Tag: Second Life

Natural Beauty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Natural Beauty

Beauty comes in all forms, and its definition varies by person and even by time and place.  We all have different tastes in EVERYTHING, and on top of that, tastes change.  But the beauty of nature — in all its forms — is everlasting.  My heart skips a beat when I first come upon something in nature that I find beautiful… followed by serenity as I just sit and take it in.  I have several enduring memories of doing just that… sitting on the cliffs in Brittany France and in Newport RI, just watching the wind and the waves, breathing it all in…  watching the butterflies as they dip and hover over a vast field of flowers… so many!  My next vacation includes some time up in the northern islands off the coast of Scotland, where I expect I’ll be adding many more such memories to that treasure trove in my heart and mind.  I can’t wait! But in the meantime, I’ll just sit here a bit and soak in the beauty of the wildflowers, and the gentle breeze riffling the leaves on the trees… sighs… Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Evergreen – Jasmine Dress & Jacket.  What happens when you pair a short (very short!), sleeveless, strapless dress sporting a delicate lace hem on the bottom with a cropped denim jacket that has rolled up sleeves? A totally awesome look!  Sold separately, the dress is available  in 5 colors in duopacks (each duopack has the dress in both solid & a floral pattern) or as a fatpack; the jacket is sold in 5 coordinated tones plus black, or as a fatpack.  A megapack of both fatpacks is also available.  Sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite, HG + Petite, Freya, Isis, Reborn, & Kupra, Jasmine is EXCLUSIVELY available at the April round of Designer Showcase, open through April 25th.  Demos available.
  • Wild Flower Patch (lower right):  CJ Creations – Wild Grass with Flowers Patch.  A 3-piece set (see the ad below), this low prim landscape item is PERFECT for filling in those small areas that just look empty or need an added pop of color while still looking totally natural.  (I, of course, chose the version with yellow flowers to gently echo my dress!).  Mod/copy, you can resize to perfectly fit your space.  Available at the main store.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  BESOM – Dakota (includes hat)
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Guapa – Graphic Eyeliner; IDTTY Faces – Lelutka Secret Potion 5 Eyeshadow; Temizi Store – Dunas Natural Lips
  • Nails:  LIVIA – MixIt Pro
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Primavera Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Recovery

Don’t worry, he said he’ll be here when the sun goes down

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Don't worry, he said he'll be here when the sun goes down

OMG hard to believe that April is half gone… feeling sooooo stressed out with everything on my plate.  But even though I constantly feel like I’m running, running, running, I’m somehow always constantly waiting too.  How is that possible? I really don’t get it, but I figured enough time had passed that I could do another post that involved waiting lol…  OK, time’s up… I’m off and running!!!!

  • Outfit:  Luna Chelsea – Shanaya Set.  I know I’ve mentioned more than once that I am hopeless when it comes to animal prints, ESPECIALLY when they’re not too much in my face.  It’s just one of the reasons why I flipped over this outfit… the animal print pants (& solids are also included for those non-animal print lovers) can be as subtle or in your face as you want, depending on the color you choose.  The sexy lo-cut tie top & high-waisted flared pants include a HUD with 35 mix ‘n’ match textures, including both solids & animal prints for the bottoms, all with a glamorous sheen (see the ad below).  Sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra, Reborn + Juicy, Shanaya is EXCLUSIVELY available at the April round of Designer Showcase, open through April 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  FAGA – Jess
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Goreglam – Nile ES; Heron – Mistic LS
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Goddess Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – Kill This Love
  • Dog:  Jian – Great Danes, Adults

Spring Eggs

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Spring Eggs

OK, intellectually I get the whole egg thing for the spring, rebirth and mythological and pagan tales, but I do have to say that some designers do it better than others.  These are some of my favorites to build an “egg-celent” fantasy scene (sorry, I just couldn’t resist)…  And since all these eggs are rather on the large size & most have scales, they totally make me think of dragons.  And I do love my dragons, so I naturally snuck one in to my scene!!!!  Happy shopping!

Raindale –

  • Silvermist Collection.  This is such a perfect collection for a fantasy setting!  It includes so many different items, in several different versions, so you can create exactly what you want — 3 color versions of the arch, 3 matching color versions of the platform, 3 versions each of different color eggs on pedestals (I’ve shown 2), plus 3 colored eggs to place wherever you’d like (again I’ve shown two).  Everything is copy/mod, so you can resize or use multiples to create your scene.  EVENT EXCLUSIVE, available only at Ostara’s Altar for just a few more days, through April 15th.  TP direct to their booth HERE
  • Willownut Stump.  Awesome little stump with mushrooms; includes sitting animations for single male & female… & it’s just 10L (once you find it that is!) because this is a 2023 Ostara’s Altar hunt prize! See the ad below… then good luck in your hunt!

Dabble (formerly Tylar’s Treasures) – 

  • Spring Egg – Perfect for the season & its strange association with eggs, this solitary egg steals the show with its beautiful floral pattern, golden stand, & floral ring.  Includes a resize script.  Available at the Spring Mischief Event, open just a few more days until April 15th, as a gift for the Mischief Menagerie Group.  See the ad below.
  • Baby Dragon – Animated baby dragon on rock.  Soooo cute! Dragon has a 5-color texture menu by touch… an older item, but one of my personal favorites! Available at the main store or on MP.

My Gypsy Soul

Posted on by cejalaval

http://My Gypsy Soul

The beauty of SL is to try on different looks or, in my case, totally different characters.  Each fae I become is way more than just changing an outfit… I transform into someone new, with different attitudes.  It’s a fascinating way to live, but so much a part of who I am, as a fantasy being living my life (or should I say lives?) in this fantasy world of ours… Each one has that touch of magic…  here’s how I created this amazing new me!

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Esmeralda, worn in Blue.  Once again, I’m out of superlatives when it comes to Jangka outfits… each one is so unique, so detailed, with so much personality that they literally bring my “character” to life.  With her hip sash complete with dangling “coins”, Esmeralda spoke “gypsy” to me, a strong warrior gypsy, ready to fight but also ready to live life to its fullest.  The bodice is slashed to show some skin (whatever color skin you’re in!), the stunning gold neck gorget, the armbands… I could go on & on, but the bottom line is that this is one more prime example of why Jangka is such a leader in fantasy design.  Sized for Legacy & Maitreya, she is 100% original mesh & is available in 7 fabulously rich colors PLUS 3 limited editions (boots are available in black or brown).  As always, the outfit just feels so authentic & looks so amazing! At the mainstore; demo available.
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Blues.  Highly detailed, gorgeous blue-toned skins in your choice of 30 colors (see below for these awesome textures; I’m wearing Hadrieni).  Both male & female versions feature all new shading & details, in BOM/default layers only plus EvoX.  Includes Vareni elf ears (not worn), & new brows in 10 colors & 8 shapes for both classic & EvoX (worn in obsidian), plus a whole range of other add-ons.  Other color sets (I love them all & have previously blogged Vareni purples & Vareni muted) & demos available of ALL the tones at the mainstore.  
  • Particle Lights:  Magnetic – Invoke.  Animated Particles with both Sound FX & Light FX, that you simply add to wear.  Includes two Bento Holds with randomized flames from each palm.   EVENT EXCLUSIVE, available only at Ostara’s Altar through April 15th.  TP direct to their booth HERE, where you can watch it in action!
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_EXPLOSION (group gift)
  • Horns:  Blue Blood – Moonlight Horns
  • Eyes: lovelysweet – Mallory
  • Makeup:  Venge – Ear Blushing
  • Wings:  Material Squirrel Wings – Bellona
  • Circlet:  lassitude & ennui – Winter mori crown
  • Pose:  Pink Moon – Gypsy Soul (head tilt & hands modified)
  • Location:  Ostara’s Altar

Reflecting on Ostara…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Reflecting on Ostara

Ostara… I’m so happy to be an official blogger for “her” special fantasy event here in SL, Ostara’s Altar (a Dark Passions event), full of designer exclusives PLUS a 10L egg hunt. But my human kept stumbling upon references to her in the real world, so I found myself wondering about who she was and how this awesome event came to be.  Although there’s lots of debate and discrepancies (as with most things lol), Ostara is basically a modern pagan holiday, celebrating the spring equinox, which marks the beginning of spring and the awakening of nature.  Named after the ancient Germanic goddess Ostara or Eostre — who was associated with the dawn and new beginnings —  this is a time of rebirth and renewal when the natural world awakens from its winter slumber. It is a time when we can celebrate the return of the light, the growth of new life, and the renewal of hope. It is also a time when we can connect with the natural world, celebrate the changing seasons, and embrace the ongoing cycles of life.  One popular story about Ostara involves the origin of the Easter Bunny.  Essentially, the tale is that Ostara transformed a bird into a hare (how? why? who knows), and the hare responded by laying colored eggs for her festival.  Is this how the Easter bunny and the decorating of eggs began? Again, who knows, but the great news is that anyone who wants to celebrate the arrival of spring and the renewal of life can also participate in this holiday, regardless of their religious or spiritual beliefs.  Bottom line, Ostara is a good time to literally and figuratively plant seeds for the future.  And that is definitely something to reflect upon, especially while shopping this fabulous event!  Take a browse through the Ostara’s Altar Shopping Guide ; then go see the event for some magical shopping, and enjoy the blessings of the season! Happy Spring!!!!

  • Dress:  QE Designs – Flora.  Beautiful short dress, with that fantasy styling.  Featuring a soft spring pattern, Flora is sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite, Hourglass & Freya. Includes two versions (with/without sleeves) as well as a HUD to change the sleeves & skirt, top, & straps to any of 8 choices each.  Direct TP to their booth HERE.  Demo available.
  • Skin:  Moth & Moon – Yvaine, one of four fabulous skins available in 3 tones each — moss (which I’m thrilled to be wearing!), lilac & peony.  I chose Moss because for me it seems closest to the meaning of Ostara, but also because I just like green! Please note that none of these skins are “made” for my Gaia head, so I couldn’t use the shapes (I did use the brow shapes however); but even though the results varied somewhat from the “ad”, all 4 looked so good I had a hard time choosing! Be sure to try the demos to see how the different skins work for YOUR head & personal shape.  Best of all,  the three new skin tones for all four faces are 50% OFF for the duration of the Ostara’s Altar event (matching body skins are available at the mainstore).  Direct TP to their booth HERE.
  • Makeup:  Moth & Moon – Okami.  This set of BOM makeup layers includes versions in black, red, & white (tintable) for the full set, as well as separate layers for: Forehead & Lids (which is what I’m wearing), Full Eyes Only, Forehead Only, & Eye Lids Only.  More fabulous news from M&M:  this incredible makeup is one of two makeup hunt items which will be hidden in Pink Easter Eggs at the event & can be yours for just 10L each.  Let the hunting begin! Only at Ostara’s Altar through April 15th.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Rain w/ Rose Crown
  • Horns:   Petrichor – Sylaine Horns
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Amos
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Floral Lace Wings
  • Pose:  Boo’d Up Poses – Various_01
  • Location:  Tranquility Isle

Testing the Waters

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Testing the Waters

Breathe… I need to breathe… there is just so much going on, April is turning out to be a very tough month.  So many things that need to be done RIGHT NOW in real life — taxes (no, they’re not done!), holidays (cooking, traveling), birthdays, vacation travel plans — it just goes on and on!  And as for blogging, on top of my usual requirements (which I often struggle to meet), I’ve signed up for two fabulous fantasy events… I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing them, but looking at the calendar just adds to my current stress.  So yes, some relaxing time in the jacuzzi has become a must… we actually added one to our lanai this year, and I am totally addicted to it… I love to sit out there in the dark, with just the glow of the hot tub light and a low light on the deck, leaning back, listening to music and looking up at the stars…  not only does it help my poor deteriorated back, but it just so totally relaxes me in every way.  I love it most when there’s even the slightest chill in the air, so time is running out for THAT as well, but even when I can’t actually be soaking IRL, my SL jacuzzi helps put me in the right mindset when I’m busy typing or editing or whatever…  takes a deep breath, and leans back in the water… relax… relax… relax…

  • Tattoo:  pecheresse – lana tattoo.  Includes three versions — faded (white tintable), fresh, & healed (I’m wearing healed) — BOM ONLY, both as the full tattoo as well as all the individual, separate pieces so that you can pick & choose which layers you want to use.  The tattoo is drawn & made with gen x (belleza) UV MAP,  which means that it’s optimized for it, but as you can see, it looks awesome on Legacy & on other bodies too.  Check the demo to be sure how it works on your brand of body.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, (which means free gifts at most booths!), open through April 10th.  Demo available.
  • Jacuzzi:  DRD (Death Row Designs).  Includes the pergola with lights, the hot tub with steps, & the standing candle array.   You can easily turn on/off steam, bubbles, bubbling sound, & water just by the touch of a button.  Loaded with some pretty excellent animations for single female, single male, & couples (I’m showing two of the 11 single female anims).  Available in PG or Adult as a fatpack or in any of three texture packs (Dark, Light, Style), each of which has two tones included, as shown in the ad below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, with a free gift of the towel rack (shown on left), open through April 10th.  Be sure to check out the demo!
  • Vase:  CJ Creations – Spring Vase Cream w/ Magnolia Branches.  Placed on top of the towel rack, this stunning vase set adds just the right touch!  Also available in grey.

A little birdie told me…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A little birdie told me

It’s very strange… I’m a city girl, born and bred, but I’ve lived in suburbia for all my adult years.  In all that time, it’s always been my understanding that birds — with a few notable exceptions like owls — sleep at night.  It’s obviously been a pretty false understanding because there are a LOT of birds here in Florida who appear to have different bedtimes… NOISY birds, who are sometimes making a racket in the trees at 1A or even 2A.   I’ll admit that when we first moved here and I was walking the dog after dark, it would kind of freak me out when those sounds would follow me… my imagination would run wild and it would almost feel like I was being stalked by something out there in the dark.  Now of course I’m used to it, but wow, these birds can be so loud in those wee hours that I’m shocked more people aren’t up (like me).  But then I’ve always been a nightbird (and I guess those squawkers are where the expression comes from lol)…  Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – Lauren.  A simple sleeveless dress perfect for all the days to come (or for right now IRL down here in Florida lol)!  Original mesh, the dress is a soft floral accented by a solid band right under the bodice!  Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack.  Sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, Reborn + Juicy, Persephone, Kalhene, & Belleza GenX (Classic & Curvy), she is EXCLUSIVELY available at the current round of the Reborn Event, open March 22nd – April 7th.  See the ad below; demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:  Nova Hair Studio – Jae
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Jewelry:  BAMSE – Hopefulness Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Spring Garden

You know what they say… where there’s smoke, there’s fire

Posted on by cejalaval

http://You know what they say -- Where there's smoke, there's fire

OK, I try not to yield to hyperbole, but wow, I have to say that IMHO this look is smokin’ hot (and yes, a pun IS definitely intended)!  I should also say that I was rather shocked by how absolutely amazing this style makes me look… or perhaps I should say how it makes me feel, which was totally sultry and confident and, well, just at the top of my game.  I would also add that my partner agreed wholeheartedly with my evaluation (as did one or two strangers who IM’d me when I was out shopping the weekend sales).   Needless to say, this is one outfit you should definitely check out for yourself, if just to see if it makes you feel as amazingly awesome as it does me!  (Wow, just noticed that this whole paragraph has been almost nonstop exclamation points lol… and here come two more lol!)  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  LURE – Yoselin.  Includes dress plus optional opera-length gloves & closed heart pendant.  Fatpack includes a 6-texture HUD to change the body of the dress, the neck & skirt ruffles, & the gloves, depending on the look you want  (see the ad below).  Sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya, Reborn, & eBody, & is EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, (which means free gifts at most booths!), open March 18th – April 10th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Hair:   no.match – NO_COURSE
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Cazimi – Bewitched Eyeshadow Metallics 2 & Opal Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewelry – Dhoom Essy Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXit] – Fumer Walk & Wall
  • Backdrop:  Fantasy Pixels – Bar Scene

A Sense-ibly Dreamy Design Choice

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Sense-ibly Dreamy Design Choice

Dreamland Designs – Colonial Claw Foot Tub Set.  A hot soak can be so integral to your well-being whether IRL or on the grid.  For me, part of the relaxation includes gazing out on the beauty of nature; obviously in SL the “hot” is supplied by your brain, which makes the animations even more important.  This tub is loaded with bento animations & sequences for singles & couples with props, in both PG & Adult versions, so in this case “hot” can be interpreted however you choose!  And when not in use, this tub set just looks so stylish! Material enabled; copy/mod/no trans, the tub includes a texture changer for the rim & metal piping.  The set also includes the bath tray, the stool with plant & rolled-up towel, the puddled towel on the floor, & the chandelier (which has on/off touch).  Both versions (PG/Adult) are EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the Sense Event, open March 18th – 28th.

The Flowers that Bloom in the Spring

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring

Oh my goodness, life feels so hectic lately… so much hubbub and events and chores and visitors and doctors appointments and on and on and on… my poor human!  We’re just going to meander through the garden, picking some beautiful flowers to spread around our home, bringing that incredible scent indoors to help relax and soothe… Breathes deeply, holds, and exhales…  Now, time to enjoy the weekend!

  • Dress:  Poet’s Heart – Valentina.  A classic square-necked gown, Valentina is a perfect canvas for your medieval role play! She is sized for Legacy & Perky, Maitreya & Petite, eBody, Kupra + Kups, & includes a HUD for changing both the top, the skirt body, the front panel on the skirt, the bottom of the sleeves, & the ribbon on the sleeves.  There are so many ways to style this gown!  Pick from the 4 color packs (all of which include black & white) or the fatpack.   EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE for 25% OFF at the current round of We Love Role Play, open through March 28th; demo available.  See the ad below.
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Flower Beauty.   A pack of 5 bento poses, plus mirrors.  Includes props for all poses (basket with flowers, handheld flowers) as well as a hydrangea bush to rez as many copies as you’d like to build out your scene.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 10th Anniversary round of  The Liaison Collaborative, (which means free gifts at most booths!), open March 18th – April 10th.  See the ad below to see all poses (I used #3).
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Hair:  monso –Meiga
  • Horns:  Les Encantades – Capri Horns
  • Makeup:   Poema – Praline Eyeshadows;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lips
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Luna Moth Wings
  • Jewelry:  Venge – Selene Crystal Circlet; Glint – Gemmed Icicle Necklace