Tag: SLPhotography

Communing with Nature

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Communing with Nature

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

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

Blue in Paradise

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Blue in Paradise

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

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

Oh no, I did it again

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Oh no, I did it again

Timing.  One of those things that is not always top-of-mind but that is so crucial in our both our day-to-day existence and in those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.  Sometimes timing is on your side; sometimes it’s not.  One thing is definite though… this pandemic has impacted all of our routines and in some cases, thrown timing to the winds.  I for one am spending more time inworld now during the days, but  am finding it increasingly difficult to come in during my “normal” evening hours.  This is affecting my blogging and also my relationships, because I’m just not able to be on when many of my friends are, including my partner.  It’s hard and it’s not fair… I make plans, I don’t show up on time, and I can’t even get the word out that I’ll be late.  I feel terrible about it, but the fact remains that real life does and must come first, even when it’s hard.  Well, life goes on, real and on the grid.  Which means one thing… Time for a little shopping therapy!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Pavati Shorts Outfit.  I love this little shorts set so much, it’s my 2nd time blogging it (something I very VERY rarely do).  Perfect on land or sea, Pavati is a complete outfit including a tank top in stripes or solids, the most adorable short skirt with two rows of buttons up the front & a zipper in the back, plus knee-high gladiator sandals.  Pavati is sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, TMP, Maitreya, & Classic.  Available in several fatpacks & or in any of the 6 separate colors.  All textures are ORIGINAL. 
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – NEW! My GALIA in Black/White.  Just an awesome little striped clutch,  perfect for all-around wear.  Attaches to hand.  Available in 5 colors, each for just 99L.  
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Anne-Sofie, worn in Caramel browless
  • Hair:  Doux – Brandie
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Royalty Eyes in Tropical
  • Brows:  DS’Elles – Eyebrows Series 8 (Omega)
  • Chair:  CJ Creations – Capolona Rocking Chair

 

Hang10 Covid 19-style

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Hang10 Covid19-style

Wow, hard to believe it’s just about June. And, of course here on the grid, that means it’s bikini time! As my followers know, I don’t like showing TOO much; I always like to maintain a slight bit of mystery (sometimes a VERY slight bit, but still).  So you won’t see me blogging any teeny tiny squares of fabric that just barely cover anything at all; not that there’s anything wrong with them, they’re just not my style.  What you WILL see are what i consider to be well-designed, beautifully styled swimwear for both sexes. I’m sure mine will still show plenty of skin (like this one does), but they will be more aligned with my personal style, allowing me to both feel comfortable and maintain the privacy that matters to me.  Now if I could just get to a beach!!!!  Happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  MOZ Designs –  “South Beach” Bikini.  A stunning bikini with just the right amount of dangling fringe, available in 8 individual solids/prints, a Fatpack of 6 Solids, a Fatpack of 6 Prints, or a Superpack of all 12.  All the packs include a HUD where you can not only change the texture of the bikini but also of the edging & the fringe.  See the closeup below of this original fitmesh sized for Tonic, Slink, Belleza I/F, eBody, Eve, Maitreya, & now Legacy.  Group members remember to wear your tag for a discount!
  • Backdrop:  Captured Waters – Got this stay at home licked. Comes with a laundry room background, floor, a mesh ironing board, a quality static pose, big wave picture & smiling fun.  I wish staying at home was really this much fun!!!! A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Head, Brows, Skin, Eyes:  LOGO – Josie, skin in Almond tone
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control).  I find that the Tonic bodies are truly the most natural curves on the grid with options to add that extra oomph how & if you want it & others to minimize the bust &/or the butt.
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Cerys
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Pose for Closeup:  STUN Poses – Zaira

Surf, sand, & THAT little talk

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Surf, sand & THAT little talk

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

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

Crichton is wearing:

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

Nesting Boho Style

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Nesting Boho Style

I feel like I’m sounding like a broken record with all these posts of BOHO room settings, but the fact remains that I’m a BOHO girl and this is my absolute favorite home style.  When I move in real life sometime in the fall, we’re not taking any of our furniture (northeastern style just really doesn’t translate well to Florida!), I doubt I’ll be able to do this style nearly as easily, but I’m definitely going to try!  In fact, THIS room in particular may well act as a guide for my new bedroom, though without the magic inventory closet I’ll obviously need places to put my clothes lol…  But I really can’t think of a more stylish, more comfortable, more inviting nest!

Casa de Bebe:  Saffron Bedroom.  I  LOVE the fresh look of this set! With all its decorative pillows & mix of fabrics on a bed frame I would give quite a bit to own IRL, the bed just beckons to lie down & get comfy.  The whole style of the set is BOHO with a slight Mexican/African/southwestern bent, perfect for a log house like mine but also for a modern city apartment, a country cottage or whatever. LOADED with animations, for singles & couples, as described below.  This set was designed so perfectly, I used EVERYTHING in the set.  Fatpacks for Mature or Adult EXCLUSIVELY available at the May Swank Event, May 7th – 30th.  Items are also available for purchase separately, as follows:

  • Saffron Bed – Available in Mature with 45 M/F Single/Couples animations or in Adult with 100 M/F/FF Single/Couples/Sex animations. Texture change for dust ruffle from the saffron (shown) to solid ivory.
  • Decorative Saffron Ladder Chair & Blanket – 6 color texture change for the blanket. The chair is “decorative” which means no animations.
  • Saffron Wicker Tables
  • 3 Bohemian Rugs (Black & White Wool Rug, Vintage Kilim Moroccan Rug in Natural, Ivory & Black Vintage Moroccan Kilim Rug), all of which are separate so you can layer or spread as works best for your room layout
  • Saffron African Wall Plates
  • Antique Console Table
  • Books Cage with Red Bird
  • Ball Cactus, Ball Cactus Basket (large), Ball Cactus Basket (small)
  • Saffron Lanterns
  • Areca Palm
  • Oaxacan Planter
  • Tesoro Hanging Lantern

Also used:

  • Evolving Images:  Painted Wooden Cat, available at the May Swank Event until the 30th.  (Also used but just offscreen is the Teal Tall Vase with Sticks)
  • NaughtyBits:  Brandi Bedroom Wall Hanging
  • Image Essentials: Sleeping Cat

An island of bliss and serenity

Posted on by cejalaval

http://An island of bliss and serenity

Every body needs balance, and for fitness and well being, finding tension and releasing it within your body, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, works as well as a massage.  I’m desperately missing my visits to the message therapist IRL… aches and pains are a daily reminder of how my wellness goals have fallen by the wayside.  Since my county in NY is still “on pause” till mid-June at least, there’s not much I can do about massage therapy for my poor aching body, but I CAN make sure that my avatar doesn’t suffer the same fate!  I debated between setting up a separate pavilion somewhere on the property, similar to what you find at a vacation resort, but I opted for creating a corner of peace and body bliss in my home with this awesome set from Simple Reflections.  It looks great, feels amazing, and is filled with animations for massage and more private adult activities as well.  How perfect is that?!?

Simple Reflections:  

  • Massage Table Full Set.  10 individual pieces — massage table; massage table counter; oil diffuser & book (animated diffuser continually cycles through colors); pan picture frame; potted spider bamboo; egg lamps.  Includes a texture HUD for 7 color fabrics, 6 wood colors. With massage animations for feminine to masculine, masculine to feminine, & adult.  EXCLUSIVELY at the May Swank Event, open until May 31st. 
  • Cushy Lounger, with texture changer HUD. Original mesh, with 8 different diffuse colors in plush, & two additional sets of specular enhancement (dots or stripes) for advanced lighting.  Includes male/female/couple animations.  The perfect accompaniment to your massage corner!  Also available at the May Swank Event, through the end of the month.

Time for a Tom Collins

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Time for a Tom Collins

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

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