Tag: Avatars

Bye Bye Birdie

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Bye Bird Birdie

Ok, so I had my outpatient surgery on Tuesday. I have to say, surgery has never been a fun experience but in this new reality? It’s even worse.  Don’t get me wrong… I’m THRILLED that I finally had this procedure done… I’ve been having difficulties with my knee since last year and the surgery was originally supposed to be in late March, so the delay created its own issues.  But as someone who gets very very nervous with anticipation, going in and having surgery all by yourself, with no family to sit with you or comfort you or be there when you wake up, just makes it that much harder.  And my surgery (which was thankfully a very short and relatively minor one in the scheme of things) was delayed by 2 hours, so I just lay there in pre-op for almost 3 hours alone, with no company, no TV, no book, nothing to do but lie there with my own worrisome thoughts about having anesthesia and all that can wrong, despite previous successful surgeries.  I can only imagine how much more difficult it would be for someone facing a major operation or their very first one, how completely terrifying to go through that alone.  When my husband had open-heart surgery last year, I was there all day every day, keeping him company and both of us calm. I would have been desperate without being able to be there and see for myself and help take care of him. Yes, I know it’s for everyone’s safety which is definitely crucial, but it does make an already difficult process even more so. Well I’m home now, gimping around, dealing with the after effects, looking forward to the day when I can walk again without pain, looking forward to a future time when these restrictions can be eased, and loved ones can once again support each other through the bad times.  Hopefully, it will be sooner rather than later.  Until then, we do what we must…  and when the going gets tough, the tough can put their feet up and still get shopping!

  • Outfit:  ICEWERK Designs – Julia Jumpsuit with Julia Heels. Very stylish, & to me seems to invite touching, the stroking of the satiny fabric.  The jumpsuit & matching heels have 16 textures to choose from; the sheer panels have 4.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – NEW! My BANUS in Green.  An adorable pouch bag, with both an arm & a hand hold.  Available in 7 colors, each for just 99L at Sail into Summer sales & hunt event.  There is also a hunt for 1L that you have to look for in the store. (All items are in the store!)
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Maybeline, worn in Butter browless.  Another glorious skin, this time with some of my all-time favorites tones like Butter.  And the best part?  It’s FREE as the June Group Gift to members, with 7 tones in both omega & BOM, regular & browless.  See the closeup below (my own freckles & GENUS makeup added)…
  • Head, Brows, Makeup:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Marcela
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Aurora Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Violet #3 Curve; Kokoro Poses  – Bird Holding
  • Props:  Evolving Images – Bird Cage V; B. Labs – Wine Tray
  • Backdrop:  K&S – Kitchen Daylight Photo booth (rare)

Communing with Nature

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Communing with Nature

Ahhhh spring/early summer! So delightful… warm but not hot, sunny but not burning, cool breezes that don’t chill.  My home is still in a “Phase 1 Recovery Zone,” so there’s nowhere to go and no reason to go there, which means I’m spending a great deal of time in my backyard or on my back porch.  I’m very lucky to have them; I think of all those people who are “trapped” like me, but without the ready availability of beautiful outdoor space, filled with birds, butterflies, and more.  I’m also paying more attention to it because it’s my last summer here at the home where I’ve lived for decades and raised my kids.  Our home isn’t on the market yet (still waiting for that permit!!), but hopefully it should be soon.  It’s exciting, it’s momentous, and yes, it’s bittersweet.  Part of me doesn’t want to leave… I love it here. It’s beautiful and it’s filled with memories.  But it’s an expensive area with limited activities unless you have the means and the willingness to spend a great deal of money (not to mention those long cold winters), so it’s the right time of my life to make a drastic move to sunnier climes.  And yes, when I’m there I’ll still spend a lot of time in my beautiful outdoor space, watching different birds, butterflies, and more… And I’ve found it interesting that I do the same thing at my home(s) here on the grid — I fill them with floral and fauna, and spend a great deal of time just sitting and watching them.  It’s not shopping therapy, but the color, the movement, the life itself, is definitely therapeutic!

  • Outfit:  Swank & Co.:  Snazzy Florals Top & Pants.  Adorably sexy, fresh as a spring day!  The top is sublime, & is included in two versions… either with floral edge trim only (like it is on the top edge) or with the fuller pattern as shown here.  Available in 4 colors (it’s the floral that changes; the base stays white); sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, opening TODAY June 7th.  
  • Head, Brows, Eyeliner, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Bloodline
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Goddess Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Le Poppycock – Good Day

Blue in Paradise

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Blue in Paradise

Just because you’re in paradise physically doesn’t mean you’re happy.  These days especially, no matter where you are the pressures & stress & worries & inequities in the world can impact even the most resilient of us.  But whether you’re stressing over racial inequality, COVID19, personal issues, or even a lost shaker of salt, don’t let people tell you that YOU have no right to be upset or blue considering what you have or where you are.  Yes, some are lucky enough to be more privileged than others, while others struggle every day, but we ALL have the basic human right to feel upset or scared or just plain blue.  Of course, it’s true the other way around as well.  Those around you have the same right; it’s not necessarily bad to remind people of what they DO have, as long as you don’t belittle their emotions in the process.  Well, time to get off my soapbox and find that missing salt shaker, don’t you think?  Then off for more shopping therapy, which ALWAYS lifts spirits!!!

  • Outfit:  Virtue – Felicia.  Love this style, which to me has a definite vintage vibe while still being right on target for today’s style.  The high waist & skinny belt really shows off your shape; the extra layer at the neckline & on the sleeves adds that designer detail to set the outfit apart. Since each piece is separate, you can wear the arms or go sleeveless. Choose from 6 colors including this fabulous shade of red, sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Aloha, worn in Cashew browless.  I run out of superlatives for these 7DS skins, each one a beauty in its own indescribable way! Aloha is another stunner, available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  See the closeup below, EXCLUSIVELY available at DUBAI Event until June 10th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Sunset Key Collection.   Yesterday I showed the offsim island/bar & the rowboat (HERE); today it’s the land version of the bar.  Chairs have bento animations (singles, cuddles, adult, & dances); texture change for the bartop & the stools (4 colors for the bartop & 5 for the stools).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Designer Showcase, from June 5th – 28th, in both cuddle & adult versions.
  • Head, Brows, Eyeliner, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Tyrisha
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Shoes:  Pure Poison – Sandra Sandals
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Lyra Enchantress Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Surf, sand, & THAT little talk

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Surf, sand & THAT little talk

The temperature is finally warm enough for shorts where I live, so now of course my thoughts are turning to the beach.  Not quite sure if I’ll get to a real live beach this summer, but I’m certainly hitting the sand in SL!  The nice thing about the beach in SL is that you don’t end up with sand stuck in uncomfortable places, you don’t track it EVERYWHERE, and since I have a beach home, I can easily dress in any way I want to go for a stroll, have a drink, sit and read, whatever.  Sighs… if only it were so easy in real life, but I think it will take a bit longer for those carefree days of surf and sand to return… (Not to mention most of us look WAY better on the beach in our SL clothes than we do IRL lol)… Happy shopping!

  • Head & Body: Tonic – Tempest bento head worn with Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  I find that the Tonic bodies are truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it & others to minimize the bust &/or the butt. The Tonic Five Year Anniversary Sale started May 11th, with both the Tonic Curvy Beauty & The Tonic Fine Beauty bodies on sale for 50% OFF!  Sale prices are EXCLUSIVELY at the May eBENTO, May 12th – 31st. 
  • Outfit:  MOZ Designs –  “Alicia” Ruffle Hem Crop Top & “Ella” Ruffle Hem Shorts Set.  A perfect all-around crop top — not too short, too tight, too little — with crossed straps on the back & the loveliest all-around slightly flared ruffle, sold with matching shorts.  Set is sold as 6 individual denim/ruffle combos or as a SuperPack with 5 denims/13 ruffles for both the top & bottom so you can make your own combinations. Top is also available on its own in 3 individual denim/ruffle combos or in a fatpack with 5 denims/13 ruffles. Original fitmesh sized for Tonic, Slink, Belleza I/F, eBody, Eve, & Maitreya.  Demo available.  Group members remember to wear your tag for a discount!
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Eugene, worn in Almond browless
  • Hair:  Doux – Jenna
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Coachella Gypsy Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose (for Ceja):  Secret Poses – Wine & Chat, #3
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Crichton is wearing:

  • Beachwear:  Allure Couture – NEW!  Shen.  Beach shorts & sandals, with awesome fish decor on the front of the shorts. All textures are ORIGINAL.  Sized for Slink, Aesthetic, Belleza Jake, Davide, David, Signature, & Classic. Available in both a fatpack of 10 colors for the beach shorts/8 for the sandals & a slimpack of 5 colors for the beach shorts/4 for the sandals, EXCLUSIVELY at Look Event, May 24th – June 24th. A We Love to Blog Designer.

Time for a Tom Collins

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Time for a Tom Collins

One of the many, many side effects of stay-at-home has been that on social drinking.  First off, there’s just no “social”.  Now, I’m not much of a drinker to begin with, but I have enjoyed the ritual of gathering at cocktail hour for a drink or two, especially to watch the sunset in a tropical clime.   Once not so long ago, there was a bit of a stigma of drinking before the appointed hour… that certainly seems to have gone by the wayside.  Yes, we must guard against the all-day drinking out of boredom or frustration or whatever, or you can end up with a much bigger problem, but if you’re stuck at home, and occasionally want a cocktail, why not?  It’s like the old joke — it’s 5:00 somewhere!  Join me?

  • Dress:  MV Apparel – Fleur Dress.  The styling of this long dress is quite a bit more than a simple sundress because of how shapely it is through the bodice, & yet it still says “sun” to me.  It also says “cocktails” (but then a great many things say that these days lol), & with a 42 pattern HUD — 42! — this dress is perfect for cocktails in a great many locales.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the May Boho Chic Swank Event, open until May 31st.  Worn with High Heel Sandals, also available at the event, with a 40-solid-color HUD, so no matter which pattern you pick for the dress, the shoes match!
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Somber
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Anne-Sofie, worn in Taupe browless
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Royalty Eyes in Tropical
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Nails:  Plastik – Meore
  • Jewelry:  Earthtones Boutique (extinct vendor) – CloverClouds Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  NANTRA – Sea Breeze (includes hat)
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Hot in the City Tonight

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Hot in the City Tonight

Making a statement doesn’t always have to be a big complicated production. It can be quiet, simple.  That’s the thing about style… it’s often in the details.  It’s one reason why I fell for this look, fell hard.  The dress itself is quite simple.  Short, denim, halterdress, backless… nice detailing, but nothing over the top.  But then add the metal chain boots & the matching upper arm bracelets that come with it, and WOW!  This simple little dress is elevated to knockout on a very pure level, without a lot of fuss and bother.  It just oozes sex and style and confidence, while keeping everything uncomplicated.  Awesome. Now, that’s a look, perfect for a hot night in the city!

  • Outfit:  SexyStyle – Adriana.  A quiet look that speaks volumes! Includes the chain boots in gold & silver, & the matching arm bracelets.  Available in 8 colors, sized for Physique, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Girls Heaven event, open May 3rd – 27th.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – NEW! My ALBA in White.  The finishing touch.  A relatively simple woven bag with a subtly printed “top”.  Available in 6 colors (see below). Includes both a hand pose & an arm pose.  EXCLUSIVELY available for 25% OFF at the May eBENTO,  May 12th – 30th. 
  • Head:  Akeruka (AK) – Cleo (deluxe bento)
  • Body:  Slink – Physique Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Lala
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Giulia (Freckled version)
  • Lashes/Makeup:  SlackGirl –  Thay Deluxe Lashes; HD6 Eyeshadow; Talita HD Lips
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Green
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Sofia Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  CORPUS – Stylish Lean
  • Location:  The Copa Club at Malaika Park

Butterflies are Free to Fly, Fly Away

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Butterflies are Free to Fly, Fly Away

I don’t know about you, but for me, Stay at Home is getting old.  My county in New York is still pretty much shut down, though some businesses are starting to open.  I finally got my oral surgery done after a 2-month delay, though now I’m caught in the dilemma that my dentist hasn’t opened.  My delayed knee surgery that has prevented me from taking long walks to escape the house is now scheduled for June, so things are definitely improving on the medical front.  I’ve gone to one store for the first time since early March to go buy plants, and now that we had a few warm days without too much rain, I’ve been doing some gardening. But oh how I long to stretch my wings and just fly away to my new home, waiting for me there in Florida, just out of reach until my town’s office starts issuing construction permits so that we can get our house on the market.  The good news is that things seem to be selling quickly as people just want to get out of the city. Hopefully that will last until it’s time for us go… For now, I’ll watch the butterflies as they take flight, and dream…

  • Outfit:  AnaSTyle – Brittany.  In case you’ve never noticed, I love off-shoulder tops, especially with a button or two that are open.  This worn denim jacket is perfect, paired with the shortest little pair of worn denim shorts, tied over a circular cutout at the very top of the thighs.  Included boots not shown. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Girls Heaven event, open May 3rd – 27th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Aurorya, worn in Maple browless, one of my favorite summer tones.  Another 7DS skin, another stunner, worn WITHOUT ANY MAKEUP!  This month’s GROUP GIFT for women,  with 7  skin tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless, applying both body & head.   One definitely not to be missed!
  • Head, Eyes, Brows:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Jane
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Tarantella Gypsy Dancer, Bangles, Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose/Prop – WetCat – Spring Patch Prop, pose #6
  • Location:  my property at Blake Passage

A Silent Prayer for RFL

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Silent Prayer for RFL

It’s hard to believe that Fantasy Faire 2020 has come to its last day. I have reveled in my rebirth as a fae, and have vowed to continue living and exploring this Second Life of fantasy, even as these magical lands dissipate on the winds of time.  But I also want to take a moment of remembrance and to say a prayer for all those fighting the fight against cancer with which Fantasy Faire is aligned, for those who have fought and lost, those who have fought and won, those who are fighting this very moment, and for those who have not yet begun their fight.  There is after all a deeper meaning in all we do here, that a world without cancer does not have to be just a fantasy.  Hopefully what we have done here will help us towards our common goal of turning that fantasy into a reality, for all of us, for those we love, for everyone everywhere around the world.  There’s still one more day… one more day to explore, to join the final day of events, to shop with a cause, to live that life of fantasy, to support Relay for Life.  Won’t you join us?

  • Outfit:  The Annex – Kimana Top & Bottom (sold separately).  Bottom includes matching panties. Available in 4 colors or as fatpacks.  Sized for Freya, Hourglass, & Maitreya.  Available at the Faire store in Cassiopeia   together with a shape for GENUS Strong Face & Maitreya body that is an RFL item.  Demos available for the outfit.
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Sinai.  NEW!  Variety pack of this beautiful non-rigged, flex hair is just one of many styles available at the Faire store in Cassiopeia.
  • Skin:  Stix – A beautiful fantasy skin with lots of eye & face “decor” without going overboard, available in 8 colors (I’m wearing the gold).  In Omega & standard body skin. Only 100L per color or 600L for the entire fatpack so you can easily indulge your love of fantasy skins while supporting the fight against cancer because yes, these are all RFL items at the Faire store in Auxentios’ Pass.  Demos available.
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Metal Satyr Horns Fatpack.  Stunning original mesh that are loosely based on merino horns, which can be adjusted easily as separate pieces based on your hair or hairpiece or if you just prefer them sticking out more, less, or at a different angle.  9 textures available by touch, all of which can be tinted if you wish.  Crystal versions also available; I love these so much it’s my 3rd time blogging them (which shows you how much I’m wearing them & how versatile they are)! Both are RFL items at the Faire store in Cassiopeia.
  • Pose:  Astalianda – Zodiac Air Signs Pose Set, Libra.  Set includes 3 poses plus their mirrors.  Three other sets also available (Earth Signs, Water Signs, & Fire Signs), all of which are created specifically for, & available EXCLUSIVELY at the Faire store in Zodiac.
  • Boots:  Senzafine – Telcontar Boots, worn in Chestnut.  Available in several colors at the Faire store in Cassiopeia.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Location:  Spirit Valley of Kuruk at Fantasy Faire 2020