#ESPECIALLY these 'big' community simmers

[cosmicallymundane]

twitter is SO cynical about paralives development its almost funny

[sim-berry]

I'm Tired.

I totally get why many simblrs don't want to name and shame and want to avoid drama, but I'm not one of those simblrs. If I see some bs I'm going to call it out. I only have a few followers (who are lovely and sweet) anyway, so it's not like I'll get a crusade against me. So that's exactly what I'm gonna do, because I'm pissed right now.

I know I don't have a big blog so it's unlikely many will see this, but if you do, please reblog it. Spread the word about creators who have stolen content so that people can stop downloading their cc and supporting them.

One of my favorite creators, Toys of Dukeness, has just deleted all their poses from Patreon and stated that they are leaving the Sims community. Their poses have been STOLEN by other "creators" who have locked them behind paywalls. Keep in mind Toys gives their poses out FOR FREE and they've been STOLEN and put behind paywalls! They're making money off of shit that isn't even theirs! How disgusting is that?? And now they don't even feel welcome in the community that they've given so much to.

And it's funny because I just saw a post from the amazing @simmireen (who makes many of my favorite poses) calling out THE SAME CREATOR for stealing their poses!! Simmireen's poses are stunning and she is kind enough to give them out for free, and she's had her hard work ripped off by an early access paywaller. The same one who drove Toys out of this community: simsulani.

This is a screenshot taken from Toys of Dukeness's post (read the whole thing here) that specifically calls out two of the thieves:

If this keeps happening, more of our wonderful cc creators are going to leave simblr. And I don't blame them one bit. Why put hours, sometimes days, of work into creating content when it's just going to be stolen and profited off of by someone else?

And when those creators do eventually leave, do you know what we'll be left with? Scummy perma-paywallers and early access creators who use minority groups to make money. (As a member of the LGBT I can't tell you how fucking sick I am of seeing "Pride Month Collection- Available to the public on June 30th🥰")

We can't let that happen. We need to support and show love to the creators who allow us to have beautiful cc and amazing poses in our games. I can tell you right now my stories would be nothing without simmireen's and Toys' poses. And they aren't the only creators who have had their cc stolen. We're on here about AI stealing art all the time (which is a totally valid argument, don't get me wrong), meanwhile actual humans, fellow simmers, are stealing content right under our noses, right this moment.

I am TIRED of this. Our content creators are being driven off this site and out of the community entirely because their work is being stolen. Storytellers, including myself, have also had their storylines stolen. I once saw someone take my entire NSB Gen 2 storyline, with even the quotes being copied and pasted! If you don't have creativity, then don't make content, that's okay. What's not okay is STEALING from people who have worked hard on their craft, ESPECIALLY if you're making money off of the stuff you stole.

Again, please reblog if you can. And feel free to share some REPUTABLE creators so simmers know who to download from rather than the thieves. They're the ones who need to be driven out, not the hardworking creators. And anyone who is afraid to vent about this on main can come into my anon and rant all they want. We as a community need to stop this.

-Coco xoxo

[magnoliapromenadegalleria]

I take no issue with monetizing cc. You release good content and have an agreeable release window, I either choose to subscribe, or I wait. Cool. What I do take issue with is this

Perma-paywalls or ridiculous early access release windows. Anything exceeding thirty days is excessive. My opinion.

2. New creators setting up immediate early access. The skillset is just not there yet to put a price on your creations. You barely have a base to sell to. This includes creators who created for other games, then come over to The Sims and try to sell to us. For example, the creator that makes skins and admitted they don't even play the game. Simply here for profit.

3. Creators that do not qc their work, or steal from other creators. Girl.

4. Customer service. Once you start creating for profit, whether it be supplemental or your main source, you have to have a level of customer service and professionalism. You have now started a brand. A very niche brand, but that's what it is. You cannot be short with people for asking valid questions and catching an attitude with them. Like that one lady with the tree coming out in February. If you are one of those rare creators who is lucky enough money to hire someone to handle your social media, I suggest you do that. Or supply a friend with more patience with their favorite coffee or something and let them handle it. Something.

5. Not interacting with the community you are trying to sell to. Connect with people. Repost their edits, lookbooks, builds, leave comments, give a like. The creator mentioned above commented that no one comments on their stuff, at least not here. Fair. This community does not talk like it used to, but to each other like it used to, but you can go to creator pages and see that they are perfectly curated advertisements. Like a showroom. No reblogs of anyone using their content. If you want that for your main page fine, but at least have another side blog where you can do the outlined above.

6. Pushing something out just to push it. I think we have entered a space, both creator and follower/consumer, where everything feels so fast-paced. What's the new thing coming out, what's next, etc. So much so that I think it has made creators push out content just to keep up, especially if they rely on that income. This has resulted in some creators getting into hot water for releasing the same item(s) in different sets and in different colors. Or creators releasing duplicates of the same thing. It can be frustrating, but I question if it is because they're just trying to keep up, or afraid to try something new or different in fear of it not doing well. Some smaller creators who create different content don't get as much love and I question if they would receive more if they followed the wave, or were big enough to start one.

Now to this community

If a creator disrespects you or others or moves in a way that you don't fundamentally agree with, and you complain but still download and or advertise their content, you're moving counterproductive to your plight. Why would anyone reflect on themselves when you prove that you're going to advertise their content anyway?

2. Show love to these creators. Big and small, especially small, monetized or not. Everyone likes to hear or see that what they release is valued. Don't harass or disrespect creators if they take a break, or they don't get something out quickly. Especially the modders.

3. Interact with each other. Even if your aesthetics or different. This is a community. If you see something you like, LIKE IT. Share it, leave a comment.

4. Create the thing simmer. The edit, cc, build, lookbook, whatever. Create the thing and share the thing. Even if it isn't part of a popular trend or aesthetic.

I'm speaking about myself here too because I want to better about this.

I want this to feel fun again. Not just based on what is in at the moment.

This might be read. Might not. Just my two Abes. Anyway I'm about to make some soup from scratch. Toodles!

[hhughes]

Can you do a version of that with small town luke too pls?

of course , i’ll take any and all chances to talk about blue collar boy luke. see this for contex <3

out of the three I think blue!collar luke is definitely the most humble. I don’t know if I’ve said it but their family is kind of a big deal in the small town (think great great grandfather founding it etc. small town famous). he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t seek praise but appreciates it when it comes.

he’s not a big talker, normally. (with you he’s a non stop yapper) both his older brothers have always fit into the spot light nicely , and he’s kind of been labelled as the ‘quiet, reserved’ brother and although he doesn’t always feel like that’s him, he plays into it cause it’s easier. because he doesn’t talk that much (or at least as much as his brothers) his words carry more weight because of it. you know when luke tells you something it’s honest and thought through. his brothers go to him for advice for that exact reason.

luke’s the baby of the family and despite his family stopping at nothing to protect him and try to take care of him, luke is fiercely independent.

he doesn’t love being the center of attention, as his family is quite often, but when he’s passionate about something —whether it’s his work or his relationships—it shows in the way he lights up when talking about it. he hates public speaking but he will stand in front of the town and tell them why he thinks they should do reconstruction on an old building for hours.

luke values quality over quantity in relationships. he doesn’t let people get close to him easily, but once you’re in, you’re in for life.

luke looks up to quinn more than he’ll ever admit. he admires quinn’s sense of responsibility and the way the town respects him. even though they’re different in many ways, luke would be grateful if he turned out half the man his big brother is.

with jack, luke is a bit more relaxed. because that’s just the effect jack has on people. he brings them out of their shell a bit. jack’s teasing might get on his nerves sometimes, but luke secretly enjoys the banter. they have an unspoken bond and often team up to poke fun at their older brothers whenever they can.

luke is a staple in the small town all on his own tho. people know when they need something or when they’re in trouble, they can call luke (or quinn) and he’ll help.

his entire business started started by just going around fixing some of the elderly people’s houses, as a favour and then tipping him generously

blue collar bf luke is the definition of a steady, dependable boyfriend. he doesn’t need grand gestures to show his love—his affection is in the little things, like remembering how you take your coffee or leaving a note on the counter when he leaves early for work.

luke isn’t overly verbal about his feelings, but when he tells you he loves you, it’s always heartfelt and sincere. he shows his love through actions more than words.

when luke commits, he’s all in. he sees a future with you and isn’t afraid to talk about it—eventually. he’s the type to dream about building a house together, literally and figuratively.

blue collar bf luke is so acts of service. he’ll do things like fill up your gas tank, fix things around the house, or build you something meaningful just because he knows it’ll make your life easier.

luke loves the little moments in a relationship. dancing with you in the kitchen while dinner simmers on the stove or holding your hand while you walk through town are his favorite kinds of romance.

when he says, “I love you,” it’s in the quiet moments—like when he thinks you’re asleep and he brushes a strand of hair from your face, murmuring it softly.

kids in town adore him. he always has time to toss a ball around or fix someone’s bike, and he’s got an easygoing nature that makes them feel at ease.

he volunteers for community projects when he can, especially if they involve building or fixing something. the town sees him as reliable, trustworthy, and kind-hearted.

luke is up before the sun, heading to job sites and putting in long hours, but no matter how tired he is, he always makes time for you when he gets home. His hands are rough and calloused, a testament to the hard work he puts in every day.

after a long day, luke walks through the door in his dusty boots, blue jeans, and a snug t-shirt that shows off his strong arms. the first thing he does? wraps his arms around you and presses a kiss to your forehead, murmuring, “missed you today.”

he’ll keep your car running like a dream, always checking your oil, filling your tires, and making sure it’s in top shape. you tease him for being overprotective, but he just smirks and says, “can’t have you breaking down on me, sweetheart.”

sundays are sacred for luke. after a quiet morning, he spends the afternoon working on his truck or tackling a small project at home, always with you close by. he loves when you sit outside with him, maybe handing him tools or just keeping him company.

he’ll leave little notes in your lunch bag or on the fridge, reminding you how much you mean to him. or, if he finishes a project early, he’ll stop by your workplace with coffee or lunch, just to see you smile.

after a long, hard day, luke loves nothing more than curling up with you on the couch, letting you run your fingers through his hair while he holds you close. he’s not big on words, but his actions always let you know how much he loves you.

luke notices everything. If your favorite mug breaks, he’ll replace it. If you casually mention wanting to visit a local fair, he’ll make sure to take you, even if it’s not usually his scene.

there’s nothing better than luke coming home, peeling off his dusty shirt, and pulling you into his lap on the couch with a beer in his hand.

[sativaonsaturn]

astro observations about my own placements

virgo sun

people who just get it. laugh at pretty much anything, may not smile much but definitely love to laugh. type of people who absolutely need to say “i told you so” even if it’s in a loving way. good at spending time alone; can hang but if the circumstances are not optimal, we will opt out 😂 definitely the type to do it ourselves if it’s not exactly the way we want (ex: dish at a restaurant isn’t as good as it could be, so we make it ourselves at home) also do not sleep on a virgo, we are silent killers 😂 i’ve found that we also really value people based on merit. so even if we don’t like someone, if they’re hard working or go getters we respect them just for that.

pisces moon

water moons in general experience real emotional rollercoasters. scorpio is like a storm of emotions, cancer like constant rolling waves and pisces like a back and forth between still waters and crashing waves. pisces moons are usually between extremes of numbness and deep feelings. this can vary from moment to moment, week to week, even years apart - especially when we master our emotions (as in being aware of emotions rather than being consumed by them) can be prone to putting others’ emotional needs before their own but can also disregard them and be cold. super intuitive; many have prophetic dreams, can read energies, know what others’ will say before they say it. also people close to us may feel like they’ll never truly know us as we have a tendency to be elusive.

libra mercury

The Diplomat. usually have pleasing voices and know how to talk to people, especially if it’s in the 1st house. great at conflict resolution; will hear everyone out and find a solution. also rely heavily on logic when communicating, really understanding people and want whatever will keep things balanced (can avoid conflict for this reason). like every libra placement, look at both sides of everything but i would say on the scale of indecisiveness it goes: 1. libra moon 2. libra mars 3. libra mercury.

leo venus

a love on fire. there are two sides to this: passion that burns hot and a fire that can get snuffed out just as fast. generous (in every sense) lovers to all loved ones, friends and romantic partners alike. fairly high standards, not as high as virgo venus but definitely know what we want. love to adorn ourselves with carefully picked jewelry, perfume, etc. like we pay extra attention to what complements us (including partners). on the same note, unless aspected negatively, a leo venus will never go for someone who doesn’t want them. we’re very big on being loved, wanted, desired and there’s a lot of pride to consider as well. so even if we really want someone, if it’s not reciprocated or we feel a void/ lacking, we’ll leave. (this goes for any kind of relationship) also very passionate in love, need that back in all our close relationships.. especially romantic.

sagittarius mars

strong minded, have unwavering values (my mercury helps balance this). as sag is ruled by the 9th house, i’ve found that it’s really important that i travel. whether it’s a weekend in another town or a week in another country, it’s essential to feeling sane and grounded. when i haven’t changed scenery for a while, i find that i become restless. new experiences can fill that gap too. like trying a new cuisine or getting a piercing. i find that we tend to view sex as a sport 😭 i personally don’t feel like this is a negative thing; with the right person this can make things more fun/ exciting. have predominant thighs/ hips - can be the fullest part of the body. we can get angry quite quickly but simmer down just as quick, esp if we get our points across or find a fulfilling outlet (like throwing things or working out). also HATE being told what to do. this isn’t to say we can’t take instruction but being given direction where it isn’t needed is a sure fire way to set us off.

sativaonsaturn 🍃🪐

[thesmpisonfire]

Hey lads!

So, it's amazing waking up and seeing so many supportive posts towards the Brazilians of the community and also towards Cellbit. It rlly makes me feel safe here and reassures I choose the right community to be active on (qsmpblr <3)

But I need y'all to know that the reason the xenophobia against brazilian fans and cellbits doc are connected is bc a bunch of brazilians managed to gather screenshots of people (both from the english and the hispanic side of the community) being xenophobic and racist towards us and we made a big thread with them to showcase we were not crazy and overreacting. And so, the same people that were xenophobic decided to bring up AGAIN the whole deal with Cellbit's ex as a smoke bomb and to diverge attention from their shit and to "justify" it, bringing up brazilians from other spheres outside qsmptwt that hate on Cellbit for the fun and made it bigger than it should

And bc of that, she saw it and made that terrible fake accusation, leading to the document

Also. Please don't feel pressured and forced to make a post showing your support to both Cellbit and the brazilians. If you want to, okay! Thanks for doing it! But if you don't, it's okay. It's a tough topic. And most of us are here because we don't want the twitter stress and some don't even have twitter to know. Not everyone campers the tag to be always up with the news

I'd just say that if you wanna show your support but feel too shy to make a post or anxious and now is feeling worse, send a dm or an anon ask to a fellow brazilian blogger. I can guarantee, it's enough and we feel really good with it too

And also. People. Don't fucking go around shaming others for not speaking up about the whole mess. Don't go "your silence speaks volumes" ESPECIALLY since you didn't scroll far enough to see we weren't silent. Yesterday we talked about it, we spread Cellbit's doc link, we made posts about the xenophobia. But the qsmpblr community don't want to stir and simmer in the drama so long. We want peace and feel comfortable here. I can assure you, private communities from bloggers on discord keep talking about it, but most of us want to go back to normal posting so people go back to feel safe and not triggered about such a heavy topic

Don't. Fucking. Shame. People. For. Not. Posting. About. It.

This is not twitter. When someone is a dick, you WILL know, and it wont be bc they didn't talk about smth that twitter made into a bigger drama than it should be

Anyway, stay safe y'all. Thanks for the supportive messages towards the brazilians <3

[najia-cooks]

[ID: A wide cylindrical pile of rice, eggplants, and 'lamb' on a serving platter, garnished with parsley. End ID]

مقلوبة / Maqluba

مَقْلُوبَة⁩ ("maqlūba," "upside down" or "turned over") is a Levantine casserole in which spiced meat, fried vegetables, and rice are arranged in a pot and simmered; the entire pot is then inverted onto a serving tray to reveal the layered ingredients. Maqluba historically uses lamb and eggplant, but modern recipes more often call for chicken; tomato, cauliflower, potato, bell pepper, and peas are other relatively recent additions to the repertoire.

A well-made maqluba should be aromatic and highly spiced; the meat and vegetables should be very tender; and the rice should be cohesive without being mushy. A side of yoghurt gives a tangy, creamy lift that cuts through and complements the spice and fat in the dish.

Maqluba emphasizes communal eating and presentation. It is usually eaten during gatherings and special occasions, especially during Ramadan—a month of sunrise-to-sunset fasting which celebrates the revelation of the Qu'ran to the prophet Mohammad. The pot is sometimes flipped over at the table for a dramatic reveal.

History

Many sources cite Muhammad bin Hasan al-Baghdadi's 1226 Kitāb al-ṭabīkh (كتاب الطبيخ لمحمد بن حسن البغدادي) as containing the first known reference to maqluba. However, the recipes for "maqluba" in this book are actually for small, pan-fried patties of spiced ground meat. [1] The dish is presumably titled "maqluba" because, once one side is fried, the cook is instructed to turn the patties over ("أقلب الوجه الآخر") to brown the other; the identical name to the modern dish is thus coincidental.

References to dishes more like modern maqluba occur elsewhere. A type of مغمومة ("maghmūma," "covered" dish), consisting of layers of meat, eggplant, and rice, covered with flatbread, cooked and then inverted onto a serving plate, is described in a 9th-century poem by إبراهيم بن المهدي (Ibrāhīm ibn al-Mahdī):

A layer of meat underneath of which lies a layer of its own fat, and another of sweet onion, another of rice, Another of peeled eggplant slices, each looking like a good dirham honestly earned. [...] Thus layered the pot is brought to a boil first then enclosed with a disc of oven bread. On the glowing fire it is then put, thus giving it what it needs of heat and fat. When fully cooked and its fat is well up, turn it over onto a platter, big and wide. (trans. Nawal Nasrallah) [2]

These sources are both Iraqi, but one story holds that maqluba originated in Jerusalem. صلاح الدين الأيوبي (Ṣalāḥ ad-Dīn al-Ayyūbi; "Saladin"), after capturing the city from the Crusaders and reinstating Muslim rule in 1187, was served the dish, and was the first to describe it with its current name. Before this point, the Jerusalem specialty had supposedly been known as "باذنجانية" ("bāḏinjānīyya"), from "باذنجان" "bāḏinjān" "eggplant" + ية- "-iyya," a noun-forming suffix.

[ID: The same dish shown from directly above. End ID]

In Palestine

Maqluba is often invoked in the context of Palestinian strength and resistance, in defiance of its occasional description as an "Israeli" dish. Palestinian magazine writer Aleeya Rizvi reflects:

In the wake of the recent [2023] war in Gaza, our culinary endeavors, particularly in crafting and sharing traditional Palestinian dishes like Maqluba, represent a conscious effort to contribute to the preservation and resilience of Palestinian culture. In a time when cultural heritage is under threat, preparing and enjoying these time-honored recipes becomes more than a mere culinary activity; it transforms into a deliberate act of cultural continuity and solidarity.

Maqluba also has a more specific association with physical resistance against the backdrop of increased settler and police violence against Palestinians, including regular Israeli raids and attacks on the جامع الأقصى ("Jāmi' al-Aqṣā"; al-Aqsa mosque), during Ramadan.

The holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is given over to fasting, prayer, and reflection; people gather together in homes and mosques to break their fast after sunset, and spend entire nights in mosques in worship. Khadija Khwais and Hanady Al-Halawani used to serve maqluba for افطار ("ifṭār," fast-breaking meal) in the Al-Aqsa mosque, until Israeli occupation authorities banned them from the mosque for "incitement."

In response, starting in 2015, Al-Halawani and other volunteer مرابطين ("murābiṭīn," lit. "holy people," guardians of the mosque) stationed themselves on the ground outside the mosque's gate (باب السلسلة; Bāb as-Silsila, "chain gate") to prepare and serve maqluba. Those who were banned from entering the mosque broke their fast and prayed at the mosque's gates, and in the nearby alleys of the Old City. The same year saw Israeli security personnel and settlers attack Palestinian protestors and guardians outside and inside the mosque with tear gas and stun grenades.

For Al-Halawani, the serving of maqluba at the al-Aqsa gates symbolizes "defiance, steadfastness, and insistence on continuing the fast [...] in spite of the occupation’s practices." The "Maqluba at al-Aqsa" ritual "has become one of the most disturbing Palestinian scenes for the occupation forces," who associate it with the defense of "Palestinian heritage" and the intent to "motivate worshipers and murabitin to repel incursions into the mosque." (Al-Halawani has been arrested, threatened, beaten, and detained by Israeli police multiple times for her role as a defender of Al-Aqsa. She was among the prisoners freed in trades between Israel and Hamas in December 2023.)

In 2017, occupation forces installed metal detectors, electronic gates, metal barriers, and police cameras to surveil worshipers following a shoot-out at one of al Aqsa's gates. Hundreds of protesters refused to enter the mosque until the repressive measures were removed, instead gathering and praying in its courtyard; surrounding families bolstered the sit-ins by serving food and drink. When the gates were dismantled, over 50,000 people gathered to eat maqluba in celebration, picking up on the earlier association of the dish with Saladin's victory (and its resultant alternate name, "أكلة النصر," "ʔakla an-naṣr," "victory meal").

The name "maqluba," meaning "upside-down" or "inverted," may be associated with victory and resistance as well. Fatema Khader noted in 2023 that the method of serving maqluba was a "symbolic representation of how Israeli policies and decisions against Palestinians will be flipped on their heads and become rendered meaningless." It is also relevant that maqluba is meant to be served to large groups of people, and can thus be linked, symbolically and literally, to solidarity and communal resistance.

This year in Gaza, Palestinians show steadfast optimism as they paint murals, hang lanterns, buy sweets, hold parties, and pray in groups amongst the rubble where mosques once stood. But despite these efforts at creating joy, the dire circumstances take heavy tolls, and the holiday cannot be celebrated as usual: Israel's campaign of slow starvation led Ghazzawi Diab al-Zaza to comment, "We have been fasting almost against our will for three months".

Donate to provide hot meals in Gaza for Ramadan

[1] Also reprinted in Mosul: Umm Al-Rubi'in Press (مطبعة ام الربيعين) (1934), p. 57. For an English translation see Charles Perry, A Baghdad Cookery Book (2005), pp. 77-8.

[2] This poem, as well as one of Ibn al-Mahdi's maghmuma dishes, were compiled in Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq's 10th-century Book of Dishes (كتاب الطبيخ وإصلاح الأغذية المأكولات وطيّبات الأطعمة المصنو; "Kitāb al-ṭabīkh waʔiṣlāḥ al-ʔaghdiyat al-maʔkūlāt waṭayyibāt ʔaṭ'ima al-maṣno," "Book of cookery, food reform, delicacies, and prepared foods"), p. 99 recto. For Nasrallah's English translation see Annals of the Caliph's Kitchens, pp. 313-4.

In the 14th-century Andalusian Cookbook (كتاب الطبيخ في المغرب والأندلس في عصر الموحدين، للمكلف المجهول; "Kitāb al-ṭabīkh fī al-Maghrib wa al-Andalus fī ʻaṣr al-Mawahḥidīn," "Book of cookery from the Maghreb and Andalusia in the era of Almohads"), a maghmuma recipe appears as "لون مغموم لابن المهدى", "maghmum by Ibn al-Mahdi". For an English translation see An Anonymous Andalusian Cookbook, trans. Perry et al.

Ingredients:

For a 6-qt stockpot. Serves 12.

For the meat:

1 recipe seitan lamb

or

2 cups (330g) ground beef substitute

1 cinnamon stick

1 bay laurel leaf

Pinch ground cardamom

Several cracks black pepper

For the dish:

3 cups (600g) Egyptian rice

2 medium-sized globe eggplants

2 large Yukon gold potatoes (optional)

Vegetarian 'chicken' or 'beef' bouillon cube (optional)

2 1/2 tsp table salt (1 1/2 tsp, if using bouillon)

Vegetable oil, to deep-fry

Fried pine nuts or sliced blanched almonds, to top

Egyptian rice is the traditional choice in this dish, but many modern recipes use basmati.

I kept my ingredients list fairly simple, but you can also consider adding cauliflower, carrots, peas, chickpeas, zucchini, bell pepper, and/or tomato to preference (especially if omitting meat substitutes).

For the spices:

1 1/2 Tbsp maqluba spices

or

1 4" piece (3g) cinnamon bark, toasted and ground (1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)

3/4 tsp (2.2g) ground turmeric

3/4 tsp (1.5g) cloves, toasted and ground

3/4 tsp (2.2g) black peppercorns, toasted and ground

15 green cardamom pods (4.5g), toasted, seeds removed, and ground (or 3/4 tsp ground cardamom)

Instructions:

For the meat:

1. Prepare the seitan lamb, if using: it will need to be started several hours early, or the night before.

2. If using ground meat: heat 2 tsp oil in a skillet on medium. Add cinnamon stick and bay leaf and fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add meat and ground spices and fry, agitating occasionally, until browned. Set aside.

For the dish:

2. Rinse rice 2 to 3 times, until water runs almost clear. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, while you prepare the vegetables.

3. Optional: to achieve a presentation with eggplant on the sides of the maqluba, remove the skin from either side of one eggplant (so that all slices have flesh exposed on both sides) and then cut lengthwise into 1/2" (1cm)-thick slices.

Cut the other eggplant (or both eggplants) widthwise into coins and half-coins.

4. Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt on both sides and leave for 10-15 minutes to release water.

5. Peel potatoes and cut in 1/4" (1/2 cm) slices.

6. Heat about an inch of oil in a deep skillet or wok on medium (a potato slice dropped in should immediately form bubbles). Fry the potato slices until golden brown, then remove onto a paper-towel-lined plate or wire cooling rack.

7. Press eggplant slices on both sides with a towel to remove moisture. Fry in the same oil until translucent and golden brown, then remove as before.

Fry other vegetables (except for tomato, chickpeas, and peas) the same way, if using.

8. Drain rice. Whisk bouillon, salt, and ground spices into several cups of hot water.

9. Prepare a large, thick-bottomed pot with a circle of oiled parchment paper (or with a layer of sliced tomatoes). Add ground meat, if using. Layer widthwise-sliced eggplants into the pot, followed by potatoes. Place longitudinally sliced eggplants around the sides of the pot, large side up.

10. Add rice and pack in. Fold eggplant slices down over the rice, if they protrude.

11. Pour broth into the pot, being careful not to upset the rice. Add more water if necessary, so that the rice is covered by about an inch.

12. Heat on medium to bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a closely fitting lid, and cook 30 minutes.

13. If rice is not fully cooked after 30 minutes, lightly stir and add another cup of water. Re-cover and cook another 15 minutes. Check again and repeat as necessary.

14. Allow maqluba to rest for half an hour before flipping for best results. Place a large platter upside-down over the mouth of the pot, then flip both over in one smooth motion. Tap the bottom of the pot to release, and leave for a few minutes to allow the maqluba to drop.

15. Slowly lift the pot straight up, rotating slightly if the sides seem stuck.

16. Top with fried seitan lamb, chopped parsley, and fried pine nuts or almonds, as desired.

[tau1tvec]

SMALL SIMBLR SATURDAY //

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ALWAYS FREE CC/MOD CREATORS ( and CONVERTERS! )

Figured with the holidays hitting us all like the sudden drop in temperature, and a big shopping weekend coming around the corner, we as a community would be interested in using this as an opportunity to give back, and give thanks to those bringing us simmers a little extra cheer this time of year.

Participating is simple:

Donate to, or tip your favorite always free cc/mod creators currently accepting them, and if they aren't, or if you can't donate or tip, don't worry!

There are plenty of other ways to join in on the festivities like...

Shouting out your favorite always free cc/mod creators on your tumblr and/or other socials.

Reblogging posts of your favorite always free cc/mod creations, so others can try them and appreciate them too!

Inboxing your favorite always free cc/mod creators to show them how much you appreciate them, their work and their presence in the community!

Think of your own fun and creative way to participate, like posting an only always free cc look book, or pics of your sims and builds using your favorite always free cc.

Don't forget to include your local always free cc converters in the fun. This event is for all of simblr, whichever game you play, we can't forget how those who convert cc are just as important to our cc/modding community, especially for older installments!

Tag your shout outs and posts with #smallsimblrsaturday so we can catalogue all the great memories we create on this day to look back on in the future.

The event will begin Saturday, November 25th 2023 and go on as long as needed for everyone to participate. Hopefully if we get a big turnout, this will be something that can be done every year, or all year round!

Lastly, thanks to @cinamun and @rebouks for offering some gr8 ideas that helped turn this into an actual thing!

[solstice-sims]

As a pose creator myself, having been making them since 2014 or so in the S3 days, seeing people stealing poses to try to sell as their own paywalled poses is very disappointing. A few years ago, I noticed someone (who is very popular for posemaking might I add) might've been using my own poses and pose concepts as bases for their paywalled poses, but I didn't really know how to prove it and let it slide. I also am not a confrontational person, especially not when the other person has a big platform. So I am glad that this situation is being brought into light by other simmers.

It is a demoralizing feeling to see people copy and take credit for your work when you spend a long time making it, especially when they are profiting from it.

Copying poses makes no sense. There's no need for duplicate poses going around the community. Be creative. Be unique. This world is just becoming a cesspool of "remakes" and copycats, and it's boring as hell.

Don't ruin things for everyone else.

Funny af that one of the creators being called out has an AI pfp too lol

[ranticore]

Two shortwing rival academics and a lil bit about spire culture

The East North Spire (or honestly just 'Spire', people will know what you mean) is the most densely populated location on the planet. It consists of the remains of one of the largest old telecommunications spires on a cliff. The sea around here is shallow and dense with reedbeds which can be used to make building material. Wood (or an alien equivalent) doesn't exist on Siren so reeds make up most permanent and impermanent structures, as well as providing the pulp with which to make paper and the extremely light reedsilk clothing that harpies wear.

Being surrounded by abundant natural resources as well as being an area with relatively mixed water year-round, so good fishing opportunities, the spire was an obvious choice to build on. The structure of the spire is made of woven reed platforms and silk tents attached to the main trunk, but over the years it has grown immensely wide and complex. People might liken its appearance to a giant multicoloured tree if they knew what a tree was. The structure extends down the cliff-face all the way to the water, where it expands into a dense network of docks and pontoons which has become something of a globlal shipping hub.

The spire is mostly famous for its strict occupation-based culture and honorifics system, which I originally scribbled down on a drawing of Qedivar and Terwy in ramble form, but it's important to understand that these names are cultural and geographical so not limited to harpies.

This is the first pass of the naming system so it's likely outdated lol.

Anyway what started as a collection of craft guilds at the spire transformed over centuries into the world's only institute of higher learning. It is mostly a gigantic and deeply bureaucratic university, the headmaster of which is the highest authority in the entire city.

The culture at the spire is loud. Open debate, arguments, and outright fights are encouraged as a way to clear the air and avoid any simmering tension building up between aggrieved parties. Holding a grudge is considered physically bad for your health, worse than any consequences of a heated debate or quick scuffle (drawing blood is where this acceptance of fighting ends, however). The population density is ludicrous, especially in the shortwing bowers where you'd be lucky to have a wingspan's worth of space to yourself, so it's in their best interests to become very good at managing conflict as early as possible. There is no concept of romantic relationships as a separate phenomenon to platonic relationships here and the potential for gigantic nightmarish polycules to develop is almost guaranteed, but a comparatively small societal weight is placed on sex and intimacy, it's just a thing you do with your friends and that's about it, you won't get any institution of marriage though it is possible (rare) for a pair to be exclusive.

There are no blood ties or familial bonds among inhabitants of the spire. There are differing gestation periods & nurseries based on body type, but among the shortwings, who are the most numerous and have very short gestation periods, nursery duty is pretty much like jury duty. Everybody gets called out to the nursery every couple of years to do early infant care, once the birthing parent is no longer needed (at time of weaning usually). The infants are communally raised and when they're old enough to learn they get shuffled immediately off to school where they will remain until age 12 or so when they pick their main topic of study, or a craft apprenticeship. Then their fellow students or guild masters are considered to be their true families.

The culture is frequently xenophobic against basically everyone else; it's got Big City disease where everyone living outside may as well not exist, and other places are far less important. Particular negative consideration is given to people from the Western continent who are thought of as just inherently dumber for not having any great institutions of learning, with the notable exception of the visored harpies. There's also a strongly ableist element in the spire, those not considered smart enough or not fit enough to work a craft are practically second class citizens.

Qedivar and Amivar (-var suffix indicating a scholar working on a theory) share a bower, they're on-again-off-again frenemies due to the fact that the two of them are working on very different theories on the origin of people. Amivar has proposed a theory of evolution, which is partially wrong where the humans are concerned (as they were intentionally designed but have experienced natural selection since) and correct for all other life on Siren (which did evolve), and Qedivar believes the Precursors were similar to gods who magicked the entire planet into being and then populated it with distinct groups of people. Both theories have some merit but really all they've achieved is endless debates and fights, until a particularly harsh defeat at Qedivar's grant application causes our pal Qedivar to decide to set out to prove his theory right by any means necessary, with a budget of almost zero.

While Qedivar travels to the Western continent to learn the heretical truth (which is that he was wrong and they're all just Human aliens), Amivar stays behind. He continues his work, but when the ministry of knowledge at the spire comes knocking to demand to know Qedivar's whereabouts, he's faced with a tough choice - sell Qedivar out and reveal his location, thus potentially getting a really nice research grant in return for his evolution theory which has proven very unpopular, or cover for him and, in doing so, implicitly accept the unacceptable truth of what his colleague has uncovered. I had a lot of fun thinking over Amivar and his actions in these circumstances, in a situation where where so much hinges on pride and self-advocacy... a look at the guy who has to stay behind and deal with the consequences of someone else's grand adventure (as well as the ministry of knowledge threatening to disappear him).

[sensualnoiree]

astro notes: daily transits 9/27

Friday, 9/27, brings a focus on romance and relationships, with early morning aspects highlighting both passionate connections and potential conflicts. A playful sextile between the Leo Moon and Libra Sun creates a warm, romantic atmosphere at the start of the day, but emotional tension rises as the Moon squares Venus in intense Scorpio. Later in the evening, a Venus–Jupiter sesquiquadrate advises caution in matters of love and indulgence, as the desire for instant gratification may lead to complications down the road.

Aries Rising Early romantic feelings may be exciting, but the tension will rise as intense emotions surface, especially around personal values or shared resources. Be cautious about impulsively pushing for what you want in relationships today—moderation is key, particularly when dealing with money or intimacy.

Taurus Rising The day begins with romantic vibes in your 4th house of home and family, but conflict could arise within your close relationships. You may feel pulled between your desire for harmony and the need to address deeper emotional concerns. Resist the urge to control the situation, and practice patience in conversations.

Gemini Rising Playful communication lights up your morning, but emotional intensity could soon follow, especially in your interactions with co-workers or siblings. Keep your expectations in check, as trying to get immediate clarity or results will likely cause friction. Allow time for deeper understanding to emerge naturally.

Cancer Rising Romantic energy boosts your sense of self-worth, but an emotional clash over money or values could arise later. You may feel the need to spend or indulge impulsively, but avoid letting this lead to future regret. Instead, focus on long-term stability, especially in financial or romantic matters.

Leo Rising You start the day feeling confident and radiant, but emotional turbulence might stir up conflict in personal relationships. Be mindful of how your desire for affection clashes with deeper unresolved issues. Avoid rushing for emotional satisfaction—slow down and address the underlying concerns.

Virgo Rising A light-hearted mood may give way to intense feelings brewing beneath the surface, especially around unresolved matters in your subconscious or private life. Old emotional patterns might rise to the surface. Don’t force immediate solutions; instead, let things simmer and focus on inner healing before confronting others.

Libra Rising Romantic interactions with friends or within your social circle feel uplifting early on, but financial or value-based conflicts could emerge later. You may be tempted to overspend or overcommit in relationships. Take a step back before making any big decisions. Keep things balanced to avoid future regret.

Scorpio Rising You’re magnetic and commanding early on, especially in your career or public life, but emotional intensity in your personal relationships could clash with your professional goals. Resist the urge to dominate conversations or control outcomes. Practice restraint, particularly in areas where your reputation is involved.

Sagittarius Rising Excitement for new experiences and connections may arise, but emotional intensity surrounding your beliefs or future plans could create tension later. You might feel the need to have all the answers now, but pushing too hard could create unnecessary pressure. Stay open to learning and let things unfold gradually.

Capricorn Rising Early flirtation and romantic energy may focus on shared finances or intimate partnerships, but emotional intensity surrounding trust or control could stir up conflict later. Avoid jumping to conclusions or seeking immediate results. Instead, focus on the long-term depth of your bonds, allowing space for trust to grow.

Aquarius Rising Romantic energy with partners or close friends lights up your morning, but deep emotional needs around control or power dynamics may create friction later. You may feel tempted to push for clarity or reassurance, but resist acting too hastily. Let time smooth over any disagreements before taking action.

Pisces Rising Playful energy in your work or daily routines may start the day, but emotional tension could build over unresolved health or work-related concerns. Avoid the temptation to seek quick fixes, especially in relationships with co-workers or loved ones. Focus on finding balance and harmony, allowing things to evolve naturally.

follow for more astro insights like this and head on over to @quenysefields or my etsy --> sensualnoiree to grab my new astrology guidebook on reading your own natal chart :)

[waitmyturtles]

1) STILL SO GOOD! CHERRY MAGIC (episode 4) IS STILL SO GOOD!

2) Hot damn, more New in short-sleeved button-ups? Humina.

3) Okay, I didn’t realize this about my love for Cherry Magic Japan and What Did You Eat Yesterday?, but I haven’t reflected much on the impact of high-level comedic internal monologues on BLs, and how they offer such hilarious breaks to the sometimes-usual pace of romance development. I am LOVING what the CMT cast is doing with the monologues; I’m especially enjoying Junior Panachai as Jinta — he doesn’t carry quite, like, the age impact as the original Tsuge, but he’s got all of Tsuge’s manic messiness, which I’m obsessed with. I was CACKLING during this episode.

4) Dude, Tay. Tay is like, taking the influence of Kurosawa and adding a dash of powdered adrenaline. Spicy! Less campy than Machida Keita’s Kurosawa, but again, these monologues help to add back the comedic bit that might go awash in the expected GMMTV sensual simmering.

5) And I like that New’s Achi isn’t holding back either from his sensual wonderings. He’s letting his eyes and body language communicate Achi’s ponderings — Achi isn’t as physically hyper and reactive as Adachi in terms of the SURPRISE of it all, but New is really letting Achi consider every aspect of what’s happening with his feelings. I like that we get to know a touch earlier than in CMJ about where we think Achi’s heart is heading.

6) I craaaaacked up at the CLEAR OBVIOUSNESS of Pai’s sao wai status, while Fujisaki’s fujoshi status in her Japanese office was a touch more subtle. THE WALLPAPER, girl, lmao. (Even Toyota Yuu, the mangaka of the original Cherry Magic manga, commented on how cute Pai was, 🤣🤣😭😭)

7) Songkran was really lovely to see, in all of its peaceful and hectic ways — I like that the show continues to emphasize a very distinct Thai vibe to this adaptation, including seeing Achi’s house up close.

I missed seeing Karan in a dreamy silk robe with the big sister reveal, but alas, ya can’t ask for everything!

[chirpingfromthebox]

Me just thinking out loud and inarticulately trying to wrap my head around my thoughts on the simmering dumpster fire that is my hometown team. Feel free to scroll on by.

I feel like something missing from a lot of the Curl discussion is the context it all happened in. Lots of articles and posts make it seem like the problem fans have is just that Curl got drafted at all. And I think the context around it all matters.

The league shit canned Natalie Darwitz days before the draft, wouldn't say why, acted like they aren't saying anything because they want to respect Darwitz, but meanwhile Darwitz seems like she would LOVE to talk about the situation.

To make matters worse there's all this talk and speculation surrounding the role Klee had in this, and amongst that he goes to the draft table with the emptiest table of any team, drafts Curl in the second round, (you can tell the league already was ready for bad fallout from Curl because they had a prepared statement locked and loaded to go out in the youtube chat seconds after it happened), and then Klee IMMEDIATELY makes things worse by purposefully staging her draft photo to be taken with St. Paul's mayor Melvin Carter (a black man) and the assistant coach (a queer woman).

Then Klee, the team, and the league decide to handle the fallout from everything in the most half-assed tone-deaf manner possible.

Before the Darwitz debacle I had mentally prepared myself for the eventuality that someone would draft Curl. But I had prepared myself for someone doing it in the back half of the draft.

A team would get her, but at least it would suggest Curl's actions had lowered her value considerably in teams' eyes.

Like, none of the craziness happened, and Darwitz had drafted Curl in the 5th or 6th round, made a proper acknowledgement of the situation and their plan for moving forward, and Curl had made an apology video that was written by someone who didn't go to the American Political School of Empty Statements?

I think the community could understand. We wouldn't love it, but we could live with it. It would be like seeing a big spider in the corner of my ceiling: I certainly don't like it, and I'm gonna keep my eye on this, but as long as it doesn't step to me any further we'll be alright.

But that's not what happened. And that's not how it happened.

And I'm still not sure what to do with my Minnesota fandom at this point.

At the moment I'm waiting to see what the final team looks like. If they re-sign their queer players I'm willing to put in the work to fight against Mr. Potato Head's attempts to sabotage my team, and try to at least make the fan community as welcoming and inclusive as possible.

But if Klee and co. don't bring back Minnesota's queer players? Then I'm out. For the good of my own mental health I'll go support a different team until they can get their shit together.

Because I do believe that people can change. Especially people in their 20s who were dumb-ass ignorant assholes in college. And she's not my main problem. My main problem is what does this team and this league want to be? Because someone like Curl coming into a queer positive environment is one thing. But her coming into a place with nothing but conservative ideals and a pinkwashed door? That's something else entirely.

And if the people at the top are going to fire the woman who built the team, put a dude in charge, give a person with a history of supporting bigoted ideas a position of influence, and become the only team in the league without any queer players?

And then have the gall to claim to be an inclusive?

Fuck that.

[also everyone wants to act like Minnesota is some rogue villain in all this and that isn't fair. This isn't like the big league male teams: there are no individual team owners here. The league controls it all and their fingers are in every pie. But that's a whole different conversation.]

[aaqlah]

Not so Berry 3.0 | Exotic Fruits Version

By: insta/twitter: @bellafranli | Twitch: aaqlah

The Not so Berry 3.0 challenge is based on the original Not so Berry challenge created by @lilsimsie. This challenge features exotic fruits as the names of its generations. It is important to note that NSB 3.0 does not follow all the colors of versions 1.0 and 2.0, nor their stories, and includes a bonus generation, meaning that there will be 11 generations in the legacy for this challenge.

This updated challenge for 2023 aims to cover a different gameplay from previous challenges, using more expansions and game packs for an even more enjoyable legacy. However, this does not mean that it cannot be played by those who do not have the expansion or game packs for the generation, it can be adapted during any generation for the packs you own in the coolest way for you and that fits best in the presented story.

During the challenge, you will notice that we will use items from the new update (Feb/2023), including legacies with hearing-impaired and trans individuals. The intention is not to interfere with gameplay but to create a more inclusive NSB challenge where everyone can feel seen. Therefore, we will follow the same basic rules already known by the simmer community, updated for 2023.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank @Quel and the quelmunity for supporting me in creating a fun challenge for all of us. Special thanks to Endymnx who organized this tumblr for me. You guys are the most incredible people in the world who welcomed me when I needed it most. Thank you!

I would also like to add that this challenge was originally created in portuguese because I am brazilian. So big thanks to Claramrlx for helping translate this gigantic text to english haha 😂

Not so Berry 3.0 | Exotic Fruits Version

Basic Rules:

Each heir represents the color of the generation (hair, clothing, makeup…), but it is not necessary to apply this to skin color. This is totally optional, but it is a big part of the fun.

The colors of the spouses are not important. Unless otherwise stated, you can do whatever you want with them.

Money cheats can be used, but not excessively. Suggestion: use freerealestate to buy your first house, then continue the game without cheats.

You can live in any world, unless there is a rule about it in a certain generation.

All generations must complete career and aspiration goals, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Keep the normal lifespan.

Infant and toddler traits can be freely chosen by the player.

Child and teen aspirations can be freely chosen by the player, unless specified in the generation.

All heirs must be firstborns, unless explicitly specified in the generation.

Have fun <3

Generation 1: White Strawberry | Color: White

Requires: StrangerVille Game Pack

You have always been extremely curious and had a investigative soul. But above all, helping other sims constantly motivated your heart. And so, when you heard about a mysterious town with sims acting strange, you knew that was your place. Moving to StrangerVille was definitely the best decision of your life. That was your destiny and you would fulfill it.

Traits: Genius, Good, Paranoid Aspiration: StrangerVille Mystery | Location Career: Secret Agent | Branch: Diamond Agent

Rules:

Complete the StrangerVille Mystery aspiration;

Complete the Logic and Programming skills;

Reach at least level 6 of the Charisma skill;

Be good friends with 4 infected sims in StrangerVille;

Marry a sim that you saved from contamination;

Live your entire life in StrangerVille.

Generation 2: Kiwi | Color: Green

Requires:Get Famous Expansion Pack

Growing up with a well-known relative can be tough, especially when that relative is your mother… Despite the constant exposure, you always felt proud to be the daughter of the hero of StrangeVille. It's understandable that other Sims are grateful to someone who saved an entire town from devastation. But growing up with the weight of having to do something even bigger was not easy. Your dream is to one day become even more famous and break the stigmas imposed by society for being hearing-impaired.

Traits: Ambitious, Self-absorbed, Extroverted Aspiration: World-Famous Celebrity | Popularity Career: Any career, as long as you meet the requirement of being a 5-star celebrity at the end. Example of careers that give you fame: Painting, Writing, Entertainment, Music, Acting…

Rules:

Complete the World-Famous Celebrity aspiration;

Complete the chosen career;

Complete the Charisma skill, as well as the skill connected to the chosen profession, which can be: Painting, Writing, Comedy, Acting or any instrument…

Win an award in your career;

Buy your dream home as an adult;

Have a single daughter from a tumultuous relationship.

Generation 3: Yellow Watermelon | Color: Yellow

Requires: Cats & Dogs expansion pack and Cottage Living expansion pack (The latter only due to the Animal Lover trait, which can easily be replaced with Cat or Dog Lover).

You had the best education your parents could afford, with everything top-notch. However, you grew up in a complicated and uncommunicative family. Therefore, your dream was a simpler life away from the spotlight and the chaos of being a celebrity. Just thinking about famous sims made your stomach churn, in fact, just thinking about any sim made you nervous… But, there was one exception: your beloved grandma, who is your rock and best friend. Not being popular was never a problem because you always preferred animals anyway. The affection of kittens and puppies was always the purest and all you needed to have.

Traits: Animal Lover, Loner, Loyal Aspiration: Friend of the Animals | Animal Career: Veterinarian

Rules:

Be best friends with your grandma;

Buy a veterinary clinic;

Complete the Friend of the Animals aspiration;

Complete the Veterinarian career;

Complete the Veterinary and Animal Training skills;

Always have at least two animals in your household throughout your life;

Have your first child only at the end of your young adult phase or only in the adult phase, the choice is yours. Your daughter should be a science baby.

Generation 4: Lychee | Color: Red

Requires: City Living Expansion Pack and High School Expansion Pack (If you don't have it, complete any other aspiration during your teenage years that is not the same as your adult phase).

Your mother is your main reference of an independent sim, she raised you very well on her own, in the best way she could. But being alone was never your thing, you grew up wanting to explore the world. Every moment, the desire to visit new places in different cities, to meet new sims and maybe flirt... a lot. You wanted that very much too, because hook up with only one sim is not your style.

Traits: Romantic, Noncommittal, Lazy Aspiration: Teen: Drama Queen Adult: Serial Romantic | Love Note: If you finish the teenage aspiration early, you can start the adult aspiration in this phase. Career: Critic | Branch: Chosen by you

Rules:

Complete both teenage and adult aspirations;

Have at least 10 romantic relationships in your life;

Get married and divorced twice with different sims (you can take money from your spouses if you wish);

Have 3 children from different relationships (Note: we'll do it differently here, among the 3 children, you can choose who will inherit your legacy. It can be your firstborn or your favorite child… let's agree that every mother/father has one 😂).

Reach at least level 5 in the Critic career. As our generation is lazy, you don't have to complete the career if you don't want to.

Die as an elderly sim while woohooing.

Generation 5: Physalis | Color: Orange

Requires: Snowy Escape Expansion Pack and My First Pet Stuff Pack

Your family was large and chaotic, but despite the differences in preferences and dislikes, you all manage to get along very well. This makes these relationships quite miraculous. Unlike your siblings, your life was all about adventure and the unexpected. The butterflies in your stomach that you felt during these adventures were the best feeling in the world for you and all you wanted was to be an athlete. Despite always putting your career first, you love your children and strive to be a good mother, even though you know you weren't born for it.

Traits: Active, Adventurous, Foodie Aspiration: Extreme Sports Enthusiast | Athletic Career: Athlete

Rules:

Complete the Extreme Sports Enthusiast aspiration;

Reach at least level 7 in the Athlete career;

Complete the Gymnastics and Climbing skills;

Choose between Skiing or Snowboarding to complete;

Find your soulmate during one of your adventures;

Your romantic partner must have the Active or Adventurous trait like you;

Only have twin children: 1 girl and 1 boy (you can use cheats and/or lot traits for this);

Have a hamster as a family pet.

Generation 6: Grapefruit | Color: Peach

Requires: Base Game

Your mother put her career first, and you grew up feeling neglected. You felt the effort, yet she couldn't meet your expectations, much less your feelings. You carried the hurt in your heart, especially because you always suspected that she loved your brother more than you. And your brother…ugh, you can't even think about him because you hate him so much. Your only weakness is your father and the family hamster. Otherwise, the world is your playground.

Traits: Self-Assured, Evil, Perfectionist Aspiration: Public Enemy | Deviance Career: Criminal | Branch: Chosen by you

Rules:

Complete the Public Enemy aspiration;

Complete the Criminal career;

Complete the Mischief skill + if you choose the Boss branch, also complete the Mechanic skill. If you choose the Oracle branch, complete the Programming skill instead;

You have to hate your brother, be known by your mother, and be a good friend to your father;

Have a daughter with a fellow criminal;

As an adult, seek forgiveness from your brother and mother. Become good friends with both.

Generation 7: Dragon Fruit | Color: Pink

Requires: City Living expansion pack and Spa Day game pack

You grew up surrounded by crime. Both of your parents were top-notch criminals and you witnessed everything up close as a child and teenager. Despite all the bad things they did, you knew you were protected by them. You struggled with yourself, but loved them with all your heart and hated yourself for it. It was a true internal conflict, after all, you don't choose your parents. But one thing you can choose: your actions. That's why you were going to make up for all the bad things they did and give twice as much good to the world. You would show everyone that a criminal's daughter could do good and change her own destiny.

Traits: Cheerful, Outgoing, Goofball Aspiration: Zen Master | Wellness Career: Politics | Branch: Charity Organizer

Rules:

Leave home during adolescence and take no money from your parents;

You will start life with 24,000 simoleons given by your grandmother (you can use cheats for this);

Find your soulmate as a teenager;

Complete the Zen Master aspiration;

Complete the political career in the indicated branch;

Complete the wellness and charisma skills;

Random number of children: Using any random number generator, ask for the number of children you should have. The numbers must be from 1 to 5;

The heir to the legacy will be a trans woman.

Generation 8: Figo | Color: Lilac

Requires: Life in the Countryside Expansion and University Life Expansion

Your mother is the best sim in the world to you. How can someone be a well of kindness, philanthropy, and altruism? Well… You don't know the answer, nor the story behind it because your mother never told you, but you know she is much more than just an inspiration, she is a way of life. That's why you chose to follow in her footsteps, but listening to your own heart since your dream was to be an educator and lead a simple and happy life alongside the sims you love.

Traits: Lactose Intolerant, Bookworm, Childish Aspiration: Country Caretaker | Nature Career: Educator | Branch: Your choice

Rules:

Complete the Country Caretaker aspiration;

Complete the Educator career;

Complete the Research and Debate skill + If you choose the administrator branch, complete Charisma. If you choose the teacher branch, complete Logic;

Marry your soulmate, who must have the Family trait and already have children;

Have two children, one of them must be adopted. Add your spouse's children to the family.

Generation 9: Blueberry | Color: Blue

Requires: Get to Work Expansion Pack, University Life Expansion Pack, and High School Life Expansion Pack (this last one due to the "Overachiever" trait, which can be replaced for any other trait if you dont have this expansion pack).

Your mother was a great educator and you grew up inspired by the desire to learn. Going to college became a dream, and it was there that you discovered you wanted to be a detective. But not just any detective, you want to reach the top. As no one is perfect, you have a secret: you are a collector of objects. You can't see something new and beautiful without wanting to buy it, can you? Luckily, you will work hard to buy everything you want, just never let anyone into your basement.

Traits: Materialistic, Neat, Overachiever Aspiration: Academic | Knowledge Career: Detective

Rules:

Go to college and study psychology;

Complete the Academic aspiration during your time in university;

After completing the Academic aspiration, you may choose another aspiration to complete throughout the generation, if you wish;

Complete the Research and Debate skill;

Complete the Detective career;

Live on a lot worth 90,000 simoleons during adulthood, due to the materialistic trait;

Have a basement full of knick-knacks, due to the same trait.

Generation 10: Cassis | Color: Black

Requires: City Living Expansion Pack, Get Together Expansion Pack, and High School Expansion Pack

To say that you're popular is an understatement considering how well-liked you are. You are loved, admired, and everyone wants to be your friend. It's almost as if you exude a hypnotic aura. As a result, you have every sim in the palm of your hand, and you like it that way. If anyone ever dislikes you, it will sound like an insult, and you will do everything to resolve the situation and get all the appreciation you deserve.

Traits: Outgoing, Creative, Hates Children Aspiration: Teen: Admirable Icon

Adult: Friend of the World | Popularity Career: Social Media | Branch: Public Relations Rules:

Complete the Friend of the World aspiration;

Complete the Social Media career in the indicated branch;

Complete the Charisma and Writing skills;

Have a summer fling - Fall in love with a supernatural sim: werewolf, vampire, alien, spellcaster, or mermaid.

Have a child by accident as a young adult with your supernatural summer fling;

Do not marry the father of your child.

Generation 11: Guaraná | Two-toned hair + Heterochromia

Requires: Parenthood Game Pack, Dream Home Decorator Stuff Pack

You're a mixture of the mundane and the supernatural. You're not sure who you are, nor even what you like. Nothing you do seems to work out, and indecision is a constant in your life. Additionally, you and your father don't see eye to eye and have a difficult relationship.

Traits: Clumsy, Geek, Erratic Aspiration: Super Parent | Family Career: Interior Decorator

Rules:

Complete the Super Parent aspiration;

Complete the Interior Decorator career;

Complete the Parenting, Handiness, and Charisma skills;

Have a love triangle: Fall in love with your best friend and a sim with gray hair;

Have a child with one of them;

Not know who the father of your child is until they become a toddler;

Live in 3 different worlds.

Ps: If you find any translation errors, please contact me via twitter or twitch so I can fix it. Thank yoooou <3

[hugemilkshake]

Ngl I love your ocs so much and now I'm curious what each one would do on thanks giving...especially if they have a y/n lover lol!

Well it’s the question of IF they would celebrate Thanksgiving

Would

Sugary Jello loves to cook for thanksgiving and Rex Cookie loves eating the food. So honestly you can just join, they won’t care

Cinnamon Spider absolutely does! He goes and visits his mom to celebrate! You always free to join!

Blackberry Shade forces Bubbly Milkshake and Dark Apple celebrate thanksgiving with her since it was a big thing for her family! You’d be forced to partake as well

Simmering Onion, Grilled Tomato, Scorched Garlic, Bubbling Oil do since it’s the day the kingdom give back to them! They recently let Adele Penguin join them since they have done a lot for the community too! You can tag along to when they have a private lunch tho

Tabby Cat will sneak into your house and demand food.

Pink Mantis, Blushing Snail, Emperor Caterpillar and Peach Novius don’t make food but prefer to chill together. You can join

Decayed Strawberry will invite themself over. You can’t argue.

Purple Mold makes himself tea and scones. He would love if you joined him.

Perchance

Gran-Berry used to celebrate but when Red Fruits parents left she stoped, but if you (and Red Fruit) convince her, she might celebrate with you two

Barbecue "Dragon" would but he feels a little selfish when he does since he gets a lot of stuff already, so it’s just a chance to spoil you ig-

Adenosine Cookie usually doesn’t since doesn’t think that it’s important but would if it meant it would bug Burnt Caramel

Snake Skin and Weeping Begonia just steal food the entire day. Feel free to steal with them or not.

Blazing Spice would if Leaf Sheep Slug is there

Wouldn’t

Starfruit Milkshake and Snake Tooth can’t since they travel a lot so being friends with them and wanting to celebrate would be impossible

Burnt Caramel would NEVER celebrate a holiday.

Powdered Basil/ Wild Basil don’t. So don’t bother

Minty Snail would but 1- can’t go back home for it. 2- Barbecue “Dragon” is annoying. And 3- worried that White Flower will do something to the food

White Flower doesn’t because the parasite doesn’t need to eat

Water Cookie, Salt Water and Sugar Water would love too but unfortunately they can’t due to traveling and none of them knowing how to cook

Leaf Sheep Slug doesn’t because he used to spend it with his ex and doesn’t like to be reminded of that time

BONUS

Thanksgiving! Huge Milkshake is running for the hills

[sn33z3s]

in defense of “if you weren’t a fucking asshole”

(what better time to write “meta” than hours before a season premiere. after all, style is dead. or was it that it’s just boring? no, wait, it’s toxic??)

this doesn’t have a thesis, it’s just some leftover thoughts from last year - mostly pertaining The Church Scene, because of course - and featuring some hot stan marsh characterization takes i guess

let’s start with the gay glancing at your ex-childhood best friend

so, this framing is loaded because it's the narrative of their whole thing: kyle chasing stan. stan usually comes to kyle's rescue in absurd (but solvable) situations, whereas kyle often has to fight stan to provide emotional respite. they're thinking of each other here; it's distinct how stan looks back, rather than this shot cutting at kyle. stan's explosive reaction is still pretty presumptuous, but kyle was, even if unintentionally, asking for stan's attention - which is typical

in a sense, this scene is their wordless language; the kind you share with said ex-best friend but it’s gotten worn from overuse, and as a result, you’re both communicatively stunted, so now that you’ve reached out again after 40 years, the first step to any comfort or solace is [the scene above] and a homoerotic spectacle:

well, i don’t need to tell you what that public spectacle is; you already know

stan leads his paranoid outburst in the church by accusing kyle of knowing something which would be impossible for kyle to know; in You’re Getting Old/Assburgers kyle also reaches out to stan, who turns him down, yet still asks that kyle basically read his mind and comfort him

kyle is not a stranger to demanding unrealistic things from stan as well, but kyle calling stan “asshole” packs that punch since contemporarily the fandom usually assumes stan as more emotionally forward or in-touch with himself. however, in the church, kyle is pointing out that stan is clearly repressing his feelings, desires, traumas, etc. and kyle has used a similar approach before:

in my last meta, i wrote about how stan is pretty firm in not instantly accepting kyle's olive branches. of course, the thing is, kyle's olive branches are bent sometimes, let alone how he approaches asking for stan's forgiveness before the broship splits. kyle doesn't apologize: he just expects stan to move on

(also, i love the "divorced couple" coding before we even reach Post-COVID.) anyway, the show clearly acknowledges stan as "agreeing with kyle no matter what," and the first time stan and kyle fight in canon, it’s a big deal

i always return to how i don't see kyle or stan as at fault in most of, if not all, of their fights. this especially applies to YGO & Assburgers since it's one of their most significant “break-up” arcs. still... kyle's "if you weren't a fucking asshole" in the church scene is so satisfying. (and 100% excellent voice acting on matt stone's part; the punchy delivery at the end of that line is what makes me revisit it often.) when i put my tin foil hat on, it does sound like decades of resentment built up. if this post had to have a thesis, it’d be, “here’s why kyle had every right to call stan an asshole in that moment,” but the Stan Can Be an Asshole, Too meta is for another day. after all, my last meta also revolved around the trouble i have with framing stan as an exclusively passive character (rather than predominantly passive) 

by “decades of resentment,” i mean simmering for kyle since, you guessed it, episodes such as You're Getting Old and Assburgers. i talk about YGO & Assburgers a lot, i'm sorry. but i was thinking about the church scene as i browsed the south park wiki on the official site: "Kyle can only deal with so much of Stan's negativity." (obviously, matt and trey themselves do not write or even moderate the Comedy Central studios wiki, so take all of it with a grain of salt.) i like that wording, though, and this other part of the blurb too: "Stan's ego can get in the way of their friendship [referencing Guitar Queer-o]" 

kyle not being able to handle stan’s negativity these days is more often harshly critiqued than anything about stan’s ego. that detail does, in many forms, relate to the stan jock characterization discourse, but that’ll also have to wait for another meta. i can say a couple of things about it to tie up this post, though 

yes, kyle fails to comfort stan in the YGO arc. at the same time, i don't think his positivity is always maligned. after all, the YGO arc isn't stan vs kyle, it's stan and kyle vs. growing up; this is their contemporary theme. and yes, for a kid, kyle can have that emotional maturity

Tegridy Farms and Post-COVID have cemented stan as south park’s protagonist – though, in my opinion, he always has been it, especially since Bigger, Longer, & Uncut – and protagonists are like, the character archetype that receives the most self-projection. yet this emotional angle is comparatively still a fairly new framing of stan’s character. now that this show is narrated in such a way that we see even more of the world of south park through stan’s eyes, fans watching may feel extra inclined to think of him as only ever depressed. but being sad is not all stan does and never has been

not only is this frequency fairly new to his character, i would go so far as to say that there’s a difference between the contemporary stan angst arcs and older episodes like Raisins, YGO, and Assburgers. being sad is not “natural” to stan (whatever that means), it is thrust upon him. most recently, this is randy’s fault. yes, we are meant to - and i hope that most do - sympathize or empathize with stan, but my point here is that he’s a little bit more belligerent and bullish than the fandom currently gives him credit for