Jonquils Like to be First

Dear Diary:
I have jonquils in my garden so this colour really appealed to me.  Jonquils are one of the first flowers to bloom in early spring and add a bright note often when there is still a bit of snow on the ground.  This flower is often mistaken for a daffodil as they look quite similar.

And I really don't like to be first...ummm...ok....sometimes!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (sun tan)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (013) (no longer available)
Beauty mark: Blacklace beauty mark
Hair: CIC Marcie (with blonde streak) (Hair Fair 2012)

Blouse: C'est la vie frill sleeve (floral yellow)
Skirt: Molichino mesh preppy skirt (lemon)
Shoes: R2 Shoes Koaniani elua (yellow stripe)
Purse: Indy & Co Marina tote (yellow)

Ring: LaGyo BonBon ring
Sunglasses: HOC apparel glasses (yellow)

Poses: Reek (no longer available); in purse; Poseur

Knit 1, Purl 1

Dear Diary:

Years ago, on a family trip to British Columbia, my Mother taught me how to knit.  It was a simple stitch I used to make a doll blanket.  Over the years, I stopped knitting  as none of my friends were able to knit.  So, what a surprise when I read an article saying that knitting was "new" again.

Knitting is not just for grannies any more.  The knit chicks are taking over.  Yarn sales are up at the craft stores, while the Internet is helping with free patterns and chat rooms that give help and advice.

Expressing one's creativity is enticing people into trying knitting.  The younger generation are looking for a creative outlet, that produces tangible items.  Craft shows are displaying more hand knitted items, from mitts and scarves to afghans and clothing.

I've gone out to buy some wool and looked through the closet for my knitting needles.  Anyone need a doll blanket?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (013)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Hair: Sadistic Hacker Corvus

Sweater: Fri Ballet Sweater (grape) (gift)
Skirt: DDJ plaid skirt
Shoes: Ms Graphic Design D010 QT (Sangria)

Earrings: Caroline's Jewelry large hoop earrings (gold) (gift)
Glasses: HOC rectangle framed glasses

Props and pose: What next Knitanista

Freedom to Read Week

Dear Diary:

Freedom to Read Week in Canada runs from Feb 26 to March 3.  I always like to support this because censorship is such a personal decision and such a hot topic!

Here is a statement right from the website:

Freedom to read can never be taken for granted. Even in Canada, a free country by world standards, books and magazines are banned at the border. Schools and libraries are regularly asked to remove books and magazines from their shelves. Free expression on the Internet is under attack. Few of these stories make headlines, but they affect the right of Canadians to decide for themselves what they choose to read.

Through history, books have been banned or burned so the populace cannot or will not read them.  Sometimes it's for religious or racial reasons, or it could be sexual explicitness or violence.  Of Mice and Men (John Steinbeck) and To Kill a Mockingbird have been on almost every list since they've been written.  Look at the list of the history of books that have been banned or burned.

The recent idea of re-writing Huckleberry Finn in order to eliminate words and social environment is descrediting Mark Twain.  Is that not like re-writing history?  I think one must consider the historical era surrounding the author's writing.

If you find the book, magazine or document offensive, then put it down and walk away.  Should we not be able to choose what we wish to read ourselves?

In my opinion....

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: W&Y No. 86

Sweater: Sand Shack Surf Co Kettle corn cardigan (violet)
Jeans: Pixel Dolls basic jeans (black)

Glasses: Role Optic glasses Sunny (cyan)

Background: Freedom to Read poster
Book and pose: Dutchie's HUD (gift)

The Dishonoured Dandelion

Dear Diary:

Did you know that the dandelion is a herb, NOT a weed??  Does that make it easier to deal with when your lawn is covered with bright yellow flowers?

You could make Dandelion Salad with the young greens, tomatoes and a oil and vinegar dressing...or sauteed dandelion greens with a bit of garlic and onion.

Dandelion greens need to be picked before the plant goes to flower.  The leaves are like arugula, a bit on the peppery-bitter side but so good.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (012)
Hair: W&Y No. 137

Sweater: The Secret Store Kimono sweater (bamboo)
Skirt: The Secret Store pencil skirt (bamboo)
Shoes: R2 Koaniani elua (yellow)
Purse: Indyra Originals Indy & Co Marina tote (yellow)

Earrings: NHA earrings Amy (gift)
Sunglasses: HOC Industries Ladies sunglass 01

Poses: Water Sapphire Poses

Let's get rid of that Word!

Dear Diary:

In 1976, Lake Superior State University, in Michigan, published a list of words that they felt shouldn't be uttered again.  It was done as a publicity ploy but the University is still publishing a list.  The list this year contains many of my favourite "banned" words.  The Banished Words List for 2012 contains an interesting selection, with submissions from around the world.

I SO agree with "man cave" being there.  Even some malls are advertising about a man cave available when the women go shopping.  Even if it has a tv and pool table with refreshments, isn't it still a lounge?  If a "man cave" is at your home, isn't it still a garage? [or should be]

Another term that irritates me is "baby bump".  A friend of mine who is pregnant always says to me, "I'm getting a baby bump!  Look at my baby bump!"  Can't she just say pregnant?  It totally makes my head spin.

Next year I'm going to suggest "awesome".  Awesome is everything to everybody and you hear it applied to all things from evaluating food to admiring someones new haircut to expressing your health at the moment.

Check out the full banished word list here just in case your favourites are on it too.  Any suggestions for next year?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:

Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)

Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (German Red)

Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)

Hair: Wasabi Pills Clementine

Top: Peqe Tartan Highwaist sweater (yellow)

Leggings: A Piece of Candy Shelaigh leggings (emerald) (no longer available) 

Shoes: Aleida Natalie croco pumps (gold)

Glasses: HOC Industries rectangular glasses (tinted black)

Laptop: What Next

Furniture, Rug and accessories: Just My Imagination Cleo Design TOSL New Year's resolution time

Building Snowmen

Dear Diary:

When I was a kid, I just loved going out on a wintery day when the snow was really sticky and build snowmen with my friends.  But lately, the weather in my part of the world has been very mild, a little snow, but definitely mild.  One day it snowed so all of a sudden I had mushy / a-little-on-the-sticky-side snow.  I definitely got the urge to build.  I went outside to roll snow to make something creative but noticed my neighbours shoveling or sweeping so embarassment kept me from rolling the balls for the snowmen.  All of a sudden I thought....wait...I can go to my other world...so I did.

I called up my friend, Chloe who is always game for doing something fun and we spent a great time outside on a picture perfect day. 

Good Night for now.

On Chloe:
Skin: YS&YS Linda
Lipstick: YS&YS lipstick for Linda (Light Rose)
Hair (with hat): Mina Liss
Sunglasses: Mokoptical Disco sunglasses (no longer available)
Sweater and jeans: Maison Marlene Scan 5
Boots: BM Boots worn brown leather

On Me:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Hair: Truth Hair Snowkitty (gift)
Sweater: Orion sweater (white) (no longer available)
Jacket: Zenith fur coat (baby pink)
Boots: Shiny Things ribbon boots (brown)
Gloves: Aleida Britta gloves (green plaid)

Props and poses: Baffle! Let's Build Snowmen

The Worst about a Trip is the Packing!

Dear Diary:

At this time every year, I go to visit relatives for a short shopping extravaganza!  There's nothing like a shop fest to get the adrenalin flowing.  However, before I can even get the excitement blooming, I need to do the packing.  Believe me, that's the absolute worst part for me.

Will the weather be cold?  Then I'd better take extra sweaters.  What if it's warm?  Well t-shirts should do!  I could run into snow.  For sure pack the boots, mitts and hat.  It could be unseasonably warm.  Take everything out of the suitcases and start over. 

I've ruled out fancy things since we don't really go out a lot.  Eating in is fine with me and after I've run around a couple of malls, I don't really feel like putting on the stilettos!

I shudder at the thought of packing.  I usually take way too much of everything and never enough of something.  I'll be filling and emptying the suitcases until it's time to leave for the airport.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (German Red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye shadow: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery Smokey eye (black)
Eye lashes: Mozz Cosmetics lashes Version 2 (01)
Hair: Oh Hair Oh my little girl

Jacket: The Secret Store Mrs Jones' jacket (coffee)
Pants: Cupcakes 40's inspired suit (brown) (pants only)
Earrings: YS Roundie earrings (gold)
Glasses: Role Optic SG-31 (sunny)

Pose: Dutchie HUD (with coffee cup)

Suitcases: Suitcase "Old school" (SL marketplace)

Firebrick!

Dear Diary:

What an awesome colour!  It truly is the colour of some brick and it does remind me that the maple leaves will be starting to turn red soon too...fall is just around the corner.

And this dress shows "FIREBRICK" so well.

Good Night for now.

 I'm wearing:

Skin: LeLutka Mila / HUSH

Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)

Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics winged eye with lashes (green)

Hair (with glasses): W&Y #137

Dress: DCNY Stretch crochet dress (crimson)

Shoes: YS&YS Exclusive slingbacks (roses black)

Earrings: JeSuis asymetrique earrings (reds)

Bracelets: JeSuis asymetrique bracelets (reds)

Poses: Miamai model pose (Fashionably Late) 

Mouth-watering Melon

Dear Diary:


Mmmmm....yes...this is the time for melon...water...musk...honeydew...or this smexy type.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (sun kissed)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery smokey eye (silver)
Eye lashes: LeLutka Lola lashes
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola (pale)
Nails: PXL Creations Nail polish Pink 8
Hair: Truth Hair Madeline
Hair band: Lelka's Ribbon Headband (pink toile - tinted) (SL Marketplace)

Blouse: The Sea Hole Annis lace top (coral)
Skirt: The Sea Hole Smocked waist skirt (coral)
Stockings: (with N-core shoes - tinted)
Shoes: N-core Designs Chic Neige
Sunglasses: LWL Goggle glasses (silver)

Bracelet and ring: Awesome Blossom braided bangles and thumb ring (old gift)

Poses: Olive Juice (Look Book 1)

I Love Lemon

Dear Diary:

European Renaissance women often rubbed lemon juice on their lips to redden them.  Tried it.

The juice was also thought to whiten the skin.  Are you kidding???  I worked really hard to get this tan!!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Friday skin (suntan) (Rocking Friday)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola (German Red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eyelashes: Glow Studio Hollywood Lashes (Greta Garbo)
Hair: Sugarsmack Shelly (store not open yet) (Hair Fair 2011)
Nails: Love Soul Nail colour (orange)

Tank: SWA Ruched cami Wild Cheetah
Capris: Mimikri Anouk capris (lemon)
Flip flops: Maitreya gold flip-flops (lemon)
Purse: Indyra Originals Indy & Co. Marina tote (yellow)
Sunglasses: Dark Mouse Cateye glasses - Marilyn

Earrings: Je Suis precieuse ear hoops (tinted brown and yellow)
Bracelet: Uzuri Furaha bangle


Poses: doremi; in handbag

Time to go on vacation

Dear Diary:

The other day I saw a trivia question that read, "Where did the bikini get its name?"  "Oh I know that one", I thought.  I was sure it was Brigitte Bardot.  I remember my Grandmother talking about her wearing a very skimpy bathing suit - the bikini.  But I was wrong.  It was designed long before Bardot wore one.

The bikini creator, Louis Reard, officially introduced the swimsuit in 1946.  He named it after Bikini Island, a place in the South Pacific where the US conducted atomic bomb testing.  He thought the bathing suit would cause a similar "explosive" reaction...and it did!  Check out this article in Time.com and see the Top 10 Bikinis in Pop Culture

I'm going on vacation for a week so decided I would put on my bikini, find a great island and work on my tan.  On this island, you can even rent a surf board and ride the waves.

Enjoy this summer weather we are finally getting.  See you next week.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Friday (sun tan)(Rocking Friday)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: Truth Hair Julia

Bikini: Shiki bikini (coconut)
Sunglasses: Redgrave (old gift)

Pose: LAP

Location: Surf System Beach

I Love to Spell - S-P-E-L-L!

Dear Diary:

I've always been a good speller, even from my elementary school days.  I check a dictionary, encyclopedia or thesaurus if I'm not sure of the spelling.  I run spell check on my computer.  But lately I've run into a couple of ...ummm...problems!

I've always been aware of some spelling differences for Canadian, American or British words, such as neighbour, theatre, axe, cheque, or programme but I've recently done two posts where my spelling has been put to the test.

Awhile back, I used the word "dilemna".  I used spell-check and the word came up incorrect.  I thought it was right so I checked the online dictionary and it showed a double m spelling.  I went to an online encyclopedia and it confirmed it as an "alternate spelling".  My hard copy of the dictionary listed it.  Wow!!  I was floored!!!  I had always been taught to spell it with an "n".  I cruised the internet and found a discussion board about this spelling and a lot of people were just as confused as I was.  So I thought, "It's just one of those oddities...I can live with it."  Well not too many weeks later when I posted about "fuschia", I was met with the same fate.  ERRRRGGGHHHH!!!  I went through the process all over again.  When did the word change to "fuchsia"?

The best advice I got was when I was in university, the professor said, "The important thing to remember is to be consistent in usage and to follow a regular pattern when you spell." So please forgive me for my small indiscretions in spelling - could be Canadian / American / British way / or just Dreamer way.

Good Night for now.


I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola (pure gloss)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: 0 Style "You" (gift)


School uniform: hanamachi house of snake (SL marketplace)
Stockings: Shiny Things thigh-highs (charcoal)


Glasses: Oddities Gallery MKN Beat glasses


Blackboard: Really useful scripts Really useful classroom blackboard (with chalk)


Pose: Animation Factory Writing on a Chalkboard

Breakfast in bed

Dear Diary:

Sometimes it's wonderful to participate in a little self indulgence once in awhile.  This morning was one of those times that I did.  Breakfast in bed is not my idea of a great start to the morning.  I prefer to be up and running as soon as my eyes open but when the week has been abnormally busy and this Easter weekend seems to be a couple of days of cooking, cleaning, cooking and cleaning, I needed time to rejuvenate.  So this morning I did it!

Coffee is the best first thing in the morning even when it's extra HOT!

And then what I enjoy most is getting caught up on my reading. 

It didn't last long but it was SOOOO sweet when it was happening.  It was awfully hard crawling out of this comfortable bed.

Happy Easter!  I hope you all get a chance to rest and relax over this holiday.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: Tiny Bird Sodom South Georgia (not sure still available)
Glasses: Oddities Gallery MKN Beat glasses

Jammies: Matahari Riviera Designer Shopping Easter pyjama set with slippers

Furniture:
Bed: La Galleria Pale Floral and white rustic bed

Props:
What Next Lazy Sunday Breakfast tray
What Next small newspaper

What happened to the sun?

Dear Diary:

Remember I was telling you that I wanted the snow to go away?  Well, it snowed AGAIN!  And the weather turned colder AGAIN!  I'm going a little stir crazy.  I decided I better visit some place that had warm weather, sun and lots of flowers.  I put on a flowery dress, discarded my parka, put on sandals and dug out my summer purse. I picked the SLBotanical Gardens to visit.

When I first walked in the entrance, I found a shady forested area that had a shrub for a chair. 

Click for large view

I sat there for a bit watching the water spurt from the water fountain and couldn't resist dipping in my hand. 

Click for large view

 I sat under an apple tree covered with red apples.

Click for large view

I finally thought I'd better continue since I still had a lot to see. I couldn't resist standing under the Dogwood surrounded by perfect blossoms.

Click for larger view

When I finally reached the meditation centre at the top, I was ready to sit in the quietness and rid my mind of the cold and wet and negative thoughts about the weather.

What a great way to recharge myself!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: Oh Hair Oh my Ramen

Dress: Emery dress coral (for TDRB)
Shoes: SLink spike heel stilettos (taupe)
Purse: OC rattan summer purse
Glasses: Oddities Gallery MKN Beat glasses

Earrings: NHA! Yuma earrings (group gift)

Poses: Poseur (handbag)

Location: The SLBotanical Gardens

Get my credit card on the way to Emerald City!

Dear Diary:

OK I paraphrased a line from "The Wizard of Oz" but it just fit my feelings about emerald. I love all of the greens but emerald is one of my favourites and of course it fits into the jewelry category too.

Emeralds have always held an allure for me.  Yes, it's the colour, the carats and the cost but when you look deeply into that sparkly green stone, all sensibility leaves your brain.  Last year I was in Colombia and I just had to go to a jewelry store.  I tried on rings, bracelets and necklaces that were all beyond my reach but it was such fun doing it.

The emerald is a true gemstone.  When buying an emerald, as with diamonds, you should consider the four "C"'s - colour, clarity, cut and crystal (transparency).  The darker the colour, the more valuable the stone. Most emeralds have flaws and often develop cracks but that doesn't lessen the desire to own one.  Although Colombia mines produce most of the world's emeralds right now, I read that emeralds can also be found in other countries, including Canada!  Hmmmm....running out now with a pick and shovel!

Good Night for now

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Ava (light)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: ploom Twila

Top:  Barbed wire body by Eshi Otawara (emerald) (comes with earrings)
Skirt: The Secret Store Chiffon silk kerchief skirt (for TDRB)
Leggings: A piece of candy Sheilagh leggings (emerald)
Shoes: GF flat shoes "Little Diva" (moss)

Bracelet: Zaara Pratha silver cuff "malachite"
Glasses: Dark Mouse Cateye glasses Marilyn


Poses: Exposeur; Sway