#and I buy like a big bag of beans and a big bag of potatoes

[fox-bright]

Watching the H5N1 stuff get worse and worse--I'm hoping we have until late next year before it goes reliably human-human, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was this winter--and not being able to do much makes me anxious, so I've been composing lists of stuff to do. I keep thinking, if this were August, 2019, and I knew covid was coming, what would I prepare? If this one goes off like the scientists think it might, it'll be much worse than covid.

Right now, I'm concentrating on food. My plan is to have enough hunker down supplies by mid-September that if things go bad in the normally-scheduled October-February flu season, we'll be okay simply not leaving the house at all. There are only two of us here now, and if things go bad there may be as many as four (as I have two separate friends I'd push hard to come stay here with us), so I need to make sure we have 4 meals x howevermany days I choose. I'm building up to six months, but I'm beginning the plan at three. While a lot of Serious Prepper lists have pretty generous caloric allowances, the MFH and I eat pretty light, and we're both smaller than the average adult human, which does give us even more squeak room here.

We started out with dry staples--bread flour, AP flour, semolina, rice, beans, pasta, lentils, powdered milk--though I have still to get powdered eggs (I'll dehydrate those myself), more dry beans (I'm going to use up a lot of what we have when I do my canning run for the winter, and so far I haven't been able to get my hands on kidney beans in any decent amounts), quinoa, and one more kind of pasta. Right now we have about 2/3 of what I'd want; we'll be holding things at this level, replacing staples as we use them, and if things look more serious we'll do another big shop and give ourselves additional stock of the AP flour, the bread flour, the rice (which we already buy in 40-50 lb bags anyway, we're Asian), the dry milk.

Then there's the perishable stuff; yesterday, the MFH and I took advantage of some very nice sales and got seventy pounds of meat for two hundred and twelve dollars. Beef brisket for stew, pork butt for sweet molasses chili, ground beef for hotter chili, pork loin for white bean soup. Still have to get chicken (which was pretty much sold out at our bulk place) for chicken soup (to be pressure canned), chicken and mushroom cream soup (to be vacuum-packed and frozen).

Very very soon it'll be time to harvest my leeks and my butternut squashes, for leek and potato soup (either finished with cream, blended to a smooth-ish consistency and frozen, or *not* blended down, and just socked away in pressure-canned Ball jars without the cream added; will it take me longer to thaw it, or to take my immersion blender to the hot individual meals later on?) and canned butternut for baking with or making soup or chili or making pasta sauce.

I might can a bunch of just potatoes, too, to keep 'em shelf stable (plus that front-loads a lot of the work of producing a meal later).

So I need to buy onions and carrots and potatoes and celery and garlic and mushrooms and corn, cream, red wine, tomato paste (because my vines got blight this year, sigh--I've managed to can one single run of tomato sauce and that's IT), ten dozen fresh eggs to dehydrate and powder and store in the fridge in case of egg shortages, several pounds of beans to be thrown into the chilis and...hm...fifteen pounds more, twenty pounds more, to have on hand? And then for non-canning purposes we'll need butter, oil, white vinegar (I've used a lot of it for pickles this year), various Asian food staples like black and rice vinegars, oyster sauce, black mushrooms and so on. As for pre-made, mass-produced foods, I'll probably make another post about them later.

While this is more than I'd generally stock in a single season, I do generally put about 100 quarts of home-canned food by a year, and I never keep less than 75-100lb of flour on hand anyway because of how frequently I make bread. So though it sounds like a lot up front, it's not hoarder level; everything I stock will be eaten, some of it pretty much immediately (the beef stew is so good). And putting it all by now means that we'll be less of a burden on our community safety net, if push comes to shove. When the covid pandemic hit I had dozens of jars of food on the shelf already, which gave me a little peace when things were looking scary. We were able to share some of our stores with people who hadn't had the great privilege of long afternoons spent seeing to the personal stores. That's a better option, to my mind, than needing to panic-shop right as things start getting a little wild.

Basically, if things go bad, we'll have food for a while. And if things don't go bad, we'll have food for a while. It's win-win. And it keeps the floor under my feet when I'm feeling unsteady, to be able to sneak down into the cool, still basement and look at row on row of gently gleaming jars of food security.

[indnwitch]

Vegan/Vegetarian shopping list:

Pre Made salad bags (it’s a lot cheaper to just buy bagged salad and add to it, then buying a bunch of ingredients that will go bad if not used)

Make a list of fruits and vegetables that you like and get them (some times if you get the funky shaped ones you get a few cents off, even if you don’t that stops the funky shaped produce from being tossed)

Nut butters (most almond and peanut butters are vegan, jelly and Jams aren’t because they’re made with gelatin)

Bread, check the ingredients because a lot of breads are accidentally vegan/vegetarian ( Vegetarian/Vegan (link) Sandwiches will be your best friend)

Pasta (like bread a lot of pasta is accidentally vegan, CHECK THE INGREDIENTS)

Rice and beans are some of the cheapest things to buy, buy them dry and you can have them for a while in your pantry

Google vegan ramen, (if you’re like me and love spicy ramen then you’ll be happy to know Samyang 2x spicy hot chicken flavor Ramen in the red pack is VEGAN they use artificial chicken flavor rather then animal products. Vegan Kimchi regular and spicy is a lot easier to find then you may think just look for ones without fish sauce and shrimp)

Tofu (tofu is very versatile and it’s great source of vegan/vegetarian protein made from soy, it takes flavor beautifully and it’s relatively cheap firm/extra firm is best)

Cheese (there are so many vegan cheese options, for grated parmigiana follow your heart has both grated and shredded, Violife has a block. Violife has the best shredded substitutes, and singles. Daiya is a little weird in my opinion however they’re cheddar dairy free Mac and cheese is amazing (you just gotta use different pasta then it comes with)

Meat substitutes ( We’ve come a long way with decent vegan meat substitutes, beyond meat makes a whole variety of plant based meat substitutes that are very tasty especially if you’re still craving that meaty texture. Impossible meat substitutes also has amazing plant based meat substitutes, Impossible also has vegan chicken nuggets that tastes like McDonald’s and even have dino shaped ones. Light life has everything from vegan sausage crumbles to Bacon, the vegan bacon and hot dogs are amazing)

Eggs (just egg and simply egg are planted based substitutes for eggs, they’re liquid like an egg beater but can be used in place of eggs from a scramble to a baking ingredient)

Dairy (Vegan milk/coffee creamer you got options coconut, almond, soy, oat, pea protein. Pick what you like best. Personally California farms Oat milk in original and California farms oat vanilla creamer are my favorites. I’ll throw cream cheese and Yogurt in here as well Kite Hill regular and Strawberry cream cheese are my favorite, Kite Hill blue berry, and Strawberry vegan yogurt are my favorite. MIYOKO’S vegan butter)

Snacks (Lenny and Larry’s plant based chocolate chip cookies, Spudsy sweet potato puffs they have a million different flavors I like the hot fries. Vegan rob’s dragon puffs these are the vegan equivalent to hot Cheeto puffs but without the red dye 40. Vegan rob’s also has cheese puffs)

Sauces (Anne’s goddess dressing is very tangy, Diaya blue cheese and Caesar dressings are amazing, can be thick though, they also have ranch but I got a vegan homemade ranch recipe. Hot sauce, Franks, Cholula, Tabasco, and Tapatío are vegan. Ketchup& mustard are vegan. Hellmans and follow your heart have vegan mayonnaise,Sir Kingston’s and Follow your heart also have chipotle Mayo. Follow your heart also has vegan sour cream)

Seasonings (seasons you should have in your cabinet click here, the dollar tree sells all these for a dollar and most grocery stores sell adobo)

[ashenpumpkin]

Ashen's Hamin/Cholnt

The version pictured here is Vegetarian, if you want to add meat to yours i'll mention in the recipe where you can do so First grab a big pot, and pour white and dark beans in, and add raw Hummus Berries along with pearl grits

Add raw garlic teeth and cooked and peeled chestnuts

add in a circular fashion potatoes and onions, peeled. in a switching pattern. If you wanted to add meats, this would be the time. I recommend Fatty meats like chunks of lamb.

add sundried plums between a few of the potatoes and onions, it adds colour

Add raw eggs, wrapped in aluminum

Mix 200 ml tomato paste with 700 ml water, add salt pepper and garlic and mix

Pour into your pot, then fill with water until all everything is covered/floating

Add your Jahnon (buttered rolled dough. i buy mine frozen but you can make em yourself too) in cooking bags on top, don't forget to cut little holes in the bag on top so the bags won't burst

Cover with aluminum the pot, put the lid on top

and into the oven at 160 degrees celsius, at 6 pm at 11:30 take it out and refill water, then put it back in the oven, turn oven down to 100 degrees celsius at 8 am the next day or so, it should be ready to eat! You can pull out the Jahnoon and eat it with crushed tomatoes as a wonderful breakfast, or go right into the Hamin!.

And here is how mine looked when it was ready (i already took out a Jahnoon bag)

[lowrescryptid]

For Veganuary, some of my favorite vegan foods!

As a general rule, I use canned or frozen veggies in all of these. They’re cheaper, they last longer, and you don’t have to do any chopping (which is especially convenient when it comes to onions). The only exceptions are mushrooms and potatoes.

Rice!

I cook it with veggie broth (or a vegan chicken flavored broth), garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Before I set it to simmer, I dump in a bag of frozen veggies (I like mixed veggies or spinach) or fresh veggies (I like mushrooms) and throw in a can of chickpeas for good measure

Right after it’s done, I stir in some vegan cheese if I have it. I usually do about a cup of cheese when I make a big pot and that’s plenty.

Dirty Rice

Pasta!

To stretch mac and cheese, melt some vegan butter in the pot, add your unsweet dairy free milk, then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and whatever seasonings you want. Bring it to a boil and then whisk in enough flour to get it to a gravy-like consistency. then add your dairy free cheese--you’ll only need half as much.

Garlic Butter Pasta

Chickpea “Tuna” Casserole 

Alfredo

I like to add red bell pepper or spinach to a mozzarella mac and cheese; peas or meatless crumbles to a cheddar mac and cheese. 

For tomato sauce, I just use a can of crushed tomato with salt, garlic and onion powder, italian seasoning, and a bit of balsamic vinegar. Spinach and mushrooms go well with this, too.

Some of my top recipes

Biscuit Topped Chickpea Pot Pie (takes a while but so worth it!)

Tabbouleh (I usually add chickpeas to make it heartier)

Corn Fritters (I just throw in whatever veggies I have on hand)

Biscuits and Gravy (I usually add some fake sausage to the gravy to make it more filling)

Split Pea Soup

Hummus and Pita (This isn’t real pita, but it’s close and much easier. Of course you can always just buy it at the store, too.)

Potato Wedges

Refried Bean Burgers

Burritos (No recipe, but I fill mine with refried beans, spanish rice--the little knorr packets are vegan!--taco sauce, and mexican style dairy free cheese)

Nachos (No recipe, but I top mine with black beans, a vegan cheese sauce, salsa, and black olives)

Pancakes

Desserts are easy--just sub out dairy-free milk and dairy-free butter. Or search for vegan versions of your favorites! 

Cinnamon Rolls

Banana Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Orange Rolls

Sprinkle Sugar Cookies

Rolled Sugar Cookies

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vanilla Pudding

Chocolate Pudding

Lots of stovetop pudding mixes are vegan--just use non-dairy milk!

Vanilla Cake

Chocolate Cake

Coffee Cake

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Banana Nice Cream

Frozen Pineapple Whip 

Vegan Egg Substitutes for Baking

Cheese - I buy raw cashews in bulk from foodtolive--shipping is free, tax is included, and the price is very reasonable. I eat cashew cheese every day so I usually get the 7lb bag and keep it in the bottom of my fridge.

Easy Cheese Sauce (no cashews)

Go-to Cashew Cheese (This is a great base! Sometimes I add tomato paste and hot sauce for a buffalo cheese, or sometimes I go heavy on the lemon juice and add dried dill and parsley).

Pimento Cheese

Sundried Tomato Cheese

[rbelle310]

Chestnuts were a popular snack in the Shiratorizawa dorms. The convenience store a short walk from the school sold them pre-shelled in little foil packets.

Shirabu liked to tip the packet right into his mouth while he studied.

Ushijima tended to pour his chestnuts out onto a plate with a toothpick, the chestnuts were sometimes a little tacky, depending on the brand and he didn't like the sticky feeling on his hands.

Oohira didn't really like chestnuts, they're too starchy for him. And he hated the sometimes sandy texture you got in your mouth after eating too many.

Taichi and Hayato bought loads of pre-shelled chestnuts and stashed them in the VBC lockers... at least until Coach discovered their snack crime and yelled at them. The contraband was now tucked in a bright yellow plastic bag and stashed under Taichi's bed.

Goshiki and Semi were more traditional, preferring the half-shelled ones sold on the street by vendors during festivals. They still had the shell on but were split in the middle with a knife, so they had all the fun of peeling without the pain of having to crack the shell.

And then there was Tendou...

Tendou wouldn't say no to a chestnut if offered, but he'd never buy them for himself. Correction, he'd never buy them pre-packaged, or so the entire STZ dorm discovered one winter morning.

They woke up to a burning smell and the sound of the fire alarm wailing and as they rushed down the stairs, they found Tendou roasting his own damn chestnuts in a wok full of tiny pebbles.

The kitchen was full of hot smoke and blackening sugar.

"Tendou-kun, what the f--"

Tendou paid little attention to the angry mob of students in varying states of sleep and dress. He was too busy managing the heat on the stove.

"Wakatoshi-kun! Help me switch off the alarm!" he hollared as he stirred the wok vigorously with a rasping sound.

Wakatoshi-kun obliged, if only just to stop the alarm from deafening everyone.

And that's how the faculty found them:

A bunch of students huddled around a bowl of freshly roasted chestnuts in a freezing dorm with all the windows open to let the smoke out and Wakatoshi standing on a chair while wrapping a square of cling film around the smoke alarm.

They got in trouble of course. Or rather, Tendou did, and Wakatoshi for enabling him.

It meant extra toilet cleaning shifts and they had to help sweep snow from the pavements all around the school compound. But the rest of the team helped out.

"They were delicious though..." Semi sighed as he leaned on his mop. His fingernails were still black from peeling the slightly scorched shells.

"Right?!" said Tendou, looking up from scrubbing around the drain. "The traditional way is best after all!"

"The smoke adds that extra punch." Wakatoshi nodded thoughtfully.

"I wanna try it with coffee beans next time." Tendou mused.

"Eh? You want to do it again, Tendou-senpai!?" yelped Goshiki, shocked that manual labour wasn't going to be a deterrent to his senpai's shenanigans.

"That's nothing." Hayato laughed, "Our first year, autumn, he started a fire in that sandy patch behind the gardening club while roasting sweet potatoes."

"Those were really good too." mused Semi with a dreamy sigh. "Why did you stop making those?"

"The gardening club threatened to string him up and turn him into a scarecrow." Ushijima supplied helpfully.

Tendou giggled nervously, "Never mess around with people willing to wield pitchforks with great prejudice."

By next winter, the third years were gone and Tendou's mad cooking adventures with them. Nobody ever quite managed replicate them the way he did, though the experiences were fondly remembered.

~

A few years later, Goshiki wakes up to a loud pounding on his apartment door.

All he can see standing in the corridor is a big brown paper bag before a closely cropped head of red hair pops out from the side.

"Go-shi-ki! Everyone's coming! Let's roast chestnuts!"

"SENPAI?!"

Cold winter air circulates through the open windows and the smell of butter, burnt sugar and coffee mingle with the roasting chestnuts.

"I learned to roast these in Vietnam." Tendou explains to Oohira as he works. "I wanted to see if we can combine both..."

Goshiki weeps, wrapping his smoke alarm with cling film while Ushijima holds the chair steady for him. "But why in my apartment?!"

[allhailthe70shousewife]

Hey those of you who cook or attend a big meal on the final Thursday of November- what’s your plan?

I’ll be doing all the cooking and I make the same thing every year. It’s not all from scratch because, for me, it is about making what my mom made plus a few new dishes I like.

First and foremost I make a huge batch of chex mix.

I hate hot roasted turkey so will do chicken or a pork roast. I probably will buy some chicken feet and make my own stock because I enjoy making it and I think it makes everything extra good. I’ll make the canned soup green bean casserole and most likely stove top stuffing unless I feel very energetic. I will make my own cranberry sauce, I like the recipe on the back of the cranberry bag. But I will buy a can of the jelly because my dad prefers it. I’ll make yams with butter and brown sugar and get the marshmallows all torched and melty on top. My mother-in-law always made an easy mac and cheese with corn casserole and now I make it. I make my own mashed potatoes. And I will make my own gravy. I will probably buy the pies at the store. Who needs extra work? I kind of want to make an ambrosia as well as a waldorf salad too.

[texas-junk-drawer]

Nutrition isn’t only for the rich (aka how to fuel your body when you have basically no money)

I grew up pretty poor in an Appalachian family, so I’ve picked up a few things when it comes to filling bellies with an empty bank account

Staples: things you can do a lot with. Most of these can be found at the dollar tree or your local variant

Dry Beans: pick a kind of bean you like. I’m personally a fan of kidney

Rice: more expensive, but you can get a deal at bulk stores (ask your friend with a membership to let you go with) you can usually get 15lbs for 10 or so dollars, and if you’re just feeding yourself, you really only need one cup per meal

Bread: I like Sunbeam brand. It’s cheap, and it’s a great source of carbs and a good vessel for many liquidy food

Butter: get a big tub of the cheap shit ie country crock

Crackers: saltines are cheap carbs and sodium, another vessel

Peanut butter: lots of protein, you can make sandwiches, put it on crackers, use it as a dip for whatever fruit you can get your hands on, or just eat a spoonful as a pick me up snack. I found a 4lb tub for $10 at my local Asian market which is definitely better than $7 for 2lbs

Pancake mix: cheap af and can make an ass if pancakes, can also be used to make waffles. You can use these waffles as bread for sandwiches if you can’t get a loaf

Eggs: a bit more expensive but very worth it for the protein. They can be scrambled and put in anything

Oats: extremely filling, and can be flavored with whatever you like

Seasonings: absolutely crucial to making half this shit edible. do NOT buy these at the dollar store. Many have been recalled for heavy metal contamination but not pulled, instead go to the Mexican supermarket and get the bags of spices at a similar price point

Canned soup: keeps forever, and when properly watered can be 2-3 meals instead of just one

Potatos: can be made into hashbrowns, chunks, mashed, or baked. Lots of options here

Meals

Here’s some meals I used to eat and a quick rundown of preparation

Bean soup: the absolute worst, but it’s food. Beans cooked in some sort of broth with bacon bits added for flavor

Chicken and rice: cook a batch of rice and in another pan heat up canned cream of chicken and mushroom soup to serve over the rice. If you have chicken on hand, cook some and toss it in the gravy as well

Chili: cooked ground beef, tomato paste, canned pinto and kidney beans, and a little bit of water. Season with chili powder and cumin

Taco chicken: chicken parts of your choice marinated and then slow cooked in bottled salsa, can be served on whatever you have around, or just eaten with a fork

Spaghetti: one box of pasta and a bottle of sauce will run you about $4 and feed three

Shake and bake pork chops: exactly what it sounds like. Pork is trash meat so it’s cheap af. If your religion says you can’t eat pork, G-d will forgive you if it keeps you alive and healthy I promise.

Buttered bread: not very nutritious, but covers most of the food groups and will keep you going

Misc aid

Food banks are awesome, but not everyone has access to them, or they’re severely understocked.

If you can, grow edible plants, a single slice of tomato laid in dirt can yield loads of plants, potatoes want nothing more than to return to dirt. Learn what plants in your area are edible. Most libraries have books on local flora. (please don’t eat something unless you’re entirely sure what it is.)

Poaching. Im so fucking serious, if a game warden is the only thing standing between you and a meal, fuck them. Hunting for FOOD is never wrong, even if the animal isn’t in season. If you have the means to acquire and clean game, do it. Geese are basically nothing but tender dark meat, and fairly easy to acquire. squirrels aren’t much but if you bag a couple you can incorporate it into a meal. Same goes for opossum, it reeks when you cook it but boy is it good. Find a secluded spot nobody goes to to fish, just don’t catch more than you need for the day so it’s easier to fly under the radar

If you do decide to hunt, use the whole animal. Wash feathers and restuff your couch pillows, tan the hides if you’re able or sell them to someone that can.

That’s all from me and I hope this helps even one person.

[yukigossip]

Van Der Wulff : Childhood Memories (Edward)

~ Visiting parents stir up childhood memories both pleasant and unpleasant. ~

Edward @ 13 years old.

Edward has always been protective of his mother. She was the parent that was struggling to hold the family together. She had tried keeping the families financial situation a secret to him and his siblings. But he saw how she struggled. She worked 2 jobs and still tried to be there for them. He hated how exhausted she would come home, how the bags under her eyes never seemed to go away and the bills never seemed to stop.

He was also protective of his sister as well. Gemma was only a couple years older then him but was starting to take over for there mother. She was 16 and had a part time job at a fast food place that took advantage of there need for money and worked her to the bone. Whenever she wasn't at work she was at school and whenever she got a break she was cooking for them or trying to spend time with them.

And what was his father doing? Drinking away all the money his mother and sister earned. He was friends with a few people in the bank, so no matter what Anne did, he still got access to the banking account and took whatever he wanted to fuel his addiction. Anne and Gemma tried to make due but it was never enough. They wither went without heat or food. Edward grew a tough exterior at school having to fight the kids who made fun of his clothes that were either too big or too small since they had to shop in various thrift stores around the county.

He can't remember how many times he fought kids because they teased Marcel, for being so into schooling which Ed respected, or Harry for being a bit flamboyant. But it all came to a head the time he heard some seniors naming Gemma as one of the girls they'd "like to give it in the arse too" in the locker room.

He struck right then and there. He managed to beat down two of then before security came and brought him to the principals office.

"Edward Styles" the principle knew him by heart by now. It was his first year in high school and he had been to the principles office more time then he could count. "I see you far to much!" she shook her head in disappointment "This is a problem!"

"Their the one with the problem." Edward shrugged looking out the glass window where the beaten boys were being brought to the nurse. "They can't fight for shit."

He was suspended for that.

His family continued to struggle, especially since his father had now gotten ahold of another addiction. Gambling. Now instead of a couple of hundred missing from the bank for a few days drinking binge. Thousands would be overdrawn, leaving the already struggling family with nothing. Anne and Gemma attempted to call the police to report Des for stealing but they said that was a problem for the bank. Edward watched his already exhausted mother pile yet another job onto her already full plate and his sister soon followed working full-time at her job while her schooling suffered.

When Christmas morning came that year, Edward didn't expect anything under the tree and didn't want anything either. He had saved up enough (stolen) money to go to the market with his brothers and buy enough food to have a proper Christmas dinner and puny Christmas tree they decorated with old toys from the attic.

"He had commissioned Harry to help him cook while Marcel put up the tree and since it was a holiday, his mother and sister would be home to enjoy it. No matter how small it was. Ed had also changed the locks on the house which would prevent interruption from his father - though his father hadn't shown up to Christmas since he was 7. He was nearly done cooking when his mother and sister woke up to the smell of the food.

"What's all this?" Anne asked looking round in amazement. He had pulled out all the stops. Mashed potatoes, Shepards pie, beans, corn and a fat ham sat in the middle of the table. "How did you-?"

"Merry Christmas mum, Gemma." He said simply "I saved up and we are going to have a proper dinner. Oi!" He yelled at Harry "Give them tea."

The tears in Anne's eyes broke her sons heart. "Eddie" She said patting his cheek. "This is to much. You shouldn't have- This must've cost a lot."

"Nah" He lied knowing how his mother would feel had he told her the truth. "Its mostly on sale, I went to this new grocery just a couple streets down. They were feeling generous and gave me most of this at half the price."

"I do hope he knows how much we appreciate it." Gemma said. The look in her eyes, she knew Ed was lying but was grateful.

"He does." He replied smiling at his sister.

Since money was tighter then ever the family didn't have much gifts to give. Edward knew it killed his mother. But he didn't care, all her money went towards bills and food thaw as more important then anything that could go under the tree. They changed small presents. Harry had given his mother and sister their favorite chocolates. Marcel had given them flowers both women took them gratefully.

The triplets expected nothing in return but of course Gemma had to buy them all something small. She had gotten them all she could afford. 3 journals and a small radio for her mother. His mother had turned it on while she baked desert something she loved to do. Gemma had sat next to her brother on the couch while a Christmas movie played on the TV. She tapped the notebook in his hands.

"I know talking isn't really your style." She said "but I heard writing is a good way to channel emotions. Hey don't look at me that way." He laughed and she pointed to the kitchen where The Rolling Stones played on the radio. "Even your the people you listen to on the radio do it." He wasn't convinced. "I'm suggesting it because mum doesn't know about school" He raised an eyebrow. He had wondered why his mother didn't address it, though just figured she didn't have time. "I've been taking all those calls and your to smart for that Eddie. You can fight some people but there will be some you can't fight and I don't want to have to bring mum to the hospital when you find that out." He looked down at the notebook. "Just try it, for me?"

"Fine." He promised turning his attention back to the Christmas movie. He kept his promise. The writing started off slow and awkward but then he just thought about the beat of The Aerosmith song that his mother had been baking too and he started writing it all down. He was so focused he didn't notice his mother in the doorway until she softly said he name. "Sorry mom" He said closing the book. He sat up "Need something?"

"No I'm sorry to interrupt you." She said with a warm smile on her face. "I just want to say I love you and what you did today-" Tears welled in her eyes and he stood to hug his mother, he was already a few inches taller then her and still growing but still felt like a little boy in her arms. She hugged him hard "You are an amazing person son. I want you to know that. I love you so much and I am so sorry that you had to waste your money-"

"Its not a waste mum." Ed quickly said "I love you and Gemma. I would do it everyday if I could."

"Its shouldn't be up to you and I'm sorry if you felt like that."

"Mom, I'm done seeing you struggle. I changed the locks on the house and I'll get dad to sign the divorce papers."

"Eddie, that isn't your responsibility." She said sternly.

"I don't care. I will make sure it happens."

He did try, but he had no leverage on his father. Des was getting more money leaching off his wife and daughter and divorcing her would completely ruin that and because Edward was going against him he upped the anti. Just before his sons 14th birthday, he withdrew every dollar in his wife's bank account. Leaving just the $500 dollars from Gemma's job for the week.

Edward spent his birthday listening to his mother fake a smile and secretly begging his father to put money back in so she could get a cake. The next day he went searching for a job.

He got into a fight with the manager instead. He hadn't even had the interview when the man accused him of stealing because he looked like a delinquent. He was 'arrested' and had to call Gemma to pick him up. Though while waiting in the cell he met, Orlando the man who would help give him a way to make a lot of money fast belonging to a new gang to London called The Playhouse.

He started selling when he was 14. Though he did have rules, he didn't deal to anyone younger than him or anyone in his school. He would be caught easily. He frequented high business areas, swapping his hoodies and jeans for slacks and a button down to be able to sell to the business men who bought often. He opened a bank account in a new bank account in Gemmas name and opened one for his mother. Gemma of course questioned him but he told her he was being safe.

With the extra money, his mother could quit one of her jobs though she did express her concerns for Gemma. Not realizing Gemma had went back to part time. With no money coming in since they closed the other bank accounts he stormed to the house demanding his cut from "raising these brats." Edward beat him that day ignoring his mothers pleas for him to stop. Des was arrested for attacking Edward though he looked worse and a few days later signed the divorce paperwork while simultaneously calling Anne a selfish bitch.

A year had past and wanting a new start Anne took all the money they managed to save and left to the US finding a decent house in California. He left selling behind, pissing off the English branch of the playhouse. His mother opened Anne's Bakery and his sister travels back to London for college.

It was here he fell in love with rap. Ian, a man fro his high school took him to an underground club where people were rap battling. He was a complete newbie. He had gone through a growth spurt and filled out from the daily working out he did on the football team. He looked like a stereo typical white boy in awe of the men rapping and when Ian pushed him up there he made a fool of himself. He froze unsure of what to do or say. the thing written in the journal his sister had given him two years ago wanting to come out but he was unable too. Instead he stood there dumbly and gave the mic back to the MC. That night he met Draven who he recognized being the new girl from school and who was better company then Ian.

With her help, he turned the writing into raps and soon started to rap battle successfully.The two became fast friends both getting each others British humor and bonding. She was the non-family member he vented to about his father while smoking at her usually unoccupied condo. He often kept her company when her grandparents went out of town with here biker gang. way that he wasn't sure whether he just liked her as friend or more. He did attempt a date, though he didn't tell her it was a date. He brought over dinner and her favorite movie but in the middle of the movie, she got a call from her parents. Who she cursed at like a sailor before tossing her phone at the wall and shattering it.

They didn't talk about it the rest of the night until they were out on the porch of the house each with a cigarette in there hands. "Light me." Draven ordered and amused Edward did as she asked. "sorry if I was being a cunt." She apologized and he shook his head. She told him about her parents, particularly her mother suddenly wanting back in her life because she was running out of money and Draven was still getting a few thousand a month due to residuals from being a child actress on some popular family show in Australia. "This makes me sound really fucked up, huh?"

"Nah, not more then me." He shrugged taking a drag of his own cigarette. "Who wants to be normal anyway?"

"Only fucked up people say that." She laughed along with him. She scooted closer to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Its exhausting sometimes, huh?" He sighed gray smoke pooling from his mouth, disappearing into the sky and nodded. She let out a small laugh.

"What?"

"I think you're my best friend."

He smiled realizing how right that felt. His strong affection for Draven was because they had so much in common. She reminded him a bit of Gemma but with more fire in her, maybe a bit like how a twin sister to him would feel like. "You're mine too."

Due to the underground scene and needing money for equipment and to make sure his family had enough of a cushion. he started dealing very sparsely and most of the money he made went directly to his mother. He lied and said it was from 'fans' he was gaining from his mixtape.

It was Anne who sent Ed's mixtape to Van Der Wulff seeing how much her sons really looked up to the nearby school. It was the song Loose Yourself that got the boards attention. Him and his brothers got in senior year of high school on a full scholarship after they blew the audition out of the water. Edward receiving particular praise for the emotion in his voice and being one of the only students to not shy away from placing curses with a purpose in his songs in front of the teachers.

It was also there he met the fiery Arianna who was new to the school as well. . Who he asked out almost immediately from meeting her. She was the first girl he let meet his mother (besides Draven) as well as being the only one to see Edward deal with his father in person.

In an attempt to rekindle there relationship, Des flew to California and purposely waited until the boys were in school to see Anne. Though Anne was civil to him, it was clear she wanted him out of her house and when Edward arrived with Adi in tow she saw just how angry he could get.

"Ed!" Des said standing from the approaching his oldest son. Edward moved Arianna behind him ordering her to stay there. she of course knew the tense relationship with him but the look on Edwards face showed that it was worse then she thought. "How are you?"

"Why are you here?" He asked coldly looking at his mother. "Are you okay, mum?"

"Edward" Des sighed "you think I came all the way across the pond to hurt your mum? I'm not a monster."

"Then get out. She doesn't want you here and neither do i." He grabbed Ariannas hand shielding her from Des and telling her to take Anne in another room.

"Eddie" Anne said softly.

"You're mother can speak for herself." Des said starighting to his full height. He was a little shorter then his on but still stood at 6 feet. Arianna tried to usher Anne to a different room but Anne refused to leave her son instead stood behind the table holding Adi's hand. Des grew irritated when he Edward didn't back up. Then suddenly he backed up throwing his hands up. "Maybe it was me being a bit absent." he said with a small laugh. "But I am your father and you will respect me."

"You aren't my father. I don't have one." Edward spat at him "Now leave my house."

"You're house?" Des chuckled looking around. "You paid for this?" He grabbed a picture of Marcel as a child on the wall and threw it on teh floor. Anne jumped Edward barked at Arianna to leave the room and take his mother. But Anne wouldn't leave. "Or this?" he grabbed another picture of Gemma slamming it on the floor. "or this?" he picked up the radio Gemma gave there mother on that Christmas years ago and slammed it on the floor. Edward pounced on his father.

His hands finding the older man's neck. He ignored his mothers cries just focusing on the blue eyes of his father. The combination of drinking and drug use weakened Des as well as Edwards workouts made him no match for Edward. "When I tell you to leave you leave! You aren't my fucking father your selfish bitch!" Spit left Edwards mouth and fell on his fathers face as the older man struggled to breath. "Did I pay for this shit?! Did you?! GO BACK TO ENGLAND AND FUCKING DIE! YOU THINK YOU CAN COME BACK BECAUSE YOU ARE LONELY! BURN IN HELL!"

"Edward!" his mothers sobs brought him out of his rage and Ariannas soft hand on his back made him release his father. He grabbed the older man who was struggling to catch his breath and dragged him out of the house. "Get the fuck out!" He threw him on the side walk.

"You were the worst mistake of my life! I want you to remember that Edward! You were a fucking mistake! Everything about you is bad!" Des spat back, his voice raspy as he wheezed. "You'll regret saying that when I turn up dead" he coughed and wheezed "and what you said will bother you for the rest of your life wait until I die!"

"You don't have to worry about that!" Edward spat back at him "I'M NOT GOING TO YOUR FUNERAL! YOURE ALREADY DEAD TO ME! NOW GET THE FUCK OFF MY PROPERTY!" With that he slammed the door.

After that day Edward truly thought Arianna would leave him. The rage he felt against his father was primal and nothing in that moment could have stopped him from attacking him. By that night after Arianna had left shortly after Des did, he assumed there relationship was over so he was about to text her an apology but instead walked over to her sorority house.

He was surprised when she agreed to meet with him and it took him a while to try and explain everything. He even though about calling draven to hep him but when she said. "I get it." he knew it was in love.

When he kissed her after that he was completely in love with her and he always would be. He gladly got a matching tattoo with her and though they fought he knew part of his heart would always be hers. no matter what.

[willowfey]

Dear Hana,

Today was for sure a day! But it won't hinder me from writing to you ✨

Do you have an advent calendar this year? I got one with different nougats in it and the 2nd of December is of the “Nut” variety - my favorite.

To be honest, my absolute favorite holiday sweets are marzipan and nougat (even over chocolate-coated gingerbread)....my weakness is nougat-filled marzipan and don't give me marzipan potatoes for they will be guarded and devoured with a passion. Do you have a preference in those kinds of things?

I have already sent two Christmas parcels now and one of them will travel all the way to the USA for the next 14-20 days (well, now it's more or less 12.5-18.5 days but hey). The other one was supposed to be an advent calendar but I only remembered that Wednesday evening as I had wrapped it and put it on my desk weeks earlier and just needed a suitable box to post it in....typical chaotic behavior by yours truly 😅✌️ it will arrive soon and I imagine it will give joy even if it's slightly delayed.

As you can see, I enjoy giving gifts very much! What do you make of it - is it too much guesswork or does it just not as much fun as making experiences with each other or a secret third thing?

I'm indulging in a weekend treat of Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough atm and wondered what your favorite and least favorite ice cream flavors are?

With sweet greetings,

Your secret holiday pal 🧡

Dear Holiday Pal,

I adore the eloquence and joy in which you craft these messages. I feel like I’m receiving a handwritten letter instead of a tumblr ask. I hope your day tomorrow is a little brighter!

I do have an advent calendar! Just a regular chocolate one, as well as one my mother always makes for me and my siblings, even though two of us are adults now. She hangs little gold bags on a branch on the wall, and each satchel has little gifts inside.

I’m not the biggest fan of marzipan myself… I prefer candied almonds and homemade fudge. Marzipan potatoes?? I’ve never heard of such a thing but after a quick google I’m going to assume you’re german?

I haven’t gotten any gifts or cards yet… I planned on doing everything early and now it’s December and I haven’t even started, I’d better get on it now. I myself am in the US! And it is unfortunately quite complicated and expensive to send gifts to my european friends. I try to at least send cards, but it’s always such a shame when I see things I know my friends would love, but it costs triple the price of the gift just to ship it. I do enjoy giving gifts though, especially ones I’ve made. I prefer experiences, as do my family, but there’s also something about finding the perfect thing you know the other person will love. My brother is extremely difficult to buy for but my sister is extremely easy since we like almost all the same things. So it’s fun and can be stressful at the same time sometimes.

I just had cookie dough ice cream! From a shop in a cone, though I do love ben&jerry’s. hmmm my favourite ice creams… that’s difficult as ice cream is one of my favourite things lol. I like lots of flavours depending on my mood. Cherry garcia, any kind of cookie dough, matcha, pistachio, anything with brownie or real fruit. I’m a big big fan of real vanilla bean. One of my favourites I’ve had has been a green tea and cherry blossom ice cream with sweet cream and ube sauce. I also am biased to a combo I can only get in my hometown — a scoop of coffee oreo caramel and a scoop of coconut crunch. Grape nut ice cream is also to die for but I’ve only ever found it in jamaica. As for my least favourite, i am NOT a fan of mint choco lol.

Do you have anything fun planned this week?? xx

[walks-the-ages]

I think Tumblr ate my other post, so here's the short and sweet version above the cut:

January 2022:

*literally* every single week, every price-change night, grocery prices are going up.

There's four weeks in a month and that means grocery prices are going up at least 4x every month.

If you have the means, please consider stocking up on the staple foods of your households.

Don't clear the shelves or anything, but if you can, try to invest in a chest freezer (we got one for $200 a few years ago, you might be able to find them cheaper used), and maybe start grabbing an extra loaf or two of bread, and extra box or two of butter, and putting the extras in the freezer.

Stock up on staples that you know you will use.

Start buying the big boxes of instant oatmeal.

Start buying the big bags of rice.

Start buying big bags of the different kinds of dried beans (these can also be used as seeds to grow your own in the garden! Simply plant directly in the grown after your last frost, popping them in the soil and covering lightly)

Stock up on potatoes, and onions, and look up the best ways to store them (seperate from each other!) So rhat they last for months; if they start to sprout, you can plant them in containers. (Potatoes will grow more potatoes, while onions will grow greens and eventually flower and set seed that you can plant at the correct time for your zone.)

Stock up on sweet potatoes. (Cut the end off of one while you're prepping them and sit it propped up in a glass of water. It will send down roots and send up shoots-- once the shoots are long enough, gently break them off the sweet potato peice and plant directly, or stick into water to root further before transplanting.

.Sweet potato leaves can be eaten like spinach, and the vines if left to spread over the ground as they grow will root and form even more sweet potatoes.

Though they both have "potato" in the name, sweet potatoes and regular potatoes are completely seperate species and you should *never ever* eat the plant section of a potato plant.

If you are lucky enough to have your potato plant flower, hand pollinate it, let it set *inedible* fruit, and save the seeds when the fruits are fully ripened. Again, do not eat the fruit, it's poisonous-- but you now have TPS, or true potato seed. Clean it, dry it for a few days with a light fan, and store in a cool dark place like your other seeds. You can now grow your own unique potato varieites next year and save the tuber's of any that turn out well to clone them in the traditional way)

If your fridge is actually organized, you can stock up on apples that are on sale and store them in the fridge-- many of the newer varieites such as Cosmic Crisp and Envy are bred for storage; CC can last up to 6 months in the fridge with proper storage.

Stock up on canned foods your family actually likes, as well as canned goods such as "cream of" soups that can be mixed with rice to create a flavorful meal.

Stock up on ramen noodles-- not much, but it's something, and a hot meal even in the poorest of times. Grab spices and seasonings to refresh your pantry so you can jazz up even simple meals.

If the garden center in your local grocery store is set up, get your seeds early and learn when to plant them in your area, and how to save seeds from what you grow so you don't need to buy seeds again.

If your tap water isn't good (aka like 90% of Americans) stock up on gallons of water, as well as flavoring packets to make the tap water more palatable.

If you drink coffee, get at least one container of instant coffee, and a container of powder creamer if you usually use liquid.

Stock up on frozen meats that are still relatively cheap compared to their fresh counterparts, or buy fresh meat when it is on sale and freeze it, taking steps to prevent freezer burn. Meat prices are going up around a dollar per pound (or more!) each week that I have done the price changes on fresh meat.

Again, don't clear out the shelves, and I'm not trying to panic anyone.

But I work in a grocery store, and every single week I am watching prices go up over and over again.

[saint-ambrosef]

how????? how do you eat three meals on less than $3 a day?? please share your secrets

I shop at Aldi (it’s even cheaper than Walmart), don’t buy junk food, eat less meat, and cook a lot from scratch. i’m also a 125lb fairly inactive female, so i only eat maybe 1800kcal/day.

here’s an example of what my receipt typically looks like ($19.92 total): 1lb asparagus (1.39), 1lb strawberries (1.59), 8oz mushrooms (1.19), cilantro (0.45), cabbage (0.97), 2lb onions (1.49), two roma tomatoes (0.40), an avocado (0.55), big 16oz box cereal (1.29), 1.25lb ground beef (3.25), two yogurt cups (0.64), fresh spinach (0.95), two 8oz cans tomatoes (0.52), 1lb pork sausage (1.89), 12ct eggs (1.06), 16oz canned beans (0.55), frozen peas (0.79), 1lb rice (0.95).

i buy produce according to what’s on sale. this week it was asparagus and strawberries, next week it may be avocados and squash. there are certain staples i get regardless of price-- like ricotta cheese, potatoes, spinach, etc. and the list changes depending on what i need (for instance, this week i still had plenty of dairy/grain products at home but i was low in fruit/veg and meat). once in a while i have to restock lesser-used but pricier items like my parmesean block ($3).

i usually have light breakfasts of an egg on toast or cereal, then eat leftovers for lunch. i almost always cook a fresh dinner. favorites w/ price per serving include lentil dahl (0.75), creamy sausage & spinach pasta (0.80), fried rice (0.60), cottage pie (1.30), scratch mac and cheese (1.00), and verde enchiladas (1.50). 

i don’t buy snack food. on occasion i might get a bag of pretzels or chewy bars, but snack food is pricey for how much you get, and i tend to gobble it quickly. when i feel snack-ish i’ll eat cheap fruit like bananas or just pick at leftovers. sometimes i’ll treat myself to a half gallon of ice cream.

i’m a good cook, so i know what i like to have on hand and that makes shopping easier. i’ll plan my list ahead of time; it prevents me from accidentally buying more than $20, and helps me narrow down what stuff i actually need and-- if i have some extra dollars after the staples-- what “extra” goods i want that week (ex: hard cheese, bagels, sandwich meat, etc). my roommate and i sometimes split staples like rice or potatoes, and we all split oil/butter/spices. i’ll sometimes make my own tortillas rather than buy pre-made ones.

honestly a lot of it is just shopping smart, but that does take time/effort that not everyone is willing to put in. i spend probably half an hour every week just planning my grocery list. but it’s worth it to me.

on the left is what my roommate bought for $17, on the right is what i bought for the same amount at the same store (we split the carrots and rice). she tends to buy more expensive stuff like oatmilk, cage free eggs, and kombucha (each about $3), lots of avocados, etc. i buy the most economical food i can.

hope that helps clear up the secrets!~

[maryannaugerbooks]

The Beginning of Something Good

Fandom: Stardew Valley

Word count: 1.9k

Warning: Makeout session

This piece is on AO3, Wattpad and Tumblr.

.

Océane is the new farmer in Pelican town. She quit her job at Joja Corporation and decided to follow her grandfather's footsteps and take care of Blue Coral, the farm he left her when he passed away.

After her initial shock of seeing the farm in a pitiful condition, she admired the wonderful beach surrounding the cabin she would call home. When she found out her grandfather was leaving her a farm, she didn’t expect it to be a beach farm!

Thankful for not being stuck in an office anymore, the long ash-colored-haired farmer got to work. She watered the crops, explored the mines and spent her afternoons fishing.

She settled into a routine, every day looking slightly different but also very much the same. That is, until that Tuesday evening.

Océane had realized she was out of seeds. She wanted to extend her garden and grow a bigger variety of vegetables but Pierre’s General Store would be closed the next day. Determined to get her seeds so that she could start planting them in the morning, she ran all the way to the store, swung the door open and greeted Pierre with a big wave.

“Hey Pierre. Sorry for coming in right before you close. Can I get some potato and green bean seeds please?”

Pierre handed over the seeds and Océane placed them in her bag. She wanted to get home quickly in order to cut down a couple trees to make more space to till more soil.

She swung her bag over her shoulder and started walking towards the exit. She half-turned around to wave goodbye to Pierre when the wind got knocked out of her.

Before she fell to the ground, a sturdy – and soft – hand grabbed her arm.

At first, she was too shaken to see who she ran into. Then, she regained her senses and saw a young man with long brown hair and mesmerizing green eyes.

Oceane was pretty sure her mouth was still open when the man said “Hi. I don’t think we’ve met. My name’s Elliott. I live in the cabin on the beach.”

She slightly shook her head and said, “Oh. I live on a beach too! How fun.”

She internally cringed at herself. How fun she said mockingly in her head.

Elliott chuckled and it was the most beautiful chuckle she’d ever heard.

Get yourself together. She scolded herself.

“Thanks for... catching me. I’ll see you around.” Océane left the store quickly and walked home, her heart beating fast and her face flushed.

When she got home, the farmer got straight to work. She didn’t want to think about what happened. She was definitely embarrassed but there was something more underneath her bruised ego that she didn’t want to admit.

---

After a few days of mining and fighting monsters - trying to reach the bottom of the damn mines - Océane was tired. Her shoulders were aching. Scratch that, her whole body was aching.

Feeling like she deserved a break, she made her way to the Stardrop Saloon. It was Friday night after all. She was excited to speak to Emily. She hadn’t seen her all week as they were both too busy working.

They became friends soon after her arrival in Pelican Town. They had met when the farmer got to the Saloon on her second day in town, desperate for some food. She had been fishing all morning and afternoon and had forgotten to eat. Her grandfather’s old house didn’t have a kitchen so she had hungrily made her way to the bar for a bite to eat. After ordering, Océane had sat at the bar and Emily and her talked about clothes, the universe and everything in between.

The local bar was booming with the regulars. Océane sat down at her usual spot, the barstool in the middle. Not the one closest to the cash and not the one closest to Shane. She didn’t particularly feel like getting cold remarks from the disheveled young man.

Also, by sitting in that spot – although not the original intention behind sitting there- Océane’s main goal was trying to hide Emily from Clint’s view. He was notorious for sending furtive glances her way all night. Emily was friends with Clint, but the farmer didn’t like him.

“Hey Emily. How’s your night?”

The blue-haired girl who was facing away from the bar cleaning some glass turned around and flashed a bright smile to Océane.

‘’Hey girl. Tonight’s pretty busy but that’s usual for Friday. How was your week? I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.’’

Océane brought her hand to her forehead and rolled her eyes. ‘’I made a huge fool of myself on Tuesday. I’m still embarrassed.’’

Emily gave her that tell me more look so Océane continued, ‘’On Tuesday I went to Pierre’s to get some seeds and as I was walking towards the door, I turned around to say bye to Pierre and I ran into someone - hard. I think he said his name was Elliott. I had never seen him before.’’

Emily squealed which made Océane shush her. ‘’People are going to hear you!’’

Completely ignoring her friend, Emily subtly nodded in Elliott’s direction with her head. He was sitting at the table near the Jukebox with Leah.

After seeing the one who had made her heart race - from embarrassment, of course - Océane looked at Emily with wide eyes. ‘’Does he come here every Friday? How come I haven’t noticed him before?’’

Emily shrugged, ‘’He’s pretty quiet’’. After a pause she adds, ‘’you could buy him a drink. He likes a strong beer.’’

Appalled, Océane interjected ‘’Why would I do that? I don’t even know him!’’

‘’But he’s cute,’’ Emily said as if that was a good enough reason.

‘’I guess I have nothing to lose. If he rejects me, I’ll just dig a hole and bury myself in it.’’

Emily laughed, ‘’stop being so dramatic and hand him this beer. You’ll thank me later.’’

After staring at the beer for a couple of minutes, contemplating running away, Océane decided to get up and give Elliott the beer before it got warm. No one likes a warm beer.

She awkwardly walked towards his table, her feet feeling heavy. She was suddenly feeling self-conscious about the way she was walking.

When she got to the table, she realized that Leah had left. She was relieved. Océane set the beer on the table and said, ‘’I heard you like a strong beer.’’

He looked at her, surprised. ‘’This is for me? Marvelous!’’

‘’It’s for saving me from further embarrassment on Tuesday.’’ She said nonchalantly even though that’s not quite how she felt.

Elliott took a sip of the beer, licked his lips and motioned her to take a seat.

Her heart felt like it was about to explode in her chest, her face was warm but she kept it cool on the outside. ‘’How’s the beach life treating you?’’

‘’I like it. I moved here so I could get away from the big city and write.’’

‘’That’s why I moved here too. To get away from the big city, I mean. I couldn’t stand working at a desk all day,’’ Océane said, ‘’what do you write about?’’

“I typically write poems but I’m looking for inspiration to write my first novel.” Elliott took another drink. “What kind of books do you like to read?”

Océane’s cheeks got even warmer. “I like romance. It really helps me unwind and it gives me all the feels.”

The writer chuckled, “maybe my novel will be a romance in that case.”

Was he flirting with her?

“I would love to read it when you’re done.” She was genuine. She loved a good book, but she also wanted to see if Elliott was the kind of romantic she imagined him to be. She may or may not have been imagining scenarios between her and the writer as she was tilling the soil, planting her seeds and doing all her other farm work this week.

“It would be an honor to have you read my book,” Elliott responded with a smile.

Océane made to get up, gently pushing her chair away from the table with her hips. “I wish I could talk some more but I should get going, it’s getting late and I have a lot of work to do in the morning.”

“Let me accompany you home.”

Océane stared at the writer with wide eyes. Elliott quickly added, “only if you’d like me to, of course. It’s dark out and...” He hesitated before continuing, “it would be my pleasure to spend more time with you.”

The farmer’s heart started racing but she gave him a big smile before saying, “Sure, I’d love that.”

The cool spring air chilled her skin as they started walking towards the farm. Elliott noticed her rubbing her hands on her arms in an attempt to warm up. She watched as he removed his red jacket and handed it to her. “Thanks,” she said gratefully. His jacket smelled like old books.

They made small talk until they reached the front door of her cabin.

“Thank you for walking me home. I appreciate it,” Océane said. “Hold on a sec, I’ll give you your jacket so you don’t get cold on your way back to the beach.”

She removed the piece of clothing, already missing the warmth of it and the smell of books. Elliott’s gaze was on her as she handed him his jacket, their fingers brushing for longer than necessary.

Océane licked her lips and Elliott’s green eyes seemed mesmerized by the movement. She could tell he wanted to say something but he was hesitating.

“I probably shouldn’t be telling you this in case you don’t feel the same way, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you since that day at Pierre’s.”

“Me either,” she breathed. He took a hesitant step forward and gave her a searching look. He was waiting for her approval. She looked directly in his eyes and nodded.

Elliott closed the distance between them, lifted his hand to her hair and brushed his lips against hers. Océane felt like she was going to melt on the balcony of her cabin.

She deepened the kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck. Elliott brushed his tongue against her lips and she opened to give him access.

The wood door of her cabin was now pressing against her back. One of Elliott’s hands braced him against the wood of the cabin while his other hand settled on her waist.

Océane lowered her hands from his neck to his chest, feeling the muscle there before lowering them towards his lower belly. She fidgeted with the hem of his shirt before sliding her fingers underneath feeling the warmth of his skin. Elliott gasped at the touch and Océane smiled against his lips.

His hands explored her curves like he wanted to remember the shape of her forever. They couldn’t get enough of each other. Océane finally allowed her hands to linger dangerously low.

Elliott pulled back, out of breath. “Let me take you out on a date first. Then, you can do whatever you want with me.”

“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow at 6 then,” She winked at him and kissed his cheek before entering her cabin, closing the door and leaning against it, heart racing.

She had a feeling this was the beginning of something good.

[wistfulphoenix]

There’s lots of posts on cheap eating for when things are absolutely down to the bare cupboards and payday is a week away.

So this is more for if you have a little bit of time to cook and want/need to stretch your budget, and to make frozen meals to grab and go for work that are cheaper than premade ones or fast food.

I buy the cheapest chicken. Occasionally that means .49 cents/pound for leg quarters but usually it’s .99 cents/pound for quarters or thighs. (Whole chickens are sometimes cheaper but take too long imo to take apart since my oven is busted so I can’t roast a whole one)

Last night after work I threw all 5 pounds of thighs into a big pan, set low heat, covered, and did other stuff for almost an hour (yes I forgot about them until my dog started staring at me bc she wanted some); they don’t take that long to cook. As I pulled them out of the pan into a casserole dish, I pulled the skin off and stored it separately in case I need chicken fat or something. In fridge overnight. Today I will debone the thighs (about 10 minutes and cold fingers later). If today was busy, the meat might go back into the casserole dish in the fridge. If I needed a quick dinner, I might dump some bbq sauce on and make a veggie side, or season with chilies and onion powder and make burritos or nachos. Since I have some time today, I’ll share a way to make a bunch of frozen lunches for my partner to take to work.

Any kind of chicken and sausage soup can be used for the first bit. Dump can of soup into pan, add whatever frozen or leftover veggies are laying around. I’m adding a can of black beans too. Leftover rice, potatoes, pasta? Any of that can stretch it. Then some of the chicken. Heat. Taste. Add more spices probably (but not salt those cans if soup are salty af). Split into lunches (I’ll probably get at least three lunches from adding a 1/2-1c veg, the beans, and the chicken)

I also have a can of chicken pot pie soup. Gonna add veg and chicken and have a different flavor for 3 more lunches. And there’s still chicken left! Can be kept in fridge for other quick dinners or spread sort of flat inside a gallon sized ziploc and frozen (once it’s solid you can store it like a regular bag), so you can grab a few pieces and make more lunch or dinner magic.

You can add veg and chicken to canned chicken noodle, to any creamy or tomato-y soups as well. I particularly like the sausage chicken gumbos and southwest soups because they seem to have more robust flavor. I’m making a bunch of pasta sauce today and I’ll probably throw a bit of the Italian sausage into that one.

2023 update: Yeah, chicken ain’t that cheap anymore but all this can still be done cheaper than some other kinds of eating.

[siriuscatbennett]

The First Avenger info dump because I can

Enlistment/Dog Tags/Awards:

It is canon that Bucky Barnes enlisted on his own right after Pearl Harbor (and Steve tried). This would make his dog tags a type two. His service number would start with a 1 (enlisted army soldier) and a 2 (from New York). This site can be used to generate dog tag numbers (I haven’t tried all the functions, but be aware the O for officers is a 0 starting in 1942). 

During WW2 (amongst other times), there was the Regular Army and the Army of the United States (which no longer exists). Voluntary enlisted men were in the Regular, with draftees in the other (officers were often part of both and had two separate ranks). If you choose to divert from canon and make Bucky a draftee (I personally have always liked this fanon because I’m evil), his service number would start with 32 (drafted, New York). This would also better explain why Bucky rises to the rank of Sergeant so quickly as promotions happened constantly in the AUS ( Dwight D. Eisenhower rose from a colonel to five-star general in three years). 

Steve would have a different type of dog tags than Bucky (including a different chain). He would have a type three (as would anyone between July 20, 1943 and March 31, 1944). I will illustrate the differences below with the custom tags I made for Steve's sister and Bucky in my fanfic (feel free to use the info from them). The N and 7 in her tag are for nurse.

The T42 you’ll see below is the year tetanus shots were recieved. I’ve seen some with two years and some with one. The B is blood type and the P is religion. 

Steve received an award for rescuing the POWs. Seeing as this wasn’t presented by the president, I’ve decided it was the Distinguished Service Cross. This award comes with a $2 pay raise; as a Captain, Steve previously made $200 a month, paid monthly (post-serum). Bucky made $78 as a Sergeant, with a $3.90 pay raise after 3 years of service (December 1944). Steve also obtained SSR pins after joining them (and I believe the Howling Commandos should have as well). (Even though nurses had the rank of an officer, they didn’t get equal pay until after WW2. They earned $70 a month for the first 3 years.)

Many soldiers put their second dog tag in their boot, usually slipped on the shoe laces in between the tongue and top of the shoe.

Not a fact, but I will add a link here to a website where you can either buy Bucky/Steve’s dogtags or make custom ones for $10 (personally, I would advocate for the custom as Bucky’s say he’s not from NY and show he is a draftee. Also, he has type B blood, not O. And Steve is Protestant, not Catholic. The site also states officer’s service numbers didn’t start with 9, but those with special duties did. His service number would most like be between 800000 and 999999, starting with a 0- to show he’s an officer).

Sister: Margaret E Rogers N-724669 T42 B                         P

Bucky: James B Barnes 12831412 T42 B Margaret Rogers (next of kin) 1404 Alameda Ave (next of kin address) Brooklyn NY     P (address, religion)

Italian Front:

Seeing as the 107th were venturing to England in June 1943, they most likely headed straight to Sicily from there (or diverged if they had fuel) to aid in the invasion, continuing into the invasion of the mainland before pushing troops back toward Austria. Italy surrendered at the very beginning of the invasion of the mainland, so the Allies only fought Nazis and Italian soldiers loyal to Mussolini (National Republican Army), who was arrested during the invasion of Sicily and broken out during the mainland invasion. Seeing as Chester Phillips and Peggy were with Steve, they must have joined the 107th later. In my canon, they (and Howard) join at the beginning of the mainland invasion. 

AM-lira (Allied-Military Currency), 100 "am-lire" for a U.S. dollar, was the currency specifically put into circulation for Allied Military after the landing in Sicily. It was used interchangeably with their normal currency. Once the Howling Commandoes join the SSR, they use British currency. 

The 107th’s camp pre-Battle of Azzano was most likely behind the  Volturno Line. Azzano is part of Umbria, which was about 170 miles into enemy territory. 

Post-Azzano, the camp was most likely behind the Barbara Line. Walking approx 533 miles from Kreuzberg, Austria, with troops alternating resting periods in the trucks, walking approximately 42 miles for 12 hours a day, they would reach camp in thirteen days.

Random:

Steve’s canon address according to Avengers is 1404 Alameda Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11362. This is a Queens zip code. I changed it to 11237.

As a Sergeant, Bucky would command a squad of 12 soldiers (privates), split into 3 fireteams. He was also assigned a PFC (one of the scout riflemen) as an assistant; this soldier could serve as either the squad leader's messenger to the platoon commander or could be used to relay orders to other squad teams, as needed. Sergeants are responsible for the individual training, personal appearance and cleanliness of their soldiers, and are expected to set a standard for lower-ranked soldiers to live up to.

Women did have their own army sect for part of the war (Women’s Army Corps) but they didn’t go overseas as they didn’t legally get benefits overseas {I didn’t read a lot on this, take this with a grain of salt}. They did all the non-fighting jobs like listening to radio transmissions and fixing weapons. 

On the ship, there were three-tier bunks. Enlisted men got footlockers under their beds (you could lift up the base), while officers got standing lockers. I would assume water on ships was cold, filtered from the ocean, and they had showers.

Showers were available but not popular at this time, just like hot water heaters. Many people still boiled water to take baths. People also didn’t bathe as often and there was only one kind of shampoo and no conditioner. Women made their own concoctions, used soap, or straight up would do egg masks. Hair was kept clean by doing the “100 strokes” with a hairbrush that was cleaned after every use. Indoor heating also wasn’t used everywhere, leaving many places still using things like fireplaces and wood stoves.

Soldiers used latrines in WW2. They also used a bucket of water and a bar of soap to wash. When water was unavailable and snow was, it was melted and used. They could also simply use things like rivers and lakes if available but if unnecessary, weren't used as lice was prevalent along with disease. Clothes weren't washed often (depending on the situation, some men went weeks without washing their uniform, only changing into dry socks when necessary) but when they were, they were boiled in big pots of water in mass and hung on a line to dry (there were also other ways, but I preferred this one). They carried an extra shirt, socks and laces, water canteen, ammunition, a spade, grenades, a gas mask, food rations, a cup, a wash kit (toothpaste, razor, comb, etc), first aid pouch, and a helmet (usually on their head) in their haversack's/on their belt (and rations, of couse). There was also a tent pack, but most soldiers would simply carry a raincoat. Lots of candles and oil lanterns to light the night. Canvas water bags – also known as Lister bags – were hung around camps and used for dispensing drinking water in which a dose of chlorine was added for purification.

Medical:

Morbidity from such diseases as tuberculosis (anti-tuberculosis agents didn’t begin to appear until 1949), rheumatic fever, typhus, dysentery, and malaria were high. There were tuberculosis quarantine wards separate from the other patients and were eventually evacuated. Frostbite was also common during the cold. Hepatitis A and B were also prevalent. Trench foot was also common, sometimes leading to jungle rot (often referred to as 'the creeping cruds'). PTSD was known then as 'battle fatigue'; men showcasing symptoms were often just given rest and food near the front lines and would normally rejoin the fight in a few days or were evacuated if necessary. All soldiers were vaccinated against tetanus, typhoid, smallpox, cholera, and yellow fever before shipping out. Dental hygiene was extremely important and many field hospitals were equipped with dental prosthetics. 

Food:

A-Rations referred to fresh/refrigerated meats, bread, and vegetables, prepared in mess halls. These meals were basically the same as C-rations, but fresh and always warm.

C-Rations consisted of one M-unit (12 oz can, meat), one B-unit (12 oz can, bread/dessert), and an accessory pack. Each daily ration consisted of three M-units, three B-units, and three accessory packs (one for each meal). The cans were made of tinplate. The cans had a gold lacquer finish. C-rations can be eaten cold or hot and were cooked with a Coleman's pocket stove (which was made specifically for WW2 soldiers).

M-units initially had three kinds: meat and beans, meat and potato hash, and meat and vegetable stew. In 1943, meat and spaghetti in tomato sauce was added; along with meat and noodles, pork and rice, frankfurters and beans, and chicken & vegetables in 1944. 1944 also brought a chopped ham, egg, & potato unit and compressed cereal B-units to replace meat & vegetable hash.

B-units contained crackers, three sugar tablets, loose candy (Brach's chocolate caramels, candy-coated peanuts/raisins, Charms hard candy), and a packet/small can of beverage mix (instant coffee, powdered lemon drink, or bouillon soup powder). Orange drink powder was added in 1944. Due to spoilage, the loose candy was replaced in 1944 with a Brach's fudge disk or a Jim dandy.

Accessory packs (brown butcher paper) contained sugar tablets, water purification tablets, a flat wooden spoon, a piece of candy-coated chewing gum, three 3-packs or one 9-pack of cigarettes, a book of 20 moisture resistant matches, a paper-wrapped P-38 can opener (with instructions that everyone immediately throws out), and about 22.5 sheets of toilet paper. Cigarette brands included Camel, Chelsea, Chesterfield, Craven A-Brand, Lucky Strike, Old Gold, Philip Morris, Player's, Raleigh, and Wings (these were traded constantly). Can openers were meant to be disposable but soldiers wore them on their dog tags for later use either with opening cans or other things (clean muddy boots, screw screws, open letters, strip wires, trim loose thread, and sharpen pencils). 

Seriously. They really gave every single soldier three can openers a day. With printed instructions. During metal rationing. Of which soldiers just put them on thier dog tag chains for later use. Where did all these excess can openers go? And why half a sheet of toilet paper? 

Clothes:

The nurses wore an olive drab service jacket and skirt (they are seen in pants as well) and cap, khaki shirt and tie, and brown shoes (wore nursing shoes or boots). The rank insignia (a single gold bar for second lieutenants, the vast majority of nurses) was worn on the epaulets. A gold "U.S." pin was worn on each collar, and a gold caduceus with a red N was worn on each lapel. Whenever the service jacket wasn't worn, the rank insignia was pinned to the right collar, the caduceus on the left.

Soldier’s field uniforms looked like this (with some adjustments based on gun used). And yes, the leggings are neccessary, they helped keep feet dry: 

The layout I made for Steve’s apartment (there are 2 beds and dressers in the spare room because Bucky lives there too, feel free to change this):

These aren’t all the links I used, because I’ve gone through a lot, like a lot, but here are the ones I saved that are relevant (I don’t like using wiki but I cross-checked any info stated above):

https://www.google.com/amp/s/screenrant.com/winter-soldier-mcu-complete-timeline-bucky-barnes/amp/ https://movies.stackexchange.com/questions/65170/how-did-bucky-get-the-rank-of-sergeant https://marvel-movies.fandom.com/wiki/Steven_Rogers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_campaign_(World_War_II) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allied_invasion_of_Sicily https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allied_invasion_of_Italy https://history.amedd.army.mil/booksdocs/wwii/medsvcsinmedtrnmnrthrtrs/chapter6.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squad https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/4j8zos/pay_of_american_gis_during_world_war_ii/ https://blogs.stockton.edu/womeninwwtwo/womens-military-involvemnt/womens-nurse-corps/#:~:text=The%20pay%20of%20members%20in,per%20month%E2%80%9D%20(2). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Service_number_(United_States_Army) https://www.med-dept.com/articles/u-s-army-ww2-dog-tags/

Find me on Wattpad here where all of this information and more will be compiled in a Bucky Barnes series with mediocre writing (coming soon). 

[imadeletingmysocials]

Things cheaper at Dollartree (after much research)

This is a big list I made for myself and anyone else who wants to know what is legit cheaper at the dollar tree and not just 1 dollar for the sake of there, some things might surprise you what is cheaper and even better at a dollar tree. I try to also pick the healthiest options and compare them to prices in places such as Walmart or a large stock place like BJs. I have also used fooducate.com to see which ones are more healthy, of course with things such as chips and snacks though don’t consider them to be healthy but in those cases I opt for the off-brand ones that taste better than the brand ones. Note: This is USA based.

Food:

Drinks:

Azul Coconut Juice, 16.5 oz. (cheapest and healthiest coconut water out there)

Gatorade Fruit Punch Thirst Quencher, 24 oz.

Stacker 2 B-12 Vitamin Shots is also cheaper.

Rockstar Pure Zero Silver Ice Energy Drinks (energy drinks are bad for you but it’s like 30 cents cheaper here than in walmart)

LaCroix Lime Flavored Sparkling Water 1 litter

(don’t even bother with any or all of the cheap soda it’s the worst, please drink water if anything else, all of the good soda is cheaper somewhere else also)

Snacks:

Cheez-It Original Baked Snack Crackers, 4.5 oz is cheaper at Dollartree.

Nabisco Cheese Nips Baked Snack Crackers, 7 oz is cheaper at Dollartree.

Nabisco Ritz Bits Cheese and Cracker Sandwiches, 3-oz. is SORTA cheaper at dollartree.

Island Choice Dry-Roasted Peanuts, 7.5 oz. (shelled nuts cheaper everywhere else of course in bulk)

Island Choice Honey-Roasted Dry-Roasted Peanuts, 7.5 oz

Pennysticks Mini Pretzels, 12 oz (pretzels the same, these cheaper)

Tropical Chips Plantains, 3-oz (30 cents cheaper)

Barcel Takis Fuego Flavored Churritos Stix, 4 oz (apparently, 9oz is 2,50 so 3 would be 12oz and 3 dollars, it would be kinda cheaper?)

Pringles Grab & Go Barbecue Chips, 2.5 oz (buying in bulk anywhere else is cheaper though, however, this single container costs 1,25 everywhere else)

Brim's Fried Barbecue Pork Rinds, 2.635 oz

Carolina Country Snacks Salt & Vinegar Pork Rinds. 2.75 oz

Sheila G's Chocolate Chip Brownie Brittle, 2 oz

Barcel Takis Crunchy Fajitas Tortilla Chips, 3.2 oz

T.G.I. Friday’s Jalapeno Cheddar Potato Skins Snack Chips, 4.5 oz

Snack Factory Original Pretzel Crisps, 3-oz (50 cents cheaper!)

PopCorners Kettle Flavor Popped Corn Chips, 3 oz. (better in bulk also)

Good Health Veggie Chips with Sea Salt, 2.75-oz (better in bulk also)

Stacy's Parmesan Garlic & Herb Flavored Pita Chips, 3 oz (better in bulk also)

Rudolph's OnYums Onion-Flavored Ring Chips, 3 oz (it’s off brand Funyuns but it’s actually BETTER and cheaper depending on where you buy them because they’re often sold more expensively at gas stations than Funyuns, fun fact)

Island Choice Banana Chips, 6 oz. Bags

Island Choice Sweet and Spicy Trail Mix, 5 oz (healthy!)

Breakfast Blueberry Biscuits, 7.93 oz.

Harvest Hill Quick Oats, 16 oz. Canisters (Top choice too)

Canned and Pickled

Pampa Tropical Mango Slices in Light Syrup, 15 oz. Cans

Bell's Pitted Olives, 6 oz

Green Giant Sliced Carrots, 14.5 oz (but mostly because I cannot find them anywhere else, all other Green Giant stuff is sold cheaper in bulk though)

Margaret Holmes Finely Chopped Spinach, 27 oz (TOP CHOICE)

Crider Premium Chunk White Turkey 5oz

Libby"s Sliced Pineapple, 20 oz (surprisingly!)

Margaret Holmes Seasoned Field Peas and Snaps, 15 oz

Cans of Pampa(R) Peach Slices, 15.25oz

Pampa Mushroom Pieces & Stems, 10 oz

Pampa Extra-Long Asparagus Spears, 12-oz (by the way Pampa is a really good healthy brand which is cheaper so these alternatives are great)

Libby's Premium Mandarin Oranges, 15 oz

Breckenridge Farms Pickled Jalapeno Slices, 12.5 oz (however Old El Paso Jalapeno Slices, Pickled 12.5oz is 1 dollar more expensive in other places and considered more healthy)

Van Camp's Chunk White Albacore Tuna 5oz (keep in mind this is the only canned tuna that is cheaper at dollartree, Albacore is very healthy and usually more expensive than Tuna, but dollartree sells white albacore in water on the same price as light tuna, this is a very good tuna brand as well)

Mc. Trader Tender Green Asparagus Spears, 10.5 oz

Pampa Smoked Oysters in Oil

Healthy Choice Chicken Noodle Soup, 15-oz

Beach Cliff Sardines in Mustard Sauce, 3.75 (top choice)

Beach Cliff Sardines in Water, 3.75 oz (top choice)

French Onion Dip, 8.5 oz (all onion’s dips the same as well)

Condiments and Spicing

Goya Sazon Seasoning, 8-Packet Boxes

Deli Market Yellow Mustard 20oz (not only is this the best healthiest mustard, but it’s cheaper if you buy it like this than any other mustard in stock size, I wish I had known of this before already stocking up buy buying a 2 pack of 20oz mustard at BJs which is enough to last a year for me)

Louisiana Supreme Hot Sauce 12oz (top choice too)

Kendale Farm Beef Broth, 32 oz (top choice, cheaper than most 32oz broths)

Heinz 57 Sauce, 5 oz. (1,50 cheaper than Walmart)

Hunts Tomato Ketchup, 20 oz (all ketchup is the same)

Deli Market Deli Spicy Brown Mustard (top choice)

Riverton Orchards Lemon Juice, 32-oz (lemon juice the same)

Kraft Bullseye Everyday Original Barbecue Sauce, 17.5-oz (80 cents cheaper than the same product in Target)

A.1. Thick & Hearty Steak Sauce, 5 oz. (SURPRISINGLY, not even in bulk is it as cheap as this? Weird, 5oz is 1 dollar right? 30oz for A1 is usually 8 dollars in stock supermarkets, but 5 times 8 would be 40oz! This is... Interesting. Especially considering it’s a well known brand as well, I wonder who is their dealer or are they just selling it cheap out of donation?)

Healthy Chef Canola Non-Stick Cooking Spray (this one’s pretty wild too, it only is sold at dollartree and is considered the healthiest cooking spray in the entirety of America according to fooducate)

Candy

Gonna go on a safe bet here and say that everything can be found for less and in greater quantity anywhere else. Hairbo Twin Snake is the same price at Walmart though. Most candies are sold 40% cheaper at bulk supermarkets though.

Office & School Supplies

You can probably find all of these at an Ebay auction, but it’s more accessible here.

Crayola Washable Glue Sticks, 2-ct. Packs (1.50 cheaper than walmart)

Duck Tape is cheap as hell

All-Purpose Krazy Glue, .052-oz. Tubes

Other stuff:

Laundry stuff, I’d recommend Ajax 40oz or Fab. Those are AMAZING brands and known as top quality in Australia. And it is insane how cheap this is, they must import it??

Scott Toilet Paper: Oh my god HOW IS 4 TOILET PAPERS THIS CHEAP HERE AT THE DOLLAR TREE???? TP is literally more expensive everywhere else.

Kitchen appliances, a glass salt shaker is like 5 dollars at Walmart but it’s 1 dollar at dollartree. All of the Betty Crocker kitchen appliances like spatulas are only a dollar too and so good. (They are 3 DOLLARS cheaper at dollar tree). IT IS INSANE HOW CHEAP this shit is here, like the can opener they sell for 1 dollar is 6 or 5 dollars everywhere else.

Fisher-Price Smart Care Aloe Vera and Chamomile Baby Wipes, 80-ct. Packs

All Arm & Hammer stuff including the Arm & Hammer Ultra Max 3-in-1 Fresh Scented Body Wash, Shampoo, and Conditioner, 12 oz are good choices. Deodorant too is good. All Arm and hammer stuff here is cheaper than on Walmart and a great brand.

Hand soap might be found for 97 cents at Walmart but it’s a small difference.

Not Cheaper, Best bought at a bulk store:

Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels

snack bars.

V8 Vegetable Juice

Potato Stix

Cereal

Canned Soup

Canned Tuna

Badia Original Complete Seasoning (this took a while to calculate but yes it’s cheaper to buy in bulk, dollartree has 2,5oz for 1 dollar, usually a 2 pack of 12oz each is 13 dollars. if you do like 2.5 times 2.5oz, it’s like 32oz which is more than 24oz for 13 dollars, but you can find 1.75 lbs. of this for 8 dollars)

Iodized Salt (get it at Great value honestly)

Dill Pickles in general, but Vlasic Kosher Dill Pickles is the healthiest choice

Cambell canned soups

Goya canned beans

Sunny Sea Sardines in Tomato Sauce, 7.5-oz

Here’s hoping me publishing this doesn’t crash the market or anything but seriously, you can live healthily and frugally like this. I literally survive like this easily, I just spend like 60 dollars a month max with supplies.

[tlbodine]

Thanksgiving is Gonna Be Weird: A Survival Guide for 2020

It’s 2020, the pandemic is worse than ever, and the holidays are right around the corner. No matter what, this is going to be a weird Thanksgiving for a lot of people. With travel restrictions in place and most of us having a mighty desire not to murder our friends and family by spreading around a disease, there’s a good chance that you’re going to be celebrating a bit differently this year. 

And, hey, maybe you decide not to celebrate at all. Which is perfectly valid! 

But maybe you’re staring down the possibility of your first Thanksgiving on your own, or feeding just the small group you live for rather than a big crowd, or some other unusual circumstance. And if that’s the case, I wanted to compile together some resources/ideas to help you out. I know this isn’t my usual horror fare, but...well, I hope it’s helpful, regardless. 

“Help, I’ve Never Made Thanksgiving Dinner Before” Starter Kit

Maybe you’ve always gone home for the holidays but are currently stuck in an apartment with a few roommates, and none of you have any intensive cooking skills. Maybe you always take the kids to Grandma’s house and have never had to contribute more than a side dish but now really want to do a proper Thanksgiving feast for your partner(s), kid(s) and whoever else lives in your house. 

Never fear! A Thanksgiving feast doesn’t have to be intimidating! In fact, Thanksgiving foods are usually pretty simple; the most challenging part of the whole feast is the project management aspect of working with a lot of different dishes and getting everything ready at once. But the smaller your crowd to feed, the easier that is! 

So, the first thing you’ll want to do is come up with a menu. Sit down and write a list of all the foods you normally eat and enjoy on Thanksgiving. If something is served at your family meal that you’ve never cared for, guess what? You can boot that bad boy right off the list! 

By and large, the standard Thanksgiving feast consists of: 

Roast turkey 

Mashed potatoes

Gravy

Some kind of dinner roll

Cranberry sauce

Some number of vegetable side dishes (often a green been casserole and a sweet potato casserole) 

Some kind of dessert (often/traditionally a pumpkin pie) 

I’ve linked above some easy & favorite techniques/recipes for all of these foods, but of course you can buy time-saving convenience items to get you rolling -- from potato flakes to gravy mix to premade pie. I won’t tell if you don’t. 

If there’s something you’re used to eating every year that you don’t know how to make....call whoever usually makes it! If at all possible, obviously, I’m not recommending you do a seance to talk to your dead great-aunt and get her rolls recipe. Just, like...phone up your friend/family member, get the recipe, and use it as an opportunity to connect. Odds are both of you are missing the human interaction. 

“Hey, That’s Nice, But I Live in a Dorm Room”  Edition 

Okay, okay, I get it. You’re away at college and can’t get home to see your family safely and you’re living in some kind of weird socially isolated dorm situation where you have limited access to cooking implements. Or, shit, idk, maybe you’re couch-surfing or living in a motel or otherwise not in possession of a full kitchen. 

I got you, fam. 

Do you have at your disposal a microwave? Rice cooker? Even an electric kettle will work! 

If you have some way to boil water, you can make instant mashed potatoes, gravy, and stove-top stuffing. If you have a microwave, you can steam some vegetables and bake a sweet potato. For dessert, core an apple, stuff the cavity with brown sugar + cinnamon + butter and nuke in the microwave for 4 minutes. 

It’s hypothetically possible to microwave a turkey, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, I’d opt to buy a deli roast chicken (about $5 at most grocery stores), or even just some turkey deli meat. Alternatively, ham usually just needs to be warmed rather than cooked, and you can buy a big ol’ ham steak at the store for a couple of bucks. 

“I’m Dead Broke Because COVID, Send Help” 

You know the great thing about Thanksgiving food? It’s cheap. No, really! It can be, anyway, especially since a lot of foods go on sale. 

In my area anyway, the local Wal-Mart and Smith’s Grocery have: 

A can of green beans for about 79 cents

A bag of instant mashed potatoes for about $1 

A big can of yams for about $1, or fresh yams for 50 cents/lb (usually a couple sweet potatoes = 1lb) 

Canned corn or peas + corn for 50 cents, or steam-in-bag veggies of your choice for $1 

Stovetop stuffing for $1 or sometimes even 50 cents per box 

Margarine for 79 cents to $1 

Gravy mix packets for 50 cents each

A can of cranberry sauce for $1 or less

Most of these are also available at Dollar Tree! 

A lot of food banks will also be giving out turkeys this time of year, and some grocery stores will give you a free turkey if you spend $50 or $100 on groceries or whatever. Do you have an older relative who needs groceries? Ask if you can go buy their food and deliver it to their door (contactless!) and keep the free turkey.

You can pretty easily feed a group of 4-6 for $20 or so, especially if you’re willing to be flexible on your protein. And what are you doing feeding more than 6 people in the middle of a pandemic, huh? 

“I’m Used to Hosting a Big Dinner But There’s Only Like Three Of Us Living In This House WTF How Do I Scale This Shit Down” 

Maybe you are a Thanksgiving veteran. Maybe you’re accustomed to hosting for a big crowd and cooking a small meal just seems dumb and pointless. I feel you. This is my life right now! But don’t despair! 

The way I see it, you’ve got a couple-three options: 

Option One: 

Cook your turkey + a different side each day, and eat your Thanksgiving feast spread out over a week or so. It’ll keep your leftovers from dominating your fridge, let you eat something fresh, and allow you to enjoy all your favorite recipes. Downside is you’ll have to cook every day, so you tell me if you’re too busy to do that. 

Option Two: 

Cook everything that you normally would, but portion off half of it or whatever to stuff into your freezer, or go deliver it to somebody else’s door. The odds are pretty good that you’ve got a friend or family member who is freaking out about the holiday, and if you can’t see them in person, you can at least drop food off on their porch and then honk aggressively/cheerfully from the safety of your car! 

Option Three: 

Make something different this year. If you’re a foodie, take this as an opportunity to challenge yourself to create something high-maintenance and weird that you wouldn’t normally make. This is a good choice if you’re off work and stuck in your house with nothing else to do. Basically you’re subbing out quantity for quality so the meal still feels special and unique even if it’s, y’know....just you and your cat, or whoever. 

PS: Roasting a whole chicken or a cornish game hen is a fun, small-scale way to get your bird-in-the-oven experience. You can also buy a turkey breast and just cook that, which will be a lot faster than the whole bird anyway. 

"I’m An Essential Worker And I’m Working Thanksgiving And Have No Time To Do ANYTHING, What Now?” 

Dude, I get it. And whether you’re a doctor, nurse, grocery store employee, or whatever other essential service-worker, my heart goes out to you because hoo boy this year has been shit, hasn’t it? I can’t do anything about the hazard pay situation, but I CAN tell you that there are a few places offering delivery-based Thanksgiving meal options! 

You might want to search around a bit for your specific area. Cracker Barrel, Marie Callendar’s, Boston Market, and other types of branded “home-cooking” type restaurants tend to have some kind of Thanksgiving thing. Why not call your local restaurant fav to see if they’re doing something similar? Most restaurants are desperate for a way to stay afloat right now, so a ton of places that don’t traditionally deliver are offering curbside service now. It’s worth a try! 

So, there you have it. 

I hope some of these tips taught you something new, pointed you to a helpful resource, or gave you some ideas. More than anything, I just want everybody to be safe and happy this holiday. So, please -- get creative, wear your mask while you’re shopping, avoid the get-togethers, and be careful. You may save a life!