AN OLD BROOM

Playing dress-up and trying on Halloween outfits this morning when I would rather be spending all my money at the Arcade. I can't get in!! ARGGGGH … I chuckled a little when I saw the new brooms Birdy has out at the Arcade cause they are similar to this one I already have. I like the new colors and accessories. But, the new broom hovers higher in the air, which made using my photo screen inconvenient, so I pulled the old one out of the closet. (At least I'm not trying to ride a vacuum.)



Makeup: alaskametro "Black Magic" appliers (available at Salem)
Shoes: Ingenue "Winifred Booties" (available at Salem)
Eyes: Song "Frost - Cherry" (at Kustom9)
Necklace: Namii and Song "Hotosume-kozu Choker" (texture-change HUD)
Hair/Hat: Magika "Sorcery" (group gift)
Shirt: Coco "Gift_ScoopNeckCropTop" (group gift)
Leggings: Pixicat "Eye.Tights"
Glasses: Artilleri "Meredith Glasses" (vintage)
Broom: Birdy "Hocus Pocus" (old gacha)
Skin: by Essences
Head and Body by Catwa and Maitreya

Love,
Serene

MOODY

Working too hard too long with no fun. SIGH



What to do?

Top: COCO "Blazer with Turtleneck"
Pants: Vinyl "Winehouse Tartan Skinnys"
Shoes: Phedora "Sorcha Flats"
Hair: Lamb "Fate"
Skin: by Essences
Lipstick: by Wednesday (at the Arcade Gacha)
Eyes: by Song
Ears: by Aitui
Body: by Maitreya
Head: by Catwa

Love,
Serene

PORCELAIN

It is surprising how quickly the weather is becoming heated in this neighborhood.



The pale-complected may find it prudent to use a parasol to avoid sunburn. This one is agreeably frilly.



Umbrella: Junbug "Summer Parasol"
Necklace: : La Gyo "Mary Necklace"
Head: VCO "Elf Head 11" (gacha)
Doll Body: COCO "My Doll" (Be aware you can't wear many clothes by other makers with this body. DEMO DEMO DEMO!!)
Dress: COCO "Puff Sleeve Blouse"
Knickers: COCO "Gift Basic Underwear"
Socks: COCO "Knee High Socks"
Hair: Truth "Carla" (unrigged)

Love,
Serene

BUNDLING UP AT HOME

I just moved into this new home on a snowy hilltop and I. ADORE. IT. This new wood-and-stone beauty by Trompe Loeil is all beauty and practicality. These days you can find small properties with higher prim counts, so I love that my new home has three levels to take advantage of the vertical space, but still feels comfortably roomy.


I'm not close to finished decorating, but just starting to make myself at home with sweet treats and holiday decorations, a mix of old and new. Hmm. Now where did I put that big rug?

Love,
Serene

LUPINE

I love to put together an outfit that mixes old bits and new. For example this is a mix of newer mesh pieces over older system layer clothing. The belt rig is lovely but I don't think it would fit well with many mesh pants.



Rawr. I feel like Hercules wearing the pelt of something I killed all by myself.  Alchemy made the furry headgear and the arm bracers. I really love their roleplay gear!



Furry and Toothy Hat: Alchemy "Winter is Coming"
Belt Rig: Ane "Holster Bag"
Sweater: Coco "Open Front Cardigan" (gacha)
Arm Bracers: Alchemy "Drengr Grimmr"
Boots: Lassitude and Ennui "Thylacine Boots"
Bodysuit: Nemesis "Friendship Bodysuit" (vintage unavailable)
Vest: Silentsparrow "Fenris Leather Vest" (system layer)
Shorts: Phoenix Rising "Taylor Shorts" (system layer/sculpted cuffs)
Bangs: booN "JOPE57"
Skin: Essences "Alice OMGacha08" (probably going back to the Mainstore after event)
Ears: by Aitui
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: by LeLutka
Hands: by SLink

Love,
Serene

CHERRYBLOSSOM SPRING

A little visit to the Winter Moon sim put me back in a smiling mood. The landing point is dripping with cherry blossoms and lanterns.



I love this crisp white new Coco dress I picked up at the Seasons Story. The cute little Ingenue flats were from Collabor88 I think? I'm still running behind on my blogging folder of course. Still low on energy but gradually getting better.



Dress: Coco "Boat Neck Dress" (at the Seasons Story)
Shoes: Ingenue "Lily Flats"
Parasol: Schadenfreude "Cloud into the Woods"
Hair: Exile "Rain"
Skin: Essences "Cutie Moon"
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Hands and Feet: by SLink
Location: Winter Moon

Love,
Serene

CLOCKWORK LOLITA

I hope you don't mind my combination of Steampunk and Gothic Lolita. I'm loving the RO Necromancer crown with Una's fantasy gacha wings and Violent Seduction's corseted frock. In SL I claim the privilege of being as eclectic as I wanna be. (Nyah!)



Crown: Remarkable Oblivion "Necromancer Crown"
Wings: Una "SteampunkWingDown" (gacha)
Dress: Violent Seduction "Versailles" (also includes an under-bust version)
Shirt: Coco "Bow Shirt" (vintage sculpted collar)
Boots: Lassitude and Ennui "Jolenta"
Hair: Curio Obscura "Long Gothic Spirals Pigtails"
Skin: Essences "Harper" (at the Dressing Room)
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Hands: by SLink
Poses: by LAP (unavailable)

Love,
Serene

JOYEUX NOEL

Oh all you my dears, whether you even know how much I love you or not, I hope you have a perfectly lovely holiday! xoxo

Nollaig the Elf: by Ispachi (at the Liaison Collaborative)(he loves to share hot chocolate!)
Sofa: Lisp "Winter Sofa"
Costume: Coco "Gift_Reindeer Outfit" (thank you!)

Love,
Serene

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

C'est bon, mon petit chou, c'est vraiment bon.



Souriez pour moi! J'ai bien joué vie.



Collar: Aesthetica "Choke Collar"
Shirt: Coco "BowShirt" (vintage)
Shorts: House of Fox "LolaShorts"
Tights: Sugar Heart "Sweet Factory JellyBean" and "Scalloped"
Shoes: Bliensen and Maitai "Griselda 2"
Left Ring: Maxi Gossamer "Black Boho Large" (Black Fair gift)
Right Ring: Remarkable Oblivion "Famous Ring" (Free*Style Shop)
Hair: Curio Obscura "Stackable Hairstyle Curling" (gacha)
Whiteface: Curio Obscura "Rococo Smoochy Whiteface" (giftie)
Lipgloss: Sugar Heart "Lip Shine" (gift)
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Poses: by Del May "Mime" and HelaMiyo "Silly Steps" (vintage vintage)

Love,
Serene

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

Some folks like to get away
Take a holiday from the neighborhood
Hop a flight to Miami Beach
Or to Hollywood



But I'm taking a Greyhound
On the Hudson River Line
I'm in a New York state of mind



Jacket: Teefy "Faux Fur Coat" (@ Collabor88)
Collar: Cherry "Georgie Collar Necklace"
Shirt: Coco "Bow Shirt" (vintage)
Skirt: CIA "Paisley Pencil Skirt"
Boots: Lapointe and Bastchild "Elise"
Stockings: Izzie's "Stockings Black" (Black Fair gift)
Hands: SLink "Mesh Hands"
Hair: Exile "Bad Reputation"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Sweetheart - Rose" (vintage)
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Eyeshadow: Paperbag "Angel Eyes"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Poses: by Glitterati and Juxtapose
Song: sung by Billy Joel

Love,
Serene

THE DARK KAWAII

The Love Donna Flora event is still running through August 11, yes do go, but unless it's too obvious to say, why not also pop in at the Donna Flora shop and see what else is available? For example, somehow in the past I have never noticed this "Opera" Jewels set. How can that be possible? Its dark deliciousness is perfect for Goth Girls and Boys, or for upcoming Halloween revelries. Many of her Jewels are also transferable for gift-giving.



This cute little dress was just kismet. Texture-change HUD also to five bright Jewel Tones. I like the contrast between the cutesy cut of the dress and the dark skullyness. Mwah!



Jewels: Donna Flora "Opera" Necklace, Ring and Earrings
Dress: LIV-Glam "Abbey Ray" (coming at The Black Fair)
Leggings: Izzie's "Metallic Leggings Black"
Shoes: Coco ""Engineer Boots" (vintage)
Hair: LeLutka "Alvina"
Skin: Essences "Cho" (@ The Dressing Room)
Eyes: Ikon "Ardent"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Eye Makeup: Nuuna "Sabe Makeup"
Hands: SLink "Mesh Hands"
Poses: by Ma Vie and Marukin

Love,
Serene

PARADE READY!

Does anyone out there know the difference between a Sousaphone and a Tuba? Sorry, but I was every other kind of geek, but not a band geek. In any event, I am ready for the Independence Day parade on Thursday. Fortunately my instrument is scripted to play by itself, since I never had any lessons. When I spotted the skateboard I thought it must be better than walking in the 104 degree heat predicted for July Fourth. Sweet!



I put together some red and blue out of pieces just released by LIV-Glam. I love that many of their inexpensive mesh garments come with texture change HUDs that let you pick from tons of colors. I immediately liked this jacket that drapes over your shoulders as if placed there by a considerate male companion. The pants have a lovely parade stripe made of metal studs.



For fun I added the big collar from Coco's Bow shirt. I wanted to mention that she will soon be retiring many of her older sculpted pieces, and some real classic favorites that still wear very well are on sale for L$50 to 100. An opportunity you shouldn't miss!

Sousaphone: Balaclava "Marchin On - Sousaphone" (previous Arcade Gacha)
Jacket: LIV Glam "Caldwell Linen Jacket" (texture change to a bazillion colors)
Pants: LIV Glam "Lovell Leggings" (part of outfit)(texture change)
Hat: Teefy "Soldier Hat (Plaid Red)"
Collar: Coco "BowShirt (Black)" (L$50 on Sale)
Shoes: 2Real "E-Wings" (texture change)
Skateboard: Apple Fall "Skateboard (America)" (@the Mens Department)
Skin: Essences "Whisper"
Lipstick: Glam Affair "Layla lipstick - risqué"
Poses: by Del May and No Strings Attached (all vintage)

Love,
Serene

KOOTYOOR

Striding down the walkway. Pause with wide stance, weight shifted to ball of right foot. Here comes the Smolder.  ... *sizzle*



Yes, Mister Hart over at PXL Creations has released another group gift skin and of course she is lovely!! I'm fully enjoying her juicy mascara dripping drama. I did add just a little sparkly eyeshadow. A couple of necklaces from U&R Dogs and Naith Smit, over some delicious twinkling formal wear. Topped by a perfect little feathered hat.



Ta-da!! *giggle*

Hat: Celoe "Mademoiselle Hat" (Christmas Gift)
Necklace: Naith Smit "Rock'n'Rolla Pearl Necklace"
Necklace: U&R Dogs "Xerxes Necklace"
Collar: Milk Motion "White Ruff" (probably Unavailable?)
Jacket/Dress: Coco "Tuxedo Jacket with Sequin Dress" (group gift)
Leggings: Onyx Wear "Mish White Chaos"
Shoes: Kookie "Athena"
Hair: Exile "Like Lovers Do"
Skin: PXL Creations "Sophia PA Decadence Skin" (VIP group gift)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: LeLutka "Photoshoot II"
Shadow: Kooqla "Chameleon Nefrit"
Poses: by Del May

Love,
Serene

FROSTY

So I changed my place to reflect today's snowy weather. The kidster is out playing in it. I love snow as long as I can look at it from inside with a cup of hot chocolate right? But it's so pretty.



If you are living on the USA's east coast, I hope you can find a warm comfy spot out of the weather. I'm thinking about you.



Dress: Coco "Shirt Dress" (mesh)(this color is a group gift but there are others)
Boots: Lassitude and Ennui "Suede Boots" (mesh) Yummylish!
Necklace: Lassitude and Ennui "Queen's Gambit" (mesh)
Necklace: Lassitude and Ennui "Scorpio Key" (mesh)(at Zodiac)
Ring: Schadenfreude "Milk Chocolate Bonbon" (gacha)
Hair: Wasabi Pills "Amelie" (mesh)
Skin: Kooqla "Cherie" (also comes with a light brows version)
Lipstick: Kooqla "Hot (Reds) - 04" (for Cherie Skin)
Teeth: Kooqla "Ojen - Teeth" (came with a different lips pack)
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Lashes: Glow Studio "Innocent. eyelashes - pure"
Poses: by Animazoo, Bang and Frooti

Love,
Serene

HUNTING BENTHAM

The best thing a hunter can learn is to master the ability to hold perfectly still and listen. If they don't hear you, the other inhabitants of the woods will go quietly about their business. But maybe not quietly enough.



But sometimes something dangerous might be hunting you. Time to go!



Aaaah! ... just a bird. *whew*

(Even though these pants from the Essencial shop are a plain rendition of a full perm kit, I still rather like them for roleplay purposes. The full perm mesh kit for these harem pants are over here on Meli Imako's Marketplace shop if you would like to take a look.)

Headscarf: Lelutka "Faith" (Hair Fair Benefit Bandanna)
Jacket: Gisaci "Primavera"
Pants: Essencial "Baggy Pants" (mesh)
Boots: Coco "Suede Boots" (group gift)
Necklace: Sey "Edokin" (from their freebie room)
Gloves: Celoe "Mery" (mesh)
Bow: Harbinger and Stormie "Hunter's Bow"
Skin: Curio ":GP: Bean Frex [Dark] Fall"
Eyes: Ikon "Horizon"
Facelight: NLight Free 2.0 (free on SL Marketplace)
Poses: by Olive Juice (unavailable) and Miamai
Location: Bentham Woods

Love,
Serene

BE GOOD

I will be good to myself. I will take care of myself.

Whether what I need today is time with myself, time with my friend, or time alone with God, I will give myself what I need to keep my body, mind and spirit happy.

Shirt: part of Sakide “Show Your Strength” Dress (Back to Black Event)
Pants: Iren “Comfy Sweatpants” (mesh)(Back to Black Event)
Feet: Coco “BareFeet” (group gift)
Nails and Rings: U&R Dogs “Flaminio Rings” (Back to Black Event)
Hair: Lelutka “Knotted”
Skin: Mynerva “Sara Pure” (group gift)
Eyes: Ikon (fmr Fashism) “Sunrise”
Tattoo: sYs “Maiko” (Back to Black Event)
Bird: by Animania
Poses: by Embody (Back to Black Event) and Lost Angel Poses

Love,
Serene

I JUST WANT TO BE A REAL GIRL

There is no clothes that I could buy
That could turn back the time

There is no vacation spot I could fly
That could bring back a piece of real life
Real life, what does it feel like?

I ask you tonight, I ask you tonight
What does it feel like? I ask you tonight
To live a real life?

I just want to be ...

Body: DOLLCOCO “Body(snow)” (Mesh)(gift)
Ears: DOLLCOCO “Gift_ElfEars” (Mesh) (gift)
Head: DOLLCOCO “Head(snow)_Emily” (Mesh)(also with closed eyes)
Hair: Alice Project “Amiya” (Mesh)
Outfit: Yabusaka “Mesh School Uniform” (Mesh)(also includes tights)
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Location: HappyMood
Lyrics: by Kanye West

This was a bit of experiment, trying to combine lots of mesh pieces by different makers, pieces that were not intended to be worn together. The Yabusaka outfit is meant to be worn on a Yabusaka dollie, not the Coco doll, so the pieces intersected oddly at the upper back. I wore long hair to cover it. The result is presentable but the thighs tend to stick through the skirt with more active animations. I don't care cause I love it anyway!! <3

Love,
Serene

CAKE

After crashing out of Vintage Fair a few times, I quit trying to go there and went looking for other fun. Then it occurred to me, this is NOVEMBER! Which is my birthday month. So I decided to go looking for cake! Did you know that there is an island made of Cake? (Now you do.)

Any sim that is completely covered in frosting has my approval. After taking these pictures, I rolled around on the sticky beaches until I was unrecognizable ... whilst thinking deep philosophical thoughts about this virtual heaven. Last week I forgot I was passing my fourth rez day, but I've been blogging for about three years.

That's a big deal to me.

(Evie's little fairy outfit includes a hat, socks and flat shoes that I didn't wear cause, honestly! Of course I would rather be barefoot. I modified the sock tops to wear around my ankles.)

Outfit: Evie’s Closet “Tiny Eden Fall 2011 Edition”
Hair: booN “XFE275”
Skin: Curio “:GP: Acorn [Light] The Visitor – Probe 1”
Feet: Coco “BareFeet” (w/tinting HUD)(group gift)
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Location: Cake

Love,
Serene

BETWEEN AND BETWIXT

If you accidentally find yourself in the the sleepy places between human country and faerie, you might be lucky enough to see one of the little fae that inhabit the fair places in the wilderness. If they see you before you see them, they will probably just vanish. But if you see them first, try to appear unthreatening, and they might be curious enough to come take a look at you.

I was already laying in the grass so I just pretended to be asleep. This little one seemed amused by my snoring so she flew up and tweaked my nose.

I guess my snores weren't all that convincing.

Just lay there trying not to move or blink or twitch or sneeze.

But I guess she likes to lay in grass and wildflowers too.

Gown: Evie's Closet "Tiny Ren Dirty"
Hair: Exile "Buffy"
Skin and Ears: Plastik "Ataciara"
Eyes: Poetic Colors "Summer Star" (unavailable)
Wings: Seven's Selections "Ragged Fairy Wings"
Feets: Coco "BareFeet" (with tinting HUD)(group gift)
Poses: by Del May and Long Awkward Pose
Location: Betwixt

Love,
Serene

p.s. Back when I first started playing around in Second Life, I spent a lot of my time in the Fairy Crossing sims, wearing wings and pointy ears before they were trendy. I think back then the popular non-human alternative was to go Neko. Back then there were only two Fairy Crossing sims. These days there is the main sim with cute little shops, several mixed business and residential, strict residence-only themed, and a couple of lush landscaped sims that I just adore. They have dancing, poetry readings, holiday parties, building classes ... love it.

BLACKBIRD

The willow it weeps today
A breeze from the distance is calling your name
Unfurl your black wings and wait ...

Blackbird fly away
May you never be broken again

I hope you find your way.

When I saw this jacket, the jeweled eyes on the bodice made me think of birds and Max Ernst. I like this outfit better in motion because the skirt is flowy and floaty.

Jacket: LeeZu “Noir Van Elisabeta Jacket”
Shirt: Vita’s Boudoir “Lace Jumpsuit” (shirt layer)
Undershirt: homemade (a pink layer I tinted to match the jacket)
Skirt: Bare Rose “Allura Black” (tinted part of outfit)
Collar: Hat Mechanic “Pitch Black” (comes with goggles not shown)
Wings: Scribble “Nevermore Wings”
Stockings: Vita’s Boudoir “Lace Jumpsuit” (socks and underwear layers)
Shoes: Coco “Ankle Wrap Wedges” (Summer 2009 CSR, unavailable)
Hair: booN “HNB582” (L$80 sale through May 17)
Skin: YS&YS “Barbara TDR SummerTime” with hairbase (at the Dressing Room)
Eyes: Poetic Color “Night Rain”
Eyelashes: Glow Studio “Innocent.eyelashes – pure”
Poses: by Long Awkward Pose
Photo Studio: by N30
Lyrics: Alter Bridge

Love,
Serene