Month: June 2019

Stay, Just One More Minute

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Stay Just One More Minute

Time’s a funny thing.  Some hours seem to stretch on forever… others pass by in a rush.  Much better and greater writers than me have written about this; but I have have found that Second Life can create the illusion of both happening at the same time.  It’s a time warp effect that I for one absolutely love, although the return to reality can definitely be a bit jarring.  But talk about time warp!  I think my blog has gone and made changes all on its own without me, reverting to an old header photo on its own accord… The fact is that Crichton is updated, so a closeup of the “old him” really didn’t work anymore, but not quite sure how my blog knew that.  If it’s going to do anything on its own, it would be lovely if it could write itself lol!!!!  Well, time to do the Time Warp again!  It’s just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right!!! (and if you don’t get the reference, well, that’s ok lol; I’m just in a strange mood this morning) 😉

Ceja’s Wearing:

  • Outfit: Allure Couture – Alexis Bolero Dress has a bit of a throwback feel in a totally modern style.  Includes the optional bolero, dress, & matching heels.  As always when it comes to Allure, the textures are 100% original & are stunning. I’m wearing the White, but Alexis also comes in Black, Gold, Blue, Green, & Pink.  Sizes available for for Slink P/H, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new deluxe bento head from AK
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SLACKGIRL –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD22 Eyeshadow, at the Designer Circle 13/19 June 22rd – July 6th. Demo available;  HD14 Lips
  • Hair:  Exile – Torn
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Livia – Deep Gel
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Jessica Sanctuary Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  BellePoses – Couple Pose Fair Gift
  • Location:  my home on Blake Passage

Crichton’s Wearing:

  • Outfit: Allure Couture – Jaxx Blazer Outfit, the matching male outfit to Alexis that’s a stunner all on its own.  Jaxx comes in White (worn), Black, Gold, Blue, Burgundy & Red.  Sizes available for for Slink, Adam, Aesthetic, Belleza Jake, Signature Gianni, TMP & Classic.  Includes shoes.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Clay, the new deluxe bento head from AK that’s a GROUP GIFT until July 6th (group join required), then he goes to full price
  • Skin:  Egozy — Kenji, designed specifically for AK Deluxe heads, another fabulous GROUP GIFT (group join required)
  • Eyes:  IKON – Odyssey
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Male Bundle Mesh Body, including Physique Body, Dynamic Hands, & Feet
  • Hair:  Vango – Owen
  • Pendant:  Stone’s Works –  Spirit of the DragonRFL

 

I had this dream…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://I had this dream...

As you probably know, I’ve been here a long time.  And although I sometimes run down memory lane looking at old photos and laughing at what I used to think were great looks — just like we do in RL when we can’t believe we actually wore our hair like that or glasses that size lol! — the time capsule exhibit at SL16B really brought it home for me about how much has really changed since I first entered Second Life back in 2007.  A lot of it has obviously been behind the scenes, but it’s enabled everything that’s changed with how we look and how we move.  And I’ve realized that THIS is why I keep falling in love with new heads (because yes, as I mentioned several posts back, I have a new absolute favorite)… my new head is not just beautiful in the way I’ve always wanted to be (ALL the heads are beautiful), but the way she’s animated, the way her eyes and lips move, her animations… they very much reflect ME as well.  And to my mind, that’s the essence of SL growth… towards individuality.  Yes, we all use the same basic parts, but we don’t have to look like clones if we don’t choose to.  It’s not like that Twilight Zone episode where you pick a body from one of five models, hang your name on it to differentiate yourself, and that’s it.  You mix and match the parts you want, tweaking as you go, to create something unique, something that is as much YOU as you can.  And then the technology will move forward, new options will become available, and you get to start all over.  It’s a blogger’s dream!  😉

  • Makeup:  SLACKGIRL – HD22 Eyeshadow, made for Akeruka Deluxe heads. HUD includes 8 shades (see below for HUD pic).  At the Designer Circle 13/19 June 22rd – July 6th. Demo available.  Also worn:  HD14 Lips (also by SLACKGIRL, also for AK Deluxe)
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new deluxe bento head from AK
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes:  SLACKGIRL –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Hair:  Exile – Torn
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Livia – Deep Gel
  • Pose:  Lyrium – Profile Bento Pose Set, Pose 7 (MarketPlace & Events)

Wish You Were Here!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Wish you were here!

No, I haven’t made any vacations plans.  In fact, I haven’t even done any additional research. But just because the real me is stuck in RL doesn’t mean that Ceja can’t do Hawaii, and boy, is she doing it in style!  This Kona sim is fantastic, I just love everything about this look, and am yearning to hop a flight, go to Hawaii (where I haven’t been since my honeymoon many MANY years ago), say aloha and start having some incredibly fresh and delicious pina coladas! Don’t worry… I’ll remember to send everyone a postcard! Aloha oe!  😉

  • Outfit:  KaraBaby – Wish You Were Here Hawaiian Vacation – Vintage Postcard T-shirt & Denim Shorts, with big matching sunglasses & vacation bag. 5 options available for 150L (I’m wearing Hawaii), or the fatpack has all 5 for just 525L.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVE at the Designer Circle 13/19 June 22rd – July 6th. Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new bento head from AK
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Hair:  {Limerence} – Ramila, available at SL16B
  • Makeup:  SLACKGIRL – Grazi HD Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Ferris Earrings & Necklace (Gifts at SL16B); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  LW: Poses – Confidence
  • Location:  Kona Beach and Surfing

Toes in the Sand

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Toes in the Sand

So my vacation plans haven’t progressed one iota, and I’m still longing to have my face in the sun and my toes in the sand.  It’s more than a longing actually… it’s almost a physical need.  But life has a nasty habit of getting in the way, and things just haven’t been falling into place the way I had hoped.  Still, I may just have to buckle up, face reality, and accept that I’m just not getting the vacation I want and look into what I CAN do at the moment.  The problem with that, of course, is that doing a “substitute” vacation at this point takes away the chance of doing the “right” vacation later on, because time and money is just never on my side. But sometimes you just have to surrender to the inevitable and do what you can do. After all, the beach is calling, and I must heed the call… we’ll just have to see where my toes lead me!  😉

  • Top:  Tonic – Lacey Daisy Bralette.  Beautiful, feminine, lacey, with optional sheer. 16 colors in the HUD, 8 of which sparkle… what else does a girl need?  EXCLUSIVELY for the Tonic mesh bodies (curvy & fine), & EXCLUSIVE at the June eBENTO through June 30th. 
  • Pants:  MOZ Designs – NEW! “Steph” Wrap Tie Capris.  Great fitting capris with an awesome little wrap tie around the hips. Available in a variety of solids & spring/summer patterns! Original FitMesh sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, eBody & Maitreya.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Tinsley worn in Maple, Browless.  Geez, another gorgeous Omega skin, Tinsley is very fresh-faced & perfect for summer! The maple tone is perfect for setting off those white summer clothes, but they’re all beautiful (see below)!!! Fatpacks of dark & light tones are EXCLUSIVE at the June Dubai Event, June 20th – July 10th.  Demos & Shape also available.
  • Head: Tonic – Coco, one of the two NEW bento heads from Tonic; fully mod & Omega-ready so you can easily customize her to make her truly unique.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid!
  • Hair:  Moon – Summer Breeze (includes Hat)
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – EyeBrow Series 8
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (Omega);  DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Coachella Gypsy Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Le Poppycock – “Bae Watch” Keep Calm
  • Location:  Saltwater
Tinsley in 4 tones; from the left — Cotton Candy & Butter (Light tones); Maple & Walnut (Dark tones)

 

Finding Balance

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Finding Balance

I’m beginning to understand why some bloggers don’t name their photos but just number them.  Personally, I’ve never liked the practice… it’s not quite at the level of pet peeve, like taking a vertical photograph and turning it horizontal — something I’ve never EVER understood, unless it’s in the hopes of getting a cover? ; but it does seem kind of lazy and to me, somehow makes the picture itself less unique.  But then again, there are times I agonize over what to name an image, only to have the absolute perfect name burst into my brain after I’ve published with something “good enough”.  This is one of those times.  Everything is done and ready to go, EXCEPT A TITLE.  No one is around. So I’m just going to go with what my life is all about right now… finding balance.  Between health and illness, dreams and reality, strength and vulnerability, and so much more.  One day at a time. So true… I guess that’s why it’s a cliché, right?  😉

  • Outfit:  Dallas MacKenzie Designs – Braelyn. “One-piece” double-belted outfit, with midriff netting that’s a muted echo of whatever color/pattern you select for the top.  HUD includes 24 textures for the top, 35 for the pants, 3 for the belts, & 3 for the buckles. Sized only for Slink H/P & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd. Demo available.
  • Hair:  Firelight – Myrcella Curls. Includes two curl effects of this ponytail full of wild curls, in both rigged & unrigged versions.  An EXCLUSIVE at the Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd, in 6 color packs.  Demo available.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Shoes:  Tonic – Encore Clogs, a re-imagined version of an old favorite.  HUD includes 8 luxurious leather colors. Tonic/Slink high versions (so yes, even if you don’t have a Tonic body or can’t wear it because of a clothing issue like here, you still get to wear them!!!!!).  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new bento head from AK (amazing group gift through 6/20 after which it goes to regular price)
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes:  SLACKGIRL –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Makeup:  SLACKGIRL – HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails: Encore – Shades of Blue Nail Appliers
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Savannah Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  GingerFish – Ahoy Poses, 3M

Ship-Shape

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Ship-Shape

I need a vacation. All the emotional and physical stress from my husband’s health-care emergency and the first month post-surgery where I was still worried all the time & had to be a pretty strict caregiver, not to mention the physical exhaustion of doing both our chores, has taken its toll. I’m worn out and need a recharge. Although we had originally thought that our next vacation would be city-style, with lots of running around, now I want the complete opposite… I want to lie on a beach (or a ship!!!) somewhere and veg.  But since my husband’s strength is still not there, we’re thinking maybe just doing an AirBnB somewhere we can drive to and take the dog… a place that still says BEACH but maybe also has a boardwalk or other entertainment nearby if we want it and feel up to it.  But I definitely need some time away to get myself back to feeling ship-shape and ready to go. So I’ve been scrolling through pages and pages of photos of houses, falling in love and seeing no availability, seeing availability and cringing at the house or something about the location.  Then I saw this set from Salacity and thought how perfect it would be in ANY of these vacation homes, how it totally (prepare yourself!) rings that beach vacation bell!  So let’s start ringing those bells, and bring on vacation!!!  😉

Castaway Nautical Decor Set:  Salacity – A nautically themed set of decor, made for any entryway.  Includes coat hooks, porthole mirror, anchor rug, & table decor.  Ships’s wheel table lamp turns on & off, & everything is copy, so you can arrange however you want.  Each piece also sold separately.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Liaison Collaborative until June 26th.

The Beach Body

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Beach Body (back)http://The Beach Body (front)

“The Beach Body”… an interesting concept. One we hear about all our lives; for some of us, one of those elusive goals we were never able to achieve for more than a fleeting moment of time if at all.  No, I won’t start ranting about our society and the harm it does to a girl’s self-image; there’s more than enough of that “out there”, and this is definitely not the right forum for it.  BUT I believe it’s one of the reasons we all love it here in Second Life.  Even those of us who don’t spend parts of our second lives blogging about the fashion world spend an inordinate amount of time on how we look because we have that magical ability to look however we’ve always wanted to, better than we’ve even dreamed possible, and then to change it at will.  You’d think that being beautiful and having the perfect beach body would lose meaning when everyone is beautiful and perfect.  And although BEING beautiful is not a unique or special quality in SL as it is in RL, what is important is its interpretation.  And that’s what I find so intriguing… everyone’s definition of beauty is so different.  Even when choosing the same mesh head, the same mesh body, the same skin, the same outfit, it’s extremely rare to see two avatars who look identical (unless they’re using ready-made and don’t tweak; don’t get me started on those lol!).  What I’ve also found is that one thing that holds true in real life is the same in here… the inner beauty is harder to find, but it’s really the one that matters overall.  To the beach!!!! 😉

  • Top:  MOZ Designs – NEW! “Tampico” Swimsuit.  Who needs a bikini to look amazing on the beach?  Sexy sheer in the back, perfect for showing off those back tattoos (see my next bullet!); criss-crossing panels & edging are all color/pattern customizable in the fatpack HUD.  Also available in select single packages. Original FitMesh sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, eBody & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVE at the June eBENTO, June 10th – 30th
  • Tattoo: Juna Artistic Tattoo – Susy Tattoo, a stunner for the back! Includes three shade options (dark, medium & light) with appliers for Altamura, Belleza, Eve, Maitreya, Omega & Classic. On sale for 140L — that’s 25% OFF! —  at the Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Crimson worn in Maple, Browless.  Another gorgeous Omega skin! I love the maple tone, for that lightly tanned look. Dark & light toned fatpacks of 7 tones each available at the Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd discounted to just 250L. Shape & demos also available.
  • Head: Tonic – Coco, one of the two NEW bento heads from Tonic; fully mod & Omega-ready so you can easily customize her to make her truly unique.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… the most natural curves on the grid for the ultimate beach body!
  • Hair:  BESOM – Payson (long)/Dakota (short)
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – EyeBrow Series 8
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Freckles & Heart Mole (Omega);  DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose: ProPose – Back 3 (seems to be extinct); CNZ – Summer Hula Bento Poses, available at eBENTO

Caffeine with Kitty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Caffeine with Kitty

Watching the world go by with a cup of coffee in hand has always been a favorite pastime of mine.  What better way to think, to observe, to relax, to figure things out, to de-stress, to find your strength, to gather your thoughts or your emotions, or just to be.  As a teenager, I remember sitting on the steps of the museum in NYC with my best friend, just watching and talking and drinking coffee.  At other times, I’ve sat on stoops or porch swings… now I tend to sit on my front steps or my back porch. The venue changes, the companion changes, but the coffee itself always remains constant!  (Although admittedly it IS sometimes iced in the hot weather lol!)  😉

  • Outfit:  ICEWERK Designs – Pink Paisley.  A fun, relaxing, sexy little two-piece outfit with the cutest matching pink sandals! Who says you can’t look good when you just want to relax & feel good? Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 12/19 June 9th – 22nd. Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, the new bento head from AK (amazing group gift through 6/20 after which it goes to regular price)
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  BESOM – Maddy
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Lashes:  SLACKGIRL –  Ginny Deluxe Lashes
  • Makeup:  SLACKGIRL – HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Pose:  FMS Poses – Pose 489 (includes coffee mug)
  • Cat:  one of my KittyCats, this is Bijoux (yes, I’m a crazy cat lady!)

Feeling good

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Feeling Good

Wow, it feels like a page has turned, and a new chapter has begun! We got great news at the cardiologist yesterday, things are really REALLY progressing, with lots of restrictions easing up.  I no longer have to be the strict caregiver; I was even able to hand over the keys to his car and set him free from the house.  Life is returning (slowly) back to almost-normal as there’s still a long road to full recovery ahead, but all that stress I’ve been carrying around is finally starting to let go.  The relief is palpable. To celebrate, I did a bit of a makeover inworld as well… a new head that I absolutely adore and a lightening up of my sponsors so that I can go back to enjoying the blogging life rather than being stressed by too many deadlines.  It feels wonderful!!!!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Ashley Side Tied Dress & Boots.  Incredibly sexy, without going over the top.  I feel so good wearing this (& from the feedback I’m getting, I’m looking pretty good too lol)! Includes a 32-color HUD, so no matter what your sexy feels like, there’s a color to fit! Sized for Slink H/P & Maitreya.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo, a beautiful new bento head from AK.  I’ve never worn an AK head before, but Cleo is currently being offered as a group gift for 1L until June 20th. I first demo’d some of the other heads, & really liked several of them as well as the accompanying HUDs & the animations (LOVE the smile). Cleo was so pretty & just so aligned with how I’ve always envisioned ME, I figured it was worth the 150L group join. I’m SOOO happy I did, because I fell in love with her & the included skin immediately, before I even started tweaking.  (There’s also a gift skin on MP for 1L that gives a slightly different but equally great look.) If I was an official AK blogger, I’d be doing a closeup showing you how awesome she looks straight out of the box.  As it is, I hesitated blogging about her at all because I kind of want to keep her all to myself!!!!
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_WATER 
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora
  • Lashes:  SLACKGIRL –  Ginny Deluxe Lashes
  • Makeup:  SLACKGIRL – HD6 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Pose:  BellePoses – Soha 4

 

Feelin’ Groovy

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Feelin' Groovy

I know I’ve talked about it before, but it always fascinates me how sometimes the smallest thing can be the catalyst for something that feels so much more. In this case, it was the jewelry… Peace and love, symbols of another generation; once I had them on, they cried out for clothing from the same era… and shoes… and of course hair… and then the right setting… and suddenly, there I am, looking at someone very VERY reminiscent of my RL younger self…  yes, the hair is way redder, the body is definitely more curvaceous and taller, but that WAS my hair, and I HAD that hairband with a feather, AND a fringed vest AND huge bellbottoms AND John Lennon glasses (although mine were blue tints) and I rode a city bus, and and and…  well, needless to say, I’ve been singing Bellbottom Blues and the 59th Street Bridge Song ever since I put this outfit together… and I really don’t want to take it off… ever… but of course I will lol because blogging must go on… 😉

  • Outfit: Allure Couture – 70’s Bell Bottom Outfit, great for sit ins, love ins, to tune out, tune in, turn on.  Includes the fringed vest, bell bottom pants, & glasses.  As always when it comes to Allure, the textures & details are stunning, both in front (above) & back (see below). Originally designed for Relay for Life, it’s now available at the Main Store in sizes for Slink H/P, Maitreya, TMP, & Classic. Demo available. 
  • Jewelry:  Stone’s Works –  Peace & Love Necklace & Earring Set (see below for ad view).  Groovy, man, just groovy.  On sale as a set or separately at the “Hippy Days” Creative Spark, in store, June 1st – 15th.  Also worn: Gem Elegance – Ladies Feather & Leather Hippie Peace Sign Headband; Rebel Yell – “Retro” Hippe Bracelet Unisex;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Head: LAQ – Athena (Bento)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Cadence
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Lime worn in Butter, Browless
  • Brows:  LAQ – Brows 1
  • Freckles & Moles:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Moles & Freckles #5;  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Belleza, Slink, Maitreya, Omega)
  • Location:  Vintage Fair North