Category: Landscaping

Mother of Dragons

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Mother of Dragons

No, I’m not trying to be Daenerys Targaryen, but let’s face it… she’s a pretty impressive role model.  (Ok, she went a little crazy there at the end, but let’s just focus on the positive, shall we?).  I see myself as more of a “Defender of Dragons”, allowing these magnificent creatures a small but private space of their own on my land to grow and flourish in peace.  Once, many years ago in my previous lifetime, I had a circling dragon up above my land who nested at top of my waterfall, but he flew off to search for a new home and a new destiny during my long absence.  Perhaps this little one will grow up to take his place, only time will tell.  Or — as a flight of pure fantasy — perhaps he could be trained to search the grid for fabulous fashion fantasy finds (try saying that 5 times fast!!!)!  Well, until that day, I’m on my own… but since I’m good at sharing, here’s what I’ve found!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Elysium.  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, Elysium consists of the dress, separate armbands, & two styles of boots (with/without stocking tops & garters), in 5 different color sets.  As always, the styling & the detail is simply exceptional.  Originally created as a gacha, this outfit is now at the main store.  Demo available.
  • Dragon (Adult):  Tylar’s Treasures – Hovering Dragon with Egg in Nest.  The dragon not only hovers, flaps its wings, & breathes fire, you also can hear its roar & the sounds of flapping.  6-color texture menu for the dragon, & another 6 for the egg.   EXCLUSIVELY at the Age of Avalon, open through the month of September.  It’s only open once a year, so don’t miss out!
  • Dragon (Baby):  Tylar’s Treasures – Animated Baby Dragon on Rock (includes plantings as well).  Absolutely adorable!  It even includes a touch menu to change the dragon’s color.  Another EXCLUSIVE at the Age of Avalon !
  • Head & Ears:  LOGO  – Chelsea bento head with Ilvanya Elf Ears.
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Everlasting
  • Hair:  KMH – CP002
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Castanys Kel Horns.  Love these, they’re soooo different!
  • Eyes:  SAMIA – Maria Eyes
  • Beauty Mark:  Izzie’s – Beauty Mole dark
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Saro DK Eyes & Shigeko Lips
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Dryad Fairy Wings
  • Spear:  Ali & Ego (AERTH) – Crystal Spear
  • Pose:  GemS – War Maiden

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

As lost as the man in the moon

Posted on by cejalaval

http://As lost as the man in the moon

Life is strange.  One moment everything is good, and you’re wondering how you were ever so fortunate for this to actually be your life.  Then the next moment comes, and you feel totally lost and somewhat adrift, confused by how quickly things can change.  Only a few short weeks ago, life was pretty awesome here in my new home, in my new state, living the dream of retirement.  Now I’m floundering, dealing with the upheaval of taking over responsibility for my mom (who really seems to be in rapidly deteriorating mental shape, let alone recovering from a broken hip) and bringing her elderly shitzu into my already existing menagerie of a large dog, two cats, and two parakeets.  The dog is confused, my mom is confused, and frankly, I’m feeling somewhat confused by all the changes too.  The fact that we didn’t want the dog doesn’t help (my husband is NOT happy), but I recognize it’s all a temporary adjustment, and things will (hopefully!) start to settle down once my mom actually moves next week from the rehab facility down near to my sister up to where I live and into a new (and hopefully much better) memory care facility.  At least the decision is made as to where she’s going, the room has been selected, and all the wheels for the move have been set into motion.  As for the animals, well, things are progressing, albeit slowly.  Being small and elderly, she is nowhere near as disruptive as we anticipated.  She adores our “original” dog; the cats have finally ventured out of the bedroom where they’ve been hiding since “the arrival”; she’s learning the rhythms of the household and adjusting to new times for feeding, walking, etc.  Unfortunately, my SL partner (who is outside it all and is therefore ideally situated to help keep me sane and level and calm) will be going away on vacation, and I’ll be struggling through this next round of changes all on my own, but I’m hoping that things will quickly settle down once everyone is in their proper places.  As for the additional responsibilities, well, it’s what you do, and I’ve shouldered lots of responsibility my entire adult life, so at least I know what I’m in for.  I can always go talk to the man in the moon when things get too tough!  And on that note, I think a shopping break is definitely required!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GGVG Fashion – Adele Top & Short.  Includes an optional belt which partially hangs & adds just that special little touch.  In 5 individual colors or as a fatpack with 22 colors for the top, shorts, belt, & frill separately.  Adele is sized for Hourglass, Freya, Isis, Legacy, & Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Swank Event, open from June 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Set:  Dreamland Designs – Lost with the Man On the Moon.  Just about everything you see, not just the fabulous moon, but also the rocks & partial stone ruin behind it, swaying trees & flowers, grass & stones, sparkling floor lights, & mystical fireflies.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Swank Event, open from June 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • 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:  Doux – Cece, available at Uber
  • Makeup:  Opulein – Harmony Collection Lipstick
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Gaia

Tree Lovers

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Tree Lovers

I don’t know if all fantasy folk feel as connected to nature as I do.  Perhaps it’s the woodland blood flowing through my veins, but I’m always at my most serene when surrounded by lush natural environments.  I recently moved out of Linden housing in their themed fantasy environment and onto my own land… I was fortunate enough to find almost exactly what I wanted… land high on a high overlooking a river that is a “protected” channel (nothing can be built on it, perfect!), with several other fantasy lots nearby, and all of us surrounded by abandoned land.  I have no idea how long the neighborhood will stay as open and natural (mainland never seems to say pristine for very long), but for now I’m so happy with my little home lot (though I’m craving more and more land, like the human has).  There are just so many wondrous items out there, and I’d love to give them all a home, but sadly my space is quite limited so I need to be very very picky.  I’m happy to share my most fabulous finds, and I hope you like them too.  Sprinkling a little fairy dust, wishing you a wonderful day!  Happy shopping!

Fantavatar & Moonstruck – Forest Tree Wedding Arch.  There’s a Greek myth about an old couple (Baucis & Philemon) who —  as a reward for having shown hospitality to two disguised gods testing humanity as they always did — were granted their wish to be turned into two intertwining trees upon their death.  Two trees locked in a lovers embrace has become a not common theme in art, but to see it exemplified so magnificently in nature (well, in SL nature!)…  How absolutely fitting for a fae!!!  I first saw this amazing landscaping item at the Fantasy Faire, & built part of my new lot around it as a focal point, using it as the “gateway” to the upper part of my land (built on a steep hillside).  45 meters tall, with 7 foliages & 2 barks in a changing HUD, the arch is a stunning addition that weaves fantasy, magic, & romance into a beautiful work of fantasy nature that adds a sense of wonder to ANY garden, fantasy or otherwise.  Copy/modify, with a LI of only 8!!!!  You really should see this in person, so beautiful!!!

Also shown:

  • Mushroom:  Bentham Manor (seems to be gone) – Bentham Elder Shroom Reward Moonlight
  • Floating Light Orb:  LOVE – Starlight Sparkle Orb
  • Ground Cover:  Lunaria – Clover Ground Cover (includes a lovely little sparkle).

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

Fantasy Faire Extended!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fantasy Faire Extended!

I’ve been so excited that Fantasy Faire was extended!  Instead of ending yesterday, it’s now running through the May 12th.  This not only provides the opportunity to see and explore things I might have missed, I’m now going back and purchasing all kinds of creations that I had loved but wasn’t sure that I could actually use.  I really need to stress that Fantasy Faire is not just for us fantasy folk!!!  If you appreciate creative builds, then you absolutely must tour the lands! There’s a brief summary of them all right HERE but they truly are something you need to see in person.  (And of course, keep in mind that this is a Relay for Life Event, so many many items are available where the proceeds go to the fight against cancer… shopping with a purpose!!!)  You won’t regret it!

  • Tylar’s Treasures – Tylar offers so many fantastic items to create the perfect fantasy setting that I have to admit I had a hard time choosing!  All items are still available at Fantasy Faire; the Faire store is in Ostara, HERE.
    • Dragon Stone Arch – offcenter, front; with animated fire-breathing dragon!  Dragon comes in different colors (I used Magenta). See the ad below.
    • Elven Flower Daybed – shown on right; amazing garden decor, animated with sits & dances (you can spot me sitting there, taking a much needed break!), with little whimsies emanating for that bit of sparkle! Comes in adult & PG versions. See the ad below.
    • Woodland Court Falls – center, back; waterfalls are (of course) animated (NOTE: I built the little pond, since it’s really made to go over water, but works awesome on land too as you can see).  See the ad below.
    • Woodland Leaf Fountain – shown in front right; surrounded by flowers, with large animated butterflies

More landscaping items from Fantasy Faire:

  • The Looking Glass – J’adoube Golden Tree & Garden Path Edges.  Part of the primary decoration in the realm of J’adoube; I’ve also used the flower patches & large flowers from The Wandering Woods.  All are at the Faire store in J’adoube, located HERE.  
  • Lunaria – Clover Ground Cover (includes a lovely little sparkle).  At the Faire store in Tempest Bay, located HERE.
  • 3rd Eye Perceptions –  Pearl Shine Giant Poppy (3 design versions, multi-color light, animated whisps & sparkles); shown in back left.  At the Faire store in Isles of Tarrin, located HERE.

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

It’s the Simple Things

Posted on by cejalaval

http://It's the Simple Things

It’s so easy to get caught up in all the messy little details of life, from the major issues of the day to pulling together taxes to finally cleaning out that closet, unpacking that mystery box, or even what to make for dinner.  Lately I’m working on my mindfulness, to fully surrender and just BE fully there in the moment… feeling the sun on my face, the grass between my toes, the birds chattering in the trees, the sound of the rain on the roof, the strains of a violin, whatever is in that particular moment.  I’m finding it calming, centering, refreshing, and definitely a nice little break from all the stress I tend to place upon myself.   In perfect alignment with the brand name, I found that the animations in the stone set shown here are full of those simple moments, from enjoying a cup of coffee, eating some grapes, reading a book, and just plain old relaxing.  I didn’t get a chance to play with the couple animations, but I’m sure that there’s some “splendor in the grass” included in the adult version!  And on that note, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Melt – June Outfit.  Cute, sassy little crop top with a deep plunge neck & ruffles, paired with a tiny little asymmetric skirt also with a ruffle.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, June includes a 16 texture HUD for both the top & the skirt, for a wide range of looks.  See the closeup below for a more detailed view.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the March Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, March 12th – 30th.
  • Scene:  Simple Reflections – Stone Patio Set.  Cobblestone patio with benches, potted plants, & a bed of blue-eyed grass in a frame (see the full pic below).  Both the grass & the benches have animations (PG or Adult).  Available both as a full set or as just the patio or just the grass (which can be used with/without frame).   EXCLUSIVELY available 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
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Destiny

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