Month: April 2020

Defender of the Realm

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Defender of the Realm

It’s that part of our strange mix of day/night when I’ve taken it upon myself to stand lookout over my adopted land of Cassiopeia.  Although it’s not an assigned posting (there are no such things here, much to my dismay), I see it as my responsibility to defend and protect this realm that took me in, this world that is beyond time, without haste or deadlines, without illness and death.  I stand watch, ready to protect it from outside threats that no one else seems to perceive… a self-elected defender guarding the portals against those who would use time for their own nefarious schemes and destroy this land of joy and loving remembrance and memory in the process.  Here, in this wondrous world of mystery, I have found myself again and discovered a new purpose, a deeper meaning to this strange mix of influences that is me.  And I will not let those who are the prisoners of time destroy this precious and strange world that I now call home.  Not on my watch.

  • Outfit:  God Mod – Elemis.  Separate skirt & top with little wings, sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. I love the contrast of the leather straps on the top with the feminine pattern on the gentle swirl & train of the skirt.  RFL item at the Faire store in Elemaria. 
  • Skin:  Soul – Jalyn, Ranitormeya V2 Skin. This is the FF20 tone, which is the donation skin, but there are lots of other tones in this set that are also available at the Faire.  Matching male skins (Jayson) are also available.  Includes head appliers for Genus, Lelutka, & Omega & body appliers for Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, Legacy, & Omega as well as BOM  versions.  I went with the Omega versions; you can see a closeup below. Both the male & female skins in this tone are RFL donation items at the Faire store in Zodiac.
  • Hair:  Firelight – Wanita Fatpack, Fantasy Gradient Edition.  Rigged mesh hair that includes a color tinting wheel & a texture HUD in Fantasy Fae (18 pink/purple shades) & Fantasy Mer (21 blue/green shades) , all of which can be worn with either wispy or rich/full effects.  You can see the detail in the closeup below.  This hair is an RFL donation at the Faire store in Heliodor.
  • Horns:  Petrichor (formerly The Plastik) – Lavai Horns.  Decorative metallic-looking mesh horns in a purple/pink combo, with dangling accents. Unscripted, unisex, stunning & totally unique! See the closeup below.  RFL donation at the Faire store in Sirens Lore.
  • Staff:  Petrichor – Tsubome Staff.  Special edition bento animated unisex staff.  Includes both battle & static left/right versions.  RFL donation at the Faire store in Sirens Lore.
  • Head, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding

Lost in a moment of fantasy

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Lost in the Moment

If you’re a steady reader of my blog, then you know that I’ve been bitten by the fantasy bug (re-bitten might actually be a more accurate statement), but that I won’t be the one blogging fantasy per se.  That delightful activity falls to my alt, Chrysanthea Navarantha (Thea for short)… which — even though it was totally MY decision — has left me feeling a bit bereft and a bit jealous.  So I’ve decided to make some fine distinctions, since let’s face it — all of Second Life could be deemed fantasy… none of this is real (I should only look like this IRL lol!)  So Thea’s domain is the mythical fantasy — fae and other mythical creatures; I get everything else.  So this totally glamorous gown is perfect for indulging that fantasy side of ME, to wear a look that is outside my normal lifestyle.  And I have to say, it feels FANTASTIC!!!! Now, THAT’S shopping therapy at it’s best!!!! Remember: be safe out there!

  • Dress:  BYRNE Boutique – AnnaMay Dress, with headpiece.  Totally aligned with the Hollywood Glam theme this month at Swank, this long sleeveless gown with lace up the front & an ornate headpiece in an Asian dragon motif was inspired by the gorgeous silent screen legend Anna May Wong.  Available in two sets of two colors each —  I’m wearing the blue from the COOL set (teal is the other color); the other set is HOT, with gold & rose textures.  The outfit is materials enabled & looks absolutely amazing in certain windlights.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, & EXCLUSIVELY available at the April Swank Event, open through tomorrow, April 30th. 
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Gipsy worn in Dew with the browless option.  Another Omega skin, another beauty, available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones), including both omega & BOM, regular & browless.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Head & Eyes:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Hair:  Tukinowaguma – Ayane
  • Jewelry:  Accolade – Japanese Tensha Bead Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Moonlight Teahouse

Making My Entrance

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Making My Entrance

I don’t know how things are in your neck of the woods, but where I live IRL, we’re still in stay-at-home mode.  It’s curious, how the shutdown has both simplified and complicated life at the same time. One thing I’ve noticed is how my dreams have changed. Those that I remembered were so complex, so full of metaphor, that even a dream specialist would probably have had a tough time untangling their meaning.  But lately my dreams are so much simpler… going out to a busy, noisy restaurant… being in a joyous crowd at a concert… making an eye-turning entrance into a club… ahhh the simple things in life…  I guess it was definitely time that the world stopped to appreciate life as we had it, and to stop all the constant whinging.  As life starts to return, I hope we can all try to hold onto at least a part of this appreciation… I know that I will certainly try! The most important thing though, of course, remains to stay safe out there!!!!

  • Outfit:  Giulia Design – Seya.  Short, sexy, stylish, with a totally different cut than the rest.  Comes in 9 different color choices or a fatpack of all textures; heels included.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya, & EXCLUSIVELY available at the April Swank Event, open through April 30th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Antoinette worn in Caramel with the browless option.  Another stunner of an Omega skin, EXCLUSIVELY available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones), including both omega & BOM, regular & browless, at the Designer Showcase until April 30th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Head & Eyes:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Hair:  Doux – Ciara
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Reesha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Stairs (Standing) Bento Pose Set
  • Backdrop:  MINIMAL Gallery – Omnia

Dreaming of Love in the Queensgarden

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Dreaming of Love in the Queensgarden

I am Thea. No longer the name given to me at birth, Chrysanthea. That girl I once was is no more. Now, I’m an outcast, adrift far from those I once thought family, friends.  My name has evolved to something simpler. Something less defined, that allows more growth, more exploration, both of self and of the lands around me.  I have been asleep for many years, after wandering aimlessly in a wasteland after most of the elvenfolk sailed off for different worlds.  But one dream refused to die and eventually woke me, the dream of my beloved.  Now I wander the gardens of this glorious new land, bewitched and longing for the day when we will hopefully walk them together.  These gardens that are only part of the wonder at Fantasy Faire 2020, open through May 10th.

Queensgarden, sponsored by The NeoVictoria Project, is just one of 18 regions at Fantasy Faire.  Although there are 13 shopping regions, this isn’t one of them.  This is one of the 5 Faireland realms that take us beyond commerce; it’s where the Fairelands Quest is based (information on the Quest, the Bard Queen’s Garden, is HERE).  But whether or not you join the quest, I have to say that for a wandering fae or anyone who appreciates beauty, it’s an area that just beckons exploration.  Of course, Fantasy Faire is a Relay for Life event, so in addition to exploring, please be sure to do some shopping with a purpose as well.

  • Outfit:  Sweet Intoxication – Peacock Outfit in Gold. Includes the Azhagumayil gown plus the peacock headpiece, which has a beautiful sunburst ornamentation on the forehead (see below for a closeup).  Beautifully styled, with a shape-showing fit that “puddles” at the bottom… perfect for fantasy & as a “normal” fashion gown. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya.  Also available in Red, Purple, Pink, Green, & Blue.  All colors are 100% DONATIONS to RFL at their booth at Fantasy Faire 2020.
  • Pose:  Astalianda – Zodiac Earth Signs Pose Set, Virgo.  Set includes 3 poses plus their mirrors.  Three other sets also available (Air Signs, Water Signs, & Fire Signs), all of which are created specifically for, & available EXCLUSIVELY at their booth at, Fantasy Faire 2020.  
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Everlasting worn in Marshmellow with the browless option.  Another beauty of an Omega skin with a fresh ethereal look.  See below for a closeup.  Available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  Shape & demos also available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Horns:  The Plastik – Trinket Horns
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Hair:  Lamb – Heart
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Filigree Wings, Gold/Crystal/Yellow
  • Lipstick:  Amis – Teresa’s Lipstick for Genus. FREE as part of  the free Stay at Home Club .
  • Location (all shots):  Queensgarden at the Fantasy Faire

Secret Fantasy Hideaway

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Secret Fantasy Hideaway

And the Fairelands are open! That’s right, Fantasy Faire 2020 has begun, open from April 23rd – May 10th! As an official blogger (!!!!) I had a day’s early access, and I spent hours just wandering and exploring.  It’s absolutely amazing, the amount and the quality of the creativity that has been poured lovingly into the 18 regions (13 shopping regions plus 5 Faireland realms that take us beyond commerce, from a Memorial Garden to the Fairelands Quest, the Literary Festival, Performance Stages, from Art Galleries to the Worldling Collection).  And yes, it’s all to celebrate the world of fantasy, but there’s a very serious purpose behind this gathering, and that’s Building A World Without Cancer.  These very talented designers have all created & donated items whose purchase will go towards the fight against cancer. It truly is shopping with a purpose!

So whether you’re a confirmed fantasy enthusiast, into role-playing, or just enjoy exploring and seeing the depth and breadth of imagination that exists in this virtual world we share, come visit Fantasy Faire 2020.  The Faire has reawakened the slumbering fae within me, and I have been very busy bringing her up-to-date and creating a new look (she’s been asleep for years, before the dawn of mesh); you’ll be seeing and hearing from her in the days and weeks to come, and she i considering joining my blog as an ongoing contributor. Perhaps the Fantasy Faire will ignite a spark within you too… there’s so much to see and do! I’ll be featuring just a few select items on my pages. Here are some VERY useful links for visiting the region (or you just can TP in and wander!):

— the full shopping guide for the Faire — https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/shopping-2020/

— Calendar of Events — https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/calendar/

Swank & Co.:  At the Fantasy Faire, this store is located in the realm of Lunafae, and these items are EXCLUSIVELY available at the Fantasy Faire from April 23rd – May 10th.

  • Secret Fantasy Hideaway.  This hideaway isn’t just for fantasy avis, it’s also perfect for human fantasies.  With sparkling waters in a hidden pool surrounded by dark, arching trees & rocks, the hanging lanterns, sparkling firefly lights & butterflies create the most beautiful little nook for dreams of all sorts.  Includes the boat (PG ), which has both solo & couple animations. It’s on display at the booth, so you can see for yourself how absolutely stunning this creation is!
  • Secret Fantasy Hideaway Lantern Tree. The perfect finishing touch to your hideaway, the tree (which you can see both to the right & to the left of the hideaway itself) includes has 3 lanterns of its own plus the most adorable grazing bunny.  And because it’s a separate item, you can easily position it anywhere you want, to create your scene.  This item is a 100% DONATION TO RFL!!!! 

 

Mother of Dragons

Posted on by cejalaval

No, this is not Game of Thrones and I’m no Daenerys of the House Targaryen.  But I do absolutely love the unique, animated fire-breathing dragons that Tylar from Tylar’s Treasures creates and places in creative fantasy builds.  I’ve posted video of them before (in fact, it’s how I learned to even do videos for blogging), and I could not resist doing one for this amazing creation of hers.  The video is up on FlickR; I couldn’t figure out how to put it here.  This fabulous build is featured at the awesome Fantasy Faire, opening later today April 23rd at noon SLT.  Fantasy Faire is an RFL (Relay for Life) Event, which anyone who follows me knows that I’m a huge supporter of, although this is my very first year as an official blogger at the Faire.  Celebrating its 12th year, Fantasy Faire 2020 is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, role-players and performers in the virtual world.  From its opening today through May 10th, treat yourself to shopping, dance and theater performances, DJ parties, auctions, questing, our Literary Festival, fantasy art, events and role-playing as thousands of Second Life residents and creators bring their own visions together to support the American Cancer Society’s vision of a world without cancer.  That really should be more than just a fantasy, don’t you think?

In addition to the thirteen shopping regions there will also be five Faireland realms that take us beyond commerce, from a Memorial Garden to the Fairelands Quest, the Literary Festival, Performance Stages, from Art Galleries to the Worldling Collection. These bring the Fairelands count for 2020 to eighteen regions, just waiting for you to explore them.  The SLurl to the event will be found on the website once the event opens; I’ll update with the SLurl direct to Tylar’s booth in the description below once the fair opens, since the lands are kept secret till then. And here’s a link to the shopping guide where links to ALL the shops will be available: https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/shopping-2020/

 Tylar’s Treasures – Dragon’s Cave, with two animated dragons who flap their wings & breathe fire.   An awesome addition or highlight to a fantasy build. Who needs Game of Thrones when you’ve got this? Available starting today at the Fantasy Faire, through May 10th (direct to TT’s booth, once the fair opens at noon SLT).

Beach Blanket Bingo

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Beach Blanket Bingo

I don’t know what the weather’s like where you’re holed up (assuming you’re staying at home, that is) but where I am, we’re expecting colder than normal temperatures tomorrow with gusty winds and hail in the afternoon.  You heard me, HAIL.  So you can imagine that my mind is totally rejecting this and has instead fixed firmly on the beach, fun in the sun, and daydreaming of better days.  I can’t quite visualize swimsuits and actually going in the water… not with winter still lingering at my door.  But on a blanket in the sand, with various things to occupy me? Yup, I could do that. Definitely.

  • Outfit:  Suga Baby – Esse Shorts Set.  Cute little cropped tank that consists of a separate front & back connected by thin straps & tied at the sides, paired with a short pair of camo shorts also tied at the thighs. 8 color sets, with two print shirt options for each color, one of which is quarantine-related & one not (I’m trying to keep everything in SL as non-quarantine as possible, since I’m living enough of it in RL, so I used one that says Good Vibes). Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, & EXCLUSIVELY available at Round 3/20 of the Girls Heaven event, open through the end of April.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – NEW! My CUTENESS in Blue.  Is this named perfectly or what? Simply THE most adorable see-through bag in which you’ve got all the necessities — cell phone, sunglasses, makeup brush & makeup. Also available in Teal, Pink, Red, & Yellow or as a fatpack.  Includes both a hand pose & a “no pose” option.
  • Head, Brows, Skin:   LOGO – Josie, the newest bento head from LOGO.  Once again, please note that all heads, HUDs & animations are on sale for 30% off through the end of April.
  • Lip Gloss:   LOGO – Enhanced Glosses Pack 4.  Featured in detail in my blog from 4/16 which you can see HERE.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the April eBENTO, April 11th – 30th.
  • Bodies:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Hair:  Argrace – Tokiwa
  • Shoes:  Faboo – Havana Heeled Wedges
  • Blanket:  Kaya’s Ray of Sunshine – Seashell Blanket Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Steppin’ Out

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Steppin' Out

Well, it’s my husband’s birthday next week, so I think it’s time that I leave my house & go help do at least one big shop. None of the stores are crowded where we are, from what we hear, though some items are definitely limited (we did score a multipack of toilet paper the other day, yay!).  I’ve made a mask, and we’ll take all precautions, but I can’t believe how excited I’m getting at the thought of actually stepping out and going somewhere! It’s already been more than 6 weeks! I spoke to my boss yesterday too; we’ve been approved for the small business protection program, so once he starts receiving funds (IF he starts receiving funds), I get to start doing half my old hours FROM HOME, so I stay safe, but the thought of having something REAL to do has me a bit giddy.  All good news considering that stay at home here in NY has already been extended to May 15th and will probably go beyond even that. As my mom always used to say, “this too shall pass.” The most important thing is to STAY SAFE OUT THERE! Enjoy your weekend!!!!

  • Outfit:  Giulia Design – Hindira.  Sexy, relaxed, & ready for anything.  What makes this little dress so special is the combination of the loose but somehow shapely knit, slipping artfully off one shoulder, with the loosely laced neckline & slits down the thighs.  The included boots are absolutely sensational, with cutouts down the sides & semi-open backs.  Choose from 7 different texture options or take the fatpack. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, & EXCLUSIVELY available at Round 3/20 of the Girls Heaven event, open through the end of April.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My SAKU in Black.  Also available in Grana, Brown, Blue, Nude, Red, & White or as a fatpack.  Includes both a hand pose & an arm pose, & is a must in every avi’s closet!  One of three bags available at the April eBENTO, open April 11th – 30th.
  • Head, Brows, Skin, Makeup:   LOGO – Josie, the newest bento head from LOGO.  Once again, please note that all heads, HUDs & animations are on sale for 30% off through the end of April.
  • Bodies:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Fatal
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Dramatic Eyes in Meadow
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Fahari (dark)
  • Pose:  Pose Maniacs – Olga Walking Poses (Olga 4)
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – Coffee Spot (Blue)

C’est si bon

Posted on by cejalaval

http://C'est Si Bon

Something about this room just feels so French! Maybe it’s the Louis XVI styling mixed with the Hollywood Glam for this month’s Swank event.  All I know is that the room is set for what looks to be a very interesting evening, filled with glamorous well-dressed people, happily socializing and toasting with martinis… I’m so jealous, I think maybe I’ll join them for the martini!  It’s one indulgence that’s allowed during quarantine! Oh well, safety first!

Casa de Bebe:  Simone Living Room.  A beautiful formal living room set, in a modernized Louis XVI style.  Sold in a choice of fatpacks (adult or mature) as well as individual items/sets.  There are so many options available, I’ve only used some of what’s available. Be sure to see the display in order to see more; it’s EXCLUSIVELY available at the April Swank Event.  Here’s what I’ve used from the set:

  • Suede Sofa Adult – comes in two versions — with patterned pillows (shown) & with solid black pillows; includes 69 m/f/couple animations.  Also available in Mature.
  • Louis XVI Chairs, Adult – 6 texture change; includes 31 m/f/couple animations.  Also available in Mature.
  • Carrera Marble Fireplace (on/off fire by touch)
  • Gustavian Console Table
  • Brass Drum Table (sold as a set, large & small sizes)
  • Martini Set (Martinis, Harrods Vintage Cocktail Shaker, Cocktail Napkin)
  • Coffee Table
  • Antique Chinese Black Velvet Rug
  • Maidenhair Fern in Cast Iron Urn
  • Male Nude with a Glass & Snake (part of the 15th Century Art Michelango & Durer painting package)
  • Python Lamp (on/off by touch)
  • Chinoiserie Vase (2 versions)
  • Hurricane Lamp
  • Tresore de Simone & assorted closed & open books (part of Treasure Box with Book Stack package)

Also shown:

  • Dog:  meadowWorks – Greyhound Watcher
  • Backdrop:  ChiMia – Marais Apartment in Royal White