Month: December 2020

Goodbye 2020!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Goodbye 2020

The world rarely agrees on anything, but I would have to guess that just about everyone is happy to see the year 2020 end.  No, things won’t magically change as the page turns on the calendar, but closing the books on the year will hopefully mean one step in the right direction.  Although most of us will be “celebrating” very very quietly, here’s a toast to better things in the year ahead!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Marisela.  Stunningly simple two-piece dress that flaunts style whether you dress it up or down.  Criss-cross straps in back & the separate arms are what to me really make this dress a standout! Available in 10 colors or in a fatback, Marisela is sized for Hourglass, Freya, Legacy, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event CLOSING TODAY (yes, I know I’m late blogging).
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Lilly Head.  FREE Christmas Gift for Group Members.  There’s a free male head too!  Both are available HERE at a special holiday site that ONLY has the two heads.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Scarlett (Holiday Group Gift)
  • Hair:   Doux – Brandie
  • Makeup:  theSkinnery – Aurora Makeup (Group Gift), layered with Simple Eyeshadow & Waterline Eyeliner; ives – Passione lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Indulge Temptation (IT!) – Samsara Necklace – Loved; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Belle Poses – Zoe
  • Location:  Backdrop Central

Not A Very Merry Christmas At All

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Not A Very Merry Christmas

Well, it’s an unusual and difficult Christmas this year for so many.  Instead of large holiday celebrations and family get-togethers, most people are being smart and staying home this year.  It’s sad, it’s depressing, but it’s also the smartest thing you can do for yourself, those you love, and for the world.  A bitter Christmas gift perhaps, but one that everyone can share to indeed help make the world a better place.  And just think about how much better next year’s Christmas will be, a return to the Christmas gatherings of (dare I say it?) yesteryear.  But whether you are home alone or with family, happy or sad, lonely or surrounded by others, I wish everyone a good Christmas if not a merry one!

  • Top:  Tonic – Frosted Sweater.  Comfy & stylish, sliding softly off of one shoulder, the frosted sweater comes in 24 colors, each with that hint of frosting.  Only for Tonic bodies, it’s sized for Curvy, Fine, & Fine-mini.  A version with more room around the waist is also included.  It’s a Merry Christmas from Tonic, with five fabulous sweaters on sale as part of the fabulous December Sweater Sale, only at the December round of eBento, through the end of the month!
  • Pants:  Tonic – Toasty Tight Leggings. A perfect pairing with all your sweaters, these leggings also come in 24 colors, some with the pattern, some in solid.  Only for Tonic bodies, they are sized for Curvy, Fine, & Fine-mini.  Boot-fit versions are also included, but be sure to demo first since not all boots will fit.
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  Still the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.   With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!  And I have to admit, I LOVE the shape of the legs!
  • Furniture:  Park Place Home Decor – Silas Soft Leather Chair + Silas Table with Accessories.  The chair comes in two versions… one with pillows & one with pillows plus a throw. Both include HUDs to change the back, seat, back pillows, & front pillows separately to fit easily into your room decor.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.
  • Animated Window:  Park Place Home Decor – Holiday Snowfall Animated Faux Window & Wreath.  Awesome little piece to help set that wintry holiday mood.  Easily fits into just about any room. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Lilly Head.  FREE Christmas Gift for Group Members.  There’s a free male head too!  Both are available HERE at a special holiday site that ONLY has the two heads.
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Scarlett (Holiday Group Gift)
  • Hair:   Exile – Into You
  • Makeup:  theSkinnery – Simple Eyeshadow & Waterline Eyeliner
  • Jewelry:  Earthstones – Sentiments Necklace – Loved; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Catching My Eye

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Catching My Eye

I have a desk!  I’m so excited, it’s so much easier to be on the computer, let alone to blog!  Couldn’t happen at a better time either with all the holiday specials popping up all over the grid.  A new FREE head caught my eye, and I’m therefore once again developing a whole new look!  Hopefully the look and what I can do with it will be one to catch eyes as well lol!  Happy shopping!!!

  • Dress:  Sascha’s Designs (SAS) – Paris Dress.  Stunning little cocktail dress, with some truly awesome customization options in terms of texture.  First choose between two different HUDs, each one offering 8 different (& really exceptional) textures that can be applied to just the top, just the skirt, or both.  Sized for Hourglass, Freya, Isis, Legacy, & Maitreya, Paris is EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Lilly Head.  FREE Christmas Gift for Group Members.   I’ve often been tempted to try LeLUTKA because it seems whenever I really love someone’s look, that’s what they’re wearing.  But with so many heads in my inventory from blogging, I’ve always resisted.   Until now.  Lily is free, so I figured why not give it a try.  I am blown away!  I’ve loved other heads before, true, but there are always issues that eventually become so annoying that I find myself tempted to move on.  My immediate impression of LeLUTKA is that Lilly is not only a beautiful head, but she also has a relatively easy HUD to work, although I’m admittedly struggling with a tonal difference between head & body (I think it’s the difference between BOM on the head & Omega on the body, so I’m working on going BOM on my body too).  I’m so in love with the range of mood animations that are built in; they not only look amazingly natural, but they keep running even when you remove the HUD,  And so far no major glitches, like my mouth constantly popping open on another brand’s head that I adore but can’t deal with because of the inability to use their facial expressions. I’m happily surprised by the tons of “extras” available out there for the Evolution line of heads, but since Lilly is BOM only (no Omega except for the eyes) I have very little in inventory that will work.   Even so, my first impressions are double thumbs up!  There’s a male head too!  Both are available HERE at a special holiday site that ONLY has the two heads.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Scarlett (Holiday Group Gift)
  • Hair:   Tram – F919
  • Makeup:  Trend – Slayer Eyeliner & Sinner Eyeshadow
  • Jewelry:  Solange – Retro Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Reve Obscura (RO!) – Elegant Bento Pose
  • Location:  Eterea

The Challenge

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Challenge

OK, I definitely have a mean streak.  Here I am, just a few days after closing on our house back in NY, feeling a bit smug looking at all that snow back in the northeast.  My daughter got more than 25 inches at her house and at my old home they got somewhere around a foot!  Now, I’m definitely not sunning at the pool (it’s way too chilly for that), but I am walking around in a lightweight jacket over a t-shirt.  Yes, I remember that hush and the beauty of freshly fallen snow when it accumulates like that.  But the one true stab of remorse I have is that I had started a family tradition of always making a huge batch of beef stew on the first snow of the year.  I’ve been considering making it as a form of empathy with friends and family dealing with all that white stuff, but somehow it just hasn’t seemed right in this weather lol.  I’ve also realized that I’m perfectly happy enjoying those snowy wonderlands virtually here in SL where I don’t have to endure the freezing temperatures and cabin fever that goes with that much snow!!!  Happy shopping!

Color Alchemists in Affiliation with Imagine (CA & I) –  Two fabulous landscaping items for your personal winter wonderland and beyond, both EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.

  • CA & I – Reindeer Tree – add a touch of whimsy to your landscape with this highly unusual tree in the shape of a reindeer tossing his head of antlers & issuing a challenge.  I’m sure someone more creative than I am could create a wonderful fairy tale about how this awesome creature was petrified into a tree, but I’d need a lot more caffeine before I could do that lol!  Because it looks like a natural tree, it fits into landscaping seamlessly, only standing out when viewed in full at which time it demands attention!  Comes with particles you can click on or off.  Includes a fog particle you can place under the tree to add that magical feel.  Available in two sizes (big & bigger) & in multiple “non-snow” versions so that you can use your tree beyond winter.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.
  • CA & I – Set of Acacia Trees with Lights – Includes three trees in varying shapes, all copy so that you can create as many as you want for your landscape.  Each tree comes with a color light menu.  A perfect addition to any setting!  Also EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.

I’m So Over Holiday Shopping

Posted on by cejalaval

http://I'm so over holiday shopping

Enough already, right? The holiday shopping season starts so early now, and it’s already been such a tough year, I am just so over it at this point.  It’s just enough already.  Completely shopped out, and that’s saying something for a shopaholic like me.  Though I should be specific… I’m done with HOLIDAY shopping IRL… I’m NEVER done with the fabulous shopping available here on the grid.  Maybe because with unlimited space it’s not like buying something new makes me let go of something older but still loved.  On that note, a great new look to share… and HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Noel Coat Outfit.   Includes the highly style coat worn alone with the cutest little matching boots (matching panties also included).  A bit steampunky IMHO, a bit military, a bit Victorian, a bit Russian in feel, Noel is sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya, Noel is available in a Slimpack. or in a Fatback that includes all color options. Complete Outfit Options are all in one hud & contain 100% original textures. EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, open Dec 12th – 30th, with a theme of Christmas Around the World… 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy (freckled)
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Hairbase 2 + Hairpiece F
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Makeup:  poema – Mariola Eyeshadow;);  DS’Elles – Scandalous Lipstick
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Jewelry:  Empyrean Forge – Effloresce Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Image Essentials – Holiday Shopping
  • Location:  Winter Ice Christmas Fest

It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing

Posted on by cejalaval

http://It Don't Mean A Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing

It’s funny how the past becomes much more glamorous the further it gets in the rear window, isn’t it?  Each element of this look brings to mind days gone by (long gone by lol, like before my time).  All I can say is that I feel FABULOUS in this look, so feminine, so stylish.  The movement, the SWING, is amazing… I really tried to capture that in a still pic, but the fact is that I could go on and on, but you really have to try this all for yourself, and feel it for yourself!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GGVG Fashion Store – Mistral.  Talk about style!!!  This two-piece dress evokes the fashion & glamour of the past (to me it says “40s”, but since I wasn’t alive back then, who knows?), with its silky fabric, soft folds, swing skirt, & huge polka dots.  I absolutely adore the overskirt & the way it moves (remember when flexi first hit SL?).  This outfit just makes me feel so feminine & sophisticated, I love it!  In 5 colors or in a fatpack, Mistral is sized for Hourglass, Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya, & is this round’s EXCLUSIVE at the December Swank event open Dec 7th -30th.  Demo available.
  • Hat & Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Vivien Leigh in Brown.  The first from MY BAGS by Mila Blauvelt in its new facet of head ornaments to match the bags!  With a fabulous metal ornament on top of what I think of as a modified beret style (not really knowing hat styles I don’t know the “real” term), & paired with an adorable clutch that echoes the same shape, My Vivien Leigh is available in 7 colors (hat & bag sold separately) or in a fatpack; every color includes a Hud for metals & the bag includes an Exclusive Pose Bento for the hand.  See the closeup below for this unique look, EXCLUSIVELY available at the December round of the UniK Event, open Dec 7th – 28th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy (freckled)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Purity
  • Makeup:  poema – Mariola Eyeshadow; IVES – Passione Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Accolade – Japanese Tensha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Elaine
  • Pose (for the closeup shot):  Reve Obscura (RO!) – Lush Bento Pose
  • Location:  The Mercury Room, Owl’s Hollywood Jazz Lounge

Mystical Warrior

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Mystical Warrior

Brrr, it may be sunny here in Florida but it’s in the 30s! I’ve had to drag out some of my winter wear lol… certainly not what I expected! But I have to admit that it makes me appreciate blogging fantasy even more.  I mean, yes, SL by itself is somewhat of an escape, but when I’m doing fantasy?  For example, to do this post I ended up exploring and shooting in Greenhaven, a role-playing sim.  I’m minding my own business, wandering around, then doing a shoot, when first I am welcomed by who turns out to be the owner of the Greenhaven sims.  Lovely conversation, and I continue to shoot, only to be confronted a short time later by a pair of “watchers” who are guarding the caverns nearby.  Granted, I was in a rather challenging pose, but still I was quite thankful that I’ve done enough medieval role play as a fae to understand the proper forms of address, and have a ready backstory so that I was able to not only get them to sheath their swords but to welcome me to their lands.  Never a dull moment!!! And I must admit, so much fun that it has made me once again consider the pros of joining one of the many roleplaying communities that abound on the grid.  I certainly have the look when there are such fabulous finds as this!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Mystical.  NEW RELEASE, 100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Signature, Mystical consists of top, pants, & boots, each of which comes in 6 color options & as a fatpack. The top can be worn in two ways:  with a jacket (as shown) or bare-armed.  As always, the detail is exquisite.  This outfit is EXCLUSIVELY at the December We Love Role Play for 25% OFF, Dec 4th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LOGO  – Chelsea bento head with Ilvanya Elf Ears.  I’ve blogged the new Chelsea head before… I think she is absolutely stunning straight out of the box, but customized her just enough to be a bit different & was thrilled… BUT didn’t truly discover all of her potential until I added the phenomenal elf ears & styled her for fantasy… Let’s just say that my fae look is finally done! I really can’t say enough about these ears… because they are designed by LOGO for LOGO heads, they fit seamlessly at all times into the head (see the closeup below).  In two sizes with a HUD to customize chains, gems, & even the ear tattoos, they would easily be among the best I’ve ever worn, but the truly spectacular feature of these ears that kicks them up even another level is that they have a special AO of their own.  Talk about expressive!!!  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these ears!!!!
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Sanya Deco Horns.  I first blogged these horns when they were introduced at the Samhain Festival back in Oct/Nov, but they are so versatile & look so amazing that they’ve become one of my more go-to body parts. The horns are unisex, 100% custom mesh, modifiable & resizable.  HUD controlled with 80 horn colors, plus more for the metals, skulls, ribbons, gemstones, & more.  They really do work with SOOOO many looks & hairstyles (what every horned female needs)! See the closeup below for all the detail.
  • Body:  Maitreya
  • Skin:  Petrichor/Plastik – Styliste
  • Hair:  Kuni – Hera
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Meringue Eyes (Omega Appliers)
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Shura Makeup (eyeshadow & lips)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Pose:  The Veiled Bae – Black.Sand, Obsidian Fantasy Spear Pose Set
  • Location:  Greenhaven, The Isle of Whispering Pines

Pondering Perfection

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Pondering Perfection

I may now be living outside of the snow zone (yes!!!!!), but that doesn’t mean that it’s warm and toasty all the time.  In fact, it’s been downright nippy in the mornings and evenings, and we had a few days where it only reached into the 50s.  Still a lot better than subfreezing temps.  And mind you, I’m not complaining… it’s just a bit of a surprise to me.  And I definitely understand that nothing and no one and nowhere is “perfect” (and I do find that perfection is somewhat boring, don’t you agree?)…  That said, I still somehow I had a vision about it always being warm here year-round in the Sunshine State; I’m glad now that I bought a decent amount of warmer clothes with me.  Still doesn’t quite feel like home; once we’ve closed on the “old” house (this Friday, yay!!!), and I can stop thinking and worrying about things up there, maybe it will.  Though I know that the house that I lived in for all those years, raising my kids, will always be what I think of as “home” in my heart.  And although I certainly don’t foresee holding any snowballs in the future, this outfit would certainly stand me in good stead if I could find it in my size IRL lol!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  AnaSTyle – Iggy.  Love this cold-weather style!  Comfy, chic, & cozy, Iggy includes top, pants, & soft flat boots.  6 color options to change the color of the scarf & sleeves on the top; boots can be black or brown.  Sized for Hourglass, Legacy, & Maitreya, Iggy is EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank event opening today Dec 7th through the end of the month.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy (freckled)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Anna Eyes Pack #1
  • Hair:  Foxy – Tini
  • Jewelry: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Are You Home