#but this is genuinely like bakery level bread and it’s SO EASY

[dreamaboutwhathappens]

MAJOR shoutout to jaime cbhf @cages-boxes-hunters-foxes for the legendary pumpkin bread recipe — i saved it ages ago and made it last night and it is so delectably tasty. thank you queen

[jessicafayre6]

Things You Need to Know Before Getting a House for Sale in Bonnyrigg

Everyone wants to live the time of their lives surrounded by amazing people and entertaining attractions, which is why sometimes it can be challenging to choose the best place to call home. However, if you are looking for a tight community and stunning natural landscape, selecting a house for sale in Bonnyrigg is the best solution for you.

Just like any other area, real estate in Bonnyrigg has its peculiarities and allure. Thus, in order to make the right decision, doing a little research may help you choose the ideal spot to call home. Whether it is a property near the park for afternoon frisbee games with the dog or a quiet neighbourhood great for morning jogs, it is all about finding a location that connects with your lifestyle. Then, let's take a closer look to determine whether this peaceful neighbourhood meets all your requirements!

1.    This Real Estate Neighbourhood Has Friendly People

Many young families are moving there because of all the great things it has to offer, so it seems modern and hip. Being able to send their children to prestigious institutions is a massive relief for working parents. Moreover, when kids get tired, they can walk in the park, play in nature, and create memories that will help them on a personal level.

The residents love to come to Bunker Park to play hide-and-seek or relax on one of the extensive lawns. The icing on the cake is the area's laid-back vibe; after a long day in the city, you and your loved ones can rest and recharge in this tranquil setting. It is not surprising that this neighbourhood is attracting so many families as a potential home for their children.

2.    Choose Your House for Sale in a Great Location

Located around 35 kilometres west of the hustle and bustle of Sydney's central business district, this stunning area offers the best of both worlds: the metropolitan conveniences and the welcoming suburban atmosphere. You can get away from it all on a daily basis, but it is still within easy driving distance of Sydney's central business district and the M7 highway. Because of this, buying a house for sale in Bonnyrigg is an excellent choice for those who like the energy of the city but yet value the tranquillity of suburban nightlife.

When you are not in the mood to go out into the city, there are plenty of local attractions to enjoy. No matter what time of year you visit, you are sure to find something entertaining and exciting at the Fairfield Showground. There are plenty of tasty foods close by, so you will not have to go far to satisfy your hunger. You may fulfil any need at one of the many local cafes that provide a wide range of cuisines in the neighbourhood. Thus, this neighbourhood is the place to go for both a fast lunch and a leisurely supper.

3.    Indulge New Cultural Experiences

The real estate in Bonnyrigg is a lively tapestry that incorporates elements from various cultures. Still, the Italian influence is most pervasive—a manner of life, not only a matter of legacy. As you meander along the street, you could get a whiff of an authentic Italian bakery's baking bread or see a deli's towering display of juicy tomatoes and shiny olives.

It is about taking your time in a busy restaurant for a leisurely lunch while stuffing your face with delicious pasta dishes that taste like those Nonna used to cook. Feeling like you have stepped into someone's house, surrounded by pleasant conversation and genuine hospitality, is what life is all about. So, savour every moment as you peruse the area's stores and eateries. Not only will your taste senses be delighted, but you will also be able to fully immerse yourself in the unique cultural history of this region.

4.    A Place Full of Festivals

If you love a good street party, then look no further than Bonnyrigg! Every year, the town comes alive with the infectious energy of the Italian Street Fair. It is a vibrant celebration that goes way beyond just food – it is a full-on immersion into Italian culture. The streets themselves transform into a bustling marketplace, overflowing with stalls laden with the most delicious Italian treats imaginable – think fresh pasta dishes, cured meats, and fragrant pastries that will have your mouth watering.

However, it is not just about the food; there is a real sense of a tight community spirit that permeates the whole event. Locals come together to celebrate their heritage, and visitors are warmly welcomed into the fold. Indulge in the local culture, meet new people, and improve your Italian language skills—all while stepping out of your comfort zone—at this incredible opportunity.

5.    Make the Right Choice

The way each house for sale looks in this area reflects the town's diversity of residents' lives. Suppose you are a young professional in need of a chic, contemporary apartment near all the excitement or a family with a growing family in search of a large home with a backyard for grilling. In that case, you will definitely find something that suits your needs.

Beginning your search for this stunning neighbourhood with an internet search will give you a good idea of what the town has to offer. Browse listings to get a feel for costs and the amenities offered by various neighbourhoods. If you are still looking for more about the real estate area in which you want to move after doing some preliminary research, open houses are an excellent next step.

Asking the present occupants or the realtor questions about the neighbourhood and getting a feel for the property's layout and atmosphere are both made much easier with this method. Finding a hidden treasure in a peaceful neighbourhood or being pleasantly surprised by the potential of a friendly, established fixer-upper are also possibilities.

[vesuvianmess]

Popsicles?

Art by @jilljoycearts Drexxel is @vesuvianmess Vell is @deathbyarcana

A short fic recounting how these two met, pulled (with some edits) directly from a currently running roleplay.

Quick Warning: Contains mentions of stalking and harassment

"You are very welcome, have a good rest of your day!" He waved the group off with a smile. "Hiya, what can I get you?" He asked another.

Flitting back and forth from group to group, he greeted every single person with a genuine smile. There was nothing more satisfying than seeing others light up with joy. He’d taken up working at the bakery part time to help with some expenses of running his own shop. And he had to admit, the smell of fresh baked bread may have influenced that choice. The job was never boring as the market was always flooded with people, locals and travelers alike, all looking for something. Still, he only worked with Selasi during the mornings and early afternoons. When he’d had his fill, he would return home to open the doors to his own little business.

But today, he had something a little different in mind. Instead of selling little animal pelts, herbs, bits, and bobbles, he was in and out again in a flash. Having changed into something much more comfortable for the heat, he pulled a wheeled cart behind him to the town square. Near the fountain, he’d found the perfect spot and pulled the cover off the cart. It would take him a little time to set everything up, but once it was done, he noticed people already beginning to gather around. Some faces he'd seen many, many times before. Others, much more new. Taking a seat on an overturned wooden bucket, he twirled a pair of drumsticks between his fingers. 

“Hello Vesuvia, I’m bringing you a special late afternoon show! Now then," he sat up a little, the line of his back straightening. "For those of you new to my show, we have fun here! Here's how this goes!" making a grand sweeping gesture to the gathered crowd, he continued on. "You may request a song but there is no guarantee I will play it. I will not tolerate pushing, shoving, or otherwise harmful activity during my shows. And, as always, tips are appreciated but not required, come stay for awhile and feel the beat of the sound! I'm Drexxel Volkov, and may luck be forever in your favor!" 

It started with a small metallic chime, a shortstop of little taps on the rims of the set. But before long the square was alight with the beating of drums. His whole body moved in time with each beat almost as if he were dancing along to his own song. Small children bounced and tugged at their parents' sleeves, urging them to get closer. New comers stood with delighted expressions, some even getting a little antsy standing in one place, others giving way to bouncing their bodies to the rhythm. 

There was nothing better than this, looking out into the crowd as he thrummed away the minutes, flipping the sticks and singing along even though nobody could hear him over the heartbeat he'd created. 

The crowd was thick as usual but new faces stuck out easy to him. Even with the prick of sweat beginning to roll down his forehead, he was able to focus enough to make everyone feel included in his performance. One face in particular he stopped at for more than a split second. A taller man with vivid blue hair, dark skin, and a sort of shaken demeanor. He looked….out of place perhaps amid the crowd, like he could bolt at any moment. Drexel found himself stealing glances at the man throughout his show, a dizzying knot of butterflies in his gut as he saw the man start to meld into the hum around him. The thrill of the performance carried him through like a tidal wave crashing against the shore, his fiery passion shining through clear as day. Every movement felt natural, every breath felt like a whole new beginning. Drexxel never came from a background that favored this sort of thing, rather it was something he'd picked up on his own time. He had the extra energy to spare and needed an outlet to help with it. Besides, he always did like seeing people smile and what better way to do that then get them moving? 

Into the second song now and he felt a wave of static run through him. Someone in the crowd was a magician. He could feel it. Even through the loud beating of drums and the crashing of cymbals the low electrical humming filled his body. He was sure of it. But was this magician able to sense him as well? That he did not know. He wasn’t sure precisely where the feeling was coming from, but he was determined to draw it out. With it toying at his mind, he decided it was time to show off just a little more. After all, using magic was a good way to lure out another magician. 

Drexxel simply waited as he beat along in time to find the perfect moment to really show off his moves. Normally he would have saved this bit for later in the evening, but he just had to do it now. After feeling that little pang of magic, he knew he had to show whoever was producing it, that they weren't the only one with fancy magic at their fingertips. Just a moment longer....

When the final chorus of the song hit, he let it loose. His drumsticks sparked and crackled to life, enveloped in searing hot flames. With his sticks now burning with intense heat, he slammed away at his drums with more grandeur and energy than before. With each hit fire roared from the contact point, creating a dazzling display of towers of fire in varying sizes. If anything were to draw this other magician out, it would be this. 

By the end of the show, much to his dismay, this fellow kin had not revealed themselves. It was a bit of a shame really, he would have loved to have someone join in his performance. What a dazzling display that would have been. He could only imagine what kind of magic would have complimented his own.

"Thank you all for joining me this afternoon!" He gave a bow, his hair falling a bit loose from his bun. "It's a hot one out today so make sure to stay hydrated and get some good food in your belly!" 

 He stood and lifted his arms over his head in a long stretch before using the rad cloth tied to his side to wipe away the sweat that cling to his skin. The show was over, but people still lingered in the area, some tossing coins into an open bowl near the drum set, others approaching Drexxel with questions. He was small for his age of twenty-five, standing at mere chest (or just below) level with most other adult’s that spoke with him. He had a thin, but decently sturdy frame with most of his strength apparent in his legs. Most people would know him for a scar that ran along his right cheek. Whenever asked about it he would simply tell them he didn’t remember where it came from but knew he’d had it most of his life. 

The town square was still bustling with people as he began to pack up his things. Above it all though, he could hear footsteps approaching him. He paused a moment then spun on his heel to come face to face with a regular to his shows. The man was leagues taller than himself and had a strange look to his eyes. He was holding a piece of paper, crumpled and damp with sweat in his hands. Drexxel heard the man speak but didn’t quite catch the words. 

“I’m sorry?” He responded back, urging the man to repeat himself. When he did, a chill ran down his spine. “...Go out with me. Dinner.” He pushed the paper into Drexxel’s hands. “You’re so pretty.” 

The smaller pulled the note apart just enough to read it. In shaken scrawl it read:

‘Don’t make a scene. I’ve been planning this. You and I belong together.’

He’d seen this sort of thing before in books and screenplays. Some secret admirer gets too confident and goes after someone who isn’t interested and it becomes a problem. Problem being a kind way to put it. Harassment was a better word for it. Bold of him to make the attempt in broad daylight, let alone a busy square. In the kindest way possible, Drexel looked up at the man and spoke.

“I’d love to, but I have plans this evening. Another show I mean.” 

He felt the prickle of magic in the air again, but it wasn’t coming from the man in front of him. The magician was still in the area. 

"Excuse me, I'm talking to you." the man's voice broke him from his thoughts. "I'll be picking you up this evening."

Drexxel's brow furrowed, the energy around him shifting like hissing smoke trying to catch on damp wood. 

"I'm really sorry, I mean it." He offered a sincerely looking apologetic smile. "But I really must be getting home." He made a move to leave but was stopped when the man caught his wrist. 

"You're not going anywhere short-stack." 

This....could be bad. As much as the crowd had dissipated, there were still people lingering about. Too much of a risk to cause a scene. But every fiber of Drexxel's being was telling him to flee. He needed an out. In the most...nonchalant way possible, he attempted to wriggle his wrist free. 

"Your performance really spoke to me Drexxy. It's like you were composing a symphony just for me." As he was caught in his own little moment, Drexxel pulled his wrist free. But it only lasted a second.

He felt a pull against his skin before he heard a small snap. The man had missed when reaching for Drexxel's wrist and instead caught the beaded double bracelet on his wrist. Beads had gone flying haphazardly in every direction, landing on the stones below like pellets. In that moment he felt the pull of magic much closer than before. This other magician was close. Very close. 

Drexxel was unfortunately used to people approaching him with much more....fervor than he anticipated. However, this particular instance was something else. He'd never had someone so adamant on taking him home. If this were to go on for a moment longer, he was sure to lose his composer. He may be a pretty upbeat guy but he also had a notoriously short fuse. 

That hissing aura was rapidly kindling itself from a crackling campfire to a firestorm. When his bracelet snapped, he felt something in him switch. Rage bubbled up under his skin like pot boiling over on a stove set too high. His fist clenched and a growl escaped him. 

But then, out of nowhere, everything around him stopped. He was about to throw a fiery punch but stopped short when he saw another man between him and his new 'friend'. It was the man he saw in the crowd! He said he was there to help just now. But what was he doing here and how did he…

"How--?" Then it hit him like a hard slap to the face. "So you're the magician I was picking up on!" His anger flickered back to amusement and joy. "I knew I wasn't imagining it! Oh! The helping thing, yes." 

Drexxel offered the newest stranger a warm, bright smile. Without hesitation, he grabbed his hand and shook it furiously. 

"Nice to meet you, I'm Drexxel! What do you say we blow this popsicle stand and get somewhere far away from this creep?"

The other man seemed to freeze up, like he expected a much worse response. His whole arm wobbled when Drexxel shook it. His eyes were wide and his lips parted in shock. It took him a minute to process what the smaller man had said to him. 

“Oh, I…that is….popcicles?” The man felt his face go hot, blood rushing to his cheeks. He was sure the smaller man would mistake him for a tomato. 

Drexxel watched him curiously. It was like watching the gears of a clock turning, the way this man seemed to be having an inner monologue with himself about whether or not he’d made the right call to get involved. He could feel how shaken up the man was, his hand trembling. Not very good at keeping his cool was he? Finally he spoke again. 

“It’s localized. My….my magic…it…I mean I…no, it. It will wear off when we get a distance away. He could follow? I- who, well…popsicles?”

Drexxel had always been good at making new friends and getting people to laugh and smile. He was small, yes, but he made up for his size with seemingly boundless energy. It was nearly impossible to not like the guy. But, he could tell, he kind of took this one by surprise. But it wasn't the first time someone had responded this way. Not often he got to see someone turn that red before though!

Whoever this new guy was, Drexxel had never seen his face in Vesuvia before. And he’dbeen in the city for quite some time now. It'd been since he was about nineteen. He knew almost every face in Vesuvia, even if a good handful of them were only in passing. But this one, this one he wanted to know more about. Consider his interest piqued. 

When time came back and this new magician struggled to make a clear sentence, it was all Drexxel could do to hold in a laugh. Localized magic though, not sure he'd heard of that one before. He completely skipped over the popsicle schtick.

"Localized huh? Hey, think you could use your magic with mine? I'm thinking....a wall of fire!" He still hadn't let go of the stranger's hand. "I could put a wall of fire around him, just tall enough to trip him up of course. You could stop time around it until we get far enough away that your....localization wears off!" Mossy green eyes brimmed with excitement. He gave the hand in his a squeeze. 

"I bet we'll make a great team!"

He could see the man trying to process the words coming out of Drexxel’s mouth. He’ll admit, he was a bit of a fast talker when he was excited. 

“Wall of fire…” He repeated Drexxel’s words, more to himself than the other, considering the idea. Not terribly flawed, he thought. A quick fix but not long lasting. “Worth…worth a shot.” an unsteady voice. “Wait - a team?” Vell had barely gotten the words out before the air thrummed with magical energy and, just as promised, fire sprung to life around the note wielding creep. If the situation weren’t as it was, he might have taken time to admire the flames.

"That's what I said isn't it? A team!" He mused, giving this new friend a wink. 

When time did in fact stop around his flames, the passion in his eyes burned that much brighter. He beamed at this new stranger. 

"Talk about a cool party trick. Come on, let's get out of here." Still gripping that hand, he took off. Hopefully this new friend could keep up with him. 

They took off out of the square, rushing past pedestrians and shopping stalls in a race to escape the area. Drexxel had taken the lead, ducking and diving under obstacles like it was as easy as breathing. He felt his new found companion trip up a few times but he managed to keep up the pace. He was new to Vesuvia and hadn’t the slightest idea where the two of them were headed. Drexxel looked back to check on his new friend at just the wrong moment. The edge of his sandal caught on uneven stone, sending him tumbling into an unattended fruit cart, scattering oranges along the alley. He’d never let go of this new companion’s hand, and in turn, the two of them fell together. The other man now had him pinned, a leg on either side of him. 

“I-- We-- uh…” The stranger fought to find the right words, feeling like a tea kettle ready to whistle. “We fell.” 

Drexxel could feel his own face burning a bright shade. He would have been able to laugh it off if it weren’t for his immediate attraction to this man. Impulse guiding him, he offered the man a toying smirk. “You know, I think this might be fate.” He winked. “And I don’t even know your name.” 

“M-my name?” The other man stuttered.

He tried to stand, pulling on Drexxel’s hands to pull him up as well, only to lose his footing. He fell back onto the stone, the smaller of the two now sitting perched on his abdomen. The look in his eyes was….entrancing. Intoxicating even. He couldn’t look away. “I’m Vell.” 

“Vell…” Drexxel liked the way the name felt when he said it. He let his hands drift to the other man’s chest, watching him with bright eager eyes.

Now, what was that saying about playing with fire?

[pandawritespoorly]

And: Chapter 2 - Without

Author’s Note: Thank you all so much for your patience again! I meant to have this up on Tuesday, but between school finally starting back up, and getting back into the habit of regular updates, it just didn't happen. I promise I wasn't disappearing again!

First | Last

Marinette sits up when she hears a notification from that app. She and Chat had found a messaging app that they could both use without revealing their identities, and had been using it to communicate without having to transform.

It was already hard enough to sneak away for attacks, they didn’t need to make it more complicated.

It’s just a quiet study hour in the library, and she’s alone, so she pulls out her phone.

 Cat Boy: hey bug

Cat Boy: weird question

Cat Boy: do you

Cat Boy: do u think that i weigh 2 much

 Little Lady: no!

Little Lady: not at all kitty

Little Lady: underneath all that armor and magic leather im pretty sure your waist is the same size as mine

Little Lady: if anything you dont weigh enough

Little Lady: im bringing snacks on patrol

Little Lady: this is non negotiable

Little Lady: text me ur favorites

Little Lady: but later. what brought this on

 Cat Boy: just civilian stuff

Cat Boy: i know i’m not overweight

Cat Boy: but seeing the numbers andstuff all the time it can kind of stick in ur head you know

Cat Boy: and then u start thinking about it

Cat Boy: and it sticks around longer

 Little Lady: and then it’s taken root

 Cat Boy: yeah

 Little Lady: then we have some weeding to do >:(

 Cat Boy: :)

Cat Boy: thanks bug

 Little Lady: not a problem

---

Little Lady: do i do enough

Little Lady: like

Little Lady: all of this

Little Lady: is it good enough

Little Lady: paris and the kwamis and the akumas and hakwmoth

Little Lady: shouln’t I have fixed all of this bu now

Little Lady: it’s what im here for

Little Lady: but theres sill so much wrong and i feel like im not enough right to cancel it all out

Little Lady: and i just

Little Lady: i feel so bad

Little Lady: but half the time i dont even kno what i fel bad about u kno

Little Lady: i jsut fell bad

Little Lady: abuto evryting

Little Lady: o goodenss it 3 am

Little Lady: sory

Little Lady: ignreo tihs

 Cat Boy: bug

Cat Boy: breathe

Cat Boy: five things you see

 Little Lady: pilwo phonoe tiki cieling um

Little Lady: blankt

 Cat Boy: four things you feel

 Little Lady: bed

Little Lady: pilow hair sheets

 Cat Boy: three things you hear

 Little Lady: cars wind and keyboadr clicks

 Cat Boy: two things you smell

 Little Lady: the candle i had burning and bread

 Cat Boy: bread?

 Little Lady: bakery nearby

 Cat Boy: oh okay

Cat Boy: one thing you taste

 Little Lady: cookies

 Cat Boy: there we go

 Little Lady: thank you

 Cat Boy: no problem

Cat Boy: do u want to talk

 Little Lady: later. maybe on patrol?

Little Lady: i’m tired. haven’t slept all weekend

 Cat Boy: …

Cat Boy: bug it’s MONDAY

Cat Boy: wait no

Cat Boy: TUESDAY

Cat Boy: go to bed

 Little Lady: goodnight kitty

 Cat Boy: gn littlebug

 Today 9:32 AM

 Little Lady: hey! im not that much shorter than you!

Little Lady: >:(((

--- 

“Are you sure, Lila?” Adrien asks, a frown creasing his face. “That doesn’t sound like something Marinette would do.”

“Well I-”

“My dude’s right,” Nino agrees, “That doesn’t sound like Nette at all.”

Adrien watches Marinette brighten quietly as the rest of the class comes to her defense. They all believe Lila still, yes, he’s not going to let the liar turn them on their Everyday Ladybug. Not on his watch.

After class, the dark haired girl approaches him. She gives him a soft hug, whispering a quiet ‘thank you’.

---

“Adrien,” Marinette calls.

The blond stops, turning. “Hey, Marinette. Did you need something?”

She shakes her head, giving a small smile, holding out a paper bag. “You were gone all morning for that photoshoot. I thought you might be hungry.”

Adrien freezes, staring at her in shock.

After a moment, she cringes, looking away. “B-but um, if you aren’t-”

He shakes his head, realizing his mistake. “No! No! Thank you so much! I just- You surprised me.” He gives her a grateful smile, trying to keep himself from crying. “I- that- I wasn’t expecting this. You’re wonderful, Marinette, really.”

She blushes violently as he takes the bag, digging into the pastries with a smile.

“I don’t usually remember lunch after shoots, so…”

She stares at him in horror. “That’s it,” she declares, “I’m bringing you lunch now. Everyday. No matter what.”

“How much? I’ll pay-”

“No, Adrien, we’re friends. You don’t need to pay me. Maman is always saying how she thinks you need to eat more anyways, so my parents would probably just give you free food if you so much as glanced in the window. I’m just making their dreams come true.”

He laughs, and she takes a moment to appreciate such a carefree look on the busy model’s face.

He’s happy.

That’s good.

---

Cat Boy: u okay bug

Cat Boy: u seemed upset today

 Little Lady: im fine

Little Lady: just

Little Lady: tired

Little Lady: i should probably go now class will start soon

 Cat Boy: okay

Cat Boy: if you say so

 Adrien tries not to let his worry for his partner show as he slips his phone into his pocket and makes his way to Bustier’s class.

The battle was easy - Ladybug didn’t even need her Lucky Charm - but Cataclysm had been a requirement for this particular fight, so he hadn’t had time afterwards to check in with his friend.

He’s never good at focusing when he’s worried.

Nino slings an arm around him as they meet up on their way to class.

“Hey dude, um, I hope you don’t mind sitting with Nette today. She’s pretty wiped out - Al’s said she said somethin’ about a big commission? I dunno’, but we figure the less high up she is, the better, so I’m takin’ her seat today so she can go ground level.”

“Oh that’s fine! Is she okay?”

Nino gestures at the girl as they enter. She’s slumped forward, making her already small form even smaller, and while her sketchbook is out, the page is blank, and her pencil isn’t anywhere to be seen. There’s a to-go cup of coffee in the corner of the desk, and her head rests on her hand, her eyes staring blankly forward, unresponsive.

Adrien winces. “Goodness.”

“Yeah…” Nino shakes his head, then heads towards the girl’s usual seat. “You take care of her, alright?”

Adrien nods, sliding into his usual seat. “Hey, Mari,” he greets softly.

She straightens, blinking a few times before turning to face him with a weak smile. “Hey.”

“You feeling alright?”

She doesn’t get a chance to respond before Ms. Bustier walks in and class starts.

The lesson feels slow. Between Marinette and Ladybug, Adrien has the urge to hug someone and tell them that they’re okay, and that they’re good.

Both girls, at this point. The look in Marinette’s eyes is the same as Ladybug’s when she’s overworking herself to avoid thinking about something. The nights when he sees her patrolling even though she isn’t scheduled and he has to transform to go talk her into resting. The fights where she throws herself at akumas less thoughtfully, more brash. The post-battle interviews where her answers are slightly delayed, her eyes endlessly tired.

So when class is finally over, Adrien puts a gentle hand on her shoulder to keep her from going. Once everyone has filed out, he gives a small, worried smile.

“Are you feeling okay, Marinette?”

“I’m fine.”

“Marinette.”

She hesitates, her eyes straying from his to stare at nothing in particular. “I’m fine, Adrien, really. I’m just… just tired.”

“The coffee probably isn’t helping,” he teases.

“The coffee is my lifeblood.” She smirks, then sighs. “But I’m more than just sleep-tired.”

“Oh.”

She stands, gathering her things. “But thank you. For asking. And for caring.”

“Not a problem.” He hands her her sketchbook. “You deserve it.”

She looks at the sketchbook, then at his smile, and gives a genuine one of her own. “Yeah. Yeah I do.”

---

Author’s Note: Next (and final) chapter will be up sometime next week! I'll try to post weekly one-shots until I have A Shy 'Sparrow' fully written, and then I'll put that on a regular schedule.

Thank you all so much! Have a lovely day and stay safe! 💞

First | Last

[silkandsagedesign]

Gifting Season Guide: Winter 2018

As far as we’re concerned, ‘gifting season’ generally encompasses Fall-Winter, with many different holidays and other cultural celebrations going on during this time. Another thing about this season… it often means travelling and spending time with loved ones in their homes, and it can be customary to bring a little thoughtful gift along now and then to such gatherings, especially if it’s the first season spent in a new home (truly housewarming).

It’s true that gifting should always be with the recipient in mind and never a selfish act! Focusing on unique, locally made, eco-friendly, and experiential gifts, here’s our Silk and Sage Design 2018 Gift Guide, with various price ranges for all budgets:

$5 and Under

A thoughtful, hand-written card with fun imagery and/or original artwork.

This is a classic that never gets old. The act of sending cards has waxed and waned through the years, but it’s definitely on the upswing in our opinion. Even for the smallest budget, sending your loved ones a genuinely thoughtful message (especially if you haven’t seen them in a while) is uplifting. And if they love the artwork they can frame the card!

Check out our locally-made ATX cards in-store from Beth and a Brush, Stationery Bakery, and Sharabella Fini, ranging from $4-$5 each including an envelope for each!

$10-$20

Zinc Heart & Arrow Measuring Spoon Sets

Practical style in the kitchen is timeless. This set of measuring spoons available in-store has your typical 1/4 tsp - 1 tbsp. increments… but in the shapes of hearts (we just can’t get over them)! And you can untie their little leather strap to separate each spoon out if you’d like. A bit classier than your IKEA measuring spoon sets for $18 per set. Bonus idea: write down a favorite recipe and include it with the spoon set, or snag a yummy box of cake or spiced bread mix to give with them for a gift that maybe you can bake together.

Rifle Paper Notepads and Weekly Calendar Pads

Who doesn’t love organization that actually works and is low-pressure? Rifle Paper notepads, grocery list pads (with a magnet for your fridge!), and weekly calendar pads can be used whenever someone wants, however they want. Various lovely designs available in-store! Notepad styles range from $10-$13.

$20-$40

Candles are always winners.

Candles are perfect for many reasons. They are consumable and experiential, thus making them loved and used with delight (most people we know almost savor their candles in small doses forever until they’re burnt through). We’re all about sustainable and nontoxic candle making methods too.

Explore scents from our candles-with-a-cause local Hello George Candles, and candles in hand-thrown reusable ceramic vessels Hey Moon Ceramics at our Shop & Studio. Both feature soy wax, lead-free wicks, and scents that are natural and/or essential oil derived ranging from $24-$38 a piece.

Design book(s).

Pinterest is great and all, but what’s even nicer is to have a curated selection of inspiration bound right in front of you. Design books double as coffee table look books and well-loved idea generators. We’ve got great titles in-store, from Bohemian Modern to Creative Family Home, many books with step-by-step DIY painting projects, and price ranges from $20-$38.

Hammered Copper Bowls.

Our XL hammered copper bowls are large enough to be used as tabletop centerpiece vessels, or huge serving bowls for your dinner party gatherings. Each are 14.25” in diameter and $28. They are well loved gifts and are back by popular demand… snag one (or a couple) at our Shop & Studio as giftables while they last!

A Mug.

We have just a lovely selection of mugs for coffee and tea, many of which actually fit into cupholders and of course also fit well in the hand. Visit us for our complete current selection including works by Julie of Spako Clay, with price ranges from $24-$36 each. Bonus gift idea: add a tea ball or infuser, and/or a tea you know your giftee will love!

$50-$85

Captivating throw blankets.

For those with boho-chic, relaxed, and traveler vibes, throw blankets are an easy and timeless gift. We opt for ones that have been hand made, upcycled, sustainable, and made with care and compensation for the makers. Explore our one-of-a-kind kantha quilts, indigo, and mudcloth textiles in-store, ranging from $70-$80 each.

*Limited Edition Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan Charleston Collection Color Boxed Sets

A brand new arrival! These could be quite perfect for the painters in your life that seem to have just about everything. The new collaboration with Charleston Trust reveals 3 new colors: Firle (a chartreuse-y green yellow), Rodmell (an eggplant-y purple), and Tilton (a rich golden yellow). Each boxed set comes with a Project Pot of one of the new colors plus 2 Project Pots of colors that are complementary to it on the color wheel, plus a small pot of Clear Wax and an inspiration booklet! So cute yet sophisticated, for $48.95 per boxed set.

$85-$150

Chalk Paint Mini Project Pack.

This is a gift that’s perfect for DIY and upcycling beginners. The Project Pack comes with 2 small Pots of Chalk Paint Decorative Paint (you choose the colors) and Soft Waxes (Clear and Dark Brown), and a small Natural Bristle Brush. Bonus gift idea: add on a Small Wax Brush and/or an Annie Sloan design book that we feature in-store. Ranges $84.95-$149.95 for the different options.

Our Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint Starter Kit

We decided to create an unofficial starter kit for MMSMP, to make it easy for those who are just getting started with or trying to gift some Milk Paint. Everything you need is in this kit, and we feature the Basic Kit plus one with a Wax Brush option. Ranges $98-$122 for different options.

$150+

Original Fine Artwork

Are you close to your giftee and know their taste? Have they been eyeing a certain artist? What about local, original fine artwork? Check out our featured works from Arielle Austin (many of which are still under $150) in-store for mixed and layered abstract paintings and prints.

A Gift Certificate to a DIY Decorative Painting Class

Set any amount and we will create a cute gift certificate for your giftee. Then they have the freedom to choose the level, date & time, and type of class to learn new DIY painting and technique skills— with Chalk Paint, Milk Paint, crackle techniques, distressed techniques, metallics, and more.

>> BONUS: Stocking Stuffers at Various Amounts! <<

FOLK Botanicals Essential Mists- $18 ea. (locally made in small batches)

Spako Clay Turquoise Heart-Shaped Mini Dishes with 24k Gold- $28 ea. (locally hand-crafted, limited edition!)

Pear-Wood Spreaders, Cheese Knives, and Pastry Knives by Cooper & Claire- $17-25 ea. (locally hand-crafted, each is unique from urban salvaged wood)

And these are just the tip of the iceberg! We hope your season is cozy, and full of love and truly memorable experiences. Visit us at the Shop & Studio to explore and contact us to purchase any of our wonderful giftables listed above (ask about our shipping options). #shoplocalaustin <3