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

Buying Presents can Boggle your Mind

Dear Diary:

Last night I decided to hit the mall and start to pick up a few presents for family and friends.  I love to shop - for myself of course - but when it comes to picking out for others, it sometimes gives me a major headache. 

I always agonize over the people who are difficult to buy for.  There's the guy who only likes button-down, 100% cotton shirts; the teen who only wants brand name clothing; and, of course the person who doesn't like anything you buy.  I try to get those people out of the way first but it doesn't always work that way.  Sometimes I just have NO idea of what to get.  I imagine a gift certificate would work but somehow, to me, a wrapped up piece of plastic just doesn't seem to portray the Christmas gift!

Oh well...I've just begun my struggles.  Maybe I'll get a flash of brilliance tomorrow.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (dark red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye Shadow: Mozz Cosmetics Glittery smokey eye (gold)
Eye Lashes: Mozz lashes Version 2 (09)
Hair (with hat): Truth Snow Kitty (gift)

Sweater: iBizarre Argyle jumper (sisal)
Pants: LeLutka wool pants (gray)
Coat: Molichino Blake jacket (navy blue)
Purse: Miel msg bag (gift)
Boots: Decoy Jully boot (cocoa) (under construction)
Shopping bags: (unknown)

Pose: Juicy Shopping Girl

Location: Liberty City shopping mall

It's December! Let's start with the Lights

Dear Diary:

OK...as you know I'm a complete Christmas junkie!!  I start on the 1st of December.  I get out the Christmas decorations, the Christmas plates and of course, the Christmas lights. 

I like to put up lights around the front of the house but last year I started doing the back too.  I wonder if my neighbours dislike the bright ambience spilling over into their patio doors or kitchen windows.  Bah!!  Humbug!!  It makes me happy. 

There's a down side though, to my decorating enthusiasm - it's not the cold - it's not the snow - it's not the "non interior decorating" of my method - it's getting the lights untangled from last years' put-away.  Every year I plan on rolling them properly but I must be lacking in organizational skills.

So last Thursday night, after supper, I tackled the task of getting the lights on my trees in a rather semblance of a decorating masterpiece.  I managed to get some of it done and then finished the rest off last night.  I think it all looks awesome!!

Now I'm wondering what my electrical bill will jump up to.  Ehhhhh...I'll worry about that in February.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola liptick (deep red)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye Makeup: Mozz Cosmetics winged eye with lashes (blue silver)

Outfit - hat with hair, sweater, pants, boots and scarf (not worn)
             Winter #3 Annabella Biedermann, Tiroler Alm

Pose with lights: /me is wrapped in cheer lights (no longer available)

I love Coming Home!

Dear Diary:

Well, I returned safely from my trip but somehow managed to come back with a lot more than I went with.  I sure added to the economy of the country on this trip.

After I retrieved my car from the airport parking lot, brushed off the snow, struggled getting suitcases in the car, I was tired!  How did I manage to accumulate so much in such a short time?  Did I really need to buy that second pair of boots?  And the jacket.  Does every closet need more plaid?  Will I really wear that satin beaded cocktail dress?  Of course, the answer to these is a definite YES! 

It's always nice to travel but it sure is nice to get home.  Now I just have to find a place for everything.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: LeLutka Lola lipstick (fuschia)
Eyes: Miriel Hazel (no longer available)
Eye makeup: Mozz Cosmetics winged shadow with lashes (purple gold)
Hair (with hat) LeLutka ISHA (gift)

Coat: SAS Winter coat (aubergine)
Sweater: Latte snowflake sweater (purple) (no longer available)
Pants: Coco slim fit pant (gold)

Earrings: NHA earrings Viola (gift)

Pose: LAP