Category: Landscaping

Fantasy Faire is almost here!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fantasy Faire is almost here!

As far as I’m concerned, it’s almost the most wonderful time of the year for my blogging… Fantasy Faire 2024 opens  in just a few days on April 18th, running thru May 5th (I simply CANNOT wait!!!!).  A Relay for Life event, Fantasy Faire is celebrating its 16th year, and is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, roleplayers and performers in the virtual world.  As paraphrased from the official Press Release, you can treat yourself to shopping, dance and theater performances, DJ parties, auctions, questing, the Literary Festival, fantasy art, events and roleplaying as thousands of Second Life residents and creators bring their own visions together to support the American Cancer Society’s vision of a world without cancer.  You’ll find fantasy avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets and exclusive items available from over 300 of Second Life’s top Fantasy Creators across 20 stunning regions designed by the visionary artists behind many of the most adored spots on the Second Life destination guide.  I am so honored and absolutely thrilled to the tips of my wings to be an official Fantasy Faire blogger for the fourth year in a row!!!!  Such exciting things to come… here are just a few of them!

  • Crystals:  Petrichor – Pointe Crystals.  Awesome crystal-shaped decor, easily resizable to fit your scene.  Choose from a muted or vibrant HUD, each of which provides a 40-color HUD to let you individually color each of the three groupings in the set.  This is a PREVIEW of a brand-new item, EXCLUSIVE to Fantasy Faire 2024; location of the store will be available when the doors open on the 18th; you’ll be able to find it HERE once published.
  • Swing:  Mysteria x Paniq – Midsummer Delights.  Another PREVIEW, it takes an exceptional collaboration to yield this crescent-moon shaped swing hanging on leafy vines, complete with 5 individual poses with mirrors (see the Ad below).  EXCLUSIVE to Fantasy Faire 2024; location of the store will be published HERE once the Faire opens.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Muted, in Filaurian
  • Tattoo:  Nefekalum – Charis
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Mai Horns (Malefice)
  • Hair:  KMH – F177
  • Outfit:  INFINITI – Shandi
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Scene:  NAUGHTYBits – Overgrown Ruins

To watch the world go by…

Posted on by cejalaval

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 Designs – NEW!  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. 

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

 

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

Fair Weather Fae

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fair Weather Fae

I’m so glad I’m a fae and not living in the real world, where it’s just so hot.  It’s all everyone is talking about, the heat, the rain, the heat, the weather, the heat… So lovely to escape here to my magical land where the weather is always exactly how I want it to be, where I’m never too hot or too cold.  And if anything isn’t to my liking, well, I just sprinkle a little fairy dust and poof! it’s just want I want…  My poor human, sitting there wilting IRL, dreading the half-hour dog walk where she inevitably comes back drenched with sweat, collapsing in the A/C…  well, I guess this is what a fantasy escape is all about!!! Stay cool!

  • Outfit:  Petrichor & Ersch– Awylinde.  Multi-wear options in this beautiful goddess-inspired dress.  10 single colors available as well as 40-color HUD packs in 7 different fabric textures for top, skirt, & panty, plus a secondary HUD for the metals & jewels or a megapack containing ALL options.  There is also an add-on for sheer embossed skirts.  Sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite, Mounds, Kupra, & Reborn, she is originally created for Fantasy Faire & is now available at the mainstore.   See the ad below; demo available.
  • CJ Creations – Pond Forest with Swan & Fireflies.  This lovely little stone-walled pond includes a tree of an entwined couple, a swan family (one of which is animated), wildflowers, fireflies, even a little frog sitting on lilies floating on beautifully animated water.  See the ad below for additional details.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Stargazer – Femme Pixie in Periwinkle
  • Hair:  Nova – Zenith
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Stranded Swyrl Horns
  • Makeup:   Loa – Gaia Face Paint;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lips
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Naimi
  • Wings:  Celeste – Seelie Bento Wings
  • Jewelry:   Petrichor – Maliana Cuffs (Armlets, Anklets, Wrist Cuffs)
  • Pose:  IDK – Pack #183 (includes butterflies)

The Secret Cove

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Secret Cove

Well Fantasy Faire has ended.  My real life was suddenly so busy and frantic with a 12-person luncheon I was hosting that I totally missed the last two days of the Faire.  The few days before that I was obsessively tackling some rather involved ideas (for me, anyway) that I’m now having a bit of difficulty making the transition back to human.  So I did the next best thing (or maybe even the best? I guess the answer is a highly subjective one lol)… I brought a touch of fantasy into what I consider a “real life” shot…  And there we are… back to reality!  Enjoy YOUR reality (whatever that may be)!!!!

  • Boat:  Fern Cottage – Little Moored Boat.  Original mesh boat, post & rope attached.  Seats 2 with 7 single animations each & 3 romantic cuddle animations.  Can be placed on Linden water, your own water prim, or even on dry land.  Available in 3 versions or as a fatpack, for 25% OFF at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open only through tomorrow May 10th.  Be sure to teleport to the demo area to see the full-sized version!
  • Mermaid:  Aii & Ego – Riptide Tail; Mermade – Shifting Sands in Garnet (tail applier)
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Tempestuous

Midnight at the Oasis

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Midnight at the Oasis

I’ve been so happily busy — obsessed even — with spending every spare second  that I’m not putting together fashion looks over at the Fantasy Faire.  Between shopping and exploring and doing on-site photo shoots, time has been FLYING by.  And then suddenly I realized that it’s already May and that the Faire will close in just a few days on May 7th and I’m panicked that I never spent any time with all the wonderfully awesome non-fashion goodies.  So I immediately unpacked all of my outdoor favorites and started seeing what would work together to create a dino-mite scene (sorry, sorry, sorry, I haven’t had my coffee yet!) that would fit in a photo frame.  For some reason, the song ‘Midnight at the Oasis’ started playing in my head (maybe it was on Fantasy Faire radio at the time? I honestly don’t know), but I can’t get it out of mind, and it was that or something about a meeting getting off to a rough start, so that’s the title I’m going with lol.  And now, back to our regularly scheduled program!

  • Dinosaurs:  Prehistorica – The Dawn Kingdoms – Amazing, amazing, totally AMAZING!!! I admit I went a bit dino crazy, but these are just so incredibly realistic (well, it SEEMS realistic, having never really seen a dinosaur I guess it’s all conjecture, now isn’t it?) that I just couldn’t help myself.  If you want to ride — or be — a dinosaur, this is definitely the place to go because they not only have all these to buy they’ve created a prehistoric land where you can RIDE since it admittedly takes quite a bit of space when you’re on one of the big ones.  All of what I used to make this scene & more are available at Fantasy Faire in the Faireland of Khumbala; you can TP direct to Prehistorica’s booth HERE:
    • Allosaurus Animesh Creature (far right with me on top!) – just one of a line of creature “pets” that are rideable or free-roaming.  The controls are really easy to manage, & he roars on command.  Such fun, I can’t stop grinning!!!  See the ad below for more details.
    • Utahraptor Rideable Pet (front left of pool) – one thing that I LOVE about this guy is that you can ATTACH him to ride if you’re in a no-rez area… AND he has a color customization HUD.  Did I mention how much fun it is to ride a dinosaur?  Just one of a range of rideable pets. See the ad below for more details.
    • Utahraptor Decor (upper left of pool) – perfect for helping to create scenes like these, they also include a color customization HUD; sound options are also part of the menu options.  See the ad below! 
    • Drogon, Valyrian Adult (back of pool) – if you watched House of the Dragon, then you’re familiar with Drogon.  I kind of cheated with this one… he’s part of two special EXCLUSIVE diorama sets (The Blazing Throne & The Winter Throne that are each a 100% DONATION to RELAY for LIFE.  I’ve included the ad below for them, & you can see him in all his animesh glory the minute you walk into the store (& he really is a don’t miss sight!) 
  • Rock Pool:  Dabble (FKA Tyler’s Treasures) – Forest Rock Pool.  NEW! the rock pool not only looks fabulous with animated water (& animated sounds!), but it also is full of single & couple bento animations (see the ad below).  AVAILABLE in adult or PG for 25% OFF at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of WooHoo! Bay; you can TP direct to Dabble’s booth HERE.  
  • Trees:  Dreamland Designs – Magical Tree Scene.  Totally beautiful scene that is perfect for both fantasy & what I’ll call “more realistic” landscapes.  Includes the “magical tree,” flowers, magical sparkling lights & wisps (see the ad below).   NEW, EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE & a 100% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of Giggenwhirl; you can TP direct to Dreamland Designs booth HERE.
  • Stone Portal (on left):  [QE Designs] – Mystic Stones.  Set includes three different shape stones with lights, with portals (shown), or bare.  Includes a HUD to change the color of the stone, & of the portal (see the ad below).  AVAILABLE as a 100% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of The Shimmering Fen; you can TP direct to the QE Designs booth HERE. 
  • Grassy Stones & Pools:  Mindgardens Creations – Pandora Rocks.  An incredible set of rock shapes (including those with ponds & the big arch in the back; see the ad below) that are available in four different rock textures — grassy stone, (which is what I used), brown stone, dark stone, & winter stone.  The possibilities are truly endless! Even more, each set is a 100% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of Frostweald; you can TP direct to Mindgardens booth HERE.
  • Sphere:  Raindale – Moonstone Platform & Magic Sphere.  Includes animated magic spheres in 5 colors plus a platform in 3 colors with 5 gem colors (I didn’t use the platform, but see the ad below for details).   AVAILABLE as a 100% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Nysaris Faireland; you can TP direct to Raindale’s booth HERE.
  • Fantasy Flowers:  Fantasy Illumination – Fantasy Utopia Flower.  Original mesh, materials enabled, this unique fantasy flower has flowing animated lights in the middle.  Available in two colors (pink & white) as a 50% DONATION to Relay for Life at Fantasy Faire, located in the Faireland of Opera; you can TP direct to Fantasy Illuminations’ booth HERE.  See the ad below for more detail.
  • Crystals:  Harshlands – Glowing Crystal Plants.  Set of original mesh plants with glowing crystals in 5 colors + tintable.  Includes three grouped shapes & one crystal cluster, all of which are easily resizeable.  Particle fireflies included.  See the ad below for more detail; at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open April 18th – May 10th.

Natural Beauty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Natural Beauty

Beauty comes in all forms, and its definition varies by person and even by time and place.  We all have different tastes in EVERYTHING, and on top of that, tastes change.  But the beauty of nature — in all its forms — is everlasting.  My heart skips a beat when I first come upon something in nature that I find beautiful… followed by serenity as I just sit and take it in.  I have several enduring memories of doing just that… sitting on the cliffs in Brittany France and in Newport RI, just watching the wind and the waves, breathing it all in…  watching the butterflies as they dip and hover over a vast field of flowers… so many!  My next vacation includes some time up in the northern islands off the coast of Scotland, where I expect I’ll be adding many more such memories to that treasure trove in my heart and mind.  I can’t wait! But in the meantime, I’ll just sit here a bit and soak in the beauty of the wildflowers, and the gentle breeze riffling the leaves on the trees… sighs… Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Evergreen – Jasmine Dress & Jacket.  What happens when you pair a short (very short!), sleeveless, strapless dress sporting a delicate lace hem on the bottom with a cropped denim jacket that has rolled up sleeves? A totally awesome look!  Sold separately, the dress is available  in 5 colors in duopacks (each duopack has the dress in both solid & a floral pattern) or as a fatpack; the jacket is sold in 5 coordinated tones plus black, or as a fatpack.  A megapack of both fatpacks is also available.  Sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite, HG + Petite, Freya, Isis, Reborn, & Kupra, Jasmine is EXCLUSIVELY available at the April round of Designer Showcase, open through April 25th.  Demos available.
  • Wild Flower Patch (lower right):  CJ Creations – Wild Grass with Flowers Patch.  A 3-piece set (see the ad below), this low prim landscape item is PERFECT for filling in those small areas that just look empty or need an added pop of color while still looking totally natural.  (I, of course, chose the version with yellow flowers to gently echo my dress!).  Mod/copy, you can resize to perfectly fit your space.  Available at the main store.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  BESOM – Dakota (includes hat)
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Graphic Eyeliner; IDTTY Faces – Lelutka Secret Potion 5 Eyeshadow; Temizi Store – Dunas Natural Lips
  • Nails:  LIVIA – MixIt Pro
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Primavera Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Recovery

Spring Eggs

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Spring Eggs

OK, intellectually I get the whole egg thing for the spring, rebirth and mythological and pagan tales, but I do have to say that some designers do it better than others.  These are some of my favorites to build an “egg-celent” fantasy scene (sorry, I just couldn’t resist)…  And since all these eggs are rather on the large size & most have scales, they totally make me think of dragons.  And I do love my dragons, so I naturally snuck one in to my scene!!!!  Happy shopping!

Raindale –

  • Silvermist Collection.  This is such a perfect collection for a fantasy setting!  It includes so many different items, in several different versions, so you can create exactly what you want — 3 color versions of the arch, 3 matching color versions of the platform, 3 versions each of different color eggs on pedestals (I’ve shown 2), plus 3 colored eggs to place wherever you’d like (again I’ve shown two).  Everything is copy/mod, so you can resize or use multiples to create your scene.  EVENT EXCLUSIVE, available only at Ostara’s Altar for just a few more days, through April 15th.  TP direct to their booth HERE
  • Willownut Stump.  Awesome little stump with mushrooms; includes sitting animations for single male & female… & it’s just 10L (once you find it that is!) because this is a 2023 Ostara’s Altar hunt prize! See the ad below… then good luck in your hunt!

Dabble (formerly Tylar’s Treasures) – 

  • Spring Egg – Perfect for the season & its strange association with eggs, this solitary egg steals the show with its beautiful floral pattern, golden stand, & floral ring.  Includes a resize script.  Available at the Spring Mischief Event, open just a few more days until April 15th, as a gift for the Mischief Menagerie Group.  See the ad below.
  • Baby Dragon – Animated baby dragon on rock.  Soooo cute! Dragon has a 5-color texture menu by touch… an older item, but one of my personal favorites! Available at the main store or on MP.

Last glimpse of winter’s beauty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Last glimpse of winter's beauty

I’ve been making it no secret that I want winter to end… but not everyone feels the same.  Some are still reveling in the beauty of the sparkling snow and the wonder of a frozen, glistening world.  For those of you who still relish winter — and for the rest of us will be ready to wonder anew NEXT winter lol — there are some truly fabulous bargains in SL to be found on exceptional winter items.  Here’s just one of my favorites…  Me, I’m happy that the skies are turning blue and I’m having warmth on my face (or at least not a chilling wind) when I walk the dog!  I’ll love you winter again next year!!!

Dabble Home & Garden (formerly known as Tylar’s Treasures) – Winter Sparkle Cascading Pond.  Beautiful wintry scene, with a small cascading waterfall into a rock-surrounded pool, framed by bare winter trees glistening with ice & lights together with two deer with fairy lights in their antlers.  Animated with bento multi-speed animations for male, female, & couples in either PG or Adult versions.  ON SALE for just L$99 at Designer Outlet, open Jan14th – 31st.