Tag: We Love To Blog

Raining Cats (no Dogs)

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Raining Cats (no Dogs)

Have you ever heard the expression “herding cats”?  I’ll never forget the first time I did… my all-time favorite boss, an incredibly smart little firebrand from Texas used it to sum up a meeting, completely confounding me.  Well, I experienced the literal meaning doing this shoot… first I had to wrangle some of my cats over to where the shot was already set up (yes, I’m a crazy cat lady, and have lots of cats milling around), and get them into pose positions.  But then one cat after another would fall asleep and poof! they transported back to their home spot and suddenly there would be a gaping hole in my little tableau.  And one cat managed to break out of pose and just start meandering away, so I needed to herd him back.  So the original 5-cat picture ended up being a 3-cat picture, but I think that’s still enough to highlight what I think are the absolutely adorable kitty design touches on this outfit (which I’ll mention are optional, just in case you’re not into them like I am).  I’ll admit, however, that I am glad that there’s no cat hair included!  Details below… and remember… stay safe out there!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – NEW!  Jenny Rivets & Paws Jeans Outfit.  Rivets or paws, what’s your pleasure?  It’s your choice in this 4-piece outfit including the jacket, sweater (in solids or with kitties), jeans, & boots.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, & Classic.  Available in several fatpacks & or in any of the 8 separate colors.  All textures are ORIGINAL.  A We Love to Blog Designer.  Will be available later today…
  • Head, Brows, Skin, Eyes, Makeup:   LOGO – Josie
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Navy+Copper – Genna
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Matte Solids
  • Jewelry:  Bliensen + MaiTai – Kitty Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Pose:  GingerFish Poses – Out of the Rain, at The Liaison Collaborative
  • Cats:  KittyCatS! – 3 of my breedable cats, I’m absolutely crazy for these! I even have my own little store on MarketPlace to sell some of my extra kittens
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

And my Durzle is wearing:

  • Outfit:  A&S Clothier – Tan Shirt Tom Outfit

The New Reality

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The New Reality

The new reality… that’s what they call it.  I prefer the OLD reality or fantasy, but I guess none of us gets to choose.  Considering how much time I have on my hands, it’s amazing how much difficulty I’m having with my blogging.  With so much emptiness and so many hours to fill, I find it hard to concentrate… not to mention that I’ve been busy developing other distractions — videogames, puzzles, home repairs, and of course lots of reading.  The main issue is that there’s just this underlying worry all the time, stress that just can’t be resolved.  Once it warms up a bit and we can at least sit in the backyard and work in the garden, I think things will improve, but I also think I’m kidding myself and that it will just be more of the same.  Of course, EVERYONE feels it, but I do wonder if that makes it better or worse to have an entire world society locked up in their homes, on edge, worrying about tomorrow.  We all need avatars that can go out there in the real world for us and face the dangers, avatars that can transmit all the feelings, not just the visual and audio but ALL of it… now wouldn’t THAT be something?  Hmmm, I’ll have to daydream about that for a while… Meantime it’s a new month, and all the SL designers are also locked up in their homes worldwide, so they’ve been busy designing simply awesome things, which are now hitting their stores and the the monthly events.  Shopping is, as always, the best therapy!!!!  Keep your eye out for stay-at-home specials… I’ve found a free house, a free head, free clothes, and more…. but the most important thing is to STAY SAFE OUT THERE!!!

  • Top:  MOZ Designs –  NEW!  “Camilla” Cowl Neck Top.   This 100% Original fitmesh comes in 2 fatpacks — 16 solids or 8 patterns — or a SuperPack of all 24 textures!  Sized for Tonic, Slink, Belleza, Maitreya, eBody & Legacy + Perky.  Demo available.  EXCLUSIVELY sold at the April Designer Showcase starting tomorrow, April 5th.  Group members remember to wear your tag for a discount!
  • Jeans:  Tonic – NEW!  Influence High Waisted Jeans, made exclusively to fit the Tonic bodies.  Whether you’re a fine beauty or a curvy one like me, these jeans are made to fit YOUR shape & boy, do they flaunt it!  High waisted, button-down, snug-legged with natural looking wrinkles in all the right places.  Available in 16 denims & 16 colors, every pack includes versions for bootcut & “regular” fit.  At the main store now.
  • Swing:   Bloom!– NEW!  Swing Chair Lizzie in Purple, with hanging lights that pool on the ground.  Includes singles, couples, & sex animations.   Also available in blue & in pink. A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Head, Brows, Skin, Makeup:   LOGO – Josie
  • Body:  Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Hair:  Doux – Bloodline
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Purple
  • Shoes:  N-Core Design – ISLA “White Floral” (2018 Tres Chic Anniversary Gift)
  • Jewelry:   Heartsdale Jewelry – Rhapsody in Silver Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Cat:  Image Essentials Props and Poses – Full Perm Mesh Cats
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Sail Away

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Sail Away

Sighs, I don’t know about you, but I’m losing track of the days of the week.  Every day is like the last, with no breaks.  I barely leave the house… I was supposed to have had two surgeries by now…  some periodontal work (such fun!) to finish up a crown that is half done and some arthroscopic surgery on my knee for a torn meniscus.  Delaying either is certainly no big deal in light of what’s going on, but delaying the second does mean that my physical activity is limited… I can’t even go for long walks.  Since we were working to put our house up for sale, we spend part of every day going through boxes of old pictures, tossing this, keeping that, but as I’m sure you’re experiencing as well, the days can just stretch on interminably.  I wish I owned a boat, where I had the luxury of going for a sail.  But at least I have my virtual life, where I’m spending  way too much time shopping… and for now, I’ll just sit here, alone on my boat, soaking up the rays, and dream of the world returning to normal.  Remember… be safe out there!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – NEW!  Pavati Shorts Outfit.  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.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Everlasting, worn in Oak browless.  Another fresh stunner of an Omega skin, two options of 5 tones each (dark or light, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows).  I’ve added no makeup  except a touch of lip gloss & of course my signature freckles & brows, since I chose a browless version. EXCLUSIVELY available at  the March Designer Showcase through March 31st.
  • Pose:  [VSM] Devil Inside – Lonely Sitting (adjusted neck in order to show skin better); EXCLUSIVELY available at the March round of the Swank Event, March 7th – 29th.
  • Head, Eyes, Shape (modified), Brows:  LOGO – Mae
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  BESOM – Dakota
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:  Sage – Juno Jewelry Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  my home in Blake Passage

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Something Wicked This Way Comes

This was a fun outfit for me to blog, but a tough one at the same time.  I know that it was inspired by something on the darker side for an event with a dark theme, but I just don’t do dark real well unless it’s Halloween, and even then it doesn’t feel comfortable.  And one thing I want to do when I really love an outfit is feel good about what I’m doing with it.  So although I considered the whole zombie hunting thing, I just couldn’t get it to a level that feel acceptable to my harshest critic (me).  So although I still went dark for me, it certainly is no horror show… but then again, this is a gorgeous leather outfit suitable for all sorts of moods, so maybe where I ended up is where I needed to be after all. Either way, I had fun exploring a few dark corners looking for the right shot… I highly recommend exploring outside your normal venues… followed up by some shopping therapy!!!! Happy shopping!

  • Head, Eyes, Skin, Shape, Makeup:  Tonic – Tempest, a preview of the newest bento head from Tonic, which will debut as an EXCLUSIVE at the Skin Fair on March 13th.  I’m not going to go into a lot of details here, because I did a closeup on Saturday’s blog.  You can see it HERE, & pick up a free demo at the main store.  I WILL say that Tempest is beautifully amazing, & IMHO is absolutely the best head yet by Tonic.
  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Lisha Leather Outfit.  Inspired by Selene, the vampire in “Underworld” who kills Lycans, Lisha is a bit darker than most of Allure’s designs, but then the theme for the event is “darkness.”  Darkness is certainly done in style with a leather outfit that can be interpreted in lots of ways, depending on your mood & how you style it.  The details are fabulous — the “tooling” on the jacket, then the lace & the darker contrast on the cuff of the shoes, the hip belt with a big open ring right on the butt cheek? Just awesome!  Lisha is a complete outfit of jacket, pants, & boots, which comes in 6 separate color/texture choices or as a 10 option Fatpack.  If all you crave are the boots, they are available as a separate fatpack. All textures are ORIGINAL.  The outfit is sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVE new release for the 7Event, March 5th – 20th.  A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Body:  Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_BLING
  • Nails:  Cazimi – Callan Nails
  • Jewelry:  IT! (Indulge Temptation) – Samsara Set; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  Arranmore

The best seat in the house

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The perfect spot

Because of my blogging, I’m constantly moving things around my house(s) and properties here in SL (and yes, I have two).  As you may or may not know, I change everything up for the seasons, too.  But even without that, I’m a constant tinkerer, adding and subtracting decor and landscape items, editing the terrain, tweaking this and totally redoing that.  Admittedly, a lot of things are temporary… I set them up, do my blog, maybe keep them for a few days, and then put things back the way the way they were.  But every now and again — and I almost always talk about it in my blog because it’s a pretty special occurrence — I find something that just belongs, and wins if not a permanent place (because after 12 years here, I’ve learned that nothing is “permanent”) a long-term one.  This pergola set found it’s way into my “permanent collection” a while back, it absolutely “makes” the back of my property where I use it as a deck over the water.  And now this basket love seat has definitely earned its place on that deck.  The design is perfect for almost any outdoor space (though it also fits indoor), and I absolutely love the pattern and the colors in the fabrics.  Together, they are absolutely perfect for watching my whale frolic, the sunset (or sunrise for that matter)! I think after all this hard blogging work, I’ll be settling in for that for a while… go enjoy some shopping!

  • Chair:   Bloom! – NEW! Spring Basket Green.  Includes singles, couples, & sex animations.  Also available in pink & in beige.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Deck:   Salacity Creations – Patio Pergola Set includes both the Pergola & separate planters. Both the pergola & the planters have three different wood options (on the planters, you can also change the lattice); the patio floor has multiple texture choices for full customization to your setting & your taste.  Buy as a set, or buy separately.  Flowers & furniture not included, just the structure.  See full view of the set below, done up my way.

Love is in the Air

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Love is in the Air

People get so caught up in Valentine’s Day, you’d think it was the only day for love.  I’ve got news for some of you… it’s not! Love is all around us, every day; sometimes, we just have to open our eyes to see it. It may not be as obvious as a big bouquet of roses or a fancy box of chocolates or a sparkly piece of jewelry; it might be an unasked for cup of tea when you’re feeling a little achy or having one of your chores done for you.  The simple things, that all too often go unnoticed (something I know that I’m definitely guilty of).  That said, I’m still a sucker for getting all dressed up here in SL (it’s nowhere near as much fun in RL, much more uncomfortable lol) and having the big romantic evening, dancing to songs from the rat pack era.  I just do always try to be mindful as to the differences between the reality and the appearance of love… and then thoroughly enjoy them both (especially where they overlap)!  Now go do some shopping, and be happy!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams by Nile Karas – Siren Gown.  What a dream of a gown!  Shapely cups for the breasts, then a tight sheath all the way down till it puddles near the floor.  Available in 7 colors (I’m wearing Cyan), each of which has a HUD offering 5 texture options with/without the two-toned treatment. Just stunning! Sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the February Swank Event, February 7th – 29th.  A We Love to Blog designer.
  • Jewelry: Stone’s Works –  Hoops & Spheres Necklace & Earrings (sold separately).  The perfect complement to a stunning gown is a piece of wearable art like this set. I’m wearing it in Onyx, which is available at the mainstore, but in sapphire (see closeup below) it’s ON SALE at Hope 2, the Home & Garden Expo to Benefit Relay for Life from February 13th to March 2nd, which this year includes “Wearable Arts”.  
  • Backdrop:  irrISIStible – Romantic Valentine Backdrop 3 Sky Textures.  As every blogger or photographer knows, a great backdrop can truly help make your photo.  You can count on this one for a lot of great photos because with it’s built-in sky texture changer (just touch it), it offers so much versatility.  Includes a small heart emitter from the fountain. Obviously, I could only use one for the shot, but I’ve shown what all three look like below, & I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll be seeing more of this backdrop in future shots.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the February Swank Event, February 7th – 29th. 
  • Head & Skin:   LOGO – Willow
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_RESISTANCE
  • Makeup:  LOGO (a mix of things)
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Eyes:  Musa! – Abyss Eyes2 (Omega Applier)
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Pose:  STUN – Margulis 2 (curve)

Daydreamer

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Daydreamer

So I seem to be behind in everything.  In RL, I’m behind in my chores. Behind in my work. In SL, I’m behind in my blogging. Behind in my landscaping, now that the snow has left the estate I primarily live on.  And yet, I feel like I’m always rushing, always busy, always late.  My head just isn’t where it’s supposed to be, which really isn’t like me at all.  It’s been this way ever since I got back from a little long weekend jaunt down to Florida to see my aging mom; I just can’t seem to get my head together.  Instead, I seem to be turning into a daydreamer, just dreaming my life away… I guess there are worse things to be, at least in the short-term.  But the month is gearing up now, so I’m giving myself a much needed kick in the you-know-what to get up and get going back to business!  As for all of you out there, happy shopping!

  • Outfit:  Allure Couture – Maddie Shorts Outfit.  The epitome of casual, the outfit consists of a stylish long-sleeved shirt closed by only one button, short shorts with a few hanging threads, sneakers & socks.  Total comfort mixed with total style! There’s a Fatpack of the complete outfit, containing 8 original textures in separate HUDs for the shirt, shorts, & sneakers/socks, which are also sold in their own fatpacks in case for some strange reason you don’t want the whole thing.  Sized for Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V & Maitreya.  EXCLUSIVE new release for the 7 Event, February 5th – 20th.  A We Love to Blog Designer. (There’s a men’s outfit also available!)
  • Head:   LOGO – Mae
  • Skin:  LOGO – Naomi, worn in Blossom
  • Eyes:  theSkinnery – Saudade (Omega applier)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Stealthic – Sultry
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Jewelry:   Dahlia – Gamma – Sun, Moon & Stars Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Location:  The new hideaway (private)

It’s MY Downtime

Posted on by cejalaval

http://It's MY downtime

So I don’t know about you, but I just love having days where I never really get dressed and just hang around the house in my pjs. It may not be complete downtime… there’s always some cleaning and basic chores that need doing, and of course I’m always doing something for my blog, but just the act — or “non-act” as it were — of not even putting on “real” clothes can be utterly delicious.  It just feels decadent and pampering, even if I end up logging in remotely to my office and working for a full day, the fact that I’m doing it in pj’s just makes it more bearable and even somehow “bad”.  And who doesn’t like being bad now and then lol?  But even if just for an hour or two before or after bedtime, this is definitely a perfect outfit for lounging comfortably…

  • Outfit: Allure Couture – Her Downtime.  How we all like to dress (or not dress!) when we’re totally relaxing & just hanging… a big man’s shirt with matching panties & leg warmers!  Delish! Available in several options.  There’s a Fatpack of the complete outfit, containing 16 100% original textures for the the shirt, 8 more textures for the Leg Warmers, & 8 Textures for the Panties.  The Shirt & Leg Warmers are also sold as separate Fatpacks of 8 textures each.  Sized for Slink H/P & Maitreya; the shirt is also sized for Belleza F/I/V, eBody, Tonic, & Classic.  EXCLUSIVE new release for the 7 Event, January 5th – 20th.  Men’s outfit also available! A We Love to Blog Designer.
  • Head & Eyes:   LOGO – Mae.
  • Skin & Shape:  LOGO – Naomi, worn in Blossom, together with a very slightly modified Naomi shape which is specifically made for the Mae head.
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  TRUTH – Cerys
  • Nails:  Encore – Shades of Blue
  • Pose:  Black Cats – Nailing It
  • Couch:  Serendipity Designs – Cimmaron Sofa

Trying to Smile When You’re Alone at the New Year’s Party

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Trying to Smile When You're Alone at the New Years Party

This is a really tough time of year when you’re alone.  And yes, I’m married RL and partnered with a great guy I’ve been with for almost 12 years now, but his time inworld is limited and definitely not for big things like New Year’s Eve (then again, I’m not really available for that either lol).  But it made me think about all those years when I was alone, and would go to parties stag with all those couples, smiling bravely through all the toasts and statements of love.  As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that even as a couple, life is rarely (if ever) the way you imagined it would be, and sometimes the forced gaiety of these mass celebrations can just be downright depressing.  These days I generally prefer a quiet night at home or, if pushed a bit, a small intimate party.  But whether you like to party big, party small, or go to bed and wait till the partying’s done, the year will still end and a new one will begin.  And THAT is something worth toasting!  Here’s to a Happy New Year and happy shopping both for the rest of this year and all of the next!

  • Gown:  FlowerDreams by Nile Karas – Derin Gown, worn in SeaGreen.  Beautifully elegant, off-shoulders gown, without all the glitter & frou-frou seen on most gowns at this time of year.  Just simple, beautiful, & classic, softly belted with a wide bow sash (added separately), & with optional floaty chiffon skirts & tail.  Available in SeaGreen, Latte, Mauve, Light Pink, Sand, & Sky. Sized for Tonic, Slink H/P, Belleza F/I/V, Maitreya, Voluptuous, Ocacin, & Fitmesh M.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.  A We Love to Blog in SL designer.
  • Jewelry:  Moondance Boutique – Reign Crown Jewels. You’ll not only look like royalty, you’ll feel like it too in this jewelry set. The perfect accompaniment to a simple classic gown, where it can “reign” supreme, with each complementing the other instead of fighting for attention.  Set includes the necklace, earrings, bracelets, & a crown (not worn), plus a HUD that allows you to select among 26 gemstones (you select two for this set!) & 9 metals. Also includes a resizer.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the December Swank Event, Dec 7th – 31st.  Also worn: Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Bridget, worn in Apricot browless.  Also classically beautiful, just another stunner of an Omega skin.  Two options of 5 tones each, including both omega & BOM, with & without brows, available at the December eBento through December 30th.  Shape & demos also available. 
  • Head: Tonic – Pixie, newest bento head from Tonic
  • Body: Tonic – Curvy Beauty + Booty Control… truly the most natural curves on the grid with the ability to add that extra oomph how & if you want it!
  • Hair:  no.match – NO_DREAM
  • Brows:  Avada – Anja Eyebrows
  • Mole/Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega)
  • Makeup:  Izzie’s – Shimmer Lipstick
  • Nails:  Weaponized Sugar – Celadon
  • Pose:  BellePoses – Zoe, pose 4 (at the Winter Pose Fair)
  • Location:  Oceana