Tag: Avatars

Taking a Break

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Taking a Break

One of the things I find most exciting about Second Life is also one that I find most frustrating.  I’m talking about CHANGE.  There are always new features to adjust to, new places to explore, new events to shop at, new creativity to wonder at… but as new things come, “old” things go.  In both my blogging and my every day Second Life, I use a lot of items from my inventory.  I also have a tendency to hold on to demos of things that I like but may not be able to afford at the time or that I choose to wait on until I have a definite use.  I sometimes spend so much time chasing items and stores down on the grid, sometimes successfully but more and more often it seems that it’s an exercise to nowhere.  Since I’m one of those bloggers who try to credit EVERYTHING in the shot because it’s something that I appreciate when others do it, it can be quite time-consuming.  For this one post, for example, there were 4 different designers whose locations I just couldn’t come up with (one I successfully found on MarketPlace).  It’s always sad when old favorites leave, though maybe I’m a bit more sensitive at the moment because I am getting ready to leave my home IRL.  Who knows… but I DO know that I need to focus on the NEW exciting things that are all around me.  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Laura Dress & Jacket & Boots.  Cute & sexy strapless dress & jacket combination with sensational thigh-high boots with buttons up the leg.  Includes a 10-color HUD for the dress, which can be worn separately (as can the jacket).  Laura jacket/dress combo is sized for Tonic, Hourglass, Freya, Legacy, Signature, Ebody Curvy, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the October Designer Showcase, open October 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Catrina in Red.  An original design for the Day of the Dead, My Catrina is available in 6 beautiful textures in patent leather with a gold handle, each with a hand pose & an arm pose. This 100% original mesh bag is available EXCLUSIVELY at the October round of eBento, open October 11th – 31st.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Hair Ulufemi
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Noir Pack Vol 16 (eyeshadow); Dulce Secrets – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Tabatha Beaded Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Tattoo:  PinUp – Arabesque in Flower (seems to be an extinct vendor)
  • Pose:  Cara’s Poses & ELLAs – Bossy Boots Pose Set
  • Backdrop:  Pseudo – Townhouse Scene

Enjoying Nature’s Bath

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Enjoying Nature's Bath

As promised, today’s post is a close-up take of yesterday’s blog for this incredible autumnal waterfall.  Combining fashion and H&G can be difficult:  too far out a shot and you can’t see the fashion; too far in and you can’t properly see the Home&Garden item.  Since I really wanted to feature both, I considered a “double post” (posting two shots at the same time for one blog) but I continually find that by doing this, neither item fully gets the attention it deserves.  So instead I opted for a “split post”, where I have two different takes on the same general shot, one that’s a closeup and one that’s not.  I took the opportunity to feature a different animation that’s included with the waterfall, and in case you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to go look for yesterday’s post (though I’ve given a handy link below lol!), I’ve included a 2nd pull-out shot.  Enjoy!

  • Complete Outfit:    Petrichor – Aranathaema Gatcha.  I’m wearing the complete set, which includes not only all the body parts but also the deco horns (complete body set in white or in black are RAREs, as are the deco horns).  The “regular” horns are bare.  There are also 4 seasons to win, each with its own color HUD.  See the chart below for details on this set; sized for Hourglass, Freya, Legacy, V-Tech, & Maitreya. Originally at the Arcade Gacha, this fabulous set is coming to the mainstore. 
  • The Scene:  Tylar’s Treasures – Celebrate Fall Waterfall.  Although you can’t see it in the primary shot, I blogged this extraordinary item yesterday.  I included a pull-back shot to show the setting.   For details on the waterfall & its animations, see yesterday’s blog HERE. Available in both PG & Adult versions.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Redux, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  •  Skin:  Petrichor – Styliste; includes lip stripe
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Hair:  monso – Meiga
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Unicorn Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Splash Wings in Fairy Style

An Autumn Catnap

Posted on by cejalaval

http://An Autumn Catnap

It’s absolutely amazing how quickly the seasons changed here in NY from late summer to fall.  The trees are turning, there are fallen leaves EVERYWHERE, and there’s a definite cool edge to the air during the day (it’s downright nippy at night).  Whereas I’m happy to have gotten in one more autumn before moving to the always-sunny south, I’m also shivering in my shoes lol.  The definite changeover has prompted me to change my inworld home as well, from summer landscaping to fall.  I’m thrilled to be able to incorporate some amazing new landscaping/home decor items to help showcase all the wonderful fall fashions that are everywhere!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Apple Heart – Melody with HUD.  Perfect outfit for that inbetween, early fall weather.  Includes the off-should short-sleeved top that laces up in front & then crosses under the fabric, the pants, & the sneakers, all with a HUD of up to 22 colors/patterns for every element, from the top to the laces to each side of the pants (you can make each leg a separate color or pattern!) to the sides/front of the sneakers.  Create a look all your own! Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, available EXCLUSIVELY at the 09/20 Girls Heaven event, open Sept 20th – Oct 14th.  Demo available.
  • Garden Set:  Dreamland Designs – Woodland Autumn Complete Set.  Available As Full set or Patio Set Only.  The full set is a beautiful entire scene, including everything you see inside the wall (the wall is part of the set; the cat is not) including the autumn tree right in back of the wall, although I admittedly moved a few things around in order to fit into the shot… definitely another benefit, in that each item can be moved separately to make the scene exactly how you want it.  (See below for a shot of the complete set.) The Patio Set Only Includes the Patio Set & the Autumn leaves Centerpiece with Pumpkins. All the furniture includes Brand New Bento Animations, in both PG & Adult versions. The standing light goes on/off by touch as well. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 09/20 Girls Heaven Event open Sept 20th – Oct 14th. 
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the newest updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Sandy @ Collabor88
  • Hair:  Tableau Vivant — Westward @ Collabor88
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Jewelry:  Cae – Reesha Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Cat:  Image Essentials Props and Poses – Full Perm Mesh Cats

A Work of Art

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Work of Art

Sorting, tossing, packing, cleaning… after so much time in one big house, it’s like a full-time job!  Which is why I’ve sadly fallen down on the job when it comes to blogging.  But I couldn’t let the month of September end without featuring this beautifully simple gown that I just find irresistible!  The gown is just a simple cascade of the finest silk; it drapes sensually from a crisscross front around the neck down to the floor, with one leg exposed up to the hip.  Beautiful in itself, but for me, what rockets this gown into the next level is this particular texture, the way the primary color (in this case green) fades into a gorgeous secondary color (blue) that really catches your eye.  It certainly caught mine! I found the sweep of color so dramatic & so sensual in this fabric that I even chose not to wear the chiffon skirt overlay!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams by Nile Karas – Tara Gown.  Includes an optional chiffon skirt (not worn).  Available in 6 colors, each with its own 7-texture HUD.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, Legacy, Perky, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the September Swank Event, which ends soon (on the 31st)!  Demo available.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Estambul in Blue.  A perfect clutch for evening wear!  MY ESTAMBUL is a 100% original mesh bag that can be purchased in a fat pack or individually in 8 sparkling textures with gold trim.  All have a resizer & two alternate hand poses. Available at the main store.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – Praxeda
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Makeup:  poema – mariola eyeshadow; IVES – Passione Lipstick
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Shoes:  SlackGirl – Agatha heels
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Kardia Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Prop: ChicChica – Raspberry Chammy
  • Location:  Basilique

Heat in the Darkness

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Heat in the Darkness

Now I know why after moving to this house more than 30 years ago I swore I’d never move again until it was downsizing time.  Moving is exhausting! There’s just so much involved.  And after so much time and having raised your kids in a home, it’s so emotional.  I can’t wait till it’s done, and I can start forgetting about this transitional time and all its stress.  Time is slipping by without my even noticing it, there’s just so much packed into every day. In some ways, the blogging helps, it’s a distraction, something else to do.  In other ways, it’s a hindrance and a burden, because I have commitments and deadlines and all that goes with it.  There are times I can lose myself in the creativity; there are others where I don’t feel a creative urge at all and feel like I’m just plodding along.  I just want this time to be done!!! Hopefully by the end of October, we’ll have completed the move and be swamped by the next stage… setting up our new home!  Now THAT should be fun!!!  I’m even starting to look online at furniture, making a preliminary list of things to go check out in person.  But in the meantime, my purchases will have to stay here on the grid… happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Priya.  A cropped hoodie & High Waist Shorts in 10 HUD-driven colors, together with coordinated footless socks & an urban hip bag in black, makes for a very hot, sporty, urban look.  Priya is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at The Darkness September Event through Sept 31st.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Terceira
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Sneakers:  ROC – Canvas Sneaker! Tiptoe
  • Pose:  Nantra – Beep Beep
  • Location:  NOLA

Leopard Sighting

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Leopard's not a neutral?

I recently saw a t-shirt that said “To me, Leopard IS a neutral.”  It stuck in my mind because I have a friend for whom that is very very true… she’s ALWAYS wearing or carrying an animal print (usually leopard) in some way, shape, or form.  I don’t have the personality to do that in RL… I have an item here and there, sure, but it’s just not my normal everyday style.  Of course in SL, I LOVE wearing animal prints… especially when they’re designed with such creative flair as this sparkly little dress… and if anyone thinks I’m overdressed because I’m not out for the evening, well, I can just claim that in my dictionary, leopard IS a neutral! Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Emerald Couture – Leona.  A photo can’t capture the shimmering sparkle of this awesome little dress.  Beginning under the bustline, it just shimmers, there’s no other word for it. EC Leona Dress comes with a color HUD of 12 different colors, or you can buy single colors for this month’s event. In the fatpack, the ruffle overlay can be worn in any of 8 colors or as clear (you feel all sparkly either way).  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, & Classic XXS-L, this outfit is EXCLUSIVELY available at the September Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, open Sept 12th – 30th.  These truly stunning heels come with their own HUD to customize the shoes by changing the front fringes, the heel, the straps, & more, & as part of the birthday celebration at the event, they’re priced at just $12L! 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (gift version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version.  Truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it, as well as others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.  With Tonic, you can truly customize the look of your body!
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Poetry (September VIP Gift)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  poema – mariola eyeshadow; DS’Elles – Scandalous Lipstick
  • Nails:  ZOZ – Jungle Day Polish
  • Jewelry:  Zuri Rayna – Summer Moon Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – City Life
  • Location:  Bugatti’s

A spot of warmth

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Slipping into Fall

Well I wanted to experience one last fall before I moved to Florida, and it looks like I’m definitely getting my wish!  There’s a definite feel of fall in the air; in fact, I’m finding it downright chilly in the evenings to the point where I’ve had to “upgrade” to warmer pjs and socks at night rather than my light little summer nightgown.  Brrrr!  When you find those spots of warm sunshine, you can’t help but stop and soak it in, feeling that nip all around that perfect spot of warmth.  It’s so beautiful and invigorating, it almost makes me start questioning why we chose to move… and then I try to move any joint at all, and my arthritis screams from the cold, reminding me that THAT’S why I want to get out of both the cold and the fluctuating temperatures.  As for the move, things are definitely “moving” along; should be another 4 weeks or so and we’re off!  And if I feel that tug at my heartstrings about leaving the beauty of fall behind, all I need is to remind myself that I have it here on the grid.  (And no, it’s not anywhere near the same, but it’s not as painful either!)  Happy weekend shopping!

  • Outfit:  AnaSTyle – Lola.  A perfect jeans outfit for when that hint of fall is in the air!  The solid color tee (available in 10 colors) is tied up into a “cone”; the washed boyfriend jeans are cuffed, low-waisted & with a white belt; the jacket (available in 12 colors) is sliding off the shoulders, covering the hands… LOVE IT!  Lola is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available individually or as a fatpack at the September Swank Event, open Sept 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Makeup:  DS’Elles – Pucker Up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Graffitiwear – Patchwork Easy Mules
  • Location:  Luane’s World

Solitude

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Solitude

Solitude is one of those two-sided things… it can be sad and lonely, or it can be calming way to focus and replenish your spirit and your energies.  In the earlier days of Covid, many people had a bit too much solitude, but now that we’re all (hopefully!) more out and about, I’m finding those few hours of solitude are refreshing and necessary to my sanity, especially with all the craziness surrounding selling our house and getting ready for the big move.  I don’t smoke cigarettes, but I’ll admit that I did in my younger days (much younger lol!), and to me somehow smoking is always “visually” tied to relaxation.  Hmmm, I’m so relaxed I think it’s time to go do some serious shopping at all new September events!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  GiuliaDesign – Bonny.  Relaxing doesn’t equate to “no style,” as this gloriously detailed little denim shorts set proves.  I LOVE the top with all its openwork at the neckline & the shape of its bottom; the little denim shorts (& I do mean little!) are unbuttoned & frayed to the perfect degree.  I added a thong (see below) because I loved how it looked showing in the back, but it’s definitely not a necessity.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, the fatpack includes a 10-color HUD for the top & 6 for the shorts or, if you prefer, you can buy any of the colors individually.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the September Miix Event, open August 30th – September 20th.  Demos available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Sultry
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Meringue Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Tarentella Gypsy Dancer Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Thong:  MOZ Designs – Strapless Bra & Thong Panty
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Scarlett #5
  • Cat:  KittyCatS! – Just one of my breedable cats (Milo is actually my 2nd inworld cat ever!), I’m absolutely crazy for these! I even have my own little store on MarketPlace to sell some of my extra kittens 
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Spicy Noir

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Spicy Noir

I am thrilled that August is over, it’s been so stressful and exhausting, I’m hoping that the joy of moving will soon set in.  Unfortunately, we’re still in the stressful stage.  The house was inspected for hours on Friday; now we’re in the stage where we negotiate what needs to be done so that we can get a contract signed.  Then it’s on to actually getting it done, and of course packing.  Just to make it a bit more stressful, we’re driving to our house for a week or so since we only saw it once a year ago and need measurements before we start paying to move things that won’t even fit.  Looks like it will be another tough month to get my blogging done, but it’s such a needed escape right now!!!  All I need is a few more hours each day to get it all done lol… oh well, all I can do is what I can do.  I don’t know about you, but I need a shopping break!

  • Outfit:  [MH Couture] – Veritee Sheer.  A corset waist-tied skirt & matching HUD-driven top, all in 8 sheer colors (the corset stays black).  Yes, it’s sheer, but the neck ruffle & a small solid panel on the skirt are artfully placed to help cover your bits if you care about those things (which I do).  Includes these sexy little black ankle boots.  I added a teeny thong as well, but that’s personal preference.  Veritee is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 08/20 Girls Heaven Event open August 23rd – September 16th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Alma
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Meringue Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeshadow;  LUXRebel – “LOVE Y” Group Gift Lipstick
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Hula Lula Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Thong:  MOZ Designs – Strapless Bra & Thong Panty
  • Nails:  Dark Passions – Koffin Nails, Foiled Valentine
  • Photo Booth/Pose:  FOXCITY –  City Life