Steampunk Fae

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Steampunk Fae

Steampunk is so interesting.  The whole concept of steam-powered technology developing in a Jules Verne-type way throughout society (I explained it to my husband as “a society built upon 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea technology”).  Online I found two definitions:  (1)  a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retrofuturistic technology and aesthetics inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery,  and (2) a style of design and fashion that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features inspired by science fiction.  Years ago in SL (and I DO mean years; I’ve been inworld since 2007!!) steampunk was a definite subculture with themed residential areas, shops, and more.  Then — as did many of the other subcultures like Gor and the elves — it waned, to the point where it was rare to come across an avatar without actually visiting a defined steampunk area of which only a few remained.  As with other fantasy roleplaying communities, it appears to be undergoing a renaissance.  One signal is that steampunk now has its own ongoing event, which I just recently learned is actually a blend of Steampunk/Aetherpunk/Dieselpunk (who knew about all these?!?).  The Engine Room event has been running for a few years now, and based upon the crowds I’ve run across there appears to be gaining in popularity!  Although mixing a fae into it might not be acceptable in some communities, I’ve seen some where it would be (sure,  there are plenty of MECHANICAL wings, but natural? rare indeed). There was even a streaming series (Carnival Row) that blended the ideas of fantasy races with a steampunk like society, although it was way different than such a simple concept as that lol.  Besides, the whole backstory to my avatar is that she is the product of a rebellious romantic union between lovers from different cultures who sometimes has to struggle to be accepted, so even though the mix may be different, the concept remains the same.  In any case, visiting the world of steampunk is fun and interesting, full of “what if’s”.   I especially love the submarines and the airships, and of course being me, I spent a lot of time playing with the fashion!  I had so much fun with this… maybe you would too!

  • Gown:  Poet’s Heart – Beatrice.  Bow tie & modesty blouse are optional. Ianthe comes in three “texture” packs of 16 colors each or a fatpack of all 51.  Each color pack has a HUD to customize the main fabric, the secondary fabric, the tail (which can also be turned off entirely), the collar & cuffs, the modesty blouse (if worn), the buttons, & the bow tie (again if worn).  She is sized only for Maitreya & Petite, though since she comes with an alpha she fit my Legacy body perfectly (with no deformers).   The combinations are seemingly endless so that this one outfit can be worn multiple times & look totally different each time.  EXCLUSIVELY at the Engine Room, open March 20th – April 20th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Heaux – Mikaela
  • Hair:  KUNI – Minha
  • Eyes:  Samia – Lana
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadows; Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Shoes:  Eudora3d – Steampunk Boots
  • Pose:  Diversion – Ice Maiden
  • Location:  Arcadia Asylum Library

Making a Statement

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Making A Statement

It’s been a horrifying couple of weeks watching the news.  Although there have been many horrors in the world throughout my lifetime, from senseless genocide to natural disasters, and seemingly endless wars, this one for some reason is just hitting me so much harder.  Perhaps it’s because of how endlessly televised it is, or because it truly raises the spectre of World War III, or maybe because both my family and my husband’s family are from Ukraine and Russia.  Who’s to say WHY it seems just so incredibly relevant, and the fact is, the reasons don’t matter.  The fact is that it IS hitting me harder, and I feel thoroughly helpless to do anything.  All I can do is show my support in whatever way I can.  And yes, it’s a teeny tiny thing that doesn’t really help anyone, but wearing the colors of Ukraine to show support is at least SOMETHING, and it IS heartfelt.  Sighs, I only wish I could do more to help these people who inspire me so…

  • Outfit:  Nala Designs – Farah Outfit.  This dress caught my eye the moment I saw it! It’s just so different… deeply cut to the navel while also deeply cut at the hip, but doing more than just showing skin.  Filling those cuts with beaded gems is just a fabulous designer accent; add the fur cuffs & fringe at the thigh cut, & the result is a resounding WOW!!!  The HUD offers 28 color options for the dress (each with two variations), plus 28 separate options for the fur front & the fur at the hands, & another 35 for the gems… I opted for a color combination that I feel is not just different & stunning but also serves to show my support for Ukraine.  Whatever color combination you choose, you’ll definitely be making a statement — a fashion statement — in this dress!  A separate HUD for the included heels (not shown) provides 27 colors for the heels plus 4 options for the metals. Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis & Maitreya. 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:  Tram – F919
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Mesh Rounded Long Fun Bento Nails
  • Jewelry:  EarthStones – Stone Point Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  KoKoLoReS – The Diva
  • Mirror:  %Percent – Danielle Mirror
  • Flowers:  Spring Up – Plant Stand
  • Backdrop:  Lustrum 7 – Boston 22 Loft Skybox

Escapist Literature

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Escapist Literature

I don’t know if you’re a reader or not; me, I read an entire novel almost every week.  In a sense, it does the same thing for me that SL does… it allows me to escape into a different world (just in a more socially acceptable and flexible way lol).  But whether a casual or rabid reader, you might have dreamed of literally escaping into the pages of a book; it’s certainly figured into a myriad of fantasy books and films and even tv shows.  This amazing piece of decor takes that dream to the next level.  Available in two sizes, Book View (shown) and Life Size.  It’s literally an open book, where the left hand page has a poem; the right hand side has the story “come alive” as it were, in stunningly realistic 3D because it’s made from miniaturized SL items (see the pic below).   The Book View  is way bigger than a normal book size… the items even cast shadows (depending on your lighting and settings of course)!  The detail is amazing, even more so in the life size view where you can totally put yourself in the picture since the chairs have built-in animations.  The owl is animated too!  This is definitely the chance to do more than put yourself in the picture… you can put yourself right in the book!  Talk about immersion!!!  Go check it out… it’s EXCLUSIVELY available at the Second Life Home & Garden Expo, open just a few more days through March 20th.  You can TP directly to the vendors in their booth HERE.  Absolutely amazing in person!!!

My View – Nature Takes Back, book view.  Also available in Life Size, with built-in animations.  Both sizes are 100% RFL contribution items to help fund the fight against cancer!  (Note that other books are also available, so you can even choose to build a small library!)

Also shown:

Fae with Blue-Eyed Wonder

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae with Blue-eyed Wonder

As the real world out there grows in strife and the miasma of war, my world of fantasy is becoming even more precious.  It’s a haven to at least temporarily put those real life worries on the back shelf and distract myself with hugely important virtual decisions that really matter only to ME.  One of those critical choices is SKIN.  IRL you can only do much about the skin you’re in…  but here on the grid, there are so many choices, so many ways to be.  The Skin Fair is on, and that’s where many designers gather to show their latest.  Two sims full (and I DO mean full!!!), it can be overwhelming, to the point where (a) you give up and leave or (b) you only “hit” the huge brand names.  Both would be a shame, because this fair is an unparalleled opportunity to sample skins from the relatively smaller and/or newer skin designers to create that look which is truly your own.  For MY fae look, I LOVE Loa (which is why I became one of their bloggers!!!)… their skins just make my wings beat a bit faster.  Maybe they’ll do the same for you! Sprinkles a little fairy dust to help smooth your journey to the fair…

  • Skin:  Loa – Vega.  Just one of three BRAND NEW Loa skins for SKIN FAIR!!!  And all three are only for Lelutka EVO X heads.   You can see them all below; each is available in 7 skin tones, with each skin tone pack including 4 versions of the skin (regular, no brow, freckled, & no brow freckled), HD ears, cheek/eye/nose blushes (all of which are tintable!), shape + browfixer.  I’m wearing the no-brow version of Vega in the Tan tone with both the cheek & eye blushes (I tinted the eye blush just a wee bit blue), together with the matching body skin (body skins include 4 “textures” — shine, soft, matte, flat chest plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons — & are available for Legacy, Belleza, Maitreya, Reborn & Inithium bodies).  Note that the provided shape for Vega is for the Avalon head, I’m using my own shape & a different Loa browfixer since Gaia is MY head, but you can see how Vega looks on Avalon in the pic below.   Demos available for all three skins so you can see for yourself on whatever EvoX head you have.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Skin Fair, March 11th – 28th.  
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Farys Horns.  These stunning horns can be worn bare as shown here or with a full set of add-ons; they also include optional forehead deco (worn), 3 types of earrings (to be worn together or separately), & necklaces (I’m wearing the shortest of the three). 100% custom mesh & textures, with everything HUD controlled. I couldn’t even count how many texture options there are!
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows
  • Hair:  KUNI – Yuna
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX
  • Wings:  –FAS– Bento Faery Wings
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Fairy Tale

Fae Scouting the Path

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae as Scout

Even a fae shares the human tendency to sometimes wonder how life would have been if born into another time, another place.  Based on how the American Indian culture often absorbed — in fact, in many cases welcomed — members of other races, I tend to think that they would have also welcomed members of MY tribe, letting our wings and other attributes be of benefit to the tribe.  As I have said before, I am not an aggressive warrior… I do not attack our perceived enemies.  However, I happily put my enhanced vision and flight ability to scout out trouble and will staunchly defend my people (whichever culture they might be!) if necessary.  And to me, this is the essence of roleplay… to understand your character, her motivation, her life, her story… and then live that life, in that time.  Now I think I see something  in the distance and must focus so that there is time to sound the alert if circumstances dictate…

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Shauni.  A simple outfit, perfect for scouting & other activities, with fabulous attention to detail such as the fur texture in both the top & the loincloth, the small colored beads on the armbands, the legband, & those crossing my stomach, the shading of the feathers, & so much more. 100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, the Shauni basic outfit (top & loin cloth) comes in 4 individual colors or as a fatpack, as does the matching  feathered legband; the armbands are available in your choice of black or brown.  Brand-new, Shauni is  EXCLUSIVELY at the March round of We Love Roleplay, ending March 28th. Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Loa – Clara, worn in Deep
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_RUST 
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes
  • Eyebrows:  Nuve – Nadia Tintable Eyebrows for EvoX
  • Makeup:  Knife Party – Battle Eye Makeup; Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns
  • Tattoo:  CoCoChes – Nazca Tattoo
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Archer
  • Location:  Maplewood Peak

The Perfect Spot, Boho Style

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Perfect Spot, Boho Style

If you’re a follower of my blog (& I certainly hope you are!), then you know that I just love boho styling, in fashion but especially in home decor.  This is an awesome set for that special corner of the room.  It looks so comfy & so inviting, and makes me want to arrange the pillows just so & curl up with the blanket, a cup of coffee, and a book!  Be sure to check it out… all pieces are sold separately, EXCLUSIVELY at the Infinity Event, open March 1st – 15th.

!Tylar’s:    

  • Indy Boho Chair Bento – Six color themes included by touch, for you to change the chair, blanket & pillows separately.  Includes bento single animations for male, female, & couples (it’s available in PG or Adult), plus dances.
  • Indy Boho Rug – Match or contrast with the themes in the chair, just by touch!
  • Indy Boho Small Cabinet – Just touch to add or clear the decor!
  • Indy Boho Floor Lamp – Touch on/off
  • Not shown:
    • Indy Boho Drapes
    • Indy Boho Dresser
    • Indy Boho Wall Art

Also shown:

Mirror, Mirror

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Mirror, Mirror

To quote a saying, true beauty can’t be seen in the mirror, but that doesn’t mean that we still shouldn’t try to look our best.  As a blogger, how I look is especially important (not quite the same thing as being a model IRL, but still lol).  And what is more key to looking good than our approach to beauty… and to me, that includes the styling of our innermost sanctum, where we do our beauty prep before facing the world!  Here’s a teeny glimpse into mine…  Happy shopping!!!!

Tirrany Designs – Gilded Vanity.  Although probably designed with more of a fantasy setting in mind, there was no way I was letting Thea get her hands on this beauty!  Every girl deserves a bit of that gilded quality in her life, & where better to have it than while doing her beauty routine!?!  The styling of this piece works in EVERY setting!!! The vanity does texture change on touch, & includes both Single & Duo Cuddle animations.  (For easy attachment of items in the vanity, just add the Avpos Experience to your land.)  The set also includes the tray of vanity accessories & the Antique Mirror & Brush, for which I’ve included a close up below of these two items.  (Please note that I added a bit more clutter to the right side of the vanity since I’m definitely not the neatest person on the grid lol!) The entire set is a 100% RFL contribution item at the SL Home & Garden Expo, open through March 20th.  You can TP direct to their booth HERE.

Spring Up – Plant Stand Set package.  I featured this in an earlier post (which you can see HERE), but am finding that these add the perfect touch everywhere throughout my house! Available with so much more at the SL Home & Garden Expo, this package includes 16 hand picked mix of tropical plants and flowers on a plant stand, plus an empty DIY stand for you to add your own plant or flower.   The stand menu has 8 pot options & 3 metal options..  You can TP direct to their booth HERE.

Also shown:

 

A still life watercolor

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A still life watercolor

It’s so perfect that the Second Life Home & Garden Expo is happening now, at the first breath of spring.  I have washed all the snow away from my lands, and as I start re-landscaping and doing a spring “cleaning”, it’s absolutely the perfect time to get new ideas and fabulous new items for both my home and garden.  There’s just so much to see and do, and so much to buy!!! And don’t forget… this is a Relay for Life event, so every designer has at least one item where all the money is donated to this fabulous charity and its fight against cancer.  The Home & Garden Expo is open through March 20th… don’t miss this opportunity to spruce things up for the season and beyond!!! Happy shopping!!!

Nerenzo – Seychelles Couch Set.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Second Life Home & Garden Expo.  You can TP direct to their booth HERE.

  • Couch  — Includes a texture changer with 9 choices for the pillows, plus 6 for the cushions.  Also includes animations for both single (F) & couples.  Available in both PG/Cuddle & Adult versions, with the PG version being a 100% RFL contribution item!
  • Chair  — Includes same texture changer as the couch, plus animations for single (F) & couples.  Available in both PG & Adult versions.
  • Table — Includes “touch-to-rez” up to 7 individual items (I’m showing 4).  One little detail I love is that the items can then be individually moved around if you prefer (& individually de-rezzed too).

Spring Up – Plant Packages, available with so much more at the SL Home & Garden Expo.  You can TP direct to their booth HERE.

  • Plant Pot Set Package – Includes 16 (!!) variations of tropical plants & flowers in a wood pot (I’ve shown my favorite — the hibiscus — in two different colors).   A fabulous feature is that the pots are texture driven, so you can change the frame, the sides, & the inside of the pot for the look you want!  A DIY model is also included for you to add your own plant or flower.
  • Plant Stand Set Package  — 16 hand picked mix of tropical plants and flowers on a plant stand, plus an empty DIY stand for you to add your own plant or flower.   The stand menu has 8 pot options & 3 metal options.

Also shown:

 

 

Fae with a touch of Wanderlust

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fae with a touch of Wanderlust

I don’t often do blog posts for weekend sales since my time for posting not a scheduled thing.  But every once in a while some special item just makes my wings beat faster, and I just feel that I have to drop everything, create a look, and share it with the world…  as you can see, this is one of those times!!!!   I LOVE LOVE LOVE this skin from Loa!  And it’s a real lesson too… she’s not made for my head, so yes, the look is a bit different (see the ad below) but it is GORGEOUS, really capturing my essence as a fae.   Not only that, she’s on special sale for THIS WEEKEND ONLY.  My suggestion is to do what I did… fly right over, grab a demo, and see how stunning she is for yourself!  Happy shopping!

  • Skin:  Loa – Flor.  BOM Skin for Lelutka EVO X heads.   Available in 7 skin tones, each pack including 4 versions of the skin (browless & freckled among them), HD ears, 3 blushes, & shape+browfixer for Briannon .  I’m wearing Porcelain with both cheeks & eye blushes, together with the matching body skin (body skin includes 4 “textures” (shine, soft, matte, flat chest plus no nipple & stretch mark add-ons).  Note that I’m using my own shape & a different Loa browfixer since I wear a different head (see below for how she looks on Briannon).   As you can see, Flor is gorgeous no matter what head you wear!!!!  Demos available so you can see for yourself on whatever EvoX head you have.  On sale in the mainstore for Wanderlust Weekend, March 5th – 6th. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Idol Collection
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Symphonia
  • Horns:  LOGO – Hellion Horns

The Garden

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Garden

If you follow my blog, then you know that I always try to do my part to support various RFL (Relay for Life) events, and their fundraising efforts to help fight against cancer.  The Home and Garden Expo is the largest and longest-running event of its kind in Second Life. Home and Garden Expo prides itself on championing not only Relay For Life but the visitors, exhibitors, performers, and volunteers who make this event so successful.  HG Expo supports Relay For Life through fundraising in various forms throughout the event. Funds are raised through sponsorships, exhibitor fees, donation items, great entertainment offerings, The Wall of Hope, Decorating Contest, Finale Auction and much more.  The event runs from February 26th to March 20th, and represents not just an opportunity to see (and buy!!!) a wide range of fabulous creations for both your home and garden, but also to have fun and most importantly to shop for a cause.  I hope you’ll join me in fighting with your pocketbook linden-style while sprucing up your SL home  for spring!  All the details for activities at the expo can be found HERE.  Happy shopping!

Evolving Images – An incredible range of garden items to help you create the perfect outdoor space for your Second Life Home.  I’ve chosen five of my favorites, but that’s only a small part of what’s available at their booth in Hope 5 at the Second Life Home, Garden & Breedable Expo.

  • Adirondack Chairs – Set includes two chairs plus the matching table between.  All are texture change (5 choices!); the table has optional rez of accessories & drinks; & the chairs include 10 sits.  Every garden screams for Adirondacks!!!! 
  • Bird Bath Garden – Includes flickering candlelit lanterns, animated butterflies & the cutest animated squirrel! Both the Garden Stone (in front of the bird bath) & the Special People Stepping Stone (includes the squirrel, in front of the angel statue) are also sold separately.   This is such a highly detailed piece that I included a closeup below. 
  • Barrel Garden – Includes two versions, one bursting with pink, yellow & white flowers (shown behind chairs), & one ready for the gardener in you to tackle (shown left front).  This is a 100% RFL item!!!  I’ve shown the empty one in the 2nd closeup pic below!
  • Garden Tricycle – Just an adorable addition to any garden, with stunning purple trumpets plus bright yellow & blue flowers.
  • Watering Can – FREE, if you can find it, since this is an RFL Hunt item!!!!