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snapshotofthesun · 1 year

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nineteen life lessons (from nineteen years of living).

1. lie in the sun whenever possible. there are few problems on earth that cannot be solved by a nap on the grass. shut your eyes and tilt your eyelids towards the light; preferably with a swaying branch above you so you can watch patterns of orange and black swirl around your vision.

2. live life with a sense of passionate deliberation. the world is a sampling platter of delights and you are a gleeful hedonist. say yes to something new every day: the event an acquaintance on your socials has been begging for someone to go with; the patterned shirt at the back of your wardrobe you’ll only wear when you stand in front of the mirror in your room and pretend you run a fashion blog; the strange, unearthly desire to walk through silent suburban streets in the early hours of the morning, listening to the faint rhythm of waves crashing on cliffs below. collect experiences like you are a child with a magnifying glass and a school project due next week.

3. every three months, change the way you make your eggs in the morning.

4. at least once in your life you must line up for ten hours in the burning australian summer sun outside a concert venue until you are so deluded and sweaty and sunburnt that the barrier feels like a lifeline. bonus points if the artist plays a teenage anthem and you can feel the way your ears rung when you blasted the song every morning on the bus to school at the highest volume your cheap apple earbuds can manage, pulling the cord tight against your phone because if you don’t the left ear is imbalanced. extra bonus points if you’re fifteen years old and you’ve come straight from your last day of term and the lead singer kneels down in front of you and grabs your hand and sings a verse of the song to you. you will spend your entire life chasing the feeling of peace that moment held. but it is endlessly worth it.

5. love is exponential; stop caging it within your heart. fling it like rice on a wedding day. nail it to your bedroom wall in an ornate frame. swim in it. scatter it. cultivate it. love openly and wholly and endlessly and messily, and do not fear the feeling of unreciprocated affection because nobody is ever better off in cold, bitter apathy. tell your friends and your mother and your cat and your local barista that knows how to make your skinny cap just right that you love them, that you’re glad they’re alive and your life is better with them in it.

6. you will find more comfort laying in the lap of an ikea bear than you will in the bed of a man who doesn’t care about you.

7. cringing at your past selves is a sign of growth. weird kids become cool adults. the version of yourself (myself) that shows off her collection of thrifted leather jackets is the direct product of the version of yourself (myself) that wore knee high peace sign socks and bright blue converse to the year seven school disco. one does not exist without the other.

8. you are not special enough for everyone to remember the silly little embarrassing things you have done.

9. if it’s a warm summer day and you can go to the beach, go to the beach.

10. there is nothing more pointless than something created to gather dust. light the candles. read the books. paint with the watercolours your aunt gave you when you were nine years old. ride the skateboard down the nearest flat-ish street. wear every item of clothing you own. fill empty notebooks with doodles. scribble with markers until they run out of ink. mix the bottle of expensive champagne with cheap orange juice and drink mimosas in a park. tell yourself every day that ownership is lucky and overconsumption is a plague and fall deeply in love with what you have.

11. there is no objective truth except for your own. and everybody else’s. and the laws of nature. and heaven and god and the american dream and…and…and…i guess there is no real truth.

12. if you get home from uni classes at 4pm and you have plans to go out at seven, do not get into bed. i don’t care how much your feet hurt from breaking in your docs, or how pretty the sunset view is from out your window, or how perfectly you’ve timed it to watch the hundred-minute flick on your letterboxd watchlist, eat dinner and pick out a fit before the bus comes. it is a trap and your introvert side will come out and you will not leave!!!

13. when you’re in a bad mood, find a youtube clip of the ferris bueller’s day off museum scene and watch it on repeat until you start to feel something. note down in your journal that you must visit the art institute of chicago at least once before you die. spend an hour realising you have an american passport, browsing chicago apartments on zillow and imagining your future as a cool tattooed filmmaker slash writer slash journalist in the industrial loft you found that you could never afford. rinse and repeat with san francisco, new york and seattle.

14. if the bad mood is especially pervasive, buy three lollipops from woolworths (lemonade, watermelon and cola). wait until evening, lie in bed wrapped in blankets, watch donnie darko by the light of your salt lamp and cry until you think you might puke. drink a glass of water and go to bed. in the morning you will be at least seventy percent better.

15. strike a firm balance between creation and consumption. consume to create and create to consume. stake facets of your identity on the fact that you are a quote unquote creative, and use that pressure to drive you into filling up journals with pointless thoughts, then reading them over and over until the words are meaningless.

16. never be afraid to do something alone.

17. realise that you are always a little bit freer than you think you are. and there is always a little bit more chaos in the world than you think there is. get a meaningless tattoo (and take care of it as it heals).

18. stop trying to control everything all the time!!!

19. every morning, when you wake up, tell yourself that you have died and clawed your way back from the afterlife, begged and pleaded whatever cosmic entity controls it all to let you live one more day. just one more. you have twenty-four hours left on this earth and instead of letting it fill you with dread, you will embrace every vivid sensation living has to offer with the awestruck wonder of somebody that has known how cold it is to die. start your day with the beautiful, existential realisation that it is a gift to be alive in a world where the sky and the trees and the paint on people’s front doors are bold explosions of colour, where music comes from metal strings and the feeling of someone’s arms around you is all you need for complete happiness. to be alive is a gift. to know yourself is a gift. i love you. i love you. i love you. rinse and repeat.

#prose #creative writing #poetry

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jeffreyrxzy903 · 3 years

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A Standard Overview To Including Nicotine To Your E.

With the expanding popularity of e-liquids, you can delight in many advantages of vaping. Vaping is in several methods, a better as well as healthier choice than smoking cigarettes. Due to the fact that a guy without a vice is a man with no merit, bear in mind that. But did you understand, there is such a thing as an expiry date for e-liquids? When you locate it again, it resembles a gift from the past you to offer to you. Well, make sure to discover it within two years - because that is the approximate expiry day for e-liquids. But do not stress, we have a couple of dress up our sleeves to share with you.

Your throat requires to get used to vaping, takes around 1-3 weeks. Vaping can appear rough and also some fluids aggravate my lungs. It normally takes 24 hours after attempting a brand-new liquid to identify it's a problem. Nicotine is not good for you but it is not the nicotine that makes smoking so destructive. The share issues are typically related to pure nicotine. As well as they are still on the expensive side however give 60ml for the same rate of what a 30 ml made use of to cost.

This typically makes the e-liquid a bit darker and also can bring out more powerful tastes, yet ultimately it boils down to individual choice. If an e-liquid uses natural substances to create taste, then the juice will certainly spoil quicker. If an e-liquid uses a lot more fabricated tastes after that it will most likely last longer. The majority of e-liquids will certainly have an expiry day published someplace on the bottle.

Just How Do You Throw Away Expired Vape Juice?

This will certainly make it less complicated to figure out which ones have longer life span as well as which ones you need to utilize initially. Our feeling of scent can tell us if a food we're about to eat is still edible. Our noses can detect any type of modification in the odor of the food.

One more point to think about, is that Nicotine is measured by the amount of milligrams of pure nicotine are in a millilitre of fluid.

Despite the lack of study on the impacts of poor or ended vape juice, the risks must be assumed to be present and prevented.

Much like food, you can inspect if vape juice is suitable for use by smelling it and analyzing its condition.

Naked 100 has an outstanding line-up of e-juice, yet Hawaiian Pog takes the 8th place on this best eliquid countdown for its well-executed blend of pineapple, orange and also guava.

These easy steps can actually aid your e-liquid last much longer.

Our nose knows the scent of ruined oil or rotten fruit. So, if you being in the sunlight or the trunk of the automobile for also long, the nose will tell you. If you have actually primed them properly, and begun firing them at their lower electrical power referrals, then possibly 6 mg is as well severe for you. Attempt some 3 mg on the coil you are currently using, and if the violence goes away, then nicotine stamina could be the wrongdoer. Ideally strongly enclosed a trendy and also dry cupboard, far from direct sunlight.

Fluid.

" is around 2 years if correctly kept in an amazing and dark place. This is since the nicotine, the Veggie Glycerin as well as the Propylene Glycol all have an approximated period of one to 2 years, as well as they are the cornerstones in the juice. However, you should not dismiss the possibility of vape juice spoiling before its expiration day. When throwing away ended vape juice, you must beware as well as be liable.

youtube

Ethan While I was helping out my close friend at the store I have actually then I discovered vaping Do It Yourself and also it really came to be a pastime. I like trying brand-new builds, new coils, mixing flavors and more. I have actually met tons of amazing individuals and also started to share with them all I got concerning vaping, as my one more enthusiasm. Started operating at Vaporesso as a blog writer 2 years earlier, that's the very best thing ever before. 5 Make certain they remain properly secured and also use up vape juice you open prior to opening others. The short response on the overall expiry is that the majority of Vape juice does have a life span of around 2 years when it can be kept correctly. The question of for how long does vape juice last really comes down to the method it is stored and the active ingredients inside.

The Length Of Time Does Vape Juice Last

If you intend to put the liquid down the drain, make sure the fluid is thinned down sufficient. To get rid of the container, check whether it is able to be reused and also take care of it appropriately. When e-liquid is over revealed to oxygen, the pure nicotine levels can lower. This is why most vape juices come in a sealed container and also suggest being kept in a cool, completely dry place. It can occupy to a number of months for the nicotine content of your vape juice to be affected, however it is recommended to store your high-nicotine juices in the container rather than in a container.

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ofcloudsandstars · 5 years

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Celestial Forecast Week 24-1 (っ– ‸ – )ﾉ ✧・ﾟ:*

Sorry this is late but I have been swamped with the PSD (pisces seasonal depression) which the retrograde isn't helping. Long story short this week is going to be good if you use the retrograde wisely and focus on abandoned projects you promised you will finish. It will however be bad if you decide to call up old lovers or get involved romantically. This week is calling you to dreg up hidden manipulative behaviors and suppressed emotions which will only become more amplified as the moon waxes towards it's full moon phase. Use some boundaries and protection magic against people's inner toxic demons which may pop out unexpectedly or even against yourself to not hurl repressed emotions you might have been bottling in forever onto people that may never see you the same way again. It's time to do some therapeutic shadow work and cry about things.

Notes: I make this for a group in London so the weeks are from Monday to Sunday and the time is set to UTC.

Also this may be the retrograde blues talking but this may be the final weekly forecast I dunno I have been feeling hell lol.

24th

Sun in Pisces sextiles Mars in Capricorn Eros moves into pisces

Moon in Pisces conjunct Neptune in Pisces Jupiter in Capricorn sextiles Moon in Pisces

Energy: The energy will be creative, passionate and the pinnacle of Pisces season creativity. The little asteroid of passion and sexuality, Eros, will shift into Pisces today yet this energy shift will be boosted by the powerful aspect of the Sun sextiling Mars in Capricorn and the final transits of the moon in Pisces conjuncting Neptune and sextiling Jupiter. Together these aspects will create a fusion of energy of flowing creativity and inspiration. Today is an ideal day to work on art or explore life's pleasures and expressive meaning and you will have the intense desire and motivation to do so thanks to Eros and the sun sextiling Mars. If you need a boost to work on art or are seeking divine inspiration to find new spiritual direction in life then today is the ideal day.

Recommendations: Anything magical, trance, art, sex magic,

_____________________

25th

Sun conjuncts Mercury rx in Pisces

VOC 2:12 - 6:47pm Sedna in Taurus Sextiles Moon in Pisces Moon in Pisces Sextile Pluto in Capricorn Moon in Pisces Sextile Saturn in Capricorn

Energy: Today will feel transformative and emotional. The sun will conjunct Mercury retrograding in Pisces which will help us reevaluate our mental state and the dreams we've been denying ourselves. This energy that already asks use to rephrase our patterns and fine-tune our inner methods will be amplified by the lunar transits activated by the moon in Pisces. The moon will sextile Sedna, Pluto and Saturn at different hours whose energies will bring up hidden fears, subconscious habits yet the positive influence of the sextile aspect will make it possible to reconfigure these habits, fears, and in Sedna's case any bitterness that can be transformed into positive creativity. With the moon void of course for most of the afternoon it's a great time for self reflection and shadow work to help us finally break free of some patterns that the retrograde is flooding to the surface.

Recommendations: Shadow Work, journaling, divination

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26th

Mercury rx Pisces sextiles Mars in Capricorn

Moon enters Aries Moon Conjunct Chiron in Aries Moon opposition Juno rx Libra Ceres in Aquarius sextile Moon in Aries Mars in Capricorn squares moon in Aries

Energy: Today will feel like a restart after the past two days as the moon returns to Aries. If you have some goals you want to check off your list today's transits will give you a boost with Mercury retrograde sextiling Mars in Capricorn and Mars in Capricorn squaring the moon in Aries. Mercury sextile Mars gives us the boost to achieve a lot of work in a short time frame and the confidence to take on anything. With mercury retrograde this may bring up past projects we could have dumped in the 'too hard' basket or have been putting off. With the tension of the mars and lunar square you will have the desire to channel your energy in emotionally fulfilling ways yet the square can also potentially bring any repressed anger or frustration to the surface. This may be doubled by the moon conjunct Chiron in Aries that could bring old wounds to light. However this energy could be soften by the earthly mother energy of Ceres that will sextile the moon that will give an element of softening and need for self care if we end up being too hard on ourselves. Additionally to add to some unpleasant emotional flavors of today the moon will be in opposition with Juno in rx which could resurface feelings of negative past relationships or feeling lonely yet unable to figure out how to reach out. However in a somewhat positive note, this feeling of soloness amplified by the moon in independent aries can help you focus on yourself and the tasks you need to complete which will get positive boosts from the previous aspects.

Recommendations: Grounding (it will help you center your energy to get tasks done), drinking brews with solar or marsian correspondences to help with motivation, such as lemon tea, coffee with a little bit of red maca powder or a light kick of red peppercorn, roobois red tea with rhodiola or ginger orange juice. Wearing charms, talismans, crystals to help ground, focus and get things done.

_____________________

27th

Moon conjunct Venus in Aries

Jupiter in Capricorn squares moon in Aries

Saturn in Capricorn squares moon in Aries

Pluto in Capricorn squares moon in Aries

Energy: If you were considering connecting with a previous lover today during the retrograde I may advise against it. With the moon conjunct Venus in Aries it may seem like a heavenly day filled with passion and desires for creativity yet paired with the remaining lunar transits as the moon will make a square with Jupiter, Saturn and Pluto throughout the day it may bring up excess, negative repressed feelings and even feelings of loneliness if they were buried deep within. With Venus in Aries love becomes passionate yet also something we may rush into without thinking. With the negative feelings that the other squares may bring to the surface it may make us want to pair up quickly the moment we see someone we only somewhat like or act rashly towards our loved ones if we have been feeling a lack of affection from them.

Romance aside this is a great day to do some self care and work on self love. Take yourself to a sauna house, or make yourself a nice hot bath or cook yourself a nice fiery meal. Be careful with the type of self care that involves a lot of spending money as the Jupiter x Moon square could make you empty your wallet for the sake of 'treat yo self'

Recommendations: Love protection magic. Self love work. Make a love attraction perfume or bath or some talisman if you wish to attract love (as the moon is waxing this would be a good time to cast love magic spells)

_____________________

28th

Venus in Aries squares Pluto in Capricorn Mercury in Pisces sextiles Uranus in Taurus

VOC 3:25am - 7:29AM

Moon enters Taurus Moon in Taurus conjunct Uranus in Taurus Eros in Pisces Sextiles Moon in Taurus Mars in Cap Trines Moon in Taurus

Energy: Honestly the transits seem hell bent on exposing negative patterns with romance but it's a good place for self reflection if you have been feeling like there are any issues with you attracting love into your life or if there has been disharmony in your relationships. With Venus in aries squaring Pluto in Capricorn it can have the profound effect in your love life that could expose manipulation in relationships or even bring about new love that could be instant soul attraction (with the risk that this attraction can be as possessive and even violent as it is passionate and sexual). The difference lies in the individual and what the retrograde is floating to the surface for you.

The potential for new attractions will be heightened with Mercury making a sextile with Uranus and the moon in Taurus that will conjunct Uranus briefly bringing about new surprises, new perspectives and new impulses. Additionally this energy will be piled on with both Mars and the sexual asteroid Eros making a sextile and trine with the moon in Taurus heightening any sexual urges or strong impulses to go after our desires. This will be a great day to channel this volatile yet passionate energy into projects or if the frustration of it all is getting to you then channel it into some sex magic but take caution. The energy is a bit tricky and will be like playing with fire so if you do choose the latter be wise and protect your energy.

Recommendations: divination regarding matters of the heart, sex magic

_____________________

29th

Sun in Pisces sextiles Moon in Taurus Neptune in Pisces sextiles moon in Taurus Ceres in Aquarius squares Moon in Taurus Jupiter in Capricorn trines Moon in Taurus

Energy: Today's energy will feel highly emotional yet positive. The Sun and moon sextile along with the Neptune and Moon sextile will bring a day where we will feel extremely sensitive and our feelings will be amplified by the solar sextile. However these transits along with the moon that will Trine Jupiter will bring about a positive warm mood and an ideal time to share emotions with loved ones. If you were feeling lonely before or unequal in a relationship this is a good day to talk about it. However Ceres will square the moon which can create a dynamic where we may feel we have to take care of others emotions or sacrifice our boundaries for our loved ones to attempt to take care of ours so make sure you set boundaries and protect your space.

Recommendations: Journaling, talking it out, crying on the subway alone (it's ok it's pisces season), casting blessings for loved ones

_____________________

1st

Moon conjuncts Sedna in Taurus Moon trines Pluto in Capricorn Moon trines Saturn in Capricorn

VOC 3:52PM-7:20PM Moon enters Gemini Moon squares Eros in Pisces Moon squares Mercury rx in Pisces Chiron in Aries sextiles moon in Gemini

Energy: The first of March will start off with diving deep into your personal underworld. The Lunar transits will bring an emotional day of examining our values and being transformed by our emotions or from previous traumatic or hard life lessons. Most of the aspects are harmoniously flowing so you will have the opportunity to work through it. With the moon conjunct Sedna it sets a tone for the rest of the aspects that there is the ability to transform what's negative into positives and create new life from the dim of the pisces retrograde depression zone we may all be drowning in.

Recommendations: Meditation, focus on the heart area. Divination. Drink hawthorne tea or heart-opening teas. Free-writing, journaling.

#celestial forecast #witchblr #astrology #week #retrograde #magic

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serahsanguine · 5 years

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What’s left Unsaid, Says It All. Ch. 10

What’s Left Unsaid, Says it all part 10/?

Rating; NC-17, NSFW

This Story can be Found at Ao3

pt 1, pt. 2, pt 3, pt 4, pt 5, pt 6, pt 7, pt 8, pt 9

Tagging; @skullsmuldon @baronessblixen @today-in-fic

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Chapter 10; Ooh Child

Mulder arrived at his apartment with a smile on his face. The twins were everything he could have imagined. So bright and intelligent: one spitting image of their mother, and one of him. He could not pinpoint a favourite part of the day because the whole day left him speechless.

He walked in the door and threw his belongings on a nearby table, it was getting late now. He took off his pants and got comfortable on the couch. He switched the tv on and started flicking through the channels quickly before settling on an old Knicks game. He took off his t-shirt and held it in his hands before placing it to his face and smelling it. It smelled like Scully, there was a hint of his detergent and his own smell, but her predominated. He liked it. He missed the smell of them in more ways the one. And he missed her more than anything in the world. He soon fell asleep and dreamt of him, Scully and their family playing under the summer sun together, with nothing breaking them apart.

*************************

No more than five minutes after closing the front door, Scully's mom was at the end of the hall with a loom of satisfaction on her face. Scully back was still against the front door leaning against it.

"I think tonight went really well, don't you Dana?"

"Yes, Mom. I think it went well."

They both walked through to the living room and started tidying up the mess from today’s activities.

"I think Fox was brilliant with Will and Ellissa today, will he be coming back soon?"

"Yes, he was really good with them. He was oozing life for them." He's an amazing father. I missed him. " He said he would be back," I hope so, "we are arranging another time and date for tomorrow."

"That's good, it was nice seeing him."

" Yes it was," she said silently as the last of the toys were put away.

Scully said goodnight to her mother, slipping into her silk PJs before climbing under the bedsheets. In a few hours, she would be up anyway, for the night feed.

3 hours later

Scully woke up to murmuring on the baby monitor. She groggily got up and walked to the twins’ bedroom to find them. She stepped back into the hallway finding a small orange light glowing from the downstairs hallway. She smiled knowing Missy had brought both twins downstairs to help out with the night feed. Carefully and quietly, Scully walked down the stairs and watched the iteration between her sister and her niece. Will was peacefully asleep in the rocking chair.

"Ooh-ooh child

Things are gonna get easier

Ooh-ooh child

Things'll get brighter

Ooh-ooh child

Things are gonna get easier

Ooh-ooh child

Things'll get brighter..."

Ellie was gulping away greedily on her bottle, contently listening to her aunt sing away to her whilst rocking her side to side. Scully was always a little jealous of her sister’s singing ability. She didn't want to make a sound so she leaned into the door frame and continued to watch silently.

"Someday

We'll get it together and we'll get it all done

Some day when your head is much lighter

Some day, yeah

We'll walk in the rays of a beautiful sun

Some day when the world is much brighter..."

She watched as Ellie finished the bottle and her eyes started to drop. Then, Missy hummed the last bit of the song but that didn't stop the lyrics from appearing into her head

"Ooh-ooh child

Things are gonna get easier

Ooh-ooh child

Things'll get brighter

Ooh-ooh child

Things are gonna get easier

Ooh-ooh child

Things'll get brighter..."

"It has been a while since I have heard someone sing that," Scully whispered.

Melissa span on the spot and nodded.

"Dad used to sing it to us all the time," Missy whispered back.

Scully smiled and watched her daughter fall back to sleep in her sister’s arms.

“Dana, let me put these back, and we can talk about what happened earlier.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now. Because if you don’t, you’re going to avoid it for the next couple of weeks,” Missy sounded aggravated, but she was still sounded calm and she was bouncing Ellie.

Scully sighed in defeat and silently nodded. Ellie was finally asleep so Missy carried her upstairs. While that was happening, she picked up Will and placed him in the crim, wrapping a blanket around him and turning on the mobile before creeping back downstairs.

Scully poured herself some juice because making coffee at this time in the morning was ridiculous. She sat down at the kitchen island and within seconds she felt her sister hand float across her shoulder letting her know that she was there.

“So how do you think it went?”

“It went fine, Missy, why wouldn’t it?”

“Oh, I don't know, maybe he has anger issues?”

Scully sighed, they were both speaking in hushed voices but if this conversation was going to carry on in this tone it could turn ugly real quick.

“That wasn’t him, you know that, don’t you? He was angry and upset. I left him, I ran away, I was scared.”

“That’s no excuse.”

“What if I had done it to you, Missy? One day I just left, no word, nothing,” she spoke a little louder explaining her point.

“But you wouldn’t do that, I’m your sister.”

“And he's the love of my life.”

As soon as Scully said the words she regretted them. She clamped her hand over her mouth and the tears started to fall. It had been a long time since she had admitted that she still loved him, despite everything. She knew it her heart, she still loved him, and her body still craved his. But speaking the words out loud was something completely different. She left her sister in the kitchen and fled to her bedroom. Her head hit the pillow and the tears began to fall harder. Sleep soon descended upon her as the emotions of the past day had finally caught up with her.

*****************************************************

He woke up as the sun was just peeking past the windowsill, and went for a 5-mile run. While exercising, he came to the realization that he might need to get his life back on track if he was going to be any kind of father to his kids. Being suspended without pay was no good. The more he thought about it, the more he questioned why he still worked at the FBI. He could never return to the x-files, not without Scully. And he certainly, under no circumstances, would ever go back to profiling on a full-time basis. So the only thing keeping him there was the search for his sister and leaving the FBI would be like betraying that search and the last two and a half decades of his life. He had a lot of thinking to do.

Mulder got back, his muscles burning for exhaustion. He showered quickly and dressed in casual jeans and a t-shirt before making himself a coffee.

He leaned against the kitchen worktop looking out into his apartment waiting for a machine to be done. As he looked around he soon realized how utterly filthy his apartment was. It had never been this bad, not even when he was a teenager in Oxford. He shook his head and then the machine beeped, telling him his coffee was made. Not long after his coffee was drunk, he decided to clean his apartment for once and for all.

1 hour later.

Mulder had just walked through his door after throwing the black bags full of rubbish out when his phone began to ring.

“Hello?” He answered breathlessly.

“Mulder, it's me.”

“Hi, Scully, what can I do for you?” he replied happily.

“Are you ok?” She sounded worried.

“Yeah, sorry, just got back from a garbage run.”

“Mulder, I was wondering when you were free next?”

“I’m free pretty much every day,” he winced hoping she would not ask why he that was.

“Well, I was wondering if you wanted to go to the park tomorrow with the kids.”

“That sounds like a brilliant idea.”

“Good, umm, meet me at my mom's… say 1 pm? ”

“Great, see ya then!”

“Bye, Mulder," she sounded sad. And he had no idea why.

“Bye Scully.”

And the dial tone rang in his ears as he placed it back on the holder with a smile on his face. But he was also a little worried and confused at why she sounded sad when she said bye to him.

12.45 The Next Day.

Mulder had just pulled up outside Maggie Scully's house. He had little butterflies fluttering in his stomach: he was so excited to see the kids, even though he had seen them last in less than 24 hours. He missed them as soon as he had left.

He promptly got out of the car and walked up the drive. Before he could knock on the door, it swung open. Melissa walked straight into him.

“Humph. You’re early,” she said.

“I…”

Before he could get out another word, Melisa pushed his chest out of the door, closing it behind her.

“Melissa, I’m sorry...”

“And so you should be!” She took a quick look over her shoulder, looking at the front door. “If you hurt her, I will hunt you down and kill you.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it, I…”

Melissa tilted her head, waiting for him to finish his sentence but they were soon interrupted by the door opening and Maggie walking out.

“Fox, come in!”

“I’ll be right back, Mom.” Melissa interrupted. “Just going to the grocery store to pick up some milk and fruit.”

Mulder watched Melissa get in the car and drive off. He took that as his cue to walk in, stepping into the hallway looking sheepish.

“She will forgive you in time, Fox. But you hurt her.” He instantly knew Maggie was talking about Melissa.

“Maybe she shouldn’t.”

“Of course she will. You’re family.”

He blushed profusely at Maggie calling him family, maybe one day he would even call her mom.

“She is in the living room, just placing the twins in the stroller.”

“Thank you.”

He walked down the hallway and there, wearing a white sundress with red roses and an overly big straw hat. Then he looked down at the twins. Ellissa was wearing a yellow skirt and pink top and William was wearing blue shorts and a grey top his little legs kicking wildly. The kid was shaking a rattle in his sister's face who was blissfully ignoring her brother.

“Beautiful.”

She turned bright red and he suddenly realized that he had said it out loud.

“I… I meant the kids.”

“Sure you did, Mulder.” Now it was Mulder’s turn to blush. “Let me just grab the picnic basket and then we can get going.”

He nodded and watched her wander into the kitchen. He turned to watch the kids and just as he did Ellie looked up

“Dada da.”

“Hey, sweetie! You look very pretty. Are you ready to go to the park?.”

She giggled and her big smile she reminded him so much of his sister at that age. He watched as she started pulling at the straps wanting to come out.

“Nah ah, little one. Your mom only just put you in there. We’re going out in a minute.”

She seemed content at the answer and stopped picking at the straps.

“Ready.”

“Always ready for you, Scully.”

She swotted him on the arm and they both headed to the park.

1 hour later

They all sat down in the shade on a picnic blanket after they had played on everything available. Ellie’s favourite thing was the swings, while her brother’s favourite thing was to go down the slide on his father's lap. Mulder didn’t want it to end but he knew Scully would be going home soon and then he did not know where he would stand. Would she come down to DC? Would he go see her? He certainly didn't want to be an absent father, he had already missed 7 months of his kids’ life. He loved these little ones with all his heart. It would be an awkward conversation and now it was a good time as any. It's now or never.

“Scully, when are you going home?”

He could tell he caught her off guard as she had a startled look on her face.

“I go back next week but I have been thinking of buying a place back in Georgetown. I would be close to mom and I would be close to you,” she whispered the last part. She picked up Will and laid him down next to her, lifting her top, unclasping the bra and bringing him to her nipple which he accepted greedily.

“How long will you be gone?” he picked up Ellie and laid next to Scully with Eliie on his stomach.

“Not too long, I hope,” she moved her hand to stroke her son’s hair.

“Does that mean you already have a place here?”

“Well, I have been looking for a while. A 3 bedroom house has just come onto the market. Would you want to go with me to look? It’s tomorrow—,”

“Yes.”

“—I was planning to either go on my own or with Mom if I’m asking too much of you...” she was rambling and he was smiling “Wait, what did you just say?”

“I said yes Scully, of course, I will go with you.”

He watched her eyes light up and the biggest smile came across her face. Mulder thought there may just be hope for them still. Will finished his feed and it was Ellie’s turn. Since Scully had to swap her breasts he took the opportunity to spoon her, wrapping his arms around all three of them.

*******************************************************

The Next Day.

Scully had got her sister and her mom to babysit for a few hours so she and Mulder could go to see the property that had come onto the market. As she was driving to his apartment she thought about a few things, mainly how she and Mulder seemed to be getting along and their relationship seemed to be improving. In only three days they were getting back to some sort of normality. He was even flirting with her yesterday and she was flirting back, they were enjoying each other’s company. They were becoming a family.

She arrived outside his apartment building and he was waiting for her. He looked devilishly handsome in his black slack trousers and a casual polo shirt. He saw her pulling up and waved at her, she pulled the car next to him and he got in.

“How long have you been waiting?”

“Not long.”

She pulled away from the curb and drove towards their destination.

“How long is not long?”

“I was only there for about five minutes, Scully.”

She was keeping her eyes on the road.

“Thank you for coming with me, Mulder, I appreciate it.”

“Nowhere else I would rather be.”

She turned quickly to look at his face. He was smiling at her and she smiled back.

30 minutes later

They had arrived at the house and from the outside, it was everything she could have dreamed of. It had a generous front yard that was fenced off with luscious green grass and a variety of coloured flowers. There was a drive wide enough for two, maybe three, cars and a double garage and the end. She could tell she was smiling from ear to ear but she didn’t care.

Scully parked the car and Mulder got out first. He stood by her side and, just like old times, he placed his hands on the small of her back and pushed her walking side by side to meet the estate agent.

“Hello, my name is Mandy and I’m here to show you around. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

Mandy was wearing a blue coral pantsuit which suited her figure tremendously. Her blond hair was in a high ponytail and she looked like she was in her late 30’s. If you let her, she could sell you the world.

“Mrs Scully, Mr Scully if you follow me...”

“I… We…”

Scully looked at Mulder as he was trying to say something, but he simply smiled and led her forward to follow Mandy.

She led them up the driveway up to the porch which was beautiful off-peak white with a swinging chair.

Scully was speechless. They walked into the foray, it was tall and grande with little curved corners. There was a staircase on the left leading up to the second floor, with deep-seated oak wood doors. The walls were splashed with white and gold reflecting the light through the house.

They both walked forward, following the room through to the living room. It had one corner sofa and a small sofa on one side of the room and on the other. There was a large table with open french patio doors looking out into the massive back garden.

“This would be a nice play area for the twins,” Scully said and Mulder looked at her and answered honestly.

“Yes, I think it would make a lovely playroom.” Mulder watched as the smile never faded from Scully’s face and she simply nodded in response.

Mandy led them through to the kitchen. It was not overly large but it had seen many meals and still had some left, plenty of family get-together, and children’s parties.

Mulder chuckled at the thought of Scully hosting a child's party with 10 or 15 children.

She heard him chuckle and looked at him funny and whispered, “What?”

“Oh, nothing, Scully. Promise.”

They carried on seeing the rest of the house and it was perfect for them. There were 4 bedrooms but one had a desk in it as well as having an actual office in the house. Mandy led them back downstairs now it was time to make or break Scully’s dream.

They asked Mandy how much the house was and Scully instantly had a sharp intake of breath. The house was completely out of her price range. Mulder could instantly tell Scully was upset and her dream was shattered. He placed his hand on the small of her back and whispered in her ear.

“Scully, can I talk to you a minute?”

She looked at him and nodded.

“Mandy we will be back in a minute”

“Ok, Mr Scully.”

Mulder led Scully to one side of the room out of earshot of Mandy.

“What is the matter, Scully?”

She looked as if to say ‘As if it wasn’t obvious...’

“I….”

“I can tell you love this house, Scully. With my inheritance, I can buy it for you outright, no string attached. It would be in your name only if you wish.”

“You can’t Mulder, I can’t ask this of you.”

“Scully, look at me,” and she did. “I haven’t been there for the first 6 months of the twins’ life. I want to do this for you and them.”

“That doesn’t matter, I can’t afford it so it’s just a dream”

Mulder looked away staring into a dark corner of the room thinking, she went to talk away and he grabbed her arms lightly to stop her. She stopped and looked at him questionably.

“I came up with an idea which should work for both of us”

“Which is?”

“What if we both paid half,” Scully shook her head. “Wait here me out” she looked at him and waited for him to continue. “So if we both paid half for now, and you can pay me back in insultments each month as you would with a bank but without the interest”

She looked at him and smiled. The warmth, truth, and honesty coming through his words made her heart melt, his eyes shining bright.

“Ok,”

With this agreement, he was giving her her independence yet letting him in at the same time. By the end of that day, Scully had a beautiful home signed in her name.

If anything Mulder had signed the house in her name for purely selfish reasons. The twins being closer to Scully’s mom would be good for them. But not only that, he would be closer to them. He hadn’t known them long but they were everything to him. He would also get to see Scully more often. Even after everything, his feelings for her would never change. They may be masked by anger and hurt and pain but his love and adoration for her would always simmer in the background. The trust they once had would need to be rebuilt and she was the only person that he would ever let near him. He watched her drive away as he waited for his cab knowing he would only act on his feelings for her if she wanted it. The ball was completely and utterly in her court.

#txf fanfic #TXF #The X-Files #the x files #the xfiles #whats left unsaid #msr fanfic #MSR Moments #msr #The X Files Fanfic

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riseandshinelittleblossom · 6 years

Text

Hoping for Home~ Ch. 3- Coming Home

Summary: Sixteen years ago Libby Scott was supposed to become Queen of Cordonia, but Fate had other plans. Catch up here (ya know ya wanna).

Song for this chapter: “Coming Home” by Gwyneth Paltrow

Disclaimer: I don’t own the TRR characters, they own me

Tags: @fullbeaumonty @speedyoperarascalparty @cocomaxley @leelee10898 @ao719 @hopefulmoonobject @itsstillnotwhatyouthink @choiceswreckedme @indiacater @noey718-blog @carabeth @daniv2278 @cosigottahavefaith @gibbles82 @innerpostmentality @blackcoffee85 @perfectprofessorherokid @darley1101 @jovialyouthmusic @liamxs-world @thequeenofcronuts @blznbaby @stopforamoment @zilch3382 @wannabemc2 @jlouise88

Two days had passed since Libby's impromptu dinner with Drake, and they had been some of the hardest of her life. There had been so much talking. She talked with the twins about her past answering any and all questions they had.

Will hadn't had many, except he wanted to know the names of his potential fathers. Libby had found him asleep at his computer desk later, articles about Maxwell and Liam and anything Cordonia-related splashed across his screen.

Emma had been much more receptive, hungrily taking in the story of how she and her brother had come to be. “It sounds like a fairy tale. King's and assassins and, Mom, you're a Duchess! It's so exciting.” Emma had mused, and Libby didn't have the heart to tell her life in Cordonia was anything but a fairy tale.

Drake and McKenzie had been back to her house on both days. She and Drake had talked about any and everything under the sun that didn't involve their shared past. She complained about the harder parts of business ownership and he'd told her all about working on his mother's family ranch.

Last night he'd come bearing a bottle of single malt whiskey and the throbbing in her head reminded her that they had indeed finished it.

As she made her way into the living room, headed for the kitchen, she found the pull out couch she'd made up for Mack and Drake had been put away. The linens and pillows we're folded and neatly stacked on the armchair and McKenzie smiled from her seat on the couch watching TV.

Libby followed the smell of fresh brewed coffee and pancakes to find Drake over the stove wearing her brown and tan fox apron as he scrambled some eggs.

“Who are you?” She asked him.

He wiped his hands on the apron and poured her a cup of coffee which she accepted, walking past him to the fridge in search of cream.

“It's me and Mack's last day here, so I wanted to thank you for sharing your home with us the past couple of days.” He said simply.

Libby swiped a piece of bacon from the stack next to the stove when something caught her eye on the fridge. A cheap magnetic “grocery list” pad hung on the door and she noticed Drake had scrawled 'eggs, bacon, orange juice’ at the top. At the bottom he'd written three phone numbers. He noticed her confusion so he piped up, “The top one is mine. Then Liam's. Maxwell's is at the bottom. Just in case.”

After breakfast Libby tore off the page that hung on the fridge. Drake refused to let her help him and Mack wash the dishes so she excused herself, taking her coffee with her to sit on the back porch.

Her hands flew over her phone as she punched in the last number on the paper. It rang twice and then there was an answer.

“Yell-oh?”

Libby froze her heart pounding so hard in her chest she thought her ribs may break.

“Hello? Is somebody there?”

Her head was spinning as she opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out.

“Okay I'm hanging up now. Have a nice evening.”

Libby panicked. “M-Maxwell? Maxwell Beaumont?” She squeaked.

She heard his familiar chuckle through the phone. “You're speaking to him. May I ask who's calling?”

Her eyes went wide. What was she supposed to say?

“Sorry I didn't mean to bother you. I-I just..” she stammered but he interrupted her.

“Libby? Is that you?” he sounded mystified.

Silence.

“How did you get this number? Hello? Libby?”

In all of her life she had never smashed the end call button so fast.

Chest heaving and eyes as wide as sand dollars she gulped her coffee, kicking herself for even attempting that call. She peered inside her French doors to see Drake was still washing dishes, so she picked up her phone and made another call.

“Libby! I'm so happy to hear from you! How're the twins?” Hana’s bright voice answered.

“They're great. How's Abel? How're you?”

“Everything is fantastic here, Abel and me included.”

“Good...guess what I'm looking at right now.” Libby laughed.

“Um...a coffee mug?”

Libby could visualize Hana checking her wristwatch, noting the early hours in the States.

“Drake Walker. Washing my dishes.”

“OHMIGAWD! Libby, I didn't say a word! How did he find you?”

“Relax, Hana. It was total coincidence. But seeing him again has made me think… the twins are turning 16 in 6 weeks. It's Cordonian custom to introduce noble heirs to court before their 16th birthday right?”

“Spot on, Lib.” She was quiet a few moments before she continued. “Are you sure about this?”

“I'm not sure about anything anymore, to be honest. Seeing Walker has really messed things up around here,but the twins want to know. Can you pull off a ball in 6 weeks time?”

“Consider it planned, Duchess.” Hana giggled. “I can't wait to see you. Um, but do you want me to invite-?”

“The King and Queen, of course. The Duke and Duchess of Ramsford. And it's Lord. The whole court, Hana. I'm prepared to face them.” Libby lied.

***************

Ramsford, Cordonia - present day

Maxwell stared down at his phone, heart slamming against his ribs. His first thought had been to immediately dial the number back. If it really was Libby she likely wouldn't answer anyway. He had played this game with her before, and although he was persistent, in the end he'd conceded.

He frowned at his glass of red wine, suddenly feeling like tonight this just wasn't going to be strong enough. He plucked a bottle of bourbon from his bar cart pouring himself a few fingers worth, sipping it slowly as his mind traveled to thoughts of Libby Scott.

**************

Ramsford, Cordonia 16 years ago

“...your quickstep is a little…” Maxwell started.

“Slow. Again.” Bertrand commanded and Libby and Maxwell once more got into the starting position.

Not that he needed to be told to wrap his arms around her. He was more than happy to dance with her as many times as his brother saw fit.

Everything about Libby Scott was intoxicating-Her laugh, her shampoo, the way the ballroom lights twinkled in her eyes- and Maxwell was suiting up for a hangover he may never recover from.

She'd stolen his heart right away, on that first night in New York. In the beginning he had thought it was only a school boy crush, but all the time they'd spent together during the social season had solidified something within him, and now he couldn't get enough.

He found himself becoming less and less willing to share her, hoarding every second they could possibly be together. He was even starting to resent Bertrand for hanging around so much, although the two of them were training her in all manner of courtly etiquette.

Bertrand's phone rang as Maxwell and Libby spun.

“I have to take this, but don't stop dancing. Lady Scott must be in perfect form by the time the engagement tour begins.”

As soon as his brother was gone, Maxwell pulled her closer, much closer than was appropriate for a courtly dance.

“I thought he would never leave.” He whispered in her ear, earning himself a small laugh from his beloved. She twisted her face to meet his, their lips and noses brushing as she spoke.

“And what will you do with me, Lord Beaumont, now that our babysitter is gone?”

He smirked and pressed his lips to hers, savoring the taste.

Her actions begged to deepen the kiss, and he parted his mouth to oblige, their tongues rolling together in a frenzy.

No longer were they twirling, they were simply standing in the near center of the ballroom with their bodies clasped so closely together that Maxwell couldn't tell where he ended and Libby began. The rest of the world melted away as he tangled his long slender fingers through her fiery hair. Time seemed to stand still in that moment, until the sound of someone loudly clearing their throat dragged Maxwell back to reality.

The couple parted with a loud *smack,* whirling around to find Bertrand looking somewhere between angry and appalled.

He squared his shoulders and adjusted his blazer sleeves. “Lady Libby, I believe that's enough practice for right now. I'd like to have a moment alone with my little brother, please.”

*******************

En route to Cordonia - Present day

Will tapped Emma's shoulder as he slouched down in his seat. She pulled her earbuds out and quirked a brow at him.

“What do you think they're gonna be like?” he asked, fiddling with his fingers, his voice barely above a whisper. Emma snuggled down into her chair, now level with her twin.

“Well you read all about them. You tell me.”

Will fingered his shoelace, twirling it between his fingers. After a few moments he replied, “I think that King Liam is pragmatic. I like a lot of the equality policies he's put into place since he became king. The general consensus throughout Cordonia seems to be that he's a wise and fair king.

Lord Beaumont finished fourth in his class at Cordonia University. He speaks seven languages and he has a Master's degree in political science. A minor in accounting. So he seems intelligent. I found a few articles about him in Trend Magazine back around the time we were born. He's been married twice. There were rumors that he was a drunk and a party guy.” Will shrugged.

“It sounds like we'd be lucky to have either man be our dad.” Emma told him. “But they're still just articles. The authors likely don't know Lord Beaumont or the King personally. We should be open to giving them both a chance when we meet them.”

Will sighed heavily, his head lolling to the side as he peered out window.

“I don't mean to be rude, but you know I have met both the King and Lord Beaumont. Liam is my godfather and Max is my uncle. A lot of what you read on click it and in Trend or wherever else is bullshit.” McKenzie said.

Will whipped his head in her direction as Emma giggled.

“Well then, tell us what they're really like.” The blonde girl prompted.

McKenzie picked at a loose thread in the hole on her jeans.

“The King is….he has a boyish charm. Everyone adores him. He's fiercely determined and very guarded. I don't mean physically, but his emotions. Even when he's sad he still smiles.

Uncle Max is seriously the funniest guy in the world. He's constantly like, making silly faces and telling bad jokes, or dancing to music that isn't there. But he's also very serious. Like two sides of a coin. And when you talk to him, he actually hears you. Like he isn't just waiting for his turn to talk ya know?”

Will stared at her a moment.

“I just wanna know, ya know? Like who are we? Where did we come from? Why did Mom keep this secret for so long? Last week I barely knew Cordonia was a place and now, I might be the crown prince. You might be the princess. Our mom is a freaking Duchess?” He shook his head. “I'm so pissed off at her.”

He slammed his knuckles into the armrest causing his sister to jump.

“Hey. It's okay. I'll be with you the whole time. I won't let my dad take me Away. And Emma will be there too, so you won't ever be alone.” McKenzie told him reaching over Emma to place a hand on Will's thigh.

He smiled at her. “Thanks. I'm thankful for that.”

“And Abel. I can't wait to see him.” Emma gushed referring to Hana's son. He and Hana had visited the twins and Libby every summer and Emma had always been particularly close to Abel.

Will rolled his eyes. “Of course you're excited to see him. You totally have a crush on Mr-Im-perfect-at-everything.”

“Hush! All he's ever tried to be is your friend, Will. It's not his fault he beats you at every game.” Emma scolded as her brother mumbled under his breath.

Libby peered over the back of her seat at her twins.

“Hey guys look out the window. We're about to fly over Cordonia. They view is breathtaking. It's always been my favorite part of flying in.” She told them.

Emma lunged across her brother's lap plastering her face against the window. Will reluctantly peeked out too as Libby and McKenzie grinned.

The waters surrounding Cordonia were pristine and the perfect shade of inviting blue.

“Wooooooow. It's like something from a storybook. Isn't it beautiful, Will?!” Emma squealed.

Her brother scoffed, “it's something alright.”

Libby eyed her son. Although she could tell he was impressed she allowed him to continue to brood. She wished for the millionth time that she knew how to reach him.

“Can we see Valtoria from here?”he asked.

Libby shook her head. “Unfortunately it's too far from the airport. But we'll be there soon enough. You're going to love it in particular, Will. Valtoria is heavily wooded, perfect for camping. And there's an outdoor fun park, complete with it's very own paintball field right on the estate grounds.”

For the first time in days Will actually smiled as he turned from the window to face his mother.

“Cool.” He commented.

Emma sat back in her seat as the pilot announced their descent. “Well I can't wait to see it, Mom. Or Aunt Hana, Uncle Mark, and Abel. We've never been to their house before.”

“Actually,” McKenzie said. “Although they have their own holdings in Whipstaff, a county within Valtoria, Aunt Hana and Uncle Mark live in your house. The estate at Valtoria belongs to the Duchess.”

The blonde girl smiled as she buckled her seat belt, gripping each armrest. “Even better.”

****************

Cordonian Capital- present day

Liam snapped his head up from his desk as his wife entered his study, her heels clicking across the marble floors as she marched straight up to his desk. His first instinct told him she was angry, but as she slammed an elegant piece of heavy card stock down on the mahogany surface he caught a wry grin forming at the edges of her lips.

“Hello, Darling. What have we here?” He asked sliding the paper from under her polished nails.

“An invitation that you are going to be very interested in seeing.” She remarked, clicking her tongue.

Liam read over the document three times before he finally looked up at Olivia whose arms were now neatly folded over her chest. “Heirs..?” he said aloud. “There are two of them?”

The queen nodded. “Apparently so. She sure did take her sweet time starting a family though. And why haven't we heard about a husband? Or hell, even a wife?”

He tossed the paper on his desk. “I have a summit meeting in Italy the next morning. I don't think we will be able to make it.”

He removed his glasses, tossing them aside as well.

“Liam, as your wife I'm telling you that you had better find a way to reschedule that meeting. But as your friend, I'm telling you that if you don't reschedule it I will kill you and make it look like an accident.” A wide smile plastered itself on Olivia's face as Liam chuckled.

“Ah, Liv. I thought I smelled a hint of treason in the room.”

“You never really know with me, dear. I think that’s what keeps things interesting.” she sat on the edge of the desk, smoothing her dress over her knees.

“We have to be there, Liam. I really want to see Libby, and I’ll be damned if I’m going alone.”

Liam laced his fingers behind his head and leaned back in his chair.

“I’ll do my best, Darling.” he told her.

#hoping for home au #hoping for home #trr fan fic #trr fanfiction #the royal romance #maxwell beaumont #king liam #olivia nevrakis #drake walker

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paepsi · 6 years

Text

EXO as dumb shit I’ve done, EXPLAINED:

Suho:

See this picture here? This is me before the moving team. I was so fucking proud of myself for strapping the base of the chair to my roof (it wouldn’t fit through the trunk of me smol hatchback). I thought it was funny that it kinda looked like a kip-pah and asked my friend to take a pic for me here (see my lil peace sign next to my face? im v happy of my jew car). Little did I know that after driving to my new apartment with the whole moving team from IKEA unloading shit from the truck, I would be stuck in the fucking car. I didn't have a knife or scissors to cut the strings and I didn't want to make my dumb assery to be noticed; so instead of asking for help... I climbed out the front window and almost fell flat on my ass. When I stood up and turned around, the whole moving team was just standing there looking at me. The assholes knew I was stuck and let me suffer.

Kris & Kai:

so these moments both happened in the same night. I went to a house warming party for my friend and I didn't know what to bring as a gift, so I just bought two big bags of Hawaiian bread. Now throughout the night, the more I drink, the more impulsive I get.

I started putting the bread on people's shoulders, slowly piling them up until they noticed. Everyone was pretty wasted so there was no surprise when I had a stack of 4 1/2 buns (I ate half) on my friends shoulder. Anyways- fast forward into the night, I'm craving sweets, so I walk into my friends kitchen and find a jar of cookies. At the time I thought it was a brilliant idea to just put the Hawaiian bread in there so the kitchen looked full; a fair exchange, if you will. At least that's what I thought... I found pictures from the party and it turns out I just ended up putting in a half eaten bun sjzjsj

Fast forward into the morning of the next day, I’m hungover and I wake up wearing mismatching socks (one is mine, the other I have no idea).

I needed to get home because I had work later that day, so I hop into my car and start driving home. The whole time there was this annoying beeping sound that I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. I had such a bad headache that I pulled over to see what the fuck was wrong. I got out of my car, checked the wheels, checked the under the hood, then hopped back inside. I was so frustrated that I banged my head on the steering wheel and just rested my eyes for a sec. When I opened them to look straight ahead at my dashboard, the brake light was glowing bright red. I cried.

Chanyeol:

One summer evening, I was hanging with my sister and her friends around a campfire. We were roasting marshmallows, drinking, having a good time etc. Eventually later into the night we started getting bored and one of my sister’s friends suggested playing hot potato with the coals from the fire. We’re all game like FUCK YEAH LETS DO THIS. Then we start tossing it around and realize that it’s way too fucking hot, so instead of tossing it’s just everyone spiking the coal to the next person. FYI, I have terrible hand eye coordination and I wasn’t wearing my glasses that night. Every single time the coal was spiked my way it would miss my hand and fly straight into my hair. The next day I woke up, looked in the mirror, skipped breakfast and headed straight to the salon. still looked cute or w/e so I ain’t mad

Kyungsoo:

Ahhhh, this one is actually pretty personal and happened not too long ago! My mom finally left this dirt bag she’d been married to for the past 16 years. When I say dirt bag, I mean a manipulative, abusive piece of shit. My mom was so tired during her session with the mediator for when they were deciding who was getting what; she took 30-45 minutes to talk alone with them and he took 3 fucking hours putting on this sick sob story. The mediator was so done with him too that they just let him do whatever he wanted. That meant he had the “right” to pick and choose what belonged to him in our apartment. The fucker took EVERYTHING. He took the furniture, the bedroom sets, all the electronics, the spices- HE DOESN’T EVEN COOK. However, a week before then, I bought a huge bottle of vanilla. I needed it to make edible cookie dough, which I was doing everyday out of stress. The day before he finally moved out, I came home from work to see everything wrapped/packed up. I started to get worked up and went to the kitchen to make my cookie dough. When I opened the cabinet to get my vanilla and saw it completely empty, I lost it. I literally screamed and started tearing up all the boxes, finding more shit that belonged to me and stopped when I finally found my vanilla. I went back to the kitchen, happily made my cookie dough and kicked back on "his” couch with my dirty shoes on. Later that night, the asshole came home and screamed at me. I shut him up tho when I told him I’d suffocate him with a pillow in his sleep if he dared to touch me or any of my things ever again. He didn’t stay in the apartment that night lol

Baekhyun:

I think this one might be my favorite story. It all started when a package from my mom in the mail never showed up even though the UPS tracking said it had already arrived on my doorstep. I assumed in meant the package was stolen and got really bummed about it since it had some essential items in there. My roommates felt bad and decided to cheer me up by throwing a house party (woohoo! cue the alcohol!). It started at like 3pm and went on all the way until 4 am the next day. Somewhere within that time frame while it was still light outside, slightly tipsy, I found a ladder on the side of the house and had a strong urge to follow it up to the top; and who am I to deny every desire that comes across my pea sized brain. I was half-way up to the roof when one of my roommates spotted me (let’s call him Big Ned; there were two guys named Ned in our house so we just called them Big Ned and Little Ned; Big Ned is like 6′3″ and Little Ned is like 5′4″). Big Ned started yelling at me to get down and I told him I couldn’t because it was my destiny to reach the top. He decided that there was no use arguing with me and ended up following me to the roof (even though he’s afraid of heights; bless his BFG heart). He’s kinda hard to miss, so when he started making his way up to the roof with me, it grabbed a lot of attention. Some joined us. Meanwhile, I decided to walk around and look into my neighbors yards. I saw a mess of papers in one of the alleys between our houses and joked “lmao that’d be funny if that was my package”. We laughed for a bit then looked a little closer until we realized oh fuck that’s my package. My body moved on it’s own and just kinda scrambled across the roof trying to figure out the fastest and least painful way to get off the roof. Thank the stars for Big Ben holding me back by the collar of my shirt and preventing me from jumping down onto the neighbors fence. Little Ben ended up running over and jumping the fence to get it for me. We still don’t know how it got there.

Tao:

In middle school, I had to go on this field trip to some ranch out in the countryside of Texas. I remember we were all huddled into a barn with a big stage in the back. The teachers grabbed a mic and got on stage to talk about who knows what. Idk I wasn’t paying attention, talking to my friend, in my own world. When the mics go off, everyone starts chattering. At that moment in time, I was extremely preoccupied with my shoelaces when I got a tap on my shoulder from my homeroom teacher. I think she was mad at me for not listening and told me to head up to the stage along with a few other students making their way over. Being in front of others makes me nervous, but when the teachers put a bib around my neck before I got on stage, I was too confused to think of anything else. When another teacher started handing out baby bottles filled with Gatorade to each student on stage, I had to stop them to ask what was going on. And what do ya know, I’m in a baby bottle drinking contest. Before I had time to ask any more questions, they were already counting down to start. Now listen, I’m not the type of person to back down from a challenge so ofc you know I’m gonna suck the soul out of this bich. The reason I can say this confidently is because up until I was 11 years old, I always drank out of baby bottles when I got home from school. I just really liked the feeling?? For me, nothing beat chilling on the couch, watching Teen Titans and drinking fresh cold orange juice from a baby bottle on a hot summer day. Idk but I guess it came in handy since I finished a 24oz bottle under 35 seconds. The rest of the kids weren’t even close to half way through. There’s a picture of me at the back of my school year book holding up the baby bottle like a trophy.

Sehun:

Remember my sisters friends from the campfire? Well I spent a good long summer hanging with her friend group and ended up getting kinda close to this one of the guys (let’s call him Jake). I have a really broad range of music taste and I guess he digged that so we talked a lot about music together. By the end of the summer, Jake threw a party at his house and invited me over. Ngl I wanted some dick so ofc I’m gonna go all out and break out my hot leather Madonna outfit. I head out with my sis and the house is packed by the time we get there. The whole time we’re pretty much just hanging out, drinking and dancing the night away. Some time passed 1 am (I think), I’m sorta outside making out with Jake on the side of his house. It’s getting really hot and heavy. When we finally broke apart for air, he told me he though he was in love with me. I’m screaming internally, panicking and I don’t know what to do. I could tell from way before that he really liked me, but I didn’t think it was to that extent. It doesn’t help exactly that I don’t feel the same way for him. Don’t get me wrong! He was really hot and sweet, but I just couldn’t see myself with him. So what did I tell him? Nothing. My dumb ass was in such a panic that all I could think of was that I needed to run. I did. I ran back into the house, out the front porch, spotted his skateboard and took off. I didn’t really know where I was or where I was going but somehow I ended up at the train station and eventually found my way back home.

Xiumin:

On my 21st birthday, my roommates took me out to a really nice, 5 star restaurant in the city we lived. They're buying me all the drinks I want cause heck I'm finally legal! Now, I think y'all can see a pattern of what happens when I drink. So when Big Ned got a glass of scotch and I had just finished off my last sip of wine, I wanted some too. I asked him to share, using "it's my birthday" to get my way. Ever the gentleman, Big Ben pours half his glass into my wine glass and keeps his raised for a cheers. The whole group joins in and with a shout of Mozeltov, I slam the wine glass down on the table and toss it back. It wasn't until I finished the last drop and tried to set my glass back on the table that I realized I snapped the stem in half. No one spoke, except for Little Ned, softly, "did you... did that really just happen?" Yeah. Yeah it did. Thankfully the restaurant agreed to keep the broken glass off the bill as long as I left the restaurant immediately.

Chen:

On a Saturday night, I met up with a good friend of mine that I hadn’t seen in months. We bought some snacks and drinks then drove to a marina near my apartment (new place in California). The whole night we spent catching up and throwing rocks in the water. I was still a little tipsy when it was time to go home and my friend ended up driving me back. On the way back, I opened a bag and snacked on some pizza flavored goldfish. I was about a fourth of the way through the bag when I decided I didn’t like it anymore and started tossing them out the window. We pull up to a stop light and my friend is trying to make me stop by rolling up the window, but I stick my leg out before he could close it. Next he tries to compromise and said if I wasn’t going to eat the goldfish, I should just put the bag down and remove my leg from the window. My tipsy ass told him no, I was handing out free food. I turned to look at the car next to me, asked (yelled) if they wanted any goldfish and held out the bag to them. I guess the dude thought it was funny and was just like “yeah sure why not, lifes too short to not eat goldfish from a stranger at a stoplight” alksdjflskdj

Lay:

When I was about 6 years old, I lived out in the suburbs of Fulshear, Texas. The community is really tiny and everyone knew each other. One time, I was playing hide and seek with my siblings, and decided to hide under my moms bed. While I was waiting for my brother to come find me, I fell asleep. A couple hours later I wake up and it’s dark out. The house is empty. I’m calling out to see if anyone is home, checking all the rooms. I thought maybe everyone decided to tag me “it” since I passed out. After a while of not finding anyone, the phone rings and I pick up. It’s my mom sounding out of breath calling to see if anyone found me and took me back to my house. Turns out I had actually been knocked out for 6 hours. Not being able to find me during hide and seek for 2 hrs, my siblings went to get my mom who also started looking for me. After another hour and no luck, she called our neighbors across the street to see if I went over to play with their kids. Ofc they said no and said they would call some other people in the neighborhood to find out if they'd seen me. A few hours later, the whole neighborhood was out looking for me. Meanwhile I'm at home chilling on the couch watching Teletubbies and eating goldfish (the original babey).

Luhan:

My dad took me and my siblings to the beach almost every summer in elementary school. We would always stay at this Holiday Inn right across the street from the sands. At night, we would go “hunting” for crabs with a flashlight and a fishnet. But on some nights when my dad was too tired to go out, my siblings and I would hang in the kids room at the hotel. We were fooling around and just being kids. Then we found a big case filled with tubes of paint. I was excited to do some finger painting but before I could reach for a tube, my brother stopped me to say he had an idea. He dared us lay down our sheets of paper and paint them by jumping on the tubes. Being the youngest of four, I thought this was a brilliant idea and immediately got to work. Set my paper down and lined up the colors I wanted to use. I jumped.... Only a spec of paint made it onto the paper... The rest beautifully decorated the off-white walls of the kids room. We all just froze because oh my stars we’re gonna be in so much trouble. Turning to each other, we made a very strong pinky promise to not tell a soul what happened. The next day when we returned to the kids room, the case was gone, faded splotches of green and purple remained on the walls, and a big paper taped above reading “NO PAINTING ALLOWED”.

Fun fact: my eldest sister used to write about my adventures for her creative essay homework’s in middle school.

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cakesunflower · 6 years

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Sugar Coated Pain [Boxer!Calum AU] Ch. 3

Chapter 3

“I STILL FEEL bad, leaving you here by yourself,” Noelle worried, willing herself not to chew on her lips so she didn’t eat off the lipstick staining them.

Her seventeen year old sister rolled her eyes in exasperation. “I’m gonna be fine, Elle,” Andrea insisted. “I just found out Amazon Prime has all the seasons of Bones on it so I’m gonna binge watch the crap out of that and order food that I’m gonna eat until I pass out. It’s gonna be a fun night.”

Beverly descended the stairs that led right into the living room the other two were in. “Since when do you have an Amazon Prime account?”

Andrea grinned impishly. “Mom got sick of me begging for it and gave in. Perks of being the paraplegic child.”

Both Beverly and Noelle scoffed and rolled their eyes, used to Andrea using her disability as a way of getting what she wanted, though Andrea didn’t even have to use that as an excuse because they all babied her anyway. Still, Noelle and Beverly couldn’t help but shake their head in amusement as Andrea giggled giddily. She’s been paralyzed for three years now, and at this point she was fully capable of cracking jokes about her being confined to a wheelchair.

It had been a tragic accident, one involving Andrea and their father and a drunk driver, in which Mr. Simon died on impact and the driver was imprisoned for driving under the influence. It was one of the toughest times for Noelle and her family, trying to deal with their dad’s death and helping the youngest of the family adjust to a life in a wheelchair. For the longest time Andrea was angry at everything in the world—for the loss of their dad and for the loss of feeling below her waist—and it wasn’t until a year and a half after the accident where Andrea cracked the first joke in regards of her being a paraplegic.

“Okay, but if you need anything, call either of us, alright?” Noelle told Andrea with a raise of her eyebrows, unplugging her phone from the charger by the couch.

The seventeen year old nodded before waving her sisters off, telling them to leave already. It wasn’t often that the girls left Andrea alone at the house; their mom had long hours at the hospital and while Andrea was fully capable of taking care of herself, they still worried over her. They couldn’t help it; she was their baby sister. They’d been taking care of her long before she was ever paralyzed.

“So what’s Ashton throwing this party for?” Noelle asked once she and Beverly slid into the backseat of the Uber, leaning her back against the door as she faced her sister.

Beverly ran her fingers through her blonde hair to push it back. “Cal won every match he had this week so Ash sometimes throws a little celebration type thing. Obviously no one really knows the real reason for the parties because of what Cal does but, you know, still fun,” she explained with a shrug before grinning happily. “Now that you’re back in town, I finally have someone to go with!”

Noelle smiled wryly, pulling her phone out to scroll through social media. “Joy,” she dryly responded, though she was fine with accompanying Beverly.

Truly, Noelle was never opposed to a night out when she really wanted to go and from what Beverly has told her, Ashton’s parties or get-togethers were always a fun time, so it was time Noelle attended one. Though, the fact that this particular party was for Calum, meaning he would be there, had Noelle’s gut twisting nervously. Obviously, she hasn’t seen him since she met him the first time three nights ago, but Noelle wasn’t going to forget the disgruntled way he looked at her. She could only hope he wouldn’t be irritated by her presence and make her feel embarrassed once more.

If she was someone else, it would be enough for her to reject the invitation, but Calum was too handsome for Noelle to not want to just get a glimpse of him again. Was that desperate? Maybe.

They arrived to Ashton’s apartment in SoHo within fifteen minutes, getting rung in through the front security desk by Ashton and using the elevator to go to the fourth floor. When they walked in through the unlocked door, Noelle couldn’t help but notice how nice Ashton’s apartment was, having never been there before. Large windows and slanted ceilings with lights embedded in them, and sleek wood floors. Ashton was a general manager at a popular gym in Manhattan and he earned a pretty penny, and his residence showed that in the least obnoxious way possible.

There was music playing at an appropriate, non-deafening volume and there were a bunch of people hanging around with drinks in their hands as they talked and mingled. Noelle was relieved to see it wasn’t like a literal house party, many of which she attended during high school and college, and that everyone here seemed much more relaxed yet enjoying their time.

“They’re in the kitchen,” Beverly said, nodding towards the left of the apartment before leading her sister over. Noelle noticed Beverly waving and saying hi to a few people as they walked, already familiar with almost everyone there as they entered the kitchen.

“You’re here!” Came Ashton’s cheery voice and Noelle easily caught sight of the dirty blonde haired man as he moved his way around the center counter that was full of different types of alcoholic bottles, weaving past a few people that were lingering about. He reached them hugging and kissing Beverly with a grin. “Hiya, Noelle, I’m happy you’re here,” he added genuinely, pulling the younger girl for a surprise hug.

Noelle couldn’t help but smile as she returned the hug before pulling away. “I can never say no to free drinks, you know,” she teased.

Ashton giggled before nodding towards the counter. “What’ll you have?”

Before Noelle could answer, Beverly said to him, “Oh, make her a tequila sunrise.” To Noelle, she smiled, “He’s an expert at making that drink. So good.”

Not one to say no to a good drink, Noelle merely nodded and smiled in agreement as Ashton moved towards the counter to make two of them for the girls. As he did so, Beverly leaned forward on the counter opposite of Ashton as she asked, “Where are the others?”

As Ashton picked up the bottle of orange juice, he hummed, “Michael and Luke are around here somewhere and Cal stepped out for a smoke.”

Noelle tilted her head slightly as Beverly quirked a brow. “Isn’t he trying to quit?”

Ashton snorted. “Trying be the key term. We all know Cal’s not one to quit easily.”

“Stop talking shit about me behind my back, mate.”

Noelle felt her back straighten at the deep voice sounding behind her, watching from the corner of her eye as Calum appeared next to Beverly on the side of the counter diagonal of Noelle. Her gaze remained on him, taking in his simple outfit of black jeans and a white shirt with a black leather jacket on top, her thoughts immediately consisting of how damn good he looked. She watched as Calum reached for the stack of cups before pouring in whatever drink was mixed in a glass bottle, her eyes going to the tattoos on his hands, the silver bracelets on each wrist and the chunky rings on his fingers. A man’s hands should not look as good as Calum’s did.

“I’m not talking shit!” Ashton defended with a high pitched laugh before handing Noelle and Beverly their cups. “Just, you know. . . Complimenting you on your determination.”

Calum scoffed, looking away from Ashton to his left as he brought the cups to his lips. “Bullshit.”

It was when he turned his head when Noelle spotted the bruise that was blooming on his cheek, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of it. Dark blue and purple in color yet not too big in size, right on the side of his face near his jaw and she couldn’t help but wince slightly, thinking of the punch that was the cause of it. If almost everyone here didn’t know about Calum’s fighting, what did he tell them if they asked about his bruise?

“Oh, shit, ouch,” Beverly’s eyes widened, leaning forward slightly as she looked at the black haired boy’s face. Apparently she wasn’t hesitant on bringing up the bruise like Noelle was. “That looks like it hurts.”

Calum’s eyes flickered over to her, throat working as he swallowed his drink without complaint and lowered the cup. “Nothin’ I’m not used to,” was his reply, the corner of his lips curling smugly. Then his eyes shifted over slightly, finally landing on Noelle as she took a sip of her admittedly delicious drink. “Noelle, right?”

Honestly, Noelle was surprised that she didn’t choke on her sip as Calum addressed her, taking her by surprise as she swallowed her drink. Tequila always warmed her up easily, despite it being mixed or not, but she was sure the warmth spreading up her neck had more to do with the pair of dark brown eyes staring at her rather than her drink. “Um, yeah,” she stumbled out, mentally cursing herself for sounding unsure. “Hi.”

Calum merely nodded in return, making Noelle bristle slightly—how could a subtle action make her feel so unwelcome, and why did she care so much?—until Beverly spoke up. “Congrats on your wins, Cal,” she smiled, holding her cup out to him as she dramatically added, “You’ve made me proud.”

The tall, curly haired boy snorted, lifting his eyebrows at her as he responded, “It’s why I do it.”

♔♔♔♔♔

Calum raised unimpressed eyebrows as he stared at his two best friends, who were singing a Queen song terribly and totally off-key, as he sat on Ashton’s couch with his legs spread and a red cup in his hand. Though they weren’t singing all too well, Ashton and Luke were definitely entertaining everyone here with their rendition of We Are The Champions. Calum knew getting Ashton that karaoke machine for Christmas would be a bad idea.

As Luke and Ashton started the second verse, an arm wrapped around the other as Ashton held the mic in his right hand and Luke held his cup in his left, Calum couldn’t help but let out a deep chuckle. Everyone around was laughing and recording the two of them, and Calum shook his head in amusement as Ashton and Luke swayed while singing. The party was a few hours in and his friends were a few drinks in, and Calum was surprised either one of them was staying upright.

His gaze flickered around the room before ultimately landing on a face he’s seen twice now. Noelle stood leaning against the wall that separated the kitchen and living room, a bottle of beer in hand after switching it from the liquor and a wide grin on her face that showed off dimples Calum wasn’t aware she had, as her eyes remained on Ashton and Luke. Just like everyone else, she was wildly entertained by the show the two idiots were putting on, her mouth forming soundless words whenever she spoke to Beverly.

Calum’s eyes trailed up her figure, taking in the exposure of her legs due to the blue shorts she wore and the way her pale yellow, form fitting tank top hugged her tightly. He attempted to ignore the tightening in his jeans at the sight of her slender neck, wondering what it’d be like to have his hand wrapped around it and lips pressed against the skin. Calum wasn’t afraid to admit he had similar thoughts the moment he saw her after stepping off the ring, wondering who the hell she was and what she was doing at his match, but he wasn’t going to voice his desires about Noelle after just meeting her. Especially not to Beverly or Ashton.

“That was for my man Calum Hood!” Ashton’s voice rang through the house thanks to the karaoke machine speakers, drawing the Australian’s attention back to his friends who had apparently finished the song already and everyone broke out into cheers. Calum’s eyebrows shot up once more in amusement as Ashton gestured to him with one hand and pressed his other to his chest. “The champion of my heart.”

Despite himself, Calum couldn’t help but let out a laugh at Ashton’s words, shaking his head as he lifted his cup to his two laughing friends in cheers, shaking his head before taking a sip of the hunch punch. “You’re ridiculous, mate,” Calum announced after swallowing his drink. Still, he found the gesture nice.

About an hour or so later, after Calum finished sipping at his first cup of mixed drink and was now nursing another one, he made his way towards the bathroom in the hallway. He may have taken small sips of his drinks as an attempt to uselessly stall the effect of the alcohol he was consuming, but he still had to really fucking pee.

Which was frustrating because the bathroom door was locked. “For fuck’s sake,” Calum cursed under his breath, wishing that Ashton had more than one bathroom in his place. Raising his free hand, Calum rapped sharply and impatiently on the door with his knuckles. “Others have to use the bathroom, too!”

Okay, so he may be slightly tipsy and raised his voice a bit louder than necessary, garnering the attention of the few people lingering in the hallway, though he paid them no mind. He was too focused on making sure he didn’t piss his damn pants right there. Calum let out a groan when no one on the other side responded, clenching his jaw and leaning his forehead against the wooden door, eyes shut in exasperation.

But then the door suddenly swung open, and Calum lost all sense of his fighting agility as he stumbled forward at the lack of support, eyes shooting wide open. His free hand shot out to grasp the door frame, but not before the contents of his full cup sloshed and a good chunk of his beverage spilled out.

A startled gasp sounded in front of him, and Calum looked up in surprise to see Noelle standing in the bathroom, her hazel eyes widened as she remained frozen. For a brief moment, he wondered if she looked so startled because he was standing there, but then his eyes trailed down and caught sight of her pale top and blue shorts darkened by the reddish-purple drink he had been consuming.

“Oh, my God,” Noelle breathed out, stunned at the sudden cold wetness on her front. She looked down, taking in the drink that had spilled on her right below her collarbone, effectively wetting her skin and staining her light colored clothes. It was wet and sticky.

Calum, too, was staring at what he accidentally caused, gaze lingering on the area right above her breasts that was glistening with the drink, forcing himself to break his stare when he realized who those ridiculously nice pair of breasts belong to. “Give a guy a warning next time, will you?” he practically snapped, immediately defaulting to his usual cold demeanor.

Noelle’s head snapped up, eyebrows lifting in surprise as her mouth dropped open with a scoff. Sure, she was a bit shaken at the fact that it was Calum who spilled his drink on her, but why was he the one with the attitude in this situation? “Are you kidding?” she let out a short disbelieving laugh. “You’re the one who spilled his drink on me!”

Calum dropped his hand from the door frame, straightening to stand at his full height and fighting the smug smirk that threatened to grow when he noticed Noelle’s throat work nervously as her gaze flickered up to maintain eye contact. “You’re the one who opened the damn door out of nowhere.”

Was he serious? “Because you were knocking and yelling on the other side!” Noelle countered, bringing her fingers to the front of her tank to pull the tight material away from her skin. She let out a small groan—her clothes were totally going to be stained now. A glare furrowed her brows as she looked up at Calum, completely forgetting that this guy definitely intimidated her as she demanded, “What were you even doing, leaning against the door like that? This is your fault.”

He seriously didn’t have time for this. Sure, Calum felt kind of bad for spilling his drink on Noelle, but that didn’t come anywhere near as the urgency he felt for needing to use the damn bathroom. And, yeah, he knew it was his fault for leaning against the door and losing his balance but apologizing wasn’t in Calum’s nature, and he wasn’t about to start now.

Grunting, Calum reached forward and placed his half empty cup on the sink right next to Noelle before shrugging off the leather jacket he wore. It was his favorite jacket, with two white stripes running down the length of the sleeves, but he begrudgingly put that aside as he held it out to Noelle, who blinked at the piece of apparel in confusion. Impatiently, Calum shook it and said through gritted teeth, “Just wear it over your clothes for now and get out of the damn bathroom, for shit’s sake. I have to piss.”

Immediately Noelle’s face scrunched up in mild disgust but when she took in the irritated expression Calum wore, mixed with the bruise on his cheek, she clamped her mouth shut and took the offered jacket with a somewhat shaky hand. He was lending her his jacket?

When she took it, Calum stepped aside and waved his hand, raising his eyebrows as he silently gestured for her to get the hell out. Noelle swallowed inaudibly before shuffling through the narrow doorway, catching a whiff of whatever cologne Calum wore over the pungent stench of the alcohol she was wearing, and wincing slightly when the door slammed shut behind her.

Calum let out a relieving sigh once he flushed and zipped up his pants, washing his hands as he stared at himself in the mirror. He turned his head to the left, hands still running under the cold water, as he assessed the bruise on his cheek. It still hurt when his facial muscles moved a certain way, and every time Calum felt that sting of pain he also felt a surge of anger for letting Underwood get that hit in in the first place. It was a slip on Calum’s part, lost in a thinking strategy during the fight a second too long and not seeing Underwood’s left hook coming for him, but managing to return the favor by knocking him the fuck out. It was a lucky shot on Underwood’s part and Calum was determined to not let it happen again.

Grunting, Calum grabbed his drink and drained the rest of it in the sink before dropping the cup in the trash before shutting off the faucet and drying his hands. When he left the bathroom, he realized that Noelle wasn’t in the hallway anymore and made his way back to the living room. And when he did, Calum couldn’t help the way he froze when his eyes somehow, almost immediately, landed on Noelle.

She was standing by the window talking to Michael and their friend Dominique, and Calum’s adam’s apple bobbed in his throat at the sight of her wearing his jacket. Her short and slimmer figure had the jacket practically enveloping her, the sleeves too long and shoulders hanging off hers. But what really had Calum taking in a sharp breath was the fact that the jacket was so long on Noelle that it made it seem like, zipped up, it was all she was wearing. Her legs looked even more appealing than they already did. The jacket was like a fucking dress Calum had the sudden urge to rip right off of her.

She should not be looking as good as she does in his jacket.

Calum huffed. He shouldn’t have thrown away his drink.

tags: @aphroditebeautyshit @modelukes @cartiercalum @candidcalum @tothemoonmikey @perfectlycake @cakestan @lukesback @polarizehood @luke2k18 @vaporlewk @biggestslutforcalum @kinkycorbyn @nostalgia-luke @captain-what-is-going-on @hoodstations @calumamore

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artistxquotes-blog1 · 5 years

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Guidelines for Good Health During Pregnancy

Now that you square measure pregnant, it's no time to diet. You wish to eat the right things and check out to not gain associate degree invalid quantity of weight; however, you ought to NOT be fasting at once.

You can want concerning three hundred to 350 calories additional per day than after you were intake only for you – concerning two,500 to 2,700 calories per day.

If you're skinny naturally or if you're prying a multiple birth physiological state, your doctor could even visit additional of a rise in daily caloric intake.

On the opposite hand, if you're usually overweight, your doctor could advise that you consume additional calories. However, she could encourage you to drop below the extra three hundred to 350 sometimes prescribed for a median physiological state.

You should decide to maintain a well-balanced diet throughout your physiological state, consisting of lean meats and macromolecule, fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain bread, also as low-fat dairy farm product like cheese and milk.

Your doctor can in all probability visit prenatal vitamins for you. These square measure particular vitamins combined with the right amounts of atomic number 20, iron and folate required by pregnant girls.

Don't build the error of thinking that your prenatal vitamins can cowl all the biological process wants you've got.

You still have to be compelled to eat well!

We have provided details here, so you'll build a decent biological process base for your health, and the health of your unhatched kid. As always, if you've got any queries throughout your physiological state, please consult your doctor.

Let's cross-check the small print of your biological process building blocks:

Vegetables and Fruits – four or additional servings of vegetables and three or extra servings of fruits, at the minimum.

Here square measure some samples of serving sizes:

Fruits: One medium-sized apple or banana, one 0.5 cup of sliced fruit or 3 quarters of a cup of fruit crush.

Vegetables: One cup of green (raw), one 0.5 cups of non-leafy vegetable (either boiled or natural) or 3 quarters of a cup of a vegetable juice (like tomato juice)

Eating fruits and vegetables that contain water-soluble vitamin can assist you to absorb iron, heal minor wounds, and maintain healthy gums and body tissue. Samples of these varieties of vegetables and fruits include:

Fruits: Papaya, tomato, orange, melon, strawberry

Vegetables: Peppers, cabbage, broccoli, inexperienced unifoliate vegetables like spinach and endive.

Protein - 2 or additional servings of lean, boiled meat or poultry (without the skin), or fish. These servings ought to come to the quantity to sixty grams of macromolecule per day.

Here square measure some samples of serving sizes:

Meat, Poultry, Fish: Two to 3 ounces of boiled meat, poultry or fish. Don't eat undercooked or raw meat, poultry, or fish. These could contain a microorganism and may cause you too sick! Avoid 'lunch meat', 'cold cuts' or 'deli meats'.

Try to keep one's eyes off from fish with high mercury content (shark, swordfish, tilefish (white snapper or golden snapper) and cavalla.

These fish tend to contain additional mercury content, which might be harmful to your baby. Don't eat over six ounces of tuna or tuna cut per week.

Other Proteins: One-third cup of balmy, one boiled egg, one 0.5 cup of bean curd or cooked beans or peas, or 2 tablespoons of paste.

Eating macromolecule helps you to create muscle and keeps you healthy and robust. It additionally helps your body to supply antibodies for your baby. Macromolecule contains the B Vitamins and iron necessary to provide wealthy, red blood cells and keep your blood robust.

Protein is particularly necessary throughout your second and trimester because it can facilitate your body to carry on with the stress and growth of your baby within the female internal reproductive organ.

Whole Grains and Whole Grain product - 9 or additional servings of entire grain product per day. Try and keep one's eyes off from white flour, sweet cereals, etc. They contain very little or no biological process worth.

Here square measure some samples of serving sizes:

Whole Wheat or different Whole Grain Bread: One slice

Cooked (hot) Cereal, rice or Whole Grain Pasta: One 0.5 cup

Cold Cereal: One cup

These products contain B Vitamins, and minerals and fiber to stay your body healthy and keep your systema alimentarium moving.

Folic acid is usually intercalary to cold breakfast cereals and 'enriched' grain product, and this is often additionally a vital mineral for your body throughout the physiological state. Cross-Check the packaging and check out to settle on a product that contains additional folate, where doable.

Dairy product - Four or additional servings per day. Whereas you're pregnant, you'll wish to consume concerning a minimum of one,000 mg (milligrams) of atomic number 20 per day (1,300 milligrams if you're below eighteen years of age).

If you can not get that a lot of atomic number 20 in your diet, raise your doctor concerning your prenatal vitamins to make sure that you just have reached enough nuclear number 20 by staring at your combined diet and supplements.

If you discover that you square measure disaccharide intolerant, you'll use reduced disaccharide product, or take tablets to extend your tolerance of dairy farm product. Ask your doctor to seek out that answer can work best for you.

Here square measure some samples of serving sizes of dairy farm products:

Cheese (natural, not processed): One and one 0.5 ounces

Low-Fat or Non-Fat Milk: One cup

Natural (active ingredient) Yogurt: One cup

You and your growing baby each want uncountable atomic number 20 to stay your bones and your teeth robust. Dairy farm product contains Vitamins A and D, and additionally macromolecule, and B Vitamins. Vitamin A is essential for your baby's growth and system support.

Water – 6-8 eight-ounce glasses of water per day (if you're exercising: 8-10 glasses)

This may look like a great deal however your body can comply with this volume, and you would like to remain hydrous throughout gestation to forestall constipation, hemorrhoids, swelling, dehydration, urinary and bladder infections, and muscle strain.

Vitamins and Minerals - We've talked regarding however vital it's to follow an honest diet throughout gestation. Your antepartum vitamins, combined with the great food you eat ought to offer you enough of the correct vitamins and minerals.

If you check up on the label of your antepartum aliment bottle, you must see many the subsequent vitamins and minerals.

Calcium - most ladies don't get enough metal (1,000 mg per day) however once you square measure pregnant your would like for metal is even additional vital, to fulfill the stress of your body and therefore the demands of your baby's metal must grow sturdy bones.

Be sure your antepartum vitamins contain one,000 mg (1,300 if you're beneath eighteen) per dose.

Iron – you would like metal to supply hemoglobin and red blood cells. Hemoglobin is that the element of red blood cells that carries atomic number 8 throughout your system.

It provides all of your cells, and your baby's body and organs with many made aerated blood with that to grow and stay healthy.

Your body and your baby's body conjointly would like iron to grow bones and teeth and to forestall anemia. Make sure your antepartum vitamins contain twenty-seven to thirty mg of iron per dose.

Folic Acid (Folate) - Studies show that taking vitamin B complex supplements throughout gestation decreases the chance of ectoblast defects by up to 70%!

The ectoblast contains your baby's medulla spinalis and developing brain, and once it doesn't matter kind properly, it will cause serious conditions like schistorrhachis and the hereditary heart condition.

Because your body uses vitamin B complex early in gestation, it's informed begin taking a supplement if you're designing a pregnancy.

Check your antepartum vitamins to make sure you're obtaining four hundred micrograms (0.4 milligrams) per dose.

#pregnant #pregnancy #pregnancy tips #pregnancy test #diet #food #health #nutrition

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bughead-fic-request · 7 years

Text

I would like to thank @leaalda for making these amazing banners.

This is an effort to spread the word about all fan fiction writers in our little fandom. If you would like to be featured or nominate a writer, please contact me. Please reblog this post if you can and check out some of @cooperjones2020 work!

1. First things first, if someone wanted to read your stories where can they find them.

I post all of them on AO3 as well as on tumblr @cooperjones2020 under the tag #mine and on my master list. (also fyi it’s a sideblog, so if you ever get a reply from @acitrusmoon, that’s also me!)

2. Tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve tipped the scale into second half of my 20’s. I’m currently doing my master’s in English lit, focusing on early modern drama and cultural studies. Canada is the third country I’ve lived in. I’ve been in four separate countries within a 24-hour timespan on two separate occasions. I prefer children’s toothbrushes to adult ones. I made my parents let me drop out of preschool when I was four because they wouldn’t give me orange juice.

3. What do you never leave home without?

Nothing. I leave with the absolute bare minimum I can get away with. So 99% of the time I have my phone, but even that’s not a sure thing. If I can stick a card or some cash in my bra so I don’t have to carry a purse or wallet, I’m doing it. If I do have a bag, I definitely have my giant reusable water bottle and a book with me.

4. Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Early bird. I’ve hit the level of adulthood where I wake up at like 6:30 sans alarm. And I have no excuse. I don’t have to be at work til 10.

5. If you could live in any fictional world which one would you choose and why?

I’ve been thinking about this question and I can’t come up with anything other than HP. I basically learned to read off those books and grew up alongside them. That fictional world is so embedded with my real one, it would be a disservice to pick something else.

6. Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met.

In general, I have no interest in meeting famous people, so I think the most famous person I’ve ever actually met was Roger Ebert at an ice cream shop in Michigan when I was 8. But I’ve been adjacent to famous people. I saw Josh Radnor in my college bookstore, I’ve emailed with John Green, and Chicago Fire used to film in my old apartment in Chicago before it became my apartment. They would still shut our street down to do external shots, and NBC paid my landlord not to gut the apartment when he rehabbed it, in case they needed to use it again.

Does Walk the Moon count as famous now? I’ve met Nick Petricca at parties (figure out what Josh Radnor, John Green, and Nick Petricca have in common, and you’ll learn something else about me).

7. What are some of your favorite movies/TV?

I’m the worst with “favorite” type questions because I change my mind all the time when my attention wanders. So TV shows I’ve loved a long time and will continue to rewatch ad infinitum: Gilmore Girls, Charmed, Boy Meets World. I don’t really re-watch movies, which is my general bar for loving something. I recently saw The Third Man and it blew my mind, so much so that it made it into chapter 5 of “Nobodies Nobody Knows.”

(but also I haven’t had consistent access to a television since 2006 because I went to boarding school for nerds, so I’m out of touch with a lot what’s been on unless I’ve been able to find it on the internet and binge watch it)

8. What are some of your favorite bands/musicians?

Again, I don’t know if I have anyone I would say is a favorite above all the music I like. I cycle through songs I get obsessed with for a week or two. The Spotify playlist I’m currently listening to on repeat includes Halsey, Imagine Dragons, Walk the Moon, Regina Spektor, Lorde, Cigarettes After Sex, Ed Sheeran, Adele, X Embassadors, and Sia. But it’s also my Bughead writing playlist. I’d really like to see Maren Morris in concert.

9. Favorite Books?

I could fill a library with my favorite books. The books that have been most foundational to me as a person were probably HP and the Anne of Green Gables series. The books/authors I loved enough to ship to Canada, which really just means I like rereading them, include Emily Dickinson, Raymond Carver, Louise Erdrich, Junot Diaz, Harper Lee, Milan Kundera, Diana Gabaldon, Deborah Harkness, and a little bit of Nora Roberts and Andrew Greeley for variety. But actually the hardest part of moving back to America will be having to round up all my books and get them to my new place of residence.

10. Favorite Food?

Soup. Which is really a non-answer because there’s infinite varieties.

11. Biggest pet peeve?

People who are passive aggressive and manipulative.

12. What did you want to be when you were little? What do you want to be now?

I went through an intense phase of wanting to be a flight attendant for a while. I was pretty sure I wanted to do a PhD, but the first year of my masters has taught me that I do not want to do that. So now, I have no idea. Something that involving writing and editing as part of its daily tasks. I did some freelancing for SparkNotes earlier this summer and they had a full-time opening that would have been perfect for me if it were a year from now. Before coming back to school, I worked for a tutoring company creating curriculum materials and overseeing/developing tutors.

13. What are your biggest fears? Do you have any strange fears?

The stereotypical things I’m afraid of are heights and clowns. I’m also afraid of bridges and really uncomfortable on escalators, though that’s gotten better. I’m a big believer in facing your fears, so one time I forced myself to do a high ropes course at a team-building retreat and I literally had a panic attack forty feet up in the air.

14. When you are on your deathbed what would be the one you’d regret not doing?

I think I’ll regret the times I’ve said no to things because I was afraid.

Okay… lets talk about your writing!

15. Which is your favorite of the fics you've written for the Bughead fandom?

The one I’m enjoying writing the most/is coming the easiest is ”Second City.” I also really love ”Marked” because it’s the one that got me into the fandom and because it challenged me to go out of my comfort zone.

16. Which was the hardest to write, in terms of plot?

“What’s Past is Prologue” because the plot structure is so weird, so I wind up feeling like I’m just hitting the same note over and over.

17. How do you come up with the ideas for you fic(s)? Do you people watch? Listen to music? Get inspired by TV/movies?

I haven’t written enough fics to have a developed answer to this. “Marked” and “WPIP” came about because of a conversation @jandjsalmon was having that I lurked on. “Second City” came about because I love post-break up/the characters are now in their 20s fics, and I was homesick (hence the setting). Also, with all the discourse around how healthy and communicative Betty and Jug are, I was wondering what would be a convincing enough circumstance to cause them to break up, and how would they find their way back to each other. As far as individual ideas within the fics themselves, I do, as mentioned, have a writing playlist, but I don’t listen to it while actually writing. Just while I’m doing things around the house or walking to school, which is when I brainstorm. I often have to stop walking and move out of the way so I can type ideas into the notes on my phone. A lot of times, I’ll just get a half a line or sentence that sounds nice and then I’ll have to figure out how to work it in later.

18. Idea that you always wanted to write but could never make work?

I haven’t been doing this long enough to be able to answer this question with any level of confidence. I don’t think there’s anything I’ve really wanted to write and been unable to, at least as far as fic goes. I have a lot of half-planned ideas for original stories that refuse to come out how I want them to.

19. Least favorite plot point/chapter/moment you’ve written?

The next chapter of WPIP because I don’t think it’s doing anything beyond serving as a vehicle to the chapter after it. But I recently had an idea of something to add to it which might help.

20. Favorite plot point/chapter/moment you’ve written?

I love chapter 5 of “Second City.” I’m genuinely happy about every scene in it, especially the flashback. I also really like the end of chapter 8, parts of chapter 10 and pretty much all of chapter 11. More than plot points/chapters, I tend to love little details or turns of phrase, like the crown scar from “Marked,” or Jughead in a “this is what a feminist looks like” t shirt, or lines like “It hurts. She knows it shouldn’t. She knows it makes sense. But it does. Because it sounds like ‘I don’t think about you’” from “Second City.”

21.Favorite character to write?

Betty because I overly identify with her. In “Second City,” I’ve found Alice and Veronica particularly easy to write in the little they’ve appeared thus far. Like, their voices have been very clear. But watch, I’ve probably just jinxed myself.

22. Favorite line or lines of dialogue that you've written?

I don’t know if I have a favorite, and I use too much dialogue to go back through it all. I try really hard to make it sound realistic. I’m particularly proud of the ending dialogue of chapter 9 of “Second City,” basically everything from after they go back into the spare bedroom.

Also, spoiler: “You harassed Sheriff Keller. You questioned FP. What’s next, Betty? Were you going to interrogate Jellybean?” Betty feels heat suffuse her face. “Oh, you thought I wouldn’t know about that, huh?”

“I did see JB,” she mumbles.

“Fuck, I knew she was lying.”

23. Best comment/review you’ve ever received?

I don’t want to call out anyone in particular because I love and appreciate every single one and I spend way too much time staring at my email waiting for comment notifications. I particularly enjoy when people point out a specific line or plot point that resonated with them, or when they say something rung particularly true to character. I also love when people will talk to me in the comments, because I reply to everyone and literary analysis is my jam.

24. How do you handle bad reviews or comments?

I’ve never had any! I’m not a big enough deal for that.

25. If you could change anything in any of your stories, what would it be?

I would have written more of “WPIP” before posting it because that was my first attempt at anything multi-chapter and I didn’t know what I was doing. I still don’t, but I’ve gotten slightly better at masking it.

26. What is your favorite story you’ve ever written? Any fandom?

Fandom-wise, I’ve only written for Bughead. “Second City”/the “Who Sings Heartache to Sleep” universe is (clearly) my favorite. I actually enjoy rereading old chapters, which is not a place I’ve been with my own writing in ages and ages.

27. What are you reading right now? Both fan fiction and general fiction?

I’m working on my master’s thesis proposal, so I’m doing a lot of reading about early modern theatre, seventeenth century midwifery manuals, and feminist theory. I’m also running a reading group on film noir, so I’ve read several of those this summer. I reread The Unbearable Lightness of Being for the sixth time, but it was for a student I tutor. I’m looking forward to reading a romance novel, probably Nora Roberts, when I visit my parents in a few weeks.

For fic, I’m subscribed to so so many and am behind on most of them. The ones I’ll drop everything to read as soon as I see the notification include anything by @lessoleilscouchants or @sylwrites, Summer Storm by @lazydaizies, Interbellum by @wolfofansbach, Serpent and the Swan by @jugandbettsdetectiveagency, Hearts in Velvet by @raptorlily, Carry On by @soulsofstarsliveinyourveins, Wicked Games by @ariquitecontrary, He Was Gone by @bettyluvsjuggie, What Fools These Mortals Be by @gellbellshead …gah, I know there are more. Those are ones that have either updated recently or that I’ve thought about recently for some reason or another.

28. Do you have an advice for writers that want to get into this fandom but might be scared?

Please please do it. I cannot emphasize enough how welcoming people are. I literally inserted myself in someone else’s conversation like a total creep and it’s the best thing I’ve done in months. I’ve never done anything like that before and definitely wouldn’t be able to in non-internet life. Think about if positions were reversed and you were the one already established in the fandom, how would you react to someone wanting to be your friend? You’d be pretty darn excited. That’s how I feel every day with all of you and I just want to spread the love.

And for writing specifically, and this is cliché advice but, you won’t get better unless you let other people read your work. And letting other people in and letting them be excited (because they will be) will make you so much more confident and motivated.

For real, though, while the last year of my life has been super rewarding personally and I’m happy, it’s also been one of the hardest and loneliest years of my life. And the hits just keep on coming. And you all have made the last month, at least, a lot easier.

#bughead author spotlight #fan fiction #fan fiction writers #ao3 #Bughead #bughead fanfiction #jughead jones #betty cooper #riverdale #betty x jughead #jughead x betty #cooperjones2020 #second city #what's past is prologue #marked

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cactus-titty · 7 years

Text

18-25th October

It feels like an eternity since my last post but its really only been about a week. I can’t really remember all the things I did so I’ll look back over my photos and talk about each one based around it. A lot of the time I’ve been at home doing work so sometimes there hasn’t been much to talk about. The 22nd was planned to be Tsubasa’s wedding which Kaito and I were going to go together. I found out a little while before that also another guy that went to City College, Jordan, was going to come and would be arriving in Japan on the 21st. He was mainly Kaito’s friend but Kaito said he was busy that day until later so he asked if I could hang out with Jordan until then.

I met him at the train station around 1pm on the 21st so I could show him around. We had Gyoza and then found a bar with cheap drinks on Doutonbori. We were there until quite late and then once Kaito finished work we went to his house to meet him. I had to stop off at my house on the way to grab my suit and everything I needed since I would stay at Kaito’s house and then go early the next day to Himeji city. All three of us had some drinks and I was able to see Kaito’s mum for the first time since I was here last. Shes really nice.

The next day I strangely felt hungover. I also realised while I had brought my suit and tie and dress shoes, I forgot my dress shirt. I felt like an idiot but since I was kind of hungover I was just giggling about it. I wore my tie with the shirt anyway hoping no one would notice so much. Also just taking the tie off and wearing t-shirt only didn’t look that bad.

We took the train to Himeji and it took quite a while, maybe an hour and 20 mins. Once there we made our way to where the wedding was being held. Immediately I saw some people from City College who I hadn’t seen since then. We had the wedding ceremony, then after that wen’t for the feast. Overall the wedding felt very epic. The ceremony itself was nice and the area where we all ate had a big like view camera set up almost as if it was a stage to see the performer better and there was lots of pre-prepared videos and even videos that were immediately prepared from the ceremony played throughout the feast. There was about 6 courses, they were small but they were gourmet. Also it was all you could drink alcohol. I held off on the alcohol most of the day up until after we started eating but I started drinking about 2 or 3pm. At my table was Jordan, and two other guys had been to New Zealand. Once went to city college and one was living in Wellington. Other than those two there was about 5 other people that had been living in Wanganui. Most had gone to City College but one went to Wanganui High School. Even though I didn’t know them well or at all in the past I felt I immediately made friends with all of them. I felt kind of pissed that there was a ‘foreigner table’ which is where all the non native Japanese speakers were placed. It was a good thing for one of the guys at the table because he was Korean I think and couldn’t speak any Japanese but also I would have been very happy to suit with all the Japanese guys who went to city college. We took a picture of everyone from the ‘wanganui crew’ with Tsubasa the groom who obviously himself went to City College.

Looking at this photo I’m wishing I was able to cut my hair in time. I tried to order clippers but they didn’t come fast enough then it was too late for me to find a place to cut my hair. I’ve cut it now though. The guy to the right of me is the one that was doing an exchange to Wanganui High School. Hes from Tokyo and I made friends with him and he said we should hang out when I’m there so he’s kind of my third friend from that area. The guy to the left of me I knew at City College kind of, but him and I were both shy back then so we didn’t become friends. Now he said we should hang out some time if I’m ever in Hiroshima, which I plan to do.

The feast, or dinner, or whatever it’s called went till quite late. About 4. Then we had the after party that started at 5. There was again, more drinks and more food to be had. This place seemed really cool because when the event started they showed a video about the rules of the place, except they actually made it a joke and it was really funny. It said something like “We ask everyone stay in your… NO SIT WHEREVER YOU WANT!” and just a whole lof of things like that. They also started like a gameshow where you used an app on your phone to participate in quizzes, the questions were based around the bride and groom, and also one question was who can chug a bottle of cola the fastest, and they got me to be one of the participants. So I had to go up in front of everyone and then say a little something and then after people voted for who they thought could chug the fasted, all four of us started. Even though I got voted for the most (I guess coz I’m a big foreigner they would assume I’m a fatty who loves cola) I couldn’t even finish it, but besides that, another guy finished it within 4 seconds I was shocked. Also impressed with myself having no problem getting up in front of everyone and also speaking Japanese even thought it was only a little.

I didn’t get many photos of the place, but here are two. It was dark outside by this point. After this, our group discussed what we were going to do from now and we told them that us three (Kaito Jordan and I) were going to take the train back. The others decided to stay until the next day. They had thought about coming to Osaka with us (the two in the photo to the left and right of me in the large group photo and also the second guy from the left) but decided against it. Once we got to station ready to leave it turned out all trains were stopped due to the incoming typhoon with no indication of whether or not they would start again. The wind was pretty crazy. I couldn’t help but think it wasn’t really that bad compared to Wellington but I guess it was still worse than that. Yusuke’s umbrella broke and it was crack up. In fact, everyone’s umbrella broke except mine because I know how best to hold them in the wind so they don’t turn inside out.

We contacted our friends again and we all ended up hanging out at an Izakaya drink and eating even MORE in the hopes that later the trains would start again. I pretty much drank all day but somehow was fine.

After the after after party, we went back to the station. The trains were still stopped. Just some were going, one of the guys got to go home. The other two had a hotel in Himeji so they left. Us three sat down at the station and waited for about an hour. There was still scheduled trains even till 12:30 am so we wanted to see if it might be going. But nothing. We ended up just going to sleep on a train that was sitting at the station. It was a terrible sleep but it was free. At 6am we woke up since thats when the first train of the day should start. But still nothing. The first train didn’t come till 9am and since there had been no service for nearly 12 hours it was absolutely packed. People had to squish in and it made the trip which should have taken just over 1 hour take 2 hours. I was stuck standing the whole time and squished to the point where my chest was noticeably compressed. I just relaxed and closed my eyes. Good thing I genuinely don’t mind being in that situation normally. I was so tired though and just wanted to go home so it was kind of hell.

Because of all this Jordan actually missed his flight back to Tokyo. It was pretty stressful coz there was just nothing anyone could do. If he wasn’t able to get back to Tokyo by that night he would have also missed his flight back to New Zealand. I showed him to the station to buy a Shinkansen ticket to Tokyo. He ended up making back to Toko. I just wanted to sleep. I think i got back to my house 1pm. I just slept.

The next days were a blur I didn’t really do anything. But on the 24th my friend Carling and her boyfriend arrived to Osaka to spend a couple days leaving on the 26th. We had a plan since long ago that she would stay and I would show her around. First place I took them to was Sushi train since they were hungry for lunch. Then we did some shopping for snacks. Later we went to Dotonbori and I took them to an Izakaya with drinks for only 300 yen each. Carling is a vegetarian and they had a few nice things for her like butter corn, cabbage dipped in miso paste, and edamame. Me and Jordon (her boyfriend, same name as the Jordan from the other day) got some meat skewers. They were both so into Calpis chuuhai (calpis soda mixed with alcohol) and were mad they didn’t know about it earlier since before Osaka they were in Tokyo and went to some other places.

They also had never been to karaoke yet so I took them to a good one. We got a few more drinks there too.

They loved karaoke. They paid for my food and stuff throughout the day which was really nice.

The next day we had planned to go to Universal Studios Japan together, but I realised I felt too tired and also needed to do some work. For the morning they went to Kobe without me and I did some work. Around 4pm they came back and we went out for dinner with Sae to a really cool place that had lots of local vegetables from all over Japan and also pizza. We told them Carling was a vegetarian and they were very understanding and checked which items were ok since some things had chicken stock in it and the dipping sauce had anchovy based flavouring. Not what you’d normally expect in Japan since usually they will assume somethings vegetarian but completely forget about everything in it that’s actually not. They gave her special stuff.

I didn’t take any photos of this place sadly but after that we spent a bit more time at a cafe that also has alcohol. I had a cocktail and a jin and orange juice. Carling and Sae has a sangria. It was fun bringing Sae because she can speak good English.

They had their flight to Korea the next day and were getting tired so we said goodnight to them and me and Sae hung out for a bit longer and had 2 more drinks and McDonalds. I brought my speaker to a park and we had a little party.

#japan #travel #osaka #working holiday #japanese #wedding #blog

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suckitsurveys · 8 years

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When’s the last time you went shopping? Earlier today at Wal Mart. I got two sets of plastic drawers and a little project for our Bob’s Burger’s themed kitchen.

How many Sweet 16’s have you been to? Maybe one?

Pen or pencil? Pen usually.

What’s your favorite beverage? Barq’s root beer.

Have you ever played The Sims? Nope.

Is your current hair color your natural hair color? Nope.

Are you more artsy or athletic? Definitely artsy.

Are any of your friends vegetarians? Yeah. My best friend is a vegan.

Can you run a mile in under 7 minutes? Not even close.

Do you know how to play any instruments? Nope.

What’s your favorite shampoo/conditioner? I don’t have one.

Are you a fan of the Grand Theft Auto series? Not really. Mark’s played the newest one and I’ve been kinda interested in it but not enough to play. Danny Tamberelli (Little Pete)’s voice is in it so that’s kinda cool.

Do you like the beach? I do!! Very much so.

Do you have your license? I do.

Where’s your cell phone right now? Right next to me on the side table

What was your best subject in school? Sociology.

And your worst? Chemistry.

Would you ever have plastic surgery? If I needed to sure.

Did you hate the book “The Lord of the Flies”? I did.

Do you consider yourself lazy? Yuuuup.

Do you or did you have a curfew at one point? When I was like 9 to 13 I had to be inside when the street lights came on. After that I didn’t really go out enough to have a set curfew.

Do you know what BMI stands for? Body mass index.

Is there someone on your mind right now? Nah.

What’s your favorite holiday? Halloween and Christmas.

How many times have you felt betrayed? I’m not sure.

What’s your relationship status? Engaged.

Do you peel the wrappers off of plastic bottles? Sometimes.

Have you ever sleep walked? Not that I’m aware of.

How about sleep talked? Mark has said I do sometimes.

Are you watching TV right now? Family Feud is on but I’m not really paying attention to it.

Do you have any siblings? I have an older sister.

Have you ever earned a Varsity letter? Nope.

Do you enjoy theater productions? I do.

Are you shy or outgoing? A little of both.

How much sleep do you get on average? About 6 on a week night.

Have you ever moved? Once when I was 4 into my childhood home, and once into the apartment we are in now.

What’s your favorite type of food? Type? Seafood.

How old were you when you had your first kiss? 12.

Can you roll your ‘R’s? Nope.

Have you ever been drunk? Yes.

Are you homophobic? Of course not.

Jump in leaves or jump in the ocean? Either sounds fun.

Do you wear glasses or contacts? Glasses.

Where was your first job? Java Thai, a small Thai restaurant and coffee shop near my house.

Are you a MAC or a PC? PC.

Would you rather be weak and skinny or strong and built? Weak and skinny.

Are you wearing shoes right now? Nope.

Have you ever straightened your hair? Not by myself no. I’ve had it straightened.

When’s the last time you spoke to your best friend? I texted Lydia earlier today.

Do you like Vitamin Water? No. I’m not into flavored water.

Have you ever played Super Smash Brothers? My all time favorite.

How about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time? Nope.

Are you the oldest child? I am not.

Are you a fan of Twilight? Nope.

Do you like the Jonas Brothers? Meh.

Did you ever collect Beanie Babies as a child? I did! I still have the collection. My dad built these casings over the doors to the bathroom and bedrooms on the second floor of the house and they work really well as shelves, so the casings that are above the bathroom and my childhood bedroom house the Beanie Babies.

Do you remember your second grade teacher’s name? Mrs. Yamanaka, or something like that.

Would you rather be a lead singer or play an instrument in a band? Instrument.

How many songs do you have in your music library? I don’t know how to check that in Spotify.

What do you like on your sundaes? I don’t really eat them but caramel and nuts.

Have you been blessed with the ability to cook and/or bake? Eh, it’s not that difficult.

Have you done anything productive today? Yes. I worked and then went shopping for some things for the apartment.

How old will you be in 3 years? 30.

Have you ever bought anything on eBay? Nope.

How about sold anything? No.

Have you ever watched the show Jackass? Yes. I’ve seen the movie too.

Share one of your hidden talents with us. It’s so hidden I don’t even know what it is.

Have you gained more than 5 lbs within the past year? I don’t know for sure, but I wouldn’t be surprised.

Do you want kids at some point? Never ever ever.

Pick a crazy color you wouldn’t mind putting in your hair. It’s already blue and green. I don’t think it’s been like actually yellow or orange so maybe that?

Are you lactose intolerant? Nope.

Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental disorder? Not professionally.

Do you believe in abstaining from sex until marriage? No.

Is there any jewelry you wear almost all of the time? Yes, my engagement ring and earrings.

How do you feel about PDA? A little is fine.

What time did you go to bed last night? I think around 11.

Have you ever been in a hot tub? Yes.

Are you confident in yourself? Ha. Some days are better than others, I guess.

How old is your current cell phone? About two years old.

What is your sexual orientation? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Have you ever been to a tanning salon? Not to tan, but in a salon that also had tanning beds.

Are you on a laptop right now? I am.

Can you speak in another language? Un poco habla espanol. Or something.

Have you ever told someone you loved them and actually meant it? Lots of times.

What’s your favorite zoo animal? PANDAS but the only place I see them is in Memphis.

How is your hair currently styled? It’s down.

How long are your showers (on average)? 15 minutes.

Do you have any plans for tomorrow? Work. Then maybe going to the gym.

Are you multitasking at the moment? I mean, the TV is on but that doesn’t require much focus.

East or West? In what context?

Do you prefer iced coffee or hot coffee? Iced.

What time did you wake up today? 6 ish.

Would you rather be taller or shorter than your current height? I’m okay.

What was the last ‘family gathering’ you attended? Hmm. Christmas eve at my house.

Are you wearing perfume right now? Nah.

What did you do last night? Made dinner and just hung out.

What’s worse: working in fast food or retail? I wouldn’t know.

Do you have any college or future plans? I mean, future plans, sure.

What was the last consumed alcoholic beverage? Mimosas on Saturday afternoon.

Are you wearing socks right now? Nope.

Is your most recent ex seeing someone right now? I have absolutely no idea.

What’s your favorite physical feature? My hair or my legs.

Shopping: love it or hate it? Depends.

Lose weight or gain it? Lose, for the love of godddddddddddddddddd.

Would you ever go vegetarian or vegan? No thank you.

Do you need to do laundry? Mark just did some.

Do you believe that high school years are the best years of your life? Nope.

How old do you want to be when you get married? I'm getting married this year so 27.

Beer or wine? Wine.

What are you allergic to? Nothing.

Where do you get most of your groceries from? Jewel. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Dinner.

Have you ever gone on a movie date? Yeah.

Do you look like your parents? I look like my dad and a little bit like my mom with certain expressions.

Where did you make your last purchase from? Lucky Grill with Liz for dinner.

Have you ever bought clothing online? Yeah.

Did you exercise today? I took a walk. I guess that counts.

Are you warm or cold? A little cold.

Showers or baths? Both.

Do you wear any perfumes/colognes/body sprays? Yeah, I wear body sprays because I sweat so much and it makes me stinky so the sprays make me feel fresh.

What color dominates your wardrobe? Black and blue.

Are you in any sort of pain right now? My feet a little bit. This survey is so long.

Soda or juice? Soda.

Give a shoutout to someone special. Baby girl you are my world.

Spring or fall? Fall.

Are you hungry right now? Nope.

Gum or mints? Mints.

What size shoes do you wear? 8 ish.

Do you curse a lot? Probably too much.

Do you like cats? I love kitties SO much.

What’s the last thing that made you laugh? Probably something Mark said.

Is there a TV in the room you’re in? Yup.

Who did you last attend a concert with? My friend Rachel and Mark’s old neighbors who are now her neighbors. Rachel’s boyfriend is in a band and they came to see him in Chicago so I met them there.

Is there carpet on the floor of the room you’re in? Mhmm.

Do you sit on your feet and let them fall asleep? Way too often, yeah.

Are you taking any trips soon? Maybe. Mark and I are getting married in July and then that night we are either going to Starved Rock or this hotel we went to for our 6th month anniversary.

Swim in the ocean, or swim in a pool? Either.

Are you body conscious? I mean, yeah?

Do you eat meat? Mhmm.

Describe your position right now. I can’t really haha.

Are you in your own room? I’m in the living room. But I’m gunna go to bed so I’m gunna finish this tomorrow and probably in a different post.

Have you ever received nude pictures from someone? -

Do you support animal rights? -

When’s the last time you ate a marshmallow? -

Do you typically skip breakfast? -

How many relationships have you been involved in this year? -

Quick! Think of something yellow. -

Is Perez Hilton an asshole? -

Are you signed into Facebook right now? -

Admit it: you had a Neopets account. -

Is there a pet in the room with you right now? -

How’s the weather? -

Have you gone out to dinner in the past week? -

When’s the last time you stepped on a scale? -

Vodka or rum? -

Have you ever given yourself a french manicure? -

What’s your most complimented feature? -

How many pillows do you like to sleep with? -

Are you a healthy eater? -

Waffles or pancakes? -

Name a food that doesn’t sit well in your stomach. -

Do you know anyone with an eating disorder? -

What have you done so far today? -

Garlic knots or garlic bread? -

What messenger services do you own? (AIM, MSN, Yahoo…. etc.) -

Are you signed into any of those accounts right now? -

Name someone you know who has dyed their hair. -

How weight conscious are you? -

Have you ever shot a gun? -

Do you like the smell of Sharpie markers? -

What’s your favorite eye color? -

Rent a movie or go see one in theaters? -

Is there anyone else with you right now? -

Do you recycle? -

Have you ever been accused of cheating? -

How about having an eating disorder? -

Would you ever go on a birth control pill? -

Do you know how to do your own laundry? -

Uggs or crocs? -

Have you ever taken a train? -

How about a subway? -

What’s the capital of Florida? -

Do you know anyone outside of your country? -

What do you eat most frequently? -

What’s one sport you could never play? -

What is the oldest age you think should wear makeup? -

What’s your heritage? -

Are you an open book? -

Are you sick often? -

Is being thin really all that great? -

Favorite year in high school? -

Have you ever been to a night club? -

Are you at home right now? -

Does any accent annoy you? -

How about turn you on? -

What’s worse: Crocs or Uggs? -

How was school today? -

What phone do you have? -

What time does your school start? –

What phone would you LOVE to have? -

How many siblings do you have? Are you close? -

Do you still tell your mom everything? -

#surveys #unfinished

1 note · View note

ranting-24-7 · 4 years

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“by Top10HomeRemedies Team July 26, 2019 Gone are the days when artificial hair coloring was used primarily by the older generation to combat the inevitable graying of their hair. Nowadays, hair dying is a trendy procedure popular among the old and young, women and men alike. It is primarily a cosmetic procedure done to cover up gray hair, restore color after a hair dressing procedure like bleaching, or experiment with a different hair color for fashion purposes. Hair coloring is not merely a service to be purchased at the salon anymore. People have become adept at doing it at home. About 18.14 percent of households in the United States reportedly used hair-coloring products in 2015. Home hair coloring saves an immense amount of time and money. However, there is a flip side to this happy story. Store-bought hair dyes are laced with chemicals that harm your health in major ways. Out of 263 people who used hair dyes, 96 percent rendered hair unsafe for lactating and pregnant women, 63 reported headaches and 38 percent reported itching, according to a 2013 study published in the International Journal of Trichology. Excessive use of chemical hair dyes also weakens hair, causing excessive breakage and hair loss. Some hair dyes contain gluten and can trigger an adverse allergic reaction in a gluten intolerant person. Moreover, regular use of chemical hair dyes is positively associated with an increasing risk of bladder cancer, according to a 2005 study published in Public Health Reports. You can avoid many of these concerns by using natural products without the chemical additives. how to dye your hair naturally Here are some ways you can dye your hair naturally. Contents Henna Hair Dye Things you’ll need: Organic henna powder – 150 to 200 grams Lemon juice – 1 to 2 tablespoons Coconut milk – 1 can Measuring spoons Mixing spoon (non-metallic) Bowl Plastic wrap Gloves Henna Ancient Egypt, South Asia, Europe, Arabia and Africa – cultures the world over have been using henna as a natural hair-coloring agent for thousands of years. It is one of the most potent natural coloring agents in the world. Depending upon the actual color of the hair and the quality of the henna being used, the resulting color after a henna application can be orange, red or a dark burgundy. Besides its coloring properties, henna is also an incredible conditioner and makes the hair manageable. It also provides strength and vitality to the hair and prevents breakage. Moreover, henna helps inhibit the over production of oil from the scalp that makes hair greasy and limp, and maintains its buoyancy. Lemon juice The powdered henna leaf contains the dye molecules which, when released, penetrate the scalp and hair and color them. However, these powdered leaf particles are covered with cellulose, which needs to be broken down to release the dye molecules. While other products can break down the cellulose, only an acidic product like lemon juice will enable it to stick to your scalp and hair firmly, and color your hair more effectively. Coconut milk Long-term henna dye users just cannot stop raving about the incredible benefits of adding coconut milk to the henna paste. For starters, it counters the extremely drying effect that lemon juice can have on your scalp, especially for those who already suffer from dry scalp and hair. Moreover, it combats the drying effects of henna. Apart from its incredibly moisturizing properties, it helps release the dye quicker, and nourishes and strengthens your hair for extra measure. Steps for henna hair dye how to dye your hair naturally Preparing the henna dye: Pour 1 can of coconut milk in a bowl, then add 150 to 200 grams of henna powder and 1 to 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. With a spoon, mix the ingredients well into a thick paste and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Allow the mixture to sit overnight at room temperature for best results, or at least let it sit for 4 to 5 hours for the dye to release. Applying the henna: Part your hair down the middle of your scalp into two sections, bringing each section to either side of your shoulders. Put on a pair of gloves for applying the henna to protect your fingers and nails from staining. Starting with the right side, lift a 2-inch section of your hair from the crown and begin coating your hair with the henna. Once the section is completely coated, twist it with your fingers and coil it into a bun on the top of your head. Start moving down from the crown, parting a 2-inch section each time, repeating the coating and twisting process, and each time coiling them around the same first bun. Repeat the process with the left side of your hair. When done, you should have one big henna mound on the top of your head. Wrap a plastic wrap on your head (or use a shower cap for shorter hair) and keep it on for at least 5 to 6 hours. For best results, sleep with it overnight. Rinsing: Rinse your hair with plain cool water. Do not wash your hair with shampoo or conditioner for the next 32 hours. Your hair will initially come out tinted with color and darker than it was, and the color will become deeper within 2 to 3 days. The color, along with the quality, will only grow richer when you start applying henna to your hair regularly. Additional Tips Always use organic henna, preferably one that also contains herbs like bhringraj, amla, shikakai and brahmi. Thoroughly wash and brush your hair before application. Henna sticks better to detangled and clean hair. If you have an excessively oily scalp, forego the coconut milk, which can exacerbate the oiliness. Simply add water. If you have an excessively dry scalp, you may add ¼ cup of hemp seed oil or olive oil to the mixture for extra moisture. Apple cider vinegar is a suitable alternative to lemon juice. One can of plain whole milk is a suitable alternative to coconut milk. Add 1 to 3 teaspoons of clove, ginger or cinnamon powder to the mix to eliminate the smell of henna, if you so desire. Cover your pillow with a towel for the next 2 to 3 days as the henna might stain your covers. Avoid using chemical-based hair products in your day-to-day routine. They can hamper the efficacy of natural products, like henna. Natural Bleach – Chamomile Tea, Lemon Juice & Sunlight chamomile bleah mixture Note: This natural dye will make your hair color lighter. Do NOT over expose your hair to the sun. Only sit in the sun for the prescribed amount of time. Things you’ll need: Sunlight – plenty! Boiling water – a little more than 2 cups Chamomile tea bags – 6 to 10 Lemon juice – ½ cup Coconut oil (melted) – ¼ cup Sunlight Yep, sunlight makes your hair lighter. If you are wondering why sunlight makes your hair light but your skin dark, the answer is this: Your skin is alive and your hair is not. The sun’s rays normally have a lightening effect on the body. However, when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays penetrate the skin, the melanin in the skin reacts to protect it from the rays’ harmful effects should the skin be exposed too long, which leads to darkening of the skin. However, the hair cells are dead, and therefore not capable of triggering a similar reaction. This is why sunlight bleaches the hair and makes it lighter. Chamomile tea Chamomile is primarily popular for its terrific health benefits for numerous disorders. Although people are starting to catch onto its cosmetic value, its hair benefits remain largely unknown. Chamomile tea is an excellent hair-lightening agent and all-natural bleach. It is especially effective in bringing out blonde tints and highlights, and this is why it works best with naturally blonde hair. Moreover, this natural bleach is the perfect disaster-management kit for anyone reeling from a gorgeous-looking, albeit unhealthy, chemical blonde-highlight treatment. If you want to keep your ombre tips or gold highlights longer, but not at the cost of another chemical treatment damaging your hair, a chamomile tea bleach is the perfect solution to maintain your look the natural way! Lastly, chamomile is extremely nourishing and is used in a variety of hair care procedures, according to a 2010 study published in Molecular Medical Review. Lemon juice The citric acid in lemon juice becomes active when exposed to the sun’s heat and accelerates the sun’s lightening process. Coconut oil The coconut oil (melted) will combat the acidity of the lemon and keep it from over-drying your hair. Steps for natural bleach – chamomile tea, lemon juice & sunlight Preparing the chamomile bleach mixture: Bring a little more than 2 cups of water to a boil. Pour it into a large bowl and immerse 6 to 10 chamomile tea bags in it. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes. While the tea steeps, gently push the tea bags down with a spoon for quicker and better infusion. Add ½ cup of lemon juice and ¼ cup of melted coconut oil to the chamomile tea and stir the mixture. Empty the contents into a bottle and shake it vigorously. Applying the chamomile bleach: Place a towel around your shoulders to avoid the solution from spilling on your clothes, or just wear an old T-shirt that you don’t mind ruining. Massage your hair thoroughly with the natural bleach solution. Sit in the sun for 10 to 15 minutes, or until your hair is dry. Do not stay in the sun longer. Do this every other day, or three times a week. You should begin to see the difference within a few weeks’ time. Additional Tips You can wash your hair with a natural shampoo and conditioner later if the oil feels sticky, although you should keep the solution in overnight. Alternatively, you can pour this solution into a spray bottle and carry it with you for a day at the beach for a quick spritz. Honey and Coconut Oil Hair Lightener Things you’ll need: Raw honey – ½ cup Coconut oil – ½ cup Raw honey You’ve probably heard that hydrogen peroxide is a potent hair-lightening agent. However, high concentrations of pure chemical hydrogen peroxide all at once can damage your hair and scalp. Honey is a natural source of hydrogen peroxide, and releases it slowly in very small amounts, protecting your hair as it lightens it, while using its other nourishing properties to strengthen your hair, too. Coconut oil The coconut oil (melted) will not only moisturize your hair, but also boost the honey’s hydrogen peroxide and speed up the lightening process. Steps for honey and coconut oil hair lightener Preparing and applying the lightener: Mix ½ cup each of honey and coconut oil in a bowl. Place a towel around your shoulders to avoid the solution from spilling on your clothes, or just wear an old T-shirt that you don’t mind ruining. Divide your hair into sections and apply the mixture thoroughly onto your strands with your hands. Let it sit on your hair for 30 minutes. Rinsing: Wash your hair with some warm water and a natural conditioner. Do this three times a week. You should begin to see the difference within a few weeks’ time. Additional Tips Coat your hair with cinnamon after applying this mix for added color-lift. Cinnamon has coloring properties of its own. coffee Coffee Hair Dye Things you’ll need: Boiling water – 2 cups Organic coffee powder – 10 tablespoons Plastic wrap or shower cap Coffee Coffee contains tannins, which are molecules that provide caffeine its rich, black color. Regularly rinsing your hair with coffee enables the tannins to transfer some of that color to your locks, making them darker. Steps for coffee hair dye Preparing the coffee dye: Pour 2 cups of water into a medium saucepan, put it on high heat and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat to medium, add the coffee powder and let it sit on the heat for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the coffee steep for another 10 minutes. Applying the dye: Place a towel around your shoulders to avoid the solution from spilling on your clothes, or just wear an old T-shirt that you don’t mind ruining. Pour the coffee into a wide, steel container or tub and soak your hair, with your head upside down, in the tub. After soaking, rinse your hair completely with the coffee water to coat it thoroughly and evenly. Cover your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap and let the coffee dye sit for 1½ hours. Rinsing: Wash off the coffee dye with cool water and a natural conditioner. Do not use shampoo. Do this three times a week. You should begin to see the difference within a few weeks’ time. Additional Tips Cover your pillow with a towel for the next 2 to 3 days as the coffee might stain your covers. Black Walnut Powder Hair Rinse Things you’ll need: Hot water – 2 cups Black walnut hull powder – 6 to 10 tablespoons Walnut Black walnut powder contains tannins, juglone and plumbagin – all substances that accord black walnut its deep dark color. When used on hair as a rinse, these substances help give it a brownish color. Steps for black walnut powder hair rinse Preparing and applying the black walnut hair coloring recipe: Pour 2 cups of water into a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Add 6 to 10 tablespoons of the black walnut hull powder and let it steep at least for 1 hour. Soak and rinse your hair with the water and let it air dry. Rinsing: If you want to rinse your hair after this black walnut hair rinse, simply rinse your hair with cool water 15 to 20 minutes after using the solution. Use this rinse every other day or three times a week. You should begin to see the difference within a few weeks’ time. Additional Tips You can purchase black walnut hulls and grind them into a powder yourself.”

#Reference #hair dye #All natural

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quintinefowler-blog · 5 years

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Amazing Natural Skincare Treatments (+ Recipes)

Many of us would rather use natural skincare products than expensive store-bought products that may contain multiple harmful skin care ingredients. The challenge is finding natural skin treatments that are simple to make, easy to use and, most of all, effective.

1. Zap Blemishes

Tea's tannic acid absorbs oils that lead to blemishes. Saturate a tea bag in warm water and press on the affected area for about 5 minutes. Rinse, then dab on a some eye redness remover to get the red out.

Herbal Acne Natural Skin Care Treatment

Adapted from Natural Beauty Basics, by Dorie Byers (Vital Health Publishers, 2005).

This easy, effective method uses one kitchen-cupboard herbal ingredient, and calls upon the power of a warm compress to open pores and allow the healing benefits of the herb to work on blemished skin. The compress method is more comforting and quicker to use than a facial steam, but is every bit as effective.

Here are the simple how-to instructions to help clear troubled skin:

INGREDIENTS

1 quart water

1/2 to 1 cup dried thyme leaves (for a VERY strong infusion)

1. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove it from the heat and add the thyme. Cover the pan and steep the mixture for 20 minutes, then strain out the herbs and discard them. Let the infusion cool to warm. (You should be able to put your hand in the infusion and keep it there for several minutes without discomfort.)

2. Soak a clean washcloth with the infusion and wring the excess from it. With your eyes closed, place the washcloth on your face for 15 minutes. Remove the washcloth from your face and apply an astringent.

2. Natural Cleansers

Natural Lavender Facial Cleanser

This recipe can be used on any skin type.

1 tablespoon betonite clay or green clay

1 tablespoon powdered oats

2 tablespoons whole milk

1 drop Lavender Oil

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Massage evenly and gently over face and neck, using upward, sweeping motions. Rinse well and follow with toner and moisturizer. Any leftover product can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, but it is better fresh.

This recipe is from “Making Aromatherapy Creams & Lotions” by Donna Maria

3. Facial Steams

Rose Petal Steam Facial

1 pot fresh water

1 handful rose petals

Boil the water, then remove from heat and toss in the rose petals. Steep 5 minutes, so rose oils diffuse into water. Lean over pot at least 10 inches from surface and drape towel over head. Close eyes; steam 5 minutes with breaks as needed. Rinse with cool water, then pat dry.

Combine 1 cup fresh rose petals with 2 cups boiling water. Tent a towel over your head and let steam penetrate face for 10 minutes. Stay several inches away from the bowl.

Combination Skin Steam Facial

3 d. lavender oil

3 d. geranium oil

2 d. lemon oil: in a bowl of hot water.

Very helpful for oily skin; astringent.

Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!

4. Homemade Exfoliators

Sea Salt Facial Exfoliator

Mix 1/8 cup of olive oil and 1 heaping tablespoon of sea salt. Use on knees and elbows in the shower and rinse off. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Honey Scrub

To make a good exfoliating scrub, mix a tsp. of warm runny honey with 1 tbsp. milk. Add sugar until you get it to a grainy consistency. Use immediately.

Lemon-Brown Sugar Body Scrub

1/4 cup coarse brown sugar (to gently exfoliate without drying)

1 cup grapeseed oil (to moisturize)

1/4 cup grated lemon peel (to invigorate your senses)

Directions

1. Mix together all ingredients. 2. Gently rub on your body in a circular motion. Concentrate on rough areas like elbows, knees and heels. 3. Rinse with water.

No Excuses Morning Exfoliator

No Excuses Morning Exfoliator is an exfoliator that leaves your skin soft and clean. Grind the oats and almonds ahead of time so you have no excuse not to enjoy this simple pleasure at least once a week.

This recipe makes one application

1/4 cup fresh whole milk

2 tablespoons finely powdered oats

1 tablespoon finely powdered almonds

1 drop Geranium Oil

Combine all ingredients. Mix well and massage over face and neck, using gentle circular movements. Massage your fingers, hands, and forearms with leftover cleanser. Rinse well and follow with toner and moisturizer.

5. Natural Skincare Facial Masks

DIY Clay Mask

Use 100 percent clay kitty litter (ground to a powder), mix with water, apply to face, let dry, then rinse.

Heavenly Mask

1 tablespoon yogurt

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon honey

Mix gently and let stand until paste reaches room temperature. Smooth mask onto clean face, and lie down for 20 minutes. Rinse off with tepid water. Apply astringent and moisturizer.

Avocado Moisture Mask

(for dry skin)

1 ripe avocado

4 tablespoons plain yogurt

Purée avocado and blend with yogurt. Apply mixture to face. Leave on for 30 minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water.

Eye mask

Grate 1/4 of a apple and a small raw potato and combine. Apply mixture to eyes for 15 minutes, cover your eyes with a warm washcloth and relax with some soothing music.

6. Homemade Toners

Kiwi-Lime Toner

In a blender, blend 1 peeled kiwi and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lime juice. Add an equal amount of water and blend until smooth. Use a cotton ball to apply to face. Refrigerate any leftover toner in an airtight container.

Green Tea Toner

1 teaspoon powdered green tea

1/2 cup purified hot water

Mix green tea with hot water until thoroughly mixed. Cool to room temperature. Then apply to face with cotton pad.

Rose Skin Toner

3 1/2 cups witch hazel

1/2 cup dried rose petals

5 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Mix ingredients together making sure it is all blended well. Strain. Splash on your face after cleaning skin.

Egg White Toner

Clean face thoroughly using any natural cleanser. Apply raw egg whites to the skin and leave on for at least 15 minutes. Wash off with tepid water.

Lemon Toner

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 cup distilled water

2/3 cup witch hazel

Combine all ingredients. Pour into a clean bottle or decorative cosmetics container. Shake well before using. Apply with a clean cotton ball.

7. Natural Skin Treatments to Seal, Minimize Pores

Egg White & Lemon Pore Sealer

Close your pores with a skin tightening all natural clay or mud mask, or try this recipe: Mix 1 egg white with a few drops of lemon juice. Using a brush, massage onto clean skin. Leave on for 5 minutes then rinse with warm water.

Home Remedies for Large Pores

1) Mix almond meal with enough water to make a paste. Apply to pores for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, then apply withch hazel or a solution of apple cider vinegar and water.

2) Mix table salt and buttermilk into a paste, apply on enlarged pores and massage well. Rinse with warm water.

Get your dried, organic herbs, organic essential oils, bulk spices, loose leaf organic teas and aromatherapy supplies at the place where we shop – StarWest Botanicals!

8. DIY Beauty Treatments for Lips

Exfoliate Your Lips

Exfoliate your lips by using an old toothbrush and a menthol-based lip balm. Apply lip balm first, then brush gently with the toothbrush.

Honey Pot Lip Balm

2 tsp. olive oil

1/2 tsp. beeswax

1/2 tsp. cocoa butter

1/2 tsp. honey

3 drops essential oil of orange

1 vitamin E capsule

Measure oil, beeswax and cocoa butter into a glass or enamel pan. Melt over low heat. A hotplate works well and reduces the risk of overheating the oils. I use a small glass jar to store my lip balm in so I just mix all the ingredients right in that jar then place it in a pan of water to melt the waxes.

Stir the mixture often until the wax is melted. Remove from heat and stir in the honey and essential oil. Pinch open the vitamin E capsule and squeeze the contents into the mixture. Stir well. Pour the mixture into containers. Label after it has solidified. If you want your honey to be dispersed throughout the lip balm you will need to stir it as it is solidifying.

Variations:

Choose any essential oil that appeals to you. Tea Tree oil is good for cold sores and chapped lips.

Make your lip balm using an herbal oil in place of the olive oil. Melissa (lemon balm) and Calendula are two of many herbs that can add healing and soothing properties. Alkanet will make red lip balm. Start with one tablespoon to 1/2 cup oil. After heat extraction, check the color. If it is not dark enough for you add more Alkanet and go through the heat extraction process again. Your lip balm will turn out several shades lighter than the color of your oil.

9. Natural Skin Moisturizers

Moisturize the Air

To keep skin from drying use humidifiers and keep the room temperature moderate. Also, get some green plants; they add moisture to your room!

Rose, Neroli and Frankincense Face Elixer

This restorative elixir is one of the most effective natural skincare treatments and is intended for dry or aging skin. Rose soothes and moisturizes, Frankincense smooths Wrinkles and gives lift to the skin, and Neroli helps to regenerate cells. The Apricot Kernel oil, hemp oil, and rose hip seed oil are easily absorbed into the skin, and each emollient and rejuvenating qualities. Apply before going to bed.

10 milliliters Apricot Kernel oil

2 1/2 milliliters hemp oil

2 1/2 milliliters rose hip seed oil

8 drops Frankincense Oil

8 drops Rose Oil

4 drops Neroli Oil

Combine the Apricot Kernel oil with the squalene and rose hip seed oil. Stir with a stirring stick. Add the remaining essences. Store in an attractive small bottle and use within 3 months. Shake before using.

This recipe is from “Aroma” by Mandy Aftel and Daniel Patterson

Nourishing Dry Skin

To nourish and enrich dry skin for a face soft to the touch, even in texture and color, eased of stress, and freely expressing the woman's unique beauty and multifaceted femininity…combine

Neroli 2 drops

Chamomile 1 drop

Sweet almond oil or unperfumed moisturizer 1 tablespoon

One of the most costly and luxurious of oils, Neroli is also one of the most nourishing. Particularly when combined with healing Chamomile, this blend excels at restoring natural lubrication to dry skin. In addition, the delicate fragrance of orange blossoms and sunny Chamomile helps promote a state of inner calm where, with tenderness and patience, the character of the woman so finely etched in her face may be gracefully accepted.

Lecithin Moisturizer

Dissolve lecithing granules in jojoba or almond oil. Apply to face and throat as a day or night cream.

Avocado Moisturizer

(for dry skin)

1 tablespoon wheat germ oil

1/2 mashed ripe avocado

Mix and apply to skin. After 20 minutes, remove with warm water.

10. Natural Skin Treatments for Wrinkles

Anti-Wrinkle Lotion

2 Tbsp.s Glycerine

2 Tbsp.s Rosewater

2 Tbsp.s Witch hazel

4Tbsp.s Honey

Mix together well in a small jar. Once blended, use morning and night.

Essential Oils for Wrinkles

All of the following essential oils combat wrinkles: Clary-sage, Neroli, Rose, Lavender, Thyme, Patchouli, Frankincense, Myrrh, Lemon, and Rosemary.

You can use any of these oils on their own or combine two or more to make some amazing natural skin treatments. Use the oils in a bath, as a face oil, or body rub, and remember to treat the bit you don't see in the mirror as often as the face-your body!

Because every one's skin regenerates at a different rate, allow at least 30 days before expecting to see outward signs of improvement in the appearance of wrinkles.

This information is from “The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy.

Anti-Wrinkle Natural Skin Treatments for Various Age Groups

Use these essential oil natural skin treatments every night on the face and, if you wish, on the neck and chest, as far as the collar bone to combat fine lines and wrinkles.

Wrinkle Preventative for Over-20s

Neroli 8 drops

Lavender 5 drops

Fennel 5 drops

Chamomile German 3 drops

Geranium 8 drops

Carrot 1 drop

Diluted in 30ml Hazelnut, Almond or Apricot Kernel oil

Anti-Wrinkle Oil for the Over-30s

Yarrow 10 drops

Patchouli 2 drops

Palmarosa 10 drops

Clary-Sage 8 drops

Fennel 7 drops

Rose 8 drops

Carrot 5 drops

Borage seed 5 drops

Jojoba 5 drops

Diluted in 30ml Hazelnut or Apricot Kernel oil

Anti-Wrinkle Oil for the Over-40s

Neroli 10 drops

Lavender 10 drops

Frankincense 10 drops

Rosemary 2 drops

Fennel 10 drops

Lemon 3 drops

Carrot 10 drops

Evening Primrose 10 drops

Diluted in 30ml Hazelnut, Almond or Apricot Kernel oil

Anti-Wrinkle Oil for the Over-50s

Violet leaf 5 drops

Galbanum 5 drops

Rose 5 drops

Neroli 10 drops

Lavender 3 drops

Myrrh 2 drops

Carrot 10 drops

Bois de rose 10 drops

Evening Primrose 10 drops

Borage seed 10 drops

Diluted in 30ml Hazelnut or Apricot Kernel oil

11. Protecting Your Skin

Photo-aging is responsible for as much as 80 percent of skin damage — wrinkling, sagging, and discoloration or age spots. Although all of these natural skin treatments will help improve the health and appearance of your skin, you must also use a safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it before exposing your skin to the elements.

Homemade Sunscreen

10 drops lavender

1 tbsp pomegranate oil

3/4 C coconut oil

2 tbsp Zinc Oxide

2 tbsp shea butter

Glass Jar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients except zinc oxide in a jar.

Place a saucepan with 2 inches of water on stove over medium/low heat.

Place jar in saucepan and stir contents until ingredients start to melt.

Once all ingredients are combined, add in zinc oxide and stir well. Store in a cool place.

(Source: DrAxe.com)

Marine Collagen for Younger-Looking Skin

Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles Fast growing, thicker hair Healthier, stronger nails

Dual Action Performance for Skin

Skin-Support is our exclusive collagen supplement for skin nutrition that works to promote smooth, youthful looking skin, aiding with issues such as the appearance of spots, dryness, stretch marks, fine lines and wrinkles. It is comprised of two key ingredients. The first is COLLACTIVE, our collagen supplement that is a special form of marine collagen and elastin polypeptides with the same ratios of collagen and elastin found in the dermis. The other gradient is a very special form of New Zealand grape seed extract.

Users of Skin-Support can expect:

Smoother, youthful skin

Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Reduced appearance of cellulite

Reduced appearance of stretch marks

Faster growing thicker, stronger hair

Healthier, stronger nails

Grape Seed Extract

Antioxidants help to fight free radical damage in the dermis and grape seed extract is one of nature’s best anti-aging antioxidants, and the perfect partner to collagen supplementation. Grape seed extract is especially beneficial because they are such a good source of oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs). OPCs are a type of flavonoid that binds with free oxygen radicals in the human system. They have been shown to have 50 times more antioxidant power than even the well-known abilities of vitamin E.

COLLACTIVE Marine Collagen and Elastin Polypeptides

From the age of 25, your body depletes collagen at approximately 1.5 percent each year. By the time you reach 45, you will have lost 30 percent of your body’s collagen.

COLLACTIVE is a clinically-proven, highly purified, non GMO form of collagen and elastin polypeptides that exist in the same ratio as found in the human dermis – a combination of predominantly type 1 collagen (85 to 90 percent) and type 3 collagen.

How do wrinkles form?

As we get older, the matrix of collagen and elastin in the dermis is damaged by free radicals. As a result of this the matrix shrinks which results in the skin folding…thus creating wrinkles and a need for collagen support. To avoid this happening you must supplement the collagen and elastin matrix by ‘topping up’ these components, PLUS provide potent antioxidants to reduce the damage from free radicals. This is why we have added a potent antioxidant in the form of grape seed extract in addition to the collagen and elastin complex in Skin-Support.

Learn more about Skin-Support now. Why do we promote this?

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senior-quote-ideas · 6 years

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Cleaning And Killing Black Mold With Common, Non-Toxic, Household Products

You will find several household products you are able to use for cleaning black mold. This is a short list of commonly used items that are safe to use.

Mold is really a fungus that thrives in moist or humid conditions. It could be discovered in locations from the house that remains damp, for example the bathroom, kitchen or basement. Mold can be damaging to the surface it grows on, discoloring or corroding it. It can also affect people with allergies and can cause a fatal lung infection if breathed in. The key to mold control is moisture control.

It is essential to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your house, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of h2o. Wash mold off tough surfaces with detergent and water, and dry totally. Absorbent materials (for example ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced. These house remedies can help get rid of mold effectively.

1. Cleaning Black Mold With Detergent and Water

You are able to use a solution of detergent and water to clean off surface mold from non-porous material such as glass and tiles. Detergent is not a mold killer, the solution is meant for scrubbing off the visible mold from the surfaces. When mold grows on non-porous material, it’s good enough to have all the surface molds cleaned thoroughly. It’s not necessary to kill the mold. For cleaning black mold off outdoor cushions, mix a gallon of water and 1/4 cup of soap in the bucket. You can stir the mix around with your hand and the sponge.

The mixture should be slightly sudsy. Scrub the cushions with the sponge. You can scrub as tough as you like until you get the mold and mildew stains off. The detergent should kill the mold and mildew while it’s breaking down the stains. Dowse any remaining stains with lemon juice. You may still have some pale stains remaining on the cushions once you have finished cleaning them. These should be saturated with lemon juice. Let the cushions dry in the sun. The lemon juice will lift the remainder of the stain out from the cushion using the sunlight as a catalyst.

2. Cleaning Black Mold With Baking Soda

Sprinkle baking soda over moldy carpet to absorb the mold and freshen the air. Leave it on the carpet for as little as 20 minutes or overnight. Use a vacuum cleaner with an empty bag for maximum efficiency to vacuum up the baking soda. Baking Soda paste can be used to clean tile floors as well. It’s suggested that you mix enough water with the baking soda to create a soft paste, then apply it to the trouble spots on your tile, scrub, and rinse with a vinegar/water mixture to neutralize the baking soda to avoid residue.

3. Cleaning Black Mold With Borax Powder

Use a solution of 1 cup of borax powder to 1 cup of h2o to mop floors. Scrub the black mold with the disinfecting solution over a small area. Wipe away the fluid and scum of mold and disinfecting solution with old rags, but do not rinse the cleansed area. Leaving some borax behind will help prevent the black mold from returning. Repeat steps until you have cleansed all the black mold. Leave your work area open to ventilation and exposed to the sun if possible. This will help speed the drying process and blow out any spores in the air. That will also help reduce the possibility of a recurrence of black mold.

4. Cleaning Black Mold With Vinegar

Clean mold on hard surfaces using a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Fill a plastic spray bottle with the solution. Spray surfaces in the kitchen and bathroom with the solution and scrub the area with a tough brush. The latest trend in mold and mildew control is the shower and bathroom sprays that use once you’re done taking a shower. These products work just fine, but they act on the same principle as the vinegar spray. Vinegar can substitute just about any bathroom cleaning product sold today, with the exception of heavy duty abrasive cleaners like Comet.

5. Cleaning Black Mold With Chlorine Bleach

Use a solution of one part chlorine bleach to one part h2o to clean carpeting and upholstery that has been affected by mold. Soak a sponge or cloth in the solution and swipe it across the mold to trap the spores in the cloth. NOTE… While leach will clean the black mold, it will not kill it on porous surfaces. You must still use a mold killer before or after you clean the black mold with chlorine bleach.

6. Cleaning Black Mold With Hydrogen Peroxide

Get a bottle of hydrogen peroxide with 3% concentration of your local drug stores. Transfer the hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and spray it onto the mold infected surface. Leave it for at least 15 minutes for hydrogen peroxide to take action and kill the molds. After that, scour the area to remove all the mold and mold stains.

For stubborn mold in tough to reach places, like the grout of tiles, use full-strength hydrogen peroxide. Simply apply a number of capfuls to the affected area, allow it to sit for 15 minutes and scrub with an old toothbrush. Note… Keep the spray bottle of remaining hydrogen peroxide in dark place as light reduces the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide. For more effective mold removal, you may consider using hydrogen peroxide with vinegar during the cleaning process.

Hydrogen peroxide is effective at killing molds as it has the elements of anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. It is a much safer mold cleaner as compared to bleach because it does not produce toxic residue or toxic fumes that harm the environment. Hydrogen peroxide is good at cleaning mold on almost any materials including clothes, walls, bathroom fixtures and other kitchen appliances. For removable rugs, lay them outside on a sunny day with the back of the carpeting exposed to the sun. Mix one part of 3% hydrogen peroxide with five parts h2o. Spray the solution onto the back of the carpet and allow the sun to hit the carpeting for a day. The combination of direct sunlight and hydrogen peroxide will kill mold spores.

7. Cleaning Black Mold With Ammonia

Make an ammonia solution using a ratio of 1 part of ammonia to 1 part of h2o. Fill a spray bottle with ammonia solution and spray it onto the moldy surfaces. Leave the solution to sit for a number of hours before rinsing with h2o. After rinsing or wiping with water, allow the areas to dry completely. For vinyl seats like in your boat, combine 1/4 cup of ammonia with 1 cup of water, and pour this solution into a spray bottle. Spray the mold with this mixture, and scrub it with a bristle brush. Rinse the solution off with clean water to remove it from the vinyl seats. If you still notice mold on the seats, use rubbing alcohol.

NOTE… Ammonia, similar to bleach kills mold growing on non-porous materials like bathtubs, tiles, countertops, and glass. However ammonia is not an effective killer for mold growing in porous materials like drywall and woods. Ammonia is a harsh chemical, it emits toxic fumes when mixed with bleach. Use ammonia with care.

8. Cleaning Black Mold With Liquid Laundry Detergent

Pour two cups of cold h2o and 1 tbsp. liquid laundry soap into a bowl. Mix it up vigorously with a whisk to create thick suds. Dip a rag into the bowl to scoop out the suds. Rub the suds gently onto the moldy carpet. Switch to clean portions from the rag and apply more suds often. Rinse the carpeting with a rag and plain water. Blot thoroughly with a dry rag to remove excessive moisture. Mix 1 gallon of warm h2o and 1/2 cup borax powder into a bucket if the mold remains. Dip a scrub brush into the borax solution and scrub the carpet until the mold is gone. Rinse the carpet with a rag and plain water, and dry thoroughly with a clean rag.

9. Cleaning Black Mold With A Homemade Disinfectant Spray

Once all of the mold has been cleaned, use a disinfectant spray to purify the area. In a plastic spray bottle, combine 1 cup of distilled (or spring) h2o, 1 cup of 91% isopropyl alcohol and the juice of a couple average lemons. The solution is safe enough to spray into the air and does not harm surfaces that it comes into contact with. Store the spray bottle in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks. This will give your house the sterile smell of a doctors office as well as a ‘Lemon Pledge’ hint creating the illusion of ‘dusting all day’!

10. Cleaning Black Mold With Grapefruit Seed Extract

Most households do not have Grapefruit Seed Extract in the cupboard but it’s readily available. Combine 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract to about 1 cup of water will make a useful mold killing solution. Simply squirt the solution on moldy surfaces while wiping with a soft cloth to remove mold and the harmless, light residue will prevent it from coming back.

11. Cleaning Black Mold With Citric Acid

Your local Whole Foods or co-op should have crystallized citric acid on hand and it is relatively inexpensive. Use about 1 cup of acid to 1.5 gallons of hot water. You are able to wring out your mop a little and spread it on lightly, but the chances of it evaporating before you get around to scrubbing increase when you use less. Soak the floor(tile floors only) if you have a large room and need time to do all the scrubbing. Letting the acid soak a little will also give it time to break up mineral deposits, dirt, rust and of course the black mold.

You will need to rinse a number of times with citric acid, it does not come up as easily as other products but it’s much safer around small children. Cleaning a tile floor with citric acid is not only environmentally friendly, it’s incredibly effective. You may already be familiar with the orange hand cleaner products, they use citric acid for cleaning as well.

And there you have it, household solutions to use for cleaning black mold Source by Brian Ankner

The post Cleaning And Killing Black Mold With Common, Non-Toxic, Household Products appeared first on Life Maid Easy.

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josephkitchen0 · 6 years

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Simple Turkey Brine Techniques

We love our turkey dinners, especially toward the end of the year, but we’ve all suffered from dry, tasteless white meat that must be smothered in gravy to be palatable. Industrial facilities address this issue by injecting a broth solution into the breast and claiming that their product stays juicier than competitors’ turkeys. But that broth adds weight and affects the final sale price of the bird. It can also contain ingredients which may not be safe for people with specific allergies. Preparing organic heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving means the juiciness is mostly determined by whomever cooks them. A simple turkey brine produces a bird that cooks up moist and juicy instead of leathery.

How Brining Works

“Denaturing” is when proteins in raw meat fibers unwind then join together, causing moisture loss. This occurs most often because of heat but acids, salts, and air can also cause it. Most meat loses 30% of its weight during cooking, because of denaturing. Soaking the meat in a salt-and-water solution can reduce moisture loss to 15%.

Source: PS.com Blog

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Brines increase moisture three ways. First of all, the meat absorbs additional water so it’s 6% to 8% heavier at the start of cooking. More moisture at the beginning means more leftover when some is lost. It also dissolves some of the proteins in the muscle fibers, making the meat tender instead of tough. Most importantly, the salt denatures the proteins, causing them to unwind and swell with the water. The proteins then bond together while cooking, trapping the water. As long as the meat isn’t overcooked, causing the fibers to constrict and squeeze the water back out, the moisture will remain.

You can brine more than just turkeys. Any meat which does not rely on fat for flavor and moisture would benefit from a good soak in salty water. Poultry, rabbit, lean pork, and shrimp are the best examples. Do not brine any meat that has already been brined or salted, such as “extra-tender” pork, because overdoing the salt can cause excess denaturing. Your meat will be even drier.

Photo by Hannah Rose Miller

Start with a basic salt-to-water mix. Shrimp and fish can have a higher salt concentration because it only sits in the brine for a few minutes while a turkey needs up to a full day and so should have a lower ratio of salt.

For shrimp, combine a half cup of kosher salt to a pint of cold water. Mix until all salt is dissolved then soak fish fillets for ten minutes and large shell-on shrimp for up to a half hour.

Poultry requires a 1:8 ratio of kosher salt to water. One cup of salt to two quarts of water. Cornish hens only need an hour of brining time while chicken pieces need two hours. A whole chicken should brine for up to four hours and a whole turkey for twelve to twenty-four. Don’t exceed too far past suggested times or the meat will start to dry out and taste salty. Also, if you’re using table salt instead of loose, flaky kosher salt, cut the amount in half because granulated table salt is much denser.

Source: PS.com Blog

Though many chefs add spices or sugar to their brines, these are not necessary for the juiciness of the meat. That’s the salt’s job. The added ingredients increase flavor and make the dish unique.

Photo by Hannah Rose Miller

Choose a non-reactive container, such as glass or plastic. It should be large enough that the meat is fully submerged. A zippered plastic bag works well because it holds the simple turkey brine liquid against the meat and you need less to ensure it contacts all surfaces. Either rub the correct amount of salt directly onto the meat or mix the solution beforehand. Add any spices or juices you wish. Keep the meat in the refrigerator as it soaks for the required time. Toss out the brine afterward.

Always rinse the meat before cooking to remove any surface salt. Failing to do this can result in over-salted food. Don’t worry about rinsing away any of the brining benefits because those exist inside the meat instead of on the surface. Also, remember that your meat may still be a little salty after cooking, especially if you soaked a little too long or used too much salt. Reduce the amount of salt in your gravy or any other recipe which uses the meat, adding later after you see how the meat will taste.

Extraordinary Brines

Whether they’re professional chefs or at-home cooks, many people boast their own tried-and-true simple turkey brine recipes. Experiment with flavors to find the one that works best for you. Remember to double or triple the recipe if you’re cooking an exceptionally large bird.

Lazy Dog Acres Brine

Homesteader and professional artist Hannah Rose Miller loves how brining enhances her poultry and pork. She uses garlic, peppercorns, and herbs, and she especially loves how rosemary plant enhances a brine.

“My recipe is simple,” she says. “One half cup kosher salt per quart of water. One-third cup brown sugar, lots of garlic, rosemary, lavender, and peppercorns.”

Hannah uses hot water to dissolve the ingredients but stresses that the simple turkey brine should always be cooled back down before the bird is added. Poultry should always be kept cold until cooking time to reduce bacterial risk. Hannah brines for twenty-four hours. Even if she uses a frozen bird, she completes the entire process in the refrigerator.

The last time Hannah brined a chicken for a friend, she received texts for a week: So moist!!! She says brining really does make a huge difference.

Photo by Hannah Rose Miller

Southern Bourbon Brine

For a chicken or cut-up turkey, combine 2/3 cup bourbon, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup table salt or ½ cup loose kosher salt, four cups water, and eight black peppercorns. Double or triple the recipe for a larger bird. Use a one-gallon zippered freezer bag for a chicken and a roasting bag within a sturdy container for a larger bird. Squeeze out any air so the liquid touches all meat surfaces. Seal the bag and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Beer Brine

Choose your spirits: lighter beer for a milder flavor and the darkest brew you can find for a deeper, nuttier flavor. For a large turkey, use up to a six-pack. Replace a small amount of the water with the beer or simply pour the beer into a prepared salt-and-water solution. Add additional spices such as orange juice and rind to match a light beer or bay leaves and peppercorns for a darker brew. The resulting distinguished flavor tastes amazing when paired with no-knead artisan bread.

Root Beer Brine

For a sweeter mix that doesn’t require alcohol, replace all the water within a recipe with non-diet root beer. Combine a 2-liter bottle with ½ cup table salt (1 cup kosher salt), a couple chopped cloves of garlic, and a teaspoon of black pepper. Soak for the required time then rinse the meat. Because of the increased sugar in this recipe, it’s perfect for pork or for barbecue-style poultry, pairing well with spice rubs or sauces containing brown sugar and cinnamon, such as a Jamaican Jerk blend.

Sweet Harvest Brine

Combine one cup of kosher salt with three quarts water. Add one-quart apple juice, one half cup brown sugar, two tablespoons chopped candied ginger or freshly grated ginger, and one teaspoon allspice berries. Optional: also add up to 20 ounces hard apple cider or apple ale. Soak in the refrigerator for the suggested time. After rinsing the turkey, loosely “stuff” the cavity with one sliced apple, a cinnamon stick, and either a sliced onion or a few cloves of garlic, leaving plenty of space inside the bird for air to safely circulate and cook the entirety of the meat. Find a healthy sweet potato recipe to use as a side dish and pair sweet harvest flavors.

Ingredients to Add to Your Own Simple Turkey Brine

Consider pairing your own spices. Chopped hot peppers match citrus for a slight spicy-tangy combination. Rosemary and sage enhance both light and dark beers. Sweeter spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, can pair with garlic and black pepper for a Caribbean flavor and apple juice or apple cider vinegar for notes hinting at the New England Countryside.

But when you find your perfect combination to a simple turkey brine, document the recipe to repeat later or share with loved ones. Or protect the information so nobody learns the secret to your amazing tender and juicy turkey.

Photo by Shelley DeDauw

Do you have a turkey brine recipe to share? Post it in the comments below!

Simple Turkey Brine Techniques was originally posted by All About Chickens

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