Reflections

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Reflections

Even a fae reflects on things, we’re not just a “flighty” bunch who never think about life (and we make as many bad puns as you humans do!)…  RL has been tough of late, and it’s bled over into my fantasy world, no matter how much fairy dust I’ve sprinkled or how high I’ve flown, it has intruded day after day, even creating a nasty crash or two when the magic failed to keep me aloft (or even in SL for that matter).  That said, discovering the joys and tribulations of PBR (yes, I have a reflection! no, I can’t figure out how to fix the lighting!) has been somewhat distracting, though admittedly sometimes adding to stress levels rather than dissipating them. But as life has continued to prove out my mother’s favorite comment on EVERYTHING that everything that ever went wrong, “this too shall pass”…  and on that note, I’ve checked the mirror, ignored the snarky comments, approved the look, & I am off to explore!!!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Witch in a Box – Mystic Connection.  Cute one-shoulder cropped top & asymmetrical wrap skirt sized for Legacy, Reborn, Maitreya, Kupra, & Erika; includes a HUD with all 4 colors (see the ad below).  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available (just touch the pic, & select DEMO from the menu).
  • Skin:  PunkinBlend – Gem Grenadine Skins, worn in Peridot.  These BOM skins (EvoX Head & Ears, SLUV Body, plus alternative chest styles such as nippleless & more) include a HUD for 13 fabulous gem colors (see the ad below). EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment; you can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Mirror:  Witch&Co – Snarky Magic Mirror.  Includes two interactive mirrors, one with PBR (which I used) & one without.  See the ad below for more details.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE  where you can see it on display, check out your own reflection & hear the snark!
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  no.match – NO EXPLOSION (group gift)
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Forest Fae
  • Wings:  Horl – Bat Wings
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Crystal Satyr
  • Pose:  Lyrium – Irisa

Like the view?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Like the view?

OK, this is my first photoshoot using the new Firestorm with PBR.  I ran into quite a few lighting issues, some of which I resolved during the shoot, some of which I resolved in edit, and most of which I’m just watching videos about to learn how more knowledgeable photographers are adjusting the settings.  That said, I absolutely love the dress and am pretty happy with the shot, despite the imperfections which are glaring to me personally but probably insignificant (if even noticeable) to everyone else.  And, after all, the lighting etc is not the purpose behind the pic, the whole point of blogging is just to show the awesomeness of the dress!  So, on that note, I’m going with the shot, then sitting down to watch more videos and play with lighting BEFORE my next photoshoot.  In the meantime, TGIF and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Suz Dress.  NEW RELEASE! Perfect little spring/summer dress with 18 summery textures (see the ad below).  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, Maitreya+Petite+LaraX+XPetite, & GenX Classic.  You can find Suz at the mainstore.  Demo is available (just click for menu, then demo). 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, currently available at the Access Event thru July 8th, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – TZ0820
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  Moccino – GIFT
  • Makeup:  HYPE – Something Eyeshadow; Heron – JADE Lipstick
  • Nails:  Dalila – Gyda
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Tarentella Gypsy Dancer Necklace, Earrings & Bracelet; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN – Jucy
  • Location:  Frogmore

Step into the Fairytale

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Step into the Fairytale

Enchanting moments await you at Midsummer Enchantment, an elegant yet magical dark fantasy themed event brought to you by Dark Passions Events.  Open June 22nd through July 7th, the event is full of new exclusives and hunt prizes priced between 10 – 25L$ each.  Step into the fairytale — be it dark or filled with light! — and you just might  find that special item to fulfill your fantasy!   I’m wearing a few of my favorites (more to come!); you can check out the full shopping guide HERE.   Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Petrichor & Ersch– Kairah.  Another gorgeous dress with chains, with both short & long versions included (HUD controlled).  As always, the detail is amazing… just look at the metal clasps on the dress! Available in 10 single colors or in 5 fabric packs containing 40-color HUDs for all the elements, all of which are also show/hide (see the ad below).  There’s also a Megapack so you get all fabrics, all options, so you can mix ‘n match as you want.  Maelin is sized for Legacy+Bombshell, LaraX+XPetite, GenX Classic/Curvy, Mounds, Kupra, & Reborn+Waifu.  Originally released for the recent Fantasy Faire, both the outfit & demo are available at the main store.  
  • Skin:  LUMAE – Eirtae Fantasy Tones, worn in Solaris.  EVENT EXCLUSIVE at Midsummer Enchantment, 5 summery fantasy tones for EvoX (see the ad below).  NOTE:  matching body skins by body type are available at the main store.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at Midsummer Enchantment, for 40% OFF during the event.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Makeup:  HEXUMBRA – Soliel Sunkissed Face Paint.  Includes 3 strengths of face paint (I’m wearing the strongest) plus 3 strengths of a sunkissed blush, all with tintable options.  (See the ad below.) EVENT EXCLUSIVE at Midsummer Enchantment.  You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.  Demo available.  Also worn:  Loa – Gaia Face Paint nose contour; StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix HD Lips
  • Tattoo:  Leave Your Mark – Walk Thru Fire.  Another EVENT EXCLUSIVE at Midsummer Enchantment, the artistry in this full body BOM tattoo really kicks your look up a notch! You can TP directly to their event booth HERE.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  WINGS – EF0208
  • Eyes: Gloom – Tirel
  • Wings:  Aii  – Fairy Wings
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Farys
  • Nails:  Gorgeous Dolls – Girl Hallowaii
  • Pose:  Animosity – Wiccan; Kokoro – Fire Halo
  • Backdrop:  The Bearded Guy – Moonlight Ritual

Oops, practice is definitely NOT making perfect!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Oops, practice is definitely NOT making perfect!

What is there to say?  Not everyone can do practical magic right off the bat… if I can really hone my skills then I can move up in rank, but I still have a tendency to get a bit distracted and blow up things nearby before releasing my magic at the intended target.  I feel like I’ve been practicing FOREVER, but obviously, no promotions are in the near future… sighs… again…

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Eliyen.  With the incredible attention to the tiniest detail & realistic textures that I have come to expect from EVERY Jangka outfit, Eliyen seems to me to have a touch of the adventuring spirit, which makes her perfect wear for so many fantasy situations.  Available in 6 individual colors or as a fatpack, plus two LIMITED EDITIONS; boots are available in black or brown, as are the shoulder pads (see the ad below). Sized for Legacy, Maitreya + LaraX, she is 100% full body original mesh.  Demo available. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  poema – LUHLA
  • Hair:  Chain – Safari
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Shairi
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Shoujo
  • Circlet:  Harambee – Crescent Moon & Star
  • Wings:  Jinx – Unseely Fairy Wings
  • Pose:  Kokoro – Rosie
  • Backdrop:  FoxCity – Lost City Photo Booth

Come on in, the water is amazing!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Come on in, the water is amazing!

Just like in real life, I struggle a bit with swimwear.  Even with a perfect body (and we all have our own definitions of perfect, but whatever that is, it’s easily achievable in SL with a bit of work!), not all bathing suits are flattering.  I fell for this bikini the moment I put it on… it’s sexy and small, but adequately covers everything that I want covered, and just looks amazing!!!  If you’re looking for a new swimsuit (or even if you’re not), go try it on and see how it looks on YOUR body!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Jess Bikini.   Available in 10 single 100% Original Textures or in a HUD-driven Fatback with 20 textures.  Jess is sized for Legacy+Perky, Reborn, LaraX+Maitreya, & GenX Classic/Curvy.  She is a BRAND-NEW in-house release; demo available.  See the ad below for details. Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Philippa, currently available at the Access Event, in Resort (body skin by Velour)
  • Hair:  WINGS – EF0501
  • Eyes:  Sequoia – Euphoria
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow; Heron Bodyshop – JADE Lipstick
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Petal Pinks
  • Jewelry:  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Dog:  JIAN – Splashy Spaniels, Brit Gold
  • Pose:  FOCUS – The Ocean is Calling with Ocean Deck

Care to join me?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Care to join me?

Summer days (and summer heat) are here, so I decided it was time to change to a suntan skin and start sporting that summer look!  I’ll admit that I’ve been having some difficulty resisting that lazy hazy feeling from the endlessly beating sun, but what says summer more than a picnic!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Megan Top & Skirt.   Lightweight & cool, & oh so stunning! Simple but full of details, like the neck “strap” & contrast trim on both the skirt & top… adorable! Choose from 10 single colors or fatpacks for the top (including the ability to change the trim color) or the skirt; or the MegaPack for both fatpacks together!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Megan is sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), Lara+LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of uber, open through June 22nd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Haven, currently available only at the Hair Fair through June 16th
  • Eyes:  Tville Eyes Store – Afrodite
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Amalfi Summer Nights Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:   piXit – Manaram; Gnite – Coke
  • Location:  Luanes World, Le Monde Perdu

Don’t worry, you’ll look great, I can fix any issues in post

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Don't worry, you'll look great, I can fix any issues in post

Last post before vacation… always gets a bit crazed before leaving for a few weeks, but this trip is (A) staying stateside, so if we forget anything, it’s relatively easy to replace, and (B) by car, so packing is nowhere near as restricted.  Even so, so many little things that need to be done before hitting the road.  I do want to spend as much time as I can inworld, since without a laptop, I’ll be forced to take a break from SL.   No more weekend and event shopping for a while… will I survive lol?  Enjoy Second Life for me while I’m gone, and happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Ghee – Lola.  Such a cute flirty little dress for the warmer days! I just love the asymmetric straps & hem, the little slit & tie at the high part of the gathered hem, the side cutout, & the brilliance of the floral pattern.  Available in 6 single colors (I’m wearing Rainbow) or as a fatpack, Lola is sized for Legacy+Bombshell, Reborn, GenX Classic+Curvy, Kupra, & LaraX.  She is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the May round of Designer Showcase, open May 5th – 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Doux – Francesca
  • Eyes:  VelvetVue – Bella
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Riley Eyeshadow
  • Nails:  Demicorn – Almond Nails
  • Jewelry:  no.match – NO Diamond Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Say Cheese (includes camera)
  • Location:  Cherishville

Once in a Blue Moon…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Once in a Blue Moon...

I’ve been blogging for a long time now, and though I’m constantly working on improving my skills, I do tend to follow certain ways of doing things.  But once in a blue moon (yeah, sorry, couldn’t resist lol), I decide to try something totally different, something that I see in a lot of pix that I think are great.  Since gowns always pose a difficulty in that they’re difficult to do on site (too many avatars which even derendered cause computer issues) & 360 degree-type backdrops are hard to come by, I decided to try something new with this picture & create a flat backdrop with a texture. Results are always two-fold… The first, is MY reaction… I see changes I want to do with this type of photoshoot going forward, but if I didn’t feel good about how this shot came out, it wouldn’t have made it this far, to the 2nd judgment call.  And that is how it fares in the FlickR world.   Back when I first started blogging, I was advised not to worry about my stats but to blog for ME, to do shots that I enjoyed doing and that gave me personal satisfaction.  And for the most part, I do that.  BUT (and it’s a big but!) I can’t help but react when a pic that I feel really good about just doesn’t do well.  I see it with other bloggers too… sometimes a great pic, a pic that I wished I had done, just lags behind the norm.  I can never really understand why.  Part of me thinks it’s all timing… WHEN you post, HOW MANY people see the post, HOW FAR DOWN you are in the award groups when they release a batch (which ties into TIMING)… BUT the fact remains that I absolutely love shots that other folks do using this type of backdrop  and I find formal pix extremely difficult to shoot on site (too many avatars are always around, and even if derendered my computer has difficulty because my shoots are rather lengthy).  I felt I could be much more creative if I wasn’t standing in a crowded room where I’m in the way.  And I LOVE these backgrounds… so much easier to set the scene!  But the bottom line is yet to be seen.  In the meantime, I’m taking this stunning look out for some dancing… the gown has already been partner-approved!  

  • Gown:  JUMO – Altagracia.  Includes two versions (the gown plus a mini dress, see the ad below), plus optional gloves & a diamond “necklace”.  I can’t say enough about this gown… stunning, gorgeous, absolutely fabulous detail.  And the textures!!! There are three different texture “families”… 20 satin, 5 sequin, & 5 rose…  all of which have the most fabulous lace trim at the bodice, the top of the sleeves, & along the bottom of the gown (you can see your shoes, which I love!).  I have to say it was a struggle for me to choose which one to wear!  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX Classic+Curvy, Kupra, Erika, & Maitreya+MaitreyaPetite, LaraX+LaraXPetite, I do want to mention that I had to modify my nipples & use nipple covers for the gown (then again, I’m a bit more prudish than many in this regard), but it took all of two minutes & was totally worth it! Altagracia is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the May round of Designer Showcase, open May 5th – 25th.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Bella
  • Eyes:  LOTUS – Bubble Eyes
  • Makeup:  I n’ K Original – “Time Eye” Eyeshadow; Heron – Mistic Lipstick
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Jewelry:   Heartsdale Jewelry – Met Gala Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Amitie – Martini
  • Backdrop:  SATO – 1001 Nights

Be a dear, take my bags to the hotel… I’m expected for the opening…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Be a dear, take my bags to the hotel... I'm expected for the opening...

And life goes on, though trapped at home like I am, definitely not a lot to report.  At least I’ve healed to the point where I can sit at the computer for a few more hours a day without having my foot and leg blow up to ridiculous proportions.  So I’m left to dream about all the things I could be doing and experiencing… and that is what SL is all about!!! Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  I.M. Collection – Naomi Set.  Beautiful very stylish two piece set, with a lightly cropped top with slightly ballooned long sleeves with 4-button cuffs over a sarong-style skirt that hits just below the knee.  A little half-belt at the side plus a big zipper at the back of the top add just the right amount of detail. Choose between three fatpacks — leather (which I’m wearing), animal print, or floral — or grab the Megapack to avoid having to choose.  Either way, the textures are top quality, & both the leather & animal print fatpacks include additional options for the sleeves.  That turned out PERFECTLY for me, because as you might know, I absolutely love animal prints, but I can feel overwhelmed by them… the ability to partially wear animal print was the absolute best solution for me!  Sized for Reborn+Waifu, Legacy+Perky, & Maitreya+LaraX, Naomi is EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the May round of Designer Showcase, open May 5th – 25th.  See the ad below for details.  Demo available. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn+Waifu
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Barbwire
  • Eyes:  LOTUS – Bubble Eyes
  • Makeup:  Traditional Face – Aelin Eyeshadow
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Veechi – Magnetic Gels
  • Jewelry:   Cae – Reesha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Airport Hangar

 

Looking for a brighter tomorrow

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Looking for a brighter tomorrow

Sometimes it’s hard to keep your spirits up.  I’m fortunate, and I know it.  The things that are going wrong in my life right now are not huge or life-altering.  But it’s like a steady drip… in itself, what is a drop? But drop after drop after drop after drop eventually becomes a bit overwhelming.  That’s where I’ve been… in that “overwhelm”.  I finally FINALLY got a good night’s sleep last night… first time in weeks that I wasn’t awoken by pain.  I hadn’t realized the level of exhaustion that was lurking behind my day…  how I’d surrendered to those feelings of, well not hopelessness but definitely something not life-affirming.  That constant low-level pain with flashes of greater intensity is so draining, so demoralizing, and just so sneaky that you don’t realize how it’s invaded EVERYTHING, especially when your mobility is curtailed so all of your activities are “on hold”.  I miss that daily mile-long walk with my dog way more than I’ve realized; we can now make it to the end of the street, but that’s not even a quarter of the way.  I wasn’t even reading (and I read about a book a week!), and I just devoured a fabulous novel in two days.  Hopefully now things have shifted from maintaining a low status quo to a slow but steady climb back to a more pain-free and more active lifestyle.  I know my dog will be happy when we can get back into our routine, and that will open the way for me to resume my other activities.  All such minor things, but I will be so glad to turn off (or at least slow down) that drip, drip, drip of pain and confinement.  Well enough moaning about poor little me… it’s the weekend, isn’t it, and that means one thing… SHOPPING THERAPY!!!!  Checks my linden balance… and I’m off! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Mati Top & Skirt.   Perfect casual skirt set for the increasing heat of spring (we’ve been in the 90s where I am IRL). Choose from 10 single colors or a fatpack for the top; 10 single colors or a fatpack for the skirt (even single skirts include a HUD to change the belt); or the MegaPack for all these fabulous choices!  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Mati is sized for Reborn, Legacy+Perky+Bombshell, GenX (Classic & Curvy), LaraX+PetiteX, Kupra, Khara, Erika, & Love Momma.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the current round of uber, open through May 22nd.   Demo available.  
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  eBody – Reborn
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Heidi in Rosekiss (Velour body skin)
  • Hair:  S-Club – Sasa
  • Eyes:  euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  WarPaint – Romancer Eyeshadow; Guapa – Graphic Eyeliner; Celestial – Softness Lip Applier
  • Moles:  poema – Molly
  • Nails:  Veechi – Magnetic Gels
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Goddess Necklace & Earrings; MINIMAL – Chelin Letter Necklace C; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – My White Horse
  • Location:  Elvion