Tag: SLPhotography

Simple Elegance

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Simple Elegance

So the mechanics of blogging have been frustrating of late.  I know that a lot of folks have been complaining about the last few rounds of changes FlickR has made for nonPro accounts, but the fact is that I DO have Pro and I’m still having loads of issues!  Forget the standard not being able to leave comments or timing out while uploading or groups spinning but never loading etc.,; that has happened off and on since I started using the platform back in 2017.  But where I’m experiencing lots of other issues have been both in SL itself — what I see on camera and what I capture don’t match AT ALL, tons of LOD issues, random crashes (always in the middle of a shoot so it takes forever to get that same angle back!) — and perhaps more infuriating, here in my blog site itself.  The underlying issue is that I don’t really understand the underlying technology of my blog… I rely on “click here, do this, add this, do that” and when something fails to actually add (like an inset I talk about below to show greater detail in the gown), I’m at a loss.  Sighs, well, there’s just so much of being a perfectionist I can stand… after that, it’s time to move on!  I think I need some shopping therapy, don’t you?

  • Gown:  Le’La Design – Atalie.  I’m so very glad that I tried this gown on!  It’s one of those items that looks great on the hangar but is so much more on the body!  Beautifully but simply styled, Atalie features a corset waist, simple straps with bows & ribbons, & a beautifully cascading skirt with an overlay of not-too-subtle but not-too-dominating glitter… The skirt has hidden depths too (I had an inset to add below but after 3 hours of trying to insert, I’ve given up… check it out on the demo, it’s totally gorgeous when dancing!), making for a mesmerizing but totally understated elegance.  Atalie comes in 20 colors, or in a fatpack with an amazing HUD that lets you choose different colors for the upper, middle, back, skirt & ribbons allowing you to create individualized looks.  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Physique, Freya, Isis, Maitreya & Classic M, Atalie is available EXCLUSIVELY at the Oct round of Designer Showcase, open TODAY Oct 5th through the 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Petra
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Tattoo:  Kira Tattoo – Ella
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique –  Reignn Crown Jewels Earrings & Bracelet; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:   STUN Poses – Willow
  • Location:  Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Feeling Lucky

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Feeling Lucky

A double entendre?  Definitely… a question for you and an absolute statement for ME.  It’s been quite the week.  If you follow my blog at all, then you know I live in central Florida.  It was a scary week.  First preparing for a major storm that was going to hit the state somewhere on the Gulf Coast and then head inland, but no one really knew for sure where.  It was my first major storm since moving here almost 2 years ago, so we had no pre-storm routine & no knowledge of all the “what-to-do ifs” that we had learned the hard way in our prior home that we lived in for years and years and even more years.  Then there was the storm itself.  I couldn’t believe the wind… it woke me up in the middle of the night (and just about everyone I’ve talked to in the neighborhood).  And all the rain!!  And we were lucky, so very very lucky.  The storm shifted southwards the day before, taking us out of the  direct path and just leaving us with all that wind and rain.  We dodged an incredibly destructive bullet, and came through unscathed except for intermittent loss of tv/internet (and therefore, no SL) and some standard storm debris.  But my heart breaks and I even feel a small version of “survivor’s guilt” when I see all the news about those poor people who did get hit by that southerly shift.  The wheel of fortune, the luck of the draw, a game of craps, whatever you want to call it, so many things in life — the good AND the bad — are just random, no rhyme nor reason to the whys and wherefores.  I count my blessings that I was lucky… this time.  And that’s a sobering thought…

  • Dress:  Birdie’s Boutique – Paris Party Dress.  Deceptively simple little dress suspended at the neck by a centered leather strap w/ metal ring.  Something about this dress made me feel “edgy”, very on trend & totally comfortable with who I am, ready & confident to take the world on in my own terms.  That’s a lot for a little dress lol!  Offered in 16 separately sold colors or as a hud-driven Birdie Pack (aka fatpack.)  Sized for Legacy, Hourglass, Maitreya, Kupra, & Reborn, Paris is EXCLUSIVELY at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open Sept 18th – Oct 10th.  Demo available.
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Soledad.  Gorgeous floral tattoo for the chest & arms.  Includes layers for Classic & BOM in 4 intensities (Dark 100%, Medium 75%, Light 50%, & UltraLight 30%).  Modifiable for tinting (base texture is white), which I’ve done for that little hint of blue (so easy!). EXCLUSIVELY at this round of The Liaison Collaborative, open Sept 18th – Oct 10th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_KISS
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Makeup:  DeeTaleZ  –  Smoky Eyes (included w/ skin); GOREGLAM – JamJam
  • Jewelry:  Aurealis Jewelry – Kiara Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Diversion – Wine O’Clock, #1
  • Backdrop:  The Bearded Guy – Bar Peri

What do you mean, why can’t a unicorn be in a Fairytale?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://What do you mean, why can't a unicorn be in a fairytale?

I hear nonsensical statements like this all the time (well, maybe not QUITE like this, but nonsensical just the same).  Rules, rules, rules. It’s always been this way, why make a change. It’s never been done before, so there must be a good reason.  Yada yada yada.  But as a fae, I believe that there’s magic in trying new things, new ways… defending our way of life doesn’t have to mean stagnation, it can mean growth and progress and evolution.  Yes, certain things may be lost as our knowledge and experience grows, but so much else can also be gained.  There are times I use my fae magic to travel to other times (I do love steampunk!!!), but for me, my heart is here in the olden medieval life (with some modern advancements lol).  But that doesn’t mean that we have to follow all the old, restrictive rules, now does it… if a unicorn wants to join in a fairytale, why should he be denied?  Shakes my head in frustration… horses can be so stubborn…

  • Outfit:  Petrichor – Nelestine Dress.  Feel like a celestial queen in this fantastical look by the amazing design team of Petrichor & Ersch!  Nelestine combines flowing silks with glowing stars with multiple wear styles & packs (see the ad below for just a few of the other styles you can do).  Available in 10 single colors, 4 tonal fatpacks, or a megapack of all these fabulous choices.  The color HUD allows you to pick a color for each element (the neck, sleeves, body, panty, & skirt); a separate HUD has controls for the skirt length, show/hide for all elements,  & of course 14 options for the stars.  See below for a closeup of the fabulous detail & textures. Sized for Legacy + Perky, Lara + Petite,  Reborn + Mounds, & Kupra, Nelestine is now available at the main store under “New Stuff.”  Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Tirel
  • Hair:  Doe – Miria
  • Horns:  Les Encantades – Capri Horns
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Oda; Venge – Ear Blushing
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Thread Leaf Wings
  • Shoes:  Eudora3D – Charro Flats
  • Props:  Luas – Triss Lantern White; HEXtraordinary – Unicorn Companion (in Snow)
  • Backdrop:  InkMe – Princess backdrop

Summer’s Really Over

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Summer's Really Over

Well it’s finally sinking in, summer is over.  Although there’s no crispness in the air at this time of year in Florida (it DOES come in the area where I live), it’s noticeably cooler, especially in the evenings, and it’s definitely getting darker earlier.  I need to get back into the habit of taking a flashlight for the early evening dog walk, or cleanup can be tough.  It’s absolutely delightful…  although it’s not complete yet (the screens don’t go up till next week), we can now sit out on our new lanai.  Incredibly awesome, just sitting out there reading, drinking coffee, and watching all the wildlife activity on the pond.  All MY animals though are in for a rude awakening when the screens do go up and they can no longer run on and off from the lanai to the lawn, but for now, it’s a lot more relaxed than it’s been ever since construction began.  Without all that noise outside my office window, I’ve also been able to spend better quality time inworld, so it’s a win all around!  All the fall activty is really picking up after the summer SL doldrums… all the new fall items are out, soon it will be Halloween, and then winter and the holidays… just like IRL only more fun and much easier to accommodate!  I just love all the seasonal looks, and am already surrounded by all those wonderful colors of fall… It’s my favorite time of year!

  • Top:  Eris Designs – Spirit Top. The Spirit Top is a cute cropped knit sweater fitted for Legacy Classic, Legacy Perky, & Reborn.  To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure how I’d feel with the way it’s hiked up on one side to flash a curve of breast, but once on, I LOVED it (& what do you know, so did my partner lol)!  Offered in 12 separately sold colors with a HUD to change the borders or as a fatpack.  100% original!  EXCLUSIVELY at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open Sept 18th – Oct 10th.  Demo available, & I totally recommend trying it on!  I think you’ll fall in love with this little knit, just like I did!
  • Tattoo:  REVIVER – La Rose Rouge.  Gorgeously detailed full sleeve tattoos with three intensities included (I’m wearing the mid-tone).  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open Sept 18th – Oct 10th.
  • Jewelry:  Rise Design – Hallstat Set.  Skulls & hearts, what could be better for this time of year?  Comes with a HUD that includes 10 gemstone colors & 5 metal finishes to mix-n-match.  Resizer built in.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open Sept 18th through Oct 10th.   Also worn:   Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Rae
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae
  • Pants:  !MOZ – Leather Panel Leggings

Ready to put that in writing?

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Ready to put that in writing?

Summer seems to be officially over here in the real world, even where I live in Florida.  And SL is changing too; I logged in a few days ago to find that my estate owners had changed the season to fall… I absolutely love it, all those autumnal colors, but it was still a bit of a shock.  Personally, my tanned skin has given way to a less sunkissed look,  and long sleeves have worked their way back into the front of my closet!  I’m still trying to hang on to those last breaths of summer but I know that soon enough I’ll be revelling in the crispness of the fall!  Happy shopping!!!!

  • Outfit:  MAHOGANY Store – Pillow Talk Romper.  Mahogany describes it as a cozy, colorful one-piece, & it IS that.  But what I love about this romper is that depending on which of the 14 textures you choose from the included HUD — from black w/ red or white to blue w/ yellow to purple w/ pink to a leopard print w/ tan to, well you get the idea! —  you can easily dress it up or down… perhaps depending on the kind of romp you have in mind!?!  Sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra & Reborn, & EXCLUSIVELY available at the Sept round of Designer Showcase, open Sept 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Pose:  NANTRA – As If pose set.  Includes 6 bento poses, plus mirrors & self-rezzing props.  I found these to be so versatile, perfect for creating whatever mood you have in mind!  EXCLUSIVELY available at the brand new round of The Liaison Collaborative, open Sept 18th – Oct 10th.  See below for ad details; then go try them out for yourself at the event!
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Chantilly
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Exile – Peyton
  • Jewelry:   IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Sofia Earrings; Maxi Gossamer – Lucca Leather & Chain Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  FOXCITY – Photo Booth, The Agency

The butterfly effect

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The butterfly effect

Coming back to SL after almost a week away due to visiting company.  It was the best kind of company… family that was fun to be with and who pitched in on everything rather than sitting back waiting to be entertained.  Incredible time!!!  But now I’m back, and slowly getting back into the blogging routine (it took forever just to go through all my inworld messages lol)…  Since we’ve been getting an incredible amount of truly torrential rain, it’s perfect timing… however, there’s still a ton of construction going on outside my home office window, so I’m not able to accomplish quite as much during the day as I would like.  And of course problem after problem after unforeseen circumstance after “we have to do what?” keeps cropping up, so there’s that stress, but hey, at the end of it all we’ll have something new and wonderful that will totally make our house that much more livable and enjoyable!  If only home improvement was as easy in real life as it is inworld!!!!  (Then again, you can say that about just about everything lol!)

  • Outfit:  BlackBirdLace – Cassie Outfit.  Talk about cute & sexy!  This outfit consists of a cute little tube top with sleeves & a dangling tie, adorably cut denim shorts with open side zippers, & matching heels with thigh-high straps.   Includes  a HUD containing 30 textures for the top, 20 for the shorts, & 20 for the heels. Sized for Legacy, Maitreya, & Kupra, Cassie is EXCLUSIVELY at the Sept round of Designer Showcase, open Sept 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Argrace – Haruka II
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Fern’s Trinket & Bead Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  Lyrium – Garden View – Wild Flowers

Sentry Duty

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sentry Duty

I’m breaking all the rules with this post… all MY rules, anyway.  First off, I’m blogging as a male, which I haven’t done in ages.  Secondly, I’m blogging as a fantasy male, which I’ve NEVER done.  And thirdly, I’m posting this late at night rather than in the AM, but I have company coming and I need to be at the airport by the time I normally post, and then my time is not my own till next week.   Besides, I think this is an awesome fantasy look for a guy, and its from one of my favorite designers (who also happens to be a sponsor!!! I’m so lucky!!!), and it’s at an event that also sponsors me!   Not to mention that my “rules” obviously aren’t rules in any strict sense, just guidelines… and hey, those need to be updated all the time now, don’t they…  Be all that as it may, sentry duty may be boring but it’s important, and I really should pay better attention to my surroundings rather than to my mental wanderings…

  • Outfit:  Viki – Wayid.  Very simple garb, for simpler times… just a gorgeous fabric belted at the waist, allowing complete freedom of movement for when things get more complicated.   In 9 individual colors or as a fatpack, Wayid is sized for Belleza, Signature, Slink, & Kario, is Material Enabled, 100% Original Mesh.   EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE with a 25% discount only at the current round of The Narrative, open Sept 1st – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Logan
  • Body:  Belleza – Jake
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Styliste
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_PAST
  • Eyes:  Tville – Solar Eyes Cobalt
  • Headband:  Angelicus – Thunder Amber Headband
  • Pose w/ Spear:  Caress Poses – Winter Warrior

Aaaaah, Paris

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Aaaaah, Paris

Aaaah, Paris! Just the thought of it evokes a physical response!  There have been a few times in my life when I actually considered moving there to live and work, but as it is, I haven’t been there in many many MANY years, so it has always remained that just out-of-reach fantasy.  But all things are possible in SL, so here I am on my little balcony, enjoying music and a can of Burbu Blue while Simone enjoys the view…

  • Outfit:  KiB Designs – Zuma Romper.  Adorably sexy while being comfortably casual, this romper really sets off your legs & body shape!  Includes texture HUD with 18 options, including a few with my favorite… polka dots!  Sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra, & Reborn, Zuma is available EXCLUSIVELY at the Sept round of Designer Showcase, open Sept 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Cooler:  Fern Cottage – Beach Cooler Radio.  That’s right, it’s not just an awesome decor object, it’s a working land radio!  Clicking the handle opens/closes the cooler; clicking the ice when open let’s you choose a drink (which includes a drinking animation, captured in the pic); clicking the radio panel opens a menu of 11 built-in radio stations (NOTE: due to SL restrictions, you do need to own the parcel or deed the cooler to a land group for the radio to work).   Available in 6 individual solid colors with a contrasted top or in a fatpack of 8 that includes two patterns (one shown in pic).   Available EXCLUSIVELY at 25% OFF at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open just a few more days through Sept 10th.  Demo available at the main store.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  Doux – Cece
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Jades Wedges
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Coachella Gypsy Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy – Paris Rooftop

Get Energized: The Resin Bathroom

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Get Energized: The Resin Bathroom

Dreamland Designs:   NEW & EXCLUSIVE, the Resin Bathroom Collection.  More great home decor, all material enabled, copy-mod-trans.  LOVE the materials used here & the built in wall tile surrounding the tub makes for very cozy bathtime.  Available at a special low ENERGY WEEKEND price for this weekend, Sept 2nd – 4th.

  • Resin Bathtub Booth.   Includes single & couple bento animations with speed control, in PG or Adult versions.  Blinds open & close on click, hanging lamps with on/ off script; rug included.
  • Resin Bathroom Sink Set.  Includes mirrors, hanging lights, plant, & rug.  Includes single & couple bento animations with speed control, in PG or Adult versions.  Single animations include props.
  • Resin Toilet Set.  Includes toilet, shelves, hanging towel, & both plants.  Toilet has sit, stand & read animations.

Also shown:

  • Baskets:  Your Dreams – Toilet Paper Basket; DaD – Towels Basket Bathroom; Magnum Opus – Basket Hamper with Towel; Bee Designs – Bathroom Goodies Gacha 11 (on sink)
  • Hanging on the Wall:  Magnum Opus – Towel Hooks & Towel; InsurreKtion – Ibiza Set Bathrobe
  • Duckie:  Kinokoko – Duck Bath (Honey)

Waiting at the Garden Gate

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Waiting at the Garden Gate

In case you haven’t noticed, my sponsor list underwent quite a few changes in the last month.  I needed to slow down a bit both due to some RL pressures and so that I can concentrate on learning some new techniques (hopefully with success lol!), but I’m thrilled to say that among my new sponsors are two awesome events.  So exciting to be able to experiment with combinations of personally well-loved designers together with those that are new to me…  I just love making wonderful fashion & home decor/garden finds & sharing them with all of you!  It should be a fabulous journey!!!!

  • Outfit:  So Pink! – Lydia. LOVE this two-piece styling, perfect as summer leaves & the slightly cooler air of fall arrives.  Cute cropped top with an enticing thigh slit on the matching mini-skirt, all highlighted by awesome metal accents on the wide contrast bands & at the top of the slit.  The fatpack includes two HUDs — one for choosing the main color from 24 options; the other for the contrasting bands & the metals.  Or choose one of the 10 basic colors for individual purchase.  Sized for Legacy, Reborn, Kupra, & Maitreya, Lydia is EXCLUSIVELY available at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open Aug 18th through Sept 10th.  Demo available.
  • Jewelry:  Rise Design – Miranda Necklace.  Complement your look with this color-changing necklace.  With this outfit, I love the way the circular shape & accents echoes the detailing of the metallics on the clothes, but it’s such a versatile necklace that I can imagine it setting off a whole range of looks!  The HUD includes 11 stone colors, 5 metal mix-n-match finishes for the chain + two surfaces on the medallion.  See the Ad below.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the current round of The Liaison Collaborative, open Aug 18th through Sept 10th.   Also worn:   Maxi Gossamer – Monterey Boho Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  DeeTaleZ – Esra in Sunkiss
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Hair:  bonbon – Zoey
  • Eyes:  Euphoric – Hae Eyes
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Kiba
  • Makeup:  Cazimi – Bewitched Eyeliner & Eyeshadow
  • Pose:  LW Bento Poses – Recovery (includes bicycle)