December 2019 – Ceja's Curvy Chic

Shall we toast another New Year’s together?

Posted on December 31, 2019 by cejalaval

As part of my personal end-of-year evaluation, I decided to make some changes to my sponsor line-up. A few are gone, and I’ve taken on some new challenges. One of them is LOGO, a line of bento heads that I’ll admit has completely blown me out of the water. I thought it would be interesting to blog heads; I thought it would be challenging, since the idea is to show the head at its best as it’s provided, not to make it look like ME. What I did NOT expect was to be bowled over.

There are two parts to the LOGO system. The HUDs for customizing and animating your head and the heads themselves. The HUDs are a separate purchase but you only need to buy them once, they work with all the LOGO bento heads. There is just so much to these heads. Yes, they’re fabulous looking, each in its own distinctive way — which in itself is really different, since the heads from so many designers look like variations of each other. But to me, what really sets this line apart are its customization HUDs. That’s right — both the head HUD (skin, makeup, brows, tattoos, hairbase, eyes) & the animations HUD can be customized. Honestly I’m still playing with it, but you can add new things to it, you can customize animations by mixing and matching, there’s just so much you can do to make each head your own unique YOU. I’m showing you the starting point… where you go from here is totally up to you. Another thing I totally love? A little “AO Neutral”, which is a 60 second animation override that you can wear and just run continuously to give your character a little bit of subtle facial and head movements. It’s low-script and runs with your your regular AO. Did I mention I was blown away? Why not grab a demo and start playing?

Head: LOGO – Mae. Also wearing the included Mae eyes (the HUD lets you choose the color). Everything on this gorgeous bento head is shown “straight out of the box,” totally untweaked. Includes the head, eyes, teeth, shape, eyebrow shaper, Mae skins (not shown), hairbases, makeup, talking animations, & built-in expression animations. There’s even an alternate version of these animations that include ear movements for use with LOGO Bento Expressive Elf Ears! (It should be noted that in order to use the skins, makeup, animations, etc. you do need the Customization HUD.) The head also includes the AO Neutral!
Skin & Shape: LOGO – Naomi, worn in Blossom, together with the Naomi shape which is specifically made for the Mae head. Once again, I’m showing Naomi “as is”… all I did was choose from options for such things as brow color & of course modify the body to my own shape; I didn’t even change the makeup, even though options were included. Skin includes both applier & BOM versions.
Top: MOZ Designs – NEW! Crop Hoodie. Perfect casual little top with all those perfect little details like contrast coloring inside the hood & on the dangling strings. Available in 3 fatpacks of solids or graphics, or a Superpack that includes all options. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, Tonic & eBody. It’s the exclusive at the December eBento which ends today Dec 31st, but don’t worry! If you miss it at the event, you haven’t missed out just because I’m sadly late in blogging this awesome little hoodie… it’s now moving to the mainstore!
Body: Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
Hair: Stealthic – Sultry
Jewelry: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
Pose: Diversion – 2019 Group Gifts, #2
Location: my home in Blake Passage

Prepping for New Year’s Eve

Posted on December 30, 2019 by cejalaval

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OK, I know you’re wondering what’s with all the alcohol lately in my pix. I mean usually I’m drinking coffee or hot chocolate, lately it’s always champagne! But no, I’m not turning into an alcoholic but I am definitely in the spirit of the season (or should I say “spirits”?) when it comes to the bubbly. Unfortunately most of my celebrating will be on my own, though some of it will definitely be in a cozy twosome, both inworld and out. I’m just practicing, to make sure that I can hold my own… I mean who wants a Ceja dancing on the table or (even worse) passed out on the table? So for now, I’m making friends with the bottle, rehearsing to make sure I can party and still keep my head. Cheers! and, of course, happy shopping!

Outfit: !!smesh – NEW! Filippa Outfit. Includes the solid blouse in a sexy clingy fabric, winter shorts in a twill-like fabric with the cutest “fanny pack” that blends the two fabrics, & slouchy red leather boots. Sized for Slink Hourglass, Belleza Freya, Legacy, & Maitreya. Demo available.
Kitchen Decor: Salacity – Kitchen Jar Decor. Jars that say H – O – M – E … simple, classic, useful, & stylish… what can be better? An exclusive release for the Southern Charm event, Dec 10th – Jan 5th.
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: Stealthic – Cadence
Eyes: IKON – Triumph
Lashes/Makeup: SlackGirl – Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Eyeshadow
Freckles: Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Jessica Sanctuary Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
Pose: Diversion – 2019 Group Gifts, #3
Location: my home in Blake Passage

Trying to Smile When You’re Alone at the New Year’s Party

Posted on December 28, 2019 by cejalaval

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This is a really tough time of year when you’re alone. And yes, I’m married RL and partnered with a great guy I’ve been with for almost 12 years now, but his time inworld is limited and definitely not for big things like New Year’s Eve (then again, I’m not really available for that either lol). But it made me think about all those years when I was alone, and would go to parties stag with all those couples, smiling bravely through all the toasts and statements of love. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that even as a couple, life is rarely (if ever) the way you imagined it would be, and sometimes the forced gaiety of these mass celebrations can just be downright depressing. These days I generally prefer a quiet night at home or, if pushed a bit, a small intimate party. But whether you like to party big, party small, or go to bed and wait till the partying’s done, the year will still end and a new one will begin. And THAT is something worth toasting! Here’s to a Happy New Year and happy shopping both for the rest of this year and all of the next!

Gown: FlowerDreams by Nile Karas – Derin Gown, worn in SeaGreen. Beautifully elegant, off-shoulders gown, without all the glitter & frou-frou seen on most gowns at this time of year. Just simple, beautiful, & classic, softly belted with a wide bow sash (added separately), & with optional floaty chiffon skirts & tail. Available in SeaGreen, Latte, Mauve, Light Pink, Sand, & Sky. Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, Voluptuous, Ocacin, & Fitmesh M. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st. A We Love to Blog in SL designer.
Jewelry: Moondance Boutique – Reign Crown Jewels. You’ll not only look like royalty, you’ll feel like it too in this jewelry set. The perfect accompaniment to a simple classic gown, where it can “reign” supreme, with each complementing the other instead of fighting for attention. Set includes the necklace, earrings, bracelets, & a crown (not worn), plus a HUD that allows you to select among 26 gemstones (you select two for this set!) & 9 metals. Also includes a resizer. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st. Also worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
Skin: 7 Deadly s[K]ins – Bridget, worn in Apricot browless. Also classically beautiful, just another stunner of an Omega skin. Two options of 5 tones each, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows, available at the December eBento through December 30th. Shape & demos also available.
Head: Tonic – Pixie, newest bento head from Tonic
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: no.match – NO_DREAM
Brows: Avada – Anja Eyebrows
Mole/Freckles: Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
Makeup: Izzie’s – Shimmer Lipstick
Nails: Weaponized Sugar – Celadon
Pose: BellePoses – Zoe, pose 4 (at the Winter Pose Fair)
Location: Oceana

The Winter Wonderland Sled Set

Posted on December 27, 2019 by cejalaval

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I’ve been searching for the word to sum up this wintry set that just knocked me over the minute I saw it, and I think I finally have it… CHARM. It’s simply one of those home & garden items where the designer thought of everything, and just did it all so well. Every time my mind started to go “I wish they’d done such and such,” I realized “oh, they did”. In all honesty, I had only two problems with this set… I simply couldn’t decide between the different props available, I just loved so many of them and kept changing my mind… over and over and over again. Second, I couldn’t decide where to place the set, because it just looked fantastic everywhere. Not bad problems to have, eh? Seriously, though, if you value how your land looks and you just love having fun and playing with your animations like I do, this is a fabulous set that you simply must check out. Happy shopping, and happy holidays!

CJ Creations: CJ Winter Wonderland Sled Set. Includes: the Sled, which is so very much more than “just” a sled, with 3 different wood textures (snow, light, & dark), each of which then has 5 different pillow/fur textures; surrounding deco (the trees & plantings around the sled, the “gate”, optional snowground; single & couple animations, that include champagne & hot drinks; lots of optional props that rez just by touching the gate. I finally chose the snowman/huskies, but there are several more available, including fireworks, elk, husky puppies, & a shoveling animation! So much fun in so many ways, & it’s EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.

Happy holidays? Bah, humbug!

Posted on December 23, 2019 by cejalaval

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We’re in the final countdown, nerves are getting frayed, there’s a hint of desperation in the stores, both brick & mortar and even online as the news channels tell horror stories of packages not being delivered on time. Are these the bedtime stories of tomorrow, that will have our children on the edge of their seats with worry? not whether the accidental hero will successfully win out in the end, or if the guy will get the girl (or the girl get the guy!), but whether the almighty package will get there in time, as scheduled??? Admittedly I’ve had my own recent spot of hysteria over a shipment delay, but in my own defense it was with a very vague descriptive of “delayed” with some additional text that “would automatically cancel if not fulfilled by Jan 10th”, not to mention (though I’m obviously GOING to mention lol) that it was for the computer that is replacing the very one I’m typing on that seems to be juuuust hanging on. So yes, some packages need to be delivered as scheduled. And though I procrastinate as well as the next person, those who wait till the very last minute to get the touted “guaranteed by Christmas delivery as long as ordered by XPM on such a such day” have to realize that they are throwing the die each and every time. There are just too many variables out there, especially in the dead of winter at the busiest shipping time of year. Predictable worry, of course, but seriously folks, hardly the stuff to keep you up at night or want to “read” over and over. So why is it all I’m hearing about, everywhere I turn? If you’re in that situation now, I have just one word of advice to you… shop earlier next year!!!! (Today’s sermon of the day lol.) And of course, as always, happy shopping!

Outfit: HERO – Maxi Outfit Red. Includes black leather jacket over a ribbed red shirt, together with jeans. Sized for Slink, Belleza Jake, Signature Gianni, Adin, Gamit, Onupup, & Classic. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.
Head & Skin: Akeruka (AK) – Clay (deluxe bento, with BOM)
Body: Slink – Male Physique Mesh Body
Hair: Vango – Jared
Eyes: IKON – Odyssey
Backdrop: FOXCITY – Lucky Lounge Photo Booth
Pose: Wrong & The Owl – Static Male Poses #7, pose 2

Hmmm, where should THIS carrot go?

Posted on December 20, 2019 by cejalaval

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So yes, I love all these wintry pix, and all the snowy accessories here in Second Life. But I have to say, when it comes to Real Life, I’m so done with it. It’s sooooooo cold and icy, and rather than feeling even the smallest spark of joy if it starts to snow, instead the attitude that rises is one of “Oh great, more snow.” And winter hasn’t even officially begun!! All I keep telling myself is one more winter to go, and then I AM DONE. I won’t have to live through this and freeze and ache to my bones. I’ll be able to visit and ooh and aaahhh, and then I’ll be able to go home to a nice warm sunny clime where I never have to worry about slipping on the ice or shoveling out the driveway or having to drag the dog out in subfreezing weather (she’s smart enough to not want to go out either). And then I’ll enjoy wonderful outfits like this even more than I do now, where all I can see is the fun and beauty, and not the bitter cold that goes with them. What can I say? I need more hot coffee, just to warm up after having been out in the frigid air. Brrrrrr…… happppppy shoppppppinggggg!

Outfit: Hawker’s House – Alpine Hooded Cardigan Aspen, which comes with the Skinny Jeans & Snow Boots. Such a warm toasty outfit for a snow-filled winter’s day of fun! Love the pattern & mixed fabrics on this thick heavy cardigan, which is sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, eBody, Ocacin, TMP, & Classic XS-L. The comfy mesh blue denim skinny jeans & Larken red snow boots are classic sized only, but easily fit mesh bodies with use of body alphas. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.
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 – Flora (Freckled version)
Hair: Besom – Aidia
Lashes: SlackGirl – Thay Deluxe Lashes
Freckles: Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
Jewelry: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
Pose: Fashiowl Poses – Snowman
Location: my home in Blake Passage

Tell it to the mountain

Posted on December 18, 2019 by cejalaval

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OK, so this is my second time writing this post. My lovely computer lost the entire thing WHILE I WAS SAVING IT. My frustration level has been rising day by day. I’ve known my hard drive was failing, which is why I ordered a new computer back on Black Friday. The day it was to arrive I received an email saying it was delayed… possibly till Jan 10th. After two days with no further word, I went shopping online. Configured my own, got something even better for a bit less money, and then went into customer service h*ll trying to cancel computer #1. Bottom line… it can’t be cancelled but it can be returned no charge. So two computers are now on the way. In the meantime, this one has gotten so bad that I lost my entire post. EVERYTHING. Not just this bit, which is the easy part, but all the details and all the slurls. Then on top of it, it took multiple tries and loads of time to get the shot below to upload. Geez, it shouldn’t be this hard! Screams out my frustration at the mountain, trying to let the peace and calm of the scene wash over me… taking deep breaths… remembering to breathe… and oh yeah, happy shopping…

Outfit: Jezzixa Cazalet for Prism Designs – Prism Inez Pant Set. I just love the gleam of the satin & the way the sleeves are pushed up on this deceptively simple, loose cropped top, plus the little matching splashes of color on the tight pants with the zippers at the top of the thighs & then the open ankle zippers. Available in 6 color options or as a fatpack, sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. See below for a full standing pic. EXCLUSIVELY available at the Designer Circle 25/19, open Dec 15th – 28th. Demo available.
Scene: TM Creation – “Hug Me Tender Bear” Winter Scene. Winter scene placed on pile of snow with snowy rocks (walkable on top), brushes, ferns, sled, blanket, little bears & literally hundreds of singles & couples anims (including bento). No Poseball – No static poses – Scene Sequence play up to 8 mins of scene (looping x each). EXCLUSIVELY available in both PG & Adult versions at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.
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 – Flora (Freckled version)
Hair: Moon – Bedshaped
Lashes/Makeup: SlackGirl – Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow; Jessy HD Lips
Freckles: Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
Jewelry: EarthStones – Ariel Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
Nails: LIVIA – Deep Gel
Shoes: KC Couture – Winslet

At the breaking point

Posted on December 17, 2019 by cejalaval

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You know how much fun the holiday shopping is when it starts? But then at some point, it’s not fun any more, it’s become more of a chore. Who’s left? What did I forget? What do you mean it’s out of stock? How can I have absolutely NO idea what to get for this person or that? Well, I’ve hit that point. Thankfully, I bought my one of my most difficult gifts yesterday — my mom who is in memory care — so all gifts are bought, EXCEPT FOR ONE. My sister’s birthday is New Year’s Eve, so I have a wee bit more time than for Christmas, but I’m pulling a total blank when it comes to ideas. The harder I push myself to come up with something, the higher the wall. Sighs, at least it’s just one lol. Of course my son just called asking for help with ideas for the family, so here I go again lol! Hope you’re having an easier time of it!!!! It will all be over soon… in the meantime, happy shopping!

Outfit: in.SANITY Designs – NEW! Snuggles. Named perfectly, for this comfy little snuggle of a winter dress. Warm thick knit, off-shoulder, criss-crossing the chest, then hanging a bit loose. Warm, comfy, snuggly, & stylish. 10 Colors available separately or in a Fat pack with a HUD for all 10. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, & Tonic. Also available on Marketplace!
Shoes: MOZ Designs – NEW! “Milano” Ankle Boots. Absolutely adorable with some “open laceup” up the front. Available in 6 single leathers or a fatpack. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, Tonic & eBody. Available at both the mainstore & at the December Sense Event, Dec 18th – Jan 8th.
Skin: 7 Deadly s[K]ins – Dove, worn in Caramel browless. What can I say? I was actually stopped during this photo shoot to be asked what skin I was wearing. Another sensational Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows, available at UNIK Event Dec 7th – 28th. Shape & demos also available.
Head: Tonic – Pixie, newest bento head from Tonic
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 – Lala
Brows: Avada – Anja Eyebrows
Mole/Freckles: Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
Makeup: Izzie’s – Fall Eyeshadows; DS’Elles – Series 8 Lipstick
Jewelry: Dahlia – Gamma – Sun, Moon & Stars Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
Pose: Secret Poses – Xmas Bike
Location: Cherishville

Gatcha, Santa!

Posted on December 16, 2019 by cejalaval

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I am constantly amazed by the talent of designers in Second Life. The combination of creativity and attention to detail can just blow me away. This set of gachas (is that even the right terminology??? or spelling??? I’m certainly no gacha expert lol!) is a perfect example… I love each and every item, just sooooo adorable. Adding one, two, or even all to your holiday decor is that perfect element of fun! Personally, I think it’s perfect that it’s a gatcha, cuz I could never choose which one(s) to get!!!

Tylar’s Treasures – Santa’s Workshop Gacha. 15 absolutely adorable gatchas of Santa & his elves — 12 commons, 2 rares, 1 ultrarare — perfect for the 12 (or I guess 15 lol) days of Christmas! Available EXCLUSIVELY at Twe12ve from Dec 12th -31st! Try your luck, just 50L per play! I wish I could have shown all 15, but here’s what’s in the pic (you can see all in the gatcha key below):

Workshop – Ultra Rare!
Santa’s Sleigh – Rare – animated!
Santa’s List – Rare
Wrapping Gifts
Decorating
Tree
Bicycle
Rocking Horse – actually rocks!
Xylophone

Not shown: Workbench, Fireplace, Wagon, Sled, Drum, CandyCane

A moment by the fire

Posted on December 13, 2019December 13, 2019 by cejalaval

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In these last few weeks before the holidays when stress starts to build over finding last minute gifts, dealing with parties, or — for me — delayed orders, dying computers, and a nagging sore throat/cough, one of the more calming visions is just relaxing by the fire, doing nothing at all but being. Sighs… if only it was possible in real life as easily as it is here. But at least I can have it here, whenever I need it (and boy, am I needing it!!!!) Just need to recharge my batteries, as it were, to finish up that holiday/birthday shopping and end the year on a high note… happy shopping to all!

What we’re wearing:

Outfits: {-sonder-} – Holiday Pajamas. The most adorable Christmas onesies, made for men, women, & children. I don’t have kids in SL (unless you count the kittycat version lol), so I was sooooo happy that there were adult sizes of these! I’m wearing “Santa Pets”, made in sizes for Slink, Belleza, & Maitreya; Crichton is wearing the “Santa Onesie”, made for Slink, Jake, & Signature Gianni. (“Icy Deer” style also available.) At the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.
Skin: 7 Deadly s[K]ins – Sedona, worn in Caramel browless, BOM version. A real beauty of a lightly freckled Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows, available at Shiny Shabby till Dec 15th. Shape & demos also available. (Crichton is wearing the skin included with his AK head.)
Heads: Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento, now with BOM) for me; Clay for Crichton
Body: Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet, Male & Female versions
Hair: Tameless – Candy (for me); Vango – Jared (for Crichton)
Freckles/Eyebrows: Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); Curved Eyebrows
Nails: Iconic Designs – Christmas Time Nails

The scene:

Fireplace: Tylar’s Treasures – Christmas Pointsettia Fireplace, includes the fireplace with crackling fire (touch on/off), log holder, two potted pointsettia plants, & the hanging garland. What a beauty! To make it even more special, it’s a 100% EXCLUSIVE DONATION ITEM to the fight against children’s cancer through Relay for Life at the 2019 SL Christmas Expo, open through Dec 15th. Sharing a booth with Home Whimsy; your taxi is waiting for you HERE.
Rug: Simple Reflections – Christmas Blanket & Christmas Tree Gnome. The perfect rug for stretching out in front of the fireplace, the cat pillows add just the right touch of whimsy. Includes a texture changer, plus loads of both single & cuddle animations (44 single sits, 28 cuddles, 18 massage). EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st. (The Gnome is sold separately.)