Painting A Few Walls

Dear Diary:

Last week my deco(c)rate box arrived and I was thrilled with the contents.  The March box had a bohemian motif and that seems to be my choice of themes for sure.  There were so many brightly coloured furniture items with great designs.  One of my favourite items was by Merak.  It was a house with some great textures.  I set it up right away along with the furniture that was so appropriate for the place.  Then I called my friend Chloe over to help paint one of the walls.  Of course we couldn't decide on a colour and that put the whole project in limbo.

We started early morning before it got too bright but didn't even get finished by supper.  That was ok.  It was a time to get caught up with all the news and some juicy gossip.

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Hair: Argrace Misao
Top: NYU My Boyfriend's shirt (black)
Tights: Izzie's Nordice leggings (pastels)
Sneakers: Gos Boutique Low Tops (cherry applier)
Pose: Frozen paint brush #5

I'm wearing:
Hair: monso Yoni
Tee: Blueberry Koko half crop top (white)
Jeans: paper arrow co cuffed jeans (paint)
Sneakers: kokoia Vernon (green)
Pose: Frozen paint brush #3

From March deco(c)rate:
Couch: Di'Cor Joseline Loveseat
Cabinet: Cheeky Pea Free Spirit Boho set
House: Merak La Casa Azul

International Women's Day 2017

Dear Diary:

March 8th marks International Women's Day in Canada.  

Official Poster from Government of Canada

Canada's theme for the day is Equality Matters.  From the Status of Women Canada website: 

Equality Matters because...

          The world needs the talents of everyone - women, men, girls and boys - to truly           reach its full potential.

          Gender stereotypes hold us all back.

          We've already come so far...equality is the only way to move ahead!

The site goes on to state:
         Equality is good for the economy
         Equality is good for children
         Equality is good for democracy
         Equality is good for everyone

March 8th is also known as the United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace.  Their theme focuses on "Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030".  Here is a quote from the UN Women website:

The world of work is changing fast, through innovation, increasing mobility and informality.  But it needs to change faster to empower women, whose work has already driven many of the global gains in recent decades.  Women still predominantly occupy jobs that pay less and provide no benefits.  They earn less than men, even as they shoulder the enormous--and economically essential--burden of unpaid care and domestic work.  Realizing women's economic empowerment requires transformative change so that prosperity is equitably shared and no one is left behind.

On this day, let's honour all the strong women wherever they may be.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye shadow: alaskametro Matte Mist (surplus)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Hair: monso Lea

Dress: Maitreya short Jersey (nude)
Shoes: Reign Pattern Pumps
Earrings and necklace: Maxi Gossamer Karina Karina Daydreamer

Pose: An Lar

A March Wedding Can Be Romantic Too

Dear Diary:

Last year, I did a post here on a wedding dress that was so lovely I wanted to wear it in a picture.  Well, I found another one that I feel equally excited about.  As I mentioned before, I've never had a wedding in my second world and I'm really not sure I want one.  But I've discovered that I really love the dresses! 

This dress by Kiddo Oh of Dead Dollz is exquisite!  It can be worn in several different ways.  One is rather in-your-face radical and I did try it on that way.  I loved it, with punky hair and outrageous makeup.  I even went so far as to take a picture.  However, the sweet softness of the base gown with lace overlay played on my romantic side. The strapless base gown could be worn by itself, even as a formal evening gown.  But the lace over it finishes the look beautifully.  The lace is gorgeous, making an elegant top with high neckline.  The covered buttons and satin sash complete the gown.  The dress didn't need a huge bouquet or long veil.  It carried itself simply and elegantly. 

I've decided that I may never have a Second Life wedding but I can wear the beautiful dresses when I see them.  I can't wait for the next dress to come along.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Eye shadow: alaskametro Smokeshow (sand)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Pout Pinks (love)
Manicure: ZOZ Spring Silver Unique
Hair: Argrace Kei

Wedding dress: Dead Dollz The Bride Gown (base and lace overlay) (at The Crossroads til February 28)
Veil: Persefona Charlotte veil (white)
Earrings: Maxi Gossamer Serena pearls (white)
Flower: RPD Rose (satin white)

Pose: Di's Opera

It's Pink Shirt Day 2017

Dear Diary:

Pink Shirt Day or Anti-Bullying Day originated in Canada in 2007.  It is celebrated around the world but often on different dates.  The United Nations has declared the official day as May 4th.  But today we are celebrating it in Canada.

There will be different activities that take place today.  Usually schools have information sessions, providing professionals who help students understand how vicious bullying can be and how the effects on the victim can be life-altering, life-lasting and sometimes life-threatening.  Malls often have booths set up with pamphlets and booklets that contain advice on how to help someone who is suffering from these attacks.

People are wearing pink to show they are taking a stand against bullying.  Statistics show that one in four kids will be bullied in some way during their lifetime. Sometimes it's physical but most often it takes the place of psychological abuse.  Not only kids, but adults too, can hide behind a false personna on the internet and cause so much harm.  Lately the bullying is focused on discrimination and racism and that is brutal and must stop.

If this is Pink Shirt Day for you, you can donate through your local organizations or on pinkshirtday.ca .  If you're observing anti-bullying on another date, please support the groups in your area.

Let's "Make Nice".

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Wasabi Pills Amandine
Sweater: Dead Dollz Juniper Maxi Sweater (pink)
Sign: Mon Cheri Anti-bully texture (SL Marketplace) (only 1L)

Thinking About Integrity

Dear Diary:

I have been following Strawberry Singh's blog for years and have always enjoyed her diverse topics.  It's not just about fashion or the latest mesh head.  I tend not to gravitate towards exclusively fashion blogs and like to have a variety of topics to read.  So when she posted on February 3, 2017 a piece that has been getting a lot of attention, I read it with care.  I have now followed along the responses since then and couldn't just sit on my hands without typing my brain out.

Where are the "freedoms" set down by the First Amendment - of speech? of religion? I am appalled at the people who railed against her post, especially since many of them didn't really know what they were talking about and obviously just wanted to prove THEY could have the right to say anything but Berry couldn't.  When hatred and stupidity come together, it causes people to become obnoxious.  

The outpouring of negativity towards Berry's post was not about her picture or about her defining Muslims, it was aimed at her because she had the fortitude to make a stand against the establishment.  I believe her dissenters are probably those that have no friends that are of a different race or religion, than they are. They can only accept what they've been told is right for an appropriate world.

I am not an American but feel I have every right to comment on the political climate in the States as eventually it will effect my country as well as other countries.  Right now, it feels that this administration is not a cohesive group working together to better the country.  Each person seems to have their own ideas about a topic and very rarely does this information put forth, come out as truth. [Attention Mr. Press Secretary: It's a good idea to know the name of the head of a country] 

Congratulations Berry on being a strong advocate for ethicality.  Never sit back and not voice your opinion. Never give up on your principles for the sake of the objectors.  Never resort to being only a fashion blog.

These are only my opinions.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Hair: Mina Odyle

Dress: Rebel Hope Gina Sweater Dress (coal black)
Boots: Maitreya Moccasin boots (black)
Pin: Mood L'amore vola (graphite) (no longer available)

My Thinking Chair: Myrrine Noir Collection (flowers)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dear Diary:

Valentine's Day is not my most favourite day of the year.  It's often so commercialized and one feels pressure to buy candy, flowers or anything for your significant other. But I do like to utilize some of the great available items in my second world.

Nantra always has interesting Valentine props or poses.  This year, they've put out a variety of e-cards that may be purchased from The Gacha Garden.  I would have been happy with any of the cards there but I particularly liked this one so I'm glad I got it first try.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Lipstick: Madrid Solo-U-Color-It Grace (no longer available)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye shadow: alaskametro Matte mist (charcoal)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Manicure: Zoz Spring silver unique
Hair: elua iola2

Dress: Entice move your body (heart)
Shoes: N-core Kate lace (garnet)
Earrings: Finesmith heart to heart (no longer available)
Necklaces: Maxi Gossamer Twin hearts (short and medium)
Bracelet: Cae Lovestruck (at The Gacha Garden til Feb 28)

Valentine card: Nantra Poses V-card (with cat) #1 (at The Gacha Garden til Feb 28)

I Found The Clock Museum

Dear Diary:

I was watching a program on TV the other night about Ferdinand VI and his love of clocks.  Apparently he collected over 700 clocks in his palace.  The last one was made by a Swiss clock maker and a brief mention of it can be viewed here on YouTube.

That got me thinking since I like clocks too and have several in my second world house.  I was searching for a new place to purchase one and found the mention of a clock museum.  I just had to go.

I found the clock museum to be an extremely interesting place with over a hundred clocks on display.  There were many clocks that were very traditional - Grandfather clocks with ornate wooden cases; clocks for the fireplace mantel; digital wall clocks - but there were also unusual pieces.  I particularly liked this one shown in the picture. It's a large representative of the earth, with a circulating moon and showing the time in different zones. Beneath the world, is the digital time.  As each second, minute or hour changes, the numbers drop to the first floor below.  It is a spectacular and it's hard to stop watching the time fall away.

There are also some outdoor clocks that can be viewed in the garden.

If you get a chance, visit this wonderful exhibit of timepieces.  It's well worth the trip.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Hair: LaViere Amanda

Coat: Charme Emma (beige)
Hat: Shi cloche hat
Boots: Mutresse Nikki

Pose: !bang (now on SL Marketplace)

Location: Second floor of The Clock Museum

There's Something About A Baby

Dear Diary:

Yes, there really is something about a baby!  I never had the desire to "have" a baby in my second world but when a friend presented me with this little one, my heart just melted.  It's something about that mothering instinct.

This cutie comes with a wardrobe too, so pink and girly.  

I enjoyed cuddling this tiny girl...for a bit.  I have trouble enough looking after myself and all my inventory in my second life.  I wouldn't want to have the baby disappear into my closet forever.  

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Lipstick: (from) Izzie's Romy (rust)
Hair: Argrace Yae (with ribbed knit scarves HUD)

Dress: Shine by ZD Aneska Mix 3 (at Tres Chic til February 5)
Earrings: YS&YS roundie 
Rings: Izzie's Celestial Midi Rings (gold)

Baby: NOeditiON our little babies (pose baby) (at Ultra til February 15)

Pose: with baby

A Winter Walk In The Cold

Dear Diary:

I found a beautiful spot for a cold winter walk.  My winter is so long, I like to get outside as much as I can.  It does make the cold weather more tolerable.

I visited The Retreat the other day and it is a winter wonderland for sure.  At the landing point, you go through gates and follow the path along, passing many interesting buildings.  There is signage along the way to let you know where you are going.  I came to a fork in the path and chose to go right, walking into a bower of trees, shielding the snow from the gravel path.  Following it along, I came to a beautiful little chapel, very welcoming and peaceful.  It was truly an amazing discovery.

If I had chosen to go left, I would have come upon the Galicia Cultural Centre. Inside there is a display of many photographs that are beautifully done.  They are for sale at a reasonable price.  Adjacent to that building, is a night club that displays a super dance floor.  I haven't been back at night to check it out but I'm positive it's a busy place.

This is a area for all to visit and have a remarkable "snowy" experience.

It's strange when blowing on your fingers to warm them up doesn't help.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Blush: Izzie's winter blush
Hair (with hat): Truth Snow Kitty

Parka: Aphorism winter parka (blue) (at The Season's Story til January 31)
Leggings: Maitreya leggings (black)
Mittens: Pixel Mode mittens (blue)
Scarf: Mr Poet wide scarf
Boots: fame femme knitted uggs (camo) (at The Crossroads til January 28)

Pose: WetCat 

Location: The Retreat

A New Store To Me #16

Dear Diary:

I can't remember where I saw this store mentioned but when I read about it I was intrigued so I just had to visit.  I fell in love with the clothes immediately.  The store is Agata!!

There is a great variety of clothes, mostly casual, but very stylish.  I tried on dresses, with scarves and without; a cute long tee that would be a nice sleep shirt; and a dress with jacket.  I picked out the suit right away as one of my favourites.  It came in 4 colours - white, black, gold and the plum I'm wearing.  You can wear it as an outfit or jacket and skirt separately.  The fit was quite good.  I needed to tweak a bit but that often happens.  I also tried on a cocktail dress and then put on a fur wrap over.  The combination was stunning so I think I'll pop back for that.

Coincidentally, after I bought my suit, Kustom 9 opened up and Agata offered a cute two piece outfit in 6 colours - black, brown, tan, red, pink and my choice, blue.  I had to buy this too!!  If you purchase the fatpack, you are able to change skirt and sweater colours

The store is nicely laid out with no crowding of merchandise.  It seems new things are being added frequently.  There is a group to join that will provide news of things to come.

Fly out and have a look!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing from Agata:
(left): Agata Olive outfit (plum)
(right): Agata Terry knit two piece (blue) (at Kustom 9 til Feb 10)

Other:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: MC Falsies
Eye shadow: alaskametro Matte Mist
Hair: nomatch NO ESCAPE

Boots: HH Lilou Fringe Booties with HUD
Rings: Izzie's celestial midi rings
Watch: RealEvil Industries Revox Cora watch

Pose: an lar

Skating In The Tropics

Dear Diary:

I live on a tropical sim with lots of sand, sun and palm trees...in my second world that is.  In my first world, it's lots of snow, snow and snow!!  So when my SL neighbour built an ice skating rink in between the sand dunes, it made me want to don my skates and go for a few turns around the rink.

I enjoy skating on an outdoor rink.  There's something about the atmosphere that makes it more exciting than skating indoor.  There's also the excitement of skating on an outdoor rink on a tropical sim!!  How much fun is that!!  

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Hair: D!va Erika

Skating dress: Dead Dollz (9) Avatars on ice (Lutz Eggshell)
Skates: Abranimations Super Ice Skates

Pose: in skates

Christmas Clean-up Is Always Sad

Dear Diary:

I start decorating my house for Christmas in early December.  I put up lights; I get out the Christmas place mats; I decorate the trees (one in every room); and I chill the egg nog.  I do this in both my worlds and I love doing it.  Unfortunately, I have to take it all down at least sometime and put it away for another year to come around.  To me, it's always sad to see how bare my house looks when everything is put away but I knew it had to be done.  So yesterday afternoon, I started.

It seems that getting the decorations out and up goes much faster than getting them down and in! Hopefully they will all go into the storage area until next December.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Body: Maitreya Lara
Skin: Izzie's Romy
Hair: EMO-tions Faith

Sweater: Myst Fashion Mesh Snowflake Nightshirt (blue) (SL Marketplace)
Leggings: Izzie's nordic leggings
Slippers: Meli Imako cozy boot slippers (blue) (SL Marketplace)

Ornaments in box:
what next new year's 2017
La Galleria mesh ornament wreath
Jian festive potted tree
La Galleria nutcracker
La Galleria Christmas mat 

Box: Meli Imako carboard box (SL Marketplace)

Pose: Niqotine (no longer available)

Happy New Year 2017

Dear Diary:

Good Night for now.

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)