Tag: SL Home&Decor

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

Waiting

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Waiting

Well once again I’ve missed several days of blogging, but the good new is that I am now fully vaccinated!  It is amazing though… where I live, people were scrambling to get appointments for the shot (including us); now, it’s incredibly easy to get an appointment.  Not only that, before you took what you got, no matter how far the drive, no matter which shot it was. Now there’s a luxury of choices… close locations, whichever brand of vaccine you prefer.  I didn’t have too much of a reaction to shot #2; yes, I still can’t really lift my arm after a few days, but other than that I reacted much better than I did to shot #1.  What’s been even harder for me to deal with in the world of blogging though is that my desk chair — my new, awesome desk chair that I picked up at a consignment shop last month — has suddenly “dropped”… it seems that it needs a replacement gas canister, but until that’s handled, I’m so low at the desk that it’s hard to type lol… I feel almost like a little kid sitting at the grownup desk. That said, I’m trying to take maximum advantage of my time inworld since the combination of a sore arm and having to reach up to type are not the best combination for relaxation and enjoyment lol! (Not that something little like that will keep this girl from shopping!!!)  Lots and lots of great events going on right now, with loads of fabulous items.  Here are just a few…

The Look:

  • Outfit:  Jumo Originals – Aeon Outfit.  Awesome style is yours with this one-shoulder asymmetrical top with ruffles at one hip, paired with pants that are not too tight/not too loose… just perfect! Comes with 3 textures in your choice of 8 Hud colors (the fatpack has an extra HUD with 4 additional textures), & is sized for Tonic (Curvy/Fine/Mini), Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, Legacy, Altamura, & Maitreya.  See the pic below for a closer shot of these fabulous textures (I’m using the Black HUD).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the March round of the Swank Event, open March 7th – 30th.  
  • Head, Eyes, Eyeshadow:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  Still 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, perfect for a slinky gown like this!  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body & not only look fantastic, but also look the way YOU want to!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Purity
  • Makeup: #ADORED – Dreamgirl Shadow, pastel palette edition; Top1Salon – HD Rebellious Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Jessica Sanctuary Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Tonic – Vintage Lace Peep Toe Pump

The Scene (all from the H&G Expo):

Dench Designs – There’s nothing better than shopping with a purpose & scoring awesome landscaping decor!  I’m showing just a few of the donation items for Relay for Life from Dench Designs, located in Region 6 of the Home & Garden Expo, HERE  (and these are just a few of the items from this designer!)

  • Rookery Boat & Rug – Includes the Boat, the rug, the pillows, the trees behind it & the flowers next to it.  Animated for female/male/cuddles; texture change for the rug/pillows.  Only 7LI! 100% DONATION to Relay for Life
  • Rookery Waterfall –  This rocky waterfall is animated (male/female/cuddles; see below for one example), & includes lots of extra decor that — depending on your taste & your prim availability — you can choose to add or not.  (The pic above has all the extra decor included — trees, lanterns, fish, dragonfly, an eating duck!)  100% DONATION to Relay for Life.
  • Stone Planter  – HUNT item (see the pic below for a more detailed image)

Happy Rez Day to Me!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Happy Rez Day to Me

I can’t believe it, but I just had my 14th rez day… that’s right, 14… and I wouldn’t even have known it had a friend not wished me a Happy Rez Day. It’s funny how that happens… I remember having a huge party for my 1st rez day, and more intimate celebrations on my 2nd and 3rd.  Every year after that, they just became less and less important, until they generally passed without notice. The fact that I did become aware this year caused me to step back and reflect a bit on all the changes I’ve experienced here inworld… not just in the interface and the world itself, but for me myself.  I’ve been with the same wonderful man here for 13 of those 14 years, so you might think how many changes could there have been, but in looking back over our photo album (and yes, you can definitely see us age and mature!) and searching my memories, I realize how much I’ve changed and grown, just as in real life.  Second Life doesn’t represent the same things to me any more as it did in the beginning.  I still shop and go dancing and spend a lot of time decorating and landscaping, but I’ve been blogging for several years now as well as being a blogger-manager, and having work inworld does change the experience.  I would have to say that most of my friends are now bloggers, blogger-managers, and designers, as opposed to those I used to hang out with for music and dancing.  A more recent change is that I’m now splitting a lot of my time between fae and human, trying on different “attitudes” when creating my look of the day… creating even more of a split personality than I had when I was blogging a lot of heads lol!  I’ve also noticed how special it feels when I run across someone else who has been in here as long or even longer than I have… it’s true, there aren’t that many of us, and I think the key to being a long-term resident is that very change and growth… you need to evolve, or else SL (and life itself, for that matter) stagnates and becomes stale, boring, and deadly.  And on that note, I’m off to explore and shop my little heart out.  After all, it IS my rez day week! Happy shopping to you as well…

The look:

  • Outfit:  Jumo Originals – Marjorie Dress.  Four fabulous textures in 8 different color HUDS plus another HUD with 4 unique patterns, or a fatpack that includes it all…. & all for a truly luscious dress!  I love the way this cut enhances my curves, & the pattern enhances it even more! Sized for Hourglass, Isis, Legacy, & Maitreya; EXCLUSIVELY available at the February round of the Swank Event, open until the 28th.  
  • Head, Eyes, Eyeshadow:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Exile – Class Act
  • Lipstick:  theMARS – Classy Night Lip
  • Nails:  Go Frock Yourself – Bronze Nail Appliers
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewellery – Boho Celebration Mardi Gras; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Zara Heels
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Jade, combined with ChicChica – Raspberry Chammey

The scene:

Tylar’s Treasures – Elegant Whimsy Collection.   It’s such a beautifully large collection, with each element sold individual, it enables you to create exactly what you want without having to purchase items you don’t.  See the pic below  to see a broader range of what’s included than in the pic above:

  • Elegant Whimsy Veranda, with scripted doors
  • Elegant Whimsy Piano with Chandelier, animated in both Cuddles & Adult versions
  • Elegant Whimsy Sofa, with texture change for pillows; Bento Animated, also available in both Cuddles & Adult versions
  • Elegant Whimsy Champagne Table, with texture changer for the bows; bottle gives a glass of champagne!
  • Elegant Whimsy Dessert Table (not shown), also with texture changer for the bows; 3 different dessert options to display
  • Elegant Whimsy Potted Wisteria Tree
  • Elegant Whimsy Potted Dwarf Palms (set of 3; small, medium, & large)
  • Elegant Whimsy Potted Orchids
  • Elegant Whimsy Potted Fern

All items are EXCLUSIVELY available at the current round of Uber Hometown, February 19th – March 18th.  (NOTE: Only cuddles versions are on display at the event; adult versions are on display only at the store)

Ruins & Roses, Blossoming into Romance

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Ruins & Roses, Blossoming into Romance

IMHO, the whole key to being a successful designer in Second Life (or for that matter, IRL) is having an artistic eye.  And no that doesn’t mean that every item of clothing and every object has to look like an objet d’art, but the style, the form, the colors & patterns, the textures, it all takes that certain something.  Most brands here in SL are for clothing, or for decor, or for whatever; it’s unusual to find one that excels in multiple fields.  But when they do (as in this case), they can work together in amazing ways.  I have to wonder if these gorgeous formal clothes were designed with the setting of the rose-covered ruins in mind, or did the idea for the ruins come after the  clothes were already created… or is it all just some happy accident that they work so perfectly together to create a romantic scene?  The fact is that it doesn’t matter in the slightest, just some mental meanderings; both the clothes and the scene are fabulous each on their own, or together.  Happy shopping!

The look:     

  • Gown:  Swank & Co. –  Blossoming Couples Gown.  A truly exceptional gown, combining a stunning black sequin sheath with what I can only describe as water colors for the bodice & bottom of the gown.   Includes 6 different colors/flower patterns.  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Altamura, & Maitreya, this is called the Blossoming Couples Gown because there’s also a coordinated men’s tuxedo.  Both the men’s & women’s versions are EXCLUSIVELY available at the February round of the Swank Event, open until the 28th.  
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  Still 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, perfect for a slinky gown like this!  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body & not only look fantastic, but also look the way YOU want to!
  • Head, Eyes, Eyeshadow:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Exile – Full of Grace 
  • Lipstick:  theMARS – Classy Night Lip
  • Jewelry:  J&W Jewelers (extinct vendor?) – Arturo Black Diamonds Collection; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

The scene:     

Swank & Co. –  Romantic Rose Covered Ruins w/Light Effects.   It’s really hard to describe the magic of these 4-sided ruins (with each side being somewhat different).  They include controllable light effects; there’s swirling mist rising from the floor; shafts of light; faerie lights, & so much more.  Although best viewed at midnight, it’s not the easiest to show these details when photographed in that light, so you’ll just have to see the how incredible these ruins are for yourself.  EXCLUSIVELY available only at the February round of the Swank Event, open until the 28th.  See the full shot below.

Celebrate Love

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Celebrate LoveYes, Valentine’s Day is over, but I wanted to make the point that love isn’t about a single day… Love is something that we should celebrate every day.  It’s a nice thought, right, but of course the rest of life gets in the way and we get buried under all that minutiae and aggravation of daily living.  Not to mention that love is messy… to use a well-known saying, love isn’t all lollipops and roses (or hearts!!!), it takes a lot of work and commitment and can easily be pushed into the background while other more immediate feelings take dominance.  All it takes, though, is something big — like getting ill — to bring love back into focus.  I often wonder how many people do a big hoopla for Valentine’s Day only to go back to what I’ll call “less loving behavior” the very next day.  It’s sad, it’s frustrating, and it’s just the way life is. That said, I wanted to at least draw attention to the fact that we must all make an effort in our daily lives (and yes, I’m including myself in that!!) to show the ones that we love that we truly do care.  It’s really not that hard… it can be just a touch, a look, a few words, whatever, but it’s definitely worth it when you see/feel the reaction from your loved one.  That’s what strong, long-term relationships are all about, and it makes that hard work just a little bit easier.  So on that note, let’s all celebrate love and have some fun going shopping lol!

The Look:

  • Outfit:  Essence – Metropolitan Girl.  Adorably sexy outfit, with a cute, striped off-shoulder tube top, banded in one color with bright stripes of another down the arms, with a laced back; a high-waist tulip denim skirt; & the cutest sneakers for “high” feet. Includes a 12-color HUD for the crop top, 16-color HUD for the denim skirt, & 4-color HUD for the sneakers.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, the outfit is available EXCLUSIVELY at the February Swank event open Feb 7th – 28th.  
  • Head & Eyes:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Monica
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Finer Threads – Sel Beauty Marks
  • Hair:  Doux – Peach @ Equal10
  • Makeup:  theSkinnery – Aurora EyeShadow (Group Gift); Top1Salon – HD Rebellious Lipstick
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Lory
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Boho Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

The Scene:

  • Heart Decor – (AZ) Studio – Celebrate Love.  A collection inspired by vintage florals, this party set includes a backdrop (shown), 3 different resizable topiaries (shown; sold as a set in either red or blush), ground floor coverings (shown; includes both red & blush options), art object (shown), garlands, balloons, strings, & a wreath. All items are sold individually, & are EXCLUSIVE at the February Swank event open Feb 7th – 28th. 
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Bike Ride

Your Tropical Escape Awaits

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Your Tropical Escape Awaits

Even here in Florida, I find myself dreaming of a tropical escape.  That may surprise you (I know it surprises ME), but I’m in central Florida and it’s been way too chilly to ever consider this “tropical”.  From what I hear I’ll be singing a totally different tune once the summer comes, but for now, that sunny warmth and cooling sea breeze is only the stuff of dreams.  Why not make that dream a reality (Second Life reality that is lol)?  And nothing creates the perfect spot for escape and renewal like a cabana right on the water’s edge, extending over the water so you can watch the sea life and the foaming waves… Sighs… happy shopping (and dreaming)!

Simple Reflections – Tropical Cabana.  The perfect addition to any tropical escape, with simple clean lines but wonderful detail — touching the back shutters provides options for both the shutters — glass or wood — & the drapes — sheer or opaque (I chose glass & sheer).  Roomy enough to decorate how you want; small enough to fit most spaces.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the January Swank Event, open from January 7th – 30th, with the theme “Renew Yourself”… & this cabana certainly gives you the opportunity to do just that!  Also shown: Tropical Drinks Tray, because what’s a tropical escape without a tropical drink?

I decorated the cabana with these items (several of which are part of other sets), but there’s so many ways to go… have fun!

A Winter Wish

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Winter Wish

Tylar’s Treasures – Just as every piece of clothing you love may not fit your body, not all landscaping that fits your taste will fit your space.  With these three fabulous new main store releases (sold separately), you have the makings for an absolutely enchanting winter scene that are built to accommodate differing availability of space. 

  • Winter Gazebo.  Beautifully detailed, with ivy climbing up the columns, ice crystals scattered in the center, & icicles hanging from the dome.  Not only that, this fabulous gazebo is bento, which means that it’s animated with slow dances, couples & single animations (& yes, I’m using one of the single anims in the pic).  Available in both Cuddle & Adult versions.
  • Snow Mound with Trees & Bridge.   This is purely a decor piece, and what lovely decor it is!  A snow mound with 5 snowy pine trees around an open center (perfectly sized for the Winter Gazebo!!), with a bare winter white tree sparkling with falling snow crystals on each side of the included bridge, together with some other wintry ground flora.  Gorgeous!
  • Snowy Stone Bridge (not shown).  Although this bridge LOOKS identical to the one in the picture, it’s really something totally different.  That’s because this version of the bridge is bento, with slow dances, couples & single animations.  Available in both Cuddle & Adult versions.

And if you’re wondering about the stunning gown you can barely glimpse? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog for a close-up look and details!  Happy shopping!

Not A Very Merry Christmas At All

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Not A Very Merry Christmas

Well, it’s an unusual and difficult Christmas this year for so many.  Instead of large holiday celebrations and family get-togethers, most people are being smart and staying home this year.  It’s sad, it’s depressing, but it’s also the smartest thing you can do for yourself, those you love, and for the world.  A bitter Christmas gift perhaps, but one that everyone can share to indeed help make the world a better place.  And just think about how much better next year’s Christmas will be, a return to the Christmas gatherings of (dare I say it?) yesteryear.  But whether you are home alone or with family, happy or sad, lonely or surrounded by others, I wish everyone a good Christmas if not a merry one!

  • Top:  Tonic – Frosted Sweater.  Comfy & stylish, sliding softly off of one shoulder, the frosted sweater comes in 24 colors, each with that hint of frosting.  Only for Tonic bodies, it’s sized for Curvy, Fine, & Fine-mini.  A version with more room around the waist is also included.  It’s a Merry Christmas from Tonic, with five fabulous sweaters on sale as part of the fabulous December Sweater Sale, only at the December round of eBento, through the end of the month!
  • Pants:  Tonic – Toasty Tight Leggings. A perfect pairing with all your sweaters, these leggings also come in 24 colors, some with the pattern, some in solid.  Only for Tonic bodies, they are sized for Curvy, Fine, & Fine-mini.  Boot-fit versions are also included, but be sure to demo first since not all boots will fit.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  Still 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!  And I have to admit, I LOVE the shape of the legs!
  • Furniture:  Park Place Home Decor – Silas Soft Leather Chair + Silas Table with Accessories.  The chair comes in two versions… one with pillows & one with pillows plus a throw. Both include HUDs to change the back, seat, back pillows, & front pillows separately to fit easily into your room decor.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.
  • Animated Window:  Park Place Home Decor – Holiday Snowfall Animated Faux Window & Wreath.  Awesome little piece to help set that wintry holiday mood.  Easily fits into just about any room. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Lilly Head.  FREE Christmas Gift for Group Members.  There’s a free male head too!  Both are available HERE at a special holiday site that ONLY has the two heads.
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Scarlett (Holiday Group Gift)
  • Hair:   Exile – Into You
  • Makeup:  theSkinnery – Simple Eyeshadow & Waterline Eyeliner
  • Jewelry:  Earthstones – Sentiments Necklace – Loved; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

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.