Toasting the New Year

Happy New Year, fabulous readers!

I know some of you have already celebrated, and some of you might be celebrating right now. I’m having a quiet evening of hot cocoa and s’mores with my new buddy Bruce… although he looks as if he’d like to snatch the marshmallow right off the stick here, lol!

Midnight isn’t just the start of a new year, but it’s the end of some fantastic gifts and deals. A couple of these expire when the clock strikes twelve tonight, so be sure to jump on them right away!

A Gift and a Giveaway

My jacket is the latest group gift from Aleutia. The Carol Jacket comes in sizes for Belleza, Maitreya, and Slink mesh bodies, and includes a HUGE texture-change HUD. Seriously, you can change just about any part of the jacket to just about any color you can think of. You could have a different jacket every day of the month if you wanted to!

Silly me… when I joined the Aleutia group a few days ago, I didn’t take the time to read the group notices. Little did I know, there’s a HUGE GIVEAWAY currently going on… and I was stunned this morning when I got a notice that I had been selected as one of the winners!

Here are the details from the group notice:

“From Christmas Day until New Years, I’m going to be randomly giving away goodies to group members, from gift cards to new releases, several shopping sprees, and on January 1st, to ring in the new year, I’ll be giving away 10,000L!

Now that’s a great way to start things off, yes? Woo-hoo! Tell your friends and let’s see if we can hit my New Years Resolution of 1,000 group members! If so, I’ll choose at least FIVE lucky winners for the 10,000L drawing!”

So… join the Aleutia in-world group TONIGHT if you want to be eligible for the 10,000L giveaway tomorrow! Even if you don’t win the giveaway, you can still pick up this cute jacket, as well as quite a few other group gifts that are still available. It’s a win-win!

Cozy Tootsies

Juju recent set out some adorable boots as a group gift. The UGZ Xmas Gift boots come in the white version I’m wearing here, as well as a cute red holiday version. Sizes are for Belleza, Maitreya, and Slink mesh bodies. I love the knit sock sticking out of the top.

FYI, Juju is currently running a Facebook promotion: “like” their Facebook page before January 15th for a chance to win a gift card of up to 3,000L (if you’ve already liked the page, you’re already entered in the drawing). More information about the giveaway HERE.

Shop ‘Til You Drop…

Or… until midnight, when everything goes away! 😯

Last week, Astrid shared some gifts she picked up at the GINORMOUS Shop ‘Til You Drop event. Well, I popped over and picked up a few gifts myself, including this gorgeous gazebo by CONSTRUCT. There’s even a low land impact version in the box, in case your land is overflowing with stuff like mine is.

This really is a lovely and generous gift, especially since you can remove the snow and use the gazebo all year ’round.

Have a fabulous New Year’s, everyone!

*~*~*~*

Serena is wearing…

Head: LeLutka May
Skin Applier: YS&YS Kirsten (50% off at Shop ‘Til You Drop / ends 12/31)
Hair: TRUTH HAIR Scout
Necklace: Izzie’s Paw Heart Necklace
Shirt: Alaskametro<3 Norma Shirt
Jacket: Aleutia Carol (group gift / 100L to join)
Body: Maitreya Lara
Jeans: Izzie’s Twinnie Jeggings
Boots: Juju UGZ Xmas Gift White (group gift / 100L to join)

Decor Items…

CONSTRUCT Gazebo with Snow Add-On (free gift at Shop ‘Til You Drop / ends 12/31)
Virtual Kennel Club Landseer Newfoundland (50% off through 12/31)
{what next} Bellevie Chairs, Table, & Fire Pit
{what next} Sierra Lantern
{what next} Sierra Smores Platter
[CIRCA] “Snow Days” Hot Cocoa Mug

When the Red Bird Sings

Happy Christmas Eve eve, fabulous readers!

I woke up this morning to the sound of these sweet birds chirping in my new bird feeder. I just had to come out and say hello. 😀

Red and White

S@BBiA set out a couple of new gifts this month, and I’m wearing both of them here today. They are perfect for staying warm and cozy during a walk in the snow.

The first gift is my dress, which is new on the lucky board. The Slit Sweater Dress & Velour Pleated Skirt comes in 2 pieces, so you could possibly wear them separately if you wished. Both items come in a one-size-fits-all mesh with an alpha layer.

The second gift is these red suede Western Boots, which are S@BBiA’s newest group gift. The boots are sized for Maitreya and Slink feet.

I love the way both gifts go together so well. 🙂

Christmas Cardinals

{What Next} sent out a new gift to group members: this lovely Winter Bird Feeder with cardinals. It comes in a snowy version (pictured here) and a no snow version.

You should still find the gift in your notices. If it’s not there, just head over to the {What Next} mainstore and click the vendor to receive your gift.

Whether you are with friends and family or spending the holidays alone, I wish you peace and happiness. ❤

*~*~*~*

Serena is wearing…

Head: LeLutka May
Skin Applier: Glam Affair Federika
Eyeshadow: ARISE Enya Makeup Set (November Powder Pack for LeLutka)
Eyes Applier: Izzie’s Winter Eyes (Greys & Blues)
Lip Gloss: Izzie’s Applier Lipgloss (March Powder Pack for LeLutka)
Hair: Wasabi Aspen (includes scarf)
Body: Maitreya Lara
Gloves: Izzie’s Basic Fluffy Gloves
Tights: Izzie’s Cozy Tights
Dress: S@BBiA Slit Sweater Dress & Velour Pleated Skirt (group lucky board / free to join)
Boots:  S@BBiA Western Boots Red Suede (group gift / free to join)
Pose by An Lar Poses (slightly modded)

Decor Items…

{what next} Winter Bird Feeder Snowy (group gift / 250L to join)
ANHELO T04RD-17CGA Christmas 2017
Virtual Kennel Club Polar Bear Cub II

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Happy Pumpkin Spice Season!

One of the things I love most about fall is pumpkin spice everything. Especially the coffee. 😀

Sevyn East set out this adorable outfit for The Jerky Turkey Hunt. For just 1L, you can get the cute sweater with a flirty skirt, the scarf, and a pumpkin spice latte-to-go!

The Pumpkin Spice Sweater comes in the following sizes:

• Belleza
• eBody
• Maitreya
• Slink
• Standard with an alpha layer

Unlike the skirt, the scarf is not attached, so you can remove it for a different look.

A texture-change HUD is included with 4 designs for the sweater, and 4 gingham patterns for the skirt and scarf.

The pumpkin spice latte comes in a venti! 😎

The Jerky Turkey Hunt runs through November 30th. Just find the orange feather and buy it for 1L to grab your gifts.

While you’re at it, take a look at TJTH gifts these Fab Free bloggers have shared:

• Grateful for the Little Things by Kat
• Jenny Don’t Be Hasty by Love
• I’m not grumbling about this gown! by Astrid
• Just Waiting Around… by Kat

Happy hunting!

*~*~*~*

Serena is wearing…

Head: LeLutka May
Skin Applier: Glam Affair Pia
Eye Shadow: Zibska Caterina Eyemakeup (November Powder Pack for LeLutka)
Lipstick: Bold & Beauty Ultra Matte Lip Collection (March Powder Pack for LeLutka)
Body: Maitreya Lara
Hair/Hat: Elikatira Shelby (72L on sale)
Hands: VISTA PROHANDS
Sweater/Skirt/Scarf/Coffee Cup: Sevyn East Pumpkin Spice Sweater (1L / TJTH)
Tights: Izzie’s High Waisted Tights
Boots: fri.day Fisher Boots
Pose by Focus Poses

Decor Items…

Virtual Kennel Club Golden Retriever II
What Next Cocoa-On-The-Go Cart
MudHoney Mums in Bucket
Botanical Fallen Leaves
Botanical Decorative Light Set

I Hate Housework

Housework, ugh. I hate it.

No, I mean I really hate housework. And it’s not so much the actual cleaning part that I hate (although, I can’t say I enjoy that a whole bunch). It’s the fact that every time I clean something, my family messes it up again before the day is over! I just can’t keep up, lol! 😛

Thank goodness keeping my SL house clean is so much easier (I really just have to pick up all the toys Finn leaves laying around)!

To help with that, Nomad is giving away this fun CLEAN-O-MAT to celebrate their new in-world store location (no group is required). Then, just drop in in your house and click on the broom to make it sweep back and forth.

Now, if I could just find one of these in real life…

 

*~*~*~*

Decor Items…

Nomad Clean-O-Mat (free gift / 0L)
Virtual Kennel Club Silver Husky
LAQ Decor Kitchen Set

Photobombed!

Hello, fabulous readers – I hope you are having a wonderful week!

I set up this photo to show you the adorable Easter hunt gift from Sway’s, but silly Finn jumped out and photobombed the bunnies right as I took the photo. That crazy canine never met a camera she didn’t like, LOL! XD

Hunting for Easter Eggs

The SwayLand Easter Egg Hunt is going on now through April 23rd. If you’ve enjoyed the advent hunts over at SwayLand, you’re going to love this one!

Here’s how to play:

• Hop on over to SwayLand and touch the sign by the big Easter egg near the landing point.
• You will receive a folder containing a HUD and information notecard.
• Wear the HUD and start hunting for Easter eggs (there are TEN). The eggs are hidden all over the region.
• When you find an egg, touch it, and it will appear on your HUD. If it doesn’t, you are too far away, so go closer and try again.
• Once you’ve found all 10 eggs, and the white eggs on your HUD are colorful, touch the big Easter egg where you got the HUD to get your exclusive SwayLand Easter gift.

Mr. & Mrs. Bunny Egg are 100% original mesh and come in 4 colors: red, green, blue, and natural (pictured). Touch the egg for a color-change menu.

The SwayLand Easter Egg Hunt is completely free. No group is required.

Good luck, and have fun!! 🙂

 

*~*~*~*

Decor Items…

Sway’s Mr. & Mrs. Bunny Egg (0L / free hunt gift)
Virtual Kennel Club Silver Husky

These Boots Are Made For… Kittens

Uninvited Guests

Unlike at Edi’s place, I think it may literally be raining cats and dogs at my house!

I stumbled down the stairs this morning to make coffee, only to find Finnoula staring out the front door at the strangest sight. My neighbor’s Corgi puppies had gotten loose (again) and were sitting on my porch curiously watching two kittens slumbering away in my new boots. It was all very sweet and surreal… until Finn’s protective nature got the better of her and she started to bark, setting off a chain reaction of puppy yapping, scared-kitty screeching, fur flying… what a way to start the morning! 😯

Cuteness Overload

JIAN makes some of the cutest animals on the grid, and I was delighted to receive these sweet kitten-booties as the latest group gift. Two versions are included in the box: one for wearing, and this adorbs decor version for rezzing (only 2 LI). The wearable version has a wide-awake kitty on each boot, and not only do they ride along, but they even move and meow (which you can turn off, once you’ve had enough of that)! Both versions have a texture-change menu so you can choose from 3 boot colors, 9 kitty colors, and resize to your liking.

As with all JIAN products, these kitty boots are amazingly well detailed. Best part? The group is FREE to join so you can pick up the kitty boots as well as several other group gifts that are still available. 🙂

 

*~*~*~*~*

Decor Items…

JIAN Kitten Booties Decor Sleepies (free group gift / free to join)
MishMish Corgi Puppies (exclusive for January 2017 Luxe Box)
Virtual Kennel Club Silver Siberian Husky
{what next} Cutesy Doormat
Dutchie Lavender 2
Apple Fall Straw Broom (25L)

Flying By the Seat of My Pants

Ready For Lift Off

I have to agree with Pru and Carson that something is just not right this week. I don’t know if it’s the weather, the moon, or what, but I’ve had a HECK of a week so far, and it’s not over yet!

To help get over my funky mood, Finnoula (my dog) and I headed over to the beautiful Winter Trace sim for a little fun in the snow. Turns out sledding is a lot harder than I thought, and I was so scared that I just closed my eyes and tried to hold on! Sadly, I wound up going so fast that I lost control and went flying through the air in a most ungraceful manner. Poor Finn couldn’t keep up (or kept her distance on purpose?) and didn’t care at all that I had completely humiliated myself with a face-plant at the bottom of the hill. She ran off to chase some deer, leaving me alone to pick myself up… along with my dignity! 😛

Coming in For a Landing

While I may not have landed on my feet, I was still glad to be wearing these awesome boots! Belle Epoque has set them out as a free gift at the current round of The Crossroads, and you can pick them up for 0L right across from the landing spot. They’re sized to fit Maitreya mesh bodies, and the detailing is really gorgeous. There are several other gifts available at this round of The Crossroads, 2 of which were shown here by Carson. 🙂

Moon Amore has put out this “lovely shirt” as a holiday gift for group members. It comes with a texture-change HUD that includes 8 different colors and is sized to fit Maitreya and Slink Physique mesh bodies. The group is only 30L to join, and past group gifts are still available for you to scoop up.

Last by not least, my choker is the latest group gift from CHAIN. Choose from silver or gold metal options with the included HUD. There’s no resizer, but you can edit > stretch to fit.

 

*~*~*~*

Serena is wearing…

Head: CATWA Catya
Head Applier: Glam Affair Sarah
Eyes: CATWA Mesh Eyes
Body: Maitreya Lara
Hands: VISTA PROHANDS V.2 beta
Hair: Exile Early Rise
Choker: CHAIN Circute Choker (free group gift / free to join) 
Sweatshirt: Moon Amore Lovely Shirt (free group gift / 30L to join)
Jeans: Paper Arrow Cuffed Jeans Dirt
Boots: Belle Epoque Winter Boots (free gift @ The Crossroads)
Dog: Virtual Kennel Club Silver Siberian Husky
Pose: {what next} Snow Day Sled
Location: Winter Trace

 

Guest Blog by Serena Snowfield – Island Invasion

A guest blog by Serena Snowfield, originally blogged [HERE]

Serena has been busy with RL travel and business, so Duncan and I thought we’d come over and check on the house for her. When we arrived, we were shocked to find the beach had been invaded… by hedgehogs! I have no idea how they got on the island, but they’ve sure made themselves at home.

A few notes about what I’m wearing: my shorts and towel are a recent subscriber gift from FATEwear. There is also a maple leaf version in the box for you Canadians. My hair is the newest group gift from Uw.st. If blue is more your style, you can pick up a a blue version at the current round of Creation.jp, which ends on July 15 (join the free group first). My skin is Davos by 7 Deadly s{K}ins, which you can pick up on sale at Bro Couture. Slink appliers are included in the box.

* * * * *

Gavin is wearing…

Skin – 7 Deadly s{K}ins Davos (450L @ Bro Couture)

Eyes – Mayfly Deep Sky Eyes Midnight Glacier (group gift / free to join)

Hair – Uw.st 2014 June Group Gift Larry (group gift / free to join)

Shorts & Towel – FATEwear Gibs America (subscriber gift / 0L)

Glasses – [Steinwerk] Alphabeat Glasses

Hands & Feet by Slink

Pose by Exposeur

* * * * *

The Scene…

Hedgehogs –!Ohmai Summer Hedgehog Buddies (150L @ Summerfest ’14)

Sign – .floorplan. Bloomers Sign (50L @ Summerfest ’14)

Seagull – e-brink Design Products and Builds

Dog – Virtual Kennel Club Black Great Dane

Grasses by KIDD Creation

Beach & Forest Trees by Studio Skye

Other Trees by Botanical

Bullying Stops Here!

I had really hoped to post this yesterday, but for some reason, WordPress was being a stinker, and every time I tried to log into my draft, I wound up in one of Love’s drafts. Weird! I finally gave up and went to bed, but I’m back today to share this news with you!

PurpleMoon Creations is sponsoring the SL version of Pink Shirt Day – Bullying Stops Here. The actual Pink Shirt Day was yesterday, February 26, 2014, but… you can continue to support the project until March 4, 2014. If you head over to the PurpleMoon in-world store, you can pick up this cute t-shirt for a minimum 10L donation. More is appreciated, of course, but every Linden counts. And fellas, don’t feel left out because there is also a pink shirt for you! 😉

From the PurpleMoon web site:

“Bullying can take place anywhere and it’s important to speak up about it. Stand against bullying without saying a word by slipping into a pink T-shirt.” PurpleMoon Creations invites you to wear a specially created mesh pink shirt for males and females and show your support against bullying. A minimum donation of L$10 is required but any higher amounts are appreciated!

Net proceeds from this project will be donated to the CKNW Orphans’ Fund in support of Boys & Girls Clubs Anti-Bullying programs. As of yesterday afternoon, PurpleMoon had raised almost $30kL!

As the mother of a young daughter, bullying is something that worries me every time she goes to school or interacts with others. I remember the “mean girls” when I was young, but sadly, there are so many more and different avenues for bullying nowadays… it really is scary. Many thanks to PurpleMoon Creations for spear-heading this project in SL!

A few more items of note in this post: my super cute, ‘do is a new group gift from Tram. It only comes in this ginger color, but it does include a resizer, so you can fit it to most head sizes. My skin is the Pink Fuel Sora Peach Flushed which Love originally showed here. My bracelet (which says “Friends Forever”) is a gacha from NuDoLu, and because Xia said I need to wear glasses more often, I’m wearing these fun Peace Glasses from Fabuleaux (also a gacha). 😉 OH! And my pretty nails are a free gift from Flair. There are several other gifts available on the wall at Flair, so be sure you pick them all up!

* * * * *
Serena is wearing…

Skin – Pink Fuel Sora Peach Flushed (75L)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Clarity

Eyelashes – REDGRAVE 6-Natural

Hair – Tram D217 Hair (group gift / free to join)

Glasses – ::Fabuleux:: Peace Glasses Dark Pink (30L gacha)

Necklace – Maxi Gossamer Silver Heart Short

Hands – Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands

Mani/Pedi – Flair JuicyBomb Nails (free gift / 0L)

Bracelet – :NuDoLu: Bracelet Elastique Friends (35L gacha)

Shirt – PurpleMoon Creations  Pink Shirt Day Bullying Stops Here (10L minimum donation)

Jeans – :NuDoLu: Jeans du copain Coeur blanc A

Shoes – [monso] My Slip Ons

Dog – Virtual Kennel Club Yorkshire Terrier

Pose – {Imeka~} Neva Pose Pack (50L @ The Chapter Four)

Location – Southern California

A Little “HY” on a Coffee House!

Those of you who know me on Facebook have probably figured out that I’m a pretty serious coffee enthusiast. In fact, there are some days when I think the only reason I get out of bed in the morning is to have coffee! Anyway, when I learned that ++HY’s++ was giving away this fabulous coffee house as a gift for their 2nd Anniversary Hunt, I just knew I had to have it. I’ve always wanted to have a little store or hangout in SL, and since I don’t build or make things, a coffee house is perfect! This sweet little shop can be YOURS too once you find the birdhouse (which is a cute gift in itself). You only have until February 9th though, so don’t delay!

I really can’t wait to get started decorating! I hated to show you an empty build, but I knew I wouldn’t get finished in time for you to get the gift. Plus, when you land at ++HY’s++, you can visit a decorated sample, if you want to see what it looks like full of stuffs. Before I knew the build would be a hunt gift, I shot these pictures of Gavin at the sample at ++HY’s++.

Another view of the interior. I really love the detail in this build. The counter even raises up and down so you can get behind it to serve your customers. 🙂

The fireplace here is a past hunt gift from DIGS, and is not included. I just think a building is bare without a fireplace, so I dropped this one in. Oh! I forgot to tell you that the awnings on the front porch are texture-change; 5 different textures are included.

What am I wearing? Well, the “caffeinated raccoon” t-shirt is a free gift for all from PRISM Designs, and my ripped tights are a free gift from {Tilly} on the Marketplace. I really love these studded shoes, which are a subscriber gift from *Cashmere&Keane*; they come in both men’s and women’s sizes with a sock or no-sock option. And my comic-covered bag is the Bag It! Pack It! Clutch It! Hunt gift from Eclectic Stars; two designs are included in the box.

So, there you have it. Nessie and I are going to be busy making plans to decorate our new coffee house! 😀

* * * * *

Serena is wearing…

Skin – -Belleza- Ria Medium 1 (188L @ Collabor88)

Eyes – IKON Ardent Eyes Clarity

Eyelashes – REDGRAVE 6-Natural

Ears – [MANDALA] Taper Ears

Hair – TRUTH HAIR Althea

Hands – Slink Avatar Enhancement Hands

Shirt – Prism Designs Coffee Long Sleeve Tee (0L / free gift)

Shorts – {mon tissu} Cuffed Denim Shorts

Tights – {Tilly} Cut Up Stockings (0L / free gift)

Shoes – *Cashmere&Keane* Klay Loafers (0L / subscriber gift)

Bag – Eclectic Stars Captivating Comics Purse #2 (6L / BPCH)

Coffee Cup & Pose by Focus Poses

The Scene…

Build – ++HY’s++ Coffee Shop (oL / 2AH)

Bench – {what next} Bramley Bench Rustic Winter

Fireplace – DIGS Landon Fireplace

Dog – Virtual Kennel Club Birch Puppy