#clubhouse candle company

[whilstiveputdownthisfic]

from the IG stories of Ashton's Clubhouse Candle Co

Sunday, December 10, 2023; as of 8:10 a.m. EST

[lashton-is-my-drug]

Ash posts to his ig story.

September 25, 2022

[mistresslrigtar]

Happy New Year! If you're looking for a fluffy new year's eve story with a little bit of angsty pine, I have a one-shot for you HERE

Excerpt:

Zelda was just finishing her glass and daydreaming when the limo pulled into the long, twisting drive that led to the club entrance. The lane was lined with sand-filled paper bags containing flickering candles. It lent an old-world charm to the Tudor-style clubhouse decorated with heavy fir garlands, wreaths, red bows, and twinkling white lights. Faint laughter and music filtered through the car windows and became considerably louder once the driver opened the door. 

They’d barely alighted from the car when Rauru and Sonia were accosted by his personal assistant, Josha, who held a clipboard and wanted to review a few last-minute party details. Knowing they’d be a few minutes, Zelda left them to their discussion and headed inside.

Before she'd set foot across the threshold, Groose charged out from behind the reception desk and was on her like Chuchu jelly on toast. His eyes roamed over the slit in her dress, and he licked his lips appreciatively. “Damn, you’re looking fine, Zelda. My-high-tee fine.” 

Ergh! Hadn’t he learned his lesson from last time? Zelda drew her leg in and discreetly held the edges of the seams together. If only Link were here, she wouldn’t have to deal with this Neanderthal. Not to mention, it was all she could do not to cover her nose at the pungent odor of Gerudo Spice wafting in Groose’s wake. Somebody had over spritzed. The fumes were actually making Zelda tear up.

“Where’s that dopey boyfriend of yours?” Groose’s beady, amber eyes darted about them as if Link would jump out from behind the potted plant in the corner at any moment. “Did you finally get wise and dump his scrawny ass?”

Pulling a tissue from her bag, Zelda dabbed at the corners of her watering eyes, ignoring both Groose’s inquiries. “Isn’t your jaw still aching from where he punched you?”

Puffing out his chest, Groose pulled on the ends of his one-size-too-small white dinner jacket. Zelda feared losing an eye to the straining buttons on his coat that looked like they would pop off at any moment. “I can take that pip squeak any day of the week. He just caught me off guard last time.” 

“Sure he did. Link sends his regards, by the way.” The way Groose’s eyes widened, and sweat popped out on his forehead made it worth Zelda’s while to have suffered his company even for these few brief moments. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

Groose’s blustering faded as Zelda pushed the massive wooden doors to the Great Hall open and entered a party in full swing. The spacious, high-ceilinged dining hall was illuminated by three wrought iron chandlers draped with narrow teal, black, and gold chains, Gossip Tech’s signature colors. The flickering light from the electric candles reflected off the shiny surfaces, adding a shimmering glow to the space.

[r0hitdhiman]

Why Influencer Marketing Is an Important Part of Today’s Businesses

It's nearly impossible to scroll social media without seeing some influencer marketing. Influencers are promoting the newest snacks, apparel, beauty products, and candles, and that's only the beginning.

How influencers are sponsored on their preferred platforms is continually evolving, from traditional posts to enduringly popular Instagram Stories to lengthy videos.

Remembering that anyone can be an influencer when identifying influencers is critical. John Maxwell said, "Before you try to lead people, you must first love them to be an influencer." You influence if you even have one subordinate. Indicates that your post has generated engagement.

Let's take a moment to thank the aspiring influencers who are expanding their fan base. These individuals post about their favourite companies and goods because they genuinely love them. While they may eventually be hoping for a brand deal, they need to get paid for their work when posting.

Influencer marketing is a brand-new concept that has only recently gained popularity. Influencer marketing started 15 years ago. The first marketplace to pay bloggers for branded content, PayPerPost, debuted amid many rumours. Many experts were dubious that integrating sponsorships or advertising would feel legitimate since blogs were mainly thought of as online diaries.

Today's influencers still have to overcome that obstacle, but those who succeed in promoting goods and services while seeming genuine and authentic will gain many benefits. People prefer to buy from other people, so when they find a suggestion from someone they like, they are more likely to believe it.

What Is Influencer Marketing?

Leading, specialised content producers are used in influencer marketing to boost traffic, spread messages to target audiences, and build brand awareness. Businesses may broaden their reach across their buyer profiles thanks to this engagement between brands and creators.

Social media, blogs, columns, digital and print commercials, and television are examples of these outlets. Because traditional advertising is no longer as efficient at generating leads and customers, influencer marketing is becoming increasingly popular among businesses.

Because it makes use of strategies like social proof and word-of-mouth advertising, which are now essential components of every effective marketing strategy, influencer marketing is effective.

Customers have greater faith in their friends, peers, and role models than in the businesses that provide the goods and services they use and purchase.

Today's influencers have many possibilities that were not available to the first influencers. There are various social media networks to pick from, which may produce a wide variety of content. YouTube or TikTok are great options for folks who enjoy video-sharing websites. Long-form writing entries can be shared on Facebook or through conventional blogging. Instagram is a reasonable option for influencers who want a little bit of everything. Even though Clubhouse is a new platform, influencers will soon figure out how to use it for their campaigns.

Where to Find  Influencer Marketing Agencies?

I have found the best place where countless agencies are listed, helping to save time and choose from the influencer marketing agencies in Mumbai according to your region only on Agencynetwork.com.

Why connecting with Agency Network is beneficial?

Gain Recognition

Become listed in local business directories to attract business. The agency receives hundreds of monthly phone calls from companies seeking top influencer marketing agencies.

[sourcesos]

Note sent by Ashton Irwin and @clubhousecandleco! this note comes with all purchases from the company! - x, x

[justa-starrynite]

Better Than Sex

A/N: Hey everyone! It’s Megan 😊 I hope you all had a great weekend! Mine was chilly with snow ❄️ A perfect excuse to stay in and get cozy.

Here’s a little Jax one shot for you all 💖 I hope you all enjoy! Thank you so much for reading! Your support means so much to Bea and I 🥰

Word Count: 1,133

Thank you so much @carlaangel86 for making another beautiful collage for us 😍

Fall was in the air and you couldn’t be happier. You were trying to soak in every minute of it that you could, filling up your days with all the fun activities you wanted to do with your family.

With the club Jax couldn’t do everything with you but for the activities he could participate in the two of you made a day into it.

You wanted to make as many memories with Abel and soak up as much time with him as you could before his world shifted with the welcoming of his baby sisters.

You followed behind Jax as he chased after Able through the pumpkin patch. It wasn’t long before you were way behind them. Carrying twins could be a bitch, you certainly weren’t as fast as you once were. You used to be able to keep up with the little Teller but now that was proving impossible.

“Woah, slow down little man.” You heard Jax say as he scooped Abel up into his arm, Abel giggling the whole time. “We’re leaving Momma in the dust.” Jax headed back towards you with his signature smirk on his face. “Sorry darlin.”

“Oh don’t mind me, I was just giving you two a head start before I left you in the dust.” You teased.

"Of course you were." Jax came over giving you a kiss before setting Abel into the wagon you were pulling. Taking the handle in one hand and yours in the other the three of you kept making your way through the patch.

It was only after a few moments of looking at pumpkins that you found the one. It was beautiful, the biggest, roundest one you had seen. Your eyes lit up as soon as Abel pointed it out to the two of you with a squeal.

Jax knew that look. Walking over he tapped the pumpkin asking “This one?” To make sure he had the right one for his queen and prince. You nodded smiling giddily. You couldn’t wait to have it gutted and carved up.

Back at the clubhouse you had the pumpkin sitting on the bar. You were carefully outlining the design of the Reaper along with the SOA letters behind it onto the surface. You were so focused on your work and making sure to get every detail perfectly you didn't even hear Jax come back out from putting Abel down for a nap.

"That looks amazing babe," Jax commented, wrapping his arms around you from behind, resting his hands on your bump.

You sighed under his touch leaving back against him. You always felt such comfort from his touch. "Yeah?" You asked looking back at him. "It should, I've only done the very same design I don’t know how many times for the Sons."

With as many times as you had tattooed the Reaper onto various members of the club you could practically do the design in your sleep by now. Still, each time you did you made sure to take your time perfecting it.

"I'm almost done. Then you get to the actual carving." That was the deal, you would outline and Jax would carve. "Did Abel give you any troubles?"

"No more so than usual."

"Gemma got him to go down didn't she?" Gemma had stopped in saying greeting you, her favorite daughter in law and granddaughters before going to see her grandson.

If there was anyone who could get the young Teller to do something it was her.

"She may have helped." Jax grinned back at you.

"That woman is magic I swear," you giggled. "I'm so thankful to not only have her help with Able but to have her help with these two. They're gonna be trouble, I can feel it." At that the two of you felt two little kicks."See, I told you, trouble just like their father."

Jax smiled rubbing your bump lovingly. "Nah I don't think so. These two are going to be daddy's little angels."

You let out a laugh shaking your head. "That's exactly what they want you to believe. They've already got you wrapped around their fingers and they aren't even here yet."

"That's not hard to do. They're just like their mother. I'd do anything for them just like I'd do absolutely anything for you." Jax murmured burying his face in your neck.

He held onto you and the two of you just enjoyed each other’s company as you worked and he watched. With the last finishing touches you sat back and smiled admiring your work.

“You’re up.” You smiled, slipping off the stool.

Jax switched places with you. You gave him a kiss on the cheek before making your way to the kitchen to roast the seeds from your big fat pumpkin.

With Abel on your hip you brought him out to show him the big reveal of your pumpkin fully carved with a candle inside. It looked amazing, Jax and you were a great team.

“That looks fucking sick.” Juice commented, checking out your work.

All the guys were back at the clubhouse hanging out after a long day of work. Opie stepped over giving you a hug as he towed over you. “It looks great (Y/N).”

“Hey, I fucking helped jackass.” Jax said from across the room.

“Maybe,” Opie shrugged, “but we all know (Y/N) did most of the work.” All the men agreed, picking on their VP.

“Oh, and these pumpkin seeds!” Tig said from his seat at the bar as he enthusiastically plopped a couple more into his mouth. “Just beautiful, amazing, I’m addicted. I’m gonna need your secret. This shit is better than sex.”

“Better than sex?” Happy arched his eyebrow looking down at Tig.

“I said what I said.” Holding up the bowl Tig offered some to Happy. “Try some for yourself.”

Grabbing a handful Happy poured the seeds into his mouth. You all watched the Tacoma Killer as he chewed the seeds up before swallowing, his facial expression never changing.

“Better than sex.” He grinned, grabbing another handful.

Soon the guys had devoured the bowl wondering if there was anymore.

“Looks like you’re going to have to get another pumpkin.” Gemma commented as she took Abel from you.

“Looks like it.” You laughed following Gemma back to the kitchen.

“I told you it’d be smart to hide some away.” She smirked, grabbing a few from your secret stash for herself before handing the container to you to grab a few.

Sitting together at the table the two of you shared stories as Abel played. You could hear the guys just outside talking and laughing. You smiled holding your bump. The family you had found with Jax in the club was crazy and wild but there was no other group of people you would rather have as your family.

Tagging: @peaches007 @trulysuccubus @buttercup812 @-im-fantastic- @mayans-sauce @mindless-x-dreaming

[midnxghtsunwrites]

SMOKESTACKS | 7, MAKES FOR GOOD COMPANY

previous post

"THE TEACHER IS CUTE," Tig Trager's voice was probably not the one that Jax wanted to hear in the wake of a raging hangover. The President steps into the clubhouse from the dorms and greets his brothers. Tig nods towards him and continues, "Wouldn't mind fucking that three ways from Sunday."

Jax slaps the back of the man's head with purpose, "Shut the fuck up, man."

Tig hisses as Bobby rises from his dead sleep on the pool table. Chibs is walking out from his dorm room, a croweater as tall as him trailing behind him. Opie is back at the house with Lyla so he's not able to give any input like usual. Happy, Juice, and Ratt where still posted up in their rooms, fast asleep.

"What happened when you took her home?" Chibs questions as he heads over to the bar. He grabs a bottle of whiskey from behind it and uncorks it.

Jax shakes his head and lights a joint he had tucked in his pocket, "That's none of your business." He chuckles.

Tig bursts out laughing, reading the amusement on Jax's face as clear as day, "You didn't hit, did you? Damn, when did you become a pussy with your pussy?"

"Aye," Jax warns him, "She's not just pussy, asshole. She's my son's teacher and I'd rather not fuck shit up with her for pussy."

Tig narrows his eyes for a moment before nodding, his hands thrown up in surrender, "Alright, man."

"Come on," Jax juts his chin towards the doors at the end of the clubhouse, "We got church."

NADINE NEEDS FRIENDS. SHE CAME to realize that when she was sat on her couch in the middle of a Sunday. She thought she could live out the rest of her life in Charming in the low, no friends, no close ones. While that lasted for two and a half months, she quickly overturned that resolve and made her decision.

But where the hell is she gonna find friends in a small-knit town like this? As soon as that thought comes to mind, there’s a knock on her front door, knocking her out of her reverie. Resting her plate of naan and hummus on her coffee table, she stands and peers through the peephole to the other side.

“What the hell?” She whispers when she sees who it is. She pulls the door open to reveal Gemma Teller, the woman smoking a cigarette right at her doorstep. “Gemma, hi, what are you doing here?”

The woman doesn’t even greet the teacher before dropping the cigarette and stepping on it, “The town is hosting a fundraiser tomorrow. You’re helping me set up.” Nadine doesn’t even have a chance to answer before Gemma steps over the threshold of her door and enters the apartment. “Hmm, smells good in here.” She’s referring to the hazelnut scented candle burning in the corner of the room.

“Wait,” Nadine pauses, holding a finger up as Gemma steps further into the room. She feels uncomfortable dressed in her spandex and crop top with the wave of heat that came in with Gemma, but it’s not like she could run to change. Gemma doesn’t turn to the woman in question, but begins to run through Nadine’s belonging, “How do you know where I live?”

Leafing through the teacher’s mail, Gemma answers, “Connections, sweetheart. Makes for good company.”

“Of course,” Nadine tucks her hands under her shirt and nods. Part of her is scared that that could easily be the same for Ezra. He could find her with his connections. Turning away, she grabs her plate from the coffee table and takes it to the kitchen where Gemma had begun washing her dishes, “You don’t have to do that, Gem.”

“We’re going shopping. I’m buying you time to get dressed.” Gemma says, popping a glass on the dishwasher rack to dry. When she sees Nadine planted in her spot, she arches an eyebrow, “Am I talking to myself, sweetheart?”

Nadine tilts her head in interest, a moment passes between the two, the only sound is water spraying from the tap. Gemma’s stare intensifies. Nadine cracks.

“Alright, fine.” She groans and points towards the woman, “You’re very convincing, by the way.”

TAGLIST

@bettergetusetoit @complacentviawattpad @gwenspacy @rosenoirwrites @dollyhoess

[jennbabeyy]

Cinderella.

A/N: I’m back !!! This is a long one but I hope y’all enjoy it as much as I did. If you want the full experience, listen to Mac Miller’s song “Cinderella”. Thank you for reading 🥰

-

“I been waitin' all night for this moment I been waitin' all year for this moment I been picturing you takin' off your clothes for me I been literally curvin' all these hoes for you”

Angel swore he didn’t do relationships but there was something about her that drew him in from the very first time. She was innocent, pure and beautiful. He knew that she had men coming after her just by taking one look at her.

He was at a corner store with some of the Mayans collecting money that the owner owed Bishop when he saw her. She was with her friends, never once laying her eyes on him. But Angel swore she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and it would be a shame if he didn’t at least get her name.

It was a whole 20 minutes before Ez dared Angel to ask for her number, which he did.

She wasn’t easy to break through, but when the Mayans left the corner store , Angel left with a giant smile on his face and her number safely tucked in his pocket. The rest of the guys were throwing jokes at him but Angel was on top of the world, nothing could bother him at the moment.

It had been a few weeks later when he finally invited her to the party Bishop was throwing for one of the guys. He kept going back and forth oh the idea of inviting Y/n but eventually Ez convinced him.

It was tough but Angel convinced her to come through, and in the back of his mind he wonders if maybe this will be the thing that scares her away. Not most girls can handle the club life and Angel was nervous to see how she would fit in with his extended family.

The guys though, they thought it was funny that Angel would barely pay any attention to the girls that lingered around the clubhouse. Only 3 weeks of texting with Y/n and he was smitten. Any other girl around him didn’t seem to exist and that was new for him. He once welcomed the girls that tried to give him attention around the clubhouse, now they were just a bore to him.

The girls that tried to sit on his lap that night, he would dismiss them, not taking any chances. Y/n would be arriving soon and all he wanted was to be with her.

None of the guys ever saw Angel act this way about a girl.

“Been here every night for weeks at a time You in my dreams that's why I sleep all the time Just to hear you say I love you, just to touch you, just to leave you behind”

Ever since that night, your relationship moves at a pace that excites Angel. He hasn’t been in a relationship for a while but he knows this wasn’t like anything else. It’s smooth and easygoing, something that Angel never really dealt with in his life. But he finds himself enjoying every second he can get.

This morning, Angel doesn’t know if he’s dreaming or not but he hears the shower going and Y/n comes to mind. She loves taking showers in the morning before he even wakes up. It’s an inside joke between the both of them that it’s the only time she has without Angel and how much she takes advantage of it.

The water turns off and Angel hears the rustle of her movements as they bring him out of his sleepy state. He barely opens his eyes and sees her figure dress in his shirt that fits way too big on her.

A small smile appears on his face, when he realizes that her clothes are dirty and are mixed with his in the hamper. She hasn't gone back home for about a week but Angel doesn’t mind, he loves seeing her in his clothes.

He closes his eyes once again, the sleep coming back to him. It used to be hard falling asleep but ever since Y/n came into his life, he’s embraced the feeling of sleep. He dreams now but they are all filled with her. She’s his own very angel. Sometimes it’s hard for him to distinguish what is real or what is a fantasy.

Angel hears her humming as she picks up the clothes he’s left behind last night, and he swears that’s what lures him back to sleep.

Her sweet giggles fill his ear and he feels her smooth hands caress his cheek. Letting out a sigh, Angel realizes this is his favorite kind of morning.

The last thing he remembers before drifting back to sleep, is her whispering “I love you.”

This is what love is, Angel thinks as he drifts off to sleep.

“Daddy told you, better bring your ass home Cinderella better get your ass home Man I swear the parents just don't understand“

Her parents weren’t huge fans of Angel. Ever since he had picked her up in his motorcycle, he clearly made out the judgement on their faces. Though Y/N never let her parents come in between their relationship, deep down Angel was scared one day she would come to her senses and leave him for someone better. He even feared about how much her parents actually liked his brother better than him. It took him a while to get over but it still crept into his mind from time to time.

Most nights Angel enjoyed the company of his girl along with a nice movie night. Tonight was no different, after having a semi food fight with Y/N, they were both freshly showered watching a comedy movie. It wasn’t a movie that interested him but it was her turn to pick one and Angel was more than happy to just lay with his girl.

It started with just a simple text, which had interrupted their argument about which cereal was the best. He stayed quiet knowing that it was her dad, always making his way in between them even if he was nowhere near them.

A small sigh escaped Y/N’s mouth, though she hid it quickly with a smile. A kiss made his worries fade away just for a minute before it was interrupted again.

This time a call and Angel knew their peaceful night was coming to an end. No matter how old both Y/n and Angel were, he still respected her parents and if he wanted a future with Y/N he would have to put up with it. So he did.

“Baby, just answer” Angel gave Y/N a small push, nodding his head towards her phone at the end of the couch.

“But its movie night, and we said no phones. Plus he just wants to continue to say snide remarks now that he knows I’m here with you.”

And Angel knew it, but he kept his mouth shut. No matter what he didn’t want to cause a drift between Y/N and her dad.

Fuck he loved her. And if he had to put up with her dad, he would because to him Y/N was worth it. Every snide remark, he could take it as long as he had her by his side.

She was his future and her parents would just have to get used to seeing their daughter with him.

“We started on the bed and then we moved onto the floor I thought you was an angel now you yellin' to the Lord”

Angel couldn’t believe he had been together with Y/n for about six months. By the time their anniversary comes around, she has moved in and Angel swears that it was bound to happen since the first night she spent the night over.

That night, he planned a date night with the help of Coco and Ez. Both of them never wasting the chance of being able to tease him about being whipped. And he was proud to admit it, Y/n was the first girl to ever change his life and he couldn’t believe an angel like her wanted him just as much.

By the time Y/n arrived home, the entire floor was covered in red petals that led to their bedroom. The candles on the ground lit the way and Angel could see the happiness appear on her face. She had no idea he would even do something for their 6 months. He had made sure she was out of the house for the entire day. He even had to pay Letty extra to make sure Y/n would stay away until he was ready.

It’s this moment he realizes that his favorite thing to do is surprising her and watching the way her face lights up.

She’s dressed in his favorite, a flowy sundress. But he swears she looks good in just about anything. His favorite look would be her wearing his t-shirt and he gets to see that every day she goes to bed.

Angel is enchanted with the way she is, how she moves, how she makes him feel.

She makes him feel loved.

She’s his very own angel.

Throughout the darkness, he watches her eyes shine beneath him. She looks beautiful to him as she comes undone right in front of him.

And Angel swears it’s the best view he’s ever seen.

“You used to tell me all the time I ain't your type Now you always wanna spend the night Now I'm doing everything you like“

Angel lets out a smile as he watches Y/n bond with his dad. Ever since he introduced the two of them, he noticed the way she perfectly fits with his small family. His dad had welcomed her in with open arms and Y/n always made sure to have family dinners every Friday if possible.

And his dad had given a nod of approval for the first time in Angel’s life.

Letting his eyes roam over the most important people in his life, Angel thinks back to the day where he met the woman that changed his life.

A small laugh threatens to escape his mouth as he remembers her fiery temper, the day he tried to ask her out properly.

It had taken a while to convince Y/n, she took one look at him and had made Angel work for it every single day.

Now almost a year later, Angel finds himself doing most of the things Y/n loves to do. She’s an artist, a talented one if you asked him. And of course he was 100% biased but his girl knew her way around a paint brush. They sit in their backyard on a blanket as the sun sets, her favorite wine opened. He sucks at anything that involves art but just watching her while she works makes Angel feel at home.

And he just admires her, watching as she mixes colors in front of her. He feels like she’s the artwork but to his surprise she painted him, capturing the intimate moment between them.

Her very own muse.

It’s their thing now, something he looks forward to but also something he keeps to himself. There’s no way he would let his brother or best friend know about this, he would be teased for life.

“Yeah, but I still respect the game

Every time I’m out of line

You always set me straight

The sex is great, for heaven’s sake

I need it everyday”

It’s a first for Angel but there’s rarely any fights between the two of them throughout their relationship. He had always been used to the constant fighting when he was seeing someone or even just used to the constant toxic negativity with the other person. But with Y/n, there’s none of that and if a fight would happen he still respected her because he knows that at the end of the day he still loves her no matter what.

Angel never once finds himself looking for another woman’s company when a fight breaks between the two of them. He may spend the night at Coco’s but early the next morning Angel is back at home making breakfast for her. It’s his own way of apologizing for what he did wrong.

He knows when he says something out of line, Y/n will be the one to always tell him what’s good. When the club shit gets too much to handle, and he brings home the stress, she makes sure that they work through things together. They’re a team, it’s the first thing that pops into his head when he’s away from home doing work for the club.

Everything changed when Angel finds himself making decisions based on her. It's a first for him. He’s no longer by himself, he has a girl to think about too.

And after the fighting is done, the make up sex is amazing. Angel looks forward to it even when he’s too angry to talk to her. Even when she feels frustrated every time he gets a call from Bishop during an intense argument. It’s something that’s always on the back of his mind. Once everything is made up between the two of them, he leads her to the bedroom. And sometimes they don’t even make it.

 He’s addicted to her.

“Never gonna find nobody better, all my life”

[lovebishoplosamiguelgalindos]

Meeting The Family : Bishop and Callie where she meets the other club members for lunch and brings food with her to the boys. (this is her outfit that she had in her locker after working in her scrubs all day)

“ Before you order takeout for lunch , my wife is coming by with pizza and wings. “ The room went silent for a few minutes . “ Your what?” Coco asked with a puzzled expression on his face . “ You heard me Coco or did you think this gold band on my finger was just decoration?”

Angel said “ So that’s what you did in Cabo a while back when you made that mystery trip , slick pres.”. He toasted him with his beer bottle .

“ Thank you , I will tell you she’s El Padrinos niece and as such you will treat her with respect and be on your best behavior.” He took a slow drag of his cigarette then. The guys started to clean up a little and empty ashtrays and take empty beer bottles to the recycling bin in the scrap yard. There was even a candle that one of Vicki’s former girls had left behind that was cinnamon scented so EZ lit that on the top of the bar. About a half hour later EZ’s pitbull that he kept near his trailer barked signaling a guest was coming. Pedro was the other security option for the scrap yard when the guys weren’t there. Then a very curvy brunette woman walked in and went to kiss Bishop on the lips. “ Hey guapo.” The guys all had their jaws on the floor. Bishop smiled “ Dulce.” “ I have some pizza and wings out in my truck on the front seat if you Bish want to help me bring it in. And I’m Callie. My real name is Calliope but that’s just on my medical degree.” Gilly and Hank went outside to get the food for everybody. Paper plates and napkins were on the big table . “ I’m an orthopedic surgeon at Santo Padre general and my shift ended early today. Basically I fix bones.” The guys all listened to her . Then the food came in and the containers were opened for them to eat. “ So how did you and pres meet? “ Angel asked. “ Uncle Marcus had a picnic one weekend and I was on call but I got to spend most of the day there. Bishop introduced himself and I knew what he did and about the life so I figured why not .” “ My dad and his wife are brother and sister .” Gilly said “ Do you have any sisters?” Callie laughed . “ No three brothers sorry.” “ After we eat though I wouldn’t mind a game of pool, I played a little in college but it’s been a long time.” Bishop looked at her and smiled. “ Be nice to them querida.” She held his hand. “ I always am plus I could be a little rusty.” Then they ate their lunch and chatted a little and EZ brought her a beer. “ Sam Adams , my husband remembered.” “ By the way that pitbull out front is a sweetheart, who does he belong to.” Taza said “ Pedro is Boy Scouts” She nodded. “ So he’s yours EZ?I am sure he’s good company for you around here .” Ez nodded. “ Yeah he is , he’s working on being a fan of Angel’s though.” Angel said “ Just because I was a little drunk one night and thought I would crash in on your trailer couch and he wasn’t happy about that when he had claimed it for his.” “ You spoil that damn dog little brother.” Then food was eaten and more conversation was had. Then Angel, Gilly, Coco and Callie we met over to play some pool. “ So since I am a guest in your clubhouse let’s keep it friendly, ten a ball sound good?” Bishop leaned back in his chair and said “ This is going to be fun.” It was quiet but Riz heard him and raised an eyebrow. Then the game started with Callie taking the first shot since she was well mi reina or the queen of the Mayans. Her ball wnent into the pocket right away . She smiled. “ Well I think I still have it.” An hour later Callie had made seventy dollars and then she called a halt to the game. “ Thanks boys .” She smiled but gave them the money back all but 20. “ I may or may not have mentioned that pool helped pay for some of my classes in medical school.” The guys couldn’t be mad at her because she was so damn hot. They went back to talking again and knew they liked this woman. Bishop had been calmer since he had found her. A happy el presidente was always a good thing. Callie sat on her husbands lap at he table then and he had his hands around her waist skimming over her ass. She whispered something in his ear and he laughed. “ When we get home me reina, I don’t want the boys to have a heart attack.” She ran her hand over his beard a little. “ The right kind of man with facial hair is damn sexy.” “ And when a woman has someone like that she is always satisfied.” Her fingers moved to Bishops slightly opened shirt collar. “ Can I get a shot of tequila , salt and a lime please.” (more to come)

[cindylouwho-2]

RECENT NEWS, RESOURCES & STUDIES, May 2, 2021

Welcome to my latest summary of recent ecommerce news, resources & studies including search, analytics, content marketing, social media & Etsy. If you are interested in Etsy news, please read my top story below, as there seem to be a lot of changes afoot. (There is also a section general Etsy news below that.)

If you have any questions or news you would like me to cover, please drop me a line here on Tumblr, reply to this post, email me, or contact me on Twitter.

TOP NEWS & ARTICLES

Something is brewing at Etsy: as of April 26, people in almost all non-Etsy Payments countries “temporarily” cannot open new shops. They hid this development in a Help file, but someone reported it to Ecommerce Bytes, which garnered more attention. Why does this matter? Currently, Etsy Payments (EP) is only available in 44 countries; i.e., most of the world cannot currently open a new shop on Etsy. [Updated May 3 2021] Apparently the only exception is India; see the screenshot below, which someone kindly sent me:

(please click to see it in more detail, or check it out on Twitter)

There was no warning, and no published end date, even though they say it is temporary. Of course, they say it is to protect buyers, but they said that when they removed standalone PayPal too, and we know that was just about making more money. It’s possible they are adding new payment companies to the backend which will be able to operate in most of these countries, greatly expanding their take from EP. The first quarter report is scheduled for May 5, and that is often the time they announce new or expanded income streams. Expect to learn more sometime around then. In the meantime, watch for payment glitches.

It is also possible that the above situation is related to the glut of bad press Etsy has garnered recently. They released a blog post on April 29th, explaining how they plan on spending $40 million extra this year on marketplace enforcement. Turns out, they were just trying to get out in front of an April 30th report from Business Insider [paywall], which describes 800 policy violations in listings on the site. You can get the details in articles from Engadget and Gizmodo. This might get more traction, as both Insider and Gizmodo noted it is very easy to find more prohibited and even illegal items on Etsy.

“After Etsy deleted the listings the outlet identified, Insider reports that it was still able to find several others for ivory products, brass knuckles, mandrake roots, tools for using cannabis concentrates, mass-produced products, and other banned items. We poked around Etsy’s marketplace as well, and within a few minutes found a bunch of prohibited products, including a vintage ivory bracelet put up for sale as recently as March, several weapons that are plainly marketed as such, and a shop with more than 1,000 reviews selling all manner of spells for attracting love, wealth, and what have you.” [from Gizmodo]

Note that Etsy has also changed the wording of its Prohibited Items policy to include new definitions for counterfeit items. See discussion on this Reddit thread. Etsy is also still getting negative attention for allowing fake COVID-19 vaccine cards to be posted for sale. Vice has the most recent article, and Forbes has an overview of this hot new scam area.

So, is all of this linked, and if yes, what does it mean? Etsy hasn't cared about enforcing its listing policies for many years, as long as the media doesn't notice. Heck, you can still buy gift boxes of manufactured candy in thousands of shops, which is expressly prohibited, yet reporting never removes them. Is the media finally noticing enough to make a difference, or is Etsy really embarking on a huge cleanup that includes (at least temporarily) banning people from most countries from opening new shops? We will likely learn more this month, and perhaps even this week.

ETSY NEWS

Etsy says that shoppers are searching for “eco-friendly” items more often this year, and released a trend report on the topic. Insights include “42% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for reusable cotton menstrual pads...100% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for reusable straws...76% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for food covers...54% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for reclaimed wood shelves...176% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for environmentally friendly candles...712% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for eco-friendly tissue paper...285% YoY increase in searches on Etsy for vintage hoodies.” Definitely read the report if you want to know everything that people are looking for.

They also did a UK-based article on trends in outdoor items. Search tips of note: “2,644% YoY increase in UK searches on Etsy for patio furniture...Over 1,000% YoY increase in UK searches on Etsy for spring wreaths...1,266% YoY increase in UK searches on Etsy for garden lights or lanterns” It is hard to say how much these trends can be extrapolated to other countries, as the UK appears to have embraced online shopping much more during the pandemic than some other countries (see story below).

The latest Etsy Success podcast [transcript with podcast links] covers their buyer research, as well as a few questions from sellers. Not much here, except for the fact that they do expect wedding sales to pick up.

Reverb had a really large data breach, exposing the personal information of over 5 million customers.

As mentioned above, Etsy’s first quarter financial results for 2021 will be out on May 5th.

Apparently, Etsy is testing videos in search; here is a forum thread on the topic.

SEO: GOOGLE & OTHER SEARCH ENGINES

Here is an intermediate/semi-advanced article on ecommerce websites and common SEO issues. If you don’t do any of your own coding and don’t have much control over site design and indexing, skip the first 3 points.

Link building: what is a high-quality link? (you know, the type we are always told we need.) Moz’s Whiteboard Friday covers the basics. [video & transcript]

If you are new to blogging or writing instructional articles for your website, this template for writing for both readers and for Google SEO should be very useful.

Google introduced an algorithm update for product reviews starting April 8th. If you review other products on your website or blog, you will want to get the details here and here.

The Google page experience algorithm update has been delayed; it is now going to start in June and be completed by the end of August. That and more is covered in the Google Search News video for April. [YouTube video with highlights and links in the comments]

Yes, you can use SEO to get more attention to your podcasts. Here’s a detailed how-to.

Focussing on YouTube? Here are some tools for YouTube SEO. (Some are free or have free versions.)

There are probably as many Google SEO myths as there are Google algorithm factors, but Google saying something isn’t true isn’t always proof it is a myth. With that in mind, please enjoy this summary of 15 Google ranking factor myths (some of which are in dispute).

[semi-advanced content] The current state of long tail SEO has changed due to both searcher behaviour and Google, and that has led to both more and less opportunity. [Google redirecting results to what it thinks the searcher really wanted, even when the exact words aren’t on the page that they rank first, reminds me of what is happening with Etsy search lately.]

(CONTENT) MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA (includes blogging & emails)

Facebook still has the most traffic in the US, compared to all other social networks, but YouTube is even more popular. YouTube and Reddit are the only established major platforms with significant growth since 2019. You can read more details from the actual study here.

Instagram is working on new ways for creators to make money on the platform, not just those with business accounts.

HubSpot put together a summary of how the algorithms work on Facebook, Twitter, And Instagram.

Reddit appears to be testing a group voice chat feature, which would compete with Clubhouse.

TikTok isn’t just for young people; parents and grandparents are now on the platform too.

Twitter’s timeline algorithm (active if you are seeing “Top Tweets” on your feed) tends to ignore a lot of external links, and more than half of the posts can be “suggestions” from people you don’t follow. I’ve noticed lately that Twitter rarely makes suggestions in my chronological timeline anymore, except when I don’t have any activity for over 24 hours.

Twitter obeyed an order from the government of India and removed several dozen tweets which criticized the government’s COVID-19 response. The tweets in question can still be seen outside of India, however.

ONLINE ADVERTISING (SEARCH ENGINES, SOCIAL MEDIA, & OTHERS)

Understanding the definition of “return on ad spend” (ROAS) is the first step to making sure your ROAS is good for your business. “in general, a ROAS of 4:1 ($4 in revenue for every $1 spent) or higher usually suggests a successful campaign. But keep in mind that this is just a benchmark, not something to swear by. Some businesses need a ROAS of 10:1 to stay profitable, while others can do well with just 3:1...A large profit margin means you can continue the campaign with a low ROAS, whereas smaller margins demand a relatively higher ROAS and low advertising costs to maintain profitability. ROAS can also vary by platform. For instance, the average ROAS for Google Ads is 2:1.”

10% of money spent on US online ads last year went to Amazon, but they are still well behind Google. Meanwhile, Facebook’s ad revenue was up 46% in the first quarter of 2021, Google’s was up 32% & Bing's increased by 17%.

eBay launched the ability to automate their Promoted Listings.

ECOMMERCE NEWS, IDEAS, TRENDS

Payment processor Stripe purchased TaxJar, with a plan to integrate it into Stripe. This would provide new options for calculating & filing US taxes to Stripe customers. TaxJar will also have a standalone version for the moment. While TaxJar does do US taxes for business from many countries, it has almost nothing available regarding non-US taxes at this time. (Someone needs to do this for other taxes including UK VAT registration, since they don’t have a minimum threshold for micro businesses, and are no longer in the EU, so won’t be included in the new VAT collection rules come July 1. How many sole proprietors want to be registering for & remitting all of these countries by ourselves?)

In related news, Florida has joined most other US states in requiring online businesses to collect state sales tax even if they have no base in Florida. Missouri is now the only state with sales tax but without such a law, and they are working on it.

eBay has rolled out its new coupon code tool. Also, they released lower than expected projections for the current quarter, which has disappointed the analysts.

Meanwhile, Amazon hugely beat its first quarter expectations, and projects the growth will continue. Prime Day will be in June instead of July this year; date to come.

Also, Amazon is letting its larger brands email customers directly, which was previously not allowed. Customers do have to follow the brand to receive these messages.

Mailchimp will soon be offering ecommerce stores, including a free option that has a 2% transaction fee, or more advanced versions with lower transaction fees for $10 and $29 a month respectively. US and UK customers will be able to start a store as of May 18th.

Shopify probably doesn’t feel that threatened by the new competition, as their first quarter revenue was up more than 100% over the previous year. Note it is estimated they got 8.6% of US ecommerce revenue in the quarter, while some believe that eBay, Apple and Amazon lost market share.

BUSINESS & CONSUMER STUDIES, STATS & REPORTS; SOCIOLOGY & PSYCHOLOGY, CUSTOMER SERVICE

Mastercard says that people worldwide spent $900 billion more online last year compared to 2019. They expect the ecommerce trend of grocery shopping and bargain hunting to continue more than other retail areas.

Regions that had stricter lockdowns during the pandemic may have had a greater increase in ecommerce activity; this report compares the US and the UK.

Generation Z is likely to stop shopping with you if your site has issues. “Seventy-one percent of respondents want the experience to be personalized, and 76% said their favorite brands should reward them for their business, the survey found.”

MISCELLANEOUS

Brave browser has disabled FLoC, Google’s new tracking that is supposed to replace cookies in the next year. They explain why here. If you like Chrome but don’t want FLoC, try DuckDuckGo’s FLoC blocking Chrome extension.

[lashton-is-my-drug]

Ashton’s candle company post on Instagram

July 20, 2022

Link to ig post

Interesting array of colors there sir 🌈

[purplesurveys]

652

We’ll do the last people I messaged, like before.

Friend One What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? JM. He’s a guy. How old are they and what month is their birthday? He is 22, but he blows his candles every July 6th. Does this person have a Facebook account? Yes he does. In this country, 98% of the time you kinda need to have a Facebook account, because work-related stuff is mostly conducted there (if you’re in school) and it’s a way to stay connected to family and friends. When was the last time you saw this person? Yesterday. He’s my classmate in my last class for the week, which is on Friday afternoons. Do you find this person attractive? Objectively yes, but I don’t have a huge crush on him lmao.

Have you ever lived in the same house as this person? Nope. Where does this person work? We’re currently just students, so no job yet. And as far as I know he plans on taking law so assuming he passes, he won’t be working for another four years. Friend Two What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Gabie, she’s a girl and a very pretty one at that. How old are they and what month is their birthday? 21, June 5th. Have you ever been to their house? Yeah, plenty of times. I’d be concerned if I wasn’t allowed to visit them lol. Are you friends with any of their other friends? I’m civil with her two best friends but I don’t really mix well with her other blockmates.  Where did you meet them? I went to school with her for 14 years. What are their siblings’ names? Don’t really feel like sharing that here. Have you ever cooked a meal with this person? Technically yeah. We had to run a small restaurant once for a final project in home economics, so we had to make hundreds of burgers and chicken strips hahaha. But other than that, the only thing we’ve made for ourselves is instant noodles, because we’re equally bad in the kitchen :/ Friend Three What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Andrew, boy. How old are they and what month is their birthday? I know he’s also 21 but I have no clue when his birthday is, which I should be partly ashamed of because he’s really into astronomy and always tells me about his star sign, which I’ve also forgotten about lmao. Have you ever hugged them? A few times. He’s not really someone I’d approach to hug. Do you know what their favourite candy is? LMAOOO we also talked about this with JM literally just a few days ago but I forgot already. I’m awful. But I guess it also kinda has to do with the fact that he’s incredibly talkative and some things he says just go into my ear and exit the other. Have you ever had a crush on this person? I’ve never had a crush on him. Do you know their parents? His mom knows of me, but I’ve never met her. He’s not close to his dad, so I don’t care whether I know him or not. Do they have a boyfriend/girlfriend or other significant other? Yeah, in a surprising turn of events he’s seeing my seatmate/good friend from high school, Leigh. Friend Four What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Angela, and she’s a girl. How old are they and what month is their birthday? She’s 21 and has her birthday on September 15th. Are you related to this person? Mmm nope. But I do know she and Chelsea, another friend of mine and who was in my high school circle, are distant cousins. Does this person have an Instagram account? She does. I think I’m the only person in all my circles with no instagram. Do you know the rest of their friends? I know most of her friends, but tbh she’s super sociable so there may be friends that I haven’t heard of or met. What are their parents’ names? Alain and Girlie. When was the last time you spoke to this person on the phone? A few months ago when she called me up crying because her boyfriend was being a jerk. Friend Five What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Sophie, girl. She is also my girlfriend’s sister so that 1/2 answers the question on the section on Friend Two, lmao. How old are they and what month is their birthday? She just turned 15. If I’m not mistaken, November 14? Something along that week, anyway.  Do you know what their favourite colour is? I have no clue but knowing her aesthetic, she’d probably go with a pastel shade. Have you ever been swimming with this person? Neverrrrr. I remember planning it once at their village’s clubhouse, but it never happened because I just never brought any swimsuits whenever I go visit haha. Do you live in the same town/city as this person? You can say that. But our city’s divided into upper and lower parts, and we’re on either side so it’s still a bit of a drive to get to their place. Would you answer the phone if this person called right now? I’d be surprised, but I’d take the call. Does this person live with their parents? Yes. Friend Six What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Tina, also a girl. How old are they and what month is their birthday? It’ll always shock me that she’s a year older – aka she’s 22. She feels like such a 1998 baby, if that even makes sense lol. Her birthday is September 11. Have you ever gone out for coffee with this person? We’ve bought coffee for takeout, but I’ve never sat down at a coffee shop with her. Does this person take selfies? If she does it’s only meme-ish in nature, or selfies with her dogs. Would this person come pick you up in the middle of the night? No and she wouldn’t be the first person I’d call because she lives too far from me and I don’t want to burden her too much. What does this person usually wear on a day-to-day basis? Growing up in Abu Dhabi where it’s warm/super warm all-year round, she can’t go anywhere without a thick jacket or sweater as she’s constantly cold. Have you ever shared a bed with them? I don’t think I have. Friend Seven What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Hannah, girl. Because most of my friends are girls. How old are they and what month is their birthday? She just turned 20! January 16. What do their parents do for a living? I have no clue. It’s never really been brought up in conversation, so I haven’t thought to ask and she hasn’t thought to tell. Have you ever gone to the cinema with this person? Nah and I think we have very different tastes so we wouldn’t be able to agree on what to watch anyway. Are they older than you? No, she’s much younger than me lmaoooo. What is their middle name? Her second name is Millenne, pronounced mell-EEN/mill-EEN. Since she’s a January 2000 baby, she was named after the word ‘millennium.’ Does this person go to school or college? Yeah, we’re coursemates in UP and equally hate journalism jfkhkdjhgg. Friend Eight What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Gab, guy. We’re not that close anymore but he recently caught up with me because he wanted to lend me his WWE Network account, which is super sweet of him. How old are they and what month is their birthday? If I’m not mistaken he was born 1998. But my second guess is that he was born 1997. Either way, his birthday falls on May 11. Do you have any inside jokes with this person? We have some inside wrestling jokes here and there. When was the last time you messaged this person? Thursday. I realize I never replied to him :( so I’ll have to get on that soon haha. How long have you known this person? We applied for our org at the same period, and that was two and a half years ago. What was the last thing you did to help this person out? Keep him company when no one was talking to him during the Christmas party. Have you ever said “I love you” to this person? Maybe when Nacho died. But it’s definitely not something I’d tell him all the time. Friend Nine What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Her first name is technically Denise, but I don’t know anyone who still calls her that. We all know her as Mils, from her surname. How old are they and what month is their birthday? She’s also 22 and while I don’t memorize her birthday, I do know she’s a Scorpio. When was the last time you hung out with this person? It’s been...a while. We’re pretty close, but we’re from different circles and we never hang out. I think it’s as far back as 2016, when she invited me to her and Leigh’s birthday thing and they treated us to a screening of Doctor Strange. Have you ever set this person up on a date with someone else you know? Nope. Again, not that close. Does this person have any pets? Yes, her family has a dog. How far away is their house from yours? It’s pretty close, but she lives in the heart of Cainta whereas I live on the very border of it, and I never go to that area. Would this person help you if you asked for it? It depends. She’s a hit or miss. Friend Ten What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Blanch! Also a girl. How old are they and what month is their birthday? She’s 20 turning 21, but not until September 8th. Have you ever stayed the night at their house? Nope. I’ve never been to her place and I don’t think I’ll ever get to, because she lives allllllll the way in Las Piñas. When was the last time you spoke to this person? Friday. We’re classmates in a history elective. Do you knock on their front door, or just walk right in? I’ve never been to her place. Have you ever ignored a phone call from this person? We’re not close enough to just call one another, plus I don’t think she likes talking on the phone anyway. Have you ever kissed this person? No. Friend Eleven What is their name and are they a boy or a girl? Apple! Still a girl. How old are they and what month is their birthday? Like Gab, I’m not sure if she was born 1997/1998, but her birthday’s May 4. Have you ever gone to dinner with this person? Yes, but along with a bunch of people. She shocked all of us when she quietly downed an entire bowl of ramen in like five minutes, which is why her nickname on our org’s groupchat to this day is still “Ramen Nagi Queen” hahaha. Do you know what their hobbies and interests are? She’s down for anything, but she particularly likes stuff that forces you to be active, like hiking. Does this person go to the gym regularly? It’s possible, considering she’s into sportsy stuff. I’m not 100% sure. But one thing I do know for sure is that her resolution this year is to cut back on rice. Have you ever been to a party with this person? Not yet but she seems like such an awesome person to party with, given that she’s in a sorority lol. Have you ever secretly checked this person out? I have not.

[dailynewswebsite]

Masters 2020: Bring Augusta to your house

A Masters badge is among the most coveted tickets in sports activities, not simply since you get to roam the grounds of Augusta Nationwide, however since you get to roam the fabled reward store of Augusta Nationwide. What good’s a visit to the Masters in the event you can’t inform everybody you have been there?

Augusta Nationwide doesn’t launch figures on how a lot merchandise it sells every year, however in the event you determine that just about each one who walks via the membership’s gates drops no less than three figures, and typically way more, you can begin to get an thought of how a lot we’re speaking right here. The subsequent SEC soccer recreation or golf outing within the Southeast the place somebody’s not sporting Masters gear would be the first one.

On the checklist of challenges and missed alternatives concerning this 12 months’s Masters, the query of how one can get souvenirs into the fingers of the Augusta devoted was a vexing one. How do you promote wares to patrons when patrons aren’t allowed on the course?

Augusta Nationwide took its enterprise on-line, however with a attribute twist: you may solely entry the shop in the event you already had badges to this 12 months’s Masters. (How the membership will cope with 2020 badges in 2021 is one other story totally.)

Nonetheless, in case you are lucky sufficient to get within the digital door, Augusta Nationwide is doing what it may to carry the total Masters expertise to your own home. Patrons who’ve been to Augusta wax nostalgic in regards to the pimento cheese and the caramel popcorn, and now you may carry that proper to your house with out having to tuck a sandwich in your pocket:

Style of the Masters ($150): It’s a contact costlier than the meals on the course, and also you’ve obtained to provide your individual white bread and non-brand-name-listed beer or gentle drinks, however with this assortment you get every little thing from pimento cheese to egg salad to pork barbecue, plus chips, cookies, popcorn, 25 plastic cups, and even Masters emblem serving papers. Be happy to shush your company in the event that they get too mouthy.

Listed here are a number of extra of the notable gadgets on the market within the Patron Store:

Masters 2020 print ($35): There’s nary an azalea to be seen on the course this 12 months, however fall colours are each bit as beautiful. This print captures that autumn rainbow at Amen Nook.

2020 Vacation Decoration ($25): In the previous couple of years, Augusta Nationwide has launched an annual decoration, every of a gap equivalent to the 12 months. (The 18th got here out in 2018. You get this.) As there’s no 20th gap, this 12 months’s mannequin is a shot of the clubhouse, the fabled oak, and the umbrellas and tents the place, in years previous and future, patrons collect for a little bit of refreshment.

Story continues

Augusta pine scented candle ($45): You’ve obtained the Style of Augusta above, and now you may have the Scent of Augusta, too. You’ll need to create your individual fowl sounds and 5,000-person shouts to get the Sounds of Augusta, although.

2020 Masters gnome ($49.50): The gnome is okay, but when Augusta Nationwide supplied that vacation sweater on the market, it’d promote to the partitions. (The stocking cap is certainly obtainable for $35.)

2020 gnome longsleeve ($49): A lot of the Masters-brand merchandise is pretty easy — hats, shirts, sweaters, belts — some with “2020” included, some perennial. This is among the few gadgets of clothes that acknowledges that we’ve obtained a little bit of a special 12 months this 12 months … though the climate appears to be indicating that the gnome might be a bit overdressed.

So in the event you’re seeking to lay your fingers on some Masters merch, discover somebody who had a badge to this 12 months’s event and ask properly. However don’t wait too lengthy; every patron is barely allowed two transactions. You’ll be able to’t again up a fleet of pickup vehicles to the reward store in regular years, so you may’t preserve dispatching mail vehicles this time round, both.

However in the event you’re not capable of swing any Masters swag this time round, take coronary heart … for the primary time in historical past, the following Masters is barely 5 months away.

_____

Jay Busbee is a author for Yahoo Sports activities. Comply with him on Twitter at @jaybusbee or contact him with suggestions and story concepts at jay.busbee@yahoo.com.

Extra from Yahoo Sports activities:

from Growth News https://growthnews.in/masters-2020-bring-augusta-to-your-house/ via https://growthnews.in

[ashleybenlove]

Title: Hiccup and Dagur’s Witch Adventure

Prompt: 31st Oct: “Were you ever going to tell me?”

Fandom: How To Train Your Dragon, Hocus Pocus

Pairing: Hiccup/Dagur, Hiccup/Astrid/Fishlegs/Snotlout/Ruffnut/Tuffnut (polyamorous gang)

Word Count: 2239

Rating: Teen

Warnings: Mentions of sexual matters, curse words

Disclaimer: I don’t own the source material in this fanfic. That’s to whatever company or person owns it. I would never claim to own it.

Notes: For HTTYD Rarepair Week 2017 @httydrarepair. There are probable influences from fandom and whatnot in this story. This fic takes place during Race to the Edge, post-season 4. Also remember when I made this post? And this post? Yeah, this is the fic. This fic is basically a silly HTTYD/Hocus Pocus crossover with miminal appearances by the witches and OT6 and Dagcup fun. Happy Halloween! 🎃

And it is under the read more.

"What happened?" Hiccup exclaimed, moments after the candle was lit and all sorts of weird-ass shit happened.

"A virgin… lit the candle,” Dagur said. He pointed at Hiccup and frankly looked shocked at the realization that Hiccup was a virgin.

There was a pause and then Dagur asked, "Were you ever going to tell me?”

"What?" Hiccup asked.

"That you’re a virgin."

"Wh-! Why would I tell you that?! How is that relevant right now, Dagur?!" Hiccup exclaimed. “Furthermore, how is it any of your business?”

"You lit the Black Flame Candle! You’re a virgin! The witches are gonna come back!"

 “For one night! We just have to keep them busy until sun comes up and it’ll be fine! I’ve flown on Toothless for longer than a night! We can totally fight witches with dragons,” Hiccup exclaimed.

 He hoped.

 Dagur groaned.

 “Okay, okay, but you mean to say that you have slept with none of your friends?!” Dagur exclaimed.

 “I mean, I’ve slept next to them, we like to cuddle,” Hiccup said, sheepishly. “But if you’re suggesting that I’ve…”

 “Had sex with them,” Dagur finished.

 “No!” Hiccup replied.

 “Really? You guys have no personal space though! I would have figured you were all banging each other.”

 “Is that how we come off to other people?” Hiccup said, surprised.

 Dagur nodded. “You guys seem really close,” Dagur said.

 “Of course, we are!” Hiccup said. “We’re friends! We’ve been through a lot together!”

 “I’m not denying it!” Dagur said, holding his hands up. “I’m just surprised that your relationship with them is completely platonic.”

 There was thunder and lightning and they could hear cackling evil laughter in the air.

 “We should get in the air,” Hiccup said, automatically moving closer to Toothless. “They’re coming.”

 “Do you have a plan?” Dagur asked, getting on Sleuther.

 “Nope!” Hiccup said, and with that, he and Toothless took flight.

 “Seriously, Hiccup, do you have a plan?” Dagur asked, as he and Sleuther caught up to Toothless and Hiccup.

 “Mostly just keep the witches away from any populated islands until dawn!” Hiccup exclaimed.

 “So, it’s up to us, right?”

 “Yup!”

 “I bet that makes you think of your friends, huh? You wish they were here with you?” Dagur said.

 Hiccup looked at Dagur and saw that he was moving his eyebrows in a suggestive manner. Then, to really bring it home, he winked.

 Hiccup sighed.

 In his heart, he knew that this fight against the witches would go a lot easier with his friends here. Six Dragon Riders on five dragons always made it easier. And they knew each other so well. They could handle anything.

 “It’s okay to admit that you need them,” Dagur said. He smiled at Hiccup in a way that clearly indicated that he was thinking about what they had talked about earlier. “Huh? Huh?”

 Hiccup groaned.

 “Of course, I need them!” Hiccup exclaimed.

 But the time distance from here to the Edge exceeded the time between now and sunrise so…

 “But in a pinch, you will do,” Hiccup said. He smiled at Dagur.

 Dagur smiled back.

      “Boys!” one of the witches exclaimed. She leaned forward on her broom and her cleavage became apparent. She waved at them. “Sister, let me play with them!”

 Hiccup gulped.

 Both Sleuther and Toothless fired in the witches’ general direction and then flew in another direction, stopping at a sea stack for a quick break.

 The witches had been pursuing them for several hours, and by his calculations, they had another four hours before sunrise.

 Just keep them busy.

 That was their mantra.

 “One of those witches definitely… uh…” Hiccup said, taking a breath.

 “Wants to get in our pants?” Dagur finished. “Yeah, I noticed.”

 Dagur took a deep breath and closed his eyes, calming himself. After a moment, he looked at Hiccup and said, “So about you and your friends…”

 Hiccup groaned.

 “Now’s not the time to be talking about that!” Hiccup said. “Mission first, personal life second.”

 “Oh, come on! Where’s the fun in that?” Dagur asked.

 Hiccup sighed through his nose in a way that sounded like a scoff.

 “So, do you have romantic feelings for any of them?” Dagur asked. “One of them? Two? More than two?”

 Dagur watched Hiccup’s face and when he said ‘more than two’, Hiccup and Toothless both reacted.

 Toothless in a sort of knowing smile and Hiccup sort of froze.

 “You caught feelings for all of them?” Dagur asked softly.

 Toothless barked in a manner that clearly meant ‘yes’ and Hiccup whispered, “Traitor” to him. It was the only answer Dagur got because another moment later, Toothless was growling and tense, and that could only mean one thing.

 “We need to get moving again,” Hiccup said, his voice all-business.

      Dagur decided to drop the subject of Hiccup and his friends for the rest of their mission to keep the witches busy simply because it would have served as too much of a distraction for them. He knew they needed to stay focused. The witches were angry that they had been unable to brew any of the potion they needed (and had been unable to go to any islands that had what they wanted), and with less than two hours until sunrise, were on the warpath. He hoped they could make it to sunrise.

 He didn’t want to have to bring Hiccup’s body back to his friends.

      Hiccup and Dagur watched with exhausted satisfaction, lying on the ground of a small island, as the sun rose over the horizon, bathing the sky in beautiful morning colors, making the witches shriek (and Toothless to shriek back), and say their meek goodbyes moments before they exploded.

 They both took deep breaths of relief, lying back onto the ground.

 It was over.

 Hiccup laughed with relief.

 “Oh, thank Thor!” he exclaimed.

 “I second that,” Dagur said, chuckling.

 The two of them sat up, looking at the sky in relief, and enjoying watching the sun continue to rise, their dragons right next to them.

 Hiccup tossed his arms around Dagur and hugged him, ecstatic with relief.

 “We did it, Dagur!” Hiccup exclaimed.

 When they pulled away, their hands still on each other’s arms, Hiccup looked at Dagur’s lips, and Dagur noticed Hiccup’s gaze.

 “Uh…” Hiccup said.

 “Hiccup Haddock, are you thinking about kissing me?” Dagur asked. He grinned.

 “In celebration?” Hiccup said. He shrugged his shoulders, a sheepish smile on his face. “But, only if you wanted to, of course. I’m okay with it if you are.”

 Dagur considered it briefly, and said, “Yeah, I’m okay with it.”

 The two young men leaned forward, Hiccup slightly tentatively, and their lips met, softly. At first it was a peck, which Dagur had expected it to be, but then, Hiccup deepened the kiss, a hint of a moan escaping his throat, so Dagur kissed back.

 When the kiss ended, their faces did not pull back, so their noses were essentially next to each other, their foreheads not exactly touching but one move would have made them touch.

 “That was nice,” Hiccup whispered. Dagur felt Hiccup’s breath on Dagur’s face, his lips so close to Dagur’s, they both could sense it.

 “It was,” Dagur replied. Dagur was the first one to pull back.

 Toothless came right into Hiccup’s space, his large head getting right up in Hiccup’s face, a croon coming from the Night Fury.

 “What?” Hiccup said, as he reached out and touched his dragon friend with both hands, right on the dragon’s face and head, hands moving across the beautiful dragon’s scales like they belonged there. “You want me to kiss you, too? Huh? Huh?”

 Hiccup quieted and both he and Toothless’s foreheads met.

 “You did a good job with those witches, Toothless. Good job, bud,” he whispered, softly. Hiccup moved his head just a smidge to press his lips to Toothless’s head.

 Toothless responded with a lick of his own.

 Dagur laughed.

 “So…” Dagur said. “You kiss your friends with that mouth?”

 Hiccup groaned. Touching his head against Toothless’s again, not because of annoyance at the question but because he needed the comfort of his friend.

 “I wish,” he lamented.

 “Why haven’t you told them?” Dagur asked. “How you feel?”

 Hiccup moved his head away from Toothless’s, to look at Dagur but kept a hand on Toothless like a lifeline.

 “I… don’t want to mess up what we have. What we have is so great. I just don’t want to make it weird by being like ‘I’m in love with all of you! I just want to make all of you happy for the rest of my life!’” Hiccup exclaimed. He sighed and looked down. “It’s a mess. And I don’t wanna lose them. And I don’t want them to think they have to be with me or anything like that, because I’m their leader and the next Chief of Berk.”

 Toothless crooned at Hiccup in comfort.

 “I’m sorry this is causing you pain,” Dagur said, softly. “My advice, for what it’s worth, is to tell them your feelings. The Riders… your Riders, they obviously love you, in their own way. Your friendship with them is strong; you guys are gonna be together forever, even in Valhalla.” He watched Hiccup smile slightly at that. Dagur paused and said, “We should get back to Dragon’s Edge, your friends and my sister are probably worried about us.”

      It was nearly noon and time for lunch by the time Dagur and Hiccup arrived at the Edge. The Clubhouse doors were open. They were still on the island and hadn’t left to go searching for the two of them yet.

 And when Hiccup and Dagur walked into the Clubhouse, Astrid, Heather, Ruffnut, Tuffnut, Snotlout, and Fishlegs were sitting at the table.

 “Did we miss lunch?” Hiccup said.

 “Dagur!” Heather exclaimed at the same time the rest of the assembled called out Hiccup’s name.

 “Thank Thor!” Astrid exclaimed. “We were thinking it might be time to go looking for you two.”

 The six of them at the table got up and headed over to Hiccup and Dagur. Heather hugged her brother and everyone else hugged Hiccup and he hugged them back.

 Both were obviously tired, so they were escorted to the table.

 “What happened?” Snotlout asked.

 "Your boy here lit the Black Flame Candle," Dagur told them. "We just spent the night keeping the three witches busy until sunrise." There were various ways that the same question: "The Black Flame Candle is real?" was asked.

 “I thought it was just a scary story Gobber told us,” Tuffnut said.

 “And that Gothi hit us with her stick about,” Ruffnut added.

 “So, the legend is true,” Fishlegs said softly. "We should always listen to Gobber and Gothi," Hiccup said. He leaned against Snotlout.

 “Why did you light the Black Flame Candle?” Astrid asked. She shook her head at him. “I figured it was a myth!” Hiccup exclaimed. Tuffnut chuckled and threw his arms casually around Hiccup, giving him a little shake.

 “Muttonhead,” Snotlout whispered.

 There was general agreement that Hiccup was indeed a muttonhead.

 “Again, exactly why we should listen to Gobber and Gothi,” Hiccup said. He yawned. "I'm so tired, I could fall asleep right now," Hiccup added, sleepily.

 "Eat first, then you can sleep," Fishlegs said.

 "And when you are rested, you can tell us what happened," Astrid said.

 "I can't believe you lit the Black Flame Candle without us! That's chaos that you know we would love," Ruffnut said. Her brother expressed agreement.

 Snotlout scowled at them as he watched Hiccup sit down at the table.

 Dagur joined him at the table. A moment later, the Dragon Riders and his sister quickly got the lunchtime meal ready (since well, they were about to eat anyway), and everyone was happily eating.

 Hiccup and him, while tired, still managed to tell them what happened— at least the parts that they were willing to tell. The kissing and Hiccup's caught feelings and the teasing about Hiccup and his Riders were not included.

 After the meal, and as Hiccup was starting to get sleepier, which the Riders were quick on the uptake about, Hiccup told Dagur to stay on the Edge and get some rest before he and his sister headed back to their island. Dagur stayed in the room long enough to see Hiccup lie down next to Toothless on the floor of the Clubhouse and for a couple of the Riders to stay in the Clubhouse and even join him for a cuddle. Astrid took a patrol shift, and would be back for dinner. Heather walked with him to the stables so he could nap with Sleuther and watch over him.

 Hours later, Dagur woke up from his nap, and decided to take a walk.

 He walked by the Clubhouse, and looked in and saw that Hiccup was sitting with his friends, and they were talking in low voices. He walked on by, not wanting to intrude on their privacy, and turned his head to look again as he continued to walk and oh. Hiccup had started to kiss each of them in turn. Hiccup definitely looked utterly thrilled.

 He must have told them.

 It apparently had gone well.

 And then different Riders were kissing each other now.

 Guess they had all caught feelings for each other.

 He was not surprised. He was glad for them. That was a match made in Valhalla if he ever saw one.

[inadeepanddarkdecember]

🐺- A memory about being alone

It’s quiet in the estate, Cyrus thinks. It isn’t, actually: the house is filled with the bustle of servants and guards, their happy chatter, the clatter as they go about their work cooking and cleaning and training and organizing. The house moves just the same as it always has, around him, the untouched centerpiece to it all. Perhaps, then, the quiet he feels is an extension of his own. Ever since that chaotic afternoon he did not expect to survive, he has hardly spoke. What is there left to say? Words are a burden. The servants that dog his steps say nothing to him; they scarcely meet his eyes. What would they say, could they say? He is their liability, a danger to himself that must be interceded should he take action, nothing more. He wonders, on occasion, what would happen if he did, if he picked up the knife and slashed at himself, at others. He already knows the answer. There was no knife, but he saw it then. The house is an anthill, always ready to swarm at the warning of a destructive queen.

He eats alone. That’s when the silence reaches its most oppressive: he sits at the expanse of the banquet table, surrounded by plates of the chef’s whims that he barely tastes and barely eats. Two servants watch him from ten feet back, and three mouthfuls of bread or meat are all it takes to make him feel nauseated. When he tries to get up, they close in, pleading hands and pleading faces, won’t you take a little more your highness, please your highness you need to eat more than that. It’s a formality of a game, their pleas versus his excuses; sometimes he escapes with nothing and sometimes he placates them with the promise of an apricot, a roll, a pear that they find later abandoned in the hall.

He knows what, who, is missing. The chaotic voice, the good company, endless, angry, wild, elated, ceaseless, spiteful, excited, vibrantly alive with emotions she could never hide. The silence where she once shouted is a chasm. He feels her absence in the library as well. The thump of leather binding on marble echoes across the vaulted ceiling. This was supposed to be his playground, but it became their clubhouse. There are titles he does not touch for recollection of her love, and seats he does not take because it is beneath this window she taught him broken fragments of languages he never really understood. In the afternoon, it was always warmest there. He reads to pass the time, but it is a fight to see even a single sentence to the end: his eyes unfocus, and by the time he reaches the final clause, he has lost the subject, the predicate. It’s a useless endeavor. Even old favorites feel gutted.

He sleeps. More than anything, he sleeps. He takes breakfast in bed; some days, he takes all his meals there. The faintest pull of tiredness is enough to drive him back to the sheets, back into the arms of the temporary void he is allowed. It’s peaceful. He does not have to think; he does not have to exist. The problem of this cursed continued life does not plague him. He sleeps. He wakes; he misses Jay. He sleeps some more.

Is it selfish to want her back? After all, he was the one who pushed her away; with his own hands, he took the axe and hacked and hacked at the bond between them until she left. Like a vampire, like a demon, he took and took until she was alone with knuckles bruised and smile drained. This was inevitable, wasn’t it? He simply sped up what was certain to happen, didn’t he? He was always going to end up alone; it was how he was born, how he deserved to live, and how he will certainly die. He knows this, but he doesn’t miss her any less.

Cyrus finds himself wondering if he can mend things, perhaps to fill the space between now and when he dies, and he knows he is selfish. He could go to her home; he could talk to her–he kills the thought. It does not matter how many times previous he’s visited and been welcomed with open arms and open hearts; things have changed. How dare he even consider imposing upon her home, her space. She left to escape him; how dare he even think to disrupt that.

For a moment, he contemplates a gift, and he almost smiles at the absurdity of the thought. He cannot buy Jay, no matter how nice the blade. She never cared for that sort of thing. He can imagine her sneer. So what does that leave him? The only answer he can find is his words, his poison voice. A letter, perhaps. But what weight does that carry? Even as he thinks of it, the gesture feels void, empty. Over the years, how many times has he apologized before? He is certain she remembers more times than he does. What would make this different? He is sober. He finally found his taste of death, though he still thirsts. Is that enough?

Days pass in a blur. He leaves and returns to the idea; he seeks an alternative but finds none. What could he even say to her?

Dearest Jay,

I’m sorry I hurt you. You see, I have been wanting to die for a long time, and you stood in the way of that. It was a favor, really, since you deserve better than me. However, much to my dismay, dying didn’t quite work out the way I planned. I know I’m terrible, but won’t you please come back and stay with me until I can try again?

He doesn’t need to see the words on paper to know that would not go over well. He does not want to be false, but that is far too honest and far too self-centered. He wants to rebuild the bridge, not send a petition that asks her to leap the chasm. Besides, will this even work? Even if the muses descended upon him and gave him the perfect phrases and perfect words, would she come back? He sees no reason why she would. There is nothing left for her here.

Nevertheless, the next day, Cyrus finds himself at his desk with paper spread before him and quill in hand.

Dear Jay,

He thought if he simply sat down and began to write, then the words would come, but he is stalled.

Dear Jay,

I

The remaining blank paper is an expanse before him, unmarked and full of potential. Somewhere in its make is what he needs to say, right?

Dear Jay,

I wanted I wished You How

False start after false start after false start. It’s not good enough, none of it; he scribbles it all out and leaves the desk. This is pointless.

A week passes before he returns. Again and again, he comes and goes; over the course of several weeks, he writes and discards draft after draft after draft, so few completed. At this point, he has tried to articulate what he wants to say so many times that everything sounds hollow and empty. The final letter he folds might not be the prettiest or rawest or most articulate; of all its iterations, it likely isn’t even the best, but that doesn’t matter anymore. He can’t keep doing this. This will be his final intrusion on Jay’s life; he needs to get it over with. He holds a candle under the bright red sealing wax until fat liquid drops collect on the point of the envelope, then presses his signet ring into it to mark it as his. As his behest, a messenger comes. He hands the messenger the letter and says, “Take this to Jay Aspen.“

[happys-crazy-queen22]

Proposal

Requested by Anon. Hope you like it .Thank you for requesting.

Happy ran in to the clubhouse. Yelling at the guys he needed help. "Brothers I need help". Hes breathing was heavy. ""Where and who"? Tig pulled out his gun cocking it "Not that kind of help". "I need help with Y/N". "Whats wrong with her"? Chibs piped out "Nothing, I'm going to ask her to marry me but dont know where to begin". "Really Hap you had us rallied up". Jax said sitting back down. "You should be, this is a big step for me". "You know I never wanted to settle down now look". "I can help you if you want, me and Juicy boy". Chibs nudged Juice. "Yeah". "Thanks Brother, where do we start"? "You got a ring"? Jax asked "Umm, yea I've had it about 2 months after we started dating".  He said pulling it out of his wallet. "Well, your started". "Now you need a place and time". "I want to do it here but she's working now". He looked at his phone "You want to do it today"? Chibs shouted "Yeah, tomorrows our anniversery and I wanted it to be special". "Jeez Hap you could have warned us sooner". "Our Killer is becoming soft". Tig teased. Happy growled. "Stop Tiggy, leave the Lad alone". Chibs smacked Tigs arm. "So you'll help"? "Of course brother, thats what family is for". "You go get her and bring her here, we will have everything ready for you". Chibs said getting on the phone. You were finishing up your paperwork when Happy walked in. Surprise. He never came to your work unless there was a lockdown or he was going to kill one of the men you work with for talking to you. "Hey Happy, what are you doing here"? "I came to pick you up and take you to the clubhouse for a party". He said kissing you "Alright, I'm finished let me get my stuff". You left your car at work and rode Happys bike o the clubhouse. As you pulled in you saw Tig outside smoking. "Hey Hap Chibs wants you". "Hey Doll, you looking good". Tig walked up to you helping you off the bike. "Trager, back off". Happy snaped at him "Baby hes begin nice now go see what Chibs wants". "Yeah I"ll talk to Y/N and keep her company". Tig smiled "Watch him if he trys anything you have my permison to shoot him".  You rolled your eyes

Happy walked seeing the clubhouse felled with balloons and streamers. Candles in mason jars, a banner that reads Congradulation. Rose peddles on the floor. Happy was very impressed. "Brother I think you out did your self". He laughed as he gave Chibs a hug "Nah, Juice wanted to hire a band and let them play "I'll make love to you" but I stopped him". "Thank god, thats not her kind of music" Happy laughed "Its great, she'll love it". "Thanks again brother". "It was Juicy boys pleasure". " He loved playing decorator". Chibs and Happy laughed as Juice called Tig on the phone to bring you in. "Lets go inside Doll". You walked in. You heart stopped. It was gorgeous. What was going on? "Hap, whats all this". "Its for you Y/N". "I have a very important question". "Yes Happy". He got down on one knee and presented a diamond ring. "Y/N Y/M Y/L will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, my old lady and my ride or die forever love". You were speechless. He did all this for you. "Yes Happy Yes a million times yes". He picked you up twirling you around as he kissed you. "I love you". "I love you more". The boys came out clapping. They hugged you and welcomed you to the life of a bikers wife. This new chapter in your life couldnt come at a better time. You and Happy were so in love and coulnt wait until you were husband and wife.