Happy 2014! Tomorrow kicks off a new year and a new direction. I’ve always enjoyed the year in reviews from magazines, tv programs and news. I find that some stuff I forgot about or rather wish to never be reminded of (ie: Miley Cyrus), but most of the time, I’ve somehow missed major events completely. I find that looking back is a great way to move forward and reflect on the change over the year. And, wow what changes I’ve had over this year. Late last December, I started Hidden Gems in Second Life with no plan, or connections. I saw a void in most Second Life blogs and hoped to serve as a resource on fashion, hunts, contests, men’s wear and interior design. In the beginning, I focused heavily on hunts and slowly discovered shopping events and discount rooms. As I become more and more comfortable with the medium, I disclosed pieces of myself and started to build a community of readers. With the myriad of changing hair styles, skins, looks and some terrible fashion choices; you the reader commented, gave suggestions and we became friends. Thank you for your support and I look forward to the journey in 2014!
Let’s start at the beginning
Face of Virtual Asia, round 5 contest: 1/22/13
Late December 2012, I won the FOVA round 4 and thought why not blog about it. Quickly, I became obsessed and started blogging every day.
Focus on photo contest
Ready, Set, Pose!: 2/28/13
Finding information on modeling contests was the main reason I started Hidden Gems in Second Life. For the life of me, no mater how long I researched, googled, read blogs, I could never find any updated info on photo contests, castings or modeling opportunities. The 2/28/13 Ready, Set, Pose post I liked the best because of the diversity of contests and looks. I actually I won the I “Love New York” City sweepstakes but never took advantage of the free 2-week stay in NYC. Hmmm, winter in New York sounds romantic….
Honors and Awards
Huge Honor: I’m Moolto Model of the Month!!!!!!!: 3/4/13
In March, Maxes Loon of Moolto named me Face of the Month. This was my first honor and I was so excited. Other awards followed including being nominated as a Favorite Model for the Avi Choice Awards. During the spring, I highlighted a number of hunts and made some rather interesting styling choices, but that is what’s wonderful about looking back (she says as she quickly deleted all blue lipstick from her inventory).
Menswear
Life in the Fast Lane: 6/13/13
Boys/menswear blogs & hunts: 5/19/13, 6/13/13 & 8/7/13 (liked best 6/13 & maybe 8/7/13)
During my travels, I noticed I couldn’t find male bloggers who concentrated on reasonable or free male gifts, so I made a male alt, Grant Richmond and blogged away. I have a couple of menswear blogs I’m proud of, but the 6/13/13 Life in the Fast Line post showcased Moolto hunts items with attitude.
Media
Avenue Magazine July issue- Liv Glam, Glam Girls: 7/21/13
In June, I competed in the first Liv Glam Glam Girls contest and to my surprise I won the Business category. In the December finale, I placed in the top 6. This honor will always hold a special place in my heart. In my 8/3/13 post, I finally shared a piece of the Real Me and my photo was featured in ModeLS Magazine.
Shopping Events & Discount Rooms
New York State of Mind….: 7/28/13
As I explored more treasures on the grid, I found Collabor88, The Dressing Room, Belleza Best Buys, The Attic, SL fashion Week and other such events.
My First Sponsor
Boat & Bikini Expo Part 2: Chaos at the French Rivera!: 7/26/13
Unlike most SL fashion bloggers I don’t have five hundred sponsors because honestly I’m selective and don’t have the time to blog everything on the grid. I never ask for “blogger packs” (ie free stuff) and don’t submit my application for every event on the grid. When I was contacted by Cortez Brandriss to blog the Boats & Bikini Expo, I thought how fun! And it was fun, not only did I model tons of bikinis, but got some cute beach decor pieces for my summer cottage.
Another great surprise was being asked by CloClo Seljan to join the PumpkinTown 2013 team of bloggers. As most of you know I’m crazy for Halloween, hunts and bargains so this perfect combo was presented in the 10/22/13 Quest for the Crystal Skulls blog.
Liv Glam
Liv Glam Events of the Week: 10/15/13
Samantha S. Jones asked me in late September to be an official blogger for Liv Glam! YAY for me!!! I created “Deals of the Week” highlighting all the Liv Glam & KCollection offerings for Secret Wednesday, 55L Thursday, Fi*Friday, 60L Weekend, Super Saver Weekend and Steals & Deals.
Charity Events
Stand Up, Speak Up & Bid High: 11/22/13
I was very honored to join some esteemed models and friends for the 2Lei fundraising event to Eliminate Violence Against women. What a great day and huge success… tons of money was raised (over 470,000L) and love prevailed all around! Another great event I was pleased to be a part of was the Relay for Life Christmas Expo 2013. Not only was I an official blogger but I attended a number of charity events including Holiday of Hope Ball and Avi Choice Awards.
Interior Design
Happy Thanksgiving!: 11/27/13
My love for interior design was taken to a new level this year. I moved 7 times this year and changed my interior to include everything from modern, beach, shabby chic, zen, Asian, traditional, and rustic. My inventory expanded greatly and I try not to pass up any hunts or sales on home decor. Next year, I’m expanding my blog to include tons more interior designs and homes.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!
- Gown: Leri Miles Designs, Caroline Gown (Peace On Earth Hunt Gift)
- Jewelry: Chop Zuey, The Lazy Mist Set (POE Hunt Gift)
- Skin: Belleza, Ashley Pale Xmas Gift Red (Christmas Group Gift)
- Hair: Truth, Fernanda (Truth Group Gift)
- Tree: LAQ Decor, Christmas Tree Silver
Gloria Silverstone 