Christmas Lane

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

Christmas Lane has an extensive collection of décor for you if you are still looking. Shop after shop is chuck full of interesting items, Santas, gnomes, baubles and bulbs...outdoor scenes are great. Tiny shops and cafes and goodies , carts are for sale at good prices for your property. Some would look great beside a skating pond. I saw a hot tub with a counter for coffee after the dip and near by a red checkered spread on a Christmas bed.

 

Inside one of the little shop I saw another bed with a very pretty plaid coverlet. On the walkway sat a santa’s old fashioned car with an elf riding along with a huge bag of gifts in the back seat… reindeer on strike?

I think that this Market has the most gachas lined up for fun shopping that I have seen anywhere. The Black Friday sales vendors may still be there too. It was yesterday when I landed. So many lovely values on sale there so I hope you get to see them.

It is right across from the Advent Calendar where I will be visiting everyday but one needs the group . Join it so you do not miss her specials. She has some lovely outdoor Pine trees and snow covered trees with and without lights ,and many many Christmas trees all decorated in a variety of colors and lights.

One more cute market to visit if you are looking for odd cute Santas or elves , I saw fairies and even a Krampus or two. Angels hovered and little elves on snowskis. All were chubby and sweet and a bit different than most .

Take a look at the little skaters on the pond and the many other unique creatures moving about the snow . 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Paris%20Land/108/19/2313

There are so many wonderful items for sale in markets across the grid . I have chosen a few that I like to visit every year and new ones too. Shop and Hop is open now and many lovely places to have fun and relax I will be checking out from now to Christmas. My wallet is getting empty from not resisting the temptations I experienced this year. There is always that one snow globe that I never saw before and just had to have or that outfit that is just too good a bargain! At some of the shops you will see the poster for places to visit . There are 3 notecards full , not to mention the long list in the Destinations guide. Have a great time trying to get to at least some!! I will let you know about some I did get to visit.

Gemma Cleanslate
 

 

Snuggles

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

A few weeks ago I stopped over at Snuggles but the boxes were not open yet for Christmas but now they are. I love going to Snuggles the main store and the holiday stores . I need lots of time to traverse the huge area of outdoor décor set all over the region . Starting from the barn of Santas that is very busy with Santas clinging to the walls and climbing outside ,to the inside where a variety of Santas sit waiting for shoppers.

From there paths lead in all directions with a myriad of outdoor scenes from huge go tiny that you might like on your property. There are snowmen, animals, cute little sleighs. Large ornaments and so many more choices of décor depending on your taste.

 On a pond there are skaters of different types and I saw poor Santa fallen on the ice and his pack lying near by. If you would like a path liner of large candy canes in red or green you will see them along the paths.

After walking the lanes be prepared for the immense gift shop . Outside are all kinds of Snowmen of different styles .The shop goes on and on. The walls are lined with all sorts of gorgeous cards to pass along to sweethearts or friends or business people you know. Many of the cards offer changeable verses. Song cards play the whole songs. Don’t miss the garland and weath area next to the christmas tree section 

The tables are filled with sweet gifts and boxes to pack them in. Of course a whole shelf of Snow globes and flower domes caught my attention. There are bears galore. If you are looking for beautiful non seasonal globes or other gifts you can tp down over to the main Snuggles shop where there are beautiful statuettes of birds and other animals etc . I love that place too for the lovely choices.

The gift shop is on another region but visible from the paths.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Snuggles%20Holidays/14/187/27

Gemma Cleanslate
 

More Christmas Places: The Grove and Kringle County

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

With all the Christmas shopping that is going on including Shop and Hop I was so impressed with one I almost missed. I saw a poster at another Christmas place and went over to check it out. It is sponsored by THE GROVE, KAERRI & SURPLUS and is gorgeous! So many of my favorite designers had shops there.

Each shop has a gift box with lovely gifts in them. Crito Galtier of The Grove said “There are 123 shops filled with holiday items and every store has a free gift for you. 123 FREE gifts, people! 123!” It looked like more than 123 to me! It is massive in scope. One can find anything there from buildings to furniture to food, and outfits and classy cars and so much more!

While I was checking everything out floats were passing by on the roads. That make it more fun. I happened to come at the right time on my second visit . Crito was having a fireworks display over the beautiful bridge and I had a chance to see some of it. There are events going on until the 23rd of December .  

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Grove%20Event/22/128/23

There are so many gorgeous installations for the Christmas holidays it is impossible to get to all of them. Check the second life destinations. I chose a few to write about that caught my attention when I visited them. Kringle County was one that I really brought me back several times to visit This is where I went after a notice to come see Santa and have a photo taken with him. I got all dressed up and arrived to be one adult among lots of little tots having their pictures taken and telling Santa what they wanted. Santa was live and was asking what they wanted in voice. When I sat I told Santa I wanted more prims. Living on Bellisseria we get just so many for our Linden homes and of course always want more! I also got a gift from Santa.

Santa also is taking people around in his sleigh so I did take a ride. There is also elegant train ride to hop on and get to see the décor from the land level. Near the entrance there is a portal that takes one up to a their marvelous amusement park. I bet the parents took their tots up there after the picture taking.

There is a third level to visit … a massive racetrack for those who love that activity!

Take a walk on the streets and check out the houses as you go along. In front of each there is a gift box.
Pick out your favorite and vote for it in the mail box. Check out the shops for cute items to buy for the kiddies. Don’t miss the snowtube tour! Stop by the Beauty Shop if you feel the need to be pampered. I sure do! I stopped at the Diner and found a family having breakfast. Lovɛღ ɮɛʟǟɨʀɛ ღÅddɨcƬɨvɛ亗 (LoveAkiesha Resident) was having pancakes. 

 

I reminded them to come back to have her picture taken with Santa and get a gift . Hope they remember!

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Destination%20Dilly/97/208/23

Gemma Cleanslate

The Thanksgiving Parade And Some Xmas Shopping Places

 

By Gemma Cleanslate

 

I was so happy to learn the DJ Franny Dean’s Thanksgiving Parade is going to continue with the help of her sl friends who are keeping her legacy alive. They also plan to have the Christmas Parade beginning after right after. It will be held at Dreamville. This spot is the beginning of the parade. You might want to walk down the street a bit for a great view . Hop on a float and become part of the parade! Some flying floats come by also.. look up!! Enjoy! 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Amazing%20World/30/30/23

Are you ready for it? Lights are on. Some trees are up, but not decorated yet. Most stores are filled with colorful décor already. It sounds early but it really is not. Now that the scary stuff is packed away we really need to think about what we are going to do for decorating our own little or huge spaces in second life. I will take you to a few of the places I love to go exploring every year to find decorations that you might like . I try hard not to shop myself but always end up adding to my own collection that I pack away from year to year.

Let’s go shopping!!! My first stop every year is at Dench . Outside the huge store you will find all kinds of décor for your region or lawn. Inside also. There is an advent calendar all ready set up on the upper level with Bargain Countdowns nearby. The bargain corner up there has cute little decorations for only 5L . Don’t miss that!!

If you like wanderers you have your choice from penguins to Santa If you like dancing animesh partners stop on the lower level and take your pick by testing your choice of dances with one. I love them! I have several. Check out all the wreathes and trees. There is a delightful Piano playing Santa with Mrs. Claus standing by and some elves listening intently for an amazing low price.. Here is your landing point among the snowmen, elves and bike riding Santas.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rookery/13/32/222 

My next stop is always Snuggles Holidays because I love the name. It is enormous and takes time to walk the areas and look at all the goodies there. I like the organization and check the directory showing the offerings.

There is so much that they need a special place for Christmas cards and trees with its own teleport.The card selection amazes me! Across the way is a huge array of gift boxes and in the same building cute gift bears and snow globes that I try to ignore. I can’t resist them! Sigh ... wish we would all get a Christmas gift from the Lab…..more prims!!! Check out the Snuggle Baby for toys for the tots in your life. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Snuggles%20Holidays/5/161/26

A little bird told me to hop over to Love Superstore to the winter area and take a look for bargains all love the place. There are many, some need group and some do not. I found a couple of cute freebies and so much décor is on sale for 50L . The place is huge and there is a good tp system to help you . The outdoor items are arranged in a nice fashion highlighting each with vendors.

The outdoor tree with lights collections are beautiful for region décor.

I did join the group because I saw how lovely the group gifts were and got them all. This is their 15th year so you know they are doing well . They have a lovely fashion section also. Don’t miss it. Plan time there is a lot to see!! Like Snuggle this is more than one region!! I saw a couple setups for New Year Parties at good prices too.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/NESWNGI/106/104/2491

Gemma Cleanslate

A Few Halloween Shopping Places

By Gemma Cleanslate

Halloween seems far away but it is closer than we think. So many stores are full of fun decorations and I went to a few of my favorites and some new ones(to me) checking out the wares out for those who love decorating for the ghoulish holiday. One that is always lots of fun to explore is Dench ..

Amanda Dench is always opening in early September . She has terrific animesh figures and puts out a trial area where you can rezz and check them out. Her decorations are great for either region décor or home décor and the prices are great.

If you want a whole cemetery take a look at that. Go visit and check out all the goodies.

My next visit was over to Snuggles . I love visiting here for all holidays. It is a large place full of indoor and outdoor items. Move from one side to the other to get a good look at what is there . Check all the cute items inside the store too after you finish outside. You can find autumn décor that will take you up to change over for Christmas. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Snuggles%20Holidays/37/161/26

Never You Mind is the place for little critters that roam your area. The gifts for group members always get a chuckle and I grab them every time. Halloween critters are all around and have a different look than other critters you will find anywhere. A tip gets you little shoulder pet too. Take a walk to see all the different little guys and gals Harley (Harleywan Haggwood) makes for all times of the year.

Halloween Delights has an array of decorations to choose from always. Loads of pumpkins of all sorts , even pumpkin trees can be found here. One long wall is studded with Halo vendors.I love the flying witches

Another wall has a myriad of costumes to please anyone looking for any style. By the way Delights not only has Halloween but also many lovely fall decorations . Several other places do also.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ragdoll/186/196/2006

Khargo is another market I love to see at Halloween time as well as Christmas. There are so many choices there for large scenery as above. Beach scenes with skeletons lying around can decorate your own beach. The store is filled with small décor for the house. It is a large place to explore.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Yellowstone%20Falls/237/5/22

There are many more shopping places to explore but I am running out of time! Have fun and check the Places in search or Halloween in Destinations. Have fun!!

Gemma Cleanslate

 

More Christmas (And Thanksgiving) Shopping

 

by Gemma Cleanslate

 

 

As I continued my travels in search of Christmas décor for your region or your home I came across a lovely display of Thanksgiving tables and décor at Botanica Holiday Store. I found sit down dinner tables and buffet tables with delicious treats. Balloons and wall décor, carpets and even a bakery counter. If you are looking for any of these stop over then go on to check out the gorgeous décor for Christmas.

Outside I found wall baskets of plants, wreaths, more than one carousel.

The exhibit hall is chuck full of all kinds of items to brighten your home with light and sound. A brass band is playing Christmas carols. Tall trees. poinsettias, and garlands are available. Look up and see the hanging mistletoe and other hanging décor.

Stop by the ice sheet skating if you need a good size pond. Mr. and Mrs. Claus are out there surrounded by penguins, gnomes and even a polar bear. Grab the free iceskates and join them on the ice. There is a race track game that will put your score up on the board. There are teleports available to take you to other Botanica sites for other types of plant decorations.

If you wish you can climb the stairs and stop in to have your hair done. Farther along the walkwayis a wonderful music shop with harps and old fashioned instruments that has a great sale of music boxes for 99L going on. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blue%20Moon/182/233/23

I went over to the 8th Annual Christkindl Market & Advent Calendar 2022 . Divia’s Design and here too is a wonderful skating pond for you. Christmas stall circle the pond offering a huge variety of décor. Nativity scenes large and small, Santa balloons that circle in the air above, doll houses , Christmas shelves either empty or filled with baubles, are a few of the items I saw. If you want a chestnut roaster to grace your skate pond you will find it here.

Need a cozy winter cabin all furnished? There is one here for guests or for vacation on your winter parcel.Great price too.

I love the rotation Christmas Pyramid music box that comes in three sizes as does one of my favorite decorations, the Christmas globe! You know I bought one, I just can’t resist globes. There are some wonderful Welcome signs for your properties also. Take the long walk around to all the stalls so you don’t miss any of the possibilities for new decorations. If you join the group you will find a load of gifts in the Old Barn behind the skating pond. Here is your entrance. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Wildwood/130/32/22

Do you love freebies and really inexpensive décor as much as I do? If so stop over at MiChIGaN's ShAcK! WINTER SALE. For group members there are great deals and a lot of freebies.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Michigan%20Cove/132/109/1702

Gemma Cleanslate

 

Still More Christmas Locations

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

Still shopping !!

If you love elves and tiny fairies do make a stop at Enchanting Landscapes Decor Fantasy Home & Garden. There are the sweetest little groupings that really had me thinking how could I use them. I left them all there for you reminding myself I am down to just four prims on my houseboat!. There are other goodies to look at here some very sweet artifacts I have not seen anywhere yet.

I saw a selection of mice around too, some singing carols. There were several fanciful carousels to add to your region if you have more room than I. To get to the winterwonder take a teleport from here It is not a large place to roam but check outside the market . It is lovely with falling snow .and some winter scenes for sale.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Island%20of%20Avalon/158/116/24

Never You Mind is a fun place to stop if you love whimsy . The little critters there tug at your heart.
Many are singing, some dancing floating, and many running around looking cute! It is a sweet magical place ot shop or just roam looking at the terrain..

I think the creator , Harley (Harleywan Haggwood) must have a lot of fun designing all his little kiddies. They are packed in the shopping area cheek to jowl .

I have several from last year that are fun to have around. I saw a set of gift boxes that walk around near your tree . http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bundaberg/182/198/23

Jon Ree and Resa Ree (Resa Nova) have installed, Snowhaven, a marvelous skating area at the fairgrounds on the Bellisseria continent.

 It will open Monday , December 13 and remain for the holidays until the 29th. No shopping here so it is a relaxing place .

The pond is lovely and lots of room to skate. If you wander up the lane to the top of the hill on the way you will see little gathering places to sit and relax and talk . There is a teleport red ornament that takes you up on the slope to the Barn at the top of the hill that is already set for parties . There are free skates in case you did not bring yours. Anyone is invited!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bellisseria%20Fairgrounds/166/236/25

It is rare that I recommend a group sale but SWANK is having its last sale of the year at a Winter Wonderland of Gifts and I had to suggest visiting. It is huge! Two levels filled with displays of everything in the world you ever wanted. Most of the designers have set out a gift for visitors and Swank has many around the whole place. Look for gift boxes and bags everywhere. The fashions displayed of course are as always elegant and gorgeous. I gave up counting but it took a while to visit all the vendors , some of whom I have already seen at other sales . Group is needed but easy to join and there is a 5000L raffle too! Now I am going to open my boxes!! 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Swank%20Events/124/127/39

Gemma Cleanslate