Paying Homage to Ostara

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Paying Homage to Ostara

For the most part, I keep “my” blogging separate from that of my alt’s, “reality” vs “fantasy”.  But this IS Second Life after all, and sometimes the lines get a bit blurry.  This is a very rare post wherein we combined our efforts and created a scene that you might stumble upon one day in your wildest explorations, finding a portal that shimmers and beckons to wonders of another world, another dimension.  Wait!  Is that a signpost up ahead to The Twilight Zone?  well, it’s early in the morning for me, I’m drinking my first cup of coffee and my imagination is going for a bit of a ride…  but then again, isn’t that the point?  Happy shopping!

Dreamland Designs:   Necare Wild Garden.  New & exclusive to this past Wanderlust Weekend, don’t worry that you missed it due to the holidays!  Still on sale (for how long, I can’t say) at the mainstore, this is a wild romantic backdrop with blinking ground lights, swaying trees, & floating lights.   One word of warning… it IS pretty heavy on land impact,  but then again, it IS a complete scene.  Absolutely fabulous all by itself, or if you add more like I did in front of the archway that leads to whatever path you choose…  See the ad below for details on what’s included in this amazing garden.

Ostara’s Altar:  This is a new event for me, one I’ve been very excited to get since its focus is quite different from what I normally do!  Ostara’s Altar is a softer side dark style themed shopping market in Second Life.  Open this round from April 15th – 30th, the spring thaw brings forth the Goddess Ostara, & I hope you will join me as I pay homage at her altar.  Brought to you by Dark Passions Event, this promises to be an adventure into an unusual side of spring.  

  • Portal:  Raindale – Shadowstone Portal.  Includes the portal itself (as shown), a separate version with attached platform, & the platform alone so it can be placed alongside or wherever you prefer, as well as 3 optional rocks in 8 different colors.  The portal even has a HUD, which offers you the choice of 8 colors for the stone, 8 for the platform, 10 for the inner ring, plus 8 options for the portal “waves” as well as the ability to change its opacity all the way from 100% to just the merest rippling.  An amazing addition to any fantasy scene! ALSO SHOWN is Raindale’s 10L$ hunt prize:  a nest, with 3 colors for the flowers & 5 colors for the eggs via touch menu.  EXCLUSIVE at the April round of Ostara’s Altar.  See the ad below.
  • Lamp:   CELESTE – Stone Orb Lamps.  Emissive & materials used, these incredibly mood-inducing lights come in 5 different color gradients.  EXCLUSIVE at the April round of Ostara’s Altar.  See the ad below.

 

Holiday Guard Duty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Holiday Guard Duty

It’s always hard to be on duty when everyone else is celebrating.  But sneak attacks have often happened on holidays when the enemy thinks you’ll be too distracted to properly keep watch.  Since my partner is away visiting the tribe of his birth — a tribe where I am not welcome, what with my wings and my horns — I volunteered to take on back-to-back shifts  so that others could relax and enjoy the celebration.  It’s but a small sacrifice to keep watch over this tribe that welcomed us into their midst after we were outcast by our own upon our rule-breaking marriage.   I am happy to do it, and proud of the responsibility they allow this adopted daughter,  and yet, it’s still lonely up here in the heights, hearing the laughter and revelry from below, feeling apart from it all.  It’s been so boring, my mind keeps drifting to other times, other places.  But soon it will be dark; those happy sounds will carry even further, and that is when I need to be on fullest alert, guarding against any and all dangers in the shadows, to protect those who have willingly and openly become our new family.   Perhaps it is the blending of the races in my background, my adherence to no single set of practices, but it is my wish for all to have a happy holiday, whatever and however they celebrate, in any tribe, in any village, in any family.  Sprinkles a little fairy dust on the wind, and with a sigh, I set my mind to hours more of watchful vigilance…

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Kaira.  This outfit has so many fabulous touches, like the colored feathers at my shoulders, the “built in” necklace & the belts (two at my waist, one at my hips).  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, Kaira comes in 5 individual colors or as a fatpack, as do the matching armbands; the boots are available in your choice of black or brown.  Brand-new, Kaira is  EXCLUSIVELY at the April round of We Love Roleplay for 25% OFF, ending April 30th. Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel
  • Hair:  EscalateD – Solaris
  • Horns:  Cats Claw Designs – Roses on Horns , Sunset Silver Roses
  • Makeup:  Rubedo – Ava; Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Insect Wings
  • Pose:  The Veiled Bae – Obsidian
  • Location:  The Forgotten

The Edge of Tomorrow

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Edge of Tomorrow

This time of year can be tough…  we just had family staying with us for a week (and all I’ll say about that is that it wasn’t a particularly easy week), and now my sister is coming tomorrow for the weekend.  It’s always great to have company, but it’s also great when they leave!  What is that old saying?  Fish and company both start to stink after three days lol?  Even when they’re easygoing and NOT difficult, it disrupts your routine and just throws your life out of whack.  And whereas I love it when I find a fashion style that’s just a little different, a little bit edgy, at this stage of the game I don’t particularly enjoy that in my daily life.  (Traveling is, of course, the exception, but then you’re actively choosing it for a short time.  More on this to come, since a major vacation is in the offing!)  But back to fashion…  This outfit is definitely “disruptive,” with an extremely asymmetrical top, leather leggings, and a choice of textures that can really make you indecisive lol.  It’s an outfit that can take you just about anywhere, and take you there in STYLE (and yes, all caps are definitely required in this case).  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Hawkers House – Asymmetrical Buckled Top, worn in Goldrush (just one of more than a dozen phenomenal textures), comes with ladies mesh leather leggings & platform boots.  A totally edgy look, sized for TMP (Legacy), Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Tonic, Ocacin, Voluptuous, Maitreya & Classic. EXCLUSIVELY available at the April round of the Swank Event, April 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin/Makeup:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly; DeeTaleZ Smokey Eyes; DeeTaleZ Lip Tint
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Paula
  • Jewelry:  Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Glowing Gems – Jenny Bangle Bracelets; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Margulis #5
  • Couch:  Bricolage – Florence Leather Sofa
  • Cats:  Rezz Room – Bengal Cat Family
  • Location:  Backdrop City

Daydreaming of Life as a Warrior Fae

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Daydreaming of Life as a Warrior Fae

I was thinking (dangerous, yes, I know) about how we all — human or fae, IRL or on the grid — daydream about other lives, other paths we might have chosen.  It’s easier here in SL to actually explore those other lives, other twists of fate; one might even say that is the point of this whole other “second” life.  Be that as it may, I am who I am, with my own “back story” as it were, and the majority of my posts reflect various sides of my life… as a scout/defender of the tribe, as well as the more casual and formal sides when “off duty”.   But in another, simpler life, perhaps I would have been something more bucolic and peaceful, maybe a shepherdess where my biggest concerns were the safety and health of my flock.  And then I think about how that very routine of life, day after day, would cause me to dream about a more exciting existence, like the one I actually lead, a colorful life instead of the drab brown of shepherd life.  Just another instance of the grass always being greener, and how even occasionally, we all want what we don’t have instead of treasuring what we DO.  So here’s to the shepherdess dreaming of the excitement of battle, and to the warrior yearning after the peace of the countryside… in fact, here’s to all the dreamers in all the worlds, especially this one we all share in SL!!!

  • Outfit:  ANTAYA – Medieval Gown “Varya”.   Sized for Legacy, Perky, & Maitreya, Varya is available in six individual colors or as a fatpack that includes a HUD with 10 colors for the gown, 10 for the waist scarf, & 10 for the border.  EXCLUSIVELY at the April round of The Narrative Event, April 1st – 21st.  Demo available.
  • Book:  FLO – Shepherdess Staff.  Includes a bento hold for the right hand, & the bell sounds when you walk! EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of The Narrative Event, April 1st – 21st. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Idol
  • Hair:  KUNI – Jasmine
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Trinket Horns
  • Makeup:  ND/MD – Adinkra EvoX Face Tattoo; Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Wings:  Decoy – Blooming Fae: Wings Pearl
  • Pose:  FoxCity – Celestial
  • Location:  Old World

Taste the Wine

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Taste the Wine

Yes, yes, I’m not a redhead in this shot.  I know, it’s a shocker!  I’m ALWAYS a redhead, it just suits my personality.  Even IRL I’ve been a redhead since my early 20s (and no, I’m not going to tell you how long ago THAT was; suffice it to say it was many many moons ago lol).  But sometimes, a look just cries out for something different, and I always try to go where an outfit wants to take me.  This outfit has sophisticated sexiness, that small touch of elegance, which is my favorite look in here. I felt all grown up and irresistible, and when trying on this new hair, the ombre just set off the dress so beautifully, it demanded to be paired.  So an awesome new look without the red…   I haven’t been able to convince myself to change for days now, but I’m sure I’ll be back to my red for the next look.  But for now, I’m just going to sip my wine, watch the passersby, and seeing how they notice me lol!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  You by GeMyles – Lucille Outfit.  A laced-tied dress with matching jacket & panty liner that together is totally sexy with a definite touch of sophistication.  Sized for Legacy, Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, & Maitreya, Lucille includes a 10 texture HUD.  EXCLUSIVELY at the April Swank Event, April 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Boots:  You by GeMyles – Caryn Boots.  Sexy high heels with rope leggings, these awesome boots include a 22 texture HUD.  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the April Swank Event, April 7th – 30th.  Demo available.  See the picture below for a full shot of these must-have boots.
  • Tattoo:  KIRA Tattoo – Love Forever.  Awesome chest tattoo with 3 different level intensities in BOM (50%, 75%, & 100%).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the April Swank Event, April 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  bonbon – Setsu
  • Makeup:  Warpaint – Polaris Eyeshadow; Heron – Jade Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Meva – Poetry Jewell Silver Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FoxCity – Riviera 4
  • Backdrop:  FoxCity – Corner Wineria

Studious Fae

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Studious Fae

I’m so excited I can’t keep my wings from flapping! I have a new sponsor, Viki, whose clothes I’ve LOVED (and blogged whenever at a sponsored event, and then some!), AND I have a new look (yes, again).  I know that fae age differently, that we stay looking quite young far beyond our years, but the mirror reflected someone I just didn’t recognize, and I felt “out of sync” with who (and what) I am.  April is a time of rebirth, when the world reawakens and springs to new life, so what better time for new beginnings?  I’ve even demanded (and received!) a bit of inclusion in the blog title (well at least in the tag line after listening to some blathering about domain names… I just started sharpening my knife, and suddenly there was an equitable solution lol).   I’m working to better myself in other ways too… I’m no longer just going to play and explore when not working.  Instead I’m going to study up on how else I can serve my people, to set myself apart from being just another scout and defender.  In my adopted tribe, ANYONE can rise to leadership, and I am committed to making myself worthy of the crown…  I do find though that my attention span is a bit limited when the sun is shining outside, and I hear the sounds of the vendors opening their stalls and hawking their sales.  Just a few more minutes, and I’m off for my daily round of shopping… Join me?

  • Gown:  Viki – Pandora, a collaborative effort with #SCHOEN.     Available in 10 individual colors or as a fatpack, each one features the most beautiful non-sparkly glitter.  A somewhat relaxed gown with tons of style, there’s an artful drapiness around the tie at the waist plus special detailing up the back of the skirt (see below).  Sized for Legacy, Freya, Isis, Venus, & Maitreya, Pandora is 100% Original & Material Enabled, &  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE for 25% OFF at the April round of The Narrative Event, April 1st – 21st.  Demo available.
  • Book:  FLO – Herbarium Book.  Bento hold animated, two different poses are included… one for both hands as shown, plus one just for the left hand.  A decor rezz version is also in the set, together with the book + bookstand.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of The Narrative Event, April 1st – 21st. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Lillium
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Farys Horns
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadow
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; lassitude & ennui – winter mori crown
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Fairy Bug Wings
  • Location:  The World of Arallyn Roleplay

Let the Sunshine In

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Let the Sunshine In

It’s been very gloomy and rainy here in real life the last few days; what better way to brighten the mood than by redecorating, creating a brightness within despite the gloominess without.  I would love to have been able to add vibrant rays of sunshine streaming in, but my editing skills are just not there, and I try very hard never to do what I consider “over-editing”, but to capture the reality of SL slightly enhanced as opposed to exhibiting the magic of Photoshop (which I don’t even own lol, but it’s the Xerox of it’s time, being now used as a generic term).  I love the room I’ve created, it has an upbeat that makes me smile when I walk in… let the sun shine in!  And then, go shop!!!!

Dreamland Designs:   The Helen Collection.  I know, I know, I say it a lot, but I REALLY love this collection, love as in long-term love, the kind of love you need when it comes to buying furniture because who wants to keep redecorating over and over (unless of course you blog H&G like me, & then it just goes with the territory).  So what exactly has me so head over heels about the set?  I never can really point to one specific thing, since the overall feeling it generates is a combination of many factors, but I DO know that in this instance, at least one reason is the way subdued neutrals are contrasted with the bright pillows, breaking up what could be a very traditional look with a terrific burst of color… the fact that the colors of that burst are my favorites (as anyone who reads my blog should easily recognize) just adds more ooomph to it for me.  I also love the elements of the overall package… just the right number of pieces… not so many it’s overwhelming, not so few that your scene looks incomplete.  I just redecorated IRL… I wish I could have found THIS set!!! Here are the various parts of the collection that I used:

  • Living Room Set.  Includes the couch (which is chock full of single & couple bento animations), rug (artfully folded back… love that touch of messy!!), pillows casually strewn on the floor, coffee table, candlesticks, hanging lights, & wall covering.  The right things are neutral; the best things have the bright & oh-so-right tones that light up the room.  And I mean that both literally & figuratively, because the lights are touch on/off to brighten it up a bit & merge with the soft light from the candles.  Available in PG or Adult versions.
  • Heart Cabinet Set.  Includes the cabinet, the lamp, the planter. & the two picture frames.  The hearts on the cabinet are so subtle that I didn’t even notice them until I started shooting… I was completely surprised when I saw them there!  The different elements can be moved around as you want (I moved one of the pictures from the top of the cabinet to the side).  The lamp is touch on/off.
  • Wooden Slice Table.  Sliced wood table in a contemporary style. Includes the plants & the steaming cup of coffee.

Going Retro

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Going Retro

So I was sadly unable to get these sets set up and blogged in time for this past weekend’s sales where they were featured (bad blogger, bad!), but they’re all such fantastic pieces the fact is that they don’t need to be on sale to grab these!  In my new home, I definitely felt it was time for some pattern and color, and what better way to introduce that than by retro vibe decorating?  For those of you who like me just love vibrancy, this will definitely get you into the mood to update your spaces, even if you haven’t just moved and bought a new house lol!

Circa Living –

  • Elska Retro Living – The “Elska” collection has a bit of a Nordic feel with its clean & simple lines, available in 3 color themes. Perfect for the retro, boho vibe as well. The seating comes with an array of quality Bento & classic sit animations for the heart chair & ottoman designs, 24 per seat for the ladies & gents. The ottomans come with 18 classic sit animations. To match there are room divider sets plus planters to help fill spaces, working floor lamps with ambient casted light, & round area rugs. These are great choices for anyone who wants some pattern & color added to their life.  Additional offerings from this collection are also available.
  • Aziza Hanging Mixed Set – I had Circa’s hanging ferns in my last home; for this new one, I fell in love with these updated versions, with the mixed flowers & the long hanging bloodroot tendrils.  Set includes three different hanging lengths.  (There are also versions with hanging ivy.  See the pic below.)  The perfect accent for ANY style decor!  

Seriously? That’s your best line?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Seriously that's your best line

It’s been an exceptionally busy few days for me in SL.  Although I’ve loved loved LOVED where we’ve been living, I’ve been so prim starved that (a) I couldn’t landscape/decorate the way I wanted, having to leave lots of empty space (tolerable outside, not so much indoors) and (b) I had to continually swap things out for similar items that were lower prim.  When I needed to rez a backdrop or skybox or even a lot of H&G items for a shoot, I often needed to temporarily delete an entire room of furniture or a landscaped area, etc., and then put it back when done.  The bottom line is that this was costing me way too much time, energy, & even money since I was replacing things I loved just to save a few prims here and there.  So, we gave up our direct access to the Blake Sea, and moved to a new lot “back home” in the estate area where we lived for almost ten years before heading out for the sailable lands.  Moving is time consuming… choosing which lot (this estate does a beautifully fantastic job of environmental landscaping) is stressful for a perfectionist like me, trying to find things in inventory when they’re named strangely (and you fail to write it down!) to rez in the new place is frustrating… looking for a new house to go with the feel of the new land is exhausting.  I finally threw up my hands, put up a temporary house that I picked up at the weekend sales (fabulous house, just too small for me), and released the old lot since no one wants to pay for two lots at the same time.  Very bittersweet… the challenge and excitement of creating something new, mixed with the bittersweet of letting something you love go.  I definitely needed to check out the local bar scene and have a drink!  Time to go collapse on the deck for a bit and just watch the sea… now where did I pack those chairs???

  • Outfit:  C.Y. Fashion – Dakota Fatpack, which includes the shirt, pants, & very high stilettos.  I love the styling of this shirt… single sleeved, cropped with a slight looseness, cut-in neckline, with an artful use of texture with alternating sheer stripes at the neck and the lower part of the one sleeve.  The pants are available not just in 5 different colors, but in three different fabrics… I just had to go for the metallic for that clubby look! Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra, & Maitreya, Dakota is EXCLUSIVELY at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 30th.  Demo available.  The fatpack includes 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewellery – Dhoom Machalay Collection;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose (modified):  VSM Devil Inside – Smoke Like A Star
  • Backdrop:  Paparazzi – At the Bar

Running Late for Work

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Running late for work

Let me admit it right up front… I’m retired from working in real life (other than blogging that is lol!).  My closet hasn’t quite caught up with my changed lifestyle, however, though I’ve been weeding out all those office outfits slowly but surely.  After all those years working in an office (and in NYC at that!), I still have an eye for those outfits that to me are a bit more sedate than the SL norm.  These days though, I really like those that push the envelope a bit, combining the sophisticated with that sexy touch, looks that I probably would never have dared to wear “back in the day.”  It’s interesting what wearing a look like this does to your attitude… I just feel more capable, more confident… a woman in charge!  And yet, it’s sooooo very suggestive… love love LOVE that!!!! I urge you to check it out for yourself and see if you feel the same way… it’s intoxicating!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Vega Design – Deniz Jacket, Skirt & Top.  I love this outfit! In some ways, it felt perfect for work… until you notice how very short it is, just barely covering your butt cheeks.  In my younger days, I might have worn it to the office (though without the shoes!), especially if I was heading out afterwards (which is when I’d add those daring shoes lol).  What’s sexier than a corporate outfit that dares to cross the line just enough to raise an eyebrow or two? This rides that defining edge to perfection! Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, includes a texture HUD of 6 colors.  EXCLUSIVELY at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Shoes:  Vega Design – Eric High Heels.  OK, so maybe not the best choice for the office, but definitely for any after-work activity you’ve got planned!!!  These open shoes with thigh-high lacing are to die for!!! Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis, & Maitreya, includes a texture HUD of 20 colors.  EXCLUSIVELY at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra, at the Skin Fair through March 28th.
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  bonbon – Nori
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Mesh Rounded Long Cool Bento Nails
  • Jewelry:  Petrichor – Trellion Jewelry; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Nantra – Taxi (includes props)
  • Backdrop:  Infinity Poses – Townhomes SCENE