Author: Lisa Millar

Weekend At Kitty’s

Weekend At Kitty’s

by Lisa Millar ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Image..is going to be a relaxed affair. Slobbing about and eating nonsense while the weather plays silly beggars outside. At least the sun always shines in Second Life eh? 

There are still LOADS of events to enjoy in world. The Arcade is still going strong, as is the Skin Fair, and you’ll find it a lot easier to get into both at the moment now that the initial hysteria has blown over. Both events are still busy though, and this pleases me. So much hard work goes into arranging and organising events such as these that it’s satisfying to know the contributors will be heartily rewarded with lots of lovely Lindens.

So, speaking of Lindens, I spied something nice and sassy to splash mine on earlier this week. It’s all Sable’s fault. She turned up at mine wearing a splendid shirt and sweater combo that it was all I could do not to kick her and her missus out of the house while I rushed off to grab myself one.

Quality meshwear is reassuringly expensive, and this ‘Cropped Double’ from Auxiliary is just that.  But that’s because it’s entirely original, created using Photoshop CS5, Zbrush and Maya by the brand owners Ivy Graves and Tyr Rozenblum. No templates are used here. It’s all hard work, and the quality shines through, with the textures perfectly applied and the shaping  made just right. Even though it’s a simple shirt and sweater combo it would be so easy to make a hash of it. Sloppy design and crude detailing are the undoing of many a mesh item, but no such worry here, it’s utterly spot on in the execution.

The plaid texture choice is perfect, the buttons and stitches are clearly visible and the shape of the jumper with its chunky cuffs compliments the attached shirt perfectly.  Something else that impressed me about it, daft as it sounds, was the sharpness of the collar. It’s well defined and sits beautifully on the body, and here’s another thing, the back of the Cropped Double is just as impressive as the front.  Where the textures meet at the back the item is finished well, and it sits in a pointed hem just above the centre of the buttocks. It wears very well indeed.

In fact, it’s not hard to picture wearing this in real life, and I also discovered  when wearing it I could wear a size smaller mesh than I usually sport, which was interesting to me…quality counts!

Probably the best thing for me about this piece though is that it looks like it took time to make, and that’s always what I want to see when I wear something in Second Life. When I splash the Linden-cash I want to be able to love what I’m wearing and know that I got good value for money.  I also want to make an impression for the right reasons, and Auxiliary is the kind of label that ensures that will always happen. Cropped Double is available in a number of designs  at L$300 a pop, and I think I’ll be making a return visit to stock up…

But that’s no hardship, the store is a joy to wander around, filled with enticing items that are clearly lit and well laid out.  I wasn’t the only avatar paying a visit to the store either, which is always encouraging.  It’s impossible NOT to make a shopping list during your visit either; I’ve got my eyes on the Owl ‘Slouchy Tank’ for example, as well as the very ‘Alluring Mini’ skirt range. I’ve also fallen totes in love with the brilliant ‘Bunneh Hoodies’, perfect for Easter of course!

A final note, just because this is a virtual world it doesn’t mean that  customer service should ever slip.  When I purchased my Cropped Double, Second Life was having a fit, so I didn’t receive my item. I’m pleased to say that when I dropped a notecard on  Tyr Rozenblum  with my transaction history it was remedied in a flash, no quibbles at all. That’s something that I always find reassuring and makes me want to return to buy more!

So however you choose to spend your weekend, I hope it’s a corker. Mine as you can see will be spent raiding the fridge for wine and cooking up a nice juicy steak..although I should really be wearing an apron to avoid splashing my nice new top! Ah well…toodles!

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Kitty wears:

Witchy Wednesdays: Ostara Edition

Witchy Wednesdays: Ostara Edition

by Lisa Millar ♥ 2 Comments

I realise that I haven’t  produced a ‘Witchy Wednesday’ post in a VERY long time, so here’s a quick post. Today is Ostara after all, a time for new beginnings and fresh starts, so I felt spurred on to write for you all; but what to write about?

In need of inspiration, I took a trip over to Witchfest island Mall.  In real life I used to be a member of the Children Of Artemis, so it’s always pleased me no end that they have representation in world. But truth be told, the mall is looking somewhat depleted these days. The always wonderful Artemis Tavern is still going strong, and servicing the community with pride, but I can’t help but feel that it’s time for an image change.  I stayed and had a good nosy around, but I didn’t see many sculpted items for sale, let alone any mesh.   In fact compared to other areas of Second Life it looks very dated indeed. This saddens me, and it pains me to say that, because I have a lot of admiration for the people that put in their time and effort to run the community there, but  I really do think that the area desperately needs freshening up and a re-model is past due. That aside the area is still VERY popular with Witches, Wiccans and Pagans in Second Life, and rightly so, so please don’t think I’m dissing it entirely, I just think an image change would bring even more people to the shops and into the wonderful community that resides there.

After my quick wander round I felt a tad-deflated, so I had a nosey at in-world search and an ad for Raven Keep piqued my interest.  I’ve never heard of it before, so I TP’ed over to take a look, and it’s rather interesting!

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There are a great array of items here for any Second Life Witch to enjoy.  You’ll discover lots of home ware at great prices, with many unique, pleasing touches.   It’s clear that the owner, Karra Babii, has a great imagination which is just what you want to see when it comes to all things Witchy! You’ll see cauldrons in various sizes as well as weather-vanes, wiccan signs and textures and ritual equipment.  There’s a black Altar that would certainly look the part at the centre of a ritual; with the black and shiny marble giving it a really masculine feel. Something for the male Witch in your life perhaps?Image

You’ll also spy some  really nice prim spell books, goblets mugs and drinking vessels, and my favourite part of the store was the herbal collection and apothecary.   This is great fun; a startling array of jars and potions all with labels detailing the concoctions inside; Earthworms, Petrified Butterflies or Dragon Flesh anyone?  Stick a few of these in your kitchen and see who notices!The Wiccan Attic Wash Table’s are very pretty and modern, with a sort of shabby chic, and would look good as a mini-altar in the home. There’s space to fit a Crystal ball or statue, wand and candle on the top, and at L$99 they’re not going to break the bank.

A quick sprint to Sable Rose so I can quickly  mention of an old favourite of mine, the Ostara jewellery set.

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I’ve always liked Rosie’s designs, and I’ve always loved the male and female versions of this particular set and worn them both with pride (I’ve kinda always liked the male version better..shh!) but it’s the perfect item to wear to an Ostara ritual, or to gift to a friend on the Spring Equinox, so do go and check it out.

ImageI’ve just learned  that my favourite altars of all time, from Peculiar Designs, have been upgraded to make them even more awesome!   Alas, they’re a little too prim heavy for my everyday use, but I’m hopeful that in the near future perhaps esteemed creator Poppy Teskat will come up with something to alleviate the prim count a smidgen, because to be perfectly honest I’ve yet to find altars that are this good. I’ve seen some that come very close, but there’s just something about the way her items are constructed that makes them worth the L$450 price tag. That may seem steep, but consider these an investment as you will never need another altar in-world again. In my pictures above I’m displaying the older versions which are still stylish after a few years, but  I notice that Poppy now has new versions for sale that feature different rezzable props for each Sabbat. If you‘re planning your ritual for this weekend let me tell you that the Ostara version of this altar features a moon-gazing hare!  How delightful is that?! (Picture below taken from Poppy’s marketplace listing)

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The Altars themselves are available in some really lovely wood textures now too. as well as featuring previous details such as their changeable textiles and metals .I know I said they’re prim heavy BUT if you have the spare prims to accommodate these altars then I seriously wouldn’t think twice before  splashing out.  I notice from Poppy’s profile that she’s got quite the year ahead of her but I really hope she finds the time to come into Second Life and add even more to her range of amazing Wiccan items..wouldn’t some sculptie prims or even mesh be just wonderful?

Last but not least, I zoomed over to Gaia Rising,which is probably my favourite Pagan sim in Second Life, to see if they were having an Ostara ritual there. I’ve featured their lovely rituals on these pages before, but sadly when I got there I couldn’t see anyone around.  Instead I lit a candle and threw a wish into their wishing cauldron  before taking a slow, enjoyable walk around.  (I had some fun taking a few pictures of the area using the ‘depth’ feature in the camera options, and then added some light via Picmonkey, the result is below)

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Whatever you’re doing for Ostara, may it be a very blessed time for you indeed.

I hope I can find some lovely Witchy items to feature again here in the near future, especially quality  sculpties or mesh items, so if you know of any be sure to drop me an IM in-world and let me know!

Kitty Quicky – Aria Sale

Kitty Quicky – Aria Sale

by Lisa Millar ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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ARIA is a furniture store in world that sells some really natty pieces, and Yelo Uriza has decided to renovate the store. She’s been away for quite a while so her existing stock is being cleared out to make way for new items. While the work is underway you’ll find sculpt items reduced by 50% while she makes space for lovely new mesh stuff and things.

One of the things I’ve always liked about the store are the bits and bobs that he sells. You know, daft little items like washing-up liquid and dish sponges, that when placed add that little bit of realism to the virtual world. (What, you don’t do dishes in Second Life?! Scrubber!)

Take a wander around the store and you’ll find lots of really nice items.. If you have prims to spare the sculpt items are really worth splashing out on, not only because they’re reduced but because they’re actually really nice. There are lots of stone artwork pieces that would add the finishing touch to any living room, and an excellent spa table replete with hot stones (see what I mean about details?) really looks the part.  The bedroom sets feature scattered shoes, make up bags and nail polish bottles, all items that can be bought separately to add authenticity to your living space. (Sounds daft, but one of my favourite things is the half-empty loaf of bread and the butter dish beside it. They just work!)

I really like Yelo’s work as is, so the fact that she’s retiring these items to make way for mesh (lovely, scrumptious mesh) is pretty exciting to me.  Go and take a peek at the store (she says to excuse the dust while she’s redecorating) because you may find a few items that would look fab in your home. Want some suggestions? Well apart from those already mentioned; check out items like the kitchens and the bathrooms, which are bursting with detail. If you’re looking for a bar for your home there are a couple of really nice ones here too,  but it’s one of those stores worth having a lazy stroll around. There’s also a website to peruse at your leisure.  Enjoy!

Another Second Life Meme….

Another Second Life Meme….

by Lisa Millar ♥ 1 Comment

It’s all Berry Singh’s fault. 

She calls this her ‘Procrastination’ meme, in the sense that it makes you procrastinate..well, it does, I agree, but it also made me think about some brilliant moments I’ve had in Second Life, so thanks Berry:)  You can read Berry’s original meme HERE. (Don’t forget to check out the comments for contributions from other bloggers!)

Here’s my contribution: 

  1. What is the rez date for your current SL Avatar that you use most often? Kitty O’toole – December 20 2006
  2. Where was the first place you made friends as a newb and got to know people in Second Life? The first place I discovered was actually suggested by the friend that got me into Second Life, Whoosh Shatner. It was the Three Lions pub, and I *adored* that place, and I still miss it to this day. Fortunately I made some lifelong friends there, who I still see on occasion (not often enough though).  It was the maddest place, and I have some fabulous stories. I would zoom home from RL work, race upstairs and log into SL so I could join my friends in the ‘pub’, I loved it that much.  It was the best place in Second Life, and if I ever had my own sim I’d ask Phil Plasma if he wanted to resurrect it. I also miss ‘The Crown and Pearl’  immensely too. Happy days. 
  3. Where do you spend most of your SL time now?  Usually at my home; when I’m not there I’m shopping/clubbing/looking for things to blog. My club of choice at the moment is IYC, which is actually a furry club! Although I’m not a full-time furry, I do dress up in my Tiger aspect and go along to enjoy the DJ sets. I especially love DJ Ohni Starfall who plays there regularly.
  4. Who is your closest friend in Second Life? (only pick one) Amanda Shinji, aka DJ Cyberpink/Daft Pink/Lesbian Jammer. I should also say here that her missus, Sable Sunset, is beyond wonderful and I adore her too:)
  5.  What is the most favorite thing in your inventory? (only pick one) Shit a brick; it’s almost *impossible* to pick something that’s a favourite. Also I had a mahoosive inventory crash a few years ago and lost some very valuable items, including some that my SL/RL friend Deedee Fadoodle had bought me, and they are irreplaceable. I think my favourite item of the moment is the amazing Bast mask that Cyberpink bought for me, just last night actually. It’s not only a beautiful piece, I love the fact that the creator has researched Bast for her marketplace advert. (If you know me you’ll know I have a bit of a Bast obsession:) 
  6.  The last thing you purchased in Second Life? The ‘Cory’ over-sized sweater in black from Erratic. It’s fabulous:)
  7. What color clothing does your avatar wear most often? Black, Red or cat-print (Leopard, Tiger..that kind of thing)
  8. Do you prefer to walk, run or fly? I tend to walk, but I’m usually camming around a location using my Space Navigator anyway. They’re such a boon for a nosey person like myself.
  9.  What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done in SL?  Craziest thing I’ve ever done? Gosh, nothing really springs to mind. I’ve done some mad crazy amazing things in world for sure, but nothing is leaping out at me. I can tell you the maddest thing I’ve ever seen though because  it was so surreal I still chuckle about it today. I was dancing in the Three Lions in Bourton on a Sunday afternoon. While I was enjoying the tunes and the company, I suddenly heard this loud ‘boom’ from inside the game. I couldn’t identify the location, then out of the corner of my eye I saw something start to walk past the windows of the pub…it was Godzilla, or rather Godzilla’s leg that I could see. It was MASSIVE. Sure enough, Godzilla had discovered Bourton! (I could also tell you about the time DJ Mike Mission fell asleep during his live set in the pub, or when Prad Pravithi set the pub on fire (actually he did that A LOT) .but you’d be here all night. Suffice to say I have some corking Second Life memories.
  10.  Who would you like to play YOU, in the movie of your SLife? Hmm..playing Kitty would be interesting because she’s a gorgeous creature but alas, she has my personality! It would need a really good actress with a bit of meat on her bones, as well as plenty of sass and the ability to be completely random, and uber-forgetful. I liked the way Anne Hathaway portrayed Selina Kyle in The Dark Knight Rises, but I’m not sure she would make a good Kitty O’toole because she needs a bigger arse! I’ll get back to you on this one:)