I’ve decided to run a poll for RykerBeck.COM. After nearly a year in operation, I’m curious to know what everyone wants to see more of… you know. What would make this blog more appealing for you to read? What do you like to see from me? What would you like to see MORE of?

In my attempts to make RykerBeck.COM the best it can be, please take a moment to contribute your thoughts… if below does not have an answer you’d like to choose, feel free to leave me a comment. I’m open to any suggestions! Thanks for taking the time. :) MUWAH. <3

I’m a few days late on the welcome, I suck. :(

Ever since this picture appeared on Flickr, I just knew we were all in for a treat. And now, nearly three months later, here it is… Kari (SLURL) has opened its doors. And not only is Menno selling some seriously kick ass high tops… he’s also got some great jeans, hoodies, sculpted hats, and other goodies just a-deckin’ the halls.

Let’s just jump right into the meat of things, shall we?

One thing you’ll notice when you walk into the store is that each item has a notecard giver with further information. I found this very useful to check before buying because my first question was… are these shoes fitted for men or women? I am pleased to say the answer is BOTH! Each pair of these shoes comes in two sizes, small for women, large for men.

I’m such a whore for high tops these days, so I splurged on five pairs of them! I highly recommend you do the same. There are a bunch of different varieties to choose from, and at $250L a pop, they are VERY affordable. What’re you waiting for? Run on over to Kari (SLURL) and treat your feet.

I can’t wait to see what Menno has in store for us in the future, and boy is it bright. All of his hard work has definitely paid off… we’re so proud of you, man!!! Way to go, and above all, congratulations!

There’s a new skin creator in town. *blows smoke from pistol* And she’s come fer yer daughter, Chuck. Mmhmm.

Some of you may have seen talk of the new BeBae Skins on the fashion feeds lately. I dropped by the store this morning and purchased one of the latest Nina skins (the one I’ll be reviewing is Nina: Tan: Bare — soon as I stop being broke from all the land I just bought, I’ll be back for more!), and man… all I have to say is where were these skins yesterday when I was digging around for a new skin? I’m a year and a half long, devoted CS Vogue girl… I know this. You know this. Anyone that knows me, knows this. Yesterday… I converted. To Tuli (SLURL). Ohm nohm nohm.

But I swear, if I had seen these skins yesterday… Tuli might have had a run for my money!

The nitty gritty is as follows:

Creator: Torie Senne
Shop Location: Howlin Wolf (SLURL)
Price: $1000L per makeup / $4000L per fatpack (six skins - a $2000L savings!)
Tones Available: Pale, Sunkissed, Tan, Bronze, and Ebony
Other Notes: All makeups come with shaved and unshaved pubic hair options (WOOT! XD — skin creators, make note — this option alone will triple your chances of getting my money!), an eyebrow shaper, a notecard with windlight setting instructions for maximum beautifulness and a free pair of eyes.

You guys know the drill by now. Top down, everyone?

The face is absolutely gorgeous. When I saw it on the blog post on the What’s New blog, my jaw dropped and I just had to rush over and try these out. Never underestimate the power of a good promotional poster! My only complaint is the shading on the nose… it’s a little harsh on the tan skin (I’m not sure how it looks on the other skin tones *sighs to being broke*). The brows are a little thinner than I’d normally like too… but it obviously wasn’t enough to stop me from wanting to see this gorgeous face on my avi shape.

The torso is fantastic, especially the belly shading and the nipples. I really love the belly button… a well defined belly button draws my eye like nothing else. I don’t know what it is. I must be weird. But I’m a firm believer that a woman’s torso should be smooth, sexy… elegant? This definitely pulls it off. I love the breasts on this skin as well. The cleavage is clearly defined and shaded but not “fake” or “greasy” looking as it is on some skins I’ve seen hit the grid lately.

The vajayjay (again, comes in an option of shaved and unshaved… I’ll be showing you the shaved version) is just… awesome. LOL. No, really. I love it. I love that I can have it shaved, and I love that there’s the option of pubic hair if I ever need it… but there’s nothing to it as far as detail goes. There are no lips… it is simply a slit. For the sake of realism, this will probably be a future improvement for the designer, but regardless… I love it anyway. *sighs* Beauty in simplicity. For me, at least.

The legs, knees and feet are all well done and I especially like the highlight detail on the shins and the detail on the SOLES of the feet. And as with almost every skin in SL (except for the select few), the toes and feet are as good as can be expected in SL, but really… with the invention of sculpty toes, who needs their skins to have perfect feet these days?

The back detail on this skin is lovely, with a well defined spinal column, elbows, and ass. The shoulder blades could be detailed better (are they even there?) but other then that, I’m quite confident in saying I’d go backless-dress in this skin.

The tops of the hands are also nicely done, with some clearly shaded knuckles and strategically placed highlights that define the bones well. And while we’re at it, let’s take a look at one more detail… the ears. Very nicely matched to the skin tone. Look at that detail!

I think it’s safe to say that my $1,000L have been well spent with the purchase of this skin. I’m really quite pleased, not to mention impressed with what could be the beginning of yet another great skin designer. Drop by BeBae Skins (aka BBS Skins) (SLURL) and try out a demo for yourself! Especially if you’re looking for a new skin. I am so very excited to see what Torie will do next!

Ever the skin whore, signing off.

“The Will to Live” — Taken and Uploaded by Prad Prathivi

Yet another photo contest! XD

As someone who has officially adopted this place as her own personal sanctuary, I would like to fully encourage everyone to check out Prad Prathivi’s new exhibit on the ground level of Amodica (SLURL). Once you TP in, you should see a teleporter that will take you to the ground level of the sim, where you can see this breath taking exhibit in all of its glory. The next ChouChou, perhaps?

The exhibit concept is very simple… a barren wasteland of withered tree stumps and cracked sand, yet in the center, a symbol of hope… the single, solitary, flourishing tree. The concept, and the build, struck such a chord in me in its beautiful simplicity — what can I say. For me, it immediately invokes a feeling of calming peace and hope.

But never mind me,… on to the photo contest!

From Prad Prathivi’s Flickr page:

The New Exhibition at the ground of Southsea is open!

I’ve been feeling very good this past month, and there’s been a strong feeling of hope.

I felt this strongly from a recent photograph by Joshua Morane. I took influence from this in creating the exhibition at the base of the Southsea sim, which is now open for everyone to enjoy.

This month, we’ll be running a competition for the best photograph taken from this Southsea exhibition. Joshua has very generously donated L$5000 as a prize, and Amodica will be matching that in gift vouchers to spend on our wide range of clothing and modern furniture in store.

Be sure to submit your entries to the Second Life ® - Southsea group! Closing date is 1st August 2008!

slurl.com/secondlife/Southsea/124/134/24

We look forward to seeing your artwork! =)

Even if you don’t enter the contest, be sure to visit this build while it lasts… when and if it does disappear one day, I know I for one will be incredibly heartbroken. I’ve grown quite attached to it, I must say, as I’m sure you will too. There truly is beauty in simplicity.

One of Second Life’s most beloved (and sought after) DJs has launched his official website today… AzuCatteneo.COM. Coinciding with his rezday, Azu now has his own domain where you can subscribe to his podcast, view his DJ schedule, and find out his rates as well as how to book him for your own gig.

For those of you unfamiliar with Azu’s DJing especialidad (ya like that? a lil Latin love for ya there, Azu *wink*), here’s a little preview pane from his website’s about page:

My journey began the summer of 2007 when I decided to join SecondLife after seeing some articles in a Colombian newspaper. About 3 weeks after I joined, I began DJing both in real life and second life, I felt that the game gave me another reason to pursue my desire for music.

I started off doing small events in the Colombia sim, and then I found Sarco Sound, a group of friends who I will never forget because they believed in me even when I was looking like a newbie. They helped me not only look decent but also grow as a DJ and a person, I am forever thankful to them. This tremendous push helped me gain lots of experience and meet many new contacts.

Azu can be found all across the grid, spinning his eclectic mix of electro, trance, progressive, and club style remixes, much to the delight of his endless legion of fans. If you’ve never seen him DJ, I’d strongly suggest checking his schedule and hearing him live. Boy’s got talent for spinnin’ the beats. So join him in … surrendering to the sounds. ;)

Before I start this post, I’d first like to say… I will be out of town as of tomorrow morning (July 8th) until this coming Saturday (July 12th)! If you need to get in touch with me, drop a notecard on me and I’ll get back to you ASAP. Grazie.

NOW…

Let me tell you about a brand new shopping experience!

Amodica (SLURL) is the love child of Prad Prathivi and Adam Soler, with assistance from Rrishanna Regina and Natalya Homewood; a collaboration of designers, builders, scripters, and two of Second Life’s most prominent shops: PRrim Designs (furniture) and Lookr Fashions (clothing). The next Armidi? Perhaps. Let’s explore why…

To quote the press release, and at the risk of sounding a bit fangirlish,… “Think of a store where you can buy a complete starter kit to your Second Life. Packages which will transform your avatar, with all the customisation you demand. Selecting your home, all the furniture and even finding the land to set it up on – all just in a single visit to Amodica.”

Now, before I get into much further detail as to what the creation of Amodica will bring to the SL community, let me first explain a little about the two joining companies, PRrim Designs and Lookr Fashions (Blog).

Given my love for SL furniture, and good texturing and design in general, I happily blogged about PRrim Designs back in May. We all remember the $600L scripted sex beds, don’t we? K, good (XD). PRrim Designs has got to produce some of the most beautifully built, fantastically textured furniture on the grid, and I say that with absolute confidence, being the furniture whore that I am (don’t worry, I am still first and foremost a skin whore — but furniture whore is a close cousin). Scripted sex beds, texturing changing, multiple seating options on a single chair, you name it… PRrim Designs has something for everyone, there’s no doubt about that. (More blog posts on PRrim Designs are available at: Kitty Witchin, Prim Perfect)

Then there’s Lookr Fashions…

Lookr (Blog) has seen the SL blogosphere several times over the last several months (see: Ana Lutetia, Kitty Witchin, SL Men, Shopping Cart Disco, and Mui Mukerji to name just a few) and proves only to further impress the masses with each new release. A few shiny examples of what Lookr can do (click for larger picture):

I’m sure by now, you can see why the collaboration of these two fantastic stores will inevitably create one monolithic company sure to become a household name in no time.

The nitty gritty details of the collaboration… (as quoted from Prad Prathivi’s press release):

The following outlines the 12 branches of Amodica:

Amodica Design – Design will bring together the customised aspects of Amodica. Covering all custom work from clothing and textures, to building and sim developments, Design will continue the reputation of providing high quality, well designed content to our customers.

Amodica Lookr – Formerly Lookr fashions, Amodica Lookr will maintain its range of high quality, stylish and meaningful menswear and women’s clothing, and will continue to branch out into hair, accessories, skins and jewellery, providing the best look for your avatar.

Amodica Furniture – Formerly PRrim Designs, Furniture will continue its range of modern, contemporary designs and innovate to provide you with best quality products for every room in your home.

Amodica Graphics – As RL graphic designers, we can provide you with branding, website design and logo designs and media solutions, all completed to our high standard to give your company the best start or makeover.

Studio Amodica – Having a reputation as one of Second Life’s most popular photographers, Studio will continue to provide the best look to your avatar, products or builds.

Amodica Prefabs – A wide range of our prefab homes will be available soon, all designed by a real life architect and beautifully textured and finished so you can relax in the confines of your abode.

Amodica Botanicals - As one of the finest landscaping service providers in Second Life, Botanicals can provide complete landscaping solutions for your land. Our own range of botanical products will be launched later this year, and will expand to cover vegetation for all terrains.

Amodica Marine – Coming soon, a range of boats, yachts and marine equipment to get you going on the open seas! All built and textured to the high quality standard you’d expect from Amodica’s designers!

Amodica Home – Providing more traditional homes and furniture for your Second Life. As an already established designer of modern homes and furniture, we plan to move into more traditional styles, but continuing our reputation of original and beautifully textured designs.

Amodica Play – Novelty products and toys of a more fun nature, which interact and will provide an new and exciting experience to Second Life.. watch this space!

Amodica Poser – Coming soon will be our range of poses and animations for use in photography, furniture and anywhere your imagination allows!

Amodica Script – Providing innovative scripted HUDs and products to help make your Second Life experience easier and more exciting!

This really is just SUCH an exciting venture, and not only am I happy for Prad and Adam, for joining together to create what will hopefully be one of the most promising companies to emerge from Second Life, but I just can’t wait to see what they, along with their team of equally talented and dedicated creators, are capable of. Second Life is surely in for a treat — and I am definitely the kid in the candy shop.

What are you waiting for? Click here to visit Amodica for all your shopping needs!

This is going to be the bestest, bestest day EVAR.

Today, at 2PM SLT, history will be made in Second Life as the Rouge sim, owned by my beloved CodeBastard Redgrave, makes its debut. In what promises to be the party of all parties, the jam fest begins with DJ Azufr3 Catteneo spinning the beats, followed by several other prominent SL DJs, to include Nexeus Fatale, Amanda Shinji, and Nephie Eerie.

The sim is a work of art in itself, lovingly crafted by incredible creator, Eshi Otawara. As someone who has seen the sim, up close and personal, I can honestly say that the pictures do not do it justice. So don’t forget to drop by when the party starts hoppin’!

Rouge Walk and Code Red Lounge (Direct SLURL)

Rouge Boutique (Direct SLURL)

More details from the press release:

ROUGE - Saturday, July 5, 2008, marks the highly-anticipated unveiling of CodeBastard Redgrave’s new sim, simply named, Rouge.

Redgrave is the creator of the infamous Boudoir Rouge portrait series, developer of the MachinimaCam and Dramavatar fashion line, and owner of the Code Red Lounge and Gallery.

The aesthetic design of Rouge was conceptualized by Redgrave and legendary builder, Eshi Otawara.  From that point, Otawara used her skills as a builder, designer and artist to create a multi-purpose destination that will serve as the new home of the Boudoir Rouge Gallery Walk, Code Red lounge and Rouge Boutique.

Just over 2500 prims were used to create the basic structure, artwork and furnishings.  Otawara’s judicious use of mega-prims and unique textures has created a locale never before seen in Second Life.  The land is formed in the shape of a female silhouette outfitted with artistic touches signature to Rouge’s proprietress.  Visitors to the sim will instantly recognize Redgrave’s signature color, and the sim’s namesake, as well as her ever-present red stilettos.  A black and red feather boa serves as the roof of the Gallery Walk and a shock of wavy hair provides cover for the Code Red Lounge.

The Rouge Boutique is housed inside a dance pole shackled at the feet of the silhouette.  The boutique will offer selections of Redgrave’s own creations, as well as, offerings from some of the grid’s most notable designers.  All items available for purchase in the Rouge Boutique will feature the color red in keeping with the sim’s theme.  Designers who have already signed on to have their designs featured in the Rouge Boutique include, among others: Casa del Shai (Shai Delacroix), Juicy, Tesla, and Bluebell Productions.

Additionally, Rouge will be available for use by individuals and organizations wishing to host parties, fashion shows and other events in a unique and beautiful setting.

Rouge will open, officially, with a Grand Opening party that will begin at 2:00 pm SLT on Saturday, July 5, 2008.  Events are planned throughout the day and night so that the festivities can be attended by friends from around the globe.  Hostesses for the evening will be the luminous duo of Queen Coronet and LadyArwen Demina. The DJ line up includes some of Second Life’s most sought after mix masters:

• 2PM-3PM - DJ Azufr3
• 3PM-5PM - Digital Francis
• 5PM-7PM - Nexeus Fatale
• 7PM-9PM - Amanda Shinji
• 9PM-11PM - Init Hubble
• 11PM-1AM - Eris Alexander
• 1AM-3AM - To be determined
• 3AM-5AM - To be determined
• 5AM-7AM - Nephie Eerie - Stella Errans

Several of Second Life’s most prominent designers have signed on as sponsors of the epic Grand Opening event and will offer special gifts to invitees. The sponsors list includes:

• Tesla
• Casa del Shai
• Juicy
• Bluebell Productions
• Simply Silks
• Callie Cline
• Alexx Markova

Due to the expected high demand, access MAY be limited to Code Red group members. IM CodeBastard Redgrave for a group invitation and come join the fun.

This document is also available via googledocs, contact Gabby Panacek for information.

Be there, or be square, kids!!! Hope to see you at the PARTY!!! (click for larger pictures below!)

My favoritest person ever is having a photo contest! And being the photographer that I am, I feel it is only my duty to help pass along the good news! I just love photo contests. *excited*

Culled from the Beauty Avatar blog:

-HOW TO SUBMIT:
1) Take a picture of you and/or someone else that wears AT LEAST one *Beauty Avatar* Item (Skins/Eyes/Clothes/Shoes)
2) Upload it on Flickr.com (you can create your account for free, if you don’t have it yet)
3) Include in the description:
-the name and colour (or skin tone) of the items used
-the name of the photographer
-the name of the model(s)
4)Add the photo to *Beauty Avatar* Gallery Group on Flickr
www.flickr.com/groups/beautyavatargallery/
5) Join *Beauty Avatar* updated group in-world
6) You must have the rights to use the photos you submit.

-PRIZE:
Each month, between all the photos selected to be displayed in our gallery at World of Beauty, we will choose 1 PHOTO OF THE MONTH that will be:
- Announced on our update group
- Announced on our blog beautyavatar.blogspot.com
- Displayed in our store and gallery
and will win:
- 5,000L$ in cash
- 2 Beauty Avatar Skin
- 1 Beauty Avatar Outfit/Dress

Let’s get to snapshootin’, ladies (and gents)!

I was fortunate enough to do the store posters for Rosemary Galbraith and Mimi Coral’s new skin line: M&R Birthday Suit! Released yesterday at Rosemar (SLURL), these skins are absolutely, stunningly gorgeous (pictured above, click for bigger image).

I am incredibly pleased about these skins because not only are they beautifully textured (the skin texture’s fantastic), but the nipples are actually quite nicely done throughout each skin tone. You know, sometimes you can just tell that a nipple color is… off… when the skin tone changes? These delightfully do not have that problem. Yay for uniformity!

Another couple of perks you’ll realize with these skins is that, aside from the abundance of make up availability, you are also presented with two options: freckles and pubic hair. Yup… these skins are definitely a new breakthrough for the lovely Misses Galbraith and Coral.

Interested in trying out a demo?

Come grab them here!!! There are twelve skin tones to choose from! At $1000L per skin, and again… freckle and pubic hair options… there’s bound to be something to fit even the most picky tastes. And don’t worry… I’ll be reviewing these skins in all of their gloriousness just as soon as possible. :)