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simkhira · 4 years

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I Have 300+ Gameplay Mods?! & Yes, They All Work Together...

Yes, you read that correctly. I have over 300 gameplay mods / overrides in my game. 340 to be exact. & Yes, they all work just fine together. By that I mean hardly any last exceptions / errors. So if you are looking for ways to spice up your game - here you go, sis:

⭐ = my ultimate faves

PLEASE SEE ALL 300+ LINKS ON YOUR MOBILE DEVICE! desktop tumblr won’t let us be great.

BIG DISCLAIMER: Use these mods at your own risk! Just because all 300+ of these mods work for me, does not mean they will work for you. ALSO - when patch day comes, do not refer to this list for the most up-to-date versions of mods… I will only be updating this list when I feel like I need to.

O K A Y

let’s start with... the basics:

MC Command Center ⭐

UI Cheats Extension ⭐

More Columns in CAS ⭐

No Mosaic ⭐

CAS Background

CAS Blob Remover

CAS Immersive Lighting

CAS Tidy Accessories + Details

New Loading Screens

Cube Map Remover ⭐

Into the Light (Lighting Mod)

Out of the Dark (Lighting Mod)

Twinkle Toes (Lighting Mod)

No Fade on Sims and Objects

Build/Buy Camera (Tab Mode) ⭐

Lot Trait Effects Hider

Smaller Plumbob ⭐

& then you need... realistic socialization:

Chat Pack ⭐

Whim Overhaul ⭐

Meaningful Stories ⭐

Personality Please

Better Elders

More Face to Face Conversation

Call Over Sims (Higher Distance)

Call Anytime + Chat Longer on the Phone

Unlisted Phone Numbers ⭐

Low Fun is Boring

Family Matters (Share Big News with Family Members)

Share More News ⭐

Congratulate More

Ask What Happened More

Conversation Tweaks

Chat Standing Still

No Stand Up to Greet

No Rude Intro Animation

No Flirty Animation

Apology Fix (Don’t Apologize if Your’re the Victim)

Angry Walk-style Only When VERY Angry

Less Intrusive Conversations

NPC’s Get Out of My Convo

Autonomous Parenthood Social Interactions

Autonomous Social Interactions

Reduced Idle Chatting

Know Your Coworkers / Classmates ⭐

More Away Actions

More Social Activities

Spend Weekend With

Teach Me the Rumbaism

now let’s talk about... realistic romance:

Chemistry System ⭐

Pillow Talk After Woohoo ⭐

No Shy First Kiss

No Woohoo Dance

Shower Woohoo Tweaks

No Romance for Family

Restricted Romance Interactions

Less Jealousy

Simda Dating App

Can I Come Over?

Date Night Event

Movie Night Event

Set Family Relationships ⭐

Set Extended Family Relationships ⭐

Bathroom Privacy Tweak

Bridal Shower Event

Bachelor(ette) Party Event

Auto Engagement / Wedding Ring ⭐

Vacation Weddings

Sit at Weddings

Better Wedding Presents ⭐

Honeymoon Event

Buy More Gifts from Phone

Ask for Romantic Massage

Realistic Divorce ⭐

Traumatic Divorce for Children

Improved Relationships

No Restaurant Bill When Invited ⭐

Faster Cooking at Restaurants ⭐

Better Food Quality at Restaurants

Finish Eating in Restaurants

Restaurant Guests Overhaul

Restaurant Sit Tweak

(can y’all tell that restaurants annoy me? lmao)

first comes love, then comes... pregnancy / toddler / kids / fur babies:

Ages Behavior Tweaks

Toddlers Spawn at Parks (with Parents)

More Children at Beaches

Pregnancy Overhaul

Rub Your Baby Bump (Small Pregnancy Overhaul)

Determine Baby’s Gender for All ⭐

Ultrasound Scans ⭐

Baby Shower Event

Amazing Birth (Rave About Your Delivery)

Advanced Birth Certificate ⭐

Sibling Care Tweaks

Make Less / Clean Less Mess

Auto Brush Teeth After Puking

Auto Put Activity Crafts into Inventory

Allow Toddlers to go to Services

No Call Out of High Chair

Toddler Power Nap

Better Toddler Milk

Better + Younger Nanny

Call a Babysitter ⭐

Call a Dog Walker

Shorter Dog Walks

Dog Walkers in Other Worlds

Scold All Pets

Sell Grown Up Pets

Pet Food Serving Overhaul

More Efficient Pet Brushing

Kids Can Walk Dogs

Kids Can Order Espresso

Kids Can Ride Bikes

Kids Have More Phone Interactions

Kids Can Cook

Kids Can Do Retail

Kids Can Garden

Kids Can Make Flower Arrangements

Kids Can Make Robots

Kids Can Workout

Kids Can Do Spa Activities

Kids Can Play Guitars

Kids Can Play Ping Pong

Birthday Anytime

Let Friends Age Up ⭐

No Auto Put Away Toys

No Auto Put Away Pet Toys

No Puddles Under Tubs (Toddler Bath)

Has to Pee Walk-style for Kids Only

Better Homework ⭐

Better Grade School ⭐

Better High School ⭐

Preschool for Toddlers ⭐

School Projects are Fun

More School Holidays

25 School Vacation Days

Prom Night Event ⭐

Sleepover Event

Pizza Party Event

Field Trip Event

Family Reunion Event

Pool Party Event

speaking of school... university:

Less Credits for Degree ⭐

University Costs More ⭐

University Holidays Fixed

Higher Scholarships ⭐

Rejection Letter

Harder Distinguished Degree Acceptance ⭐

Degree Required for Promotions

Faster Run to University Class

Teens Jump to University

Choose Your Helmet

Choose Your Roommates ⭐

Roommate Age-Checks

Roommate Significant Other Fix

Roommates No Random Outfit Changing

Roommates No Random Item Spawning in Dorms

Roommates No Spawning Meals

Roommates No Trash

Roommates Sleep All Night

Roommates Less Music

College Org Members Are Uni Students

Faster University Homework ⭐

Faster Tutoring Class

Copy Graduation Photos and Diploma

No Bad Microwave Buffs

No Ghosts on Campus

Sports Fixes

Game Day Event

Graduation Party Event

once you graduate... careers & aspirations:

Plan Career Outfit

Better Work Actions

Enlist in War ⭐

Live in Business

Faster Retail Actions

Faster Record / Edit Videos on Video Station⭐

Higher Acting Gig Payouts & Royalties ⭐

More Realistic Overmax Pay ⭐

Higher Payments for Paintings ⭐

Higher Royalties for Apps/Games ⭐

Higher Royalties for DJ Mixing ⭐

Higher Royalties for Lifestyle Brands ⭐

Higher Royalties for Song Lyrics ⭐

Higher Royalties for Music ⭐

Freelancer Edits are More Successful

Sketchpad No Fees

Campaign Rally Event

Visible Political Position

Watch Political Speeches at Podium

Retirement Party Event

The University Aspiration Pack ⭐

Accomplished Lady Aspiration

Family Aspiration

Grow Up Aspiration

Teacher’s Pet Aspiration

Knowledge Aspiration

Retirement Aspiration

Romance Aspiration

Famous Pastry Chef Aspiration

Twilight Years Aspiration

All-Rounder Aspiration

Programming Genius Aspiration

Travel and Culture Aspiration

Wellness Aspiration

9 to 5 Career Pack ⭐

Night Shift Career Pack ⭐

Part Time Career Pack ⭐

Fitness Career

Health and Beauty Career

Modeling Career

Journalism Career (Adult + Teen)

Trust Fund Career (Adult + Teen)

Welfare Recipient (Adult + Teen)

Saturday Jobs (Teens)

Oceanography Career (Teens)

Private Tutoring Career (Teens)

All Freelancer Careers (Teens)

Tutor (Odd Job)

Woohoo (Odd Job) - lmao

Art Show Event

hahaha... adulting sucks:

Basemental Alcohol ⭐

Happy Hour Event

SNB Realistic Bills ⭐

SNB Banking

Invest in Stocks

Lowered Thermostat Bills

Instant Thermostat ⭐

Auto Wrinkles for Adults

Life Decider

House Warming Party (No More Fruitcake)

Door Knock Notification ⭐

Island Events Notifications ⭐

No Strangers Knocking at Your Door

Quick Showers / Baths ⭐

Shower + Bladder Reliever (don’t judge me)

Power Nap ⭐

Sleep All Night

Smarter Robot Vacuum

Functional Tide Pods

Clean Your Bedsheets

Auto Put Away Clothes

Auto Start/Dry Clothes

Laundry on Community Lots Costs

No Idle Laundry Animations / Sparkles

Don’t Prep Food Where You Angry Poop ⭐

Don’t Wash Dishes Where You Angry Poop ⭐

Eco Dishwasher

Faster Cooking ⭐

No Auto Set the Table

Ask to Cook, Bake, Grill

BBQ Event

Custom Food + Recipe’s ⭐

Custom Drinks + Recipe’s ⭐

Grannie’s Old Cookbook + Recipe’s ⭐

Bake Cupcakes in Oven

Coolers are Cooling

Advanced Fishing ⭐

Fishing Trip Event

Fish for Crabs, Lobster, & Shrimp

More Seafood Servings

More Snacks in Fridge

More Food at the Bar

More Food in the Cafe

Flea Market Every Sunday

Get to Church

just in case you... get famous:

No Fame Decay ⭐

Celebrities Never Reject Fans

Celebrities are Quarantined in Del Sol Valley ⭐

Get Famous Award Overhaul

Less Celebrity Reactions

Famous Sims Gain Followers Automatically

More Follower’s Resolution for Everyone

Free Staff (Chef, Barista, Bartender, etc.) ⭐

Gardeners and Maids on Weekends

Red Carpet Event

whatever you are... just be happy and healthy:

Fitness Controls ⭐

Balanced Calories ⭐

Go for a Walk

Hiking Increases Herbalism Skill

Power Workouts

Athletic Outfit in Winter ⭐

Healthy Drinks

Improved Meditation Stool

Improved Spa Day Tablet

Improved Yoga Mat ⭐

Craftable Pottery

Less Elder Exhaustion

Less Sickness

Longer Basketball Games

More Fun Stuff

Online Gaming with Headsets

and I can’t forget these... more gameplay mods:

NPC Controller ⭐

Improved Autonomy

Simulation Lag Fix

Simulation Timeline Unclogger

Improved Autonomy During Loading Screens ⭐

No Empty Venues When Arriving ⭐

No Temperature Deaths ⭐

No Death from Murphy Bed

No React to Stranger’s Death

Realistic Death (Mortem) ⭐

Memorial Event

Freezing Sims Don’t Turn Blue ⭐

More Club / Holiday Icons

Make Hidden Holiday Traditions Selectable

Random Holiday Traditions

Wellness Traditions

More Holiday Icons

Less Rain More Sun

Less Snow More Sun

Summer Blow-Out Event

Christmas Eve Event

New Year’s Eve Bash Event

No Ugly Rain Outfits

More Umbrella Variations in World

Open Umbrella on Rainy Days Only

No More Broken Umbrellas

Destroy Leaf Piles ⭐

Dress Code Lot Trait

Gender and More Lot Trait

Preferences Lot Trait

Add Sims to Groups During Events

No Auto Club Gathering ⭐

Flower Arrangements Slower Decay

Take Photo Overhaul (Moschino Stuff) ⭐

Snorkel Everywhere

Don’t Turn NPC’s into Spellcasters

No Role Outfits for Sages

ROM Portal Only for Spellcasters

& you also need these... much-needed overrides:

More Sponge Colors

More Sippy Cup Colors

More Dog Leash Colors

White Ice Skates

Better Food Textures (All of Them) ⭐

Hidden Bassinet ⭐

iPhone X Phone Replacement

Playing Cards Replacement

Military Salute Overhaul

Small Saucer Light ⭐

Working Medicine Cabinet ⭐

Working Alarm Clocks ⭐

Realistic Fighting Animation

Oasis Springs + Island Living Palm Trees ⭐

special thank you to all of the wonderful mod creators! seriously, I could not play this game without you guys... (no, really.) There are way too many of you guys to name without missing someone... so if you reblog this, all I ask is that you please tag your favorite modders! (& maybe even add your favorite mods?)

#ts4 #sims 4 #the sims 4 #s4 #s4 mods #the sims 4 mods #sims 4 mods #simkhira #prettyxsimblr #s4cc #ts4cc #reblog to save a life #mods 2020 #ultimate mods list

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spices-and-cherries · 3 years

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Being Domestic with Prof. Fluke Kelso Would Include...

I realize that not many of you have probably seen Archangel, but I wanted to do a little something for this character anyway. While the movie/mini series is a mess, it’s still really good! Also, I’m in the middle of a move, so my updates might not be as frequent as they usually are. The next chapter of Rampage should be out soon as well!

I did not reference race, gender, sexuality, or physical appearance. If I missed something, please let me know so I can change it!

Warnings: references to sex

- So many history books - none of which you can understand - fill up the bookshelves. His collection keeps growing and growing and it’s getting a little out of hand... Fluke also really loves historical fiction like Gone with the Wind or War and Peace.

- You enjoy letting him practice his lessons in front of you as preparation for the big day. Fluke really values your input and you’ve learned a lot about Russian history as a result...

- You try to go to as many of his talks as you can - it’s how you try and show your support. On occasion, if you know he worked really hard, you’ll ask a question so he can go over his main point again.

- Fluke does try and teach you Russian. He’s slowly forgetting his, so giving you lessons is just as much for him as it is for you. Plus it’s fun to be able to talk without anyone listening in. Sometimes, when you’re feeling horny, you’ll dirty talk him in Russian over text or in front of others when in public.

- For fancy dates, Fluke takes you out to nice restaurants or speakeasy bars. For the more casual, at home kind of dates, you watch old movies. He’s a big fan of war movies (since he’s a history buff) and dramas.

- The two of you eventually get a dog and treat it as though its your child. She’s a girl and you named her Lara. One of Fluke’s favorite things is to take her out on walks. He also has so many pictures of her that you suspect it’s in the triple digits.

- When you guys argue, you really try to not go to bed angry, but it doesn’t always happen due to how stubborn he is... If that’s the case, he’ll make you breakfast in the morning so the two of you can talk it all over.

- Whenever he comes home from extended trips, he always buys flowers for you. He tries to get different ones each time and you have pictures of them all. You got a special vase just for them too.

- His office is a train wreck and there’s no point in trying to fix it at this point. He has papers, dictionaries, photographs, and open books covering every surface. If you can’t find him anywhere else, he’ll probably be there going over research or who knows what. You have to bring him meals and snacks throughout the day and coax him to bed because he forgets to.

- While he’s away on trips, you make sure to call as much and as long as possible. Sometimes, you fall asleep on call together. These trips don’t tend to be longer than a week and as soon as the conference is over, he hops on the first plane back.

- His screensaver on his phone is a picture of you two in front of the Kremlin in Moscow. You had kissed his cheek just as he had taken the picture. On his computer, it’s a candid of you and Lara on the beach.

- The two of you enjoy showing together. Sometimes it gets a bit frisky, but as time went by, you both begin to really enjoy the simple intimacy of washing each others hair or backs.

- Over the holidays, you’ve given him gag gifts that usually consist of bobble heads and the like. He has them on one of his bookshelves in his office and - while he won’t admit it - loves them a lot.

I hope you all enjoyed! If you have any ideas, please feel free to send them my way! I also really love feedback. I hope you all have a good weekend and don’t forget to drink some water.

- Simpy

#fluke kelso x reader #fluke kelso #x reader #daniel craig #domestic bliss #established relationship #established couple #archangel #russia #fanfic #fanfiction #headcanon #sfw headcanons #fluff

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absoluteindulgence · 4 years

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Illuminate (Server Collab Prompt)

A/N: This story has been curated thanks to the lovely people of Discord. We all worked with the dialogue prompt “Pay Attention to Me,” Here’s my twist with my Sunshine boi~ ALSO, I NOW HAVE 300+ FOLLOWERS! AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL FOR LIKING MY WORK. I HAVE SOME NEW PIECES IN THE WORKS AND’ CAN’T WAIT TO SHARE THEM WITH YOU, STAY TUNED!

As time stood, you were eager to get home. The weekend was among your stressed, tired body. You felt the cool breeze come to tickle the back of your neck as you waited for the bullet train to take you close to home. Awaiting you, there would be your beloved boyfriend, Mirio. Earlier, you sent a message letting him know you would be working late, and as you figured, he didn't message you back. Recently, he's been distant. Not in the way of ignoring you, just that he's been pushing himself too much at work, and when he's home, he goes straight to bed.

Eager was an understatement as he gave you a sleepy kiss in the morning telling you he'll be free the same days as you. Working seemed to be pushing you both to exhaustion, and yet being heroes put the biggest smiles on your faces. Meeting each other during the top high school in Japan was what brought you two on to continue your goals of reaching the Top 10. You witnessed most if not all of Mirio's struggles with his quirk and his dedication shone brighter than the sun when mastered. He saw the downfalls and triumphs of yours. You pushed your body to be way more resistant and flexible. Agility would be best suited for what your quirk needed to progress.

Everyone knew of your friendship as the epitome of shut-up-and-date-already. The way you lightly grazed his arm and smiled after he finished his training, set him into a fiery, flustered frenzy. He knew you were bold, but just your fingertips on him were enough to turn him into a strawberry. After catching on that you liked him, he would tease you back just to see what you would say. You were either speechless or daring to say something just as sweet. From there on, it became a battle of compliments and kind gestures. Mirio always made a habit of lighting up the room with his laughter after your rebuttal.

In the end, Nejire pulled you to the side to make a move to ask him out. You laughed as she stressed how agonizing it's become watching the turtledove warfare. You told her, that would change very soon. The next day, you came into class with a packed lunch. Anxious but ready, you hand the lunch to Mirio. Watching his expression as you gave it to him made the window in your eyes light up. The only time you could say you scurried away from him. You anticipated his reaction to your home-cooked meal, but his grin was unbearable. He ran after you immediately and grabbed your hand. You turned around to stare at his big, warm, and callous hand compared to yours. With his gentle hold, you felt his thumb caress the back of your hand. It ran shock waves through your body.

"H-hey (____-chan), you didn't have to run." He laughed as he stretched his arm for his free hand to rub the back of his head.

"I know but-"

Mirio's lips met with yours before you could say anything more. Your eyes widen as he cradled your face close to his. The way he massaged his lips with yours caused you to shut them and melt while igniting a fire within your soul. It took restraint not to faint in his embrace as he tickled the tip of your nose with his. Pulling out of the kiss, your eyes flickered, staring into Mirio's glorious hue of blue. The honest smile paired with the tender gleam was enough to leave you breathless.

"T-thank you (____-chan), I've never had anyone do this for me." He held both of your hands.

From there on, you established your relationship. Ironically enough, you were known as the power couple. Pushing the limits of what it meant to have authentic teamwork and understand your partner's quirk.

As you reached home, you unlocked your front door met with warmth automated from your thermostat, highly refreshing from the bitter cold. As you settle in, you notice you're home alone. Sliding your favorite fuzzy slippers on, you double-check each room. Confirming your first thought, a sigh escapes your lips as you make your way back to the living room.

Maybe I'll watch TV until he comes home.

Making a choice, you prepared yourself in the best unwind fashion. Gathering your favorite drink and snacks while changing into loungewear. You looked through your streaming services to binge-watch a show that's been on your mind for some time. You snuggle into the blanket Mirio bought on a whim before Christmas and remained attentive to the show. Close to finishing the season, you end up drifting off to sleep.

Waking up in what felt like a fifth dimension, you noticed you were no longer lying on the couch, but in the bedroom, you shared with your boyfriend. Your body protested, leaving your king-size bed as you turned to face him but met with an empty side. You groaned immediately, expecting a text or a note left. As you shuffled to sit up, you scope the room for your smartphone, located on your nightstand. Bracing your tired eyes to the harsh LED lights, you squint roughly at your incoming text messages. As suspected, Mirio left you a message saying the agency called him in, and to go to the kitchen.

Finally, moving your strained limbs, the walk to the kitchen is slow and sluggish, yawning every other step. Reaching down the hallway, you turn your head left to a surprise of none other than all your favorite breakfast and brunch foods. A note left on the island in a solid white color of paper, written with blue ink, and signed with his name:

I know you didn't get to see me come in, but you looked too cute to wake up! Please enjoy this as a truce until I get back. I love you, My Sunflower.

How could you be mad? He knew the way to your heart and your stomach. With your eyes hungry and your mouth-watering, you took your time picking out your plates and entrees. Part two on the couch, you binged the rest of your show, and as you reached the end, you heard the jingle of keys. Half dazed, you wait until he entered the living room. As his thick build met at the entryway leading into the heart of the home, the room was completely illuminated. He smiled as you laid sleepily on the couch, snuggled up.

"Hi, my Sunflower." He rested his coat on the back of the kitchen chair, trotting the rest of his buff body over to plop onto the couch with you.

He cradled close to your burrito wrapped body, placing kisses over your cheeks, lips, and nose. "Did you miss me?"

"No, not at all. I was enjoying the attention of my TV Husbando."

"Oh, really, How are they doing?"

"Not well actually, they're going through an existential crisis."

Mirio mimics an 'o' shape with his mouth, "Oh man, that sounds terrible. Let's hope he makes it through."

Mirio lightly chuckled as he wrapped you in his arms tighter. He relishes in the scent of your hair, nestling close to your neck. An abundance of delight rushed through your body. "I'm so happy to be home."

You hid your smile under the blanket, "I'm happy too."

Mirio pulls away to look at you, "Listen, Sunshine, I know that you've been annoyed with me these past two weeks. You haven't been able to see me enough for us to relax together. But there's a reason why."

You watched his shoulders tense when speaking, "I've been working hard because I know sooner or later, you might get bored with me and think I'm not serious about you. When truthfully, I'm scared to lose you."

He took a slow breath making his words come out clear to you, "Being a hero has taught me the valuable lesson of taking care of the ones you love. And not to only tell them how much you care but to show them. That's why I-"

With a quick shuffle of his pockets, he pulled out a small, black velvet box.

"(Your whole fucking government name/desired full name) I've loved you since High-school, way before you made me that lunch. Way before you even looked my way in year one, really. Knowing that you've been by my side through high school, internships, college, and agencies have given me the power to overcome all trials head-on. Whether to deck a villain straight in the face or to let you know when we run out of toilet paper while I'm still on the can. The sun can not shine without the moon, and so, with that said, will you be my Moon?"

Immediately after he popped the question, you wiped your eyes. Streaming of tears and nodding excessively. He opened the box and showcased the exact ring you saw at the jeweler's. You originally went to get something simple for an evening gala full of pro heroes when your eye caught it. You guys were in a rush that day, so you didn't even know Mirio saw you take a glimpse.

"Babe, I wanna hear you say it." He chuckles as he places the ring on your right ring finger.

Your giddiness shows how overly excited you are, you take a deep breath and grin while looking into his big, blue gaze, "Yes."

"Great, now get ready."

"Wha-what are we doing?"

"Well first, we're going to the spa and then shopping, after that I’m taking you to every upscale restaurant in Tokyo so that we can get free food off our engagement."

You laughed instantly, "So you're a scammer now?"

"I'm just kidding, but I do want the dessert to be free!"

#togata mirio x reader #Mirio Imagines #bnha imagines #togata mirio imagine #fluff #absoluteindulgence stories #Mar's Writings

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a-running-bean · 6 years

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A hospital gift guide

So you have a friend, family member, loved one or acquaintance who’s sick or injured and has been hospitalized. You want to bring them something special to cheer them up, but you don’t know what in the world they could use or enjoy while they’re stuck in the hospital. I’d love to recommend, from personal experience, some gifts that were especially useful or enjoyable while I was hospitalized for 3.5 weeks!

- Socks: Use your imagination! These could be warm wool socks, slipper socks with grips on the bottom, fuzzy spa socks, or socks with images or sayings on them. They will keep your loved one’s tootsies warm and cozy (especially if they only have one sock-wearing foot, like me), and will also lift their spirits. I received a special pair from my boss, Jill, that read “I’m a girl - what’s your superpower?” Those socks inspired me to start Funny Sock Fridays when I was in inpatient rehab, where I wore one interesting sock every Friday to serve as a conversation starter with therapists and nurses. I also received a beautiful striped pair of extremely soft socks from my BFF Rya, which have kept my one foot super warm and happy while I recuperate in my parents’ freezing cold house. If you know they have a cast, consider buying some oversized socks — or really stretchy socks — so that their exposed toes and the end of their cast can be covered as well.

- Blank cards, stamps and a nice pen: I was completely overwhelmed by the love and generosity that I received from so many different people when I was hospitalized. I wanted to write a thank-you note to each and every person who visited me, mailed a card, or sent flowers or a gift. (I was also on a pretty heavy dose of strong painkillers for quite some time, so it was a major struggle to even remember who sent which of the five floral arrangements in my hospital room. Oops.) I was gifted a variety of blank cards and some stamps from my best friend and her mom, Shelby and Judy, as well as my dad. Those came in handy when I wanted to send mail to thank someone for their gift, write a birthday card for my boyfriend (yes, both of us had our birthdays while I was hospitalized... bummer), or connect with a new pen pal (hi Jessi!). Although your loved one in the hospital may not “have it together” enough to write thank you cards to everyone on their list, giving them the tools to send out some mail could be much appreciated. (Hot tip: Target often has blank note cards in their $1 section near the front of the store!)

- Blank journal and pen: While I have chosen Tumblr as my platform for working through the ups and downs of my rehabilitation process, others may want to put their experiences down on paper instead. Gifting a nice notebook and a pen will give your loved one the opportunity to chronicle their own journey through illness or injury. They may want to document the event or illness that landed them in the hospital in the first place; remember the names of favorite doctors/nurses/therapists at their facility; keep a log of gifts and cards received (for future thank-you note usage); develop a schedule for taking medications or completing their prescribed exercises; or write down goals for their recovery and for the future. Those blank pages hold a world of possibilities.

- Lip balm and lotion: I have never felt more dried out in my life than during the 3.5 weeks I was hospitalized. It could have been the hospital air, it could have been the hearty pain medications... whatever the cause, my skin and lips were flaking and peeling like I was trapped in the desert without water. Trust me, males and females alike would both be reaching for the moisturizers if they were in my position, so don’t fret if your hospitalized friend happens to be a dude. Just get them the goods. My favorite lip balms are the original Burt’s Bees (peppermint flavor) or Chapstick (cherry flavor). For an amazingly non-greasy, quick absorbing hand and body lotion, I recommend Gold Bond Ultimate Healing Lotion with Aloe. It has a nice light and fresh scent that’s perfect for either ladies or gents, and it works like a dream.

- Books or magazines: This one’s a little trickier, because you have to know what kind of reading material they prefer. Knowing their hobbies and interests helps, because you can bring magazines or books on related topics. I can give you a reading list that’s a mile long, if you need personalized recommendations.

- Pajama pants, yoga pants, or sweatpants: These don’t have to be my favorite $98 yoga leggings from Lululemon... just an inexpensive pair from Target or TJ Maxx will do! Pajama pants, yoga pants and sweats have a loose, wide leg opening. These are usually easy for your loved one to put on in bed and will definitely fit over a cast. Once the patient has regained more strength and mobility, they may want to wear bottoms that are slightly more form fitting, so leggings or track pants could be a good option.

- Tumbler or water bottle: While I was in the hospital, a fresh Styrofoam cup of water was delivered to my bedside every few hours, whether I had finished the previous cup or not. Styrofoam... nature’s best friend... NOT! Help your patient save the planet and gift them with reusable drinkware, so they can ask their nurse to refill that instead of filling a trash can with unused foam cups every four hours. I had the good fortune of receiving a cup holder for my wheelchair, and my mom bought me a cool sugar skull tumbler from Target, so wherever I went, I had my own water cup. It was awesome.

- Hat or headbands: Gotta hide that bedhead and/or third day hair grease! I received two nice wide Buff headbands from my friends at The Summer Camp Society and they were AMAZINGLY HELPFUL while I was at Mary Free Bed. When I was first learning to shower myself again, I was scheduled for night showers and didn’t have the energy to blow-dry my hair before bed, so I’d wake up with crazy bad bedhead. I also didn’t want to get up early to get pretty for a long day of physical and occupational therapy (who did I have to impress in rehab??), so being able to run a brush through my hair and slap on a nice wide headband was awesome. I have a big, round head, so headbands usually slide off, but those Buff headbands stayed. put. I also love wearing hats, especially when I have “day three hair” (ladies, you know what I’m talking about), so my birthday gift of a Roga Cap came in handy a few times. Thanks Mom and Dad! (If you are a runner, know a runner, or just love insanely comfortable hats, get a Roga Cap and thank me later.)

- Dry shampoo: This is helpful for guys and gals alike. Just ask my boyfriend — I’m pretty sure I’ll have to start buying 2 cans of Batiste at a time because he uses mine so frequently. If you don’t use dry shampoo now, you should become a convert. It is life-changing. (I recommend the Bare scent if you want something light and fresh, or Wild if you want to keep catching whiffs of your hair all day and thinking about how great your head smells.) Having this in the hospital was wonderful because I could give my hair a quick touch-up to make it last until my next shower. After a certain point, you start to feel like yourself again, which means all of your silly vanities return — like plucking your eyebrows and worrying about if your hair looks too dirty.

- Bath products and nail polish: On a similar note, a small luxury like nice bath products or nail polish can make your loved one feel like a million bucks. I would have LOVED to use smelly-good shower gel instead of the standard issue hospital soap during my 2.5 weeks at Mary Free Bed. If she is able to shower in the bathroom, ask her what her favorite Bath and Body Works scent is and bring in some shower gel. (This gift may not be appropriate if your patient is still taking sponge baths in their hospital bed.) One of the first things I wanted when I got to MFB was a manicure... but I couldn’t leave the hospital just yet. Fortunately, my amazing friend Sophia came by and gave me a mobile manicure. She did an incredible job; my nails were chip-free and flawless for the entirety of my stay at MFB. That did so much to lift my spirits and make me feel normal and pretty again. (If you live in or near Grand Rapids, call up Manic Muse and make an appointment with Sophia ASAP!)

- Gift cards to their favorite stores: Let your loved one do some online shopping from their hospital bed! A gift card is not a cop-out... sometimes it’s nice to let them pick out what they want, instead of trying to guess. Go with an Amazon gift card if you’re not sure what they like, so they can order books or gizmos or new sweatpants. Online shopping is like a gift to yourself because, even though you know exactly what you ordered, it’s very exciting when your package arrives. Everyone knows the feeling. I was so grateful to receive a Oiselle gift card from my Michigan Volée teammates while I was staying at Mary Free Bed. Because of them, I was finally able to order a shirt I had been wanting for months. Thanks, birds!!

- Cozy throw blanket: Michael brought me our furry, fuzzy Michigan State throw blanket from home, and it made my hospital bed feel so much more like MY bed. Stores like Target, Home Goods (TJ Maxx/Marshalls), or Meijer sell inexpensive, cozy throw blankets that will brighten up your patient’s room and give them something to snuggle with in their bland white hospital bed.

- Some of their (or your) favorite snacks: Snacks are nice to fill the space when hospital meals aren’t cutting it. Although I initially thought MFB had a great menu, I quickly got tired of eating the same few palatable options and found my tummy rumbling in the afternoons. Fortunately, I had a whole drawer full of snacks to choose from, thanks to wonderful friends and family members who brought food during their visits. My friend and coworker Tesi gave me a hilarious gift when she visited: a Trader Joe’s bag full of her family’s favorite snacks, along with the instructions to report back on what my favorite snack was. (Nutty Bits for the win!) Ask them what they’re craving — for me, it was extra toasty Cheez It’s — or bring them a few options, both savory/salty and sweet, if you’re not sure what they like.

Hopefully you will find something on this list that will turn out to be the perfect gift for that injured or ill special someone. And send them my best wishes when you visit! xoxo

#hospital #gift guide #shopping #hospital gift guide #wish list

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passportandplates · 7 years

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Disclosure: Geckos Adventures hosted my Egypt and Jordan Highlights trip, which included 9 days in Egypt. As always, all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links.

Temples, pharaohs, hieroglyphics, and pyramids. Unlike many countries, Egypt doesn’t need an introduction. The stories of raided tombs and well-preserved mummies make this country the top of pretty much everyone’s bucket list. Yet, Egyptian tourism is suffering, thanks to misleading media coverage and recent political history. Despite the occasional unrest, I still maintain that now is the perfect time to visit. Low tourism means cheap prices, emptier sites, and awesome photos. Plus, a favorable exchange rate means that supporting the local economy won’t break the bank. You can live like a king pharaoh in the time you’re here.

Is it Safe?

Ah, the burning question that’s on everyone’s mind. I am no geopolitical expert, but I have traveled to Egypt enough times in my life to vouch for my experiences. I have never felt unsafe in Egypt, and this trip was no exception. Quite a few family members and friends have visited countless times over the last few years and have said the same. Plus, the Egyptian government has gone above and beyond in improving security, especially at tourist sites and high-traffic areas. The train station even assigns guards to keep a special eye on tourist groups and travelers! My advice is to be as cautious as you’d be traveling anywhere in the world, but don’t let the media scare you away from Egypt.

I spent a grand total of three weeks in Egypt, traveling independently for two weeks before joining the Geckos Adventures Egypt and Jordan Highlights tour. While independent travel in Egypt is possible, it can definitely be challenging. Instead, I recommend doing a group tour – specifically, the tour I took with Geckos Adventures. Keep reading to learn what exactly the tour entailed including what I loved (and didn’t).

The Itinerary:

Day 1: Cairo

This day doesn’t technically start until the evening check-in meeting, so arrive the day before to adjust to the time difference and have a full day exploring the city. Cairo can be overwhelming for the first time visitor, so I recommend one of the day trips with Cairo Urban Adventures – Saqqara and Memphis, Islamic Cairo or Downtown Cairo.

The Pyramid at Saqqara

That evening, you’ll meet your new Geckos family for the week! My group had a grand total of 8 people: 6 Aussies, an American girl, and me. Nothing is a better ice breaker than a yummy meal, so we all headed over to Koshary Al-Tahrir for some carby goodness.

My FAVORITE Egyptian dish, koshary!

Day 2: Cairo

You’ll wake up bright and early on the first official day of the tour and start off with a hearty Egyptian breakfast at the hotel. This is where you should try a generous helping of ful mudamas (Egyptian beans) with a side of cheese and pita. If there’s one thing Egyptians love, it’s heavy meals!

After breakfast, you’ll board a minibus that will take you to the best spot in Cairo – the Great Pyramids, of course! Our tour guide Ahmed was a major history buff, which was incredibly helpful on this trip. He also served as a bit of a bodyguard, telling us how much we should be paying for souvenirs, camel rides and more. Pro tip: Camel rides shouldn’t cost more than 100 EGP (~$6 at the time of writing). Be prepared to haggle and bring small change to tip as well! We got some pretty sweet photos, if I do say so myself.

Although there isn’t much to see, we all chose to go inside the Great Pyramid. It was stuffy and cramped despite it being February, so I don’t recommend going inside if it’s summer. Comfy and sturdy shoes are a must!

The visit to the Pyramids would be incomplete without seeing the Sphinx, where you’ll head to next. Watching people get creative with their poses is hilariously entertaining.

I crack myself up sometimes.

After a quick pit stop for lunch, you’ll go to Downtown Cairo to visit the giant Egyptian Museum. Ahmed guided us through part of it then left us to explore on our own for a couple of hours. The cool parts of the museum are King Tut’s Mask and the Mummy room (an extra 100 EGP entrance fee). It’s a bit unnerving to see mummies in real life, complete with tufts of hair. I would not want to get trapped in that room!

cool and creepy at the same time!

At that point, the tour part of the day is officially over, and you’ll head back to the hotel for a few hours before going to the train station for your overnight train to Aswan. Our group chose to wander around the neighborhood, get coffee at the local café and pick up snacks for our train ride. However, if you feel like unwinding or separating from the group for a bit, you can definitely do that as well.

That evening, the minibus will transport you to the train station for your overnight train to Aswan. The ride itself takes anywhere from 10-12 hours depending on train delays (a frequent occurrence in Egypt), but the sleeper train is really fun and pretty comfortable! Each compartment locks into a small room and is equipped with two beds, a sink, and plugs for your electronics. Both dinner and breakfast are provided on the train (a little carb-heavy but otherwise decent). A few of us ended up hanging out together for a few hours in one of the compartments after dinner, making the time on the train pass much more quickly. Bonding time, anyone? While sleeping on the train won’t be the best sleep you’ll ever get, I found it to be surprisingly comfortable. Keep your toiletries and pajamas handy!

Day 3: Aswan

There’s nothing quite like waking up to views of the Egyptian countryside from your window. You’ll be fed lots and lots of carbs for breakfast and arrive…well, when you arrive. We got to our hotel in Aswan around 11 am and had some time to freshen up before starting our day. Although this is technically a free day, there are plenty of cool optional activities you can do. Our group chose to stick together and we went to the Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple and the Aswan Dam. Philae Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once transferred block by block to Agilika Island. Yes, it is as cool as it looks.

Unfinished Obelisk

Enroute to Philae Temple

Couldn’t resist

The dam

For dinner, we went to a random street stall before calling it an early night. Our whole group had opted for the optional Abu Simbel trip the next day (which I highly recommend) and our pickup time was 4:30 am. SO early!

Day 4: Aswan / Abu Simbel

So…about that 4:30 AM wake up call. If you’re like the rest of the group, you’ll wake up on time and be ready downstairs when the bus arrives. If you’re me, you’ll oversleep your alarm and wake up at 4:25 AM after the reception calls you. OOPS. Luckily, I managed to get dressed and throw my life into my purse within 5 minutes. The trip to Abu Simbel takes between 3-4 hours, so you can catch up on beauty sleep (and beautify yourself hehe) on the bus ride there. Pro tip: there are flights to Abu Simbel but they don’t run daily and can be expensive. I recommend sticking to the bus option.

Abu Simbel is seriously impressive. It’s comprised of twin temples built by Ramses II for himself and his wife, Queen Nefertari. Like Philae Temple, Abu Simbel was also relocated from its original location to prevent submersion. We were so far south that we could actually SEE Sudan from the temples! Crazy. After spending a couple of hours there, we turned around and drove back to Aswan. If you look closely in the desert on the ride back, you can spot actual mirages. So cool!

Virtually empty!

I was wide awake on the way back hehe

Since our day started before dawn, literally, we still had most of the day ahead of us by the time we arrived back. The rest of the day is free to explore how you choose. We took advantage of our time by eating lunch on a boat on the Nile then haggling our way through the local bazaar. At night, we chilled at the rooftop bar of the hotel and took in the amazing views of the Nile before going to bed.

Horse and buggy!

Travis rocking his new galabeya!

Day 5: Felucca

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll run across the street, luggage in tow, and board a traditional Egyptian sailboat called a felucca. You’ll spend all day and night on the felucca, getting your tan on, taking naps, and pretending to be the captain. Pro tip: all your luggage will go underneath the deck, so keep your essentials handy in a small bag. The amazing chefs and captains on board are Nubians, who’ll teach you about the interesting Sudanese-Egyptian cultural fusion of Southern Egypt.

Our captains and chefs!

We spent most of the day basking in the sun, taking naps, and talking. At one point, we stopped for a couple of hours for an optional swim in the Nile, but only a few people jumped in. It was still February, after all! When the sun was setting, we all clamored to the top of the boat for the beautiful sunset views. They did not disappoint! After dinner, some of us headed to shore and made a bonfire. My role was to take photos because I’m basically useless outdoors. Do all Aussies get trained in outdoor survival or something? I was really impressed by how quickly they got that fire started. Thankfully we were all friends by this point in the tour because we all slept in a row on the boat. Pro tip: pack ALL the layers – it gets frigid at night!

the Geckos crew

almost sunset views

Our epic bonfire

Day 6: Luxor

After breakfast on the felucca, you’ll pack up your stuff and get on the minivan to Luxor. It’s another free day, but we all agreed that the detour to Edfu Temple was necessary, and off we went. This temple is dedicated to Horus, son of Isis and Osirus, and is incredibly well-preserved.

Edfu Temple

After arriving at the hotel, you’ll be free to do as you please. Our group took horses and buggies over to Karnak Temple, one of the largest religious buildings ever constructed. It is beyond impressive and we spent several hours exploring the various columns, chapels and temples in this giant complex.

spotted at Karnak Temple

Our same horse and buggies took us to dinner, where some of our group tried stuffed pigeon – an Egyptian delicacy that is worth trying at least once. For all the yummy eats you should try in Egypt, check out my guide to Egyptian food here.

Sneak shot I took of Rohan eating pigeon

I opted for chicken instead.

Since we had woken up at 7 am on the felucca that morning, everyone was more than ready to call it an early night after dinner.

Day 7: Luxor

Although Geckos doesn’t have any recommended partners, a few of us were eager to do a hot air balloon ride at the Valley of the Kings. Unfortunately, we made it all the way to the ferry only to be told that it was too windy to fly. Who says Egypt doesn’t care about safety?

Before the hot air balloon ride got cancelled :(

If you don’t attempt to do a hot air balloon ride, you’ll start your day by heading directly to the Colossi of Memnon, two statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep. Instead, Ahmed kindly brought us breakfast boxes from the hotel and picked us up from the port to take us to the statues.

From there, you’ll ride donkeys through the spectacular views of the Luxor countryside. Our group was definite #SquadGoals. Even though donkeys are really small, I still had a hard time getting onto mine because short girl problems.

At this point, it’ll be time for the highlight of Luxor: the Valley of the Kings! This is where you’ll find the tombs of many famous pharaohs including Tutankamun’s (for an extra fee). Unfortunately, photography is not allowed here, but check out this link for a rare look inside some of the tombs. Pro tip: comfy shoes and lightweight clothing are a must here. It is HOT inside those tombs.

The rest of the day is free for you to do as you please but our group opted to visit the Hatshepsut Temple, a shrine to Egypt’s only female king. Feminism in the ancient times for the win! Her temple is pretty legit too.

The Geckos Squad

Such vibrant colors at this temple!

At this point, we were all starving given that we’d been tomb raiding (ha!) all day. Although I talked some people out of going to McDonald’s, the local restaurant ended up taking forever to make our food! That was a rare time where McDonald’s would have been a better option, especially considering how hangry we all were.

We had a couple of hours to kill before our overnight bus back to Cairo so everyone did their own thing. Some of us went to a bakery then back to the hotel to shower, while others decided to test out their haggling skills at the local bazaar.

That evening, you’ll once again board the overnight sleeper train, enroute back to Cairo. I couldn’t believe that we only had one more day left in the trip at this point!

Day 8: Cairo

You’ll get breakfast on the train and if you’re lucky, you’ll arrive in Cairo mid-morning. This is the last full day of the tour, so you can do whatever you please (I’ve included a few recommendations below). Everyone chose to do their own thing during the day, but we did agree to do a goodbye dinner on a Nile Cruise that evening. I chose to do laundry and spend some time with my cousins. After all, I had a trip planned to Jordan the next day!

My cousins took me to try a “bomba”…I made them eat it with me!

That evening, we reconvened at the hotel and were picked up to for our Nile Cruise. The minibus dropped us off and we were impressed to board a somewhat luxurious ship, complete with a delicious dinner buffet, live music, a belly dancer, and some other performances. Although the group was less-than-impressed by the belly dancer, we loved the other performances and the cruise itself. It was truly the best way to end our time in Egypt together.

The last supper

Tannoura performance

Only half of our group was continuing onto Jordan the next day, so we all said our sad ma’asalamas to each other and headed off to bed.

Day 9: Cairo…and beyond

The tour will officially end on this day after breakfast so you’re free to go home, continue exploring Egypt, or head to Jordan (this was the combined tour I did). If you don’t decide to continue to Jordan, I recommend spending a few extra days (or even a week) in Egypt and checking out some of the other cool things to do (suggestions below).

To extend your trip:

While this itinerary certainly covers the highlights of Egypt, there are tons of other cool places to see! Here are my recommendations if you want to spend some extra time there:

An overnight camping trip in the Black and White Deserts

3-4 days relaxing by the Red Sea in Hurghada

3-4 days relaxing, hiking, and diving at either Sharm-el-Sheikh or Dahab

2 days exploring Alexandria

2 additional days in Cairo:

Khan el Khalili Bazaar

The Citadel and Coptic Cairo

Saqqara and Memphis

Downtown and Islamic Cairo

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (ha):

Okay, there wasn’t any ugly, but I just really wanted to reference that movie title. I loved the tour. It was incredibly organized, fun, and covered the highlights of Egypt. A lot of the temples are optional, which is nice if you get a bit templed out. Although our group chose to do most of the optional activities, you always have the option to opt out if you’d rather have a free day or do something else. I recommend doing a bit of research on the different temples you’d like to visit before you go. Another thing to note: tipping is a huge part of the culture in Egypt. Our entire group pitched in to a tipping kitty (500 EGP or ~ $30 at the time of writing, per person) and let our guide handle all the tips.

There were a couple of things I’d say need improvement on the tour. I was a little disappointed by the food recommendations made by our tour guide. Having been to Egypt before, I know that the food is incredible, but a lot of the places we ate at weren’t as amazing. Knowing this, I recommend doing some restaurant research beforehand, especially for Luxor and Aswan. Additionally, it’s worth noting that a lot of the hotels only had WiFi in the lobby and it wasn’t always very good. This made it a bit challenging to work, but I understand that most people aren’t working on the road. I worked around this by buying a local sim card with data as well as renting a TEP portable WiFi hotspot.

Final thoughts:

Although I don’t take group tours that often, this was my second trip with Geckos Adventures. You can read my review about why I like the company so much here. I don’t think group tours are necessary for every country, but I highly recommend doing one (specifically, this one) in Egypt.

Although I felt safe the entire time I was there (both with and without the group), there’s something to be said about having all the details of your trip already planned and having an awesome guide that is knowledgeable both about the history and the customs. English is not widely spoken (especially outside of Cairo), making it difficult to get around for non-Arabic speakers. Additionally, there is an issue with catcalling in Egypt, which can be uncomfortable and angering for many women. I found that the catcalling problem virtually disappeared when I traveled in a group, compared to my experiences traveling alone or with other women.

The Tours:

As many of you know, Geckos Adventures offers budget tours for 18-29 year olds. I know that some of my readers are 30+, so I’m including links to similar tours hosted by Geckos’ sister company, Intrepid Travel. Intrepid does not have any age restrictions and has more activity and meal inclusions than Geckos.

Geckos Adventures Egypt Unearthed Tour

Intrepid Travel Egypt Adventure Tour

Geckos Adventures Egypt and Jordan Highlights Tour

Intrepid Travel Discover Egypt and Jordan Tour

What to pack for Egypt:

While Egypt isn’t super conservative, I’d avoid tank tops and shorts out of respect (and so you don’t stand out). Lightweight and loose clothing are key to keeping cool and comfortable. During winter, it’s warm during the day and chilly at night, so bring layers! I’ve listed some sample items to bring along in your suitcase below.

Leggings

Blouses

Loose pants

Cardigan

Long skirt

Scarf

Large hat

Sunblock

Water bottle

Waterproof phone pouch

Bug repellant

Travel adapter

Water resistant backpack

Comfy walking sandals

GoPro Hero5 + accessories OR FauxPro

Sony Digital Camera

Sunglasses

Swimsuit (in case you want to take a dip in the Nile)

Hand sanitzer and / or baby wipes

After spending three weeks in Egypt (one of which was spent on the Egypt and Jordan Highlights Tour), my resounding conclusion is this: it’s time for you to get to Egypt. With inexpensive prices, high security and a welcoming and fascinating culture, Egypt will surely shatter any misconceptions you have about visiting.

Tell me: Is Egypt on YOUR bucket list? Which of these places do you most want to visit? Share in the comments below!

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Pharaohs and Feluccas: Exploring Egypt with Geckos Adventures Disclosure: Geckos Adventures hosted my Egypt and Jordan Highlights trip, which included 9 days in Egypt.

#Destination Guides #Egypt #Geckos Adventures #Group Tours

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