#Refreshing Summer Wedding Colors

[shaadiwish]

Adding a gorgeous bohemian themed decor is a great idea to introduce the vibe.

[shadowqueen402]

Summertime Silliness

Summer is around the corner! Which is why I created this fic! This fic is the sequel to @kayssweetdreams's birthday fic for me and my Easter fic called Eggs-celent Entertainment. Anyways, hope you enjoy!

Ah, summertime. According to Kaylo, this season was the perfect time for her to throw a party. Not just any party, but a beach party. And she made sure to invite all of her friends. She watched as everyone was already having a good time, the music playing loudly.

"Wow, I've never been to a beach before," NiGHTS said to Kaylo as they gazed at the waves. "It has an incredible view!"

"I know, right?" Kaylo replied with a bright smile as she licked her strawberry-flavored ice cream. "Fiona loves coming here! This is the same beach where she could visit her dolphin companion."

In the water, Fiona and Haoyu swam together. Sana and Eis also happened to be in the water as well, playfully splashing one another while laughing. Iben and her husband were watching their two children attempt to build a sand castle. Jose, Yuri, Cass, Attilio, Cal, and Lucy were all playing volleyball. Jackle and Debbie were lounging underneath an umbrella, enjoying popsicles.

Balan and Lance were both enjoying pina coladas while watching everyone. Mei applied sunscreen onto herself. Trisha Jane, Rebecca, and Bruce sipped on lemonade. Marina, Leo, and Emma were busy getting ice cream for themselves.

"Say, I could use a refreshing drink," NiGHTS said. "Where should I get one?"

"Try asking Balan and Lance," Kaylo suggested. "They can offer suggestions on what to drink."

"Great idea!" NiGHTS flew over to their two cousins, Balan and Lance. "Hey, you two? I'm in the mood for a refreshing beverage. What's on the menu?"

Balan removed the shades from his sunglasses. "We have plenty of options for you to choose," He said. "Lots of cold, refreshing drinks you can't refuse. You can have water, iced tea, or soda, if you please. Or you can try one of our refreshing smoothies. Though, do be mindful about the alcoholic beverages like the martini. If enough is consumed, it can make you tipsy."

"Hmm… I think I'll have the martini!" NiGHTS said.

"Do consider Balan's words, dear cousin," Lance advised. "We've all seen, under the influence, Reala has been."

"I think I'm better at holding my alcohol," NiGHTS assured as she watched Balan prepare them a glass of martini. "What can possibly go wrong?"

Sitting underneath a parasol, Aria saw her Nightmaren lover, Reala, approach with two smoothies, one for him and one for her. "I'd figured that I would give you something to drink," He said, handing it to her.

"Thanks," Aria said, taking her smoothie. "So how are you liking the beach?"

"It does have an impressive view of the sun," Reala said. "And the waves do make such relaxing—," He was then interrupted by the sound of…NiGHTS giggling. Aria and Reala turned to see the purple jester flying toward them…only to stumble onto the sand.

NiGHTS got up and slung an arm over their sibling's shoulder. "Awwww~! That proposal was beautiful!" They slurred to Reala, hiccuping. "Don't tell Reala this, but I drank threeeee martinis! The world is full of a bunch of bald, colorful sounds!" They sipped onto their fourth martini.

"NiGHTS, are you drunk?" Aria asked, amused. Reala facepalmed at his sibling's silliness.

"No, even better~!" NiGHTS giggled. "I'm reeeaallly tipsy~! Saaaay, when is the wedding happ'ning~?"

"We are not getting married," Reala said.

"If—hic—you saaaay sooo~!" NiGHTS giggled as they stumbled off.

Reala sighed. "I'd better get to them before they cause trouble." He then flew off to follow NiGHTS, leaving Aria to watch with curiosity and amusement.

"Pass that ball right over here," Attilio called to Jose, Yuri, and Cass. Jose nodded and hit the volleyball over to the other side. But before Attilio could hit, NiGHTS drunkenly flew in front of the clown, causing the volleyball to hit them on the head. "NiGHTS, are you okay?" Attilio bent down to look at the Nightmaren.

NiGHTS, however, giggled. "Looookiiiieeee," They slurred, pointing at Attilio. "A-A clooowwwnn-! Do a trick, pllleeeaaasssee~?"

"What's going on here?" Mei, Trisha Jane, Rebecca, and Marina asked as they approached where NiGHTS was.

"I think NiGHTS might be drunk," Yuri said. "They stumbled upon our game."

NiGHTS laughed while pointing at the seagulls that flew above. "Birdies~! Look Sana! They're ssssooooo silly~! That reminds me! Let me raise a bread!"

By then, everyone was listening to everything. Jackle, however, was bursting out laughing while Debbie was holding back laughter.

"Soooo, I wanna congrad'ate my brother on his plan to marry Aria and have dozens of babies with her!" NiGHTS said. "He looovveeesss her~! I know he does~! Sooo, to make this interesting, I hid $100 in Wizey's robes!" They giggled while everyone started to giggle. "If Reala can find it without making Wizey grouchy, he can keeep iiit~!"

"How many martinis did NiGHTS drink?" Iben asked Aria, amused.

"That's their fourth one," Aria replied. "They've had three."

"Goodness me," Balan said with a chuckle. "Tipsy already, I see."

Reala eventually flew over to NiGHTS. "I'm taking you back home," He said, grabbing them. "You've had too much to drink."

NiGHTS fell to the ground and began to sing:

"Nightmare is so stupid

Wizey is so stupid

Nightopia and Wonderworld

Both are not stuuupiiid!"

Everyone bursted out laughing. Reala resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he dragged NiGHTS home…

….

…On the plus side, Reala did start thinking about the idea of proposing to Aria…

Kaylo belongs to @kayssweetdreams

Trisha Jane belongs to @lovelyteng

Mei and Marina belong to @sundove88

Rebecca belongs to @thehyperrequiem

Debbie belongs to @mayordebbie

Aria belongs to me.

[nationaldesigngroup]

EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY IS KING

A Home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling, because we believe a house or apartment is truly a home once it’s filled with furniture’s and vibes that reflects your personality and shows your unique style. We connect quality with comfort and make your house with a positive vibe and beautiful feel. From our choice of furniture’s to the storage solutions that keeps your house looking spick and span and transform your habitat into the one with full of warmth and personality. It’s a new season all over again and we welcome the vibrant 9 shades of summer flowers. Flowers signifies high spirits, exuberance, cheerfulness and patterns that’s makes us fall in summer love. From patterns of Aster with its wildflower appearance and purple color that symbolizes wisdom, royalty, purity and faith. Peony with its peachy color that is one of the most popular wedding flowers symbolizes good fortune and everlasting prosperity. Morning glory that blooms after sunrise and die before nightfall, because of their short time in sun, this flower represents a warning to cherish love. Shasta Daisy also called summer flowers because they thrive in direct sun light symbolizes innocence and purity. Sunflower as we all know represents happiness and vitality. Lavender which is also called the color of royalty represents devotion and good luck. Hydrangea in pink and blue variants symbolizes heartfelt feelings and last but not the least Dahlia that symbolizes a fresh start. Every floral color and pattern offers a beautiful sense of feeling blended with flourishing, grassy, leafy and fresh vibes. Sometimes we also believe in experimenting when florals and abstract on a crisp white background for a refreshing look. We also believe in Contemporary design techniques that combines with tradition to produce a royal look mostly by colors like teal, gold and some statement pieces. We also love to play with patterns on graphics bold shapes, patterns with a touch of grey, red, rust, beige and off-white hues. At a height of laughter and love your home can be flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities, a slight change and all patterns alter. We look at set of furniture’s, the same ones that everyone else sees, but with the attention to the smallest details we leave a lasting impression in every room of your house and a lot of scope of enticing new possibilities.

[merrybrides]

Boutonnière Ideas for Any Wedding Style

Just about any bloom will work for the wedding boutonnière, but why stick with predictable picks? Luckily, there's no shortage of ideas. But how do you pick the perfect wedding boutonnière that will earn your seal of approval and still feel like a cohesive part of your floral design?

Start with the color: White, green, and yellow are all popular shades. Another great way to balance out a boutonnière is with the addition of bold greenery. Fresh herbs, leafy greens, or a modern succulent are all great additions to softer-hued flowers. Or go with one large succulent, a cluster of greens or berries, or a barely there off-white cluster of nontraditional wedding flowers—we like perennial astilbe or clematis—for a look that expresses a more modern style.

In an effort to help you select the perfect boutonnière, we rounded up some great ideas that you're sure to love.

Rosebuds and Bunny Tails

Red and white rosebuds totally pop against this gray, acutely patterned suit jacket without clashing with that funky purple pocket square. We love how the addition of feathery dried grasses and fluffy bunny tails completely refreshes this otherwise traditional rose boutonnière.

Blue Grape Hyacinths

There's nothing more evocative of a brilliant summer day than this cluster of blue grape hyacinths wrapped in a natural, bleached burlap. Best of all? The flowers were picked up from the local flower market the day before this intimate waterfront wedding.

Dried Grasses and Chrysanthemum

Now, this is posh with an organic boho twist. The oh-so sophisticated formal tux gets a brush of nature with a boutonnière of bleached, dried grasses and chrysanthemums. We can't help but drool over the color palette.

Flag Pins and a Single Rose

Let your flags fly and wear your national pride on your, er, lapel on your wedding day. This white rose boutonnière is crowned with an American and Canadian flag pin representing the newlyweds' separate nationalities coming together.

Scabiosa and Rosemary

These playful bundles present an unexpected composition. Lollipop scabiosa and fragrant rosemary come together in the most elegant way.

Green Hellebores and Privet Berries

These boutonnières of muted green hellebores, reddened foliage, and tiny privet berries encapsulate all the romance of an autumnal wedding. We love that each tiny posy keeps with the uniformity of the bunch but takes on a unique look all its own.

A Garden Rose With Tuberose and Delphinium

Now here's a romantic boutonnière. A rust-hued garden rose is framed by pale pink and cream tuberose and delphinium for a color palette that harmonizes beautifully with the pale tuxedo.

Pampas Grass and Greens

An inky tux with a black shawl collar can be difficult to accessorize. This bright pampas grass boutonnière contrasts exquisitely in both texture and tone without getting lost in the mix.

Purple Clematis

Purple and blue are far from your traditional nuptial color palette. But this purple clematis boutonniere and gray-blue suit certainly make a case for the combo.

Berry and Gum Leaves

A simple boutonniere comprised of berry, gum leaves, and additional greenery adds a fresh touch to this black-and-white ensemble. How sweet is that twine wrapped around the stems?

Mums With Dried Grasses and Ferns

We're definitely digging this combination of bold, spicy hues with all-black attire and turquoise accents. The rich boutonnière gets its character from sunset-hued mums, dried grasses, and ferns.

Ivory Rose and Rosemary

Roses and rosemary seem like they would go hand in hand, which is why we're surprised we haven't seen more of them together. This herbaceous medley consists of a single ivory rose and clusters of rosemary all wrapped in matching satin ribbon.

Astilbe Tied With Ribbon

Hello, texture! Fluffy and poignant astilbe is backed by greenery and held tightly with ribbon in this boutonnière. Check out how the pink ribbon picks up on the slightest bits of pink in the blooms.

Lavender and Olive Leaves

Fairy-tale nuptials in the French countryside clearly call for an equally enchanting boutonnière. This storybook design pairs sprigs of heavenly lavender with olive leaves and ties it all together with frayed linen in the palest shade of blue. Et voilà!

Garden Roses and Hypericum Berries

Pale green blooms and hints of white just exude "alfresco wedding." This boutonnière consists of locally foraged botanicals, garden roses, and hypericum berries in the most revitalizing of hues.

Mini Tulips and Herbs

Who doesn't instantly smile when looking at this jubilant little mix? Here, happy yellow tulips and rosemary come together in the most vivacious boutonnière.

Pieris and Dried Grasses

This charcoal suit takes on new life with a boutonnière of pieris and dried grasses. The sea-inspired textures and muted tones are a picture-perfect fit for a boho coastal wedding.

Succulent With Snowberries

If soft, cool tones are taking up real estate on your wedding mood board, you'll want to take note of these pale blues, soft grays, and powdery greens. This succulent boutonnière is accented with yellow snowberries and dusty miller leaves for a truly unique design.

Wintry Roses and Greenery

Think winter-wedding chic without all the obvious, seasonal connotations. These boutonnières of plum, dusty purple, and cranberry roses with vibrant greenery completely nailed the aesthetic.

Hydrangea Blossoms, Berries, and Acorns

A white and green boutonnière comprised of hydrangea blossoms, berries, and acorns has all kinds of unexpected textures. And honestly, how sweet are those tiny acorns?

Off-White Roses

This blue striped suit and polka-dot bow tie need little extra in the way of accessories. A classic boutonnière comprised of off-white roses and extended stems finishes off the look nicely.

Rustic Thistles

We absolutely adore a little rustic touch to an otherwise formal fête. This blue thistle and rosemary boutonnière is simple and eye-catching.

Mustache Pin With Dried Wheat

What's a wedding without a little personality? This harvest-themed boutonnière of dried wheat and pastoral flowers gets a little pizazz with a mustache pin.

Peach Ranunculus and Silver Brunia

This boutonnière of a single peach ranunculus and silver brunia highlights the fact that peach tones and silvery greens are quite complementary. We especially like the unique, duo-chrome approach to ribboning off the medley in silver and black.

[lonelypond]

Fly By Flirting

NicoMaki, Love Live, 7.8K, 1/1

Upcoming star Yazawa Nico meets a pretty girl on a beach. And doesn't quite get her name. And Nico's promised to deliver a summer romance ready for the big screen, based on her whirlwind romance. So she really needs that name.

Fly By Flirting

“No Romo, No Homo. What does that even mean?’ The number one busiest rising movie star Yazawa Nico threw her phone into the office couch of Tojo Nozomi, her long suffering manager’s.

“No romance.” Nozomi decided, “No Roma would be a slur so they just went for the rhymey headline.”

“It’s a stupid, clickbait headline.”

Nozomi giggled, “And Nico is very pro homo.”

Nico glared. “Too many people are using this stupid, take Nico’s quotes out of context interview to say Nico isn’t romcom material.” Nico scoffed. “Like Nico couldn’t open to the best box office rom com weekend ever.” Nico leaned over Nozomi’s desk. “Nico has a plan.”

“What?”

“Nico writes the script.”

Nozomi snickered.



“Fine,” Nico pushed her chair back, “Nico hires someone else to write it, based on Nico’s true life meet cute to whirlwind wedding romance.”

“Whirlwind wedding?”

Nico was now caught in the fantasy, up on her feet, pacing, hands flying, words 10,000 kpm. “Nico Nico Ni. Nico finds the cutest, sexiest, snazziest girl, everybody roots for Nico, a rival tries to steal Nico away…purely for drama,” Nico batted her eyelashes in Nozomi’s direction, “Nico barely notices.”

“Not an old flame stealing Mx. Sexty from soon to be sad Nico?”

“Nico Ni is never soon to be sad. No one outshines Nico.” Nico glared for emphasis.

Nozomi, amused, nodded. Nico continued.

“Big flourish, surprise beach wedding. We’ll announce it now,” Nico’s face scrunched up, serious thinking happening, “now for a month from now…”



“A month!” That surprised Nozomi, but Nico had zoomed on to the next stage of wedding planning.

“Hawai’i beach.” Nico would look great in a sarong.

“You don’t want to do that. The natives are asking tourists to stay away.”

“Fine.” Nico flomped down on the couch, rescuing her phone for a quick notification check, “One of those fancy East Coast islands, get Nico a place, Nico finds the girl, bachelorette party, wedding…”

Nico wasn’t kidding.

Nozomi grabbed the parking brake. “This isn’t smart, Nico. You’re taking an unnecessary risk. What if something…”

Nico waved a dismissive hand, paying more attention to her screen than Nozomi, “Nico will deal. Plus,” and Nico raised her head, ruby eyes aglow with the embers of dreams going to full flames, “Nico’s got game, Nico is cute and funny and charismatic. The ladies will swoon. No Nico rom coms is a crime.”

Nozomi conceded the last point. Nico and gay girls and lesbeans everywhere deserved the romcom Nico was hatching in her brain. There was one practical point Nozomi felt obligated to raise, “How to you find The Girl™?

Nico shrugged, “Rent me a house and we go to a party.”

It could be a start. Nozomi had cas dated her way through their social circle. Refreshing the view would be…refreshing. “Umi might know someone.”

“Find out. And announce the wedding…” Nico checked her phone calendar, “for…”

###

Sonoda Umi did know a number of someone’s, including Minami Kotori, who was throwing a very very stylish party that weekend, best clothes, best girls, intelligent conversation, no tequila shots off bars anywhere, so to keep from looking as bored as she was, Nico was posing, vibing the classy aesthetic, imagining a photoshoot in this glamorous vacation home. Yazawa Nico, upcoming action and horror (and ROMCOM) queen did not draw as much attention in this crowd as Sonoda Umi, youngest Pulitzer Prize winning poet for her collection titled Fascinations Of The Sea Colored Girl.

After selfie number 59, Nozomi decided to intervene, before Nico’s increasing boredom at not being the center of attention created a NicoCrisis.

“How ya doing, Nico-chi?”

“This Kotori has” Nico chef kissed, “exquisite taste in clothes and the people wearing them, but,” here, Nico glanced around, a little sad, “where are all the party animal, risk taking daredevils ready for the ride of their life with Nico.”

Nozomi did a spit take on ride.

“What the hell, Nozomi.” Nico grumbled, brushing off spew.

“You said ride.”

Blank from Nico.

“Haven’t you seen Derry Girls? Northern Ireland. Teenagers. Fast and furiously funny,”

“Nico doesn’t watch things Nico isn’t in.”

“Well, there is one lesbian and she’s kind of a disaster.”

“Nico could handle a disaster. That’s a great story….love train wreck meets polished corporate competence.”

Nozomi was glad she wasn’t too drunk to zing back at the attack level Nico deserved, “And you think you’re the poster girl for polished corporate competence.”

Nico puffed out her chest proudly, “In every damn thing.”

Nozomi’s eyes had been following someone around the room. Nico half spun to see who. Flash of red hair, flash of gold in deep conversation with Queen of the Prim Party Sonoda.

“How did you meet Umi anyway? She’s so…” Nico stretched into the depths of her vocabulary, “genteel.”

Nozomi gasped, hand fluttering near her chest, “And what, dearest Nico-chi, are you implying about your dearest friend and loyalest manager.”

Nico scowled at Nozomi’s sudden simpering. “That you are an unrelenting, utterly shameless flirt and don't seem like a Sonoda pal. Can we stop with the Jane Austen now?”

“Well, the extremely kind and discerning Ms. Sonoda has an auteur’s taste in French films and I enjoy our discussions. So does she. She always sends insightful notes in impeccable calligraphy.”

“And so Nico is slumming at a classy party where no one’s seen any of her films.”

There was a snort of laughter from the group around Umi. Nico couldn’t tell from who, but now she had drawn Umi’s attention. Umi, the blonde, and a few others drifted Nico-ward.

“Nozomi, always a pleasure,” Umi bowed her head, “I am very pleased to meet you, Ms. Yazawa.”



“Nico, please.”

“Nico…is there anything I can get you? And allow me to introduce Eli Ayase, my friend, and the principal dancer for the Eastern Shore company.”

“A dancer,” Nozomi hip shoved past Nico, “Hi, I’m Nozomi. Dance is my favorite of the arts. So much precision poured into the art of perfection.” And making sure the blue eyes were locked on hers, Nozomi continued, “And so pretty.”

The barest of blushes on proud cheekbones.

“Point Nico away from here.” Nico rolled her eyes as the host, Kotori joined the group.

Umi and Kotori exchanged a glance.

“There is a small seating area on the beach that no one seems to have noticed yet.” Umi paused, arching an amused eyebrow, “If you would like to skip out on high brow conversations concerning the ballet.”

“Please.” Nico leaned a hand on Umi’s steel solid arm, forward, pushing up for a cheek kiss, “You are Nico’s new best friend.”

Kotori giggled, “I love your dress, Nico.”

Nico curtsied, “Thank you. But Nico needs the name of your stylist. That dress is exquisite.”

Kotori smiled. Umi looked proud. And Nico, having brought joy, was off with a wave.

“Nico will be on the beach. Send iced tea.” Nico was not planning to get drunk tonight. This was a dangerous crowd not to be watching words in.



###

Cooler. Quieter. Quieter wasn’t often a Nico mood, but having been the center of attention nonstop on set and on line for three plus years now, including this wedding whirlpool she’d stirred up around herself, a night quiet but for wind and the roar of surf surging into a new tide was a novel, head clearing experience.

“Tea.” A raspy, breathy voice startled Nico.

“Yikes.” Nico turned with a glare, but confronted with the sight of a tall woman, hair under a black beanie, wearing in a black polka dotted white dress the wind was caressing into curves, Nico’s brain kicked back into charm mode.

“Nico thanks you…” Nico left an obvious pause.

The tray clanked. “You can pour your own.”


“Nico wanted your name.”



A low mumble.

Nico pointed at the ocean and her ears, “Again?”

A blush, a mumble, Nico gave up.

“Hi, mystery moon goddess, let Nico pour you a drink.”

A long stare, a shrug, a graceful collapse into the chair nearest Nico, long legs kicking up sand that flicked against Nico. Nico decided that meant yes so she poured out two glasses.

“Kanpai.”

Finally a response Nico could hear. And a shy smile. “Kanpai.”

Nico sat, sipping, surprised by the alcohol sting. But it was a party. People put alcohol in unexpected things. “What’d you spike the tea with?”

Raised eyebrow. “It’s a Long Island.”

Obviously, something Nico should know. What kind of liquor was New York known for? Beer? What was in a Manhattan? Whiskey? Didn’t taste like beer or whiskey. Nico held up the glass. From what she could see in the dim light, the color looked right, so it must be a clear liquor, “Vodka, right?”

“You don’t know what a Long Island Iced Tea is?” A giggle. Too cute.

“Nico knows.” Nico chugged back half the glass, wincing at the sting. Was that tequila? Tequila led to demon nights.

“You might want to slow down.”



“Nico can handle it.” Nico finished the drink, pouring herself another. She glanced to her side. The sexy sea goddess was sipping, staring at the stars over the ocean. Nico decided to be friendly. “Nico likes the stars.”

A grunt of agreement. Sexy sea goddess accepted a refill. More quiet sipping .

“Nico is a star.”

Laughter. Was it sexy laughter? Nico was feeling too buzzy to be sure, but decided to be encouraged. A sigh, a dramatic gesture back at the house, “That isn’t a Nico party.”

“What is a Nico party?”

Nico bounced up, possibly spilling Long Island Tea in the sand, before she finished her glass, and slammed it back on the tray. “More people paying attention to Nico, clothes you can dance in, MUSIC!!!”

“What’s your favorite song?” Sexy was leaning forward, pulling her beanie forward to keep the wind from teasing it off her head.

Nico frowned, trying to remember what the hot girl summer song was. No luck. She giggled, “anything.”

Sexy began to sing, lyrics semi familiar to Nico, dancing, starlight, love…Nico joined in and the song became a duet and then another song and then Nico was chasing a laughing goddess into the surf, tripping, falling into strong arms, being pulled back to the chairs, sharing one for warmth, covered with throws, splitting the last glass of tea, two sets of lip prints sloppily overlapping while the originals argued over which star was brighter as the world blurred, and then, laughing, dizzy with joy, Nico stood, pulling Sexy to her feet, spinning them both, holding onto hands so tight until…

###

Nico woke up, pounding pain, head spinning, staring ahead…she could see…the sky, barely dawn kissed, through a window, an antique airplane cockpit, and a leg, barely visible, the Sexy Sea Goddess’s polka dot dress bunched up above the curve of the thigh, stiletto heel tapping out a rhythm. Wincing, Nico wondered if this was what flying angels references meant? Was Nico in an alcohol induced coma? Is that why her head hurt like spikes were being driven into it?

“heY!” Nico…croaked.

“You’re alive.” Amused sexy sea goddess voice, no ocean to dampen the contours. Nico liked it.

“Where are we?”

“Flying.”

Ah, that was the motion of a plane, not Nico.

“Why?” Solid ground would have been so much more…solid.

“You didn’t believe I was a pilot.” Teasing.

Nico vaguely remembered something about ‘too sexy.” But she was hoping for a pilot’s hat to look cute in, not an airplane to be…carried to? Had Nico been carried off the beach and missed it? Must be a dream. A flash of light brightened the stiletto. White. Goes with the dress. Cinderella, not Little Mermaid. Nico had maybe a half a brain cell left and what it wanted was sleep.

“Good night.” Nico leaned her throbbing head back.

###

Nico woke up again. Moving. But someone had pulled out the spikes and just left a pain pushing at the center of her forehead. Back and forth movement. Swaying. Wasn’t helping with the headache. Rocking. Waking up Nico’s stomach in ways Nico did not want to cope with.

Open eyes. Hammock. Outside. Bright sun. Beach. Seaplanes. Hut with…Nico squinted to read the sign but the glare off the beach and the water made it impossible. With a groan, Nico eased herself out of the hammock. It might not have been her most graceful move, but solid ground was the gift she’d just given herself.

“You’re awake!” An unfamiliar voice shouted. Nico glanced up to see a cheerful ginger haired woman jogging toward her, “How’s the hangover?”

“Where am I?”

“My shop. Hi, I’m Honoka.” Cheerful smile. Nico refused to be charmed.

“Kidnapping Nico is a crime.”



A raspy voice joined the conversation, “You were begging to leave.”

Nico turned, cautiously, to meet amused amethyst eyes, above a scowl slashed across a pair of stunning lips. Red hair in a ponytail coming out the back of a Mr Zoggs Sex Wax dad cap, completely tasteless fake Hawai’in shirt with…Nico squinted…half naked women surfing, gray board shorts, kicky sneakers.

Headache somehow worse, Nico winced at her own whine, “Where’s the pilot who brought me here?”

Honoka and Tacky Clothing Choices exchanged a glance. Tacky shrugged; Honoka giggled.

“You tell us.” Tacky frowned.

“How is Nico going to get home?”

Honoka started to say something but Tacky raised a hand, “Where do you live?”

“Where does Nico live?” Nico’s laugh was not amused. This would all be so much better if Nico seemed at all like she knew anything. Or remembered anything. Nico was never like this. Nico was always prepared. Nozomi. Nozomi had texted her the address and handed off the key last night but Nico hadn’t stopped by before the party. She pulled out her phone, waving it in the direction of the interrogation squad.

Tacky took the phone. “Let me borrow Betty.”

“Okay, Maki, whatever you say.”

“Betty? Maki?” Nico was still failing all this morning’s pop quizzes. What had she ever done to life?

“Betty is the green sea plane over there,” Honoka pointed to two planes bumping against a dock. “Maki is going to fly you.”

At least today, Nico was getting names. 

 “Did anyone see the pilot who dropped me off? Tall, legs up to…” Nico whistled, “simple and sexy black and white dress.” Nico closed her eyes. Everything from last night seemed to be painted black and white, like a movie as old as that airplane cockpit. “Probably collects vintage planes.” Maybe tequila had wiped out all the colors. Nico should swear off tequila. “Why would you spike a drink with tequila?” Nico demanded.



“Huh?” Honoka frowned.

Nico shook her head.

Maki scowled, “If you can remember that much, maybe you should have paid attention to the name.”

“Ocean. Loud.” The headache was surging. Nico crouched, hands to her temple. Why were people still talking at Nico. “What the hell is in a Long Island Iced Tea anyway?”

Honoka giggled, “Everything but tea.”

Maki chuckled, “I’ll go get things started. Maybe go get Ms. Memory Loss some water, Honoka.”

“Just Nico.” Nico gritted.

Honoka sprinted to the shop, “Be right back.”

Maki slung a duffle over her shoulder and headed for the dock, leaving Nico staring between the bright, bobbing ponytail and the clashing colors of the fake Hawaai’in shirt. Black and white would be a better filter for this dudes on the beach morning than last night’s starlit sea goddess mystery.

###

“Throw a party.” Nozomi ordered from the doorway.

“Nico is lazy. And on vacation.” Nico had been on the porch all morning.

“Nico needs a wife in…” Nozomi glanced at her phone calendar, “three weeks. Or Nico could admit this is a stupid plan.”

“No Nico plans are stupid.”

“We need to announce Nico’s arrival as the start of the summer social scene.” Nozomi knew her audience. Nico considered, Nozomi continued, “We owe Umi.”

Nico brightened. “And Umi will invite her friends.” And Nico could find out who the sexy sea goddess was when Nico wasn’t colorblind drunk.

“Probably.” Nozomi knew she’d won the argument.



“All her friends.”

Nozomi slid in next to Nico, “Ooh, Nico-chi, do you have your eye on someone?”

Nico grumbled, pushing Nozomi away.

“Where did you spend the night anyway? Did you do…sexy things?”

Nico hated the prurient tone Nozomi hit when she was in the perv zone, “None of your business.”

“Oh my, did someone take Nico home?”

“No. Someone dumped Nico on a beach like driftwood.”

“That’s not fun.”

“Duh.” Nico rolled her eyes. “Nico is fine china, not beach trash.”

Nozomi frowned.

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re not raging.”

Nico stood, staring directly at the beach they were 200 yards away from.

“Someone got Nico in a plane and then left me in a hammock.”

“A plane?” Nozomi had a vision of commercial flights. “That’s weird?”

“Antique-y plane. Pilot in a very short skirt.”



Nozomi whistled. “That’s sexy.”

“Nico knows. But Nico doesn’t know who the sexy pilot was.”

“No name or face?”

“Just leg, dress, and stiletto.” Nico frowned, a song coming back into memory, “Voice, maybe.”

Nozomi hissed in shock, “What were you doing that you didn’t see her face.”

Nico reached back to hit Nozomi, “Nico was buckled in a seat, trying not to throw up, behind the cockpit.”

“Actually, I think if the pilot’s a woman, they call it the box office.”

“Shut it.”

“Or maybe it was the beaver box.”

“Don’t you have a blonde to perv on?”

“Yes.” Nozomi jumped off the couch, grabbing her open weave cardigan, “My lunch date. When’s the party? Eli can spread the word.”

“Tomorrow night. Nico needs to recover.”

“I’ll get liquor.”

“No iced teas. No one’s sneaking another Long Island on Nico.”

“You know that’s not…” Nozomi watched a pale, still suffering Nico drop into the couch, ready to nap, “Never mind.”

###

“So you have to come, Tsubasa. Bring Erena, Anju, and whoever’s hanging around. Nico needs to teach these people how to par-tay.”

Tsubasa, continuing her stationary bike workout, chuckled on Nico’s screen, “Nico does know how to par-tay.”

“Right. Everybody on the best coast knows Nico throws the funniest parties.”

“So what are the locals like?”

“Old money loaded. They have their own planes. And they either dress Super Sleek or Surfer Slack. And sit around reading. Or surfing. Or…” Nico shrugged. There were ice cream parlors and mini golf courses, only a few bars, and no scene at all from what Nico could tell from the directory that came with the house.

“Sounds different.”

“It is. No SHOPPING. Just little local boutiques. ONE grocery store.”

“You still have the internet. And the private numbers of a dozen designers.”

“True.” Nico stretched. Tsubasa’s energy was making Nico feel lazy. “Nico’s just not used to sitting and looking at the beach. ‘S a nice beach though. "Nico’s not complaining about the view. Nozomi found this bungalow that’s just the right size for Nico.”

“Sounds cozy.”

“So you’ll come to Nico’s Beach Bash, since you’re in Virginia and have a couple nights off?

“Wouldn’t miss it.” Tsubasa grabbed her water bottle, “How’s the bride hunt going?”

“Nico is irresistible.”

“So still looking.”



“Nico is fine.”

“We could always combine our charisma…”

Nico sat up, sliding her sunglasses down her nose. This was unexpected.

Tsubasa stopped pedaling, green eyes serious. “If you decide on different backstory, former tourmates reconnecting isn’t a bad one.”

A pause.

Nico frowned. Tsubasa seemed down suddenly, “Nico’s not saying no but you don’t really need a pr boost so why…”

Tsubasa dismounted, “Fans swing back and forth between ‘why aren’t you dating’ and ‘OMG, that woman across the street from your doorway is your secret lover’. It wears me down. I’m always looking around for people snapping pics.”

“Nico gets that. Tiring.”

“Yeah.” Tsubasa smiled, “A break might be nice.”

“Maybe you’ll meet someone at Nico’s party. Nico met someone at a par…” Nico paused as Tsubasa grabbed her phone, eyes twinkling.

“Nico’s withholding. Spill.”

“Someone spiked Nico’s innocent iced tea, but there was a tall…pretty…pilot…or sea goddess or something.”

“I don’t know about sea goddesses, but there can’t be that many pretty pilots.”

“Guess again. Nico’s seen three in 12 hours.” Nico leaned back, arms crossed behind her head, “Nico gets the Prince in Cinderella now.”

“Did she leave you a shoe?”

“Maybe.” Nico grinned as she remembered the curvy thigh, the rumpled dress, the stiletto.

“You’re crazy.”



“Nico Nico Ni.” The gesture just made Nico's headache return.

“See you tomorrow. I’ll help you interview pilots.”

Nico flipped her phone over, staring at the ocean, remembering pieces of that night, dancing, whirling, a voice, breathy, serenading Nico and the stars.

“Hey.”

Nico jumped. Maki, with an even more beat up cap, a loose mesh tank with a purple bikini top underneath, and black and white checkerboard board shorts, dropped a couple of cases of something heavy at the foot of Nico’s chaise.

“Tojo said to stack these.”

“Not on the beach.”

“Party’s on the beach, right? Eli’s bringing some more.” A pause, Maki pushing down Ray Bans (how 20th century) so Nico could see the wink. “No iced tea though.”

Nico growled, her headache returning. “You take those up to the bungalow.” Nico was off the chaise, waving her hands at Maki, who was just staring, twirling a stray curl, “The bungalow. Where there is an ICE CHEST.”

“Sure”, Maki grabbed the cases of canned crush cocktails, lifting form OSHA approved.

“NICO-CHI!” Nozomi called from the top of the dune, “Eli and Maki volunteered to do the heavy lifting. Where do you want the canned cocktails and beer?”



“IN THE ICE CHEST.” Where else would you put them? Nico couldn’t believe any of these people.

“In the ice chest, Eli-chi. By the car. Hi Maki. Nice muscles.” Whatever Maki’s reply was, Nozomi giggled at it. Nico stomped up the dune. Someone sensible had to supervise.

“We picked up Italian Sausage and Pepper sandwiches, Nico.” Nozomi was bustling in the kitchen by the time Nico got to the house. Eli was unpacking a paper bag and Maki was pulling the water pitcher out of the fridge.

“Peppers? Spicy peppers?” Nico grimaced.

“Oh, Nico-chi, I know you better than that. We had them make one with only sweet sausages and peppers.”

‘That sounds okay. Nico likes sweet.”

Eli put a wrapped sandwich in front of Nico, “Here you go. I’m Eli, by the way. We didn’t really get to talk at the party.”

“Lot of people Nico didn’t get to talk to.” Nico mumbled as she unwrapped the sandwich. Definitely Italian spicing, chunks of sausage and slivers of onions and peppers stuffed into a bun. Nico took a bite, then put the sandwich down as she chewed.

Eli and Maki scarfed their sandwiches down liked they’d lifted cars not cases.

“Needs tomato sauce.” Nico announced.

Maki swallowed quickly, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, my go to pizzeria makes ‘em that way. ‘S better.”

“Is there any non pizzeria food on this island?”

“Burgers and seafood and stuff.” Eli said, “Everyone wants something quick and casual.”

“Sounds like my kind of place.” Nozomi winked.

Nico was not going to encourage Nozomi. “Someone needs to fly Nico to Manhattan for fine dining but Nico is afraid she’d be shoved out the door into the ocean mid-flight.”

“No body, no crime.” Maki smirked, grabbing french fries away from Nico.

Nico froze for a moment, something almost clear…but then she got distracted by the french fry tug of war, “Nico needs those so she has an excuse to run them off before the party.” Nico turned to Nozomi, “Tsuabasa spent the entire call on her bike.”



“Ooohh, is she coming? And bringing A-Rise?”

“No one misses a Nico party and they have a night off from tour.”

“A-Rise?” Maki asked.

“You don’t know who A-Rise is?” Nico nearly dropped the sandwich half.

Maki shrugged.

“Chart topping pop act.” Nozomi was sliding closer to Eli, “Nico met them in her punk phase.”

“Nico never had a punk phase.”



“I was talking attitude, Nico-chi, not music genre.”

Nico flipped off her manager. Then she turned to Maki, “How could you not know A-Rise?”

Maki flushed slightly, wiping her hands on a napkin.

Eli spoke, breaking the nervous tension, “Maki’s a classical pianist.”

“Between that and jazz…” Maki and Eli exchanged a glance that set off Nico’s “they’re up to something” radar, “I don’t have time for much other music.”

Nico might ask follow up questions later, but right now she needed some local advice.

“Where should Nico order party food from?”



Maki grinned, “I know a place.”

Nico groaned, “A place that puts marinara sauce on these, right?” Nico ate the last bit of her sandwich.

“Yep.”

Nozomi and Eli giggled.

###

Fairy lights everywhere, from the porch to the beach. Pretty people in pretty casual dresses. Conversations and soft giggles. Music, centered between house and beach seating, playing at a nice level, leaving a ring outside of it where conversations could actually take place, as well as the living room. After her last, mostly lost party experience, Nico was sticking to non alcoholic drinks she poured herself as she drifted through groups in the initial welcome phase.

Umi and Eli were standing together, relaxed, in not quite matching linen shirts and pants.

“Hi! Welcome to Nico’s.”

“Eli was telling me what a cute place this is.”



“As cute as Nico.” Big wink, not much reaction from either woman. “She and Maki were a big help yesterday.”



Eli blushed a little, “Nozomi had a lot to carry.”

Umi smiled fondly, “Eli is always very gallant.”

“Nico could tell that.”

Kotori rushed up, “Nico! Are you really getting married in three weeks? You have to let me do your dress, Nico. I can see it now.”

Umi turned very seriously to her wife, “Kotori, I have explained that you cannot just run up and demand to dress people.”

Nico had looked up Kotori Minami, of the Floating Feather Atelier, which was the only stylish thing on this entire New Jersey Island.

“Your talented wife can certainly sweep up and demand to dress Nico.” Nico slid her arm through Kotori’s and steered for the beach, away from interfering spouses. “What did you have in mind?”

“Sea foam.”

“In a dress?”

“No, no, material that floats like sea foam. I have a roll of it, just the palest pink to it, faintest sea green, an opened abalone shell. You’ll be like Venus.”



Nico liked that thought.

“Two dresses or will your bride be in a suit?” Kotori’s eyes got wide and she practically swooned, “I got Umi to wear this amazing three piece pale gray wool. So soft. I couldn’t keep my hands off her at the reception.” Kotori giggled, blushing at having shared that memory, “I can find fabric like that for you.”

Nico was not ready for the who was on the other side of the officiant discussion. “For the dress, Nico thinks sleeveless.”



“Ooh, that could work. WIth your hair and the veil and…” Kotori stopped, “I have to find something to sketch on.” And she ran back to Umi. Nico watched Umi pull a small leather folio out of a pocket, and hand it and a pen to Kotori with all the gravity of a person handling a holy relic. A partner like that wasn’t found in a month, Nico feared.

###

“Tsubasa!” Nozomi opened the door, immediately pulling the much smaller singer into a hug, “Nico will be so glad to see you.”

“This is a great place!” Tsubasa stepped into the center of the room, poised and cool, “I love the breeze.”

“I could hook you up.” Nozomi followed, “And can I get you a drink?”



“Wine?”



“Of course. I just opened a nice, juicy Barbera.”



“That’s an unusual choice.”



“Very summer evening, hand me a slice of pizza.” Nozomi swung behind the bar, “The menu’s heavy on Italian dishes.”



“I didn’t realize Nico was a fan of the cuisine.”



Nozomi poured, “Caterer was recommended by a local.”

“Tsubasa!” Nico chirped.

“Nico!” Tsubasa turned, “Join me in a toast.”

Nico, hair long and loose, considered, hands in the pockets of her sleeveless, loose pink jumpsuit, a contrast to Tsubasa’s more form fitting, black tank dress. “Pour Nico a mocktail, please, Nozomi.”

“Staying sober?”



“Nico can be fun without alcohol.”



“Plus,” Nozomi leaned over the bar, conspiratorially, as she muddled mint leaves for Nico’s drink, “Last party she went to…” Nozomi whistled, “blackout drunk. Couldn’t remember how she got home. You can get a really bad reputation that way. Be more careful, Nico-chi. You never know who might take advantage.”

Nico’s glare could have ended her manager’s evening bloodily, if Nozomi weren’t so used to it.

“I got her home safely.” A clear voice rang out and Nico turned to see a frowning, familiar redhead striding toward the bar, dressed in laundry day jean shorts and a muscle tee from a local gym.

Nico groaned.

Tsubasa raised an eyebrow; Nozomi openly stared.

Nico was forced to share information about her life. Which was never a win. “Nico ended up in a hammock, on a beach, ALONE.”

The rest of the room stared at Nico, “And Maki was kind enough to fly Nico here.”

“We actually had to tie up two houses down. This place doesn’t have a jetty.” Accusatory. Like Nico had left out that feature on purpose.



“Nico-chi,” Nozomi sounded outraged, “How could you be so thoughtless?”



Nico was not taking that hit. “You rented the house.”



“Maki where did you go?” A small woman with glasses and light brown hair rushed forward, knocking into Nico. When she turned to apologize, her mouth opened in a shrill scream, “NNNNNNNIIIIIII!”

“What the hell?” Nico glanced to Nozomi, who shrugged. Maki stepped forward.

“NICO NI NICO NI NICO NI.” Breathless, the woman barely paused, “You’reNicoNi, Maki didn’t tell me, I’myourbiggestfancanIhaveyourautographOMYGOD.”

“Let’s go find RIn.’ Maki grabbed the woman’s arm and dragged her back toward the door.

A despairing cry. “Somebody save me.”



“What the hell.” Nico did a shot of celery juice.

Tsubasa and Nozomi had no response.

###

Party guests were spilling out of the house, more food and liquor had been delivered, lovers were finding their way to darkened spots, and Nico needed a breath of fresh air, heading toward the surf, a spot just outside of the light and sound zone. Someone was already there, pacing, muttering, kicking sand.

Nico got closer, recognizing the late arrival. “So you came to Nico’s party for the ocean?”

Maki jumped, making the cutest startle noise. Nico giggled.

Maki sighed, kicking more sand, “Sorry about my friend.”

Nico shrugged, “Fans get crazy. Nico thought you were skipping the party.”

Maki frowned, stepping a little closer to Nico, grumbling. “Had to fly my friends down from New York. So much stupid traffic. No time to stop at home and change.”

“No traffic here.” Nico stared out at the ocean. “Nico could get used to this. Do you just summer on the Island.?”

“No. My family has a house. I stay year round now mostly. ‘S quiet in the winter. There's a piano.”

“And the marinara sauce place delivers.”

Maki chuckled and nodded

Nico’s phone vibrated. She pulled it out of her pocket, swiped through a few screens, then turned it off.

“Marriage interviews?” Maki sounded hesitant.

Nico turned and stared, “huh?”

“Your whirlwind, get married in a month…suitors…if we were in Japan…” Maki tried explaining, but Nico’s confused stare slowed her into indecipherability.

“You’re weird.”

Maki rolled her eyes, took off her cap, and looked ready to fling it into the ocean like a Frisbee.

“But cute.”

Maki froze.

Nico waited a couple minutes but Maki still seemed frozen so Nico decided to have a conversation with the surf, “People are already speculating on pics from the party, who will Nico choose, Tsubasa or your friend.”

“She’s already married.” Maki said sharply, jamming her hat back on her head.

Nico crouched, hands out in front, fingertips in the waves, “With Nico’s sex appeal, you’d think people would be lining up…”



Maki skipped back from a wave, “What even is sex appeal? Does it exist?”

Nico tilted her head to stare at the taller woman, “And how should Nico choose a romantic partner, O wandering beach expert?”

“Can’t you talk to them?”



“Nico can talk to anyone. Anything. Wandering cute girls. Screaming fans. Ocean waves. Even pieces of driftwood.”

Sudden silence. Nico wasn’t going to let it linger.

“So tell Nico what’s the tiebreaker if sex appeal doesn’t exist in your world.”

“Perfect wind.” A quick, quiet answer.

“What?”



“Perfect wind. Catching that…wind, that drift, that just lets you glide farther than with anyone else.”

“Speaking from experience?”

“Flying experience.”

Nico stood, stepping in closer, curious.

“MAKI MAKI MAKI.”



Nico was pretty sure perfect lips mouthed “fuck” as Maki stumbled back and a Nico sized person tackled her into the surf.

“You hurt Kayo-chin’s arm. You’re such a jerk.”

“I’m wet.” Maki splashed cold water on everyone, Nico shivering as her jumpsuit clung. “And she nearly broke Nico’s ribs.” Maki pointed.

“Nico.” the tiny non Nico person spun, also pointing, sounding shocked. “You’re Nico?” In a sudden change of mood and with surprising strength, the intruder hauled Maki out of the surf, shoved her toward Nico, shouting “sorry sorry sorry” and sprinting back to the house.

Maki flung off water like a wet dog,

“Once again.” This seemed to be a question Nico asked a lot around Maki, “What the hell.”

Maki crouched, becoming a little ball.

“Oh, no, Nico is not letting you curl up in a shell.” Pulling Maki up by an arm, Nico pointed toward the disappearing person, “Explain that…person.”

“Rin.”

“Rin? What’s a Rin?”

“A cat-asptrophe.” Maki uncurled, laughing at herself. “Rin’s my best friend. Her wife is the one into inappropriate celebrity contact.”

Nico didn’t like Maki saying celebrity and meaning Nico. ”How do you feel about…”



“Celebrities?”

Nico shook her head. “Nico.”

“I like Nico dancing on a beach.”

And Maki started to hum and Nico had a vivid flashback in color to twirling in the surf. Lips pursed around words. A familiar note. Nico shoved and Maki found herself stumbling backward, “It was you. One the beach. The sexy sea goddess pilot.”

Maki’s legs seemed to give out and she was sitting in the surf again.

“It was you.” Nico loomed, Maki staring up wide eyed. “Why didn’t you tell Nico?”

Brows lowered. “You forgot me. Looked right through me the next morning.”

“Nico blames Long Island.”

Maki snorted. “You only want sex appeal in stilettos and a dress.”

“No.” Okay, some truth. “Not only that. You don’t know what Nico wants.”



Maki pushed up, forcing Nico back up the beach, “You want publicity. I read all the articles. You don’t care who. Just pick a random person with 'sex appeal,' marry them, and write a movie.”



“It could be you.”

Maki glared, arms crossed.

Nico stepped forward, kicking off sandals ruined by the salt water, “You were in my head, every minute. Even with the headache. Even when I was thinking about YOU.” Nico reached for Maki’s hand, “It annoyed Nico.”

Maki pulled away.

Nico kept pushing, “No drinks tonight. Nico will remember this.” A pause, a hand on Maki’s waist. “What does Maki want?”

Tongue licked lips. Nico thought that taste must be salty and suddenly Nico had a mad craving. But she waited, Maki’s hand resting on Nico’s forearm, amethyst eyes looking out toward the sea.

“Maki?”

“I don’t know…” Maki’s glance snapped to Nico’s, the black and white movie filter with sultry jazz in the background filter sliding back over their beach scene, “You to talk to me…you to remember me…”



“I remember.”

“What about tomorrow?”

“Don’t fly Nico to a random beach hammock and dump her there. Stay. Tell me about you.” Nico pulled Maki back toward the chairs, “Nico sends everyone else home.”

With a shudder, Maki flung her arms around Nico, almost mimicking her friend Rin’s tackling technique, Nico’s arms pulled her in as if Nico had practiced the move. “Wet, I’m so cold, you’re warm.” Maki’s teeth chattered. With better lighting her lips might be blue, Nico felt like all the warmth between them was draining into the sand.

“Nico prefers when wet means warm.”

Maki was shivering, their joint body temperature dropping. “Like a bath?”

They were at the chairs, a few people watching them curiously. Nico grabbed a blanket to cover both of them.

“Sure. Let’s get back to the bungalow. Nico will lay out towels before kicking everyone out. You can borrow something dry.”

“Eli’s probably got workout clothes in her car.” Maki matched Nico’s shuffling run, holding on to her end of the blanket.

Suddenly they were in a swirl of people, coming out of the porch, Nozomi at the head of the scrum, “Nico-chi, what happened?”

“Crazy waves. Maki’s other pushy friend. We’re freezing.” When Nozomi leaned in, Nico whispered, “Get people out of here. And ask Eli if she has anything Maki could wear. Nothing mine will fit.”

“No, you’re a little…”



“Don’t.” Nico kicked out and Nozomi squeaked.

“C’mon Maki, Nico will point you to the bath.”

Maki, cheeks pale, hair wet and covering her eyes, followed Nico into the bungalow, both actively ignoring everyone else in the room. Get Maki settled first, put on a bathrobe, then Nico would deal with all the things she heard whispering around the room.

###

Nico was in a bathrobe, towel around her head. Maki was sitting on her bed, wrapped in a beach towel and a blanket, still looking frozen.

“All right, Nico started the bath.”

“Have any candles?” Maki stood, blanket falling off, towel clasped around curves Nico was trying not to examine too closely.

“Are you planning to stay in for hours?”

“I have standards. Gonna kick me out?” Maki smirked. “I’ll take bubble bath too.”

Nico groaned. At least if she had to spend the night outside of her bedroom, her couch was more comfortable than a hammock. But Nozomi would NEVER shut up about it.

“There’s both in the bathroom. The linen cabinet.”

“Thanks.”

“Nico’s a saint.”

Maki sneezed; Nico folded, no bluff, all concern.

“Go get warm.”

Perfect lips, luminous smile, “See you soon.”

Nico liked that thought. ###

Nico changed into cute pajama pants and a staff hoodie from her last movie set. There were fewer people in her living room, still a party sized crowd, but fewer. Nico wondered how many were lingering around the beach fire.

Nico grabbed several slices of pizza, turning on the oven and sliding them in. The celebrity hugger and the Maki tackler approached, followed by Tsubasa and Nozomi.

The hugger bowed, pushed forward by Rin, apparently Maki’s BFF. “I’m so sorry.”

“Louder, Kayo-chin, you have to say it like you mean it.”

“I’m sos so sorry canIhaveanautographplease.”

Ron shook her head, sighing. “Tell Maki I tried.”

Nico scrawled her signature on a cocktail napkin with a doodled smile, handed it to the stalker, then stepped away from the kitchen to talk to Nozomi and Tsubasa, waving at a few stragglers looking for a word, hugging familiar faces who wanted a personal goodnight. “Nico’s so tired. Thanks for coming. This was so much fun Nico could do it every day. See you next time.”

Finally, Nico made it to the couch, sitting with her legs underneath her. No sign of Maki yet.

“SO, this was a very full evening.” Nozomi flopped down next to Nico.

“You have the best parties. Everyone's already talking about it.” Tsubasa settled on Nico’s other side.

“Did Erena and Anju make it? Nico didn’t see them.”

“They needed a date night at home.”

“No third wheel.” Nico poked Tsubasa.

“No third wheel.”

“You turn up soaking wet with a hot heiress and suddenly everyone believes the romcom is happening.’ Nozomi pushed her phone under Nico’s nose.

“NISHIKINO HEIRESS AND NICO NI HAVE A VERY WET NIGHT”

Someone had caught a snap of Nico embracing a cold Maki.

“STORY DESTINED FOR THE BIG SCREEN”

“Heiress?” Tsubasa leaned in, “You always were lucky.”

“Nico always is hard working.” Nico corrected, biting her lip. ”People respect that.”

“People respect the hell out of that.” Tsubasa agreed.

“Suck up.” Nozomi giggled, “It’s not respect. People are looking for a good story. This,” she pulled her phone back, “is a great story.”

“What is?” Smooth and raspy at the same time, a combination of sensuality and friction Nico was not tiring of.

“This snap of…”

“Shut it, Nozomi.” Nico’s hand was a vice on Nozomi’s wrist, “Nico needs some private time.”

Nozomi flumped up, fixing her skirt, glaring at Nico, “Eli’s waiting to take me to her place. Need a ride, Maki? Tsubasa?”

“Maki’s staying.” Nico glanced at Maki, seeing surprise on her face, “If she wants.”

“I’ll take that ride.” Tsubasa kissed Nico’s cheek, “You take care, my friend. Write the boldest ending ever.”

Nico chuckled, “Nico will do that.”

Nico and Maki watched Tsubasa and Nozomi leave, Nozomi with a cheeky, teasing wave and air kiss. After an awkward minute, Maki shuffling, twisting a curl, and refusing to make eye contact, Nico patted the couch, “Sit with Nico.”

“Sure.”

The buzzer went off.

“Or go rescue Nico’s pizza.”

“That would be my pizza then.” Eli’s spare clothes were gray sweats, a pale blue zip hoodie, and a white crop top.

“There’s three slices. We share.”

Maki winked, heading for the kitchen.

“So what’s the great story?”

Nico left out the lewd undertones. “Night on the beach with an heiress. Turns out your an heiress. Nico didn't know.”

A pause.

“It is a pretty good story.” Maki said cautiously, over oven closing noises.

“Nozomi said great. People are gonna be all over this island taking pictures as soon as they find out which island this is.”

“Hmmm…”

“Which island is this?”

“You don’t know.”

Nico shrugged.

Maki flumped next to Nico, handing over a slice and a half on a paper plate about to be soaked through with grease. She picked up her own slice and creased the crust, “Chicago pizza doesn’t fold.”

“And Nico needs to know this why?”

“I have a concert in Chicago…” Maki frowned, “Wednesday.”

“Do you have one of those fancy dress on the cover albums?”

“Three.”

“Nico will listen to one that night.”

Maki shook her head. She hadn’t dried her hair so the droplets were chill on Nico’s cheek.

“Better story.”

“What?”

“We disappear.”

Nico put down the plate with half a slice left.

“We disappear? Nico has a career. Nico has a family…”

“Family?” Maki blinked.

“Siblings. The cutest. Nico will show you pictures.” Nico was up on her feet, “Nico is here for the summer, finding a bride, because Nico is a genius, and now, because Nico has the best friends, Nico met an heiress…what kind of heiress?”

“Old money, medicine. Family of doctors.”

Nico grunted in acknowledgement, “Impressive. So they worked for it?”

Maki did the flippy ‘maybe yes, maybe no’ hand gesture, combined with the ‘water sliding off my back” shoulder shrug.

Suddenly inspired, Nico dove back to the couch, with a hip check that made Maki squeal. “Yeah, Nico’s firing the heiress angle.”

“Why?”

“Nico likes the sexy pilot arc better.”

“You’re weird.”

“Only if it’s exciting.”

Maki laughed. Nico’s phone pinged with a series of notifications. “There’s not going to be any quiet on this island after tonight.”

“Nope.”

Head back, deft, delicate fingers brushing through bright red hair, lips in a thoughtful pout.

“Runaway Heiress. You, me, plane…”

“Maki might be a genius, but Nico has a better idea…”

“Better than mine. But you just said…”

“Nico is genius +1.”

Maki turned to look at Nico, long lashes blinking over suspicious amethyst.

“Runaway Honeymoon.”

Maki frowned, “There is an implied wedding in that scenario. We haven’t even kissed.”

Nico was now on her knees, leaning over Maki. “We will.”

“Oh really?” Arched eyebrow, covering for the cutest slightest blush.

“If we want.” Nico fell back, arms waving. “THEY DON’T HAVE TO KNOW.”

“I thought your whole idea was everybody knows everything.” Maki grabbed Nico’s half slice.

Nico shook her head. “Not about this because they’ll have to wait for…”

“The movie.” Maki finished, after a dramatic pause. “Can you be a spy?”

“Huh? Nico’s a Nico.”

“I’ve always wanted to be a Bond girl.”

Nico rolled up, jaw dropped, stunned.

“Kidding.” Maki giggled, “Now, writing a Bond theme…” And Maki started to hum, slow, rising, waiting, then sprightly, and on the run, daring and dangerous.

“How about a Nico theme?”

Maki changed the tune, adding words, "And nobody does it better Though sometimes I wish someone could Nobody does it quite the way you do"

“You flatter Nico.”

“Probably.”

Nico grabbed a pillow, “Check out Nico’s fighting technique.” Twirling, Nico pointed the pillow at a vase of flowers, pulled it back, and let it fly, where it bounced off the wall three feet to the side of the vase, hit the video screen cattycorner, and slowly slid to the floor, sagging.

Maki started laughing, deep, silly roars, rolling into Nico, knocking her flat on the couch, rocking back and forth. “Come to Chicago with me.”

“Okay, but you’re writing Nico a spy song. Cocoa would love it.”

“Cocoa?”

“Middle sib. Ball of motion. Never stops. One of Nico’s biggest fans.”

More pings from the phone. “She’s got competition.”

“Yazawas don’t lose.”

Maki levered herself back up to sitting, “I bet.”

“You could.” Nico winked.

Maki stood up, singing again, striding across the room.

“Hey baby, think you need a friend to stand here by your side? Yes you do (Your side) Ohh, baby, now you can depend on me to make things right”

“What movie’s that from?”

“License to Kill.” Maki bent over, rescuing the pillow, soft tossing it back to the couch.

“Nico’s got a license to thrill.”

Maki rolled her eyes, stepping out onto the porch.

“No pun appreciation for Nico?”

“I’m not that easy.”

Nico ignored that, grabbing her phone. “So the plan is Chicago, your concert, and then…”

Maki glanced over her shoulder, hoodie sliding down the curve of it, her eyes catching Nico’s for a long, deliciously daring moment, as the surf crashed behind her and Nico’s sultry black and white jazz memory filters slid into focus. “And then…”

###

Nozomi was watching Eli energetically bounce off to get them water when Nico’s alert went off. She read the message, re read it, and snorted.

“Something wrong?” Eli double back without drinks, concern in her warm blue eyes.

Nozomi shook her head, “Just Nico-chi being Nico-chi.”

###

Cancel the wedding. Runaway honeymoon.

A/N:

So I saw this pic* on Tumblr. Then there was the vintage airplane talk with Ryqoshay. And now, three weeks or so later, there's this. Kinda low energy these days, but working on recovery. Take care. *https://lonelypond.tumblr.com/post/695529501975789568

[taangerinetiger82]

Embrace the Warmth: Discover Pretty Summer Dresses for Every Occasion

As the days grow longer and the nights warmer, the allure of donning a pretty summer dress  becomes undeniable. At Taangerine Tiger, we understand that summer is not just a season but a state of mind, reflected beautifully in our stunning range of summer dresses. From breezy linen maxi dresses to elegant floral designs and chic beach attire, our collection ensures that you'll find the perfect outfit to match the vibrant energy of summer. Let’s dive into what makes Taangerine Tiger the ultimate destination for pretty summer dresses online.

Quality Meets Style at Taangerine Tiger

Exquisite Fabrics: Our summer collection features dresses made from premium materials like soft, breathable linen and lightweight cotton, ensuring comfort without compromising on style.

Versatile Designs: Whether it's a long linen dress for a day out in the city or a playful linen jumpsuit for a summer festival, our designs cater to all occasions. Each piece promises versatility and elegance, making it easy to transition from daytime adventures to evening escapades.

Fit for Everyone: We celebrate diversity with sizes that accommodate and flatter every body type. Our aim is to make every woman feel gorgeous and confident in her summer attire.

Explore Our Summer Dress Collection

Linen Maxi Dresses: Ideal for those who cherish comfort without skimping on style, our linen maxi dresses are perfect for any summer day. They are not just cool but also supremely comfortable for all-day wear.

Floral Dresses: Tap into the essence of summer with our floral dresses. Available in a plethora of patterns and hues, these dresses are sure to add a pop of color and a dash of femininity to your wardrobe.

Beach Dresses: Our beach dresses are the epitome of summer chic. Effortless and elegant, they are perfect for lounging by the sea or enjoying a sunset dinner by the shore.

Linen Jumpsuits and Shorts: For those who prefer an edgier look, our linen jumpsuits and shorts offer a stylish alternative. They are great for creating a statement look that’s both comfortable and fashionable.

Wedding Guest Dresses: Find your ideal summer wedding outfit with our selection of dresses designed to make you stand out. Choose from light fabrics and vibrant designs that perfectly complement the joyful atmosphere of summer weddings.

Styling Your Summer Dresses

Accessorize: Elevate your pretty summer dress with the right accessories. Think bold necklaces, chic sunglasses, and a stylish hat to shield you from the sun.

Choose the Right Footwear: Depending on the occasion, pair your dress with comfortable sandals, sleek heels, or casual sneakers to complete your summer look.

Layer Smartly: For cooler evenings, pair your dress with a light cardigan or a stylish wrap to keep cozy without losing any style points.

Embrace Summer with Taangerine Tiger

Ready to own every moment this summer? Start by refreshing your wardrobe with Taangerine Tiger’s exquisite range of pretty summer dresses. Perfect for any occasion, our dresses are designed to celebrate the joy and spontaneity of the season. Shop our collection today and find your new favorite summer outfit!

Shop Beautiful Summer Dresses Now

Transform your summer wardrobe with our collection of pretty summer dresses, designed with every woman in mind. At Taangerine Tiger, we bring you the best of summer fashion with an emphasis on comfort, style, and inclusivity.

[fullcupofstyle]

Changing seasons......changing wardrobes!

Enjoy these Late Summer/Pre Fall fashion links:

[shaadiwish]

Wedding color schemes change with every season and this time around. With the new trends in wedding decor, we are sure you want to amp up your wedding in the best way possible.

[mckenziepost]

Nature's Bounty in Bite-Sized Sweets

In the world of culinary creativity, sometimes the smallest treats make the biggest impact. Whether you're hosting a rustic wedding, planning an outdoor event, or simply enjoy experimenting with fresh fruit recipes, miniature desserts offer a perfect blend of elegance, taste, and convenience. These delightful bite-sized sweets are not only easy to handle but also provide a canvas for showcasing seasonal desserts that delight the senses.

Why Miniature Desserts are Perfect for Outdoor Events

Imagine a perfectly arranged table under a canopy of trees, the sun casting dappled light over an array of colorful, bite-sized desserts. Outdoor settings demand treats that are easy to serve and enjoy without fuss, making miniature desserts the ideal choice. They offer a practical solution to the challenges of serving traditional wedding cakes or larger desserts that require cutting and plating.

Miniature desserts allow guests to sample a variety of flavors without committing to a full slice of cake or a large serving. This diversity of choice is a treat for food enthusiasts, offering something for every palate. Additionally, their compact size makes them easy to transport, set up, and serve, ensuring that even the most casual outdoor gathering feels like an elegant affair.

Incorporating seasonal ingredients into these sweets not only makes them fresh and vibrant but also ties them beautifully to the setting. With options like healthy tartlets filled with nature’s bounty, these tiny treasures provide a burst of flavor that complements any outdoor event.

Exploring Seasonal Desserts with Fresh Fruit Recipes

Seasonal desserts harness the flavors of the freshest produce available, turning simple ingredients into extraordinary delights. Fresh fruit recipes are especially popular among health enthusiasts and foodies who appreciate the natural sweetness and vibrant colors that fruits bring to desserts. From juicy berries in summer to crisp apples in fall, the possibilities are endless.

Healthy tartlets are a versatile option, offering a crumbly base filled with an assortment of fruits. Consider a lemon curd base topped with blueberries and raspberries, or perhaps a vanilla custard adorned with kiwi slices and strawberries. These tartlets not only look stunning but also provide a refreshing taste experience with each bite.

Rustic wedding desserts often feature such seasonal elements, creating a menu that feels organic and connected to the environment. By focusing on what’s fresh and available, your desserts will not only taste better but also provide a sustainable choice for eco-conscious event planners.

The Charm of Non-Traditional Wedding Cakes

Brides-to-be and wedding enthusiasts alike are continuously seeking unique wedding dessert ideas that break away from tradition. Non-traditional wedding cakes, such as those composed of miniature desserts, are an emerging trend that brings excitement and innovation to the dessert table.

Instead of a towering cake, imagine a display of intricately decorated cupcakes, each a work of art. Or consider a macaron tower in pastel hues, providing a sweet and elegant touch to the celebration. Such setups allow for creativity and personalization, catering to diverse tastes and dietary preferences while making a visual statement.

These non-traditional options invite guests to indulge in a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring that everyone finds something they love. Whether it's the classic combination of chocolate and raspberry or the exotic pairing of mango and coconut, these small wonders invite exploration and delight.

Unique Wedding Dessert Ideas for Every Taste

For those seeking truly unique wedding dessert ideas, the miniaturized format opens up a world of possibilities. Outdoor event treats don't have to be limited to traditional flavors; instead, they can be an adventurous exploration of sweet and savory combinations that surprise and tantalize the taste buds.

Consider offering a selection of mini cheesecakes, each with a different topping, such as salted caramel, passionfruit glaze, or matcha mousse. Alternatively, mini pavlovas topped with whipped cream and a medley of fresh fruits can be a light and airy option that delights guests with its delicate texture.

For a playful twist, incorporate desserts inspired by childhood favorites, such as mini ice cream sandwiches or bite-sized s'mores. These nostalgic treats add an element of fun and whimsy to your event, encouraging guests to enjoy themselves and indulge in unexpected flavors.

Crafting the Perfect Outdoor Event Treats

Creating the perfect outdoor event treats requires a blend of creativity, practicality, and attention to detail. Event planners and food lovers can work together to design a menu that captures the essence of the occasion while ensuring that every dessert is a joy to eat.

When planning for an outdoor setting, consider desserts that can withstand the elements. Opt for sturdy bases and fillings that won’t melt or spoil quickly in the sun. Using high-quality ingredients and focusing on presentation will ensure that each dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Collaboration with local bakers or artisanal producers can add an extra layer of authenticity and flavor to your dessert offerings. By supporting local businesses and using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, you can create a truly memorable experience that resonates with guests.

Miniature desserts are more than just a trend; they are a versatile and delightful way to enhance any outdoor event. By focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients and incorporating unique, non-traditional elements, you can create a dessert experience that is both memorable and satisfying. Whether you’re planning a rustic wedding or an elegant garden party, these bite-sized treats promise to bring joy and flavor to your celebration.

Explore the world of miniature desserts and discover how these small, sweet creations can transform your next event into a culinary masterpiece. For more inspiration and tips, join our community of food enthusiasts and event planners, and start crafting desserts that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

[idoflowersbysarah]

Elegant Wedding Flower Arrangements in Indianapolis: Inspiration for Every Season

Introduction

Planning a wedding in Indianapolis means embracing the city’s unique charm and vibrant seasons. Each season brings its own beauty, providing endless possibilities for wedding flower arrangements in Indianapolis. Whether you’re dreaming of a spring garden wedding or a cozy winter ceremony, the right floral arrangements can elevate your event, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Here’s a guide to inspire your wedding decoration ideas in Indianapolis, tailored to each season’s distinct character.

Spring: A Celebration of Renewal

Spring in Indianapolis is a time of rebirth and renewal, making it the perfect season for fresh and vibrant wedding flower arrangements. As the city awakens from winter’s slumber, flowers like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom in abundance, offering a lively palette of colors. Imagine a wedding filled with pastel shades, where bouquets are bursting with peonies, lilacs, and cherry blossoms. These flowers not only symbolize the joy of new beginnings but also bring a delicate fragrance that enhances the overall experience.

For those looking to incorporate local elements, consider adding Indiana-native flowers such as wild columbine or Virginia bluebells. These flowers not only align with the season but also add a touch of regional charm to your wedding decoration ideas in Indianapolis. A spring wedding can be further complemented with greenery like ferns and ivy, creating a lush, garden-like atmosphere that is both elegant and refreshing.

Summer: Bright and Bold

Summer weddings in Indianapolis are all about embracing the warmth and vibrancy of the season. This is the time to go bold with your flower choices. Sunflowers, roses, and dahlias are excellent choices for summer wedding flower arrangements in Indianapolis. Their bright colors and robust petals can withstand the summer heat, ensuring your arrangements look fresh throughout the day.

Consider mixing these bold blooms with delicate accents like baby’s breath or Queen Anne’s lace for a balanced look. If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, think about incorporating flowers that thrive in the summer sun, such as zinnias or marigolds. These flowers add a touch of rustic charm to your arrangements and can be paired with burlap or wooden accents for a more natural, down-to-earth vibe.

For a touch of elegance, incorporate orchids or lilies into your arrangements. These flowers add sophistication and can be used in both bouquets and table centerpieces. The versatility of summer flowers allows you to play with different textures and colors, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere that reflects the joy and energy of the season.

Fall: Rich and Romantic

Fall in Indianapolis brings a rich tapestry of colors, making it an ideal season for romantic and warm wedding flower arrangements. The deep reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn foliage can be beautifully complemented by flowers like chrysanthemums, roses, and dahlias. These blooms are perfect for creating arrangements that evoke the warmth and coziness of the season.

One of the most popular wedding decoration ideas in Indianapolis for fall is to incorporate seasonal elements like berries, wheat, and even small pumpkins into your floral arrangements. These elements add texture and depth, creating a visually stunning display that captures the essence of autumn.

For a more sophisticated look, consider using jewel-toned flowers such as deep purple calla lilies or burgundy amaranthus. These flowers add a touch of drama and elegance to your wedding, making your arrangements stand out. Paired with gold or copper accents, these flowers create a luxurious and timeless look that is perfect for a fall wedding.

Winter: Timeless Elegance

Winter weddings in Indianapolis offer a unique opportunity to embrace the beauty of the season with elegant and timeless flower arrangements. White roses, lilies, and orchids are classic choices for winter wedding flower arrangements in Indianapolis. Their crisp, clean lines and soft petals create a serene and sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for a winter wonderland theme.

For a more dramatic look, consider incorporating deep red roses or burgundy peonies into your arrangements. These rich, velvety flowers add warmth and depth to your decor, creating a striking contrast against the winter landscape. Adding elements like pinecones, evergreen branches, or even subtle touches of sparkle can further enhance the wintery feel of your wedding.

Candlelight is a beautiful addition to winter weddings, creating a warm and inviting glow that complements the elegance of your flower arrangements. Consider using candles as part of your table centerpieces, surrounded by smaller arrangements of winter flowers and greenery. This creates a cozy and romantic ambiance that is perfect for an intimate winter celebration.

Conclusion

No matter the season, Indianapolis offers a wealth of inspiration for wedding flower arrangements that can make your special day truly memorable. From the fresh blooms of spring to the rich tones of fall, each season brings its own unique beauty that can be reflected in your wedding decoration ideas in Indianapolis. By choosing the right flowers and incorporating seasonal elements, you can create an elegant and timeless wedding that captures the essence of your love and the spirit of the season.

Whether you’re planning a summer celebration or a winter wonderland, the key to stunning wedding flower arrangements in Indianapolis lies in understanding the seasonal beauty of the city and letting it inspire your floral choices. With the right flowers, your wedding will not only be a celebration of your love but also a reflection of the natural beauty that surrounds you.

[koshurindia]

Summer Chic: Discover Koshur India's Best Kashmiri Cotton Kurta Sets for Women

As the summer heat intensifies, there's nothing quite as refreshing as slipping into a light, breathable outfit that keeps you cool without compromising on style. Koshur India, renowned for its luxurious and premium Kashmiri traditional dress collections, offers an exquisite range of cotton kurta sets for women that blend comfort with elegance. If you're looking to update your summer wardrobe with pieces that are both chic and culturally rich, these Kashmiri cotton kurta sets are the perfect choice.

The Timeless Appeal of Kashmiri Traditional Dress

Kashmiri traditional dress has always been admired for its intricate craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and timeless designs. These elements are beautifully preserved and reinterpreted in Koshur India’s cotton kurta sets for women, making them ideal for modern fashion enthusiasts who appreciate a touch of tradition in their attire.

Why Choose Cotton Kurta Sets for Summer?

Cotton is a fabric synonymous with summer. It’s lightweight, breathable, and perfect for the hot weather. Koshur India’s cotton kurta sets are designed with this in mind, offering a range of options that are not only stylish but also incredibly comfortable. The natural fabric allows for air circulation, keeping you cool and fresh all day long.

Explore the Best of Koshur India's Collection

Koshur India's collection of Kashmiri cotton kurta sets for women is a testament to the brand's dedication to quality and authenticity. Each piece is crafted with care, featuring traditional Kashmiri embroidery and patterns that have been passed down through generations.

How to Style Your Kashmiri Cotton Kurta Set

Styling a Kashmiri cotton kurta set is all about balancing tradition with modernity. Pair your kurta with palazzos or churidars for a classic look, or go for a more contemporary vibe with straight pants or denim jeans. Add some traditional jewelry, like silver jhumkas or bangles, and finish off with a pair of comfortable sandals or juttis.

Where to Buy

You can explore and purchase Koshur India’s beautiful Kashmiri cotton kurta sets for women on their official website or visit their boutique stores. With a wide range of sizes and designs available, you're sure to find something that suits your style and fits perfectly.

Conclusion

Koshur India’s cotton kurta sets for women are a perfect blend of comfort, tradition, and style, making them an essential addition to your summer wardrobe. Whether you're attending a summer wedding, a casual lunch, or just relaxing at home, these kurta sets will keep you looking chic

[cateringserviceorangecounty]

How to Make Your BBQ Catering Stand Out in Orange County

BBQ catering is more than just serving grilled meats; it's about creating a memorable experience that delights your guests and enhances your event. In Orange County, where the culinary scene is vibrant and competitive, making your BBQ catering stand out involves attention to detail, creativity, and a commitment to quality. Whether you're hosting a corporate event, a wedding, or a casual family gathering, here’s how to make your BBQ catering truly exceptional.

1. Curate a Unique Menu

Signature BBQ Dishes

A distinctive menu sets your event apart:

Specialty Cuts: Offer unique cuts of meat or specialty items like smoked brisket, pork belly, or lamb chops. Highlight these special dishes to make your BBQ stand out.

Signature Sauces: Create custom BBQ sauces or marinades that reflect your event's theme or your personal taste. Offering a range of sauces, from tangy and spicy to sweet and smoky, allows guests to customize their experience.

Incorporate Local Flavors

Utilize local ingredients and flavors to enhance your BBQ:

Local Produce: Source fresh vegetables and fruits from local farmers' markets. Incorporating seasonal produce can add freshness and support local businesses.

Regional Styles: Explore various regional BBQ styles, such as Southern, Texas, or Kansas City. Combining elements from different styles can create a unique and memorable dining experience.

Create a Balanced Menu

Offer a diverse selection to cater to all preferences:

Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Include flavorful vegetarian and vegan BBQ options such as grilled portobello mushrooms, veggie skewers, or smoked tofu.

Side Dishes: Complement the BBQ with a variety of sides, including classic options like coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread, as well as creative dishes like quinoa salad or roasted sweet potatoes.

2. Elevate Presentation and Service

Impressive Presentation

How the food is presented can enhance the overall experience:

Themed Decor: Align the food presentation with your event’s theme. Use rustic wooden boards, elegant platters, or colorful garnishes to make the dishes visually appealing.

Interactive Stations: Set up interactive food stations where guests can customize their plates. A build-your-own taco or slider bar adds an interactive element and allows guests to personalize their meals.

Professional Service

High-quality service is essential for a standout experience:

Experienced Staff: Hire professional and courteous staff who can manage the serving and interaction with guests effectively. Well-trained servers enhance the dining experience by ensuring smooth service and addressing guests' needs.

Timely Service: Ensure that the food is served at the right temperature and promptly. Efficient service helps keep the event flowing smoothly and maintains guest satisfaction.

3. Offer Unique Experiences

BBQ Workshops or Demonstrations

Adding an interactive element can make your event memorable:

Cooking Demonstrations: Arrange for a BBQ chef to demonstrate cooking techniques or share tips on grilling. This can be both educational and entertaining for your guests.

Tasting Stations: Set up tasting stations where guests can sample different BBQ styles, meats, or sauces. This creates an engaging experience and allows guests to explore various flavors.

Themed Events

Incorporate themes to enhance the BBQ experience:

Regional BBQ Themes: Host a BBQ themed around a specific region, such as a “Texas BBQ Night” or a “Caribbean BBQ Feast.” Decorate accordingly and tailor the menu to fit the theme.

Seasonal Themes: Align your BBQ with the season by incorporating seasonal ingredients and themes. For example, a summer BBQ could feature tropical flavors and light, refreshing sides.

4. Customize Your BBQ Experience

Personalized Touches

Add personalized touches to make your event unique:

Custom Signage: Create custom signage for food stations or menus that reflect the theme of your event. Personalized touches can include custom labels for different BBQ sauces or sides.

Event Favors: Consider offering BBQ-themed favors, such as mini bottles of your signature sauce or personalized grilling tools, for guests to take home.

Special Dietary Requests

Accommodate dietary restrictions to ensure all guests are satisfied:

Dietary Accommodations: Clearly communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies to your caterer. Ensure they provide appropriate options and label dishes accordingly.

Allergen-Free Stations: Set up separate stations or areas for allergen-free foods to prevent cross-contamination and make it easier for guests with specific needs to find suitable options.

5. Ensure Quality and Freshness

Focus on Ingredients

Quality ingredients are crucial for exceptional BBQ:

Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh meats and produce. Sourcing from reputable suppliers ensures the best flavor and texture for your BBQ dishes.

Proper Cooking Techniques: Ensure that meats are cooked using authentic BBQ techniques, such as slow smoking or indirect grilling, to achieve the desired tenderness and flavor.

Maintain Hygiene Standards

Food safety is paramount:

Cleanliness: Maintain high standards of cleanliness in food preparation and serving areas. This includes regular sanitation of cooking equipment and serving utensils.

Temperature Control: Ensure that food is kept at the correct temperatures to prevent spoilage and maintain quality. Use warming trays or chafing dishes to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.

6. Partner with the Right BBQ Caterer

Choose a Reputable Caterer

Selecting a reliable BBQ caterer is essential for a successful event:

Reputation: Choose a caterer with a strong reputation for quality and service. Look for positive reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from previous clients.

Experience: Ensure the caterer has experience handling events of your size and type. Experienced caterers are more likely to deliver a seamless and enjoyable BBQ experience.

Discuss Your Vision

Communicate your vision and expectations clearly:

Event Details: Provide detailed information about your event, including the date, location, number of guests, and any specific requirements or preferences.

Menu Preferences: Discuss your menu preferences and any special requests with the caterer. Work together to create a customized BBQ experience that aligns with your vision.

7. Highlight Your BBQ Event

Promote Your Event

Generate excitement and interest:

Social Media: Use social media platforms to promote your BBQ event. Share updates, sneak peeks of the menu, and photos to build anticipation.

Invitations: Send out creative invitations that reflect the BBQ theme. Include details about the menu, any special activities, and any other relevant information.

Capture the Moment

Document your event for lasting memories:

Photography: Hire a professional photographer or designate someone to capture photos of the BBQ and the guests enjoying the event. Candid shots of the food and interactions add a personal touch.

Feedback: Collect feedback from guests to understand what they enjoyed and any areas for improvement. This information is valuable for planning future events and ensuring continued success.

Conclusion

Making your BBQ catering stand out in Orange County involves a blend of creativity, quality, and personalized touches. By curating a unique menu, enhancing presentation and service, offering unique experiences, customizing the BBQ experience, ensuring quality and freshness, partnering with the right caterer, and highlighting your event, you can create a memorable and enjoyable BBQ experience for your guests.

For a premier BBQ catering experience, consider contacting Touch of Paradise Catering. They offer a range of BBQ options designed to impress and delight. Act now and schedule your site visit today by providing your details at (714) 603-7592. Visit their website at BBQ Catering Orange County or email them at events@touch-of-paradise.com. Their office is located at 3519 W Commonwealth Ave STE LM, Fullerton, CA, 92833.

With these strategies and the right catering partner, your BBQ event is sure to be a standout success, leaving a lasting impression on all your guests.

[thefrenchcakecompany]

Why Our Country-Style Wedding Cakes Are the Best Choice for Your Outdoor Celebration

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Planning an outdoor celebration is a beautiful way to embrace nature and create a magical atmosphere for your special day. But when it comes to the cake, you might be wondering, will a traditional wedding cake hold up under the open sky? Here's why our country-style wedding cakes are the perfect choice for your outdoor nuptials:

Built to Withstand the Elements:

Outdoor weddings are all about embracing the beauty of nature, but that also means contending with the elements. Our country-style cakes are designed with outdoor settings in mind. We use sturdy construction techniques and fillings that hold up well in warmer temperatures, ensuring your cake arrives looking (and tasting!) delicious.

Rustic Charm Meets Elegance:

The beauty of a country-style cake lies in its effortless elegance. We ditch the fussy fondant for textured buttercream finishes, adorned with fresh flowers, fruits, or greenery. This creates a visually stunning centerpiece that complements the natural ambiance of your outdoor venue.

Endless Flavour Combinations:

Who says country cakes have to be boring? We offer a wide range of flavor combinations that are perfect for a summer celebration. Imagine light and refreshing citrus cakes, delightful berry fillings, or even decadent chocolate options with a touch of rustic charm, all baked with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Uniquely You:

Your wedding cake should be a reflection of your love story. Our country-style cakes offer endless customization possibilities. From incorporating your wedding colors or favorite flowers to adding a touch of vintage charm, we'll work with you to create a cake that's as unique and special as your love.

More Than Just a Cake:

Our country-style cakes are more than just dessert; they're a conversation starter and a delightful addition to your outdoor wedding aesthetic. Imagine your guests gathering around the cake, admiring its natural beauty, and enjoying a slice of deliciousness amidst the fresh air and stunning scenery.

Let us help you create the perfect centerpiece for your unforgettable outdoor wedding! Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your dream country-style wedding cake.

[thinclifeindia]

Stay Cool and Stylish: The Best Summer Linen Shirts for Men

Summer is a season that calls for comfort, breathability, and effortless style. As the temperatures rise, your wardrobe needs to adapt to the heat, and nothing does that better than linen. Linen shirts have long been a go-to choice for men looking to stay cool without compromising on style. In this blog, we'll explore why linen shirts are a summer essential and highlight some of the best options available for you to add to your wardrobe.

Why Linen? The Ultimate Summer Fabric

Linen is a natural fiber made from the flax plant, renowned for its exceptional breathability and moisture-wicking properties. Unlike other fabrics that can feel heavy and sticky in the heat, linen allows air to flow freely, keeping you cool and comfortable even on the hottest days. Here’s why linen shirts are perfect for summer:

Breathability: Linen’s loose weave allows air to circulate, which helps regulate your body temperature. This means less sweating and more comfort.

Moisture-Wicking: Linen absorbs moisture quickly and dries fast, making it ideal for humid conditions. You’ll stay dry and fresh throughout the day.

Durability: Linen is a strong, resilient fabric that gets better with age. With proper care, a good linen shirt can last for years, developing a softer texture over time.

Versatility: Linen shirts are incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up with a blazer for a smart-casual look or worn on their own for a laid-back vibe.

Eco-Friendly: Linen is a sustainable fabric, requiring less water and pesticides to produce compared to cotton. Choosing linen is a step towards a more eco-conscious wardrobe.

Top Linen Shirt Styles for Summer

Now that we’ve established why linen is the ultimate summer fabric, let’s dive into some of the best styles to consider this season.

Classic White Linen Shirt

A white linen shirt is a timeless staple that every man should own. It’s effortlessly stylish and pairs well with just about anything—from chinos and shorts to jeans. Whether you’re heading to a beach wedding or a casual brunch, a white linen shirt will keep you looking sharp and feeling cool.

Striped Linen Shirt

For a touch of personality, opt for a striped linen shirt. Vertical stripes are particularly flattering, as they elongate the torso and create a slimming effect. Pair a striped linen shirt with solid-colored pants for a balanced look that’s perfect for both casual and semi-formal settings.

Pastel Linen Shirt

Pastels are a summer favorite, and linen shirts in shades like mint green, baby blue, and soft pink add a refreshing pop of color to your wardrobe. These shades are versatile enough to wear during the day or night, and they look great when paired with light-colored trousers or shorts.

Linen-Cotton Blend Shirt

If you prefer a shirt with a bit more structure, a linen-cotton blend is an excellent choice. This blend combines the best of both worlds: the breathability of linen and the softness of cotton. It’s a great option for those who want the benefits of linen with a slightly smoother finish.

Printed Linen Shirt

For those who like to make a statement, a printed linen shirt is the way to go. From subtle floral patterns to bold geometric designs, printed linen shirts are perfect for summer parties and vacations. Keep the rest of your outfit simple to let the shirt stand out.

How to Style Linen Shirts

Styling a linen shirt is all about embracing its casual, laid-back nature. Here are a few tips to help you nail the look:

Keep it untucked: Linen shirts are made for a relaxed fit, so they look best when worn untucked. This adds to the effortless summer vibe.

Roll up the sleeves: Rolling up the sleeves not only keeps you cool but also adds a touch of casual sophistication to your outfit.

Pair with light fabrics: Linen works well with other light fabrics like cotton and seersucker. Avoid heavy materials like denim or wool, as they can feel too warm and out of place.

Accessorize wisely: Opt for minimal accessories that complement the shirt without overpowering it. A simple leather belt, a pair of sunglasses, and loafers or espadrilles are great choices.

Caring for Your Linen Shirts

Linen shirts are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require some care to keep them looking their best:

Wash in cold water: Always wash linen in cold water to prevent shrinking and preserve the fabric’s quality.

Air dry: Linen dries quickly, so air drying is the best option. Avoid using a dryer, as high heat can damage the fibers.

Iron while damp: If you prefer a crisp look, iron your linen shirt while it’s still slightly damp. This helps to remove wrinkles more effectively.

Conclusion

A linen shirt is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a summer essential that combines comfort, style, and versatility. Whether you’re attending a beachside event, enjoying a casual day out, or simply looking to stay cool, a linen shirt is the perfect choice. So, invest in a few quality linen shirts this summer, and you’ll be ready to face the heat in style.

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The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Summer Dresses Online at Taangerine Tiger

Summer is the season of vibrant sunsets, beach outings, and, most importantly, refreshing fashion trends. If you're looking to update your wardrobe with chic, breezy, and stylish summer dresses, Taangerine Tiger is your go-to destination. With an expansive collection ranging from linen dresses to floral prints and beach-ready attire, finding your perfect summer ensemble has never been easier. In this guide, we'll explore why Taangerine Tiger is the premier online spot for the best summer dresses and how you can style these versatile pieces for any summer occasion.

Why Choose Taangerine Tiger for Your Summer Wardrobe?

Taangerine Tiger stands out with its commitment to quality and style. Whether you're searching for a casual linen maxi dress for those lazy weekend brunches or a sophisticated floral dress for a summer wedding, Taangerine Tiger offers a curated selection that meets all your summer fashion needs. Here’s why their collection is a must-have:

Quality Fabrics: Each piece is crafted from high-quality materials like breathable linen and soft cotton, ensuring comfort even on the hottest days.

Stylish Versatility: From long linen dresses that flow with every breeze to chic linen jumpsuits perfect for both a day at the office or a night out, versatility is key. You can effortlessly transition from day to night with just a few accessories.

Flattering Fits for Every Body Type: Taangerine Tiger prides itself on inclusive sizing that promises a flattering fit for every body type, making everyone feel beautiful and confident in their summer best.

Explore the Summer Collection

Linen Dresses: The quintessence of summer comfort and elegance, our linen dresses come in styles ranging from maxi dresses to adorable linen shorts. These pieces are not only lightweight but also highly breathable, perfect for those sweltering summer days.

Floral Dresses: No summer wardrobe is complete without a touch of floral. Taangerine Tiger’s floral dresses are available in a variety of patterns and silhouettes, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your personal style.

Beach Dresses: Heading to the beach? Our range of beach dresses is designed for the ultimate in seaside chic. Easy to throw on over a swimsuit yet stylish enough to carry you through to a casual beachfront dinner, these dresses are a summer essential.

Crop Tops and Jumpsuits: For those looking to mix and match, our flower print crop tops and linen jumpsuits offer a contemporary take on summer dressing. Pair them with linen shorts for a relaxed, yet refined look that’s perfect for both beach days and brunch dates.

Wedding Guest Dresses: Be the best-dressed guest at any summer wedding with our exquisite dresses. Choose from light, airy fabrics and radiant colors that complement the festive, warm-weather vibes of outdoor weddings.

Styling Tips for Your Summer Dresses

Accessorize Wisely: Pair your summer dresses with statement jewelry, stylish hats, or a classic pair of sunglasses to elevate your look.

Footwear Flexibility: Match your outfit with anything from sandals for a beach day to heels for a wedding, or even sneakers for a casual outing.

Layering: Evenings can get cool, so don’t forget to layer with a stylish denim jacket or a lightweight shawl.

Ready to Refresh Your Summer Style?

Dive into the summer season with Taangerine Tiger’s fabulous collection of dresses and jumpsuits. Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or keeping it casual, find everything you need right here. Explore our trendy, comfortable, and stylish summer dresses online today and discover your perfect summer look!

Shop Now - Discover the Best Summer Dresses Online

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A Look At Elopement Wedding

Planning a seasonal elopement offers couples the chance to embrace nature’s beauty and create a memorable wedding experience. Each season provides unique opportunities for stunning backdrops and intimate settings. Spring brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, perfect for a romantic elopement wedding. Summer offers warm weather and sunny skies, ideal for beach or mountain ceremonies. Fall showcases vibrant foliage, creating a picturesque scene, while winter provides a magical, snowy wonderland. Working with an experienced elopement planner can help you choose the best season and location for your special day, ensuring a seamless and enchanting event. Finding the right elopement photographers is crucial for capturing the essence of your seasonal elopement. These professionals know how to make the most of natural light and seasonal elements, enhancing the beauty of your photos. Whether it’s the soft pastels of spring or the rich tones of autumn, elopement photographers can highlight the unique characteristics of each season. They can also advise on the best times of day for your ceremony to ensure optimal lighting and stunning visuals.

By choosing photographers who specialize in elopement weddings, you can be confident that your memories will be beautifully preserved. Selecting elopement packages that cater to specific seasons can simplify the planning process. Many all-inclusive elopement packages offer options tailored to the time of year, including seasonal décor, flowers, and venues. For instance, a winter package might include a cozy cabin and hot cocoa bar, while a summer package could feature an outdoor garden and refreshing cocktails. These packages often come with an elopement planner who can coordinate all the details, from permits and accommodations to transportation and activities. This comprehensive approach ensures that your elopement is both stress-free and perfectly suited to the season. An elopement planner can also help you navigate the potential challenges of a seasonal elopement. Weather conditions, for example, can be unpredictable, so having a backup plan is essential. Your planner can recommend suitable indoor locations or provide tips on how to stay comfortable in different climates. Additionally, they can suggest ways to incorporate seasonal elements into your ceremony and reception, such as seasonal flowers, locally sourced foods, and themed decorations.

By leveraging their expertise, you can ensure that your elopement wedding goes smoothly, regardless of the season. Choosing to elope during the off-season can offer several advantages. Venues and accommodations are often less expensive and more readily available, providing more flexibility in your planning. Fewer tourists mean more privacy and a more intimate experience. An elopement planner can help you identify the best off-season destinations and take advantage of these benefits. They can also recommend elopement photographers who are familiar with these locations and can capture their beauty. By considering the off-season, you can have a stunning and affordable elopement without compromising on quality or experience. In conclusion, tailoring your elopement to nature’s calendar can create a unique and unforgettable wedding experience. By working with an experienced elopement planner and choosing specialized elopement packages, you can ensure that every detail is perfectly suited to the season. Elopement photographers play a crucial role in capturing the beauty of your chosen time of year, creating lasting memories. Whether you choose to elope in the vibrant spring, sunny summer, colorful fall, or magical winter, embracing the seasonal elements will make your elopement wedding truly special.