Simlish Fair

The Waltz Arrives in Forgotten Hollow

2026-07-09T12:19:25.664-08:00

Part 2: Dance of Romance

Virgilio teaches Lilith the waltz on the first ballroom dance floor in Forgotten Hollow.

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Traditional slow dance with Vlad on the pipe organ.

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Romantic secrets ... 😌 😊

A Day with Vlad

2026-07-09T10:38:52.794-08:00

Part 1: Visiting Vladislaus

I was checking out Vlad's manor, wondering if it would be a good alternative as a home for Caleb if Lilith moves in with Virgilio.

I found out there was not one bookshelf or case in the whole house! For an ancient vampire? Never! So, I added a few amenities and made a couple of decor changes to the manor.

The entry was large enough for a ballroom dance floor, complete with three stereos.

The master bedroom received a TV, sitting area, and a bookcase.

I added a larger bookcase to the basement, switched around statues, and recolored chairs.

In the bigger upstairs room, I created a study with computer, bookcase, and chairs.

The smaller top floor has a new coffin, rocking chair, and table stereo.

While Virgilio visited, Vlad checked out each bookcase I placed.

It happened to be Love Day, so Virgilio brought Lilith with him ...

... and Tux.

They all watched a romance film in honor of Love Day.

Virgilio asked Vlad for vampire training and quickly became a Master Vampire.

During the visit, Virgilio received a text from his father. Good news for the family!

____________________

Back home, Gaffy the crow shared news on his recent mission concerning Doodlepip!

Lilith and Virgilio

2026-07-07T22:52:40.573-08:00

The Night Belongs to Them

While Thiago and Tybalt were working things out, Virgilio saw Lilith walking by and called her over. (Autonomously. I found them in the Abrantes' backyard.) 😍

The couple are always so happy in each other's company.

They wanted to fool around in the pool, but the water was too cold for comfort. 🥶

So Virgilio suggested the nearby crypt. At least it was sheltered.

Lifting weights has given Virgilio a sinewy, lean look! 💪

The Abrantes' drama, by then, was all forgotten.

Only the two of them existed in the night.

Lilith: "Let's go over to your place."

Virgilio: "Here's a plasma fizz. I have plenty, and you must be thirsty."

This pair should be living together--except then Caleb would be by himself. Maybe Vlad wouldn't mind a vampire roommate. What to do! 😏

Because one of Virgilio's more troublesome traits is being Jealous. And I'm starting to see signs of possessiveness in him. 😒

In the meantime, I'll find activities they can enjoy together.

Lilith has the Active trait, so she's fine with weightlifting with Virgilio. 😁

After Lilith left for home, Virgilio exercised his mental muscles by solving his Rubix's Cube puzzle. A total Competitive Geek. 😄

Tybalt Finally Visits his Daughter's Family

2026-07-07T16:13:09.496-08:00

Grand Duke Tybalt Finally Visits

Virgilio: "Time to drag my dad over to Beatrice's house, eh Tux?"
Tux: "Can I go?"
Virgilio: "Hmm, maybe you should stay here. This might prove delicate."
Tux: "I'll be good."
Virgilio: "Next time, buddy. I promise."

Virgilio adds mobiles to the new cribs.

Tybalt: "So, two of them, huh?"
Virgilio: "Girl and boy: Benita and Tulio. Your first grandkids."
Tybalt: "Well. They look like Capps at least."
Virgilio: "Sure Dad. Guess so. You really should speak with Thiago. He's, uh, eager to talk."

Mama Beatrice.

Thiago: "Tulio looks like me, doesn't he? He's got the Abrantes coloring."

Tybalt: "Hmph! We'll see. Too soon to tell. But Benita is a perfect likeness of her mother."

Thiago: "Sir, I have ambitions for our dynasties. I will encourage my House of Abrantes, as well as support Beatrice in her position as Capp heir. And as you know, despite the divorce, I am still heir to the Thebe dynasty."

Tybalt: "You're well-positioned, no doubt--if you don't squander your advantages."

Tybalt: "I'm not making any promises, Abrantes, but maybe a truce is in order. And if you indeed make good, we might even talk alliance."

Beatrice: "Oh, Thiago! I'm so happy you and Father are getting along so well."

Thiago: "You're welcome in our home anytime, Father Capp!"

Tybalt: "That's Grand Duke Tybalt Capp, Abrantes."

Thiago: "Yes sir, of course."

Thiago: "Things are looking up, little ones. Daddy has finally found his way!"

Fightin' Man Blues

2026-07-05T00:26:59.511-08:00

Fightin' Man Blues

It was Virgio's idea, not mine. 😉 We'd heard that there was a feral man living somewhere in Moonwood Mill. His name was Greg. And he just lives for a good brawl. So one night, Virgilio and Tux made a trip to the deep woods.

The area was dark and scary--for both Virgilio and little Tux.
Virgilio: "Just stay out of the way, Tux. Leave this challenge to me."

Right away, Virgilio felt this was going to be a tough fight. The werewolf was huge!
Virgilio: "Hey, there. I'm looking for a good challenge. Care to oblige?"

Virgilio gave it all he had and was able to hold his own for quite a while.

But then, the end came suddenly.

Not even turning on charming allure could change this outcome!

The only thing left was just to sing the blues! 😩

Fightin' Man Blues

Felt I was born for something more
But I′m still knockin' on a broken door
"Destined for greatness," that′s what they say
But the road keeps draggin' my soul away ...

Every scar I wear is proof I tried
Every dream I lost is still alive ...

If I fall tonight before I′m through
I'll fall swingin′ 'til I break on through ...

The fight in the end is me versus me, not you ...

Me versus me
'Til eternity

Two Sides to Virgilio

2026-07-03T19:34:07.424-08:00

Two Sides to Virgilio: Dark Vampire & Reluctant Family Man

Virgilio visited Vlad to be trained in vampire skills and lore. He challenged Vlad to a sparring match.

He approached with confidence, catching Vlad off guard.

Power exploded.

Vlad couldn't recover any advantage he might have had.

And the match was soon over.

Both vampires were good sports, acknowledging that Virgilio was the victor.

The vampires returned to their non-dark forms.

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Virgilio received notices that his sister Beatrice had given birth ... to twins!

A little girl was announced first. I named her Benita, meaning 'blessed' which is also the meaning of her mother's name, Beatrice.

The second notice announced a boy. I named him Tulio, which means 'fated for glory'.

Tulio is also the name of a hero in the animated movie The Road to El Dorado.
This character reminds me of Thiago Abrantes, the twins' father. 😉

Tulio (in green) and Benita (in yellow).

Virgilio introduces himself to the newborns.

Daddy Thiago holds his baby girl Benita while Virgilio cradles Tulio.

"Congratulations, Sis!"

"We should celebrate ... and invite Dad over!"

Sims 4 Stories, Updates, and Extras

2026-06-17T22:37:35.463-08:00

The Sims 4

Springfest Socials (06/2026)

Sims 4 Miscellany (12/2020)

Springfest Socials

2026-06-17T21:21:26.985-08:00

Virgilio Capp, Vampire, Update

I finally purchased the Bridgerton Bundle from Steam and gave Beatrice 4 extra outfits:
Everyday, Formal, Party, Hot Weather.

I think these classic Empire-Style dresses look good on her currently pregnant frame. 🙂
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Sleep Projection Virgilio still tends to linger after his time, but not for long. Now awakened Virgilio just waves him on his way. "See you later, buddy. Thanks for the skill assist."

Although, Flower Bunny interacted briefly with Sleep Virgilio too.

Springfest in Forgotten Hollow: Flower Bunny and the Vampire Beast. 😄

Virgilio pretending to bite. 🤭
____________________

Checking on Beatrice. She's now in her second trimester. Happy. 😊

Thiago, however, is having trouble coping with domestic bliss. 😆

Virgilio rushes to assist.
🎵 We didn't start the fire! It was always burning since the world's been turning. 🎵

Firefighter crews arrive quickly in Forgotten Hollow! 😦

Thiago looks like he's had about all he can take! Not feeling particularly "entitled" now. 🙃

Rebel Virgilio can't help smirking. 😏
"Uh oh! Your crown appears to be a bit tarnished there, Marquess."

Beatrice: "Thiago, darling, are you alright?"

Thiago is hanging on by a thread. He tries to maintain his composure in front of his new wife. ☹️

But after cleaning up while Virgilio oversees kitchen repairs, Thiago breaks down in front of his friend.
Thiago: "I can't take this! It's too much! ... Argh!"

Thiago: "First a cheating wife, then a divorce, next a whirlwind romance, Beatrice's pregnancy, quick marriage, nearly burned alive! And now my father-in-law is coming after me!"

Virgilio: "Whoa there! My dad is not after you."

Virgilio: "You just need to show him some backbone! Remember, you've bested him in a fencing duel once already. Just channel that guy and you'll be fine. Courage! Stand your ground and speak up!"

Thiago: <taking a deep breath> "Right. Got it. Thanks, man. You're a real pal."

Virgilio: <thinking> "The world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players ... but the Bard forgot that some of those actors are also Directors." 😉

Hannah the Hun and Salina the Sly

2024-05-08T20:24:00.002-08:00

Hannah the Hun and Salina the Sly

Hannah and Salina were shipped off to the rehabilitation colony of Arcadia for their criminal behavior. As punishment, they have to live together. 😆

Hannah is down-right Mean Spirited. I've never played a sim with that trait before. She's also Unflirty and Hot-Headed.

The only positive thing you can say about Hannah is that she's a Great Kisser--if you can get close enough to find that out!

Salina is a Kleptomaniac and a Snob. A greedy little thing!

She relates to machines and vehicles more than she does people, but she's also a Hopeless Romantic. Go figure.

The girls' house isn't so bad. Not the most exclusive in Arcadia, but not the worst.

Hannah drives a hover car and Salina rides a hover scooter.

Salina bores Hannah with her bragging.

Hannah insults Salina time and time again!

Besides trying to get along, they'll have to adjust to their high-tech home.

Salina wants to learn the Handiness skill. She has the Handy trait.

Hannah wants to increase her Athletics skill. She has the Athletic trait.

She wanted to try the chin-up bar, but she kept falling.

But she always got right back up and tried again.

Hannah is a determined young woman.

Salina tried to synthesize an Autumn salad, but things didn't go well the first time.

She had to sponge off the mess and toss her first efforts into the trash. The salad was bad.

But the second time, Salina created a normal, edible salad.

There were no arguments during dinner. Bad for the digestion, I guess.

The futuristic food synthesizer is a combo stove, oven, and dishwasher, but you can't store leftovers in it, so I had to buy them a refrigerator.

I left the pair watching the cooking channel. Salina likes to chat, but Hannah--not so much! :#

Other Sims 4 Households

2021-02-21T16:09:00.004-09:00

In the last couple of months, I've purchased most of the Sims 4 packs. The only ones I don't have right now are Get Famous, Eco Lifestyle, Journey to Batuu, Luxury Party, Bowling Night, Spooky, and My First Pet.

Along with the new packs, I started 5 other households in addition to my Peran family in order to try out different types of game play. I thought I'd give a quick introduction to these other sims.

Godfrey Household: Liam and Esadora. He's an engineer and she's an entertainer.

Teens Household: Camryn and Aaron. She wants to be a curator, and he's an outdoor enthusiast.

Vince Household: Russell and Mazey. He's an extreme sports enthusiast and she's a witch.

Sunter Household: Hayden and Claire. He's a paranormal investigator and she's investigating Strangerville.

Vampire Household: Daniel and Lanette. She dreams of becoming a good vampire, and he's a vampire just trying to be good.

Peran Household: The First Year

2021-02-20T16:25:00.002-09:00

During the next few months, not only did the Peran home evolve, but so did their relationships with each other and with friends.

Dave proposes to Rachel, and they're soon wed.

They postpone a honeymoon until better weather in Spring.

Enlarging and Renovating the Home

2020-12-12T23:30:00.001-09:00

Most of my game play the past few days has been in build mode. I needed more room and didn't want to move my sims elsewhere right now. I decided to put in a staircase and a second floor. The rooms can be used for different purposes as time goes by.

I opened up the kitchen area to create more space. Rearranged furniture and changed a few color schemes.

The second story with a simple floor plan to start.

The outside, front and back.

A yoga and meditation area.

Rachel and Dave do a lot of autonomous kissing. Welcome home, Astronaut!

Entertaining in Towels. Everyone's doing it.

You never know what the pet patients will look like when they come into the clinic.

I added a cleaning machine to the clinic, which does a good job of mopping up after sick pets. It's the gold disk in the pic below.

One of the clinic's lot traits makes pet training quicker and easier. Welsh jumped the highest circuit hoop all by himself!

Father Winter visited again and he, Rachel, and Dave joined a neighbor in canal fishing. Notice that Father Winter (Clement Frost) has the same taste in shirts as Dave does.

Baby Yoda, Yoga, Windenburg, and More

2020-12-12T01:35:00.002-09:00

I did a little more experimenting with objects and activities. Dave and Rachel made progress in their careers and skills and Nova aged up from puppy to adult.

Added the Baby Yoda sculpture to the house.

Rachel also bought Patchy to help with the gardening. She formed a friendship with him and was rewarded with the scarecrow costume. But unfortunately, soon after that, Patchy was hit by lightning and completely obliterated.

I placed a DJ Booth and dance floor in the Willow Creek club. It was a hit.

Nova aged up to adult. A few days later, Rachel took her to the clinic to be spayed.

Surgery mishap!

Welsh always begs at the table.

Sauna woohoo at the spa.

Yoga class for beginners.

Dave and Rachel were invited to the Factory House residence in Windenburg.

Is that a space ship they see? No, its just lightning. Better get inside before you end up like Patchy!

Rachel practiced jokes with the mic.

She designed her first flower arrangement.

Pets, Holidays, and New Activities

2020-12-10T14:23:00.001-09:00

I discovered that my pets mated on their own. I didn't know that could happen--wasn't prepared for another dog! Corgi and Welsh had a little female puppy. I named her Nova. She looks like her parents, but has different coloring and markings.

Nova was pampered from birth.

Father Winter visited the household.

As soon as I had a chance, I took Corgi and Welsh to the vet clinic to be spayed and neutered. The process can be reversed, but I didn't want any more surprises!

Dave and Rachel toasted in the New Year.

Rachel spent some time training the dogs' skills and tricks.

They all visited the spa.

The skating rink was next door.

The bonzai tree can be shaped to increase the flower arranging skill.

Not only are Dave and Rachel best friends, they're soul mates.

Father Winter invited the couple to attend a party at the Von Haunt Estate in Windenburg.

A New Family in Sims 4: The Peran Household

2020-12-01T12:24:00.001-09:00

After taking a long break from Sims 3, I decided to give Sims 4 a chance. I bought the Sims 4 Digital Deluxe/Seasons combo, Cats & Dogs, Parenthood, Tiny Living, and the free Holiday Celebration download. I also have a few Digital Deluxe extras: Up All Night, Life of the Party, Awesome Animal Hats, and the Digital Soundtrack. I bought these at a Steam sale, but then found out that Origin has to run too. Oh well, it hasn't really been a problem so far.

I've been trying to get used to the new game mechanics. Sims 4 seems to be very similar to 3 though, and it's been easier to switch versions than I thought it would be. I did install a few tuning mods, but want to keep those to a minimum. One of my issues with playing Sims 3 is that managing all the content and CC I had accumulated was becoming somewhat of a pain.

Here are some screenshot highlights from my first few hours of game play, featuring Dave Peran (Bodybuilder Aspiration, Astronaut Career), Rachel Loft (Friend of the Animals, Veterinarian Career), Corgi (female dog), and Welsh (male dog).

Dave adopts Welsh as a companion for Corgi

Rachel joins household

First kitchen fire

Dave walks Welsh

Rachel dances with Corgi

Rachel tries working out while Dave attempts painting

Roommates romancing

Selfie of the new couple

Cool in a towel

Promoted career outfit

Appeasing the gnomes

Leaf pile woohoo

Murphy bed trouble

Boxing at the gym

Opening the Fuzzy Animal Clinic

Sims 4 Highlights

2020-12-01T12:03:00.018-09:00

Posts from my Sims 4 Game Play

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Peran Household

A New Family in Sims 4: The Peran Household

Pets, Holidays, and New Activities

Baby Yoda, Yoga, Windenburg, and More

Enlarging and Renovating the Home

Peran Household: The First Year

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Introducing My Other Households

Other Sims 4 Households

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01-23. 4-Bitz Takes a Vacation

2019-01-27T21:40:00.001-09:00

Recently, I remember that there were a few changes I'd wanted to make in the venues I'd placed in the vacation world of Sunset Valley where Max and Kirby honeymooned. I sent 4-Bitz to SV to check these things out.

Here are some screenshots of 4-Bitz visiting the Center for Life-Long Learning. She has the Limitless Learning trait chip, so she picked up a few skills as I played. BTW, it was night when I first opened the save.

Picking grapes.

Squishing fruit--using energy pulses instead of feet!

The inevitable fall in the vat.

Trying to make a baby play mat since Kirby back home in Bridgeport is pregnant.

The first try turned out to be a "misfit monstrosity."

Success!

Checking out the plumbot for sale.

Learning the Laser-Rhythm-a-Con Instrument skill.

Morning brings in the townies. There are chew toys available, but this guy prefers tearing up the furniture!

Bonehilda cleaning an ice cream mess.

Her work done, Bonehilda seeks out the visiting canine.

And tries to teach him/her(?) to sit.

A busy venue. Adults, kids, and even a cat.

Getting a massage.

4-Bitz learns the artisan skill

Blowing glass.

01-22. Ready for the Next Challenge

2019-01-27T21:30:00.003-09:00

Max claims he's Not A Sim, but I have my doubts. I mean, look at that face. Am I right?

Max: Hey! I'm still in a daze from our honeymoon in Sunset Valley suburbia...where YOU sent us!
Me: I thought the Valley would be a nice change of pace from the big city.
Max: Well...the Villa Paraíso DID make a great resort and base camp. But all those picket fences! (shivers)

Uh ... definitely not a sim.

"I work for EA."

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I think Max and Kirby seem a little restless.

What wishes do they have in mind?

At that moment, Max had a wish to hug Kirby amorously. Ahh, that's nice. And the second they embraced, they both got Eternally Faithful reputations. That's VERY nice.

4Bitz probably texted the Relationship Council of Bridgeport when she saw them being so lovey-dovey. Those public affection reports do add up.

Both Max and Kirby also had wishes for a baby. I'd been postponing a family, but tonight I decided, oh why not? They're young, rich...and in love. Let's give them a baby. They need a new challenge!

After a pleasant romp and then hearing baby chimes, Max and Kirby fell fast asleep ...

... while 4Bitz entertained herself with horror movies. I'm pretty sure I sat her down on the couch to watch the Cooking Channel. But whatever. I was feeling indulgent today. Have fun 4Bitz. I hope you get the lubricant scared out of you!

"There are eight million stories in the naked city...this has been one of them!"

01-21. Newly Married in Bridgeport

2019-01-27T20:33:00.000-09:00

More screenshots from 2015.

My Bridgeport household is Maxwell Abbott, who did the 112 Day Challenge. He's a level 10 Power Broker and has invested in most of the city. Filthy rich Workaholic. Owns a 5 Star Resort, which earned him his Lifetime Reward early in life. Max has earned me so many achievement badges! Today, I received the Planning Presentation badge (Practice a presentation 10 times with the Business Planner--he does this on his own) AND the High Class Hotel Badge (Run a 5 Star resort for 7 days).

Max recently married his fiancee, Kirby Wise, who is also a Workaholic--in the political career. They just returned from their honeymoon in Sunset Valley. Yes...they vacationed in SV...wanted a little taste of the simple life. (And I'd never played in SV before, so I wanted to sample it as well.) They are now settling into their new luxury home.
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First though, I thought this was funny. This is the wedding chapel at the resort. Using Buy on this Lot, I put a savvy seller rug under a table and added the Chocolate Fountain. This guy immediately went over and bought a fountain at full price before I could even set up a sale. Then, after I marked the fountain for sale at 25% off, the same sim bought THREE more fountains! ... Chocoholic?

The Abbott household. Maxwell who is a level 10 cook, Kirby who is writing a biography for work, and 4-Bitz who is doing the upgrades.

4-Bitz installed a new Friendly Function trait chip and headed down to the Spa to get a part time job. She also has the Office Drone chip. I don't want her working full time because Max and Kirby both want a baby, and 4-Bitz will serve as the nanny.

Max and Kirby are still very much newlyweds. Kirby was checking the mail and Max followed her out to kiss and flirt...in a hailstorm!

The Abbotts had another friend die tonight. Caroline Custard drowned. Max and Kirby took the tombstone to the cemetery and spent time mourning.

While they were there, they celebrated life by woohooing in the sarcophagus I had placed awhile back.

Before they had to go back to work, Max and Kirby had some fun at a small park.

Hobnobbing with the locals at tea time--in swimsuits!

Ended the day with Kirby asking for campaign donations (successfully!) and Max using his favorite portable item: the Business Planner.

01-20. Honeymoon in Sunset Valley: Part 2

2019-01-27T20:15:00.000-09:00

Here are a few more memories for my Bridgeport honeymooners in Sunset Valley.

At the community center:

At the hangout (converted consignment store): Max wishes for happiness (his choice) ...

... and then is granted a euphoric moodlet.

He steals a lucky coin from the well and wins at the slot machine.

Kirby plays 3-D chess with Cornelia Goth.

She hypnotizes Max at the Mysterium.

At the renovated Varg's Dance Tavern:

01-19. Honeymoon in Sunset Valley: Part 1

2019-01-27T20:09:00.000-09:00

Here are a few screenshots from back in 2015 when the Abbotts went on their honeymoon in Sunset Valley. Unfortunately, the pics are in-game memory shots, so the graphics are poor quality.

Newlyweds Maxwell and Kirby from Bridgeport dine at the Sunset Valley Bistro.

The two guys I recruited as chef and waiter used to be "dancers." The waiter is so funny. He's always winking, doing hand-on-hip poses, cheering, and flirting with the ladies.

I used Ani's Business as Unusal Bistro mod and the NRaas Cupcake mod in my renovated Bistro. I was able to restock a couple of displays right away. Then they restocked perfectly at 5:00 am the next day.

One thing I like about Ani's Bistro mod is that children can order and eat too.

My sims browsed both bakery shelves and bought items.

The shelf in the back of the kitchen contains some jams my sims made.

Here's a shot of the upstairs, with a pro bar and a couple of tea tables.

Just for fun, I added a chicken coop at the back of the Bistro...because bakeries need lots of eggs. The Evil Chicken attacked Max during a fight.

At the bakery plaza before I bulldozed it.

Maxwell introduces himself to big Nick Alto, then tutors him in Social Networking.

Kirby plays Frisbee.

At the Chinese Garden: Snake charming.

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An unexpected thing happened at the Villa Paraíso base camp. I found a stray dog sleeping in the Base Camp. I had sent my sims home to bed and happened to see that someone else was sleeping in another room. I zoomed over and found a dog in the bunk bed! He had apparently gone through the door and up the spiral staircase to get into the bed. I've never had a stray do that before.

A Sunset Valley Tourist Neighborhood: Part 2

2019-01-27T15:05:00.002-09:00

Here are more recent screenshots taken of the SV Community Neighborhood venues, a continuation of Part 1.

First, here's a close-up of the Zen Garden a short distance down the road.

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The Sunset Valley community neighborhood offers several premium content venues and items.

I converted the Villa Paraíso into a base camp. It sits across the street from the Center for Life-Long Learning and the renovated Bistro.

I converted the consignment store next to the base camp into a hangout, adding the ITF counter, book register, comic book register, and a food register. I took the consignment register out to put with the Elixir register elsewhere. Then I added arcade machines, ITF clothing stand, ITF chess table, compuer, TV, and bookselves. Outdoors are the trampoline, the basketball court, and the wishing well.

Villa Paraíso base camp showing the Adventure board.

1st floor with stereos, outdoor grill, pool, bookcases, computer, exercise machines, juice bar, dart board, tea table, and areas to visit.

2nd floor with 1 double bed and several bunk beds, children's room, chess table, easel, and food buffet.

Inside the Bistro are also bakery shelves and the Teppanyakii grill.

I also added the wood stove, bakery oven, and the canning station to the kitchen. A bathroom is accessed through the kitchen. The chicken coop is outdoors, and a kid's doll house sits on the porch.

Upstairs contains a pro bar, tea tables, an arcade machine, and 2 all-in-one toilets. There's also a hopscotch outdoors on this side of the building.

Even the food truck showed up in the neighborhood.

Just down the street are a Magic Emporium lot, the junkyard, and the Dance Hall.

The junk yard offers the chemical lab table and the inventing station. An all-in-one shower is nearby. Inside the hut (not shown) is a computer, bookcase, TV, love seat, and desk. The yard also has a grill. There's a grill and tables on the elixir lot as well.

The magic emporium lot offers several magic items, the elixir register and the basic consignment register, cases of wine to taste and purchase, a gem cutter, and alchemy station. Outside are beehives, the harvest cart, jelly bean tree, and the usual elixir shop spawners.

A Sunset Valley Tourist Neighborhood: Part 1

2019-01-27T14:45:00.000-09:00

I have played very little in Sunset Valley. So in 2015, I decided it was time to do some exploring there. At that time, I didn't want to start another household, so instead I started a unique save in SV and put down a Base Camp and some other venues to make SV a vacation world--sort of a small town getaway instead of an exotic locale. I have Nraas Traveler and have already used it to make a vacation world in Isla Paradiso. Anyway, I sent my newest married couple from the big city of Bridgeport to Sunset Valley as a honeymoon.

SV Tourist Community Lots
The Sims 3 Store's Villa Paraiso is the base camp, with a few tweaks and more beds. I cleared out some of the clutter that was causing access issues.

I turned the spa venue into a community center with various things like the toy machine, glass-blowing unit, art room, bot making, science machine, nectary making, presentation board, music instruments, pool bar, etc.

I placed the bakery plaza, and added the wood fire oven, the Teppanyaki grill, tea tables, and a pro bar. Later, I replaced the bakery with a renovated bistro.

I changed the old consignment store which was already there to a hang out with arcades, slot machine, wishing well and the food, book, comic, and bot registers. Took the consignment register out.

Next door, I added the consignment register to the Elixir store and turned the parking lot into a Mysterium.
Added magic items, some tasteable and buyable wine racks, harvest stand, and community grill.

Varg's Tavern was already by the Elixir store. I still need to make changes there. I want to add pro bars, make it a dance club I think.

The junkyard was also already placed on the same street, so I added the inventing table and chemistry lab. I always fix the junkyards up a little, adding outhouse, a fridge, etc. Sims show up there all the time..

The last lot I placed was a Chinese Garden venue (next to Performance Park). I downloaded this one a long time ago and did some modifications. It has World Adventure insect and fish spawners, martial arts equipment, snake charming baskets, WA trees and plants.

Zen Garden Lot at MTS

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Since these modifications were first made in 2015, I have since made a few more changes to this neighborhood. I've also changed computers, and my graphics have improved a lot! First, here are some pics of my renovated Serenity Retreat, now a big park venue called The Center for Life-Long Learning.

I didn't make too many changes to the building structure, mainly just cleared out furnishings and added what I wanted. You can see pet objects outside here, a bench on a side balcony.

Changes to the back include a music stage, a nectar machine with grapevines nearby, pool waterfall, pool bar, dive board and pool slide.

I moved the massage table so the covered platform could be used for music.

The hot tube and outdoor showers are pretty much the same. I added that trash can and the wall to give the massage table a little privacy.

Here's a closer view of the pool bar with mixologist, the waterfall and nectary setup. I also placed a couple of small stereo's outside. I took out a row of wedding benches and made more room for the bar and nectar machine.

Instead of more lounge chairs, I made this balcony into a small snack area with a small fridge and tables. I also placed the glass blowing machine here too.

Hot beverages and ice cream on the counters. But other things could go here.

Rocking chairs and room to dance.

These two rooms contain the toy making machine and the science lab station. Beyond that is a small area with 2 all-in-one toilets and doors leading to a balcony.

On the top balcony, are 3 ITF items: the bot building station, a bot purchasing stand, and the laser harp instrument on a small stage.

The main room contains added toys, speaking podium, presentation board, computer, TV, bookcases, rockers, and a Bonehilda coffin.

The side room has a drafting table, sculpting station, and 3 different styles of painting easels. The small bathroom contains 2 more all-in-one toilets.

Overview of the 1st floor.

Overview of the 2nd floor.

Overhead of the small 3rd level.

I didn't try to put all the special skills items on this one lot because I have other lots that I placed nearby that offer premium content items as well. My idea was to create a neighborhood where sims (actives and townies alike) could access skills items. See Part 2 of A Sunset Valley Tourist Neighborhood.

01-06. Jungle Ruins: Part 2

2018-12-08T03:39:00.001-09:00

The second dungeon level down tested Keaunu's and Maria's strength and courage over and over again. While they rejoiced in all the amazing treasure troves they discovered, each new gain unleashed more terror. Three more mummies rose from their sarcophagi to fight with the adventurers!

Whatever god this ancient statue represented was serious about defending his bounty! Keaunu believed the rock god looked like a dwarf from that long-lost race. Personally, Maria thought it was just a run of the mill gnome.

Dwarf, gnome, or ancient alien, he meant business! His mummy henchmen were tough warriors.

Maria lost her second battle with one mummy who wasn't so kind to her. She fell into a deep sleep.

After each victory, the mummies returned to their own slumber.

Keaunu lost fights with two mummies. One was a thin, wiry fellow.

And the other was a hefty strongman!

Keaunu also collapsed in unconsciousness after each lost battle.

There was a second hallway leading off from the lowest level's rock god chamber. Maria had been wanting to investigate this last crypt room from the first moment she entered the ruins.

Now with the crypt's treasures pillaged, both Maria and Keaunu spent a few moments trying their luck with the magic well they found there. Never one prospered!

The well just wasn't going to give up its mysteries for them. They'd have to test the waters another day.

Maria did manage to catch a couple of fish from the well though.

She donated a tuna to the well's display stand nearby--in memory of the Romantic Mummy.

By then, Keaunu and Maria discovered that small excavation sites had materialized inside the tomb. They dug through the muck to find more treasure!

And excavation mounds had appeared outside the crypt as well. The two were really racking in the loot!

Exhausted, Maria and Keaunu took a moment to sit by the fire pit and roast marshmallows. They talked about their adventures and what they should do with the treasure they'd found.

They happened to see a few pieces of ore lying near the ruins and decided they should collect the stones before they left the area.

Content with all their prizes, they bicycled home.

Keaunu: We didn't get anything marked off on our Bucket Lists, but I think we made a good start on them.
Maria: It was a valuable experience ... and a lot of fun too!

That night, they arranged for another addition to their house. Keaunu needed a room to house his relics, and they would need space for their Bucket List projects too.

One more floor was added above the main area of the house with stairs leading up from the utility room.

Keaunu set out all their treasures. He had enough relics to put him half-way to his Lifetime Wish goal of §20,000!

They also added two decks to the new upstairs level. One in front ...

... and one in back. After a few more trips abroad, they would add more luxuries.

Footnote: Neither Keaunu or Maria got cursed by the mummies! So all's well that ends well.

01-05. Jungle Ruins: Part 1

2018-12-08T02:36:00.000-09:00

This story line features CravenLestat's Jungle Ruins community lot.

Early one morning after breakfast, Keaunu and Maria started talking. They weren't getting any younger--well, ok, so they'd eaten a few Life Fruits, but those hardly counted. The point was, the two were anxious to tackle their Bucket Lists. It was a beautiful day in Sunlit Tides. No better time than now to start their quests!

Maria: Why don't we begin by exploring that beach cave everyone's talking about? I heard they finally got the door unsealed, but the city council is telling folks to stay clear. What do you think?

Keaunu: Those danger warnings are nonsense. The Power People just want all the treasures for themselves! I say we beat them to the punch! You game, girl?

Maria: Always! Let me pack some food, and then I'm good to go.
Keaunu: And I'll get our first aid kit ready. ... Yahoo!

Keaunu and Maria bicycled down the road to a hidden beach area. The ruins were just as intriguing as they anticipated. The place wasn't completed deserted either. A few brave souls had come out to take a look.

But Maria and Keaunu were the first to step through the entrance. There were a few torches set up, but the room was dark and mysterious. Had this been an ancient temple once long ago?

The first thing Maria wanted to check out was the strange well. She dove in without a thought to what lay below. Lucky for her, she came up with a nice collection of loot. Keaunu also found some loot in a nearby chest.

After climbing down the ladder to an underground level, Maria worked at clearing a doorway while Keaunu practiced meditating. Maria knew he was just brooding, but she never corrected him about that.

Excited to see what she could find in this new crypt area, Maria triggered a fire trap set in the floor!

But her dear friend was prepared and pulled out the fire extinguisher he'd packed.

Maria was saved from certain death, but she needed to cool down and wash off. She headed back upstairs for another dip in the well.

By that time, Keaunu was hacking away at another blocked door. While a local teen sat at a nearby table and watched what they were doing, Maria took a break to eat and recover her strength.

She needed it because as Keaunu ate his own dinner, Maria triggered yet another floor trap! This time it was electrical. Back to the well to heal her poor, tortured body!

Meanwhile, long-buried crypt ants found their picnic, so they packed all their food away.

This level offered a comfortable bed--perfect for a much-needed nap. So they didn't have to use sleeping bags.

When they woke up, Keaunu and Maria tried to disarm the traps, but they couldn't figure out how to turn them off, even after listening to Logic podcasts on their MultiTabs.

Giving up on the traps, the pair climbed down to the next level. Maria found a hidden switch and turned it. She didn't realize that it opened a mummy's sarcophagus!

The Ancient Guardian fell instantly in love with Maria, but he still had a job to do--guard the crypt's treasure!

Maria wasted no time. Catching the mummy by surprise, she lunged first!

The battle was fierce!

The outcome uncertain.

But in the end, Maria prevailed ... this time.

She watched in shock as the mummy disappeared into a whirlwind of dust.

Maria wondered sadly if this romantic mummy had sacrificed himself to let her win. She would never know.