Someone's In The Kitchen

Well, back to the day to day of my Second Life, and my Kitchen has been installed and I have set everything up. I have already made a heap of Jams and Jellies, taking advantage of the early summer fruits and berries.  I love all the little details I was able to pack into my new kitchen, with a decidedly retro feel, it is homey and warm.  It looks like someone, likely my kitten, has already been into the milk this morning. Oh well, something to clean up is never a bad thing when it means spending more time in my lovely bright kitchen.  Come on over and share some Raspberry Cake with me, I can't possibly eat it all myself, and I will put the coffee (or tea) on for us.

At home, I always go for a casual look, and jeans and a loose top are pretty much my standard go-to uniform.  It doesn't mean I have given up entirely on my love for fashion and shoes, and this pair of lovely Debbi Wedges from [LVLE] is the perfect pop of color. You can get your own pair now for 50% OFF the regular price at The Family Flea Market, they come in a slew of pretty colors too. I am loving my new nail polishes from Ama., and have now declared myself to be officially addicted to SLink nail polish appliers. I have more then I can even count at this point.

Credits: 
Hair -  .ploom. Inge - Reds **New@Oh My Gacha**
Skin - Swallow Alice Porcelaine (8.Spring) Black

Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer

Eyes - [Buzz] Ardent Eyes - Angel
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from Swallow ]
Lashes - [ glow ] studio, Innocent. eyelashes - gentle w/ *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Nails - Ama. : SLink Polish : Glitter Dragon
Tattoo - Letis Tattoo :: Libitina :: 100% :: FULL14004

Shoes - [LVLE] Debbi Wedge - Red **New@The Family Flea Market**
Jeans - Rebel Gal :: Lee 3 Year Fade Jeans/Smoke Metallic. [No Location Found]
Shirt - *Fishy Strawberry* Relaxed Sweater - Dark Grey
Glasses -  [ bubble ] Retro Glasses V2
Earrings - [Fetch] Mush Earring  - Red
Bracelet - tapi :: cashmere wrap (brat) (R)
Bracelet & Ring Set - -FAUN- Geo Bangle -Gunmetal & Geo Ring -Gunmetal- L
Facial Piercings - :Diamante: Lust Facial Piercing

Poses - 
. Infiniti . - F. Basics 008 Mirror, 009 Mirror, 010, 011 Mirror, 012, 013
Tillie's Posing Studio V 5.0 - Standalone HUD
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Decor -
Trompe Loeil - The Karin Cottage Sky
Trompe Loeil- Retro Kitchen - Standalone Pieces (White) PG
The Loft - Gerzzo Kettle Black
The Loft - Gerzzo Tin Cannisters Blue
The Loft - Gerzzo Microwave Oven Blue
The Loft - Gerzzo Cart Red
The Loft - Gerzzo Chair Red
The Loft - Gerzzo Dining Table White
The Loft - Gerzzo Place Setting Pink
The Loft - Gerzzo Place Setting Blue
-tb- Pastry Mania - Raspberry Cake [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Coffee Pot [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Scale (Red) [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Misc [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Preserves [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Bowls [Gacha Prize]
-tb- Kitchen Basics - Bakeware [Gacha Prize]
floorplan. recipe tin
floorplan. vintage milk caddy
floorplan. soda crate stack
*Second Spaces* Ready to Bake - baking pans 2 [Gacha Prize]
Second Spaces - Well-stocked Pantry - complete set [Gacha Prizes]
{what next} Spring Clean Bucket (green) [Gacha Prize]
{what next} Mop Decor (rez) [Gacha Prize]
oyasumi / toaster v2 / RARE [Gacha Prize]
oyasumi / oyasumi milk (with cereal) [Gacha Prize]
***Note: Gacha Prize Items May No Longer Be Available

Rhapsody - Call Me Maybe

Well, the party has officially begun over at Rhapsody, the latest awesome event by The Hottie Cooterati Experience Team. One SIM of amazing shopping covering a heap of musical genre inspirations. Live DJs and Music scheduled throughout the event, and a really great build. It's the perfect thing to make your weekend POP!

Speaking of POP music, the selection of fabulous offerings is brilliant, and I had so much fun picking out a few things to showcase today.  This stunning pair of *BOOM* Ane Heels are so girly and fun, and made me feel like an instant Candy POP Star!  The come with a HUD so you can select the white sheer lace panels or a black version for maximum awesome! The facial deco is from the brilliant +Half-Deer+, with stars and music notes, it is fun for every day wear! The Brittany pose pack from Poseology is what brings this look all together, with it's adorable mic and sassy but sexy static poses, you will feel like an instant star. All the above mentioned items are only available NOW at Rhapsody, so get your entourage and go check it out, and then Call Me Maybe?

Credits: 
Hair -  booN TUM278 hair pink **New@Creation.JP**
Skin - Swallow Alice Porcelaine (9.Spring) Black
Add-Ons -  Swallow  Anja Eye Make Up 2

Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer

Eyes - IKON Ascension Eyes - Blue (L)
Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Feet - Mid Height
[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from Swallow ]
Lashes - [ glow ] studio, Innocent. eyelashes - gentle w/ *League* Avatar Eyelash Hider
Nails - Alyce, Slink Finger/Toe Nail Polish - Glitter French

Shoes - *BOOM* Ane Heels (Nude) **New@Rhapsody**
Dress - *BOOM* Ardour Dress (Crab) **New@COLLABOR88**
Wand - .Atomic. {Gacha} Wish Master - Wand (Silver) [Gacha Prize]
Necklace - MG [Maxi Gossamer] - Necklace - Summertime Easy Living -  Group2
Bracelets - MG [Maxi Gossamer] - Bracelet - Summertime Easy living - Large - R & Small - L
Earrings - MG [Maxi Gossamer] - Earrings - Summertime Easy living - Drop - L

Facial Deco - +Half-Deer+ Sweet Melody Dermal Piercing - Silver **New@Rhapsody**

Poses - 
Poseology, Brittany Set (6 Poses & Mic Prop) **New@Rhapsody**
Avatar Eye Control/Expressions - 
AnyPose Expression HUD [Free On Marketplace or Inworld @Phate Sheppard Creations]
Props -
floorplan. payphone booth / pink RARE [Gacha Prize] **New@The KUSTOM 9**
Toasty Subject, Disco Light by Ante Flan
(CREAMSHOP) Star party lights (pink) [No Location Found]

My Blogging Journey

Strawberry Singh, super blogger and a real star in the SL Blogging Unviverse, has a way of making us all think about blogging in a new light. Her meme challenges push us past the normal mode of our own blogs, and get us to think about other things that make us who we are, and therefore influence the way we blog, and the why of it too. This week's challenge is a follow-up on one done last April, when I was, shall we say M.I.A in SL. This is my chance to get in on the action, I have been blogging my Second Life since 2007. Things sure have changed, and so have I. Here is My Blogging Journey. Hope you share yours too, and remember to share your post in the comments over at Ms. Berry's Blog.

Meme instructions: Copy and paste the following questions and answers to your post, delete my answers and input your own. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments on Ms. Berry's Blog so others can come by and read your answers as well!

1. Which electronic devices do you use to blog with? I use my desktop computer for everything from taking my images in-world, to PS Elements cropping, and posting and editing with flickr. 
2. Do you have a mission statement for your blog, if so, what is it? I don't have a formal mission statement, but I think I might add one. I guess it boils down to what I consider art, SL content creation and fashion is a form of self-expression and art to me. I love to showcase what I think is the best of the best, and let it speak for itself. I take IP and original content creation very seriously, and I try my best to express that by avoiding content I feel is questionable. That is a choice and a statement at once. I try not to get involved in politics or dram on my blog, it is about the best things in my Second Life, and often my real life bleeds into my blog posts. I want to share the positive aspects of SL, and document my own journey at the same time.
3. How do you feel about blogs that use their platforms to spread negativity? I Generally don't know of blogs that are negative in nature, and maybe that is blissful ignorance, but I try to avoid them in any case. I just think there is enough negativity in the world without seeking it out or contributing to it any further.
4. Are you a grammar junkie? Do you thoroughly check your blog for errors before posting and/or do you judge other people’s posts if they contain errors? In general I don't worry too much about how others choose to express themselves, be it a flurry of rants that are full of grammatical or spelling errors, or cussing. I try to read my posts over before publishing, but I know there are some errors I miss. 
5. If you could switch blogs with another blogger who would it be? Probably Strawberry Singh, she has a way of bringing bloggers together that I admire, and she does beautiful photographs that I could never manage even if I had the technology. Beyond her challenges and memes, she covers so many topics and issues related to SL, I admire the scope of her writing, her amazing sense of humor, and her humility.
6. Has your blog/blogging style evolved over the year(s)? How? Absolutely. As I have blogged over the years, I have become more aware of the issues of around Intellectual Property, and I am more careful about what I want to represent on my blog. The quality of my images has improved as well. I went from some seriously questionable collage type images in the beginning, to studio only set-ups, to branching out now and looking for great places around SL to showcase in my posts. Also, giving credit to everything I possibly can is really important to me now. That means poses, props, locations, and everything in between. If I show it, someone might want to know where it can be found, and I want that information readily available to them.
7. What is the most extraordinary thing that has happened to you because of blogging? I feel like I am so blessed to have met the amazing people I have over the years, and many are fellow bloggers or designers.  It's not about having the widest reach, most hits, or the best syndication. I am proud of the connections I have made as a blogger, ones that are still strong even after 4 years of absence.
8. When it comes to Second Life blogs, there are different styles: Fashion bloggers, Lifestyle & Travel bloggers, Informative bloggers, and more. Which style do you prefer and where do you feel your blog fits in? There is no doubt that I am a fashion blogger by default, but I also love to highlight events that I find fun and worth visiting.  I guess it depends on the mood of the day and the moments in time, but I have blogged a little bit of all of it.
9. What has blogging taught you? It has taught me that I am a part of a larger community, and that I need to be responsible for the words I use, the issues I highlight, and the positions I take in my posts. I have made mistakes, I have taken sides in disputes that didn't concern me, I have said things I regret to others in the community. I can't take that back, I can only say I am sorry and hope to be a better person in the future. I can only change my own behavior and hope others will forgive. I am not perfect.
10. Share your top 3 tips for new bloggers. 

• Blog what you want to, and not what others are blogging, it's not about always being the first to show off things, it's about showing others what works for you.
• Don't be afraid to mix things up. You don't have to wear 'Designer A' from head to toe, you can wear things by 'Designer A' and six other content creators to give it your own flair.
• Unless you are prepared for the backlash, never blog mad or drunk or stoned or any combination of the above. It's just like texting, once it's out there, someone may see it, save it, or screen grab it, and you may feel different in the morning. Try to be kind and refrain from judgement of others. If you don't know the whole story, you are going to have a bad time.

 
Credits: 
Hair - TRUTH HAIR Betsy [Unrigged] (NEW RELEASE)

Skin - *League*  Skin Erin Pale Mint Brunette Chest D w/ Erin Brows Black - Pale
Facelight - *League* Windlight Facelight Softer

Eyes - IKON Ascension Eyes - Hazel (L)
Lashes - MMS-Thora Lashes [No Longer Available]

Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R & Flat L
Feet - Slink Female Feet (AvEnhance) XS - Flat

[Note: Above Textured With Slink Advanced HUD from *League* ]

Nails -  Hello Dave - Slink AvEnhance - Ophelia's Ascent RARE (Gacha Prize)
Facial Tattoo - Letis Tattoo :: Stars (L) :: 100% :: FC12001
Nightgown - Tee*fy Aurora  Nightdress - OceanCatch
Necklace - ::LEONARD:: Vintage Heart Pendant Necklace -silver-
Watch - [ glow ] studio - Boyfriends Watch with bracelets (rose gold)

Facial Piercings - :Diamante: Gluttony Facial Piercing

Pose - Dream Print - All Talk 1 (Pose Fair 2014 Free Gift)

Decor -
floorplan. Salon Set (Complete Gacha Set) [Previous Arcade Gacha Exclusive]
This is a Fawn - Embroidery Hoop Art [win or die] 
-tres blah- Vanity Set (Gacha Set - No Rares) [Previous Arcade Gacha Exclusive]
{XO} Vanity Make Up [Luck Of The Irish Gacha Fair Item]
O.M.E.N - Dear John - Pin Cushion [Previous Arcade Gacha Exclusive]
PILOT - Nail Polish Rack Deux [White]
TA Ikon Clothes Rack
llorisen //ciaran skybox

The Book Meme - Blogger Challenge

So it's no secret that I am back on the grid again, at least not to those who are still active in SL. I have always loved the things that connect us and make us unique, and when I saw blogger extraordinaire, and all around darling, Strawberry Singh had issued a blogger challenge called The Book Meme, I wanted in. I am a huge book nerd and proud. Here is my Q & A, you can still get in on the challenge by copying these questions and pasting in your own answers.

Are you a bookworm? -- Absolutely! I always have at least one book on the go, and often more than that. I have a list of  "1000 Books to Read Before You Die", and I am crossing them off as I go.

Which do you prefer: hardcover, paperback or electronic? – I tend to read in bed a lot, so my kindle is my new best friend. But there are some books I love so much I have multiple versions of, those special hardbound editions. I also repurchased a lot of my favorites for my kindle so they would be at my fingertips always.

Which book is your favorite? – Such a hard question to answer, since I read so much in so many genres. But my desert island pick would always be Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen. Call it cliche, but I have read it so many times and it never gets old, I cry every single time.

Which children’s book is your favorite? – My favorite book from childhood is one my mother read to us at bedtime, the Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. It is so very sad, and so very meaningful. It is about the things we treasure that should never be forgotten, no matter how much we grow and change.

What’s the last book you’ve read? – I just finished re-reading the entire Outlander series, all 7 fat books, by Diana Gabaldon. I am so in love with these characters, and can't wait for the next book to drop in June. The best news ever is that STARZ is producing a TV Series based on the books, and the leading man, Sam Heughan is dreamy as Jamie Fraser. It is coming this summer as well.

Name your top five favorite writers: – Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, J.R. Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Diana Gabaldon, gosh... is that 5 already? I could name dozens.

Name a book that had a strong impact on you: – A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra. This book is remarkable.

Favorite & least favorite book genres? – My favorite genre seems to be Science Fiction and Fantasy, but I read everything from Classics, Biographies, Graphic Novels and Manga too. Least favorite is hands down Self-Help books, I just can't stay interested in them.

Favorite & least favorite book-to-movie adaptions? – The BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, is pretty much a dream come true, I can have that series on rotation 24/7 and never get tired, I know it word for word.  As for the worst, I think that Tom Cruise killed Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice. The movie is worth watching as a stand-alone, but Lestat is an eternal teenager and the couch jumping Cruise is just awful.

Have you ever bought a book based on the cover alone? – I usually have to read something off the cover or inside the flap to get a taste of the book, but I am sure I did it a lot when I was a teenager with those awful teen romances from the 80s.

Where do you usually buy your books? – When I walk buy a used bookstore in downtown Toronto, I always go in and get something, even if it is just a copy of a classic novel I have read, and want to share with my nieces and nephew. Otherwise, I have to carefully approach amazon.ca and stay as short a time as possible, else I go broke endlessly.

Do you go to the library? – I don't unless I am taking courses at the University, the higher my education level goes, the scarier the libraries are. The University of Toronto has a dozen different libraries all over the campus, it's like trying to find needles in haystacks.

How many books do you own? On my main kindle it is about 300 titles to date, on my shelves, lets just say there are layers on layers in front of layers and no room left on any of my four large bookcases in my office. It's the first thing people comment on when they come into my condo, they always go wide eyed and say, "I guess you like to read!" There are over 1000 books in my place, and I have boxes of them in storage.

If you were to write a book about Second Life, which topic would you focus on? I think it's really interesting how you begin to identify with your avatar, how it becomes a part of you (for so many of us, anyways). I am interested in that, how we become attached to our shape or skin, or not. Whether we carve out an identity or niche, or find one. Our nicknames become somehow part of our psyche, that fascinates me and I think it would make an interesting project to talk to people about those attachments, inventory not excluded.

**Meme instructions: Copy and paste the following questions and answers into your post, delete my answers and input your own. Don’t forget to leave a link to your post in the comments on Strawberries Blog here so we can all come and see. If you create an image for this meme, feel free to share it in the Blog Memes Flickr Group.

Credits:

Top - DCNY, Mesh Striped Crop Top (Bluesy)

Shorts - The Secret Store, Balloon Shorts (Carbon) @ COLABOR88

Shoes - Baiastice, Lunar Ankle Boot (celeste) @ COLABOR88

Hair - Clawtooth, Lady Stardust - Blueberry Pie @ COLABOR88

Skin - *League*, Jen Pale ChinaDoll 

Hands - Slink, Avatar Enhancement Hands - Elegant1 R, Flat L

Shape - My Own (with help from the fabulous Anessa Stine)

Eyes - .ID., Real Eyes - Hazel

Lashes - MMS - Thora Lashes by Minnu Palen (No Longer Available)

Props - floorplan. pride and prejudice novel, AF Open Book

Skybox - llorisen // ciaran skybox (Includes Texture Change Cushions and Poses)