Month: August 2024

Getting my holiday weekend off to a DELICIOUS start!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Getting my holiday weekend off to a DELICOUS start!

When I was still working full-time, long holiday weekends were something special that you looked forward to and planned for.  Now that I’ve retired from all that, holiday weekends have lost their allure.  But as a total ice cream fanatic, I’ll still take ANY excuse to indulge in treats that I generally try my best to resist…  Is there any better way to celebrate a holiday or say good-bye to summer (or anything else for that matter lol)?  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection –Nova Dress.  NEW RELEASE!  Is there anything better than a simple t-shirt dress?  Casual, comfy, classic & clingy, with 14 solid color rib-knit textures in the HUD (see the ad below), it’s simply GORGEOUS.  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, GenX Clasic, & LaraX.  On sale as part of the Glorious Days 4-day weekend sale (Fri-Mon), so don’t delay!  Demo is available (just click for menu, then demo). 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Searching
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Velour – Versailles Eyeshadow; BNNB Makeup – Bielo Lipstick
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  CAZIMI – Just Peachy
  • Jewelry:   ZOOM – Anaya Boyra Necklace & Zuri Set Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose + Props:  Reve Obscura – Heat Bento Pose; Andika – Ice Cream Taco; MOVEMENT – Her Wallet
  • Location:  New Deer Isle

Had a bad day?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Had a bad day?

Bad days… unfortunately, they’re just part of life.  I’m not talking about the kind of life-changing horrors and accidents and losses… yes, they’re still part of life but they are just too big  to be considered a “bad day”.  I’m talking about days when the train breaks down, or the boss dumps five new emergencies on your desk, or you have a fight with your significant other, or your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere and you can’t get a signal on your phone.  I had that kind of day yesterday, though it was more of an early evening kind of thing… my web hosting suddenly changed how many GBs my little website is allowed, and I’m over… they’re threatening that I won’t be able to post any more unless I optimize or (what a surprise!) pay more.  The instructions to optimize are anything but clear, and I’m already paying way more than I should for a blog like this where I don’t actually sell anything or make money.  I’m considering going the route so many other bloggers have gone, and just give it up… only post on social media.  I don’t even know if anyone even reads this any more, since my email program died and I didn’t resurrect it.  But personally, I really like having the blog… sometimes it’s like looking through old photos, bringing up memories and people and places you’ve forgotten.  So, I need to buckle down and either (A) try to figure out this optimization thing, or (B) move to a different hosting platform.  I’m leaning towards the latter.  But if anyone is actually reading this who has a similar-type blog, I’d love to hear who you’re using for web hosting.  And then I can do a post about “Good Day Sunshine”!  Enjoy!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Alessia Dress.   You can look amazing even when you have a bad day… in fact, it might be even more important so you can show life it won’t beat you!  This dress will have you look & feel fantastic, even when life feels like it’s gone the other way… the high neck, the waist sash, the little dots, the way it softly hugs your curves & then just a bit of flounce at the asymmetric edge…  even if you can’t smile, he will! Choose from 10 single colors or a fatpack, where the HUD now includes the ability to easily tint the dress, so you have even MORE colors to play with!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Alessia is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Cosmopolitan, through August 31st.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Grasp
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Chinoca Store – Raven Lipstick
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Le Forme – M02 Metallic Pack
  • Jewelry:   ZOOM – Zuri Set Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose & Props:  STUN – Rachel (modified) + SINCHI – 1993 Wine
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Madison Penthouse Backdrop

Ok then, Whatever…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://OK then, whatever

Sometimes that’s really all there is to say, and there just doesn’t seem to be any point to saying more…

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Jada Shorts Outfit.   Cute, sexy, adorably so.  If I had to choose a favorite detail, it would be that little dip in the front, right below the belly button.  Both adorable & sexy! Available in 8 single 100% Original Textures or in a HUD-driven Fatback with 12 textures.  Includes optional matching sleeves & a fabric choker (not worn).  Jada is sized for Reborn+Waifus, Kupra, Legacy, Maitreya+LaraX, & GenX Curvy, & is a BRAND-NEW EXCLUSIVE only at Beauty Event, open Aug 21st – Sept 5th.  See the ad below for details. Demo available.  Matching high-heeled mules sold separately.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  Doux – Francesca
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Velour – Versailles Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; BNNB Makeup – Bielo Lipstick
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Pearly Shimmer Summer Beach Hoops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  piXit – Feidina (modified)
  • Location:  Luanes World, Le Monde Perdu

Focus, the goal is IMPROVEMENT not PERFECTION

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Focus, the goal is IMPROVEMENT not PERFECTION

I watched a lot of Olympics coverage this time around… both my hands were injured (don’t even ask!), so my activities were extremely limited.  I did a lot of reading, and as much computer time as my poor hands could handle, all with the TV always on in the background and sometimes taking center stage.  One thing I learned and have taken to heart… to get really good at something, ANYTHING, you can’t compare yourself and your results to the best.  You look, you get inspired, hopefully you learn something, but comparing YOUR results to the best in ANY field is demoralizing.  Instead you need to focus on your own personal best, on improving.  I have a FlickR friend, someone whose work I admire greatly, who will suddenly fave one of my oldest pics… pics that at the time I thought were good, but when I look back I shudder!!!  But I find it so very valuable, to really be able to see where my photography has improved.  I still have so much to learn, but the Olympics helped me realize that my focus has been on the best and how my pics are lacking, rather than using them for inspiration to get to the NEXT step, not 20 steps down the line.  All I can do is my personal best, and to keep upping my game, slowly but surely.  Now to turn that attitude on my golf game lol!  And that is my message for the day… time to go shop and enjoy!

  • Outfit:  MAHOGANY Store – Aria Jeans & Top.  Not my normal style, but wow, do I ever love this look!  Big loose comfy jeans with big leg pockets, paired with an airy little top.  Both the jeans & the top come in 3 different color pallets (basics, blues, & grays for the jeans; neutrals, patterns, & solids for the top)… & of course there’s a megapack of each so you have your choice to mix ‘n match as you want with each other or other items in your wardrobe. Sized for Reborn, Legacy, & LaraX, Aria is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, ending in 3 days on Aug 20th. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WingsDG – EF0229
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Arabella Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Jewelry:  Eclectica – BOHO Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Sk8tgirl
  • Location:  Manakai Reef Break

 

 

Oooh, tempting

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Oooh, tempting

Hmmm, for someone who is a very occasional drinker and doesn’t smoke cigarettes, I seem to do a lot of shots where I’m doing one or both!  But then again, I’m wearing outfits that are not part of my RL lifestyle either… at this point, I’m a bit more of a stay-at-home and blog kind of gal lol!  But I remember what life was like “way back then” in my single days…  and that’s what SL is for anyway… doing things other than what you do IRL… otherwise, what’s the point?  Raises my glass to you… Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  JUMO Fashion – Aspen.  GORGEOUS.  STUNNING. That’s how I felt wearing this awesome 3-piece outfit.  With 3 different textures to choose from  — solid (with little metallic “chips”), print, & lace in a multitude of colors (see the ad below)– you can mix ‘n match for so many different looks.  I simply fell in love with the lace sleeves, so went a little wild mixing all 3 fabrics for a stylish & totally unique look.  And my partner was totally obsessed with the way my tummy peeked out! Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX Classic+Curvy,  Maitreya+Petite+LaraX+XPetite, Kupra & Star, Aspen is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – Aug 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Linda (includes earrings)
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  HYPE – Something Eyeshadow; BNNB Makeup – Bielo Lipstick; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Jewelry:  Orsini – BAIA Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Fliw
  • Prop:  ChicChica – Cherrytini (includes optional cigarette)
  • Location:  Casa Agave Distillery

 

Buy me a drink?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Buy me a drink?

Wow, hard to believe that summer is nearing its end… I’m already seeing ads for fall items! Why does everyone always feel this need to rush things?  These are the so-called dog days of summer, where the heat and humidity is so oppressive, all you want to do is lie around and “pant”.  Me, I have an excuse for being less active than usual (not that I’m ever ALL that active lol; too happy being on the computer!)… I’m wounded (again, yes).  This time it’s my hands… I wasn’t even able to type for DAYS, seriously stressing my blogging schedule, and I hate to admit it, but the pain and “freaking out” also stressed my creativity.  I think the results show it, but those results vary widely… from being a little lackluster to honing things down to “THE” shot, one that I just love personally.  And as my earliest blogging mentor told me, I need to be shooting for ME, to create something that I personally am proud of and not worry about response.  And the more I blog, the more I see it’s true… sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason that I can see why one pic soars up into Golden Gallery whereas one that I think is a way better shot languishes way below my average.  My designer friends tell me the same thing… you just never know how people will respond or if something will even be seen.  Bottom line, is that you just can’t worry about it and you need to do what YOU like.  And right now, I would like to have a little fun!  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  WILD Fashion – Tina Jumpsuit.  What an amazing look! Includes fun fashion earrings (with built-in resizer) plus a 30-texture HUD (see the ad below).  Tina is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy, GenX (Classic & Curvy),  & LaraX, & is  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – Aug 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WingsDG – EF0401
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  BNNB Makeup – Fabb Eyeshadow & Bielo Lipstick; Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Dalila – Marina Nail Kit
  • Bag:  LaGyo – Thetys Shell Purse
  • Pose:  STUN – Fliw
  • Location:  Sainte Rose Sur Mer & BarDeco

 

Waiting our turn to perform…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Waiting our turn to perform...

The Olympics give rise to all sorts of fantasies, even among the fae.  Something about donning this outfit made me feel like I was ready to take center stage to perform my “routine”… no matter how it goes, though, I know that my look is a perfect 10! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Estella.  Maybe it’s from all the Olympic competition I’ve been watching, but with the incredible attention to the tiniest detail & realistic textures — just look at the laces & buckles & that little bottle hanging off the belt & the fingerless gloves! — that I have come to expect from EVERY Jangka outfit, Estella seems to me to be such a quintessential medieval outfit for “an adventuring woman” that it made me think of performance “back in the day”.  Available in 6 individual colors or as a fatpack, plus two LIMITED EDITIONS; boots are available in black or brown, as are the gloves (see the ad below). Sized for Legacy, Maitreya + LaraX, she is 100% full body original mesh.  Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Rose, worn in Cinnamaris
  • Hair:  monso – Chowon2
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Forest Fae
  • Makeup:  Loa – Ixchel Warpaint; Dazed – Scaled Ears Tint
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Dryad Fairy Wings
  • Horns:  FAS – Battle Horns (GIFT)
  • Pose:  GemS – War Maiden
  • Props:  Fendudu – Temptation Whip; Jinx – Tiger Gacha, Rare Natural
  • Location:  Casterly Rock Roleplay

Perfect deliciousness

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Perfect deliciousness

One thing I can definitely say about this summer is that it’s HOT.  And I just successfully survived what’s considered a Floridian’s biggest fear… not hurricanes, not sharks, not gators, but a BROKEN AC in the SUMMER!  It wasn’t fun, I can fully tell you that, but thankfully it was only for a few miserable hours and since we still had power, we did have fans, but the indoor temperature got well up into the 80s (we won’t even mention the humidity lol).  Not something I’d recommend!  If only I’d had this dress!!! I would have been so much cooler…  but I have it here inworld, and I guess that just has to be enough!!! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Miranda Dress.   It’s the dog days of summer, & everything is about beating the heat.  This light gauzy, loose & airy mid-calf length dress is perfect both for the weather & for just looking amazing! Open floral lace under the bosom & at the bottom add just the right amount of detail. Choose from 10 single colors or as a fatpack, where the HUD now includes the ability to easily tint the dress, so you have even MORE colors to play with!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Miranda is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Cosmopolitan, through August 3rd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – ER100
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  poema – Nubian Night Manicure
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Love Surrender Earrings (GROUP GIFT); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Glasses:  Lacey Babes – Jefa Sunglasses
  • Pose:  STUN – Kula
  • Backdrop:  EMPIRE TEXTURES – Roadside Fruit Stand