I was waiting for some mesh swimwear. Mesh bikinis and one-piece bathing suits are available at Baiastice now, with demos! I cannot stress how important it is to have demos for all your mesh items. So a big thank you to the designers that take the time to provide demos! <3

Recently Miss RubyStarlight Writer of Exposeur has released some great summery poses. In the first picture you see here I'm using her beachball prop+pose. You can check out more of her poses on her flickr.

I was messing about on PicMonkey.com again and ended up trying out this neat polaroid frame. I’ve been really enjoying using it at times for some of my images, y’all should check it out too!

Credits:
*Skins: Glam Affair & PXL
*Hair: Truth & Discord Designs
Bikinis: Baiastice Mesh Bikinis by Sissy Pessoa
Shades: Gos by Gospel Voom
Feet: Slink Mesh Feet by Siddean Munro
1st Pose: Exposeur by RubyStarlight Writer
Location: Crossing Currents

I recently did some photography for Damien Fate, this image was one of the ones I did for him. As soon as he saw it, he said it reminded him of LazyTown. I had to laugh because I honestly wasn’t aiming for that, but once he said it, I totally saw it too.

A few years ago when my nieces were younger I used to sit there and watch LazyTown with them all the time. I have to admit, I had a bit of a crush on Robbie Rotten. What can I say, I like bad boys. :P

While we’re on the topic of being lazy, just wanted to let y’all know that starting from today till June 15th I have some stuff going on in RL so I won’t be around as much. I’ll still try to login from time to time when I get the chance and perhaps do a blog post or such, but my schedule will be a bit crazy so will not be booking any photography clients till after this month is over. You can still find me rambling about on twitter or plurk though. :P

Credits:
*Skin: Glam Affair Amelie by Aida Ewing
*Hair: Wasabi Pills Cookie by MissAllSunday Lemon (MESH)
*Eyes: FATEeyes by Damien Fate (MESH)
*Top: coldLogic (MESH)

Before I get into talking about what I’m wearing, I wanted to quickly talk about two recent discussions I’ve had in the past several weeks with two individuals who have a completely different viewpoint regarding the marketplace and I found it to be quite interesting.

1. The first individual told me that they feel the marketplace is slowly going to kill the SL economy and Second Life itself. This person has noticed that ever since the onset of the marketplace, the traffic at their mainstore has decreased significantly. Their mainstore used to always have amazing traffic, I recall myself every time I went there it was always packed. Now, not so much. They still have great sales on the marketplace, but of course the Lab is taking a big chunk of each sale. They feel more and more people are shopping on marketplace and not many are visiting the stores anymore bringing traffic down for sims that need it. Places like clubs and other venues used the rent money from stores to pay for tier, etc.. and now a lot of them are not able to meet that and the situation will just get worse. People will have less to do inworld and will eventually just stop logging in.
2. The other person I spoke to says that they don’t see it that way. They feel the marketplace will assist in getting more sales for designers, especially the smaller designers that may not be able to afford a sim/mainstore inworld. They also feel that people will still login and hopefully with less people wanting to buy/rent sims, sim/land/rental prices may go down and then artists can afford to pick these up for doing art installations and such, bringing more creativity to the grid.

I’m not sure if I agree with every single thing either of them have said, but I do know that the marketplace does assist me in locating items I am looking for. Yesterday I was looking for a catwoman outfit, I searched and a bunch came up. After purchasing four different kinds, I settled on this one from Graves because it was the best quality. I know without the marketplace I would not have been able to find this as Graves is not a store I frequent.

So how do you feel about this topic? Do you think the marketplace is hurting the economy and will have detrimental effects on Second Life in the future?

Now on to what I’m wearing. A few weeks ago I was having a conversation with someone about Catwoman costumes and I was saying how I wish someone would make a really amazing and sleek mesh Catwoman avatar and/or costume. I’ve owned a Catwoman costume in the past but the quality was always lacking. For about a year I searched for a good quality one but then gave up. Since getting the FATEeyes I have been itching to dress up as Catwoman again so I decided to start my search again and hit up marketplace. I ended up purchasing four different ones and I was just blown away by this one from Graves. It’s not mesh, but it’s amazing quality and even comes with a whip. The only thing that I wish it also had was a tail.

The thigh-high platforms I’m wearing are mesh however they are not released yet. They will be released by Faint Paulse of Ladies who Lunch after the MAD Agency Fashion Show. Click here for all the details!

Credits:
*Skin: -Glam Affair- Amelie Light – Bl 08 by Aida Ewing
*Eyes: FATEeyes by Damien Fate
Outfit: GRAVES The Cat – leather latex costume by Jackie Graves
*Shoes: [LWL] Laurella Leather Pants with Platform (Jet Black) by Faint Paulse (MESH) (To be released on Saturday)
*Poses: Catwoman poses by Creamy Cooljoke (not available)
Location: Old New York

FATEeyes are a new revolution of eye customization coming from Damien fate and will be hitting the grid tomorrow. FATEeyes are mesh and can be worn by avatars of any size because they are easily resizeable. They are customizable in 5 different areas: the iris, pupil, sclera, veins and shine effect. But, what I really love about these eyes are the pupils, they dilate at random intervals, just like real eyes. Each part of each eye can be separately tinted and textured, and you can create and save your own presets.

I went ahead and created a video that shows me playing around with the eyes a bit and going in depth into the hud, etc… I thought it would be fun to do since it’s impossible to capture the awesomeness of these eyes with just one image. So check out the video at this link and I’m also embedding it below: http://youtu.be/EEwpLouLZIA

The eyes are being released on Sunday, May 13th. So make sure to drop by and pick up a demo. Keep an eye on DamienFate.com for more details and release info.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there! <3

UPDATE! The eyes have now been released, here are some links for you guys:
Blog post by Damien Fate: http://blog.damienfate.com/?p=866
Free Demo on Marketplace: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/FATEeyes-Demo-v10/3514192
FATEeyes on Marketplace: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/FATEeyes/3512345

Credits:
*Skin: Akeruka Blanca Tan Mk13 by Agony Helse
*Eyes: FATEeyes v1.0 by Damien Fate (MESH) (To be released soon) (DamienFate.com)
Eyelashes: [LeLutka]-2011 lashes/curl/ by Thora Charron
*Hair: Clawtooth: Glamazon – Coffee by Bubbles Clawtooth (MESH) (Available @ Collabor88)
*Top: {bilo} Bead Tank (S) – Copper by Mayaa Thistle (MESH)
Shoes: :Kookie: Demsi – Sand Storm by Kookie Lemon (MESH)
*Necklace: (Yummy) Featherweight Necklace by Polyester Partridge (Available @ Collabor88)
Nails: Candy Nail #FP006 Clear Glitter French 3color change by Peche Bury
*Pants: Maitreya Zipper-Skinny Jeans * S+ #8 by Onyx LeShelle (MESH)
Ring: Donna Flora ORIENTE by Squinternet Larnia
*Pose: aDORKable Poses: Daydreamer (C88) by Adorkable Peapod (Available @ Collabor88)

May 9th, 2012 is my 5th rezday. Five years ago today I found Second Life® and signed up whilst eating a bowl of strawberries, hence the name (yes, I am just that creative lol). It’s been quite a journey for me as I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve gained and lost many friends and loved ones these past five years and each one of them has left an imprint on my heart. A lot of people call this place just a game, but it’s so much more than that. The people I’ve gotten to know, the photography you see on this blog and all the writing and rambling I do here, has changed me and my life…forever.

I was only a few months old in SL when a friend introduced me to the sl flickr community and I fell in love with all of the creativity. So I signed up and since August of 2007 I have been documenting my SLife on my flickr. As of this moment, I have almost 2500 images uploaded on my flickr. Sometimes I go back and look through them from the starting and it brings tears to my eyes. I’ll cherish every single one of those memories.

Although I don’t update them as often as I would like, I love creating sets and collections in flickr so I can navigate through my images with more ease. I’d like to share two of those sets with you guys today.

First is a slideshow of a set called “Headshots” these are closeup images of my face over the years and how it’s changed. The majority of these images are photoshopped, a program I didn’t know anything about until just a couple of years ago. Now I can’t seem to live without it.
Headshots set slideshow:

Another set I’ve created on flickr is called “my favs” most of the time after posting an image on flickr, I usually hate it within thirty minutes. All of the flaws and errors and silly things I missed while processing all of a sudden just jump out at me and I can’t stand the thought of even looking at the picture anymore. Anyhow, that happens most of the time, however there are some pictures that resonate with me and mean a lot to me. It could be because of the way I was feeling when I created them or the way I feel about the people that are in them, whatever the reason is, these are the ones that I still look back on and smile (or sometimes cry). I’m not going to do a slideshow of this one, but you can view them on my flickr if you like.

Flickr is definitely one of my favorite places I share information about my Second Life. Another place that is slowly becoming a favorite and I’m really enjoying sharing things on there now is my Facebook Page. I am loving interacting with the SL facebook community. I’ve been slowly adding some of my favorite headshots in an album on there, you can check those out at this link if you’re on facebook.

Looking at all of these images I am reminded of why I love Second Life so much. I love being able to be whatever or whomever I want to be that day. I can be a blond, a brunette or a redhead. I can be a fairy, a mermaid, an angel or a scary monster if I want to. The possibilities are endless.

The past five years have been fun and enlightening. I just hope for many more. Thank you for being a part of my Second Life. <3

What does Second Life mean to you? Why do you keep logging in?

I just had way too much fun shooting with this mesh helmet from Gos. I love wearing something totally out of this world and losing myself in it. It’s a great escape.

“Fantasy, abandoned by reason, produces impossible monsters; united with it, she is the mother of the arts and the origin of marvels.”
Goya

Credits:
*Skin: -Glam Affair – Giselle – Sent to Destroy 5 by Aida Ewing (Culture Shock)
*Lingerie: -Glam Affair- Intima – Lucia corset 4 by Aida Ewing
*Helmet: Gos Gorgon Helmet & Goggles [F] by Gospel Voom (MESH)
*Tattoo: [HUZ TATS]-The Sleeves-Ink-Tattoo Layer by Hunain Bellic (No longer available)
*Boots: Slink Tall Leather Thigh Boots Curvy Black by Siddean Munro (MESH)
*Chain: ~plank couture~ Horoscopae – Virgo by Aeon Perian (Culture Shock)
Tongue: Autumn Child Snake Tongue Up and Down by Paulien Saunders
Nails: Candy Nail #P024 Magic of Witch Black by Peche Bury
*Poses: Diesel Works by Rogan Diesel

Pomme d’Amour is a hair salon that is new to me so I was really happy to discover their adorable styles. I also have the teacher’s pet one that you can see on their blog and I’m planning to do a post with it, it’s so cute. You should definitely drop by and pick up a demo.

The rest of the items I’m wearing are all available at Culture Shock.

Credits:
*Skin: -Glam Affair – Giselle – Sent to Destroy by Aida Ewing (Culture Shock)
Eyes: Mayfly – Deep Sky Mesh Eye (Deepening Spring, w4) by Arkesh Baral (MESH)
*Hair: POMME D’AMOUR / POM POM GIRL by Prosperitus Nakamura
*Top: -Glam Affair – Liliana top – Satin 02 – M by Aida Ewing (Culture Shock) (MESH)
Nails: Candy Nail #P024 Magic of Witch Black by Peche Bury
Ring: Donna Flora VITO black ring by Squinternet Larnia
*Chain: ~plank couture~ Horoscopae – Virgo ad Panredeica Bizantina by Aeon Perian (Culture Shock)
*Pose: oOo Studio Allegory by Olaenka Chesnokov (Culture Shock)

Ashraya, which means shelter in sanskrit, is an organization based in India which operates with the purpose of providing aid to Indian children in need and abused women through the implementation of various projects. The Ashraya Project in SL opens tomorrow, May 5th, and the proceeds will go towards this wonderful organization.

There are many events planned for this project, including fashion shows and parties, check out the Schedule of Events page for all the details. The Ashraya Project will run from May 5th till June 4th.

I’m wearing a mesh sari from Bilo that will be available tomorrow at this event in many bright and beautiful colors. The proceeds from the purple one I’m wearing in the second picture will go towards the charity. What I love most about this sari is, it can be worn with or without the dupatta.

Bilo is a new brand to me which I noticed on plurk a few weeks ago. You’ll find lots of gorgeous mesh dresses here. Check out Bilo on Marketplace for more of their designs.

Remember, all of the festivities start May 5th at 10am slt. Check out Editorial Clarity’s blog for event details and slurls.

Credits:
Skin: League Jen Dark Feline (Cleavage C) by Nena Janus
Hair: [elikatira] Abbey – Black 04 by Elikapeka Tiramisu
*Sari: Bilo Chandramukhi Sari by Mayaa Thistle (Available on May 5th @ The Ashraya Project)
*Henna tattoos: Huz Tats and Bilo
*Jewels: Zaara Nizam colored by Zaara Kohime
*Poses: Long Awkward Pose and oOo Studio

So it’s ok if I whine and complain and rant a little bit here right? kthx.

Before I start, let me just say, I LOVE mesh. I really do. If I could marry it and have babies with it, I so would. But sometimes it can be very frustrating.

Let’s start with this mesh top I have on. I adore it and wanted to wear some mesh shorts with it, but no matter what size I wore and how much smaller I made my butt, it still refused to stay inside the shirt. No big deal, I switched shorts to some non-mesh ones.

Then I got this mesh hair and mesh hat. I struggled with it for an hour trying to size the hat in a way so it would cover the hair completely without it looking like I have a hot air balloon protruding from my head, but that was a total fail. Cuz the hair is rigged mesh, I couldn’t move a single strand in the front. So I’m wearing the hat but my hair is sticking out from the back of it. It worked ok for the pics, but the OCDness in me is makin me cry inside. In conclusion, I don’t recommend purchasing this hair+hat combo and wearing them together. I’m sure the hat will work with some flatter hair though.

Anyhow, that’s my rant cuz I haven’t had any chocolate today and I struggled with the hat and hair for like an hour. I’m done now though, no worries. :P

The delicious mesh boots I’m wearing are available at FaMESHed right now, have you been yet? You really need to go because it is full of so many goodies. The necklace and ring I’m wearing are also at FaMESHed.

Happy FaMeshing! <3

Credits:
*Skin: [PXL] KATE LT NE DEB C1 by Hart Larsson
*Hair: >TRUTH< Marcia w/Roots - chocolate by Truth Hawks (MESH)
*Shirt: Jinx’d Inc-Sleeveless Mesh Shirt (M)GREEN PLAID by Jinx Mahogany
*Shorts: Zaara : Denim knee-shorts *indigo* by Zaara Kohime
Hat: [*Meshing Around*]Love Symbols BaseBall Cap Mesh by Lucindy String (MESH)
Ring: MG – RING – Roho – Large – L by Maxi Gossamer (Available at FaMESHed) (MESH)
Necklace: MG – Seahorse – Group – GOLD by Maxi Gossamer (Available at FaMESHed) (MESH)
*Boots: [Gos] Triumph Boots – Fem – Denim by Gospel Voom (Available at FaMESHed) (MESH)
*Poses: Diesel Works by Rogan Diesel
Location: TheFLOWOUT Tobacco Road Found on Koinup Places

Culture Shock 2012 will run from May 4th to May 26th with over 175 stores participating, each will have at least one exclusive item contributing 50 to 100% to Médecins Sans Frontières.

This show-stopping gown I’m wearing is from GizzA and will be available exclusively at Culture Shock. I’ve also fallen in love with the beautiful “free as a bird” necklace from Caroline’s Jewelry which will also be available at Culture Shock.

Map and SLurls to Culture shock can be found here. Don’t forget to set your calendars for May 4th!

“I do not try to dance better than anyone else. I only try to to dance better than myself.”
Mikhail Baryshnikov

Credits:
*Skin: -Glam Affair – Giselle – Light BL 11 by Aida Ewing
*Hair: ::Exile:: All I Am :Stefani by Kavar Cleanslate (MESH)
*Flower: ::Exile:: Loose Flower by Kavar Cleanslate (MESH)
*Dress: GizzA – Dance in the Wind [Pearl] by Giz Seorn (Available on May 4th @ Culture Shock)
*Necklace: (Caroline’s Jewelry) Free as a Bird (silver) by Caroline Apollo (Available on May 4th @ Culture Shock)
Nails: Candy Nail #FP006 Clear Glitter French 3color change by Peche Bury
*Poses: Diesel Works by Rogan Diesel