#Sophia Jewelry Blog

[starscatteredsky]

Tips for an aikin with dysphoria of how squishy my flesh is compared to steel and plastic?

tips for aikin

pt: tips for aikin

with a focus on skin dysphoria

wear clothing thats leathery, sequined, or otherwise plasticy feeling

lots of thick bulky metallic jewelry/belts/accessories

big chunky buckled boots

have fun with cracking face paint or other thick makeup products!

make some pop can tab chain mail to wear over your skin

wear super bulky clothing that obscures to feel and appearance of your skin

watch movies or learn about real robots who look more human, like sophia!

try experimenting with different cosplay materials to wear over your own skin

hope these are helpful! -🩸

hope these help!! enjoy! -🩸

[image description:

a DNI banner with the background being the promotional image for Little Nightmares 2. The writing reads:

"DNI: radqueers, proshippers, radfems/TERFs, antikin/antitherian, homophobic/ ableist/ anti ACAB/ transphobic/ rasist/ antisemitic/ xenophobic/ antitheist/ anti athiest/ bigoted in any fashion, NSFW/sh/ed/cringe centered blog, fakeclaimer

Before you interact: We are pro mspec gays/lesbians, anti endo/tulpa "systems", enjoy MCYT/DSMP, pro self diagnoses with extensive research, multiple alters are punks/ anarchists"

end description]

[wexarethewalkingxdead]

For all of'em?

hc + 🔞

hc + ❓

hc + 💍

Thematic Headcanons. A series of subject-specific headcanons you can ask your favorite blog and muse.

hc + 🌂 for a weather-themed headcanon

Andrea's favorite weather is sunny and around seventy-five.

hc + 💍 for a jewelry-themed headcanon

Andrea doesn't like to wear gaudy jewelry. She prefers a simplistic necklace with a small charm/pendant hanging from it. And if she wears rings, they have to be small and not bring attention to her hands.

hc + 🔞 for a nsfw-headcanon

Andrea loves to be fucked prone bone style but that's the only thing she's embarrassed to ask for.

hc + ❓ for a headcanon of the receiver’s choice

Andrea was on her high school's tennis team.

hc + 🌂 for a weather-themed headcanon

Beth loves afternoon spring showers. She will take her notebook outside and sit where she can hear and smell the rain and write music.

hc + 💍 for a jewelry-themed headcanon

Beth's mama pierced her ears when she was seven years old and begged to get earrings like Maggie had.

hc + 🔞 for a nsfw-headcanon

Beth's first time was with Zack at the prison. He made it special for her by putting candles a nice sheet and a blanket in one of the cells that had been cleared and cleaned but that nobody had moved into yet.

hc + ❓ for a headcanon of the receiver’s choice

Beth won the solo in the school's choir in her freshman year. She was the first freshman to win the solo. It usually went to a senior.

hc + 🌂 for a weather-themed headcanon

Carol has experienced a hurricane, tornado, and an earthquake. All in her twenties.

hc + 💍 for a jewelry-themed headcanon

Carol used to wear a small golden cross until Sophia's death. She pulled it from her neck and never wore it again. Her relationship with God has become shaky ever since.

hc + 🔞 for a nsfw-headcanon

Carol likes reverse cowgirl. And is not afraid to tell her partner as much.

hc + ❓ for a headcanon of the receiver’s choice

Carol was number three in her high school graduating class.

hc + 🌂 for a weather-themed headcanon

Charley's favorite weather is when it's sunny and no higher than 72 degrees. Georgia rarely delivered that kind of weather. It was a rare occasion in Spring and Fall. And they enjoyed it as thoroughly as they could when it did happen.

hc + 💍 for a jewelry-themed headcanon

Charley won't wear anything but sterling silver jewelry.

hc + 🔞 for a nsfw-headcanon

Charley's first time was in high school. It happened in the backseat of a car.

hc + ❓ for a headcanon of the receiver’s choice

Charley is a young adult novel author. He was half-way through the second book of four-part storyline when the Outbreak happened.

hc + 🌂 for a weather-themed headcanon

Daryl's favorite weather is when it's just a little bit cold outside. It's the best weather for deer hunting.

hc + 💍 for a jewelry-themed headcanon

Daryl isn't a fan of jewelry, but when Carol made him a friendship bracelet to match the one he hastily made for her, he never took it off.

hc + 🔞 for a nsfw-headcanon

Daryl likes to fuck his partner from behind. That way he can bite their neck and shoulder.

hc + ❓ for a headcanon of the receiver’s choice

Daryl rarely got C's in school. He mostly got A's and B's. But in his senior year, he had to choose between having a roof over his head and food in his belly or school. He chose the roof and food.

hc + 🌂 for a weather-themed headcanon

Rick loves stormy weather. He likes to hear the thunder rumbling in the distance.

hc + 💍 for a jewelry-themed headcanon

It took Rick a long time to take off his wedding ring that Lori gave him on their wedding day. Even then, he kept it in his pocket. He wants to give it to Carl one day when he finds someone that makes him happy.

hc + 🔞 for a nsfw-headcanon

Rick isn't very vocal in bed, but he is very handsy. He can't seem to help himself.

hc + ❓ for a headcanon of the receiver’s choice

Rick never wanted to be anything else but a police officer. He had no fallback plan. So if he didn't make it the first time, he would have kept trying until he made it.

hc + 🌂 for a weather-themed headcanon

Shane's favorite weather is summertime. He loves swimming and used to volunteer as a lifeguard in the summers when in high school. That's probably where his love of orange swimming trunks stemmed from.

hc + 💍 for a jewelry-themed headcanon

The only jewelry Shane wears is his high school football number pendant and chain.

hc + 🔞 for a nsfw-headcanon

Shane is dominant in the bedroom. He's not into bdsm, but he does like to have complete control.

hc + ❓ for a headcanon of the receiver’s choice

Shane never had a desire to be a police officer. He only followed Rick after his dreams of being a pro football player were crushed in his senior year when he messed up his knee. It turned out that he was a natural at being a cop. He didn't like it in the beginning, but he learned to love it and enjoyed being a cop after a couple of years.

hc + 🌂 for a weather-themed headcanon

Sophia has never cared for storms. It always reminded her of her Daddy and how angry he could get. When it stormed, she would either hide in her closet or under the covers on her bed. That continued well into her teenage years.

hc + 💍 for a jewelry-themed headcanon

Sophia found a charm bracelet when she went on a supply run, and she put it on and hasn't ever taken it off. She's added charms to it from time to time whenever they have time to browse around a jewelry store while on a supply run.

hc + 🔞 for a nsfw-headcanon

Sophia doesn't like it when her partner gets up right after sex. She feels as if she did something wrong. She needs the cuddles and reassurance. At least, in the beginning, she does.

hc + ❓ for a headcanon of the receiver’s choice

Sophia can draw and paint everything but people. She can never seem to get the perspective right.

[fantasticzombiecycle]

2024 is here: watch out micro trends, I think you're coming to an end.

Morning Dolls,

With the coming new year its time to determine what we want to donate and what we want to keep. With this latest blog right before the new year, hopefully I can help give some insight on trends that I see staying and going. Remember this is all just my opinions and how I see these things playing out, so take it as you will.

Ribbons and bows ୨୧ :

Though I believe that they started more as a microtrend, they have proved themselves to be continuously gaining popularity, with pop culture and social influences like the new film Priscilla by Sophia Coppola... They also seem to form new and different trends that continuously involve them, keeping them mainstream popular. Though I don't see them being quite as popular following through 2024 as they are at their peak now and have been for quite some months. Though I do see them staying around as more of a quieter staple in peoples clothing and more likely to be more of an accessory rather than consuming the entire outfit it's self. -I love them so much I hope they do stick around for the long haul.

Short nails are here to stay:

Throughout 2023 short nails have become increasingly popular and are proving to be in it for the long haul. Sure you can get which ever nails you prefer and suit you and your style, but short nails are proving to be timeless, classy and effortless. They are practical while proving to stay trendy and produce a clean put together look. Not to mention with the minimalistic shape of nail, MAXAMILIST designs on them are popping off and are adding fun.

It's all about the eyes:

A pattern that I am seeing right now are minimalist and maximalist going hand in hand. For another trend that I am seeing brew is bold eye shadow colors, but used in more of a minimalistic way. Only one color is being used on the eye, this creating an intentionally bold eye grabbing look. But with it being only one solid color, this makes it look more clean and put together.

the aesthetics:

Already a lot of what I have listed above is turning more of a spotlight on the aesthetics of quiet luxury and office core. As coming into this new year the trend is coming out of the 'party girl era' into more of a 'quiet girl era', who is confident and quiet, whos silence and educated opinions speak volumes, with a style that captures these themes; exuding confidence, elegance and class.

'Confidence is a quiet that speaks volumes, ego is a loud that feels the need to compensate'

keep in mind that this doesn't mean not having a personality of course, its more aimed at the style and the manner and situation in which you present yourself in.

🩰:

Shoes that have popped off with a bang this year are ballet flats, these are the types of shoes that come and go in waves, they trend then they don't then they do. Everything is a cycle and I believe they will survive through 2024 without popping off of the radar. What I do see changing for them are different styles and colors, I think that over the year that's a component that will change.

Go big or go home:

BOLD gold and silver jewelry will also be here to stay in 2024, once again I think jewelry this coming year is going to take more of a maximalist approach as we will be seeing lot's of chunky statement rings, bangles and necklaces with layering even mixing colors.

Thank you so much for reading my loves I hope you have a great new years, pleaseeee let me know if you want me to do a pt2. xx

much Love,

𝓛ucinda xoxo

[pollywiltse]

I think I was going to write a post about this but never got around to it, and you'd think I'd remember because I went and looked through my old posts but it was a couple days ago and now I've forgotten.

Anyway.

What is supposed to be a lock of hair that André gave Peggy Shippen is in a museum in England called The Keep Military Museum (blog post; scroll down for pic), which is about the history of the Dorsetshire Regiment which is partly descended from the 54th Regiment of Foot. I'm actually not sure if they were given the lock of hair because André was in the 54th or because the descendant of Peggy Shippen's step-grandson who donated it had coincidentally served in the Dorsetshire Regiment.

Text says (because it's annoyingly small on my computer): Lock of Major André's hair

Given by him, an unsuccessful suitor, in 1778 to Margaret Shippen who married Benedict Arnold in 1779. Her daughter married Colonel Pownoll Phipps, whose grandson by another wife, Lt. Col. P. R. Phipps, late Dorset Regt[,?] presented the lock 1929.

I have some questions about it. The obvious issue it presents is that it's blond, which John André was not. (Yale also has a lock of André's hair, which is dark, though it was, amusingly(?), taken from what was left of his body when it was dug up and shipped back to Westminster Abbey in 1822 and you can see what looks like clumps of dirt, so to be fair who knows how the color might have changed from years of being buried, but it corresponds better to the paintings and descriptions of him from his lifetime. Also his immediate family were all dark.)

So the options are that it faded, it's not his, or he actually did have a little dumbfuck blond braid like Turn gave him. I prefer to dismiss the last option out of hand, because it's stupid.

So, it not being his - Peggy's daughter Sophia Matilda was the second wife of Pownoll Phipps, and they had five children. After she died in 1828, Phipps married in 1834 a woman named Anna Smith. Their oldest child was Pownoll William, who's the author of The Life of Colonel Pownoll Phipps, which is my source for this information, assuming I'm reading the family trees at the back correctly. This is also the source for Van Doren claiming that "one of her grandsons" (not quite) wrote "Poor André was in love with her, but she refused him for Arnold [actually she met Arnold months after André left, so that's probably not quite how it went down], keeping a lock of hair, which we still have." (198 in Van Doren, 88 in Phipps), which Ronald then quotes via Van Doren and repeats his mistake of referring to Pownoll William Phipps as Peggy's grandson because of course he does (192).

Pownoll William's youngest child was Pownoll Ramsay, who was a captain in the Dorset Regiment at the time the book was published in 1894, but seems to have been promoted by the time he retired, since this is presumably the Lt. Col. P. R. Phipps who donated the lock of hair. The branch of the family which is our source for the lock of hair never actually knew Peggy's daughter (though they did know her kids, though her kids were between 14 and 7 when she died), so there's potentially a gap in how this tradition - and the lock of hair - got passed down.

(Since Sophia Matilda had five children, four of whom survived to adulthood, two of whom had multiple children, and one of whom was alive in 1894, I'm not sure why the lock of hair ended up with a different wife's descendants, other than maybe Pownoll William was the one who cared about family history.)

As for it being faded, there's a lot of hair jewelry that's that old or almost that old that doesn't seem to have faded anywhere near that badly, but of course that depends on how it's stored and I think hair used in a lot of hair jewelry had to be treated in some way so it would stay put, which also might affect fading. It looks maybe slightly darker around the tie holding it together, but that could just be shadow, and I've only seen pictures.

On the other hand, if it's not his, why would they have assumed it was? If they just had a random unlabeled lock of hair floating around, even if they knew it came from Peggy, why was André the first person that popped into their minds? Regardless of color, since Peggy was blonde (and so were at least some of her family members) and Arnold was dark. I'm also not sure first of all that most people in England thought that much about André after like the 1820s and second that the story about André and Peggy having a love affair was all that common in the 19th/early 20th centuries. Just because the American professional fanfic I've read about him from the 19th/early 20th century tends not to have them in love with each other, and Americans cared more about him than the British did since the Victorian era. Books from the 40s do, and presumably you were starting to see it in the 30s because Van Doren talks about it like it's a thing in 1941, but the one André fanfic I have from the 30s - The Painted Minx - doesn't have him in love with her. He's doing the eternally faithful to Honora thing in that one. And actually there's a movie from the 50s which I haven't watched called The Scarlet Coat where both André and not!Tallmadge are both in love with the same (fictional) woman and Peggy's not even a character, so André/Peggy Shippen may not have been the assumed default until the late 20th century.

Which is one reason I tend to give a little more credit to the Phipps' family's story about André being in love with her and giving her a lock of hair - I don't think they were repeating a story that was popular at the time, so I think they had to have gotten it from an internal family tradition. Also I feel like the questions raised by it not being his are less answerable than the questions raised by it being his. (Ok, also and I want it to be.)

[bosphorus-dinner-cruise-istanbul]

Exploring Istanbul: A City Where Cultures Meet

Istanbul, a vibrant metropolis that straddles two continents, is a city steeped in history and culture. Known for its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and bustling atmosphere, Istanbul offers a unique blend of the ancient and the modern. This blog post will explore the historical significance of Istanbul, its top attractions, the local culture, and why it should be on your travel bucket list.

A Brief Historical Overview

Istanbul's history dates back thousands of years. Originally founded as Byzantium in 657 BC, the city has been known by several names, including Constantinople, after the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great made it the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire in 330 AD. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the rise of the Ottoman Empire, and the city continued to flourish as a cultural and political hub.

Today, the city's diverse history is reflected in its architecture, neighborhoods, and traditions. The remnants of ancient empires coexist with modern buildings, showcasing Istanbul's dynamic past.

Iconic Landmarks

1. Hagia Sophia

One of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, Hagia Sophia, originally built as a cathedral in 537 AD, later became a mosque and is now a museum. This architectural marvel is renowned for its massive dome and stunning mosaics. Visitors are often awed by the interplay of light in the vast interior, making it a must-see for anyone exploring Istanbul.

2. Topkapi Palace

Once the residence of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is a sprawling complex that showcases the opulence of the empire. Visitors can explore exquisite courtyards, lavish rooms, and the famous Harem section. The palace also houses the imperial treasury, including the magnificent Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker’s Diamond.

3. Blue Mosque

Adjacent to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is famous for its striking blue tile work and six minarets. Visitors can admire the intricate designs and the spacious courtyard. It is an active place of worship, so tourists should dress modestly and respect prayer times.

4. Basilica Cistern

This ancient underground water reservoir, built in the sixth century, is a hidden gem in Istanbul. Visitors can stroll through the eerie yet beautiful space, lit by soft lights that reflect on the water. The highlights include the two Medusa heads that serve as column bases, steeped in mystery and myth.

5. Grand Bazaar

No trip to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops selling everything from spices to jewelry, it’s a feast for the senses. Haggling is part of the experience, making it not just a shopping trip but a cultural immersion.

Cultural Melting Pot

Istanbul is a city where East meets West, a place where diverse cultures intersect. This blend is evident in its culinary scene, arts, and daily life. Traditional Turkish food, such as kebabs, baklava, and meze, can be enjoyed in both upscale restaurants and street vendors.

Vibrant neighborhoods like Beyoğlu and Kadıköy are hubs of modern culture, featuring art galleries, music venues, and cafes. The city also hosts numerous festivals and events that celebrate art, music, and literature, drawing both local and international talent.

A City of Contrasts

One of the most fascinating aspects of Istanbul is its contrasts. Old meets new, with historic sites standing side by side with contemporary architecture. The bustling streets of Taksim contrast with the serene atmosphere of the Bosphorus, where locals enjoy picnics or take ferry rides between the European and Asian sides.

Visitors can experience the nightlife in Istanbul, with a range of options from traditional meyhanes (taverns) to modern rooftop bars offering stunning views of the city skyline. The energy of the nightlife reflects the lively spirit of the city that never sleeps.

Tips for Visiting Istanbul

Transportation: Istanbul has an extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and ferries. The Istanbulkart is a convenient way to pay for multiple modes of transport.

Dress Code: While Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city, it’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting mosques. Women should cover their heads, and everyone should wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

Language: While Turkish is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak English. However, learning a few basic Turkish phrases can enhance your experience and endear you to locals.

Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

Conclusion

Istanbul is more than just a city; it’s an experience that awakens the senses and captures the imagination. With its rich history, breathtaking landmarks, and diverse culture, it invites travelers to explore, discover, and indulge. Whether you’re wandering through historic sites, savoring delicious food, or engaging with the locals, Istanbul promises unforgettable memories that will linger long after the journey ends.

So, pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Istanbul!

[evelyns-nyc-fashion-study-tour]

Blog Post #10: Accents by Sophia (Fifth Ave Woman Inc.)

On Thursday, November 7, 2024, my Study Experience for NYC Fashion Students course had the unique opportunity to visit Accents by Sophia (Fifth Ave Woman Inc.), a jewelry wholesaler on Fifth Avenue. This business, operated by Sophia herself, supplies a wide range of high-quality jewelry to numerous department stores, including Lord & Taylor. Her collection is distinguished by its use of genuine precious and semi-precious stones, from jade and freshwater pearls to marcasite, as well as an impressive selection of sterling silver pieces. This hands-on visit gave us a close-up look at how a niche wholesaler collaborates with major retailers, manages seasonal inventory cycles, and prioritizes quality in every piece.

Sophia shared valuable insights into the logistics of her business, including how she prepares for peak selling seasons. She noted that the holiday season is the most profitable for her department store clients, which requires her to coordinate orders and secure inventory well in advance. Sophia explained that she meets with buyers a few months prior to this season, allowing the stores to carefully select from her collections and prepare for their highest sales periods. Additionally, she discussed her sourcing process, relying on trusted vendors across Asia known for their expertise in cutting and manufacturing gemstones. Sophia emphasized that her commitment to quality helps assure customers that the materials—such as jade and marcasite—are genuine. She noted, for instance, that the cool touch of these stones can be felt, a tactile sign of their authenticity and an indicator of their natural origins.

Sophia’s advice on following our passions was an especially memorable aspect of the visit. Despite her academic background in computer science, Sophia’s career path changed as she pursued her true interest in jewelry. Her message to us was clear: don’t be afraid to pursue what you love, as finding joy in one’s work is key to long-term fulfillment. Sophia’s passion for her craft is evident in her success, and she encouraged us to prioritize our own passions as we enter the fashion industry.

Sophia also shared a fascinating perspective on the symbolic and healing qualities associated with various stones. For example, she explained that jade is regarded in many cultures as a symbol of wealth and good luck, while marcasite is associated with courage and healing. According to Sophia, marcasite’s cool touch can provide the wearer with a sense of calm when worn on the left wrist or near the heart. Hearing about the cultural significance and perceived benefits of these stones added a layer of meaning to the jewelry, which was particularly intriguing for me, as I wasn’t previously aware of these symbolic aspects.

At the end of our visit, Sophia invited us to explore her extensive collection. The opportunity to browse through her products was incredible; it allowed me to appreciate the variety in her assortment, featuring unique and distinct pieces that aren’t typically found in mainstream jewelry selections. I enjoyed reading the detailed descriptions, which showcased the types of materials and stones used in each piece. She even allowed us to shop her inventory, which was a special experience—finding some unique gifts for family members and even a few pieces for myself made this visit all the more memorable.

This visit provided an insightful look into the inner workings of a jewelry wholesaler and how Sophia’s business collaborates with manufacturers and major retail clients. Given my experience interning at a clothing wholesaler, observing the differences between wholesaling in the jewelry and apparel sectors was interesting. Throughout the experience, Sophia’s warmth and genuine enthusiasm for her craft left a lasting impression. She generously shared her knowledge and advice, hoping to inspire us on our career journeys in the fashion industry.

[morganroof-nyc-studytour]

3rd Blog- 5th Ave Women Jewelry

Hello! This week we took an awesome tour of a local Jewelry supplier in the Garment District. The shop was a smaller room in a building on 5th ave, but there was so much to see in such a tiny space. Sophia, the owner, was very kind to let our class look around.

In the photo above, we can see some of the pieces she has on hand. Sophia discussed with us how she has sold her product to stores such as JCPenny and TJMaxx, and also all the way up to Bergdorf Goodman's. While there is quite a range within those stores, it was interesting to learn about her clients and how she made those relationships. It was also very interesting to hear about how she came to the United States and accomplished her dream. Sophia also conveyed to us that she studied Business in college, and how important it is to work hard in school.

While there were many average looking pieces, there were also a select few more elaborate and eye-catching pieces. One of the necklaces she showed us was worth up to $9 thousand dollars! It was very interesting to hear about the type of products she uses and therefore why they end up costing as much as they do. Sophia was very knowledgable about her products and answered any questions us students may have had.

Towards the end of the tour we did a fun activity where Sophia would ask us a "trivia" question and if we answered correctly, we won a bracelet shown above. Since we have a smaller class, every student was able to win! It was very fun. I truly feel that Sophia had a lot to teach us and she gave us some key pieces of information for us young professionals. Sophia made sure to let us know that In this industry, it is so integral to be persistent. That when we fall, we must get back up and keep going! Anything is possible. Sophia was extremely kind and her advice was priceless! Overall this experience was wonderful and I had fun learning about the jewelry industry.

Thanks for reading! Bye!

[burningcatobservation]

Silver plated bands make for the perfect engagement or wedding rings due to their simplicity and sophistication. A plain silver plated band or your preferred design on it is ideal for both genders, which means you can match your ring with your spouse on your special day. However, if you’re looking for silver plated rings for formal occasions, a gem-set ring works best, which we’ll talk about in a bit. wholesale marcasite jewelry gemstones

Sophia Jewelry Blog

[moda365]

Sophia Loren

[tiaramania]

I miss this site so much, it was such a big influence on my early royal jewelry watching years. They made the whole thing fun but also informative. I still use a lot of the terminology they used like calling Queen Sophia’s Nine Prong Tiara the Party Antlers.

For everyone that still likes to go back and read like myself, it looks like it’s been made private not completely deleted and you can still view it on the Wayback Machine from the Internet Archive. Just put the url in and choose an archived version. Here’s the link to the most recent one.

Their other site, From Her Majesty’s Jewel Vault, has also been made private and here’s the most recent archived version.

I always held out hope that they would return to blogging and I hope they know how much we all loved their work.

the royal order of sartorial splendor blog isn’t available anymore :(

[breiffontcollector]

So! The Stardew Mod Idea Post. Actualization and accuracy of said actualizations to this list my vary wildly!

I gave them all their own little titles in my notes and just kept it that way. Dumping the contents of that app onto this blog is fun I should do it more.... now it’s officially is a spam account. Dear god I hope the readmore works.

-- Part 1 (The mods that aren’t npcs) -- 

“HV Style Special Gifts” is a bit of a friendship overhaul. While playing FOMT I really liked how their gift system handled cooking -- in both FOMT and SDV, cooking a dish requires you to upgrade your house and gather all of the required ingredients, which takes loads of effort depending on the recipe. IMO cooking is the weakest “activity” in SDV, and giving homemade food items the same weight as FOMT gives them would actually make me wanna cook more.

So: Most cooked dishes and the prismatic shard are now classified as “Special” gifts for the NPCs who love them, and now they give +120 friendship points and get a unique response ala FOMT’s special gifts. 

//CAN you edit how friendship values work..? I sure hope so if not I wrote all this for nothing sndnmlalskdoaksk

There is an optional Part Two to this mod, where certain rare items can be forged into special gifts for marriage/roomie candidates (also ala FOMT, because I also liked making jewlery). To craft each, you’ll need the listed item/s, 3 refined quartz, and enough money to commission Clint to make them (for 3000 - 5000g? Price undecided.) They’re meant to be hard to make, to prevent a year 1 player from being able to make one every two days or something. For Late-game players that’s probably possible, though… they’d selll for a good profit, at least 1000g more than the commission price. Jewlery for “Magical” npcs require /another/ ingredient because if you’re trying to marry a god damn wizard you’re gonna Work for it buddy boy

List of Da Jewelry:

Crunchy Choker: (Abigail) Amethyst 

Rainy Bangle: (Sebastian) 3 Frozen Tears

Tiger Hoop: (Sam) Tigerseye 

Summer Brooch: (Penny) Emerald

Aqua Bellychain: (Emily) Aquamarine

Infused Watch: (Maru) 3 iridium ore

Princess Tiara (Haley) Diamond

Earth Anklet: (Leah) Jade

Fancy Eyeleash: (Harvey) Opal

Shiny Studs: (Alex) Topaz

Dark Bolo-Tie: (Shane) Netherite

Sea Pendant: (Elliot) Pearl 

Vorpal Bauble: (Krobus) Helvite + Rare Disk //How does he wear it? Idk It’s just a little doohickey. maybe he smokes it like a cigar for all we know. If the farmer tried that they’d scream and die!

[For SVE NPCS]:

Queenly Chatelaine: (Olivia) 12 Gold ore //Chatelaines are so fucking cool man

Fairy Necklace: (Sophia) Fairy Stone

Princely Cufflinks: (Victor) Lunarite

Mermaid Clip: (Claire) Ocean Stone

Thunder Nail: (Wizard) Thunder Egg + Void essence //It’s one of those armor pieces you wear on your fingers to give you claws!!

[For My NPC (and NPC edit)]:

Merry Bell: (Ensley) Pyrite + Ancient Seed (the artifact) //Bell for his hat :) Would come packaged with “Ensley” as an optional file.

Meteor Horns: (Dwarf) Star Shards + Dragon Tooth  //Embellishments for their helmet >:) Also sold separately with the “Other One” mod

I’d say their portraits would change once you give them a jewelry item but I use custom seasonal portraits and I’m not gonna get into THAT mess lmaoo….. maybe I’ll make edits for Dwarf specifically if Other One is also installed. You’ll pry my favoritism from my cold dead fingers and I’ll sit up from my grave to snatch it back

-- -- 

“Kitchen Minigames” is another “improvement” to cooking to make it more fun (to me.) Mining, fishing, combat, etc. have you doing something active and that makes it engaging, and while there’s no vanilla “cooking skill,” there’s enough recipes in the game to justify one. But when you cook in vanilla, it’s just… >click menu item. The mod would add a minigame a few seconds long when you cook something, with variations for pouring a drink and baking a pastry.

 It would be pretty simple, just asking you to press/hold WASD at certain times (my concept for the pouring one would just have you hold w for 3 seconds), and if you fail one you’d just have to try again without losing any items. And if you’re, say, using Love Of Cooking to create multiple dishes at once, you would only have to win it once to cook all of them. My DREAM would be to add totally unique minigames for certain dishes — like dropping the toppings on a pizza, stirring a pot of pumpkin soup, cutting up a melon for the fruit salad… Stardew Valley Cooking Mama edition. Cooking Valley. Stardew M

//Honest I have no god damn idea how I’d make this beyond the food assets. With the others there are places I can start, but I don’t know if [add minigame] is actually possible with the current modding tools the community has..? Or even the ones my COMPUTER has. I’m using a Mac for this shit!! NOTHING works on Mac!!! It’s fun to imagine, though, which is the point of this post.

-- --

This one goes out to the players who like immersion: “Under The Weather” would add two styles of three new clothing items to the game: A raincoat, rainhat and rainboots, which can be bought from Willy or Pierre for 200g each, and a medicine item which can be bought from Harvey for 500g each (universal neutral gift). 

From then on, if the player stands in rain for over 6 hours straight without wearing a raincoat, they start the next day with the Unwell debuff. Being unwell makes all tool actions take twice the energy, and in my perfect dream world make the player have a custom sneeze animation when they wake up, alongside a prompt that goes something like “My nose is stuffed up… I should’ve worn a raincoat yesterday.” The debuff lasts multiple in-game days unless you take the medicine, and you’ll get a big chunk of energy back. It would also be configurable which clothing piece would prevent the debuff, if you just REALLY wanna wear a certain shirt outside. 

-- Part 2 (The mods that are npcs) -- 

“The Other One” is 100% specially made for indulgent reasons, idk if I’ll even release this one to the public if I finish this on my own..! It’s just not fair that we only get one nonhuman relationship option, sooo! Give the dwarf a star pendant and ask them to move in with you. That’s the Mod. It 1.4’s the bomb dispenser. 

In the days since I came up with this I wrote way way more, here’s the details:

The quarry map would be edited to have two glowing eyes behind that opening next to the reaper statue — whoever’s in there would offer to sell you a star pendant for... 50 cave carrots? 100 solar essence? Either of those would work. The Roomie Experience would be pretty much like Krobus’s deal - except they’ll come out on summer nights, to work on their spaceship. Dwarf’s enamored by your TV, and thinks your animals are kind of disturbing (especially the horse), and they hang out in your cellar a lot, and they give you bombs... They also steal from you, maybe? Not in any tangible “lose an item” way, but they can and will just take your shit. Their fourteen-heart event would be them powering up their spaceship for the first time..!?

Once in a while, they’ll give you a lava crumble, like how krobus would cook a strange bun (I like how even the nonhumans cook for u...) They might also give you a miner’s treat. The crumble gives you +80 energy, +30 health, +2 mining and +2 defense, because really, what else would it do. However, only the farmer and the Dwarf have the fortitude to wolf down this whole thing, so everyone else will dislike it… except for Abigail, who’s neutral towards it. The recipe to make one yourself would be: Sugar, Solar essence, Fire Quartz. You’d probably get the recipe from the volcano shop.

I know Krobus doesn’t have any heart events besides their fourteenth, buuut… I think the Dwarf should have a couple. As a treat. If you’ve got the polyam mod installed and have Krobus /and/ Dwarf move in with you, that should get you a special event, too… it would be so funny look imagine…

Instead of refusing to speak to you if you kick them out, they’ll just tell you to fuck off..? Their spouse room would look pretty wild. Who put all these god damn rocks in my house. Is that a sword

The .. “vibe” of the spouse dialogue would be configurable, possibly, if one wants to stick to the “roommates are platonic” thing. Not me though, God grew me in a vat especially to make sure that this would be the outcome of my life up to this point and my feelings about this little motherfucker can’t ever be changed. Liking characters with shadowed faces and glowing dot eyes is in my Very Bones, you see

-- -- 

“Hatmouse” is the shortest “custom npc” entry here. It makes the hatmouse much more of a person you can interact with. I like the little guy and I wanna be friends with ‘em and there’s at least 1 person on the Stardew subreddit who agrees with me, so……. There’d be 3 heart events for them, at levels 2, 4, and 8, there’d be a couple more letters they send you, and they would!! Talk to You!! When you buy from them!! Their gift tastes are still a bit of a mystery to me. They’d love cheese, sunflower seeds and cloth, at least. Maybe that’s all I really need to list for ‘em…

Portraits are a must, too; if I don’t get to see the rat giving me a thumbs up when I get a new achievement then what’s the fucking POINT of it all!!!! 

Finally, their relationships would just be [Bear: Enemy] and you wouldn’t get any context for it. 

-- -- 

Ok it’s time for me to talk about Ensley hoo boy. oh no. alright

“Ensley” is exactly what it says; it adds Ensley to the game and you can marry him if that is a thing you’d want to do for some reason! I love “secret” and “tedious/weird to unlock” characters in dating/life sims that you can’t meet right away, or maybe ever.. the harvest goddess and kappa in harvest moon, the stalker girl with the hoop hair in tokimeki memorial… and Ensley is That but for This One.

He’s a little elf or somethin’ who lives in the secret woods, and to meet him you’ll have to:

Have not married anyone until Winter of year 2

Have two hearts or more with most npcs (the 12 marriage candidates and also Gus, shoutout to Gus)

Not sold out to Joja yet

Done the Old Man Cannoli quest

Donated the ancient sword, elvish jewelry, and ancient seed to the museum 

Realize that there is now a tiny passage in the far right of the map the next time you visit the secret woods.

THEN knock on the little door you find and voila! 

Ensley is technically not supposed to be there — long ago the elves all left to another plane for [undisclosed reasons] but he missed the memo and got left behind. While being able to do magic, he isn’t powerful or knowledgable enough to open up a portal to get to where he’s supposed to be on his own.

Elf magic is a forgotten art, taken with them when they left, and so closely gatekept that not even the oldest human wizard around would even know the beginner stuff... So he’s just been kinda,,, hanging out for however long it’s been, always a little bit anxious and uncomfortable and collecting trinkets, watching humans and having parties with himself as a distraction…. Practicing what he’d say if a puny human solved his puzzle and tried barging into his home to steal all his Possessions... Clumsily trying to keep up the image of “aloof high-and-mighty Noble Elf who knows EXACTLY what he’s doing.” 

As you raise his heart level he slowly finds out that there’s a rift that hasn’t completely closed even after all this time, But..! If you made the right dialogue choices, he might decide that he’d rather stay in the human world with someone who likes him for who he is, than go back to pretending to be someone else in the elf kingdom, where nobody really treated him like an equal anyway. When he’s not fronting as a fantasy trope at the very beginning, he’s like… hm… like if the Muddler could Talk To The Trees and Critters and also had the alcohol tolerance of the hole in the ground, basically.

Will I be able to write him well enough to justify all the arbitrary rules I set up to unlock him!? I DONT know!! You get some elf lore and a couple new items, at the very least… perhaps even a new building and species of, say, mythical farm animal to inhabit it..? Topping up on ambitious features is my passion.

-- -- 

You’ve reached the end of the list! Thank you! If you read this far you probably have some kind of opinion on all of That, so uhh don’t be afraid to tell me if it’s bad! Or even if you like something! I am like an ant I’m 100x more nervous than you about this I can guarantee. I can PROMISE you 

[canyouhearthelight]

The Miys, Ch. 155

Super extra special chapter today, so I’m keeping this short. Thanks to @charlylimph-blog and @baelpenrose for beta reading, and most importantly:

Thank you @quantumizedinsanity, without whom this chapter would be impossible.  I hope you like it!

“You have been cordially demanded to be in attendance to an incredibly important party. Regrets will not be accepted unless paid for in vitally important sacrifice.  Hannah said I am not allowed to request the blood of virgins, so virgin Bloody Mary’s are an acceptable replacement.  Please come as your utmost self, and bring snacks.  Glitter is appreciated, but no loud noise-makers please.

Location: The Undine, invitation only. No +1s unless previously authorized

Time:  Beta Shift Commencement

Please submit your karaoke song no less than one Von-Day in advance, bringing your own props.  Group numbers require prior authorization and choreography.

P.S: Sophia, bring the crepes if you know what’s good for you.”

I smirked as I read the invitation from what could only be Charly - I couldn’t think of anyone with spot-access to pastel rainbow stationery and puff-gel ink.

“When did Lisa Frank go into the printing business?” Arthur mused as he flipped the anachronistic card over. “There’s a kitten on the back of mine…”

“Ooo,” Maverick gushed, leaning over. “The bubble kitten or angel one?”

Arthur snatched the invitation away. “I refuse to answer on the grounds of how the hell did you know?”

That got an eyeroll that rated a solid eight out of ten. “Because you said Lisa Frank, duh. It’s either the angel kitten, the bubble kittens, or the sunflower kittens.”

My friend rolled his neck to glare at me, to which I held up my hands. “Nope, not my doing. Those were very iconic images, even when I was a kid.” I turned to Maverick to put him out of his misery. “I have the Christmas Husky.”

“Sea Lion pup, booyah!” he crowed.

Derek snapped his fingers and dropped his card so he could stim with both hands. “Turtle. Read it and weep.”

“I dunno, Derek,” Tyche ventured playfully. “Ballet bunnies are pretty close.” As she showed her own invitation art, she tilted her head to the side. “I wonder what the invitation is for?”

Conor tapped his chin with his own piece of card stock - a tiger cub. “Well, it’s Charly, clearly. And it’s at the Undine, but it includes Mav and Tyche, so it can’t be anything kink-related…” Both in question shuddered at the thought. “Given the rainbows, references to glitter, and karaoke, my money is on a coming out or a drag show.” When everyone looked at him skeptically, he threw his hands up in disbelief. “Aye, it’s that or a child’s birthday, an’ there annae child on the Ark!”

Tyche looked impressed. “Very quick thinking. And either way…” She flicked her invitation. “It specifies utmost self, and we’ve got half a shift to knock that out along with a crepe spread and other assorted snacks.”

Laughing, I nodded in agreement. “Let’s get to it, then!”

 Hours later, we were all waiting patiently at the Undine, which had a glowing sign reading “Private Party - Invitation Only” with slowly falling fireworks in the background.  Whatever this was, Charly had gone all out. Food had been sent ahead, so we were whispering to each other excitedly while we were joined by others.

Parvati and Xiomara arrived, arm in arm; Parvati in a gorgeous turquoise and gold saree with heavy gold jewelry at wrists, ears, neck, and hair, while Xiomara was dressed to literally kill in head to toe leather boots, pants, vest, and wrist cuffs.

Not far behind them were Ivan and Jokul, Ivan in his customary kilt with boots and a clean shirt, while Jokul had donned his most gorgeous and softest-looking leathers and furs.  “Good evening, lovely people!” Jokul intoned warmly. “Does anyone know what this is about?”

“No idea,” Sam replied with a smile. “But it sounds fun, without the noise makers.”

“I am strictly here for the karaoke,” Ivan joked. “Although I heard rumor of crepes….”

Before I could answer, the doors to the Undine were whisked open. “Hellooooo everyone, and thank you for coming!  Please, right this way, right this way.  The guest of honor will be here with you shortly.”  With that, she pivoted on a heel and vanished, leaving us to find our way to a stage and tables, where we also found Coffey grinning in a crisp white suit, pink shirt and pocket square, and a white fedora with matching pink band.

All in all, everyone seemed to have met the brief on being “your utmost self”.

“Any chance you know what’s going on here?” Conor asked as we took our seats.

Coffey just tapped the side of his nose and shook his head. “Spoilers.”

Glancing around, I noticed that the usual suspects were all present, although my count seemed to be off by a couple of brunettes. “I know Charly is hostessing with the mostessing, but where are Hannah and Zach? Surely she would have - “

BWAAAANH!  I nearly fell to the floor from how hard I jumped at the buzzer that rang out, vibrating my skull. “What the hell!?”

Tyche, Conor, and Maverick looked at me, confused. “What the hell what?” Tyche asked slowly.

“Didn’t you hear that!?” I practically shouted. “I was asking about Hannah and Za - “

BWAAAANH! “Jesus leaping Joseph bullfrogs!” I slammed my hands over my ears and curled into a ball. When I straightened, everyone was still looking at me like I had grown a third head - and it was speaking gibberish. “You really can’t hear that?”

Slowly, heads shook, so I explained. “There’s a buzzer that rings when I say -” I paused. “A certain person’s name.”

Just as everyone was getting gravely concerned for my mental health, spotlights lit up the stage and music started. “Goooooood EVENING, everybody! Sophia is not hallucinating, and I apologize for the aggressive volume!” Charly’s voice flooded the room cheerfully. “All will be clear in a moment, I assure you.”

Straightening carefully, I stretched the flinch-cramps out of my neck and accepted the drink handed to me by a sheepish Sebastian. Sorry, he mouthed.

I winked my forgiveness and took a sip, glad it was just iced tea.

“Moving on, thank you everyone for coming and sending ahead your snacks!  I expect everyone to work up an appetite tonight once you realize why you were all invited,” Charly continued. The music went from light and airy to heavy violins. “I have gathered you all here today to introduce a very important person. Some with whom I expect you all to love dearly and hold affectionately in your hearts, because if you don’t it would be a downright shame since they are pretty freaking awesome.  Also, I will one hundred percent judge you, and possibly prank you. Pranks may not maim you but I cannot guaran - “

We all sat stiff in shock when Hannah’s voice interrupted. “Charly, that’s unnecessary and you aren’t. Help. Ing?” There was a very strong tone of obvious hint, piquing my interest even further.

A throat was cleared. “Sorry, I got carried away. Anyway, point is - I have been given the absolute delight and pleasure of introducing you to someone. So that I don’t steal her thunder, I will let her take it from here!”

The music swelled to an acceptable but not overwhelming crescendo as the spotlights pointed to one side of the stage. With breathless anticipation, we watched as a figure in a beautiful [COLOR] gown made her way to the center of the stage. Dark hair flowed to her waist, with something woven through to cause the light to dance and twinkle like stars. Large and hesitant - but oddly familiar - eyes peered out from beneath a glittering tiara as a terrified voice whispered. “Hi everyone. My name is Alice.”

As soon as we heard that, stunned silence deafened the room.  We all recognized that voice. My brain finally caught up - this was why that alarm….

Without any hesitation, Derek walked out on the stage and held out one hand. Alice tapped it with a smile, knowing not to try holding it. Derek’s hands took a moment to still enough that he could make out the words he wanted to say.

“You look amazing. So happy.”

That was all it took to break the spell. We all surged to our feet, screaming with joy and thunderous applause.  Alice looked like she was about to cry, and Hannah rushed out to sweep her partner into a crushing hug.  I could barely make out Hannah’s voice saying “I told you they would be happy for you.”

Everyone surged to congratulate her… In that first year on the Ark, so many people had undergone genetic surgery.  But Alice had six years to build a family, a life as someone else, and it must have weighed so heavily to make that decision now, rather than to do it at the beginning with a group of relative strangers. I couldn’t imagine the fear she had gone through, or was possibly still going through, or the relief it might be now…

All of my thoughts swirled into a tempest, and the only thing that managed to make it to my mouth was a very articulate “You look like a princess.”

I swear, I could punch myself sometimes.

To my relief, Alice just laughed. “It was Charly’s idea.  She said that every little girl got dressed up as a princess at some point - whether they wanted to or not - so she gave me the option to be a princess for a night, and said if I don’t like it, I never have to do it again.”

“What do you think?” I asked.

She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think it’s my cup of tea, but I do feel really fancy!”

“You should feel fancy, sweetheart,” Hannah said softly. “But we also have a very fancy women’s tuxedo in the back if you want to feel fancy that way.”

“I’ll think about it,” came the adoring response.  I was overjoyed to see that nothing had changed there, clearly. “What kind of tuxedo are we talking? Celine? Angelina?”

“It’s 100% a Brie/Janelle hybrid, with a Billy hat.”

A pause. “Let me try one karaoke song in this getup, and we’re switching to that.”

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[lamaisongaga]

LADY GAGA WEARS DAVID KOMA TO GRAHAM NORTON

Lady Gaga appeared on The Graham Norton Show yesterday and the episode will appear today. Sitting beside her: “House of Gucci” co-star Adam Driver, Josh Gad and Nadiya Hussain.

If you haven’t seen the preview yet, watch here. Absolutely hilarious!

The Little Black Dress has been a fashion mainstay since it was championed by Audrey Hepburn in the 1960s, and since then the look has taken on many guises. This season the humble LBD takes on a fresh spin, with twinkling crystal embellishments, and Gaga has nailed the trend thanks to diamante devotee David Koma, who she wore back in 2012 the last time!

LG wore the label's Fall/Winter 2021 crystal cut-out dress, which features an embroidered hemline and dainty straps ($2,425).

Shop:

David Koma Mini Dress ($2,425.00)

Her earrings are Anita Ko’s Meryl 18k white-gold and diamonds hoops ($8,350).

Ko is a Los Angeles-based jewelry label whose designs adorned big A-listers such as Michelle Obama, Charlize Theron, Rihanna and Scarlett Johansson.

Shop:

Anita Ko “Meryl” Hoops ($8,350.00)

Another designer and shoe model that isn’t a stranger to this blog is Sophia Webster and her black satin Coco pump. Previously worn in 2014!

P.S. Don’t go too far away. More amazing looks coming in no time!

[gallerybyzantium]

Our St. Sophia Cross may look simple, but it has a lot of meaning behind it.

From St. Sophia to a 6th century Byzantine design, discover the story behind this piece and spotlight our St. Sophia Cross in our blog.  

[themousefromfantasyland]

The Yule Man (1/7)

As told by ME

This was meant to be a short story, but it became too big, so I separated it in seven parts. I want to turn my blog in a space where I can share my writting every once and a while.

This is the first time I post one of my stories on a public space. This is the first time anyone besides my sister will be able to read, so I'm pretty exciting and anxious. I want honest criticism. I hope you all enjoy it.

"It's he who brings the Yule ice and snow to Arnsberg." The little girl said.

Everything seemed somehow brighter and warmer on that peaceful afternoon.

The lines of holly hanged above the walls and windows gave an otherworld feel to the street. The jingle of the bells of the market down the avenue helped to remind how happiness sounded like. Silver bells adorned the rooftops. The traditional statues of silver stood on the churches’ terrains.

They promised that the Silver God would once again bless his holy season. The store windows promised an affable and cozy night. That was not what that beggar boy received.

The confectionery attendant shoved him away with all scorn and disdain possible in a man. Why did he should show him kindness? The boy couldn't pay, and he was so filthy dressed he would drive customers away. And as he said beneath his breath while coming back to the store:

"Magic only brings trouble."

Mia Hayek and her baby sister were stepping in their carriage when they saw the scene. The poor young man looked at the sweets in the windows of the confectionery with so much craving. He looked as if he hadn't eaten anything in a long time.

She took out her long wide hat and her cotton scarf and asked her sister if she knew that boy. The little girl, with all sincerity that a child is capable off, responded.

He had a slender and thin body, but the enormous, hooded fur coat worn swallowed it completely. He carried a huge bag of shabby cloth against his back. The fur hood and the cloth around his lower face made it hard to give him an age. Mia was sure he couldn't be older than twenty.

Everyone in Arnsberg knew the boy. Always seen wandering without destination in the Solstice Eve carrying that stained bag. He arrives in town no sooner than the first snow. He stays for the twelve days of the Yule Festival, then he disappears. And no one can find him before the next one.

Mia saw him in the last year. He lived near the park in front of the bakery. The baker shoved him away as if he was a stray dog. He has not changed a thing from then.

"He never changes." Sophia mindlessly added. "Even mother remembers him from her time. He never changes."

Mia stared at the boy. Ragged and disheveled. Time had devoured those clothes, tattered and grimy as they looked.

"Is he magical?" Mia asked.

"Yeah!" Her little sister nodded. "But he can only bring the snow, he can't control it. He's harmless."

"Stay here!" She told her.

Mia stepped out of the carriage and walked in the direction of the boy as fast as her boots allowed. Noticing being followed, he turned. She stopped in the spot.

The hood obscured his face. He maintained his back bended, and he avoided looking into her eyes. By the way he stayed quiet, she knew he was nervous. People dressed like her usually didn't had nice things to say to people dressed like him.

"You're beautiful!" He whispered to himself, hoping only he listened.

She smiled back.

"Thank you!"

She heard and he could only blush in response.

"Sorry, but I always see you around here during this time." She began saying while messing with her curly hair. "The town can get pretty cold. Do you have where to pass the night."

The boy chuckled, and she could see a vague spark in his eyes.

"The cold never bothered me anyway, madam."

"What do you carry with you?" She came forward and touched his long bag. It felt so freezing that she immediately withdrew as by sheer impulse.

He lowered the cloth that covered his face and looked up to her, allowing Mia to take a deep look.

"I... I should already release this thing, but... I got distracted. I wanted to find something to eat first, so..." He sounded so nervous, trying so hard to justify himself, as if fearing punishment.

His face was pale and soft, still with signs of boyhood. His eyes were big and innocent, in bright green. His beard was as red as a fox, and it was shaggy and full of pieces of ice.

"...and now I don't know where to release this stuff."

"Do you have where to spend the holidays?" She interrupted him.

"No." He answered embarrassed.

The question really pierced through him. She saw how it affected him in the wrong way. A second question slipped through her mouth before she could have time to re-evaluate it.

"Do you found somewhere to eat?"

He didn't respond.

She drew his hands, letting his bag land on the ground. It surprised her how soft and warm they were.

"Stay the Yule with us."

Mia could just have brought him food and then forget anything about him in the next day. Any normal person would do that. Maybe she felt a genuine urge to help him. Maybe her pity for him spoke louder. Perhaps she found him too adorable to let go. Whatever the real reason may be, something drew her to him.

"My father is wealthy, but generous. I'm sure he'll allowed it."

He smiled to her by a second, as if he loved the idea, but then he frowned, as if he remembered something.

"I'm sorry. You have been very kind, but I can't."

"Please!" She insisted, her voice cracking a little. "You can't spend the Yule in the streets and in the cold."

""I already used to it."

He forced a sly grin, as if trying to tranquilize her. He continued. "I'm sure you mean well, but it's better that I stay here."

"Our mansion is always open to those who need it, and you'll be well treated there."

"A mansion?" He frowned.

"My father is Mr. Hayek. My name is Mia Angela Hayek. Ravi de vous rencontrer." She greeted him with the dress.

"Never heard of him." He joked.

"Please, stay with us. We...

"Is it comfy..."

"What?" She asked surprised.

He spoke in a tone that made her think of a timid small boy.

"Your mansion. Is it comfy and cozy? That's how I always picture these places to be." He didn't want her to see he smiled.

"Of course." She nodded.

"Does it have a fireplace?"

"Yes. You can drink hot cocoa by it and eat some gingerbread cookies if you want."

"I never eat a gingerbread cookie."

"You can eat all sweets you wish. The kitchen has smelled wonderful since morning. My father is giving a big ball tonight. It will be so full of cakes and sweets. It will make even the most illustrious confectioneries envious."

Mia saw how much the idea pleased him, how much it tempted him to say yes. Yet, something held him back.

Against his better judgment, he said:

"Okay."

The air grew colder on that moment. The winter breeze brought chills down her spine. Whatever it was, the boy felt it too.

"But just for one night." He soon added.

"What's your name?"

"I don't have one." He said while pulling back his bag.

She tilted her head.

"How come you have no name?"

"Never needed one."

James Hayek had all the reasons to be jolly during the holidays. This son of immigrants became the most important merchant in all the North Kingdom. The Hayeks were the wealthiest mixed family in Arnsberg. This filled him with pride, but also a deep sentiment of duty. As a child of Arnsberg by heart he felt as his duty to retribute all his good luck back to the community.

The Hayek Mansion was a charming building located near the road down to Arnsberg, far close to the forest. Mr. Hayek certified himself that its doors would be forever open to the town that welcomed him.

It was the Solstice Eve. Tomorrow the Yule Festival would begin, twelve days of tradition and merriment. A gigantic fir-tree of nine meters was brought to the mansion's courtyard. The servants of the Hayek family surrounded its needles with all sorts of ornaments. They garnished the Yule Tree with silver, gold, and all kinds of jewelry. On its top, the Solstice Sun ornament promised to shine brighter than the real one. Not even Queen Ava's tree in the Royal Palace was as beautiful as the one who stood now in the Hayek Mansion.

Dozens of statues of goats surrounded the tree, all carefully made of pure straw. A somewhat forgotten tradition that Mr. Hayek couldn't let go in any capacity.

Two full tables had been already set. Roast turkeys and ducks, steamed hams and caramelized cods covered the first table.

The second table looked like a small child's fever dream. Colorful palaces of gelatin and chocolate sprinkled with sugar. Snowy towns and castles of gingerbread covered with white marzipan. Fountains and rivers flowing with chocolate. Towers of cakes and pies. Mountain chains of pudding with nuts and chestnuts boulders. It had enough to maddening the youth.

When Mia and Sophia arrived at the Hayek residence, the Yule Log had been already tossed into the fire. Both her and her sister helped the fur-cladded boy stepped out of the carriage. No sooner they crossed the golden gates, the servants already whispered between themselves. They couldn't help but gaze at the peculiar young man with awe and curiosity.

As soon as the girls walked upon the carpet in the living room, their parents rushed to speak to them. When Mr. Hayek first heard the news, he had to come to see it by himself.

"You brought the Yule Man?" He gave a strong laughter that came straight from the bottom of his belly.

The boy didn't know how to react, so he stepped behind the sisters and gave him an awkward smile.

Mr. Hayek was a cheerful and youthful old man. Mrs. Hayek could be the proudest woman the world has ever seen. She fitted the role of the women who dressed to show the world her social status. Her blue eyes had troubles showing affection. Her corn-like hair was stylized in the same way as the fashion magazines. Meticulously armed.

She approached Mia to talk in particular.

"You should be getting dressed." She spoke with veiled bitterness.

Mia tried her best to argue back.

"Sorry mother, I was doing shopping when..."

Her mother definitely didn't want to know. She twisted her eyebrows and said:

"Why are you so irresponsible. I'm tired of sorries. And what are you wearing for the gods' sake" She started yelling.

Mia swallowed her mother's sermons with her best poker face. Since she was a child, she knew how harsh Mrs. Hayek's criticism could be. Nothing different from the woman that searched for defects in everything.

"You know how this night is important. It's your first ball. My daughter shouldn't look like a hag." She took a pause to breath. "Go get dressed!"

Sophia came forward.

"Can the Yule Man spend the Yule with us?" She asked with manipulative eyes.

"You can't bring him here." She whispered while offering a false smile to greet the newcomer boy.

Fritz and Thomas, Sophia's elder brothers, looked at him with intense curiosity.

"Magic always leads to trouble." She put.

"Mother, he needs us." Mia shot back. "Besides not aging, there's not that much he can do. He is harmless."

"Mia, can you stop arguing..." Her mother tried to shut her down as she always did.

Mia had other plans.

"Father..." She turned to Mr. Hayek. "This is the true Yule Man. You can show him to the town's children tonight.

"I like children." His tiny voiced ricocheted off the living room walls. They turned to face him.

"They are nice to me." He said in a small tone behind them.

They almost had forgot he was still there.

"My dear, I don't know..." Mr. Hayek gazed at his unhappy wife.

"Remember when you were young and poor, and they chased you off that department store." She pointed to the boy. “They shoved him out of the confectionery as if he were nothing. He doesn't have where to spend the Yule days. He never had."

Mr. Hayek grew quiet. Not everyone had been nice to him. The way he looked had closed a lot of doors before. He promised to never take part in any judgment by appearances.

"You win." He winked at her. "Okay. Welcome to our Yule party Mr. Yule Man.

The boy looked at Mrs. Hayek. He saw her eyes steaming.

The guest started appearing around the evening. The parties in the Hayek Mansion always yielded weeks of conversation and gossip. They were more accessible than official public events. Open to everyone who wanted to participate. Thanks to that Mr. Hayek received the charming nickname of the "Father of the Poor." from his enemies. He liked it.

In her bedchamber, Mia wore a ballgown that had the color of the winter night sky. A low busted and short sleeved gown that drew attention to her silhouette. It was richly embroidered with snowflake patterns that surrounded her skirt. A delicate bow tied her curly brown hair back, drawing attention to her delicate face. Her strong red lipstick contrasted quite well with her light-brown skin tone.

When she went down the staircase. She gasped at how beautiful her house looked. Decks of holly, ivy and winter roses scattered everywhere. When the Yule Man saw her, he gasped at how beautiful she looked. He raced to her, still with his bag.

"Why are you still wearing this thing?" She pressed her lips together. She sounded just as her mother.

"Sorry If I was too rude. Do you like it?"

"No. No. I don't like this thing at all." He chuckled while eating a huge piece of marzipan with his free hand.

"So, why do you wear it?"

"As if I had a choice." He smirked.

He had finished his attack on the table of sweets. His mouth still was stained with sugar and chocolate. She noticed he had pockets in his suit, because they were full of gingerbread cookies and pieces of cake. The corners of her mouth lifted a smile as soon as she realized it.

When they arrived at the courtyard, the guests already crowded the place. The music had begun. The youthful couples already waltzed together amid the chatter of their families. That scene never failed to fill Mia's eyes, and now she could be officially a part of it. Her first ball as a woman.

She saw her mother approaching.

"What are you wearing." She yelled in her lowest tone.

Mia stood in her defensive position.

"Mother, you promised I could pick my own dress."

Mrs. Hayek exhaled.

"Yeah, I did. You look beautiful."

Mia smiled in relief.

"You too mother."

"You look perfect, and it's Yule, but don't exaggerate on the food." She laughed. "You know how the woman in our family have problems with weight."

Mia forced a yellow smile as a good daughter. As soon as her mother departed, the boy tried to cheer her.

"That was close. You survived the attack of the amazing shrew. Good job."

Mia laughed out loud. He felt proud with himself.

The children on the place couldn't stop looking at him with amazement. She turned to him.

"You don't really have a name?"

His smile disappeared.

"No."

He tried to physically walk out of that social interaction. She followed him.

"Do you at least have parents or relatives?"

He spent a couple seconds thinking.

"I don't know. I believe that I don't."

"Where you go when you aren't in Arnsberg? Do you visit other cities?"

"I prefer not to think about that." He said as politely as he could.

"Can I ask about the bag?" She joked.

He handled the bag over to the other hand.

"Nope!"

He really didn't like the direction of that conversation.

"Can I least ask you about the beard? Do you like it?"

He stopped. He looked at her.

"Not even a little." He laughed. "It's shaggy, it scratches, and it annoys me so much."

"Why you don't shave it?"

"As if I had a choice."

That was getting on her nerves.

"Why wouldn't you have a choice?"

He looked deep into her eyes.

"Because only real people have a choice."

On that same moment, a man wearing a red fur cloak and carrying a sack full of toys and stepped out of the servant’s door. The children gasped and cheered his presence and rushed in his direction. The adults were left amazed. Santa Claus had arrived. By his side, a very tall man came closer, wearing a wooden goat mask and wearing a very thick coat. On his hand he carried birch branches. The children surrounded them in seconds. The Goat-masked man asked in his spookiest voice if they had been nice or naughty that year. Santa had already start delivering the presents to all the children.

Mia nudged him.

"It's my father. He lives by the Yule Festival." She boasted. "He loves to dress like Santa. He's the only black St. Nick in the town."

"I find funny how you always seem to agree that he's an old fat man in red."

He left her confused.

"Excuse me."

"St. Nicholas is way younger than that. And he drinks." He chuckled. "A lot."

She tilted her head and frowned.

"How can you tell? No one can see him."

He stayed quiet.

"Do you know the real Santa?"

He broke the silence.

"He's a good man. He's nice to me. The Yule Goat is bad. He's very bad. He beats children."

He nodded to the goat masked man. Mia saw that it unsettled him a bit.

"Calm down. It's just Edgar, our butler. He likes to scare kids, so every year he dresses like the Yule Goat."

All the kids after receiving their presents ran to his side. Mr. Hayek as the jolly saint came closer to Mia at said in direction of the young man:

"This man..." He certified himself to be heard by everyone. "...is the Yule Man. Today he will show us the magic of the Yuletide season."

The crowd turned and stared at him in intensity. The typical hypocrisy of mortals: They fear magic but can't lose a chance to see it close. The boy himself stayed quiet as a mouse in his spot.

Mia asked in his ear:

"Crowds make you nervous"

"Yep" He almost couldn't be heard.

"I realized."

He walked to the center of the courtyard without saying no more words. Near the fir-tree he tossed his bag on the ground. Mia attended all that closely.

He pulled the knot that tighten the bag closed and opened it. A single snowflake came out first. It flew like a white butterfly in the direction of the wind. Calm, gentle, beautiful. It shimmered like nothing else. Some of the children ran after it and tried to catch. A second came out, and third, and a fourth. The snowflakes then burst out of the bag, billions of them. Small bright crystals that looked more like pixie dust.

He opened his arms and allowed the endless wave of light blast off and fill the skies. The crowd clapped and cheered in a mad frenzy. Mr. Hayek couldn't believe his eyes.

Mia stood there, speechless. The sight took all her ability to think properly.

The Yule Man closed his eyes. He shook both hands together as quick as he could. The bright outburst ceased. The bag dissolved in icicles. As if the world's largest swarm, they dashed up, up into the sky, while the snow started to fall.

He turned back to them.

"And this...This is how the Yule snow comes to Arnsberg."

The crowd clapped in pure ecstasy. He exhaled relieved.

The kids chased him. The adults had troubles understanding what happened. Mia stayed quiet in her thoughts processing everything.

The north wind blew over them all. The boy felt the message sent to him down to his bones. A dark figure appeared in the corner. He knew there were consequences to be dealt with.

Mia searched for him when he appeared and shook her hand.

"I'm grateful for everything..." He started. "... but St. Nicholas saw me. I already violated too many rules."

And he ran away.

"What!"

She stayed behind, left speechless again.

Mia marched to her parents close to the mansion's entrance.

"Father, what did you said to him?"

She took Mr. Hayek by surprise.

"Nothing, I..."

Sophia stopped playing with the other girls and their new toys and walked to them.

"It was not him. It was the real Santa.

"Hey!" His heart broke. He said visibly offended. "How long do you know I am not..."

Mia interrupted him.

"Sophia, why are you talking about?"

"St. Nicholas came here to talk to him."

"How I didn't see him?"

She responded with such innocence that terrified Mia.

"He's invisible to you."

Mia rushed back inside and searched for him everywhere. She found him when he was getting nearer the front gate.

"Why did you leave?" She approached him behind pulled him by the arm. You said you would spend the night here."

"I can't. I simply can't. St. Nicholas talked to me...

"Santa? Santa threatened you?"

"No. St. Nicholas is nice to me." He argued. "Only a few like him are. The North Wind brought him here. He told him how I was breaking the rules. Different from him, I can be seen by mortals. He thinks it's not wise for me to get too close to them, to you."

He paused as soon as he realized how that sentence could be interpreted.

"To you guys, the mortals, your family." The awkwardness possessed his body.

Her forehead furrowed while pressing her lips together.

"What are the rules?"

He scratched his head and lowered it down.

"I arrive to Arnsberg by the first light of the Solstice Eve. I must leave before the first light after the Yule days are over."

Her expression lightened.

"So, you can spend the festival with us."

"Do you even listen to me?" He cried out loud.

She placed her hands over his shoulder.

"Listen, you will not violate any rules. As long as you left..." She gesticulated for him to continue it.

"Before the first light after the Yule days are over." He added.

"I know you liked here. So, what do you say.”?

"Mia, I can't."

She raised her voice.

"So, they want you to spend the holidays in the street?"

"I don't have a choice." His jaw clenched and he shut his eyes.

She drew him closer.

"Yeah, you do."

That simple phrase teared down his walls. He no longer felt the ground under his feet. His eyes teared up.

"Do you really believe that." He said in a cry voice.

She struggled to look him in the eyes now.

"I do." She smiled to him.

He closed his eyes.

"Okay, I will spend the Yule Festival with you."

He heard the wind blowing outside. A very bad omen indeed. For some Mia sensed butterflies on her stomach. She felt a sweet taste in her mouth. Something sweet and warm inside her chest.

"Okay, I will ask Edgar to lead you to the Guest room."

He shook his head.

"It isn't necessary. I hate giving people trouble. I can sleep anywhere."

She raised her eyebrows.

"But you need a name. Can I call you Christopher? I always found a beautiful name."

"Yeah, you can." His eyes twinkled while the corners of his mouth quickly turned up.

She stepped closer.

"Happy Yuletide, Chris!"

[rachelkaser]

Stay Golden Sunday: The Custody Battle

Dorothy’s sister Gloria arrives and wants Sophia to come live with her. Rose and Blanche clash over a production of Macbeth.

Picture It...

Dorothy and Sophia are tidying ahead of the arrival of Gloria, Sophia’s other daughter and Dorothy’s little sister. Sophia subtly needles Dorothy for not having a date -- and fortuitously, Blanche enters and asks to borrow Dorothy’s jewelry for her own date. She’s going on a date with the director of the local community theater, who she’s hoping will soon cast her as Lady Macbeth. Sophia continues to nag Dorothy for not having a date. Dorothy gets angry at Sophia for her meddling, and demands space. Sophia leaves in a huff.

The next morning, Blanche is confident her tete-a-tete with the director will get her the part, though she and Rose are still going to the audition. Dorothy and Sophia are still annoyed at each other, but put it aside when Gloria arrives. Gloria, a wealthy widow, gives her mother and sister fabulous gifts. When Sophia guilts her over staying in a hotel, Dorothy offers to let Gloria share her (Dorothy’s) room.

DOROTHY: Hi! How was the audition? BLANCHE: Wonderful! I’m 99% sure I got the part. ROSE: Oh Blanche, there were so many good people there. BLANCHE: Trust me, I got this part in the sack. ROSE: She means in the bag. DOROTHY: No honey, she means in the sack.

That night, as Sophia and Gloria are out shopping, Blanche comes back from the audition convinced she got the part. She and Rose ask about Gloria’s relationship with Dorothy, and Dorothy confesses she’s always felt her parents favored Gloria. Blanche relates how she felt the same way about her parents and her sisters. Rose exposits about her idyllic family life, annoying the other girls enough that Blanche lets the kitchen door slam in her face.

Gloria and Dorothy settle down in bed together, with Gloria asking if Dorothy resents her for having money, a happy marriage and successful children -- none of which Dorothy has (and gee, nice of you to point it out, Gloria). Dorothy says she has grown beyond such sibling rivalry. Gloria continues to go on about her palatial home in California. Dorothy says she and Sophia would love to come out for a visit, and Gloria finally drops the bomb: She wants Sophia to come live with her, and Sophia agreed.

GLORIA: This reminds me of when we were little and you used to read me bedtime stories. DOROTHY: Oh yeah, yeah... the Bogeyman and the Little Girl... the Zombie in the Hamper... Cannibal Parents. I think between the ages of 5 and 7 you might have gotten two hours’ sleep.

Dorothy talks to Sophia about her plan to live with Gloria. Sophia avoids talking about what she wants, and says this way she can give Dorothy space. Dorothy doesn’t try to dissuade her, saying Gloria can give her a better life. Sophia looks very uncertain when Dorothy leaves.

In the kitchen, both Rose and Dorothy deliver bad news to Blanche. Rose says Blanche was cast as Witch #3, and Rose got the part of Lady Macbeth. Dorothy tells both that Sophia is leaving, and they’re heartbroken, insisting that they don’t want Sophia to leave. Dorothy forbids them from guilting Sophia, and leaves. Rose offers to let Blanche fill in for her as Lady Macbeth, but Blanche demurs gracefully.

BLANCHE: Well Rose, isn’t that sweet? And I do love you for it, honey, but I just couldn’t. I could never fit this trim little body in that big old tent of a dress they’re going to have to make for you.

After avoiding it for a few hours, Dorothy gives in and confronts Gloria, telling her it’s not fair of her to steal Sophia away when she’s already the favorite. Gloria reveals that she thinks Dorothy is the favorite, because Sophia respected and trusted her and constantly pointed out how much smarter and self-reliant she was to Gloria. Gloria admits she’s envious of how happy Dorothy’s life is compared with hers, and she wanted part of that. She says she knows Sophia doesn’t want to leave, and Dorothy goes to talk to their mother.

Dorothy demands that Sophia stay, and Sophia at first refuses but then agrees. She says she and Dorothy both need a little space from each other occasionally, but she’ll stay and look after the Girls. She breaks the news to Gloria, who understands. Sophia says she’s happy that both of her daughters love her and want her around so much.

SOPHIA: I love you. I love all my children. GLORIA: Even Phil? SOPHIA: Sure -- but don’t tell him, he’ll want to borrow money.

Later that night, the Girls are ecstatic that Sophia isn’t leaving. She brings them presents she was planning to give them when she thought she was moving. They open the presents and discover their own things, which Sophia purloined. After she leaves the kitchen, they wonder what else she might have taken and go to search her room. Rose cautiously exits last, worried about the door slamming in her face again.

“I think all my children are special... except Phil.”

I’ll be honest, there’s a reason for the gap between this review and the last one. Sure, Christmas and New Years (not to mention a busted keyboard) shifted my priorities a bit, but were this almost any other episode, I would have still gotten it out no matter what else was going on. But the truth is, I didn’t allot the necessary time to analyze this episode because... well, I didn’t want to. Because this episode is just not very good.

Remember when I said that Golden Girls had no truly bad episodes, but there were some that were noticeably lower-rung than others? This wasn’t the episode I had in mind when I said that (I’ll tell you which episode was when we get to it), but this is still a pretty good example of what I mean. It’s not particularly funny, has no meaningful message, doesn’t involve any character growth, and is confusingly written.

SOPHIA: I should have known you couldn’t make it without me. DOROTHY: You’re right, I can’t. And neither can Blanche. And neither can Rose. SOPHIA: Of course not Rose. The woman can hardly find her way to work!

I’d never given it much thought before I had to pick it apart for this blog. Now that I’ve watched it with a necessarily discerning eye, I couldn’t help but get this weird sense of flatness. Not badness, per se, just a total lack of good distinguishing features.

For example, I usually insert one of my favorite one-liners as the header text above my analysis section, and I had to really pick apart this episode to come up with any single line that gave me a little smile. That’s not to say that there aren’t funny exchanges in this episode, but no Girl is given a single stand-out line that’s still funny, divorced from context. I’m using an “except Phil” line because this is the first time we see Sophia use it as more of a catchphrase.

I don’t have any behind-the-scenes material that might explain why the episode feels so lacking. Maybe it’s because this is Terry Hughes’ first episode as director? There are definitely places where the script doesn’t feel nearly as tight as it could be -- the several minutes Rose spends reminiscing about her happy childhood don’t really do much besides fill time, except maybe set up for the “kitchen door face slam” gag.

ROSE: *reminiscing about her saccharine family Christmases* And then Daddy would tell us a story, and tuck us into our feather-- DOROTHY: Who was your father, Rose? Michael Landon?

If I had to put this down to a single element, I think it’d be the portrayal of Gloria. Sisterly rivalry is a recurring theme in this show . . . seriously, none of the Girls have good relationships with their sisters. We saw this already with Blanche and Virginia, but Dorothy and Gloria provide a slightly different take on it. Whereas Virginia and Blanche have been clashing their whole lives and are only just now starting to reconcile, Dorothy and Gloria have a warm and loving relationship with unaddressed resentment beneath the surface.

The difference is, Virginia gave the impression of being a three-dimensional character. There were subtleties to her, such as her inability to keep from rising to Blanche’s bait no matter how much she claimed to want a more peaceful relationship. That just doesn’t exist with Gloria, or at least not Gloria as she exists in this episode.

In fact, the writers don’t seem to have a clue what to do with Gloria. She’s explicitly stated to be distant from her mother and sister, never inviting them to her home in California and only calling three times a year and yet wants her mother to move in with her. She’s sometimes obliviously insensitive, and yet has enough self-awareness to shoot holes in Dorothy’s insecurities.

I’m not sure if I like the fact that the resolution of the rivalry is Gloria saying, “Actually, I’m envious of you and want part of your happiness for myself,” as opposed to, “I, too, wish to spend some of my mother’s last years with her.” It just doesn’t seem realistic that Gloria’s desire to spend time with Sophia is rooted in her feelings towards Dorothy. It seems more like the ending to a revenge fantasy than a proper wrap-up of the story.

BLANCHE: Now, when were little, every year my sisters had huge parties. With clowns and magicians and tons of presents. DOROTHY: And you didn’t? BLANCHE: Well not exactly. I mean, I did have parties and I had presents but... I never had a clown. *smiles* Not until I was... BLANCHE & DOROTHY: Much older.

It doesn’t help that the B-plot is a little undercooked. Blanche’s extreme desire for a part in “Mister William Shakespeare’s masterpiece” is funny enough, especially since she thinks her sexual performance is an adequate substitute for theatrical performance -- I mean, she’s Blanche. She probably thinks her sexual performance is enough to eclipse all other forms of performance anywhere, ever.

But what I don’t get about it is how Rose managed to snag the part of Lady Macbeth despite not wanting it. Granted, it’s been a long time since my community theater days, but I think you generally have to say which parts you’re auditioning for before you audition, so the director doesn’t cast someone who can’t commit the time to a big role. I could be wrong about that, though. I get that Rose not expressing any of her own interest in the play makes it extra funny when she actually gets the part, but it’s still a little confusing to me.

Still, I don’t want to end the review on a sour note, so I’ll say this: There’s not much in the way of a moral or character growth in this episode, but there is something to be said for Dorothy and Sophia coming to the conclusion that too much togetherness isn’t good for them. Given that we’re now going on a year in pandemic lockdown, I can’t help but think that’ll resonate with some of us.

Episode rating: 🍰🍰 (two cheesecake slices out of five)

Favorite Part of the Episode:

The exchange between Rose and Blanche over the casting of Lady Macbeth, culminating in Blanche brandishing a kitchen knife in the most darkly funny way possible: