Month: March 2020

Dressed for Dinner

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Dressed for Dinner

So as much as I’m trying to keep the quarantine situation out of Second Life (no masks for me in here, I actually find it a bit disturbing), I just couldn’t resist this.  I haven’t left my house in weeks other than to walk the dog; I don’t get dressed, I haven’t put on makeup, I doubt I’ll be able to tolerate wearing a bra after this lol!   But I’m not quarantined alone… I have my husband, I have my pets, and of course I have my virtual life.  I have single friends who are either going the hermit path (kind of like me) or are trying to follow their “normal” routine of getting up, getting dressed, but then just not going anywhere.  To me, that’s madness, but I can understand the need to occasionally still doll yourself up like you’re going out for the evening, even if it’s just to sit at home and eat take-out.  The world has gone mad… the idea is to hang on to your own little bit of sanity, whatever it takes.  All I can say is to be safe out there!  This too shall pass…

  • Outfit:  !!smesh – NEW! Tyra Outfit.  Exactly what I’d wear if I wanted to dress up a little bit but still be comfortable…   black leggings with a bit of a moire pattern paired with a satiny T-shape cropped top that has a fabulous collar detail & hangs to an asymmetric point. Includes a 6 color-HUD for the top where you can also adjust the sheer.  Sized for Hourglass, Physique, Freya, Altamura, eBody Curvy, & Maitreya. Demo available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Meena, worn in Caramel browless.  Another beautiful Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows), though I’ve added a touch of eyeshadow & lipstick because this outfit demanded it, & of course my signature freckles & brows, since I chose a browless version. EXCLUSIVELY available at  the March DUBAI Event, March 20th – April 10th.  Demos & shape also available.
  • Head, Brows, Makeup:   LOGO – Mae
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Royalty Eyes in Tropical
  • Hair:  Doux – Selena
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Livia – Deep Gel
  • Shoes:  Pure Poison – Amber Sandals
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Arron Earrings; IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Farah Bracelet; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Takeout
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Sail Away

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sail Away

Sighs, I don’t know about you, but I’m losing track of the days of the week.  Every day is like the last, with no breaks.  I barely leave the house… I was supposed to have had two surgeries by now…  some periodontal work (such fun!) to finish up a crown that is half done and some arthroscopic surgery on my knee for a torn meniscus.  Delaying either is certainly no big deal in light of what’s going on, but delaying the second does mean that my physical activity is limited… I can’t even go for long walks.  Since we were working to put our house up for sale, we spend part of every day going through boxes of old pictures, tossing this, keeping that, but as I’m sure you’re experiencing as well, the days can just stretch on interminably.  I wish I owned a boat, where I had the luxury of going for a sail.  But at least I have my virtual life, where I’m spending  way too much time shopping… and for now, I’ll just sit here, alone on my boat, soaking up the rays, and dream of the world returning to normal.  Remember… be safe out there!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – NEW!  Pavati Shorts Outfit.  Perfect on land or sea, Pavati is a complete outfit including a tank top in stripes or solids, the most adorable short skirt with two rows of buttons up the front & a zipper in the back, plus knee-high gladiator sandals.  Pavati is sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, TMP, Maitreya, & Classic.  Available in several fatpacks & or in any of the 6 separate colors.  All textures are ORIGINAL.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Everlasting, worn in Oak browless.  Another fresh stunner of an Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows).  I’ve added no makeup  except a touch of lip gloss & of course my signature freckles & brows, since I chose a browless version. EXCLUSIVELY available at  the March Designer Showcase through March 31st.
  • Pose:  [VSM] Devil Inside – Lonely Sitting (adjusted neck in order to show skin better); EXCLUSIVELY available at the March round of the Swank Event, March 7th – 29th.
  • Head, Eyes, Shape (modified), Brows:  LOGO – Mae
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  BESOM – Dakota
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Sage – Juno Jewelry Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Paradise Lost

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Paradise Lost

I’m definitely not a Biblical nut, but I do have to admit that home confinement feels quite a bit like being sent to my room for misbehavior (though I’m certainly not without my supper!).  But did I misbehave?  Well, I personally have my faults and failures, and I do have to say that as a society, we certainly have not been taking care of our planet.  Perhaps, just perhaps, mother nature is starting to try to teach us our manners.  Yes, I definitely have too much time on my hands to think of far-fetched things, but is it any accident that certain environmental factors have improved during this global pandemic?  It’s logical of course… a lot of production is shut down, there’s no commuting, etc., but perhaps there’s a bigger lesson in all of this, beyond the need to be prepared and to care for our neighbors and our fellow man.  Who knows?  Again, too much time to play mind games and watch scifi movies…  and of course my daily shopping on the grid!  (My shopping IRL has really nose-dived now that Amazon Prime is taking up to a month to deliver!)  Whatever you are up to, especially if you are one of those out there on the front lines fighting for the rest of us, be safe out there!

  • Dress:  [WellMade] – Catalina Dress.  A beautiful long beach dress, with one side slit all the way up to the top of the thigh.  With a 10 texture HUD of the most beautiful tropical pattern, 5 in the pastel range & 5 in the darker tones.  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody Curvy, Jomo F/W, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY at the Girls Heaven event, open March 8th – 31st.
  • Head, Eyes, Makeup:  Tonic – Tempest, the newest bento head from Tonic, which is debuting as an EXCLUSIVE at the North Sim of the Skin Fair from March 13th – 29th.  I’m not going to go into a lot of details here, because I did a closeup on March 7th which you can see HERE.  I WILL say that Tempest is beautifully amazing, presents a strong confident look, Omega is built in, several fully modifiable shapes are included, & IMHO is absolutely the best head yet by Tonic. A demo is available.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Muryel, worn in Oak browless.  Another beauty of an Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows).  I’ve added no makeup to this beauty, just my signature freckles & of course brows, since I chose a browless version. EXCLUSIVELY available at  the Whore Couture Fair by Flair For Events, through March 31st.  Demos & shape also available.
  • 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
  • Brows:  Avada – Anja Eyebrows
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Paradise Nail Appliers
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Chianna Jewelry Set in Burning Embers; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Lyrium – Blogger Series Set 2, pose 3
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Wild & Free

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Wild & Free

OK, I’m a bit of a homebody.  My husband doesn’t understand how I can be happy not leaving the house for a few days at a time, how I used to like working from home.  But this? This is way too much, even for me.  The way things are now, it’s not like there’s even anywhere to go or anything to do because it’s all shut down, but there’s definitely a sense of being trapped.  The fact that it’s getting colder outside — we’re supposed to get snow in a few days! — doesn’t help either.  And on top of it all my seasonal allergies have kicked in, so it’s just a mix of things that are working together to make me depressed.  I know it’s not just me… everyone is feeling it to some degree.  I’m not sure though if that makes it better or worse.  And the fact that there’s no near end in sight doesn’t help either.  Thankfully there’s the grid and my life and activities there (though to be honest, most of it IS blogging at this point), but I was definitely drawn to doing something exuberant and free, as opposed to the trapped feeling so many of us are experiencing.  Stay safe out there in the real world… chin up (advice for myself as well!)… I don’t know about you, but I’m still shopping… IRL I’m waiting for a sea sponge to arrive so that I can do some painting touchup; here in SL, there are so many events there’s never enough time…  oh wait! Now there is!!!  Happy shopping! and stay safe out there!

  • Dress:  in.SANITY Designs – NEW! Animal Instinct.  I’d love to say something cute about how this really brought out the animal in me or something, but all I can say is that I really did go wild for this outfit!  It’s just such fun & so stylish & sexy, all at the same time.  My biggest problem is that there are 12 colors available, several of which I absolutely adore which makes decisions very very difficult, but luckily they also come all together in a Fat pack with a HUD where you can change the color for the jacket, cuffs, corset, & skirt separately, so you can even mix ‘n match if you want. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Legacy, & Maitreya.  Demo available.  Also on Marketplace!
  • Head, Eyes, Skin, Shape (modified):  LOGO – Josie.  Brand-new, absolutely stunning bento head, EXCLUSIVELY available at the Skin Fair, at the introductory price of 999L including both the customization & animation HUDs (normally sold separately), March 13th – 29th.  More details — & a closeup head shot — can be seen in my post from March 17th HERE.   A demo is available.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_WATER
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Pose:  HopScotch – Balance (Pose Fair gift)
  • Jewelry:  Pure Poison – Cat Jewelry Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Luane’s World, Romantic Sim

I’ll Drink to That

Posted on by cejalaval

http://I'll Drink to That

So the world has gone crazy, and many of us are forced to spend all of our time at home.  Coughing and sneezing and headaches from seasonal allergies are always annoying but now they’re somewhat alarming, causing a full self-examination of symptoms and temperature taking.  The magnolia tree next door has started to bud, which has ALWAYS caused me to have severe allergic reactions, but this year, worry is among them.  On top of all the health issues, my workplace has closed, so I have more time to sit and watch my savings disappear… which is just a delightful exercise in itself especially considering that we were planning on retiring in just a few months.  But what can you do but try to keep yourself and your loved ones safe and roll with the punches?  I will say one thing… it’s a wonderful time to be in Second Life. I’m actually a bit surprised that there hasn’t been a big ad campaign to boost virtual worlds, with so many people worldwide locked in their homes, going stir crazy.  I for one will not be surprised to see a huge influx of newbies running around the grid, doing what we all did as newbies.  As for me, well, in addition to blogging, I’m doing more exploring, more music venues, & definitely more shopping.  LOTS of great events out there, with tons of goodies!  Here are just a few…  Maybe I’ll even finally learn to sail that boat I bought months and months ago! I’ll drink to that!  In the meantime, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  WILD Fashion & Beauty – Daphne Outfit.  This brand describes itself as “the image of femininity, more realistic but still fantasized, tasteful and modern…It expresses forms of elegance and luxury with the Mediterranean flavour.”  I think this outfit epitomizes that statement.  Combining denim, lace, & sequins (yes, sequins!) could be either a dream or a nightmare… I’m thrilled to say I’m living the dream!  Includes a HUD with 10 options for the top — 5 with lace, 5 with just sequins — & 10 for the skirt — 5 with lace trim, 5 solid denim with 4 off-center buttons.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, this stunning little outfit is available EXCLUSIVELY at the March round of the Swank Event, March 7th – 29th.
  • Head:  LOGO – Josie.  Brand-new, absolutely stunning bento head, EXCLUSIVELY available at the Skin Fair, at the introductory price of 999L including both the customization & animation HUDs (normally sold separately), March 13th – 29th.  More details — & a closeup head shot — can be seen in my post from March 17th HERE.   A demo is available.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Lamb – Baddie
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Pose:  Reve Obscura (R!O!) – Just One Drink

Angel of the Morning

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Angel of the Morning

I’m not particularly into angels.  Yes I love wings, but even in my fae days (yes, once upon a time many years ago, I played as an elvish-fae hybrid) when I wore wings every day, I never wore angel wings. In fact, when given a choice between being an angel or a devil, I’d have to say I just about always go for the dark side.  But not this time.  Somehow this angel outfit just didn’t hit me as all that angelic, if you get my drift… in fact, it almost seems a bit devilish in that it just exudes temptation.  I found it to be rather inspiring, so much so that rather than just do it the easy way and shoot myself flying or hovering against a cloudy background, I decided to make it much harder, and build a small cloud “set”.   It reminded me of a lesson I’d forgotten of late… I have so much more fun when I do it the hard way, going a bit overboard and doing much more than is necessary in order to approximate the image that’s in my brain…  Well, time to hang up my wings and leave my seat in the clouds…  Happy shopping! (and to quote a show from a long, long time ago, “Be safe out there!”)

  • Outfit:  Giulia Design – URIEL.  Includes dress, open-work boots, Charu Tikka, crystal halo, hair decoration, body piercing, gold deco, & animated wings, which you can see in the pic below together with a close-up look at the Tikka & halo.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Freya, & Maitreya, & EXCLUSIVELY available at the Girls Heaven event, open March 8th – 31st.
  • Fountain:  Tylar’s Treasures – Heaven’s Gate Angelic Fountain, with animated water.  Lovely addition to your decor, whether you live in the clouds or on land like most of us. EXCLUSIVELY available at the Girls Heaven event, open March 8th – 31st. 
  • Clouds:  Tylar’s Treasures – Cloud Blue Box.  A beautiful blue cloud generator to create clouds for your fantasy, RP, photography, landscaping, home, or any place you want a bit of special romance or mystery.  Also available in pink.  Available only on Marketplace.
  • Mesh Cloud (in bottom pic only):  Tylar’s Treasures – Heaven’s Gate Cloud Bento Adult.  A mesh cloud for when you need something solid among the clouds.  Animated with 4 male & 4 female single sits + sequence, 2 slow dances, 6 bento cuddles + sequence, 8 bento multi-speed adult + sequence.  Adult & cuddle versions available.  25% OFF at the Girls Heaven event, open March 8th – 31st. 
  • Head, Skin, Eyes & Makeup:   LOGO – Willow, worn in Alabaster
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Pose:  CNZ (extinct vendor) – Beach Game Poses Set

Sing a Song of Flowers

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sing a Song of Flowers

Well, while all our attention has been focused on the corona virus, something else not-quite-so-major has happened in our world… spring has managed to sneak in.  Where I live, the crocuses have popped, the forsythia are starting to bloom, and as my head can definitely attest, seasonal allergies have begun.  The seesaw weather of March is in full spring too… 65 degrees one day, plummeting to the 30s the next, but if those little flower buds can survive, then so can I, knowing that the beauty and fullness of spring is on its way. I don’t know about you, but I really can’t wait. My office has closed for the foreseeable future due to the virus, so I’ll be home quite a bit more than usual.  I’m really looking forward to that morning when I wake up and look out my window to see things really in bloom.  Until then, I’ll just sing a song of flowers, and finish planting my SL landscape into a flowery garden.  So many events to see, so many awesome things to buy… Happy shopping!

  • Top:  GAS Clothing Company –  Off Shoulder Top Ilona. This is one of those tops that are equally awesome from the front & from the back (see below).  Off the shoulders, it’s a sexy little tube-like top with sleeves in front, but in back, it’s open with cross lacing. Don’t wear long hair with this one! The fatpack includes a HUD of 20 colors & sizes for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the March round of the Swank Event, March 7th – 29th.
  • Skirt:  GAS Clothing Company– Zipped Denim Skirt Megan.  Totally cute, totally stylish, & totally sexy, this half-zipped denim skirt comes in a fatpack with a HUD of 15 colors & is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Eve, TMP, & Maitreya.  Great detail on the butt, too, as you can see below. EXCLUSIVELY available at the March round of the Swank Event, March 7th – 29th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Maggy, worn in Taupe browless.  Another beauty of an Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Girls Heaven event, open March 8th – 31st.
  • Backdrop:  irrISIStible – Backdrop Dust Spring, with a 3 texture menu.  I’ve used “purple” in the main shot, “green” in the shot below, & then “yellow” in the final shot that shows the full extent of the backdrop & all the angles available.  What a phenomenal backdrop with so many different shots available!  EXCLUSIVELY available at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 29th.
  • Head:   LOGO – Mae, just one of the many amazing bento heads using the best customization & animation system on the grid IMHO.  Available at both the main store & at the Skin Fair, which opened March 13th.
  • Brows/Makeup:  LOGO – Enhanced Ombre Lip Glosses & more
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Sultry
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Soul Catcher Book of Spells Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:   STUN Poses – Botan #5 (top shot); Barbie #2 (bottom shot)