Category: Fashion

Don’t fret, the Renaissance Festival will be open soon!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Don't fret, the Renaissance Festival will be open soon

Hear ye, hear ye!!! I’m all a-flutter!  I’ve officially joined the blogging team for the SL Renaissance Festival 2021, which opens today Sept 24th.  That means I’ve been thinking medieval and waiting for what seems like forever!!!!  This is only the second year for this now annual event, which has at its heart raising much needed support and funds for the fight against breast cancer.  Anyone who follows this blog knows that both my human counterpart and I do whatever we can, whenever we can, to help support this worthy cause.  I mean, come on, what’s better than shopping with a purpose?  And the Ren Fest combines that most worthy of causes with anything and everything medieval!!!!  For a fae like myself, that’s way WAY up there on the list of favorite things!  Hoozah!!! The festival is open from Sept 24th through Oct 3rd, and is filled with fabulous shopping, entertainment, special events, and yes, tournaments!!!  Read all about it @ https://slrenaissancefestival.com/ …  the pic above was taken at one of the Travelers Camps where they are already preparing to welcome festival guests once the gates have opened, and soon it will be filled with the hubbub of merchants, royalty, peasants, warriors, horses, and more.  I’m impatiently stalking the gates waiting for the official opening…  Hope to see you there!

  • Outfit:  Hawker’s House – Crann Bethadh Armor.  Includes the Neck Guard Top, Corset, Glove Sleeves, Leather Pants with Belt Knife, & Boots.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Voluptuous, Maitreya, Fitmesh, & Classic.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the SL Renaissance Festival 2021, in Ren Fest III Shopping, now through Oct 3rd.  Direct TP to market booth HERE. This outfit is a 100% donation to Strides Against Cancer, benefitting the American Cancer Society.
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Stranded Swyrl Horns.  NEW RELEASE, bringing another totally different look for unisex horns!  100% custom mesh with all new textures, which are as always in a HUGE HUD with what seems like unlimited options.  As always, the detail is amazing (see below). Modify, resize, toggle the strands on & off (NOTE: these can be construed as hair strands or decorative, as I did).  EXCLUSIVELY available at Solstice: The Fellowship, open until Oct 14th.
  • Location:  Travelers Camp 1 in Unity Maxim at the SL Renaissance Festival 2021
  • Head & Ears:  LOGO  – Chelsea bento head with Ilvanya Elf Ears.
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition (NOTE: absolutely no issues wearing the outfit, even without a special Legacy size)
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Everlasting
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_SILVER
  • Eyes:  SAMIA – MIA Eyes
  • Beauty Mark:  Izzie’s – Beauty Mole dark
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Olek Makeup Eyes; Petrichor – Lip Stripe
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Irid Dark Wings
  • Pose:   Empowered – Nature Connection #3

The Storm is Over

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Storm is Over

Well, the problems persist on my website.  As I thought, everyone is pointing the finger at everyone else, and meanwhile I’m left with a nonfunctioning blog.  But at least the pix are on FlickR, and the story is there in the blog, even if the pic can’t always be seen there.  Hopefully, someone will figure it out, because it’s certainly technically beyond my skill.  While I wait, I decided to redo my avatar (yes, again!!!)… new body, new skin since I thought it was time to “put my tan away” (did NOT change my head, love my head).  Absolutely LOVING the look.  And the ease of this new body (Legacy) cannot be overstated!  When something isn’t made “in my size”, I no longer have to change bodies or spend ages trying to make it work… now I just use “deformers” and it seems to work fine (yes, I’m still adding that disclaimer since I’ve had the body only a few days and certainly haven’t put it through an exhaustive test).  Bottom line, even though the weather for my blog isn’t perfect, I’m going to say the storm is over… if I never have totally clear skies again, well, I’ll deal with that once everyone throws their hands up and says they can’t fix it.  Maybe I move to another host? Does that even help? If you’re a WordPress or techie expert, please PLEASE reach out and give me some guidance.  If not, well, enjoy your weekend shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Solonge Pantsuit Outfit.  Sexy & sophisticated, Solonge includes the jacket, bra, pants, belt, & ankle boots (all of which you customize color for separately)… I just love the way the jacket texture is echoed on the bra’s trim & the belt. Sized for Hourglass,  Freya, Legacy, & Maitreya.  She’s available in 5 individual colors, in a 5-texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 10, all with 100% Original Textures.  EXCLUSIVELY at the September Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, Sept 12th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena, currently available at UniK
  • Freckles:  Magnetic – Beauty Moles EvoX
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Searching
  • Makeup:  Ives – Passione Lips
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Parisienne Love Heart (Necklace & Earrings); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop/Pose:  DPSP Poses – Autumn Feeling

Autumn Approaches

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Autumn Approaches

Now that we were finally able to have my mom’s funeral, I thought things would get back to normal, and I could resume my blogging activities. If only life were that simple! This is of course when my blog decides to blow up… suddenly very few of my pics are linking to my FlickR account.  Restoring a backup of course failed… and it won’t let me fix manually.  Am completely flummoxed as to what to do… I’m not 100% sure where the fault lies… is it FlickR? is it the hosting service?  Or will I be told that “oh you should have been doing X all the time” (although I’ve had the blog for years and this hasn’t happened before, but hey, who knows).  I’ve decided to go ahead and publish this post anyway, in  the hopes that anyone who does see it will understand the nature of technical difficulties. And you never know… it might all be fixed in the morning!  In any case, I’ve begun to embrace fall (my favorite season!), even though the weather down here in Florida is anything but fall-like. But that won’t stop me from enjoying all the crispness and beauty of the season, even if it’s only virtual!!!! Happy shopping (and wish me luck on “blog repair)!

  • Outfit:  JUMO Originals – INES.  Perfect outfit for fall, with a cozy cropped knit top, a delightfully sheer short & flirty skirt, & a coordinated crotch cover (LOVE it when designers include this!).  Choose from 9 different color HUDs (get an extra 10th HUD with the fatpack!), each containing 3 different textures for the top, the skirt, & the string (i.e., crotch cover).  Original mesh, sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Tonic F/C/M, Legacy, eBody, Signature, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the September round of Swank Event, Sept 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena, currently available at UniK
  • Freckles:  Magnetic – Beauty Moles EvoX
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  Doux – Peach
  • Makeup:  Goreglam – Unnatural Gloss
  • Jewelry:  Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Taiane
  • Location:  Deer River

Mother of Dragons

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Mother of Dragons

No, I’m not trying to be Daenerys Targaryen, but let’s face it… she’s a pretty impressive role model.  (Ok, she went a little crazy there at the end, but let’s just focus on the positive, shall we?).  I see myself as more of a “Defender of Dragons”, allowing these magnificent creatures a small but private space of their own on my land to grow and flourish in peace.  Once, many years ago in my previous lifetime, I had a circling dragon up above my land who nested at top of my waterfall, but he flew off to search for a new home and a new destiny during my long absence.  Perhaps this little one will grow up to take his place, only time will tell.  Or — as a flight of pure fantasy — perhaps he could be trained to search the grid for fabulous fashion fantasy finds (try saying that 5 times fast!!!)!  Well, until that day, I’m on my own… but since I’m good at sharing, here’s what I’ve found!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Elysium.  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, Elysium consists of the dress, separate armbands, & two styles of boots (with/without stocking tops & garters), in 5 different color sets.  As always, the styling & the detail is simply exceptional.  Originally created as a gacha, this outfit is now at the main store.  Demo available.
  • Dragon (Adult):  Tylar’s Treasures – Hovering Dragon with Egg in Nest.  The dragon not only hovers, flaps its wings, & breathes fire, you also can hear its roar & the sounds of flapping.  6-color texture menu for the dragon, & another 6 for the egg.   EXCLUSIVELY at the Age of Avalon, open through the month of September.  It’s only open once a year, so don’t miss out!
  • Dragon (Baby):  Tylar’s Treasures – Animated Baby Dragon on Rock (includes plantings as well).  Absolutely adorable!  It even includes a touch menu to change the dragon’s color.  Another EXCLUSIVE at the Age of Avalon !
  • Head & Ears:  LOGO  – Chelsea bento head with Ilvanya Elf Ears.
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Everlasting
  • Hair:  KMH – CP002
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Castanys Kel Horns.  Love these, they’re soooo different!
  • Eyes:  SAMIA – Maria Eyes
  • Beauty Mark:  Izzie’s – Beauty Mole dark
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Saro DK Eyes & Shigeko Lips
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Dryad Fairy Wings
  • Spear:  Ali & Ego (AERTH) – Crystal Spear
  • Pose:  GemS – War Maiden

The Medieval Boudoir

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Medieval Boudoir

It might be my imagination, or just wishful thinking, but fantasy seems to be taking a bigger share of the spotlight here in SL.  I’m not just talking about fae ears, those are everywhere, which I honestly find a bit insulting, that non-fantasy avatars have appropriated this most obvious of physical fantasy traits and sport them as a cool designer trend, rather than a symbol of one’s immersion in the fantasy realm.  Be that as it may, the quality and quantity of fantasy items seems to be proliferating, as are events dedicated to the world of fantasy.  It’s an exciting time, one that I really never thought I’d see, especially after most of the elves sailed off to far-off worlds on other grids.  (I myself emigrated to InWorldz for a time, but that’s another story!)  The wealth of imagination and the dedication to even the tiniest of details is truly inspiring, in both fantasy apparel and in home & decor.  I’m happy to share just a few wonderful finds… sprinkling a little fairy dust to enhance your shopping experiences… Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Priss.   To me, she’s a light & airy mix of medieval, silks, & fae… in other words, pure fantasy! Priss comes in four color packs plus a fatpack; each color pack has two HUDS, one for sheer & one for opaque textures.  Priss is sized only for Maitreya, & is available EXCLUSIVELY at the September We Love Role Play event, open Sept 4th through the end of the month.  Demo available.
  • Basin:  Fantavatar & Moonstruck – Medieval Chamber Basin.  Original mesh & only 2 LI, this gorgeous little piece of medieval home decor adds that finishing touch to your boudoir.  The detail is fabulous! The metal glows in the light, & the water has an animated ripple.  Includes two unique standing animations, one washing hands & one washing the face.  Simple, & simply beautiful!!!!
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Atharia, worn in Kaoru.  Every skin from this designer is highly detailed, gorgeously styled, & pure fantasy to its core.  Atharia is a personal favorite, with swirling colors on both body & face, available in 25 color variations. In Bom/Omega/mesh body & head applier versions for both male & female, plus add-ons for nails, Uni ears, etc., so it should work for just about every avatar.  Created in conjunction with []TRAP[], this is another amazingly detailed, gorgeously styled skin that is pure fantasy yet seemingly realistic.
  • Horns & Jewelry:  Petrichor – Uletia Horns.  Originally developed as a minigacha, these modifiable unisex horns are available with 15 different color HUDs, each of which offers 10 horn textures plus so many options I couldn’t even count them! The “blooms” can be visible or hidden, too! 
  • Body:  Maitreya
  • Head & Ears:  LOGO – Bella bento head, worn with Ilvanya Elf Ears
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Rhea
  • Wings:  –FAS– – Bento Faery Wings
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel Collection
  • Beauty Mark:  Izzie’s – Beauty Mole dark
  • Vanity:  {LORE} – Rustic Vanity Set

Summer Wind

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Summer Wind

And as August draws to a close, I find myself somewhat shocked that it’s already September.  And even though I now live in the Sunshine State IRL, September means just one thing in SL… fall blogging is on its way! I’m already seeing so many fall items at events and in the sales.  Usually I can’t wait to jump into fall (it was always my favorite season!), but maybe because I’ve been so out of it the last few months, I’m just not ready to let summer go!  I’ve therefore struck what I consider the perfect compromise for this shot… lightweight summer clothing but where there’s a breeze and no brutal heat… just the warm winds at end-of-summer!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Gina Linen Pant Outfit.   Like a fresh breath of summer heat, Gina includes a cropped one-shouldered top with long hanging ties at the side, matching loose palazzo style pants laced up with a waistband, & high-wedged sandals, all with a very subtle pattern on the linen texture.  The whole effect is airy & light, exuding ease & confident sexuality. Sized for Hourglass,  Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya.  This is one outfit I wish came in my size IRL!!!  She’s available in 5 individual colors, in a 5-texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 10, all with 100% Original Textures where you can choose the top, pants, & sandals separately. EXCLUSIVELY at the Eclectic Event, August 24th – Sept 18th.  Demo Available.
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Pinwheel Earrings.  Hanging delicately on long stems, I almost expected these to start spinning in the breeze!  HUD driven with 10 metal versions & 2×8 gem options (choose separate textures for the center gem & for those on the wheels!), 100% resizable mesh.  Available in 6 different color sets (see one example below). EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of Swank Event, August 7th – 31st, ending TODAY!!! Matching necklace also available. Also worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head, Hairbase & Eye Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (new 3.1 update with EvoX)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass
  • Skin:  Nuve – Hope in EvoX
  • Freckles:  Magnetic – Beauty Moles EvoX
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  Argrace – Haruka
  • Makeup:  Beaumore – Sparks Lipstick
  • Pose/Prop:  Merak – Summer bicycle

A Walk on the Wild Side

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Walk on the Wild Side

I’ve always found that August is a challenging month in which to blog.  The traditional end of summer just naturally brings a level of ennui , and with views (and therefore faves) way down on Flickr I find that I suffer from a bit of a “why bother” attitude.  This year is way way WAY worse.  I’m still highly affected by the circumstances of my mother’s death on the 14th, and that I was unable to see her for more than a week prior due to COVID lockdown.  Although I know that I couldn’t do anything about it, I still feel guilty.  And that’s compounded by the fact that due to administrative incompetence (don’t get me started on the rolling ball of incompetence that has surrounded everything with my mom for MONTHS), the death certificate is STILL not signed, so we are left dangling in limbo, unable to make any final plans and put her to rest. It’s wrong, it’s infuriating, and I am left feeling helpless, hopeless, depressed, and very very angry.  We’re thinking it’s time to get both a lawyer and the state involved, because we are at our wits’ end.  Blogging is just not a sufficient escape for all this… I’ve been working at it in little dribs and drabs, but the resulting creative efforts have rarely reached the levels of acceptability, and instead end up in the trash bin.   Every post is therefore taking way more time and effort than usual.  My first priority is to get out pix that I took weeks ago (this is the last one). That said, I’m still working at new shots (albeit at a snail’s pace), because I’ve made commitments and even 15 minutes of quality escape time is better than none.  I do find that the time spent putting together a look totally absorbs my brain, especially if it involves doing some shopping for the finishing touches.  Shopping therapy at its best!!!!  Sighs, I do love those moments of discovering fantastic finds!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  LUXE Paris Fashion House – African Top, Shorts, Heels.  The texture, the styling, the fit, the shoes!… I can’t say enough about this outfit.  So different, such a fabulous addition to any closet! Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya, EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of the Swank Event, open Aug 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Dhoom Mila Earrings.  Big, chunky bohemian-style earrings, that are also available with pale beads. EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of Swank Event, August 7th – 31st.  See the closeup below for greater detail.   Also worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head, Hairbase & Eye Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (new 3.1 update with EvoX)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass
  • Skin:  Nuve – Hope in EvoX
  • Freckles:  Magnetic – Beauty Moles EvoX
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Keisha
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Kira
  • Tiger:  AnaSTyle – Sheena GACHA, Tiger
  • Backdrop:  PALETO – Sarai Bawari

 

Retail Therapy… A Tribute

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Retail Therapy, A Tribute

Since my mom passed over the weekend, I find I’m spending quite a bit of a time remembering things that claim a hold in my memory.  It’s not quite reminiscing… more like reviewing all the little things that made her who she was.  For example, I’ll never forget her support the first time I lost a job. I had resigned a safe but boring job to try my hand at advertising.  It was a great position working for a fabulous boss in a brand new department… all was well until a few months in when the powers that be decided that they really didn’t want this new internal advertising department after all and we were both out on our tails.  I was in my early 20s, and I was devastated, wondering how I was going to make the rent on my little NYC apartment and starting to panic. My mother’s advice was to go shopping and buy myself something special, something that would make me feel better and more confident.  I thought she was crazy, that I needed to save every penny until I had a new job.  She didn’t relent, saying her favorite phrases — “Life goes on” and “This too shall pass”.  I listened and took myself shopping, buying the most fabulous pair of black boots… boots that indeed boosted my confidence and feelings of self-worth, so that when I wore them on my job interviews I was coming from a calm center of strength rather than one of desperation.  To this day, I believe that it made all the difference and made me a strong believer in shopping therapy (read “therapy” not “spree”).  Maybe that’s why I’m a fashion blogger??? Who knows, but the fact is that I love to shop, and shopping therapy works! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  anny’s Fashion – LeeH Sexy Cotton Dress.  Definitely sexy, high-style, sleeveless  cotton dress with an infinity scarf (looks like a cowl neck!), hip-hugging belt & an asymmetric hem.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Tonic, Belleza F/I/V, Ocacin, Voluptuous, & Maitreya, LeeH includes a HUD with 12 colors for the dress in a fabulously realistic texture, plus 8 for the belt & 5 for the buckle.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of Swank Event, August 7th – 31st.  This round’s theme is Around the World, & all I can say is that putting on this dress made me feel like I’d transported to Paris!  Demo available.
  • Jewelry:  WILD Fashion – Maya Jewelry Set.  Big, chunky necklace & earrings, the perfect accent for a dress like LeeH.  Includes two separate HUDs, one for the necklace & one for the earrings, each with 15 fabulous colors. EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of Swank Event, August 7th – 31st. Demo available.   Also worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head & Eye Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (new 3.1 update with EvoX)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass
  • Skin:  Nuve – Hope in EvoX
  • Freckles:  Finer Threads – Sasha Beauty Marks EvoX
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  Shi Flagship – Medusozoa
  • Pose:  Image Essentials – Holiday Shopping
  • Location:  Backdrop City

Nevermore

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Nevermore

I’m going to make an exception to my “rule” and leave my fae persona for this post, because it’s a hard one to write. My mother passed away on Saturday night.  She had almost 24 hours of pain before they got her meds, and the permission to get in to see her on a compassionate visit (the facility is in COVID lockdown) came too late for me to see her.  Although death is a part of life, and this is one that we’ve been anticipating ever since she fell and broke her hip a few months ago, staring death in the face is never easy and even harder to fully accept.  This particular post had already been shot and tentatively titled “The Shadow of Death.”  Even if I’d known how prophetic it would be, I doubt I could have been more prepared since in my heart I knew her last days were upon us.  Ironically, she died 10 years + 1 day from when my dad passed, and she’s been wanting to join him ever since. She is now at peace, and the healing can begin for those of us who are still here, holding her memory in our hearts.  Life goes on, and I know that my second life here on the grid will be even more important in the days to come as a place to leave it all behind for just a bit, and escape into my world of fantasy.

  • Dress: Poet’s Heart – Helmiina.   Two very different looks in one package!  I’m wearing Helmiina as a strapless gown with shoulder ornamentation, but you can also choose to wear a long-sleeved coat.  Choose colors for the top, the skirt, the shoulder ornamentation, the coat, & the trim with the included HUD.  Note the texture with the bare trees… it’s stunning!   Helmiina comes in four color packs plus a fatpack; each color pack has 6 gown colors plus black & white.  She is sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the August Enchantment event, August 14th – Sept 4th.  Demo available.
  • Collar:  Petrichor – Karzakk Collar.  This collar is 100% custom mesh, & it’s totally unique! HUD controlled with 30 base textures plus 24 add-ons, you can choose to wear it single toned or “striped” as I did (see the closeup below for greater detail). Includes both rigged & unrigged versions.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the Midnight Order, closing on August 20th.  Male version also available.
  • Hair:  Fantavatar & Moonstruck – Pandora. Original rigged mesh hair, this twisted/braided style with pearl accents is definitely among the most unique medieval/fantasy styled hair that I’ve seen anywhere on the grid.  Amazing, just see the closeup below! Demo available.
  • Tattoo:  Lush Poses – Broken Chest Tattoo.  As you can see in the closeup below, the tattoo includes the “splatter” from the broken heart.  In both Omega & BOM versions, at two different levels of intensity (original & fade).  Awesome!  Exclusively available at FABLE, an Evil Bunny Production, open April 7th – 31st.
  • Head:  LOGO – Bella bento head
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass
  • Skin & Ears:  Petrichor – Styliste
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Crystal Satyr Horns
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Saro DK eye makeup (Group Gift); The Little Bat – Aria Lips
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel Collection
  • Beauty Mark:  Izzie’s – Beauty Mole dark
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Arboreal Fairy Wings
  • Jewelry:  RYCA Jewelry – NC55 Armband in Gold
  • Pose:  Angel’s Art Pose – The Crow & The Darkness
  • Location:  Garden of Whimsy – the Elven Forest

Life Interrupted

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Life Interrupted

Well, those of you who follow my blog may have noticed that I haven’t posted in almost 2 weeks.  I haven’t even been inworld much in all that time either.  The break wasn’t a voluntary one… real life just got real difficult for a while there, which didn’t just eat up my time but put me in a frame of mind that just wasn’t suitable for doing much of anything, let alone being creative.  It’s hard to watch your parents fail and turn into helpless children where you’re their parent.  And when the system fails them — which is what’s been happening repeatedly to my mom — you are their only advocate.  It’s draining, it’s depressing, it’s confusing, and it’s exhausting.  And although I have emotional support from family, the actual handling of everything (and there’s been a lot of handling!!!) has fallen squarely on my shoulders and on my shoulders alone.  The bottom line is this, and it’s a frightening one… our healthcare system is NOT set up to help seniors with severe Alzheimer’s behavior problems… every facility seems to think the solution is to provide 1-on-1 care 24 hours a day.  Since where I live that costs $24/hour, that’s $576 a day or $4,000 a week it’s completely out of the question… and mind you, that’s on top of the already insanely high monthly costs for memory care!  Thankfully, I have a good friend in the healthcare system who urged me to check into hospice.  I always thought that was only for terminally ill patients, but I’ve happily learned their services go well beyond that.  Although my mom was originally rejected for hospice care, somehow the fact that she’s now falling several times a week (even daily) got her accepted, and it’s made all the difference.  She no longer is sent to the ER every time she falls (where they do nothing, I have to then go and drive her, and she’s so fragile that she often ends up an additional skin tear from the transport) and nurses go to see her almost every single day.  For the first time in years I feel like someone is actively trying to help her as opposed to just managing her.  And now that the healthcare system down here is in active lockdown, that makes a HUGE difference since I can’t even get into the building to see my mom and reassure both her and myself that things are ok.  Needless to say, it’s been a tough go.  It felt amazing to work on a blog post (for an outfit I put on weeks ago lol), to play with lighting, to feel some creativity emerging from the dark, heavy cloud that’s been weighing me down.  I’m sure I’ve lost some sponsors… most blogger-managers will understand, but some only see their own needs and are blind and uncaring to the real life struggles that we all must deal with from time to time.  And you know what? That’s ok, because I couldn’t have lived with myself if I let anything be a bigger priority than taking care of my mom.

Going back into SL with fresh eyes I was struck by how amazing some of today’s fashion finds are…  the little details, all the options, and so much more.  Here are just a few… happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Ember.  Casually sexy & just oh so cute, Ember includes a cropped corset top with contrast stitching along the top edge & on the lacing, denim booty shorts (& they are SHORT!!), & the cutest high-heeled wedge sneakers.  Sized for Hourglass,  Belleza F/I, Legacy, & Maitreya.  She’s available in 5 separate colors, in a 5-texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 10, all with 100% Original Textures where you can choose the top, shorts, sneakers & laces separately. EXCLUSIVELY at the 2Much Event, July 29th – August 16th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Eye Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (new 3.1 update with EvoX)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass
  • Skin:  Nuve – Hope in EvoX
  • Freckles:  SAP Beauty – Beauty Marks/Moles
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  Doux – Peach
  • Jewelry:  Glint – Gemmed icicle drop earrings & necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Elvion