#chelsea homes for sale

[bostonrealtors]

Prattville! A Multi family for sale on a prized lot in Chelsea.

22 Madison Ave. A Multi family for sale on a prized lot in Prattville This is perfect for a multi-generational household. Open Houses This Sat and Sun 09/07 and 09/08 2-4PM. Jeffrey Bowen Erealty Advisors INC. 781-201-9488 Cell info@chelsearealestate.com 22 Madison Ave. A Multi family for sale on a prized lot in Prattville. Jeffrey Bowen has been a Real Estate Broker for 23 years and counting and…

[inboundremblog]

Chelsea Harbor Homes for Sale: A Waterfront Haven in Texas

Credit: Image by Bret Wallace | Source

Experience the Best of Waterfront Living in Chelsea Harbor's Luxury Homes

Today, Chelsea Harbour is one of the few neighborhoods with exclusivity and a unique atmosphere that distinguishes it from the rest of the districts in the region. One of the unique selling points of Chelsea Harbour homes for sale is the arrangement of the properties around a beautiful lake within the community's center.

Embracing the Chelsea Harbour Lifestyle

Residing in Chelsea Harbour means one cannot avoid being an aquaphile, always on the move to fund water activities. Each home is strategically designed to take advantage of the lake's presence, offering tranquility and vibrancy. Every moment is filled with life and serenity, from morning fishing trips to afternoon paddles!

Master Planned Community

While the designs of some of the homes in Chelsea Harbour may resemble other high-end neighborhoods, what makes Chelsea Harbour unique is the total layout and master plan.

The layout design ensures that everyone in the community enjoys the best living standards. Most Chelsea Harbor homes for sale have winding roads coupled with greenery and well-designed houses and are placed in such a way as to capture the views of the lake.

This sort of class, quality, and care captures the interest of many home seekers who are not searching for homes but for a community.

Exclusive Recreational Amenities

As soon as people set foot in Chelsea Harbour, they are greeted by various recreational facilities. The community facilities include a professionally maintained tennis court, a clean swimming pool, and a swing play area. These are intended to support an active standard and enforced exercise as well as social relationships among the inhabitants of the given facilities.

Lakefront Gem

The definitive or perhaps the most outstanding amenity in Chelsea Harbour is the private lake, a stretch of artificial waterway that flows through the middle of the homes, branching out in miles.

It is not just a beauty to the eye but a plus for the residents because they get exercise in water sports at their compound. The lake is the perfect place for a paddle boat ride and an evening jog by the water.

Resort-Style Swimming Pool

The swimming pool is one of the most frequented areas, especially during the hot seasons. It is also an oasis that provides residents with more options for relaxation, such as going for a swim or doing laps in the pool.

Well-Maintained Tennis Court

Homeowners can also enjoy the tennis court, where they can play friendly sports and exercise regularly, and the playground, which is essential for young ones. It helps them satisfy their playtime by offering them a safe place to play with their counterparts.

Access to Major Highway

Another positive aspect of living in Chelsea Harbour is its ideal location near Highway 90. One of the most significant advantages for residents is the convenience of having water activities right at their doorstep.

It is also convenient if you work near Sugar Land or plan to visit neighboring Houston, as the neighborhood is close to these areas. This means people living in Chelsea Harbor are far from Sugar Land’s and Houston’s amenities and attractions.

Everything is just a stone's throw away, whether for grocery shopping, eating out, movies, theater, or other entertainment or cultural programs. This also applies to the simple necessities of life, with grocery stores, educational institutions, and various healthcare facilities a stone's throw away.

Chelsea Harbour can be easily accessed, and the property's layout focuses on utility. The roads and streets are well organized, navigation is easy, and traffic can move quickly.

The area is also well-authorized, with signposts that indicate the different regions of the neighborhood to visitors. These plans show that the residents will have the benefits of living in a community area by the lake while at the same time having the advantage of being in an urban area.

A Thriving Community

Apart from the architecture, services, and available facilities, Chelsea Harbour’s identity is built around togetherness. People are active in their neighborhoods; they participate in festive and pleasant cleaning activities. This active participation assists in keeping up a friendly environment where all the students feel like they are part of a family.

Active Homeowners Association

Chelsea Harbour is home to some great and enthusiastic residents who are ready to make their community great.

A major force behind this perceived community is the homeowners' association (HOA), which is usually responsible for several social events and activities throughout the calendar year.

From simple cookouts to barbecue parties to themed events such as holidays, birthdays, and election seasons, the management association goes the extra mile to ensure the residents feel connected.

The HOA also has the important responsibility of overseeing the appearance of the community and all its facilities. It must ensure that everything is not deteriorating but in good shape. In addition to their roles, residents also participate in community activities at this HOA.

Most people attend community events, such as volunteer days and charity events, to meet people and make friends with their neighbors.

Overall, Chelsea Harbour's active community is one of its greatest strengths. It provides a sense of belonging and connection among residents, which helps make the community feel like an authentic neighborhood.

Real Estate Market

The Chelsea Harbour real estate is relatively healthy, given the freedom to select from various strands of homes depending on personal requirements.

The houses are built to quality standards and adequately designed to provide comfort and hospitality. Many of them are fitted with up-to-date gadgets and have fascinating lake views!

Steady Growth of the Housing Market

Chelsea Harbour's real estate market is characterized by stable price levels, which means that homeowners can enjoy a sense of security and predictability regarding the value of their property.

The market is neither hot nor cold, with a steady flow of buyers and sellers. This stability is due to the community's unique features, such as its prime location, excellent amenities, and high-quality homes.

The stable real estate market in Chelsea Harbour also means that homeowners can expect their property values to appreciate over time. The community's unique features and amenities make it an attractive place to live, and the demand for homes is consistently strong.

Chelsea Harbour is a coveted destination for homebuyers. It offers unparalleled convenience, opportunities, and community spirit in the heart of a global city and provides an exceptional lifestyle experience.

There is a high sense of unity among the residents of Chelsea Harbour. If you are looking for a quiet place to escape to or a place full of activities, this is it! So come and be part of this distinctive community in Texas!

Learn more about the features and amenities of this fascinating community by visiting our website at https://homesoffortbend.com/chelsea-harbour-sugar-land/.

[pixiesfz]

we need a dad Jessie fic please 🫶🏼

I am a D.I.L.F

Dangerously In Love with Fleming

father to be j.f

plot: You and Jessie are preparing for your baby but Jessie is somehow picking up dad traits?

warnings: fluff, prime Chelsea team, little blurb

“It’s a girl”

The words were magic to your ears as you laid down on the chair, Jessie’s hand entertained with yours as she took a great look at the monitor.

You would love your baby if it was a boy or a girl but you secretly hoped it would be a girl, especially if you planned to have another kid, an older sister would be great for them.

The doctor excused herself from the room before Jessie lowered her body to hug you from behind “we’re having a baby girl” she hummed and you nodded “we’re having a baby girl”.

It was at your private home when you started decorating your daughter’s bedrooms that you noticed the signs of Jessie’s new persona.

“If anyone touches her before she’s eighteen” she grumbled, folding clothes “you touched me before I was eighteen” you smirked and the Canadian glared at you

“That’s different”

You laughed at her expression “what?” She asks “I’m just very impressed at your protectiveness over our unborn child”

The next time was when she came home from training late with target bags.

“Could you not have called to say you went shopping” you stated from the kitchen where you were cooking “sorry baby” Jessie quickly said before kissing your cheek, walking to the table before laying the bags down.

“But there was this sale on kids stuff and-“

“You went shopping for our child without me?”

Jessie’s eyes widened under her cap as she realised her small mistake “the sale was ending tonight, Pernille came as well of that helps”

You cocked your head over “that helps”.

“Okay so I got her some clothes and then I thought cause she’ll be my little princess I got her these”

You tried to ignore the horrendous Elsa dress, not bothering to tell her that Elsa was actually a queen and instead focused on her words “your little princess?”

Jessie ignored you “and then I got books aswelll, some for education and some for entertainment and then I also got little footy boots”

You stared at your wife “This baby will be waiting a couple of years before going on the field Jess” you told her sternly and she slowly nodded.

“I just got excited” she admitted and you smiled, walking towards her “I know, and I love it” you said, wrapping your arms around her “I love you”.

Then came the building of the crib, your belly had grown a lot more and Jessie refused to let you help in the build, claiming that she didn’t want any chance of harm.

“Jessie my father taught me how to use a drill” you told her from the door but she had her fists on her hips and crossed her head “no you’re not doing it” she said before grabbing the drill again.

“You’re so stubborn” you grumbled from you space “Give me twenty minutes, then I’ll start the pram”

You watched her for the next fourty minutes as she completed the crib, many YouTube videos and calls to her family helped her along the way.

But you smiled in awe at your proud girlfriend who stared at her creation, hands on her hips with her training gear still on, she was so excited to start making it as soon as she got home.

In all honesty early she reminded you of your own father and the pictures you had of him when waiting for your little siblings.

“Onto the pram” she said walking out of the room, only to see that you had already assembled it.

You had finally realised what part of the parenting trope Jessie had picked about a month before you were due when she kept checking her phone.

Jessie was not a social person, let alone a social media type person but she never told you what she was looking at.

Until she started using them on you.

them as in dad jokes…

“Hey babe, did you hear about that Actor who broke his leg, turns out he’s still in the cast”

You rolled your head back with a groan as you had heard the eighth joke that night “How many times have you told that one?” You ask, sitting down next to her.

“Erin and Adam loved it when I told it at training”

“Of course they did.”

Though throughout the traits that Jessie had picked up you still loved her more than anything in the world, you would even go out to say you learned to love her even more but you didn’t want to enlarge her ego any more.

Instead you cuddled up into her side “You’re going to be such a good mum” you told her and you felt her relax “yeah?” She asked and you nodded.

“I can’t wait.”

[leah-lover]

Meeting again. Alexia × reader

Part 2

Reader comes back to Barca after 3 years.

The last 3 years have been a grind.

After I left Barcelona, I signed with Manchester city. Alexia and I haven't talked since that conversation at the door. My friends at the club were surprised at my sudden leave from the club we all thought I would retire at but I explained that I just needed a change of scenery and that if it all went well I would be back after one season. The fans were also shocked but I explained that for my mental health I had to leave and they understood that and supported my decision.

After I landed I stayed at Leila’s house while my affairs were getting sorted. The club was welcomùing and so were the girls. I had never played in the WSL before but it was a welcomed challenge. Their style of play was different, the culture surrounding the sport was different and so was the atmosphere, the support and the gay community.

All I focused on was my job. I Was friendly with the girls but never too close. I got fitter, healthier, faster, and more tactically efficient.

In my three years I won 2 WSL titles, 3 FA cups and 2 conti cups. We never made it to the champion’s league but the progress we made was enough for us to be feared globally.

My media presence and influence also grew. I had a disabled growth in the amount of following and input on the sales. Overall I was an entirely different person than the one I was before I left Alexia. The only true thing that mattered to me was myself and my growth.

By the end of my third season, after it had been decided we were the winner because of the difference in points between us and Chelsea, Leila came to me after practice one day.

“ hole chica, i need to talk to you about something.” She said after sitting next to me in the locker room.

“ Okay, go for it.” I replied.

“I noticed this a long time ago but I didn't know how to say it. You are giving my love. You haven't seen you in a long time. The cheerful, happy, complete you. Yes you have been doing well in other areas but you haven't been living a live amigo.” she said, caressing my back with her hand.

I looked up to her with a smile on my face, “ you are concerned, its cute, but don't be i am doing just fine.'' I said.

“ and that the problem you shouldn't be fine you should be more than, fine.” she said before I signed the camel out of her month. “ look so as to not hide anything from you, barca have contacted me.” she added.

Her statement has caused a jolt in my brain. Suddenly all the things that I had suppressed were coming back and all of Alexia back with it. But I stayed put and didn't move at all.

“ With Lucy now gone they need me to be the center back and want to build the old band back. They wanted me to open the conversation with you too but you weren't answering any of their calls or emails.” She said,

It is true Barca have been trying to contact you with no luck. The idea of barca was a distant thought in my brain. I couldn't do it. I couldn't be near her again, not when I just started to forget.

I remained silent and did not move, which prompted Leila to say. “ she drove you out of your club, your home, she doesn't deserve to stay in it while you suffer here. She should be the one suffering, not you. You love the chamipian’s league. You should go back and win it agin. You should fight to get back on the national team and play in the world cup. She has been getting a lot of the glory you deserve.” She was now angry.

“ Okay, I will think about just calming down,” I replied. I got my bags after that and left.

On my ride home all I was thinking about was the fact that she was right. I shouldn't hide away while Alexia is enjoying herself in Barcelona, not while she broke my heart.

As soon as I got home I called the president of barcelona. “ I heard you have a contract for me.'' I said as soon as he picked up.

The following weeks were hectic, me and Leila said our goodbye to the city girls and the staff. We packed up our bags and headed home.

This time she was the one living in my apartment. Our move has been kept quiet with only the necessary people knowing. The club wanted our home communing to be a total surprise. Leila and I negotiated both a multi year contract that we were both happy with.

After we were both settled in and at the start of pre season the club tweeted “ we can now officially announce that our og forward and center back are back safely home.'' The tweet was accompanied with a photo of both me and Leila signing our contracts.

The internet went crazy, we almost broke twitter with an announcement. I then thanked my city family with a post and logged off to prepare for my big day.

I was going to meet Alexia, the love of my life, the last person in my bed, my hero,and the reason for my heartbreak the following day.

I was very nervous so Leila opted to drive. We listened to music in hopes of getting nerves to calm down but with no luck.

When we arrived at the facility Leila held my hand and said “ we got this we are in this together. I smiled at her and started walking.

We went directly to the manager’s office. He gave us the rundown of everything and asked us to come to the field once we finished our fitness test.

We spent a couple hours in the gym getting our test done. Leila’s eyes never left mine reassuring me that everything will be okay. I managed to relax a little in the familiar space.

After we were done the physio asked us to go to the field.

All I could feel was my heart in my throat and the butterflies in my chest. Leila squeezed my hand to reassure me that it will all be fine.

I forgot what it felt like to be in the sun so that was all I was thinking about. Suddenly I heard clapping, Jonathan had introduced us to the team.

The first one to hug me was Ona, then Cata, Panos and all the rest except Mapi, Ingrid, Patri, Claudia and Alexia. They were all standing apart from everybody just watching as the rest of the team gave Leila and i hugs and kisses.

I knew this was gonna be hard but i didn't anticipate this. This will be more painful than hell will ever be.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

Next TUESDAY (May 14), I'm on a livecast about AI AND ENSHITTIFICATION with TIM O'REILLY; on WEDNESDAY (May 15), I'm in NORTH HOLLYWOOD with HARRY SHEARER for a screening of STEPHANIE KELTON'S FINDING THE MONEY; FRIDAY (May 17), I'm at the INTERNET ARCHIVE in SAN FRANCISCO to keynote the 10th anniversary of the AUTHORS ALLIANCE.

#20yrsago Internet Archive’s Petabox: a 1,000 terabyte array https://archive.org/web/petabox.php

#15yrsago Pinkwater’s Neddiad: awesome YA novel with ghosts, fat alien cops, shamans, circus animals, triplanes, swordfighting, etc https://memex.craphound.com/2009/05/11/pinkwaters-neddiad-awesome-ya-novel-with-ghosts-fat-alien-cops-shamans-circus-animals-triplanes-swordfighting-etc/

#15yrsago Selling fiber broadband by inviting users to dig their own trenches https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2009/05/norwegian-isp-dig-your-own-fiber-trench-save-400/

#15yrsago Free ebooks’ effects on book-sales https://web.archive.org/web/20090515095615/http://bloggasm.com/did-random-houses-free-online-book-releases-affect-sales

#15yrsago Pirate Bay founder proposes to pay his fine with tiny, expensive-to-receive payments https://web.archive.org/web/20090514014403/http://www.blogpirate.org/2009/05/10/pirate-bay-founder-crafts-distributed-denial-of-dollars-attack/

#15yrsago Canadian MPs don’t want Parliament videos in the hands of citizens https://web.archive.org/web/20090512225709/http://www.thestar.com/sciencetech/article/632164

#15yrsago Cornell says no to restrictions on public domain materials https://web.archive.org/web/20090515100044/http://news.library.cornell.edu/com/news/PressReleases/Cornell-University-Library-Removes-All-Restrictions-on-Use-of-Public-Domain-Reproductions.cfm

#5yrsago Bipartisan groups call on Congress to reinstate the Office of Technology Assessment, which Gingrich killed in 1995 https://www.techdirt.com/2019/05/10/broad-coalition-tells-congress-to-bring-back-office-technology-assessment/

#5yrsago Beto O’Rourke just hired a “senior advisor” who used to lobby for Keystone XL, Seaworld and private prisons https://theintercept.com/2019/05/11/beto-orourke-campaign-staff-lobbyist-keystone-xl/

#5yrsago Facebook’s “celebration” and “memories” algorithms are auto-generating best-of-terror-recruiting pages for extremist groups https://www.securityweek.com/whistleblower-says-facebook-generating-terror-content/

#5yrsago Chelsea Manning’s statement on the occasion of her release https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDZGRRk4MnM

#1yrago 'We buy ugly houses' is code for 'we steal vulnerable peoples' homes' https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/11/ugly-houses-ugly-truth/#homevestor

[footy-fictionist]

Jealousy - Karim Adeyemi

Pairing: Karim Adeyemi x female reader

Warnings: fluff, jealousy, bit of angst, insecurities (not necessarily specific), self-doubt I guess and a disguised insult (or a dig of some sort), reassurance

Word count: 1169

Note: As always, my first language is not English. Hopefully this will help cheer people up a little. I'm incredibly gutted Dortmund just lost. But this was ready in my drafts so might as well post it. 'Schatz' is used quite a few times. Let me know if I missed anything in the warnings. Please do not copy or publish my work. It is again completely fictional, I do not know Karim in real life. So this is my interpretation of him. I feel like he's the type of guy that can easily read his partner.

Karim has had an amazing streak on the field lately. Becoming the fastest player in the Bundesliga, scoring important goals to get Dortmund the lead during the games. Scoring the winner in the first Chelsea game. All of these things made people notice Karim more and more. More followers, more comments, more requests for autographs, pictures and his shirts. Even his comments about fufu made him more popular than before, without a doubt also skyrocketing some sales. 

As his girlfriend she is more than proud of him and she’s happy to see that he is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He’s been working so hard and after everything he went through with Bayern and playing in Salzburg, he really deserves nothing less. Her heart broke for him when he got injured in the game against Hertha. She loved the special kit he was in and how he selflessly passed the ball to Malen whilst already feeling the injury. She just hated the way he lay on the grass with his arm over his face. It would definitely take a while for him to be back. 

Yet it didn’t stop his growing fame. He got an incredible amount of well wishes and she saw how it helped to lift his spirits. Even posting himself, how he’d be back soon and that no one needed to worry. It’s not even a few weeks ago and he is still getting a lot of attention. His recovery is going well so far and whenever he leaves for home, people are waiting outside the training grounds for pictures and his autograph. Even when they are walking out in public together, they approach Karim. She doesn’t mind at all, they’re always very polite towards her and she loves to take the pictures for them. 

That is until one day, a group of girls approach them. At first it’s like any other group that wants pictures with Karim. She offers to take the pictures like always and the girls agree. But instead of just standing next to Karim, the girls closest to him, practically wrap themselves around him before the other girls join them. As she takes the picture, she thinks it’s a bit odd, but since Karim isn’t really reacting to it, she leaves it be. After taking a few pictures she hands the phone back to the girl, who immediately checks the pictures only to shove it back in her hands, saying that they’re not good enough. 

The pictures looked fine to her, but decided to take a few more as the girls went back to standing next to Karim. One of them whispers something in his ear, only for him to nervously move side to side, not really answering her. The girl smirks back at the camera and it makes her a little uncomfortable as well. Soon enough Karim pulls away to stand back next to his girlfriend. He immediately wraps his arm around her and presses a kiss to her hairline as she hands the phone back to the girl. The girl almost rips the phone out of her hands with an almost angry look on her face, not even thanking her for taking the pictures. The girls walk away and Karim heaves a big sigh. 

“You okay? What did she say to you?”

“Everything is fine, Schatz. I’m just glad they’re gone. She was saying how I could do a lot better if I was together with her. That didn’t sit well with me, so I didn’t really respond and made sure to show her I love you.”

It’s incredibly sweet that this is the way he responds to it. But she can’t help but feel a little jealous that another girl is flirting with her man when she’s right there. It makes her wonder how many girls try to get to him. They keep on walking around, making sure he gets some more pictures for his instagram. When they get home, Karim immediately sorts out the pictures to post, whilst she heads into the kitchen to make them both a drink. She feels her phone buzz in her backpocket and she knows it’s a notification that Karim posted his picture.

She takes it out as she waits for the water to boil. She opens his post and smiles at the pictures he chose. He looks incredible in all of them and she’s not the only one who sees that. As she wants to write a reply, she already sees hundreds of them. Girls compliment Karim, calling him hot and how they’d do anything to have a chance with him. Girls saying they want him to marry them. She can’t help but feel a little jealous. She knows that there’s nothing to worry about, Karim doesn’t even give those comments the light of day. He will only respond to his friends, but she can’t let it go. The girls are beautiful and any one of them could replace her. She puts away her phone and finishes the drinks before taking them to the living room. 

Karim is on his phone and that makes the jealousy spike more. She puts the cups on the table a little harsher than she should, making Karim jump a little. She plops down on the other side of the couch, confusing Karim even more. As she takes out her phone, he sees her frown deepen even more. It begins to dawn on him that it might have to do with his post. So he decides to check the comments and sees what she saw in the kitchen. Hundreds of compliments for him and he understands that she’s a little jealous. He can’t hide the smirk on his face as he goes to sit next to her.

“Are you jealous, Schatz?”

He whispers it into her ear. She immediately locks her phone as she gives him a huff in reply to his question. It makes him smile and as she sends him a side glance, she catches him smiling. Immediately she scoots further away whilst pushing him away, her face turning away from him. He doesn’t let her get far though. He grabs her and sits her down on his lap, yet she still won’t look him in the eyes. 

“It’s okay to be jealous. But you don’t have to be, I only have eyes for you. You rock my world and there is no one that will have crazy moments with me like you.”

A blush immediately covers her cheeks as she thinks back on all the silly moments they’ve shared so far. She hides her face against his shoulder, her arms going around his shoulders. One hand moving to his hair, lightly pulling on the curls. He keeps reassuring her and the embarrassment she feels slowly fades. She fully relaxes in his hold as he presses more kisses to the side of her face. She knows he loves her and he knows, now more than ever, that she clearly loves him a lot too.

Schatz: babe/treasure

[redwineconversation]

Ellie Carpenter The Australian Article (June 30, 2023)

I'll be honest, I was - and to be frank, still am - in two minds about posting this, because I feel there are certain passages which invite nutcases to harass Carpenter and/or van de Donk, and I don't want to be responsible for enabling that kind of behavior.

On the flip side, there's also interesting facts / stories in here, and I think it provides an insight on a player that if we are still being honest with each other, we don't really know that much about.

Blah blah not associated with The Australian, if OL Comms wanted to chip in for my AC bill whom am I to say no to that, etc etc.

ELLIE CARPENTER THE AUSTRALIAN ARTICLE

It's the biggest game of her life but Ellie Carpenter is being carried off on a stretcher. The replay is a sickening sight, causing groans among the 32,000-strong crowd. Her left knee has buckled beneath her, leaving the 22-year-old thumping the ground in agony. Her Women's Champions League final is over and maybe so much more.

Waves of pain from her ruptured ACL make it hard for the young Australian to think clearly as she is lifted off the field after only 13 minutes playing for her club Lyon against Barcelona in Turin on May 21 last year. And yet, at this moment, she is focusing harder than she has ever thought possible. The girl from Cowra, the former child prodigy of Australian soccer, wipes the tears from her eyes and stares straight up at the sky as if in a trance.

"Count," she tells herself as her stretcher makes its way out of the stadium to the applause of the sympathetic crowd. "Count the months."

"I was thinking, 'Oh shit, what month is it?' Carpenter recalls. "It's usually a 12-month recovery [from an ACL injury] and I needed to count the months until I could play again. So in my head I was going like 'June, July, August' and then I'm like 'YES, YES, YES, I'll make it. I'll recover in time for our World Cup."

Almost exactly 12 months later Carpenter, now 23, bounces into a cafe in central Lyon, France, with her blonde hair in a bun, wearing a T-shirt and shorts and a grin on her face. It's a wet spring day, but the sun is shining again for Carpenter after a horror year. She is back on the field, playing again for Olympique Lyonnais, the best women's team in the world. Off the field, she is happy and in love. She has bought a house just outside Lyon with her partner and teammate, Danielle van de Donk, one of the best footballers on the planet, who also plays for the Netherlands national team.

Across the English Channel, the superstar captain of the Australian Matildas, Sam Kerr, is kicking goals and doing backflips for her club Chelsea. For Carpenter, who is as important to the Matildas' backline as Kerr is to the forward line, the stars are finally aligning for Australia's tilt at the biggest women's sporting event, the FIFA Women's World Cup. "I don't think I'll realise how big it's going to be until I walk out for that first game," she says, cradling a hot chocolate. "We have a team that could do something really special, we have great players who are in form and we are playing in front of our home crowds. It's gonna be massive. I think we have a really good chance but I don't want to jinx myself," she says, tapping the table for good luck.

If the rapid-fire ticket sales are any guide, Carpenter may be underestimating the reception that awaits her and the Matildas.

The World Cup, to run from July 20 to August 20, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, will see an estimated 83,000 watch Australia's opening match against Ireland at Sydney's Accor Stadium - more than double the Matildas' previous high attendance of 36,000. The opening match was moved from the 42,5000-seat Sydney Football Stadium to the 83,000-seat Stadium Australia (known as Accor Stadium for sponsorship purposes) to meet the surging demand for tickets. At least 15 million people are expected to attend the games in Australia and New Zealand with an estimated worldwide audience of two billion. FIFA predicts the World Cup will encourage up to 400,000 girls to take up soccer in Australia.

"It's crazy now, women's football," says Carpenter. "I've seen it go from here to here," she says, moving her hands towards the sky.

Marketing surveys show the Matildas have overtaken the men's Wallabies rugby union in popularity, something that would once have seemed unthinkable for a team that only formed in 1978 and for years had to play on substandard ovals. The small crowds that came to watch them play in those days were mostly family and friends.

"it's incredible to see where this team has come from to be one of our biggest sporting brands ... so many players have paved the way for this moment," says Heather Garriock, who played 130 games for the Matildas between 1999 and 2011.

For years Matildas players were paid a pittance, having to hold down second jobs while playing for the national team. In the early days one player recalled how a teammate called the coach before an international match to say she would be late because her shift at Woolies didn't finish until 530pm. In the lead-up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the Matildas were so desperate to secure sponsorship and public support that 12 of them posed naked for a calendar to get attention. Fast forward to today and the Matildas are a household name, and Kerr is arguably the most recognizable Australian sports star in the world. In May, wearing a sharp black suit, she carried the Australian flag into Westminster Abbey for the coronation of King Charles II.

But it will take more than Kerr's soccer royalty of the Matildas to realise their dream of winning a home World Cup.

On a cold spring evening in London on the eve of the coronation, Kerr is playing to script, slamming the winning goal for her team Chelsea against Liverpool with just minutes to go. As she leaves the ground I ask her what she thinks about having Carpenter back with the Matildas for the World Cup. "Ellie is one of the best players in the world," says Kerr, who described Carpenter as "irreplaceable" when she injured her ACL last year. "We've missed her and she's a great personality to have on the team... I'm feeling good, I'm feeling excited [about the World Cup]."

A few days later, Carpenter is sprinting up the right wing, weaving the ball around her teammates during morning training near the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium on the outskirts of Lyon. It is just over two months since she made her comeback from her injury and the previous weekend she was one of the team's best players in their 3-0 win over Dijon.

She calls out to her teammates in French and jokes with them in French, but if she makes a mistake on the field, the word "shit" rings out across the ground in an Aussie twang.

Her bilingual world in Lyon, a French foodie capital crammed with UNESCO World Heritage sites, is a reminder of just how many lives Carpenter has squeezed into her 23 years. "It all started here," she says, pointing to a tattoo on her ankle that shows the outline of Cowra, her hometown of 12,500 people in the Central West of NSW. "it's one main street, two sets of traffic lights, a place where we knew everyone and everyone knew the Carpenters."

Looking back, Carpenter's unlikely rise from the streets of Cowra to international soccer star was both a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing because she lived the real-life sporting fairy-tale. This was the tell in which a determined young country girl becomes a prodigy of the game, shattering every barrier in her path to find herself playing for Australia at the age of just 15 and then at the age of 16 at the 2016 Rio Olympics, the youngest ever female footballer in the world to compete in an Olympics.

The curse was that she was so good, so early, that she was a kid playing among adults, being thrust into the spotlight aead of her time, before she was ready and before she had the to grow up. "I hated it sometimes," she says. "I was always the youngest. People would say, oh, you're the youngest ever Olympian or you're the youngest ever to score a goal, the youngest thing, the youngest that. I was playing with people who were 10 or 15 years older than me and you had to mature very quickly. It was hard with the pressure, the spotlight, the critics... I wasn't prepared for that at the time."

"I've been in the public eye since I was 15 and now people think I'm 30 but I'm still just 23, one of the youngest on the team."

Belinda Carpenter still scratches her head about how her daughter fell in love with soccer. "She was highly energetic, she never sat still but she did all sports - a bit of athletic, AFL, soccer, cricket, even triathlon, cheerleading and trapeze," she says. Belinda and her then husband Scott, who were Physical Education teachers in Cowra, encouraged Carpenter and he older brother Jeremy to dabble in any activity that took their fancy. "Ellie also did ballet, so she would play football in the morning and then go to ballet with muddy knees under those pink stockings," Belinda recalls.

"I think I always knew I would be a sportsperson, because ever since I could walk I was running," says Carpenter. "I think I could have done any sport really because I was also good at swimming and athletics. I was a tomboy. I didn't really have a normal childhood. I never went to parties like other girls, I just wanted to play sports."

She played soccer from an early age but her path as a serious player began by accident when, at the age of about seven, she watched her brother Jeremy train with the NSW country soccer team. "I was just on the sidelines waiting for him, juggling the ball on my own, when the coach came up and said that I could join their next session. I was the only girl and the boys were much older than me. I don't remember this but apparently I was like, really good, smashing all the boys."

Belinda and Scott decided to give both Ellie and Jeremy the chance to compete in competitions across the state. This required a brutal schedule of long drives for training and games. "Honestly I can't believe they did that for me," Carpenter says. "From Cowra we used to drive to Canberra every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, which was more than two hours there and back, and then sometimes we would play in Sydney which was four hours there and back on the same day. I would spend so much time in the car, doing my homework or making up quizzes and things just to pass the time."

By the time Carpenter was 12, it was clear that she had natural talent but could no longer be nurtured from Cowra. So Belinda quit her job and moved with both the children to Sydney so they could attend Westfield Sports High School in Sydney's west, which had a specialist sports program.

It was a big school in a big city, a culture shock for a country girl. "It was a huge change, I became this small fish in a big sea," she says. Not long afterwards, her parents divorced, a time which she describes as difficult and sad.

The following year, aged 13, Carpenter went to watch the Matildas play in Sydney. "I think there was a maximum of 1000 people there but I watched the national team play and I was like 'Oh, sick, I want to be that.' Then two years later, I was on that team. It was crazy."

Carpenter's precocious talent turned heads in the soccer world at that time, and things unfolded quickly. She broke into the "Mini-Matildas" under-17 team at the age of 14, and when she turned 15 signed her first professional contract with the then W-League club Western Sydney Wanderers. The coach was so impressed with her that she didn't even need to trial for the team.

Carpenter's ambition was such that although she began her career as a midfielder, she volunteered to be a defender when the Mini-Matildas said they needed defenders only because she didn't want to be cut from the squad. "I was like, I want to be in the team so I will play wherever."

In March 2016, when she was still just 15, Carpenter made her debut for the senior Matildas, playing in a 9-0 victory over Vietnam.

Not long afterwards, she was playing for Australia in the Rio Olympics, the first of the strong of "youngest ever" firsts that she would soon tire of. "Obviously I was so young - I think I was the youngest in that team by five years," she recalls. "So I guess I was kind of on my own. Some players were 30 years old and some of them were a bit like 'Who is this 15-year-old who has come into the team?' and some people don't want you there because you might take their spot. So some didn't like me being there, but you've just gotta keep going."

After the Rio Olympics, Heather Garriock, who was then coaching, says that she noticed that the 16-year-old Carpenter was struggling. "I could see she wasn't doing well with the massive comedown after the hype of the Olympic Games. So, you know, I just put my arm around her - and since then I've always put my arm around and taken her under my wing. She just wanted to be the best and to get better every day.

"She is so driven to win and yet she's got such a nice nature, a humble kind of girl who will always give you her time."

Carpenter says she was forced to grow up quickly, but with the help of people like Garriock she eventually found her rhythm and adapted to the ever-growing public glare of being a Matilda. "I think it took me a couple of years, until I was about 17, to come out as Ellie," she says.

In Year 10 Carpenter dropped out of school to pursue her dream of being a full-time footballer. "She wasn't at school very much anyway," says Belinda of her daughter's busy soccer schedule. "I just told her, 'Go do it, because if it fails and you don't get to where you want to go in soccer, we will go back and figure out the education route'."

When Carpenter was 17 she was pursued by the US National Women's Soccer League team Portland Thorns, in Oregon on the US west coast. She signed with them but, in those days, women were not allowed to play until they turned 18. The club was so keen for her to play that she signed a contract literally on her 18th birthday, and played the following week, racking up yet another series of "youngest evers." "That's why I was the youngest ever player and the youngest ever person to score a goal in the NWSL at that stage," she says.

Carpenter says life in the US was a shock "because it was so different to Australia." Belinda recalls that her daughter would often FaceTime her during dinner just to have a companion to speak with. "Until she found her feet I would often hang out with her on the phone while she was having dinner at a restaurant or something when she didn't really know anybody.

"Even though Ellie is really outgoing, with a wicked sense of humor, I think she is also a bit guarded about who she lets in."

Even so, Carpenter says she enjoyed her two years in Portland where she regularly played in front of crowds of 20,000. By this stage she had become a fixture of the Matildas team, playing in the 2019 World Cup in France where they made it to the round of 16 and then the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where the Matildas made it to the semi-finals.

By the time she turned 20, Carpenter was being pursued by the strongest women's team in the world, Olympique Lyonnais. She recalls the moment she learned that Lyon wanted to recruit her. "I was like, 'Are you serious?' It was Lyon and I was like, 'Are you sure they want me?' I mean, if Lyon calls, you go to them wherever you re because they are the best in the world." This is no exaggeration - the team has won eight Champions League finals in the past 12 years, including give in a row between 2015 and 2020.

But Carpenter's arrival in 2020 wasn't so easy. "It was the time of the COVID pandemic so the city was shut. I didn't know anyone, and I didn't know French," she says. So she began her life anew yet again, throwing herself into French lessons and making friends at her new club. She impressed local fans by trying to speak French at press conferences, albeit with an Aussie twang. She also fell in love with Lyon itself. "I love it, it's beautiful - not as nice as Sydney but it's still beautiful." As soon as she arrived, she also saw why her new team kept winning championships. The fitness, the training, the skills were next-level, even for Carpenter. "She called me up and said, 'Um, Mum, these players are really, really good," recalls Belinda. Initially she found it hard to break into her new team, and she won her first European Championship with Lyon in 2020 without taking to the field when she was on the team as an unused sub.

"I don't think many people understand what it really takes to be a football player," says Carpenter's teammate and partner Danielle van de Donk. "You win trophies and everyone thinks it is a high but no one really knows about the lows." Van de Donk, who has been going out with Carpenter for about two years, says she has the rare ability to lift the team's morale singlehandedly. "She is the most energetic person I know, she is very, very positive, and off the pitch she just brings a different kind of energy to the room - even when she was injured the coaches were saying to her, 'Bring your energy to the team, we need it,'" says van de Donk. "She is already a star but she is just going to get bigger and bigger. She is only 23."

Van de Donk says she's attracted to Carpenter because they are "similar people in life", adding "It's kind of wild, she is from Australia, I'm from the Netherlands, and we are buying a house in Lyon - it's very cool."

After that tricky start at Lyon, Carpenter became a regular in the team - until the 13-minute mark of last year's Champions League final. "It was just sickening to watch her go down," recalls Belinda, who was watching the game live in the middle of the night from her home in Wamberal on the NSW Central Coast. "I actually said when I watched it, 'She does not go down and she does not stay down'."

Carpenter's injury came in two parts. The first came when she was tackling an opponent near the corner post and her left knee twisted in the tackle. Carpenter hobbled off in obvious pain. But she was desperate to come back on, and tested the injured knee in front of the team's medical staff. "I remember being on the sideline and they were testing me and I was like, 'Is it strong, can you feel my ACL?' And they were like, 'Yeah I think it's fine, so you want to go back on?' And I'm like, 'Yeah, it's the Championship Final.' So I ran back on and then I was like 'Oh, something's not right'."

Back in Wamberal, Belinda was horrified to see her daughter run back onto the pitch. "We were like, 'No, no, no, don't do it," she recalls.

Moments after returning to the field Carpenter moved to intercept a long pass. But as soon as she changed direction her knee gave way completely, severing her ACL and sending her to the ground.

Van de Donk, who was watching from the sidelines as a substitute, had torn her own ACL as a teenager and knew what lay ahead. "I saw her go down and instantly I knew it was wrong," she recalls. "It was horrible to watch."

But once Carpenter counted the months and realised she could still potentially play in the World Cup in Australia, her mood lifted. Lyon won the match 3-1, giving Carpenter her second championship and yet another first as the only Australian to win two Champions League medals. After the match, despite having her injured leg in a splint, Carpenter joined her teammates in the celebrations on the field, swimming precariously on her crutches and then hopping on her one good leg as she held up the Champions League cup. She then flew back to Lyon with the team and continued the celebrations. "I was in so much pain, so I just took lots of painkillers but then we went to a restaurant and partied in Lyon drinking champagne until 5am."

The next morning Carpenter woke with a hangover to the bad news she had feared. She needed a full knee reconstruction and would be out of the game for up to a year. Recalls Belinda: "The first thing she said to me on the phone was, 'I'm getting an operation, I'm going to get better and I'm going to play in the World Cup.' It was all about the World Cup."

That has been Carpenter's singular goal ever since. In those early months after her injury when she could not run, she followed her rehab plan like it was Holy Writ - long hours in the gym keeping the muscles working followed by swimming, physio, massage and the hardest of all: patience.

"I had to learn a lot about patience because I am impatient," she says. "When I was finally able to take my first jump again I actually cried with happiness." At times Carpenter wondered whether she would be the same player when she returned, but mostly she says she kept her mental demons at bay.

"It was a long journey for her and she was a bit insecure in the beginning, she struggled for about three weeks," says van de Donk. "But after that she was OK, she just powered through - and now I think she's much stronger than she was." Carpenter, for her part, puts a gloss on the whole saga, saying she believes it gave her a much-needed break from the game she'd been playing almost non-step since she was a child.

Today, Carpenter's football routine is very full-time. She goes into the club from around 9am to 4pm most days to do a mixture of training, gym recovery and sponsorship. Then she plays on weekends, often traveling. She works with a nutritionist and also a psychologist. She estimated she gets one day properly off each month. Such is the profile of the team in Lyon that she now gets recognised in the street, and after three years here she says she is now fluent in French.

"Ellie has always known the path that she wanted and she has just followed it completely. That is pretty incredible for a 23-year-old," says former Matildas player Garriock. "She is already one of the world's best players and her energy and leadership are crucial for the World Cup. She has achieved things at 23 that others wouldn't achieve in their whole career. I have no doubt that she will be the captain of the Matildas in the future. She has all the leadership qualities and the big game experience."

Carpenter is now on the home stretch of her quest, hoping to stay in form and avoid injury until the World Cup begins in three weeks.

Although she loves playing for Lyon, she says there's nothing like going home to play with the Matildas. "It's like going back to your family." she says with a grin. "We've all known each other for years. Everyone is so close, We can all laugh at ourselves and we look after each other. It's such a good, strong group. I don't know how to explain it but I have a special passion when I play for the Matildas, it's unique. For me, this World Cup is the top of the top it's probably the best thing I will ever experience."

So how far can Carpenter and the Matildas go in this World Cup?

"We've never seen an Australian team like this," says Garriock. "This core of players like Ellie Carpenter, Sam Kerr and Caitlin Ford have played together in World Cups and big tournaments since they were 16 years old. They are in their prime and this is their moment. It is written for them."

[redundant2]

Mystery Solved! Pippa Middleton and James Matthews have purchased Sir Terence Conran's previous estate in Berkshire: Barton Court.

Reports about the Princess of Wales' sister Pippa's new estate in Berkshire have been quite vague, but today I finally found the planning permits.

The Matthews paid £15 million for Barton Court, located in Kintbury, Hungerford, Berkshire.

"Barton Court was built in 1772 for Admiral Lord Dundas: a typical, red-brick, early Georgian house of five bays with a projecting central open-pedimented entrance front, enhanced by round-headed windows in the upper storeys."

The top yellow star in the right part of the above map is the estate where Michael and Carol Middleton live in Bucklebury, and the solid red dot on the left is the location of James and Pippa Matthews' new estate. Close enough for a short car drive to visit, but far enough apart to allow each family some private time.

The planning permit request is for "Relocation of an outdoor swimming pool and construction of a tennis court within the walled garden, and conversion of a potting shed to associated changing room and plant room."

Below is the celebrated walled garden that will be replaced with tennis courts and possibly a very large swimming pool:

Sir Terence Conran was a famous British designer who passed away in September 2020. He founded the Habitat and Conran shops. He was also renowned for designing restaurants, office buildings and stores. Conran ran several restaurants and wrote more than 50 books about design.

House and Garden UK did a nice feature on the property with many color photos taken by Princess Margaret's ex-husband, if you're curious about the interior of Pippa's new home.

From the article: "In earlier days a stone-flagged hallway ran from the door to the stairway between the enclosing walls of adjacent rooms. These rooms have now been gutted to provide a combined hall and living room of vast area: over a hundred feet in length." Looks like the original tile is still in place.

Apparently, some of the family of Sir Terence Conran was very upset that his estate was sold, as it was said to have been his dream for the estate to remain in the family.

"Both the house and the estate, according to one visitor, were to be 'overseen by the Conran family'. But no longer: I can reveal that the house has been sold for £15 million, despite Conran's vision, which included selling fruit and vegetables from greenhouses and a massive walled garden.

Members of the family appear to be in the dark about quite why the sale has gone ahead. One tells me that it is the executors of Conran's will who are selling the property, not his widow, Lady Conran.

The interior designer Vicki Davis married Sir Terence in 2000 at Chelsea Town Hall. His children — Sebastian and Jasper by his second wife, Superwoman author Shirley Conran, and Tom, Sophie and Ned by his third, cookery writer Caroline Herbert — only learned of it later.

That was no accident: Conran's children, it was playfully said, needed an appointment to see him.

The executors of his will decline to comment. But I can disclose that Vicki has already left the house and a new family has moved in."

Little did we know in June 2022 that it was Pippa Middleton and her family who bought the estate!

But here is another article interviewing Conran's widow, Vicki. She felt the house was too much for one person to maintain, and that none of his many children would want the upkeep. Conran apparently did not die of Covid either. It's a good article, detailing his vast collections and giving you a better idea of what he was like. After living there 50 years, Conran's widow was given 8 weeks to pack up everything and move out by the new owners...

Here is the planning application map showing the property outline:

Interestingly, the large buildings to the left of Barton Court are actually a very large custom furniture workshop and retail store. The owner, Sean Sutcliffe, "met Terence Conran and a firm friendship was made over a shared interest in making, wood, design and sustainability. They founded Benchmark together and our workshop and showroom are situated in the grounds of Terence’s country home."

That should prove very interesting for Pippa and family - perhaps those who are royal watchers might plan to do some furniture shopping in the near future! I'm sure, however, that the Matthews family will have plans in place to secure the perimeter of their new estate - or perhaps Mr. Matthews will just buy Benchmark Furniture outright and have its premises moved. Pretty sure he can afford it, since they recently sold their Chelsea mansion for £22.5 million, £5.5 million more than he paid for it.

[kmp78]

“Yep, it's a big city with 40000 boroughs. 😂. “. - Actually there are only 5 boroughs in Manhattan (often mistakenly called neighborhoods) but over 350 actual neighborhoods throughout the 5 boroughs!! Here’s a slightly gossipy mini travel log some might enjoy. Humor me.

The old money billionaires (like Paris Hiltons family type) mostly live in mid-town Manhattan around Central Park and the exclusive Gramercy Park neighborhood with its resident’s personal key to a locked private park along with their apartment (highlighted in JL’s WeCrashed mini-series.) Gramercy Park was the home of Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, literature and theater luminaries of the early 20th century such as Truman Capote and Edith Wharton and is currently the home of celebrities such as Midler, Delevigne and assorted top models, J. Roberts, Lagerfeld, Fallon and Kate Hudson.

Lots of artsy folks and big film, sports and fashion celebrities; Timberlake, Swift, B and Jay Z, T Brady, Lewis Hamilton, DiNiro, ScarJo, J. Gyllenhaal, Reynolds and Lively, Styles and many more, live or have lived in the lower Manhattan neighborhoods that JL likes to hang out in when he is in town. These include neighborhoods like Tribeca, SoHo, West Village, the Bowery and Chelsea; all home to some of the best boutiques and endless areas to eat and mingle in NYC. FYI:The Bowery is the 7th most expensive neighbor-hood in Manhattan. Lewis Hamilton’s 12,000 sf penthouse in Tribeca recently sold for 50+/- million US dollars!!! Yes, you heard that right and he made somewhere around 6 million $ on the sale. 😵‍💫

Sparked by the influx of successful hip-hop artists and the Barkley Center, many musicians, athletes and successful actors live near or in Brooklyn in places like Dumbo, Red Hook, Park Slope or Williamsburg. Hathaway, Damon, A. Driver, Sarsgaard and M Gyllenhaal, Blunt and Krasinski, Bork, Nora Jones, Hawke, O Wilde, E. Murphy and many more all have homes in Brooklyn.

Queens has several less expensive neighborhoods like Sunnyside, Howard Beach and Astoria (one of the cheapest neighborhoods to live in). While there is an young active nightlife in Astoria and one or two other neighborhoods, Queens is a safer, less expensive place young people go to start out or raise a family. The Fresh Meadows neighborhood was the home of not famous at all, me. 😁

The Bronx has some of the poorest and toughest neighborhoods (around Yankee Stadium) though there are some very beautiful and well kept areas and many old stately stone homes. It’s trying hard to come back.

Staten Island is a much quieter more residential part of the city filled with highly ethnic (heavily Italian) blue collar working class families. (Think Jersey Shore on TV). While a few mid century actors lived there many years ago, no one famous except briefly Pete Davidson who was raised there, seems to want to live there now. Fun Fact: The characters in the movie “Working Girl” starring Harrison Ford and Melanie Griffith, Sigourney Weaver, Alex Baldwin and Joan Cusak are in Staten Island for this flick. Don’t miss this 1988 rah rah rom com feel good movie classic!! (Free by Hulu or Disney subscription or 2.99 Amazon rental or 3.99 some other places in US. Maybe free somewhere but worth a few bucks) You will see the actual SI ferry from the island to Manhattan which you must take daily to get to NY and hear the true Staten Island classic NY accent at its best! Great story and music too !

Well, nobody asked for all this but it is a very awesome city in which I lived, worked for many years and know well ! Beautiful, very exciting, exceptionally cultural and immensely historic (don’t get me started) but expensive to live in for the most part. And now you can all trace JL and Thinnie’s whereabouts around town! 🤪

Thanks, anon! 🤭🙌

I wonder why JL decided not to splurge on a NYC pad anyway, after being on the look-out couple years ago. 🤔

Guess his deal with Bowery saves him a big penny! 🤷🏼‍♀️

[smallerplaces]

Evi Love and the clone posse, a dd's discounts adventure

While out running errands, I did a circuit of discount stores off the Golden State Highway in Turlock. By far the best selection of clone dolls was at dd's discounts. The doll section was clones, clones, clones -- plus some actual Evi Love.

First to catch my eye was Lilian, who here is knocking off Evi Love Romantic Carriage, with a side of Belle vibes. Her face-up is incredibly similar to Evi Love, and I have to admit I like seeing a hair color other than platinum blonde.

For the same low, low price of $5.99, here's a real Evi Love. dd's had a ton of genuine Evi dolls in various playsets. This one in particular tempted me because it includes a younger baby. But if I started on clone babies, I'd need to buy the Kid Kore Native American baby currently listed on eBay, and then these things spiral and before you know it I'll be obsessing about the Heart Family Neighbor Asian Baby. Ms. Leo's extensive and adorable collection of Barbie babies is a warning of how easy it is to end up with a lot of babies.

Also, I'm not crazy about Evi Love in her classic blonde version. She's going to look large and sullen next to Kelly. I like her rare Asian face-up best, and almost any brown version next after that. But dd's had only white Evi dolls (which is sad, since the store's target market is not white).

This nameless gal appears to be more inspired by the original 2010 Chelsea, with maybe some Ty Lil Ones in the body and foot type. It looks like she can hold her paint brushes!

Googling for "Kaibibi Girl" gets me a variety of large-headed dolls (Google Translate tells me that "kaibibi" means "domes" in Arabic, which is likely relevant, as I think the doll is made for sale in Egypt). The ones this size appear to emulate Evi Love's lifestyle, with lots of furniture, vehicles, and exotic vacations.

This one came the closet of the dd's dolls to coming home with me, thanks to that bathroom sink, the articulation in the Barbie clone, and the presence of two younger sisters. However, I don't need a white body donor, the taller girl's face-up is so, so badly done, and the little one is a very low-quality clone that shows up all over the place. I've had her from Dollar Tree with plastic furniture, and she doesn't compare well to other Kelly clones.

[ussgallifrey]

Dagger Squad Headcanons | Part 2

LOGAN "YALE" LEE

Originally from the Bay Area (San Francisco), he got into Yale (his first college choice) when he was 17. He was set to study in the medical field.

He saw the Blue Angels perform when he was home during his summer break and immediately thought: I wanna do that, I can do that.

He finished his senior year and earned a Bachelor in Kinesiology and immediately enlisted in the Navy as an E-4. Going right to officer's school for flight aviation after his first deployment.

He's the youngest child in his family with three older sisters.

His oldest sister, Ashley (Ae-cha, 애차) is a cardiologist. His middle sister, Chelsea (Chung-ha, 김청하) is a professor at Berkley. And his other sister, Hanna (Ha-yoon, 하윤) is a concert violinist.

His Korean name is Seo-jun (서준), which means naturally talented.

The reason he picked Logan as his English name was because he was absolutely obsessed with X-men growing up. He dressed up as Wolverine two years in a row for Halloween.

He loves the Golden State Warriors. As a kid, he had dreams of becoming a point guard for the team but ultimately lost his drive for a basketball scholarship around eighth grade.

Do not get this man started on Steph Curry. He will not shut up about him.

In his off-time, he does trick shots on the court. He dominates games of Horse and will literally decimate the competition.

He also enjoys spinning basketballs on his finger - it took him all summer when he was nine to figure out that trick.

He was known as DJ Lee throughout middle school because he was constantly burning music onto CDs from Napster for his classmates. He ran the underground music market at the time and saved up enough money from the illegal sales to buy his first flip phone. His parents still have no idea about his young enterprise.

This man is obsessed with banana milk. He drinks at least, bare minimum, two a day.

He swears by eating ginger rice before he flies because it'll settle his stomach better than anything.

His rotating music consists of a lot of classic west coast rappers (Tupac, Dre, Snoop, Easy E, etc.). But he definitely has a secret playlist dedicated to Ariana Grande.

If he has a fully choreographed dance routine for "Dangerous Woman", that is strictly between him and his bathroom mirror, okay?

BRIGHAM "HARVARD" LENNOX

If it wasn't obvious from the name, Harvard is from Utah.

The family farm consists of twenty acres of rolling hills and goats. Just so many goats.

He is the second oldest out of his eight siblings - five brothers and three sisters. He's closest to his sister, Jocelyn who is two years younger than him.

He was a band kid (third trombone). He joined because his fifth grade teacher asked if he would be auditioning for it and he just went yeah, okay.

Also a swimmer on the high school swim team. His best friend at the time asked if he'd be trying out and he just went yeah, okay.

He broke the school record for the backstroke and the butterfly. He's the reason the team made regionals.

This may surprise people, but he has a really amazing singing voice and performed in the spring musical each year. He played both the Beast in Beauty and the Beast (junior year) and Danny from Grease (senior year).

Jocelyn asked him if he'd be putting that shower concert singing to any good use and he just said yeah, okay and he became a theater kid.

The drama/economy teacher told him to put in his college apps to more than just one university, since his parents really wanted him to go to BYU, and he thought just the one application would do.

No one expected Harvard to extend the invitation for him to attend in the fall, least of all Harvard himself. But his grades were all there and he had the stunning recommendations to match, so... to Harvard he went.

He earned a Bachelor in Engineering Sciences.

At the end of term, there were army recruiters just about everywhere within walking distance of campus. Lo and behold, Harvard crossed paths with a Navy recruiter who asked if he ever considered serving his country. He just looked at him and said yeah, okay.

Joining the Navy as an E-4, he served for barely six months before his CO recommended him for officer's school.

Look, people think Harvard is a simple guy. But he's just overly polite and eager to please. He went to Harvard University, after all. And he graduated from the Top Gun program when he was 26. He is very good at what he does.

He doesn't drink. Okay, he let's himself have one drink when he's out with the squad. But he's usually a designated driver.

He dominates at strategy games. Back home, he has a cupboard full of board games that his family almost flat out refuses to play with him because he's just that good. Do not let this man near a Monopoly board.

Absolutely loves chili cheese fries. Even the bad ones they serve in the mess hall. He will literally never turn down a basket of them.

He has a watch collection. All with different purposes (formal events, hiking, first date, etc.). And he usually spends a good chunk of his pay on a new purchase.

His Spotify consists of a lot of musical theater numbers, Dolly Parton, and Nirvana (oddly enough).

˚ ✧ more top gun headcanons ✧ ˚

[bostonrealtors]

4 Staffiery Road Unit 5 Chelsea, MA 02150. A condo for sale.

[superficcial]

*WALK HOME ALONE*

I spent half of my young adult years by walking home alone.

Like almost everyday. Esp di hari aku harus part time job sampai malam. But im happy. I’m sooooooo grateful i can walk home by myself, with my tiny little feet, thick black jacket, and fluffy shawl.

Biasanya aku puter “Crazier Things”nya Chelsea Cutler sambil ngeliatin jendela-jendela apartmen orang-orang (noooo im not a creep). Aku suka ikut senyum lihat nenek-nenek yang duduk di sisi jendela sambil merajut, ada juga couple yang lagi dinner, ada juga cowok seusia aku yang kayanya akan menghadapi klausur (dia fokus banget belajar).

What a small human, what a big world, what a complicated system.

Itu bikin aku sadar kalo kita semua, para manusia ini saling melengkapi satu sama lain. Di gedung itu bisa jadi tinggal 2 orang yang bekerja sebagai pemadam kebakaran, 1 suster, 4 pengangguran, dan 10 pelayan toko. Banyak orang-orang hebat yang tinggal dibawah atap itu.

What a strong human being. What a cruel economic system.

Kayanya aku kecapean setelah kerja.

Well,

I’ll sleep soundly tonight

tomorrow i’ll wake up stronger.

[pixiesfz]

okay i have a kcc request but it’s a little more hurt/comfort vibes

reader is usually upbeat, matching kyra’s energy. r starts to feel a little down and burnt out and kyra’s the only one that notices. kyra organizes a cute little day for them to just chill and talk and cuddle

yes absolutely I love KCC!

on sale k.c.c

plot: you’ve been told by your agent that you’ve been bought by Chelsea, but you don’t know how to tell your girlfriend and friends

warning: angst?, I’m not sure how buying a player works but we will deal with it

“And Arsenal has taken the deal” Your agent told you as you sat in front of him.

You took a deep breath in and looked away “So I’ll be going to Chelsea in January?” You clarified and he nodded. You scoffed “I’ve been here loyally for years”.

“They are offering you a spot in the starting eleven and if Sam Kerr isn’t playing they will put you in striker position” he explained but your head was spinning.

You were moving to a different club, a rival club.

“Y/n I know this is hard but Arsenal wouldn’t of taken the deal if they didn’t know that it would be better for you and your career” he explained and you nodded your head.

It was November which meant you had one more month with the girls before the break and then you would have to go back with Chelsea.

You were leaving your friends.

You were leaving Kyra.

You were the main reason she took Arsenals deal, she wanted to play with you even if it wasn’t on international break.

“Can I go now?” You asked your agent who sadly smiled “yes you can go”.

You got up quickly, tears in your eyes as you got into your car where you cursed loudly out of frustration. You didn’t drive home to you and Kyras shared apartment, you drove to Beth and Vivs house.

They had taken a motherly status over you as you played for the Netherlands with Viv and Beth had taken you under her wing when you rocked up to your first training in an oversized training top as the smallest size was still to big as you were still a teenager.

You knocked on their door frantically as Beth opened the door with a smile “Not a robbed just y/n!” She called back to her girlfriend before looking at you again, her eyes immediately drawn to your red eyes and uneven breaths.

“Y/n/n are you okay?” She asked softly and you brought the older girl into a bone crushing hug in her doorway “y/n?” She asked and you crossed your head “not yet” you cried and the woman nodded as she squeezed you tighter, Viv walking around the corner in confusion as usually when you came over you and Beth were loudly mucking around.

She didn’t question anything but just watched from the corner of the hallway “lieverd” she muttered out as you made eye contact with your international team mate.

Viv could get any truth out of you with one look so you walked out of your embrace with Beth “they sold me” you said and Viv and Beth shared a look “Arsenal sold you?” Viv asked, stepping forward to you and you nodded “to Chelsea I’ll be moving in January” you explained as Beth wiped away your tears.

Viv looked away, not wanting you to see her emotion of sadness as Beth brought you into a hug “when did you find out?” Viv asked “Just then, I came here first” you explained and they nodded “I can’t go home, not yet” you told them and they nodded.

“You can’t go home cause Kyra will be there?” Viv asked and another tear ran down your face “I don’t know how to tell her, I can’t go home like this”.

The two shared a look and nodded and you looked around “can I go pet Myles now” you sniffed and Viv chuckled at your need for the puppy.

You stayed at the Meadema home for about three hours before you deemed yourself fit enough to go home to your girlfriend.

When you arrived Kyra was sleeping on the couch as the screen asked her if she was still watching, obviously she wasn’t.

Usually you would jump on the girl and wake her up but you instead walked past her and got changed into your pajamas for the night.

When Kyra woke up and saw you in the kitchen she furrowed her brows as you didn’t annoyingly wake her up from her nap.

“Hey how was lunch with Vic?” She asked as she walked into the kitchen

You didn’t tell her about your appointment with your agent, if you did then you would have to tell her the truth which you couldn’t right now.

“It was good” you said as Kyra nodded “did you finally try the dumplings?” She asked as she hugged into you, noticing your stiffness as she did so.

“No” was all you said before opening up a bag of chips, Kyra letting go of your body.

“Well did you not eat enough cause you look still hungry if your eating those” she pointed out and you shrugged “I guess”.

“Want to ring the bell on Caitlin’s apartment and run away like it was a Knick knocker?” Kyra suggested and you crossed your head “not today babe” you said and kissed her cheek.

Kyra watched suspiciously as you walked by her and into the living room.

You were never one to deny a small prank.

When training came the next day you were quiet and stuck by Viv and Beth “you haven’t told her yet?” Beth asked as she noticed Kyras still bubbly behaviour in the corner “I can’t” you said and Viv looked at you “You’re going to have to tell the team soon” she said and you nodded.

During drills you went to kick a shot at goal but Kyra kicked it before you could reach it, earning laughs from Katie, Caitlin and Less who were behind you, normally you would run after the girl in revenge but you found yourself just grabbing the ball and having another shot once again confusing your girlfriend.

Kyra ran over to Beth who was at the end of the line “Hey chicken” Beth smiled and Kyra looked in your direction “do you know what’s wrong with y/n, she’s not as…” Kyra couldn’t find the word “Devilish” Beth answered and Kyra nodded “I guess”

Beth looked at Kyra in sorrow, if Viv hid a secret like the secret you were keeping she would be devastated and sad when she found out “maybe just talk to her after training, she could just be having a bad day” Beth shrugged before going back to her group of forwards where you watched their interaction.

You saw Kyras face fall as she saw you watching and your heart broke, you didn’t want to leave her.

Kyra watched you for the whole of training, complaining of a fake ankle injury just so she could keep a better watch, you smiled once and it was only because of a nutmeg goal you had scored against Manu.

When it was time to shower and go home, you were quick, too quick for Kyras liking, usually you would stay around and joke around with her or hide peoples boots when they weren’t looking but you were in and out of the shower before quickly grabbing your bag and waiting out front.

When you got home you tried to walk straight to your room but Kyras hand grabbed your wrist “y/n wait” she said as you turned around to her “have I done something wrong?” She asked and your eyes widened “No! no god no, why would you think that?” You panicked and Kyra let go of your hand “because you’ve been distant and your answers have been short as if you don’t want to talk to me” she explained and you squeezed your eyes as you realised that your actions have made an impact on your girlfriend “and I also know you didn’t go out for lunch with Vic” Kyra said and you stepped back “Kyra-“

“Did you see someone?” She asked and you panicked once again “No! I would never do that to you!” You said and pulled her in a hug “where did you go then?” She asked and you squeezed her tighter as you snuggled into her neck “y/n?” She asked again and you sniffed, the feeling that you felt as you hugged Beth coming back to you.

“Don’t be mad” you muttered as your eyes watered, Kyra lifted her head as she lifted your head softly with her fingers “I won’t get mad I promise” she told you and you looked away.

“Arsenal uhm-“ you started and Kyra nodded, showing you she was listening “they got an offer from Chelsea for me”

Kyras heart dropped at the next words that came out of your mouth “did they accept it?” She asked, her voice cracking and you nodded “I transfer in January” you told her, a single tear rolling down your face as her eyes watered.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” She asked and you looked to the floor “I didn’t know how too”.

The both of you stayed in your position in front of your door way as Kyra listed ways that you could still see each other “On our off days we can spend time with each other and also after games we can relax together, it will be easier than we think y/n” she told you and you nodded before bringing the girl into a kiss.

“I’m gonna miss my partner in crime” she smiled as you leaned in again.

[cat-esper]

PALADIN | Adrianos, Quincy, Marr, and Reaver

He had dark hair, neatly groomed, and broad shoulders. He wore a shirt and tie, slacks, and a brown jacket, polished shoes. He reminded Chelsea of the math teacher she'd had in Junior High, the one everyone secretly feared. No one ever cheated in his class. Only her teacher never carried a knife at his belt. "Adrianos Nephus, you are under arrest," Ferric called across the hangar. Adrianos Nephus. The man who ran the Syndicate. Even without Ferric's confirmation, she thought she knew. "You haven't the authority for that, I'm afraid," Adrianos said. His voice was smooth and bitter. "Run now and I may just forget this little interference."

Name: Adrianos Nephus

Birthday: September 12, 1973

Age: 51

Home: Chicago, Illinois; Earth

Personality Type: ESTJ-A

Cunning and ruthless, Adrianos founded the Syndicate in his home city of Chicago where he made his money through the sale of illegal drugs and weapons. But even becoming a wealthy crime boss wasn't enough to satisfy his ambition so when he discovered a portal to another world, what he saw was an opportunity to expand his empire.

This has led to him influencing the outcomes of various conflicts in the Big Civ as well as making powerful enemies. But he's a man who believes in maintaining power and control and he's willing to do anything to get it, even if it means sacrificing his own family for it.

"You'll want to watch yourselves," Quincy said. "Arla Swin may have been running the show on Autolk, but Adrianos Nephus is the one calling the shots. And you do not want him as an enemy. I recommend you back off." Shay's expression hardened just a little as if he recognized the name. "You'll never get the full picture from a guy like me," Quincy said. "He knows better than that." Shay grunted and backed away from the table. "In that case, we'll just keep you here a while. They won't miss you." He opened the door, nodding for Chelsea to go through first. "Oh, and you're wrong about what you said. Adrianos Nephus doesn't want me as an enemy."

Name: Quincy Reid

Birthday: May 22, 1990

Age: 34

Home: Sable, Utah; Earth

Personality Type: ESTP-T

Quincy is very much a product of his environment. He ran with the wrong crowd, made the wrong decisions, and simply ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Growing up, he idolized his brother, who himself wasn't a great influence, and he has a tendency to give in to peer pressure. When his brother started a family and attempted to get his life together, Quincy felt left behind and betrayed, which was how Adrianos found him and how he ended up working for the Syndicate.

More concerned with just keeping his head down and doing what he's told, Quincy is content to stay within this comfort zone. But as circumstances change, he'll have to decide whether to stick with it or try and repair his damaged but not permanently broken moral compass.

"You are too late. You have lost. The dragons are being returned home," Voh said, much too brave considering the circumstances. Chelsea wished she were half that brave. "This isn't about the dragons," Marr said. "It's about you now. You're a loose end and Nephus doesn't like loose ends." He adjusted the black gloves on his hands, casually. "So you're just going to kill us?" Chelsea asked. Marr pressed a button on something strapped to his wrist. "That's the plan."

Name: Marr

Birthday: January 18, 1981

Age: 43

Home: Hnavah

Personality Type: ISTJ-A

Having grown up in the blood dens of Hnavah, Marr learned from an early age that the only way to the top is by destroying the competition. To gain his patron's favor--and the food and protection that comes with it--Marr built himself into someone to be feared, someone brutal and merciless and not worth crossing. It served him well on Hnavah and when he finally escaped the cesspit that is the Hvroivian homeworld, that brutality was the only skill he had.

Adrianos hired him to work for the Syndicate specifically for this skill, which he puts to use against Adrianos' enemies. It's earned him a fearsome reputation which is just fine by him. As long as he is something to fear, he will always be safe.

"It's in our heads," Reaver said simply. "Whatever it showed Quincy was to the south and made him want to run away from it. What I'm seeing now is to the north and I'm compelled to approach it." "What do you see?" "It's..." Reaver hesitated. "Just someone I failed to protect. It doesn't matter. It's not real. I suggest we veer south." Chelsea looked where Reaver's gun was pointing but saw nothing. Marr looked too and fired a shot in that direction. "You won't hit it," Reaver said. "Just keep going."

Name: Reaver 20-309

Birthday: June 30, 1987

Age: 37

Home: N/A

Personality Type: ISTJ-T

Reaver model synths were designed and mass-produced for war. Reaver 20-309 served in several conflicts as a sniper. Like all Reavers, he was designed with minimal empathy and excellent situational awareness as well as strength, quick reflexes, and a number of combat styles. Considered dangerous to the general public, it is necessary to destroy Reavers once they are no longer needed. However, Reaver 20-309 was instead stolen and sold on the black market which is how he ended up in the Syndicate.

He knows he's not a person, but a tool and does Adrianos' dirty work because that was how he was programmed to be. He absolutely cannot allow himself to feel for any of the Syndicate's victims and he especially cannot consider any of them friends.

[footballffbarbiex]

What did you go to school for (majored in/have a degree in)?

What did you want to do when you were little, like dream job/occupation?

How did you get into football and the teams you love?

🩷

What did you go to school for (majored in/have a degree in)? I didn't. I'm a beauty school drop out 😂😂 i never really wanted to go to uni or anything because i saw it as a lot of debt for a degree that i didn't want but would be doing it for the experience. but when i was growing up, most of the jobs - even for basic things like store work - you had to be 18 because of the sale of alcohol or home items which carried age limits. so i went to college to do beauty therapy and dropped out the second i got a job and in 10 months at 18 y/o i had earnt 10k. so it wasn't too bad.

What did you want to do when you were little, like dream job/occupation? to be either a lawyer or a model. and tbf i did have a modelling contract when i was a teenager and had several shoots but i got embarrassed to easy and stopped when the likes of TV adverts came up because i didn't wanna be seen on national tv 😂

How did you get into football and the teams you love? My grandad was a Leeds fan, my uncle is a lifelong Liverpool supporter and during the 90s to wind my uncle up, mum supported United. she'd rather shit in her hands and clap than support the last two decades of players and now she's done us all dirty by going to the City side. my boyfriend is a lifelong Liverpool supporter and having grown up watching their matches, I loved Nando, hated him for leaving for Chelsea and picked him back up at Atleti and then in strutted Anto and i've not looked back.

+ Anonymously or not, ask me something you’ve always wondered. +