Tag: SL Home&Decor

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.

Prim Precious

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Prim Precious

As my human counterpart talked about in an earlier post, my elven partner and I seem to have outstayed our welcome at her home.  Even though we had restricted ourselves to the farthest corner of the property in order to ensure privacy for both us and them, we were not so subtly encouraged to vacate the premises.  She wanted us out of there so badly she even gave me use of some of her premium allotment to get a Linden home.  Themed communities are relatively new when it comes to Linden homes; it was one of the things they introduced earlier this year when they updated the linden homes.  Now in addition to offering a variety of home styles, there are also four “first-generation themes”, one of which is Elderglen, or fantasy dwellings.  I had my choice of 4 styles, one of which really is pretty perfect for elven folk.  But the downside is that (a) personal outdoor space is almost non-existent, and (b) you only get 175 prims (not counting the house).  Since the outdoors and nature is very important to us as fantasy folk, I chose a home style with a rooftop for outside decor.  I’ve been working hard to make our nest both stylish and comfy, reflecting who we are, but the fact remains that when you only have 175 prims, every single prim is precious, and every design decision is critical.  Our home is situated right on the water, so I knew that I wanted outdoor seating where we could lounge and watch the sunset and the way the moonlight sparkles on the water.  I also knew that as a fantasy creature herself, one of my sponsors — Tylar at Tylar’s Treasures — does some amazing fantasy-style creations as well as many that could go “either way”, so that is where I went first.  And I was thrilled to find the Brantley Collection, which has now taken its place as the waterfront viewing spot of our new home.  (And with all the great animations that are included, I’m sure we’ll be doing more than just watching the sky and the water lol!)

Tylar’s Treasures – Brantley Boho Collection.  A previous event release, this awesome set is now available at the store.  For me, it offers so much style & variety & useability for an extremely reasonable amount of prims!

  • Brantley Boho Hanging Chair – Includes the very-natural looking wood & metal stand, & of course the chair itself.  Available in both bento adult & cuddle versions, it even includes two dances.  You can also change the color of the cushions to any of 5 choices, each of which matches one of the cushions in the pillow pile. The land impact for all this awesomeness is only 8!
  • Brantley Boho Pillow Pile — A comfy pile of 5 artfully arranged pillows, each in a different color (& as I said above, each of which can be used as the cushion color for the chair).  Filled with bento animations for single females, cuddles, & dances.  Sets up perfectly against the tree roots on the roof, with a land impact of just 5.

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Memories (and no, I promise I won’t sing the song, but I included the lyrics on my post in case YOU want to lol).  Memories have been thick about me lately.  In preparation for the big upcoming move (still a couple of months away), one of the things I’ve been doing is going through lots of old photo albums and boxes of snapshots.  There’s something to be said for pre-digital memories… rather than just looking at a screen, you’re holding them in your hand, which in some ways makes them feel a bit more substantial.  Sorting through decades of old photos really triggers some of those old memories… you recall more than just the image, but also sounds, smells, tastes, all the sensations you might have experienced at the time.  Remembering friends and family who are gone, either by death or just by drifting away.  And it’s not just photos… cleaning out closets I’ve been smelling perfumes that haven’t been worn in a while, choosing “keep” or “toss”, previously loved books, and all those little knick-knacks that accumulate over a lifetime of living in one place.  I’m a sentimental sort, so there’s just so much to wade through, there are times the memories just get overwhelming.  And there have been so many moments where I just sit and close my eyes, and remember the way it was…  years down the line, will I be doing the same about THIS moment in time?

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Paradise Dress in Yellow.  It’s hard to say what I like best about this little tropical dress.  Each of the 4 textures are very different but equally fantastic, every single one providing not just a different color but also a very different look.  The overall style of the dress is also phenomenal, with a dark semi-sheer cut-out in the neck & another in the back (see below), each with the pattern itself continuing onto the new texture.  Did I say “fabulous”!?!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, Starbody, Signature, & Maitreya, this knockout is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th.
  • Hanging Decor:   Swank & Co. –  Hanging Red Macaw Heats, Lanai version.  A charming little piece of tropical decor to add that little extra something to your outdoor space.  Also available in a Green Macaw version (see below), as well as in “Dichro” versions with additional hanging crystals.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  StunnerOriginals – Eyeshadow Amorous;  DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:   Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Perfume Poses #3 (front pose); Simply Dvyne Poses – Reaching (back pose)

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

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.

Nesting Boho Style

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Nesting Boho Style

I feel like I’m sounding like a broken record with all these posts of BOHO room settings, but the fact remains that I’m a BOHO girl and this is my absolute favorite home style.  When I move in real life sometime in the fall, we’re not taking any of our furniture (northeastern style just really doesn’t translate well to Florida!), I doubt I’ll be able to do this style nearly as easily, but I’m definitely going to try!  In fact, THIS room in particular may well act as a guide for my new bedroom, though without the magic inventory closet I’ll obviously need places to put my clothes lol…  But I really can’t think of a more stylish, more comfortable, more inviting nest!

Casa de Bebe:  Saffron Bedroom.  I  LOVE the fresh look of this set! With all its decorative pillows & mix of fabrics on a bed frame I would give quite a bit to own IRL, the bed just beckons to lie down & get comfy.  The whole style of the set is BOHO with a slight Mexican/African/southwestern bent, perfect for a log house like mine but also for a modern city apartment, a country cottage or whatever. LOADED with animations, for singles & couples, as described below.  This set was designed so perfectly, I used EVERYTHING in the set.  Fatpacks for Mature or Adult EXCLUSIVELY available at the May Swank Event, May 7th – 30th.  Items are also available for purchase separately, as follows:

  • Saffron Bed – Available in Mature with 45 M/F Single/Couples animations or in Adult with 100 M/F/FF Single/Couples/Sex animations. Texture change for dust ruffle from the saffron (shown) to solid ivory.
  • Decorative Saffron Ladder Chair & Blanket – 6 color texture change for the blanket. The chair is “decorative” which means no animations.
  • Saffron Wicker Tables
  • 3 Bohemian Rugs (Black & White Wool Rug, Vintage Kilim Moroccan Rug in Natural, Ivory & Black Vintage Moroccan Kilim Rug), all of which are separate so you can layer or spread as works best for your room layout
  • Saffron African Wall Plates
  • Antique Console Table
  • Books Cage with Red Bird
  • Ball Cactus, Ball Cactus Basket (large), Ball Cactus Basket (small)
  • Saffron Lanterns
  • Areca Palm
  • Oaxacan Planter
  • Tesoro Hanging Lantern

Also used:

  • Evolving Images:  Painted Wooden Cat, available at the May Swank Event until the 30th.  (Also used but just offscreen is the Teal Tall Vase with Sticks)
  • NaughtyBits:  Brandi Bedroom Wall Hanging
  • Image Essentials: Sleeping Cat