Tag: Second Life

Daydreaming of Life as a Warrior Fae

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Daydreaming of Life as a Warrior Fae

I was thinking (dangerous, yes, I know) about how we all — human or fae, IRL or on the grid — daydream about other lives, other paths we might have chosen.  It’s easier here in SL to actually explore those other lives, other twists of fate; one might even say that is the point of this whole other “second” life.  Be that as it may, I am who I am, with my own “back story” as it were, and the majority of my posts reflect various sides of my life… as a scout/defender of the tribe, as well as the more casual and formal sides when “off duty”.   But in another, simpler life, perhaps I would have been something more bucolic and peaceful, maybe a shepherdess where my biggest concerns were the safety and health of my flock.  And then I think about how that very routine of life, day after day, would cause me to dream about a more exciting existence, like the one I actually lead, a colorful life instead of the drab brown of shepherd life.  Just another instance of the grass always being greener, and how even occasionally, we all want what we don’t have instead of treasuring what we DO.  So here’s to the shepherdess dreaming of the excitement of battle, and to the warrior yearning after the peace of the countryside… in fact, here’s to all the dreamers in all the worlds, especially this one we all share in SL!!!

  • Outfit:  ANTAYA – Medieval Gown “Varya”.   Sized for Legacy, Perky, & Maitreya, Varya is available in six individual colors or as a fatpack that includes a HUD with 10 colors for the gown, 10 for the waist scarf, & 10 for the border.  EXCLUSIVELY at the April round of The Narrative Event, April 1st – 21st.  Demo available.
  • Book:  FLO – Shepherdess Staff.  Includes a bento hold for the right hand, & the bell sounds when you walk! EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of The Narrative Event, April 1st – 21st. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Idol
  • Hair:  KUNI – Jasmine
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Trinket Horns
  • Makeup:  ND/MD – Adinkra EvoX Face Tattoo; Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX
  • Wings:  Decoy – Blooming Fae: Wings Pearl
  • Pose:  FoxCity – Celestial
  • Location:  Old World

Taste the Wine

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Taste the Wine

Yes, yes, I’m not a redhead in this shot.  I know, it’s a shocker!  I’m ALWAYS a redhead, it just suits my personality.  Even IRL I’ve been a redhead since my early 20s (and no, I’m not going to tell you how long ago THAT was; suffice it to say it was many many moons ago lol).  But sometimes, a look just cries out for something different, and I always try to go where an outfit wants to take me.  This outfit has sophisticated sexiness, that small touch of elegance, which is my favorite look in here. I felt all grown up and irresistible, and when trying on this new hair, the ombre just set off the dress so beautifully, it demanded to be paired.  So an awesome new look without the red…   I haven’t been able to convince myself to change for days now, but I’m sure I’ll be back to my red for the next look.  But for now, I’m just going to sip my wine, watch the passersby, and seeing how they notice me lol!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  You by GeMyles – Lucille Outfit.  A laced-tied dress with matching jacket & panty liner that together is totally sexy with a definite touch of sophistication.  Sized for Legacy, Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, & Maitreya, Lucille includes a 10 texture HUD.  EXCLUSIVELY at the April Swank Event, April 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Boots:  You by GeMyles – Caryn Boots.  Sexy high heels with rope leggings, these awesome boots include a 22 texture HUD.  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the April Swank Event, April 7th – 30th.  Demo available.  See the picture below for a full shot of these must-have boots.
  • Tattoo:  KIRA Tattoo – Love Forever.  Awesome chest tattoo with 3 different level intensities in BOM (50%, 75%, & 100%).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the April Swank Event, April 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  bonbon – Setsu
  • Makeup:  Warpaint – Polaris Eyeshadow; Heron – Jade Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Meva – Poetry Jewell Silver Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FoxCity – Riviera 4
  • Backdrop:  FoxCity – Corner Wineria

Studious Fae

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Studious Fae

I’m so excited I can’t keep my wings from flapping! I have a new sponsor, Viki, whose clothes I’ve LOVED (and blogged whenever at a sponsored event, and then some!), AND I have a new look (yes, again).  I know that fae age differently, that we stay looking quite young far beyond our years, but the mirror reflected someone I just didn’t recognize, and I felt “out of sync” with who (and what) I am.  April is a time of rebirth, when the world reawakens and springs to new life, so what better time for new beginnings?  I’ve even demanded (and received!) a bit of inclusion in the blog title (well at least in the tag line after listening to some blathering about domain names… I just started sharpening my knife, and suddenly there was an equitable solution lol).   I’m working to better myself in other ways too… I’m no longer just going to play and explore when not working.  Instead I’m going to study up on how else I can serve my people, to set myself apart from being just another scout and defender.  In my adopted tribe, ANYONE can rise to leadership, and I am committed to making myself worthy of the crown…  I do find though that my attention span is a bit limited when the sun is shining outside, and I hear the sounds of the vendors opening their stalls and hawking their sales.  Just a few more minutes, and I’m off for my daily round of shopping… Join me?

  • Gown:  Viki – Pandora, a collaborative effort with #SCHOEN.     Available in 10 individual colors or as a fatpack, each one features the most beautiful non-sparkly glitter.  A somewhat relaxed gown with tons of style, there’s an artful drapiness around the tie at the waist plus special detailing up the back of the skirt (see below).  Sized for Legacy, Freya, Isis, Venus, & Maitreya, Pandora is 100% Original & Material Enabled, &  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE for 25% OFF at the April round of The Narrative Event, April 1st – 21st.  Demo available.
  • Book:  FLO – Herbarium Book.  Bento hold animated, two different poses are included… one for both hands as shown, plus one just for the left hand.  A decor rezz version is also in the set, together with the book + bookstand.  EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE at the April round of The Narrative Event, April 1st – 21st. 
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Eyes:  OJAYO – Yoshi Eyes
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Lillium
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Farys Horns
  • Makeup:  Loa – Nashwa Eyeshadow
  • Jewelry:  Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX; lassitude & ennui – winter mori crown
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Fairy Bug Wings
  • Location:  The World of Arallyn Roleplay

Let the Sunshine In

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Let the Sunshine In

It’s been very gloomy and rainy here in real life the last few days; what better way to brighten the mood than by redecorating, creating a brightness within despite the gloominess without.  I would love to have been able to add vibrant rays of sunshine streaming in, but my editing skills are just not there, and I try very hard never to do what I consider “over-editing”, but to capture the reality of SL slightly enhanced as opposed to exhibiting the magic of Photoshop (which I don’t even own lol, but it’s the Xerox of it’s time, being now used as a generic term).  I love the room I’ve created, it has an upbeat that makes me smile when I walk in… let the sun shine in!  And then, go shop!!!!

Dreamland Designs:   The Helen Collection.  I know, I know, I say it a lot, but I REALLY love this collection, love as in long-term love, the kind of love you need when it comes to buying furniture because who wants to keep redecorating over and over (unless of course you blog H&G like me, & then it just goes with the territory).  So what exactly has me so head over heels about the set?  I never can really point to one specific thing, since the overall feeling it generates is a combination of many factors, but I DO know that in this instance, at least one reason is the way subdued neutrals are contrasted with the bright pillows, breaking up what could be a very traditional look with a terrific burst of color… the fact that the colors of that burst are my favorites (as anyone who reads my blog should easily recognize) just adds more ooomph to it for me.  I also love the elements of the overall package… just the right number of pieces… not so many it’s overwhelming, not so few that your scene looks incomplete.  I just redecorated IRL… I wish I could have found THIS set!!! Here are the various parts of the collection that I used:

  • Living Room Set.  Includes the couch (which is chock full of single & couple bento animations), rug (artfully folded back… love that touch of messy!!), pillows casually strewn on the floor, coffee table, candlesticks, hanging lights, & wall covering.  The right things are neutral; the best things have the bright & oh-so-right tones that light up the room.  And I mean that both literally & figuratively, because the lights are touch on/off to brighten it up a bit & merge with the soft light from the candles.  Available in PG or Adult versions.
  • Heart Cabinet Set.  Includes the cabinet, the lamp, the planter. & the two picture frames.  The hearts on the cabinet are so subtle that I didn’t even notice them until I started shooting… I was completely surprised when I saw them there!  The different elements can be moved around as you want (I moved one of the pictures from the top of the cabinet to the side).  The lamp is touch on/off.
  • Wooden Slice Table.  Sliced wood table in a contemporary style. Includes the plants & the steaming cup of coffee.

Going Retro

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Going Retro

So I was sadly unable to get these sets set up and blogged in time for this past weekend’s sales where they were featured (bad blogger, bad!), but they’re all such fantastic pieces the fact is that they don’t need to be on sale to grab these!  In my new home, I definitely felt it was time for some pattern and color, and what better way to introduce that than by retro vibe decorating?  For those of you who like me just love vibrancy, this will definitely get you into the mood to update your spaces, even if you haven’t just moved and bought a new house lol!

Circa Living –

  • Elska Retro Living – The “Elska” collection has a bit of a Nordic feel with its clean & simple lines, available in 3 color themes. Perfect for the retro, boho vibe as well. The seating comes with an array of quality Bento & classic sit animations for the heart chair & ottoman designs, 24 per seat for the ladies & gents. The ottomans come with 18 classic sit animations. To match there are room divider sets plus planters to help fill spaces, working floor lamps with ambient casted light, & round area rugs. These are great choices for anyone who wants some pattern & color added to their life.  Additional offerings from this collection are also available.
  • Aziza Hanging Mixed Set – I had Circa’s hanging ferns in my last home; for this new one, I fell in love with these updated versions, with the mixed flowers & the long hanging bloodroot tendrils.  Set includes three different hanging lengths.  (There are also versions with hanging ivy.  See the pic below.)  The perfect accent for ANY style decor!  

Seriously? That’s your best line?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Seriously that's your best line

It’s been an exceptionally busy few days for me in SL.  Although I’ve loved loved LOVED where we’ve been living, I’ve been so prim starved that (a) I couldn’t landscape/decorate the way I wanted, having to leave lots of empty space (tolerable outside, not so much indoors) and (b) I had to continually swap things out for similar items that were lower prim.  When I needed to rez a backdrop or skybox or even a lot of H&G items for a shoot, I often needed to temporarily delete an entire room of furniture or a landscaped area, etc., and then put it back when done.  The bottom line is that this was costing me way too much time, energy, & even money since I was replacing things I loved just to save a few prims here and there.  So, we gave up our direct access to the Blake Sea, and moved to a new lot “back home” in the estate area where we lived for almost ten years before heading out for the sailable lands.  Moving is time consuming… choosing which lot (this estate does a beautifully fantastic job of environmental landscaping) is stressful for a perfectionist like me, trying to find things in inventory when they’re named strangely (and you fail to write it down!) to rez in the new place is frustrating… looking for a new house to go with the feel of the new land is exhausting.  I finally threw up my hands, put up a temporary house that I picked up at the weekend sales (fabulous house, just too small for me), and released the old lot since no one wants to pay for two lots at the same time.  Very bittersweet… the challenge and excitement of creating something new, mixed with the bittersweet of letting something you love go.  I definitely needed to check out the local bar scene and have a drink!  Time to go collapse on the deck for a bit and just watch the sea… now where did I pack those chairs???

  • Outfit:  C.Y. Fashion – Dakota Fatpack, which includes the shirt, pants, & very high stilettos.  I love the styling of this shirt… single sleeved, cropped with a slight looseness, cut-in neckline, with an artful use of texture with alternating sheer stripes at the neck and the lower part of the one sleeve.  The pants are available not just in 5 different colors, but in three different fabrics… I just had to go for the metallic for that clubby look! Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Kupra, & Maitreya, Dakota is EXCLUSIVELY at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 30th.  Demo available.  The fatpack includes 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Jewelry:  Heartsdale Jewellery – Dhoom Machalay Collection;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose (modified):  VSM Devil Inside – Smoke Like A Star
  • Backdrop:  Paparazzi – At the Bar

Running Late for Work

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Running late for work

Let me admit it right up front… I’m retired from working in real life (other than blogging that is lol!).  My closet hasn’t quite caught up with my changed lifestyle, however, though I’ve been weeding out all those office outfits slowly but surely.  After all those years working in an office (and in NYC at that!), I still have an eye for those outfits that to me are a bit more sedate than the SL norm.  These days though, I really like those that push the envelope a bit, combining the sophisticated with that sexy touch, looks that I probably would never have dared to wear “back in the day.”  It’s interesting what wearing a look like this does to your attitude… I just feel more capable, more confident… a woman in charge!  And yet, it’s sooooo very suggestive… love love LOVE that!!!! I urge you to check it out for yourself and see if you feel the same way… it’s intoxicating!!! Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Vega Design – Deniz Jacket, Skirt & Top.  I love this outfit! In some ways, it felt perfect for work… until you notice how very short it is, just barely covering your butt cheeks.  In my younger days, I might have worn it to the office (though without the shoes!), especially if I was heading out afterwards (which is when I’d add those daring shoes lol).  What’s sexier than a corporate outfit that dares to cross the line just enough to raise an eyebrow or two? This rides that defining edge to perfection! Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, includes a texture HUD of 6 colors.  EXCLUSIVELY at the March Swank Event, March 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Shoes:  Vega Design – Eric High Heels.  OK, so maybe not the best choice for the office, but definitely for any after-work activity you’ve got planned!!!  These open shoes with thigh-high lacing are to die for!!! Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Freya, Isis, & Maitreya, includes a texture HUD of 20 colors.  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:  bonbon – Nori
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Nails:  StunnerOriginals – Mesh Rounded Long Cool Bento Nails
  • Jewelry:  Petrichor – Trellion Jewelry; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Nantra – Taxi (includes props)
  • Backdrop:  Infinity Poses – Townhomes SCENE

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: