Month: July 2020

Show-off

Posted on by cejalaval

http://You're showing off again!

As much as I believe that when you’ve got it, flaunt it, there are times when it really irks me that I have to work really hard for something that comes so naturally to others.  And no, I’m not getting on a soapbox today… I was just thinking how at least as humans we CAN work at it.  In the animal kingdom, it seems almost more unfair that the males of the species get to make all the exciting displays while the females tend to be rather dull, though I know it’s all in order to attract and win a female so that they can mate.  It’s kind of funny that with humans it’s more the opposite… it’s the women who don all the plumage in order to attract the males.  (And yes, I DO know that it goes both ways, but women tend to do a whole lot more, even if some would contest that men do as much, we all know what society demands!)  Bottom line though, just a fun pic with a fun message… and some great items for sale at events!

  • Outfit:   WellMade – Chilla Outfit.  Light, summery, stylish, with a HUD that includes 20 pastelly & brighter shades for the patterned top, 20 matching solids for the belt, & your choice of black or white for the skirt. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza Freya, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My COBELLI in Orange.  Awesome looking, almost a “bag in a bag” with an outer semi-translucent “shell” over the inner colored bag,  together with round, gold handles.  Such a great look!  My Cobelli is an 100% original mesh bag with Materials enabled — be sure to switch on advanced lighting to see the textures at their best.  Available in 9 colors, EXCLUSIVELY at this month’s eBento which ends on July 30th.  Comes with both an arm & a hand hold plus a no-pose version to more easily use the bag with other animations.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Doux – Jenna
  • 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
  • Nails:  Madpea – Iconic Heat Polish
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – True Hearts Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Mosquito’s Way – Alexis
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Aya #6
  • Backdrop:  PALETO – Backdrop Civita (animated peacocks NOT included, but vendor is unknown)

Down the Rabbit Hole

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Down the Rabbit Hole

I’ve always had a special affinity for Alice in Wonderland.  In elementary school, I was often called Alison Wonderland (meant derogatively, of course), but it never bothered me because I secretly liked it.  (I didn’t like it as much when they called my best friend and I Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, but hey, it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as what some other kids got). I loved the story and its drug-fueled imagination (of course, I didn’t understand the drug angle until much later), falling through a hole into a new world, kind of like Dorothy landing in Oz.  Alice was never my favorite character though; I always loved the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat.  So when I saw this outfit for the Down the Rabbit Hole event — which is a really fun theme, and no, you don’t have to drink anything or shrink small to go! — I knew it was mine to blog.  And I do mean MINE, not my alt who does the fantasy blogging, but MINE.  I mean come on… the provided hair is RED, and that means it’s MINE.  What a relief knowing that I definitely have the perfect outfit all set for Halloween!!!

  • Outfit:  BWC – Mad Hatter.  A totally unique, adorably sexy creation, that includes absolutely everything you need for a complete outfit — the jacket, the corset, panties, thigh high stockings, leg garters, heels, hat, choker, even the hair!  Lots of great little touches, like the card in the hatband & the pocket watch sticking out. Sized for Slink, Belleza, Tonic, eBody, Ocacin, TMP, Maitreya, & Fitmesh. You should note that not all items come in all sizes, but by using my alpha & the fitmesh for the corset (there’s no HG for that), it fit perfectly! But since all bodies are different, be sure to try the demo first.  EXCLUSIVELY available at Down the Rabbit Hole, an Evil Bunny production, open from July 11th – 21st.
  • 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 – Rune, worn in Cashew
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Pose:  Diversion – Urban Girl
  • Location:  Enchanted Fantasy (awesome store for Fairytale Landscapes & Decorations)

Out of Africa

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Out of Africa

I’ve always dreamed of going on an African safari. Definitely NOT because I like big game hunting, far from it; in fact, it disturbs me no end.  No my dream is more photographic in nature, to go on a camera safari, see all the animals in the wild the way they SHOULD be, and capture the sprawling beauty of the scenery.  That fantasy is even more powerful now that it no longer means really roughing it.  So many of the camera safaris are ultra-luxurious these days, with great food and deluxe accommodations.  However, since that also means that they’re ultra-expensive, my African photography adventure will necessarily be limited to what I can find here on the grid.  This sim I found is pretty fantastic… I was all set up for my shot, had even taken my first few, when the elephant wandered over and photo-bombed me!  Not that I’m complaining, right?  Here’s a list of everything that I used to create my photo…  Who knows? Maybe they’ll figure into your dreams as well…

  • Outfit:  Pink Fairy – Juicy Set.   An intensely sexy 2-piece dress (a crotch cover is ABSOLUTELY required & you  can’t be prudish in the least about half your butt showing lol!), the tribal print definitely is what set me dreaming of Africa.  It can really bring out the beast!  Available in a total of 3 textures, the dress is sized for Hourglass, Freya, & Lara. EXCLUSIVE at the upcoming round of the 4 Seasons Event, opening July 15th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:   Vanity – Jewelled
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Cashew
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Summer Eyeshadows, at The Liaison Collaborative
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Bento Nails Ballerina Long Tinny
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Rixa
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Boho Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Kokoro – Kesia, #5 (includes drink prop)
  • Location:  JAMBO! A Voyage to Africa

Oooooh, hits the spot!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Oooooh, hits the spot!

Cravings.  Strange things.  They can build up slowly or, at least from me, they’re these irresistible wants that just spring up from nowhere and take over.  I know it’s a standing joke about cravings during pregnancy, how weird they can be.  I had this ongoing craving for rice pudding of all things when I was pregnant.  Now when I get cravings, they’re still all admittedly about food but much more mundane… chocolate, or jellybeans, even fried chicken, but most often for ice cream…  all the things I want but rarely allow myself to have.  If only I craved healthy, “thinnying”  foods, but I guess I’m just not made that way! Sighs, now I can’t stop thinking about ice cream…  please, please, please let it not become a full-blown craving!!! There’s none in the house and everything is closed!!!!! Oh well, off to see what’s in the fridge!  Glad it’s so much easier here on the grid… and no matter what you eat, you don’t put on weight (unless you want to of course)… why oh why can’t we have sliders in real life????  Getting off track here, the point is that when you DO submit to a craving, mmmmm, nothing is so good… just really hits the spot!

  • Dress:  Swank & Co. –  Retro Collection – Tie Dye.  A charming little summer dress in 6 stunning tropical tie dye colors (I’m wearing Spindrift).  In addition to the textures, the wide laced corset at the waist together with the matching trim adds flair.  It all looks light, cool, & comfortable for the heat!  Sized for Slink HG/P & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Abalone
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Rune, worn in Cashew
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Green
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Sevilla Wedges
  • Pose:  Lyrium – Bloom
  • Prop:   Dust Bunny – Sweet Tooth, Mint Chip
  • Location:  Shork Ice Cream & Tattoo Parlor

Cliffs at Sunset

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Cliffs at Sunset

Harshlands – Coastal Cliffs.  This is one of those items that you may have to think a bit about.  It doesn’t have any cuteness  & its dramatic beauty may not strike you in a store or event display.  But start playing with it in a “real” situation?  The possibilities really start to add up.  In fact my biggest issues with these rock formations was where to use them.  Because they come in three subtly different textures — sand, grass (which is what I’ve used) & stone — the formations look so natural when placed on either the beach or the woodlands or really just about any terrain.  Since I have such limited space on my beach property, I opted for the woodlands where I could use more than one of the three shapes in the set to create a beautiful & useful gateway to a now more secluded living area for my fantasy alt & her partner.  If you have a home, this is an easy & dramatic way to add a spectacular note to your landscaping.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, opening today July 7th through the 30th. 

  • Coastal Cliff Arc – easily the most dramatic piece.  In grass, rock, or sand.  Copy/modify.
  • Coastal Cliff Curved – In grass, rock, or sand.  Copy/modify.
  • Coastal Cliff Straight (not shown) – In grass, rock, or sand.  Copy/modify.

 

Private Enough?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Private Enough?

One of the things that makes blogging so much fun is the variety.  When it comes to fashion, putting the look together is obviously the most important, but it doesn’t end there.  Sometimes you want a simple look without a lot of distraction — just find the right pose and the right background and the right windlight, etc..  But other times, the “vision” really calls for you to make a scene, which means on top of all that you need to find the right props and place them “just so.”  To tell the truth, though, I have tons of fun doing that, and really admire those bloggers who do that each and every time.  I tend to lose patience, not to mention it can get costly.  That said, I had a ton of fun (I won’t mention the ton of frustration with the house that WAS in the background, ruining the shot), and ended up with some great decor items!  To me, that’s definitely a win-win!

  • Swimwear:  GGVG Fashion – Sunset Bikini & Sarong.  Let’s be honest: there are a lot of great swimsuits out there, from bikinis to monokinis & more.  It really takes something extra to make one stand out.  GGVG has done that with three different suits by adding different “somethings,” in this case a truly awesome sarong.  Don’t get me wrong, the suit itself is STUNNING… the fabric is small without being too small if you get my meaning, the straps wrap double under the breasts for added interest, the bottom straps sit high on the hips.  As I said, stunning.  The optional sarong though is what really sets it apart, it’s much more substantial than others I’ve seen, but the way it’s tied & the way it’s hung is so natural & still gives full view of the suit from the front, it’s exceptional.  And of course there’s a HUD, so you choose from any of 15 textures (solids & prints) for the top & the bottom, & 8 for the sarong.  Also available in a lace & beaded version.  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya.  Both are EXCLUSIVE at the July  Swank Event, which opens tomorrow July 7th.  
  • Towel:  Freda Stylish Fashion – Rolled Beach Towel.  Includes two different holds that are completely AO & pose friendly (as you can see, I’ve combined it with a pose, listed below), plus a HUD for 8 different textures.  HUNT GIFT for $1L at the Beach Bunny Hunt 10, an Evil Bunny Production, a summer hunt from July 3rd – 31st.  The hunt’s starting point is HERE, and you can join the EVIL BUNNY HUNTS group in-world for help HERE (free join).
  • Sandals:   Blasphemic – Gothgirl Flip Flops.  Sized for Slink, Belleza, & Maitreya. .  See the ad below for a closeup of this $1L HUNT GIFT at the Beach Bunny Hunt 10.  To reiterate, the hunt’s starting point is HERE, and you can join the EVIL BUNNY HUNTS group in-world for help HERE (free join).
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  I find that the Tonic bodies are truly the most natural curves on the grid with options like Booty Control to add that extra oomph how & if you want it & others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Mabeline, worn in Almond Browless
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Terceira
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Melany
  • Pose:  Nantra – Beach Illustrated 2020 (modified)
  • Props:  Sway’s – Sandia Beach Bag, Summer Drinking Jar, Shell Beach Shells decoration; Dust Bunny – Beach Paddles (Group Gift)
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Weekend Woes

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Weekend Woes

OK, doing my blog has suddenly become very, very difficult.  Try to upload images like the close-up below? Post-processing fails because “the server may be busy.”  Try to upload to FlickR?  Panda fail.  The holiday weekend alone makes it difficult to stick to a timetable and a blogging schedule, but these kinds of issues?  Hard to stay calm and relaxed, especially considering the current lack of viewership on FlickR to begin with on Fridays and holidays.  Takes a deep breath, imagines that I’m actually relaxing by the water on a hanging chair, just like in the picture, and tries again… and again… and again…  Well, all I can say is that if you’re actually seeing this, it must have all worked out at some point lol.  What’s that saying? “Patience is its own reward”?  Well, not my strong point, never has been.  On the other hand, imagination always has been… Time for those two to battle it out.  While I wait, I’ll just go hit all those delicious weekend sales because shopping will always get me through!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – July.  I don’t ever post this far in advance of an event, but on this first weekend in July, how could I resist an outfit named “July”?  Another irresistible outfit featuring all those little details that make this designer’s outfits so special — off-shoulder on one side, awesome little “strands” covering the other, the netted lower arms (which can be worn or not, depending on your mood or taste), the frayed short shorts, the matching gladiator sandals. Comes in 9 colors for the top, 6 for the jeans; sold separately or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at The Men & Women Jail, open July 10th – 30th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Tone worn in Cashew.  A beautifully detailed skin, available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones), including both omega & BOM, regular & browless, at the 06/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.  See the closeup below. Demos & shape also available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:   Vanity – Phases
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Chair:  EVHAH – Balam Hang
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

 

The Butterfly Boho Collection

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Butterfly Boho Collection

OK, it’s getting hot. Hot and humid (just ask my hair!).  And I don’t know about you, but I can’t just always sit inside with the air conditioning.  Since I don’t live  on the water to benefit from cool ocean breezes, I’m always looking for comfortable shady little nooks to escape to with a book or whatever.  Now obviously here on the grid we don’t have to suffer through weather extremes, but that mindset of special little corners to escape and relax in has definitely followed me inworld.  I’m always looking to create an enticing new spot, and I found this set to truly be something special.  I think you will too!

Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Boho Butterfly Collection.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd, in both cuddle & adult versions:

  • Boho Butterfly Daybed Bento – Includes the wood pergola & the daybed, which is full of cuddle or adult bento animations (depending on version), plus bento singles & dances.  You can also change the color of the daybed to any of 5 choices.
  • Boho Butterfly Birdbath with Animated Butterfly (just touch the butterfly to make it flap… looks so real!)
  • Boho Butterfly Poppy Patch – just touch the grass to change the flower colors (10 choices); since it’s copy, you can add as many as you want to create a unique & natural looking setting

Ahoy there!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Ahoy There!

OK, so I’m still on my summer beach kick, but then again it IS summer even if I’m not at the beach enjoying it.  Perhaps I’m escaping there in my mind because the current reality is just getting tougher with the uptick in Covid cases exactly where we’re planning on moving (and I do mean EXACTLY — the county our new house is in is not doing well).  On top of that, my mom who is in a memory care facility in Florida, is not feeling well, and has just had a Covid test for the 3rd time.  Fingers crossed that she’s just not feeling well for “normal” reasons.  And here on the home front, they’re FINALLY starting with the outdoor work that is needed before we can get our home on the market, so things are progressing but still stressful.  No wonder the idea of boating or swimming or just sitting on a beach somewhere is so appealing.  Sighs… I know we’ll get there eventually… it’s just a question of how much s**t will happen between now and then…   The fact is, life goes on (and so does shopping lol)!

  • Outfit:  Apple Heart – Bonita Outfit with HUD.  This is one of those versatile outfits that can be worn in several ways.  The sarong style skirt that is tied up at one hip comes in two versions — one solid & one “net-panelled” (both with fringes).  The included HUD has 10 Colors/8 Texture & offers an incredible range of options since in addition to changing the skirt style, you can choose the color/pattern for the top, top fringe, top bow, panty, skirt, skirt fringe, sandal color, & even the color of the beads hanging from those sandals. You can even hide the bow & fringe if you choose.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Tattoo:  Apollemis Tattoos Store – Apple & Jasmine Blossom Sleeve.  A beautifully drawn tattoo made by the designer, compatible with BoM layers, OMEGA system, Maitreya & Legacy bodies. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Embers
  • Sunglasses:  Mulloy – Amalfi
  • Nails:  alme – Dots & Squares
  • Jewelry:  Cailyn’s – Safari Noir Earrings & Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Cubic Cherry – Fancy (La Vie en Pose GIFT)
  • Boat:  The Mesh Shop – Bandit IF
  • Bag:  EC – Key West
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage