We're on a Rink Watch

Dear Diary:

I'm from Canada and in my part, the winters are cold, windy and full of snow.  HA!!!  Not this year.  Until the last few days, the year has been a lot warmer, windy at times and very little snow.

When I was a kid, I always loved to skate on a back yard rink or on the lake.  The ice was crystal clear, sometimes bumpy but being outside offered the best surroundings. 

But with the change of weather, the outside rinks are melting and most lakes are not safe to walk on, let alone skate on.  Therefore a website has been started to keep track and inform people of the condition of outdoor rinks, not just this year but for the future.  It has been predicted by some that the future of these rinks is definitely in jeopardy due to weather changes.

The website is RinkWatch.  You can create an account for yourself and enter information on your rink, or a neighbourhood rink where you might skate.  The site has other information listed also - a map showing rinks that have already been listed, the ability to check on the name and information for each rink and an explanation of why RinkWatch was created.  There are several rinks listed from the United States too.

If you get a chance, check out this website.  It's really interesting to follow and shows how the environment can make an impact.

Of course, in my second world, I could do my jumps and twirls on absolutely perfect ice, in perfect weather, in a perfect location.  Winter Valley Park provides beautiful winter scenery, free skates if you don't have them and couples skating.  I had a great afternoon.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Sweater: Izzie's Norwegian turtleneck pullover (red/black/white)
Jeans: ETD (now Elikatira) barely cords (cranberry)
Mitts: RenderR fur mitts (no longer available)
Skates: Jazzitude Red Nordic Leg Warmer skates (also SL Marketplace)

Poses: KaTink (ballet)

Location: Winter Valley Park

Glory Be! A New Colour Challenge!

Dear Diary:

My dreams have come true!  While leaping through the feeds the other day, I spied a colour challenge!  This one is going to be superb test to my shopping and co-ordinating skills.  Sookie Triellis has started the "Twisted Colour Challenge", involving a combination of two colours.  I like this concept.  It will make it interesting to see the different ways the colours can be put together.

I'm coming into the Challenge at week 4 so I'm a little behind but I think it will be a lot of fun.

 

 

Good Night for now.

 

I'm wearing:

Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)

Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)

Eye makeup: Elymode Eyeshadow and Liner (blue2) (from Advent Calendar)

Lashes: Mozz Cosmetics Lashes Version 2 (07)

Hair: Ivanka Akina Magic Hair no. 21

 

Sweater: tulip Departed (Aquarium)

Skirt: FD Frangipani denim mini (no longer available)

Stockings: JJ Tintable Striped stockings

Boots: Mutresse Luba wedges (charcoal)

 

Bracelet: LaGyo bangle set

 

Poses: Diesel Works

A New Store To Me #1

Dear Diary:

I admit...I'm at a loss...ever since Luna Jubilee ended the second part of the Colour Challenge.  I looked forward to the challenge of finding that obscure colour every week.  I keep checking back on her website to see if she's had a change of heart or has come up with some new magical challenge for us.

So having suffered anxiety over the lack of exercising my brain, I decided to try and challenge myself.  I decided to try and look for new stores on the grid and post something that I would purchase.  Now these stores may not be new to you, my readers, but they will be new to me.

The first store I found was "Jugg and Jinga's Boutique".  The store offers a good variety of clothes for both men and women.  There are not a lot of mesh clothes available if that's what interests you.   The clothes range from formal gowns to casual pants and tops, with a good selection in between that can be dressed up or down.  There is a small choice of jewelry sets, earrings with matching necklace.  Also in the store, you'll find some interesting pictures on the wall, not all original, and some Tiffany style floor lamps.

I took a brief look at the men's section and there's a broad array of clothing there too, with a very prominent display of men's thongs! 

 

I picked a cute flowery dress that looks great by itself or over leggings.  Along with it, I'm wearing flower earrings and necklace that I picked up at the same time.  Can you tell I'm looking forward to spring?

 

I'm standing in KaTink's Cabin Love, a great photo prop with a wintery view.

 

Good Night for now.

 

I'm wearing:

 

Dress: Jugg and Jinga's Boutique Maggie Mesh dress (Gardinia)

Earrings and Necklace: Jugg and Jinga's Boutique TigerLily (antique)

 

Prop: KaTink Cabin Love

Time for Another - "Let's Get Rid of That Word!!"

Dear Diary:

It's the time of year when Lake Superior State University publishes their should-be-banished word list.  Words that are often overused or misused in the language are suggested for elimination in our everyday speech.  I looked back at my post last year and still hear those fingers-down-the-blackboard-words used.  Here are some words from 2013 list:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's the problem with the word "guru". It's used for everyone who is considered an expert in their field. The LSSU website has a good quote "Unless you're teaching transcendental meditation, Hinduism or Buddhism, please don't call yourself a guru!"  How true is that!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm really tired of listening to the news and hear what interesting fact or item "is trending".  I don't think "trending" is a verb so why do we keep using it as such? 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

 

First of all I don't really like boneless wings.  They seem to be a little yucky and mushy. Secondly, don't wings have bones?  So...I think this is an oxymoron...or a mixed up phrase. It should be put back with the rest of the chicken.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOLO aka You Only Live Once is often used on Twitter but I haven't seen it used that often in an email.  I've entered some other internet abbreviations that are just about as annoying.  Yes, I use them often myself but sometimes I'm not even sure what some of the new ones mean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, that's my take on the words on the 2013 list.  To see the full list, look here. 
 

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Cardigan: Tulip oversized cardigan (olive)
Jeans: Emery Mesh Mid-Rise skinny jeans Kooks
Shoes: GF Square-toe Sophie (camel)

Poses: Adorkable
 

Celebrating The Twelve Days of Christmas

Dear Diary:

The "Twelve Days of Christmas" is more than a song that I used to like singing as a kid.  However, most of North America no longer celebrates these festivities except in song.

The twelve days of celebration begins on Christmas day and continues until the evening of January 5th.  Often gifts are exchanged on this night.  In some traditions, Epiphany usually follows the day after, on January 6th.

In the Middle Ages, it was continuous feasting until January 5th, which then signalled the end of the Christmas season.  So while sitting here, checking out my wall hanging, indicating each day of the song, I'm still eating my way through the season.  After all, it isn't January 5th for a few more days.  Right?

 

 

Good Night for now.

 

I'm wearing:

Hair: Dura (gift)

Nails: Izzie's Classic nails

 

Dress: Coco shirred tube dress (wine)(gift)

Earrings: p c Oxdized Silver hoops

 

Rug: Christmas rug - Twelve Days of Christmas

Table and chair: La Galleria Dinner Party II v.9 Black and glass table

Food: La Galleria Mesh Turkey Dinner

Happy New Year To You All!

Dear Diary:

Here it is!!  On the brink of another year!!  2013 already!!  I can't believe how fast this year has gone.  I'm so lucky and so grateful for the loving family I have; for the wonderful friends I have in both my worlds; and, for the people who read my rantings and ravings.

My wish for all of you is a happy, healthy and peaceful year wherever we are, whatever world we're in, however we choose to live it.

Good Night for now.

Prop and pose: Diesel Works (gift)

Here I Am... Amazon Woman

Dear Diary:

Well, this is the end of Luna's Colour Challenge Part Deux and I'm very sad that it's finished.  It's been so much fun looking for the obscure colour, putting together a great outfit, and emptying my bank account for just the right thing.  I'll certainly miss this every week.

So far there doesn't seem to be any plans for a new Challenge but I'm hoping Luna will have an epiphany and decide to do another Challenge soon, colour or not.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: SEVEN Glossy Lipstick (red)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (Deep Hazel)
Eye Makeup: Mozz Cosmetics Winged eye with lashes (grey-green)
Hair: D!va Asami (for Collabor88)

Dress: Sweeter Than Candy Idelle (sage)

Earrings: NHA Mirella (gold) (no longer available)

Poses: Exposeur (for Advent Calendar 2012)

♫ ♪ It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! ♫ ♪

Dear Diary:

I would like to wish everyone a very happy holiday no matter how you celebrate it.  I hope you all have a day with family and friends with good food, and lots of love. 

From my two friends who have helped me over the year with pictures and support, Chloe and Sam, and from myself, have a wonderful holiday season.

Good Night for now.

Prop: Katink Christmas gazebo
Pose: tea.s

It's Madder Lake Deep

Dear Diary:

Sometimes the names of colours for the Challenge just blow me away!  Where do they come from anyway?  Is this really the name of a colour?  So I just had to find out about this name.  I did learn that Madder Lake is a "bluish red, transparent pigment produced from alizarin red.  It's used to make stains and inks and as a component of artists' oil colours".  So it is really a colour-name and I love it!  The colour is very festive and perfect for the beginning of holiday parties.

I also found out that Madder Lake was an Australian band from the '70's.  Hear them here.  Nice peppy music just like the colour.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Seven Glossy lipstick (red)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (Deep Hazel)
Eye Shadow: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery Smokey eye (red)
Lashes: Miamai Catwalk lashes (burst) (gift)
Nails: Izzie's Classic Nails
Hair: D!va Hair Miu

Gown: LMC Linda (red)
Stole: Icing Glam stole

Earrings and necklace: Mood Nightlife Diamond and Ruby

Poses: !Bang

Another Week of Advent Calendar Goodies

Dear Diary:

I've had another great week of enjoying my finds at the Advent Calendars I've chosen to follow this year.

The Christmas scene from Dreamscape's Art Gallery contains everything [and more] that could be found in my living room.  The chair has 18 different sitting animations for male or female.  Assorted "pets", including a little grey mouse, provide company.  The Santa hat over the chair shows who has been visiting the house.  A great set to take some Christmas pictures.

The lingerie I'm wearing has been discreetly covered by my position but the jewelry shines through.  My inventory is growing drastically each day.

Good Night for now.

From Mint Tulip:
Eye makeup: Elymode eye shadow and liner (red)
Lingerie: Elymode bra & undies (red)
Earrings: Alice Project snowflake earrings
Necklace: Perception candy cane necklace (silver)

From KittyCats Winterland:
Headband: /*qbee Holiday Headband (pointsettia)
2nd necklace: Je Suis chouette necklace (purple)
Christmas scene: Dreamscapes Art Gallery

All That is GOLD Does not Glitter [J.R.R. Tolkien]

Dear Diary:

The colour for the Challenge this week is one of my favourites.  I have lots of this colour in my closet in both my worlds.  So, in the spirit of the holiday season, I had to dress up.  Gold jewelry is also a favourite and I only wish I had more of that.  Of course, "gold" is often quoted in many profound sayings so here are a few:

"Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer"
[Muhammad Ali]

"Wisdom is better than silver or gold"
[Bob Marley lyrics]

"An inch of time cannot be bought with an inch of gold"
[Chinese Proverb]

And my favourite quote -

"You may have a heart of gold -- but so does a hard-boiled egg!"
[Unknown]

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Izzie's Dark Vibrant Lipstick (rust)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (Deep Hazel)
Eye Shadow: HT Glitter makeup set (gold)
Lashes: MG Eyelashes groomed medium
Hair: Vanity Hair Romance

Gown: PM Lara gown (gold)
Shoes: MsDO18 Strapped (gold) (no longer available)

Earrings and necklace: Mood Isla

Poses: Diesel Works

 

 

 

  

 

I'm Looking for the Advent Calendars

Dear Diary:

At this time of year, I enjoy picking a couple of Advent Calendars to follow.  This year I started with the Mint Tulip sim.  In that shopping mall, there are four stores participating - Exposeur, Alice Project, Elymode and Perception.  Exposeur has given out poses, for male and female, with mirrored versions too.  If you collect all the gifts from Elymode, you'll have a complete outfit, along with some makeup.  Alice Project and Perception have given out cute jewelry, along with other gifts.

Then I flew over to the KittyCats Winterland Calendar.  They have items from a variety of designers who are gifting impressive presents.  The Calendar is right at the landing point and you can retrieve back days too.

The other morning I received a notice that Cleom Bailey, of Just my Imagination has an Advent Calendar in the store also so I had to pick up the cute and often unusual gifts there as well.

Here are a few items from just a couple of days:

It's always fun to open a present to see what's inside.  I found some really interesting things.  Take a look on your travels.

Good Night for now.

From Mint Tulip:
Tee: Elymode Snowflake top
Eye Makeup: Elymode shadow and liner (blue)
Hair: Alice Project Hyori Christmas

From KittyCatS Winterland:
Prop: True North Designs Tigger Plop with 5 poses (also comes with smaller version)

From Just My Imagination
Cup: Holly Day mug

I Love Cotton Candy

Dear Diary:

Pink - any shade of - is not my favourite colour.  But I do like cotton candy.

I always loved going to the circus when I was young.  Not because I enjoyed the animals or the rides but because I got to eat cotton candy.  I liked to watch when the coloured sugar was added to the container, the machine started whirling around, and finally the sugar was spun into a pink airy piece of fluff that I picked away at.  Then my Mom would make me brush my teeth extra long when I got home.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Izzie's Dark Vibrant Lipstick (raspberry)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (Deep Hazel)
Lashes: Mozz Cosmetics Eyelashes Version 2 (02)
Blush: Glamorize Glowing Blush (red)
Hair with hat: W&Y hair no.46

Sweater: Orion sweater (pink) (no longer available)
Vest: Paradisis Yoko's jacket (Rose bunnies)
Jeans: CC Ltd Unisex jeans
Gloves: Cover Girl fur gloves (white)
Boots: Indyra Originals Chasseur boots (pink)

Poses: Elymode

My Gold Card is Melting

Dear Diary:

Sometimes I feel like shopping.  Ok ok ok ....most of the time I feel like shopping...so I grabbed my purse and Gold Card and decided to look for a few Christmas presents.

I flew out to Izzie's, who has one of my favourite shops.  Right now, she has transformed her property into a wonderful wintery landscape for taking great photographs.

There was a couple skating on the lake who were showing their fancy footwork to everybody.

But of course my eyes were peeled to the store.

I managed to fill my bags with lots of clothes and then I needed makeup and jewelry to go with them.  And all for me!!  Well, next week I can start shopping for everybody else.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair with hat: Truth Hair Drake (gift)

Jacket: Aleida Birger jacket (green)(no longer available)
Pants: Aleida Jakob pant (black)(no longer available)
Purse: Miel messenger bag

Gold Credit Card: Essential Style Promo Credit Card (gold)

Poses: Picture 1  & 2 (in purse)
             Picture 3 Mon Tissu

Location: Izzie's Main Store

I'm Tango-ing with Tangelo

Dear Diary:

What a vibrant colour this week! 

Named after a fruit that is a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit, the tangelo has a very sweet flavour.  To me it looks like an orange with a top knot, and is about as big as a fist.  It's too cold in my area to grow any of these juicy fruit but I enjoy eating them.

Makes me wanna dance!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: SEVEN Glossy lipstick (orange brown)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (Deep Hazel)
Eye shadow: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery smokey eye (black)
Lashes: MG Eyelashes Party Inverted crowns
Hair: Ivanka Akina Magic hair no. 21

Dress: justB tunic dress (orange / hot pink)
Tank top: Cupcakes simple shimmer tank (black)
Leggings: CoCo white leggings (tinted) (gift)
Boots: CoCo over-the-knee boot (black)

Poses: tea.s

YEEHAWWW!!! It's Barley Corn

Dear Diary:

I don't know why but as soon as I saw that Barley Corn was the colour this week, I thought of cowboys.  I know.  I probably should have thought of farmers or grain inspectors or something like that but it was cowboys that came to mind.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Hair: Wasabi Pills Amandine

Shirt and tank: Riders Western Products A Bit open Outfit plaid (brown)
Jeans and chaps: Timber Creek chaps (light brown)
Boots: GF Short Western boots (camel)
Hat: Riders Western Products Straw Cowboy hat (FREE)

Piece of straw in mouth: Nica Strohhalm (straw) (SL Marketplace)

Poses in fence: Glitterati Fence (FREE)

Thinking about Creativity

Dear Diary:

I like to read blogs from other people.  I always learn a lot.  The other day I read a post from Pamela Galli, owner of La Galleria, one of my favourite house / furniture / accessory stores.  Someone has been stealing her items and giving them away free.  That made me stop and think of how the excellent creators in our second world make our life so exciting.

This isn't the first time I've heard of our top artisans being ripped off by residents who don't or won't understand how hard these designers work at their creations.  When these items are distributed without the original creator getting credit, the inventor feels cheated and violated that their items are being distributed without any benefits.  Some of our best designers have given up on our world for that very reason and yet, this is their job, their work, something they love to do.

Wikipedia refers to creativity as "the invention or origination of any new thing (a product, solution, artwork, literary work, joke, etc.) that has value.  'New' may refer to the individual creator or the society or domain within which novelty occurs."  I think that covers every designer with talent in our second world.

In our first world, copyright laws protect all producers of original goods.  It's too bad that there's not any protection in the virutal world for these very talented people.  So let's not support these thieves who offer "free" items to unsuspecting people.  Let's support the great people who make our second lives exciting and beautiful and let them know we value their talents.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: Diva Marie (gift)
Sweater: CoCo Turtleneck sweater (gift)
Pants: Tutti Frutti cords (black)
Shoes: HOC Industries Sneaker wedge (black)
Earrings: NHA Mirella (gold) (no longer available)


Poses in the chair: Morantique Garbo chair (Natura)

The Sweetness of Juniper

Dear Diary:

I love the colour this week for the Colour Challenge.  The green is very subtle and refreshing, a lot like juniper trees.  Although I don't have any junipers around my area, I've been told they can be much like my cedar trees.  If they have the same sweet smell, that certainly is a bonus. 

And of course today I'm wearing a poppy for Remembrance Day.  It's a reminder to never forget the women and men who have given so much for our countries, no matter where you live.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Aleida lip C (002) (no longer available)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (Deep Hazel)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics winged eye with lashes (black-teal)
Hair: Vanity Hair 2CUTE4U

Coat: [Posh] plaid trench (mint) (SL Marketplace)
Sweater: TokiD cable knit sweater (teal)
Scarf: MichaMi Ebba scarf (steel)
Purse: Septem Essentia Croco Kelly type bag (brown) (FREE)
Boots: lassitude & ennui Thecla boots (brown)

Earrings: je suis Voyante "plain" earclips
Glasses: HOC Industries Ladies sunglasses
Poppy: Rembrance Day poppy (SL Marketplace) (FREE)

Poses: LAP (no longer available)

It's the Month of Movember

Dear Diary:

Yes, the month of November has been renamed "Movember" for a good cause.  On the first of the month, men start clean shaven but soon become "Mo Bros".  They cultivate and grow the finest moustaches they can.  By sprouting moustaches for the month, they bring men's health issues, especially prostrate cancer and male mental health issues to the forefront.  Men are able to raise funds that support these health issues, not only in Canada but around the world.

I managed to ask one of my good friends, Sam, to help me out.  He's been able to grow his 'stache very quickly so he's a good candidate for a Mo Bro.

So in support of all the men in my life, whether they be real or virtual, I am standing behind the moustache...errrr..cause in any way I can.

Good Night for now.

I'm not sure where Sam bought his clothes but I'm wearing:

Tuxedo: SAS business tuxedo
Hair: Bryce Designs Puck
Moustache: Miasnow Curly Silly Mustache

Couples pose: Poseur

 

 

Things That are Bittersweet

Dear Diary:

Ahh yes!  There are lots of things in life that are bittersweet.  I love bittersweet chocolate, especially with caramel inside.  A song by the band, BitterSweet, was used as a theme song for a television show.  There's a Bittersweet vine that can be grown in warmer climates and it produces berries that birds love.  You can travel to Bittersweet, Louisiana and watch an 1940 movie, "Bitter Sweet".   I used to listen to "BitterSweet Symphony" by The Verve. 

Here's my contribution to things that are bittersweet.

Whew!  Writing that was bittersweet for sure!

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: SEVEN glossy lipstick (orangey brown)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (Deep Hazel)
Lashes: Mozz Cosmetics Eyelashes Version 2 (03)
Hair and scarf: Vanity Hair Comadi

Dress: haute monde Floral mesh dress (coral)

Earrings and necklace: Uzuri Mwezi (gold)

Poses: Katink