#Dried Hibiscus Flowers

[askwhatsforlunch]

Ginger and Hibiscus Jelly

The most surprising use of this versatile and fragrant Ginger and Hibiscus Jelly might be as a condiment for oysters; but it works! The sharp tang of the jelly beautifully balances the salty creaminess of the shell! But if you prefer it on its own, as a condiment for venison, with which it also pairs gorgeously, for dessert or at breakfast, this lovely, wobbly thing will suits your fancies nicely!

Ingredients (makes about a cup):

1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger

1/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers

1 1/2 cup water

1 gelatin leaf

2 tablespoons caster sugar9

Peel ginger and cut into thin strips.

Combine ginger strips and dried hibiscus flowers into a small saucepan. Pour in the water. Heat over a low flame. Once boiling, remove from the heat and allow to infuse, 15 minutes.

Soak gelatin leaf in a bowl of cold water.

Strain mixture thoroughly and return collected ginger and hibiscus water to the saucepan. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat. Stir in caster sugar until dissolved. Simmer, a few minutes.

Squeeze water out of the gelatin leaf and stir it into the hot ginger and hibiscus mixture until completely melted. Remove from the heat, and pour ginger and hibiscus jelly into a shallow plate or small silicon molds. Allow to set overnight, in the refrigerator.

Serve Ginger and Hibiscus Jelly as a condiment for oysters, on its own or onto yoghurt or toasts...

[foodfarrago]

strawberry hibiscus swirl bundt cake

[niuniente]

I found today the most unusual ice-cream flavor combination in my whole list of over 160 different ice-cream flavors: yogurt-hibiscus ice-cream with yuzu and dragon fruit sauces, and white chocolate shavings.

Hibiscus is surprisingly wonderful in an ice-cream!

[good-night-space-kid]

I did not need to know how easy it is to make jamaica because I will be drinking this every day

[sniffanimal]

Making some Suspicious Stew for those saturation gainz

[raw1111official]

🌺🥑🌺 Uncover the wonders of "Hibiscus Magic: Brew, Sip, and Flourish!" on RAW1111.COM! 🍵 Discover how this vibrant flower can boost your health while delighting your taste buds. #GVWU Go Vegan With Us and let every sip bring you wellness and joy! 🌿💖

[tinkerandbell]

Seven unique benefits of dried hibiscus flowers for the skin

Most people think of the hibiscus simply as a beautiful flower. However, it also consists of many natural chemicals that can work wonders for our bodies. Dried hibiscus flowers are used predominantly for their health applications. These flowers are particularly beneficial for the skin. For this reason, extracts from hibiscus flowers are used to make cosmetics and healthcare products. If you are looking to buy dried hibiscus flower online, there are US stores that offer top-notch products from Nigeria.

Hibiscus is an excellent source of antioxidants, plant proteins, calcium, fiber, iron, copper, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. The dried petals of hibiscus also have Vitamin A, C, B6, K, and E. This makes dried hibiscus flowers beneficial for skin health and the immune system.

Want to know more? Keep reading this blog to learn about the benefits of dried hibiscus flowers for the skin.

Supports collagen production

When you add dried hibiscus flowers to your skincare routine, it improves skin texture through collagen production. Hibiscus flowers have high amounts of Alpha Hydroxy Acids, Vitamin C, citric acid, and Beta Hydroxy Acids. These chemicals improve the suppleness and glow of your skin and preserve it for a long time. The flowers also contain Myricetin which hinders collagenase production in the body. Collagenase damages the skin's collagen to produce fine lines and wrinkles. Using hibiscus flowers can reduce collagenase production and make you look youthful and vibrant.

Fights the signs of aging

Hibiscus flowers are rich in BHAs and AHAs that can fight early signs of aging. These chemicals reverse the damage to skin cells caused by UV rays and other environmental stressors. The chemicals also improve skin elasticity and softness. Anthocyanins in hibiscus flowers facilitate cell growth and regeneration to keep your skin youthful.   

Cleanses and exfoliates the skin pores

The Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Saponins in the hibiscus flowers exfoliate the skin softly and remove the dead skin cells. Extracts from these flowers also remove all traces of excess sebum on the skin. The chemicals in the flowers unclog the skin pores to hydrate the skin. This naturally makes the skin soft, supple, and radiant.

Heals skin inflammation

Hibiscus flowers have beta-carotene, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. This helps to heal skin inflammations, redness, and itchiness. Anthocyanins in the flowers can combat oxidative stress triggered by the free radicals in the skin.

Hydrates and soothes the skin deeply

You can use the dried hibiscus petals to keep your skin hydrated for long hours. The mucilage in these flowers acts as a natural hydrating and healing agent for the skin.

Promotes quicker healing of wounds 

Extracts from hibiscus flowers can be combined with a soothing oil and applied on skin wounds. This can heal the wounds quickly by boosting fibronectin protein production. Fibronectin protein speeds up the healing process and seals the edges of wounded areas. The protein also promotes the spreading of keratinocytes over the skin layer to enhance skin hydration and cell regeneration. Healing of skin wounds makes the skin surface clearer.

Facilitates tightening of the skin pores

The vitamins, antioxidants, and astringent components of dried hibiscus flowers help to tighten the skin pores and combat the overproduction of skin sebum. This enhances the overall texture and smoothness of the skin.

Wrapping Up

Applying extracts of dried hibiscus flowers can improve skin health and prevent infections and wounds from developing. The flowers also make your skin look youthful and vibrant. You can get in touch with dried hibiscus flower suppliers like Tinker and Bell Trading Ltd. to buy these fresh flowers and improve your skin health.

[ddracula0]

Nail Tech Choso x Reader

Uncle Sukuna Au ofc ofc

Tw I don’t know shit about nails

"Your girlfriend came in today."

"She's not my girlfriend." Choso said pointing a glare at his uncle.

" Well she's obviously something considering you didn't ask me to clarify who I was talking about." He grinned. " Anyways she told me to tell you she missed you."

"Aw." Choso smiled not letting a full grin spread across his face.

"Aw I know you want to smile more than that." Sukuna cooed.

" Shut up."

His uncle could see the heat rising to to his cheeks.

"She likes you, you know."

"Choso!" You exclaimed as you walked through the door. The shop was mostly empty but you'd done the same if it was packed. "Oh my gosh I missed you!" You giggled as you rushed over.

" Could you be any fucking louder" Sukuna groaned

"You're giving me a damn headache"

" Kuna!" You greeted just as excitedly. " Look at how good these still look" you said holding up your nails to show him.

"They still look fine why are you here?" He asked pointedly.

" I'm here to give you my money and this is how you treat me? You huff "My sisters getting married and rhinestones and skulls aren't quite the vibe."

"Do you have a picture of your dress?" Choso asked.

" Yeah it's somewhere in here." You said as you scrolled through your phone. " It's actually the cutest, it's super flowly and it has this huge bow in the back. It's like this soft pink color- here it is." You say as you pass him the phone.

He examines the photo, "You look really nice in it."

" You think?" You beam

"Yeah you look really nice in pink"

"Aw thanks I was trying to decide between pink or yellow and I was starting to think I made the wrong choice."

"You made the right choice." He said as he reached for your hand. "Did Sukuna do these?"

" Yeah you can tell because he was sparing with the gems." You huffed. " That's why I like you."

" Oh so you only like me because I give you extra gems." He laughed.

" No no, I like you because you're nice to be around." You said seriously. "Speaking of which do you want to come as my plus one to the wedding. My family hate each other it's going to be a shit show plus there's food."

"Deal."

"Mhm so what are you thinking for the nails?"

" Flowers are always safe I'm thinking a hibiscus accent nail."

You hum, "I trust your judgment."

You two began to talk about your week as Choso soaked your nails and began prepping them for your next set.

" How's Yuji?" You asked.

" Dude he's such a menace. He figured out if he looks really sad he can get me to do stuff for him."

" Aww." You laugh.

" He's staying with his grandpa for the summer so he hasn't been able to guilt me as much."

" Aww I miss him, give him a hug for me when you see him."

" I will he smiled."

You watched as his smile turn to a focused frown as he began to paint the hibiscus onto your index finger. This was always your favorite part of getting your nails done. You enjoyed studying the way his eyebrows scrunched up in concentration, the way he was gentle while holding your fingers contrasting the death grip he had on his brush. You liked looking at the tattoos that littered his wrist. You liked to imagine what his hair looked like down since he'd always had it up for work. You enjoyed fully taking in his presence.

" How do these look." He says snapping you out of you daze.

"Good." You respond too quickly.

"You didn't even look at them he grumbles."

You look down at your nails a grin quickly spreading across your face. " Oh my god Cho these look amazing.

They're going to look so good with my dress." You beam. " You always do such an amazing job."

He smiled content with your reaction. "No problem."

Once your nails had dried you went to the register, where Sukuna inspected your nails to make sure everything had been done properly. He hummed in approval.

" He does such an amazing job doesn't he." You beamed.

"That's the only reason we keep him around." He cackled. Choso sent a glare his way.

You paid and began to make your way to the door. " I'll pick you up at 2 on Saturday, okay?" You yelled to Choso.

"Sounds good." He replied as you began to leave.

"Aw a date." Sukuna teased.

" Shut up."

[southernsolarpunk]

so since I've basically seen all the seasons at my house now I've got a decent understanding of the micro-climate of my yard, and i need to document it somewhere so here goes:

front yard gets scorched. straight up. it doesn't really let up until 2-3 pm so i need full sun drought tolerant plants in the front area. (i dug some swales to redirect runoff from the foundation of the house, so its a little more moist than it was when we first moved in) this can be slightly mitigated by planting a couple dwarf trees in the very front area of the yard but that'll only help a little. i got a hardy hibiscus 'dark mystery' (Hibiscus Moscheutos, native perennial) that i plant to take cuttings of next year that has been loving the heat. This area i also plan to plant a bunch of milkweed (current varieties I'm planning to get are sandhill milkweed [asclepias Humistrata] green milkweed [Asclepias Viridis] Purple milkweed [Asclepias Purpurascens]) I'm also planning to get some native ornamental grasses to place around the entire property (including the front yard) some other plants i planning to plant are cardinal flower (Lobelia Cardinalis), liatris (liatris Spicata), Gaillardia (Gaillardia Pulchella), prairie sage (artemisia Ludoviciana), mountain mint (pycnanthemum muticum). more to be decided after i put this wave in. (definitely want some bee balm)

right side of the yard (by the house) is dark, cool, wooded, and wet. the rhododendron i put in was doing great until my brother in law took a lawnmower to it. :( but at least i can replace it. this is also where i have my feijoas (he also ran over them but they bounced back). probably will just add some rhododendrons & hydrangeas. i need to look up some more native shade plants for this area.

left side of the yard (by the house) gets even more sun than the front yard. i want to get a green house eventually (i have to replace all the windows in my house so I'll repurpose those for it) so this is probably the best place to do it.

backyard is large, part is dry and sunny, and towards the back is wooded. this is where i plan to put the fruit & nut trees i want. i need to thin out some of the less mature trees because they're extremely dense at the moment. (got a battery-powered chainsaw. i would have just borrowed my stepdads tools but hes convinced i would break them if i used them. :/ but at least now my father-in-law can borrow mine if he needs it) in the center of the backyard is where i have 2 12x4 gardens beds, and in the future i plan to add 2 more. this is where i have a lot of passionflower maypop plants, i transplanted some to the fenceline but i want an archway trellis as well. (i have watched probably over a hundred gulf fritillary caterpillars turn into butterflies, they're everywhere) the right side of the yard is where i plan to put the taller fruit & nut trees, (wont block sunlight) but i also want to get some dwarf fruit trees to place around as well. also this summer i saw lightning bugs in the backyard (!!!!!!!) so i plan to put in some grasses around an area that's like 12x12 ft across that dips down a few feet. (this area literally looks like a dried up small pond) i looked up how to use clay to create a natural lining for a pond, so this area will be good for lightning bugs, frogs, toads, salamanders, etc. this is in the lowest part of the yard, so its an optimal place for it.

this is just some basic plans for the future- i got a lot of seeds online so its not too break-the-bank expensive, and i get a lot of bushes and trees from etsy which can be great for saving money, despite the slight increased risk for mislabeled plants. i save money with this so i can get some nicer varieties of fruit trees that i really want (fuji apples, hosui pears, bing & rainier cherry trees).

my father-in-law really enjoys canning and preserving so I'm growing all the trees so i can give him some fruit to preserve (he lives in a very low-laying area, and a lot of it is swamp so he doesn't have as much room for fruit trees, his blackberry jam is amazing) also a guy my partner works with is into gardening as well (dudes he gave us so many peppers literally pounds of them) so i want to be able to return the favor with fruit. :) my mom and stepdad also have some fruit trees but I'm hoping to grow some that they don't have so we can trade.

ultimately i just want to grow as much food as possible and give it away to everyone who wants it, while also hosting the ultimate butterfly rest stop.

if you read this and enjoyed it, I'm glad! I'll post about these projects as i do them (which will be slowly) so i hope maybe this will inspire some of you :)

[giggle-bee]

Triple Threat (Squealing Santa 2023!)

Hi, @hakurei-k, I'm your Santa for this year! Sorry this is a little late, but I hope you still enjoy it! It was a challenging prompt since I don't typically write intense stuff with multiple lers, but it was a fun fic to do, and I'm so happy I got you!! I also want to thank @squealing-santa, Hypah, for being such an amazing host!! Couldn't have done it without you, thank you for keeping the tradition alive!

(Ler!Barbatos, Ler!Solomon, Ler!Simeon, Lee!MC)

Warnings: pranks, suprise tickles

Summary: Barbatos has a day off but doesn't know how to spend it. How better to than with you? Mediating a prank war wasn't in the plans, though.

Word Count: 1.8k

When Diavolo had first approached Barbatos about taking the day off, he was against the idea. “My Lord, the New Year’s celebration is not far away. The castle must be prepared for guests, there is much work to be done-” “Exactly my thoughts! You’ve been working tirelessly, my friend, you deserve some time to yourself. It’s my castle, I want to have part in the decorating! Besides, I know you’ve been keeping an eye on that new tea house. Take the day and relax, Barbatos.”

Diavolo patted him on the back and left Barbatos standing in his office, lost for words and with a blank mind for the first time in a while. For anyone else, the opportunity would be a blessing, to leave your duties behind and pay attention to the parts of your life neglected. All Barbatos could think about was the castle in a state of disarray, clashing colors, decorations strewn haphazardly about the place, anything less than perfect was not acceptable.

However, Diavolo’s pout if he figured out Barbatos was still working during his break was too heartbreaking to think about. Barbatos sighed, pulling out his DDD and pulling up his messages with you.

Barbatos MC, would you like to join me at Witch’s Brew this afternoon? My schedule has been cleared. 

MC Oh? Is that the new tea place across from Majolish? I would love to!

Barbatos Alright. See you at noon. 

Witch’s Brew was a quaint shop that sold both loose leaf teas, tea sets, and delicious desserts. To a demon like Barbatos, it was heaven. The aroma of dried flowers and warmth tickled his nose as he opened the door, sitting down at a small table with a candle in the middle. It was peaceful here, soft music playing over the speakers and setting a light ambience to the space. Ordering some tea for the both of you would be his first order of business. The fragrant notes of hibiscus and lemon called to him from behind the counter, he would bring it back to the table piping hot and waiting. 

A smile came across his lips as he imagined you taking the first sip, your eyes lighting up at the sweet flavor- rich and floral with a hint of tart to balance it. The thought was almost as sweet as you were. The tinkling of the doorbell made Barbatos glance up hopefully from his cup, eyes alight when he saw you. But you weren’t carefree and jubilant as usual. He picked up on the nervous glances you were sending around the room, your hesitant steps towards the table, and most of all, you hadn’t greeted him with so much as a smile yet. Quite unusual. 

“Ah, hello Barbatos! Sorry I’m late,” you whispered, smoothing your clothes and sitting in the chair he pulled out for you. The demon cocked an eyebrow at your behavior, instantly analyzing your expression. He knew something was up.

“Would you like to tell me what is obviously bothering you? You look like someone is out to get you.”

“Ahaha… well…” You scratched your arm, averting your gaze and peering down into the teacup. “You could say that.” You chose to elaborate on the prank war currently going on in Purgatory Hall, the one you had started a week ago. Luke had voted on staying out of things, which meant you, Solomon, and Simeon would have to prank amongst yourselves.

Pulling out all the stops this morning, you had set up several pillows to fall onto Simeon’s head, covering him in feathers. You had swiped one of Solomon’s singing potions earlier in the week and mixed it into a batch of cookies, which had him singing curses for the next hour. You had found these harmless pranks extremely funny, but both Solomon and Simeon were sure to get you back. 

“So that’s why I have to stay vigilant! They could be anywhere, Barbatos, I have to keep a lookout,” you explained, taking a sip of your tea. The flavor was complex and delicate, a nice reprieve from the chaos going on with your friends. You melted into the warm drink, nodding at the teapot, “This was a good pick, thank you for letting me try it!”

Barbatos shook his head with a fond smile. He knew you were “I believe tea is better when shared in good company, so it’s my pleasure.” Pouring you two another cup, he thought on your predicament. If Solomon and Simeon were working together, it could spell disaster for everyone in Purgatory Hall.

Humming in thought, Barbatos finished his tea and set the cup down gently onto a saucer. “Can I escort you back? Like I said, my schedule is clear for the day, so it would be no trouble. That way, you won’t have to worry about anything on your way,” he offered. Barbatos knew they would never do anything to harm you, but if it would make you feel better, it was worth it.

You perked up, relief washing over your face. “I would appreciate it, those two like to scare me as much as it is.”

Taking a dessert to go, you and Barbatos left the teahouse and started the journey back to the House of Lamentation. On the way, you talked about everything from next year’s classes to Satan’s newest cat adoption antics. Barbatos felt at ease talking to you, as he always did. His worries for the celebration faded with every step as he let you take the wheel of the conversation. Before you knew it, you two were on the doorstep. 

“Thank you for walking me here, Barbs. We need to do this again sometime!” You opened the door and were about to wave goodbye when two arms pulled you into the foyer. Barbatos quickly moved inside, surprised by the sight that greeted him. 

Solomon and Simeon had trapped you in their arms, encircling you like twin felines playing a game of cat and mouse. Solomon’s deadly smirk was something you knew all too well, paired with Simeon’s laughing eyes, they had been out to get you from the start. “You fell right into our trap, MC~” Simeon purred in your ear, watching your eyes flit between the trio of people in the room. Well, one human, one angel, and one demon. The mischievous fire in Solomon’s eyes appeared anything *but* human to you in this moment. 

Solomon looked to the demon at the door, “What do you think is a fitting punishment for our friend here, Barbatos?” 

Barbatos slowly stepped forward until he was in front of you three, assessing the situation. “Seeing as they’ve confessed their transgressions to me already, I believe something… like this will suffice,” Barbatos reasoned, grinning at your shocked face.

“Barbatos! You’re supposed to be on my side- HEY!” Barbatos wormed his hand between you and Simeon to give your side a squeeze, making you curl into Solomon. Simeon started to snicker at the idea, using his free hand to scribble around your neck while Solomon’s smile grew wolfish. “I think that’s a great idea, don’t you think so, MC?” 

You were trying not to react to Simeon’s gentle scribbles, your cheeks puffing out and your lips pouting to hide your smile. “N-no! Not a great idea! Barbatos- help me!”

Raising an eyebrow, the demon tilted his head to the side, “You want me to help? Alright, I can manage that. After all, I have no obligations today, I can spend as much time as I want here.”

Barbatos latched onto your sides, kneading into them with sudden speed and vigor that you weren’t prepared for. Your straight faced facade went flying out the window as you tried to wiggle away from the tickles to no avail. Solomon and Simeon seemed to have the same idea, the angel’s fingers finding a home in your armpits and Solomon’s squeezing at your hipbones. “WHAHAHAIT! NOhOHoO!” 

You had endured tickle attacks from all three of them separately, but together, the trio was insufferably good at reducing you to a laughing fit. They continued to scribble and poke all over your worst spots, Simeon finding a good spot on your lower tummy that almost sent you backwards. Every time you got used to something, one of them would move, sending you into giggles all over again. 

“I almost forgot how ticklish they are! Solomon, keep that up,” Simeon laughed with delight at how you squirmed away from Solomon’s evil hands that were currently chasing your ribs. “If I were you, I would stay still- it would be done a looooot faster!” Solomon chirped from your left, tazing your ribs and making you fall into Barbatos’s waiting arms.

“Your laugh is almost as sweet as the tea, you know,” Barbatos whispered quietly, kneading into your lower back and sides, chuckling when you tried to pull away with a blush. Simeon gasped and excitedly pulled you away, hugging you tight against his chest. 

“Theres this thing I used to do to Luci when he would misbehave, let me show you!” He closed his eyes and you felt invisible feathers gliding across your ears and neck, making you scrunch up. The feathers seemed to reach all of your worst spots, soft but they tickled like hell. When you felt one graze the bottom of your foot, you squeaked in surprise, how was this even possible? Simeon’s laugh sounded like bells, contrasting with your loud and squealy one. “I cAhAHaAHaN’t! PlEHehAHeaSe!” 

He slowed down the feathers of his wings to softly stroke up and down your arms, letting you collapse into him. Solomon ruffled your hair, “You all tired out? I think it’s payback for making me sing through all of breakfast. Simeon looked like a fancy chicken this morning,” he laughed. Simeon rolled his eyes, “Did you learn your lesson, MC? Never mess with Purgatory Hall, or you’ll awaken the tickle monsters that live there!” He tapped your nose, taking note of your lingering smile and flushed cheeks. He grinned and gave you a hug, releasing you. 

Barbatos had his hands behind his back, almost like he hadn’t contributed to your ticklish demise. “The cake is still outside, would you like me to bring it in?” His sly smirk didn’t go unnoticed, you nodded, rolling your eyes. “You were supposed to help me!”

“I never said I would help you. Besides, I think you deserved a little prank back for the ones you performed,” he noted, bringing the slice of matcha cake inside. 

With a sigh, you took the bag, holding out the delectable sweet. “How about a truce? Do you guys wanna split this?” All three of them nodded, causing you to smile. As you made your way towards the den, Barbatos concluded that his day off was a day well spent.

[affordablepunk]

How to DIY energy drinks for cheap

First, required reading: link to article

Energy drinks have a few vital components:

>sweetener

>flavor

>water

>caffeine

>bubbles (i never do that and don't know how)

Here are some of my favorite things to use:

>granulated sugar (sweetener)

>stevia leaf or granulated artificial sweetener (sweetener)

>kool aid (flavor, sweetener)

>loose-leaf herbs (flavor) (try hibiscus petal, chicory, even lemongrass and mint can be nice)

>lemon juice (flavor, preservative)

>kool aid (easiest flavor/sweetener combo)

Supplies you might need:

>kettle or pot for heating water

>tea strainer ball to keep your leaves out of the final product

>a nice ragu jar or old Gatorade bottle for pre-made stuff

>funnel for pourin

>ladle for scooping liquid into the funnel

Kaffn-8 or any other such liquid caffeine product will do you for caffeine. That brand is super easy and convenient. Kaffn-8 is my favorite for the quality and ease in dosing, as well as the value (15 bucks has lasted me 2 months of daily use).

I like to make a sugar-flavor concentrate, then assemble each glass as I need it. Sugar tastes better when melted with heat than when dissolved without heat, even once chilled. This also allows me to tweak caffeine content. Here is how to make it:

Fill tea ball with herbs (use about a handful or 1/2 cup for every quart of water, you're making it strong)

Heat water and pop the tea ball in

Simmer or keep hot for 10 min

Remove tea ball and turn off heat

While hot, add as much sugar as you had herbs, and mix until melted.

Mix in as much lemon juice (or other assorted acid or preservative) as you can stand. The more preservative, the longer it'll keep

Allow to cool enough to handle

Jar it up, put it in the fridge for later use. You can and should re-use all manner of bottle, just be wary of melting anything plastic or burning your hands w hot water.

A note: the smaller your batches, the less you waste. But high concentrations of acid and sugar keep it good for up to a month in the fridge.

To use: mix water in a cup with your syrup, tweaking concentrations until it tastes good. Add caffeine, measuring your dose carefully.

Then, do bubble magic to add carbonation if you can do that. Maybe you found a soda stream somewhere. If you don't have bubbles, you'll just have to enjoy your energy drinks flat.

And, you're all done!

Now, where to get everything:

(Grow your own herbs if you are mega brave. Mints are nearly indestructible little plants.)

Lemon juice, dollar store. Quality is the same, you've just got to shake it up.

if its a foreign grocer, they likely have herbs cheap. If its a Mexican grocery, they 100% have the best herbs. (Aguasfrescas drink mixes are cheap and THE BOMB, and hibiscus flower always comes in mega bulk) .

Herbalist and spiritual shops have herbs too, and are likely to have tea balls. Branch out! Catnip has been my favorite oddball herb.

Farmers markets also have some (like three if you're lucky) herbs, and you may have to dry them yourself. Since it's punk to reach out to your community, ask around at the farmers market to see if you can get any herb or dried flavorant that's on your mind- small businesses love consumer feedback! You just might have to wait for the plant to grow, heh, but if you're friendly then you'll make friends. Some examples: ask the jam bottler for dried fruit peels, the farmer for mugwort

I get my artificial sweeteners on closeout, my stevia from herbal shops, and my sugar at Walmart (bite me, its cheap and I'm poor).

Kaffn-8 can only be found online, as far as I'm aware. I promise I'm not sponsored, just a grateful caffeine addict.

Do Google your herbs for drug interactions if you take meds. Healthline has good info on herbs. Dried grapefruit rind can mess with my psych meds, for example.

Again, be careful about caffeine. Always dose your caffeine. Having high levels of caffeine on tap is a bit of a big responsibility: I know I nearly bit the dirt from the all-you-can-eat espresso bar at my college. Immaturity could kill you, caffeine is a drug. Count doses, never go above 500 a day, try not to go more than 200 in the same hour.

Now take that money you've saved and give it to a charity to blow a very mean raspberry at nestle. Or, yknow, feed yourself. Its a tough world.

[foodshowxyz]

Hibiscus Lime Margarita

Ingredients:

2 ounces tequila

1 ounce hibiscus syrup (see below for recipe)

1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

½ ounce orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)

Lime wedge and hibiscus flower for garnish

For the Hibiscus Syrup:

1 cup dried hibiscus flowers   1. Flower Power Hibiscus Syrup - Norbert's Kitchen www.norbertskitchen.com

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

Instructions:

Make Hibiscus Syrup:

Combine hibiscus flowers and water in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.

Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Strain out the flowers and return the liquid to the saucepan.

Add sugar and stir until dissolved.

Let cool completely.

Prepare the Margarita:

Rim a glass with salt or sugar (optional).

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

Add tequila, hibiscus syrup, lime juice, and orange liqueur.

Shake well until chilled.

Strain into the prepared glass filled with ice.

Garnish with a lime wedge and a hibiscus flower.

Tips:

Adjust the sweetness of the syrup to your liking by adding more or less sugar.

For a stronger hibiscus flavor, use more flowers or steep for longer.

If you don't have hibiscus flowers, you can substitute with hibiscus tea bags.

Experiment with different garnishes, such as a sprig of rosemary or a few berries

[teecupangel]

It seems a lot of people are interesting in trying out the hibiscus tea with pomegranate so here's the actual recipe from Assassin's Creed Culinary Codex, courtesy of my below average photography skills.

The actual recipe so you don't have to squint:

20 dried hibiscus flowers

2 tablespoon (10 g) chopped ginger

2 tablespoons honey

seeds of 1 pomegranate.

Bring 4.25 cups (1 liter) of water to a gentle simmer. Add the dried hibiscus flowers and chopped ginger. Simmer for at least 15 minutes, then add the honey and mix well.

Remove the mixture form the heat and let cool. When the beverage has reached room temperature, pour the pan's contents into a pitcher (jug) and refrigerate for at least 4 houts, letting the hibiscus flowers continue to steep at the colder temperature.

When the potion is cool pour into four glasses. Garnish with a few pomegranate seeds and enjoy!

==============================

Teecup additions:

Based on Eagle of Alamut, add more honey if you wish it to taste the way Diya al-Dīn and Umar prepares it. Steep it longer if you wish to taste how the Al-Sayf family prepares it.

(If you have an actual teapot, you can just steep it there instead of a pan XD)

[poisonsage808]

♡ Flowers ♡

w/ dany, sansa, arya, brienne and margaery w/ gender neautral reader

(A/N: everyone in this is 18+, we’re not gonna look into the timeline of that like we’re not gonna look into the fact some flowers just aren’t available in certain areas lmao)

♡Daenerys♡

• She’s probably already been given every flower ever known to man, you tell yourself before you can round the corner and greet the dragon queen

• Discouraged, you turn back around only to almost bump into Missandei who smiles, “Are those for the khaleesi?” she asks pointing to the tray in your hand

• Lemon hibiscus cookies with the edges rolled into sugar crystals sat on a meticulously detailed plate

• The idea seemed good some hours ago while you were making them.. and a few months ago when the idea came to you in the first place (It took a while to get everything together and even longer to quiet your nerves about it)

• “No— I mean, yes but she didn’t ask for them and it’s so close to—“

• Missandei is smart, she’s nudging you onto the balcony where Daenerys is watching her dragons fly, “Khaleesi, you have a visitor.”

• The queen’s smile has you go rigid and your grip on the tray tightens as you offer it to her with a bowed head

• “What an interesting combination. How did you make it purple?”

“Hibiscus flowers, your grace. I-I dried the petals and made them into a powder.”

• Missandei fights back a smile while informing the queen it takes two weeks to dry out flowers and how purple hibiscus flowers haven’t bloomed in two months

• “You’ve put quite a bit of time into these then?” Daenerys asks. You nod, cheeks rosy under her gaze

• She takes another bite and doesn’t hide the smirk that tugs at her lip, “I think I’ll need to bring you with me when I cross the sea. I’ll miss your pastries too much to leave you here.”

♡Sansa♡

• The last time she was given a flower it was by a Tyrell and it was so long ago she can’t recall which it was or if the act was genuine. It probably wasn’t, she tells you

• So you devoted hours in the library, left before the sun rose and returned when it was falling

• You waited patiently to catch a moment of the queen’s busy day and blush when she comments on your absence. “I’ve been looking for you, they told me your horse was gone before anyone woke.”

• Sansa’s stoic expression falters when you present one long stem with purple blooming flowers from behind your back, “They’re gladiolus— gl-gladioli? They represent strength, integrity and remembrance.. and so do you, your grace.”

• You just meant to give her a happier memory, a true gesture of adoration, not make her cry!

• When Sansa tears up you frantically apologize but she wraps her arms around your neck and pulls you into a tight hug

♡Arya♡

• Ladies are given flowers and Arya Stark is not a lady so you’ll have to be subtle with the gesture as well as unconventional

• Gift it to her in private

• A leather bracelet with lilies engraved on the underside; a flower associated with rebirth. It seemed fitting and Arya agrees, asking you to tie it on for her

• She wears it proudly every day and waves to you with the hand that displays it, sometimes with a wink like it’s a secret between the two of you

♡Brienne♡

• She’s never gotten flowers before and you debate for a long time if it would offend her or not… You decide to find out and ask forgiveness later should that be the case

• After she’s completed her duties for the night, you approach just before she retires to her chambers

• As always, Brienne smiles politely and nods at you, greeting you and saying your name so sweetly your knees wobble a bit. It mattered not if the day she had was long and tiring, she asks if she can help you with something

• “You could take this off my hands,” You laugh nervously as you hold out the single stem with many white flowers, “I hear they call it a fallen star.”

• Astrantia, a symbol of protection, strength and courage

• Brienne’s lips part and a blush erupts on her cheeks as she holds it closer to her face, “No one’s ever given me flowers.” she almost whispers

• “I’ll consider myself the luckiest person alive to be the first, and everyone else a fool for not doing it sooner.”

• She keeps those flowers until they wilt but before then, you’ve given her more and her words of thanks slowly become kisses instead

♡Margaery♡

• Y’know what’s a worse idea than giving a Tyrell a rose? Giving the cruel, boy king’s intended a rose

• You have to be much, much more clever than that. Luckily, the woman you fancy speaks the language of flowers

• Yellow mums are placed on her seat and you watch from a distance as she cautiously looks around in genuine surprise. A secret admirer

• That same look and those gorgeous eyes once again scan the area some days later when she’s handed a drink with marigold sticking over the rim of the glass

• “Is something the matter?” Someone asks her. You turn away just when she catches you watching from a distance. Margaery shakes her head with a bright blush on her cheeks, “Not at all.”

• There’s a red rose in your room that night, and being held by the queen to be. She smiles and says, “I was hoping they were from you.”

• Y’know what’s stupider than accepting a rose from the king’s betrothed? Kissing her until both your lips are bruised

[queen--of--shadows]

Scars

Azriel x Reader

Summary: Reader shows Azriel his scars are as beautiful as he is. 

Warnings: mentions of childhood abuse

Word Count: 1,664

Notes: Thank you again @cityofidek for this sweet fluffy request! I hope you all enjoy 🫶🏼 Your comments/feedback are always so appreciated! Xx

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Thanks to the increased intensity of Cassian’s morning workouts, your aching feet begged to be closer to the fireplace, so you inched down the couch and flexed your toes against the delicious heat. The plush chenille throw you had engrossed yourself with over the past few nights was almost done, but your tired eyes and sore hands needed a break.

You had been down in the Library for hours, cozying up next to the warmth of the fire and embroidering along the edge of the massive piece you began weeks ago: a garden of lush, blooming flowers against the soft, pink blanket—peonies, winter roses, tulips, twirling vines of jasmine, snapdragons, summer hibiscus, all in bright colored threads and accented with tiny sparkling beads. You came here often—a comforting, quiet refuge from the bustling life upstairs.

You don’t know how or when you dozed off, jolting awoke to the scent of sun-kissed cedar and fresh morning mist. Scrambling to sit up, you immediately recognized who it belonged to.

Azriel’s deep, low chuckle had you quickly rubbing the exhaustion out of your eyes.

“Every time I come down here, I find you asleep over your work,” he said softly with a tsk, head propped up against his fist and one long leg crossed over the other. He was leaning back casually on the couch opposite the one you were just sprawled out on.

“I have no idea when I fell asleep,” you mumbled, gathering and folding up your work. “The fire had me feeling so cozy,” you giggled in a still-sleepy daze, extending your hands against the heat.

And immediately regretting it.

A muscle flickered in his jaw as Azriel averted his gaze towards the back of the small reading corner, where the blaze from the hearth couldn’t reach. The cool darkness was no doubt inviting him and his shadows to hide. At parties and gatherings, he always avoided the fire, his scars running deeper than the surface of his skin. Azriel’s childhood was traumatic and painful, and you knew how he felt about his hands, so you hurriedly changed the subject.

“What are you doing up so late?”

A dumb question to ask. Azriel was always out on long missions and odd hours, working tirelessly to defend and protect his Court; it was one of the things you admired so much about him.

He didn’t meet your eyes when he responded, still facing the dark that beckoned him, his shadows swirling imperceptibly faster around him to create a soft, shielding cocoon. “I just got back from dealing with Devlon and his cronies.” Forearms braced against his muscled thighs, he looked down at the palms of his hands, picking underneath his nails. Something deep in you stirred at the distant, harsh tone of his voice, and before you could think, you crossed the small distance to where he sat on the old, worn leather couch.

“Is everything okay?”

Another dumb question—you cringed, wanting to shrivel up and disappear knowing you were making the situation worse, let alone provide any comfort.

Azriel kept his eyes locked on his hands as if he was alone and you were no longer sitting mere inches from him. His silky dark hair, tousled from his flight home, was long enough to hang in front of his brow, almost covering his eyes.

“Sometimes…I remember how much sin I’ve committed with these hands. How many people they’ve hurt, how much pain they’ve inflicted.”

You didn’t move, didn’t dare to.

“Sometimes, when I think about it, I hate it. I hate myself. I hate these grotesque hands that cause so much suffering,” he breathed, a cool, icy rage lacing his voice, barely above a whisper.

Your mouth dried out. Unsure how to respond to the sudden morsel of truth and pain and despair the Shadowsinger had just revealed to you, you remained frozen where you sat.

You and Azriel had been friends for a few years since you moved into the House of Wind and began working in the library under Clotho. During your first months, you joined the Valkyries in training, where you met Azriel, and the two of you quickly became friends. Or at least you considered him a friend, ignoring the crush you developed on him when you first laid eyes on the unbearably handsome Illyrian. His quiet, calming presence had you often gravitating toward him, whether it was at parties, during training, or family dinners—your seat at the table next to him was always reserved.

You hadn’t been able to sleep properly for months after Nesta told you about his past—many years ago when you mustered the courage to ask about his hands.

The same hands he was now speaking of, ashamed of the brutal burn marks that littered his skin.

Heavy silence filled the air between you, interrupted only by the crackling of the burning wood.

“Azriel…” You choked on his name, grabbing one of his hands, solid and sturdy and warm. He looked down at your hands against his, then finally lifted those burning hazel eyes to meet yours. He went utterly still, awaiting your words.

“Azriel, that’s not true. You do what you have to for a reason. Those people hurt others and deserve what comes for them. If it weren’t you, it would’ve been someone else.” You kept your voice strong and steady, and didn’t look away from his intense gaze as you continued. “These are the same hands that have been training me, strong and skilled, and the same ones that bring me tea late at night when I’m working down here. The hands that carry and play with Nyx, loving and kind. The hands that lift up those around you when they’re down.”

Azriel was breathing unsteadily as he said, “No…look. Look at how beautiful your hands are against mine. They’re hideous,” he scoffed, shutting his eyes as he turned his head back to the darkness, clutching his fingers tightly around yours. Azriel’s vulnerability had you trembling as you reached up to cup his face and gently turned him back towards you. “Your hands are beautiful, too, Az. These scars don’t define you,” you assured, tracing your thumb softly along the length of his scars.

Maybe your words weren’t enough.

Not enough to undo 500 years of ache and rage that found their home in the intricate swirls of bumps and grooves atop his perfect hands.

A smile tugged on your lips as an idea popped into your head. “Here, maybe I can help…I want you to see what I see.”

You didn’t miss the incredulous look on Azriel’s face as you shot up and began ruffling through the drawers of the large oak desk in your self-claimed reading nook, digging out a small pouch and scurrying back to a very confused male. “What are you doing?” he asked, assessing the pouch in your hands with his arms crossed over his broad, muscular chest.

“Give me your hands,” you demanded playfully, reaching out with one hand and holding your supplies behind your back with the other. Concern and confusion sparked in those golden-hazel eyes. Azriel reluctantly uncrossed his arms and placed his hands in yours, palms facing up.

You flipped his right hand over and got to work—carefully trimming down the rough, dry cuticles, cleaning the flaking specks of blood from around and underneath his nails, and filing them down.

Nausea roiled against your gut as your mind flipped through the faces of Illyrians you met in the past, wondering whose blood Azriel had to scrub off before coming home.

You swallowed down the thought and worked silently, fully aware of his gaze fixed on you.

After cleaning up both hands, a flicker of your magic summoned a hot towel, steaming with eucalyptus and mint oil. Azriel didn’t say a word as you wrapped his massive hands in the towel, squeezing them together. You took a corner and gently cleaned his nails and fingers before finally pulling out a small bottle of lavender lotion, massaging his hands with your nimble, skilled fingers.

“All done,” you declared with a broad smile and tilt of your head, pleased with your work.

But as you looked up at his unreadable expression, a knot formed in your stomach and a sudden heaviness crushed against your chest. Had you overstepped?

You held your breath as Azriel studied his fingers, flexing and contracting his hands in the deep orange glow of the dimming fire.

Cool relief washed over you when he finally whispered, “Thank you.”

He grabbed your hands and placed a sweet, tender kiss on the back of each, hesitating for a beat to assess your reaction before pulling you in for a hug. You had never seen such a display of affection from the Spymaster, but knew that deep down, he craved this kind of love and intimacy. You wrapped yourself around him, hoping he would finally see what you saw in him—his beauty that shined through even the darkest of his shadows.

“Thank you,” he whispered again against your neck.  

He pulled back but didn’t let go of your hands, his shadows now enveloping you both as the rest of the Library faded away into velvety darkness.

“Let’s go,” he said, standing up tall with his magnificent wings spread proudly behind him, reaching an arm out for you.

“Where?” you asked as you stood, realizing you would follow the beautiful male to the ends of the world if it meant you could make him feel even an ounce of the love you had for him.

“Anywhere.” Azriel pulled you into him for another warm embrace. “I can’t waste a fresh manicure,” he teased with a wink.

Surprise and delight bubbled up inside you. “It’s a date,” you chimed, wrapping your arms around his neck and planting a soft kiss on his cheek.

“It’s a date,” he laughed, echoing your words as he scooped you up with his beautiful, strong hands.

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[ask-barbatos]

While the purity of Camellia Sinensis is a marvel in itself, the world of tea extends far beyond the simple leaf that is often called a True Tea. Let's talk about flavor-infused tea.

Infused tea

The practice of infusing tea with flavors dates back centuries, with evidence of flavored teas found in ancient Chinese and Indian cultures. Early methods of infusion involved adding herbs, spices, or flowers directly to the tea leaves during steeping. Over time, more sophisticated techniques were developed, such as extracting essential oils from aromatic plants and adding them to the tea.

Today, infused teas are typically created using one of two methods:

Direct Infusion: The most common method involves adding dried herbs, spices, or fruits directly to the tea leaves before steeping. This allows the flavors to infuse naturally into the tea, creating a harmonious blend.

Flavoring Oils: Essential oils extracted from aromatic plants can be added to the tea after steeping. This method allows for precise control over the intensity of the flavor and can be used to create subtle or bold infusions.

One of the most renowned flavor-infused teas is Earl Grey, a black tea infused with the fragrant oil of bergamot orange. The citrusy notes of bergamot dance harmoniously with the rich, full-bodied flavor of black tea, creating a truly exquisite beverage. Earl Grey is a versatile tea that can be enjoyed hot or iced, and it pairs well with a variety of foods.

Aside from Earl Grey, the world of flavor-infused teas is vast and varied. From the delicate floral notes of jasmine tea to the bold fruity flavors of berry teas, there is a flavor combination to suit every palate.

Pictured above: (top) Jasmine infused green tea from Fujian Tea Import & Export Co., (bottom) Blood Orange herbal tea from Harney & Sons Fine Teas. [Blend: Apple pieces, rose hips, hibiscus, beetroot, orange peel, orange flavor, marigold petals, safflower petals.]

Some of the other popular flavor-infused teas include:

Jasmine Tea: A green tea infused with jasmine flowers, offering a delicate floral aroma and a slightly sweet taste.

Chai Tea: A black tea spiced with cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, creating a warm and comforting blend.

Fruit Teas: A variety of teas infused with fruit flavors, such as strawberry, raspberry, or peach, providing a sweet and tangy taste.

Fruit teas are excellent for cold-brewed iced tea. I will cover cold-brewing later, so please look forward to that.

When choosing a flavor-infused tea, consider your personal preferences and the occasion. A delicate floral tea might be perfect for a relaxing afternoon, while a bold and spicy chai tea could be a comforting choice on a cold day.

The choice of infusion depends on the desired flavor profile and the characteristics of the ingredients being used. For example, delicate floral flavors may be best achieved using direct infusion, while strong, bold flavors can be created using flavoring oils.

If you wish to create your own infused tea, that will have to be a separate post. For now, it is enough to be able to identify the tea you are brewing so that you can handle it appropriately.

Brewing infused teas requires a balance of technique and intuition. First, identify the ingredients. When brewing a cup of tea, it's good to know what temperature and length of time to steep your tea for.

A tea labeled "Peach" may be a white tea with peach flavoring, and it may be best to brew it at a temperature appropriate for white tea. Blends may consist of varying ingredients that require different temperatures, so some experimentation may be in order to find the best brewing temperature to get the most of each flavor.

Herbal tea

Beyond the True Tea, there lies a world of herbal teas, each offering a unique blend of flavors and health benefits. Herbal teas are made from a variety of plants, including herbs, spices, and fruits. They are often enjoyed for their medicinal properties, as well as their delicious taste.

As no part of an herbal tea contains the Camellia Sinensis plant, these teas are not considered "True Teas". That does not mean we cannot enjoy them, however.

For the most part, an herbal tea will not contain any caffeine, unlike the tea produced from the Camellia Sinensis plant. This makes them more suitable to enjoy in the evening or late hours.

Pictured above: (from top to bottom) Roses, honeysuckle, chrysanthemums, mint and lavender.

Some popular herbal teas include:

Chamomile Tea: Made from chamomile flowers, this tea is known for its calming and relaxing properties.

Peppermint Tea: Made from peppermint leaves, this tea is refreshing and aids digestion.

Ginger Tea: Made from ginger root, this tea is warming and can help soothe an upset stomach.

Hibiscus Tea: Made from hibiscus flowers, this tea has a tart, fruity flavor and is rich in antioxidants.

As with many blends, it is helpful to experiment a little with the temperature and steep time to get the most of your tea. Intuition will follow experience.

The ideal steeping temperature for infused teas and herbal teas can vary depending on the specific ingredients and desired flavor intensity. However, here are some general guidelines:

Delicate floral or fruity teas: 175-185°F (79-85°C)

Bold, spicy teas: 195-212°F (90-100°C)

Herbal teas: 175-212°F (79-100°C), depending on the specific herbs used

Serving suggestions: Cream is usually not served with fruit teas, as the acidity in some will cause the milk to curdle. Lemon slices are commonly served with Earl Grey, however, as with the fruit tea, lemon can also cause cream to curdle. Sugar or honey are appropriate for nearly any tea.

It's always a good idea to experiment with different temperatures to find the perfect brew for your taste. I hope this has been informational and helpful to my students who wish to become better acquainted with tea.