Tag: Virtual Worlds

Secret Fantasy Hideaway

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Secret Fantasy Hideaway

And the Fairelands are open! That’s right, Fantasy Faire 2020 has begun, open from April 23rd – May 10th! As an official blogger (!!!!) I had a day’s early access, and I spent hours just wandering and exploring.  It’s absolutely amazing, the amount and the quality of the creativity that has been poured lovingly into the 18 regions (13 shopping regions plus 5 Faireland realms that take us beyond commerce, from a Memorial Garden to the Fairelands Quest, the Literary Festival, Performance Stages, from Art Galleries to the Worldling Collection).  And yes, it’s all to celebrate the world of fantasy, but there’s a very serious purpose behind this gathering, and that’s Building A World Without Cancer.  These very talented designers have all created & donated items whose purchase will go towards the fight against cancer. It truly is shopping with a purpose!

So whether you’re a confirmed fantasy enthusiast, into role-playing, or just enjoy exploring and seeing the depth and breadth of imagination that exists in this virtual world we share, come visit Fantasy Faire 2020.  The Faire has reawakened the slumbering fae within me, and I have been very busy bringing her up-to-date and creating a new look (she’s been asleep for years, before the dawn of mesh); you’ll be seeing and hearing from her in the days and weeks to come, and she i considering joining my blog as an ongoing contributor. Perhaps the Fantasy Faire will ignite a spark within you too… there’s so much to see and do! I’ll be featuring just a few select items on my pages. Here are some VERY useful links for visiting the region (or you just can TP in and wander!):

— the full shopping guide for the Faire — https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/shopping-2020/

— Calendar of Events — https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/calendar/

Swank & Co.:  At the Fantasy Faire, this store is located in the realm of Lunafae, and these items are EXCLUSIVELY available at the Fantasy Faire from April 23rd – May 10th.

  • Secret Fantasy Hideaway.  This hideaway isn’t just for fantasy avis, it’s also perfect for human fantasies.  With sparkling waters in a hidden pool surrounded by dark, arching trees & rocks, the hanging lanterns, sparkling firefly lights & butterflies create the most beautiful little nook for dreams of all sorts.  Includes the boat (PG ), which has both solo & couple animations. It’s on display at the booth, so you can see for yourself how absolutely stunning this creation is!
  • Secret Fantasy Hideaway Lantern Tree. The perfect finishing touch to your hideaway, the tree (which you can see both to the right & to the left of the hideaway itself) includes has 3 lanterns of its own plus the most adorable grazing bunny.  And because it’s a separate item, you can easily position it anywhere you want, to create your scene.  This item is a 100% DONATION TO RFL!!!! 

 

Mother of Dragons

Posted on by cejalaval

No, this is not Game of Thrones and I’m no Daenerys of the House Targaryen.  But I do absolutely love the unique, animated fire-breathing dragons that Tylar from Tylar’s Treasures creates and places in creative fantasy builds.  I’ve posted video of them before (in fact, it’s how I learned to even do videos for blogging), and I could not resist doing one for this amazing creation of hers.  The video is up on FlickR; I couldn’t figure out how to put it here.  This fabulous build is featured at the awesome Fantasy Faire, opening later today April 23rd at noon SLT.  Fantasy Faire is an RFL (Relay for Life) Event, which anyone who follows me knows that I’m a huge supporter of, although this is my very first year as an official blogger at the Faire.  Celebrating its 12th year, Fantasy Faire 2020 is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, role-players and performers in the virtual world.  From its opening today through May 10th, treat yourself to shopping, dance and theater performances, DJ parties, auctions, questing, our Literary Festival, fantasy art, events and role-playing as thousands of Second Life residents and creators bring their own visions together to support the American Cancer Society’s vision of a world without cancer.  That really should be more than just a fantasy, don’t you think?

In addition to the thirteen shopping regions there will also be five Faireland realms that take us beyond commerce, from a Memorial Garden to the Fairelands Quest, the Literary Festival, Performance Stages, from Art Galleries to the Worldling Collection. These bring the Fairelands count for 2020 to eighteen regions, just waiting for you to explore them.  The SLurl to the event will be found on the website once the event opens; I’ll update with the SLurl direct to Tylar’s booth in the description below once the fair opens, since the lands are kept secret till then. And here’s a link to the shopping guide where links to ALL the shops will be available: https://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/shopping-2020/

 Tylar’s Treasures – Dragon’s Cave, with two animated dragons who flap their wings & breathe fire.   An awesome addition or highlight to a fantasy build. Who needs Game of Thrones when you’ve got this? Available starting today at the Fantasy Faire, through May 10th (direct to TT’s booth, once the fair opens at noon SLT).

Beach Blanket Bingo

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Beach Blanket Bingo

I don’t know what the weather’s like where you’re holed up (assuming you’re staying at home, that is) but where I am, we’re expecting colder than normal temperatures tomorrow with gusty winds and hail in the afternoon.  You heard me, HAIL.  So you can imagine that my mind is totally rejecting this and has instead fixed firmly on the beach, fun in the sun, and daydreaming of better days.  I can’t quite visualize swimsuits and actually going in the water… not with winter still lingering at my door.  But on a blanket in the sand, with various things to occupy me? Yup, I could do that. Definitely.

  • Outfit:  Suga Baby – Esse Shorts Set.  Cute little cropped tank that consists of a separate front & back connected by thin straps & tied at the sides, paired with a short pair of camo shorts also tied at the thighs. 8 color sets, with two print shirt options for each color, one of which is quarantine-related & one not (I’m trying to keep everything in SL as non-quarantine as possible, since I’m living enough of it in RL, so I used one that says Good Vibes). Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, & EXCLUSIVELY available at Round 3/20 of the Girls Heaven event, open through the end of April.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – NEW! My CUTENESS in Blue.  Is this named perfectly or what? Simply THE most adorable see-through bag in which you’ve got all the necessities — cell phone, sunglasses, makeup brush & makeup. Also available in Teal, Pink, Red, & Yellow or as a fatpack.  Includes both a hand pose & a “no pose” option.
  • Head, Brows, Skin:   LOGO – Josie, the newest bento head from LOGO.  Once again, please note that all heads, HUDs & animations are on sale for 30% off through the end of April.
  • Lip Gloss:   LOGO – Enhanced Glosses Pack 4.  Featured in detail in my blog from 4/16 which you can see HERE.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the April eBENTO, April 11th – 30th.
  • Bodies:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Hair:  Argrace – Tokiwa
  • Shoes:  Faboo – Havana Heeled Wedges
  • Blanket:  Kaya’s Ray of Sunshine – Seashell Blanket Tic-Tac-Toe
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

Steppin’ Out

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Steppin' Out

Well, it’s my husband’s birthday next week, so I think it’s time that I leave my house & go help do at least one big shop. None of the stores are crowded where we are, from what we hear, though some items are definitely limited (we did score a multipack of toilet paper the other day, yay!).  I’ve made a mask, and we’ll take all precautions, but I can’t believe how excited I’m getting at the thought of actually stepping out and going somewhere! It’s already been more than 6 weeks! I spoke to my boss yesterday too; we’ve been approved for the small business protection program, so once he starts receiving funds (IF he starts receiving funds), I get to start doing half my old hours FROM HOME, so I stay safe, but the thought of having something REAL to do has me a bit giddy.  All good news considering that stay at home here in NY has already been extended to May 15th and will probably go beyond even that. As my mom always used to say, “this too shall pass.” The most important thing is to STAY SAFE OUT THERE! Enjoy your weekend!!!!

  • Outfit:  Giulia Design – Hindira.  Sexy, relaxed, & ready for anything.  What makes this little dress so special is the combination of the loose but somehow shapely knit, slipping artfully off one shoulder, with the loosely laced neckline & slits down the thighs.  The included boots are absolutely sensational, with cutouts down the sides & semi-open backs.  Choose from 7 different texture options or take the fatpack. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya, & EXCLUSIVELY available at Round 3/20 of the Girls Heaven event, open through the end of April.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My SAKU in Black.  Also available in Grana, Brown, Blue, Nude, Red, & White or as a fatpack.  Includes both a hand pose & an arm pose, & is a must in every avi’s closet!  One of three bags available at the April eBENTO, open April 11th – 30th.
  • Head, Brows, Skin, Makeup:   LOGO – Josie, the newest bento head from LOGO.  Once again, please note that all heads, HUDs & animations are on sale for 30% off through the end of April.
  • Bodies:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Fatal
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Dramatic Eyes in Meadow
  • Tattoo:  Juna Artistic Tattoo – Fahari (dark)
  • Pose:  Pose Maniacs – Olga Walking Poses (Olga 4)
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – Coffee Spot (Blue)

C’est si bon

Posted on by cejalaval

http://C'est Si Bon

Something about this room just feels so French! Maybe it’s the Louis XVI styling mixed with the Hollywood Glam for this month’s Swank event.  All I know is that the room is set for what looks to be a very interesting evening, filled with glamorous well-dressed people, happily socializing and toasting with martinis… I’m so jealous, I think maybe I’ll join them for the martini!  It’s one indulgence that’s allowed during quarantine! Oh well, safety first!

Casa de Bebe:  Simone Living Room.  A beautiful formal living room set, in a modernized Louis XVI style.  Sold in a choice of fatpacks (adult or mature) as well as individual items/sets.  There are so many options available, I’ve only used some of what’s available. Be sure to see the display in order to see more; it’s EXCLUSIVELY available at the April Swank Event.  Here’s what I’ve used from the set:

  • Suede Sofa Adult – comes in two versions — with patterned pillows (shown) & with solid black pillows; includes 69 m/f/couple animations.  Also available in Mature.
  • Louis XVI Chairs, Adult – 6 texture change; includes 31 m/f/couple animations.  Also available in Mature.
  • Carrera Marble Fireplace (on/off fire by touch)
  • Gustavian Console Table
  • Brass Drum Table (sold as a set, large & small sizes)
  • Martini Set (Martinis, Harrods Vintage Cocktail Shaker, Cocktail Napkin)
  • Coffee Table
  • Antique Chinese Black Velvet Rug
  • Maidenhair Fern in Cast Iron Urn
  • Male Nude with a Glass & Snake (part of the 15th Century Art Michelango & Durer painting package)
  • Python Lamp (on/off by touch)
  • Chinoiserie Vase (2 versions)
  • Hurricane Lamp
  • Tresore de Simone & assorted closed & open books (part of Treasure Box with Book Stack package)

Also shown:

  • Dog:  meadowWorks – Greyhound Watcher
  • Backdrop:  ChiMia – Marais Apartment in Royal White

Touch Me

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Touch Me

I’ll admit it again… I’ve been struggling lately.  Blogging just hasn’t been coming naturally, and honestly, I think my pix show it.  (I know I’m not the only one either. Bloggers talk. Many of us are in the same place… it’s hard to feel creative when you’re locked at home and worried 24/7, if not downright scared.) This pic was different. It was a spark… I had already selected my outfit when I saw the pose, and then everything just fell into place… no struggle… it felt like old times… it felt fabulous! and I hope the results bear it out lol, but I learned long ago (well, I’m STILL learning) that I blog because I like it, and I can’t get upset when pix that I don’t believe are well done get more faves. It’s just the way it goes… The most important thing is that I’m happy, and that my sponsors are happy. Lately, I haven’t always been happy just ok, and that’s just unacceptable! So no more of that; if I’m not happy, it’s not getting published, it’s that simple, requirements or not!  It’s just not worth it. The only thing that’s more important is being safe… and that can get mentally distressing.  So I’ll be good to me, and you be good to you! Go have fun with some shopping therapy; and stay safe out there!

  • My Outfit:  Anny’s Fashion – Odessa Pants & Tied Shirt.  A casual pants set that is oh, so sexy! A long-sleeved, billowy crop that seems to just barely tie underneath the breasts paired with a pair of striped tight-fitting trousers that are totally unzipped (& I do mean “totally”)… trust me, this pose is absolutely perfect! 15 texture HUD for the top & 15 for the pants; sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the April Girls Heaven event, open April 5th through the end of the month.
  • Durzle’s Outfit:   Allure Couture – NEW!  Thom Casual Jeans & Tank.  Includes the tank (in solids or with cat & dog print), jeans, & sneakers.  Sized for Slink, Belleza Jake, Signature Geralt & Gianni, Aesthetic, Exm Davide, Nx David, & Legacy. Available in several fatpacks & or in any of the 6 separate colors.  All textures are ORIGINAL.  A We Love to Blog Designer. 
  • Head, Brows, Eyes, Makeup:   LOGO – Mae
  • Skin:   LOGO – Amelia, made for Mae
  • Bodies:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet, for me; Male Physique Mesh Body for Durzle
  • Hair:  Doux – Aura
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Lapointe & Bastchild – Swear Boho Necklace & Chandelier Earrings (GIFT); Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  The Owl – Touch Me

Boom! Pow!

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Boom! Pow!

Sometimes a name really does say it all, and the name of this dress — BoomPow — is exactly what it does… it just knocks them off their feet! I have rarely, and I mean RARELY, had so many comments from my partner throughout an evening about how fantastic a dress was and how I looked in it… when I mentioned how it came in lots of colors, rather than a bored response of “oh” I got an “Oh really? then you should be willing to wear it a lot, good!”.  Is there a higher recommendation for a dress than that????  Seriously though, this long dress/gown brings swank to the absolute topmost level of Hollywood Glam (the theme of the current Swank event).  The way it drapes and clings to your shape without looking tight or overly done… the thinnest of straps at the bodice, tieing off at the back of the neck and then dangling down the back.  Available in a range of 9 textures, the stars (which come in 3 different colors, this is Green Stars) is my personal favorite; it absolutely gleams in the right light… talk about eye-catching!  And of course a dress like this needs the right jewelry to go with it — something that can stand up to it but not overshadow or fight it, and IMHO, this is the perfect set.  Remember:  be safe out there, but in here on the grid? Sometimes you want to play it a little dangerous… and with this dress, you can definitely do it in style!

  • Dress:  Skindustrial Bodyworks LTD (SKBW) – BoomPow Dress.  Stunning, stunning, stunning. I talk about it more above.  Available in 9 GORGEOUS textures; sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the April round of the Swank Event, April 8th – 31st.  See below for a full-length view where you can really see the drape of the dress & the detail of the texture.
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Mila Set.  Delicate, beautifully detailed, able to hold its own.  Hud-controlled to provide 28 textures for two gems plus metals. Includes the necklace, earrings, bracelets, & rings (not shown).  See the closeup below.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the April round of the Swank Event, April 8th – 31st. Also worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Head, Brows, Skin, Eyes:   LOGO – Willow
  • Makeup:  LOGO – Enhanced Ombre Glosses & Glossy Eyeshadows (I made my own eyeshadow combination!)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  D!va – Helen
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Plastik – Meore
  • Location:  MMAC for Funk Friday

Lady in Red

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Lady in Red

In case you haven’t noticed, the April round of events is off to a great start! Things may be shut down across the globe IRL, but on the grid, we’re in full swing! I don’t know about you, but I am finding Second Life to be the escape valve that is keeping me sane (well, relatively sane anyway).  This look says it all… taking charge, ready to conquer the world!  And considering how helpless we all are feeling, it’s important to remind ourselves that we ARE still in charge, that we still do have control, over our actions, over what we do to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.  So have fun in here… be free, roam, party, socialize… and then IRL have more patience to carry on with social distancing and staying home.  BE SAFE OUT THERE!

  • Outfit:  [Vips Creations] – Alexandra Cross Dress.  Not all glamour is formal… this short v-necked long-sleeved dress oozes glamour with its satin sheen & amazing style.  One thing I noticed was the great shading; the face that I was told I looked “hot” & “aggressive” certainly didn’t hurt!  This lady is definitely ready to go from the boardroom to a night on the town!  Sized for Slink HG/P & Maitreya.  Includes 12 colors, plus panties in black & in white.  Available EXCLUSIVELY at the April round of the Swank Event, April 8th – 31st.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Agnese worn in Caramel Freckled with the browless option.  Another beauty of an Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (with or without freckles, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Spring Flair by Flair for Events, April 9th – 30th.  Demos & shape also available.
  • Bag:  MY BAGS by Mila – My Whim in Red.  Also available in Black, White, Yellow, Brown, Blue, Fuxia, Green, & Pink, or as a fatpack.  Includes both a hand pose & an arm pose, & is absolutely the height of style!  One of three bags available at the April eBENTO, opening today April 9th!
  • Head, Brows & Makeup:  GENUS Project – Strong Face, free gift right now to group members (yup, I said FREE; not sure for how long)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Eyes:  Madame Noir – Paradise Eyes.  FREE as part of  the free Stay at Home Club
  • Hair:  tram – F919 (my own color)
  • Jewelry:  Beloved Jewelry – Modern Flower Jewelry Set in Gold; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  Pose Maniacs – Olga Walking Poses (Olga 5M)
  • Location:  London City West

Just Ring, Prove I’m Not Alone

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Just ring, prove I'm not alone

These are tough days, for those of us with tons of friends but cut off physically from them, and for those of us who live more isolated lives to begin with but still quarantined into little bubbles.  We’re all feeling disconnected in one way or another, trapped. And that feeling comes out in different ways… depression, anger, peevishness.  It’s important to remind ourselves to look beyond the moment, to the motivation, to the root cause… we’re all feeling the pressure, the anxiety, the lack of or at least the change in routine. Remember: this too shall pass.  And at least we — and I mean you and me and the rest of us on the grid — have our virtual lives as a small means of temporary escape to another life where we can still go and do exactly what we did before… see our friends, go dancing, explore, and of course shop our little hearts out. One thing that Second Life has really driven home for me is the global nature of this… of course, I KNEW it from the news, but it’s not quite the same thing as talking to your friend from Germany and another friend who lives in the UK and hearing about how topsy-turvy their lives have been as well.  Let’s just all remember that we are in this TOGETHER.  And that is the end of today’s sermon… just remember to be SAFE OUT THERE.  And enjoy yourself in here!

  • Outfit:  ICEWERK Designs – Alica Top & Skirt.   A perfect casual pairing of a comfy-looking, v-neck, spaghetti strap top with a worn denim skirt.  Both pieces have a 16 color HUD in a full range of colors. Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the April Girls Heaven event, open April 5th through the end of the month.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Angoira worn in Maple browless.  Another beauty of an Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows).  I’m wearing NO makeup, just my freckles, because Angoira really doesn’t need it, especially for a casual look like this.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the Girls Heaven event, open April 5th.
  • Head:  GENUS Project – Strong Face, free gift right now to group members (yup, I said FREE; not sure for how long)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Royalty Eyes in Tropical
  • Hair:  Doux – Jenna
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – True Hearts Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  FOXCITY – City Life Bento Pose Set
  • Backdrop:  Crystal – The Sweet Spot