Category: Landscaping

The Challenge

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Challenge

OK, I definitely have a mean streak.  Here I am, just a few days after closing on our house back in NY, feeling a bit smug looking at all that snow back in the northeast.  My daughter got more than 25 inches at her house and at my old home they got somewhere around a foot!  Now, I’m definitely not sunning at the pool (it’s way too chilly for that), but I am walking around in a lightweight jacket over a t-shirt.  Yes, I remember that hush and the beauty of freshly fallen snow when it accumulates like that.  But the one true stab of remorse I have is that I had started a family tradition of always making a huge batch of beef stew on the first snow of the year.  I’ve been considering making it as a form of empathy with friends and family dealing with all that white stuff, but somehow it just hasn’t seemed right in this weather lol.  I’ve also realized that I’m perfectly happy enjoying those snowy wonderlands virtually here in SL where I don’t have to endure the freezing temperatures and cabin fever that goes with that much snow!!!  Happy shopping!

Color Alchemists in Affiliation with Imagine (CA & I) –  Two fabulous landscaping items for your personal winter wonderland and beyond, both EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.

  • CA & I – Reindeer Tree – add a touch of whimsy to your landscape with this highly unusual tree in the shape of a reindeer tossing his head of antlers & issuing a challenge.  I’m sure someone more creative than I am could create a wonderful fairy tale about how this awesome creature was petrified into a tree, but I’d need a lot more caffeine before I could do that lol!  Because it looks like a natural tree, it fits into landscaping seamlessly, only standing out when viewed in full at which time it demands attention!  Comes with particles you can click on or off.  Includes a fog particle you can place under the tree to add that magical feel.  Available in two sizes (big & bigger) & in multiple “non-snow” versions so that you can use your tree beyond winter.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.
  • CA & I – Set of Acacia Trees with Lights – Includes three trees in varying shapes, all copy so that you can create as many as you want for your landscape.  Each tree comes with a color light menu.  A perfect addition to any setting!  Also EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.

Feeling Toasty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Feeling Toasty

Here I am, blogging for the first time from my new home in Florida, featuring fall items in my post lol.  I’ve been alone in an empty place, with furniture in one bedroom and nowhere else.  The house echoes, and with ETA sweeping right through here last night, we found out that the glass sliders in back leak, and leak badly. The joys of a new home!  Without tables or anything else, it’s proving rather difficult to blog, but I’ve juryrigged a system that allows me to be on for short bursts of time without destroying my back or my hands.  A desk and chair is definitely on the list! And although blogging all these delicious fall items makes me yearn slightly for the beauty of fall, it was already turning quite chill when I left NY last week, and that I will definitely NOT miss.  I’ll be happy to enjoy the beauty of fall and then winter from my sunny climes (assuming the sun ever comes out, that is).., but even without the sun, it’s nice and warm and toasty! Good to be back! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Hawkers House – Ladies Mesh Contessa Split Bottom Sweater.  Available in a choice of solids & patterns, this awesome autumn sweater becomes an awesome outfit since every purchase includes the Ladies Mesh Boyfriend Rolled Jeans.  The knit sweater has a cowl neck with a buttoned panel, plus three big buttons going down the front before the bottom splits. Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Ocacin Vol, Maitreya, & Classic M.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the November Swank Event, open Nov 7th – 30th.
  • Scene:  Simple Reflections – S’Mores Leafy Firepit.  Includes the firepit & the s’mores table, plus a fun selection of animations with self-rezzing props (if you enable the experience) for singles & couples in 3 different positions relative to the firepit, which makes it perfect for groups of friends too!  Great way to ward off the chill of those nippy fall evenings!  EXCLUSIVELY available at the November Swank Event, open Nov 7th – 30th.
  • 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 – Abalone
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Dulce Secrets – Boho Chic Lipgloss
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Jewelry: EarthStones – Dragonfly Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Spookzilla

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Spookzilla

Halloween just seems to go on and on, doesn’t it?  For a one-day/one-night “event,” it really dominates our lives for quite a period of time.  As I’ve said before, I’m not really into the dark side of things; I like my Halloween with a dash of humor as opposed to truly creepy horror.  You’ll never find me on one of those Halloween “experiences” in real life, no way no how.  But here in SL?  Although I’ve stumbled upon a few of what I’d consider to be truly distasteful settings, most of it is wildly creative mixed with a strong dose of fun.  The truly horrific part is that I need to totally redo my home landscaping — again — when Halloween is done!  Happy Halloween!

Tylar’s Treasures – Halloween Graveyard.  10 fun Halloween items for your landscaping pleasure!  If you can find them, use them all together, following the setup below (which is what I did) or create your own layout.  If you only find one or two, no matter, because each one is awesome all on its own.  The sense of humor on the five gravestones is classic, had me groaning & chuckling…  “Crisp P. Bacon, Fried to Death”, “Noah Scape, Always Felt Trapped”… the details are to die for (yes, pun definitely intended)!  The flowers at the graves are eyeballs, the ghost floats up & down, the bats are outlined in red & fly around the Crane Tree, the fog is gently drifting… just awesome! EXCLUSIVELY available at the Spookzilla Hunt October 23rd – 31st.  120 stores are participating, “hunt til you die.”  See the key below for details on the 10 graveyard treasures to find; each item is just 25L.  Happy Hunting!

Trunk or Treat

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Trunk or Treat

Who knew that decorating pickup trucks for Halloween was a thing? Certainly not a city girl like me, but I have to say, it’s a pretty awesome idea! After accidentally tripping over the phrase in Google, I found out that it’s HUGE, & not just for pick-up trucks, but for anything with a trunk.  It’s considered an “alternative celebration”, & this year especially when most door-to-door trick or treating is “on hold”, it’s a great way to show off that Halloween imagination.  Some of the creativity on display is truly impressive!  I’m happy to be able to incorporate just a touch of it here in this post (though a bit spookier & with less “stuff” than how Trunk or Treat seems to be intended lol), since with moving and all in RL there is simply no time for Halloween decorations at my house this year…  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Ruoyo.  Not really my every-day style since I don’t tend to go “dark”, but absolutely perfect for the Halloween season or for those with more goth leanings in their style.  In black (of course) but with a perfect amount of color added down the laced & lace-edged sleeves (which are to die for) as well as a wide swath down the front of the dress.  With one of those really high “evil queen” type of collars, amazing strapped thigh-high boots, & a stylish eye patch, this outfit is a standout! Available individually in 5 colors or as a fatpack, Ruoyo is sized for Slink HG/P & Maitreya (note that the sleeves are not included for HG, but the Physique sleeves fit me perfectly with just a little alpha use).  See the vertical shot below for all the fabulous texture details. EXCLUSIVELY available at the October Darkness Event through October 28th. Demo available.
  • Truck:  Khargo – Halloween Pickup Truck – skulls.  As I said, I didn’t think a truck could be a Halloween item, but this item totally convinced me! It’s awesome & has a spooky look to it what with the skulls, the crow, & several bloody little accents, without being overdone.  Includes two spots to sit with couple cuddle & single animations & is experience enabled for your own private tailgate party (& maybe a different definition of “treat”, hmmm?)! See the full shot below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at The Mad Circus, an Evil Bunny Production, which is open from October 10th – 31st.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Hairbase 3 + Hairpiece L
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Makeup:  theSkinnery  – Deziree  eyeshadow (group gift);  DS’Elles – Scandalous Lipstick
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Tattoo:  Letis Tattoo – Ixchel
  • Jewelry: lunamoon’s Creation Shop – Spider Web Gem Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Inspired by “Legend of Wooley Swamp” by Charlie Daniels

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)

An All Hallows Eve Dance

Posted on by cejalaval

http://An All Hallows Eve Dance

I’m not really into the dark side of things, but for Halloween I absolutely dip my toe, though I definitely avoid the truly ghoulish.  I like items with a lot of creativity, that have a bit of spookiness or creepiness without crossing over into “yuck”.  I’m so happy to say that I’m almost overwhelmed with items that fit my style and taste this year.  I’ve been tempted to create a whole story about my scene here, but frankly, my RL house is in pre-move shambles (my desk is gone!!!), and my creative juices are a bit thin when it comes to words…  But shopping is such a sheer joy at this time of year (though let’s be honest — when is it not?).  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Fading Life.  This gown comes in two colors (black or white) or a fatpack.  Includes gown, 3 different frills, veil rigged & unrigged.  Each color set has a HUD for clean, bloody, dirty & bloody+dirty dress + clean & bloody versions for the rest of the items. Sized for Slink Hourglass & Maitreya, this beautifully detailed outfit is available EXCLUSIVELY at Hallow Manor, open from October 16th – November 1st.
  • Crypt:  CJ Creations – Halloween Crypt Little Rosie + Sound.  A ghostly crypt with (what else) two ghosts that slowly rez in & out.  8 different textures for the roses; creepy sound on/off by touching the coffin. Poor little Rosie! See the stand-alone pic below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of the Swank Event, open October 7th – 31st.
  • Flora:  IrrISIStible – Halloween Creepy 3 Trees, 4 Textures, + HUD –  Halloween Big Pack 9 monsters grass patch. There are so many wonderful Halloween-themed landscaping items out there, but they can sometimes seem somewhat “plopped” without some surrounding creepy flora.  These two items solve that problem with both style & variety.  The Creepy Trees come in 3 styles in 4 textures (black, brown, ghost, & magic); the accompanying HUD lets you change the color of the little strung lights in the trees & of the hanging decor balls.  The grass comes in 3 versions of swirl (I’ve used the ghost & the black), 4 versions of monster grass (literally, with monsters), & two versions of “dots.”  Everything you need to provide landscaping for the creepy part of the season!  Both items are EXCLUSIVELY available at the October round of the Swank Event, open October 7th – 31st.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Pose:  Nantra – Illuminati (includes dancing ghost)
  • Fog:  Dysfunctionality – Creeping Fog

Celebrate Fall

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Celebrate Fall

If you follow my blog then you know how much I love landscaping here in SL (though definitely NOT in real life lol).  I especially find it fun to reflect the change of seasons on my land.  I did autumn for the first time last year, and it was a challenge then and continues to be one now.  Yes, there are trees available in all their autumnal glory, and lots of pumpkins and Halloween items, but it’s hard to find those pieces that offer different kinds of things for a truly interesting landscape. That’s why I was so thrilled to find this piece… as with most of TT’s items, it has a touch of fantasy to it… the flowers could just be unusual fall flora or they could be completely not of this world.  It’s why this fantastic piece is equally at home in a “human” or “fantasy” environment.  I decided to blend the two… put it in a human landscape but being visited by a fae (come back tomorrow for a spotlight on what she’s wearing!)… Sighs, I do love the fall…  Enjoy!

Tylar’s Treasures – Celebrate Fall Waterfall.  Includes everything you see in the full shot below — the rocks, the waterfalls, the water in the pool, the surrounding autumnal vegetation.  Includes built-in bento animations for both singles & couples.  Coordinating ground cover is also available (you can see how I used it in the second shot below) to help create a larger setting for the waterfall.  What a delight!  Available in both PG & Adult versions.

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. 

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.