Tag: Virtual Worlds

An English Garden

Posted on by cejalaval

http://An English Garden

This beautifully peaceful scene has special meaning to me after this week.  On one hand, it’s been anything BUT peaceful.  And on the other, well, I’ll just say that it’s certainly been an interesting week.  Like so many others, Isaias dealt me a blow.  We lost a big tree in our back yard, that fell absolutely perfectly with branches up against our newly-finished deck — finished less than 48 hours earlier! — and against the windows of the kitchen.  Incredibly, the damage to the house and deck were minimal — we’ll need new gutters, a minor fix here and there — but our barbecue was crushed.  I have these visions of it heroically throwing itself in the way of the tree, deflecting its fall just enough to create this miraculous landing.  You’d think that was the hardship, right? But what really made this a tough week was that the storm knocked out all cable service in the area.  No phone, no tv, no internet… our cell phones barely functioned… and that all meant no Second Life and no blogging.  I won’t lie, it won’t be easy to catch up.  Thankfully, I had today’s pic done before all connections were lost, so I’m back in gear sooner than would otherwise be the case unless I rushed.  And I try never ever to rush because the result is inevitably sub-standard work, and that’s not fair to ANY sponsor.  Bottom line, I’m baaaaack, and ready to go!  Happy shopping!

Dreamland Designs – English Garden Complete.  A beautiful oasis of serenity, this somewhat formal garden centers around an angel fountain with water gently falling from faucets on all four sides — two of which feature sun medallions, the water gently rippling over the ceramic squares inside it.  (See below for a closeup view.) The garden itself is made of concrete, includes built-in seating in all corners backed by flowers moving gently in the air, surrounded by a low green hedge, with openings on all four sides.  Naturally all the seats include bento single & couple animations (adult or PG, depending on version).  The set also includes two willow trees (& they’re copy if you want more) & two red maples (also copy) plus a variety of animated birds (sparrow, goldfinch, & a wandering pigeon), all of which are optional & can be placed wherever it pleases you.  It might be done in the English garden style, but it certainly fits just about any landscaping! EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th.

Full Moon Cigarette

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Full Moon Cigarette

As a long-time ex-smoker, I have to admit that cigarettes still hold a certain allure.  Don’t get me wrong, I’d never EVER go back to smoking cigarettes… health risks aside, it’s a dirty extremely expensive habit that turns me off big-time in real life.  But what DOES still appeal to me is the mystique surrounding the act of that solitary cigarette, all alone except for your thoughts, your memories… just standing there, completely self-absorbed in contemplation for the length of that one act… and then crushing it out, and returning to your life, as it were.  Yes, it’s a romantic image, very far from the ugly reality, but it’s one that lingers, like a wisp of smoke in the air.  Bottom line, I will continue to daydream with smoking as a prop, as a tool to my imagination… but no, not ever again in real life…

  • Outfit:  Pink Cherry – Casual Outfit “Aubrey”.  I’m not quite sure as to the classification of Aubrey as a “casual outfit” (though it’s definitely not a dressy one), but I’m VERY sure that it’s got a style perfect for every closet.  The short little leather skirt buttons up the front; the belted top doesn’t belt at the waist as you might expect… instead it belts “empire style”, right underneath the deep v neckline, creating a wonderful little blousing effect.  In 9 color options (I’m wearing the red/black) & a fatpack, Aubrey is sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, TMP, & Classic, & is available EXCLUSIVELY at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th. Demo available.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Doux – Mecca
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeliner;  DS’Elles – Scandalous Hunger Lipgloss
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Jewelry:  NO MATCH – NO.DIAMOND loops; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Secret Poses – Scarlett #6
  • Backdrop:  MINIMAL Gallery – Omnia

Prim Precious

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Prim Precious

As my human counterpart talked about in an earlier post, my elven partner and I seem to have outstayed our welcome at her home.  Even though we had restricted ourselves to the farthest corner of the property in order to ensure privacy for both us and them, we were not so subtly encouraged to vacate the premises.  She wanted us out of there so badly she even gave me use of some of her premium allotment to get a Linden home.  Themed communities are relatively new when it comes to Linden homes; it was one of the things they introduced earlier this year when they updated the linden homes.  Now in addition to offering a variety of home styles, there are also four “first-generation themes”, one of which is Elderglen, or fantasy dwellings.  I had my choice of 4 styles, one of which really is pretty perfect for elven folk.  But the downside is that (a) personal outdoor space is almost non-existent, and (b) you only get 175 prims (not counting the house).  Since the outdoors and nature is very important to us as fantasy folk, I chose a home style with a rooftop for outside decor.  I’ve been working hard to make our nest both stylish and comfy, reflecting who we are, but the fact remains that when you only have 175 prims, every single prim is precious, and every design decision is critical.  Our home is situated right on the water, so I knew that I wanted outdoor seating where we could lounge and watch the sunset and the way the moonlight sparkles on the water.  I also knew that as a fantasy creature herself, one of my sponsors — Tylar at Tylar’s Treasures — does some amazing fantasy-style creations as well as many that could go “either way”, so that is where I went first.  And I was thrilled to find the Brantley Collection, which has now taken its place as the waterfront viewing spot of our new home.  (And with all the great animations that are included, I’m sure we’ll be doing more than just watching the sky and the water lol!)

Tylar’s Treasures – Brantley Boho Collection.  A previous event release, this awesome set is now available at the store.  For me, it offers so much style & variety & useability for an extremely reasonable amount of prims!

  • Brantley Boho Hanging Chair – Includes the very-natural looking wood & metal stand, & of course the chair itself.  Available in both bento adult & cuddle versions, it even includes two dances.  You can also change the color of the cushions to any of 5 choices, each of which matches one of the cushions in the pillow pile. The land impact for all this awesomeness is only 8!
  • Brantley Boho Pillow Pile — A comfy pile of 5 artfully arranged pillows, each in a different color (& as I said above, each of which can be used as the cushion color for the chair).  Filled with bento animations for single females, cuddles, & dances.  Sets up perfectly against the tree roots on the roof, with a land impact of just 5.

Irresistible to Mermaids

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Irrisistible to Mermaids

I’m physically a mess when it comes to my lower extremities.  I recently had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in my knee, but for years I’ve suffered with painful feet and ankles that swell to the size of softballs which I’ve just learned is due to severe arthritis.   Perhaps this is why the idea of being a mermaid is so appealing to me, to not have to deal with all the painful difficulties I have with my legs (though somehow I think I’d probably be at the mer-doctor to see about a painful crick in my tail lol).  In any case, I absolutely loved the whole mermaid look I created back at the Fantasy Faire.  And this truly awesome Little-Mermaid-inspired single pose and prop was just too hard to resist, so I brought her back from the depths in order to squeeze in a blog before the month ended.  Includes a wonderfully detailed scenic prop on it’s own bed of sand that includes the pose; fork is included too, though my favorite thing are the bubbles!  An awesome piece of decor for any underwater scene, even when not going through your collection!  And of course now that I’m back in mermaid form, I have the urge to flip my tail and go exploring the deep… happy shopping!

  • Pose/Props – Something New Props & Poses – I’ve Got Thingamabobs.  As I said above, the detail is amazing, ON ALL SIDES.  (See below for a back angle.)  Should be stamped “irristible to mermaids,” & it’s EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Twe12ve event, an Evil Bunny Production, closing very soon on July 30th. 
  • 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 – Everlasting worn in Cotton Candy (BOM) with the browless option.  Available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  Shape & demos also available.
  • Scales:  Nefekalum Tattoos – Ghost Blue
  • Hair:  Firelight – Wilma, Fantasy Gradient Edition
  • Makeup:  [ae] Adam & Eve – Fantasy Eyeshadow
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers), Set 1
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Mermaid Tail & Outfit:  La Perla Boutique – Mermaid Set
  • AO:  KAMI-HITOE – Merfolks Starters AO
  • Location:  KingsDale and Siren’s Bay

The End of the Road

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The End of the Road

Wow, I’ve been so busy in both real life and in SL dealing with moving!  We’ve made so much progress on our house that we should be ready to do pix and get it listed next week.  And here on the grid, I’ve been busy moving my alt & her partner to new fantasy digs because although I’d loved what I’d created for them at the back of the property, they were starting to hog all my resources, which for someone like me simply can’t be tolerated!  So with all this work, I’ve turned to what has always been my relaxing release… going for a lovely long aimless drive in beautiful surroundings.  And no, I don’t own a motorcycle IRL (though I surely do adore riding on the back of one, my arms wrapped tightly around the driver), but hey, that’s what SL is for, right? To do all the things you can’t IRL!  And on that note, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  YoU by GeMyles – Enchtris Check Outfit & Boots.  With a belted blazer over a pair of shorts with dynamite heels, this is definitely a sexy look that can create its own heat wave!  The miniskirt has a HUD with 10 different plaids; the top & thigh-high boots are in black only.  Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V,  & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 07/20 Girls Heaven Event open July 26th – August 19th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Clover
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Whiskey Smokey Eyeshadow; LUXRebel – “LOVE Y” Group Gift Lipstick
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Sofia Earrings; RealEvil Industries – Aqvila Bracelets; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Tattoo:  ShitStorm – Darkness Tattoo
  • Pose:  CNZ – Motorbike

Summertime Blues

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Summertime Blues

I love summer, I do.  Although those years of hopping the train after work on Fridays to go up to my parent’s house by the lake for nonstop weekend activity are LOOOONG gone, somehow that’s still the image that comes to mind when I think of summer.  Close behind it are those years filled with activities with my own kids.  But this year feels so different, so many of the things I’ve continued to do even as I got older — craft fairs, outdoor concerts, barbecues, travel — are just not in the realm of possibility this year.  I haven’t even been able to play golf because I was in post-surgical mode.  And now we’re in the middle of a heat wave.  So yes, the summertime blues have got me in their grip (even though for totally different reasons than in the song)… Hmmm, I guess I need to do something drastic to snap myself out of it.  For right now, I’ll just keep reminding myself that I DO LOVE SUMMER, and dress the part! Happy shopping!

  • Shirt:  Tastic – Women’s Kai Knotted Top.  That perfect little top to throw on all summer, it just fits so well showing the perfect amount of cleavage.  And, in 6 colors or as a fatpack, it goes with everything! Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/V, Voluptuous, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.  Men’s version available too!
  • Flag:  sonder – Summertime Yard Flag.  A store created for the imagination & vibrance of the children of Second Life, sonder always does such wonderful family-oriented type things.  Since I don’t have children in Second Life, many of them just don’t work for me (their clothes are adorable though, for those who do!). But their outdoor items are just so cute, & I decided that planting my flag is a positive action to take to de-blue myself! Includes texture Change – 4 types of metal post & 6 different flags. Available EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_SUBJECT
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:   DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Shorts:  MOZ Designs – “Riley” Belted Shorts
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Parisienne Love Heart Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  K&S Store – Lana
  • Peacock & Flowers:  Morgan Sim Designs – Flower Garden with Peacock

Sandcastles

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sandcastles

It’s been a little while since I’ve blogged male fashion.  To be honest, there’s just not as much male fashion out there as there is for women, so finding the gems that make me want to blog this instead of that is pretty difficult.  That said, this shirt just made me do it!  It’s not easy finding Hawaiian-style shirts with that casually relaxed masculine vibe. This shirt definitely made me take more than a second look, and it absolutely demanded to be blogged.  I’d love to come up with some clever line tieing it in to sand castles, but it’s testing my creativity at the moment… it’s early and I need coffee, so I’ll let you create your own metaphors…  Happy shopping!

  • Shirt:  AnaSTyle – Alessio Tropical Shirt.   In 6 tropical & floral textures, available individually or as a fatpack. Sized for Slink, Belleza Jake, & Signature Gianni.  EXCLUSIVELY at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th.  Demo available.
  • Head & Skin:  Akeruka (AK) – Clay (deluxe bento, with BOM)
  • Body:  Slink – Male Physique Mesh Body
  • Hair:  Sintiklia – Justin
  • Eyes:  IKON – Odyssey
  • Pose:  IDK Poses – Pack #88, pose 5
  • Sandcastle:  Careless – Sand Castle

Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Memory, all alone in the moonlight

Memories (and no, I promise I won’t sing the song, but I included the lyrics on my post in case YOU want to lol).  Memories have been thick about me lately.  In preparation for the big upcoming move (still a couple of months away), one of the things I’ve been doing is going through lots of old photo albums and boxes of snapshots.  There’s something to be said for pre-digital memories… rather than just looking at a screen, you’re holding them in your hand, which in some ways makes them feel a bit more substantial.  Sorting through decades of old photos really triggers some of those old memories… you recall more than just the image, but also sounds, smells, tastes, all the sensations you might have experienced at the time.  Remembering friends and family who are gone, either by death or just by drifting away.  And it’s not just photos… cleaning out closets I’ve been smelling perfumes that haven’t been worn in a while, choosing “keep” or “toss”, previously loved books, and all those little knick-knacks that accumulate over a lifetime of living in one place.  I’m a sentimental sort, so there’s just so much to wade through, there are times the memories just get overwhelming.  And there have been so many moments where I just sit and close my eyes, and remember the way it was…  years down the line, will I be doing the same about THIS moment in time?

  • Outfit:  Skindustrial Bodyworks (SKBW) – Paradise Dress in Yellow.  It’s hard to say what I like best about this little tropical dress.  Each of the 4 textures are very different but equally fantastic, every single one providing not just a different color but also a very different look.  The overall style of the dress is also phenomenal, with a dark semi-sheer cut-out in the neck & another in the back (see below), each with the pattern itself continuing onto the new texture.  Did I say “fabulous”!?!  Sized for Tonic, Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Altamura, Legacy, Starbody, Signature, & Maitreya, this knockout is EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th.
  • Hanging Decor:   Swank & Co. –  Hanging Red Macaw Heats, Lanai version.  A charming little piece of tropical decor to add that little extra something to your outdoor space.  Also available in a Green Macaw version (see below), as well as in “Dichro” versions with additional hanging crystals.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the July round of the Swank Event, open July 7th – 30th. 
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty (worn with Booty Control), in the new updated version
  • Skin:  theSkinnery – Isla in Mocca, new at Collabor88
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Vigil
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Makeup:  StunnerOriginals – Eyeshadow Amorous;  DS’Elles – Pucker up Lipgloss
  • Jewelry:   Bliensen + MaiTai – Lamiya Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Empowered – Perfume Poses #3 (front pose); Simply Dvyne Poses – Reaching (back pose)

A Poet’s Heart

Posted on by cejalaval

http://A Poet's Heart

I get so excited when I have the opportunity to blog something that falls under “fantasy,” although I guess some would argue that EVERYTHING in Second Life fits under that headline.  But for me, there is a very obvious difference… the world of fantasy is one that doesn’t reflect modern life, so it includes all the fantasy creatures (fairies, elves, mermaids, centaurs, furries, and more), as well as medieval, steampunk, and futuristic genres. I’m sure there are more that aren’t coming to mind, but the point is that they all represent things that just don’t fit into our everyday existence.  As I’ve said previously, many years ago I had created an alt to play in SL as a fae, rather than “dress up” my regular avatar.  Doing fantasy as Ceja felt like wearing a costume; dressing in my fantasy clothes as Thea felt more “real” and part of every day because it’s just who she was.   Back when the Fantasy Faire was happening, I was excited to revive and update my fae existence, and now really yearn to blog more fantasy.  I’m SOOO thrilled to have a new fantasy sponsor, Poet’s Heart, that will truly help me spread my wings and fly!  Just the first post of what I promise to be many more!

  • Outfit:  Poet’s Heart – Jane.  A simple but beautiful gown, with optional sleeves & a HUD that offers total ability to customize the look, by changing the not just the color of the gown, nut also your choice of solid & patterned textures for the corset, colors for the laces on the corset, the lace edging, & even the metallic details.  See the pic below for a full-length shot of this stunning outfit.  It’s sized for Hourglass & Maitreya, & is available in a Floral Pack, a Goth Pack, a Happy Pack, a Virginal Pack, a Lively Pack, or a full Fatpack.  So many looks from one outfit, it truly is a fantasy!
  • Accessories:  Melt – Peony Necklace in Plum; Fae Headdress in Purple (gacha items)
  • Shoes:  Rogue Echo – Vita Light Heels
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Skin:  Soul – Jalyn, Ranitormeya V2 Skin, in the FF20 tone
  • Hair:  EMO-tions – Symphonia
  • Brows:  Simple Bloom – Genus Lara/Dawn Glitter/Stars (GIFT)
  • Eyes:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Starlet Eyes (Genus Appliers)
  • Horns:  Eclectica – Crystal Satyr Horns Fatpack
  • Ears:  Swallow – Pixie Ears Protruding
  • Lipstick:  {Demicorn} Cosmetics – Nightmare Lippies (Genus Appliers)
  • Wings:  Seven’s Selections (now Vaengi Wings) – Floral Lace Wings
  • Pose (full-length shot):  Stardust – Aurelia #5
  • Location:  Farhaven