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)

Today is Leap Day

Dear Diary:

Any year divisable by 4, gives us an extra day in February so today is it!  It is Leap Day.

In some countries, it's a tradition that women may propose marriage on leap years.  This doesn't seem such a bad idea but what if the guy you're proposing to refuses?  It seems there are penalties for that.

In Scotland, fines were assigned to the man ranging from a kiss, to money, to a silk gown.  In Denmark, a refusal may be compensated with the gift of 12 pairs of gloves, while in Finland, the man must buy the woman enough fabric to make a skirt.

In Greece, it's just unlucky to be married in a leap year.

Now where's my lucky man?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (005)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics winged eye with lashes (silver)
Hair: Cake Dakota

Blouse: Malt Allyn shirt (misty grey)
Pants: LeLutka wool pants (gray)
Shoes: enkythings Talyn grey

Earrings: PC oxidized silver hoops

Background: PNP (gift)

Prop: The Vintage Peacock Will you Marry Me Balloon
Pose: The Vintage Peacock On Bended Knee - Marriage Proposal pose

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

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!

Dear Diary:

Ah yes!  Let the good times roll for Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras has been celebrated since the early 18th Century in North America and was mentioned in the writings of French explorer, Pierre le Moyne as he and his crew explored the southern part of the United States.

Carnival season starts January 6th and culminates with Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday which leads into Lent. 

In New Orleans, there are huge parades, where people dress up in costumes and often wear feathered masks.  Trinkets and beads are thrown into the crowds.  The traditional colours of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold.

Mardi Gras is also celebrated in Rio de Janeiro and, a place I just found out about - Quebec City!!  Imagine!!

Enjoy the day, since tomorrow we must start Lent!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (002)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery Smokey eye (blue)
Lashes: Mozz Cosmetics Lashes Version 2 (08)
Hair: W&Y No. 1

Costume: Gelese Giano Show Girl Rhinestone costume (white)

Earrings: Je Suis Precieuse earhoops
Beads: PNP Mardi Gras gift

Background: PNP New Orleans
Poses: PNP

Dark Raspberry

Dear Diary:

Of all the summer fruit I can eat, I love raspberries the best.  One year my Mother decided to plant a variety of raspberry canes.  The next year, we had an abundance of red, white and black raspberries.  I pigged out for weeks, eating as many as I could every day.  Mom made them into muffins, cakes and biscuits.  She cooked them into sauces, marinades and jams.  There was a short period where I never wanted to look at another raspberry again.

Uh-oh...am looking at a dark raspberry right now.

 Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip C002 (gift)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye shadow: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery Smokey Eye (purple/black)
Lashes: Mozz Cosmetics Lashes Version 2 (01)
Hair: Pomme d'Amour Hair Ballet hair
Nails: Je Suis...naive Nails No. 001 (purple)

Dress: Maitreya mesh Cul-de-Sac (raspberry)
Hat: LaGyo Bow Hat (tinted)
Stockings: Shiny Things solid thigh highs (tinted) (gift)
Shoes: GField bow strapped stiletto Kate (plum) (gift)

Earrings: Caroline's Jewelry Large Hoop Earrings (gold) (gift)
Necklace: Glow Studio Triple Moon necklace (gold & silver)

Poses: estetica; Sway's

Thinking About What I Love

Dear Diary:

A few weeks back, I read about a Love Challenge  on Luna Jubilee's blog.  That was such a great idea when there seems to be so much negativity swirling around.  That put me in mind for one of my thinking days.

So here's a list of things I love in both of my lives, in both of my worlds:

1. I have a wonderful group of family and friends that I prize beyond anything.  They give me support always and a swift kick when I need it.

2. I work in fabulous situations.  I have great boss(es) and they provide me with interest, challenges, stimulation and dreams.

3. I love shopping!  Shoes, clothes, jewelry - you name it, I'll buy it!  Of course I can afford more in my other world but even window shopping is good in my first world.

4. "Music can change the world because it can change people" (Bono) so in my home(s) I have a variety of music playing at all times, and I enjoy hearing live music, singers or entertainers.  Music can bring back memories or make new ones.

5. and lastly, I love to write.  My ambition to write a book has faded a bit over the years but writing this blog has provided me a wonderful outlet. 

There are so many more things that I care about in my worlds but that's for another thinking day!

Good Night for now

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (008)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye shadow: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery Smokey Eye (black)
Lashes: Mozz Cosmetics Lashes Version 2 (01)
Hair: Oh Hair Alex (no longer available)

Dress with gloves: Baiastice Bice black dress (old gift)
Earrings: Caroline's Jewelry Carlotta earrings

Chair: Morantique Garbo Chair / Natura

It's Absolutely my Folly

Dear Diary:

Oh yes!  My folly!  Hmmm....I think my folly is trying these skating maneuvers.

I've hyperextended something, I know.  Where's the bottle of aspirin?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip A (004)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eyelashes: Mozz Cosmetics lashes version 2 (01)
Hair: Raspberry Aristocratic Hair Petunia II

Skating costume: Matahari Skate! Winter Snowflake Ice Dance (without skirt)
Skates: Matahari Vienna Pro Ladies Ice Dance skates

Poses: Netherworld 

Bright, Sparkly Red Toes

Dear Diary:

One of the small self indulgences that I have is keeping my fingers and toes painted in bright colours.  Of course I plan on doing it on a night when I have lots of time.  

I know that nail polish is a  made up of  resins, solvents and colouring agents and a lot of other chemicals that make the polish thick and stick to your nails. 

Scientists have eliminated other substances, such as formaydehyde, as they think this may cause certain illnesses.

This has lead to producing a water based nail polish that is being advertised as environmentally friendly.  However, some users of this type of polish don't think it's as colourful or as shiny as the chemical based kind.  It's not always "chip" proof either.

Pink has always been the most popular colour for nail polish but lately black has also made its way into the top ten list.

Polish on the nails used to be  strictly a woman's thing but now more men are applying clear or pale polish to their nails to give the nails a healthy look.
Some women now apply decals to their nails on top of the polish to add a little pizzazz.

I'll stick to my bright red colours either sparkly, shiny or neon.


Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Hair: Truth Hair Julia
Hair Ribbon: Bandana Rama headband (green) (SL Marketplace)
Nails: Candy Nail basic (Red 02)

Sweat suit: AngelDust MySwag Sweatsuit (green)
Feet: SLink Jolie Pied Barefeet v3 (low)

Furniture: La Galleria Bathrooms White & Marble Vanity, Marble & Iron Vanity Bench

Pose with nail polish bottle and brush: Wolfmoon Designs Paint your Toes Anywhere (presently not in store)

In my Sweet Little Alice Blues

Dear Diary:

When I was a kid, my elderly next door neighbour, loved the Alice Blue Gown song from the musical, "Irene" that came out in the '30's.  She would often sing it to me and dance me around the back yard.  It was kind of a 1-2-3, 1-2-3, waltz beat so for this week, I thought of wearing something to make me look sweet, demure, innocent.  Until I heard this rendition of the song:

I decided to at least keep the parasol.

Good Night for now

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip colour A (for light skins)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available0
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics colourful winged eye with lashes (silver blue)
Hair: Calico Ingmann Creations Luna
Hair accessories: Dark Mouse sweet flower hair comb (tinted)

Lingerie: Insolence Lingerie Emily blue Tulle set
Slippers: Stark white slippers (tinted) (SL Marketplace)
Parasol: Montagne Noir Le Parasol (calla) (tinted)

Earrings: AB (Mood) Mother of Pearl

Poses: Isis Boutique

Having Fun in the Winter

Dear Diary:

Winter can be long and taxing, even in our second world so the other day I flew out to Winter Festival at Aero Pines Park.  Walking around the area is very picturesque - snowy trees, wildlife, pine cabins.  There are 12 regions where you can participate in outdoor activities.  I tried the usual winter sports - cross country skiing, skating, snowmobiling.  I also went horse back riding.  The Festival also offers flying a helicopter which was really fun but riding a ice unicorn was the best.  The highlight of the whole day  was drinking the hot chocolate.

There are lots of opportunities for picture taking too.

Check out this winter fun before summer takes over.

Good Night for now:

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola (German red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics colourful winged eye with lashes (brown)
Hair (with hat): Mirai Style Fuka winter hat

Sweater: SMS Winter Sweater (brown)
Jeans: Jane 52 jeans (classic wash)
Mitts: Exposeur Winter mitts

Pose: Exposeur

Location: Winter Festival at Aero Pines Park

A Coating of Patina

Dear Diary:

PAT-n-uh or pu-TEE-nuh, whatever way you pronounce it, is a beautiful colour.  It is a tarnish that forms on some metal over time, or a sheen on wooden furniture produced by age or a change in a surface through exposure or weathering or changes to colour from years of wear.

This girl is running to the mirror to check out her attributes! 

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (dark)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: Dura (gift)
Nails: SN Shiny Black

Jacket: Peqe Pacific / Flora
Tee: Callie Cline signature tank (leaf green)
Skirt (with belt): Aleida Erna pleated skirt (banknote)
Stockings: Shiny Things Thigh highs (charcoal)
Shoes: Aleida Vivian pumps (banknote)

Earrings and choker: AlaMood (Mood) Celestial Aged Gold

Poses: Miamai

好運在龍年

Dear Diary:

Yesterday was the start of The Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon.

This is a very auspicious year for those born under this fierce symbol.  If you are born under this sign, you are said to have great ambition and success and are often a leader.  You tend to help others but rarely ask for help and you definitely have a temper.  You do like your independence.

Dragons are healthy but do get stressed.  Yoga or walking can help relieve this tension.

Since this is a Water Dragon year, the water element calms the fire of the Dragon.  Water Dragons do not always need to be right.  They can see things from another person's viewpoint.

新年快樂

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (dark red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics colourful winged eye with lashes (brown)
Hair: Plume (now Osmose) Allure

Dress: Lika Ruby China dress dia (red)
Shoes: GF Ribbon slingback shoes (black)

Earrings: Mandala Sinra earrings (Wolf silver)

The Essence of Iron

Dear Diary:

This week I'm ranking iron:

1. Iron is such a vital component in our blood and, a deficiency of it is the world's most common cause of anemia.

2. Iron is the cheapest and one of the most abundant of all metals, obtained from earth's minerals.

3. Iron, as a colour, is described as "lustrous metallic with a grayish tinge.

And of course, ranking at the bottom of my list -

499. Iron is something I should be doing to the basket of clothes I have in my laundry room.

Good Night for now.
I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lipstick C-002 (gift)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery smokey eye (silver)
Eyelashes: Mozz Lashes version 2 (06)
Hair: Wasabi Pills Amandine Mesh

Dress: DCNY Wool mini dress (warm grey)
Leggings: En Svale leggings (border)
Boots: GOS DARE booties (platinum)
Purse: Septem Essentia colour change bag

Earrings: Mood Fumo earrings
Necklace: MG Twin Hearts necklace (mesh) (silver) (SL Marketplace)

Poses: Props n' 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

Electrify Me!

Dear Diary:

I love it when Luna comes up with these really weird colours for the new colour challenge.  But I have to admit, it's really hard to find something in my closet that will match.  So yesterday I went on a search.  In the very back of my closet, from a previous place of employment....errrr...no.... from a costume I mean, I found the perfect item. 

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lipstick C-001 (gift)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye shadow: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery smokey eye (purple)
Eyelashes: Mozz Lashes version 2 (01)
Hair: D!va hair Naomi (gift)
Nails: Je Suis naive nails No. 001 (purple)

Lingerie: Chez Kitten Kittie (purple)
Feet: SLink Jolie pied v3

Fans: Abranimations (purple) (gift)
Poses: Glitterati

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

Brainy Coral

Dear Diary:

When I was thinking what to write for coral, I decided to do a search to see what words of wisdom I could add but since nothing seemed to be coming into my brain, I typed "brain" and I hit the jack pot!!  I found "brain coral"!!  This is a coral, a living colony of polyps that form a unit that really looks like our brain.  At night the tentacles reach out to catch food and in the day, the tentacles wrap themselves over the surface for protection.  I really think brain coral works more efficiently than brain Dreamer.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (orange)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: Pomme d'Amour ballet hair
Nails: Love Soul nail colour (copper

Dress: The Secret Store Danae dress (coral
Sweater: Miseria Ash cardigan (brown)
Scarf: GF knit muffler (tinted) (gift)
Leggings: Emery leggings Reptilla (mink)
Shoes: Revelation Charlene (coral)
Hat: Shi cloche hat
Briefcase: The Secret Store Girly Briefcase (coral)

Necklace: Glow Studio Time Goes By (TDR Blue 13)

Poses: Diesel Works

Thinking about 2011

Dear Diary:

Now that we're into a few days of the new year, I began to think ahead.  What would this era bring for all of us?

2011 was a difficult year for many people around the world and most were glad to see the end of a very tough time.  Weather disasters played a big part.  Japan was ravaged by earthquakes and a tsunami and the U.S.A. was hit by hurricanes.  Political unrest touched Egypt, Libya and Bahrain.  Economic crisis devastated Europe while many people in every country were jobless.  And wars continued in the Middle East.  Many were hoping that these disasters would be left behind and 2012 would bring an ease to these troubling times.  I'm one.  I'm optimistic.  I like to think this year will improve for all of us.

As I was writing this, I unwrapped a Christmas candy, the ones that have sayings printed inside the silver wrap.  I always read these and tonight mine said, "What if the season to be jolly lasted all year long?"  What if?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (Deep red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics colourful winged eye with lashes (black)
Hair: Vanity Hair Scientist

Dress: Latte Black dress (old Christmas gift)(no longer available)
Shoes: GF Ribbon Slingback shoes (black)

Chair: Morantique Garbo Model chair (Natura)

Champagne Starts the Year off Right

Dear Diary:

I was thrilled that Luna Jubilee started up the "52 week colour challenge" again.  I knew that she would be starting January 1st but I checked on December 29th just in case.  Ok...let's try the 30th...hmmm...well surely on the 31st.  Finally, despite the onset of hoards of people coming for New Year's dinner, I looked early in the morning.  YAY!!  There it was and the challenge starts again.  It's fun to be doing this again.

So, although I can't drink champagne, I sure can wear it.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola (pale)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics Colourful winged eye with lashes (silver)
Hair: Laqroki Champagne

Dress: SAS Merel (Champagne)

Necklace: HelaMiyo The 52 necklace pearls falling on the back

Pose: LeLau celebration (champagne included) (SL Marketplace)

Bringing in 2012!

Dear Diary:

Joey Adams said, "May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!"

I would like to wish that for everyone in the coming year.  My hope for all of you is that 2012 brings you happiness and health and that we all can have a peaceful and prosperous existence in all worlds.

Good Night for now.

Formal gown: Azul Naomi (Topaz)
Shoes: GF Flower pumps Eve (chocolate)
Earrings and necklace: AB (Mood) Diamante Ensemble

Prop: Everglow (martini glass)

Boxing Day Clean-up

Dear Diary:

Yesterday was Boxing Day in Canada - a nice day off for me.  Usually on this day, people hit the stores to buy bags, paper, and bows for next year's presents.  Some stores will also honour gift cards while others will allow returns of the 4th red sweater you got.  I did none of the above.  It was my time to clean up from Christmas Day.

It always amazes me how much trash is accumulated on one day.  You spend hours taking care to wrap the gift for Aunt Joan in silver paper with the red and green tinsel ribbon; hours wrapping John's train track in Santa paper so he doesn't know what it is; and hours wrapping the tiny tiny earrings for Susan so that she won't throw them away by accident.  And when those hours have gone by, they all unwrap their presents in SECONDS!!!

I try to be environmentally aware so I always separate the paper, the food containers and the rest of the garbage.  But you can't put the Christmas paper in with the other paper.  It has to go into the garbage.  ERGGGHHHH!!!  Who would have thought my holiday would be spent with the trash?

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair: TM Captive

Sweater: Izzie's Reindeer Sweater (Perfect Wardrobe)
Pants: PixelDolls brown cords

Home: La Galleria (Shropshire Cottage)
Christmas mat: La Galleria (gift)
Trash bags: Urban Spirit (free)

Buon Natale, Veselé Vánoce, Hyvää Joulua, Gleðileg jól, Maligayang Pasko, मेरी क्रिसमस

Dear Diary:

No matter how you say it, or what language it comes in, or whether you celebrate this season at all, the message is the same.  It is the season of thankfulness, celebration, and joy.  It is the season to be aware of how truly we value our friends and family.

I would like to wish everyone of you the happiest of holidays.  May peace and kindness be your foremost thought and may those thoughts be passed on to all you love.

To the joy of the season.

 A very Merry Christmas to you all.

Good Night for now.

Formal gown: Baiastice gown (satin blue)
Earrings and necklace: Mood Isla Holiday (gold)
Shoes: Basevi Moda stiletto (night blue) (no longer available)

Background: PNP Christmas scene (gift)

Sometimes I Deliver Presents

Dear Diary:

I don't normally need to deliver a lot of presents in my first world.  I visit friends on Christmas Eve and take their gifts over with me but most of my presents for family I leave under my tree.  Then everyone comes on Christmas Day for pressies and turkey.  But the few I do deliver provides a lot of fun.

Ah yes.  I've gone off the road a few times; had car trouble once; flat tire at least once and of course had many anxiety attacks along the way.  This year will be different.  We don't have a lot of snow so I don't think I'll run into the usual problems.  Wow...do you think things could run that smoothly?  Let's hope so.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (deep red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Hair (with hat): MINA Meike

Sweater: SMS Winter Xmas sweater (red) (old gift)
Scarf: Royal Blue winter is coming scarf (off milk) (gift)
Leggings: Acid and Mala metallic leggings (silver)
Boots: GF Long fur cuff boots (white)
Gloves: Cover girl gloves (black)

Pose: T.Thoranua (Me with many gifts)(SL Marketplace)
Backdrop: PNP Winter 2

My Christmas baking

Dear Diary:

When the calendar turns to December, members of my family expect that I should become "Baker of the Year". Unfortunately I'm not that good but at Christmas there are a few traditional sweet things that just have to be baked.

My Grandmother used to make Scottish shortbread. You know, the kind you almost break your teeth on? I make that but not quite so hard. Then there are the rum balls that my Dad enjoyed. Yep, those have to be mixed and rolled [and of course tasted] for sure. Oh yeah and then there's the New York special that my cousin likes. It's so sweet it makes me shudder but it keeps him happy for the season. Last but not least, are the mincemeat tarts. Those are served after Christmas dinner, warmed up with a dollop of ice cream. Now those are yummy.

I really do wish I could whip up gourmet delights like some of my friends can but I do enjoy accomplishing the few things I can.

Now when it comes to the turkey - I'm Cordon Bleu at best!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (deep red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics colourful winged eye with lashes (grey green)
Hair: LeLutka Seth
Nails: Candy Nail Basic red (02)

Sweater: 22769 Christmas bag x-mas boheme jumper
Pants: 22769 Christmas bag red woolen pants
Apron: Cover girl apron (white)

Earrings: LaRosa Advent Calendar (snowflake earrings)

Mixing spoon, bowl and spoon set: La Galleria Kitchens Dinner Party Kitchen (accessories)
House: La Galleria Prefab Homes (Shropshire Cottage

Pose: RNP (stirring)

My Christmas tree is up!

Dear Diary:

I always feel the Christmas season has started once I get my Christmas tree up.  I'm a tradionalist in many ways but particularly at this time of year.  I have a live tree in my living room.  I'm also an environmentalist but I feel live trees do contribute in many ways to keeping the use of plastic to a minimum.  The decorations I have on my tree, have come from grandparents, parents, and just my collections.  I love decorating but it does take me a long time.

Wouldn't it be nice if putting up a tree in our first world could be as quick, as easy and as perfect as in our second world?  I asked my friend, Eric, to help me put the star on this very contemporary metal tree.

We had a lot of fun doing it.  Unfortunately, he couldn't really see at all.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing: (Forgot to ask Eric what he was wearing)
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola (deep red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye shadow: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery smokey eye (gold)
Eyelashes: Mozz Cosmetics Version 2 (09)
Hair: W&Y #01

Dress: The Secret Store (Scottish Dahlia)
Shoes: Aleida Malene pumps (Indian Summer)

Earrings and necklace: Mood Pangani ensemble

Tree: Winter PondLife Silver swirl metal Christmas tree

Home: La Galleria Prefab Houses (Shropshire House)

Pose: Sparrowtree Studio

"The Nutcracker"

Dear Diary:

It's been a tradition in my family to go as a group before Christmas, to see the ballet, "The Nutcracker".  To me it's always been the "Christmas" ballet.  I've seen it so many times since I was a kid but still enjoy the costumes, the dancers, and the music.  Christmas of 2011 will follow tradition by everyone attending a performance.

Much to my surprise, I discovered this ballet is being performed in my second world by the Ballet Pixelle.  I was thrilled to be able to attend a performance last night.  It was so well performed and although the Company changes the story slightly, it was well worth seeing.  Here, as in my real world, costuming and dancing was so well done.

The Ballet Company has been performing "The Nutcracker" for five years and can be seen at the theatre until the end of December.  Performances are on Wednesdays at 2pm slt and again on Sundays at 5pm slt.  For information on the ballet company, look at their blog here and to attend a performance, the theatre address here.  It is certainly an experience you should see.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (bubblegum)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics winged eye with lashes (blue silver)
Hair: Oh Hair Oh my Honey (no longer available)
Nails: PXL manicure Pink #1

Dress: Snowpaws Soleil Feather dress (talc)
Shoes: GF Ribbon slingback shoes (black)

Earrings and bracelet: Mood Kaleidos Selenite

Pose: LAP

Location: Ballet Pixelle Theatre

I like to Flip the Advent Calendar

Dear Diary:

I'm not much on the hunts that go on in my other world.  And it's not that I don't like to participate but I just don't have the patience or the perceptiveness to be searching for hours for a tiny package that's hidden in the rafters.  One thing I like to do, is fly to a few select stores and flip the appropriate day on the Advent Calendar.  Maybe it's because in my first world home, I have two Advent Calendars - one that shows the remaining days til Christmas and the other does the reverse, counting down by the date.  That way, when I panic seeing how many days left, I can calm down by looking at the other showing the actual date.  I know, I know...how intellectually deficient can I be.

I've found some great things when I open those decorated boxes each day,

and many thanks to the stores who provide me with these gifts.

I have a few more weeks to go and my closet is gradually getting full to the "can't close the door" stage.  I'll show you a few more soon.

Good Night for now.

The clothing and accesories are from 2 stores participating in the Advent Calendar adventure, LaRosa and 22769.

From LaRosa:
Beanie (boys)
Purse, with plush Santa in back
Mittens
Jeans
Tokyo boots
Nails (with French manicure)
Bracelets

From 22769:
Red jingle shirt
Red muffler