#Versatile living spaces

[mdmcustom-remodeling]

5 Garage Conversion Ideas to Maximize Your Home's Potential

Home Office Oasis: In today's remote work era, a quiet, dedicated office space is more valuable than ever. By converting your garage into a home office, you create a secluded workspace free from domestic distractions. This space should prioritize comfort and productivity, featuring ergonomic furniture, efficient lighting, and perhaps even a green plant or two for a serene environment. A well-designed home office can also be a significant selling point in the future.

Fitness Studio: Home gyms have become increasingly popular, offering convenience and privacy. Transforming your garage into a personal fitness studio means you can tailor the equipment and design to fit your workout routine, whether it's yoga, weightlifting, or cardio. Rubber flooring, mirrors, and adequate ventilation can create a professional gym atmosphere right at home, encouraging a healthy lifestyle without the commute to a public gym.

Creative Studio: For artists, musicians, or crafters, a dedicated studio space is a dream come true. A garage conversion can provide the perfect blank canvas to inspire creativity. Consider installing adjustable lighting for artists, soundproofing for musicians, and ample storage for craft supplies. This personalized space can not only boost your creativity but also offer a quiet retreat for concentration and inspiration.

Luxury Guest Suite: Converting a garage into a guest suite adds a luxurious extension to your home, providing guests with privacy and comfort. This conversion can include a small kitchenette, a bathroom, and a cozy sleeping area, making it ideal for long-term guests or as a potential rental opportunity. Adding thoughtful touches like soft lighting and plush bedding can transform the space into a welcoming haven for visitors.

Entertainment Lounge: For those who love to entertain or simply relax with family, an entertainment lounge is a fantastic conversion choice. This space can be equipped with a large screen TV, sound system, comfortable seating, and even a mini-bar or snack area. It's a versatile space that can be used for movie nights, gaming sessions, or watching sports with friends. The entertainment lounge becomes a central hub for relaxation and fun, appealing to all ages.

Incorporating these garage conversion ideas maximizes your home's potential, offering versatile living spaces that cater to various needs, including garage conversion ADU in Los Angeles.

[hella1975]

what do you plan to do with your degree after uni?

FUCK NASTY!!!

[joshconnor]

Floating Shelves

Introduction

Fitnfloat is a brand that specializes in providing a variety of floating shelves, which are a popular and versatile addition to any home, offering both functionality and style. Whether you're looking to display books, photos, or decorative items, or simply need more storage space, floating shelves are a great option that can complement any room's decor. From wall-mounted shelves to corner shelves, picture ledges to kitchen shelves, we'll explore the best options for your specific needs, and help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a professional designer, or a casual home decorator, this article has something for everyone who wants to add a touch of elegance and functionality to their living space.

Common Questions about Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a popular choice for homeowners looking to maximize storage space and add a touch of style to their living space. However, there are many common questions that people have about these shelves before purchasing them. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with the answers you need to know:

How much weight can a floating shelf hold?

The weight capacity of a floating shelf can vary depending on the brand, design, and materials used. However, on average, most Fitnfloat's floating shelves can hold between 20-60 pounds of weight. It's important to read the weight capacity specifications for any shelf you're considering, and to make sure the weight of the items you plan to display does not exceed the limit.

Are floating shelves still in style?

Yes, Fitnfloat's floating shelves remain a popular and trendy addition to any home decor. From classic white floating shelves to rustic wooden shelves, there are many designs and materials to choose from that can match your personal style and preferences.

Can I install floating shelves without drilling?

While drilling is the most secure and reliable way to install floating shelves, there are some alternatives that don't require drilling. For example, adhesive strips or hooks can be used to mount lightweight shelves, while brackets or brackets with anchors can be used for heavier shelves.

Do floating shelves make a room look smaller?

Floating shelves can actually have the opposite effect and make a room appear larger by creating the illusion of more space. This is especially true for lighter colored shelves, which can reflect light and create a brighter atmosphere.

What is the rule of thumb for floating shelves?

As a rule of thumb, Fitnfloat's floating shelves should be installed at a height that is comfortable for the user to access the items displayed on them. In general, the recommended height for floating shelves is between 6-12 inches above a piece of furniture or around eye level for a standing person.

By addressing these common questions, we hope to have provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about buying and installing Fitnfloat's floating shelves in your home.

Types and Styles of Floating Shelves

When it comes to floating shelves, there are many different types and styles to choose from. Here are some of the most popular:

Wall-Mounted Shelves: These are the most common type of floating shelves and can be found in a wide range of sizes, colors, and materials. They are great for displaying books, plants, and decorative items, and can be arranged in a variety of configurations to suit your needs.

Picture Ledges: These are perfect for displaying artwork, photos, and other small items. They are usually shallow and can be arranged in a gallery-style display.

Kitchen Shelves: These are specifically designed for use in kitchens and can be used to store cookware, dishes, and other kitchen essentials. They can be made from wood or metal and can be installed in a variety of configurations.

www.fitnfloat.com.au

[coldwellbankerterry]

[qualitystoneveneer]

Enhancing Aesthetics and Sustainability: Unveiling the Beauty and Benefits of Stone Veneer in the USA

Introduction

In architectural innovation, stone veneer has emerged as a transformative solution combining aesthetics and functionality. This article delves into stone veneer in the USA, shedding light on its characteristics, benefits, applications, and trends. As a seasoned architect with extensive experience working with stone veneer, I am excited to share my insights on this topic while drawing upon credible sources to provide a comprehensive overview.

What is Stone Veneer?

Stone veneer refers to a thin layer of natural or manufactured stone that is applied to a surface, creating the appearance of a solid stone wall. While it mimics the beauty and texture of natural stone, it is significantly lighter and more cost-effective. Stone veneer can be made from various materials, including natural slate, quartzite, sandstone, and concrete. It comes in multiple styles, colors, and textures, making it a versatile choice for interior and exterior applications.

Benefits of Stone Veneer

Aesthetics: Stone veneer is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal. It adds a touch of elegance and timelessness to any space, creating an inviting ambiance. Whether used for accent walls, fireplaces, or outdoor facades, stone veneer exudes a sense of rustic charm.

Cost-Effective: Natural stone can be expensive to source and install. Stone veneer offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising on visual impact. Its lightweight nature also reduces installation costs.

Durability: Just like natural stone, stone veneer is built to withstand the test of time. It is resistant to weather, erosion, and UV rays, ensuring it remains stunning for years.

Easy Installation: Traditional stone installations can be labor-intensive. Stone veneer, on the other hand, is easier to handle and install. It requires less structural support, reducing the complexities of the installation process.

Versatility: From accent walls to outdoor kitchens, stone veneers can be used in various applications. Its adaptability makes it suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

Applications of Stone Veneer

Exterior Facades: Stone veneer can transform the exterior of a building, enhancing its curb appeal and overall aesthetics. It can be used to create an authentic stone facade or to add character to specific architectural elements.

Interior Accent Walls: Stone veneer can turn a mundane interior wall into a captivating focal point. Whether in a living room, bedroom, or hallway, an accent wall clad in stone veneer adds depth and visual interest.

Fireplace Surrounds: Fireplaces become cozy retreats with the addition of stone veneer. The textured surface adds dimension to the hearth area, creating an inviting atmosphere.

Outdoor Living Spaces: Stone veneer finds its place in outdoor kitchens, patios, and pool areas. Its durability and resistance to the weather make it an ideal choice for enhancing outdoor spaces.

Trends in Stone Veneer

The world of stone veneer is constantly evolving, embracing new trends that cater to changing design preferences. Some noteworthy trends include:

Mixed Materials: Combining stone veneer with materials like wood or metal is gaining popularity. This juxtaposition of textures adds a modern twist to the traditional stone look.

Large Format Stones: Oversized stone veneer panels make a statement in contemporary design. These panels reduce the number of visible seams, creating a seamless and sophisticated appearance.

Earth-Toned Colors: Natural and earthy color tones are in vogue. These colors blend seamlessly with various architectural styles and interior designs.

Industrial Aesthetics: For an urban, industrial vibe, rugged and textured stone veneers are used to recreate the look of exposed brick or concrete walls.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of architectural design, stone veneer stands as a testament to innovation and creativity. Its ability to transform spaces and its cost-effectiveness and durability position it as a preferred choice for architects, designers, and homeowners alike. As someone who has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of stone veneer, I am confident that its influence on the architectural landscape of the USA will continue to thrive.

[jasonpdoherty37]

From Vintage Fashion to Eco-Friendly Living: Discover the Untapped Treasures on Amazon!

Are you on the lookout for unique products that can enhance your lifestyle? Look no further! In this blog post, we reveal 10 incredible finds from Amazon that will captivate your interest and add value to your daily routine. From sustainable home products to trendy fashion and exciting hobbies, we’ve curated a list of hidden gems just for you. Let’s dive in and discover these amazing treasures…

[emera-sims]

The Sanoma Collection

I am thrilled to introduce my first collection: The Sanoma Collection, a curated ensemble of stylish, functional, and elegant pieces designed to transform your sim's entire living space. Each item in this collection exudes a timeless charm and modern versatility, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and comfort throughout your sim's home. (You will need the Modern Luxe Kit in order for the Sanoma Art Framed TV to function and show up in game)

To find all of my CC make sure to type "emera" in the build & buy search.

Don’t claim as your own | If you use my cc be sure to tag me!

Enjoy!

Download (Free)

[imfromsixam]

New CC! 💜 Love for Modern Windows 🪟 (CC Pack for The Sims 4)

My latest creation will breathe new life into your Sims' homes!

"Love for Modern Windows" is the ultimate window collection designed to redefine your Sim’s spaces with 28 new pieces. Contemporary design meets functionality, elevating your Sims' living experience!

Your Sims can now enjoy natural light through a variety of modern window sizes, curated to suit different architectural styles. To add a touch of realism and a breath of fresh air, some windows in this pack come with an opened version, allowing your Sims to enjoy the gentle breeze and create a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.

From sleek metallic finishes to windows adorned with warm wooden accents, each piece will give a sense of modernity and sophistication to the design of your Sim’s homes.

Whether you're a seasoned interior designer or just starting, these windows offer a ton of versatility.

Share your creations with the "Love for Modern Windows" CC Pack on social media and tag me – I can't wait to see the stylish homes you build for your Sims. Experience the love for modern design, one window at a time, and as always, happy simming!

GET EARLY ACCESS HERE

📢 NOT A SUSCRIBER YET? SUSCRIBE HERE.

[kiwisim4]

Kauri Living

Available for free

Allow me to introduce you to a Mid-century-inspired furniture set that will elevate the aesthetics of any room in your home. This set exudes a chic, sophisticated vibe with a hint of the iconic Golden Girls style. Its timeless appeal makes it a versatile addition to your living space. And if you're looking for me, chances are you'll find me lounging on the lanai, enjoying the elegant ambiance this set creates.

Custom Spec maps and Normal maps

Base game Compatible

Multiple swatches in Maxis Match

3 seater + Single seat

Mosaic Rectangle and Round coffee table

4x4 Rug

2 vases

Sideboard

Screen Room divider

Table lamp and Floor Lamp

Artwork

Search Kauri ingame to find these (custom thumbnails because Im a big boy now !)

Enjoy !

Patreon Link

Public Access on 05/01/2024

[identifying-cars-in-posts]

I GOT A NEW CAR

Everybody meet the new baby that i will never shut up about forever!

This is Clifford the Third, my new 1996 Nissan Pickup!! I probably paid too much for her but given that I live in Massachusetts and she has virtually no rust I’m okay with that lol.

So a brief history of the Nissan Pickup! These trucks were released in the US in 1985 and were sold through 1997, when they were replaced with the Frontier. They were the successor to the beloved Datsun 720, which had been in production since 1979. They are in fact just called the Pickup! They’re colloquially known as the D21 - their chassis code, and the Hardbody, because of the double walled durable construction of the trucks’ bed.

The D21 was available with a couple different engines and drivetrain layouts. Mine is a 4x4 with the KA24 motor (which it shared with the 240SX/Silvia). She’s also a King Cab, meaning she has a slightly elongated wheelbase to allow for two small inwards facing jump seats in the back of the cab. Still a two door though.

AND SHE’S A STICK! She has a 5-speed manual transmission, and it’s the best transmission i’ve ever personally had in a car. She’s my third manual, the other two being a 1999 Toyota Corolla and a 2004 Subaru WRX, both of which were great but the Corolla had a really sloppy gearbox that felt incredibly vague at times, whereas the WRX had a sportier transmission that was pretty unforgiving and stiff. This one is definitive about where each gear is, but also won’t get too jerky or loud if you shift a little early or late.

Nissan Hardbody trucks are known and loved for their durability, versatility, and simplicity. They’re super bare bones but what they do have is built remarkably well and meant to withstand lots of abuse. If they don’t rust and have basic maintenance kept up it’s not uncommon for them to go 300k+ miles with minimal issues. Mine has around 184k miles, high but manageable. She also has a few modifications from the previous owner, namely a straight piped exhaust (no muffler, just one big long aluminum tube), aftermarket bumpers and lights, locking hubs, and a small lift. The guy i bought it from had plans to make it an off-roader but had too many projects and needed to offload one to make space in his driveway.

While many people either take these off-roading or turn them into drift trucks, my plan is to bring her back to mostly stock. I’m in the process of tracking down OEM bumpers and a more typical cat-back (from the catalytic converter back) exhaust system so she’s a little less obnoxiously loud. Since i mostly just need reliable transport more than a toy and she is now my sole car, I want to just make her relatively normal. But I love her a lot and am happy to be able to share!

[astro-rainbow777]

♊︎ Gemini Through The Houses ♊︎

🌟Gemini in the first - When gemini encompasses the first house of self and identity, this usually points to a dynamic and versatile personality that can talk up just about anyone they encounter. They leave a charming first impression and can be remembered by their quick wit, banter and something about their voice usually sticks out. The native could be well versed in foreign accents, theatrical movements, or celebrity impersonations. There are many aspects of them that express their dualistic nature in the physical expression as well; maybe they switch back and fourth between contacts and glasses - or flip flop their style often. 

📘 Gemini in the second - In the second house of finances, possessions, and values, gemini can multiple and diverse sources of income to the natives lives. It could be important for them to always have a back up plan whenever it comes to their streams of income. They could spend a lot of their mental energy thinking about their assets, financial endeavors, and stability. When their mind becomes too much for them they could enjoy indulging in activities that get them out of their head and into their body. Another manifestation is impulsive buying & spending, they can fluctuate between being extremely frugal too generous in their purchases. They could invest money into their hobbies, siblings and friends. 

👨‍🎤 Gemini in the third - Expressive and quick, these natives speak their mind freely and honestly. Because Gemini is in it’s natural ruling house, a lot of the times of the third house are taken quite literally. In the matters of mind and communication - these individuals speak without much thought. They focus on the things they’re interested in and have fun debating controversial topics while keeping things light - unless it’s with family lol. They can have a multitude of hobbies, and enjoy activities that allow them to get in touch with their inner child. They can keep long-lasting friends from their childhood, are in frequently in communication with their cousins and siblings. They make friends easily and get along easy with their neighbors.

👯‍♂️ Gemini in the fourth - These natives may come from a communicative family where emotions were approached lightly and unserious. The natives guardians could have flip flopped between logical, serious, opinionated to open, sensitive and immature. The maternal figure could have acted as the natives friend rather than nurturer and while being vocally supportive could have a tendency to b e irresponsible. The family itself could be quite dualistic and at times unpredictable. From their familial environment, the native may learn that the emotions aren’t valid or worth taking seriously. Because of these experiences, this placement may find themselves trying to pick apart their own feelings, attempting to gain a deeper understanding to them or just being genuinely confused and curious of why they are there and what they mean.

🐠 Gemini in the fifth - This placement is known for their diverse array of hobbies and mentally engaging interests. Studying could be quite fun for them, technology, or chatting with friends online, to name a few. They may have a nerdy and quirky style, liking to incorporate the media, hobbies and special interests they have into their self expression. They may like to appear ambiguous, enigmatic, and enjoy the idea of others being confused or curious of them. The native can participate in debate or like to play devils advocate. They may be attracted to others intellectual abilities, sense of humor, and mentally stimulating conversations, especially when first dating. They are known to date their friends or may prefer a friends to lovers romantic trope. 

🦕 Gemini in the sixth - Does well living with others, especially friends, however enjoys their space. They may spend quite a bit of time online, studying, learning new things, chatting with their friends, etc. They may be quite the planner, spending their days in accordance to a written routine or function well with a planner. Their health can be psychosomatic at times or they can struggle with their mental health, with a big focus on anxiety. They may benefit from learning the art of meditation and mindfulness. They may smoke because gemini rules over oral fixations, beware of health issues related to smoking.

🌼 Gemini in the seventh - These individuals aren’t known to have a romantic type and may end up dating a variety of different kinds of people throughout their lives. Commitment can be something that gives them anxiety because of the fear that comes with losing their partner. In the best case scenario their partner is their best friend or they may never move past just friends with others. They enjoy keeping their close connections light and doing the harder things alone. This natives spouse may embody the gemini traits themselves, being communicative, unserious, funny and mentally engaging. 

🎭 Gemini in the eighth - Communication may be something that this native does very little of, or is a very important lesson in their karmic cycles. They may be too curious for their own good, getting into conspiracy theories, and taboo research topics. It can be hard for Gemini in the eighth to express themselves or communicate their feelings. There may be power struggles in communication or feeling verbally cornered through out their life. Mental health struggles, obsessive thoughts, and an intense communication style can also be pertinent with gemini in the eighth.

🛰 Gemini in the ninth - Here, Gemini falls into the opposing house of its naturally ruling house, showing a lifelong student and open minded individual. Their opinions of society could be forever changing or fluid depending on who’s around. It may be hard for the individual to engage in scientific or analytic topics, and while preferring philosophy & theoretical conversations. They may struggle to move from a student role into a teaching position, because the native enjoys being the ponderer and may struggle with feelings of intellectual inferiority. They may learn about their own morality through others, an internal compass is earned for them in this life time, they may have to try on values and see what feels right for them.

🌠 Gemini in the tenth - This native may be known  as a jack of all trades, and are quite quick learners in the work place. They are great at juggling multiple projects, jobs and career paths. They may have many lines of work they get into before finding what fits them. They can make a career out of their hobbies or intellectual interests. They may find that their public persona is quite different that how they actually are in their personal lives - and may struggle with imposter syndrome to some degree. Work may demand a lot of their time and they may make a lot of friends in their career.

🔆 Gemini in the eleventh - Enjoys intellectual, funny and witty friends and social circles. They can have a diverse group of friends and be a part of many different communities. They can belong to communities that correlate to their special interests and bound over shared hobbies. They have a talent for social interaction, adaptability & engagement, drawing the attention from a variety of social groups. They a curious about humanitarian causes, and can be vocally opinionated about the injustices of the world, but may need to watch for being too heavily influenced by the media/news.

🧿 Gemini in the twelfth - With Gemini over the house of secrets, illusions, and the unseen, the native may keep their opinions/ideas to themselves & can be passive in communication. They can spend a good amount of time thinking about life beyond this lifetime. They can be emotional thinkers, may spend a lot of time daydreaming about their hobbies or special interests. This placement makes for good authors, songwriters, and poets. They may struggle with some degree of stage fright or receiving vocal attention. They can appreciate a good fantasy novel and is very comfortable with their head in the clouds.

Happiest New Moon in Gemini & Season Everyone! Let me know what you think of my post, if you relate, if you don’t relate, things that you notice about your Gemini House placement, ect.

Also, what Gemini placements do y’all have?

I am a Gemini Mercury with Gemini seventh- however my mercury falls into the sixth! Plus Gemini Saturn + North Node in the seventh :) such a fun and dualistic sign!

Farewell,

🌼 Kya 🌼

[cerastes]

can i get other examples of gamepress being wrong about arknights? i've been using them as my main source since i started and now i'm worried i'm missing out on some operators i haven't bothered to upgrade 🙃

We could be here literally all day because it's not like they have one or two outliers, Gamepress is just mainly edited by people that live in an echo chamber and that have authority in their own circle so it's just off-the-hip, all too often wrong biased takes based on their own really reductive metrics. Chiefly, Gamepress ranks characters 1) as if they were the sole unit in the battlefield almost exclusively, and 2) using the single most broken units currently live as the barrier of entry. The unit you are looking up can't clear a chunk of map in one tap? Worthless and sub-optimal, according to Gamepress. Their only metric is Mlynar, Ch'ung the Hung, Surtr, that kind of Press To Win philosophy, and if a unit can't do that, Then It's Bad And Not Worth It.

Now, you may be thinking, "goodness me, Dreamer, you are being awfully harsh to call them complete dogshit at every angle of the game in this manner!", well, see, it's not just their Operator "reviews", they have articles sometimes. And they are god awful dogshit as well, such as "What Happened To Blaze?"

You can't see the comments anymore, but the author was getting reamed. I have one screenie at least:

Comments were mainly of this nature. Because, well, the article is straight up awful, especially since it reduces Blaze to "laneholder" and compares her to "competition" like Thorns, Mudrock, and Mountain, who, yes, they all can hold a lane, but Blaze has her own space of "infinite duration, high statline, healable 3-block with 2 tile range" that has historically allowed for Funny Tricks like clearing enemies through "walls" on tiles that could shred Thorns even with a healer, or, you know, in conjunction with any of Mudrock or Mountain, given you have 12 whole slots for you team. Again, Gamepress editors rate characters as if they were your main in a fighting game and not one of 12+1 characters you can throw in at any time. They also tend to shit on non-specialist characters (generalists; more versatile units that can do a bunch of things without really breaking the game in any regard), which is very interesting because those usually will make up a strong backbone of any competent Integrated Strategies team, so the specialists in role can do their thing while the other needs of the map are being met.

"Ebenholz is nothing special." "Goldenglow is nothing special." These are takes they genuinely held until, you know, it turned out that Eben and GG are the most relevant Casters, up there with Eyja. To be fair, it wasn't just them being wrong on Eben, but how do you look at the global blasting of GG with her numbers and don't immediately realize that's an ICBM button? All it takes is having the game installed.

The biased nature of Gamepress is also blatant:

Imagine rating April as "Really Good" while relegating Dorothy as only "Really Fun". Even before her Module3, Dorothy was absolutely devastating, bringing huge damage multipliers, crowd control, one of the single best class autoattacks in the whole game at 6* stat weight, and a Talent that gives her even more Attack for basically using her as intended. I'm not saying April isn't good, mind you, I'm just trying to highlight how biased the hands behind Gamepress are: They can't figure out Trapmasters? Then surely they are merely "really fun". Can't drop and forget them like April or Surtr, after all.

About the only thing Gamepress is good for is objective, in-game info: Dates, mat requirements, what skills do, that kind of stuff. It's got a good interface and is a good place to just quickly look up what you need to know that can otherwise be found in the game. The moment their personal opinions come into play, though? The most absolute dogshit takes. Unless you are a "unga bunga drop Surtr and Mlynar and win instan-- WAIT WHY IS INTEGRATED STRATEGIES AND RISK 23+ KICKING MY DAY 1 PLAYER ASS...!?" kinda player, then you don't really want to follow Gamepress advice.

Because they simply do not give good advice as a whole.

[vavandeveresfan]

Jenny Watson: "We can do it, so let's do it." Jenny outlines her plan for a female-only, lesbian space.

For my lesbian, bisexual women, and radfem Followers. Via Graham Linehan's Substack.

For many decades, London was considered the global capital for lesbian nightlife. But you’d never know it if you visited the UK today. It’s not for a lack of British lesbian culture: I’m a lesbian, I’m involved in our country’s lesbian social scene, and I can assure you, it’s alive and well. What we lack at the moment are our own dedicated spaces. I think the UK needs once more to have lesbian-run, female-only community spaces. 

I’ve got an idea about how to make one such space a reality. And I believe I'm in a position to make it happen.

Over the past seven years, I've had the privilege of organising a range of lesbian social events in London. Throughout this time, I've made many connections in our community, gained an increasing understanding of our needs, and created social spaces that I hope go some way to meeting them. 

And in those seven years working to coordinate part of the the UK’s lesbian social scene, I’ve come to see how badly we need a dedicated, strictly female-only event space — now more than ever. 

Men have been encroaching on the lesbian community, and the problem is only getting worse. There’s been a sense of inevitability, that this is just something we have to learn to live with.

But I’ve had it.

In June, I skipped London’s official Pride festivities and instead visited an alternative, independent event at the Hampstead Ponds. It was a female-only picnic. Hundreds of women of all ages were gathered, from their teens to their eighties. And the sublime joy that I felt that day led me to a eureka moment:

We need this. We deserve this. This is our right. As lesbians and bisexual women, we have a right to social spaces that are entirely our own.

So, earlier this year, I decided to implement a women-only policy at my events. Although this sparked controversy, we ultimately received recognition from the UK’s largest pub operator that it is legitimate to hold women-only lesbian events - a real victory!

And then it suddenly dawned on me: we need more and not only do we need this, I can do this. I feel I have a good sense of the UK market for lesbian social events. So I crunched some numbers and developed a business proposal. I gauged interest and studied feasibility. And I’m excited to tell you: I believe this can work.

My plan involves establishing a private members’ club and securing a prime physical space in London. By day, this space will operate as a versatile hybrid workspace, becoming a venue hosting various social events in the evenings and weekends. Alongside these, we'll provide online events, and collaborate with service providers for health and wellness advice, fitness guidance, group trips, and more. Revenue will come from the events, partnerships, as well as from membership dues.

To the lesbian and bisexual women reading this: you’re welcome to get in touch with me if you’d like to learn more. There's an opportunity to invest if you’re interested, too. I’ve got a pitch deck I would be happy to show you and a fully fleshed-out, 50-page business plan. And I’m happy to report that there are already investors who have given the thumbs up. 

Following my announcement and inspired by the community's heartwarming response, I decided to introduce an early-bird membership programme. This includes a personalised QR-coded membership card for exclusive updates and access to a members’ discussion space. Joining early also signifies your part in accelerating our community's launch. 

Which brings me to another issue, and it’s a big part of the reason I’m writing this now: online critics. There’s a small but vocal group of people online who’ve been saying some pretty nasty and completely unfounded things about me. This group of people have taken to personal insults, and accusations that I’m a fraudster and a grifter.

I’m not entirely surprised to encounter pushback, but at the same time, the level of vitriol has been eye-opening.

But I try to put it in a bigger context: Lesbians have faced so much abuse, and for so long we’ve had to settle for having social spaces conditionally, on terms set by men. There’s a climate of distrust and fear looming over the lesbian community as a result. So much so that today the idea of even having one single space fully dedicated to lesbian and bisexual women seems so radical, some people’s initial reaction is that there’s got to be a catch.

I completely understand that a good dose of scrutiny, of tempering optimism with some degree of caution, is reasonable. It’s healthy. And it’s entirely welcome.

But personal insults and unfounded accusations are not. I know that emotions are running high, and we as a community are feeling beleaguered right now. But that’s no excuse to target my Irishness in personal attacks, for example. Or to target my business supporters with lies about me.

I'm not here to push or persuade anyone who doesn't feel the spark for this project. However, for those who do, our project investors' safety and security are crucial — capital funds are securely placed in escrow and I've teamed up with a business consultant who's right here supporting us until opening day. We’ve put together a solid business plan.

If anything, the tenor of some of the criticism I’ve faced only hardens my resolve: it just highlights how badly women need a space to unite us, to heal us in this difficult time.

It’s been upsetting to endure the smear campaign that a small online group has thrown at me… but my mind keeps going back to that Edenic afternoon at the Hampstead Ponds, where hundreds of women were gathered in serenity and harmony.

This will heal us. This will unite us. And it will make us all stronger. Lesbian strength comes through unity.

There are various ways you can help, but the most crucial one is spreading the word - our message is the most important part of this project. 

Other than that, as I mentioned earlier, if you are a lesbian/bi woman, there is the option to join as an early-bird member (however, this is not compulsory; you can wait until our opening). Additionally, there's the opportunity for investment or donation. I've prepared a comprehensive 50-page business plan and pitch deck available for those who are interested.

For a deeper understanding of the project, feel free to visit our website or you can email me at contact@lcommunity.co.uk 

Any form of support you can offer is immensely appreciated as we work towards making this a reality.  

We can do this. So let’s do it!

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

The Arcana HCs: M6 with an MC who's been through SA

~ here's some angst/hurt/comfort, friends. I've held off on writing this for so long because I know it's a heavy topic, but considering how I've yet to meet a femme-presenting person who hasn't been through this and how unacknowledged masc-presenting survivors are, I figured it was worth a shot. you are seen, you are loved, you did not deserve it, and you are more than worthy of good things <3 ~

CW for, obviously, references to SA (sexual assault) and descriptions of related triggers. Rated PG-13

PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS IF IT WOULD DO YOU MORE HARM THAN GOOD

-- for headcanon purposes, the details of MC's experience (what happened and when) are up to the reader's interpretation and comfort level. However, MC is able to remember it by the beginning of the prologue --

Julian

When you first tell him about it, you can almost hear his heart cracking with every word. He's pained and horrified

And he's not going to interrupt or make it about him. He carefully navigates himself to put all of his attention into listening to you without his presence being suffocating or overwhelming

Heartbroken

Waits until you've finished talking, and gently asks if he can ask you a few more questions in a medical capacity

He'll never, ever press you to share details that you're not comfortable with, but he understands the human body and given how much he cares about yours, he wants to make sure you're ok

If there's anything medical/physical that needs to be addressed and if you're comfortable with it, he'll do the gentlest, safest job of taking care of you that he's ever done in his life

His greatest impulse is to wrap you up in a hug and tuck your head under his chin and swirl his cloak around you like a pair of wings until you're all bundled up and safe

But he doesn't want to touch without permission, and - oh, please tell him his particularly blatant brand of flirting didn't bother you. Or if it did, please do tell him, because he never wants to hurt you

Walks on eggshells for each physical progression of your relationship because he's terrified of discovering your boundaries the wrong way, quick to establish that none of it is your fault

Never, ever lets you think less of yourself for it

Asra

When they first heard about it, they physically froze in place

He said very little. The only spoken words on his end were either to invite you to talk about it, or to comfort you. He spent most of the time with his hand over his mouth and pain and anger in his eyes

Their determination to never impose their feelings on you tripled, and much of their tendency to leave on such physically distanced trips came from wanting to preserve your personal living space

Made sure to teach self defense moves, both physical and magical

Long after your relationship turns from friendship to romance, he continues to ask every time he shares a sleeping space with you if it's okay, and is always happy to snooze nearby instead

Double and triple checks which kinds of touch you're okay with when they want to be affectionate with you. They can hold your hand, but please don't grab your wrist? They won't even touch it

Given how connected your bond makes you, both emotionally and physically, he's very careful about establishing boundaries

They can tell you're struggling emotionally - is it okay if they try feeling it with you?

He's on a trip, and wants you to feel a hug - is it okay if he sends his touch to you like that? Would you rather touch him instead?

Both versatile and creative when it comes to finding ways to share love without triggering you - wrapping their shawl around you in lieu of a hug, playfully sitting on their hands to share a kiss

If time heals all wounds, love turns the wreckage into a garden

Nadia

Her chin snapped up and the look in her eyes became so fierce when you first mentioned it that you almost became afraid

Which is why her whole demeanor shifted into something both soft and protective for the rest of the conversation. Tell her everything you're willing to, and then please let her take care of you

She's extremely gentle with you afterwards, until she's once again sure of what kind of physical and relational dynamic you want

She knows there's nothing wrong with her liking to take the lead, but she loves you and the last thing she wants is for her preference to play into your trauma. She does bring this up in conversation

What are you comfortable with her initiating? What are things she can change about how she initiates touch to make you feel safer and give you more freedom to speak your preferences?

Very, very gently asks if there's anything she's done so far that has bothered you, and offers you the most loving, sincere apology

Goes out of her way to make sure that you always have accommodations to let you ensure your own safety

Crowded party? She's got a quiet room to slip into if you need it, with a guard at the entrance and a signal if you need to retire

You don't like to feel restricted/touched in certain ways? Everything from your clothing to the jewels she gifts you are tailored to feel as safe and protected as possible

Nobody knows what happened to the person who harmed you, but you never hear from them again. At all

Muriel

You swear you could see him shrink a little when he first heard

It was like a little bit of life left his eyes, and all that was leftover was a deep, respectful, shared grief

It's not as if he can relate to the type of harm you experienced specifically, but he knows what it's like to have his body exploited and objectified for someone else's gain, and he knows it hurts

That's most of how things proceed at first - he doesn't drastically alter his behavior around you (let's be honest, he never touched you without knowing it was safe for both of you to do so)

But he does move differently around you. Even fewer sudden noises, body language designed to be as non-threatening as possible, a small, reassuring nod anytime you make eye contact

(though in that last case, the nod happens as he's flicking his eyes away and blushing at being caught)

Anything he can do to acknowledge your personal space and physical autonomy, he does, and he doesn't stop doing it

The more you find yourself comfortable opening up about what happened, or at least, how what happened has affected you, the more easy he finds it to open up to you in turn

Hypervigilant about how other people perceive you and their intentions with your personal space. Can and will scare off anybody shady with his perfected stinkeye

Always, always, always touches you like you're something precious, never without asking, with gentleness and reverence

Portia

She still feels a little bad about how extreme her outburst was when you first talked to her about it, when what she really wanted to do was give you a safe space to express yourself

Jaw dropped, a loud indignant "What?!", and then her chin wobbling with rage while her eyes began to well up with tears

Oh she wanted to scoop you into a hug so bad while she cried for you, but she knew that wasn't what you needed

Quick to make a time and space as calm and cozy and safe as possible to talk about it more with you, with fuzzy blankets and tea and snacks to make it a little less unpleasant

Not pushy at all, but not hesitant to ask you questions, both about what happened, and about how you feel about it and how that changes the way you do relationships and touch

Couldn't help crying for you on and off the whole time, but used her handkerchief quietly and refused to take attention from you

She's the most touchy-feely, so she's quick to ask you questions about what kinds of affection you're okay with receiving in general, what kinds you'd like to be asked about first, what to avoid, etc

Already the type of person who picks up on social vibes quickly, she never hesitates to steer you away from a shady character

And now that she's seen how it impacts your life, she's quick to ask around about people with weird vibes, and warn both you and anyone who seems like they might be vulnerable to them

Dedicated to reminding you how important you are every day

Lucio

He didn't get what you were talking about (beyond being able to tell that you were describing a past unpleasant experience) until you straight up told him without beating around the bush

Shocked, and later, furious

It ends up being a conversation you have to come back to, because once he gets a rough idea of what happened, he's spending half an hour pacing and brandishing his gauntlet and spewing threats

How dare they - how dare anyone think for a moment that treating someone as incredible as you is okay? He is throwing them in the dungeon. He's not Count anymore, but he'll find a way!

Doesn't think for a second that you could be remotely to blame

Which means he also doesn't think to remind you that it's not your fault and that you haven't somehow become worse for the experience until you bring up those feelings

He will happily rage about all the good things you deserve if you do

He knows you're strong and capable, but the thing he intuitively wants to do is make you feel safe. Whether that be by keeping watch while you sleep, or standing between you and strangers

Not very used to restraining himself when he wants to fling himself at you for a hug, and it takes a little trial and error for both of you to figure out what sudden affection feels safe and what doesn't

Won't hesitate to pull his sword on anyone crowding into your space or making you uncomfortable

Never sees you in the shadow of your pain. You are you - that's all

[geekgirles]

"The Flower that Blooms in Adveristy Is the Most Rare and Beautiful of Them All": A Brief Amalia Analysis

I've been meaning to talk about this scene since the episode premiered, as I find it perfectly encapsulates Amalia's character and her development.

On the one hand, we have the fact that she's long outgrown the pampered, sheltered princess archetype she was introduced as and become far more mature and multi-faceted.

Over the course of the show, we've seen how Amalia evolved from a girl who ran away from her responsibilities because she felt stifled in her own home after her mother's passing, to a girl whose reason to break the rules was the sake of her kingdom, determined to save it from Nox. To the point she eventually grew into the Sadida Queen mantle and was ready to do whatever it took to ensure her kingdom's safety and well-being, from accepting to marry a stranger, to finally stepping up to the challenge and ascending to the throne to guide her troops to victory despite having just lost her brother and such heavy burden thrusted upon her.

All the while dealing with her own trauma, heartbreak and desires as she watched her father wither away, her best friend since childhood was far away living her own life, Armand and Aurora tried to pressure her into marrying, she was manipulated by Oropo into almost abandoning Yugo, and she likewise suffered because she couldn't be with the man she loved despite both of them wanting nothing more.

And on the other hand, that scene also shows how, while not necessarily the most powerful member of the Brotherhood of the Tofu, Amalia's versatility is second only to Yugo and maybe Adamaï's, as well as it once again shows how despite her powers' development not being as flashy as Yugo's, it's still notable and impressive.

In a way, you could say Amalia's character and power development are both subtle, yet a constant of the show.

Amalia's gone from summoning vines and using her doll to being able to overpower a Xelor demigod without help, use her powers to light up dark spaces (seriously, girlie can create literal light out of plants, how?!?!?), growing cotton plants from stone to keep her and her friends in touch, and season 4 has her become the team's weapons provider against the Nécromes; an ability that, as far as I'm concerned, only King Oakheart was able to do back in season 1 when he created a new bow for Evangelyne.

And it that weren't enough to prove how layered and multi-talented she is, there's her fight against the Sadida Nécrome itself.

Up until that point, except for a few punches here and there, Amalia's been mostly a long-ranged combatant, much like Eva, relying on her plants to fight. However, her summoning that wooden staff and using it to fight against the Nécrome shows that she's actually quite adept at hand-to-hand combat, too, especially when she moves with such grace and her strikes hold that much precision. Which at the same time means that not only Armand received training from the best masters around, so did Amalia.

This all comes to show Amalia is an example of the hardships she's endured slowly molding her into the person she was always meant to be, into the queen she was always meant to be. Grougal already said back in season 1 she had the heart of a Sadida Queen, her adventures were always meant to get her to that point.

Much like his adventures eventually turned Yugo both into the king his people longed for, and the one Amalia needed by her side. Everything they have been through together have led them to this moment, to the chance to stand together as king and queen, as husband and wife.

To stand together as one.

This is what Amalia had been preparing for her entire life. And I, for one, am proud to say, "All hail Queen Amalia."

[serpentpatrol]

Astro Observation: Gemini ♊ part 1

Animation of Hyuna & Dawn for Ping Pong MV created by Hanavbara @hanavbara

👥 Gemini placements have tendencies to love to walk or how they walk is so fast or quick, like their quick wit. They love to explore and experience various types of activities which is why they can move quickly. Gemini reminds me of Hermes, the messenger of the gods in Disney Animated Movie 'Hercules'. He is quick and always flying around everywhere. Apparently Hermes represents Mercury and in Roman religion, Mercury is the god of shopkeepers and merchants, travelers and transporters of goods, and thieves and tricksters.

👥 Gemini doesn't belong to one type of group, they could go anywhere to diverse groups and socialize everywhere. They are not and cannot be categorized in one particular identity. Even though some of them would be introverted but they always have a hybrid personality which cannot be pinned down to one description, their interests are varied hence theyre informative about things around them (similar like Sagittarius). When at first they are 'A', the next time they could change themselves as 'B'. Due to its mutable modality, their expressions are unpredictable.

👥 Gemini moons could have changable unpredictable moods, one moment they could be cold and detached (especially when there are heavy emotional problems related with other people, they would prefer to avoid or disengage, unless they have fire placements) and other moment they became carefree, cheerful, snarky, lively, sensitive and vulnerable. The unpredictable moods occured due to how they need time and space to understand their own emotions first before dealing with the emotions of others.

👥 Gemini placements or Air Moons, 3rd House placements, 12th House Mercury, or Mercury dominant have talent in writings, or they have a penchant to write varied information with creative or eloquent sentences.

👥 Gemini placements either express themselves with a youthful vibe or carry themselves elegantly (mostly the females). (few examples: Lily-Rose Depp, Naomi Campbell, Hyuna, Kylie Minogue, Marylin Monroe)

👥 Gemini likes to collect/wear things based on their own personal preferences, and mostly it could be colorful things or they love to create something like Libra and those creation becomes part of their unique identity/interest, they indeed have versatile and quirky style. For example a Gemini female likes colorful jelly candies and she loves to restock them in a bowl in her office desk. Another example would be Hyuna (a KPOP Idol) with her colorful unique tattoos all over her body. But they could also have fascination to or the ability to express things with dark or unusual themes (the example is Johnny Depp with all his characters in movies). Another example of Gemini is Kylie Minogue with her variative style. Below is Hyuna & Dawn's Ping Pong Live Performance ✨️ (both of them are Geminis)

👥 Gemini women are effortlessly flirty or seductive in how they communicate whether it is intentional or not, while at the same time emotionally detached from others. They are confident in themselves so when connecting with others, they need more mental stimulations. They are like faeries *Tinkerbell* based on Manly P. Hall description about air elemental spirit in his book titled 'The Philosophy of Astrology'.

©SerpentPatrol