Month: April 2024

“Her heart was a secret garden and the walls were very high.” ~ William Goldman

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Her heart was a secret garden and the walls were very high

I don’t really have a lot to say to the world today… real life has been frustrating, mostly due to the confinement of wearing a surgical boot on my driving foot.  That feeling of being trapped and helpless and dependent on other people together with the physical side of hobbling around is depressing and exhausting in all kinds of ways.  SL has been a fabulous escape, except that it requires hours of sitting in one position at a computer, which is VERY hard to do while keeping one leg elevated… and that poor other leg is swelling and having issues from having to take all the weight (literally)… But in the grand scheme of things, it’s all minor indeed… just a few weeks and then it will fade into the past…  In the meantime, though, it’s me and my PC and my blogging…  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Naomi Pant Outfit.   Available in 8 complete sets or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 12 textures (Bra, Top, Pants, Panties, Heels), all of which are 100% Original.  Naomi is sized for Legacy+Perky, Reborn, & LaraX+Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Beauty Event, open April 21st – May 5th.  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Doux – Kikichun
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella ES; theMARS – Organic Lip
  • Nails:  Veechi – Magnetic Gels
  • Jewelry:  Earthstones – Inlaid Harmony Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Buttercups

A beacon of hope in The Duskfall Court

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A beacon of hope in The Duskfall Court

Fantasy Faire is such an exciting creative delight that it’s sometimes easy to forget the more serious side of the Faire… that it is a Relay for Life charity event, a benefit for the American Cancer Society.  Cancer is that dreaded monster lurking in the shadows that haunts all of us.  I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched by it in some way.  I think we all shudder and inwardly sigh when we hear of another family member, a friend, a friend of a friend, a neighbor, or even a casual acquaintance who gets that dreaded diagnosis, is in the midst of their fight, or has battled and won (or even worse, has lost).  The personal battles are chilling reminders of the fragility of life, how things can change in a moment… the Faire is a way to fight the greater war by SHOPPING WITH A PURPOSE, providing funds to help build a tantalizing fantasy… a world without cancer.  Unlike the fantasy creations and wonders that we celebrate at the Faire, RFL’s fantasy is do-able… and the more dollars that we can send to this amazing charity, the greater the arsenal at their disposal.  PLEASE JOIN THE FIGHT and SHOP WITH A PURPOSE…  To date, in the 16 years since Fantasy Faire began, the Faire has raised L$187,891,611 / $751,556 USD.  By the end of the 9th day, Fantasy Faire 2024 has relayed L$13,236,171.  There’s still plenty of time… Fantasy Faire HAS BEEN EXTENDED, and will now be open through May 8th!  But don’t delay… there’s so much to see and do and buy for the cause!!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  EXiA –  Daniela Dress, worn together with the Daniela Rose Head Accessory & Daniela Heels.  Beautifully styled with roses & lace & little leaves & folds in all the right places, Daniela is available in Fantasy Faire purple for a 50% RFL DONATION, or in 6 other colors individually or as a fatpack. The separate Head Accessory is in Fantasy Faire purple as a 100% RFL DONATION or as a fatpack of 7 other colors.  Matching shoes are also available as a 100% RFL DONATION in the limited purple color, or as a fatpack of 7 colors. (Please see the ad below since you can’t see the shoes in my pic.  Also, please be sure to look at the ad for the true shade of purple, since my pic was shot in the The Duskfall Court’s lighting of blues & purples.) You can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Ondheim HERE.  Demo available.
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Arien Horns, Curl-Stars.  Stunning 50% Relay for Life Donation item; single color (purple!) included in two styles (curl & swirl)… You can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Samsara HERE.  
  • Wings:  Arkona – Fairy Royal Wings.  As you can see by the ad below, these wings have a HUD for changing to your choice of 9 colors + 5 options for the membranes. A Fantasy Faire EXCLUSIVE, you can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Avalon HERE.  Demo available.
  • Pose:  Audition Poses – Beacons of Hope Bento Pose Set.  A Fantasy Faire EXCLUSIVE, this set includes 5 bento poses plus mirrors.  Lanterns for each pose are included in both projector & non-projector versions.  (NOTE: I added the beam.)  Two of these poses are available for individual purchase as a 100% RFL DONATION.  You can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Whispering Pages HERE.  
  • Dragon:  Springlab Games – Dragoos Companion.  Dragoos are an upcoming Animesh Breedable Pet for SL.  I AM SO INFATUATED that this is my 2nd time posting with them! They are in the later stages of alpha development with no release date set.  But this little guy is available RIGHT NOW in 3 different color versions specially for FF24 — Gilded (white & gold, like the one in my previous post, see the ad below), Royal (purple & gold, seen here with me), & Tempered (black & silver) — all as a 100% RFL Donation.   A static shoulder pet version & a static decor version are also available.  You can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Avalon HERE & see how cute these guys are in person!
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  IVES Beauty – Dove, in Lavender Fairy (matching body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGSDG – ES0615
  • Location:  The Duskfall Court (sponsors Quills & Curiosities/Cryptid), the seat of shadow where the fae aren’t always nice beings & where their pranks are rarely harmless; read more about this Faireland HERE

A Moment’s Respite

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Moment's Respite

I have to say it’s been a bit of a rough time IRL since the end of last week.  First I found out that the reason why my foot was still bothering me after having fallen almost two weeks earlier is because I have a stress fracture… and that I need to wear a surgical boot from 2 weeks (unlikely) up to 4 weeks (hopefully as unlikely)… AND it’s on my right foot, which means that I can’t drive.  I can’t do much of anything, AND we had a family visit scheduled for a few days (which got shortened but not cancelled).   So it’s been a combination of pain, stress, frustration… been a bit hard to sit at the computer for hours in that one position, so photoshoots have been a problem, and even harder to be creative.  But some outfits demand to be seen and to have their qualities shouted from the rooftops… and this outfit definitely demanded its time in the limelight (or should I say “bodylight”?) and to take me away from my difficulties, at least for a few moments….  Happy shopping! (at least in SL, I can get around to all the sales and events without too much diifculty and with zero gimping lol)…

  • Outfit:  {Le’La} – Aurnia Dress.  What a gorgeous style!  The plungy spaghetti-strap top with a multi-slit skirt, skinny belt & built in front & back chains (LOVE LOVE LOVE those chains!), plus matching heels & an optional fur (not worn, but shown in the ad below).  Aurnia includes a HUD of 30 colors (in a stunning pattern) for the dress, belt, fur, heels, & chain, & is sized for Reborn+Waifus, Legacy+Perky, LaraX+Petite, Maitreya+Petite, GenX Classic+Curvy, Erika, & Kupra.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of Designer Showcase, open for just one more day, through April 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn + Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  WINGSDG – EF0401
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella ES
  • Nails:  Dalila – Pastel Glitter
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – Baroque Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  double take – alpha PLUS ChicChica – Candy Pink Chammy
  • Location:  Blue Finch Blossoms Hollow

C’mon guys, A Faire-n’ we will go!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://C'mon guys, A Faire-n' we will go!

OK, I’ll admit it… I’ve been going a bit crazy at the 2024 Fantasy Faire, which just opened on April 18th and will now run through May 5th.   But like many other fantasy characters in SL, I look forward to this incredibly special event all year long.  There is just nothing else in Second Life quite like it…  And I am so absolutely thrilled to be an official blogger that I’ve been busy shopping the Faire since the moment it opened (truth be told, a day before with early access lol).  Why am I and so many others so enraptured by Fantasy Faire?  It’s a few things, and the reasons do, of course, vary person to person.  For me, it’s really three things.  First and foremost, it’s the sheer creative genius on display throughout the 20 completely unique and distinctive regions.  It constantly boggles my fae brain how so many designers can not only envision these realms but can make them come to life, especially if you get “off the trail” and explore some of the hidden nooks… they are truly world builders!  Second, well, it’s the shopping.  I’m a shop-a-holic, which I guess is why I’m a blogger… I just love to not just put on a new outfit but create a whole character with it… or a scene… or both!  And with over 300 of SL’s top fantasy designers showing at FF24, well, let’s just say that I saved up my lindens in order to stock up on all sorts of goodies.  And third, which really is the most important and impactful reason to support Fantasy Faire is that it’s one of the premier  events in Second Life benefiting the American Cancer Society.  At the end of the 3rd day, this year’s FF has already relayed a whopping  $L$6,661,584 … now that’s shopping with a purpose!!!!  Come join us, and you too can be a Fairelander!

  • Outfit:  All three of the following items are available at Fantasy Faire 2024.  You can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Samsara HERE.
    • Dress:  Les Encantades – Claribelle.  Stunning medieval gown with a gorgeous leaf overskirt & optional slit sleeves.  Perfect for my first fashion post for this year’s Faire!  Sized for Legacy+Perky, Maitreya+Petite, Reborn, & Kupra, Claribelle is available in 5 single colors or as a Fullpack with a full texture HUD (see the ad below).  This item is a 100% RFL Donation!  Demo available.
    • Wings:  Les Encantades – Natural Wings.  Flexiwings available in 6 color options (I’m wearing Earth) or as a fatpack (see the ad below). Includes a menu to adjust the animation. The purple version is a 100% RFL Donation.
    • Circlet:  Les Encantades – Meliae’s Crown.  Unrigged & resizable, she includes a HUD of 15 colors for every element of the crown (see the ad below for details).  This item is a 100% RFL Donation.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  ND/MD (enLIGHT)- AXA.  Available in 3 skin tones (I’m wearing Dark) or as a fatpack, AXA includes BOM skins for both head & body.  Shapes are also available.  See the ad below for details.  You can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Ogham Grove HERE.
  • Horns:  Valhalla – Elanor.  RFL FF24 Special Edition, these horns are 100% original.  Includes a textures HUD with 4 choices for both the horns & the metals.  This special edition is a 100% RFL Donation. You can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Duskfall Court HERE.  Demo available.
  • Staff:  Broken Arc – Staff from the Weapons of the Woods Collection, a Fantasy Faire EXCLUSIVE.  Sold separately or as part of the set that also includes a Blade & a Bow with Quiver, the staff includes three animations (ranged, melee, sheathed) plus three versions of the staff (Unity Maxim polearm, sheathed, & non-combat hold).  Easily resizable, so it can work for different sized avatars of either sex!  Whether you buy one weapon or the full set, they are a 100% RFL Donation.  You can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Ogham Grove HERE.
  • Dragon:  Springlab Games – Dragoos Companion.  Dragoos are an upcoming Animesh Breedable Pet for SL.  I AM IN LOVE, these are just so cute & the animations are absolutely adorable! They are in the later stages of alpha development with no release date set.  But this little guy is available RIGHT NOW in 3 different color versions specially for FF24 — Gilded (white & gold, like the one in my pic), Royal (purple & gold; see the ad below), & Tempered (black & silver) — all as a 100% RFL Donation.   A static shoulder pet version & a static decor version are also available.  You can teleport directly to the store in the Faireland of Avalon HERE & see how cute these guys are in person!
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  Nova – Radio
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Hunter
  • Makeup:  poema – Intuition eyeshadow; PROMAGIC – Dhairya Tattoos
  • Pose:  La Plume – Malorie
  • Location:  Whispering Pages (sponsors Sweet Revolutions/Telperion Designs), a mystical forest where scribblers & authors have found refuge since time immemorial; read more about this Faireland HERE

Go ahead, make my day!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Go ahead, make my day

I’ve gone back to the days of gladiators & centurions & the great odysseys through the ancient world  (though I somehow doubt that women were allowed to join those ranks, & definitely not the fae)!  It would certainly take something of a bad ass to take on this job, dealing with the ruffians of a decidedly brutal society… but then I think of Wonder Woman (hey, just another kind of fantasy, right?), and I know that my size and stature belie my fae strength and speed.  I originally envisioned my role as centurion somewhat along the lines of a London bobby, kind of “What’s all this then”,  but it rapidly evolved to more of a Dirty Harry stance, “go ahead punk, and make my day!” where I’d actually enjoy some man (or men!) to make that potentially fatal error of underestimating Centurion Thea!  And on that note, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Art & KO – Victress Set.  Centurions have never looked this good! Includes the dress with matching sleeves, boots, sword, & shield, plus a gold Roman helmet, in 8 single colors or as a fatpack with HUDs for each element.  Sized for Legacy+Perky & Maitreya+Petite.  Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Rose, in Cinnemaris
  • Tattoo:  Mea Tenebra – Xelanah; REVIVER – Odyss
  • Hair:  Chain – Safari
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Nilou
  • Wings:  Jinx – Unseely Fairy Wings
  • Location:  Romanum

French bread & cafe au lait… Ooh la la!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://French bread & cafe au lait... ooh la la

I’m so excited, I just booked what promises to be a very special vacation for my milestone birthday this year (and no, I’m not telling you which milestone!).  This trip includes a river cruise as well as some awesome foodie cities I haven’t been to in decades (if at all), including Paris! Everything French is on my mind… I’m even listening to a French radio station on my land lol!  So my first instinct for this day-after-booking post was to do something a little bit French as well… and what is more French than fresh bread and cafe au lait?  Bon appetit and, of course, happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Raine Tops & Skirts.   Experience incredible texturing & fit on this sexy crochet crop top & this flirty swingy short skirt. Choose from 10 single colors or a fatpack for the top; 10 single colors or a fatpack for the patterned skirt; or the MegaPack for all these fabulous choices!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Raine is sized for Reborn, Legacy+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of uber, open through April 22nd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Doux – Kikichun
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella Eyeshadow; Fontaine – Mirage Lips
  • Nails:  :NN: – Scarlet Cateye Short Almond Nails
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:  IT! Indulge Temptation – Flor Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Bread Bag Pack
  • Location:  Sainte Rose Sur Mer & BarDeco

Fantasy Faire is almost here!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fantasy Faire is almost here!

As far as I’m concerned, it’s almost the most wonderful time of the year for my blogging… Fantasy Faire 2024 opens  in just a few days on April 18th, running thru May 5th (I simply CANNOT wait!!!!).  A Relay for Life event, Fantasy Faire is celebrating its 16th year, and is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, roleplayers and performers in the virtual world.  As paraphrased from the official Press Release, you can treat yourself to shopping, dance and theater performances, DJ parties, auctions, questing, the Literary Festival, fantasy art, events and roleplaying 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.  You’ll find fantasy avatars, clothing, furnishings, gadgets and exclusive items available from over 300 of Second Life’s top Fantasy Creators across 20 stunning regions designed by the visionary artists behind many of the most adored spots on the Second Life destination guide.  I am so honored and absolutely thrilled to the tips of my wings to be an official Fantasy Faire blogger for the fourth year in a row!!!!  Such exciting things to come… here are just a few of them!

  • Crystals:  Petrichor – Pointe Crystals.  Awesome crystal-shaped decor, easily resizable to fit your scene.  Choose from a muted or vibrant HUD, each of which provides a 40-color HUD to let you individually color each of the three groupings in the set.  This is a PREVIEW of a brand-new item, EXCLUSIVE to Fantasy Faire 2024; location of the store will be available when the doors open on the 18th; you’ll be able to find it HERE once published.
  • Swing:  Mysteria x Paniq – Midsummer Delights.  Another PREVIEW, it takes an exceptional collaboration to yield this crescent-moon shaped swing hanging on leafy vines, complete with 5 individual poses with mirrors (see the Ad below).  EXCLUSIVE to Fantasy Faire 2024; location of the store will be published HERE once the Faire opens.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Muted, in Filaurian
  • Tattoo:  Nefekalum – Charis
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Mai Horns (Malefice)
  • Hair:  KMH – F177
  • Outfit:  INFINITI – Shandi
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Scene:  NAUGHTYBits – Overgrown Ruins

I thought there’d be music

Posted on by cejalaval

http://I thought there'd be music

Incredibly rainy, windy, depressing day here, complete with tornado watch and wind whistling through the window next to me (which is incredibly annoying and appears to be unfixable)… perfect time to go exploring in this glorious alternate world of ours… And, naturally, looking fabulous while doing so, strutting around in my stiletto heels and incredible-looking dress!  Aaaargh, I thought there would be music here, to drown out that wind!  Maybe I should go shopping?

  • Outfit:  JUMO Fashion – Eloise.  Incredibly figure-enhancing top & skirt with an asymmetrical bodice, & then form-fitting down to the thigh-high slit.  To me, what really stands out & knocks this look up a notch is the artful use of metal chains as straps for the top, & then again as a belt with both ends dangling right at the top of that amazing slit (one end featuring a hanging crescent moon).  Superb selection of textures in the included HUD, with 20 satin colors + 5 animal prints + 5 florals + 4 metals (see the ad below).  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX, Eloise is currently at the April round of Designer Showcase, open April 5th – 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn + Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Resonate
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Lima
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Veechi – Precious Metals
  • Jewelry:  IT! Indulge Temptation – Sofia Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXit] – ShoeMe
  • Location:  Timeless Seasons

Mmmm, the scent of a wild evening to come!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Mmmm, the scent of a wild evening to come

I’ve always loved the anticipation of an exciting night out, all the prep and the little touches… the bit of doubt mixing with all the possibilities of what’s to come.  Scent has always been a part of that…  subtle but distinct, teasing those pheromones!  Not too much, not too little… just like my outfit!  Mmmmm, yes, that smells like it will be a night to remember!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Farah Suit.   I just love the shape of this suit, & I honestly think it loves my shape right back!  With a neckline that plunges to the waist-to-hip buttons showing just the right amount of reveal, over flattering pants that are not too tight & not too loose.  The suit also includes matching heels, where the pattern not only goes on the insole but also on the sole itself (something I totally did NOT expect but I have to say that it looks really cool when dancing lol).  Choose between two 20-texture fatpacks, leather or animal print (you know whenever there’s an animal print that’s what I choose), or for some awesome mix ‘n match possibilities (which is what I’ve done), grab the Megapack.  Either way, the textures are top quality!  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX, Rhea is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of Designer Showcase, open April 5th – 25th.  See the ad below for details.Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  CHAIN – Rose
  • Makeup:  Sugarose – Lima
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Dalila – Gyda
  • Jewelry:  Amacci – Saraja Ear Hoops;  CHAIN – Lana Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Vanity Pose
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Soho Loft
  • Decor:  Tirrany Designs – Gilded Vanity; Raindale – Vanity Table Clutter; Dreamland Designs – Mosaic Planters; JUMO – Alessa Bag Croco Leather; The Dreamer Creations – Heels & panties

 

A Command Performance by Electra, the Living Wind-Up Doll

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Command Performance by Electra, the Living Wind-Up Doll

One of the things I love about fantasy is that you can go wherever your fancy takes you.  And right now, steampunk is the way!   Is this where the expression “gearhead” comes from?  (LOL, I know it’s not, but maybe it should be?)

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Electra.  Incredible detail & texture (the hallmark of ANY Jangka outfit IMHO), in an outfit soooo very different, a living doll, complete with a windup key & mechanical joints (zoom in to the elbow, it’s amazing).  Available in 6 individual colors or as a fatpack, plus two LIMITED EDITIONS as shown in the ad below (I’m wearing the gold). Sized for Legacy, Maitreya + LaraX, she is 100% full body original mesh, & EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of the Engine Room, open March 20th through April 20th.  Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:   Gloom – Calin Fantasy Skin in Ghost (matching body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Hair Nala
  • Eyes:  YOSHI – Niran (gift)
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Mai Horns (Malefice)
  • Wings & Mask:  Luas – Guinevere Bento Wings, currently at the Engine Room
  • Pose:  !Musa! – Asrai
  • Location:  Felidae Hall in Caledon