Month: December 2019

Baby Wait, It’s Christmas, Please Don’t Go

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Baby, Wait, It's Christmas, Please Don't Go

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season are the lights.  I just love walking the dog after dark, and seeing all the decorations lit up in the dark… even though they’re the same night after night, they still make smile, each and every time.  That’s why one of my favorite parts of this year’s SL Christmas Expo — which you hopefully know by now is the last mega-event of the year for Relay for Life and it’s fight against cancer (this event’s mission is specifically raising money to fight children’s cancer) — is the 2nd Annual Lights of Hope Decoration Contest, where they take those beautiful outdoor decorations that I enjoy so much here in the real world and do them up big time inworld.  I’ve included the poster below with some of the particulars, and to quote the formal description:

“Each of the builders has decorated the outside of one of their stunning houses in holiday style and brought it to the Expo.  Stroll the Holiday Road neighbourhood at the Expo and vote for your favourites by donation to the American Cancer Society kiosk in front of each home! 100% of all “votes” go directly to the American Cancer Society.  Be sure to pop over to the Real Estate Office in the neighbourhood where some of the builders have graciously placed out their entry home for sale in an American Cancer Society Christmas Expo vendor.  But wait there is more!  Linden Lab® Partners With The Expo to Help the American Cancer Society Fight Childhood Cancer!  Linden Lab® will be decorating Linden homes as part of the Lights Of Hope contest. That’s right,  teams of Lindens have been untangling lights, checking bulbs, inflating Santa’s and climbing to the rooftops to hang lights on their Linden homes.  Do we have a Clark Griswald amongst them?  Maybe a Martha Stewart?  It’s up to you to decide what team has the best-decorated home.”

I can tell you it’s absolutely beautiful to stroll through the Lights of Hope areas.  In fact, it’s where I took this pic.  So if you love holiday lights — and unless you’re a true grinch, who doesn’t? — go for a stroll and marvel at the creativity of all these wonderful designers!

What I’m wearing:

  • Gown: Allure Couture – Saraphine.   Simply stunning complete formal outfit consisting of a low-cut, gold-trimmed, very modernized classic gown with a transparent corset & lace overlay, over-the-elbow gloves, & matching heels.  Available in Black, Green, Purple & Red, or in a Fatpack with a HUD of 8 textures.  Sized for Slink HG, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Altamura, & Maitreya.  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.  You can TP direct to the Allure booth at the Expo HERE.  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:  D!va – Helen
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; Amata HD Eyeshadow; Amata HD Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  RH Engel Jewelry – Hope Emerald/Diamond Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

What Crichton’s wearing:

  • Tuxedo:  Allure Couture – Steven.  This handsome tux is also a complete outfit, including the “suit”, the vest, & the shoes.  Available in the same color choices as the Saraphine gown — Black, Green, Purple & Red, or in a Fatpack with a HUD of 8 textures.  What I like most about this tux is that the color choices allow you to match while still maintaining a very classic look.  Sized for Slink, Belleza Jake, Signature Gianni, & Classic XS-XL.  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. You can TP direct to the Allure booth at the Expo HERE.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Head & Skin:  Akeruka (AK) – Clay (deluxe bento, with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Male Physique Mesh Body
  • Hair:  Volthair – George
  • Eyes:  IKON – Odyssey

The scene:

  • Pose:  ACT 5 Poses – 340 Couple Stand (Marketplace Only)… it should be noted that this pose is not presented as designed since I was unable to rez the pose but instead had to use it separately for male & female & then position to create something unique & different
  • Location:  SL Christmas Expo, Lights of Hope

How can I have nothing to wear?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://How can I have nothing to wear?

Even before I became a blogger, I had a pretty full clothing inventory because I love to shop.  In fact, that’s why I was tempted into blogging in the first place!  Now my virtual closets are overflowing, and definitely not nearly as well organized as they could or should be.  And yet I have to admit that there are plenty of times when I’m stumped, staring at my closet and feeling that I have absolutely nothing to wear  when going dancing or somewhere special.  I don’t even know how that’s possible, and it’s somewhat embarrassing to admit, and yet, it is often the case.  Tons of outfits, and nothing to wear.  Figures. Well, just one thing for a girl to do in that kind of situation… GO SHOPPING!!!!

  • Outfit:  WellMade – Maddox Outfit.  Love this lingerie outfit!  It’s just so different than the itty-bitty, overly sexual lingerie sets you generally see in here.  This set is just so much more what us fuller-bodied girls wear in RL, & yet the way it shows off my curves (especially from the back!) still makes it plenty seductive!  And the little mini-sweater just to keep you warm enough while trying to decide what else (if anything!) to wear… perfect! The HUD provides 10 color choices for bra, panties, & sweater.  Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Altamura, & Maitreya.  At the Designer Circle 24/19, open Dec 1st – 14th.  Demo 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!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Flora (Freckled version)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Imani
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Purple
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Sentiments Necklace, Loved; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Wear This, #8
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – My Christmas Closet

Christmastime in the City

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Christmastime in the City

As beautiful as snow is in the country and suburban areas, to my city-bred heart there really is nothing quite as glorious as the peace and beauty of softly falling snow in the city.  The contrast of the big flakes with the lights of the city — especially at Christmastime with all the sparkling decorations — and the hush that descends with the newly fallen snow is indescribable, but it is definitely something that once experienced, it stays with you forever.  Unfortunately, as any NYC resident knows, snow doesn’t stay that way very long in the city… it very quickly turns to black, grey, yellow, and other colors I won’t even mention, the ice and sludge mount at corners and crosswalks, and the peace disappears into the jarring noise of traffic sounds as the city reawakens and resumes its interrupted pace.  But for those first few hours, when the snow is still steadily falling, the wind is still, and all is peace and quiet, it’s a most beautiful sight…

  • Outfit:  (BYRNE) – StarGrunge Dress & Boots.  Simply glorious wool turtleneck sweater with star patterned leatherette minidress & over the knee boots.  Comes in black/white & white/black versions; sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st. 
  • 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:  eXxEsS– Xmas Gift 2018
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Eyeshadow; Dina Matte Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Dec ’17 GIFT
  • Jewelry:  Snowflakes Necklace (unknown creator); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose: LW: Bento Poses – The Simple Things, available at The Winter Pose Fair
  • Location:  A NYC Christmas

 

The Perfect Touch

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Perfect Touch

One of the many many things I love about Second Life is how easy it is to continually change things up.  The seasons change where I live here — winter to spring/summer, and then I add fall as well — and with each seasonal shift, I find that I’m changing much of the landscaping.  Not just from a green version to a white one, but entire re-envisioning of parts of the landscape.  The same now holds true of my holiday decorating.  For years, I had a Holiday Box (literally), with everything that I used to decorate the house.  I’d of course add a few new things each year, tossing away high prim objects that were available with better technology and replacing them with newer versions.  But this year I’ve noticed a marked difference.  To begin with, it’s my first year in my new home.  And although we had moved quite frequently before, it was generally within the same estate system or two, so the look and feel of the property was always generally the same, because that was what we liked.  Where we live now is completely different from anything I’ve done on the grid before, and therefore a lot of the old ideas just don’t work. I haven’t even lugged the box out of inventory, although a few stand-alone favorites have definitely found their way into new places.  But mostly I’ve been picking up gorgeous items at events and, of course as a blogger, I’m fortunate enough to receive many wonderful items to “play” with.  The result is that I’m creating a whole new space, and wow, is it ever fun!  To try to find the perfect space for everything, and the perfect something for every space!  I’ll be sharing lots of little glimpses here… some may not even last the season, who knows? In the meantime, though, happy shopping!

What I’m wearing:

  • Outfit:  Ashmoot – A/W CoLL Jumpsuit shown with A/W CoLL Mid Tip Toe.  Jumpsuit is available in 6 different earth shades. Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, in single item packs or FULL Outfit pack at promo price.   EXCLUSIVELY at the Designer Circle 24/19, open Dec 1st – 14th.  Shoes in separate pack.  Demos available.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Billy, worn in Caramel browless.  A real beauty of an Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows) available at the Designer Circle 24/19, open Dec 1st – 14th.  Shape & demos also available.  
  • Hair:  Firelight – Phoebe Hair/Fatpack (Thick Edition).  Multi-shade full bodied wavy style…  Available in 6 color packs or as a fatpack, each with rigged & unrigged versions, in two different effects.  EXCLUSIVELY at the Designer Circle 24/19, open Dec 1st – 14th.  Demo available.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • 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!
  • Brows:  Avada – Anja Eyebrows
  • Mole/Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Fall Eyeshadows; DS’Elles – Series 8 Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Sintiklia – Snowflakes Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Eternal Dream – It’s A Snowy Day
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage
The scene:

Evolving Images – Everything you need to create the perfect holiday setting is available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.  I’ve only used a fraction of what they offer, so you can style the scene your way. To see these items & more, here’s a taxi direct to their Swank Event booth:

  • Retro Christmas Tree Rev2 – lights blink with alternating colors; revolves with an on/off touch
  • Evo’s Snowflake Wreath
  • Toy Elephant
  • White Bear
  • Bull Dog (Copyable)

Happy Winter at the Christmas Expo

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Happy Winter at the Christmas Expo

So if you read my blog at all regularly, you know I’m a city girl, born and bred.  In RL, I’ve never lived on a farm, I’ve never even gone out to get a Christmas tree (that’s another story lol), and I’ve worn a cowboy hat.  But here on the grid, I can do all that, and what better time and place than at the SL Christmas Expo where it’s all about the magic and experience of the season? Not only that, it’s about the true spirit of the holidays as well, because talented designers from across the grid have taken their collective energies to create some incredibly beautiful sims (8 of them!) and donated items whose purchase goes directly to Relay for Life to support the fight againt childhood cancer.  And what is more in the Christmas spirit than that?  You can find out more about the SL Christmas Expo, now in its 9th year, and all the shopping and all the special events that are happening HERE now until Dec 15th (you’ll find a shopping directory with slurls direct to all stores there as well); your taxi to the main welcome area is waiting for you HERE.  Please join us, and happy shopping!

  • Hat:  Stone’s Works –  Black Suede Ribbon CowBoy Hat. Unisex cowboy hat with a beautiful ribbon of stones AND a resizer built in, so it easily fits whatever size head you have or to adjust over many hairstyles.  Don’t want to be a black hat? It’s also available in pink or purple.  All three are a 100% donation to the fight against children’s cancer through Relay for Life at the 2019 SL Christmas Expo, open Dec 5th through the 15th.  You can TP direct to the Stone’s Work booth at the Expo HERE.
  • Outfit:  DarkBetty – Happy Winter.  Just the cutest little outfit, though honestly, with shorts I at least could only wear it in SL lol! Includes the sweater, jeans (which are an applier), an adjustable belt, & the cutest socks/shoes… happy winter indeed! One of several 100% donation items from this designer which you can find at Expo HERE.
  • Jewelry:  Stone’s Works –  Snowman Earrings.  A touch of whimsy is perfect at this time of year, not just for this outfit but for so many more besides throughout this entire wintry season.  These adorable vintage snowman earrings are available both at the SL Christmas Expo & at the main store for the amazing price of just 99L (other great sets available too).
  • 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 – Sultry
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD9 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Location:  SL Christmas Expo, Christmas Cards sim

Pondering the Magic of the Season

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Pondering the Magic of the Season

I talked a lot about how excited I am to be part of the SL Christmas Expo again this year in my post of Nov 25th, and to help support its mission this year to fight childhood cancer.  Now that this amazing mega-event is finally open, I’m ready to start featuring just a few of the many many amazing items that dozens of dedicated designers have donated to the cause.  This year’s theme is Believe In The Magic Of Christmas that’s spread over 8 beautifully designed sims, all making for a great holiday shopping event.  But as great as the shopping is (and believe me, it IS definitely great!), there’s so much more to see and do! The Expo will feature special events, including live performances, dance performances, djs, skating parties, a Snowman Building Contest, The Holiday Stockings, The Gift Of Hope Mega Raffles, a Christmas Tree & Wreath Lot, Photos with Santa, holiday raffles and gotchas, the Holiday Of Hope Ball, the Winter Breedables Fair — with several of SL’s top Breedable Creators donating One Of A Kind Breedables to be auctioned, including KittyCatS (as you all know, I’m one of those crazy cat ladies in here!) — and, back by popular demand, the Christmas Bazaar area.  And my personal favorite (which you’ll hear more about in a later post), the Lights of Hope Decoration Contest. Open Dec 5th through the 15th, it’s all just waiting for you.  More details can be seen HERE.

Dench Designs:  The Ice Fountain.  Absolutely stunning winter decor for your seasonal landscaping, complete with male, female, friends (x2) & cuddle animations on the bench.  In addition to the “base” decor of the frozen fountain, bench, & 3 bare trees strung with white lights, extra decor is also available just by touching the top of the fountain. Add some or all of the following:  snowdrops, bushes, squirrel, robin, sparrow, & pheasant. I’ve shown it with EVERYTHING added above, but because it’s equally beautiful in a more stark fashion without it, I showed it below as well without any of the extra decor (used the same animation though lol). You can turn sound on & off for all three birds too! This very special item is a 100% donation to the fight against children’s cancer through Relay for Life at the 2019 SL Christmas Expo, opening today Dec 5th through the 15th.  Join the fight! You can find the LM to TP direct to the Dench Designs booth once it’s available in the shopping directory HERE (not yet posted at the time this was published). 

Ho Ho Ho and Time to Go

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Ho Ho Ho & Time to Go

So now I’ve survived my first official snowstorm of the year, and most of my holiday shopping is done, I’m feeling a bit more comfortable with the rapidly approaching year-end.  Still quite a few birthday presents to do however.  My birthday present is bought (a new computer, yay, because the hard drive on this one seems to be on its last legs!), but several still to go since a lot of us are clumped right around Christmas and New Year’s. Just makes the pile of presents that much bigger lol!  Well time’s a-wasting… losing good shopping time!  Happy shopping, in both worlds!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Tila Check Outfit.  Denim never looked so good! Includes the top & jeans in 6 denims, the CUTEST black ankle boots, & a drop ribbon choker.  Sized for Hourglass, Freya/Isis, Tonic Fine, eBody Curvy, & Maitreya.  Available at the Designer Circle 24/19, open December 1st – 14th.  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:  RunAway Hair – Ary (with beanie)
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Pose:  Fashiowl Poses – Ho Ho Ho Xmas Car
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Remembering Our Four-Legged Friends in Winter’s Chill

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Remembering Our Four-Legged Friends in Winter's Chill

I don’t care what the calendar says, it’s winter. Thanksgiving is over, the holiday shopping season is in full swing, it’s snowed at both my home in RL and in SL.  In fact, the weather here in RL is so bad I couldn’t even get my dog to go outside… her ears went way back and she started to shake, that’s how badly she wanted to stay inside and out of the snow and sleet. It really made me think about all the animals that don’t have that option… not just the wild animals in the forest like my little friends here, but all the dogs and cats who for whatever reason find themselves literally out in the cold.  I do what I can year-round to help homeless pets; I hope that you at least spare a thought for them in this kind of weather, and if you see a chance to help, please please take it.  I know that a few years ago we found a cat part-frozen in the snow, and brought her inside.  Turned out she had frostbite — which went away — but was also deaf.  Since she wouldn’t use a litter box we eventually had to move her out of the main part of the house but at least for the rest of her life (which sadly wasn’t all that long), she was warm and fed and safe and I like to think content, if not happy. In the spirit of the season, it’s definitely important to remember our fellow man, especially all those less fortunate whether it be economically, healthwise, or however, but let’s also remember the 4-legged creatures who rely on us as well.  Sorry if I got a little sermon-y, but this is very near and dear to my heart, especially as I look out at the bitter weather, and worry…

  • Outfit:  MOoH! – Esmee Outfit.  The textures are pretty simple on this full outfit that includes both the sweaterdress & the thigh high boots, simply wonderful! The HUD offers 8 options, all with matching textures in a Heel HUD that changes leather, heel, sole & zipper on the boots.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, & Classic, all DISCOUNTED 50% in the main store, Nov 29th – Dec 12th.  Be sure to wear your group tag!
  • Rug:  Salacity – Lizzy Christmas Rug.   FREE gift for the Peace on Earth Hunt, “the most anticipated grid-wide hunt of the Holiday season,” beginning Dec 1st.  Hint: Pie is your happy place! Maybe peace on earth comes through the baking of good pies… mmmm pie. You’ll be safe if you can find a peace of this pie.
  • 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 – Brandie
  • Eyes:  IKON – Triumph
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD10 Eyeshadow
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Pose:  Fashiowl Poses – Christmas Friends (includes raccoons)
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage