Month: July 2020

Money makes the world go round

Posted on by cejalaval

http://I'm out of lindens till bonus day, can I charge it

It constantly amazes me how quickly my monthly budget disappears.  It always seems like more than enough, and yes, there have been months that I’ve ended up with excess lindens.  Maybe because I’m a shopping addict blown away by the creativity of some designers (the stimulus behind many bloggers lol!), maybe it’s because I’m a total hair freak and always want the latest styles, maybe it’s because I’m never satisfied and get bored easily, so I like to keep refeathering my nest or even changing my nest altogether.  I still like live music events (though I go much much less than previously), and although I’m not a big tipper, I’m a consistent one.  And yes, of course I have a credit card linked to my account in order to bring in my monthly funds (and added little bits when there’s something I just can’t resist ) but that still requires me to bring in money NOW.  It would be amazing if I had a SL credit card that would allow me to buy larger purchases now and pay them off slowly over time.  On the other hand, I guess a lot of SLifers (including me) could end up carrying debt inworld rather than just stimulating the economy. All I can say is that money definitely makes both worlds go round, and I certainly do my part lol… thankfully I don’t have to pay to store all my things that I’m not currently using… I do love the magic of free, limitless inventory!  Well, all this talk of shopping has me itching to go look at this lower-prim high quality furniture I’ve been considering (the new elven home for my fantasy alt and her partner  is a Linden one, so every prim is precious!), so I’m off, “credit card” in hand!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Nimue.   Once again, it’s the stylish details that sets this denim shorts outfit apart from the crowd.   The halter-style top with strategically placed openings both front & back drapes beautifully; the frayed short shorts have artfully placed rips & lacing in the back… I simply had to include a 2nd shot to show you how phenomenal this outfit looks from behind (see below)! Comes in 10 colors for the top, 6 denims for the shorts; sold separately or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th. Demo available.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Tropical in Mango.  A fun, hard box bag , together with a small padlock, perfect for the summer season.  My Tropical is an 100% original mesh bag with Materials enabled — be sure to switch on advanced lighting to see the textures at their best.  This collection of various fruits offers 6 choices & includes a hand pose, EXCLUSIVELY available at the Bundle of Doves Event from July 20th – August 22nd.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Imani
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:   DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Sunglasses:  meisu Eyewear & Accessories – Minutiae glasses
  • Jewelry:   Kunglers – Milena Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Credit Card Poses
  • Location:  Opium Beach & Music Hall

Irresistible to Mermaids

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Irrisistible to Mermaids

I’m physically a mess when it comes to my lower extremities.  I recently had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in my knee, but for years I’ve suffered with painful feet and ankles that swell to the size of softballs which I’ve just learned is due to severe arthritis.   Perhaps this is why the idea of being a mermaid is so appealing to me, to not have to deal with all the painful difficulties I have with my legs (though somehow I think I’d probably be at the mer-doctor to see about a painful crick in my tail lol).  In any case, I absolutely loved the whole mermaid look I created back at the Fantasy Faire.  And this truly awesome Little-Mermaid-inspired single pose and prop was just too hard to resist, so I brought her back from the depths in order to squeeze in a blog before the month ended.  Includes a wonderfully detailed scenic prop on it’s own bed of sand that includes the pose; fork is included too, though my favorite thing are the bubbles!  An awesome piece of decor for any underwater scene, even when not going through your collection!  And of course now that I’m back in mermaid form, I have the urge to flip my tail and go exploring the deep… happy shopping!

  • Pose/Props – Something New Props & Poses – I’ve Got Thingamabobs.  As I said above, the detail is amazing, ON ALL SIDES.  (See below for a back angle.)  Should be stamped “irristible to mermaids,” & it’s EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, closing very soon on July 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Everlasting worn in Cotton Candy (BOM) with the browless option.  Available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  Shape & demos also available.
  • Scales:  Nefekalum Tattoos – Ghost Blue
  • Hair:  Firelight – Wilma, Fantasy Gradient Edition
  • Makeup:  [ae] Adam & Eve – Fantasy Eyeshadow
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers), Set 1
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Mermaid Tail & Outfit:  La Perla Boutique – Mermaid Set
  • AO:  KAMI-HITOE – Merfolks Starters AO
  • Location:  KingsDale and Siren’s Bay

The End of the Road

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The End of the Road

Wow, I’ve been so busy in both real life and in SL dealing with moving!  We’ve made so much progress on our house that we should be ready to do pix and get it listed next week.  And here on the grid, I’ve been busy moving my alt & her partner to new fantasy digs because although I’d loved what I’d created for them at the back of the property, they were starting to hog all my resources, which for someone like me simply can’t be tolerated!  So with all this work, I’ve turned to what has always been my relaxing release… going for a lovely long aimless drive in beautiful surroundings.  And no, I don’t own a motorcycle IRL (though I surely do adore riding on the back of one, my arms wrapped tightly around the driver), but hey, that’s what SL is for, right? To do all the things you can’t IRL!  And on that note, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Enchtris Check Outfit & Boots.  With a belted blazer over a pair of shorts with dynamite heels, this is definitely a sexy look that can create its own heat wave!  The miniskirt has a HUD with 10 different plaids; the top & thigh-high boots are in black only.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Clover
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeshadow; LUXRebel – “LOVE Y” Group Gift Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Sofia Earrings; RealEvil Industries – Aqvila Bracelets; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Pose:  CNZ – Motorbike

Summertime Blues

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Summertime Blues

I love summer, I do.  Although those years of hopping the train after work on Fridays to go up to my parent’s house by the lake for nonstop weekend activity are LOOOONG gone, somehow that’s still the image that comes to mind when I think of summer.  Close behind it are those years filled with activities with my own kids.  But this year feels so different, so many of the things I’ve continued to do even as I got older — craft fairs, outdoor concerts, barbecues, travel — are just not in the realm of possibility this year.  I haven’t even been able to play golf because I was in post-surgical mode.  And now we’re in the middle of a heat wave.  So yes, the summertime blues have got me in their grip (even though for totally different reasons than in the song)… Hmmm, I guess I need to do something drastic to snap myself out of it.  For right now, I’ll just keep reminding myself that I DO LOVE SUMMER, and dress the part! Happy shopping!

  • Shirt:  Tastic – Women’s Kai Knotted Top.  That perfect little top to throw on all summer, it just fits so well showing the perfect amount of cleavage.  And, in 6 colors or as a fatpack, it goes with everything! Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/V, Voluptuous, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.  Men’s version available too!
  • Flag:  sonder – Summertime Yard Flag.  A store created for the imagination & vibrance of the children of Second Life, sonder always does such wonderful family-oriented type things.  Since I don’t have children in Second Life, many of them just don’t work for me (their clothes are adorable though, for those who do!). But their outdoor items are just so cute, & I decided that planting my flag is a positive action to take to de-blue myself! Includes texture Change – 4 types of metal post & 6 different flags. Available EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_SUBJECT
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:   DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Shorts:  MOZ Designs – “Riley” Belted Shorts
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Parisienne Love Heart Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  K&S Store – Lana
  • Peacock & Flowers:  Morgan Sim Designs – Flower Garden with Peacock

Sandcastles

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sandcastles

It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged male fashion.  To be honest, there’s just not as much male fashion out there as there is for women, so finding the gems that make me want to blog this instead of that is pretty difficult.  That said, this shirt just made me do it!  It’s not easy finding Hawaiian-style shirts with that casually relaxed masculine vibe. This shirt definitely made me take more than a second look, and it absolutely demanded to be blogged.  I’d love to come up with some clever line tieing it in to sand castles, but it’s testing my creativity at the moment… it’s early and I need coffee, so I’ll let you create your own metaphors…  Happy shopping!

  • Shirt:  AnaSTyle – Alessio Tropical Shirt.   In 6 tropical & floral textures, available individually or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink, Belleza Jake, & Signature Gianni.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Skin:  Akeruka (AK) – Clay (deluxe bento, with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Male Physique Mesh Body
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Justin
  • Eyes:  IKON – Odyssey
  • Pose:  IDK Poses – Pack #88, pose 5
  • Sandcastle:  Careless – Sand Castle

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Memories (and no, I promise I won’t sing the song, but I included the lyrics on my post in case YOU want to lol).  Memories have been thick about me lately.  In preparation for the big upcoming move (still a couple of months away), one of the things I’ve been doing is going through lots of old photo albums and boxes of snapshots.  There’s something to be said for pre-digital memories… rather than just looking at a screen, you’re holding them in your hand, which in some ways makes them feel a bit more substantial.  Sorting through decades of old photos really triggers some of those old memories… you recall more than just the image, but also sounds, smells, tastes, all the sensations you might have experienced at the time.  Remembering friends and family who are gone, either by death or just by drifting away.  And it’s not just photos… cleaning out closets I’ve been smelling perfumes that haven’t been worn in a while, choosing “keep” or “toss”, previously loved books, and all those little knick-knacks that accumulate over a lifetime of living in one place.  I’m a sentimental sort, so there’s just so much to wade through, there are times the memories just get overwhelming.  And there have been so many moments where I just sit and close my eyes, and remember the way it was…  years down the line, will I be doing the same about THIS moment in time?

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Paradise Dress in Yellow.  It’s hard to say what I like best about this little tropical dress.  Each of the 4 textures are very different but equally fantastic, every single one providing not just a different color but also a very different look.  The overall style of the dress is also phenomenal, with a dark semi-sheer cut-out in the neck & another in the back (see below), each with the pattern itself continuing onto the new texture.  Did I say “fabulous”!?!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, Starbody, Signature, & Maitreya, this knockout is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th.
  • Hanging Decor:   Swank & Co. –  Hanging Red Macaw Heats, Lanai version.  A charming little piece of tropical decor to add that little extra something to your outdoor space.  Also available in a Green Macaw version (see below), as well as in “Dichro” versions with additional hanging crystals.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  StunnerOriginals – Eyeshadow Amorous;  DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:   Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Perfume Poses #3 (front pose); Simply Dvyne Poses – Reaching (back pose)

A Poet’s Heart

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Poet's Heart

I get so excited when I have the opportunity to blog something that falls under “fantasy,” although I guess some would argue that EVERYTHING in Second Life fits under that headline.  But for me, there is a very obvious difference… the world of fantasy is one that doesn’t reflect modern life, so it includes all the fantasy creatures (fairies, elves, mermaids, centaurs, furries, and more), as well as medieval, steampunk, and futuristic genres. I’m sure there are more that aren’t coming to mind, but the point is that they all represent things that just don’t fit into our everyday existence.  As I’ve said previously, many years ago I had created an alt to play in SL as a fae, rather than “dress up” my regular avatar.  Doing fantasy as Ceja felt like wearing a costume; dressing in my fantasy clothes as Thea felt more “real” and part of every day because it’s just who she was.   Back when the Fantasy Faire was happening, I was excited to revive and update my fae existence, and now really yearn to blog more fantasy.  I’m SOOO thrilled to have a new fantasy sponsor, Poet’s Heart, that will truly help me spread my wings and fly!  Just the first post of what I promise to be many more!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Jane.  A simple but beautiful gown, with optional sleeves & a HUD that offers total ability to customize the look, by changing the not just the color of the gown, nut also your choice of solid & patterned textures for the corset, colors for the laces on the corset, the lace edging, & even the metallic details.  See the pic below for a full-length shot of this stunning outfit.  It’s sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is available in a Floral Pack, a Goth Pack, a Happy Pack, a Virginal Pack, a Lively Pack, or a full Fatpack.  So many looks from one outfit, it truly is a fantasy!
  • Accessories:  Melt – Peony Necklace in Plum; Fae Headdress in Purple (gacha items)
  • Shoes:  Rogue Echo – Vita Light Heels
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  Soul – Jalyn, Ranitormeya V2 Skin, in the FF20 tone
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Symphonia
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Crystal Satyr Horns Fatpack
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Lipstick:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Nightmare Lippies (Genus Appliers)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Floral Lace Wings
  • Pose (full-length shot):  Stardust – Aurelia #5
  • Location:  Farhaven

Escaping the Heat, Tropical-Style

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Escaping the Heat, Tropical Style

The theme for this month’s Swank event is Tropical Island heat, and I have to say, Casa de Bebe has done it again! I LOVE the look of this set, and although it was probably designed with that tropical setting in mind (I’m thinking Hawaii), as you can see it works equally well in other outdoor settings as well.  The northeast is about to have a heat wave, and I know I’ll be dreaming of sitting somewhere just like this, with a cold drink in one hand and a good book in the other, while the ceiling fan helps stir the tropical breeze coming off the water… sighs… if only!

Casa de Bebe:  Mango Outdoor Room.  CdB has done it once again! Even though I’m not moving to Hawaii (except in my dreams!), I wish I could create this in real life at my new house in Florida (if & when I get there lol).  IMHO, this outdoor set has a casually upscale look so you can sit in outdoors in both great comfort & style.  Fatpacks for PG or Adult EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th, includes everything shown (EXCEPT for the cat & mouse).  Items are also available for purchase separately, as follows:

  • Mango Pergola – includes two versions, both with a double step as shown & with a single step.  One of the panels in the back doors opens/closes to allow cool breezes in or another way onto this fabulous deck.
  • Mango Sectional Sofa – in PG or Adult versions because it’s full of single & couple animations.  Includes texture change — 3 for the main sofa, 5 for the front pillows, 5 for the back pillows, & 3 for the blanket.
  • Mango Rattan Armchair – also in PG or Adult versions, with the same texture changes as in the sofa so you can mix or match
  • Mango Rattan Coffee Table
  • Palm Leaf Ceiling Fan – turns exactly right to create the perfect breeze… light turns on/off
  • Giant Split Leaf Philodendron Plant (copy so you can use as many as you want in your setting)
  • Potted Banana Tree (also copy)
  • Seashell Collection (bowl on table)
  • Mango Lantern
  • Coastal Magazines

The temperature’s rising… is yours?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The temperature's rising... is yours?

Sex. In a lot of ways it makes the world go round.  After more than 30 years in advertising and marketing, I know for a fact how much it’s used to sell products and services, whether blatantly or subtly.  It might be even more true in our online world.  We all reveal much more of our bodies than we would (hopefully anyway!) in daily life.  A lot of styles IMHO are just downright slutty.  Now don’t get me wrong, dressing that way can be a lot of fun, especially considering how perfect our bodies can be in SL, it’s just generally not my style.  But that doesn’t mean that I go the demure route, either.  I’ve created almost a Marilyn Monroe-curvy body, I definitely like dressing sexy, and when you pair those with a sexy pose, I guess some would say I’ve crossed over to the slutty side.  Me, I define it more as creating a sense of temptation.   Yeah yeah, playing semantics, I know.  The bottom line is that it’s all about attitude, and that is absolutely something I’ve got a ton of lol!  Great items in the sexy vein that are available now include:

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Moxie Jacket, Shorts & Heels.  With a belted blazer over a pair of shorts with dynamite heels, this is definitely a sexy look that can create its own heat wave!  Blazer in 10 colors HUD driven, with grey shorts (matches the belt & lapels), black heels, & a black choker.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Designer Showcase, July 5th – 28th.
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo.  Tats for both upper & lower, in fresh/light/medium, both BOM & Omega. EXCLUSIVE at the new round of the 4 Seasons Event, opening TODAY July 15th – 29th.
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Tram – F728
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Lipstick:  Cosmetize – The Charlie’s Angels Collection
  • Nails:  LIVIA – Deep Gel
  • Jewelry:  NO MATCH – NO.DIAMOND loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Po^Z – Babe 1
  • Backdrop:  irrISIStible – Backdrop Dust Spring