Another troublemaker banned from the garden!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Banned from the garden!

Don’t you wish sometimes that you had enough control where you could just ban someone from your world??  Not to get political (though there are PLENTY of folks I would ban if I could lol), so we’ll use Loki as an example… someone who just can’t resist causing trouble, it’s just part of their nature.  I mean sometimes you just want to stand there and scream “Can’t we all just get along?”  Perhaps enough banning would help all the Lokis of the world change their ways, but sadly, I am not a witch doctor and there is no power in this interconnected world to effectively ban someone from society.  But it’s a tempting thought, no?

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Oona.  A perfect example of why Jangka is IMHO a leading fantasy designer… no matter what fantasy genre an outfit belongs to (medieval, scifi, etc), the styling & detail are just top-notch!  Just look at Oona… leather, bones, fur, straps, & metal, all “finely wrought”.  Available in 6 individual colors or as a fatpack; boots, shoulder armor, & armbands are available in black or brown; the awesome headdress is available in 4 colors. 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 – Wyldeia Pastelle, worn in Azuri
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Nala
  • Wings:  Decoy – Blooming Fae: Wings Midnight
  • Pose:   piXit – The Reaper
  • Props:  DOBS – Witch Doctor Staff; Mish Mish – Bunny Fluffz, Brown Dutchie
  • Backdrop:  T-Spot Home & Garden – Eternal Passage

Just breathe…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Just breathe...

Sometimes you just need a moment to breathe… Considering I no longer have an ultra-demanding job, it’s amazing how stressed I can get.  My 5+ year-old computer has been struggling, not just with SL (BUGSPLAT!) but freezing even with everyday tasks… freezing to the point of having to unplug it, even the power button not working.  We’re going on a 3-week-long vacation in October, and with 3 pets at home, making arrangements for their in-home care has been a huge issue.  And don’t even let me get started with all the health issues that have been cropping up.  Hopefully today marks the beginning of the end for all that.  Computer is ordered.  New monitor is ordered.  Pet care is arranged.  Doctors have been/are being seen.  And I just downloaded a new updated version of Firestorm, so hopefully all that crashing after TPing home will be done.  Breathes deep and appreciates the beauty around me… Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection –Simone Dress.  Another adorably sexy little dress that continually elicited comments from my partner!  Low cut (I needed nipple covers), wrap top with spaghetti straps, cinched in waist with a cute metallic belt, & then a two-tiered swingy bottom… sexy indeed! Includes coordinated heels plus a 100-color HUD with 7 Jewel options + 3 metal options (see the ad below).  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, & MaitreyaLaraX.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Sept 5th – Sept 20th.  Demo available (just click for menu, then demo). 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Monia, in Rose Kiss (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Bella
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Tutti Belli – Jaded Collection Eyeshadow; Dernier – Eyeliner Vol 1;  BNNB Makeup – Bielo Lipstick
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Jewelry:   Beloved Jewelry – Manika Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Violet
  • Location:  Naturally Naughty Photo Studio

Energize for Autumn

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Energize for Autumn

So much of my life in SL — both as a blogger and as a resident — is “setting the scene.”  Being in a monogamous long-term relationship for more than 16 years with my inworld partner,  I work hard to make our home feel like “home”, but I strive  to keep things fresh by “changing it up” for every season and creating new scenes in our home (or bringing back old favorites).  This gorgeous dining set with a romantic autumn atmosphere is a perfect example.  Originally used in a different home on a different lot in a different autumn, I have happily re-installed it in our newest home (though admittedly this is NOT where I shot it).   Perfect for welcoming him home on “date night”, sitting at the table, using one of its built-in single animations, perusing my ipad.  Upon his arrival, moving to the delightfully romantic cuddles built into the table.  With the adult version, you can even move on from there if you so choose.  Wherever you choose to set up this set, it looks amazing and sets a lovely mood.  Perfect for Samhain or any other time that calls for fall splendor (and maybe even that perfect touch of romance to spice things up)!

Dreamland Designs:  Samhain Autumn Dining Table.  Available in adult & PG. Single dining animations with props on the chair; more romantic adult & cuddles in the table. Bento animations only. The pumpkin decor has a beautiful light sparkling.  Includes all the table decor, the rug, plus hanging lights (which turn on/off) which are not shown.  Rezzes as a complete scene.  ON SALE as part of Energy Weekend Sept 13th – 15th.

Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Chestnut Pavilion

 

THERE’S my shot!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://THERE'S my shot!

I’m definitely starting to feel more comfortable doing photography with PBR… getting a bunch of PBR-enabled windlights has definitely helped, but plenty of the older ones work well with a few tweaks as needed.  Sadly though, my technology woes continue… is it the PBR that keeps making me crash, or is it my poor struggling computer? I think it’s that PBR is just pushing my computer to its limits (and past!!!), so an upgrade is definitely imminent., especially since my current computer can’t be upgraded to Windows 11.  I unfortunately missed out on a sale price because I was still researching all the options, with an eye towards “future-proofing” (I’d rather spend a bit more now, and have my computer last that much longer).  But either way, I’m getting better at finding the shot I want, and then actually capturing it!  Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  JUMO Luxury – Simone.  Perfect outfit for those early fall days, when you first start needing that light sweater but if you get too warm you can easily slip it off.  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, Maitreya+LaraX, & Kupra, Simone includes a lo-cut minidress & a long sleeved sweater loosely tied around the waist, together with a  huge range of textures in a HUD that lets you choose a different color/pattern for every element (see the ad below).  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open Sept 5th – Sept 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Monia, in Rose Kiss (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Lilis
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Tutti Belli – Jaded Collection Eyeshadow; BNNB Makeup – Bielo Lipstick
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Jewelry:   Heartsdale Jewelry – Boho Celebration Fiesta Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Hazeel – Picture Time
  • Location:  Winchester Harbor

Fae at Lost Unicorn

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae at Lost Unicorn

Who doesn’t love unicorns?  Sometimes I wonder if they truly did exist in real life but were hunted to extinction, as so many wondrous species have been throughout history.  But here in SL, at least, unicorns are still to be found, and IMHO they are nowhere quite as lovely as they are in their very own world at Lost Unicorn… a perfect place for fae (and yes, even humans) to explore! Happy shopping!

P.S.: AARGH!!! Sometimes I think that using a computer successfully is ALSO like finding a unicorn!  Now that my constant crashing issues in SL appear to have improved somewhat, Flickr wouldn’t let me upload despite their status showing “no issues.”  Here I am, about 5 hours later, being told that “We had a brief incident that was affecting uploads.  Our engineers have resolved the issue now.”  Now that I’ve lost most of the day… but maybe, just maybe, I’ve found this unicorn?

  • Outfit:  Petrichor & Ersch– Silethe.  Another gorgeous dress with that unique Petrichor style that I consider to be pure “seductive fantasy.”  As always, the detail, style & fit are all amazing, as is the range of options in any of the 5 fabric packs containing 40-color HUDs  (she’s also available in 10 single colors, if you can manage to choose just one).  This time, the fabric packs are not “fabric” per se; they’re graphic choices (one is fabric only without graphic)… I’ve chosen “Bravery”, which is the regally gorgeous lion! (See the ad below which also shows Cunning, the snake.)  There’s also a Megapack so you get all fabrics.  Silethe is sized for Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, LaraX+XPetite, GenX Classic/Curvy, Mounds, Kupra, & Reborn+Waifu.  Originally released for the recent Wizarding Faire, both the outfit & demo are available at the main store.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  IVES Beauty – Dove in Lavender Fairy (body skin by Velour)
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Amos
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_EMPIRE
  • Horns, Necklaces & Forehead Deco:  Petrichor – Farys
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol2; StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix HD Lips
  • Tattoo:  Octubre x Kitty Coven – Luz
  • Wings:  Aii  – Fairy Wings
  • Shoes:  Sheba – Cyra Sandals
  • Pose:  Stardust – Summer Breeze
  • Location:  Lost Unicorn

Goodbye, Summer

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Goodbye, Summer

I’m having an incredibly hard time this year believing that yes, summer is over.  The stores are full of Halloween and Thanksgiving merchandise, and SL has crossed that line where everything is fall colors and pumpkins.  So although a summery outfit might still make it into my blog (I’m in Florida where it’s still really HOT and of course, there’s always vacation lol!), this is my last shot in my tanned summer skin and I am going to follow the trend and start shooting in apple orchards and pumpkin fields…  unfortunately (or maybe fortunately? I’m not sure) I’m no longer living in a 4-season sim, so my land won’t switch over to full autumnal delight but knowing me, I’ll still be swapping out some trees and throwing down those autumn leaves…  for some reason landscaping has always soothed me, so it will be interesting (to ME at least) how much I take on in that regard this year…  In the meantime, farewell to summer!!! Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  PurpleMoon – Marina Set.  Perfect outfit for that end-of-summer, Labor Day Weekend feeling!  Loose, light summer linen slacks, paired with a ribbed long-bra-type-cropped top (how does one describe it lol?) plus an optional open lightweight (dare I say “floaty”?) jacket.  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, GenX Classic+Curvy, Maitreya+Petite+LaraX+XPetite, Marina is available in 10 single colors or as a Megapack that includes two bonus prints for the jacket & the pants (one of which I’m wearing in the jacket).  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of Designer Showcase, open today Sept 5th – Sept 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Kaari
  • Eyes:  EUPHORIC – Freya
  • Makeup:  Sequoia – Anabella Eyeshadow + HYPE – Something Eyeshadow
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT (Face); Ambar Beauty – Natural Moles (Body)
  • Nails:  Eventyra – Nordic Summer
  • Jewelry:   Heartsdale Jewelry – Primavera Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  XTC Poses – Belle Cheri

 

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