#and 2. the gift budget was $50

[cheapxseats]

Fairly certain that my work secret Santa is just gifting me things from their house that they don't want lol

[kaidanworkshop]

Workshop Progress: Post Summer Update

Hello Workshop followers! We've been hard at work over the last few weeks separating and voting on the second set of lines from our VA, as well as completing another commissionship session with Mr. Warren this past Sunday. While usually we feature the work being completed by all three teams separately, we'll be summarizing the current state of the mod in a single long post for this update; as we approach the finish line in wrapping up the framework rebuild, more and more of our staff are working with the CK & Assets team to assist with build testing and finalizing various features.

So firstly, the benchmarks we're most proud of:

All assets have officially been replaced with high texture models! Everything from Kaidan's physical appearance, to his armor and weapons, to the little cherry tree you can marry him under, have been updated.

The CK & Assets Team have completed their rebuild on all but two quest frameworks -- specifically for his personal quest 'Blood and Fire' and his Mehrunes Dagon quest commentary. Our nickname, pronoun, and outfit systems are all functional as well. All of these quests are now ready for line implementation and beta testing.

As of our most recent VA session, we are officially over 50% done with the total script revoice, with 836 lines out of the original 1400 projected lines recorded. The final total of lines will fluctuate a bit to accommodate the extra lines being added for the aforementioned new systems, as well as the new platonic Autumnwatch acquisition route, but it shouldn't be by very much. We will update the community with a final total in a future 'community receipt' post detailing our full business expenditures.

We continue to operate solidly under budget! Using the formula outlined in our budget breakdown post, we have enough money for approximately 7 1/2 hours of Mr. Warren's services ($1885/$250), but the remaining scripts should be completed in approximately 5 hours. As we get closer to our final sessions with Mr. Warren and the final total for that budget surplus becomes more concrete, we will be able to hash out the details of what else the community can vote to have added in the 1.0 launch. You can read about a few of those ideas here, but feel free to submit your own ideas via our inbox or on our Discord.

So what's next on our plate?

Completing the last of the framework rebuild

Continued line implementation as voting and splicing permits, as well as necessary subtitle corrections and emotive animations to match the new lines

Staff bug and beta testing to tweak new system functionality, as well as editorial reviews by the Writing Team to tweak in-game journal updates and other miscellaneous text

Finalization of new dialogue for acquisition of Autumnwatch

Scheduling our final 2 - 3 VA sessions (woo!)

Getting distracted by Baldur's Gate 3

Our Community Team will be setting up another series of livestreams to feature lines from our third commission in the coming weeks. This round of scripts included his commentary on the main quest & factions (College of Winterhold, the Companions, etc), the dialogue associated with gifting him books and having him read some of them back, as well as his personal quest involving Shadowgreen Cavern.

Thank you again for all of your continued interest and support!

[ruhua-langblr]

Holiday Gifts for Language Learners~

Here are some ideas for language learning enthusiasts this holiday season!

(Some specific examples will be focused on Chinese/Korean as the target language. None of the links are affiliate links. amazon is linked to out of convenience, but there are usually other places that these things can be purchased at!)

Books!

There's a lot of textbooks out there that approach language learning from different perspectives. Textbooks can often be expensive, so checking out used book stores is a great idea! I really enjoy Modern Mandarin Chinese Grammar and this used copy in very good condition is so much cheaper than the original price! Also, TTMIK's latest books are currently on sale!

While on the subject of books, there are so many options for reading in foreign language! For lower level learners, graded readers are a great choice as you can find books at your current level that can grow with you! For example Tales and Traditions has four volumes of short stories and myths in Chinese, with each volume increasing in difficulty. Abridged Classics like this series from Sinolingua Press or this Journey to the West series.

For advanced learners, buying novels in your target language is also a great choice! Soo and Carrots has collected Korean novels recommended by members of BTS.

2. iTalki!

I've been using iTalki for the past couple months and I've really enjoyed it! It's great to learn from a native speaker now that I'm out of a classroom environment, but still actively pursuing a higher degree of Chinese as well as starting Korean. They have a lot of deals on packages and prices vary between teachers, so it's easy to find something in your budget! I do have a code for $5 (AC6AGf0) for new users.

3. Notetaking!

For traditional notetaking, I think these translucent sticky notes are great for taking notes that aren't a hassle to erase, while still showing the text that you're commenting on! I also love to put relevant stickers on my notebooks. Lots of fun options like 我不知道，加油 salamander, ��고 싶어, many Korean words of encouragement,and the Ted Cruz meme 这个人吃了我的儿子。

Digital notetakers might enjoy this goodnotes journal! It's highly customizable to whatever language you might be learning. I have two versions of it in my goodnotes, and each uses different pages for Korean and Chinese. Goodnotes itself is also a great gift if you want to upgrade from free or a yearly subscription to total ownership!

4. Language Learning Apps/Sites!

I try to work within the free world as much as possible, but there are some things worth paying for! Reading apps for Chinese like Du Chinese, or my favorite, Readibu are super helpful! Readibu is free, but the paid option has a lot of great features!

Also for those missing TTMIK after they added a paywall to a lot of content, a membership to their courses would be great!

5. Movies and TV!

Besides the benefit of immersion, learning a language is also about learning another culture. Right now the Criterion Collection is 50% off at B&N until December 4th!

For TV, getting a subscription to a site like Viki or iQiYi is a great gift as they have new shows from many asian countries!

[thedisablednaturalist]

My parents found out about the present I bought myself for my birthday. I worked my max hours to afford it. I had it shipped to my bfs house so they wouldn't see it. Apparently I missed a receipt that was hidden in the box. Idk how they got it anyway cause I put the box out with the trash/recycling. My mom was being so cruel about it and how I keep buying myself "lavish" gifts (most stuff I buy for fun is like $10-$50 max). I always plan my purchases and have never missed a credit card payment. Most of my money goes towards doctors visits, medication, car maintenance and gas, accessibility items/ergonomic stuff, cat food and litter, and hygiene. Recently I stopped most of my subscriptions save for a cheap minecraft server. The bulk of my pay goes into savings which have really grown since I got my raise. I also give my parents $400 in rent each month. I'm trying to save up for a recliner to replace my bed but I don't want to use the money I've already put away.

Like ok, maybe I'm not mr.frugal. maybe i sometimes buy more expensive things because they're more convenient (like already cut vegetables/fruit or preprepared meals) but like my hands fucking hurt and sometimes I don't have the spoons to feed myself. Maybe I fall prey to impulse purchases once in a while. Im learning and I'm trying to learn how to budget bc now I have to also pay for insurance until I can get on medicaid.

My mom acts like I don't care. She sees amazon packages come for me and think theyre all toys or expensive skincare or junk when its actually body wipes for when I cant shower/so i dont come back from the field to the office all stinky. Its a trash can I can keep on my bedshelf so I dont throw trash onto the floor instead. Its knee braces because my knees fucking suck. Once in a while Ill see something on sale that ive been wanting for a while and will grab it. And the most expensive skincare I use is $20 for a jar that lasts me 3 months. I have to keep my skin clear or ill pick and have scabs and blood all over my face again. I spend money on drag because it MAKES me money. Last time I got paid $100 from the venue and $50 in tips. One time I got paid $300 from the venue (i dont remember how much in tips).

Im trying my best. Im working with 3 government agencies rn to get a job and get health coverage. Im working my ass off at my job when i probably shouldnt be working (my mom laughed when I mentioned this). I'm constantly doing things to earn me money or to make life a bit less painful. Even streaming is a desperate attempt to make a career/side gig out of something I enjoy and doesn't make me flare up. I only watch shows when im with my bf or when im doing chores or working. I rarely play video games. When I flare I lay in bed and scroll Tumblr or play a mindless dress up game where I only have to move my thumb. I cry almost everyday. I cry on the way to work. I cry holding my cat in so much pain i cant move.

The only big frivilous purchases I've made is the present and a new graphics card (I haven't replaced my old one in a decade). The present cost $230 and the graphics card cost $800. Both of these I saved for. I might buy a nice skirt once in a while but thats pretty much it. I also spread out big purchases over time when I can.

Am I spoiled? Maybe. Maybe my parents are right and I'm a lazy spoiled kid who just makes excuses. But my pain is real, constant, and severe.

I have friends who's birthday presents consist of trips to fucking italy or the bahamas. Who complain when their parents drag them on yet another international vacation. Some are amazing people who are grateful and work their asses off. And some of them are a bit entitled. My mom said most 26 year olds are living on their own with jobs and I fucking laughed. The only 26 year olds with their own apartments especially in my area either have 5 roommates in a 2 bedroom shithole, got lucky and have a high paying tech job, their parents pulled strings to get them hired, or their parents are paying partly or fully for their apartment.

And when i tried to find an apartment? She discouraged me and told me id never be able to afford one (correct) but now im suddenly able to when it suits her argument? Ive been heavily job hunting for over a year and got ONE interview who ghosted me after two interviews. I make $2k MAX. Rent in my area is $1700-2500 for a freaking studio. The $1700 one doesn't let you see the apartment and gets snapped up immediately. And these are all apartments within a 2 hour radius. All the "affordable housing" is for people 55 and older.

Like I literally have no options. I can't move until I get a job in that area. I can't leave the country cause Im disabled and also thats fucking expensive. My bf makes less than me and even combined we couldn't afford a place.

Literally, I've never been suicidal before. Ive never struggled with that due to my fear of death. But all of this? Ive recently had suicidal thoughts and its fucking scary. Thoughts that killing myself would make it easier for everyone else. That it would be easier to just end it, that life will always be a living hell and i should just give up. And thats fucking scary! I shouldn't have those thoughts! But that's how bad it is.

I try to do what my therapist told me. I try to set boundaries. But setting a boundary means not eating dinner bc I leave when my parents yell at me. I try to think positively and ignore the pain. I probably walk an average of 1-2 miles a day. I try and try and try and it hurts so much. They can't be proud of me? For even big victories? Guilting me about graduation cause I took too long. Keeping a job for more than a year (its not a REAL job cause its hourly and doesnt have benefits).

Like what's the point? I've been fighting and fighting and most of the world wants to see me dead and gone anyway. I'm trying to work in a field that doesn't even consider people like me. If I cant work Ill just bring my boyfriend and my family down. Every step forward I manage to take I get dragged back 10.

Im so tired and ashamed and stressed and my fucking body hurts worse now because of the stress and i just dont want to wake up tomorrow.

[dropbear-sims]

Welcome to Mt. Cavaro! Pt. 1

This mountain plateau was once nothing but a small seasonal hunting town. Over the last 50 years however, developers took notice of the potential of this location and now, it is a bustling upcoming town. Families and sims have moved in droves to start business opportunities or to take advantage of those who are. Some however, are just enjoying the quiet scenic views and good people.

Simply explaining and showing the Community lots in each of my districts. Business, Entertainment & Residential. I will be showing the Families in Detail in Pt. 2

The Business District

Businesses:

Flast Luxury Dealership | The dealership for those who want to impress their neighbours. Fancy, reliable and with the Flast signature of quality. The Luxury Dealership is for those who only want the very best automotives.

'New You' Salon & Spa | The luxurious Salon & Spa on the edge of Byrn Street. Need a haircut? A new makeup look? A massage? Maybe you just want to spend some time relaxing in the sauna, It's here at the 'New You' Salon & Spa

Gemstone Gallery Jewellery | Need a gift for a lover? Want to buy yourself something nice? Gemstone Gallery has a wide selection of the top-quality jewellery, with options to fit any budget.

Great Times Party Supplies | Everything you need for your next big bash of a party! Weddings, birthdays or when the parents are out for the weekend!

Polar Caps Creamery | In need of a tasty cold treat on a hot day? Or a cold treat on a cold day? (We wont judge). Come down to Polar Caps to get a delicious gourmet icecream! Or serve yourself to a nice, overly processed soft serve!

Mt. Cavaro Real Estate | The main (and only) spot to purchase your new home in the lovely Mt. Cavaro. Owned by Mr. Rodney Flast, its where many suspect the majority of his fortune originated.

Mountain Rescue Pet Centre | A sanctuary for all pets in need of a loving home and Sims who need supplies for their furry friends! Opened and funded solely by Velma Aster.

Hobby Land | Muhammad and Siti Saad love their creative endeavours, and thought they should share that with the rest of Mt. Cavaro. There's a large variety of hobby items ready for purchase!

Health Plus Pharmacy | Dr. Sato's very own pharmacy that has everything you need for your ailments.

Flast Furniture | This massive warehouse holds every new and in-style piece of furniture you could ever want. Come take a stroll through our kitchen and bathroom sets, you'll leave wishing it was your home! Have a chat with our friendly staff and discuss possible home renovations.

Cavaro Family Grocery | A new development built by Ahan and Navya Bhatt, a massive gamble that paid off- its now the 'One Stop Shop' for all things your household needs regularly!… to the dismay of the local monopoly, Rodney Flast.

Speedway Motors | Ahan and Navya Bhatt's first dip into the world of business owning, buying an old rundown shed and turning it into a Car Dealership! It only has cheaper locomotives but they still run fine!… most of the time.

Spark Electronics | Need a Phone? Computer? Speaker? Spark Electronics has everything a Sim in need of a good electronic item!

'The Look' Clothing Superstore | The most popular department store for clothing in Mt. Cavaro! So popular it's run all of the small indie boutiques and rival brands out of town. I guess having great prices and a wide selection does that!

Reel N' Sons Fish Market | For the past 20 years the Reel family have been catching and selling their fresh fish here every Sunday.

Cavaro Natural Arrangements | A small shutdown florist that has been recently revamped by Velma Aster, her once buried love for plants and flowers reignited.

Bub N' Co Children's Superstore | The absolute hub for all essential baby, toddler and children's items. Everything you could need is right here!

Misc:

Community Lots that aren't a business inside the business district:

Cavaro Community Centre | The newly renovated community centre is now open! The once old and dingy town library is stocked with new books, a new computer lab has been opened and with government funding, the employment office has been revamped. All with a new cafeteria on the second floor!

Fit & Fast | Fit & Fast is the best spot to get your workout on! There's a wide variety of machines and amenities.

Cavaro Garden & Parklands | This quaint little park has a community garden run by the local gardening association, if you ever want to grab some delicious fresh veggies and fruit it's all completely free! Too the side theres also a quaint wedding area, the perfect setting to say 'I do'.

The Entertainment District

Activities:

The Colosseum Casino | Feeling lucky? The Colleseum Casino is for both the casual evening and the (habitual) high rollers, try a game of cards, or perhaps the slots?

Cavaro Performance Lounge | Think you've got the guts to go on stage? This cozy lounge is for anyone who wants to watch or be a local talent! No need to bring your own equipment, the lounge is already stocked with all instruments and microphones!

Valley Fine Dining | The Valley is newly revamped! Don't worry however, we still keep our 5 star rating for quality, cuisine and service! The dining spot for sims with cash to spare! I downloaded this lot from:

I changed quite a bit about this lot to make it fit the vibe and aesthetic of my hood, but this is a great remodel!

Cavaro National Museum | Have a love for history? Want a day out activity? The National Museum is full of historic relics from the past. Current open exhibits: Ancient Sculptures & Fossils

Cavaro National Gallery | An Extension of the National Museum, this location has Art Pieces from all over the globe, featuring some of the best and upcoming artists of the past 5 years!

Bowling Time! | Who doesn't love a game of bowling? This colourful alley is great for a night out or afterschool activity! Competitions each Sunday!

Boxing Roo | Go the Roos! Go the Roos! Want to have a drink, watch the game and show your sporting pride? Boxing Roo is a cozy little bar for all sport lovers!

Cavaro Community Pool | For all those hot summer days or practicing for that big competition coming up. Free entry on weekends and toddler swimming lessons available all week.

In Motion Dance Studio | Dance lessons on wednesday and thursday from 5pm. Recruitments for the dance troop on Saturday 10am. The best spot to practice or perfect your next routine.

Game On! Internet Cafe | Internet being shoddy? Want to group up with some friends, drink some coffee, eat snacks and play your favourite games? This is the place! PC's loaded with SSX3, The Sims: Bustin Out, FIFA 08 and Spore!

Film House Cinema | Watch the biggest current blockbusters on the big screen! Help yourself to the concessions (for a horribly expensive price) and relax in the comfy new recliner seats!

8-bit Arcade | Nerd sims unite! The best spot to play games until your curfew, all new arcade and pinball machines have been installed, all machines set to 1 simoleon!

District Basketball Court | The best spot to shoot some hoops and vs your friends.

The Hare's Foot | I wouldn't exactly call the Hare's Foot the fanciest (or cleanest) Bar in town. Happy hour is 8pm! Also… make sure to wipe down the photobooth seats before sitting.

Lil' Putter Minigolf | Wanna Impress 'The Boss'? Wanna 'impress' your friends? 6 Holes included each with their own theme and decor!

The Drip - Retro Beanclub | Are you an absolute coffee snob? An alternative music snob? Well The Drip is for 'real fans', no normies allowed! Now selling our own Beans!

Svensson Homestyle Bistro | Opened by Lars Svensson, this bistro is for all those casual nights out with the family or a modest meal with the one you love. Featuring homely recipes you'll remember without having ever tasted! 'Homestyle' is in the name!

The Rhythm - Disco Skating | The Rhytm is the best spot for a nice family activity, or a cute date idea. Listen to the 70's disco and skate away! New Skaters welcome aswell, classes each tuesday!

The Pink Flamingo | The Pink Flamingo is the hottest spot in Mt. Cavaro, new music, good drinks and open pretty much 24/7. If you want to dance and drink the night (or day) away, the pink flamingo is your spot.

Sky High Park | A VERY normal park… for very unsuspicious bubble blowing- Nothing else, juuuust "bubble blowing".

School of Art Creative Studio | Want to practice your creative skills with a bunch of like-minded sims? The SOA Creative Studio is the spot to be, there are pottery, music and painting classes!

Lasting Connections Courthouse | If the weather isn't on your side, or you just want an indoor wedding: the Lasting Connections Courthouse will be your first choice. Stocked with everything you need to throw an awesome wedding party.

Misc:

Community lots that aren't entertainment/activities in the Entertainment District:

Empty Lot | Simply an Empty lot I have no idea what to fill with, will put in something when I get an idea.

The Residential District

Cavaro Residential Sports Oval | Soccer games each Friday at 5pm! Ages 6+ teams available!

Lil' Ones Family Playground | Simply a small playground for children.

Misc Lots

(Lots that are not in any district)

Mt. Cavaro Fishing Club | The Mt. Cavaro Fishing Club has been around since this place was simply a small hunting town. There's also a cozy little campsite if you want to spend the night outdoors! Or a cabin if you do not.

'The Tip' | Simply the garbage tip for all of Cavaro. No trespassing!.. Unless you're good at tresspassing. (Who knows, there might be some good stuff to scavenge).

(I dont know why the ground is pink, it is normal grass lol)

Cavaro Memorial Cemetary | A place to remember the Sims of the past. You may not want to visit after dark, there have been rumors of people seeing the sims who should've been long gone. I downloaded this lot from:

I changed a few things, such as swapping out the trees and adding more pavement.

Apologies for not taking Screenshots of the exterior/Interior of each lot, I didn't want to bog down this post TO much (Even though I believe its already pretty beefy. I simply wanted to share what community lots are in my hood. I will be playing this town rotationally and posting what happens, if that interests you I'd love for you to follow this blog and join me on this journey :)

[oftlunarialmoon]

10 Amazon Gift Ideas Under $10 for a Creative Age Regressor - Agere / Age Regression

Ciao lovelies! Today’s post is another Agere / Age Regression centered post! It is a Agere Gift Ideas / Age Regression Gift Ideas post! This particular themed list is 10 Amazon Gift Ideas under $10 for a Creative Age Regressor! Amazon has lots of great picks under $10 (not including shipping) for Creative Age Regressors! So today’s list has 10 Amazon Products that are under $10 that any creative age regressor would love!

Looking for other Age Regression Gift Ideas? Check out our “5 Age Regression Gift Ideas for Valentine’s Day Under $10” post that is full of cute gift ideas for age regressors, that can be used for Valentines day or really, any occasion!

For now though, let’s talk about Amazon! Online shopping can be super fun, but it’s even more fun when you’re shopping for gifts for a loved one! (At least, I think so!) But that can be super stressful too. Sometimes it’s hard to know what someone would want, and it can be hard to think of a super great gift idea, especially when you’re on a budget. But fear not! I have scoured the website of Amazon and picked 10 gift ideas that are under $10, and are all perfect for a creative Age Regressor, a little one who loves doing crafts and making art!

Just a quick DISCLAIMER before we begin: All prices are as of 4/24/2020 and the prices do not include shipping fees. OFT and Lunaria are NOT associated nor affiliated with Amazon nor any of the sellers or products listed. This list is made for entertainment only. 

All that being said, let’s get into these gift ideas!

1: Scented Markers! - $7.48

This is a great gift for a creative age regressor who loves scented things! Be sure to check that your age regressor friend/loved one does not have scent-triggered migraines before going for a scented product like this, though.

This product comes with 12 Markers in the scents Raspberry, Watermelon, Cherry, Orange, Banana, Mint, Apple, Fruit Punch, Blueberry, Grape, Cinnamon and Licorice. This gift is great for a creative age regressor who can use them to draw or color scented masterpieces!

2: Jumbo Coloring Pad full of Animal Designs! - $4.98

This jumbo coloring book has so many cute animal designs (50, to be exact). Plus, it’s gender neutral, so it’s perfect for any age regressor of any gender! This would be perfect for a creative age regressor who loves to color, and loves animals!

3: 1000+ Sticker Book! - $4.99

This sticker book is amazing- I’m speaking from experience on this one! I actually own this book and I love it! I’ve used almost every sticker in the book on various projects like my agere journal, letters, decorating notebooks, and more!

If you have a loved one or friend who is a creative age regressor, they will love this!

4: Paper Dragon Kit! - $9.79

This kit will help your little loved one/friend make some epic dragons! If your age regressor loved one/friend loves dragons and loves to create, this kit is great for them! It is probably best for someone who regresses to a slightly older age.

5: Decorate Your Own Wooden Plane Kit! - $4.99

This kit is perfect for a creative age regressor! Not only can they design and decorate their own little wooden plane, but then they can play with it! If your loved one/friend is someone who loves to decorate things, this could be a great gift for them!

Plus, you don’t only have to use what’s provided! You could also pick up some $0.50 acrylic paints at a supermarket like Walmart and use those for additional colors!

6: Decorate Your Own Horses kit! - $7.99

This kit is perfect for animal lovers and creative spirits alike! As mentioned with the #5 pick, you could enhance this kit by buying more paint colors with which to paint the little horse figures!

Plus, maybe get some popsicle sticks and help your age regressor friend/loved one build a stable for their newly painted horse friends!

7: SLIMYGLOOP Unicorn Slime Kit! - $5.00

This kit is great for regressors who want to stim with slime! I personally like stimming with slime sometimes, and its even better when it’s bright and colorful like this one!

8: Beading Kit! - $8.99

One of my absolute fave activities to do when regressed is to make bracelets! Making bracelets is a fun and easy craft that can use lots of creativity and can be really relaxing too! Plus after making them, you get cute bracelets to wear when regressed! What’s not to love?

9: Paper Fortune Tellers Kit! - $7.15

Just seeing this kit brings nostalgia. When you were a kid, did you ever make paper fortune tellers? Let me know in the comments!

This kit would be great for a person who regresses to a slightly older age!

10: Sand Art Bottles! - $6.99

I love sand art! I loved it even way back into my childhood! I think Sand Art is a great project for a person who regresses to a slightly older age who would like a slightly more challenging activity to do.

[bethanydelleman]

This is a hard question and I want to apologize in advance:

John Dashwood's first plan of honouring his father's wishes and helping his sisters is giving each of them £1,000 in addition to the £1,000 they recieved when their uncle died. The estate gives him £4,000 a year on top of what he already made. So, was his first plan actually generous or did he start out stingy even before he ended at "call me if you need anything xoxo"?

Firstly, lol on that last line.

Now to your question. There are three different ways to look at if John's original plan was generous or not. 1. Was it a lot of John's money? 2. Would it have made a difference to the girls? and 3. Would it be considered generous by others? Because it would be very generous for Fanny Price to give you a shilling but not generous for Mrs. Norris to give you a pound, if you know what I mean.

For #1, John's income is far higher than the £4000/year from the Norland estate. We know his mother had an "ample" fortune that is now in his possession (Ch 1). We also find out that Fanny had a dowry of £10,000 (Ch 61). If we suppose that John's fortune from his mother is at least equal to Fanny's dowry, he has an income of at least £5000/year.

He also has a good deal of ready money. He says this about buying a farm adjacent to his estate:

"...but, with regard to the purchase-money, I might have been very unfortunate indeed; for the stocks were at that time so low, that if I had not happened to have the necessary sum in my banker’s hands, I must have sold out to very great loss.”

John Dashwood is loaded.

So, is giving his sisters £1000 each generous in comparison to his income? I would say no. He probably could have easily afforded to give them more.

But now for #2, it totally would have made a huge difference to the girls!

Even on a very basic level, £1000 each for the girls doubles their dowry. Now their portion is small either way, but I am sure having an income of £100/year is a lot better than £50.

It also helps them just with their daily expenses. The biggest thing that the Dashwood women could have done with an extra £150 per year is maintain their carriage. Not their horses, that would probably be too expensive, but a carriage itself cost between £15-40/year to maintain. Mrs. Dashwood wanted to keep it but it wasn't in their budget:

The horses which were left her by her husband had been sold soon after his death, and an opportunity now offering of disposing of her carriage, she agreed to sell that likewise at the earnest advice of her eldest daughter. For the comfort of her children, had she consulted only her own wishes, she would have kept it; but the discretion of Elinor prevailed. 

Owning a carriage, even if you need to rent horses, would allow the Dashwoods to visit further and with greater ease. It would allow them to build a larger social network not wholly dependant on the Middletons. I imagine it would also just be nice to have easier transportation.

So in the way that it would have meaningfully raised their standard of living and improved their marriage prospects, yes, it would have been generous.

Lastly #3, I think it's fair to consider what other people would have thought of John's actions at the time. When John considers the gift of £1000 each, he thinks to himself, "it would be liberal and handsome!" which means in his mind at least, it would be a generous gift. And he does seem to be a fair judge of how others would view him. For example, he feels a social obligation to invite his sisters to stay with him in town mostly for appearances.

The fact that the eldest son gets everything would be pretty normal in this era and while men were expected to provide for their family, it doesn't seem like they suffered much if they didn't. Just look at Jane Austen herself and her rich brother! This leads me to suspect that because John was fulfilling a moral but not a legal obligation, his gift would be considered generous.

To sum up, was his original gift generous? No and yes and yes. Hope I cleared everything up! (Maybe bring in a moral philosopher?)

[20dollarlolita]

A follow-up to this post: "But I want to make this for the sake of making it, and I'd like to get paid to do the thing I want to do so that I'm not forking out of pocket or collecting a huge number of made things with no purpose!"

Okay, friend, I knew you were going to ask this because I also like making a ton of things but don't always want the things that I made. I make things, sometimes, because I NEED TO MAKE, not because I want to have those things. This is part of why cool handmakers get stuck way undercharging for quality labor. We all spend a ton of money on a thing we love doing, and if we could just get someone ELSE to pay for the thing that, then we could MAKE THINGS FOREVERRRRR.

And yes, that's completely valid.

So I'm going to introduce you to my personal rule for that:

2.5x the cost of materials is the minimum you should sell a handmade thing for, and anything less is insulting. You spent $10 for yarn, those gloves cost $25.

That does not mean that you only charge that much. That means you never charge less than that much. If you sell the gloves at the cost of the materials, you're valuing everything you did as completely worthless.

I read the 2.5 number in a book once (I think this one but I can't remember anything else in the book) and I've found that it's a really good basic number for when someone I like wants to buy my stuff that I make. Generally, it doesn't feel like I"m asking too much, but it also is more than my brain that values my work so little wants to charge. $25 for a pair of gloves is reasonable to ask your friend to pay, but my brain always wants to be like "oh i paid $10 for materials so you can have them for $8" because I apparently don't value my work.

It's also great because 1) I don't like keeping track of how long things take me to make and 2) I don't keep good track of how much things cost.

I'm making a skirt right now. The fabric was $20. The elastic was 80" off a 100 yard spool that I bought two years ago. Most of the trim is harvested off of a skirt that I got on accident two years ago and then deconstructed. I broke two needles working on this project, used 1/8 of a spool of thread, put 18 minutes of sewing time onto my sewing machine and made a nick in my serger blade that required me to replace it. How much was my materials cost? I don't fucking know. But I know that if I ask $50 for it, all of those things will probably be covered, and I don't need to do a ton of math.

So yeah, when you're giving stuff to people and they ask how much you want for it, if you don't like math and you don't like counting hours or logging work, 2.5x is a pretty solid budgeting and isn't at all asking too much.

Also, one of the most fun things I have noticed about having a job where I'm not constantly counting every penny, is that I can just chaotically give people gifts for no reason. You want to know how much fun it is to just make shit and keep it in your car and when someone says something and you can just bust out a "well I do actually have a size 24 petticoat if you want one," reach behind your driver's seat, and summon the very thing they were discussing? I get crap for having a car that looks like a hoarder's car, but there's so much fun in summoning a bag of headbows from the depths of the inside of the car and handing them out like candy. I got into this because I will make things regardless of if there's a purpose for it or if I can actually afford it well, but the social element of selling or giving things away got really draining. And if you want to be an Agent of Positive Chaos, get a box, put your stuff in it that you made but don't have energy to sell, and keep a mental log of what it is. Someone's cold and your'e like BOOM, FUCKING GLOVES! It's like the Big Comfy Couch except that you're the couch. If you have the energy to manage your own business then congrats, but I have a limited amount of energy and I want to spend all of that making what I want, when I want, and figuring out what I'm going to do with it later. Having a job stresses me the fuck out and I decided to have a stressful fucking job because inflicting my handmade things on my friends for no reason is absolutely worth the stress. My friends live in a constant fear that I'll have made them a thing. They cannot escape it. It is always present and no one knows where it came from or where it will go. What man fears most is the unknown and i'm a big fucking ball of you-don't-know-what-i'll-make-you

Art isn't about why. It's about why not. Why are so many of our crafts dangerous? Why don't you *degrades into just quoting Portal for 4 hours*

[caintooth]

had an alternative engagement / wedding / commitment ring idea.

instead of buying one very expensive ring, once— why not buy a less expensive one every year for your anniversary? anywhere from $50 to whatever the higher end of your personal gift budget would be.

i think this is a good idea because

1) it would be much more manageable financially

2) if you lose or scratch your ring it would be nowhere near as devastating. you were going to get a new one anyway, or will (after year 1) have previously gifted rings to wear instead, and/or you could replace it with much less financial difficulty!

3) your ring designs can be more unique, and each year your selection will better represent your relationship, as both it and your partner grow and mature

4) over time you’ll build a collection, and can mix and match all your rings for different occasions!

idk it just makes so much sense to me 💍

[fiftytwotwentythree]

Wellness Wednesday:

Sittin', Waitin', Wishin'

Last week I made a proclamation that I was planning vacations - as well - for a long time now - I've been meaning to reward myself for maintaining my goals, weight, and exercise regimen, but it feels like I keep hitting road bumps financially.

Part of my overall Wellness Journey was to set myself up financially as well, but with life events, home remodeling, student loans payments coming back, car issues... I dont feel comfortable - by comfortable I mean I don't feel deserving of little social rewards such as going to the movies, traveling, or shopping because the toll on my bank account is increasingly detrimental.

I can't even imagine celebrating the holidays with gifts.

I have two more movies in mind that I have full intentions of seeing in the theatres - after that I'll probably call it for the year.

I will also need to plan further on how to budget my income towards groceries - start meal prepping - this one kind of blows because I already cut out take-out/dining-out, but most of my meals are individually packaged meals - quasi feels like I am losing my last bits of humanity and dignity... Effing First World Problems, amirite?

.

.

30th CHECK-IN:

Current Goals:

Lose 52 lbs

Completed as of 4/12/2023

New Goal: Maintain or Continue on The Weight Loss Path

Avoid "Junk Food"

Minimize Take-Out / Fast Food Consumption

Short Term:

Vegetarian-ish Diet: Completed

End Date: 4/09/2023 - 46 Days Total

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.

Meal Tracker:

THURSDAY

Lunch:

Honey BBQ StarKist Tuna with Pepperjack Cheese on a Croissant

(1) Johnsonville Beef Brat on a Hawaiian Bun

(2) Scoops of Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad

Snack:

(1) Medium Bowl of Valley Top Popcorn

(2) Individual Bags of Sahale Snacks Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews Glazed Mix

Supper:

Thai Chili StarKist Tuna with Pepperjack Cheese on a Croissant

(2) Johnsonville Beef Brat on a Hawaiian Bun

(1) Glass of Rootbeer Flavored Milk

FRIDAY

Lunch:

Deli Style StarKist Tuna with Pepperjack Cheese on a Croissant

(2) Hotdogs on Hawaiian Buns

Snack:

Large Bowl of Smartfood's White Cheddar Popcorn

(1) Glass of Rootbeer Flavored Milk

Supper:

Large Plate of Kahiki Orange Chicken with InnovAsian Vegetable Rice

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

SATURDAY

Lunch:

Large Plate of Leftover Kahiki Orange Chicken with InnovAsian Vegetable Rice

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

Snack:

Large Bowl of Valley Top Popcorn

Serving of Blue Diamond Almonds

4oz Bag of Sahale Snacks Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews Glazed Mix

4oz Bag of Sahale Snacks Pomegranate Flavored Pistachios Glazed Mix

Supper:

(3) Seasoned NY Strip Steaks (1.84 Lbs Total)

(2) Glasses of Chocolate Milk

SUNDAY

Lunch:

American Style Pasta Salad with Chicken

Snack:

Serving of Blue Diamond Almonds

(2) Bags of Orville Redenbacher Ultimate Butter Popcorn

(2) Glasses of Chocolate Milk

Supper:

Spinach Dijon Salad

(2) Small Oranges

MONDAY

Lunch:

Santa Fe Style Salad with Chicken

Serving of Blue Diamond Almonds

Snack:

Bag of Orville Redenbacher Ultimate Butter Popcorn

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

Supper:

Chef Salad

(1) Small Orange

TUESDAY

Lunch:

Bowl of Cesaer Salad with Croutons

Snack:

Serving of Blue Diamond Almonds

Supper:

Bowl of Leftover Cesaer Salad with Croutons

(1) Small Orange

(1) Glass of Chocolate Milk

WEDNESDAY

Lunch:

Bowl of Leftover Cesaer Salad with Croutons

(2) Hotdogs on Hawaiian Buns

Snack:

Serving of Blue Diamond Almonds

4oz Bag of Sahale Snacks Pomegranate Vanilla Flavored Cashews Glazed Mix

4oz Bag of Sahale Snacks Pomegranate Flavored Pistachios Glazed Mix

Supper:

Crunchy Chicken Sandwich

- Swiss Cheese

- BuffaRanch Sauce

Crunchy Chicken Burrito

- Loaded Nacho Dip

(3) Pieces of Crispy Chicken Tenders

- Honey BBQ Sauce

- Ranch

(2) Glasses of Chocolate Milk

.

.

Workouts:

THURSDAY

(200) Jumping Jacks [4 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Assisted Push-Ups [2 sets of 50]

(50) Reverse Leg Lifts [5 sets of 10]

(50) Leg Kickbacks [5 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

FRIDAY

(200) Jumping Jacks [4 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Assisted Push-Ups [2 sets of 50]

(50) Reverse Leg Lifts [5 sets of 10]

(50) Leg Kickbacks [5 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

SATURDAY

(200) Jumping Jacks [4 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Assisted Push-Ups [2 sets of 50]

(50) Reverse Leg Lifts [5 sets of 10]

(50) Leg Kickbacks [5 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

SUNDAY

(200) Jumping Jacks [4 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Assisted Push-Ups [2 sets of 50]

(50) Reverse Leg Lifts [5 sets of 10]

(50) Leg Kickbacks [5 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

MONDAY

(200) Jumping Jacks [4 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Assisted Push-Ups [2 sets of 50]

(50) Reverse Leg Lifts [5 sets of 10]

(50) Leg Kickbacks [5 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

TUESDAY

(200) Jumping Jacks [4 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges [4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [5 sets of 10]

(100) Assisted Push-Ups [2 set of 50]

(50) Reverse Leg Lifts [5 sets of 10]

(50) Leg Kickbacks [5 sets of 10]

(5 min) Planks [5 Sets of 1 min]

WEDNESDAY

(200) Jumping Jacks [4 sets of 50]

(100) Glute Bridges[4 sets of 25]

(100) Push-Ups [10 sets of 10]

(100) Assisted Push-Ups [2 Sets of 50]

(50) Reverse Leg Lifts [5 sets of 10]

(50) Leg Kickbacks [5 sets of 10]

(100) Sit-Ups [5 Sets of 20]

.

.

WEIGHT TRACKER:

Starting Weight (Noon, 1/01/2023): XXX.X lbs

Weight at Last Check-In, 7/19/2023: +0.2 lbs

Weight As of Noon, 7/26/2023: -0.4 lbs

Total Weight Loss: -78.4 lbs

.

.

Closing Thoughts:

The Good:

I've read some pretty good comics/trades recently. The small escape it provides me has been refreshing.

The Bad:

Stiff muscles all around.

The Ugly:

Increased apathy towards things like work, socializing, and general life.

[lassodreams]

So as we know Zach is in New Zealand until September. Before we dated I used to be a whore lmao like having 3 guys on rotation having sex 4-5 times a week. When Zach and I started dating it went to 1-2 times a week and then we're he's away at school I only see hime once a month. Now I'm going on 1 month, no dick :( so sad for me. I really enjoy sex and even as an ~emotional woman~ I never get too attached. Casual is okay with me.

Instead of cheating I'm just going to fantasy about this one guy who lives in my neighborhood, who I keep running into. The following is a false situation. The only things that are true are how we get and when I saw him again (I did not share my phone number with him). Lol for legal reasons I feel like I need to state that.

One of my favorite antique stores is closing, they have been in the city for 28 years and the owner decided to sell the building. This was the last weekend they were open and it was also my payday weekend. I budget $50 to spend on whatever I wanted. I put on a red polka dot dress that was a halter top and a white cardigan and walked out to the bus stop. My dress was long and it was windy, I sort of felt like Marylin Monroe but I had biker shorts on so I wouldn't flash anyone. I held my dress down while waiting for the bus about 10 more minutes.

A guy was walking over, wore all black, 5'11, dark blonde hair and a five o'clock shadow. He was attractive. If say he's in his mid to late 30s. He sat on the bench I was standing next to. I was reading all of the event posters to see if there was anything that looked worth going to.

"I hate working nights, but ya know gotta make money" he said, his voice was a little raspy but not like a traditional Pittsburgh accent.

"oof nights do suck, I hope it's not slow for you" I replied.

"no, it's actually going to be one of our busiest days"

"well then it should go back fast."

"I hope so, I also work as a carpenter most days but this is the season to make money because I don't like to work in the winter time."

God I wish it were me I thought, im living from paycheck to paycheck.

"good for you" I said with a smile I wasn't sure how else to contribute to the conversation.

"you smell good, I like that perfume and I see you took a shower and all that jazZ, where are you headed off too?"

I felt myself blush, my boyfriend can't smell so he never compliments me and I get gifted expensive perfumes from my parents.

I laughed, "yeah all the jazz, thank you--"

"of course, you're welcome"

"I'm heading to an antique store in the strip, they are closing and having a huge sale so I want to see what's going on"

His eyes got big when he looked at me, " oh my god, that one in the strip is closing? If I would have known I would have gone! I like collecting mid-century things"

I smiled, "that's so cool! I collect Jeanette glassware and the occasional wedgwood."

"I live in the towers and have an extra garage space for my collections plus when people move out they tend to leave a lot of cool things behind and I just take those"

"oh good to know, I am moving in August maybe I'll see if there's something I want."

"where are you moving to?"

"oh uhhh just a half mile away from here, there's an apartment with a balcony"

"I'm Scott by the way, and you are?" He stuck out his hand. I saw that we had a wound on his thumb

"My name is Meg" I shook his hand, he had a firm grip.

"Pretty name" he got up and that's when I heard a bus rolling up. 75, I was waiting for 87. "Well this is my bus. See you around."

"Bye Scott, have fun at work!" I smiled and waved. He looked back at me and smiled. He got on and the bus drove off.

I was smiling, men don't approach me often and so I felt giddy. I'll probably never see him again but nice to meet someone in town.

--

Thursday rolled around and I decided it was going to be in the 60s today I will wear a skirt and a long jacket. I missed the first bus so I had to wait for the next one at 7:13. Even though I am wearing a long jacket I'm still afraid of flashing people when though I do have booty shorts under so it's not like anyone will see my hole. Lol

I pick up a free newspaper to see what is happening this weekend. I looked up a saw a white pick up truck slow down and roll down the window. Oh God a cat call at 7am, I'm too old to deal with this (I'm 25 lol). I see it has supplies and tools on the back as well.

The truck comes up to me, I recognize it's Scott.

"Hi Meg! How are you!" He says in the passenger seat and a big grin.

I smiled back, "getting ready to go to work Scott, how are you?"

"Much better since I get to see you this morning."

"you're so cheeky"

"I bet you like that about me." And sure he was right, but I'm dating someone so I can't just agree. I smiled.

"meg, what are you doing Friday? Give me your number." I mean my bf is in new Zealand. I don't have any plans with my girl friends...is it wrong to want to make a new friend? Probably because we both know this flirting. But I enjoy the validation, I rarely talk to my bf. I know I'm in the wrong and yet I find myself giving him my phone number.

The light turned green, "I'll text you. Dress something like you are right now." He looked me up and down and waved as he rode off. I blushed and waved back.

Fuck, I'm in trouble.

Although I'm not all of the blame, this skirt makes my boyfriend go insane. He can't keep his eyes or hands off me. I love when he undresses me, he put so much care into appreciating my body. He's so gentle. I miss him.

After work I walk to the bus stop and I see three guy behind me. This time I don't have a jacket on. I check my make sure my skirt is pulled down and look back at them. All of their hands turn down and they look so guilty as if they weren't playing attention to my hands running over my curves.

Maybe it's just my whore mentality but every now and then I enjoy being looked at like a piece of meat. Especially corporate men. They all had hands in their slacks, one looked up at me and made eye contact and immediately looked down. God, I want to be fucked so bad. I need to go on a walk when I get back.

-- for clarification and legality the following did not happen--

3:05pm.

Unsaved number text me "Hi Meg, this is Scott. I'm thinking dinner at J. Tambellini maybe gelato after, and if desired a night cap at my place."

I'm wet already, what is this guy reading my mind? Italian, gelato and walkies and drinks?? That's all I need to be a happy girl. I need to control myself. I have to tell this guy I have a boyfriend, a good one, he just...far right now. I close my phone. I'll text him when I'm on the bus to back home.

4:15 on the bus.

"Sure, I'll be home around 5:15pm, what time is dinner?" I sent, that looked detached right? Like ugh sure whatever, right? God I can't believe I'm over thinking a tone of my text. I taught myself better than that. I didnt save his number.

I look down at what I'm wearing, it's cute. Red two piece with a black cardigan. But the restaurant we are going to see nicer. I'm probably just going to wear my black date night dress that Zach loves.

" 7pm is the reservation do you need a ride? I know you take the bus. Just let me know I can come get you. Don't worry I don't drive a truck." He texted me back 2 minutes after. I cannot give this man my address. Also bold of him to assume I just ride the bus bc I don't have a car. It's actually that I have a car but hate waiting and paying attention in traffic. Especially bc I travel during rush hour. Nice to know he doesn't drive a truck. But the restaurant is a 10 minute walk and I'll be fine. I will be a little chilly so I won't sweat, the streets are well lit too.

5:15pm I get home.

"thanks Scott, don't need a ride. See you then." I texted back . Oh and ps I have a boyfriend. I should have said this but I catch myself shaving my legs and trimming everything else. I'm delusional. And I believe in karma. My boyfriend doesn't deserve this. But nothing will happen...right?

I set an alarm for a 45 minute nap. Before I shut my eyes I send my boyfriend a quick miss you and love you message and some memes. It's Saturday afternoon and I know he's going hiking with his friends over there so he'll be busy. I send him a picture to show him how hot I am. My eyes and face are from a 90s inspired makeup video, he loves that look and my hair is natural but half up and it frames my face perfectly. Kiss kiss I caption it.

6:50pm I wake up. With heels one it will probably take me 15-20 minutes to walk there. I'll be late which I hate doing but I want to make him nervous. I'm so evil. I see a text from him and send a heart. He asked if I was on the way. I'm sure he will understand.

I walk making sure I hold my skirt down. I'm wearing shapewear this time and there this cute lace that is at my mid thigh to smooth out my whole look. When I sit down it saves around the edge of my dress. I know a lot of men like a little tease.

I get to the restaurant at 7:05. Scott is sitting at the patio with two chairs next to each other facing the street as if we will be people watching tonight as well. I see he has flowers, hydrangeas I might add, blue and white ones, my favorite. God, maybe if I just give him head it won't count.

"Meg! Hi! You're here. Did you walk? You look amazing!" He said is raspy voice pulled on my heart strings, I love men who are expressive. Stoic men are great in anime but not in real life. He grabs my hand and kisses it. Our eyes meet. He smiles, I feel myself blush. His lower hand gently rests on my lower back and he guides me to my seat.

"I've always wanted to go here" I said, " just haven't had the time"

"I'll be sure to show you a good time then for your first experience." He smiled, I noticed he hasn't let go of my other hand. His hands feel rough compared to my smooth skin. I feel the callous as he's tracing my fingers.

"I don't want to break your heart," I said, he gave me a questioning look. "I can't eat gluten, I don't want my tummy to hurt" I said in a childish way.

He laughed, " well respectful I have no idea what that means but I know the chef so I'm sure we can get you something."

Our waitress came over. He order escargot as our appetizer, I was surprised not many people like snails. And ordered a bottle of French Sauvignon Blanc. God, this man is speaking my love language. When he left he looked at me.

"You don't have to eat the snails, it's one of my favorite dishes here. I hope you do like white wine." He smirked.

"I like snails and Sauvignon Blanc. You got lucky this time." I smiled.

"oh" he held the flowers toward me, "I got these for you. It was the closest flower that compared to your beauty."

I didn't want to tell him they were my favorite flowers, his ego is already at the amount I like. " Thank you, that's so sweet of you."

The wind blew and I smell a hint of cologne. If my nose serves me right that Ralph Lauren Polo Black. I hope he's got a back up tonight. This Man deserves to be fucked.

"now you are the one the smells good, is that Ralph Lauren?" I asked, tilting my head a little and gazing into his deep green hazel eyes. He smiled, "it is actually. I wanted to match you on your level of class."

I laughed, "Don't mistake me as a classy girl. I can be silly too."

Our waitress came over with the bottle of wine and showed him the label, he approved. She was about to pour him a glass.

"May I have a sample before I commit?" I asked. She poured me about two shots of wine. I swirled and smelled and notice there was a lot of legs. It was crisp, refreshing and a lovely flavor palate. This was a dangerous scene.

"Is this one okay?" She asked looking a little panicked.

"it's lovely, perfect, thank you so much." She poured both of our glasses. And set the bottle in between us.

"I'm guessing you drink wine often then?" He asked raising his glass.

"yes, I'm also just...uhh... particular in what I drink. I prefer old world wine compared to new world." Our glasses clinked.

"To wine and new relationships" he said.

"To wine and new relationships." I agreed with him. Our escargot came out, I haven't eaten it in a while. So I watched him and did the same. We started talking about collecting things. He also goes to the goodwill and gets a lot of wall decor there. His ex comes over every now and then to see the dog they have and apparently compliments him on his taste. He found this mid century kitschy bowl that he found and a painting over his headboard both at Goodwill. His ex...so he is also attached to someone else. That's a good sign for me.

"my ex also collected things when we were moving just like you."

I smiled, "I know it's a bad habit but it was only because of the sale."

Another glass of wine was poured.

"I think it's an endearing habit." I wonder what his ex looked like. Similar to me? I do that too. Look for people who remind me of the one I first fell in love with.

"to be fair I have gotten rid of a lot but I am a collector"

"I understand, like I said my second garage is filled with antiques and china. I always make sure it's organized too. We should go see it afterwards." He said putting his rough hand on my inner thigh rubbing my knee. I'm surprised we aren't getting a flood warning. I'm soaking. We looked at the menu. I should get fish. That way I will get insecure about the smell and won't do anything stupid.

"What do you get here?" I asked him flipping my hair back and resting my hand on his shoulder rubbing his shoulder and dancing on his collarbone. He smelled so good, intoxicating, forbidden.

"usually whatever the special is. But she didn't say so I was thinking of getting the handmade mafalda Giancarlo. What can you eat?"

"I was just going to get the summer salad" I said without thinking, what happened to my fish plan??

"oh so you can't eat the pasta?"

"unfortunately."

"well maybe a steak or chicken or veal would interest you? He makes it perfectly. I promise. A Scott guarantee."

I smiled, "I promise I'll be okay, salad is perfect." He nodded.

Our waitress came over and he order for me and made sure to no gluten, that was nice. Cute but not necessary, there was no croutons on the salad. Another glass of wine was poured.

"How often do you come here?" I asked

"I used to work here, he taught me a lot. Now I'd say once a month. Usually just for pick up though. I don't enjoy eating alone in public." So he knows how to cook...that's a plus.

I felt his hand move up and flirt with the edge of my skirt. I gasped a little. He learned into my ear and whispered, "I see your sensitive." I felt myself blush, with the wine, his smell, the perfect weather. I succumbed to temptation. I wanted to fuck him, hard. The type of sex that makes you question God's existence and your own purpose. He kissed a corner of my jaw. If we weren't in public I probably would have moaned.

"So you think another bottle of wine or..?" He asked.

"I wouldn't mind having a red, a cab would be great."

"You understand me, Meg. I like that." He smirked and signaled for a waiter. A different one came over and went to go grab a Cabernet Sauvignon. A perfect pairing for my salad. Scott made sure it was Italian. That was nice of him. The waiter took the bottle away and our glasses and brought us new ones with wine in them and set the bottle down.

"So you don't work at all in the winter?" I questioned.

He laughed, "Well I'll say this. I don't need to work everyday but I pick up odd jobs. Travel. Spend time with family. How about you?"

"I work in corporate and unfortunately make work the validation of my life."

"that is unfortunate, pretty girls shouldn't have to work." He said removing his hand from my thigh and putting a hair strand behind my ear.

"I'm not sure I can stay in the house and craft all day. I'd get bored."

"I'm sure I could find a way to entertain you." His hand slid under my skirt. His thumb messaging close to the warmth.

I should tell him, but God I want to be touched.

His hand goes back up to my knee. I'm so flushed right now. Our food is being set down and another glass of wine has been pour. 4 glasses already? And I have to walk home? I'm setting myself up for trouble. Wine makes me so horny already. And now I have this man treating me and touching me the way I want and crave. Nothing will happen. You are better than this.

"oh my god, yours smell so good." I grab a fork full of salad.

He slowly removes the fork from his mouth. I wish I was that fork. My salad is delicious. The leaf's are crunchy and smooth and flavorful, it truly tastes like summer.

He tells me a story about growing up in downtown Pittsburgh and how different yet same it is. He said that liberty Ave used to be filled with sex shops and porn videos, he and his friend would sneak peaks walking home. His mom would always yell at them. He wasn't sure how she knew but she knew. And I replied mom's just know. We clinked our glasses and a laughed, mom so always know.

Towards the end of our meal I notice he had a little bit of sauce on the corner of his mouth. I grabbed his chin, "Stay still" I whisper. He froze. I licked the sauce and gave him a kiss where it was. I saw the goosebumps on his arms and I wasn't sure this that was the wind picking up or me. He grabbed my thigh.

"Your going to be trouble for me, aren't you?"

"your favorite worst nightmare, probably." I replied.

Final glass of wine was poured.

Scott asked for the check, "So how are you feeling? Gelato? If not I have some at my place we can eat later. We can check out the antiques in my garage."

What if I just blew him in the garage?

"ummm" I really should have said something. But also maybe he would give me antiques. God I'm such a whore. But I love history. "can I run to the restroom quick and then we can go see antiques?"

He grabbed my hand, " Of course, it's through the door to your right" and kissed it. His lips weren't chapped. Zach's are an I always have to remind him to use chapstick or something. It's not fun kissing chapped lips, it hurts. I stand up slowly. I am drunk but I am not a fool. I make my way to the restroom, hopefully I looked graceful. Well maybe when I get out he will have left because he decided that I remind him too much of his ex and he needs her now. And then I can return to my apartment. Faithful.

I take my rings off and put them in my purse. I check my purse, wallet with ID and cards, phone, keys, and lip gloss and my saving grace: baby wipes. I piss. And stretch, okay just for antiques nothing else. Your mother didn't raise this way. But then I thought. My mom knows that I'm kinda in love with someone besides Zach. And she's just like no worries, you're young it's okay. And that's probably what she would say too. God, meg, now here you are justifying and assuming. Get a grip.

I clean myself up, put on some deodorant and a little refresh.of the perfume. And walk out.

He's waiting outside by the gate. He looked so handsome. A knot Polo, probably a good will find, with slacks and brown leather loafers. His hair was styled. He looked down at his watched and pressed a button.

"I set the timer for 5 minutes and then I was going to check I'd you were alright." Oh God that probably means I wasn't graceful going to the bathroom.

"oh, thank you. I feel better." This is true. Being full of liquids and good food. I needed to get something out. He held out side hand and I took it. We walked to his apartment. About 5 minutes.

"Wait, this isn't your antiques are?" I said. Frowning.

he laughed, "Don't worry I promise you'll see them. I have go up to my apartment and get the key."

Oh, I should stay down here then.

"is it okay if I stay in the lobby? I can't to elevators right now." This was a lie. But I cannot be in a private place with him...though I want to.

He kissed my hand again, "don't miss me too much then"

I was suddenly cold, his warmth left me. I looked around the lobby. Much better than my apartment....which did not have a lobby. It has some work stations, art fixtures, pretty lights, funky chairs. I wonder how much rent was here..and I'm pretty sure he has a 2 bedroom. He worked hard for it, that's for sure. I felt like Lana. In love with possibilities but faithful to herself.

I felt a hand and wrap around my waist and pull me close. Scott lifted my chin to his attention, he smelled so good. I wanted to mess up his hair. "Did you miss me?"

"Every second felt like an eternity." I said, on autopilot. How cheesy, me admitting that I miss a man of any sort. He kissed my nose and grabbed my hand. "Let's go then"

We walked down a hill, next to the building. And into the garage. It was so wild to be inside of here. Outside it looked grunge, no windows. But inside felt like I was inside a car show. I wondered which one was his.

"my car is on the floor below, in a private section. The garage is just right here." There was a row of 5-8 storage looking unit. I was nervous to go in. A private and small place is not where I should be with him. He opened the door a led me in.

"Oh my god" I said, he was worse than my mom. Lots of collections and bowls and china sets. "Dude! This is so cool!!" He really did keep it clean and organized. He had so many colors and eras. I was so impressed. He also have a lovely green couch. This area felt bigger than it was on the outside. I let go of his hand and walked around the shelves. I heard him sit on the couch. This space was climate controlled too.

"Scott, you have an amazing eye." I said looking to him through the gaps.

"thank you."

I spun around the aisle. Ugh I wanted everything! This is a new goal of mine now. To make money and be still organized. I returned back to Scott but didn't sit down. I was wearing shapewear, yes, but it has a purposeful crotch hole big enough to do anything without take anything off. That's where I probably made my Mistake.

"Come, sit down with me, Meg, will you?"

I went to sit in the middle section and he moved over and guided my legs and hips to where now I was sitting on top of him, facing him, legs straddled on both sides of him. His hand rested on my lower back, messaging. My arms wrapped around his neck. He was eye to eye with my cleavage and a golden cross. He kissed it. I let out a deep breath I didn't realize that I was holding my breath. I looked around to see if there was a camera or something.

"Don't worry, I won't fuck my girl here. I just want to be close with you." He said placing his hand on my jaw and guiding it to his attention. I felt myself get wetter with each moment. My girl? Me?

I relaxed my hips on top of his cock, I felt it pulsating beneath his clothes. I was going to be in trouble. My trace his ear, down his neck and on her collarbones. His arms were study and tones.

"So you're telling me there is a camera in here?" I leaned into his palm.

"Yes, I gotta make sure my things are safe." Makes sense. But it would be kinda hot to fuck in here with a camera even.

So I asked, "well, who monitors the footage?"

"Now look who's the cheeky one is now," he smiled and kissed me deep. I felt his hand grabbing my ass and controlling my hip movements. His other hand made it's way to my breast. I felt my nipples getting harder. He tasted of wine and desire. I ran my hands through his hair, he moaned. I kept kissing him only breaking for small breaths. His hand made it's way to my long hair, he grabbed it and pushed me in closer. His other hand went to my neck and turned my head and he started to kiss down the side of my throat to my chest.

"you said you couldn't go on an elevator but I can tell you want to ride."

"I lied" I said

"about which part" he asked kissing my wrist. I grabbed his hand and did the same thing. I started suck on his finger.

"Fuck, meg." I felt his cock jump, like it was going to break the zipper it's contained behind.

"I can go on an elevator, but I'm allergic to dogs." I said moving his hand down my dress into my bra.

"hmm, so it's good news that I don't have the dog this week? And that I cleaned?" he said gently rubbing my breast and pinching my nipple. I left out a soft moan.

" I guess that makes you the luckiest guy in the world."

He smiled and pulled me in for another deep and longing kiss. My lips felt plump and I felt dazed. He kissed me as if I was the one he's been looking for, as if I was his girl forever.

We made our way to his apartment. No kissing or touching on the elevator. I made him stand opposite of me and we just looked at each other, undressing one another with our eyes. He lived on the 10th floor. And again his apartment was clean. I will never let him come into mine, I'm so messy.

"Drink? Gelato? Your call."

"Water would actually be great."

"sparkling or still?" Wow maybe...I died and this is heaven. Everything is so perfect.

"Still is perfect"

He pours from a glass bottle he had in the fridge. He just like me for real. I looked around his apartment, it looked like an interior decorator was here. He had a lot of antiques here too, including that one bowl he was talking about when we first met.

Again his arm wraps around my waist and he hands me a glass of water. It's Jeanette glassware..not the style I have but another line. He kissed me forehead and I see him make himself a drink. I walk over to his bedroom, we exchange glances as I walk in. He does have a head board. I take off my shoes, leave them besides his. The carpet is rich and luxurious.

I lay down on the bed on my side. This duvet cover is a light olive and probably the softest one I have ever felt. It basically just called me poor.

"Enjoying yourself?" He said holding an old fashioned in his hand.

"Yes, you make one strong glass of water." I smiled and took a sip. I noticed he untucked half of his shirt.

He started walking over to me, rubbing my ankle, he took and sip and said, " I like how you look in my bed. I hope it happens more often." He was still holding a hard-on. I sat up and set my water down on the bed side table, he followed.

"Scott" I said in a sweet voice.

"hmm?"

"I don't think I ever said thank you for the meal it was--"

"oh there's no need" he started to say, I stood up and pressed my finger to his mouth.

"Don't break my eye contact." I kissed him and started undoing his belt. He hands went for the strings of my wrap dress. I looked up him and got down on my knees. I moved his pants down. I started to rub his shaft before I removed his underwear. I could barely touch my fingertips together when I pulled him into my mouth. He gathered my hair but didn't do anything thrusting or pushing. I spit on his cock and sucked on the tip and with every forward motion I went a little deeper until I was able to reach my hand at the base.

"Fuck ...Meg..you can't do this to me like that" he moaned

I sped up a little until I felt I got sloppy enough then I went back to just sucking the tip for a little bit and then deep throating him completely. He moaned and I felt him shake like he was holding back. I moved back and looked up and him and kissed his tip. I saw his heart melt.

He whispered, "Can I fuck the pretty face of yours?"

I smiled, still rubbing his shaft, he lowered my chin and said, " open wide" I did and stuck my tongue out. I felt him hit the back of my throat. I didn't have a gag reflex but I faked it, he helps with a man's confidence in bed. And I wanted to be fucked good.

"Jesus" he cursed. Still holding my hair white slamming the back of my head into the side of the bed where the duvet still fell. I wanted him to finish in my mouth but not yet. And I guess he read my mind because he stopped.

He held his hand out, "stand up, I want to show you something." I nodded and grabbed his hand to stand up. I reached the bottom of his shirt and he immediately pulled it off. He took off my dress slowly admiring the lace, and each seam. God I wanted him inside me. He grabbed my legs and lifted me on to the bed, I was sitting on the edge. He kissed me passionately and undid my bra one hand while the other was rubbing my thigh.

I grabbed his left hand and sucked the two middle fingers.

His other arm secured my back and move me further on the bed and him on the bed. He's so strong I thought. Those two fingers travelled down.

Before inserting he asked, "May I?"

I nodded and he slide inside me, "God your drenched." And kissed me. His thumb gently rubbed my clit. I felt myself lose control. He started kissing my neck, "Scott, fuck me please." His switch his finger for his cock. He was bigger than most, he entered gently and looked at me as if to make sure I was okay. And the truth was, I was in ecstasy. I started to moan a little louder with each thrust.

"Do me a favor and take a deep breath." He said.

I did and as soon as I was about to exhale he started to choke me. I think I came just from that motion. He kissed me and said "now exhale" I got such a rush. He hand went from my throat to my breast.

"That's a good girl, now you can have a taste." He put his fingers inside my mouth and we kept making eye contact. He started to thrust slower and whispered in my ear, "I'm going to cum soon... Where do you want it?" I wanted to say inside me, but I recently just got off birth control. And his current movements made me cum again.

"Scott," I gasped, "I want it on my chest."

He smiled, "of course." He went hard into me and grab my hand and held it has a grip the sheet. I felt myself going numb, I came again. He pulled out and finished on my chest. I pulled him into my mouth and he moaned deeply and collapsed to the side. We both were taking deep breaths. I giggle.

Oh God. I'm in so much trouble.

[arithecreatorsstuff]

We Need To Talk About SCP 076-2, Or the Abel Protocol, Revised

Triggers: plotting, sarcasm, joke gifts, office humor SCP Foundation style

After the hottest shower I can stand, Iris and I get to work on the cookies. After about an hour, the last of the ginormous batch is cooling, I'm washing the dishes, and Iris is drying. It's terribly domestic, a nice change from the job. We take a moment to relax and sample our results like good scientists do.

"Gotta admit, I think I like baking with you. You know the best recipes." Iris is grinning.

"Believe it or not, my dad is the baker in my family. He works in a little bake shop back home. Folks come for miles for his cream puffs. He taught me a lot. I still suck at yeast breads though. Mine come out like paving stones. Pretty sure the next time someone gets smart, they might just get a Parker House roll to the noggin." We both laugh.

"If they're as tough as you say, that might just even take the fight out of Abel."

"Hey, nothing's perfect." I start boxing up Clef's share.

"We regret to inform you, all individuals involved with the SCP 076-2 incident are ordered to report to Doctor Martin's office in 15 minutes for debriefing. This is not optional, Doctor Clef." Figures. More boring office drivel.

"Should probably just bring the whole damn batch."

"There's like 6 dozen cookies, Rabbit."

"Think of it this way, Sis. We're about to be really popular."

"Being popular here is literally like being allowed to sit at the Cool Kids Table in the asylum."

"But with less chance of Keter Duty. I shot an anomaly. Life or death situation or not, I'm facing a month straight of it just for that. Plus, who knows what else for ordering everyone out. I broke the Rules. Now, let's get these boxed so I can face the music."

Cookies boxed, we head to Doctor Martin's. We're greeted by Clef and Bob, who takes a few of the boxes off my hands.

"The hell is in these things?"

"Let's just say Rabbit and I brought snacks. We agreed on two dozen cookies for Doctor Clef, but we kinda went overboard. Hope you like double chocolate chunk cookies." Bob does a double take.

"Wait... you shoot one of our angriest anomalies in the chest, then go bake cookies with Iris?" I nod. "You did shower first, right?"

I glare at him, and we walk in.

"Agent Rabbit. Heard you've been busy. And why all the boxes?"

"I thought since I fucked up I should try to bribe Site Command into leniency. Cookie, Doctor Martin?"

"Since 076-2 was out of control, you're not in as much hot water as you suspect. You're still on Keter Duty for a week, but it's largely a symbolic punishment from O5. However, I will accept the cookie." She opens the box, takes out a single cookie, and passes the box around. "That being said... we need to talk about SCP 076-2." Dr. Martin adjusts her glasses. "I'm sorry you had to shoot Abel, Rabbit. But, it wasn't your fault. It was Bob's for getting that close. From now on, unless training, testing, or he goes rogue, no one is to get near 076-2. Also, I think his quarters need a security upgrade. I want 50 caliber machine guns mounted at one end of his hall, enclosed in lucite. These guns are to be manned at all times. Can we get a laser grid too? Or is that out of budget?" One of the Accounting guys checks the figures and nods. "Laser grid, knockout gas... whatever it takes, we can't let 076-2 go off. Again. Agreed?" Everyone in the room nods. "Rabbit, Iris, you two are the closest to him. You're first responders if Abel breaches again. Talk before shooting. If everything goes south, you two just call. MTFs will be there in a minute. Okay, meeting over. One last thing, Agent Rabbit." Bob produces a white box, a bit bigger than a standard shoebox. He hands it to me. "Uh... Doctor Bright sent this for you. I'd be afraid to open it if I were you."

"Rabbit the Badass? She's invincible, Doc." Clef jokingly punches my shoulder. "Girl faces down dangerous enemies then bakes cookies. Truly a woman not to be messed with. Go on, open it."

I sigh, lean as far back as I can, and open the lid. No pranks... yet. Just white tissue paper. I reach in, and encounter something... fuzzy. Plushie fuzzy. I pull out a pair of white bunny slippers, and laugh like a lunatic. These are no ordinary bunny slippers. No, Jack Bright has given me the Killer Rabbit slippers from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Iris sees them, and starts laughing too. There's a note from Dr. Bright.

"Heard about your exploits. These seem very appropriate, wear them in good health. By the way, nice one with the jelly beans. Hugs, Dr. Bright."

And the next day, 999 and I bring Dr. Bright a care package of cookies. I wore the slippers. They're really comfy, but a bit warm.

Author's note: I always wanted those damned slippers, just never found them.

[allovertheplaceee]

Best Smartphones to buy under Rs. 20,000 in 2023 (January - February edition)

Hey there,

If you're surfing through the internet in search of a new phone for yourself or to gift someone then, you've come at the right place!

If your budget is under Rs.20k then don't worry, I've got you covered :)

Redmi Note 11 pro

First up we have the Redmi note 11 Pro, this isn't surprising cuz redmi has been releasing really good smartphones lately. It's an absolute value for money at this price!

Key features -

The 6.67" FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED display along with 360Hz touch sampling and 1200 nits peak brightness, brings out immersive picture quality and ensures smoother and faster response. Display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5

The quad camera setup with flagship 108MP HM2 sensor, 8MP Ultra-Wide sensor, 2MP Macro and 2MP depth sensor ensures flawless photography. The 108MP camera delivers images with crystal clear clarity even when zoomed in. The four cameras work together to bring out the best images in all scenarios

The 67W fast charger that comes in the box, powers the massive 5000mAh battery to 50% in less than 15 mins which gives you enough power to last the entire day

The powerful Mediatek Helio G96 SoC ensures excellent gaming and smooth day-to-day performance. The Liquidcool technology ensures that your phone remains cool even while running intensive tasks

The dual stereo speakers setup brings out loud and balanced audio from the device, making the gaming, multimedia experience extremely captivating

Get 2 months of YouTube Premium free!

Cons -

there are barely any cons this phone has but one would be the little bit of bloatware it has left in the MIUI software, other than that this is phone is an absolute beast.

2. Redmi Note 12 5G

Next up we have another redmi phone and, this is the latest offering by redmi. This would've been the best phone in this list if it wasn't overpriced for its specs.

Key features -

Display: Super AMOLED (1080x2400) Display with 120Hz Refresh rate; 1200nits peak brightness; 240Hz Touch sampling rate

Processor: Snapdragon 4 Gen1 6nm Octa-core 5G processor for high performance and efficiency with Adreno 619 GPU; Up to 2.0GHz

Camera: 48MP AI Triple camera setup with 8MP Ultra Wide sensor and 2MP Macro camera| 13MP Front camera

Battery: 5000mAh large battery with 33W fast charger in-box and Type-C connectivity

Memory, Storage & SIM: 4GB RAM | 128GB UFS 2.2 storage expandable up to 1TB | Dual SIM (nano+nano) Dual 5G (5G+5G)

Cons -

There aren't really much cons about this phone other than it's pricing. Overall a great smartphone for it's price.

3.iQOO Z6 Pro 5G

Really good smartphone by iQOO and it'll fulfill every smartphone need of yours without a hiccup. Fast and smooth is the motto of this phone and it lives up to it.

Key features -

Snapdragon 778G comes with octa-core processor that adopts the 6nm process and Kryo 670 architecture.

66W FlashCharge

Liquid Cooling system intelligently sense the heat source and adapt the optimal cooling solution, thereby effectively cool down the phone and reduce the CPU temperature by 12 degrees and surface temperature by 3 degree.

Equipped with 64MP triple camera system, 8MP Wide-angle camera, 2MP Macro camera

iQOO Z6 Pro 5G display provides immersive visual experience with true color contrast and a peak brightness of 1300 nits. HDR10+ helps in providing right color tone mapping for each scene. The display offers 90Hz refersh rate and 180Hz Touch Sampling Rate for a smooth touch response.

Cons -

Y'all maybe wondering why this is below redmi 12 so my answer to that question is - This phone has Mediocre software and the touch sampling rate could've been better. Also the original price of this phone is way above the budget so, if u can catch during the sale right now then you'll get your money's worth.

4. OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G

Next up on the list we have the Oneplus Nord CE Lite 2 5G. This phone lives up to its brand's reputation and doesn't disappoint us. It's got all the goodies you'll need in a smartphone in this price segment.

Key Features -

Camera: 64MP Main Camera with EIS; 2MP Depth Lens and 2MP Macro Lens; Front (Selfie) Camera: 16MP Sony IMX471

Camera Features: AI scene enhancement, Dual-View Video, HDR, Night Portrait, Panorama Mode, Retouch Filters, 1080p video at 30 fps, SLO-MO: 720p video at 120 fps, TIME-LAPSE: 1080p video at 30 fps, Video editor, Face unlock, Screen flash, HDR, NIGHT, PORTRAIT, TIME-LAPSE, Retouch, Filters

Display: 6.59 Inches; 120 Hz Refresh Rate; Support sRGB, Display P3; Resolution: 2412 x 1080 pixels 402ppi; Aspect Ratio: 20:9

Display Features: Dark mode

Operating System: Oxygen OS based on Android 12

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G

Battery & Charging: 5000 mAh with 33W SuperVOOC

Cons -

All though the phone is good, it's battery life isn't as great as it's redmi competitors and another thing which spoils the reputation of this phone is the new OxygenOS 13 which is buggy sometimes and the OG Oneplus fans aren't happy abt this either cuz OxygenOS is turning into RealmeUI.

5. Realme Narzo 50 Pro 5G

Last up we have the Realme Narzo 50 pro 5G. Overall it's a good package and will get your daily needs done unless you like taking a lot of photos and videos then i wouldn't recommend this phone for that. Its not that it can't take good pics or videos but, it's competitors can take better ones.

Key Features -

Mediatek Dimensity 920 5G powerful Gaming Processor

6 GB RAM | 128 GB ROM | Expandable Upto 256 GB

16.3 cm (6.4 inch) FHD+ Display

48MP + 8MP + 2MP | 16MP Front Camera

5000 mAh Battery

Cons -

Mediocre cameras and display and an average phone overall.

Although most of these are smartphones from 2022, they are still really good! But if you can, wait a few more months so that you can buy the new releases from these brands. With that we come to the end of this list and I hope y'all found this helpful.

[conspiracy-crows]

Things I might regret doing:(if only for a moment)

Deciding that my first attempt at whole family Christmas gifts will be custom crochet for everyone

This is a total of, other than the cousin and her hubby I almost never see, 7 adults, plus 2 different ones for my boyfriend(his bday is in Oct) and this is before I ask if any of the youngest 3 would even want one (2 are teen boys, the other I'mprob doing something extra special for w/my aunts help)

Things I will definitely not regret:

My family's faces as they are given their finished amigirumi creatures, custom made that if purchased would each cost between $30(simplest) and $100(oh my gods why did I decide this dragon pattern was the right one?!)

I also feel like I maybe should have started planning this earlier than September. If only for my budget.

50 bucks in patterns, probably similar in yarn.

[wecredit]

Paying off credit card debt can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies, you can clear your balance quicker than you might expect. High-interest rates can make it challenging to get ahead of your debt, so it’s crucial to adopt a plan that works for your financial situation. Here are some effective strategies to pay off credit card debt faster and save money in the long run.

1. Focus on the Highest-Interest Debt First (Avalanche Method)

The avalanche method is one of the most cost-effective strategies for paying off debt. With this approach, you:

Prioritize paying off the credit card with the highest interest rate first, while making minimum payments on your other cards.

Once the high-interest debt is eliminated, move to the card with the next highest interest rate.

This method saves you money on interest payments over time and helps you become debt-free faster.

2. Make More Than the Minimum Payment

While making the minimum payment will keep you in good standing with your credit card issuer, it won't help you pay off your debt quickly. In fact, minimum payments often only cover interest and a small portion of the principal balance.

To pay off your debt faster:

Always try to pay more than the minimum each month. Even an extra $50 or $100 can significantly reduce the time it takes to clear your balance.

3. Use the Snowball Method for Quick Wins

The snowball method involves paying off your smallest debt first, regardless of the interest rate, while making minimum payments on other cards. Once the smallest debt is paid off, you move on to the next smallest, and so on.

This method offers psychological benefits, as the quick wins of paying off smaller debts can motivate you to keep going. It’s a great option if you need momentum to stay focused.

4. Consolidate Your Debt

If you're struggling with multiple credit card balances, debt consolidation could be an effective solution. Debt consolidation involves combining your credit card balances into a single loan or credit card, usually at a lower interest rate. There are two main ways to consolidate:

Balance transfer credit cards: These cards offer low or 0% APR for an introductory period (usually 6–18 months). If you qualify, you can transfer your balances to one of these cards and pay off the debt interest-free during the promotional period.

Personal loans: A personal loan can be used to pay off credit card debt at a lower fixed interest rate. This can simplify your payments and reduce the overall interest you’ll pay.

5. Set Up Automatic Payments

Consistency is key to paying off debt faster, and automatic payments can help ensure you never miss a due date. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum due, and if possible, schedule additional payments toward your balance. This strategy prevents late fees and penalty APRs, and keeps your debt reduction plan on track.

6. Cut Back on Expenses and Allocate Savings to Debt

Look for areas in your budget where you can cut back and redirect those savings toward your credit card debt. This might include:

Reducing discretionary spending, such as eating out or entertainment.

Canceling unused subscriptions or memberships.

Negotiating bills like your phone or internet plan.

The more you free up in your budget, the more you can allocate to paying off your debt each month.

7. Use Windfalls and Extra Income to Make Lump Sum Payments

Whenever you receive unexpected money—whether it's a tax refund, work bonus, or a gift—consider using it to make a lump sum payment on your credit card debt. This can give you a major boost and help reduce the principal, saving you interest in the long run.

Additionally, you can look for ways to increase your income, such as:

Taking on a side job.

Selling unused items.

Offering freelance services.

Any extra income should be directed toward your credit card balances to pay them off faster.

8. Negotiate a Lower Interest Rate

Many people don’t realize they can call their credit card issuer and ask for a lower interest rate. If you have a good payment history, your issuer may be willing to reduce your APR, which can save you a significant amount of money over time. 

Even a slight reduction in interest can make it easier to pay down your balance quicker.

9. Create a Budget and Stick to It

A clear budget is essential for paying off credit card debt faster. When you understand where your money is going each month, you can identify areas to cut back and allocate more funds toward debt repayment.

To create an effective budget:

Track your monthly income and expenses.

Prioritize paying down debt while maintaining essential living costs.

Stick to your budget by avoiding unnecessary purchases and staying mindful of your spending habits.

10. Avoid Using Your Credit Cards

One of the quickest ways to derail your debt repayment plan is to continue using your credit cards. If you’re serious about paying off your debt faster, consider putting your cards away—or even freezing them in a block of ice to prevent temptation.

Focus on living within your means and using only cash or a debit card for purchases until your credit card balances are fully paid off.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Credit Card Debt

Paying off credit card debt faster requires a combination of discipline, strategy, and sometimes creativity. Whether you use the avalanche or snowball method, consolidate your debt, or simply make more than the minimum payment, the key is to stay committed to your plan.

By focusing on reducing your balance, avoiding new charges, and budgeting wisely, you can take control of your financial situation and achieve the freedom of being debt-free sooner than you think.

[chefrollbag]

Don’t Believe the Hype: Why "Self-Sharpening" Knives Still Need Regular Care

Claims that knives are “self-sharpening” and never need maintenance are just a marketing gimmick. While it’s true that sharpening intervals vary—ranging from a week for budget Chinese knives to a year or more for premium Japanese brands—every knife needs attention eventually. Each sharpening session removes a small amount of steel, so over-sharpening or incorrect sharpening techniques can quickly wear down the blade’s edge. However, there’s no need to be afraid of sharpening your knives yourself—if done correctly, the blade will regain its sharpness and stay sharp for longer.

To keep your knives safe and secure, especially if you frequently move around with them, consider using leather knife rolls. These rolls provide excellent protection for both knives and other chef tools, and they are particularly handy for chefs on the go. You can purchase customizable knife rolls at cherollbag.etsy.com, where you can select the color, number of knife slots, bag size, and even add personalization. Gift packaging is also available for those looking for a special touch.

For wholesale purchases, visit our Faire store at faire.com/direct/chefrollbag, where you’ll find individual pricing, 50% off the first order, 1 year of free shipping, 60-day payment terms for eligible retailers, and free returns on first orders.

Choosing the Right Sharpening Stone

Sharpening stones come in different types, including ceramic, diamond, and water stones. There are also honing rods (mousat), which are used for regular blade maintenance. Water stones are the best option for high-end Japanese knives with steel blades, as they remove minimal material while sharpening. Honing rods can also be useful for polishing a blade that’s not yet dull, prolonging the period between full sharpenings.

Water stones are categorized by their grit size, indicated by a number (# or grit). The coarser the stone, the more material it removes:

Coarse (up to #1000): Used to reshape the blade or restore a worn edge.

Medium (#1000-3000): Ideal for sharpening and making the blade sharp again.

Fine (above #3000): Used for finishing and polishing the blade’s edge.

To properly sharpen your knives, you should ideally have a stone for each stage of sharpening. A stone’s length should be 1.5 to 2 times the length of your knife’s blade for best results. Thicker stones last longer, but even thin ones can be glued to a wooden base for easier handling.

The Importance of the Right Sharpening Angle

The sharper the angle, the sharper the knife—but don’t change the angle that was set by the manufacturer, as this could affect the knife’s geometry and performance. Japanese knives are sharpened at a shallower angle (15-20 degrees) than European ones (30-45 degrees). If you’re unsure about the right angle for your knife, here are a few tips:

Use scissors: Place the blade edge inside the scissor blades, fix the position, and measure the angle with a protractor.

Use paraffin: Embed the knife in a block of paraffin, then measure the resulting angle once the paraffin sets.

How to Sharpen Knives with a Stone

Sharpening knives by hand with a water stone requires attention to detail. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Prepare the stone: Soak the sharpening stone in water before use, allowing the blade to glide smoothly. Soak coarse stones for 3-5 minutes, medium stones for 10-15 minutes, and fine stones for 20-30 minutes, until air bubbles stop rising from the stone’s surface.

Set the angle: Use a sharpening angle guide or fold a piece of paper into the desired angle and hold it beneath the blade.

Sharpening Process: For single-beveled knives, sharpen along the edge until a burr forms, then remove the burr by lightly sharpening the opposite side. For double-beveled knives, sharpen each side evenly in stages.

Final Sharpening: Use a fine-grit stone to perfect the blade. Avoid putting pressure on the blade, which could damage the stone or blade.

Check the Result: Never test the blade sharpness with your fingers. Instead, slice through a tomato or cut paper mid-air. A sharp knife should make clean cuts.

Sharpening Ceramic Knives

Ceramic knives are made from zirconium oxide, making them extremely hard and durable. However, they require diamond-coated stones or sharpeners to restore their sharpness. Remember, ceramic knives are more fragile than steel ones, so handle them with care during sharpening.

Alternative Sharpening Methods

For home use, many people prefer using simple knife sharpeners, which are convenient and easy to use. They come in different varieties—manual, electric, or even roller-based—and can often sharpen other kitchen tools like scissors. But remember, automatic sharpeners remove more material from the blade than hand sharpening, which can shorten the lifespan of the knife.

Common Mistakes

Now that we’ve covered how to properly sharpen knives, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Sharpening on a dirty or greasy knife

Using too much pressure during sharpening

Disrupting the factory-set sharpening angle

Using only one type of stone

By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll be able to maintain your knives and keep them sharp for years to come.