Less important.

Pose : FOXCITY. Stairs (Sitting)-4m

Background & Props : FOXCITY. Photo Booth - A Fool's Paradise

{what next} Wall Hanging Plant #1

{what next} Oasis Bloom - Prickly Pear Cactus Planter

{what next} Oasis Bloom - Tall Cactus Planter   

dust bunny . quirky planters . llama

{what next} Oasis Bloom - Succulent Planter

dust bunny . quirky planters . cactus

dust bunny . quirky planters . snail 

dust bunny . quirky planters . hedgehog   

I had a conversation with someone recently that made me think again about who I want to be and where I want to go, and although I feel like without a doubt there have been some positive changes, I do feel like I need to address something that has niggled me for the longest time.

Life isn't fair.

I get that certain people are capable of "playing the game", and therefore they'll be the ones who seemingly succeed, which kinda makes their lives enviable to some... but I can't ever be that person again, if I ever was. The only way I have ever been able to achieve anything is to work my ass off, and as my friend mentioned to me in our conversation, I've worn many hats, especially within SL and whenever I felt like I was heading in a direction that didn't suit me, I think I may have intentionally shot myself in the butt to prevent it from happening. Still, in terms of blogging and photography, no matter how hard I try, how much I think I have improved, my not playing the game hurts me in terms of exposure.

Now, this may seem like I'm sitting here whining that I'm incredibly unpopular, but I'm not. I'm just using this platform as an example of what is changing for me, and how I'm viewing things... and in terms of blogging and many, many other things in my life that I'm not 'there' yet with, I fucking LOVE doing it. Because I love doing this, I will continue to do this. I will not circle jerk and I will stay the eff away from drama surrounding any activity I enjoy. I'm more than happy to work at my own pace now and although that jealousy monster might occasionally rear it's ugly head, it's power is fading daily, and I feel as though each "Congratulations" I pass on to someone else is more genuine than the last.

If others decide to play games, I'll no doubt see it, but it's not my life... it's theirs, and they have every right to live the way they see fit. 

If you love what I do, that's a bonus... but I want to hold my head high and walk with integrity.

So, yeah, life isn't fair, but it does give us a chance to show our worth and I'm finally figuring out what mine is. I'm priceless. And so are you.

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Head : GENUS Project (Original)

Skin : . MILA . Neave Skin [Honey] GENUS 

Eyes : -SU!- Medora Eyes /Glitch Wasted (Gacha)

Eyeliner : Veechi - Basic Glossy Liner

Ears : L'Etre - Crystal mesh ears 

Hair :  -Fabia- Mesh Hair   < Andy> @ Rewind (opens 20th March)

Tattoo : DAPPA - Rachel Tattoo. @ Equal10

Shirt : #SHOOK - Thotiana Top @ Level Event

Shorts : BUENO-Spring Shorts @ Kustom9

Sneakers : Native - Another 1 Sneakers 

Fix these kinks.

Pose : ::: FF(Now Ana Poses) - singel pose - gaming

Props : .miss chelsea. Joli Sheer Curtain (Gacha)

{moss&mink} Modern Princess - Beaded Lamp (Light) (Gacha)

{moss&mink} Geo Computer (Pink)  @  A+ Event

+Half-Deer+ Book Clutter II - Pastel - Messy Row @ soiree

+Half-Deer+ Book Clutter II - Pastel - Messy Stack Big @ soiree

BUENO-Headphones-White

Garbaggio // Pickle (Custom, from a super awesome frand! Thank you beautiful!)

dust bunny . secretary desk 

[Fetch] RudeAF Candy Stool - Nah (Gacha)

NS::  Pom Pom Fluffy Rabbit @ Fluffy Kawaii

Happy Monday! 

I know there'd usually be a man-Pickle or at least a Durex in this post, but obviously today they're both missing, and you're left with some nude Pickle butt. Not sorry!

I think I may have discussed this previously, but I have -diagnosed by a therapist- Borderline Personality Disorder and lately, I've been watching some online videos regarding this uh.. condition? Personality? I don't even know what to call it because "Mental Issue" just sounds eeky and like I'm ready to stab someone with a machete at any moment, which really isn't the case... (mostly).

I'm not sure how many of you will identify with this disorder, but I'm sure there will be a few of you that even though you don't have this condition, you may relate on some level, because let's face it, you don't have to be bonkers to feel some type of way sometimes. Anywho, specifically referring to the issues I've always experienced with maintaining healthy friendships and relationships, I've learned that the a lot of the traits I have there are actually borderline traits, and I'd like to talk about that a little. Now, don't for a moment think that just because I'm talking about this, and you potentially identify with something similar that you have Borderline, but if you do your own research and feel like you might, I highly recommend talking to your doctor or therapist and finding out for certain. don't diagnose yourself for lawds sake!

So according to my research, as a person with Borderline, I'm unable to stay in a grey area when it comes to people and their actions... and this has proven to be true a LOT recently. I have a tendency to be either "Yep, they're awesome" or "Nope, avoid", and people that sit within that grey area for me are kinda irrelevant and I am unable to focus on.. but honestly, that grey area is TEENY TINY in the grand scheme of things, I'll either decide immediately that I like or dislike you, or I'll fold you into the grey area of "I don't mind you.. BUT." 

There's also the huge issue of being unable to see past black and white, like "Hey I like you today" but when your actions don't match your words, I can't quite compute that, and suddenly you're a terrible person and now I'm ranting and trying to understand why it is I think you're a terrible person when actually, you've only done one minor thing that isn't -perfect- but I can't unsee it and now I'm spiraling and OMG!

So I knew I did these things. More recently, I have been desperately trying to understand why I have always felt like this, and it was only thanks to the accidental youtube binge I went on that I discovered it was most definitely a borderline trait.

Now, I'm not saying that because it's a part of my 'mental illness' it's something that I (or you by proxy) should just deal with - I really don't feel that way at all. However, it does allow me to forgive myself for the past issues I've had with friendships and relationships, and now I'm fully aware that it is part of my brain malfunctioning, I will hopefully be in a position to correct it as it happens. 

That being said, it does leave me in a bit of a tizz when I think about it, because now I really do second guess myself, but as I said to Potato a couple of days ago, "When I get that bad feeling in the pit of my stomach about a person, does it really matter if it's just my borderline?" I guess I'll keep you updated!

I may refer to my "Midlife Crisis" fairly often, but it really is a journey of self-discovery, and of self acceptance and improvement. I am not perfect. I will never BE perfect... but I can be better and I really feel like the greater the understanding I have of my mental illness, the more facets of it I can work on, and ANYONE who is mad at personal improvement is just not worth worrying about.

Have a beautiful day, Spoonies.

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body Hands & Feet: -Belleza- Freya

Head : CATWA Magy

Skin : Go&See * Laura * @ Gloss

Eyes : LOTUS. Beauty Eyes @ Equal10

Hair : booN Lab.009 hair

Tattoo : DAPPA - Persempre Tattoo. @ Equal10

Tell the whole world.

Pose : FOXCITY. Carefree-6m 75L fatpack for The Saturday Sale

Decor :  {moss&mink} Vintage store 

dust bunny . mini christmas tree

dust bunny . present pile

 {moss&mink} Winter Dream Sled for FaMESHed GO

I have so many THINGS to show you! I'm actually not even going to attempt to waffle today, instead I'm going to show you the things, ok? Ok!

So Moss&Mink came out with a couple of fabulous additions recently... the first is "La Piche Moussue" in collaboration with the Peaches hot chocolate set that I showed you somewhere.. maybe >Here< ? Anywho, the store is bloody gorgeous. So gorgeous that I'm keeping it full time on my homestead. Twice. Not only does it include the building which I've kinda shown in the first picture (you can unlink & remove the snowy top, so the store can be used throughout the seasons), but it also comes with matching inside pieces to mix & match too. There are three versions of the store, a white with red trim 'Nordic' version that is perfect for the Holiday season, the 'Worn' Blue shown, and a white and gold trim 'Clean' option... along with a selection of different coloured matching counters and displays.

There's also the super cute Sleigh, which has an unlinkable snow prim not shown. It has tons of animations in for both singles and couples, and I can see this being a welcome addition to any home or garden during the winter months.

In other stores, Miss Chelsea has provided this snug cardigan and tee combination in two colours (Sold separately) for 50L friday. Yah, it's Saturday, but I checked a couple of hours ago and it was still available for the special 50L price! I really love the detailing of Miss Chelsea's items, and this cardigan has such cute elbows I almost squealed!

The Native Urban Sneakers can be found at Uber, and have an insane colour hud! Well worth the price point, and definitely one to put in your shopping cart!

All of the things : 

Body : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Head : GENUS Project (babyface)

Skin : Insol: Nina applier @ Kustom9 

Eyeshadow : Veechi (I'm really not sure which one, but it's a liner and it's probably for LOGO head because that works with the omega system in the Genus head)

Ears : L'Etre - Crystal mesh ears 

Hair : Moon. Hair. // Consume 75L for The Saturday Sale

Tattoo : DAPPA - Pleasures Tattoo. @ Kinky Event (28th Dec)

Cardigan/Top : .miss chelsea. Tati Cardi For 50L Friday

Pants : Blueberry - Cake Leggings 

Sneakers : Native - MKJ Sneakers @ Uber

A better time.

Pose, bowl & whisk : FOXCITY. Breakfast Bento Pose (Previously at Uber)

Decor (Hold on to your hats!) : {moss&mink} Christmas Cookie Mix for LTD Christmas, available @ the mainstore.

Sari-Sari - Gingerbread Men

dust bunny . at home baking . bag of sugar

DRD - The Bakers Fail - Cake Counter (Note : Sim Sale! Up to 75% off!)

Apple Fall Pan Rack

Apple Fall Handbag & Scarf

Mutresse-Fascinated-Witty Cats

Bazar - Torronto-Slippers

*Tentacio* Mia's bakery pet 1 (Gacha)

Taken in the Scarlet Creative Magicae House

Season's Greetings Spoonies! (I've decided that I need a name for you lovely readers, you can thank my new-found adoration of Youtube and tutorials, and the fact that people like James Charles call their supporters and subscribers SISTERS and uh, things.)

Today I am actually thrilled with the way this picture came out. I love it all, so excuse me while I toot my own horn reveling in the lighting and basically everything. I really hope I'm turning a corner with my photography, sometimes I feel like I 'get it' and other times it just falls a bit short. 

Durex has popped up again, so make sure you say hi! He's obviously me. So basically I'm just asking you to pay attention to me twice. *blinks*

I slept too much today which has led me to being awake at 3am, and writing this absolutely insane blog post. However, things are better than good for me right now, and I am genuinely okay. I feel like it's been a while since I could say that and mean it, so that's really, really lovely.

If you're struggling, just know you're not alone. Know that there are others who have been in similar shoes, and you are strong enough to get through whatever trials you're currently facing.

I truly believe in flipping that switch in your brain from "Oh no, I can't." to "Oh, maybe one day." to "Fuck yes, I can!", just remember, it's not gonna happen over night, and despite taking two steps forwards and one step back... you're making progress and that deserves to be celebrated.

xoxo

Let's not talk about Pickle's lazy eyes, ok? Thankyousomuch. ♥

All of the things, Durex : 

Body: [SIGNATURE] Gianni - Mesh Body

Skin : Not Found - Robert Skin 

Head :  CATWA HEAD Skell

Hair : [INK] Hair_TAIT @ TMD

Beard & Scar : IDTTY Faces - Sharp Beard [CUT]

Tattoo : DAPPA - Descend Tattoo. @ ManCave

Sweatpants : Lenox Arctic Pants @ TMD

All of the things, Pickle : 

Body Hands & Feet: -Belleza- Freya

Head : GENUS Project (babyface)

Skin : Insol: Nina applier @ Kustom9 

Hair : bonbon - vina hair - (FREE GIFT!)

Ears : L'Etre - Crystal mesh ears 

Bra top : BUENO-Crochet Bikini 

Dress : *Tentacio* Mia's bakery dress (Gacha) - (Note : This is made for maitreya, but i managed to fit it over my belleza freya shape with minimal clipping (countered with my body hud). The bra included with the dress does NOT fit belleza freya)

Here she goes again!

Pose : ++Vetrovian  Poses - Christmas Trick++

Decor : dust bunny . present pile

dust bunny . vintage sleigh . with gifts

DRD lazy Christmas chair

DRD christmas decoration - #WHATEVER

*HEXtraordinary* Nope Cat - Mistletoe Hat

{anc} NOEL. :  tears tree / 9Li RARE

I'm stealing people left and right at the moment, and I'm not even sorry! Today I'm joined by Maka, who is mostly naked around me.

OK... calm down! He started it by using a candycane for his man-bit and I just continued the theme in the name of Christmas! You're very welcome for this most recent show of his manhood!

Yesterday I wrote a bit that lead to a whole different wave of thinking, because hi, I'm Pickle, and my brain never stops.

For a long, long time I've felt absolutely fucking exhausted. I've spoken many times about my spoons, (original post >Here<) and how sometimes I just don't have the energy to deal with people, but recently I've made some changes in my life which has enabled me to spend more time with people who don't take from my cutlery drawer and who enrich my life... and I've also noticed that I've been more open to meeting and spending time with people who aren't directly "in my circle".

I really feel as though this is a direct result of cutting loose those who take. Granted, just because I feel drained by someone, doesn't mean everyone is going to be drained by them. Still, because I'm no longer hiding from those who constantly demand my attention and 'services', I have more space in my life to do things I actually want to do.

I'm not saying this is entirely the fault of other people, either. It's taken me a while to figure out that just because you CAN do something for someone else, doesn't mean you should.. and you should never feel like you have to agree or disagree with something, just because you feel like it's the right thing to do for them. Selfish is something I have always struggled with, and in an attempt to be selfLESS, I was giving too much through fear of not being accepted by others... and the real acceptance had to come from me.

Lawd.

Am I on my soapbox again?

I use this blog sometimes as an outlet, and I know that a lot of this won't make sense to everyone, but it helps me to figure out what's going on with the changes I'm making for me.. and if anyone relates then that's a bonus.

-kicks the soapbox and wanders off-

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Head : GENUS Project (babyface)

Skin : Go&See * Candy * For Powder Pack

Blush : Avoixs - Winter Blushes @ B U S A N

Lipstick : Go&See * AmCold * Lipstick ~ Genus @ Girl Power

Eyes :   LOTUS. Nocturnal Eyes (previously at N21) 

Hair : bonbon - kelly hair 

Hat : [Atomic] Happy Hats_Let's Be Festive! - Tree Trimmings 2 @ The Epiphany

Glasses : NS::  DeerLove SHADES (1L Gift!)

Tattoo : DAPPA - Machina Tattoo.@ B U S A N

Stockings & Lights : :Moon Amore: FALALALA Socks&Lights (Cherry)

Leave the light on.

Pose & Mug : MVT - Stay cozy 01 @ SaNaRae

Decor : {moss&mink} Bethany Sofa & {moss&mink} Bethany Chair A For FaMESHedGO

{moss&mink} Ruffle Curtains (Updated with new textures!)

{moss&mink} All that Glitters - Christmas Tree (classic) RARE (Gacha)

{moss&mink} All that Glitters - Gift Pile (classic) (Gacha)

{moss&mink} All that Glitters - Candle Red (Gacha)

{moss&mink} All that Glitters - Bauble Terrarium (classic) (Gacha)

{moss&mink} All that Glitters - Deer (classic) (Gacha)

{moss&mink} Heart stud table - Dark

Kalopsia - Joy, Love, Peace & Believe Sign

dust bunny . wood stove . black (Gacha)

JIAN Countryside Collies :: Family Rug (Gacha)

In fairness, I absolutely hate festivities before Dec 1st, however, when Moss&Mink dropped this Couch & Chair set, I needed to make a warm and cosy Christmassy area that you could cuddle up in contentedly.

The beauty of the Moss&Mink brand is that no matter what your purchase, and no matter what your taste, you can make items fit with their insane colour/pattern hud, and whether you like your entire house to match or just one room, you can make that happen.

With that said, there aren't multiple options when you purchase from Moss&Mink, there's one item (two, if there are pg and adult options), one extraordinarily reasonable price and the colour hud is usually included, so you can create your pastel dream, your classic perfection, or as above, an invitingly seasonal area for a few friends to gather together and bask in stylish comfort.

Happy friday, guys! ♥

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Head : GENUS Project (Babyface)

Skin : Go&See *  Aiko  * @ Harajuku

Eyes : LOTUS. Daylight Eyes @ The Arcade (Opening Dec 1st)

Hair : tram G0616 hair

Sweater :  #EMPIRE - Xmas - Sweater - Ugly @ The Arcade (Opening Dec 1st)

Shorts : BUENO-Nin Shorts

Tights : The Secret Store - Polka Tights (Applier)

Leg Warmers :: .miss chelsea. Nola Legwarmers  @ N21

I'll be there.

Pose : *!R.O!* Ignored BENTO Couple Pose (includes teddy & controller)

Background & Props : Trompe Loeil - Margaux Photo Backdrop + Surround

dust bunny . giant palm plant

dust bunny . spicy fiesta @ Uber

{vespertine}- aglaonema plant.

{vespertine}- aloe vera plant.

BUENO-Pizza Boxes

BUENO-Gamer- OG

BUENO-Cooler Bangers-Seoul Beer

Junk Food - Hexbox 1 Scattered Games

Junk Food - Hexbox Games Stack

ARIA - Brynn Leather Sofa

(epia) - Retro Television

Say hi again to Apple! She's featured once already in this blog, under the name of Kat, but because she's a happy little weirdo, she's changed her name to Apple so that we can be juicy together! Who wouldn't want a thick juicy Pickle and Apple combination?!

I know I've recently had a bit of a weep about my inability to maintain friendships, but Apple has been someone pretty darn constant for a fair few months, and she deserves a bit of a shout out.

When she first messaged me, I was kinda scared of her - I mean, she's gorgeous, right? Not only is she pretty af, but she's also absolutely freakin' hilarious. Legit! There's rarely a comment she makes where I don't LOL or OMG at her.

I think it helps that we have very similar humours, the drier and wittier the better - and she's an expert at one liners.

So, although I'm terrible at friendships, I'm also incredibly grateful for the ones that push through and remain despite my constant weirdness, the ones who hold me up when I'm feeling absolutely at my lowest and who let me obsess and rant and vent and over-talk until I'm feeling like the OGPickle. I only hope that I give you back half of what you guys give me!

xoxo

All of the things, Pickle (Left) :

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin (Head) : Not Found - Lia Skin Toffee (Catwa)

Skin (Body) : [TheSkinnery] Toffee

Head :  CATWA HEAD Catya

Eyes : -SU!- Ophelia Eyes Fatpack /ULTRARARE/ (Gacha)

Ears : L'Etre - Crystal mesh ears 

Lipstick : [PF] CATWA Lipstick - Queen Palette

Hair : tram H0813 hair

Tattoo : *Bolson / Token @ Uber

Shirt : Emery Nothing To Hide Crop Top @ Uber

Pants : .miss chelsea. Reba Pants for Saturday Sale

All of the things, Apple (Right) : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin (Head) : Not Found - Lia Skin Toffee (Catwa)

Skin (Body) : [TheSkinnery] Toffee

Head :  CATWA HEAD Catya

Hair : RAMA Salon - Amber Hair for Saturday Sale

Shirt :  [Fetch] Four little words tee 

Rings : **RE** Witchy Rings

Pants : .miss chelsea. Reba Pants for Saturday Sale

Slides : Mossu - Sparkle.Platforms

The first page.

Pose : FOXCITY. Formal VOL1-2m

Background items : A selection of noms from [V/W] Nobility Delights @ The Fantasy Gacha Carnival

dust bunny . wanderlust . blanket ladder (Gacha)

hive // hay bale w/blanket

Are you ready for the Fantasy Gacha Carnival? 

Tonight (6th August) at Midnight SLT, the doors open and you can shop! I'm always excited for this event, because it brings to light the importance of roleplay and fantasy in the SL community.

The theme of this round is Royalty, and as usual, you can grab more details including a list of designers, bloggers and a shopping guide > Here <

I've skipped the grey pictures again, I guess I'm becoming a member of TeamLazy lately, but I have added a close up of the gorgeous necklace and nails i'm wearing, so that you can see the details in those.

By the way, has anyone seen my Handsome Prince anywhere?

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : #Boataom :: Lisa Genus Applier

Head & Eyes: GENUS Project - Genus  Bento head  - Mocap (BETA!)

Eye Applier : Go&See * Babe * Genus Project Eyes 

Hair : TRUTH VIP Yuko (VIP Group Gift)

Necklace : Bliensen + MaiTai - Principessa - Necklace @ The Fantasy Gacha Carnival

Dress : SMD Lady Penelope Gown Set-Gown & SMD Lady Penelope Gown Set-Overskirt @ The Fantasy Gacha Carnival

Nails  & Rings : [VO.Z] Butterfly Dream Nails & [VO.Z] Thorns Rose Bento Rings @ The Fantasy Gacha Carnival

We shine.

Pose : FOXCITY. Stairs (Sitting)-2m 

Backdrop & Props : FOXCITY. Photo Booth - Cherry Blossom @ On9

nani - cherry bloom - labrador C-2 (Gacha) @ The Arcade

dust bunny . potted dragon tree @  Collabor88

I had a whole different post planned for today, but just before I turned off my PC and headed to bed yesterday, Miss Chelsea dropped this dress to their bloggers and everything changed.

I HAD to show this, because it's only 50L for 50L friday! You need to take advantage and go grab the things immediately! It's also available in a 'petrol' colour, and definitely worth a grab, because not only is the fit & quality exceptional as always, but it seems like the type of item you can dress up or down, so basically it's an inventory staple! 

I'm also absolutely in love with this Dappa tattoo. You may see this several times in my blog from today, because it's SO flippin' gorgeous, and it needs to be seen in it's entirety and not just as a sticky-out arm or leg. I was a bit cautious putting it on a darker skin tone, but even using my regular "faded" version favourite, I'm swooning. It's definitely a much more feminine tattoo, which is great, but I still think guys can pull this off, so don't be shy to try it out!

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body & Feet: -Belleza- Isis
Shape : Kaleidoscope : Shine Shape

Head : CATWA Catya

Skin : .: fiore :. STACY Catwa Applier 

Eyes :  CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eyebrows : Bossie. Annie eyebrows [catwa] 

Freckles : Bossie. freckles & beauty marks [catwa]

Eye Liner : . MILA . Princess of Darkness Makeup

Bindi & Septum : 3.  ^^Swallow^^  Supreme Gold and Strawberry 3 (Gacha)

Lipstick : [PF] CATWA LIPSTICK - Pure Matte (Purples)

Hairbase : Just Magnetized - Basic Hairbase - SPECIAL EDITION 03

Ears : Random.Matter - Haruhi Ears

Hair : #Foxy - Muse Hair  @ Kustom9 

Choker & Necklaces : Kibitz - Felicia's thick choker - RARE 1 (Gacha) @ Lootbox

Tattoo : DAPPA - Tsubasa Tattoo. @ Sanarae (Opens 26th March)

Dress : .miss chelsea. Lili Tee Dress 

Hands : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara (Yes you can wear your Maitreya hands! Activate SLINK FIT on the Belleza body, but be aware you WILL need omega/maitreya enabled appliers for skins & tattoos!)

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

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

Rings : (Yummy) Raining Diamonds

Shoes : _CandyDoll_ Gina Heels @ Fameshed

Rest assured.

Pose & Coffee : FOXCITY. GSits VOL1-7 

Doing things a little different today, because I can! Take a look at the pretties I used to create this scene!

Scenery itemstuffs - 

Amsterdamned Couch by Never Totally Dead @ RLD 

Skye Studios Enchanted Woods v2

*alirium* PuffyGrass (two colours)

dust bunny . natural habitat 3 . fatpack @ Collabor88

Shown : dust bunny . elephant ear plant

dust bunny . giant palm plant

dust bunny . potted dragon tree

dust bunny . potted sago palm

hive // potted plants . full set @ Collabor88

Shown : hive // potted plants . gold dust dracaenas

hive // potted plants . swiss cheese plant

hive // potted plants . cordyline tree

*alirium* DownyGrass (two colours)

When you apply for any new "sponsor" as a blogger, it's always a bit of a hit or miss situation. Being that I'm the super over-thinking bunny I am, I have learned a few things along the way. Let's discuss a couple of them!

Be patient!

I see so many "start" a blog, do a couple of posts, and then give up 2 months later. There's no shame in this. I tried two previous times before blogging stuck for me (no, I won't share the links, they're awful - even more awful than the posts at the start of this one!) What I have not done is immediately apply for sponsorship. There is so much to learn in terms of website details and promotion (a lot of which I STILL don't understand, and many, many people are far superior to me when it comes to this), along with not knowing if you're actually going to enjoy the blogging process itself, it's almost too selfish to get that spot you want, only to throw it away a month later because you can't be bothered.

Also, if you think you're going to get into blogging and get a bunch of amazing "free" things, you're right - HOWEVER there is a pay-off. Very rarely am I able to enjoy the items I'm sent before I move on to the next post, and the next photograph, this does not mean I do not appreciate the quality of an item, or the level of experience that item took to create! Also, the amount of L's I spend adding details to get an outfit to work is often extra-ordinary! I am not complaining! I love doing what I do, and I am SO, SO grateful to the amazing sponsors I currently have, and have been blessed to work with in the past. Just know that blogging, like whatever you chose to do in life, should be a labor of love, and not JUST to get free things from that store you like a little bit.

Most stores when requesting bloggers ask for between 3 months and 1 year of blogging experience. Take your time creating a bucket list of stores you would love to blog for, and bear this in mind whenever you apply for a store you think is "well they're ok but i'm not passionate about their products" and don't give up on those "ok" stores if and when your blogging improves to the point that you're able to garner interest from the stores you adore, because those little shops put you where you are now.

Don't apply for everything.

There are SO many brands that I absolutely love in SL at the moment, and so many times I have looked to a store and gone "I'd love to blog their products." The truth is, I don't apply for every store, or every blog-call from the stores I love, and it's because I already have commitments to people who have supported me from the beginning and who I continue to adore blogging for. If I take on more projects, that means less time for those and more stress for me. At the time, it might seem like a wonderful idea to have 7 hair stores, 4 shoe stores, 13 clothing stores etc etc, but as your blog grows, and as their brand grows too, you're going to have an absolutely massive influx of items suddenly appearing in your inbox, and no way of honoring the commitment you made to everyone.

Another reason I don't always apply to brands I love is because although I love them, I may not have purchased an item from them in a long while, which  means not only have I not shown I am a customer of theirs, I am not displaying their products in my blog, therefore, the creator/blogger manager has no idea how I would blog them.

It's okay to be butthurt when you don't get selected...

but don't take to social media to slam the creator/blogger manager! The market is absolutely flooded with talented photographers and bloggers right now. It's insane! There is SUCH a high standard that it is near impossible for those creators and blogger managers to choose who should represent their brands. Add to that the fact that personal taste is so diverse, you could be the best photographer in SL, and STILL be rejected from your favourite store, purely because your style doesn't fit the branding of that store's products in their head.

I'm 100% certain that creators are grateful for your support in purchasing their items. If you're bad-mouthing a store purely on the basis that you didn't get selected, you're not doing them any damage, and there's the old adage that "Any publicity is good publicity". Also, on a more selfish note, you're going to rule yourself out of being selected in the future as a blogger for them, and run the risk of other brands witnessing your verbal tirade, and blackballing you too.

There's so much more to the whole blog process, and these are just a few bullet notes.

I'm not claiming to be some blogger guru, I'm just a chick who likes taking photo's and occasionally veers off on a tangent to rant before showing you the pretties.

Speaking of pretties... check below for all the outfit details!

xoxo

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Head : CATWA Magy

Skin : Essences - Amber  @ Kustom9

Eyes : -SU!-Delora Eyes Fatpack /ULTRARARE/ (Gacha)

Ears : ^^Swallow^^ Pyramid Ears 

Hair :  Tableau Vivant \\ Lil [complete] (Gacha) @ The Arcade

Collar : Dahlia - Giselle - Collar  @ RLD 

Nipple Piercings : EarthStones Angelique Nipple Piercings @ RLD 

Shirt & Panties : [Aleutia] Maddy @ RLD 

A little look at the tones available of the  Essences - Amber Skin @ Kustom9

It's been a while since I've done this, so left to right - Pale 01, Pale 02, Medium 01, Medium 02, Dark 01, and Dark 02.

Once again, they're shown in Ultra graphics, on Firestorm with no shadows, on CalWL.

All of the tones come with the many eyebrow options, including Red, brown, blonde & none plus the black ones shown in my pictures today.