MONIQUE’S MATCHMAKING BOOTH: A GUY’S GIFT GUIDE TO CUFFING HIS CRUSH THIS FALL - Moniques Chapeau Reporting...

Hey Lifey Babes, this is your girl Monique coming to you with the hottest advice when it comes to dating in the fast-paced world of Second Life. 

Autumn is right around the corner and my favorite of the four seasons. There is something so special about the changing colors of the leaves, pumpkin flavored drinks, knitted sweaters and football (even though I have no idea what is going on in the game LOL). 

Cooler weather conditions are perfect for keeping everyone staying indoors and logged on to Second Life. And guess what, it is Cuffing Season! 

SL dating can be challenging for guys. It’s hard to separate yourself from every other guy in your Crush's inbox. Lucky for you, I have a solution, we can get her the perfect gift. 

REMEMBER: 

The objective of cuffing season is to Woo your crush into being your Cuff for the Holiday Season at least up until after Valentine’s Day. Meaning, she is not your girlfriend yet. Therefore, we will need something a little less X-rated and something a little more flirtatious and thoughtful to win her heart!

A HOLDIE DRINK: 

GET TO KNOW YOUR CRUSH 

The Holdie gift is the safest casual choice in the Second Life gift realm. Holdies can be a cute accessory that always fits. Most importantly, a Holdie drink can be an introduction to role play, a quick coffee date to get to know your crush; it’s natural and effortless. 

She will enjoy the gesture and always remember you when she is holding it. Small gestures can create the best memories. A great casual coffee date can lead to future dates! 

The pick up line: 

● “That (Insert X-Drink Name) would be perfect for (Insert X-coffee shop/ X-juice bar), let me Teleport you there!” 

Where do we buy the gift: 

MOVEMENT: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/HYPED/240/39/3002 

● One of my favorite Holdie/Holdables stores. They have many creative options, they look realistic and have many Weekend Sales! 

In the pictures below I am at the MOVEMENT store. I am holding the “Autumn Evening - Coffee and Cinnamon” on display. I also have the” Donut Strawberry Shake.” 

AN ADORABLE PET: 

TO SHOW HER YOUR CARING SIDE 

Women are nurturers, it is in our DNA. Research shows men with cute animals in their dating profiles get more matches. Using this knowledge, we know she will love the perfect little creature as a gift. 

For the girl you already know, ask her in casual conversation what animals she likes and dislikes. Make sure her gift is not an animal she has a phobia of (that could end up to be a disaster). 

If she already has a SecondLife pet, you could get her something similar. If you two are on a personal level, you could ask her for a picture of her real life pet and you could get her the SecondLife version of that exact one. Her heart will melt so be prepared for all the Awes! 

Another thing to consider is your Crush’s overall aesthetic before you get her a pet. Example: 

● If your Crush is a girly-girl you might want something fluffy like a bunny/kitten ● If your Crush is edgy and likes black maybe a reptile/ bat 

● If your Crush is a mythical being she might like a fairy/dragon instead The Pick up Line: 

● “Your pet matches you perfectly, we should do a photoshoot of us and your new pet!” ● “I saw this (Inset X-pet type) that reminded me of (Insert her real life Pet’s name) and I thought you’d like it in Second Life too!” 

Where do we buy the gift: 

REZZ ROOM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paris%20City/170/139/26 ● REZZ ROOM is a great standard place to pick up the standard common pets along with a few exotic ones! 

In the picture below I am at REZZ ROOM hanging out with Lions, the cub is so cute! 

CUTE PAJAMAS: 

FOR A ROMANTIC NIGHT IN 

Cute Pajamas are a step down from the risque nature of lingerie, but still romantic. The perfect introduction to propose a late night movie date or snuggling by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate. 

The pick up line: 

● “You look cute in those pajamas, you should wear them to watch a movie with me later.” ● “You look so cozy in that, you should wear it by this fireplace at (Inset X-location) while we talk and gaze at the stars.” 

Where do we buy the gift: 

GOSSIP: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ELEVEN/146/135/30 

● The store is full of nighties, sleeping shirts and other cute sets I have been eyeing. 

In the picture below I am wearing pajama shorts and a top set with adorable pizzas on them from Gossip, they also have an avocado and cow version if you like! 

JEWELRY: 

TO SHOW HER SHE’S SPECIAL 

Jewelry is for the woman you already have a deep romantic connection with.The gesture will make her feel special. You can present the jewelry on a romantic date before proposing the idea of spending the Holiday Season together. 

Simple earrings or a bracelet that matches your crushes style should do the trick. The benefit to Jewelry is it fits, and ideally should be able to match many outfits. Everytime she looks at it, she will feel adored. Remember, diamonds ARE a girl’s best friend! 

She will have something to show her girlfriends while she talks about how exciting and thoughtful you are. 

The pick up Line: 

● “I really enjoy spending time with you, my family lives far away and I was wondering if you’d like to see eachother on (Inset X-holiday).” 

● “There’s a party and I would like you to be my plus one if you would like to join me!” ● “I was thinking you could wear this. We could both dress up for a photoshoot for (X-holiday) if you like!” 

Where do we buy the gift: 

VOBE: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/VOBE/141/133/504 

● An amazing location to pick up a little trinket or chain of all metals and a variety of styles. 

VEXIIN: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/XODOHTRONU/128/129/3152 ● Firstly, the store is very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. The store reminds me of a Casino, a great place to actually bring your crush to pick out the gift herself. Vexiin has great classic pieces or pieces that are more blingy your crush likes that look more! 

In the picture below I have on a double butterfly chain from VOBE called “Valentina Necklace Silver ''. I think it’s so pretty. The watch is from VEXIIN and called “Merit Diamond Watch (Platinum)” I wear it all the time as a timeless piece. 

CONCLUSION 

Autumn is one of the most eventful Seasons and in our down time indoors it is a wonderful thing to be able to spend it with people we care about, especially your Crush. As a guy, you can always show the girl you care about affection and treat her with a special gift to make memories that will last longer than a Season. 

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9/11 Memorial -I will Always Remember and Never Forget -Lanai Jarrico Reporting...

 

September 11, 2001 is a day in American History that stopped the world in a gasp as an attack on America played out on every News station. I can still remember that morning clearly as I was getting my little girl ready for kindergarten. I got a call from my husband who was at work. He asked me to turn on the news. I watched in horror as smoke was billowing out of the first tower hit as the news was unfolding. It was Flight 11. 

As I watched, I saw the second plane; Flight 175 hit the second tower. Terrified by what I was seeing,  I was afraid to take my daughter to school or even leave the house for fear of more attacks.  

By 9:37am Flight 77 crashed through the Pentagon.  At 9:59am, the South tower collapsed followed by Flight 93 crashing into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:02am.

 Then the North tower collapsed by 10:28am. It felt like everything was happening at once. 

 All I could see was a cloud of dust and debris that covered NYC and damaged surrounding buildings.  People were confused and frantic running for their lives covered in white dust.  It was the most terrifying thing I have ever witnessed on live tv. I stood in silence with my mind going a million miles an hour. What was happening? How could this be a coincidence? I had family who lived in Manhattan and worked close to the towers. Were they safe? Almost 3,000 people lost their lives that day. 

 I spent the next hours and days flipping through different news channels while reporters were trying to make sense of what was going on In NYC, PA and the Pentagon in Washington DC.

Shockwaves from this horrific event in our history carried on around the world for weeks, then months and even years later the magnitude of those days still haunts the lives of everyone who was affected.

 About 7 months after the attacks, I took a trip to ground zero. It was eerie. Sadness permeated the whole area. It was surreal as I walked around.  There were thousands of pictures, posters, balloons, flowers and stuffed animals on the fences that surrounded the gaping hole where the twin towers once stood. I was consumed with emotion. The adjacent building was shrouded in safety tarps with scars from the flying debris. I remember looking at a large mangled steel beam that resembled a cross. It was a time in history that changed us all, the war on terrorism was born. This is something I will always remember and will never forget.

Memorials & Events in Second Life for 9/11

Second Life has a A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001

9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/234/47/1343

9/11 Memorial @ The River 12:00pm SLT

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20River/117/124/26

9/11 Patriot Day At Rockin Robin Remembers 12pm SLT

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rockin%20Robin/139/195/79 

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? Share your story in the comment box below.

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COMING SOON - I Pink I Can - Oct 2 - 29

 

Camping For A Cure is once again bringing you I Pink I Can. From Oct 2 - 29 there will be an amazing line up of live music and Dj's as well as vendors, raffles and lots more. There is sure to be something to please everyone, so mark your calendars, keep the dates free and come along and have fun with us while raising much needed Lindens and awareness for breast cancer. The support from the SL community, no matter how big or small makes a real difference. Together we can do this.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/American%20Cancer%20Society2/93/94/25

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MONIQUE’S CLOSET ORGANIZATION GUIDE: MY TIPS TO ORGANIZING MY SECOND LIFE INVENTORY - Moniques Chapeau reporting...

Hey Lifey Babes, this is your girl Monique coming to you with Second Life’s hot topics about culture, gossip and style. 

I love shopping, especially during the weekend. But after a shopping spree and receiving gifts from secret admirers, inventories start to get super cluttered and confusing. But don’t worry, I’m here to help. Here are my 6 top tips for organizing your inventory. 

1. CREATE CATEGORIES FOR EVERYTHING YOU BUY BEFORE YOU SHOP 

Before I start any shopping trip, I always make sure I have all of my folders created so when I start to organize everything, they already have a home. All I have to do is drag my new folders to their home and things already are in order. 

Here are a few of my categories for everything in my closet! 

2. USE SYMBOLS TO SEPARATE CATEGORIES 

I like using symbols to separate my categories. These symbols create groupings and things become much easier to find and organize. 

The “#” is for anything to do with my body parts. 

The “$” symbol for all of my beauty products. 

The “**” symbol for all of my clothing items. 

3. DELETE DEMOS IN THE RECENT TAB IMMEDIATELY 

When shopping on SL, the number one rule before buying any outfit is to always try the Demo. 

Whether you buy the outfit or not, it is easy for the demos to mix in with regular purchased objects and it creates a jumbled mess.

The Tip: Every time you change back into your regular outfit, go to the “Recent” tab on your Inventory, right click and “Delete” the Demos immediately. This good habit will save you time when you have to organize objects you actually want to keep. 

 

4. UNPACKING THE HAULS WHILE THEY ARE STILL FRESH 

There are two great ways you can unpack your hauls. 

The first one is to unpack your objects as soon as you buy them. But my favorite way is to unpack everything right after the end of my shopping spree or at least the next time I log on. 

This way what I bought is fresh in my mind of what the object looks like. Usually, if I wait too long to organize the objects, I forget what I bought and I will have to add it to my body to see what it is. This creates an annoying extra step for organization. So, the fresher it is in your mind, the easier it is to organize. 

4. OPENING A SECOND INVENTORY WINDOW TO GET THINGS IN ORDER 

I was so happy when I found out this amazing tip. What I do is use multiple inventory windows at once. 

You go to the bottom left of your inventory window, hit the gear symbol and the top of the tab it will say “New Inventory Window”. Now you will have two identical inventory windows. I use this feature for mainly two things: 

The first is when unpacking my purchases, I use the first window to look at my unpacked “Objects” list while I use the second inventory window to look at everything on my “Recent” tab. As I unpack, I make sure everything I unpack corresponds with my Recent Tab. It works great ! 

This is useful because it makes sure in the rush of unpacking, everything you spent your good hard Lindens on gets is ready to use.

 

My second favorite function of the double open inventory windows trick is when there is a long list of unpacked items, sometimes when moving folders objects around they go into the wrong folder. It is much easier to move items from one inventory tab to the other. 

5. GIVING FOLDERS A MEMORABLE NICKNAME 

An inventory is something very personal. My final tip is never be afraid to give objects in your inventory a nickname folder so you can quickly recall what something looks like. 

Here is an example: 

This hair is from FAGA called Daria, but I won't easily remember what the hairstyle looks like based on its original name. Instead, I call it “Cerci Low Westeros” because in the popular show Game of Thrones, the actress Leah Headley wears it often in the first few seasons for her character Cerci. So as soon as I read that folder, I know exactly what it is. You can use this trick for almost anything, and it works! 

6. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME 

Here is my final tip and maybe the most important one. Inventory organization does not have to be done all at once, but rather it can become a filler of time. I will explain what I mean. 

Most come on Second Life to connect with people and to have fun, but there can be time gaps in between those fun times and that’s when you tackle your inventory. 

Let’s look at a few common scenarios: 

You and your friend are typing, but suddenly they type “BRB” in the chat. You are waiting for a teleport to the latest event, but it’s taking a little while. The person talking in voice is boring you to tears or they are just super annoying. 

These are all excellent examples of scenarios where you can click into your inventory and organize a few items. You may only get one or two done, but keep up with this good habit and before you know it your inventory will be perfectly organized. Plus, it is less overwhelming just to do a few things at a time. 

CONCLUSION 

Inventories can get confusing and overwhelming, but hopefully some of my tips will be helpful.

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Posh Event September Round September 1st 12 PM SLT

 

Posh Event Opens September 1st 12 Noon Free Gifts, Exclusive items

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/POSH%20DRIVE/151/205/1849

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SADDLES CANYON COUNTRY RETREAT : DJ AND HOST OF THE MONTH – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

SecondLife is truly a land of infinite possibilities for those with the determination and the imagination to make their dreams come true.  For the artist, the possibilities of pixel art are amazing.  And for the music lover, world-class performances with top-notch talent are only a few mouse clicks away.  But by far, the vast majority of musical entertainment is provided by DJs and their talented Hosts.  Together, they work to provide residents with a fun and engaging musical experience.

The best of those DJs and Hosts rise quickly to the top of the heap, and I was fortunate enough to meet two such individuals on my last trip to Saddles  Canyon Country Retreat. Laser Stratten is the DJ of the Month at Saddles, and Abby Walker has been selected as the Saddles Host of the Month.   I was able to catch up with these two extraordinary entertainers between sets the other day, and they were willing to share with me the secret of their success as DJ and Host.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellis) JB:   Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.  Sooo…tell me, please.  Just how long have you been in the DJ and Host business?

Laser Stratten (LS):   I started DJing when a friend of mine was a manager at Wildcats when it was just beginning around 2012.  I was still working in RL doing a job that required many hours of my time, so I was mainly a fill-in DJ. I didn't really start taking permanent sets until a few years later.

Abby Walker (AW):  I have been hosting for close to 10 years now. Although, it does not seem that long.

JB:    What made you get started in this job?

LS:    I've always enjoyed listening to music.  I joined SL out of curiosity but soon got caught up in going to live music events and gained some DJ friends.  I really didn't have plans to be a DJ  until this manager friend convinced me I should.  I had help getting set up with a SAM Broadcaster and began accumulating music.  I also got help from some experienced DJ's on how to use the SAM and set up music to present to the club VIP's. I developed my own style over the years.

SB:  How many clubs are you currently hosting?

LS:    I am only working at one venue at this time, but I've worked a many different ones through the years. I'm not averse to working in multiple clubs, but working at only one club can sometimes turn into a family atmosphere which I enjoy.

AW:    Currently, I mainly only host at Saddles. I am a host at two other clubs: Copperhead Roads and I’m a fill-in at Bearfoot & Buckwild.

JB:      What genre of music do you play, and do you have a favorite?

LS:    I play mostly country and red dirt. Some classic and Southern rock, too.  I like to highlight my home State of Texas and the large variety of musical talent that exists here.

JB:    Do you have your own group? 

LS:    I do!  My group members are called Laser Beams!

secondlife:///app/group/91b029b2-be06-c177-a8d7-31381f04be3b/about

AW:       As a host, I do not have my own group. However, I do know a few hosts that have a large enough following for a group.

JB:    You two make a great team, and we can see the real chemistry there. Do you two normally work together, or do you do separate gigs?

LS:    Abby and I met at a club quite a few years ago.  She would host for me at times, but it seems that she is my exclusive host at Saddles.  She is a misplaced Texas girl who grew up not far from where I live now in Texas, so it's fun for us to work together.

AW:      Lately, we have been working together a lot. Especially at Saddles. But in the past, we have not always worked together even though we have worked at the same clubs before. We have known each other for several years.

JB:    The best DJs and Hosts are usually good-looking, friendly, and outgoing…at least the good ones are. And as semi-celebs, they must have people looking to hook up, don't they? How do handle the Fans who may want more from you than just your music?

LS:    My DJ mentor, Strummer Skytower actually warned me about that.  I was in a committed relationship at that time, so when I did get a few flirty IMs, I'd just ignore them or laugh it off. Yeah, it does happen at times, I guess.  And if a DJ is so inclined, they can meet some new people that way.  These days, I am a happily married man in both RL and SL.  We met in SL and are now married in RL.  We met when she was a club owner and I was a DJ looking for work.  I tell her when someone IMs me to tell me they like how I DJ or comment about my voice and she tells me..." Yeah, they're trying to flirt with you" and we chuckle about it.

AW:      There have been a few times where someone has tried to hook up with me. I always try to be friendly to everyone and even flirt a little, but if it gets too much, I let the person know they need to back down. I simply tell them we can be friends and no more.

JB:    Awww…so your marriage, Laser, was truely “A Match made in SL”.  So tell me, how would you advise someone who wants to get into your line of work  What would it take?

LS:    It takes a working knowledge of the music you intend to play.  And you need to be able to express yourself over a microphone.  Most club owners don't want you to just be a radio.  They want you to engage the VIPs and make it interesting. I try very hard to do that.

AW:      I would say if someone wants to become a host, they should watch how other hosts operate in the clubs. Keep a notecard up and if the host says something you really like then type/copy it down and even reword it to make it more personal. I would encourage them to jump right in and just do it. Most clubs are willing to let someone new try it out and they will help them along.

JB:      Why is it that people often don't tip the host or tip the host less than the  DJ?

LS:    To be honest, I don't usually get notified when a host gets tipped.  But being a host, a GOOD host, is hard work.  I've hosted before, and it's not fun to me! They have to be on their toes to greet the VIPs and disseminate all the information the club owners and managers need them to make known.  So tipping them less than the DJ is just not right.  I always tip them the same as the DJ unless I really know the DJ well.

AW:     As a host, I do see this often. I think most people feel the DJ does more work and must pay to get the music. They don’t realize that the host is not just up there looking good. We send out all notices, spam multiple groups, welcome everyone into the club, and monitor chat for any issues going on, if we hear something wrong with the music or can’t hear voiceovers, we should contact the DJ to let him know. DJs and Hosts both play a vital role in the success of a club and the set and we do an equal amount of work to make it a success.

JB:    Point is well taken, Abby.  So…Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Readers? 

LS:    People need to know that running a SL club is not an easy, or inexpensive undertaking.  I would bet that most clubs are not money-makers.  So, when the DJ or Host asks for donations to the club, please know that it is expensive to pay for clubs.  These owners do all they do as a labor of love and all their support - and yours - is much appreciated

AW:       I would encourage anyone who would like to become a Host or DJ to just do it, and not be afraid. Most people here in SL are very supportive and really, it’s all about just having fun.

 

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