Category: Places to Visit

I want to live like Common(er) people..

I want to live like Common(er) people..

by Lisa Millar ♥ 2 Comments

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I’ve been meaning to blog ‘Common’ for a while. It’s one of those quirky stores that I’m always harping on about, but I’m totally justified in doing so. It’s brilliant.

It’s also attached to a rather lovely build; a coffee house. I’m always on the look-out for new places to go with friends and hang out, and I like the vibe you get from a coffee house. (Even though in RL I think paying anything above £1 for a brew is scandalous, so sod you Starbucks!) I also noticed the microphone in the corner, which leads me to think that there’s more to this coffee house than meets the eye.

But back to the goodies, of which there are plentyJ

First up, it has three Gacha in store that I insist you try. For one they’re only L$25 a punt. For two, they’re fabulous. Two of the machines are particularly good; the  Origami Deer Heads look fab ( I won a pink and purple one, kept the purple but gifted the pink) and I really am itching to complete my Monogram Marquee lights. I’m missing so many letters. (If anyone wants to do a swap please ping me in-world? I have E and P for swapsies.  I need K, I, T and another T. I have a Y.  I want my name in lights!)

OK – onto the good stuff. And it is indeed good stuff. First up, I MUST tell you about today’s Fifty Linden Friday option, because it’s inspired. It’s simple yet very effective, poignant even. A lot of people  in Second Life are partnered to, or in relationships with Avatars that are some distance away from each other. Often this is in RL, not just Second, so this map with love heart push-pins will really resonate. There are two options: USA or The World. I love it. Fortunately for me, or unfortunately depending upon the mood that I am in, I share the same abode with both my RL and SL partner so I don’t really have need for this item. But I think both are absolutely gorgeous, and would make an especially brilliant Valentine’s gift (more on those later). Of course, each map is L$50.

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So apart from FLF goodness, what else will you find? Well, I have a new house, so I need home ware right? And nothing, NOTHING is more appropriate for me than this collection of ‘Vice Jars’, featuring an array of vices that Judy Garland would be proud of. I love the twisted aspect of these, and they really look the part (Why not gift these as a house-warming present to someone you love, hate, or just want to annoy? They cost L$150). Also prides of place in my home are the Rage Face Nesting Dolls. I unashamedly adore internet memes so these were a must have for me.  (They cost L$150).  If you’re a smoker then you may find the cigarette-styled scarf appealing. It is very original and looks really funky, so I might buy it for my Dad to wear seeing as he likes filling his lungs full of crud. (Non-smoker here, can’t you tell?) The scarf is $175.

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Incidentally, ‘Commoner’ has joined the Valentine’s lunacy that’s descended upon the grid with a very elegant bouquet of Roses and a lovely box of virtual choccies to share with your loved one. A steal at L$150 each and of course they’re transfer. ( Note: Fatpack version of both available on Marketplace at L$250 which will save you L$50, which is two Gacha punts. Ahem.)

I’m not going to tell you about everything for sale here because I want you to go visit yourself please.  There’s a real array of idiosyncratic items, all built to an extremely high-standard (as is evident from the coffee house build) and all are textured beautifully. This is a really great store to add to your list of must-visit places, and it’s clear that Emery Milneaux has a fabulous imagination. Click HERE to visit in-world, or HERE for the marketplace (where you can of course buy items as gifts for people, whoop!)

Gatito Zinnias AMA! (Kitty LOVES Zinnias!)

Gatito Zinnias AMA! (Kitty LOVES Zinnias!)

by Lisa Millar ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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I really don’t blog Zinnias enough and I really should. I have blogged it a few times before, but it concerns me to think that people are missing out on the awesome that is this store. Reader it’s wonderful. It evokes all things Mexicana, with mouth-watering textures, bold, tasty colours and cracking build quality and design. I’ve been a fan for a long time, and it pleases me no end that it’s still going strong and that Zinnia Karu is still churning out exceptional home ware in her inimitable style.

As I commented before, I LOVE MY HOUSE. But one of my only (very minor) quibbles was that the neutral tones needed spicing up with colour a tad. But of course, a blank canvas allows you to decorate it in any way you please, and but adding just the right amount of accessories you can brighten up any abode.  And that’s precisely what I’ve done; raiding my inventory for bright, bold pieces that reflect not only my personality but perfectly encapsulate my style. Zinnia’s is essential in that mix.

As you can see, I’m in the kitchen (stop laughing at the back!) preparing a Valentine’s feast for Jez.  (You know, my partner Jez, in RL and SL, the one you never see. Yes, he exists. Honest.) But I’m not the focus in this picture; what I’ve done is illuminate and enhance the environment with a few choice Zinnias Pieces.

First of all is the utterly gorgeous ‘Mexican Nicho’. That’s the wooden framed box you can see behind the chair. It features an iconic image of the Virgin Mary, and a wee candle glows in the corner. Now, I’m not Catholic, but I do love me some Catholic imagery, plus this is a lovely piece that really fills a corner. It’s also a talking point. Not only that, it’s L$75. This is a brilliant price if you ask me.

You can also see one of a pair of ‘Acapulco Retro Glam Velvet Drapes’. You don’t have to use curtains to hide windows; they hide corners (and junk) beautifully and soften entrance ways. This is a cracking set and fortunately it’s modify, so if you want to make them bigger/smaller/wider then of course you can.  You can also remove the shadow too; lessens the prim count and shading’s not always necessary.  Utterly kitsch gorgeousness and at L$75 a pair you’d be completely insane if you didn’t invest.

The ‘Papal Picado’ pennant hanging over the kitchen blind is also from Zinnias.  I have to be honest and say I don’t know if these are available to buy in store or not; I could see them but I couldn’t see a price. Either way, again they have the effect of softening a space and really jazzing it up.   Perfect for parties no?

The final item from Zinnias in the picture is her latest release; ‘Woodland Flowers Mirror’. This is so pretty, it’s beautifully textured featuring rustic twigs and adorned with fresh oriental lilies and delicate baby’s breath. What I really like about it though is the texture on the glass, you see a reflection of woodland (naturally) and it just looks super-pretty.  It’s L$145 and worth every penny.

There are also a couple of outstanding hunt prizes to find in store. There’s the ‘Cold Winter’s Nights’ Hunt prize still available for L$10, and guys it’s a crystal sodding cave that has to be seen to be believed.

There’s also the FTLO..Hunt (For the love of apparently) and this week you’ll find a rather whimsical Cat & Bird Coat Tree.  I’m a bit out of touch with hunts so didn’t know this was running.  You can pick up last week’s item for L$10 outside the store and it’s well worth buying; it’s a Cozy Couples Hammock Seat.

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It comes equipped with poses for both singles (that’ll be me most of the smegging time then) and couples, as well as props. Cuddle perfection and ideal for Valentine’s Day. Oh, and speaking of Valentine’s Day, make sure you check out the beautiful ‘Boho Baby Valentine’s Daybed’ which I’m demonstrating in the picture below. It’s really pretty and mixes up Mexican and Bohemian styling to a ‘T’. Of course there are solo and couple poses in it, and it’s a tempting purchase at L$199.

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Last but not least, make sure you check out the amazing freebies to be found in store as well as the fabulous offer on the ‘Le Gatineu’ bedroom pieces.  I own this set and it is truly outstanding, and I highly recommend it!

The bed is usually  L$250L but this weekend it’s only L$99L. The washstand and bedside table are similarly reduced to L$75 each. Not to be missed.

I really enjoyed my return visit to Zinnias, and must visit more often. I implore you to join the Mexican wave (hahahaha, shit puns ahoy!) and go and visit the store.  I Kitty promise that you won’t be disappointed.

KITTY QUICKY: Even MORE ‘Follow Us’ Fabness!

KITTY QUICKY: Even MORE ‘Follow Us’ Fabness!

by Lisa Millar ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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This is rather smashing, don’t ya think? Even more fabness is on the way from the ‘Follow us!’ stable that I mentioned in my previous post.  I’m loving this couch. Trust me, it’s extremely cosy, even though it’s constructed from pallets, hence the name, ‘Couch Pallet’.

This is a perfect snuggle spot for you and your beloved, especially with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, and will fill that empty corner in your home a treat.  It would even look funky outside, and it’s brought bang up to date with the pile of books, a fan and the ipad at the foot of the couch, so when you’re not smooching you have other stuff and things to do.  Well done to the creator, Laurent83 Waco!

I think what I like most about this is that the couch is quite simple really in presentation, but that’s probably why it works so well. I’d even dare suggest that this isn’t just shabby chic, but will appeal to the grunge and even Neko aficionados. There’s just something about it that means it will appeal to most genres and styles of home. What are even better are the poses. There are five singles poses and ten, yes TEN couples poses to be enjoyed, simply by clicking the cushion.  (Note I’m demonstrating the singles poses..forever alone Kitty)

The ‘Couch Pallet’ is really neat and well worth the bargain price of L$99 which it will be set to for a week. (That said, when it goes back up to full price it will still be under L$200, so it’s hardly a mahossive bank buster)

Oh, and can you see the frames and coat rack, with brolly and coat and a camera in the background? (look really closely and you can see the love hearts and twine décor on the middle frame: )

Because these items are soon-to-be-released you had really better keep a close and on ‘Follow Us’ on the Marketplace hadn’t you?

In fact, you’d better follow them! (Oh dear, I’ll get me coat!)

(And yes I know I still have my glass in my hand from earlier, what can I say except I’m a total lush..<hic!>)

Kitty is most amused by ‘Amuse’ and happy to ‘Follow Us’

Kitty is most amused by ‘Amuse’ and happy to ‘Follow Us’

by Lisa Millar ♥ 2 Comments

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One of the things I LOVE about SL is the quirkiness. There’s originality to be found in-world, along with humour, and that element of fun and eccentricity that a lot of similar virtual environments just can’t provide. It’s captivating.  I especially adore the little things; the decorations, the ornaments, the frippery that make a virtual house a home. So I was investigating the Marketplace for bits and bobs when I came across the most amazing bottles of wine for sale.

They’re available from a store called ‘Amuse’, created by Amuse Bouche, and I must be honest, I laughed like a drain when I saw them. After all, how many of us liken white wine to cat’s piss? Well, there’s a wine for that courtesy of his store, ‘Amuse’! Even better, click on the bottle and you’ll get a glass! (Incidentally the glasses for each wine are great, some have animated bubbles!)

These bottles are perfect for the home or bar.  The labels are just brilliant, perfectly rendered and I want MORE of them. They’re a real bargain at L$25 each too. Admittedly, not copy, but they’re mesh and with a land impact of just one they’re a home essential.

I’ve got three bottles on the go at the mo, as you can see from the picture. What can I say, I’m a lush. I’ve got the aforementioned ‘Cat’s Piss’ (lovely fragrant bouquet that one!) I also have a bottle of ‘Witches Brew’ (Well, what do you expect? It is me after all!) And for after a hard day at work, what could be more relaxing than a bottle of ‘Shit Creek’?  There are sixteen bottles in the collection, and if you click HERE you can visit the market place to check them all out. I want more though, I think they’re absolutely brilliant. I also want Amuse to sell a fat pack of all the bottles, as well as mesh wine racks to display them in, wouldn’t that be fabulous?)

Incidentally there’s a lovely bottle that would be perfect for Valentine’s day, ‘Love Potion #9’, which would look great as part of a display.  There’s also Moonshine, Absinthe and lovely, honeyed Mead! Brilliant work Amuse, please Sir, can we have some more?!

You’ll also see in my picture a roaster and a lovely tray from ‘Follow Us’.  The tray replete with mug, spoon and croissant is just L$1 and it’s rather sweet!  The toaster and jars were part of a kitchen set that includes toaster, mixer, toast, butter, jam, nutella and a couple of bowls of coffee for L$59. I like the jars and the toast, although the toaster itself is a bit plain, but the items are mesh and you can’t grumble at the price for props. (There are other mesh toasters available by other creators, but I’m not paying L$399 for a toaster unless it actually bakes the bread, toasts it, butters it and then serves it me in bed!)  ‘Follow Us’ is actually a natty wee store; there are loads of bargains to be had and lots of mesh items, so do take the time to check it out if you’re looking for homewares. They do lots of kitchen related items, as well as furniture, pictures and decorative items all at great prices and all mesh as far as I can tell.

Right, bugger off and leave me alone. I’m like a Kitty with a sore head in the mornings until I’ve had my coffee cat’s piss…