Category: Home Decor

Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and caldron bubble

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Double, double toil and trouble

OK, so now the Halloween bug has bitten me and I’m all into pumpkins and fog and creepy things (NOTE: I LOVE creepy but NOT horror… there IS a most definite difference)!  But even amid all the creepiness, I want to look my best while keeping with the season.  So although I’m sure some if not many posts will depart from this theme (I mean, Halloween ALL the time is just not as much fun, now is it), plan on seeing lots of holiday spirit through All Hallow’s Eve…  I’m loving it, and hoping you are too! Happy shopping!!!!

What I’m wearing:

  • Outfit:  LUXE Paris Fashion House – SIOUXSEE Bodice, Skirt, & Tattoo.  Low cut, off the shoulders, cinched & laced black bodice with semi-sheer pattern sleeves with a bright red lace cuff.  The skirt has matching pattern on its deep ruffle, & red/black trim between the bodice & the skirt.  A rose chest tatto in red & black is included in both BOM & Omega versions. A be-witch-ing little outfit, not just for the Halloween season! Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of the Swank Event, open Oct 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine (I have to say that I LOVE having the included deformers that let me easily wear outfits like this that don’t include a Legacy version!)
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena
  • Boots:  WellMade – Demi Boots
  • Pose:  Sassy Sweet Poses – Witchyness (includes wand)

The scene:

  • Tylar’s Treasures:  Attack of the Man-Eating Spiders.  A must-have for anyone who does Halloween landscaping! The scene features a bare tree covered in a spiderweb. The ground beneath  the tree is covered in skulls and two whole skeletons.  But what really makes this item come alive is that it has 3 animated spiders — one of the giant ones wanders around the scene (yes, you can set his range!); another giant is attacking a skeleton in the foreground; and a smaller cousin is moving up and down on a web from the tree.  This can be seriously creepy stuff in the right windlight, especially if you get tangled up with the big animated spider… Want even more creepiness?  The giant animated spider is copy, so you can have as many of his family & friends as you can handle.  Available at the SL Shop & Hop Halloween Event through the month of October; TP direct to the TT booth HERE.
  • CIRCA:  Moonlight Applebob Cauldron.

Getting Spooky

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Getting Spooky

A pet peeve of mine in both real life and here in SL is that people leap ahead to the next season, the next holiday, waaay too early for me.  This year I took off my summer tanned skin and started turning my SL property over to autumn a few weeks back, but I successfully resisted doing anything for Halloween until October 1st.  Once again, I’m on new land (seems like I do that every other year or so lol), which makes changing for the seasons both challenging and a lot of fun.  I still have the same house as at the last place, but my new property is “split level”, which creates lots of interesting nooks and crannies…  perfect for getting spooky!   So many wonderful Halloween props and decor  out there in all the stores and at all the events… I just love the little scene I was able to put together!!!  Happy shopping!

Dreamland Designs (my newest sponsor!):

  • Welcome to My Grave – materials enabled. Three skeletons in various poses (the stretching skeleton is to die for, & there are unlimited things to have him stretching for), an open coffin, a shovel, & dirt… a perfect piece of Halloween decor! EXCLUSIVE for the SL Shop & Hop Halloween Event through the month of October. 20% OFF all items! Direct TP to the DD booth HERE.
  • The Bloody Evil Reaper – materials enabled, this blood-splattered reaper has a wandering script which can be turned off to keep him in one place if you prefer.  His lantern light blinks on & off.  Can you say “spooky”? Another EXCLUSIVE for the SL Shop & Hop Halloween Event HERE.
  • Skelly Express – NEW STORE RELEASE!  Six skeletons carrying/riding in a coffin with an express delivery of a large glass globe with sparkly turning lights inside (or is it an express of another sort? hmmm…)  Soooo different!

Tylar’s Treasures:

  • Wicked Tree – wonderfully creepy tree, with full bright yellow owl eyes blinking out of a hole in the trunk
  • Reaper Garden Entrance – the reaper’s eyes burn fire as he stands guard on one side of an arch of bare tree trunks with autumn leaves, a mean-looking carved pumpkin with candlelit eyes & mouth on the other; includes flying purple bats

Also shown:

Pick Your Poison

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Pick Your Poison

One of the many things I’m discovering that I love about the Renaissance Festival (which is currently running through October 3rd) is how it’s making me really think about what life might have been really like back in medieval times.  I’ve read some historical fiction that’s placed in that era, but the Festival brings it home in a very different and somehow more personal way… shopping the fashions to wear… looking at furnishings for my home… watching jousting and sword fights and archery for entertainment.  Today I’m channeling my inner Lucrezia Borgia, searching through my “medicine” cabinet, selecting my poison with great care, keeping in mind that “back in the day,” the line between medicine and poison was extremely blurry.  It’s how women were often accused of being witches because of their knowledge of herbs and other things, which could often help, but could also cause great damage, intentional or otherwise!  Whether or not you roleplay medieval, the Renaissance Festival is an awesome glimpse into another life, another time… just like it is IRL!!!  Don’t miss it… it only comes once a year!!!!  Details about all the events and activities and entertainment and, of course, shopping directories and slurls, can be found HERE.

  • Cabinet:  Fantavatar & Moonstruck – Antique Poisons Cabinet.  Belladonna, arsenic, it’s all there, in this very special piece of medieval home decor for those with that special taste.  Original mesh with scripted doors that open & close.  And of course, the detail is exquisite! 
  • Candelabra:  Swank & Co. –  Gothic Iron Floor Candelabra.  Incredible detail, incredibly realistic. Perfect for any medieval or gothic setting. Brand new EXCLUSIVE, only available at the SL Renaissance Festival 2021, in Ren Fest IV Shopping, now through Oct 3rd.  Direct TP to market booth HERE.  Available in two versions, both of which are a 100% donation to Strides Against Cancer, benefitting the American Cancer Society.
  • Shield:  Ever Green – Tavern Wall Shield.  Menu driven, choose from 4 different shields & 4 different banner colors, with easy resize built in.  Every medieval home or business needs one!  Another brand new EXCLUSIVE that’s a 100% donation to fight breast cancer at the SL Renaissance Festival!  Direct TP to their market booth  HERE also in Ren Fest IV Shopping. 

In Search of the Perfect Title

Posted on by cejalaval

http://In Search of the Perfect Title

And my blog is fixed!  I do want to take a moment to give special thanks to the anonymous customer service person at Flickr… I had gone to my hosting service first, who after two days told me everything was fixed, when it was most definitely not.  Further email inquiries from me fell on deaf ears.  Thankfully I had gone to Flickr in the interim, and after answering one or two pointed questions, I was provided with the reason why my site suddenly wouldn’t show embedded pix, as well as a solution.  Their quick resolution to my seemingly unfixable issues made my paying for Pro completely worthwhile.  (In case you’re wondering, somewhere between the latest WordPress update and my changing from jpg formats in my pix to pngs, my images were just too large for the service to handle.  So rather than embed at the original size — which is generally quite a high resolution — I’m now embedding at a smaller size.  Additionally, any “post-only images” will now be jpg format since they’re less “weighty.:)  The fix took me several hours, but the bottom line is that my blog is now working as it should, and I am back to being able to concentrate on the pix and the posts themselves!  I immediately created an absolutely perfect spot in which to blog this fall, and set to work.  Now, if I could only think of the perfect title (the hardest part for me lol)!!!   A happy blogger once again, wishing you Happy Shopping!

Park Place Home Decor — Autumn Serenity Deck Furniture.   I’ve used the Autumn Serenity Sofa, the Oak Serenity Coffee Table, & the Autumn Pink Daisies in Container.  (Autumn White Daisies in Container, Squirrel Candle Lantern, & Apple Basket also available.)  The sofa includes a HUD for individually changing the texture of the cushions, the blanket, & each of the two pillows.   Includes animations for 3 avatars (one of which I’m using), available in 3 versions (G, PG, & A), EXCLUSIVELY at the September round of Swank Event, Sept 7th – 30th.

Swank & Co. –  Autumn Lanterns.  Beautifully detailed,  there are 10 different design sets for this exceptional decor that adds just the perfect touch to any outdoor autumn (& dare I say winter?) scene.   I’ve shown a sampling of the different options below.  In my pic above, I used the Autumn Decorative Leaf Lantern in Tan on the side wall (shown in the middle in the pic below), & the Autumn Decorative Swirls Lantern in White hanging in the back corner (shown far right below).  Each set includes 4 colors & 4 sizes (& they’re easily resized as well).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the September round of the Swank Event, open until the 30th.

Also shown:

 

The Medieval Boudoir

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Medieval Boudoir

It might be my imagination, or just wishful thinking, but fantasy seems to be taking a bigger share of the spotlight here in SL.  I’m not just talking about fae ears, those are everywhere, which I honestly find a bit insulting, that non-fantasy avatars have appropriated this most obvious of physical fantasy traits and sport them as a cool designer trend, rather than a symbol of one’s immersion in the fantasy realm.  Be that as it may, the quality and quantity of fantasy items seems to be proliferating, as are events dedicated to the world of fantasy.  It’s an exciting time, one that I really never thought I’d see, especially after most of the elves sailed off to far-off worlds on other grids.  (I myself emigrated to InWorldz for a time, but that’s another story!)  The wealth of imagination and the dedication to even the tiniest of details is truly inspiring, in both fantasy apparel and in home & decor.  I’m happy to share just a few wonderful finds… sprinkling a little fairy dust to enhance your shopping experiences… Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Priss.   To me, she’s a light & airy mix of medieval, silks, & fae… in other words, pure fantasy! Priss comes in four color packs plus a fatpack; each color pack has two HUDS, one for sheer & one for opaque textures.  Priss is sized only for Maitreya, & is available EXCLUSIVELY at the September We Love Role Play event, open Sept 4th through the end of the month.  Demo available.
  • Basin:  Fantavatar & Moonstruck – Medieval Chamber Basin.  Original mesh & only 2 LI, this gorgeous little piece of medieval home decor adds that finishing touch to your boudoir.  The detail is fabulous! The metal glows in the light, & the water has an animated ripple.  Includes two unique standing animations, one washing hands & one washing the face.  Simple, & simply beautiful!!!!
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Atharia, worn in Kaoru.  Every skin from this designer is highly detailed, gorgeously styled, & pure fantasy to its core.  Atharia is a personal favorite, with swirling colors on both body & face, available in 25 color variations. In Bom/Omega/mesh body & head applier versions for both male & female, plus add-ons for nails, Uni ears, etc., so it should work for just about every avatar.  Created in conjunction with []TRAP[], this is another amazingly detailed, gorgeously styled skin that is pure fantasy yet seemingly realistic.
  • Horns & Jewelry:  Petrichor – Uletia Horns.  Originally developed as a minigacha, these modifiable unisex horns are available with 15 different color HUDs, each of which offers 10 horn textures plus so many options I couldn’t even count them! The “blooms” can be visible or hidden, too! 
  • Body:  Maitreya
  • Head & Ears:  LOGO – Bella bento head, worn with Ilvanya Elf Ears
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Rhea
  • Wings:  –FAS– – Bento Faery Wings
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel Collection
  • Beauty Mark:  Izzie’s – Beauty Mole dark
  • Vanity:  {LORE} – Rustic Vanity Set

Making A Connection

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Making A Connection

I’m an animal lover inworld and out.  If you’re a regular follower of my blog, then you might remember that I live in a menagerie of sorts.  For several years now, we’ve been down to one dog (from two), two cats (from three), and two parakeets (status quo).  That all changed about a month or so ago when my mom’s mental and physical condition took a severe nosedive, and her dog needed to be re-homed.   I couldn’t just give her away without at least giving it a try, even though we’re not particularly fond of small dogs, so we’re now back up to two dogs… and this is a MUCH smaller house than what we had in NY.  To make it even more interesting, she wasn’t the friendliest of dogs to people, snapping without warning, etc… she even bit me once when I was trying to put on her leash, and the grooming salon deemed this little 11-pound dog to be “unmanageable” and gave her back to me wet but unbathed and ungroomed.  I will say that we seem to have passed some kind of invisible point of adjustment, because suddenly this dog is crawling all over me, prancing around with happiness, racing to the back door when it’s time to go out for a “pee break”… now if we could only get her to eat her food without standing there giving her constant encouragement lol!  I’ve also been told that I’m a somewhat comical sight when I have the two of them on their longer daily walks… my 65-pound dog on a retractable leash in my left hand, and this little 11-pounder prancing along on a regular leash on my right, sometimes walking in harmony until they start pulling in opposite directions with me standing still with my arms stretched way out… still better than two separate walks in this heat!!!

  • Outfit:  Nala Designs – Meryem Outfit.  Halterneck top with the cutest little denim shorts, sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, & Maitreya, the outfit includes a HUD with 8 patterns for the top & 8 solids for the shorts. The outfit is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Shoes:  Nala Design – Meryem Timberland Sport Boots.  These boots with the matching outfit makes a look that is just so adorable! I don’t often go for cute, but how could I resist?  Includes a HUD with 20 colors to choose separately for the boot, the sole, the laces, the strap back, the decor laces, etc.  Also at the July Swank Event (not exclusive). Demo available.
  • Set:  Dreamland Designs – Kensie Garden Bench.  Includes the bench (which is FULL of a HUGE menu of single & couple animations), ground lanterns, banana planter, & a “Memories” sign (not used).  I just love the gently worn look of the bench & pillows… totally says that it’s a well-loved place to sit.  Available in both PG & Adult versions, EXCLUSIVELY at the July Swank Event, open from July 7th – 31st. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (new 3.1 update)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  Velour – Meg
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Marpesia – Beauty Mark V1
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Scout
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Hachiko (includes dog)
  • Cats:  KittyCatS! – Just a few of my breedable cats… they kept wandering into the shots, so I had to include them (they have the cutest AI)! I even have my own little store on MarketPlace to sell some of my extra kittens

Moonstruck

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Moonstruck

Moonstruck.  Its definition is “unable to think or act normally, especially because of being in love”.  (It’s also the title of one of my all-time favorite movies, with the line “Snap Out of It!”, but that’s for another post, a human one lol!) What’s relevant to THIS post is that it’s also part of the name of one of my new fantasy sponsors.  I’m so very excited to be able to share the first of what I can see will be many, many, MANY exceptional fantasy items.  And I myself am definitely moonstruck, totally in love with landscaping my new little lot of land, creating my own private wonderland, bursting with color and life and beauty…  Fluttering my wings happily as I gaze around at this little corner, which is high on a hill overlooking a largely unsettled river…  The beauty of this world never fails to amaze me; I hope you have the opportunity to create a spot that reflects you as much as this does me… Happy shopping!

Fantavatar & Moonstruck – Wisteria Dryad.  Adds a touch of magic & stunning color to ANY garden, fantasy or otherwise.  Copy/modify, with a LI of only 4!!!!  A must-have!!!

Also shown:

  • Hands:  LORE – Serenity Hands
  • Moonbeams:  LOVE – Glitter Moonbeam

A Garden of Unearthly Delights

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Garden of Unearthly Delights

My wings are drooping, I’m so exhausted from my initial explorations of the Fantasy Faire and all its wonders! But oh, such wonderful exhaustion, there’s just so much to see and do, and of course, buy!  I very VERY recently moved to new land, so I’ve been visualizing so many of these wonders at my home, counting prims, making trade-offs… sighs, if only I could have it all!  I’ll have to once again start searching for a spell that will magically make prims not count!!! But oh, it all looks so lovely!  Here’s just a small corner that I’ve created using items from 5 fantastic vendors…  there’s a handy link to every Faire land, to every store, right HERE, but I’ve added direct links to each of the booths for the items I’m featuring.  Happy shopping, happy exploring, and above all, remember that the Fantasy Faire is a Relay for Life event, so many purchases are also a donation to this worthwhile cause!!!! The Fantasy Faire is open from April 22nd through May 9th.

  • Grey’s Mind Maze – Strange Eggs Elemental.  Totally unique & startlingly beautiful, each egg element consists of a glowing egg in what looks like goblin fingers, together with flat disk flowers in the same color palette.  Three of the four versions (air, water, fire, earth) are shown (left front, right front, & right back); all have a built-in resizer.  The fatpack is an RFL Donation item, only at the Faire store in The Amethyst Rift, located HERE.
  • Korpokkur House – Koi Pond.  Shown in front center.  Lovely little pond for any setting, fantasy or otherwise; small koi swim over a bottom of overlapping stones, with a large stone & a stand of cattails providing added decor.  An RFL Donation Item, available only at the Faire store in Yin Yang, located HERE.
  • Lantian/Flox – Mystic Runes Brilliance Tree.  Shown at back left.  Deep purple foliage with lighter “hangings”, purple runes on the tree trunk, & a deep shadow create a highly unusual fantasy tree.  This is a NEW, EXCLUSIVE RFL Donation item at the Faire, priced at a 25% discount; direct slurl to their booth in The Amethyst Rift HERE. 
  • 3rd Eye Perceptions – Pearlite Koi Tower (animated water, ambient light, available in 4 colors sold separately or as a fatpack); Glowbell Flowers (animated breathing foliage, light sparkles, colored light, 3 sizes & 13 colors), Pearl Shine Giant Poppy (3 design versions, multi-color light, animated whisps & sparkles); all shown in back center.  These items with their truly unique beauty all speak for themselves.  At the Faire store in Isles of Tarrin, located HERE.
  • The Olde Attic – In Our Darkest Hour, Search for the Light.  Shown at far right.  A twisting white vine wrapped around a column supporting the Fantasy Faire symbol, together with a few thin, long-stemmed wildflowers & mushrooms at the base of the tree, plus some colorful butterflies flying around the symbol.  Simply beautiful!  Available at the Faire store in Ostara, located HERE.

A Fountain of Succulents

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Fountain of Succulents

Succulent plants have such a different look about them.  A succulent is defined as “a plant with parts that are thickened, fleshy, and engorged, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions.”  Most people think of cactus when they think of succulents, but that’s actually just one kind of succulent, and even among cacti there are many MANY varieties.    I’ve recently begun to truly appreciate the beauty of succulents since so many of my neighbors have them growing in their yards.  I’ve been toying with the idea of planting a giant prickly pear cactus because they’re so gorgeous when they bloom.  If I had the option to buy this fountain in real life, I would totally put it on my patio… it’s that stunning!  Happy shopping!    

Swank & Co. –  Succulent Multi Color Lights Fountain.   A totally different kind of fountain than what you normally see here in Second Life, & it’s absolutely stunning.  Choose from 3 different options as to material – stone, sand, or slate.  Each fountain comes with light color options… all you do is click each light row to get a menu, & select the colors you like.  So simple, & so beautiful! EXCLUSIVELY available only at the March round of the Swank Event, open until the 30th.

Setting:  Swank & Co. –  Santorini Patio Garden

Let’s Get This Party Started!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Let's Get This Party Started!

I don’t know about you, but I’m weary of all this curtailed activity.  Yes, I’m now vaccinated, and yes I’m living in an area where year-round outdoor activity is possible, and yes I’m in a community where just about everyone is active, but come on… I want to go to a party, not a spaced-out get-together in someone’s driveway  where everyone brings their own food/drink.  I want to go to a live music event where I don’t have to sit in my car/golf cart at a distance.  I want to go back to museums and movies and yes, I want to go to DisneyWorld now that I’m relatively nearby.  And of course, yes, I could decide to do all these things, but I’m not a COVID denier, I’m definitely a confirmed mask wearer, and I see what my friends in Europe are going through and I feel lucky.  I believe in the science, but I’m also human (at least IRL lol) and I’ve just had enough, and want what I want when I want it!  Nothing is going to change by venting about it, but at least now I’ll feel a teeny bit better having shouted my frustration to the world!  Sighs, at least I can freely socialize and move about here on the grid, but let’s face it, it is definitely time to get this party started!!!  (Oh and of course, happy shopping!)

  • Outfit:  LUXE Paris Fashion House – Oregano Dress, Shawl, & Heels.  As a green-eyed redhead, green is definitely one of my favorite colors (which you may have noticed if you’re a regular reader of my blog).  That’s why the minute I saw this form-fitting little dress with its fabulous cut & texture I just knew that it was made for me!  The icing on the cake is the shawl edged in silver together with the matching heels with “diamond” straps.  Definitely “ooh la la”!  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya, EXCLUSIVELY available at the March round of the Swank Event, open March 7th – 30th.  
  • Scene:  [AZ Studio] – Bahamas Spring, Nassau Set.  A colonial style set with some nature inspiration accents, this collection includes: a garden Pergola, garland decorations, a table & chair cloth set, a matching Tea Set, a jute rug, plus some plants to complete the decor.  A new EXCLUSIVE, it’s available as individual pieces or as a full set at the March round of the Swank Event, open March 7th – 30th.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Eyes:  PUMEC – Arisha
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole
  • Hair:  TRUTH – VIP Soiree (Group Gift)
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Noir Pack; theMars – Classy Night Lip
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Green
  • Jewelry:  Beloved Jewelry – Baroque Set ; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Artis – Wall Pose