Category: Landscaping

Mother of Dragons

Posted on by cejalaval

No, this is not Game of Thrones and I’m no Daenerys of the House Targaryen.  But I do absolutely love the unique, animated fire-breathing dragons that Tylar from Tylar’s Treasures creates and places in creative fantasy builds.  I’ve posted video of them before (in fact, it’s how I learned to even do videos for blogging), and I could not resist doing one for this amazing creation of hers.  The video is up on FlickR; I couldn’t figure out how to put it here.  This fabulous build is featured at the awesome Fantasy Faire, opening later today April 23rd at noon SLT.  Fantasy Faire is an RFL (Relay for Life) Event, which anyone who follows me knows that I’m a huge supporter of, although this is my very first year as an official blogger at the Faire.  Celebrating its 12th year, Fantasy Faire 2020 is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, role-players and performers in the virtual world.  From its opening today through May 10th, treat yourself to shopping, dance and theater performances, DJ parties, auctions, questing, our Literary Festival, fantasy art, events and role-playing 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.  That really should be more than just a fantasy, don’t you think?

In addition to the thirteen shopping regions there will also be five 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. These bring the Fairelands count for 2020 to eighteen regions, just waiting for you to explore them.  The SLurl to the event will be found on the website once the event opens; I’ll update with the SLurl direct to Tylar’s booth in the description below once the fair opens, since the lands are kept secret till then. And here’s a link to the shopping guide where links to ALL the shops will be available: https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/shopping-2020/

 Tylar’s Treasures – Dragon’s Cave, with two animated dragons who flap their wings & breathe fire.   An awesome addition or highlight to a fantasy build. Who needs Game of Thrones when you’ve got this? Available starting today at the Fantasy Faire, through May 10th (direct to TT’s booth, once the fair opens at noon SLT).

The New Reality

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The New Reality

The new reality… that’s what they call it.  I prefer the OLD reality or fantasy, but I guess none of us gets to choose.  Considering how much time I have on my hands, it’s amazing how much difficulty I’m having with my blogging.  With so much emptiness and so many hours to fill, I find it hard to concentrate… not to mention that I’ve been busy developing other distractions — videogames, puzzles, home repairs, and of course lots of reading.  The main issue is that there’s just this underlying worry all the time, stress that just can’t be resolved.  Once it warms up a bit and we can at least sit in the backyard and work in the garden, I think things will improve, but I also think I’m kidding myself and that it will just be more of the same.  Of course, EVERYONE feels it, but I do wonder if that makes it better or worse to have an entire world society locked up in their homes, on edge, worrying about tomorrow.  We all need avatars that can go out there in the real world for us and face the dangers, avatars that can transmit all the feelings, not just the visual and audio but ALL of it… now wouldn’t THAT be something?  Hmmm, I’ll have to daydream about that for a while… Meantime it’s a new month, and all the SL designers are also locked up in their homes worldwide, so they’ve been busy designing simply awesome things, which are now hitting their stores and the the monthly events.  Shopping is, as always, the best therapy!!!!  Keep your eye out for stay-at-home specials… I’ve found a free house, a free head, free clothes, and more…. but the most important thing is to STAY SAFE OUT THERE!!!

  • Top:  MOZ Designs –  NEW!  “Camilla” Cowl Neck Top.   This 100% Original fitmesh comes in 2 fatpacks — 16 solids or 8 patterns — or a SuperPack of all 24 textures!  Sized for Tonic, Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, eBody & Legacy + Perky.  Demo available.  EXCLUSIVELY sold at the April Designer Showcase starting tomorrow, April 5th.  Group members remember to wear your tag for a discount!
  • Jeans:  Tonic – NEW!  Influence High Waisted Jeans, made exclusively to fit the Tonic bodies.  Whether you’re a fine beauty or a curvy one like me, these jeans are made to fit YOUR shape & boy, do they flaunt it!  High waisted, button-down, snug-legged with natural looking wrinkles in all the right places.  Available in 16 denims & 16 colors, every pack includes versions for bootcut & “regular” fit.  At the main store now.
  • Swing:   Bloom!– NEW!  Swing Chair Lizzie in Purple, with hanging lights that pool on the ground.  Includes singles, couples, & sex animations.   Also available in blue & in pink. A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Head, Brows, Skin, Makeup:   LOGO – Josie
  • Body:  Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Hair:  Doux – Bloodline
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Purple
  • Shoes:  N-Core Design – ISLA “White Floral” (2018 Tres Chic Anniversary Gift)
  • Jewelry:   Heartsdale Jewelry – Rhapsody in Silver Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Cat:  Image Essentials Props and Poses – Full Perm Mesh Cats
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

The best seat in the house

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The perfect spot

Because of my blogging, I’m constantly moving things around my house(s) and properties here in SL (and yes, I have two).  As you may or may not know, I change everything up for the seasons, too.  But even without that, I’m a constant tinkerer, adding and subtracting decor and landscape items, editing the terrain, tweaking this and totally redoing that.  Admittedly, a lot of things are temporary… I set them up, do my blog, maybe keep them for a few days, and then put things back the way the way they were.  But every now and again — and I almost always talk about it in my blog because it’s a pretty special occurrence — I find something that just belongs, and wins if not a permanent place (because after 12 years here, I’ve learned that nothing is “permanent”) a long-term one.  This pergola set found it’s way into my “permanent collection” a while back, it absolutely “makes” the back of my property where I use it as a deck over the water.  And now this basket love seat has definitely earned its place on that deck.  The design is perfect for almost any outdoor space (though it also fits indoor), and I absolutely love the pattern and the colors in the fabrics.  Together, they are absolutely perfect for watching my whale frolic, the sunset (or sunrise for that matter)! I think after all this hard blogging work, I’ll be settling in for that for a while… go enjoy some shopping!

  • Chair:   Bloom! – NEW! Spring Basket Green.  Includes singles, couples, & sex animations.  Also available in pink & in beige.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Deck:   Salacity Creations – Patio Pergola Set includes both the Pergola & separate planters. Both the pergola & the planters have three different wood options (on the planters, you can also change the lattice); the patio floor has multiple texture choices for full customization to your setting & your taste.  Buy as a set, or buy separately.  Flowers & furniture not included, just the structure.  See full view of the set below, done up my way.

Breakfast in the Garden

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Breakfast in the Garden

Not to toot my own horn, but I’m a pretty decent landscaper, though I’ll attribute it to my persistence, attention to detail, and willingness to spend hours working at it to get it just right, only to go back and change it all up with the season or when something awesome catches my eye.  But even as someone willing and able to move every little thing, I still greatly appreciate when a designer puts together an entire scene with a rezbox… a scene that I can tweak and modify to my heart’s content, of course, but one that is done so well that there isn’t anything I NEED to do to make it work.  THIS is one of those sets… shown exactly as it rezzes, right out of the box, with just a few cats thrown in (because what is any scene without at least one pet????)  Truly a great addition to any property!  Happy shopping!

CJ Creations:  Capolona Gardenset.   A beautiful entire scene, including everything you see inside the walls (the walls are part of the set; cats are not).  The chairs rock & have 35 different Single F or M with props for coffee, reading & more, plus 13 different PG Couple cuddles; the table rezzes 4 different prop sets upon touch.  The light in the ground lamps go on/off by touch as well.  This all-in-one set is EXCLUSIVELY available at the February Swank Event, February 7th – 29th.

Cats:  Image Essentials Props and Poses – Full Perm Mesh Cats

 

Love My Planet

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Love My Planet

Unless you have a heart of stone, I’m sure you’ve felt the impact of the tragedy of the fires in Australia.  Obviously, those of us who live halfway across the planet can’t possibly understand the full impact and the devastation.  But if you love this planet — and I surely hope you do — then you’ve felt SOMETHING.  Me, I’ve adored koala bears and everything Australian since I was a little girl and assigned Australia for my “independent study and presentation”.  I still remember the poster board I created with cut-outs and descriptions of koala bears, platypus, kangaroos, and dingos… I still have a collection of dozens of koala bears of all types.  So for me, the opportunity to help raise awareness (!!!) and much-needed funds was a no-brainer, and I jumped at the chance to incorporate it into my blogging.  I hope you’ll take the time to check out both events I’m blogging today… happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  LUXE Paris – Amorous Jumpsuit.  Can be worn with or without the sleeves; either way, the cut of this glorious red jumpsuit is simply exquisite! Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, & Classic.  EXCLUSIVE at the February Swank Event, February 7th – 29th.
  • Koala Snuggler:  Tylar’s Treasures – Koala Snuggler with Heart Emitter.  Includes a holding animation.  See below for a closeup of the little hearts that are softly emitted (it’s definitely NOT one of those annoying huge emitters, blasting things out, just very soft falling little hearts).  EXCLUSIVE at the LOVEmyPlanet Harambee Charity Fair dedicated to support the fire emergency in Australia and Save the Koalas! Event dates are February 7th – March 22nd.
  • Koala & Tree:  Tylar’s Treasures – Koala with Eucalyptus Tree.  It’s copy/mod, so I put two together, but you can easily use it alone, make a eucalyptus grove or even a forest. Another EXCLUSIVE at the LOVEmyPlanet Harambee Charity Fair, February 7th – March 22nd.
  • Head & Eyes:   LOGO – Mae
  • Skin:  LOGO – Naomi, worn in Blossom
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Makeup:  LOGO – Smokey Eyeshadow
  • Hair:  Doux – Brandie
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  no.match – NO_DIAMOND loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

A Gazebo, Built for Romance

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Gazebo, Built for Romance

February… the shortest month of the year and, with Valentine’s Day almost in the middle, it’s also “the month of love.”  But there are a lot of different kinds of love, and even romantic love can mean totally different things to different people.  And actually, that’s true about just about everything, isn’t it.  Maybe that’s part of the thinking behind this month’s theme for the Swank Event… it’s called 50 Shades of Red. And for my first post, I’m focusing on a beautiful, romantic gazebo, just ready and waiting for days and nights of love-filled and lovely moments.  Perfect for the month of love!

Swank & Co.:   Romance Rose Edition Gazebo with Light Affects – beautiful romantic gazebo to dress up any landscape & any relationship.  The gazebo includes climbing roses, wrapped & hanging strings of lights, scattered flowers & tiny lights, & then built-in lights, all you do is touch the bouquet on any of the four sides!  Each bouquet when you click it generates a light; you have 4 lights, & 4 light colors — yellow, pink, green, & blush red. Of course the highlight is the giant lit-up bud in the crown, complete with what looks like sparkles emitted into the air but are “permanently” placed.  The gazebo comes in four versions based on color of the flowers — blush roses (shown), red roses, pink roses, & yellow roses.  EXCLUSIVE at the February Swank Event, February 7th – 29th.

Happy shopping!

A Living Statue

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Living Statue

Have you ever wanted to be a goddess (or a god, if you’re a guy) and had statues made in your image? I remember as a kid walking through museums, striking the poses of the statues and paintings, wondering what it would be like., but never wanting to be worshiped, just to be loved.  More recently, I remember the first time I saw a living statue… I thought it was real, and nearly jumped out of my skin when it moved.  I find them fascinating… the combination of artistry and patience is amazing.  The chance therefore to be a living statue was one I couldn’t pass up.  I hope I did it justice. I did one learn very important thing… I definitely do NOT have the patience to ever be a living statue IRL (not that I ever actually considered it, but hey, you never know where life could lead you, right?)  So that’s definitely one future career choice that’s never to be lol.  So on to the next! Time to take my cracked skin off and let the real girl out!  In the meantime, happy shopping!

  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Hally, worn in Cracked.  This is an older skin, no longer even available except upon request.  But I’m such a fan of 7DS, that whenever I’m looking for something particular in terms of skin, I always go to them first.  And I had something VERY particular in mind for my living statue, a metallic or stone skin.  Whereas this skin is neither, I felt that it was not only suggestive of both but also much more imaginative in that the crack showed a glimpse of the “real girl” hiding underneath, as you can clearly see in the closeup below.  I do definitely want to make note of the fact that Hally is a beautiful skin when worn in “regular” tones, too, but truly exceptional when looking for something totally different.
  • Dress:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Flashy Dress, worn in silver.  This dress is exactly how it’s named… a flashy little minidress with spaghetti straps.  6 color options, sized for Hourglass, Freya, Isis, Lara & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the January Swank Event, January 7th – 31st.
  • Pedestal:  3rd Eye Perceptions – Living Statue Pedestal.   Mesh with materials, this pedestal comes with a HUD to change its metals & stone, for the look you want.  It includes 60 animations -24 female solo (standing & sitting), 24 male solo, 6 cuddles, & 7 XXX because yes, this is an adult item that is EXCLUSIVELY available at the very first Spicy Event, January 10th – 27th. 
  • Head, Eyes, Lips:   LOGO – Willow
  • Hair:  Besom – Beautiful Maids
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Night Diva Jewelled Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Set:  FoxCity – God is a Woman Photo Booth

 

The Winter Wonderland Sled Set

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Winter Wonderland Sled Set

I’ve been searching for the word to sum up this wintry set that just knocked me over the minute I saw it, and I think I finally have it… CHARM.  It’s simply one of those home & garden items where the designer thought of everything, and just did it all so well.  Every time my mind started to go “I wish they’d done such and such,” I realized “oh, they did”.   In all honesty, I had only two problems with this set… I simply couldn’t decide between the different props available, I just loved so many of them and kept changing my mind… over and over and over again.  Second, I couldn’t decide where to place the set, because it just looked fantastic everywhere.  Not bad problems to have, eh?  Seriously, though, if you value how your land looks and you just love having fun and playing with your animations like I do, this is a fabulous set that you simply must check out.  Happy shopping, and happy holidays!

CJ Creations:  CJ Winter Wonderland Sled Set.  Includes: the Sled, which is so very much more than “just” a sled, with 3 different wood textures (snow, light, & dark), each of which then has 5 different pillow/fur textures; surrounding deco (the trees & plantings around the sled, the “gate”, optional snowground; single & couple animations, that include champagne & hot drinks; lots of optional props that rez just by touching the gate.  I finally chose the snowman/huskies, but there are several more available, including fireworks, elk, husky puppies, & a shoveling animation! So much fun in so many ways, & it’s EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.

Tell it to the mountain

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Tell it To the Mountain

OK, so this is my second time writing this post.  My lovely computer lost the entire thing WHILE I WAS SAVING IT.  My frustration level has been rising day by day.  I’ve known my hard drive was failing, which is why I ordered a new computer back on Black Friday. The day it was to arrive I received an email saying it was delayed… possibly till Jan 10th.  After two days with no further word, I went shopping online.  Configured my own, got something even better for a bit less money, and then went into customer service h*ll trying to cancel computer #1.  Bottom line… it can’t be cancelled but it can be returned no charge.  So two computers are now on the way. In the meantime, this one has gotten so bad that I lost my entire post.  EVERYTHING.  Not just this bit, which is the easy part, but all the details and all the slurls.  Then on top of it, it took multiple tries and loads of time to get the shot below to upload.  Geez, it shouldn’t be this hard! Screams out my frustration at the mountain, trying to let the peace and calm of the scene wash over me… taking deep breaths… remembering to breathe… and oh yeah, happy shopping…

  • Outfit:  Jezzixa Cazalet for Prism Designs – Prism Inez Pant Set.  I just love the gleam of the satin & the way the sleeves are pushed up on this deceptively simple, loose cropped top, plus the little matching splashes of color on the tight pants with the zippers at the top of the thighs & then the open ankle zippers.  Available in 6 color options or as a fatpack, sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  See below for a full standing pic. EXCLUSIVELY available at the Designer Circle 25/19, open Dec 15th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Scene:  TM Creation – “Hug Me Tender Bear” Winter Scene. Winter scene placed on pile of snow with snowy rocks (walkable on top), brushes, ferns, sled, blanket, little bears & literally hundreds of singles & couples anims (including bento). No Poseball – No static poses – Scene Sequence play up to 8 mins of scene (looping x each).  EXCLUSIVELY available in both PG & Adult versions at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Moon – Bedshaped
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow; Jessy HD Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Ariel Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  LIVIA – Deep Gel
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Winslet