Category: second life blogs

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…

‘The Arizona’; The house that Second Life dreams are surely made of..

‘The Arizona’; The house that Second Life dreams are surely made of..

by Lisa Millar ♥ 8 Comments

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One of the most amazing things about Second Life is the fact that it provides artists, creators and inventors a showcase to display their objects and wares so that they can be enjoyed in some way  by the inhabitants and their peers.

It’s what keeps bringing me back from my doldrums, the fact that I know when I log in I will see something tantalising and amazing and so exciting that it will put the biggest happy grin on my real-life chops, let alone my Second Life ones.

One of the most attractive aspects of the virtual world for me is the architecture. I’ve often waxed-lyrical on these pages about houses and how much pleasure I’ve derived from them.  I’ve owned and adored many, each one beating the previous one in some way, but all loved and furnished with aplomb in equal measure.

So it’s with a huge sense of satisfaction that I’m delighted to say that I have a new virtual home. But what has made this one a real treat for me is the fact that this house incorporates a shed-load of mesh, meaning of course that for a prim whore like myself, even on a relatively small parcel of land I can still get creative with my furnishings and landscaping.  But the fact is, this house is such a complete package that you can quite easily chuck it on a piece of land and leave it at that, because not only does it incorporate stunning exterior design and stylish interior furnishings, it also completes the look with a fabulous arrangement of rocks, plants and trees meaning that you can just move in and that’s it.

In fact this house is such an astonishing achievement that I expect to see a lot of people owning it on the grid.  It may well prove popular for its own good, but I don’t care, because I am completely in love with it.  The house in question is the ‘Arizona’, and is the work of Ria Bazar Mavendorf, available at her store, ‘Bazar’.

I don’t know Ria in virtual or real life, but if I did, she is the kind of person I would like to shake the hand of and buy her a drink in the pub. And as we’d sit down to enjoy our tasty beverage with a bag of roasted peanuts, my first question would be, “How the fuck did you make such a brilliant house?” Because, no joke, it is just that. Brilliant. Sensational. Outstanding. Dear reader, there are not enough words in my limited vocabulary to be able to extoll the virtues of this palace of dreams. I kid you not, it’s THAT good.

And I’m confident of my appraisal, as my good buddy Amanda Shinji cam round to visit and promptly went out to buy the very same house. Now, considering her existing  dwelling was already a work of art, the fact that she saw this one and decided there and then to change is a big thing.   I’m not saying she’s an awkward chuff, as we have similar tastes, but Ol’ Shinjles opinions on many things Second Life differ to mine, and so they should.  So the fact that she saw this house and went and got one kind of affirms a) that it’s bloody brilliant, and b) I have the best taste in the universe. Official.

So, enough waffle. What do you get?

What you get is a contemporary home, featuring clean, crisp  walls and lots of wood and glass. The ceilings are inspired, glass but covered in draped cloth making them feel almost sail-like. It’s a glorious home to have next to the sea. The floors are wooden throughout, except for the bathroom and the sauna. The rear of the house has decking galore, seating and a waterfall pool area. All  are beautifully lit, with animations waiting to be discovered. I’m NOT going to tell you EVERYTHING about this place because I INSIST that you go along and experience for yourself.  Also, I’m not confident that I know of all the surprises yet either, because I keep finding things, sitting in places and discovering poses that I didn’t realise were there for example. It’s left me feeling totally incredulous, and wanting more. So much more that it makes me a greedy chuff because you don’t need anything other than what this house provides. It’s a complete Second Life home experience. Image

Right from the get go when you ascend the path and enter through the glass doors you know you’re in a luxury abode. This is Hollywood folks. It’s the kind of home you’d expect to find Leo Dicaprio lounging on the decking, or Ryan Gosling in the bedroom. If only huh?

As you walk in you find a dining area and the table has a myriad of rezzable settings, serving either a couple or foursome with breakfast, dinner or coffees.  You can even just rez candles or flowers for a furnished touch when you’re not throwing your virtual dinner party. For privacy, there are curtains and a stunning light fixture hangs above the table. There is  a brief entrance area/hallway with furniture that makes for a lived in appearance, a coat-rack and console table, as well as your security system. Image

Of course if there’s a dining room there has to be a kitchen right? This one is a bloody stunner.  Modern, sleek styling with colour change lights to make for the right ambiance whatever the occasion.  Not only that, but hit the worktop and you’ll find poses and animations galore; rezzing veggies to be chopped, dishes to be washed and other things to do. (Again, please bear in mind chaps I am NOT going to tell you everything there is to see and do here, first of all there is SO much it’ll take me a month to write the post, and secondly it’ll spoil the fun of discovery.  Trust me; this is an experience that you want to relish!)Image

The living area is large and spacious with a lovely view of the outdoor sun-deck and the waterfall pool. The sofa comes complete with a footstool that rezzes foodstuffs and assorted items like the table before it.  There’s a comfy sofa, as well as a corner chair where you can enjoy a quiet read. There’s a fireplace for warmth, and throughout there’s stunning artworks to compliment the styling.  The prints in the house are mostly fashion-related, making this obviously a perfect living space for a fashionista, but they’re easily adapted with your own textures. Image

Onto the hallway, where you’ll find doors leading to a bedroom and bathroom. The bedroom is sensational; a fantastic bed, ottoman and footstool with animations and props. Colour-change bedding and lighting with a clothes rack and shelving  featuring various decorations enable a cosy feel.  Readers, this is some bedroom, be assured of that, and there is a HUGE variety of poses for couples, friends or just solo sleepers. All the poses are classy though, there’s nothing cheap or tasteless about this production. Image

The bathroom is just awesome too, featuring a toilet, dual sink and shareable shower. All feature fantastic poses and props again; for example you can sit on the loo and rez a magazine, I kid you not! The sinks are great and you can rez toothbrush, hairbrush, make-up and other items to get you looking your best. Again I’m NOT going to tell you all that are on offer because you quite simply MUST experience this yourself; but it’s the best bathroom I have ever encountered in world, that’s for sure, and the couples shower poses are sensual and loving to boot.Image

And readers,  there’s even a Sauna!  Beautifully constructed and again filled to the brim with poses for singles and couples. Honestly, these couples poses have to be seen to be believed. They’re astonishing quality, evoking love and tenderness and all things nice, not nasty. As I stated before, this is a quality establishment. If you’re looking for something dirty and nasty, you’d better look elsewhere!Image

So there you have it in a nut-shell.  No question that The Arizona has to be the BEST house in Second Life right now; there’s very little by way of improvements that could be made.  The poses are sensational, the props are all perfect.  The thought and care that has gone into producing this abode is just beyond belief. All the textures that have been chosen complement each other beautifully and all the shadows have been expertly applied to provide just the right amount of realism.  It’s easy to add your own textures and remove components, and it’s super easy to install as well. Image

The only possible way it could be improved would be to add options for changing the colours of the interior; it would be nice to be able to colour-change the walls and ceiling curtains and drapes, as well as the furniture.  It could also perhaps benefit from a shared tub in the bathroom, or even an additional bedroom.  Perhaps if an Arizona V2 is announced these features will be added, but as it stands it’s near enough perfection for me to insist that if you have the space that you install this amazing home and live in it and love it.

You can live a very comfortable Second Life in this property, and everything you need to enjoy time with your virtual partner, family and friends is here.  It’s outstanding, and it’s my favourite house yet. I must insist that you go and see it and judge for yourself .  Trust me, you’ll thank me for it!

Here’s a link DIRECTLY to the house

You can purchase either furnished or unfurnished styles.

  • Furnished costs just 4390L (Land impact 549)   ($17.35/£11:05)
  • Unfurnished is 2590L (Land Impact 324) ($10.24/£6.52)

Pro-tips: Collect a free footprint to check it will fit on your land, and if you decide to buy take advantage of the offer that is currently available and join the Avenue Magazine readers group to save an astonishing 20%! (878L!)