Tag: Virtual Worlds

You’re the song I can’t get out of my head

Posted on by cejalaval

http://You're the song I can't get out of my head

My brain has been stuck on a song for days.  I can’t get it out of my head, and I don’t even know what song it is.  It’s starting to make me a bit batty, but I know that soon enough its power will diminish, and my life will return to its normal soundtrack.  Though admittedly, probably not for long.  I’m one of those obsessive personalities, where one thing just gets stuck… a song, a book, a creative project… something that suddenly claims the focal spot in my brain, where my thoughts just keep centering, no matter what I’m doing.  And yes, it happens with people too, though in that situation it’s more of a thoughts keep drifting to, rather than an obsessive focus (which is probably a good thing, otherwise it would be stalker mode lol!!!).  But back to that song…

  • Dress:  JUMO Originals – Brenda.   Classically sexy with a sweetheart neckline, this mid-calf dress hits all the right notes! Includes an optional sash belt plus a HUD with 20 rich satin colors & 10 printed textures (see the ad below).  100% ORIGINAL mesh & textures, Brenda is sized for Legacy, GenX Classic + Curvy, Maitreya & Signature, & is EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of Designer Showcase, open through Aug 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocca
  • Hair:  WINGSDG – ES0808
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Makeup:  Hype – “Something” Eyeshadow; Sequoia – Madalina BOM Eyeshadow
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Nails:  LIVIA – Mixit Pro Nails, Square
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Giselle Opal Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  KC Couture – Dacy Heels
  • Pose:  Focus Poses – My Piano Is My Happy Place

 

On Wings of Fancy

Posted on by cejalaval

http://On Wings of Fancy

I’m late… I’m SO late, but even a fae can’t control what happens outside in the real world.  And it’s been one of those times, when if it can go wrong , it will… not in any big OMG change my life forever way, just a lot of little straws trying to break that poor camel’s back.  One example — and I’m only going to give one, just as an example — the icemaker in the fridge broke.  No big deal, right? But this is Florida, where the tap water is lukewar but NEVER cold, and the temperature has been record-breaking with the index up around 110 or more every single day.  Life goes on, as it must, but it’s so much harder to function when you’re hot and tired and thirsty for something cold to drink… or to put on the back of your neck when you’re feeling faint outside… or to put in the dogs’ water so that THEY have something cold to drink.  And as I said, that’s just ONE example.  On top of that, the computer has been glitchy as has the internet and the cable… heat-related? maybe.  Maybe not.  None of it huge; just enough straws to cause delays in getting my blog out.  Life — both in the real world and on the grid — will go on.  Though maybe it’s just a flight of fancy…

  • Outfit:  Jangka Design – Daphnis Outfit w/ Aeldyn Wings.  Stunning little outfit, Daphnis elements include the outfit, the necklace, the armbands, the boots, & these fabulous Aeldyn wings which are also sold separately (I’m wearing the outfit in Purple & the wings in Spring)!  Sized for Legacy & Maitreya, she is 100% original mesh & is available in 6 colors.  I’m ashamed to say that this awesome fae ensemble was on this past weekend’s Secret Sale, but because of real life demands, I missed it (kind of the definition of RL now, isn’t it; sighs).  Demo available.  
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Petrichor – Vareni Muted in Daneries
  • Hair:  Nova – Zenith
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Sanya Horns
  • Makeup:   Loa – Gaia Face Paint;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lips
  • Eyes:  Gloom – Kuroshitsuji
  • Ears:  Venge – Ear Blushing EvoX; Swallow – Earrings E05 for EvoX
  • Pose:  Angel’s Art Pose (AAP) – The Magic of Fairies

Feeling the Heat in London

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Feeling the Heat in London

It feels like the part of the world where I live is melting… it’s just been so hot that I’m spending most of my time being a homebody, escaping into the AC.  I really can’t imagine living down here in Florida without it, I don’t know how people did it (and sadly, I’m sure there are still plenty of people who do; back in NY they opened up cooling centers in extreme heat so that those without AC had a place to go to cool off).  Bottom line, I’ve had a lot of time at home, so I’ve been spending a great deal of it inworld.  I’ve been very unhappy with what has happened to the neighborhood for my two mainland lots (one for human habitation, one for fae), so I’ve been shopping for/buying land.  And that means re-landscaping which I love love LOVE to do.  Small lots are challenging, both in terms of space AND prims, and I’m trying to do both lots without buying anything… just digging deep into the bottomless pits of inventory.  It’s amazing what you find!  I even found an animated sea turtle in the bottom of MY inventory which is perfect for Thea’s new mermaid area! I’m still waiting for my 2nd lot to come through (it’s on abandoned land), but it’s right next to Thea’s new home, which will really simplify my life inworld rather than having to keep TPing back and forth.  That said, I obviously took some breaks to work on shoots… and having just spent a few days in London back in June, this shot was just so much fun, bringing up memories from what was a really excellent time (though it was hot, hot, hot when we were in London, and unlike Florida, air conditioning is a LOT more limited… I thought I was going to pass out on one of those hop on/hop off buses without AC or even a fan!  We are so spoiled, but you learn to adjust, no matter where you are, because that’s just part of life! Enjoy it!

  • Outfit:  pm : purple moon creations – Iris Blouse & Trousers.  LOVE this look… the wrap straps, the sheer sleeves with that hint of flutter, the way the pants fit “just right”, & the patterns! So hard to choose for this shot! Each is sold in its own fatpack with a HUD (20 pattern textures for the blouse with 10 solids for the straps; 48 solids for the pants & for the belt) or as part of a Megapack with all choices included. (See the ad below.) Sized for Legacy+Perky, Maitreya, Kupra, & Reborn+Waifu, Iris is EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Hair:  Analog Dog – Zoey.  Three modifications to this fabulously curly style, plus the mix HUD with 94 preset textures to choose from plus a tinter!  Fitted mesh with materials enabled, Zoey is at the NEWLY updated TLC Event (The Liaison Collaborative), which is now a biweekly event featuring a mix of exclusives as well as discount items.  Zoey is specially priced at just 50L$ through August 16th!  Demo available. 
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Central London.  A {360} backdrop with materials enabled, there are so many different angles & shots — from the iconic red phone booth facing the London doubledecker bus & Big Ben to an equally iconic black cab with the Thames & Parliament to the street itself that is lined with storefronts & small residences with mailboxes — that you can use this backdrop again & again, & get a completely different pic each time. (See the ad below.)  This is a NEW RELEASE that is EXCLUSIVELY available at the new biweekly TLC Event (The Liaison Collaborative), through August 16th.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocca
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Glasses:  Bondi – Tony Sunglasses
  • Bag:  LaGyo – Summer Vibes Satchel Bag
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Ayla Moon Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXit] – Gothababy

Bad Habits

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Bad Habits

I’ve been thinking quite a bit lately about my bad habits… we all have them (at least, I think we do lol; and it should be noted that I’m NOT talking about nasty habits, which are something else entirely).  Some bad habits are lifelong — like late night snacking — which we fight to control day in, day out.  Others are new — like these stupid phone apps that suck you in where you’re thinking “why not, what’s $1.99” until the monthly bill comes, at which time you immediately hit DELETE APP.  Is Second Life a bad habit?  I know MANY people would say so, and in some ways, they’re right.  There was a time when SL was (in retrospect) way too high a priority for me.  I would turn down RL invitations because of someone I wanted to see or something I wanted to do on the grid.  And although I still spend quite a bit of time inworld (and quite a bit of money!), it’s more controlled, more centered on time that would otherwise be spent just watching the TV or other completely non-constructive activities, and budgeted with a monthly allowance that I’m comfortable with (though I’ll admit there are exceptions — new head, new body, new land — that come to mind, but NEVER on a whim any more).   I sometimes question my addiction, but the fact remains that for the most part, SL makes me happy and fulfills a need.  I love playing the grown-up version of Barbie; I love building and landscaping and creating (and recreating!) a home, I love setting up and doing photo shoots (I needed to take a bit of a break to rediscover that though); and I love spending time/talking with the friends I’ve made here.  So, bad habits?

  • Outfit:  {Le’La} – Serafina.   The minute I saw this outfit, I knew without hesitation that it was ME.  I love the cut, I love the rich satiny texture, I love the HUD with 35 colors that can be assigned individually to the left/right sides of the top, the left/right sides of the pants, the top band, & the pants laces so that I could create the perfect look for me at THIS moment, & then can create something completely different next time.  Sized for Legacy+Perky, Maitreya+Petite, GenX Classic+Curvy, Kupra, Reborn, & Erika, Serafina is EXCLUSIVELY available at the August round of Designer Showcase, open Aug 5th – 25th.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocca
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Dusk
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Hype – “Something” Eyeshadow;  theMars – Night Party Gloss
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Giselle Opal Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  [piXit] – Bad Habits

Daydreaming

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Daydreaming

If you’re familiar with my work, then you know I often have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in my hand, but rarely do I have a bottle of beer.  The reason is simple, I don’t like beer.  Occasionally, especially when it’s very very hot (like it is now) and I’m at an outdoor get-together of some kind, yes, it might be the best choice, but ever since a college party where a keg exploded or something (the memory is distinctly hazy for obvious reasons) and the smell got all over me, I just don’t enjoy it.  There is one huge HOWEVER, though… I love some European beer.  Imagine my shock when my husband ordered a flight of local beer in Belgium, and I loved, LOVED, two of the four beers.  So now this pic makes much more sense to me, because in my mind, SL beer takes just like Belgian beer lol!  Happy shopping!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – NEW!  Nadia.  I just love denim BUT it simply must have style (I’m obviously talking “not jeans”). Strapless & sleeveless, with a modified sweetheart neckline, a center seam, fabulous edging, & a built-in waist belt with a big buckle, Nadia is DEFINITELY stylish! Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack with a HUD for all colors.  ORIGINAL MESH with materials enabled, Nadia is sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, Love Momma, & Belleza GenX (Classic & Curvy).  She is EXCLUSIVELY available at the current Dubai Event, open July 20th – Aug 15th.  See the ad below; demo available.
  • Table & Stools:  CJ Creations – Essella Bistro Set.  This lovely little bistro set includes a table with “self-generating” props through a touch menu, stools filled with single & couple animations (I’m using one!), a table umbrella (not used for this shot), a round rug, & a philodendron (also not used).  See the ad below for additional details.
  • Pergola:  CJ Creations – Naxos Wisteria Garden Pergola.  Slatted pergola with beautiful hanging wisteria & ivy, perfect for providing some much needed shade in the summer heat.  Includes a touch menu to choose any of 3 woods.  See the ad below for details.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocca
  • Hair:  S-Club – Sara
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Hype – “Something” Eyeshadow; Chinoca Store – Raven Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  Maxi Gossamer – Tarentella Gypsy Dancer Necklace, Bracelet & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Shoes:  Lapointe & Bastchild – Swear Naomi Sandals

Fair Weather Fae

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Fair Weather Fae

I’m so glad I’m a fae and not living in the real world, where it’s just so hot.  It’s all everyone is talking about, the heat, the rain, the heat, the weather, the heat… So lovely to escape here to my magical land where the weather is always exactly how I want it to be, where I’m never too hot or too cold.  And if anything isn’t to my liking, well, I just sprinkle a little fairy dust and poof! it’s just want I want…  My poor human, sitting there wilting IRL, dreading the half-hour dog walk where she inevitably comes back drenched with sweat, collapsing in the A/C…  well, I guess this is what a fantasy escape is all about!!! Stay cool!

  • Outfit:  Petrichor & Ersch– Awylinde.  Multi-wear options in this beautiful goddess-inspired dress.  10 single colors available as well as 40-color HUD packs in 7 different fabric textures for top, skirt, & panty, plus a secondary HUD for the metals & jewels or a megapack containing ALL options.  There is also an add-on for sheer embossed skirts.  Sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya + Petite, Mounds, Kupra, & Reborn, she is originally created for Fantasy Faire & is now available at the mainstore.   See the ad below; demo available.
  • CJ Creations – Pond Forest with Swan & Fireflies.  This lovely little stone-walled pond includes a tree of an entwined couple, a swan family (one of which is animated), wildflowers, fireflies, even a little frog sitting on lilies floating on beautifully animated water.  See the ad below for additional details.
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Stargazer – Femme Pixie in Periwinkle
  • Hair:  Nova – Zenith
  • Horns:  Petrichor – Stranded Swyrl Horns
  • Makeup:   Loa – Gaia Face Paint;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lips
  • Tattoo:  Juna – Naimi
  • Wings:  Celeste – Seelie Bento Wings
  • Jewelry:   Petrichor – Maliana Cuffs (Armlets, Anklets, Wrist Cuffs)
  • Pose:  IDK – Pack #183 (includes butterflies)

A Gothic Tale

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Gothic Tale

I always find Gothic tales to be a bit unsettling, even the romances, everything is just so dark and forbidding.  What I also find unsettling is when EVERYTHING seems to be going just wrong enough to totally stress me out.  And yes I rarely vent RL angst in my fantasy posts, but I find that I really need to!  It’s all little stuff, but you know what they say about straws!  First, I shifted wireless carriers and bought new phones for the family, two of which needed to be shipped.  One involved tricky timing, but I was guaranteed (GUARANTEED!) that there was more than enough time.  Needless to say, that phone was delayed, information was not forthcoming, and my stress level was skyrocketing.  As soon as that seemed to be resolved after a full 24 hours of personal insanity, and I was able to concentrate on my photo shoot, I was unable to log into SL.  Then when I finally logged in, I had no body, things wouldn’t rez.  Hard to do a photo shoot.  That took several hours to full resolve.  When my photoshoot was complete, I went to start writing this post, and discovered that my website was down… very very frustrating and actually a bit terrifying since my web skills are extremely weak, leaving me with no alternatives other than a straight Flickr upload with a bit of copy (and yes, plenty of bloggers do that successfully, but it’s just not my way).  Thankfully the outage was only a few hours, and the site is obviously back up and running, but I am WAAAY behind schedule!  It’s been a bit of a horror show… so perhaps the gothic drama is pretty perfect timing!  And on we go to the next thing!

  • Dress:  Poet’s Heart – Helmiina.   Two very different looks in one package!  I’m wearing Helmiina as a gown with a long-sleeved coat but you can also choose to wear her as a strapless gown with shoulder ornamentation (see below).  Choose colors for the top, the skirt, the shoulder ornamentation, the coat, & the trim with the included HUD.  Note the texture with the bare trees… it’s stunning!   Helmiina comes in four color packs plus a fatpack; each color pack has 6 gown colors plus black & white.  She is sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is available at the specially reduced price of 50% OFF at the current round of We Love Role Play, open July 4th – 28th.  Demo available.
  • Windows:  Dabble – Dorian Gothic Window.  Fabulous mood-inducing gothic decor.  Includes two sizes (Wide & Regular), both of which I used; two different frames; three different window scenes (two of which I used).  EXCLUSIVELY available for 25% OFF at the XXX Original Event, July 13th – August 3rd. (Note that this is their anniversary round, so there are gifts at every booth!)
  • Head & Ears:  LeLUTKA – Gaia Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  Birth – Fae
  • Hair:  Oblivion – Middle Age
  • Horns:  Les Encantades – Capri Horns
  • Makeup:   Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 2; Rubedo – tyrilly;  StunnerOriginals – Bellatrix Lips
  • Tattoo:  Petrichor – Rosalune (GROUP GIFT)
  • Wings:  Aii and Ego – Fairy Wings
  • Pose:  Black Tulip – Angel

 

Sounds of Summer

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sounds of Summer

No matter where you live, summer has its own sounds.  Back when I had little kids, it was a totally different soundtrack, one of screaming and laughing and running feet and slamming doors and a constant “Mom, Mom, Mom, Mom”… down here, it’s much more of an environmental sound track.  The birds are more plentiful and more vocal… and these are prehistoric type birds, so they’re huge and so are their voices.  We live on a good-size pond, so in addition to the bird life, we also have giant splashes from turtles, which are especially noticeable after dark.  It can get a little spooky hearing movement and kerplops and strange calls in the pitch black outside of our lanai.  I’m a huge night owl (but my husband is not); I’m often right here, on the computer in those ultra late-night hours, but when I’m not, I’m often out there on the lanai reading a book, and at some point that nighttime soundtrack emanating from the blackness makes my hackles rise and I get too nervous to stay out there alone.  Last night a palmetto bug suddenly dropped next to me when I was working on this post (driven inside by all the rain, no doubt) and disappeared behind my giant bulleting board hanging next to me. I freaked (but quietly); I was afraid to take down the bulletin board by myself… I had visions of a nest of swarming palmetto (similar to the bats we had behind an outside shutter in NY), jumping on me while I screamed and my husband slept through it all. An X-files episode in the making, with me the subject! Needless to say, the post got pushed to be worked on once I was able to take down the board in the daylight with hubby helping… And it took me hours to fall asleep, every little sound was them massing.  Shudders…  the stuff of nightmares.  I much prefer the sounds of the birds as they announce their arrival or protect their nest…  Well, I’m running late, lots to do, lots to do!  Happy weekend!!!!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Inga Dress.  Big bold tropical dress with a plunge front with just the right amount of draping, thigh splits & a bare back… plus kick-ass heels (not shown) & a matching C-string, all in a big bold tropical print… now that’s perfect for summer!  Complete sets are available in 10 individual colors or in a HUD-driven Fatback that includes 13 textures (Dress, heels, C-string), all 100% Original Textures.  Inga is sized for Legacy + Perky, Maitreya, GenX Classic + Curvy, Kupra, & Reborn, & is EXCLUSIVELY at the Summer Edition of the UniK Event, open July 7th – Sept 2nd.  Demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocha
  • Hair:  Doux – Toxic
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Makeup:  Heron – Pamela BOM Eyeshadow;  Dernier – Eyeliner Set Vol 1; Chinoca Store – Raven Lipstick
  • Nails:  Miumiu – #38
  • Jewelry:  Real Evil Industries – LUX Nia Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Phoebe

A Room with a View

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Room with a View

Hot… it’s so very hot… I really wonder sometimes how people lived in this climate without air conditioning.  Yet they did, and sadly many still do.  Luckily, I have plenty of AC.. in the house, in the car, anywhere I go indoors.  I expect to be hot when I play golf, but it’s handle able —  I always have iced water and an iced towel handy, a fan going in the golf cart, and if it’s still too hot, I just don’t play.  I also expect to be hot when I walk the dog around 6:30p or so (moved from the earlier 6P time) but it’s definitely NOT as handle able — I’m a sodden exhausted mess by the time I return desperately needing fluid and some cold water on my face and neck, the dog is panting and exhausted, so I’ve had to severely curtail the length of the walk or one or both of us might collapse.  (I’d delay it till when it’s cooler, but when nature calls, etc etc, you do what you have to do.)  But indoors in the AC? Totally different story… and that opens up a whole new range of possibilities now, doesn’t it.  Stay cool!

  • Dress:  Carol’s Store – NEW!  Karina Lingerie.  Beautiful lace lingerie set, simple & elegant. Choose from 10 single textures or a fatpack with a HUD for all colors.  Original mesh with materials enabled, Karina is sized for Legacy, Maitreya, Kupra, Khara, Reborn, Erika, Persephone, & Belleza GenX (Classic & Curvy), she is EXCLUSIVELY available at the current round of the Reborn Event, open through July 7th.  See the ad below; demo available.
  • Head:  LeLUTKA – Nova Head (EvoX)
  • Body:  LEGACY – Mesh Body Special Edition, Feminine
  • Skin:  [theSkinnery] – Alanis in Mocca
  • Hair:  bonbon – Noise
  • Eyes:  lovelysweet – Brown-Eyed Girl
  • Freckles/Moles:  DS’ELLES – Charm Moles
  • Tattoo:  Carol G – Lutea Roses
  • Jewelry:  Minimal – Chelin Letter Necklace; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  STUN Poses – Wanda
  • Dog:  JIAN – King Charles Spaniel Decor
  • Backdrop:  Synnergy Tavis – Tropical Dream

All I Want Is A Room Somewhere…

Posted on by cejalaval

http://All I Want is a Room SomewhereDreamland Designs – Designer Showroom:  Living Room Set.   It can be challenging to create the perfect room; some sets work well with others, some may not.  Dreamland Designs can help, by showcasing room set-ups that incorporate bits & pieces from various sets to create that “look.”  The set pairs the Clair Fringed Sofa with the Kerwin chair, both of which are filled with single & couple animations (PG or Adult, your choice!).  This showroom also includes the Loft Brick fireplace with art frames (fireplace clicks on/off), the Claire glass coffee tables with decor, the Countryside round side table with its macrame lamp (clicks on/off), the Countryside distressed console table with a candle/decor tray, the Tranquility rustic bookcase (filled), the Claire wall shelf, 4 rugs, floor basket planter,  BOHO hanging decor, & the chandelier (which has on/off touch).  Both versions (PG/Adult) are currently available at the main store for the special reduced DESIGNER SHOWROOM price.  Come check out the full display for yourself!

NOTE: I’ve added some additional accessories & a couple of sleeping dogs to further personalize the showroom… you can do so much with this living room look!