Month: November 2019

An Enchanted Autumn Hideaway

Posted on by cejalaval

http://An Enchanted Autumn Hideaway

As I’ve said before, one of the things I try to create on my property are special little nooks and areas.  Some are very small, just one item tucked away in a grove of trees or behind some rocks.  Others are more extensive, when there are multiple pieces that work together to create an entire scene.  This autumn “set” from Mindgardens Creations is one of the latter (though it could easily be the former as well with fewer pieces), which I’ve used to create a very special area hidden in the back of my property, an area full of quiet and enchantment, perfect to hideaway from life’s cares…

Mindgardens Creations – all this and more available individually at the November Swank Event, Nov 7th – 31st.  Each piece is EXCLUSIVE and absolutely amazing in its own right (I’ve added separate pix below), but when you group them together, you can easily create an enchanted little area:

  • Autumn Gnarled Lantern Oak Tree with Vines & Lanterns (on left in the main pic)
  • Autumn Oak Tree with Blinking Lights & Lantern (on right in the main pic)
  • Autumn Ground Ivy & Scattered Leaves – copy, so you can add as much (or as little) as you’d like
  • Elephant Ear Plant (includes 3 variations) – the variations include tightly grouped, & loosely spread out to look so natural when mixed! Copy, so you can easily customize your setting
  • Enchanted Autumn Gazebo – with a hanging light curtain, lights around the front “trunks” & lanterns
  • Enchanted Autumn Bench & Table – Animated! Includes both single (M & F) & couple sits. Just a lovely little set!

To make your shopping even easier, here’s a LM direct to their booth at Swank!

Gnarled Lantern Oak Tree
Autumn Oak Tree
Elephant Ear Plants
Enchanted Gazebo
Enchanted Bench & Table

An Autumn Day

Posted on by cejalaval

http://An Autumn Day

It’s funny when you stop to think about it.  Here on the grid I’ve landscaped my property with lots of fallen autumn leaves, piles and piles of them, and I’m drawn to all these poses with even more leaves swirling around. Yet in real life, whereas they’re beautiful to look at (especially through a window lol), we all hate them on our own property and spend hours raking them into piles, bagging them, and just getting rid of them.  What a backbreaking chore! But they are indisputably the beauty of a season that honestly doesn’t have much more to recommend it at this point from a “nature” point of view (I’ll stand by my culinary loves of the season!!!)… it’s just really really cold outside where I live, it gets dark super-early, and I for one am just not very happy with the whole thing at all lol.  But I do love it here in SL where it’s only the beauty and none of the “other stuff” that goes along with it.  But whether it’s in SL or in RL, one thing is definite… fall is short, and winter is coming. But until it’s here, happy fall shopping!

  • Outfit:  Apple Heart – Yvette Outfit with Hud.  This is one of those outfits I wish I could somehow pull through the screen & have in real life (in my real size of course lol).  It’s just absolutely perfect for the fall, all snuggly & warm but still absolutely stylish.  Includes a HUD that lets you change the sweater, skirt, skirt cuff, leggings, shoes & bows individually to any of 8 colors, plus an additional 8 textures for the skirt, as well as the metal on the zippers of the skirt (the two in front & one in back that goes all the way top to bottom).  Sized for Hourglass, Freya, Legacy, & Maitreya.  (One note to HG wearers like me:  I did need to wear both the HG & Freya sizes to eliminate some popthru around the neck area; the fix worked perfectly & looked great.) At the Designer Circle 22/19, open Nov 3rd – 16th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; Jenny HD Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Chianna Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Infiniti – Scattered (available at The Liaison Collaborative)
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

The Shadow of Your Smile

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Shadow of Your Smile

The sweep of time always feels more noticeable towards the end of the year, doesn’t it?  Summer ends, and suddenly the days are so much shorter (not to mention colder!) and you can just feel time rushing by as the holidays press ever closer.  On top of that, I find that memory stirs a lot more.  Maybe it’s because I start feeling more melancholy, but it doesn’t take much for the sudden stab of a memory so vivid it can make me lose my breath at its clarity… especially when it’s something that has been lost in the deep recesses for so long.  What triggers these sudden onslaughts of memories so full of past emotion and meaning will I suppose always be one of the great unsolvable mysteries. They are shadows of the past, but they are part of what has made us who we are now, and who we may become tomorrow, so I for one welcome them, with all the pain and joy and tears and laughter they bring.  The key is to be making new memories that can resurface years from now, echoing the moments of our lives that we are creating today…

  • Gown:  Flower Dreams – Ida Gown.  A simply gorgeous, sophisticated take on what I would term a modified mermaid shape.  The texture is part of what makes this gown so stunning, with sequins strung in a pattern over what looks like a beautifully rich chiffon.  Includes a HUD with 8 different colors to choose for the gown as well as for the two separate decor pieces (the flowers in front with the hanging strips) plus the floaty sheer overlay skirts & tail, so you can mix & match if you choose.  Did I mention how gorgeous this gown is?  Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Ocacin, Maitreya, & Fitmesh M.  Two makeup sets (eyelashes, lipstick, & eyeshadow) for Catwa Only also available (which alas, I couldn’t wear but look beautiful). The gown & makeup sets are all EXCLUSIVE for the November round of the Swank Event, Nov 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, 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:  D!va – “Aria”
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; Amata HD Eyeshadow & Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Mani Pedi – Silvertipz Polish
  • Jewelry:  Jezzixa Cazalet for Prism Designs – Chelsey Jewelry; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  N-Core Design – GRACE “Silver” for Slink High Feet
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Botan 6
  • Backdrop:  FoxCity – God Is A Woman Photo Booth

Peaceful Easy Feeling

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Peaceful Easy Feeling

I just love love LOVE this pair of outfits. They work so well together, but then they also work so well on their own.  It’s pretty rare I think in a paired set that the man’s outfit works as well as the woman’s does… sometimes it does tend to come off as more of a companion piece than an awesome outfit in its own right.  With Hans and Freya, they are equally fabulous as standalone looks, but when together?!? Look out!  Absolutely awesome!!!  The pattern itself is very unisex, all original textures, with a wonderful assortment of colors. My personal favorite is the green because it really enhances my eyes,  and the blue just makes my Durzle’s eyes really pop… sighs, just knocks me out… but if you look at the full body shots below, you can see that other colors look great too. But if the pattern/colors are unisex, the cut and style are definitely NOT.  Although my sweater is comfy and relaxed looking, the plunging neckline and little miniskirt are VERY feminine.  And Durzle’s pushed-up sleeves and tight-but-not-too-skinny jeans advertise all his masculine charms.  Definitely a love story… one that gives me that peaceful, easy feeling…

Here are the nitty-gritty details of what I’m wearing:

  • Women’s Outfit: Allure Couture – Freya Sweater Mini Dress.  Available in 8 colors or as a fatpack with a HUD, in all original textures.  Includes the shoes! Sized for Slink HG, Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVE release at the 7Event, Nov 5th – 20th.  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
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Exile – Moonlight Stroll
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Eyeshadow; Jessy HD Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Sintiklia – Maybel Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  K&S – What Unites Us? (modified head position)

And the details of what Durzle’s wearing:

  • Men’s Outfit: Allure Couture – Hans Sweater & Jeans Outfit.  Comes in your choice of a Fatpack or can be purchased in any of 8 separate colors.  All textures are original.  Shoes included! Sized for Slink, Aesthetic, Belleza Jake, Signature Geralt & Gianni, TMP, & Classic S/M/L.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Male Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Justin
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph

Smart Ass

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Smart Ass

We all have our personality traits and I’ll admit it: I’ve always been known as something of a smart ass. It’s true in both real life and in Second Life.  I even have it right there on my profile! And now I have a jacket that says it out in the open in a fashionable way for all the grid to see and be forewarned.  Not one of your traits? No worries! This awesome little jacket has 7 other color/saying options, one of which is sure to be perfect for you! (See the pic below).  So whether you’re a Smart Ass like me, Queen of Everything or just want everyone to Be Kind, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Graffitiwear – Ladies Jacket.  8 options available (see below) plus a fatpack. Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/V, & Maitreya.  At this round of the Designer Circle 22/19, open Nov 3rd – 16th.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Marye, worn in Caramel browless.  Another beautiful Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows) available AT DISCOUNT for just 450L at the Designer Circle 22/19, open Nov 3rd – 16th. Shape & demos also available.
  • Head: Tonic – NEW! Pixie, the all-new bento head from Tonic, now available at the main store
  • 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:  TRUTH – Shadow (current VIP Gift)
  • Brows:  Avada – Anja Eyebrows
  • Mole/Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Inlaid Harmony Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Purple
  • Pose:  LW: Bento Poses – Autumn Leaves
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

A Cozy Little Nook

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Cozy Little Nook

I love porches because of the cozy little nooks that you can so easily create. This autumn set fits my porch so perfectly, it just invites  you to “sit and set a while”… and the included animations make that easy and fun to do! A nice little touch is the built-in resizer, so if you need to modify the furniture to fit , it’s incredibly simple to do.  Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m just going to sit a while, read a bit, drink my coffee and wait for some company to join me for cuddling and conversation…  Happy shopping!

  • Couch & Chair:  Park Place Home – Smoky Mountain Rustic Settee & Chair – Autumn.  Sold separately, each with PG single and couple animations.  Available at the November Swank Event, Nov 7th – 31st.
  • Table:  Park Place Home – Cement/Dark Metal Fire Pit Table.  With flames to keep you warm when that autumn nip is in the air! Available at the November Swank Event, Nov 7th – 31st.
  • Magazines:  Park Place Home – Coffee table magazines
  • Cats:  Image Essentials Props and Poses – Full Perm Mesh Cats
  • Coffee:  What Next – Coffee Sierra Kettle & Mugs
  • Plant:  [Circa] Living – “Aziza” Tall Vase
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

 

Autumn Leaves Must Fall

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Autumn Leaves

I’ve been waxing on about the beauty of fall for several blogs now.  And while it is definitely beautiful, it is also downright chilly.  And now that daylight savings time has ended, it gets so dark so early, I have to carry a flashlight when I walk the dog on her early evening walk.  On top of all that, I’m suddenly feeling sick and pretty miserable.  I do tend to always get a bad cold at this time of year, so I’m hoping that’s all it is. Of course, the media doesn’t help with all their dire warnings of the flu. Bottom line, I’m not feeling the most creative or chatty, so I’m cutting the bloggy part short, and heading right into the fashion details… which is why you’re here!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  AnaSTyle – Patrizia, worn in Black&Brown (5 other color options also available).  This is such an awesome little dress… it’s leather, but doesn’t have that all-so-typical “I’m a sexy leather biker dress” vibe, it has way more class & style than that, while still having that “cool” factor. Includes the thigh high boots & silver bracelet. Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Maitreya & Classic.  EXCLUSIVELY at the Designer Circle 22/19, open Nov 3rd – 16th.  Demo available.
  • Hat:  Stone’s Works –  Fall Acorn Hunting Top Hat. What fun!!!! A little black top hat (with a resizer built in, so it easily resizes to fit your head & hair style), with a wide brown band (that happily matches the bottom of my dress!), topped by some wintry trees (one even has sparkling holiday lights!), a pile of leaves, & the cutest little chipmunks hunting for acorns. See below for a closeup of this amazing fun hat, that can just add that perfect finishing touch to an outfit! Discounted as part of the new round of The Creative Spark, until Nov 15th. 
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Doux – Aysha
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; Talita Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Night Diva Jewelled SuperStar Choker & Earrings (the earrings are the current GROUP GIFT); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Nails:  Go Frock Yourself – Bronze Nail Appliers
  • Pose:  LW: Bento Poses – The Fall
  • Backdrop:  The Olde Attic – Autumn Woodlands Pose Prop

 

Fall’s Embrace

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fall's Embrace

So as I sit here sipping my hot mulled apple cider (you thought I just blogged about it???), I’m thinking how fall is not just hot drinks and warm clothes.  Decor and landscaping is such a big part of it, especially here on the grid where nature does not naturally participate… you need fallen leaves and pumpkins and blankets ready to wrap around you at a moment’s notice. It’s why we all go looking for those beautiful photogenic sims that change with the seasons, because it just doesn’t feel like fall if it doesn’t LOOK like fall.  That applies to your home here in SL as well.  And no it doesn’t mean that you redo everything every season.  What it DOES mean is that those summery deck chairs and barbecue sets get stored away till next summer (just like they do in real life!!!), and a few well chosen autumn sets or pieces take their place.  There’s a lot to choose from; here’s a set that I think is so fabulous, I’m now personally using it in my own home. Whether you choose this set, or another, or none at all, have fun exploring all there is out there.  Happy shopping!

Tylar’s Treasures – The Brock Fall Collection, available INDIVIDUALLY for sale EXCLUSIVELY at the Uncharted Event, Nov 5th – 20th.  Use them alone or group them together like I did for a fabulous fall setting (and since everything is copy/modify, your setting can be customized just the way you want it!):

  • Brock Fall Bench Bento – available in both cuddle & adult versions.  Animated with slow dances, bento couple & single animations & sequences.  Also includes 8 texture changes for the pillows & blanket, & two for the wood (dark or light). (See closeup below)
  • Brock Fall Fire Basket – with scripted fire & fire sounds, as well as smoke (See closeup below)
  • Brock Fall Fountain – with animated water & water sounds; includes the haystalk, pumpkin & gourd, scattered leaves & lights. (See closeup below)
  • Brock Fall Planter – beautiful autumn color!
  • Brock Fall Wall Vine – with animated bird & chirp (See closeup below)

Hot and Spicy… Cider

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Hot and Spicy...Cider

Although things are getting less defined all the time due to “scientific advancements,” every season definitely has its culinary pleasures. My two fall favorites are hot apple cider and pomegranates.  We’re just at the beginning of pomegranate season (bought my first one this weekend!), but at least up here in the increasingly cold and chilly northeastern US, I’ve been happily mulling some hot apple cider for weeks.  I’m a “free-hander”… I measure out the cider by filling up the cup I’m going to drink it in, but then I just pour in the mulling spice until I think there’s enough (which means I’m probably using way too much lol).  Bring to a simmer, pour through a strainer, maybe add a cinnamon stick, and you’re done.  There really is nothing quite like it… hot, spicy, sweet, and tart all at the same time.  Refreshing and warming, soothing and just absolutely delicious.  It’s the very essence of fall, in a cup.  And like fall, it’s really only for a short time, before it’s replaced by the next batch of seasonal goodies… Until then, though, I’ll need to make sure I’m stocked up on those mulling spices so that I can stay warm and satisfied… Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Xxxtasi & Beauty Kartel – Tayona.   A perfect fall outfit, with a beautiful knit sweater (plunging neckline, of course) & a VERY short little skirt. Includes a texture HUD with 6 color options for the top & 6 for the skirt. Sized for Hourglass, Freya, Isis, Legacy, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 22/19, open Nov 3rd – 16th.  Demo available.
  • Thigh High Socks:  MOoH! – Thigh High Socks for Slink Feet Mist.  SPECIAL DISCOUNT ITEM, these soft & snuggly thigh high socks are available at the main store in 10 colors for a 50% discount, making them just 99L. They are rigged for 7 different bodies + fitmesh in case your particular body isn’t included*, can be worn as full socks or as warmers without the feet, include sizes for high/medium/flat feet, & include a HUD so you can wear them in 10 toasty colors. Perfect to keep your legs warm with those real short skirts! (NOTE: The Slink size included is Physique; since I’m wearing the Hourglass body, I wore the L fitmesh size which didn’t fit “skintight” but worked really well & IMHO looked great… If it didn’t, I wouldn’t have worn them!!!)
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Doux – Air
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; EyeShadow HD9; Jessy Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Dream Feathers Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Bishes Inc – Zipped Boots

Like the breeze blows…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://You Can't Stop the Breeze from Blowing

And time marches on… It’s soooo cold outside, the ground is completely covered by wet, fallen leaves.  I finally did the “change-over”, putting away all the warm-weather clothes and pulling out all the cold-weather ones. One thing I’ll say about the change of seasons, it really brings home the inexorable march of time, how things continually change, but somehow stay the same. Thankfully Halloween is done (though lots of chocolate still remains, though probably not for long lol); Thanksgiving is on the near horizon (note to self: need to order that turkey!). The BIG holidays not far beyond, then the new year, and so on, and so on…  Life goes on, sometimes tedious and boring, sometimes fresh and exciting, sometimes heart-wrenching and depressing, others glorious and uplifting. That’s life! There are times it’s hard to have hope, not just personally but for the world at large, but I need to believe that things will improve… A little heavy, yes, for a Saturday morning in a little Second Life fashion blog, but hey, what can you do? SHOP! Make YOUR Second Life world better!!! And on that note, happy shopping!!!

  • Outfit:  !!smesh – Davina.   It may not be summer any more, but that doesn’t mean we’re done with the beach! This outfit — which includes the blouse, capris, & incredibly high spiky sandals —  is perfect for those post-summer days.  It boasts wonderful ribbing on the capris, snowflake cut-outs on the top, a double-tie in front, & simply fabulous wide-open cross ties in the back (see below).  Sized for Slink Hourglass, Belleza Freya/Isis, Tonic Fine, eBody Curvy, & Maitreya, this is simply one of those must-haves for your closet! Demo available.
  • Pose:  Salacity – Windy Hat Pose/Prop.  Great pose that includes the hat prop, from a store that seems to have a little bit of everything, all of it FABULOUS!
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Avela
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Beloved Jewelry – Modern Flower Set in Silver; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  my home at the Hideaway Collective (private)