Life in Christophe Harbour

It took me forever to reasonably catch up with this thread, and I am not going to subject everyone to all my observations; that would make way too long of a post. Just a few things I noted overall.

I mentioned this when I first read your thread, but I think it warrants repeating. The time and energy you spent setting up your neighborhood, tweaking the sims and their memories to suit you and your needs, is simply amazing. That alone makes your stories exceptional.

Your attention to detail is amazing, Toni, and your decorating skills are enhanced so much by this. Your ability to look at a room and fill all spaces without making it look disastrously busy never ceases to astound me. Every lot of yours I see, from the ones you showcase here to the ones you offer for download, are absolutely stunning. You really have a knack for turning a house into a home!

I absolutely love your sims; they are so unique looking. That same attention to the smallest detail that you put into every aspect of your game makes for a lovely group of pixel people. As Ari said about your Toni sim and her beau, Andre, "bring on the cute babies!" They make a lovely couple, and I can't wait to see where you go with them.

The landscaping you did on your lot is fantastic and I love the pool and deck area. In fact, all of the "water holes" are fabulous. I love the shot of Kyle at his grandparent's house; not only does it show nice shot of family togetherness, but it is really beautiful scenery.

Ulli wrote:

I don´t have the patience to do much of screenshots. I really admire you Toni for yours

I couldn't agree with this statement more!

Toni, your thread is a pleasure to read and look at. The pictures are great and your storytelling rocks!

Thank you guys for your generous words! It's so awesome to have you guys to share my simmies with. I've always been into the decorating/landscaping aspect of this game, in fact, I went through a stage where all I did was fix up house lots. I used to build from scratch a lot more, but I've not mastered the art of the fancy roofs and shapes and that sort of thing. So mostly I download and renovate.

The house I've been showing off recently is one of the few I've built from scratch in a long time. Other than one I recently offered up here, I hadn't built from scratch in a couple of years!

I so love, that you guys think my homes are pretty. I'm just pleased as punch!

Soooo.......now I'm torn between sharing more piccies of the house, and giving a long-time-comin' Carolyn and Marco update. But I've decided, I haven't shared them here in well over a week, so I'm going for the update! And promise not to take so long in between from now on.

Then Sugah...I'm off to trawl the site for Jackie!

So......here goes.

....

We left Marco with a bare buff hottie on his sofa...


The next morning, Marco and Ciara - a little worse for the wear after finishing off two bottles of wine the night before - were making their way to the kitchen when the doorbell rang.


Not many people knew where he lived, and very few had the security code for the upper floor where his loft was. Without giving it much thought, wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, he swung the door open. There in the hallway stood Carolyn.

Her eyes took in the whole scene, and he saw them rest on Ciara who was standing behind him wearing nothing but one of his shirts.


Carolyn's face paled right before him. He didn't care. He was angry and his heart was in tatters after seeing her with Kyle last night.

"I...I'm sorry," she said. I tried to call."


The loft was open concept and there wasn't really anywhere for Ciara to go, except to move out of range of the front door. He sensed her slip away from behind him, and heard her slide open the balcony and step outside. He stood in the doorway looking at Carolyn. He had no intention of inviting her in.

She dropped her eyes when he met her gaze. "I...I just came to tell you..."

"You don't have to say anything. In fact, there's really nothing to say, is there?"

"No. No. I suppose not," she said softly, looking up and staring at him her eyes shining.

"Good luck," he said staring back, his voice icy.


She flinched.

"Goodbye," she said softly, turning away.


He didn't watch her walk to the elevator, but immediately stepped back inside and closed the door.

He leaned his forehead against the cool surface of the metal, and took a deep breath.

"That's that then," he whispered.

Toni, come on! You're freakin' killing us here!
Have you no soul, woman???
UGH! When are these two gonna come out with their feelings for one another, dang it?!?!?
Everyone else be DAMNED!



Okay, having gotten that off my chest...

Quote :

It's so awesome to have you guys to share my simmies with.

I am honored that you have chosen this little forum to share your Sim antics.
Thank you for being here and for all you do to make Sugah's Place what it is, Lady T.

Quote :

The house I've been showing off recently is one of the few I've built from scratch in a long time. Other than one I recently offered up here, I hadn't built from scratch in a couple of years!

You are truly gifted and talented when it comes to building/decorating/renovating Sims abodes, as well as storytelling & taking marvelous screenshots.

Toni wrote:

It's so awesome to have you guys to share my simmies with.

We are just as glad you have chosen us to share them with.

Sugah wrote:

UGH! When are these two gonna come out with their feelings for one another, dang it?!?!?

I know, right! This is why I don't watch serial dramas or soap operas - I can't take the waiting!

Sugah wrote:

Okay, having gotten that off my chest...

Quote :

She dropped her eyes when he met her gaze. "I...I just came to tell you..."

"You don't have to say anything. In fact, there's really nothing to say, is there?"

"No. No. I suppose not," she said softly, looking up and staring at him her eyes shining.

Yes, there is! Just say it anyway! The rest of us are dying to know what you came to tell him! *sigh*

Anyway . . . I love Marco's apartment. Fabulous decorating.

Oh and congrats to Toni and Andre! How exciting they got engaged! I can't wait to see the wedding.

That´s that then! WHY????

OMG! Just...SIGH!

Ok - after smacking myself in the head a few times, sheesh - Carolyn! Marco! You need to have lunch and work all this out. What did she go over there to tell him??

I don't blame Marco for his actions and feel he was perfectly within his right, but....man. You're a Supreme Torturer!

Beautiful decorating - and the last shot of Marco leaning against the door is awesome.

You guys are just the best! I cannot begin to say how awesome it is to hear such incredibly kind words about my simmies and their homes.. Oh yeah...and my torturing skills! Heh heh!

Sugah wrote:

Toni, come on! You're freakin' killing us here!
Have you no soul, woman???
UGH! When are these two gonna come out with their feelings for one another, dang it?!?!?
Everyone else be DAMNED!



Okay, having gotten that off my chest...

Autumnelle wrote:

Sugah wrote:

UGH! When are these two gonna come out with their feelings for one another, dang it?!?!?

I know, right! This is why I don't watch serial dramas or soap operas - I can't take the waiting!

SimEm wrote:

The rest of us are dying to know what you came to tell him! *sigh*

Ullwera wrote:

That´s that then! WHY????

Astral Faery wrote:

OMG! Just...SIGH!

You're a Supreme Torturer!

You guys are killing me maaaaaan!

I'll have a wee and possibly coronary-inducing update on the weekend.

What? I'm just putting that out there man!

In the meantime, just some other random happenings.

Beau Brookes (Broke) tied the knot with his on-again-off-again girlfriend. She was a paper girl, and they went steady in high school, broke up when they went off to different colleges...and hooked up again in the summer before senior year. They have three bolts and a lot in common, so I have high hopes for them.

I've been renovating some lots to give them that Christophe Harbour-y feel (see first post of this thread for reference).....essentially my fictitious city is inspired by New Orleans. With my simmies all growing up and getting married, and some to soon become wildly successful in their careers and become the next gen of movers and shakers, I had to start finding places for them to live.

Here's a couple of makeovers.

This was a downloaded house. I ripped off the roof, added the upstairs veranda and redid the railings in what i hope looks Harbour-y, and put a wrought iron fence around it for good measure.


This next one is actually a total re-do of the Maxis Pleasant family lot. The inside is totally gutted and rearranged, and I've extended the space upstairs too. I don't know why I do that. I think an empty lot just seems daunting...plus tearing down walls is fun!

Ignore the couple on the sidewalk (Shoba's sister and her hubby - the Indian wedding a few posts back)...I've since moved them elsewhere. I think after a few promotions Toni and Andre might move into this one. Of course, his Daddy's rich (movie star.director)...so maybe it can be a wedding prezzie.

My favourite thing, though you can't see it well in the photo is the mini garden in the front.


Okay...same house...different look. This one is for a very special simmie. But it will be part of the ongoing story line.


That's all for now!

Be back soooon with a Marco-Carolyn update!

I have always liked the Brokes; I am glad that Beau found a nice young lady to settle down with. I love all the houses; you did a great job converting them to fit your neighborhood.

Toni wrote:

Oh yeah...and my torturing skills! Heh heh!

Such pretty house makeovers! I look forward to seeing who fills up those houses - I love how you did the pool areas. And that little garden in front of Toni's future house is really cute!

Congrats to Beau and his lovey!

-----


Editors Note to those who read the enlarged version of the paper: I was fascinated recently by the fervor over Kim Kardasian's engagement ring, and went trawling the net for articles about it. I lifted the line, "sources close to rock," from TMZ, and as a journalist in RL, wanted to make sure I gave them credit.

Ohhhhhh noooooo!

Well, at least engaged isn't married? (I say hopefully.)

I really love the newspaper layout. Very cool!

Never going to talk to you agan Toni!

:muahaha:

I warned you guys! I warned you that this story was not for the feint of heart!

WARNING! WARNING! This thread is an emotional roller coaster! Bring a box of tissues, fasten your seat belts, leave sharp objects at home, and NO HITTING! That means you Viking girl!

Ullwera wrote:

Never going to talk to you agan Toni!

Yes you will...cuz you looooooove me!

O
M
G

I don't really know what to say. Wait a minute - yes I do. I'm totally disappointed in Carolyn. I don't know the circumstances behind her side of the story, but I'm beginning not to care. She has a tryst with Marco (long time coming!), and has to diffuse Kyle who calls. She could've turned off her phone. She knew Marco was upset when he left and went to his apartment to...what? Explain why it was complicated with Kyle? Sorry, hon, not buying it. I don't care who Kyle is or how genuine he seems to be when he's in the mood, you need to make up your mind what you want. And just because you trek across town to say whatever you were planning to say to Marco and find out that he's trying to have a life without you, doesn't mean you go running back to Mr. Dog like you keep doing. You deserve what you get Carolyn, a sore, bitter life full of questions, doubts, and what ifs, full of an unfaithful husband doing what he does best and then crawling back for forgiveness - we've already seen him do it several times. Threw his little black book in the river? Big deal - he has easy access to all those girls - I'm sure he can get ahold of them whenever he wants. And can't live without Carolyn? That's because she keeps forgiving you because she keeps looking for good in you that isn't there. Man I'm really disgusted with them both. They deserve each other.

But not with you, Dearheart! You're doing a fabulous job with this story, pulling your readers right along where you need us, setting us up for whatever you wish. And then letting us witness all the heartbreak and twisted emotions. You are a master storyteller, lady.

I loved the newspaper! I'm so glad there was an enlarge tab so I could read it all - well done!

OMG Ari, I totally choked on my coffee! I really did! Oh honey, I love your passion. And I totally don't believe that you don't care if Carolyn makes a mistake and messes up her life. You're too caring a soul not to feel bad for her. Gosh, I wish I knew what was going on with her! Like, what is she thinking?!

I had great fun writing the newspaper articles. I'm so pleased that you read them. You rock! Even if you are scare-wy when you're ticked off.

Ari wrote:

Sorry, hon, not buying it. I don't care who Kyle is or how genuine he seems to be when he's in the mood, you need to make up your mind what you want. And just because you trek across town to say whatever you were planning to say to Marco and find out that he's trying to have a life without you, doesn't mean you go running back to Mr. Dog like you keep doing. You deserve what you get Carolyn, a sore, bitter life full of questions, doubts, and what ifs, full of an unfaithful husband doing what he does best and then crawling back for forgiveness - we've already seen him do it several times. Threw his little black book in the river? Big deal - he has easy access to all those girls - I'm sure he can get ahold of them whenever he wants. And can't live without Carolyn? That's because she keeps forgiving you because she keeps looking for good in you that isn't there. Man I'm really disgusted with them both. They deserve each other.

@ Toni:

ilikefishfood wrote:

And I totally don't believe that you don't care if Carolyn makes a mistake and messes up her life. You're too caring a soul not to feel bad for her.

Ok well...maybe I do care a little - but I'm still mad at her!

OMG!!! I am away for a while and come back to this....

WTH?!?! Oh no, no, no!!!

*goes in corner and begins rocking softly....

UGH, what in the heck is wrong with that girl?!?! Jeez Louise and poor Marco....

AdriannaSimmie wrote:

WTH?!?! Oh no, no, no!!!

*goes in corner and begins rocking softly....

*Pats Jen on head and hands her box of tissues* There, there, Jen!

Here're some happy pictures to hopefully cheer you guys up. Okay...maybe not so happy for poor Marco, but...

A week after the stunning news about Carolyn's engagement, Marco's sister Teresa married Cassie's brother Patrick. His best man is Alexander Goth. The maid of honor is Marco and Teresa's sister Carla. It couldn't have been easy for Marco to sit through that wedding. Poor fellow!

Two weeks after that Sim Toni married Marco's best friend Andre (remember they were roomies in university), and he was supposed to be the best man, but he bailed...using the change in his filming schedule as an excuse. He neglected to tell Andre that he had asked his producers if he could go to Canada sooner than originally planned. He knew Carolyn, a longtime friend of Andre's was going to be at the wedding.

So Patrick (Andre's cousin) just back from his honeymoon, stood in as Andre's best man.

*sigh*

Ok...maybe that is a little sad.

But maybe a little Sim-Toni humor will help. I was setting up the wedding, and noticed Ms Bride-to-be striking a serious pose! This is not a pose box, this is Ms Toni doing this all on her own! I love it!

And some wedding shots. Toni's maid of honor is Shoba (Joey's ex)


Yeah...I'd hang on to him tight too! Maaaan, that Andre's a looker! But of course his parents are drop-dead gorgeous. Some of you who have been following this thread from the beginning may remember them. Leading Man turned Movie Director Ivan Stovic and his gorgeous attorney wife, Vivien (twin sister of Cassie's Dad, Clayton).

I mean, these two have great genes! Look at Andre's sisters Maddie and Ophelia! Ophelia is the romance simmie who lived across from Kyle and the boys at Fiesta Tech.

Ophelia is the one who had the one-night-stand with Marco back in university, when he mistakenly thought Carolyn was seeing someone else.

Are you seeing a pattern with Marco? He just freaks out over Carolyn so easily. I feel so bad for him. Like what kind of fiend is manipulating him like this?!

Wow! Weddings everywhere! Congrats to the happy couples. I wasn't expecting Toni and Andre to tie the knot so soon - I guess they couldn't wait any longer, eh? Bring on those cute babies!

Toni is a riot! Striking her pose in the middle of the chapel - that was too funny. And she is just stunning! She is such a pretty sim.

Oh boy. I know that wasn't easy for Marco to skip the wedding, but I don't blame him. I wouldn't be able to look at Carolyn, either. It's sad that he had to miss such an important event because of personal problems.

Astral Faery wrote:

Wow! Weddings everywhere! Congrats to the happy couples. I wasn't expecting Toni and Andre to tie the knot so soon - I guess they couldn't wait any longer, eh? Bring on those cute babies!

You noticed?! Well done! Actually my telling of their romance was a bit out of sync with the Carolyn-Marco saga. Their meeting actually occurred prior to Carolyn and Marco's big night together. I was just on a roll with their story at the time, and tossed in the 'meanwhile' in the middle of the subsequent drama.

Remember I showed pix of a few dates between Toni and Andre...those actually took place over a period of months. With that said, by my calculations though from meeting to marriage took less than a year.

Truthfully if I got hold of a morsel like that in RL, I'd be snapping him up quickly too!

You know how particular I am about chronology! I'm impressed that you noticed. Well done!

Astral Faery wrote:

Toni is a riot! Striking her pose in the middle of the chapel - that was too funny. And she is just stunning! She is such a pretty sim.

Astral Faery wrote:

I know that wasn't easy for Marco to skip the wedding, but I don't blame him. I wouldn't be able to look at Carolyn, either. It's sad that he had to miss such an important event because of personal problems.

Toni wrote:

Here're some happy pictures to hopefully cheer you guys up. Okay...maybe not so happy for poor Marco, but...

Toni wrote:

Ok...maybe that is a little sad.

Toni wrote:

But maybe a little Sim-Toni humor will help. I was setting up the wedding, and noticed Ms Bride-to-be striking a serious pose! This is not a pose box, this is Ms Toni doing this all on her own! I love it!

Toni wrote:

I mean, these two have great genes! Look at Andre's sisters Maddie and Ophelia!

Toni wrote:

Like what kind of fiend is manipulating him like this?!

Gee, I wonder...

Autumnelle wrote:

Toni wrote:

Like what kind of fiend is manipulating him like this?!

Gee, I wonder...

I totally love this little dude! Ha haaaaaaa! Great smilie Elle! Tee hee!

Time to get our minds off Marco's searing heartbreak for a while! Picture spam ahead!

My Sim-self's new father-in-law, Movie Star/Director Ivan Stovic bought that house in the earlier shots that I said I liked, for the newlyweds as a wedding gift. In the previous shots it was the house with the green-ish siding and cool pool area.

I decided I wanted something more stately...so went with white stucco (Sim Toni's new husband is a preservation architect...he specializes in restoring older buildings etc).

I also rearranged the inside which led me to change the positioning of the front steps. Originally they were off to the right. Bear in mind this is a re-do of the Pleasant house, which has the front door tucked to the right...so my first version of this house was based on that.

I had absolutely no idea what I wanted the inside to look like, but I've been hankering to use Ulli's gorgeous Madero recolour...and so put it on a plain white livingroom wall, and designed the room and the main foyer around it.

And this is what I got. Real-Toni is so ready to move in!