Category: Home Decor

Too big a problem to sweep under the rug

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Too big a problem to sweep under the rug

How do you deal with problems?  Do you sweep them under the rug to deal with another time, or do you face them immediately?  I’ll admit that I do both.  Sometimes I honestly just can’t be bothered with small issues, figuring they’ll either stop being important & will therefore just go away, or that waiting won’t make a difference.  Big problems, however, generally don’t fit easily under that proverbial rug, and need to be dealt with immediately.  Unfortunately, sometimes you have periods of time where EVERYTHING seems to be going wrong, with problems cropping up everywhere.  Now that I am moving in less than two weeks (eeek!), I seem to be dealing with a host of new issues, big and small, from the fact that new furniture I was considering which was going to take a week to 10 days to be delivered last time I looked is now showing as 2 – 4 months, to the roof bag for my car suddenly being too frayed to use safely and new bags all seem to be back-ordered until well after I leave.  Sighs… oh well, the best-laid plans and all that…  Time to take a breather and have a nice slow cup of something hot…  Happy shopping!

  • Top:  Tonic – Fave Cropped Sweater.  You know that one sweater in your closet you always go to when you want that comfy feel but still want to look great?  THIS is the SL equivalent.  It comes in 16 colors; perfect to mix & match with all sorts of bottoms to create multiple looks.  ONLY for Tonic bodies, this comfy sweater is sized for Curvy, Fine, & Fine-Mini, & is EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of eBento, open through October 30th.  Demo available.
  • Pants:  Tonic – Slick Leggings. Skin-tight leggings, with a V in front for added style, in a beautiful “slick” texture. 16 colors, sized for Curvy & Fine, with versions for boots & dainty-fit. EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of eBento, open through October 30th.  Demo available.
  • Cottage:  Dreamland Designs – Garden Cottage Complete.  Includes the cottage, the fence & all plantings within it as well as the two arching autumn trees in front.  All the plantings are copy/mod, so you can easily add more autumn color around the cottage, like I did.  Included & also sold separately: The Autumn Hanging Chair (full of animations, PG or Adult!), the Cabin Fireplace, & the Autumn Chocolate Tray (it gives cups of hot chocolate, just like what I’m holding, & will animate your avatar).  EXCLUSIVELY available in PG or Adult versions as a complete set, Hanging Chair Only (Adult or PG), Fireplace Only, or Garden Cottage with Garden, all at the October round of the Swank Event, open October 7th – 31st.  See the closeup below for a full view!
  • Rug & Rat:  Evolving Images – Body Under Carpet; Rat V; Goth Shield.  Just 3 of many fun Halloween-themed items from Evolving Images, EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of the Swank Event, open October 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Rae
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Dulce Secrets – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  Chameleon – Tattoo Rati
  • Nails:  Livia – Deep Gel
  • Jewelry:  RealEvil Industries – Areah Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Luane’s World Poses – Come Back Home (includes cat)

The fire’s lit; all I need is you

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The fire's lit; all I need is you

As much as I’m disliking the increasing cold and am getting impatient about the move to Florida, one thing among many that I will definitely miss is that indescribable feeling you get when you’re right next to a happily roaring fireplace.  Unfortunately I have to admit that roaring fireplaces have been few and far between for me for more years than I care to think about.  At least, that is, IRL… here on the grid, I’ve been happily ensconced both by myself and with some very special company in front of many a fireplace, and although I can’t quite get the feel of the actual heat I will admit to having still felt its warmth spreading right through the screen lol!   Even better, no one has to worry about getting up to put more logs on the fire!  So pull up a chair, or even better, hop on an animation… enjoy!

  • Outfit:  Prairie – Charlotte Set.  This cowl-neck striped sweater with 3/4 sleeves over a pair of light-weight skinny cords will keep you cozily toasty in the firelight on those chilly autumn evenings.  Includes a HUD with 8 colors available for the top, & another HUD with 8 for the pants.  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the 09/20 Girls Heaven event, open Sept 20th – Oct 14th.  Demo available.
  • Fireplace:    Swank & Co. –  Autumn Stone Fireplace.   A stone mahogany fireplace that can be a complete addition to your room, since it’s available both as just the fireplace with the wall behind but also with all the autumnal decorations.  (The decorations are also available separately.)  Not only that, it has bento animations built right in for both singles (I’m using one) & couples (& yes, it includes some very adult stuff ). EXCLUSIVELY available in Adult version only at the October round of the Swank Event, open October 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy
  • Hair:  Emo-tions – Ruth 2.0
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Viki – Heart Earrings (GIFT); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Winslet
  • Photo Booth:  FOXCITY – Crescent Room

An Autumn Catnap

Posted on by cejalaval

http://An Autumn Catnap

It’s absolutely amazing how quickly the seasons changed here in NY from late summer to fall.  The trees are turning, there are fallen leaves EVERYWHERE, and there’s a definite cool edge to the air during the day (it’s downright nippy at night).  Whereas I’m happy to have gotten in one more autumn before moving to the always-sunny south, I’m also shivering in my shoes lol.  The definite changeover has prompted me to change my inworld home as well, from summer landscaping to fall.  I’m thrilled to be able to incorporate some amazing new landscaping/home decor items to help showcase all the wonderful fall fashions that are everywhere!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Apple Heart – Melody with HUD.  Perfect outfit for that inbetween, early fall weather.  Includes the off-should short-sleeved top that laces up in front & then crosses under the fabric, the pants, & the sneakers, all with a HUD of up to 22 colors/patterns for every element, from the top to the laces to each side of the pants (you can make each leg a separate color or pattern!) to the sides/front of the sneakers.  Create a look all your own! Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 09/20 Girls Heaven event, open Sept 20th – Oct 14th.  Demo available.
  • Garden Set:  Dreamland Designs – Woodland Autumn Complete Set.  Available As Full set or Patio Set Only.  The full set is a beautiful entire scene, including everything you see inside the wall (the wall is part of the set; the cat is not) including the autumn tree right in back of the wall, although I admittedly moved a few things around in order to fit into the shot… definitely another benefit, in that each item can be moved separately to make the scene exactly how you want it.  (See below for a shot of the complete set.) The Patio Set Only Includes the Patio Set & the Autumn leaves Centerpiece with Pumpkins. All the furniture includes Brand New Bento Animations, in both PG & Adult versions. The standing light goes on/off by touch as well. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 09/20 Girls Heaven Event open Sept 20th – Oct 14th. 
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the newest updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy @ Collabor88
  • Hair:  Tableau Vivant — Westward @ Collabor88
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Reesha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Cat:  Image Essentials Props and Poses – Full Perm Mesh Cats

A private place for pie

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Private Place for Pie

I never tire of creating special little nooks and crannies on my property, so I just had to do one more little post for the month.  What makes this patio so awesome is how it’s already designed as a self-contained “nook”.  Enclosed by wood “walls” with gates that open, flowers, & a free-standing wood plant hanger with two hanging baskets, it’s incredibly easy to place with its rez box to create your own little hideaway for eating sweets to your heart’s content! Fits into just about any kind of scenery…

CJ Creations – Sunset Garden Patio Place.  Doors open/close by touch; bells ring by touch on/off. 23 different single animations for him/her — eat pie, drink coffee, & more; 4 lovely couple cuddles. 8 different pies & napkins as deco on the table.  (See the closeup below.) Available EXCLUSIVELY for one more day at the August round of the Swank Event, which closes tomorrow August 31st. 

Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Greek Goddess reduxhttp://Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous

OK, so I’m not rich and I’m definitely not famous, but I’m definitely feeling like I’m both.  Between the glorious rich tones of this outfit that I can easily envision fitting in anywhere from Morocco to a luxurious Mediterranean villa to a special party at home and this fabulous Greek villa, I’m queen for a day.  And I’m going to make the most of it!  Hmmm, now where did I leave my yacht?

The look:

  • Outfit:    Melt – Zahra Outfit.  If I had to sum this sensational two piece dress up in one word it would undoubtedly be rich.  The 8 HUD-controlled jeweled tones are simply luxurious, yet the fit has the ease of only the very top couture designs.  Simply glorious! Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, & available EXCLUSIVELY at Fable 5, an Evil Bunny Production, open August 8th – 31st.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Evolve
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Meringue Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Jewelry:  Bliensen + Maitai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  CORPUS – Stylish Lean

The scene:

  • Building & Furniture:  Swank & Co. –  Santorini Patio Garden.  Completely furnished walled Greek garden, including two sets of ornamental gates that open, a splashing fountain, a dining table for 6 (all chairs with animations!), two built-in patio benches (with single & couple animations), potted palm, planter cluster, hanging grape vines, light sconces, & more.  See below for a shot from the other side. EXCLUSIVELY available in PG or Adult versions at the August round of the Swank Event, open August 7th – 31st. 
  • Backdrop:  WonderWall Full Perm Textures – Santorini 10 Backdrops Background Textures

Going Japanese

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Tokyo Love

The theme for this month’s Swank Event is “Swank around the world.”  I seem to have landed in Japan (see my post of August 10th HERE), and I’m enjoying it so much, I’ve decided to stay a while.  Luckily, as described in detail in that post, I found an amazing Japanese bungalow on sale at the 4-Seasons Event, and all the furniture and decor fits perfectly to make a lovely home!  Don’t miss the details of this amazing build (see the pic below for just part of the bungalow) as provided in my earlier post; but in THIS post, I’m focused on this fabulous Asian decor!

Park Place Home Decor – Elegant style in this gorgeous collection with an Asian flair.  All listed items are sold individually & are EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of the Swank Event, open August 7th – 30th.

  • Kokoro Daybed – In adult & PG versions, with a HUD to choice between 4 colors of the bed covering itself, & 10 textures for the pillows.  Loaded with single & couple animations.   
  • Black Tansu Chest & Accessories
  • Empire Floor Screen
  • Fern on Stand
  • Kuro Four-Globe Floor Lamp, with on/off touch
  • Lighted Shoji Screen Set, with on/off touch
  • Reversible Wall Art Decor

Also shown:

  • Bungalow:   MAke a MArk – Japanese Bungalow 3. Includes two skylighted rooms (only one shown in pic), both with sliding shoji screen doors (the one in front slides to the side; two on the side open as shown to a central gallery with flagstones & a wood slat back wall).  The build also includes side garden walls with open doors to the outside (one can be seen below), grass ground with stone walkway to those doors & two uplights, front garden section with bamboo on the sides, stone sections, rippling water sections, & a center wood walkway.  Self-rezzing box, so it’s easy to set up & move to where you want it.  Perfect for home or shop.  On sale for a 50% promo discount EXCLUSIVELY at the upcoming round of the 4 Seasons Event, opening August 15th.  See my earlier post featuring this build HERE.
  • Other Asian Decor:  Evolving Images – Asian gong that sounds when touched; Buddha Rock with Candles (candles go on/off by touch).  Both items exclusively available at the August round of the Swank Event, open August 7th – 30th, & also featured in my earlier post.
  • Bath:  Roawenwood – Bitty Basin Bath & Bath Accessories
  • Rugs:  (Extinct Vendor) – Japanese Tatami Rugs
  • Cats:  Rezz Room – Grouchy Cat Napping; TM Creation – two cats; KittyCatS – Wicker Bed

An English Garden

Posted on by cejalaval

http://An English Garden

This beautifully peaceful scene has special meaning to me after this week.  On one hand, it’s been anything BUT peaceful.  And on the other, well, I’ll just say that it’s certainly been an interesting week.  Like so many others, Isaias dealt me a blow.  We lost a big tree in our back yard, that fell absolutely perfectly with branches up against our newly-finished deck — finished less than 48 hours earlier! — and against the windows of the kitchen.  Incredibly, the damage to the house and deck were minimal — we’ll need new gutters, a minor fix here and there — but our barbecue was crushed.  I have these visions of it heroically throwing itself in the way of the tree, deflecting its fall just enough to create this miraculous landing.  You’d think that was the hardship, right? But what really made this a tough week was that the storm knocked out all cable service in the area.  No phone, no tv, no internet… our cell phones barely functioned… and that all meant no Second Life and no blogging.  I won’t lie, it won’t be easy to catch up.  Thankfully, I had today’s pic done before all connections were lost, so I’m back in gear sooner than would otherwise be the case unless I rushed.  And I try never ever to rush because the result is inevitably sub-standard work, and that’s not fair to ANY sponsor.  Bottom line, I’m baaaaack, and ready to go!  Happy shopping!

Dreamland Designs – English Garden Complete.  A beautiful oasis of serenity, this somewhat formal garden centers around an angel fountain with water gently falling from faucets on all four sides — two of which feature sun medallions, the water gently rippling over the ceramic squares inside it.  (See below for a closeup view.) The garden itself is made of concrete, includes built-in seating in all corners backed by flowers moving gently in the air, surrounded by a low green hedge, with openings on all four sides.  Naturally all the seats include bento single & couple animations (adult or PG, depending on version).  The set also includes two willow trees (& they’re copy if you want more) & two red maples (also copy) plus a variety of animated birds (sparrow, goldfinch, & a wandering pigeon), all of which are optional & can be placed wherever it pleases you.  It might be done in the English garden style, but it certainly fits just about any landscaping! EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th.

Prim Precious

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Prim Precious

As my human counterpart talked about in an earlier post, my elven partner and I seem to have outstayed our welcome at her home.  Even though we had restricted ourselves to the farthest corner of the property in order to ensure privacy for both us and them, we were not so subtly encouraged to vacate the premises.  She wanted us out of there so badly she even gave me use of some of her premium allotment to get a Linden home.  Themed communities are relatively new when it comes to Linden homes; it was one of the things they introduced earlier this year when they updated the linden homes.  Now in addition to offering a variety of home styles, there are also four “first-generation themes”, one of which is Elderglen, or fantasy dwellings.  I had my choice of 4 styles, one of which really is pretty perfect for elven folk.  But the downside is that (a) personal outdoor space is almost non-existent, and (b) you only get 175 prims (not counting the house).  Since the outdoors and nature is very important to us as fantasy folk, I chose a home style with a rooftop for outside decor.  I’ve been working hard to make our nest both stylish and comfy, reflecting who we are, but the fact remains that when you only have 175 prims, every single prim is precious, and every design decision is critical.  Our home is situated right on the water, so I knew that I wanted outdoor seating where we could lounge and watch the sunset and the way the moonlight sparkles on the water.  I also knew that as a fantasy creature herself, one of my sponsors — Tylar at Tylar’s Treasures — does some amazing fantasy-style creations as well as many that could go “either way”, so that is where I went first.  And I was thrilled to find the Brantley Collection, which has now taken its place as the waterfront viewing spot of our new home.  (And with all the great animations that are included, I’m sure we’ll be doing more than just watching the sky and the water lol!)

Tylar’s Treasures – Brantley Boho Collection.  A previous event release, this awesome set is now available at the store.  For me, it offers so much style & variety & useability for an extremely reasonable amount of prims!

  • Brantley Boho Hanging Chair – Includes the very-natural looking wood & metal stand, & of course the chair itself.  Available in both bento adult & cuddle versions, it even includes two dances.  You can also change the color of the cushions to any of 5 choices, each of which matches one of the cushions in the pillow pile. The land impact for all this awesomeness is only 8!
  • Brantley Boho Pillow Pile — A comfy pile of 5 artfully arranged pillows, each in a different color (& as I said above, each of which can be used as the cushion color for the chair).  Filled with bento animations for single females, cuddles, & dances.  Sets up perfectly against the tree roots on the roof, with a land impact of just 5.

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Memories (and no, I promise I won’t sing the song, but I included the lyrics on my post in case YOU want to lol).  Memories have been thick about me lately.  In preparation for the big upcoming move (still a couple of months away), one of the things I’ve been doing is going through lots of old photo albums and boxes of snapshots.  There’s something to be said for pre-digital memories… rather than just looking at a screen, you’re holding them in your hand, which in some ways makes them feel a bit more substantial.  Sorting through decades of old photos really triggers some of those old memories… you recall more than just the image, but also sounds, smells, tastes, all the sensations you might have experienced at the time.  Remembering friends and family who are gone, either by death or just by drifting away.  And it’s not just photos… cleaning out closets I’ve been smelling perfumes that haven’t been worn in a while, choosing “keep” or “toss”, previously loved books, and all those little knick-knacks that accumulate over a lifetime of living in one place.  I’m a sentimental sort, so there’s just so much to wade through, there are times the memories just get overwhelming.  And there have been so many moments where I just sit and close my eyes, and remember the way it was…  years down the line, will I be doing the same about THIS moment in time?

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Paradise Dress in Yellow.  It’s hard to say what I like best about this little tropical dress.  Each of the 4 textures are very different but equally fantastic, every single one providing not just a different color but also a very different look.  The overall style of the dress is also phenomenal, with a dark semi-sheer cut-out in the neck & another in the back (see below), each with the pattern itself continuing onto the new texture.  Did I say “fabulous”!?!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, Starbody, Signature, & Maitreya, this knockout is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th.
  • Hanging Decor:   Swank & Co. –  Hanging Red Macaw Heats, Lanai version.  A charming little piece of tropical decor to add that little extra something to your outdoor space.  Also available in a Green Macaw version (see below), as well as in “Dichro” versions with additional hanging crystals.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  StunnerOriginals – Eyeshadow Amorous;  DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:   Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Perfume Poses #3 (front pose); Simply Dvyne Poses – Reaching (back pose)