Category: Home Decor

And so, the season begins…

Posted on by cejalaval

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

Posted on by cejalaval

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.Match – NO_Diamond Loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Jora Boots

 

Kitty Love

Posted on by cejalaval

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

 

The Tropical Bedroom

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Tropical Bedroom

All bloggers are shoppers, and nothing gets a shopper’s blood going like truly fabulous pieces on a fantastic sale.  I JUST moved my tropical mainland home in SL, which was supposed to be “no big deal” but  is of course necessitating a total redesign of almost everything (even what I want to keep is hard to find in inventory).  I was so thrilled to spot this set in the ad for this weekend’s Slept On Sales that my blood was REALLY going (in a good way!), and when I saw it was from Dreamland Designs, which ALWAYS means top quality and is a sponsor of mine to boot, well ballistic might describe it lol!  One thing I’ll say… as good as it looks in the pictures it looks even BETTER in person!  It’s truly an amazing deal!  This weekend’s Slept On Sales  runs from August 24th – 27th.

Dreamland Designs – 

  • Louise Peacock Bedroom Set.   Beautiful rattan styling boasting beautiful colors, perfect for any country retreat or lakeside/oceanside/tropical home.  Set includes the nightstands & matching lamps (on/off touch).  The bed is loaded (& I do mean LOADED) with animations, for singles, cuddles, & adult.  It all ads up to relaxation, in every way! See the ad below for details.
  • Louise Little Seat.  Matching loveseat with a casually strewn throw that invites you to sit & enjoy more phenomenal animations (single, couple, & adult)!  Also includes the wall painting above the couch.  See the ad below for details.
  • Caily Fringed Rug Set.  Set of 3 coordinated rugs to help finish the scene.  Material enabled, each rug is copy/mod & can be moved/sized/etc. individually.  See the ad below.

Daydreaming

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Daydreaming

If you’re familiar with my work, then you know I often have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in my hand, but rarely do I have a bottle of beer.  The reason is simple, I don’t like beer.  Occasionally, especially when it’s very very hot (like it is now) and I’m at an outdoor get-together of some kind, yes, it might be the best choice, but ever since a college party where a keg exploded or something (the memory is distinctly hazy for obvious reasons) and the smell got all over me, I just don’t enjoy it.  There is one huge HOWEVER, though… I love some European beer.  Imagine my shock when my husband ordered a flight of local beer in Belgium, and I loved, LOVED, two of the four beers.  So now this pic makes much more sense to me, because in my mind, SL beer takes just like Belgian beer lol!  Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – NEW!  Nadia.  I just love denim BUT it simply must have style (I’m obviously talking “not jeans”). Strapless & sleeveless, with a modified sweetheart neckline, a center seam, fabulous edging, & a built-in waist belt with a big buckle, Nadia is DEFINITELY stylish! Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack with a HUD for all colors.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Nadia is sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, Love Momma, & Belleza GenX (Classic & Curvy).  She is EXCLUSIVELY available at the current Dubai Event, open July 20th – Aug 15th.  See the ad below; demo available.
  • Table & Stools:  CJ Creations – Essella Bistro Set.  This lovely little bistro set includes a table with “self-generating” props through a touch menu, stools filled with single & couple animations (I’m using one!), a table umbrella (not used for this shot), a round rug, & a philodendron (also not used).  See the ad below for additional details.
  • Pergola:  CJ Creations – Naxos Wisteria Garden Pergola.  Slatted pergola with beautiful hanging wisteria & ivy, perfect for providing some much needed shade in the summer heat.  Includes a touch menu to choose any of 3 woods.  See the ad below for details.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocca
  • Hair:  S-Club – Sara
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Hype – “Something” Eyeshadow; Chinoca Store – Raven Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Tarentella Gypsy Dancer Necklace, Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Lapointe & Bastchild – Swear Naomi Sandals

A Gothic Tale

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Gothic Tale

I always find Gothic tales to be a bit unsettling, even the romances, everything is just so dark and forbidding.  What I also find unsettling is when EVERYTHING seems to be going just wrong enough to totally stress me out.  And yes I rarely vent RL angst in my fantasy posts, but I find that I really need to!  It’s all little stuff, but you know what they say about straws!  First, I shifted wireless carriers and bought new phones for the family, two of which needed to be shipped.  One involved tricky timing, but I was guaranteed (GUARANTEED!) that there was more than enough time.  Needless to say, that phone was delayed, information was not forthcoming, and my stress level was skyrocketing.  As soon as that seemed to be resolved after a full 24 hours of personal insanity, and I was able to concentrate on my photo shoot, I was unable to log into SL.  Then when I finally logged in, I had no body, things wouldn’t rez.  Hard to do a photo shoot.  That took several hours to full resolve.  When my photoshoot was complete, I went to start writing this post, and discovered that my website was down… very very frustrating and actually a bit terrifying since my web skills are extremely weak, leaving me with no alternatives other than a straight Flickr upload with a bit of copy (and yes, plenty of bloggers do that successfully, but it’s just not my way).  Thankfully the outage was only a few hours, and the site is obviously back up and running, but I am WAAAY behind schedule!  It’s been a bit of a horror show… so perhaps the gothic drama is pretty perfect timing!  And on we go to the next thing!

  • Dress:  Poet’s Heart – Helmiina.   Two very different looks in one package!  I’m wearing Helmiina as a gown with a long-sleeved coat but you can also choose to wear her as a strapless gown with shoulder ornamentation (see below).  Choose colors for the top, the skirt, the shoulder ornamentation, the coat, & the trim with the included HUD.  Note the texture with the bare trees… it’s stunning!   Helmiina comes in four color packs plus a fatpack; each color pack has 6 gown colors plus black & white.  She is sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is available at the specially reduced price of 50% OFF at the current round of We Love Role Play, open July 4th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Windows:  Dabble – Dorian Gothic Window.  Fabulous mood-inducing gothic decor.  Includes two sizes (Wide & Regular), both of which I used; two different frames; three different window scenes (two of which I used).  EXCLUSIVELY available for 25% OFF at the XXX Original Event, July 13th – August 3rd. (Note that this is their anniversary round, so there are gifts at every booth!)
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Hair:  Oblivion – Middle Age
  • Horns:  Les Encantades – Capri Horns
  • Makeup:   Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 2; Rubedo – tyrilly;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lips
  • Tattoo:  Petrichor – Rosalune (GROUP GIFT)
  • Wings:  Aii and Ego – Fairy Wings
  • Pose:  Black Tulip – Angel

 

All I Want Is A Room Somewhere…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://All I Want is a Room SomewhereDreamland Designs – Designer Showroom:  Living Room Set.   It can be challenging to create the perfect room; some sets work well with others, some may not.  Dreamland Designs can help, by showcasing room set-ups that incorporate bits & pieces from various sets to create that “look.”  The set pairs the Clair Fringed Sofa with the Kerwin chair, both of which are filled with single & couple animations (PG or Adult, your choice!).  This showroom also includes the Loft Brick fireplace with art frames (fireplace clicks on/off), the Claire glass coffee tables with decor, the Countryside round side table with its macrame lamp (clicks on/off), the Countryside distressed console table with a candle/decor tray, the Tranquility rustic bookcase (filled), the Claire wall shelf, 4 rugs, floor basket planter,  BOHO hanging decor, & the chandelier (which has on/off touch).  Both versions (PG/Adult) are currently available at the main store for the special reduced DESIGNER SHOWROOM price.  Come check out the full display for yourself!

NOTE: I’ve added some additional accessories & a couple of sleeping dogs to further personalize the showroom… you can do so much with this living room look!

Testing the Waters

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Testing the Waters

Breathe… I need to breathe… there is just so much going on, April is turning out to be a very tough month.  So many things that need to be done RIGHT NOW in real life — taxes (no, they’re not done!), holidays (cooking, traveling), birthdays, vacation travel plans — it just goes on and on!  And as for blogging, on top of my usual requirements (which I often struggle to meet), I’ve signed up for two fabulous fantasy events… I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing them, but looking at the calendar just adds to my current stress.  So yes, some relaxing time in the jacuzzi has become a must… we actually added one to our lanai this year, and I am totally addicted to it… I love to sit out there in the dark, with just the glow of the hot tub light and a low light on the deck, leaning back, listening to music and looking up at the stars…  not only does it help my poor deteriorated back, but it just so totally relaxes me in every way.  I love it most when there’s even the slightest chill in the air, so time is running out for THAT as well, but even when I can’t actually be soaking IRL, my SL jacuzzi helps put me in the right mindset when I’m busy typing or editing or whatever…  takes a deep breath, and leans back in the water… relax… relax… relax…

  • Tattoo:  pecheresse – lana tattoo.  Includes three versions — faded (white tintable), fresh, & healed (I’m wearing healed) — BOM ONLY, both as the full tattoo as well as all the individual, separate pieces so that you can pick & choose which layers you want to use.  The tattoo is drawn & made with gen x (belleza) UV MAP,  which means that it’s optimized for it, but as you can see, it looks awesome on Legacy & on other bodies too.  Check the demo to be sure how it works on your brand of body.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, (which means free gifts at most booths!), open through April 10th.  Demo available.
  • Jacuzzi:  DRD (Death Row Designs).  Includes the pergola with lights, the hot tub with steps, & the standing candle array.   You can easily turn on/off steam, bubbles, bubbling sound, & water just by the touch of a button.  Loaded with some pretty excellent animations for single female, single male, & couples (I’m showing two of the 11 single female anims).  Available in PG or Adult as a fatpack or in any of three texture packs (Dark, Light, Style), each of which has two tones included, as shown in the ad below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, with a free gift of the towel rack (shown on left), open through April 10th.  Be sure to check out the demo!
  • Vase:  CJ Creations – Spring Vase Cream w/ Magnolia Branches.  Placed on top of the towel rack, this stunning vase set adds just the right touch!  Also available in grey.

A Sense-ibly Dreamy Design Choice

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Sense-ibly Dreamy Design Choice

Dreamland Designs – Colonial Claw Foot Tub Set.  A hot soak can be so integral to your well-being whether IRL or on the grid.  For me, part of the relaxation includes gazing out on the beauty of nature; obviously in SL the “hot” is supplied by your brain, which makes the animations even more important.  This tub is loaded with bento animations & sequences for singles & couples with props, in both PG & Adult versions, so in this case “hot” can be interpreted however you choose!  And when not in use, this tub set just looks so stylish! Material enabled; copy/mod/no trans, the tub includes a texture changer for the rim & metal piping.  The set also includes the bath tray, the stool with plant & rolled-up towel, the puddled towel on the floor, & the chandelier (which has on/off touch).  Both versions (PG/Adult) are EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Sense Event, open March 18th – 28th.

Reading IS Sexy

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Reading IS Sexy

http://Just part of my TBR pile

I’m a huge reader, generally at least a book a week, all fiction but across multiple genres.   I have for as long as I can remember.  Back in the day, I never went ANYWHERE without a book in my bag; I was that girl sitting at the bar waiting for whomever I was going to meet, reading a book (nowadays it’s more often my Kindle, and I’m NOT sitting at bars lol).  I have to admit it always surprises me a little when I find out that someone doesn’t like to read; it doesn’t bother me, mind you, nor make me think any less about the person (though I’ll admit that I DO think differently about them); it just surprises me (and saddens me in a way too) that they don’t enjoy that feeling of expanding their knowledge and/or their imagination, of losing themselves in other people’s lives and understanding situations and choices vastly different from those they themselves have faced.  But I have discovered that a rather high percentage of those non-book-readers are somewhat snobbish about the fact, thinking that it somehow makes them better, that they don’t “waste their time on all that”.  I’ve even had a few men (and it’s top of mind because it just happened again the other day) say that being “bookish” made a woman less sexy… well, now THAT statement DID make me think less about him…  I prefer men who think that being bookish makes a woman sexier… after all, she has more to draw on in conversation, in understanding, in handling situations, and yes, even in bed…  Although that could definitely make her more challenging, perhaps even a bit threatening…  which says more about the guy than it does about the woman.  And yes, I have quite a few reading nooks in my SL home and scattered around the parcel (they’re actually better and more comfortable than in my RL home lol), because to me, no home is complete without at least one.  Glancing over at my book, I feel that urge coming on… Happy Weekend!

The Look:

  • Outfit:  United Colors – Josette Jacket & Skirt.  Definitely sexy & smart!  The cut of this outfit is just outstanding & totally sets off your shape!  Josette includes a HUD with 8 colors for the jacket, striped skirt, & buttons, plus 5 metals, so you can mix & match top & bottom or not, as you choose.  Sized for Legacy & Maitreya, she is EXCLUSIVELY available at the current round of  The Liaison Collaborative, Winter Calm, open Feb 18th through March 10th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_PRIVATE
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella BOM Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol. 1; theMARS – Organic Lipstick
  • Glasses:  Mulloy – Josa
  • Jewelry:  Kunglers – Kara Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

The Scene:

  • Bookcase:  Dreamland Designs – Aurora Antique Book Shelf.  I’ve seen many bookcases in SL over the years, I’ve even owned quite a few.  But this is the first time I’ve seen one that not only looks fabulous in a home or office setting, but also has quality built-in bento animations!  Let’s start with the look, which is honestly exactly what I was looking for in my own home.  One detail that I adore is that only the center section is pre-filled; the rest is open for you to add your own items for display (see the ad below).  Then let’s talk about the animations… the shelves include female/mail single stands (I’m using one) plus bento cuddles/adult anims with speed control & more.  Material enabled; copy/mod/no trans, its available in both PG & Adult at the special Energy Weekend price, Feb 24th – 26th.
  • Table & Chair:  Dreamland Designs – Aurora Leather Chair Set.  Includes the black leather chair, table with books & reading glasses, plant with ottoman/stand, plus two rugs (see the ad below).  Includes bento animations for single female/male with props & for couples.  Available in both PG & Adult at the Energy Weekend price, Feb 24th – 26th.