I like lore only. I don't like mods that hand you things, such as the chest full of filled black soul gems that respawns every 24 hours. I like to earn things the way the Divines intended.
My must have mods:
Homes: Proudspire manor refurbished; Severin Manor improvements; Breezehome fully upgradeable (the best!) Optional: Whiterun mansion (because it gives you a spell to return there, which works from anywhere, even inside buildings. especially helpful if you do murderwrath's stuff)
Left Hand rings. I don't do armor/clothing mods except this one because of the OP issue. But this one integrates well and seems like a logical thing to have.
Warzones -excellent to bring the war beyond the six guys you have to kill to take a hold. Makes travel fun.
Skyrim Immersive Creatures -really ups the fun with all kinds of scary dudes. I think this also gives you the staff of lesser daedra, which, if you give it to your follower, makes for some cheery surprises in battle.
All of Murderwraths's/MannyGT's stuff, for higher levels. This stuff is TOUGH. The Oblivion realm series: the gate of solitude, Hjakhtraevarr Tomb, Hraghenskaag Labryinths; The Secret of Dragonhead; The temple of black rock, Morthal Pain, and anything else these insane guys come up with.
Camping Kit of the Northern Ranger. So much easier than Frostfall, which I don't care for.
Helgen Reborn--it's good, some stuff I don't like but overall worth it;
Falskaar and Wyrmstooth. Enderal ON THE DAY IT'S RELEASED.
