A Novel Morning at the Sweet Beans Cafe

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

Looking for a quiet, cozy spot to sip coffee and read my book this morning, I popped over to the {Sweet Beans Cafe}. This really is an adorable sim, so be sure you take a peek. I love these chairs stuffed with books – a readers delight!

Kunglers recently sent out this sexy, mesh mini-dress to VIP group members – you can still find it in the notices. The Kunglers group is 50L to join, but that’s a small price to pay for the great gifts you’ll receive. My cute Novel-ty Purse is by [POSH] and available for free on the Marketplace. There are several others available for 10L each, one of which Love showed you here.

My opal jewelry is the Color Explosion Hunt gift from Always Eclectic. There is also a gift for the fellas in the box. All items in this hunt are free, and you have until the end of this month to scoop them up. Gavin, Caresia, and Love have already shown a few items from this fabulous hunt.

Ok, bring on the caffeine!

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Serena is wearing…

Skin – Glam Affair Margot America (not free)

Eyes – IKON Lucid Eyes Blue-Gray (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 6-Natural (not free)

Hair – >TRUTH< Angie (not free)

Hands – Slink Mesh Hands Casual (not free)

Nail Appliers – Tori-Tastic Lace Nails Set 1 (not free)

Dress – Kunglers Group Gift May2013 (group gift / 50L to join)

Jewelry – Always Eclectic Opulent Opals/Gold/Speckled Tan (CEH / 0L)

Handbag – [POSH] Novel-ty Purse Pride and Prejudice (free gift / 0L)

Shoes – [Gos] Lolita Espadrilles (not free)

Poses – aDORKable Poses (50% off closing sale until 9 June)

Location – {Sweet Beans Cafe}

Free as a Dove

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

Not long ago, a reader IM’d me to say that The Free Dove had added quite a few new designers and items. The Free Dove is a store with the new resident in mind; everything in the store is free, and you can find just about anything a new resident might need. Of course, I’d been to The Free Dove before, but not in quite a while, so I thought I’d head over and see what was new. I was so pleased to find that there are indeed many new designers and items, including some who are probably on your list of favorites! I picked up this sexy leather leggings and jacket combo (includes belt and ruffled choker) by Indyra Originals, and a few other items that I’ll probably show you later.

I got a notice this morning that {{BSD Design Studios}} had opened up their VIP group for free membership for a short time, so I stopped by and joined, and picked up the May group gift: this gorgeous pair of grey croco shoes. They come with a skin/nail HUD which is pretty easy to use. It was not specified in the message as to how long the group would be free to join, but I believe it will be at least until the end of the week. Don’t delay though; they offer great group gifts, and now’s the time to get in for free! Oh, and while I was there, I picked up this red croco bag, which is a free gift for AVENUE Magazine Readers (free to join).

My skin is called Emilia, and is another that was in the box I told you about last week for new Cupcakes subscribers. Emilia comes with 10 different lipsticks, 4 types of cleavage, and 2 pairs of eyes. Oh, and you can pick up this scrumptious hair by D!va at this month’s round of Collabor88. Two styles are included.

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Serena is wearing…

Skin – Cupcakes Emilia Makeup 2 (free / subscribo gift)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Clarity (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 6-Natural (not free)

Lips – Cupcakes Emilia Lips 4 (free / subscribo gift)

Hair – D!va Sayaka3 (188L / featured @ Collabor88)

Nails – Slink Avatar Enhancement Mesh Fingernails (not free)

Nails Applier – Izzie’s Slink Metallic Nails Applier HUD (not free)

Jacket/Pants – Indyra Originals Fallon (free / 0L / featured @ The Free Dove)

Earrings – Maxi Gossamer Angelika (not free)

Shoes – {{BSD Design Studio}} Less is More Grey Croco (group gift / temporarily free to join)

Bag – {{BSD Design Studio}} Fashion Blogger Bag Red Croco Baby (AVENUE Readers group gift / free to join)

Poses by aDORKable Poses (50% off closing sale until 9 June)

Location – La Perla, Old Italy

Sweet Petite Serena

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

When I saw the name of this gift, I knew I had to blog it. I mean, I don’t meet people named Serena very often, but to find a cute, petite outfit by that name is rare indeed!

Anyway, Joelle Bartfield of Sweet Petites is celebrating her 5th Rez Day and is giving us a gift: these Serena Strapless Tops and Knee Shorts in three jewel-toned colors. You’ll find the gift inside the store under the stairs – no group-join is needed. Happy Rez Day, Joelle – and thank you!

My shoes were not free, but were a fabulous deal: 22 different colors for 50L. So that’s… [grabs calculator]… roughly 2.27L per pair! With all the color choices, I think they’ll be a terrific petite wardrobe addition for spring and summer. And you know how hard it is to find petite shoes! Grab these Pooka’s Flip Flops on the Marketplace.

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Serena is wearing…

Petite Avatar – Al Vulo Livia Fairy (not free)

Eyes – Al Vulo Petite Season (not free)

Hair – Analog Dog Scene Petite (not free)

Pants/Top – Sweet Petites Serena Strapless Top and Knee Shorts (free gift / 0L)

Necklace – !Elemental Petite Raquel Pendant Bolds (not free)

Shoes – Pooka’s Flip Flops 22 Colors (50L)

Pose by aDORKable Poses (50% off closing sale until 9 June)

Location – Kastle Enchanted Petite Fairyland

The Fisherman

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

Ah… what a beautiful morning for some fishing on the lake. So far, I haven’t caught anything, but I’m not ready to go home yet. Good thing I brought my lunch. Anyway, my fishing gear today consists of these great cargo pants and skullie shirt by Ruca Tease for the Color Explosion Hunt. Care and Love have already shown you a few ladies items from this hunt, but there are also men’s prizes to be found. The hunt runs until May 31st, and all prizes are free. More info on the official blog.

My hat is a MENstuff gift from JfL, bracelet is a group gift from Ronsem, and my earring is a group gift from ::GABRIEL::. These unisex sneakers were just 10L at Duh! and come with both black and white versions in the box. However, if you’re a new resident under 30 days old, you can pick up a free pair at the front desk of the in-world store.

At the rate I’m going, we won’t be having fish for dinner tonight.

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Gavin is wearing…

Skin - REDGRAVE Chris Tan (not free)

Shape - REDGRAVE Chris (not free)

Eyes – IKON Vanity Eyes Denim (not free)

Hairbase – REDGRAVE Tyler (not free)

T-shirt & Pants – Ruca Tease Cargo Pants and Tribal Skull Shirt (0L / CEH)

Shoes – Duh! Unisex Black Leather Sneakers (10L)

Hat – JfL Crushable Denim Hat (MENstuff group gift / 50L to join)

Bracelet – Ronsem Leather Bracelet (group gift / free to join)

Earring – ::GABRIEL:: Achilleus Pierce (group gift / free to join)

Glasses – [Steinwerk] Alphabeat Glasses (not free)

* * * * *

Other Stuff…

Boat – {what next} Lakeview Row Boat (not free)

Thermos – [monaya] Thermos Bottle Spring Version (1L)

Burger – Pilot Burger Meal (not free)

Lunch Box – {what next} Picnic Tins (not free)

Fishing rod and pose by the boat

Six Blueberries & A Nut

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Love Trill

Yesterday when I saw news of the latest group gift at Blueberry, I called on my fellow fabulous bloggeristas and asked if anyone wanted to pose with me to show the four colours of the fatpack. I thought maybe I’d be able to round up one or two of them online at the same time, but every one of our bloggers came to the rescue lol, even Calgon who offered to wear the pink dress (which we vetoed, but it would have been funny)! We sure do have one fantastic and supportive crew, with the patience of saints because posing with seven is challenging enough, let alone on a bad crashy SL night! We lost a few here and there, but I managed to snap this photo of us all in between “poofs”.

All of us girls are wearing one of the four colours (black, blue, pink & beige) in the new fatpack of the Karen Mesh Belted Dresses that you can pick up as a free group gift at Blueberry (free to join), along with several other really cute fashionable treats. These gifts can be found at the back of the store.

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The Girl’s Credits:

Blueberry Karen Mesh Belted Dresses Fatpack of 4 (free group gift / 0L / free to join) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lenox%20and%20Blueberry/129/163/29

Cal’s Credits:

Shirt – Shorun Electric Feel (30L) on MP - https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Electric-Feel-Shorun-4-male-shirts-and-pants/2902000

Shorts – Rico_DaDA by Natali Loon (20L) on MP - https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/RicoDaDAShort/1118216

Shoes – Mesh Boat Shoes by Gabriel (0L for members/free to join) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/GABRIEL/141/184/24

The Girls Are Also Wearing…

Love Trill:

Skin – PXL Creations Sophia (not free) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cindel/193/101/26

Hair – Truth Winona (not free) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth%20Hair/155/20/35

Shoes – Duh! Spring Flats Ocean Blue (not free) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Coco%20Falls/84/128/896

Necklace – Flugeln Brise Angel Egg Jade (free / 0L) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sannomiya/243/114/22

Youngbeliznlady (Drea Velde):

Skin- [eStyle] Amethyst X5- 1Tan Cleavage - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Healing%20Waters/168/127/24

Lips: [:T:] Parted lips tattoo layers (free) - https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/T-Parted-lips-tattoo-layers-free/1829719

Hair: Discord Designs – Atlas – Dark Essentials - https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Discord-Designs-Atlas-Dark-Essentials/4633254

Earrings: FuLo- “Ava” earring Large- Mothers Day gift - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Valo/131/118/23

Serena Snowfield:

Skin – [:Tuli:] Eva Pearl Sultry - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cupcakes/139/47/138

Hair – D!va Sayaka3 (featured at Collabor88) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/8%208/88/204/1088

Jewelry – Lazuri Classic Pearls (free gift) - marketplace link

Shoes – Slink Glitter Peeptoes - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sanctum/21/124/22

Absolutelyfaux (Goldie):

Skin: MY UGLYDOROTHY – Dorothy Salmon Pack: (No Longer Available/Store Is Under Reconstruction)

Hair: Elikatira – [e] Sound Midnight Blacks: (On Sale) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Elikatira/62/127/34

Flower On My Head And Hair: +Half-Deer+ – Too Much Fertilizer Flower Hat: (Little Big Hunt Prize/0L) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/YABU/166/130/24

Stockings: [Dcg] On Marketplace – Stockings: (Free) - https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/dcg-Stockings-thin-2-color-set/832654

Shoes: *G-Field* – Bow Strap Shoes “Kate” Black: (Not Free) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/YABU/166/130/24

Caresia Adored:

Skin: :[ Al Vulo! ] – [ Aisha ] – [ Peacock sunkissed TDR ] (L$70) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Imogen/208/149/27

Hair: TRUTH HAIR Selma – Black&Whites02 (L$250) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth%20Hair/155/20/35

Sneaker Boots: Blueberry Knee High Sneaker Boots Black (L$99) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lenox%20and%20Blueberry/129/163/29

Blindfold: *~*Satin Blindfold: Black/Copy (L$10) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Carnivale/209/92/33

Necklace: +:+WTG+:+ April Group Gift 2013 (unisex) (n.l.a) - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Pearl/239/217/494

Claranna Wardell:

Skin:: :GP: Sundust Frex [Dark] Lustre-Shimmer 1 - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Curio/166/129/36

Make-up:: “tSg” Lip Laquer PINK - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Emporium/74/35/417

Hair:: !lamb – Egomaniacal – Honeycomb - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tableau/132/57/23

Shoes:: ::Duh!:: Floral Linen Flats Albero - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Coco%20Falls/84/128/896

Bracelet:: *YS&YS* TheDeck Sharon Bangles - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Feel%20Beautiful/103/120/23

Sim – Kittens Heaven Cafe - http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tibor%20West/193/139/34

A Secret From the Shadows

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

Have you heard the secret? It’s Secret Wednesday! I know, I know; it’s Thursday now. And I apologize… I actually fell asleep last night before I could get this posted. I blame the FabFree shenanigans that Love told you about. Ahem… anyway, this sexy, mesh Boudoir Drape Dress II is one of six amazing Secret Wednesday deals found a Liv-Glam this week. Secret Wednesday sales items items are 49L each, and Liv-Glam typically keeps their sale items out all week long, so you should have a few more days to pick up this awesome dress. What I really love is the HUD which lets you choose one of six colors to wear as the back side. I’m wearing the fuschia/purple color, which you can see a hint of on the side. So with the HUD, it’s like you’re getting 6 different dresses in the box, so that works out to… <grabs calculator> a little over 8L per dress!

My jewelry is a previous group gift from Iron Tiger, and I’m disappointed to report that as of today, it is no longer free. You can, however, pick up a set in ruby or ice blue on sale for only 55L (necklace and earrings only), but I don’t know how long that deal will last. My clutch is still free (yay!) from Septem Essentia, and comes in both red and black, with our without a handle.

* * * * *

Serena is wearing…

Skin – [:Tuli:] Eva Pearl Sultry (not free)

Eyes – IKON Vanity Eyes Denim (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 31-Extra Long (not free)

Hair – >TRUTH< Winona (not free)

Hands – Slink Mesh Hands Casual (not free)

Nails – Izzie’s Slink Metallic Nails Applier HUD (not free)

Dress – [Liv-Glam] Boudoir Drape Dress (49L / Secret Wednesday)

Jewelry – Iron Tiger Victoria’s Jet in Silver (previous group gift, no longer free)

Clutch – Septem Essentia Crystal Flower Clutchbag (free gift / 0L)

Feet – Slink Medium Mesh Feet (not free)

Shoes - Slink Lulu Stiletto (not free)

Poses – aDORKable Poses (closing sale)

Location – Petit Pas

Mother’s Day in Diamonds, Pearls, and Glitter

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

It’s Mother’s Day here in the U.S., and I’m just hanging out, waiting for my family to start the lovely garden tea party they’ve planned in my honor. Ok, not really. My RL family plans to buy me a pizza later (I refuse to cook on Mother’s Day), so in the meantime, I’m visiting this gorgeous art installation at LEA23, Inside Art, Through Wonderland. It’s based on the Alice in Wonderland theme, but is unlike any other Alice installations I’ve seen recently. You really must visit, and if you’re into photography, check out the rules for the photo contest at the landing spot. You have until 30 June to enter.

What does one wear to a tea party? Well, I’ve selected this lovely, mesh maxi-dress, a free Mother’s Day gift from !Rebel Hope. Their mesh is always exquisite, and this dress is no exception; it fits and moves perfectly, and I love the racerback straps in the back. It comes with the Pearl and Diamond jewelry you see here, as well as the corsage. And what mom doesn’t need a corsage on Mother’s Day?

I was so surprised this morning when I opened my [mock] Cosmetics group notices and found not one, not two, but FIVE different nail applier HUDS for Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands! I’m wearing OMFG Glitter, a dark fuschia glittery nail. The [mock] group is 250L to join, but I can’t tell you enough how wonderfully generous Mockie is with her group members. Yes, I’m getting seriously addicted to these nail appliers, and I hope many designers keep cranking them out!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all of you moms and moms-to-be out there! It truly is the hardest, most amazing job you’ll ever love. ♥

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Serena is wearing…

Skin – [:Tuli:] Eva Pearl Elementary (not free)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Blossom (not free)

Eyeliner - [:Tuli:] Eyeliners (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 31-Extra Long (not free)

Hair – >TRUTH< Sassy 2 (sale extended until further notice)

Hands – Slink Mesh Hands Casual (not free)

Nails – [mock] OMFG Glitter Polish HUD for Slink A.E. Hands (group gift / 250L to join)

Dress – !Rebel Hope Mother’s Day Mesh Dress (free gift / 0L)

Jewelry – !Rebel Hope Mother’s Day Pearl & Diamonds (free gift / 0L)

Feet – Slink Mesh Feet (not free)

Shoes - Slink Ilena Sandals Pink (not free)

Poses by aDORKable Poses (not free)

Location – Inside Art, LEA23 Through Wonderland

Samira By The Sea

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

My RL weather is so unpredictable. Most of the time it’s foggy and cold, and I long to escape to a warm, sunny beach. Thank goodness there are plenty of those to visit in SL! Today I’ve escaped to beautiful Baja Norte in my Samira t-shirt and capris, a new group gift from Kastle Rock Couture. My studded boots are not free, but are a brand-new release from [Liv-Glam]. 25 colors are included via HUD (I ♥ HUDs!).

My necklace is a free gift from Iron Tiger Jewelry, which for those of you who like to wander, is right across from Kastle Rock Couture. My hoop earrings are a free gift from Caroline’s. Finally, as I was browsing the feeds a few days ago, I stumbled on a new-to-me skin shop called POUDRE. I quickly tp’d over, joined the free in-world group, and found this [Eva] skin in the group notices as a gift for getting 1,000 members. I was happily surprised at how pretty this skin is! It comes with or without a hairbase, and includes cleavage, teeth, and freckles tattoos. I apologize for that weird shadow on my chest; it didn’t show up on my computer screen, but mysteriously appeared in my photo, for some reason. I didn’t want you to think it was a flaw in the skin.

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Serena is wearing…

Skin – -POUDRE- [Eva] – T – 01 (group gift / free to join)

Eyes – IKON Vanity Eyes Denim (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 6-Natural (not free)

Hair – >TRUTH< Bunny (sale extended to 10 May)

Nails – Izzie’s Metal Stripe Nails (not free)

Capris/T-Shirt – Kastle Rock Couture Samira (group gift / 100L to join)

Necklace - Iron Tiger Jewelry Picado Series Gift (free gift / 0L)

Earrings – Caroline’s Large Gold Hoop Earrings (free gift / 0L)

Boots – [Liv-Glam] Stella Palladium Stud Boots (new release /not free)

Poses by aDORKable Poses (not free)

Location – Baja Norte

My Dressing Room in the Sky

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

It’s true: I use an entire skybox as a closet. My inventory is seriously out of control, so I’ve had to start storing my clothing stash in the sky. But I just can’t help myself when there are hunt prizes as wonderful as this one! My gorgeous mesh dress is The Runway Perfect Hunt prize from Prism. All prizes in this hunt are 5L, and you have until May 31st to pick them up. Love told you a bit about this hunt a few days ago. You’ll be looking for a black and gray rectangle that looks something like a tiny runway.

I was so excited to open my group notices from [Mock] Cosmetics and find these pretty Pink Glitter nail appliers for Slink Avatar Enhanced Hands. It’s great to see so many designers getting on the appliers bandwagon. My lemony-yellow butterfly jewelry is the current group gift from Virtual Impressions (free to join).

This amazing dressing area and vanity table are The Runway Perfect Hunt prize from ::WetCat:: (click to enlarge the photo). That’s right, the whole thing! Each item (dressing area, chair) comes with a variety of fun poses. In fact, all the poses in this post are from the ::WetCat:: pose props. I think I’ll just sit here for a while and admire my pretty closet.

OFFICIAL THE RUNWAY PERFECT HUNT BLOG

May 1 – 31, 2013

Hunt Icon – A rectangle (little runway-looking thing), 5L

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Serena is wearing…

Skin – [:Tuli:] Eva Pearl Sultry (not free)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Virtue (not free)

Eyelashes – *Redgrave* 6-Natural (not free)

Hair – [elikatira] Rumor (66L /still on sale)

Hands – Slink Mesh Hands Casual (not free)

Nails – [mock] Pink Glitter Polish for Slink A.E. Hands (group gift / 250L to join)

Dress – Prism Charmie Pencil Dress (5L / TRPH)

Earrings/Necklace - Virtual Impressions Siobhan in Lemon & White (group gift / free to join)

Ring – Chandelle Ring Sine Yellow (not free)

Feet – Slink Mesh Feet Medium (not free)

Shoes - Slink Fabric Platforms (not free)

Furnishings & Poses – ::WetCat:: Backstage Glamour (5L / TRPH)

Friday GuyDay: For Men Only

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Serena Snowfield

FINALLY – a day off! I’m actually supposed to be taking Serena out for her Rez Day, but I thought I’d spend a little time relaxing at the beach first. Before heading out, I picked up these cargo shorts and tank top, the Men Only Hunt 3 gift from 22769. This hunt runs until May 31st, and all items are free. And you know how hard it is to find good free stuff for men!

Speaking of free, I’m wearing the new group gift eyes from IKON that Love showed you earlier today. Yes, guys can wear them too! All of my jewelry was also free; my earring and rings are gifts from GABRIEL (free to join), and my bracelet is a group gift from Chop Zuey (350L to join). My flip flops were not free, but are on sale for 30% off until May 5th at Slink. In fact, everything except hands and feet are on sale, so if you’ve been waiting to pick up a new pair of shoes, now’s the time!

Oh, one more thing: Katey Coppola of Glitterati Poses celebrated her birthday on May 1st, and is giving a gift to all of us! For a limited time, you can join the FREE Glitterati VIP group (not to be confused with the not-free, 500L, VIP group), click the gift board, and get 150L in store credit. If you happen to be a member of the 500L VIP group, or feel like joining, you can hit the other gift board and get 500L in store credit. So take your pick! But hurry – Katey said the gifts would only be out for “a few days,” whatever that means. And who doesn’t need a new pose or two?