Nuts in the Boom Room

“It’s your fault!” A high-pitched squirrel shriek wavered in the wind.

“How could I know humans disguise explosives as delicious nuts!” Exclaimed another voice.

“It said they were explosives! It even had a picture of a boom!” Third voice joined in.

“It was dark! …and …and I can’t read! I’m a squirrel!”

“SO ARE WE ALL!” The chorus sounded furious, if screechy small voices could be such.

“She’ll ground you for life once we… you know… hit the ground!”

“No more flying ships and adventures for you-uu!” The chittering sound managed to convey a very strong nyah-nyah tone.

“No more nuts either! Explosive or otherwise!”

“Serves you right, too!”

“Oh for Tesla’s sake: boys, just shut up for a moment.” The human voice sounded more amused than angry, although it attempted to stay stern. “We’re all alive. We’ll land somewhere, get a new ship, I’ll lock up the boom room and no one gets grounded. Although someone might have to be in the coffee delivery duty a few months extra.”

“But for now we’ll fly until we find a good landing spot. In the meanwhile: here, have a nut. A real one.”

The steampunk squirrels and human-sized goggles by Ohmai, boots by Beetlebones and the propeller by *MishMish* are available in Collabor88. The hair by Wasabi Pills is from FaMESHed and the dress by :{MV}: can be purchased in the current round of Genre that is open only few more days, so hurry!

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Lipgloss: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Clear Lipgloss | Hair: Wasabi Pills – Rene Mesh Hair Night Shadow | Hands: Slink – Avatar Enhancement Hands Casual

Outfit: Dress: :{MV}: – Gearhouse Corsetry Steampunk | Boots: Beetlebones – Fowler Laced-Up Boots Mud | Stockings: League – Ella Stockings Light Brown-Black Garter | Necklace: KOSH – Rapture Necklace | Armlet: KOSH – Rapture Upperarm Bracelet | Ring: KOSH – Auna Ring | Goggles: !Ohmai – Steampunk Squirrel Goggles Human Ver | Propeller: *MishMish* Propeller Copper

Squirrels: !Ohmai – Steampunk Squirrels

Miss Crinoline’s Concern

“Miss Crinoline, do you feel it is safe within A Clockwork Spiral?”

“Of course it is safe! We might have an occasional unsavory increase in population for being the county’s only port in the skies — you know, airship crews and such — but that does not mean we could not upkeep the standards of a perfectly respectable little community.”

“So you would feel perfectly safe to walk the streets at night?”

“Are you implying I would walk the streets at night? I have half a mind to forget I am a lady and give you a few choice words right about now. Besides, why would I want to walk the streets at night anyway? The shops are not even open! …they are? Hm.”

“Back to the airship crews, Miss Crinoline: they do not break the peace of A Clockwork Spiral at all?”

“Naturally there is some more… noise involved, but they are not stupid, only rowdy. We are in the sky, their ship is docked and there is nowhere to run unless they fancy growing wings. Although I must say that the late afternoon walks can get terribly troublesome with all the… unwashed ruggedness everywhere. Most distracting. Disturbing! Most disturbing.”

“What is your opinion on the planned party on September 20th?”

“I had my reservations at first since it will surely be brimming with all kind of scoundrely sorts that come out when the sun sets, but then the Daguerreotype Daily declared it as the social event of the season and I always trust their word. It is apparently the Place To Be, especially if one wishes to be Seen.”

A Clockwork Spiral is open: you can read more about it here and catch the airship to the event here. The outfit by :{MV}:, parasol by Squeek!, choker by Chaos, Panic & Disorder and the purse by Bliensen + MaiTai are all from there. The hairdo by D!va can be won in the Arcade.

Scene: A Clockwork Spiral

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Makeup: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Hearts Desire Makeover Daytime | Hair: D!va – Hair Giz Type B Onyx | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands (av) Elegant1

Outfit: Dress: :{MV}: – Victoria Top & Skirt Vitae* | Purse: Bliensen + MaiTai – Diesel Purse Bordeaux* | Parasol: Squeek! – Red Lacey Parasol* | Choker: Chaos, Panic, & Disorder – A Clockwork Spiral Choker* 

Colours on Menu

Tasty, tasty colours. In a world where the colours are nourishment food is consumed through sight: the brighter the colours, the sweeter the experience. The Big Bad Bun definitely thinks so! Only the brightest, happiest meals for him!

This particular restaurant has delivery butterflies as waiters to maximize the tastes. The rainbow-dressed woman is not a part of the staff, she’s a minion. The very best colour-hunter the Big Bad Bun employs.

No pale pastels would survive her jewel tones and if she encounters anything especially dull, she might just have to dig up the neon gun.

Rainbows and eyecandy can be serious business.

The building and the plants by Chic Buildings, the delivery butterfly by Studio Sidhe (really a hang glider) and the piercing by .:ellabella:. are from Taste the Rainbow Hunt. The colourful cocktail is the item you have to find in the hunt. The deliciously happy Gingy ice creams by !Ohmai are from Atelier Kreslo’s Festival. The peacocks by *MishMish* can be purchased in the current round of Collabor88. The dress by Adoness is a hunt gift in Colors of Summer Hunt and the hairdo by Adoness is from the new round of the Thrift Shop. The faux elf ears by Kahli Designs can be found in the current round of We Love Role-play and the neck corset by *Perception* is from Acid Lily.

Scene: House and Plants: Chic Buildings – Rainbow Cottage & Planters | Peacocks: *MishMish* – Blue Peacock The Razzle | Butterfly: Studio Sidhe – Franklin C. Flutterbye Rainbow Hang Glider | Ice Creams: !Ohmai – Atelier Kreslo Festival Gingy’s Neapolitan & Strawberry | Big Bad Bun: D-LAB – Rabbit-B-sit | Cocktail: Taste the Rainbow Hunt item

Body: Skin: .ploom. – Lea Vanilla DB Libra | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Summer Breeze | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Lipstick: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Sarah Jane’s Bloody Lipcolor | Hairdo & Hair Base: Adoness – Myrina pitchblack/scarlet & shaved butterfly black shades* 

Outfit: Dress: Adoness – Colors of Summer Dress* | Neck Corset: *Perception* – Neck Corset Green Silk* | Piercing: .:ellabella:. Ballad of Stars Rainbow | Ear Decorations: Kahli Designs – Faux Elf Ears Silver* | Tights: *Sheer* Zebra | Boots: lassitude & ennui – Phoebe lace-up boots red/dark wood*

Poses: N/A | !bang – Carefree 2 | Exposeur – Call the Shots 2M

All the Hair!

Yes, it’s that time of year again: Hair Fair has started! Four sims, hundreds of new hairstyles to drain your pixel wallet and plenty of lindens going to Wigs for Kids to make all that spending even more appealing.

I wanted to start with the hairstyle that was automatically ‘must-have-this-right-now’ for me: La folie du jour by Bliensen + MaiTai.

I admit that I adore long hairdos (especially with colour change scripts or naturals packs) for blogging purposes. I also love strange big ‘carry a miniature city on your head, with space tentacles. and ice cream.’ hairdos, they always make me squee and throw my money at the creator because who wouldn’t want something like that? But when the blogging is done and the characters emerged from rampant imagination settled down to sleep again, I wear short hair. Especially sort of twenties bobs. Bliensen + MaiTai had a whole booth of those. Enough said, really.

Remember that Hair Fair has a demo group you can join to check out all the demos in the lagless comfort of your own home. When you do brave the inevitable lag of the masses, remember to de-script before hopping over. There’s also free low-lag outfits available in the Fair, but de-scripting is even more important than de-primming. If you’ve checked the demos and have made your decision beforehand, you can also port straight to the booths, all of them listed here. If you want to walk around, just follow the path, it will take you around and through the whole four sims. Hair Fair will run until July 28th, so there’s no rush. …fine, fine, I know, of course there is. Here you go, hop on over and buy all the hairs!

Scene: Zacca – Dear  ::SwayLand Butterfly Hunt:: (old hunt prize)

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Makeup: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Ginger Chocolate Makeover (eyes/lips) | Hair: Bliensen + MaiTai – La folie du jour (with veil / night) 

Outfit: Jewelry: The Muses – Bathory Gold/Black Pearl*

Pose: Exposeur – Advent Gift 19

Astrid and the Anglerfish

It sounds almost like a story, titled like that. It could easily be one, too. If you manage to have a pet anglerfish, especially one that magically survives out of water, there’s bound to be a story behind the sharp teeth.

There’s something absolutely enchanting in stories, pictures and views that present to us normality with just one thing out of place. Just one surreal detail breaking the surface, pulling us into a story, into a different setting, thought pattern, mindscape.

Somehow the reality surrounding the one strange thing makes the thing even stranger. If you find a piece of magic in what should be an ordinary day, it stands out against all the dull normalcy even brighter. Makes us look at everything more carefully, more in detail. Makes us think. Makes us see.

Perhaps makes us even realize that if you learn how to look, there is magic in our ordinary lives. You just have to remember to attune to it to be able to see it.

The setting, the dress and the anglerfish are all available in the World Goth Fair. The surrounding temple from *~by Nacht and the anglerfish by Oceania Breedables are available in Port Seraphine and the ottoman by ~Libertine~, red furniture set by Senzafine, the dress by Pale Empress and the eyeliner by Pin Me Down can be found in Cursed.

Scene: Surroundings: *~by Nacht – The Temple WGF exclusive* | Red Furniture Set: Senzafine – Evendim Seating Set in Crimson* | Ottoman: ~Libertine~ Goth Marquis Ottoman v.1.1* | Plushie: Oceania Breedables –  WGF “Love the Dark” Anglerfish Collectible Plushie*

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Classic Frozen Silver Bright | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Hair: Lamb. – Bang Bang Ink | Makeup: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Strawberry Jam on Ice Makeover (eyeshadow/lipcolor) | Liner: Pin Me Down – The liners 6* | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands (av) Casual

Outfit: Dresss (top&skirt): Pale Empress – Astrid red* | Stockings: LoveLace – Cameo Black* | Boots: lassitude & ennui – Selene black/red* | Bracelets: House of Rain – Horror Holiday ruby/jet/silver*

Poses: Studio Sidhe – The Siddean Foot Fetish 7&8 | middle picture’s pose a part of the ottoman

Black and White

Sometimes they are both red. Every story has at least two sides to it and often one is painted black, the other white. Fairytales do this, many books and movies do this, presenting the side that the main character is not on in simplistic unlikeable hues. One can always recognize a more realistic story from having more than two sides, none of them truly evil or good, but with more developed agendas of their own.

Despite all this we all enjoy a story with clear cut division. We were raised on fairytales, with heroes and villains, with arch-enemies worth an epic struggle. There are many such pairings in fantasy, but one of the more popular ones in recent years has been vampires and werewolves. Both traditionally evil, simply different viewpoints to their supernatural existences. Vampires tend to at least pretend to be urban, civilized, cultured and decadent. Werewolves are seen to represent nature, uncontrolled passions, rage and brutality.  Maybe that is why they have been so popular lately: a step away from black and white, both dancing in their own shades of grey, always ready to be covered in red.

No matter which side of the red you favor, both skins by Fallen Gods Inc. are currently available in the We Love Role-play event and you can locate the werewolf’s scale pauldrons by [HANDverk] in there as well. Both outfits are new releases by [ SAKIDE ] and both hairdos are by Alice Project, the vampire’s curls can be found in the current round of FaMESHed.

Vampire: Skin: Fallen Gods Inc. – Ghost xx War SB* | Hair: Alice Project – Serena* | Eyes: Repulse – Mystic Eyes Red | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Lipstick: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Sarah Jane’s Bloody Lipcolor | Blood: A Netherworld – Mmmm Blood! | Outfit: [ SAKIDE ] – Prima Outfit & Voulez-vous Corset* | Necklace: [HANDverk] Pearl Necklace Black/Silver*

Werewolf: Skin: Fallen Gods Inc. – Fur xx Red/beast runner* | Hair: Alice Project – Sari* | Eyes: Repulse – Lacerated v2 Green | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Outfit: [ SAKIDE ] – Lush Top Black, Lush Leather Shorts & Appeal Boots Black* | Pauldrons: [HANDverk] Scale Pauldrons Black Small*

Poses: aDORKable Poses – Melancholy 4&4M | Exposeur – Call the Shots 3&3M

Busy Mode

Sometimes life resembles juggling more than anything else. Keep everything in motion, one part at a time, one movement after another. Don’t think, don’t analyse  just keep going. Catch the umbrellas before the wind pulls them away. Or the privateering bunnies hijack them as an impromptu airship flotilla.

There’s a rhythm to juggling — or keeping all your thoughts balanced and somewhat grounded — if you let one escape you’ll be spending all your time chasing it and when you get back to the others, they’ve floated away as well. Don’t lose focus, stick to the rhythm, don’t let anything distract you.

If everything else fails: prioritize and have a cup of coffee, then start all over. The coffee will help.

The parasols by HANDverk and the poses by PictureThis! are available in Pose Fair until April 14th. You can find the umbrellas in Exposeur’s booth, since they were designed for those poses. I just had too much fun juggling air flotilla bunnies instead of using them as intended. The Bells II hairstyle by Alice Project is available in the current round of FaMESHed. The accessories on Kimallus — the black bad-ass bunny — and the earring on Latte as well as my dress are all new releases by Zibska. Same goes for the Thorny Eye makeup by Beautiful Freak and the bracelets by House of Rain.

Scene: Forest: Studio Skye – Enchanted Woods | Umbrellas: HANDverk – April Showers Parasols* | Coffee Cup: Schadenfreude – Tako Teacup (latte) | Bunny Accessories: Zibska – Luli Earring, SpringSprangSprung Hat, Hailey Fling Pauldron* | Bunnies: Ozimals

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Hair: Alice Project – Bells II* | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Summer Wheat | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Eyeshadow: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Pantone Spring Collection eShadow Poppy Red | Eyeliner Tattoo: Beautiful Freak – Thorny Left Gold* | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands Casual | Feet: Slink: Mesh Feet

Outfit: Dress: Zibska – Hailey Ruby* | Bracelets: House of Rain – As Darkness Falls Bracelets B Ruby/Gold & Amber/Gold*

Poses: PictureThis! – InMotion1 & InMotion2

Yes, You May

Have this dance. Kiss my hand. Charm me. Be enchanted. You may also pour me a drink. Sit down and relax. Not all red queens demand your head to be cut off. Some prefer it right where it is, much more interesting conversation to be had that way. After all, decapitation sprees might be entertaining for a moment, but after that it’s endless boredom. One must cultivate their pleasures and learn to balance between them. A spared neck today is entertainment tomorrow.

Scene: Skybox & Beds: Garden of Dreams – The Roman Bath* | Decorations: ~Libertine~ Cushions, Tray with Rubens wine goblets, Decorative Jewel Egg*

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: IKON – Eternal Eyes Peak XL | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Makeup: Beautiful Freak – Jackal Red* | Lips: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Crema Lipcolor Sanguine | Hair: Sky Everett – Cerdwin Rococo Black diamonds (modified) | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands Casual

Outfit: Dress: Pale Empress – Serpentine Blood | Jewelry: House of Rain – Horror Holiday Necklace, Earrings, Bracelets Ruby/Jet/Silver*

Poses: PoseMonster – Stand 69 & Stand 4*

Rainha

There are days when no amount of polite diplomacy will do. Rainha is experienced enough to know that any good queen needs both armour and a weapon sometimes.

She did not get where she is by laying about in beds waiting for a random prince to come over to kiss her or losing her slippers. She might appreciate partnership and company, but no one needs to save her: she already saved herself.

There’s no laws about warrior queens having to look manly: Rainha certainly doesn’t. Impeccable outer appearance has always been an important part of leadership, after all. Don’t believe the vile rumours coming from her fortress lair, all lies and slander! Just because she likes huge updos and the colour red doesn’t mean she’d be a villain. Stereotypical propaganda!

Rainha is a combination of armour and leather dress and it’s a new release by The Muses. The dress and the cape are rigged, the armour is made out of garment layers and the rest of the attachments are non-rigged for re-sizing.

Scene: Annon

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Hair: Sky Everett – Sovereign Black | Eyes: IKON – Utopia Eyes Dark Red | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Makeup: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Hearts Desire Makeover Daytime | Liner: Beautiful Freak – Jackal Eyes Red*

Outfit: The Muses – Rainha Black & Red* | Earrings: Finesmith – Noir | Sword: Tekeli-li – Bloodlight Twohander

Poses: aDORKable Poses – 19 of 25 2012 | PoseMonster – Behind 1 | Exposeur – Advent Gift 15

Curiata Curliques

There’s something irresistibly alluring about masks: temptation of the unknown, promise of adventure, theatrical illusion, the base premise of being something or someone else than you are.

Perhaps it’s that combination of unknown and adventure that also makes them so sensual. Especially when so intricate and covered in decadent curliques as this Curiata mask by Illusions. The equally sensual lingerie set by SAKIDE can be found in Perfect Wardrobe until February 9th.

There had to be gold in the look: rich, luxurious hues of it. Like in these Bali earrings by Bilo, for example. Or in the Timea ankle boots by lassitude & ennui, both new releases. Something about the way the closures of the shoes twisted made them a natural companion for the mask.

As for the furniture, going for the Marquis set by ~Libertine~ was an obvious choice. If you’re going to be draped in decadent curliques, might as well lounge in an area to match the mood.

Scene: Furniture: ~Libertine~ Marquis Full Set*

Body: Skin: League – Sia Fair Bloom | Eyes: Poetic Colors – Summer Wheat | Lashes: Redgrave – 39 – Luscious | Eyeshadow: Beautiful Freak – Flamina Sunset* | Lipstick: M.O.C.K. Cosmetics – Crema Lipcolor Sanguine | Hair: D!va – Asami Type A | Hands: Slink – Mesh Hands Casual

Outfit: Mask: *~*Illusions*~* Curiata Mask | Lingerie: SAKIDE – Glitter Love Lingerie Black* | Shoes: lassitude & ennui – Timea ankle boots black/gold* | Earrings: Bilo – Bali Earrings Warm Reds*

Poses: D.Luxx – Secrets 03 | Part of the furniture.