Eclectic Equations

Friday, December 21, 2012

Merry Xmess!

Uh oh....

Of course she had known better... Even as a young elf, it had always been...

   "Rachael, stay away from the sleigh!"
                                                    "Rachael, stop messing around in the snow!"
                                        "Rachael put that reindeer fawn down!"

It wasn't like she had never been told. It was just that she didn't want to listen. Listening to the don'ts just wasn't fun.

Crashing the sleigh... well. Accidents happened.

The reindeer were all safe, if not entirely steady on their feet yet, after she had extracted them from the various trees in which they had landed. The sack, as it blazed, contained no toys destined for good boys and girls... part of the reason she assumed the whole thing had gone up in flames so quickly was the sheer amount of lumps of coal due to be taken to the naughty and bad. Really, she reasoned, she had done the whole North Pole a favour, discovering this safety flaw without anyone getting hurt. It had been one helluva ride on the way down too!

As an elf, she didn't feel the cold. Even out here in the depths of whichever snowy forest she had landed in, the furry hems of her dress kept her warm, the flaming sleigh playing its part as a source of heat, and also, she hoped, as a beacon to let anyone looking for her find her before too long. While it burned she had time to play in the snow, creating displays with her elf magic that amused her, all the moreso as they would never have been allowed to grace the official tourist photos of the pole. This accident was turning into a good night off!

Skin : : S u g a r : [2] Cane - [Lush] Berries ( DB - Lush {Cleav-3} [Teeth] Crease) L$899http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/211/72/28

Tattoo : +REDRUM+ SnowFlake Tattoo L$129
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/REDRUM-SnowFlake-Tattoo/4248420

Hair : Magika Early Christmas - Free - Subscriber gift
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magika%20Land/127/127/22

Outfit : +REDRUM+ XMess Dress Candy Cane L$99
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/REDRUM-XMess-Dress-Candy-Cane/4258834?id=4258834&slug=REDRUM-XMess-Dress-Candy-Cane

Sleigh : Falln Sleigh Crash L$440
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Falln-Sleigh-Crash/1654948

Snowmen : Falln Snowmen 'Catch' L$275
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Falln-Snowman-Catch/4475

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Frost!

After waiting over half a month for Frost to start, I feel a bit remiss in leaving it this long to blog some items! Here we are anyway at last. Frost is a marvellous event, staged by Depraved Nation. It's a showcase of some of the best designers in SL, all with their own ministores, offering up some of their best stuff. with exclusives to the Frost event for sale, many at reduced prices. Oh, and the lovely people only went and wrapped up a big pile of items as gifts, some in their stores, some nestling under the frozen gift tree!

Of all the tasks at this time of year, trimming the tree was always her favourite! Each bauble collected over the years began as a decoration, and turned into a memory. With the passing years, memories were turned into baubles as well, sweet times and sad collected together, and lit with the magical glow of the lights. The scent of pine filling the room, everything calm, happy and bright... until the train came roaring through the room. Each year she forgot that little detail about this place, the seasonal scare becoming all part of the fun.

No word of a lie - as I was admiring the tree in a Christmas themed SIM, not having really noticed anything unusual about the room, it having tracks and all, when suddenly, a train!

Shape : [:ME:] C2W Special Shape - Gift at Frost

Skin : [:ME:] Nixie Light Skintone (Winter Preckled w/ CL 04) - Gift at Frost

Skins and Shape in a gift! Great detailing on the skin, rosey winter glow to the cheeks with freckles too, fresh from a long afternoon snowballing.

Tattoo: +REDRUM+ Finally Free Tattoo - Gift at Frost

Beautiful birds and designs on this tattoo. Lovely mix of faint linework on arms and legs to the bolder birds on the chestpiece.

Outfit : 1 Hundred. Babe Bodysuit. - Gift at Frost

Very sexy twist on a santa suit! Built into the shirt or jacket layer is the shiny black belt you would expect on the jolly old elf, but its not obtrusive. Styled here for a Christmassy look, you could wear this any time of year as its not in your face xmas costume wear.

Earmuffs : Adoness - Daisy Ear Warmers - Red - Gift at Frost

Very cute earmuffs! Red for the season, but decorated with a daisy, to keep you warm all the way into spring.

Necklace : KOSH- TALVI NECKLACE L$75 50% off @ Frost

Beautiful, as with everything from KOSH. Couldn't resist this necklace. It comes with different attachment points, in male and female size versions. Also available were other jewellery items in this range to match.

Boots : Cheeky : Strap Boots (MESH) Dark Brown L$200 @ Frost

Great MESH boots, Dark Brown and Black, have a bit of a saddleshoe feel to them, but in boot form, and with straps! Available in a good range of colours. I was also tempted by the purple!

It was a dirty job each year, taking care of the naughty list. Making sure all of the coal was mined, bagged up and delivered. Some people may have expected her to have looked grubbier, to be covered with the coal dust, be grumpier, affected by the naughty people she had to deal with, but no. This was the Christmas season, and nothing made her happier. By taking care of the naughty list, it freed up everyone else to take care of those who had been good to one another. Such generosity of spirit meant there would always be a gift waiting for her, under the tree.

Skin : : S u g a r : [2] Cane - [Lush] Berries (DB - Lush {Cleav-3} Crease) L$ 899 @ Frost

It's with a very heavy heart I write this, as S U G A R is going to be closing. I can only wish the creator Iokko well, and hope that she finds happiness in whatever she does next. And of course, as a massive fan of her work, that she changes her mind at some point, and makes some more beautiful things for me to see, and NEED.

Outfit : [Plastik]-Bordello- Corporal Adorable - Gift at Frost

Plastik has been incredibly generous with their under the tree giftbox. This dress is one of many items, ranging from outfits, to shoes and more and more. This particular minidress is sexy, but modest, with a lovely lace panel over the chest.

Horns : *Epic* .:F R O S T:. 2012 Demon Snowflake Horns - Gift at Frost

Fantastic and subtley wintery horns from Epic, with pretty snowflakes at their tips.

Clutch : PARADISIS Serenity : Purse - Gift at Frost

Lovely little clutch bag, with ribbons, but set apart from others by additional decoration, in the 2nd picture here it looks a bit like a creepy pink hand, which it isn't at all, it's a cute little piggy.

Nails : [ S H O C K ] Frosty Penguin Nails - Gift at Frost

Very cute little penguin nails. Some cheer for your fingertips!

You can find it all here...

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Frost/131/125/28

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Sunday, December 9, 2012

A Dragon's Christmas - POE5, MFH VII, TRH II Hunts

Oneiria felt awkward without her usual wings and teeth. She always felt awkward in her human form, that tiny two-legged shape was more a burden than a pleasure, so slow, so weak. Yet… Prince Talias, her fiancé, had never seen her in her real form, a magnificent red-and-gold dragon. Dearest Talias, he wanted to marry her, and he intended to break the news with his family at Christmas Eve... and what could Oneiria do? She would play along, she indeed liked Talias quite much, he was handsome, patient and generous.

Christmas Eve... Oneiria remembered those evenings with her own family, the feast, the fun, the laughter. Her folk was gone by now, but she still could hear the chatter and the music, her little brothers howling and giggling, and she still could smell the delicious roast her mother used to prepare. Mmmmm... the roast. Maybe she could have that this Christmas. Talias and his family were well fed, nice people, she recalled. Oneiria softly cackled and her golden eyes twinkled ominously. Christmas time wasn’t that ugly, after all.

December is THE hunting season in SL, so many generous and talented designers shower you with gifts at Christmas time, and what can you do? You’re forced to pick what you like most, which doesn’t mean that the other gifts are worthless or ugly... only that you, one little blogger, do indeed have limited time to show the world one small slice of SL creativity. So, where to begin?

Gown: Mystic Hope "Splendor" Outfit – The Medieval Fantasy Hunt VII gift (0 L$). It’s an absolute knockout, so role players, damselles and ladies, pay a visit to Kira Lavendel’s shoppe, it’s worth it!

Hair: ChiChickie “Serafina” – POE5 Hunt gift (0 L$). It’s a very pretty updo, a perfect match with many festive SL gowns, so don’t hesitate to go for it.

Skin: Style by Kira “Amber” – POE5 Hunt gift (0 L$). The fat pack contains 10 skin tones and makeup versions, so feel free to pick your favourite, as Kira Paderborn is really generous with her gifts.

Necklace: Elemental Jewellery “Renaissance medallion”– The Renaissance Hunt II gift (0 L$). Wear this lovely gift and you may feel like any of Henry the Eighth’s wives.

Eyes: Sterling Artistry Feral Eyes “Brandy” - camping prize (0 L$). It looks like Silverr Andel is back to SL after months and months of absence, which is wonderful news! You can pick up the monthly gifts and a big box of lovely Christmas surprises at his good olde shoppe at Porcupine.

Poses: Exposeur - Advent Gift No. 7 (0 L$). I hope it’s still available; and if not, there will be another package of lovely poses for tomorrow in RubyStarlight Writer's shop.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

A dash of Cinnamon

December rolled around, and the forest took on its winter plumage. Snow had fallen throughout the night, and all through the day. Its chill gripped the creatures of the land, causing some to curl up in hiding, knowing the time for their hibernation to come. Others, however, came into their season.

Cinnamon was a part of the forest the whole year round, of course, but only once the snow fell did she feel her time of year had come. This was when she felt most comfortable, away from the heat of summer, that even the dappled shade couldn't entirely prevent. The ground carpeted in a thick layer of crystalline white, its coating making the leaves still clinging to frozen plants sparkle, far from the rotting loam of autumn. Snow crunching under her decorated hooves, she grinned, even with all the work ahead of her, she knew it would be a lot of fun, a chance to stretch herself. Descendant of the line of Blitzen, toward the end of December she would take her place with the others in the mad dash around their world. Some might think the adornments to her hooves and antlers would slow her down, not a bit of it. They added to the fun, turning the race into an enjoyable game.

Feeling a bit in the spirit of the season, but in a frugal way, I though I'd see what I had lying around from winters past which would work for a look now. All except the hair, which is a new purchase, have been lurking in my inventory for at least a year or more. The items listed are all still available!

Friday, November 30, 2012

Splish Splash

Down the rain came. Late November, but it was warm enough under the storm clouds that gathered over the city, keeping the heat of its inhabitants and industry in. Even the drops of rain that streamed down were not enough to chill those who headed out there with the intention of enjoying the experience. Separating them, with their squeals and shouts, jumping and splashing, from those who hurried along, avoiding puddles and grumbling about the weather...

Isolde and Vyl were most definitely in the former group. One called her new shoes gumboots, the other, wellies, but they had to be taken out for some fun and games, as soon as the first storm of autumn rolled in.

Waterproof and bouncy, they kept their feet dry, even though the rest of them was soaked to the skin by the rain. To those wrapped up in coats and hats, with umbrellas blowing about in the gale, this seemed like utter madness. Perhaps they still found, somewhere deep within, the spark of joy that came from youth, when they too had jumped in puddles, or it may have been smothered entirely over the years by a need to dress correctly, and not be silly. Those who still splished and splashed knew nothing of this little death. Joined suddenly in the rain by Mzzy, friend and wellymagnate, the three jumped for joy at the silliness of it all, cavorting through the rain.

Gumboots, Wellies, whatever you want to call them, these are great, and come in a mindboggling array of designs. Here we have L>R Black Arts, Squid and Pink Dots.

Each pair is MESH, costing L$99
You can find them on Marketplace here...
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/REDRUM-Gumboots-Bones/4234980
Or inworld here...
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/22/42/28

Pose in 3rd pic : *MP* Jump! Pose L$ 159
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MP-Jump-Pose-ad/2170138

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Caught in the crypt

Just as Bluebeard had his secret room, a place to hide the reminders of his past, the cathedral had its crypt. There were bones scattered throughout the building of course, centuries of use and abuse had taken its toll. Some rooms were completely unusable, as anything but the storerooms they had become. The triumph of gothic architecture was the grandest charnel house the world had ever seen.

This was Millia's domain. The fires roared hot in the vast vaults of their inglenooks, the air in the rafters maintained a constant chill, keeping the bats happy, even as the latest bones consigned to the flames blackened and cracked. Bones were her business, she could only make use of the best in her craft, the rest served to keep the place warm enough for her guests. They came each night to browse and to admire, to look, but never to touch her creations, at least, not until coin of suitable value had dropped into the collection box.

Millia was her work, she was proud of the beautiful new items she could inspire from things the living had left behind. Her home, and her appearance were her hallmarks. They were the only advertising she needed, if people had the wit to see it. As the lucky few who came with the darkness took their time, and browsed her wares, she could relax. Sinking comfortably into the soft leather of her favourite chair, tracing her fingertips over the tattoo still visible on one of its arms, she sighed with satisfaction. Some may think her ghoulish, perhaps. She was the most innovative of all those who cared for the world they shared, after all. She recycled everyone.

Dress : +REDRUM+ Bones Dress L$ 79
MESH Comes with 5 sizes - XS S M L XL
Tattoo : +REDRUM+ Paws Tattoo L$ 89
Pack includes 4 versions "Because the sweetest kittens have the sharpest claws!"
+Full Body Tattoo+ +Body Only Tattoo+ +Face Only Tattoo+ +Butt Only Tattoo+
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/22/42/28

Skin : : S u g a r : -C- :3: Fireball {Like A Virgin}
Not from the current range of skins - but still a stunner. Got to love those red lips. For the current range, head over here...
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/211/72/28

Eyes : REPULSE - Nocturnal Eyes (Green) L$99
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REPULSE/97/143/23

Boots : BAX Prestige Boots Black Leather L$ 875
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/BAX-Prestige-Boots-Black-Leather/424094

Hair : >TRUTH< Yolanda 2 Black and Whites pack L$ 250
Worn here is colour 'Crow' - the bands around the hair are colour change by clicking on them.
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/TRUTH-HAIR-Yolanda-2-black-whites/1826681

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Remember what I said about temptations?

Such advice was fine for the little wooden boy who came to life. For others of more importance to the cosmos, those deities at the edges of life and thought, something with more depth was needed, and found. Each to their own, Zathor chose to listen to both sides of each argument.

In one hand could always be found Desdemona... she saw things from a dark perspective. All actions and motives from the softest smile to the harshest blow she viewed with eyes open wide, seeing the currents running underneath like smoke.

She knew every level of the world, saw deep into the hearts of its people, the flames of their desires and hatred kept her warm. Yearnings cried out to her, and she could interpret truth from lie. She spoke these dark truths and no others, letting Zathor see the darkness burning within each person.

Anabel, the eternal balance to Desdemona was always to be found at Zathor's other hand. She saw everything her opposite did, but from the perspective of light. Eyes open just as wide missed nothing, streams of consciousness, motives drawing across the faces below like strands of silk.

Her gaze sought out each level of life, each strata, every interaction. The goodness and fairness which shone from the hearts of the living kept her serene, brought light to her existence. She spoke the truth of justice and good, letting Zathor see the best in people and their works.

Desdemona :

Skin : : S u g a r : [3] DB - Lush {Cleav-3} [Teeth] Crease

This beautiful skin is coming out in December 2012 - there will be more shots of this coming up soon!

Dress : +REDRUM+ Knot Dress Alchemy Red L$89

Oh yummy yummy. a MESH dress that really really fits. Amazing on the bewbs too fantastic shape, and as ever from REDRUM, kickass designs, here a Dantesque heart and flames.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/22/42/28

Hair : >TRUTH< Cheyenne - Blaze

Always amazing from TRUTH, epic colour options for a fantastic price. The MESH hair shown here is from the FADES fatpack L$ 300

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth%20Hair/106/85/25

Tattoo : +REDRUM+ AVE SATANA TATTOO L$199

Eyeliner : +REDRUM+ Black Eyeliner - Heavy L$29

Nails and rings : [VIRTUAL/INSANITY] ASIA Rings & Nails Red v2

Sadly these don't seem to be available any longer - I may have missed them in the store, it's always worth a nosey around!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bada%20Bing/142/134/34

Shoes : : S u g a r : Dangerous Heels L$499

Love these. Love love love them. Fantastic textures to shoe and foot, and with the HUD a wide range of colours for shoe and sole. Mix or match. Perhaps handiest of all, is the included HUD which has the option to match to each of S U G A R's skintones at a single click. Well, two clicks, as these beauties have options to the footpart, and the ankle, for a more seamless join to your legs.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/211/72/28

Anabel :

Skin : *Epic Skins* Dark Elfin Singles {Darkest Mist} [Glo] Cleavage

This skin came from the EPIC vendor at this years Fantasy Faire

Dress : +REDRUM+ Knot Dress Alchemy Cream L$89

Same style of dress, with the design that puts me in mind of money!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Slums/22/42/28

Hair : >TRUTH< Cheyenne w/Roots - surf

This hair is from the same FADES pack as that worn by Desdemona -so you can see what a great range of colours are included. Two styles shown, Anabel wears the w/Roots version. L$300

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth%20Hair/106/85/25

Tattoo : +REDRUM+ ANGEL TATTOO L$199

Nails and rings : [MANDALA]Milky Nails/Atlantis Blue L$97

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MANDALAMILKY-WAY-RING-and-NAILSatlantis-blue/2329530

Eyes : REPULSE - Zombie Eyes (Veined) L$99

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REPULSE/97/143/23

Shoes : : S u g a r : Dangerous Heels L$499

Here again, to show the sheer versatility of these beauties! As mentioned above, included is a HUD to match skintone to the range of skins available at S U G A R. There is also another HUD included, where you can match the skintone of ankles and feet to any RGB colour you can think of, so you can wear the shoes with any skin you like!