purrs-and-pixels

[purrs-and-pixels]

McAuley Family | Round 18 | 3/3

Day 5 - Just a chill Friday ^^

It looks like Calvin is having a hard time coping with Nacho’s death. He’s sitting next to Nacho’s favorite spot, writing in his journal. It seems like he’s processing the fact that Nacho is really gone.

Rosalyn, on the other hand, has been taking care of the meals all on her own lately. Maybe she’s distracting herself by being overprotective and losing herself in household chores? Good thing she’s at least leaving the neighbors’ garden gnomes alone.

More about the family below the cut. :3

Just a random call from the headmaster of the private school Rosalyn never attended and never will. No idea why they’re even in contact.

It’s not like the bed is right behind Ethel, but okay. At least the household is having a quiet Friday… and still manages to be exhausted.

Kinda cute, though! Too bad Daisy only has such a small cage. :/

It’s starting to get a little concerning. I could just sell the bathtub, but I still haven’t done it. :D Maybe this is Lewis way of coping with Nacho’s death by using the bathtub where the dog was always washed? On some weird level, is this his attempt to feel close to him?

Time to read up on what’s wrong with him.... just kidding. Lewis just needs one mechanical skill point, but Ethel won’t let him take the sink apart.

Working with kids is tough, but Calvin loves it anyway. He even brought home a promotion! He really seems to be made for this job. (Even if he mostly comes home smelling awful.) :D

That’s it for day 5! Of course, the bathtub had to break.. now it’s a mess, just like the garden. But Lewis can handle it. At least I’ll have a nice surprise waiting for me when I get back.

The McAuley family is one of those I don’t really enjoy playing as much, but ever since I had the idea of Calvin opening a bowling alley and running a bowling club on the side, things got a lot more interesting.

The same goes for Rosalyn and her passion for stealing garden gnomes. I’m not sure what her future will look like, but it’s bound to be entertaining!

I just don’t know what to do with Ethel and Lewis yet. Guess I’ll see where things go. Too bad Nacho isn’t around anymore. :/

[purrs-and-pixels]

McAuley Family | Round 18 | 2/3

Day 3|4

Actually, the bathtub is meant for dogs, but Lewis doesn’t seem to mind. He doesn’t seem to mind being naked outside either. :D

More about the family below the cut. :3

I can't believe so much drama happened within half a day. Veda caught her boyfriend cheating, but instead of staying single for a bit, she practically jumped straight into the next relationship with Calvin – who, to be fair, she already had way better chemistry with anyway.

Is it Calvin's birthday today? Yes.

Does that mean they've effectively only been together for a few hours? Maybe.

(I checked out his personality, and somehow, I think it would be really cool if he ran a small bowling club + bowling alley?)

Calvin is all grown up! I have no idea what story I’ll play out for him yet, but we’ll see. He still has eyes for Veda... maybe he’ll continue the Andersen family with her.

I just don’t ask anymore. Apparently, Sims at parties are absolutely crazy about taking a bath no matter where they are or if kids are around. (Could it be that I have a mod that makes Sims shameless? I’ve lost track of it)

What the hell, Ethel? Just ewww.

Aww, look who’s coming to visit!

Rosalyn is taking such loving care of her little baby, Daisy! I’m curious how old she’ll get—after all, these creatures don’t have a natural lifespan and survive everything… except not being fed. :D

Calvin is getting ready for work! He actually wants to be a chef, but since no one is hiring right now, he’s making money as a babysitter for the time being. Apparently, he’s pretty good at it! Maybe he’ll stick with this career path for a while until he figures out what he really wants to do. Maybe even start that bowling club?

And that’s it for days 3 and 4!

[purrs-and-pixels]

McAuley Family | Round 18 | 1/3

Day 2

The first day after the house was "finished" (though it's still half unfurnished), and the whole family got a makeover. Let's go!

First breakfast together in the new kitchen! Even Nacho wants a bite, but I'm not sure if burnt pancakes are a good idea for the little rascal. :D

Rosalyn completely messed up her attempt at cooking, and now the whole family has to suffer. But apparently, no one seems to mind. Meanwhile, Nacho isn't just begging for food he also desperately needs a bath. The little stinker is long overdue for some scrubbing!

More about the family below the cut. :3

Now Rosalyn has finally noticed it too, Nacho must have been a bit neglected during the move… or maybe he wandered off somewhere he definitely shouldn’t have.

But first, a treat for all the hardships the poor pup has been through. Such a little trooper!

Ethel is incredibly proud of her daughter! Even though Rosalyn completely messed up the meal, for Ethel, it’s the thought and effort that truly matter. Cooking can always be learned, after all.

Rosalyn lay down for a quick nap, she's got a big day ahead! As a talkative and social Sim, she plans to visit the local teen hangout and meet some new Sims. Maybe she'll even find someone who catches her interest?

It's so lovely to see that the love and happiness between them remain strong. No cheating, no fights—just pure love and harmony.

The old Beaker site quickly became a hotspot for teenagers. After all, where do young people love to gather the most? Exactly! At the most dangerous places in town! And what could be more thrilling than an abandoned site right next to a UFO crash zone?

Rumor has it that the area was once a secret laboratory owned by the Beaker family, where mysterious experiments were conducted on Sims. But one day, everything changed: A UFO crashed, obliterating the entire facility and leaving behind nothing but rubble, metallic wreckage of extraterrestrial origin, and an eerie, mysterious atmosphere.

Today, countless stories surround this place. Is it cursed? Are there still traces of the old experiments? Or is there something lurking in the ruins that is better left undiscovered? For young Sims, it's a paradise, a place filled with adventure, legends, and spine-chilling moments.

Right here, Rosalyn actually gets to know a few Sims! Even Frankylyn is here, despite the fact that he usually doesn’t like going out. Did Betsy maybe pressure him into coming along? Who knows but it doesn’t really matter.

What does matter is that Rosalyn is absolutely smitten with him! Could this turn into something more someday? Only time will tell!

The little gaming corner is a big hit! Even if everyone is mostly just there for the snacks.

Rosalyn is trying to get closer to Franklyn, but he either doesn’t realize it or just can’t comprehend that she finds him very intriguing. At least they’re getting to know each other, slowly but surely.

Unfortunately, while Rosalyn is away, something heartbreaking happens… Nacho’s time has come, and Grimmy pays a visit. It’s so sad to say goodbye to the little rascal… Rest in peace, Nacho.

I think Calvin could really use a hug after losing Nacho. It’s never easy saying goodbye to a beloved pet…

Unfortunately, Nacho didn’t get a resting place in the garden, but his little urn now sits in the hallway, where everyone can see and remember him.

And with that, the day comes to an end. While Ethel dozes off in the rocking chair, the rest of the family gets ready for bed. What a day, seriously!

[purrs-and-pixels]

The McAuley Family (Strangetown)

Attention, long text ahead – I’m sharing a detailed account of past experiences.

If you’re interested in reading a long story, you’re in the right place. The introductions will probably be this long only because I have so much to share. After that, it’ll mostly be pictures with short captions over time.

The McAuley Family: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Second Chances

What happens when three brothers with vastly different views on love and commitment move to Strangetown? For Quinten McAuley, settling down and starting a family was the dream—but love doesn’t always go as planned. A devastating betrayal shattered his world, forcing him to rebuild from the ground up.

From forbidden romances to new beginnings, from heartbreak to happiness, the McAuley family’s journey is filled with drama, unexpected twists, and unforgettable characters. And with the next generation coming of age, who knows what the future holds?

Curious to dive into their story? Keep reading!

The Story of the McAuley Family

Two years ago, when I first met the McAuley family, it consisted of three adult brothers: Johnson, Cooper, and Quinten McAuley. While Johnson and Cooper embraced a carefree, unattached lifestyle, Quinten longed for something more—he wanted to find a wife, settle down, and start a family. The brothers had recently moved to Strangetown, living together in a small apartment with few social connections beyond their neighbors.

One day, Quinten brought home a woman: Lilly Kowalski. She was stunning and, as he soon discovered, already a mother of three—one teenage daughter and two young twins. Despite the challenges this entailed, Quinten was convinced that he had found "the one." He dreamed of having children of his own but was fully prepared to take Lilly’s kids under his wing and raise them as his own.

Quinten never quite understood his brothers' lifestyle. Despite their close bond, he found their ever-changing romances, occasional flings with the same partners, and general disregard for commitment completely foreign. But that didn’t matter—he had found Lilly, and she was all he wanted.

What Quinten didn’t know, however, was that Lilly wasn’t the settling-down type.A true Romance Sim at heart, she had little interest in commitment. The more serious things became with Quinten, the more restless she felt. At first, she suppressed these feelings—but eventually, she started seeking excitement elsewhere.

And so, she found it—with Johnson.

She knew he wasn’t looking for anything serious, which was exactly what she wanted. The fact that she was betraying Quinten didn’t bother her in the slightest. Their affair continued for a long time, right under Quinten’s nose, without him suspecting a thing.

Eventually, Quinten made a big decision—he was going to propose.After a romantic dinner at an upscale restaurant, he got down on one knee and asked Lilly to marry him. At first, she panicked—but then she saw the advantages. A marriage to Quinten would provide financial stability, a loving father for her children, and the comfort of being a housewife while keeping her romantic escapades discreet.

But fate had other plans.

One day, Quinten unexpectedly came home early from work—only to catch Johnson and Lilly in the act. Devastated, he immediately broke off the engagement and kicked them both out of the apartment. Johnson, unfazed, moved in with Lilly into a shared house filled with other Romance Sims, while Quinten spiraled into heartbreak. Cooper, however, remained by his side, helping him through his pain.

A Fresh Start

With time, Quinten began to heal. He started talking more with his neighbor, Renee, someone he had known since moving in but never really connected with before. To his surprise, they shared similar values and dreams. What started as casual conversations soon turned into something deeper, and before long, they had fallen in love.

Quinten and Renee moved into a house of their own, got married, and finally built the family Quinten had always wanted. Before long, their twin children, Ethel and Archie, were born.

Though they were never wealthy, they were happy. Their home was modest but felt spacious compared to what they were used to. Money was always tight, but they had everything they had ever dreamed of.

The Next Generation

Years passed, and Ethel and Archie grew up. Ethel chose to stay at home to care for her aging parents, while Archie moved out to start a new life with his great love, Bria Grunt. The two had a child together—but that’s a story for another time.

Ethel, on the other hand, fell for Lewis. Interestingly, she originally had her eyes on his brother, Lester, but he showed no interest in her. So, she turned to Lewis instead. Although he had been her second choice at first, their relationship turned out to be stable and harmonious.

After their wedding, their first child, Calvin, was born—a curious little boy with an undeniable love for all things messy. Not long after, they welcomed their daughter, Rosalyn, a sweet girl with a rather peculiar hobby: she simply couldn’t resist sneaking out at night to steal garden gnomes from the neighbors’ yards. Thanks to her charming personality, no one ever suspected that she was the one behind the mysterious disappearances. She carefully hid her growing collection in her room, where no one could find it.

What Comes Next?

Today, Calvin and Rosalyn are teenagers, ready to carve their own paths in life. What adventures await them? Only time will tell…

Thank you so much for reading!

[purrs-and-pixels]

Young Family | Round 18 | 3/3

Day 5

Ember and Hexe are getting to know each other—they’re just so incredibly cute. The Young family is already smitten with the two of them!

So tiny! The bed is way too big for Hexe :D

More about the family below the cut.

Franklyn’s first morning as a teenager is off to a great start! Today is his first day of school as a teenager. I’m curious to see if he meets anyone new. As a neurotic Sim, Franklyn doesn’t really like leaving the house, so this could be a good opportunity for him to make some friends.…which he didn’t really have as a child.

And here’s the second baby bump!

Jordan may not like animals in general, but it seems to be a different story with his own pets. :D Especially dogs

Franklyn actually met someone! Betsy even caught his eye, but unfortunately, she’s only into women. Of course, Franklyn respects that, but he still hopes to keep Betsy as his best friend. The two of them get along incredibly well.

What a eventful day! Franklyn is winding down for the evening, while Jordan is learning to sing with his mom. Though, it looks like Maizie is enjoying it more than Jordan.

I'm so excited to see what the new baby will look like! Mostly, though, I’m wondering how I’ll make space for them—but that’s a problem for future me.

Samuel and Kana are celebrating their time together by dancing every evening. This relationship is going much better than their first attempt.

And so, the last day of this round comes to an end. Next time I play this family, the new baby will be born. Jordan has mastered all his toddler skills, two new pets have been adopted, Franklyn has grown up and has made a new friend, and Kana and Samuel are considering moving out to make room for the new arrival—they even got engaged! All in all, it’s been an eventful round!

This round was really enjoyable, which is surprising since I always found the Young family a bit boring before. But I’ve adjusted my playstyle since the last round, and it’s really working out well. I’m already looking forward to next time!

[purrs-and-pixels]

Young Family | Round 18 | 2/3

Day 3/4:

Yoshi’s time with the family was nearly over. Since it was his last day on Earth, they wanted to make the most of it—and that, of course, included one final bath

Of course, I ended up missing his passing. I thought I had a mod that delayed pets’ aging until 6 PM, but apparently not. I placed his grave in the garden, along with his favorite toy. Rest in peace, little man.

More about the family below the cut

Even though the family was grieving, life had to go on. Jordan had been practicing walking for a while, but progress was slow. Thankfully, he had Grandma Kana, who practiced with him daily whenever Mama Maizie wasn’t feeling well.

Franklyn has a passion for baking, though he’s not very good at it yet. One day, he’s sure to become a master baker

Oh no, could Maizie have brought something (or someone) back with her when she was abducted by aliens?

Yes, she did. The first baby bump is showing—I can’t wait to meet this little one!

The mood in the house is great—everyone seems excited about the baby. Nobody seems to realize, though, that there’s absolutely no space left.

It seems today is family day in the kitchen. Jordan is supposed to practice walking again, but he doesn’t really feel like it. There’s also a birthday celebration—Franklyn is becoming a teen today, and the preparations are already in full swing

I love this shot—it’s the only angle that doesn’t reveal the total chaos. I revamped my downloads folder, and you can definitely tell by looking at the guests.

What a sight. Absolutely beautiful

Why is everyone wearing weird outfits, glitchy items, or just standing around in their underwear/swimwear? Is this how birthdays are celebrated nowadays?

To celebrate the occasion, the family adopted two more babies—a puppy named Ember and a kitten named Hexe. I love how Franklyn’s expression while cuddling the kitten is just as cursed as the Specter Manor in the background.

And with that, days 3 and 4 come to an end. ^^

[purrs-and-pixels]

Young Family | Round 18 | 1/3

Day 2 - Little Jordan has discovered just how fluffy Yoshi is. While he doesn’t show a particularly strong interest in animals, perhaps he just needed something to cuddle. At his young age, Jordan already has the traits Computer Whiz and Eccentric. Who knows what the future holds for him?

More about the family below the cut.

Luckily, he can’t pull on the plant :D

It seems Yoshi is quite curious about what Jordan is up to. Or maybe he’s disgusted by his bed and wondering who made it dirty—perhaps Jordan?

Now that Kana is retired, she has plenty of time to spend with her grandchildren. It didn’t take long for her to bond with Jordan, even though he’s only been there for a few days. Franklyn, on the other hand, prefers to keep his distance—for now. He’s still unsure about the new addition to the family and would rather watch from afar.

In the evening, Kana and Samuel had a date in their own backyard. The atmosphere was so perfect that Kana seized the moment and proposed to Samuel. At first, Samuel was hesitant—he hadn’t really planned on marrying Kana again. However, when she assured him that he could still see other Sims on the side, he said yes.

Meanwhile, Maizie was simply trying to improve her logic skills, but it seems she ended up being abducted instead. (Of course, I didn’t catch it happening, but it was more than obvious)

Franklyn and Jordan are slowly starting to bond

And with that, day two comes to an end ^^

[purrs-and-pixels]

The Young Family (Strangetown)

Attention, long text ahead – I'm sharing a detailed account of past experiences.

If you're interested in reading a long story, you're in the right place. The introductions will probably be this long only because I have so much to share. After that, it'll mostly be pictures with short captions over time.

The Young Family: A Tale of Drama, Love, and Resilience

Four siblings, orphaned after a tragic accident, set out on vastly different paths in life. Trista, the eldest, embraced a carefree lifestyle, while Barbara, David, and Kana dreamed of building big, happy families. From whirlwind romances to cramped apartments bursting with children, each sibling's journey unfolded in unique ways.

Kana, the youngest, became the heart of the family, navigating love, betrayal, and single parenthood after a tumultuous marriage to the unfaithful Samuel. Meanwhile, her daughter Maizie faced her own struggles, eventually finding love with the much older Lutz, only to lose him too soon. Through heartbreak, resilience, and unexpected second chances, the Young family continues to grow and evolve, weaving a tapestry of joy and sorrow in Strangetown.

Ready to dive into their full story? Keep reading to follow their journey!

When I first started with the Young family two years ago, it consisted of four siblings who had tragically lost their parents in an accident. The oldest was Trista, followed by the twins Barbara and David, and finally the youngest, Kana. (All of them were originally Townies.)

While Trista was more interested in woohooing as many Sims as possible, her siblings shared a dream of building happy, loving families. Barbara led the way by marrying her teenage sweetheart, Tina Howe (another Townie). The couple moved into a cramped apartment and adopted a child, kicking off their journey toward happiness.

David wasn’t far behind. Shortly after becoming an adult, he met Trista Shaw, and the two quickly tied the knot. They moved into an equally tiny apartment—right next to Barbara and Tina—and soon their family expanded rapidly. They had one baby after another until their home, now filled with five Sims, was bursting at the seams.

Kana: The Last Young Standing As the youngest sibling, Kana inherited the Young family name. She remained in the family home as a teenager, long after her siblings had moved out and started their own lives. (Admittedly, this was a bit unfair on her, but I enjoy a good challenge!)

During her teenage years, Kana met her future husband, Samuel Kowalski, and fell for him hard. Unfortunately, she was unaware of Samuel’s unfaithful tendencies—he had several other romances on the side.

After graduating high school and becoming an adult, Kana invited the already-grown Samuel to move into the Young estate. Not long after, she discovered she was pregnant. Kana had hoped to follow the path of her siblings by marrying first and then starting a family, but life had other plans for her.

When she learned of her pregnancy, Kana was determined to get married before the baby was born. Shortly afterward, Maizie was welcomed into the world, bringing Kana immense joy. Even Samuel stepped up, investing time in his daughter’s life—though he still pursued woohoo with other Sims.

A Family Shattered When Maizie became a child, the inevitable happened. At a wedding, Samuel grew a bit too close with an old flame in front of Kana’s eyes. Furious and heartbroken, Kana decided to end their marriage—a choice that turned out to be the best thing she could have done.

Samuel moved out and began an unsettled lifestyle, bouncing between households and sleeping on couches until he eventually joined a shared home where he was the oldest resident by far. Kana and Maizie were left to fend for themselves. Though Samuel visited his daughter occasionally, Kana’s hostility toward him during these visits eventually led him to stop coming altogether.

Kana's New Life Kana embraced her newfound independence by exploring the world of woohoo. She didn’t hold back, rekindling an old flame with her high school crush—and Samuel’s sister—Vicky Kowalski, among other romantic pursuits with both men and women.

Maizie’s Struggles Maizie, on the other hand, faced significant challenges in her love life. She spent most of her adult years single, despite longing for a family. Forced to focus on her career, she was close to giving up on finding her perfect partner when she met Lutz Fuchs (known as Lazlo Curious in the English version of the game) at work.

Lutz, a widower, was much older than Maizie but was open to love and remarriage. Despite the age gap—Maizie wasn’t even halfway through her lifespan—they fell in love and got married. Lutz already had an adult son and grandchildren, but the couple was blessed with a new baby, Franklyn, who was the spitting image of his mother.

Tragically, shortly after Franklyn aged into a child, Lutz passed away due to old age, leaving Maizie and her son behind.

A New Chapter for Kana and Samuel Meanwhile, Kana and Samuel, now elders themselves, found their way back to each other. Despite the pain Samuel had caused her, Kana offered him a place back in the family home after his shared living arrangement ended. Kana had made peace with her past and decided to focus on what made her happy: having Samuel by her side while still enjoying romantic flings with other Sims.

Maizie’s New Journey Maizie, however, was left devastated by the loss of her husband. The pain grew even deeper as Maizie and Lutz had decided shortly before his death to try for another child—a wish that ultimately went unfulfilled. The fact that this dream was now forever out of reach made her loss even harder to bear. After a period of mourning, Maizie resolved to focus entirely on raising Franklyn and not to seek out another partner.

Still, her desire for a second child lingered. Eventually, she decided to adopt, bringing little Jordan—a toddler who looked strikingly like a blend of Maizie and Lutz—into their lives.

Thank you so much for reading this far! :D

[purrs-and-pixels]

Hello to whoever stumbles upon this page!

My name is Johanna, and I’m from Germany. I’d love to tell you to call me by a nickname, but, well, I don’t really have one. :) Okay, technically, I do but "Jojo" isn’t my favorite, "Yolo" is what my friends call me (long story), and my closest friends call me "Steve" (don’t ask, lol). I think I can live with "JJ" though.

This is a side blog I created mainly to upload gameplay pictures. My goal is to create a kind of small, "personal" online diary for my Sims families, one that others are welcome to read and enjoy. I know there’s an in-game journaling feature, but I’m not a fan of it.

I don’t usually take many pictures, but I’ve been playing my current favorite save file for nearly two years now. I’m on the 5th generation, and it’s frustrating that I can only remember what’s happened but can’t look back at pictures or read the stories behind them. I’m sure I’ve already forgotten so much.

I also have a downloads page if you’d like to take a look: Mewlancholy

If you have any questions, feel free to ask I’m absolutely WCIF-friendly!