#Opulent Haus

[honeytoffee]

This is Erik energy for sure! 😂

(product by Opulent Haus Co.)

[the-loveliest-lotus]

Kloktober 2023: Day 3 - Mordhaus Costume Ball

I have had the intrusive thought of Vater Orlaag dressed as Black Beard loosely based off of the version of Black Beard from Our Flag Means Death for two or three weeks now. This is probably rated about Teen and as usual includes my OC Lucy. 1,711 words below the cut. <3 Also wanted to mention that Charles' costume description was inspired by this post by @chordsykat

“Master, you’re certain that I’m the best choice for this?”

“Out of anyone here, you’re the best at masking yourself.” At least, he was the best at it other than Salacia, but Salacia couldn't exactly go to the Ball even disguised, the Dead Man would recognize him immediately.

Vater Orlaag nodded, but internally he felt the equivalent of a long-suffering sigh.

~~~~~

The Mordhaus Costume Ball was, in a word, opulent. The room that the band typically used to put on performances for new Klokateers was cleared out and decorated with Victorian Gothic décor, and they were calling it the “Mask of the Red Deth” Costume Ball. It was mostly other celebrities who had been invited, metal musicians and musicians that the band had simply met with throughout the years, but there were also some actors milling about and a few high-ranking Klokateers who were in attendance as guests, a reward for their service to the band.

Everyone in the band was dressed to the nines: Nathan was wearing a black ruffled shirt and leather pants that tied rather than buttoned up. His mask was a leather skull in metallic gold. Murderface wore something more period accurate for nobility that had actually made him feel attractive when he looked in the mirror, a black and red mask complimenting the outfit. Toki wore something that looked almost like a dark Viking outfit in blacks and greens with a mask that had long golden horns as part of it. Skwisgaar looked elf-like, opting for a more androgynous costume in whites and golds, and accented with silver elf ear jewelry combined with a wire wrapped mask.

Pickles looked, in a word, stunning. His dreads were up, and he was wearing tight leather pants, knee high boots, and a black shirt underneath a black and red leather trench coat with pointed shoulders. His mask looked like a black and red skull, emphasizing the theme of the Ball. Lucy was in a corseted black and blood red ball gown with spider web mesh sleeves and a traditional French style corset top, straight lined at the top allowing for what most would consider a minor wardrobe malfunction, something that she had convinced Charles to allow her to get away with because she was “in her own damned ‘haus and the French used to do this as a fashion statement.” He had only agreed because the look genuinely was elegant, if not distracting. The front of the skirt only just covered her, showing off the same spider print mesh on her legs, and the back of the gown trailed slightly. She held a fan in her hand all night, and her leather mask was an intricate black cat with red, silver and gold detailing, matching the elegant collar that she was wearing with rose details tooled into the leather. Her hair was down, but there were two braids that started near her forehead and met and the back of her head like a crown, her bright rainbow hair juxtaposed with her outfit, yet somehow meshing with it perfectly.

Dick was wearing something that could be better characterized as steampunk than anything else, playing up his cybernetic eyes almost as though they were part of his mask. Even Charles was dressed up, his outfit featuring a sleek black corset that emphasized his form and a mask that looked oddly like a darker version of Facebones.

The party was in full swing, and everyone was in bright spirits, mingling, dancing, and socializing. Lucy was having a relatively in-depth conversation with Pickles, when he walked into the room. Lucy happened to glance over at the door just as he was coming in, her hand stopping mid-fan. She lost any semblance of what her best friend was saying in that moment, her eyes drinking the man in. His mask was simple black leather, only covering around his piercing blue eyes that looked like they had thick black eyeliner around them. His long, flowing wavy hair and beard were midnight black, almost as though he had dyed it just for the event, and it looked as though there was smoke coming out of the intricate braids on his beard that were curled outward. The outfit that he wore was entirely made of leather, tight leather pants hugging thick, strong thighs that left nothing to the imagination, a leather jacket that was missing one arm revealing an arm that was toned and strong, leather half gloves, and several belts, one of which had a holster with a dagger in it. He must have stood at almost 7 feet tall and he was buzzing with an intense energy.

Lucy was so busy ogling the man that she hadn’t noticed that Pickles had followed her gaze and had gone silent, now ogling him himself. “Holy shit, dood. Look, I know ya gaht first dibs, but if ya strike out er if he’s down fer a little Double Trouble, come get me, ahlreet? Fuck.”

Lucy nodded, not taking her eyes off of him. “Yeah. Gods, that’d be hot… Who the fuck is he?”

“I don’t know, but if ya don’t get over there, someone else will.”

She was already turning to start walking over to him, “You sure you don’t mind if-“

“Luce, that someone else is gahnna be me in about 5 seconds, go.”

Pickles did not need to tell Lucy twice. She was walking at a speed that indicated any semblance of dignity and restraint had already gone out the window. When she got closer, she made sure to walk with a confident stride, walking right up to him with a wicked little grin on her face.

Vater had seen her walk over, and was currently doing his absolute best not to openly stare at her chest. It didn't help in the slightest that he had an irritating attraction to this woman since the first day that she popped up on the Tribunal's giant screen during a meeting. He didn’t want to allow himself to get distracted, but part of the success of his mission of getting the information that Salacia had wanted was blending in, and that meant social pleasantries. Even still, he was hoping that she wouldn’t prove to be too much of a distraction.

Lucy stopped in front of him, her eyes full of Devilish promise and offering her hand to shake his. “I couldn’t help but notice you coming in from across the room and I had to come over to compliment your costume and introduce myself.”

He didn’t get where he was without knowing how to be charming, so when she offered her hand, Vater took it and brought it to his lips, kissing it and nibbling the knuckle slightly all while looking her in the eyes with a gaze that could have been hypnotic. Lucy bit her lip and visibly shivered, her pupils dilating from the sheer intensity of the moment, making him grin at her reaction. “Your costume choice is rather stunning as well.”

"Holy sweet Jesus, his voice." She had the thought that he could read her the period table of elements and she'd still listen without complaint. Lucy blushed and stepped in a little closer to him, reaching out and running her hand slowly and deliberately down his exposed forearm, “Why don’t we go get a drink and chat, maybe get to know each other before I inevitably drag you out of here with me?”

He chuckled darkly. She was wonderfully brazen. Perhaps he could find all the information that Salacia had needed from her. There was some distant part of his mind telling him that he was lying to himself and not to allow himself to get distracted by the slip of a woman, but that part was being loudly drowned out by the warmth of her body now very close to him and the sound of her sultry laughter.

The two of them talked for a while, Vater finding out absolutely nothing that Salacia needed and forgetting about the mission entirely after about two minutes of being in her presence.

When she finally officially invited him back to her room, Lucy raised a playful eyebrow at him, “What’s the chance you swing both ways?”

He looked at her inquisitively, and then saw her look over at Pickles, following her gaze. The Drummer was in rare form tonight, the man cleaned up well. It certainly wouldn’t be Vater’s first time with a man. There was a predatory smile on his face that made Lucy’s pupils dilate and her body shiver. From across the room, Pickles glanced up at the two of them, and seeing the look on the tall man’s face it was a wonder that he didn’t bolt across the room at them.

Pickles had a cocky smirk on his face as he approached them, walking straight up to Vater with an unholy amount of confidence, “Well, hey d’ere, tall, dark, an’ dangerous. Yah ready fer a little Double Trouble?”

There was a dark little chuckle that had Lucy and Pickles weak in the knees as the three of them walked out, one of them to each of his arms, barely making it to Lucy’s room and not coming out until sometime the next afternoon. Lucy and Pickles practically limped down to the kitchen, using each other to keep themselves upright, grinning like idiots, and Vater left with two phone numbers and very insistent “call me’s” and “get home safe’s” from the two of them.

~~~~~

When Vater arrived back at the bunker, he went immediately to see Salacia, knowing that he was hours late for the previously planned private debriefing. He was still in costume and looked as though he had got no sleep.

“What did you manage to find out?” Salacia asked him, already having the needling feeling that the mission had been a failure.

Vater looked at him, wondering if he could bullshit his way through the fact that the mission itself had failed before it started. “I was able to determine that the band can be… very persuasive… when they want to be Master.” He kept the fact that he now had two of their phone numbers to himself.

Salacia eyed the love bites on his servant’s neck and scowled.

Bonus vibe:

[readingrobin]

June was the beginning of summer reading and man did I come out swinging. If you've been following me for a while, you know that summer reading is a BFD at my work and we have a competition between departments to see who can read the most. The winning department is awarded a 3D printed trophy of a pineapple to store in their office for the rest of the year. My department hasn't won since I switched roles in the library, but really that does not do anything to hurt my competitive nature. I'm a little bit behind where I want to be in my goal towards a specific point total, but it won't be hard to catch up. Gotta give Youth Services a run for their money.

Total Books Reads: 14

Total Pages Read: 5,608

Books Read:

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz (4/5) - An undeniably sweet, charming, hilarious love story that really puts you in the mood for a toasty grilled cheese. Seriously, I must have had three separate cravings while reading this comic. Each character has such a lovable personality, from Camembert's at times clueless, yet endearing nature, to Brie's sweetness and passion for her causes. They work well as a duo, their personalities a true compliment to each other. 

The artwork is absolutely stunning, especially when to comes to the outfits. It gave me flashbacks to The Prince and the Dressmaker in how articulate and gorgeous they could be. Brie's commitment to pink really makes each one of her wardrobes leap off the page, and, again, brings a great balance when seen with Cam's deeper palettes. 

I somewhat like the anachronistic aspect of the story, that you have traditional depictions of the monarchy with lavish balls and opulence that you would expect out of a fairy tale, and then someone would literally be playing with a Nintendo Switch in the next scene. It plays with the theme of steering away from tradition, depicting more contemporary, progressive-minded characters in a world that still holds onto the aesthetics of the past. 

The Bloody Chamber: And Other Stories by Angela Carter (4.5/5) - Review

The Coyote Road: Trickster Tales edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling (3.5/5) - Trickster tales are my bread and butter: Coyote, Hermes, Loki, Crow, Anansi, each one so varied in their mischief but share a great chaotic force. This archetype has always fascinated me, particularly in how involved they are in humanity, whether that means taking an active role in a creation myth or imparting some wisdom that helps humankind develop in a world that is always in flux. This anthology sports many of these figures, as well as some original ones, and mostly gets its job done of portraying various tricksy individuals.

Like any anthology, it had its hits and its misses. My favorite was "The Fiddler of Bayou Teche" by Delia Sherman. The atmosphere of this particular story really stood out amongst the rest, as well as the voice of the narrator, who has a Cajun vernacular that sucks you even more into the setting. The inclusion of the loup garou also is a massive plus for me. Always a sucker for werewolves am I.

Other stories I enjoyed were "One Odd Shoe," "The Listeners," "Crow Roads," "A Reversal of Fortune," and "Black Rock Blues." Probably a bit of a sign that, out of 26 stories, I only resonated with a small fraction of them, but that's just how it goes. I was definitely thinking by the end that the anthology felt a bit too weighty, or perhaps I was trying to read too much in one go. A lot of the more middling stories were unfortunately stuck in the second half, so by the end it felt a little bit more of a chore to get through.

Burning Down the Haus: Punk Rock, Revolution and the Fall of the Berlin Wall by Tim Mohr (3/5) - An interesting snapshot in history of the punk movement during the time of the Berlin Wall. The author makes the bold claim that the punk presence was a cause for the fall of the wall when he doesn't really say anything to back that information up. The book mainly talks about specific people within the punk community and the challenge of trying to live a subversive lifestyle when going against the status quo could get you arrested. The journeys of some of the people were very engaging, though some did seem more fleshed out than others and many didn't get much of a resolution. I would have loved to have read some retrospectives from some of the people in the community, as it seemed that the author was in contact with them, just to get a wider scope of their stories.

Squire and Knight Vol. 1 by Scott Chantler (4/5) - A charming, funny graphic novel that champions the thought of books over brawn, shown through a young squire saving the day by using his intelligence and reason to get to the bottom of a cursed town. The art of the comic is wonderfully fall-like, the author sticking to a palette of muted oranges, yellows, blacks, and greys that also give it a distinct medieval vibe. Definitely a worthwhile quick read if you like a bit of mystery and humor with your quest narratives.

Also there's a cool looking dragon in it, which should be enough for anyone to read anything really.

Spindle's End by Robin McKinley (4/5) - Robin McKinley has such a fine way of transforming ages old stories and making them more vibrant and engaging for a modern audience. Given how passive Sleeping Beauty is in her own fairy tale at times, McKinley does a phenomenal job of making Rosie a very active agent in her own story in this retelling. Her stubborn, determined, and no nonsense attitude had an odd way of making her endlessly endearing and her rise to action in the climax, as well as her sacrifices, solidified her as a strong, layered character.

The world is so mischievously magical, to the point where fish are a myth and, if you let your kettles unattended, the magic dust settling over them may lead to a surprise of snakes in the pot. McKinley's descriptive style only adds to the mysterious wonder of this land, not making it too difficult to feel yourself instantly transported within its pages.

Since I am a big fan of female friendships that are polar opposites, like the rough and tumble Rosie and the beautiful, princess-like Peony, it's always a shame when those relationships fall second place behind the romantic interests that have all the appeal of drying plaster.  Also, how old exactly is Narl? He's already a smith by the time Rosie is a baby and she develops feelings for him by the time she's 16 having known him her whole life. I have no idea why large age gap romances with emotionally distant men are such a trend in fantasy but I really I think we've had enough of them. 

Other than that, this was a stand out read for me, which is a welcome surprise since I found her other work, like Beauty and The Outlaws of Sherwood to be a bit middling. 

Violet and Jobie in the Wild by Lynne Rae Perkins (3/5) - Read this book as it is my library's book of the summer for this year. It's a simple, sweet story that deals with adapting to new situations shown through two house mice suddenly finding themselves living in the wild. Since the story stuck mostly to lighthearted adventure, I was surprised by its somewhat bittersweet ending. It was a little more mature that what I usually expect out of stories like this, saying that sometimes people drift away from who they love to get where they need to be, and that's all right. The memory of them is what keeps that love alive and I thought that was a sweet sentiment to end on.

The Secrets of Chocolate: A Gourmand's Trip through a Top Chef's Atelier by Franckie Alarcon (2.5/5) - Has some great insight into the process of chocolate making, as well as some scrumptious illustrations that really had me craving some chocolate afterwards. It was a so so reading experience and I mainly read it to fill a category for summer reading, so I can't really give it too high a rating.

The Sandman: Act III by Neil Gaiman (5/5) - Another gorgeous installment in the Sandman Audible series. Seeing as this one collections the Orpheus story, it has some wonderful, beautiful, and melancholic music to it. The full cast brings each character to life and I continue to be impressed at how truly immersive this series is as an audiobook.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston (4/5) - Romances aren't usually my kind of thing, but when you mix in the qualms of a struggling author with ghostly shenanigans, then that makes a title a little more enticing. It also helps that the story focuses on the vulnerabilities surrounding grief as well as love. Florence's emotional journey was such a compelling element, especially when she holds so many fears, aspirations, and insecurities that seeing her come to terms with them feels like more of a triumph.

Though there was plenty of raw emotions in this book, it never turned morose. There is something comforting about seeing Florence rekindle her love for her hometown and finding refuge in her family. Tensions run high at times, but ultimately they're there for each other and somehow make a funeral home feel like a lively place. It's an oddly cozy book at times, full of reflection and soft moments.

Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley (4/5) - Firekeeper's Daughter is such a powerful, heartbreaking, but necessary book. Boulley takes the complicated life of Daunis, full of grief and pain. but also an unwavering love and devotion to her family and community. I love how the author speaks of Daunis in relation to her community, that she finds solidarity, wisdom, and support in the Elders that hold the traditions and knowledge of her heritage. Daunis comes from a mixed background, but being Ojibwe is a fundamental part of her character and how she views herself. I loved that she always felt confident in who she was, even when so many refused to recognize her place in the tribe.

I have to say, this book was hard to read at times. Daunis faces so many betrayals and moments where people try and succeed to take advantage of her. It's difficult to see a community in danger because of people who only want to use it for their own selfish desires. The stakes are what make Daunis' every move so important and, even when some decisions don't seem so smart in the moment, you know she's doing everything she can to make sure the people that she loves stay safe. 

Her relationship with Jaimie I felt was handled very maturely. It feels like a natural parallel to Travis' and Lily's, one that knows and respects the aspects of love and what comes with it and one that doesn't. Boulley makes it abundantly clear through so many plotlines that self serving actions are what truly destroy a community and harmony with its members. 

Definitely worthy of its many accolades and a great conversation starter for many of the issues it discusses. 

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall (3/5) - Review

Spider-verse by Dan Slott (4/5) - An epic Spidey tale for the ages. Though there were SEVERAL Spider people that I was not familiar with, I felt like the story handled/balanced them well enough with the more recognizable ones so it never felt too confusing. I'm sure many of them were introduced in this event series (I definitely tracked this story down solely for reading anything that involved Spiderpunk) so I didn't feel outrageously out of the loop.

While I felt that the story dragged on and off, I never got too bored with it. I wish that the omnibus I read had organized the comics so that certain character-specific issues were included at the time they happened within the overall story. Scarlet Spider, Spiderwoman, and Spiderman 2099 have separate issues that tie directly to the overall plot and are collected after its end, which make them feel like a pointless bit of catch up. They are exciting and important issues, but they could have been integrated a little more coherently.

Definitely going to see if I can track down some more Spiderverse event comics.

Edge of Spider-Geddon by Gerardo Sandoval, Jason Latour, Zac Thompson, et al. (3.5/5) - Sort of a setup for a larger event comic, but gave great introductions/reintroductions to more Spideys across the multiverse. Also, I am a simple creature, and when I see Spiderpunk on the cover, you can bet that I am going to read it in a heartbeat.

Average Rating: 3.71

[archangelradio]

what is going on in succession. it is about a family business, yes? please yell what its about at me :)

ohhhhh I <3 u for this haus <3 coming to kiss you rn <3

yes!!!!! it’s about a family business, but every sibling in line for the head position of the company is pitted against each other by their awful father. It’s sooooooo deliciously overloaded with opulence, but at the same time is just so disgustingly nitty gritty. Every episode is just loaded full of delicious family trauma, corporate drama, and incredible writing and chemistry between the main sibling actors as well as just every character. So many tasty rich people being awful moments and getting exactly what they deserve :) gorgeous suits and also Sarah Snook as Siobhan Roy absolutely serving eating devouring girlbossing every episode. also there is a 6 foot 7 inch Canadian babygirl named Greg who I can’t help but love <3 overall a lot!!!!!! but very well made tv with gorgeousssss original scores :)

[findheronline]

Haus of Bazar is an online homewares and home decor business stocking the latest in home trends and staple pieces.We are located in Sydney, Australia and deliver nation wide.

Haus of Bazar was established from a passion for interiors, architecture, styling, home decor and the desire to help people in creating beautiful spaces. We are looking to reach out and connect with people who are searching for the perfect piece for their home, workspace or gift for a loved one.

Haus of Bazar aims to provide a range of exquisite decor pieces, both locally and internationally sourced. We pride ourselves on the quality of the product and work with some of the best brands in the business. We believe that everybody deserves to love the space that they live in, no matter the budget and we have used this mindset to price our pieces competitively. 

We know that sometimes people fall in love with an item but are unsure of how to place it aesthetically in their home. This is where we can help you! We offer our customer simple styling tips with any of our products purchased. Simply reach out to us via the contact us page.

Here at Haus of Bazar, we believe ones personality and style is crucial in making a house a home. This is why we aim to carry a variety of decorative pieces and furnishings to suit any home. From a collection of Hampton style jars so intricately detailed, to a range of sophisticated luxurious trays, to our sleek minimalist range of accents.

We look forward to working with your to create opulent spaces that you will adore coming home to at the end of the day.

[cannibalisticskittles]

initial thoughts on the lotions, below a cut bc. thoughts. length.

little hedgehog (spiky chestnuts, autumn leaves, wild mushrooms, and warm brown sugar) leaked a bit in transit and i'm not sure i mind the lost amount enough to say anything bc whoo boy that is potent and i do not know if i want it on my skin. i don't actually know what chestnuts smell like so I'm not sure if it's the chestnuts or the mushrooms that dominate this scent. could even be the leaves! idk, i live in the desert, we don't have tree leaves here just creosote and palo verde flowers

golden corn cakes (corn cake baked to a golden perfection, topped with butter and honey) came with a warning from some buyers that it smelled like play-doh on their skin, with the note that of course, everyone's skin chemistry is different. i've only tested it a little bit but i think it skips the play-doh for me? not sure how often i would want to wear this, but its true to the perfume sample i was given. not sure i get the butter or the honey, but maybe after its sat on my skin more, it'll settle in

pumpkin queen (gentle hay pillows, pumpkin, ripe peaches dusted with clove and nutmeg, dried summer herbs and lastly, a lovely crown of amber) i don't DISlike, tho i'm not sure how often i'll reach for it. but i usually detest florals in scents -- i gambled on this one bc when i asked for advice on scents, someone said it was their all-time fave -- and i don't hate it here. and peach can be an overwhelming scent, and it fits in with the rest of it here. i'll wear this if i go on any hay rides this year, lmao

pumpkin eater (oat milk, glowing pumpkin, rich vanilla bean and the tiniest touch of nutmeg butter) doesn't actually have as much pumpkin scent on me as i was expecting. i thought this sounded like a pretty standard autumn scent, which was nice because i don't have a typical autumn scent (except for pralines and pear which i'm almost out of and which bath and bodyworks hasn't made for years now, weeps) but there's not a ton of pumpkin. either the nutmeg or the clove -- i THINK nutmeg -- is more dominant on me. not overwhelming tho. a fairly light scent. a liiiiittle warm. maybe if i wear it longer the pumpkin will emerge more? but i could prob wear this to work with no problems (given how many kids have sensory or scent sensitivities)

olde cider haus (old oak, sweet drying hayfields, crushed apple pulp and vanilla husks) wasn't initially on my list of things i was looking at, but a recommendation from someone else put it on there, and i think I'm glad for that. i get apples at first, but if i smell deeply, i can get the hay. again, i don't know how often i want to smell like hay, but that's my issue, not the lotion-makers who were very clear about hay being a dominant scent.

twice is nice (sweetest offerings of opulence! buttery sugar cookie, with shavings of creamy coconut and topped with toasted almond slivers) smells to me like fairly standard sweetness. i do get almond though, and i like almond. i expected to like this decently well, which is why i got a mini size and not a full size. i do indeed like it decently well. it has fulfilled my expectations.

red roan (fresh strawberry flecked porridge with maple syrup and adulterated with a splash of white cognac) -- i don't know what cognac smells like. i have no idea. the only alcohol i've ever had is whatever is in vanilla extract, and a single drop of some like fancy whiskey or bourbon or something. which also smelled and tasted like vanilla extract. so does this smell like cognac? i couldn't say for sure but i don't THINK so. what it does smell like is packaged strawberry oatmeal. and i got a mini version of this (rather than none at all) bc someone told me that they love the scent because it smells exactly like packaged strawberry oatmeal. they were not lying.

kitchen witch (warm zucchini bread and pumpkin cookies, ginger root, aged patchouli, a sprinkling of anise seeds, and bundles of dried herbs hanging from cedar wood rafters) was something i was looking into in a full size at first, but someone warned me that if my skin amps anise like theirs does, that's going to be all i get from it. and i don't. actually know what anise smells like. i've never had black licorice. now i've smelled this and i'm scared to put this on my skin. maybe it'll transform and i'll get the rest of the scents but. maybe not. maybe it's just what i presume is anise. ...i sort of wanted to try absinthe with a sugar dripper because that seems neat, but absinthe is also anise-based isn't it. so i would really really hate it, wouldn't i.

ghost puffs (orbs of buttery popcorn and marshmallow goo, presented on a wooden stick) now that’s what i'm fuckin talking about babyyyyy!!! this is the one i was most excited to try, and.... to be honest, when i first put it on, all i got was an artificial marshmallow scent. and now, an hour after i put it on, i get... a realistic marshmallow goo scent. i do not get the popcorn or the butter. but my sister said she could smell it when I put it on! said it reminds her of a powder you put on some types of kettle corn. so that might just be my broken nose's inability to smell some things rearing its ugly head again.

i’m going to go slather myself in ghost puffs and see if i can make the popcorn come out that way.

[theuniquestore]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Haus of Brilliance .925 Sterling Silver Diamond Kit Shape Necklace.

[lake-tahoe]

https://www.tahoekeck.com/neighborhoods/heavenly/

https://www.tahoekeck.com/

The Heavenly Valley neighborhood in South Lake Tahoe is famous for its proximity to the incredible Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort. Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe is truly a heaven, offering breathtaking views of the stunning Lake Tahoe and majestic surrounding mountains, and is a great location for Lake Tahoe investment property. Additionally, the Heavenly Valley neighborhood sits uphill from the shores of Lake Tahoe with its beautiful sand beaches. It overlooks the lively après-ski hangouts, clubs, and casinos in Stateline, CA.

This area offers diverse housing options in a picturesque setting. From affordable homes and cozy cabins to opulent condos, there is something to suit every taste and budget. Experience the magic of Heavenly Valley and discover your perfect slice of paradise in Heavenly Village Lake Tahoe! Furthermore, it can be a great choice if you are interested in Lake Tahoe investment property.

Homes in the Heavenly Valley neighborhood are so close to the lifts! Picture yourself strolling to the Heavenly Tram or California Base Lodge in minutes. They have two fantastic hangouts within walking distance, too! Residents have new go-to spots, The Himmel Haus and The Tahoe Seasons Resort, where fun awaits without worries. In the nearby Ski Run Blvd area, everyone will love discovering many dining options to satisfy their taste buds. Also, the tantalizing Yugen Sushi to the cozy Cafe Fiore and the delectable Thai on Ski Run, the culinary adventure never ends.

The Ski Run Marina close by offers many exciting activities: experience fishing charters, boat rentals, exhilarating parasailing adventures, The Riva Grill, and shopping. Stateline is just a short car or bicycle ride away for a night of entertainment, offering famous clubbing and gambling experiences. And don’t worry about transportation. Various convenient options include Uber, The Blue-GO Shuttle, Nifty Fifty Trolley, taxis, Lake Link or Lyft.

The Heavenly Valley neighborhood is stunning, stretching from Pioneer Trail in the north to the California and Nevada Stateline in the east. It is surrounded by the Heavenly Mountain Resort and the Monument Peak, reaching an elevation of 10,067 feet.

The neighborhood boasts slightly larger lot sizes compared to others, starting from around 10,000 square feet and beyond. For nature enthusiasts, the Power Line Trail is easily accessible from this area. Hence, residents have endless possibilities for mountain biking, hiking, or simply enjoying a scenic run.

In this neighborhood, you will find yourself in an absolute paradise for any outdoor enthusiast. If you are interested in Lake Tahoe investment properties, please click here to contact me!

[musenundmuseen]

Wien, Donnerstag, 21. März 2024

Staatsoper

Eine Vorstellung des Rosenkavalier besucht. In den Teilen, die den zweiten Weltkrieg überlebt haben, ist das Haus so opulent wie die Musik von Richard Strauss. Leider ist das nur 20 Prozent vom ursprünglichen Bau. Die Haupttreppe, die sogenannte Feststiege, gehört dazu.

[gasthausnostalgie]

Old Vienna

Anno 1910

Singerstrasse

Palais Rottal

Das Palais Rottal ist ein Palais im 1. Wiener Gemeindebezirk. Es befindet sich an der Kreuzung Singerstraße / Grünangergasse. Das Palais beherbergt heute die Volksanwaltschaft und die Finanzprokuratur.

Das ursprüngliche Palais Rottal wurde vermutlich zwischen 1667 und 1683 durch Umbau des Vorgängerbaus errichtet. Obwohl der Name des Architekten nicht bekannt ist, wird das Gebäude Giovanni Pietro Tencalla zugeschrieben, welcher in diesem Zeitraum für die Familie Rottal als Architekt tätig war.

Von diesem Gebäude sind lediglich die beiden Portale und das Vestibül erhalten.

DAS BILLIOTTE'SCHE STIFTUNGSHAUS

Franz Billiotte war gebürtiger Franzose und Leibarzt von Kaiser Leopold I. Er wurde 1665 im Auftrag der niederösterreichischen Stände nach Wien berufen, um einen botanischen Garten für wissenschaftliche Zwecke einzurichten. Billiotte setzte sich sehr für die Armen ein und stiftete dazu auch das oben genannte Gebäude. In diesem Haus erhielten die Armen Wohnung und Verpflegung, außerdem hielt Billiotte darin auch unentgeltlich Ordination ab. Nach Billiottes Tod ging das Gebäude in eine Stiftung über, die das Fortbestehen des Gebäudes für die Armen garantieren sollte.

Das Haus wurde vermutlich vor 1733 vom Vorarlberger Architekten Anton Ospel umgestaltet/renoviert. Es handelte sich dabei um einen schlichten vierstöckigen Bau mit üppig gestaltetem Portal.

1741 fiel die Stiftung dem Dreifaltigkeitsspital und 1745 gemeinsam mit diesem dem vereinigten Spanischen Spital zu. Um etwa diese Zeit ging sowohl das Stiftungshaus als auch das Palais Rottal in den Besitz der Wiener Stadtbank (Wiener Stadt-Banco) über.

Nach dem Erwerb durch die Stadtbank kam es im Jahre 1752 zu einem großen Umbau des ursprünglichen Palais. Ausführender Architekt war Franz Anton Pilgram, ein Schüler von Johann Lucas von Hildebrandt. Das Palais wurde um ein Stockwerk erhöht, außerdem kam es zur Schaffung eines großen zentralen Innenhofs. Ein Meisterstück der Wiener Barockbaukunst ist die Prunktreppe, die sehr langen Stiegenstaffeln aus dem harten Kaiserstein wurden aus Kaisersteinbruch von den Meistern Elias Hügel und Johann Baptist Regondi geliefert.

Die Fassade wurde ebenfalls opulent umgestaltet und ist größtenteils in dieser Form noch heute erhalten.

Einige Jahre nach dem Umbau des Palais wurde dieses mit dem Stiftungshaus zu einem einheitlichen Bau zusammengefasst. Hierzu wurde unter anderem die Fassade des Stiftungshauses der des Palais angeglichen, außerdem wurde ein nördlich des Stiftungshauses gelegenes Gebäude in den Gebäudekomplex integriert.

Ab 1842 wurde bei neuerlichen Umbauarbeiten das Gebäude um ein Stockwerk erhöht. Außerdem wurde am neuen Stockwerk eine Attika angebracht. Auf dieser wurden Figuren angebracht, die zuvor am Winterpalais des Prinzen Eugen in der Himmelpfortgasse verwendet wurden.

Ab 1849 beherbergte das Palais das neu gegründete, von Leo von Thun-Hohenstein geführte k.k. Ministerium für Cultus und Unterricht, bevor es in späteren Jahrzehnten des 19. Jahrhunderts als Sitz der Finanzverwaltung diente.

1903/1904 erfolgte der letzte größere Umbau. Hierzu wurden in der Kumpfgasse zwei Häuser abgerissen, um den Zubau des Hintertrakts zum Palais zu ermöglichen. Zusätzlich zur Finanzverwaltung diente das Gebäude auch ihr nahestehenden Stellen, wie zum Beispiel der Staatsschuldenkassa, bis zum Ende des Zweiten Weltkriegs als Amtsgebäude.

Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg nutzte das Zentralbesoldungsamt das Gebäude.

Nach mehrjähriger Renovierung wird das Gebäude seit März 1981 teilweise von der Finanzprokuratur und der restliche Teil seit 1983 von der Volksanwaltschaft genutzt.

heute, Palais Rottal von der Singerstraße aus gesehen mit Heiligenfigur des Franziskanerklosters

[djmusicbest]

Beatport The Shortlist: Deep House January 2024

- Artists: Beatport DATE CREATED: 2024-01-03 GENRES: Deep House Tracklist : 1. Boo Williams - The Final Stop(Original Mix) 2. Varhat - Breaking Out(Paolo Rocco Remix) 3. TRACER - Love Fantasy(Dirty Channels Edit) 4. Demuja - Liquid Happiness(Original Mix) 5. Kasper Bjorke, El Agua Es Profunda - Andrea(Longhair Offshore Dub) 6. DJ Haus, Last Magpie, e-freq - E-Freq By Nature(Original Mix) 7. CC:DISCO!, Jennifer Loveless - Magic (Is In Tempo)(Extended Mix) 8. Tim Harper - I Know You Gonna Dig This(Original Mix) 9. Felipe Gordon - No Words(Byron the Aquarius Dub Mix) 10. Kx9000 - Millenium Civic(Original Mix) 11. Politics Of Dancing - INTO THE CLOUDS(Original Mix) 12. Thabo (DE) - Calamari(Kawaii San Remix) 13. Garrett David - All Night (Opulence)(Original Mix) 14. Lauer - Enso(Original Mix) 15. Manuel Darquart - Del Sol(Space Ghost Remix) 16. Ron Trent, Jerome Sydenham - Skylinez(Original Mix) 17. Salomo - Boundless Waters(Original Mix) 18. Read the full article

[muznew]

Beatport The Shortlist: Deep House January 2024

- Artists: Beatport DATE CREATED: 2024-01-03 GENRES: Deep House Tracklist : 1. Boo Williams - The Final Stop(Original Mix) 2. Varhat - Breaking Out(Paolo Rocco Remix) 3. TRACER - Love Fantasy(Dirty Channels Edit) 4. Demuja - Liquid Happiness(Original Mix) 5. Kasper Bjorke, El Agua Es Profunda - Andrea(Longhair Offshore Dub) 6. DJ Haus, Last Magpie, e-freq - E-Freq By Nature(Original Mix) 7. CC:DISCO!, Jennifer Loveless - Magic (Is In Tempo)(Extended Mix) 8. Tim Harper - I Know You Gonna Dig This(Original Mix) 9. Felipe Gordon - No Words(Byron the Aquarius Dub Mix) 10. Kx9000 - Millenium Civic(Original Mix) 11. Politics Of Dancing - INTO THE CLOUDS(Original Mix) 12. Thabo (DE) - Calamari(Kawaii San Remix) 13. Garrett David - All Night (Opulence)(Original Mix) 14. Lauer - Enso(Original Mix) 15. Manuel Darquart - Del Sol(Space Ghost Remix) 16. Ron Trent, Jerome Sydenham - Skylinez(Original Mix) 17. Salomo - Boundless Waters(Original Mix) 18. Read the full article

[jkyreese]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Saint Lux Highlighter + Laboratories Haus Liquid Eyeshadow + Bag Bundle.

[the-haus-co]

Choosing the Right Cutlery: Elevate Your Dining Experience

When it comes to setting a table for a memorable dining experience, your choice of cutlery plays a pivotal role. Whether you're hosting a formal dinner party or simply enjoying a meal with your family, the right serveware and kitchenware can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll explore how to choose the proper cutlery for your kitchen and dining table, with a focus on glasses and other essential elements, ensuring every meal is a masterpiece.

Understanding the Essentials

1. Types of Cutlery

Before diving into the specifics, let's understand the types of cutlery that make up your dining set:

· Flatware: This includes forks, knives, and spoons, which are the core components of any dining setting.

· Serveware: These are the pieces that help you serve food, such as serving spoons, ladles, and salad tongs.

· Glasses: While not strictly cutlery, choosing the right glasses for your table is equally important, as they complement your dining experience.

2. Matching Sets

For a cohesive and polished look, opt for matching cutlery sets. This ensures that your forks, knives, and spoons share a consistent design and finish, contributing to the overall aesthetic of your dining table.

Selecting the Perfect Cutlery

· Material Matters

· Cutlery comes in various materials, each with its unique charm:

· Stainless Steel: Known for its durability and resistance to rust, stainless steel cutlery is a timeless choice.

· Silver: If you're aiming for a touch of elegance, sterling silver cutlery is a classic option. Keep in mind that it may require more maintenance.

· Gold-Plated: For a luxurious feel, consider gold-plated cutlery. It adds a touch of opulence to your dining experience.

2. Ergonomics and Comfort

Comfort is key when selecting cutlery. Pay attention to the grip and weight of the utensils. They should feel comfortable in your hand to make dining a pleasurable experience.

3. Versatility

Invest in versatile cutlery that can be used for various occasions. Some sets come with serving pieces that are perfect for special gatherings.

4. Glassware Choices

· Don't forget about the glasses. The right glassware enhances the presentation of your beverages. Consider different glasses for wine, water, and other beverages to elevate your table setting.

· Proper Care and Maintenance

· To ensure your cutlery and glassware stand the test of time, follow these tips:

· Hand wash your cutlery to prevent damage from harsh detergents and high heat in dishwashers

· Store your cutlery properly, ensuring they don't touch each other to prevent scratching.

· Polish silver cutlery regularly to maintain its shine.

· Handle glassware with care to prevent chipping or cracking.

Conclusion

In the world of dining, the devil is in the details, and your choice of cutlery and glassware can truly elevate your culinary experience. Whether you're hosting a grand celebration or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, selecting the right serveware, kitchenware, and glasses will not only make your food look more appealing but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests. Choose wisely, and let your cutlery be an extension of your personal style and taste. Cheers to memorable meals and beautiful table settings!

[5reisende]

Welterbe (auf)gespürt und (er)fahren – D – Markgräfliches Opernhaus in Bayreuth

Das Markgräfliche Opernhaus in Bayreuth steht seit 2012 auf der UNESCO-Welterbeliste. Es wurde zwischen 1745 und 1750 im Auftrag von Markgräfin Wilhelmine von Brandenburg, Gemahlin des Markgrafen Friedrich von Brandenburg-Bayreuth, gebaut. Als eigenständige Hofopernhaus und nicht als Teil des Palastkomplexes geplant, ist es Vorläufer der öffentlichen Theater des 19. Jahrhunderts. Die barocke Sandsteinfassade wurde vom Hofarchitekten Joseph Saint Pierre entworfen, die innere Gestaltung stammt vom renommierten Theaterarchitekten Giuseppe Galli Bibiena. Das Markgräfliche Opernhaus ist das einzige vollständig erhaltene Beispiel barocker höfischer Opernhausarchitektur, in dem die damalige Opernkultur und -akustik heute noch authentisch erlebt werden kann. Sein opulent dekorierter Zuschauerraum mit der gestufte Logenstruktur bietet 500 Zuschauern Platz. Die ursprünglichen Materialien, Holz und illusionistisch bemalte Leinwand, sind bewahrt geblieben und erstrahlen nach aufwändiger Rekonstruktion im ursprünglichen Glanz. Ich bin am frühen Morgen von Marienbad aus über einen winzigen Grenzort nach Deutschland zurück gefahren und beginne in Bayreuth mit einigen deutschen Welterbestätten die letzte Etappe meiner Tour nach Osten. Auf der Fahrt hatte es heftig geregnet, jetzt lässt es nach und ich gehe am Fluss entlang ins Stadtzentrum.

Das erste, was mir positiv auffällt, ist die einfallsreiche Ausschilderung auf dem Straßenpflaster zum Opernhaus. Schon stehe ich vor dem Opernhaus, die Sandsteinfassade und der schöne Brunnen davor können bei dem tristen Wetter ihren Reiz nicht wirklich entfalten.

Doch dann trete ich ein und die Stimmung ändert sich schlagartig. Das Haus hat gerade geöffnet und ich bin noch fast alleine. Eine kleine Ausstellung führt in die Konsruktion des Hauses ein, doch selbst hier ahne ich noch nicht, was mich erwartet.

Ich komme zunächst durch das ungewöhnliche und imposante Foyer.

Dann betrete ich die Theater-Traumkulisse. Und plötzlich beginnt die Musik zu spielen und Tänzer werden auf die Bühne projiziert. Der Raum ist wunderbar und seine Präsentation außergewöhnlich gelungen. Ich schaue mich um und versuche, die vielen Details zu erfassen. Das gelingt mir nicht ansatzweise. Ich genieße in Ruhe das Schauspiel, das mir hier geboten wird.

.

In der oberen Etage und werfe einen Blick in die Loge. Danach beginnt der Museumsbereich, der mich ebenso begeistert. Hier wird zunächst aus dem Leben und künstlerischen Wirken der Markgräfin berichtet. Auszüge aus ihren Briefen lassen sehr anschaulich an ihren Ideen teilhaben.

Der nächste interessante Abschnitt widmet sich dem Bau der Oper und ihren Architekten.

Das Highlight für mich ist das Modell der Bühne.

Ich bekomme den Umbau erklärt und vorgeführt, sogar die Windmaschine und die Wellen, auf denen das Schiff schaukelt.

Danach geht es mit vielen Ideen zum Mitmachen und überraschenden Effekten um die Akteure auf der Bühne, ich habe meinen Spaß.

Den Abschluss bildet ein Film über die aufwändige Restaurierung des Hauses von 2012 bis 2018.

Resümee

Das Markgräfliche Opernhaus in Bayreuth ist ein Erlebnis. Es ist nicht nur opulent und umwerfend schön, sondern auch außergewöhnlich und großartig präsentiert. Nicht nur die Darstellung auf der Bühne selbst, sondern auch das angeschlossene Museum. Hier erfährt man kurzweilig und interessant Vieles über die Entstehung und den Bau des Opernhauses und die Akteure auf und hinter der Bühne. Die Mitarbeiter im Museum hatten mir empfohlen, das Schloss und die Eremitage zu besuchen (Link), doch ein Blick zum Himmel belehrt mich eines anderen. Es zieht eine pechschwarze Wolkenfront auf und ich fahre deshalb weiter und plane im Stillen einen nächsten Besuch. Die gesamte Tour go-east ist hier beschrieben. Hier gehts zu meinem Welterbe-Projekt. Der Umbau meines Dacia Dokker als Minicamper ist hier detailliert nachzulesen. Dobbys nach und nach angepasste Einrichtung und Ausstattung hat sich auch in diesem kalten und nassen Frühjahr bewährt. Meine Übernachtungsplätze habe ich wieder auf park4night gesucht und unter 5Reisende bewertet. Read the full article

[berlinautor]

Respice finem

Update 12.03.23

Ich war nach dem Mittagessen in dem Nachbarort Klütz. Und Ihr werdet es nicht glauben, wisst ihr, was noch einmal plötzlich eine Rolle spielte, Stuckarbeiten. Unglaublich! Dazu komme ich gleich.

Ich fuhr also erst gemütlich vom Parkplatz Richtung Klütz und hatte ins Navi das Literaturhaus eingegeben. Wie schön das klingt. Und erreichte das nach wenigen Minuten, da Klütz nur acht Minuten entfernt liegt. Man hat als Berliner immer irgendwie andere Dimensionen im Kopf. Acht Minuten Fahrt ist bei mir in Berlin die Fahrt zum Edeka, nicht zum nächsten Ort 😊

Das sehr hübsche Literaturhaus hatte einen eigenen Parkplatz. Das Haus, wie ein alter Speicher, der umgebaut wurde sah sehr schön aus. Ich stieg also aus und suchte den Eingang … und dann? Sonntag geschlossen. Was für ein Mist! Warum am Sonntag geschlossen, wo alle Menschen eher frei haben? Aber auch da scheine ich als Berliner leider etwas verwöhnt zu sein.

Auf der gegenüberliegenden Straßenseite räumte jemand etwas in sein Auto, den ich ansprach. „Schade, dass Ihr Literaturhaus nicht geöffnet hat.“ „Ja, manchmal hat es auch am Sonntag geöffnet.“, erwidert der treuherzig und es sei eine sehr interessante Einrichtung. Als ich dann losfuhr, vom Parkplatz runter, machte der Herr mir noch einmal ein Zeichen. Ich hielt an und ließ das Fenster hinab. „Dort entlang ist eine Sackgasse, aber hat ne Wendeschleife, dann können Sie umdrehen!“ „Ah, vielen Dank!“, musste grinsen… Also kein Besuch des Literaturhauses. War ein bisschen enttäuscht. Vielleicht ein anderes Mal. Aber dann habe ich im Schloss mehr Zeit, dachte ich mir.

Auch das Schloss hatte einen eigenen Parkplatz und von dort waren es durch wunderschöne winterliche Landschaft ca. 400 m. Der Wind pfiff eisig um meine Ohren und über meine Glatze. Kann mir mal jemand verraten, warum ich meine neu gekaufte Wollmütze und den Schal nicht mitgenommen hatte? Sicher nicht, oder?

Ich lief also auf die wirklich opulent wirkende Schlossanlage zu. Opulent für westmecklenburgische Provinz. Aber ich sollte ja schon bald auch mehr noch über den Schlossherren Grafen Bothmer erfahren.

Schöner Eingangsbereich, moderate Eintrittspreise! Ich ließ mir einen Audioguide geben und stiefelte durch die Schlossräume. Es war unheimlich interessant und schon im zweiten Raum, dachte ich , ich höre nicht richtig, ging es plötzlich wieder vorrangig um Stuckelemente. Wurde ich also in meinem Traum auf diesen Besuch vorbereitet? Bin ich der ehemalige Schlossherr in einem neuen Leben? 😉

„Ein besonders wertvolles Element der barocken Ausstattung von Schloss Bothmer stellen die Stuckdekorationen dar. … Die stilistische Spezialität Mogias (Meister aus Tessin) und seiner Werkstatt waren eigentlich Stuckdekorationen nach hochbarockem Geschmack: vollplastische Figuren und Formen, die üppig und greifbar aus der Fläche hervortraten. Anfang des 18. Jahrhunderts verbreitete sich jedoch eine neue Stilrichtung: der sogenannte Bandelwerkstil, den sehr flache, zierlich und kompliziert gemusterte Flächen charakterisieren. …“ Mogia wurde also verpflichtet so die Decken zu gestalten und es entstand ein stilistischer Mischmasch, sehr schön anzusehen aus Barock und Bandelwerk. So nun bin ich fast Stuckexperte nach diesem Sonntag, im Traum begonnen, wo ich sicher die verschiedenen Stilmittel vorsortiert hatte.

Ich lernte allerhand über den Bauherren Graf Bothmer, sein interessantes Leben und der Verquickung mit dem englischen Hof.

Was ich aber besonders krass fand, ist, dass der Bauherr nie sein prächtiges Anwesen betreten hatte. Erst seine Erben genossen hier ihren Lebenssitz, bis durch die Wirrungen der Zeit, das Gebäude verschiedene Eigenschaften hatte, im Krieg und später nachdem die Bothmers am Kriegsende nach Lübeck auswanderten und die DDR den Bau übernahm und den Alten der Region als Altersruhesitz zuzuführen. Auch keine schlechte Idee, Rentner in Schlösser, heraus aus den Katen.

Nach der Wende kaufte ein Investor für den symbolischen Wert von 1 Mark das Anwesen, hatte aber am Ende nicht den notwendigen Rückhalt, um das Anwesen auszubauen oder zu rekonstruieren.

Respice finem

Sodass am Ende das Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern sich des Schlosses annahm und es rettete und zu dem heutigen Museum ausbaute, welches mich ungemein gut unterhalten hat. Ich finde ein gelungenes Highlight an Sehenswürdigkeit. Habe mich sehr wohl gefühlt und bin gebildeter herausgekommen.

Wieder in der Klinik, habe ich einen kurzen Schlaf abgehalten, bevor ich zum Abendbrot ging und freue mich nun auf den Wochenstart mit neuen Herausforderungen und Eindrücken. Kommt gut in die neue Woche, Euer Bär-nd

PS: Die unfreiwillige Vierergruppe war in Wismar zu den 20. Heringstagen, waren aber insgesamt sehr unzufrieden. Schlechtes feuchtes Wetter, alle Highlights waren gestern, sodass die Fahrt wohl nicht so erfreulich war. Am Abendbrottisch war auch eher ruhige Stimmung, der freundliche Sachse lief am Tisch ohne Halt vorbei. Aber an meinem Tisch fand sich wieder mein netter Tischfreund ein, der seine Ehefrau nach Schwerin gebracht hatte und sich für seinen Kurschatten nach dem Abendbrot eilte, sich frisch zu machen. Respice finem!