The Catty Box : Blueness from Skin Within

If you’ve been out and about the grid lately, or peeked much at Flickr and the various blogs, you have probably noticed the blueness gradually overtaking the grid. It’s happened to me too…
I was given the opportunity to blog the newest skin from Skin Within, created for the Rezzable event happening now. and I have been delightfully blue ever since.

Ayesha Bisiani of !Skin Within is known for her detailed and refined make up looks and she has outdone herself with her two newest creations. The Droe Exotica skin is so delicate you really need to go try the demo for yourself to see. Make sure you check it ALL out…there are some lovely bits not shown here. I love not only the detail but the uniqueness of this skin, with so many Avatarwanabe skins in the grid lately…this is a very refreshing change of originality.

The second skin created for the Rezzable event, A.N.A. Cyborg, is a delight of floral fantasy. It’s lovely detail is again something you need to see to appreciate. Run on over quickly and get your demos…I know you’ll love these works of art and enjoy wearing them as much as I have.

(Credits – (links to all stores in sidebar): Skins by !Skin Within – Droe Exotica, and A.N.A. Cyborg – Review Items, Poses – Glitterati – SciFi Hallway – Review Items. Ears – Atomic – Mystic Elven Ears – Feather, Boots – Miel – Hai Boots – Red, Lashes – Celestial Studios, Eyes – Poetic Colors – Dark Wood, Vest – Schadenfreude – Deep V Vest – Pewter, Jeans – WoE, Hair – Audacity – Redd – Onyx and Cinde – Onyx. All items purchased or obtained by my own means unless otherwise noted.)

The Catty Box: Brooke Skins by 5th & Oxford

I’m a finicky blogger, ok…maybe a lazy blogger really. I don’t blog as often as I’d like or as many of the items I see on the grid that I like. Roslin Petion of 5th & Oxford has dazzled me with her skin artistry since my earliest days and I am honored with this opportunity to blog the latest skin.

Catty - A Few Favorites

5th & Oxford has just released Brooke, their latest skin…which is a remix of their previously released Audrey. I do think it may be their finest yet. Brooke is available in 5 variations, 3 yummy skin tones and 30 make ups (I love the smokey eyes and red lips) gives us lots of options…not to mention it also comes with modable brows in 6 shades, and 3 lady bit options in a variety of shades. You’ll find this newest skin at an affordable 600L per skin, it’s well worth your time to pay a visit to 5th & Oxford to see for yourself. If you love it as much as I do, and I think you just might, you can purchase the store cards and save even more, get 3600L value for just 2400L to keep you happy in lots of new Brooke options!

Brooke - Catty's Faves

(Credits – (links to all stores in sidebar): Skins by 5th & Oxford – Brooke – Review Items, Poses – Glitterati – Review Items. And the rest, a few favorites I can’t seem to stop wearing for long lately… Boots – Surf Couture – Elsa Boots – Black, Necklace – Earthstones – Wrapped Crystal – Labradorite, Bracelet, Earthstones – Twisted & Stoned Bracelet – Labradorite and Moonstone, Piercings – Deviant Kitties, Lashes – Celestial Studios, Eyes – Poetic Colors – Dark Wood, Vest – Armidi – Itimo Leather Vest – Charcoal, Jeans – WoE – PoE2 Lowrise Jeans. Hair – Audacity – Devon – Onyx. All items purchased or obtained by my own means unless otherwise noted.)

Three Things I gotta have in SL…and Then Some

I’ve been so busy with other things I haven’t had a chance to blog for some time and my piles of things that I want to blog just keeps growing. When I saw Samara Barzane’s Bloggers Challenge I just had to do it, knowing I’d be challenged to list 10 things I cannot live without in SL, narrowing it down to 3 would be extremely challenging.> Here they are, in no particular order…my three I cannot live without don’t you dare take them away from me things (fashion items only this time).

My Three Things..or so.

Getting down to basics, I’d have to say Exodi skins. I’ve blogged them before..and I’m sure I’ll be blogging them again. Lily is my favorite, with Sienna a close second. Lily’s face just fits me, my shape is mine, and I don’t like changing it to fit a skin, so I can be rather hard to please. There are many other skins out there I love, some I even enjoy wearing, but it is never long before I am back in Exodi.

Three ..or four, things - up close.

For my second item, I would have to say my Earthstones necklace. You’ll see it in nearly every picture taken of me, perhaps with the earrings to match. I love the detail and quality put into the jewelry by Earthstones. I am not much of a jewelry wearer in RL, and never have been in SL either, other then a simple pair of earrings both places. I wear this necklace for personal reasons…but not only am I blessed to be wearing it, I’m fortunate that it is such a fine piece of craftsmanship that hangs around my neck.

The third thing ..you might guess if you know me at all….WoE jeans. Call me biased, I’ll admit that proudly. But…look closely at these jeans, wear them for awhile, and you’ll understand that they indeed are perhaps the yummiest jeans in all of SL. I am waiting for a pair RL. I am rarely found without a pair on…whether its one of the special editions, or one of the faves like Ellee or the Boyfriend jeans. Even if WoE and it’s designer were not near and dear to my heart, I would still be wearing them more then any other clothing in SL.

And because I just can’t settle for three, I just have to also mention Maitreya shoes. If I am not wearing a Maitreya shoe, I am probably barefoot (which I often am, and in RL too). There are other shoes I love in SL, but none as much as I love Maitreya. They have clad my toes since their first sculpted boot way back when. No other shoe maker has equaled their eye for texturing and of course, I love their styles too, they just suit me.

And there are my top three, um..four things..of 2009…what will 2010 bring? New Faves? Perhaps, perhaps. But perhaps not, only time will tell what changes are to come. I know for myself, 2010 will be an even better, more exciting year then this one was, and it is my wish that the same is true for everyone.

(Credits (links to all stores in sidebar): Glitterati Model Chair– Review Item, Poses – Glitterati – Review Items, Plant in Vase – Basic Elements – Review Item, Skins by Exodi – Lily “Oldies but Goodies” Dove – Bender, Shoes – Maitreya Frenzy – Black, Jewelry – Earthstones – Wrapped Crystal – Labradorite, Piercings – Deviant Kitties, Nails – Unknown, Jeans – WoE – Ellee – Steel. Clothing and Hair by WoE and Audacity unless otherwise noted. All items purchased or obtained by my own means unless otherwise noted.)

A Sunday Solo: CnS, Exodi, and Maitreya

I just loved this new toy from CnS, had so much fun playing with it, I just had to share. It comes with couple poses….but as my Better Half was preoccupied, I decided to go it alone, I’ll get him to join in later but will likely be keeping those pics to myself.

Catty Doing it Solo

The Vintage Microphone from CnS also comes stocked with group poses, and guy poses too. Maitreya sent out a yummy surprise to their group members last night….the SoHo boots in Pumpkin. I LOVE Maitreya shoes and have long been meaning to do a post on just them…soon. The SoHo boots are yummy, I’ve recently purchased some Neyya shoes, which are the same foot base used in the SoHo…make sure you get yourself some of each! Ryker Beck of Exodi has been taunting her loyal fans with new skins coming soon, and in the meantime, released Lily in some new (old favorites from the other skin lines) make ups, just to keep us happy while waiting.

Catty Solo

(Credits CnS e-motion Vintage Microphone – Review Item, Skins by Exodi – Lily “Oldies but Goodies” CedarPadma – Review Item, Exodi – Lily Cleavage Enhancers – Cedar – Review Item, Boots – Maitreya SoHo – Pumpkin – Group Gift, Jewelry – Earthstones, Piercings – Deviant Kitties, Nails – Unknown. Clothing and Hair by WoE and Audacity unless otherwise noted. All items purchased or obtained by our own means unless otherwise noted.)

1000 Sims: Quest For Flesh @ Exodi

Halloween has arrived in SL, and no one does it better then Ryker Beck of Exodi. If you can only get out to one or three Halloween events this year, make sure you don’t miss this one. It is running now thru Oct 23, 2009 at Exodi. Take the teleporter outside the main shop, and you’ll find yourself in a beautiful, tho haunting, autumn world.

Exodi Quest For Flesh 2009

Upon arriving, you’ll see some info signs, click them for details and make sure to read the hunt rules, and a candy bucket for gathering. You’ll be searching for 23 various candy bars, each containing a different prize.

Exodi - Emo Couple

Make sure to bring your special someone along for the fun, not only is it a great date night out, but you’ll both be able to enjoy the prizes as there are skins for males as well as females, and the eyes are unisex.

Exodi - Date Night

The hunt runs for one week only…so don’t delay too long. However, if you don’t have time to do the hunt, the skins (not Doc Manhattan) will be available in the Exodi store after the hunt thru Halloween. You know you do not want to miss anything Exodi, so don’t miss this hunt.
(Credits – Dick; Skins by Exodi – Nazareth “Death Becomes”, “Burn Victim” Quest Prizes, Eyes – Exodi “Trapped in Amber” Quest Prize, Jewelry and Shoes – Shiny Things, Piercings – Earthstones. Catty; Skins by Exodi – Lily “Death Becomes”, “Sometimes, Dead is Better” Quest Prizes, Exodi “Trapped in Amber” Quest Prize, Jewelry – Earthstones, Shoes – Maitreya, Piercings – Deviant Kitties. Poses – AO’s of random stands. Clothing and Hair by WoE and Audacity unless otherwise noted. All items purchased or obtained by our own means unless otherwise noted.)

Giving Back in SL: Typhoon Relief Event 09

Typhoon Relief Event 09, originally uploaded by bethyheart.

Wondering what to do on a lovely Sunday afternoon in SL? Want to give back to the world and have fun doing it?
Today, Sunday the 11th from 9AM – 7PM SLT on the Pemberley sim, an all day fundraiser event is being held for the Red Cross to benefit the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.
There will be live music performances during the event, here is a list of times to help you plan your day.
9:00am – Dakila Lacava
9:30am – Kevinthomas Carpool
10:00am – Hazideon Zarco
10:30am – Michelle Ecksol
11:00am – TonewoodFrank UNplugged
11:30am – Obeloinkment Wrigglesworth
12:00pm – Lyndon Heart
12:30pm – Raspbury Rearwin
1:00pm – Keiko Takamura
1:30pm – EricSteffensen Mistwalker
2:00pm – Nonge Shipman
2:30pm – allister westland
3:00pm – Sylar Morrisey
3:30pm -
4:00pm – Jessy Sommer
4:30pm – Phemie Alcott
5:00pm – Skye Galaxy
5:30pm – Harper Messmer
6 -7pm – MicRocka (Kafka Dinzeo)

The following stores (and possibly more) will have items available for purchase with proceeds going to Ondoy victims.
Addict
Aitui
Aoharu
BOHICA
BOOM
Botanical
Diesel Works
Doux Petit Dahl
Duboo
Kenzie Co.
Lelutka
The Loft
M. Fox
Minettes
Miseria
Modd. G
Mudhoney
!Ohmai
Pididdle
Pixel Mode
RC Cluster
Shade Throne
Silhouette
skream
SMP

Typhoon Relief Benefit 09, originally uploaded by bethyheart.

[hate this] Hunt

[hate this] has just opened a new main store and in celebration is having a storewide hunt.  twelce pawprints are hidden around the store…grab each one for 2 full outfits for women, with extras including bangles…and the men are not being ignored either. There are several pair of boxers along with 2 styles of shirts as well as a pair of flip flops to be found.  Be sure to check out the clothes as well as the assortment of items for sale at great prices…and to hit the 2 MM boards downstairs. While there see if your letter is up on the Lucky Boards and say hi to Corvus if he is around! Be sure to check back often too, as he is fervently working on new designs and plans on adding new items to the Lucky and MM boards very soon!

1000 Places to See Before You Crash: Skin & Shape Expo 2009

Imagine – a sim full of skins! Designers from across the grid, all gathered in one place to show their latest and sexiest skins!!!! The Skin and Shape Expo 2009 opened its doors Sept 26 and runs thru October 10 at KMADD Events. While of course, this is not inclusive of all skin designers on the grid, it does include dozens of some of the best SL has to offer. You’ll also find many of the top shape designers here if you’re feeling like you’re needing a serious change for the new season.

The Expo is well planned, the lag is minimal, provided you take the usual precautions when attending any event in SL that involves more then a small handful of people. This should be common sense, and I’m not going to go into any of the details here, but a few adjustments to your outfit and your client settings (does not include turning on ARC meter to check other antendee’s ARCs) as well as prepping your computer beforehand really helps in these situations. Sasy Scarborough has painstakingly provided a list of all direct url’s to each store for everyone’s convenience. I’d also suggest if you are walking thru it, to refer to the map as you go so you can keep track of where you’ve been and where you are going.
You can easily visit all the booths in an afternoon or evening, depending on how much time you look at it all and visit along the way. I highly recommend, as I do with all event shopping, and even more so with skin shopping, that you make the rounds and grab the demos. Take them home and try them on in the privacy of your own home. This way you can take your time, check all the bits and make ups as well as trying various lightings and make wise well planned purchases.

Also, you should note while wandering at the Expo, that select skins (and/or shapes) are set for a donation to the Susan G Koman Fund. Each participating designer has agreed to give a portion of their sales of specific items to this charity. This really is a must do event, you can give back to RL a bit, while getting some new skins and shapes for yourself.

The Catty Box: Giving Back with Trees

Kriss Lehmann of Botanical has sent out a notice thru his SOM alerting us to some news affecting his RL friends near his home in the Philippines. Typhoon Ondoy, also called Ketsana, hit with a vengence this weekend. I wont go into details here, we all know how devastating these storms can be, for more info, you can check CNN.

Kriss Lehmann is known throughout SL for his amazing trees, which decorate many a sim across the grid. Dick (my partner in all things SL) and I share a love for Botanical trees, and when I heard this news, I knew I had to help get the word out. Kriss has touched all our lives with his creativity and beauty, whether we know it or not, you cannot wander very long without seeing his trees and his landscaping textures. For the next two weeks, your purchases at Botanical will not only further beautify your life, it will give back to RL. Kriss will be donating 50% of all sales during the next two weeks to help locals affected by Ondoy. Shai Delacroix, another talented artist beautifying our lives, will also be donating 50% of all sales at Casa Del Shai for the next two weeks to the same.

Kriss has set up a donation kiosk in world at Botanical, you can also find them at Casa Del Shai and other locations also (not available at the time of this posting). If you’d rather, you can also donate directly at the website for Red Cross Philippines.

Content Theft and You in the SL Community

As I spent my Sunday at home lazily working on the new hair textures snuggled safely with Dick as he works on some new clothing textures, horrible news arrives of two very good people who depend on SL for their real life family’s income. Rebel Hope and RH Engel have had their merchandise stolen and it is being distributed across the grid. My heart breaks for them, I know the both of them and they are the nicest couple, and their work is beautiful and unique. I felt sick, helpless, even hopeless as a fellow designer, as I heard this news. I couldn’t stop the tears that came, I thought about what is happening to them, and wondered what I could do, and I opened a notecard and began to write.

(As of this post, content of this current theft is known to be that of RH Engel and Rebel Hope (2 of their 3 sims were copied entirely, including Rebel Hope Designs and Woodshed Designs), Susan Ramos and xTrojan Ramos (Ramos Designs) and Nonna Hedges. There is furniture, clothing prims, hair and jewelry and even a dragon. The pics show only a fraction of what has been copied and is being distributed. There are far too many prims to set it all out. I stood amongst this stuff, feeling their hurt and crying, unable to speak for a few moments, at the very idea that this happens, and on such a scale as this, and that these amazing designers would feel like giving up.)

It’s an ugly thing, content theft in SL. If affects every single one of us, whether you are a designer or not, whether you are aware of it, or not. It damages our ecomony, in ways I cannot begin to describe in a sensible manner, I’ll leave that to others who comprehend this more then I. It violates the one being stolen from, rips their livlihood, or their hobby, right out from under them. Many good designers have packed up and left SL, giving up the battle. Many designers lose the passion to create in SL…leaving much less new content for us to enjoy. It is nothing new, content theft existed long before recent things have made it easier. For a good article explaining what is happening in a real world courtroom regarding content theft, see Prad Prathivi’s great post.

This is a growing problem in SL, one I am not sure is ever really going to go away. We can whine and blame LL. We can turn a cheek and blindly go about our ‘game’ and pretend it doesn’t matter to us. We can even count the lindens we’ve saved if we happen to be one that receieves this box going around right now. All of the above..happen, happen all too often, and are sad, disgusting reactions to this. We can justify it by saying that it’s just pixels, pixels are not real. I know I have been guilty of blaming LL, of hoping it goes away with little impact on my SL experience.

Every single one of us can do something about this, to stop this from continuing as well as to prevent it from happening to someone else. You can spread the word that content theft is intolerable. You can distance yourself from anyone you know that may be participating in content theft in any way, peer pressure can do wonders at times like this. If you receive stolen content, whether it is that of Rebel and RH’s, or anyone elses, you can immediately file an AR against the creator, and inform the one you received it from that it is stolen and that you will not support it, and AR them also, then delete the items so they will not continue to exist and spread. Also, drop a note to the original designer letting them know who you received it from and who the creator was and that you AR’d them. This will not only let them know they have been targeted by a thief (tho they probably already know) it also lets them know we as consumers are in full support of them, not the thieves. While I do feel it is important to spread the awareness of content theft, I do however strongly feel it is not good to give out locations and names of those distributing stolen merchandise. I also do feel that while it is good to know that there are formats out there to aid the thief, I do not feel the details should be explained to the masses.

One more thing you can do, you can take a few moments in the next days to visit the sims of Rebel Hope and RH Engel and make some purchases to show them that you care and that thieves will never win. I am sure you will find a lovely new dress or costume, or perhaps a new bedroom set, something will catch your eye I am sure. Also, Ramos Designs and Nonna Hedges are in dire need of our support. Visit their sims, spend some well spent lindens and enjoy your new purchases knowing you’ve done something positive for our community.

SL is our community, whether it is just a game to pass the time for you, or a way for you to put food on the table in real life, we are all part of it. Our ability to create in SL is one of the things that makes it special, makes it OURS. LL has given us a great tool, a tool that we have taken and used to create a global community within the real world. It is not a perfect tool, just as it is not perfect world, but it is ours. Take ownership, do your part. Don’t let this theft continue, do what you can to raise awareness, and to stop its spread.

**Just to clarify, the above pic was not taken at a place distributing stolen content, but at a private place, as the above designers were going thru the stuff that is in a box being distributed. This stuff all shows at being created the 19th of Sept 2009, by the same individual, who has now been banned. This was only a fraction of the stuff in that box, there was not enough prim space or time to show it all. It consists of creations by the above designers, and more yet unknown. The initial copier and distributor has been AR’d and is banned, for now. There is probably more out there in circulation. We need to stop this now.