#Dry bar design idea for a small

[riiaeatsright]

Modern Home Bar - Home Bar

[cha-gyu]

Single Wall - Home Bar

[geofdarrow]

Home Bar L-Shape

[reasonsforhope]

The Surucuá community in the state of Pará is the first to receive an Amazonian Creative Laboratory, a compact mobile biofactory designed to help kick-start the Amazon’s bioeconomy.

Instead of simply harvesting forest-grown crops, traditional communities in the Amazon Rainforest can use the biofactories to process, package and sell bean-to-bar chocolate and similar products at premium prices.

Having a livelihood coming directly from the forest encourages communities to stay there and protect it rather than engaging in harmful economic activities in the Amazon.

The project is in its early stages, but it demonstrates what the Amazon’s bioeconomy could look like: an economic engine that experts estimate could generate at least $8 billion per year.

In a tent in the Surucuá community in the Brazilian Amazonian state of Pará, Jhanne Franco teaches 15 local adults how to make chocolate from scratch using small-scale machines instead of grinding the cacao beans by hand. As a chocolatier from another Amazonian state, Rondônia, Franco isn’t just an expert in cocoa production, but proof that the bean-to-bar concept can work in the Amazon Rainforest.

“[Here] is where we develop students’ ideas,” she says, gesturing to the classroom set up in a clearing in the world’s greatest rainforest. “I’m not here to give them a prescription. I want to teach them why things happen in chocolate making, so they can create their own recipes,” Franco tells Mongabay.

The training program is part of a concept developed by the nonprofit Amazônia 4.0 Institute, designed to protect the Amazon Rainforest. It was conceived in 2017 when two Brazilian scientists, brothers Carlos and Ismael Nobre, started thinking of ways to prevent the Amazon from reaching its impending “tipping point,” when deforestation turns the rainforest into a dry savanna.

Their solution is to build a decentralized bioeconomy rather than seeing the Amazon as a commodity provider for industries elsewhere. Investments would be made in sustainable, forest-grown crops such as cacao, cupuaçu and açaí, rather than cattle and soy, for which vast swaths of the forest have already been cleared. The profits would stay within local communities.

A study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the New Climate Economy, published in June 2023, analyzed 13 primary products from the Amazon, including cacao and cupuaçu, and concluded that even this small sample of products could grow the bioeconomy’s GDP by at least $8 billion per year.

To add value to these forest-grown raw materials requires some industrialization, leading to the creation of the Amazonian Creative Laboratories (LCA). These are compact, mobile and sustainable biofactories that incorporate industrial automation and artificial intelligence into the chocolate production process, allowing traditional communities to not only harvest crops, but also process, package and sell the finished products at premium prices.

The logic is simple: without an attractive income, people may be forced to sell or use their land for cattle ranching, soy plantations, or mining. On the other hand, if they can make a living from the forest, they have an incentive to stay there and protect it, becoming the Amazon’s guardians.

“The idea is to translate this biological and cultural wealth into economic activity that’s not exploitative or harmful,” Ismael Nobre tells Mongabay."

-via Mongabay News, January 2, 2024

[leclsrc]

reciprocate ✴︎ mv1

genre: 18+, pwp, very very filthy, fem!reader

word count: 4.5k

You have trouble maintaining your vow of Max celibacy when you’re on vacation together. (part 1 here)

nsfw warnings under the cut!

18+ because… sexual tension like tons, dirty talk, masturbating, descriptions of sex, kissing, SEXUAL TENSION.

hope you like it everyone! :) req’d and i was gonna make this a drabble, but it kinda grew. kind of gives way for a part 3, so lmk if u would wanna read thaaat...?

You’re bored more than several times over the dry, chilly stretch of winter break.

With not much to do, you’ve taken to traveling before you settle back into reporting on what different teams are doing to prepare for March. It’s all car prep, helmet design, new advancements, some drama on budget breaches. But that all comes in the condensed end of February, so now you’re wandering around, aimless.

The invite comes after Christmas and before New Year’s. It’s also last minute, and you would’ve normally rejected it, but Lissie had managed to convince you despite yourself, so you text Daniel a thumbs-up, greenlighting his proposition to jet off to Monaco.

“I’m starting to think I should’ve just said no,” you mutter, dumping a bundle of clothes into your suitcase. Across you, equally busy, Lissie scoffs. 

She looks up from where she’s busy folding something, then, “In what universe would anybody want to pass up on a free Monaco trip where we can spend the entire week drinking our body weight in cocktails and swimming it off?”

You laugh, nodding in semi-agreement. It’s not Monaco, you want to tell her. It’s because everybody’s going, even Max. “You’re right,” you say instead, making a show of being excited. 

It didn’t seem the slighest bit sane to be going on a non-work trip where Max was going to be around. Your first tryst, barely a month ago, before the grand prix in Abu Dhabi, had given way to three days straight of retiring to his room, foregoing afterparties, and then, after deciding to go to one, sneaking back off and fucking in his room after just an hour of dancing.

Max is just as insatiable as you are, and it scares you—because it took every ounce of resistance from you to sit him down and affirm the statement that the constant sex was a bad idea. Outside of his room, outside his bed, you two still maintained the same caustic relationship, but the sex became like clockwork, and you could tell it wasn’t the best idea.

“We need to stop the sex,” you’d said, setting it down firmly. “It’s—it’s getting in the way of work.” 

“It really isn’t. You still have no problem calling me out after races and then getting fucked less than an hour later,” he said.

“I’m serious, it is. And if not now, it will.”

He’d shrugged. “Fine.”

“It’ll be easy,” you’d said sharply. “For me, at least.”

It feels like cosmic karma, then, when you’re told by Lissie that Max’s room is beside yours.

—

Almost funnily, Max’s is the first face you see after you’ve settled in your hotel room. You see him first, and then notice he’s joined by Daniel and Lando, at the bar near the beach where everyone else in your little group is hanging out. You make eye contact that you tear away from instantly, willing yourself to ignore him.

Daniel notices you first when you show up to order yourself a drink. “Swam yet?”

“Nope,” you say. “Think I’ll join the girls and tan today.”

“Just glad you finally accepted the invite,” Daniel comments. “Lissie told me you almost bailed for some weird reason.”

Your eyes dart over to Max, who’s drinking whiskey. He’s already looking at you, gaze cutting. You clear your throat and look away. “I thought it wouldn’t be the best idea, but I’m about three drinks away from loving it here.”

The small talk continues, and you even get your drink, but eventually Daniel and Lando are too enticed by the sunset water, running off and yanking their shirts off on the way. You shuffle nervously on the barstool, just two seats apart from Max.

“You’re here the whole week?” He asks, not looking at you. 

“I am,” you say, leveling his tone of nonchalance.

He makes a noise of petty disapproval, leaning back. From where you sit, you get fleeting glimpses of how he looks, and it isn’t helping your vow of celibacy. He’s big, which, while you knew this, still sends a throb of arousal through you. The tight tee he wears does nothing to hide what’s underneath, and his arms give you the impression that he could just throw you onto a bed or slam you against a wall like it’s nothing.

(Two things you could personally attest to, but that’s besides the point.) You’ve only just begun to get used to not having sex with him, but you’re starting to think you should get on the next flight off, because the thoughts creeping into your head of his hands, his tongue—

A cry of your name grabs your attention, and you blink, turning your head. Farther up the beach, Lissie and Lily are waving their hands around, calling you. “Let’s swim!” Lissie orders. “Now!”

“Bit busy there, were you?” Max asks, smirking. 

“Don’t know what you’re talking about,” you say, downing the rest of your cocktail and jogging over to your friends. Absently, you hear him chirp another teasing remark behind you—hope you drown. The abrasive remark lets the remainder of your scandalous thoughts filter out for the time being. You’re positive, though, that they won’t be gone for the whole two weeks.

You stop in front of Lissie to undo the clip in your hair when Lily asks nonchalantly: “Why’s Max staring at your ass?”

“Lil, oh m—” You swat her playfully. “Don’t just say things like that!”

“Sorry! Jesus. It was a serious inquiry. Guy’s eyes are glued. Don’t you hate each other?”

You resist the urge to turn around and maybe get in a dig of your own, but clear your throat and shrug. “You’re hallucinating. I’m sure he’ll have some random girl in his hotel room later tonight, anyway.”

You don’t miss the way Lily’s face is still etched with lack of conviction, but you tug her toward the beach anyway, splashing around and playing frisbee with the Daniel, Charles, and Lando. At some point, talk of clubbing arises through the six of you, and at Lando’s insistence, you all agree to meet up somewhere to get hammered later. A warm Monegasque welcome, Charles had dubbed it. 

A sluice of nerves slide across you when you hear Charles relay the idea to Max, and the latter reply with a fuck yes count me in. 

You learn a few short hours later that Monaco lives up to its predestined reputation as a nightlife beast, greeting you with vigor and sophistication. You’d been here before, but mostly for work—the immense drinking, dancing, and occasional drug is still a novel experience. Evidently, though, the drivers have little trouble settling into it, accepting and ordering shots and extravagant bottles like they’re nothing.

You’re off work, you figure, and you have no concrete responsibilites tied you as of the moment, so why not join in? 

Lissie is drunkenly slurring something into your ear, about how some guy is flirting with her but he’s a 6 at best and maybe I should just make out with him to make him feel better hey wait maybe he’s an 8 actually no 9, maybe 9.5 max—no he’s a 10 I’m fucking him bye, and Lily is pissed, likely being taken care of by Alex.

Charles had upheld a promise to remain sober, but said nothing of bringing a girl home, which he’d successfully pulled off just twenty minutes ago. Lando’s obviously busy spinning the tunes at the DJ booth behind you, howling with excitement every time he plays something he likes. Which, you realize, leaves you with Daniel.

You fix the hem of your tiny dress, throwing back another shot. Your tolerance doesn’t allow for alcohol to permeate fast; it goes slowly, and never results in too much of a headache, thank the Lord. You’re pleasantly buzzed, but you want more courage, more gravitas. A timely wish, considering you haven’t quite learned how much of a party monster Daniel is.

He leans in closer. “I bet you three shots of vodka you’re not kissing someone tonight.”

“I’ll take the opposing side,” you say, laughing. “Nobody here is doing it for me.”

“A gentleman’s agreement!” He hollers, waving a passing waiter over and ordering shots for people to share.

Although you’re in a roped off area of the club, there are still people walking around and crowding the area, including a girl who’s seated on Daniel’s lap. She whispers something mumbled and low into his ear, and you roll your eyes at his equally flirty response, pinching her thigh and kissing her neck. 

He turns back to you after, like it’s a casual conversation. “How can nobody ‘do it for you’ in a Monaco nightclub, man?”

There’s a question you can answer, but woefully won’t. You change the subject instead, cupping two shots. “How about you and I just do three shots each?”

“Make it four,” he says challengingly. “And take a hit.”

“Already did, Danny,” you refute. You’d smoked half a joint before drinking anything, not wanting to get too caught up in the crossfade. You’re half sure somebody in the group took molly, but your mouth is zipped all the same. “Come on, four shots.”

“Up, up,” he pauses, thinking. “Two shots of Patron vodka—and two of Clase Azul.”

Agreeing, you search for the liquor on the lit-up table, throwing the vodka back with relative ease and then standing up to do the last two. You stumble when you place the glasses back on the table, shaking hands with Daniel and moving about to shake off the alcoholic taste in your mouth.

You pass by Lando, and he flips you off from his place at the DJ booth, but eventually you meander your way to the bar instead, wedging yourself into an empty alcove that only houses a storage room door. It’s quieter, and here you can start to feel the alcohol in your system. You lean back against the wall, and just as you wished, a guy eventually approaches you.

He’s cute(ish), tall(ish), and charming(ish), and even in your hazy mind he registers as passable and definitely way too drunk and overconfident to be approaching somebody as hot as you. His arm wraps around you, toys with the flimsy strap of the minidress you’d worn today. His accent is clearly touristy and American when he asks, “What, bored tonight?”

“Little bit,” you say lowly, leaning back and letting your lips curl up into a smile. “Nothing is really exciting.”

He hums drunkenly. “I could be exciting. Show you something exciting.”

“Oh, I’m sure,” you say, playing into him. “Tell me more.”

“I could tell you lots of things in my hotel room.” He smiles. “Don’t you want to have fun?”

“She’s had plenty, mate,” a voice unmistakably Dutch says, and pride wells up in you for having had your plan succeed so beautifully. You blink, reaching an arm out to gently push the guy out of the way—and meet eyes with the one behind him. Taller, broader, and evidently more sober than either of you, Max looks pissed (more than usual, at least.) “Piss off.”

“Christ, had I known she had a boyfriend, I wouldn’t’ve approached, man. Let’s all be calm.”

Max waves him off dismissively and approaches you, a glint of concern shadowing the irritance in his eyes. “This some kind of plan of yours?”

The alcohol has begun to rush through you. You’re hot, flushed all over, thinking of all the times you’d been in this position, purposely testing Max’s limits so he could test yours, albeit differently.  

“Dunno what you mean,” you say. Your gaze slips downward, to the big, rough hand wrapped around the glass of whiskey. You want them on you. Then they meet his again.

“Sure,” he says, unconvinced. “You’re having a lot of fun prancing around like you’ve no responsibilities.”

“Lighten up,” you insist boredly. “It’s called a vacation. It’s for letting loose.”

“Are you letting loose enough?” He asks, suggestive.

“Max.” You lean forward, and the movement lets him see more of your chest, or what your dress allows. He coughs. 

“No.” But despite himself, he’s leaning downward, too, his gaze stuck on your lips. “You told me yourself. It gets in the way of work.”

“This isn’t work,” you say, nerves hammering through you.

“Been looking after you all night, it might as well be.” His voice is cold and serious. He steps forward, effectively caging you against the wall with how bulky his frame is. “You need to be careful. I had to pry that asshole off of you.”

“What if…” You trail off, tilting your head back so you’re making searing, unbreaking eye contact. “That’s exactly what I wanted?”

You’re both frozen in place, staring up at him with the kind of coy you only get when you’re tipsy like this. Wide eyed, lip bitten, and dress riding up—this is exactly how Max likes you. Ready for him to wreck. One jerk of his knee in between your legs and you’re his. He considers other options: a light grip around your neck, or even just a hand on your waist would render you weak, too.

“You test me too much, Y/L/N.” You feel hazy from the way he says your name, in the way he always does—formal, professional, like you’re in the paddock interviewing him again. You can feel yourself growing wet. 

But you’d gotten yourself into this mess. You wore this dress, took those shots, let that guy flirt with you in hopes that Max would come over and give you his time of day. Deny as you might, you know deep down this is exactly what you were waiting for. You press a palm to his stomach, feeling the hard surface there, fisting it in his shirt. 

He grunts, lets his hand cover yours. “Schatz,” he says, guttural.

He lets your lips meet, but when you lean in for a proper kiss, he stands back up to his full height. One look in your eyes lets him realize you’re sufficiently sober, and he turns and walks away.

—

A volleyball hits your shoulder for the third time today.

Prior to that, it’d hit your forehead twice, putting an effective end to your beach volleyball winning streak. Beside you, Lando lets out a strangled cry of defeat.

“The volleyball legend is tapping out!” Daniel hoots from a nearby lawn chair, mimicking the racing commentators you’re all familiar with. 

“Piss off,” you say. “I’m off my game, too tired.”

You wave a dismissive hand to Lily and Alex and they flash thumbs up signs. You squeeze a bottle of water into your mouth, needing release from the thoughts plaguing your mind. The events of two nights ago weigh terribly heavy, annoyingly so, on your mind. 

Not Max himself, you argue. His voice. His touch. They’re so irresistible to you. The way he’d grunted out the pet name he reserved for sex, the way his hand was so much rougher, bigger than yours.

Absently, you wonder, if he hadn’t stopped it—what would’ve happened then? He must’ve been resisting his strongest demons to put an end to the flirting like that. Any other time, you think, it would’ve gone differently.

He’d crowd you against the wall, press hot, whiskey-flavored kisses to your neck. He’d drop his glass, uncaring if it shattered; he could pay for fifty of those and then some. You picture his big hands roughly feeling you up, pressing against your panties, asking if you wore them just for him. Mumbling about wanting to taste you, get on his knees and have your pussy right here, for his tongue only. You picture his fingers, nimble, yanking away the lace and pushing into your cunt, kissing your jaw, moving, moving, until you’re fully in an open-mouthed kiss, messy and dirty, just how he likes you. He’d say something mean. Do you enjoy being a slut, letting all these people watch me take care of you? You’d nod. It’s true, you do, humping his fingers and chasing release. You picture his dick, hard and thick, big like the rest of him, pressed against your bare thigh, and—

“Your gelato!” Lissie hollers crankily, waving a cone of coffee ice cream in front of you that’s begun to melt and stick to her fingers.

“Thinking of sum’in, mate?” Lando’s amused, sunglasses-clad face comes into view.

You flip him off and apologize to Lissie, attempting to enjoy your ice cream before you descend into a state of craziness. The beach day passes with additional moments of blank stares, though none to a worrying degree. Most of your friends chalk it up to you waking up late or spacing out thinking of work, thankfully. 

But, at least, you think. At least this just proves that you and Max can stick to your vow of celibacy. Right?

—

Max is never usually one to eavesdrop, but when he learned from Lily earlier in the week that your room was adjacent to his, he couldn’t help but become more conscious of it. Two days of silence, the occasional TV noise, and some stumbling provide nothing, so he’s since stopped paying attention. Between you two, you’re the one always out on the shore anyway, so there’s nothing much for him to listen to.

Tonight is different.

You don’t usually make noise—and he’s generally speaking here. You’re not a loud person. Even with the aid of a mic, your voice is composed, on the edge of quiet, during paddock reports. So why can he hear you so clearly now? The walls are a bit thin, sure, but something else contributes to it.

Something else, like maybe you’re doing all this on purpose.

The shuffling on the other side of the wall grows louder, then he hears your faint, breathy whimpers. He pauses, sitting a bit more upright on his bed, curiosity piqued, anticipates something else. Your whimpers grow louder, passing through the walls with relative ease. 

He could totally tune this out, maybe put on a movie, hell, leave the room for a late night walk or a drink somewhere.

But he’s rooted to his spot, listening intently, wanting to hear more of you. He hears it then, so breathy at first he almost doesn’t. Max.

Your moan. He blinks, feeling himself grow hard. Maybe he didn’t hear it right, but then he hears it again: Oh, Max. Please. Wanna, wanna— 

He palms at his dick through his sweats, swearing under his breath. You sound exactly like you do when you’re underneath him, two lithe hands wrapped around his wrist, begging for release, for his tongue, for his fingers. You’d been so sure, so high and mighty when you sat him down and demanded the sex stop, but here you are fucking yourself on your fingers, moaning his name.

Barely even ashamed, he tugs his dick out, already drooling with precum. He uses it to ease the glide of jerking off. Max, you say again, louder this time, higher. He remembers your conversation clearly, your solemn voice when you told him you couldn’t ever have sex again with the way it interfered with your jobs. The way you slid in a snide remark about how it’d be an easy challenge for you.

He can’t help but be amused, fucking his fist and listening to your moans, growing in volume as you near your climax. He wants to ask if your fingers are as good as his, as his tongue, his cock. He knows you’ll say yes but think the opposite. You’ve always grown so weak around him.

Gonna cum, he hears again. 

He pictures you writhing on your bed, eyes rolling back, fist half-bitten to try and silence yourself. Your thighs are probably shaking, brows knitted together, tongue lolling out—he jerks himself faster, panting, chest sweaty. It’s your last, loud moans that send him over the edge. 

I’m cumming, Maxie, fuck—! He swears under his breath, cum spurting out all over his fist. He catches his breath, pursing his lips, squeezing his eyes shut. Tries to purge himself of his thoughts of how you might look right now and retreats into his bathroom.

It doesn’t work.

—

Lando personal phone 30s ago

Lissie wants her own bacardi and could you get doritos too x

And a box of condoms pls mate xx

“One more Bacardi and a bag of Doritos,” you dictate boredly. Who knew a high profile, all expenses paid vacation in one of the richest countries in the world would still entail the mandatory grocery run? “…And condoms.”

Max turns from where he’d retrieved the rum, a brow raised in question. “Sorry?”

“Lando, not me,” you defend, holding two hands up. You two had been the unlucky pair who drew short straws and were thus stuck with a long list of niche items in an empty convenience store not far from your hotel. Outside, the sun’s already gone, leaving behind traces of orange in an otherwise dark sky. The group had decided to stay nearby and drink instead of going out tonight, since you’d all been at a club basically every other night anyway.

You review each of your baskets. “Seems like this is all,” you conclude, “except the condoms, which we’ll get at the counter.”

“Did Lando specify a… brand?” Max asks, pacing to the cashier. There are already some on display, with varying features and sizes. 

You recheck your phone. “Nope. Just get anything.”

“Alright, then.” Max picks up an XXL condom box and waves it around. “For Little Lando.”

Irritated, you roll your eyes. “Be reasonable, Max.”

“You said get anything!”

“You’re so annoying,” you fume. You catch sight of the cashier looking uncomfortable with the tension between you and Max and figure the situation needs to deescalate. “Okay. Fine. Whatever, just get something reasonable. Put that back.”

“I don’t know what you mean by ‘reasonable,’” he says teasingly, clearly trying to push your buttons.

“Just get a standard condom box.”

“What is a standard co—”

“Get the ones you normally use,” you say, realizing the words after they leave your mouth.

The cashier coughs.

Shrugging, Max grabs the familiar box off the shelf and tosses it, emptying both your baskets right after. His face is amused when he turns and you see him again, but you’re both wordless while the payment goes through and you exit together. The car ride back to the hotel is quiet, stuffy, and tense, your arms crossed over your chest and Max’s occupied with both of the plastic bags.

“I’m surprised you remember what condoms I use.” He says with a smug smile when you’re both in the elevator. He’s parked his car on the basement floor, so you need to get to the lobby. You watch the lights signify what floor you’re on, waiting desperately for the ground floor button to glow yellow.

Still annoyed, you humor him despite yourself. “Why’s that?”

It dings yellow right as he responds. “You’re always begging for me to cum inside you, anyway.” 

The doors open but neither of you move. Max watches you grow flustered and take a deep breath. “You’re a sicko,” you declare, walking out. He follows you with a laugh, knowing he’s right.

You meet the group outside the lobby, where they’re already piling onto a yacht, big enough for everyone. It’s ridiculously huge and expensive-looking, bobbing softly by the dark water. Charles emerges from the upper tier and waves to you and Max with a goofy grin.  

After you help spread and deposit the groceries on the table, you walk around, finally detaching yourself from Max’s side. Eventually drinks ebb around the group, shots and crude cocktails that are fed to you like water. Buzzed with warmth and courage, you move to the back of the boat where there’s a ladder to swim, grunting when you find Max already there.

You clench your cocktail. “What’re you doing?”

“Preparing to swim, what’s it look like?”

“Oh.” You pause. “I didn’t know you could swim.”

You down the rest of your drink, leaning against the side of the boat and watching as he sheds his shirt and jumps into the ocean. Some of the water splashes onto you, and it’s cold, sending goosebumps throughout your body. He surfaces, hair darkened from being wet and smile dopey. A few strands of hair stick up. 

“Wanna join?”

“Over my dead body,” you say, taking a seat and dripping your legs instead. 

“The water’s nice.”

“It’s frigid,” you counter. “You should be wearing a snowsuit, dumbass.”

“How mean,” he says, diving underneath and surfacing again. “You’re too chicken, is all.”

Emboldened, by the buzz of alcohol maybe, the music, or—most likely of all—Max’s teasing, you nod. “Chicken?”

You get up, legs dripping, and pull your shorts down, tugging your tiny tank top off right after. You’re left in your bathing suit, and watch as Max’s eyes lock onto your tits, spilling out of your bikini top. His gaze is slow on you, like it’s his first time seeing you like this.

You step onto the cool ladder to avoid jumping, your back turned to Max’s as you feel more and more of your body submerge into the freezing water. You turn, taking a seat on one of the rungs. Max swims toward you, wiping a hand over his face. 

“Not a chicken. But I’m not going any lower,” you say firmly, in the water from the waist down. “It’s too cold.” 

“I’m fine having you like this,” he says lowly, his voice thick with desire. He cages you in, two big hands on either side of the ladder. For leverage, your legs wrap around him. You’re so close together. After days, weeks, of resisting.

You release a shaky breath, staring at him, his shoulders, his hands.

“How’s your vacation been?” He asks, lips near your ear.

“Fine,” you say. “Fun.”

“Bring anyone to your room?” You shake your head; he persists. “So you’ve had no luck there, then?” 

“None at all,” you say blatantly.

“S’that why you’ve been…” A hand leaves the ladder to squeeze your thigh. “Moaning my name while fucking yourself?”

Your eyes widen, blinking, undeniably caught. You open your mouth to formulate a defense but you can’t. “What are you talking about?”

“Aw, don’t be shy, schatz. You were the one who kept insisting we swear off sex, but I think you’re starting to miss me.”

He presses two fingers to the crotch of your bottoms, rubbing softly. It’s enough to let you whimper. “Max—”

“You keep prancing around in tiny bikinis, skirts, tops. Is it on purpose, hmm? I can’t stop thinking about claiming you. On my bed, my balcony, over any surface.”

He quickens his fingers, and you whine. It feels so good, reminiscent of how wicked he is in bed. You picture it—being bent over the side of the boat, his hands big on your waist, cock sliding in and out of you.

“Feels s’good, Max,” you breathe.

“Does it?” He asks, egging you on. You nod, gripping his wrist—your hand’s still circled around it when he yanks it away.

“But remember what you told me? Before the break?”

“I—fuck,” you mutter, frustrated. “Please.”

“They were your words, not mine, schatz,” he says, easygoing as he dives back underwater, leaving you alone and sexually frustrated. You curse lowly. It’s going to be a long rest-of-the-week.

[hannahbarberra162]

Can't Fix Fix A Broken Heart - Ch. 4

Now on Ao3

Chapter 3 Chapter 5 All chapters

Chapter 4 - Flight No Fight

Ace is deffo a little freak you can’t tell me otherwise. NSFW mentions, nothing explicit. MDNI, 18+.

____________________________________________________________

“Come with us,” Thatch said to you in a low voice as he momentarily stopped rubbing your back. You didn’t respond. He was just saying that - the offer wasn’t real. No one was coming to save you, you’re still on your own as always.

“Hey,” he reached forward and held your chin in between his thumb and index finger. He pivoted your head up so you were looking at him. Your eyes were red and puffy, cheeks covered in drying tears. “There you are,” he said smiling at you, “listen, come with us, Y/N. We can bring you back to the Moby Dick, you’ll be safe with us. We can protect you and you can figure out your next steps from there.”

You sniffled and searched his face with your eyes. Maybe…he was being sincere? But you were already shooting down the idea in your head.

“Everyone knows Whitebeard doesn’t have women on his ship. And besides, I can’t fight. At all. So I would just be a liability.” You tried to pull your face back from his hand.

Thatch frowned at you but held on firmly. “It’s true there aren’t many women on the Moby, but there are some. You wouldn’t be the only one. And it’s ok if you can’t fight. There are plenty of us who can protect you. I mean, we wouldn’t be a good Yonko crew if we couldn’t defend one little lady, right?”

You kept looking into his face and started to think about the possibilities of going with the Whitebeard Pirates. It was appealing to think of having people who were willing to help, but it was tempered by thoughts of being on a ship again, being around so many unknown people, and having to start from scratch. Again.

 You never wanted to set sail ever again, but it seemed fate had forced your hand. Besides, what other course of action could you take? You couldn’t stay on the island - the same island where you landed after the wreck. People knew you here and it wouldn’t be long before bounty hunters showed up looking for you. You didn’t have enough money to secure a safe voyage to another island, you didn’t have anyone waiting for you anywhere else…you really didn’t have many options.

Maybe Thatch could see indecision flickering through your features because he let go of your chin, cupped your cheek and said “Let’s go tell the others. I can’t wait to introduce you to Oyaji.” You were surprised at his quick turn about - you hadn’t actually agreed to anything yet. Just because it was your best option didn’t mean it was the only option. 

“Um, wait. I just want -” But you didn’t have time to voice any objections before he took your hands in his and hauled you to your feet. You squeaked a little when he put his hand on the small of your back, using it to guide you back down the alley to the bar. 

Standing in the doorway of the bar, hushed voices stopped talking and looked at you and Thatch. Obviously you had been the topic of conversation, the thought of which made you feel embarrassed. Thatch gently pushed you towards the group, following immediately behind you. He kept his hand on your back even after you stopped walking. For some reason, the thought popped into your head that you wouldn’t be able to run away with him right behind you blocking your path. But you quickly dismissed it - they were going to help you, not hurt you. You didn’t need to run anywhere.

“I think I have to leave the island,” you said, addressing the Brothers.

Unsurprisingly, they just grunted. In unison. One of the quirks you would miss about them. Oldest, who had already started drinking, set his mug on the bar top. As the designated talker, he expressed what they had all been talking about. 

“Go with the pirates, girl. They’ll help ya.” Thatch had already come to the same conclusion, but it felt different hearing it from Oldest. Things were moving too quickly - you didn’t know how to slow everything down so you could process. You just wanted everything to stop for five minutes so you could gather yourself. You felt like you were in a frenzy and that  decisions were being taken out of your control. But even so you weren’t sure if you’d get another opportunity like this one - and you couldn’t end up back on that Marine ship. 

“Go git yer stuff, they’re leaving soon,” Oldest said, jerking his thumb towards the apartment. Even though you thought you were all cried out, fresh tears sprang to your eyes. You had grown attached to the Brothers - the first people in a long time to show you kindness. They had fed, clothed, and housed you at your absolute lowest. They never asked you any questions or made you feel uncomfortable. They treated you like you were a normal person, not someone to be used and discarded. They really were like older brothers who were looking out for you.

“O-ok” you stuttered slightly. You turned around and started walking to the entrance to the upstairs apartment. You heard Ace say “wait, hold up,” and come up behind you. You didn’t seem him reach out to touch the back of your arm lightly to get your attention. It made you flinch and yank your arm forward. “I’ll help you get your things, keep you company” he said, beaming a radiant smile at you. 

Ace’s POV

See, this is one of the reasons why he liked his siblings so much. They were all on the same wavelength. He didn’t need to tell them in words that you belonged with them on the ship. Thatch had obviously drawn you into the same conclusion and gotten you to agree. Now that you were getting used to the idea of joining them, all they had to do was get you off the island before you could second guess yourself. Then they could take as long as they needed to help you acclimate - after all, you wouldn’t be going anywhere. They could keep you - safe, protected, and far away from whatever had hurt you.

He needed to keep you close. He had been drawn to you since your very first interaction that morning - like a moth to a flame. You were absolutely gorgeous, but that’s not what he found irresistible about you. It was that you cared. You cared that he had slept in that garbage, you cared that he had a headache, you cared enough to let him into your apartment.

Which, by the way, was a total disappointment. He had spent some minutes looking for your panties and only came up with a single clean pair. He couldn’t take those since if you only had two, you’d surely miss the second pair. He’d used your shower, pleasuring himself to the thought of you naked in the same space. He thought that your shampoo would carry that incredible scent that he smelled on you - but everything you had was unscented. That vibrant, delicious smell was just you.

He knew he was getting attached quickly, but he didn’t care. He had spent a childhood of loneliness, yearning for someone to take care of him. Most people hated his guts for reasons beyond his control. But you - you cared about Ace because of your good nature and kind disposition. Marco had told him how you had tried to protect him - not sharing if he was present when they were looking for him.. You could love someone like him, which made you all the rarer.

He watched you gather your meager belongings into a small sack. You took out another long sleeved shirt, another pair of pants, and a scarf. You then started taking different tools out of a desk drawer and carefully wrapping them into the clothes. He wasn’t sure exactly what they were for, they looked like craft tools of some kind.

“Hey, what are those?”

“Hmm?” you said, picking up your head. You were immersed in your thoughts and he wanted to direct your attention back to the present. He loved talking with you and wanted to hear more of your voice. “Oh, these are circular cutters. Over here is a seam ripper, and my fabric scissors.”

“We have scissors on the Moby, you know. And besides, can’t you just y’know… fix everything?” he said, waving his hands in a magical-esque type of movement.

Despite everything that had happened, he was able to make you laugh, something he took pride in. “I mean, yeah, I can fix things,” you replied light heartedly.  “But these are my tools for making things. Before everything happened, I was a clothes maker. I can fix anything with my power but it doesn’t work on things that haven’t been created or made yet, if that makes sense. I’ve been spending the money I earn on buying tools like these. I was hoping to get back to making clothes.”

He sat back on his heels, thinking more about what you said. Everything about you was so valuable and useful. Every time you told him another personal detail he felt himself more invested in protecting you. And, he really hadn’t been kidding about the pipes. Another benefit to having you on the Moby would be that he never had to go into another crawlspace to repair a leaky pipe. You could bring so much to any crew, he was glad you were coming to his. Oyaji would love you too, he was sure of it.

It only took you a few more minutes to gather all your belongings. You took one last look around the apartment, scanning for anything you might have missed. Ace walked up next to you, threw his arm over your shoulders and said “I think that’s everything. Let’s hit it.” He noticed you still flinched when he touched you - but he’d gentled animals before and he couldn’t imagine you’d be much different.

[mnemo-sick]

Chromedome, for the send me a character ask? ;)

thank you rushing-waters!!!

(this is probably obvious but many spoilers incoming)

First impression

"wow, the artists really are pushing the proportions on these character designs, huh?" -my thoughts when reading for the first time

no seriously his waist is smaller than his head. why do you have a waist so small? for other bots to grab? (yes) (five husbands)

actually seriously tho mtmte was such an intricate fast-paced colorful blur on the first read that I didn't really notice him in particular until issues #14-#16 where I uh. started paying attention. for obvious reasons.

Impression now

whiny self-deprecating loser sadboy who I love with all my heart and soul

no on subsequent reads I definitely started liking him even more. the happiest scenes are when he's fully just some guy, like in the bar talking with swerve about nightmare fuel or trying to guess people from their transformation noises. he's also really good at his job!! (not just mnemosurgery, but forensics in general!) and sorry rodimus, but I would invite him along just for his dry wit.

Favorite moment

I thought for a long time about this one and I think there's just too many to choose from. but if I had to give one off the dome, (ha), maybe that little moment at the beginning of the time travel arc where he's talking to rewind and defending brainstorm. because yeah! he's his friend! and he likes to think he's good at reading people.

Idea for a story

hm. maybe a post canon / au situation where they're still on the lost light and he joins a dedicated forensics team. because I think it would be good for him to feel useful after giving up mnemosurgery

Unpopular opinion

maybe not unpopular. but his holomatter avatar would not look like that. maybe it's just the 2014-ness of it but it just rubs me the wrong way. I don't know exactly what itd be. maybe long blonde stoner hair. I'm thinking he's still masc. idk. he just needs to look pathetic. sadder

Favorite relationship

I could say rewind or brainstorm, but I'm gonna go the other direction. I'm gonna say rodimus. because rewind is right, he is an enabler. actually it's worse than that, since rodimus is not just enabling self destructive behavior but actively initiating it. ordering it, even, as much as anyone on the LL really needs to listen to his orders. (sorry roddy buddy.)

no but I think about this so much. because we remember a few times in canon where rodimus orders a crew member to shoot another. and it's often the same pattern: "shoot them!" "do I shoot to kill?" "yes!" "uh... are you sure??" "okay just incapacitate them." and in these cases rodimus is asking a crew member to harm (or kill) a crew member.

but with CD, rodimus is asking him to hurt himself for the betterment of the crew. usually for the reason that having the information in a dead or unconscious person's head might tilt the balance toward their survival. so in these times, when rodimus says "hurt somebody! (yourself)" there's nobody to say "are you sure?"

(granted, CD does usually say something like "this could kill me" but I don't count it because he's bent on self destruction and he's already got his needles out. I'm sure rodimus brushes it off as that "dry wit.")

Favorite headcanon

idk where this one came from. I think it's a pretty common fanon interpretation. but I love love love the idea that brainstorm made CD's needles. the drama. the angst. I live for it. it just makes sense too! they're both incredibly skilled in their fields and I think having them overlap in this way is incredibly satisfying. (heartbreaking. gut-wrenching.)

[wellntruly]

M*A*S*H - Season 4, misc. notes

Burying a lot of um, my feelings, in the notes section, lately. I do have this thing sometimes with a TV show where we go through a change, and it’s like taking away the way something was lands a hammer blow on a whole mass of unexpressed feelings I’d built up about it, and finally shatters them into SOME WORDS. That post that’s like, being wine drunk is like, I am ready to write back now. I am ready to write back now.

Episode write-ups here, this here:

— — —

10 points to whoever had the idea that Hawkeye would be fully clothed and sopping wet, literally standing there like a cat in the rain, at the moment he learns Trapper is gone.

Oh so he just said, Radar—kiss him for me. Oh my god Hawk I’d be fraying at the seams. WHAT’S BETTER, that there was something more between them, hidden in plain sight under the most unhinged cover of all time, Everyone Already Expects Us To Act Like This, or that there wasn’t yet, that this will be it, a swift peck from Radar on your cheek and something you'll wonder forever. Whew I don’t know!

Wait, this man’s name is literally BJ Hunnicutt? Wow. 10 points again.

BJ, mildly, being shot at: “I think I hate this.” Me, mildly, heart warming: “You’re gonna be great.”

Uh oh. This relaysh is gonna be a different kind of….oh this is gonna fuck me up in new ways.

He’s in no way doing this on purpose, which I think is fascinating in itself actually, for what it seems to say about the environment of war and sort of like, what your heart might do to survive, but the barrage of impressions and sensations Hawkeye hits BJ with in his first few hours in Korea could practically not be better designed for BJ to go zero to 60 in an afternoon on feeling wildly intimate with him. To the point that when we revisit the scene of Frank being like I will mold him!, you’re just like oh honey, he is already lost to you!

Here is what BJ Hunnicutt encountered, in sequence, upon stepping foot onto Korea:

a kind of handsomely bedraggled lanky fellow doctor in frayed fatigues tossing off glib one-liners while still visibly smarting from having just had his best friend unceremoniously torn from his side

within ten minutes, he has bundled you into a bar and quipped he’ll only get married once someone gets him pregnant, drunk two scotch & waters, revealed he’s just lost his commander officer too, lied to a colonel, said he was a vampire, and stolen a jeep

you rattle off down the road with this little corporal behind the wheel

with no rehearsal or briefing, you perform an improv scene with him and the corporal in what you gather to be Act 2 of an ongoing short play called Befuddled the Military Police Sentry

you careen to a stop and try to save two farm girls from a minefield

you careen to a stop again, and change a tire together while being shot at

you careen to a stop a third time amid a small unit of soldiers, this time while being shelled

you practice battlefield medicine next to him for the first time in your life, get sick, and he steadies your waist and forehead as you heave into the dry grass

he bundles you off into a second bar, sits there like an unbothered anchor of blackened comic calm as a chaotic scuffle rolls around you, makes the existential toast, “Ours is not to question why, ours is not to let ‘em die,” and gets you absolutely clobbered on sake and beer

you fall back into the jeep together and he laughingly gathers you into his lap

you are In Love

this man has just been directly involved in 50 feelings you’ve never felt before, not all of them good!, but damn if they aren’t powerful

Ferret Face doesn’t stand a chance

They keep saying it’s 1952. Buddy, it was 1952 years ago.

How do they keep managing to find boyfriends taller than Alan Alda, 6 foot 2

Alright, a) of all I just said aloud to my computer “Give me…celeb heights dot com,” insane behavior, but can report that the wonderful obsessives of that online community cannot get over ragging him on his “loose” “slouchy” and “atrocious” posture, but do think Alda truly was 6’2” at his peak and just inexplicably surrounded by three different 6’3+’s over the run of M*A*S*H. Incredible. Meanwhile the corporals are all like, my dad’s size. What was going on over there.

Wait, REALLY?! His nickname is Radar because he has premonitions?? I thought it was just because of his crackerjack hearing with the choppers! WAIT SHIT I’m just realizing: HOW HE ALWAYS KNOW WHAT HIS COLONEL WANTS TO SAY. OH fuck oh fuck oh fuck I did not know this was all RELATED, oh thank you for this wow.

[Breathing out] Hooooo, Hawkeye & BJ’s relationship is so different… There’s both more need and more tentativeness there, from Hawk. Which fiiiiiguuures. And BJ, god BJ… So drawn to him and so careful. Recognizing something in the hanging air in their tent, this ghost whose bed he lies in, lying awake staring at the canvas ceiling and wondering if he did the same, if he listened to his sleeping breathing just like this. Haha dang, sorry sorry

No wait not done no wait no wait— Who has the old photos to show BJ. Pointing out Henry Blake in a group shot, and then going, "[Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy voice] Ah, here they are—the inseparables :),” and handing him one of Trapper & Hawkeye laughing in each other's arms.

Potter: “Whoa, at ease, son, at ease.” Radar: “Thank you sir, maybe later.” Hawkeye & BJ, tumbling in: “Colonel, about the sniping—” Potter: “We’re doing all we can, I’m working at my desk and Radar is scared.” Uhm I love him

Unclear chicken or the egg situation here but Larry Linville’s performance has become basically just a caricature of himself and I am suff-er-ing. Frank used to at least be kinda fun awful!

I simply cannot see a way how the directorial adage “never work with animals or children” is not related to how we just got two Alda directed episodes in a row, with: animals and children, respectively. Did he not know. Did they know he didn’t know. Or, is this him being like, I Will Prove…!

BEEJ. Beej?? Well let’s see if that sticks.

Father Mulcahy just having a genuine theology discussion about Judas with the man calling himself Jesus Christ, bless

One thing I think is intriguing is how much Sid clearly loves Hawkeye. His ideal patient. Hawkeye is so verbal and presentational that he’d come up with the most interesting ways to describe what’s wrong that Sid’s ever heard, and then he’ll get to try to help. Honestly, I look at Sidney Freedman and I think, there’s our off-ramp. Someday, you two are gonna have to have a talk.

“Ah, this mad gay nightlife.” Yeah..

Wait a second. BJ’s wife’s name is….Peg? sensible_chuckle.gif, 20 points

BJ just grinning at Radar in only the most slightly and cutely wolfish way and going “You could have been my wife :),” yell. Y’know the question was always there whether BJ was flirting with men just as a way to bond with Hawkeye, Flirts With Men, but he’s not even there to appreciate this, this is really just you being you, huh. Wonderful. We got another one.

(God okay—Hawkeye writing these weird letters to Trapper that he never responds to but he keeps sending them, just like a one-sided conversation, like after a triple shift in surgery and Trapper would be lying on his bed too exhausted to speak and Hawkeye lying next to him too exhausted to stop, and Trapper’s home with his wife & kids and reading these diaristic stream-of-conscious scrawls with these stray lines like “the thing about BJ—I think he’s one of us,” and feeling five kinds of strange & nervy, bouncing his leg with the worn postcard in the pocket that he wrote on the plane and hasn’t sent that just says, “Did Radar deliver my message”)

BJ’s dog is named Waggle Hunnicutt

Madly in love with the reveal that Klinger is canonically Lebanese. Yossarian energy doubling.

“Thank you Radar, that tomato juice was the oyster’s ice skates.” Excuse me Sherman

The sexual harassment…effervescent.

Oh now we’re speaking Arabic!!

Potter: “He even made Klinger cry.” BJ: “The cad.” Potter: “Told him his platform shoes made him look like a tramp.” Everyone: [clicks disapprovingly]

Oho! Timeline klaxon! By episode 18 of season 4, Potter has been there “a few months.” Hawkeye has meanwhile been there “a hundred years.” Very good meta joke here.

Frank just called BJ a “dizzy simp.” Wow that kinda crushes actually.

I know why someone just honks outside, but I’ll show up on set for free to let you know that Hawkeye stumbles out of that farmhouse to see yes, Radar behind the wheel of a jeep, and gathering his bag out of the backseat: BJ. And then it just goes:

Hawkeye: “Well aren’t you a sight for sore head.” BJ, moving toward his jaw gently: “Ah. You got yourself knocked up pretty good, huh.” Hawkeye, toss at 25% usual strength: “And I’m pregnant??” BJ, half-distractedly murmuring as he starts peering at his eyes: “Well, give us time.” Hawkeye: [startled pleased dazey grin, quieting as BJ begins to carefully feel his fingers through his hair] BJ: [saves that right temple for last] Hawkeye: [it hurts] But, BJ, smiling: “Good news: you aren’t half-cracked.” Hawkeye: “Try telling that to them.”

And then we fini.

“Maybe Oedipus wrecked it for me” is A PUN SO GOOD

I can't even get into all the ‘Amok Time’ level cause & effect shenanigans in this episode

Alda and Farrell as these desperate pleading weaklings in Frank’s version of the Rashomom are killing me. I'm still giggling. “We can’t do it, Frank!”

BABYFACE. Wow I sure would like to see if that one sticks, Beej. Hah oh my god if I get to call them Beej & Babyface I’m gonna lose my mind.

I gotta say, I gotta say: spending more money on action and extras to track someone getting injured, treated at an aid station, loaded onto a chopper, and then brought into the MASH unit, was worth it. That hits.

Somehow just occurred to me Radar seeming so much younger and softer could be a direct result of his father figure being killed.

Wow this is a whole new key for you, Benjamin Franklin Pierce!

This new nurse: “What does BJ stand for?” Hawkeye: “Praaactically anything.” What’s fun is this is a joke about blow jobs and also his convictions. And also I STILL DON’T KNOW IF THIS IS BENJAMIN AND BENJAMIN.

I love her vocal fry. It’s so hot, I don't know!

Actually swear I had the thought recently, what if they ever did a sort of Demme close up? Would I die? Thanks for seeing me, M*A*S*H

Season Viewguides

These

[tlgtw]

-- Calderas? --

Here's something I've been chewing on for fun:

The presence of basalt in and around the Altus Plateau depicts, specifically, that it was made by a volcano. Mt Gelmir is way too small and way too young of course, to be the one responsible for having formed the region of Altus. So where's this volcano that did make it?

How conspicuous…! That huge crater-ous lake we find the city of Leyndell built inside of! Built out from, in fact. As the path before the Forbidden Lands shows us, along with the Divine Bridge, the outermost buildings of Leyndell are all partly built underwater! (Notably excluding all the buildings already on raised dry ground around the lake's center--what would perhaps be a caldera's 'resurgent dome' in this scenario--supporting mostly the wealthier gold-roofed districts of Leyndell, specifically. All of which, made of stone as they are, surviving far less-charred than the various wooden structures burnt up by Gransax's attack, for whom only their overcooked frames remain. Perhaps all of these buildings were simply lucky enough to have been on stable ground. Unlike, perhaps, where every building we don't see was built upon. Between the some-40% of Leyndell's surviving structures that we play through and the giant sealed door from the inner wall, now mere empty space above the lake, and so on.)

And the appearance of those mountainsides to Leyndell's north, east, and south.

…

If, then, Leyndell is in-fact built in the caldera of this 'Altus Volcano,' what could that make the long vertical passage leading to the Frenzied Flame Proscription, the very bottom of the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds? What would that make the area known as the Deeproot Depths, where the Nox had built their now-nameless Eternal City 1!? Or the Siofra and Ainsel rivers that descend from it, where the Nox later built the twin Eternal Cities of Nokron and Nostella…!?

The mural above the Erdtree's door, past the Elden Throne, depicts the Erdtree and the Elden Ring in sequence as if they all make up the body of some kind of arrow. The question wavers as to what exact in-universe object or concept this 'arrow design' is supposed to be narratively representing: The shooting star referenced in the Elden Stars incantation? A weapon of war to symbolize the Golden Order's invasion?

I think, though, that a better question is this: What, or where, is this 'arrow' supposed to have pierced?

After all, if there really was a massive volcano like this, to have carved out the underground rivers, and built the Altus Plateau, what's made it extinct? Ordinary tectonics, from millions of years ago? Or something 'outside,' far more recent!?

It's really something to glare at, I find.

I talk about this in more detail along with a few other things in one part of the upcoming Episode 2 for ERwSET.

And at this point, barring any kind of disaster happening, I can guarantee 100% that it will be out before the beginning of May. I will admit to hoping--I'm not crazy enough to say 'expect' just yet--that it will instead be out long before that day. But "before the beginning of May" I think I can now say is absolute. (Donate to my OF so I can afford to make it faster!!)

At the very least, Episode 2's production is progressing very very well. And is shaping up, I reckon, to have an actual chance at really blowing some people's heads off upon release. I hope it isn't just my imagination, but time will tell in time.

In any case, I've decided on bringing special attention to this idea now on account of us finally having a name for Elden Ring's DLC. With a title like "Shadow of the Erdtree," I think, we'll now have some damn-decent odds at finding out about the Lands Between's earlier days, and the actual genesis of this organism, the 'Erdtree,' itself.

It's all very very exciting.

I'll Be Yours, T-L-G-T-W

[signalwatch]

Neo-Noir Watch: The Last Seduction (1994)

Watched:  05/06/2023

Format:  Criterion

Viewing:  First

Director:  John Dahl

Well, at long last I got around to The Last Seduction (1994).  

I can see how well-meaning dopes would have cast Fiorentino in Jade on the heels of this movie, possibly trying to borrow some of the heat she brings to this film, but the two movies are worlds apart, and one is a 90's indie darling playing to a punchline, and the other is a shiny studio movie that feels like a hastily jotted-off airport-book thriller.  

The Last Seduction reads more like a Goodis novel or Jim Thompson book, with low-level crooks twisting and turning over each other and innocence is a commodity of dubious value.  Fiorentino plays a con who encourages her husband (Bill Pullman) to take part in a risky drug deal, earning a huge amount of cash.  After a bitter argument in which Pullman slaps Fiorentino, when he goes to shower, she takes the money and runs.  

Headed for Chicago, Fiorentino stops off in a small town in upstate New York, where her attorney advises her to lay-low while she runs a divorce through.  She picks up Peter Berg in a bar (who believes he's picking her up).  Berg has recently returned from Buffalo, where things didn't work out.  He's a bit bummed as he thought he was the guy who was going to get out of this one-horse town.  Now he's met someone from NYC who seems like his ticket out.

Fiorentino schemes.  A lot.  

This film was Fiorentino's big breakout and - looking at IMDB - her career peak as far as notices went.  She'd appear in films for another 15 years or so, before retiring from in front of the camera.  Berg would go on to be a highly successful producer and director, and I'd frankly forgotten he was a successful actor.

SPOILERS

It's certainly an interesting film and a great piece to study regarding "where were we in the 1990's vis-a-vis women in film?".  The movie requires a certain level of belief by the audience that Fiorentino's character isn't doing the things she's obviously doing because no one (read: women) could be capable of those things, and the audience expects that movies end with the two leads falling in love.  It's all unspoken, but it's there.  Otherwise, I'm not quite sure what we're looking at.  In any case, it's largely a movie about a very dumb guy who doesn't know he's dumb being led around by his nose by a very good looking, very mean woman (which, fair enough).  In this way, it's definitely a neo-noir - with the femme fatale pushed front and center.

That said, it felt sort of clunky watching the movie in 2023.  There's no subtlety or nuance.  There's no mystery of what Fiorentino is up to, so it's just watching Berg be a dope for 2 hours.  Which, honestly, I remember being a thing in the 1990's as being pushed to audiences so movies would work, but no specific examples leap to mind.  To highlight one character, we were fine with another character just falling all over themselves.  

But at no time do you think "well, maybe she is really falling for this guy" or "I bet he flips the script on her".  Instead, it's just watching our femme fatale go about her scheming, hoping things work out, and, indeed, it does.  The "twist" at the end is that Berg realizes how thoroughly he'd been set-up, but that's also something we see at every move.  It's more a list of "oh, yeah, I guess that did happen" than "ha HA!  Wow, what a twist!" at the end of the film.

This is not Body Heat.  By design.  We know Fiorentino is a sociopath from jump.  So...  I'm not sure, exactly, what her arc is other than "she does many things people do not expect".  Which is a story of sorts, but I'm not sure what the takeaway is other than not to be a small-town loser who gets big ideas?

I mean, the movie feels like a comedy in many ways, with that last scene the punchline.  But it's a long walk to get there.  I see Ebert in reviews referring to Fiorentino's performance as dry-humor, and that's right.  But I don't see anyone referring to the film as a dark comedy, which it mostly feels like it is.  To me.  But I don't know how else to read how dopey Peter Berg is in the film.

That said, released in the mid-90's, we hadn't seen many women's roles that would have allowed for this sort of thing since the post-WWII heyday of noir.  And we wouldn't have paired it with overt sexuality during that window, just the deeply implied sexual whiles of the femme fatale (see: any of the big name noir films from Double Indemnity to Out of the Past).  But we knew those women were trouble, but we weren't sure how.  This movie has no secrets or mysteries other than what happened in Buffalo, which, when told, is...  silly?  Unbuyable?

I largely liked the film, with some significant caveats.  It feels like it lifts the "ABC" scene from Glengarry Glenn Ross for it's opening, and the twist reveal of what happened in Buffalo from The Crying Game, both of which would have been on the minds of movie-goers two years after they came out, and then made it into homes via cable and VHS.  

The challenge of noir is that:  there's a lot of it, and it does a lot of the same thing.  So you're going to draw down comparison by existing.  And you're never created or being viewed in a vaccuum.

There's no question that Fiorentino is great.  She is.  And I'd argue that Peter Berg gives it his all.  Bill Nunn as the private eye is good, and Bill Pullman is Bill Pullman.  The movie leans into the "erotic" bit of "erotic thriller" with an eye less to sexiness and more to grinding, angry sex, but there's no question about the seductiveness of the proceedings. 

I know I'm picking at the movie but (a) welcome to this site, and I have bad news for you, and (b) I actually mostly liked the film.  I'm just surprised less that it has the reputation it got in 1994, but that it seems like this movie bubbles up a lot in conversation, that this movie is still as relevant now as then.  What I think is that it helped lay the groundwork for what you could do with women in film and television, and Fiorentino just surprised the hell out of everyone.  But I'm not sure it holds up as noir, thriller, mystery, etc... all that well.  I do think it holds up as a vantablack comedy of sorts, if you expect to never really laugh.  And that's a feature, not a bug.  

Apparently there's a Last Seduction II (which, technically, makes this film The Second to Last Seduction) which has none of the original cast and has a 0% on Rotten Tomatoes and now I am deadly curious.

https://ift.tt/du782Ve

from The Signal Watch https://ift.tt/oTnQ5F4

[barriebasementreno]

From Drab to Fab: Inspiring Basement Renovations in Midhurst

Basement renovations are a fantastic way to transform an underutilized space into a vibrant and functional area in your home. A picturesque community known for its charming homes and natural beauty, basement renovations in Midhurst are increasingly popular among homeowners seeking to maximize their living space. Whether you're envisioning a cozy family retreat, a stylish entertainment zone, or a functional home office, here’s how you can turn your basement from drab to fab with inspiring renovation ideas.

1. Assessing Your Space: The First Step in Renovation

Before diving into the renovation process, it's essential to assess your basement's current state. Evaluate the following:

Structural Integrity: Check for any signs of moisture issues, cracks, or damage. Addressing these concerns early ensures a solid foundation for your renovation.

Layout and Design: Consider the layout of your basement. Think about how you want to utilize the space and how it will integrate with the rest of your home.

Utilities: Assess the placement of utilities such as plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC systems. Proper planning will help you avoid obstacles during the renovation.

2. Design Ideas to Transform Your Midhurst Basement

a. Cozy Family Room

Transform your basement into a cozy family room where you can relax and entertain. Consider the following elements:

Comfortable Seating: Invest in plush sofas and armchairs. Add throw pillows and blankets for a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Entertainment Features: Include a large screen TV, a sound system, and perhaps a game area with a pool table or foosball.

Lighting: Use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a comfortable and functional space. Recessed lighting and floor lamps can enhance the ambiance.

b. Stylish Home Office

With remote work becoming more common, a home office is a practical addition to any basement renovation:

Functional Furniture: Choose a sturdy desk and ergonomic chair. Include ample storage with shelves and filing cabinets.

Natural Light: Maximize any natural light by adding large windows or glass doors. If natural light is limited, invest in good quality artificial lighting.

Inspiring Decor: Personalize your space with artwork, plants, and color schemes that motivate and inspire productivity.

c. Luxurious Guest Suite

Create a welcoming guest suite that offers comfort and privacy:

Comfortable Bedding: Invest in a high-quality mattress and bedding to ensure a restful stay for your guests.

En Suite Bathroom: If space allows, include a small bathroom for added convenience.

Cozy Atmosphere: Use soft colors, warm lighting, and decorative touches like artwork and rugs to create a relaxing retreat.

d. Entertainment Zone

Turn your basement into the ultimate entertainment hub for hosting gatherings and parties:

Bar Area: Install a wet bar with seating. Stock it with essentials for a perfect home bar experience.

Game Room: Include gaming consoles, a dartboard, or a card table for fun and engaging activities.

Sound and Video Systems: Set up a high-quality sound system and projector or large-screen TV for movie nights and music.

3. Practical Considerations for Basement Renovations

a. Insulation and Moisture Control

Proper insulation is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your basement. Ensure that your space is adequately insulated to prevent drafts and moisture issues. Use waterproofing techniques and dehumidifiers to keep the area dry and prevent mold growth.

b. Lighting Solutions

Basements often lack natural light, so consider a combination of lighting solutions:

Recessed Lighting: Provides even, unobtrusive illumination.

Track Lighting: Adds flexibility and highlights specific areas.

Floor and Table Lamps: Offer additional lighting and enhance the decor.

c. Storage Solutions

Efficient storage is essential for keeping your basement organized:

Built-In Shelves: Custom shelving can fit your space and provide ample storage.

Multi-Functional Furniture: Choose furniture that offers storage, such as ottomans or coffee tables with hidden compartments.

4. Hiring Professionals vs. DIY

While DIY projects can be fulfilling, some basement renovations may require professional expertise:

General Contractors: Hiring a general contractor can ensure that your renovation is completed to high standards, especially for complex tasks involving structural changes or extensive electrical and plumbing work.

Designers: Interior designers can help you create a cohesive and stylish look for your basement, ensuring that every detail aligns with your vision.

5. Conclusion: Embrace the Possibilities

Basement renovations in Midhurst offer a unique opportunity to enhance your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you're transforming your basement into a cozy family room, a stylish home office, a luxurious guest suite, or an entertainment zone, the possibilities are endless.

By carefully planning your renovation, considering practical aspects, and exploring inspiring design ideas, you can turn your drab basement into a fab space that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations. Embrace the potential of your basement and create a vibrant, functional, and beautiful area that adds value and enjoyment to your home.

[varmora-plastech]

10 Ingenious Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Using Plastic Containers

Does your kitchen sometimes feel like a chaotic mess? Maybe your pots and pans are tumbling out every time you open a cabinet. Or maybe your pantry shelves are filled with mismatched items?

Well, fear not.

With a bit of creativity and some trusty plastic containers, you can transform your kitchen into an organized oasis. 

So, let’s explore 10 ways to organize your kitchen using plastic containers.

10 Ways to Organize Your Kitchen Using Plastic Containers

Check out these 10 easy and simple ways to organize your kitchen. And all you need are just plastic containers!

Stackable Storage

Invest in stackable plastic containers for dry goods like flour, sugar, and pasta. Not only do they save space, but they also keep your ingredients fresh and easily accessible.

Drawer Dividers

You can organize your utensil drawer with small plastic containers or dividers. Separate your spatulas from your spoons and your whisks from your tongs for a clutter-free cooking experience.

Fridge Bins

Keep your refrigerator neat and tidy by using plastic bins to corral similar items together. Designate one for dairy, another for snacks, and a third for condiments to eliminate the endless hunt for that elusive jar of pickles.

Label Everything

Labeling your plastic containers is a game-changer. Use a label maker or simply some masking tape and a marker to clearly identify what’s inside. No more guessing if you’re reaching for sugar or salt!

Meal Prep Made Easy

Streamline your meal prep routine by prepping ingredients in advance and storing them in plastic containers. Chop veggies, marinate proteins, and portion out snacks to save time during busy weekdays.

Under Sink Organization

You can also organize your sink by using plastic bins to corral cleaning supplies, sponges, and dish soap. Say goodbye to the avalanche of spray bottles every time you need a sponge!

Freezer Organization

Keep your freezer clutter-free by using plastic containers to store batch-cooked meals, frozen fruits, and veggies. Stackable containers make it easy to maximize space and keep track of what’s inside.

Snack Station

Create a designated snack station in your pantry or cabinet using small plastic containers. Fill them with nuts, dried fruits, and granola bars for a convenient grab-and-go option for hungry kids (or adults!).

Lid Storage

Tired of searching for matching lids for your pots and pans? Use plastic containers to store lids vertically, keeping them organized and easily accessible when you need them most.

Customize Your Space

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your plastic containers! Cutlery trays can double as makeup organizers, small containers can corral office supplies, and larger bins can tame toy clutter in a playroom.

Final thoughts

With these 10 ingenious ideas, you can transform your kitchen from chaos to calm using nothing but a few trusty plastic containers. So, the next time you feel like your kitchen is turning into an unorganized mess, invest in some quality plastic containers and tidy up your kitchen space like never before.

Shop for durable and stylish air-tight plastic containers at Varmora Plastech now!

[longlistshort]

Stephen Tornero “Don’t Tell Me” Hand dyed wool, acrylic rods

Chad Troyer “Crashing Waves” (bottom) and “Calming Shores” (top) Jacquard-woven, gradating waffle weave; Cotton, linen, rayon, silk, birch

Jen P. Harris “Oscillator” (left) and “Sphinx” (right) Hand-woven cotton, canvas, gesso, and thread on wood stretcher bars//Hand-woven cotton, canvas, thread, and acrylic paint on wood stretcher bars

Trey D. Gehring, “Stacked” Woven cotton yarn, crocheted acrylic yarn, fabric paint

(Etta Sandry “Pivot: Moi-même” and “Pivot: Big Squish”, Cotton and cottolin, handwoven on Jacquard loom//Cotton and wool, handwoven on Jacquard loom)

There are some incredible pieces in Waffle Weave Invitational, one of the current exhibitions at Summit Artspace. A few selections are pictured, but head to the gallery’s website to see all of the work on view.

From curator Stephen Tornero (who also has work in the show)-

This show was conceived as an idea to focus on a specific structural variable of a textile, and see how many different variations artists, artisans, and craftspeople would be able to produce. While researching the development of weaving technology, a loom with the capability to create complex structures was developed around 600 CE simultaneously in different cultures. This structure could have been produced by these looms, but also could have been designed much earlier by hand-manipulation of threads by the weaver. The waffle structure is so unique in its ability to transform a textile- seemingly a two dimensional surface- into a three dimensional object that has depth as shown by many repeated square pyramidal cells. Historically, this structure was used to create a textile that would hold water in its cells for cleaning or drying, or to help insulate the body with tiny pockets of air.  This structure can be modified by changing the color of the threads with which it is woven, the fiber content of those threads, or even by expanding the amount of threads used in a cell, expanding the scale. 

Statements from the artists about the work pictured above (from the Summit Artspace website)-

Stephen Tornero– Don’t Tell Me– “This piece is part of a continuing study of material, color, and structure in textiles. I have been mesmerized with the “waffle weave” structure and its ability to create large, three dimensional pockets of space. This pieces experiments with the combination of the flexible, fibrous wool yarns with the rigid neon acrylic rods. These two materials are combined in a large textile in order to explore the effects that this unique weaving structure will have on these materials. This use these two opposing materials in the piece creates a dialogue between the traditional usefulness of this wool weaving and its display on the wall as a work of art.”

Chad Troyer– Crashing Waves and Calming Shores– “The gradating structure allows for the weft to float acrost the surface of the weaving for varying lengths, from half an inch to nearly the whole width. The warp is allowed to float for varying lengths, but not nearly as long as the weft. After it was taken off the loom, the weaving was stretched. Parts of it were pulled, and others were left loose, allowing the floats to be accented by the folding and tautness of the cloth. The two pieces are the same piece of cloth cut apart, however they both display a different state of being: turbulent & calm.”

Jen P. Harris– Oscillator and Sphinx– “These small weaving-painting hybrids are part of an ongoing, experimental body of work in which I am developing a heterogeneous formal language that both honors and questions histories and conventions of painting and weaving.”

Trey D. Gehring– Stacked– “Stacked follows a line of investigation by the artist into a poststructuralist analysis of language as a system of symbols that lack meaning beyond context. The piece melds the namesake with the woven structure itself creating a hyper-literal interpretation of the exhibition’s theme. However, an understanding of the theoretical underpinning is unnecessary and secondary to the enjoyment of the whimsical and humorous nature of the work.”

Etta Sandry– Pivot: Moi-même and Pivot: Big Squish- “My woven work focuses on samples that explore dimensionality in woven cloth using techniques such as multi-layer weaving, pleating, and woven structures that are elastic, self-shaping, and otherwise transformative, like the pocketed cells of waffle weave. This work creates a series of translations between the flat draft and the materiality of the cloth. Weaving is a technically binary structure: a warp thread can be either raised or lowered. When drafted, woven structure is drawn as a flat grid. Woven in multiple layers, cords, and pleats, weaving maintains its inherent binary nature but takes on a new physical dimensionality. Between the flat draft and the woven cloth, there is an unknowable material transformation that reflects the nuance, radical variation, and possibility that emerges from a seemingly set and limited system. In these works, this variation is expressed through two large waffle weave samples that test the limits of the waffle structure. Each piece weaves the same design of increasingly large waffle cells. Moi-même presents a balanced the waffle weave in which warp and weft threads of a similar weight and color draw out a subtle loosening of the structure as the size of the cells increase. In The Big Squish, the waffle structure is boldly packed, extended and distorted by colorful wool wefts.”

This exhibition closes 3/16/24.

[luxurytowel07]

A towel holder is a must-have in every bathroom because it keeps your bath towels in place. Even though towels come in various designs, they all serve the same purpose – keeping your towel up. If you have a small bathroom, choosing the right towel holder is crucial to make the most of your wall space. Towel rings, racks, and hooks are great options. Check out these bathroom towel holder ideas:

Black Metal Over-the-Door Hooks: These hooks are made of high-quality metal with a smooth finish, making them durable, waterproof, and rustproof. Not only do they hold towels, but they also add elegance to your home decor. Designed to fit doors 1.7 inches to 4.5 cm thick, they're suitable for various spaces like bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, and even outdoor areas. Perfect for hanging towels, coats, bathrobes, beach towels, bags, umbrellas, and kitchenware.

Brushed Gold T-Shape Towel Stand: This towel holder has a sturdy metal base made of premium heavy stainless steel. It's easy to move around and requires no drilling or hardware. The elegant gold brushed finish and unique T-shape add modern elements to your bathroom decor. Simply place it on your table, countertop, or vanity area for a stylish touch.

Rustic Farmhouse Wall-Mounted Hand Towel Ring: Crafted from weathered solid wood and corrugated galvanized metal, this farmhouse towel holder is a charming addition to your home decor. Ideal for both bathroom and kitchen walls, it provides warmth and quick towel drying. Check out the Autumn Alley collection for more unique and functional farmhouse bathroom accessories.

5 Hooks for Bathroom Towels and Sheets: This new-style towel holder for bathroom walls features a rolled bath sheet holder and bathroom towel hooks. Perfect for those with limited storage space, it offers capacity for 3 fluffy towels and up to 12 standard towels. Its simple design ensures longevity, making it great for RVs, pool owners, or warmer climates without linen wardrobes.

Light Luxury Style Bathroom Towel Holder: The KOKOSIRI towel bar is a fantastic choice for your kitchen or bathroom. It's 36 inches long, providing ample space to hang towels. Made from premium stainless steel, its classy and simple design enhances your space. Consider this product as one of the best bathroom towel holder ideas.

read more...

[dominionproperties]

Sustainable Apartment Living: 5 Practical Ideas to Go Green(er)

Sustainable apartment living doesn’t have to be challenging. With a sprinkle of innovation, a dash of enthusiasm and a heap of conscious choices, you can transform your apartment into a green paradise. Get ready to reduce waste, breathe cleaner air and embark on a journey of eco-friendly living that rewards you every step of the way.

1. Aim for less waste

Invest in a stainless steel water bottle, reusable grocery bags, cloth napkins and beeswax wraps (instead of plastic wrap). Opt for a travel mug for your daily caffeine fix and a bamboo cutlery set for takeout meals.

Minimize packaging waste by buying bulk pantry staples like grains, legumes and spices. Use shampoo bars versus bottles, refillable soap dispensers and reusable cotton pads.

2. Compost scraps

Who says you need a backyard to compost? Start an indoor composting bin for your kitchen scraps. You can find small, odor-sealed bins specifically designed for apartments.

Mix kitchen scraps with dry materials like shredded newspaper or cardboard to maintain proper moisture levels and aeration. In a few months, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost to grow strong and healthy plants!

3. Recycle even more

The key to knowing how to live green in an apartment is to make recycling a daily habit. Familiarize yourself with local recycling guidelines as different areas have varying rules on what can and can’t be recycled. Take it a step further by separating your recyclables like a pro. Create a designated recycling station with labeled bins for paper, glass, plastic and aluminum.

4. Get a(nother) plant

Breathe easy with top-notch indoor air quality. Invest in air-purifying plants like snake plants, spider plants and peace lilies to keep your air fresh and clean. They naturally filter out pollutants and enhance oxygen levels. It’s like having a little green army fight pollutants on your behalf.

5. Reuse household items

Turn your apartment into a treasure trove of creativity. Reuse and repurpose old furniture, clothes and household items. That broken wooden chair? Transform it into a charming nightstand. Cracked plates? Craft them into mosaic masterpieces. Old T-shirts you never wear? Sew them into a quilt.

Kickstart sustainable apartment living

Knowing how to live green in an apartment starts with habits like composting and repurposing. Cheers to more sustainable apartment living!

[gaslogfiresmelbourne]

How to Have Fun With Outdoor Fireplaces This Summer

As summer approaches, the idea of sitting around a blazing fire might seem counterintuitive. However, outdoor fireplaces can be more than just sources of warmth; they can transform your backyard into a vibrant and entertaining space. 

For practical tips and ideas for making the most of outdoor fireplaces during the summer months, read on.

1. Choosing the Right Outdoor Fireplace

Before diving into the fun, it's essential to have the right outdoor fireplace for your needs. There are various options available, from traditional wood-burning fire pits to modern gas-powered fireplaces. Consider factors such as space, maintenance, and budget when making your choice.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits: Ideal for a classic, rustic feel. They require regular maintenance, but the crackling sound and authentic ambience are hard to beat.

Gas Fireplaces: Convenient and easy to use, with the flip of a switch. They provide instant heat without the mess of wood. While they might lack the traditional appeal, they offer a sleek and modern aesthetic.

Chimineas: A stylish alternative, chimineas are often made of clay or metal. They come in various designs and are excellent for small spaces.

2. Safety First: Set Up Your Outdoor Fireplace Properly

Before you start roasting marshmallows or enjoying the warmth, it's crucial to prioritise safety. Here are some essential safety tips:

Location Matters: Place your outdoor fireplace on a stable, non-flammable surface. Keep it away from overhanging trees or structures.

Clear the Area: Ensure there are no flammable materials near the fireplace. Create a safe zone by removing dry leaves, paper, or any other combustible items.

Supervise Open Flames: Never leave a burning fire unattended. Keep a watchful eye on the flames, especially if there are children or pets around.

Have Safety Tools On Hand: Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. It's better to be over-prepared than caught off guard.

3. Create the Perfect Ambiance

Once your outdoor fireplace is set up safely, it's time to focus on the ambience. Achieve the right atmosphere by considering these elements:

Seating Arrangement: Arrange comfortable seating around the fireplace. Think about incorporating outdoor sofas, cushions, or even bean bags for a relaxed vibe.

Lighting: Enhance the mood with strategic lighting. String lights, lanterns, or LED candles can create a cosy ambience without the need for additional heat.

Music: Set the tone with a curated playlist. Choose tunes that complement the laid-back outdoor setting, creating a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

4. Cook Up Some Fun

Outdoor fireplaces aren't just for warmth; they're also fantastic for cooking delicious meals. Elevate your outdoor dining experience with these ideas:

Marshmallow Roasting: Classic but timeless. Roast marshmallows for gooey s'mores or enjoy them on their own.

BBQ Night: Turn your outdoor fireplace into a barbecue. Grill skewers, sausages, and veggies for a tasty feast.

Pizza Oven: Invest in a pizza oven attachment for your outdoor fireplace. Create homemade pizzas with a crisp, smoky flavour.

Fondue Party: Set up a fondue station using the heat from the fireplace. Melted cheese, chocolate, or even hot oil for a savoury fondue experience.

5. Outdoor Movie Night

Transform your backyard into an open-air cinema with the help of your outdoor fireplace. Here's how:

Projection Setup: Invest in a quality outdoor projector and screen. Hang a white sheet or use a portable screen for a DIY setup.

Cosy Seating: Arrange blankets, cushions, and outdoor furniture for comfortable seating. Encourage guests to bring their own blankets for added warmth.

Snack Bar: Set up a snack bar with popcorn, nachos, and other movie favourites. Keep the treats flowing as you enjoy the film.

6. Stargazing Evenings

Take advantage of the clear Australian summer nights to indulge in some stargazing around the fireplace. Here's how to make it an event:

Blankets and Pillows: Create a comfortable stargazing spot with blankets and pillows. Encourage everyone to lay back and enjoy the celestial show.

Stargazing Apps: Download stargazing apps to identify constellations, planets, and other celestial objects. Share interesting facts about the night sky with friends and family.

Telescope Fun: If you have a telescope, set it up for a closer look at the moon and stars. It adds an educational element to the evening.

Conclusion

Having fun with outdoor fireplaces this summer is all about creativity, safety, and embracing the unique features of your outdoor space. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, enjoying a movie night, or simply relaxing by the fire while looking up at the stars.

Contact us at The Log Fire Company, your most trusted log fireplace installation service provider in Melbourne.