Follow through.

Today, things just wouldn't do what I wanted them to do.

For some reason, I slept forever last night. I mean, it was obviously needed, and when I woke up I had ALL the ideas for a completely different post. However, sometimes things don't go quite as planned. Instead of doing what I've been doing normally, I tried far too hard to push myself outside of my comfort zone, and because of the amazing capacity I have to overthink, I somehow managed to completely spin myself in circles and thus NUFFIN' was happening the way I'd envisioned it.

I ended up scrapping that first idea I'd spent 4 hours on, and hurrumphing around like a sad puppy for about 30 minutes, ran around a few stores with half-an-idea and bought some things I'm never going to wear, and then really started over. For real.

I guess that's sort of how I feel about this picture.

Unintentionally, it became a piece i'm actually really stinkin' proud of. 

I hope it speaks to you, just a little. I hope you see that even when it's raining, when there seems no way out, there's still a light. There's always something positive to focus on, and there's always another way to look at any situation we're forced into. Things will get tough - likely, they'll always be tough, whether that's actual life, or secondlife. I just hope you find the strength to continue doing what you love, because the results can lift you more than you thought possible. ♥

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Lara Hurley-Rie Milky 

Head : LeLutka Bento Head-CHLOE

Eyelids : L'Etre - Natural mesh eyelids

Ears : Random.Matter - Haruhi Ears

Hair : Tableau Vivant \\ Rain hair  (7 styles mesh hair!!) @ Collabor88 (Opens 8th Feb)

Earrings : :: SAGA :: Dalia Earrings (Mainstore)

Nails : ::SG:: Karm4 BENTO MESH NAILS @ Bodyfy (Opens 8th Feb)

Rings : *PKC* Barbwire Bento Rings @ Bodyfy (Opens 8th Feb)

Chest Piercing & Tattoo : !TLB - Tristar Dermals + Tattoo @ Bodyfy (Opens 8th Feb)

Bodysuit : Foxes - Kendall - Bodysuit (gacha) @ The Epiphany

Blue lagoon.

Pose : FOXCITY. Underwater-3 (Fatpack exclusive)

Fishes in Bubbles : Astralia - The fish in the bubble 

Location : It's a friends private home, Thank you Adam & Kristi for allowing me to bother you with my presence!

I'm lucky enough to be a blogger for the Fantasy Gacha Carnival which opens tomorrow. I fully encourage you to visit the clicky website link so that you can stay updated with ALL the things, and also check out some of the other wonderfully talented bloggers & of course the creators taking part in this round.

If you've never been to FGC, not only would I be incredibly surprised and want to shake you, but i'm going to have to insist that you go for this round!

It's an entire sim dedicated to exactly what it says - fantasy gachas. It takes place quarterly, so four times a year!

 The suggested theme for this round is "Villains of the medieval ages/realms", although it's a loose theme and creators are encouraged to make anything fantasy-like, so there's bound to be an abundance of amazingly cute things, along with the slightly more dark-style items associated with traditional villains. 

I have always loved FGC. I've said before, I'm not really one for roleplay.. it's just unfortunate that I'm not confident enough in my own skills to feel like I could successfully pull off any kind of characterization that isn't fundamentally Pickle based. However, that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the time and the effort a lot of roleplayers take to put their outfits or scenes together in order for them to take place with accuracy. For me, FGC has always been an excuse to delve into an alternate world in my appearance, and now it's a way for me to learn more ways to express those outfits through my pictures. I'm excited and pleased to be a small part of this amazing team, and I hope you enjoy the coming posts as much as I'm certain I will enjoy putting the scenery and looks together. ♥

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : { Clair de Lune } Aurora (Note : this skin is ADULT, but the store is CHILD orientated, please go dressed accordingly!)

Head : CATWA Uma

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

Makeup : ~Shiny Stuffs~ CATWA Oh Oh, It's Magic Appliers 

Hair : Tableau Vivant \\ Lorelei hair (Note: There are SEVEN versions of this hair!! Well worth a demo!!) @ We <3 RP

Ears : Lovely_Alien_WebbedEars

Crown, Headpiece, Bracelet & Bralette : ~TIDAL~ Opis  (Gacha) @ Fantasy Gacha Carnival (opens tomorrow)

Tattoo : The Wicked Peach - Les Poissons - Mermaid Tattoo (No Longer Available)

Tail : ~ Cynefin ~ Lorelei Bento Mermaid Tail

It's my pride.

Pose : [InDiGO] Male bento pose gift

Background : Trompe Loeil - Margaux Photo Backdrop + Surround @ FaMESHed

Just a Man-Pickle Quickie today (snickers, that sounds so dirty!).

The Men's Dept opens up today at midday (TMD), and there are SO many options available this month my little heart squee'd! Yes, I know that's not very manly, but underneath this pretty-boy exterior I'm still just regular Lady-Pickle, and I really couldn't help it.

It hit me that i've never actually done a 'proper' close up of Man-Pickle, and I decided that's exactly what he needed. Luckily, this Birth skin provided the perfect base for that. I was incredibly pleasantly surprised by the skin, Birth used to be my go-to for man-skins back before the introduction of mesh heads and bodies, and for a moment I thought maybe they had dropped the ball, or perhaps even left SL (Gasp!). Thankfully, they're still going strong, and have just proved to me that some long-standing stores are still worth exploring, and you shouldn't rule them out for good! The body is actually really nice too. There's some super-sexy sinewy arm muscles, and the torso and back are pretty much shaded perfectly. The only tiny issue I have is that once you get to their darker tones, they seem to loose a certain depth of detail, but I can't imagine how difficult it is to make skins in the first place, so kudos to them for designing a palette suitable for many!

Whatever Modulus is doing with his hair he needs to continue. For reals, this one is SO perfect I nearly fell off my chair. The subtle babyhair at the front is amaze, I love that it blends so easily in with his hairbases and I can't help feeling like this is another store I have left under-rated for a while, but NO MORE! Modulus, step up and collect your Man-Pickle prize! (I don't know what it is, don't really. I'm entirely unprepared!)

As usual, more details below! ♥

All of the things : 

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

Skin & Facial hair : *Birth* 'Miller' Catwa @ TMD 

Head :  CATWA HEAD Stanley 

Eyes :  LOTUS. Cosmic Eyes 18 MYSTERY RARE (Gacha) @ Pocket Gacha

Ears : ^^Swallow^^ Rox Ears

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

Hair : Modulus - Carl Hair @ TMD 

Necklace : [ kunst ] - Christoph necklace @ TMD 

Shirt : {COLD-ASH} Mens MESH COLSON Henley Shirt (Classic Pack) @ TMD 

Ring : [CX] Horny Skull Ring @ TMD 

Surface level.

Pose, Coffee & Phone prop : *!R.O!* Routine BENTO Pose 

Location : Orchard Heights (Family Community please dress accordingly!)

I've never been particularly attached to my phone, but I AM exceedingly attached to my PC, so I kind of understand how easy it is to get distracted by something shiny and all of a sudden you've beavered into your best friends neighbours boyfriends fathers business-partners facebook profile, and you're wondering how you got there, slightly bemused with cheerios dripping down your chin.

I've also never really been one to share much on social media. I guess to me that equates to telling people about my life, and honestly, if you're not involved in my life, why do you care? What good is telling my third cousin that I just ate a bowl of porridge and quite fancy a nap now?

I don't do anything particularly exciting, RL or SL, and I guess the closest I get to over-sharing is probably to do with Consent, which'll happen at the moment once or twice a week.

However, I do often wonder what the world is coming to.

I believe we've all become somehow desensitized to 'real life'. We see something violent online, and it can become amusing rather than disturbing. We are no longer rooting for people to make it, but celebrating their losses. We don't interact as humans, but as robots, liking and hearting all of the posts instead of commenting to the person themselves.

Introversion is becoming far more prominent, mental health is in decline.

Is this because of technology & social media, or is this just what the world is morphing into?

The above picture pretty much describes how I see it. We're trapped in a little bubble of our own colourful world, and the outskirts of it are grey and bleak. We might be scared to put down that phone, or step away from the computer for fear of missing out - but the reality is there's probably far more going on in the grey that we're missing, and it's right in front of us.

Maudlin? Not necessarily. I do think a healthy balance of RL & Social Media can be beneficial, and I'm really the last person to be preaching about spending less time attached to that little screen waiting for Veronica to post her latest snapchat photo of her having "Such a good time with the girls in the club"... ultimately, whatever you're doing, however you're using your time online, remember, hiding in the grey, is life. Grab it.

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Lara Hurley-Rie Milky 

Head : LeLutka Bento Head-CHLOE

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

Hair & Hat : Beusy: "Delete" Hairstyle [Game Over Gacha / Item] RARE @ The Epiphany

Choker : Eclat - Velvet Choker

Playsuit : _CandyDoll_ Corina Jumper (Mainstore release)

Bag : Intrigue Co. - Fanny Pack

Boots : EQUAL - Drew Boots @ FaMESHed

Do right.

Pose, Background & Cigarette : BellePoses - Mia @ The Fetish Fair

I've been thinking today about how lovely compliments are.

I don't mean those generic "Nice Ass!" compliments, although it's nice to get told you have a good butt!

I mean, when you've worked really really hard at getting something better, and you yourself see an improvement, it's nice to have some sort of outside reinforcement that you're making headway.

Today, I am going to give everyone a compliment when they talk to me, until I run out of spoons. I am going to make sure it is genuine and deserved. I am going to attempt to spread a little positivity, and hope that I can make someone smile and who knows, maybe make their day a little brighter. I think in the process of this, I might also have a greater appreciation for those people in my life. 

Maybe you could do the same?

♥

All of the things : 

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Lara Hurley-Rie Milky 

Head : LeLutka Bento Head-CHLOE

Eyelids : L'Etre - Natural mesh eyelids

Ears : Random.Matter - Haruhi Ears

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

Hairbase & Hair : Vanity Hair::Akina

Collar ::: SAGA :: Meow Collar @ Kustom9

Dress : [Aleutia] Olivia 

Boots : #EMPIRE - Globeflower (formerly @ The Seasons Story, please allow transfer time to main-store!)

Elevated.

Pose : Go&See * Cool * 5 @ Chapter Four (Opens 4th Feb)
Shoulder Jacket : ::C'est la vie !:: Chus JK Gacha @ Blush

Background : Fireplace, Build & Table : DRD - Series 01
Plants & Bar : Apple Fall

Hold on to your knickers, today's post is full of information about the products shown!
Back in September, DRD started a series called "Light and Dark" running on the concept of a subscription box. Over a period of six months, they released one mystery box per month, which you had to sign up for every month and pay for every month. At the end of the six month period, if you  had managed to grab each of the boxes you were promised a light and dark building to match with the furniture as a bonus.
Not only have I been absolutely wowed by the furniture on a monthly basis, but I am also stunned by the buildings now too. When I logged in today and received the final box, I almost literally ran to DRD as fast as my pixel-legs could carry me, wearing my Subscription hud, I made huge grabby hands at the vendor, receiving my bonus houses. I. Freaking. Love. Them.
I know I'm only showing you a small portion of the latest box, in the light version, but this set is undoubtedly worth every single penny I paid for it. I'm never upset by the quality of DRD, and this is no exception. With the ability to rez the builds inclusive of furniture, or to create your own scene using the subscription boxes you've received previously, this is a fantastic end to a 6 month journey I took on an off-chance. Love.

Now let me just squee over this dress by Bueno. I say dress loosely, because as you can see by the main photograph, I've removed the shirt to add my own. Automatically this becomes a staple in your inventory, because it's now capable of being glammed up for a night out, or worn to visit your friends who don't like seeing your tits at every opportunity. (Although, who doesn't like tits?)
The skirt comes in several colour options available separately or in a fatpack and with it, you get a hud for the shirt (shown in pictures above) with a bunch MORE colour options for that (Yes, there's even more than those shown in the picture!). It's literally the mixiest and matchiest thing ever! You can even change the zippers through different metal textures too!
Finally, there's the pose from Go&See. I love how creative Go&See is, and the store reflects the different interests extremely well. Whether it's poses, eyes, skins, or add-ons, the quality is always there. These poses are from the *cool* range, and will be available at Chapter Four from the 4th February.

All of the things! :

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : Lara Hurley-Rie Milky 

Head : LeLutka Bento Head-CHLOE

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

Glasses : .tsg. Shy Megane

Hair : AD - sia 

Choker : Eclat - Velvet Choker

Bra : Addams - Cecilia Flower Bra - Maitreya - N*30 - RARE (Gacha)

Nail applier : alme.   Minimal: Silver

Skirt/Dress : BUENO-Bonita Set @ Fameshed

Fishnets applier : .:villena:. - Fishnet

Shoes : #EMPIRE - Nasturtiums 

I got potential.

Pose : -7P- Infinity Couple Pose @  Men Only Monthly

It's almost February, and in England, that means it's possibly colder than December, but because the holiday period is over we're about ready to slip on some springier colours, while continuing to stay warm and comfortable. 

This set by Evani completely encapsulates that feeling. The sweater comes in several gorgeous colours, and you're able to chop and change the undershirt (which is linked) with the fatpack. 

The pants are SO curvaceous - seriously, look at my butt & hips! Santi actually commented on how he would happily "stroke my thighs" because the material appears to be so velvety and warm, though I think he might just stroke my thighs regardless. Lucky me! They also come in two sizes, the long length shown here, and a regular ankle-length. I tried this size on with some strappy boots and they actually worked pretty well, with only minimal clipping which is another added bonus!

The Prodigy pose is actually super, super cute. Santi has an entirely different view on his blog, along with his credits. You should totally check that out, because I said so!

> Santi's Blog <

As usual, more pictures below + all the credits you need to get you the items shown. 

♥

All of the things :

Body, Hands & Feet : Maitreya Mesh Body - Lara

Skin : { Clair de Lune } Aurora (Note : this skin is ADULT, but the store is CHILD orientated, please go dressed accordingly!)

Head : CATWA Uma

Eyes : [JOE SL] GIGI MESH EYE

Freckles :  Bossie. freckles & star stickers

Birthmark : [okkbye] bold birthmarks

Hair & bindi : #Foxy - Morgana

Choker : ERSCH - Milly Necklace

Nails : Astralia - Compatible mesh nails system

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

Outfit : EVANI - TEANNA leggins & EVANI - TEANNA sweater  @ Uber