Check this out please!

Hi guys, sorry I haven't been updating. I've detached myself from the simming world for a few weeks and will continue to do so until mid-June, when my GCSE exams are over. They are very important, so the more time I spend revising and less time I spend simming, the better.

Anyway, I didn't come here to talk about that. I've actually come here to do a favour for one of my closest friends, who has recently started up a YouTube channel. He is absolutely HILARIOUS, and although he only has two videos up at the moment, I'm pretty sure there will be more coming soon!

http://www.youtube.com/user/IbzMo786/videos

So could you please check it out - like, subscribe, comment!

Thanks & I will be back some point in the future.
Lots of love xoxo

I can't think of anything creative to name this post...

LOL, yeah. This is just a standard updates post, but I bet you must all be sick of me writing 'Updates' in the title every post, so I thought I would name it something different. It wasn't too successful!

Anyway,

Le Raunche Finale
Willow Moore

We had to show our model doing housework while bringing the sex appeal, and I'm soooo happy with the result!

I'm really sad that this is the finale of this cycle though, because I truly, utterly love Le Raunche. Seriously. It's one of the best comps I have had the pleasure of being in. Hopefully a new cycle will come out in the future, and you can bet I'm joining that!

PINK Assignment 6 - Puppets

Willow Moore

We had to show our model as a puppet while keeping a high fashion medium. I, honest to God, HATE this picture with a PASSION. I got to the point that I was on the verge of tears when creating it. I have the feeling I'm going to be eliminated, and if I'm not I will be very surprised (and grateful!).

The only good thing is that Willow looks stunning. But that is all.

Results for Girls Just Wanna Hve Fun Cycle 4

Serena VanHouston

We got the results and I came in the midfield, which I don't mind at all! I would have never won or placed in the top three with the amazing talent showcased in the competition. Phebes and Fel created these little signatures for everyone with their own superlative... I got 'Most Improved' which makes me very happy, as all I want to do in my modelling career is IMPROVE. And it's nice to be appriciated for that :)

This is going to go in my little siggy corner on the right with pride!









Long overdue.

Updates, of course! Just realised I haven't updated for 18 days  I'm sure you have missed me ;)

Le Raunche Assignment 6 - Jeans Advert
Willow Moore
I actually love my assignment so much. It was so simple, yet I think it is one of my all-time favourites.
And I completely overuse that pose on my ladies, even though it was made for men.

And I came second! :)

Le Raunche Assignment 7 - Neon Headshot

Willow Moore

I'm not particularly fond of this photo. I think I could have done a lot better, as heavy editing is not my strong point.

And here was the before shot:

I got somewhere in the midfield, which I was expecting to be honest. I just want to build up as many points as possible in each assignment, as the next assignment is the last and I really want to be in the top three!

PINK Assignment 5 - Boxes as props

Willow Moore

We were given a prop (which was a set contain stylised boxes) and we had to incorporate it in the photo, leaving free rein for the styling, set and theme. I went for an attic theme, and I was really happy with the CC I found. It really looked like an attic, and now I'm inspired to create attics to my in-game simmies, although they can't use it for anything xD

Anyway, here is my picture:



I was extremely pleased with it, and came second! I've been up and down the scoreboard like crazy in this comp, now I just hope I can maintain these high scores, instead of dropping near the bottom again.

I'll let you in on something though: I have NEVER come first in an assignment. NEVER. So I guess I'm just getting a bit frustrated now that I keep getting second and not first... but I can't take second for granted, as it is really a great score!

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Finale - Graduation, Yearbook Superlatives and Adult Headshot

Serena Van Houston

Yes, these were my very last photos for GJWHF! I've learnt a lot about in-games during this competition, and for that I am grateful!







New piccies

Le Raunche Assignment 5 - Willow Moore

We had to show our model wearing autumn clothes in the summer, and I went for a picnic theme. Shame I couldn't for the life of me find the in-game picnic basket. So I improvised with a rug and some CC, and then Drew kindly pointed out you can only buy picnic baskets on home lots, which completely made sense as I was using a public lot xD
Oh well, I'm happy with the final result.

 

GJWHF Assignment 8 - Serena Van Houston

We had to show prom! Which I was expecting of course, because the climax of high school is prom! I think it's among my better pictures in the competition, even though I did rush it!

Prom was fairly low-budget this year. Due to the recession, our school had decided to cut 75% of the funding for the event, much to the dismay of the students. However, I was determined it would be a good evening, and signed up for the Prom Committee in order to make sure it was. Everything came together, just under our allocated budget.
I spent three months prior to the event looking for the perfect dress. I had almost given up hope when I saw the prettist, most gorgeous dress ever. A long, floaty, pale dusky blue dress, that made me feel like a princess when I tried it on. I had to have it.
Then came the dilemma of getting a date. While everyone was hooking up, I had my doubts. I mean, everyone assumed Alex would ask me, but I wasn't sure if he would. Sometimes we acted like friends, other times a couple, and I wasn't actually sure if we were in an exclusive relationship or not. But luckily, a couple of days before the prom, he asked me, and I happliy accepted.
We spent all night by each other's side, and when a slow song came on, he pulled me close and we floated to the music. I closed my eyes, in heaven.
It was the best night ever, by far.

Serena's so gorgeous, I think I might age her up after the competition ends and make her a full-time model alongside Willow and Gabriella.

 

PINK Assignment 4 - Willow Moore

The brief was to make our model quite "masculine" and model in an advert for men's cologne. I really did struggle with ideas for this, as most contestants went for suits/tuxes. I decided to go a bit edgy with it, sorta like a biker (just without the motorbike xD).

I think it is one of the best pictures I have ever done! I don't think I met the assignment brief though, so I'm expecting to be near or at the bottom of scores.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!! :D

Woohoo, I'm finally 16 years old!

Not much has changed since I was fifteen, I still can't legally much stuff, except for entering the lottery.. or.. having relations, if you get what I mean (not that I'm going to, of course!!)

I had a good weekend though, on Saturday I had a day out with my friends. We ate at the amazing Nandos, and then chilled out in our local park. Sounds boring I know, but when my friends are around there's never a dull moment hehe. Then I came home and had chinese takeaway with my immediate family.
Then today I had a meal with my immediate & extended family, so I've had a very good weekend.
Shame my birthday is sandwiched between two very important maths exams! :(

While I'm here, I might as well update you with some competition stuff...

PINK Assignment 3
We had to create a lingerie ad, interacting with another model(s).
Just got scores and I came third! I'm really pleased, I have vastly improved from my awful first round in this competition!

Le Raunche Assignment 4

We had to create a runway shot. I have seen many done before in the modelling world, but I never attempted one myself. However, I like how my jungle-themed shot came out!

I got 6th place for this, which I am happy about, as I'm improving and that's all that really matters :)

Anyway, I have to do some more maths revision (GROAN) so I'll talk to you later! :D

xoxo



OMG :D

I JUST SAW SCORES FOR PINK AND I FRIKIN' GOT SECOND!!!!! Aaaaaaaah I'm so happy! I was NOT expecting that, especially in a competition with people who are way better than me! Seriously, I'm over the moon right now, I think this has given me a bit more confidence in my work.

And... breathe.

Well, what else has been happening?
I can now show you my Le Raunche Assignment 3. I did have to rush it, so it isn't my best work. Willow is portraying the stereotypical high school 'nerd'.

Score-wise, for last assignment (the CD cover) I came third, which like PINK, I'm very happy with! :D

I actually haven't really been on the internet since Sunday. My life has been insanely busy lately! School, exams, homework & coursework, simming pictures, fundraising, concerts etc. have whipped my life into a frenzy. This is actually the first time I have properly relaxed for a long while. Phew :3

I need to work on my GJWHF assignment, but I think I will do that tomorrow and just enjoy my moment of peace hehe x

So many updates... so little time.

I have so much stuff to show you guys. So I'm just going to shut up and show you some pretty pictures.

Le Raunche - Assignment 2 (CD Cover)
Willow Moore

(This is by far one of my favourite pictures I have ever done!)

PINK Assignment 1 (Pink Hair + Bubbles)

Willow Moore

(But I hate this picture...)



PINK - Assignment 2 (Water)

Willow Moore



Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Assignment 5 (Snow Day)

Serena VanHouston

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Assignment 5 BONUS (Illness)

Serena VanHouston

(SQUEEEE! Aren't they so cute together?)

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Assignment 6 (Party)

Serena VanHouston

I can't show you Assignment 3 of Le Raunche, because the entries have to be PM'd to Mark so no-one feels like they are copying. But I will be showing you it when scores are out! :)

GJWHF Assignment 4

It was that time of year - the Miami Springs High Annual Senior Pagent. It always created a buzz around the class. Not all participated, but all watched and admired the pretty girls on stage.

As we stared at one of the posters hanging up around the school, I heard Kat behind me say "Serena, I think you should sign up."

I scoffed. "Me? Hahahaha, you must be joking."

"I'm not. You know what, I think we should all sign up. It'll be so much fun!"

Flo nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah, I think it would! Come on Serena, pleeeeeeeeeeease?"

I groaned. "Fine. It's so obvious who's going to win though." I shot a look at Kat. "You're a cheerleader, oh-so popular and gorgeous, inside and out."

Kat laughed. "Awwwww. You're so kind. But it's not about the winning, it's about the taking part!"

She was just saying that. Anyway, the day of the pagent had arrived. I do have to admit it was so much fun, especially as I was with my girls.
As we stood, waiting for the announcement of the winner, I kept thinking "It's gonna be Kat."
So oh boy did I get a shock when my name was called!! "Serena VanHouston is the new Miss Miami Springs High!"
I was so surprised, and Kat and Flo just jumped on me and hugged me to death. Well, not literally of course. They were so happy for me - man, I love those girls <3
And Alex had promised to record the whole thing for me. Awww, what a sweetheart. I really do have the best friends in the world.

A girl's gotta keep her blog updated...

The title says it all really!

I have some great news...

I am now a photographer for the amazing Sensation Magazine! I'm so excited, I've been waiting for the right time to apply, and this time I got the job <3

I'm pretty sure you all know the magazine, but if you don't, check it out here: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/posts/list/347745.page

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In Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, we had to show what our teen did for lunch.

Again I lost the description, but my picture depicts my model hanging out with her best friends Flo (on the far right) and Kat (the redhead cheerleader right at the front) on the football field.

Creating this photo took me to hell and back. Build mode was being a right dick, and I had to overstuff the household with several extras (which took me ages to sort them all out).

But all the hard work paid off, as I came tied 4th! I was extremely happy, and I think I am starting to show some improvement.

This assignment we have to show our model in a pagent. I am very... stuck. I haven't had a good idea yet, but fingers crossed I become inspired very soon. 

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I've also joined cycle two of Le Raunche <3

Many of you know I just LOVED the first cycle, and produced some of my best and most favourite pictures in the competition.

I'm using the incredible Willow. I love her so much it's unbelieveable.

For the first assignment we had to show our model with a male model, connected in a setting and the way we styled them. I had a lot of trouble with this assignment, and re-did it three times before I was even remotely satisfied with it.

I still really don't like it, as I made everyone well aware xD

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Finally, in RL, my school have been talking to me about how I could get into Oxbridge when I apply for universities (two years from now).

For those of you who don't know, I'm talking about Oxford University and Cambridge Universtity, the two most prestigious universities in the UK. They are also among the best universities in the world. Think an Ivy League college but a hundred times harder to get into.

I will never get into there, and I don't know why my school are trying to build my hopes up. Not only do I need A*s across the board when I do my A-Levels, but there is a gruelling interview process.

And these universties are so posh and formal, and I'm... not. Ha.

And anyway I want to stay in London. The idea of not having regular buses or underground trains to take me to places is excruitiating. I mean, if Oxford or Cambridge accept me, I would have to go. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity that thousands upon thousands of people would die for.

But it isn't going to happen.

Not. Going. To. Happen.

xoxo

Picspam!

So continuing on from my last post...

I tried out for PINK with my model Willow (remember her?). We had to create a B&W headshot and a creative bodyshot, and I love both of them.

Here are my pictures, and I am so proud of them <33

I also got lots of pictures which didn't make the final cut. And Willow is just SO gorgeous and I love her to absolute bits.

So here goes my picspam!

The first two pictures I edited, the rest I didn't (because I couldn't be bothered!)

SQUEEEEE! <33

I just love her!!

I never thought she'd be a great fashion model, but I thought I'd try her out, and I am definitely glad I did!

xoxo

Come to a decision...

I've decided to stay in the modelling community. I guess I was just feeling a bit.. put out.. and now after a thinking about it a lot, I've come to decision that I will not give up.
If I give up, I will never improve, and I will never satisfy that need that I have. Even though modelling can be stressful, I find that the pros overweigh the cons. Plus, I really do enjoy it - I've got attached to the community, and I think I would have withdrawal symptoms if I left! lol

I've put a plan in action to improve my skills.
I've joined Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Cycle 4, the Teen Edition. It's the best competition to improve in-game shots, and it is a great competition.

Here is my lovely model Serena.

For assignment one, we had to show what our model did on her first day of senior year.

I had a long description with this photo, but I lost it. Basically, Serena met up with her friends Kat (the redhead) and Flo (the blonde). They went to their first class together, where Serena saw the new guy and fell head over heels in love!

I think that the picture could have been improved a lot, but overall I was happy with it.

We also had the option of doing a bonus picture, where we could get 5 extra points if the picture was super creative. We had to show how our model picked her first day outfit. Again I had a description with this but lost it. Basically Serena opened a present she had wrapped for her sister's birthday, and wore the outfit that was inside of it (with the intention of wrapping it up again without her noticing).

I was SO pleased when scores were out. I was tied 9th out of 29 with 90/100 points. I got 4.5 points for my bonus too, which means I secured my place as 9th on the roster. I don't think I'll stay there, but hopefully this competition will help me improve! <3

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Now we are on Assignment 2. We had to show the first time our model saw her crush. Since I had done that in my first assignment, I showed my model interacting with her crush for the first time.

I spent that entire 20 minutes of homeroom staring at that gorgeous mystery boy. I didn’t even notice when my name was called out, much to the amusement of Kat and Florence. I soon learnt his name was Alex Williamson, and he had transferred from Michigan. I didn’t get to talk to him though, until a few days later.

All the seniors hang out around the back of the school when we have free periods. It isn’t the nicest place to hang out – what with its graffiti and smell – but it’s a Miami High tradition.

Anyway, Alex happened to rock up to our hangout one day. We happened to get chatting, and his cute, happy and flirty personality just cemented my already strong love for him. We exchanged numbers, and I threw him a ‘call me’ sign as he waved at me as he headed to his next class. Flo giggled at this, but Kat was too busy making googly eyes at her boyfriend to notice!



I'm much happier with this assignment, hopefully the judges will be too!

Bonus-wise, we had to present our model and their crush in a photobooth. The points would be ranked on cuteness.

Alex called me a couple of days later, asking if we wanted to head out the nearest amusement centre. Of course I agreed immediately. We had a great time, eating ice cream sundaes, playing foosball and generally having a good time. Alex spotted a photobooth and suggested we took some pictures to remember this amazing day by.

May I just add, that this photo makes me squeal with cuteness everytime I see it?

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I've also tried out for the third cycle of PINK. It doesn't mean I have a place in the competition, but I've put forward my case for Bliss to accept me! It is an incredible editing competition, so hopefully I can improve in that area too.

I will show my entry in the following post, with a picspam of my gorgeous model!

*sigh*

I don't really know what I'm writing here.. I guess I need to get some thoughts and feelings out and this post might not make a lot of sense (I apologise for that), but hopefully this will make me feel better afterwards.

I'm having doubts about me modelling in the sims community. For several reasons.
I've been modelling for around a year and a half now, but I don't see a lot of improvement from when I first started modelling. My pictures still look kinda crap compared to other people's I see. There's people who joined only a couple of months ago and are far more incredible editors than I could ever be. The improvements they have made astound me, and honestly put me to shame. I look at them, and it gets me so down, because I have had much time to improve, yet I haven't seen myself progress much at all.
I feel like I'm not worthy to be modelling. That sounds dramatic I know, but it's what I'm truly thinking. I don't deserve to be there, because I will never be an amazing modeller or editor like so many I see. Someone may be in the same comp as me, and I enter a picture that I think looks pretty good, until I see their one and it blows mine out of the water. I guess it makes me feel a bit depressed.

I mean, even my favourite picture I've ever done got 10th out of 12th in a competition. That just puts into perspective my entire modelling career.
The only time I won a modelling comp was when the person I was competing against disappeared, and so I won by default. And the time I was a finalist in Nature's Finest? Heh, I was only there because someone dropped every round.

Some people are insanely good at in-game pictures. Some people are stunning editors.
But me? I'm neither. I mean, my in-games are not that good at all. My graphics card is terrible, and just makes my pictures 1000x times worse. And I can't really edit. Yeah sure I can cut and paste a sim on a background. But I can't skin-shade, draw makeup, clothing or hair. I can't make a sim look like they're somewhere they are not. I can't produce gorgeous lighting effects or dazzling pictures.
I'm just there. Trying so hard to be good, when I know I'll never be.

This has been chipping away at me for a little while now. Everytime I enter a picture more doubt creeps into my mind. And now I just feel.. I just feel like complete crap.
I don't mean to be depressing you guys, but I just need to get this out, to someone who understands what I'm talking about.

I want to give up. I just feel like I need to leave the community, even just for a little bit.
But I can't. I feel like I need to prove myself to people.

I'll probably feel like a complete and utter idiot tomorrow for posting this. Please don't feel obliged to comment, because that's not why I wrote this. You can if you want, of course, but that's not my main motivation for writing this. I'm not fishing for compliments either, because I HATE when people do that. I just needed to get this out. That's all.

New Years Resolutions :)

HAPPY 2012 everyone! :D
I hope you all have a fulfiling and happy year ahead.

This year is going to be crazy for me, but possibly the best year of my life so far. This is because:

1) I have my 16th birthday in March
2) I have my final exams in May - June
3) My prom in July
4) The London Olympics! They're pretty close to me, and I want some tickets to see some events :)
5) Hopefully going on holiday to somewhere in the Mediterranean
6) Going camping with family friends
7) Getting my final GCSE results in August
8) Starting Sixth Form in September

Phew! I'm looking forward to it though, I have a feeling 2012 is gonna be a good year :D

I just need somewhere to list my New Years Resolutions (hence the title of this post), and I thought, where better than here?!

1) Do more exercise - I need to get fit!
2) Try to keep my room tidy - my room looks like a bomb hit it!
3) Hopefully win modelling competition! I know I won Aqua, but I actually won it by default, because my competitor went MIA -_-

So... yeah. You probably aren't interested, but hey, I just thought I'd tell you.
Have a great day/week guys! :) xo