The Seasons Hunt - Spring 2011

Coming very soon!

Fashion: Very late afternoon

Outfit details:

• Jacket: [pivaaca] (Pea Coat Open Ver. / in Gray / I removed the tint from the buttons to make them lighter)
  
• Sweater: So Many Styles (Belted Sweater / in Coral / I tinted the coral belt a bit darker)
• Skirt: Tokidoki (Le frills skirt / in Black)
• Tights: *Sheer* (Tights 05: Dots / in Black)
• Socks: Maitreya (Scrunched PrimSocks / in Black)
• Scarf: (Royal Blue) (Winter is Coming scarf / in Coal) / FREE! (old gift)
• Necklace: {mon tissu} (Take Flight Necklace / in Silver)
• Ring: [MAGIC NOOK] (Narcissus Ring / in Silver) / DU4 item
  
• Glasses: [glow] Studio (No lences reybey)
• Hair flower: Liquid Candy (Hair Flower / in Pink) / FREE! (old gift)
• Brooch: Whippet & Buck (Rae Bird Brooch / in Special Red)
• Shoes: ANEXX (Vaudevillian Shoes / in Black) / DU3 item)
• Bag: B@re Rose (Blanca / in Black / I tinted it a little to match the outfit)
• Magazine: MODE Magazine / FREE! (Vaschwitzugenplatz old freebie)
  
• Lashes: [glow] Studio (Flutter Lashes / Madam Butterfly)
• Eye make-up: *YourSkin & YourShape* (Impero Rose MakeUp Tattoo)
• Lipstick: Amacci (Pucker Lips Tattoo 5 Pink)
• Hair: [elikatira] (Just / in Brown 06)
• Pose: Long Awkward Pose (Slip-Like Rly PR4)
  
• Location: La Galerie

New release: Music rings

Cute wire rings for music lovers are now available at [MAGIC NOOK] - in two colours: silver and gold.





The gold one is now also available at The Dressing Room for 40L$ only! It's TDR first brithday, so each designer prepared two items for you, one for 40L$, the other for usual 40-70L$. Come visit TDR and celebrate birthday with us!

Taxi to The Dressing Room

Taxi to [MAGIC NOOK] Main Store

Happy shopping! :)

New release: Bird Of Paradise Earrings

New jewellery is available at [MAGIC NOOK]: Bird Of Paradise Earrings! They look like a colorful bird in flight. Flexi feathers, bright colours and cute chains attract attention and make for a funky summer look.























And there are two things you need to know :) First, the yellow earrings are available cheaper (50L$) at The Dressing Room for next 14 days, so if that's your favourite colour, you should definitely visit TDR :) And second, in the fatpack (only!) you will find additional scripted earrings, where you can choose colours of feathers through menu to make your own colour mixes!



Taxi to The Dressing Room

Taxi to [MAGIC NOOK] Main Store

Happy shopping! :)

Fashion: Rider of the storm

Outfit details:

• Jacket: Poison (Motor Bike Jacket / in Black & White)
  
• Shirt: (Posh) (I ♥ Geeks) / FREE! (old hunt gift from Geekgasm Hunt)
• Undershirt: !Ohmai (Basics Thrash Tank / in Maroon) / FREE! (old hunt gift from Starlust Hunt)
• Pants: -Glam Affair- (part of [ELEMENT] JUKA Dress)
• Scarf 1: /artilleri/ (Sue Scarf / in Red Polkadot)
• Scarf 2: Miel (Charcoal Plaid Scarf) / FREE! (old gift, not available anymore, I think)
• Gloves: Digit Darkes Couture (Glam Gloves from Addicted Pack / in Black Silver)
• Belt 1: Gritty Kitty (Vince's Studded Belt)
• Belt 2: ::Twisted & Spoiled:: (SuperStar Belt)
• Saddle belt: SiniStyle (Saddle Bags Belt / in Black)
• Shoes: [Gos] (GTFO Boot / in Blood)
  
• Mouth: Madelaine Sautereau (czeresnia) / DOLLARBIE! (available from SL Marketplace)
• Headphones: docomo (Gift Headphones / tinted red) / FREE! (old gift, not available anymore, I think)
• Necklace: League (part of Wanderer Jewellery Set / Wanderer Necklace -4 Discs)
• Bracelet: League (part of Wanderer Jewellery Set / Wanderer Bracelet 6 Strands)
• Sunglasses: Kalnins (Half Shutter)
• Brooch: *CentoPallini* (Pin Brooch) / FREE! (old gift, not available anymore, I think)
• Helmet: Bytegang worlds (Shiva Rider Helmet / in Red)
• Eyeliner: [glow] Studio (part of 2.0 Face decorations / v2.0 - eyeliner 02 deep) / FREE! (old gift, not available anymore, I think)
• Lashes 1: [glow] Studio (Fancy Eyelashes / Hairy)
• Lashes 2: [glow] Studio (Flutter Lashes / Madam Butterfly)
  
• Lips: TULI (Parted Lips 6) / FREE! (available from SL Marketplace)
• Hair: [LeLutka] (Rain Hair / in WalnutWhip)
• Motor bike: sTwo (S2R1000 / in White)
• Pose: (marukin) (Brogue set - Conjoined) and freebie hold pose for hand (to hold helmet)
  
• Location: Tableau

Updates to [MAGIC NOOK] games: Tell Me More! and HotCube

I finally finished working on new versions of [MAGIC NOOK] games: Tell Me More! (both Friends and Hot Edition) and HotCube!







Just to remind you, these are multi-player social games that let people get to know each other better:

• Tell Me More! Friends Edition has neutral questions (PG)
• Tell Me More! Hot Edition is similar to Friends Edition, but contains one more question category: 'Hot', which is adult themed (M)
• And HotCube only has hot (mature) questions (no categories)
  

You can test Tell Me More! Friends Edition at the store and you are more than welcome to do so ^^ The other games work exactly the same, but they have different kinds of questions, as described above. If you click the vendors in store, you will get notecards with more detailed descriptions of the games. They're fun to play! Also, if you own previous version of any of these games, please IM me - you can exchange the old game for new version for FREE.

What's new to HotCube:

• Additional items in package: blanket, pillows and prop cards
• New colours of particles (to match the game box design better)
• Minor changes to game engine

What's new to Tell Me More!:

• New game box design (and new colours to emphasize the difference between Hot and Friends version, and to make them easily recognizable by players)
• The games now designate players in order they logged in (not randomly) to make sure everyone have fun playing
• Additional items in package: blanket, pillows and prop cards

Come to [MAGIC NOOK], try the game with your friends, here's taxi for you.

New release: Moon River in pearl!

I made a new colour of Moon River jewellery: pearl!



You can get the set at [MAGIC NOOK] main store, but for the next two weeks I recommend going to The Dressing Room, where you will find this set for 70L$ only!

Here's taxi to The Dressing Room (click).
Or come to main store once the promo time is over (click).

New release: love mugs and winter skybox

Valentine's Day is almost here, so I made some love mugs!





Mmm... delicious hot drinks with a single easy click in mug menu. You can choose tea, espresso, cappuccino, cocoa or steamed milk. The mugs are 25L$ each, or 95L$ in a fatpack of five, but for two weeks you can get the fatpack cheaper, for 50L$ only, at The Dressing Room, how cool is that? :) With the fatpack you also get a cute one-prim sculpted shabby mug rack for FREE!

There are two types of mugs - with drinks, and just empty one-prim mugs for decorating purposes! You get both types with your purchase.

I also released a winter skybox some time ago, but forgot to write about it on the blog (yay, me! :P). It's still so cold here in Poland, but I feel the spring is coming soon! But until then let's enjoy the snow :)



Beautiful frost patterns on a window, soft snow falling outside and a warm cozy place to stay - what more would you need in winter? Perhaps just a cup of hot chocolate at hand and a comfortable armchair too. Winter Skybox is inspired by snowy but sunny winter days, that make winter worth having :)

The skybox is sized about 10m x 10m x 5m and it should fit even small plots of land. It is packaged in a rezzer for easy set up. Skybox window is controlled through a scripted menu, which allows you to change inner and outer window opacity. There's also a particle snow emitter included with three options: light snow, heavy snow or no snow at all, and finally there are icicles and sunlight beams, wee!

Happy living! <3

TAXI to The Dressing Room (click)!
TAXI to [MAGIC NOOK] Main store (click)!

Fashion: Secret files

Outfit details:

• Vest: *Airflow* (Down vest with fur hood) / FREE! (limited edition group gift, not available anymore)
  
• Sweater: [MAGIC NOOK] (Afternoon Sweater / in Black)
  
• Pants: *Fishy Strawberry* (part of Traveller outfit / Via Margutta Pleated Pants / in Military) / past TDR item
• Beret: *deviant girls* (sidepocket beret) / FREE! (Lucky Board gift)
• Scarf: ::[ Mr.Poet ]:: (Wide Scarf) / FREE! (gift in store)
• Gloves: League (Gloves) / FREE! (old LE.LOOK! la femme gift)
• Ring: LaGyo (Anne floral ring) / FREE! (The Seasons Hunt gift)
• Fanny pack: (Yummy) (Fanny Pack EXTREEEME!!! / in Mysterious Black)
• Belt: ::Twisted & Spoiled:: (Leather Belt)
• Saddle belt: SiniStyle (Saddle Bags Belt / in Black)
• Shoes: amaama+ (Indian shoes / in Black) / FREE! (old Lucky Board gift, not available anymore)
  
• Mouth Twig: [KUE!] (part of Little Acorn Set / Acorn Twig) / FREE! (old Lucky Board gift, not available anymore)
• Suitcase: Baiastice (Grandma 2010 Holiday) / FREE! (old gift, not available anymore, I think)
• Eyeliner: [glow] Studio (part of 2.0 Face decorations / v2.0 - eyeliner 02 deep) / FREE! (old gift, not available anymore, I think)
• Lashes: [glow] Studio (Fancy Eyelashes / Hairy)
• Hair: >TRUTH< (Sasha / in Chocolate / edited to fit the beret)
• Pose: (marukin) (Sacharrine set - Summer sailor)
• Location: Pripyat - Shattered Skies

Predictions for year 2011 in SL

I've never done any predictions like this, but this year I decided to give it a try. These are just a few thoughts of possible future of Second Life in the upcoming months.



Here's what I think:

• Teens on main grid will speed up economic growth
  They're young, talented, creative. It's only natural to expect they will focus on exploring SL's versatility and creative potential, and push the boundaries of what's possible in SL. I expect new milestones, comparable to the ones in the 'old times' that changed SL experience for better, like invention of AOs, skins painted on tattoo layers, and sculpted clothing.

• Viewer 3 will be introduced
  Either that, or by the end of 2011 there will still be a lot of people using Viewer 1.23 (if it is still supported, that is). Viewer 2 was a mistake, a very easy one to make though - with all the focus on new users and their ease of use, Linden Lab forgot about current users and their needs. I think LL realized this and most likely they are already working on a new viewer, but this time much more carefully - and hopefully there will be a lot of discussion with residents before releasing it. I also think a light viewer might be released for less computer-knowledgeable residents.

• Browser viewer will be open for everyone
  Open access to browser viewer and possibility of logging in with your own non-guest avatar, plus embedding locations on websites, will increase SL's popularity, the number of new registrations, user hours, user concurrency numbers and probably grid instability as well.

• SL will become more mainstream
  I think this year we will see a lot of movies inspired by Second Life, about Second Life or based on the idea of a virtual world. That, plus advertising (Facebook, YouTube etc.) will cause more attention from potential SL users, and investors perhaps. And with new residents entering SL community daily, press interest in Second Life will grow as well.

• A better IP protection system will be introduced.
  Content creators certified by Linden Lab, maybe? Easier reporting hopefully. Less paperwork. More cooperation from LL on this matter (no need to go with DMCA every single time, please!)

• New CEO will prove to be a good leader for Linden Lab and Second Life
  With the professional background he's got, I think Rod Humble will manage to gain residents' respect through his decisions. He seems to have a lot of passion for what he does and I think this year we might see a lot of decisions made with consideration of customers' point of view. Most likely he will still be compared to Philip, though.

• Gambling in SL will be back
  Oh no! But yes, I think it is going to happen, considering a few articles that appeared recently over the Internet. I just hope it will be done a different way than in the past, I don't want mainland to become a medley of casinos again. A gambling continent would be OK, I guess.

• New tools for managing inventory
  I expect new inventory management tools, possibly to come with Viewer 3: for textures browsing, for organizing stuff, for sculpties preview and so on.

• Anton Bogdanovych will release his motion capture equipment on the consumer market
  Pretty please :)

In summary I think SL will evolve a lot and change in many aspects we got used to, but it will eventually overcome problems and grow stronger on the virtual worlds market.

Fashion: Feels like coffee

Outfit details:

• Jacket: Poison (ElPoblao Jacket / in Brown)
  
• Sweater: [MAGIC NOOK] (Afternoon Sweater / in Beige)
  
• Shorts: {Gisaci} (part of Buone Vacanze outfit / in Vecchio Crema)
• Tights: xbordeaux (Hungry Hearts Stockings) / FREE! (gift in store)
  
• Socks: Maitreya Gold (Scrunched Prim Socks / in Brown-Dark / tinted to better match colour tone of the outfit)
• Scarf: Addict (Minnu Scarf / in Soot / tinted brown)
• Belt: COCO (WideBelt(Embossing) / in Black / tinted brownish)
• Bag: Bare Rose (Tina / in Brown)
• Shoes: Maitreya Gold (Shearling Boots / in Choco)
  
• Glasses: Masciano Vaschwitzugenplatz (Mathias' Vintage Brown 'Masciano' Wayfarers) / FREE! (Vaschwitzugenplatz freebie, not available anymore, I think)
  
• Coffee: LEO-NT (Coffee To Go) / FREE! (gift in store)
  
• Lashes: [glow] Studio (Fancy Eyelashes / Hairy)
• Hair: !lamb (Wild Nothing / in Kit Kat)
• Pose: (marukin) (Camera Set - Here we go)
• Location: Itutu sim

The Seasons Hunt Winter has started!

Yay, winter edition of The Seasons Hunt has just started! There are fantastic gifts from so many talented designers! You can refer to hunt blog for full list of participating stores.



My gift for the hunt is Sleeping Basket - always ready when you need a quick nap. And dreaming is so sweet when snow is falling outside the window!





The basket comes with sleeping animator, which will make your avatar 'sleep' - together with snoring and zZz... particles if needed. And I also included an AFK sign to be worn when seated at the basket, to make sure no one disturbs your dreams ;)

The basket is hidden in a cute snowman, somewhere inside the store (you don't need to search the garden or the porch, it's definitely inside). And here's a little clue for you: "It's going to be a warm afternoon!" :) Good luck and happy hunting! ^^

Fashion: Vintage at heart

Outfit details:

• Top: Donna Flora (Lily Top / in Cream)
  
• Pants: Mischief (part of The Right Dividends outfit) / not available anymore, I think
  
• Shoes: Maitreya Gold (Esprit / in Black)
  
• Earrings: Yummy (Summertime Flexable Tassles / in Silver)
• Necklace: Oh! Studio (My Owl Necklace / in Diamonds)
• Ring: [MAGIC NOOK] (Narcissus Ring / in Silver) / Designers United 4 item, not available anymore
  
• Bracelet: Just You (Bracelet Rosae) / Platinum Hunt item
  
• Belt: Armidi Gisaci (Au Di Crocodile Belt / in Black)
• Lashes: [glow] Studio (Fancy Eyelashes / Hairy)
• Hair: LoQ Hairs (Pure Beauty / in Mocha, tinted darker)
• Pose: (marukin) (Dictionary Set - Word Of The Day)
• Location: Lula sim

The Seasons Hunt - Winter

Prepare for winter edition of The Seasons Hunt! It's coming very very very soon and [MAGIC NOOK] is participating! Expect awesome stores and fantastic prizes! \o/



All vendors will hide an object in their store. Inside of this object will be an item that is winter related. Store owners will hide the items however they would like to. The stores are not linked to each other so you will simply follow the list however you would like.

For updates you can check The Seasons Hunt blog.

Be ready for hunting, starting January 15th!

New release: It's 2011 Dress TDR SPECIAL at [MAGIC NOOK]

Welcome 2011 year in style! I made a cute black mini dress, perfect for parties, dates or any time you want to look fashionably sexy! The dress is TDR New Year's Party special and will not be sold at the mainstore afterwards, so get it while you can! :) It's 50L$ only!



Here's TAXI to The Dressing Room (click)

Come and take a look!

The SL House & Garden Group Annual Awards 2010/2011 nominations for [MAGIC NOOK]!

I'm very proud to say [MAGIC NOOK] has been nominated for The SL House & Garden Group Annual Awards 2010/2011 in two categories: Best Freebie/Gift of 2010 and Your Favorite Shop To Visit (best decorated) Of 2010.



It's truly magic to see my store among so many fantastic nominees. Thank you!

If you'd like to vote for [MAGIC NOOK] to win in the two categories, you can cast your vote here:
http://slhouseandgarden.wufoo.com/forms/sl-house-garden-group-annual-awards-20102011/

A huge thanks to those of you who already voted for the nominations and to those who will be voting for [MAGIC NOOK] in the online survey. Every vote means a lot to me!

The winners will be announced on December 5th. May the best designers win!

Avatars in browsers

I'm a curious avatar. However, when I heard of SL Web Viewer, my first thought was 'what for?'. But after actually trying it, I see some possible uses.

Getting to try SL in a browser wasn't as easy as it seems. When I read the beta is open, I went to http://interest.secondlife.com/beta and meh - I wasn't qualified to test it.

Luckily, I am also a very persistent avatar :) I managed to access the web viewer with a little javascript code I found on New World Notes:

javascript:window.popup_shown=false;$('#guide .failure').hide();showSuccessPopup();
(thank you, SignpostMarv Martin!)

It works fast. Really fast. I'm impressed with Gaikai technology. Everything rez in time, the teleports are working properly, you can chat with other avatars - just as if you were logged in a regular viewer. It does have some limitations though: you don't have your inventory, your look is limited to pre-defined avatars, you can only teleport to locations from 'Destination Guide' and your name is simply Guest.








The controls and options you have are limited - generally, the web viewer can be used to explore and chat only. But, the overall experience is fun and you have to keep in mind this is only a beta, so things might change in future. If Linden Lab will continue to pursue the idea, that is. It's interesting though: imagine embedding a location from SL on your website, so that visitors can log in to your events, meet with SL residents at your venue, and maybe register for regular Second Life if they like the experience, since SL sends a 'There's more to explore!' e-mail after each use of SL Web Viewer.





I'm certainly hoping to hear more on the topic of web based SL in future.

New release: Afternoon Sweater

I made tons of warm and comfy sweaters, just in time for chilly weather and breezy afternoons! They will make you chic on every occassion, whether it's a cup of coffee with your friends or a fun shopping spree!





Come to [MAGIC NOOK] for your autumn shopping needs!

Taxi to [MAGIC NOOK] Main Store

New release: Hypnotize jewellery

I made a new jewellery set available in silver and gold! Hypnotize set is made of eye-catching spirals and consists of earrings and necklace.





Since it's time for a new collection at The Dressing Room you can get the silver version of the new jewellery there for 50L$ only, for next two weeks, yay! :)

Taxi to The Dressing Room

Taxi to [MAGIC NOOK] main store

The Seasons Hunt has started!

It's here! ^^ The Seasons Hunt has started! There are amazing stores participating in this hunt so if you're looking for something fun to do, definitely give it a try! :)



My gift for the hunt is Autumn Skybox.



You know that moment in autumn when it stops raining, and the window is still covered with water drops, but the sun starts shining through... You sit by the window with a cup of raspberry tea, a book and a warm blanket. This is the moment I tried to capture when making Autumn Skybox. The beautiful, golden autumn.

The skybox is hidden in an orange leaf, somewhere inside the store (you don't need to search the garden or the porch, it's definitely inside). And here's a little clue for you "Where are all the magic sweets?" :) Good luck!