Run 'round.

Pose : <K&S> Running 1 (Edited very slightly with Animare for the head tilt)

Location : Tee*fy Mainstore

Let me preface this by saying I don't jog. Ever.

Also, I really like food, so if I did jog this would probably be an accurate representation of what would happen, and I would be completely distracted by said food. Maybe I'm jogging quickly away so I don't buy the entire back-stock of goodies?

Don't trip, Pickle! (But those noodles look SO good!)

Yesterday it seems that SL went haywire for a while.

I gotta admit, it was mildly frustrating when I went to log in and couldn't, but honestly, I sorta wanted an Ark day anyway, so that's what I did.

However, facebook blew up with all the usual "Omg I can't get in!" and "You all need to get a life, just because you can't get in, doesn't mean it's the end of the world!"

I'm not here to criticize either view, but I would just like to spread a little reminder here that A. Not everything revolves around SL, yes, there is an actual life outside of it, kudos to you if you're enjoying it. B. If you're enjoying it that much, you wouldn't be able to comment on fb that there is a life outside of SL, because you wouldn't be on fb either. Just playing devils advocate here.

and C. Sometimes people use SL and other social media outlets LIKE facebook to an extent where it becomes a bit of a crutch. Maybe it's unhealthy, but if someone is enjoying themselves, and enjoying the time they spend within SL, what harm is it actually doing to you? Finally there's D. Some of those people questioning the SL outage have real-world work INSIDE SL. 

I feel like so many of us have locked on to the concept of SL as a game, which is a whole other debate in itself, but I'm pretty sure you can't deny that if you consider the "SL is a game" theory to be truth, there are some serious differences between playing SL as a game and playing Mario Cart, or something cooler because I only play Ark and I don't know how or what else to compare it to.

Either way, the First Great SL Apocalypse of 2018 happened and we are all survivors, prims have been returned to normal, shoes have been removed from butts (circa 2008, for those who remember), ruth avatars have become sexy again, and as of yet, all injuries have been deemed superficial. Regular service is now back, and as proof, here's your list of pretties for today!

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body & Feet: -Belleza- Freya

Skin : NOT FOUND - YUMI SKIN PEACH  (CATWA) @ Sense Event

Body Skin : [theSkinnery] Maitreya Skin Applier - peach

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Applier : LOTUS. Origin Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

Hair : #Foxy  - Sugar Hair  @ Hentai Fair

Outfit : _CandyDoll_ Nina Pants & _CandyDoll_ Nina Top  (Mainstore release)

Hands :  Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara (Use Slink-Fit on the Belleza hud to fit)

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

Sneakers : NS::  Anywhere Wings Sneakers @ Blush 

Someone like me.

Pose : Bossie. nyanko pose 05 @ Hentai Fair

Background : :: Focus Poses 50's Diner ::

To say I am overwhelmed by the support for my last post would be a complete understatement.

I tend to rant a little, and I'm never entirely sure when I'm over-sharing or preaching, so to have the amount of people come forward and share their stories too has been bittersweet in that I'm thankful to have the support, but incredibly disappointed that there are so many humans willing to destroy and tear down rather than cheer on and build up.

I also know how hard it is to separate yourself from negativity. I returned over and over again to my narcissist, regardless of being fully aware of his power over me. I KNEW what I was doing, but still wanted to believe so desperately that he was good people - and there's still a part of me that holds that belief, but like all mental issues, unless they agree to get help and accept that they have a problem, it's pointless to continue returning because the cycle of abuse will continue.

I am proud of each and every one of you who have experienced anything similar and managed to escape. Don't beat yourself up if you return, because having run once, you will know deep down you have the strength to do it again. It will be less scary the second, third, forth time...

Thank you for being brave, and thank you for sharing your stories. Stay strong and love yourself, and each other. xoxo

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : NOT FOUND - YUMI SKIN PEACH  (CATWA) @ Sense Event

Body Skin : [theSkinnery] Maitreya Skin Applier - peach

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Applier : LOTUS. Origin Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

 Eyeshadow : Veechi - Starry Night Shadow @  N21

Lipstick : [PF] CATWA LIPSTICK - Pure Matte (Reds)
Hair : TRUTH HAIR Fynn [no headband]

Outfit : .miss chelsea. Luce Set @ Uber

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

Shoes : #EMPIRE - Kanaio @ Kustom9

I let you go.

Pose : FOXCITY Melancholy-2

Background/props : Trompe Loeil - Margaux Photo Backdrop + Surround

{moss&mink} Drop Curtain (Updated textures!)

Refuge - Bunbun Stool

Balderdash - Green Stardrop creeper

.AiShA. Light Ball

Toro. Tropical plant 

<:*BoOgErS*:> Blush Bear

I make no secret of the fact that I have been incredibly unlucky when it comes to SL relationships, or well, relationships of any kind, really.

I'm hard-headed, opinionated, and while I can play the placid wall-flower for a certain amount of time, it's never long before the screaming angry bitch in me comes out and wants to make stabby hands when I'm least expecting it.

You know what I learned from accidentally dating all these wrong men?

It's not always me that has the problem.

Many times I have felt myself curl up into this position mentally. Wondering what the fudge I can do to make things better. I should be meeker, I should be louder, I should have more confidence, I shouldn't talk back, I should shrink myself to the point where I'm almost pocket-sized and won't interfere with their life at all. Instead, I'll just slot right in without a word, and they'll eventually see that I'm perfect, they'll wonder what they ever did without me, and that's what love is.

I know this isn't healthy, and I see it all now. But then... then all that mattered was me making them happy, regardless of the toll it was having on my health, on my mental state. 

Any grown man would have seen what I was doing and called me on it. Instead, these boys took advantage and played with my head even more. Slightly broken, and slightly bruised (ego-wise), I made a decision to just stop. I even remember saying to a close friend "I'm done with the whole SL dating thing, every time I meet a man I like they allow me to forget what it is I love to do, they don't support me, and they poke fun at my interests. Fuck this. Punch me next time I tell you about that awesome new guy I like, please?" 

And then Santi came along.

I wasn't interested at all.

In fact, it took two good friends to tell me to give him a chance before I even acknowledged him, but rather than him jumping up and down, forcing himself on me, he stood patiently waiting for the moment I would see him - and then, I did.

Things aren't easy all the time, and we've had a couple of bumps, but I no longer have that bad feeling in my stomach.

I don't worry that I'm going to oversleep and he's going to have left me 12 emails, 6 voice messages and a thousand skype texts asking me who i'm fucking and threatening me.

I'm not making myself sick when he hangs up on me, because it's not leading to another 3-day absence where he could be 'cheating' on me.

He doesn't get jealous when I explain to him that the reason I am the way I am is because of shitbags I've just described, and he'll rationalize and take that pain away for me for a while, and most of all, I know that unconditionally, he is there for me (unless his sodding internet gives out!).

In just a few short months, he has begun to help me undo and understand what I have been through with past relationships simply by allowing me to talk about them with him and get through the "Why am I like this?" crap. I've never, ever thought of myself as an insecure person, and it's not just "SL" people who I have had issues with in the past, it's RL too... 

Essentially, what I'm trying to say is, if it makes your tummy turn, if it causes you any sort of anxiety to be in the relationship you're in, for the sake of yourself and your sanity, run away. There are ups and downs in every relationship, sure, but you know if you're in a good one, and if you can escape the bad one, you need to find the strength to do it. Being alone isn't that bad, and I believe that there's got to be a Santi for everyone.

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : NOT FOUND - YUMI SKIN PEACH  (CATWA) @ Sense Event

Body Skin : [theSkinnery] Maitreya Skin Applier - peach

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyelids : L'Etre - Natural mesh eyelids

Ears : [MANDALA]SIMPLE_EARS_HUTUU

Earrings : :: SAGA :: Spring EarLoops 

Hair : #Foxy - Lovesick Hair 

Tattoo :  DAPPA  - Taisho Tattoo @ Kinky Event (open 28th Feb)

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

Harness & Lingerie :  #EMPIRE - Heart Harness (Previously @ The Fetish Fair, now closed, please allow time to transfer to main store location)

Gold.

Pose : Go&See * Cutie * 5

Location : Whimberly

Flowers :  *LODE*  Accessory - Mimosa Hand Accessory (Gacha) @ Chapter Four 

I peopled a lot today, so please, look at the pretties and just imagine I wrote all the things here before skipping down to find the Landmarks <3

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : NOT FOUND - YUMI SKIN PEACH  (CATWA) @ Sense Event

Body Skin : [theSkinnery] Maitreya Skin Applier - peach

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Applier : LOTUS. Origin Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

 Eyeshadow : Veechi - Mod Liner @ Uber

Headpiece : *LODE*  Head Accessory - Mimosa II (Gacha) @ Chapter Four 

Hair : Tableau Vivant \\ Laura hair @ Kustom9

Necklace & Earrings : .Oppa. Rose Belle Jewelry @ Enchantment

Shirt : BUENO-Grace Top @ Uber

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

Rings : Amala - The Madison Rings @ Kustom9

Shorts : .:villena:. - Laced Up Ripped Shorts 

Socks (Appliers) : {Luxuria} Kelly Sheer Knee Socks 

Shoes : BUENO-Pappos Flats

Always on your side.

Pose : FOXCITY. Beach Bunny-6

Props & Things : {moss&mink} Tropical Bliss (Gacha) @ The Gacha Garden

:Fanatik Architecture: Rocks & Cliffs DOVER 

Let me preface by shouting from the rooftops about how much I love Moss&Mink. This has been a love-affair since her very first release that I saw at the Fantasy Gacha Carnival almost two years ago. It was a delicious pair of fawn legs, along with a matching gacha of cute little accessories. When I bumped into the creator I literally squealed at her, exclaiming how amazing I thought her items were, and I left having added her to my friends list, but internally facepalming because I'm often super awkward, and wasn't entirely sure if she just thought I was some crazy lady. Turns out, she DOES think I'm a crazy lady, and I'm okay with that, because technically she's not wrong. However, she's not just an awesome creator, she's a fabulous friend, too. She's constantly improving on the items she's creating, seriously, all you have to do is take a look at her items and note the effort she puts in to incorporate as many tastes as she can, while staying true to her cute little brand. It has been absolutely delightful to grow with her (maybe not to the same extent as she's growing, this woman is seriously talented, and I'm almost 100% certain she's going to virtually bitch slap me for this post, but I don't care). 

The items at Moss&Mink always push me a little, in a GOOD way. Part of the reason I enjoy blogging so much is because of creators like this, who make me think a little differently and push me out of my comfort zone sometimes. The creations always have the cutest little details and I'm never certain how it's best to incorporate all of the things and showcase them. so today I'm writing an essay of epic proportions to combat that I suppose! I've included a photo of just the set-up I  made without my av being a photo-whore and stealing any of the spotlight (although this Evani set IS to die for, and the jeans, which are fast becoming my favourite brand of jeans, are amazingly fitted and both the sweater and the pants are beautifully textured.) and hopefully you'll be able to see the sparkles, the bubbles, the textures involved and lovingly caressed across the low-prim (and low price) mesh, the sparkles on the trellis actually sparkle (in the right windlight) and the sparkles on the wooden floor by the hot-tub actually sparkle too. There's also some cute bubbles in the jacuzzi-hot-tub thingie, and over-all I just want to squee over the cuteness and drape my avatar across all the things in an attempt at being just as adorable as these cute THINGS!

See? {moss&mink} adorables!

Also shown : [NC] - Tropical Palm Trees

LB_CatTail

LB_SpringBrise

hive // trawler boat wrecked

All of the things! :

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : NOT FOUND - YUMI SKIN PEACH  (CATWA) @ Sense Event

Body Skin : [theSkinnery] Maitreya Skin Applier - peach

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Applier : LOTUS. Origin Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

Hair : TRUTH / Carla V2 Truth VIP Gift

Outfit : EVANI - ANITA sweater & EVANI - ANITA jeans @ Kustom9

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

Rings : Amala - The Madison Rings @ Kustom9

New technology.

Pose : FOXCITY. Steamy-4m

Background : ///BENJAMINZ/// CTRL BACKDROP @ Rewind 

Toro. Stacked Television {White Noise} (Gacha)

I'm not really one to get my nipples out without due cause, but this outfit just made all kinds of sense to me. It's a little bit naughty and a lot fantastic... and I feel like maybe I'm missing some of that fantastical stuffs lately, and with the fantasy gacha carnival thingies going on, sometimes regular posts can look a little bland.

This look shows more items from the Y2K round of Rewind, and I'm absolutely loving the ErschxOppa set (There are earrings and a necklace not shown, too).

It's a gacha and it's so different that as soon as it popped up I just KNEW it was going to be fun to photograph. As usual, my anxious little brain has been whirring with ideas surrounding the items, and finally I settled upon this. Tada!

I'm always slightly wary of wearing skins that aren't my RL race. I'm almost literally the whitest white girl in the history of white people. I've been bought up in the most white-collar, English way possible for my generation, and I am mostly pretty ignorant to the struggles of many other races. The last thing on my mind is making people uncomfortable or awkward because of a way that I portray an item, and I really hope that I do justice to the skins and pretties that I find across the grid. If you choose to look at this post, or any of my posts for any reason, just know that I am attempting to make art, regardless of race, colour, gender stereotypes or roles. I want so badly to bridge ALL the gaps and have a world where nothing matters except lifting people up and making others happy, but not at the expense of ourselves... but I know realistically this is just a dream for how the world works right now.

That being said, this skin is truly beautiful, as are all the items portrayed in today's post. I am absolutely thrilled with the outcome of the photograph, and only hope you enjoy what I have bought you. xoxo

All of the things : 

Body Hands : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : NOT FOUND - YUMI SKIN PEACH  (CATWA) @ Sense Event

Body Skin : [theSkinnery] Maitreya Skin Applier - peach

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyes : Hayaru  - Jung mesh eyes 

Ears :  ^^Swallow^^  Dragon Ears @ Kustom9

Lipstick : .{PSYCHO:Byts}. Sadayakko Lipstick

Hair : booN Lab.004 hair

Headpiece & Wings : ERSCH & .Oppa.- TV Angel Gacha @ Rewind 

Nipples : !~SV~! Nipples 

Corset & Nipple Tags : ::Axix:: Tomoe's Ofuda&Bodysuit @ BoundBox Feb'18 

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

Shoes & Socks : =Zenith=Xiang Mo Boots (Red) -Maitreya (Gacha)

See ya later, boy.

Pose & Board : Bounce This Poses - Carving (Hand poses in Maitreya hud)

Location : Rhea's Skateboard Park & Stoner Hangout

So if you're not aware there's a "Rewind" event going on at the moment, and the theme is Y2K.

Initially, I was sorta kinda wary about this for no other reason than sometimes it's really difficult to keep the theme relevant in a blog post, and I really, really like to try and make my pictures tell a story that is relevant. I'm kinda anally retentive like that. *nod  nods*

This Outfit from Miss Chelsea made my heart fill with happy. As always, the quality is outstanding. I absolutely LOVE the capri-style pants, all the pockets, the wrinkly elasticated bottoms, everything screams to me as something that late-teen RL Pickle would wear. Also, the necktie, SO spot on for the Y2K theme, and as soon as I'd paired it with the Beusy hair, and Semller Socks & Shoes, I was screaming "OMG I'M A SKATER GIRL" and it all finally came together.

I was never very good at skate-boarding. My brothers had a couple of those tiny little mini-skateboard things (i'm sure they have a name, but no idea what they are), and I remember falling off it for weeks and finally giving up and watching them do some simple tricks, moping.

This definitely gave me Avril Lavigne vibes, and I know the song is a little later than Y2K, but not so much you'll hate me for it, I hope. Poor Santi has been listening to me sing "Skater Boi" for about three hours now, so I hope it gets stuck in your heads too! :P

All the things below xoxo

All the things : 

Body Hands : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Moccino - Catwa Skin Applier - Maria

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Applier : LOTUS. Origin Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

Eyeliner : Veechi - White Waterline Liner [Catwa] @ Rewind 

Birthmark : [okkbye] bold birthmarks

Ears :  ^^Swallow^^  Dragon Ears @ Kustom9

Hair : Beusy: Mija Hairstyle [Bun Version] @ Kustom9

Outfit : .miss chelsea. Brit Set @ Rewind 

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

Shoes & Socks : Semller - 011 Gacha White Sneakers

A little guard.

Pose & Tiger : Poseidon Savage Lands 10 (Gacha) @ Fantasy Gacha Carnival

Staff : Dahlia - Umrae - Staff - RARE @ Fantasy Gacha Carnival

Background items & Necklace : Violetility - Mordred Gacha @ Fantasy Gacha Carnival

This is a post I've had in my head for a while, and I actually tried super hard for about 6 hours one day to make this happen, but that day my face just wasn't having it. Today, I'm surprised because this came about with ease. Sometimes it's just like that and you need to pack up and try again later.

I'm showcasing a lot more items from Fantasy Gacha Carnival, and this amazeballs tattoo is from this round of Bodyfy. Both of these events have been longstanding sponsors for my blog and I'm super proud to have them on my list.

Making this about me (because this is my blog and I can), I try to apply for stores and events that I know I will have a genuine love for. I don't apply willy-nilly to every store that pops up on my feed looking for bloggers and every time I get accepted I really see it as an honor, and I strive to showcase any product I am given honestly and in their best light - that being said, if I truly disliked any product, it would not be featured on my blog. I'm aware I'm a very lucky girl to have such wonderful store owners supporting me so that I can support them with my silly little photographs. I just hope that you, dear reader, can see the quality of the products on show, too.

However, being a "blogger" regardless of your "sponsors" or the length of time you've been doing it, is definitely a labor of love. You can't jump into blogging and expect to be given things immediately. You can't start a blog and then have ALL of your clothing, skin, hair, shape, backgrounds & accessories provided for you through the kind donations of sponsors, you actually have to purchase items. Add to that when you do manage to gain a few sponsors the fact that you will need to showcase their items, it can be quite pricey - and that's sort of where i'm leaving this. I believe the expectation is that as a blogger you get a bunch of awesome stuff for free and then you're set for SL Life because yanno, you're a bigshot! But there are SO many bloggers, so much competition and such a high expectation now, it is becoming harder and harder to stay focused, relevant and on trend.

I hope you find some pleasure in my work, because I do. Rest assured if that feeling of joy ever dissipates, I will move on, but for now and for the forseeable future this blog is going to remain a big part of who Pickle is.

All of the things : 

Body Hands : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Moccino - Catwa Skin Applier - Maria

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Applier : LOTUS. Kitten Eyes

Ears : Random.Matter - Haruhi Ears

Hair : .:EMO-tions:. * LATY * (Gacha) @ Fantasy Gacha Carnival

Headpiece : Dahlia - Umrae - Headpiece - RARE (Gacha) @ Fantasy Gacha Carnival

Tattoo (Upper & Face) : IMMODEST::Primitive:: @ Bodyfy

Chain Bikini : [V-Tech]Azagh (Gacha) @ Fantasy Gacha Carnival

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

My sins need holy water.

Santi's Pose (Left): Go&See * Gallant * 1

Man-Pickle's Pose (Right):  Go&See * Gallant * 5

More info on the video below!

The poses I've used today are from  Go&See, and well, they're not ACTUALLY poses. They're very slightly animated with bento, which is amazing, because how many of you guy-things are hungry for more AO stands that don't parade you around like a hungry Lion? Yes. Exactly.

I think many guys struggle to find new, quality things to wear in SL. I'm not sure it's because there's a lack of designers, because TMD  alone showcases some amazing talent, but when you are willing to actually spend time on your appearance, it's really kind of easy to find different looks. The problem I have encountered with the guys I have helped make-over, is that there is often an aura of "I can't wear that, I'll look ridiculous" when actually, with the right pairing of accessories, I don't think ANYTHING looks ridiculous in SL. It's about expression!

It's always baffled me that so many people are willing to portray themselves as something different attitude-wise, but ask them to wear something different to what they would in RL and all hell breaks loose.

On that note, InstaDoms, please stick to your shiny belt buckles, long flexi hair and master tags. If you're easy to spot, you're also easy to avoid. ♥

All of the things, Pickle : 

Body, Hands & Feet : [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body 

Skin : STRAY DOG -  SHIRO @ TMD 

Head :  CATWA HEAD Stanley 

Eyes : LOTUS. Origin Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

Ears : ^^Swallow^^ Gauged Ears

Hairbase :  Modulus - from another hair pack, may or may not be included with purchase of Stefan hair, demo first!

Hair : Modulus - Stefan Hair @ TMD 

Glasses : MINIMAL - Edward Glasses @ TMD 

Nosebleed : -SU!  Nosebleed

Necklace : ///BENJAMINZ//FROZEN @ TMD 

Tattoo : DAPPA - Akuma Tattoo. @ Man Cave

Pants : .: Tori Torricelli :. Logan Pants @ TMD 

Boots : .: Tori Torricelli :. Logan Boots @ TMD 

For Santi's look check out his blog (soon) ThisGuy'sEye

It's not over.

Pose : Go&See * BeMineValentine * Couple Pose @ Chapter Four (Hidden Chapter)

So I'm not gonna lie, I had a whole lot more planned for the above photograph. I originally green-screened the thing, but somewhere along my process I was smart enough to make the background white, despite cutting the green out, and by the time I'd figured out I'd royally effed up it was too late. I tried to do the whole "Let's cut around this picture" thing, but honestly, i'm not mad at how this came out, so you're just gonna be kinda stuck with your bog-standard blank background postie, and rest assured that I am still trying to learn allthenewthings and do sometimes make mistakes (shh! If anyone I know finds out I said that my reputation as a hard-ass, no-nonsense perfectionist will be ruined!).

There's a bunch of cool stuff shown in this pic today, and I want to start with the Saga jewelry set. I applied to blog for this brand thinking there was absolutely no way in heck that I'd be accepted, and honestly, I am stunned and overwhelmed with the fact that I was chosen to represent them. The quality is amazing, and trust me, because I'm picky af. Not only are there amazingly intricate mesh designs, but there's also some fabulous hud colours, of both the metals and the butterfly-wings on the earrings. I can't do these justice, but I can and will shout to the high heavens about the value you are getting when you purchase these items. Seriously. The heart-hands are appropriate!

I fell in love with this set of eyes from Lotus. I blogged them yesterday, and as usual, I'm left wondering if I'll ever want to take them out of my head (Things you can only say in reference to SL, huh?), this colour specifically was perfect for me, and the toning... uggghh, again, heart hands! There are plenty to chose from, and they're available in gacha form, so they're perfect for gifting or exchanging.

The cute little knotted tee is by Miss Chelsea. It's a free group gift and comes with a 4 colour hud. Did you see what I wrote? FREE. GROUP. GIFT. Run!! Grab it, pick it up! Miss Chelsea can barely do wrong in my eyes, their mesh has always been high quality & their textures are sublime, so grab the group, grab the freebies (there's more than just this shirt on the counter!!) and make sure you stay updated so that you can be as addicted as I am!

A lot of the time, dressing casually causes me great pains, but this outfit came together surprisingly easily once I'd added the Foxy hair. Part of me always wants to fatpack Foxy, because they're another brand that I absolutely adore, and are completely on my blogger bucket list. I have watched them expand from adorable little accessories which were always must have pieces, to the mega-hair-brand they now are, and it's been wonderful to watch the progress & the following the brand has garnered. 

Check out the LMs of everything, along with unedited pictures below. ♥

All of the things : 

Body Hands : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Moccino - Catwa Skin Applier - Maria

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Applier : LOTUS. Origin Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

Eyeliner : Veechi - White Waterline Liner [Catwa] @ Rewind 

Birthmark : [okkbye] bold birthmarks

Ears : Random.Matter - Haruhi Ears

Hair : #Foxy - Kels Hair @ Kustom9

Earrings :  :: SAGA ::  Butterfly Effect Earrings @ Kustom9

Necklace : :: SAGA ::  Swirl NeckRing @ Kustom9

Shirt : .miss chelsea. Judi Top Group Gift

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One

Pants : .:villena:. - Distressed Skinny Jeans

Sneakers : :PARKER: CHRIS SNEAKERS.

In the moment.

Pose : FOXCITY. Bouquet (VIP Gift)
Bouquet : :: Scandalize:: GIFT ROSES 

Background & Furniture things : Trompe Loeil - Margaux Photo Backdrop + Surround @ FaMESHed
Chandelier : Refuge - Carnegie Lighting
Chairs : Refuge - Vintage Fur Chair
Balloons : Sese - Balloons sweet & Sese - Cute Heart (Gacha) @ The Chapter Four
Curtain & Lights: {moss&mink} Drop Curtain (NEW LANDMARK!)
Table : +Half-Deer+ Valentine Tea Table
Teaset : Fancy Decor: Proper Tea Set

This post has been a bit confusing to work out how to express. I knew I wanted to do something with Santi, but I wasn't sure how. I also didn't really want to do your typical Valentine's post ON Valentines day... and I'm going to explain both of these things.. so bear with.

Addressing the fact that I didn't want to do anything loveydovey on Valentines day is going to be difficult, which is probably why it's a couple of days after the event that this is finally coming together. 

I'm sure there are many people like me who although they may adore the 'idea' of Valentines day, the actual day itself has always lacked. I don't mean anything super negative has happened, it hasn't... but I've been alone for so long without a partner in either RL or SL on Valentines that it had become another day for those coupled up people to rub it in my face that they were celebrating with someone who they love, while I was on the couch with my ice cream, wondering if Cupid was ever going to visit me.

This year, I didn't want to be one of those lovey dovey couples just because I have a Santi. I even caused a massively dramatic scene the day before that exhausted me, purely because in my experience ANY "Holiday" has had a negative context when I have been in a relationship with anyone. The last really good Valentines day I can remember has been when I was 16, and back then, it mattered because of teenage angst and knowing someone liked me enough to give me a card and spent his last £1.50 on a banana milkshake from McDonalds for me was more than I could have wished for. (I don't even like banana milkshake, but to this day, I don't think the guy knows that!!)

I also don't buy into the whole "This one day makes up for the rest of the year where I don't tell you that I love you. and I'm only buying you a gift because I feel like I absolutely have to thanks to the hugely advertised day that today is and if I don't you might physically hurt me" or something maybe less sensational.

So I did what I always do, and over-talked Santi into an explanation of "Although I get the appeal of Valentines day, I don't want presents and I'm not just saying I don't want presents I really really don't want presents, but I do want to spend the day with you are you confused yet?" kinda thing, because I do not want ANYONE to feel like gifts they are getting are because some person a long time ago decided lovers needed to express their love on this specific one day a year. I want gifts I get, or gifts I give to be personal and given purely because I popped in their mind at -that- point. Not out of obligation.

Lawd. Take a breath, Pickle.

For the actual blog post, I wanted to make it somehow different, and luckily this dress from CandyDoll totally allows for that.

It loosely connects to Santi's blog "This Guy's Eye" that you can find >Here<.

As you can see from his post, he's wandering along to my house. I want you to imagine me peeking out of the window, seeing that view and snapping a quick photo to remember that moment. Then skip along to my top picture... Santi has handed me the bouquet, and snapped a quick picture of me, along with the special tea I've prepared for him.

Naturally, after some cake and a cup of tea, things have progressed, and you'll see below, they're becoming a little heated... what happens next isn't suitable for my blog. :P

As usual, more details below ♥

Pose : HERA Sensual Couples Pose #3
Santi's Blog

All of the things :

Body Hands : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Moccino - Catwa Skin Applier - Maria (Shout out to Moccino for some amazing customer service, too!)

Head : CATWA Lona

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Applier : LOTUS. Origin Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

Birthmark : [okkbye] bold birthmarks

Ears : Random.Matter - Haruhi Ears

Earrings :  :: SAGA :: Valentine Heart Earrings (Free Group Gift, available for purchase without group)

Hair : [RA] Rachel Hair - Essential

Necklace & Choker : Kibitz - Love necklaces - gold

Dress : _CandyDoll_ Layla Dress (Note: Dress comes with two versions included, open & closed. Open shown on bottom photo & will give a view of your netherbits!) @ Collabor88

Rings : Kibitz - Love rings - gold

Boots : _CandyDoll_ Layla Boots @ Collabor88