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)

Every melody.

Pose : (See below for explanation) *!R.O!* Violin BENTO Pose 2 (includes violin & bow)

Location : Bliss 

Once again I'm featuring the amazing Violin poses from Reve Obscura.

I think that because these poses resonated with me so hard, I needed to make them extra special in terms of fantasy and doing something different, so hence we have a crazy Centaur Pickle who seems to want to play the violin in the moonlight by the sea - because why the fudge not?

The pose itself is made for regular human avatars, which means from the tummy up I'm using the Violin pose. Technically the body I'm wearing isn't a horse, it's a deer (which is just as cute, obvs), and when you wear it, there's an AO that is automatically started, so of course, your arms wiggle around with your existing animations, but the newly acquired hooves will behave as though they have a life of their own. The raising up on the hind legs is part of that AO, so as you can imagine there was a little bit of timing involved in taking this picture!

Because of the nature of this outfit, I'm not doing regular grey background in-world type pictures today. That being said, have a peek at all the goodies below, so you can become your very own deer/centaur person thing!

xoxo

All of the things  : 

Body : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara 

Head : CATWA Magy

Skin : [theSkinnery] Laura

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes

Hair : *ARGRACE* UREI 

Hairband & Birds : CURELESS [+] Flower Kissers Tiara 

Chain & Bones : Moon Elixir - Valkyrie - Bodychain 

Pasties :  Moon Elixir  - Courtesan (Gacha)

Deer Body : Tentacio & .{PSYCHO:Byts}. Childrens of Diana RARE (Gacha)

Set another goal.

Pose :  Go&See * Cutie * 5 (Note, the animation in the bag over-rides the arm/hand pose)

Background :  BUENO-City Block @ TMD

I'm going to broach a very sensitive subject for the blogger community today. I've attempted this in the past, but I believe my mentality was wrong, and the words just ended up looking like I was ungrateful and spiteful, rather than contemplative and confused... so today, I try again.

Over the past two years I have been incredibly -incredibly- lucky to gain the support of some absolutely amazing brands for this blog. I am -so- grateful, and often amazed at their creativity and skill, and also grateful that their products allow my creativity to flow too.

When I began my journey, I had made the decision that everything I got would be earned through progression & work. I would improve, hoping to turn the heads of a few people along the way to help support my growth with the pictures I take & the showcasing of the way I wear their products.

I continue with that theory today.

These last few months, I have struggled immensely with new sponsorships.

Now, I understand that being a blogger is all about social networking and not just plain talent. I also know there are other people who have far more talent than I do in their photography, and I honestly hope that continues to be the case forever, otherwise I will have nowhere to aspire to be.

I am an introvert. I accept this! However it means that there are times where I legitimately cannot cope with being around "people". This makes the social aspect of blogging an absolute nightmare for me. The anxious, overthinking, over-talking & explaining part of my brain just won't allow me to get involved with the community on the level I might like to, in order to continue my growth.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE what I do, and I blog because not only do I enjoy the outlet SL provides for photography & fashion, but now, I also enjoy writing, even if it's a bunch of Pickled nonsense! I would be lying if part of me didn't want to succeed to a greater extent than I am right now. I feel like I have stagnated, and although *I* think I see an improvement in my photography from the beginning of my journey, I feel like I am being overlooked because I choose not to favourite and like and share and be as involved in the social aspect of blogging in order to make my pictures get noticed. 

I am not that girl.

I know there are more bloggers & flickrites & photographers who feel the same way I do, and I really feel like there should be two categories when creators choose their bloggers. One being "Friends who blog" and the other being "Bloggers I want to support & showcase my product".

It is -so- frustrating to watch the conversations on facebook/flickr occur, seeing the same people who happen to blog and be friends with a creator suddenly appear on their blogger list, when you feel like you're working your butt off to improve. I'm not saying those people don't necessarily deserve their spots, but there are always "wtf?" moments for me when I see the names appear.

Again, I understand that as a creator you want maximum exposure for your brand, and having an online presence will no doubt give out a helping hand for that and I am not bashing or belittling anybody for being friends with a creator - I too have creator friends and I am always humbled when they provide me with items to blog... I am simply venting.

Whatever the case, I will continue to love on & support those creators who's products I genuinely adore, and I will never stop purchasing from somebody who has "rejected" me as a blogger. 

I hope this post doesn't come off as "poor Pickle", because I do not feel "poor" at all.

I'm enriched with the sponsors I do have, each one is a gift, each one also allows me to express a part of my creativity that I might not know existed had they not produced their item and allowed me to be a part of their marketing team. I am, and will continue to be humbled and blessed by those who support me by allowing me to support them. <3

All of the things : 

Body & Feet: -Belleza- Isis

Head : CATWA Uma

Skin : [theSkinnery] Laura @ Collabor88

Eyes : -SU!- Ophelia Eyes /Fatpack (Gacha) (Formerly at N21)

Freckles1 : Bossie. freckles & star stickers

Eyeshadow & Face Tattoo : -SU!- Ilienne Eye Makeup "Ink" 

Ears :   ^^Swallow^^  Gauged Ears

Hair : Exile:: Slow Dancing @ Collabor88

Headband : .Oppa. Emily Ears Headband 

Mask : BTTB ros mask (Former Gift)

Necklace : :BAMSE: Button Necklace - Daddy's (Gacha)

Tattoo : *Bolson / Tattoo - Mikhail

Tank : -tres blah- Bella Tank Top

Fur Coat : Moon Elixir - Rich Girl (Maitreya version, Formerly @ District20)

Puppy Bag : Tentacio & .{PSYCHO:Byts}. Underground Winter-MomDogs Bag(Gacha) @ The Seasons Story

Shorts : -SU!- Laced Shorts

Boots : _CandyDoll_ Rania Boots 

Your spell.

Location : de*cid*u*ous

In this photo I'm wearing the new skin from Essences available at Kustom9. I absolutely freakin' love Essences skin, and they have been a staple in my life since my Pickle avatar was created (and before that, too). Needless to say it's an honor to be permitted to blog for the brand. The lips on this skin are EVERYTHING for me, they just look so soft and pouty, and that's something I enjoy immensely. This is the Pale01 tone, and it's the palest of the regular tones which I favour during the winter months. I've previously mentioned the eyebrow colours too, and Essences include black, brown, red, ginger, blonde & no brow options in every release. 

My eyes are by Lotus, I'm using the catwa applier version on my unrigged catwa eyes.

With Lotus, you can absolutely guarantee perfect eyes every time. Her textures are flawless, and the closer you get to the eyes, the more detail you see. There's also an amazing shine on the eye without even using the materials option on the viewer. All her eyes have a different colour-palette and are completely different, in incredibly subtle ways. These Escapism eyes are exceptional and if you can pair them with the catwa eyes with the dilating pupils, it brings them to life in a very special way.

The glasses are from #Shook. I was directed to this store by a friend, and immediately decided I loved the quality. These are the Lunari glasses, and on popping them on my face, I squealed. The frames are SO delicate that I imagine they would feel very light on my head haha.

Lastly, if you haven't visited the "deciduous" sim, you really should. It's beautiful!

All of the things :

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Essences - Cinnamon @ Kustom9

Head : CATWA Catya

Shape : Kaleidoscope : Believe Shape 

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eyes :  LOTUS. Escapism Eyes - Catwa @ District 20

Hair : *Tentacio* Winter Bunny. Kioky hair (Gacha) @ Kustom9

Glasses : #SHOOK - Lunari Sunglasses 

Ears : ^^Swallow^^ Pixie Ears 

Choker : Burial. Puppy Choker @ Limit8

Scarf : .S&S. Soopascarf

On a completely unrelated note, today is Consent's big "Very Zombie Christmas" Event.

It starts at 5pm SLT and will go until 11pm SLT. I have an absolute TON of pressies to give out, and the Dj line-up is DEFINITELY showcasing some of the best in SL.

Dress up in Christmas Zombie items to be eligible for prizes & surprises!

TP to Consent  > Here <

Not even mad.

Pose : Imitation - Ally 6 B

Background : MINIMAL - Illusion II - *7* (Gacha)

I think we've all been in a position where we've heard a story about a person, stored the story in the back of our head having made a snap decision and then got to know the person in question, thus realizing the story was correct, or in fact very very false.

I can be super judgmental, and I'm the first to admit this. However, I will give someone the benefit of the doubt. Second chances are handed out like candycanes for me, depending on the length of time that has passed (I see it as scope for growth), or the severity of the first 'mistake'.

I do get it wrong, sometimes. I am human. There are times I have let the same people make the same fool of me over and over, to the point I know those I care about want to shake me, or I'll go the other way and cut someone off who really doesn't deserve it, purely because it's easier for me to leave them first, or because they're engaging with other people that I consider to be difficult.

Sometimes, the stories you're hearing aren't being told for you to formulate an opinion on, but for the teller to arrange facts in their own head. I know when I 'bitch' or 'vent' I'm doing it not because I actually think that-person-I-don't-know is an idiot, but because I need to make sense of the situation.

Most of the things I say aloud to friends, I will also say out loud to the person my rant pertains to.

Anyway. I guess I'm rambling because I heard a bad thing about a person who I consider to be good.

I questioned them.

Their response enabled me to figure out "my" side of their truth.

Maybe you'll afford someone the same opportunity one day.

Perhaps their truth will be something you can handle, or maybe you'll simply move on alone.

All of the things :

Body & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Head : LAQ Bento - Motion Capture - Scarlet 

Skin : -Glam Affair - Lola Applier - LAQ Head @ Kustom9

Eyes : LOTUS. Brilliant Eyes @ Pocket Gacha 

Bindi & Nose Ring : :: SAGA :: Wonderland Jewel Set @ Kustom9

Hair : #Foxy - Whip Hair (Formerly @ N21)

Tattoo : *Bolson / Willem @ TMD

Sweater & Bra : BUENO-Half Hoodie -Mat-Bye Torn @ Kustom9

Pants :  .:villena:. - Track Pants @ District 20

Sneakers : *Tentacio* Winter Bunny. bunny sneakers (Gacha) @ Kustom9

Ready for more.

Location : Arranmore

All of the things : 

Body Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : RARE #11 Essences [ErinM01] For Pocket Gacha

Head : CATWA Lona (UPDATED! Go to the redelivery terminal in store to get your MOCAP head!!)

Mask & Hair : *Tentacio* Dark Call me hair @ Loot Box

Tattoo : -7P-Snowdon

Shirt : SEUL - Open Metallic Knit @ N21

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The Bold One (Free Gift @ Astralia)

Pants : ED. Gahesh Pant @ Shiny Shabby

Living on a beat.

Pose : FOXCITY. Lean Sit-5m (Fatpack exclusive)

DJ Equipment : [IDEZA] - Vintage Dj booth

All of the things :

Body Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Essences - Nyx (Catwa & Omega) @ Somber

Shape : Kaleidoscope : Revolution Shape.

Head : CATWA Catya

Eye Applier :  LOTUS. Summer Eyes @ Applique 

Eyeshadow : Veechi - Scout Shadow @ The Crystal Heart Festival

Face Freckles : [theSkinnery] Freckles!

Body Freckles : [theSkinnery] Maitreya Freckles (Available when you purchase a skin)

Hairbase :  Just Magnetized- Basic Hairbase - set 15 for CATWA

Hair : Lovey Dovey :: Darla :: Naturals  @ The Hair Fair '17

Headphones :  BUENO-Headphones Gacha - Geo @ Kustom9 

Septum : MONS / MESH - Septum Ring (style3) 

Necklace & Bracelets : {JAS} Neva (Gacha) 

Shirt : [sYs] GUNJANA top @ The Chapter Four

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One (Free Gift @ Astralia)

Panties :*Tentacio* Glam beach RARE (Gacha) @ Kustom9 

Boots : #EMPIRE - Angelonia  @ Collabor88

Plastic tears.

Pose : {Besa}Crystal 011 @ The Crystal Heart Festival

Staff : DISORDERLY. / Crystal Court / Queen Staff / RARE (Gacha) @ The Crystal Heart Festival

Background : {anc} NO LIMITS // flock of doves (Gacha) 

 {anc} NO LIMITS // flock of flying doves. (Gacha)

 {anc} mist cloud [sungold] 

 {anc} Lacey aurora

 {anc} suger rose field

*alirium* DownyGrass 

Botanical - Decorative Light Set

HPMD* Garden Tree09 with Lights

 DISORDERLY. / Crystal Court / Floating Gems / Heart (Gacha) @ The Crystal Heart Festival

*Tentacio* Magic Deer. Forest deer RARE (Gacha) @ The Crystal Heart Festival

All of the things :

Body Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : more more. yume skin_11 (catwa) (Gacha) @ The Crystal Heart Festival

Head : CATWA Lona 

Eyes : CATWA Mesh Eyes 

Eye Applier :  LOTUS.Tealight Eyes (Gacha) @ The Chapter Four

Freckles : Veechi - Summer Freckles Heavy @ SummerFest

Star Stickers : Bossie. freckles & star stickers (freckles not worn)

Ears : [theSkinnery] Puki Mesh Ears

Hair : *barberyumyum*T02

Choker : *Tentacio* Magic Deer. Chocker pink (Gacha) @ The Crystal Heart Festival

Wings (Head & Back) : {vincue} & [CX] - Airie+Wings - Gold RARE (Gacha) @ The Crystal Heart Festival

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

Nail Polish : Hello Dave - Nail Appliers - Astralia - The French One (Free Gift @ Astralia)

Bodysuit & Skirt : {vincue} & [CX]  - Airie+Outfit [Maitreya] RARE @ The Crystal Heart Festival

Boots : Phedora ~ Mercury Boots @ The Crystal Heart Festival

I got all I need.

Pose : [okkbye] static ao poses

All of the things :

Body & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : .Birdy. Ali Skin ~Pure~ VIP Gift

Lipstick : [PF] Glossy Pout  Lipsticks - <Bright> (Grape)

Hair : Moon. Hair // - Cheap Thrills Group Gift

Bow : From the Spellbound hair, Velvet (Former gacha item, some still available on marketplace)

Headphones : TUKINOWAGUMA Gift @ Tres Chic

Tattoo : -7P-Pamzkiee Tattoo 

Necklace : *YS&YS* Ever Set Anchor

Sweater : .:villena:. - Cropped Sweatshirt - Flawless Black @ Kustom9

Hands : Slink Mesh Hand Casual  

Rings : Selection from the ieQED jumble.ring gacha @ Kustom9

Nails :  Veechi - Fishnet Punk Nails

Coffee : [VALE KOER] LATTEMYA TUMBLER BLACK

Skateboard : *Tentacio* Funny weekend. Skateboar 03 (Gacha item) @ Kustom9

Pants : IMBUE. Lace Shorts 

Knee Pads : *MUKA* Spike Kneepads

Sneakers : [VALE KOER] COUTURE HIGH TOPS BLACK

Pose : [okkbye] static ao poses

 

Excuse the quality, but until I can stahp the lazy, gyazo is the best I can do in terms of showing movement (no idea why I didn't think of this before). I wanted to show the [CREATiCA] Galaxy Flux light-trails, in case anyone was wondering what the odd star-shaped markings were on my hands in the pictures. So.. there you go, in motion.

The dance & animation is a "grouper" by *LG* Groupers to Sia's Cheap Thrills. There's other dances and tunes available, so they're well worth checking out if you like to have a wiggle with friends/family!

 

 

Shining like fireworks.

Pose : - terra design -- terra design - U_15 @ GEN-Neutral

Photo taken @ Beaumont Grove

All of the things :

Body : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara 

Skin : Egozy Katniss 

Head : CATWA HEAD Linda

Eyelashes : [theSkinnery] Charmed Lashes Palette (Catwa Applier)

Eyes :  [JOE SL] RIHANNA MESH EYES, [SUMii] Eye Depth Prim(Vintage)

Face Appliers : Just Magnetized - Beauty Marks - set 03 for CATWA, Veechi -Winged Liners, Egozy Katniss lipstick.

Hair : (Chemistry) Hair - Sirena 

Hat : Toro. Miriam's baseball cap (Burger) (Exclusive Item for Mix, grab it quick!)

Septum : (Yummy) Eclipse Septum @ N21

Choker : Messy. Clear Plastic Choker Cute (Gacha item)

Shirt : *Tentacio* Spring bomber pink mix @ SaNaRae 

Hands : Slink Mesh Hand Casual  

Rings : Kibitz  - Maya ring set 

Jeans : KITJA - Athena Jeans

Feet : Slink AvEnhance Feet Female Deluxe Pack (Medium) 

Shoes : [VALE KOER] FAIRYTALE PLATFORMS PINK

The sky is falling.

 

Photo taken @ Just Another Tequila Sunrise

Pose : Izzie's - Kite Poses no.7