Relay the news...

Relay and Fashion for Life in 2013 is a massive event, with some of SL's best designers putting what are often exclusive objects, items and outfits up for sale to raise money for the American Cancer Society. You can find the  Fashion for life SIM here.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fashion%20For%20Life/128/128/2

I do have to say that I'm concerned that the organisers may not be making the most of the event. Following the link on the SL login screen, or by searching for the event, you get to the SIM above (often under the floor). Here, you can find the gatchas - where you randomly get one of several different versions of an item by paying a low low price. This is of course, great - but this is all that many visiting the event seem to find.

I was walking around for ages, buying from the gatchas, and searching for the stores. Many MANY others (so it wasn't just me not knowing where to go) were doing the same, confusion about the lack of stores was leading to annoyance.

To make things clear - the seven SIMS around the main Fashion for Life SIM, named and styled after the seven wonders of the ancient world are where you find the stores. I tp'd to one as a last gasp hope before giving up and leaving.

THERE THE STORES WERE! I started imming those who had been similarly frustrated in the main SIM - and sadly many were too annoyed at the time they had spent there already to want to go shopping. This is potentially a massive loss of revenue, so if you go, PLEASE let those around you know!

I've not even made it to all of the SIMs yet - I will be back, most likely with enough new stuff for another post.

Relay for Life 2013 is on now!  Here in RL, Cancer Research UK has just begun a new style of ad campaign to raise money for the cause. Very different to earlier campaigns, focusing on the sadness, and hope that go hand in hand with a cancer diagnosis, this is all about fighting back. It's positive, it's inspiring, it's time. Go shopping, spend all you can, get fantastic stuff while donating to the most worthwhile cause of all. Life.

Watch the video here :

Red dress photos - taken in the Colossus of Rhodes SIM:
Skin : -Belleza- Amy Med FFL BL 1 - Recommended donation L$ 200
Eyes : Amacci Fudge Eyes - 19 - From the Gatcha - L$ 25
Earrings : Bliensen + MaiTai - Amore - Madonna - Earrings  - From the Gatcha -  L$ 50
Dress :  [LIV-Glam]WINTER-2012- ANASTASIYA Peacock Gown - Recommended donation L$ 275

Fountain photos - taken in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon SIM:
Skin : -Belleza- Amy Med FFL BL 1 - Recommended donation L$ 200
Makeup : PMD - Colour me pretty 5 - From the Gatcha - L$ 25
Eyepatch : LIKKA*HOUSE Daisy Eyepatch -red- - From the Gatcha - L$ 50
Eyes : Amacci Fudge Eyes - 19 - From the Gatcha - L$ 25
Sweater : Vengeful Threads- Dia de los Muertos Sweater - From the Gatcha - L$ 25
Skirt : ArisAris Igs49-1  handkerchief  Skirt - From the Gatcha - L$ 30
Shoes : *Epic* Mega Spiked Pumps {Camo} - Recommended donation - L$ 200

Well, it's been a long day...

So they said at the end of each day, and the end of each night, as they traipsed in, singly, and in pairs, filling up the booths and barstools at the Supernaturella Café.

Nyx and Electa had been friends for many years, having met right here at the end of another long, and long forgotten days work. The Café was out of time, having rested, in one form or another, exactly where it lay through time out of mind. The faces frequenting it altered, new ones came, old ones faded, or burned all the brighter for their years. None of them came here for the coffee, that sludge had not lasted so well, but it passed the time while waiting for friends, warming hands that passed through the ether to lead the living, for fair reasons, or for foul. The demon and the ghost were often on the same side, the overruling passion of mischief uniting their goals. Still, sometimes each would do what was right and good to their own eyes, putting them in opposition, but work was work, and at days end, their friendship was stronger than anything.

As the evening drew on, they were joined at the sticky, coffee-ringed table by other friends, also longstanding patrons of the Café. Few places attracted such an eclectic clientele, it was a place to rest after all, to replenish, where causes and concerns, and battles for souls and lives were left outside. Ezriel and Kip had shared many nights, many drinks, and even more laughs in this rusty old Café. Sliding over the vinyl seats, resting weary bones in the company of their mates. As the last Buddy Holly track flipped into play in the old jukebox, the evening of relaxation, of sharing stories in safety wound to an end. Rising, they headed outside, arm in arm, ready now to find more fun in the darkness, as the 'CLOSED' sign was flipped in the window.

More Meshy goodness from the delectable Mz Wytchwood at +REDRUM+. A series of relaxed t-shirts for both sexes, with theological, or perhaps antitheological designs. You get two colours in each design pack - black and grey - with the exception of the Lucipurrr design, where you get dark grey and green. There are five designs in all to collect. Each pack costs L$99.  You can find them on marketplace here...

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/112400
Or inworld at the shiny new mainstore here...
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Death%20Row/196/83/56

*Pops some champagne corks - having just hit the one year mark of blogging here - Yeay!*

The Twisted Hunt 2013 Spring - Alice On The Run

Alice knew something weird was going on in the enchanted realm behind the Looking Glass. Not that the land and its inhabitants had ever been what people usually call “normal”, not at all... but what Alice noticed was well over the edge even by their standards. The Caterpillar gave up smoking because, as he told Alice, it was bad for his health. The Mock Turtle applied for university because he wanted to become an actor and be called The Authentic Turtle. And the Mad Hatter... better to forget about him. He decided to open a luxury shop where he sold dresses to the Red Queen and her court.

“Beware the jabberwock, my girl!” – Alice heard a raspy voice while she was brooding under a gigantic mushroom, generally feeling abandoned and alone. “’Tis his work! Beware! Run, Alice, and don’t look back!” “Who are you?” – Alice asked. “Oohhh... I’m the Terrible Jubjub Bird, only that I’m un-jubjubbed... I’m harmless now and need someone to feed me!” – answered the mysterious speaker who, as Alice saw, was nothing else but a small mockingbird in a cage. In this very moment Alice heard a distant growl... and she knew the Jabberwock was close. She picked up the cage and started running through the forest of mushrooms, towards the Looking Glass.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you also wish to lose even the rest of your sound mind, jump on the band wagon of the Twisted Hunters! The principal rule is that there are no rules and clues, shop owners can be as wicked as they’ve ever wanted to be and they may hide the prizes anywhere, under floorboards and in chimneys... so that you may feel really really rewarded when you pick up the right damn lil rotating cube after hitting on the umpteenth decoy.

Outfit including the hat and shoes: Impish “Alice” – Twisted Hunt 2013 Spring gift (0 $).

Skin: part of the “Distemper” avatar by Indigo Oddities – Twisted Hunt 2013 Spring gift (0 $).

Eyes: Ikon “Machine” – March group gift; it's free to join the group (0 $).

Hair: Alice Project “Wonderland SE” in White – Lucky Board prize (0 $).

Poses: Elephante “Voodoo Girl” in the first picture and Rook Poses (birdcage prop with pose) in the second one – both are Twisted Hunt 2013 Spring gifts (0 $).

The pictures were taken at the Nitroglobus Gallery that hosts the psychedelic installation titled “Eyeworld” by Roni Saunders until mid-March. Beware, there be no Caterpillar but lots and lots of mushrooms...and eyes...

Sisters...

Sisters, sisters. There were never such devoted sisters. There never were indeed. Devotion didn't mean however, that you had to get on all of the time.


Nine months was a long time to be in such close confines as they had endured, and the years that followed conspired to keep them together.

Mostly they could have some fun. Each enjoyed her own style, her own look above the others. They would always be as negative versions of each other, two sides of the same coin.
What's that?
Back with a bang you say?
Hells yes.

S u g a r   is back, with some truly beautiful items available at the Whore Couture2 event, which began today! Two brand new skins, shown here, are a departure from the highly stylised skins of the past, with their built in feature makeup. Those suited me down to the ground - but I will willingly admit they wouldn't have been everyone's idea of what they could wear. These on the other hand are beautiful in their simplicity. Stunning textures shown here in the two looks available - they would suit just about anyone.

The blonde sister is wearing :Sugar: [1] LB Bay / Naked Truth{1} Crease & Clevage a light browed skin with pale makeup. This is the palest of the five tones available.
The raven haired sister is wearing  :Sugar: [5] DB Bay / InK {1} [Teeth]  a dark browed skin with smokey black eye makeup. This is the darkest of the five tones available.
Light, Dark and Red brow options come with each skintone, along with the Crease, Cleavage and Teeth variables - in all their combinations - and you also get the body mods pack - containing blush, freckle options, dimples, hairbases and moles!
Skin HUDs are available for each skintone to match your Lola's Tango Mesh Bewbs - (this is my first attempt with these bad boys!) and once you get the hang of it, and have them fitting right - I hope you agree they look pretty phenomenal.

Also shown, each sister is wearing the :Sugar: Bra & Panty set, In [Fuzzy Love] and [Lick my Lolly]. These sets, available at Whore Couture2 in several designs also come along with Lola's Tango appliers!

Finally - for now - are the :Sugar: Mesh Glitter Gun Rings  These have been reloaded *snicker* in bright colours, and come with a HUD so you can change their colour, and also the colour you want for the clip. Sneaky hint here - if you want different colours on each hand - wear one with the HUD - set it how you like, detatch, wear the other hand, set as you like, remove the HUD, and wear both sets. Bazinga. Glittery goodness for you fingers in a plethora of brights.

You can find Whore Couture 2 (keep trying till you can get into the jam packed sims)
here...   http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Borderlands/128/15/23
and here... http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ambon/127/240/23

Other items shown here
Hair :  Magika [03] Give  L$ 250
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Magika-03-Give/4473633
Beach house :  [What Next] Coastal Loft Skybox  L$ 125
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/what-next-Coastal-Loft-Skybox-empty-boxed/1362184
Window Pose Set : *MP* In The Window (Pose Prop)  L$159
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MP-In-The-Window-Pose-Prop/2575640
Bed  :  Lisp   Mathilde BedV2   500L
http://slurl.com/secondlife/LISP/122/136/1268

Ticket to Ride

I think I'm gonna be sad, I think it's today, yeah. The girl that's driving me mad, is going away...

She said that living with me, was bringing her down yeah. She would never be free, when I was around...

She's got a ticket to ride, yeah she's got a ticket to ride. She's got a ticket to ride, But she don't care.

I don't know why she ridin' so high, she ought to think twice, she ought to do right by me. Before she gets to saying goodbye, she ought to think twice, she ought to do right by me...

My baby don't care, my baby don't care. My baby don't care...

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The new round at the XY Room event is coming up on March 1st - and here's a sneaky peek at some of the items involved!  The outfit is a fabulous tank dress - 'Polka Cuteness' - by Sugar. All MESH, with sizes to fit your form. The dress itself is far from all on offer. The armwarmers I love, on the band at the top are little buckles which while being very cute, give the look a little edge. Then we have the long socks. There are two options to these, just the socks, or as shown here, with sneakers too. 

Then we get to the skin... :Sugar: [1] RB Irelynd {12} F Cleavage & Teeth as shown here is a beautiful pale skin, an ode to those from the Emerald Isle. Red brows suit the tone of the skin so well, you could team it with any colour of hair really, though it calls out for firey auburn. Freckles and dimples are optional add ons to create a look that suits you. Rich green and pale gold shadow lines the eyes. Of course you can layer up whichever shadow, liner or tattoo you like from your collection - but this is a beautiful natural look all on its own.

Remember - The XY Room event - where all items are L$ 100 or less-  starts on March 1st so theres a couple of days yet to wait! When the time comes, head over here...

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tamire/13/127/2304

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Circus of Cats

The cold and dreary days and nights of this circus were done. The humans, with their whips, cages and silly clown cars were gone, perhaps dragging some different mountain of canvas to other unloved patches of ground on the outskirts of towns that never quite made it onto maps. 

Now the Circus of Cats went only where suited its performers, namely anywhere warm. The crowds would turn up wherever they decided to perform.

Jinx had taken the ringmaster's jacket from its former owner, along with the canvas from which he had fashioned his trousers, in lieu of cash money owed from a final hand of poker on the night they had won the whole enterprise. The whip he had thrown away, no need for it now they were working for themselves.

Sasha had kept hold of her costumes from their lives before. No matter what the situation, she would never have worn anything she hadn't liked. Besides, most of them were sparkly. No good for the workout before the show, that demanded comfort every bit as much as she demanded style. Favouring pink, which contrasted so nicely with her own colouring, the heart motifs pleased her, the sweetheart of the show.
Now the cats of the circus had become the Circus of Cats, in charge, and doing as they liked, as cats of all kinds are apt to do. Feline grace made the most difficult tricks and moves look easy, and yet still they would practice. Sasha trying out new routines, settling spins, twists and turns into muscle memory as Jinx worked on speeches to whip the coming crowds into a frenzy. This tom was a born showman. Mimicry of the blustering performance of his predecessor made her laugh, and would bring cheers from the crowd once they filled the old bench seats. For now, they would enjoy the atmosphere in the tent, in the brief moments while the other cats were carrying out their own preparations, the baited breath silence made their time alone together all the more special.

Sasha :
Hair:   Magika - Clumsy [03] L$ 250
Beautiful hair, with hood complete with kitty ears. Hair and hood are colour change via included HUDs
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magika%20Land/128/128/2
Skin : : S u g a r :  -C- :3: Fireball {High Voltage} - Former hunt gift.
Eyes : ~*By Snow*~ Hybrid Eyes II (Sky) L$ 15
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lionheart%20Nuka/82/237/28
Stripes : =SiDe= Tiger Stripes Tattoo II   L$ 199
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/SiDe-Neko-Tiger-Stripes-Tattoo-B-Color-Changeable-XSmall-Bikini-Special-Edition-Included/936602
Whiskers :  *Cobrahive* Bunny I am [black] L$ 130
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Cobrahive-Bunny-I-am-Black/3403763
Whiskers are from this bunneh set, which is fantastic all by itself!
Top :  :Sugar: Cropped Top  - Valentines group gift
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magic%20Moment/194/41/1751
I'm told this comfy looking crop top is a sneaky peak to what may be coming for the Whore Couture 2 event in March. Mainstore grand opening March 1st. but you can sneak in now to shop!
Pants :  Eyelure Capri Sweats in Grape- Mesh - L$ 90
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Eyelure-Capri-Sweats-Grape/4390010
Mesh capri sweatpants come in in sizes S, M, L, XL, and Wide Waist for when you have been eating too many fish.
Shoes  :  : S u g a r : Dangerous Heels L$ 499
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magic%20Moment/194/41/1751 
Still my favourite favourite shoes. So many colour combinations possible for upper and sole, and a skinmatch HUD to boot. 
Tail : Sadly no longer available - many are though!

Jinx : 
Hat : VooDoo MoJo Top Hat  - Freebie
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/VooDoo-MoJo-Top-Hat-Wear-me-15-prims/4275275 
Fantastic freebie hat - complete with bones and feathers! 
Hair :   *Dura-Boys&Girls* 20 (Black) L$ 360https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Dura-BoysGirls20-Dark-6color-Fat/2574278
Eyes :   o.O No longer available!
Tattoo : +REDRUM+ Leopard Tattoo - From the Jack or Jill Hunt
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Death%20Row/196/83/56
Jacket :  [Lazybum] Ringmaster Jacket Red L$ 250
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/BOYSTOWN/87/72/23
So... I forgot to add the cuffs on the sleeves. Still looks great. These come in a great array of colours, to suit all your circus needs. 
Pants :  +REDRUM+ Carnivale Jeans Scuffed (MESH)  L$ 89
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Death%20Row/196/83/56
Yum yum yum. Don't know what it is, but I have a startling amount of circus stripes in my invent. These are a fantastic set, available as shown here all scuffed and stained, or in a clean for sunday matinee best!
Ears and Tail :  TKA Neko - Species Neko Tail Ears Red Black L$ 1
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/TKA-NEKO-SPECIES-NEKO-TAIL-EARS-RED-BLACK-FREEBIE/871974 
Twitchy tail and ears all for one Linden. Can't say fairer than that. Not with a mouthful of marbles anyway. 

Also shown 
[Virtual Props] Psycho Circus Photography Prop; it costs L$900, and the permissions are COPY, MOD, NO TRANS.. There is no notecard associated with this product, just rez and pose! It has 30 Unique poses in 3 pose sets, adjustable with memory for up to 100 avatars, photographer controlled and can be placed into any photo studio prop rezzer. 42 Prims. Sasha's single poses are from the set.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Endless%20Death/27/107/24 

"Cry, Wolf!" The Story of Little Red Riding Hood Retold

Little Red Riding Hood couldn’t remember when she had been called “little” for the last time. Actually, she couldn’t remember when she had been riding for the last time, either. She was a big girl now, and she preferred four-wheelers to horses. What remained, though, was the red hood. Wolves were colour blind, luckily, and their blood didn’t stand out against the thick burgundy fabric. Little Red Riding Hood - Red Hood, or just Reddie, for her friends - caressed the wolf tails attached to the hem of her cloak. It was a wise move to leave the basket at Granny’s years ago, she thought.

The semi-automatic rifle she carried these days couldn’t hold any freshly baked cake, not mentioning the bottle of wine, but wolves were afraid of her now. “That silly old huntsman... what an idea, playing with scissors and stones, when you can resolve the problem with a ‘bang’, and the bad bad wolfie is gone for good!” – Red Hood let out a nasty little cackle. In the woods, the last wolf cowered and started whining. He knew he couldn’t win.

“Little Red Riding Hood – The Other Side of the Story” is a new exhibition at The Companion, a sim owned by Mimesis Monday/Heidi Dahlsveen, a "storyteller in both worlds". She invited some excellent SL/RL artists to collaborate on a joint project... and there we go. Alpho Fullstop (one of the alter egos of the genial visual anarchist, Elif Ayiter, mother to the entire Alpha Tribe), Cherry Manga and Soror Nishi together, until April 15^th. The avatar is a gift at the installation. Three fantastic creators, and one free Alpha Tribe avie. Do you need more bait?

... and please, please root for the wolf.