Home & Garden Expo Design Challenge: Stone Cottage

The Home and Garden Expo this year has must-see attractions such as a preview of the NEW mesh Linden Homes for premium members, and the rideable animesh Teegle Horse, as well as excellent hunt goodies including a car in the Expo Hunt, speakers and workshops, not to mention purchasable homes, decor and garden items to support the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. ...And then there is what has kept me busy the past week....

The Home & Garden Expo's Decorating Competition!

It's even bigger and better this year! 16 winners drawn in a lottery compete to decorate 1 of 16 different style homes. There's a 500 prim limit and 1 week to decorate. Once the decorating period ends, the houses are voted on by visitors by paying the Kiosk in front of each house. All money goes to a good cause.

This year, I took the feedback I received from last year's competition, and applied it to this year. I paid extra attention to the garden, land impact, lived-in decor, and staying on theme with the style of the home. It's an intense challenge. Each time I try it, my decorating skills improve. Hey, ...Why not try it yourself next year?

My idea for "House 11- Stone Cottage" is French Country & Artist.
Please visit my house, and if you like it, or other houses, please vote!  Merci beaucoup!
Home & Garden Expo Design Challenge: House 11 - Stone Cottage
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Hope%202/171/29/27


Front Garden:
House: Love Everlasting LE ~ Stone Cottage Roof [mesh](Relay For Life)
Ground cover: .Lunaria. Purple Tulip Field [mesh](Relay For Life, Hope 1)
Street Lamp: Atelier Visconti A.V. Noir Triple Street Lantern [mesh]
Grass: Fanatik Architecture: GRASS (group gift) free
Planter: Dysfunctionality [DDD] Barrel Planter - Simple Ferns [mesh]
Pathway, ground texture: HappyMood HPMD Dirt Road - brown [mesh]
Tree: 3D Trees Wisteria 6 prims M/T (80L)
Hanging Ivy: Dysfunctionality [DDD] Draping Ivy - Large Clump [mesh]
Wall: Never Totally Dead Mur Parc Lutiniere

Storyline of house: Louis couldn't believe it. He had been a lowly art student in America, but after taking a DNA test and working on his family tree, the most unlikely thing happened.... Long story short, he inherited the family's ancestral home in France. It was fully furnished too. But there was one catch to his ownership, -- he was the estate's new caretaker. If he failed to properly maintain the cottage, someone else would get the job.

Sounds like a dream come true, right? Well, he learned quickly its neither easy nor cheap to maintain such an old building. So many things required urgent repair. He needed to find a way to make money quickly. At first he tried offering tours of the home, then he tried opening the house for weddings. Then one day while working in his secret artist's studio in the attic, inspiration struck. His pet cat Gigi made the most curious pose. It reminded him of a famous painting. He quickly started a remake of this masterpiece, but with a cat instead of a person.

His whimsical Cat Paintings were a hit with tourists. They were selling in Paris, and he had the waiting list of patron to paint each of their cats in their own famous painting. He was never hurting for money again. The family was so impressed, they decided his most famous painting would become a permanent part of the family estate. It would become the duty of the next generation to protect his painting, his legacy, along with the rest of the family estate.

Roof Garden:
Plants: BlossomMeshObjectShop [BMS] Hydrangea Flowerpot [mesh](Relay For Life, Hope 3)
Hedge: by Felix Gacha Hedge Set Bullet 1 Prim, gacha[mesh](Relay For Life, Hope 2)
Hedge: Botanical Seasonal Boxwood Hedge Straight 2x1x1 [mesh]
Recliner: NOMAD Garden Recliner A, gacha [mesh]
Recliner: NOMAD Garden Recliner B, gacha [mesh]
Overhang 3D Trees hanging wisteria + animated C/M (120L)
Mirror: {anc} Looking-glass oval mirror amber 2Li, gacha [mesh]
Potted Topiary: hive cone boxwood topiary[mesh](150L)
Topiary: Trompe Loeil Odette Topiary 10 Tall  [mesh]
Planter: Aethis Creations AC Modern Planter 2A metal [mesh]
Water: NEKKA 0.5LI mesh water illusion [mesh]
Gravel: textures.com

TIPS: Make your home look lived in. Add elements that you would see in a real house, and include all the necessities, even pets, but keep in mind your prim limit.

Kitchen:
Kitchen furniture: Consignment Catia Kitchen set [mesh]
Hood: Apple Fall Plantation Stove Hood (Whitewashed) [mesh]
Basket: Apple Fall Hanging Wicker Basket [mesh]
Scales: Apple Fall Neva's Antique Scales [mesh]
Bread: Apple Fall Poppy Seed Loaves [mesh]
Kitchen utensils: vespertine hanging tools /copper 3, gacha [mesh]
Stool: noctis Medieval Scholar's stool [mesh]
Plant: Apple Fall Basil Sproutlings [mesh]
Plant hanger: Organica Hanging Bamboo Herb Planter [mesh]
Scale: Apple Fall Neva's Antique Scales  [mesh]
Salt & pepper: Pixel Mode salt & pepper mills [mesh](75% off sale)
Teapot: Pixel Mode The Kitchen - Copper Kettle [mesh](75% off sale)
Bottles: Apple Fall Ceramic Bottles [mesh]
Food: 8f8 14 primavera in Toscana Gourmet Set, gacha [mesh]
Wine: Apple Fall Argentinian Malbec[mesh]
Cat: JIAN Pudgy Persians 17 Black Grubbin' Kitten, gacha [mesh]
Brick wall, floor: textures.com

TIPS: Got a problem spot? Don't be afraid to throw down prim floors, or raise a wall. Sometimes a simple fix solves many problems.

Living Room:
Table: Nutmeg Romanov's Golden Dresser [mesh]
Roses: Apple Fall 8. Roses Jug, gacha [mesh]
Armchair, sofa, coffee table, side table, candlestick: Fancy Decor Faline Fatpack - Tapestry [mesh]
Rug: Apple Fall Althea Rug - Antique Light [mesh]
Books: Apple Fall Design Books [mesh]
Books: Apple Fall AF Reading Pile, gacha [mesh]
Chandelier: Death Row 27.DRD MB halway hanging chandelier, gacha [mesh]
Wall lanterns: Death Row 33.DRD MB wall chandelier, gacha [mesh]
Wall panel: LISP Artemis Panel Wall Thin Warm [mesh]
Fireplace: Apple Fall Hampton Outdoor Fireplace [mesh]
Chimney extension: textures.com

TIPS: This can be a crazy expensive project, so keep an eye out deals like the Pixel Mode 75% off sale going on right now, or the popular Apple Fall Pancake Breakfast which sharp eye visitors will spot in almost all the houses this year! (It was part of last weekend's The Saturday Sale)

Dining Room:
Chandelier: The Looking Glass Torch Singer Chandelier, gacha [mesh](Relay For Life, Hope 2)
Armchair: Nutmeg Romanov's Golden Armchair White [mesh]
Accent Chair: Nutmeg Accent Gilt Chair [mesh]
Rug: Dutchie blue and green rug [mesh]
Plant: Soy Super long Hanging Hedera [mesh]
Table: Apple Fall Plantation Dining Table (Whitewashed) [mesh]
Pancakes: Apple Fall West Village Pancake Breakfast Board [mesh]
Tea set: Apple Fall AF Tea Time Teaset, gacha [mesh]
Tea: Apple Fall {af} Lemon Tea, gacha [mesh]
Toast: Apple Fall {af} Toast & Butter, gacha [mesh]
Lilacs: Apple Fall {af} Lustful Lilacs, gacha [mesh]
Sidetable: Apple Fall Chinese Credenza [mesh]
Bowl: Fancy Decor Faline Handled Bowl, Faline Fatpack - Tapestry [mesh]
Drapes: Opi - Mesh Curtains & Pillows Arched Drape Curtain [mesh]

TIP: Sometimes you may need to be creative over a home issue. For instance, the neighboring house has a very different style. To keep the mood and theme of my home visually intact, I used a simple one prim wall with an excellent medieval brick texture on the sides of my home. ...Another creative solution I used was use a teleport system to access areas not reachable by walking.

Hallways:
Harpsichord: Fancy Decor Harpsichord RARE, gacha [mesh]
Table: Fancy Decor Opulent Half-Moon Table RARE, gacha [mesh]
Plant: Apple Fall Hydrangea Bunch - Pink [mesh]
Drapes: Opi - Mesh Curtains & Pillows Arched Drape Curtain [mesh]
Suitcase: Apple Fall AF Worn Luggage Bag [mesh]
Coat Rack: Unlikely Designs ::UD:: Black Coat Rack [mesh]

TIPS: Link objects to save prims. Do it to ONLY to non-scultped, no script, or items that contain no poses and animations. And do NOT try this with your non-copy Gacha wins. You could explode the prim count on the item and be unable to fix it.

Bathroom:
Curtain, tub, sink, towel: Con & floorplan Bathroom set [mesh]
Caddy: Pixel Mode Ansley Bath Caddy, gacha [mesh](closing sale 75% off)
Curio: Apple Fall 4. Blanket Curio, gacha [mesh]
Toilet: Apple Fall Lange Toilet [mesh]
Mirror: Kalopsia Le Miroire de la Marquise [mesh]
Rug: [noctis] butterorange rug 1li [mesh]
Radiator: Apple Fall Apple Fall Victorian Radiator [mesh]
Wall scones: Death Row 33.DRD MB wall chandelier small, gacha  [mesh]
Cabinet: Apple Fall Petit Ami Medicine Cabinet [mesh]
Basket: Apple Fall Neva's Laundry Basket [mesh]

TIPS: Don't use sets exactly as they rez out of the box. Show your creativity by mixing and matching decor items, even combine them!

Bedroom:
Chaise Lounge: The Looking Glass The Torch Singer Chaise, gacha[mesh](Relay For Life, Hope 2)
Bed frame: Death Row 38. DRD MB bastion Bed, gacha [mesh]
Bed: Apple Fall AF Aristocrat Bed RARE, gacha [mesh]
Wall panel: LISP Artemis Panel Wall Thin Warm [mesh]
Tapestries: *paper moon* Coppen - Apollo and Daphne [mesh]
Clock: Apple Fall AF Carriage Clock, gacha [mesh]
Pillow: Apple Fall AF Pillow (Tree), gacha [mesh]
Pillow: Apple Fall AF Pillow (Horse Riding), gacha [mesh]
Pillow: Apple Fall AF Pillow (Script), gacha [mesh]
Rug: Apple Fall AF Ruffled Rug, gacha [mesh]
Sideboard: Apple Fall AF Fleur Sideboard (Mustard), gacha [mesh]
Mirror: {anc} Looking-glass. {magic mirror} HEAVEN 6Li RARE  [mesh]
Wardrobe: Bazar Glam-MALE closet 05 [mesh]
Wardrobe: Bazar Glam-MALE closet 04 [mesh]
Wardrobe: Bazar Glam-MALE closet 03 [mesh]
Wardrobe: Bazar Glam-MALE closet 02 [mesh]

Note: For my last 2 rooms, I tried to show the artistic process. It's a work space, a bit dirty and messy, but also has surreal elements to show the imagination of the artist. ...I  love including at least one really good interactive piece of furniture in a home. This room has easel and chaise lounge for artist and his muse. The drawing will gradually reveal and it'll exactly match the pose of the model! Pretty cool.

Attic:
Sketch art creator: Akaeshae RACT The Sketchbook [mesh]
Chaise Lounge: Noctis Belle Rouge Chaise Rose [mesh](255L)
Painting: [noctis] Vanitas painting 3/Ambrosius Bosschaert 1630, gacha [mesh]
Painting: [noctis] Vanitas painting 5/Edwaert Collier: 1663, gacha [mesh]
Stool: [noctis] Vanitas artist's stool wood, gacha [mesh]
Rug: Papermoon Round Rug 1 [mesh](past hunt gift)
Canvas: vive atelier 10 Artists Stack of Canvas' Clean, gacha [mesh]
Ceiling lamp: vive atelier 11 Artists Studio Ceiling Light Copper, gacha [mesh]
Sketchbook: vive atelier 09 Artists Sketchboo, gacha [mesh]
Curtains: Kalopsia Flying Curtain [mesh]
Flying paper: Moon Amore Opera Romance Burning music sheets, gacha [mesh]
Birds: {anc} NO LIMITS flock of flying doves egg-yellow, gacha [mesh]
Mirror: {anc} Looking-glass oval mirror nickel 2Li, gacha [mesh]

Note: The final secret room is my happy ending for the home's owner. I love the fun CopyCat artworks by Nylon Outfitters. I included as many as I could fit. And at the end of the hall is cool animating painting by Blue Sky.  I hope you all liked my house!

Art Gallery:
Animated painting: BLUE SKY Animated Sky Painting - Landscape [mesh]
Picture Frame: Apple Fall AF Ornate Mirror [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - Cubist Cats, gacha [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - Picatso, gacha [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - Time to Eat?, gacha [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - Birth Of Max, gacha [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - Country Cats, gacha [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - Orphan Kitten, gacha [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - Portrait of Sasha, gacha [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - Whiskers & His Feather Toy, gacha [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - Yarn Face, gacha [mesh]
Painting: Nylon Outfitters (NO) CopyCat Art - La Catnip Danse, gacha [mesh]
Mirror: {anc} Looking-glass oval mirror gold 2Li, gacha [mesh]

Thank you for your help, Fulli and Akira!

Home & Garden Expo Design contest: Astronaut's House

Expo Contest House #2: Astronaut House by Devin Vaughn

You guys remember the "Linden Home Challenge" I did for Prim Perfect magazine? I have some awesome news, the idea has sparked a great fundraiser event for this year's Home and Garden Expo, -- a Decorating Competition! The challenge is: Decorate one of 6 homes for prizes in 4 days, with less than 500 prims, and including 3 Relay for Life donation items from the Expo. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners are determined by votes paid with Ls for the best designs. All the money from the home design votes goes to Relay for Life! You can read more about it here: decorating-competition. I love how this contest embodies the spirit of the event. Of course, I had to jump in, and I was lucky to get drawn to decorate a house, the Eco IV by Maven Homes.

Drop by to see all the houses, and vote for the ones you like before noon today! Its for a good cause!

STORYLINE: The owner is not actually an Astronaut, but people always refer to his house as the "Astronaut House." ("NASA Rover Engineer House" doesn't have the same ring to it.) The owner worked on the Mars Rover Curiosity team. All his family and baby pictures are of the rover! His new project is to design a people mover for the human mission to Mars in 2030.  JPL is not too far from his home, so he loves to commute to work in an old 50s experimental Flying Platform.

Front Porch:
House: Maven Homes Eco IV by Maven Homes [mesh](1990L)
Cat: JIAN Black Chubby Cat Bird Bus [mesh](Home and Garden Expo)(150L)
Car: Soy Flying Platform [gray metal] for decor [mesh](180L)

Movement script: How Bazaar Slower Object Hover (NEW script)(75L)
Sign: Soy. Poster for board ("My Other Car is a UFO" image by DevinVaugh) [mesh](group gift)
Lights: Trompe Loeil Iona Path Light Short Black [mesh](150L)
Grass: HappyMood HPMD* WildGrasses -green- a [mesh](180L)
Topiary: Trompe Loeil Odette Topiary 12 Tri-Square Lit [mesh](450L)

Planters: Apple Fall Square Wood Planter [mesh]

STORYLINE: ...But it's not all work with him; on the weekends he throws pizza parties. His wood oven baked pizzas made with fresh herbs are so popular, he even sells them on the side as "Space Pizza." (His parties have a mascot, "Pizza Rat" that seems to always elude the fat neighborhood cat, Luna. Even birds aren't scared of her, they often land on her back for a free ride. And his dog Cosmo is forever looking outside for a rare sighting of the mysterious Pizza Rat).

Patio:
Pots: Chic [Cb] Short Squat Greek Planters [mesh](Home & Garden Expo)(75L)
Table: Artisan Fantasy *AF* Grill 05 - Table, gacha [mesh](75L)
Chair: Artisan Fantasy *AF* Grill 06 - Deck Chair, gacha [mesh](75L)
Bench: Artisan Fantasy *AF* Grill 08 - Stone Bench, gacha [mesh](75L)
Bar: Artisan Fantasy *AF* Grill 03 - Bar, gacha [mesh](75L)
Bar stool: Artisan Fantasy *AF* Grill 07 - Bar Stool, gacha [mesh](75L)
Pizza Oven: Artisan Fantasy *AF* Grill 02 - Pizza Oven RARE, gacha [mesh](75L)
Herbs: Artisan Fantasy *AF* Grill 11 - Herbs Trio, gacha [mesh](75L)
Sign: Artisan Fantasy *AF* Grill 12 - Rules, gacha [mesh](75L)
Grill: Artisan Fantasy *AF* Grill 04 - Grill, gacha [mesh](75L)
Plant: ROIRO "Uekimuro" succulent-01, gacha [mesh](70L)
Topiary: Trompe Loeil Odette Topiary 01 Square Lit [mesh](450L)
Bench: Fancy Decor Pine Bench [mesh](free)
Pizza box: Neurolab SPACE PIZZA V.1.4 [mesh](3L)
Pizza: poche clam pizza sp, sarami pizza sp, tomato pizza sp, gacha (20L)
Rat: silentsparrow Rattie - Standard - Blaze - Pizza Rat, gacha [mesh](50L)
Parasol: Apple Fall Spring Parasol [mesh](200L)
Palm: Studio Skye Bamboo Palm, Tropical Plants Pack #2 [mesh](699L)
Water: NEKKA 0.5LI mesh water illusion [mesh](50L)
Fish: JIAN Koi Wanderer, Koi pond [mesh](400L)
Waterlily: Dysfunctionality [DDD] 4 Lily Pads, 4 li (55L)
Lights: Vespertine outdoor bulb lights / 4 building- long- shining [mesh](180L)
Hammock: Revival hammock [mesh](400L)
Tree: Little Branch LB_WeepingHoneyTree{Animated}*4Seasons [mesh](186L)
Sound: Builders Brewery Water sound and script (class, free)

STORYLINE: ...Some of the best moments in his home happen when he is alone with his sweetheart watching the Meteor Showers or looking at the stars through his antique telescope. 

Side of House:
Tree: FelixvonKotwitz Mesh Japan Pine 3 Prim [mesh](145L)
Rug: Zerkalo Persian Rugs - Reds - PG [mesh](399L)
Telescope: LISP Kepler Telescope [mesh](150L)
Deck: LISP  Bergamot Square Decking - Warm Oak [mesh](150L)
Shooting stars: {anc} shooting star magic [mesh](349L)
Sounds: [ sTp ] SOUND Emitter Suburbs / Different day & night time sounds (200L)

Hallway:
Room divider: ROIRO Cafe partition [mesh](120L)
Rug: Wild Hound Designs [WHD] -- SIngle Rug - Oriental Runner 015 (15L)
Sculpture: Culprit Invisible Bonds Male [mesh](300L)
Sign: Artisan Fantasy AF Mission Wall Hat Rack Adult - Warm [mesh](200L)
Bag: Apple Fall AF Worn Luggage Bag, gacha [mesh](25L)
Bag: Apple Fall AF Monogram Luggage Bag, gacha [mesh](25L)
Frame: Apple Fall Antique Art [mesh](175L)
Art: NASA Mars Art Series by NASA, (free for public use)
Art: NASA Mars UVMap by by NASA, (free for public use)

STORYLINE: When facing a difficult design problem, he will often sit down to play music. It helps clear his mind of distractions to find a creative solution.

Music area:
Cello: NOMAD Cello 03, gacha [mesh](75L)
Harpsichord: Fancy Decor Harpsichord RARE, Fancy Decor: Harpsichord Stool, gacha [mesh](50L)
Rug: Soy Shag Round Rug w. texture changer [mesh](100L)

Office area:
Posters: Paper Moon *pm* Visions of the Future Posters [mesh](150L)
Shelves: Fancy Decor Ladder Shelf [mesh](199L)
Rug: Tartessos Arts TA Code Rug Beige [mesh](100L)
Television: Tartessos Arts TA HD Wall TV Sytem [mesh](120L)
Desk, chair: PILOT Dellinger Desk. Stool PG [mesh](600L)
Model: Isil LT-1 Buffalo Display Model [mesh](free)
Papers: Apple Fall AF Reading Pile [mesh]
Book and map: Apple Fall Books & Map [mesh](100L)
Sketchbook: Apple Fall AF Sketchbook [mesh], gacha [mesh](25L)
Globe: Noble Creations [NC] - World Globe [mesh](group gift)
Book: floorplan handbook for the recently deceased [mesh](1L)
Telephone: floorplan antique telephone black 3, gacha [mesh](50L)
Pipes: Pixel Mode Air Duct, The Heights Studio Apartment [mesh](1450L)
Wall: Textures.com PlasterBare0127 (gift for members)

Bedroom:
Polaroids: ROIRO Polaroid deco (RFL)[mesh](Home and Garden Expo)(150L)
Rocket: Space Engineer Art Deco Rocket [mesh](99L)
Stool: BAMSE Photographer - Stool, gacha [mesh](50L)
Pictures: NASA Curiosity rover on Mars (free for public use)
Desk: DIGS Engman Desk & Chair - Black/Ash RARE, gacha [mesh](100L)
Sketchbook: vive atelier 09 Artists Sketchbook, gacha [mesh](75L)
Notebook: Apple Fall 'iFall' Notebook 2015 [mesh](free)
Books: Apple Fall Design Books [mesh](100L)
Clock: Apple Fall Large Stopwatch [mesh]
Magnifiers: Apple Fall Amelie Magnifiers [mesh](free)
Frame: Apple Fall AF Annan Reclaimed Frame [mesh](75L)
Bedroom furniture: Trompe Loeil Gramercy Bedroom Suit grey [mesh](2400L)
Table: Trompe Loeil Industrial Coffee Table [mesh](95L)
Photowall: Trompe Loeil Nine cell photo [mesh](150L)
Bench: Trompe Loeil Baroque Bench Poplar + White [mesh]
Pillows: Trompe Loeil Free Pillow Toss Wall Lengthwise, Toss Flat [mesh](free)

Living room:
Clock: NOMAD Wall Planetarium [mesh](350L)
Maps: NOMAD Antique World Map A, B [mesh](100L)
Rug: Tartessos Arts TA Trend Rug Brown [mesh](100L)
Sofa: Fancy Decor Classic Modern Sofa  [mesh](350L)
Puppy: JIAN Silly Shibes - Companion Pup, gacha (White) [mesh](50L)
Lamp: isil Planetarium Hologram (Mars) COMMON, gacha [mesh](50L)
Rug: Apt B Rug V2 [mesh](99L)
Picture frame: Apple Fall Original Artwork: L'Homme de la Nuit [mesh](250L)
Pool table: Apple Fall Tournament Billiards Table [mesh](275L)
Bar: Apple Fall Masculine Bar [mesh](375L)
Books: Apple Fall AF Books w/ Deer Head Bookends [mesh](100L)
Safe: Apple Fall Gachatopia Safe [mesh](past gift)
HangingLamp: Apple Fall Atelier Pendant Lamp [mesh]
Lamp: Trompe Loeil Steampunk Lamp RARE, gacha [mesh](25L)
Chair: Trompe Loeil Aeronaut Chair Berry & Fawn [mesh](175L)
Table: Trompe Loeil Audrey's Table Metal [mesh](175L)
Chair: Trompe Loeil Audrey's Chair Black PG [mesh](275L)
Table: Trompe Loeil Industrial Coffee Table [mesh](95L)
Game: Second Spaces backgammon set, gacha [mesh](50L)
Table: Soy worktable [mesh](group gift, free)

Reading area:
Bookcase: DIGS Stephenson Bookcase [mesh](175L)
Chaise lounge: Apple Fall Ram Chaise - Dark Chocolate [mesh](250L)
Papers: Soy Scattered papers [mesh](group gift, free)
Floor Lamp: The Hive Rusted Floor Lamp //Dark 1 [mesh](200L)
Picture frame: Trompe Loeil Frame Square Art Statue [mesh](Group Gift)
Image: NASA Curiosity rover selfie on Mars (free for public use)

World Goth Fair 2014: Scarlet's Sister

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: The Council of Elders decided it was cruel and unusual punishment to snatch people from their lives for displaying any hint of "darkness" and dumping them here without warning, never to be seen again. They thought it would be "merciful" for one day a year, to open Curse's gates for tourists and the foolhardy. Since there is no bigger holiday in Cursed then World Goth Day, it made sense that would be the day. Two neighboring human cities, Sium and Port Seraphine are also joining celebration. Rumor has it, Scarlet's little sister Elizabeth will be among the visitors.

Sneaking over here is Blogger Bat extraordinaire, Aarya Phantomhive of the Dark Phantom blog. She's wearing the Astarte hair with a widow peak bang by LaNoir Soleil Designs. This fun Miyuki outfit by Fosca de Le I'm sure many of my Lolita readers will love. It's especially cute when you add the Bat garter by Squeek! and match it with the Batwing Ruffle Platforms by The Sugar Garden. These badass Lolita shoes work with the Slink flat feet and are must haves for every EGL. Her arm warmers by Greymoon you can pick up over the WGF Sium sim, and the make up and nails by Beautiful Freaks. The Loli nails texture is awesome, perfect for Lolita style. Adding a little more punk is the spiked headband by Dark Waters Designs. You can find it at the Gacha Pond.

On Her, Scarlet's Little Sister Elizabeth:

Hair: LaNoir Soleil Designs ASTARTE [mesh] (World Goth Fair, Port Seraphine)(74L) 50% donation
Garter: Squeek! Bat garter (black+silver) [mesh] (World Goth Fair, Sium)(200L) 50% donation
Makeup: Beautiful Freaks BF Divinora eyeliner - vicious violet (World Goth Fair, Sium)(200L) 100% donation
Hairpiece, dress, waist: FOSCA de LE Miyuki dress [mesh] (World Goth Fair, Port Seraphine)(100L)

Nails: Beautiful Freaks BF nails loli, applier for Slink (World Goth Fair, Sium)(125L)

Headband: Dark Water Designs Spiked Headband Black/Silver, gacha (World Goth Fair, Sium)(30L)
Gloves: Greymoon Corsetted Paisley Armwarmers [mesh] (World Goth Fair, Sium)(100L)

Shoes: The Sugar Garden Batty Wing, Ruffle Platforms - SolidxBlack [mesh](199L)

Lantern, pose: LISP Lantern Pose 1 [mesh]

(click to enlarge)

STORYLINE: Humans and Darks intermingling unsupervised? ...Yeah. What could possibly go wrong?   

You are going to want to bookmark the Gacha pond landmark. That's where you will find a lot of really nice new gothic items at sweet gacha prices. And coming soon, the Officially Licensed Band Shirts will be there too! The gacha machines with purple tentacles equal a 50% donation item for S.O.P.H.I.E., and green tentacles equal a 100% donation. The LOoLOo gacha machine has cute memorabilia for this years World Goth Fair. I couldn't resist dressing up my new favorite toy, the Vampire Beast. The handsome gent is a part the fabulous new Linden Labs's free Vampire avatar collection. You can read more about it here: http://community.secondlife.com

To help you navigate all three sims of World Goth Fair, you can see a map of the sims and a store location list, here: http://worldgothfair.wordpress.com/merchant-list-2/

On Him, the Gargoyle:

Headband: LOoLOo’s WGF 2014 Head Boppers (World Goth Fair, Gacha pond)(50L) 50% donation
Teddy bear: LOoLOo’s  WGF 2014 Holdable Bear (World Goth Fair, Gacha pond)(50L) 50% donation
Bracelet: LOoLOo’s  WGF 2014 Mesh Bracelet (World Goth Fair, Gacha pond)(50L) 50% donation
Necklace: LOoLOo’s  WGF 2014 Unisex Necklace (World Goth Fair, Gacha pond)(50L) 50% donation

Avatar: Linden Labs Vampire Beast Avatar [mesh](free)
Pose: momomuller / 3M 3M_standing16_m_back_001 (40L)

Location:

Siden vampires

RMK Frost Fair: The Ghost of Christmas Past

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STORYLINE: The Ghost of Christmas Past is throwing a party on Christmas Eve and all her friends are invited.

New release Baby Christmas by RokumeikaN is available in red and black at both RMK Frost Fair and Gothmas by Gaslight. It comes with dress and half bonnet.  Matching the dress is a elegant antique collar by Theater Chain. You can play the gacha at RMK Frost Fair and maybe even win the rare blue Blue Christmas! The hairstyle Swirly by Rosy mood is not to be missed. It's perfect lolita style. And there is a limited edition silver for Frost Fair only 30L!

On her, Ghost of Christmas Past:
Dress, Bonnet: RokumeikaN +RMK*Baby Christmas*+red [mesh] (RMK Frost Fair)(450L)
Hair: Rosy mood Swirly - copper [mesh] (RMK Frost Fair) (180L)
Collar: Theater Chain +T*C+Antique Choker - red, gacha [mesh] (RMK Frost Fair)(50L)
Boots: Lassitude and Ennui Wanderlust boots - oxblood  [mesh](280L)

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I am crazy for Noctis! Mesh! Gothic! Victorian! Nice Textures! What's not to love? Building this set was a real joy, and I am thankful for my friends who helped me because I'm a bit clueless on decorating. lol. The sweet potatoes you find in the Gacha Gazebo at RMK Frost Fair. The nice holiday fireplace you can find in the Noctis booth at Frost Fair. The wonderful dining set includes everything you need to host a diner party, even drunk poses. lol The Christmas Tree is my kind of tree, the angel on the top is a Gargoyle! Seriously. I have a gargoyle collection in my home. If only the guys weren't heavy, they would look awesome on top of my tree. lol  The octagon rug I picked up at the main Noctis store, it works perfectly with the table.

Setting, Christmas Room:
Table, chairs, food, drink, candle: Noctis Von Scarlet chairs & dining table [mesh] (Gothmas, Sium)(355L)
Christmas Trees: Noctis Gothmas Tree [mesh] (Gothmas, Sium) (155L)
Sweet Potatoes: Noctis mashed yam in bowl, Christmas Spread gatcha [mesh] (RMK Frost Fair)(20L)
Fireplace: Noctis Lilenstil Fireplace Christmas Vendor [mesh] (RMK Frost Fair) (255L)
Rug: Noctis Versailles aubergine octagonal sculpted (55L)

BONUS IMAGE

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STORYLINE: Jack Frost was the first to arrive at the party. He tends to be cold, but on Christmas eve, even he melts a little.

The chair set in the back with Jack Frost is the current prize at Madpea's Holiday Havoc hunt. It's awesome. The hall shelf is a hunt gift for the Peace of Earth hunt. The little christmas tree from Gothmas is actually shown here the size it comes in. I scaled it up to be my big christmas trees and it worked out great. The stocking on the wall was gift from by friend Azure and inside it was stuffed with wonderful gacha goodies including cute pair of Bastet statues. So epic! Love! Thank you!

Shelf, hat, mirror, umbrella: Noctis [mesh] (POE hunt)(free)

Chair, books, floorlamp, rug, sidetable: Noctis Baron Von Scarlet [mesh] (Madpeas Holiday Havoc)(free)

Stocking: LISP Rumplestiltskin Christmas Stockings Warm Reds (75L)


BONUS IMAGE

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The shelf, mini tree, and gifts are Advent gifts day 24 at Madpeas.  The cabin is from the current round of Collabo88.  It looks wonderful and has a very cool style, but me and all my friends all struggle to move around it. To fix it, I enlarged the cabin and made most of it phantom. 

Shelf, tree, gifts: Noctis Lilienstil christmas table and tree [mesh] (Madpeas Advent day 24) (free)
Cabin: Scarlet Creative The Trilby Dacha Box Set [mesh] (Collabor88) (488L)
Pictures: Noctis Framed Vintage Tiles 2 (35L)

Okay. I'm off to spend Christmas Eve with friends and family!
Merry Gothmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

Thanks for your help decorating the cabin, Azure and Aarya!

Gothmas: The Ghost of Jacob Marley

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STORYLINE: Christmas Eve 1836, Jacob Marley,  the wealthy banking partner of Ebenezer Scrooge, was rushing home ahead of a freak blizzard. A homeless man caught out in the open tried to flag him down for help. Rather than stop to give aid, Marley commanded the carriage onward. The desperate man made a sudden move to jump onto the back of the carriage. The horses were spooked, bolted wildly, and slipped on the ice. The carriage fell over London Bridge and crashed into the Thames river. Marley had no friends other than Scrooge. No one noticed he was missing Christmas Day. His body was later discovered entombed in the ice. Now his ghost is condemned forever to walk the Earth weighed down by the chains of selfishness and greed.

It's time to explore the darkside of the biggest holiday of the year with a dash of Victorian elegance, and wink at the wicked. The stellar World Goth Fair gang returns with another fantastic event Gothmas by Gaslight. It's 2 sims of gothic goodness: adult sim Cursed, and moderate sim Sium. Check out the giant list of participating stores: Gothmas Merchant List. Event runs until January 5th.

Now let me tell you a little more about this outfit. The chains and shackles are part of a slave silk set for men by Soedara on sale at We <3 Role Play. The chains that connect the wrists to the ankles are actually a particles effect and it works pretty good following your movements. The suit is all one piece in mesh by Fuubutsu Dou at Gothmas. It's a cool design of a half jacket half vest, with straps on the sleeve, and I love the Victorian style drape at the foot. The bowtie is a separate attachment. This sweet cane is in a gacha by Chaos, Panic, and Disorder and it's 25L a spin at Gothmas. The hair by Ayashi for men comes with cute antlers and you can get it at that RMK Frost Fair. Just click the vendor to scroll through the color packs. The hair is non rigged and can scale xyz. The lantern by LISP is really nice and comes with a pose. You can win it at the current round of The Arcade. The gold eyes are the current group gift at Ikon.

On Him, The Ghost of Jacob Marley:

Outfit, necktie: Fuubutsu Dou GxG- Mens Complete Attire-Black [mesh] (Gothmas, Sium) (200L)

Cane: Chaos, Panic, Disorder Gentleman's Cane - Brass & Ebony, gacha (Gothmas, Cursed) (25L)

Shackles, chains: Soedara Hard Labor (We <3 Role Play) (240L) 40% off

Hair: Ayashi Kai - white set [mesh] (RMK Frost Fair) (250L)

Lantern, pose: LISP Lantern Pose 1 [mesh] (The Arcade) (25L)

Eyes: IKON Spectral Eyes - Leonine [mesh] (group gift)(free)

Gloves: Ascent Armored Glove 02 (past, Fantasy Gacha)

Shoes: PixelFashion Bradford Shoes Black V [mesh] (390L)

Hat: Cero Style NOPH male Hat (past, Night at the Opera Hunt)

Skin: Tableau Vivant Ryan Sent to destroy 4

Location:
Gothmas - Sium

BONUS IMAGE

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