#The Muslin Bag

[silvirub]

One last dip.

[pack-point-international]

Discover elegance with PackPoint International's muslin candle bags. Perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any space, these delicately crafted bags enhance ambiance while keeping candles safe and stylishly displayed. Elevate your décor with our premium muslin candle bags today.

[megharesearch]

One of the key factors driving the growth of the canvas and muslin bag market is the increasing awareness about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment. Many businesses are now looking for sustainable alternatives to plastic bags, which has led to a growing demand for canvas and muslin bags.

[stonersolana]

i wish i knew what normal people had in their diaper bags lol

[russellsppttemplates]

He's going to be so loved (Pierre Gasly)

You're afraid your children won't have all the love they deserved

Note: english is not my first language. this is another long piece that is about a sensetive topic that I have hopefully depicted with the respect it deserves.

Thank you so much to everyone who likes and reblogs, your feedback is appreciated 🤍 and I'm taking requests so if you have any ideas or concepts you want to share, feel free to do so as I'll try to get to them the best I can!

my masterlist

Tw: pregnancy, curse words, family issues (reader has cut ties with her family)

"Y/N, chérie, how is little man treating you?", Pascale asked once you opened the door, allowing her and Charlotte, one of your sisters in law, inside the house, "he's a kicker, that's for sure! But he's been good lately, usually just needs me to tell him once and he'll stick to just move around", you giggled helping them with their coats before getting together in the kitchen, "I'm finishing my breakfast, do you want something while I finish? Some biscuits, tea, coffee? Oh, Pierre also made this cake with me yesterday, I had a big craving for it and it turned out really good!", you offered, "I'll have some tea, please. And maybe some cake too, although if Pierre made it, I might start with a small piece and see how it goes from there", Charlotte chuckled as she helped you bring the plates to the table.

The initial plan was to get a few smaller things that you still needed to get, like muslin cloths and such things, but like any other time you had shopped with company, you ended up with way too many bags filled with baby things. When you got home, Pierre had already arrived back from work, meeting you at the door and helping you carry the bags up, "Mon amour, how was your day?", he asked, kissing your lips and grabbing some bags, "it was good, my feet are a bit sore, but I really enjoyed spending time with them!", you exclaimed, reaching the nursery and putting the bags on the floor, your arms opening sp you could hug your husband, "I kept telling them that, as far as I know, there's only one baby here, but they insisted on getting all of this!", you giggled, feeling his hands rub your bump, "Our family is growing and they're very excited, it's just one of the ways they show how happy they are and their support too", he said, kissing your forehead.

To anyone, that would be a simple comment and it would brush them as quickly as it was said. But for you, it stayed playing in loop in your mind. The reminders that you did not have your family by your side came and went since you decided to keep away from them, especially when it came to big dates or important moments, but recently it had been a constant thought.

Cutting ties with your family had been the best decision, there isn't a day that you regret what you did. Having said that, it was still something you wished you could have in different circumstances. To have your mother share her experiences, to show you things from when you were little, to have your father teaching you and setting you set up the nursery and tell you all about your family's customs through the years.

Pierre's family had been incredible like always. They knew just enough about what happened with your family and not only respected it but also supported you in any way they could, taking you under their wing like you were one of their own from the beggining. The pregnancy had been received with massive excitement from everyone, and they kept calling whenever they had the chance, wanting to know how you were and if there was anything they could do to help you and Pierre in this journey. But lately, it had been a bit of a handful dealing with your thoughts.

.

"Can you grab the bag, please?", Pierre asked once he parked the car, checking something on the car before exiting it and lacing your hands once he got out, locking it and heading to the front door of Charles' place.

They had invited you over for baby Hervé's shower, welcoming you inside while you looked around, "we have a specific chair for you so you can be comfy", Charles said as he pointed to his wife, "she ordered me to do it", he chuckled, "hey! You don't know what it is to carry a baby around! It's hard work, and we both need to rest!", she reasoned with her husband, hugging you the best way you could before she introduced you to the people you didn't know. While they had a lot of friends and family you already knew, Charles' in laws were there too and you hadn't yet met some of them. They congratulated you, easily chatting up about everything and anything while you ate the snacks and drinks being passed around.

Pierre felt his body get a little bit lighter. It wasn't like your demeanor had changed that much in comparison to the last few days, but you certainly looked comfortable and like you were enjoying yourself.

"There's something on your mind, and I have time while they decorate biscuits. So, spill it", Charles noted, sitting next to Pierre on one of the high stools, sipping from his drink while he looked at his bestfriend. "Does Y/N seem off to you? Or has she seemed off to you recently?", he wondered looking at his wife admiring her work of art in the blue powdered sugar icing.

"I mean, she's lost some of her energy, but that's normal at this stage. You can't expect that she is running around now", Charles reasoned, not understanding where he was going, "it's just, I think she's been a little crestfallen, quieter than usual lately, and she hasn't said anything to me in that regard, she's been very quiet. I've tried to get her to talk, but she never says much", Pierre slumped his shoulders, "you just have to take it day by day. It's a lot these days, I'm sure you feel it, too. And they feel it even more. Family and friends are a great help, but there are some things they have to deal with on their own and it's hard to juggle all of it. She'll come to you whenever she feels ready, trust me", Charles patted his back.

.

You put all the baby clothes you had washed and dried in the hamper, supporting it comfortably on your side as you walked up to the nursery. The room was coming along well, the crib was already finished, just needing to be done with the softest sheets your skin has ever felt, and the rest of the furniture had been assembled whenever you and Pierre found the time to do it. Setting the clothes on top of the dresser, you opened the respective drawers to allocate every piece, taking the time and effort of remembering who had gifted them to your baby boy. Charles and his wife got matching sets so that both of the boys could look alike, Pascale had gotten way too many pieces for you to keep track on, claiming she was so excited to be a grandma again that she couldn't help herself anytime she saw something cute and had to get it.

Without noticing, tears started falling from your eyes and into the small pieces of clothing, marking them and creating a strain on your breath. Breathing in this late stage of pregnancy was already difficult, and sobbing wasn't helping it. You carefully walked to the chair you had put in the room so you'd have somewhere to sit during the night, proving its usefulness now as you tried to manage your emotions.

Pierre came out of the bathroom after his shower, already dressed and towell in hand so he could take it to the laundry room when he heard movement in the nursery. He didn't expect to see you like how he found you, cheeks red and tear stained and a trembling lip while you looked up at the ceiling.

"Hey, amour, what's the matter? Are you in pain?", he walked, throwing the towell on the corridor and kneeling in front of you, holding your hand in his while the other brushed the hairs out of your eyes. "I'm not in pain, I'm okay", you gulped, "but I haven't been feeling good. And I've wanted to talk to you, but I didn't want to bother you, even though you always say I could never bother you, but I'm telling you now, I guess", you blurted, receiving an encouragement nod from your husband.

Sighing, you played with his fingers, "lately, it dawned on me that my family isn't around for this, for me or for baby Alexandre, for us", you began, "and seeing Charles and his wife and everyone for there for Hervé, it got me thinking even more like, everyone was there to see them! To see the mother to be, to support her and congratulate her. And I'm not saying this in a bad way, because I'm so happy that they have it. And I know we have that from your family, I'm not complaining about them either. Everyone has been lovely, but fuck, I won't have my family supporting me. I won't have my father checking up on his little girl after she gave birth or have my mother share her experiences because the thought of having to be in the same room as them chills my bones. But that doesn't mean that it doesn't hurt still, because it does", you cried, the attempt of looking up to stop the tears from flowing failing as Pierre carefully wiped them.

"How long have you been feeling like this, mon ange?", Pierre asked, now holding your face in his hands, "a little while, and the shower just made it a bit stronger, I think. Fuck, I sound like an awful person, I'm sorry", you apologised, "hey, no need for that. It's okay to feel like this, you don't have to feel guilty about your feelings", your husband reasoned.

"It is the best decision to keep away from them, I wouldn't change it for the world. But it will only be me passing down our traditions, and letting him know how things used to be, our language, our customs", you sniffed, wiping your nose on your sleeve, "because I don't want him to not know. It is a part of me that I'm proud of and I'm not letting my parents take that from me too", you breathed out. Rubbing your hands, your husband looked for your eyes, "and we will make sure he knows. Him and his siblings if we are fortunate along the way. I know a few words myself, and I'll help with all the traditions. I'll make your recipes, even if they don't taste as good, I'll teach them about all the holidays you celebrate and that we will celebrate too and I'll support you in anything you decide to do, I promise", he stated, smiling in hope you'd mirror his, the corners of your lips lifting a little.

"I know they're your family, but I'm sure that our little one is going to be so so so loved, he's going to be doted on by everyone", Pierre pointed out, "and we will make sure we do everything we can for that. And you are going to tell me everytime things get too much, okay? I hate to see you like this", he asked, earning a nod from you, "now, how about we sort these clothes so we can finally decide on the outfit he's wearing for when he comes home?", your husband teased you, "your brother gave us this little set he found and I think that's the one, let me show you it", you said, getting up and waddling to the pile of clothes, happily showing you the choice and smiling as you watched your husband's excitement about it all. Your little boy was going to be so loved, and it didn't have to be from a blood relationship.

[mythrilthread]

Toil Until the Old Colours Fade by @drcalvin (dearly beloved story, also known among my friends who have been subjected to my Les Mis obsession phase, The One with The Nineteen Lives of Inspector Javert)

I wanted by Les Mis bindings to look similar enough in some ways to show they are from the same fandom/period, but also different enough to accommodate the design ideas I had for them.

The motif I went for with this story is yellow papers. So:

🥖 I designed the title page referencing Valjean’s yellow passport from the 2012 movie, and I think having summary right there looks fun, I printed it on lovely gold stationary paper and tipped it in;

🥖 very nicely textured paper used for inlays on the covers;

🥖 the painted edges, double core endbands, and stitching all done to fit the color scheme (unrelated but: I love how my books open since I’ve switched to muslin for spine lining, look at that arch!);

🥖 Acanthus by William Morris for endpapers;

🥖 Also, just check out that half-title page, I think the fancy frame really works there :)

🥖 And a fun little easter egg: when you buy bread in a tiny street bakery here, they don’t give you a bag: just grab your loaf with a sheet of paper and you carry it home like that. And it’s like, regular copy paper. Anyway, I saved a sheet of the bread paper and used a piece for constructing the case, because I have a very mature sense of humor.

[tiredwitchplant]

How to Use Herbs: Lavender (English Lavender)

Hello. Back with another post about how to use an herb. This time the herb is lavender. We discussed the history, powers and etc in another post (That I will link in a moment) and now we are going to see how we can use it. >>>> Post about Lavender

Alchemy Formulas:

*Remember when it says one part, try a teaspoon of it first. Always experiment with less amount than too much.

Mercury

one part lavender flowers

one part gum mastic

one part cinnamon chips

one part cinnamon oil

one part lavender oil

Air

one part gum arabic

one part cinnamon

one part lavender oil

one part clove oil

Change

one-part calamus root (Uranus; change)

one part lavender (Mercury; clarity)

one-part powdered nutmeg (Uranus; change)

one part cinnamon (Uranus, Mercury; change)

two parts sandalwood oil (Mercury, Moon; communication between conscious and subconscious minds)

Fame

one part cedar chips (Jupiter; renown)

one part angelica (Sun; authority)

one part myrtle (Venus; the arts)

one part gum mastic (Uranus; innovation)

one part lavender oil (Mercury; knowledge)

one part carnation oil (Jupiter; expansion)

Peace

one-part jasmin flowers (Moon; emotions)

one part myrrh resin (Saturn; grounding)

one part rose petals (Venus; love)

one part lotus oil (Neptune; inspiration)

one part lavender oil (Mercury; communication)

Spells:

Snake-beckoning Spell

Place an image on an altar, either of a snake or of an affiliated deity— the Minoan Serpent Goddess for instance.

Surround this with fresh lavender or warm the essential oil in an aroma burner.

Call the spirit. Be prepared to explain why you have issued the invitation.

Do this spell before bedtime, to receive a visitation in your dreams.

Don’t Sabotage My Success Spell (Workplace Edition)

Prepare a separate mojo for each person who appears to sabotage you.

Write the co-worker’s name on a square of brown paper three times.

Write your own name over each of the co-worker’s names, saying: “I cross you and I cover you.”

Anoint the corners of the paper with essential oils of bergamot, clove bud, and lavender.

Fold up the paper, placing it inside a red flannel drawstring bag, together with a devil’s shoestring root and some cumin seed.

Maintain this discreetly in the workplace, feeding daily with a drop of essential oil of lavender for reinforcement.

Herbal Beauty Glamour Spell

2 ounces of beeswax

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup olive oil

Glass measuring cup

Pan filled with water

Spoon

10 to 12 drops of lavender essential oil

10 to 12 drops of yarrow essential oil

Mirror

Pretty tin or jar

Combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and olive oil into the glass measuring cup and warm it in the pan full of water. This creates a double boiler like effect.

Once the wax melts, stir everything (the oils and beeswax) until well blended and remove it from the heat.

Add the lavender and yarrow oils, stirring them in slowly. As you do so, look into the mirror and say, I am lovely, I am desirable, I am magical. Beauty is more than skin deep. See me for the magnificence of my inner self.

Before it cools, pour your salve into a pretty tin or jar. After it has firmed up, use it on your skin.

Baths and Cleansing:

Maximum Power Spiritual Cleansing Bath

sea salt

rose and calendula blossoms

lavender oil

rose oil

rosemary oil

sandalwood oil

frankincense oil

myrrh oil

white rose hydrosol

Add copious quantities of sea salt to your bath water.

Add a drop of each essential oil into the water.

Float rose and calendula blossoms in the water, if possible.

Bath for Mercury

Herbs: lavender, white sandalwood, horehound, marjoram, thyme

Oils: lavender, white sandalwood, marjoram, anise

Self-Love Bath Bomb Bag

1 tablespoons of lavender

1 tablespoon of mandrake

1 tablespoon vervain

1 tablespoon vetivert

10-inch square of thin muslin or cotton

White ribbon

Red candle

Place the herbs in the center of the square of the cloth and gather up the corners.

Use the white ribbon to tie it, forming a pouch.

Run a warm bath and hang the pouch over the faucet, allowing the water to run through it, filling the tub with the essence of the herbs.

Light the candle and climb into the tub. Allow yourself to soak in the warm, fragrant water.

Use the herb pouch to wash your body, as you do, gaze into the candle's flame.

Visualize yourself radiating an aura of self-confidence and power. See yourself as the sort of person who attracts attention from those who are worthy.

When the water cools, extinguish the candle and get out of the tub. After you've dried yourself, dispose of the herb pouch by burying it or burning it.

Oils, Potions and Powders

Oil Blend for Patience

1 part rose

1 part lavender

1 part pine

Oil Blend for Peace

1 part violet

1 part lavender

1 part jasmine

1 part sandalwood

Masculine Oil Blend

Base note: 10 drops patchouli

Middle note: 10 drops sandalwood

Top note: 3 drops lavender

For the rest of the recipe, you will need:

1-ounce grated beeswax

Double boiler

1 ounce jojoba oil

2 metal 1-ounce containers

Flat toothpicks

Heat the grated beeswax in the double boiler until it is liquid.

Add the jojoba oil and gently mix the two ingredients together to achieve a homogenous blend.

Pour half the liquid into each container and add 3 drops of your essential oil blend.

Quickly stir the mixture with the toothpicks before the wax begins to set.

Keep one container for anointing yourself and the other as a gift to your consort so that he or she may come to appreciate you on a new level. If you are solitary and without a consort, you can use one for anointing your skin and the other for charging candles and ritual tools.

Love Potion #9

1. Choose nine love herbs. Consider these: Damiana

Ginger

Grains of Paradise

Hibiscus

Lovage

Melissa (lemon balm)

Peppermint

Red clover

Rose petals

(Other options might include adder’s tongue, cardamom pods, catnip, cubeb, lavender, red raspberry leaves or rose hips.)

2. Make a strong infusion of all the herbs, strain, and serve.

Love Powder Drawing Powder

1. Grind the following botanicals to a fine powder:

Basil

Lavender

Rose petals

Yarrow

Optional: ginger blossoms

2. Blend with rice powder.

3. Sprinkle around your home, your bedroom, on your sheets and on you.

Teas and Soothing Pillow:

Bedtime Tea

1 part lavender

1 part catnip

1 part verbena

1 part chamomile

1 cup of boiling water

Mix dry herbs into a small jar

To brew, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the blend you made in the jar.

Steep for 5 - 7 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Love Tea

1 part rose petals

1 part lavender

1 part jasmine

Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

1 cup of boiling water.

Mix dry herbs into a small jar

To brew, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of the blend you made in the jar.

Steep for 5 - 7 minutes. Strain and enjoy.

Dream Pillow (Hecate’s Pillow)

Hecate provides protection at night as well as psychic enhancement, so that you can journey safely during dreams. Appeal to Hecate to block nightmares too.

Dried lavender

Dried mullein

Essential oil of lavender

Optional: tuberose absolute

Blend two parts lavender to one part mullein.

Sprinkle a few drops of the essential oils over the dried botanicals.

Allow this to dry thoroughly and use it to fill a black pillow.

For optimum results, create and inaugurate the pillow during the Dark Moon or on Halloween/Samhain.

Again, sorry for such a long post. Please try to follow the instructions to the best of your abilities or mix and match and experiment. Happy witching. Bye byes~

Sources

[pisaracraft]

The first add-on to my granny square backpack is nearly finished!

The plan is that it could be affixed to either to the top or bottom of the pack by shoulder straps, but I haven't figured out HOW I do that yet, so brainstorming continues 😂

I was thinking of lining it with some dark colored muslin or similar fabric, so on an overnight trip I can flip the bag inside out, and use it as a pillow :D

[sunlightmurdock]

My Future in You | 2.1 | Bradley Bradshaw x Reader

previous chapter | next chapter | masterlist

Synopsis: Bradley’s twenty-two years old and not where he’s supposed to be. He’s supposed to be out of the academy by now. Instead, he’s retaking his senior year of college and praying to god that he gets into flight school. Mav’s gone, his mom’s gone. He’s mad at the world. Then, a hook up at a Halloween party changes his future even more than he could have imagined.

Warnings: accidental pregnancy, references to abortion in a few chapters, angst, will be fluff eventually, will be smut so 18+, enemies to lovers kinda thing, requited love but they’re idiots your honour

…

Bradley wanders through the house, whistling as he goes. It’s maybe a little too quiet, but he’s not complaining. At first, he assumes that you’ve gone to the store or to the park — then he remembers why he’s home early today. It’s Thursday. Lamaze. After you had made such a big deal about the two of you going, there’s no a chance in hell that you would’ve forgotten that it was today.

Dropping his bag to the ground, he rolls his shoulders back and stretches his arms over his head. Spending all day in that stuffy-ass classroom, in this heat, was torture. He’s still trying to wake himself up after that boring day.

His whistling stops as he continues through the apartment, trailing his fingertips along the wall. He glances into the kitchen — no sign. Following forwards, he next checks the baby’s room.

“Hey, Seresin! — You home?”

You scowl at the way he chooses to address you. One hand rested on your swollen stomach, your eyes darken, features stormy as he rounds the corner into the nursery.

“Hi.” He gives you a nod of acknowledgement, leaning against the doorframe, chewing on a piece of gum. He looks handsome, standing there in his flightsuit with a neat, white t-shirt on under it.

“Bradshaw.” You answer him begrudgingly, hoping he takes offence to it as much as you do. Six weeks away from bringing his child into the world and he still calls you by your surname.

His grin falters as he lifts his arm and checks his watch. “Shouldn’t you be getting ready? — That class starts in like forty minutes.”

“Yes.” You reply, continuing to fold the muslins on the ground like that is all part of the plan. His brows scrunch softly — you’re never late and you definitely weren’t this chilled out about the class last night.

“So…?” He prompts you. Your face creases with irritation, calmly folding the cloths, avoiding his gaze.His face drops in realisation, breaking into a delighted grin. “You can’t get up.”

“Yes, I can. I just don’t want to.” You bite back instantly. His grin widens.

“I’ll give you twenty dollars if you stand up right now.” Digging his hand into his pocket, he goes for his wallet, amusement dripping from that shit-eating grin on his face. Your hand balls into a koala printed linen cloth as you lift your gaze and glare at him.

“Why would I want twenty dollars from you?”

You would think that he would know better than to taunt a woman as pregnant as you are, but he continues anyway, his laugh practically a giggle as he urges you on. “I’ll go down on you the second we get home. Stand up.”

You hiss in annoyance, balling the cloth in your hand and launching it at his head. “Get out of my face, I swear to god — you make me want to hit you with things.”

He doubles over laughing, knowing that you just proved his point. Clutching a hand over his chest, he drops to his knees in front of you, cheeks red and flushed with delight. Your scowl twitches. Still laughing, he leans in closer across your criss-crossed legs. “Baby, that is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Let me help you.”

“I don’t need your help.” You frown at him, lips practically pouted. Bradley grins, darting forwards to peck your pouted lips softly. He slips his hands into yours and stands back up, pulling you with him. You groan in complaint and breathe out hard, immediately dropping his hands and resting them against the small of your back.

“You sore?” Bradley asks, brows scrunching softly. You huff, brushing past him calmly and heading for the bathroom.

“Always.”

“Wanna shower together? — Save some time?”

“I don’t think it would save any time.” You reply, walking ahead of him. You leave the bathroom door open behind you anyway. As annoying as he is, you can’t pretend that he doesn’t look especially handsome in his flightsuit.

Now at the end of his second week, he has eased into the adjustment of flight school with more ease than he had your pregnancy. Like he was born to do it.

Bradley hears the water start to run and ducks into the bathroom, glancing down to find your shorts and tank top already discarded on the tile floor.

“Are you coming or what?” Your voice comes from behind the shower curtain.

He grins again. Making quick work of his flightsuit and kicking his boots off, he tugs his way out of the rest of his clothes. Stepping into the shower behind you, he presses his lips to the curve of your neck. He exhales slowly as he gives his arms a gentle squeeze around your middle.

“How was work today?” You rest your head against his shoulder as he smooths his palm over your stomach and then wraps his arms around your middle. He hugs himself closer to you, humming in quiet contentment.

“Was alright,” He tells you softly, turning his face into the curve of your neck and kissing your skin softly. “How was your day?”

“Slow,” You answer him, reaching forwards to grab your body wash. “This kid has me moving like a sloth, and my hips are killing me.”

His hands slide lower on your middle and you almost open your mouth to scold him. He hooks his hands under the bottom of your stomach and braces some of the weight of it under his palms. “Couple more weeks, baby.”

You close your eyes, lingering on the feeling of his chest against your back and the borderline weightless feeling that rushes through you without the added weight in your middle.

He turns his face into the crook of your neck, kissing tenderly at the damp skin. As much as you try to keep your mind level, you find yourself pressing back into him.

“We can’t be late for our first class.” You remind him quietly. He strokes your hair back away from your neck, free hand curling around your hip.

“How ‘bout I just get you off?” He asks, pressing his chest firmer against your back. Your brows furrow slightly, wondering when that happened. When this development had occurred. A few months ago, you’re certain that he never would have offered this. Maybe you just didn’t know him that well back then. Or maybe he didn’t like you that much.

“Baby?” He reminds you to answer him. You whine softly at the realisation that you’re standing there like an idiot, frozen with anticipation.

“We really don’t have time.” You’re just as disappointed to say it as he is to hear it. His hands slide along your front and cup your swollen breasts cautiously, pressing his lips to your neck.

He hums quietly and presses himself against your ass, letting you feel that he’s half-hard. Your hand rests against the bathroom tile, head leaned back against his shoulder. Shitty, first-home kind of bathroom tile. You hope that you’ll remember this. Young, dumb and about to miss your first lamaze class for a quickie against some shitty, first-home kind of bathroom tile.

It turns out that the teacher is running late because of a flat tire — not that you were that late to begin with, Bradley’s already insisting that he knows the fastest ways around town.

He grabs the door and swings it open, balancing your bag on his shoulder and the yoga mat under his arm as he gestures for you to go first. White t-shirt, black gym shorts, still wet curls tucked under a white and green Philadelphia Eagles cap.

He has complimented your sundress six times since you put it on. You can’t pretend that it doesn’t inflate your ego to have him fawning over you. That you don’t love looking in the mirror and smoothing a hand over your ever-growing stomach, delighted with everything that your body has done for you so far.

“So, those are, like, flowers on it? — Roses?” His eyes are on your ass as you walk into the studio, two steps ahead of him. The door swings shut behind the two of you, air conditioning chilling your warm skin. You glance back at him and shrug.

“I thought they were birds.” As you turn back, you notice that a few couples have turned around to look at you.

There are maybe twelve couples in the class. You’re the last to arrive. You’re the youngest by maybe a decade. Your partner almost trips over you because he’s too busy trying to figure out if the pattern stretched over your ass is birds or roses to notice that you’ve stopped walking.

“There’s space here.” He doesn’t notice the change in your demeanor, as quietly confident as always, leaning over your shoulder to peck your cheek and then set up.

Silently, you’re reminded of the cruelest thing that you have said to Bradley. That you don’t want your son to be anything like him. Laying in the hospital, sobbing, terrified of raising someone that could be half as brash and thoughtless as their father.

You watch him now, setting your bag down and rolling out the mat, wordlessly taking your hand and helping you sit. He is completely unaware of the looks that you just received. Maybe he didn’t notice, maybe he just didn’t care. Thoughtless — no. His thoughts are in the right place, his focus is entirely on you and him.

“You’re right, they’re birds.” Bradley decides as he sits down behind you, bracketing your thighs with his and resting his chin against your shoulder. You rest your hands against his knees, squeezing softly. He smooths his hands over the material. “Did you want to get dinner after this?”

His heart beats steadily against your back, the warmth of his cheek resting against the curve of your neck. You trail your fingers in a circle over each of his knees.

“Like a date?”

His brows scrunch. In fact, he almost scoffs. “If you want to call it that.”

Your touch slows, teeth sinking into the inside of your cheek softly. You shrug your shoulders and rest your hands in your lap, “Yeah, if you’re hungry.”

Things with Bradley are complicated. Nothing about the seven months that you have known him has been simple. But, living with him has introduced a whole new influx of challenges. You sleep in his bed, you fuck in his shower — and in most areas of the apartment, for that matter — and you are having a baby together. All signs point towards monogamy.

But, you aren’t going to be the idiot that assumes and gets their heart stepped on.

You decided a few nights ago that you were going to stop sleeping with him until your relationship was defined. You had then woken up to him spooning you; your pregnancy hormones made quick work of dismantling the pact that you had made with yourself.

It says something about you, doesn’t it? — That you’ll carry his child but you won’t put your foot down and ask what you are to him. Truthfully, both answers to that question seem a little bit terrifying. You’re his girlfriend, or you aren’t.

“Hi, nice to meet you,” You’re snapped from your daydream by the stock-image looking couple situated to your left. A smiling blonde woman and her dark-haired husband, looking at you like they’re being paid to be this friendly. “I’m Mark, this is my wife Zara.”

Interesting name for a stock-image woman. You remind yourself that being mean on the inside won’t make you look any friendlier on the outside and force a quick smile. Bradley listens politely as you introduce the two of you to this new couple.

It occurs to him in that moment, that he’s probably going to have to have parent friends. Grown-ups whose shitty kids he has to pretend to like, or carpool places. Maybe he should get into golf or something.

You don’t ask them what they do for work, but Mr. Stock-Image decides to tell you anyway. “I’m in cardiology, my wife’s in a law firm.” Dr. Stock-Image.

He gestures between the two of them and they beam over at you, his hand stretching down to cover her bump. “This is our first, we wanted to wait until the right moment to start trying.”

Bradley exhales an obnoxious sound from behind you and claps a hand down onto your shoulder. Breathing out slowly, you close your eyes and wait for what you know is coming next. “Man, I hate to think of what we could’ve done if we had been trying.”

Smoothing your hand along his knee, you catch hold of a couple of leg hairs and pinch. He places his hand on top of yours and moves it back into your lap.

“So, um, how did you guys meet?” Dr. Stock-Image tries to revive the flow of conversation, that perpetually friendly look coating his features. His wife hasn’t said anything yet, she just keeps on smiling like something from the Stepford Wives.

“Funny story, actually.” Bradley beams. Your eyes widen as you move for a quick intercept before he has a chance to say what he’s going to say. There are supposed to be three more classes after this, you can’t take him making things awkward on the first day.

“Just through college.”

Mark nods calmly. Finally, his beaming wife chips in, “So, have you been together long?”

You almost wince. You’re certain that the couple notices. Exhaling slowly, keeping your smile tight-lipped and polite, you shake your head. You won’t make a fool of yourself by saying maybe three weeks — as long as you’ve been in Pensacola, and you definitely won’t let Bradley have to correct you later on. “We aren’t together.”

He doesn’t say anything. Through the hour long class, you’re left wondering if it’s because he agrees or if it’s because you have annoyed him. Sitting on the hood of the bronco, finishing off some fries in front of the beach, he confirms that it’s the latter.

“Did you mean what you said in that class?”

You wrap your lips around your straw and sip at your sprite, shrugging your shoulders as nonchalantly as your body will allow. Pensacola’s not your favourite place, you already know that you won’t be here for longer than you have to be, but it does have some pretty sunsets. You’re grateful for that. It gives you something to look at other than him.

“I didn’t want to assume anything, especially in front of strangers.” You aren’t looking for an argument, or a broken heart. Your approach is tender-footed, cautious. It makes Bradley’s heart sink to realize that you feel that way. He glances across at you and then looks back towards the beach.

“I assumed.” He admits, leaning back on his palms. You turn your head to look at him. He presses his tongue to the inside of his cheek. Before, Bradley knows that he would have been mad about this. Embarrassed. He’s still a little embarrassed. But he understands your caution.

Things have been rocky between the two of you. Not so much since you got here. Bradley has adored these past three weeks. He was sitting in a pre-flight lecture the other day and thinking about how shitty it would be, coming home to that empty apartment. Maybe going out to bars on weekends and trying to score girls, living off of ready meals because cooking for one just isn’t worth it.

Instead, he gets to come home to you, and laugh at you for being so pregnant that you get stuck on the ground. To watch movies with you in the evenings, or for you to tell him about the book you’re reading because you know that he doesn’t have the attention span to finish it himself, so he doesn’t mind the spoilers.

His favourite part is those late talks with you. When the baby is keeping you awake, and he’s almost asleep already, but you’re just talking. Asking him questions to keep him with you, letting him smooth his hands over your skin. He loves the things that you come up with just to keep him awake.

“Would you… want us to be together?” Bradley asks gently.

You close your eyes. You had been hoping that this decision wouldn’t fall down to you, because you’re half-certain that somewhere along the way, you’ve fallen in love with him. It dawned on you two days ago. He got home early from work and cooked for you — it had surprised you.

You had always thought that he was the kind of guy that would burn toast. He admitted that he probably only knows two recipes, but it had surprised you. The grin on his face when you had admitted that it was good, it sparked butterflies in your stomach that you had thought were just rumours.

“I mean, do you?”

“Yeah.” Bradley’s answer is maybe a second too quick, but not urgent. You’ve got a feeling that if you told him no, he would still do his best to accept your answer.

“So, I’d be your girlfriend?” You turn your head towards him and raise your eyebrows. He adjusts the brim of his cap to protect his eyes from the sun, casting a shadow over their honeyed hue, then nods his head. Your lips quirk softly. You lean into him. “I think I could put up with that.”

Bradley smiles across at you, all golden skin and golden eyes — annoyingly handsome in this oranged tint. He flattens his palm against the hood and leans across to kiss you. Soft, slow, and he pulls back to look at the sky again. There is a moment’s silence between the two of you.

“Lamaze was boring as fuck, by the way,” He decides finally, grabbing his soda from beside you. “You didn’t tell me that it was just going to be an hour of breathing for dummies.”

Lips quirking, you sip at your sprite again. He’s right. It kind of was for dummies, and all of the information in there was available on youtube anyway. You didn’t want to go back anyway.

“There are parenting classes there on Tuesdays, do you think we should just go to those instead?”

Bradley gives a quick shrug of those broad shoulders and dips his fries into his ketchup. “What does that teach?”

“Um, diapers, swaddling, bathing them — nursing and stuff, I’m not sure.” You list off as much as your brain will allow you to recall at this point in your pregnancy. There’s more, but there is no point trying to search your brain for that information now.

“What’s swaddling?”

…

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[coven-of-genesis]

3 herb bath recipes

Three different metaphysical herb bath recipes you can try:

Protection & Purification Bath:

1/2 cup dried rosemary

1/2 cup dried basil

1/2 cup dried fennel seeds

1/2 cup sea salt

Mix the herbs and salt together in a bowl. Then, place the mixture in a large muslin or cotton bag and hang it under the faucet as you run your bathwater.

Soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes, visualizing any negative energy leaving your body and a protective aura forming around you.

Love & Self-Care Bath:

1/2 cup dried lavender

1/2 cup dried rose petals

1/2 cup dried chamomile

1/2 cup Epsom salt

Mix the herbs and salt together in a bowl. Then, place the mixture in a large muslin or cotton bag and hang it under the faucet as you run your bathwater.

Soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes, focusing on self-love and nurturing energy.

Prosperity & Abundance Bath:

1/2 cup dried cinnamon

1/2 cup dried basil

1/2 cup dried thyme

1/2 cup sea salt

Mix the herbs and salt together in a bowl. Then, place the mixture in a large muslin or cotton bag and hang it under the faucet as you run your bathwater.

Soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes, visualizing abundance and prosperity flowing towards you.

[snailsagere]

Please read my dni in my bio before interacting

Black and white cat bag with a muslin blanket, stuffies and pacifier for anon! :3

[zerofuckingwaste]

Remember, if everyone does a little bit, it'll make a big difference! Reblog to remind everybody that they can do their part. :)

[chic-a-gigot]

Journal des Dames et des Modes, Costume Parisien, 15 octobre 1819, (1851): Chapeau de crêpe et liserés de satin. Spencer à Schall, en gros d'été. Robe de perkale, garnie de bouillons de mousseline. Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Netherlands

Standing woman dressed in a spencer 'à Schall' (shawl collar) of 'gros d'été. Dress made of cotton batiste (percale), topped with muslin 'stocks'. On the head a hat of crepe and satin trim. Bag (reticle) in the right hand. The print is part of the fashion magazine Journal des Dames et des Modes, published by Pierre de la Mésangère, Paris, 1797-1839.

[lunavenefica]

⛤Mabon Spells, Part I⛤

Before we start, I’d like to inform you that this topic has been broken down in 3 posts since I’d like to share some Spells, Deity Spells and Kitchen Magic, before the actual celebration, to make the entire thing more readable and give our fellow witches enough time to get ready!

I will also share a Mabon Masterpost with all the content I’ve posted regarding the festivity.

This is a list of spells that are a MUST for Mabon!

⛤An Acorn Mabon Spell for Prosperity

⛤Ingredients:

An acorn

Marker or paint with paintbrush

Small spell bag or sachet

Small bell (you can get these from craft shops)

⛤How to:

Cleanse your space in whatever way you prefer.

Set the magical Mabon mood – turn on music, burn incense, light a few candles, etc.

Gather your ingredients and tools.

Cast a circle, if you so choose, and invoke the elements.

Hold your acorn in your hands and envision prosperity flowing from the acorn into your hands and through your entire body like a soft orange light.

Keep the acorn in your left hand and pick up the little bell in your right.

Say the following 9 times:

“Blessings of oak, earth and the Mabon season.

Flow through this acorn into my home.

Each time the front door opens,

The Mabon bell rings and prosperity flows in.”

Now draw or paint the Mabon symbol onto the acorn

Place the acorn and bell in the small bag.

Thank the earth, Mabon spirits, and energies present. (Release your circle if you cast one).

Hang the Mabon spell bag on your front door, until the Autumn season has ended.

Then bury the acorn near the front door. Cleanse and re-use the bell.

⛤A Mabon Bath Spell for Balance

Wherever balance is needed, decide you’re ready to improve those things and cast this Mabon spell.

⛤What You’ll Need:

Sunflower petals: linked to the Sun and properties include good luck and joy. 

Also a traditional herb used on Mabon.

Chamomile: also linked to the Sun and properties include prosperity and warding off negative energy.

Rosemary: for purification, health, and clarity of mind and memory

3 crystals (of your choice, but I recommend clear quartz, citrine, and amber)

Muslin bag (optional)

⛤How to:

Cleanse the space and set the mood. Turn down the lights and turn on some music, if you choose.

Light a candle or two.

Draw a warm bath and add the herbs to the water (if you have a bag, add your herbs to the bag and then to the water. This makes clean-up much easier!)

Place the 3 crystals around 3 sides of the bathtub (not in the water, but on the tub itself).

Get in and soak while focusing on balance. 

Meditate on what balance means to you and how you could use more of it.

You can chant or repeat the following incantation:

“I invoke the energies of Mabon,

On a day of balance,

We welcome the Autumn season,

May the balance of night and day

Bring my life balance in every way.”

Soak in the bath for as long as you feel it’s necessary.

Then emerge feeling balanced within yourself and all around you.

⛤Quick Balance Spell

Mabon is observed on an equinox, a time when there are equal parts of light and day. It is the perfect time to reassess and work toward balance in all parts of your life.

⛤You’ll need:

Black candle

White candle

A pen

Some paper

⛤How to:

Set up your altar to reflect the harvest. 

Place a black and a white candle on opposite sides of the altar, and place a piece of parchment in between them. 

On this paper, write down the aspects of your life that you feel need to be brought into balance. 

As you contemplate those aspects, light the candles and say:

"As day and night are now in balance,

so to let my life find balance."

⛤Mabon Ritual

This is a ritual to honor the duality of life and death, sadness and celebration.

⛤You’ll need:

White Candle

Black Candle

A red apple

Some spring flowering bulbs

⛤How to:

 Place one white and one black candle on your altar.

In the center, place one red apple to represent Avalon, the Land of Apples where some traditions believe Mabon was held captive

As a symbol of rebirth, also have on hand a small bowl of spring-flowering bulbs

Light the candles and say:

"You walk the paths of darkness and

light,

You do not fear the coming of the night.

Again you'll rise from the mists of

Avalon,

For you are Mabon, the Great Son."

As a lasting tribute to this holiday, plant the bulbs. When they bloom in the spring, you'll remember Mabon and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

⛤Isidora⛤