Dining al fresco…

http://Dining al fresco

Having a  home in Second Life is one of those things non-residents just don’t understand.  And it’s hard to explain… I mean, we don’t really eat or sleep.  But for me (and obviously for many others), having a home adds something major to the SL experience.  And since it’s effectively a “dream home”, we fill it with things that make us happy, that create the ambiance that fits our fantasy.  And although we don’t really eat in SL (which is how we all stay in whatever shape we want to be in!), as in real life, food and dining is a focus for our SL home.  And if you have any outdoor space, a place to sit, converse, entertain, dine, snuggle, and just enjoy the view, is almost a necessity.  This outdoor dining set does all that, and with all the included bento animations, it does it beautifully.  Check it out, and then enjoy!

Dreamland Designs – Outdoor Dining Table Set.    LOVE this set, which is perfect for any outdoor space, whether a porch, terrace, or right on the ground.  Super comfy for dining, the table itself has no legs, but hangs together with the candles from the wooden frame anchored in two planter pots.  Includes the place settings & table candles, with a full menu of bento animations (sitting, eating, & “other”) for singles & couples.  EXCLUSIVELY available in Adult or PG at the current round of N21, open March 21st – April 12th.  Demo on display.

Also shown:

  • Barbecue:  WRONG – BBQ Grill
  • Dog:  JIAN – Boston Terrier, Hot Dog Thief (table not shown)

Definitely NOT heaven sent…

http://Definitely NOT Heaven Sent...

There is definitely evil in the world, and it’s not something to laugh at, but sometimes when life is just not going anything like you think it should, it feels a bit good to slip into the role and attitude just a bit… and though both these items are somewhat heavenly in their own way, well, this is where they took me… And on that note, I think I’ll just beat my wings out of here! Happy shopping (if you dare)…

  • Outfit:  Art & KO – Muriel Set.  This look definitely sounds the alarm!  From the embossed bodice to the half-cup brassiere top, all with gold “claws”… beware the woman who sports such incredible style! Includes the dress, collar with its dangling talisman, gloves & staff.  Available in 8 single colors or as a fatpack with HUDs for each element, Muriel is sized for Legacy+Perky, Maitreya+Petite, GenX Classic+Curvy, & Reborn; demo available. 
  • Windows:  Dreadfully Dark – Ravenwood Nights Stained Glass Window.  Includes all 3 glass options (see the ad below), simply change by touch.  EXCLUSIVELY available for 25% OFF at Mystical Market.  You can TP direct to their booth here.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:   Gloom – Calin Fantasy Skin in Devil (matching body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  KMH – CP007
  • Horns:  FAS – Diablo
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Dragon
  • Makeup:  Velour – Kyoshi Eye MU; PAIX – Dark Fantasy Lipstick
  • Wings:  Vaengi – Venom Fae Wings
  • Pose:  Black Tulip – The Ice Queen
  • Backdrop (modified):  TROPIX – The Door

A still-life watercolor, of a now late afternoon

http://A still-life watercolor, of a now late afternoon

As I’ve written, I moved (yes again!) in SL just about a month ago.  We’re back up in Second Norway, an area with open water access that we lived in several years ago; even though it was my favorite lot EVER (and believe me, with more than 16 years in SL and two avatars, loving landscaping etc., I’ve moved around a LOT), but left due to a “prim shortage (as a blogger, I need LOTS of prims for creating sets, using backdrops, etc., not to mention all the landscaping and decorating that is constantly ongoing lol).  Now we’re back but in a new “full prim” area…  and although I had to give up some acreage to fit our budget, I am totally besotted with my new lot and my new house.  I’m having so much fun pulling it all together, trying to think out every room, every nook and cranny in the house AND on the property (and I DO love those nooks and crannies!).  My new house features a huge walk-around porch on 3 sides, which has been taking quite some time to “figure out.”  With this set, I have to say the  empty space at the back, overlooking the sea and any passing boat traffic, is now complete. Yay!!!!

Dreamland Designs – There’s nothing quite like outdoor wicker, especially when it’s obviously “the good stuff.”  If it’s one thing I’ve learned, everything by DD is “the good stuff.”   I just love this set, perfect for that special corner on my new porch!  Check out the demo at the mainstore, & sit back & relax!

  • Tropical Round Wicker Bed.  Big & roomy, the outdoor fabric looking extremely comfy on a well-padded bottom cushion, both in solid on the seat & then at the back with a large assortment of coordinated pillows.  Fully bento animated, for singles & cuddles-couples; your choice in Adult or PG.  One thing I especially adore is the fact that up close, the wicker shows signs of outdoor wear (if you zoom in on my pic, you can see it).  The whole look is just so welcoming, it beckons you to just come, sit & relax!
  • Tropical Round Table with Decor.   Great little outdoor side table that comes with a beautifully decorated & sinful-looking carrot cake, a stoneware cup, spoon, & saucer filled with a cup of steaming coffee (with artfully done creamer lol), & a single place setting for enjoying these goodies.  (Of course, since they’re copy/mod, you can always rez a second cup & fork if you’re willing to share!)

To watch the world go by…

http://Watch the world go by...

So I’ve moved my home again in Second Life.  I say “again” because in the 16+ years that I’ve been inworld, I’ve probably done a move at least once a year (both Thea and I have separate homes; we tried sharing, but our styles are just way too different).  Most of my moves have been because of that delicate balance between space (land, more land!) and prims (is there ever enough), with things like access to open water and bad neighbors thrown in (though the bad neighbors is more of a Thea issue since she has a fantasy style home and has been living on mainland for a few years, where “neighborhoods” can change rapidly and poof, your view is gone.  And then again, each time I think that “this is it!), while acknowledging the fact that I just get bored.  Even changing for the seasons, once I’ve re-landscaped and decorated, eventually it becomes ho-hum and the moving bug sets in.  This time though, it feels like “this is it”.   I’ve been so happy creating this home… it’s a setup reminiscent of my favorite SL home ever and is in the same area with the same style (we had moved from that one because I was prim poor and having difficulty setting up large backdrops for photo shoots), but I’m having much more input into the shaping of the island itself.  I love to create little nooks and spaces to enjoy the view and the boats that sail by.  And this  daybed seems custom-made for this gorgeous little overlook, where my honey and I can just sit and cuddle and watch the world go by…

Dreamland DesignsNEW!  Bernice Hanging Daybed.  Fully bento animated, for singles (male & female, with props), & cuddles-couples with sequences, in Adult or PG.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the February round of Designer Showcase, open Feb 5th – 25th. 

Perfect for that Snuggle by the Fire

http://Perfect for that Snuggle by the Fire

So this post is way late for the weekend sales from last week, due to an absolutely horrible head cold with a clogged ear that made it almost impossible to sit at the computer for any length of time (let alone have an eye for doing a shot!), a weird glitch with FlickR where NO GROUPS would show (turns out it was due to an AdBlocker, who knew?), and just a messy real life in general.   EVERYTHING IS STILL AVAILABLE, just not at the sale price, but the items are just so awesome and I really love the setting I created, that I still just had to share.  

Dreamland Designs –  Now available in the mainstore. (NOTE: the mainstore has moved, so be sure to go to the new location using the included link.)

  • Loberton Daybed Couch.   Set includes the Houseplant Art (both frames) & the Wooden Candles (which I’ve enlarged substantially cuz I like them big lol).  Available in both PG & adult, since the couch is fully bento animated. See the ad below for more detail.
  • Stacked Coffee Tray.  Lovely coffee table or floor accent. See the ad below for a detailed closeup. Shown on the Dreamland Designs Soiree Moroccan Coffee Table
  • Loberton Candle Divider (on left).  Beautiful detail with wrought-iron leaves & a bit of hanging ivy.

Also shown:

Life is better on the patio!

http://Life is better on the patio!

In my real life home, I have a sign that says “Life is better on the lanai”… I don’t have a lanai here on the grid, but I DO have a fabulous patio! Happy weekend shopping!

Dreamland Designs –  NEW & EXCLUSIVE items on SALE as part of this weekend’s SLEPT ON SALE, available Jan 4th through the 7th.  Beautifully styled rattan furniture with metal accents that are just glorious in the sun! See the ad below for more detail, but all items are out on display at the main store so you can easily see them in person. (NOTE: the mainstore has moved, so be sure to go to the new location using the included link.)

  • Tacoma Patio Couch Set.   Set includes the rattan couch with pillows, both side tables (one with a plant, the other with a lantern), the rug, & the wall decor w/ plant.  Available in both PG & adult, since the couch is fully bento animated. See the ad below for more detail.
  • Tacoma Patio Chair Set.  Includes the chairs, table with plant, & wall mirror (not shown in my pic).  Also available in PG & Adult. 
  • Tacoma Mini Greenhouse.  As shown, easily resizable.

In the Holiday Spirit…

http://In the Holiday Spirit

One of the things I love about Second Life (and yes, it’s just one of them lol) is how easy it is to totally overhaul EVERYTHING to really celebrate seasonal decor and styling.  For me, it’s just such a simple way to really get into the spirit, and surround yourself with all those touches that just make you smile.  And when all the tokens of that spirit are ON SALE? Well, now that’s really cause for celebration! Happy Shopping!

Dreamland Designs – Just a few of the fabulous holiday items on sale as part of this weekend’s SECRET SALE, available Dec 9th through the 11th.  All items are out on display at the main store so you can easily see them in person.

  • Amaryllis Plaid Bed.   Set includes the captain’s bed in a beautiful Christmas plaid with hanging bed curtain sheers.  Also includes two nightstands with table decor.  The bed is loaded (& I do mean LOADED) with animations, for singles, cuddles, & adult (comes in PG or adult).  See the ad below for more detail.
  • Amaryllis Blanket Ladder.  Includes the Santa bear with twinkling Christmas lights.
  • Amaryllis Christmas Gnomes Canvas.  Includes both pictures.

Dabble – NEW RELEASES for the holiday, on sale now, as follows:

  • On sale as part of the WOW weekend, from Dec 8th – 11th:
    • Christmas Spirit Fireplace – a NEW RELEASE, the fireplace includes a customizable fire effects plus the candelabra props.  See the ad below.
    • Christmas Spirit Mantle Decor – two styles available… Baubles & Flakes in your choice of white, red (shown), green or pink, & Tiny Houses (see the ad below). 
  • On sale as part of this week’s SLEPT on SALES, Dec 7th – 10th; all items are available in red, green, pink, or gold:
    • Christmas Spirit Garland, shown in red
    • Christmas Spirit Wreath, shown in red
    • Christmas Spirit Floor Ornaments, shown in red w/ ferns (also comes with 2nd version without the ferns)

CJ Creations – Christmas Comes to Town, rustic bowl.  Features an adorable Santa scene, complete with a snowman & twinkling lights.  Set includes optional endtable with drape.  I’ve shown it in the “snow-covered” version; it’s also available in a 2nd version without the snow covering & with a plaid throw  (see the ad below).

Also shown:

  • Dog – JIAN – Samoyed Puppies, Elf Pup
  • Cat – The Painted Pony – “Holly”, Hap’s Christmas Cat
  • Rugs – Petite Mort – Naturalist Rug, Green/Gold; Dreamland Designs – Tampa Fluffy Rug

And so, the season begins…

http://And so, the season begins...

It’s a new season, a new month, and a new me (more about the new me in another post)!  I probably say it every year, but the season seems to have come on exceptionally fast this year.  I’m feeling rather overwhelmed, as I guess I do every year, because on top of the holidays and all THAT entails, we also have almost everyone’s birthday this month.  I’m actually in a relatively decent place when it comes to gifts, but still scrambling for ideas for a few of the more “difficult” people to shop for.  Here on the grid, my land has gone to winter, so I’ve pulled out all the autumnal landscaping and decor and am busy working on the pre-holiday stage of winter (yes, there are TWO stages of winter decor… pre-Christmas and then just plain winter lol).  So much fun, so much shopping, not a lot of stress except for timing and deadlines, but that’s a blogger’s life! Speaking of which, time to go hit the sales and the newly opened December events!!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Tina Sweater Outfit.   Warm & stylish for the chillier temps! Available in 8 complete sets (Sweater, Leggings, Shoes) or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 options, all 100% Original Textures.  Samantha is sized for GenX Classic+Curvy, Kupra, Legacy, Maitreya, Reborn+Waifus, & is EXCLUSIVELY at POSH Event, open Dec 1st – 17th  (& then at the mainstore).  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Setting:  Dreamland Designs – There’s a roomful of Christmas items at reduced prices for this weekend’s Secret Sale, Dec 2nd – 4th.  I’ve included a few, but there are many more too (see the ads below for details):
    • Santa’s Antique Desk Set – includes a fully decorated desk (hot chocolate tray, assorted gift boxes, & Christmas cards), a hanging wreath with twinkling lights, a big desk chair fit for Santa, a rug, plus an adorable puppy in Santa’s sack.  The chair is filled with single & couple bento animations (your choice of adult or PG).
    • Country Cabin Christmas Ladder – includes wreath & light string
    • Red Christmas Tree – fully decorated tree, including sparkle lights, a glowing star on top, & a red rug with snowflake border
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Raven Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Blight
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Makeup:  Warpaint – Romancer Eyeshadow
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Nails:  Dalila – Gyda
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Baroque Earrings
  • Pose:  Sweet Art – Oriana Bento Poses

 

Coffee-flavored daydreams

http://Coffee-flavored daydreams

I run on coffee IRL, and that addiction has certainly crept into my SL existence as well.  Coffee just fits so well into just about any situation, any setting, coordinating with any outfit.  However, there is definitely a side effect to doing a photo shoot with a cup of coffee… and that is how it almost mandates that I have its twin sitting within easy reach on my desk!  Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a problem, no issues whatsoever, it just is what it is lol!  Though here I am long finished with my shoot, and just looking at the pic and writing about it, well, you’ve probably guessed it… now I’m having a definite hankering for a cup!  In fact, it’s definitely a good idea, and I am off to go brew a cup.  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Maeve. Such a relaxed easy look! Includes a HUD with 12 options for the striped top & 12 for the solid skirt (see the ad below).  Sized for Legacy+Perky, GenX Classic + Curvy, Maitreya+Petite, Kupra+Khara, & Reborn+Waifus, Maeve is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Nov round of Designer Showcase, open through Nov 25th.  
  • Setting:  Dreamland Designs – New & exclusive items for the current SOS  SleptOn Sale, this weekend only from Nov 9 – 12th:
    • Wooden Forest Bench – available in adult & PG bento animations with self-rezzing props on singles sequences (one of which I’m using in the pic); adult animations include facials & speed control
    • Woodland Fire Pit – with sparks, crackling wood sounds & animated flames/smoke
    • Forest Pine Tree Scene – material enabled, the scene of pine trees & more is easily modified to shift trees, etc. as needed
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Sorbet
  • Hair:  WINGSDG – ES1101
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Nuve – Faith Eyeshadows
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Jewelry:  No.MatchNO_Diamond Loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Jora Boots

 

Kitty Love

http://Kitty Love

I admit it… I have a bit of a problem when it comes to animals. I just love them and always want more.  In real life, I’m kept myself limited to 2 or 3 cats at a time, plus one or two dogs and two parakeets.  It can become a bit much, especially when trying to go on holiday.  In SL (where I’m rather addicted to KittyCats but also tend to have dogs roaming around, peacocks, ducklings, you name it!), it’s more of a prim and/or script issue.  But I do love taking pix either with my own cast of characters or when they are adorably provided as part of the animation or decor (both in this pack!!)…  The best of all? No clean-up involved!!!!  And on that note, I’m off to walk the real-life dogs while there’s a break in the weather! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Malena.  I just love what Carol does with denim… the style, the color, the fit! Malena combines a sexy low lace-edged modified sweetheart neckline with thin straps, a snug bodice featuring floral lace side panels finished with a short flouncy skirt.  Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack with a HUD for all colors.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Malena is sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, Love Momma, & Belleza GenX (Classic & Curvy).  She is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Reborn Event, Aug 22nd – Sept 7th.  See the ad below; demo available.
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Kitty Love.   A pack of 5 bento poses, with puff, rug & kitties included.  It all rezzes as one; just sit on the rug to get the pose menu. (Separate poses also included.)  Available for 50% OFF at  The Liaison Collaborative, the newly revamped bi-weekly shopping experience, with this round open through August 31st.  See the ad below to see all poses.
  • Planters:  CJ Creations – Orange Tree Planter Set.  Three orange tree planters, each with a different metal finish (black, dark gold, & bronze…  I loved them all, so decided to use the entire set).  Material enabled.  Also includes one curious little Siamese kitty…  See the ad below for additional details.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocca
  • Hair:  monso – Lofa Hair, currently at Collabor88
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Makeup:  Hype – “Something” Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Nails:  MiuMiu – #28
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Parisian Heart Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Fayla Heels