Category: NEWNESS!

The Imaginimals Cats Have Arrived!

The Imaginimals Cats Have Arrived!

by Lisa Millar ♥ 1 Comment

Imaginimals

To be honest, the buzz was somewhat subdued and limited to the chat group rather than the feverish  all-encompassing excitement that has greeted Breedable launches before, but I think this is partly to do with past history of the Wildwoods and also because they’ve launched in open Beta.

Obviously launching a product in Beta is a risky move. Imaginimals seem to have made sure that their bases are covered for this with a hefty disclaimer on their website, but I did notice that the chat group was very busy when I logged in this morning with reported issues.

As for the cats, well they don’t appear to have changed much since I last reported on them.  The appearance seems to be much the same, and there’s no doubt that they look good (although the ear shape is a little too Elvish for my liking!) I opted for a pair of Bi-Colour and was very pleased with the colours of the kittens that I unpackaged. They’re incredibly pretty, and the animations/positions are very cute and natural looking. I confess, I really do love their styling.   (NOTE: I am NOT going full on cat breeder again, I get way too carried away by it! But I indulged in these critters for the sake of blogging and also because I wanted to experience them for myself)

Pricing for kittens is reasonable-L$300 each, L$600 per pair (obviously) There are lots of vitamins and add-ons that can be purchased but the basics that are required, as far as I am aware, are food and water, which is purchased as a combo unit. One bowl lasts one cat one month, and costs L$200.  I laid that out with the addition of some cream and a ‘Feeshy’ for  mood.

I rezzed my kittens without any fuss, but immediately upon birthing there were substantial stat decreases. Also, movement seemed laboured too.  It’s early days, so hopefully these problems will be ironed out swiftly.  The website does offer the ability to log support tickets and there is also a forum that owners can join, there’s barely any activity on the boards at present but I anticipate that they will start to become pretty active within the next few days.

So will these new breedables take the shine off the existing pets that are available on the grid?

Obviously the main competitor to Imaginimals cats are Kittycats. Personally I don’t actually see that they will be a threat as such as both offer a very different product experience and cater to different fanbases. for example, I know people who don’t go for the ornate appearance of Kittycats, but prefer the more down to earth appearance that the Wildwoods had. Taste is an individual thing, and in my opinion it’s good to have a variety of similar pets on the grid.  Competition isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But  I would be very surprised if legions of Kittycat owners defected to Imaginimals, and to be frank, I don’t think it will happen.  If anything, I think you’ll find breeders indulging themselves with both kinds of cat.

Of course, Kittycats do have the upper hand in that they are well established by now, and they excel not just in terms of product but also due to their exceptional support system. If Imaginimals want to succeed, then they will do well to aspire to the same standards of care offered by Kittycats  for their customers.

Breedable launches are never easy. But cats are always a popular pet, so let’s see how Imaginimals fare. It’s a fresh start, so perhaps it’s time to leave the memories (both good and bad )of Wildwoods behind and look to the future. Doesn’t everyone deserve a second chance after all? I’ll keep you updated on progress…

If you want to join in the open beta then here’s a link to the Imaginimals Sim .  

You’ll need a spare group slot, because only group members can partcipate, and bear in mind there are costs involved. Good luck with your cats!

The Lesser-Spotted Domestic Kitty Goddess…

The Lesser-Spotted Domestic Kitty Goddess…

by Lisa Millar ♥ 2 Comments
I bloody hate chores I do. 
Hands that do dishes are not as soft as my chops, contrary to popular belief!

BUT it must be said that some of the LOVE DONNA FLORA goodies are making the washing of plates and scraping of dishes a much better experience all round.

Have you been yet? I popped by again earlier to pick up a few more treats and to see how the event was going, and I’m delighted to say that even though it’s been running a few days there were plenty of people shopping which was very satisfying to witness indeed. So let me tell you about what I am wearing. 

EVEN FLOW have a number of items for sale at the event, and for my look I am rocking their tee and jeans combo. I haven’t worn jeans in ages, preferring to stick to tights and short skirts and boots (I’ve been going through a punk phase)but these jeans are so pretty with their delicate surface pattern, rose waistband fabric and pocket detail as well as excellent creasing around the knee, that I couldn’t resist slipping them on. These are very wearable jeans and I think I will be sporting them often!

You’ll also spy my glorious FLAIR manicure. Again, this is available from the LOVE DONNA FLORA event, and it features plain colour accentuated with a daisy motif and white tip. Very stylish and looks great with both casual and dressier outfits, and it didn’t chip when I was scrubbing the remainder of Jez’s legendary lasagne off the dish, which was nice…This is a nice, smart casual look, and I added some LVLE pumps in grey, as well as my trusty friendship bracelets and hair from WASABI PILLS. My skin is from the ever delectable IZZIE’S.

Jeans

A quick change, and I was ready for a night out. My dress is also from EVEN FLOW. This is the ‘Evolution’ dress and it’s just sumptuous, I absolutely adore this ‘grape-berry’ tone and it fits like a dream. I teamed it with lace leggings from LARK and there you have it, day to night outfit perfection all whilst helping a fabulous cause.
(Again, I’m sporting the excellent LVLE mesh pumps (to fit Slink feet) but this time in a purple shade. (They’re deceptively simple looking creations, but do not let that fool you, they’ve been carefully crafted, textured and are extremely effective, an essential purchase to quickly enhance any outfit!))

dress 3

Also at LOVE DONNA FLORA are a number of pose sets from some really great creators. You can never have enough poses in my opinion, and they’re all worthy of your Lindens. The poses in theses two images are from ELEPHANTE, part of their ‘Trust Me’ set and very lovely they are too.

Here’s a link to the Seraphim Gallery for a run-down of the gorgeousness available at the event, and here’s your TP.

Off you trot now and buy lots of lovely things for this awesome cause! (I’ll be featuring more items tomorrow) 

Love Donna Flora

Love Donna Flora

by Lisa Millar ♥ 0 Leave a Comment
Furniture by Kaerri available at the Love Donna Flora event. 

Donna Flora is one of those brands that has achieved an almost legendary status in Second Life. That’s an honour that’s awarded to very few creators, yet the designer behind the brand, Squinternet Larnia, rightfully achieved such recognition years ago. She’s well known not only for her work, but also for her generosity of spirit too.

You only have to visit the main-store to see why Squinternet is so deserving of the high praise that her designs generate. She is THE creator of classical elegance In Second Life; taking breathtaking dress designs from a bygone age and embellishing them with a modern twist. But for me, it’s her jewellery designs that really single Squinternet out as being someone special. Her work is ornate, carefully crafted and totally unique in a virtual world where all too often you encounter duplicated designs.

There is nothing in our metaverse quite like Donna Flora.

Squinternet’s voice speaks to us through her designs and has captivated us all, and now it’s time for us to give something back to someone who has given us so much to enjoy.

Although I haven’t had the privilege of meeting Squinternet Larnia, I do know I have never seen such an immediate response to a call for help before, either in Second Life or reality.Squinternet is evidently loved and admired by many residents of the metaverse, all of whom are willing her to be well, and are happy to do whatever it takes to try and help her achieve that goal. In Second Life’s case, that’s raising funds.

The ever-awesome Cajsa Lilliehook put out the call and it was answered. The Love Donna Flora event was created, and the enthusiasm that greeted the development of this occasion was so fierce it was practically tangible. On Plurk the offers of help from creators, bloggers and all areas of Second Life gathered serious momentum over a very short period of time and it was pretty astonishing to witness. (I wish the media would see Second Life for the great things that it does like this, rather than for the salacious stories that the mass media is so intent on running.)

But no matter; the sole aim of this event is to let Squinternet know that the Second Life community love her, miss her and want her to be as well and as comfortable as she possibly can be.

The intention is that the funds raised by this event will go towards supporting Squinternet in whatever way she she needs, be that nursing care or holistic therapy. I sincerely hope the event raises a shit-load of cash for her to use towards her treatment. And I genuinely think it will, because so many designers have contributed items to the event with generous donations going straight to the cause.

So readers, please go and visit this amazing event. If you prefer, check out the Seraphim image gallery to see what is in store, and then TP to the event.

Buy as much as you can*, donate as much as you can, and know that when you do the funds will go towards helping someone very special indeed.

We’re with you Squinternet Larnia.

Love Donna Flora Forever ❤

(*I’ll be featuring event items on this blog all week)

Kitty FINALLY Blogs..THE HOME SHOW 2013!!

Kitty FINALLY Blogs..THE HOME SHOW 2013!!

by Lisa Millar ♥ 1 Comment

So, The Home Show.  OK, I’m late to the blogging party for this one, profuse apologies galore, BUT better late than never!

You have until the end of the month to enjoy this event, eleven days to be precise, and enjoy it you will. Take ample Lindens, because as you stroll around the beautiful Culprit designed sim-build you are sure to find many items to tempt you to part with your lovely virtual cash.

By now there are plenty of posts listing the wares from each vendor, so I won’t do a rundown in that sense.  What I will do is share my favourites with you, why I like them, and why I think you’ll like them too.

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First up, ORGANICA.  I’ve long thought that I didn’t have enough hanging plants in my virtual home, BUT they can be a bit primmy and some of the more ‘old-skool’ designs that are to be found for sale on the grid can look pretty naff. Organica provides however, with a rather wonderful array of hanging and potted plants especially created for the Home Show.   I especially liked the ‘Hanging Ivy Planters’ and the ‘Hanging Bamboo Herb Planter’.Snapshot_013

The Bamboo Herb Planter has found a place in my home in front of my writing desk,as you can see above,  and it looks great against the window.  It also offers up a little privacy against the neighbourhood too. Incidentally, the plants that it features are rosemary and sage and it has just 1 LI, which is very tidy indeed.  (I imagine in real life it would smell amazing too!)Zinnias_001

ZINNIAS is always a huge favourite of mine, purely because of the zinging colours and patterns that Zinnia Karu deploys so effortlessly into her designs. Her work mixes  Mexican  and South American styling with modern shapes and patterns to great effect. If you’re looking for something extraordinary, check out the Quetzalcoatl wall shelf, which will really brighten up a dingy corner , it features a pot-plant and maracas, everything perfect in detail and aspect.  I am totally love with the chilli pepper tree so much that yes, it’s in my virtual home.   The fabulous ‘Sol’ Patio Sofa looks just as good indoors as it does out, and check out the Neo-Urban fire bowl. I’m also using this at home to brighten up some decking and chairs and it makes for a beautiful evening outdoor ambiance.Zinnias_006

The ‘Sydney’ sofa at MUDHONEY  is beautifully constructed and textured and is exactly the kind of sofa I would love to sink into in real life. It just looks so bloody comfy, and is textured beautifully. The animations are excellent as always too, and there are singles and couples poses to enjoy.   The Addison Chandelier complements it perfectly and is a brilliant modern take on the traditional Chandelier shape.  I loved it so much I found a home for it in my kitchen (trust me, it really works!)Zinnias_007

MICHIGAN’S SHACK has every gamer’s fantasy catered to with a fabulous retro gaming sofa, arcade cab, table and wall art.  (This is the kind of furniture I’m sure my beloved would love in real life.  In fact, he has 24 arcade machines already so I sort of wish he had those in Second Life and this furniture in his real one instead!)

My winner though has to be BAZAR. Yes, I know it seems like this blog has become the unofficial Bazar fan-club, but in all seriousness the work created by Ria Bazar Mavendorf is just astounding to me,  and that is why I keep featuring it. That’s all there is to it, I’m a fan and her work really excites me.  Ria has some new releases to be found at the home show which really are astonishing, I couldn’t love them more if I tried!

The ‘Toronto’ sets  feature natural wooden furniture coupled with modern prints and accessories to create a contemporary look for the home. Each piece is lovingly crafted and menus for texture change options (light, dark or natural wooden finishes) and animations are utilised to the full.Zinnias_002At the Home Show 2013 you’ll see the Toronto bedroom, Study and Arts and Crafts room displays are waiting for you to wander around and experience them to the full. All of the items are beautifully presented, and on the walls you’ll see a listing of the land impact for each item.  Rest assured that every single piece is bloody wonderful and unique in its own way. For example, the Arts and Crafts room features a drawing table, pots of paint, a designer’s mannequin and canvases primed and  ready for you to create upon.  If you need some ideas you’ll find prints from Leonardo Da Vinci and other resource materials on the shelving unit ready to inspire you.

Zinnias_003

When you’ve finished your crafting for the day it’s time to retire to your  Toronto bedroom.  This is stylish and functional with  quirky elements like the bedside cabinet which features suitcases incorporated into the design, so clever and really effective!  The bed features a four poster frame and a colourful choice of bedding options.  There’s a clothing rail and vanity table to complete, with decorative pieces like artworks, vases and a stylish mirror.

Zinnias_004

If you can’t sleep then time to hop off to the study for some late-night blogging. The Toronto Study features all the essential elements that you need, and more besides.  Desk, shelving and seating all tied in with the Toronto theme and embellished with great extras such as a working clock, plants, cabinets and PC.  All of these gorgeous sets work beautifully together of course, because they all adhere to the same theme, but elements of each one can be used anywhere in your home to great success.

It’s at this point in the proceedings that I’d like to point you in the direction of my FLICKR account, where I have a set featuring some of the home show items that I’ve mentioned, and more besides. You’ll see work from Bazar, Mudhoney, Trompe L’oil, Zinnias and more besides, and I hope you enjoy taking a look at my virtual abode. I love it, it makes me really happy I must say!

Finally, I’ve said many, many times before on these pages what really gives your virtual home that realistic touch are the knick-knacks, so keep your eyes peeled because you’ll find an epic selection dotted around The Home Show.  I really adore the DIGS ‘Ferryside Driftwood Décor ‘wall hanging and the matching tray décor too.  There are some fab gacha prizes to be won at NOBLE, and look out for the seashell bottles, lamps and other assorted oceanic goodies which are ideal for jazzing up the bathroom at home.  CULPRIT screams colour, and has some dazzling drawer units, shelves and photo frames that would be suited to a colourful, kawaii style home, or even a virtual toddler’s playroom.

There is a lot to see and enjoy at the event and it’s not too busy now because of some other events that you may have heard of are currently attracting a lot of attention in-world. (Like Food Fair for example, that’s another Culprit build too.  Oh, and let’s not forget Hair Fair and Shoe fair and ALL THE F*CKING FAIRS!! Ahem!)

If you’d like to know more, take a gander at the official blog which features lots of information about the event, including maps.  I’ll see you there, I’ll probably be asleep on the Mudhoney sofa again..hmm, so comfy!