#spanish style roof top

[saigonmarket]

Mediterranean Exterior - Exterior Large mediterranean two-story stucco exterior home idea

[sophaeros]

arctic monkeys for q magazine, june 2011 (x) (x)

ARCTIC MONKEYS: Inside Alex Turner's Head

Words Sylvia Patterson Portrait John Wright

The day Arctic Monkeys moved into their six bedroom, Spanish-style villa in the Hollywood Hills, where the first-floor balcony looked over the patio swimming pool, they knew exactly what to do.

"From the balcony, you could get on t'roof and jump in't pool," chirps the Monkeys' most gregarious member, drummer Matt Helders, in his homely Yorkshire way. "We looked at it and said, That's definitely gonna happen. So by the end, we did a couple of 'em. Somersaults in t'pool, from the roof. At night time."

In January 2011, as Sheffield and the rest of Britain endured its bitterest winter in a century, Arctic Monkeys capered among the palm trees, eschewing hotels for a millionaire's Hollywood homestead as they recorded and mixed their fourth studio album, Suck It and See.

The four Monkeys, alongside producer James Ford and engineer James Brown, lived what they called the "American man thing": watched Super Bowl on giant TVs, played ping-pong, hired two Mustangs, cooked cartoon Tom And Jerry-sized steaks on barbecues on Sundays, had girlfriends over to visit, all cooking and drinking around the colossal outdoor kitchen area featuring a fridge and two dishwashers. Living atop the Hills, they could see the Pacific Ocean beyond by day, the infinite glittering lights of downtown LA by night.

Every day, en route to Sound City Studios, they'd travel in a seven-seater four-by-four through the mountains, via bohemian 60s enclave Laurel Canyon, blaring out the tunes: The Stones Roses, The Cramps, the Misfits' Hollywood Babylon. For the sometime teenage art-punk renegades whose guitarist, Jamie Cook, was once ejected from London's Met Bar for refusing to pay €22 for two beers, the comedy rock'n'roll life still feels, however, absolutely nothing like reality.

NICK O'MALLEY: "It were really as if we were on holiday. When we came back it's the most post-holiday blues I've ever had!"

JAMIE COOK: "It's hard to comment on that. It were just really good fun."

MATT HELDERS: "We always said, As soon as things like that feel normal, we're in trouble. But it's just funny. You might think it would get more and more serious as you get older but it's getting funnier. We've done four albums now and I'm still only 24, I'm still immature to an extent. So who cares?"

Alex? Al? Are you there?

ALEX TURNER: "Yeah, it were good times. But we were in the studio most of the time. So there's no real wild Hollywood stories. Hmn. Yeah."

Wednesday, 16 March 2011, Strongroom Bar, Shoreditch, East London, 11am. Alex Turner, 25, slips entirely alone into an empty art-crowd brasserie looking like an indie girl's indie dream boy: mop-top bouffant hair which coils, in curlicues, directly into his cheekbones, army-green waist-length jacket, baggy-arsed skinny jeans, black cord zip-up cardigan, simple gold chain, supermoon sized chocolate-brown eyes.

Almost six years after I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor became the indie-punk anthem of a generation (from the first of Arctic Monkeys' three Number 1 albums), and nothing prepares you for the curious phenomenon of Alex Turner "in conversation". Unlike so many of the Monkeys frenetic early songs, he operates in slow motion, seemingly underwater, carrying a protective shell on his back, perhaps indie rock's very own diamond-backed terrapin. The most celebrated young wordsmith in rock'n roll today talks fulsomely, in fact, only in shapeless, curling sentences punctuated with "maybe... hmn.. yeah", an anecdotal wilderness sketching pictures as vague as a cloud. He is, though, simultaneously adorable: amenable, gentle, graceful, and as Northern as a 70s grandpa who literally greets you with "ey oop?".

"People think I'm a miserable bastard," he notes, cheerfully, "but it's just the way me face falls." Still profoundly private, if not as hermetically sealed as a vacuum-packed length of Frankfurter, his fante-shy reticence extends not only to his personal life (his four-year relationship with It-girl/TV presenter Alexa Chung, whom he never mentions) but to insider details generally. Take the Monkeys’ Hollywood high jinks documented above: not one word of it was described by Turner. Before Q was informed by his other Monkey bandmates, Turner’s anecdotal aversion unfolded like this:

Describe the lovely villa you were in. AT: "Well... we certainly had a... good view."

Of what? AT: "Well, we were up quite high."

The downtown LA lights going on forever? AT: "I dunno. It was definitely that thing of getting a bit of sort of sunshine. Is it vitamin D? If you can get vitamin D on your record, you've got a bit of a head start. So we'd get up and drive to the studio."

What were you driving? AT: "Nothing... spectacular. But yeah, we'd drive up the studio, spend all day there and sort of, y know, get back. To be honest... we had limited time. So we spent as much time as possible kind of getting into it, like, in the studio.

So your favourite adventures were what? AT: "Well, they were really… minimal. We were working out there!"

Any nightclubs or anything, perhaps? AT: "You really want the goss 'ere, don't you?"

Yes, please. AT: "I could make some up. Nah!"

And this was on the second time of asking. It's perhaps obvious: Alex Turner, one of the most prolific songwriters of his generation (four Monkeys albums and two EPs in five years, The Last Shadow Puppets side-project, a bewitching acoustic soundtrack for his actor/video director friend Richard Ayoade's feature-length debut Submarine), is dedicated only to the cause – of being the best he can possibly be. He simply remembers the songs much more than the somersaults.

Throughout 2009, Arctic Monkeys toured third album Humbug – the record mostly made in the Californian desert with Queens Of The Stone Age man-monolith Josh Homme – across the planet. While hardly some cranium-blistering opus, its heavier sonic meanderings considerably slowed the Arctic Monkeys' live sets and on 23 August 2009, Q watched them headline the Lowlands Festival, Holland and witnessed a hitherto unthinkable sight – swathes of perplexed Monkeys fans trudging away from the stage. With the sludge rock mood matching their cascading dude-rock hair it seemed obvious: they'd smoked way too much outrageously strong weed in the desert.

"Heheheh, yeah," responds Turner, unperturbed. "That's your theory. You probably weren't alone."

Back in the Strongroom Bar, Turner's arm is now nonchalantly draped along the back of a beaten-up brown leather sofa. He ponders his band's somewhat contrary reputation…

"I think starting the headline set at Reading with a cover of a Nick Cave tune perhaps was a bit contrary. D'youknowhat Imean?! But to be honest, that summer, at those festivals, we had a great time. And I know some fans enjoyed those sets 10 times more. And you can't just do, y’know, another Mardy Bum or whatever. Because how could you, really?"

With Humbug, notes Turner, "I went into corners I hadn't before, because I needed to see what were there," but by spring 2010 he wanted their fourth album to be "more song-based" and less lyrically "removed". He was "organised this time", studied "the good songwriters" (from Nick Cave, The Byrds and Leonard Cohen to country colossi Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline), discovered "the other three strings" on his guitar, and wrote 12 songs through the spring and summer of 2010, mostly in the fourth-floor New York flat he shared with Chung before the couple moved back to London late last summer (the New York MTV show It's On With Alexa Chung was cancelled after two seasons). The result: major-key melodies, harmonised singing and classic song structures.

At the same time he revisited the opposite extreme: bands such as Black Sabbath and The Stooges ("we wanted a few wig-outs as well"); he was also still heavily influenced by the oil-thick grinder rock of Josh Homme, who is clearly now a permanent Monkeys hero. After four months' rehearsals in London, on 8 January the Monkeys relocated to LA for five swift weeks of production and Homme came to visit, singing backing vocals on All My Own Stunts. Tequila was involved.

"Tequila is probably me favourite," manages Turner, by way of an anecdote. "But it takes a certain climate... It's not the same... in the rain. Yeah. [Looks to be contemplating a lyric] Tequila in the rain."

Vocally, he developed the caramel richness first unveiled on The Last Shadow Puppets' Scott Walker-esque The Age Of The Understatement, finding a crooner's vibrato. "Everything before was so tight,” he notes, clutching his neck. "Probably just through nerves. That's just not there any more." Suck It and See contains at least four of the most glittering, sing-along, world-class pop songs (and obvious singles) of Arctic Monkeys' career: the towering, clanging She's Thunderstorms, the summertime stunner The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala, the heavenly harmonised title track and the Echo & The Bunnymen-esque jangly pop of closer That's Where You're Wrong.

Elsewhere, in typically contrary "fashion", there's preposterous head-banger bedlam (Brick By Brick, the rollicking faux-heavy rock download they released in March "just for fun", featuring vocals by Helders; Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair, and Library Pictures). News arrives that the first single proper will be Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair. Q is perplexed. Brilliantly titled, certainly, but arriving after Brick By Brick, the new album will appear to the planet as some comedy pastiche metal album for 12-year-old boys.

You've got all these colossal, summery, indie-pop classics and you've gone for... The Chair? AT: [Laughing uproariously] "The Chair! I'm now calling it The Chair, that's cool. Well for once it weren't even our suggestion. It was Laurence's (Bell, Domino label boss). And I were, Fucking too right! He's awesome. It'd be good to get a bit of fucking rock'n'roll out there, won't it? It's riffs. It's loud. It's funny."

If you don't release The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala as a single I'm going round Domino to kick Laurence's "awesome" butt. AT: "I think it'll be the next one!"

The record's title, meanwhile, could've been more enigmatically original than the un-loved phrase Suck It and See. The band, struggling with ideas due to the opposing sonic moods, invented an inspiration-conjuring ruse: to think of new names for effects pedals in the style of Tom Wolfe, Turner being long enamoured with the American author's legendarily psychedelic books The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and The Kandy-Kolored Tangerine-Flake Streamline Baby, "cos that just sounds awesome".

"There's the Big Muff pedal," he elaborates, "That’s the classic. I've got the Valve Slapper. And there's the Tube Screamer. So we came up with the Thunder Suckle Fuzz Canyon. And… wait till I assemble it in me mind… em… it'll come to me… The Blonde-O-Sonic Shimmer Trap. So we were going for summat like that."

A wasted opportunity?

"Nah. Because some of those things ended up in the lyrics anyway. Suck It and See was just easier."

Alex Turner, rock'n'roll's premier descriptive art-poet, still writes his lyrics long-hand in spiral-bound notebooks. "Writing lyrics is a craft that I've practised a bit now," he avers. "In me notebook it looks like sums. Theories. There's words and arrows going everywhere. There's always a few possibilities and I write the word 'OR' in a square."

For our most celebrated colloquial sketch-writer of the everyday observation (all betting pencils, boy slags and ice-cream van aggravations) the more successful he becomes, the less he orbits the ordinary. "I'm not struggling with that, to be honest," he decides. "In fact I'm enjoying writing lyrics much more than I did. Stories. Describing a picture. Um. There's quite a bit of weather and time in this one. Which is probably not reassuring. 'Oh God, he's writing about the weather.' Maybe leave that out!"

There are also some direct, funny, romantic observations: "That's not a skirt, girl, that's a sawn-off shotgun/And I only hope you've got it aimed at me..." (from the title track).

Some of your romantic quips, now, must be about Alexa. AT: "Right. Yeah. Definitely. Well... there's always been that side to our songs, when we weren't writing about... the fucking taxi rank. It's kind of inevitably... people you're with." [At the mention of Chung's name, Turner is visibly aggrieved, head sliding into his neck, terrapin-esque indeed.]

It must have been very grounding being in a proper relationship through all this madness. Because if you weren't, girls would be jumping all over your head. AT: "Em. Hmn. Well, of course that helps you to... I don't really know.. what the other way would be."

Does Alexa wonder if the lyrics are about her? AT: "Oh there's none of that. Yeah, no, there's no looking over the shoulder."

She must be curious, at least. "Maybe."

Did you ever watch Popworld? AT: [Nervous laughter] "Em! Now and again."

Did you ever see the episode where she helps Paul McCartney write a song about shoes? AT: "Ah, yeah I think so, maybe I did see that."

Well, if I was you, I'd have been thinking, "She's the one for me." AT: "Well. Yeah... maybe that would've... sealed the deal! Hmn. But maybe that wasn't when i got the ray of light. When was? Nah [buries head in hands]. I might have to go for a cigarette..."

Q can't torture him any more and joins him for a snout. Turner smokes Camels from a crumpled, sad, soft-pack and resembles a teenager again. As early song You Probably Couldn't See For The Lights But You Were Staring Straight At Me says, "Never tenser/Could all go a bit Frank Spencer…”

In January 2006, when Arctic Monkeys' Number 1 album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not became the fastest-selling debut in UK history, inadvertently redefining the concept of autonomy and further imploding the decimated music industry (& wasn't their idea to be "the MySpace band", it was their fans': the Monkeys merely kick-started viral marketing by giving away demos at gigs), the 19- and 20-year-old Monkeys were terrible at fame. They weren't so much insurrectionary teenage upstarts as teenage innocents culturally traumatised by the peak-era fame democracy.

To their generation (born in the mid-'80s) fame was now synonymous with some-twat-off-the-telly a world of foaming tabloid hysteria where renown and celebrity meant, in fact, you were talentless. Hence their interview diffidence and receiving awards via videos dressed up as the Wizard OfOz and the Village People. Which only, ironically, made them even more celebrated and famous. (“That were a product of us just trying to hold onto the reins," thinks Turner today. "Being uncooperative.")

Q meets The Other Three one morning at 11am, in the well-appointed, empty bar of the Bethnal Green, Bast London hotel they're staying in (all three live in Sheffield, with their girlfriends, in their own homes). First to arrive is the industrious, sensible and cheerful Helders, crunching into a hangover-curing green apple. He has recovered from last year's boxing accident at the gym, which left his broken arm requiring a fitted plate. Now impressively purple-scarred, the break felt "interesting" and the doctor couldn't resist the one-armed drummer jest: "D'you like Def Leppard?"

Currently enjoying an enduring bromance with Diddy, he still doesn't feel famous, "it just doesn't feel that real, there's no paparazzi waiting for me to trip up." He and Turner, during the four-month rehearsals last year, became an accomplished roast dinner cooking duo for the band. "I reckon we could have us our own cookbook," he beams. "Pictures of us stirring, with a whisk."

O'Malley, an agreeable, twinkly-eyed 25-year-old with a strikingly deep voice and a winningly huge smile, is still coyly embarrassed by the interview process. A replacement for the departed original bass player Andy Nicholson in May 2006, he went from Asda shelf-filler to Glastonbury headliner in 13 months and still finds the Monkeys "a massive adventure". His life in Sheffield is profoundly normal – he's delighted that his new home since last October has an open-hearth fireplace: "Me parents had electric bars." He has also discovered cooking. “I’m just a pretty shit-hot housewife, most of the time," he smiles. "I cook stews, fish combinations, curries, chillies. I made a beef pho noodle soup the other day, Vietnamese, I surprised meself, had some mates round for that."

Recently, at his dad's 50th birthday bash, the party band, made up of family and friends, insisted he join them onstage "for ...The Dancefloor. So I were up there [mimes playing bass, all sheepish] and it were the wrong pitch, they didn't know the words or 'owt, going, Makin eyes... er..." He has no extra-curricular musical ambitions. "I'm happy just playing bass," he smiles. "I've never had the skill of doing songs meself. It'd be shit!"

Cook, 25, is still spectacularly embarrassed by the interview process. He perches upright, with a fixed nervous smile, newly shorn of the beard and ponytail he sported in LA: "Rockin' a pone, yeah, because I could get away with it." With his classic preppy haircut and dapper green military coat (from London's swish department store, Liberty), he looks like a handsome '40s film star. (Turner deems Cook "the band heartbreaker" and had a word with him post-LA: "I said to him, Come on, mate, you've got to get that beard shaved off. Get the girls back into us. Shift some posters.")

His life in Sheffield is also profoundly normal. He still plays Sunday League football with his local pub team, The Pack Horse FC (position, left back), remains in his long-term relationship with page-three-model-turned-make-up-artist Katie Downes and "potters about" at home, refusing to describe said home, "cos I'll get burgled".

A tiler by trade, he always vowed, should the Monkeys sign a deal, that he'd throw his trowel in a Sheffield river on his last day of work. "I never did fling me trowel," he confirms. "Probably still in me shed." He's never considered what his band represents to his generation. "I'd go insane thinking about it, I'm pretty good at not thinking about it… Oh God. I'm terrible at this!"

Back in the Strongroom Bar, Alex Turner is cloudily describing his everyday life. "I just keep meself to meself," he confounds. He mostly stays indoors and his perfect night in with Alexa is "watching loads of Sopranos. And doing roast dinners".

No longer spindle-limbed, he attends a gym and has handsomely well-defined arms – "You have to look after yourself."

Suddenly, Crying Lightning from Humbug rumbles over the bar stereo. "Wow. How about that? I was quite happy the other morning cos Brick By Brick were on the round-up goals on Soccer AM. It's still exciting when that happens. It was like Brick By Brick is real."

He spends his days writing music, "listening to records", and recommends Blues Run The Game by doomed '60s minstrel Jackson C Frank ("who's that lass?... Laura Marling, she did a cover recently), a simple, acoustic, deep and regretful stunner about missing someone on the road.

Lyrically, he cites as an example of greatness the Nick Cave B-side Little Empty Boat [from ‘97 single Into My Arms ], a comically sinister paean to a sexual power struggle: "Your knowledge is impressive and your argument is good/But I am the resurrection babe and you're standing on my foot."

"I need a hobby," he suddenly decides. "I'd like to learn another language." Since his mum is a German teacher (his dad teaches music), surely he can speak some German? "I know how to ask somebody if they've had fun at Christmas." Go on, then. "Nah!"

Where Turner's creative gifts stem from remains a contemporary rock'n'roll mystery; he became a fledgling songwriter at 16, after the gift of a guitar at Christmas from his parents. An only child, did his folks, perhaps, foresee artistic greatness? "I doubt it!" he balks. "Cos I didn't. I wasn't... a show kid." Like the others, he doesn't analyse the past, or the future.

"You can't constantly be thinking about what's happened," he reasons, "it's just about getting on with it." The elaborate pinky ring he now constantly wears, however, a silver, gold and ruby metal-goth corker featuring the words DEATH RAMPS is a permanent reminder of he and his best friends’ past. The Death Ramps is not only a Monkeys pseudonym and B-side to Teddy Picker, but a place they used to ride their bikes in Sheffield as kids.

"Up in the woods near where we lived," he nods. "Just little hills. But when you're eight years old they're death ramps." The ring was custom made by a friend of his, who runs top-end rock'n'roll jewellery emporium The Great Frog near London's Carnaby Street. Ask Turner why he thinks the chase between his writing and speaking eloquence is quite so mesmerisingly vast and he attempts a theory.

"Well, writing isn't the same as speaking," he muses. "Not for me. I seem to struggle more and more with... conversation. Talking onstage... I can't do it any more. Hmn. I'll have to work on that."

The ever-helpful Helders has a better theory.

"Since he's been writing songs," he ponders, “It seems like he’s always thinking about that. So even when he’s talking to you now, he’s thinking about the next thing that rhymes with a word. Even when he’s driving. We joke he’s a bad driver, his focus is never 100 per cent on what he’s doing. Which is good for us cos it means he’s got another 12 songs up his sleeve. I think music must be the easiest way for him to be concise and get everything out. Otherwise his head would explode.”

The Shoreditch.com photo studios, 18 March. Alex Turner, today, is more ethereally distracted than ever, transfixed by the studio iPod, playing Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, a version of I’d Rather Go Blind. Occasionally, he’ll completely lose his conversational thread, “Um. I’ve dropped a stitch.”

The first to arrive for Q’s photoshoot, he greets his incoming bandmates with enormous hugs (and also hugs them goodbye). Today, Q feels it’s pointless poking its pickaxe of serious enquiry further into Turner’s vacuum-packed soul and wonders if he’ll play, instead, a daft game. It’s called Popworld Questions, as first posed by someone he knows rather well.

“Oh, OK. Let’s do it,” he blinks, now perched in an empty dressing room. He then vigorously shakes his head, “Um…I’ve gotta snap back into it.”

Here, then, are some genuine “Alexa Chung on Popworld” questions (2006-2007), as originally posed to Matt Willis, Amy Winehouse, Robbie Williams, Pussycat Dolls, Kaiser Chiefs and Diddy.

Why do indie bands wear such tight jeans? AT: “Um. I supposed they do. They haven’t always. When we first were playing I was definitely in flares. You need to be quite tall to get the full effect, though. So, that's why this indie band wears such tight jeans, cos we've not got the legs for flares."

What makes you tick in the sexy department? AT: "Wow. Pass. What do I find most attractive in a woman? Something in the head? That's definitely a requirement. Well... Hmn. I'm struggling."

Tell us about all the lovely groupies. AT: "No!"

If dogs had human hands instead of paws, would you consider trying to teach them to play the piano? AT: "Absolutely. I'd teach Hey Jude."

How many plums d'you think you can comfortably fit in one hand? AT: "They're not very big. [Holds small, pale, girly hand up for inspection] It's a shame. Probably three. Diddy only managed two? Maybe not then. I can carry a lot of glasses at once, though. If they're small ones I can do four."

Are you cool? AT: "Not as much as I'd like to be. There's this clip where Clint Eastwood is on a talkshow and he gets asked, Everybody thinks of you as defining cool, what d'you think about that? And he gets his cigs out, takes one out, flicks it into his mouth, lights it and says, I have no idea what you're talking about."

Here, Turner locates his Camels soft-pack and attempts to do a Clint Eastwood. He flicks one upwards towards his mouth. And misses. Flicks another. And misses. "Third time lucky?" He misses. "I'll get it the next time." And succeeds. "Hey. Fourth time. Don't put that in! So there you go. I'm four steps away from where I wanna be."

Thank you very much for joining me here on Popworld, here's my clammy hand again. There it is, let it slip, hmmn. You can let go now. AT: "OK! Were you a Popworld fan, then? It was funny. Cool. What were we talking about, before?"

Blimey, Alex. What must you be like when you're completely stoned out of your head? AT: "Stoned? What d'you mean, cos I seem like that anyway? Yeah. A lot of people... tell me I'm a bit... dreamy. But I like the idea of that. Of being somewhere else."

Two days earlier, Turner had contemplated what he wanted from all this, in the end. Many seconds later he gave his deceptively ambitious answer.

"I just wanna write better songs," he decided. "And better lyrics. I just definitely wanna be good at it. Hmn. Yeah.”

—

RUFUS BLACK: AKA Matt Helders, on his ongoing bromance with Diddy

Matt Helders has known preposterous rap titan Diddy since they met in Miami in 2008. “He goes, Arctic Monkeys! Then he said summat about a B-side and I was like, He's not lying! I just thought, This is funny, I'm gonna go with this for a while." Last October Diddy texted Helders, suggesting he play drums with his Diddy Dirty Money band on Friday Night With Jonathan Ross, to give his own drummer a day off. “I were bowling with me girifriend at the time. In Sheffield, on a Sunday." On the day of recording, says Helder, "We had a musical director. That were one of the maddest times of my life. Next day Diddy said, Why don't you just stay? Come along with me. So I went everywhere with him." Diddy had "a convoy of cars" and made sure Helders was always in his. "He'd stop his car and go, Where's Matt? You're coming with me! So I'd get in his car. Just me, him, his security, driver." Diddy, by now, had given him a pseudonym - Rufus Black. "He kept saying, I don't wanna fuck up your image. And I'm, I don't think it's gonna do me any harm!" He stayed in Diddy's spectacularly expensive hotel. Some weeks later, Helders almost returned to the Dirty Money drumstool for a gig in Glasgow. "But we were rehearsing in London. I were like, I might come, how are you getting there? And he were like, Jet. Jump on t’jet with me. But I had to stay in Bethnal Green instead.”

Love’s young dream: Diddy (left) with Helders

[minkdelovely]

kinktober — day III

prompt: lingerie

mirror, mirror

“like seeing shooting stars  in the sky there’s danger in the dark  of your eyes”

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Alastor x Lucifer ; RadioApple ; MDNI 18+

tags/warnings: human au, age gap (lucifer is fifty, alastor is mid-thirties), non-sex-repulsed alastor, luci is a bummed divorcé, alastor is an attentive salesman, unhinged peter mention, rimming, anal fingering, prostate massage, dom!alastor x sub!luci vibes? 🪞✨

word count: 4.8k

summary: lucifer, fresh off a finalized divorce, wants to buy himself a present, but is pretending to shop for his now ex-wife as a cover. alastor, the shopkeeper, helps to curate the perfect gift.

author’s note: hello my little devils! i hope you’ve been enjoying kinktober so far, and i am here to humbly offer up my first piece of the month. this is also my first attempt at a human au, and i had a lot of fun with it. i love making luci up into a pretty, rich suburbanite hehe quote is from lightning by charli xcx

coven: @fraugwinska @hazelfoureyes @macabr3-barbi3 @sugoi-writes @synamartia 🕯️♥️

the coven’s kinktober masterlist

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Lucifer was sat at the patio of a cafe, killing time. His latte had gone cold at least twenty minutes ago. The foamed milk had dissolved and oil from the coffee beans left a reflective film on the surface that turned his stomach, while his fingers anxiously tore at the delicious (and overpriced) pain au chocolat he had ordered with it. He was alone, but that wasn’t unusual these days. 

Or, well… for the last couple years, if he was being honest.

The divorce had been finalized a month ago, but his marriage had been colder than his coffee long before that. How Lilith hadn’t walked away sooner than she did at the top of this year was a mystery, considering the winter their marriage had become. Their split had been colder still. Dividing their assets with an aloof disinterest that never failed to spook their attorneys, who were much more accustomed to — and delighted by — bloodbaths.

My bitch of a mother-in-law is warmer, his own had quipped through a plastic smile. And she’s been dead for five years!

Lucifer paid it no mind. It was none of Peter’s fucking business how the rift between him and his wife had gotten as wide as it had. Their interests and careers had pushed them further and further apart with every one of Charlie’s birthdays, every anniversary. Until the gap was simply too far to bridge. 

A Gap Too Far, one could call it. 

A huff of a laugh rattled his petite frame, and he shook his head at the lameness of the joke — though it would make for a decent porno, and he was partial to Historical Fiction. The wry smile on his lips was the first to grace him all week. But he wasn’t here to wallow in self pity in view of the general public. There was plenty of time to do that at home. 

Lucifer eyed the boutique across the street, his pulse jumping as he watched a man approach the inside of the display window and flip the elegant wooden Closed sign to Open.

He had noticed the place the last time he and Charlie came here for some retail therapy. This street had always been a favorite destination of hers, and Lucifer would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy it himself. It was like if Rodeo Drive had gone Coastal Grandma. Spanish style buildings with crisp white exteriors, hand-painted shop names, and espresso tiled roofs. Tree-covered patio dining at nearly every restaurant. Serenely picturesque, albeit a bit uppity. It was a bitch-and-a-half to find parking, though.

They had shopped for hours until eventually capping the day with some gelato before making the forty-five minute drive home. In short, it had been a perfect day. As was typically the case when he was spending time with his daughter.

The lingerie shop had replaced a different store — one that Lucifer couldn’t really remember. Before a couple months ago, it had been nearly two years since the last time he was here. Point being, he was just really glad the place was still there and he definitely would have noticed it before.

The guy inside didn’t hurt, either…

Lucifer had seen him through the window as he and Charlie walked past to get to the record store across the way. It was a brief meeting of eyes, but earth-shattering all the same. Lucifer would never forget how the body shiver left his hair on edge, like he had just passed through a cloud of static. Those warm hazel eyes, dazzling smile, and handsome face all but burned into his retinas and Lucifer had spent many hours since imagining what his voice sounded like or what cologne he wore.

It had been so hard not to find an excuse to sneak away from Charlie to slip into the boutique. Beyond the Adonis working there, the display window was immaculately dressed with a selection of elegant silk and chiffon robes; enticing passersby with their pretty silhouettes and rich colors. Lucifer had a particular… weakness when it came to this, and it was one he had been unable to properly indulge in during his marriage. But he had been dreaming of the gorgeous robes (and the equally gorgeous mystery man) for weeks, and now that everything had gone through with the separation he couldn’t see a reason why he shouldn’t treat himself.

To a robe! Or maybe a playsuit.

Lucifer finished the last bite of his pastry and brushed the crumbs off his fingers, giving himself a quick once-over to ensure none of the toasted flecks had settled on his clothes. While he scrunched his nose at needlessly overpriced things, such as his breakfast, he didn’t bat an eye when it came to his wardrobe. Lucifer would rather be struck dead by lightning in the street than enter the lingerie shoppe in a stained cashmere sweater. Mercifully, he had avoided disaster. The heather-pink of his sweater remained untarnished, his white linen pants pristine; a favorite of his that showcased the daintiness of his ankles. There weren’t even any scuffs on his loafers, which he had owned and worn now for at least a year.

He caught his reflection in the cafe window and preened. Fuck, he looked good, especially for fifty. His platinum blonde hair was perfectly tousled, designer sunglasses resting just above his forehead like a makeshift headband. The crossbody bag he found with Charlie accentuated his slim waist under the comfort of his sweater, the hemline of which stopped at the hip, allowing for a full view of his lean legs and resiliently pert ass. The slight opacity of the linen showing off his meticulously chosen underwear and the legs in question when the sun hit him just right. 

Yeah. He was definitely just here to buy a robe…

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

The pleasant sound of a bell rang as Lucifer entered the boutique, a delicate tinkle compared to the nervous beating of his heart and the soft jazz that was playing over the speakers. Now that he was in the shop, Lucifer couldn’t help but wonder if he hadn’t underprepared himself for this. An initial sweep of the inventory revealed an overwhelming choice of items, making him the proverbial kid in the candy store, and he felt immediately out of his depth. Not that this was his first time in a place like this. Far from it. But it was the first time he was here to explicitly shop for himself, and not for Lilith.

The mysterious shopkeeper looked up from his place behind the counter with an easy smile, and Lucifer felt that same static tingle ripple through him again as he made his way out from behind it to greet him. The younger man was taller than him by nearly a foot, with a sinuous frame that Lucifer wanted to climb like a tree. If he had any desire to back out, there was no way out of this now. 

“Good morning, sir, welcome in! Is there anything I may help you find today?”

Lucifer was properly stupefied, the reality of the voice he’d been daydreaming of far exceeding expectation. His voice was rich and smooth, reminiscent of a golden-age movie star, with a slight nasal pitch. And while the distance between them was polite, they were standing close enough that Lucifer could catch the smallest whiff of cologne and swallowed thickly at the tantalizing blend of tobacco and vanilla. The warm, inviting scent was agonizingly perfect and it took all he had not to drool. It was too easy to imagine the man spritzing his gorgeous tawny skin with the perfume, standing only in his belted pants and a white tank top before moving on to get fully dressed. 

How was he this much of a mess over someone whose name he didn’t even know? Lucifer scanned for a name tag but found nothing. With how cleanly-dressed the man was, he wouldn’t be surprised if the missing tag was a win for aesthetics over professionalism. Not that Lucifer was offended by its absence, but it would have been a nice way to avoid having to go through the mental gymnastics of asking after this guy’s name in a way that didn’t reveal his desperation to know it.

It didn’t help with the way those hazel eyes were watching him behind thin-rimmed glasses. Paired with his primly styled chestnut hair, it gave him the air of a sexy librarian despite the blood-red button-up and slacks he was wearing in a sea of lace and leather.

“Good morning!” Lucifer reciprocated, perhaps a tad too boisterously, with the flash of amusement that crossed the man’s face. “Uh, this is actually my first time in, so I think I’ll just look around for now…”

The admission sparked something in those beguiling eyes, and the toothy, bright smile that followed made Lucifer want to scream. 

“You don’t say! Well, I appreciate you stopping in to take a peek at this shop of mine. Please feel free to wander — I’ll be right behind the counter if you need anything Mister…?”

Thank God, an opening.

“Oh, please call me Lucifer,” he supplied, reactively sticking his hand out in greeting to reveal the middle-aged man that he was. “And who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?”

For a second Lucifer worried that he had laid it on too thick, but the thought disappeared when the younger man accepted his hand with a firm shake and a light laugh. 

“My name is Alastor, and I assure you the pleasure is all mine, Lucifer. I hope you enjoy looking around, but please don’t hesitate to ask for any assistance. It’s just yours truly today, as you can see, so consider me at your mercy.”

If you only fucking knew, Alastor.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Lucifer spent the next fifteen minutes meandering through the store, taking his time to inspect the collection of robes, corsets, and hosiery. Despite the boutique being relatively small, Lucifer had to admit that he was quite impressed with the selections offered here. There was an array of brassieres, ranging from cute to scandalous, some made with lace while others were adorned in Swarovski crystals. Most of them had matching panties, though Lucifer had managed to find a few that also paired with a corset and other accessories. 

He had been particularly tempted by a set that came with an ouvert suspender, the attached lace panties designed with a small opening between the hips that left him just a little out of breath even though the open gusset in the back was much more… inviting. He didn’t have breasts to fill out the brassiere with though, so the price tag felt a bit more justifiable given that he could get away with just the suspender, some stockings, and maybe some pasties if he was really going for it. It wasn’t what he originally had in mind, but the thought of leaving it behind made Lucifer’s heart sink.

Not that he had anyone to show it off to, but this was supposed to be a gift to himself. Something he could put on in the comfort of his bedroom and make himself feel good on days when life was kicking his ass, which had been all too common recently.

“Find something we like?” Alastor’s voice came from behind him, his breath tickling the back of Lucifer’s ear with his proximity.

Lucifer jumped a bit, forced back into the present from his daydream. The image of his pale skin glowing under the sleek, almost wet-looking black fabric and lace still burning in his mind’s eye.

“Oh! Uh… yeah, you could say that,” he answered bashfully, clearing his throat. Though he didn’t bother to hide the little number in his hands. “I’m just wondering what my, uh, wife would think of it.”

Alastor hummed in response, the sound of it too ambiguous for Lucifer to decipher, but hopefully he had maintained his cover. While Lucifer definitely had a little bit of a crush on the man, he wasn’t quite ready to admit to a stranger that he was actually in here for himself. Whether or not Alastor would care was an answer to something he found himself too scared to want to know.

“What does she normally like?” Alastor posed, walking out from behind him. “I might be biased, but I find this set to be pretty glamorous. I can’t see why she’d find it offensive. Between us, it’s one of my favorites that we’re selling now.”

Lucifer could’ve fallen to his knees then and there. His daydream, still too fresh in his mind, elicits his image again now with Alastor sitting on the edge of his bed. Those hazel eyes gone dark with hunger as Lucifer stands between his legs, lost in the abyss while Alastor kneads his backside with those lovely hands of his.

“Her taste changes with the tides,” Lucifer says wryly. “Likes to keep me on my toes, I guess.”

If only that had been the full truth. Changing tastes, yes, but Lilith couldn’t be bothered to keep him in the loop. Nor had he cared to be after years of mutual indifference. He had done his best to stop caring after the first dozen failed attempts at reigniting their spark, seeking his own pleasures and comfort in the solace of what became his bedroom when Lilith temporarily moved into the pool house. And Lord knows she was having a grand old time in there. What a relief it had been when she moved out for good, leaving his driveway clear of unfamiliar (and ever-changing) luxury cars.

“Would you like to try it on?” Alastor offered, arms crossed respectfully behind his back.

The perfect neutrality in his tone delayed Lucifer’s ability to process the question, until it hit him like a ton of bricks. His face grew hot and he felt himself stir in his pants at the prospect, deepening the flush on his face. He was more than eager to make his daydream a reality but… here? 

“Me?” Lucifer balked, a nervous laugh following suit. “Oh no! It’s not for me, why would I try it on?”

Alastor’s smile was polite, but his eyes gleamed with a mischief that made Lucifer feel naked, and he shifted self-consciously on his feet. 

“To make sure it fits, of course! How nice it must be that you both wear a similar size.”

They didn’t. 

Lucifer had always thought his petite frame paled in comparison to Lilith’s buxom figure, though they complimented each other nicely. But Alastor didn’t need to know that, and it really would be a shame to spend all this money on something that might not fit him once he got home. Or even worse, what if he just didn’t end up liking it? He’d have to drive all the way back here to return or exchange it, like so many other dejected partners who had failed to get the perfect gift. 

For the second time today he thought he’d rather be struck dead by lightning. If he was coming back here, it wouldn’t be to take a hit on Alastor’s sales goals. 

Fuck it.

“Yeah, I suppose you have a point… you’re the professional, after all.”

The smile Alastor bestowed on him then made Lucifer shiver, it was so disarmingly handsome. Had he been paying more attention to Alastor’s eyes he may have well and truly fallen to his knees. But since he hadn’t, he followed the younger man to the back of the store where the dressing rooms were.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

A knock on the door gave Lucifer a start. 

“Lucifer, are you decent? I’ve taken the liberty of grabbing a few other items for you to consider. I hope you don’t mind.”

Decent.

He was, in fact, anything but. 

Lucifer had been admiring his reflection for the last few minutes, having gotten himself situated in the suspender. The inky black fabric was cool and soft against his porcelain skin, glowing like candlelight against the darkness. It fit like a dream, hugging the taper of his waist in the front while the lace of the open gusset and chap style of the garment elevated his ass from perfect to ethereal. Lucifer had actually started tearing up before he realized his dick was getting hard. A revelation made mere seconds before Alastor knocked on the door.

So, no. He wasn’t decent in any sense of the word.

Mercifully, Alastor had provided a robe for him to slip into, and he quickly pulled it on while calling over his shoulder that he’d be just a second. He shuddered from the sensation of his awakening cock throbbing against the slight abrasiveness of the lace, hoping to whatever God could hear him that Alastor wouldn’t notice he had been turned on by his own reflection.

He took a deep breath and opened the door, Alastor looking statuesque in his patience with an array of pretty black fabric in his arms.

“Whoa, you weren’t kidding,” Lucifer said, a little breathless. 

“I figured it might help, since you’re still on the fence with the suspender. Have you tried it on yet?”

Lucifer glanced away, sweat breaking out on the back of his neck. The polite look on Alastor’s face was too much of a contradiction for the obscenity he was hiding under his robe. But there was no reason to lie.

“Uh, yeah, actually. It fits really well,” Lucifer conceded. Then, remembering his cover-up, he quickly added, “Too bad it’s not for me, though! Let’s see what else you’ve got there.”

Alastor merely smiled and presented his curation. Lucifer inspected the items with reverence, soaking in the feeling of each of the differing fabrics and garments. He had never felt so free to enjoy them before, his admiration always forced through a lens of appreciating how they looked on someone else. He had been looking at a pair of stockings when it hit him.

They were in his size.

True, he had gone along with the facade that he and his pretend-wife were similar in size. It hadn’t phased Lucifer in the least when he was looking at the slips and panties Alastor had procured. But as the realization of the hosiery bloomed, Lucifer also realized that there weren’t any bras or corsets in the pile. Lucifer felt dizzy as blood rushed to his face and cock, and the proud chuckle from the younger man didn’t help.

“Looks like I’ve been found out,” Alastor said smoothly, not at all apologetic. “I hope I haven’t overstepped, but I couldn’t help myself. You have lovely taste so I figured I’d give you a few options if the suspender wasn’t working out. I hope you haven’t changed out of it — I haven’t had the pleasure of seeing it modeled yet.”

Alastor gave him a pointed, hopeful look that made Lucifer wonder if he hadn’t slipped into a coma somehow. Or a fever dream. While he had spent the last few weeks daydreaming over Alastor, he had never expected anything to really come from it. His whole cover story painted him as a married man, for fuck’s sake! 

If Alastor noticed any of the alarm on Lucifer’s blushing face, he was doing a great job at hiding it. Lucifer’s heart was in his ears as Alastor stepped into the dressing room, and felt his cock somehow getting harder underneath the silk robe when Alastor presented a small, black corset from behind his back.

“I thought this waspie might pair well with the suspender. If you’d allow me, I’d be more than happy to lace it up for you.”

It was a generous thought, but Lucifer was scrambling. How the fuck was he supposed to go about telling Alastor no without revealing the fact that he had a raging fucking hard-on under this robe?

“Um, that’s uh — ahem, a very kind offer but —”

Lucifer’s blush intensified as his floundering echoed in his mind in real time. He had felt so confident not even an hour ago. Now here he was, reduced to sputtering excuses to hide his erection like it was eighth grade Math class all over again.

“Oh, you don’t like it? That’s a shame, but I’m sure we could find something else.”

“No, no, it’s very nice. I’m just, uh —”

“If you’re nervous about it hurting, I can assure you that it’s actually quite comfortable. In fact, I’m wearing one myself.”

The statement made Lucifer’s brain short circuit, and the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.

“I have an erection! I can’t take the robe off because I have an erection!”

A heavy silence fell over them, Lucifer’s shameful confession hanging heavy in the air. Oh god, if only he could disappear. Turn into mist and dissolve from sunlight, like early morning fog. 

“You… have one right now?” Alastor asked, as if not understanding.

Lucifer couldn’t even answer, merely nodding his head as he pinched his eyes shut in an effort to hide.

“From wearing the suspender?”

“Yes,” Lucifer huffed, wrapping his arms around himself. “I was looking at myself in the mirror and it just… happened. So, look, just… give me a couple minutes and I’ll change, buy the piece and get the fuck out of here, okay?”

More silence.

Looking back on his life, Lucifer had done some fairly embarrassing things. But this really took the cake. How did his morning get so royally fucked?

“I remember seeing you through the window, you know,” Alastor said, finally breaking the silence as he took another step forward. “You looked so lovely that day. You were glowing.”

Lucifer’s heart was thudding as Alastor tipped his chin up with his hand; a sheen of sweat breaking out over his skin.

“If that’s really the only reason, I’d love to see the waspie on you. But at the very least…,” Alastor’s hand left Lucifer’s chin to cup his face, voice dipping low as he continued, “I don’t think I can let you leave this room without seeing what you look like in that suspender.”

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

The morning had taken all sorts of turns, but this was almost too good to be true. Though at the moment, all Lucifer wanted to do was praise himself for his morning showers and bidet.

Alastor was on his knees behind him, having left a trail of kisses down Lucifer’s spine until he reached the floor. Lucifer had watched in the mirror as Alastor’s beautiful hands caressed him, the difference in their skin tones stark and beyond erotic. He’d choose Alastor’s gorgeous tan hands on him over the midnight suspender any day. He loved how large they were against his smaller frame, petting his waist and kneading the softness of his inner thighs. But Alastor’s talent was really shining now, massaging Lucifer’s cheeks with his hands while he fucked him with his tongue.

“Wha — fuck… What if someone comes into the store?” Lucifer asked, not sounding nearly as worried as he should be. In truth, the thought of someone walking in only added to Lucifer’s excitement.

“Hmm, that is quite the predicament, isn’t it? Guess I’d better hurry.” 

Instead, Alastor continued his languid pace, seeming to savor every inch of skin that happened to fall under his mouth. Lucifer shivered and brought a hand to his aching cock. He had only managed to caress himself once, the shaky moan that fell from his mouth tipping Alastor off. Alastor ripped his face away, the shock of which made Lucifer groan a little in pain; left to stand there with his desperate hole practically begging for mercy as it clenched reflexively in Alastor’s face.

But Alastor wasn’t paying attention to that.

“Touch yourself again and I’ll stop. I won’t have anything obstructing my view.”

They met eyes in the reflection of the mirror, and Lucifer knew that Alastor really meant it; his eyes had become pitch, pupils blown out and hungry. Alastor looked even better this way than he had imagined, and Lucifer’s dick wept at the sight; the yearning twitch left him feeling just shy of messy. He didn’t have much room for involuntary reactions in the confines of the lace, forcing his arousal to be flush against his lower stomach. But he’d comply. Happily.

“Fuck, Alastor, I promise,” Lucifer moaned, sounding desperate even to himself. “Please… I won’t touch.”

“I know you won’t,” Alastor agreed, giving his left cheek a playful bite that left goose flesh in its wake. “Put those naughty hands on the mirror where I can see them.”

Lucifer whined and did so with an embarrassing speed. With his hands just above his head, the angle gave his back an alluring arch, putting his ass on display even more than it already was. It also constricted Lucifer’s chest a little, his heaving breaths shallowing in a way that only intensified his arousal. 

“What a good listener you are,” Alastor praised, placing a kiss over the flesh he had just bitten. “I’d better reward you, hm?” 

Alastor stood then, smiling wickedly at the dumbstruck look on Lucifer’s face. Lucifer watched in the mirror as Alastor pulled something from his pocket, shaking it between his thumb and middle finger once his hand was raised to eye level. It took a moment for Lucifer to realize what it was in his lust-drunk haze, but he whined again and curled his fingers against the glass. Alastor purred in response and flicked open the bottle, making a show of spreading the lubricant on his right index finger.

He pressed himself against Lucifer’s back and leaned down, placing a chaste kiss at the nape of Lucifer’s neck. Alastor’s finger now rubbing a teasing circle around his entrance before finally pressing in. They both groaned, and Lucifer was honestly amazed he hadn’t climaxed then and there, it had been so long since someone had fingered him.

Alastor started slow, working his appendage in and out at a comfortable pace while Lucifer did his best to breathe enough. He was fighting a bit of tunnel vision, but couldn’t figure out if it was from the position he was in or just… Alastor. 

“You’re glowing again,” Alastor cooed, nipping at Lucifer’s shoulder before straightening to his full height. “How’d I get so lucky that a pretty thing like you walked into my shop?”

Lucifer cried as Alastor curled his finger, working over his most sensitive spot at his maddeningly easy and consistent pace. It was delicious but not enough, and soon Lucifer found himself pushing back against Alastor’s hand for more friction. That earned him a sultry growl from the younger man, Lucifer moaning long and loud when he heard the pop of the bottle cap opening again. The coolness of the lube dripping down the crack of his ass was startling, causing him to clench down on Alastor’s finger.

Alastor hissed but waited for Lucifer to relax again before adding a second finger. Lucifer cursed, the stretch burning him in a way that made his eyes roll to the back of his head. He was already starting to grind himself against Alastor’s hand again, a not-so-subtle plea for him to increase his speed, which he mercifully obliged. The lewd slapping of Alastor’s palm against the fat of Lucifer’s ass filling in the space between their heavy breathing.

“Ohh, fuck, Alastor… it’s so good. So good,” Lucifer panted, eyes closed and mouth open as he focused on chasing his pleasure. 

He was close. The tension in his belly was so tight and his cock was absolutely dripping wet. If Lucifer wasn’t so blissed out he would have spared a thought and prayer for the ruined lace of the pretty garment trapping him, but at present he really couldn’t care less. All he knew was that his sweaty palms had him suctioned to the mirror, keeping him in place while Alastor relentlessly worked him open with his elegant fingers. Stars burning behind his eyes every time they massaged over his prostate; now a near constant.

“Yeah? You like getting fucked by my fingers, little dove?”

Lucifer screamed, his orgasm crashing through him with unexpected force. He felt his cock spasm, hot ropes of his seed shooting up into the waistline of the suspender and dripping down his sweat-slicked skin. Alastor had wrapped an arm around him to hold him up, knowing that without the support he would have collapsed to his knees. He wanted to say thank you but his head was too empty, his tongue thick and dry in his mouth. Lucifer whined as Alastor slowly removed his fingers, his hole twitching from the sudden emptiness. But the consolation of Alastor’s soothing kisses on his neck and shoulder was more than enough to make up for the loss.

“Let’s go get you cleaned up in the back,” Alastor murmured sweetly. “I still have about half an hour before I need to open the store, so we don’t have to rush.”

“What are you talking about? The store is open,” Lucifer said, but it sounded petulant through the thickness of his post-coital delirium.  

Alastor chuckled and tightened his arms around Lucifer’s waist, pressing a long kiss to his temple. “Oh darling… I don’t open until eleven. Today was just an exception.”

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧     ✧     ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

banner by @synamartia ❤️‍🔥

tag list: @fairyv-ice, @wat4r, @midorichoco, @raynerrold, @krak-jj, @tremendoushearttaco, @redfoxwritesstuff, @chibistar45, @kaylopolis, @cutiebimbo, @lousypotatoes, @rfox1998, @cosmiccandydreamer, @hyperfixations-keep-me-going, @cherry-cola-100, @wonderlandangelsposts, @catticora, @velvette3, @sailorsmouth, @reath-solia, @junieshohoho, @cxrsedwxrlds, @littlebluefishtail, @nxcxllxsevens, @swagkittybear

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Rare stone historic home is a bargain. The 1929 Spanish style home in Blackwell, Oklahoma has an exterior covered in cobblestone that is rumored to be only found in two places in the world and the flat stone is said to have come from the flint hills of eastern Oklahoma. 3bds, 2ba, $262K.

Closeups of the flat stones and cobblestones.

Huge stone porch out front.

Enter the living room.

This is nice. A big living room with a fireplace and look at the fancy molding on the arch.

Thru the arch is a nice big dining room.

Oh, wow, there's a built-in hutch in the dining room and look at the vintage kitchen.

This home was built in the 20s, so the rounded cabinetry is actually art deco. Very cool. This place has a lot of potential.

Bath #1 has nice tile and a great vintage sink & tub.

This could be the primary bedroom b/c it's very large.

Bedroom #2 is large too. This home can be decorated like a showplace.

Bath #2 is original vintage.

Down to the basement.

Great storage or it could be a workroom.

Big rec room on the ground level is a newer addition to the home and has a large wall of windows, a fireplace, and a service counter window. This could be beautiful.

This home has so many possibilities for the price.

Right now the counter is open to a laundry room, but that counter would make a great bar.

There's also a very nice bedroom down here.

2 car garage has potential for a rental apt. over it.

There's a lot of land- .92 acre, so it's almost a full acre.

House also has a roof top deck.

And, look at the entrance. It's like a mini estate.

Aerial view of the property.

[medali-meltdown]

🌻Brassius headcanons🌻 (companion post to this one, now with added imagery (a single screenshot but so worth it))

-In his mid-40s but refuses to accept it, which manifests in ways such as: pulling all-nighters like a young student, skipping/forgetting meals, continuing to make an impression on gym challengers by leaping from the tops of windmills, roofs, whatever's convenient. Any of these habits could break his fragile body. Speaking of which...

-He started doing the wild leaps in school as a cool stunt and way to show off and be memorable, but he has a private reason also — it's his way of defying death and mocking his illness. By gods he's going to live and not only that, he's going to do it in the most avant-garde way.

-tbh I haven't pinpointed exactly what is his chronic illness. Asthma? Hey wouldn't it be ironic if he has a severe pollen allergy while loving and being surrounded by plant pokemon? (just like me fr) Also I'm still on the idea a friend told me of him describing his symptoms as thorny vines in his lungs (which could be his creative way of describing a common asthma attack, and of course he styles his hair in the same manner because he's just Like That).

-Nature and the turns of seasons are his religion. He dabbled in paganism in his younger days. Found the modern practices too commercialized, but keeps it in his heart, in private.†

-Super pretty when he was younger. Wore his hair long, and with it being so thick and wavy, it cascaded about his (fuller, more lively) face and slender neck, even when he had it pulled into a ponytail. Stormy grey eyes always in deep contemplation of Art. Elegant ways of moving and speaking, radiating beauty with every step and word... honey what happened.

-(Nothing, it's all still there if you know what to look for and Hassel sure does, he is an expert on beauty, after all!)

-Hassel 💗💗 What a long, complex history he has with Hassel. They were good friends as students long ago, both being in arts & music classes. Brassius looked up to the multi-talented Hass from day one, always inspired by him and his bravery. Of course he fell in love with his muse, but for one reason or another, they never could quite be together, at least for very long. It might take Hassel until the present to reconcile his feelings, but will it be too late? (please I have a whole fic I want to write about this, of course I love them being Extremely Married but consider this: 20 years' worth of Mutual Gay Pining and the angst what follows)

-Just like born musician Hassel has some art in him, natural artist Brassius has some form of musical talent. After all, he's the Verdant Virtuoso — a term that skews toward musicians. I like to think he's got a good singing voice.* Belts out tunes while he's in the Art Zone. In perfect Spanish Paldean because he's bilingual.

-Whenever the mood strikes him (rarely, anymore), this guy can get a little kinky. He may carry a rope to help him climb high for tall sculptures (I guess???), but it also comes in handy for tying up unruly dragons~

-He's had many more partners in the past than Hassel has, and therefore a lot of practice. Not so much these days, however. His art, gym, and health come first.

-The Surrendering Sunflora Story: it's easy to tell that Brassius, at the beginning of his art career, let his personal vision suffer because he was focused on being more of a content creator, gaming that algorithm in endless pursuit of fame, fans, and money. The stress got to him, making his illness flare up to near-fatal levels. Was there anything else stressing him out at the time? Was he battling debilitating depression as well? Because he was prepared to die from it all — whether or not his debut work succeeded. And then Hassel appeared. "It was then I met Hass." So they must have become friends a little later in their student lives? Out of nowhere comes Hassel to remind Brassius of the meaning of Art, and that saves his life. Where's that meme picture of the creature holding onto a wall and going i think i need a moment wait

-It's p much universally accepted that Brassius gave Hassel the Applin that would evolve into the latter's Flapple. I think Brassie did so after the Surrendering Sunflora exhibition was complete to express his feelings. Unfortunately, Hassel, not being from this part of the world and unfamiliar with nearby Galar's customs, thinks it's simply a friendly gesture of appreciation. Hang in there, Brassie ❤️‍🩹

-Maybe once Hass figures it out he'll give Brassius a Dipplin in return. "There are two bodies sharing one sweet home! It's more symbolic than the Applin, right? Surely they know this in Galar...?" "No, Hass, Dipplin's apple is only found in a region that's very far away, so it doesn't have that kind of meaning..." "🥺🥺😭 B-BUT IT'S USSSS"

†Meta: isn't the Pokemon world inherently pagan? I know we like to throw around the name of Arceus and/or Mew as though they are God, but... they're not really? Do not let me get theological on this post about my grass blorbo hfhfhsh

*Look, his deep, deep Japanese voice did things to me, and learning that seiyuu Nakai Kazuya voiced Mugen of all people (and some other guys I guess, Zoro if you go there) amuses me to no end hhhn

[ofstoriesandstardust]

chapter 8 - renegade (b.r.b.)

a/n: chapter 7 flopped so here’s to hoping chapter 8 doesn’t as we near the end of this story

summary: Bradley is confronted with the aftermath of his decision and Sunshine gets unexpected advice from an even more unexpected father figure. 

main masterlist | top gun: maverick masterlist | flight risk masterlist | ch. 7 - discussions, decisions, and divorces (oh my!) | ch. 9 - i know it won’t work

folks who wanted to be tagged: @justanothermagicalsara​ @fangirl-316​ @herladyshipxx​ @parker-natasha​ @myhomeworksnotdone​ @pulisvertz​ @lass-that-is-gone​ @frenchtoastix​ @coco-loco-nut​ @pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy​ @torresbarnes​ @supernaturaldawning​ @you-had-me-at-dead-welsh-kings​ @katiemcrae​ @gretagerwigsmuse​ @the-winter-marvel33​ @some-lovely-day​ @unordinare​ @hotch-meeeeeuppppp​ @annedub​ @hope-love-equality2​ @coyotesamachado​ @hopefulinlove​ @mak-32 @daisyhollyxox​ @loveforaugust​ @earth-to-lottie​ @sometimesanalice​ @cheezit-bradshawseresin​ @none-of-your-bullshit​ @jstarr86​ @caatheeriinee07​ @galacticstxrdust​ @anony1080 @sarcasm-n-insomnia @sammyrenae68​ @redbarn1995​

warnings: alcohol mentions, swearing, insecurities, semi-cliffhanger, it’s angsty, Sunshine needed her own heart to heart

word count: 1.9k

“are you really gonna talk about timing in times like these?/and let all your damage damage me?/and carry your baggage up my street?/and make me your future history?”

You groan, pressing the heels of your palms into your eyes as you lean over on the metal bench. 

You must look ridiculous, you think to yourself.

Tucked away in a corner of San Diego State University’s massive campus, you felt like a fish out of water. 

You’d always wanted to come see the campus, especially with Bradley living in the immediate neighborhood, but had never been able to come up with a decent enough reason to actually visit. 

It was a pretty campus, old Spanish style buildings with the special tile roofs that always adorned the building style, flower bushes and trees shading the sunny campus. It reminded you a lot of the trip you and Bradley had taken to Balboa Park once for food trucks early on in your visit here and you could see why so many students flocked to this campus. 

Turns out, the campus was also good for giving you a place to cry in peace after fleeing from your fake-husband after he contested the divorce for your fake-marriage.  

You pull your hands away from your eyes, glancing at the time on your phone. You take a shaky breath, realizing that you can’t sit here and feel sorry for yourself for much longer, not if you want to make your flight and get the hell out of San Diego. 

Your head throbs from the morning spent crying as you stand up from the bench, navigating back the way you came as you walk in the direction of Bradley’s house. 

Your mind still feels fuzzy as you turn the corner on to Bradley’s street, no clear indication of what you should do. 

You’d never fought with Bradley, never once in the decade you’d known him. You didn’t know how to be angry with him, much less at odds with him. 

Because underneath it all, you were angry at yourself. Angry for getting attached, for failing in love with someone you knew you couldn’t have. 

Except- you could have him. He had tried-

No.

You stamp out the spark of hope alighting in you. 

Bradley Bradshaw had had more than a whole decade to confess how he felt about you and if it took a near-death experience for him to-

You pause, doing a double-take at the car in the driveway. You glance to the front door, teeth coming to worry at your bottom lip. 

With a sinking stomach, you tread the last few feet up to the front door, pushing it open slowly. 

It’s unlocked, you note, as you step through the entrance, walking the few feet into the living room. 

And there he stands, looking at the photo of Bradley at his graduation from UVA. 

The one you had taken all those years ago, when life didn’t seem so complicated, when you forced yourself to be content with friendship with Bradley because you were sure it was all that would ever be offered to you. 

He glances over at the sound of the front door closing as you stand there nervously, hands coming to clasp together in front of you. He offers you a warm smile, taking a step back back from the picture. 

“Admiral Kazansky, I uh- what are you doing here?” 

-

His locker slams shut in front of him, only pulling his fingers back with just enough time before they got crushed by the metal. He glances over at the brunette standing next to him, looking by all accounts, thoroughly pissed. 

“What the fuck Bradshaw?” She hisses. He glances up at his squadron, bewildered as they all look on with varying mixes of confusion. 

“What’d I do?” 

“What’d I do? He asks!” She throws her hands up in the air. “You know what you did Bradshaw!” 

He blinks, staring at her. “Nat, I’m lost.” 

She huffs. “You’re a moron.” 

He blinks again. “Can I be clued into why you’re insulting me or are you just going to keep yelling at me? I’ve kind of already had a shit morning Nat, so I’m not really in the mood for this. 

She narrows her eyes. “Yeah, I’ve heard.” 

“Lieutenant Trace, this isn’t your locker room.” They both turn, seeing Maverick’s figure. He jerks his head to the doors, to which she sighs. 

“This isn’t over yet Bradshaw, mark my words.” She whispers, before turning on her heel and heading for the doors. 

“Uh, Lieutenant Bradshaw-” Maverick pauses as he tugs the black shirt over his head. “Why are you here?” 

“Because this is my job?” 

Maverick sighs. “My office, please Lieutenant.” 

He huffs, stepping over the bench. The short walk to Maverick’s office is quiet and Maverick shuts the door behind him with a sigh. 

“Bradley, if- if you want to take some time for yourself, Cyclone and I- we would understand.” 

“I’m fine sir.” 

Maverick fixes him with a pointed look. “Cut the crap, Bradley. You signed divorce papers this morning. You’re allowed to not be okay right now.” 

He shrugs, eyes drifting up to one of the plaques on the wall. 

The plaque from the mission. 

“Bradley.” 

“I don’t know that I am, sir. Allowed to not be okay.” 

Maverick sighs, moving from where he’s standing behind his desk to in front of it, stepping right into his point of view. 

“Go home, kid. Take some time for yourself.” 

“Yeah, I don’t think Sunshine wants to see me right now. I’d probably be chased out of my own home.” 

A confused look crosses over Maverick’s face. “Why?” He shakes his head, pointing to the extra chairs in the office. “Here kid, sit down. Talk to me. What happened?” 

He sighs as he sits, leaning over to rest his forearms on his knees. “I did something so stupid, Mav. It cost me her.” 

“Kid, what did you do? Tell me what happened?” 

He sighs, reaching up to rub a hand over his face. “Last night, I tried- I tried to tell her that I loved her. She wouldn’t hear it, completely shut me down. Told me I was projecting my unresolved trauma and mid-life crisis on to her. And I just- I panicked. I just wanted to keep her.” 

Maverick reaches a hand out to rub his shoulder sympathetically. “So this morning?” 

He takes a shaky breath, lifting his head to face his godfather. “So this morning, I- I was gonna do it I swear.” His voice cracks on the last word, making him blow out a breath in a pitiful attempt to calm down. “But I- I just looked at her and realized I couldn't lose her.” He pauses, hot tears stinging at his eyes. 

“Mav, I contested the divorce.” 

-

“Maverick texted me. Told me what Bradley did.”

You sigh, crossing your arms. “Okay, so I’m still not following why you’re here. Sir.” 

Tom waves a hand, letting out a laugh. “Please, you aren’t a pilot. We aren’t on a Naval base. Brad married you, please don’t call me sir.” 

You nod, nerves still thrumming through you. “Okay.” You bite back the sir that’s threatened to follow just barely, earning an eyebrow raise from Tom. 

“I wanted to see how you were doing.” 

You shrug. “I’ve been better.” 

“Do you mind me asking what happened?” 

“Bradley’s a idiot. No offense.”

Tom lets out another little laugh. “He isn’t the brightest sometimes, yeah.” 

“He just- he doesn’t fucking listen.”

Tom hums. “He never really has been the best listener.” 

It’s silent for a moment as Tom takes a few steps closer to you and then he sighs. 

“You’re better than what Brad deserves, that’s for sure.” 

You cautiously raise your head from the hole it’s burning into the floor, frown forming on your face. “I don’t-”

He shakes his head, cutting you off. “You are. Not very many people would do what you’ve done for him.” 

You give a half-shrug, feeling your throat close up. “He was my friend.” 

“Was or is?” 

“I- I don’t know anymore.”  

Tom lets out a breath through his teeth. “Look kid, none of us will really blame you if you run as far away from him as possible. Lord knows he deserves it. But he’ll never find someone like you. You’re it for him. He just- he loves you so much. I’ve known it since the day I met you.” 

You swallow. “Thought you didn’t like me very much. Kind of failed at the whole first impression thing.” 

“His love for you is the only thing that ever made me take pause and wonder if I was wrong. You’re a great girl, but I mean it when I say that you’re better than what Brad deserves. I had my doubts, but never about you.” He sighs, resting one of his hands on your shoulder. “I saw how Brad iced out Maverick for a decade. I saw what he was like when he was volatile and vulnerable. I had my doubts that he would let someone like you see those sides of him and stick around. But I’ve also seen Brad at his most loving and he does love you, he really does. He just wants you to let him love you.” 

You give another half-shrug, eyes flickering away from the old man’s face. “I’m not good at this, you know? My parents hated each other. Hated me. I’ve only ever managed to date men who use me and treat me like the dirt beneath their feet and I just- I don’t know how to do all of this.” 

You take a step back from him as you shake your head, a tear slipping down your face. “You say that I’m better than what Bradley deserves but the truth is, he’s better than what I deserve. He’s so kind and funny and he’d do anything for his friends that I just-” 

You break down into tears once more.

“I’m not angry at him. I’m angry at myself for falling for him. I’m angry that allowed myself to put myself in this position when I knew it ended with me getting hurt.” 

“But it doesn’t have to end that way, with you getting hurt.” 

“How could it not?” 

-

“Bradshaw, what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at home, trying to fix things with your wife?”

He sighs, taking a long draw from his beer before swinging his head to greet his best friend. “Good to see you too Phoenix.” 

She sighs, shaking her head. “You’ve fucked up.” 

He fiddles with a peanut, attempting to break the shell open. It’s a difficult process, the shell unwilling to budge and finally he sighs, setting it down on the bartop. “Phoenix, what do you want me to say? I know I’ve fucked up. I’ve maybe lost her forever, but- I had to try.” 

She looks at him for a minute before sighing, leaning back in her chair and crossing her arms. “Go home Rooster.” 

He shakes his head, eyes downcast on the wooden bartop. “She’s gone. Her flight left this afternoon. and I can’t- I can’t go back to that house, knowing it’s empty. I had her and I lost her.” 

-

The car idles in the driveway. 

He’s not sure what time it is, having lost track between when he left the Hard Deck and drove around aimlessly, avoiding going back to a home full of ghosts. 

But now, he’s even more anxious as his fingertips tap against the steering wheel. 

The porch light is on. 

The porch light shouldn’t be on, not if you left this afternoon like you were supposed. 

Why is the porch light on?

He’d almost be afraid to find out if it wasn’t for the hope suddenly coursing through him. 

Did- did you stay?

[pudding-parade]

Via Discovolo by MomSonSimFun

Do you like Monte Vista but maybe not the size or pre-population of Monte Vista? Then this world might be for you. It's a smaller island (1024x1024), with many of the buildings in Mediterranean style. It gives me a bit of Isle of Capri vibes, with its multi-level terrain sculpting, and with many of the lots built cliffside.

It's an old word, uploaded in August of 2010, when the only EPs that existed were World Adventures and Ambitions, and this world uses items from both. It uses a few decorative things from the Store, but there's no CC. All of the lots that are built are fully furnished/decorated, with about 15 empty lots, most of them also cliffside. So if you fancy that kind of building, this would be a good world to mess around in. It would also be a good world to "dress up" with Mediterranean-ish items from the Store/Monte Vista and/or later EPs, not to mention CC. But, if you're not into building/decorating and just want a world to plop some Sims into and play, this world is ready to go as-is, as well, though of course it lacks community lot types from later EPs. It does, however, have all basegame rabbitholes as well as all of the "standard" basegame and Ambitions community lots, plus a few extras, like a church that can serve for weddings and a drive-in cinema. (Which doesn't have an actual, functional movie screen, but you could maybe add the one from the Store movie theater, if you have that). It doesn't have a standard "big park," but it does have many smaller ones. There's also a big-ass waterfall on the "back" of the island with a fishing spot at the top of it.

According to its Exchange page, the world has 37 community lots and 65 residential lots. So, there are a lot of lots packed into this little island. Many of them are small, especially in the "downtown" area, where there are many densely-packed smaller lots, mostly 12x15, with either rabbitholes or 3-story townhouses on them. But, the other residential lots range from a studio-style military bunker(!), to a residential lighthouse, to "standard" starters, to larger family homes, to a couple of small farms with pre-planted harvestables, and then up to sprawling Spanish-style seaside villas and one castle-type place on its own private terrace. Most of the bigger/non-starter homes outside of "downtown" come with cars or motorcycles, even. The "downtown" area is more old-looking, while some of the outside-of-downtown lots are quite modern in style. So, there's something for everyone. And, for the collecting-minded, there are all the spawners that existed at the time the world was made except for the WA China and Egypt fish spawners. You can catch frogs and snails, though, if your Sims are hankering for some frogs' legs or escargot. (I've always wondered why there isn't an escargot recipe, since you can catch snails...)

Overall, it's a cute little world made by, if the username is any indication, a mother-and-son team, which I think is cute. I'm pretty sure they made all the lots (except the firehouse, which is EA) as well as the world. And if you like this one, they uploaded two other (even smaller and older) worlds, too, which you can find on the Creator tab of this world's Exchange page. I have one of them, Bougainvillea Bay, in my "active" in-game-available worlds. It's also quite nice if you want a small, ready-to-go tropical island.

Anyway, as usual, the title of this post is a link to the world's Exchange page or, if you don't want to deal with the Exchange or with the Launcher/sims3packs, I have uploaded a .world file here as well. If you download that, it goes in your install files under GameData - Shared - NonPackaged- Worlds.

Now, let's move on to more pics and stuff, behind the cut.

Here are map view and Edit Town view of pretty much the entire world:

Next, some of the community lots.

An interesting thing that the creator did is to build overlapping walls around and roofs over the rabbithole buildings, to sort of disguise them and make them blend in better with the surrounding buildings. This is an interesting compromise between rabbithole buildings that just don't fit into a town's theme and the practice of hiding rabbithole buildings in basements. It's a neat idea, I think, and one that that I haven't seen done very often. All of the rabbithole buildings except for the bistro in this world are "disguised" this way.

The cliffside building on the right of this pic is the library. The entire back of the building is two stories of glass, so your sims will have quite the view while they're reading or studying.

This is the drive-in cinema. Apart from parking spaces for cars, grills, and the little decorative ticket booth that you can see, there are two buildings with restrooms and another with a fridge, counters, a coffee machine, and seating. (I'd put a food register in there instead.) There's also a small playground and a dumpster, which I think might be the only one in town. LOL Like I said, the screen isn't an actual screen, but you could maybe rig up something with the big movie screen Store item, if you have it.

This is part of one of the three cliffside parks on the highest terrace in the world, just down the street from the city hall. They're hard to take pics of because they're narrow and have a lot of trees. This one has this bit that juts out over the cliff, though. It has a telescope and a nice view of the town below and the ocean beyond.

This is the cemetery, which makes use of the henge rock formation and is overlooked by two big cliffside homes.

This is one of the small parks in the world. It has a playground, a picnic area with grills, the little fishing pond, and the area to the right surrounded by white picket fence has harvestables in it.

From left to right in this pic, we have the disguised day spa rabbithole and then two of the three-story townhouses typical of the "downtown" area of the world.

The teeny-tiny junkyard is squished between the laundromat on the left (which has three entire empty floors that you could finish with stuff if you wanted to) and a townhouse on the right. Behind is the disguised theater rabbithole.

And there are of course more community lots, but that's enough pics of them. Let's move on to residential lots.

This is the "castle" lot, with a nice porte-cochère. It sits on its own private terrace overlooking the town below.

And here are a bunch of others, from the hilarious little bunker to the grandest of the villas.

And, here's probably my favorite of the residential lots in the town:

I, as a claustrophobe, can definitely appreciate a three-story-tall tower of windows. LOL

And that's about all I have to say. Nice little town. Small in size but packed with lots that can be dressed up with a little remodeling/updating or left and enjoyed just as-is. I love the terrain sculpting with the multiple terraced levels and the use of rocks, and I appreciate what was done with what, at the time, was limited resources in terms of existing EP/Store content.

I'll leave you with a couple extra scenery pics because it wouldn't be a post from me without a pic of a big-ass moon. :D

[doueverwonder]

Marcella Alverez, personification of the state of Florida! Sometimes goes by Marcy, but ONLY when she's in the mood. Sometimes you call her that and get nothing but the worst glare in response.

Top 3 insane states.

is actually older than Alfred, and at very most considers him an annoying brother >:|

She was trusted with all the souths braincells and lost them and now the whole region is screwed

stage 4 terminal case of the Mondays, it's too late for her.

regularly gets put in charge of corralling the Southwest bc she not afraid to threaten Tex and Cali with violence

Also tho the entire Southwest calls her Tía Marcella, but ONLY when they want something. The rest of the states would never dare call her that.

She's a mom actually, her kids are Felix (Conch Republic) and Oliver (British West Florida); she rlly is a pretty good mom but is convinced she's not.

Is closer to Marcos (Puerto Rico) than any of the states.

Out of the states tho her and Louisiana got a fun relationship going; someone give them a buddy cop movie

If u piss Marcy off and PR shows up he's there for your protection, if you piss her off and Lou shows up fuckin' RUN

Doesn't actually drink that much, ppl think she does but it's all virgin stuff.

Prefers to speak Spanish over English, like legit gets sad if she goes too long without speaking Spanish. Once forgot a word in Spanish but could remember it in English and lost her whole sense of identity in .2 seconds.

Cries over Disney movies

just sobbing in the theater "we used to be best buddies,,, and now we're not,,,,"

lives in one of those Spanish style houses y'know that's stucco with the red tile roof.

Calls Jimmy Buffet her "guilty pleasure"

if u see a Florida woman headline it's her

that's all

[br4inr0tx]

やあ!元気ですか? I hope your well! not sure if you remember me but Im Sure did a matchup for you on this blog? @toyafreethoughts but anyways I wanted to send in a request if that's cool with ya, and I would like a romantic matchup for hazbin hotel please! anywho~ let me introduce myself!

my name is joey, I use he/him pronouns, I'm transgender aromatic bisexual and unlabeled, I have adhdism and BPD and I'm a very cool person😎/hj

personality: im a ENTP and I'm very extroverted but at first when I meet someone I may come off/be awkward with them but it'll wear off eventually if we stick together right away, but I love, and I mean I LOVE to ramble about my interests, gossip, etc, I have positive and negative traits ofc but lets start with the positive ones hmm? So I'm highly attuned to the smallest details, and I'm often the first to notice patterns in a system or a group of people. I tend to enjoy strategizing, problem-solving, and brainstorming new ways to complete everyday tasks. Now for the negative ones now When I'm bored or feeling trapped, I become anxious, scattered, and impatient. I may make impulsive decisions or take needless unnecessary risks, I also cry when I feel alone or completely overwhelmed and one more thing that I'm not proud of at all is that I vape a lot when my anxiety goes through the roof. Now anyways with that, I have a huge passion for dancing, like I love it, I enjoy doing parapara dancing is a traditional thing where I dance to tech/euro music, but I also do regular dancing I love vocaloid a lot and I learnt how to dance to + boy recently and its pretty easy for me lol but I would love to dance with my partner and it can be slow dancing, etc idc anything PLEASE!!! also I enjoy flirting with my partner in different languages like Japanese and Spanish the nicknames I love to use would be ハニー (hanii), 恋人 / こいびと (Koibito), Mi amor and Mi alma, I have all the love languages I'm serious lmaoo, for dates it would be like going to a movie theater and then afterwards we can go get dinner, or personal for me I would like to go to an arcade and the shop for a little and whatever my partner wants really lolz xP

appearance: I'm 5'6, i have a rectangular body, I have dyed black boy hair with bangs, inhale brown/hazel eyes, I wear glasses, I also have piercings on my nose, lips, ears, eyebrow, etc 😭, I also wear a shit load of styles like goth (trad goth, romantic goth, cyber goth, mall goth, and nu goth), gyaru (himekaji, hime gal, rokku, manba, banba, agejo, kogal, tsuyome and kigurumin) scenemo/emo, and vkei ouji and lolita, I usually wear those for fun, when I'm going out somewhere, social media, etc but when I'm at home/school/work I wear street clothing type of stuff like a sweatshirt and baggy pants hehehe, also if I were a demon in hazbin hotel id be looking like one of these mfs

hobbies/interests: anime/manga, gaming, cosplaying, fashion, art (painting, drawing, pottery, digital art, etc) learning new languages (Japanese and Spanish), cooking, volleyball, dancing, singing, listening to music/making music, playing piano/electric guitar , writing, collecting stuff(clothes, seashells, etc), shopping and more on

likes: vocaloid/utau, hajime hinata (danganronpa), a silent voice, albedo (genshin impact), lemon demon, felix kranken (twf), bread, sharks, christmas music/christmas in general, scp 3008 (roblox game), get a snack at 4am (roblox game), musicals, hotels, my friend, enstars (switchP + more), rhythm games, doukyuusei, mystic messenger, twf, genshin, a silent voice, lemon demon/neil cicierega in general, breaking bad eddsworld, homestuck, horimiya, hxh, the great gatsby, saiki k, hamilton (sadly, im sorry.)

dislikes: negitive mentions of my voice, comparing me to people/saying stuff like "you remind me of ____", and spiders.

also these are some of my top kins!!:  hiyori tomoe (enstars), yoosung kim (mystic messenger), jumin han (mystic messenger), hanako (tbhk), felix kranken (twf), albedo (genshin impact), shoya ishida (a silent voice), tom (eddsworld), eridan (homestuck), karkat (homestuck), miyamura izumi (horimiya), natsume sakasaki (enstars), sora harukawa (enstars), V (mystic messenger), hagumi kitazawa (bandori), matsubara kanon (bandori), shinji ikari (neon genesis evangelion), lain iwakura (serial experiments lain), hajime hinata (danganronpa) and more....!

どうもありがとう ！¡Que tengas un gran resto de tu día o noche!

こんにちは! 私は元気です. you are so freaking cool. plus, we’re both dancers?? so cool! sorry for getting to you a little later then usual, my dance recital is this weekend, so it’s been very hectic. though a don’t remember sending you a matchup? that is, unless you haven’t gotten to mine yet, which is completely fine; please take your time. nevertheless, to your matchup!

warnings: Unhealthy coping mechanisms (Vaping), Discussion of mental disorders (ADHD, Autism, BPD.), Arachnophobia

your Hazbin Hotel matchup is.. Charlie Morningstar !!

• I think you would get along best with Charlie!

• While I do headcanon her with ADHD, She’s very patient in her own sort of way. She’ll find ways to distract herself or find things to do in order to wait for things to happen; mainly with squishies I imagine. She understands where you’re coming from when you can’t stay focused because of your disorders, but is willing to show you some techniques she’s picked up to help her!

• She’s very quick to rush to your side and help you whenever you need it.

• Charlie doesn’t see anyone as awkward, so even if you feel that way just know she doesn’t see it like that.

• She loves to ramble! You can ramble together!

• She appreciates how observant and attentive you are, as it makes it easier to help patients/guests at the hotel (that is if you wish to help or work there. If anything, I think you’d be great advice!)

• You’d be a big help to her with any issues that plague her. She has so much on her mind; with you making simple solutions means a lot.

• When you have times where you’re scattered, she’s quick to jump to you and calm you down. Be it a nice hug or verbal reassurance.

• She does live in hell of course. I’d imagine vaping is a normal occurrence. On another note, she’s the owner of the Happy Hotel! She’d absolutely help you seek other coping mechanisms if you wish.

• We obviously see how much of a singer and dancer Charlie is, and as I said before I headcanon her as a theater kid!

• That being said she’d love to dance with you. Since she’s a princess she must know how to slow dance as well!

• The first time you used a nickname for her she stared blankly at you. Her heart was melted, even if she didn’t know what it meant. She’d soon learn what your nicknames mean eventually.

• When the hotel is in the hands of other managers, she’d have days to just focus on you. Date days! She’d love to have a day just focused on the two of you hanging out and doing whatever you wish specifically.

• She wears some sort of business goth (I think?), but I think feminine mall goth suits her well (Think like the band Kittie). She’s more on the cutesy and comfortable side of mall goth, but only dresses like this outside to hotel, mainly on date days.

• She indulges in lots of your hobbies by buying gifts that correlate with them! Since she is busy with the hotel and can’t do everything unfortunately.

• Silly headcanon, but she’d literally kicks Angel out for as long as you’re in the room knowing you don’t like spiders, but she’ll fail to acknowledge he barely looks like one aside from his long legs and multitude of arms. Maybe you appreciate it, maybe you don’t. I’ll leave it to you.

• You mean so much to Charlie, and she hopes it’s the same!

[georgiasproofing]

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Weather Resistance: Tile Roofing in Atlanta, Georgia is well-suited for Atlanta’s variable climate. Tiles are naturally resistant to wind, rain, and sun, providing excellent protection against the elements.

Energy Efficiency: Tile roofs help insulate your home, reducing energy costs by keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The natural ventilation offered by tiles makes them energy-efficient, ideal for Atlanta’s hot, humid summers.

Types of Tile Roofing We Offer

Southern Premier Roofing provides a variety of tile roofing options tailored to meet your aesthetic and functional preferences:

Clay Tiles: Known for their durability and traditional look, clay tiles resist weathering and provide excellent insulation.

Concrete Tiles: These tiles are highly durable, cost-effective, and available in numerous styles and colors. Concrete tiles also offer a similar look to clay tiles but with added versatility in design.

Composite Tiles: For those seeking a modern solution, composite tiles are lightweight and durable, made to mimic the appearance of natural tile materials without the weight.

Our Tile Roofing Process

Consultation and Design: We start with a thorough consultation to understand your preferences and perform an in-depth inspection of your roof.

Material Selection: Based on your style preferences and budget, we help you choose the ideal tile type, color, and design to achieve the look you desire.

Installation: Our skilled team carefully installs each tile, ensuring a precise and secure fit. Tile roofing requires expert handling, as each piece needs to be placed accurately to prevent leaks and maximize longevity.

Final Quality Check: After installation, we conduct a comprehensive inspection, ensuring the tiles are properly secured and the roof is in top condition.

Why Southern Premier Roofing?

As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, Southern Premier Roofing brings professionalism, expertise, and a commitment to quality to every tile roofing project. Founded in 2018, we are known for treating customers like family and are dedicated to providing transparent communication and outstanding service throughout the roofing process.

Contact Us for Tile Roofing in Atlanta, Georgia

If you’re considering a tile roof for its beauty, durability, and energy efficiency, Southern Premier Roofing is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let our team of experienced professionals transform your home with the elegance and resilience of tile roofing.

[maydayroofers]

What Are the Best Roofing Materials for High-Wind Areas?

Living in a high-wind area means choosing roofing materials that can withstand strong gusts, torrential rain, and even hurricanes. In these regions, having a durable and secure roof is essential for protecting your home and family. Here are some of the best roofing materials for high-wind areas that offer both durability and resilience.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are one of the top choices for high-wind areas due to their exceptional strength and ability to shed rain and snow. Made from steel, aluminum, or copper, metal roofing systems are designed to resist lifting or tearing under heavy winds. Properly installed metal roofing with secure fasteners can withstand wind speeds of up to 140 miles per hour, making them ideal for hurricane-prone regions. Additionally, metal roofs are fire-resistant and long-lasting, adding extra protection and value to your home.

Concrete or Clay Tiles

Concrete and clay tiles are heavy and durable materials that are highly resistant to high winds. These tiles interlock securely, preventing them from being blown off during a storm. Their weight helps them stay in place, and the thick construction provides excellent protection against extreme weather conditions. However, proper installation is crucial, as improperly secured tiles can still be at risk. Concrete or clay tiles are particularly popular in Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes, offering both beauty and functionality.

Asphalt Shingles (Impact-Resistant)

While standard asphalt shingles may not perform as well in high-wind conditions, impact-resistant asphalt shingles are a great option for windy areas. These shingles are engineered with additional reinforcements, such as fiberglass or rubber, to increase their wind resistance. High-quality impact-resistant shingles are rated to withstand winds of up to 130 miles per hour. Additionally, they are more affordable than metal or tile roofing options, making them a popular choice for homeowners in high-wind regions.

Synthetic Roofing Materials

Synthetic roofing materials, such as synthetic slate or shake, are designed to mimic the appearance of traditional materials like wood or stone while providing greater durability and wind resistance. These materials are lightweight but tough, making them ideal for high-wind areas. Many synthetic options are engineered to resist winds up to 130 miles per hour or more. Plus, they are often easier and quicker to install than traditional materials, offering both aesthetic appeal and reliable protection.

Slate Roofing

Slate is one of the most durable roofing materials available. It’s incredibly resistant to both high winds and heavy rain. Due to its heavy weight and interlocking structure, slate roofing provides excellent protection in storm-prone areas. However, slate can be more expensive and requires a skilled installer to ensure it is properly secured.

When choosing roofing materials for high-wind areas, it’s essential to select durable, secure, and weather-resistant options. Metal roofing, concrete or clay tiles, impact-resistant asphalt shingles, synthetic materials, and slate are all great choices. Consulting with a professional roofing contractor in Miramar can help ensure your roof is properly installed and able to withstand the harshest of storms, protecting your home for years to come.

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Check it out- Beyonce and Jay-Z bought this Baroque former church in New Orleans, then put it up for sale under a cloud of mystery. It has 7bds. 8ba. and was built in 1927.  For instance, why did the asking price jump by $1 million, from $3.5M to nearly $4.5M, after less than a week on the market?

The foyer and stairs. (It was a ballet school before being converted to a house in 2000.)

These interior pics are from 2015 b/c the house was damaged by an alleged arson fire. Who started the fire, and why?

Why is the place listed as an FSBO (for sale by owner), but the owner’s phone number is a Mississippi-based immigration attorney?

The listing also tells buyers to visit a certain property marketing website, but the site doesn’t actually exist. The ornate Spanish-style structure is also fully blurred on Google Maps.

They own it, but never actually lived in it. However, the sellers have offered to paint the structure the new owner’s choice of color before the deal closes. 

The church has 1 main residence and 3 apts. Zillow has the exclusive listing and now it’s off the market.

It’s unclear if these spaces have been altered in the past few years. The kitchen is dated. 

This is an office or studio. 

2nd fl. vestibule library.

The main bd. with en-suite and walk-in closet.

Guest room and en-suite.

2nd guest room.

3rd fl. loft sitting area.

One of the 3 apts. 

This apt. is in the garden. Notice the Mardi Gras beads above the island.

And, this is an apt. in the chapel loft.

Roof top garden and gazebo.

It’s covered with very neatly trimmed ivy. 

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1527-Harmony-St-New-Orleans-LA-70115/73821552_zpid/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/real-estate/beyonce-jay-z-new-orleans-church-real-estate-1235035503/

[sunnyenergysolar]

How to Determine Which AZ Solar Company Is Best for You - Sunny Energy

This Blog was Originally Published at:

How to Determine Which AZ Solar Company Is Best for You — Sunny Energy

Maria stood on her patio, feeling the warm Arizona sun on her face. It was a beautiful day, but as she glanced at her latest electricity bill, a pang of frustration hit her. Those summer cooling costs were brutal! Solar had always intrigued her — clean energy, lower bills, and doing her part for the planet. But the sheer number of AZ solar companies in the state was confusing. Who could she trust?

She knew price wasn’t the only factor. She wanted a company that understood her anxieties about making such a big investment. Could they tailor a system to her Spanish-style home? Would they be patient with her questions? It was about finding a partner, not just a vendor.

John, a few neighborhoods over, had a different dilemma. He was passionate about supporting local businesses, and he knew Arizona’s unique solar landscape required specific expertise. Could he find a company that shared his values and truly knew the ins and outs of solar in the desert?

This guide is for Maria, John, and countless other Arizonans on the brink of a solar transformation. It’s about finding the company that understands your needs, aligns with your values, and has the local expertise to make your solar dreams a reality. It’s about finding your perfect solar partner, not just the cheapest option.

Why does the ‘best fit’ AZ solar company matter?

Think of it like choosing a doctor — you wouldn’t simply pick the cheapest one without considering their expertise or qualifications. Similarly, the best AZ solar company isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest quote. It’s the one that:

Understand Your Needs: A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works with solar. Your ideal company will take the time to understand your energy consumption, property specifics, and financial goals before designing a system.

Shares Your Values: Do you prioritize local businesses? Are you passionate about top-tier customer service? Finding a company whose culture aligns with yours can make the entire process more enjoyable.

Offers Local Expertise: Regulations, weather patterns, and even local installer networks can vary. A company with local experience is better equipped to navigate these nuances.

The Culture and Communication Factor

Solar is a long-term investment, often involving years of interaction with the company. Do they listen attentively to your questions? Are they transparent about their processes and pricing? A company that communicates clearly and fosters a positive relationship is invaluable, especially when it comes to maintenance and potential troubleshooting down the line.

Local Expertise and Experience

Local companies have a strong know-how as to what would work best for you based on the area you live in. They’re familiar with:

Permit Processes: Navigating local regulations can be a headache. Local companies have the experience of working around local regulations and can streamline the process.

Weather Challenges: Do you live in an area prone to hailstorms or extreme heat? Local installers know how to optimize your solar system for your specific climate.

Local Installer Networks: Issues are bound to arise, even with the best systems. Local companies often have a network of trusted installers who can respond quickly.

The Comparison Checklist: Your Roadmap to Solar Satisfaction

It’s not just about the lowest quote of some AZ Solar company. There lies a world of details that truly determines an AZ solar company’s value. Think of this checklist as your roadmap to a system that not only fits your budget but also delivers optimal performance and peace of mind:

1. System Design

Panels: High-efficiency panels from reputable manufacturers are ideal for maximizing energy production in Arizona’s intense sunlight.

Custom Fit: The proposed system layout should optimize your roof’s unique angles and shading patterns, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Production Potential: Energy production estimates should be realistic for your location and consumption habits, based on a thorough assessment of your needs.

2. Warranties

Equipment Assurance: Top-tier companies offer robust warranties on panels (often 25 years), inverters, and other components, protecting you from unexpected costs.

Workmanship Guarantee: A solid workmanship warranty (5–10 years) ensures that any installation issues will be promptly addressed at no additional cost, demonstrating the company’s confidence in their installers.

3. Financing Flexibility

Diverse Options: Choose from loans, leases, PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements), or cash purchases, depending on your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Transparent Costs: A detailed breakdown of all expenses, including installation, permissions, and potential maintenance fees, helps you understand the total cost of ownership over the system’s lifespan.

4. Customer Service

Reputation Check: Online reviews on platforms like Google and Yelp offer insights into the company’s customer service reputation and responsiveness.

Service Guarantees: Look for companies that offer specific guarantees, such as quick response times or free maintenance for a certain period, for added peace of mind.

Maintenance Options: Inquire about ongoing maintenance packages or monitoring services to ensure your system continues running smoothly after installation.

Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract

Don’t be afraid to ask potential companies some questions to ensure they’re the right fit for you:

Experience: Have you installed solar systems on homes similar to mine (size, roof type, etc.)?

Maintenance and Repairs: What is your warranty coverage for repairs, and what are your standard maintenance procedures?

References: Can you provide contact information for recent customers in my area who I can speak with about their experience?

Future Needs: If my energy usage increases or technology advances, can my system be easily expanded or upgraded? What are the costs associated with these changes?

Benefits of Choosing a Local Company

Partnering with a local AZ solar company in Arizona can offer a range of advantages that go beyond just the installation:

Community Investment: Local companies are often deeply rooted in the community. They may sponsor local events, donate to charities, or actively participate in neighborhood initiatives. By choosing a local company, you’re not just investing in solar; you’re investing in your community’s well-being.

Personalized Service: Unlike larger national companies, local AZ solar providers often have smaller teams and allow for a more personalized touch. They take the time to get to know you and your specific needs, tailoring solutions to your unique circumstances and preferences.

Quick Response Times: When you need assistance, whether it��s for maintenance, repairs, or simply a question about your system, local companies typically have faster response times. They’re just a phone call away and can often send a technician promptly, ensuring your solar system operates at peak performance.

In-Depth Local Knowledge: Local companies have a deep understanding of Arizona’s unique solar landscape. They’re familiar with the specific challenges posed by the desert climate, such as dust accumulation and extreme temperatures. This knowledge of the region around allows them to recommend the most suitable equipment, installation techniques, and maintenance strategies for long-term solar operations.

Established Local Relationships: Local AZ Solar companies often have strong relationships with local suppliers, installers, and permitting authorities. This can streamline the entire process, from system design and permission for installation to other regulations that need to be followed.

Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the right AZ solar company for solar installation in Arizona it is more than just about the cost, but a careful consideration of each important factor as highlighted above. Select those companies that care about your personal preferences, respect your values, and have the greatest experience in the area.

Of course, when it comes to solar systems, people have to remember that this is a long-term investment, so being able to communicate with the company, as well as get good customer service alongside having a professional team for maintenance is essential.

Ensure you ask these questions and more, compare the quotes offered by different companies as well as the services offered for the position and>Last but not least, ensure that you select the company that is in line with your dreams and aspirations.

In this way, you will not only take advantage of Arizona’s sun but also become a part of creating a better and livelier environment. Do not forget that solar is not only one option among many; it is a way of living, and a decision to change the world for the better.

Go for Sunny Energy! Being a top rated solar company in Arizona, innovation is at the heart of Sunny Energy’s mission. They are constantly exploring new technologies and techniques to improve the efficiency and affordability of solar energy systems. This dedication to innovation ensures that Sunny Energy remains at the forefront of the industry and is considered one of the top solar power companies in Arizona, offering cutting-edge solutions to their customers.

Overall, Sunny Energy’s commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, transparency, education, and innovation sets them apart as the best solar company in Arizona. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on your energy bills, or increase the value of your home, Sunny Energy has the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals. Contact now!

[vamosaespana]

Hola Barcelona!

Rise and shine it’s 9:30 😮 Waking up and realizing how late it was, was a shocker. Can’t remember the last time I slept that late. The kids were off and on with sleep and poor 1 had been up since 5 but nevertheless we must continue and use every moment we have. We all got ready and headed out the door for some brunch and sightseeing. It was uber balmy in our apartment…still haven’t figured out the air conditioner situation (feeling this whole temp thing may be a running theme through these next two weeks 🫣) but once you stepped outside the sun was out but the breeze definitely kept you cool…we’ll take it!

We find a place called Berry Brunch Breakfast and after looking at the menu it had things everyone liked…that’s a win when you have 5! Super cute place and we were able to eat outside. We enjoyed people watching, dog watching and just in general talking about things. Our biggest discussion is how 1’s Spanish teacher would always play Spanish music in class and say that’s what it sounds like in Spain. Hate to break it to him but it seems like Spain held onto the 90s and never let go…I went crazy when “Believe it or not” came on and rocked out in my best mom fashion to my children’s horror💀 Food came and everything was delicious! 3 ordered biscotti pancakes that literally tasted like you were eating a biscotti. GB had Nutella pancakes which one can never go wrong. I had a croissant with chicken and avocado and 2 had Avocado toast on bruschetta-like bread that was amazing. 1 ordered huevos rancheros that had this beautiful salsa that melted in your mouth. All in all definitely would recommend the place.

Definitely feeling full, we walked it off heading to the city center to the Picasso Museum for our tour. We had some time to kill because we couldn’t o my arrive 15 min early so strolled the Gaudi style streets and I’m sure totally blended in with the Spaniards 🤣

We then went for our audio tour of the Picasso Museum. I’m a big fan of these tours as we also did this for Pablo Neruda’s house in Chile. You can go at your own pace which is totally my jam as I stop and do everything while my family tends to skip around. So cool to be up close with his art and learn how amazing he was at such a young age…we pointed out paintings that he did at 1 and 2s age. We just looked at them and said “Come on guys…do better 😆” We each found our favorite paintings and just enjoyed being together but on our own at the same time.

Definitely felt like we added a couple notches to our “cultured” belt after that one. We then split ways, GB and the kids headed back home to change for church. I, on the other hand, was already church ready and headed for a solos tour of The Carhedral of Barcelona. What an amazingly beautiful church inside and out. It also had a tour of the roof top of the church where you could see a 360 view of Barcelona.

So nice to enjoy the serenity of it all and say prayers of thanks for this trip even being possible.

We, as a family, then went to mass in Spanish. They are very much sticklers for how church dress should be. No bare shoulders and if you didn’t have anything you could pay 3 Euros for a shawl to wear while inside. We were prepared of course with a lot of push back from 2 as she found no need to wear a long dress with shoulders covered. She tried to play the “I’m going to do what I want” card by lowering her shoulders to the sides of her arm but was quickly and quietly corrected by staff during mass. I happily gave the mom smile to myself and she did not argue again the rest of mass. I personally like the view of getting back to looking nice for mass. You don’t have to dress in black tie but something nice I feel is respectful and goes a long way to how you carry and present yourself. Feeling more and more at home around here 😁 I was surprised how I could follow along and understand a majority of it but boy did my head hurt from paying such close attention 😵‍💫 so may need to still do some brushing up for when I fully relocate myself here ☺️

We left church with hearts full but stomachs were on E! We found a place close to our home and enjoyed a nice family meal together. We laughed and were slightly on the loud side…or maybe that was just my laugh🤣 I like to think that the waitress enjoyed our company as she laughed many a time around us. So much so that we were gifted 2 shots of limoncello. We let the kids sip and quickly realized we should have had our cameras on the ready…safe to say we may not have to worry just yet about alcohol! GB and I took our shots as the kids poked fun at mom having a glass of wine and a shot and that I may need help walking home.

We ended the night with winding down in each others company at the apartment while listening to Spain win against Georgia in the Eurocup. Loved hearing the area erupt with cheers when goals were scored and heard fireworks go off at the end of the game. Ups and downs were had I mean how could they not as each of us have our own personality but at the end of the day all were smiling so I count that as a win.

[georgiasproofing]

Tile Roofing in Atlanta, Georgia: Timeless Elegance and Lasting Durability

Tile roofing has long been admired for its beauty, durability, and ability to enhance the architectural appeal of any home. In Atlanta, Georgia, where homes face a range of weather conditions from hot, humid summers to heavy rainstorms, tile roofing offers both aesthetic value and long-lasting protection. Whether you're building a new home or considering a roof replacement, tile roofing is a fantastic option that combines style with strength. Here’s why tile roofing is a popular choice for homeowners in Atlanta.

The Advantages of Tile Roofing

Tile Roofing in Atlanta, Georgia is one of the most durable roofing materials on the market, known to last for decades—sometimes even centuries—with proper care. Here are the top benefits of choosing tile roofing for your Atlanta home:

Longevity: Tile roofs are renowned for their exceptional lifespan. Clay and concrete tiles can last 50 to 100 years or more, making them one of the longest-lasting roofing options available. When installed and maintained correctly, tile roofs can withstand the test of time, offering years of worry-free protection.

Weather Resistance: Atlanta’s weather can be unpredictable, from scorching heat to torrential downpours. Tile roofing is naturally resistant to fire, wind, and water damage. It can withstand high winds, making it ideal for areas prone to storms and heavy rainfall. Additionally, tile roofs perform well under the sun’s intense UV rays, helping to keep your home cool during hot summers.

Energy Efficiency: Tile roofing provides excellent insulation, helping to regulate indoor temperatures. The thermal mass of tiles slows down heat transfer, reducing the amount of energy needed to cool or heat your home. This energy efficiency can lead to lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment throughout the year.

Aesthetic Appeal: Tile roofing offers timeless elegance and a range of design options to suit various architectural styles. Whether you prefer the classic look of clay tiles or the more modern appearance of concrete tiles, there are colors and finishes available to complement your home’s design. Tile roofs add curb appeal and can significantly enhance the overall value of your property.

Low Maintenance: Once installed, tile roofing requires minimal maintenance. Tiles are resistant to rot, insects, and harsh weather, making them a low-maintenance option compared to other roofing materials. Routine inspections and occasional cleaning are typically all that’s needed to keep your tile roof in excellent condition.

Types of Tile Roofing

Tile roofing comes in two main varieties, both offering unique benefits:

Clay Tiles: Clay tiles are known for their rich, natural colors and classic Mediterranean or Spanish-style look. They are highly durable, fire-resistant, and can withstand extreme heat.

Concrete Tiles: Concrete tiles offer the same durability as clay but are often more affordable. They can be designed to mimic the appearance of other roofing materials like wood or slate, offering flexibility in design.

Why Hire Professional Tile Roof Installers in Atlanta?

Installing a tile roof is a specialized job that requires experience and expertise. Here’s why you should hire a professional roofing contractor in Atlanta for your tile roof installation:

Proper Installation: Tile roofing requires precision and skill to ensure each tile is securely placed. Improper installation can lead to leaks or damage over time. Professional roofers know how to properly install and seal tile roofs to ensure maximum performance.

Building Code Compliance: Roofing contractors in Atlanta are familiar with local building codes and safety regulations. They ensure your new roof is compliant and installed to the highest standards.

Warranties: Many professional roofing contractors offer warranties on both materials and workmanship, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Conclusion

Tile roofing is a durable, energy-efficient, and visually stunning option for homeowners in Atlanta, Georgia. Its longevity and resistance to harsh weather make it a wise investment, while its beauty enhances the appeal of any home. Whether you choose classic clay tiles or versatile concrete, a tile roof will provide lasting protection and elegance for decades to come. For best results, always work with a professional roofing contractor to ensure proper installation and long-term performance.

[allstarph]

Top 5 Historical Churches in the Philippines that Stand the Test of Time

Since the Spanish colonization era in the Philippines, various churches have risen nationwide. Though many of these churches have experienced their fair share of wear and tear, historical churches in the Philippines are still standing strong.

List of Historical Churches in the Philippines

Spain’s colonization of the Philippines spanned over three hundred years and had lasting effects on the country’s culture. Their influence is still evident today in Filipino tradition and structures. This article aims to explore a list of historic churches in the country due to Spanish colonization.

Parish Church of San Agustin of Intramuros

Located in Intramuros, this parish is known to be the oldest church in the Philippines, constructed with stone. Originally, the church was built on bamboo and nipa leaves in 1571. However, due to its weak structure, it was destroyed by typhoons and strong winds. In the year 1586, a resolution was made to build a church with a stronger structure using adobe stone. Large stone slabs were cut from quarries in various places like Guadalupe, Meycauyan, and San Mateo, Rizal.

Additionally, the parish’s design and structure were designed by architect Juan Marcias on the intersection of Calle Real and St. Lucia Street. From its construction in 1587, the church took several years to complete until 1607.

Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte

This historical church in Ilocos Norte was completed in 1710 and recognized as a National Cultural Treasure and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is popular for having twenty-four large buttresses on its sides and back. The church’s pyramid-like structure makes it so distinctive from other parishes in the country. Moreover, its architecture showcases the earthquake baroque style due to its thick walls made of coral stones and bricks. This style is popular among historical Philippine churches to minimize the effects of earthquakes.

Additionally, the church stood as an observation post by Katipuneros during the revolution by guerrilleros against the Japanese. It has seen its fair share of catastrophes in Philippine history, from surviving natural destruction like earthquakes and typhoons to serving as war headquarters for Filipinos.

Parish Church of Saint Joseph of Baras, Rizal

Another historical church in the Philippines is located in Baras, Rizal. Originally, it was built in 1595 by Franciscans after Aetas burned down the area as an act of rebellion. After the Aeta’s retribution, the town moved to Ibayo in 1636 but returned to its current location in 1682.

The inside of the church has also been preserved with its original external structure. The interior boasts exposed wooden trusses supporting the parish’s roofing. However, the church is unlike other parishes that showcase decorated ceilings since these are not popular in the area. Visiting this church will surely make individuals feel like they are traveling back in time.

Bacarra Church, Ilocos Norte

This church has been included in the list of historical Churches in the Philippines. Visitors can visit this church museum in its former convent, which stores religious and cultural artifacts and other archival images and documents. Moreover, this parish is known for the Torres di Bacarra or its “beheaded” belfry. It is also another National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure.

The Torre di Bacarra was once one of the highest buildings in the Philippines, with an original design of a sixteen by sixteen-meter base and fifty meters tall. It was once the highest bell tower in the country until earthquakes damaged the structure. The ruined parts of the tower remain untouched and are now filled with beautiful greenery.

Majayjay Church, Laguna

Originally built with plywood, its original structure was not made to last. The current structure of the Majayjay church has Romanesque roots and is two hundred feet long, fifty-six feet wide, and fifty-four meters high. The parish boasts three stories, and at the highest point is a triangular pediment paired with a circular window. It was originally built in 1649 and has been renovated ever since. Today, the parish has azulejo tiles, a glazed and colored Spanish tile.

This church is also declared a National Cultural Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA). Augustinian missionaries spearheaded the structure, partly burned in 1660 and restructured in 1707. Furthermore, it served as an American base during the Filipino-American war and was once restructured in 1912.

Final Thoughts

There are still numerous historical churches in the Philippines to this day. These churches have witnessed numerous strides in national history and culture. They are now more than safe spaces for believers; they are also testaments to Filipino architecture and tourist spots. That said, they always showcase the popular designs in those areas when they were built.