an affordable price.  It is art anyone can enjoy.

Styling:

Sweater: Mesh Belted Sweater Mint – Shine

Leggings: Mesh Lace Leggings – Shine

Bra: Betty White Lace Bra – CHG

Necklace: One Day Necklace – Ben’s Beauty

Ring: Who’s Yo Daisy? – Chop Zuey

Shoes: Crysta Clogs Seafoam – Loordes of London

Hair: Kesha Dark Brown – DeLa

Makeup: Everyday Shadow Green – Mons, Dailyn Lipstick Light Rose – Izzie’s

Poses: Tominaga – The Muse Poses at Fashion Limited

Decor:

Home: London Apartment (Modified) – Apple Fall

Sofa/Ottoman: Nelle – Bazar Quality Homes & Furniture

Table: Mellow Table – Leezu

Pictures: Memories Art – Apple Fall

Rug: Asian White Blossoms Rug – Lunaria

Books: Charlotte Books – What Next