New Year's Resolutions From 2016

Dear Diary:

I'm not really good at keeping New Year's Resolutions so when Strawberry Singh posted her "challenge" list last January, I decided I would try to follow as many of her suggested resolutions as I could.  So yesterday, I had a relaxing day and it was a perfect time to look back at what I had covered.

Here's my tally:

1. TED talks: I visited the site and found so many topics that I would like to explore but I settled on two that I enjoyed listening to. Here is my post.

2. Try a mesh head and wear for 24 hours: This was the first resolution that I did.  It was fun and I was glad I tried a mesh head out.  It was a group gift so I didn't spend any money.  I still haven't bought one but...maybe one of these days.  Here is my trial.

3. Vote:  I live in Canada so our election was in October 2015.  I voted (always do) a bit before the challenge.  The Canadian political results can  be viewed here.

4. Donate or volunteer:  In my first life I always donate to local charities as I feel this is most beneficial to my community, especially food banks and things for children.  In my second life, I donate to various sims so they can keep running and to special events such as Relay for Life.

5. Start a meme:  No.  I didn't do this.

6. Comment:  Over the year, I have left comments on a few blogs that I admire and appreciate.  I haven't done this previous to the challenge so I'm glad I told these people how much I enjoy reading their writing or how I admire their creativity.  

7. Reconnect:  I thought this was an excellent resolution.  So many of our friends slip away without us realizing.  I have a long friends list but I only see and talk to a few close people.  My results are here.

8. Explore Second Life:  I try to explore various sims that can be different or those that might be recommended.  One of the prettiest was Patron, mentioned here and one of the friendliest, Crestwick Island, visited here.

9. Give thanks:  No.  I didn't do this directly.  One time, a few years back, I was having trouble with getting rid of a griefer and his "grief"!!!  I finally contacted Guy Linden who managed to get rid of the noise-grating, light-flashing item that had invaded my house.  I thanked him profusely.  He is in charge of land, abandoned or otherwise. And...he does have a fan club you can join.

10. Start a daily mantra:  Meditating has been a part of my life for many years so this was an easy one for me to do.  Here it is.

This past year has gone quickly for me and I'm glad I tried to finish as many of the resolutions as I could.  I wonder if Berry will do another challenge for 2017 (??) Hmmm...better start getting ready now.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Hair: enVOGUE Paige

Sweater: Pixicat Fall Sweater (green)
Leggings: Pixicat Fall tights (flower)
Slippers: JustDesign Slipper fur (black) (SL Marketplace)
Glasses: je suis charmante (red)

Bed, Christmas pillows: La Galleria

Pose (with cup): Lisp Tea Pose

Merry Christmas 2016

Dear Diary:

May the miracle of

CHRISTMAS

fill your heart with joy

Sam, Chloe and I want to wish you a very happy holiday season.
Spend happy times with family and friends.

Good Night for now.

The Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Picture 2016

Dear Diary:

I love buying an "ugly" Christmas sweater but I'm not sure why everyone calls it "ugly".  I guess it's because it's usually loud and colourful, very Christmas branded but I really like wearing one in both my worlds.  It makes me smile. 

Most years, I can convince my friend Sam to buy a sweater with me and then we take a picture for the album.  This year Sam was very busy and said he couldn't commit to wearing a sweater, let alone shopping for one.  So I coerced Chloe into checking out the stores and then posing with me for the traditional Christmas picture.  Fortunately she was right into it and agreed immediately.

She found a great sweater with various Christmas designs and she certainly picked out a seasonally appropriate one.  I invited her over so we could "do" the pose.

This is definitely going into the album for 2016.

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Hair: Milana Mel
Sweater: Hilly Haalan Mimi sweater Xmas edition
Leggings: Tee*fy Soft wool jersey leggings (scarlett)

I'm wearing:
Hair: Cheveux F063
Sweater: Pink Cream Pie Ugly Christmas sweater (wine) (SL Marketplace)
Leggings: Maitreya Leggings (black)

Christmas sign: Balaclava Noel decor

Pose: RIDIC (SL Marketplace)

A Visit To The SL Christmas Expo

Dear Diary:

I'm continuing my search for Christmas decorations and clothing.  I flew out to the SL Christmas Expo yesterday and had a wonderful day searching the 4 different sims that offered such a diverse array of goods.

There are many items being offered at the Christmas Expo.  You can shop for a whole outfit - from dresses to jewelry - to new furnishings or Christmas decor and get a pet for your house all at the same time.   

Of course, after a few hours of walking, I ended up at the bakery where I definitely had my eye on those delicious cupcakes.

When you purchase any items at the Expo, or bid on items for auction, the sponsors make sure that money goes to the support of Relay for Life and the Cancer Society. You not only have great entertainment, lovely scenery, great shopping, but you're contributing to a worthwhile cause.

The SL Christmas Expo is open for one more day so you have time to take in all the sights.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Lipstick: Izzie's Raspberry
Hair with hat: Tableau Vivant Baum (at Tannenbaum til Dec 25)

Coat and sweater: (amiable) Winter checked knit coat (blue)
Leggings: Maitreya leggings (black)

Location: SL Christmas Expo

Decorating The Christmas Tree

Dear Diary:

Once the calendar turns to December, I start thinking about decorating my house.  Of course one of the first Christmas items I think about is the tree.  

In my first world, I put up a tree in every room.  Of course most are small and artificial but in the living room, I have a real tree.  I don't have a "theme" although I admire the ones my friends create.  My tree is an eclectic variety of ornaments collected from grandparents, parents and family.  Each means a lot to me and I add them every year with love and good memories.

Last night, in my second world, I invited my friends over to help decorate my main tree.  

The men put on the lights and then stood back admiring their work while Chloe and I started to add the decorations.  It takes a long time just to get everything right but the time goes fast when you have friends to help.

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Hair: Analog Dog Charlotte
Dress: Baiastice Shirt dress (Jacquard) (at Uber til Dec 23)
Ornament: A+S holiday ornament #3 (silver) (at Tannenbaum til Dec 25)

I'm wearing:
Hair: no match No Break
Dress: alaskametro Heather sweaterdress (beige)
Leggings: Maitreya leggings suede (olive)
Boots: aDiva Lisbeth boots (SL Marketplace)

Tree: Trompe Loeil Holiday tree (older version)

Pose: Frozen bauble pose (at Tres Chic til Dec 10)