Tag: Second Life

SL Look Book: Boho Beach

SL Look Book: Boho Beach

by Ellie_Avora ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Today I’m bringing you a fresh look based off of Cali girls in the 90s. I wanted to go with a boho chic look this time around as it gives a very teen/beach vibe. I wanted to add a sort of ethnic vibe to her hence the hair I decided to pair with the outfit. For my first Second Life Look Book outfit I wanted to create something simple that you could wear. I also wanted to put items, clothing, skin, and hair you could find easily to re-create the look if you wish. Also for those who don’t know all of my Look Book photo’s are only slightly edited. This is on purpose this is because I want others to know how their avatar will look in world without any perfections added onto it. This way you know what you’re getting into if you copy this look.

Some of these I put the demo version for it’s because for example, for the hair there are different hair colors. Or for the make-up you definitely want to try the demo first to see if you like before purchasing for 150l.

Sailing 101 in Second Life

Sailing 101 in Second Life

by Ellie_Avora ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

For those who haven’t read it, yet I wrote a post on my experience finding out about sailing in Second Life and how I’ve been getting into it as of recently. This is a 101 beginners post on how to start and what to do and some places that might help as far as rezzing your boat out on the open water and some sailors lingo. This also works for open sim virtual worlds like Trinity and a few others. As usual, I’m going to add a disclaimer, this post is for beginners or those just starting with sailing some of this is information I’ve learned through other people, blogs, and my own experience. Please leave constructive criticism only if the comments are open if not go ahead and like the post, if this has helped you or you found it to be informative and something you’d get into. With all of that mumble jumbo being said let’s get our sea legs ready and jump right in!

Getting a Boat:

The first thing you’re going to have to do is find a boat to get started. Please don’t make the same mistake I’ve made and just go out all willy nilly and buy yourself a boat. The best Second Life boats for boating if you’re serious about it and the well-made ones are extremely expensive they cost anywhere between 2,500 Lindens onward. Save yourself the money until you know this is something you want to do and something that would be a good investment for you. Sailing is a great way to spice up your virtual world life but only if you’re serious about doing it more than once your entire time online. There are free boats that you can obtain to start with. This gives you a taster as to what sailing is like in Second Life and if you’ll enjoy it sometimes, we just buy on impulse. I know I do. I found a place in Second Life where you can get a free boat to try out sailing you can also rez your boat here so it’s a great place to start if you’re interested. 

Blake Sea – Half Hitch Rez Center and Harbor

This is a link to the Blake Sea – Half Hitch Rez center and Harbor where you can Rez you’re ship or acquire a free one to try out sailing. To grab one of the free ships once you land in the area there is a box which will be shown to the right of this post you will click it and it will Rez out for you and you can use it for free. A great option if you’re not sure if you would enjoy boating or not. 

Now let’s say you are serious about boating in Second Life and you want to buy yourself a nice boat to use on the waters. These are serious investments in Second Life as they cost a lot of virtual currency. Either you will have to save for it or put real money into the virtual world for that currency. Make sure this is something you want to do. If you do, please continue reading…

I looked around for hours for nicely made boats that will give you a very realistic boating experience in world. I also did some research on other WordPress blogs and talked to some sailors myself to find out what some of the best ship and boat makers are and with that, I’ve compiled a list of creators that you might want to look into for your first one. I specifically wound up getting a motorized sailboat as it fits my style it can be used for both cruisings on the waters with the sails or used with the engine so it’s a hybrid and works out to my advantage. I’ll probably never race my boat but that’s popular to do in Second Life is racing. Mine to give you all an idea is a boat from The Mesh Shop which in my opinion makes some of the best boats that I’ve looked at before buying mine. Also, keep in mind my specific boat was 3,000 Lindens which is about 12-13$ USD so be wary of that.

Keep in mind every boat is different there are different types of boats there are motor yachts, sailing boats, and manuals that you can choose from to use. Some ships run off of the actual wind in Second Life and yes there is wind in Second Life, who would have thought?  Some sailboats sail only with the Second Life wind system others you can pick your wind direction and speed. For the most part, when you buy a boat you will often get a manual this will show you how to operate your boat I’d highly suggest doing one out of two things. I’d read the manual and then operate the boat or if your hands-on operate the boat while you read the manual. But I can’t stress this enough if your boat comes with a manual and you’re new to sailing READ THE MANUAL. 

Boat Creators to Check-Out:

Bandit (Analyse Dean) Marketplace link: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/120514

BBX Design/ Yachts & Buildings (Aymec Millet) Marketplace link: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/63972

Inworld store: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sunny%20Bay/162/129/26

Trudeau (Jacqueline Trudeau) Marketplace link: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/1275

Inworld store: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Trudeau%20Classic%20Yachts/194/64/23/

Dogma9 has one ship called the Moon shadow that’s 7,000 Lindens but super nice if you want to check that out Marketplace Link: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Moon-Shadow-White/14405046

The Mesh Shop (Kain Xenobuilder) Marketplace Link: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/94614

Inworld store: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dutch%20Harbor/142/142/25

This is where I got my ship from mine is called (TMS) Café Del Mar it’s quite the beauty I put a picture to the right for reference it is a sailboat like I’ve described above in obtaining a boat. It’s a great option and more cost-effective than some of the boats you’ll find on Second Life. However, the normal starting point is 3,000 Lindens sometimes there are more that are cheaper, but they won’t be the best quality and what you will need if you’re serious about sailing.

Berdav (Anu Daviau) Marketplace Link: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/32972

They don’t sell boats anymore, but they have little paddle boats that you can buy you can search the creator they might have more elsewhere but with the research, I couldn’t find her store anymore. She made some nice motorized yachts at the time though they were smaller but worth every penny.

Ocean Industries (Markus Hirszberg) Marketplace link: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/89115

A small assortment of motorized boats there is a luxury edition of the skyline which looks like it could be a suitable product for boating. After doing some research on it if you’re interested. It’s a low end priced boat costing 2,990 Lindens I’ll go ahead and post the link here if you want to take a look at it. https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Skyline-Luxury-Edition/6730452

E- Tech (Envy Melody) Marketplace Link: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/35536

Not the best boats but they’re a little more affordable and somewhat nice for the price you pay well to start with to see if it’s something you’re going to keep up with. Boats are anywhere from 599 Lindens to 2,800 Lindens on the Second Life marketplace.

There are more creators than this, but this is just to get you started on you’re boating search for what you may want as well as different price ranges. I tried to get places that were all different prices so you could see what you would get in each price range and what is obtainable.

Where to Rez your boats:

When it comes to rezzing your boats there are places where you can and it is doable. Normally you can Rez them in specific corners of the Blake Sea sims that are meshed together or you can do it at a harbor, marina, or Rez area that you find along your travels. An example would be the link I posted above for the Half Hitch Rez center which I’ll also post the link here for you guys as well. It’s a very small spot where you can Rez your ship but you can Rez it and be on your way. Plus to be fair it’s a non-populated area so, for the most part, you will be alone and not have to deal with someone else trying to Rez their ships as well. 

Blake Sea – Half Hitch Rez Center and Harbor

Another place that I could suggest which I found from a WordPress blog called Sailing in Second Life which if you’re interested in more about sailing and learning how to live life on the sea you should check it out. The writer stated that a good area for him to Rez their vessel is in the Starboards Yacht Club in Hollywood.

Starboards Yacht Club in Hollywood

I haven’t checked out this area yet but “Sailing in Second Life” is not the only blog that had mentioned it when it came to finding where to Rez your boat to sail. On my journey, I’ve come across a few places to Rez ships which I will go ahead and list below I tried to limit it down to my top 10 places where it’s been not to laggy and easy experience.

Places to Rez Your Boats and Vessels:

New Port Yacht Club (Bay City):

http://slurl.com/secondlife/New%20Port/20/100/24/

Oyster Bay (you can Rez boats and can sail out to sea. You. Can also go down the Linden River from here and enter other sea’s as well from this Rez point.):

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Oyster/95/175/85/

Bering (Rez area):

https://secondlife.com/destination/bering

This is a perfect place it is a safe Rez spot where you can test out your new boat, it’s quiet with very little people and an awesome place to get started. Highly recommend.

Blake Sea – Spyglass:

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Blake%20Sea%20-%20Spyglass/144/199/22

DP Public Dock:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trelliana/60/133/28

Mermaid Inn at Pier side Yacht Club:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Salliohsis/53/193/22

This is an area that I have visited recently after the suggestion on a WordPress blog I saw that talked about where you could Rez to sail and this came up. It’s both a Yacht club with spaces to rent a hotel to rent out rooms as well as a public rez zone for those who just need to get their ships up and going. I’d suggest this option mainly because you will meet a lot of people there who have experience with sailing in Second Life who can give you tips and pointers and help you on your journey if you need. A lot of the people I’ve personally met here are very nice, drama free, and are willing to help if you’re confused with something about your ship such as wind direction, etc.

Tuliptree (rez zone):

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Tuliptree/184/204/21

Barnbarossa Ferry terminal (Linden Labs Infohub) here you can even grab a free boat that you can Rez out if your short on cash to buy one. This is a great place to get started and a nice Rez zone sometimes it can get busy though so be careful with this area. The few times I’ve visited there are more than 10 people. Unless you don’t mind people it’s a large vast area to Rez and get started. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Barbarossa/184/48/23

Satori Bay (3 region location various things to do and places to rez)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Barbarossa/184/48/23

This is a good option for a beginner because it has a little bit of everything to start you off. It’s three regions and it’s a mixture of a marina, place to chat, walk, and shop like anywhere else in Second Life, place to rez, a place to rent boats if you don’t want to go out and buy your own yet, stores for rent, there is just so much to do so if you don’t rez here at least check it out! It won’t be a waste of time I went here for the first time yesterday and it’s a new favorite place for me to chill with my little sailboat.

Second Life Sailing Center and History Museum

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Barbarossa/184/48/23

This is a wonderful place for beginners as it is a Yacht club, history museum for sailing where you can learn a lot of new things on you’re sailing adventures. It also has UPDATED listings and information for Yacht clubs, sailing blogs, and the history of sailing in Second Life. A place to go as a beginner it has helped me out so much everyone thinks I’m a seasoned boater and I’m a noob at boating in Second Life. So this is a huge suggestion from me.

What Seas Are There to Sail in?

Good question there is a variety of different places where you can go sailing, however, the most popular places are going to be as followed:

  • Sea of Fables
  • Blake Sea
  • Ahab’s Hunt
  • Gulf of Lauren
  • Greta
  • Puerto Arianti

These are the major seas and gulfs where you can sail your boat if you look any of these up you can start sailing pretty much once you get to those regions of water. I will post links later on when I can find all of them for you guys. But for right now you can just search these places inside Second Life and teleport to these major bodies of water. Hopefully for now though this helps you! One thing I wanted to add is in the Blake Sea there are places to Rez your ships there as well.

These are just a few things to get beginners started when it comes to sailing in Second Life and even in other open sim virtual worlds. Hopefully, this helps you on you’re journey and some of these links will help you get to where you want to be with your sailing experience. Some users are so into the boating community that they dock and just live on their boat. Or they explore the open seas and just relax in the middle of the Blake Sea on their boat. This is an actual living alternative which I’ll explain in another post later on. Second Life is an amazing place to try sailing and the sailing on Second Life is a great alternative to an actual boating simulator and there is so much more to do and experience. If you have any more questions please feel free to ask me or read some other blogs based around the Second Life sailing community. Don’t forget there are so many places to learn how to be a part of the sailing community on Second Life there are so many Yacht clubs and marinas and a ton of Second Life sailing blogs to look into. Use your resources you will be happy that you did.

Bon Voyage!

Experience: Sailing For The First Time in Second Life

Experience: Sailing For The First Time in Second Life

by Ellie_Avora ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

As we all know in a virtual world, we can do whatever we want right? We can experience new things, try things we never would in the real world, the possibilities are endless. I decided to dip my virtual toes into something completely new. Something I never thought I’d do you’re probably wondering what that is? I put my sea legs out and set out on a whole new adventure with virtual world sailing. Sailing? You’re probably thinking but believe it or not Second Life is one of the best boating and sailing simulators at the moment. There is a large vast body of water specifically the Blake Sea that I’ve been using. I discovered sailing in Second Life during hurricane Dorian when Florida was supposed to get hit but was completely bypassed with just some offshore winds and heavy rains. Luckily, I didn’t lose power, or I wouldn’t have been able to explore this new hobby I’m now super into!

My Avatar while exploring the Blake Sea when Boating.

Now keep in mind I’m a noob when it comes to boating inside of Second Life at the moment. I recently have just been cruising around on my expensive sailboat that I did a lot of research and digging to find and use. It did come with a manual thank goodness! Otherwise, I’d be super lost at what to do and how to operate it. It said that it would take me about 2 hours to operate it well and be able to drive it fast and that is for people who know how to sail in Second Life. Let’s just say it only took me half an hour to learn how to use my boat effectively with all the researching I’ve been doing on it. I even dropped by a WordPress blog specifically written to help beginner sailors that were written a long time ago, but it was still relevant which I’ve realized while continuing my research and it helped with a lot of questions I had.

This is an experience I’d try if you want something fun to do to spice up your virtual life. You’re able to explore new places specifically little islands that Linden Labs created to stop at or drive around. There are lighthouses, Buoys, and other boaters out in the sea with you. It’s so much fun to explore new places and meet new people it brings the free spirit out of you. I’ll be honest, I went sailing in the Blake Sea again today and it was so much fun! I discovered a medium-sized island with people on it relaxing and people out on their boats there were even some avatars that were dressed up as mermaids swimming in the lagoons and sea waters in the area. So many people hang out in the Blake Sea keep in mind this sea is a huge body of water it’s a bunch of individualized sims (land plots) pieced together specifically for sailing and water activities ONLY. There are some residential areas off the waters but for the most part, you’ll find marinas and islands to explore and take part in.

You might be thinking to yourself the same thing I was thinking if you’re reading this post “wow! That sounds so interesting how do I try it out and get started?” well to be honest with you I’d research first before jumping right into it. I honestly did just jump into it, but I had time to learn how to do everything since I’ve been stuck in the house for a few days. But if you buy a boat and you’re ready I’d suggest the Bandit (The Mesh Shop) for buying your first boat. If you’re serious about it the investment is worth it. You’re looking at spending 2,500 Lindens – 3,000 Lindens for a nicely made boat with a compass, real sounds from the ship, etc. Their nice mine is one from their shop. Was I super serious at the time when I bought my boat? No. But I’m glad I invested because I’ve been sailing in the waters every day. Just a head’s up though if you don’t have the best computer or you tend to lag a lot in world just know you might be logging every few sim hops. That was my issue a lot and I have a gaming computer so that’s just to let you know what you may experience while driving over sim borders. I only had to relog once in 2 hours so not too bad, but it is a possibility even on a well-made computer. But if you’re planning on sailing a lot or it’s something you really want to do make the investment you won’t be sorry especially with the Bandit ships they’re mesh super well made and can seat not only you but if you want to bring some of your friends with you out into the open sea then they’re great for that. The poses on the ships are nice they’re not those free poses you’ll find at a freebie shop and I would hope not for the price of the ship you’re spending. I’d be a little disappointed if it was. So, if you’re on the fence about sailing there are free boats you can get as well as I said just do your research. I will also make a post for you guys with the 101’s about sailing in Second Life and a how to get started post for you guys who are super interested. I’ll also be typing up a new post in the future with a review on my specific Bandit ship that I have.

Bottom line, if you’re one who loves to explore new places, meet new people, and sail the open seas this is a way to spice up your virtual life. I hope this has helped you make up your decision if you were on the fence with it. If you’re new to the concept, in general, I hope this has provided information and helped a little bit telling you what you can experience by sailing in a virtual world setting. It’s a whole lot of fun and there will be more posts to come about it!

Stay Tuned!

How to Obtain a Pet in Second Life? & What are Breedables?

How to Obtain a Pet in Second Life? & What are Breedables?

by Ellie_Avora ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

The first question you might be asking yourself just by examining the title is, what are breedables? The definition of breedables in the world of Second Life is a pet that is taken care of just like you would take care of a pet in reality. However, this pet can be bred to make exclusive versions of the pets you have that you can either sell for online currency or keep and show off. Breedables are popular because it gives the full experience of owning a pet such as buying food, collars, water, etc. to take care of the pet and keep it’s stats or happiness, health, and sleep levels up just like you would take care of yourself or a real-life pet. However, some people only use breedables for breeding them and making popular breeds or unique traits and coats for their pets. Some sell for over USD 100 in the virtual world platform of Second Life. Amazing! Isn’t it? This is just one form of pet that you can own in Second Life. However, if you’re like me and have too much responsibility with a real-life pet and don’t want to put too much real-life money into Second Life to get virtual currency to spend on taking care of a pet, then you might be interested in virtual pets that aren’t breedables and guess what? They do exist, and they’re just a one-time price.

JIAN is a famous pet maker in Second Life they specialize in creating mesh and Animesh pets that you don’t have to take care of, but you can interact with them. By interact you won’t be able to feed them or whatnot, but you can hold them, pet them, give them toys, watch them wander around, take pictures with them and Instagram it all over the internet or whatever millennials do nowadays, etc. This is my chosen option for having pets or any animal in Second Life as these are carefree, so if I’m offline, they won’t get sick, pass away, or die. Which let’s be honest I think most of us would prefer something like the JIAN pets, especially if you have a busy lifestyle or use Second Life to escape real-life responsibilities.

An example of breedable pets that are popular and constantly found throughout Second Life are:

  • Amaretto and ABC horses
  • KittyCats
  • Zooby Babies (yes breedables can be baby avatars as well crazy huh?)

These are just a few, but these from what I’ve seen are the most popular breedables that can be found and that are enjoyable to most individuals. I, for one, will be honest with all of you I have had and acquired all three and have been roped into them for years. However, now I only have KittyCats which keep getting sick because I’m not around a whole lot (at least they’re not dead) and Zooby babies (recently they went from prim to mesh so to take care of them is a lot cheaper than in the past and worth it). I will type up a whole post about Zooby babies and my experience with them in the near future. If you’re interested in that, please keep an eye on future posts. But from experience breedables can get pricey, especially if you don’t control yourself with how many you have. If you have one or two, it isn’t so bad but any more then that and to keep them happy and healthy takes a toll. To be fair though a lot of Second Life users see breeables as almost a game. If this is something you’re interested in, then go for it! It can be fun but realize money does go into them and to keep your breedable habits under control if you try it.

As far as JIAN pets I own quite a few of their pets and animals but my all time favorites that I own are:

  • Guinea Pig’s
  • Cats
  • Wolves
  • Ferrets

These are so great, especially if you like watching animations they scamper around, do little tricks, make noises, everything a breedable can do. They are fantastic and a great addition if you own a parcel or piece of land to call home on Second Life. They have their perks, and in the long run, they’re a lot cheaper than taking care of a breedable.

Overall, there are two ways to have pets in Second Life above I have provided two examples one primary example of breedables and one example of just having a pet or companion to have with you throughout your virtual journey. These are just some ideas if you’re looking to get started with a pet on Second Life. I will be creating posts both on JIAN animals and my breedable experiences. I’m going to have a post on Zooby babies and hope you will keep an eye out for all of them. If you have questions about breedables or finding a pet for you’re avatar and self to enjoy in Second Life, please leave a comment below, and I will answer as soon as I possibly can.

What is a Virtual World?

What is a Virtual World?

by Ellie_Avora ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Even as an individual who has a deep understanding of virtual worlds, there isn’t a set definition as to what a virtual world is. This is mainly because each individual uses a virtual world platform for something different. For example, my definition of a virtual world is going to come more from a creative aspect because that is what I use them for. For someone else, it could come from a business viewpoint. They could want to start a business in a virtual world in hopes it will take off. In this case, their virtual world experience would be more business-oriented. However, the most common is the individual who wants to escape reality. Virtual worlds are highly popular amongst individuals who try to escape their reality for one reason or another. This is because there isn’t a set goal or quests you have to go through like you would in a video game. You can do anything and be anything you want in a virtual world, and this is what ropes people in.

My definition of what a virtual world is would be; “A creative outlook and an expansive world where I can meet new people, network, pursue my creativity in interior design and create an online presence both through my avatar and land (or room depending on the virtual world).” With my viewing virtual worlds from a creative standpoint, everything to me is considered a blank canvas. A canvas in which an entire online community comes together and inhabits a vast online world that they create themselves.

However, my friend, who has been with me on my virtual world journey and has experienced them for himself sees it as both an escape and means of business. He knows virtual worlds won’t supplement his income but its something he enjoys as he is a workaholic in the real world, so when he relaxes he still needs to be doing something productive. His idea of a virtual world is; “A vast playing field of various blocks of ‘land’ that creates a full online world and is inhabited by a community of individuals who want to network, meet, and create. Just like an individual would experience in reality,” This proves that there are various definitions of what a virtual world is but these are just a few examples that explain it.

Nonetheless, it is essential to note that virtual worlds aren’t considered video games. You’re probably wondering how? Or why? And this is because, for the most part, video games no matter what even if their open-world has an end or end goal that you obtain. Not only that but video games also have quests, NPC’s, and a million different other things, for the most part, no matter what you’re always on a set path to reach the end of the game at some point. They also have storylines and dialogue throughout. Virtual worlds don’t unless you want them too. Virtual worlds are just like living in the real world but without the commitment. It has its own currency, pets, avatars, space to make your own whether it’s land or a room, and experiences that you make on your own or with others. Virtual worlds help to provide, for example; people like me instant gratification because everything is immersive and at your fingertips. You can have anything and do anything you want. Virtual worlds have more freedom then video games and are more than just a glorified chatroom.

Every avatar you see is a person behind a computer screen. Not everyone is on a virtual world platform for the same thing, so it’s important to respect people whether their reasons are ‘kosher’ or not. Virtual worlds give so many opportunities to individuals I highly recommend getting into them as they can be used in various ways. They can be used for education, experiencing new places, travel, shopping, building, etc. The sky is the limit. They are what you want it to be, and I hope this has not only convinced you to take that journey and explore the virtual world industry but will also show you that there is so much to life both online and offline.