Some journeys lead you down roads never expected - Petit Chat & Del Alba Creations

On the 9th of June my man and I took off for ten days to Washington to attend his daughter's graduation from college.  Neither of us had ever been to that part of the country, so we were more than excited to start our journey, but where it led neither of us ever expected.  For those of you who have been following me for a while now, you know I suffer from a lovely cocktail of autoimmune issues including Lupus, which has kept me home for over a decade now with pain, muscle and other body issues.  When we landed in Seattle I didn't think much about the fact that I wasn't in much pain, but when I woke the next morning after sleeping on a crappy mattress and I didn't hurt, I started to think maybe my adrenaline was going or that my brain had just turned on the endorphins knowing I still had a car ride left to go before we were finally at our destination.  By day two of not really hurting, just a few aches and muscles that needed stretched and miles of walking in the beautiful Washington air along the coastline, we were convinced the altitude of Flagstaff was truly effecting me negatively.  My heart didn't act up the entire time we were away, my blood pressure wasn't high, I didn't need my pain pills and my man and I got to do things together, instead of me staying put while he ventured off hiking.  After returning home I ended up terribly sick for two weeks and my heart is once again acting up and the pain is back, so our eyes have turned to moving to Washington, which was the furthest thing from our minds when we set out on this journey, and now all roads are leading that direction and to new opportunities.

With new opportunities and new journeys on my mind I logged on yesterday to finally get back to blogging and found the perfect combination in the boxes from Petit Chat and Del Alba Creations.  The 7th annual Beached Bunny Hunt, from Evil Bunny Productions, begins on July 3rd, which is where you can pick up this absolutely stunning swimsuit from Del Alba Creations.  The Richelle swimsuit comes in a wide variety of sizes for mesh bodies, including one for Maitreya, featured above.  I love the gorgeous blues pattern and the little details on the side and the tie in the front.  If you are as picky as I am about swimsuits then do yourself a favor and go grab this during the hunt for ONLY $1L!  You can't beat that price!  

My grandmother used to always tell me that if I was wanting to change my destination in life to wear an anchor, so when I saw the newest release from Petit Chat a smile immediately broke out across my face and I immediately donned the amazing new anchor and shells necklace and earrings.  Each piece is HUD driven with several textures to choose from for the metals and the starfish and shells on the anchor, making it an incredibly versatile set that just HAS to make it into your jewelry box.  The "A Summer of Betty" collection has been released for the newest round of InspirationSL that started on June 17th inspired by Betty Boop and her love of fashion!  As usual the details and texturing are fabulous on the necklace and earrings with oodles of combinations to be created with the HUD.  So if you love anchors, or just gorgeous jewelry then do yourself a favor and head on over to the event and pick yours up today!  And maybe you too will be inspired to take a journey and see where the road leads, I promise it won't always be where you expected!

The Fashion Details

Head - LeLutka - Simone - Bento
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LeLutka/119/138/24

Body - Maitreya - Lara
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/128/133/24

Skin - *YS&YS* - Sey&Mey - PowderPack LeLutka - March
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Feel%20Beautiful/141/146/503

Eyes - IKON - Triumph - Dew
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/501

Hair - Damselfy - Elizabella
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Damselfly%20Hair%20Salon/135/135/31

Earrings and Jewelry - Petit Chat - A Summer of Betty @ InspirationSL - Started June 17th - A Summer of Betty Boop
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rayne%20and%20PetitChat/8/117/1502

Swimsuit - Del Alba Creations - Richelle @ The Beached Bunny Hunt from Evil Bunny Productions July 3rd - 31st
ONLY $1L
Hint - Your gift is down the rabbit hole.  Find Alice!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Soma%20Bay/82/243/22

The Decor Details

Chair and Pose - Trompe Loeil - Romy Cove & Romy Cay Chairs - PG and Adult versions
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hyde%20Park/214/206/22

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's trends in fashion and home decor work for you!

~Jade~

Spring Chic in Petit Chat and Ashmoot!

(This post was originally written on Monday, but due to a bit of an infection after oral surgery, I was unable to get it posted until today!)

I woke up this morning and while there was still sleep in my eyes I noticed a post from Powder Pack announcing the winners of their recent contest on Facebook.  I immediately went to share the post, happy for those who had won, when I thought I recognized a name, MINE!!  To say I was one very happy girl is the understatement of a lifetime.  For bloggers, all the new Bento changes mean we are having to fork out a lot of Lindens to keep ourselves current, and heads and skin appliers quickly eat through any budget you can put yourself on; so the introduction of the Powder Pack in general, has meant more of us can show you new goodies without having to break the bank.  I happen to not have a Catwa head, so I have been waiting with baited breath for the introduction of a LeLutka Powder Pack, so when I saw the announcement on Facebook about the April 1st release I quickly shared the link and my in-world name, without a thought I could possibly win the new LeLutka pack!  But today I went over to Powder Pack and reserved my pack with my $1500L balance, guaranteeing delivery April 1st, so make sure to check back in to see all the wonderful goodies packed into that box, which you know I will be showing off!

But today I wanted to bring your attention to Petit Chat, and these wonderful new berets, released for an event that ended on the 25th, meaning they will be making their debut in the shop this week, and you truly need to head on over to the store and grab the perfect one for your Spring wardrobe, or all of them, and be Spring Chic in Petit Chat!

Speaking of chic, this fabulous jumpsuit from Ashmoot fits the bill for Spring chic.  The jumpsuit comes in standard sizes as well as with appliers for your favorite mesh body, and Lolas as well, meaning it will fit right into your closet like it was custom made for you!  The jacket and shoes come separately, but can all be found at the current round of Designer Circle, which happens to be their anniversary round, so hurry on over before it's too late and you miss out on all the goodies offered for the 150th round!

Head - LeLutka - Simone - Bento (custom shape)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LeLutka/119/138/24

Body - Maitreya - Lara
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/128/133/24

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Bernadette applier
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/DeeTaleZ/127/128/265

Lipstick - Shakeup! - Anja Gloss for LeLutka - Dark Palette
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Harmony/138/64/25

Hair - Entwined - Melanie @ The Crossroads
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Crossroads%20Event/127/122/21

Beret - Petit Chat - Lauren's French Beret - Cheetah - V2
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rayne%20and%20PetitChat/63/83/30

Earring - Petit Chat - Esmeralda @ InspirationSL (final round)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rayne%20and%20PetitChat/8/117/1502

Jumpsuit - Ashmoot - S/S CoLL Jumpsuit #3 @ Designer Circle 150th Round
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tanami%20Bay/189/188/23

Jacket - Ashmoot - S/S CoLL Leather Jacket BG @ Designer Circle 150th Round
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tanami%20Bay/189/188/23

Shoes - Ashmoot - S/S CoLL Strongn Y Sandal Heels B @ Designer Circle 150th
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tanami%20Bay/189/188/23

Pose - Salacity Poses - Tess set #3 @ Level Up (not sure when this ends)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hype/71/75/21
Main Store
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Brunei/102/165/29

Location - Warm Springs
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Warm%20Springs/168/243/23

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's trends in fashion and home decor work for you!

~Jade~ 

Strapped in and holding on tight for this bumpy ride

I remember when I was little my Mother used to tell me that life is often like a roller coaster with lots of twists, turns, lows and highs you never expected, and it seems this old adage likes to slap me upside the head from time to time, but I have learned to strap myself in, and expect the unexpected even when things seem at their best.  Since I seem to use my blog as a sounding board more often than not, for the things going on in my life, I have decided to stick to my pattern and share the latest adventure.

Several weeks ago I had an issue and ended up in the Emergency Room of the local hospital and had a scan done of my entire abdomen where, at the time, the doctors said there were multiple cysts on my left ovary that needed further study.  So of course the ultrasound was performed pretty shortly there after, and it wasn't several cysts, but one large growth with several lobes, approximately the size of an orange.  Par for the course with me, it couldn't be a "normal" cyst, it has to be something strange and quite possibly, rather serious.  So for the last ten days I have been scrambling to move from my townhouse of seven years into my new home, trying to deal with the pain and waiting until I see a Specialist at the end of this week, while still being Mom and girl-friend.  My immune system issues are rearing their ugly heads and I am completely and utterly worn out, to the point of being overwhelmed and napping daily, if I have the time.  The days I spent without internet and unable to work have put me in a pretty foul mood because I use my blogging as a stress reliever, and I have come to rely on it over the last couple of years.  It seems odd to me that something so simple, could bring me such joy, and I love being able to write about what is going on in my life and having it mean something to someone.  So many people suffer in silence and don't realize how many people are out there just like them.  I was one of those people for a long time when I first got sick, and I felt so alone.  I wish I had known about blogs, because I have found so many that offer my support and understanding, without a lot of interaction.  Sometimes, in the darkest of times, it isn't a bunch of people that are needed to bring the light back, more times than not, it is something like the heartfelt, revealing words put upon a blog.  And sometimes, it's just the knowledge that someone else feels like you do, or is facing the same issues you are.  So through the tough times, I will continue to blog as I can, because maybe, someone needs to read what I have to say, and maybe it might just help them get through another night on their bumpy ass ride of life.

I was quite excited to return yesterday with a wonderful message from the owner of Petit Chat letting me know I had made it to the second round of consideration for her Bloggers!  I have been a fan since I first started blogging, back on my p.o.s. computer, and I couldn't render materials.  When I got the new computer and saw her blogger applications were open, I jumped at the chance!  After reading the Notecard, I rummaged through my overflowing closet and found this absolutely adorable new jewelry collection perfectly boxed and waiting for me to show to you all!  The Crystalline Collection features a 100% original mesh design with hand painted textures from Trinity Yazimoto and a HUD to change the colors as you like, you can also make a copy and modify the jewels until your heart is content, making the earrings and necklace an incredibly versatile collection that just MUST be added to your jewelry box!  The transparent orb features celestial designs inside that are expertly meshed and textured with an incredible attention to detail, so make sure you hurry on over to InspirationSL and pick yours up today, you won't be disappointed!  And while you are out shopping, make sure to stop by Virtual Diva and pick up this gorgeous new hair design!  The Lila hair comes in a Fat Pack with 12 different tones for ONLY 300L, making it not only a stunning design, but affordable too, making it a must have addition to your hair collection, I promise you won't be disappointed!  

The Fashion Details

Body - Maitreya
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/128/133/24

Head - LeLutka
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LeLutka/128/128/26

Hair - Virtual Diva - Lila
Fat Pack - 12 Tones all for ONLY 300L
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Domain/11/233/4005

Skin - DeeTaleZ
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/DeeTaleZ/127/128/265

Eyes - IKON - Triumph - Apex
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/501

Jewelry - Petit Chat - Crystalline Set @ InspirationSL
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rayne%20and%20PetitChat/61/162/1501

Main Store
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rayne%20and%20PetitChat/63/83/30

Remember when faced with life's most difficult challenges to breathe, slow down, and HANG ON! No matter what it is, someone else has faced it, and probably can offer a few words of advice, encouragement, or just simply the words, "It will be ok," and that can make all the difference in someone's world!

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's trends in fashion and home decor work for you!

~Jade~

"So what you wanna know Calamity's child?"

I remember when I was younger my Mom often quoted lines from "Rebel Rebel" by David Bowie to me and I can say I was a fan long before I really understood his genius.  Before I left on my leave of absence for surgery I had wanted to do a post to honour the man who inspired me, and whose music kept me company often in the darkest of moments, but I never had the chance.  Upon my return this past week I was excited to see the current round of InspirationSL dedicated to David Bowie, and immediately dug into my blogger box from IT! to see what goodies had been designed for the event!  In true Bowie style, or should I say, with no particular style in mind, other than a bit of a longing for the 70's, I put a little scene and ensemble together to share with you all!

With my serious retro mood on, I was delighted to unpack this fantastic retro gaming set, only available for 2 more days at the first round of Geektopia from [CIRCA], which mixed and matched PERFECTLY with the Candy Retro Set from unKindness.  If you happen to run by the store to see the set, make sure to check out the Cocktail Hour set as well for more pieces to mix and match!  

The Aqua lights are a gift at the event, so make sure you drop by to check them out.  The Pod Chairs and lounges come in a wide variety of color combinations as well as a choice of with or without blanket on the lounges as well.  All the furniture pieces have a variety of poses on them, so I am sure you will find the perfect fit for your individual home.  

I have so much to share but my brain seems to be going far too fast to organize itself into any type of coherent prose, so I will just say there are lots of changes going on in my life and today marks the last post done on my piece of crap computer.  My new computer is out for delivery with UPS and I will most likely be spending the rest of the day getting all that set up.  I can't wait to show off the new graphics on Monday, so see you then, and remember always stay true to your style and make today's trends in fashion and home décor work for you!

Fashion Details

Body - Maitreya
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/128/133/24
Head - LeLutka
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LeLutka/128/128/26

Skin - DeeTaleZ
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/DeeTaleZ/127/128/265

Hair - Spellbound - Macaron - Chapter I : Earth
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raven%20Wood/185/95/27
Eyes - Ikon - Triumph - Oxidation
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/501

Lashes - Gaeline - Felicia
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/GAELINE%20CREATIONS/128/127/30

Jewelry - IT! (Indulge Temptation) - No Disco King @ InspirationSL
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rayne%20and%20PetitChat/12/127/1510
Top - NoName - Chanel Crop Top NEW!!! NEW!!!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/NoName/142/128/26 
Pants - NoName - Coco Overall NEW!!! NEW!!!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/NoName/142/128/26

Décor Details

Retro Pod Chairs, Hive Wall Shelf, Planter, Lights, Floor Cushions - [CIRCA] - Game NerdZ @ Geektopia Ends Sunday!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Oasis%20of%20Love/132/127/21

Rug, Table - unKindness - Candy Retro Set
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Theory/90/130/21

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!

~Jade~ 

Caught celebrating Spring's return

Yesterday marked the first day of Spring, and as always I took some time to spin around out in the Sun, under the freshly opened Cherry Blossoms, listening to the birds chirping with my eyes closed I was again amazed by the beautiful bounty brought to us by Mother Nature.  This moment inspired me to go try on a few new goodies I have gotten and I absolutely fell in love with the newest creation from Rayne Couture, which happens to be an exclusive for InspirationSL.

The Lambkin sweater dress comes in five colors and a variety of sizes meaning you are sure to find your favorite, which won't be hard since the fit is fabulous and didn't break or stretch oddly in any pose.  I wandered over to PosESion last night and picked up a new set of poses since mine were feeling a bit stale, and I just fell in love with the whimsical Elfaba set, which added the exact feel I wanted for this photo.  As usual, PinkRayne makes it easy to find a pair of shoes for that gorgeous new dress with her coordinating heels.  The Lambkin Wedges are also an exclusive for InspirationSL and come in five coordinating colors for the dress, so do yourself a favor and head over to the event, as soon as you can get in, since it started yesterday!!

As usual, I am a sucker for the nail polishes from DaneMarkZ, and I got to spend a bit of time with the incredibly talented Hannah Daviau yesterday, who was kind enough to send me over a couple sets of polishes I didn't have, which means I just HAD to show them off today!  The Blizzard Vibrant nails come in a wide variety of colors with cute detailing.  I love the deep, jeweled tones, even though heading into Spring, as sometimes I think you need to make a statement and bring some attention to that new manicure!  I hope you all spent some time out celebrating the return of Spring yesterday, as I did, and that you have been inspired to head to InspirationSL so you can get your hands on this adorable ensemble too!

The Fashion Details 

Body - Maitreya
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/128/133/24

Head - LeLutka - Simone 1.5
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LeLutka/128/128/26

Hair - Elikatira - Becca
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Elikatira/130/116/3005

Skin - DeeTaleZ - Kira NEW @ Skin Fair - Sim2
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bikini%20Bottom/128/129/22

Eyes - IKON - Triumph - Oxidation
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/501

Nails - DaneMarkZ - Blizzard Vibrant
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/District%20Gold/153/206/27

Dress - Rayne Couture - Lambkin - 5 colors @ InspirationSL
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nolan/93/102/2998

Shoes - Rayne Couture - Lambkin Wedges - 5 coordinating colors @ InspirationSL
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nolan/93/102/2998

Pose - PosESion - Elfaba
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lima/204/137/2201

The Décor Details

Deck - M.Law - Saanich Deck
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yellow%20River/115/99/21

Trees - Bee Designs - Romantic Willow Tree w/out pillows
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bee%20Designs/90/136/23

Have a wonderfully wicked rest of your day and remember to always stay true to your style and make today's fashion trends work for you!