Margo Builds a City

Round 8 (Early Summer): McKim

2016-10-19T00:56:10Z

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

When we left the McKim family, Milo and Marian were enjoying a family of three little ones (Orla, Ernie, and newborn bb Edie), Yardbird the cat, plus two businesses (Milo's bar and Main Street Yoga). Let's see what they're up to now...

The kids are at school, so Milo and Marian linger over breakfast to talk about business...

before getting down to business, heh heh heh, if you know what I mean, wink wink.
Even after 3 kids, their love for one another is just as... ripe and... fertile... as ever!

Yardbird has no comment. He has no comments left.

Both parents are fully dressed in time to greet Edie from her nap and the kids home from school. (They are really excited to talk about grades! Sim kids! And their report cards! Always such a production.)

Marian, feeling suspiciously sleepy, lies down for a snooze while Milo heads over to work the night shift at the bar.

He's in high spirits after the day's activities, and the townies enjoy a night out. (Hello, Eustacia! A+ student, A+ gambler, overachiever all the way.)

Back at home,

Marian is feeling suspiciously hungry but also really into doing some intense living room yoga. It's almost like she's concerned about how she's going to maintain her figure in the near future...

Orla: *squeeezes*
Yardbird: I'll allow it.

At breakfast the next morning, Ernie tries to explain this weird feeling that he has, like his world is about to get a little bit bigger...
E: "I'm seeing something very round in my future. Or in your future? Something or someone is going to be shaped like a globe?"

Marian: *scarfs*
Milo: *thinks* Yes, my son. + Family +

Marian: *Boop*
Yardbird: Who do you think you're fooling I know what you're up to I know what you did

And it's official! Marian is wearing the Empire-Waist Top of Pregnancy, and we head into Baby #4.

Marian is down.

Then it's Milo's birthday! They try to throw a party on the lawn...

... but it's raining, so everyone ends up inside playing with the cat.
Yardbird: Pfft, yeah, right. Everyone's inside because it's raining? Please. I am irresistible, and you know it.

//break for unscheduled Batavus-Mead household drama//

Oh, you three. Can't you keep it together through one party?

//end break//

Anywho,

Milo does his best to get the party going again before the cake comes out.

Mel Batavus: "You are about to get. SO. OLD. AHAAAHAHAHAHA!"

Mile: *ages*
everyone else: "So, like, Yardbird is still inside the house, right?"

It's a little scary to be so old so quickly. Milo isn't sure how he feels about this change.

What if Marian just isn't that into his new look?

But no need to worry! She still thinks he's super foxy.

Edie can dig it, too. But what about...

Yardbird: What, him?

Y: Yeah ok he's ok I guess

But Milo really wants to know! Yardbird, how do you really feel??

Y: Eh...

Y: Ehhh...

Y: Erm...

Y: OK, wow this feels just delightful actually...
Milo: *misinterprets purring as a sign of approval*

The birthday party was quite a milestone event, but there's more!

It's time for Orla to become a teen!

Those cheekbones... *heart eyes emoji*

Oh yeah, Orla is feeling it.

Post-party dances. It ended up being a very nice day.
Ernie: Am I looking at my future?

Everyone settles in for a peaceful night.

Orla is up with the sun, ready to get going on her first full day of teenhood.

She has a pretty good feeling about this.
Me too, Orla. Me too.

Round 8 (Early Summer): Sweet 2

2016-06-19T03:21:12Z

6 - 7

Last time: Tabby Sweet turned her brand new daycare into an orphanage, taking in two children, two toddlers, and two babies. Then she basically never had time to eat or sleep again, and everything was filthy. But no one died, and little Rebecca Benes even got adopted--so, we're calling it a success!

It's the start of another day with the children, and Tabitha takes a moment to steel herself in the downstairs bathroom. It's a rare moment of peace and solitude, broken tub notwithstanding.
Deep breaths, Tabby! You're down one whole child! You can do this!

Mario loves lasagna for breakfast.

Valterri and Sorin don't love potty time for breakfast. (I was using a random name generator for the orphans. The results have been colorful.)

Tabitha suddenly thinks to herself, "Sayyyy, Sine, you're looking a little mature this morning..."

And praise be...

... there is suddenly one less toddler in the house. Welcome to childhood, Sine!

The birthday girl has some playtime in the yard and then steals away for a nap in Tabitha's bed. So adorable, and so unfair. Tabitha would give anything to be in that spot.

Hang in there, Tabs!

Valterri is skillin.'

Meanwhile, Nanette and Sorin have a falling out. Toddler beefs, y'all.

That night, a weary Tabitha consoles herself with the fact that Valterri is about to age up, so she'll be back to just two toddlers in the house. She might even have time to shower.

Wait...

What...

Ho don't do it

Much to Tabitha's (and my!) suprise, it appears that some time ago, I had decided when a child gets adopted, that means there's a free spot in the orphanage. :/

It takes a moment for this new reality to sink in.

Ladies and gents, meet Zanna, who is rocking a strong brow.

Tabitha: *shrug* "All right, I guess."

Mayor Frida comes inside to congratulate Tabitha after finishing up the official paperwork at city hall.
Tabby: "Moar babby?"

Frida: "Better you than me... Godspeed, you poor fool."

Tabitha: "Thank god you're potty trained." ++ friends
Speaking of,

Valterri grows up! Yayyy! He's a serious looking child.
V: "Frijoles are serious business."
So they are, Valterri. So they are.

The rest of the day is a blur of bottles and potties, and before you know it, bedtime is back.

It's not easy work, looking after all these children; but it's important work.

Sleep well, Tabby. 'Til we meet again.

Round 8 (Early Summer): SelenaQ Hall

2016-06-10T02:27:01Z

Previously: Twins Ramona and Arlo Sweet were newly minted college students who'd just moved into SelenaQ Hall. They scoped for dates, reconnected with old friends, got harrassed by the cow mascot, and had a roommate die in the dorm hot tub. You know, typical college stuff. Let's see what they're getting up to now!

It's a quiet morning at SelenaQ Hall, where Ramona finds herself cleaning up the remains of another night of pranks and parties while Arlo checks his grades at the kitchen computer lounge.

Uh oh, someone's got "food poisoning." Quite common following a campus party. In any case, time for Ramona to get some r & r.

I'm sure the hot tub is soothing when you're feeling bad. I just... really hope it's been sanitized recently... for multiple reasons.

Arlo whips up something easy to digest, and Ramona starts to feel like her old self again.
Arlo: "lol BALLS!"
Ramona: "Yes, lol, agreed."

She's dressed and presentable just in time for the return of her intriguing new dormie, Bertram Giroux. Bertram moved in when that extra room became... available. And he seems to think she's pretty neat!

They run into each other again later that night, and Ramona makes a move.

But she wants to leave him wanting more, so she begs off saying she has plans (watching TV with her brother)(he doesn't need to know the specifics). Strategery!

Strategery = effective! But Ramona's not done yet. She's got one more trick up her sleeve.

IT'S ICE CREAM, SON

Who could resist her charms, or her toppings.
Bertram: "So what I'm saying is, how about you give 'peace' a chance? And by 'peace', I mean a piece of this! If you catch my meaning."
Oh you bet she does.

Arlo: "La la la-la, I'm readin' ma book ♫ and it's pretty good!" ♩ ♪

A: "Now I'm goin' ♪ ♬ to eat ice cream outsiii-iiiiDDDDE!"

Arlo: ♪ ♬ "Ooohhh woo, such a good sundaaaaaaae!"

Arlo: "Maaaaaah night! ♪ ♬ has been so sweeeet yeaaahhhh! I'm havin' the best tiiiiime! Of all tiiiiiiiiiime!" ♫

Bertram rushes straight from the hot tub to tell his new dorm buddy Arlo about the best time he'd been having.

B: "We had a lovely evening" (to self) *of woo-hoooooo*
A: "WHAT THE FLYING F--"

Upstairs, Bertram decides WELL MAYBE THEY ARE NOT going to be dorm buddies after all. Arlo is stressin.'

Nothing like a good night of sleep while your sister sits silent and unmoving facing away from you at the foot of your bed. (They're twins, though. This is their normal.)

The next morning, they head over to SMCC Field. Time to give SelenaQ Hall some distance.

Ramona is keeping her options open. There are more boys her age in Ste-Margo now than ever before, and she doesn't want to be limited.

"Street meat for the lady?"
(Hm, perhaps it really was food poisoning that had Ramona down before.)

Ramona: "I can live with my choices."
Arlo: "But... it's my week to clean the bathroom..." :(
Darn you, chore wheel!!

Eustacia Morceau shows up, and Arlo runs over to greet his longtime sweetie. He's got commitment on the brain, and perhaps has decided he doesn't want to deal with the ups and downs of uni dating like his sister.

He sets the scene with a festive bonfire. He wants this moment to be special. Dramatic lighting, etc.

Aw, my little bebes. They grow up so fast. Arlo and Eustacia were two of the first babies to be born in Ste-Margo, and look at them now, all ready to start their own little family. :3

Ramona is the first one over to congratulate the couple. There weren't many children in town when the three of them were growing up, so they've been close since they were tiny tots.

This calls for a celebration, and a celebration calls for togas. Fingers crossed, this party has fewer fatalities than the last one they hosted.

Their little sister Bea. Inappropriate behavior.

CUTE BERTRAM IS CUTE

Underage drinking notwithstanding, it's all going pretty great until Eustacia gets into it with the cow mascot.

Arlo steps in to defend his lady.

And then steps outside to emphasize his position on the matter.

Eustacia's into it, even though, really, with her bajillion body points, she'd probably have been through with the whole affair much more quickly. But Arlo doesn't need to know that. He did a fine job.

There's so much commotion that no one even notices when Ramona gets carted off in handcuffs. [Secret Society Lot: do I want to try to deal with you?]

By the time she returns, the guests are gone, and Arlo has changed into something warmer. A lot to process for him over just a few short days. But he's totally happy with his decisions, right?

Right?

Round 8 (Early Summer): Morceau Hall

2016-06-09T18:37:24Z

And we're back again with Eustacia Morceau and the dormie dum-dums in Morceau Hal--which is, of course, named for the tragically deceased Thierry Morceau. Obviously, you all remember the rest. Oh what, you don't remember what happened in a post from February 2012? Um, OK I guess. Click the 7 above to catch up, slowpoke.

Confession: These photos are all from 2014, so I'm not even 100% sure precisely what's going on all the time. Luckily, Eustacia is a very studious, shy sim (10 Neat/10 Nice/9 Active points/1 Outgoing/3 Playful), so she spends most of her time studying and it's a quiet few days.

The summer sun shines on Morceau Hall, but it looks like Eustacia's been up all night working on her term paper in the computer lounge. (You know that moment when you've stayed up all night, and then you see the morning sun and feel like you want to die? That's what I see here.)

Nothing a quick sidewalk makeout can't solve, right? (Hello, Marco!) Eustacia's a Knowledge sim with a stuh-rong Romance secondary. She's deep into it just as her triple-bolt childhood bf Arlo Sweet happens to wander by.

Arlo's face: :/
But don't worry, sweetie. Eustacia's got some for you too!

Always.
Arlo's leg: "oh, tee hee!"

Eustacia knows how to keep her men in line.

Dorm cook is back at it again. Is this not... like, your whole job? Good help is hard to find in a young town like Ste-Margo, I guess. Perhaps this is where Sim City's failed kitchen staff go to retire.

Back to work before you know it, but now with a little Arlo on the brain. He only recently aged up to YA, so Eustacia's still trying to figure out how he fits into her college life.

A quick night jog to refresh the brain, followed by a pep talk in the mirror, and then back to her studies. Eustacia is basically an A+++ student.

Dormie Marcella: "BUT MAKEUP THO"

Dorm cook: *I am too old for this underpant-ed nonsense.*

Time for a break, down the street at the SMCC Student Center!

The first person she runs into is her little brother, Yves, who just enrolled in classes. He's still living at home for now, so hanging out at the student center helps him feel like he's getting more of the uni experience. They play a few rounds of chess and catch up on family news.

Always one to balance her mental exercise with physical, Eustacia follows blue-haired dormie Velouria to the SMCC Fitness Center to get in some laps.

Plus, when your turn-ons are fitness and swimwear, there's no better place to be!

Knowledge sim defeats Romance sim for the moment, though, so she's content to sit alone and quietly congratulate herself on another semester well done.

Did we mention the 10 Neat points? If Eustacia's got time to lean, she's definitely got time to clean. She'll happily do this for free... but not for long!

While she stays late at the Fitness Center to tidy up, the dormies anxiously await her return.

Eustacia's never much tried to draw attention herself; but with her abundant good habits on display, she's quickly become a leader in the house, and taking the dormies on a morning group jog is now a daily ritual.

It must be said, though, the jogs can be a little advanced for some members of the group...

At the close of the round's last day, a sleepy Eustacia turns in for the night, and the dormies, they just wait.

top of page

watch this space

2016-06-08T14:38:35Z

Sims are coming...

Round 8 (Early Summer): Sweet

2014-03-02T01:10:03Z

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

Last time at the Sweet house: baby Marzipan became a toddler, and the house went from having three teens to just one when the twins moved out to attend SMCC; Sweet Bakery was doing brisk business; and Gemma and Charlie remained as in love as newlyweds.

With their nest half empty at the start of the summer and Beatrice old enough to look after things now, Charlie decides to whisk his wife off for a romantic getaway in Twikkii-Tikki Island (the residents of Ste-Margo have locked in an amazing deal on flights to the island; you have no idea).

A short cab ride to the airport, and before they know it...

... they are sitting pretty in a tropical paradise.

Charlie doesn't score any points when he immediately tries to talk shop with his business and life partner.

But then he saves it by making a joke about the hot, sexy soup the two of them are making.
I mean... sure? Triple-bolters.

Trying on vacationwear at the Three Rainbows Cafe. Gemma thinks Charlie looks dreamy in anything (or nothing at all *nudgenudgenudge*)!

But even as nuts for his bod as she is, Gemma sometimes has to pause for a brief moment of incredulity at his continuous "Hey, maybe we ought to brush up on our baby-making skills *winkwinkwink*" suggestions.

Charlie: "But seriously, we've got such a powerful, steamy relationship, you know??"
Gemma: *sweats*

C: "Yep, sooo steamy."

He's not wrong.

After a day of sun and sand, they check out the island's newly opened sushi restaurant.

Looks like they have the place to themselves for the night—but no matter, they would only have eyes for each other either way.

They follow their dinner with some tea in the restaurant's garden.

Charlie and Gemma love their family and their lives back in Ste-Margo, but it is nice to get away sometimes!

Speaking of home, let's check in on how Bea is minding the fort. [And I just cannot believe I ever found her sweet, sweet face off-putting!]

It's nice for her to have this time to bond with little Marzipan, just the two of them. It won't be too long before Beatrice is old enough to move out like her older siblings, so she's enjoying the old homestead while she can.

There is some upkeep involved, naturally.

But the rewards are obvious and, in some cases, delicious.

The twins walk down the hill from their dorm, and Aunt Tabitha visits from up the street. Small town living!

As the night winds down, the former residents of the Sweet house compliment Bea on the fine job she's doing looking after things while her parents are gone. Everything is going just swimmingly!

Until it isn't...

This house has always been a favorite of our burglar Amy Tang's. As much as she may try, she just can't stay away.
[Note: She does not try. She tries zero much.]

She hits the master bedroom for the fancy rug, then the kitchen for the new dining room chairs. Whatever your heart desires, Amy Tang! She doesn't hold back.

Then in the girls' bedroom, it starts to get real for a moment.

Amy Tang, stop. Look at yourself. You're about to steal from a baby. Think about your life choices! I mean, your eyes are just crazy right now.

But seriously, if you haven't learned by now, you'll never know it: Amy Tang don't care.

(And yet... skinny little Beatrice is somehow able to "overpower" this veteran thief and get her to give up the goods? Hmm... Sounds a little fishy.)

But just in time, as Charlie and Gemma are back that morning. They ask for her report over a late breakfast, and Bea doesn't hesitate in declaring that the weekend was nothing but sunshine and roses.

She figures what they don't know won't hurt them. Everyone and everything made it out in one piece, and there's still half the summer to look forward to!

top of page

Round 8 (Early Summer): Batavus 2

2014-02-09T21:31:21Z

6 - 7

When we last visited Penelope Batavus and Jayne Castaway, they were finishing up their studies at Ste-Margo Community College, enjoying easy last days in their cute little rental house. They threw a hopping graduation party and moved into a cute little apartment on Main Street. The happy couple still haven't set a date for their wedding, but hey, who's counting? Summer's here, and they're enjoying life.

Penelope is working toward her dream of becoming a city planner and is already at level 4 as head of a construction company. Nice work, Pen! Those extra hours in the home office are really paying off.

It looks like her first job site is just down the street... Convenient, since she's walking to work in heels today!

While Penny's off for the day, Jayne heads back over to the culinary arts center at SMCC to have another go at winning one of the regularly scheduled cooking competitions.

He's a little off his game at first, but he's not about to give up!

Jayne's second attempt is much less charred, but he still doesn't manage to bring home the prize today. Keep at it, buddy!

Penelope's starting a little planter garden in their cute back yard of cuteness.

And Jayne is working on an article about amateur chefs for the SimCity Times.

Penelope is pleased to see her fiance keeping busy with a new project and gives him a little encouragement before grabbing a quick pre-dinner nap. She's been so tired lately—must be the new job?

It is so convenient to have a partner who loves to cook!

Later that night, though, she starts to feel like something isn't sitting quite right... Jayne is a very good cook, yes, but he's hardly an expert, and oof...

Oh, nope, it's a babby! Sorry, Jayne! She loves your cooking! Keep cooking, all the time.

The next day, Penelope visits her mom Frida at her office in City Hall to deliver the happy news.

Frida might think it's a little soon for these kids to be having their own babies, but she is always excited to meet a new grandchild.

They walk over to Sweet Bakery to celebrate with some cake. Just in time, as Penelope was starting to feel a wee bit peckish.

Meanwhile, Jayne's enjoying a quiet afternoon hanging out by himself at the apartment.

TV time is put on hold once Penelope and Frida get home, though. These ladies are loud and silly and pumped up on sugar!

Frida: "I wonder if it's twins..."

Penelope is hungry again, so Jayne whips up a quick salad, and everybody has a little toast. One glass of champagne? Baby can handle it. Baby is fancy.

Way to go, Jayne! With a baby on the way, though, Jayne feels like he needs to be doing something more to contribute to the household funds. So he applies for a grant from the city and purchases a little shop.

While he was working on his article for the SimCity Times, he kept noticing how active the "Inventory Clearout!" section of the paper was. Seems like a lot of sims in the big city were loaded down with too much extra stuff, and Jayne had a feeling that Ste-Margo's residents might be similarly interested in a place to bring in their old junk—or find new junk! So he's decided to open up Castaway Consignments, a one-stop shop where anyone can bring in their old baby gear or kitchen furniture or unwanted gifts for cash, and their gently used merchandise is put up for sale to the rest of the town.

The place needs some work, but Penelope is so proud of her Jayne for taking on this project!

Word spreads quickly, and pretty soon, Ste-Margovians are lining up to drop off their surplus junk.

Heavily pregnant Penelope sneaks in a little snooze while the grand opening sale carries on in full swing out front. She can sleep just about anywhere at this point.

Better brush up on your cashiering skills, Jayne! You're starting to get side-eyed by the local college kids.

Back at home, what was supposed to be a restful night turns out to be anything but...

It's a girl! Welcome to Ste-Margo, Minnie Batavus.

Penelope is starving, so she grabs some leftovers and leaves bottle time to new dad Jayne. As usual, he is more than happy to oblige.

Looks like things are starting to get a little crowded in their little home! A new business, a new job, a new baby, and a wedding yet to plan—how ever will they manage?

top of page

Round 8 (Early Summer): Batavus/Mead

2014-02-07T03:41:15Z

3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

It's been so very long! To sum up: Piet and Jasper are relative newlyweds who live with their special friend, Wendy; Jasper and Wendy had a son named Grover, and the Piet and Wendy had twin boys Basil and Bruno; Jasper is a carefree Romance sim, and Piet is not. They live in a small house, and it is sometimes complicated.

Still feeling good about his promotion to SWAT team leader last round, Piet starts off the summer feeling cheered about family life and rolling a want to adopt a child. We'll see...

New for SWAT team: cop mustache.

Dr. Jamie Tang sneaks away from the asylum long enough to steal the paper. She's mad at Piet, I think for getting in the way of her budding romance with Jasper? I played this round last July, so... the memory fades. D:

Wendy gets her middle-aged makeover. It's a fresher look for the season—you don't want eyeliner running down your face when it starts to get hot and you've got toddlers to chase after.

While Piet is at work, supporting the family, Jasper and Wendy get up to old tricks.

It's... kind of an inappropriate setting.
Bruno: "...Mommy?"

Jasper will explain it to you later, kid. In the meantime, Piet's carpool has pulled up outside! Better hurry up and get dressed before he sees you...

To add insult to injury, Piet is home early because of a chance card demotion.

He takes it surprisingly well at first!

But apparently he's sensed what he's just stumbled into at the house, and he does not feel happy about it.

Jasper transfers Piet's rage onto Wendy, which isn't exactly fair. Takes two to tango, buddy.

Grover arrives home from school. blissfully unaware of any domestic unrest.

But Basil... Basil has seen some things. He knows.

Wendy... this is just confusing.

Piet's resolved not to let some people spoil his day and sits down to a sunny summer breakfast with Grover. You sit down there by yourself, Jasper.

But, you see, today is a special day in the Batavus/Mead household. Their new daughter is coming!

It's Rebecca, from Tabitha Sweet's orphanage. (Of course, if Piet had known what he was going to come home to yesterday, he might never have made the call to the adoption agency. But he didn't know, and now it's time for everyone to come together and welcome the new addition to their little family.)

The social worker is so happy to have placed Rebecca in this stable and healthy home environment!

No need for concern, though; she's always in good hands with Family sim Piet around.

Books & Bobs.

Grover and Rebecca take a moment to soak in their new living situation. It starts out well enough...

but an orphan's life is never easy, and as nice as things were at Tabitha's, Rebecca had some tough times back in Sim City. She's going to need some time to adjust.

(I think she'll be all right.)

"Today, on The Sloppy Chef!" Wendy's not perfect, but she gives everything a good effort. Besides, with all these kids, no one even notices a few extra crumbs.

A long first day for everyone in the house.

And yet, these two find the energy.

Oh, Piet. You deserve better.

So satisfied with themselves!

Maybe that's actually your guilty conscience burning, hmm?

Rebecca: *is unsure about the house rules re: table manners*

Is that a picture of her sharing the muffins she baked with her new brother?? I'm going to say yes!

So creepy when twins do this together.

Piet and Jasper share a quiet, happy moment upstairs in their room. Piet's even feeling like it is a good thing that they have Wendy living with them. She's the mother of their children, and she does help keep everything running, and really, her only problem is that she just likes everyone too much, right?

Well. Piet's not 100% sure what he's got going on in his life right now, but he's taking it day by day.

top of page

Urge to Sim: Rising!

2013-10-03T03:55:02Z

Just a note to say hello and I'm alive! I've been incredibly busy over the past month or two—mostly in good ways—and haven't had the time or inclination to even sit down at my simming computer in ages. But I've been thinking about Ste-Margo more lately, and gosh, I miss those guys! So here's hoping I'll be able to get back to it and all sorts of other sim things before too much longer. See you then!

Grrr, Soon!

2013-08-01T11:47:40Z

Just a quick note to say that my Photobucket bandwidth is resetting on the 4th. So, SOON!
(Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone's been running out all of a sudden? Is this a new policy, or is this just the first time I'm running up against the limit? The real kicker is that I even have more than one PB account already, and I just had no idea the one was nearing its bandwidth limit...) >:\

Round 8 (Early Summer): Batavus

2013-07-15T04:04:09Z

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7

Previously at the Batavus house: Mel and Frida had some sexy fun times on their quick getaway to Twikkii-Tikki Island; Wim enjoyed the last days of his awkward teen years, complete with some relatively chaste makeouts with Ramona Sweet; the family held a little garden party for the town; and Wim aged up and began doing coursework at SMCC (though he chose to keep living at home). It's summer at last, so let's get going!

We start off with Mel and Frida sleeping in on a day off and Wim still up for the sunrise after working on his term paper all night.

Frida's reached eleven on her LTW of having 20 best friends, so after getting dressed, she invites a townie out for coffee at the art gallery in hopes of making her #12.

It starts out well enough... but quickly devolves into some sim silliness.

Somewhere in between the coffee shakes, the ladies manage to have a pleasant conversation about the magic that Frida has been working out of the mayor's office. The orphanage, the teen home, the lovely promenade—these improvements have not gone unnoticed by the townie population!

Mel is all about Frida's magic, too.

Mel: "Your mother and I, even though we've been married all these years? We're still generating some real steam heat, you might say!"
Wim: "...Thanks, Dad."

Sometimes it's easier to spend time with your parents when you're just standing side by side, fishing, and not talking.

At 6PM, Mel turns grey!

And Frida joins him in elderhood as soon as she gets home from her coffee date. They're a sharp-looking pair, even in their old age.

What's Frida so happy about?

Just staring at her husband while he sleeps... (OK, it's... cute!)

THESE TWO. <3

Mel's post-kissing face.

Wim makes breakfast for his parents while they coo at each other upstairs.

Frida fills her son in on some of her recent vacation activities.
"And you would not believe what your father can do in a pair of thongs!"
W: *contemplates dorm life in a more serious fashion*

Mel's LTW is to reach his Golden Anniversary, so they throw another party in the garden and invite their friends and family.

With a toast to his beautiful wife and partner, Mel reaches perma-plat!

Love is really in the air all over, and the guests get frisky.

In the middle of a nice chat with Dr. Jamie Tang, Piet suddenly catches on to the fact that his husband Jasper may have been less than faithful.

Oh Jasper, this was bound to catch up to you sooner or later. To be continued...

They break out the limbo pole.

Oof!

Frida: No one saw that, right? Yeah, I bet no one saw that.

Frida: I'm just gonna play it reallll cool... yeah.

F: "Awww, phooey to all y'all!"

Wim: "So I hear SMCC is offering some really attractively priced housing packages these days..."

It was a lovely party, and a wonderful way for the mayor to spend some time with her people.

And the night gets even better as Wim generously volunteers to do the cleanup. What a good son!

In addition to their recent redecorating downstairs, the upstairs bathroom gets a little facelift (though Frida is itching to change the walls now that she's seen how badly they clash with her husband's pajamas...).

Time to check in on Batavus Fish Market!

They manage to get to Rank 6 but are so distracted by some annoying flaws in their restocking system that they decide to close up shop pretty quickly and return home to enjoy the rest of the day. They are much too old to worry about chasing down misplaced signs on the edge of the lot!

Mel's taken up blogging, while Frida spends a lot of evenings calling up friends and potential friends. "Just checking in on the constituents," she likes to say.

But everyone always makes sure to stop what they're doing and gather for a family dinner. Frida's learning to make macaroni and cheese tonight.

Mel can't help but admire his wife—she still makes his heart skip a beat at the most unexpected of times.

They may be oversharers on occasion, but Wim's got to admit that these two really have something figured out.

---
Notes:
- In an effort to make my way through the households more quickly (and hopefully, to get posts out more than once a year per family!), I've decided to shorten my play rounds again. So now I'll be doing two rounds per season, which will mean somewhere between two and three days for each half of a five-day season. I'm not going to be too strict about making sure to switch households at the exact same time in the middle of the third day—just somewhere halfway through the season. I think this will be a good change of pace, since I do get anxious to see what all my families are up to. Hope you enjoy the change, too!
- Not too much from Wim this time—he didn't roll a single college-related want, so he didn't do any work or visit campus at all. He's probably ready to move into a dorm for the rest of the summer!
- And be sure to check out my BACC Bonus Pics tag at my simblr if you'd like to catch extra bits that I couldn't stuff into the main post! I always take a million pictures, so tumblr is picking up the slack.
-Oh, and also: I'm not through with Round 7 at the asylum. But since those guys are cut off from the rest of town, I'm not overly concerned about letting them fall out of sync a little. We'll hopefully catch up with them before too long.

top of page

Download Some Cake Box Recolors!

2013-07-08T21:14:16Z

For my LJ-only peeps: I just shared a tiny set of recolors (those cake boxes on the counter) over here at my simblr. :)

Livesimming Today

2013-06-30T12:57:52Z

A little heads-up!

Update: The 2-part decorating session (which lasted almost 4 hours...) can be found in my video library here for anyone who wants to take a look!

Round 7 (Spring): Castaway

2013-06-24T12:57:07Z

4 - 5 - 6

Previously, Marco survived winter on the beach without getting frostbite once (and not for lack of trying), had some quality time with Una Two, and then surprised everyone with some eleventh-hour studying just in time to enroll in classes at SMCC. Let's see what's in store for spring...

Life is quiet on the beach for Marco and Una Two. They seem to be flying under the radar, for the most part, and they go about their daily lives without fear of prying eyes.

Which is not without its downsides...

Marco heads over to the SMCC Student Center just about every day since the meal plan is included in his financial aid package. Plus, it's a good chance to socialize with non-dogs.

He's been focusing pretty hard on finishing up his big term paper, though.

In fact, he ends up deciding to move his work over to the student center's mobile classroom unit. The coffee may be older, but the distractions are fewer (the open mic sessions right outside the main computer lab do grow tiresome after awhile).

He does occasionally break for some really intense TS3 sessions.

Peeking at his LTW sheds some light on his recent hard work. And wanting to become a lawyer makes sense, too, given his experience with SimCity's (and, let's be honest, Ste-Margo's) failed social net. It's easy to imagine him wanting to be in a position to fight for the welfare of kids like him, who might not ever be so lucky to fall into an unexpected college education. Good for you, Marco!

Una Two, who waits patiently back at the beach for her nightly bath, is similarly proud of her person.

It all pays off at the end of his freshman year. And not just the Dean's List—Marco gets word that the mayor herself wants a meeting with him at City Hall...

It's a big deal! He's a little nervous and wonders if his fanciest outfit is nice enough; but Frida Batavus looks happy to see him when he gets there.

After offering him some coffee, Frida launches into an explanation of her recent talks with SimCity's Child Protective Services department. The recent opening of Tabitha Sweet's orphanage has been a good first step toward alleviating some of the problem, but SimCity and the mayor are still concerned about the number of homeless teens who are falling through the cracks.

Frida: "And that's where you come in..."
Ste-Margo is once again opening its doors to the unwanted children of the big city and establishing the Ste-Margo Home for Teens, and who better than Marco Castaway, a former runaway teen himself, now a promising SMCC student, to take charge?

F: "I know it's a big job, but I also know you want to see these kids off the streets and in a place where they can be safe and have someone looking out for them."

F: "What do you say, young man? Do you think you're up to the challenge?"
M: "I... uh..."

F: "That's a sport!"

"You're going to be great, I just know it."

It's a lot to process, and the whole thing brings back some painful memories that Marco had been hoping to forget. His desire to study starts to take a backseat to his desire to distract himself with sandcastles and seashells and anything that isn't too serious or real-worldy.

He barely even makes it to his next final exam.

Still, he manages to eke out a passing grade, and with his sophomore year behind him, it's time to move into his new digs and start his official role as house chaperone.

There are four new residents from SimCity: (clockwise from front left) Lee, Hanne, Gustavo, and Larry. As with the orphanage children, I'll be playing them mostly hands off and more to keep in sync with the aging of the rest of the hood (that's the plan, anyway, though it's likely I'll end up getting attached and wanting to make them "full" playables). I'm also trying out Katya Stevens's Motivation rules, which take the sim's Active - Playful points to come up with a number that determines whether a sim is an average/over/underachiever, which then affects their choices and performance levels throughout their lives. So:

Gustavo: Underachiever (-7)

Larry: Overachiever (+5)

Lee: Average (+3)

Hanne: Overachiever (+5)

and Marco: Average (-3)
(That Marco is a low-average achiever makes the work he's done so far, with the kind of life he's had so far, all the more impressive!)

Una Two feels pretty good about eating with a roof over her head.

And Marco is enjoying having the extra company around, especially at night.

Still cute.

Lee gets introduced to the wonders of the chore chart.
M: "Oh the places you'll sweep!"

Una Two watches her kids go off to school while Marco contemplates how good his back feels after sleeping in a bed instead of a tent.

Our two overachievers already in action!

The Ste-Margo Home for Teens is a comfortable, if not lavishly appointed, residence. Its one major flaw is that there's only a single bathroom, so lines are a regular occurrence.

It doesn't help when Hanne keeps running in to check herself out in the mirror, either.

Good grades, hot body—she's overachieving at life!

Geraldine Morceau is over for dinner after school.

Una Two's dream: Yes, I am dog.

Marco really should be more sensitive to his charges' feelings. Teenagers! They're full of new hormones and... smells!

Speaking of hormones...

And Hanne's at it again! Aw, she just looks so durn happy.

Marco finishes out his penultimate year with a respectable B+, even with the added responsibilities.

The road leading up to this point has been a bumpy one, but it seems like he may have found his niche. :)

top of page

Round 7 (Spring): Snowe-Morceau

2013-05-12T04:56:21Z

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Last time, a mixed bag for the Snowe-Morceau family: dream dates and puppies for Yves, snowmen and hugs for Lucy and her niece Geraldine; Virginia had a little midlife/former Romance sim identity crisis; Eustacia grew up and moved out to college; and of course, Thierry met his untimely end thanks to a rogue satellite. Seems they could all do with a change of pace for the spring, no?

Case in point: the still-smoking, unsledgehammerable remains of the family's recent tragedy. But, it's sunny, and the sky is blue, and everyone is trying to make the best of things.

Nothing like a new pair of flowery pants (with matching shoes) or a tiny puppy named Cupcake to help brighten your mood!

Virginia is the one with the "go on vacation" want, but Geraldine is the first one to bring it up over lunch one day. Her mom and aunt may have grown up in the big city, but she's never left Ste-Margo, and she's ready to pack her bags!

But there are things to take care of first. The kids go to school, and Lucy and Virginia visit the gallery while a few late snow flurries fall outside.

Their new whistling barista, from SelenaQ Hall.

Virginia's painting haven't been selling too well, but the gift shop does decent business, and they got at least one coffee order that night. Maybe Ste-Margo just wasn't ready for a gallery of this size, not yet.

Yves and Geraldine mourn their dad under the fruit trees he spent so much time tending.

And then they dance on his grave. As you do.

Cupcake watches to make sure her people are safe before she goes to sleep herself. Aw.

Thinking about Eustacia. Don't worry, Virginia; she is having a good time.

Lucy: "So, sis, tell me—feeling any better these days? Or still a little... constrained by small town living?"

Virginia: "NO I'M FINE WHY DO YOU ASK."
Lucy: "I see."

Geraldine's A+ report card settles it—this family is going on vacation. Call the shuttle! To Twikkii-Tikki Island!

They check into the newly opened Poolside Motel and, after a quick change into their vacation gear, get straight to relaxing.

After a quick nap for the adults, it's off to the beach!

(Taking down notes for her next novel?)

Virginia is initially attracted to Twikkii-Tikki local Esteban, but when she finds out he doesn't like grilled cheese, it is OVER.

Dinner at the beach, then a walk across the street to Twikkii-Tikki Putt-Putt for some nighttime fun.

(Shame children can't use the putt-putts.)

Lucy learns to hang loose from some Marvelann locals.
Tank top guy: "You tried!"

And then it starts to hail.

The only thing worse than hail

is hail

AND BEES.

BEES!

Lucy needs some "juice" after that one.

Back at the motel, Geraldine heads straight to bed, while Yves and Lucy sit out for some air and Virginia takes a night swim alone.

She's the last one to head up to the room. It's been nice for her to have this time away from everything, to think about her life and what she's doing. The move away from SimCity, the quick marriage, the three kids...

The kids are all right.

She feels pretty good about them.

Breakfast next door at the Three Rainbows Cafe.

Lucy buys a souvenir palm tree on her way out. They've got more things to do! Word on the street is the Double Palm Resort is a must-see for all visitors to the island.

The best massages and some great local cuisine!
Virginia: "Isn't this vacation turning out to be da bomb??"
Yves: "Ew, Mom..."
Local chef: LOLOL

And look at this! Everyone has been dying to try the hula, and Geraldine finally runs into Madge on the Double Palm's dance floor. The retiree is all too happy to give a free lesson.

Before you know it, everyone's joining in!

It's a hula party!

They're still in a dancing mood, so they rock on over to Club HM where Yves tries out his DJ skills.

unz-unz-unz-unz

Back at the motel for room service on their last night in Twikkii-Tikki.

Yves has a little talk with his sister while they wait for the shuttle by the pool the next morning.

It's been hard, but she thinks things will be OK.

They ask the tour guide outside to take some photos of them before they leave, and then it's off to the airport and back to real life.

They did bring a little bit of Twikkii-Tikki Island home with them, though.

They may have to wear sweaters for the chilly spring nights, but the conversation is full of sunny vacation memories.

The grocery side of Lucy's Garage has always been more popular than the "garage" side. It looks like they may need to expand their business pretty soon.

Yves has a quiet YA birthday while the adults are at work. He'll attend SMCC from home, at least for the rest of spring.

Cupcake grows up, too. She's not the most interesting-looking dog in the world, but hey, that's not her fault.

To help fulfill Yves's LTW of raising 20 puppies or kittens, they adopt a poodle named Lance.

Pet adoption officer: "Yeah... good luck with that."

(Speaking of interesting) Hello, Lance. Who's a good doggie?

Not a smart doggie...

Cupcake, meet your future husband. He is magnificent.

And then of course, Geraldine grows up. <3

Eustacia comes over to celebrate with profiteroles and to hear all about the family's adventures in Twikkii-Tikki.

Well, since you asked!

Can't tell if yawning or screaming...

But the hula is fun!

So fun!

Fun for all!
Eustacia: [to Lance] "Can you believe these fools?"

And that does it for the Snowe-Morceau family! See you in the summertime!
________
Notes:
- I've heard people don't like the local dances, but I think the hula is so cute! I think I have a hack that prevents them from doing it autonomously all over the place anyway, but I've enjoyed the hula parties so far.
- Lucy finally finished restoring her car at the garage, but it immediately disappeared. Maybe because the FT car is not supposed to be available on community lots? Not sure; but either way, I think that place will get converted into a full-on grocery next round. The lot was always basically too small to handle car things anyway.
- Thierry's grave got moved to the cemetery, even though he was a very handsome ghost. I just got tired of the spooky music at night. The satellite remains, at least for now.
- And I did use the antique camera to turn their vacation photos into hangable pictures for them but apparently didn't get take any pictures of them up. You'll see them around!
- I think that's it. It's late, and I'm tired!

top of page

Round 7 Spoiler Pics!

2013-05-09T03:07:30Z

Someone grew up SO CUTE! Little Geraldine...

I mean...

COME ON.

Soooo prettttyyyyyyy!

I just wanted you to know.
The Snowe-Morceau round has been finished for awhile—I just have to whittle down the remaining 153 images (there were more when I started!) before I can get a post out. What can I say? They went on vacation; there were many photo ops.

top of page

Round 7 (Spring): McKim

2013-04-29T15:55:12Z

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6

Last time: Milo and Marian juggled between running the bar and the yoga studio; Ernie and Yardbird got acquainted; Orla's face got stuck that way; the house underwent renovations to accommodate the growing family; Amy Tang paid a visit; and Milo and Marian finally said "I do" at the brand new City Hall. What's next for this busy bunch?

Yardbird glamour shot

Waffle joy.

Milo breakfasts with his family before heading out to work at Main Street Yoga.

Since Tabitha shut down her daycare and Marian's at home watching the kids, Milo hires uni student Roslyn to help out around the shop. Isn't she cute?

As much as Orla might go on about "the daily grind," things are pretty serene back at the house. Nap time, story time, Yardbird time.

Milo wants to be sure he looks his best when he gets home from work!

Milo: "...Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Marian: "You better believe it."

(Thank goodness, Yardbird slept through this one; he has not always been so lucky.) These two aren't even triple-bolters, but they are all over each other, always. They are newlyweds, I guess. It's sweet.

Milo gets kid duty while Marian heads out to check on the bar.

This is one of the new townies I made after getting freaked out by clones showing up at the bar, which seems to have been due to an insufficient number of available sims in my hood? In any case, Marian doesn't seem to be too excited to meet her.

M: "Oh yeah, well you look like you failed the Not Being a Stupid Jerk and Also Not Having a Stupid Jerk Face class!"

M: "Why must I suffer being so awesome all by myself?"

Orla brings home a good report card and a new friend from the orphanage.

Orla: "So, how'd you like that sweet ride we got back to my place?"

Mario: "Eh, I've had better."
Orla: *accepts this information**plus friends*

[Click for bonus Yardbird]

Marian is welcomed home with love from all sides.

Ernie's birthday!

I'm distracted by yet another PDA and forget to take a picture of Ernie's face. :| But here are his personality points:

He's super nice and outgoing, but his seriousness sometimes makes it hard for him to relate to other kids his age.

Ambivalent Family sim Marian doesn't want to have another baby.

But ACR has another idea.

The family invests in some musical equipment for the home—Milo is a jazz musician, after all, even if he feels like more of a businessman lately. Marian and the kids all have either sports or fitness as their OTHs, but Milo's hoping someone might develop an interest in his hobbies.

Orla: "Awww yeaaahhh."

O: "Eat it, bro!"

Ernie accepts the challenge and enlists his mom's help with his homework.

All that studying is stressful! *stuffs face*

Marian's thought bubble: You son of a—you did this to me.

Yardbird: Eh, got away!

Y: Let's see if you're so lucky this time!

New neighbor Rebecca Benes doesn't hold a grudge.

Marian shares some business secrets. Milo may not live to see five top-level businesses, but with any luck, one of the McKims will.

Marian has more free time now that both kids are in school. But not for long! (Hope you enjoyed it, bb!)

It's a girl! Her name is Edie, and she inherited her mother's green eyes.

Ernie has a playdate with Mario, but it doesn't go well.

:(

Marian: [to self] This is one fine baby I've made. Indeed!

Goodnight, baby.

Goodnight, kids.

Goodnight, Marian and Milo.

Goodnight, Yardbird. Goodnight, everyone.

________
Notes: As you can see, I've changed up the navigation options slightly, since the "previous entries" footer was getting a little unwieldy. Now there's a sticky to the index, plus a link in the sidebar; and each update has links to that family's previous posts at the top. Hopefully this works well for everyone, but let me know if you preferred it the way it was before!

-Weirdly, there was no notification when Marian went into labor this time. She just went to napping on the couch to suddenly holding a baby in her arms, with the name popup coming a few seconds later. I can't remember if this is the first baby born in-game since I turned cinematics off, so I'm not sure if that's normal... But everything seems fine? Mm, not too worried, I don't think.

-Almost done with Round 7!

~~-I have no idea why the text on this post is so small! It looks normal in edit mode, and I can't see anything in the html that should make it tiny... >:(~~

top of page

Round 7 (Spring): Sweet 2

2013-04-21T21:07:39Z

Previously: Tabitha Sweet left her sister's home, moved into her own place down the street, and opened up a little daycare to look after Ste-Margo's young ones while their parents were at work. With her new business only just getting off the ground, one day Tabby receives an urgent call from Mayor Frida Batavus...

In the months following the tragic death of a runaway girl on one of the town's abandoned beaches last fall, Frida has been hearing more and more disturbing reports coming out of SimCity's overburdened Child Protective Services department. Working in concert with SimCity Hall, Frida was able to secure a §10,000 grant for any Ste-Margovian willing to take in some of the overflow orphans. Though Tabby has been enjoying her little daycare, she has to admit this sounds like an important job, and one that she thinks she can handle. So, taking a deep breath, she signs on to foster two babies, two toddlers, and two children who will now serve as the town's official adoption pool!

Mario Flykt and Rebecca Benes

Valterri Mendes and Sine Reder

Sorin Turtle (in Tabby's arms) and Nanette Fitzmaurice

With this many kids and only one Tabitha, it may get kinda crazy...

Tabitha, are you ready?

Really ready?

Because there's no turning back now...

The first day is kind of a cinch. Everyone's clean and well-rested.

Tabitha even has time to sit down to a nice hot meal with Rebecca and Mario after putting the little ones to bed. (Rebecca apparently had to deal with some pretty intimidating characters before finding her way to Ste-Margo!)

The oldest children are set up in Tabby's former guest room downstairs, while the toddlers and infants stay in the daycare's original nap room and nursery.

Things start to get hectic before the first night is over, with the babies and toddlers keeping to their own internal clocks, as babies and toddlers are wont to do.

Mario: "Peeeee-yew! Girls stink!"

M: *looks overly pleased with self for making mediocre (at best!) burn*

Tabitha is more than happy to welcome her brother-in-law Charlie over to watch the kids while she tries to grab a meal/shower/nap. Thank heavens for nearby family!

Charlie is a Family sim who's had lots of experience with his own babies, so it's no trouble at all!

He's learned from personal experience that babies love the feel of cool linoleum on their bare backs in the springtime!

Mario and Rebecca have missed some school days back in SimCity. They've got some catching up to do, but having a stable home for once should help.

After Charlie leaves, a freshly-showered Tabitha has some playtime with baby Sorin. The results are disappointing, if not surprising.

Things go south rapidly.

Geraldine Snowe-Morceau doesn't mind! The arrival of the orphans is really a boon for the other kids in town since for them, it mostly means more after-school playmates to choose from.

Rebecca wants to do better in school, though; so once her friend leaves for the night, she makes sure to do some homework before going to bed.

The next day, Tabitha calls over both Charlie and her sister, Gemma. More volunteer babysitters!

Rebecca's homework has paid off! Baby Sorin is thrilled!

Geraldine came over again; Mario is telling someone about his new foster mom; and toddler Valterri is on the prowl.

They may be a lot of work, but they are all so cute. :3

That night, it's birthday time for the two babies!

Sorin!

Nanette!

Tabitha takes a well-deserved nap while Mario entertains his littlest foster sister.

Now that everyone's old enough, here's a look at their personality points:

Things should get a lot cleaner around the house once Nanette gets older!

Then again, Sorin might have something to say about that...

Sine wants everyone to know that she probably doesn't like you.

Valterri is maybe also not so nice.

And Mario... well...

Look, Rebecca wants to know how nice you'd be if you'd spent your entire childhood trapped in a broken system, hmm?

:(

With no one awake to torment, Rebecca settles for some solitary fun on the playground.

Um... :(

Tabitha is stretched too thin to give every child all the love and attention she'd like to, but hopefully things will get better soon?

The toddler days are the hardest!

But the kids have each other! They'll be all right.

Thankfully, Tabby's dad Maximillian has heard she could use a spare hand. Yay!

Sporadic peek-a-boo sessions notwithstanding, Mario seems to really enjoy giving the toddlers a hard time these days.

Rebecca can't take it! (I sometimes feel like this, and I don't even have kids!)

Mario :|

Dad :|
Maximillian: "I'm helping!"

FINALLY. Someone is potty-trained! Go, Valterri! (Even attempting to potty train all the toddlers might have been a waste of resources, in retrospect, but what's done is done!)

Rebecca and Mario are too wound up to go to bed, so they have a (quiet!) game of cops & robbers in their room after lights out.

And before Tabitha has the chance to rest her eyes, little Nanette is up with the sun on the first day of summer. Nobody said this would be easy!

___
Notes: So, two babies, two toddlers, and two kids might have been a bit too ambitious for this little fledgling orphanage—I honestly thought Tabitha might die at several points in the round! I made liberal use of the Watch Kids Enabled cheat to have Tabby's family come over as makeshift babysitters so that she could have some chance at eating or sleeping or bathing, and I will admit to maxmotives-ing at least once. It was so hectic that I barely had time to take pictures of everyone. But hopefully, you'll be seeing the kids in other posts soon! And who knows, maybe some of them will be adopted by other Ste-Margo families?
-Can you believe Tabitha's last update was over a year ago?
-If it seems like I'm repeating the kids' names over and over to try to remember them, I am! I played this round back in early February, and their names were randomly generated, so I'm trying to remind myself who's who.

top of page

Round 7 (Spring): Asylum Day 11

2013-04-14T15:23:20Z

DAY 1 & 2 | DAY 3 & 4 | DAY 5 | DAY 6 | DAY 7 | DAY 8 | DAY 9 & 10
BONUS: Tang Backstory

Let's see what the nuts are up to!

Oh...

Um.

Well...

Yeah...

...
I guess not much has changed.

Lulu: "Doo doo-doo snacks!"
Marty: "Baby!"
Babies: "Mom...?"

L: "Oh yeah grilled cheese! So nice to have time to sit and enjoy a good sandwich with nothing else to worry about or attend to."
Floor babies: "..."
Snowman: *watching* *always watching*

Phil... I do not approve.

Dr. Tang! This is highly inappropriate!

Marvin Almond-Pistachio: "Sup. How's that floor, bro?"
Lenny Almond-Pistachio: "Yo. S'nice, s'nice."
[Handy reminder: Marvin has Marty's skintone and Lenny has Lulu's.]

.

Marty: "Remember that thing we did before? I thought it worked out brilliantly!"

Lulu: "I CONCUR. CONSEQUENCE-FREE FUN FOR ALL."
Floor babies downstairs: "Um..."

Jory picks up on things, even in his sleep. He's sharp like that.

I can't take it anymore and send Jamie Tang over to check up on the babies.

Wouldn't you know it, Phil is right behind her! Good man, Phil.

"Won't someone please think of the children?"
Yes, you did, Phil! Remember? Five minutes ago.

Marty does this alllll night long.

But Lulu keeps coming out to comfort him.

It's sweet, but (let's be honest) perhaps not entirely selfless...

L: "Lalala, seems like a great time to hoop!"

Dorothy looks awfully pleased with herself after having accomplished nothing but moving a baby from his crib to the ground.
Dorothy: "Go me!"

Twinny time! Jamie invites Amy Tang over for a visit.

These two are still fighting all over the place. Dorothy, having put in some solid hours on the exercycle, almost always wins.

Yikes. Don't mess with her!

Heehee! Matching track suits and red lipstick grimaces!

Phil <3

Jamie: "... Aren't you supposed to be getting cleaner right now?"
Lenny's stink cloud: "Surprise!"

Jamie: "I think I'm glad I decided to focus on my career."

Marty: "Hey, look at that baby!"
Marvin: "Daaaaaaaad."

Marty: "Oh, haha, baby! That's hilarious."

"Uggggh no, take it back!!"

Dorothy: "Hey. I thought I TOLD you. I. HATE. YOUR. FACE."

Jory: "Oh yeah? Well guess what—my face hates YOUR FACE AND NOW I'M SLAPPING YOUR FACE SO HOW DO YOUR FACE NOW."

J: "Harrumph." *flexes pecs in triumph*

Phil, are you still standing in the bathroom?
P: "Baby... getting... heavy..."

P: "Ah, that's betterZzz..."

Marty: "Hunnnngggrrrrrryyyyyy!"

"And emotionally unfulfilled!"

"Aaaa but also hungry!"
Stay strong, Marty!

____
Notes: A shortish post for once, yay! I'm trying imgur for these pictures, but it seems like the issue is with LJ because they're still coming out blurrier even with a different image host. I think it's a conspiracy to get people to use LJ's scrapbook (and upgrade to a paid subscription when they run out of space...), but I realize that I'm probably the only one who's noticing/being bothered by the fact that pictures look blurrier than they should. But it bothers me! Because it didn't used to happen!

top of page

Round 7 (Spring): SelenaQ Hall

2013-04-13T21:30:07Z

When we last saw the Sweet twins, Ramona and Arlo, they were rounding out their teen days at home, working hard at the bakery and spending time with their brand new baby sister. With two days left in spring, they've just moved into SelenaQ Hall and are ready to start their young adult lives as SMCC's newest students.

[More pictures of their new digs.]

Their roommates are Roslyn and Paul.

Ramona Scopes the Gym: A Short Tale in Pictures

Fin.

Arlo takes a look for himself...

...and sees one of his roommates in a brand new light.

But hold that thought—it's time for class!

Back at the dorm, he lays out his best moves. Er, maybe try less dependence on the Awkward Wave next time?

Still, Roslyn is left with lingering thoughts of Arlo's je ne sais quoi...

It's really easy to get distracted when you're living in close quarters with so many young people, though.

The twins, with all of the culinary experience they've gained from supplying their parents' bakery, take charge of the cooking in their new home. Unfortunately, it looks like the dormies won't be much for cleaning.

At SMCC Student Center, Ramona gives romance another shot. If at first you don't succeed...

try

try

again.

"Help, I'm falling and that stupid dude is making kissy faces with another girl!"

"Aw for the love of—"
Ramona just can't catch a break!

Arlo and Eustacia have an enthusiastic reunion.

"Look at the time! I'd better go."
Well, Eustacia, you sure know how to leave 'em wanting more!

Wim: "Oh hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, guy who's now making out with my old makeout buddy Eustacia. I'm here to KISS YO SISTER."

To wit:

More like "to be kissed," right, Wim?

Ramona is pleased. (This is so much easier than finding a new date.)

Wim is COOL WITH THIS, you guys.

College life!

An unrecognizable Paul (where did that hair come from?) gets struck by lightning whilst trying to enjoy a little hot tub in the rain.

RIP, friend. We hardly knew ye.

"But hey, why let a little thing like death get in the way of a hilarious prank?": sez the cow.

"Teeheeheeheeheehee!"

The next morning, this gentleman shows up to move into Paul's old room. ...It's possible he's just started wearing whatever was already in the closet. :|

Not too bad, considering I'm continuing my policy of only having them do work when they roll wants to!

They may be ~~halfway~~ a quarter of the way through their college careers now, but no matter how old they get, this is still a good time.
The Sweet twins!

_____
Notes: Gah, finally! I finished this round in January but was just utterly stumped by the fact that I'd taken about 150 pictures for a two-day round. So this is a bit of an experiment of trying to incorporate extra pictures I've shared on tumblr to keep the length down (so I hope you do click the links!)... I don't know how successful it is, but there you have it! Also, I'm still mad that LJ is making my Photobucket images look blurry for some reason (WHYYYY?!), but that probably just bothers me more than anyone else, right? SIGH. Anyway, Ste-Margo!

top of page

Livesimming Postponed

2013-04-13T15:46:28Z

Just got word that tonight’s group livestream will have to be put on hold, but hopefully just until next weekend. I’ll keep you posted. Happy Saturday, anyway!

(Hm, maybe this will give me time to finally finish the lots I started so many months ago!)

Quick Note

2013-04-10T21:35:51Z

I was *thisclose* to getting the twins' college update posted today (or at least, a bunch of pictures with some attempt at minimal commentary), but then augh! Between newPhotobucket headaches and LJ annoyances, all my posting energy has been drained. Wah. But the pictures are all edited and uploaded and everything, so hopefully I'll get them up soonish? I haven't had time to open my game or spend much time keeping up with sims things since Februaryish, but I am all the way up to the McKim household in my play rotation. So once I get my posting mojo back, there will be stuff to share! Promise.

Miss you guys! But for the moment, bleh!

>:|

Face Templates (Again) & Orphans

2013-02-08T04:53:54Z

Reading about the teen center and orphanage in maranatah's BACC, Clayfield, has had me seriously jonesing to add some of my own to Ste-Margo. After all, my younger residents could use a wider circle of friends (remember how lonely poor Piet was? But then, he was one of the first settlers, so it couldn't be helped!); and after the death of a homeless teenager living on the beach (miss you, Una!) shocked the town to its core, residents have really been pushing for some kind of child services program. So it seems like a good time to introduce some new young faces to the neighborhood!

I'm planning to let the game generate my orphans... which got me thinking about my default face templates again. I'd been growing a little dissatisfied with my current selections and was vaguely on the hunt for new ones. maranatah to the rescue again—her resource list led me to these two fabulous sets by trappingit and joedy_76. Their templates are all SO GORGEOUS, I can hardly stand it, and it was nearly impossible to decide which ones I wanted. Now I'm more excited than ever to see what little ones we'll soon have for our adoption pool! :D

Rambling: Inge Hacks, Past Annoyances, etc.

2013-02-07T05:16:22Z

I was just watching Jessa's latest Let's Play video last night (which, by the way, you should check out if you're interested in seeing her bring her totally awesome Acanthop neighborhood to life, one lot at a time!), and wouldn't you know it, she brought up the Simlogical apartment security system I was wondering about for my troublesome restaurant building the other day. From what Jessa was saying, it sounds like it would be just the thing to keep wandering customers out of my restaurant kitchen/counter area; but then she mentioned something about how it keeps sims from even wanting to use things inside the forbidden spaces (something the Maxis locked door system doesn't do), and that set off a light bulb. This is exactly what I'd been wanting for my asylum dummies who really really really really really really really really want to eat off the kitchen table in Dr. Jamie Tang's private apartment!

But then, over the course of the few minutes that it took to find all those links, I fell in love with those silly nuts all over again. To think, that stupid daily walk allllllll the way across the building that once drove me so bonkers now puts a smile on my face. I need to get back to the asylum and check on those guys...

Still, useful hack that should come in handy for lots of things!

Custom Icons for Collections

2013-02-04T19:27:42Z

Here's another (better?) way to add custom icons without using Collection Creator.

Method 1: Create icons beforehand to add to any collections you make in-game
You can create a bunch of icons to go with specific collections you plan to create or you can make a library of random icons to have if you want to identify your collections by pictures of dinosaurs and kittens, say—the name of each collection will appear when you hover over the folder in-game, so the picture does not have to be descriptive if you don't want it to be. In this case, I am planning to make a collection of candles, so I'm just using a picture of a candle.

You can use (tiny) text, whatever you like, but the image needs to be 28 pixels wide x 22 pixels high. (As you see in the picture, I was making them 28 x 28, which has always worked for me; but the actual size on the collection folders looks rectangular, and other custom icons I've seen are 28 x 22, so that's probably the size to use.)

For it to show up when you're creating your collection in-game, save it in your My Documents/EA Games/The Sims 2/Collections/Icons folder. You can save it as a jpg, bmp, tga, or png file (all seem to work fine; I saved it as a png).

Now, open up your game. When you click the Create New Collection button,

your new custom icon will show up in Choose an Icon menu:

I've named my collection CANDLES and selected the candle icon.

Now I can start adding candles to my collection:

And here you can see my new collection shaping up:

Method 2: Adding custom icons to collections after they've been created
Let's say I'm in the game and make a collection that I don't have an icon for. In that case, I'm just going to pick a random icon from the menu (but remember which one you picked, especially if you're making multiple collections!). We're choosing a plumbbob. Simmy.

You can start adding things now, but since this is just a dummy collection for me, I'm ready to move on to the next step.

Exit the game and open up your photo editor to make another 28 x 22 image.

Aw. So there's the icon we'll use. I saved it as a jpg this time, whatevs.

Now go to your My Documents/..../Collections folder and find the collection you just made in-game.

The game has given it a random file name, but we can identify it by the Date Modified and (once we open it in SimPE) the temporary icon we chose for it in-game (remember: the plumbbob!). So now we open it in SimPE.

Under Resource Tree, select the (IMG) field, then under Resource List (the next frame over), click on the jpg/tga/png field to get the image preview to show up in Plugin View below. There we can see the plumbbob icon we chose before, so this confirms we're working on the right collection.

Right-click on that field and select Replace.

The heart icon we just made is again saved in the My Documents/.../Collections/Icons folder, which means the heart will show up in the Choose an Icon menu just like in Method 1; but if that doesn't matter to you, you can browse and choose an icon from anywhere on your computer. So, select the heart, click Open, and then when the popup says "This resource was changed blah blah," click Yes.

So here we see the image has been updated with our custom icon. Save and exit SimPE.

A good thing to do now would be to go back to your My Documents/.../Collections folder and rename the collection so you'll be able to identify it more easily later. (If you have multiple gibberish files, you can also identify the one we just edited and saved in SimPE because it will have that little lock icon next to it.)

Now we can open up the game again, and ta-da, there's our new collection with its custom icon.

FIN.

top of page