#buy tofu online

[epicureblogs]

Epicure Gourmet Destination is one such platform where you can order Korean food online and get it delivered to your home.

[myfavoritedemons]

if you struggle with executive dysfunction re: cooking AND you can afford the expense, i cannot recommend getting a slightly upscale rice cooker highly enough.

here’s several different low spoons meals i can and do make with it:

add a cup of frozen mixed vegetables to your rice as you cook it, crack an egg directly into the hot rice when it’s done and stir to cook it (extra easy, makes sure you’re getting veggies and protein with your grains)

put frozen dumplings in with your rice before you cook it, they’ll steam on top of your rice and then you can top with sauce of choice

make plain rice but with coconut milk instead of water, add curry sauce and canned chicken breast afterward

make plain rice with dashi broth instead of plain water (you can buy dashi powder online. if you don’t like fishy flavors i recommend the brand below which is vegan), add cubed tofu and sesame seeds

there’s many more things you can do with a rice cooker like this if you have more energy or fresh food, but the above requires little more than dumping stuff into the pot and pressing cook. this is what i need when i’m struggling but i have to feed myself. none of the ingredients above go bad quickly so you can buy them in bulk and keep them in reserve for a long long time. product recommendations below the cut.

this is the powdered broth i recommend:

this is the rice cooker i have:

[deliciousangelfestival]

Another Ending - 1 | Bucky Barnes

Character: ex!Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

Summary: It was supposed to be a short week watching over your niece, who loves romance books. She thought you were just a normal aunt, but it turns out you have secrets.

Tags: Spies, action, threat, offense, fight scene, violence, romance.

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6 , -

Main Masterlist || If you enjoy my work, please consider buying me a coffee on Ko-fi 🙏🏻

Thank you to everyone who has read this chapter. Leave a comment and Reblog, please. I'd love to hear your thoughts. ❤️

The weight of the assassin's body presses down on you, pinning you to the ground as his sword hovers dangerously close to your throat. Every muscle in your arms strains as you hold your gun up, barely keeping the blade away from your neck.

The cold metal of the sword gleams under the dim light, a stark reminder of how close you are to death. His eyes, hidden behind the mask, are unreadable, but you can feel the murderous intent radiating from him.

Sweat drips down your forehead, mixing with the dirt and blood on your face as you grit your teeth. With every ounce of strength, you manage to growl, "You're dead to me."

For a split second, you see it—hesitation. The assassin’s grip falters, his focus wavering. That’s all you need. With a desperate shove, you push him off, the sword sliding away from your neck as you scramble to your feet. Your heart pounds in your chest as adrenaline takes over, and you start running, not daring to look back.

The echoes of your past, the regrets, and the pain are left behind as you sprint away. You know that you’ve bought yourself only a few precious seconds, but at this moment, it’s enough. You leave the assassin behind, along with everything that once bound you.

🥀🥀🥀🥀

The lodge is warm and inviting, nestled comfortably by the edge of a tranquil lake. Large windows allow sunlight to pour in, casting a golden glow across the rustic wooden floors. The living room is cozy, with a soft, earth-toned sofa positioned near a stone fireplace. You push the sofa slightly, adjusting its angle to better face the window, where the view of the lake creates a peaceful backdrop.

As you finish, the sound of the doorbell rings through the house. You straighten up, smoothing a hand over your clothes before heading to the door. When you open it, a smile crosses your face.

Standing there is Lori Grant, your niece. She’s dressed in a green shirt and black pants, her short hair with bangs framing her face beneath thick glasses. A pink backpack is slung over one shoulder, and she’s dragging a suitcase that looks far too big for her small frame.

“Hello, Aunty,” Lori greets you, her voice bright with excitement.

“Where’s your mom?” you ask, glancing past her.

“She just left,” Lori replies, stepping inside and immediately struggling with the weight of her suitcase. She lets out a frustrated “Ugh” as it catches on the doorstep.

You can’t help but chuckle softly. “Let me help you with that.” Gripping the handle, you lift the suitcase easily, though you wonder why a 13-year-old needs so much luggage.

As you bring the suitcase inside, you ask, “Are you hungry? I bought some tofu for you.” Your older sister’s voice echoes in your mind, reminding you of the strict health-conscious diet she keeps Lori on. She’s made a name for herself online with her healthy recipes, and now she’s on a book tour promoting her new cookbook.

Lori looks up at you, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and hope. “Aunty, I’m so excited to be here. I can finally get away from the food my mom makes.”

You laugh, a warm, understanding sound. “Oh, thank goodness. How about fried chicken or lasagna?”

Lori’s face lights up, her hands clasping together as if in prayer. “Why not both?” Her eyes shimmer with anticipation, almost teary at the thought of indulging in something she’s missed.

“Yes!” you reply with a grin, already planning the feast.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

The two of you cook together, filling the kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of fried chicken and lasagna. The sizzle of the food and the warmth of the stove creates a cozy atmosphere, and before long, you’re both sitting at the table, enjoying the meal.

Lori, barely looking up from her book, eats with a hearty appetite, tearing into the fried chicken and savoring the lasagna.

You glance at her, amused by how engrossed she is in her book. It’s refreshing to see someone her age so absorbed in reading rather than staring at a screen. She’s been glued to that book ever since she arrived.

“Is it a good book?” you ask, taking a sip of your water.

“Yes. The best,” she replies without lifting her eyes from the pages.

You smile and ask, “What’s the book about?”

At that, Lori snaps the novel shut and looks at you with excitement blazing in her eyes, as if she’s been waiting for this moment. “Oh, Aunty, this is the best book! It’s full of adrenaline, mystery, and romance.”

You raise your eyebrows and nod slowly, recognizing the same spark in her that your older sister often has. “Let me guess, a royal romance?”

Lori shakes her head enthusiastically. “No. It’s set in modern day. It’s an enemies-to-lovers story where both are spies from different sides. They have to decide between love and their duty.”

You nod again, your expression thoughtful. “That’s impossible in the real world.”

Lori huffs, rolling her eyes playfully. “That’s why it’s fantasy, Aunty. Geez, you sound just like my mom.” She returns to her book, burying herself in the story again.

You chuckle softly, setting your glass down as you gather your plate and stand up. “Well, usually betrayal happens in those stories.”

Lori looks up, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. “That’s right! There’s a part where the male character betrays the female character.”

Your hand slips, the plate clattering into the sink, but thankfully it doesn’t break.

“Aunty, are you okay?” Lori asks, concern in her voice.

“I’m fine. My hand just slipped,” you say, brushing it off with a smile.

Lori gets up, carrying her plate to the sink. “I’m already done. I’ll help you with the dishes.”

“Thank you,” you reply, appreciating her help.

As you both wash the dishes, you ask her about life at school. Lori tells you all about her friends, her classes, and the things that make her happy.

“Do you have a crush at school?” you ask, a teasing note in your voice.

Lori hesitates, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. “Well… there is one boy. His hair and smile remind me of the male character from the spy book.”

You nearly drop the spatula but manage to catch it just in time. What’s gotten into you today?

“What about you, Aunty?” Lori asks, her tone curious.

“Me?” you respond, a bit caught off guard.

“While living in this lodge, have you ever met a farmer with a six-pack, a cute café owner, or a cool police officer?” Lori asks, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

You gasp, her question catching you by surprise. “Your mom mentioned you’ve become quite the chatterbox.”

“Aunty, your life is a dream. You have it all—except a boyfriend,” Lori says matter-of-factly. She doesn’t fully understand what you do for a living, but she knows from her mom and grandparents that you’ve traveled the world and are now enjoying the fruits of your hard work.

You place your hands on your hips, eyeing her with a mock sternness. “How long have you been staying with Grandma?”

“Three weeks,” Lori answers, wiping a plate dry with a clean cloth.

“That explains it,” you say with a chuckle, ruffling her hair playfully. Your mother has a habit of prying into your love life, and you’ve overheard her sighing over the phone, saying, ‘I’m afraid she’ll die single.’

“But seriously, Aunty, why are you still single?” Lori asks, her eyes wide with innocent curiosity.

You look at her, a sigh escaping your lips. “When you’re older, you’ll understand that life is complicated. There’s no guarantee of a happy ending.”

“Seems like you don’t believe in romance anymore,” she says, her voice soft but probing.

“Lori…” you begin, but her words strike a chord in you. Kids have a way of getting straight to your feelings. You head to the living room, trying to shake off the conversation and turn on the TV. With a sigh, you throw yourself onto the couch.

Lori follows you, still determined to rekindle your belief in romance. But then, something catches her eye. “Aunty, what’s on the second floor?”

“Just a storage room. Full of dust and spiders,” you reply, waving a hand dismissively.

“Can I go up there?” she asks, her enthusiasm barely contained.

“Go ahead,” you say, smiling at her eagerness.

As soon as the words leave your mouth, you hear her running feet thudding up the stairs. You shake your head, chuckling to yourself. What happened to the little girl who was afraid of spiders? Maybe the influence of that action-packed novel, the fantasy world, pulled her in.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

Lori’s eyes lit up with excitement as she explored the second floor, her steps quickening with each new discovery. It felt like a treasure hunt to her, the dusty corners and forgotten items fueling her curiosity.

She opened old boxes, sifted through forgotten knick-knacks, and rummaged through piles of clutter. Her heart raced with the thrill of the search, every creak of the floorboards adding to the sense of adventure.

Then, tucked away near the Christmas decorations, she spotted a plain, unassuming box. It didn’t look like much, but something about it caught her attention. With a soft gasp of anticipation, she opened it and found an old, bulky laptop inside. The device was covered in dust, its once sleek surface now dull and scratched.

“Wow,” Lori whispered, her eyes widening in awe. She lifted the laptop carefully and opened it, running her fingers over the keys. “Clicky, clicky. Love this keyboard,” she said, delighting in the tactile response of the keys beneath her fingers.

Unable to contain her excitement, Lori ran downstairs to find you, clutching the laptop in her arms like a prized possession. “Aunty, look what I found! This is so old, and I love the sound it makes!”

You glanced up and your eyes widened in surprise. “Where did you get that?” you asked, a mix of surprise and concern in your voice.

“Near the Christmas decorations. Can I turn it on?” she asked, her eyes shining with eagerness.

You shook your head, a hint of hesitation creeping into your tone. “It’s been a long time since I turned it on,” you admitted, memories flickering at the edge of your mind. You had pretended the laptop didn’t exist for so long that it had slipped from your thoughts entirely.

“I’ll throw it away,” you said, reaching out to take the laptop from her.

But Lori quickly pulled it back, guarding the laptop protectively. “Even if it’s broken, I could use this for throwback videos,” she argued, her determination evident.

You sighed, seeing the pleading look in her eyes. “Fine. You can have it,” you relented.

“Thank you!” Lori beamed, her smile so bright that any irritation you felt melted away. She hugged the laptop close and dashed off to the guest room, eager to play with her new toy.

Inside her room, Lori’s excitement was palpable. She carefully plugged the charger into the old laptop and pressed the power button, holding her breath in anticipation. But the screen remained dark, the laptop unresponsive.

Her enthusiasm waned slightly, but she didn’t give up. Determined, she searched online for ways to fix old laptops, flipping the device upside down to look for a serial number or brand name. But the markings were too faded to read.

Her hope began to crumble as she realized the laptop might never work again. With a sigh, she set it aside and opened her suitcase, revealing stacks of novels inside. This was the real reason she had wanted to stay with you—to immerse herself in her books without anyone bothering her.

As the night wore on, the clock crept closer to 10 p.m. You yawned, feeling the weight of the day settle in, and turned off the TV. Before heading to bed, you decided to check on Lori. When you peeked into her room, you found her already fast asleep, curled up with a new book clutched in her hands.

You smiled softly, understanding now what was in her suitcase. With a gentle chuckle, you carefully adjusted her sleeping posture and tucked her in, whispering, “Good night.”

As you left, you saw the old black laptop still plugged in, silently charging in the corner. It had been nearly seven years since you last thought about it. You shook your head, a mix of relief and resignation washing over you. It was better if that thing stayed dead, buried in the past where it belonged.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

The next morning, Lori woke up feeling cozy under the blankets. She glanced around, realizing she must have fallen asleep while reading her book again. The comforting silence in the room was a welcome change from the usual yelling of her mother.

This is why staying with you was such a great idea. She turned her attention to the old laptop, remembering she had left it charging all night.

With renewed hope, she quickly jumped out of bed and moved to the laptop. She pressed the power button, but the screen remained stubbornly black. Disappointment settled over her like a heavy fog.

Then, she heard it—the faint hum of the laptop’s fan. Her eyes widened, and a gasp escaped her lips. She clapped her hands together in excitement. “Yes!”

Just then, you called from the kitchen, your voice carrying cheerfully through the house. “Lori! You’ve woken up? I’ve made breakfast.”

“I’m not hungry yet,” Lori replied, her focus still on the laptop, waiting for the screen to light up.

“It’s bacon and eggs,” you added, a hint of a smile in your voice.

The mention of bacon and eggs immediately captured Lori’s attention. It had been ages since she’d had a breakfast like that. “I’m coming!” she called out, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Without another thought, Lori dashed out of her room, leaving the old laptop to continue its quiet struggle to turn on. Her excitement for breakfast had completely overshadowed her frustration with the laptop, and she hurried to the kitchen, eager for the delicious meal you had prepared.

After breakfast, Lori returned to her room, and her excitement about the old laptop reignited. As she entered, she was stunned to see that the laptop had finally powered up completely.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at the outdated app icons, which looked dull and unappealing. Despite their lack of charm, something else caught her eye: the email application.

Curiosity piqued, Lori navigated to the email app and discovered a list of old emails. She wondered if the laptop could connect to Wi-Fi. To her delight, it could. She connected it and noticed a new notification. Her heart raced as she clicked on it, only to find a single new email dated five years ago.

“This is like something out of a novel,” Lori whispered to herself, her fingers trembling slightly as she opened the email.

Her gasp was audible when she realized it wasn’t spam or a work email—it was a love letter. She read the email with growing excitement:

Subject: An Apology and a Request

Hi,

I hope this message finds you well. I’ve been carrying a heavy heart and wanted to reach out, even though it’s been a while. I left the organization and have started a new life, but I’ve realized that it won’t feel complete without you.

I’m deeply sorry for everything that happened and for the pain I caused you. I know that I have no right to ask for anything, but if there’s any chance for us to meet and talk, I’d really like that. I’m not expecting anything, but I hope we can find some closure.

Yours,

B.B

Lori’s eyes sparkled with excitement. This was even better than the romance novels she had read. She couldn’t believe her aunt had an ex who had been missing her all this time and had finally reached out after five years.

Feeling a burst of inspiration, Lori unplugged the laptop and raced downstairs to find you. “Aunt! Look! Look! Someone sent you an apology letter!” she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

You were busy preparing to head out to your bee farm, dressed in your suit. The sight of the old laptop suddenly turning on and Lori’s enthusiasm about the email caught you off guard. You knew exactly who had sent it, and it brought a wave of mixed emotions.

With a sigh, you closed the laptop, noticing Lori’s disappointed look. You knelt to her level, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Lori, sometimes it’s best to leave the past where it is.”

“But…” she started, her voice trailing off.

You stood up, adjusting your head protection for the farm. “Just enjoy your time here,” you said gently, then headed out of the house.

Lori sighed, her heart heavy with the sadness in your voice. She could sense the pain behind your words and felt that maybe this person was someone special to you. A sudden idea struck her, and she rushed back to her room, placed the old laptop on the table, and began typing a reply.

With her knowledge of romance novels, she crafted a short but heartfelt response:

Subject: Re: An Apology and a Request

Hi B.B,

Thank you for your message. It was a surprise to read your letter after all these years. I appreciate your honesty and the courage it took to reach out. I’m still processing everything, but I’m grateful for your apology.

Maybe one day we can talk, but for now, I hope you find the closure you’re seeking.

Take care,

Y/N

Satisfied with her words, Lori clicked “Send,” feeling accomplished. She hoped her reply would bring peace to her aunt and the sender.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

A few days passed, and Lori grew increasingly nervous. She kept checking the email, but no new notifications appeared, only that eerie computer-generated voice. You noticed her restlessness; she fidgeted with her fingers and paced around the room.

“What’s wrong? Feeling bored?” you asked, trying to lighten the mood. “We could go out for a while, get some fresh air.”

“Eww… no,” Lori replied, wrinkling her nose at the thought of the hot sun and heavy gear. She enjoyed the freedom of staying with you, but she wasn’t enthusiastic about adventures.

“I’d rather stay here, curled up with my book—” Lori was cut off by the familiar, unsettling notification sound.

You flinched at the sound too, a chill creeping down your spine. Lori quickly ran to the laptop, her heart racing with excitement as she saw the red dot notification. She opened the email and skimmed the reply: "I received your message. We need to meet. I’ll find you soon."

“Aunty, look! This person wants to see you. Isn’t it romantic?” Lori said, her excitement palpable.

Romantic my ass, you thought, feeling a cold shiver as you read the email. You abruptly shut the laptop and started packing Lori’s things. Your sudden, frantic movements startled her.

“Change your clothes. Wear something practical and put on running shoes,” you instructed, your voice taut with urgency.

Lori’s eyes widened with concern. “Why? What’s going on?”

“Forget the books. We have fifteen minutes, Lori. Now!” You dashed to your room, grabbing essentials with swift, practiced motions.

Lori, bewildered but obedient, quickly followed your orders. Fifteen minutes later, both of you were ready and in the car. You sped away, your face set in grim determination.

In the passenger seat, Lori clutched the seatbelt tightly, her voice trembling. “Aunt…”

“Lori, did you not hear me? Some things are better left in the past,” you said, your tone cold and firm.

She nodded slowly, her anxiety mounting. “But why?”

Before she could ask more, a deafening explosion rocked the car. “BOOM!” The blast made Lori flinch as she turned to see your house engulfed in flames. Her face pressed against the car window, eyes wide with shock.

“Oh my God. Is that your house?” Lori’s voice was barely a whisper.

You kept your gaze fixed on the road, your face pale and determined. “This is the reality of espionage. The hardest part is when someone tries to kill you.”

Lori gasped, realization dawning on her. “You’re a real spy!”

You didn’t answer, but the silence was deafening—a resounding confirmation.

“And the person who sent the email is another spy!” she exclaimed.

“Yeah. But unlike the novels, we’re not looking to fall in love. We’re trying to kill each other.” Your words sent a shiver down her spine, the gravity of the situation settling in with chilling clarity.

🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

At the gas station, you and Lori were picking up essential supplies. Your disguise—a dark hat, sunglasses, and a coat pulled tight—wasn't exactly subtle. But Lori's eyes sparkled with excitement.

“This is so cool!” she exclaimed, her voice brimming with admiration.

“It’s not,” you muttered, your voice strained as you tried to mask your growing unease. The thrill of the moment had been replaced by a harsh reality. “I’m taking you to your mom.”

Lori’s enthusiasm faltered as she noticed the tension in your body. “But Aunt… why are you running away if this person wants to see you?”

You sighed heavily. “Because—”

Your words trailed off as a shiver ran down your spine. You felt eyes on you and slowly turned to face the source of your unease. There he was, striding towards you with a purpose.

The man stood tall and lean, his dark hair tousled and his leather jacket catching the dim light of the gas station. His face was striking—handsome in a rugged, intense way. His presence radiated strength and determination.

“Bucky,” you whispered, your voice barely audible.

Bucky didn’t break stride or acknowledge you. His pace quickened, and your instincts kicked in. You reached for your gun, but before you could draw it, a loud BANG! shattered the tense silence.

“Kyaaa!!!” The sound of the gunshot set off a wave of screams from everyone inside the store, including Lori. The chaos erupted around you, but you and Bucky remained focused.

You threw yourself in front of Lori, protecting her with your body. Bucky did the same, his gaze locked on the threats.

“You—” you started, trying to catch your breath.

“We don’t have much time,” Bucky cut you off, his voice a low growl. He grabbed your arm, pulling you up, and snatched his own gun. Without another word, he started firing, taking out the shooters one by one.

You joined him in the fray, your movements sharp and efficient. Bullets flew and bodies hit the floor. Bucky’s sharp eyes and quick reflexes contrasted with your precise, practiced shots.

“Your aim’s getting rusty,” Bucky grunted as he took down another opponent.

“Shut up,” you retorted, focusing on the task at hand.

In no time, the immediate threat was neutralized. You both made a break for your car, adrenaline surging. Bucky took the driver’s seat, his expression grim and focused.

“Wait…” you began, but Bucky cut you off.

“Just put on your seatbelt first,” he said tersely, glancing at you with an intensity that brooked no argument.

You complied, snapping the seatbelt into place as Bucky threw the car into gear. The ride was tense, an awkward silence hanging between you and Bucky. Lori, however, was brimming with curiosity.

She tugged at Bucky’s leather jacket, causing him to glance at her. The way she looked at him, her eyes wide with awe, reminded you of how she had always romanticized the world.

“Are you the one who sent that email to my aunt?” Lori asked, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and expectation.

Bucky’s eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t respond, turning his attention back to the road.

Lori turned to you, her eyes glowing with revelation. “I get it. Both of you were spies! But you couldn’t be together because of your jobs! A forbidden love! This is so romantic!”

"!!!!!"

Your jaw dropped, and Bucky’s expression shifted to one of utter disbelief. The two of you exchanged a stunned look, unsure whether to laugh or feel embarrassed by Lori’s innocent but surprisingly accurate guess.

The air in the car seemed to crackle with the weight of her words, as the reality of your intertwined past and present hung in the balance.

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Author Note: Hey friends,

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Thanks a bunch for being fabulous followers!

[acti-veg]

If you’re eating a plant-based diet and you are concerned about protein, you should try soya chunks. They’re 50g of protein per 100g, filling, very cheap and easy to cook with. You can get them in health stores in smaller quantities, but it is cheaper to buy them in larger bags online or in any Asian markets. They keep forever so they’re ideal to buy in bulk.

They are a similar texture to faux chicken, but they soak up flavour like tofu does. You just soak them in hot water for 15 mins, drain, then fry for about 5 mins in whatever sauce you like. They are such a good option for a low effort, high protein meal. If you want ideas for meals to use them in, you could replace the tofu in many of the recipes in my food section here.

[not-quite-there-myself]

GIFT GIVING

Various from Arcana Twilight, Food Fantasy, and Twisted Wonderland; featured in alphabetical order. Romantic/platonic is unspecified, characters may be mentioned multiple times.

They give you something they think you'd like, or something that reminds them of you. Maybe it's in your favourite colour, maybe it's your favourite food. Whatever it is, it was out on a whim, totally unplanned, unexpected. They didn't care how much it cost that much; if it was something they could pay for and something they know you'd like, they're getting it for you! They really hope you like it.

Alpheratz, Arcturus, Bamboo Rice, Blue Cheese, Cater Diamond, Deuce Spade, Floyd Leech, Kalim Al Asim, Pollux, Soufflé, Sukiyaki, Sweet Tofu, Tempura

Their gift to you something that you might've been mentioning often. They play it off at first, saying how you've been so annoying about it for a couple of days and thought to buy it for you so you won't speak about it anymore. What they won't tell you is that they've secretly been hoping you don't get it; either because they've already prepared it for you and are waiting for the right moment to gift it, or because they ordered it online and it's taking a lot longer than expected to get it. Regardless, they tell you "it's no big deal" when you receive it. They might not say the same about the way your eyes light up while saying thank you. Your happiness is certainly a big deal to them.

Ace Trappola, Alpheratz, Boston Lobster, Leona Kingscholar, Salty Tofu, Turkey, Sebek Zigvolt

Their gift is something you casually spoke about once and never talked about it again; whether you were shy to express your want again or simply didn't think to mention it again didn't matter, as they had already decided to look for it and to surprise you with it later. They're successful, mostly because you likely forgot about ever mentioning it ever again. Did they read your mind? Or perhaps they've paid more attention to you and your wants than you realize.

Black Tea, Brownie, Cater Diamond, Jade Leech, Pekking Duck, Realgar Wine, Rook Hunt, Sirius, Vil Schoenheit, Jamil Viper, Vega

divider by @/inklore on Tumblr

[baileys-3]

NEW CHAPTER ONLINE on AO3

It's Date Night and First-Kiss-Night.

Little Sneak Peak below the link.

Half an hour later she is standing at the food truck, thinking about what to order. She could be mean and get something vegetarian with tofu. But she is not that mean. She decides on a salad with breaded chicken strips. Because she doesn't know exactly when Tim is coming, and she doesn't want the food to get cold until he gets here. And with salad, that definitely can't happen. She buys two more drinks in a red can and hopes it's something along the lines of Coke.

Then she takes a seat at the only table still free. Which is right next to the pavement. But at least there is still one table free. The truck seems to be more popular than she thought. But it's also a nice place. The neighborhood is quiet. Many nocturnal walkers use the adjacent park, and it even has a slightly romantic touch. She didn't just imagine the fairy lights, they're real.

Lucy pulls her phone out of her pocket and sees a message from Tim, who texted her five minutes ago that he is just leaving now. She puts her phone back and leans back in her chair. And then just watches the people on the road. The cook of the food truck. How he prepares his dishes. The cars driving by.

Suddenly a hand comes to rest on her shoulder and gives her a quick squeeze. She looks up and sees Tim standing next to her. She just smiles at him, and he just smiles back. Then he pulls the chair that is on the opposite side of the table from there next to her and sits down on it, wide-legged. So that his knee touches her thigh. It is almost impossible to get any closer. Otherwise, he would have to sit on her lap.

He looks around briefly.

"Treats of Vietnam. That's where we ended up." He says and she must laugh. Yes, this is definitely a different location than the n/naaka yesterday. "So, I guess this is our official first date."

"Mm, last night was, for sure. I mean, it's a better story for the grandkids."

Oh Shit. Did she just say grandkids? Yesterday she was making it clear to him that she wouldn't go to bed with him right away and now she's telling him about grandchildren.

[kenkubluk]

grocery list time~

literally just get these things if you want a vegan low cal life, because you can control portions and make things you enjoy eating with less calories- i made some example recipes under the list:

coffee.

SPICES. please make the investment into SPICES!

->continuation of spices, heres a basic list- cocoa powder, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, veggie bouillon powder/cubes, salt, pepper, lemon pepper, etc (you can find more online but please dont forget it)

->and simple sauces like soy sauce, basic hot sauce, mustard, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, etc.

stevia or agave fruit sweetener. (please make sure whatever you choose you dont buy any sweetener with aspartame!!)

dairy free yogurt (i’ve heard coconut is good)

dairy free butter (earthbalance is my fav by far)

-> you could also make due with olive oil (cooking)

1st milk for normal stuff- unsweet cashew milk or unsweet creamy almond milk

->2nd milk for cooking- i suggest soymilk but creamy coconutmilk works good too

tofu. extra firm and silky work for different things (meat substitutes, egg substitute, diff. milk products substitutes) get either/both

carrots, mushrooms, chickpeas, and cauliflower all make good meat substitutes (bacon, chicken nuggets, pulled pork, etc) if cooked properly

OATS! plain oats are soooo versatile (used as flour, cereal, granola, crust, etc)

ricecakes (i use it as replacement for toast)

Pumpkin or sweet potato (in NO SYRUP canned form, very good for cooking low cal desserts or protein bars)

apple sauce (used for cooking and just yum- can be an egg substitute)

low cal noodle types- chickpea, edamame, shirataki, konjac, cauliflower, zucchini, spaghetti squash, and i think miracle noodle

literally any and all veggies and fruits- but a reminder of basics are broccoli, cucumber, onions, spinach, beets, eggplant, tomato, zucchini, potato, apple, banana, grapes, oranges, pineapple, strawberries, watermelon, mango, etc

WARNING ⚠️ be careful of sugar free drink flavor packets as they contain aspartame and other strange ingredients that ppl have complained of side effects- i would suggest to steer clear of many of the packets and go for a large unsweetened lemonade or fruit punch bin of flavoring so you can make it yourself. please check ingredients for health reasons.

-> HOWEVER, drinks like olipop, simple truth organic, waterloo, and zevia all have flavored water/sparkling water/cola drinks that are aspartame free.

I highlighted things that i think are really important

Veggie dip: yogurt, seasoning spices (ranch seasoning is goated), and a tbsp or lemon or soysauc, all mixed and best used as a “veggie chip” dip, like baked cucumber chips

Literally any cake/protein bar: oats blended, protein powder, 1/2cup apple sauce OR mashed banana, some milk, and whatever toppings you like

Granola: oats, chia seeds, cut up fruit pieces, and maple syrup or honey for binding. mix in bag, bake on baking sheet on pan.

Hot n sour soup: you can use hot n sour packet or make veggie bouillon and add hot sauce, soy sauce, and tsp chili powder. Then (to whichever mix you’ve made) add egg mixing around, and then add extra firm tofu in little cubes. Let the soup mix well and set a little while cooling.

Nicecream: freeze banana. add banana, tbsp of milk, 2 tbsp of yogurt, tbsp of sweetener, and a fruit of choice (a tbsp of protein powder also will help). blend with blender and then let it sit for a minute- add whatever you want on top

my best “toast”: seasalt ricecake, spread 1tbsp vegan cream cheese, and then spread 1.5 tbsp of organic raspberry jelly.

[rmrkbl-marketing]

Crafting Compelling Ecommerce Calls to Action

Introduction

In the vast landscape of online commerce, mastering the art of crafting compelling calls to action (CTAs) is paramount. As a business striving for success in the digital realm, your CTAs are the linchpin that can elevate conversion rates and guide users seamlessly through their customer journey. In this guide, we delve into the intricacies of creating high-impact CTAs, drawing insights from successful examples across various platforms.

Understanding the Essence of a Call to Action

A Call to Action (CTA) is not merely a button or link; it's a strategic element on a webpage that directs users toward a specific action. Whether it's the assertive "Buy Now," the engaging "Sign Up," or the informative "Learn More," CTAs are instrumental in converting visitors into loyal customers. Let's explore how your ecommerce business can harness the power of CTAs to captivate your audience and drive desired actions.

Types of Ecommerce Calls to Action

1. Buy Now

The Buy Now CTA is the epitome of assertiveness, urging shoppers to complete their purchase promptly. Tailor your offers strategically to entice buyers, compelling them to seal the deal.

2. Shop Now

The Shop Now CTA invites potential customers to explore your product collection. Ideal for reaching new audiences, this CTA fosters a sense of freedom, allowing customers to peruse without feeling pressured to buy immediately.

Strategic Considerations for Crafting CTAs

1. Consider the Funnel Stage

Understanding the marketing funnel is pivotal. Tailor your CTAs to resonate with users at different stages: Top of the Funnel (TOFU) for awareness, Middle of the Funnel (MOFU) for interest, and Bottom of the Funnel (BOFU) for action. Aligning your CTAs with these stages enhances their efficacy.

Example: Pura Vida's Timed Pop-ups

2. Make Early Offers Low Risk

Facilitate customer engagement by making it easy for them to interact with your business. Offer low-risk incentives, such as free-with-purchase items or discounts, encouraging users to take the initial step.

Example: Colourpop's 15% Discount for Email Sign-Up

3. Use Urgency to Increase Conversions

Incorporate a sense of urgency into your CTAs. Highlight limited stock or time-sensitive offers to instill a fear of missing out, a powerful motivator for conversion.

Example: Pura Vida's Countdown Message

4. Test Different Colors

While no definitive button color guarantees optimal conversion, A/B testing is invaluable. Experiment with various colors to find what resonates with your audience and complements your brand.

5. Use a Simple CTA Button and Copy

Simplicity is key. Utilize clear and concise copy on well-designed buttons. Ensure your CTAs align with your product category and target market.

Example: Dr. Squatch's Above-the-Fold Layout

6. Use Captivating Hero Images

Hero images are potent visual CTAs. Leverage them to showcase your products or collections, linking them to relevant pages for swift conversions.

Example: Gamestop's Hero Images

7. Keep it Above the Fold

The "above the fold" concept from newspapers applies to websites. Capture visitors' attention immediately with compelling content and a prominent CTA for continued engagement.

Conclusion

Crafting compelling CTAs is an art that requires strategic thinking and creative finesse. By implementing the insights gleaned from successful examples, your ecommerce business can not only boost conversions but also create a seamless and engaging customer journey. Elevate your online presence and drive results with CTAs that resonate, captivate, and convert.

FAQs

Questions

Answers

What is the significance of a compelling call to action (CTA) in ecommerce?

A compelling CTA in ecommerce serves as a strategic prompt, guiding users to take specific actions on your website. Whether it's making a purchase, signing up, or exploring products, effective CTAs play a crucial role in increasing conversion rates and achieving business goals.

How can I tailor my CTAs to different stages of the marketing funnel?

Understanding the marketing funnel is key. Align your CTAs with the stages: Top of the Funnel (TOFU) for awareness, Middle of the Funnel (MOFU) for interest, and Bottom of the Funnel (BOFU) for action. This ensures that your CTAs resonate with users at every step of their customer journey.

What are some effective strategies for making early offers low risk?

Making early offers low risk involves enticing prospective customers with minimal commitments. Provide incentives such as free-with-purchase items, discounts, or requests for social follows or email sign-ups. This encourages engagement without significant time, money, or effort investments from the customer.

How can urgency be effectively incorporated into CTAs to boost conversions?

Urgency is a powerful motivator. You can instill a sense of urgency in your CTAs by highlighting limited stock, time-sensitive offers, or countdowns. Creating a fear of missing out encourages users to take immediate action, increasing conversion rates.

Why is A/B testing crucial for determining the most effective CTA button colors?

A/B testing allows you to experiment with different CTA button colors to identify the one that resonates best with your audience. It helps determine which color generates a higher click-through rate, ensuring that your CTAs are visually appealing and align with your brand.

How does the concept of "above the fold" apply to CTAs, and why is it important?

"Above the fold" refers to the content visible on a webpage before scrolling. It's crucial for CTAs to be prominently placed in this area, capturing visitors' attention immediately. If your CTA is above the fold, there's a higher likelihood of engagement and continued navigation through your website.

Can you provide tips for crafting effective CTAs for social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram?

Crafting effective CTAs for social media involves using engaging visuals, action-oriented copy, and strategic prompts. Embrace catchy pop-ups, utilize short videos, and create a sense of urgency. Tailor your wording to increase conversions, making it a seamless experience for users across different platforms.

[aromanticasexualandppop]

Life in the Future

Accepting aromanticism and asexuality was very easy. It took very little time to accept these as part of my identity, and there were no reluctance or hesitation when I arrived at this point. It was because these words really resonated with me, embodied my unconscious that I did not even notice when I was a child.

But what comes after acceptance? What comes after the euphoria and relief and liberation and satisfaction? What will life become now, when it cannot follow the linear path society suggests - dating, marriage, sex, children, and a lifelong companionship?

~

I think what led me to accept my aromanticism and asexuality faster was that deep down, I felt that life without marriage and children and other things was what has always felt comfortable.

So when I started to think about what my life will be like in the future now that I know I do not like forming romantic or sexual relationships, I started to look forward to that day. I just planned what I wanted to do.

When I go to college, I'll find a boarding house to live in. I don't like heavy, sweet, and greasy foods in the morning so I'll eat bread with cheese fillings for the most part. I'll buy a good notebook with black designs and a friction pen to write notes in Psychology with. If that's too laborious for me, I'd type on my laptop or write on my tablet with a stylus. Maybe I'd have friends or maybe I won't, but I'll hang out in the library or at a cafe with danmei music blasting in my earphones to do my work, while eating cake or drinking milk tea.

I'll read some good novels and webtoons on my freetime. Finally buy their merch. Finally learn Chinese and Korean to read time (lmao can I??). Make some online friends to geek out about these masterpieces.

Download MMORPG and RPG games again. Create a strong and OP character. Maybe experience the pay2win life. Finally try out Mobile Legends, COD, etc.

At night, I'd like to cook for myself: adobong kangkong, fried tofu with pork and eggplant or any egg dish. Maybe try noodles, and some Korean or Chinese cuisine that I can search up some recipes on TikTok. I'd try baking cake and making pizza.

With the time I have left, I'll learn so many things I have always wanted to learn. Kickboxing, knitting, crochet, violin, harp, dancing, singing. Maybe join an organization to learn about people from different professions: former spies, forensic science, marine biology, astrophysics, artificial intelligence, radiation biology, professional hugging, activists, etc.

I'll volunteer in an orphanage and help the community there. Visit every two weeks. Also join a queer support group. Visit my parent once every month and spoil the heck out of them with gifts.

Maybe I'll get a qpp or a close friend who lives next door that I'll hang out with or maybe I don't. I'll get a cat or a dog if they ever choose me and spoil the heck out of them as well. Cuddle them to naps. Take them for walks or travel around the neighborhood with them on a bike. Record videos of them that will be saved on a cloud.

The house will be full of pet supplies but it will be clean. Dreamcatchers and suncatchers will be put next to the windows. For added effect, the windows will have film on them. The portraits on the wall and next to the writing desks will be merchandise or role models. And then, I'll write to my hearts content.

The food I eat, the clothes I'll wear, the games I'd play, the literature I'll read, the house I'd decorate, the profession I'd have, the things I'd learn, the cause I'd fight for, the things I'll hate and like, and the things that I'll cherish. This is the best life.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Either that or I'll just return to the void xx ☠️

[melonbite]

hai i’m online and would like to know what your go to lazy meal is when you don’t feel like cooking extensively! as inspiration for me loool

oooh okk hmm…

1. pasta with ready made sauce (the kind you can just stir into a pasta that took 5-10 minutes to cook) is what i’ve been doing lately lolol.

2. congee!! even faster with already cooked rice. any stock + any protein and vegetable leftovers + elevate with fried shallots (can get them in bulk), sesame oil and soy sauce. when i was young i loved simple congee with cucumber pickled in soy sauce + the pickle juice (LOL trust me)

3. miso butter on toasted bread — mix 1 part miso to 1 part butter. if using red type miso, I don’t add extra salt. also just miso soup so delicious… add seaweed for some iodine 😗 paired with rice bcus ofc

4. soba noodles — well, any noodle theoretically (i dislike wheat personally haha 😆). instant soba is extremely fast to cook and you only need to add in the dipping sauce/broth. i also love korean cold noodles (mul-naengmyeon) — you can buy the broth and pickled radish in bulk + add finely cut carrot and cucumber, boiled egg, and vinegar/gochujang/etc. to liking

5. japanese curry!!!!! my favourite :) finely diced brown onion, potato and carrot + tofu (any kind, try tofu skins too!) because it cooks the fastest

6. sometimes just a fried egg on toast guy. salt/pepper/garlic powder + sriracha (maybe kewpie too)

7. id put quiche with a premade puff pastry but im still fighting to perfect the consistency of the filling😞

i am at heart a lazy cook…

[messylustt]

HEY BADDDIIIEEEEEEEE

UMMMMMMM IM REALLY INCONSISTENT NGL

I STARTED ONLINE SCHOOL AND IT WAS KINDA DIFFICULT TO BE MOTIVAATED YK BUT NOW IM GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD

OML MY MOMMY AND ME WENT TO GO BUY DOUGHNUTS AND IM NGL THAT SHIT HIIIIIIIIIIIIT EVEN THOUGH I USUALLY LIKE THE DOUGHNUTS LITTERALLY SMOTHERED IN ICING (CUZ THESE WERE THE PLAIN ONES)

I ALSO JUST REALIZED THAT THE DOUGHNUT ITSELF (WITHOUT SPRINKLES ND GLAZE AND SHI) TASTES KINDA SOUR

ANYWAYYYYYZZZZZZ HOW ARE YOUUUUUUUUU

DAILY CHECKUPPPPPP

IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL IN THE WORLD WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY

WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK (OR DAY UR PICK)

BEST MEAL YOU'VE EVER EATEN

PLEASE EAT SOMETHING FOR THE LOVE OF YEEZUS (jk i like some of kanyes songs but he has issues) AND DRINK SOME WATERRRRRR

LOVE YAAAAAAAAA AND I MISSED YAAAA

🌺 anon

AAAAA ML HIIIII. ONLINE CAN BE HARD, ESPECIALLY IF ITS NEW, BUT WELL DONE BABES <3 AND FUCK I HAVENT HAD A DOUGHNUT IN FOREVERRR

1. i wanna be an elephant. i dunno really why, but their just really big and pretty and i want a long trunk for no reason.

2. my friends came over (since my mum is away for a week and we had the house to ourselves) and we planned to watch horror but we ended up doing creepy makeup and putting party hats on. and eating pasta in the dark…it was a weird night but fun af

3. aaaa this is harddd. fuck, imma have to say this creamy pasta with mushrooms and bacon, and then tofu and halloumi as a side dish. it was soooo good.

AND I PROMISE!! IM ABOUT TO EAT RN. LOVE UUUUU, AND MISSED U HON!

[epicureblogs]

Epicure Gourmet Destination is one such platform where you can order Korean food online and get it delivered to your home.

[hashtagveganproblems]

Hello! I’ve just decided quite literally yesterday to go vegan, and I’ll be honest, the start is much more difficult than I assumed it would be. Do you have any tips for beginners? Thanks in advance!

Hi hello! First of all, congratulations!! Welcome to veganism!! ☺️🎉

Do you have any more specific questions/ concerns? I'm terrible at general advice but I'll do my best😆 If you're talking food wise, I'd say the easiest thing to do when you first get started is just buy already veganized versions of products you'd usually eat. Look for clearly vegan labeled packaging if reading ingredients gets overwhelming! Over time you learn what main ingredients to look out for when checking labels, and anything you're not sure about is just a google away. There are also a lot of "accidentally" vegan products that you have probably been eating without even knowing! (pastas, some big chip brands, oreos etc)

In my opinion, veganizing dishes is usually pretty easy for the most part. If a recipe calls for milk I use almond/soy/oat milk. If it asks for eggs I use egg replacer (there are also LOTS of vegan egg alternatives that you may already have in your pantry like flax seeds or apple sauce) I use vegan ground or tofu instead of meat, you get the point- Thankfully in 2023 there are way more vegan options and alternatives than there used to be, and being vegan is easier than ever!🙌🏻

I have a list of vegan alternative brands on my blog that I've been meaning to update, while not every brand is on there, there's still some really good ones to keep an out for at the grocery store! When shopping for skin/hair/beauty products or clothing, a good rule of thumb is to look for the vegan and/or cruelty free labels, or search the brand online👌🏻

I have a resources page on my blog (which also really needs to be updated, a bitch be busy sorry lol) and I run a vegan Discord server with some friends if you're interested/ would like a support group and people to help answer questions 24/7! In general, I find ethicalelephant.com is a SUPER helpful website with tonssss of resources and information, along with worldofvegan.com! Here is a quick label reading guide to help you get started too- however I usually google the actual product itself to see if it's vegan, I find that most of the time what you need to know is online!

If going cold turkey is too much for you that's okay, phasing out animal products at your own pace works too! What matters is that you're doing our best/ what you can. It still makes a huge difference and the fact that you're taking steps towards veganism is amazing in itself!! I'm sorry if that was too much information thrown at you all at once, but I hope this is helpful!! Good luck☺️

[z-cerulean]

Pokemon Violet

For the main series, the last Pokemon I played was Ultra Moon. Various aspects of gen 8's launch turned me away from it back then, and BDSP didn't help matters either. I came back for PLA, which I overall liked, and decided to return to the main series with Violet after playing Blue and Crystal earlier this year.

Here's my brief non-spoiler thoughts on the game after finishing the main story, again, just what I think

Story and Setting

The story is, yep, it's a Pokemon game. Though this one takes a slight turn compared to prior games, where you have three separate plot threads to follow: doing the usual gym crawl and the Pokemon League for Nemona, taking on Titans for herbs with Arven, or defeating Team Star with Cassiopeia.

Personally speaking, the Team Star thread was fine if predictable, I cared the least for Nemona's story but it's ok enough and Arven is one of the better characters the series has managed to put out, I'd argue he's easily the strongest character in the game for writing.

The Paldea region as a whole sort of ties into my opinion on the gameplay, speaking of:

Gameplay

The game is open world and lets you go most of anywhere you want in any order, which is theoretically cool. The problem, however, is nothing scales to your current progression and everything is fixed, so you may as well go in order anyway. Which, isn't exactly communicated, I fought the ice gym 7 levels under and the water gym 7 levels higher. Overall to me, it undermines the open world progression.

Additionally, more of a personal nitpick, the progression being open world like that really made most of the towns bleed together in my mind, I barely remember any of them besides Levincia because it's the only place to buy tofu at.

That said, running around the open world is genuinely pretty fun. If you're a fan of exploration and collectathons for the dex then it's a decent recommend for that alone.

Battle system wise, it's... Pokemon, in short it works but i can't deny as I get older I'm finding the main series underutilises its own systems a lot, and I'd not mind a return to something like Colosseum where there's a lot more experimentation and varied strategy. Though Terastalisation is an option now, which does make for some fun pokemon builds. Though I will say how Tera types are handled isn't perfect, all wild pokemon just have one of their normal types as a tera type and it's a pain in the ass to grind up shards to change it, unless you get lucky with a tera raid spawn. It's fun enough, either way.

Also, removing the shiny sparkle noise is also sort of annoying, especially if you're unfamiliar with the newer pokemon and don't have side by side comparisons with the spawns.

The Pokemon being open world instead of tall grass is also cool, but there could have been some invincibility on exiting encounters so after finishing one you aren't forced to fight the Tauros that crawled up your ass during the previous battle.

The biggest issue with the game though is its performance. It's well known by now and admittedly, I'm surprised the game managed to be as enjoyable as it is in spite of it. The game is not foreign to random lag spikes or slowdown, even crashing in some cases. It's not a huge obstacle, personally, but for a game from the second biggest media franchise globally... yeah, why is it like this.

Also 20 minutes for online battles wasn't enough in gen 8 by all accounts I've heard, why is it still 20 minutes here. I'm probably just going to use Showdown for it if I decide to stray into that realm.

Overall

For all it's problems, Violet still managed to be a fun time, I enjoy most new additions and there's a decent basis for working out the problems with the ones that didn't work as well as intended. Numerical score, it's probably like an 8/10, 7.5/10 if i feel like being particularly harsh for its flaws.

There's almost inevitably DLC for the game next year, so I'll probably get back to the game for that once I'm done with the dex and postgame.

[boneappletits]

Can you tell me a bit more about commune i still don't understand...

i’m so happy you asked !! i’ve been researching communes since i was about 14-15. so, i’m very much so passionate about it !

at its core a commune is a group of people who live together and share possessions, but it’s much more complicated than that. communes vary greatly per-community. for example, there’s quite a few communes here in america but one of the largest and well-known ones is Twin Oaks in west virginia, and they have many sister-communes -as they call them- that are ran differently. they organize their commune much like a business; each commune member has a job assignment -ie. gardening, cooking, cleaning, land management, etc- and they work approximately 42 hours each on the commune alone. personally, i do not agree with their system because it still heavily incorporates capitalism into their every day way of living. however, in america-and many other capitalistic countries- you need a source of income, so, Twin Oaks is ran like a business and one of their main job positions on their commune is making tofu and homemade hammocks which are the supplies they sell on their website -aka their online business- as a method of income. i have discussed a commune plan with close friends for about two years, unfortunately those plans will not be carried out with them due to not staying in contact. however, that plan remains to someday be put to use !! i would love to find like-minded souls to co-buy a bunch of land with (ideally not in america), so we can build our little homes of our dreams on each part of the land and decorate our land together. as well as build a main building with a kitchen and dining room to eat together if we do so wish, a living room to spend quality time together as a family (because family is what you make it), a bathroom of substantial size that’s an indoor-outdoor restroom (picture a room that opens up to a secluded outdoor bath surrounded with vines and flowers with showers next to it and plants surrounding the outside for privacy) with a sauna (but each members’ home would have their own personal bathroom as well), a library, and whatever else the other family members wish to include. we would build everything out of all natural + recycled materials. we’d grow a garden with plants, fruits, and vegetables that can grow in that particular area -we can also do seasonal fruits n veggies-. i would love to do research on canning and other forms of food preservation in order to not waste food. additionally, we would have a compost.

our personal spaces would contain our belongings and no other member may enter your home or borrow any of your belongings without permission. we’d each have our own jobs / methods of income and share what we feel comfy sharing with the commune. everything in shared spaces such as the main house, outside spaces, etc + items are for everyone. we can alternate and do what we’re passionate about on the commune, for example if you adore plants you can tend to the garden; if you love cooking you can help cook group meals; if you are a rather mechanical human you could assist with the solar panels, fixing appliances, other devices, and our shared vessels of transportation such as bicycles and vehicles (we would each have our own vehicles n have one shared van or bus so we could all commute / travel together); if you are particularly fond of cleaning you could clean designated shared spaces/clothing/dishes, etc; if you are crafty you could decorate the shared spaces and organize events and holidays for the family; if you love animals you could tend to the animals (feed them, take care of them, love them); if you have medical knowledge of any kind, whether that be animal medical knowledge or human you could tend to the health of the family; if you’re finance-savvy (lol) you could manage and organize methods of making money for the commune; etc. nobody is required to only do one category, we can contribute in any and every way we feel capable and willing, and alternating is also something we would engage in. there would not be a set amount of weekly work hours, and everybody would contribute because they genuinely love each other and their home. ideally everything is natural, sustainable and eco-friendly. consequently, instead of washing machines we would have manual washing stations and wire hangers outside to dry our clothing, and we would try to not use electric appliances as much as humanly possible.

eventually we would hopefully have financial freedom due to living off the land and only directing the commune funds toward the land taxes, and other related expenses (ie. if there’s an emergency, etc). our finances would each be separate to the individual, and then there would be a shared financial account just for the commune.

unlike Twin Oaks there are no rules, if the commune consists of kindred spirits as commune members we will all acknowledge and respect our boundaries. an idea to keep everyone accountable for liability and legal reasons so we all feel safe is for all members to sign a contract when they join promising to never invade someone’s space, steal from the commune or any of the other members, assault anyone, to try to always be open-minded and respectful (yk just don’t be shitty lmfao which i don’t think we’d have an issue with if we all we love n trust each other deeply), etc. if you want to leave you can leave at any time but you may only leave with your belongings.

essentially it’s a family that lives naturally, uniquely, and together in their own ways. that’s one concept of a commune in a nutshell, but so much goes into it !!

[finessefood]

A New Way of Eating: Healthy Food Recipes for Beginners

Are you looking for healthy food recipes and ways to eat but don't know where to start? Eating healthy can be intimidating, especially if you're new to the kitchen. But don't worry! In this blog post, we'll be introducing healthy food recipes for beginners that will help you get started on the path to better nutrition. From simple breakfast ideas to delicious dinner dishes, we've got all the tips and recipes you need to make healthy eating an easy and enjoyable part of your lifestyle. So let's get started!

The Benefits of Eating Healthy

Eating healthy is one of the most important things you can do for your body. Not only does it help your physical health, but it also affects your mental and emotional wellbeing. Eating a balanced diet can give you more energy, help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your focus and concentration, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and even improve your mood.

When making the decision to start eating healthier, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. After all, there is a lot to learn about food and nutrition. But don’t worry, eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated!

Here are a few simple tips to get you started: 

• Choose whole grains over refined grains: Whole grains like oats, barley, quinoa, and brown rice contain more fiber and protein than refined grains like white bread, pasta, and white rice.

• Go for lean proteins: Lean proteins like fish, skinless chicken breast, tofu, eggs, and beans are great sources of protein that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables: Fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals. Aim to fill half your plate with colorful produce at meals.

• Add healthy fats: Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds are essential for maintaining a balanced diet.

• Cut back on added sugar: Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods that contain large amounts of added sugars.

Eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to forming healthier habits that will last a lifetime!

Easy and Delicious Recipes

Cooking healthy meals doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, you can make some delicious and nutritious meals with minimal ingredients and minimal effort. Here are a few easy and delicious recipes that even beginners can master!

Tips for Success

Are you looking to make a change to your diet, but feel overwhelmed by all of the healthy food recipes out there? Don’t worry—eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to help make your transition to healthier eating easier and more enjoyable.

1. Start small – Don’t try to do too much too quickly. Start by swapping out one or two unhealthy snacks or meals for healthier options.

2. Make it fun – There are plenty of delicious, healthy recipes out there. Get creative with your ingredients and play around with different flavors and textures.

3. Go slow – Try new foods and recipes gradually. You don’t have to change your entire diet overnight. Make small changes, such as adding a salad to lunch or having oatmeal for breakfast, and gradually increase the number of healthy meals you are eating.

4. Buy in bulk – Buying in bulk is a great way to save money and ensure that you always have nutritious foods on hand. Choose nutrient-rich items like dried beans, whole grains, and nuts.

5. Educate yourself – Learning about nutr

ition can help you make informed decisions about what to eat. Check out books, online resources, and nutrition classes to expand your knowledge about healthy eating.

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard. By taking small steps, making it fun, and educating yourself, you can easily transition to healthier eating habits. With these tips, you can start enjoying the benefits of healthy food recipes for beginners!