Category: Landscaping

Escaping the Heat, Tropical-Style

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Escaping the Heat, Tropical Style

The theme for this month’s Swank event is Tropical Island heat, and I have to say, Casa de Bebe has done it again! I LOVE the look of this set, and although it was probably designed with that tropical setting in mind (I’m thinking Hawaii), as you can see it works equally well in other outdoor settings as well.  The northeast is about to have a heat wave, and I know I’ll be dreaming of sitting somewhere just like this, with a cold drink in one hand and a good book in the other, while the ceiling fan helps stir the tropical breeze coming off the water… sighs… if only!

Casa de Bebe:  Mango Outdoor Room.  CdB has done it once again! Even though I’m not moving to Hawaii (except in my dreams!), I wish I could create this in real life at my new house in Florida (if & when I get there lol).  IMHO, this outdoor set has a casually upscale look so you can sit in outdoors in both great comfort & style.  Fatpacks for PG or Adult EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th, includes everything shown (EXCEPT for the cat & mouse).  Items are also available for purchase separately, as follows:

  • Mango Pergola – includes two versions, both with a double step as shown & with a single step.  One of the panels in the back doors opens/closes to allow cool breezes in or another way onto this fabulous deck.
  • Mango Sectional Sofa – in PG or Adult versions because it’s full of single & couple animations.  Includes texture change — 3 for the main sofa, 5 for the front pillows, 5 for the back pillows, & 3 for the blanket.
  • Mango Rattan Armchair – also in PG or Adult versions, with the same texture changes as in the sofa so you can mix or match
  • Mango Rattan Coffee Table
  • Palm Leaf Ceiling Fan – turns exactly right to create the perfect breeze… light turns on/off
  • Giant Split Leaf Philodendron Plant (copy so you can use as many as you want in your setting)
  • Potted Banana Tree (also copy)
  • Seashell Collection (bowl on table)
  • Mango Lantern
  • Coastal Magazines

Cliffs at Sunset

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Cliffs at Sunset

Harshlands – Coastal Cliffs.  This is one of those items that you may have to think a bit about.  It doesn’t have any cuteness  & its dramatic beauty may not strike you in a store or event display.  But start playing with it in a “real” situation?  The possibilities really start to add up.  In fact my biggest issues with these rock formations was where to use them.  Because they come in three subtly different textures — sand, grass (which is what I’ve used) & stone — the formations look so natural when placed on either the beach or the woodlands or really just about any terrain.  Since I have such limited space on my beach property, I opted for the woodlands where I could use more than one of the three shapes in the set to create a beautiful & useful gateway to a now more secluded living area for my fantasy alt & her partner.  If you have a home, this is an easy & dramatic way to add a spectacular note to your landscaping.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, opening today July 7th through the 30th. 

  • Coastal Cliff Arc – easily the most dramatic piece.  In grass, rock, or sand.  Copy/modify.
  • Coastal Cliff Curved – In grass, rock, or sand.  Copy/modify.
  • Coastal Cliff Straight (not shown) – In grass, rock, or sand.  Copy/modify.

 

The Butterfly Boho Collection

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Butterfly Boho Collection

OK, it’s getting hot. Hot and humid (just ask my hair!).  And I don’t know about you, but I can’t just always sit inside with the air conditioning.  Since I don’t live  on the water to benefit from cool ocean breezes, I’m always looking for comfortable shady little nooks to escape to with a book or whatever.  Now obviously here on the grid we don’t have to suffer through weather extremes, but that mindset of special little corners to escape and relax in has definitely followed me inworld.  I’m always looking to create an enticing new spot, and I found this set to truly be something special.  I think you will too!

Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Boho Butterfly Collection.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd, in both cuddle & adult versions:

  • Boho Butterfly Daybed Bento – Includes the wood pergola & the daybed, which is full of cuddle or adult bento animations (depending on version), plus bento singles & dances.  You can also change the color of the daybed to any of 5 choices.
  • Boho Butterfly Birdbath with Animated Butterfly (just touch the butterfly to make it flap… looks so real!)
  • Boho Butterfly Poppy Patch – just touch the grass to change the flower colors (10 choices); since it’s copy, you can add as many as you want to create a unique & natural looking setting

Slow Summer Fun

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Slow Summer Fun

As the heat of the summer starts to increase, the pace of summertime definitely slows down to a more leisurely pace.  As I sit here icing my poor swollen leg, my mind is naturally turning to days gone by of those long hot summer days, stretching out behind me.  A pergola/swing set like this would be just so perfect right now… if I could only rez it in real life!!!  Sadly, current technology doesn’t allow for that… but I more than enough time to dream about it lol!

Dreamland Designs – Slow’s Summer Fun.  Comes with the swing, flowers, tree surround, hanging lights, & bougainvillea tree pergola.  Materials enabled, bento animations in both Adult & PG versions.  Only available in the complete set as of now, EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th – 30th.   Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog, where I’ll highlight one of the animations!

Summertime On the Rocks

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Summertime On the Rocks

I’m still in post-surgical recovery mode, so although I’m making it around my house with a bit of effort, I’m still not able to go anywhere.  It’s also starting to get quite hot outside, which means one thing — I’m starting to dream about beach sands & turquoise blue waters.  I know it will be quite a while for so many reasons, but hey, a girl can dream!  And with items like these out there, dreaming takes on a whole new sense of style and “if only”…  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Suga Baby – Flynn.  Adorable little summer outfit, perfect for sun & sand, hanging out at home, or whatever calls for casual comfort & style. Includes an 8-print option for the top, shorts, & matching sandals. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Rocks/Poses:  EVHAH – Nui Rocks Duo & Swinger.  Tropical landscaping at its best, this set includes 4 different rock setups  complete with palm trees & flowers so that you can design your perfect escape.  Designed to be set up on land or water, these rocks are not just decor… they come in both Cuddle & Adult versions, loaded with single & couple anims.  See a full shot below of just one element in the set, the Curve Swinger, where I’ve used a different included animation.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th through the end of the month. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Butter
  • Hair:  Tram – J0524, only at Collabor88 (demo also available at the store)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Purple
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Ticola
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Inlaid Harmony Earrings  & Sentiment Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Blue in Paradise

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Blue in Paradise

Just because you’re in paradise physically doesn’t mean you’re happy.  These days especially, no matter where you are the pressures & stress & worries & inequities in the world can impact even the most resilient of us.  But whether you’re stressing over racial inequality, COVID19, personal issues, or even a lost shaker of salt, don’t let people tell you that YOU have no right to be upset or blue considering what you have or where you are.  Yes, some are lucky enough to be more privileged than others, while others struggle every day, but we ALL have the basic human right to feel upset or scared or just plain blue.  Of course, it’s true the other way around as well.  Those around you have the same right; it’s not necessarily bad to remind people of what they DO have, as long as you don’t belittle their emotions in the process.  Well, time to get off my soapbox and find that missing salt shaker, don’t you think?  Then off for more shopping therapy, which ALWAYS lifts spirits!!!

  • Outfit:  Virtue – Felicia.  Love this style, which to me has a definite vintage vibe while still being right on target for today’s style.  The high waist & skinny belt really shows off your shape; the extra layer at the neckline & on the sleeves adds that designer detail to set the outfit apart. Since each piece is separate, you can wear the arms or go sleeveless. Choose from 6 colors including this fabulous shade of red, sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Aloha, worn in Cashew browless.  I run out of superlatives for these 7DS skins, each one a beauty in its own indescribable way! Aloha is another stunner, available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  See the closeup below, EXCLUSIVELY available at DUBAI Event until June 10th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Sunset Key Collection.   Yesterday I showed the offsim island/bar & the rowboat (HERE); today it’s the land version of the bar.  Chairs have bento animations (singles, cuddles, adult, & dances); texture change for the bartop & the stools (4 colors for the bartop & 5 for the stools).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Designer Showcase, from June 5th – 28th, in both cuddle & adult versions.
  • Head, Brows, Eyeliner, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Tyrisha
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Shoes:  Pure Poison – Sandra Sandals
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Lyra Enchantress Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Wastin’ away in Margaritaville

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Wastin' Away in Margaritaville

OK, so when you’ve dreamed of escaping to a tropic isle, this may not be what you envisioned, but it certainly adds a very special something to an isle you already have!  And I definitely wouldn’t call it “wastin’ away” because this little collection is so gorgeous and such fun to use!  I know that I redid half my island in order to accommodate it all, it’s just so special!  Time to belly up to the bar and wait for the green flash… rejuvenate myself for more shopping therapy!!!!

Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Sunset Key Collection.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Designer Showcase, from June 5th – 28th, in both cuddle & adult versions:

  • Offsim Bar with Island – The island, the bar, the chairs, the flamingos, the palm trees with lights, the parrot, the scattering of leaves, & this awesome little wave around the island are all included on this little offsim island.  This is NOT just decor — you can sit there & use all the bento animations (singles, cuddles, adult, & dances).  You can also play with the colors of the bartop & the stools (4 colors for the bartop & 5 for the stools).  Comes in cuddle & adult versions.  The bar/stools are also available as a land version only.
  • Sunset Key Rowboat – comfy little rowboat, filled with bento animations for singles & couples (available in Cuddle & Adult versions), including dances.  Full texture changes available too, for the boat, the rope, both sets of pillows, the blanket, & the mat.

The Life of A Tree House

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Life of a Tree House

I could be wrong, but I think that tree houses are part of every kid’s imagination.  Even as a city kid, I always wanted a little place of my own (and by “place”, I mean just four walls) that I could climb up to, pull up the ladder, and be alone, away from parents, peer pressure, and everything else.  In today’s world, the idea of tree houses has evolved into an incredible industry of beautiful fantasy structures that are not just for children.  They’ve taken on a life of their own, capturing the imagination of children and adults alike.  Since I don’t have the wherewithal to indulge any of that in my real life, the opportunity to do so here in Second Life is just too good to pass up… and this tree house by Swank & Co. is so versatile, it’s idyllic for any use.

Swank & Co.:   Boho Tree House.  The two-story open tree house rezzes in one piece, complete with the tree, the stairs, the canopy on the top level, hanging lights along the railings, & changing small lights on the wall on the bottom floor.  Add as much or as little decor as you want… with its two levels, it’s perfect for any kind of hideaway or perch to watch the sunrise or sunset (I turned it into a small home for my faerie alt, who really didn’t feel comfortable in the big house).  95 prim, EXCLUSIVELY at the May Swank Event, open until May 31st.  There’s lots of little items available to help decorate your tree house, too; I’ve used quite a few, including:

  • Swank & Co. Beaded Curtain Natural Wood
  • Swank & Co. Boho Crystal Sun Catcher Lantern (available in two colors)
  • Swank & Co. Boho Crystal Sun Catcher (available in two colors)

Secret Fantasy Hideaway

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Secret Fantasy Hideaway

And the Fairelands are open! That’s right, Fantasy Faire 2020 has begun, open from April 23rd – May 10th! As an official blogger (!!!!) I had a day’s early access, and I spent hours just wandering and exploring.  It’s absolutely amazing, the amount and the quality of the creativity that has been poured lovingly into the 18 regions (13 shopping regions plus 5 Faireland realms that take us beyond commerce, from a Memorial Garden to the Fairelands Quest, the Literary Festival, Performance Stages, from Art Galleries to the Worldling Collection).  And yes, it’s all to celebrate the world of fantasy, but there’s a very serious purpose behind this gathering, and that’s Building A World Without Cancer.  These very talented designers have all created & donated items whose purchase will go towards the fight against cancer. It truly is shopping with a purpose!

So whether you’re a confirmed fantasy enthusiast, into role-playing, or just enjoy exploring and seeing the depth and breadth of imagination that exists in this virtual world we share, come visit Fantasy Faire 2020.  The Faire has reawakened the slumbering fae within me, and I have been very busy bringing her up-to-date and creating a new look (she’s been asleep for years, before the dawn of mesh); you’ll be seeing and hearing from her in the days and weeks to come, and she i considering joining my blog as an ongoing contributor. Perhaps the Fantasy Faire will ignite a spark within you too… there’s so much to see and do! I’ll be featuring just a few select items on my pages. Here are some VERY useful links for visiting the region (or you just can TP in and wander!):

— the full shopping guide for the Faire — https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/shopping-2020/

— Calendar of Events — https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/calendar/

Swank & Co.:  At the Fantasy Faire, this store is located in the realm of Lunafae, and these items are EXCLUSIVELY available at the Fantasy Faire from April 23rd – May 10th.

  • Secret Fantasy Hideaway.  This hideaway isn’t just for fantasy avis, it’s also perfect for human fantasies.  With sparkling waters in a hidden pool surrounded by dark, arching trees & rocks, the hanging lanterns, sparkling firefly lights & butterflies create the most beautiful little nook for dreams of all sorts.  Includes the boat (PG ), which has both solo & couple animations. It’s on display at the booth, so you can see for yourself how absolutely stunning this creation is!
  • Secret Fantasy Hideaway Lantern Tree. The perfect finishing touch to your hideaway, the tree (which you can see both to the right & to the left of the hideaway itself) includes has 3 lanterns of its own plus the most adorable grazing bunny.  And because it’s a separate item, you can easily position it anywhere you want, to create your scene.  This item is a 100% DONATION TO RFL!!!!