Summer at the Lake!

In just a few weeks it will be the official first day of summer.  School will end, kids will go away to summer camp and families will take camping trips exploring the great outdoors.  Days spent hiking mountains tops and evenings with families snuggled in their cabins; the smell of pine wafts through the air, the growl of bears in distance, moonlight becomes magical as it dances across the lake and memories are forged.

I was inspired by Finishing Touches Northwoods Lodge Collection released at Perfect Ten event to style a rustic cabin bedroom.  The Northwoods Lodge set consist of log style bed with cabin quilt duvet (Adult or PG version with single/couple animations), chair, bench, dresser, nightstand, end table, table lamps (pine cone & moose), trunks, birch bark candle trio, lantern, decorative books with glasses, and rug.  The entire collection is on sale for 50% off retail price until June 15, 2015.  There are also corresponding quilts and wooden decorative signs to complete the collection on sale available at Perfect Ten.  Let’s go camping!

Long Winter Slumber

Well, looks like my friend and fellow birthday mate Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday predicting six more weeks of winter.  It’s a good thing that the Domus Fair Winter Edition (January 11 to February 14, 2015) is still going strong and today I offer you a “Nordic Minimalism” inspired bedroom with exclusives release from Concept and we’re closed.  “Nordic Minimalism” is based on design and architecture of Northern Europe, the furniture and decorative elements predominantly are white, gray, black, wood, and warm gray with metal, wood, and natural fabrics. Cuddle into the plush Concept MinBed while enjoying the glow of the modern fireplace and we’re closed Winter Lanterns.  Sweet dreams for a long winter slumber.

Structure: Scarlet Creative, Country Keep Cabin (C88)

• Bed & End Tables: Concept, MinBed 4 Domus (Domus Fair)
• Rug: [we’re CLOSED], Fur Carpet Cream (Domus Fair)
• Fireplace: Concept, FirePlace for Domus (Domus Fair)
• Lamps: Apple Fall, Glass Bubble Lamp
• Lite Jars: Vespertine, Dreaming Glass Jar (Past group gift)
• Lanterns: [we’re CLOSED], Winter Lantern (Domus Fair)
• Chandelier: Pilot, Railroad Tie 
• Knitted Pouf & Matchstick Ladders: Soy
• Paper Whites: Keke
• Birch Candles: Fancy Decor
• Step Ladder: Apple Fall

Holiday Open House Tour!

Happy Holidays!  I hope you had a wonderful celebration and were surrounded by love, laughter, family and friends.  We, at Hidden Gems in Second Life, wish you a wonderful New Year!

My design partner, Niki Silverweb and I are opening the doors to our personal homes for the last Interior & Spaces Open House of 2014 from December 30, 2014 to January 6, 2015 (SLT midnight).  We created two charming holiday homes that showcase some of the fabulous Christmas tree designs and holiday decor offered on Second Life.  We were a little late this year because we both ended up with the flu, but we wanted to take this opportunity to invite you on a self-guided tour to enjoy our take on this festive season.  It’s never too early to plan for holiday 2015!

Our main home is the Scarlet Creative Lavender Brown house which features a master bedroom suite, dazzling entry hall reception area with mobile snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, a hall of trees inspired by real life traditions, a tartan plaid formal living room, and a fun-filled family dining room with kid’s table.  Nestled in the hillside forest is our guest quarters also designed by Scarlet Creative.  The Princess Jezibell Snug is a two-story cabin with a rustic eclectic vibe complete with a downstairs great room and an upstairs bedroom retreat with sleeping area for four or more.

We brought the holiday entertainment outside with hillside sledding, skating, hiking and a quiet spot among the hanging lanterns in the Barnesworth Anubis Filigree gazebo.  While exploring the great outdoors, you will encounter sheep, rabbits, deer, weasels, and penguins dotting the property.  We hope you enjoy the open houses and are inspired by our vision!

Landmark for main holiday home: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Premium/250/159/22

Landmark for rustic cabin (follow the stars): http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Premium/211/143/27

Bedroom

Reading Nook

Entry Hall

Dining Room

Hall of Trees

Living Room

Outdoor Decor

Rustic Cabin

Great Room

Kitchen

Bedroom Loft

Main House

Scarlet Creative, Lavender Brown House

Outside Decor: Park Place Holiday Green Candy Cane Wreath, Potomac Signature Homes Skating Rink, Barnesworth Anubis Filigree Snow Covered Gazebo, What Next Lanterns, DIGS Bench, Half Deer Star Lighted Path, Potomac Signature Homes Snowman with sled, The Mustard Seed Winter Animals & Ferns, D Lab Sheep, Isphachi Penguins, Finishing Touches Red Tree on Pedestal Urns, Finishing Touches Snowman w/tree

Entry Hall: 

• Duo Green Trres: Kismet, Snowflake Tree ‘K’ undecorated
• Hanging Snowflakes: Plethora, Counting Snowflakes
• Sofa: Scarlet Creative, Lucky 8
• Round White Table: Apple Fall, Charlotte
• Peace Sign: Trompe Loeil (2014 Advent Calendar)
• Table Top Tree: Sickly Sweet, Small Christmas Tree (N)
• Side Console Tables: The Loft, Bacall White Desk
• Pewter Trees: Mudhoney, Metal Tree Topiary
• Wreaths: Finishing Touches, Red Balls Double Wreaths
• Trio Snow globes: Finishing Touches, Winter Fantasy Sleigh Ride Snow Globe
• Mason Jar Snow Globe & Sleigh Card Holder: Park Place

Hall of Trees: 

• Color Tree: Heart Homes/Aphrodite Shop, Christmas Family Tree
• Dove Tree: Stonewood Interiors, POE Christmas Tree
• White Tree: Potomac Signature Homes, Snowy Spruce (Holiday Lane Collection)
• Gingerbread Tree: Follow Us, Sugar Gingerbreadman Tree
• Upstairs reading Nook: Apple Fall Fairfax Sideboard, Half Deer Mini Winter Scenes (telephone & winter cabin), Cleo Designs Snowy Frames, Mini Tree *A*ChristmasTree2014 Gold, & Art Dummy, Cathedral Mirrors
• White Wooden Wall Tree: Myrine

Bedroom:

• Chandelier: Apple Fall, Pearl Chandelier
• Rug: Apple Fall, Fabrique
• Bed & Side Tables: Apple Fall, Annan
• Lamps: Apple Fall, Dolly
• Armorie: Apple Fall, Plantation
• Merry & Bright Sign: Floorplan
• Dresser & Mirriors: Mudhoney, Zoe
• Mini White Tree in Urn: Finishing Touches
• Noel Snow Blocks: Myrine
• Gingerbread House: Thaino Designs
• Round White Side Table: Apple Fall, Charlotte
• Bambi Figurine: Apple Fall (2014 Arcade)
• Ornament Bowl: Dust Bunny
• Mini White Twinkling Snow Tree: C&D designs (N)
• Sofa & Armchair: Scarlet Creative, Lucky 8
• Fireplace w/lights, Noel Sign & Framed Art: Apple Fall, Chateau
• Fire log basket: Apple Fall
• Mini White/Green Tree on fireplace: Callie Cline (N)
• Victoria’s Dollhouse: Apple Fall
• Side Armories: Apple Fall, Charlotte Cabinet
• Wall Screens: Trompe Loeil, Ines Screen
• Side Chairs: Apple Fall, Fairfax 
• Design Books: Apple Fall
• Christmas Tree w/deer with Presents: Sickly Sweet, White Gold & Silver Tree
• Drapes: What Next, Madison

Dining Room:

• Table & Chair Set w/stockings & placements: What Next, Laurel Christmas
• Fireplace: Stonewood Interiors, POE Christmas Fireplace
• Dreamscapes Art Gallery: Earth Wooden Blocks, White Wooden Trees, Forest Wall Trees, Candle Tray, Hatbox w/teddy bear, Red & White Reindeer, Noel Console Table, Ho Ho Ho Sign, Stick Tree, Presents, Stocking Hanger, It’s Beginning Sign, Card Holder, Sweet Treats Side Table, Frosted Ornament Tree (Kids Table), Hatbox Presents, Baby It’s Cold Sign, Twig Wreath & Advent Candle Display
• Holiday Food Cart w/Turkey: Follow Us
• Ornament Rug & Santa Lucia Tree: Dench Designs, POE 2013
• Mini Choo-choo Train: *M&B* Luxus Designs (N)
• Plaid Cubby Chair: What Next, Winter Cubby Chair
• Kids Table & Chairs: Apple Fall, Pottery Dining Table & Chair Set
• Snowflake Rug: Potomac Signature Homes, Holiday Lane Collection
• Placemats & Table Settings: Thaino Designs
• Wooden Tree Art: Free Bird
• Snowman (Outside): DRD (Death Row Designs)

Living Room:

• Thaino Designs: Rug, Sofa & Matching Chairs
• Sweet Treat Chairs: StoraxTree, Royal Heritage Armchairs
• Sweet Treat Table: Apple Fall, Pottery Dining Table
• Sweet Treat Decor: Dreamscapes Art Gallery Candles, Finishing Touches Tabletop St. Lucia Tree, Apple Fall Christmas Pudding, Cherry Voulevants & Cookies
• Wreath & Garland Fireplace Decor: Cozy Essentials
• Nutcrackers: Convair, Nutcracker Soldier
• Coffee & Side Table: DIGS, Etieene
• Santa Tray: Follow Us
• Mini Tree on Plate: Dreamscapes Art Gallery
• Secretary Desk & Decor: Second Spaces
• Desk Chair: Apple Fall, Fusion Dining Chair
• Fireplace Mantle Decor: Dreamscapes Art Gallery Candle Plate, Park Place Mason Jar Snow Globe & Words for All Signs
• Noel Sign: Trompe Loeil (2013 Advent Calendar)
• Reclaimed Armoires: Apple Fall, Annan
• Wreath on Armoires: Park Place, Holiday Wreath with Pinecones 
• Wreath over Armories: Finishing Touches, Pine Wreath Pine Cones & Lights & Christmas Packages
• Main Tree: Finishing Touches, Trim-a-Tree Red w/presents & tree skirt
• Blanket Basket: Mudhoney, Alex Blanket Basket
• Drink Cart: Pilot, Bridges Bar Cart
• Angel Wall Quit: Finishing Touches, Angels of Peace Quilted Wall Hanging
• Gold Tree Card Holder: Sway’s, Noel Wire Christmas Tree Wall Photo Holder
• Chandelier: Pilot, Gold Chandelier

Rustic Cabin

Scarlet Creative, Princess Jezibell Snug

Outside Decor: Serendipity Designs, Winterberry Christmas Sled & Park Place, Holiday Green Candy Cane Wreath

Great Room

Living Room:

• Drapes: What Next
• Sofa: Pilot, Lumberjack Red/Black
• Armchair: Floorplan
• Black Sled Table: ???
• Santa Tray & Snow Globe: Follow Us
• Black Trees: Follow Us
• Sofa Lamp: DIGS
• Suitcase Table: Dust Bunny
• Brass Table Lamp: Theosophy
• Ceiling Light: Pilot, Railroad Tie Chandelier

Reading Nook:

• Armchair: What Next, Winter Plaid Cubby Chair
• Sled Shelf: Isphachi
• Suitcase Table: Dreamscapes Art Gallery
• Candle Plate: Olive
• Moose Head Card Holder: Finishing Touches
• Ladder Lights: Junk
• Black Cutout Tree: Balaclava
• Red Lite X-mas Sign: Follow Us
• Ceiling Lights: Apple Fall, Strung Branch Pendant Light
• Fireplace: Finishing Touches, Stone & Oak (Tree of Life collection)
• Log Basket: Hideki
• Stockings: Follow Us
• Notes to Santa: Consignment
• Happy Holiday Red Frame: Floorplan
• Moose Head: Serendipity Designs
• Red Sled: Trompe Loeil, Let It Snow Decorative Sled (2013 Advent Calendar #10)

Kitchen:

• Refrigerator: Dutchie 1930’s
• Candle Tree: Trompe Loeil, Tree Candleholder
• Porcelain Deer Heads: Dust Bunny
• Sink Unit: Cheeky Pea, Yukon Kitchen
• Sink Decor: Food Follow Us, 8f8 Milk Bottles & Isphachi Musical Snow Globe
• Stove: Apple Fall
• Stove Decor: Dust Bunny Kettle & Mittens, Chez Moi Xmas Kitchen Shelf
• Holiday Chalk Board: Frogstar
• Breakfast Bar: Brixley Black Console Table, Theosophy Garvagh II Stool (Crow), Chez Moi Xmas Snack Placements & Follow Us Plum Pudding
• Trophy Wall: Vespertine Faux Trophy, Dust Bunny (Ivory & Coal), & Vita Boudoir Rudolph Trophy

Bedroom Loft:

• Beds: Vespertine
• Couch: LISP
• Sled w/Presents: Follow Us
• Lights Above Windows: Second Spaces
• Rugs: White Fur & Tarte, Snow White Rug
• Winter White Tree: Trompe Loeil
• Twig Stars: Tarte
• Wood Stove: Sway’s
• Porcelain Deer Heads: Dust Bunny
• Window Seat w/logs: Second Spaces
• Grey Sled Coffee Table: Vespertine
• Santa Tray: Follow Us
• Telescope: Theosophy
• White pouf: Soy
• Trees: Botanical, Reclaimed Barn Wood Tree & Industrial Ladder Tree, Trompe Loeil Funky Gold Tree
• Ceiling Light: Theosophy, Ceredigion Chandelier
• White Linen Cabinet: Second Spaces {side wall not shown}
• Matchstick Ladder: Soy {side wall not shown}
• Cheers Sign: Floorplan {side wall not shown}

Baby, It’s Cold Outside!

After a cup or two of hot chocolate, night fell on the North Pole and the Misses showed me my room for the evening.  The rustic charm of the winter lodge living room continued into the guest bedroom.  The Potomac Signature Homes Holiday Lane bedroom is a cozy retreat with an oak four-poster bed adorned with garland and wrapped in red and green wool tartan duvet, matching plaid lampshades and quilted wreath.  Oak side tables and dresser, snowflake rug, and a sparkling frosted Christmas tree complete with quilted handmade tree skirt, candle and string lights, ornaments, poinsettia, and “spinning” silver snowflake topper welcomes and charms the bedroom. The Holiday Lane bedroom is available at the SL Christmas Expo 2014!

The side wall is decorated with Dreamscapes Art Gallery Christmas Forest wood trees which create the feeling of Christmas glow.  Finishing the bedroom is the comfy sage and poinsettia Jolly Velvet Chaise Couple Lounge, decked out with snowflake blankets and pillows by Circa Living and a charming holiday themed corner side table with wooden tree and Christmas signage by The Mustard Seed (both Homestuff Hunt gifts).

On our shopping trip, I picked up some cute Christmas lingerie.  First up is Carrie’s Lingerie Holiday Grace lace and silk poinsettia print bra and boyshorts, part of the Penny Wishes Hunt (a portion of the sale is donated to RFL) at the SL Christmas Expo 2014 AviChoice sim.  I accessorized the Carrie’s Holiday Grace set with Purple Moon Cycle in Emerald & Topaz Set (Hunt for the Bells- 100% proceeds donated to RFL) and Cucbis dans la Chocolaterie Bracelet & Ring (Naughty or Nice Hunt), both items available on Sim 1 at the SL Christmas Expo 2014 until December 15, 2014.  Wreath with teddy bear and trees by Potomac Signature Homes.

And, last is Mona Red Kitty Set, a red and black kitty cat printed boyshort and bra set by Blacklace Lingerie, part of the KittyCats Advent Calendar.  I’m also sporting Chop Zuey Hearts of Hope set, both items free for all.  Joy to the World, and look forward to a glimpse into Santa’s toy land tomorrow!

A Fall Cabin in the Woods

When I saw Trompe Loeil’s Rivershire Waterwheel House offered at Collabor88 July (Safari Chic) round, I was immediately inspired to create a Oktoberfest theme build.  Unfortunately, I designed about 90% of the structure when our sim was attacked by spammers, then two weeks later, our landlord went crazy and I lost everything.  Well I take that back, he threw everything back at me in clumps in my lost and found folder and it’s taken me sometime to regroup and re-stage the house.  I’m happy to now present our formerly known as Oktoberfest house, now dubbed fall-fest Cabin in the Woods.

The Rivershire Waterwheel House truly embodies melding nature into the home.  The cobblestone cottage with working waterwheel is built into a mountain rock.  The inside of the 2 story structure is supported by a large tree trunk with climbing ivy creeping onto the exposed stone walls.  Our cozy two room abode features large planked beamed and vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, intricate parquet wood flooring, and a dominate stain-glass circular window with bench.  The first floor has been styled in four separate areas; living room with plush leather sofa and chair overlooking the lake view, entertainment area with an apple delight sweet treat dessert bar leading into the dining spot with beautiful elegant autumn table setting and yummy candy apple center piece, and finally near the tree trunk stairwell the kitchenette houses a wine bar and pantry.  The overall vibe of the downstairs is rustic charm with notes of steampunk and autumn bliss.  The upstairs loft area has been transformed into a fairytale bedroom with two antique twin brass beds with patchwork duvet, soft inviting armchairs, and favorite plush friends (Snow Angel & Mr. Wiz, when our plushy friends are not causing trouble at the cabin, they hang out at Sway’s).  Hope you enjoy the spotlight of our autumn cabin in the woods and it will inspire you to decorate with nature in mind.  Have fun this holiday season, rethink the expected, and remember always Let’s Get Decorating!

Living Room:

Sweet Treat Dessert Bar:

Dinner Table:

Kitchenette:

Loft Area:

Structure: Trompe Loeil, Rivershire Waterwheel House

Outside:

• Trees: Studio Skye, Enchanted Forest & Silver Birch
• Pumpkin Wheelbarrow, Scarecrow & Hay Wagon: Finishing Touches
• Wine Barrel Table & Chair Set: Decor Junction
• Pumpkin Decor: Pilot
• Pigeon Bench: Junk
• Chicken Coop: Thaino Designs
• Vegetable Barrels: Dysfunctional Designs
• Chickens: D-Lab

Living Room:

• Chocolate Sofa & Armchair: Floorplan
• Bench: Vespertine, Hallway Autumn
• Coffee Table: Trompe Loeil, Paxton Log
• Rug: StoraxTree, Simple Elegance Mesh Braided Tan Rust
• Pumpkin Pie Decor: What Next
• Coffee Tray: Tartessos Arts, Intense Coffee Set
• Branch Wrapped Candles & Victor Wood Burning Stove: Sway’s
• Lamp: Tarte, Pulley Light
• Decorative Pillows: La Galleria (**FREE**)

Sweet Treat Dessert Bar:

• Cheeky Pea, Dipper Bar Set

Dinner Table:

• Table & Chair Set, Place Settings & Chandelier: Apple Fall, Pottery Dining Set, Pumpkin Place Setting & Pearl Chandelier
• Acorn Candles: Alouette
• Wine Glasses & Votive Candles: The Loft
• Red Candy Apple Centerpiece: Poche, Apple of the forest 

Kitchenette:

• Hutch: Dysfunctional Designs, Heph’s Kitchen Counter
• Island: Emm, Melody Kitchen Island (**Store now called windsong)
• Wine Bottle Case & Beer Bottles: Decor Junction
• Red Apple Display: Floorplan
• Steampunk Wall Clock: Park Place

Loft Area:

• Brown Leather Armchair: DIGS, Heritage Chairs
• Wooden Trunk (Open): Decor Junction
• Brass Antique Beds: Vespertine, Wildwood Daybed
• Hanging Lantern: Trompe Loeil, Paxton Lantern
• Keepsake Box: Kalopsia, Old Box (Green)
• Teddy Bears: Sway’s, Cookie Bears (Angel & Wizard)
• Victoria’s Dollhouse: Apple Fall
• Coat Rack: What Next, Cedar Log Hatstand
• Hutch: Pilot, Heirloom Hutch [Floral]- Sage Green
  • Trompe Loeil: Lite Wreath, Red Cardinal, Star on Stick, Rustic Frame, Topiary (2013 Advent Calendar Items, Arcade Dec 2013)
  • Park Place: Plaid Folded Blankets