Friday, March 27, 2015

The Boho Look

Dear Diary:

I love the Bohemian look.  My mother was a child of the '60's and had great clothes from that time period.  I loved the natural cotton and casual styles.  I often wore them at Hallowe'en as a costume.  So when Shiny Shabby announced that the theme for this month was Boho, I grabbed my wallet and flew out quickly.

 
 
I tried on a lot of clothes on my shopping trip but I really liked the shorts and tee from Reverie.  The shorts come in various shades of denim accompanied by a brown or black belt.  The tee also has many colour choices and tucks in on one side of the shorts.  It's a very casual outfit with a comfy look.
 
The next stop was hair.  It had to be on the longish side, a natural straightness and definitely required a scarf headband.  I found the exact look at Mina.  There is a HUD for both the scarf and hair.
 
Lastly, my buy was the beautiful and exotic set from Oyasumi.  The rug and pillows had that boho look with natural looking patterns and fibres.  There are 6 poses in the prop, all which portray a relaxing look to sit, lie or meditate.
 
There is a lot more to see at the venue.  This run of Shiny Shabby ends April 15th.  Fly out and have a look at some spectacular items.
 
Good Night for now.
 
Hair: Mina Hair Jacky
Tee: Reverie LA Woman Tucked Tee (red)
Shorts: Reverie LA Woman BFs cutouts (grey wash, black belt)
 
Rug and Pillows: oyasumi

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Me, Myself and I Meme

Dear Diary:

There's nothing like a visit to a dimly lit New York night club, with a good looking piano player, to put one in the mood for the Monday Meme.  


I wasn't sure if I should answer as Dreamer or as me but I answered with the first thing that came to mind.  Interestingly enough, I think "we" would both give the same answers.  

I am...very calm 
I want... to be glamorous
I have...the best job in the world 
I wish... that I could live forever
I hate... nothing...dislike is the word...so I dislike bullies and bigots
I fear... not accomplishing everything I want to do
I search...for knowledge
I wonder...if I'll ever grow up 
I regret... nothing
I never... look back
I always...look for the positive
I usually...make friends easily
I dance...whenever I can
I sing... very loudly and often off key
I often... shop til I drop
I sometimes... worry
I cry... only for sad movies or books
I need... to be more assertive
I should...clean out my closet 
I love...my life 

The kind piano player, Moustaki Galaxy, agreed to the picture and by the way, girls, I think he plays every night at the club.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: Oceane Body Design Glammy lips (orange2)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye makeup: mock Miss Vanity eyeshadow with lashes (soft brown)
Hands: Slink AvEnhanced v2.1 (casual)
Nailpolish: The Wicked Peach Spring basics
Hair: D!va Sayaka

Dress: Gizza Creations draped dress (soil)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Lauren D'Orsay
Earrings and necklace: Finesmith

Location: New York Jazz Club Ballroom

Thursday, March 19, 2015

My Perception of Second Life

Dear Diary:

Thinking about Second Life for Berry's Monday Meme....


1. What is your perception of Second Life? Second Life has shown me just how creative people are.  I've had friends who are artists in their main world and are able to bring their talent into this world.  I'm amazed at all the creators who provide us with items and continue to produce more elaborate things.  It's a place where I can go and try my hand at creating.  I enjoy being in my second world.

2. Do you feel the portrayal or reputation Second Life seems to have in the mainstream media is justified?  No.  In the past I've read articles maligning Second Life for being nothing but a place for free sex.  I believe most of these journalists have never tried Second Life because it certainly offers a lot more. 

3. Do you talk about your Second Life with your real life friends and family? No.  As I've mentioned in previous posts, most of my friends wouldn't understand.  At one time I did mention it to a few friends and they weren't sure what I was talking about.  They passed it off as, "Oh...that's just Dreamer.  She does those crazy things."  I'm not ashamed of being here.  I'm tired of trying to explain it.

4. What is your most favorite thing to do in Second Life?  My picture shows one of my most favourite things.  My first world is a cold and snowy one for almost half a year.  In my second world, I have a lovely home in a tropical setting.  I can fly there in my coat and boots, pull up a beach chair and sit in the sun all day long.  I can organize my thoughts, listen to music and wash away the problems of the day.  When I've done that, I can change into some summery clothes, go dancing, visit an art gallery, fly to exotic locations or talk to my friends.  It's a wonderful life!

No video today...maybe next time.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: Slink AvEnhanced v2 (casual)
Hair: Argrace Aya

Coat: ufo mustang duffle coat (cream)
Jeans: Emery  mid rise skinny jeans Kooks (original)
Boots: ufo tongku boots (red)
Gloves: Izzie's Fluffy gloves for Slink hands
Hat: Wonton pearl wool beanie (taupe/white)
Sunglasses: HOC Industries Ladies Sunglasses

Chair: NanTra Poses Life's a Beach Chair (pose in chair)

Location: The patio at my home (La Galleria Palo Alto house)

Monday, March 16, 2015

Let's Celebrate St. Urho's Day

Dear Diary:

March 16th marks the day for celebrating the remarkable feats of St. Urho.  It is reported that Urho used his loud voice to chase the grasshoppers out of Finland to protect the grape harvest.  He used the phrase, "Heinäsirkka, heinäsirkka, mene täältä hiiteen" (roughly translated: "Grasshopper, grasshopper, go to Hell!").  Now this was supposed to take place in pre-Ice Age Finland when the climate was warmer so Finland would have vineyards.

The celebrated colours are purple and green so I put on my bikini and took myself to a Finnish sauna to sweat it out and to honour St. Urho.



So, now I must tell you that there was no such person as St. Urho.  The story of St. Urho, was fabricated by Richard Mattson from Virginia, Minnesota in the mid '50's.  He made up the story because a coworker teased him about Finland not having a hero like St. Patrick of Ireland who cast out the snakes.  Although originating as a joke in a small community of northern United States, St. Urho celebrations have spread internationally. 

At the St. Urho feast, the dish is usually lihamojakka, a beef stew, so if you plan on celebrating, the recipe can be found Here


Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: Slink AvEnhanced v2 (casual)
Feet: Gos Boutique Barefoot v2 (flat)
Nailpolish: Izzie's Slink Classic HUD
Hair:  boon TUM278
Bandana: Bandana Rama headband (green) (SL Marketplace)

Bikini:  One Bad Pixel Ring Bikini (grasshopper)

Pose in the sauna bench


Location: Finnish Sauna Retreat

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Then and Now - As Time Goes By!

Dear Diary:

I always look forward to Berry's Monday Meme and this week was no exception.  The instructions are:

Meme instructions: Share a side by side comparison of your first blog picture beside a recent picture of your avatar.
 
 

My 2010 picture comes from my second post, found here and my 2015 picture was one I was going to use in a post but didn't. 

The only thing about me that hasn't changed in 5 years is my skin.  I discovered MM skins when I first arrived a few years before I started blogging.  That brand merged into LeLutka and I've stuck with them ever since.  The skin just seems to be me.  My shape is basically the same too (except for a few tweeks and fluffs).  Everything else on me has changed.

I, like Berry, give a lot of credit to the creators in SL for making me look GREAT --- hair that bounces; eyes that reflect; clothes that have folds and makeup that enhances.  All of that, along with Windlight settings, awesome builds, and life-like poses, keeps this avi from getting old.

Now to pass all those wonderful things into RL would be superb!

Good Night for now.

In 2010, I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka IFE Suntan (group gift)
Hair: W&Y MakiMaki gift
Blouse & Skirt: Sascha Mill Hill - MM Board
Earrings: Glow Studio - B&W earrings (black)
 
In 2015, I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Hair: Vanity Hair Nana
Blouse: Marshmallows Hnawy blouse (green) (now only on SL Marketplace)
Earrings & necklace: NHA Maya
 
 


Sunday, March 8, 2015

International Women's Day is for Everyone

Dear Diary:

International Women's Day, celebrated March 8th, is a day to celebrate the successes of all women, but it's also a time to remember that nowhere in the world can women claim to have all the same rights and opportunities of men.


There is no denying that women are victims of violence, kidnapping and disrespect because of their gender, but it's difficult to understand how, in the workplace, women often receive 30 to 40 percent less pay than men for doing the same work.  There are many jobs where women are deemed not acceptable, or not capable of doing what a man does, even though they may have the same education.  Consequently, many women are forced to work in the service area where the pay could be below minimum wage.  Some industries, such as architecture, protective services or restaurant chefs are male dominated.

However, there has been progress to improve women's rights.  Personal actions by politicians, professionals and actors have spoken out for wage equality and equal rights for women.

Let's celebrate who we are and strive for all women to be as fortunate as we are.

Good Night for now.

Chloe is wearing:
Hair with hat: EMO-tions Hair  Jackson   
Top: Purple Moon Dresher top (orange striped)
Jeans: Purple Moon Skinny jeans (choco)
Vest: Meli Imako Ladies Padded Vest (SL Marketplace)
Bag: Xianj postman bag

Me:
Hair: Wasabi Pills Clementine
Shirt:SFD Button down shirt (gold)
Apron: Apponos Apron Butler Stripes (violet) (SL Marketplace)

Location:  The Grocery Store and Supermarket

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Do You Recognize Me?

Dear Diary:

Strawberry Singh has a brilliant idea for the Monday Meme.  We could transform ourselves and wonder if any friends would know us.  Here's my makeover:


I wonder if this is how I'll look when I'm really older.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: Ruby Skins (Sarah2)
Shape:  Ruby Skins (Lois2)
Hair:  Amacci Hair Zoe

Dress:  Old Time Prims Lily (pink flowers and stripes)
Earrings: (bewildebeest) Cassandra (mother of pearl) (no longer available)

Bird and cage:  La Galleria birdcage
Location: My home La Galleria (Palo Alto)

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Second Life Made Me Learn....

Dear Diary:

For the Monday Meme, Berry has asked us to reveal what we have learned by joining Second Life.  WHOA...what I've learned!!



Technically, I have learned:

ABOUT MY COMPUTERI've used a computer for a long time, both at home and at work.  Usually my use was confined to writing reports or documents, or for doing research.  As long as it worked, life was beautiful.  As I got into SL, I realized my home computer was making it difficult to be as active as I would have liked.  I was crashing, or it took forever to load.  It was time for a new computer.  So I've become aware of Gigahertz, RAM and graphics cards, items that I would never have cared about before.

ABOUT BLOGGINGI've always been interested in writing.  I've kept a diary for years.  So the next step seemed appropriate.  As I've written before, I was nervous about starting but now I love it and would miss it terribly if I had to stop.  I'm not sure I would have attempted it, if not for SL.

ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHYI enjoy taking pictures in RL and I do take a lot.  But I found taking pictures in SL was very different.  It took me awhile to find the proper size, the right angle, and to save it to the appropriate place.  Personally this taught me patience.  You can't rush taking a good picture.  (Still haven't mastered that exactly)

ABOUT PHOTOSHOPI had seen people at my work use Photoshop for various marketing projects and was always keen on learning more about it.  When I started taking pictures in SL and posting them to my blog, I was never happy with them.  Someone suggested Photoshop so I decided to give it a try.  I watched and read tutorials (and still do) to find the tips and tricks.  I like to post raw pictures but sometimes it's nice to have "tools" to help in the search for that perfect picture.

ABOUT SCRIPTINGI put this one last because I'm not great at this and am definitely still in the kindergarten phase of learning.  I can read a script and have written very very simple ones however, each day it becomes a little easier.


And the not so technical lessons:

ABOUT SOCIALIZING:  On the social level, I learned that people are people no matter where they live or where they are from or what world they live in.  If people are rude and crude in SL, they will be that way in RL too.  The pleasant people who are fun to be with, who are  always considerate, and who make me laugh, would be my friends in both worlds.


Good Night for now.

I'm wearing from Kustom9:
Hair: barberyumyum *46
Barrette: barberyumyum Square barrette (gray) (Gacha)
Top: OVH Nova loose t-shirt (gray)
Skirt: OVH Gab skirt black
Purse: Luxe Safety Pin Cluth (blanc et noire)(store opening soon)

Shoes: Friday basic flats (charcoal)

Location:
Fashiowl

Thursday, February 19, 2015

It's The Year of The Sheep

Dear Diary:

新年快樂 to all my Asian friends.  This is the year of the sheep.


Today marks the beginning of the Year of the Sheep/Goat until next February.  If one is born in any of the following years - 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, they are under this sign.

People born in a year of the Goat, are considered to be shy, sympathetic, kind- hearted, and gentle.  They have a strong sense of justice.  Sheep or Goats usually have a strong creativity and perseverance.

Even though gentleness is a characteristic, Sheep have a strong inner resilience.  They don't like to be the centre of attention as they tend to be reserved.  They like to spend money on the nicer things in life.

Because Sheep / Goats are calm in their thoughts, they have fewer health problems.

Lucky colours for this group are brown, red and purple.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: Slink AvEnhanced (elegant)
Nailpolish: Izzie's Classic Nail HUD (rust)
Hair: Wasabi Pills Karin

Cheongsam: Lika Ruby
Earrings: Maxi Gossamer Jades Shanghai Teardrop (gift)
Bracelet: SWA Asian Bangle (jade) (no longer available)

Poster: DragonLady Designs Gallery Year of the Sheep (now on SLMarketplace)

Pose: !bang

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Have I Ever...Who ME???

Dear Diary:

Berry's got a good Monday Meme going.  These personal ones always make me...ummm..nervous.  But I will answer it as best I can, in my best angelic voice.



1. Have you ever owned a sim in Second Life?  No

2. Have you ever created content in Second Life?  Yes but very simple things for my own use.  Nothing I would or could sell.

3. Have you ever driven a vehicle in Second Life?  Oh yes...lots of times.  Everything from boats, airplanes and seados.  I also own a car and a motorcycle which is far better than the ones I have in my first world.  Does a pogo stick count too?

4. Have you ever gone sky diving in Second Life?  Yes

5. Have you ever played a sport in Second Life?  Yes, I've tried a lot of different sports.  I've played ice hockey (I was goalie - not a good position) and I've done archery, skiing and golf, to name a few.

6. Have you ever gone clubbing in Second Life?  OMG...YES!  That WAS my second life when I first started, country, rock, jazz, you name it and I went.  Not so much any more.  I'm older now.

7. Have you ever fangirled/fanboyed someone in Second Life?  Embarrasingly yes.  Years back I ran into a dress designer at her store and totally made an idiot of myself. I still get flushed when I think about it.
 
8. Have you ever taken a picture of your avatar in water in Second Life?  You bet...by myself; with my friends; with my pet; with whoever comes along.

9. Have you ever taken a picture of a sunset in Second Life?  Yes I have but not many.

10. Have you ever taken a nude picture of your avatar in Second Life?  That's a pretty easy question for an egotist like myself.  But none have been nor will ever be published.  OK...any offers?

11.  Have you ever dated in Second Life? Yes

12.  Have you ever had or attended a wedding in Second Life? I've never had a wedding myself.  That's really not in my agenda but I've been to a few.  I make a great bridesmaid in case someone reading this needs one!

13.  Have you ever drank, smoked or taken drugs in Second Life? Yes, yes and yes.  This is Second Life were talking about, isn't it?

14. Have you ever engaged in sexual activity in Second Life? Hmmm...think I'll take the 5th on this one.

15. Have you ever been to Bukkake Bliss in Second Life?  Where?

OK...at this point I'm feeling a lot less like my angelic self and I really am surprised I could talk so much through the gag.  Time to say....

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye makeup: Madrid Solo-u-color it (Grace)
Lip gloss: Madrid Solo-u-color it (Grace)
Hair: Analog Dog Pop Scotch

Dress: Meli Imako Swan Dress (ivory) (SL Marketplace)

Halo: Icons of Style Angel halo and wings
Silencer: Sue Xue Muted Lips (SL Marketplace)

Pose: Marukin

Sunday, February 15, 2015

An Important Flag Day for Canada

Dear Diary:

Today marks the 50th anniversary for the Canadian Flag and the history behind it is interesting.


In 1964, the Prime Minister, Lester Pearson, proposed adopting a new flag for Canada, since the centennial of the country was coming up in 1967.  The unofficial flag, since the 1880's, was the Red Ensign, a solid red flag, with the Union Jack in the left hand corner and Canada's coat of arms on the right portion.  Pearson's idea was not met with approval.  The debate, coming from veterans and politicians, also involved the English / French factor.  It was a bitter argument.  Pearson forged on, asking for suggestions to be sent to his flag selection committee.  He, himself, submitted and preferred a sprig of 3 red maple leaves, bordered by blue bars but it was not chosen.

On February 15th, 1965, the new, distinctive Canadian flag, known as the Maple Leaf, flew over Parliament Hill.  It received a chilly reception.  It seemed to be the only place the new flag was being exhibited.  Now 50 years later, all controversy behind us, we feel a national pride when the flag is raised.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair with hat: Mina Hair Carlijin
Jacket: Meli Imako Ladies Padded Coat (tinted grey) (SL Marketplace)
Leggings: coldLogic leggings (navy)
Gloves: Izzie's basic fluffy gloves

Skates: Abranimations Super Ice Skates
Flag: Hand held Canadian Flag (no longer available)

Pose: A Netherworld Skater's static pose (no longer available)

Location: Frisland

Friday, February 13, 2015

Happy Valentine's Day

Dear Diary:

I always look for a good prop pose for Valentine's Day and I've found some great ones in the past few years.  Since tomorrow is February 14th, I was out on the search this week. 

view from inside house
 view from outside

I found a good Valentine prop at Fashion Fair.  It's produced by Come Soon Poses and features a whole scene of two buildings with a living room and front door in one building.  You can take photos from either side.  If you choose not to use the full scene, you can use the pose alone.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day with flowers and candy.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Eye makeup: mock Cosmetics Miss Vanity shadow and lashes (neutral)
Lipstick: Pink Fuel Glossy Red
Hands: Slink AvEnhanced (casual)

Top: Nya's Romantic date patterned top (white) (The Instruments Feb)
Skirt: Nya's Romantic date skirt (red) (The Instruments Feb)
Hair: Truth Hair Jodie

Prop Pose: Come Soon Pose Store Happy Valentine's Day (Fashion Fair 2015)

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Blogging Milestones in My Blogging Life

Dear Diary:

My first blog was posted June 13th, 2010.  I believe it was a Sunday.  So for the Monday Meme, I tried to recreate the picture on that memorable day.

From my first post, I no longer have the tee; I've deleted the hair; and I have a new computer.  I've acquired nicer hands, flashier makeup and better fitting clothing.  I now own a lovely house in a tropical sim so I can always have warm sunny weather even if the snow is piled up around me in my first world.

I came into this world on March 12th, 2008 but I didn't start blogging until two years after.  I went through various milestones, while blogging, none of which were earth shattering, but changed me as a blogger.  So here are my top 5:

1. The Start: I always wanted to blog.  Early on, I wanted to be a journalist so I thought this would be a great way for me to use my desire to put something in print while using my limited creative talent.  It was hard to start.  Lack of confidence? No skill? Terrified of failure? Or all of the above?  I told myself I should try it and if I didn't like it, I could stop.  The first milestone was a go.

2. The First Post:  I made it simple.  The photo was basic.  I published.  No Photoshop or other touch-up programs.  No additional posting to other feeds.  I checked the number of viewings constantly.  The thrill I felt when I saw that 3 people had read my post was overwhelming!  I was on my way with another milestone under my belt. 

3.  The Revelation:  I started out posting as a "fashion" writer.  I bought the clothes and accessories, and put them together as best I could.  I soon discovered that there were so many other bloggers out there that were much better at it than I was.  I loved the items, I admired the creators but I didn't have the words or phrases to adequately describe what they were like.  I wasn't doing well in the world of fashion. So I decided to abandon the styling posts and lean toward things I like to write / talk about, things that were interesting to me.  I started my "Thinking" posts which melded both of my worlds together.  That way I could write about my cares or problems.  It is very cathartic.  This was a momentous third milestone, one of my biggest.

4. The Learning Curve: At this point in my blogging, I had passed and accepted 3 plateaus of my milestones.  I was feeling more secure with my writing and still working on the quality of my photographs at this point but I needed to know more of how to produce better pictures.  I read tutorials.  Berry's tutorials were informative, helpful and written in words I could understand.  I tried out Windlight, thanks to Chic Aeon, Luna Jubilee and Annan Adored to name only a few who have provided downloads of their settings.  I used photo aids such as Animare or AnyPose.  All of these helpful suggestions came from reading blogs written by people who had started out like me and were now helping others due to their expertise.  This was the most mind expanding milestone.

5.  The Acceptance: My final milestone up to this point, came about almost 2 years ago.  I joined a Challenge and finally knew that I loved doing this blog, for whatever reason.  I was confident knowing that I could write a post for total enjoyment, adding a picture that I termed worthy, and have other readers like it too. 

It seems I've covered all the big milestones in my blogging life.  I no longer worry about how many people read my blog.  I like what I write for myself.  I want to continue to learn new things about photography or settings and appreciate what all the other posts are teaching me.  It will be a continual learning experience.

Another milestone is just around the corner.  I know it.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hands: Slink AvEnhanced (casual)
Nail polish: Izzie's Classic nails
Lipstick: Oceane Glammy Lipstick (orange2)
Hair: Truth Hair Saffron

Dress: TuTy's Sweater dress (orange)
Ring: LaGyo Siroune ring (gold)

Desk: MMG work desk and chair
Laptop: Shared Media Loaded Laptop (no longer available)

Location: My home La Galleria Palo Alto Home


Saturday, February 7, 2015

Dancing Whenever We Want To

Dear Diary:

A few weeks back, Chloe and I wanted to go out dancing but our friend and
date-when-needed, Sam, didn't want to go.  We were anxious to go out so we had to have an alternate plan.  Lucky for us, we were able to get some very willing and forever dance partners.



The mannequins can be found at Image Essentials in the Gacha machine.  There are several different ones, all really cute.  Chloe and I are happy to know that when we feel like dancing, we always have a partner.

Good Night for now.

On Chloe:
Skin: Izzie's Harlow (pale)
Lipstick: Izzie's Harlow (pink)
Eyes: The Skinnery (bohemian)
Eye shadow: Izzie's Harlow (silver eye)
Lashes: mock Pandora
Hands: Slink AvEnhanced (elegant)
Hair: EMOtions Deidre
Dress: League Yve pencil dress (blue) (Uber December)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Victoria Platforms (silver)
Earrings and necklace: Maxi Gossamer Beatrice

On me:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Lipstick: SEVEN glossy (pink rose)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Eye shadow: mock Miss Vanity with lashes (bluey)
Hands: Slink AvEnhanced (casual)
Hair: Vanity Hair Fugee
Dress: Topazia Edwina dress (light blue)
Shoes: Gos Boutique Isabella sandals (gold)
Earrings: Chop Zuey jelly bean earrings (diamond / gold)

Mannequins: Image Essentials The Dummy #3 (left); # 5 (right)(found in the Gacha area)

Location: Snow Rez Zone

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Motivational Monday Meme

Dear Diary:

What a great Monday Meme by Strawberry Singh!  It makes you think.


Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: W&Y Hair #86 (no longer available)
Lipstick: Headturners Matt Lipstick (licorice)
Outfit: Dark Moon Punk Rave Goth Emo Vampire Neko B&R (now in SL Marketplace)
Tail: AD long tail

Pose: Tea Soup

Sunday, February 1, 2015

"Let's Get Rid of That Word" Soon

Dear Diary:

Around this time of year, Lake Superior State University comes out with a list of words that they think should be banned, either because the words are overused; used in the wrong context or just plain irritating!  I try to write a post when I see the list as it's so fun to see what words should be put in the trash for this year.

While I was watching the sports news, and preparing for Super Bowl, I decided to write this post with my top 4 irritating words.


1. POLAR VORTEX:  Every weather report has a "polar vortex coming out of the north".  I'm not sure what this term means.  What happened to "a cold front" or "winter"?  And why is it always from Canada?

2. SKILL SET: To me this phrase is unnecessary.  I think this is supposed to stand for someone's skills so why not just say skills?

3. FOODIE:  I think the correct way of describing a person who excels in the food world is "gourmand".  I loved one person's comments from the website - "It's ridiculous. Do we call people who like wine 'winies' or beer lovers 'beeries'?" Perfect!

4. __NATION: Being that this suffix is mostly used by sports fans, I'm not sure of any team or fan who has designs on establishing a country.  In honour of this word, I decided to join the Hawks-nation for the Super Bowl, mainly because I don't like the Patriots.

Lake Superior State University has been putting out this list for 40 years.  Although it's a tongue-in-cheek approach, it's fun to look back at some of the words they thought should be banned.  Here is the history behind the list all the lists from 1976.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Hair: elua demi
Tee: Enchanted Designs Game Day jerseys (Seahawks)
Jeans: Emery Mid Rise skinny jeans (original)
Sneakers: Super Kingdom Low tops mesh sneakers (green) (SL Marketplace)
Helmet: TA Football helmet (SL Marketplace)

Television: Shared Media preloaded TV (no longer available)
Carpet: La Galleria Tan and Floral Contemporary rug



Wednesday, January 28, 2015

"We Had It All..Just Like Bogie and Bacall" (from Key Largo)

Dear Diary:

I love watching old films so Berry's Monday Meme was a perfect reason to show my two favourite people from the black and white era.  To me, the iconic romantic couple from the 1940's was Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.  There always seemed to be an electric current running between them when they were on the screen.

 
The couple acted in four films together but the one that brought Bacall into the limelight was "The Big Sleep", a 1946 film noir in which she played a nasty manipulative woman, opposite to Bogart's law abiding detective.  The film was described as a story concerning the "process of a criminal investigation, not its results".  In her role, Bacall was described as a dangerous looking female with a sharp tongue.  She did play the same type of woman in other movies and she always did it well.

"The Big Sleep" was added to the National Film Registry in 1997.  The Library of Congress said the film was "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant".

Thanks to my friend Sam for posing as Detective Philip Marlowe, to my Vivian Rutledge.

Good Night for now.

Sam is wearing:
Suit: hoorenbeek Pinstripe suit
Hat: Couture Chapeau fedora

I'm wearing:
Hair: Truth Hair Venus
Blouse and skirt: Meli Imako Mesh Ladies Blouse with Pencil skirt (SL Marketplace)
Shoes: Gos Charlotte Mary Jane pumps

Pose: Rack Poses

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Saturday is For Shopping

Dear Diary:

Sometimes I get an itch to go shopping.  That often happens in both my worlds but this past Saturday I managed to get the scratching fixed by travelling the grid in my second life.  I did hit many of the major events so here are my favs.


I absolutely loved this coat from Amitomo.  It comes in a two-pack of six different patterns.  There's a woolen turtle neck sweater underneath that comes in complimentary colours.  It can be found at Chapter Four

My next favourite purchase was the scarf from Mikunch, found at The Seasons Story.  I had a difficult time deciding what scarf to buy.  The scarf comes in three different designs - tied at the back; around the neck or the "snood" look.  Each scarf comes in a variety of plain or mixed patterns.  I really liked them all but decided the snood  version looked the best with this coat. 

The boots made by Baiastice, from Fameshed, are a great addition to the outfit.  They can be found in many colours, most that would go with any outfit.  The tassels down the side add a little decoration to the boots.

I tried to pick a wonderful location to show off my shopping endeavours and I did find a great sim.  Timeless Memories has many places to explore or just sit to enjoy the magical landscape.  The sim is excellent for photo opportunities. 

An awesome day for spending some Lindens.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
From Chapter Four:
Hair: Mina Hair Vera
Coat: Amitomo Oversized coat and turtleneck (set 2)
Jeans: Coco skinny jeans (blue) (gacha machine)

From The Seasons Story:
Hat: C'est la vie Lil beret (black) (gacha machine)
Scarf: Mikunch snood (art)

From Fameshed:
Boots: Baiastice Rhino Ankle boots (cerise)

Pose: Marukin

Location: Timeless Memories

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

My Second Life Problem

Dear Diary:

What a way to start the week!  It's always refreshing to be able to complain about things when other people know what you're talking about.  Strawberry Singh's Monday Meme brought a few problems to mind but I settled on one that's been bothering me lately.



I realize to be able to wear mesh clothing the best way, you need to fit into a "standard" size.  I fought this for awhile.  "I'm not changing", I said to myself, "I worked hard on getting this "gorgeous" body so I'm keeping it like it is".  How pompous was that!  And besides, whenever I wore some of the beautiful creations, I was sticking out here and had missing spots there.  So I changed....and modified...and altered...and mutated until I was devoid of any gender at all - no hips, no butt, no boobs.  Of course I saved all of the shapes I made, calling them a multitude of names that I quickly forgot what I made them for.  I had so many shapes I didn't know who I was.  I didn't have any clothes that looked great on me.  So now I'm back to my old shape and adjusting only when I have to.

Wow!!  It's good to vent!!  I feel so much better.

Good Night for now.

I'm wearing:
Skin: LeLutka Lola (light)
Eyes: Ikon Sunrise (deep hazel)
Lashes: mock Cosmetics Priscilla
Hands: Slink AvEnhanced hands (casual)
Hair: Truth Hair Joanna
Tee: Strawberry Singh T-shirt #SecondLifeProblems (SL Marketplace)
Jeans: Emery mid-rise Skinny Jeans Kooks
Glasses: K_gs Kumaki Glasses Mito
Earrings: Caroline's Large Hoop (silver) (now on SL Marketplace)

Pose: Icons of Style