One Belle Avenue, Second Life

18 weeks of doing the 52 Weeks of Color Challenge! I can't believe how many bloggers still are participating - it's great!  I've been getting a little lazy but this week I forced myself to get this done before the weekend - and I did it!!!

I really wanted to do a summery type post this week (we just got a whole bunch of snow this past weekend and I'm SO ready for winter to pack it up).  So I was very surprised to see that I had a dress for Ecru already in my inventory. Such a simple, summery feel to it, waiting to be dressed up however you like.  Imagine a cardigan, a picnic basket, a large sun hat, or maybe even a man (or woman) by your side.  I so can't wait for Summer!

Credits:
Dress: Whippet & Buck Lismore Drop-Waisted Maxi NEUTRAL
Shoes: Surf Couture - Shoelace Sandals - Black (color change laces)
Skin: Belleza Melissa SK group gift
Hair: elikatira Just - Brown 09
Bracelet: Eels Sole Accessory. Fook leather bracelet
Necklace: MIEL SEN NECKLACE
Pose: Olive Juice - Bella

New to Cool Beans this week are the adorable Beloved Dresses. These dresses are wonderfully feminine; some of the textures on the dresses are more playful than the others. I love them all but if I had to pick a favorite, I would have to say Flower (the white one in the middle of the top picture).  You can buy these dresses individually for 100L or in a fat pack for 400L (I ♥ fat packs!)

Credits:

Dresses: COOL BEANS: Beloved Dresses in Blue Melody, Flower, Muted Rose, Patches, Red
Earrings: Caroline's White Pearl Stud Earrings
Necklace: Acid & Mala My Yummy Necklace -  Nature Pearls
Skin: Belleza Melissa SK group gift
Hair: elikatira Here - Brown 09
Pose: Olive Juice - Barb

Absolution is taking part in the I <3 Originals fair, with FOUR new releases. First up, is the Adrienna Dress. It's short and sexy and comes in many colors. The red one is a limited Valentine's Day edition that won't be sold anymore after the fair is over.



The Barely There Shoulder Top comes in the colors shown below as well as pink, purple and white.



Next up is the Strapless Top. This is my favorite out of the releases. I love that all these releases have many layer options which is great because these tops are great for layering with jackets or other shirts.



Finally we have the Tulip Back Shirt. It frames your booty so nicely. ;-)


The I < 3 Originals Fair runs until February 13. More information can be found at the following website: http://artistsvoicesl.com/

Other Credits: 

Jeans: This is a Fawn - Pegged Jeans [grass stained]
Skin: Belleza Erika Group Gift
Hair: TRUTH Kymberly Cocoa
Pose by Olive Juice

I won't bore you with lots of words today - my head is starting to ache and I'm super tired: a side effect of being a mother with a sick son.

I am really enjoying exploring SL to get a new location for each shot. This week I went to the sim, Verfinstern, home of Soulless Productions. A greeter welcomed me to the Whitechapel district of London, Year 1888. There are lots of meandering city streets, so be prepared to walk (it's a no fly zone).  It seems to be a RP sim, but not entirely sure.



Credits:

Dress: Elate! - Mei (Emerald)
Skin: Belleza Erika Sk group gift
Hair: TRUTH Odette -  dark browns Java
Nails & Rings: VIRTUAL/INSANITY INTO THE SKULLY BLOOM RINGS & NAILS
Pose: Olive Juice - Profile, Yo!

***Part of Luna Jubilee's 52 Weeks of Color Challenge

The 52 Weeks of Color Challenge is about the only thing I have made time to blog the past month or so. RL has kept me quiet busy...and here, I thought after the holidays things would slow down. I was sorely mistaken.

I love the Truth Hawk's hair color Cocoa. I pretty much have the same color in RL and I love my shade too (well, except for those stupid STUPID gray hairs peeping in lately). As for my skin, I am wearing Belleza's new Erika group gift in Sunkissed. How I wish my RL skin was sunkissed right now? Instead mine is kissed by snow and clouds and bitter cold so as you can imagine it is an ultra pale! :P



It's so hard for me to get into warm weather clothes right now, so I am currently bundled up in SL. I love the Two Sugars Top for Kyoot (and to be honest, the only item in my inventory that came up when I searched 'Taupe'). The cords from Doppelganger have been a favorite since they came out last fall.

My location this week was AM Radio.  This location is very desolate - not much here, but this is how a desert should be. Play with your windlight settings while you are there - very cool!

Credits:

Top: Kyoot - Two Sugars Top (Taupe)
Pants: Doppelganger Inc. - Cuffed Cords - Brown
Shoes: G Field Platform Shoes *Rosette* Brown
Hair: TRUTH Courtney -  dark browns cocoa
Skin: Belleza Erika Sk group gift
Pose by Olive Juice: Neck Cramps

The Snowflake Experience is up and running and making LOTS of money to benefit Toys for Tots.  There will be quite a few happy boys and girls this holiday seasons thanks to this event.  Your purchases are helping give boys and girls across the country a smile this season instead of tears. Thank you so much!

Along with the exclusive items available only at the Snowflake Experience, there is a hunt going on as well.  You need to be on the lookout for candy canes. Here is a sampling of some that I was able to find.





My skin is the new group gift from Belleza and my hairs are all from Truth.

Oh, a quick shout out to all my Gacha addicts: tomorrow the Gacha Festival starts on the TSE sim.  Can't wait to see what lovely stuff is in those addictive machines!.

shhh!

Here's to another installment of Luna Jubilee's 52 Weeks of Color Challenge.  Week #5!  This week my inspiration was the Baffle Caribou that I blogged about a couple days ago. How does one draw a fashion post from an animal? Well, I remember a time when I was younger having to use my great-grandpa's outhouse (he lived on a farm way up in the northern, desolate part of Wisconsin) and I saw a deer in the snow on the way there. I thought it was the coolest thing ever!

The only thing that I had to purchase for this photoshoot was, of all things, the outhouse. :-)

heading to the loo in the middle of the night

And of course I fall within steps of the house

Credits:

Shirt: JANE - drew long sleeve tee.fawn
Sweater: Pig - Lazy Sweater White
Vest: Vive9 Dear Rabbit Vest
Leggings: AOHARU BT KnitLeggings Nordic  Brown
Socks: Naive :. Vixie Socks
Shoes: MIEL SNOW SHOES
Glasses: Fishy Strawberry College Glasses
Hair: TRUTH Danielle - java
Skin: Belleza- Erika  group gift
Pose: #1 LAP - Shhhhh; #2 LAP - Jewelrypose1; #3 LAP - Falldown1
Location: The Escape

This will be a short post for me today. I spent most of my day tending to my sick little boy. Thankfully, he's finally resting his little head.  Speaking of kids, the Snowflake Experience opens tomorrow! The event will be raising money for the organization, Toys for Tots.  Please read my post from yesterday to get more info. And tomorrow I get to share the SLURL so you can go to check out this wonderful event!






Credits:

Picture 1:

*AQ face tattoos Beitris v2 and Hearts at the Snowflake Experience*
Hair: Truth Bebe in Cocoa
Skin: Belleza Erika

Picture 2:

*paper.doll Snowflake Experience-Long John's at the Snowflake Experience*
*Olive Juice: Lay in Fresh Flakes hunt prize at the Snowflake Experience*
*HolliPocket* Pearly Twinkly Pez Neck-Donation Item (Frost) available at the Snowflake Experience*
Skin: Belleza Erika
Hair: Truth-Serena (cocoa)
Sweater: Reek - Papercut Cardigan - White
Boots: Reek - Autumn Boots - Snow

So today the day...the beginning of the Plurky Blogger Challenge.  This week's challenge is Oldies But Goodies where we are to only blog items that are at least a year old, if not older. I got all nostalgic and started going through my "Old School" folders as well as my old pictures.  I noticed a pattern of the designers I wore - Apple May Designs, Mischief (MIS) and Nyte 'N' Day.  Those were my favorites and I think I had everything from them back then. I picked an outfit from each to share with you. I'm wearing the first skin I bought from Belleza and Sirena hair (I used to buy that hair like crazy!) The one thing I don't like about the Sirena hair was I could not figure out how to turn off the stupid facelight feature!  So I apologize that my breasts are so shiny and bright :-P

Pic #1

Outfit: Apple May Designs - Sandra

Hair: Sirena Haylie (M) Brown - Cinnamon

Skin: Belleza- Douceur med

Jewelry: Ha! Leather Cuffs *black*  (from the Dressing Room....so that means it's this year...But I love it!)

Pose: [doll.] Katie 03

Pic #2

Outfit: Nyte'N'Day - Frayed

Hair: Sirena Haylie (M) Brown - Cinnamon

Skin: Belleza- Douceur med

Jewelry: Ha! Leather Cuffs *black*

Pose: [doll.] Katie 02

Pic #3
Outfit: MIS - Tristen (no longer around) :(
Hair: Sirena Haylie (M) Brown - Cinnamon
Skin: Belleza- Douceur med
Jewelry: Ha! Leather Cuffs *black* 
Shoes: Starz Sassy Heels - Black (from Apple May)
Pose: [doll.] Katie 02

Dress: a piece of candy - ramona dress perri (blue) (group gift)

Skin: Belleza Elle BR SK (cleavage) (old Group Gift)

Necklace: Eolande's Love Knot

Shoes: Heart & Sole Marilyn Steel Blue Heels

Hair: fri.day - Jasmine.2 - Timid Brown

Pose: (marukin)

Rubber Duckie, you're the one....


.:StoRin:. has released a fun pose pack called, Rubber Duck.  It comes with 10 poses and props for each pose. I feel like Annah Whitfield came with me to the beach and documented my multiple tries of going into the cold water.

I'm only going to show a few poses...hope you like what you see and, if you do, please stop at .:StoRin:. and check out the rest ㋡






(oh no, I'm going under!  better plug my nose)
(wait, time for a swim cap...I just got this hair and don't want it ruined)
(HELP!!!)


Worn:
Swimsuit: Miamai Teka ElectricBlue Bikini (old Rockin' Friday offering)
Hair: >TRUTH< Josephine - almond
Belly Jewel: EarthStones My Blue Heart Belly Ring - Sapphire & Diamond
Bracelet: Lostwood-Funky Pearly Bracelet
Skin: -Belleza- Elle (Old Group Gift)

*Thanks to Ann for the Review copy

I have a confession to make....I am a collector of skyboxes (oh, might as well add houses to that list).  And my collector sense got all excited when Stacie Pryor plurked that she created a skybox.  I absolutely love when she blogs her SLinterior decorating. I seriously would pay her to stage my house when I sell again. Just this week, she set her 'get lost/get found skybox' for sale on XStreetSL.  (and yes, I did a happy dance as I signed into XStreetSL!)  I was even happier when I saw that the price is quite reasonable.

I added some shutters to it (more to block out my mess in the sky).  I'm still decorating it. Artwork is always the last thing for me - even in my RL house; my art is still in the moving boxes. But I wanted to get this posted, since it seems like I haven't blogged in forever.  Hope you enjoy :-)


Worn:
Outfit: Ambrosia, Tiered blouse & rose skirt (Group Gift)
Shoes: N-Core, Classic Stiletto (Group Gift)
Hair: Shag, Star Me Kitten (Blonde)
Skin: Glam Affair, Sofia Scars B (The Dressing Room)

Furniture: 
La'Licious: Shabby Little Loveseat, Shabby Little Table, Shabby Little Rug
Shop Seu: 1 Prim Cat, Grey
New Trails, Oak Miniature (Freebie)
nordari, lamp.flowergarden
what next: potted plant


Worn:
Shirt: Azul, Group Gift for AVENUE Members
Jeans: Surf Couture, Belmar Skinny Jeans, Original
Shoes, 50 Flats, Snake Buckle 2010 Version
Skin: Belleza, Alyson
Hair: Mina, Olivia, Sahara (Group Gift)
Bracelet: Lostwood, Funky Pearly Bracelet (freebie)
Necklace: skream, 'I <3 Me' (freebie)

Furniture:
Mudhoney: Sawhorse Desk, Desk Laptop, Polished Bronze Desk Lamp, Lawrence Desk Chair
Thistle: Love Shelves
MMG's: Basketshelf, 6 prim
artilleri, Tahoe TV


Worn:
Shirt: fri.day - Classic Beater (Salmon)
Shorts: fri.day - Denim Shorts (Black)
Skin: Belleza, Alyson
Hair: fri.day - Jasmine.2 - Thoughtful Brown

I was trying to organize my inventory a little better (side note: isn't this a never-ending journey? ), when I came across an old favorite, this strawberry necklace.  What a perfect accessory for the cute dress by BOOM! 

You know, I am getting a little hungry...maybe I'll have a piece of fruit ;-)

Worn: 
Dress: *BOOM*, Harajuku Summer Dress-Strawberry (Project Themeory offering)
Hair: TRUTH, Lourdes - pecan
Skin: Belleza, Elle
Necklace: Eolande's, Happy Strawberry Necklace - silver
Shoes: Tesla, Shiny Felicity *Red* Slingback Stiletto Heels

Today was one of those days.  I got a lot of shopping in.  Participated in a lot of lag and crashing.  To console myself...I decided to have a Coke and proceeded to spill it on myself!


As you can imagine, I was not too happy!  I just bought these shorts today.  So I grabbed myself a beer this time and changed into another pair of shorts.  I was determined not to ruin these, but I was thirsty and I had a few more beers.

Ugh, I'm not feeling so well.




Worn:
Top: Nyte'N'Day, Festoon Bikini Top (stripes)
Shorts (Pic 1): Surf Couture - Cafe Shorts - Khaki (50L Friday)
Shorts (Pic 2): Young Urban, Summers at English Bay Shorts (Blue) (50L Friday)
Shoes: Baby Monkey, Molly Flats (Tan)
Bracelet: salire, Group gift Bracelet/Cream
Necklace: Eolande, Shell Necklace w/ tooth (old hunt gift)
Glasses: Reek - Junior Shades - Tortoise (Fifty Linden Friday!)
Skin: Belleza, Elle
Hair: fri.day, Serena (Moody Brown) (on sale now!!!)
Poses: Doll (pic 1), LAP (Pic 2)

Yesterday, I picked up the wonderful group gift from MNK*Shop.  It's a lovely flowery dress.  I am in love with the dress. I ❤ it.  I can go on but I will spare you ;-) 

Today, while the rain kept me inside, I rummaged around my house, sorting my stuff into two piles: the keep and for Mom's Garage sale.  I came across some old Polaroids from when I was younger, when we went camping every summer - when life was so much simpler.  No, I won't be sharing those here - it was during those awkward years in the 80's.  But I will share with you my Second Life version of them (without the awkwardness). And it will give me a chance to share some accessories and furniture that I've picked up recently. :-)



Outfit: 5th & Oxford, 50L Friday Seaside Sweetie Shorts and Striped Halter, Olive (last weeks FLF offering)
Hair: Magika, Lulu
Skin: Belleza, Elle (not free)


Shirt: Dimbula Rose, Shooting Star Hunt Prize
Hair: lamb, Egomaniacal in Butterfinger (not free)
Skin: Belleza, Elle (not free)
Fireplace: arcade, Recycled Fireplace (previous 50L Friday offering)
Rug: Molto Bene, Fishie Rug [ Tan ]





Shirt: Dimbula Rose, Shooting Star Hunt Prize
Shorts: 5th & Oxford, from the 50L Friday Seaside Sweetie Shorts and Striped Halter, Olive (last weeks FLF offering)
Hair: Truth, Eloise - toffee (not free)
Skin: Belleza, Elle (not free)
Chair: what next, Pretty-in-Pink Armchair (previous Project Themeory offering)

Here's a quick post before I eat dinner....I had taken this picture of Sweeter Than Candy's Group Gift awhile ago and forgot to post :-(   Bad Trin!

This was an interesting little hunt (20 stores) that I came across.  You had to find the shooting star and try to catch it.  You just waited until it came to you.  Love those types of hunts ;-)

The hunt starts here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Killtower/241/52/3604
Info can be found on the so what? blog
Now on to showing you some of my favorites prizes!





Worn:

Picture 1:
Dress: Honey, Shooting Star Hunt Prize
Skin: Belleza, Elle
Hair: YunA
Pose: EverGlow

Picture 2:
Pants: Euclid & AnA, Shooting Star Hunt Prize
Shirt: Ohmai, Basic Thrash Tank (Sky)
Shoes: Petunia, Ballet Flats (Blue)
Skin: Belleza, Elle
Hair: Magika, Lulu
Pose: noju

Picture 3:
Shirt: izm, Shooting Star Hunt Prize
Skin: Belleza, Elle

Lots of Swimsuits to show you from Thalia....all group gifts or Midnight Mania - meaning they are all free. :-)

These first two pictures are from the Midnight Mania prize called 'Summer Love'


I think this is my favorite!

The next three are from the group Bikini gift. Join the group and click away :)





In all these pictures I am wearing Magika's Nicole hair and Belleza Elle skin.

I wish I could remember the poses in these pictures.  I'm using a new HUD and it doesn't show the names of the pose - I've got to correct that...somehow.