Month: October 2019

Black Cat Halloween

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Black Cat Halloween

Anyone who knows me in SL or follows my blog knows that I’m a crazy cat lady.  I have more cats than I’m willing to admit, and about 18 boxes (for those of you who are unversed in the world of KittyCatS, that means ready-to-birth kittens) in storage.  So needless to say, when I saw this Halloween gacha set full of black kittens my craziness rose to the surface and I just HAD to HAVE THEM ALL and blog about them.  Although I couldn’t fit everything into my pic and do them justice, you can see the full set below.  What I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE about this set — in addition to it being cats together with Halloween, which is in itself enough! — is that every piece is wonderfully detailed, and unique and different in its own way.  Yes, one or two are variants in black or orange, but the number of completely different items is extremely high for a gacha set of this size, with 12 commons & only two items classified as “Rare”.  And I just have to mention that the rat with the cat animates on touch, and the dog has really red eyes.  Such fun!

Black Kitten Gacha:  MOoH! – EXCLUSIVELY at the Driftwood event, Oct 5th – Nov 5th, 50L a play. Good luck!

Mirror Mirror

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Mirror Mirror

I have to admit that all of the “stuff” that goes with dealing with my mom’s situation and helping to move her into memory care is exhausting, physically and mentally.  And the fact that I’m far from home, out of my own environment and comfort zone sure doesn’t help.  Sometimes I look in the mirror and I just wonder how we got to this point.  Life has a nasty habit of just sneaking up on you in that way, doesn’t it?  I do have to say that my life here inworld and my blogging has been a true lifeline for me throughout this process.  It’s both given me another focus and provided an escape where I can forget about life for a while… lol, reminds me of that old Calgon commercial, “Calgon, take me away!”  But in my case, it’s Second Life to the rescue!!!

  • Swimsuit:   Prism by Jezzixa Cazalet – Emily Lingerie.  Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Maitreya, & Classic.  This long open semi-transparent silken robe is beautifully textured in a soft feminine pattern with contrast edging, held together by a wide sash in the contrast color.  Includes a matching thong. Available in 5 colors or a fatpack EXCLUSIVELY at the Designer Circle 20/19, open Oct 6th – 19th.  Demo available.
  • Mirror/Pose:  Poses by ALEXA – Mirror Pose Fatpack.  Wonderfully detailed classic-style wood-framed free-standing mirror, with 5 built in poses, one with a poisoned apple!  Available instore or on Marketplace.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Truth – Cerys
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Sentiments Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Introducing PIXIE

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Introducing PIXIE

Unlike almost all of my posts, this one is all about a single item — the all-new, totally re-imagined bento head from Tonic.  Pixie is just such a total delight, I felt I had to devote a blog to her!  Just like her name implies, she has a spark of impish delight, youthful exuberance, and wide-eyed wonder.   I think she has a totally unique, slightly exotic look, perfect for fantasy and role-play, but also just so totally right for those of us who generally play as human.

  • Head: Tonic – NEW! Pixie, the all-new, totally re-imagined bento head from Tonic.  She’s just so cute!!!!  The HUD now includes BOM buttons for skin & eyes, a new section for controlling the ear shape (regular or elfin!) & ear angle, as well as a full range of Pink Fuel skins in freckled & regular (head only; see below for where to get matching body tones).  You can also hide your teeth if desired.  Includes several different sample shapes & brow shapes, but Pixie is fully mod & Omega-ready so you can easily customize Pixie to be uniquely YOU. EXCLUSIVELY available for an introductory price of 25% OFF at the October eBento opening October 11th.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Skin:  Pink Fuel – Hazel
  • Hair:  Navy & Copper – Mulberry
  • Mole/Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)

Another Legend of Sleepy Hollow

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Another Legend of Sleepy Hollow

We all know the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the story of Ichabod Crane.  I happen to live not all that far away from Sleepy Hollow, and the cemetery there is always a place for all kinds of haunted doings at this time of year.  There might not be a Headless Horseman anywhere in sight, but this is my version of Sleepy Hollow this year… the scene adds just the right bit of eerieness to make the season feel more Halloweenish!

  • Graveyard: [HarshLands] – Cemetery Walls.  A modular set of graveyard walls that come in multiple configurations — open sided walls, gates, closed walls, corners — in three variations — mossy, bloody, or regular — so you can create your own customized cemetery.  Available at the October Swank Event, through October 28th.
  • Tree: CJ Creations – Halloween Twisted Sleepy Hollow.  This is Halloween decor at its finest. A twisted hollow tree with moss & hanging vines, skeletons, spiders, & an eerie shrouded figure with a lantern. Best of all, you can turn fog in the hollow on/off by touch.  I’ve added another pic below so nothing is obscured by the cemetery walls. EXCLUSIVELY available at the October Swank Event until October 28th.
  • Fog:  Dysfunctional Designs – Creeping Fog, because I couldn’t resist adding more to the effect from the tree!

One Life to Live

Posted on by cejalaval

http://I don't get nine lives

So I’m away from home again, back in Florida, this time on a family emergency.  My mom (who is quite elderly) fell and broke her arm.  So I flew down to help take care of her. Since it’s become really obvious that she really just can’t handle things any more living on her own, we’re also starting the process of looking for an assisted living facility. It’s really sad that we’re at that stage, but I guess it’s all part of the circle of life. It doesn’t seem like all that long ago that I was still a kid, and I’m sure it won’t seem all that long when the time comes that I’m unable to live on my own either.  That’s just how life is.  All the more reason to live it the way YOU want to, and not the way other people think you should. (Of course it goes without saying as long as you’re not hurting anyone else in the process.) Unlike cats, we only get the one life, although within that life we get to live many lives… child, teenager, lover, spouse, parent, grandparent, senior citizen, and so many others… I’m realizing the importance of making the most of each and every one of them, to own them to the fullest, rather than just surviving… I only get the one life… here’s to life!

  • Outfit:  Ghostyss – Sylviane.  To me, this is one of those genre-defying outfits… a bit hipster, a bit punk, a bit gothic or medieval even, but totally sexy & stylish.   Form-fitting, with just enough flare at the hips.  The belt is to die for!!! 6 options available, plus a fatpack. Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 20/19, open Oct 6th – 19th.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Kamilla, worn in Caramel browless.  I’m continuing with my winning combination of mixing a BOM skin for the head with an OMEGA skin for my body since I haven’t yet started experimenting with BOM on my body & I’m super-happy with the result this way.  Kamilla is a simple stunner, & not just because she has a smattering of freckles on her nose — though I loved those so much I left my normal face freckles off! Available ON SALE for just 250L in fatpacks of 5 light or dark tones with both Omega & BOM skins for both classic & mesh avis at the Designer Circle 20/19, open Oct 6th – 19th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Brows/Makeup:  Izzie’s – BOM Layers Eyebrows Curved; BOM Layers Fall Eyeshadows
  • Freckles:  DS’Elles – Body Freckles (Omega)
  • Lashes:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Ferris Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Cats:  Image Essentials Props and Poses – Full Perm Mesh Cats
  • Location:  Mythical Serenity Photography Sim

Team Pink, It’s a Tough Fight!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Team Pink, It's a Tough Fight

So anyone who even casually follows my blog or my FlickR knows that although I always keep all my bits covered, I’m definitely not shy about “rocking my rack.”  Just look at my last pic of me lol! That’s just ONE reason why I’m on Team Pink, supporting the fight against breast cancer.  One of the big events in Second Life supporting this all-important fight is Rock Your Rack presented by Models Giving Back, which is open from October 5th through the 19th.  82 designers, a 10L Hunt, 25 artists who are also in the hunt, and 55 musical performances are all part of this event, with the proceeds from many awesome items being donated to The National Breast Cancer Association.  I know I don’t need to preach about the importance of this cause; in some way, it’s affected every single one of us, if not in actual fact then at least in fear.  Today I’m featuring two of my sponsors who are among this worthy cast… Please take the time to visit this event and support the work of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and their fight for early detection services for all. Be a part of Team Pink!

  • Top:  MOZ Designs – NEW! “Holly” Silk Team Pink Tank.  Limited Edition item, with 100% Donation for The National Breast Cancer Association.  It’s simple. It’s gorgeous.  It’s got the perfect little pink ribbon to signify breast cancer. What better way to tell the world that you’re on Team Pink, fighting the war against breast cancer?  Available in original Fitmesh for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, eBody, Eve, & Maitreya.  Only at the Rock Your Rack Event, Oct 5th – 19th.
  • Capris:  MOZ Designs – “Bailey” Pink Hearts Denim Skirt.  New EXCLUSIVE texture just for this event, & is it cute or what? Little white hearts on the most glorious pink denim, with three little white buttons & a little slit… & it’s a 10L HUNT item at the Rock Your Rack Event through Oct 19th.  In original Fitmesh for Tonic, Maitreya, Slink, Belleza, eBody, & Eve mesh bodies. 
  • Jewelry:  Stone’s Works –  Tree of Life Choker/Earring Diversity Set, the tree of life medallion speaks to the urgency while the colored beads signal that it’s a fight shared by all. There’s a close-up below of this stunning Limited Edition item, which has 100% Donation for The National Breast Cancer Association.  Includes a built-in resizer.   You can TP direct to their booth at the Rock Your Rack Event through Oct 19th HERE.  Also worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  Doux – Pink
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Location:  Backdrop Cove

The Reaper

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Reaper

OK, so we’re far enough into October now where fall has begun in earnest. That means two things… it’s now officially fall, to the point where I’ve ripped out all spring/summer flora from my SL land and have put in all kinds of autumnal glory and fallen leaves.  I have to admit that it’s not only a nice, refreshing change, but it’s gorgeous! The fact that it actually uses less prims is a welcome bonus too lol! But more importantly, October means Halloween. I’ve been seeing lots of absolutely AMAZING Halloween decor this year, and I plan on featuring quite a bit in this blog.  First up is this fun item that can fit on just about any size lot to add that perfect touch of Halloween dread!

  • Halloween Arch –  TYLAR’S TREASURES – Reaper Garden Entrance, with animated bats.  Features a fall branch tunnel with fall leaves, bats flying above, all decorated with a standing reaper at the entrance — a reaper with flaming eyes! — & a creepy pumpkin on hay bale. Perfect for your Halloween decorating! Copy/modify, this fantastic item is EXCLUSIVELY available at Heathen’s Court, October 5th – 31st.
  • Location:  Pendle Hill

Do You Believe in Magic?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Do You Believe in Magic?

It’s funny, but no matter how old I get, I never forget all the little fantasies and fairy tales and stories I’ve read and seen throughout my life.  Little everyday things may suddenly bring one to mind, totally out of the blue.  Like when a bell rings, I might think of Clarence getting his wings in It’s A Wonderful Life.  When someone complains that they have no idea what to pack (including myself lol), I laugh to myself when I remember that the most important thing is a towel (A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy).  And when I suddenly see a light or a candle brighten in a certain way, I always think of Tinkerbell in Peter Pan.  I know that some people will sneer at this.  But for me, I think that the ability to not only remember but to continue to see magic in the world around me is a gift, one that in today’s world I believe is increasingly valuable.  Of course I know it’s not real; but that doesn’t mean that the thoughts, the possibilities, don’t bring a smile, a lifting of the heart, a lightening of the step, in what can be a heavy, exhausting, depressing world.  And the fact is, magic comes in many forms. There’s magic in a beautiful sunset, in the night sky, in a brisk autumn afternoon, at dusk in the summer as the fireflies gather.  So believe like I believe, or don’t… go ahead and deal with things in your way, and I’ll deal with them in mine. We’ll see who smiles more!

  • Dress:  !!smesh – Felicity.  As much as I love fall, a part of me is still clinging onto summer.  With exceptional little outfits like this, it might become an endless summer! I love the cute teeny little shorts with the gorgeous lace panel that runs all the way around, but the top is what won my heart…  the bra cup with the lace overlay & the hanging ties with little beads.  And the color picker lets you not only choose a color from 24 starter choices but the whole color spectrum as well for the lace top, the bra, & the shorts so you can find the absolutely perfect mix of customized tones that you want.  You can adjust the transparency of the top &/or shorts too. Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. 
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Maze, worn in Maple browless.  Because this pack of Omega face/body skins also includes BOM skins & yesterday’s experiment worked perfectly, I again mixed a BOM skin for the head with an OMEGA skin for my body.  I love, love, love the result, especially with Maze’s smattering of freckles (I still add my own of course!)!  Fatpacks of 5 dark or light tones are available EXCLUSIVELY at the Dubai Event until Oct 20th.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Hut:  Nerenzo Design – Little Shelter.  A great little item for the beach or the garden, the Little Shelter adds a great touch to your landscape, day or night.  Just see below! Includes 54 single & couple animations (I’m posed in one in both shots!), as well as 6 wood textures & 9 fabric options.  Available in both cuddle & adult versions.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Argrace  – Nanao
  • Brows:  Izzie’s – BOM Layers Eyebrows Curved
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (System Layer); DS’Elles – Body Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Series 6 Eyeshadow
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Pelican:  Animania – Standing Pelican, Brown
  • Location:  my home at the Hideaway Collective (private)

 

Wide Eyed Wonder

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Wide Eyed Wonder

It’s amazing how things keep changing and evolving.  Sometimes I just like to stop and think about all the changes and developments I’ve seen here on the grid in my 12 years here.  In fact, this blog post represents a lot of firsts. Number one, it’s my first post using Bakes On Mesh layers (BOM), which now that Firestorm has released a BOM-enabled viewer, will start becoming mainstream as an option to using appliers as more designers and mesh makers jump on board.  I’m lucky that Akeruka (the maker of my primary head) was an early adopter, updating all their deluxe heads — male and female — for BOM.  Although it does offer some interesting options, I wonder how it will impact the world of mesh.  Mesh completely upended the world we knew… will BOM now turn everything back on its head? Time will tell, I suppose; for now, I’m just kicking myself for having tossed all those system tattoos & makeup, but one thing is for certain in SL: there will always be more to buy!  As for first number two: it’s my first post for Out Shop Cancer, the grid-wide and marketplace shopping event benefiting Making Strides and the American Cancer Society.  Starting Oct. 1 and running the entire month, this event will take shoppers across the grid, exploring and shopping at stores in support of Strides. Store-owners will use American Cancer Society breast cancer vendor kiosks to feature special products in their stores. A directory of participating stores will be available at the Strides office on ACS Island as well as on the Making Strides Second Life website.  You can see me there on the list of official bloggers, part of my ongoing effort to use my blogging and try to do some good in the world, and I’m proud to say that the brand for which I’m blogger-manager — Allure Couture — is a participating store as well.  To kick it off, then, it’s only right that I feature one of our outfits where 100% of proceeds go to support the fight against breast cancer.  In light of the enormity of both of those things, my third first is just a little thing, but to me it’s pretty big… it looks like I finally figured out the emails that go out automatically to my email subscribers.  Of course I won’t know until after this is posted, so fingers crossed! In the meantime, happy shopping, and don’t forget to stop every once in a while and take a look at all the wondrous things around you!

  • Outfit: Allure Couture – Jill Jeans Outfit.  Jack may definitely fall down when he sees you in this outfit, cuz it’s a knockout! The jeans fit great, the stiletto-heeled boots are awesome, but the shirt! With the solid color blocks, the collar, & the shirt tabs, this would be a pretty conservative top… if it wasn’t unbuttoned more than halfway!! Wowza!!!  The outfit includes a 12 texture HUD for the shirt, a 10 texture HUD for the jeans, & a 5 texture hud for the boots.  Don’t want the whole outfit?  A Jeans Fatpack & Shirt Fatpack are also available separately, but make note that the boots are only included with the complete outfit.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V & Maitreya.  Available EXCLUSIVELY throughout October at the main store as part of the Out Shop Cancer event, with 100% of proceeds going to support this incredibly worthy cause.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Jazzy, worn in Oak browless.  This pack of Omega face/body skins also includes BOM skins; because I just figured out my BOM-enabled head but haven’t experimented yet with a BOM-enabled body, I mixed the two types, using BOM for the head & Omega for my body & IT WORKED PERFECTLY!!!  (One note in case you try the same… you must do the face/body Omega skin first & THEN do BOM, otherwise the applier knocks you out of BOM mode.)  Whichever way you choose to go, Jazzy is a simply gorgeous skin with just a light touch of the most awesome soft moist lipstick.  Fatpacks of 5 dark or light tones are available EXCLUSIVELY at the Sense Event until Oct 8th.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (System Layer); DS’Elles – Body Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeshadows (BOM)
  • Hair:   Iconic – Rio
  • Jewelry:  Pure Poison – Cat Jewelry Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl Poses – Smells of Fall Pose Set (includes cat)
  • Location:  Backdrop Cove