Tag: SLPhotography

Pick Your Poison

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Pick Your Poison

One of the many things I’m discovering that I love about the Renaissance Festival (which is currently running through October 3rd) is how it’s making me really think about what life might have been really like back in medieval times.  I’ve read some historical fiction that’s placed in that era, but the Festival brings it home in a very different and somehow more personal way… shopping the fashions to wear… looking at furnishings for my home… watching jousting and sword fights and archery for entertainment.  Today I’m channeling my inner Lucrezia Borgia, searching through my “medicine” cabinet, selecting my poison with great care, keeping in mind that “back in the day,” the line between medicine and poison was extremely blurry.  It’s how women were often accused of being witches because of their knowledge of herbs and other things, which could often help, but could also cause great damage, intentional or otherwise!  Whether or not you roleplay medieval, the Renaissance Festival is an awesome glimpse into another life, another time… just like it is IRL!!!  Don’t miss it… it only comes once a year!!!!  Details about all the events and activities and entertainment and, of course, shopping directories and slurls, can be found HERE.

  • Cabinet:  Fantavatar & Moonstruck – Antique Poisons Cabinet.  Belladonna, arsenic, it’s all there, in this very special piece of medieval home decor for those with that special taste.  Original mesh with scripted doors that open & close.  And of course, the detail is exquisite! 
  • Candelabra:  Swank & Co. –  Gothic Iron Floor Candelabra.  Incredible detail, incredibly realistic. Perfect for any medieval or gothic setting. Brand new EXCLUSIVE, only available at the SL Renaissance Festival 2021, in Ren Fest IV Shopping, now through Oct 3rd.  Direct TP to market booth HERE.  Available in two versions, both of which are a 100% donation to Strides Against Cancer, benefitting the American Cancer Society.
  • Shield:  Ever Green – Tavern Wall Shield.  Menu driven, choose from 4 different shields & 4 different banner colors, with easy resize built in.  Every medieval home or business needs one!  Another brand new EXCLUSIVE that’s a 100% donation to fight breast cancer at the SL Renaissance Festival!  Direct TP to their market booth  HERE also in Ren Fest IV Shopping. 

Simply Autumnal

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Simply Autumn

OK, so I’m finding myself under the gun again.  I lost a lot of time the first half of the month (again), and took on some new assignments.  As much as I absolutely love everything I said yes to, the calendar is shaking its finger at me.  So, rather than do my very time-consuming location shots or scene set-ups with a somewhat natural action as I prefer to do, I’ve decided to take a page out of other blogger playbooks, and try something simpler, faster, obviously posed, but hopefully as beautiful in the result as what has inspired me.  I’m still not very good at adding effects (translated as I’m pretty useless lol, & in this particular case I threw it all in the trash), and I don’t even have Photoshop, but it is what it is, and I can do what I can do, and the bottom line is that I personally think the simplicity of this autumnal setting really sets off the beautifully textured detail of this outfit.  Here’s hoping so do the critics out there!!! Additionally, I’m not going to be able to wait till my preferred posting time, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.  And I’m doing it lol! In any case, happy shopping as the month nears its end!!!

  • Outfit:  Sascha’s Designs – Annabelle.  I feel very sophisticated & a true fashionista in this elegantly sexy low-cut, tied evening blouse with its optional collar, paired with subtly textured linen pants. Sized for Legacy, Slink HG/P,  Freya, & Maitreya, Annabelle is available in 11 different colors, or as a fatpack, EXCLUSIVELY at the September round of Swank Event, Sept 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena, currently available at UniK
  • Freckles:  Magnetic – Beauty Moles EvoX
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  eXxEsS – GIN
  • Makeup:  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol1; Voodoo – Autumn Spice Set
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Paris Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Don’t fret, the Renaissance Festival will be open soon!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Don't fret, the Renaissance Festival will be open soon

Hear ye, hear ye!!! I’m all a-flutter!  I’ve officially joined the blogging team for the SL Renaissance Festival 2021, which opens today Sept 24th.  That means I’ve been thinking medieval and waiting for what seems like forever!!!!  This is only the second year for this now annual event, which has at its heart raising much needed support and funds for the fight against breast cancer.  Anyone who follows this blog knows that both my human counterpart and I do whatever we can, whenever we can, to help support this worthy cause.  I mean, come on, what’s better than shopping with a purpose?  And the Ren Fest combines that most worthy of causes with anything and everything medieval!!!!  For a fae like myself, that’s way WAY up there on the list of favorite things!  Hoozah!!! The festival is open from Sept 24th through Oct 3rd, and is filled with fabulous shopping, entertainment, special events, and yes, tournaments!!!  Read all about it @ https://slrenaissancefestival.com/ …  the pic above was taken at one of the Travelers Camps where they are already preparing to welcome festival guests once the gates have opened, and soon it will be filled with the hubbub of merchants, royalty, peasants, warriors, horses, and more.  I’m impatiently stalking the gates waiting for the official opening…  Hope to see you there!

  • Outfit:  Hawker’s House – Crann Bethadh Armor.  Includes the Neck Guard Top, Corset, Glove Sleeves, Leather Pants with Belt Knife, & Boots.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Voluptuous, Maitreya, Fitmesh, & Classic.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the SL Renaissance Festival 2021, in Ren Fest III Shopping, now through Oct 3rd.  Direct TP to market booth HERE. This outfit is a 100% donation to Strides Against Cancer, benefitting the American Cancer Society.
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Stranded Swyrl Horns.  NEW RELEASE, bringing another totally different look for unisex horns!  100% custom mesh with all new textures, which are as always in a HUGE HUD with what seems like unlimited options.  As always, the detail is amazing (see below). Modify, resize, toggle the strands on & off (NOTE: these can be construed as hair strands or decorative, as I did).  EXCLUSIVELY available at Solstice: The Fellowship, open until Oct 14th.
  • Location:  Travelers Camp 1 in Unity Maxim at the SL Renaissance Festival 2021
  • Head & Ears:  LOGO  – Chelsea bento head with Ilvanya Elf Ears.
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition (NOTE: absolutely no issues wearing the outfit, even without a special Legacy size)
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Everlasting
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_SILVER
  • Eyes:  SAMIA – MIA Eyes
  • Beauty Mark:  Izzie’s – Beauty Mole dark
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Olek Makeup Eyes; Petrichor – Lip Stripe
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Irid Dark Wings
  • Pose:   Empowered – Nature Connection #3

In Search of the Perfect Title

Posted on by cejalaval

http://In Search of the Perfect Title

And my blog is fixed!  I do want to take a moment to give special thanks to the anonymous customer service person at Flickr… I had gone to my hosting service first, who after two days told me everything was fixed, when it was most definitely not.  Further email inquiries from me fell on deaf ears.  Thankfully I had gone to Flickr in the interim, and after answering one or two pointed questions, I was provided with the reason why my site suddenly wouldn’t show embedded pix, as well as a solution.  Their quick resolution to my seemingly unfixable issues made my paying for Pro completely worthwhile.  (In case you’re wondering, somewhere between the latest WordPress update and my changing from jpg formats in my pix to pngs, my images were just too large for the service to handle.  So rather than embed at the original size — which is generally quite a high resolution — I’m now embedding at a smaller size.  Additionally, any “post-only images” will now be jpg format since they’re less “weighty.:)  The fix took me several hours, but the bottom line is that my blog is now working as it should, and I am back to being able to concentrate on the pix and the posts themselves!  I immediately created an absolutely perfect spot in which to blog this fall, and set to work.  Now, if I could only think of the perfect title (the hardest part for me lol)!!!   A happy blogger once again, wishing you Happy Shopping!

Park Place Home Decor — Autumn Serenity Deck Furniture.   I’ve used the Autumn Serenity Sofa, the Oak Serenity Coffee Table, & the Autumn Pink Daisies in Container.  (Autumn White Daisies in Container, Squirrel Candle Lantern, & Apple Basket also available.)  The sofa includes a HUD for individually changing the texture of the cushions, the blanket, & each of the two pillows.   Includes animations for 3 avatars (one of which I’m using), available in 3 versions (G, PG, & A), EXCLUSIVELY at the September round of Swank Event, Sept 7th – 30th.

Swank & Co. –  Autumn Lanterns.  Beautifully detailed,  there are 10 different design sets for this exceptional decor that adds just the perfect touch to any outdoor autumn (& dare I say winter?) scene.   I’ve shown a sampling of the different options below.  In my pic above, I used the Autumn Decorative Leaf Lantern in Tan on the side wall (shown in the middle in the pic below), & the Autumn Decorative Swirls Lantern in White hanging in the back corner (shown far right below).  Each set includes 4 colors & 4 sizes (& they’re easily resized as well).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the September round of the Swank Event, open until the 30th.

Also shown:

 

The Storm is Over

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Storm is Over

Well, the problems persist on my website.  As I thought, everyone is pointing the finger at everyone else, and meanwhile I’m left with a nonfunctioning blog.  But at least the pix are on FlickR, and the story is there in the blog, even if the pic can’t always be seen there.  Hopefully, someone will figure it out, because it’s certainly technically beyond my skill.  While I wait, I decided to redo my avatar (yes, again!!!)… new body, new skin since I thought it was time to “put my tan away” (did NOT change my head, love my head).  Absolutely LOVING the look.  And the ease of this new body (Legacy) cannot be overstated!  When something isn’t made “in my size”, I no longer have to change bodies or spend ages trying to make it work… now I just use “deformers” and it seems to work fine (yes, I’m still adding that disclaimer since I’ve had the body only a few days and certainly haven’t put it through an exhaustive test).  Bottom line, even though the weather for my blog isn’t perfect, I’m going to say the storm is over… if I never have totally clear skies again, well, I’ll deal with that once everyone throws their hands up and says they can’t fix it.  Maybe I move to another host? Does that even help? If you’re a WordPress or techie expert, please PLEASE reach out and give me some guidance.  If not, well, enjoy your weekend shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Solonge Pantsuit Outfit.  Sexy & sophisticated, Solonge includes the jacket, bra, pants, belt, & ankle boots (all of which you customize color for separately)… I just love the way the jacket texture is echoed on the bra’s trim & the belt. Sized for Hourglass,  Freya, Legacy, & Maitreya.  She’s available in 5 individual colors, in a 5-texture Slimpack, or a Fatback of 10, all with 100% Original Textures.  EXCLUSIVELY at the September Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, Sept 12th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena, currently available at UniK
  • Freckles:  Magnetic – Beauty Moles EvoX
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Searching
  • Makeup:  Ives – Passione Lips
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Parisienne Love Heart (Necklace & Earrings); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Backdrop/Pose:  DPSP Poses – Autumn Feeling

Autumn Approaches

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Autumn Approaches

Now that we were finally able to have my mom’s funeral, I thought things would get back to normal, and I could resume my blogging activities. If only life were that simple! This is of course when my blog decides to blow up… suddenly very few of my pics are linking to my FlickR account.  Restoring a backup of course failed… and it won’t let me fix manually.  Am completely flummoxed as to what to do… I’m not 100% sure where the fault lies… is it FlickR? is it the hosting service?  Or will I be told that “oh you should have been doing X all the time” (although I’ve had the blog for years and this hasn’t happened before, but hey, who knows).  I’ve decided to go ahead and publish this post anyway, in  the hopes that anyone who does see it will understand the nature of technical difficulties. And you never know… it might all be fixed in the morning!  In any case, I’ve begun to embrace fall (my favorite season!), even though the weather down here in Florida is anything but fall-like. But that won’t stop me from enjoying all the crispness and beauty of the season, even if it’s only virtual!!!! Happy shopping (and wish me luck on “blog repair)!

  • Outfit:  JUMO Originals – INES.  Perfect outfit for fall, with a cozy cropped knit top, a delightfully sheer short & flirty skirt, & a coordinated crotch cover (LOVE it when designers include this!).  Choose from 9 different color HUDs (get an extra 10th HUD with the fatpack!), each containing 3 different textures for the top, the skirt, & the string (i.e., crotch cover).  Original mesh, sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Tonic F/C/M, Legacy, eBody, Signature, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the September round of Swank Event, Sept 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Amara Beauty – Lorena, currently available at UniK
  • Freckles:  Magnetic – Beauty Moles EvoX
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  Doux – Peach
  • Makeup:  Goreglam – Unnatural Gloss
  • Jewelry:  Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings;  Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Taiane
  • Location:  Deer River

Mother of Dragons

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Mother of Dragons

No, I’m not trying to be Daenerys Targaryen, but let’s face it… she’s a pretty impressive role model.  (Ok, she went a little crazy there at the end, but let’s just focus on the positive, shall we?).  I see myself as more of a “Defender of Dragons”, allowing these magnificent creatures a small but private space of their own on my land to grow and flourish in peace.  Once, many years ago in my previous lifetime, I had a circling dragon up above my land who nested at top of my waterfall, but he flew off to search for a new home and a new destiny during my long absence.  Perhaps this little one will grow up to take his place, only time will tell.  Or — as a flight of pure fantasy — perhaps he could be trained to search the grid for fabulous fashion fantasy finds (try saying that 5 times fast!!!)!  Well, until that day, I’m on my own… but since I’m good at sharing, here’s what I’ve found!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Jangka – Elysium.  100% original mesh, & sized only for Maitreya & Legacy, Elysium consists of the dress, separate armbands, & two styles of boots (with/without stocking tops & garters), in 5 different color sets.  As always, the styling & the detail is simply exceptional.  Originally created as a gacha, this outfit is now at the main store.  Demo available.
  • Dragon (Adult):  Tylar’s Treasures – Hovering Dragon with Egg in Nest.  The dragon not only hovers, flaps its wings, & breathes fire, you also can hear its roar & the sounds of flapping.  6-color texture menu for the dragon, & another 6 for the egg.   EXCLUSIVELY at the Age of Avalon, open through the month of September.  It’s only open once a year, so don’t miss out!
  • Dragon (Baby):  Tylar’s Treasures – Animated Baby Dragon on Rock (includes plantings as well).  Absolutely adorable!  It even includes a touch menu to change the dragon’s color.  Another EXCLUSIVE at the Age of Avalon !
  • Head & Ears:  LOGO  – Chelsea bento head with Ilvanya Elf Ears.
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Everlasting
  • Hair:  KMH – CP002
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Castanys Kel Horns.  Love these, they’re soooo different!
  • Eyes:  SAMIA – Maria Eyes
  • Beauty Mark:  Izzie’s – Beauty Mole dark
  • Makeup:  Zibska – Saro DK Eyes & Shigeko Lips
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Dryad Fairy Wings
  • Spear:  Ali & Ego (AERTH) – Crystal Spear
  • Pose:  GemS – War Maiden

Keep Your Head Up

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Keep Your Head Up

When I retired from work, I thought life would get easier.  And for a few months, it did. My migraines went almost completely away, I lost 20 pounds, I was more active than I’ve been since my early 20s, and my social life is busier than it’s been in years as well.  And then my mom’s condition deteriorated, with falls now mandating trips to the ER at least once a week, temper tantrums where she’s breaking things and throwing them at other residents, and more.  Yesterday she destroyed the television in her room (though honestly, there are times the news gets me so mad I’ve wanted to do that myself).  It’s a tough line for her residence to follow… not enough medication and the violent behavior increases; too much medication and she’s groggy and falls more.  There’s no easy solution, and on top of memory care we’re now paying for 1-on-1 care/supervision in the afternoon/early evening hours when she “sundowns.”  I’m now on day 4 of a migraine, my body hurts, I’m short of breath, I’ve had to beg off some social engagements, the only physical activity I seem to be doing is golf (and yes, some will argue that’s not very physical, but in 90+ heat, it most definitely is!), and it’s taking me three to four times longer to create and post a blog.  That said, I’m still living in paradise, and as my mom always said (back when she was my mom), “this too shall pass.” We all just have to knuckle down and get through it, hopefully with a smile!  Sadly, I’m going to have to resign some of my sponsors, since it’s just not fair to them, and it’s just adding more stress for me.  I sincerely hope they understand; I know some will, just as I know some may not.  But rule number one for Second Life (at least for me and my inworld friends) has always been that real life comes first.  I’ve just got to keep my head up, grin, and remember that in many, many, MANY respects, I’m in a better place than most, and everyone has to deal with troubling issues at different times in their lives.  It seems that this is just one of those times.  Sighs… well enough of this pity party, time to do some shopping!!!! Enjoy!

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Rumbera Dress.  Sexy & fun, this little mini-dress comes in 5 stunning prints (available singly or in a fatpack), perfect for the hot weather! Rubera is sized for Slink HG/P, Tonic, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, Kupra,  Maitreya, & Classic M.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of Swank Event, July 7th – 31st, themed Tropical Island Heat.  Demo available.
  • Head & Eye Makeup:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (new 3.1 update)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass
  • Skin:  Nuve – Hope in EvoX
  • Freckles:  SAP Beauty – Beauty Marks/Moles
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Jewelry:  Lapointe & BastChild – Boho Necklace & Earrings (gift from long ago)

Making A Connection

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Making A Connection

I’m an animal lover inworld and out.  If you’re a regular follower of my blog, then you might remember that I live in a menagerie of sorts.  For several years now, we’ve been down to one dog (from two), two cats (from three), and two parakeets (status quo).  That all changed about a month or so ago when my mom’s mental and physical condition took a severe nosedive, and her dog needed to be re-homed.   I couldn’t just give her away without at least giving it a try, even though we’re not particularly fond of small dogs, so we’re now back up to two dogs… and this is a MUCH smaller house than what we had in NY.  To make it even more interesting, she wasn’t the friendliest of dogs to people, snapping without warning, etc… she even bit me once when I was trying to put on her leash, and the grooming salon deemed this little 11-pound dog to be “unmanageable” and gave her back to me wet but unbathed and ungroomed.  I will say that we seem to have passed some kind of invisible point of adjustment, because suddenly this dog is crawling all over me, prancing around with happiness, racing to the back door when it’s time to go out for a “pee break”… now if we could only get her to eat her food without standing there giving her constant encouragement lol!  I’ve also been told that I’m a somewhat comical sight when I have the two of them on their longer daily walks… my 65-pound dog on a retractable leash in my left hand, and this little 11-pounder prancing along on a regular leash on my right, sometimes walking in harmony until they start pulling in opposite directions with me standing still with my arms stretched way out… still better than two separate walks in this heat!!!

  • Outfit:  Nala Designs – Meryem Outfit.  Halterneck top with the cutest little denim shorts, sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, eBody, & Maitreya, the outfit includes a HUD with 8 patterns for the top & 8 solids for the shorts. The outfit is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 31st.  Demo available.
  • Shoes:  Nala Design – Meryem Timberland Sport Boots.  These boots with the matching outfit makes a look that is just so adorable! I don’t often go for cute, but how could I resist?  Includes a HUD with 20 colors to choose separately for the boot, the sole, the laces, the strap back, the decor laces, etc.  Also at the July Swank Event (not exclusive). Demo available.
  • Set:  Dreamland Designs – Kensie Garden Bench.  Includes the bench (which is FULL of a HUGE menu of single & couple animations), ground lanterns, banana planter, & a “Memories” sign (not used).  I just love the gently worn look of the bench & pillows… totally says that it’s a well-loved place to sit.  Available in both PG & Adult versions, EXCLUSIVELY at the July Swank Event, open from July 7th – 31st. 
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (new 3.1 update)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  Velour – Meg
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole; Marpesia – Beauty Mark V1
  • Eyes:  ARTE – Green Eyes
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Scout
  • Jewelry:  rise Design – Linosa Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Fashiowl – Hachiko (includes dog)
  • Cats:  KittyCatS! – Just a few of my breedable cats… they kept wandering into the shots, so I had to include them (they have the cutest AI)! I even have my own little store on MarketPlace to sell some of my extra kittens